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Over the past two decades, the plant scientist at Yunnan University has maintained a sharp focus on mining the potential of a perennial rice variety originally from Africa, which can be harvested multiple times and reduces labor costs. Unlike hybrid rice and other conventional high-yield varieties, perennial rice has received limited academic attention in the past. "There are lots of researchers studying rice in China, and if your research is mainstream you are able to compare notes with your fellow researchers," he said. However, perennial rice is such a little-researched field that it is impossible to work with others to fast-track progress. "You have to feel the way forward in the darkness," Hu said. Through trial and error, Hu and his colleagues have combined the perennial variety with mainstream ones, and rolled out three hybrid varieties that can transcend rice's normal life cycle, and when grown in the right environment provide stable yields. Compared with hundreds of new rice varieties approved for commercial production across the country each year, the three hybrid ones approved for commercial production after decades of research are a telltale sign of the solitary nature of rice scientists' work. "To make it, we had to sit on a cold bench," Hu said, using a Chinese saying that describes someone being left out. "We've learned to withstand solitude." Two of Hu's hybrids were named after the college he works at Yunda 107 and Yunda 25.Over a three-year trial period, Yunda 25 produced 5.5 to 6.5 metric tons annually per hectare and showed outstanding resistance to pests, which greatly reduced the need for pesticides. "It is not unlike rolling out new car models," Hu said, referring to the enhanced traits of newer perennial varieties. "You can add functions to newer models and can improve existing ones." Apart from reducing labor, Hu said perennial rice is also more ecologically friendly as farmers do not have to plant every year. "The soil conditions are less disturbed physically as well as chemically," he said. Perennial rice's popularity has grown quickly in China and among its rice-producing neighbors. In 2020, less than 4,000 hectares of perennial varieties were planted, but a year later the number ballooned to more than 15,500 hectares. The expansion of perennial rice is also representative of China's shift to a more tech-driven approach to improve agricultural productivity and ensure the security of staple food supplies. Honoring promises As part of its commitment to help Africa improve the continent's food security, China has started to share its perennial rice technology, a move which has been hailed by both agricultural experts and farmers. The technology was incorporated into the agricultural technology advancement framework at the High-Level Ministerial Session of the fifth African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment held in November last year. It has also been included in the African Union Seeds and Biotechnology Program 2024-2025, and has already been introduced in Uganda, Malawi, Madagascar and Burundi, through collaborations between Chinese and African agricultural experts. Luo Tingyue, a Chinese technician for the FAO-China-Uganda South-South Cooperation (Phase 3) program who has been promoting rice-planting technologies in Uganda for five years, said he and his colleagues started to grow perennial rice in September. The rice, which is planted at the China-Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park in Lubenge wetland in Uganda's Luwero district, was harvested last month. Noting that perennial rice can be harvested several times after planting, he said it saves a great deal in labor costs and farmers' time, making it a superior species for use in African countries. In addition, perennial rice has also demonstrated higher yields compared with many conventionally grown species in Uganda, Luo said. It produced 1.5 to 2.5 metric tons per 4,050 square meters in trial production, compared with around 1 ton for conventional rice, he said. "The grain looks longer and bigger," Luo said, holding a handful of rice. "According to our measurements, every 1,000 grains of the rice weighs 29 grams, compared to between 23 and 26 grams for every 1,000 grains of locally planted rice species." Ugandan farmers harvest perennial rice from a test plot in Luwero, Uganda on Jan 27. WU XIAOHUI/CHINA DAILY Sowing knowledge To ensure good rice yields, Luo and his colleagues have been teaching rice-planting techniques to local farmers in recent years including how to plant seedlings and how to use fertilizers and pesticides. However, the educational process has had to overcome hurdles. For instance, in China, farmers usually plant the lower part of rice seedlings in the paddy field's water in order to promote the growth of the roots. However, many farmers in Luwero plant rice seedlings much deeper in the water. "We are also cooperating with local agriculture departments to jointly train rice farmers here, hoping that they will learn advanced planting techniques to improve rice yields," Luo said. Jimmy Lamo, the cereals program leader at Uganda's National Crops Resources Research Institute, said perennial rice has already been planted in several irrigation areas of the country. The perennial rice variety has grains that are similar to the popular local variety called Super, which is aromatic and soft when cooked. Local people have started calling the perennial variety "New Super", Lamo said. Perennial rice doesn't require a lot of water and when it's grown in upland areas that receive a lot of rain, farmers get an ample yield, he said. "It has an upland trait in it and an irrigated trait, which is unique and makes it a game changer," Lamo said. As plowing is only done once, the soil and the microorganisms' ecosystem are not disturbed, which is very healthy for the environment, he added. Perennial rice can help improve food security in Africa, Lamo said, as it's easy to store and transport, unlike other sources of starch which have more moisture that can be lost during transportation. The easy storage of perennial rice makes it a good option for busy communities and an attractive commodity to feed people in the rapidly expanding urban areas of Africa, Lamo said. Ugandan expert Jimmy Lamo (center) talks with Chinese experts Luo Tingyue (second from left) and Long Wenjing (second from right), at a rice field in Luwero, Uganda in January. WU XIAOHUI/CHINA DAILY Practical benefits George Katwalo, a farmer in Luwero who has been given the opportunity to plant Chinese perennial rice, said the yields are higher than traditional varieties. He harvested 1.7 tons of perennial rice from a field that normally produced one ton or even less. "I now prefer perennial rice because it gives me a good income. Its demand in the market is also high. I encourage other farmers to try it," he said. "When cooked, it's soft and has a good aroma." Since witnessing its advantages, Katwalo said he plans to plant perennial rice over a larger area. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China is committed to helping Africa establish production bases and large-scale warehouses for several major grain products such as hybrid rice, cassava and soybean, to enhance some countries' capacity to ensure food security and self-sufficiency. Lamo said the presence of China in Africa and its sharing of new commodities could revolutionize agricultural production on the continent. He noted that China is advanced in terms of value-added technology as well as mass production, while Africa has plenty of arable land. Africa has 65 percent of the world's remaining uncultivated arable land, an abundance of fresh water, and about 300 days of sunshine each year, according to the African Development Bank Group. In addition, more than 60 percent of Africa's working population is engaged in agriculture, and the soil in many African nations is rich and fertile. "Soybean and rice rotation improves fertility, increases income and provides the opportunity for large-scale marketing. Cassava, on the other hand, is an industrial crop and food crop. We need it in hospitals, confectionery (production) and in other areas at the same time," he said. With warehouses in strategic locations and China's aid in the development of the road network across Africa, the continent's agricultural sector is poised to greatly benefit, Lamo said. Local farmers collect harvested rice at the China-Uganda Agriculture Cooperation Industrial Park in Luwero in January. WU XIAOHUI/CHINA DAILY Other options Long Wenjing, a researcher from the Sichuan Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in Chengdu, who is also engaged in promoting perennial rice, said the lack of proper irrigation systems in Uganda poses a major challenge for the variety. He said they will try to provide more technical support to locals to overcome the challenge. In addition to perennial rice, Long and his Chinese colleagues are also selecting other agricultural crop species that may be suitable for Uganda's conditions. "We are focusing on the introduction and development of new species under the FAO-China-Uganda South-South Cooperation (Phase 3) program," he said. "We have selected more than 100 plant species from China, and are testing them in Uganda, including at the China-Uganda Industrial Park for Agricultural Cooperation." In addition to agricultural crops, Chinese experts are also working with their Ugandan counterparts to introduce, test and promote animal husbandry and introduce certain fish species. In addition, they are teaching locals how to raise fish on rice farms, a practice widely adopted in many agricultural areas of China. Efforts are already underway to introduce a big-eared goat species from Sichuan province to Uganda, Long said. The species features characteristics such as a faster growth rate, higher meat yield and stronger tolerance to certain diseases. "We hope through our concerted efforts, the new species, including the perennial rice, can help contribute to improved food security in Uganda and other African countries," he said. Hu, the Yunnan University researcher who developed perennial rice, said rice is a food staple in Africa, but productivity remains low. "Perennial rice technology is what Africa needs right now, and I am willing to do everything within my power to facilitate the knowledge transfer." Luo Jiayuan contributed to this story. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) We suspect a lot of school districts across Wisconsin will be keeping an eye on Mondovi over the next year. The districts purchase of five new buses is anything but typical. A federal grant allowed the district, located about 180 miles northwest of Madison, to purchase several electric buses. Superintendent Jeff Rykal said the bus routes are very predictable, nearly the same every day, which is a perfect application for electric vehicles. That near absolute routine should indeed be the kind of thing electric vehicles can excel at. But we cant help but wonder whats going to happen during the winter months. There were quite a few stories during the winter of 2022-23 about the toll extended cold spells took on electric vehicles. Most people know batteries dont last nearly as long in cold weather. Charging times take longer, too. When your car is a battery on wheels, thats a problem. Some of the challenges were probably overstated, but weve heard enough to conclude that there were genuine challenges. A Forbes article from last October noted research that suggests electrical vehicles can lose as much as around 41% of their battery capacity at 20 degrees Fahrenheit. There are plenty of times when 20 degrees in a Wisconsin winter would seem warm. Further dips in the temperature would increase the penalty electrical vehicles face. That means more frequent charging requirements, and the article also points out that a vehicle charged at 32 degrees will take in 36% less energy at 32F than when its charged for the same amount of time at 77F. The technology for these vehicles is improving and we expect manufacturers to address the cold weather challenges as best they can. Were not sure theres an easy fix, though, since a vehicles heater is a major drain on the battery during cold weather. It wouldnt be reasonable to demand that drivers and kids sit in an unheated bus on a subzero day. Better battery capacity would help. Such advances would increase range, certainly, but would also probably increase charging times. There isnt a good way around that tradeoff right now. In the long run, the answer may well lie in development of better supercapacitors. Those devices can transfer electrical energy at much higher speeds than traditional batteries. That works both ways. They charge faster and release the energy faster. The catch is that they cant store as much energy as traditional batteries at least not yet. So a changeover in the industry isnt exactly right around the corner. Its important to remember that this is still developing technology. Theres considerable promise, but we will inevitably run into issues we didnt see coming. The same was true of internal combustion engines, too. Gasoline was originally a byproduct from the manufacture of kerosine and it was so volatile its early creators didnt know what to do with it. It was coal gas, not gasoline, that kept early internal combustion engines running. We cant fault Mondovi for taking the plunge here. As Rykal said, its hard for a school district to turn down free vehicles. This decision was a considerable savings for Mondovi taxpayers. While questions clearly remain, the decision is hard to criticize. Whatever the result next winter, well learn more about the potential uses of this technology for school districts and how others may need to adapt if they choose to follow a similar path in the coming years. Mondovi may have been among the first area districts to take this step, but wed be surprised if theyre the last. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said Wednesday it welcomes the resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) to increase market access, deeper economic ties and widen investment opportunities. PCCI president Enunina Mangio said the business community is optimistic that the talks, previously stalled over intellectual property, human rights and environmental standards issues, would culminate in a successful agreement. - Advertisement - The FTA should be able to expand on opportunities, especially in services such as BPO [business process outsourcing] and KPO [knowledge process outsourcing], digital commerce and agri-technology, Mangio said. She said the preferential trade with the EU under its Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) helped boost exports of many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). PCCI chairman George Barcelon, however, cautioned against overly stringent EU conditions, particularly those related to carbon emission standards. He said such standards could hinder growth in developing economies. The EU must be realistic in its expectations of the Philippines. While being able to leverage on our comparative advantages for a PH- EU partnership, our negotiators must ensure we can comply without having to compromise our development, he said. The EU emerged as the Philippines fifth largest trading partner in 2023, with total trade exceeding $16 billion. It also ranked as the sixth largest export market and import source for the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Philippines and Germany reaffirmed strong bilateral economic partnership during the 2nd Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting on Mar. 27. DTI Undersecretary for International Trade Allan Gepty and Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Parliamentary State Secretary Stefan Wenzel co-chaired the meeting. Discussions centered on expanding cooperation in key sectors like manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, IT-BPM, innovation, vocational training and labor. Both sides identified potentials for collaboration in areas such as mineral processing and investment financing. Gepty noted the importance of trade policy in addressing climate change and promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Trade promotes development and peace in the Philippines and China, according to the participants of the 135th Canton Fair Roadshow which was held on March 26 at Seda Hotel in Taguig City. The event drew prominent figures, including Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Cecilio Pedro, Philippine Exporters Confederation president and CEO Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Enunina Mangio, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Trade Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Yang Guoliang, CEPA president Hu Xinquan and heads of various companies. - Advertisement - We live in an interconnected world where prosperity and peace are intertwined through economic development, Pedro said. Trade has become a modern force for dialogue, understanding and lasting friendship between countries. Pedro urged participants to collaborate in fostering mutually beneficial trade between the Philippines and China. He expressed the chambers support for the upcoming Canton Fair in Guangzhou City. Despite complex geopolitical challenges, Pedro said, I believe the path to peace and prosperity lies in firm economic cooperation between the Philippines and China. China has been the Philippines top trading partner for eight years, from exports of Mindanao bananas and durians to renewable technology joint ventures and many other opportunities. Rodolfo, who also heads the Board of Investments, expressed optimism that strong economic relations and deep friendship can help overcome difficulties. Here in the Philippines, for example, we see many Chinese couples playing with their children in BGC, Rodolfo said. They view the Philippines as home, and Filipinos continue to travel to China. These continuous exchanges are the solid foundation of our friendly relations. Rodolfo said China is a significant source of foreign investment in the Philippines. From 2018 to 2023, China invested nearly $3 billion. In 2023, China was the Philippines largest trading partner, second-largest export market, and largest import source. The bilateral trade volume exceeds $40 billion, proving the constant development of our economies, Rodolfo said. Yang Guoliang and Hu Xinquan also acknowledged the growing economic trade between the two countries, highlighting its importance in promoting development and peace. Filipino-Chinese businessmen dominate the list of the countrys richest based on Forbes magazines latest ranking of world billionaires. Fourteen of the 16 Filipino billionaires in the list have Chinese heritage, with some of them immigrating from China to establish business empires in the Philippines. - Advertisement - Self-made property magnate Manuel Villar, a Tondo native, emerged as the richest Filipino and was ranked 190th in the list with estimated net worth of $11 billion. Villar, chairman of Vista Land Lifescapes, was followed by port magnate and International Container Terminal Services Inc. chairman Enrique Razon Jr., who has Spanish heritage, with $10 billion in wealth. Andrew Tan Villar and Razon are the only non-Chinoy Filipino billionaires in the latest Forbes ranking. San Miguel Corp. president and chief executive Ramon Ang came in third with a net worth of $3.5 billion this year. Ang was born in Manila to Chinese immigrants, but persevered to become one of the richest in the country. Meanwhile, the six children of SM Group founder Henry Sy who was born in Fujian, China, have net worths of more than $2 billion each. Together, Hans, Henry Jr., Herbert, Harley, Teresita and Elizabeth control SM Investments Corp., the countrys largest conglomerate which has businesses in property development, retail, banking, hotels, gaming, logistics and energy. Lucio Tan Lucio Tan, who was also born in Fujian, is the oldest Filipino billionaire in the list at 89. With estimated net worth of $2.5 billion, Tan controls the LT Group which is into airline, tobacco, liquor, banking and property development. Megaworld Corp. chairman Andrew Tan (with estimated net worth of $2 billion) was born in Fujian, China. He is one of the biggest office and residential builders in the country and is also into liquor, casinos, high-technology, resorts and restaurants. William Belo Jollibee Foods Corp. chairman Tony Tan Caktiong ($1.4 billion) was born in Davao del Sur to Chinese immigrant parents from Fujian, while JG Summit Holdings corp. chairman Lance Gokongwei ($1.1 billion) was born in Manila as the only son of the late industrialist John Jokongwei who moved to the Philippines from Xiamen, China. Wilcon Depot Inc. founder William Belo, with a net worth of $1 billion, was born in Amoy, China but grew up in the Philippines to establish the biggest home supplies retailer in the country. One of the problems faced by many Filipinas is the lack of openness when it comes to conversations surrounding womens health. Most of the time, such topics are considered to be taboo which can be quite problematic for those who may need immediate care and support. Eager to provide a solution to such a problem, Eluvo Health serves as the Philippines first womens digital and physical health care provider. Featuring a team of physicians, medical experts, and support professionals, Eluvo offers an all-in-one hybrid approach to womens healthcare through its website. - Advertisement - During its launch on March 21, Founder and CEO Dr. Jaycy Violago-Olivarez expounded on the growing need for a better approach to womens health in the country. The Philippines is already five to ten years behind in terms of the services and the systems that are set in place to cater for womens health, said Dr. Olivarez. She also pointed out the countrys lack of access to information regarding womens health as well as the gaps within the healthcare system which makes it hard to receive holistic care. To address such issues, Eluvo came up with a solution through its talk, test, and treat system. Through its website, patients will be able to schedule a consultation with a doctor that will address their concerns. Afterward, patients will no longer have to go through the hassle of scheduling their own procedures as the Eluvo team will do it for them. We have [a] digital platform where we can do our home servicesspecimen collection or ultrasound procedures. You get the results within the next 12 to 24 hours, said Dr. Olivarez, further noting that once Eluvos physical clinic opens, the results can be received within an hour. Apart from that, Dr. Olivarez also said that Eluvo is partnering with an IVF center that will be catering to reproductive endocrinology once the physical clinic is opened. The health care provider also caters to services surrounding the field of function and aesthetic gynecology. Hopefully, once the physical clinic is also up, wed really be able to create not just, you know, a safe space for women to talk but really build the ecosystem that is necessary to progress or lift the level of womens health care, said Dr. Olivarez. Eluvo Health is set to open its physical clinics in Parqal Mall and a residential tower in Rockwell later this year. Bogota, ColombiaWith promises of wealth and images glorifying fighters among vast fields of coca leaves, Colombias modern-day guerrillas are urging young people to join their ranks via TikTok. The Jaime Martinez Front welcomes you, youngster, reads one post by a faction of the EMCrebels who broke away from the Marxist FARC guerrilla group when they signed a peace pact with the government in 2016. - Advertisement - The EMC has been holding stop-start peace talks with the government of President Gustavo Petro since the end of 2023, all while spreading propaganda promising new recruits a better life. The social media posts resonate in a country roiled by half a century of armed conflict and where poverty affects 46 percent of the rural population, according to the most recent national statistics. On TikTok, and to a lesser extent Facebook, Agence France Presse (AFP) found dozens of accounts and hundreds of publications and communities spreading propaganda for the EMC. The guerrilla group counts among 3,500 members and is mainly financed through narcotrafficking, according to military intelligence statements. I want to join, a young woman commented on a TikTok video set to Mexican corrido drug ballads. The user who posted the video replies that she should contact him via private message, one of a dozen such interactions. I served in the military and now I would like to pick up a rifle again, commented a man on a post where uniformed men are seen training in the middle of a misty forest. Ninja and coca emojis Guerrillas and narcos in the country recruited 110 minors last year, and this year 23 have already signed up, according to the Ombudsmans office. For rural youth with few opportunities, the armed groups offer a prospect of financial stability, but many also end up stuck there escaping domestic violence or other armed groups, Alejandro Jaramillo, a researcher at New York University, told AFP. The narrative has always been that the guerrilla (group) is going to become your family, he adds. There is a network of profiles associated with the EMC who follow each other online and share posts with each other. With thousands of followers, they share images of men in fatigues on horseback or crossing rivers, accompanied by motivational and revolutionary messages. The use of emojis reveals a common language: a green leaf refers to coca crops, according to experts, in the worlds biggest cocaine producer. The accounts share photos and videos of the vast areas of bright green coca crops. Various users also employ emojis of the Colombian flag, or the covered face of a ninja, a symbol of secrecy, said Jaramillo. Old guerrillas, modern methods Clement Roux, a researcher at the Center for Media Analysis (CARISM) at the Paris-Pantheon-Assas University, said the posts draw from classic FARC propaganda, using their logos, mentioning historic commanders, and glorifying the guerrilla lifestyle. But they are made for social media: slick, aesthetic and targeted at young people, with uniformed, armed influencers who snap selfies in the middle of conflict. Today every fighter has a cellphone with which to produce content, said Roux. Juana Cabezas, a researcher with the Indepaz thinktank, said the fighters are seducing young people by talking about jewelry, money, women, cars, and a coca economy that guarantees a fixed income. Adding to the flashy narco aesthetic associated with notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar are messages alluding to ideas of social mobility and revenge, in one of the most unequal countries in Latin America. The content presents a way of life where money, drinks and women are trophies and, at the same time, it is combined in a very curious way with the old FARCs collective imagination of the class struggle, said Roux. Social media propaganda serves as both a recruitment tool and a form of creating internal cohesion among fighters who may be spread out, making them feel part of a bigger organization, said the expert. Senator Risa Hontiveros believes that happy days are numbered for controversial televangelist Apollo Quiboloy following an arrest warrant issued by a Davao City regional trial court (RTC) against him. Bilang na ang masasayang araw ni Apollo Quiboloy. Halos lahat na ng institusyon sa Pilipinas ay gumagalaw para mapanagot siya (Happy days are numbered for Apollo Quiboloy. Almost every institution in the Philippines is moving to hold him accountable), Hontiveros said in a statement. - Advertisement - Davao City RTC Branch 12 Presiding Judge Dante Baguio ordered the arrest of Quiboloy and five of his co-accused over allegations of child abuse. The warrant was signed last Monday, April 1. The Court recalls it issued an Order dated March 14, 2024, wherein upon judicious examination and perusal of the information, it found probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest. Relative thereto, warrants of arrest were issued on even date, the order read. Quiboloy and his fellow respondentsJackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Semanesreportedly failed to issue a motion for reconsideration, prompting the re-issuance of the arrest warrant. They stand accused of violating Sections 10 (a) and 5 (b) of Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The case stemmed from a criminal complaint filed by the victim, who was then 17 years old. Hontiveros noted that the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao previously expressed its willingness to work with other law enforcement agencies in arresting the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader. Tiwala ako na matutupad ito at mahuhuli si Quiboloy (I trust that this will be fulfilled and Quiboloy will be captured), she said. Hontiveros expects the notorious KOJC head to appear in her next hearing once he is arrested. She chairs the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality that currently investigates allegations of sexual abuse, among other violations, against Quiboloy. The senator also appealed to the embattled preacher to avoid acting out and stop running away from his legal obligations. Pinapanawagan ko din kay Quiboloy na huwag nang mag-inarte. Ang dami na niyang ginawa para takbuhan ang obligasyon niya sa batas (I am also appealing to Quiboloy to stop acting out. He already did a lot of things to run away from his legal obligations, she said. He (Quiboloy) should just cooperate and properly answer the accusations hurled against him. Kung walang kasalanan, hindi kailangang magtago (If he is not at fault, there is no need for him to hide, Hontiveros added. The senator concluded her statement by thanking the victim-survivors, who took the courage to fight for justice. A Davao City court has ordered the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo C. Quiboloy after it failed to get a resolution from the Department of Justice on the televangelists appeal to reverse the DOJ ruling indicting him of committing several crimes. Meanwhile, authorities arrested a barangay chairman and a church associate of Quiboloy, while two others surrendered on Wednesday. - Advertisement - These came after the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police served a warrant issued by the Davao court against Quiboloy and five others in connection with a child abuse and sexual abuse case. The NBI placed three of the accused Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes under its custody. The bureaus agents arrested Cresente, the village chairman, in Barangay Tamayong, where the KOJC is based, while Paulene Canada and Cemanes surrendered to authorities. Former KOJC members identified Cresente as Quiboloys close aide who served as the preachers driver and bodyguard. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who presided over the chambers investigation into the charges against the controversial pastor, believes Quiboloys happy days are numbered. Bilang na ang masasayang araw ni Apollo Quiboloy. Halos lahat na ng institusyon sa Pilipinas ay gumagalaw para mapanagot siya (Happy days are numbered for Apollo Quiboloy. Almost every institution in the Philippines is moving to hold him accountable), Hontiveros said in a statement. Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 12 Presiding Judge Dante Baguio ordered the arrest of Quiboloy and five of his co-accused over allegations of child abuse. The warrant was signed last Monday, April 1. As what was earlier determined upon judicious examination and perusal of information where it found probable cause, let the warrants of arrest already issued be implemented immediately, stated the order of Judge Baguio. The judge recalled that he issued a March 14 order that found probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy. However, Baguio said the lawyers of Quiboloy filed a motion to defer or suspend the issuance of the arrest warrant due to the pending motion for reconsideration before the DOJ, which was asked to reconsider filing the charges before the RTC. DOJ prosecutors filed before the RTC charges against Quiboloy for violating Sections 10(a) and 5(b) of Republic Act (RA) No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act concerning alleged sexual abuses committed in 2011 against a female who was then 17 years old. The judge said he granted the motion of Quiboloys lawyers while awaiting the DOJs resolution of the motion for reconsideration. Now that more than reasonable time has lapsed, the Court did not receive any resolution of the accused Motion for Reconsideration by the Department of Justice neither a copy of the same was furnished to the Court by accused counsels nor a manifestation was duly filed, at the very least, the RTC judge stressed. The Court mindful of the equally situated rights of both the prosecution and defense, which may include among others, the speedy disposition and speedy trial of cases, either of which or both, said right imposes an imperative task that this Court is indebted to fulfill, he added. Quiboloy and his fellow respondentsJackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Semanesreportedly failed to issue a motion for reconsideration, prompting the re-issuance of the arrest warrant. Hontiveros noted that the PNP in Davao previously expressed its willingness to work with other law enforcement agencies in arresting the KOJC leader. I trust that this will be fulfilled and Quiboloy will be captured, she said. Hontiveros expects the notorious KOJC head to appear in her next hearing once he is arrested. She chairs the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality that currently investigates allegations of sexual abuse, among other violations, against Quiboloy. The senator also appealed to the embattled preacher to avoid acting out and stop running away from his legal obligations. (Quiboloy) should just cooperate and properly answer the accusations hurled against him. If he is not at fault, there is no need for him to hide, Hontiveros added. Poll: 6 in 10 favor economic Cha-cha Six out of ten Filipinos believe the removal of restrictions against foreign investments and businesses in the Constitution may lead to more high-quality jobs, better services, and lower prices of goods, according to a recent Pulse Asia survey commissioned by international think tank Stratbase Institute. The polling firm released the survey results on Wednesday during a consultative session on Charter Change organized by the Democracy Watch Philippines. - Advertisement - The survey, conducted from March 6 to 10, asked 1,200 respondents from all over the country about what they think would be the possible outcomes of the removal of restrictions against foreign investors or businesses in the Constitution. The respondents were presented with a list of six options and were allowed to choose up to three. Removing restrictions on foreign investments was among the proposed economic amendments in the Constitution under the Resolution of Both Houses 7. Results show that 64 percent of Filipinos believe that lifting the restrictions may lead to an increase in high quality jobs with high salaries and better benefits while 56% believe that services to stakeholders/customers will be better. More than half or 55% of Filipinos also believe that such action may result to foreign capital will dominate local investors and businesses while 54% think that the price of goods and services will decrease. Moreover, the same survey also asked Filipinos what they think are the most significant factors that hinder foreign investments in the Philippines. They were also allowed to choose three answers from a list of eight options. Majority or 56% identified complicated rules and regulations like red tape, changes in government policies and regulations, while 55% blamed restrictive rules on foreign ownership. Forty-six percent said corruption in the public sector hinders foreign investments in the country, while 40% chose inadequate transportation infrastructure. During the consultative discussion, Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit noted that investments are a crucial tool in increasing a nations productivity while also generating employment, providing income security, and alleviating other economic hardships being experienced by millions of Filipinos. He then echoed the survey results and emphasized the need to create a business environment that enables growth and innovation through market-friendly public policies, transparency, and good governance to encourage more investments in the country. Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines President Julian Payne stressed the need to ease economic restrictions to keep up with a competitive world. When we talk about charter change, we shouldnt be talking about just liberalization we are talking about flexibility and immediate response to this changing world of globalization, digitalization economies, and rapid change, Payne said. For Foundation for Economic Freedom Board Member Gary Teves, it is high time the Philippines became at par with the laws of other countries, especially as President Marcos foreign trips open opportunities for potential investors. If the legal framework in the Philippines is so different from the others, they might say lets just go out to the next country, Teves added. TradeAdvisors CEO Tony Abad agreed. What is guaranteed is we keep the Constitution as is, youll keep out the investors, he said. On concerns that there are issues more pressing than amending the Constitution, Abad said these can be addressed simultaneously. We cant have a rigid, old-fashioned, and very faulty Constitution in place. Its gonna be a great disservice to the population. You need a Constitution that makes your government and your people move fast address changes quickly. Thats why theres no sequencing, you dont have to address corruption first, he said. FEF lead economist Cha Ubarra said laws have been passed unlocking the countrys doors to foreign investments, but they are at risk of constitutional challenge without charter change. What adding unless otherwise provided by law can do is to stop the possibility of that door locking again, Ubarra said. BRATISLAVA, Slovakia A pro-Western former top diplomat and a Ukraine-sKeptic backed by the ruling populists will face off in a presidential election on Saturday that could possibly halt Slovakias shift towards Russia. Russias invasion of Ukraine has become a fixture of the electoral campaign in Slovakia, a European Union and NATO member of 5.4 million people. - Advertisement - The two candidates, Peter Pellegrini and Ivan Korcok, are vying to replace outgoing liberal President Zuzana Caputova. They will square off in a decisive second round as neither won the minimum 50 percent of votes in the first ballot on March 23. The latest polls suggest the candidates are running nearly neck-and-neck. Pellegrini, the 48-year-old parliament speaker, is credited with 51 percent of the vote and Korcok with 49 percent, according to the NMS agency opinion survey. Russias war in Ukraine, now in its third year, has become a key election issue. Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico a Pellegrini ally has questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and called for peace with Russia. Korcok, a 59-year-old career diplomat and vocal government critic backed by the opposition, is staunchly pro-Kyiv. Analysts said Slovakias foreign policy would continue to be a major topic in the run-off campaign. If Korcok is elected, Slovakia will maintain a critical attitude towards Russia, pro-European positions and support for Ukraine, said analyst Grigorij Meseznikov. Pellegrini, in turn, will support loosening our ties with our allies and partners in NATO and the EU, weaker support for Ukraine and leaning towards Russia, he told AFP. Pellegrini was a minister in previous Fico governments. He became prime minister in 2018 after his long-time ally was toppled as premier. Fico became prime minister again in 2023. I am running for president to rescue the government of Robert Fico, Pellegrini said in a televised debate with Korcok after the first round. You want to protect the government. I want to protect Slovakia, Korcok told his opponent. The government, in office since last October and comprising Ficos Smer party, Pellegrinis Hlas and the small far-right SNS, has discontinued military aid to Ukraine. Ivan Korcok is a warmonger who will support everything the West tells him without hesitation, including dragging Slovakia into the war, Fico said in a video, adding that he supported Pellegrini. Peter Pellegrini is a moderate candidate who recogniZes the value of peace, he added. The rivals know they will have to woo people who voted for the other seven candidates in the first round. Third-placed Stefan Harabin, who won almost 12 percent after criticiZing the European Union and hailing Russian President Vladimir Putin, has not formally supported either of the two ahead of the run-off. My voters will know what to do, Harabin said after the first round. According to a poll from the AKO agency, over two-thirds of Harabin voters intend to back Pellegrini. In one of the televised pre-election debates, Pellegrini said he could offer Stefan Harabins voters the type of politics they are asking for. Bratislava-based engineer Vojtech Hromada told AFP he believed Korcok would be a good advocate for Slovakia abroad. He is a good diplomat and he has represented us throughout the world, the 44-year-old said. Psychologist Vladka Abrusova, 34, said she would support Pellegrini for his political experience and calm disposition. He never disappointed while holding public office and he radiated serenity and composure, she said. Slovakias president ratifies international treaties, appoints top judges, is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and can veto laws passed by parliament. Polling stations open on Saturday at 7:00 am and close at 10:00 pm. TOKYO Japan will deepen security ties with Indonesia, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told president-elect Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday on the ex-generals second stop after Beijing as he visits Asian neighbors. Prabowo, currently Jakartas defense minister, met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, his first visit to a key trade partner since he won the presidential election held in February. - Advertisement - At those talks, Beijing said it was willing to deepen all-round strategic cooperation with Indonesia. Prabowo then traveled to Tokyo where he met Kishida. During their meeting on Wednesday Kishida stated that Japan attached great importance to cooperation with Indonesia in maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law, Japans foreign ministry said. He added that Japan would advance security cooperation with Indonesia besides the provision of a large patrol vessel for Indonesia decided in December 2023, the ministry said. The terms free and open and rule of law are often used by the United States and its allies including Japan to make a veiled reference to countering Chinas increasing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. China is one of the biggest sources of foreign direct investment in Indonesia and has poured billions of dollars into projects in the archipelago nation. Tokyos foreign ministry said that president-elect Prabowo expressed his gratitude for Japans assistance to date and his hope to further enhance bilateral cooperation in a broad range of areas including security, agriculture and fisheries as well as disaster prevention. Prabowo is now on his way to Malaysia, according to the Indonesian defense ministry. What Japan was in the 20th century, though brought to its knees after the Pacific War, China is now a threat upon America, with two China Sea flashpoints SI VIS pacem, para bellum, the Roman general Vegetius was supposed to have originally said, quoting from his book Epitoma Rei Militaris. If you want peace, prepare for war. - Advertisement - Thus, from the Roman emperors to the Ottoman Empire, from the Anglo-Saxons to the Iberian kings, the Prussians, the Austro-Hungarian empire, to Napoleon, to Hitler and now, the US of A, China and Russia, and even North Koreas Kim Jong-un, leaders have always beefed up their military and their navies, their air force and their arsenals with the most deadly weapons, be it for lebensraum and outright invasion, or preparing for war, ostensibly to achieve peace in their time. Poorer nations, however, cannot always afford the high cost of military preparations, and thus they have to rely on alliances with the richer nations whose military-industrial complexes profit richly from the sale of weapons of war, often backed-up by long-term loans from their governments. Hand-me downs or weapons made obsolescent by ever-evolving technologies of the military-industrial complex for use of their rich client governments are often sold to the poorer nations who cannot afford the ever-increasing costs of para bellum. And these weapons are sold through loans, sometimes grants-in-aid with strings attached by the developed to the under-developed nations, often to those who are considered allies, whether through bilateral or multilateral treaties. But preparing for war can be quite tricky, especially after the Second World War where millions perished, and in the Pacific theater, where atomic bombs were dropped by the Americans to force the Japanese to surrender quickly and surely. And in the complex world of geopolitics, todays enemies can be tomorrows allies, as in a defeated Japan becoming Americas staunch friend in East Asia, or an isolated Korea north of Seoul has become a client-state of a wealthy China after the Soviet Union disintegrated. Here in our region, several countries are in dispute with a hugely enriched and amply militarized China over small islands, mostly islets which bob up and down with the tides, in what is largely known as the South China Sea. These are Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. And Taiwan, too, which China considers an integral part of its territory, but which seeks to have its own national identity under a different form of government, and which has control of Itu Aba which it calls Taiping, the largest island in the Spratly group, but is likewise claimed by China, Vietnam and the Philippines as part of its territory. Vietnam and China fought a short war over the Paracels in 1974, but after the Chinese won, the Vietnamese have had an uneasy peace, preferring to shore up an economy destroyed by civil war and American intervention, with amazing results. The Philippines under the present dispensation invokes a Mutual Defense Treaty forged in 1951, six years after the end of the Pacific War, where both nations agreed to support each other in case of an attack by another. For 40 years thereafter, we hosted American military bases in our territory, the largest of which were the deep-sea harbor in Subic and the massive airfield in Clark. But in 1991, the Philippine Senate decided to retrieve those bases and converted them to industrial zones. For a long time, China was yet a sleeping giant, and Napoleon warned the abusive British and other world powers of the time that when it wakes up, the world will be shaken. By 1991, the giant had awakened, as its leaders focused the energies of its people on becoming rich, which its paramount leader after Mao, the widely admired Deng Xiaoping described as a glorious endeavor. Chinas ascent over the last 50 years can only be described as glorious, and is now the worlds second largest economy, threatening the US of A which for almost the entire 20th century had no parallel on the world stage, its wealth used to become the strongest military force, often described as the constable of the world. That China achieved such economic progress, its technology astoundingly innovative and it becoming the worlds factory of value-for-money goods in so short a period is truly phenomenal. Together with new wealth, China also developed its own military and naval forces to the point where they now threaten Americas hegemony in the Pacific. What Japan was in the 20th century, though brought to its knees after the Pacific War, China is now a threat upon America, with two China Sea flashpoints: Taiwan and what we call our West Philippine Sea. (To be continued) PayMongo has evolved from a payment gateway company into a digital financial services solutions provider to drive digital economic growth, according to PayMongo CEO Jojo Malolos during the companys fifth-anniversary celebration recently. Our refocused vision and the execution of a no-nonsense strategy have propelled PayMongo to contribute to the financial ecosystem. Weve introduced innovative digital financial solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses, both online and offline, Malolos revealed. - Advertisement - Malolos emphasized PayMongos significant strides that contributed to the financial performance of the company and the advancement of the Philippine FinTech industry. Our strategic approach, aimed into transforming the negotiates in the MSMEs segments into digital Filipino entrepreneurs, has proven to be successful, Malolos said in an interview during PayMongos fifth-anniversary celebration. PayMongo Chairperson and Co-Founder Luis Sia acknowledged the companys strong foundation, built over the past five years, for its ability to weather all the challenges they faced through the years. We have already built the foundation that enabled PayMongo to transform from a major player in the FinTech industry in the last five years to become the key driver of Philippine digital economic growth in the next five, Sia said. Show of Trust and Support Malolos said the 2023 accomplishments and new direction of PayMongo moving forward restored the confidence of key stakeholders including employees, industry, and key sector leaders. We are setting new standards. We will continue to nurture relationships and we will fortify the core of PayMongo. We have a renewed passion and a higher sense of purpose to impact not only our company and the Philippine FinTech industry but the entire Philippine digital economy as well by empowering MSMEs, Malolos added. To show their trust and support to the transformation of PayMongo, the 5th anniversary celebration was attended by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan, CEOs and executives of major banking partners, financial services institutions, key partners, and renowned members of PayMongos Board of Directors. Both Malolos and Sia also expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards the Beanies, acknowledging that their unwavering support gives the company the strength and confidence to stay on the right track. Its been an incredible five years. In our early days, we were only empowering businesses through digital payments solutions. Today, we are transforming MSMEs and SMEs to become part of the growing internet economy as active digital entrepreneurs. Thank you for being with us on this journey. Heres to the next five years, Sia said. Since 2019, PayMongo has been at the forefront of revolutionizing online payment solutions in the Philippines. As the countrys leading online payment gateway provider, the company has continuously pushed for inclusive digital entrepreneurship, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital landscape. Today, PayMongo has undergone a remarkable transformation, branching out beyond payments to create a more inclusive and integrated financial ecosystem. RALEIGH Enrollment in North Carolinas new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults has surpassed 400,000 in the expansion programs first four months, Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Monday. The full health benefits coverage for some adults ages 19-64 who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid began on Dec. 1, roughly two months after lawmakers completed their last step to implement a deal available through the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act. Nearly 273,000 people, most of whom had been receiving Medicaid for family-planning coverage alone, were covered on the first day of enrollment. Since then, North Carolina has enrolled an average of more than 1,000 people a day a rate that Coopers office says outpaces other states that have expanded Medicaid. This milestone and the speed at which weve reached it shows just how lifechanging Medicaid expansion is for our state and we will continue to get more eligible North Carolinians enrolled, Cooper said in a news release. Coopers Department of Health and Human Services projects that the states enrollment under expansion will reach 600,000 within two years. DHHS is working with an array of health organizations and nonprofits to recruit more enrollees. Many enrollees are young adults or disproportionately live in rural communities, according to the news release, which added that expansion recipients already have benefited from over 700,000 prescriptions and generated more than $11 million in dental service claims. People arent just getting covered, theyre getting care, DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley said in a video on social media. Since becoming governor in 2017, Cooper, a Democrat, lobbied hard for the Republican-controlled General Assembly to accept expansion. The legislature and Cooper enacted an expansion law in March 2023, but a separate state budget law also had to be approved. The federal government pays 90% of the cost of expansion, with the remainder paid by an increased assessment on hospitals. Enrollment also means North Carolina is poised to receive a $1.8 billion bonus over two years from the federal government. DHHS told lawmakers last month that it had already distributed $198 million of that money to nearly 50 government, health, education or nonprofit initiatives. On Tuesday, Sudan announced the suspension of operations for the Saudi state-owned broadcasters Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, as well as the UAE-owned Sky News Arabia channel. According to the Sudanese state news agency (SUNA), the suspension was due to these channels failure to adhere to required levels of professionalism and transparency, in addition to not renewing their licenses. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate criticized the information ministrys action, arguing it infringed on press freedom and freedom of expression. The syndicate warned that shutting down satellite channels and limiting media professionals activities could lead to the suppression of professional journalism and pave the way for rumors and hate speech to flourish. This condemnation was part of a statement released on Tuesday. Furthermore, the syndicate highlighted that the move represents an ongoing effort to intimidate journalists, who have been facing difficult working conditions since the onset of conflict in Sudan last April. Al Hadath, responding via a post on X, indicated they had not received formal notification about the suspension of their operations and Al Arabiya in Sudan. The channel expressed surprise over the decision in another X post. The conflict in Sudan, nearing its one-year mark, began due to disagreements over the distribution of power between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), amid an international effort to transition the country towards civilian governance and democratic elections. Ivory Coast, recognized as the premier cocoa exporter worldwide, is poised to elevate its official cocoa farmgate price from 1,000 CFA to 1,500 CFA francs ($2.47) per kg starting Tuesday. This decision came after President Allassane Ouattara initially approved a price range proposal of 1,100 to 1,200 CFA francs per kg, only to later demand an increase to further support local farmers. The surge in cocoa prices, which have more than tripled over the past year due to diseases and adverse weather conditions, has led to a global market deficit for the third year in a row. Despite these challenges, the official farmgate price in Ivory Coast, a dominant player in the cocoa industry, has been slow to adjust to these market dynamics. The countrys cocoa is integral to the operations of major global companies such as Hershey, Nestle, Mondelez, and Barry Callebaut. These corporations rely on Ivory Coasts cocoa for their products, highlighting the countrys significance on the international stage. In a notable move in 2022, Ivory Coast, alongside Ghana, withdrew from industry meetings in Brussels in response to a dispute over cocoa pricing, signaling their significant influence in global cocoa markets. Nearly six million individuals in Ivory Coast depend on the cocoa industry, making this price increase a vital economic development for the nation. This sector not only provides livelihoods for millions but also plays a crucial role in the economic stability and growth of the country. 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 Jena, Germany, 1924: Working in near-isolation and with painstaking tediousness, the psychiatrist Hans Berger observes rhythmic electrical activity from the scalp of human subjects. He is convinced the activity arises from within the brain and coins the term "electroencephalogram." It is 10 years before the scientific community accepts Berger's work, birthing the field of electroencephalography, or EEG for short. Today, the electroencephalogramalso abbreviated as EEGis widely known as a medical test measuring brain electrical activity that's used on patients who have, or are suspected to have, neurological disorders. The EEG provides a window into the living brain, with a continuous electrical readout of what is happening inside our heads. The procedure may be short, often just a 30-minute recording. But for patients monitored for diagnosis or treatment of brain disease, it can be continued for much longerdays or even weeks. As a neurologist specializing in epilepsy, I use EEG on a daily basis. Our team at the University of Florida interprets thousands of EEGs a year in neurological patients. I also run a research lab where our goal is to understand the basic structure of the EEG in health and disease. A history of unexpected twists The story of EEG is colorful and littered with fables. Berger's interest in brain electricity was not to combat disease, though that was his day job as a physician, but to find a biological basis for his belief in telepathy. He wondered whether the brain waves of EEG could convey thoughts through space, allowing people to read each other's minds. He was unsuccessful in his mission, but the field he founded nonetheless took off. By the mid-1930s, researchers had observed the striking differences between the awake and asleep EEG. The EEGs of patients with brain disease turned up a variety of unprecedented observations. And then came a defining moment for modern medicine. In December 1934, a group of Boston physicians observed the rhythmic EEG spike-wave appearance of seizures in patients with "petit mal" epilepsy. Petit mal is an anachronistic term for a type of epilepsy where a patient's flow of thought, speech or action momentarily freezes during seizures. For the first time, the symptoms and behavior of patients during seizures were correlated to a brain signal occurring in lockstep. EEG quickly evolved from a scientific curiosity to a mainstream clinical tool. The first clinical EEG laboratory was set up at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1937. The practice grew in the ensuing decades into the specialized services that institutions like ours have offered since the 1970s. The EEG explained So what, exactly, is the EEG? Imagine taking two small metallic disks connected by a conducting wire. Place one disk on the scalp and connect the other to a neutral reference, such as the ear. Watch a tiny alternating current flow in the wire, proportional to the electrical activity sensed by the conducting contact. This activity is the EEG, the electrical milieu that bathes brain tissue. In turn, the EEG arises from the excitable nature of nerve cells, or neurons. When neurons fire, action potentialsbrief, high-voltage spikes traveling outward from their cell bodiesset up local electrical activity in other neurons, causing current to flow within and outside them. EEG is but one way to study the brain. These local current flows may cause the targeted neurons to fire in turn and set up yet more current flows. Thus, the system sustains itself. The average overall activity is a mix of many different frequencies, with the five main ones called delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma waves. If the EEG were just random up-and-down drift"the bloodless dance of action potentials," commented a skeptical early 20th century neurologistit would be much less interesting. The remarkable fact is that EEG tends to spontaneously organize into patterns in time and space. The spike-wave pattern of petit mal, referenced earlier, is a classic example, but scores of others are now known. Clinical EEG practice is just recognizing characteristic EEG patterns and correlating them to specific disease states. Fluctuating neurons Beyond the clinic, an unsettling scientific question emerges. Simply put, how do electrical patterns arise in the brain? How do the billions of neurons and their trillions of local current flows fluctuate in just the right ways to create globally ordered structure? Our research group has been interested in the fundamental question of pattern formation in EEG. It turns out that activity in the brain is naturally repetitivethat is, oscillatory. This is due to the way neurons are connected and the fact that they interact by excitation and inhibition to produce push-pull effects. Considering local oscillations as fundamental building blocks, we showed that the EEG over the entire brain could be built up from such elementary blocks. More interestingly, the differing frequencies could be made to coalesce, or synchronize, into a common rhythm. We recognized that synchronization of this type underlies some seizurelike patterns observed in patients. EEG, AI and the mind Pattern formation in nature is deeply fascinating. How does a leopard get its spots? How does the audience at a concert spontaneously settle into a rhythmic applause? Many such questions trace their origin to a classic paper on biological pattern published in 1952. Its author was Alan Turing, better known as the father of computer science and early advocate of artificial intelligence, or AI. The hardware underlying the majority of today's AI systems are neural networks. Neural networks were introduced in 1943 by Warren McCulloch, a physician and electroencephalographer. Like Berger, McCulloch's interest in EEG extended beyond brain disease. He wondered where in the brain's neurons and EEG lay the capacity to think. He conceived the idea of grouping artificial neuronlike computing units into networks, analogous to how real neurons in the brain interconnected. Together with Walter Pitts, he proved that such neural networks could function as a general-purpose computer. The seminal McCulloch-Pitts ideas were refined over the ensuing decades and reside in the "deep learning" neural networks of today's AI. Deep learning AI has infiltrated all areas of biomedicine, including neurology. For example, AI systems can successfully interpret brain scans. AI methods have also been used to analyze EEG. Can AI systems be trained to deduce thoughts from the EEG? Can AI approach Berger's quest for telepathy? Incredibly, recent deep-learning AI research has shown that some aspects of mental activity may be decoded from EEG. In 2024, EEG turns 100. What windows will it open into the brain and mind in the future? Doubtless, clinical applications will grow. Surely, brain pattern generation will be better understood. Perhaps EEG will glimpse the content of the mind. And for neurologists like me surveying the AI revolution, there's the quiet pride that EEG was really at the start of it all. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Editor's note: Regong arts, best known for their thangka paintings, are an important and distinctive part of Tibetan Buddhist arts. In 2009, they were inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Regong means "golden valley where dreams come true" in Tibetan. This "valley" is located in the middle reaches of the Longwu River in present-day Tongren, Huangnan Tibetan autonomous prefecture in northwestern China's Qinghai province. In the 13th century, Regong arts originated from this "valley" and have since developed into a widely recognized school of Tibetan Buddhist arts. As a collection of diverse artistic forms, Regong arts mainly include painting, sculpture, embroidery and architectural decoration. Both Tibetan monks and folk artists, along with local farmers, herdsmen and craftsmen of various ethnic groups, such as Tibetan, Tu and Mongolian, have contributed to the development of this cultural heritage. Among all Regong art forms, thangka paintings are the most popular and have gained fame both in China and around the world. Renowned for their sophisticated workmanship, rich content and bright colors, thangkas are created mainly to worship Buddha, mythic figures and eminent monks. These artworks range widely in size, with large examples considered to be highly valuable and collected by temples, museums and individuals. On Feb. 22 this year, some 40,000 people from home and abroad attended the annual "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony at Labrang Monastery in Gansu province. At this grand Tibetan Buddhist event, a huge thangka scroll bearing the image of the Buddha was transported by around 100 lamas from a scripture room to a nearby hill where it was unrolled for believers to worship and visitors to pray for good luck. The monastery was built in 1709 and serves as a leading Tibetan Buddhism educational institution. This ceremony is one of its most important events, with the giant thangka scroll displayed as its precious treasure. Thangka paintings are also sometimes showcased in museums. At the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, a 618-meter-long thangka, with a width of 2.5 meters, features more than 700 design patterns and over 183,000 portraits, depicting the religion, myths, history, culture, art, medicine, astronomy, geography and folk customs of the Tibetan ethnic group. More than 400 artists, led by master Tsondru Rabgye, spent 27 years designing and painting the scroll, finally completing it in 1999. Two decades later, leading collectors in Hong Kong estimated the scroll's value to be at least 7.2 billion yuan (about $1 billion). In addition to their superb craftsmanship and rich content, thangka paintings are also known for their elegant colors, most of which are extracted from natural ore. Such natural mineral pigments can prevent the colors of paintings from fading for several hundred years. Regong artists also grind minerals such as gold, silver, turquoise, malachite, saffron and indigo to create colorful pigments. Moreover, the painters strictly follow the "Lection of Measurement," a Buddhist painting book, to draw lines, shape figures, match colors, design patterns and make decorations. Regong arts also include murals, clay sculptures, wooden sculptures, stone carvings, embroideries, paintings on buildings, sand paintings and butter sculptures. In 2006, Regong arts were included in China's first group of national intangible cultural heritage. In 2009, they were added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Regong arts "are widely recognized by dwellers in Tibetan communities and traditional craftsmen in China," according to UNESCO. "The important historical cultural heritage reflects the essence of the culture of Tibetan Buddhism monasteries and folk arts in Regong area, having remarkable social, historical and artistic values." In 2023, Tibetan arts, with Regong arts as an important representative, alongside Tibetan opera, cuisine and the region's landscape, attracted over 55 million visitors to the area. Discover more treasures from China on UNESCO's ICH list: 2022: Traditional tea processing 2020: Wangchuan ceremony, taijiquan 2018: Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa 2016: Twenty-four solar terms 2013: Abacus-based Zhusuan 2012: Training plan for Fujian puppetry performers 2011: Shadow puppetry, Yimakan storytelling 2010: Peking opera, acupuncture and moxibustion, wooden movable-type printing, watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks, Meshrep 2009: Yueju opera, Xi'an wind and percussion ensemble, traditional handicrafts of making Xuan paper, traditional firing techniques of Longquan celadon, Tibetan opera, sericulture and silk craftsmanship, Regong arts 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: Young adults had higher proportion of a specific T cell, the interferon-(IFN)-secreting CD4+ T-cells, which is associated with more antibody responses and stronger virus neutralization. Conversely, this relationship was negative in older adults, suggesting that older adults' relative IFN-secreting CD4+ T-cell deficiency might explain their weaker immune response to vaccination. Credit: Diego Araujo, National University Health System As we age, the immune system's efficacy weakens, leading to less effective defenses against new pathogenssuch as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. How immunosenescence in older adults affects their immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations is poorly understood and is an active area of study. A study led by Dr. Vanda Ho, a Ph.D. student at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programmes at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), aimed to examine the impact of age on immune response after two doses of the COVID-19 mRNA Pfizer vaccination. She is also an Associate Consultant in the Division of Geriatric Medicine under the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital (NUH). A collaborative effort with researchers from the Division of Infectious Diseases under the Department of Medicine at NUH, the A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), the study was focused on T cells, which are immune cells that help protect the body from infection. T cells play a crucial role in fighting some cancers and are most affected by increasing age. The study has been published in Aging Cell. Fifteen younger individuals, with a median age of 31 years old, and 14 older individuals, with a median age of 72 years old, took two doses of the COVID-19 mRNA Pfizer vaccination and were followed up for three months. Blood tests were taken during the pre-vaccination (day 0), after one dose of vaccination (day 28), and after both doses (day 100). The blood samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and changes in immune cell subsets over time. Overall, older adults had weaker T cell responses to the vaccination, resulting in poorer antibody responses and SARS-CoV-2 immune protection. The study team found that a specific type of T cellsinterferon-gamma (IFN)-secreting CD4+ T cellsdemonstrated a strong positive correlation to the effectiveness of vaccine response in younger adults. However, older adults had fewer of these immune cells and did not display the same positive correlation and vaccine response as the younger adults. This suggests that older adults may have a relative deficiency in this important T cell, which could explain their poorer vaccination response. As weakened immune responses in the older population could lead to breakthrough infections, the findings support the importance of additional booster doses for older adults. The study's findings hold important clues in the understanding of our aged immune system, as the team seeks to examine if this particular T cell plays similarly important roles in other infections, such as COVID-19 and latent tuberculosis infections. "Our next steps would be to explore the underlying mechanisms to see how this T cell population interacts with the rest of the immune system. By improving our understanding of age-differentiated vaccination response, we can develop novel interventions to augment our immune responses, improve infection outcomes, and ultimately, increase health span in our older adults." "We are immensely grateful to the volunteers who have participated in our study and would like to thank them for their pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the aging immune system," said Dr. Ho, co-first author of the study. More information: Vanda W. T. Ho et al, Relative deficiency in interferonsecreting CD4+ T cells is strongly associated with poorer COVID19 vaccination responses in older adults, Aging Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1111/acel.14099 Journal information: Aging Cell 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: (a) Mechanism for the feel of softness by a human fingertip. (b) Structure of the indentor. The two sensors are integrated on the sphere surface. (c) Multi-segment displacement control of the indentor. (d) Deep learning enabled intelligent sensing system. (e) Schematic of the portable IOP tonometer. Credit: Science China Press High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. Current IOP tests are mostly conducted in hospitals, while portable home tonometers that provide convenient IOP monitoring are expensive and often suffer from large errors (> 5 mmHg). There is a pressing need for the development of a convenient, low-cost, and highly accurate eye pressure monitor. To address the challenges, a team led by Professor Chuan Fei Guo at the Southern University of Science and Technology and Professor Cunjiang Yu at Pennsylvania State University has proposed a principle for IOP monitoring through the identification of eyeball softness. Integrating deep learning, the team designed a displacement-pressure biparametrically controlled biomimetic softness sensory system, and made a portable IOP tonometer capable of highly accurate assessment of IOP. The team's work is published in the journal National Science Review. Ph.D. student Yu Cheng and undergraduate student Yifei Zhan from the Southern University of Science and Technology are the equally contributed first authors, and Professor Chuan Fei Guo and Professor Cunjiang Yu serve as co-corresponding authors. The touch and recognition of soft objects by human fingers rely on not only pressure distribution but also deformation information. Inspired by this, the team integrated two asymmetrically deployed high-sensitivity (0~60 kPa, 736.1 kPa-1) iontronic pressure sensors on a hemispherical elastomeric indentor to mimic the touch of human fingers. Different from the force control mode reported in previous works, the displacement-pressure control mode allows the collection of much comprehensive pressure and deformation information to reflect the softness of the contacted object. Utilizing a deep learning model, the sensory system enables the accurate classification of 20 common objects in daily life with an accuracy exceeding 99%. The system's design promotes high training efficiency, accuracy, and robustness due to its multi-segment displacement control mode. Based on the sensory system, the team developed and custom-made a portable and wearable IOP monitor that identifies IOP health by recognizing eyeball softness. The monitor integrates two high-precision micro linear actuators and two biomimetic softness sensors, with adjustable screws to accommodate varying user needs. This portable IOP monitor costs approximately $200, significantly lower than that of commercial portable tonometers such as the ICare IC-100, which costs around $2,000. Unlike other IOP tonometers, this device measures IOP in a closed-eye status without a direct contact with the eyeball. Since eyeballs are significantly harder than the eyelid, the variability in eyelid softness and thickness across different individuals do not affect the testing results. The team collected data from 50 eyeballs of 25 volunteers for deep learning and testing validation, demonstrating that this portable IOP monitor surpasses commercial alternatives in accuracy, repeatability, and consistency. In conclusion, this work presents a principle to monitor IOP based on eyeball softness identification, involving the design of a biomimetic softness sensor and the development of an intelligent softness sensory system. This has led to the creation of a portable IOP monitor that offers a high-comfort, high-accuracy, and low-cost solution for not only IOP monitoring, but also softness sensing in other health care applications and robotics. More information: Yu Cheng et al, Displacement-pressure biparametrically regulated softness sensory system for intraocular pressure monitoring, National Science Review (2024). DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae050 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: Researchers conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of end-stage renal failure patients with chronic kidney disease of unknown cause. They found that more than 10% of these patients had disease-causing variants of several inherited kidney diseases. Moreover, these diseases were not accurately diagnosed clinically. Researchers conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of end-stage renal failure patients with chronic kidney disease of unknown cause. They found that more than 10% of these patients had disease-causing variants of several inherited kidney diseases. Moreover, these diseases were not accurately diagnosed clinically. Credit: Department of Nephrology, TMDU Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is extremely prevalent among adults, affecting over 800 million individuals worldwide. Many of these patients eventually require therapy to supplement or replace kidney functions, such as dialysis or kidney transplants. While most CKD cases originate from lifestyle-related factors or diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, the underlying causes of CKD remain unknown for about one in every ten people with end-stage renal failure. Could CKD in these patients stem from latent, undiagnosed genetic conditions? In a recent study published in Kidney International Reports, researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) in Japan set out to answer this question through a comprehensive genetic analysis of CKD patients. First, the researchers acquired data from 1,164 patients who underwent dialysis in four different clinics in the Kanagawa Prefecture in November 2019. From this multicenter cohort, the researchers filtered out adults who were over 50 years old, since people at that age have a lower incidence of inherited kidney diseases. They then filtered outpatients who had an apparent cause for their CKD, leaving 90 adults with CKD of unknown origin who had consented to genetic testing. "We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 298 genes responsible for various inherited renal diseases using next-generation sequencing," explains lead author Dr. Takuya Fujimaru. "These included polycystic kidney disease, nephronophthisis-related ciliopathies, autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, Alport syndrome, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome." The results revealed that 10 of the 90 patients (11% of the final cohort) had pathogenic variants in CKD-causing genes. Importantly, for these patients, the clinical diagnosis at the time of dialysis was incorrect. What was particularly noteworthy was that some of the hereditary renal diseases contemplated in this study, such as Fabry's disease and Alport syndrome, could be diagnosed and treated early on to slow down or halt the progression of CKD. On top of these findings, the researchers determined that 17 patients (18.9%) had genetic variants of unknown significance (VUS) with a high probability of pathological involvement. While the relationship between these variants and kidney diseases is not clear, they should not be ignored or taken lightly. "Although the interpretation of these VUS is currently unknown, some of them may indeed be responsible for CKD," remarks senior author Dr. Takayasu Mori. "Thus, true hereditary kidney diseases may underlie many more cases than anticipated." This study marks one of the world's largest comprehensive genetic analysis of patients with end-stage renal failure using clinical data. As such, the conclusions derived from the results can have important implications for how CKD is diagnosed and managed in adults. "When the primary disease underlying a case of CKD is unknown, genetic analysis could lead to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the disease progresses, which could hopefully result in a decrease in the number of patients requiring dialysis," highlights senior author Dr. Eisei Sohara. "Thus, proactive genetic analysis is recommended for adult patients without a definitive cause of CKD." Notably, this research group has been conducting genetic analyses of hereditary kidney diseases since 2014, reaching over 1,500 families. They have recently filed a patent for a new genetic analysis system for Japanese individuals, which would assist in correctly diagnosing cases of CKD. With any luck, further efforts will pave the way to a brighter future for people with inherited kidney diseases. More information: Takuya Fujimaru et al, Genetic Diagnosis of Adult Hemodialysis Patients With Unknown Etiology, Kidney International Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.01.027 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 Annual prostate cancer cases worldwide are projected to double by the year 2040, and annual deaths are projected to increase by 85% to almost 700,000 over the same timeframemainly among men in low- and middle-income countries. A commissioned report published in The Lancet highlights the future landscape of prostate cancer and seeks to guide cancer experts worldwide on how to manage the massive influx of prostate cancer patients projected over the next two decades. Brandon Mahal, M.D., radiation oncologist and translational epidemiologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, was a member of a group of international experts commissioned to write the collaborative article. "Unlike a typical study, which describes a single or set of experiments, commissioned pieces involve The Lancet editors working with academic partners to address the most pressing issues in science, medicine and global health," Mahal explained. He said the report was conceived back in 2020, when the journal's editors sought advice from a select group of 40 cancer experts to highlight the increasing burden of prostate cancer, with global cases projected to more than double by 2040. "Specifically, they wanted our collective, international perspective on this looming global burden," Mahal said. "They asked us to report the extent of the problem, identify the most at-risk populations and explain how best to address the expected surge." Besides outlining the scope of the problemworldwide cases are expected to explode from 1.4 million now to 2.9 million in just 16 yearsThe Lancet report highlights both ethnic and geographic disparities in the overall burden of prostate cancer and emphasizes the need for more research into the factors driving these differences. That's an area right in Mahal's wheelhouse. As a translational epidemiologist, he studies differences in disease risk among populations. "Men with West African ancestry, for example, are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer," he said. Additionally, he and his Sylvester research colleagues have published studies showing that racial and ethnic disparities in prostate cancer prevalence cannot be explained by genetic differences alone. In 2023, Mahal and his team published a paper showing that men of African ancestry were less likely than their European counterparts to get comprehensive genetic profiles of their tumors early in treatment. Genetic profiling helps physicians develop personalized treatment plans that have been proven more effective in treating prostate cancer. Patients without this initial profiling often receive substandard care. Expanding community outreach The authors noted that one of the best ways to improve prostate cancer outcomes is to expand screening among high-risk populations so that the disease can be diagnosed at earlier stages, when treatment is typically most effective. At Sylvester, Mahal works with a team dedicated to precision community outreach. "We have focused our efforts in neighborhoods where we know there's a higher risk of developing prostate cancer," he explained, "and we use our mobile vehicles to bring the screenings right to these residents." The mobile vans, dubbed Sylvester's Game Changers, enable Mahal and colleagues to target high-risk people by conducting the screenings at key community sites, including near workplaces, stores and libraries, and at health fairs and other events. The vans are staffed by professionals who speak English, Spanish and Creole to ensure they can communicate with people in their native languages. Not surprisingly, The Lancet report identifies mobile vans as a key strategy for providing earlier diagnoses in high-risk populations. Other takeaways Other key recommendations from the report include: Integrating the power of artificial intelligence for interpretation of scans and biopsy samples to improve early diagnosis. Focusing more broadly on men's health beyond prostate cancer. Capitalizing on the global availability of smartphones in outreach efforts, as well as using social and traditional media to promote education. Making sure affordable therapies for advanced prostate cancer are available where needed most. Addressing the shortage of specialist surgeons and radiotherapy equipment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer argues that the "informed choice" program for prostate cancer screening with PSA testing, which is common in high-income countries, may lead to over-testing and unnecessary treatment in older men, and under-testing in high-risk younger men. The authors advocate instead for early-detection programs for those at high risk. The Commission also calls for urgent implementation of programs to raise awareness of prostate cancer and for improvements in early diagnosis and treatment in LMICswhere most men present with late-stage disease. More research involving men of different ethnicities, especially those of West African descent, is needed, as current knowledge of prostate cancer biology is largely based on studies of white men. Unified message Although The Lancet report delivers a sobering message that lifestyle or public health interventions will be insufficient to stem the expected tsunami of prostate cancer casesand that minority populations and those in LMICs will bear the brunt of this burdenMahal remains optimistic about his involvement with the project. "This report creates a unified message for all so we can be best equipped to handle this surge in prostate cancer cases," he said. "Whether it's different medical systems, national or international guidelines, institutions or community practices, we took great pride in our work and believe it can be a reference document for where to focus our efforts moving forward." More information: The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer: Planning for the Surge in Cases, The Lancet (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00651-2 Journal information: The Lancet 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 A world-first study has found that when asked a health-related question, the more evidence that is given to ChatGPT, the less reliable it becomesreducing the accuracy of its responses to as low as 28%. The study was recently presented at Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (EMNLP), a Natural Language Processing conference in the field. The findings are published in Proceedings of the 2023 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing. As large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT explode in popularity, they pose a potential risk to the growing number of people using online tools for key health information. Scientists from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, and The University of Queensland (UQ) explored a hypothetical scenario of an average person (non-professional health consumer) asking ChatGPT if "X" treatment has a positive effect on condition "Y." The 100 questions presented ranged from "Can zinc help treat the common cold?" to "Will drinking vinegar dissolve a stuck fish bone?" ChatGPT's response was compared to the known correct response, or "ground truth," based on existing medical knowledge. CSIRO Principal Research Scientist and Associate Professor at UQ Dr. Bevan Koopman said that even though the risks of searching for health information online are well documented, people continue to seek health information online, and increasingly via tools such as ChatGPT. "The widespread popularity of using LLMs online for answers on people's health is why we need continued research to inform the public about risks and to help them optimize the accuracy of their answers," Dr. Koopman said. "While LLMs have the potential to greatly improve the way people access information, we need more research to understand where they are effective and where they are not." The study looked at two question formats. The first was a question only. The second was a question biased with supporting or contrary evidence. Results revealed that ChatGPT was quite good at giving accurate answers in a question-only format, with an 80% accuracy in this scenario. However, when the language model was given an evidence-biased prompt, accuracy reduced to 63%. Accuracy was reduced again to 28% when an "unsure" answer was allowed. This finding is contrary to popular belief that prompting with evidence improves accuracy. "We're not sure why this happens. But given this occurs whether the evidence given is correct or not, perhaps the evidence adds too much noise, thus lowering accuracy," Dr. Koopman said. ChatGPT launched on November 30, 2022, and has quickly become one of the most widely used large language models (LLMs). LLMs are a form of artificial intelligence that recognize, translate, summarize, predict, and generate text. Study co-author UQ Professor Guido Zuccon, Director of AI for the Queensland Digital Health Centre (QDHeC), said that major search engines are now integrating LLMs and search technologies in a process called Retrieval Augmented Generation. "We demonstrate that the interaction between the LLM and the search component is still poorly understood and controllable, resulting in the generation of inaccurate health information," said Professor Zuccon. Next steps for the research are to investigate how the public uses the health information generated by LLMs. More information: Bevan Koopman et al, Dr ChatGPT tell me what I want to hear: How different prompts impact health answer correctness, Proceedings of the 2023 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (2023). DOI: 10.18653/v1/2023.emnlp-main.928 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: On the top, (a) Chemical structure of TPZP. On the bottom, (b) Schematic diagram of combined therapy. Art by Michael Rothman. Art by Zhaohui Tang. Credit: Science China Press Hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) have the potential to activate specifically in hypoxic tumors and eliminate tumor cells, which has brought new opportunities for safe and effective anticancer therapy. However, their therapeutic efficacy is limited by inadequate hypoxia within the treated tumors. What is more important, inadequate hypoxia in tumors means that the difference in oxygen levels between tumors and normal tissues is not significant. The insignificant difference leads to HAPs with a decreased targeting ability to tumors, insufficient activation in tumors, and weakened cytotoxicity to tumor cells, severely impacting anticancer treatment efficacy. Although hypoxia stratification of patients may improve the treatment efficacy of HAPs, this approach would greatly limit the scope of HAPs treatment. Like most HAPs, tirapazamine (TPZ) has been approved for multiple clinical trials, relying on its excellent anticancer potential. However, TPZ did not exhibit survival advantages in phase III clinical trials due to the insufficient hypoxia levels in patient's tumors. In a new research article published in the Beijing-based National Science Review, scientists at Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry and University of Science and Technology of China present a new universal well-rounded nanosystem with amplified active targeting, enhanced drug activation and increased hypoxic cytotoxicity to enhance the anticancer efficacy of TPZ. It's composed of two indispensable modules: a tumor microenvironment remodeling nanodrug (CA4-NPs) and a nanodrug of the cytotoxicity-enhanced TPZ derivative (FT11-TPZP-NPs). To improve TPZ's cytotoxicity, the authors first introduced urea to synthesize a series of urea-containing derivatives of TPZ. All urea-containing TPZ derivatives showed increased hypoxic cytotoxicity (9.51~30.85-fold) compared to TPZ while maintaining hypoxic selectivity. TPZP, one of these derivatives, showed 20-fold higher cytotoxicity than TPZ while maintaining a similar hypoxic cytotoxicity ratio (HCR). To highly efficiently deliver TPZP to the tumors and reduce its side effects in normal tissues, the authors further prepared TPZP into a nano drug with the fibrin-targeting ability (FT11-TPZP-NPs). CA4-NPs, a vascular disrupting agent, was used to remodel the tumor microenvironment with increased fibrin levels within tumors for amplified active targeting and exacerbate tumor hypoxia for sufficient drug activation. By combining with CA4-NPs, FT11-TPZP-NPs can enrich abundantly in the hypoxia-aggravated tumors and activate sufficiently to kill tumor cells. Following a single-dose administration, FT11-TPZP-NPs + CA4-NPs demonstrated a substantial inhibition rate of 98.1% against CT26 tumor models with an initial volume approximating 480 mm3. Furthermore, this treatment resulted in the complete eradication of 66.7% of tumors, exhibiting a significant antitumor effect. This study introduces a novel strategy for enhancing the anticancer efficacy of TPZ and other HAPs. More information: Yajun Xu et al, Introducing urea into tirapazamine derivatives to enhance anticancer therapy, National Science Review (2024). DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae038 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: A Texas plant full of egg-laying hens has been shut down temporarily after bird flu was detected in the animals. Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the country, said in a news release issued Tuesday that it had to subsequently cull about 1.6 million hens and 337,000 pullets (young hens) at the plant. "According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the human health risk to the U.S. public from [bird flu] viruses is considered to be low," the company noted. "Also, according to the USDA, [bird flu] cannot be transmitted through safely handled and properly cooked eggs. There is no known risk related to [bird flu] associated with eggs that are currently in the market and no eggs have been recalled." The news follows reports on Monday that a dairy worker in Texas was being treated for avian influenza, becoming the second known human case in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the person tested positive for H5N1 bird flu. Meanwhile, Minnesota officials reported the first infection of bird flu among livestock in the United States last month, when a juvenile goat living on a farm with infected chickens tested positive. Bird flu was also detected in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas last month. And U.S. officials said Tuesday that cows in Michigan had also tested positive and that there were presumptive positive tests among cows in Idaho and New Mexico, suggesting the virus may be spreading among cattle. While health officials have stressed the risk to human health remains low, people should avoid uncooked or undercooked food, unpasteurized milk and raw cheese, the CDC stated. Cooking eggs or poultry to about 165 degrees Fahrenheit generally "kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu viruses," it noted. Human symptoms of bird flu include eye redness, fever, coughing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or seizures are less common, the CDC said. More information: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on bird flu. Copyright 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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 Extending postpartum Medicaid eligibility extensions may increase treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), a leading cause of perinatal illness and mortality, according to a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and Brown University researchers. Published in the journal Health Affairs, the study found that retaining Medicaid coverage after birth increased outpatient mental health and medication treatment for PMADs by 20.5age points, compared to birthing people who received commercial coverage. Retaining postpartum Medicaid also appeared to significantly lower patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental health care. The majority of US states have now extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months through the American Rescue Plan Act, but the new findings provide critical data and insight into the role of Medicaid coverage on perinatal mental health, and why Medicaid extensions are so important for the health of low-income birthing people postpartum. Without this coverage, many people would otherwise become uninsured or struggle to pay for high-cost commercial insurance and medical care. Untreated PMADs can increase birthing people's risk of substance use, depression, anxiety, and suicide, as well as developmental delays among their newborns. Estimates show that one in three pregnancy-related deaths occur between six weeks and one year after childbirth. "We know that maternal mental health conditions are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are the most commonly occurring maternal mental health condition," says study lead and corresponding author Dr. Sarah Gordon, assistant professor of health law, policy & management at BUSPH, and who served as a senior advisor on health policy for the US Department of Health and Human Services from 2021-2024. "Evidence-based treatments are available and effective, but underutilized. Insufficient health insurance coverage is one reason for low treatment rates among the postpartum population that extending postpartum Medicaid coverage can address," Dr. Gordon continued. For the study, Dr. Gordon and colleagues utilized data on insurance claims and income, as well as birth records in Colorado between 2014-2019, before Colorado extended Medicaid eligibility. The researchers compared postpartum PMAD treatment among patients with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and who were eligible to remain in Medicaid after 60 days postpartum, to patients with incomes above 138% of the FPL, who were ineligible to receive Medicaid beyond 60 days postpartum and enrolled in commercial insurance. Compared to birthing people with commercial health insurance, remaining on Medicaid for 12 months postpartum was also linked to a 16 percentage point increase in patients filling a prescription medication for depression or anxiety, and a 7.3 percentage point increase in patients receiving at least one outpatient mental health visit. Retaining Medicaid beyond 60 days postpartum was associated with almost a 20 percentage point increase in "continuous" postpartum treatment, which is considered three or more outpatient mental health visits or prescription refills. This extended Medicaid coverage also alleviated health care costs for birthing people, lowering out-of-pocket costs by $40.84 for outpatient mental health visits, and by $3.24 for each prescription refill, compared to costs for commercially insured birthing people. Medicaid-insured birthing people may have higher PMAD treatment rates because of more affordable care, and fewer gaps in coverage that likely occur among birthing people who became ineligible for Medicaid. The researchers say these findings underscore the fact that commercial insurance is not an equal alternative for low-income postpartum people, and losing Medicaid eligibility can be detrimental to both health and finances. "Our findings suggest that postpartum Medicaid extensions are likely an important policy lever to promote postpartum maternal mental health by lowering barriers to accessing treatment," Dr. Gordon says. "However, mental health screening and referrals, availability of providers, and quality of mental health care are also critical to supporting the mental health of postpartum people." More information: Sarah H. Gordon et al, Extended Postpartum Medicaid In Colorado Associated With Increased Treatment For Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders, Health Affairs (2024). DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01441 Journal information: Health Affairs 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 Noma is a rapidly progressing and often deadly gangrenous infection of the face. Horrifically, it mainly affects very young children living in extreme poverty. Despite this, few know of Noma's existence. In December 2023, after years of advocacy, Noma was finally included on the World Health Organization's list of "neglected tropical diseases." This is a significant achievement as it increases opportunities for funding and research into the disease, and will ultimately be an important step in helping to eradicate it, globally. Mone is a noma survivor from Laos, and her experience of noma is typical of so many who have suffered from this disease. When Mone was 16, she met my colleague Dr. Leila Srour, a pediatrician who happened to be working in her remote village in Laos, who was able to document Mone's story. When Mone was four years old, she developed a sore in her mouth, followed by swelling in her cheek, accompanied by a bad smell. The family treated her with leaves from the jungle. Quickly, her cheek skin fell away and teeth and bones started coming out of the sore in her cheek. Her parents took her to the hospital, where the dead tissue was removed and she received antibiotics. Thanks to this treatment, Mone survived the early, often deadly, stages of the disease. Her father carried her on his back to her village with her cheek and part of her nose and lips missing. One of her eyes was lower than the other because the bone beneath it was eaten away. She could not move her jaw to chew or to talk. Mone learned to eat by pushing food against her teeth with her fingers. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, she suffered from stigma, social isolation, and difficulty with speaking and eating. The health care workers, her family and the villagers did not know why Mone suffered and suspected that ghosts were punishing her. When Dr. Srour met Mone, she had never met a noma survivor before, and noma had not been reported in Laos previously. After several years of trying, Srour finally found a way for Mone to receive surgical treatment. Mone traveled to Singapore where she underwent several procedures including a 19-hour surgery. She spent three months in Singapore recovering. Years after returning to Laos, she got married and had three children. Despite the hardships in her life, Mone is happy she had surgery. She can eat and speak clearly. She is the first reported case of noma in Laos. A further 50 noma survivors have been identified in Laos who subsequently received care. These few patients are extremely lucky, as the vast majority of noma patients do not survive, and those who do rarely receive the complex surgical care needed to enable them to live a life as close to normal as possible. Noma starts as a small mouth ulcer and within weeks, leads to the swelling and then falling away of the cheek, and in some cases the nose or the eyeor both. Most patients die within the first few weeks of infection. However, if they are given widely available antibiotics in these early stages, the infection can be halted, and the patient saved. For those who survive, many are left with lifelong physical health issues, such as trouble eating, drinking and talking, as well as mental health issues due to stigmatization. Much remains a mystery Noma is an ancient disease, with the earliest description being found in a medical textbook from the first century. It was often seen in Europe up until the 1800s, but has all but disappeared due to better access to food, water and health care. Now noma only affects the very poorest communities in the world. Despite noma's age, we know extremely little about the disease. We know it is bacterial in nature, but we haven't been able to identify the causative organisms. We know it's not infectious, but do not understand why some children get it while other children living in the same conditions do not. The vast majority of our data on noma comes from Nigeria, which has two dedicated noma hospitals, but for many other regions of the world, all we have are sporadic case reports and anecdotal evidence. Our current best guess is that 110,000 people die from noma each year, but this needs to be treated with caution because we simply do not have the data to be confident of the numbers. This is why the inclusion of noma on the WHO list of neglected tropical diseases is a significant step in tackling the disease. It has and will continue to raise awareness about the disease. And will provide a much-needed impetus for governments and health agencies to work together to help patients and survivors. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The MRCSDH is the first nationwide study in mainland China to assess the safety and efficacy of different treatment approaches for CSDH. Its findings can help the medical community make informed decisions and improve health care for patients with CSDH. Credit: Mr. Tao Liu from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a neurological condition where blood clots between the brain's surface and its outer covering, causing symptoms like headaches and weakness. Alarmingly, its global incidence and recurrence rates are rising, especially in older adults with health issues. Surgery remains the primary treatment for CSDH, but there is increasing interest in multimodal approaches like medication, postoperative drainage, and hematoma irrigation. These methods effectively clear acute hematomas and prevent CSDH recurrence. However, limited data hinders clinical decision-making, and many CSDH studies conducted in China suffer from methodological flaws. To bridge this gap, a team of researchers led by Mr. Tao Liu, Mr. Zhihao Zhao, and Dr. Jinhao Huang from the Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and Ministry of Education, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post Neuro-injury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, China conducted a nationwide study, called the multicenter registry study of the CSDH (MRCSDH). The study aimed to assess optimal treatment strategies for CSDH in the Chinese population and was conducted from March 2022 to February 2024. Mr. Liu says, "Through our MRCSDH trial, we can gather robust data to assess the safety and effectiveness of different treatment methods in reducing CSDH recurrence, identify complications, and craft personalized treatment strategies based on individual patient factors." The study's findings were published in the Chinese Neurosurgical Journal. MRCSDH, spanning 59 hospitals in mainland China, documented the traits of the patients with CSDH. A standardized treatment protocol, tailored to each patient's needs, was developed based on clinical data. Patients underwent follow-ups after 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-treatment to assess their clinical outcomes. As of August 2023, 2,173 patients from 59 hospitals participated, with males comprising 81.1% of the total patients. The average age of the patient group was 70.12 years. Headache was the dominant symptom in over half of the patients. Burr-hole surgerya classic surgery for CSDH where small holes are made to remove the hematomawas the primary treatment method, followed by conservative treatment, which consists of rest, pain control, and management of anticoagulant medication use. Surprisingly, 88.9% of the patients presented a favorable prognosis after three months, with a low recurrence rate of 2.4%. Mr. Liu emphasizes, "Our study gives us valuable real-world data on CSDH treatment, but we must be cautious of biases and data quality issues in interpretation." Suffice to say, these findings have the potential to refine the clinical guidelines and, in turn, enhance health care for patients with CSDH. More information: Tao Liu et al, Multimodality management for chronic subdural hematoma in China: protocol and characteristics of an ambidirectional, nationwide, multicenter registry study, Chinese Neurosurgical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s41016-024-00356-5 Provided by Cactus Communications Tourists visit the scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in southwest China's Chongqing, March 27, 2024. The Dazu Rock Carvings were placed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) At key positions of the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, hundreds of digital monitoring devices are placed to collect fundamental data such as meteorology, microenvironment and moisture content of the rock mass. As a representative of Chinese grotto art, the Dazu Rock Carvings site is of profound historical significance, embodying the vigorous vitality of Chinese culture. However, after years of erosion and weathering, the famous statue at this site, with a history dating back more than 1,000 years, began to show clear signs of damage. Generations of conservation efforts have helped to slow the pace of damage, and guardians of the Dazu Rock Carvings have now also turned to the use of digital methods to fight against the destructive impact of time -- hoping to effectively restore and revive the rock carvings. Yan Xuefeng, a 64-year-old restorer at the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, was standing in front of a stone Buddha statue at the Baoding Mountain scenic area of the Dazu Rock Carvings site. He was using precision technical equipment to check the development of rock cracks within the statue, a task which in the past had relied purely on human visual observation and experience. In the early 1980s, the situation at the Dazu Rock Carvings was very different compared with today. Back then, the venue was without management and this allowed weeds to flourish and dust to gather, while this mountainous region also faced serious challenges in terms of water, electricity and communication infrastructure at that time. In addition, access to the site was limited, with only narrow paths available to those wanting to reach it. "As immovable cultural relics, the Dazu Rock Carvings have strong natural attributes, and cliff statues are sensitive to natural effects such as water seepage and weathering," Yan said, adding that water disasters not only destroy stone carvings and breed microorganisms, but are also significant in terms of the aggravation of weathering. With the continuous improvement of internet technology and monitoring abilities and capacities, restorers can today carry out informatization construction to ensure both the security of cultural relics and good engineering quality. In 2020, a monitoring and early warning system using technologies including Internet of Things, the internet and big data was put into use. The monitoring scope of this system covers 18 categories and more than 70 sub-items, such as stone carvings, the environment, human activities and protection management. It realizes a complete digital chain of cultural heritage monitoring, including data collection, analysis, and docking, as well as monitoring and early warning, which strengthens the overall cultural heritage monitoring process. Thus, this system can provide a scientific decision-making basis for protection efforts at the Dazu Rock Carvings, and transform the protection strategy from passive protection to active protection, while also allowing an expansion from rescue protection to both rescue and preventive protection work. At present, the rescue and protection project of Cave No. 176 to No. 180 of the cliff statue at Beishan Site of Dazu Rock Carvings, some of the caves with the most serious water damage, is progressing in an orderly manner and is expected to be completed in July this year. "In the past it was a case-by-case approach, but now we are conducting comprehensive investigation and treatment," said Chen Huili, director of the protection engineering center of the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings. "We now have a comprehensive protection strategy including rock reinforcement, water seepage control, statue restoration, preventive protection, and monitoring and early warning system construction," Chen added. According to Chen, a "hospital" for the Dazu Rock Carvings cultural relics can also provide standardized and scientific services from diagnosis to treatment for rock carving cultural relics, helping expand the lives of more damaged cultural relics. In January 2024, a digital museum showcasing the Dazu Rock Carvings started trial operation, emerging as a new platform for display of the cultural heritage of the Dazu Rock Carvings, while also helping to advance preservation, research, and inheritance capabilities. The platform revitalizes relics through digital technology and breathes new life into millennia-old rock carvings, spreading the charm of grotto art to a wider audience and helping to better meet the public's cultural demands. Enditem 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: Pancreatic cancer cells (blue) growing as a sphere encased in membranes (red). Credit: National Cancer Institute Faster detection and less invasive surgery offer hopes of advances against a leading fatal disease in Europe, pancreatic cancer. When Dr. John Hermans meets a patient with pancreatic cancer at his hospital, he has to steel himself. Patients with this type of tumor are often diagnosed too late to save them. On average, only 25% survive for a year and just 12% are still alive after five years. Major killer "One difficulty with these patients is that you very seldom have good news," said Hermans, a clinician at Radboud University Medical Center, also known as Radboud UMC, in the Netherlands. He is part of a project that received EU funding to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the prospects for people with pancreatic cancer. Called PANCAIM, the project relies on machine learning to scrutinize patient scans and tissue samples as well as DNA from the cancer. The four-year initiative is due to wrap up in December 2024. The pancreas is a pear-shaped glandabout 12 centimeters to 15 cm longthat lies close to the stomach and liver. It helps with digestion and with the regulation of blood-sugar levels. In 2020, pancreatic cancer killed more than 132,000 people in Europe, according to a study. It said the risk of developing pancreatic cancer in Europe is 2.31 per 100,000 people. While little understood, the causes may include genetic inheritance, smoking, obesity and/or age. Hidden signs Because the disease has already spread too far when it is detected in about 80% of patients, life-saving surgery for them is impossible. "The only option to cure the patient is to cut out the tumor, but that's only possible with about 1 out of 5 patients," said Hermans. People with pancreatic cancer often receive intense chemotherapy, which is physically demanding. Even with chemo, the response rates are low and it only slows the disease. "The issue with pancreatic cancer is late diagnosis, poor outcomes and no curative chemo," Hermans said. Under PANCAIM, computer scientists and medical doctors have teamed up to collect thousands of patient scans and train AI to recognize the early signs of pancreatic cancer. The team says it has made progress with an AI program that automatically examines the results of CTor computer tomographyscans. "This seems quite capable of helping to find pancreatic cancer earlier," said Henkjan Huisman, a professor of medical imaging and AI at Radboud UMC who works closely with Hermans in PANCAIM. High-tech hope Patients with cancer of the pancreas often have no symptoms for a long time. And even when signs do emerge, they can be as subtle as fatigue or indigestion. Furthermore, when a person goes for a hospital scan, the cancer is easily overlooked. "The tumor can be visible on early CT scans but they are missed in about 40% of cases," said Hermans. The project is gathering digital images of patient tissue, removed during surgery or by a needle biopsy. Such slides show millions of cells that a pathologist must carefully examine for signs of cancer. This is painstaking work and small abnormalities are easily overlooked. That's where AI can make a big difference. "AI can do things humans can't such as spot a couple of cells among a billion or home in on tiny structures," said Huisman. It can also easily count cell typessomething exceedingly difficult for a human to do. The project converts tissue slides from patient cancers into images and then searches for telltale footprints that could allow AI to spot the cancer earlier. Tumor terminator The earlier the detection of a tumor, the greater the chances it can be eliminated with lasers rather than surgery. Lasers are the focus of Dr. Francesco Di Matteo. He is an Italian clinician who has broken medical ground by guiding a thin fiber-optic cable towards patient tumors in the pancreas to destroy them with a tiny laser. Now the technique is being refined by Dr. Paola Saccomandi, a biomedical engineer at the Polytechnic University of Milan in Italy, as part of another EU-funded research project. Called LASER OPTIMAL, the project is due to wrap up in April 2024 after six years. "The light from the laser hits the tumor cells and kills them," said Saccomandi. Her research has used laboratory studies of animals and numerical calculations to gauge how much energy should be fired at a tumor of a given size and location. Precision treatment In a continuing study with Di Matteo, eight pancreatic-cancer patients so far have had their tumors scanned using magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. Calculations were then run for individual patients. This told the surgeon where and how much to direct at the patient's tumor. As part of a new monitoring approach, the tumor's temperature was tracked to achieve optimal temperature for destroying cancer cells. Equally importantly, the laser should avoid killing healthy tissue as much as possible. "The pancreas has lots of important blood vessels," said Saccomandi. "We need to be sure that the laser light does not damage the blood vessels and cause bleeding." Her goal is to boost the laser's effectiveness as a therapy. The idea here is to insert into the cancer tissue tiny metal rods, which then heat up when hit by a laser and kill the tumor cells close to them. "Since the nanoparticles are delivered only to the tumor, we can improve selectivity of the treatment," said Saccomandi. That means less unwanted heat damage to healthy cells. This isn't yet ready for patients and remains a work in progress. The significance of what PANCAIM and LASER OPTIMAL are striving formaking it possible to detect pancreatic cancer earlier through AI and to treat such illnesses through laseringis hard to overstate. "That could save a lot of lives," said Hermans of PANCAIM. 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 Military mental health services should urgently adopt an internationally recognized trauma questionnaire to better diagnose and treat veterans with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, a new study with Charles Darwin University (CDU) has revealed. The study titled, "ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder in mental health support-seeking former-serving Australian defense force veterans" was published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. The study tested the validity and reliability of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) to distinguish between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in mental health support-seeking, former-serving veterans of the Australian Defense Force (ADF). The study also aimed to estimate the proportion of ADF veterans meeting the criteria for CPTSD or PTSD. Currently specialist military health services routinely screen and treat PTSD, but do not assess and design services for CPTSD. Lead author and CDU Professor in Mental Health Dan Bressington said this was problematic because although the two disorders share some features, CPTSD is a more debilitating disorder than PTSD and it has been argued that CPTSD requires a different therapeutic approach to treat it effectively. A total of 174 participants completed the ITQ with most being male, aged under 35 and had been enlisted full-time in the Army. The participants were recruited from a specialist primary care service and were seeking mental health support. Professor Bressington said questionnaire results revealed 51.4% of participants met diagnostic criteria for CPTSD, while only 9.1% met the diagnostic requirements for PTSD. "The results of this study indicate that the ITQ can effectively and reliably distinguish between PTSD and CPTSD within primary care samples of ADF veterans," Professor Bressington said. "Given that the occurrence of CPTSD was five times higher than PTSD in this cohort, the ITQ should be considered for routine use in specialist military health services." "We also found that those meeting diagnostic requirements for CPTSD were more likely to have served in the military for 15 years or longer, had a history of more traumatic life events and had the highest levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms." Professor Bressington said with high levels of psychological distress recorded among service members transitioning back to civilian life, the study results reinforced the need for the provision of effective CPTSD interventions and should be used to help inform the planning of trauma-related treatment resources, assessments and interventions. "Ultimately, this may improve engagement with services, the efficacy of treatment and reductions in dropout rates, thereby improving the well-being of veterans and the quality of life of their families." The study was led by CDU alongside Maynooth University in Ireland, Veteran Medical in Perth, Ulster University in Ireland, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, RMIT University in Melbourne, King's Center for Military Health Research in London, and Edinburgh Napier University in Edinburgh. More information: Daniel Bressington et al, ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder in mental health support-seeking former-serving Australian defence force veterans, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1177/00048674241230197 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 While the garbled translation of a newspaper article in a foreign language may be nothing more than an annoyance, uses of machine translation technology extend to higher-stakes settings as well: In a hospital emergency room, incorrectly translated discharge instructions or medication protocols could have life-threatening consequences. Researchers from the University of Maryland's Computational Linguistics and Information Processing (CLIP) Lab looked into this problem, studying data collected from English-to-Chinese machine translation systems used in emergency rooms at the University of California, San Francisco. The paper is published in the journal Proceedings of the 2023 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing They found that neither an artificial intelligence tool to monitor translation quality nor more manual approaches could fully overcome errorsbut that combining human and computerized abilities held promise for improving such systems. For this study, the CLIP team reviewed data from 65 English-speaking physicians to evaluate two distinct methods for assessing the quality of machine-generated translations used for Chinese-speaking patients. One group of physicians used a quality estimation toolAI-driven software that can automatically predict the accuracy of a machine translation output. According to the researchers, this tool helped doctors rely on machine translation more appropriately by deciding to show "good" translations to patients overall. But the tool was not perfect; it failed to flag some critical errors that could harm the health of the patient. A second set of doctors used a technique known as backtranslation, where the user retranslates the Chinese output using Google Translate to assess its English output. The researchers observed complementary trends for these doctors: backtranslation does not improve their ability to assess translation quality on average, but does help identify clinically critical errors that quality estimation tools fail to flag. The CLIP team believes its study paves the way for future work in designing methods that combine the strengths of both methods tested, resulting in a human-centered evaluation design that can be used to further improve machine translation tools used in clinical settings. "Our study confirms that lay users often trust AI systems even when they should not, and that the strategies that people develop on their own to decide whether to trust an outputsuch as backtranslationcan be misleading," said Marine Carpuat, an associate professor of computer science who co-authored the study. "However, we show that AI techniques can also be used to provide feedback that helps people calibrate their trust in systems. We view this as a first step toward developing trustworthy AI." Sweta Agrawal Ph.D. '23, a co-author on the study who is now a postdoctoral fellow at the Instituto de Telecomunicacoes in Portugal, said that the project has important implications for medical care and society at large. "This work provides support for the usefulness of providing actionable feedback to users in high-risk scenarios," she said. "Moreover, the findings contribute to the ongoing research efforts to design reliable metrics, especially for critical domains like health care." Other UMD co-authors included Ge Gao, an assistant professor of information studies and Yimin Xiao, a third-year information studies doctoral student; researchers from the University of California (UC) Berkeley, and UC San Francisco also numbered among the co-authors. Carpuat and Gao both have appointments in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, which provides technical and administrative support for their work in the CLIP Lab. Based on their findings, the researchers will develop new techniques to assist people in using these imperfect systems more effectively. More information: Nikita Mehandru et al, Physician Detection of Clinical Harm in Machine Translation: Quality Estimation Aids in Reliance and Backtranslation Identifies Critical Errors, Proceedings of the 2023 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (2023). DOI: 10.18653/v1/2023.emnlp-main.712 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: Cumulative proportion in contact with GP for mental health reasons following bereavement from suicide deaths, external deaths and other deaths Around 650 people take their own lives in Norway every year. Many of those bereaved by suicide themselves face challenges with mental health afterwards. Many have also had more frequent contact with a GP in the run-up to the suicide. A GP can be an important supporter for those left behind, and can assist with medical help, information, and support for those who need this. The GP plays a key role in the Norwegian health care system. Norway has universal health care that is affordable for all, making private health care less common. All residents have the right to a regular GP and the GP acts as a gatekeeper for more specialized health care. In a new study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, researchers at the Institute of Public Health therefore wanted to investigate how many of those left behind after suicide see their GP because of their own mental health. Significantly higher than for other types of death During the first year after the suicide, approximately half of the those left behind had contacted a GP related to mental health. "The results from the study showed that there was a large increase in the proportion who visited the GP immediately after the suicide and that this increase was significantly greater than for those left behind after other types of death," says Sissel Belanger, research fellow in the department of mental health and suicide, at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Visitation rates peaked in the month following the suicide before gradually declining again and stabilizing at a somewhat higher level than before the death after about a year. After two years, which was as long as the researchers investigated, the contact rate was still somewhat higher than it was two years before the death. "Being a relative of someone who dies by suicide is an extreme strain and we know that many people face challenges with their own mental health afterwards," says Belanger. Increased visits to the doctor in the time before the suicide The findings also showed that individuals bereaved by suicide were more often in contact with a GP related to mental health than the general population, even in the years before they lost someone to suicide. This suggests that many in this group also experienced poorer mental health in the period before the suicide. The study cannot say anything about why this is so, but the authors believe this may have several explanations. "Previous research has shown that many who live close to people in crisis have had great stress in the years before the suicide, and this in turn can have a negative effect on mental health. "We also know that mental disorders are one of many factors that increase the chance of dying by suicide, so it would be natural to think that their loved ones may have an increased chance of having poor mental health themselves because they will share a number of risk factors linked to both heritage and environment with the deceased," says Belanger. Predominance of men among those who do not see a GP The data showed that it was male relatives and those who had lost a sibling to suicide who were least likely to be in contact with a GP after the death. There is therefore reason to fear that these groups are particularly vulnerable to not getting the help they need. "Previous research has shown that shame and stigma can be a barrier to seeking help for those left behind after suicide, so it may also be that many who are struggling are not seeking help in the health care system," states Belanger. About the study The study used data from the National Population Register and the Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursements Database (KUHR) to identify adult surviving spouses, cohabitants, parents, children and siblings and follow their contact with a GP in the years before and after a suicide loss. A total of 25,580 individuals bereaved by suicide in the period from 20062020 were included in the study. "Unfortunately, we could not include other groups that we know tend to be strongly affected by suicide, such as friends and lovers who are not cohabitants," explains Belanger. As the authors were interested in the bereaved's mental health, and only consultations with an associated diagnosis code for mental health were investigated. A weakness of the study is that the authors did not have access to details of the reason for consultations, and the results cannot therefore be interpreted directly as follow-up after a suicidal loss since some consultations may be completely unrelated to the loss. Although there was an increase in the proportion who visited their GP, there was still a large proportion of survivors who were not in contact with their GP. "It could be that they didn't have such major problems that they needed help from the health care system or that they got help elsewhere, for example, support group services outside the public sector," suggests Belanger. It is also important to note that health service use does not directly reflect health status, as more factors than actual mental health affect the extent to which one seeks help from the health services. More information: Sissel Marguerite Belanger et al, General practitioner consultations for mental health reasons prior to and following bereavement by suicide, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02607-9 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 Xylazine is an FDA-approved sedative and pain reliever for use in animals, but it has severe adverse effects when used in humans. It is now illicitly being added to opioids, like fentanyl and heroin, as well as cocaineleading to a sharp rise in overdose deaths. Now, Scripps Research chemical biologists have developed a vaccine to block the effects of xylazine's toxicity. The vaccine works by training the immune system to attack the drug. This work is described in a paper published in Chemical Communications. "We demonstrated that a vaccine can reverse the symptoms of a xylazine overdose in rodents," says study senior author Kim D. Janda, Ph.D., the Ely R. Callaway, Jr. Professor of Chemistry at Scripps Research. "There is currently no remedy for xylazine poisoning other than supportive care; thus, we believe our research efforts and the data we have provided will pave the way for an effective treatment in humans." The rapid increase in lethal drug overdoses attributed to xylazine combined with fentanyl prompted the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to declare this combination an emerging threat to the United States. Xylazine intoxication presents similarly to opioid overdose, causing respiratory and central nervous system depression, and it can heighten the effects of opioids. However, naloxonetypically administered to reverse the effects of opioidsdoes not tackle the impact of xylazine, highlighting the need for effective measures to treat acute toxicity caused by xylazine. Researchers suspect xylazine works by reducing blood flow to the brain, among other areas of the body. The drug also causes non-healing skin lesions and wounds, often located on the forearms and lower legs, that can require amputation in some casesgiving it the nickname "zombie drug." Although no treatment currently exists, targeted vaccines may offer a solution. Vaccines nudge the immune system to create antibodies to fend off invaders. Antibodies can target viruses, bacteria and toxins. However, sometimes molecules are too small to initiate an immune response, as is the case with xylazine. So, to circumvent this problem, the researchers created a vaccine using a design principle that Janda pioneered, which relies on pairing the drug molecule (called a hapten) with a larger carrier molecule (a protein) and an adjuvant. In this study, the scientists combined a xylazine hapten with multiple different protein types, to see which combination would create a robust immune response against xylazine. The team tested three vaccine formulations (termed TT, KLH and CRM197, based on the protein involved) to see which vaccine cocktail could help rodents after being challenged with xylazine. One of the three vaccines (TT) significantly increased movement in mice given xylazine after 10 minutes, while two of the three vaccines (TT and KLH) led to an improvement in breathing. The scientists also examined how these vaccines would limit xylazine blood brain barrier, (BBB) permeation, a filtering mechanism that scrutinizes drug penetration. When xylazine was injected, it immediately crossed into the brain to bind with receptors. Antibodies typically cannot navigate the BBB; however, two of the three vaccines (TT and KLH) showed a strong ability to stop xylazine from reaching its receptors in the brain, limiting its detrimental effects. A provisional patent has been filed on the research. In the future, the team will build off this work to create a bifunctional antibody that will reverse both fentanyl and xylazine's toxicity simultaneously, something that naloxone cannot do. "A monoclonal antibody treatment could be given in tandem with the vaccine to provide both immediate and long-term protection from both opioid substance use disorders as well as opioid-xylazine overdoses," says Janda. "This strategy could make a significant impact on the opioid epidemic." More information: Mingliang Lin et al, Evaluation of a Hapten Conjugate Vaccine Against the "Zombie Drug" Xylazine, Chemical Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D4CC00883A Journal information: Chemical Communications Missoula's Parking Commission will likely no longer consider expanding paid parking into the evening, the city's parking director said on Wednesday, but other changes are still under consideration. The parking commission will still consider several changes to how the parking district operates, including adding paid parking to the Hip Strip and elsewhere, revising neighborhood parking and lease parking, and increasing fare and fine prices. Parking Director Jodi Pilgrim said the new plan will allow the commission to move into the 21st century, as the parking commission has not changed structurally since it was created in 1971. "The problem is we have an inflexible system," Pilgrim told the city's public works committee. "We charge in certain areas because we always have. We sell permits to certain use types because we have and we don't have the proper mechanism in place to change when change is required." The commission released an 89-page draft plan for the changes, which is available on the city of Missoula's engagement website. While the commission planned to adopt the plan this month, they pushed back the final decision to get more feedback. "The feedback I have received in the last two months about this recommendation is very mixed, but most feedback is against extending charging hours," Pilgrim said. "The thing I really like about this parking plan is it's a menu of options." The commission will look to approve parts of the draft plan during its board meeting in the second week of May. Utility study approved A city committee also approved roughly $638,000 for a new plan to better manage the city's water and wastewater infrastructure. Utility Project Manager Ross Mollenhauer said the city shifted to creating five-year plans to manage city utilities to find the best and most cost-effective ways to respond to Missoula's growth. The plan update will also address new state regulations, Mollenhauer said, as Montana has taken steps to require higher levels of quality for water discharged into natural water bodies like the Clark Fork River. The first city utility plan was commissioned in 2018 and it will expire at the end of this year. The city will finalize a new plan once the study is complete. "It's going to give us more information on how we spend our money in the best manner," Mollenhauer. The money for the study will come from capital infrastructure improvement funds and the city's water enterprise fund. The capital improvement funds come from a state revolving fund for wastewater. The council will decide on final approval of the utility study at its April 8 meeting. This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2024 shows mechanical arms operating at an intelligent workshop in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua] East China's economic powerhouse Jiangsu Province pledged more efforts to develop new quality productive forces this year, with the goals of building new national labs and fostering more tech firms. Xu Kunlin, governor of Jiangsu, told a press conference on Tuesday that more efforts will be made to boost basic research, industrial upgrades, and business innovation. Xu said the province has allocated a total of 2.48 billion yuan (about 350 million U.S. dollars) for this year's basic research, including improving labs and advancing major research programs. One target is to boost the number of national labs led by the province to over 40 from the current 35. In terms of industrial upgrades, Xu said more efforts will be taken to promote strategic emerging industries and build future industrial systems, as well as make the manufacturing sector more intelligent, digitalized, and internet-connected. Xu cited a successful case of an upgraded traditional foundry enterprise in Suzhou City. Through intelligent transformation, the company's demonstration workshop improved its automation rate to over 90 percent, cut the product customization cycle from seven days to half a day, and more than doubled the per capita productivity. The governor said the province also aims to increase the number of high-tech businesses and small and medium-sized tech enterprises to 55,000 and 100,000 this year, respectively. Jiangsu will introduce a number of new policies to build an enterprise-led innovation system that features deep integration of enterprises, universities, and research institutes, Xu said. The province saw its regional gross domestic product increase 5.8 percent year on year to 12.82 trillion yuan in 2023, the second largest nationwide, only slightly lower than that of south China's Guangdong Province. After being forced to discuss its incoming budget while some questions unanswered, Muscatine Community School District now knows what to expect regarding its State Supplemental Aid amount. Last Wednesday, on March 27, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed House File 2612, officially raising the starting teacher pay to $50,000 within the state in addition to giving Iowa schools a 2.5% funding increase for the coming year. Muscatine Superintendent Clint Christopher provided a statement following the signing. In it, he noted that prior to the publication of Muscatine Community School District's Proposed Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025, the state had yet to set SSA. To meet deadlines for the public hearing, 0% SSA was used in the calculation, Christopher said. The initial publication sent out to Muscatine residents included a proposed tax rate of 14.08699, which was published before the legislature approved SSA. With this new bill, Christopher shared that the updated rate for Muscatine Community School District, when factoring in the 2.5% SSA increase, is now 13.52121. Tom Anderson, District Director of Finance & Budget, confirmed that this latest rate falls in line with the general trend of a steady decline that the Muscatine School District has been seeing since 2020. With one side of our funding formula dependent on student enrollment and we are a district with declining enrollment, the 2.5% had little effect on our overall general fund budget considerations and more of an effect on the property tax rate," Anderson said. Looking ahead to later this month, a second public hearing will be held on April 8 regarding the incoming budgets. That same day, the Muscatine school board is expected to certify the FY25 Budget, with an amendment to the FY24 Budget being done on May 20. American politics is so intensely stupid and nasty that it sometimes seems as if somebody made a series of wishes with a monkey's paw. The dark moral of "The Monkey's Paw," a 1902 short story by the English writer W.W. Jacobs that became a pop culture trope, is that you should be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. In 2008, the widespread wish for an African American president who would usher in a new "post-racial" politics yielded to an era of heightened obsession with and tensions over race. In 2016, the ancient dream of a capitalist outsider who would run government like a business delivered a man who ran the government like it was in the business of promoting and enriching him. In 2020, the notion that a non-military threat could unite a divided country around a common challenge gave way to sharp polarization over the management, treatment and origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. And then there's the dream of the third-party or independent candidate who can break the Republican-Democratic duopoly and deliver rational politics and policies unbeholden to special interests and fringe ideologues. Few scenarios are more attractive to Americans exhausted by the partisan bickering and sclerosis that define Washington. The hitch is that while voters and donors love the idea in the abstract, many recoil in the face of a flesh-and-blood third-party candidate. Organizations such as No Labels and the Libertarian and Green parties rightly highlight voter hunger for an alternative to Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, but they have struggled to find a human as popular as the wish. In some respects, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looks just like what people are longing for. He rejects both parties. And he claims to want to break the stranglehold of government bureaucracy, the cult of experts and the outsize power of corporate interests. But while the wish is for a passionate centrist independent of the extremes, Kennedy in reality is a crank who attempts to transcend left and right by peddling a dog's breakfast of conspiratorialism from across the ideological spectrum. Long before Trump, RFK Jr. was the original election denier, insisting that Republicans stole the 2004 election. Before COVID-19, Kennedy was already famous for falsely claiming that all vaccines are dangerous and that some cause autism. He also stands by his claim that cellphones and Wi-Fi cause cancer despite the lack of evidence of an increase in cancer rates amid exploding use of those technologies. Kennedy's default position is that official explanations are suspect, which is another way of saying that all conspiracy theories -- from 9/11 trutherism to fringe theories about the assassination of his own father to the idea that the COVID-19 virus was engineered to spare Jewish and Chinese people -- deserve the benefit of the doubt. It's as if his entire political persona were designed to monetize what the political historian Richard Hofstadter called "the paranoid style in American politics." It's a testament to the pervasiveness of the paranoid style that it's difficult to figure out which party Kennedy will take more votes from. "Our campaign is a spoiler all right," Kennedy said last week while announcing his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, in Oakland. "It is a spoiler for President Biden and for President Trump." But there's the rub: The same duopoly that Kennedy is running against ensures that he can be a spoiler for only one candidate. Hofstadter also said, "Third parties are like bees: once they have stung, they die." And the party they sting is the one they are closest to. As of now, it looks like Kennedy wants to sting leftward, at Biden. His choice of Shanahan -- a progressive, young, Asian American, California-based tech lawyer -- is one indication. Another: Timothy Mellon, the biggest donor to Kennedy's Super PAC, is also the biggest donor to Trump's. It seems unlikely that spoiling Trump's candidacy would be his priority. In Jacobs' story (spoiler alert), the protagonist uses the monkey's paw to wish for 200 pounds to pay off his mortgage. The next day, he learns that his son was fatally mangled in an industrial accident and receives a bereavement payment in that amount. After the funeral, the grieving father wishes his son brought back to life. But as he hears a knock on the door, he realizes that the fulfillment of his wish would be a disfigured abomination and, panicked, makes his last wish. When he opens the door, no one's there. If you've ever fondly wished for deliverance from our two-party system, the man you hear knocking is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Latin women are known for a lot of great things, and they have a lot of myths and cliches thrown around them as well. What many people dont realize, however, is that Latin women arent really a single homogeneous block. Instead, they come in countless different ethnicities, cultures, and personality types. One of the most common, yet rarely talked about, is Afro Latina women. This type of Latina brides has many of the personality quirks youd expect from other Latin women, plus a few extras. So, when trying to find single Afro Latina women for marriage, there are quite a few details you ought to be aware of. 1. If you thought Latinas are passionate, get ready for everything youve been expecting times x5 Its widely accepted that Latina brides are just more passionate and emotional than other people. Their love is intense, and so is their hatred so much so that even when they are calm and content, they still appear livelier than everyone else in the room. All this is even truer for Afro Latina brides. Thats just the culture in most Latin American countries, especially in their more multi-ethnic regions and neighborhoods, and you can expect most single Latin women you meet online to be like that. What this means for the courting, dating, and even marriage parts of your relationship is that you need to be able to match her energy, but you also need to be able to tone things down the right way. Most Afro Latina brides can very easily get bored with you if you dont at least occasionally share their enthusiasm for life. At the same time, these Latinas passion can quickly get out of hand after even just a single misstep. Additionally, they occasionally need to rest like everyone else too, and its essential to give them their space for that as well. All in all, dating an Afro Latina woman is much like dancing with fire exhilarating but tricky too. 2. Even the most gorgeous coqueta Afro Latina arm candy will see you as her arm candy too Many Western men see dating a gorgeous Latina as a badge of honor almost like some sort of achievement or a big-game hunting trophy. For the sake of this articles brevity, well gloss over the clear problems with this attitude womens objectification is a long and complicated topic that much brighter people than us have already written much about. However, something extra to keep in mind during your future dating efforts is that youll kind of be her arm candy as well. Most Afro Latina brides are used to the objectification and sexualization for better or for worse so much so that they often reverse it back onto men as well. After all, it does make sense if you want a stunning beauty to show off to your friends, its only fair that she expects the same from you, right? 3. She is used to being hyper-sexualized, but that doesnt mean she always likes it Going off of the previous point, Latin women, and Afro Latinas in particular, are probably the most hyper-sexualized women globally right now. Almost every single Afro Latina you meet online on dating sites such as those on BridesUniverse will be both used to and sometimes tired of the constant sexualization her many suitors have put her through. This doesnt mean you should refrain from complimenting her looks or anything everyone loves it when their beauty is acknowledged. However, this does mean you should try to both be tactful at times and creative when it counts. Your future Afro Latina wife has likely already heard all the boilerplate compliments, shes used to the catcalls and the whistling, and she knows most men around her want her for her looks. So, if you want to not only get her attention but also earn her affection, you need to make sure your compliments are both unique and respectful, and youd do well to show her that you want to be with her for more than just her appearance. 4. Shes a good listener, but she also has a lot to say Latin culture is much more open and communicative than its Western or Asian counterparts. This means your potential Afro Latin wife will be used to a near-constant stream of communication, and shell often be open and receptive to hearing you out and listening to your problems and opinions. Whats more, as most Latin cultures are quite traditional and religious, most Latina brides are used to following the mans lead. At the same time, however, most Latin women would also expect to be heard when they speak up. And you can absolutely expect your Latina date to have things to say. Whats more, shell expect to be listened to and acknowledged too shell expect her opinion to be just as valuable to you as yours is to her. A lot of Western men make the mistake of assuming that if a girl comes from a traditional culture, she is therefore submissive thats far from the case for Afro Latina brides. Your future Latin wife will likely let you be the man of the house, but the emphasis here is on the fact that she will let you she will treat this as a privilege she is giving you, not as something youll just get automatically. 5. Shes both used to and tired of all the racism shes facing especially when it comes to her education and career prospects Its no secret that both Latinos and African Americans still face a lot of racism in the U.S. This goes doubly for Afro-Latinas, especially given that many people dont even realize how significant this ethnicity actually is. There are about 6 million Afro Latino people in the U.S. right now, and tens of millions of others in Central and South America. Needless to say, you shouldnt be racist toward a girl youre courting for marriage. More than that, however, its worth it to be aware of the reality shes living in. This is doubly true when it comes to her educational and vocational opportunities, as Afro Latina girls in the U.S. continue to face a disproportional number of obstacles compared to other ethnicities. 6. She wants to take care of you, but also to be taken care of Much of Latin American culture revolved around people looking out for one another, and taking care of each other. This is especially true within the household, where women are expected to take care of the family and make sure both their husbands and kids have everything they need. This doesnt mean the man is solely expected to provide finances and security, however. Afro Latina brides absolutely expect their partners to take care of them in every possible way as well help around the house, help with the kids, be mindful of her emotional needs, and more. An Afro Latina bride is the type of woman who demands a lot but gives a lot back too. Ruiru Magistrate Charles Mwaniki yesterday postponed John Mataras bail ruling in a robbery with violence case involving one of his victims in Kahawa Wendani last year. The decision was made after Probation Officer Margaret Manda failed to present the probation report in court on Tuesday. In March, Magistrate Mwaniki directed the Officer to submit a report to guide the court on the amount of cash bail or bond required for Mataras release. The court had previously determined that the state had not provided compelling reasons to deny the accused release on bail or bond terms. RELATED New Charges Leveled Against John Matara for Attack on Woman in Kahawa Wendani However, on Tuesday, Officer Manda informed the court that although the report was prepared, she could not submit it. She explained that the county director had not yet approved it and that the regional officer also needed to give it a nod before it could be submitted to the court. Manda requested two weeks to facilitate the process. Simultaneously, Mataras lawyer, Samwel Ayora, announced that he would allocate time to collect the necessary documents from the prosecution. The state did not contest the submissions or requests. Magistrate Mwaniki directed the Probation Office to provide the report on April 24, coinciding with a mention on the hearing date. The government says it will not succumb to pressure to open Kenyan skies and grant foreign carriers easy access to various airports within the country. This in response to a push, both internally and externally, for Kenya to allow various carriers to fly into different airports in the country, especially Mombasa and Kisumu. Various stakeholders, including the tourism industry and a segment of the airline industry, have lobbied for the opening up of not just Kenyan skies but African skies, noting that such a move would significantly impact air travel on the continent. They argue it would increase connectivity within Africa, lower the cost of flying within the continent, and lead to a tourism boom. However, a section of the aviation industry has expressed concerns that such a move would crush local carriers that might not have the capacity to compete with international airlines. They also note that, at the moment, a significant chunk of their business involves providing last-mile connections to passengers of international carriers, particularly to destinations such as Mombasa and Kisumu. Opening up these routes to international carriers to fly directly could jeopardize their businesses, they argue. The Transport Ministry has now backed the local carriers, stating it will not open up local skies, the Financial Standard reports. Lack of Reciprocity Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted that aside from the need to protect the local industry, there are other considerations, including the lack of reciprocity by other countries for national carrier Kenya Airways to fly directly to some of their local routes. We are also working hard to protect our airline industry from unfair competition. I know there are competing interests for players in the tourism sector, who want us to open the routes in this country for all airlines to fly directly, especially Mombasa, he said as quoted. It is my responsibility to balance all these interests, including those of the tourism industry, but also protecting investments in transport services. We want to protect our local airlines from unfair competition, especially considering the time, energy and resources it takes to invest in an airline. Murkomen mentioned that Kenya has faced pressure from carriers of countries with bilateral air agreements with Kenya. He pointed out that these countries are reluctant to reciprocate the move and open up their airspaces to Kenya Airways to fly into different cities. Open sky policy is not open but regulated for the best interest of the country both in terms of unfair competition but also ensuring that we get reciprocal treatment, he said. The airline space also operates on the principle of reciprocity. Our international negotiation in terms of routes and allowing airlines to fly here must be balanced with the interest of Kenya to fly to those markets. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) dealers have initiated legal action to challenge the governments newly established regulations following the Embakasi fire explosion. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) issued the directives on February 26, 2024, mandating all companies involved in liquefied petroleum gas to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. EPRA directed dealers to hold operational licenses and allow the Authority access to the CCTV cameras to ensure compliance. However, the gas dealers, represented by the Independent Gas Dealers Association of Kenya, argue that the regulator issued the directive without a legal or policy foundation and without subjecting it to public participation. The distributors claim that they were not consulted before the directive to install CCTV cameras was issued. The directive came as a surprise to the petitioner and its members because it seems to target only specific liquefied petroleum gas dealers without clear criteria for selection, said Ahmed Mohamed, the associations treasurer. Data Collection They express concerns that EPRAs directive would require members to provide all their dealership information and operations to the agency without assurance of how the collected data would be used. It is unreasonable for the first respondent to tie the implementation of the directive to the interested parties operational licenses when the respondent is aware or ought to be aware that it is not possible to implement the directive within 21 days considering the logistics of implementation, Mohamed submitted to the court. The dealers also pointed out to the court that more than 100 gas dealers were unhappy with the mandate to install CCTVs on their premises. They also opposed the requirement to obtain approval from the Data Protection Commissioner for data collection and storage. The dealers argued that EPRAs directive would harm their businesses, jeopardize thousands of jobs, and violate their privacy by monitoring their operations. They requested the court to declare the directive to install CCTVs illegal and unconstitutional and sought an order to overturn it. The dealers urged the court to prevent EPRA from accessing data or information beyond legal limits in gas-filling areas and to compel the regulator to pay damages for breaching rights and failing to involve the public in the decision-making process. A suspect has appeared in court in connection with the attack on Juja Police Station commander John Misoi during a crackdown on illicit brew in Gachoro village. At the Thika Law Courts, Chief Magistrate Philip Mutua presided over the arraignment of Peter Karanja, where the prosecution and investigating officer, David Gacheru, applied to hold him for 10 days to complete investigations. Gacheru informed the court during the application that the injured officer has yet to provide a statement, and they are awaiting a medical report to fill out the P3 form. Granting the application, Magistrate Mutua noted that the matter is of public interest since the officer was attacked in the line of duty. The case will be mentioned on April 11, 2024. Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua paid a visit to Officer Misoi at Avenue Hospital in Thika on Tuesday. Alleged brewers and sellers of illicit alcohol shot the officer with an arrow on Easter Monday, causing an injury to his right leg. Gachagua personally assured Misoi of support throughout his recovery and issued a warning that those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone attempting similar acts against law enforcement officers, will face tough consequences. The Deputy President reiterated the governments commitment to combating illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse. What we have seen in Juja is an attempt by criminals to attack police officers so that they can give up on this exercise. I want to assure them and the people of Kenya that this has just strengthened our resolve to fight. I want to thank all our police officers in the country from the Inspector General and his two deputies, all the county and regional security teams down to the junior officers for the good job they are doing, said the DP. Special Economic Zones Authority (Seza) Chief Executive Dr. Kenneth Chelule said preparations are almost complete for the inaugural auction of used Japanese cars in Naivasha, Nakuru County. Addressing attendees during the Sossit talent and field day in Bureti constituency, Dr. Chelule stated that the auction will reshape the automotive landscape across Africa by drastically reducing the cost of importing Japanese vehicles. For years, lovers of Japanese vehicles have had to incur huge expenses importing cars from Japan and dealing with the complexities of trading through the Japanese Yen, he said. But that is now going to change through the launch of the Naivasha motor vehicle auction. The cost of the vehicles will be significantly lower. Dr Chelule mentioned that one of the key advantages of this initiative is the decision to conduct transactions in Kenyan shillings, thereby eliminating the complications associated with foreign currency transactions and empowering local buyers. Motor vehicle buyers from the rest of African countries will have to buy the Kenyan shilling to trade and thus make the shilling stronger, he said as quoted by the Financial Standard. The auction is scheduled to open to the public on April 24, 2024 at Naivashas dry port. You are here: Business China's leading liquor maker Kweichow Moutai posted an operating revenue of 150.56 billion yuan (about 20.81 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 18.04 percent year on year. Its net profit also rose 19.16 percent year on year to 74.73 billion yuan last year, the company said in its annual report issued on Tuesday night. Distilled in the town of Maotai in southwest China's Guizhou Province, this famed liquor is often served at state banquets. The Salaries and Remunerations Commission (SRC) is against a proposal to lower the statutory retirement age in Kenya. (SRC) chairperson Lyn Mengich asserts that the mandatory retirement age in Kenya should remain at 60. Currently, public servants and teachers have a mandatory retirement age capped at 60 years and 65 for those abled differently. However, Parliament has received a legislative proposal to lower the statutory retirement age to 55. Introduced by Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, the Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 also aims to amend the current Act by prohibiting any officer from serving in an acting capacity for more than six months. Proponents of the proposal insist that it seeks to provide more young people with opportunities to grow professionally in the service. However, Mrs Mengich stated on Tuesday that lowering the retirement age would compel the nation to incur a higher pensionable liability, as more Kenyans would now be pensionable. You need to look at whats the common trend worldwide because that gives us a benchmark and of course, there are countries where there is no retirement age, she said on Spice FM. Mengich further argued that disposing of employees at a fairly young age would be impractical, especially when they still possess rich experience that boosts the Kenyan workforce. The conversation should be what works for Kenya. If you say people retire at 55 it means they are pensionable at 55 yet they are people who are still productive, they can contribute effectively to the country. RELATED High Court Petitioned to Scrap Mandatory Retirement Age In Kiplombe, Baringo County, a police officers wife allegedly stabbed him to death for arriving home late. According to Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu, Officer Vincent Kipterim, 28, attached to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) in Mandera County, was on leave when the incident occurred. Kiragu stated that Kipterims wife, ZamZam Bashir, 26, allegedly attacked him with a machete after he arrived home at around 3 am on Tuesday. The officer recounted that the suspect reported the incident to the deceaseds brother, the Standard reports. The officer was on leave, he came home late, a quarrel erupted leading to the deceased being stabbed by his wife, he was rushed to Eldama Ravine Sub County Hospital but succumbed to the injuries, said Commander Kiragu as quoted. Police have since arrested the woman, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. The officers body was taken to Eldama Ravine Morgue, awaiting postmortem examination. Many musicians start their careers playing for tips and beers in local bars, but Shelby Darrall played her first shows in Napa Valleys wineries. Some of the Calistoga natives first memories on stage are at Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford and Regusci Winery when she was in high school, performing hours of popular cover songs while tourists enjoyed wine tastings. She would sing hours-long sets of covers, and occasionally slip in one or two original songs. I would throw in a few just to see if anybody turned their head," she said. "I didn't want people to, I didnt want the songs to stand out, I wanted them to be as good as the others I was playing. Now, Darrall has sung her original music at the famed Ryman Auditorium and yes, her fair share of bars in her new hometown of Nashville. Most recently, she released a new single, When I Dont Love You, in March. Darrall said a lot of the inspiration for her writing comes from growing up here in Calistoga. Country music was engrained in her childhood. She remembers the anticipation of the annual fair each summer and traveling around to hear her father's band, Silver Creek, play in Napa Valley and the rest of Northern California. We just waited all year for the fair because that meant country music was going to come play, and we got to go watch it, Darrall said. The music her dad played also shaped her music taste and style, according to Darrall. I kind of just grew up always around country rock. I loved it, and I just picked it up, she said. The Eagles, The Chicks and lots of 1990s country filled her house while she was growing up. But Darrall said that in her songwriting, she finds inspiration in a lot of other genres, like punk rock. Some of her more up-tempo tracks, like Little Man and Hope He Hears This, have punk-style big drums and loud guitars. Darralls latest release, When I Dont Love You, is more stripped-down and emotional. She said the song, like most of her work, was inspired by her life experience. When I Dont Love You is about seeing an ex-boyfriend out of the blue. He'd said something like, Wow, you look so different, and I remember thinking, No, I look the same, I haven't changed anything. It made me realize the only difference is that you have no hold on me anymore. I don't feel wrapped around your finger. Darrall said many of her songs come from stories or moments like this that she brings to writing sessions with her co-writers. She said the experience of writing and playing original music can be vulnerable like opening up your diary and saying, 'Here you go!' Getting to share music with an audience that relates to it is worth it, though. There's something really cool about telling your own story, and especially if you're telling it in front of an audience that knows the songs, Darrall said. If they're singing them with me, it immediately makes me cry because it feels like I did something right. This summer, Darrall will be playing live a lot, playing a few summer festivals, including some personal bucket-list shows. I've played at the (Sonoma) fairgrounds with my dad when I was like 10, and I'm coming back. I'm playing Country Summer this year, which I'm so excited about, Darrall said. My best friend and I have pictures of us going since we were tiny, so it's pretty cool to get to be a part of that. She also has her first solo headline show planned for Napa at Blue Note. Throughout the spring and summer, Darrall said shell be dropping more singles and getting ready to release a full album. She said fans can expect a good mix of ballads to cry with and anthems to dance to, and maybe even a fun collaboration for a love song. It's leading to an album," said Darrall. "And I think thatll be across the board and have a lot of feelings. Itll hopefully cover a lot of ground for people and myself. To listen to Darrall's music, visit shelbydarrall.com. The nonprofit Song for Charlie, in partnership with the city of St. Helena and the UpValley Family Centers, will hold a free community fentanyl awareness event from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Cameo Cinema. The evening will include the 30-minute documentary "The New Drug Talk" screening at 5:30 p.m. The film is produced by Song for Charlie, a California-based, national nonprofit spreading fentanyl awareness across the state and country, as part of a collaboration with the California Department of Health Care Services. Teen drug deaths have skyrocketed by 550% from 2018 to 2022, with 84% of teen deaths involving fentanyl. The St. Helena community will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the crisis from all angles during a free film screening and expert panel. The event will dive into the new and rapidly changing drug landscape, the dangers of illicit fentanyl and fake pills, with information on how to keep loved ones safe. Immediately following the film, local journalist and advocate Christina Julian will moderate a panel and Q&A with experts including: Dr. Colleen Townsend, family physician, co-chair, Napa Opioid Safety Coalition, regional medical director, Partnership HealthPlan of California; Laura Didier, outreach coordinator, Song for Charlie; Marisha Chilcott, local, board-certified family physician and CEO of Be the Change in Mental Health; and Michelle Leopold, a bereaved mother who lost her son Trevor while he was attending Sonoma State University. Fake pills have been found in all 50 states and are the main reason fentanyl-involved deaths are the highest and fastest-growing among youth. Like far too many families, we suffered an unspeakable loss because our son didnt know the pill he was buying was fake and could be deadly, said Ed Ternan, co-founder of Song for Charlie, in a statement. Today, more young Americans understand that danger than they did last year but millions remain at risk because they dont understand just how grave the consequences can be of taking a pill purchased from an illegitimate source. The event comes just two weeks before National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 7. Founded by parents who have lost loved ones to this crisis, NFAD uses education as the first step in preventing tragic outcomes in a day dedicated to confronting the alarming rise in deaths linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. In a study conducted by Song For Charlie, two-thirds (67%) of young Americans reported awareness of drug-related deaths involving fentanyl, but only about half (48%) say they are aware of fentanyl being used to create counterfeit pills. Our community is not immune to the dangers of fentanyl and we can save lives when we come together to learn and take action," said St. Helena City Councilmember Anna Chouteau. "I attended a similar event in Calistoga and had important and meaningful conversations with my family and friends after. The more we understand the risks and how to protect ourselves and our loved ones, the better and stronger we are in facing the fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is being found in nearly all street drugs, including cocaine and heroin, and in fake pills being sold on social media and in communities across the country. The synthetic drug is now involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide and other accidents. It might feel like our community and kids are sheltered from the dangers of fentanyl, but the reality paints a very different picture. Fentanyl is affecting everyone, everywhere, said Julian, who lost her 22-year-old niece to a fake, fentanyl-laced pill in 2021. The event is presented by the City of St. Helena, UpValley Family Centers and Song for Charlie, together with the Napa Opioid Safety Coalition, which will be on site to offer training and free Narcan/naloxone, a life-saving opioid reversal medication. Ray Ray's will provide free tacos. Spanish interpretation is available. RSVP for this free event at songforcharlie.org/rsvp-st-helena-new-drug-talk-screening. ST. HELENA Neighbors are trying to stop the rezoning of a Spring Street vineyard that's been listed as a potential housing site. St. Helena officials say the city has already missed a state-imposed deadline and needs to go ahead with the rezonings promised in St. Helena's Housing Element. That includes rezoning the 4.4-acre Quaglia family vineyard between Valley View Street and Hudson Avenue from medium-density residential to high-density residential use. California informed the city on March 26 that St. Helena is out of compliance with state law and will remain so until the "housing opportunity sites" are rezoned. Being out of compliance jeopardizes the citys access to state funds, leaves it vulnerable to lawsuits, and raises the specter of developers using the builders remedy to build housing projects that can legally exceed local height limits, setbacks, and other zoning and general plan standards. Yet neighbors say they were surprised by the proposed rezoning and fear it could lead to a dense multi-story housing project on the vineyard. Under the high-density residential zoning, the site could accommodate 114 housing units. The only reason we are here is that nobody knew what was going on, said Mike Quaglia, who co-owns the property. We had no input. The vineyard is the latest flashpoint in a slow-growth city that has struggled to adapt to increased state pressure on small towns to build more housing. The city received more than 90 written comments on the matter, most of them objecting to the rezoning. About a dozen people spoke out against the rezoning at Tuesday's Planning Commission hearing. Commissioners recommended that staff explore whether the state will let the city identify potential housing units somewhere else in lieu of rezoning the vineyard. If that effort is unsuccessful by the time the council considers the rezoning tentatively on April 23 the council could go ahead with the rezonings. Once the city is back in compliance with state law, staff could look at revising the city housing element to identify potential housing sites somewhere else and allow the vineyard to revert back to medium-density zoning. Commission chair John Ponte noted that California refused to certify the housing element until the council approved a tentative map for the 87-unit Hunter project. They are holding a sword over our head and using it every opportunity they get, Ponte said, adding that St. Helena cant afford an expensive legal battle. Under pressure The 2023 housing element shows how St. Helena can satisfy its Regional Housing Needs Allocation the number of new homes that Bay Area cities and counties must plan for every eight years of 256 housing units by 2031. The state rejected a few drafts before certifying St. Helena's housing element last September. That delay caused the city to fall behind schedule and miss a Jan. 31 deadline to rezone the opportunity sites. During the back-and-forth over the housing element, state officials noted that the west side of St. Helena has traditionally had less affordable housing than the east side. In the interests of fair housing, the state required land on the west side to be rezoned to high-density use to allow for more lower-income housing. That's one reason the city is under pressure to rezone the Quaglia vineyard. The vineyard has been designated for residential use since the 1975 general plan, zoned medium-density residential since the 1990s, and identified as a housing opportunity site in the last three housing elements. During the latest housing element cycle, the state took a more aggressive approach by requiring local governments to rezone sites that have been repeatedly identified as housing opportunity sites but never developed. City staff say the list of housing opportunity sites and proposed rezonings was vetted and publicized through online notifications, newspaper articles, focus groups, community workshops, and public hearings in front of the City Council and Planning Commission. None of those hearings were as contentious as Tuesday's three-hour hearing, where some neighbors said they never heard about the proposed rezoning until March. Linda Reiff, who lives across the street from the vineyard, urged the city to work with us to come up with a positive solution. Id like us to hunker down here and get back to our roots, she said. Were an agricultural community where we figure things out. Napa real estate: What do you get for $539,500 in Napa these days? The least expensive home sold in Napa The least expensive home sold in Napa The least expensive home sold in Napa The least expensive home sold in Napa The least expensive home sold in Napa The least expensive home sold in Napa The least expensive home sold in Napa Chinese dam project in Pakistan reopens after attack Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, visits Chinese workers, vowing to put in place "foolproof" security arrangements. File photo: AFP A Chinese contractor has resumed construction on a major dam site in northwestern Pakistan after being provided with extra security, officials said on Wednesday, following a deadly attack on Chinese engineers. Power China and the China Gezhouba Group Company had halted work on a pair of dam projects last month in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after a suicide bomber killed five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver, causing their van to plunge into a deep ravine. Hundreds of Chinese people are employed at the Dasu and Diamer Bhasha dam construction sites, located around 100 kilometres apart in the mountainous region. Power China resumed work on the Diamer Bhasha dam on Monday after security was "significantly increased", Nazakat Hussain, a spokesman for the project, said. Pakistani police have detained more than 12 people, including Afghan nationals, in connection with the bombing. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Chinese workers earlier this week, vowing to put in place "foolproof" security arrangements and promising "exemplary punishment" of attackers. (AFP) Nato chief eyes five-year aid package for Ukraine Nato foreign ministers on Wednesday debated the creation of a 100-billion-euro (HK$848.0 billion) fund for Ukraine, as alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg urged them to guarantee long-term arms supplies for Kyiv's outgunned forces. Stoltenberg pitched the five-year fund for Kyiv and a plan to deepen Nato's involvement in delivering weapons in a bid to shield support in the face of a potential return by Donald Trump to the US presidency. The Nato secretary general said allies "agreed to move forward with planning for a greater Nato role in coordinating security assistance and training" with the view to reaching a deal by a summit in Washington in July. "The details will take shape in the weeks to come. But make no mistake, Ukraine can rely on Nato support now and for the long haul," he said, after foreign ministers held talks in Brussels. Despite a welcome for the proposed fund from staunch Ukraine allies such as Poland and the Baltic states there appeared to be considerable scepticism among other allies. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock backed setting up "long-term structures" to support Kyiv, but warned against "juggling in the air" vague figures. Belgium's top diplomat Hadja Lahbib insisted the proposal that envisions Nato members contributing according to the size of their economy was not "charity". "But it is dangerous to make promises that we cannot keep," she said. The second plank of Stoltenberg's plan which appeared to get a warmer welcome envisions a Nato mission taking more control of coordinating arms supplies from a US-led grouping currently overseeing support. The move would mark a major shift for the Western military alliance, which has so far refused as an organisation to send weapons to Ukraine for fear it would drag Nato closer to a conflict with Russia. But Hungary -- the friendliest country towards Russia in Nato -- said it would not support any proposal that might "draw the alliance closer to war". Stoltenberg said he had tried to reach a compromise with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban but diplomats said the right-wing populist had rebuffed a possible opt-out clause. Stoltenberg's proposals came as Ukraine's forces are struggling to hold back Russia in the face of dwindling supplies from Kyiv's Western backers. A US$60-billion US funding package is currently stalled in Congress but there are hopes lawmakers could move to pass it in the coming weeks. "The Ukrainians are not running out of courage. They're running out of ammunition," Stoltenberg said. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba arrived in Brussels more focused on the short-term need for air defence in the face of a surge in Russian missile bombardments. "Ukraine is currently the only country in the world that defends itself against ballistic missile attacks almost every day," he wrote on the X social media platform after meeting his Polish counterpart. (AFP) SIU School of Law Simonds lecture to focus on presidential power by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. Legal historian, bestselling author and entrepreneur Logan Beirne will discuss presidential power through the nations history during a lecture on April 9 at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Law. Beirne will present A History of Presidential Power at 5:30 p.m. in the law schools Hiram H. Lesar Building Auditorium. A reception is at 5 p.m. in the formal lounge. The lecture, part of the series, is free and open to the public. Beirne is a faculty fellow and lecturer in law at Yale Law School and CEO of DealPulse, Inc. He co-founded and led Matterhorn Transactions, a legal tech company that serviced thousands of law firms across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, which he sold to an acquirer in 2023. Beirne published the bestselling book Blood of Tyrants: George Washington & the Forging of the Presidency, which examines how the battlefield decisions of the founders continue to shape the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. The book received the Colby Award and the Lincoln Medal. Beirne and his writings have been featured by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Times, Reuters, National Review and other media outlets. In the lecture, Beirne will focus on how George Washingtons Revolutionary War precedents shape the powers of modern presidents today. Whether we are debating NSA surveillance, immigration, or even drones, the founding era directly affects today, he said. When you scratch the surface of technologys veneer, it is fundamentally about the same issues our founders faced: what are the powers of government vs. the rights of citizens. Unique background Zvi Rosen, an assistant professor of law, recommended Beirne present this years lecture. He notes Beirnes varied background as a lecturer, legal historian, businessman and author. In discussing presidential power through history, Beirnes presentation will further reflect his deep and unique knowledge and experience, Rosen said. I hope the audience takes away a new appreciation of how past is prologue, and the context of understanding the evolution of presidential power through the centuries, Rosen said. Beirne will meet with SIU student groups and visit classes while he is on campus, including Rosens business organizations class. Rosen said hes excited for Beirne to visit the class given Beirnes experience on Wall Street, where Beirne worked in investment banking for JP Morgan and private equity for GE Equity. Beirne earned his bachelors degree in finance from Fairfield University and his law degree from Yale Law School. He was also a Fulbright Scholar at Queens University. I am honored to give the Simonds Lecture and strive to empower our audience with the information they need to lead the United States into a better future working to further our great nation as they deem best, Beirne said. Seventh lecture in series The series was established in 2015 through a gift from Emma K. Katy Simonds. The funds support a lecture, symposium or debate on a topic of current or recurring public interest, which explores commonsense solutions to issues related to the common good by applying principles of limited government, popular sovereignty, personal liberty, personal responsibility and federalism. (Editors note: Beirnes last name is pronounced Burn.) SIUs Paul Simon Institute hosts leading Chicago business executive CARBONDALE, Ill. John W. Rogers Jr., a nationally prominent and respected entrepreneur based in Chicago, will visit Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Thursday, April 11, to discuss his path-breaking career in business, public service and philanthropy. Rogers will join John Shaw, institute director, for a fireside conversation to reflect on Rogers remarkable career, the history and mission of his firm, Ariel Investments, and the lessons he has learned from his active participation in business and public service. The conversation is at 5 p.m. in the SIU School of Law Auditorium, Room 120. A reception is planned from 4 to 5 p.m. in the law schools formal lounge. Registration to attend the lecture is not required but is recommended. Rogers is the founder and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, which is the first Black-owned asset management firm in the United States. Ariel manages nearly $15 billion in assets. We are eager to hear firsthand about John Rogers very consequential and inspiring career, Shaw said. Mr. Rogers has been successful at the highest levels of the corporate world and has always found time to give back to his community. He is a pillar of the Illinois and the American business community. The conversation will consider some of the pioneering concepts that undergird Ariel Investments, including active patience, independent thinking, focused expertise and bold teamwork. We are also eager to learn what suggestions John has for SIU students who are preparing for their own professional careers, Shaw added. Rogers is from Hyde Park and graduated from Princeton University. He founded Ariel Investments in 1983, just three years after graduating from college. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Rogers on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu. More information, a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events are available. PRNewswire Innsbruck [Austria], April 2: In an era when digital threats are constantly multiplying and evolving, it's more important than ever to find security products that can keep up with them. A myriad of options is available, all of which make great claims about their own effectiveness. It can be hard to work your way through all of the different antivirus and other security programs on offer. AV-Comparatives News App:Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.avc.android.avc_newsApp Store: https://apps.apple.com/at/app/avc-news/id6477570540 Guide to IT security products Recognizing this need for clarity, AV-Comparatives is proud to present the "IT Security Products Overview". This provides an at-a-glance guide to current security-software manufacturers who hold a certificate from AV-Comparatives assuring effective products for Microsoft Windows, in both home-user and enterprise categories. This is a valuable aid to negotiating the maze of security products, and finding a reputable product that is right for your needs. Recommended antivirus products for enterprise users 2024: Avast , Bitdefender , Check Point , Cisco , CrowdStrike , Elastic , ESET , G Data , K7 , Kaspersky , Microsoft , Palo Alto Networks , Sophos , Trellix , Vipre , VMware A detailed overview how the enterprise endpoint protection antivirus products performed in a 365 long term av-test can be found here:https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/business-security-test-2023-august-november/ For EDR and XDR solutions please look here:https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/endpoint-prevention-response-epr-test-2023/ Recommended antivirus products for consumer users 2024: Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, ESET, G Data, Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft, TotalAV, Total Defense A detailed overview of how the consumer antivirus products performed in a 365 long term av-test can be found here:https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/summary-report-2023/ AV-Comparatives has been conducting industry-leading, rigorous independent tests of antivirus and other security software for over 20 years. For both consumer and business products, the Austrian institute conducts a Main-Test Series. To check the all-round effectiveness of the solutions, four separate tests are conducted. These cover protection against Internet-based threats, protection against malicious programs on external drives and network shares, false alarms, and impact on system speed. An Endpoint Prevention and Response (EPR) Test is also conducted for applicable enterprise products. AV-Comparatives invites IT-Security vendors to its certification process. https://www.av-comparatives.org/contact/ AV-Comparatives believe that staying informed about the latest advancements in IT security is crucial for adapting to the ever-changing threat landscape, and its IT Security Products Overview is provided to guide on that journey. For those seeking more details of certified products, AV-Comparatives' website offers detailed reports of all the individual tests and the respective results achieved by each of the tested products. These can further assist in finding the right product. Tests of security products for other platforms such as Mac and Android, and other product types such as VPNs, are also provided by AV-Comparatives. Again, detailed test reports can be found on the institute's website. AV-Comparatives remains committed to providing valuable insights and resources to empower individuals and businesses in their pursuit of robust cybersecurity. https://www.av-comparatives.org/enterprise/ About AV-Comparatives is an independent organisation offering systematic testing to examine the efficacy of security software products and mobile security solutions. Using one of the largest sample collection systems worldwide, it has created a real-world environment for truly accurate testing. AV-Comparatives offers freely accessible av-test results to individuals, news organisations and scientific institutions. Certification by AV-Comparatives provides a globally recognised official seal of approval for software performance. Contact: Peter Stelzhammer, e-mail: media@av-comparatives.org, phone: +43 720115542 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2373272/AV_Comparatives_IT_Security_News_App.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1093032/AV_Comparatives_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) Actor Eva Mendes paid tribute to her late brother Carlos Mendez who passed away in 2016 at the age of 53, following a battle with cancer, reported People. Eva, 50, posted a touching Instagram post on the anniversary of what would have been Carlos' 61st birth anniversary. "My mood today... captured by the coolest, Teri Garr. I post her because it's my brother's heavenly birthday today and he LOVED her. You can tell a lot by a person on who they crush on, looking back I didn't appreciate it, he was my annoying older brother, but now I realize he was cooler than I thought. It was me who didn't get it..." Mendes wrote. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RJq-5uBYb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Their younger brother, Carlo Mendez, 46, commented on the post, "I still can't believe it, it's gonna be 8 years since he passed. Unreal." The mom of two shared that she has a "complicated relationship" with the month of April. "Oh April... I have such a complicated relationship with you," wrote Mendes. "Tomorrow would have been my brother's birthday.....in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him...but then, at the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more," wrote Mendes on Instagram on Tuesday. Mendes previously spoke with People about the timing of her brother's death and the delivery of her second baby, describing it as a "tough" circumstance. "It's so tough," she said in November 2019. "Thank God I had my baby; it was a week after he passed. So there was something to move forward. There was poetry to it all." She expressed that one of her "favourite memories" with her brother included spending time together during the holidays. "My favorite memories are when he used to, at Thanksgiving or a big dinner or Christmas dinner, roast everybody -- but roast you hard. Of course, I miss him incredibly, and that's an understatement, but I'm holding on to that tradition," said Mendes. "I'm so happy that he gave me that," she continued. "I don't think I could carry it on the way he did, but those are some fun memories because he would really get raw," reported People. (ANI) Three people have been arrested for picking up the drone-dropped materials that were coming from across the Pakistan border, police said on Tuesday. The three Over Ground Worker (OGW) have been identified as Gulshan Naz, a resident of Kotranka (already arrested under the UAPA), Imtiaz Ahmed, and Abid Shah, a resident of Budhal, Rajouri. The police said that in this regard, the other seven OGWs have also been identified. Addressing a press conference, J-K DGP RR Swain said, "In a major security development, it becomes important to bring to the public domain those involved in transporting, hiding and delivering arms, ammunition, cash, and narcotics smuggled through drones from Pakistan." "Three people were arrested in the case of receiving goods using drones. Searches were conducted at their homes and digital evidence was recovered as to how they used to stay in touch with their handlers in Pakistan. Their forward linkages and money trail are being investigated," he added. DGP Swain further stated that the mastermind behind these operations is Mohd Qasim alias Salman alias Suleiman. "He belongs to Mahore but presently resides in Pakistan. Govt of India has declared him a designated terrorist under the UAPA. Yesterday, we declared a Rs 10 lakh bounty on him," the top cop said. He also stated that it had been found that Mohd Qasim was involved in a massive network of weapons, cash, and narcotics being smuggled into Rajouri and Poonch districts from Pakistan. "Mohd Qasim is a leader of the LeT and has been named in various terror incidents. He was the mastermind of the blast in a bus of pilgrims going to Katra, as well as the recent Narowal blast. He makes use of online messaging services with end-to-end encryption as well as VPN to lure people to work with him," Swain said. Swain stated that this operation is a "big achievement" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. (ANI) Jawaharlal Nehru University's Chief Proctor issued an official order regarding the sexual harassment case. "As per the complaint received from a female student in the Office of the Chief Proctor on 31st March 2024, the security report dated 1st April 2024 and depositions given by the complainant, witnesses and the security personnel revealed that Mr. Ashwary Pratap Singh (former student of JNU) was found involved in verbal abuse, derogatory remarks and intimidation to her and another student of JNU," the order stated. "Such acts are serious in nature and therefore, the whole JNU campus is declared out of bounds for Mr. Ashwary Pratap Singh with immediate effect. Anyone giving shelter to Mr Ashwary Pratap Singh in the premises of the University will invite strict disciplinary action against him/her as per the University rules," the order stated further. This comes after a student at JNU alleged that she was sexually harassed on the campus by a few students late Saturday night, officials said. The university administration has ordered an inquiry into the incident, the official said Monday. Meanwhile, the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) accused that people associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) responsible for the incident. In a statement, the JNUSU said, "It has come to our attention that on the intervening night of March 30-31, around 2 am, four people affiliated with the ABVP were found harassing female students at Ring Road in the presence of JNU security guards. They were found harassing and using derogatory remarks directed at the students. JNUSU strongly condemns this act of sexual harassment." The union further stated, "It was further noted that when the survivor went on to complain, the security took her ID card... We would like to state that JNUSU will not tolerate any attempts at normalising such acts, or any attempts at shielding the perpetrators. The students of JNU must unite against such normalisation of sexual harassment and the lax attitude of the administration and security in dealing with such grave cases." ANI reached out to the ABVP but received no response on the allegations. (ANI) According to Kathua police, one police personnel named Deepak Sharma got injured during the firing. The injured PSI has been admitted to the hospital and the police team is present at the incident spot, police added. The incident took place as a police team from Ramgarh police station was chasing the gangsters to arrest them, who were travelling in a car. The gangsters turned their vehicle to GMC Kathua and fired at the police, informed the police. Reinforcements have been rushed to the scene and a search is on for accomplices of the dead gangster. Further details into the matter awaited. (ANI) On China's claim regarding Arunachal Pradesh and EAM Dr S Jaishankar's response to it, Congress MP Manish Tewari slammed the centre and called the response "weak." "EAM S Jaishankar gave a wonderful statement yesterday. He said that if today I change the name of your house, will it become mine?... Such a weak response does not suit the Government of India and the External Affairs Minister of the country," said Tewari. Lashing out further, he said that those who have been espousing muscularity about Katchatheevu, it is unfortunate and regrettable that they are scared of even uttering the word China. Recently, China released a list of 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh in a bid to assert its claim over India's northeastern state. India has been rejecting such renaming of places by China. According to a March 30 report in its state-run Global Times, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs released a fourth list of standardized geographical names in Zangnan, the name that China uses for Arunachal Pradesh. According to the official website of the ministry, 30 additional publicly used place names in the Zangnan region have been officially revealed, the Global Times report said. The Chinese Civil Affairs Ministry released the first list of the so-called standardised names of six places in Zangnan in 2017, while the second list of 15 places was issued in 2021 followed by another list with names for 11 places in 2023. Reacting to Beijing's action, the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday firmly rejected China's attempt to rename several places in Arunachal Pradesh saying assigning invented names will "not alter the reality that the state will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed gratitude to the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his remarkable service to the nation for 33 years, as the latter retired from Rajya Sabha. https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1775387425705279649?s=20 CM Stalin in a post on X said, "On behalf of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and myself, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your remarkable service to the nation as a member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) for 33 years." CM Stalin added in his post: "Throughout your tenure, you have displayed a rare combination of humility, intellect, and statesmanship, earning respect and admiration from across the political spectrum. Your leadership, particularly during challenging times, has been a source of inspiration for many, including myself. "As you transition into a new phase of your life, I hope you take pride in your immense contribution to Indian Union and its people," CM Stalin said. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In his letter to the former PM, the Congress chief said, "After having served for more than three decades, an era has come to an end." "I remember President Obama mentioning about you that whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him," Kharge said in the post. "Personally, it has been a privilege for me to have been a part of your cabinet. Over the last 10 years, while I have been the leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, you have always been a source of wisdom and someone whose advice I valued. Over the last few years, you have made it a point to be available for the Congress party despite personal inconveniences. For this, the party and I will always remain grateful," Kharge wrote. (ANI) A day after senior Congress leader P Chidambaram refuted the allegations that the Congress "gave away" Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1970, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the former has "not studied the issue." The issue has grabbed headlines ahead of the general elections starting in the third week of April, with the leaders of both parties, the BJP and Congress, engaged in a war of words. Speaking to ANI, Puri said, "I think former Home Minister P Chidambaram has not studied this issue (Katchatheevu Island). Whatever the Prime Minister has said and the facts on record were also explained by the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, at a press conference." "There are historical records suggesting that both countries had territorial claims to the island. But the question arises: Former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi took the decision to hand over the sovereignty of the island to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). Former diplomat Keval Singh went to Madras and held a meeting with the Chief Minister at that time". "They worked out a formula, due to which it came into the hands of Ceylon.There are a lot of issues connected with it," he added. Earlier, Chidambram claimed that the sufferings of over six lakh Tamils who were in Sri Lanka compelled the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi to acknowledge that the island belonged to the neighbouring country. "It's an absurd allegation. This agreement was arrived at in 1974 and 1976. PM Modi is referring to a recent RTI reply, he should refer to the RTI reply of January 27, 2015, when I believe EAM S Jaishankar was foreign secretary. That reply clearly says that after negotiations on the island lay on the Sri Lankan side of the international border. Why did Indira Gandhi acknowledge that it belonged to Sri Lanka? Because six lakh Tamils were suffering in Sri Lanka, they had to come to India as refugees. As a result of this settlement, six lakh Tamils came to India and they are enjoying freedom with all the Human rights here," Chidambaram said earlier in the month. PM Modi on Monday targeted Congress party and DMK over the Katchatheevu island issue. "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 said earlier in a post on X referring to a media report. The media report is based on an RTI reply received by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai to his queries on the 1974 agreement between India and Lanka when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister. Earlier S Jaishankar alleged that India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru did not give importance to the island territory. "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," Jaishankar said at a press conference on Monday. The island, located between Rameswaram in India and Sri Lanka, is traditionally used by both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen. In 1974, the then central government accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory under the "Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement." (ANI) Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to the people of the constituency for electing him as a member of Parliament in the last general elections, saying that he has been blessed with the love of people there. Addressing a gathering ahead of filing his nomination from Wayanad for the Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi said that he treats people of the constituency in the same way he treats his younger sister Priyanka Gandhi. "It has been an honour for me to be your member of Parliament. I don't treat you and think of you like an electorate. I treat you and think of you the same way I think of my little sister Priyanka. So in the houses of Wayanad, I have sisters, mothers, fathers and brothers. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that," Rahul Gandhi said. He further said that he was always ready to bring Wayanad's issues to the attention of the nation and world. "There is an issue of man-animal conflict, medical college issue. I stand with the people of Wayanad in this fight. We have tried to pressurise the government on the medical college, I have written letters to the CM. But unfortunately, they have not moved forward. I am absolutely convinced that if we have a government in Delhi and when we get a government in Kerala, both of which we will do, we will resolve these issues," he said. "I am not making just a political speech. Regardless of thier parties, communities, age, every single person in Wayanad gave me love, affection, respect and treated me as their own," the Congress leader added. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi held a roadshow in the constituency, thousands of party workers and supporters turned up for the roadshow. The Congress leader was accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi and AICC general secretary's K C Venugopal and Deepa Dasmunshi as well as Leader of Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan and KPCC acting president M M Hassan. Communist Party of India (CPI) Lok Sabha candidate from Wayanad, Annie Raja also filed her nomination on Wednesday. The CPI is a partner of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front in Kerala. While the CPI and the Congress are partners in the opposition INDIA bloc, the two parties are fierce contenders in Kerala with both parties pitting their strongest candidates against each other. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad with a huge margin of over 4.31 lakh votes; the highest margin in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Kerala. He secured 64.94 per cent vote share defeating LDF candidate PP Suneer. The NDA had fielded BDJ(S) leader Tushar Vellapally who secured just around 78,000 votes which accounted for a mere 7.25 per cent. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 19 out of 20 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. While the Congress won 15 seats, its allies Indian Union Muslim League won two seats, the Revolutionary Socialist Party won one and the Kerala Congress (M) won one seat. The Communist Party Of India (Marxist) won one seat in Alappuzha. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday interacted with BJP karyakartas (members) from Uttar Pradesh via the NaMo App, calling them the face of the party as they stay connected with the voters all round the year. "All of you (BJP workers) are in direct contact with the voters. For them, you are the face of the BJP. When you meet a voter, he sees Modi in you too. Whatever you are telling them, they think that Modi is saying it. If you can inspire confidence in voters that you are representing Modi, they will repose trust in the guarantees that you give them. That's why you are our eyes and ears, our representatives in the eyes of the voters," he said. Coming out in glowing praise of the party workers, he said they are setting new records in the state through their hard work in the Lok Sabha and the assembly elections. "In the last 10 years, BJP workers in Uttar Pradesh have proved political pundits in the country wrong. Not even the biggest experts in electoral politics can rival the grasp and knowledge of our BJP workers here. Be it Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha elections, you are setting new records with every election. I am delighted to see your enthusiasm but leaders of other parties get cold feet seeing it. I am confident that all BJP workers in UP are working hard to ensure victory at all booths (in the Lok Sabha polls)," he said. Hitting out at the Opposition, PM Modi said the BJP-led NDA was fighting the elections to make democracy prevail over family politics. "The state's fascination with the uncle-nephew regimes has long been over. In this election, we are fighting against nepotism. We are fighting to save democracy from family politics," he said. He also urged the party workers to take care of their health as the polls would be held in the peak summer months. "It is very hot these days. I would also request the workers to take care of their health. When working in such heat, make sure to drink water. The more you watch your health, the easier it will be to work hard," PM Modi said. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases. Earlier in the 2019 elections, turning the arithmetic of the SP-BSP 'Mahagatbandhan' in Uttar Pradesh upside down, the BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) won 64 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats. The partners in the alliance, Akhilesh Yadav's SP and Mayawati's BSP, could only muster 15 seats. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda, who is on a two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh, offered prayers at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple on Wednesday. Nadda was accompanied by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. In the visuals, both leaders were seen actively participating in the temple rituals. After the prayers, Nadda is scheduled to proceed to Jhalawar, Rajasthan, where he will address a massive rally. He will also hold the cluster meeting and core committee meeting of Indore, Dhar, Khandwa, Khargone and Ratlam Lok Sabha in Indore at 6:00 pm, according to the official press release. Later at 7:20 pm, he will meet Padma Shri, HC Dabar at his residence in Premnagar, Jabalpur, the official release added. Nadda reached Jabalpur on Tuesday morning, where he was welcomed by senior party workers and officials. He also visited Manas Bhawan, where he addressed the 'Prabuddhajan Sammelan'. Earlier, while addressing a gathering in Jabalpur, Nadda highlighted the achievements of the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule and said it was the hard work of the past generations, which led the BJP on the path of grand triumph. "We have witnessed that era when we were uncertain about our victory as we filed our nomination papers. Today, the BJP is advancing on the path of grand triumph. From the time when we used to file nomination papers, there were doubts in our minds, about if we would win the elections or not? Now when we have entered the battleground we don't doubt our victory, we rather think what will be the difference in the vote percentage. It is the hard work and sacrifice of the generations who have worked, because of which the party has reached here," the BJP leader said. Highlighting the party's achievements including the abrogation of Article 370 and a ban on Triple Talaq, Nadda said that all this could happen only under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We are an ideology-based party. None of the leaders dared to remove triple talaq. It was the Modi government that brought Muslim women into the mainstream by ending the triple talaq," Nadda said. "People used to say that Article 370 won't be removed. But I am happy to say that under PM Modi's leadership and due to his desire, and due to Home Minister Amit Shah's strategy, Article 370 was abrogated and 'one nation, one mark, one constitution' was ensured in the country," he added. 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. The votes will be counted on June 4. (ANI) BJP candidate from Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar, Mahesh Sharma filed his nomination for Lok Sabha elections on Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak accompanied the BJP candidate from Gautam Buddh Nagar. Sharma expressed gratitude towards the party leadership for giving him the ticket from Gautam Buddh Nagar."I would like to thank the party leadership. They have given me a ticket for the fifth time, this shows the affection and love of the people from my constituency. The developmental work that has been done under the leadership and good governance of PM Modi and hence I would like my party leadership to believe that we will win this seat with an even bigger margin," Sharma told ANI. UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak told ANI, "Election here on this seat (Noida) is one-sided in favour of Mahesh Sharma due to work done by PM Modi in social welfare and infrastructure". Launching an attack on the INDIA bloc, Pathak said, "Alliance is a flop show in UP, with a wave of PM Modi. People have completely rejected the way the Samajwadi party ruled the state. We will win all 80 seats in the state. The Samajwadi party isn't getting candidates and those in the party refuse to contest the elections." BJP sitting MP and candidate from Gautam Buddh Nagar Mahesh Sharma told ANI, "I would like to thank PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, CM Yogi Adityanath and other senior leaders for considering me capable enough to represent my constituency for the third time. Everything that has been done across the country and in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of PM Modi is unprecedented." Exuding confidence in BJP's victory in the state, he said, "We won 372 seats the last time. On the basis of our record over the last 5 years, it seems we will win not just 400 but even more than that." Gautam Buddha Nagar, one of Uttar Pradesh's Lok Sabha constituencies, encompasses Noida, Dadri, Jewar, Sikandrabad, and Khurja. With a total of 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh, this constituency holds significance in the political landscape. Notably, it is a general seat, not reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs). Over the years, it has been a battleground for major political parties including the BJP, BSP, Congress, and SP. Mahesh Sharma, a two-time MP from the BJP and a doctor by profession, enjoys support from urban voters, a traditional base for the BJP. In the 2019 elections, Dr Mahesh Sharma secured victory with a remarkable margin, polling 8,30,812 votes and a vote share of 59.64pc. His closest contender, BSP's Satveer Nagar, garnered 4,93,890 votes (35.45pc). In the 2014 polls, Dr Sharma emerged victorious for the first time with 5,99,702 votes and a 50pc vote share, defeating SP candidate Narendra Bhati by a margin of 2,80,212 votes. The political landscape of Gautam Budh Nagar has witnessed notable figures over the years. Dr Mahesh Sharma's victory streak commenced in 2014. Prior to him, Surendra Singh Nagar of BSP clinched victory in 2009. Voting for the constituency is scheduled in the second phase on April 26, with vote counting set for June 4. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will conduct four road shows and one public meeting during his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu starting from Thursday. As the Lok Sabha is just round the corner, Shah's impending two-day excursion to Tamil Nadu emerges as a strategic move in the political landscape of the state. Commencing from Thursday, Shah's itinerary, that comprises four road shows and one public meeting, underscores the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) concerted efforts to bolster its presence and sway in Tamil Nadu. Shah will kickstart his campaign with a road show in Tamil Nadu's Theni town on Thursday afternoon, followed by a pivotal public meeting in Madurai later in the evening. His agenda also includes a significant stop at the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, symbolizing an attempt to resonate with the religious sentiments of the electorate. The following day is poised for a relentless onslaught of political engagement, as Shah gears up for three consecutive road shows slated from Friday morning till afternoon. These road shows are strategically planned across diverse locations in Tamil Nadu, covering Karaikudi in Sivaganga, the bustling route from Asath Nagar junction to the New Bus Stand in Tenkasi, and the vibrant Thakkalai area in Kanniyakumari. Shah's visit not only signifies the BJP's fervent bid to fortify its electoral footing in Tamil Nadu but also underscores the state's increasing significance in the national political arena. With the Lok Sabha elections looming large, Shah's presence in Tamil Nadu serves as a potent manifestation of the BJP's ambitions to make significant inroads in the southern state's political landscape. All 39 seats of Tamil Nadu will vote in the first phase of the general elections on April 19 and the counting of votes, along with those from other phases, has been scheduled for June 4. In 2019, the DMK swept the Lok Sabha polls in the state, winning 23 Lok Sabha seats and bagging the lion's share of the total votes polled, at 33.2 per cent. Its ruling ally, Congress, bagged 8 seats, mining 12.9 per cent of the total votes polled, while the CPI won two seats. CPI (M) and IUML won one seat each while the remaining two seats went to Independents. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Wednesday said that the 10-year tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a time of historic progress in India. India played a leading role in the fields of defence, health, science, and space, he added. "This happened for the first time in the history of India when at the time of an epidemic, India made two vaccines and gave them to all the Indians for free and while fulfilling the responsibility of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, it served humanity by giving them to other countries of the world as well," Jairam Thakur said. Jairam Thakur said that earlier it used to take decades for the vaccine for epidemics to reach India, today India is the first to make the vaccine and send it to other countries as well, this is Narendra Modi's India. Which is writing the development story of progress with the spirit of self-reliance as well as world welfare. Himachal Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur said that the country's economy was the tenth largest economy in the world, but in just ten years of tenure, it overtook other big economies and came down to the fifth position. This work was not so easy but Narendra Modi is known for difficult work. This time the Prime Minister has set a more difficult target, which is to include India among the three largest economies of the world. Every Indian has full confidence that this target will also be achieved. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a bigger target, which is to make India a developed nation. When India celebrates its hundredth year of independence, India will be fulfilling its global responsibilities as a developed nation. The people of the country have come together in this campaign of Narendra Modi and are moving forward together step by step. At present every Indian is working to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of the country for the third time," said the former Chief Minister. Jairam Thakur said that in the last 10 years, India has become self-reliant in every field. "Historic progress has been made in fields ranging from medicine to science. Chandrayaan has joined the selected countries of the world by landing Chandrayaan on the south pole of the Moon and now preparations are underway to measure the sky with Gaganyaan. Today we export goods to foreign countries. The world also saw the diplomatic ability of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop the war and bring back Indians safely from the active war zones of the world," said Himachal LoP Thakur. (ANI) Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday launched an attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) extended support to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a nomination rally in support of Madhya Pradesh BJP President and party' Khajuraho candidate VD Sharma in Panna, Smriti Irani warned the Wayanad MP and said that "If you threaten to defame the country, it will not tolerate and won't forgive you." "Today the kind of politics I am witnessing, I have heard that today he (Rahul Gandhi) is filing nomination from Wayanad. In front of him our party president from Kerala is fighting the election. They (Congress) are now asking for support from terrorist organizations. They are these people who opposed the abrogation of Article 370A in the Parliament. These are the people who asked the soilders to present the proof of Air strikes in Balakot. Today these people threaten the country for power. I want to say this to Rahul Gandhi that 'tumne agar desh ko kalankit krne ke liye dhamkaya toh yeh desh jhelta toh nhi, lekin agar chedha jaata hai toh yeh desh chordta bhi nhi (If you threaten to defame the country, it will not tolerate and won't forgive you)," Smirti Irani said. She further said that Congress has a habit of running away out of fear of losing. "I am from the region where a dynasty ruled for five decades, where having Tilak on the forehead and taking the name of Lord Ram was a kind of political curse. I am from the region 'Jahan Hath Ke Sath Cycle Bhi Chalti Thi, Hath Ko Saaf Kiya Gaya Cycle Puncture Kar Di Gyi'... Congress has a habit of running away out of fear of losing, ask this to the people of Amethi," she said. Irani further congratulated VD Sharma and other party workers for their hard work and for making BJP a household name in Madhya Pradesh. "Arrogance is exhibited by those who are born in political families and consider power their political birthright. It is also displayed by those who inherit power as a legacy. Today, as a party worker, I congratulate you (VD Sharma) and other party workers for your hard work and for making BJP a household name in Madhya Pradesh," she added. Earlier on Tuesday, BJP Kerala President K Surendran has asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to explain his position on the declaration by Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) to extend unconditional support to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Lok Sabha elections SDPI is widely considered to be the political outfit of the banned terrorist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI). The Union Home Ministry had in September 2022 declared the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates an 'Unlawful Association'. Smriti Irani will visit Wayanad to accompany NDA candidate K Surendran when he files his nomination. The state BJP president will submit his papers at the Kalpetta collectorate at 9 am on April 4. BJP Wayanad district president Prasanth Malavayal also said that Smriti Irani, who defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, will come to Wayanad and give a lot of energy to the National Democratic Alliance. Earlier today, Congress leader and incumbent MP Rahul Gandhi submitted his nomination papers for the Wayanad parliamentary constituency in Kerala for the Lok Sabha elections, starting from April 19 in seven phases across the country. His sister and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also present with him. The Congress leader filed his nomination after leading a roadshow at Kalpetta in Wayanad. "It has been an honour for me to be your member of Parliament. I don't treat you and think of you like an electorate. I treat you and think of you the same way I think of my little sister Priyanka. So in the houses of Wayanad, I have sisters, mothers, fathers and brothers. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing the gathering. CPI national leader and Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Annie Raj also submitted her nomination papers today in the same constituency. The CPI is a partner of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front in Kerala. The BJP that is leaving no stone unturned to establish its complete dominance in the 2024 elections, has fielded Kerala State President K Surendran as a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from the constituency. Kerala, one of the few states where the Congress still has a strong presence, sends 20 parliamentarians to the Lok Sabha. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad with a huge margin of over 4.31 lakh votes; the highest margin in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Kerala. He secured 64.94 per cent vote share defeating LDF candidate PP Suneer. The NDA had fielded BDJ(S) leader Tushar Vellapally who secured just around 78,000 votes which accounted for a mere 7.25 per cent. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 19 out of 20 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. While the Congress won 15 seats, its allies Indian Union Muslim League won two seats, the Revolutionary Socialist Party won one and the Kerala Congress (M) won one seat. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) won one seat in Alappuzha. Voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the South Indian state across all 20 seats is scheduled for April 26, while the counting of votes will take place on June 4. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief VD Sharma filed his nomination papers from Khajuraho parliamentary seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections at Panna collector office on Wednesday. Union Minister Smriti Irani, state cabinet minister Prahlad Singh Patel, BJP MLAs Brijendra Pratap Singh and Sanjay Pathak were present on the occasion. Minister Irani told ANI, "Today, I got the opportunity to participate in the nomination of Madhya Pradesh BJP chief VD Sharma. Congress has accepted its defeat even before voting in this Lok Sabha seat. This is the reason Congress is not contesting from this seat." Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also targeted the Congress party saying as soon as the BJP had announced its candidate from Khajuraho, Congress people left the field. "I am happy that as soon as BJP announced its candidate from Khajuraho, Congress people left the field and were not able to find a candidate. Seeing its defeat, Congress handed over this seat to the Samajwadi party (SP). Even the SP is also not able to decide its candidate from here. SP announced its one candidate here and then again changed it," CM said. "I think the hard work of our BJP chief and the love of the people is telling that BJP's victory is certain here," he added. Notably, Khajuraho is Madhya Pradesh's only constituency assigned to Samajwadi Party, a member of the INDIA bloc, as part of a seat-sharing deal with the Congress. SP initially fielded Manoj Yadav for the Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency and later replaced its candidate as Meera Deepak. Khajuraho will go to poll in the second phase on April 26 with six other parliamentary seats in the state. The nomination for the second phase was started on March 28 and April 4 would be the last date to file papers. Besides, the last date for withdrawal of candidature for the second phase of polls will be April 8. 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. The votes will be counted on June 4.(ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday campaigned for Sukanta Majumdar, a BJP candidate from Balurghat Lok Sabha constituency, in Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal. CM Saha exuded confidence in the win of Majumdar. West Bengal BJP president and candidate from Balurghat Lok Sabha constituency Sukanta Majumdar, filed nomination on April 3. "What I am feeling is that the result that we are to get on June 4, can be witnessed that today. Our candidate, who is a sitting MP in the constituency, will win again," Saha told ANI. Majumdar said that the huge crowd at the roadshow itself showed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the people's support. "The people gathering in themselves are saying that they are ready to bless PM Modi again," he told ANI. Tripura CM Manik Saha accompanied Sukanta Majumdar while he filed nomination. After filing the nomination, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha attended a mega rally in support of West Bengal Balurghat Lok Sabha constituency BJP candidate Sukanta Majumdar. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP showed its best-ever electoral performance in the state in its history, winning 18 seats out of 42 with 23,028,343 (40.25 per cent) votes. West Bengal will go to the polling booths in the coming general election in all seven phases of the election. Balurghat, along with Darjeeling, and Raiganj in the northern part of Bengal, will go to the polls on April 26 in the second phase. In most of the constituencies in the state, the main fight is between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the principal opposition in the state, the BJP. Though the TMC is part of the INDIA bloc, it does not have a seat-sharing arrangement with the other parties in the alliance, like Congress and the Left parties in the state. Majumdar kicked off his campaign in the constituency in March, a day after TMC announced its candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. On March 11, Majumdar campaigned by driving a motorcycle for about three kilometres amid slogans. The TMC has fielded Biplab Mitra as its Lok Sabha candidate from the Balurghat constituency. (ANI) An aerial drone photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows an international freight train preparing to depart from Harbin international container center station in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang province. [Photo/Xinhua] Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited China recently, describing himself as an "old friend of China" when talking to students of Peking University. His visit gave him the opportunity for a thorough review of bilateral relations with China. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the "open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation" between the two countries, while they celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022. The Netherlands was among the first European countries to recognize China after the founding of the People's Republic of China. In 1972, the foreign ministers of the Netherlands and China signed a declaration to elevate their mutual diplomatic representations to the ambassadorial level. Five years later, Princess Beatrix traveled to Beijing, and in 1999, then as queen, she visited again. The Royal House of the Netherlands enjoys long-standing, warm relations with Chinese leadership. In 2018, for example, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima made a working visit. Discussions centered on green financing, urban development, water management and climate change, among other things. Trade undeniably stands at the heart of Sino-Dutch ties. Statistics from the Netherlands demonstrate the rise in trade volume between the two sides from 2015 to 2022. In particular, Dutch exports to China increased from 8.2 billion euros ($8.8 billion) in 2015 to 14.6 billion euros in 2022, whereas imports from China rose from 29.1 billion euros to 64.2 billion euros. The Netherlands mainly imports modems, computers, semiconductors, solar panels and clothing. Meanwhile, it exports specialized machinery such as chip machines, medicines, pharmaceutical products and processed food like milk powder. Last but not least, the Netherlands remains a key destination for Chinese investments in Europe. According to an Ernst & Young study, the Netherlands was ranked fourth with 10 Chinese investments in 2023, trailing behind Germany, the U.K. and Italy, but ahead of France and Switzerland. Investment transactions in the Netherlands amounted to 1.1 billion euros. Notably, only the Netherlands and Germany showed improvement in their performance in this economic sector from the previous year. Overall, the visit of Prime Minister Mark Rutte to Beijing was constructive. In a social media post, Rutte described the visit as "successful." Clearly, this does not imply that issues of disagreement were overlooked in the Beijing talks, particularly on economic and technological matters. However, candid exchanges are always beneficial. As Rutte put it, "The Netherlands needs to work with and engage in dialogue with China." George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. In an upheaval within the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), 22 party leaders have tendered their resignations simultaneously while expressing anger at not getting tickets for the Lok Sabha elections. Among the notable figures who stepped down include former LJP minister Renu Kushwaha, former MLA and national general secretary of LJP, Satish Kumar, state organization minister Ravindra Singh, Ajay Kushwaha, Sanjay Singh, and State General Secretary Rajesh Dangi. The resignation wave appears to stem from grievances within the party ranks, with allegations surfacing about the distribution of tickets in exchange for money. On resignation from the party, former MP Renu Kushwaha said, "Ticket should be given to the party workers instead of people the from outside. Tickets were given to the outsiders which means that able people are not there in your party. Are we the labour class people in your party who will work for you, make you a leader?Our devotion was questioned when an outsider was given a ticket. We are not here to serve as labourers for the party."Miffed over not getting the ticket, former MLA and National General Secretary LJP asserted that the rebel LJP leaders will now support the INDIA bloc. "When such important elections are there in the country, the LJP Supremo has given tickets to such people that the party workers are stunned. The people who used to raise slogans 'Hail Chirag Paswan', day and night and hoped for a 'new Bihar' have been betrayed, their aspirations were crushed. Now to save the country, INDI alliance has to be supported. Now we will support the INDI alliance". Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party's Organization Secretary Ravindra Singh claimed that Chirag Paswan 'sold the tickets'. "Chirag Paswan has played an emotional game with the people of Bihar. When he got five seats due to our hard work, he sold all those tickets. People of Bihar will give him an answer." Notably, the Lok Janshakti Party is contesting five seats in Bihar out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest Vaishali, Hajipur, Samastipur, Khagaria and Jamui. Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The first phase of polling will be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the seventh phase on June 1. (ANI) Jawaharlal Nehru University has invited applications from international students for admission to the undergraduate programme for the upcoming academic year. They do not have to take the Common Universities Entrance Test CUET (UG)-2024 examination. The last date for submission of the application is April 26. "Interested foreign national candidates may apply from their respective countries. There is a separate application form for them, which can be downloaded from the official website of the university," the university said in a statement. An official at the university said all foreign nationals present in India will be required to appear for the Common Universities Entrance Test (CUET)-2024 examination The university offers around 10 UG and 34 PG courses. The varsity is offering a total of 342 UG and 1,025 PG seats in various schools and disciplines. JNU offers admissions in UG and COP Programmes (B.A. (Hons.) in Foreign Languages, B.Sc. Programme in Ayurveda Biology and Certificate of Proficiency programmes) for academic session 2024-25 through Common Universities Entrance Test CUET (UG)-2024 in School of Language, Literature & Cultural Studies and School of Sanskrit & Indic Studies. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework Survey 2023, Jawaharlal Nehru University stood second among universities for the second consecutive year. It came 10th in the overall category of institutions with a score of 68.92. Jawaharlal Nehru Institution is a globally recognized hub for research and education. JNU was placed third out of all Indian institutions by the National Institutional Ranking Framework, Government of India, in 2016 and rated second in 2017. The university was ranked first in the country by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), with a Grade Point average of 3.91 (on a 4-point scale). The President of India also granted JNU the 2017 Best University Award. (ANI) The tragedy unfolded during daytime repair work, leaving a further eight individuals injured, with seven in critical condition, as confirmed by the Istanbul governor's office. Situated in the bustling Besiktas district on the European side of Istanbul, the fire engulfed a 16-story building on Gonenoglu Street, a vibrant part of the Gayrettepe neighborhood. Identified as the Masquerade Club by CNN's on-site producer, the nightclub was undergoing renovations at the time, with the fire originating underground, CNN reported, citing, Anadolu, the Turkish state news agency. In response to the incident, Turkish authorities took swift action, detaining eight individuals, including the nightclub's business manager, accountant, partners, and the individual overseeing the renovation's metal workers, as reported by TRT News. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc emphasised ongoing efforts to gather evidence at the scene, stating, "A team of 3 experts specialising in occupational safety and fire is also continuing their work to determine the cause of the fire." Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor, expressed his condolences on social media, mourning the loss of life. "May God have mercy on our citizens who lost their lives," he shared. Imamoglu, representing the opposition Republic People's Party (CHP), had recently secured re-election as mayor in local elections, marking a significant electoral setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, CNN reported. (ANI) In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed his deep concern regarding an Israeli strike on an aid convoy in Gaza, CNN reported. The attack resulted in the loss of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen, including three British nationals. In an official statement from Downing Street, Sunak emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident. "The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable," the statement said. "The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks," it added. Taking a firm stance, the UK earlier in the day summoned the Israeli ambassador to London for a decisive discussion, CNN reported. British Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, summoned the Israel's ambassador to set out the government's "unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British Nationals," he said in a Foreign Office press release. "I requested a quick and transparent investigation, shared with the international community, and full accountability," Mitchell said, adding, "I reiterated the need for Israel to put in place an effective deconfliction mechanism immediately and urgently to scale up humanitarian access. We need to see an immediate humanitarian pause, to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire," as reported by CNN. Earlier reports revealed that seven members of the World Central Kitchen team were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza, prompting the organisation to halt its operations in the region with immediate effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that the military "unintentionally struck innocent people." The Israel Defence Forces have pledged to conduct an investigation "at the highest levels" in response to the tragic event. A US-Canadian dual citizen was among the casualties of the strike, confirmed by a US official, adding to the international outcry over the loss of life, according to CNN. (ANI) President Herzog expressed his "deep sorrow and sincere apologies" over the tragic deaths of Seven WCK staff in the Gaza Strip Monday night and sent his condolences to their families and loved ones. The President reiterated Israel's commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation of the tragedy, which occurred amidst the ongoing war against the terrorist organisation Hamas. He also affirmed Israel's commitment to delivering and upgrading humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and said that efforts must continue to bring about the immediate release of all the hostages held by Hamas. President Herzog thanked Chef Andres and the WCK for their commitment to the wellbeing of Israelis and Palestinians, and to the values of humanity. (ANI/TPS) A mayoral candidate has been assassinated and three others have been injured in a shooting that shook the Mexican city of Celaya as the country braces for its impending general election, CNN reported. Bertha Gisela Gaytan, a mayoral hopeful for Celaya, met her untimely demise on Monday during a campaign event in the community of San Miguel Octopan. The Guanajuato state prosecutor's office confirmed her death, unequivocally labelling it as an assassination. Alongside Gaytan, three other individuals, including city council candidate Adrian Guerrero, sustained injuries in the attack, as reported by CNN. Mexico's Secretariat of Federal Public Security initially declared Guerrero deceased but later revised the statement, noting his current status as missing. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation, deploying investigators and forensic experts to gather crucial evidence to apprehend the perpetrators. Gaytan's tragic demise is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have cast a shadow over Mexico's upcoming general election, slated for June 2. Gaytan had been actively campaigning for Morena, the political party led by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Lopez Obrador on Tuesday condemned the attack, saying, "These events are very regrettable because they are people who are fighting to assert democracy, who are in the streets, showing their faces, fighting for others and it hurts a lot that this happens in our country." Morena also expressed profound sorrow over the "cowardly murder" of their colleague and extended heartfelt condolences to Gaytan's family, friends, and supporters. The party urged swift and thorough investigations by the Guanajuato prosecutor's office and other relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Political violence, unfortunately, tends to escalate during election seasons in Mexico, and this year appears to be no exception. Analysts consulted by CNN predict that this year's election cycle could be the most violent during Lopez Obrador's tenure, with at least 12 candidates killed and numerous instances of violence reported against others from September to March, according to Integralia, a public affairs consultancy. Integralia Consultants highlighted the insidious role of criminal gangs in financing campaigns, intimidating candidates, and coercing politicians to align with their interests through violent means. Municipal-level candidates often bear the brunt of such violence, given their influence over local territories and potential to offer impunity to criminal organisations. Guanajuato, a pivotal industrial centre and a crucial node in the automotive industry, has been engulfed in brutal turf wars among rival drug cartels. These cartels vie for control due to the region's strategic location with direct routes to the US border via road and rail networks. Prior to the fatal attack, Gaytan had publicly voiced concerns about her safety and had requested additional security measures. Shortly before Monday's attack, she said. "Assistance has already been requested through the state legal system in the party. We are looking at this issue, to see how it is resolved. The citizens are with us, they take care of us, but of course we are going to have [security] protocols." Guanajuato Governor Diego Sinhue Rodriguez Vallejo denounced the attack, vowing to ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law. He pledged to collaborate with state authorities to bolster security measures for all participants in the electoral process. On June 2, Over 100 million Mexicans will cast their votes for over 2,0,000 positions, including federal and local offices, in what is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the nation's democratic journey, CNN reported. (ANI) During deliberations with his then-deputy Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel over a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the country's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to make sure China got a place in the forum ahead of India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Jaishankar made the remarks during an address at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ahmedabad, revealing how Sardar Patel warned PM Nehru of a threat from China. However, the latter played down his concerns and, instead, advocated a permanent seat at the UNSC for China, the EAM said. "In 1950, there was an exchange of views between Sardar Patel and (Jawaharlal) Nehru... Sardar Patel had warned Jawaharlal Nehru about China. Sardar Patel said that today, we are facing a situation of two fronts (Pakistan and China) which for India has never happened in our history before. He also said that whatever the Chinese are saying, he feels that their intent is not good and therefore let us take precautions, let us build a policy around this. Nehru's position was...he was completely dissenting," Jaishankar said. "He told Patel 'you are unnecessarily suspicious of the Chinese. Also, it is impossible for anybody to attack us across the Himalayas. A few years later, there was a debate about the UN, should India be given a UN seat at that time? So Nehru's position at that time was he said, 'we deserve a seat, but first we must ensure China gets a seat'. So today we are talking of India first. There was a time when the PM of India talked about China first," the External Affairs Minister added. He also weighed in on Sardar Patel's position of not taking the Kashmir issue to the United Nations, saying that the Centre, over the last decade, has been dealing with "many issues inherited from the past". "Even in the case of Pakistan, I think people know that Sardar Patel was opposed to our going to the United Nations because he knew the mentality of a judge there. So which coup will go to that point? It was like a common sense view he had. But yet we went and you know, once we went there, pressure was put a stop to the military exercise," Jaishankar said. "Today, when we talk about our boundaries, our territories, some say rewrite our boundaries. Our boundaries are still our boundaries. We should never ever doubt that. But our problem today is what happened in the past. In the last ten years, the Union government has tried to deal with many issues inherited from the past, it has been successful in finding solutions to some of them while some issues will take more time," the EAM added. India decided to take the Kashmir issue to the UN on January 1, 1948, raising a point of contention at the world body over Pakistani infiltrators occupying parts of Jammu and Kashmir that had legally acceded to India, and demanding that they be asked to leave. (ANI) The India-Taipei Association expressed its deepest condolences to the victims of the earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday, killing seven and injuring over 700 people. They further prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and extended support for the people of Taiwan during these difficult times. The India Taipei Association shared a post on X, stating, "India Taipei Association would like to extend our deepest condolences for the victims and heartfelt sympathies for communities affected by the earthquake which struck Taiwan this morning. We sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand ready with the people of Taiwan during these difficult times. #IslandOfResilience." https://x.com/ita_taipei/status/1775437670560509992?s=20 A powerful 7.4 Ritcher scale magnitude earthquake struck off its east coast on Wednesday morning. A tsunami warning was issued for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands in Japan following a powerful earthquake in Taiwan, which has been downgraded from a warning to an advisory, CNN reported, citing Japan's Meteorological Agency. The Philippines also issued a tsunami warning to people in the coastal areas across the provinces of Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Isabela, and were "strongly advised to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move further inland," according to the advisory. Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to seven, while 77 remain trapped and over 730 people are believed to be injured, reported The Taiwan News. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said the earthquake registered the second-highest intensity of an "Upper 6" in Hualien County, on the 1-7 intensity scale. Indian authorities in Taiwan are monitoring the situation and are actively disseminating information for its citizens in the island country. Speaking to ANI, Hashmi, who is a postdoctoral fellow at the Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation, said that the Indian authorities in Taiwan have actively responded to the situation to safeguard its nationals in the country, issued an advisory for them and are also in touch with them. "They have issued an advisory. So definitely, I'm seeing a lot of effort, a lot of messages that have been disseminated since morning," she said. The Indian researcher highlighted that the authorities are preparing for the aftershocks that could affect the national capital of Taiwan, Taipei. Earlier today, the India Taipei Association requested to follow advisories issued by the local authorities and also issued a helpline for assistance and guidance to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan. It also urged the Indian nationals in Taiwan to share this advisory through their local networks for wider circulation. (ANI) Swedish national Patricia Eriksson arrived in Nagpur on Wednesday, with the hope of finding her biological mother. The 41-year-old Swedish national, who was born to a 23-year-old unwed mother in Daga Hospital in Feb 1983, was adopted a year later from an orphanage by a Swedish couple. "The kids in school started to explain that they have their mother's hair and father's nose...That was a hard time. I wanted to look like someone (mom and dad). Then I realised I couldn't do the same...," Eriksson told ANI. Expressing how hard it was for her, she added, "From a child's perspective, you cannot compare yourself to your mother. You are just put in a place where you don't look like anyone. So that's why my thought (of searching for my biological mother) started in childhood. It's been a tough time...I hope this can lead to something more." Earlier in 2022, Erikkson began her search. After a short, unsuccessful visit in 2022, Patricia, her elder sister and Pune-based social worker and 'roots search' expert, Anjali Pawar, have now returned to Nagpur to continue their mission. Advocate Anjali Pawar appealed to anyone who used to live in Shantinagar in 1983 and knows anything about her parents to come for help. "We are helping Patricia in her search. When we received this case in 2022, we first contacted Shradhanand Ashram and verified the documents. Anyone who used to live in Shantinagar in 1983 and knows her or knows about Shanta and Ramdas, we appeal to them to come forward and help us...Patricia wants to meet her mother once," Pawar said. (ANI) The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Tuesday announced the decision to hold protests against the Baloch genocide across Balochistan on Eid. In a press release, the BYC spokesperson stated, "protests will take place across Balochistan on Eid as part of the fifth phase of the ongoing movement against the Baloch genocide. The schedule and details of these protests will be announced in the media shortly. Additionally, the BYC extends its support to the protest call by Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) in Karachi and Quetta against enforced disappearances." https://twitter.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1775215750698971631 According to the press release, the people of Balochistan are facing systematic genocide based on their identity, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, military operations, forced displacements, economic oppression, and other atrocities. In a press release, BYC stated, "The Baloch nation is currently enduring systematic genocide based on its identity, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, military operations, forced displacements, economic oppression, and other atrocities. The BYC has initiated a movement against this genocide, including a prolonged sit-in in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan." "However, despite these efforts, the state persists in its policy of Baloch genocide, with enforced disappearances continuing unabated. Moreover, extrajudicial killings of those subjected to enforced disappearances persist. Recently, two Baloch youths who forcibly disappeared from Lyari last year were extrajudicially killed. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee's campaign against the Baloch genocide is currently in its fifth phase on the day of Eid," it added. Previously, senior Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) leaders, human rights activists, and press personnel highlighted the severe deterioration of the human rights situation in Balochistan and the atrocities inflicted by the Pakistani administration upon the Baloch community. The activists had participated in a side event organised on the sidelines of the ongoing 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Switzerland's Geneva. Speaking to ANI, BHRC General Secretary Qambar Malik Baloch said, "We intended to bring together various representatives of various oppressed communities in Pakistan. We heard their experiences and sufferings as the Pakistani authorities violated human rights laws. Despite international attention and condemnation, Pakistan continues to violate the rights of the oppressed communities under its control with impunity and no accountability." "Additionally, there has been an alarming rise in the number of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan," he added. Speaking about the data collected by the BHRC on enforced disappearances, Malik said that about 506 individuals were subjected to enforced disappearances in Balochistan, and about 47 of these forcibly disappeared individuals had fallen due to extrajudicial killings. (ANI) Pakistani PM visits Dasu project camp to console Chinese personnel Xinhua) 09:06, April 03, 2024 This photo released by Pakistan's Press Information Department (PID) shows Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shaking hands with a Chinese staff member at the Dasu Hydropower project's camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, April 1, 2024. Shehbaz Sharif on Monday visited the Dasu Hydropower project's camp to console Chinese personnel of the project. (PID/Handout via Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday visited the Dasu Hydropower project's camp in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to console Chinese personnel of the project. Addressing the workers, Sharif expressed deep condolences for the victims of the Dasu terrorist attack and sincere consolation to the relatives of the victims and the Chinese personnel of the project. It is the responsibility of the Pakistani government to protect the safety of the Chinese brothers and sisters who came to Pakistan to help its development and progress, the prime minister said, promising that his government will hunt down the culprits at all costs and spare no effort to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and projects in Pakistan. "Any attempt to undermine the two countries' friendship will not succeed, and any enemy of it will only suffer a crushing defeat," he added. Pakistan will crack down on terrorism and seriously punish terrorists to ensure that similar incidents will not happen again, Sharif said. On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said the Chinese side hopes and believes that the Pakistani side will translate policies into concrete actions, bring the murderers to justice as soon as possible, resolutely eliminate terrorist forces, and make every effort to protect the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan. "We stand ready to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in various fields, including counter-terrorism, and work together to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future," said the Chinese ambassador. 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Flash Customers shop at Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The good start of China's economy this year is a bright spot for the global economy. China is opening wider and wider to the world, and China's mega-market will bring enormous opportunities to the world, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. The latest increase in China's manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) and non-manufacturing PMI attracted wide attention from international media. They see these figures as evidence that China's economy has found new drivers for growth. In response to a related query, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily news briefing that China's manufacturing PMI, non-manufacturing PMI and composite PMI numbers for March have received wide international attention. The simultaneous rise of the three major indexes and the fact that they are all in the expansion zone are evidence that China's economy continues to enjoy a good momentum, its internal driving force is strengthening, public expectations are improving, and China's high-quality development is making solid progress. In addition to PMI numbers, China's imports and exports, power generation, passenger and cargo volume, consumption during the Spring Festival all showed positive signs of economic rebound, which have heightened the world's expectation for the Chinese economy in 2024, he added. "The good start of China's economy this year is a bright spot for the global economy," Wang said, adding that over 100 multinational business executives have recently gathered in China. The China Development Forum 2024 and the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 both had a full house of guests. Many of the business leaders present expressed full confidence in the resilience and outlook of China's economy. They believe the Chinese market remains irreplaceable for multinationals and said they will continue to invest in China. Noting that China's development is open to the world, Wang said various Chinese departments have recently unveiled key steps to expand high-standard opening up, covering cross-border trade in services, cross-border data flows and opening up in the financial sector. From the Canton Fair to the China International Import Expo, China International Fair for Trade in Services, the Global Digital Trade Expo, the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo, China is opening wider and wider to the world, and China's mega-market will bring enormous opportunities to the world, he said. "Our message to businesses around the world: invest in China, flourish in China and succeed in China," Wang said. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Two people face charges involving the hoarding of dozens of live and deceased animals in and outside Las Vegas, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. Carolyn Luke, 72; and Timothy Miller, 79, each face 11 counts of animal abuse involving deceased guinea pigs, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. The charges allege Luke and Miller of knowing and willingly placing 11 animals in poor condition in Boulder City, resulting in the guinea pigs deaths. Boulder City officers stopped the couple for a broken taillight after receiving a tip Friday, they said. When the occupants rolled down a window, officers could smell dead animals inside the car, officers said in a news release. In all, police and animal control officers found 51 guinea pigs and rabbits, including the 11 deceased animals. Our officers knew right away that something was wrong, Lt. Thomas Healing said. The female suspect was concerned about other animals that they said were at their home and a hotel in Las Vegas, and immediately notified Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. In Las Vegas, police found 30 dogs, 10 deceased, in a hotel room, Healing said. A search of a nearby home also found 15 dogs and more guinea pigs. Two people face charges involving the hoarding of dozens of live and deceased animals in and outside Las Vegas, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. (Boulder City Police Department) Officers booked both into the Henderson Detention Center. Officials in Henderson declined to release the couples booking photos, citing Boulder Citys investigation. Las Vegas Metro police were investigating an animal complaint at a property in the west valley, which may involve Luke and Miller, sources said. A Metro spokesperson had declined to comment on that investigation. Records show police were called to an animal complaint on Sahara Avenue near Fort Apache Road around 7:30 p.m. Friday. No criminal charges were filed in that case as of Tuesday. You can contact 8 News Now Investigator David Charns by email dcharns@8newsnow.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals kept Senate Bill 4 a sweeping Texas immigration policy on hold Wednesday as it continues to consider whether it will overturn a lower court's injunction keeping the law from taking effect while constitutional challenges to it are adjudicated. During Wednesday's hearing, a three-judge panel listened to arguments from both state and federal attorneys on whether SB 4 which would authorize law enforcement officers in the state to arrest, detain and deport people suspected of entering the U.S. in Texas from Mexico without legal authorization should remain on hold, but the appeals court ultimately concluded the roughly hourlong proceeding without handing down a decision and leaving the law shelved for now. "This is going to be a massive new system if it's allowed to go into effect," said Cody Wofsy, an attorney with the ACLU representing the Texas Civil Rights Project, El Paso County, American Gateways, and Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center which the U.S. Justice Department joined in January by suing Texas over legal challenges to SB 4. The Justice Department and migrant advocacy groups say that SB 4 is unconstitutional as it oversteps into the federal government's authority over immigration. The state is arguing that amid a record-setting influx of migrants reaching the Texas-Mexico border, which top state GOP officials have likened to an invasion, Texas has the authority to secure its border, saying the Biden administration has been derelict in its duty. Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers use anti-riot gear to prevent asylum-seekers from entering farther into U.S. territory after the migrants crossed the Rio Grande into El Paso on March 22. Across previous court settings, federal prosecutors have bemoaned SB 4 as an interference in federal border policies, a hinderance to the nation's cross-border relationship with Mexico and an intrusion on federal authorities' ability to control ingress and egress along the country's southern border. State lawmakers passed SB 4 in November, codifying a series of penalties for anyone suspected of crossing into Texas from Mexico other than through an international port of entry. The penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. The law would allow the police in the state to arrest migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally and would authorize magistrate judges to deport them to Mexico, regardless of whether it's their country of origin, or face stiffer criminal penalties for noncompliance. Despite a litany of constitutional concerns, which were first acknowledged by Judge David Ezra of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas after a February hearing in Austin that resulted in his injunction order keeping SB 4 from taking effect on March 5 as scheduled by the state, the law was allowed to go live for about nine hours last month. After the 5th Circuit on March 2 initially overturned the District Court's hold on SB 4, giving the U.S. Supreme Court about a week to intervene before the law went into effect, the high court on March 4 ruled to maintain the hold on SB 4 before it reversed its decision March 19, allowing the law to take effect. Hours later the 5th Circuit reversed its previous ruling and kept the lower court's injunction in place, putting SB 4 back on hold while the merits of the sweeping immigration policy are hashed out in federal court. In arguing that Texas should not be preempted from enforcing SB 4, Texas Solicitor General Aaron Nielson defended the state's immigration policy as being complementary to federal immigration law. "Now to be fair, maybe Texas went too far," Nielson said at the outset of the proceeding Wednesday. "And that's the question this court is going to have to decide." Protesters unveil a banner at a news conference before a February federal court hearing in Austin about the constitutionality of the Senate Bill 4 state immigration law. In addressing Chief Judge Priscilla Richman's and Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez's concerns over how the state would process deportations, Nielson said that "inaccurate factual premises about how SB 4 operates" has negatively clouded the intent and procedure of the law. Nielson said state and federal officials would have to work together to carry out the law's removal provisions, as state law enforcement officers would have to conduct deportations through international ports of entry, which U.S. Border Patrol operates, and not simply drop off migrants along the border. "That's not how it's going to be," Nielson said. "It's going to be people are taken to the port of entry, and the United States controls the port of entry." Expressing disdain for the law, Mexico's federal government has condemned SB 4 both in statements and in a brief filed with the 5th Circuit as a policy to "stop the flow of migrants by criminalizing them, and encouraging the separation of families, discrimination and racial profiling that violate the human rights of the migrant community." "Mexico categorically rejects any measure that allows state or local authorities to exercise immigration control, and to arrest and return nationals or foreigners to Mexican territory," the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an announcement in March. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 'Maybe Texas went too far': appeals court hears arguments over SB 4 California Assembly Democrats have their own early action plan to shave $17 billion from the states looming budget deficit but their approach differs from the one supported by Senate leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom in several ways. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, and his caucus met on Tuesday to discuss a proposal that would freeze spending on one-time budget items and reject suggested housing and homelessness cuts, according to a draft of the early action package obtained by The Sacramento Bee and first reported by Politico. It is unclear exactly how much money the spending freeze would free up in the budget negotiation process. The frozen items are not part of the $17 billion in solutions, but rather a way to create some financial flexibility heading into the spring and summer. The draft said it was a key Assembly priority to preserve at least a few billion more dollars of budget-balancing options for June. More options for balancing the budget means the Legislature has more authority in the process, the draft said. The rejected cuts to homelessness and housing totaling about $1.3 billion, and the draft suggests deferring such discussions to June. The draft plan approves of the governors plan to use about half of the states reserves, leaving more than $18 billion of reserves at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The states reserves and other budget flexibilities were intended to give policy makers time to make thoughtful decisions about balancing the budget, rather than being rushed into decisions, the draft said. This plan works as intended. The Bee has reached out to Newsoms office and the Senate president pro tem for comment on the Assembly proposal. Members are hoping to have a full Assembly vote on the plan by April 11, the draft said. California is facing an estimated $38 billion to $73 billion budget deficit. Legislative leaders and Newsom want to take early action on the spending gap before they negotiate the states overall budget package for fiscal year 2024-25, which begins July 1, in time to hit their June 15 deadline. Newsom during his January budget presentation suggested a series of early action items, including a hike to the managed care organization, or MCO, tax on health insurers they could use to help obtain an additional $1.5 billion in federal money to fund the states Medi-Cal program. The Legislature approved the bill making that change on March 21, just before their week-long spring recess. Newsom signed it on March 25. The Assembly plan sheds light on the confusing agreement touted by Rivas, Newsom and Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, on March 20. It said the leaders agreed to take $12 billion to $18 billion in early action on the budget, but it provided no details on how their plan. McGuire on March 14 released a Shrink the Shortfall early action plan that was substantially similar to Newsoms proposal. Now, the Assembly early action draft makes it clear that Rivas and his members were not in agreement with the pro tem and the governor. A San Juan County native who spent most of his career working as an agent for the FBI has been appointed to the vacant District 3 seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives by the San Juan County Commission. Bill Hall, a graduate of Farmington High School and New Mexico State University, was one of only two people to submit a letter of interest to County Manager Mike Stark for the vacant seat, which was left open when Rep. Ryan Lane, R-Aztec, resigned March 14. Commissioners voted 4-1 during their Tuesday, April 2 meeting in Aztec to appoint Hall to the seat for the remainder of Lanes term, which continues through Dec. 31. Hall was the only candidate to file for the seat with the San Juan County Clerks Office last month before it was widely known that Lane would be stepping down. Hall filed to run as a Republican and would have faced Lane in a primary election, had Lane, the House minority leader, chosen to seek reelection. The general election will be held in November, at which point Hall will be seeking a full term. Im very pleased, and I just appreciate the confidence of the County Commission, Hall said after the meeting. Former FBI agent Bill Hall has been appointed to the vacant District 3 seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives by the San Juan County Commission. The only other person to submit a letter of interest to Stark for the interim appointment was Aztec businesswoman Kelly Berhost, an Allstate Insurance agent and owner of a Roadrunner MVD Services location. Commissioners voted on the two candidates separately by roll call. Commissioner GloJean Todacheene was the only commissioner to vote for Berhost, with commissioners Gary McDaniel, Steve Lanier, Terri Fortner and John Beckstead voting against her appointment. The votes were flipped in regard to Halls appointment, with McDaniel, Lanier, Fortner and Beckstead voting in favor of his appointment, and Todacheene voting against it. Berhost did not appear before the commission to speak before the vote was held, but Hall did. He said he had always felt called to serve, which is why he started his career at the San Juan County Sheriffs Office before joining the FBI. It was there, he said, that he learned what a true bureaucracy really was. He explained that if commissioners saw fit to appoint him to the interim position, he planned on doing a lot of listening and observing. More: Herman Buck Jr. becomes first Native American to serve on Farmington City Council I do not expect to say a lot, as I hope to learn from my more experienced colleagues, he said. Hall said he hopes to be elected to a full term in District 3 in November, and he thought holding the seat on an interim basis would provide him with a good opportunity to get his feet wet. During the roll call vote on Halls appointment, Beckstead referenced that idea in explaining why he was voting for him. Im for letting him run through the sprinklers before he jumps in the pool, Beckstead said. After the commission voted in favor of Halls appointment, Todacheene asked him to describe where he saw himself on the political spectrum. Im pretty conservative, he said. County spokesman Devin Neeley said Hall will not officially become a state lawmaker until he is sworn into office. Neeley said he did not know when that would take place. Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e. This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: San Juan County native Bill Hall to join New Mexico House's District 3 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said it was "absolutely essential" to send more weapons to Ukraine. Blinken made the remark during a visit to an arms factory in Versailles with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Defence officials continue to warn that Ukraine remains heavily outgunned by Russia on the battlefield, and note persistent reports of Ukrainian troops rationing or running out of ammunition on the front lines. Just last month, Ukrainian troops withdrew from the eastern city of Avdiivka, where outnumbered defenders had held off a Russian assault for four months. Troops complained of running low on ammunition while facing a constant barrage of airstrikes from glide bombs, enormous unguided Soviet-era weapons, retrofitted with a navigational targeting system, that obliterate everything around them, as well as motion-sensing explosive drones that could enter buildings and hunt personnel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace for talks on Ukraine and stabilising Haiti - Thomas Padilla/AP Around 20 countries sign up to Czech initiative to buy ammunition for Ukraine, Czech PM says Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said during his visit this week to Lithuania that around 20 countries have joined the Czech ammunition initiative in support of Ukraine and the first ammunition from this initiative could be delivered to Ukraine as early as in June. According to Prime Minister Fiala, the amount of aid to Kyiv should reach several hundred thousand pieces of ammunition. President Putin says more than 3 million received Russian passport in Ukrainian regions Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that more than 3.2 million people have received Russian passports in Ukrainian regions controlled by Russia. "More than 3,200,000 residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions have received passports as citizens of the Russian Federation," Putin said at a meeting with law enforcement officers in Moscow. Putin also urged authorities to ensure that people seeking Russian citizenship respect the country's values. "The principle is that only those who respect our traditions, language, culture, and history can come and live and work in Russia", Putin said. "This principle must be decisive", he added. Eight adults and five children injured in attack on Dnipro Russian troops launched a rocket attack on the city of Dnipro overnight, injuring 13 people. Eight of the wounded were hospitalized. All are in moderate condition. The rest were treated on the spot. They will be treated at home. Five children aged 14 to 17 were injured, four of whom were hospitalized. A kindergarten, a college and an enterprise were destroyed by the missile attack. A fire broke out on the territory of the enterprise on an area of 150 square metres, which has already been extinguished by rescuers. A total of 55 rescuers and 11 pieces of equipment were engaged in the firefighting operations. The African country is home to some 130,000 elephants - STUPORTS/ISTOCKPHOTO Botswana has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in a growing row over the import of hunting trophies. President Mokgweetsi Masisi said that his demand that Germany take vast numbers of the animals was no joke. We want our elephants to be able to run free, the German weather is bad enough for them, he told the Bild newspaper. The African nation has been angered by reports that Berlin is considering banning the import of hunting trophies from protected species. Last month, Botswanas wildlife minister threatened to send 10,000 elephants to Hyde Park so that British people could have a taste of living alongside them, because of a Bill proposing a similar ban. The private members Bill is currently making its way through the House of Commons. Rebecca Pow, the environment minister, has signalled her support for the legislation, saying that it would ensure trophy hunters are not putting additional pressure on already threatened species. Greens want tighter laws It is unclear why Botswana has voiced its anger with Germany now. Germanys environment ministry, run by Green politician Steffi Lemke, announced in 2022 that it wanted to tighten laws surrounding importing hunting trophies. However, the ministry has yet to present a draft bill on the issue to the Bundestag, Germanys parliament. It is unclear whether such a bill would find majority support. The coalition agreement, signed by Olaf Scholzs three-party government, makes no mention of hunting import bans, and junior coalition members of the Free Democrats have said they would oppose such a ban. A danger to life and crops Nonetheless, the governments of both Botswana and Namibia have raised concerns in recent weeks that a ban would harm their economies and exacerbate issues with burgeoning elephant populations. Mr Masisi said that elephants were trampling through farmers crops and even posing a risk to peoples lives. It is easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion on our affairs in Botswana, but we pay the price for keeping these animals for the world, he said. Botswana has around 130,000 elephants, the worlds largest population. Conflicts with farmers have led the southern African nation to try to direct some of its elephants into neighbouring Angola. Last month, Namibias environment minister, Pohamba Shifeta, accused Berlin of neo-colonialism over the issue of hunting imports, stating that legal hunting served the goal of protecting wild animals. In a letter addressed to Ms Lemke, Mr Shifeta wrote that a ban on imports would be contradictory to international law whoever wants to protect animals must allow controlled hunting. Pressure from celebrities Germanys Green-led environment ministry has come under pressure from activists and celebrities to ban hunting trophy imports. Last year, famous names, including the fashion designer Wolfgang Joop, signed a letter to Ms Lemke in which they said they were shocked that it was still possible to import protected species into the country. The environment ministry has stated that Germany has a special responsibility to ensure the legality and sustainability of hunting imports. Close to 500 hunting trophies from animals listed as protected were imported into the country in 2022, according to official statistics. These included elephants, leopards, rhinoceros and lions. The EU imposed tighter controls on the import of several species from Africa a decade ago, saying at the time that these were necessary to tackle poaching. 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. 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. California Republicans this week left out a key detail in their attacks on Gov. Gavin Newsom, after a restaurant partially owned by the governor posted an ad for a job paying $16 an hour, below the $20 an hour that many fast food restaurants are required to pay. While GOP lawmakers, and the state party, were quick to make political hay about that story, they neglected to mention that Newsom in 2018 placed his business holdings in a blind trust, before he became governor. Therefore he has no control over what wages are being offered. This attack comes as Newsom is fending off criticism over a deal that was worked out that appeared to grant Panera Bread an exemption to the states new fast food minimum wage law. A friend and political ally of Newsom owns several Panera Bread franchises in the state. The governor has denied that any special deal was cut to exempt Panera Bread. What is the controversy? On Monday, the states new fast food $20-an-hour minimum wage law went into effect for many, but not all, fast food restaurants in the state. The next day, Republicans including Rocklin Assemblyman Joe Patterson, began pointing out online that a job posting by PlumpJack Cafe, in Olympic Valley near Lake Tahoe, was recruiting bussers at a wage of $16 an hour. PlumpJack Cafe is part of the PlumpJack Group, of which Newsom is a partial owner. I wonder why @CAgovernor @GavinNewsoms food businesses dont pay $20/hour? Live job posting at $16/hr in Olympic Valley. Its very, very expensive to live there but he doesnt do as he tells others and doesnt pay a living wage, Patterson wrote on X, formerly Twitter on Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon, the California GOP Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson put out a statement, blasting Newsoms hypocrisy and saying that the minimum wage law has been mishandled every step of the way. PaneraGate. Alleged pay-to-play schemes and corruption. Negotiations run by Newsom mega-donor SEIU. NDAs. Ignoring questions from impacted businesses. Rushed passage. Newsom and California Democrats may have finally outdone themselves with the level of incompetence theyve brought to governing, she said. The PlumpJack Cafe does not fall under the new minimum wage law that law applies only to national fast food chains with more than 60 establishments across the country that offer no or limited table service. The PlumpJack Group did not respond to The Bees request for comment. After this story was published, California GOP spokeswoman Ellie Hockenbury told The Bee in an email statement that Gavin Newsom is still prominently featured as the founder of PlumpJack. PlumpJacks website links to Newsoms campaign page. His sister currently runs PlumpJack. It sends a pretty mixed message to businesses struggling to implement this disastrous new law when the governors own family-run business doesnt feel compelled to follow it. What is a blind trust? In their rush to attack Newsom for this perceived hypocrisy, Republicans left out the fact that Newsom has placed his businesses in a blind trust. A blind trust is a type of living trust that separates an individual from key financial knowledge of their assets, according to CNBC. The individual would assign their assets to a trustee who would then be in control of all of the decision-making processes regarding the assets. That individual then would have no further involvement in the handling of those assets, according to CNBC. Blind trusts often are used by politicians before they enter office to avoid a conflict of interest. Before becoming president, Jimmy Carter famously put his peanut farm into a blind trust, according to USA Today. President Donald Trump declined to place his assets in a blind trust, in a break with tradition. Instead, he placed his holdings in a revocable trust, according to the New York Times. After being elected governor of California in 2018, Newsom placed his holdings in a blind trust. Newsom will also disclose his personal and business holdings each year on his statement of economic interest and separate himself from the PlumpJack Group wine and hospitality businesses that he has built, Newsom spokesman Nathan Click told the Los Angeles Times at the time. In a statement to The Bee, Click said that Newsom has no role in any of the holdings that may be held by the blind trust. Cost of protecting Biden on visits home to Delaware is drain on troopers and state coffers This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware as part of a partnership with Delaware Online/The News Journal. For more about Spotlight Delaware, visit www.spotlightdelaware.org. President Joe Bidens frequent trips back to his home state have become routine to most Delawareans more than three years into his term, but the scores of trips have also become a drain on state coffers and the downtime of troopers. President Joe Biden returned to Delaware 30 times last year, but those visits left state taxpayers with a $400,000 bill for fuel costs to his local security detail. Last year, Biden returned to Delaware 30 times, or nearly three times the number of visits as those to Pennsylvania and Maryland, which ranked second with 11 trips each. The purpose of visits have ranged from attending the dignified transfer of fallen military members at Dover Air Force Base, visiting with campaign staffers in Wilmington, announcing major policy initiatives in Bear or simply getting some rest at either his Greenville or Rehoboth Beach-area homes. Every time the president moves within the state, however, the U.S. Secret Service requests a variety of law enforcement, emergency medical and transportation logistics support to ensure his safe and quick travel. The local agency most burdened by those movements which numbered more than 130 in 2023 is the Delaware State Police. Operational support for Bidens visits, including several special units and command and control elements from DSP, encompassed a total of 14,448 man hours, according to Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr., secretary for the Delaware Department of Safety & Homeland Security that oversees the statewide police force. What does it take? President Joe Biden is escorted by upward of 50 Delaware State Police troopers in his visits home, typically running over an entire weekend. Even prior to the presidents arrival at landing spots like Delaware Air National Guard 166th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base or Gordons Pond State Park, state law enforcement are on the move to secure arrival and destination spots. According to McQueen, the number of troopers involved in Bidens movements could number as many as 50 and include department SUVs, helicopters, bomb trucks, command posts, motorcycles, Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) vehicles, and other specialty vehicles. DSP declined to disclose specific numbers of troopers assigned to the presidential detail in various scenarios as it could jeopardize safety and security protocols. Typically leading DSPs efforts is Troop 1, the barrack headquartered off Kirkwood Highway near the presidents Greenville home, which is where Biden spends the majority of his time in state. Other police agencies, including the New Castle County and Wilmington police departments, have been called upon to help with presidential detail and each county provides an ambulance crew that travels with the president in case of emergency. Feds cover some costs Recognizing that presidential visits carry a cost to local agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved the Presidential Residence Protection Assistance grant in 2017. The grants reimburse state and local law enforcement agencies for operational overtime costs incurred while protecting the president at home. The Delaware Criminal Justice Council, a state clearinghouse entity that handles all federal grant applications for state law enforcement agencies, collects the necessary data and is reimbursed following the end of the Sept. 30 federal fiscal year. Over the first two fiscal years of the Biden administration, Delaware has recouped more than $3.5 million from the PRPA fund. However, the grant only covers officers on overtime duty, and no funds can be reimbursed for officers on regular duty. On occasion, regular duty troopers are needed for Bidens protection based on staffing levels and unexpected movements. We dont pull [troopers] off of a shift unless its an emergent situation By and large, we try to staff that in an overtime capacity just for the purpose of recouping the expense and not depleting the patrol or CIU [Criminal Investigation Unit], Delaware State Police Superintendent Col. Melissa Zebley told the state legislatures Joint Finance Committee last month. One significant cost that the state cannot recoup is fuel costs for the vehicles utilized though. Last year, that totaled about $400,000 when accounting for patrol cars, helicopters and specialty vehicles, according to DSP. Department leaders are asking state taxpayers to cover that cost in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 budget a reality that McQueen told state legislators was a challenge. When asked about the details costs to state police, a White House spokesperson said only that President Biden is thankful for the support of local law enforcement. President Biden traveled home to Wilmington every day during his 36-year Senate career, and Delaware is never far from his heart. Now as President, hes grateful for the welcome he receives from Delawareans when he is able to return home to Wilmington and Rehoboth. And hes immensely grateful for the law enforcement officers who help protect him and his family on their travel to Delaware and every other state in the union, said Robyn Patterson, assistant press secretary for the White House. State Sen. David Lawson, a Marydel Republican and a retired state trooper expressed concern with the strain that frequent overtime duty was having on state troopers for the Biden detail. A personnel cost Aside from the financial cost to state taxpayers of Bidens frequent trips home, the visits are also an additional burden on the rank-and-file of Delawares law enforcement agencies, who are contending with dwindling staffing levels. With upward of 50 troopers called to duty for Bidens movements, it means that an estimated 15% of troopers are being utilized on their scheduled off days from 12-hour shifts. Like many law enforcement agencies, DSP has faced challenges in boosting its ranks and still must confront a rising number of retirements in coming years. As of last month, Delaware State Police had 699 sworn active-duty troopers, according to a department spokeswoman. That total included 19 recruits who are scheduled to graduate soon, however, and DSP has an approved budget for up to 750 troopers. The state police has seen falling interest in recruitment in the last five years, with applications falling about 70% since 2018, according to Zebley. The latest 31-person recruiting class was the largest in several years. A decade ago, it was common to have a few thousand applicants while today that number is around 100. Requests for comment on that impact to trooper morale and readiness were not returned by leaders of the Delaware State Troopers Association, the union for state troopers. State Sen. David Lawson (R-Marydel), who retired from DSP in 1992 after serving 19 years as a trooper, questioned the impact that the duties were having though. He said that getting a fully scheduled rest was critical for a law enforcement officer, especially under the current 12-hour shift model. That shift is excruciatingly long, he said, noting that the requirements of the presidents frequent visits only adds to the overall stress and fatigue to those officers. When it comes to moving the president, [DSP] is short-changed in a lot of ways in taking care of the hometown boy. Get stories like this delivered to your email inbox by signing up for the free newsletter at spotlightdelaware.org/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: President Biden's visits home leave Delaware police with $400K bill Curious SouthCoast: How New Bedford celebrated its first 50 years in a repair shop In the first 50 years of the citys existence, New Bedford had an abundance of businesses from foundries to electronics and toy companies to cordage and glass companies, and the celebrated whaling industry was going strong. Who would have known that the building where New Bedford celebrated its industrial achievements would one day become a trolley repair shop, to ultimately be replaced by an apartment building. The Union Street Railway Repair Shop at Purchase and Weld streets doubled as the Semi-Centennial Industrial Exposition Building. Built in 1897, it was used as the exhibition hall during the celebration, as written in the official souvenir program for the occasion. New Bedford's Semi-Centennial celebration at the industrial exhibition focused on its many industries. The "New Bedford Semi-Centennial and Industrial Exhibition contains A Review of the History of the City together with Accounts of the Whale Fishery, the Early Industries, the Great Growth in the Cotton Manufacture and the Social and Economic Changes. The Pairpoint Glass display alone was described as being composed of over 3,000 pieces of the finest cut glass and glassy work in the United States. Curious SouthCoast: New Bedford's first brewery survives Prohibition: It's all about ice The majority of the citys industries were represented, although representatives of the large cotton mills refused to participate over a dispute. A similar publication was published by New Bedfords Morning Mercury newspaper in October 1897, and both are available for viewing in the New Bedford Public Librarys Genealogy room by appointment and on various online archive sites. It was visiting day on the U.S.S. Amphitrite during New Bedford's Semi-Centennial celebration in 1897. On the first day Oct. 11, President McKinley pressed the button in Washington, D.C. that started the "Mechanics in Motion" exhibit inaugurating the exhibition. The so-called walnut button was later part of the exhibit. It was reported that 15,000 people attended the exhibit daily. The exposition lasted 10 days. The Five Cent Savings Bank on Purchase Street and signs reading Louis E. Shurtleff, Jeweler, Frank M. Jenkins, Optician, Eyes Tested Free, The Paris, Confectionary-Ice Cream Soda and Charles E. Woodworth, Spectacles, Eye Glasses are situated at New Bedford's Semi-Centennial press headquarters. Planning for the semi-centennial New Bedford Mayor Charles S. Ashley was the chairman of the General Committee for the semi-centennial that was formed for the celebration. It was George F. Bartlett at a meeting of the Board of Trades in September 1896 who proposed a semi-centennial celebration, and on March 26, 1897, a joint special committee was formed. New Bedford's Semi-Centennial celebration includes a review of the military and civic parade by Gov. Wolcott, Mayor Ashley and guests at the library. It wasnt unanimous, but as written in the official souvenir book the "New Bedford Semi-Centennial Industrial Exhibition, the decision was made despite the opposition. Notwithstanding many differences of opinion as to the advisability of holding the celebration at this time, and considerable opposition, both covert and open, from conservative citizens, the committee labored strenuously, and in the face of great discouragements and difficulties have succeeded in organizing a celebration of which the city may be proud, and which will reflected honor not only on the members of the committee, but will be an unmistakable benefit to the community, as it was written. Curious SouthCoast: New Bedford fire chief's invention changes firefighting in early 1900s Describing the semi-centennial building The large, one-story brick and wood building featured a facade consisting of a rectangular middle section and tapering, sloped wing and two large portals 20 feet in height for the passage of the trolley cars and the overhead wires. A simple parapet rose above the roof line. It's a celebration of New Bedford's Semi-Centennial at City Hall on Pleasant and William Streets in 1897. After completion of the trolley repair shop building in 1897, and its use as the exposition hall for the New Bedford Semi-Centennial that year, the building was outfitted with the necessary facilities for a complete trolley repair shop. At its peak, workers could build trolley cars in the repair shop. There was also once a sanitary disposal company on site. A firebombing struck the Semi-Centennial Building in 1970 during a time of racial tension that included riots in New Bedford, causing structural damage. A major portion of the middle section was destroyed, but the left and right wing were intact and salvageable. New ceiling joists restored the center section. The Car Barn Apartments at 1959 Purchase St., stand on the site of where the repair shop existed all those years ago. Standard-Times staff writer Kathryn Gallerani can be reached at kgallerani@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @kgallreporter. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Once a New Bedford trolley repair shop is now Car Barn Apartments Flash The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday successfully test-fired an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile with its top leader guiding the event on the spot, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Wednesday. The test-fire marked the first time the country has launched the new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile, called Hwasongpho-16B, which was loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead, according to the KCNA report. The missile was launched towards the northeast at an army unit's training field on the outskirts of Pyongyang, the report said. After separation from the missile, the hypersonic gliding warhead reached its first peak at the height of 101.1 kilometers and the second peak at the height of 72.3 kilometers while making 1,000-km-long flight as scheduled, before it accurately fell into the eastern waters off the Korean Peninsula, the report said. The test-fire had made no adverse effect on the security of neighboring countries, it added. Calling the missile "another powerful strategic offensive weapon to demonstrate the absolute advantage of the DPRK defense science and technology," Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, said the country has "put all of its tactical, operational and strategic missiles with various ranges on solid-fueled, warhead-controlled and nuclear warhead-carrying basis," representing the successful implementation of the party's principles of missile development drive for "rapidly, accurately and powerfully striking any target in the enemy side worldwide," according to the KCNA report. Kim said the most urgent task for the country at present is to develop the overwhelming power capable of containing and controlling the enemies, and the defence science sector should step up its efforts to steadily improve the national defence capacity. Hopefully you grabbed your umbrella this morning as Delaware is in for a rough day with rain, high winds, storms and flooding. The state was already under a coastal flooding advisory through 10 p.m. Wednesday, but the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for New Castle County through 6 p.m. Thursday. Expected rainfall for Wednesday The National Weather Service is predicting 1 to 3 inches of rain in New Castle County, which could cause rivers and waterways to exceed flood stage. First State residents should also expect heavy rains and severe storms throughout the day. WEATHER ALERT: Tornado watch issued for Kent, Sussex counties; parts of Md., North Carolina, Virginia Delaware weather forecast Here is a run-down of the active weather today. Overall, there was not much change in our expectations compared to yesterday afternoon. For the complete briefing package, click here: https://t.co/JiD09By93X pic.twitter.com/pwESTzwuQt NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) April 3, 2024 Rain will the the rule for the day for Delaware. New Castle County is expected to get more than an inch of rain with highs in the upper 50s. Rain will continue through the evening and into Thursday. Thunderstorm threat for Wednesday Kent and Sussex counties could be in for a wilder day as thunderstorms are predicted for the Delmarva region. According to Accuweather.com, Kent and Sussex counties will have milder temperatures with thunderstorms, some bringing heavy rains later in the day. The storms could cause flash flooding and bring damaging winds as precipitation amounts could range from 1 to 1.5 inches. Thursday will be sunny with clouds rolling in and a chance of rain in New Castle and Kent counties. Highs will be in the mid to upper 50s throughout the state. Eclipse weather forecast: Cloudy skies forecast for path of totality on eclipse day. What will happen in Delaware? Delaware weekend weather forecast First State residents will get the opportunity to dry out as partly sunny to sunny weather moves into the region. Friday will be partly cloudy with an isolated rain shower in some areas. Highs will be in the low 50s. On Saturday, the sun breaks through with highs in the mid 50s throughout the state. Sunday will be the best day of the weekend with sun and highs in the 60s. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Weather: Flood watch issued in state. Here's the forecast Hundreds flocked to Mission San Jose in South San Antonio on Oct. 14, 2023, to witness last year's solar eclipse as the moons shadow swept across Central Texas. Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune Cities and small towns in Texas from the Mexico border to Texarkana are bracing for a flood of visitors ahead of next weeks solar eclipse, with some local leaders warning their residents to prepare by stocking up on food and water and staying home on Monday. They're also watching the weather forecast carefully. Along the eclipses path through Texas, meteorologists are predicting cloudy and rainy conditions in south Central Texas and cloudy skies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which could ruin eclipse viewing parties and other planned events. In Llano, Mayor Marion Bishop said regardless of what the weather does, his city of 3,300 residents is expecting large crowds of eclipse tourists, heavy traffic and potential shortages of food, water and medications. Hes advising Llano residents to hunker down, stay still and hold on, because it's gonna be a wild ride. Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth. In Texas, the eclipses path is expected to begin near Eagle Pass at around noon and end at Texarkana around 3 p.m., passing through small towns like Uvalde and Kerrville as well as big cities like Austin and Dallas along the way. Llano is in the path of totality, meaning that for about four minutes the moon will block the sun entirely. According to NASA, a solar eclipse like this years wont happen again for another 20 years. Thats caused an expected crush of eclipse tourism next week, with visitors from other parts of Texas and around the country booking hotels, vacation rentals and RV parks months in advance. Multiple Central Texas counties have declared local disasters in order to control people moving in and out of the areas and more easily tap into state resources, KXAN reported. Kaufman County in North Texas did the same. Meanwhile, Texas airports are preparing for more than the usual number of travelers. Dallas Love Field plans to have extra staffing. Austins airport was bracing for a surge of rental car rentals and returns before and after the eclipse. Theres a reason for the frenzy. Viewing a total eclipse is a spectacular, visceral experience, said Stephen Bradshaw, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University. As the moon moves in front of the sun, the temperature drops, and a diamond of light beams emerges around the moons edge. Being able to witness a total eclipse over land is also unusual, Bradshaw said. This one is passing through densely populated areas that are relatively easy to reach, sparking thousands of road trips. In Bradshaws view, its worth making the effort to see. Its almost sort of a whole body experience, Bradshaw said. I think these days, especially, people are a lot more about having experiences. And this is one of natures most spectacular. Prepping in Llano In Llano, Bishops main concern next week is gridlock at the Roy B. Inks Bridge over the Llano River. Built in the 1930s, its the only bridge connecting the northern and southern halves of the city. We're making the best we can out of not a good situation, Bishop said. [The bridge] is not going to be able to handle the demands of the traffic that's going to be going across it. The mayor has asked residents to stock up with a weeks worth of food and fill up their gas tanks before this weekend. Bishop said the citys 90 bed and breakfasts are totally booked. The city has spent $35,000 to rent 150 portable toilets. The city is warning visitors that cellphone service may be spotty with so many people in town. You can't take a town of 3,300 people, and then bring in 60,000 [more] and not expect to run out of everything, Bishop said. When you've got a horde of hungry people, and they're here for a day or two, then all the supplies are going to disappear. Tony Guidroz, the citys community development director, said Llano has held three town halls in preparation for the eclipse. He added that the city is viewing the eclipse as an opportunity, not an emergency, and hopes that local businesses, hotels and restaurants will experience an economic boost. We're really excited for the opportunities that our businesses and lodging properties may have to really capitalize on the economic impact that the event can provide, he said. At Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Manger Chris Engelman said that the restaurant has stocked up with about 50% more than its regular supply of meat, paper goods and to-go containers. Coopers will extend its hours and asked employees to report for work about four hours earlier than usual, he said. We are going to knock it out of the park. Weve put in as much research and preparation as we can. Its about taking care of the customers, while giving relief to employees, Engelman said. In Junction, worries about I-10 congestion Roughly 80 miles west of Llano in Junction, Andrew Burnard, a volunteer leader with Kimble Countys Community Emergency Response Team, said the county has emergency plans in place in case of traffic jams on Interstate 10, a major trucking route connecting Houston and Los Angeles. We are very worried that people are going to pull off of [the highway] and look at the eclipse and then cause more traffic delays for the truck driver that just wants to get his load all the way to LA, Burnard said. The eclipse is supposed to reach Junction at 1:30 p.m. and will last about three minutes. The weather forecast for Junction on Monday is mostly cloudy with possible thunderstorms. Adam Hammons, a spokesperson with the Texas Department of Transportation, said in an email that the agency will have crews available to direct traffic where its needed and will put messages on electronic highway signs warning people not to park along the highway. South of the city at South Llano River State Park, Superintendent Cody Edwards said the parks 220 day-use parking spots and all 58 campsites are already booked for the eclipse. Park staff have pumped out the parks septic system and prepped the restrooms for the influx of eclipse visitors. Edwards said staff is working hard to give visitors the best possible outdoor experience to view the eclipse from its two-mile river frontage or more than 20 miles of trails. In Eagle Pass, a chance to change the subject For months, Eagle Pass has been the center of Texas efforts to militarize the border as the state entered a still unresolved standoff with the federal government over the enforcement of immigration law exemplified by the states seizure of a city park on the Rio Grande as a staging area for state troopers and Texas National Guard members. On Monday, some city officials hope to paint the border city in a different light as they welcome thousands of expected visitors who want to see the solar eclipse in one of the first American cities to experience the path of totality. Whats being shown on the news is not what is actually happening in our community, were very safe, were very welcoming, theres nothing out of control, City Manager Homero Balderas said. We want people to experience it for themselves. To showcase the citys offerings, officials have planned for more than a year to put on a music festival coinciding with the eclipse, Balderas said. They booked artists and began promoting the event investing close to $2 million that was initially planned for Shelby Park. When state officials seized the park and closed it to the public against city officials wishes, that forced a last-minute relocation to the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino. Balderas said he was concerned that the relocation approved by the city in late February and the publicity about the border enforcement standoff might hurt attendance at the festival , but that he remains hopeful that visitors will get to see the city for what it is welcoming and safe while witnessing a unique natural event. Were excited and were definitely ready, whether its 5,000 or 20,000 [visitors] weve been working very hard, he said. In Sulphur Springs: a parking space and a plate for a fee In Northeast Texas, St. James Catholic Church in Sulphur Springs the oldest and only Catholic church in Hopkins County is renting out the churchs 350 parking spots for $25 each and plans to sell food and special glasses to view the eclipse. Karen Lozano, head of the pastoral committee at the church, said there is a nervous energy around town ahead of the eclipse, which is supposed to reach Sulphur Springs at 1:42 p.m. and last four minutes on Monday. The number one worry is that we may not have cell service or internet service here. We are a little town and now everybody wants to come to Sulphur Springs because we're in the direct center of the [eclipse] path, she said. Lozano said the church has already sold more than 50 parking spots. Restaurants that normally close on Sundays are being asked to stay open all week. Schools are also renting out parking spaces and using that money to fund their science programs. Hotels and RV parks in town and surrounding areas are booked. In Powderly, about 40 miles north of Sulphur Springs near Paris, Jason Besteman is opening his family-owned ranch to visitors for the first time. Besteman said his family has been building short-term rentals on a portion of their dairy farm, believing that agricultural tourism is what will help them survive. The farming business is tough at times, he said. I really see [agricultural tourism] as a big thing as people are trying to get out of the city and experience the fresh air of rural outdoors. For the eclipse, the family has set up more than 100 RV spaces and campsites for $250 a night. He hopes the farm will see an economic boost from the eclipse. We have a really pretty view on a hilltop, he said. I dont know what the weather is going to do, but we are hoping a lot of people come into town. Disclosure: Rice University 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. Solar eclipse 2024: Latest forecast is looking cloudy for some in path of totality There's just five days to go until the total solar eclipse. Meteorologists continue to refine their cloud cover forecasts for the big day, and as of Wednesday, it's a mix of good and bad news, depending on your location. More about that in a moment. On Monday afternoon, April 8, a total eclipse of the sun will cross over a dozen states as it traverses from Texas to Maine. Millions of people are expected to travel to see it. The full total solar eclipse experience will plunge people along a narrow path into darkness midday, but people outside the path of totality can still use eclipse glasses (maybe free eclipse glasses) to see the moon pass in front of the sun if it's not blocked by clouds. Meanwhile, those planning to order glasses online may be rapidly running out of time to do so in order to have them delivered on time. Here's the latest news about the 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8: Where will skies be clear for the total eclipse? First, the good news. "Clear skies in the path of totality are most likely in northern New England and upstate New York, and possible in Arkansas and Missouri," the Weather Prediction Center, a branch of the National Weather Service, said Tuesday afternoon. The weather service forecast office in Burlington, Vermont, also gave this optimistic outlook: "The forecast for Monday is looking spectacular across the North Country (of Vermont)." The weather service calls for "great viewing conditions, as mostly clear skies are now in the forecast around eclipse time." Here is the latest update to the cloud cover and weather forecast for the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th. Are you planning to view it? Please keep aware of forecast updates, which will be issued daily by 2pm EDT. The forecast will continue to change! pic.twitter.com/KdIgtiAwjH NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) April 2, 2024 Texas solar eclipse forecast is troublesome The forecast worsens the farther south and west you go. "Cloud cover in the path of totality is most likely in south-central Texas, as well as portions of the Ohio Valley, including Indiana, Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania," the Weather Prediction Center said. AccuWeather lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said, "Most places in the vicinity of the path of totality will have to deal with some level of clouds, whether high or low." The weather service forecast office in Dallas-Ft. Worth was slightly more upbeat about the type of clouds that will be in the area on Monday: "The forecast for Eclipse Day continues to be cloudy, however, not all hope is lost!," the weather service said. "Widespread upper cloud cover is likely, but dense low clouds look less likely! There is a medium chance of partial visibility across parts of North and Central Texas." Hikers watch a partial solar eclipse from Papago Park in Phoenix on May 20, 2012. Will clouds really ruin the eclipse? Clouds are just part of weather, and as noted in the latest forecast, it's likely that some of the millions of people in the path of totality for April's total eclipse will have to endure overcast skies that will impact the experience. But determining how clouds would change your view depends on the types of clouds and which expert you ask. Some advise eclipse watchers to not worry about the skies, others say an overcast sky can ruin the experience. Before last year's annular solar eclipse, National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Daldrup told Oregon Public Radio that if clouds are in the forecast, you should hope for the "right kind of clouds." If we want to see it, well want the higher-level clouds, Daldrup told OPR. Those tend to be the more feathery cirrus clouds that can still be seen through. They might obstruct the eclipse but you can still see it. Cirrus clouds would be in contrast to some of the more eclipse-unfriendly clouds, such as a thick deck of lower-level stratus or cumulus clouds that would likely completely block the sun. Order eclipse glasses online now to have them delivered on time If you're planning to be among the millions of people in the United States who will witness the spectacular sight on April 8, having a proper pair of glasses is paramount: The sun's rays will pose a danger to unprotected retinas gazing skyward. If you're buying your specs through American Paper Optics, the nation's largest supplier of eclipse glasses, the company makes it easy for you with a countdown at the top of its website for how much longer you have to procrastinate. As of Wednesday morning, customers have little more than two days to make their purchase and take advantage of the company's express shipping across the country. That's about the same amount of time allotted to Walmart+ online shoppers, as well as Prime members looking for reputable glasses on Amazon. Many eclipse websites like GreatAmericanEclipse.com and NationalEclipse.com also sell a variety of eyewear products, along with plenty of other gadgets but double check that estimated delivery date before checking out. What is the path of totality and why does it matter? This eclipse is all about totality. But what is it? Basically, totality is when the moon totally blocks the sun during a total solar eclipse. The path of totality is the area where people on Earth can see the moon completely cover the sun as the moon's shadow falls upon them. In the U.S., the path of totality of this eclipse stretches from Texas to Maine. To view all of the stages of a total solar eclipse, you must watch it from somewhere along that path of totality, NASA said. Viewers outside this narrow, roughly 115-mile wide path will only see a partial eclipse of the sun. If you're not in the path of totality, hundreds of millions of people across the nation will still be able to view the partial eclipse, weather permitting: "The best locations for viewing can be the Southwest and the East, especially east of the Appalachians," AccuWeather lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said. "Cities like El Paso, Albuquerque, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City and Raleigh should all have great views." "The area from West Texas to southern Arizona should also have favorable viewing conditions," Pastelok added. "These areas will be close to the path of totality with the least amount of cloud cover anticipated." Is the April 2024 eclipse safe for pets? An eclipse itself isn't dangerous for domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but experts say it's probably best to not bring pets to experience the April 2024 total solar eclipse. Experts' biggest concern is not whats happening in the sky but on the ground as crowds of excited and anxious people gather, said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Rather than the effects of the eclipse, I would be more worried about the excitement and all of the people, she said. Dogs especially will take their cues from their owners rather than the celestial event. Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club, said dogs that are sensitive, that have anxiety or are strongly affected by storms are likely to pick up on the emotions of people gathering to watch the eclipse Thats especially true for pet owners who might be traveling a long distance to see the eclipse. How are schools are handling the total solar eclipse Local governments and organizations have been bracing for months to accommodate the millions of Americans hoping to witness the eclipse. Amongst those planning for the special day are schools, especially those in states in the path of totality. A lot of foresight and logistics go into managing excitement around such a rare event, and school districts across the 13 states in the eclipse's path have been prepping their students, parents and educators well in advance. States and districts are taking different approaches: some will dismiss students early or close entirely, while others will find ways to incorporate the celestial event into the day's curriculum. Schools in each state are handling the rare event in their own way, but one thing widely agreed upon by both educators and parents alike the eclipse is a rare and exciting teaching opportunity. Traffic likely to be snarled Experts warn the eclipse excitement could create dangerous and busy traffic conditions as people pack into the narrow band of the country with the best view. "Pack your patience, whether traveling a great distance or locally, people will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse," said Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association. Roads could be especially packed at the center of the eclipse's path as Americans who want the best view crowd into cities, towns and remote areas, many without the infrastructure to handle big crowds. In Ohio's Lorain County, county officials are warning residents to be aware about the increase in visitors, traffic and jammed roads and possible cell phone signal drops. What we could have is crowds here that were not used to, said Dave Freeman, the director of Lorain County Emergency Management. Were not set up infrastructure-wise for that, we dont have the roads. How to photograph a solar eclipse with your cell phone You'll need to have the right solar filter in front of your cellphone camera to protect both your device and eyesight, according to Carly Stocks, a Utah-based astronomical photographer who talked to USA TODAY. The filter must be made specifically for solar viewing, Stocks said. She also emphasized the need to place a filter that is larger than the lens itself and to keep it on at all times if you're in a location where the eclipse is only partially visible. She recommends purchasing a small 4- by 4-inch sheet of the Thousand Oaks solar filter. And if you're observing the sky in a location where the total eclipse is visible, you'll have a moment when you can take off the solar lens entirely and capture unfiltered images. "During totality, you can remove all filters," Stocks told USA TODAY. "If you're looking with the solar glasses and you don't see anything, then it's safe to look at it during that time." Melissa Cheatwood, from Baltimore, Maryland, gazes up as the August 2017 eclipse enters totality in Charleston, S.C. When is the next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S.? It will be 20 years before there's a chance to witness a total solar eclipse in the United States again. According to NASA, after the total solar eclipse on April 8, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044. What time is the solar eclipse on April 8? The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends): Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT NASA will launch 3 rockets into space during the eclipse NASA is preparing to launch three giant rockets into our atmosphere on the day of the eclipse. The agency is hoping to gather some valuable scientific data about how solar eclipses alter Earths upper atmosphere. NASA is using spacecraft called sounding rockets that are equipped with scientific instruments to take measurements and perform experiments during its sub-orbital flight. The three rockets will launch from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and will reach an intended altitude of 260 miles, NASA said. That's high enough to study disturbances during a total solar eclipse in the ionosphere, a region of Earths atmosphere between 55 to 310 miles above the ground. Scientists hope to collect data on how the sun's sudden disappearance during the eclipse creates disturbances that could interfere with communications here on Earth. Understanding the ionosphere and developing models to help us predict disturbances is crucial to making sure our increasingly communication-dependent world operates smoothly," said mission leader Aroh Barjatya, an engineering physicist at Florida's Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Eclipse one of many reasons 'flat Earth' claims are nonsense Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, skeptics continue to believe the Earth is flat, a conspiracy theory experts say dangerously feeds into paranoia and spurs an unhealthy skepticism of all science and credible authorities. The USA TODAY Fact-Check Team has debunked an array of flat Earth-related claims, including that Antarctica is really an ice wall around a flat Earth and the related conspiracy theory that space and space travel isn't real. Experts say the debunked flat Earth conspiracy theory doesn't slow down when an eclipse happens even though the event is precisely explained because of scientists' deep understanding of celestial bodies and their orbits. Speaking about the skeptics, Jeffrey Blevins, a professor of journalism at the University of Cincinnati, said "Theyre not just primed to believe the Earth is flat, theyre primed to believe you cant trust science, academics, the media or government, he said. And it might also lead you to see other extremist views as plausible. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Solar eclipse weather forecast warns of clouds: Where's best to view? NEW MEXICO (KRQE) A federal judge on Friday ruled that New Mexico voter information can be released to a conservative-backed organization seeking to publish each states voter data online. The decision was made in regards to a lawsuit that the organization, called Voter Reference Foundation, filed against the Secretary of States office and the New Mexico Attorney Generals office. Albuquerque-based U.S. District Judge James Browning ruled that the organization should be allowed access to voter data through the National Voter Registration Acts Public Inspection Provision. Browning also ruled that the Secretary of States office and the New Mexico Attorney Generals office violated the Public Inspection Provision by denying the foundations request for voting records. Story continues below Voter Reference Foundation created a searchable database that includes the voters full name, residential address, voting precinct number, date of voter registration, political party affiliation, voting history, and year of birth. The groups goals, as stated on its website, are, ensuring transparent, accurate and fair elections in the United States of America, and encouraging greater voter participation in all fifty states. Voter Reference Foundation aims to publish voter and government election data from all 50 states on its website. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver challenged Voter Reference Foundations request for New Mexico voter information, claiming the request violated state law. The state law says voter data can only be used for government or election campaign purposes. The Secretary of States office also previously raised privacy concerns about the voter information being publicly published online and said that it will make voters less likely to participate in our elections. Voter Reference Foundation argued the state statute was unconstitutional and that their request was valid under National Voter Registration Act, which is federal law. The group also made a claim that it was retaliated against and that their First Amendment rights were violated by state law not allowing them to publish voter data on their websites. Judge Browning ruled that federal law controlling access to voter records does preempt the states rules for access. But some questions surrounding the case remain unresolved and are likely to remain so until a trial is held. For example, Browning said Voter Reference Foundation can proceed in court on the allegation that they may have had their first amendment rights violated by New Mexico election officials. Alex Curtas, a spokesperson for the Secretary of States office, said in an email that they plan to appeal the decision. Despite the ruling that federal law preempts state law and that state offices violated public record inspection rules, state officials did see some victories in the ruling as well. Judge Browning ruled in favor of the Secretary of States office and the New Mexico Attorney Generals office on some counts, saying that they are allowed to restrict the use of voter information to some extent without violating the U.S. Constitution. We are pleased the court found that state law restricting the use of voter information data does not violate the 1st Amendment, that the law is not unconstitutionally overbroad or vague, and that the law was not applied to the Voter Reference Foundation in a retaliatory manner, Curtas stated. According to the Secretary of States office website, publicly available voter information does not include social security numbers, identifying information about where a voter registered, a voters day/month of birth, or a voters telephone number (if the phone number was not included by that voter when they registered to vote). It also does not include any information on voters participating in the Secretary of States Safe at Home Program for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Curtas also stated in the email that the Secretary of States office will adjust procedures for handling voter data requests in line with the courts ruling, and the Secretary of State will continue to do everything in her power to advocate for the protection of voters personal information and ultimately encourage voter participation. The Voter Reference Foundation first published New Mexico voters personal information on VoteRef.com in December 2021 after obtaining data through a business called Local Labs, according to court documents. Voter Reference Foundation removed the New Mexico records from its website in March 2022, just before filing the lawsuit. Voter Reference Foundation removed the data out of fear that it would be prosecuted based on the Secretary of States interpretation of the law and her referral of VRF [Voter Reference Foundation] to the Attorney Generals office for potential prosecution. If you have questions about your voter information, the Bureau of Elections can be contacted at 505-827-3600 or by emailing Elections@sos.nm.gov. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Florida Democrats, fearing politicization will sink a November ballot measure protecting abortion, are warning President Joe Bidens campaign not to alienate Republicans. Already, the Biden campaign declared Florida winnable, launched digital ads in Florida showing Donald Trump bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade and held a call with reporters to put the former president on the spot over the issue. All of it could push away GOP voters crucial to passing the initiative to protect abortion. I wish they hadnt, state Rep. Anna Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat who previously worked for Planned Parenthood, said of the various efforts the Biden campaign was now putting into Florida. I would expect them to support the initiative, but letting locals lead on this is smart, she added, saying that she was concerned using the issue to boost Democratic candidates instead of creating a multi-partisan effort would result in abortion remaining largely illegal in Florida. The campaign to put abortion access on the ballot, which is led by the Floridians Protecting Freedom committee, reached the states threshold of more than 891,000 state-certified voter signatures at the end of last year. After the Florida Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the ballot initiative can go before voters in November, the campaign has essentially six months to drum up support 60 percent of voters must approve it for it to pass. They have to do it in a state where Republicans out-registered Democrats by almost 900,000 voters. And for supporters, the stakes are incredibly high. While the Supreme Court determined that voters will have a say in protecting abortion, the court also upheld a 15-week abortion ban that will trigger a nearly all-out ban starting May 1. Democratic state Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, whos involved with organizing the abortion ballot campaign, said that while the measure seems like a big opportunity for Democrats to win other races on the ballot, many of the roughly 1 million voters who signed petitions in support of the initiative were Republican. This language was supported by Republicans and independents, Book said. While its deeply political, I had Republican women alongside me collecting petitions because they believe the Legislature went too far. Some Democrats acknowledge they have to delicately balance the issue, not just for electoral survival but to keep abortion legal. During a press conference with Democrats in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, U.S. House Democrats stressed how important it was for the issue to be apolitical though they warned repeatedly that electing Trump in November, coupled with a GOP majority in Congress, would result in a nationwide abortion ban. (Trumps campaign has said he wants states to decide the issue.) U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) predicted the amendment would pass thanks to a broad coalition of voters and added that Democrats would encourage them to also vote for candidates that support abortion rights. She warned in a brief interview with POLITICO that without electing a strong slate of Democratic lawmakers, anti-abortion lawmakers would seek to gut the abortion amendment against the will of voters. We're going to be able to show voters: These are people that wanted to interfere with your personal private health care decisions, she said. They did it and they will do it again, even if you decide that we have abortion rights in our Constitution. Lauren Brenzel, director of the abortion campaign for the referendum, called Yes on 4, said the push to enshrine abortion protections in the state Constitution shouldnt be conflated with political races. We are focused on making clear to voters the decision at stake: Should the government get to make these decisions for doctors and women, or not? Brenzel wrote in a text. Floridians of every party, including Republicans, do not want politicians making these decisions for them. Though the Biden campaign is playing up Florida this week, the extent of its investment in the state remains murky. Part of the strategy may be to only talk about Florida frequently enough to force the lesser-funded Trump campaign to spend in the state, rather than embark on a sincere, all-out bid trying to win it in November. And while the Biden campaign put out a new digital ad on abortion in Florida, campaign officials havent said how much theyre spending on the ad, only that the money came out of a $30 million overall that its spending on ads in battleground states this spring. The campaign also announced a state team in Florida last week, though Trump appointed a Florida director last summer. Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez didnt specifically address whether the president would ramp up his trips to Florida now, when asked about it directly by a reporter on Tuesday. We are clear-eyed about how hard it will be to win Florida, she said, but we also know Trump does not have it in the bag. Laura Goodhue, the executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates and a member of Floridians Protecting Freedom, said even without cash, droves of women from both parties turned out in support after more restrictive abortion bans were signed into law. Floridians Protecting Freedom raised roughly $16 million by the end of the year as it turned in the last of its voter signatures to county elections supervisors. A separate ballot initiative seeking to legalize marijuana spent $39 million to achieve similar results. Goodhue said she hoped that kind of support would continue through November as Planned Parenthood helps with abortion access across the Southeast. Until the six-week ban takes effect, Florida will remain a bastion for women seeking an abortion from neighboring states with tighter restrictions. There's a focus on the South, period, and there's a focus on the underserved, Goodhue said. We have to preserve access in Florida. On the plus side for state Democrats, they feel the attention to the issue from national Democrats could bring about badly needed cash to help carry the campaign, Book said. White House staffers initially warned the ballot initiative wouldnt survive Floridas conservative climate, she added. We had folks within the White House telling us, We dont want you carrying the water on this because we dont believe this is going to happen, Book said. Here we are today and I know that the Biden campaign has made a commitment and those resources are coming. When a Republican colleague threatened to read aloud from a 2-foot stack of books including a biblical guide to leadership and a tome by anti-tax activist Grover Norquist to protest inaction on his bills last week, Missouri state Sen. Rick Brattin quickly took up the cause. Seizing on a chance to hijack the planned schedule, Brattin spoke for about 45 minutes, accusing the leaders of his own Republican Party of ignoring some bills and making things really frustrating for ultra-conservative members. He often waved his arms for emphasis, as other senators sat flipping through papers, waiting for the session to begin. Missouri state Sens. Denny Hoskins, left, and Rick Brattin, center, confer with Freedom Caucus Director Tim Jones, right. Hoskins and Brattin are Republicans and members of the State Freedom Caucus Network, which aims to push the party further to the right. It leads to things coming to a halt in this chamber, he said. I wish we would do things people actually want. Brattin is chair of Missouris Freedom Caucus, a group of Republican legislators who aim to push their party further to the right on issues such as immigration, voting access and transgender restrictions. But some other Republicans say members of the Freedom Caucus gum up the legislative works and are more interested in publicity and grandstanding than conservative policymaking. Frustrated by such tactics, Missouri Senate leaders stripped four Freedom Caucus senators, including Brattin, of their chairmanships and parking spots earlier this year. Its hard to do stuff even when everybodys acting in good faith, said Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, a Columbia Republican. Rowden once derided the Freedom Caucus members as swamp creatures who all too often remind me more of my children than my colleagues. He added that last weeks delay was a mix-up and that the bills at issue would come to the floor. They did that repeatedly, day after day for two weeks, basically, Rowden said in an interview last week at his spacious desk in his high-ceilinged office across the hall from the Senate. It became necessary for us to do something that would indicate that were not going to let four guys run the place. Its just not how this works. More: Rowden removes 'swamp creatures' of Missouri Freedom Caucus from committee positions The Missouri Freedom Caucus claims at least six senators and is approaching a dozen House members. There are similar chapters in 10 other states so far that are officially part of the State Freedom Caucus Network, an outgrowth of the congressional group that has held up deals and helped oust speakers in the U.S. House of Representatives. The state chapters are proposing conservative legislation and slowing measures they dont like, even bills that were once considered routine and noncontroversial. And its members in many states, including Missouri, are running for higher office. But regardless of whether they succeed on legislation, they excel at getting publicity and drawing attention to themselves. That is by design, Andrew Roth, president of the Washington, D.C.-based network, told Stateline. What we try to do is push conservative policy, he said. If we win, we win. If we lose, were exposing the fake Republicans for who they are. They will then have to answer to their constituents. We feel like we win either way. The national organization provides the state caucuses with support and funding. That includes the salary of each state director, none of whom is a legislator, according to Roth. The state directors pay attention to whats going on in state government even when the legislatures are not in session and the mostly part-time lawmakers are home tending to other business. They can alert the more than 160 members to issues and either get them to call a news conference or draft legislation to be considered in the next session to highlight their priorities. Tim Jones, a former Missouri House speaker who is now director of the states Freedom Caucus, said in an interview that since the parking spaces kerfuffle, the caucus has picked up five new members in the House. Its not meant to be a publicity stunt for anybody, he insisted. Its supposed to be the conservative North Star of the General Assembly. State Sen. Bill Eigel, a Missouri caucus member from Weldon Spring who is running for governor, said taking his parking spot is kind of the height of pettiness, but that he wont be deterred. They are trying to silence us, just like they are trying to silence Donald Trump, Eigel said in an interview. Unfortunately for them, its not going to work. Were going to continue to be bold. Eigel said he parks down by the river now, a few blocks away from the underground Capitol garage. His wife is happy that the extra walk means hes getting in a few more steps each day, he quipped. More: Missouri Senate grinds to a halt as Freedom Caucus pushes for action on ballot measures Pushing to the right Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, begins a filibuster on the Missouri Senate floor Tuesday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Like most other Republicans, Freedom Caucus members across states have championed school vouchers, pushed to send state troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to pursue migrants crossing into the country illegally, and opposed large state budgets and transgender medical care for minors. But the Freedom Caucuses formed because some Republicans saw the rest of their party as not conservative enough. That has led to intraparty conflict in many GOP-dominated state capitols. In Missouri, for example, the Senate passed a bill that would make it harder to amend the state constitution, if voters approve the measure, after leaders stripped a provision backed by the Freedom Caucus to ban non-citizens from voting. The Missouri Constitution already restricts voting only to citizens, but Freedom Caucus members argued the ban could be made even more explicit. Democrats disagreed and staged a filibuster that tied up the Senate; Republican leaders eventually agreed to take the provisions out, drawing the Freedom Caucuss ire. Eigel would like the House to put the tougher provisions back in. Still, he claims credit for the Senate victory. If the Freedom Caucus doesnt stand up and cause a ruckus, the [ballot] initiative petition doesnt move, he said. In Idaho, Republican leaders removed some Freedom Caucus members from committee leadership late last year. And in South Carolina, some Freedom Caucusers who refused to sign a loyalty oath pledging not to campaign against other Republican members, which is against party rules, were dumped from the House Republican caucus. Matthew Green, a politics professor at the Catholic University of America who has studied the state Freedom Caucuses extensively, said in an interview that the state caucuses are arguably more important than the U.S. House Freedom Caucus for policymaking. In a forthcoming paper, Green found that state legislative conservative caucuses precursors of the current Freedom Caucuses began to form as early as 2017, driven by lawmakers who found the GOP in their states insufficiently conservative. But since 2021, the caucuses have formed at the behest of the national State Freedom Caucus Network, illustrating how national interest groups and elected officials can contribute to state-level polarization, he said. His study also found that lawmakers who lack power and influence are more likely to join the caucuses. These caucuses, Green said, have been able to move [the] partys agenda further rightward, especially if the caucus constitutes a sizable proportion of the party. Delaying tactics can force Republican leaders to act on some issues, he said. Seems like if the Freedom Caucus is disruptive and confrontational, they can win battles. Peverill Squire, a political science professor at the University of Missouri, said the Freedom Caucus members in Missouri take advantage of unlimited debate to slow the legislature down to a snails pace. Given the rules it is relatively easy for them to gum up the process when they are unhappy with the way things are going, he wrote in an email. That means even bills with broad GOP support have not made it all the way through the process, he wrote. More: Missouri Senate leaders outline 2024 goals but fear infighting will stymie progress The animosity is not restricted to Missouri. In South Carolina, Green said, theres basically a civil war going on in the supermajority Republican Party. Members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus refused to pledge not to fund challengers to GOP incumbents; that flouted a 2006 law that prohibited special interest caucuses from raising money and becoming otherwise involved in political campaigns. Only major caucuses organized by political party, race, ethnicity or gender the Democratic, Republican, Black and Womens caucuses were allowed political operations. The ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus argued that was unfair in a suit against the legislatures Ethics Committee. Last year, a federal judge agreed. Rep. RJ May, one of the leaders of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, said that the law was a way to sign away our First Amendment rights. The establishment attempted to weaponize the rules, he told Stateline. May said that one of the reasons the Freedom Caucus formed in South Carolina is that the majority Republicans dont follow the party platform and are too willing to compromise. The push gained steam, he said, when GOP legislative leaders began to only allow floor amendments from leadership, not rank-and-file lawmakers. People in South Carolina are sick and tired of leaders saying one thing at home and doing something different in Columbia. They say they are for reducing the size of government, but they vote for budget after budget that increases the number of agencies. May said his caucus has had some victories, such as championing a bill that passed the House to ban gender-affirming care for minors. (The bill is awaiting action in the Senate.) Caucus members also claim credit for reducing the states spending bill, though many of its members amendments were rejected, such as a move to give grants to churches and nonprofits to bolster the foster care system. May echoed leaders in Missouri and elsewhere by saying that passing a bill is not necessarily the goal. We have the effect of moving the body to the right, he said. House Speaker Murrell Smiths staff did not respond to requests for comment. Nor did he comment for local media stories about the caucus. "The farm team" 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. Most of the Freedom Caucuses formed in states with Republican supermajorities. An exception is Pennsylvania, where the governor is a Democrat and Democrats control the House, while Republicans control the Senate. The Freedom Caucus there has filed a lawsuit accusing Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Gov. Josh Shapiro, of unconstitutionally wresting power from the legislature over expanding access to elections in the state. Just last week, a federal judge dismissed the suit. Pennsylvania Rep. Dawn Keefer, the Republican Freedom Caucus chair, who is running for the state Senate, had no immediate comment on the ruling to local media. Nor would she comment for this story. In Arizona, Freedom Caucus members, led by chair Sen. Jake Hoffman, spearheaded a drive that resulted in the state Board of Education delaying until next year a proposed new handbook governing how parents use state-funded educational savings accounts to send their kids to private schools. The new handbook was designed to tighten the rules for using the accounts. Hoffman said parents had not been given sufficient input. The new rules would have restricted the use of the funds for summer programs and required more updates for use of the money for students with disabilities. He called for a robust stakeholder working group to give input into the rule changes. The Board of Education maintained it had consulted parents and other interested parties. Nonetheless, it caved after concerns from families and Freedom Caucus members. More: Missouri Senate approves gubernatorial appointments after Freedom Caucus stands down Holding news conferences, filing lawsuits its all part of the State Freedom Caucus Network playbook, according to its director, Roth. Our members consider themselves the farm team of the House Freedom Caucus, he said. We also provide them communications support, legal support and get them connected with legal groups to help them file lawsuits. Back in Missouri, roiling the entrenched GOP leadership is exactly what Freedom Caucus members are doing, Eigel said. Were shaking the status quo just by going through a lot of bills that are brought to the floor and asking a lot of questions that can frustrate folks that are expecting a much easier route to get their special interest priorities to the legislative chamber, he said just before last weeks Senate session that featured Brattins delay tactics. I suspect that if you are watching today, youre going to see a lot of questions. And there were. This story was first published at www.stateline.org. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Tactics used by Freedom Caucuses across the nation to accomplish goals BOSTON Almost a month after Gov. Maura T. Healey proposed a blanket pardon for all misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions in Massachusetts, the Governors Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the plan. The pardons are effective as of March 13 and date as far back as records are kept. There was no determination as to how the state would handle juvenile convictions, which are sealed once a teenager reaches age 18. As they debated the matter, the councilors said the process should be as automatic as possible. With the council's affirmative vote, residents can request and receive certificates of pardon after filling out an online form. The pardons would be noted on criminal records regardless of whether a resident requests the certificate, Healey said when she announced the proposal March 13. It's not clear how many residents would receive pardons. When Healey announced the pardon March 13, she described the action as applying to "hundreds of thousands" of people and said the approximate figure was "extrapolated" from data. Gov. Maura Healey announces a blanket pardon for all convictions of misdemeanor marijuana possession in Massachusetts March 13, a measure approved by unanimous vote Wednesday by the Governor's Council At an informational hearing prior to the council vote, Councilor Terrence Kennedy of Lynnfield asked Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden about the actual number of pardon recipients covered under the blanket action, noting that he heard the number "between 69,000 and 100,000" tossed around, and that Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi Brieger referred in a letter this week to "approximately 22,000 adult cases" contained in "electronic records. "Don't you think we should be making more of an effort to find those other people and who they are? Most people that have a marijuana conviction don't know what's going on in this room today and never will," Kennedy said. "They're not going to get on a portal and fill out a form to get a pardon document. They're not going to be writing on a job application that they've been pardoned. Because they're never going to know it unless we reach out somehow. Don't you think we should be doing more?" "We should be doing as much as possible, I think," Hayden replied. "And I don't mean to be glib, but thankfully that's a problem I don't have to worry about. That's for the governor and probation office to worry about...We expressed this concern at the time that the issue was raised. It should be as automatic as possible." Even as they commended the governors action, some council members expressed hope the state would go further, such as extending the pardon to expungement, the wiping clean of any references to convictions on possession charges. Councilors noted that while the pardons would be noted, those convicted on possession charges would still have criminal records. Another suggestion was that the state extend the blanket pardon to include selected convictions for possession with intent to distribute, especially if the quantity of marijuana was considered to be small. Council member Terrence Kennedy of Lynnfield noted that residents can go to a dispensary and purchase marijuana in the same or higher quantity than what would have prompted a conviction for intent to distribute. Its not a crime anymore, Kennedy said. Newton Police Chief John Carmichael, head of the Massachusetts Major Cities Chiefs of Police, differed. Its still a charge we can bring, Carmichael said, adding that possession is not. Massachusetts decriminalized marijuana possession in 2008 and legalized it in 2016 through ballot initiatives, asking residents to decide the issue. Since then, the state has been home to a billion-dollar recreational and medicinal-use marijuana industry. Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, who is co-chair of the Public Safety Committee, said the blanket pardon would unburden those in his district who have been convicted on possession charges prior to legalization. This will give them a chance to rebuild their lives, Gonzalez said. This will create opportunities for them to contribute to their community and advance equity and justice. This indicates that Massachusetts believes in second chances." With reports from State House News Service. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mass. Governor's Council OKs pardon on past marijuana convictions What happens if Florida legalizes recreational marijuana? Where could you buy and smoke? Should people be allowed to use recreational marijuana in Florida? Medical marijuana is already legalized in the state. Now, voters in November will get the chance to decide on whether anyone 21 and older could legally smoke or ingest marijuana for fun. At least 60% of Floridians would need to approve the measure for it to become law. But even if they do, that wont mean people will be allowed to get high anywhere. Heres what to know: What happens if Florida voters say yes to recreational marijuana? Customers wait in a line that wraps around the dispensary and down the street during the grand opening of Cookies Miami, Floridas first and only minority-owned marijuana dispensary, in Miami, Florida, on Aug. 13, 2022. If Florida voters support Amendment 3, adults 21 and older could legally buy and use up to 3 ounces of pot for personal use in the state. Dispensaries and other state licensed entities would also be able to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute cannabis products and accessories. Now, only medical marijuana is legal in Florida for qualifying patients who have a medical marijuana card. People 18 and older in Florida are also allowed to buy CBD products, including oils and topicals, from authorized sellers if the product has 0.3% or less of THC and was extracted from the hemp plant. You must be at least 21 to buy and use CBD inhalants and vapes. CBD, or Cannabidiol, is an ingredient found in cannabis, but it doesnt cause a high by itself, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. THC is the substance that makes you feel high when you smoke marijuana or eat an edible. Where could you buy marijuana if the amendment is approved? If voters say yes to recreational marijuana, that doesnt mean youll be able to buy weed at your local supermarket or pharmacy like you would CBD-infused products like shampoo and lotions. Federally, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, which means pharmacies are prohibited from dispensing it, even for medical use. This means you wont be able to get marijuana at CVS, Navarro, Walgreens or at retail pharmacies, including Publix and Walmart. Instead, youll have to go to a licensed dispensary, just like people with medical marijuana cards do. Like other retailers, we will monitor the latest developments as well as listen to the views of our customers, said Meredith Hurley, senior director of communications for Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie. In March, Aldi completed the acquisition of Winn-Dixie stores and Winn-Dixie closed its pharmacies. Who would sell recreational marijuana in Florida? The Florida Supreme Court ruled that voters will see a ballot amendment in November 2024 on whether to legalize recreational marijuana. Florida now has 25 licensed dispensaries and the state plans to issue another 22 licenses soon, according to Dustin Robinson, founding partner of Mr. Cannabis Law, a law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale, New York, California and Maryland. Floridas Office of Medical Marijuana has an online locator people can use to find a licensed medical marijuana treatment center near them. If the recreational marijuana amendment passes, these dispensaries could also sell marijuana to anyone 21 and older. And in case youre wondering, Green Thumb Industries is still not selling medical marijuana at Circle K stores in Florida. The cannabis producer in 2022 announced an agreement with Circle K to rent space at some of the gas stations Florida stores to open RISE Express dispensaries, with plans to sell cannabis products. However, it has yet to receive Floridas approval. This is pending litigation and the department cannot comment on pending litigation, Jae Williams, spokesman for Floridas Department of Health, told the Miami Herald Tuesday. Green Thumb Industries in 2022 announced an agreement with Circle K to rent space at some of Circle Ks Florida locations to open RISE Express dispensaries, with plans to sell cannabis products. This is a rendering of how these side-by-side stores would look. Could you smoke marijuana at college? What about malls and restaurants? No dope on college campuses, even if voters give the OK to recreational marijuana. South Florida college campuses, including the University of Miami, Florida International University and Miami Dade College are smoke-free and vape-free. Medical marijuana is also not allowed. Thats because marijuana, even if used for medical reasons, is federally classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. It remains illegal on the federal level, which means cannabis is barred from colleges and universities that receive federal funds. Similarly, malls and restaurants usually have an indoor smoking ban. And again, under Florida law, you cant smoke medical marijuana in public. If the recreational marijuana amendment passes, Robinson expects the state, like others, will ban smoking of recreational marijuana in public places. In California, for example, people cant smoke marijuana in public places, such as the beach, at restaurants or parks. But Robinson notes that in some states that have made recreational marijuana legal, restaurants were eventually given the option to apply for a social consumption lounge license, which would let people consume marijuana on restaurant property. While this is not being considered currently in Florida, if the recreational amendment passes, Robinson said he wouldnt be surprised if this license would eventually be proposed in Florida. READ MORE: Eating with secondhand smoke around you isnt great. But is there a COVID-19 risk? Could you smoke marijuana or eat an edible during a work break? Your boss likely wont want you high at work. However, whether you can smoke marijuana or not will depend on your employers drug policy, according to Robinson. Some states provide employment protections for people who use medical or recreational marijuana, but Florida, at the moment, doesnt, according to Robinson. The amendment wouldnt change this. Can you use marijuana at the park? What about on the beach? Florida law prohibits smoking tobacco in most public and private businesses, including restaurants. People are also not allowed to smoke medical marijuana in public, a position Robinson doesnt expect will change, even if recreational marijuana were to be approved. Plus, cities could also make their own restrictions. Miami Beach, for example, prohibits smoking at parks and beaches. The smoking ban includes cigarettes and marijuana. If recreational marijuana is approved, the city would review the new law to see if it could still enforce its smoking ban, said Miami Beach spokeswoman Melissa Berthier. She also gave an example of how the city still prohibits alcohol in certain public places, such as the beach, even though people 21 and older can legally buy and drink alcohol. Some cities like Miami Beach prohibit smoking at parks and beaches. The smoking ban includes cigarettes and marijuana. Can you drive a car or boat under the influence? Even if the recreational marijuana amendment passes, it would still be illegal to operate a vehicle, aircraft, train or boat while under the influence of marijuana. Can you smoke recreational marijuana on a cruise? What about on a plane? Even if Florida voters were to approve the usage of recreational marijuana, it doesnt mean you could use weed while on a cruise or on a plane. Thats because airlines and cruise companies have their own policies. Smoking is a no-no on flights. And the consensus among popular Miami-based cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, as well as with Disney Cruise Lines, is also no. Cruise lines prohibit you from taking CBD oil and products or marijuana, including medical marijuana, on your cruise. Sacramento County health officials on Tuesday warned consumers after a local woman purchased a hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam on social media and died from lead poisoning. The woman in Sacramento developed severe lead poisoning after using the hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam, called Cao Boi Tri Cay Thau Dau, according to a Sacramento County news release. She purchased the ointment on Facebook, and it was mailed to the United States by a relative in Vietnam. County officials said it was unclear if people can directly buy this ointment in the U.S. The county news release did not indicate when the woman died or include any further information about her. The California Department of Public Health tested a sample of the hemorrhoid ointment and found that it contained 4% lead, a highly dangerous amount of, county officials said. Lead is toxic, and exposure to any amount of lead can harm health, according to health officials. Symptoms of lead poisoning can vary person-to-person and can depend on the amount of lead in a product, how often it is used and for how long. A blood test is the best method for identifying lead exposure. General signs and symptoms from severe lead exposure include severe stomach cramping; pins-and-needles tingling, burning or numbness in the hands; and seizures, coma or death. County officials said people who use this ointment should stop using it, see a doctor and have their blood tested for lead. All household members should have a blood test, especially children, because they could come into contact with the ointment. Health officials advised the consumers who have this ointment to put the ointment in a sealed plastic bag and call the California Department of Public Health at 510-620-3620 or send an email to toxoutbreak@cdph.ca.gov. House Speaker Dade Phelan in his office in Beaumont on Jan. 26, 2024. Credit: Mark Felix for The Texas Tribune The conservative attack on Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan is getting reinforcements from a high-profile national group that typically focuses on congressional races. Club For Growth, a political action committee that raises money for hard-right federal candidates, on Tuesday announced it had spent $4 million on a TV ad targeting five Texas House Republican incumbents facing runoffs. The group will air a 30-second spot that calls Phelan unwaveringly liberal and a Democrat in disguise. It also takes aim at Reps. Gary Vandeaver of New Boston, Justin Holland of Rockwall, John Kuempel of Sequin and DeWayne Burns of Cleburne, who all voted against school vouchers. From failing to support school choice to allowing radical liberal Democrats to chair committees, Speaker Phelan is a certified RINO with a long record, and he will be held accountable by the voters in the runoff, said David McIntosh, president of Club for Growths Super PAC. Club for Growths focus has traditionally been focused on congressional races. The group is a major supporter of Sen. Ted Cruz, and has committed to spending $10 million in his reelection race against U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. But in March, Club for Growth announced it had jointly raised eight figures, along with Gov. Greg Abbott and AFC Victory Fund to get involved in state House runoffs over school vouchers, which would allow public dollars to follow Texas students to private and religious schools. You can no longer consider yourself a conservative if you oppose school freedom, McIntosh said at the time. We are proud that AFC Victory Fund and Governor Abbotts team are allies in our united goal to win these runoffs in Texas and remove these so-called republicans from office. Over two regular legislative sessions, the House under Phelan has passed some of the most conservative legislation in the chambers history, including allowing permitless carry of handguns and a near-total ban on abortion. Phelan has come under particular criticism from many within his party for the Houses failure last year to approve a school voucher bill favored by Abbott. Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass, a school voucher supporter who contributed $6 million to Abbotts campaign in December, is also a major donor to Club For Growth. Kuempel, VanDeaver, Holland and Burns all were among 21 Republicans who killed the governors voucher bill in November. Abbott vowed revenge on the group and so far has gotten a taste. During the first round of primary voting last month, six anti-voucher Republicans who sought reelection lost outright. Phelan told The Texas Tribune in January that he would have preferred a voucher bill to pass the House. But that admission was not enough to save him from a runoff, where many voters in his district were also upset that he supported the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton. 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. Flash This screenshot captured from a video shows a scene of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza on April 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Attacks by the Israeli military in the past two weeks have destroyed Gaza's biggest medical facility, the Al-Shifa hospital, "ripping the heart out" of the enclave's healthcare system, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday. "The directors told us that Al-Shifa hospital is 'gone'. It's no longer able to function in any shape or form as a hospital," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris told journalists at a UN weekly briefing in Geneva. "Al-Shifa was a tertiary care center(...)with 750 beds, 25 operating theaters and 30 intensive care rooms. It was the kind of place people can go to for the kind of care that a really good health system provides," said Harris. At least 21 patients died during Israel's siege of the hospital. The UN Health Agency has been trying for days to reach Al-Shifa and northern Gaza's last few remaining health facilities, in a bid to bring medicines, fuel and food and to assess what additional supplies are needed to save the remaining patients. The UN agency lamented that most of its missions to the hospital had been "rejected" by Israeli authorities. Iowa City man sentenced to five years in prison after bringing gun into Grant Wood Elementary An Iowa City father who brought a gun into Grant Wood Elementary last year has been sentenced to five years in prison. Brandon Jones, 32, pleaded guilty in February to one count of carrying a firearm on school grounds, a Class D felony, and two counts of first-degree harassment, an aggravated misdemeanor. Jones was arrested in November after he entered the office of Grant Wood Elementary looking to confront the principal. Jones was upset because the principal sent his son home from school, according to the initial criminal complaint. Jones allegedly threatened to assault the principal multiple times. He also threatened school staff members who tried to intervene. Jones eventually removed a pistol and its holster from his hip, criminal reports say, and handed both to his significant other, who had entered the school with him. Jones allegedly told his partner, "Hold this so I don't do something stupid with it." The woman then exited the building with the weapon. Jones allegedly entered the school halls in search of the principal, despite the staff's efforts to contain him. He threatened to beat the principal, the county attorney's office said in a release. Jones eventually left the school after faculty told him they were calling the police. When Iowa City police showed up, Jones admitted to knowing it was illegal to possess firearms on school grounds, according to the complaint. He told authorities that he didn't remember threatening the principal and staff, admitting he "may have in the heat of the moment." More: Work on 1st Avenue 'diverging diamond' interchange will close westbound exit ramp through June Johnson Countys courthouse is pictured Thursday, March 14, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. County attorney praises harm prevention The county attorney's office release included a statement from Johnson County attorney Rachel Zimmermann-Smith about gun violence: "This crime is yet another example of the ongoing danger of guns in schools," Zimmermann-Smith's statement read. "I am grateful that the staff of Grant Wood Elementary were able to prevent further violence and applaud their resilience. I am also grateful for the prompt and professional response by the Iowa City Police Department who took the defendant into custody without incident." A Grant Wood staff member also wrote a victim statement that was read at the sentencing hearing, which was included in the county's release. "We are grateful no lasting tragedy has come to pass, but the lack of tragedy is not due to Mr. Joness discretion, but due to everyone who attempted to stop him," the employee wrote. "Mr. Jones made so many, so very many choices, and he has more than earned his right to continue to sit with the consequences for a long time because it is only him and his actions that claim the fault. The county attorney's office originally asked that Jones' sentences run consecutively. The judge ruled that they should run concurrently. More: How University of Iowa researchers adapted after a 2023 tornado destroyed their lab Community outrage over five-year sentence The Prairielands Freedom Fund, an eastern Iowa bond project, posted on social media in the wake of the sentencing, saying on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the case "starts and ends with racism." In a statement, Prairielands said the five-year sentence is "emblematic of the cruel, racist punishments inflicted upon Black folks in our carceral system." The statement accused prosecutors of going after Jones as a matter of public safety but said that they "targeted" a father who "showed up at Grant Wood to advocate for his family after a suspension that left his child alone, walking home in the cold." "Separating Brandon from his family inflicts layers of violence upon Brandon, his children, his family and everyone who is part of his community making us all less safe," the fund wrote in a statement. "We reject the idea that this is what public safety means in our community." Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City man sentenced to five years for bringing gun into Grant Wood Israels war on Gaza, which soon enters its sixth month, has done untold damage to the enclave and its people, more than 32,000 of whom have been killed and millions of whom have been displaced. But the damage also extends to Israels global reputationone that its closest allies fear could become permanent. Such, at least, was the conclusion of the Biden administration, which in a recent State Department memo obtained by NPR warned that Israelis are facing major, possibly generational damage to their reputation as a result of its militarys conduct in Gazacomments that echoed Bidens December warning that Israel was losing support over its indiscriminate bombing of the Strip. There is very little that Joe Biden and Donald Trump agree on. But the former President (and presumptive Republican presidential nominee) expressed similar concerns in a recent interview with Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, during which he warned that Israel is losing a lot of support over its handling of the war in Gaza. I think Israel made a very big mistake, Trump said, adding that the images of bombardment coming out of the Strip create a very bad picture for the world. These kinds of concerns have been voiced ad nauseum by analysts and observers for months. That they are now being echoed by past and presentand, depending on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election in November, futureleaders of Israels most important ally, each of whom has staunchly defended the countrys right to retaliate against Hamas over the groups Oct. 7 massacre, suggests that the tide of public opinion is turning faster than perhaps they or their Israeli counterparts anticipated. Read More: Its Not Just a One-Off Incident: What the World Central Kitchen Deaths Reveal There were signs. The chasm between Israels western allies and the rest of the world became apparent in the early months of the war, during which time Israels net favorability in places such as Brazil, China, Mexico, and South Africa flipped from positive to negative, according to survey data by the decision intelligence company Morning Consult. In countries that already held net negative views of Israel, such as Japan, South Korea, and the U.K., perceptions declined even further. By December, the U.S. was the only major developed market in which public sentiment toward Israel remained solidly positive. This chasm has been perhaps most apparent at the U.N., where multiple ceasefire resolutions put forward by Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and Algeria and backed by most other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council (barring the U.K., which mostly abstained) were repeatedly quashed by the U.S., citing insufficient language condemning Hamas or demanding the simultaneous release of Israeli hostages. When the U.S. put forward its own ceasefire resolution last month, Russia and China were the ones to veto it, along with Algeria. A breakthrough finally came on Mar. 25, when a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages was passed with a sole U.S. abstention. While U.N. Security Council resolutions are legally binding (Washington claims otherwise in this case), it has yet to be enforced. But as the war has ground on, and as increasingly dire reports of death, destruction, and man-made famine have made their way out of the Strip, even countries where support for Israels military offensive has been highest now appears to be diminishing. According to a March survey by the pollster Gallup, American support for Israels war in Gaza has flipped from a narrow majority in favor (50% approved and 45% disapproved in November) to a majority against (36% approve and 55% disapprove in March). While disapproval is highest among Democrats, Republicans and Independents also saw declines in support. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a leading Democratic lawmaker on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, tells TIME that Washingtons steadfast support for Israel amid allegations of possible war crimes has invited widespread criticism that the U.S. only selectively chooses to defend the international rules-based orderin Ukraine, for example, but not in Gaza. We know that countries around the world, especially in the Global South, believe that the United States is applying a double standard here, and that is obviously having an impact on our own standing in the world, he says. Read More: The West Is Losing the Global South Over Gaza While Van Hollen makes no apologies for Washingtons continued support for Israels right to take military action against Hamas, he notes that this support cannot be unconditional. Even just wars have to be fought justly, he says. With the very high civilian death toll and with the humanitarian disaster that were witnessing in Gaza, and the way the Netanyahu government has conducted and expressed themselves, Israel has in many ways lost that goodwill with other countries around the world. Demonstrators hold placards reading "boycott Israel!" during a protest in support of Palestinians on January 27, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Pablo Blazquez DominguezGetty Images Dylan Williams, the vice president for government affairs at the U.S.-based Center for International Policy, says In five and a half months of war, Israel has done more damage to its global standing than the preceding five and a half decades of occupation, referencing Israels military occupation of the Palestinian territories since 1967. Much like the U.S. in the aftermath of 9/11, Israel received near-universal global sympathy and support in the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7, in which some 1,200 people were killed and hundreds more taken hostage in Gaza. But rather than leverage that for near-universal backing for a targeted military campaign and diplomacy with global powers and new Arab partners on their side, Williams adds, Israel instead chose to decimate Gaza with indiscriminate bombardment and siege. That loss of goodwill extends beyond Israel. Indeed, lawmakers in countries considered to be among Israels closest allies have expressed concerns about the impact that the war stands to have not just on Israels credibility, but on their own. This includes countries such as Germany, which among Israels European partners has been perhaps one of the most staunch defenders of the country. That position is informed in large part by Germanys own guilt for perpetrating genocide against European Jews during the Holcoaust, and it drives what Germany regards as its special responsibility to defend Israel today. We feel because of our historical responsibility that we should not be the first to come up with public criticism of any Israeli government, Nils Schmid, a German lawmaker and foreign affairs spokesperson for the Social Democrats, the center-left party of Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the countrys three-way coalition, tells TIME. But that sensitivity has given way to more vocal concerns in recent weeks, during which time Chancellor Scholz has cautioned Israel about the terribly high costs of Israels military offensive, including a high civilian death toll and the lack of sufficient humanitarian aid. Isabel Cademartori, a German lawmaker who in January penned a letter alongside dozens of German, Canadian, and American lawmakers calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and durable peace between Israelis and Palestinians, tells TIME that a failure to condemn clear breaches of international humanitarian lawor, worse yet, being seen to actively supply and fund actions that undermine itrisks undercutting the Wests moral stance, particularly when it comes to galvanizing greater support for Ukraine beyond Europe. I felt that we have made a lot of progress in that area, and I feel that what were doing now is really counteracting that, she says, noting that Israels conduct in the war is not only hurting them; its hurting us too. It really is difficult to argue in favor of respecting international law or the rules-based order while Israel clearly is acting in violation of it, she said. This is particularly true amid recent events, including the killing of seven aid workers in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza as well as the Israeli governments decision to seize 800 hectares (1977 acres) of land in the occupied West Bank. I think that no democratic country at this moment can defend Israels military action in Gaza, the withholding of humanitarian aid and potential invasion of Rafah. As Cademartori sees it, Israels allies in the U.S., Germany, and elsewhere stand to lose international credibility if they keep defending the indefensible. Israels declining international standing is already having a tangible effect. Last month, the Canadian government announced its intention to cease all future arms shipments to Israel, citing human rights concerns. The U.K. government is facing growing pressure to follow suit amid concerns that failing to do so could constitute a violation of international law. Meanwhile, in the U.S., calls to condition military aid to Israel are growing louderparticularly following the deadly Israeli airstrike on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy that killed seven relief workers, including a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen. The Israeli flag is raised in black color with red handprints symbolizing blood in a demonstration near the Knesset, on March 31, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Yahel GazitMiddle East Images/Getty If Israel is concerned about the implications its war in Gaza will have on its long-term standing, or that of its closest friends, it hasnt shown it. Indeed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has repeatedly rebuffed calls for a ceasefire as well as pleas by the U.S. and others to reconsider Israels planned invasion of Gazas southernmost and densely-populated city of Rafah. Israeli officials continue to deny the existence of starvation in Gaza, which international aid groups warn is on the brink of famine. The Israeli public are in a bubble right now, says Williams, but adds that the more Israeli leaders speak out about the reputational damage of the war, and the more information of what is happening in Gaza permeates Israeli society, the sooner Israelis will realize that theyve lost a tremendous amount of good will based on how they conducted this war. At that point, however, it may already be too late. Write to Yasmeen Serhan at yasmeen.serhan@time.com. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers in Gaza after the death of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers. Biden spoke with celebrity chef Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, after seven workers were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza. After the call he said in a statement that he was outraged and heartbroken and pressed the Israeli government for a swift investigation. "Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed," Biden said. "This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. Incidents like yesterday's simply should not happen. Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians." An Israeli Defense Forces official said Tuesday that the strike "was not carried out with the intention of harming, according to Axios. "It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions," he added. "It shouldn't have happened." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a tragic incident of an unintentional targeting of innocent civilians in Gaza that we regret." Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he offered "sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life of WCK staff" in a call with Andres. Erin Gore, the groups CEO, called the strike unforgivable. "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," Gore said, accusing the IDF of a targeted attack. KENNEBUNK, Maine A local woman has her Jeep Renegade back after reporting it stolen from her Day Street residence last weekend. Heather Smith, the owner of the vehicle, said it was not damaged in any way during the three days it was missing. I am very lucky to have it turn up undamaged and with nothing missing, Smith said. This Jeep Renegade, stolen from a home on Day Street in Kennebunk, Maine, at some point overnight on March 29, was recovered at an apartment complex in Saco, Maine, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Smith said the person who spotted her missing Jeep and reported it found had read a Seacoastonline news article about the theft. Deputy Police Chief Eric OBrien confirmed that someone saw the missing Jeep parked at an apartment complex on Beach Street in Saco on Tuesday and reported it to the local authorities at around 8:30 p.m. OBrien said no one has been arrested in the case. Kennebunk kennel controversy: Neighbors 'beg' board to address excessive barking The theft was not an isolated incident but instead was one of a few vehicle-related offenses in Kennebunk last weekend, Police Chief Bob MacKenzie said earlier this week. Police received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked along the side of the road on Chamberlain Way at around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday, according to MacKenzie. The police learned later that morning that the vehicle had been stolen out of Wells. Chamberlain Way and Day Street, where Smith resides, are close to each other in the York Street area, prompting police to believe the two vehicle thefts last weekend could be related. When asked if he thought the incidents involved the Felony Lane Gang, a known gang of car thieves with a presence in Maine, OBrien replied, Most likely not. Wedding Cake House: Owners abandon inn plans, plan to sell historic Kennebunk home Several people in the Day Street-Chamberlain Way area reported car burglaries that took place last Friday night into Saturday morning, according to MacKenzie. In some instances, cash was stolen, he added. All burglarized vehicles had been unlocked, MacKenzie said. In a social media post last weekend, the police department urged people always to lock their vehicles. Dont make things easy for a burglar, the KPD wrote. Anyone who has information that could help police locate the suspect or suspects involved in last weekends vehicle thefts and burglaries is asked to call Kennebunk Detective Steven Borst at (207) 985-2102, ext. 1319. On Wednesday, Smith thanked everyone who kept an eye out for her Jeep while it was missing. She also urged people to take precautions to avoid having their vehicles stolen. Things like this can happen to anyone, she said. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Kennebunk car thefts: Stolen Jeep recovered in Saco, returned to owner A Republican Kentucky House of Representatives candidate has been accused of making antisemitic remarks, insinuating that Jewish people promote white genocide in a private Facebook chat from 2017. In a Wednesday article posted on the Southern Poverty Law Centers website, TJ Roberts, a 26-year-old attorney now running for House District 66, reportedly said in Facebook messages he was sick of them promoting white genocide, in a reference to Jewish people. White genocide is the unfounded, racist conspiracy theory that there is a deliberate plot to make white people extinct. The alleged plot is often blamed on Jewish people. Roberts, in a Wednesday afternoon statement to the Herald-Leader, said he recalls the context of the conversation, and that he never said that Jews promote white genocide. He also said the Southern Poverty Law Center is notorious for deliberate misrepresentations. (The story) is littered with inaccuracies, fabrications, and outright lies. I have fought for liberty and justice for all, and I intend to continue this fight. The (Southern Poverty Law Center) has nothing to do with the South, poverty, or law besides their lawfare against conservatives and supporters of President Trump, Roberts said. Founded in 1971 in Montgomery, Alabama, the Southern Poverty Law Center is a civil rights and litigation group known best for its legal work against such racist groups as the Ku Klux Klan. The report was published by Hatewatch, a branch of the Southern Poverty Law Center dedicated to reporting on hate groups in America. The story said messages were provided to Hatewatch by a user who was using antisemitic rhetoric themselves. According to Hatewatch, the conversation between Roberts and the user was initiated over a post that Roberts, who was a moderator of the Liberty Hangout Facebook group, removed so as not to get the group in trouble with Facebook. Roberts also used three parentheses to refer to Jewish people, a tactic popular with antisemites at the time. Im actually 25% (((them))) and am trying to not get (content removed) again, Roberts said in response to the user, whom the Southern Poverty Law Center did not identify. I did not know that. Are you on (((their))) side, the user asked. No, Roberts replied. Im a religious Christian and quite frankly Im sick of them promoting white genocide. This is not the first time Roberts has been the subject of controversy for his social media posts. In the wake of the May 24, 2022, Uvalde Elementary massacre where 19 children and two adults were killed by a gunman, he posted a widely criticized meme. In it, a person asks, How many children have to die before you support gun control? An angel then flies in with a note that reads, All of them. Roberts later apologized for the post. The Kentucky Jewish Council said in a Wednesday statement they were extremely concerned by reports of hateful antisemitic comments made on social media by Roberts. Accusing the Jewish community of White genocide is a shameful libel. Mr. Roberts should explain himself or apologize, the group said. In an X post late Wednesday night, Roberts said the story was coming to light now as part of fake smear campaigns against him. This shouldnt even have to be said, but let me be clear: I reject white nationalism and antisemitism in all forms. I always have, because I love my neighbor, he wrote. The only reason these fake smear campaigns are happening now is because my attackers know, as a candidate for office, I cannot sue them into oblivion. Roberts was part of a 2020 lawsuit against Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear for COVID-19 restrictions. A court ordered Beshear to pay over $270,000 for Roberts legal fees in April 2023. Roberts, a Burlington resident, has long been a player in certain circles of Kentucky Republican politics, particularly in his native Northern Kentucky. Before running as a candidate himself, and before recently becoming an attorney, Roberts was a political operative working to support GOP campaigns and political groups around the commonwealth. Roberts has received the strong support of U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, whose Fourth Congressional district is in Northern Kentucky. Massie called Wednesdays story a flimsy political hit, and promised to double (his) support for TJ in response. Roberts also has the endorsement of former GOP presidential candidates in Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron Paul, as well as former gubernatorial candidate Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge. Roberts is a first-time candidate for public office, running against former Republican state representative Ed Massey in the May 21 GOP primary. Massey, a Northern Kentucky lawyer, was defeated by current Rep. Steve Rawlings, R-Union, in 2022s primary. Rawlings is now seeking election to the Senate District 11 seat. Everyday my opponent proves to the voters of House District 66 why he isnt fit for office. Since (Roberts) wont acknowledge and apologize for his (hateful) comments, I will apologize on his behalf, Massey said in a post on X.com, formerly Twitter. What to know about the World Central Kitchen attack in Gaza International outrage came quickly after an Israeli attack killed six foreign aid workers of U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen and their Palestinian driver in Gaza on Monday. The group said staff from Australia, the United Kingdom, Poland and a U.S.-Canada citizen were killed in the strike, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later admitted came at the hands of the Israeli army but said it was unintentional. Founded in 2010 by Spanish-American Michelin-starred chef Jose Andres, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has been one of the few aid groups to be able to deliver food to Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is mounting thanks to a brutal Israeli military campaign against Hamas in the enclave. Heres what we know about the attack and the Western response so far. The basic facts The nonprofit said its team was leaving a warehouse and driving through a deconflicted area in Deir el-Balah when their convoy of two armored cars branded with the WCK logo and a soft skin vehicle were struck. The three vehicles were targeted in three separate strikes, with the first and last taking place nearly 1.5 miles apart, according to aerial views of the damage posted to social media. The attacks took place even after the group said it had coordinated its movements with the Israeli military, according to a WCK press release. WCK, which focuses on feeding people during major conflicts and disasters across the globe, has paused its operations in Gaza following the tragedy. The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing. It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon, the chef wrote on X after the attack. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now. And WCK CEO Erin Gore said the strike was 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. This is unforgivable. Israels response Netanyahu, who had recently been discharged from the hospital following a hernia surgery, acknowledged a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip. This happens in war, he said in a statement. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari later said its officials are opening an investigation to examine the incident. We have been reviewing the incident in the highest levels to understand the circumstances of what happened and how it happened, Hagari said in a video message Tuesday. More on World Central Kitchen WCK works to get hot meals to people caught in the midst of conflicts, natural disasters and other crises, including war, civil unrest, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding and other climate change-related events. The group links up with local chefs, trains cooks and supports farmers to deliver food. WCK has been in Gaza since shortly after the war began in October and has used a variety of ways to get food into the territory, including land convoys and airdrops from Jordan and a team in Cairo, Egypt that has dispatched more than 1,700 trucks through Rafah Crossing. WCK has been the lead in efforts to get food into Gaza as Palestinians there are facing famine due to the excruciatingly slow pace with which Israel has allowed aid trucks into the territory. The charity says it has delivered 42 million meals in Gaza as of March, but aid agencies still warn that half of the population there is on the edge of famine. As a work around to the strike checkpoints into Gaza, WCK has worked with the United Arab Emirates to deliver food to Gaza via sea, using ships that take off from Cyprus. The first such maritime food shipment arrived in Gaza March 20. A second shipment had arrived in Gaza on Monday, carried by three ships, but the majority of food was turned back after WCK suspended operations, NBC News reported. The group is also helping on the Israel-Lebanon border and in Israel. Context The deaths of the foreign aid workers have caused international frustrations and anger to soar over Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, where more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds of thousands face starvation. Israels military campaign has already drawn widespread condemnation and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, but these latest aid worker deaths further worsen its global image. The attacks are also likely to further hamper aid into the enclave, as humanitarian groups have been shown little protections by Israel in the ongoing conflict. Israeli forces have already routinely restricted aid from entering the Gaza Strip, and even opened fire on Palestinians waiting in line for food and other essential supplies. Gaza is now one of the worlds most dangerous and difficult places to work, since the start of the war, with at least 196 aid workers killed there from October to March 20, Jamie McGoldrick, interim U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said Tuesday in a statement. There is no safe place left in Gaza, he added. The Wests reaction World leaders were quick to condemn Israel for the attacks, echoing WCKs anger, calling for an investigation and demanding an explanation from Israel. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also admonished Israel for the airstrikes that killed WCK personnel, which he said brought the number of aid workers killed in this Israel-Hamas war to 196 including more than 175 members of U.N. staff, which he called unconscionable. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted that Israel must explain how this tragic incident happened and take immediate steps to protect aid workers and facilitate vital humanitarian operations in Gaza. The countrys foreign minister David Cameron also called for an investigation into the attack. In Poland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it objects to the disregard for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, and has requested an explanation from the Israeli embassy, security forces and military. Spains Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares, meanwhile, said he was horrified by the deaths of the aid workers and demanded a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid. Also calling for a ceasefire was the European Unions humanitarian affairs commissioner Janez Lenarcic, who wrote ox X: This must stop. Now. Outside of Europe, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed one of those killed was Australian national Zomi Frankcom, calling her death completely unacceptable and beyond any reasonable circumstances. This news today is tragic. DFAT have also requested a call-in from the Israeli ambassador as well, Albanese said at a news conference in Brisbane, referring to Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We want full accountability for this. This is a tragedy that should never have occurred. And Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said her country condemns the strikes and wants a full investigation. Canada expects full accountability for these killings, and we will convey this to the Israeli government directly. Strikes on humanitarian personnel are absolutely unacceptable, Joly wrote on X in some of the most pointed words Canada has made against Israel since the start of the conflict. U.S. response Tensions between the U.S. and Israel already strained as the Biden administration has urged its ally to minimize civilian deaths and allow more aid into the strip are likely to be further tattered in the wake of the WCK staff deaths. Even still, Biden administration officials signaled there would be no change in U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas as a result. Top national security spokesperson John Kirby on Tuesday called an Israeli strike emblematic of a larger problem, and that the administration was outraged to learn of the incident. We expect a broader investigation to be conducted and to be done so in a swift and comprehensive manner. We hope those findings will be made public and that there is appropriate accountability, Kirby said at a press conference. But while he said the U.S. would continue to press Israel to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers in Gaza, no caveats would be given and it would continue to support the Israel military. Theyre still under a viable threat of Hamas, Kirby said. Were still going to make sure they can defend themselves and the 7th of October doesnt happen again. That doesnt mean that its a free pass that we look the other way when something like this happens. You want us to hang some sort of condition over their neck. And what Im telling you is that we continue to work with the Israelis to make sure that they are precise as they can be, and that more aid is getting in, and were going to continue to take that approach, he added. In a separate press conference Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave his condolences to those affected and said aid workers like the groups staff had to be protected. We shouldnt have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk, he said, adding that the U.S. has spoken to Israel about the incident and arranged for an impartial investigation into what happened. But several U.S. lawmakers wanted more action on the part of the Biden administration, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who called for Washington to halt its military aid to Israel as its being used for indiscriminate killing. The latest horror inflicted by Netanyahus air strikes on Gaza killing brave souls at WCKitchen, delivering food to starving Palestinians, she said in a post on X. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) tweeted that the aid workers were trying to feed starving people. The challenge of getting assistance into Gaza is already overwhelming aid workers from [WCK, the U.N.] and others shouldnt face death when distributing [assistance]. ENOUGH! And Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y), who has often called for a ceasefire, said Humanitarian aid workers and civilians should never be the target of military attacks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Kansas man is suing three Missouri lawmakers for sharing social media posts falsely accusing him of being an undocumented immigrant and a shooter in the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting. Denton Loudermill, a Johnson County resident, filed the three lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas against Sen. Rick Brattin of Harrisonville, Sen. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg and Sen. Nick Schroer of St. Charles County. The federal lawsuit alleges that the three Republican state senators each shared social media posts falsely claiming that Loudermill was an illegal alien and a shooter in the February shooting that killed one person and injured more than 20. Tuesdays lawsuits are the latest legal action filed by Loudermill related to an onslaught of false social media posts after the shooting. He filed a similar lawsuit against U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, last week. The Missouri lawmakers posts caused Loudermill to receive death threats, incur damages totaling more than $75,000, anxiety and loss of sleep, according to the lawsuits, which accuse them of false light invasion of privacy. The lawsuits ask a judge to issue damages to punish or deter the senators and others from similar conduct in the future. Loudermillls lead attorney in the case is longtime Kansas City civil rights lawyer Arthur Benson. Mr. Loudermills team of lawyers has filed these related complaints as our next steps toward justice for Mr. Loudermill, Benson said in a statement on Tuesday. Hoskins declined comment when reached by phone. Schroer told The Star at the Missouri Capitol that he had not been served the lawsuit. Brattin did not return a call for comment. The lawsuits come after the false posts from Burchett and the Missouri lawmakers sparked a social media firestorm in the wake of the shooting. The three senators each promoted photos of Loudermill on X, formerly known as Twitter. Defendant knew or should have known that his inflammatory post on social media would be seen and read widely, said each of the nearly identical lawsuits against the Missouri senators. Defendants post was quickly seen by thousands of viewers. Tuesdays lawsuits as well as the lawsuit against Burchett make clear that Loudermill, a Black Olathe native, is not an undocumented immigrant and was not involved in the mass shooting. The shooting stemmed from a dispute between two groups that erupted into gunfire. Brattin, Hoskins and Schroer are members of the hard-right Missouri Freedom Caucus in the Missouri Senate. During a February news conference in Jefferson City, Brattin told The Star that he had not apologized to Loudermill and signaled that he did not think his false post was worth an apology. Theres nothing that I even see even worth that, he said. So weve done nothing. And, you know, I have no comment. He also refused to comment on whether he was worried about a potential lawsuit regarding his false post. North Korea test-launched a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile towards its eastern coast amid fears of Pyongyang upping the ante in the crucial days leading up to the national election in Seoul. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said North launched the IRBM from near capital Pyongyang at 6.53am local time on Tuesday. The missile flew about 650km with a maximum altitude of 100km before landing in waters outside of Japans exclusive economic zone, the Japanese Defence Ministry said in a more detailed review. The IRBM landed off North Koreas northeast coast after a flight of around 10 minutes, the ministry said. The test launch has set off alarm bells in South Korea which is set to undergo a national vote on 10 April in which president Yoon Suk-yeol is vying for a second term. The move drew immediate criticism from South Korea and Japan. The South Korean president said Kim Jong-uns regime in North Korea is trying to create commotion in the region with its military provocations. The North Korean regime is trying to shake our society ahead of general elections through continued military provocations including missile launches, Mr Yoon said. "These provocations will only end up uniting the minds of our people strongly." People watch a news segment pertaining to a North Korean missile launch, at a station in Seoul, South Korea (EPA) Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida said no damage related to the missile was reported. He said North Koreas frequent missile launches threaten the peace and safety of not only Japan but also the region and the international security. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said the test is unlikely to swing any National Assembly seats in South Korea while North Korea continues to present challenges with its military provocations. The Kim regime prioritizes advancing its military capabilities and doesnt care to stay quiet during the South Korean legislative election campaign. But firing an intermediate-range missile lacks the shock value of a full-range ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) launch or a nuclear test, so its unlikely to swing any National Assembly seats. Although Pyongyangs weapons development remains a major concern, Seoul is currently focused on health care reform, economic policies, and domestic political scandals. The launch follows the March test of a solid-fuel engine built for a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile that Pyongyang has been developing. It is seen as an effort to boost military muscle with weapons that could reach the US Pacific military hub of Guam and beyond, analysts said. Mr Kim oversaw the test launch of a solid-fuel engine for a new type of intermediate hypersonic missile on 19 March. Following the launch, Mr Kim said the strategic value of such weapons would be just as important as his intercontinental ballistic missiles targeting the US mainland. It was after Mr Kim also supervised a live-fire drill of artillery systems designed to target South Koreas capital on 18 March. Tuesdays test was North Koreas third ballistic missile launch this year so far. Japans coast guard shared an assessment of the countrys Defense Ministry that the missile has already landed but still urged caution for vessels passing the area. It comes as South Korean defence minister Shin Wonsil said North Korea is believed to have shipped around 7,000 containers of weapons since Mr Kim and Russian president Vladimir Putin met for a summit last year in September. Both North Korea and Russia have denied reports of weapons transfer amid the war in Ukraine. Over 50,000 fled Haiti capital in three weeks, with politicians in deadlock PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - More than 53,000 people fled Haiti's capital in just three weeks of March as conflict between powerful armed gangs wreaked havoc for civilians, with the state largely absent and a path out of the chaos yet to be established by politicians. Tens of thousands of people left Port-au-Prince's metropolitan area between March 8 and 27, according to United Nations estimates released on Tuesday, with violence again flaring up over the Easter weekend and at the start of April. The U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that a scale of human rights abuse was taking place "unprecedented in modern Haitian history," including killings, kidnappings and sexual violence. The conflict has also blocked off transport of key goods and humanitarian aid into the capital. According to the U.N., many of the displaced are traveling toward the country's southern peninsula, which is still recovering from a devastating 2021 earthquake. Nearly seven in 10 who left the capital in March had already been displaced by the gang violence, it said. As nearby countries harden their maritime borders, just 4% said they wanted to emigrate, mostly to the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. But a wary Dominican Republic government has boosted border security, ruled out refugee camps on its territory, and deported tens of thousands back across the border. Alliances of powerful gangs are seeking to take over parts of the capital they do not yet control and have declared "war" on the de facto government, whose prime minister announced his resignation on March 11 while stranded in the United States. Prime Minister Ariel Henry was initially expected to be replaced within days of the announcement, with a transitional presidential council formed by representatives of political parties and civil society groups put forward by regional leaders in Jamaica. But three weeks later, the installation of the council has yet to take place amid factional infighting, threats and resignations. On Sunday, members of Haiti's military and over 50 civil associations signed a declaration calling for an alternative transition method that is laid out in the constitution. That would see a judge from Haiti's Supreme Court named as provisional president, who would then appoint a prime minister to form a government. Opponents say the idea is a maneuver by Henry's allies. Most of the court's judges were appointed a year ago by Henry, seen as corrupt by many Haitians. On Monday, Haiti's de facto government issued a rare statement saying its leaders were working toward a peaceful transition of power to the presidential council "as fast as possible." (Reporting by Harold Isaac and Sarah Morland, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) The Springfield-based Illinois Innocence Project is making claims that three members of a Decatur family convicted of the 1996 murder of a 23-year-old aspiring model are innocent. The Karyn Hearn Slover case made national headlines after her dismembered body was found in garbage bags in Lake Shelbyville just days after her disappearance. More: Man on parole faces murder charge after shooting at Springfield motel The petition for post-conviction relief filed on Feb. 13 by the project based at the University of Illinois Springfield stated the murder conviction against the late Michael Slover Sr., his wife, Jeannette Slover, and their son and Karyn Slover's ex-husband, Michael Slover Jr., was based on "junk science." Both sides will be in court on April 4 for the first time since the petition was filed and since Michael Slover Jr. was paroled from the Illinois Department of Corrections on March 15. A sign outside the office of the Illinois Innocence Project office at the University of Illinois Springfield is seen Wednesday, March 27, 2024, with photos of some of their clients who were exonerated on the office door. Background of the case Karyn Slover disappeared after leaving her job at a Decatur newspaper on Sept. 27, 1996. The car she was driving was found abandoned on Interstate 72 just outside of Champaign later that same evening. Trash bags containing Slover's remains were found floating in Lake Shelbyville. Slover had been shot in the head multiple times and her body dismembered. The state's case centered around the custody of Michael Jr. and Karyn Slover's son, who was three years old at the time of the murder. Karyn Slover had been considering an offer to pursue a modelling job in Georgia, where she would take their son. Even after the couple divorced, Jeanette Slover remained the child's babysitter. The three family members were arrested in early 2000 and convicted in 2002 after a five-week trial. More: Court denies Slover family's request to test print Michael Slover Sr. died in prison in 2022. Jeanette Slover, 76, is in the Decatur Correctional Center. Michael Slover Jr., 53, was paroled from Robinson Correctional Center. The Innocence Project's claims The petition looks to debunk two experts the state used at trial as well as presents new DNA evidence. "Junk science" was used in forensic comparison of cinders and concrete, clothing fasteners and dog hair, the petition claimed. Illinois Innocence Project student intern Caleb Grover works at the Illinois Innocence Project office at the University of Illinois Springfield March 27, 2024. "It was not, in fact, based on any real or existing science. This comparison evidence was unproven, unprecedented, and unreliable, and should have never been allowed in a court of law," the petition stated. The defense insisted new evidence, including DNA testing results from duct tape from the garbage bag, "demonstrated that at least three unknown male perpetrators" murdered Slover. What is the Illinois Innocence Project? The Illinois Innocence Project is a member of the national Innocence Project network, which works to exonerate wrongfully convicted people. Founded in 2001 as the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project, it is housed in the Center for State Policy and Leadership at University Illinois Springfield. The Illinois Innocence Project has "helped release or exonerate 24 individuals," a representative from the office said. It has assisted with the Slovers' defense since at least 2005. More: US senators urge Biden to create national monument to honor Springfield philanthropist What will the April 4 hearing look like? The April 4 hearing before 6th Judicial Circuit Associate Judge Rodney Forbes is "a status hearing," meaning it provides the judge with updates on developments on the case. The state could file a motion to dismiss petition for post-conviction relief before the hearing or ask Forbes for more time to file a motion. Another court date will then be set. What both sides are saying Leanne Beyer, a staff attorney for the innocence project, declined to be interviewed on the record. A Feb. 13 release said the innocence project is "committed to obtaining an exoneration for the Slover family for a crime they did not commit." Macon County State's Attorney Scott Reuter did not return phone calls from The State Journal-Register. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Petition claims new evidence exonerates suspects in 1996 murder case Groundwater in Arizona belongs to all of us. It is a public resource and sensible management of it is vital to our shared future. But instead of fulfilling their obligation to protect this finite and diminishing water supply, Arizonas Republican legislators have introduced dozens of bills at the statehouse aimed at enriching residential developers and corporate farmers who want to expand their groundwater use. Many of these bills are advancing and will end up on the governors desk. Lawmakers want to weaken urban water rules One intent of these bills is to weaken the states assured water supply requirement for development in urban areas. This crucial consumer protection prevents the sale of subdivision lots that lack a 100-year water supply, thereby assuring our desert states longevity. Outside of cities and towns, developers have been allowed for more than 30 years to rely on groundwater as an assured water supply for new subdivisions. But last June, following the release of a new scientific model for the greater Phoenix area predicting a groundwater deficit after 100 years, Gov. Katie Hobbs rightly paused the granting of new Certificates of Assured Water Supply based on groundwater. In a transparent attempt to give developers renewed opportunities to pump groundwater, Republican-sponsored bills would require the Arizona Department of Water Resources to alter its state-of-the-art models findings. They pretend water is there when it's not An aerial view of new home construction at a Queen Creek housing development on June 9, 2023. The Phoenix suburb is one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona and is heavily reliant on groundwater for its water supply. The new bills would force the department to pretend an assured water supply is available when its not, while mandating the use of so-called groundwater savings certificates and physical availability credits to circumvent the truth about our dwindling groundwater supplies. Not content just to push through their partisan legislation, House Republicans held a last-minute hearing on Tuesday to allow an owners group of master-planned community developers to showcase their consultants model that, to no ones surprise, showed ample groundwater for the hundreds of thousands of homes in their proposed subdivisions. Incredulously, the Department of Water Resources was not invited to participate in the hearing, while developers were given ample time to complain about their lost investments. Meanwhile, rural Arizona has no rules Another slew of bills targets rural Arizona. Unlike central Arizona, which has benefited from the protections of the 1980 Groundwater Management Act, the unregulated use of groundwater has put many rural basins up for grabs. The result over the last decade has been the proliferation of industrial-scale agriculture in places like Willcox and La Paz County. There is no limitation on the drilling of wells in those areas, nor on how much groundwater may be used to irrigate ever-increasing swaths of alfalfa, cotton and other high-water-use crops. Because of the massive scale of this new industrial agriculture, domestic wells are drying up and residents are worried about their homes, small farms and businesses. Their bill to 'fix' it is a convoluted mess The governors Water Policy Council, composed of water users from across the state, made sensible recommendations for better management of rural basins. But these recommendations did not get the time of day at the Legislature. Instead, Republican lawmakers opted to support Senate Bill 1221 backed by the Arizona Farm Bureau as the solution to rural Arizonas groundwater woes. This proposed bill would allow the creation of Basin Management Areas (BMAs for short), following a convoluted bureaucratic process. Arizona lost the 'little guy': In farming long ago Forming a BMA would require: a petition signed by at least 15% of the registered voters in the basin. a finding by the Arizona Department of Water Resources that there has been an accelerated decline in water levels in the basin over the preceding five years of 5 feet per year (along with land subsidence). an unanimous vote of the county board of supervisors. and a hearing before a joint legislative committee. Now, only a governor's veto can protect us The emptiness of this proposal is underscored by the fact that no groundwater conservation would be required unless the basin were to become an Active Basin Management Area, following yet another unanimous vote of the county board of supervisors, plus a vote of the residents in the basin. Ironically, or perhaps intentionally, the proposed definition of accelerated decline would make it impossible even for rural basins showing the greatest groundwater level declines to meet the threshold required to be designated as a BMA. The Catch 22 of this cynical plan is that it would be nearly impossible to create a BMA, and it wouldnt do any good anyway. Forty-four years ago, Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass the 1980 Groundwater Management Act. They saw groundwater management as an issue affecting all their constituents and worked to enact a law that would advance our states common good. It now appears that we have lost that shared commitment and that only the governors veto can protect our groundwater in these critical times. Kathleen Ferris is a Phoenix water attorney and sits on the Governor's Water Policy Council. She's a former director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Reach her at kathleenferris22@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Republicans want to weaken the state's water laws Solar Eclipse 2024: See the latest weather updates for Greater Cincinnati here Bad news for eclipse enthusiasts: overcast skies are still in the forecast for the total solar eclipse on Monday. Cincinnati isn't in the path of totality, but it will still see a partial eclipse lasting 2 hours and 33 minutes. At the peak of the eclipse, the moon will obscure approximately 99.4% of the sun. Here are the latest updates on Greater Cincinnati's eclipse viewing conditions, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington. Remember, whatever the forecast is for that day, it's important to wear proper safety glasses when viewing the eclipse. What will the weather be like in Cincinnati on Eclipse Day, April 8? The NWS reports that another upper-level low will approach Greater Cincinnati from the west on Monday, resulting in partly to mostly cloudy skies and a low-end chance for showers. Temperatures will be more seasonable in the 60s, with a high near 68. What happens if it's cloudy on the day of the eclipse? The total eclipse will happen, rain or shine. But cloud coverage will make it a bit darker, and experts say the transition into total darkness will seem more sudden. Due to this, observers may miss the subtle changes as the sun slowly disappears and day becomes night. Bad news for eclipse enthusiasts: Overcast skies are still in the forecast for the total solar eclipse on Monday. What time will Cincinnati see the solar eclipse? The National Weather Service says the eclipse will start in Texas and then make its way across the country, passing over states that include Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana before arriving in Ohio. For Greater Cincinnati, the eclipse will begin at 1:52 p.m. as the moon slowly casts its shadow across the sun and end at 4:24 p.m. Here's when the total eclipse will begin and how long it will last for Ohio cities along its path on April 8. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Solar eclipse: Cincinnati forecast updates for Monday, April 8 We now know what is wrong with women, courtesy of one of Arizonas most influential Republicans. Well, besides the fact that were apparently over the hill by the time we reach 30, that is. Its birth control. Charlie Kirk, whose Turning Point USA organization first took over the Arizona Republican Party and now is a dominant force in GOP circles across the nation, says the scourge of birth control has made women angry and bitter. Birth control is the problem, Kirk says While young men are the most conservative theyve been in 50 years, it seems young women are not conservative and birth control is to blame. Abortions obviously part of it, but theyve been sold a lie through culture, through media, through even some of their parents that you basically have to go pursue this corporate trajectory, and that men are always the problem, and suppress your biological impulses, he said during a recent Turning Point event. A lot of them are on birth control, too. And birth control like really screws up female brains, by the way. Every single one of you need to make sure that your loved ones are not on birth control. It increases depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation. Birth control is the number one prescribed medication for young ladies under the age of 25. They will give young ladies birth control for pimples, for acne, to control their moods, their period. It is awful, its terrible, and it creates very angry and bitter young ladies and young women. Then that bitterness then manifests into a political party that is the bitter party. I mean, the Democrat Party is all about bring us your bitterness and, you know, well give you free stuff. No wonder moderate women are leaving Charlie Kirk gives the opening speech during AmericaFest 2023 at the Phoenix Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Gee, and you wonder why the Republican Party is losing moderate Republican women the ones who helped install Democrats into both of Arizonas U.S. Senate seats and as governor, secretary of state and attorney general? Kirk is a major figure in GOP politics, a guy whose youth organization has transformed the Arizona Republican Party from its once-dominant role into an organization that now struggles to pay its rent. One of his hard right lieutenants, Turning Point USAs chief operating officer Tyler Bowyer, is the Arizonas Republican national committeeman. Another, Sen. Jake Hoffman, essentially runs the Legislature as head of the Arizona Freedom Caucus and hopes to be Arizonas next representative on the RNC. It was Kirks group that sent its goons to ambush and harass a gay ASU instructor as he walked across campus, prompting a call by Hoffmans gang to defund the university. It was Kirk who orchestrated the ouster of Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. That is, when he wasnt ranting about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK was awful. Hes not a good person), Black airline pilots (If I see a Black pilot, Im going to be like, Boy, I hope hes qualified) and Taylor Swift (Does Taylor Swift have any eggs left?). Women have been brainwashed, Kirk says Meanwhile, the once-Grand Old Party scratches its head and wonders why so many suburban female voters have deserted them. Perhaps its because a fair number of those voters endorse the idea that women should have the opportunity to exert some control over the trajectory of their lives even if it means there may be a risk of depresssion associated with birth control pills. Kirk, however, explains that women have been brainwashed into thinking dont get married, dont have kids, go get a corporate job. Its created mass political hysteria, he said. And then in their early 30s they get really upset because they say, you know, the boys dont want to date me anymore, because theyre not at their prime and people get mad when I say that well, its just true. AZ GOP is on the ropes: And not just because of abortion Youre in your early 30s, Im sorry, youre not as attractive in the dating pool as you were in your early 20s, but again, you have your corporate job and cats so I thought, you know. And I feel sorry for a lot of these young ladies. They email me all the time and they say, Charlie, Im broken down in tears, Im 33, I earn $130,000 a year, I travel a lot, and I have no one to share my life with. And I hope they find somebody in time, and thats the way they always frame it. Theyre like, Im running out of time, Im running out of time, Im running out of time, and its like well, the culture did this to you, but you also made a decision. You made a decision consciously to not date with the intent to marry, and it creates a lot of bad consequences. This is how Republicans win them back? Fortunately, Kirk who, by the way, is 30 and thus presumably also on the downhill slide has a plan to win back all those bitter, unhappy young women. Just get them a date then squire them down the aisle. If you are a 32-year-old young lady who went to college, who has a nice apartment, a corporate job, and cats, you know, youre a Democrat voter, right? Kirk noted. And so, how do we win them over? . Whats amazing is once they get married, they become 50-50. Once they have kids, they become like right-wing by 20 points. I can see the new Republican Party slogan now: A chicken in every pot and no birth control pills in your purse. 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: Birth control is why women are so 'bitter,' Charlie Kirk says From left, John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby were the three Britons killed in the IDF strike. Rishi Sunak told Benjamin Netanyahu he was appalled by the killing of three British citizens in an Israeli strike as he described the situation in Gaza as intolerable. In a call with the Israeli prime minister on Tuesday night, Mr Sunak demanded answers and called for a thorough and transparent independent investigation after aid workers were killed. James Henderson, 33, and John Chapman, 57, who are both said to have served in the Royal Marines, were named alongside James Kirby, a former Army rifleman and sniper marksman, as the three Britons who had died in the bombing of a convoy. Mr Netanyahu admitted the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] were behind the strike on the World Central Kitchen vehicles, which killed seven aid workers in total. The charity had alerted the IDF to the route it was using and was travelling in cars marked with its logo on the roof. Mr Netanyahu said the strike was unintended and described it as a tragic event of the kind that happens in wartime. Mr Sunak said he was shocked and saddened, adding: Were asking Israel to investigate what happened urgently, because clearly there are questions that need to be answered. The Prime Minister went further in his call with his Israeli counterpart, not only saying he was appalled by the attack but also issuing wider demands on Israels actions in Gaza. A Downing Street spokesperson said of the call: The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza, and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, de-conflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. Israels military chief said the strike as the result of a misidentification in complex conditions. Announcing the results of a preliminary investigation early Wednesday, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi expressed remorse over the killings and called the event a grave mistake. It shouldnt have happened, he said. Joe Biden sharply criticised Israel on Tuesday night, saying it has not done enough to protect civilians. For weeks, the Foreign Office has been considering whether Israel is failing to demonstrate a commitment to international law, and whether therefore the UK should stop selling the country arms. Calls are now emerging for intelligence-sharing to be scaled back if UK legal advice concludes that Israel is now falling short of that requirement. Alicia Kearns, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee, told The Telegraph: A determination that Israel is not demonstrating a commitment to international humanitarian law would have implications for our intelligence-sharing, alongside arms sales. Lord Cameron described the killing of three British citizens as completely unacceptable in a phone call with Israel Katz, his Israeli counterpart. The Foreign Secretary said Israel must make major changes to ensure the safety of aid workers on the ground. The Foreign Office took the unusual step of summoning Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli ambassador to the UK, for a 30-minute meeting with Andrew Mitchell, the development minister. Lord Cameron has cut short his Easter break to handle the crisis. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, condemned the deaths as outrageous, unacceptable and horrifying, adding: This war must stop now. Far too many innocent people have died in this conflict. A friend of Mr Hendersons said the family had been informed of his death on Tuesday morning, adding: Everybody is gutted. He was a lovely lad. He hadnt been out there long, only a couple of weeks. A former colleague of Mr Kirby confirmed to The Telegraph that he had died in an Israeli airstrike that struck an aid convoy. Mr Kirby served as a sniper marksman in the Army between 1994 and 1998 and a rifleman between 2009 and 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile. Most recently he worked as a security consultant for risk management and security specialists Solace Global. Mr Kirby also worked as a players escort at Wimbledon and provided security at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, as well as working for high-net worth individuals and business leaders. John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, said the US was outraged at the killing of the aid workers, which he described as emblematic of a larger problem. The strike was evidence of why distributing aid in Gaza is so challenging, he said, adding that Israel should clarify what happened in days, not weeks. The workers who died included Australian, Canadian and Polish citizens as well as a US-Canadian dual national, who was identified by American media as Jacob Flickinger, 33. On Tuesday night, Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, telephoned the chef who runs the World Central Kitchen charity to apologise personally, expressing his deep sorrow and sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life. The strike on the convoy was carried out by drone, The Telegraph understands, via an operator with the 933 brigade based in the southern city of Khan Younis. It would have been signed off by three people an intelligence officer, a unit commander and a legal adviser. An Israeli military source called the strikes an intelligence failure, saying suspicions of the convoy were based on intelligence and heightened by it travelling at night. Israeli security officials told the Haaretz newspaper the convoy was trailed by IDF drones and fired upon three times. One of the convoy's vehicles following the fatal IDF strike in Deir Al-Balah - Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images The IDF believed an armed Hamas operative had joined a World Central Kitchen convoy transporting 100 tonnes of food aid to its warehouse in the central city of Deir Al-Balah. The food had been delivered by sea from Cyprus. Subsequent intelligence revealed that, when the convoy left the warehouse, the Hamas operative stayed behind, the sources told Haaretz. An Israeli drone reportedly fired a missile at one of the cars in the convoy, after which the aid workers moved to another vehicle and informed their superiors that they had been attacked. A second missile then hit the car they had moved to, according to Haaretz. When the third car in the convoy approached and tried to move the wounded, a third missile struck, killing everyone, the newspaper reported. Bellingcat, an open-source intelligence website, reported that the destroyed cars were found around 1.6km apart, corroborating the report of three separate strikes. The cars appeared to have been hit with inert or low-yield missiles similar to the Hellfire R9X used by the US military, Bellingcat reported. The Hellfire contains no explosives and kills targets through kinetic force. In Haaretz, a defence source expressed his frustration with troops in the field who launch attacks without any preparation, in cases that have nothing to do with protecting our forces. Photographs from the attack site showed a hole in the roof of one of the convoys cars through the middle of the WCK logo. The car was otherwise largely undamaged, suggesting explosives were not used in the strike. Recommended What happened to Israel's rules of engagement? Read more The IDF said on Tuesday it had launched a high-level investigation into the incident while Mr Netanyahu described it as a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip. This happens in war, and we will investigate it to the end. We are in contact with the governments involved, and we will do everything to ensure that this does not happen again, he said. The IDFs spokesman expressed sincere sorrow to the families of the victims, promising an in-depth examination ... to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident. We have been reviewing the incident at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of what happened and how it happened, said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, lauding World Central Kitchens vital mission of bringing food to people in need. We will be opening a probe to examine this serious incident further. We will get to the bottom of this and we will share our findings transparently. World Central Kitchen described the attack as unforgivable. Erin Gore, the charitys chief executive, said: This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organisations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. The organisation said it was suspending its operations in the region in the aftermath of the attack. Cyprus said ships bringing 240 tonnes of aid to Gaza would return to port now the NGO was no longer working in the field. World Central Kitchen is devastated to confirm seven members of our team have been killed in an IDF strike in Gaza. Read our full statement on the loss of our team members here: https://t.co/gsijamzfMU pic.twitter.com/PtQCxX5XrW World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) April 2, 2024 The deadly attack was particularly shocking to the aid world since Israel held a broadly positive relationship with WCK, unlike other groups working in Gaza such as UNRWA, the UNs agency for Palestinian refugees. In his statement, Rear Admiral Hagari praised WCK for delivering aid to Israel in the aftermath of the Oct 7 massacre. Tania Hary, the director of prominent Israeli human rights organisation Gisha, said on Tuesday: WCK are thought to have the closest cooperation with the IDF and seemed to enjoy preferential treatment for being from its perspective neutral (i.e. no advocacy work). In the end, the truth remains that no one is safe in Gaza. Juliette Touma, a UNRWA spokeswoman, called the Israeli attack on the aid workers absolutely devastating. It shouldnt happen, but whats been happening way too often in this conflict is that all the red lines have been crossed. Too many aid workers have been killed. Too many medical workers, too many journalists, too many children, Ms Touma told The Telegraph. At UNRWA alone, 176 workers have been killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza since the start of the war, including most recently in a precisely targeted Israeli bomb on an aid warehouse in Rafah, southern Gaza. Israel claimed to have killed Muhammad Abu Hasna, a Hamas commander, in the attack. NGOs on the ground are expressing concern that de-conflicting with the IDF is not functioning properly, Tess Ingram, a spokesman for Unicef, told The Telegraph by phone from Gaza. Those of us working here understand that this is a very dangerous place..[but] we lost seven colleagues last night because that system didnt work properly, she said. Australian authorities on Tuesday confirmed the death of Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, a 44-year-old woman from Melbourne. On Tuesday, Nate Mook, a former colleague, spoke of her as embodying the greatest aspects of humanity in a post on X, formerly Twitter: Zomi was one of the earliest employees at World Central Kitchen. She first showed up to volunteer at our WCK kitchen in Guatemala after the Fuego volcano eruptionand became like family. Zomi was effervescent, her spirit of service embodied the greatest aspects of humanity. pic.twitter.com/xfoTIvFBUM Nate Mook (@natemook) April 2, 2024 Ms Frankcom was seen in a video last week filmed inside a field kitchen in Deir Al-Balah, where chefs were making rice with beef and vegetables. Another victim has been identified as Damian Sobol, a Polish national from a city on the Ukrainian border, who took up charity work following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 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. State Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, speaks during a legislative hearing in investigating the state's largest wildfire in history April 2 in Pampa. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune PAMPA A company hired to inspect utility poles in the Panhandle declined to testify before Texas lawmakers Wednesday, as part of the states inquiry into the Smokehouse Creek fire the largest wildfire in state history that burned more than 1 million acres and killed two. Audience members scoffed when the committee announced Osmose Utilities Services, a Georgia-based company contracted by Xcel Energy to perform safety inspections, skipped its chance to address lawmakers during the three days of public hearings in Pampa. State Rep. Ken King, a Canadian Republican, read a statement from the company at the start of the second day of hearings. Although Osmose cannot attend the Committee meeting this week, we welcome the opportunity to discuss fire mitigation-related service offerings and recommended best practices in the State of Texas with your staff should the Committee have additional questions, the company's statement said. King, the committee's chair, called Osmoses decision not to appear puzzling. Our local utilities were more than happy to come and participate in this investigation, but this private corporation has evidently denied our request despite the situation in the Panhandle, he said. [Texas emergency director calls for firefighting air force after historic Panhandle fires] The committee is meeting in Pampa, a town of about 16,000 in Gray County, this week as part of its investigation into the series of wildfires, including the Smokehouse Creek fire, that scorched the Panhandle in late February and early March. Dozens of families have been displaced, hundreds of homes and ranches were damaged or destroyed, and thousands of cattle were killed. The committee has five members, including state Reps. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi and King. All three are Republicans. Landowners Jason Abraham and James Henderson are public members of the committee. The committee plans to publish its report by May 1. Kevin Pierce, a law enforcement officer for the Texas A&M Forest Service, told the committee its investigation into the fire concluded that a fallen decayed utility pole caused the Smokehouse Creek fire. Xcel Energy previously acknowledged its facilities appear to have been involved in an ignition of the Smokehouse Creek fire. During the investigation, Pierce noted he found chop marks at the base of the decayed utility pole and quickly noticed several others had the same markings. It was the first time in my 19 years of doing this seeing chop marks on poles, he said. Pierce said when he asked Xcel Energy about this, their representatives attempted to call Osmose because it seemed like it might be some type of inspection method. Osmose couldnt be reached. Pierce said Osmose still has not responded to his questions. The best people to answer these questions are Osmose, Pierce said. Burrows pointed out that Mike Adams, CEO of Osmose, had told local and national media that their company was committed to fully cooperating with any local investigations into the cause of the fire. I dont know if a PR team or a crisis management team told them to put out a statement, but they have refused to talk to us, he told the audience. Osmose in a statement to The Texas Tribune reaffirmed its commitment to helping the state's investigation. "Osmose is deeply concerned about the profound impact of the Panhandle Wildfires and is committed to assisting with all investigations," the statement said. "Although we were unable to attend the Committee meeting on short notice, we sent the attached letter to the Investigative Committee and offered to meet with its staff to discuss fire mitigation and recommended best practices in the State of Texas." Both Xcel and Osmose are named in lawsuits stemming from the Panhandle fires. 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. Theyve got something to say. Local filmmakers make their mark at Miami Film Festival From a satire on petty Hialeah politics to a meditation on gentrification in Little Haiti to an homage for the Miami Shores woman who pioneered the selfie, more and more filmmakers are telling stories by Miami for Miami. This years lineup for the 41st annual Miami Dade Colleges Miami Film Festival, which runs from Friday to April 14, is the local film communitys largest springboard yet. A record number of about 40 locally made feature and short films appear in the festivals program of more than 180 films from over 31 countries. This years high inclusion of Miami filmmakers and buzz around local features marks a long-awaited shift in South Floridas film scene. Theyve got something to say, said James Woolley, the festival executive director, about local filmmakers. They have a point of view. Theyre really wanting to engage with the world right now. Chris Molinas Fallen Fruit tells the story of a young man who learns to fall in love with his hometown of Miami. Among those filmmakers is Chris Molina. Years ago, he was the opposite of homesick. He was 20 and depressed after moving back home to Miami. Miami can be a hard city to love, he said. Its hot and humid. And the hurricanes. And the traffic. And the politics. And his sister moved into his old bedroom so he had to sleep on the floor. But over time, he learned to embrace his flawed, yet beautiful hometown, and he put those feelings into a screenplay. He spent the next few years creating short films, working with the Miami Film Festival and bolstering the local filmmaking scene until he picked the idea up again. Now, at 28, Molinas first feature length film Fallen Fruit, a semi-autobiographical tale about learning to love Miami, has its world premiere at the Miami Film Festival on Friday. Both screenings for the film sold out in two days. Its a movie that was made very intentionally about and for Miami, Molina said. To have our first screening, our world premiere here, at home for the people who its intended for most and to sellout two screenings is really, really exciting. Miami-based filmmaker Chris Molinas first feature length film Fallen Fruit has its world premiere at the Miami Film Festival April 5. Buzz for Miami stories Miamis film scene is blossoming, and festivals across the country are taking notice. Monica Sorelle, a Miami-based filmmaker, has earned several awards and glowing reviews for her feature-length directorial debut Mountains, which screens at the Miami Film Festival April 7. In February, Sorelle was recognized at the Film Independent Spirit Awards when she won the Someone To Watch Award along with a $25,000 grant. In the film, a demolition worker realizes his sites are inching closer and closer to his Little Haiti neighborhood. Im just very interested in making Miami stories, Sorelle said. I hope with this award I can bring more eyes to Miami and the talent that we have here. A scene from Mountains, a film that depicts Miamis Hiatian community and the Little Haiti neighborhood as it deals with gentrification. Moviegoers are buzzing, too, especially for Fallen Fruit. The support from the community has been humbling, Molina said. Molina, who has programmed the Miami Film Festivals short film selection and founded his own LGBTQ short film festival, strongly believes in the communitys potential to do great things in cinema. When I talk about that, thats meant for other people. I dont say it with me in mind, Molina said. So, to have that proven with my own movie is really I dont know if earth shattering is the right phrase. Its definitely mind boggling. It kind of feels like the multiverse or something. Ramiro Batista plays Alex in Fallen Fruit, a Miami-made film by Chris Molina. The film has its world premiere at Miami Dade Colleges Miami Film Festival. After the Miami-made Moonlight won best picture at the Oscars in 2017, Molina recalled a lot of chatter about how things will change for Miami film, though not much did at the time. Seeing people like Monica win awards and get recognized and seeing more feature films get made here and play at different festivals, maybe that does mean that, it took a little longer, but Moonlight did have an impact, he said. It was like setting a timer. It took a couple years, but now the timer is going off, like exploding. Mountains, a Miami-made feature film about gentrification in Little Haiti, was honored at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in February. From left to right, the films producer Robert Colom, lead actor Atibon Nazaire and director Monica Sorelle at the event. Movies made in Miami get audiences excited, Woolley said. He credits the recent rise in local feature filmmaking with funding from arts organizations, particularly Oolite Arts Cinematic Arts Residency, which provides one Miami-based filmmaker $50,000 to create a feature. Fallen Fruit and Mountains were funded through the residency program. In the future, he said, he hopes to see the film festival play a larger role in supporting local filmmakers as well. The quality of the work that they made from [the grants] is so high that we know we have the talent here, Woolley said. What we just need to continue doing is making sure people get access to actually fulfill their talents. The emphasis is on fun The goal for the Miami Film Festival is really quite simple, Woolley said. Full cinemas. This years fest is the first with Woolley at the helm, following longtime executive director Jaie Laplantes departure in 2022. As the festival continues to recuperate post-pandemic, Woolley said the programming is meant to attract as many people as possible with experiences they cant get at home, like Q&As with film directors and celebrity appearances by Sheryl Lee Ralph of Abbott Elementary and Marvels Tom Hiddleston. James Woolley, a longtime film festival organizer, was named the Miami Film Festivals new executive director. The festival is also diving into experimental presentations, namely with the immersive screening of 32 Sounds, an Oscar short-listed documentary, at the Perez Art Museum Miami on April 6. During the screening, viewers will wear headphones while plays live music that evoke memories from your past through sound, Woolley said. Its about getting people out and about, away from the couch and back into the cinemas as much as we can, he said. All in all, the emphasis is on fun. Richard Roundtree and June Squibb appear in Thelma by Josh Margolin. The Miami Film Festival kicks off with a screening of the film April 5. The program opens with Thelma, a comedy action flick about a 93-year-old grandmother who goes on a quest to get the $10,000 she lost to a phone scammer. The festival closes with Ezra, directed by Tony Goldwyn and starring Robert de Niro, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg and Rainn Wilson. When divorced parents disagree on whether to put their autistic 11-year-old son Ezra in a specialized school, the father runs off with Ezra on a cross-country trip. The festival, known for highlighting Latin American films, has a special selection of Cuban cinema. In Los Frikis, a film inspired by true events, punk bandmates living in 90s Cuba deliberately inject themselves with HIV to live at a government-run treatment home. Seguridad, a deeply personal documentary, follows award-winning Cuban-Canadian filmmaker Tamara Segura as she explores her estranged fathers troubled past and Cubas militarized system. Los Frikis is a Dominican-made film about bandmates living in 90s Cuba who deliberately inject themselves with HIV to live in a government-run treatment home. The film is screening at Miami Dade Colleges Miami Film Festival. We are so proud to have a lineup of films that will truly move audiences as we celebrate the very best in world cinema, said Lauren Cohen, the director of programming. Bombshells and satire There certain stories in this world that are so absurd and so whimsical, they can only happen in Miami. For filmmaker and art collector Dennis Scholl, the life of influential pin-up model-turned-photographer Bunny Yeager is that story. Who wouldve thought that the pioneer of the selfie, Americas bikini ambassador and Hugh Hefners favorite photographer started out as a 17-year-old girl in Miami who took up modeling to overcome her shyness? Scholl teamed up with Miamis own Kareem Tabsch to direct Naked Ambition: Bunny Yeager, a documentary 12 years in the making that chronicles the fabulous life and trailblazing career of a woman who rarely got the credit she deserved. The film includes interviews with the models she photographed, Dita Von Teese, Bruce Weber and the late Larry King. Yeager, a beautiful photographer who took beautiful photos, was an unsung hero in womankinds quest for freedom of expression, Scholl said. A self portrait of Bunny Yeager, an innovative and influential pin-up model-turned-photographer who helped popularize the bikini in the United States and paved the way for selfie culture. Naked Ambition: Bunny Yeagar, a documentary by Miami-based filmmakers, is screening at the Miami Film Festival. I knew itd be a fun film to make, but I came away being really impressed with how how tough she was, Scholl said. How much grit she had and how hard she worked. Yeager still lived in Miami Shores when Scholl first approached her about doing a film. In 2014, just as the filmmakers were about to interview her, she was hospitalized and died at age 85. Despite the setbacks, Tabsch is happy to see audiences learn about the iconic photographer. Kareem Tabsch, a Miami-based filmmaker, collaborated with Dennis Scholl on Naked Ambition: Bunny Yeagar. For me, thats the most rewarding thing, Tabsch said. Somebody who we have come to so greatly admire and whos had such a significant influence on our culture is getting her due. Daniel Lago also finds filmmaking inspiration and frustration in his hometown of Hialeah. And he, too, faced challenges to get his satirical comedy done, but for very different reasons. Lagos bombastically named film, A Communist Brainwashed My Daughter, was made with a chip on my shoulder, he said. When he didnt get the Oolite residency, he set out to create a feature film for under $50,000. He did it for under $6,000. That meant that Lago did as much as humanly possible: the writing, directing, editing, lighting, cinematography, post-production. And he stars in the film as a science teacher who tries to get his apathetic middle school students to care about the environment. When an overworked Cuban father sees his daughter picking up trash, chaos ensues. (Hence the name.) A Communist Brainwash My Daughter, a film by Miami-based filmmaker Daniel Lago, has its world premiere at the Miami Dade Colleges Miami Film Festival. Manuel Delgadillo, one of the films producers, plays the students disgruntled dad. Lagos charismatic father, Jose El Acido Lago, also stars in the film. The end result was a world premiere at the Miami Film Festival, something Lago didnt think was possible. He thought that a film that takes shots at Hialeahs machismo, over-hyped environmentalists, middle school drama and brujeria would never fly at a major film festival. But it did. Ive been making movies half my life, he said. If theres ever a place for this movie to premiere, its the Miami Film Festival. That means the world to me. Miami Film Festival 2024 When: April 5-14 Where: Screenings will take place at Silverspot Cinema, the Adrienne Arsht Centers Knight Concert Hall, Regal Cinema South Beach, Cosford Cinema, Coral Gables Art Cinema, the Miami Beach Bandshell, O Cinema South Beach and Perez Art Museum Miami. Info: Full schedule and tickets available online. https://miamifilmfestival.com/ 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. Zomi Frankcom was gift to the world who was dedicated to her work, her colleague remembers (Nate Mook) I first met Zomi Frankcom in 2018 in Guatemala. She was visiting the country when the Fuego volcano erupted, killing hundreds and displacing thousands. She heard about World Central Kitchens relief operation in Antigua and just showed up to help and volunteer. I still remember she had this huge smile, big laugh and effervescent personality. Zomi had a light that filled the room whenever she walked in. She jumped in making sandwiches, chopping vegetables, and delivering meals to families. Whatever was needed. And so from volunteering while on vacation, Zomi became one of the earliest employees at World Central Kitchen and quickly became like family. We used to have this saying that we lead with empathy that really was Zomi. The news of her death in Gaza the killing of seven members of the World Central Kitchen team in an Israeli airstrike is devastating for their families, friends and the world. I know several of them, although their identities have not yet been made public. It is unfathomable that they are not with us any more. They were all truly dedicated to their work, trying to do what they could in the most desperate and dangerous of situations. Ms Frankcom was described as a shining star for the work she did feeing people (Nate Mook) Zomi, who has been named by the Australian prime minister, deeply cared for the people she was serving, not to just give them aid, but listened to them, was present with them and held their hands. I remember after category 5 Hurricane Michael in Florida in October 2018, we were delivering food to communities that were badly hit. There was a woman who barely survived. She was living in a mobile home park, and had escaped death by hiding under her bed. Zomi brought the woman her first meal in a couple of days when we were able to get there. She didnt just hand out the food, but she sat down with her, comforted her, and listened to this womans story. She just enveloped the people she was helping with love. Everyone adored her. She was a dedicated and hard worker and would do anything to help. She was the first person to jump on a plane and go to the most difficult and trying disaster in the world at a moments notice. From a volcano in Guatemala to hurricanes in the US, Zomi worked around the world to be there for those in need from Japan to the Bahamas, from Tijuana to Haiti. Zomi distributing food for World Central Kitchen (Nate Mook) In 2020, she flew out to Australia to help during the wildfires and then immediately pivoted to support the most desperate during the Covid pandemic back in the US. She went to the Navajo Nation the reservation of Native American people in Arizona which, at the time, was suffering from one of the highest Covid death rates in the world. There, she built a 100 per cent Navajo-led team, and saved lives getting food to families who were completely cut off. She led operations during the refugee and hunger crisis in Venezuela in 2019, supporting hospitals and schools. She braved the Covid Delta surge in India to deliver hundreds of thousands of meals to hospitals. She welcomed Ukrainian refugees leading WCKs efforts in Romania in 2022. Zomi could inspire and motivate hundreds of volunteers from delivering food on the front lines, to building relationships with the affected community. It was incredible to see. Zomi was a shining star (Nate Mook) I last spoke to her a few weeks ago while she was in Jordan, coordinating air drops of aid over northern Gaza. She spoke about traveling to Cairo and beyond; we planned to catch up. I am not surprised that she went into Gaza to work on the unfolding famine. She was someone you could rely on to drop into any situation. She was deeply loved by all. It is really hard to even comprehend that she is no longer with us, that the team of seven World Central Kitchen heroes were lost. They were there to do the most important work at the most difficult time. Knowing Zomi was a gift, and those memories will forever remain. When others were facing the darkest of moments, Zomi was a shining light of comfort and the world is a dimmer place without her. Nate Mook is the former CEO of World Central Kitchen Voters who chose "uninstructed delegation" in Wisconsin's presidential primary Tuesday more than doubled the 20,682 votes President Joe Biden won the state by in 2020, sending a warning sign for his reelection chances in the battleground state. In Wisconsin, "uninstructed delegation" took 48,093 votes, or 8.3% on the Democratic side, with 99% of the vote reported by Wednesday afternoon. Biden had 510,450 votes, or 88.6%. About 3% voted for Minnesota congressman Dean Phillips, who has ended his campaign and endorsed Biden. Voters displeased with Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war organized into a "Listen to Wisconsin" campaign that mirrored other states like Michigan and Minnesota, where a similar "uncommitted" option took about 13% and 19% of the vote in the Democratic primary, respectively. Election Day live updates l Statewide election results l Local election results But Wisconsin's lower percentage means the state will not pick up spots at the Democratic National Convention as "uninstructed delegates." On the Democratic side, candidates must earn at least 15% of the statewide vote to earn delegates, so Wisconsin did not meet that threshold. The movement has picked up 26 delegates in other states. Biden has already earned the 1,968 delegates needed to secure his party's nomination. But uninstructed delegates could advocate for policy changes at the convention in Chicago. Wisconsin's 8.4% percentage was less than similar "uncommitted" options in other states that held primaries Tuesday. In Connecticut, the uncommitted delegation was at 11.4% Wednesday afternoon with 98% of the vote in. In Rhode Island, it was 14.9% with 99% of the vote in just teetering on the edge of picking up a delegate spot. In Wisconsin, some voters on the Republican side also selected the "uninstructed delegation" option about 2%, or 12,900. That option performed fourth best, after U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who took 12.8% and 3.3% of the vote, respectively. Republican voters may have picked those options as a way of protesting former President Donald Trump, who took 475,375 votes, or 79.2%. While "uninstructed" voters pose a challenge to Biden, his raw vote totals and percentage in his party's primary was higher than Trump's. 'Uninstructed' campaign protests administration's military aid to Israel The "uninstructed" vote totals show Biden's vulnerability among a group of Democratic voters who are concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 1 million civilians are at risk of famine, according to a recent report. Organizers who spoke to the Journal Sentinel said they are using the uninstructed option to protest the Biden administration's military aid for Israel. Many stressed they do not want to give Trump another term, but rather send a message to Biden that he needs to change his approach before the Nov. 5 election. "We don't want lip service and we're done with games," organizer Janan Najeeb said. "We want unhindered and complete access to all humanitarian aid, including clean water, food, medical supplies, and equipment for Palestinians. We want the release of all hostages." In a statement, campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt said Biden "shares the goal for an end to the violence and a just, lasting peace in the Middle East. He's working tirelessly to that end." "The President believes making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans," Hitt said. The Biden administration is building a temporary pier to deliver humanitarian aid for citizens and has asked Israel to not launch a military campaign in Rafah to avoid further civilian endangerment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the appeal. Trump hasn't called for restraint of military force in the region. More: What the 'uninstructed' movement means for Wisconsin voters, Biden's chances Anthony Chergosky, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse, previously told the Journal Sentinel he's going to be watching how campaigns interpret and respond to Tuesday's numbers. If the uninstructed vote is small in Wisconsin and the Biden campaign knows the base is with him, then it can "go all-in on reaching out to swing voters in the suburbs," he said. But if it's more significant, "the Biden campaign might think to themselves that they really need to shore up the base in advance of the November election." Wisconsin Vote Uninstructed placed signs too close to polling sites The Milwaukee Election Commission fielded complaints Tuesday morning about volunteers from Wisconsin Vote Uninstructed placing signs promoting the campaign in front of three polling locations. Claire Woodall, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Election Commission told the Journal Sentinel that the commission contacted the District Attorney's office about the complaints. According to Wisconsin election rules, people may not engage in electioneering during polling hours on any public property on election day within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing a polling place. Rufus King High School was one of the sites where signs were placed. The Milwaukee Police Department sent officers to measure the distance between the polling site and the signs, and Woodall confirmed that the distance was less than 100 ft. Ohio Playground and 53rd St. School polling places also had complaints about signs, according to the Milwaukee Elections Commision. After being notified of voter concerns, the District Attorney's office contacted the group and informed them that they cannot place signs on public property. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 'Uninstructed delegation' vote surpasses Biden 2020 Wisconsin margin Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Kitakyushu, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - Japan's first passenger ship powered by hydrogen and biofuel is set to ply the waters off Kitakyushu starting April 10th. The tourist ship HANALIA, built by a Tokyo maritime company, could potentially reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 53% to 100%. Recently, the president of HANALIA's operating company paid a courtesy visit to Fukuoka Prefecture's Governor Hattori. MOTENA-Sea President, Kazutoshi Takao: "The maritime industry uses a lot of energy. By increasing allies who share our goal of decarbonization, we hope to contribute to changing the industry." HANALIA is scheduled to operate cruises departing from Kokura Port and Moji Port, offering passengers the chance to enjoy the night views of Kitakyushu. Source: FBS OSAKA, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - A Japan Airlines plane en route from Miyazaki to Haneda was struck by lightning twice, forcing the flight to change course to Kansai Airport following the detection of an unusual odour in the cabin. According to Japan Airlines, the aircraft of flight JL694, which departed from Miyazaki for Haneda at around 2:30 PM on March 3rd, was hit by lightning twice. Subsequently, an unusual odor was detected in the passenger cabin, prompting a change of destination from Haneda Airport to Kansai Airport, where the flight landed. The flight had a total of 119 crew and passengers on board, all of whom were reported to be unharmed. Source: ANN P.E.O. Reciprocity Group The Council Bluffs/Treynor P.E.O. Reciprocity Group will host a brunch for southwest Iowa chapters on Saturday, April 13, at New Horizon Presbyterian Church, 30 Valley View Drive in Council Bluffs. Ticket price is $18. Reservations must be received by Saturday, April 6, to Nancy File, Reciprocity Treasurer, 101 Dodds Circle, Council Bluffs, IA 51503. Email File at filen@cox.net . This brunch is for area P.E.O. members and friends to celebrate the organization and its philanthropic endeavors. Social hour will begin at 9:30 a.m., with brunch at 10 a.m. and a program to follow. France has allowed its development agencies to fund projects in the Moroccan Sahara, a move that implies a recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory, Moroccan media reported. The decision was reported by LeDesk and confirmed by Medias24 which reported that it will be officially announced during the visit of the French foreign trade minister to Rabat this month. While French private businesses have been operating in the Sahara, this decision would mark the first time France allows its publicly funded agencies to finance private projects in the area. As ties warm up after a long frost between Paris and Rabat, French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne has hinted at upcoming change in his countrys policy towards the territory where Algeria has been pursuing a separatist chimera by backing financially, militarily and diplomatically for five decades a separatist militia, known as the Polisario. Sejourne told reporters, after talks in Rabat with his Moroccan peer in February, that France had a clear and steady position on the Sahara in support of a realistic, lasting and mutually accepted solution in conformity with UN Security council resolutions. France is aware that the Sahara issue is an existential matter for Morocco and Moroccans, he said, urging progress on the basis of round tables with the participation of all parties. Sejourne announced that France will open two schools in Dakhla and Laayoune in addition to an itinerant cultural center in the Sahara territory. He also lauded Moroccos social development achievements in the Sahara, highlighting in particular efforts in terms of training, renewable energies, and the blue economy. France will support development of the region by supporting Moroccos efforts there, he said The Kenyan agriculture ministry has been accused of supplying fake fertilizers to farmers, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) said. Africa Uncensored was the first to report to the anomaly when it released an investigative report showing that a subsidised fertiliser known as GPC Plus Organics, packaged in 25kg bags, was exposed for sale in the market. KEBS acknowleged the violation noting that the fake fertilizers were being sold by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). So far, 5,840 bags of the fake fertiliser have been sold across the country of about 57 million people. The news cast a shadow on the credibility of the agriculture ministry and triggered fears among farmers of a drop in maize yield this year. A drop in maize production could worsen food security outlook in the country where over 1.6 million are believed to suffer food scarcity amid drought in some key farming areas, the World Food Programme said in a 2030 report. Only hours after being sworn in as Senegals president on Tuesday (2 April), Bassirou Diomaye Faye named popular opposition figure Ousmane Sonko as the nations prime minister. At 44, former tax inspector Bassirou Diomaye Faye is Senegals youngest president ever elected. During his campaign, he vowed to fight corruption, promised to renegotiate oil, gas and mineral contracts with foreign companies and also pledged systemic change after years of deadly turmoil the decision to chose his mentor, opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, as prime minister, should be seen in this context. Faye took the presidential oath in front of hundreds of officials and a dozen African heads of state, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat. Despite having never previously held an elected office, Faye swept to a first-round victory on a promise of radical reform just 10 days after being released from prison. Faye and Sonko were among a group of opposition politicians freed from prison only days before the 24 March presidential vote under an amnesty announced by former president Macky Sall, who had tried to delay the vote. I have painful memories of the martyrs of Senegalese democracy, the amputees, the wounded and the former prisoners, Faye said, referring to the past three years of bouts of deadly political unrest triggered by a stand-off between the state and the 49-year-old Sonko. The results of the election showed a profound desire for change, Faye said after taking the oath of office. He promised systemic change, adding that he believed voters expressed an aspiration for greater sovereignty, development and well-being. Police officers of the town of Guercif arrested, on Monday, a 63-year-old Dutch national of Egyptian origin, who was the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by German judicial authorities. A check of the database of the International Criminal Police Organization INTERPOL revealed that the suspect was wanted internationally under an arrest warrant issued by the national central office Wiesbaden in Germany, on suspicion of heroin trafficking, said a security source. The suspect was placed in police custody before being referred to the relevant public prosecutors office, while Interpol office in Rabat of the General Directorate of National Security was entrusted with notifying its German counterpart of the arrest awaiting the extradition procedure. This operation is part of the Moroccan security services commitment to implementing international security cooperation mechanisms, including the search for and arrest of individuals wanted internationally in cases linked to transnational crime. Photo: JONATHAN ERNST/POOL/AFP via Getty Images It would be ideal for the secretary of State to enjoy reliable transportation during a period in which two American allies are fighting wars. Unfortunately for Secretary Antony Blinken, he gets around on a plane made by Boeing. On Wednesday, CNN reported that Blinken had to drive from Paris to Brussels rather than take the quick flight because of a mechanical issue with a Boeing 737 used by the State Department. Blinken, who was in Paris to meet with President Emmanuel Macron and Frances foreign minister, was due in Belgium to meet with other NATO foreign ministers. It is unclear whether the four-hour drive would make him late. The plane malfunction comes three months after Blinken was stranded by a Boeing 737 at Davos in January. Bloomberg reported at the time that the modified jet he had flown in on was deemed unsafe to fly after the discovery of an oxygen leak. Travel troubles for the jet-setting secretary are not a disaster, but theyre just the latest sore spot for Boeing, which has long been excoriated for cutting corners with deadly consequences and failing to deliver reliable planes on time. In March, weeks after the fuselage ripped open on an Alaska Airlines flight, Boeings CEO announced he would resign by the end of the year. Still, an unexpected drive across northern France in the springtime may be a nice little break for the secretary, who is managing Americas commitment to Israel, which recently killed several foreign aid workers and continues to draw international condemnation as it seeks to eradicate Hamas after the October 7 attack. Sign Up for the Intelligencer Newsletter Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images At a border-focused campaign event in Michigan on Tuesday, Donald Trump continued to spout incendiary rhetoric, once again referring to immigrants as animals and accusing his likely opponent President Joe Biden of bringing carnage and chaos to the country through his border policies. The former president also invoked Ruby Garcia, who was killed by an undocumented immigrant and found in March along the side of a Grand Rapids highway. Rubys loved ones and community are left grieving for this incredible young woman. Remembering what they called her. They said she had the most contagious laughter and, when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, Trump said, flanked by law-enforcement officers at the DeVos Place Convention Center. And Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family. But relatives of Garcia say they never heard from Trump. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, Mavi Garcia, Rubys sister, told Target 8, a local NBC affiliate. Mavi Garcia, who has acted as the familys spokesperson, told the outlet that she is angry that her sisters death has become politicized. Its always been about illegal immigrants, she said. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? In late March, police discovered 25-year-old Ruby Garcias body with gunshot wounds alongside U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids. Authorities later charged Brandon Ortiz-Vite, a Mexican national, with her murder. The two were apparently dating, and Ortiz-Vite confessed to police that he had shot Garcia following an argument in her car, per MLive. The Detroit News reports that Ortiz-Vite entered the country illegally as a child but was deported back to Mexico in 2020. Throughout his presidential campaign. Trump has repeatedly weaved the murder of another young woman, Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, into his stump speeches. Jose Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented man from Venezuela, has been charged in the death of the 22-year-old avid runner, who was reportedly unknown to him. Michigan Democrats have accused Trump of politicizing Garcias death for his own gain. During a virtual press conference prior to his Grand Rapids events, Senator Debbie Stabenow called out the former president. Ruby Garcias death was a horrible tragedy, she said. But, unfortunately, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are hell-bent on exploiting Rubys death for their own politics. Frankly, I think its shameful. Trump thinks he has Jesus in his pocket. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images Donald Trump specifically, and transphobic conservatives generally, made much sport of the International Transgender Day of Visibility coinciding with Easter this year. Transgender Day of Visibility has been commemorated on March 31 since 2009, and Joe Biden has publicly honored both that day and the movable feast of Easter since becoming president in 2021. Yet Trump and other Republicans twisted this years presidential proclamations as some sort of effort to displace or abolish Easter, as the New York Times reported: Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for former President Donald J. Trump, said Mr. Biden should apologize to people who believed Sunday was for one celebration only the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The House speaker, Mike Johnson, said Mr. Biden had betrayed the central tenet of Easter. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee called his proclamation an intentional attack on religion. Many Republicans said falsely that Mr. Biden had declared Sunday as the transgender holiday, though the day has been observed for years. Not satisfied with a one-off exercise in calendar demagoguery at the expense of people who have been systematically bullied (or worse) for many years, Trump has doubled down on this contrived controversy by calling for some loud-and-proud Christian vengeance to his own benefit, notes Axios: Former President Trump at a Tuesday night rally in Wisconsin said he wants Election Day this year to be called Christian visibility day. It comes as Republicans criticize the Biden White House for recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility which happened to fall on Easter Sunday this year. Such total disrespect to Christians, and Nov. 5 is going to be called something else, Trump declared at the rally. You know what its going to be called? Christian visibility day, when Christians turn out in numbers that nobody has ever seen before, Trump said. Trumps assumption that all Christians share his thuggish attitudes toward transgender folk may just reflect his entrenched religious illiteracy, or something worse, as Baptist minister and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock observed in response to House Speaker Mike Johnson joining in the MAGA chorus of Biden-bashing on this subject: 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 But transgender people arent the only Americans Trump and his allies want to marginalize. He may claim he wants Christians to be visible, but he cannot see the many, many millions of observant Christians who do not share his identification of their faith with his ideology of cultural resentment, tribalism, and privilege. We sometimes wonder, in fact, if Trump does not fear being struck by lightning whenever he invokes the name of God as though the Lord of Hosts is one of his sycophantic followers, or weaponizes the Prince of Peace for his partys culture wars. The 45th presidents call for turning Election Day into a Christian rebellion against Joe Biden adds insult to injury by encouraging one of the most shameful illusions of contemporary American religious conservatives: the embarrassing claim that in this country where they enjoy vast swaggering power, they are actually being persecuted. Are Christians actually invisible in the USA? Take a look at the skyline of any city, town, or village with its many church steeples, not to mention religious monuments and other Jesus-infused remembrances of the nations dominant faith tradition. Given recent trends in religious observance (and more to the point, non-observance), you could argue that Christianity is significantly over-represented in civic life. And that should be fine among Christians who honor the memory of believers who survived in catacombs and other places of secret worship and were actually persecuted with fire and death, not simply denied special privileges or forced to endure the horror of Happy Holidays signs at shopping malls. Unfortunately, Donald Trump is making the shotgun wedding of conservative Christianity with his reactionary MAGA movement a central ritual of his 2024 campaign, with rallies that end in virtual parodies of a worship service, as Michael Bender suggests in the Times: In this moment, Mr. Trumps audience is his congregation, and the former president their pastor as he delivers a roughly 15-minute finale that evokes an evangelical altar call, the emotional tradition that concludes some Christian services in which attendees come forward to commit to their savior. The great silent majority is rising like never before and under our leadership, he recites from a teleprompter in a typical version of the script. 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. God deliver us from this deeply sacrilegious form of Christian visibility in American politics. Its a reminder that our endangered tradition of separation of church and state is important to the former as well as the latter. Nebraska Republican governor Jim Pillen backs an Electoral College heist. Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images Its a little-known fact that states are free to allocate their presidential electoral votes as they wish so long as they respect one-person, one-vote principles. Forty-eight states have chosen to stick with the traditional statewide winner-take-all approach. But two, Maine (since 1972) and Nebraska (since 1996), have given an electoral vote to the popular-vote winner in each congressional district, with the statewide winner picking up two more. Typically Maine has been a blue state and Nebraska a red state, so there wasnt a whole lot of fear that these eccentric jurisdictions would affect the outcome of a presidential race. But in recent memory their systems have mattered. Democratic presidential candidates have carried Nebraskas Omaha-based Second Congressional District in 2008 and 2020. Republican presidential candidates (actually, the same candidate) have won Maines rural Second Congressional District in 2016 and 2020. The symmetry of these two states with their single competitive congressional district has represented a sort of standoff, so there hasnt been much interest in touching off a partisan arms race of variable electoral-vote systems by changing either of them (or imitating them elsewhere). Until now, that is, as NBC News reports: Former President Donald Trump and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen are calling on the states Legislature to change the way Nebraska doles out its Electoral College votes, a move that would almost certainly benefit Trump in his 2024 presidential bid. But despite the pressure from Republican heavy hitters, the push could fall short as the legislative session draws to a close, after the previously introduced bill languished unnoticed before the sudden rush of attention. You can blame MAGA activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk for unleashing this particular hound of hell: Hours after Republican activist Charlie Kirk put out a call for his supporters to contact Pillen, a Republican, to support the change, the governor responded with a statement of his own reiterating support for the bill and calling on lawmakers to pass it. Shortly after, Trump lent his backing to the efforts on social media. Kirk said in a statement to NBC News that he has been focused on the issue for some time. I realized two things researching for my show: There was already a bill drafted, and the legislature was still in session, Kirk said. So I decided to do something about it. Credit to Governor Pillen and President Trump for acting quickly. Speed probably is of the essence. Thats partly because Nebraskas unicameral legislature (technically nonpartisan, but actually Republican-controlled) is scheduled to end its regular 2024 session in a couple of weeks, and partly because a shift to a winner-take-all system for EVs could in theory trigger retaliation from the Democratic-controlled Maine legislature and that states Democratic governor. Ironically, the parallel development in Maine has been hostile to the Electoral College generally, as the state is one legislative vote away from becoming the 17th state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. This agreement provides that once states controlling a majority of electoral votes sign on, they will all cast their electoral votes for the national popular vote winner, essentially abolishing the Electoral College (there are some experts who believe the scheme is unconstitutional, but its promoters have states with a total of 205 already on board). If Nebraska did take one of its EVs off the table for 2024, would it matter? Quite possibly. Theres a plausible scenario whereby Joe Biden would win the Rust Belt battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin that he carried in 2020 while losing his prior grip on the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada. Assuming Trump won everything else including the single EV from Maine he won twice before, and all of Nebraskas votes, that would put both candidates at 269 electoral votes. An Electoral College tie would throw the presidential election to the U.S. House, where Trump would very likely win under the arcane constitutional system allocating one vote to each states House delegation. If, on the other hand, Biden wins the same single electoral vote from Nebraska he won in 2020, then under the same 2024 scenario, hed be reelected. In our deeply polarized nation holding a very high-stakes election, the decision made in Lincoln on this subject could make a mountain out of a relative molehill. One of the many threats posed by a second Trump term is the terrifyingly high risk that he would undercut NATO, or even pull out of the alliance altogether, and allow Russia to menace Europe. Some Republican Russia hawks have addressed this risk by starkly warning the country about Trumps intentions. Others have even endorsed his opponent. But many Republican Russia hawks have instead played the familiar coalition-management game of denying the problem. Rather than admit Trump opposes their views, which would force them to confront their own partys nominee, they are pretending that Trump doesnt mean what he says, or that the responsibility for his actions lies with the Biden administration instead. The impulse is on display in todays Wall Street Journal op-ed page, which features two columns by Republican Russia hawks denying the plain facts of Trumps anti-NATO agenda. Ukraine is currently undergoing an ammunition famine because the Republican-controlled House of Representatives refuses to pass more aid. The politics are extremely simple. The Democratic-controlled Senate passed an aid bill for Ukraine. President Biden says he will sign it. Democrats have left the door open to numerous mechanisms to pass the aid, including attaching it to a Republican-crafted border crackdown that the Democrats own activist base loathes. The bill has been held up because, while it commands an overwhelming majority of the House, most House Republicans oppose it, which in turn has made House Speaker Mike Johnson refuse to bring the bill to a vote, because it would pass. And the reason most House Republicans oppose aid to Ukraine is that Trump opposes aid to Ukraine. Holman Jenkins, the hawkish, pro-Ukraine Journal columnist, surveys the situation and concludes the reason aid isnt advancing is Joe Biden and House Democrats. Why are House Democrats to blame? Jenkins conjures an alternative reality in which most House Republicans are eager to aid Ukraine, but a handful of dissident Republicans are blocking them and threatening to depose Johnson, and Democrats are going along with this threat. Mr. Johnson is down to a one-vote majority in the House, he argues. If Democrats sit on their hands, one or two GOP defectors are enough to unseat him no matter how popular Ukraine aid is with his membership. If that were true, then yes, Democrats would be to blame. But its the opposite of the case. Ukraine aid is not popular with Republican members. Most of them oppose it, which is why Johnson wont bring it to a vote. And while right-wingers are threatening Johnsons job, Democrats are not planning to sit on their hands. They are openly promising to keep him in place if Ukraine aid threatens his position. Jenkins proceeds to argue that Biden wants Republicans to hold up aid, because its handy to push Ukraine toward a cease-fire. And why does Biden secretly want Republicans to continue doing the thing he is begging them publicly to stop? Because Biden wants to cut defense spending, Jenkins hypothesizes, and letting Russia win is part of his plan to do that plan. Jenkins posits the existence of this secret plan, which lacks any evidence and which contradicts all Bidens public statements and actions, but conveniently allows Jenkins to reconcile his support for Ukraine with his support for a Trump-dominated party. A similar impulse is at work in a Journal column today by Alexander Gray, chief of staff of the White House National Security Council under Trump. Gray argues that foreign-policy experts are predictably fretting that Trump will undermine NATO, but this is merely fearmongering. The reality, he assures his readers, is that Trump merely wanted to push NATO members to increase their defense spending. Through public and private cajoling also known as diplomacy he secured a commitment from NATO members to beef up their contributions, he writes. The global foreign-policy elite Gray does not mention that this elite includes former high-level Trump appointees is sowing needless fear around the world by willfully misrepresenting Mr. Trumps first term and scaremongering about a second. Should Mr. Trump return to the White House, there will doubtless be sighs of relief among officials in friendly capitals. Trumps Russia hawk allies love to sane-wash him as having merely used unorthodox methods to successful prod the allies to spend more on defense. It is true that Europe has stepped up its defense spending (a process that preceded Trumps administration). If that was really Trumps goal, then he would be taking endless victory laps. Trump loves nothing more than boasting about accomplishments, real or imaginary. Trump would be regaling audiences about he singlehandedly turned NATO into the toughest alliance in human history. There would be stories about how big, strong men men who had never shed a tear in their lives came up to him and said, Sir, you saved NATO before weeping uncontrollably. But that is not how Trump processed the episode. Rather than taking the win, he has continued to rail against Europe for its supposed freeloading ways. Trump regularly spits out social-media posts warning NATO in mob-style tones to PAY UP. He has repeatedly suggested that the United States under his presidency would refuse to uphold NATOs guarantee to defend fellow members from attack, thereby undermining the alliances entire foundation. Earlier this year he said he would encourage Russia to attack NATO countries that were delinquent, imagining Putin and Trump as partners in a protection-money racket. It is glaringly obvious that Trump admires Russia and resents NATO and Ukraine, and would strengthen the former at the expense of the latter. The remaining Republicans who fear these outcomes are too craven to even admit they will happen. With such pathetic dissembling in place of coherent internal dissent, can it be any surprise Trump feels emboldened to do as he pleases? Best in Class The Strategists carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers As one of our resident wardrobe-basics experts, Ive learned that a good white T-shirt is easy to find, but a truly great one one that hits the marks on comfort and durability as well as versatility and style is much harder to come by. So to uncover the standouts in what feels like an endless sea of options, I spoke to a dozen stylish guys including multiple designers about their personal favorites. From there, I tested a few of their recommendations, along with a couple of tees that were already on my radar. What I learned as I researched is that its quite tough to pick the best white T-shirt theres just as much of a case for a structured boxy tee as there is for a plain cotton Hanes. But I made my decisions based on what I thought would be the best tee for most people (taking into account the dozens of conversations Ive had about white tees and really basics in general). Read on for all the best mens white tees for layering, tucking in, or wearing on their own. And if youre looking for more menswear advice, check out our roundups of the best mens jeans, gym shorts, and sweatpants. Update on October 2, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products. What were looking for Sizes As much as possible, we try to highlight size-inclusive brands. To make shopping easier, Ive called out all size ranges here, including if the brand offers short or tall choices. Fabric Most of the T-shirts on this list are made from cotton, a breathable, machine-washable, and durable material. Weve specified the cotton type because it determines the weight and texture of the shirt. Slub cotton, for example, has a bit of a lumpy texture due to how its woven, but is breathable. Regular cotton is heavier and rougher, but is more durable. We also included a linen and hemp-cotton blend shirt, which are both lightweight. Weight As mentioned, the material of a T-shirt determines its weight: A thicker weave results in a heavier tee, while thinner strands of cotton create a more lightweight shirt. If you prefer lighter-weight shirts in the warmer months, it might be best to own both types instead of staying loyal to a specific weight year-round. Regardless, there are lots of options for all camps. Fit and neckline Mens T-shirts can typically be sorted into three categories: slim, loose, and oversize. From there, you can find necklines ranging from crew, scoop, V, and deep V. Crewnecks are by far the most universal, but weve made sure to call out if the shirt is available in other neckline options. Best mens white T-shirt overall Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee $45 $45 Sizes: XS to XXL with short and tall options | Fabric: Slub cotton | Weight: Medium weight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck Strategist-favorite brand Buck Masons curved-hem white tee comes as close as possible to a universal best T-shirt pick because of its medium-weight cotton, standard-size collar, and slim-but-not-too-slim shape that works for just about anyone. After testing the shirt, I noticed that the sleeves hit right at the perfect spot on the bicep without looking too short or too long. The breathable slub-cotton also gets softer each time I wash it, though it still maintains some sturdiness. And its not too fitted nor really boxy either, so its comfortable to wear but still looks put-together. Compared to other white tees I tried, this is an elevated option at a price that isnt too steep which is another reason why I gave it the top spot. The brand also offers the option to purchase the top in a short or tall length without compromising the flattering curved-hem bottom. And Im not the only one whos awarded the Buck Mason tee high all-around marks: My take was confirmed by Arquiste Parfumeur founder Carlos Huber, who wears the T-shirt to the beach but also more formal settings, like under his suit at his 2022 wedding. Huber also told me he appreciates the well-shaped neck and curved hem. $45 at Buck Mason Buy Best less expensive overall white T-shirt Hanes Tagless T-shirt From $13 for 3 From $13 for 3 Sizes: S to 3XL with big and tall options | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Medium weight | Fit and neckline: Slim crewneck A tried-and-true classic: the humble Hanes tee. The low price ensures you dont have to worry about staining it, but at the same time it by no means feels or looks cheap. Its a medium-weight tee like Buck Masons, but our writer Arielle Avila says this feels slightly rougher, probably because its made out of 100 percent regular cotton instead of slub cotton. Despite the texture, Avila didnt find it to be scratchy. In terms of fit, she says it hugs the body a bit more than the loose Buck Mason and has slightly shorter sleeves (without digging into armpits), which makes it ideal for lounging around and layering with sweaters or cardigans. Another fan is author Alexander Chee, who says he wears the tagless version as an undershirt and on its own. That versatility, given its under-$4 price tag (when you break down the price per tee), made it a natural choice for this category. From $13 for 3 at Amazon Buy Best lightweight white T-shirt J.Crew Broken-in Short-Sleeve T-shirt $37 $37 Sizes: XS to XXL with tall options | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Slim or loose crewneck For something more lightweight than the above options, turn to J.Crews already-broken-in tee. I havent had the chance to test it for myself, but our menswear columnist Chris Black has called it out for being the next best thing to vintage. (Black frequently recommends the best vintage finds, so I fully trust him on that front.) Looking into the shirt more, I saw that it comes in a nice variety of fits and size options classic (loose), slim, and tall. The fit options tipped the scale for me, and thats why its my top lightweight pick. $37 at J.Crew Buy Best less expensive lightweight white T-shirt Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crewneck Short-Sleeve T-shirt - White $25 $25 Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Fabric: Supima Cotton | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck Supima cotton is made of extra-long fibers, resulting in a durable material that doesnt pill or lose its shape easily. Because its of better quality than regular cotton, it typically comes at a higher price, but Uniqlo makes an excellent affordable option. The lightweight and relaxed fit is especially breezy during the warmer months. It has slightly longer sleeves than the tees mentioned so far and hits slightly below the hem, adding to its boxier fit (without looking oversize). And while my boyfriend Connor has owned his for a little less than a year, it also seems to be durable for a lightweight tee. After multiple washes, it looks as good as new; it hasnt shrunk or lost its bright-white color. Luxury-leather-goods designer Jeff Wan also told me hes had his as a wardrobe staple for more than three years, which I thought was an impressive amount of time for a budget pick. $25 at Uniqlo Buy Best mid-weight white T-shirt Madewell Mens Relaxed Tee $32 $40 now 21% off $32 Sizes: XS to XXL | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Mid-weight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck Madewells Relaxed Tee is a mid-weight number that strikes a nice balance between sturdiness and airiness. My boyfriend, who owns it in four shades including white, loves that the cotton fabric is dense but still ideal for layering. The material isnt quite heavy enough to weigh him down, and it doesnt cause him to sweat through his shirt on transitional summer-to-fall days. Compared to the Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew above, the Relaxed Tee has a rougher texture without being scratchy. Its thicker, but in my opinion has a more lived-in feel that makes it super comfortable. The size L is slightly oversize on my boyfriends five-foot-ten frame and hits just past the waistline. At $40, its certainly not the cheapest T-shirt on our list, but I think the price is right for the quality and versatility youre getting. $32 at Madewell Buy Best heavyweight white T-shirt Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt $20 $20 Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Heavyweight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck If youd prefer an even thicker T-shirt, Uniqlo makes one of my favorite heavyweight options: the U Crew Neck. More substantial and structured than the brands Supima Cotton Crew Neck I called out above, this one is still soft and never feels too stiff. And, even though its a heavier shirt, I find it to be breathable during the warmer months. Mickey Pangilinan, a creative lead at Apple, also appreciates the tees weighty material and nice texture. The only caveat here is that the thick fabric is a bit harder to tuck into pants or shorts and doesnt work as well as an undershirt compared to the lightweight options above. $20 at Uniqlo Buy Best oversize white T-shirt Heavyweight Collections Classic Fit T-shirt - White From $27 From $27 Sizes: S to XXL | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Heavyweight | Fit and neckline: Oversize crewneck While some of the tees listed so far are just slightly oversize, Heavyweight Collections Classic Fit T-Shirt is made a full size larger. I have yet to try out a shirt from the brand, but sources Ive spoken to say its 100 percent heavyweight cotton fabric gives it a structured look (rather than schlumpy, which I find is common with oversize tees). Another plus: The brand also sells this in a tall version. From $27 at Heavyweight Collections Buy Best sustainable white T-shirt The Big Favorite Relaxed Crew - White $36 $36 Sizes: XS to XXL | Fabric: Pima cotton | Weight: Medium weight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck In search of sustainable, closed-loop-cycle options, Avila turned to the Big Favorite. The brand initially caught her eye last summer when she saw it applied the same approach to underwear. Avila, along with her boyfriend who wears tees every day and can be particular about cut tested out the shirts for themselves. They both appreciated the fit, which they told me is loose without being too oversize, and that the sleeves hit just above the elbow and the hem falls slightly below the waist. The fabric is buttery soft and mid-weight, making this one ideal for wearing on its own or layered. As part of the brands closed-loop cycle, you can send the tee back once its worn out through this page or by scanning the QR code on the label. Once its processed, youll get a discount on future purchases. The company also offers an undyed version thats a pleasant off-white shade. $36 at The Big Favorite Buy Best linen white T-shirt Alex Crane Sun Tee in Bone $68 $68 Sizes: XS to XXL | Fabric: Linen | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck Linen is much more common in the button-down world, but New Yorkbased brand Alex Crane makes the case for having a T-shirt made out of the material. This is by far the breeziest option on the list, because the sustainably grown French linen is lightweight and loose fit offers plenty of ventilation. The fabric is thinner than the cotton options and toes the line of being see-through, but I wouldnt say its quite tissue-thin. Thats because it has a slight texture to it that you dont typically find with smooth cotton tees. All of those factors make it a more elevated shirt option, especially in the summer. Whats best is that its preshrunk, so you dont have to worry about it on laundry days. $68 at Alex Crane Buy Best hemp white T-shirt Jungmaven Original Tee $55 $55 Photo: QUINCY DEIN Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Fabric: Supima Cotton | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Slim crewneck Jungmavens a brand thats been repeatedly recommended to me in my reporting on wardrobe basics. Its tanks and tees are praised partly because theyre made with hemp, a more sustainable and durable natural fiber than cotton. While the brand offers options with different variations of hemp-and-cotton mixtures, Avila says her favorite has been the 55 percent hemp and 45 percent cotton fabric, which is what this Original Tee is made of. Its weight is in between Alex Cranes lightweight linen and the Uniqlo Us heavyweight tee, and it has a soft lived-in feel. $55 at Jungmaven Buy Best luxury white T-shirt Sunspel White Cotton-Jersey T-shirt $95 Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Fabric: Cotton jersey | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Slim crewneck A prior version of this story ranked this Sunspel T-shirt as the best overall. Given its steep price, it would be hard to say its the best tee for most people. I havent had a chance to test it out for myself, but former Strategist writer Chloe Anello did and said that while it is very nice soft and airy with solid craftsmanship it feels more like an undershirt because of how thin and lightweight it was. But thats exactly what industrial designer Marc Newson does: He layers it under other clothing, which hes done for 30 years, buying 20 shirts at a time. As for its fit, Queer Eyes Antoni Porowski has told us the sleeves are just right; They dont need to be rolled up, but if you decide to, it doesnt look like a muscle tee. And his Sunspel T-shirts dont turn yellow in the armpits the way his other white T-shirts do. It is a luxury purchase to be sure (especially to wear just as an undershirt), but if thats what you like, I trust Newsom and Porowskis takes. $95 at Nordstrom Buy $95 at Sunspel Buy Our experts Arielle Avila, Strategist writer Chloe Anello, former Strategist writer Chris Black, Strategist columnist Alexander Chee, author Carlos Huber, founder of Arquiste Parfumeur Marc Newson, industrial designer Mickey Pangilinan, creative lead at Apple Antoni Porowski, Queer Eye host Jeff Wan, luxury-leather-goods designer get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best mens wardrobe basics, black t-shirt for men, jeans for men, white sneakers for men, and flattering clothes for men. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. This Things Incredible A series where we share products that are so good we would do an entire infomercial about it. (But instead, we published this review.) Read more here. Photo: Nicolaia Rips Ive recently become aware that, for the most part, I am my own boss. A troubling realization. My employee (me) would show up to work straight out of bed and pit-stop at the espresso machine, wearing a depressing combination of whatever was around before changing into something of substance around noon. Frankly, I was sick of the disrespect. Had I no sense of decorum, no regard for the workplace? Efforts to course-correct ended either in sartorial paralysis or self-obsession. Suddenly, I was spending too much time picking out a look. I became overly concerned with creating an outfit and maybe taking a couple quick pics, then posting them on Instagram, and oh no, was I on TikTok? Outfits were just as important to my work as food or sleep guiding my creativity and work ethic as a slight change in humidity may create a denser dough. The wrong outfit was a killer. And for me, dressing is exactly like writing I hate getting dressed, but I love being dressed. I needed something I could wear everyday as a Pavlovian signal it was time to work, something that would free my mind from the sartorial challenge of the everyday without feeling insipid or uninspiring. Then it arrived in my mailbox: The Cardigan from Cou Cou Intimates, a brand known for its sustainable cotton underwear, chic basics, and being beloved by some of NYCs most beautiful girls. Yes, it arrived in a PR package. But Ive worn it every day since I got it. In fact, Ive worn it so much that I bought two more myself; one in white and one in black but cropped. The first cardigan, though its lightweight, roomy enough to put a shirt under but tight enough to just wear by itself. Its serious without being boring, polished but soft. On its own theres the sheerest dream of nipple (very important). The Cardigan has all the solemnity and economy of a school uniform, with the comfort of a pajama and the sex appeal of 90s Gwenyth Paltrow. Like most of the media girls, Im an Agnes B snap cardigan diehard but The Cardigans banished her to the back of my drawer, comparatively heavy and frumpy. Its basic enough to spruce up based on daily mood without jeopardizing the fundamentals of a uniform a top and a bottom. Often, Ill wear The Cardigan with a tank and a small black skirt, or black spandex shorts, or alone, no shirt, with low-slung blue jeans. I have delusions of buying the Yeezy Wet bodysuit (I wont) and layering The Cardigan on top. Its the first item of clothing Ive ever encountered that I think earns the finality of its article. Yeah, I mutter when I put it on, it is The Cardigan. Its flung over the edge of my bed frame when I sleep and on my body when I wake. Im wearing The Cardigan as I write this, and Im sure Ill still be wearing it when you read it. get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Crude oil prices rose today after the Energy Information Administration reported an inventory build of 3.2 million barrels for the last week of March. The authority also estimated draws in both gasoline and middle distillates. This compared with an oil inventory build of 3.2 million a week earlier, which pushed prices lower at the time. It also compared with an inventory draw of 2.3 million barrels as estimated by the American Petroleum Institute earlier this week. Gasoline inventories, however, shed 4.3 million barrels in the week to March 29, with production averaging 10 million bpd. These figures compared with an inventory build of 1.3 million barrels for the previous week, when production stood at an average of 9.2 million barrels daily. In middle distillates, the EIA reported an inventory decline of 1.3 million barrels for the last week of March, with production averaging 4.6 million bpd. This compared with a stock draw of 1.2 million barrels for the previous week and production averaging 4.8 million barrels daily. Prices, meanwhile, have been on the rise thanks mainly to geopolitical factors but also on the back of the fact that OPEC+ confirmed its current production policy of caps, which has already tightened oil supply and helped prices move higher. Earlier in the week, Brent crude hit the highest since last October as Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries continued fueling concern about global fuel supply security and Iran vowed to take revenge on Israel for the strike on its consulate that killed five. "The likelihood that continued restricted Russian product exports could further tighten US petroleum supplies has suddenly forced re-calculation of U.S. (oil) balances across the rest of this month and possibly beyond," Jim Ritterbusch from energy consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates, told Reuters. Analysts are wary of Irans response to the Israel attack, too, with one suggesting to Reuters that it might not be as measured as on previous occasions. "Despite a flurry of diplomatic activity meant to turn down the heat on the situation, there is definitely a chance the Iranian response will not be as measured this time," Bob Yawger from Mizuho told the publication. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Surging U.S. oil production and shifting global oil flows amid geopolitical flare-ups have boosted American crude exports to record-high levels in recent months. Now U.S. oil is encroaching on the key markets of the OPEC+ group, which has been restricting supply in an effort to boost oil prices. From Europe to Asia, buyers are purchasing more U.S. crude as sanctions against Russia and uncertainty over Venezuelas sanctions relief renewal are making refiners anxious about importing Russian and Venezuelan crude. Europe has also turned to more U.S. oil as shipments from Asia are now taking longer to deliver cargo. Due to the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, tankers mostly avoid the Red Sea/Suez Canal route the fastest shipping lane from Asia to Europe and are heading to the Cape of Good Hope around Africa. Record-High U.S. Exports As U.S. crude oil production defied forecasts of a significant slowdown in growth last year and hit new highs, again, exports from America increasedto a record-high level since the U.S. ban on most crude oil exports was lifted in 2015. U.S. crude oil exports averaged an all-time high of 4.1 million barrels per day (bpd) last year, having jumped by 13%, or by 482,000 bpd, from the previous record set a year earlier, in 2022, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed last month. Except for 2021, U.S. crude oil exports have increased every year since the ban on most exports was lifted in 2015. As U.S. oil output rose by 9% on the year to a record-high 12.9 million bpd, and as many American refineries are designed to use heavier and sour crude, the excess light sweet crude from the shale plays found more buyers abroad. As most U.S. crude production is light, sweet crude oil, it has created export incentives for market participants, the EIA noted. Related: Could AI Spark a Boom in Natural Gas Demand? At the same time, OPEC+ continues to withhold supply to restore market stability, or in other words, to prop up crude oil prices. US production is going up and OPEC and Russian production is going down so the US, by definition, is going to have more market share, Gary Ross, an oil consultant turned hedge fund manager at Black Gold Investors, told Bloomberg. U.S. Boosts Market Share in Europe and India Last year, Europe became the largest buyer of U.S. crude oil, after the Western sanctions on OPEC+ producer Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The inclusion of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil in Dated Brent pricing also spurred buying of the U.S. crude variety. The WTI crude oil included in determining the Dated Brent price is delivered into Rotterdam, a large crude oil storage and trading hub in the Netherlands. As a result, the Netherlands received more U.S. crude oil exports than any other country in 2023, averaging 652,000 bpd, per EIA estimates. So in total, U.S. crude oil exports to Europe averaged 1.8 million bpd last year, slightly more than U.S. exports to Asia and Oceania of 1.7 million bpd. American crude has replaced a large portion of Russian crude, which Europe imported before 2022. After the Netherlands, the second-largest market for U.S. crude was China, with imports from the U.S. averaging 452,000 bpd, more than double 2022 volumes, EIAs estimates showed. China imported much more Russian oil last year, as it was the biggest buyer of Russias crude which had to find new markets after the Western markets are now closed for Moscows oil. India also gorged on cheaper Russian crude in late 2022 and in most of 2023, but has slowed imports from Russia after the U.S. tightened the sanction enforcement at the end of last year. Earlier this year, the U.S. also slapped sanctions on Russias state tanker operator Sovcomflot, making Indian buyers anxious about potentially running afoul of the U.S. sanctions. All Indian refiners are now reportedly refusing to take Russian crude transported on Sovcomflot vessels and are carefully checking the ownership chain of every tanker carrying Russian crude to make sure the vessels are not affiliated with Sovcomflot or other entities on the latest U.S. sanctions lists. India is set to import in April its highest oil volumes from the United States in 11 months as the stricter enforcement of the U.S. sanctions against Russia are slowing Russian crude flows to the worlds third-largest crude importer. Most of the crude bought in March for April loadings is WTI Midland, which, although more expensive than some Middle Eastern crude, is comparable to Russias Sokol grade, whose flows to India have been the most affected by the tightened U.S. sanction enforcement. Indian refiners are also said to have suspended purchases of crude from Venezuela as the U.S. sanctions waiver on Venezuelas oil exports expires on April 18 and could lead to complications if not renewed. India and Europe are looking to diversify their crude oil supply from OPEC+ producers which include the biggest Middle Eastern exporters and Russia and U.S. crude is positioned to step in. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A University of St. Andrews managed new multidisciplinary research could lead to more efficient televisions, computer screens and lighting. Researchers at the Organic Semiconductor Centre in the School of Physics and Astronomy, and the School of Chemistry have proposed a new approach to designing efficient light-emitting materials in a paper published last week in Nature. Light-emitting materials are used in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that are now found in the majority of mobile phone displays and smartwatches, and some televisions and automotive lighting. Graphic image of the basic structure of an Organic LED. Image Credit Semantic Scholar. The latest generation of emitter materials under development produce OLEDs that have high efficiency at low brightness, but suffer reduced efficiency as the brightness is increased to the levels required for lighting and outdoor applications. This problem is known as efficiency roll-off. The researchers have identified the combination of features of materials required to overcome this problem. Related: Cesium Wars: China and America Battle for the Future of Big Tech Guidelines developed by the team of researchers, led by Professor Ifor Samuel and Professor Eli Zysman-Colman, will help OLED researchers develop materials that maintain high efficiency at high brightness, enabling the latest materials to be used for applications in displays, lighting and medicine. Commenting on the research, Professor Zysman-Colman explained that the findings provide clearer insight into the link between the properties of the emitter material and the performance of the OLED. Professor Samuel said, Our new approach to this problem will help to develop bright, efficient and colorful OLEDs that use less power. ** Its likely everyone will enjoy a better lower cost LED whether its in a TV or computer monitor or a cell phone. With the paper picked by Nature, the probability that enough attention will be given that there might be some industrial attention is pretty good. More efficiency and better light output is always welcome. By Brian Westenhaus via New Energy and Fuel More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The key to long-term North American security has become inextricably tied to critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare earths elements. Without them, there will be no energy transition. And China dominates the entire playing field. That dire situation has prompted a host of new legislation in both the United States and Canadaall designed to position North America to shift market share from China. That situation means that the junior explorers and producers sitting on critical mineral deposits are now forming the backbone of North Americas national security rethink. Every policy going forward is designed to bolster their operations and non-Chinese investment in those operations. In November 2022, the Canadian government ordered three Chinese firms to divest from their Canadian mining investments. Then, late last year, the government implemented the Investment Canada Act (ICA) and the Critical Minerals Strategy to reduce Chinese economic influence and reboot investment in critical miners as a measure of national security. That move left Canadian miner Power Metals Corp (TSXV:PWM,OTC: PWRMF) in control of two key assets: a potentially high-quality lithium mine and what could end up being the only functioning cesium mine in the world that China doesnt own. Canada wants new critical minerals, and it wants their development fast-tracked. In February, Canadian Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told Reuters that Ottawa was focusing on six critical minerals for electric vehicles and wind turbineslithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare earths elements, and that it planned to boost energy security by significantly reducing the time it takes to develop them. In fact, Canada is hoping to slash development time by nearly a decade. And an essential element of the new critical minerals security strategy is to combat China, which has been using its soft power to scoop up strategic critical mineral assets in North America. The first step was forcing Chinese companies to divest their ownership in Canadian critical minerals. Power Metals spent the second half of 2023 developing an understanding of the large property and mineral discoveries made at their strategic Case Lake play with airborne geophysical surveys, field-based prospecting and mapping programs. Theyve also made several additional land acquisitions in 2023 and 2024, with a continued focus in lithium, cesium and tantalum, taking on Winsome Resources as a 19.59% partner. Power Metals has drilled over 15,000 meters to date and its most recent drilling campaign just launched in late February this year, eyeing Canadas most critically strategic minerals against the backdrop of the most attractive new investment scenario the sector has ever seen in North America. Case Lake: Chinas Loss, North Americas Gain Power Metals flagship exploration project has been described by the companys Chairman as a geologists dream and the equivalent of prime real estate on Park Avenue. Almost every mineral discovery in Canada has been undertaken in the remotest of areas. But unlike most mining venues, Case Lake is accessible year-round, with all infrastructure in placeright down to elusive cell phone signals. Case Lake is one of the most inexpensive properties to drill in Canada, according to Power Metals. While the access makes it significantly easier and cheaper, that is only half of the story. The cesium, lithium, and tantalum intersections here are in pegmatite that is exposed on the surface and running so shallow that it is less than 50 meters deep in various areas. And the high-grade cesium it holds in its folds is said to be similar to Australias famous Sinclair Mine. Thats why Australian money stepped in when the Canadian government forced the Chinese out. Australia's first commercial cesium mine, Sinclair, extracted its last cesium in 2019. And its one of only three in the world. The other two are the Tanco mine in Manitoba, Canada, and the Bikita mine in Zimbabwe. Tanco shut down after the mine collapsed in 2015, and Bitika was depleted in 2018. That renders Case Lake a highly strategic property on a national security level. It also makes Case Lake highly attractive to Western buyers. Australias Winsome Resources (ASX:WR1) which jumped at the chance in November 2022, when they moved to scoop up Chinese mining giant Sinomine Resource Groups 5.7% stake in Power Metals. Since then, theyve raised that stake twicefirst to 10.7% and more recently to 19.59%. What the Chinese Were Eyeing Now everyone knows what the Chinese knew from the beginning: Power Metals (TSXV:PWM,OTC: PWRMF) Case Lake property is of significant strategic importance. The Case Lake Property, in northeastern Ontario, close to the border with Quebec, consists of 585 cell claims in Steele, Case, Scapa, Pliny, Abbotsford and Challies townships, Larder Lake Mining Division. Covering some 95 square kilometers with 14 granitic domes, the Case Lake pegmatite swarm consists of six spodumene dikes known as the North, Main, South, East and Northeast dikes on the Henry Dome, and the West Joe dike on a new dome. Together, these dikes form mineralization trend that extends for some 10 kilometers. Between 2017 and 2022, Power Metals drilled a total of 15,700 meters of core at Case Lake. They were primarily targeting lithium, with new lithium and tantalum discoveries. Its world-class, high-grade lithium discovery of over 4% at shallow, open depth was already making waves and earning Chinese attention prior to 2022. But while it was drilling for this lithium and tantalum, Power Metals made a surprise discovery of rare cesium at Case Lakes West Joe Dyke. This is some of the highest-grade cesium found in decades, with grades as high as 24% over good intervals. - 24.07% Cesium over 1 meter - 20.36% Cesium over 1 meter - 22.22% Cesium over 2 meters - 7.65% Cesium over 7.09 meters Those were the results that prompted the Chinese to pounce on Power Metals. In September last year, Power Metals further boosted is findings with the discovery of new pegmatite dikes in close proximity to Dome Nine, confirming the presence of a 10-15-meter wide spodumene bearing pegmatite strike with Lithium content as high as 1.12%, along with a new pegmatitic tonalite identified just southwest of the West Joe Zone. Cesium is central to the United States goal of winning the 5G race, it plays a key role in aircraft guidance systems, oil and gas drilling, and global positioning satellites. And despite its importance, all the known cesium deposits around the world have either been depleted, or the mines have been rendered inoperable. All of this could leave Power Metals and its Case Lake project as one of the most unique and exciting natural resource plays in the world today. But what the Chinese were eyeing before they were evicted is now an even better story as the 2024 drilling campaign gets underway. The 2024 Drilling Campaign That Could Boost Canadas Critical Minerals Power Power Metals launched its new drill campaign on February 29, deploying a diamond drill rig at its 100% owned Case Lake Property. The campaign will drill a total of 4,000 meters to delineate and extend Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT) mineralization along the geological strike and down-dip of Case Lakes known mineralization. We are very excited to be back at Case Lake and look forward to a successful launch of our winter 2024 exploration program. We believe in the exploration upside at Case Lake, one of the few projects in the world that contain Cesium mineralization in Pollucite and look forward to drill test the high priority exploration targets our team have been able to identify, Power Metals Chairman Johnathan More, said in a press release. The current drilling has identified coarse spodumene mineralization between 2cm - 10cm grain size, these zones displayed between 6% - 15 % spodumene mineralization that occur in a series of stacked pegmatites at Main Zone, the company said. Last week, drilling moved to West Joe at Case Lake to test mineralization extensions to the high-grade cesium mineralization found during the 2017-2022 drilling. Results are expected in late April from the first round of assays from the new drilling campaign. And its also acquiring new ground elsewhere, building on its success so far at Case Lake. On March 19, Power Metals (TSXV:PWM,OTC: PWRMF) staked the Pelletier Project, with 337 mineral claims over a total surface area of 7,000 hectares in northeast Ontario, approximately 50 km south of Hearst. This is another project characterized by lithium cesium tantalum, and previous work on this play completed by geologists from Ontario Geological Survey in 2003 reported evolved granitic pegmatites with anomalous rubidium, cesium, and the potassium to rubidium ratio, indicating the potential for LCT pegmatites. The new project is also just 30 kilometers south of the Lowther pegmatite field, where Brunswick Exploration conducted exploration drilling at the Decoy and Moskito pegmatites. China knew the significance of Case Lake, and Australia was quick to step in when the Chinese were evicted. Australias Winsome Resources, which now owns a nearly 20% stake in Power Metals, is a lithium juggernaut, and its hedging its bets on Power Metals. Not only did Winsome scoop up the Chinese stake in this Canadian critical metals miner, but it also grabbed the off-take rights to future production. Global eyes are on this critical projectand not just because of the lithium, tantalum and cesium prospectivity The China-Australia scramble for these assets have as much to do with the easy accessibility and treasure trove so close to the surface. That means cheap drilling for lithium and one of the worlds rarest and most critical elementscesium, which is not mined anywhere else in the world right now. With a key Australian lithium player now behind Power Metals, and with Winsome now occupying a seat on the Power Metals board, an additional layer of critical minerals expertise is further shoring up the discovery and exploration prowess at one of North Americas most important new discoveries. Late April is poised to bring us the results of the current drilling campaign, and many eyes will be on Power Metals between now and then. Other companies to keep an eye on: Compass Minerals International (NYSE: CMP), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, remains a leading provider of essential minerals, solidifying its position with consistent performance and strategic growth initiatives. Since the previously mentioned reference, the company has made significant advancements in its operations, product offerings, and sustainability efforts. One notable development is Compass Minerals' continued focus on innovation in the lithium extraction sector. Recognizing the burgeoning demand for lithium in electric vehicle batteries, the company has accelerated its efforts to extract lithium from its existing operations in Utah. By leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise in brine extraction, Compass Minerals aims to become a major player in the sustainable lithium market, catering to the needs of the rapidly expanding clean energy industry. Furthermore, Compass Minerals has expanded its product portfolio by introducing new and innovative solutions. Notably, the company has developed a range of specialty salts for various industrial applications, including pharmaceuticals, food additives, and water treatment. These value-added products have not only strengthened the company's revenue streams but also enhanced its competitive advantage in specialized markets. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX), a leading mining company based in Phoenix, Arizona, has a global presence with significant reserves of copper, gold, and molybdenum. The company's operations span several countries, including Indonesia, the United States, and South America. With the growing demand for copper in renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies, Freeport-McMoRan is well-positioned to capitalize on the transition towards greener economies. In addition to its core mining business, Freeport-McMoRan is actively involved in community engagement and environmental stewardship. The company has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable mining practices. These efforts include water management, biodiversity conservation, and emission reduction strategies. Freeport-McMoRan's commitment to responsible mining ensures compliance with environmental standards while contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in the regions it operates. One of Freeport-McMoRan's recent developments is the construction of the Lone Star copper mine in Arizona. The Lone Star mine represents a significant investment and is expected to be a major copper producer for the company. This project underscores Freeport-McMoRan's commitment to meeting the growing demand for copper in various industries, including renewable energy and electric vehicles. Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO), a global mining and metals powerhouse, continues to be a formidable player in the industry. Headquartered in the United Kingdom and Australia, the company has a far-reaching global presence spanning approximately 35 countries. Its diverse portfolio encompasses a wide range of commodities, including aluminum, copper, diamonds, coal, iron ore, and uranium. Rio Tinto's impressive asset base is complemented by solid market fundamentals, particularly in the copper and iron ore markets, making it an attractive investment opportunity. In recent years, Rio Tinto has made significant strides in integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices into its operations. The company recognizes the urgent need to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate environmental impacts. To that end, Rio Tinto has invested heavily in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and has also implemented various measures to rehabilitate mining sites after extraction. This proactive approach to corporate responsibility and sustainability has not only set a benchmark for the mining industry but has also resonated with investors seeking companies aligned with ethical and environmentally conscious practices. In addition to its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Rio Tinto has also been actively involved in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its market position. In 2023, the company completed the divestment of its coal assets in Australia, marking a strategic shift towards a more sustainable portfolio. Furthermore, Rio Tinto has expressed interest in exploring opportunities in the battery metals sector, recognizing the growing demand for these materials in the transition to clean energy technologies. These strategic moves underscore Rio Tinto's agility in adapting to shifting market dynamics and its commitment to long-term growth and profitability. FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a global agricultural sciences company that delivers innovative technology to farmers worldwide. While FMC is not a traditional mining company, its significant stake in lithium, a critical component in rechargeable batteries and other high-tech applications, sets it apart. Lithium is a strategic mineral in the transition to a clean energy future, and FMC's involvement in this sector positions the company for growth in the years to come. FMC's commitment to innovation and sustainability is commendable. The company's agricultural products, such as crop protection solutions and plant nutrition technologies, contribute to increased crop yield and quality, addressing global food security challenges. In recent years, FMC has benefited from robust demand for its crop protection products, driven by higher commodity prices and strong agricultural market fundamentals. Looking ahead, FMC is well-positioned to capitalize on several key trends. The growing global population and rising middle class are expected to drive increased demand for food, which will necessitate higher crop yields. Additionally, the transition to sustainable agriculture practices, such as precision farming and the adoption of biological crop protection solutions, presents significant opportunities for FMC. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, coupled with its strong product portfolio and geographic reach, make it well-positioned to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM) is a Chilean chemical and mining company that has been in operation for over 100 years. It is one of the world's largest producers of fertilizers, iodine, and lithium. SQM has operations in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and the United States. SQM has been facing several challenges, including falling commodity prices, environmental regulations, and political uncertainty in Chile. However, the company has also made several strategic investments, which have helped to position it for future growth. One of the most significant recent developments for SQM is the acquisition of the lithium assets of Albemarle Corporation. This acquisition makes SQM the world's largest producer of lithium, a key ingredient in electric vehicle batteries. SQM is also investing in a number of other projects, including the development of a new potash mine in Canada and the expansion of its lithium operations in Chile. Magna International (TSX: MG) offers a compelling and intricate approach for accessing the burgeoning commodities market, avoiding speculative investments in emerging high-growth stocks that captivate younger generations. Over a decade ago, Magna International displayed remarkable foresight by initiating substantial investments in the battery market when it was still in its nascent stage. Notably, at that time, the advent of electric vehicles as we know them had only recently entered the automotive landscape, with Tesla introducing its groundbreaking vehicle just two years prior. Magna's strategic investment in batteries has proven remarkably successful. Since its bold and innovative decision, the company has witnessed an impressive surge in its valuation, amounting to tens of billions of dollars. This growth solidifies Magna International's position as a preeminent player in the intensely competitive battery industry. Westport Fuel Systems Incorporated (TSX: WRPT) is not strictly a resource play, but it is an organization of significance to monitor as alternative fuel sources and novel energy forms gain prominence. This is especially relevant in light of the global transition away from traditional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. Although fundamentally a manufacturing company, Westport offers a distinct avenue for gaining exposure to the alternative fuels sector. As a critical producer of components necessary for constructing natural gas and other alternative fuel-powered automobiles, Westport warrants attention within this domain. Westport Fuel has been consistently making significant strides in the market over the past year, culminating in tangible results. Since May 2020, the company has experienced a remarkable 322% increase in its stock price. With the potential for additional strategic alliances, such as the recent agreement with Amazon to supply natural gas-powered trucks, the stock exhibits promising growth prospects in the coming years. In the realm of energy, a paradigm shift towards clean and sustainable sources is underway. A notable development in this regard is the increasing involvement of traditional fossil fuel producers in the pursuit of clean energy solutions. One such company is Suncor Energy (NYSE: SU, TSX: SU), a renowned oil producer that has emerged as a frontrunner in the clean energy space. While many major oil companies have retreated from oil sands production, Suncor has embraced the challenges and opportunities associated with this sector. By focusing on technological advancements and sustainable practices, Suncor has secured a promising long-term outlook. Moreover, the company's current undervaluation relative to its peers presents an attractive investment opportunity. Beyond its oil operations, Suncor has established a global leadership position in renewable energy innovations. A notable example is the company's recent investment of $300 million in a wind farm located in Alberta. Furthermore, as Canada transitions away from oil dependence, Suncor is well-positioned to capitalize on the country's abundant lithium reserves. The proximity of lithium deposits to Suncor's existing oil sands operations offers significant logistical and economic advantages. China's rapid economic expansion has led to a significant increase in energy demand. CNOOC Limited (TSX: CNU), a leading oil and gas producer in China, is poised to benefit from this burgeoning demand. As the country's largest offshore crude oil and natural gas producer, CNOOC Limited has a strong foothold in the energy sector. Its strategic position allows it to tap into abundant hydrocarbon resources in China's offshore waters, giving it a competitive advantage. Additionally, the company's extensive infrastructure and expertise in exploration, development, and production enable it to efficiently extract and deliver energy resources to meet the growing needs of the Chinese economy. Despite its strong position in the energy sector, CNOOC Limited has faced controversy due to geopolitical tensions between China and other countries. Concerns about the company's ties to the Chinese government and its potential role in geopolitical conflicts have raised eyebrows among investors. However, it's important to note that these controversies are largely external factors that do not directly impact the company's operations or financial performance. CNOOC Limited's robust business fundamentals and its strategic focus on meeting China's energy needs make it a compelling investment opportunity. Boralex Inc. (TSX:BLX) is a leading renewable energy company in Canada, playing a pivotal role in the country's domestic renewable energy boom. The company's main focus is on wind, hydroelectric, thermal, and solar energy sources, providing clean and sustainable power to homes across Canada and other parts of the world, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. Boralex's commitment to renewable energy is evident in its various wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects. In Canada, the company operates several wind farms in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta, generating clean electricity that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Boralex's renewable energy push extends beyond Canada, with a significant presence in other countries. In the United States, the company operates wind and solar farms in several states, contributing to the country's transition to cleaner energy sources. Boralex also has a strong presence in France, where it operates wind farms and hydroelectric plants, providing renewable energy to local communities. Additionally, the company has expanded into the United Kingdom, where it operates wind farms and is actively pursuing new renewable energy projects. By. Michael Kern IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. This publication contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this publication include that the Canadian mining sector will continue to protect its supply of critical minerals without involvement of China; that cesium and other metals will remain as critical minerals will continue as a national security issue for Western countries; that access to rare metals, and in particular cesium, will be essential to gaining technical superiority; that cesium and other rare earth metals will continue to be a critical for use in various technologies, including the 5G cellular and wireless technologies; that cesium will continue to be a critical mineral and considered as matter of national security for Western countries; that Power Metals Corp. (the Company) and its all-Western investors will be in control of the only cesium mine that China does not own; that the Companys properties will be able to commercially produce cesium, lithium, tantalum and other critical minerals; that the Company will be able to finance and operationally establish mines on its properties to viably and commercially extract the critical minerals; that Australian shareholders and investors in the Company will provide development and other expertise to assist the Company; that Winsome Resources will continue to own a significant stake in the Company; that the Companys property will one day have one of the only potential mines producing cesium; that the Company can finance ongoing operations and development; that the Company can achieve its business plans and objectives as anticipated. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include the development of alternative technologies that do not require the use of metals and resources currently considered as critical; that other resources are utilized in future in favour of rare earth metals such as cesium; that alternative technologies utilize other resources or that cesium, lithium, and tantalum are not utilized; that other companies discover resources of cesium and other battery metals that are more favorable or more easily developed into commercial production that the Companys property; that the Companys properties are unable to produce commercial amounts of cesium, lithium, tantalum or other critical metals; that the Company will be unable to finance or operationally establish mines on its properties for commercial extraction of any critical minerals; that the Companys Australian investors will not be able to provide development and other expertise to meaningful assist the Company; that Winsome Resources may for various reasons divest its stake in the Company in future; that the Companys properties may fail to develop mines producing cesium; that the Company may be unable to finance its ongoing operations and development; that the business of the Company may be unsuccessful for various reasons. 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All other trademarks used in this communication are the property of their respective trademark holders. The Publisher is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Publisher to any rights in any third-party trademarks. Xiaomi's marketing efforts have made a significant impact in the highly competitive EV market.The Xiaomi SU7 EV launch was such a resounding success that the vehicle sold out of all of its 2024 inventory within a span of 24 hours, according to InsideEVs. The automaker is the latest to throw its hat in the fray and make a grab for marketshare in China, alongside of leaders BYD and Tesla. Xiaomi's stock raged higher in Hong Kong on the news heading into Tuesday's U.S. market open, which was preceded by Tesla missing its Q1 delivery guidance by a wide margin and posting its first Q1 delivery decline since 2020. Within the first four minutes of its launch last Thursday, Xiaomi's debut car, the SU7, saw 10,000 preorders in China, escalating to 50,000 in 27 minutes and nearly reaching 90,000 by day's end, the Inside EV report says. The surge in demand for a vehicle by a newcomer to the automotive industry means customers who put down a 5,000-yuan ($850) deposit could face up to a seven-month wait, Reuters reported, citing delivery timelines from Xiaomi's car app. Scheduled to start deliveries by month's end, the top-tier Max model of the SU7, priced at 299,900 yuan ($41,500), has a delivery estimate of 27 to 30 weeks, pushing some deliveries into the next year. The Standard and Pro versions, at 215,900 yuan ($29,900) and 245,000 yuan ($33,990) respectively, are expected to take 18 to 21 weeks for delivery. The SU7, equipped with in-house developed electric motors and available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, features an 800-volt system and batteries from CATL or BYD, offering up to 515 miles (830 kilometers) of range. BAIC is set to manufacture the vehicle in Beijing, with an initial capacity of 150,000 vehicles annually, doubling in the second phase. Priced around $4,000 less than Tesla's Model 3 in China, the SU7 boasts a longer range, additional interior screens, a head-up display, and a more upscale interior that integrates with Xiaomi's consumer electronics. Despite the availability of cheaper alternatives like the Zeekr 007, Xiaomi's marketing has evidently made a significant impact in the highly competitive EV market. We noted just yesterday that EV automakers were scrambling to offer incentives to compete not only with Xiaomi's launch, but leaders Tesla and BYD. On April 1, Shanghai-based Nio unveiled an incentive plan worth up to 1 billion yuan ($186.4 million) to encourage gasoline vehicle owners to switch, offering perks like battery swaps, extra driving function subscriptions, and a Nio smartphone. Related: Cesium Wars: China and America Battle for the Future of Big Tech At the same time, Xpeng reduced prices on certain vehicles by up to 20,000 yuan, and Chery Automobile introduced free purchase tax on select models and improved trade-in values. The heavy promotions stand at odds with Tesla's strategy in China, which saw the automaker increase its Model Y SUV price, a move previously hinted to boost pre-hike demand and sales. Recall we also wrote just days ago that Nissan is the latest manufacturer to aim to cut EV costs in order to keep up with an increasingly competitive and saturated landscape. The company is now seeking to compete with Chinese rivals by slashing costs by 30%, Financial Times reported last weekend. Similarly, we have noted that auto companies are slashing investment in EVs, as is the case with American auto manufacturers like Ford and GM. We wrote last month that Joe Biden's vision for EVs across America is in "full collapse". By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A mysterious spill is fanning fears across Central Asia about the construction of a canal in northern Afghanistan. The Taliban government in Kabul is vowing to press ahead with the project, which it insists will ease food insecurity for millions of Afghans. But many in neighboring Central Asian states view the Qosh Tepa Canal as an environmental hazard. Construction on the canal started in the spring of 2022. The second phase of the project got underway in late February, according to Taliban officials. Once completed, Qosh Tepa will siphon water from the Amu Darya River to irrigate the northern Afghan provinces. An Afghan news report, citing an economist named Qutbudin Yaqubi, predicted the project would bring about a green revolution spurring mass job creation. Greater economic stability in Afghanistan is something that would be generally applauded by the international community. Yet Qosh Tepa has tended to inspire more concern than confidence among Afghanistans neighbors. Many quietly wonder about the quality of construction. Their fears have been fanned by satellite images showing that a vast amount of water escaped in November 2023 from a purportedly completed section of the canal. The cause of the spill remains a matter of dispute. Was it an accident? An instance of engineering incompetence? An act of sabotage? Or something else? The available evidence is insufficient to support any definitive conclusion. All that is certain is that there was a breach in an approximately 30-meter section of the canal, resulting in a substantial loss of water. Water was leaking from the canal for over a month before a regional environmental watchdog group, Rivers Without Boundaries, blew the whistle. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the group attributed the spill to structural flaws in the canals design. The first 100-kilometer stage of the canal had reportedly begun to fill with water from the Amu Darya just a few weeks before the spill began in early November. Related: Cesium Wars: China and America Battle for the Future of Big Tech The walls of the [canal] apparently could not withstand the pressure of the water flow and a huge volume of water, escaping from the canal, spread throughout the entire nearby territory, the watchdog group contended in a statement. Taliban officials, meanwhile, claimed it was a controlled event designed to manage the groundwater level in the area near the canals 75th kilometer post. Many independent experts looked askance at the Taliban explanation. Uzbek officials proceeded to muddy the issue by releasing a zig-zagging and self-contradictory assessment. A state agency in Tashkent, Uzbekkosmos, issued a statement noting that regular observation via satellite since the start of the canals construction in 2022 determined a rise of groundwater in the areas where excavation works are being carried out. At the same time, Uzbekkosmos confirmed the appearance of a 30-meter gap in the canal wall on November 4. The flooded area on November 5 measured 19.5 square kilometers. By December 13, 30.3 square kilometers of territory were saturated, according to the Uzbek state agency. No measures were taken to stop [the flow] of water, the statement read. Yet, after acknowledging the canal had sprung a leak, the Uzbek space agency suggested that the escaped water somehow didnt come from the Amu Darya, even though the statement said earlier that water flow had been created in the canal in October. Ultimately, Uzbekkosmos confusing chronicle of events sided with the Talibans version of events. As a result of the analysis of high-resolution space images, visual signs of purposeful excavations (use of special equipment, appearance of excavated soil volume, etc.) were carried out on the banks of the canal to divert seepage waters, the statement concluded, adding that the Rivers Without Boundaries account of the incident did not correspond to the truth. Qosh Tepa is scheduled for completion in 2028. If it becomes fully operational, the canal will stretch 285 kilometers, will be about 100 meters wide and up to 8.5 meters deep. Experts project that it will divert roughly 20 percent of the water from the Amu Darya, which serves as the frontier between Afghanistan and its northern neighbors, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Central Asian governments have long been wary of the projects potential to push an under-developed regional water-management system past the breaking point. The canals opening, for example, could have an adverse impact of Uzbekistans water-intensive cotton industry. The canal also would pose problems for Kazakhstans restoration efforts for the Aral Sea. Heightening worries about Qosh Tepa, an assessment published by the Central Asian Bureau for Analytical Reporting raised serious doubts about construction quality. The construction methods employed appear remarkably rudimentary, with a mere digging approach devoid of proper reinforcement or lining for the canals bottom and banks, the report stated. Such an approach poses a grave risk, as significant water losses may occur due to seepage into the dry, sandy soil. Last September, in a speech at a regional meeting focused on the Aral Sea, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the problem of water shortage in Central Asia has become acute and irreversible and will only worsen in the future. He added that completion of Qosh Tepa could radically change the water regime and balance in Central Asia. His speech concluded with a call to bring Afghanistan into the regional dialogue on the joint use of water. Uzbekistans muted response to the late 2023 spill may well be connected to Mirziyoyevs desire to engage the Taliban on water-use issues. According to various media reports, an Uzbek delegation intended to visit Afghanistan in late 2023 for talks about Qosh Tepa. Since then, no reports have surfaced on the outcome of any bilateral discussions. Tashkent may feel that quiet diplomacy and a non-confrontational approach stands the best chance of getting the Taliban to cooperate on water management issues. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Markets are impatiently awaiting a decision from the White House that could see the ban on new LNG export projects lifted as the Biden administration seeks leverage in winning Republican approval for an extensive aid package to Ukraine, Reuters reports. Late on Tuesday, Reuters reported that the White House was considering a reversal of its late January decision to pause new LNG export projects, with two anonymous White House sources saying that lifting the ban could be rewarded with Congressional approval for new aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The potential for such a trade-off was suggested during a Sunday interview that aired on Fox News with Republican U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, who indicated that the Republican Party would be more likely to support Ukraine in the event of a reversal of the LNG project pause. We want to have natural gas exports that will help unfund (Russian President) Vladimir Putins war effort there, Johnson told Fox News. The Biden administration paused permit approvals for new LNG export projects in January citing uncertainty about the outlook for U.S. supply from the late 2020s onwards. Last year, the U.S. overtook Qatar to become the worlds largest LNG exporter. Now, Qatar is stepping up investment and development, eyeing an 85% increase in its LNG export capacity by 2030 as it seeks to dominate the market. Earlier this year, Qatar said it was adding another major LNG expansion project to its two ongoing projects, and is now proceeding with the North Field West project, after drilling appraisal wells at the worlds largest natural gas field, the North Field it shares with Iran, and finding huge additional gas quantities in the field. On Sunday, QatarEnergy said it had signed long-term time charter party (TCP) agreements with four international shipowners for the operation of 19 new conventional-size LNG vessels, bringing the total of long-term chartered vessels for LNG exports to 104. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: With Brent crude oil closing in on $90 per barrel on Wednesday, Bank of America energy analysts have boosted their price forecast for this year to average $86 per barrel and peak this summer at $95 per barrel. Citing an improving global economic outlook and tightening inventories, Bank of America is sees Brent crude averaging $86 per barrel, up from its earlier forecast of $80, and the U.S. crude oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), averaging $81 per barrel, up from its previous forecast of $75 per barrel. The predicted summer peak of $95 for Brent is hinged on expectations for a summer driving season against the backdrop of tighter-than-expected supply. "Low inventories across the oil complex, OPEC+ output cuts, geopolitical tensions, and robust economic growth figures have flipped price trends and now point to a tighter-than-expected summer driving season, supporting firm backwardation in crude and products," the bank said in a statement carried by the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), run by Dow Jones & Co. On the geopolitical front, BoA is focusing on rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, Russia and Venezuela, as well as the ongoing Houthi attacks on the Red Sea shipping route and Ukrainian targeting of Russian refineries. On the U.S. domestic front, BoA is watching American shale production, which it says is slowing. The bank also said that OPEC+ output cuts have prompted speculators to pour large amounts of investment dollars into oil. In terms of global economic outlook, BoA said it expects stronger economic growth to buoy oil markets in the next two quarters of this year. Also on Tuesday, speaking to Yahoo Finance, Rystad Energy SVP and Head of Global Oil Macro & North America Research Director Claudio Galimberti suggested that OPEC+ cuts and geopolitical tensions could lead to triple-digit oil prices as OPEC cuts have created a huge deficit while demand remains strong. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinas top economic planning body has asked major natural gas distributors and local authorities to remove the fixed price caps for households by September, sources familiar with the discussions have told Bloomberg. The move is aimed at supporting Chinas natural gas distributors, many of which have seen profits evaporate amid high import prices for LNG but a cap on household prices. So far, these distributors have not been able to pass on the higher costs of importing the gas to consumers. The removal of the price cap will lead to higher prices for households, the sources have told Bloomberg. Industrial consumers, on the other hand, would benefit from the price cap removal and a more market-based approach to pricing. Industry has had to pay higher rates for the natural gas they consume so far. The request of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the top economic planner in China, would support gas importing and distribution companies. It could also spur additional demand for LNG imports into China as distributors are set to profit from selling the gas at prices that are more aligned with the market conditions and fundamentals. China is likely to dominate LNG demand growth this decade as its industry seeks to cut carbon emissions by switching from coal to gas, Steve Hill, Executive Vice President for Shell Energy, said in Shells LNG Outlook 2024. Industrial coal-to-gas switching gathers pace in China and will support rising global demand for LNG, said Shell, which is the worlds top LNG trader. China imported in February a record volume of LNG for the month, as buyers took advantage of plummeting spot prices in Asia amid ample inventories and tepid demand. Chinese LNG imports in February the highest-ever for February topped 5.5 million tons, rising by 15% compared to February last year, ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed last month. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Dutch Senate has delayed a vote on the permanent closure of the Groningen gas field, which is set for October 1 due to earthquakes in the area, as several parties have asked for guarantees that the shutdown would not threaten the countrys energy security. The Groningen gas field was planned to be turned off on October 1, 2023, and permanently closed this coming October, the government of the Netherlands said last summer. The fields were expected to remain in operational status for another year just in case the country finds itself on the energy backfoot with an exceptionally cold winter 2023/2024. For some time in January 2024, the field was indeed needed and the Netherlands turned on two sites at Groningen to extract minimal amounts of natural gas, as a deep freeze was moving into northwest Europe at the start of the year, boosting demand for space heating and electricity. At the time, the government told the Parliament that two gas sites at the Groningen fields would be turned on a so-called pilot light minimal gas production for around two weeks. Now the government is looking to keep the October 1, 2024 deadline to shut down the field permanently, but the Senate is delaying a vote on a proposed law to do so. This could potentially delay the official permanent closure of the Groningen gas field by around a year and a half. This could delay the final decision by a year and a half, which makes me angry, Hans Vijlbrief, mining state secretary, told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday, as carried by Reuters. Vijlbrief said that the security of supply in the Netherlands would only be threatened in case of two consecutive very cold winters, the chances of which are slim and estimated at around 1 to 80,000. I trust there is a misunderstanding and that we will see a final Senate decision soon, Vijlbrief told Parliament. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The OPEC+ group is set to continue with its production cuts until at least the end of the first half of 2024 as the alliances Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) did not recommend any changes to output policy at its meeting on Wednesday. The JMMC is the OPEC+ panel that monitors the situation in the oil market and assesses compliance with the cuts. It doesnt take decisions on policy as it just recommends possible actions to the full OPEC+ ministerial meetings. After a short regular meeting today, the panel did not recommend to the OPEC+ ministers any change to the current levels of production, as widely expected. The panels next meeting is scheduled to be held on June 1, ahead of a planned full OPEC and OPEC+ ministerial meetings, which are expected to decide whether to proceed with the current level of cuts beyond June or reverse some of the reductions. After the meeting today, Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, commented, Brent crude oil toys with $90 after OPEC+ decided to stick with oil supply cuts for the first half of the year, keeping global markets tight and potentially sending prices higher. Brent Crude was up by 0.73% at $89.61 early on Wednesday ahead of the weekly EIA inventory report. In early March, the members of the OPEC+ alliance that had pledged the Q1 cuts announced they would roll over the supply reductions until the end of the second quarter. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Oman, and Russia are now cutting their respective crude oil production and exports in the first half of 2024 with extra voluntary reductions, on top of the voluntary cuts OPEC+ previously announced in April 2023 and later extended until the end of 2024. Russia will be cutting oil production instead of exports in the second quarter of 2024 so that all OPEC+ producers that reduce output contribute equally to the cuts, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said last week. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Brent crude ticked up closer to $90 per barrel today after yesterday the American Petroleum Institute reported a larger than expected draw in U.S. inventories and as geopolitical tensions remained intense. The U.S. inventory report of the API showed draws across the board, with crude oil shedding 2.3 million barrels, with gasoline stocks down by 1.4 million barrels and middle distillate inventories down by 2.5 million barrels. The geopolitical updates included yet another Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian refinery and Iran vowing to retaliate for Israels strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed five people. Both these developments are cause for worry about, first, oil supply from one of the worlds top three exporters, and, second, a significant escalation in the Middle East that could threaten the security of oil supply. In addition to all this, Mexicos Pemex said it would reduce exports of crude oil by over 400,000 bpd as it diverts barrels to local processing capacity, Bloomberg reported this week. Citing unnamed sources, the publication wrote that Pemex had canceled several delivery contracts with U.S., European, and Asian clients to move more oil to the new Dos Bocas refinery aiming to boost domestic fuel production ahead of the presidential vote in June. Now focus is on the OPEC+ meeting today, where members are expected to stay the course of limited oil production until the end of June, at least. This means persistently tight supply that will likely push prices higher still, especially as neither Ukraine has any intention to stop droning Russian refineries nor Israel has any intention of changing course in what increasingly seems like a war on all anti-Israel groups in the Middle East. Even so, some analysts still expect lower pricesbecause of Chinese demand. Brent oil futures should track closer to $75 to $80 a barrel in coming months given our view that Chinas oil demand growth will disappoint, Commonwealth Bank of Australia analyst Vivek Dhar told Bloomberg earlier today. This is an interesting expectation given the latest manufacturing figures out of Beijing that showed a pickup in activityfor the first time in six months. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC), the OPEC+ panel that monitors oil market developments and the groups production cuts, didnt recommend on Wednesday any changes to output policy but noted that compliance with the cuts needs to improve. The JMMC held a brief regular meeting today and, as widely expected, did not recommend to the OPEC+ ministers to change the current levels of oil production cuts. However, the panel, which doesnt decide policy but only recommends a course of action to the ministers, said that it welcomes the pledges from Iraq and Kazakhstan to reach full conformity with the cuts they have announced. Participating countries with outstanding overproduced volumes for the months of January, February, and March 2024 will submit their detailed compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by 30 April 2024, OPEC said in a statement after the JMMC meeting today. The panel met via video conference and welcomed the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Kazakhstan pledge to achieve full conformity as well as compensate for overproduction, OPEC said. In the middle of February, both Iraq and Kazakhstan pledged to comply with the cuts they had announced. OPECs second-largest producer, Iraq, is committed to its voluntary cut in the OPEC+ agreement and will produce no more than 4 million bpd of crude oil, Iraqs Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani said in February. Non-OPEC oil producer Kazakhstan, for its part, vowed to compensate over the coming months for a lack of compliance with the cuts in January. Following todays meeting of the panel, OPEC said The Committee also welcomed the announcement by the Russian Federation that its voluntary adjustments in the second quarter of 2024 will be based on production instead of exports. Russia will be cutting oil production instead of exports in the second quarter of 2024 so that all OPEC+ producers that reduce output contribute equally to the cuts, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said last week. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Reuters reports that the Dutch supermajor Shell is seeking a long-term license from Washington before making a final investment decision on Venezuelas Dragon natural gas project. Citing two anonymous sources, Reuters said Shell was seeking a 15-year license to develop the field, hoping for a positive decision, even further down the road, before investing $1 billion. Currently, there is a two-year license that was issued in January 2023. Reuters was unable to obtain comment from Shell, the U.S. Treasury Department or the Venezuelan partners in the project, state-run PDVSA and NGC, the state-run gas company of Trinidad and Tobago. The prospect of a revival of sanctions this month after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has violated sanctions-relief conditions through his persistent attempts to keep the opposition from forming a strong candidate to run in free and fair elections this year. Venezuelas offshore Dragon field is near the countrys maritime border with Trinidad and Tobago and is said to hold up to 4.2 trillion cubic feet of gas, potentially creating a large new export revenue stream for Venezuela, Reuters reports. "Obviously, a two year license has a window and this is a transaction that will take more than two years," Trinidad Energy Minister Stuart Young told Reuters in March on the sidelines of the Houston CERAWeek energy conference. Timing becomes an issue with the current license issued in January 2023, with a short extension, expiring in October 2025, which might not be long enough for first gas to be ready to produce, Reuters reported. On Tuesday, a joint venture led by CHevron launched its 2024 drilling campaign putting the drill bit to the first of 17 planned wells with PDVSA in the Orinoco Belt. Chevron has U.S. authorization to operate in Venezuela with its joint ventures with PDVSA, while the U.S. Administration also currently allows exports and trade of Venezuelan crude oil under sanctions relief until April 18. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: South Africa could see additional up to 50,000 deaths due to air pollution and billions of U.S. dollars in health costs if a proposal to delay the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants goes through, a Finland-based research center says. South Africa, one of the worlds largest coal producers and exporters, continues to rely on coal for a large part of its energy mix. Currently, some 85% of South Africas electricity is generated via coal-fired power stations. Crippled by an energy crisis for several years, the country is now considering whether to extend the life of coal plants beyond 2030 and leave a substantial fleet still operational in 2050, to protect energy security. But the proposal by South Africas energy department if passed could lead to the deaths of between 20,000 and 50,000 people, according to estimates by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) cited by Bloomberg. Given that the delayed retirement scenario leaves very substantial coal-fired capacity in place in 2050, there are going to be further health impacts beyond that year, the research center told Bloomberg in emailed comments. In a 2023 report, CREA said that if the rate of decommissioning in the 2030s and 2040s is not accelerated from current plans, further delays to the decommissioning of other units would multiply the health impacts of the delay to 32,300 deaths from air pollution and economic costs of $38.3 billion (721 billion South African rands). While Eskom plans to decommission coal-fired power plants, the exact pathways that will be followed are unclear and many of the plants have had their decommissioning delayed. Currently, the South African government plans to delay decommissioning even further, CREA said at the end of last year. Last week, South Africas energy minister Gwede Mantashe told Bloomberg that expecting the country to quickly give up on coal-fired power would be very wrong. This belief that you can leave coal and move to renewables: theres a technical mistake, very wrong, it will never work, Mantashe told Bloomberg. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The US Federal Reserve has blocked an attempt led by the European Central Bank (ECB) to make climate risks a pillar of global rules for banks and require them to report their strategies on meeting climate commitments, sources with knowledge of the matter have told Bloomberg. Some members of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), which includes central banks and bank supervisors from around the world, have been pushing for making climate risks and ESG commitments the center of new rules for banks everywhere in the world. Members of the Fed, however, have expressed in closed-door meetings concerns about such rules because they believe the committee might be overreaching with this particular supervision, according to some of Bloombergs sources. The Fed officials also feel they have a narrow mandate in this area to regulate climate risk disclosures from the Wall Street banks, the sources added. Although the Basel Committee cannot enforce its banking system standards on jurisdictions, it could set a global baseline, from which the single countries develop their own rules and procedures. The Feds resistance to the Europe-led climate risk disclosures highlights the rift between the two sides of the Atlantic in the ESG push, with Europe committed to implementing tougher rules. European banks should integrate environmental, social, and governance risks in their regular risk management framework, the European Banking Authority (EBA) said in January in draft guidelines on the management of ESG risks. The European authority published a consultation paper on its draft proposals for banks as it launched a public consultation that will run until April 18, 2024. According to the EBA, climate change, environmental degradation, social issues, and other ESG factors pose considerable challenges for the economy that impact the financial sector. The risk profile and business model of institutions may be affected by ESG risks, in particular, environmental risks through transition and physical risk drivers, the authority noted early this year. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Gold and precious metal funds swept performance tables in March, taking eight of the top ten positions throughout the month. There was only one story last month gold, said Ben Yearsley, director of Fairview Investing. With the price of an ounce rising almost 10 percent in March, its no surprise seeing gold equities finally coming to the party. In total, gold prices have risen 23.3 percent over the last six months. The two other funds in the top ten were global value fund Price Value Portfolio, which rose 14.3 percent, and mining fund Baker Steel Electrum, which grew 14.6 percent By sector, the commodities and natural resources funds performed best, returning 7.8 percent throughout the month, followed by UK equity income at 4.4 percent growth. After a strong FTSE showing last month with banks and insurance doing well alongside commodities, it isnt much of a surprise seeing the UK equity income sector coming a creditable second, Yearsley added. However, every sector defined by the Investment Association saw growth in March, with the worst performer being the euro high yield bond sector, which grew 0.08 percent. Another interesting performer was the property other category in fifth best, rising 3.8 percent throughout the month. Despite this, the UK direct property sector was the third worst performer, rising only 0.4 percent. Top performing funds in March Returns (percent) Baker Steel Gold & Precious Metals +22.54 Ninety One Global Gold +22.23 Charteris Gold & Precious Metals +21.65 Blackrock Gold & General +19.81 Ruffer Gold +19.35 Source: FE fundinfo Oxeye Hedged Income was the worst performing fund of the month, but is still neutral on performance over the last year after rising 9.5 percent in January as the top performer that month. This fund is either feast or famine and clearly not the fainthearted, said Yearsley. Related: Cesium Wars: China and America Battle for the Future of Big Tech The rest of the poor performers were more varied, with Asia, European and UK funds all making their way into the worst performers. Worst performing funds in March Return (percent) Oxeye Hedged Income -10.16 Guinness China A Share -4.83 Matthews Asia Small Companies -3.46 Aubrey Europe ex UK -3.25 Treetop Aubrey European Conviction -3.18 Source: FE fundinfo Yearsley also proclaimed that risk is back in vogue as the Baillie Gifford Schiehallion trust took the top spot among investment trusts, rising 38.7 percent. Other strong performers in the investment trust space included Digital 9 Infrastructure, after the fund overcame an antitrust roadblock to sell off its assets and shutter. By City AM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The City of Omaha will pay $285,000 to settle claims from a former city employee who reported she was sexually harassed by the then-City Human Rights and Relations Department director and retaliated against by the city. The former employee, Shakilah Grixby, reported to the city last year that she was sexually harassed by Gerald Kuhn. She filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Nebraska Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging the city failed to properly investigate her harassment reports and retaliated against her for coming forward. Grixby claimed she suffered physical and emotional harm as a result of being harassed and then retaliated for reporting the harassment during the course of her employment with the city, according to the settlement agreement. Former Director Gerald Kuhn had inappropriate contact with an employee, City Attorney Matthew Kuhse wrote in a prepared statement released Tuesday. But the city and its employees denied her allegations, according to the settlement agreement. Neither Grixby nor Kuhn could be reached for comment Tuesday. After Grixby reported she had been harassed, Mayor Jean Stothert immediately placed Kuhn on administrative leave and asked the Human Resources Department to conduct an investigation, pursuant to policy, Kuhses statement said. Kuhn, whom Stothert named as human rights and relations director in January 2023, resigned April 12, 2023, five days after Stothert placed him on administrative leave, according to city records obtained by The World-Herald through a public records request in June. The City Council approved the settlement agreement Tuesday. The city will pay $275,000 to Grixby, and $10,000 to her attorney, Potso Byndon. Grixby agreed to dismiss pending claims against the city related to her employment, according to city documents. She worked for the city from Oct. 17, 2022, until June 10, 2023, as a human relations representative. Kuhn held the assistant director role in Human Rights and Relations for five years before he replaced Franklin Thompson, who had held the role since 2017. In June, Kuhn declined to comment on his administrative leave and said his resignation was a personal decision. The Human Rights and Relations Department investigates reports of civil rights violations in housing, employment and public accommodation. The department also administers the citys small and emerging business program and its economic equity and inclusion program. The mission statement on the departments website reads, The Omaha Department of Human Rights and Relations advances economic opportunity and promotes equity for all Omaha residents through engagement, small business development, restorative justice, and investigations. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2024 A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of motor vehicle homicide Wednesday in connection with the death of a 20-year-old woman. The woman was ejected from a pickup truck the man was driving, which crashed after police attempted a traffic stop. Mali Miller, 20, was pronounced dead at an Omaha hospital after the rollover crash. Her death is considered an in-custody incident because of the police chase, Omaha police said. The pickup crashed along southbound Interstate 480 near the westbound I-80 on-ramp around 2:50 a.m. Omaha police said Miller was one of two passengers in the white Nissan Titan pickup. Omaha police officers had tried to stop the Nissan allegedly involved in a shots-fired incident in Council Bluffs about 15 minutes before the crash. At a press conference Wednesday morning, police spokesman Lt. Neal Bonacci said he did not know if anyone was injured in the Council Bluffs incident. In a press release, police said the vehicle had fled law enforcement from Council Bluffs. Omaha police located the pickup in North Omaha. After police found the Nissan, they pursued the pickup by first following it from a distance and then activating their police lights on the Interstate. Bonacci said Omaha police requested helicopter oversight but weather prevented that assistance. Police allege the Nissans driver, David Kauai, immediately accelerated and lost control of the vehicle. Police said the Nissan veered right, collided with an outside barrier, veered left across all lanes of traffic and then collided with an inside barrier. They said the pickup then veered right again, rolled and came to rest against the outside guardrail. Miller was ejected from the pickup when the crash occurred. While officers waited for medics, they performed CPR on Miller. Medics from the Omaha Fire Department then took Miller to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Kauai was taken to the Douglas County Jail on suspicion of the homicide and felony flight to avoid arrest. He was not injured. A 17-year-old female passenger in the pickup was also not injured. As an in-custody death, a grand jury will be called to review the incident. Bonacci also said video of the incident from the cruisers dashboard cameras is being reviewed. The investigation remains ongoing. The press release said the Papillion Police Department is assisting OPDs Officer Involved Investigations Team. LINCOLN Instead of being censured as a senator requested, Hastings lawmaker Steve Halloran is receiving a letter of reprimand for inserting the names of several colleagues into his graphic description of a rape during a floor debate. The Nebraska Legislatures Executive Board, which handles disciplinary matters, voted 8-1 Wednesday morning to reprimand Halloran. In a separate vote, the members agreed to release the contents of an investigative report into the March 18 incident. State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney was the sole no vote on the letter. Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, one of the senators Halloran named in his reading, had filed a resolution calling for Halloran to be censured, and formally accused him of sexual harassment. The board didnt vote on the resolution Wednesday. Chair Sen. Raymond Aguilar of Grand Island said this was because the board thought the letter was a more specific and stronger action, and her resolution would need to be amended to revise the language accusing Halloran of harassment. (Cavanaugh) got what she needed, Aguilar said. Cavanaugh said Wednesday after the boards vote that she filed a censure motion anyway, saying legislative leaders failed her. She accused them of lacking leadership and empathy. It isnt clear whether the Cavanaugh motion will be considered this session. I know it wont be taken up, Cavanaugh said of the motion. But its the only thing I can do. Other senators criticized the letter as the lesser of the three disciplinary options available to the Legislature. Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha said it felt more like a formality than a condemnation, especially because lawmakers moved quickly onto the next bill on the agenda after the letter was read out to the floor. In its letter, the board said it had witnessed Hallorans actions and reviewed the findings of the investigative report. The eight senators who signed the letter said they formally deplore the unacceptable conduct of Sen. Halloran and find that his remarks were not only unbecoming of a member of the Nebraska Legislature and contrary to all senatorial traditions of decorum, but clearly violated the Nebraska Legislatures Workplace Harassment Policy. The senators said they condemn Hallorans conduct and intend the letter to be a permanent record of the Executive Boards position that such conduct and comments should never be tolerated. The controversy began when Halloran spoke to support Legislative Bill 441, which sought to remove current protections that make it harder to prosecute K-12 educators charged with providing obscene materials to minors. That bill was ultimately blocked by a filibuster. In March, Halloran had extensively quoted from a graphic rape scene included in a memoir of a sexual assault survivor Lucky, by The Lovely Bones author Alice Sebold. He said the book was available in some schools and called that inappropriate. And he repeatedly interjected the names Senator Cavanaugh and Senator Dungan into his reading of explicit sexual passages. This was not harassment, Halloran wrote in his defense last month. It was me doing my job representing my constituents by responding to earlier comments that we were conflating (content) that was obscene with what I dont like. On Wednesday, Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, who sits on the executive board and co-sponsored Cavanaughs resolution, initially said she was satisfied with giving Halloran the reprimand knowing that it was one of the only repercussions available. However, she said, the policy is broken. Its not enough, but its good to finally set a bar, Slama said. Later on, Slama described the letter as a disservice to sexual assault victims who have spoken out on the incident. She maintained her previous argument that the right move would be for Halloran to resign. If he was an adult, hed pick up his toys and go home, she said. Slama said the board opted for a letter of reprimand over a censure to avoid another fight in the chamber and the potential for more workplace harassment violations, as a censure action would have required debate. She lamented that the Legislature may have struggled to find enough votes to censure Halloran, and criticized board members for asking her to recuse herself from a vote on the resolution since she was a co-sponsor. Aguilar submitted a complaint the day after Hallorans remarks, which launched the investigation. The report released Wednesday determined that his remarks violated the Legislatures workplace harassment policy under three sections defining sexual harassment, but that it did not create a hostile work environment. The report recommended the board either censure or reprimand Halloran. Senator Hallorans conduct and comments were reprehensible and should not be tolerated because they may lead to or foster a hostile work environment, the report stated. Cavanaugh said Wednesday she was iced out of the process and claimed Aguilar did not communicate with her about what the board was doing. Aguilar disputed that, saying that he talked with Cavanaugh several times during the past two weeks. He acknowledged, however, that he did not inform her that the board was considering a letter of reprimand in place of her resolution. Cavanaugh said her censure motion is an effort to get other members of the Legislature to debate the issue publicly, given the boards decision to go with the letter of reprimand. She and her brother Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha called out senators who have not commented on the incident. That is going to be a stain on your record for posterity, John Cavanaugh said. Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington said the incident exposed a flaw in the Legislatures rules, noting that protocol dictates that an objection to words spoken on the floor must happen immediately. Incidents similar to this one have happened multiple times, DeBoer said, and she announced plans to propose a rule change next session to extend the time someone can object to floor speech. Our rules dont work as currently written, DeBoer said. That particular one anyway. Meanwhile, Halloran said he is seeking legal advice about the incident, but he is taking no further action. After serving eight years in the Legislature, he is term-limited and will leave the Legislature at the end of the year. Im looking forward to the end of the session, he said. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2024 /* custom css */ .tdi_59.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_59 .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_59.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_59.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_59.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } Advertisement Foil attempt to kidnap Catholic Bishop in Zaria Following the ongoing implementation of a robust security action plan to protect citizens and critical national infrastructure across the country, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, have arrested a total of eighty-four (84) notorious criminal suspects within the past one month. A total of forty-five (45) sophisticated firearms and ammunition including 1-GPMG, 1-LAR rifle, 17-AK47 rifles, 2-Pump Action rifles, 20 locally fabricated firearms, 3-single barrel guns, 9899 live ammunition of different calibres, 80-fake vehicle number plates, 1 Toyota Camry with Reg. No. AA 792 HJA and 1-Toyota Corolla LE with Reg. No. QAP 622 AA, were recovered from the suspects in the operations. The suspects were arrested for their involvement in series of violent crimes including terrorism, banditry, kidnap for ransom, possession and proliferation of illegal weapons, armed robbery, unlawful production of vehicle number plates etc. While many of the suspects were arrested in follow-up on cases of violent crimes under investigations, many others were arrested after being subdued following gun duel with the police who took the battle to the doorsteps of the criminals. /* custom css */ .tdi_58.td-a-rec{ text-align: center; }.tdi_58 .td-element-style{ z-index: -1; }.tdi_58.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_58.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; }@media (max-width: 767px) { .tdi_58.td-a-rec-img { text-align: center; } } Advertisement Notably amongst the cases is the arrest of four (4) members of a notorious criminal gang responsible for carrying out some of the high-profile kidnap for ransom operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Bauchi, and Plateau States. The suspects are Umar Abdullahi m 40yrs of kali Kura village, Giwa LGA, Kaduna State, Yusuf Tanimu m 23yrs of Kurena, Zaria, Kaduna State, Mamuda Suleiman m 40yrs of Barkin ladi, Plateau State and Abubakar Yaro m 38yrs from Wase village, Plateau State. Investigations revealed that the gang are linked to series of kidnap for ransom crimes including the kidnapping of some senior staff of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, family members of notable political appointees and business entrepreneurs in Kaduna State and other contiguous State. Investigations revealed that the suspects were at an advanced stage of operationalizing their plans to kidnap a Catholic Bishop in Zaria, when they were apprehended. Investigations further revealed that the gang, in addition to their kidnapping enterprise, also supply arms and ammunition to Bandits at Birnin Gwarri, kaduna State, Niger, Katsina and Zamfara States. One (1) General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two (2) AK47 rifles, six thousand, five hundred and nine (6,509) live ammunition were recovered from the syndicate during the operation. Similarly, the Police team arrested a 7-man criminal syndicate that specializes in the manufacturing and supplies of locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and ammunition to bandits in forests along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway and funtua kankara expressway in Katisina State. The suspects are; Dung Michael m 26yrs, Dung James m 29yrs, Bulus Iliya m 25yrs, Markus Danladi m 25yrs, Danjuma Dachu m 25yrs all from Jos South and Samaila Abdullahi m 45yrs from Toro in Bauchi State, Maek Danladi m 30yrs from Chukum, Kaduna State. In a similar vein, one Abubakar Mohammed a.k.a Mallam Buzu from Mali who is a transnational gun-runner was arrested by the Police team in Tsamiya, a border town between Benin Republic and Nigeria. He was arrested with a GPMG ammunition chain drive with holding capacity of 1,600 rounds of ammunition. In addition, three (3) suspects responsible for production of fake vehicle number plates including replica of number plates of government, diplomatic and security agencies were arrested. Investigations revealed that the suspects supply the number plates to criminal elements who use same to beat security checks during their operations. A total of eighty (80) fake number plates were recovered from the gang. The Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc, while affirming that the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches targeted at re-ordering security in the country are already yielding positive results, reassures citizens of the renewed commitment of the Force to the fight against crimes and criminality. He calls for sustained support for the Police and the security community as efforts are intensified to enhance public safety, peace and security. All the suspects will be charged to court on completion of investigations. According to a report by SaharaReporters, more then 22,160 kilogrammes of Codeine syrup, Methamphetamine and Cannabis have been seized at Apapa seaport and a notorious drug den, Akala, Mushin, Lagos in two major operations in the state by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Revealing other arrests made during the various raids by the agency, the statement added, While operatives in Delta State arrested a 21-year-old student of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Kate Osagie, over a 17.6grammes designer drug she ordered from Onitsha, Anambra State, their colleagues in Borno State on Thursday nabbed one Fatima Musa, 30, for attempting to smuggle injections into the camp of surrendered insurgents. Also, a total of 14,080kg Codeine syrup and 4,352.43kg cold caps used to conceal the former in a 40ft container imported from India were intercepted on Wednesday at the Apapa seaport, Cannabis imported from Ghana and Methamphetamine weighing 3,727.72kg were seized in an early morning raid at Akala where 17 suspects, including five females were arrested on Thursday, a statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEAs Director of Media and Advocacy, said. The seizure at the Lagos seaport followed intelligence from foreign partners and cooperation of other port stakeholders. The statement reads, At Akala, NDLEA Strike Force operatives with support from the military stormed fortified warehouses in the drug den and evacuated bags and bottles of Cannabis and Methamphetamine as well as the 17 suspects for further investigation. Meanwhile, a female drug kingpin, Mrs Jemilat Seriki, who is one of the owners of 12,385 pellets of Cannabis variant known as Loud imported from Ghana and intercepted at Eko Atlantic beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 27, 2021, has been arrested by narcotic officers after weeks of manhunt. Seriki also known as Iya Ilorin admitted being one the owners of the consignments seized, adding that her bags of drugs had Jah Bless written on them. When eventually identified and sorted, she has 16 bags with the inscription containing drugs weighing 668.85kg. In Niger State, a 64-year-old former Divisional Police Officer of Idanre Police station, Ondo State, who was dismissed from service for drug offences, Monday George Chika, has again been arrested with an accomplice, Emmanuel Eniola, 40, with 280 blocks of compressed Cannabis weighing 168kg. They were arrested on January 30 in Mokwa town after their Toyota Avalon car marked EKY 429 BZ loaded with the substance at Idanre and heading to Kanji, Borgu area of the state, was intercepted. At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, attempts by some traffickers to export different quantities of Methamphetamine to Brazil and the United Kingdom were scuttled by narcotic officers. The first bid was made on January 28 through the SAHCO export shed where operatives intercepted 0.80kg of Meth concealed in a relaxer plastic container heading to the UK. A suspect, Akuta Chioma Lucy, who presented the consignment for search, had been arrested for further investigation. The second attempt was on February 4 during the outward clearance of passengers at Gate C Departure hall of the airport when an intending male passenger on Ethiopian Airline going to Brazil, Onyeaghala Chidi, was intercepted with 500grammes of Meth concealed inside three plastic hair relaxer containers. Also at the airport, a male passenger, Iliyasu Yushau Yushau, coming from Kampala, Uganda, via Nairobi, Kenya was intercepted by operatives with 268 debit cards belonging to Access Bank, GTBank and Zenith Bank, during the inward clearance of passengers on the flight on January 30. In Edo State, operatives on Friday stormed Igbogiri Forest in the Orhionwon Local Government Area and destroyed four dry season Cannabis farms measuring 3.067718 hectares. It also said, In Plateau State, operatives intercepted a truck marked LSD857XB coming from Ekpoma, Edo State, with 885 blocks of Cannabis weighing 736kg. A N400,000 paid to bribe the arresting officers has also been warehoused as part of exhibits for prosecution, just as two suspects; Ebunoluwa Babalola, 40, and Sulyman Sheu, 30, were arrested at Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State, with 90kg of Cannabis. In the same vein, 2kg of Methamphetamine being brought to Abuja by a 29-year-old Charity Omuche from Anambra State was intercepted on Friday by NDLEA operatives at Gwagwalada area of the FCT, while officers of the Kaduna Command of the agency also arrested a suspect, Buhari Isah Umar, with 300 Shisha pens and 999 portions of synthetic Cannabinoids with gross weight of 9.690kg. Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended officers and men of the Strike Force, Apapa seaport, MMIA, Lagos, Niger, Edo, Borno, Plateau, Kwara, FCT and Delta commands of the agency for the successful interdiction operations that led to the seizure of thousands of kilograms of illicit drugs from across the country in the past week. He charged them and their compatriots in other commands not to relent in their efforts to rid the country of illicit drugs. Says trio of worlds worst presidential spokesmen Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, yesterday, challenged the trio of Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) Garba Shehu and Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) Femi Adesina to a debate on national issues. The challenge followed a statement by Shehu, in which he accused Kukah of spreading hate and failing to abide by the Biblical injunction to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions and quarrels about the law (which are) unprofitable and worthless. The cleric had earlier in an Easter homily, declared: The challenge of fixing this broken nation is enormous and, as I have said, requires joint efforts. With everything literally broken down, our country has become one big emergency national hospital with full occupancy. Our individual hearts are broken. Our family dreams are broken. Homes are broken. Churches, mosques, and infrastructure are broken. Our educational system is broken. Our childrens lives and futures are broken. Our politics is broken. Our economy is broken. Our energy system is broken. Our security system is broken. Our roads and rails are broken. Only corruption is alive and well. In a national television interview monitored, yesterday, Kukah said: Let me simply say that I have made an offer to them and still make the offer that they can choose the venue, choose the time and just let me know. I would like to sit down with the three of them, beginning with their honourable minister and both of them. Let us sit down together and talk about Nigeria. Im ready. I will pay my way. I still repeat that offer to them. Kukah also took a swipe at the trio, concluding: There is nowhere in the world where the job of this nature is being done as has been done so poorly. He said: These are the only spokesmen that have spent a lot of time buying photocopying paper and simply typing away texts. They have been involved in all kinds of writings of the poorest quality, never talking about the issues. So, the first thing is to show you their inefficiency. It is that they are used to writing; statements as opposed to talking to Nigerians about policies. This tells you that 99.99 per cent of what they write implies second-guessing what the Presidents mind is. They have no contact with the President. They have no contact with government policies, and all they are doing is writing on behalf of the President. Asked to react to the allegation of hatred levelled against him by Shehu, Kukah replied: I dont know whether any of them has the ability or the capacity to speak about guilt or no guilt. But let me, first, set that record straight. I delivered my sermon to my congregation in the cathedral. So, the bearer of the message is primarily the good people of the Diocese of Sokoto. Of course, I am not unaware of the state of mind of my two friends, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, when it comes to talking about Bishop Kukah. They seem to suspend reason and go into overdrive. Unless, of course, Garba Shehu has plans to convert to Christianity or he is a closet Christian or he is an anonymous ChristianI appreciate the fact that when it comes to talking, he has not quoted the holy Quran. All he does is end up with some convoluted interpretations of the Bible, and embarrassing in their contexts. And Im surprised that Femi Adesina, who I believe is a reverend of sorts in the Foursquare Gospel ChurchIm surprised that hes unable to help his friend with whom they sat together. Noting he had served under different governments, and at the Oputa Panel, even getting former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Buhari to sign a peace accord over the 2015 elections, Kukah maintained: Im no stranger to the process we are in. He explained: While were doing all these things, Femi Adesina was being paid salary by Orji Kalu, and he was doing a good job at the Sun as a journalist. Garba Shehu was working for Atiku. Lai Mohammed was working for Tinubu. So, I think everybody should be able to answer his fathers name. And I can say that the reason I am emotional and passionate about the things of this country and about where we are today, I have paid my dues. Let each and every of my critic tell me where they were at the most critical moment in Nigerias history. Its not now that peoples bank accounts are swollen that they can probably try to preach the gospel to us that they themselves dont believe. Disabled Commission Underway Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reaffirmed his administrations commitments to supporting the residents of the Kano childrens home in achieving a higher quality of life even as they transition into adulthood. This commitment reflects the administrations ongoing endeavor to provide social security and a prosperous existence for the childrens home residents. In a statement issued by the governors spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf conveyed this message during an Iftar gathering at the Government House in Kano, where he hosted residents of the childrens home and individuals living with disabilities. Governor Abba emphasized that, in light of his administrations concern for addressing the needs of vulnerable members of society, his government has expanded the mandate of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to encompass children and individuals with disabilities, aiming to enhance their quality of life through tailored policies. He committed to addressing issues such as job creation, access to tertiary education, provision of scholarships, and support for the marriage of female residents of the childrens home, in accordance with the governments principle of inclusivity in providing the benefits of democracy to all segments of society. Furthermore, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf revealed plans to establish an agency dedicated to the welfare of individuals living with disabilities and pledged to appoint leaders from within the community to oversee the agency. He expressed joy in acknowledging the contributions of the childrens home residents and individuals living with disabilities to the peaceful coexistence and socio-economic advancement of Kano. In her remarks, the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for prioritizing womens development and enhancing the lives of individuals living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Engineer Musa Shaba, the State Chairman of the Joint Associations of People Living with Disabilities (JONAPLWD), expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the renovation of Yadakunya General Hospital and the medical interventions provided to spinal cord patients, among other initiatives. Related The Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has reaffirmed his commitments to modernizing the Civil Service in order to facilitate the timely implementation of policies and programs that directly impact the lives of the states residents. This was contained in a statement issued by the governors spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday. During an Iftar gathering with executives from twenty-two unions representing various sectors, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of the Civil Service as the operational core of any government. He pledged to continuously support and enhance the Civil Service through training, re-training, and fostering a conducive work environment to optimize productivity and improve service quality. Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude for the leadership and camaraderie demonstrated by the union executives, highlighting the harmonious relationship between the State government and the unions. He urged for continuation of this positive dynamic to progress together. The Governor reiterated the governments dedication to prioritizing education, recognizing it as the foundation of societal development. He called on all individuals to contribute towards this goal. In a remark the University don Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu, who speaks at the event praised the Governor for his efforts in advancing Kano State. He urged the state government to establish a framework for implementing research findings to generate policy recommendations that promote good governance. Related Ahead of the gubernatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress scheduled for April 20 in Ondo State, the coalition of party elders known as Ondo APC Aborigines officially declared their support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as their favored aspirant. This development has brewed crisis in the party as the endorsement faced opposition from the campaign organizations of two other prominent APC gubernatorial aspirants, Wale Akinterinwa and Olusola Oke. During their meeting convened in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday, the APC elders revealed their selection of Aiyedatiwa, underscoring his superior rating among the Ondo APC governorship aspirants. Previously, the group had announced that they had screened over 10 APC governorship aspirants, shortlisting three candidates. They reiterated their intention to pick one candidate based on predetermined criteria. Aiyedatiwa, alongside Wale Akinterinwa, a former Commissioner for Finance, and another influential party stalwart, Dr. Paul Akintelure, who passed away last week, were contenders considered by the group. Following their Tuesday deliberations, the groups chairman, Sola Iji, a former Ambassador to Togo, informed journalists of their decision to endorse Aiyedatiwa. Iji stated, We resolved in our first meeting to commit ourselves to a unanimous goal in the forthcoming governorship primary of the APC in the state. We consider this as a necessary step towards asserting our true worth in the party. Nevertheless, during our second meeting, we unanimously agreed to set up a nine-man committee headed by Honourable (Mrs) Christy Olufowose to identify the various aspirants jostling for the ticket of our party; assess them, using some well-thought-out criteria, and present three of them for further consideration by the leadership of the group. In our last meeting, the committee submitted their report wherein Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Honourable Wale Akinterinwa, and Dr. Paul Akintelure were recommended. Furthermore, the group mandated its leadership to have further consultation and deliberations in arriving at the choice of our preferred aspirant. Consequently, the leadership of the group met, reviewed the report of the committee, and considered the three recommended aspirants qualified and worthy. However, in contriving the choice of our preferred aspirant, the leaders believed that it is normal and conventional to offer the right of first refusal to His Excellency, Honourable Lucky Aiyedatiwa as a sitting governor. Iji emphasized that the decision to choose Aiyedatiwa was based on his performance as Governor in less than 100 days. However, the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organisation criticized the endorsement of Governor Aiyedatiwa by the APC elders, alleging bias due to their prior open support for Aiyedatiwa. In a statement titled Who is fooling who?, the groups spokesperson, Mr. Segun Ajiboye, described the decision of the APC elders as warped. Similarly, the spokesperson for the Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation, Ojo Oyewamide, dismissed the endorsement by the APC elders, stating that the elders had openly supported Aiyedatiwa before, and their choice did not reflect the partys stance. Oyewamide expressed confidence in Chief Okes popularity among party members and his capability to secure both the party ticket and the mandate of the people of Ondo state in the upcoming elections. The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed unwavering solidarity with Governor Uba Sani. The party lauded his transparency in disclosing the states debt profile inherited from the previous government led by Nasir El-Rufai. It said that Sanis action also showcased his dedication to accountable governance. In a statement released by the Kaduna State APC publicity secretary, Salisu Tanko Wusono, on Tuesday in Kaduna, the party extolled Governor Sanis commitment to an open and inclusive leadership style, exemplified by the diverse representation at the State of Kaduna Town Hall convened last Saturday. Wusono remarked, The event provided a platform for discussing the states challenges, progress, and plans, reflecting the administrations dedication to citizen engagement. The APC further commended Governor Sani for recent initiatives aimed at mitigating economic challenges and fostering development in Kaduna State, citing grants to 7,500 SMEs, support for 5,000 farmers, cash transfers, and food distribution to vulnerable households as significant strides. Governor Uba Sanis update on security affairs during the Town Hall, including the establishment of more Forward Operation Bases, instills hope for a safer future, the party emphasized. Addressing recent infractions against the APC constitution, the party affirmed the indefinite suspension of its State women leader, Hajiya Maryam Suleman, popularly known as Mai Rusau, underscoring its commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity within its ranks. APC Kaduna reiterates its steadfast support for the Uba Sani administration and urges the Governor to remain focused amidst distractions from detractors, the statement concluded. Recall that Gov Sani also faced opposition from one of El-Rufais sons, Bashir El-RUFAI, who knocked him for calling out his father over the states debt. A deadly gun battle erupted on Tuesday in Anambra, leaving at least five individuals dead and several others wounded amid clashes between security forces and armed gunmen. The confrontation unfolded as the Anambra Joint Security Force (JSF) launched operations against two gunman camps situated in Aguluezechukwu, Aguata council area, and Ogboji, Orumba South council area. During the raids conducted by security personnel, various items including locally crafted rocket launchers, charms, and police uniforms were seized from the locations. While Anambra police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu refrained from revealing specific casualty figures, reports indicate that four gunmen and a police officer lost their lives in the exchange of gunfire. Witnesses described scenes resembling a war zone, with bullets whizzing through the air and causing panic among residents. The recent violence adds to a string of security challenges in the region, as evidenced by the killing of two police officers in Awgbu, Orumba North local government area, and an attack on another police station by unidentified assailants in previous weeks. In response to the escalating violence, the Anambra Police Command in Awka announced an expansion of operations into areas like Obofia Forest, Aguluezechukwu, and Ogboji, intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. Migratory birds spotted in Karamay, NW China's Xinjiang People's Daily Online) 09:37, April 03, 2024 Several egrets hunt for small fish at the Guhai Ecological Park in Karamay city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo/Min Yong) Migratory birds can be seen elegantly perched on the ice, gliding through the shallow water, and soaring above the reed marsh at the Guhai Ecological Park in Karamay city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Since March, rising temperatures have been triggering the return of migratory birds from the south. They make a brief stop in the area before continuing their journey northward. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Senegals newly inaugurated President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has swiftly appointed Ousmane Sonko as the countrys prime minister. Faye, aged 44, took the presidential oath on Tuesday amidst the presence of numerous officials and African heads of state, including Nigerias President Bola Tinubu, at an exhibition center in the new town of Diamniadio, near Dakar. After the inauguration, Faye returned to the capital, where he was welcomed by jubilant residents and supporters lining the roads leading to the presidential palace. There, his predecessor, Macky Sall, symbolically handed over the key to the presidential headquarters before departing. Within hours of assuming office, Fayes administration announced the appointment of 49-year-old opposition leader, Sonko, as prime minister. Mr. Ousmane Sonko is named prime minister, declared Oumar Samba Ba, the general secretary of the presidency, who read out a decree on the public television station RTS. Sonko, who was disqualified from the recent presidential race, endorsed Faye as his replacement on the presidential ballot. Both Faye and Sonko were part of a group of opposition politicians released from prison 10 days before the March 24 presidential ballot under an amnesty announced by former President Macky Sall, who had attempted to delay the vote. Power companies will be permitted to increase electricity prices to N200 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from N68 for urban consumers this month. This report emanated from the Bloomberg news agency. The agency cited sources for this information. These customers represent 15% of the population that consumes 40% of the nations electricity, Bloomberg reported. The agency also mentioned that Nigeria plans to nearly triple energy prices within weeks. People in the presidency with knowledge of the matter stated that this move aims to attract new investment and reduce the approximately $2.3 billion spent on capping tariffs (subsidies). Bloomberg further reported, Nigerians will now have to pay $2.42 per one million British thermal units from the previous rate of $2.18 MMBtu. This announcement follows the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)s recent increase in the price of natural gas, which is used to generate over 70% of electricity in Nigeria. In a statement signed by Farouk Ahmed, the authoritys chief executive, NMDPRA set a new 2024 base gas price for companies in the power sector and commercial users. Nigeria privatized generation and distribution in 2013, with tariffs regulated by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). However, power firms are unable to charge enough to cover electricity distribution costs, with the government subsidizing the difference. The government has acknowledged that electricity companies need new investors to revitalize the industry. Activists expressed shock at the potential removal of electricity subsidies, considering the already challenging situation due to the removal of fuel subsidies. Bayo Onanuga, a spokesman for the presidency, stated, The regulator (NERC) will make a pronouncement based on its discussion with the distribution and generating companies. The presidency cannot say anything at this stage. Electricity sector is hurting. Afrobeat artist Kizz Daniel has hailed his wife, Mjay as she bagged a new endorsement. Recall that some weeks ago, she also bagged an endorsement. Mjay was recently spotted at the introduction of a new Tecno phone, just weeks after signing a lucrative contract with Nigerian automobile manufacturer Mikano. In response to a video of his wife demonstrating her modeling abilities, the musician praised her and declared his eternal love for her. In his statement, the Buga crooner explained why he loves his wife and how he plans to treat her for all the years she has dedicated to him. Mjay Anidugbe is the mother of Kizz Daniels three sons, the twins who just turned three. Mrs Anidugbe was among the celebs who attended the Tecno Camon 30 launch event. This is the second major endorsement she will sign in as many weeks. Kizz Daniel, who seems nothing short of enthusiastic, captioned the video: Very gentle girl, Ill pick you up turn you, biggie girl, - Showa .. Get that Tecno money baby @mrsanidugbe Love you forever . See video below: On Tuesday, Air Peace issued a warning that some passengers who attempted to book UK flights on its website were victims of fraud by scammers who cloned its official website. The alert was issued a few days after the airline inaugurated its groundbreaking direct flight from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. The airline stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the creators of the website used some of its website identity collaterals to create the fake site, which they presented as the airlines official booking platform. It reads: Our attention has been drawn to the existence of a website www.flyairpeace.uk purporting to be an official website and defrauding unsuspecting individuals. We would like to dissociate the Air Peace brand from this fraudulent site because it is not owned by us. The one and only website of the Air Peace remains www.flyairpeace.com. Members of the public should totally ignore the site, as it is impersonating Air Peace and fleecing passengers. The airline on 30th of March, 2024 commenced daily flight to Gatwick, London. Adebola Ezekiel, an 80-year-old man, and his wife, Abiodun Ezekiel, have been discovered deceased in their apartment in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. They were allegedly attacked and hacked by unidentified assailants. SaharaReporters learnt that the incident happened on Monday at the Apo Legislative Quarters in the Apo area of the FCT around 11pm. It was gathered that the man who was on a wheel chair and his wife had their throats slit by some assailants who used a dagger. A source told SaharaReporters that one of the windows of the apartment was forced opened and the remains of the deceased were afterwards found in a pool of blood. The source said; One of the mans sons called someone in the area to help him check on his parents who had not been picking his calls. The door was locked when the person got there, and the son ordered him to break the door to the house to find out what was happening. One of the windows was forced opened and the remains of the deceased were found in pool of blood, the source added. Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson, confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters, noting that FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh personally visited the crime scene. She said We confirm the incident happened and the Commissioner of Police personally visited the crime scene, He directed the CID to commenced a discreet investigation into the incident immediately . The outcome will be communicated to you immediately, Josephine added. A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the detention of a Nigerian accused of being a member of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Emmanuel Osase, for 60 days. The trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, gave the order following a motion ex-parte filed by the Department of State Servicesmarked FHC/ABJ/CS/409/2024. At Wednesdays proceedings, the applicants counsel, A. A Ugee, told the court that the matter was brought pursuant to Section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. He prayed the court for an order enabling the applicant to detain the respondent for 60 days pending the conclusion of the investigation. Ruling, Justice Ekwo, a vacation judge, granted the prayer of the service. He said, Upon studying the averments in the affidavit, I hereby grant the relief as prayed. Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter till June 3, 2024. Osase, who was arrested on March 11, was accused of propagating the messages of the terrorist group, opposing the democratic system of government in Nigeria, and calling for terrorist attacks on Nigeria and its symbols of sovereignty. In an affidavit dated March 27, 2024, and deposed to by an official of the Department of State Services attached to the Legal Service Department, National Headquarters, Abuja, the service sought an order to detain the suspect (Osase Emmanuel) for 60 days, adding that the suspects release could jeopardise the investigation. He said, It is necessary for the applicant in the case to apply to this court for an order to detain the applicant for 60 days, pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation in a case of terrorism; That the respondent was arrested by a team of personnel from the applicants office for alleged membership and propagation of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist messages, including opposition to the democratic system of government and the call for staging terrorist attacks against Nigeria and its symbols of sovereignty. Abubakar stated that Osase was jailed for five years for terrorism-related offences in France and was deported after the completion of his sentence. He noted that from the services preliminary investigation, Osase was still involved in terrorist activities. Abubakar said the respondent still engaged with a proscribed pro-ISIS online media group known as al-Alawn Media Foundation. That preliminary investigation revealed that the respondent, who is an ex-convict, still engages in terrorist activities which previously led to his conviction in France; That the respondent appeared not to have renounced his terrorist ideologies, as he continues to engage with the proscribed pro-ISIS online media group known as al-Alawn Media Foundation whose main objectives is the creation and dissemination of terrorist content and the promotion of terrorist attacks against Democratic Systems of Government such as Nigeria and the Western Governments including their interests across the globe; That the respondent who was born in the Federal Capital Territory left Nigeria for France and never returned to Nigeria until his deportation after completion of a five-year jail term in France for acts of terrorism and attempt to join the Islamic State (IS) linked terrorist group, Friqat Al-Ghuraba (Group of Foreigners) in Syria. Abubakar stated that the respondent, upon sighting operatives of the service, formatted his phone. He said, The respondent, at the point of arrest, formatted his mobile device to factory settings upon sighting security agents ostensibly to wipe out any suspicious contents on the device and cover up his nefarious activities; That the activities of the respondent constitute a potent threat to national security and corporate existence of Nigeria; He, however, urged the court to grant the request of the service, adding that there was a need to painstakingly probe the respondent to ensure he does not constitute a security treat to the country and world at large. That the release of the respondent at this time would jeopardise the investigation, as the investigation has assumed a wider dimension; That there is a need for a thorough investigation of the suspect to ensure that he does not pose any security threat to Nigeria or the world at large; That the respondent is helping with vital information that will lead to the arrest of other members who are still at large, Abubakar stated. Nigerian actor Joseph Benjamin has voiced his criticism of his colleague Eniola Ajao for reportedly using Bobrisky, the crossdresser, to promote her latest film Ajakaju. In March, the premiere of Ajakaju was overshadowed by controversy after Bobrisky was crowned best dressed female at the ceremony. The outrage extended to celebrities who traded barbs on social media regarding the crossdressers win. Ajao later apologised for the controversy, stating that Bobriskys award was intended as a publicity stunt. She also announced new winners for the category. However, Bobrisky was recently spotted at a cinema in Ikeja promoting Ajakaju. Reacting to the video on Tuesday, Benjamin took to X to call out Ajao for allegedly using the crossdresser for the movie promotion. He also slammed the filmmaker for allegedly being deceptive about her motives, despite claiming the award was a publicity stunt. I thought Eniola was crying, saying the award was a publicity stunt to market the movie, he wrote. Now Bobrisky is doing a meet and greet? For the same movie. Who is fooling who please. Smh. Benjamin made screen debut in the 1995 movie Crossroads. He has starred in several Nollywood productions including Kiss and Tell, Tango With Me and Murder at Prime Suites. He has also received several recognitions for his craft. In 2012, he won the African Actor of the Year category at the African Film Awards. On Wednesday, a 38-year-old farmer named Abubakar Muhammadu was brought before an Iyaganku Magistrate Court in Ibadan on charges of allegedly possessing a locally made pistol along with one live cartridge. The police charged Muhammadu with unlawful possession of a live cartridge. Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Femi Omilana, informed the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on February 16, at about 10. 00 a.m, at Akinyele area, Ibadan. Omilana alleged that the defendant could not give a satisfactory account of why he was in possession of a cartridge. He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 428 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs G. Oladele, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case until May 23 for hearing. President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday mourned the death of a former President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ali Chiroma. The President, accordingly, sent his deepest condolences to the family of the demised Ali Chiroma over the passing of the elder statesman. The President in a statement acknowledged that Ali Chiroma was former President of the NLC and held various positions within the trade union hierarchy. President Tinubu, therefore, sympathized with the Chiroma family, the Organized Labour community, and everyone impacted by the painful loss. Recalling the endeavours of the former labour leader at a trying time in the life of the nation, President Tinubu affirmed that Comrade Chiroma stood up for the independence of the NLC and doggedly defended the downtrodden when it mattered the most. The President prayed to Almighty Allah to grant repose to the soul of the departed while assuring the family of the elder statesman of his thoughts and prayers in this moment of grief. National Daily Newspaper learnt that Chiroma died at the age of 91 years. Chiroma was President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) from 1984 to 1988. He succeeded Hassan Sunmonu. The late Union Leader was Deputy President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has vowed to defy those interpreting his sincere decision to implement the presidential peace pact as a display of weakness. Addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) from all 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers during their visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Fubara stated that he had observed numerous comments regarding the peace initiatives implementation and opted for silence as an act of maturity and wisdom. However, he emphasized the necessity of setting the record straight for clarity, stating that the agreement accepted during the 2023 political crisis intervention by the President was a political resolution. Governor Fubara stated: Let me say it here for record purposes: What is happening here in our dear State is somebody who has respect for an elder. Mr. President invited all the parties to Abuja, and came out with a resolution that we should go and implement. That resolution, I am implementing it. It is not a constitutional implementation. It is a political solution to a problem. And I am doing it because of the respect I have for Mr President. But, let me say it here, if that action that I have accepted to take would be seen as a weakness, I will surprise them. I want this message to go to them. He continued by addressing recent criticisms regarding crowd attendance at thanksgiving rallies, remarking that the solidarity shown during the NULGE visit reflected genuine appreciation for good governance and divine blessings. Fubara emphasized his commitment to leaving a positive legacy, focusing on genuine impact and policy implementation for societal betterment. Furthermore, he urged continued support, understanding, and peaceful cooperation from the people, reaffirming his readiness to stand by those who uphold righteousness and to confront challenges with resolve. The Governors statements follow recent threats of fresh impeachment proceedings by the Rivers House of Assembly due to perceived non-compliance with the peace pact. Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaehwule, expressed concerns over the governors alleged failure to adhere to the terms of the agreement brokered by Tinubu, emphasizing the assemblys constitutional mandate and readiness to resort to impeachment if necessary. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that the Ondo governorship shadow election scheduled for April 20 will be conducted through a direct primary. In a letter jointly signed by the National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, the party informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of this decision ahead of the primary. Confirming the mode of election, Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, stated to The Nation correspondent in Abuja on Wednesday night: We are using the direct primary mode of election for Ondo State governorship primary election. Duru further explained, This decision has equally been conveyed in a letter duly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the party has adopted direct mode of election for Ondo State governorship election. Some of the top contenders in the race to pick the APC ticket are Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who is seeking reelection, a former governorship aspirant in the state, Olusola Oke, former Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinteriwna, the Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim among others. The behaviour of some educated Nigerians when it comes to national issues is outrightly incomprehensible. Must we always view critical issues within our partisan political frames rather than being broad enough to call a spade a spade and not a farm implement? Is it right to condone criminal behaviours and rationalise obvious aberrations in our polity simply because it favours you politically? The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) Monday 24 June 2019, refused to grant the application filed by Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for access to inspect the server and data of smart card readers used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the presidential election of February 23, 2019. And without ambiguity, the five-man panel headed by Justice Mohammed Garba averred that granting the application would imply that the tribunal had delved into and resolved the contentious issue of the existence of a central server at INEC which the commission has come out on oath to deny. In the unanimous decision, the tribunal declined granting the application on the grounds that since parties had joined issues, the court could not at the interlocutory stage make an order that would affect the substantive issue. In the main ruling the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Mohammed Garba, held that the matter being a substantive issue for determination by the tribunal cannot be determined at the interlocutory stage. Doing so would further create the impression that the tribunal had concluded that there was a central INEC server where results and data of the February 23 election were received and stored, it was said. The hearing of the substantive petition hasnt started yet. The Tribunal is only dealing with pre-hearing motions first. The PDP and its presidential candidate asked to inspect the server, INEC lied it doesnt have a server: witnesses havent been called by either party. So the request turned down by the panel is routine. Hope everyone now understands what the court said and why? Is it not surprising that even some well- educated Nigerians joined the bandwagon to support and rationalise INECs denial of having a backend server? And as said by an analyst, citizens are in a heated debate; checking up the definition of server from their partisan encyclopaedia. How can we continue like this as a country? The idea of using automated processing of votes cast predates Mohammadu Buhari as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So its not a Buhari issue. Furthermore the use of card readers for the collation of the results of the 2019 elections featured very significantly in the public pronouncements and presentations of the INEC Chairman and his agencys management. So how they now turn to say they do not have servers and/or there was no server that results were transmitted to meaning no server was used for the purposes of result collation, at best remains inexplicable. INEC has now said they have no server and They are asking us to bring something we do not have.Haba! And this was averred to and deposed to on oath at the Election Tribunal contrary to what the average Nigerian knows! Is this not a ridiculous explanation in a country that appropriated so much for elections? The question now is what happened to the servers INEC procured and trained its staff to use for the elections? If card reader cannot communicate with a backend computer database, how do you accredit and validate the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) without such data pool? If you put a debit card in a POS machine and there is no network to connect the card to the bank data base, will the card work? So how did you accredit the PVCs without backend network database? It would be recalled that President Buhari had, in July and September 2018, written to the National Assembly requesting for N242 billion as virement and supplementary budget to fund the 2019 general election. Out of this amount, N188.9 billion was allocated to INEC while the rest went to the Nigeria Police, Civil Defence, and other security agencies. In October, the National Assembly approved the N242 billion supplementary budget as sent by the president only changing the source of the funding from the legislators special projects votes to the Special Intervention Programme. Does the supplementary budget provide for servers? Yes, it did. INECs supplementary budget was made public by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), a non-profit organisation committed to facilitating legislative advocacy and access to public policies. The document as displayed by PLC show that INEC proposed to spend N143.5 billion on 209 items. Out of that amount, N2.27 billion was budgeted for server-related procurement items, with budget code 230808. The purpose of a computer server is simply to store, retrieve, and send information to other computers connected to a network. Of the amount, N1.37 billion was budgeted for nationwide replacement of servers for 25 states and National Data Centre, N99.7 million for an upgrade of the server version of OpenVR for compatibility with new Dell server, and N800 million for the migration of voter registration database from MySQL Open Source to OracleDB (both database administration services). INEC also budgeted N157.5 million for the renewal and maintenance of cloud infrastructure, with budget code 230709. Not only was the approval absolute, but the office of the Accountant-General reports in its Capital Performance of the Budget document that all of the amount (N188.9 billion) was released to INEC and spent by it. It is true that money (over N2 billion naira) for the procurement and upgrade of servers was approved for INEC by the National Assembly and it has had a long term plan favouring the electronic storage of electoral results. The amount was also released to INEC and the commission reported it as utilised. If the agency insists it does not have a server, then it has some explaining to do on how exactly it spent the relevant funds. Getting this server issue in proper context will help us understand this matter better: In 2011 and 2015 elections, technology was not part of the legal framework for elections in Nigeria but the courts granted access for forensic audit of electoral materials. But now that technology (Smart card reader/electronic voting) is part of our legal framework, it behoves on INEC to grant access to inspect all systems used. If there were manipulations of any kind of election data, it is only through forensics that such manipulations would be ascertained or disproved. So why is INEC refusing access to its electronic database? The Judiciary as the last bastion of hope for Nigeria and Nigerians who went out to vote and believe their votes counted should not allow this server issue make us the laughing stock of the world. God bless Nigeria! (IFEANYI IZEZE writes from Abuja: [email protected]; 234-8033043009) By ODIMMEGWA JOHNPETER/ABUJA The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has restated its stands that Morocco must quit the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic so that it can become independent. This was stated by the Acting president, Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Najeem Yasin when the President of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Brahim Ghali visited the leadership of the NLC in Abuja. According to Najeem in his remarks during the visit, the Nigeria Labour Congress is Spear-heading National solidarity of the Labour Movement and its allies in the academia, civil society, professional groups, peasants and student to mobilize the populace in support of the struggles of the people of Western Sahara. He further revealed that the NLC have provided Office Space for the secretariat of the Nigerian Movement for the liberation of Western Sahara as part of its resolve and commitment to the liberation struggle of the Saharawi people. He further noted that NLC has a strategy which involves meetings, Conferences and programs to deepen its solidarity and expand mass support for the liberation struggles of the Saharawi people. He words, We have had meetings and Programs and will still hold mass meetings, conferences and programs to deepen our solidarity and expand mass support for your liberation struggles, which we see as our collective struggles. We have also led mass protest to the Embassy of Morocco here in Abuja Mr. Najeem further affirmed, As long as Western Sahara is not free, Africa is not free, and all Africans and African Countries must be involves in this struggle. So all must renew our collective demand that morocco must be isolated in the global space by all countries, not just in Africa but in the entire world, until Western Sahara gains sovereignty, free from all colonial control. While pledging the NLC on unflinching support and solidarity, the Acting NLC president restated the Moroccos colonial grip on Africas last colony against the resolutions of the defunct organization of Africa Unity, Now African Union must end. On his own remarks, the President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic thanked the NLC and Nigeria for their solidarity in the liberation of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. He Acknowledge Nigerias leading liberation role in Africa as can be seen in Angola, Namibia and Others. He noted that the people of Western Sahara appreciated and recognized this role as others around the world .END Post Views: 1 Tunisian media mogul, Nabil Karoui, a front-runner in Sundays presidential election, has started a hunger strike in prison, demanding to be allowed to vote, his lawyer said on Thursday. Karoui, 56, owner of the Nesma TV channel, was detained three weeks ago on suspicion of tax evasion and money laundering. His main rival, among 26 other candidates, is Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. Other candidates include Defence Minister Abd el Karim Zbidi, former president Moncef Marzouki, and Abdel Fattah Mourou, Vice-President of the moderate Islamist Ennahda party. Karoui started an open-ended hunger strike since Wednesday to demand his right to vote on Sunday, his lawyer, Ridha Belhadj, told Reuters. Authorities were not immediately available for comment. A court of appeal is due on Friday to hear Karouis request to be released pending a final verdict in his case. Corpses of eight farmers from Uwheru in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen last Friday, have been exhumed. This is coming following the disagreement between the President-General of the community, Cassidy Akpedafe, and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, on the reported killings. The police boss had denied the report that eight persons were killed by the herdsmen with the aide of persons dressed in military uniforms. He questioned the authenticity of the claims saying: If there are any (deaths), why are they hiding such corpses from the police? Reacting to the claims of the CP, President-General of the community, Akpedafe, accused the police of being economical with the truth. In a swift move to prove him wrong, the community on Sunday afternoon, succeeded in exhuming two corpses of those killed and took them to the Central Hospital, Ughelli, for autopsy. on Monday, a search team made up of the police and representatives of the community for investigation, exhumed the remaining six corpses. One of the victims reportedly killed and burnt was identified as Itoje Dennis from Otor-Iyede in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state, and had since been taken to his hometown for burial. ALSO READ: Where The f**k Am I? Let Me Out Dead Soldier Screams As His Corpse Is Lowered Into The Grave [Video] Abba Kyari in action His ambition in life was to become a pilot and fly huge aeroplane around the globe. But because his poor parents could not afford to pay the huge amount required to train a pilot, he opted for his other love, the police. But before becoming a police officer, Abba Kyari, the top cop in charge of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), played the role of a judge advocate in his family of over 30 children, where he presided over the family court and meted punishment to whoever was found guilty. Apart from that he also worked as an Okada rider because of his poor parental background to see him through his secondary and university education and with the proceeds he got from the Okada business he was able to take care of his younger siblings having come from a polygamous family. So, after his secondary and university education, he applied to join the police. He was successful and thereafter went for training. However, before applying to join the police, Kyari, had applied for the job of a lecturer in one of the universities and another at the printing and minting company. Incidentally, he got the offer as a lecturer while at the same time he was called for training at the police college, even as the offer from the printing and minting company came when he was already in training at the police college. Upon his passing out from the police college, he was posted to Adamawa State where he started his career as an officer. As a young officer, Kyari said that he enjoyed watching investigative channels, reading books on crime and investigations, coupled with his background of being the judge in his family. All these, he said, helped built him to become good at what he is doing today. Married with children, the Yobe State-born cop, said the secret to his success and that of his team lies purely on God first, technology, dedication, hard work, determination and most of the welfare of his men. In this interview with Sunday Sun, Kyari, who has been a cop for about 20 years, said that even though his kind of job involves taking very dangerous risks, what keep him going is when he gets the culprits arrested after a hard chase, which sometimes take months and even years. Hear him: Why I chose to join the police I chose to join the police because I wanted to be a detective, I want to investigate matters, I want to detect the cause of crime, I want to arrest the culprit and I have always had these three things on my mind right from when I was a child. It has always been my ambition right from when I was in the primary school to join the police. I have always had interest in anything that has to do with detective work. I actually wanted to become a pilot or a detective, but when I reached my secondary school level, I now discovered that to be a pilot, there are some compulsory things that you will follow and it is very expensive. The schools are very expensive and my family was not that rich to sponsor me in flying school. From there I started thinking of plan B, which is to become a police officer. You know I was watching so many detective movies and reading many books on detective and all of that. I got admission into the university and by the time I finished, I picked the police form and I was successful and went for training. But before this time, as the eldest son of my father who has more than 30 children, I use to handle most of the domestic cases among my younger ones. You know we are from different mothers and so we use to have too many troubles like fighting, quarreling and all those usual disagreements amongst children and I was always the one to judge the cases because somehow they will bring the cases to me. What I do is that I will first hear from both sides and that way I detect easily the one that is lying, pass the judgment and give the appropriate punishment to whoever caused the problem. So, I did that for a very long time in the house so much so that everybody trusted my judgment. As a matter of fact they trusted my judgment more than that of my father to the extent that they prefer to bring their cases to me whenever they have problems. And because of the large family that we have, I automatically became the detective of that house from that time, so that was how I started. During my university days it was the same thing, all the cases in our family were being handled by me and that helped me very much. When I finished my NYSC, the police was recruiting and I got the form, filled it and was lucky to be among the few that were selected for training, I was 24 years at the time and I happened to be the youngest candidate from my state. I had the right height and my birth certificate was the original from the hospital where I was born and it tallied with my primary and secondary school. All my appearance was right, I had the height right, I was the youngest from my state and there was no godfather from anywhere. I attended the state screening and out of 60 of us that attended, they took 19 and I was fortunate and we went for yet another national screening and among the 19, they took 10 of us and that was how my journey in the police started in 1999/2000 when I reported for training along other of my colleagues from different parts of the country. After 19 months of training we passed out and I was sent to Adamawa State in May, 2002, where I started work as a police officer. A hustler from childhood I have been a hustler and a go-getter right from my childhood days. I became an Okada rider while I was in secondary school and continued even while I was in the university. That was what I used to support myself and even took care of many of my younger ones because their mothers were no longer in the house. You know my mother left our house when I was just seven years old, leaving me and three of my younger ones, and there were also other mothers and wives of my father who also left leaving their children behind, so those of my siblings whose mothers were still in the house had more advantage over those of us whose mothers have left, so it was not easy especially during meal time. At that time, we used to eat twice in a day and the food is usually served in a group and if you miss that group eating for any reason, you are on your own. So one must be around when its time for the group food. But if you have a mother in the house you dont have a problem because she will always give you food; so that was what pushed me to start doing the Okada business to feed myself and take care of my younger ones. My Okada experience was very tedious because no matter how I worked, the highest I got was N80. But whenever there is scarcity of fuel, I make more money because I will always buy and resell to make about N200 daily, but when there is no fuel scarcity, I have to do my normal Okada business of carrying passengers that was how I survived. Experiences as family judge Some of the experiences I gathered while being a judge in my family were not to believe in everything people tell you because they will never tell you the truth. My reason was because people always try to defend themselves wherever there is a problem. People will try to lie, dodge and do all manner of things just to declare their innocence. So, its important that you listen to both sides and you also try and get witnesses who will come and tell you what they have seen and then you will now look at your evidences from people on the ground that you can use to corroborate whatever they have told you or not. As at that tender age, I was able to do all those kinds of investigations independently and at the end of the day, they themselves will now come and confess and say that my discovery is true that this is actually what happened. So, that was how I started in our extended polygamous family. Some people believe most police officers use juju to succeed No, no, no. I dont believe in all those fetish stuffs. I will tell you that the reason for all our successes is the use of technology, dedication, hard work and relentlessness. These are the things that come together and make things happen. I always tell people that if you go to Europe and America, you will see how these people have advanced in fighting crime and they are like 500 years ahead of us. Would you say they are using juju? It is not juju that they use to get to where they are today, it is cheer dedication and hard work. If you are dedicated in whatever job you do and put in your best, you will always get result. So, if we get a society where everybody is doing his best and working hard to make sure that they are doing the right thing and being patriotic, things would move forward. So, there is nothing like juju, there is nothing like that. Its sheer hard work, dedication, use of technology and relentlessness, which is what we have been doing. And I always follow up my cases. I make sure that I follow up on what the boys are doing. I give them directives, I follow up, I have plan A, I have plan B and I have plan C, of all the matters I am handling so that in the event that the first one doesnt work, the second and third would certainly yield result. So that is how we have been operating. Another secret of our success is that I so much believe in the welfare of my personnel. Their welfare is very, very important. I dont believe in numbers without adequate welfare. Most times that they have deployed 500 to 600 men. If this number of men has been deployed and there is no RCA, no incentives for them to take care for themselves, you will find that they will go there demoralized and they will not do their work well. But when you move men and all their logistics and whatever that they need is provided, you will see that they will certainly perform. So, that is one of our secret at the IRT, and not juju as its perceived by people with dirty minds. Have you ever been tempted with bribe? Sure, I have been tempted on many occasions because of the nature of my job. There are so many cases that we have been doing that people will come with lots of money, I mean huge, huge sums of money to bribe us to throw away such cases. Some people would definitely want you to compromise after stolen or eating somebodys else money. When you arrest them, they will be telling you oh, please I will give you so and so percentage if you allow me go and all of that. That is virtually a daily happening as far as our detective work is concerned. What was the highest amount that you have ever been tempted with? Yes, when we arrested Evans, he offered us $2million if we can keep quiet and let him go and he offered to provide the cash in 48hours. But we rejected his offer, we had to move away with him and then I blew the thing up. And I think that should be the highest amount that I have ever been tempted with. There was also the case where some people stole money from a Bureau De Change outlet totaling $2million that was brought to us and we were able to recover $1.8million from the thieves among them a bank staff. So, after the recovery, those guys offered to pay us 50 per cent of the money that we recovered which is about $900,000. We also rejected that offer and informed the owner of the money about the arrest and recovering $1.8million. So, that was another big offer that was made to us. What keeps you going What keeps me going, one is that I have a passion for the job and I always believe that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. I hate cheating, I dont like people being attacked, I dont like people being killed, I dont want people being defrauded. I hate crime against innocent people, so whenever it happens, I will go to the extreme to see that justice is done. I will go all out to see that that persons money or property has been recovered back. I really derive happiness from that. That for me is better than all the money in the world. If we are looking for a notorious criminal for sometime, the moment we arrest such person, it makes me very happy. All the happiest moments in my life is when we arrest criminals, that is when you will see me very happy and you can never quantify that kind of happiness with money. Money cannot give me such happiness. Like the period when we arrested Evans, Godogo, when we got all those vampires and so many deadly criminals we arrested along these Abuja/Kaduna express road and all those many breakthroughs, give me so much happiness in life. And that is why I always strive to make sure we get these people so that we can have peace of mind because if we dont get these criminals our minds are always troubled. Are you not scared going after these criminals in the bush? Scared! Not at all because we prepare ourselves very well and gather our intelligence before we move for such deadly operations. We make sure we know their total number, the strength of their armoury, how they operate, their hideouts, their exact locations, where they can possibly ambush us when we eventually go for them and several other intelligence. We take note of all these threats before we go after them. We dont just rush people, we must gather enough evidence before swooping on them. And besides, this is what we have sworn to do, this is what we have taken the oath as polices officers to do; so we must do it and whatever happens in the process especially death, we feel that we didnt die in vain. We feel that in the event that any of our men gets killed in the cause of our operations, he died a good cause and that cause is that we are fighting for our country, we are fighting to restore peace in our country. So, it is a good cause. But we dont pray that anything should happen to us, but at the same time, you know we cannot be succeeding all the time. You cannot be 100 per cent successful in whatever you are doing. Sometimes things can happen and because such things happen do not mean you start to give up. Yes, you get dampened emotionally, but at the same time, you learn from the mistakes, take precautions and do a general overhauling and re-strategize. Do you have time for your family? Yes I do, but not everyday. I create time for them mostly on Sundays. I go to work everyday, but I dont work late on Sundays because that is the only time that I have to spend with them. How do your children feel about your absence and successes? My children know the kind of work that I do and I make sure I call them especially when I am out for an operation. Like my youngest child that is just five years old, each time I call, she will ask how many thieves did you catch? My children all know Evans. In fact, my youngest child likes talking so whenever I tell her that we caught about 30 criminals, she will ask are they like Evans, is Evans their boss. She always wants to know because she believes that Evans is the biggest thief in the country. So, whoever I catch she wants to know if they are big like Evans and I will now explain to her no they are not like him and she will now say yes I know because there is no one like Evans. How do you fulfill your fatherly role when you are around? When I am around I am always with them, we chat, I take them out and all of that. But when I am not around, I am always on a video call with them and that way they dont miss me that much because seeing me on the video call makes them feel like I am in the house with them. Do you ever sleep? Yes I sleep around 3 Oclock in the mornings everyday because of the fact that I have been OC SARS, in Lagos State for five years and I have not been sleeping until 3-30 a.m, so my system automatically adjusted to that so I dont feel sleepy until around this time. Having achieved your dream of becoming a police officer what are your challenges? We actually need support from the government because for more than 30 years the Nigerian Police Force has not gotten the kind of funding that it needed. We have deficiency in so many-areas and many of the logistics that we needed to work with are not on the ground. These are some of the things that we are lacking so I believe that if we can get proper funding, we can do even better. *** Source: Sun News BLOOMINGTON Troopers said a lane on eastbound Interstate 74 was closed Tuesday afternoon after a rollover crash involving a commercial vehicle west of Normal. A statement from Illinois State Police said troopers were called at 12:37 p.m. to the crash scene east of the Rivian Motorway exit on I-74 in McLean County. ISP said minor injuries were reported following the collision, which prompted the closure of one of the eastbound lanes. As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the crash scene and lane closure were still active. No further information was immediately available. This story will be updated. Check out these vintage car, truck ads from The Pantagraph Buick - March 4, 1911 The Baker Motor Vehicle Co. - Nov. 18, 1911 Motor Car Sales Co. - June 2, 1916 Hudson Sedan - Oct. 4, 1923 Simpson Bros. - Nov. 27, 1923 Kidd Motor Co. - Dec. 5, 1923 Tracy Green & Co. - Dec. 29, 1923 C.W. Frey & Sons - April 26, 1924 Martens Motor Co. - April 26, 1924 Oldsmobile - June 5, 1928 Thornton-Anderson - June 1, 1948 Studebaker - Sept. 28, 1948 Lincoln - April 26, 1949 Wilber Rusk - April 26, 1949 Butts Ford Sales - June 18, 1954 Plymouth-Valiant - Sept. 8, 1961 Chevy - Dec. 7, 1961 Galloway Ford - June 5, 1962 Rambler - June 5, 1962 Wiley Pontiac-Buick - May 7, 1963 Dodge - May 5, 1967 Mercedes 240 Diesel - April 6, 1979 Lynx - Oct. 3, 1980 Thornton Lincoln-Mercury - June 13, 1985 Ford Escort - May 12, 1987 Oldsmobile - Sept. 29, 1998 Volvo - Nov. 28, 1998 Volvo - June 2, 1999 SPRINGFIELD Servers, restaurant owners and other members of the state's hospitality industry on Wednesday urged Illinois lawmakers to reject a proposal that would eliminate the separate, lower minimum wage for tipped workers. Wearing T-shirts featuring the message "Protect Illinois hospitality" while holding posters that read "save our tips," the coalition descended upon the state Capitol to spread their message on the same day the proposed legislation, House Bill 5345, passed out of an Illinois House committee. "Our industry is still trying to recover from the impact that the pandemic had on us," said Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia. "This will only make the recovery even harder. A business that used to be a business of nickels and dimes is now a business of pennies and nickels." The proposal, sponsored by state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, would eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers, meaning they would earn at least the regular minimum wage in addition to the tips they receive. The minimum wage for tipped workers is $8.40 an hour and is slated to rise to $9 next year. The regular minimum wage is $14 an hour and will go up to $15 next year. Under current law, tipped employees must be paid at least the equivalent of the state's regular minimum wage; if the combination of their tips and the subminimum wage does not reach that threshold, employers are required to make up the difference. If approved, this so-called "tip credit" would be eliminated. It comes on the heels of a successful effort by Chicago to eliminate the subminimum wage. That change, an initiative of Mayor Brandon Johnson that was approved by the Chicago City Council in October 2023, will phase in, with tipped workers expected to start receiving the same minimum wage as everyone else in 2028. Advocates, which also included some restaurant owners and tipped workers, said making the policy statewide would address a number of issues, including wage theft and implicit biases that often lead women and people of color receiving smaller tips than white men. "What we need is a level playing field and policy that signals to all workers that the restaurant industry values them," said Mikey Knapp, director of High Road Restaurants, who testified in favor before the committee Wednesday. But many, including several Democrats, said they were opposed to the legislation as it is currently written. Some wanted to wait and see how it works out in Chicago while others said it would be more prudent to go after "bad actors" in the industry that don't pay tipped workers what they are owed. Then, of course, there were concerns about the impact on tips, with proponents arguing it would have little-to-no impact while opponents cited data showing lower tips for workers in states with where the tip credit has been eliminated. Hernandez, though stressing that the intent is to "eliminate subminimum wage, not tips," said she will not move the legislation forward for a full floor vote until a compromise is reached. "You all know my track record and know that I'm always committed to working with all sides," Hernandez said. "This time is no different." Those who gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday, many of them from Central Illinois, said that the proposal, even if well-intended, would hurt those it's trying to help in the form of lower tips and less hours while hurting businesses still recovering from the pandemic. "We care about our employees. We want to give them a safe and profitable working environment," said Raymond Ceresa, executive vice president of Bloomington-based Tentac Enterprises. "We care about our guests. We want to give them the best experience when they're staying with us. "But I fear we're going to have to make sacrifices in those areas we're so proud of if the tip credit is eliminated," he said. "We simply cannot afford another financial burden or increase in our operating costs." Tentac's portfolio includes Bloomington's DoubleTree by Hilton and Eastland Suites along with their attached restaurants, the Barrel House and The Deep End Tap, respectively. Ceresa estimates that they have about 70 tipped workers. If the legislation passes, he said they "would have no choice but to pass the increased costs onto our customers with price increases and added service fees." "On my way down here driving today, I'm thinking, 'If this passes, my cheeseburgers at The Barrel House are going to be $27.' That's crazy," he said. Brent Schwoerer, who owns Engrained Brewing Company in Springfield, said that his net profit last year was just 2%. He said the legislation would exacerbate the problems facing the industry. If it goes through, he said he will have to raise prices, add service fees or cut jobs, likely through automation. "I got into this business for hospitality," Schwoerer said. "And that just takes all the hospitality away. What starts to happen and what we've seen in California is you just start to destroy the middle full-service restaurant." "Fine dining will survive because there are enough people willing to pay that price," he continued. "But full-service in the middle starts to become more like fast-casual, where there's less human involvement, because we just can't afford it." According to the Illinois Restaurant Association, the median wage for tipped employees in full-service restaurants is $28 an hour. Dominique Juarez, a server at Alexander's Steakhouse in Peoria, said the bill "could change the way I am able to provide for my family." "It could reduce the amount of money I can earn each night and eliminate my ability to have a schedule that allows me to be there for the ones I love," Juarez said. The legislation is still in the "sausage-making" phase. It passed the House Labor Committee on a 17-11 roll call, but it was clear it likely would not have enough support to pass the House in its current form. "This is more legislation chasing a solution to a problem that does not exist," said state Rep. Curtis Tarver, D-Chicago, adding that "eliminating the tip credit is going to hurt the very people that this legislation purports to help." States with the highest concentration of restaurants States with the highest concentration of restaurants Factors affecting restaurant concentration Former President Jacob Zuma has filed an appeal against South Africa's electoral commission, which last week barred him from standing in forthcoming elections. The 81-year-old served as president from 2009 until 2018, when he had to step down because of corruption allegations. He was convicted and received a 15-month prison sentence in 2021 for contempt of court - and the constitution says anyone who has had a prison sentence of longer than 12 months is not eligible to run for election. Since then, having left the governing African National Congress (ANC), he has joined the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party ahead of May's general election. The AFP news agency reports that court papers filed on his behalf argue that the electoral commission "had no valid reasons to violate the political rights of [former] President Zuma". Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video As part of activities to mark their 20th-anniversary celebrations, Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd. (OISL), one of the leading providers of financial services in the Country paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and the Paramount Chief of the Gbese Traditional Area, Dr. Nii Ayi Bonte II on 25th March 2024 and 22nd March 2024 respectively to officially inform them and their Councils about the companys 20th-anniversary celebration. OISL also used the occasion to also express their gratitude to the Ga Mantse and the Gbese Mantse for their continual support over the years and to discuss future collaborations and strategies aimed at promoting continued cooperation for the mutual benefit of the institution and the Ga State. In attendance was the Board Chairman of OISL, Mr. Katey Assem, some Board members, Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome, Mrs. Joyce Boeh-Ocansey, Hajia Azara Abubakari-Haroun, and Mr. Ben Kwasi Kusi. The CEO of Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd, Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng together with some key Management team of the Institution were also present. In his address, the CEO of Opportunity International Savings and Loans acknowledged the importance of community support in promoting the company's operations for sustainable development within the Greater Accra Region. He emphasized OISLs successful operations in the Country. Our company currently serves over 660,000 customers across the country with our diverse product offerings such as Agriculture loans, Education loans, Empowerment loans, School Improvement loans, SME loans, Individual loans etc. We are able to do this leveraging on our 38 branches of which 10 are in the Greater Accra Region. he stated. The Board Chairman of OISL, Mr. Katey Assem, on his part expressed gratitude to the Ga Mantse and the Gbese Mantse and the entire community for their warm reception and hospitality towards OISL. He further highlighted OISLs successful 20-year operations and requested continual support from them and their entire Communities. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, addressing the team, thanked them for their courtesy call and congratulated them for the milestones achieved over the past two (2) decades of their operations in the Country. Taking his turn, The Gbese Mantse and President of the Gbese Traditional Council, Dr. Nii Ayi Bonte II, also expressed his admiration for Opportunity International Saving and Loan's Ltd.s dedication to empowering individuals and businesses through financial services. He assured them of his continued support and willingness to work together to promote economic development and financial inclusion within his communities. Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited is a subsidiary of Opportunity International A global organization that delivers services and programmes to clients in 30 countries across the globe, serving over 20 million customers with Micro Banking, Micro Insurance, Agriculture and Education Finance and Innovative non-financial programmes with its global office in Chicago, USA. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Kenyan President William Ruto arrived in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday evening to commence a three-day state visit. He was received by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia at the Kotoka International Airport. President Ruto is expected to hold bilateral talks with his host, President Nana Akufo-Addo, aimed at strengthening trade, diplomatic, and historical ties with the West African nation. While in Accra, the President will also tour the Africa Continental Free Trade Area headquarters and address the Ghana-Kenya Business Forum. President Ruto will thereafter fly out to Guinea-Bissau on an official visit where he will also hold bilateral talks with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary for Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, CS Musalia Mudavadi, are part of the Kenyan delegation. On his first day, President Ruto interacted with the Kenyan diaspora living in Ghana. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the alleged marriage of a 12-year-old girl to Gborbu Wulomo of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII. The investigation is to enable the A-Gs Office to take further action on the matter which took place last Saturday. A letter signed and issued by a Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, on behalf of the sector minister, Godfred Yeboah Dame, said if proven, the allegations of the child being betrothed, subjected to dowry transaction or married, constituted a criminal offence in line with sections 14 and 15 of the Childrens Act, 1998 (Act 560). The allegations, if proven, constitute a criminal offence for which all persons involved must face prosecution, the A-Gs Office stated. Police action The police service has moved in swiftly to safeguard the child, identified as Naa Okromo, who has now taken on the traditional name, Naa Yoomo Ayemoede, and her mother. In a statement yesterday, the police said they had placed the girl and her mother under police protection. Pecan Energies The police said they were also collaborating with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, as well as the Department of Social Welfare to support the girl. The move aims to ensure their safety and provide the necessary support amid ongoing investigations into the alleged marriage. The disturbing incident has sparked nationwide outrage, prompting authorities to address the issue with urgency and sensitivity. Concerns have also been raised regarding the welfare of the girl and the potential violations of child rights and protection laws. The A-Gs Office quoted sections 14 and 15 of Act 560 which provide that a person shall not force a child to be betrothed, subject of a dowry transaction, or to be married. Under the provision, the minimum age of marriage of whatever kind is 18 years. Again, a person who contravenes a provision of sections 2 to 14 of Act 560 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding GH3,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year or to both the fine and the imprisonment. We would appreciate it if you could cause your outfit to conduct the necessary investigation of the alleged child marriage to enable our Office to do the needful, the A-G wrote. Growing concerns The directive by the A-Gs Office encapsulates the concerns and recommendations of a growing number of organisations and individuals that have expressed shock and abhorrence about the incident. They include the Network for Womens Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), made up of 179 organisations and over 300 individual members; the Paediatric Society of Ghana, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA- Ghana), the Ark Foundation, Ghana, Child Rights International, the GaDangme Lawyers, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the GaDangme Traditional Council; Amnesty International Ghana, and the Sempe Mantse, Nii Adote Otintor II. Illegal cultural practices The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) said cultural practices that were illegal and unconstitutional had no place in the country's democracy. A statement issued yesterday and signed by its chairperson, Kathleen Addy, pointed out that while the Nungua Traditional Council contended that the union was voluntary, it was unclear how a pre-pubescent, pre-teen minor could consent to such an arrangement. "The 1992 Constitution of Ghana recognises and even encourages Ghanas many ethnic groups to practice and extol their culture. "However, the commission calls on the Nungua Traditional Council to note that the same 1992 Constitution, in Article 39 also states that traditional practices which are injurious to the health and well-being of the person are abolished," it said. The statement said over a century, Ghana's courts had held that traditional practices that were contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience were outlawed. Advice The commission therefore urges the Nungua Traditional Council to review its traditional practices to bring them in line with the laws and the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and to refrain from actions that may have a negative impact on the youth of Nungua. The statement also called for the intervention of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection as well as the Department of Social Welfare to ensure that the best interests of the child were protected and child marriages were removed from customary practices. Childs human rights NETRIGHT, which wrote an open letter to the GaDangme Traditional Council, said the act was a violation of the fundamental human rights of the child involved; her right to life, dignity, respect, leisure, liberty, health, education and shelter. It said as a country governed by both national and international laws which supersede any tradition and custom, it is disturbing to observe the impunity with which these laws have been taken for granted and disregarded in this instance. NETRIGHT also cited some international conventions that the country had ratified to protect women and girls against violence. The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (DEVAW)(1993) Article (4) indicates that member states should condemn violence against women and should not invoke any custom, tradition or religious consideration to avoid their obligations with respect to its elimination, the letter signed by its Convenor, Professor Akosua K. Darkwah, said. NETRIGHT called on the council to intervene immediately in the blatant disregard of the laws of the land and act decisively towards protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls in their communities and making communities a safe place for them. Be good examples In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, Ghana, Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, said the betrothal issue is illegal under the law whether we call it a marriage or betrothal. We also believe that our leaders, whether in a public, religious or traditional space should be an example of lawful behaviour in our country, she added. Dr Dwamena-Aboagye expressed the foundations disappointment in the delayed response from state institutions to address the issue before it was dragged into the public space. She explained that the matter actually became known a few days before the marriage and said the police should have acted immediately to address the matter. The police would have withdrawn the girl and gone after the elders of the community, not to arrest them but educate them. However, if they prove recalcitrant, they then enforce the law, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, Ghana posited. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has lauded the Inspector General (IGP) of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, for instilling discipline and professionalism in the Police Service. The Vice President, who is chairman of the Police Council, said the IGP and his management team have put into good use all the resources government has provided for them. The Vice President was speaking during the commissioning of the second ultramodern brick-model police station at Kwahu Asakraka in the Eastern Region last Saturday. The brick-model police station, which is indeed a departure from the traditional sand-block police station, is a novelty and I commend the current Police Administration for coming up with such a brilliant concept. This is indeed yet another fantastic initiative from the Police Administration that is worthy of emulation. I will urge all construction developers, both public and private, to adopt this concept of building with bricks to boost the local brick manufacturing economy, the Vice President said. Continuing, he said, This government has invested heavily in infrastructure, recruited more police officers and provided armoured carriers, patrol vehicles and motor bikes to aid in the efforts of the Police Service, and we intend to do more in the future. On the personal effort of the IGP in the construction of the model police station, Dr. Bawumia said the Police Administration, led by the Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, a son of Kwahu Asakraka, have put the investments to great use yielding massive peace and security dividends for all of us to see and enjoy. On the various initiatives undertaken by the IGP since he assumed office, the Vice President observed, The massive deployment of police personnel and motor bikes in every corner of the country as part of the Police Visibility Initiative, Police Community Engagements across all levels including the exciting Snatch Them Young Police Initiative, and the high levels of professionalism and discipline now associated with the Ghana Police Service are testament to the good work being undertaken by the IGP and his team. The police, he said are sustaining the security of our country and the deepening of our democratic values, dedicating their lives to the protection of lives and property and the thriving democratic rights of our people. Whenever the peace of our dear nation is threatened, the police are our first line of defence and they remain in the frontline to engage any potential or ongoing affront to law and order in the Ghana. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong Addo, has appealed to investors and the youth to venture into farming as it has huge business potential. Speaking at the official launch of the Agrigate Farm Online platform, Mr. Frimpong decried the low level of interest of the youth in farming ignoring the considerable amount of investment made by the government in implementing lucrative policies as baits to attract them into the sector. Mr. Frimpong further indicated that following the successful implementation of the Planting for Food and Jobs phase one, some key challenges identified led to the implementation of phase two of the project. So long as you have access to land registered in particular districts everything that you require to become a farmer will be supplied to you he added. Mr. Frimpong commended the pioneers of the Agrigate website, a software platform that provides farmers with more relevant farm-related information saying this website has the potential for a government digitalization drive which can also combine unemployment with free training tutorials. He pledged governmental support for Agrigate Farm emphasizing its significance in nurturing a new generation of agriculturists. The CEO of Agricgate farm, Felix Appiah Nyarko, articulated the platforms mission to revolutionize agriculture in Ghana, particularly among the youth. Mr. Nyarko stressed the importance of collaborative efforts from stakeholders within the agricultural ecosystem, envisioning agriculture as a beacon of hope for aspiring youth, dissuading them from seeking opportunities abroad. He called upon corporate entities and individuals to support the organisation and advocate for the sustainability of the program to incentivize more youth to venture into agriculture. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In 2014 the Supreme Court unanimously ordered businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome to refund some 51.2 million to the state. This was after the court had ruled that Mr Woyome got the money out of unconstitutional and invalid contracts between the state and Waterville Holdings Limited in 2006 for the construction of CAN 2008 stadia. Subsequently, in 2020 the Supreme Court directed government to purchase some properties belonging to Mr Woyome after then-Deputy Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame urged the Apex court to allow the state to take ownership since an auctioneer failed to sell them to offset the 51.2 million debt the businessman owes the state. The properties include two mansions at Trassaco Estate, a house at Kpehe where he resides, an office complex of Anator Holdings, a residential building at Abelemkpe and a stone quarry in the Eastern Region including its plants and equipment. But years on, the state has yet to recover the money. In an interview with JoyNews, the Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah said efforts have been made by the state to retrieve the money. "Recoveries have been made but we have not recovered everything from him. I cannot be specific about what is left but I can say that some monies have been recovered. "We also attempted to do some execution when it comes to his properties. So we are still in the process but he has not paid everything," he explained. Touching on the $170 million judgment debt awarded to Trafigura, the Deputy Attorney General said negotiations are still ongoing. Trafigura, the majority owner of the power company Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC), secured the award in January 2021 after an arbitral tribunal in London found that Ghana had unlawfully terminated a contract for the installation and operation of two power plants. The government was ordered to pay $170 million to the company or risk losing its property through auctioning. But Mr Tuah Yeboah says Ghana's property is safe since the Finance Ministry is engaging the company. "We wrote to the Finance Ministry to enter into negotiations again with the judgment creditors and my understanding is that they are talking but where they are now I don't know the state of it. "Currently the properties are safe but if we do not pay at the end of the day the creditors may want to find means but I can give the assurance that the Finance Ministry is taking every step possible to ensure that negotiations are made and we agree on how much we are to pay and when and where." Source: myjoyonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Vice President and 2024 Flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, describing him as a leader who has instilled discipline and professionalism in the Ghana Police Service. According to the presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and chairman of the Police Council, the IGP and his management team have put into good use all the resources the Akufo-Addo government has made available to the Police Service so far. These comments were made by the Vice President when he commissioned the 2nd Ultra-Modern Brick Model Police Station at Kwahu Asakraka in the Eastern region on Saturday, March 30. Dr. Bawumia said, The brick-model police station, which is indeed a departure from the traditional sand-block police station, is a novelty, and I commend the current Police Administration for coming up with such a brilliant concept. This is indeed yet another fantastic initiative from the Police Administration that is worthy of emulation. I will urge all construction developers, both public and private, to adopt this concept of building with bricks to boost the local brick manufacturing economy. Veep Bawumia empahsised: This government has invested heavily in infrastructure, recruited more police officers, and provided armored carriers, patrol vehicles, and motorbikes to aid in the efforts of the Police Service, and we intend to do more in the future. Commending the IGP for his effort in the construction of the model police station. Dr Bawumia said: The Police Administration, led by the able Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, a son of Kwahu Asakraka, has put the investments to great use, yielding massive peace and security dividends for all of us to see and enjoy. On the various initiatives undertaken by IGP since he assumed office, the Vice President observed, The massive deployment of police personnel and motorbikes in every corner of the country as part of the Police visibility Initiative, Police Community Engagements across all levels, including the exciting Snatch Them Young Police Initiative, and the high levels of professionalism and discipline now associated with the Ghana Police Service are testament to the good work being undertaken by the IGP and his team. To them, I say Ayekoo. He noted the Police remain critical to sustaining the security of our country and the deepening of our democratic values, dedicating their lives to the protection of lives and property and the thriving democratic rights of our people. Whenever the peace of our dear nation is threatened, the Police are our first line of defense, and they remain in the frontline to engage any potential or ongoing affront to law and order in Ghana. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Communications Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has condemned the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of using Minors to do politics. Disturbing photos and videos pop up on social media where kids were seen with NDC flags and posters campaigning at Kwahu Mpraeso. Mr. Ahiagbah on his X called on Ghanaians to condemn the act. He further called on child rights advocates in the country to also condemn the act and bring the opposition party to order saying what kind of desperation makes one exploit babies this way? Kwahu Mpraeso, NDC/Mahama, has committed babies to politics. This must be condemned roundly, especially by child rights advocates and Ghanaians at large. What kind of desperation makes one exploit babies this way?#newwsfile #FreeSHS #Bawumia2024 #Bawumia #Ghana #tv3newday pic.twitter.com/HoxkQK6p75 Richard Ahiagbah (@RAahiagbah) March 30, 2024 Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A leading member of Movement for Change, Hopeson Yaovi Adorye has cautioned Majority Chief Whip in Ghana's Parliament, Frank Annoh-Dompreh to be mindful of his utterances towards his group's founder, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen. The lawmaker openly criticised Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen for his remarks suggesting that Ghana, a predominantly Christian nation, should elect a Christian president. Mr Kyerematen who was addressing a congregation on Easter Sunday emphasised the need for Ghanaians to elect a Christian leader. "As a predominantly Christian nation, as Christians, it is our responsibility that we elect a Christian leader who is also a Christlike leader," the former ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minister of Trade and Industry said. "If God touches your heart, and you vote for Alan Kyerematen, the transformative leader, then I can assure you, as our Lord Jesus did on the cross, promise that ye shall be in paradise with him; you shall also be in paradise when I come into power," he said. Reacting to this on his social media handle, Annoh-Dompreh lambasted Alan Kyerematen, labelling his comments terrible, and ugly. "This is backwards, terrible, and ugly, to say the least. The NPP has truly 'suffered' in bearing and tolerating you over the years. Show me one country globally that has succeeded by using your theory. Alan is not relevant in our 'modern' body politics! Bow in shame!" he posted. But Hopeson Adorye, in an interview with NEAT FM's morning show, Ghana Montie, warned Annoh-Dompreh to stay away from his leader's issues. "Who is Annoh-Dompreh? How old is he to rubbish what Alan has said? Because he has enriched himself through politics, he has the guts to insult Alan. I don't blame him. Alan is well-mannered and speaks wisdom. Even he [Annoh-Dompreh] is proud and cherishes his running mate who doesn't speak well. Listen, whoever tries anything against Alan will regret it, we will equally face them. Hopeson Yaovi Adory told host, McJerry Osei Agyemang. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The NACO archive contains data on 57 young stars. Twenty stars had known dust disks or substructures. Master's student Sam de Regt (Leiden University, the Netherlands) discovered two new images of YLW 16A and Elia 2-21 (bottom left and bottom center), while cleaning up the archive. Credit: ESO/VLT/NACO, De Regt et al. While investigating 16 years of images of young stars from a retired astronomical camera, Leiden master's student Sam de Regt discovered that two of those stars were still enveloped in birth clouds that had not been seen at this level of detail before. He publishes his data-cleaning method and the new images of the two stars in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. When Sam de Regt (Leiden University, the Netherlands) attended lectures of Matthew Kenworthy (Leiden University) and Christian Ginski (now University of Galway, Ireland), he thought it would be interesting to research the so-called PDI method for his master's thesis. PDI stands for Polarimetric Differential Imaging. This method allows astronomers to distinguish between the extremely bright, unpolarized light from a star and the faint, polarized light reflected from dust particles located in a disk around the star. In such dust disks, planets can be formed. Ginski and Kenworthy suggested to De Regt to reanalyze archival images from the NACO instrument. That instrument was located on the Very Large Telescope in Chile from 2003 to 2019 and contains data from 57 young stars. After cleaning up the images, De Regt saw dust disks around twenty known stars. To his surprise, in addition to those 20, two other stars were found to contain dust structures in these observations: YLW 16A and Elia 2-21. These protostars are located some 360 light years towards the constellation Ophiuchus (known as the serpent-bearer). Openly accessible "I find it super cool that we have made two new images of these stellar cocoons," says De Regt. "Furthermore, it is of course great that, thanks to the standard procedure we developed, the data have been reduced and are openly accessible via a Zenodo archive." Thesis supervisor Matthew Kenworthy adds, "This allows other astronomers to carry out research with this data, breathing new life into it. It's a good example of the Open Science principle." "The fact that Sam managed to achieve this in a few months is fantastic," says graduation supervisor Christian Ginski. "We don't often witness such productivity." De Regt is now a Ph.D. student at Leiden University. He studies how the formation of exoplanets leaves imprints in their atmospheres. More information: S. de Regt at al, Polarimetric Differential Imaging with VLT/NACO. A comprehensive PDI pipeline for NACO data (PIPPIN),Astronomy & Astrophysics (2024). www.aanda.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202348736 Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics 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: A crowd amasses in front of the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. Credit: CC image via Wikemedia Commons Editor's note: This article contains content around violence and racism that may be upsetting for some readers. Regina Bateson first traveled to Guatemala in 2005 as a young foreign service officer working in the U.S Embassy in Guatemala City. At the time, the Latin American nation was less than a decade out from the peace accords that had ended its brutal civil war. According to estimates, nearly 200,000 people died or vanished in the war between 1960 and 1996most were Indigenous Maya, and most had been killed at the hands of the government or its agents. But, in some ways, Guatemala after the turn of the millennium was not much safer. By 2011, the homicide rate in Guatemala City had reached 104.5 deaths per 100,000 people, more than eight times the homicide rate in Denver in 2022. Amid all that violence, Bateson, now an assistant professor of political science at CU Boulder, discovered a contradiction that shaped the rest of her life. She had assumed that the most deadly regions of Guatemala would also be the areas that had been the most wracked by war. But that wasn't the case. To the budding researcher, there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the patterns of violence in her new home. "That was puzzling to me. I talked to a lot of people about it when I was there, and nobody had a solid explanation for why that was," she said. "That was what motivated me to go to graduate school." Today, Bateson studies vigilantism and other forms of political violence. Her time in Guatemala and elsewhere has taught her lessons about the ways that these acts can emerge around the globe. Vigilantism, she said, is almost always carried out by a group in power targeting people who have much less power, in many cases motivated by racism or xenophobia. She added that many of the warning signs for violence have reared up across the United States, including the spread of armed and organized militias. When she returned to Guatemala for her dissertation research, for example, Bateson encountered an organization known as the Guardianes del Vecindario in Joyabaja small town in the department of El Quiche, where the government had perpetrated acts of genocide. The group, or la patrulla ("the patrol") as locals called it, echoed the civil patrols that roamed the region during the civil war. The group's several hundred members walked the streets at night, wearing black ski masks, stopping passersby and searching cars. In some cases, patrollers detained, beat and even tortured people they suspected of crimes. "People are afraid to do anything bad now that the patrol is here," one Joyabaj resident told Bateson at the time. Closer to home, there's still a lot that concerned people in the United States can do to resist an escalation in violence, Bateson said. In 2018, she ran as a Democrat in the primary to represent California's 4th Congressional District, ultimately coming in third. "The court system matters. The judiciary matters," she said. "Our institutions provide a check on violent and authoritarian behavior that doesn't exist in many other places." Fuzzy lines When talking about vigilantism, Bateson often points to the case of David Chen, owner of Lucky Moose Food Mart in Toronto. In 2009, Chen and a few of his staff members chased down a man they believed had stolen plants from their market, tying him up and tossing him into a van. Police arrested both the vigilantes and the alleged thief. But in the years that followed, politicians including then Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper showed up at the market to take photos with Chen. Eventually, the government passed a bill to expand the scope of citizens arrests in Canada, and Chen was cleared of all charges. Bateson defines cases of vigilantism like this as "the extralegal prevention, investigation or punishment of offenses." Culturally, the word "vigilante" may conjure up images of Batman or Charles Bronson, star of the 1974 film "Death Wish"lone wolves taking the law into their own hands. But, as Chen's case shows, vigilantism is an inherently political act, Bateson said, and the lines between vigilantes and official state institutions can become "fuzzy." "Vigilantism threatens human rights and the rule of law," Bateson said. "Vigilantism is also a way for people, usually those with more power in society, to shape public debate." She added that vigilantes around the world tend to draw on the same language and themes to justify their actionswhether that's in countries with high violent crime rates, or in much safer places like Canada or Scandinavia. Often, vigilantes act on fears that may be unfounded or are deeply rooted in racism and xenophobia. "They say, "We have to step in, and we have no choice because the state is either absent or not being aggressive enough,'" Bateson said. "But the people targeted by vigilantes may have done absolutely nothing wrong and are just perceived as a threat because of their identity." Alarming trends The United States has not been immune to such deadly vigilante violence, including horrific acts by lynch mobs. The NAACP estimates that between 1882 and 1968, 4,743 people were lynched in the United States, more than 70% of whom were Black. This year, six former law enforcement officers from Mississippi were sentenced for a 2023 incident in which they broke into a home and tortured two Black men. Bateson has seen "alarming" signs that the United States may be teetering on the brink of political violence today as extremist groups around the country become more organized. In recent years, she said, far-right organizations, including some of those responsible for the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, have created robust social networks across the country. Even as some group members have faced prosecution, the Southern Poverty Law Center has found that militias have continued organizing online and underground. Armed militias are patrolling stretches of the southern border with Mexico, seeking to stop and detain migrants crossing north. "Vigilantism is hard on a logistical level," she said. "It's hard to carry out, but there's a lot of infrastructure in place to support it in the U.S. right now." Bateson also points to the rise in politicians using what she calls "dehumanizing" language. "The fact that political rhetoric is singling out particular groups as 'poisoning the blood of the country' has really caught the attention of people who study political violence," Bateson said. "Dehumanizing language like that is such a red flag. Throughout history, it has preceded significant violence targeting vulnerable groups." But there's still time to reverse this trend. In the United States, the rule of law and political institutions, while under pressure, remain strong compared with many other parts of the world. "Being pro-democracy and pro-rule of law is not an exclusively Democratic, Republican, Green or Libertarian agenda. It's not a partisan position," Bateson said. "Being active in your political party and promoting candidates whose values align with what you want to see for the country's future is so important." 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: The paired water striders Burmogerris rarus, from Myanmar amber. Credit: NIGPAS Fossilized mating insects are an irreplaceable find for understanding the evolution of mating behaviors and life history traits in the deep-time record of insects. A research group led by Prof. Huang Diying from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS) has systematically studied fossil water striders from the mid-Cretaceous of northern Myanmar (about 100 million years ago). Now they have presented the first fossil record of a group of water striders in copulation. The findings were published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B on April 3. According to the researchers, instances of copulation are particularly rare in fossil insects, especially aquatic species, thus limiting our understanding of relevant behavioral strategies across geological time periods. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the functional morphology and behavioral ecology of the fossilized water striders, the researchers revealed the mating behavior and potential sexual conflicts of Cretaceous water striders. Gerromorpha includes water striders and their relatives that are conspicuously adapted to motion, feeding, and mating on the water surface. They occupy a wide range of niches including freshwater, coastal, and even pelagic environments. The specialized morphology and diverse behavior of gerromorphans have become hot research topics in evolutionary biology, ecology, and even interdisciplinary studies, and have provided a theoretical basis for the development of biomimetic technology on water surfaces. Photomicrographs of Burmogerris rarus. Credit: NIGPAS The common gerromorphan mating system is characterized by strong sexual conflict, manifested as copulatory struggles between the sexes, along with a range of male behaviors such as harassment, coercive violation, and intimidation, while females resist costly mating attempts. The fossil record of gerromorphan insects is limited. For example, only one Mesozoic example of Gerridae has been found in French amber. In the specimen reported in this study, seven adults of Burmogerris rarus gen. et sp. nov., comprising three paired individuals and a single adult male, as well as four recognizable water strider nymphs are enclosed in an amber piece. Of these, two pairs were captured in mating situations, with smaller males riding on the backs of the females. In addition, two pairs and a single male appear to have been preserved in the same layer near the upper surface of the amber. "We speculate that the small-sized male B. rarus is unlikely to be territorial, while this species maintains a high population density in the Myanmar amber forest," said Dr. Fu Yanzhe from the research group. Morphological studies using confocal laser microscopy and fluorescence microscopy revealed sexual dimorphism in the protibiae of the new fossils: specifically, protibiae are slightly curved in males while they are straight in females. In addition, male protibiae have 1517 discontinuous clusters of pegs along the innermost edge, forming a comb-like structure that is absent in females. "By comparing the male's protibial combs with species in the related family Veliidae, we suggest that the specialized protibial comb of the new fossils functions as a grasping apparatus, likely representing an adaptation to overcome female resistance during struggles," said Prof. Huang. Ecological reconstruction. Credit: NIGPAS These paired fossils probably represent a stage of precopulatory struggle or postcopulatory contact guarding. Males used such contact guarding to prolong mating and thus avoid sperm competition. Since guarding could lead to prolonged association between males and females, the probability of being trapped by resin during mating increased. The researchers suggested that B. rarus males were more likely to actively search for females rather than adopt a sit-and-wait strategy. The new discovery in Myanmar amber has significant implications for understanding the early evolution of mating behavior in water striders. Drawing from insights into the paleoecology of the Myanmar amber biota and an analysis of the morphology, including body size, wings, legs, and claws, of the new fossils, this study suggests that B. rarus most likely inhabited small, slow-flowing water bodies, such as tidal pools, near the coast in the Burmese amber forest. More information: Yanzhe Fu et al, Group mating in Cretaceous water striders, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2546 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B 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: (A) Binding energies of (-)-morphine and (+)-morphine interacting with MOR. (B) Binding pocket residues of (-)-morphine and (+)-morphine in MOR, visualized from the extracellular side. (C) W293 flipping into the binding site to establish hydrophobic interactions and stabilize (-)-morphine in the activated MOR. (D) Alignment of (-)-morphine-bound MOR and (+)-morphine-bound MOR with the activated crystal structure of MOR, highlighting the significant conformational changes compared to the activated state. Credit: Science China Press A new study aimed to understand how our bodies recognize and respond to different enantiomer forms of opioid. Led by Dr. Xiaohui Wang from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research has been published in the journal National Science Review. Back in the 1950s, it was noticed that the effectiveness of opiate narcotics strongly depends on their stereochemistry. The active forms are the (-)-isomers, while the (+)-isomers have no analgesic effect. Morphine, a potent painkiller derived from the opium poppy, naturally occurs in the (-)-isomer form. However, the synthetic (+)-morphine has minimal activity and does not provide pain relief. This shows that the -opioid receptor (MOR) selectively responds to morphine enantiomers. Dr. Wang states, "This has been a puzzling question in neuroscience and pharmacology for the past half century: Why does natural (-)-morphine relieve pain while (+)-morphine does not?" Recent advancements in structural biology have allowed scientists to examine high-resolution structures of MOR, enabling the study of its stereoselectivity at the atomic level. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations have significantly improved our ability to dissect the thermodynamics and kinetics of the receptor-ligand interactions. Dr. Wang adds, "The development of new technologies has given us an extra boost in understanding how MOR recognizes and responds to different enantiomer forms of morphine." In this study, the researchers employed computer simulations to explore the thermodynamical and kinetical mechanisms of stereoselective recognition of morphine by MOR by all-atom MD simulations. They discovered that (-)-morphine binding stabilizes MOR in its activated state, exhibiting a deep energy well, therefore resulting in pain relief. Conversely, (+)-morphine fails to sustain MOR's activation. The study also identified specific regions of MOR that undergo changes when binding to (-)-morphine. "The selectivity in molecular recognition goes beyond binding affinities, extending into the realm of residence time," Dr. Wang says. In this study, the analysis of kinetics sheds light on the chiral recognition capability of MOR, as reflected by the residence time. Notably, (-)-morphine demonstrated longer residence time than (+)-morphine in MOR, by a remarkable factor of 8,000. These kinetic results are in line with experimental evidence demonstrating that (-)-morphine functions as a MOR agonist while (+)-morphine exhibits minimal affinity for MOR. The initial binding time of morphine enantiomers to the MOR receptor is similar, but the residence time of (-)-morphine is much longer than that of (+)-morphine, approximately 8000 times longer. Credit: Science China Press By elucidating the thermodynamics and kinetics behind MOR's stereoselective recognition of morphine enantiomers, this study offers valuable insights into the fundamental workings of the opioid system. The knowledge gained from this research can potentially contribute to the development of more effective and targeted pain medications with reduced side effects. Dr. Wang and his team are of the opinion that their discoveries lay the groundwork for more in-depth studies into the MOR and its interactions with various chiral molecules. This research has the potential to open up new paths in the fields of neuroscience and pharmacology. By delving deeper into how MOR engages with these molecules, the team anticipates uncovering novel insights into receptor behavior, which could lead to advancements in drug development, particularly in pain management and addiction treatment. Such explorations are crucial for understanding the nuances of receptor-ligand interactions and could ultimately contribute to more effective and targeted therapeutic strategies. More information: Yibo Wang et al, Stereoselective recognition of morphine enantiomers by -opioid receptor, National Science Review (2024). DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae029 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: Cell Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114012. https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/pdf/S2211-1247(24)00340-1.pdf A recent breakthrough sheds light on how the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, invades human red blood cells. The study, led by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics, reveals the role of a sugar called sialic acid in this invasion process. The findings, published in Cell Reports, have major implications for malaria vaccine and drug development. With 249 million cases of malaria and 608,000 deaths in 2022, malaria has remained an intractable global health threat. The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is the leading cause of severe malaria and is responsible for the largest portion of malaria deaths. All clinical symptoms of malaria are caused by the multiplication of malaria parasites in the red blood cells. Key component found for malaria invasion P. falciparum is known to invade human red blood cells, but the precise details of the targets that the parasite binds to has not been known to date. Although we know that the malaria protein, cystein-rich protective antigen (CyRPA), is essential for the invasion of red blood cells, its precise role in this process was not understood. A multidisciplinary, collaborative research team from six institutions, led by investigators at Swiss TPH in Switzerland and Institute for Glycomics in Australia examined the binding properties of CyPRA. The researchers discovered that a sugar called sialic acid is a key component of the red blood cell surface that is recognized by the malaria parasite, and which is essential for the invasion process. "We are now demonstrating that P. falciparum CyRPA binds to a specific carbohydrate structure (glycan) present on the red blood cell surface. The CyRPA protein is highly adapted to bind to a glycan terminating with a sialic acid. The discovery of the key function of CyRPA in host cell invasion provides an explanation for the parasite inhibitory activity of CyRPA-specific antibodies," said Gerd Pluschke, Group Leader of Molecular Immunology at Swiss TPH, and co-corresponding author of the publication. Malaria parasite adapted to humans "Humans differ from other primates because they can only produce one type of sialic acid, called Neu5Ac. This genetic difference between humans and closely related primates has long been proposed to contribute to the species-specific targeting of malaria parasites. "In this study, we show that the human form of sialic acid, Neu5Ac, is strongly preferred by the human-specific malaria parasite P. falciparum, and may explain the adaptation of this parasite to humans," said Michael Jennings, Acting Director of the Institute for Glycomics, and co-corresponding author of the paper. Implications for vaccine and drug development Vaccines targeting the P. falciparum pre-erythrocytic stages are registered for use. However, they only show moderate levels of efficacy. There is no registered vaccine against the blood stage of malaria, but there is intensive research on blood stage vaccines. "The discovery of the key function of CyRPA in host cell invasion strongly supports the concept to clinically test CyRPA as a blood stage vaccine target," said Pluschke. Moreover, as the emergence of drug resistance in the parasites that cause malaria is a major health threat, the study's findings offer hope for new antimalarial drugs that are urgently needed. "The essential binding activity of CyRPA to a specific glycan also validates CyRPA as drug target, and we demonstrate that small molecule inhibitors that interfered with this function can inhibit malaria replication in our study," said Jennings. Provided by Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute 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: Shearing experimental setup. (A) The home-built Couette setup in which we perform cyclic shearing experiments. (B) A construction view of a three-dimensional model of the shearing setup. (C) Sketch of the profile of the frictional wall. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317915121 When we take a stroll on the beach, we walk on the sand without any trouble. The sand appears solid and is difficult to compress. When we put the same sand grains in an hourglass, they behave very differently: the sand flows like a liquid. Granular materials such as sand have many interesting properties. In lab-made granular materials, scientists have so far been able to fine tune their "liquid" flow properties, but the "solid" compressibility properties have remained rather robust. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam and from Santiago in Chile have now managed to design new granular materials that can also easily be compressed, a result that could have great potential in applications like shock dampening. One can find them all along the coast of Japan: tetrapods, enormous four-legged blocks of concrete that prevent erosion of coastal structures. Together, these tetrapods form a granular metamaterial: a granular material like sand, but designed and made by humans. Tetrapods have their shape for a good reason. The extended legs make it very difficult for a pile of these blocks to flow. Contrary to ordinary boulders, they stay in their place, and as a result they do what they were intended to do: prevent the coastline from changing. The example of tetrapods shows that it is relatively easy to make a granular system which is almost incompressible and flows far worse than sand. On the other end of the spectrum, it has turned out to be very difficult to create a material that is easy to compress and flows better than sand. Due to the work of the researchers from Amsterdam and Santiago, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week, this situation has now changedopening up very interesting opportunities. In this movie, we show that a packing of auxetic grains with a similar imposed volume yields at a significantly lower torque than a packing of regular grains. In a typical "large shear simulation," we show that the auxetic grains cause the measured normal pressure to fluctuate less. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317915121 Daan Haver, first author of the publication, explains, "In the field of metamaterials, we construct the geometry of a material in such a way that the material has a desired response. For example, we normally expect an elastic band to become thinner when we stretch it. "In previous work, researchers have shown ways to make materials which become thinner not when stretched but when compressed, purely based on the geometry of the material. This example shows that it is possible to tune the properties of your material. We were wondering if we could use this idea to also tune granular materials." In the lab, the researchers made grains that shrink radially when there is an external pressure. That means that when a packing of these grains is compressed, the amount of free space between the grains remains roughly the same, and as a result the flowing behavior of the grains remains similar to that of a liquid. Haver states, "The forces inside the medium remain low. Therefore, the packing is not only very compressible but can also flow better. We put the grains in a funnel. Normally, grains will form an obstructing arc. However, when the grains shrink with respect to the opening size, the grains will eventually flow. "It was always thought that granular materials would be difficult to compress and that changes to grains would deteriorate flowing properties. With our new grains, we opened up a direction where we can create totally different packings that are easy to compress and which still flow easily." Shock dampening The new results could have great potential in shock dampening. The researchers showed that a metal disk, when dropped into a packing of the new grains, slows down over a long period of time and barely bounces back. The energy of the disk's motion is thus transferred more consistently and homogeneously to the packing. Haver says, "Imagine, instead of a metal disk, someone falling in a speed skating race. The impact on the skater when hitting the wall would be small if the new grains are used inside the cushion. As a big bonus, the person would not be bounced back on the track, making the situation safer for everyone involved." More information: Daan Haver et al, Elasticity and rheology of auxetic granular metamaterials, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317915121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 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 Research from Monash University has unveiled concerning insights into the resurgence of male supremacy and the advancement of toxic masculinity in Australian schools. The research findings, published in Gender and Education, suggest a disturbing pattern of sustained sexual harassment, sexism and misogyny perpetrated by boys, signaling a worrying shift in gender dynamics within school environments. The paper, authored by Dr. Stephanie Wescott and Professor Steven Roberts from the Faculty of Education at Monash University, explores the power of "manfluencers," specifically Andrew Tate, a notorious self-proclaimed misogynist, and its impact on the behavior of boys towards women teachers and their female peers. The paper follows the Federal Government's announcement in October of a three-year trial project to combat toxic masculinity on social media. The research draws on qualitative interviews with 30 women teachers across public and private schools in Australia, and delves into the implications of Tate's ubiquitous social media presence, including how young people's interactions with Tate's content shape their views and subsequently their interactions in the classroom. Dr. Wescott explains how the deliberate use of Tate's themes and beliefs in classrooms by young boys was found to provoke significant changes in their behavior and attitudes toward women. "Our research found that male supremacy in classrooms was rampant among Australian schools. Our participants detailed overt displays of authority and dominance by boys towards women teachers, reflecting a resurgence of traditional patriarchal norms. "The findings also outline a troubling increase in sexual harassment and misogynistic behavior against women teachers and girls in schools, with Andrew Tate's influence shaping and reinforcing regressive views on masculinity," Dr. Wescott said. Teachers unanimously reported that shifts in the behavior of boys intersect with both a return to face-to-face schooling after a period of remote learning during COVID lockdowns and the rise of Tate's popularity. Teachers also identified that some boys have adopted Tate's messaging around post #metoo skewed gender power dynamics that situate women as now unfairly advantaged. "(Students) make joking references about Andrew Tate to try and get a reaction from the girls or some female staff. They know exactly the type of polarizing figure that he is, but they feel safe enough to put him into the classroom as a joke," says Jane, a school teacher from NSW. The perverse intent in these jokes is also captured by Melanie, a former teacher in a Queensland school who recently resigned due to sustained sexual harassment from boys. "They didn't really say any specifics, just how much they loved him. And they know in a way that he was bad, but it was a funny thing to like him." Dr. Wescott explains that these interactions are profoundly affecting women teachers' experiences at work. "Women teachers are engaging in combative interactions that challenge and undermine their gender and their stance on Andrew Tate. Alarmingly, some teachers we spoke to are reporting that schools are no longer a safe place for women teachers," said Dr. Wescott. Acting CEO of Respect Victoria Serina McDuff said the research is critical to understand the influences young men are drawn to, how these influences drive gendered violence, and how to prevent this violence playing out in classrooms. "This research reflects a concerning shift in the attitudes that some young men are expressing in schools, and points to the importance of in-depth, ongoing education for students on respectful relationships and challenging harmful gender stereotypesthe stereotypes that stress violence and domination," said McDuff. "It's also a reminder that teachers and school staff must be supported to navigate these conversations, to support women and girls to be safe and respected in classrooms, and to support boys to challenge and reject extremist views like Tate's." Report co-author Professor Steven Roberts highlighted the urgent need for open conversations in schools to allow women to share their experiences and engage in a dialogue about the influence of "manfluencer" culture on boys' developing identities and relationships. "The study suggests that current school-level responses, often one-off sessions or punitive talks, may not be sufficient to address the distress experienced by teachers," said Professor Roberts. "Instead, our findings call for broader and more comprehensive school-level responses to tackle the pervasive influence of 'manfluencers' on boys' behavior, including open conversations, ongoing dialogue, and proportionate measures." The paper also recommends the importance of school leadership in addressing the impact of "manfluencer" culture, emphasizing the need for more attention to the extent, form and effect of school leaders' responses to this phenomenon. The researchers urge school communities and fellow scholars to focus on the implications of responses to "manfluencer" culture in educational settings, and consider the broader impact on young men's relationships with women and girls, their identities and their understanding of power and social advantage. More information: Stephanie Wescott et al, The problem of anti-feminist 'manfluencer' Andrew Tate in Australian schools: women teachers' experiences of resurgent male supremacy, Gender and Education (2023). DOI: 10.1080/09540253.2023.2292622 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: Min-Seok Pang, an associate professor and the Milton F. Stauffer Research Fellow at Temples Fox School of Business, recently completed a study that found for the last 30 years, airlines increase the supply of flights from the airports in the home district of the chair of the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Credit: Joseph V. Labolito A study from Temple University faculty member Min-Seok Pang outlines how airlines increase flights to cater to the chair of the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. What exactly does it look like to lobby Congress? If you are a major airline carrier, it might look something like providing more flights to and from the airports in the home district of the chair of the Transportation Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Coincidentally enough, new Temple University research has found that for at least the last 30 years, that is exactly what has been happening. Min-Seok Pang, an associate professor and the Milton F. Stauffer Research Fellow at Temple's Fox School of Business, recently completed a study that tracked U.S. airline data from 1990 through 2019. Co-authored by Russell Funk of the University of Minnesota and Daniel Hirschman of Cornell University, the journal article "We Fly Congress: Market Actions as Corporate Political Activity in the U.S. Airline Industry" was recently published in Organization Science and it details the covert ways in which airline carriers work to lobby Congress. Through this empirical analysis, Pang and his colleagues found that airlines increase the supply of flights from the airports in the home district of the chair of the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The analysis also found that airlines increase the supply of nonstop flights to Washington, D.C., from the chair's district. "When we think about lobbying, we think about campaign contributions or a company hiring lobbyists to communicate with members of Congress or politicians," Pang said. "What makes this study so interesting is that it shows how companies are also lobbying Congress in covert ways in that they are using their core products and services to influence them." The magnitude of this effect is sizable; airlines expand the number of departures at the chair's district by 5.5%, and the number of available seats by 9.6%. The increase in the number of available seats to D.C. is as much as 4.4%. One of the other key takeaways from the study was how this has been a consistent trend, regardless of who holds the title of chair of the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Party affiliation is also a nonfactor. Consider the following. From 1990 through 2019, nine different individuals held the title of chair of the Transportation Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Five of the chairs were Democrats and four were Republicans, but in every single instance, home flights to the chair's home district increased and flights to Washington, D.C., increased, too. But what happens once a chair's term is up? That's another interesting takeaway. "The flights go down because of course they would," Pang said. "If it has proven to be profitable, we found that they do keep some of the flights; they do not decrease completely back to what the numbers were prior to the chair getting in office. But in most instances, once the chair's term is up, the flights to his district go down, as well." So, does all of this lobbying work? Do the airlines benefit from catering so much to each Transportation Committee chair? According to Pang's research, the answer to that question is yes. "Companies do not like changes, and a policy change is only beneficial if it directly benefits the company's bottom line," Pang said. "We found that the more departures that take place from the district of the Transportation Committee chair, the less likely it is that an aviation bill will pass in the U.S. House. For an airline, a policy change is only beneficial if it directly benefits the airline's bottom line, and the next best thing beyond that is the status quo. That is where this strategy works." More information: Min-Seok Pang et al, We Fly Congress: Market Actions as Corporate Political Activity in the U.S. Airline Industry, Organization Science (2023). DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2022.17026 Journal information: Organization Science 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: Max Fischer from Pexels New research from the Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research's Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC) finds that female students may be more likely to stick with STEM curriculum when they receive support from high school guidance counselors. In 2013, the Texas legislature introduced "endorsements," which function like college majors to provide high school students the opportunity to specialize in an area aligned with their long-term goals. To earn an endorsement, Texas students must take specific course sequences, or paths, in one or more areas of focus. In the Houston Independent School District, the first students to graduate under the new endorsement system in 2018 did not receive formal guidance about their endorsement tracks after their initial choice in ninth grade. However, in 2019, the school district added a check-in session with guidance counselors for all students to support them in completing their endorsements. In "The Role of Guidance Counselors in Narrowing the Gender Gap in STEM Endorsements" published last month, HERC researchers found that when HISD implemented these check-ins, female students' probability of completing the STEM endorsement increased significantlyand the effect was particularly strong for female students from less privileged backgrounds. As a result, the gender gap in completing the STEM endorsement in HISD almost completely disappeared, declining from 6.2% in 2018 to 0.8% in 2019. "The endorsement counseling program wasn't necessarily geared toward gender, it was geared toward helping students succeed in light of the recent policy change. But there is burgeoning research that shows male and female students react differently to social capital interventions," says Brian Holzman, the lead author of the study who is now an assistant professor of educational administration at Texas A&M University. "Both male and female students were switching to STEM in the second cohort. We just found that the effects of the program were stronger for female students." HERC Director Erin Baumgartner notes that while there could be several reasons for the increase in overall STEM endorsement completion during this period, the findings suggest that guidance from school counselors may be a potential solution to the gender gap in STEM and an especially promising strategy for increasing access to STEM for female students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. "There's a lot of research that shows students benefit from access to effective counselors, who can deliver tailored support based on students' unique experiences and needs," Baumgartner said. "The challenge is for schools to provide the right ratio of trained counselors to students to offer adequate support." The researchers said they hope this work will shed light on the impact of support for students, especially females, pursuing STEM education. More information: STEM Endorsement and the Pathway to College (Briefs 1-4): kinder.rice.edu/research/stem- y-college-briefs-1-4 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: MUSE image centered on the quasar PDS 456. Credit: Travascio et al., 2024. Using the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile, an international team of astronomers has inspected a luminous quasar known as PDS 456. Results of the observational campaign, published March 26 on the pre-print server arXiv, shed more light on the ionized emission from this quasar. Quasars, or quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) are active galactic nuclei (AGN) of very high luminosity, emitting electromagnetic radiation observable in radio, infrared, visible, ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths. They are among the brightest and most distant objects in the known universe, and serve as fundamental tools for numerous studies in astrophysics as well as cosmology. For instance, quasars have been used to investigate the large-scale structure of the universe and the era of reionization. They also improved our understanding of the dynamics of supermassive black holes and the intergalactic medium. At a redshift of 0.185, PDS 456 is a nearby luminous radio-quiet quasar. With a bolometric luminosity at a level of one quattuordecillion erg/s, it is the most luminous radio-quiet quasar at a redshift below 0.3. Previous observations of PDS 456 have found that it exhibits relativistic and powerful ultra fast X-ray winds, and a massive and clumpy carbon monoxide molecular outflow extending up to 16,000 light years eastward from the nucleus. A group of astronomers led by Andrea Travascio of the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy, decided to take advantage of MUSE's large field of view to investigate PDS 456. MUSE allowed Travascio's team to map with unprecedented detail the ionized emission from this quasar with a multi-scale, multi-phase outflow. First of all, the observations show that PDS 456 resides in a complex environment characterized by the diffuse emission of ionized gas extending up to a maximum projected distance of 150,000 light years. This environment includes a reservoir of gas with a mass of about 10100 million solar masses, eight companion galaxies, and a multi-phase outflow. MUSE observations identified an outflow of doubly ionized oxygen with a velocity of 600 km/s. The outflow has a projected size of about 65,000 light years and a velocity gradient along the east-west direction. The outflow mass rate was calculated to be at a level of 2.3 solar masses per year, which is significantly lower than in quasars with similar bolometric luminosity. The study found that the hydrogen-alpha outflow shows a similar scale, morphology, and kinematics to the carbon monoxide molecular outflow. This finding suggests that these two components belong to the same multi-phase outflow and could be driven from the same past AGN feedback episode. All in all, the authors of the paper underlined that the new results deliver important insights into the complex interplay between the different phases of AGN-driven outflows and the richness of the circumgalactic environment of PDS 456. "This may help in planning and performing future multi-band investigations of the properties of the luminous quasars shining at cosmic noon," the researchers concluded. More information: A. Travascio et al, MUSE view of PDS 456: kpc-scale wind, extended ionized gas and close environment, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2403.18043 Journal information: arXiv 2024 Science X Network 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 Scottish researchers are discovering new ways of combating environmental damage caused by acid mine drainage in Scotland by studying bacteria that can degrade dangerous waste products. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, are sequencing the DNA of bacteria found in areas polluted by acid mine drainage. They have discovered that the bacteria not only survived but had the potential to detoxify the environment by removing polluting heavy metals. Coal mining was a major industry in Scotland until the last deep mine closed in 2002. And while Scotland has effectively banned coal mining due to environmental concerns, the effects of the practice continue to damage Scotland's world-renowned landscapes. Acid mine drainage occurs in areas where metal-containing wastes from mining are exposed to air and water, creating a hazardous, acidic environment. Areas polluted by acid mine drainage are nearly 100 times more acidic than naturally occurring acidic areas, like peat bogs, which means they are extreme environments where it is nearly impossible for other life forms to survive. The waste from mining is not only dangerous for the surrounding environment but is also hazardous due to the leakage and spread of mobile heavy metals. Heavy metals are dangerous pollutants; if heavy metals leach into drinking water and are consumed in high quantities, they can cause liver, kidney and intestinal damage and even cancer. Even though mining puts extreme pressure on the environment, previous research has identified rarely documented populations of bacteria that have evolved to survive in the acidic conditions that mining creates. Now, for the first time, researchers have discovered how microbes can degrade these dangerous heavy metals to survive and are considering how they could be used in protecting and cleaning the environment. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, were interested in finding out more about these microorganisms, how they survive, and whether they have any useful characteristics to exploit in biotechnology. Michael McDonald, a Ph.D. student at the university in Dr. Andrew Free's lab, said, "The microbes can cope with these conditions, they've evolved in harsh environments, and we consider them to be extremophiles. We wanted to know what they were capable of and whether they could hold potential for exploitation and further use in biotechnology." Michael and his colleagues began by collecting multiple samples of contaminated sediment from acid mine drainage areas 30 miles west of Edinburgh. They then reassembled the genomes of bacteria present to understand more about them. They found that the bacteria didn't just survive; their genomes showed that they had the ability to actively detoxify the environment and reduce the damage caused by heavy metals. These results show that organisms can not only survive in acidic environments but thrive and contribute to the function of the ecosystem and natural cycles. Michael hopes that the characteristics identified in the bacteria by this research could prove even more useful in the future. "Now we know what they are capable of doing, in the future we may be able to exploit these bacteria in a sustainable way to help the clean-up of these sites." More research needs to take place, but researchers hope that as the bacteria are native to the site and can cope with the acidic conditions, they could be used in environmental recovery to protect Scottish water sources. Michael McDonald will present his data at this year's Microbiology Society Annual Conference which will take place from Monday 8 AprilThursday 11 April 2024 at Edinburgh International Convention Centre. His talk "Microbial Life in Acid Mine Drainage: Detection of Novel Functions Through Metagenomics" will take place on Wednesday, 10 April, at 16:45. Provided by Microbiology Society 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: Economist Kobbina Awuah was in the Ghanaian capital Accra and investigated how the microcredit company Quick Credit grants its loans. Credit: Marc Latzel Small loans can help people establish and expand their small businesses. A field study in Ghana has now revealed that men ask for and receive more money from microcredit companies than women. However, if women are better informed, they are more likely to apply for higher amounts. Economics professor David-Yanagizawa-Drott had an intriguing idea for a research seminara field study in the West African country of Ghana. "The idea was for Ph.D. candidates to experience what it means to engage in applied development economics and the challenges associated with it," says the UZH professor. The seminar proved popular, and so in April 2023, he and five Ph.D. candidates plus two Master's students traveled to Accra, the capital of Ghana, to study Ghana's microcredit market. Their plan was to collaborate with the largest microcredit company in the country, Quick Credit, which has over 200,000 clients and hands out loans totaling USD 5 million every week. The UZH researchers were interested in how microcredits are handled and whether there are gender differences in how these small loans are granted. This involved analyzing data from 400,000 loans and conducting interviews with the borrowers, the call center agents who process loan applications, and the loan officers who carry out on-site assessments of the creditworthiness of small businesses and approve the amounts handed out. The contact with Quick Credit was established by Kobbina Awuah, a Ph.D. candidate at UZH who lives in Ghana. He has invested in several companies in his home country and has strong ties to local businesses. "The project is a great opportunity for me to give back to my country," says Awuah. Traditional gender roles The microcredit loan process in Ghana revolves around call centers. This is where loan applications are handled and key details are recorded, including the nature of the client's business, their age and gender as well as the loan amounts requested. Call center employees often advise their clients, for example by suggesting that they increase the amounts they have asked for. And this makes a lot of sense, since the UZH economists found that, on average, the initial loans that women apply for are 30% lower than the ones men ask for. Quick Credit also grants women less money than male borrowers. These differences can be explained by roles that are deeply rooted in the local society. "In Ghana, gender roles are still very traditional," says Stine Helmke, a Ph.D. candidate on the research team. "Family finances are still considered more of a male responsibility." This has three unintended and undesirable consequences: firstly, women are given less money to develop and succeed with their businesses. Secondly, microcredit companies grant fewer loans, which is bad for business, not least since women are more reliable when it comes to paying back their loans. And finally, the gender gap is perpetuated. Armed with these data, the researchers returned home after an intensive week of field work. Back in Switzerland, they asked themselves what they could do to change the situation. How can women be encouraged to apply for higher loans when they need them? The answer lay in the amount of information available to them. "We provided borrowers who contacted the call center with information that helped them compare their loans with the amounts requested by others," says Helmke. The researchers' idea was put to the test in a second 10-day stint in Ghana in July 2023. For their pilot study, the Ph.D. candidates joined employees in the call center who were handling loan applications. They recorded the details requested by the call center agents in real time and fed this information into a machine learning model they had developed back in Zurich. The model then produced two figures; the first indicated the average loan amount requested by other women with similar personal details, while the second revealed information about the average amount requested by male borrowers. This information was then passed on to the borrowers. Women increase their loan amounts How did the women respond to this information? "Many of the women increased their loan amounts, bringing them closer to the average amounts they were informed about," says Helmke. Interestingly, it seemed that for women, the average amount requested by other women was the decisive piece of information. "That was surprise for us. It appears that women don't imitate men but their own social group." So what do the researchers make of their findings? "We got the results we had hoped for," says Sara Rabino, another Ph.D. candidate on the team. "The aim of the experiment was to ascertain whether giving women this information would lead to them asking for higher loans. Around one in four actually did." Based on these promising findings, the team of researchers has now developed a larger study in which they hope to cover some 1,000 borrowers. This third phase took place at the end of last year, with findings expected to be published in early 2024. These small and simple interventions could have a big impact. "If gender bias in requesting and granting loans can be overcome, it reduces the financial strain on women who are seeking to establish their own business. And it can help men to avoid asking for loans that are too high and thus reduce their risk of bankruptcy," the Ph.D. candidates write in the research proposal for the third phase of the project. Their findings could help companies like Quick Credit to better tailor their lending practices to the needs of their clients, which could not only increase the number of loans they grant but also their revenue. Whether they do so, time will tell. "Our main goal is for women and men to have equal access to loans," stresses Helmke. "It'd be great if a follow-up study could investigate whether higher loans have a positive impact on women's businesses and make them more profitable," adds Rabino. Both agree that the research project in Ghana was a great experience. "It was like a crash course in development economics for us. And we managed to get by, even if it was at times stressful," says Rabino. "It was very exciting to collect and analyze data ourselves and develop a strategy based on what we learned. And it was fun to meet all the people and work with them." Awuah is convinced that the UZH project will change Quick Credit's lending practices. "I already spoke with the founder of the company. He is very enthusiastic about the project's initial findings. He sees an opportunity to start granting more and higher loans to women and in this way help get them more involved in the local economy." And, adds Awuah, "Quick Credit is the market leader. If they change their business practices, others will follow suit." 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: AI-generated image On 8 January 2024, NASA launched Peregrine Mission One, which carried capsules to the moon containing human remains and DNA samples. The goal was to deposit human remains on the lunar surface, and to release the content of the capsules in space. Some of the only firm opposition to the mission came from the Native American Navajo Nation. According to their culture, such activity is a desecration of the moon. NASA's response was telling: they were unable to check the payloads' contents, as they belonged to a private company. Private companies depositing human remains in space is not a new idea: in 1999, an orbiter was deliberately crashed near the lunar south pole, scattering the ashes of the astronomer Eugene Shoemaker. Though it was a NASA craft, the capsule carrying Shoemaker's ashes had been arranged by a private company. As more and more private actors venture into space, new issues are emerging. International law needs to promptly and carefully regulate all space activity in order to safeguard the future of space exploration. Anthropogenic contamination: the human footprint in space Humans have a strong material presence in space, and some believe we are already at the dawn of the "lunar Anthropocene". Our species' space footprint can be divided into two broad categories: evidence of human presence in the form of objects or artifacts (including "space junk"), and the release (intentional or unintentional) of biological substances, such as the scattering of human remains in space by private companies like the Arch Mission Foundation. Both categories raise concerns, and present novel, complex challenges for international law. Article IX of the 1967 Outer Space treaty, which applies to all space activities, states that countries must consider the interests of other states when conducting space operations. Accordingly, they must also take steps to avoid the harmful contamination of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies. This rule is clear, binding, and covers all countries on the planet. It imposes a broad obligation to protect outer space, but it has needed to be refined over the years. To this end, the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) has adopted the Planetary Protection Policy (PPP), which is regularly updated. These guidelines are not binding, but the PPP is usually applied by states themselves. In this context, certain artifacts in space have been given legal protection: in 2020, the U.S. adopted the One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act, requiring NASA to take measures to protect traces of the Apollo 11 mission. Space accidents The release of biological substances has already raised serious concerns, not only from the Navajo Nation, but also from the scientific community. In the 2019 Beresheet accident, a privately funded Israeli spacecraft crashed on the moon during its landing attempt. It allegedly spilled samples of human DNA along with thousands of tardigrades, tiny invertebrate animals able to survive under extreme conditions that are used in experiments to test the limits of survival in outer space. Critically, the cofounder of the private company that had requested transport of the payload acted of his own accord, and did not inform any authority of his decision to send tardigrades to the moon. In this instance, the international laws which exist also to protect the lunar environment from contamination were quite easily evaded, raising serious doubts as to space law's effectiveness. One might wonder why the moon needs protection from biological contamination, when authorities like the US NASEM Committee on Planetary Protection state that the lunar surface cannot support life, or the proliferation of organisms brought there. While this is true, we still do not fully understand the impacts of human activity on the moon, and it is vital that we preserve and protect it until we have a clearer picture, and until effective mitigation protocols can be established. For this reason, the updated COSPAR PPP argues for the need to protect scientifically valuable regions of the moon, especially the Lunar poles, which are of considerable astrobiological interest. Gaps in space law These examples reveal the major shortcomings in the legal protection of the outer space environment. Given the intensifying human presence in space, these need to be promptly addressed, especially in the case of novel privately funded activities like space tourism. It is imperative that states adopt or tighten national laws ensuring that all operators, public and private, conduct activities in line with international space law. They must also enhance their current legal frameworks to tackle the footprint (and waste) of new private space activities. Importantly, such laws must also ensure that space operators adhere to environmental protectionfor example by carrying out environmental impact assessments (EIA)to avoid creating additional risks to space activity, as is the case with space debris. Unilateral decisions to transfer biological material into space or onto other celestial bodies, such as that of the Beresheet accident, cannot be permitted. Such actions could be disastrous, both for the space environment and for human activities. They may also seriously endanger the search for extraterrestrial life. The COSPAR PPP should be built upon, strengthened and properly enforced on a national level. Only full respect for international law and international cooperation can pave the way for sustainable development of space activities, and ensure that it benefits all of humanity. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Using post-collapse images acquired by Umbra and pre- and post-collapse Sentinel-1 images, the University of Houston team identified two main breaches at the dam. Numbered portions depict the collapsed parts of the dam. Credit: University of Houston On the morning of June 6, 2023, a substantial portion of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukrainevital for water management and hydroelectric power generationsuffered a collapse while under Russian control. Russia had seized the dam early into its invasion of Ukraine, and though independent investigations suggested that Russia destroyed it to prevent a counterattack from Ukraine, Russia has denied responsibility. New findings published this morning (April 3) in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, from a University of Houston spaceborne-monitoring team, indicate the dam may have had deformation hotspots before the war, pre-dating the actual collapse. "Through our analysis, we observed displacements characterizing different segments of the dam, up to two years prior to the actual collapse," reports UH assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Pietro Milillo. In the article, Milillo and team present the results of a methodology called InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) which measures infrastructure deformation from space with millimetric accuracy using radar images of the Earth's surface collected from orbiting satellites. The findings came about while the team was conducting a study monitoring the stability of infrastructure during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. By leveraging spaceborne technology, the team, including the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) uncovered previously unseen details of the pre-collapse of the dam and detected movements and deformations in the dam years before the collapse, providing valuable insights into its stability. Flooding in Kherson after destruction of Kakhovka Dam 2023. Credit: Wikimedia/Creative Commons Using post-collapse images acquired by Umbra and pre- and post-collapse Sentinel-1 images, the University of Houston team identified two main breaches at the dam. Credit: University of Houston "This study highlights the significance of proactive monitoring and the role of remote sensing in ensuring the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure," said lead author Amin Tavakkoliestahbanati, co-author and graduate student in Geosensing System Engineering in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at UH. "Our findings emphasize the importance of continuous surveillance to detect and address potential risks before they escalate into catastrophic events." "Only in recent times are we able to observe such phenomena thanks to the increased number of satellites flying in space capable of such measurements," said Milillo, who is also a visiting scientist at DLR. "Current hypotheses ascribe the collapse of the dam to an explosion that occurred on June 6, 2023. Although our analysis cannot exclude an explosion that occurred on that date, they can identify existing damage mechanisms that might have affected the dam before its collapse," said Milillo. Milillo said that the data in the study support the hypothesis that the structure was moving downward since June 2021. "With the beginning of the war, neglected dam maintenance and operations might have destabilized the structure over specific areas, favoring the development of the above-mentioned mechanisms," he said. The research not only offers valuable insights into the events leading to the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam but also underscores the potential of InSAR as a proactive monitoring tool for infrastructure stability assessment. As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change and geopolitical instability, such studies pave the way for more informed decision-making processes and enhanced risk assessment strategies. InSAR's ability to detect and quantify ground movements with high precision and over extended periods of time contributes to enhanced risk assessment, forensic engineering activities and informed decision-making processes. More information: Amin Tavakkoliestahbanati et al, Pre-collapse spaceborne deformation monitoring of the Kakhovka dam, Ukraine, from 2017 to 2023, Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01284-z Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment 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 The division between right and left around the world has rarely felt more polarized. Of course there have always been differences between people on the different ends of the political spectrum, but now it seems they are living in different worlds entirely. This is perhaps related to the tendency for those on the right to focus on the past and to strive for a world that once was and the tendency for those on the left to do the opposite. Take two of the most famous political slogans of recent times: Barack Obama's "Yes we can" and Donald Trump's "Make America great again". While Obama's message evokes glimpses of a prosperous future, Trump's expresses a nostalgic outlook towards the past. In the UK, the successful Brexit campaign, which was largely led by conservatives, famously called on people to "take back control", while the Labour party has just launched its local election campaign under the slogan "Britain's future". The pattern is similar around the world. In South Africa, the rightwing Freedom Front Plus has recently carried the slogan "Stop the decay". For the upcoming presidential elections in Mexico, the leftwing National Regeneration Movement is mobilizing voters with "United for the transformation". In a recent study, I explored whether, within the general public, people on the right evaluate the past, present, and future differently compared to people on the left. I asked a sample of 1,200 people to judge different periods of history. They were asked about the period from 1950 to 2000, the present day and the near future (by giving their view on what society would look like in 25 years). I drew participants from the US, UK, Italy, South Africa, Mexico and Polandcountries with different economies, cultures and political regimes. In every country, rightwingers evaluated the recent past more positively than leftwingers. In the US, Poland and the UK, by contrast, leftwingers were more optimistic about what humanity could achieve in the near future. Interestingly, the effect on the left did not emerge in Italy, Mexico, and South Africa. Therefore, while the right's more positive view of the past seems to be shared across countries, the left's higher optimism does not. The glorious past In one experiment for the study, a group of participants was prompted to look more favorably to the past. These participants did not appear to be more open to rightwing opinions after having done so. This suggests that the connection does not run in this direction. Being more nostalgic about the past does not predispose people to endorse rightwing beliefs. On the other hand, another experiment encouraged a group of participants to freely reflect on their political opinions. Rightwing participants from this group became more nostalgic about the past when given this prompt. Leftwing participants became less so. This suggests that endorsing rightwing opinions at the start leads people to be more nostalgic, while endorsing leftwing opinions does the opposite. One last experiment explored nostalgia in more detail. Here I considered two potential forms of nostalgia. Some people may be nostalgic about traditional communities, about the old hierarchical order, about stronger family ties and about traditional culture. Other people may be nostalgic about the state of the economy, hearkening back to a time when governments tended to intervene more. Is the right nostalgic about tradition, the economy, or both? In my experiment, it was people on the left, not the right, who were more nostalgic about the economy. Those on the right had greater nostalgia for tradition. The data does also show that the economic nostalgia on the left is not as strong as the nostalgia for tradition on the right, explaining why the right can, overall, be considered more nostalgic than the left. These findings help explain why it's so common for rightwing politicians to appeal to voters with promises to take them back to the good old days, and for leftwing slogans to mobilize voters towards building a better futureand perhaps offers lessons to those politicians who'd like to reach across the divide. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Location of the villages and associated sacred forests (indicated by red boxes) selected for this study in the Epirus region, Greece. Green diamonds indicate locations of other sacred forests where ethnographic research has been conducted. Adapted from Stara et al (2016). Credit: People and Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10624 New research has shown that the special status of sacred forests also gives them important ecological characteristics, in particular a high resilience that enables them to recover after periods when they were damaged and degraded. The sacred status of these forests in Epirus, northwestern Greece, is conferred due to their association with the Greek Orthodox Church. Many of the forests have a church building or other religious feature at their cultural core and have been protected from exploitation down the generations by strict prohibitions enforced through the spiritual beliefs of local people and the continuation of sacred rituals. The history of Epirus over the past 400 years has been marked by huge societal changes during the era of the Ottoman Empire, Greek independence and then the impact of two world wars. Human populations in this rural area have gone through large fluctuations from periods of intensive land use and pressure on forest resources, to depopulation that allowed recovery of forests by natural regeneration. The research by the University of Ioannina, University of Bologna, Bangor University and the Forestry Service of Ioannina, published in People and Nature, has shown that throughout this history the sacred forests have remained a constant natural feature in the landscape. Taking wood cores from the trees in five of these forests and measuring their growth rings has shown big fluctuations in the rate at which new trees have established since the oldest measured tree, which was dated to 1621. A peak in the emergence of new trees was found during periods when human populations were low. There was also good evidence to show that the mature trees of the sacred forests acted as a nucleus from which seeds dispersed enabling new trees to establish and expand the forest cover out into the landscape. Lead researcher Dr. Valentino Marini Govigli of the University of Bologna said, "These results have important implications for such sacred natural sites, which can be considered as 'socio-ecological systems,' with their natural and human elements intertwined. Their strong cultural status has been vital for their survival during periods of huge turmoil, and their capacity to reseed forest recovery across the landscape when reduction in human pressures has allowed, which has been crucial for their resilience." Research team member John Healey, Professor of Forest Sciences at Bangor University, said, "From our results, we have been able to propose practical actions to ensure that sacred forests can adapt to significant social changes. Important components are raising public awareness to promote cultural vitality, and active forest management such as clearing flammable shrubs from border areas and periodic light grazing to maintain the identity of individual sacred natural sites within the landscape. "This international collaboration illustrates the importance of linking new discoveries about the cultural value and ecological dynamics of forests to practical recommendations for their conservation, thus ensuring that they continue to play a vital role for future generations, which is central to the research and teaching of forestry at Bangor University." Post-doctoral researcher Dr. Kalliopi Stara of the University of Ioannina said, "Since 2015 the sacred forests of the region's villages have been listed in the index of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece, and they are key components of the Zagori Cultural Landscape that was added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in 2023." The leader of the project Professor John Halley of the University of Ioannina said, "Given the high status now afforded to these Sacred Natural Sites there has been a major increase in interest among our students and the general public, which our Laboratory of Ecology has met through cultural ecology field courses and many public engagement events." Dr. Rigas Tsiakiris from the Forestry Service of Ioannina said, "The results of this research are very valuable for the Forestry Service to inform our implementation of the management required to protect these valuable forests." More information: Valentino Marini Govigli et al, Exploring spatial and temporal resilience in socioecological systems: Evidence from sacred forests in Epirus, Greece, People and Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10624 Journal information: People and Nature 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: Breeding big cats to later have them shot by wealthy hunters typically paying thousands of US dollars has long been loathed by conservation and animal rights groups. South Africa on Wednesday laid out plans to phase out the captive breeding of lions for hunting purposes as the country moves to ban the controversial business. The practice of breeding big cats to later have them shot by wealthy hunters typically paying thousands of US dollars has long been loathed by conservation and animal rights groups. Hunters, usually foreigners, sometimes take home the head or skin of the killed animal as a trophy. The South African government had already announced its intention to ban the breeding of lions for hunting in 2021 and an ad hoc panel has been working on the issue for the past two years. "The panel recommended the closure of the captive breeding sector, including the keeping of lions in captivity, or the use of captive lions or their derivatives commercially," Environment Minister Barabara Creecy told a press conference in Cape Town. Breeders will have two years to voluntarily withdraw from the sector and change their business model before the ban kicks in. The idea, which has faced strong opposition from representatives of the highly lucrative industry, was approved by the government last week but is yet to be translated into law. The move comes with trophy hunting facing a growing backlash in the West. Campaigns to ban the import of trophies have drawn support in the United States, Australia and several European countries in recent years. "The industry is large and complex with a long history that is not aligned with both current international trends and domestic policy changes on conservation," said Kamalasen Chetty, head of the ad hoc panel. Between 8,000 and 12,000 lions are kept on about 350 farms across South Africa, according to estimates by animal rights groups that regularly denounce the conditions in which the animals are held. The number of wild lions in comparison totals only around 3,500, according to the Endangered Wildlife Trust, a South Africa-based NGO. 2024 AFP 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: Comma butterfly. Credit: Rob Blanken/Butterfly Conservation, CC BY-ND Butterflies are important bellwethers of environmental change. Highly sensitive to climatic conditions and undergoing large fluctuations in abundance from year to year due to vagaries of weather, they offer a unique window into the ecology of our rapidly changing world. Newly published results from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme present a mixed picture for butterflies in 2023, with notable contrasts between certain winners and losers. This initiative is led by the charity Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the British Trust for Ornithology and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Since 1976, the scheme has compiled trends for 58 butterfly species from a network of monitored sites across the UK. In 2023, half of butterfly species had a better than average year, while the other half saw numbers below average. Species that did well last year included brown argus, comma, holly blue, marbled white and black hairstreak, all of which recorded their top three best years since the scheme began. Many of these butterflies are currently undergoing range expansions in the UK. This means that they are spreading across a wider geographical area as the climate becomes increasingly favorable for them. In the 1970s, for example, the comma was restricted to the southern half of Great Britain, but has rapidly pushed north and westwards in recent decades, colonizing northern England, southern Scotland and south-east Ireland. Arguably, the star species of 2023 was the red admiral, which recorded its best ever year in terms of abundance. This migratory species arrives in the UK in variable numbers from southern Europe and north Africa each summer, with 2023 being an exceptionally good migration year for this butterfly. Since the monitoring scheme began almost 50 years ago, the abundance of this species in the UK has more than tripled. It is also increasingly overwintering here, instead of migrating back south, as our winters become milder. Brimstone, checkered skipper and large blue butterflies recorded their best ever years in 2023. These results are particularly encouraging for the large blue, which was reintroduced to the UK following its extinction in 1979. Last year's success pays testament to the dedicated conservation work that has enabled its return. Small pearl-bordered fritillary. Credit: Iain H Leach/Butterfly Conservation, CC BY-ND From best to worst Other species did not fare so well. Small tortoiseshell and small pearl-bordered fritillary both suffered their worst year on record in 2023, undergoing declines of 82% and 71%, respectively, since 1976. While the causes of these declines are not fully understood, climate change has been implicated in the fate of both species. The decline of the small pearl-bordered fritillary is mainly due to changes in woodland management, but there are also indications that this species suffers reduced abundance following high summer and winter temperatures. Record-breaking high temperatures during summer 2022, at the time when small pearl-bordered fritillaries would have been caterpillars, may have impacted the butterfly's numbers in 2023. Small tortoiseshell may be suffering from the climate-enabled arrival in Britain of the parasitic fly, Sturmia bella, which kills its caterpillars. The species appears to be faring better in cooler, wetter western and northern regions, having its second-best year on record in Northern Ireland, but its worst ever year in England, second worst year in Wales, and joint fifth worst year in Scotland. The drought in 2022 may also have hit butterfly populations in 2023, although not so severely as initially feared. Caterpillars are particularly vulnerable to the effects of drought, because if their food plants wither, the caterpillars can starve. Ringlet and green-veined white butterflies, two species particularly affected by drought, both experienced a poor year in 2023, which may have been a legacy of the previous dry summer. Another loser in 2023 was the Scotch argus, a northern, cold-adapted species, that is retreating to higher latitudes as the climate warms. Other species performing poorly, including the cryptic wood white, grizzled skipper and grayling, are all habitat specialists that rely on semi-natural habitats, such as heathland, species-rich grassland and traditionally managed woodland. Their populations are in long-term decline due to habitat loss and reducing habitat quality as a result of changing land use, such as a move towards more intensive farming. For butterflies to thrive in our increasingly altered climate, their habitats need to be restored and expanded to bolster populations and build resilience. Managing habitats to promote a variety of microclimates, by creating a mosaic of different vegetation types for example, may also help to buffer populations. A wider range of microclimates within the local environment can provide opportunities to seek refuge from adverse conditions, now and into the future. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The opening and closing of the Rocas Verdes Basin, a back-arc basin in Patagonia, as described by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin in a study published in Geology. Panels B and C illustrate the basin-closure process, in which an underlying portion of the oceanic crust is thrust into a magma chamber (B) and breaks off ahead of continental crust (C). The last two panels (C and D) show the oceanic plate and continental plate colliding togethersqueezing the basin together into the Andes Mountains of Patagonia that we see today. Credit: Fernando Rey et al Scientists use tiny minerals called zircons as geologic timekeepers. Often no bigger than a grain of sand, these crystals record chemical signatures of the geological environment where they formed. In a new study led by scientists at The University of Texas at Austin, researchers used them to describe what could be an overlooked step in a fundamental tectonic process that raises seafloors into mountains. In a study published in the journal Geology, the researchers describe zircons from the Andes mountains of Patagonia. Although the zircons formed when tectonic plates were colliding, they have a chemical signature associated with when the plates were moving apart. The researchers think that the unexpected signature could be explained by the mechanics of underlying tectonic plates that haven't yet been described in other models. This missing step involves a sort of geologic juicing in a magma chamber where zircons form before they reach the surface, with oceanic crust entering the chamber ahead of continental crust. "If you put some oceanic basin below this magma, you have a change in the composition of this magma as it's incorporated," said the study's lead author Fernando Rey, a doctoral student at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. "This is something that was not documented before this study." Fernando Rey, a doctoral candidate at The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences, posing with the Lower Zapata formation in the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. Credit: Jacqueline Epperson. This theory of oceanic magma mixing is important because it could represent a transitional step in the formation of back arc basinsan important geological structure that shapes landscapes, geologic records and helps regulate the planet's climate. These basins form between oceanic and continental tectonic plates, opening up as the plates move apart and closing as they come back together. While the opening of the basin creates oceanic crust, its closing squeezes the crust into mountainsbringing a geologic record of Earth history to the surface where humans can more easily access it, said co-author Matt Malkowski, an assistant professor at the Jackson School's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. What's more, the weathering of the ocean crust is a major driver of natural carbon dioxide storage. "This is the Earth's way of sequestering carbon. Very effective on its own, but it may take hundreds of thousands if not millions of years," said Malkowski. Malkowski collected the zircons examined in the study from rock and sediment samples at a field site in Patagonia. The samples captured the entire record of the back arc basin, called the Rocas Verdes Basin, from opening to closing. When Rey started analyzing the chemical signatures of the zircons, nothing looked out of place at first. The zircons associated with an opening basin had the expected signature. However, when he started examining zircons associated with the closing of the basin, the signature didn't undergo the expected chemical shiftknown to scientists as a "pull down" because of the way data plotting the isotope ratios goes from steadily rising to falling down. When that pull down signature didn't show up until 200 million years later, appearing in zircons that formed 30 million years ago when the basin was already well into its closure phase, Rey and his collaborators hypothesized a scenario that could help explain the data. Jacqueline Epperson, a doctoral student at The University of Texas at Austin, posing close to a fault propagation fold in the outcrops of the Lower Zapata formation in the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. Credit: Fernando Rey In their paper, they propose a model where the same tectonic forces that squeeze the oceanic crust into mountains could be underthrusting parts of that crust and pushing it toward the magmatic chamber where the zircons are formedinfluencing the chemical signatures recorded in the crystals during the early to middle stages of closure. As the continents continue to squeeze together, the oceanic crust is eventually replaced by continental crust, the source of the pulldown signal. The researchers think this transitional phase where zircons are juiced by oceanic crust could be part of back arc basins around the world. But there's a good reason why it hasn't been observed before, said Rey. Most back arc basins close faster than Patagonia didin a few million years rather than tens of millions of yearsmeaning a shorter window of time in which these zircons can form. Now that scientists have discovered this zircon signal in Patagonia, they can start looking for signs of it in zircons from other places. Rey is currently analyzing zircons from the Sea of Japana modern back arc basin that's in the early stages of closureto see if there's signs of oceanic crust influencing the zircon signature. This research adds to a record of discovery about back arc basins at UT Austin, said Malkowski. Professor Ian Dalziel authored a well-known Nature paper in 1974 that first recognized the Andes of Patagonia as forming due to back arc basin closure. "Here we are 50 years later, and we're still learning new things about these rocks," Malkowski said. More information: F.M. Rey et al, Detrital isotopic record of a retreating accretionary orogen: An example from the Patagonian Andes, Geology (2024). DOI: 10.1130/G51918.1 Journal information: Nature , Geology 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: Time dependent interference fringes from the ultrafast Kapitza Dirac Effect. An electron wave packet is exposed to two counterpropagating ultrashort laser pulses. The time span from back to front is 10 pico seconds. Credit: Goethe University Frankfurt am Main One of the most fundamental interactions in physics is that of electrons and light. In an experiment at Goethe University Frankfurt, scientists have now managed to observe what is known as the Kapitza-Dirac effect for the first time in full temporal resolution. This effect was first postulated more than 90 years ago, but only now are its finest details coming to light. It was one of the biggest surprises in the history of science: In the early days of quantum physics about 100 years ago, scholars discovered that the particles which make up our matter always behave like waves. Just as light can scatter at a double slit and produce scattering patterns, electrons can also display interference effects. In 1933, the two theorists Piotr Kapitza and Paul Dirac proved that an electron beam is even diffracted from a standing light wave (due to the particles' properties) and that interference effects as a result of the wave properties are to be expected. A GermanChinese team led by Professor Reinhard Dorner from Goethe University Frankfurt has succeeded in using this Kapitza-Dirac effect to visualize even the temporal evolution of the electron waves, known as the electrons' quantum mechanical phase. The study is published in the journal Science. "It was a former doctoral researcher at our institute, Alexander Hartung, who originally constructed the experimental apparatus," says Dorner. "After he left, Kang Lin, an Alexander von Humboldt fellow who worked in the Frankfurt team for four years, was able to use it to measure the time-dependent Kapitza-Dirac effect." To do so, it was necessary to further develop the theoretical description, too, as Kapitza and Dirac did not take the temporal evolution of the electron phase specifically into consideration at that time. In their experiment, the scientists in Frankfurt first fired two ultrashort laser pulses from opposite directions at a xenon gas. At the crossover point, these femtosecond pulsesa femtosecond is a quadrillionth of a secondproduced an ultrastrong light field for fractions of a second. This tore electrons out of the xenon atoms, i.e., it ionized them. Very shortly afterward, the physicists fired a second pair of short laser pulses at the electrons released in this way, which also formed a standing wave at the center. These pulses were slightly weaker and did not cause any further ionization. They were, however, now able to interact with the free electrons, which could be observed with the help of a COLTRIMS reaction microscope developed in Frankfurt. "At the point of interaction, three things can happen," says Dorner. "Either the electron does not interact with the lightor it is scattered to the left or to the right." According to the laws of quantum physics, these three possibilities together add up to a certain probability that is reflected in the wave function of the electrons: The cloud-like space in which the electronwith a certain probabilityis likely to be, collapses, so to speak, into three-dimensional slices. Here, the temporal evolution of the wave function and its phase is dependent on how much time elapses between ionization and the moment of impact of the second pair of laser pulses. "This opens up many exciting applications in quantum physics. Hopefully, it will help us to track how electrons transform from quantum particles into completely normal particles within the shortest space of time. We are already planning to use it to find out more about the entanglement between different particles that Einstein called 'spooky,'" says Dorner. More information: Kang Lin et al, Ultrafast Kapitza-Dirac effect, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adn1555 Journal information: Science 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 More than a decade ago, Leslee Matsushige traveled to Australia to "study seadragons in the wild." Matsushige observed the sea creatures' behaviors and habitats, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego said in an April 2 news release. With her newfound knowledge, the aquarium said the associate curator set out to "build a seadragon display," one that would be optimal for seadragons to mate and breed. Now, after a male weedy seadragon's historic pregnancy resulted in 70 newborn seadragons in March 2023, the fruits of Matsushige's labor are "swimming into the spotlight," as five year-old weedy seadragons go on display at the aquarium. "This moment is years in the making," Matsushige said in the release. "Everything we were hoping to happen, happened." The weedy seadragon's pregnancy marked "the first successful transfer of eggs from a female seadragon to a male" at the Seadragons & Seahorses habitat at the Birch Aquarium, the aquarium said at the time. The aquarium said the juveniles show "phenomenal success in the aquarium's seadragon conservation efforts." While the seadragons spent a year behind the scenes, the aquarium said they have grown from over half an inch to about 9 inches long. The aquarium said it believes the five are all male, but this will not be confirmed until they are about 2 years old. Before the juvenile seadragons could be put on display, the aquarium said they were collected and photographed to help identify them. "Much like human fingerprints are one-of-a-kind, seadragons exhibit distinctive characteristics," the aquarium said. "Different combinations of unique facial features, patterns and appendage shapes help the aquarium's seadragon care team tell one seadragon from another." After the creatures were photographed, they were placed in the aquarium's Seadragons & Seahorses display. "These seadragons show that the design of our display works," Matsushige said. "We're excited to see them continue to thrive." What to know about weedy seadragons Weedy seadragons are native to Australia, according to the aquarium. The species was listed as "near threatened" in 2006 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, according to the Aquarium of the Pacific. They have since been downgraded to "least concern." In addition to predators in the wild, other challenges the species face "include food scarcity, warming oceans and compromised habitats caused by climate change," Birch Aquarium said in a March 2023 news release. 2024 The Charlotte Observer. 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: The aim of the experiment was to verify the susceptibility of bacteria to nanoparticles with different morphologies. Credit: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering An article published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering describes a possible strategy for promoting selective inhibition of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which are increasingly abundant owing to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and are therefore a major human health hazard. The article proposes to use nanoparticles of metal or metal oxide to inactivate multiresistant bacteria by means of ion release, direct contact between the nanoparticles and the bacteria via electrostatic interaction, or formation of reactive oxygen species. All these processes kill the bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes. The authors include Brazilian scientists affiliated with the Center for Development of Functional Materials (CDMF), a Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center (RIDC) hosted by the Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar); the University of Sao Paulo's Sao Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC-USP); Sao Paulo State University's Institute of Chemistry (IQ-UNESP); and the Maranhao Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology (IFMA). The researchers produced a number of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with varying morphologies and tested them in an aqueous medium, finding that the nanomaterial successfully killed a large group of multiresistant bacteria isolated from human clinical specimens. The aim of the experiment was to verify the antibacterial activity of the ZnO NPs against strains from clinical isolates. Principal component analysis, a statistical procedure that summarizes the information content in large data tables, was used to investigate how changes to nanoparticle synthesis parameters influenced the material's antibacterial activity. According to Gleison Marques, a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at UFSCar and first author of the article, the advantage of using ZnO is that it is considered safe by regulatory authorities worldwide and can be used in many types of material functionalized for mass production. In addition, ZnO NPs are cheaper than nanoparticles made of other metals, such as gold or silver. The material has the potential to be used in water treatment, food packaging and sunscreen, among other applications, Marques said, but more studies are needed to analyze possible contraindications regarding dosage, toxicity in water, and interaction with complex biological systems. "Next steps include application of these nanoparticles in polymer systems to produce nanocomposites that can be used to coat metal surfaces in hospital environments, for example," he said. More information: Gleison N. Marques et al, Selective inhibitory activity of multidrug-resistant bacteria by zinc oxide nanoparticles, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.111870 Provided by FAPESP From mountain hikes and boating to sumptuous food and wine experiences, the Lake George Area of Upstate New York is the perfect destination for your team-building retreat or corporate meeting all set amidst pristine mountains, lakes and rivers. Known as the Queen of American Lakes, Lake George is the crown jewel of the 6 million-acre Adirondack Park within the town and village of Lake George. Meeting spaces and accommodations for every group size and budget abound in the nearby communities of Glens Falls, Queensbury and North Creek all within a short drive from New York City, Boston and Montreal or easily accessible via the Albany International Airport. Whether your team could use some quality time sight seeing, snowshoeing, or oohing and aahing at fireworks during an elegant dinner cruise, heres why the Lake George Area is their perfect escape any time of year. A natural backdrop for inspiration The natural beauty, vast landscapes and fresh air in the Lake George area create an inspirational setting for your group. Plus, the regions lakes and rivers offer plenty of beautiful views and possibilities for swimming, boating and fishing all perfect ways for your team to bond, unwind and recharge in the great outdoors. Packed with groomed trails and endless views, the area also provides the opportunity for guided hikes, ranging from easy walks to exciting climbs! Tailored accommodations and meeting spaces With its luxurious resorts, waterfront hotels, inclusive properties and even sustainable lodging and glamping Lake George and the surrounding communities boast accommodations custom-tailored for your team. And the regions 7,000 rooms are all convenient to meeting spaces sized just right for your group some accommodating up to 1,000 people. Versatile events for every group Whether you're planning an intimate executive retreat or a boogie-the-night-away bash, the region's diverse offerings ensure a memorable experience. Unforgettable events and festivals take place year-round. Consider organizing your retreat around the Adirondack Wine and Food Festival, the Adirondack Balloon Festival or the magical Lake George Winter Carnival. Would you rather create your own custom event for your crew? The dedicated team at the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau is on hand to tailor events that will elevate your gathering beyond the ordinary, free of charge! Lake George has more team-building activities than you can squeeze into a single trip. Picture your people tubing down a lazy river or learning to work together on an invigorating railbiking excursion. Is your team extra adventurous? Set out together to tackle the Extreme Adventure Course or go horseback riding or white-water rafting together. For a more refined experience, explore museums, a former fortress from the French and Indian War, and nationally-acclaimed fineart galleries and historical centers. End the day at one of the local wineries, breweries or distilleries for lively conversation. Your teams perfect trip Whether youre a corporate event planner or just tapped to organize an unforgettable retreat for your professional association or group, youll find it all in the Lake George Area a destination that combines natural beauty, custom accommodations and experiences to bring out the best in your team. For more information, please visit meetlakegeorge.com. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com. From National Grid: Temperatures continue to hover around the freezing mark and, with stormy conditions arriving in portions of upstate New York today, National Grid is responding by increasing staffing and extending evening and overnight work shifts. Additional resources are being brought in from as far away as Indiana, Ontario and Quebec. Editor's Note: Watch our always-popular meteorology team talk about this week's weather. Three to five inches in the area is expected. (Story continues below.) Winter storm watches issued for Upstate NY, here's the snow forecast Winter storm watches for dangerous conditions is in effect for parts of Upstate New York Wednesday to Friday. Meteorologist Joe Martucci has your forecast. Forecasts are calling for heavy, wet snow and potential ice across the area beginning late today, Wednesday April 3, and extending through tomorrow. The company has activated its comprehensive emergency response plan, including: Calling in outside resources and mobilizing field and tree crews. Pre-staging crews and materials in areas anticipated to be most severely impacted. Proactively reaching out to elected, municipal and emergency management officials to keep them updated on our preparations and provide safety information. Reaching out directly to customers through traditional and social media, email and texts and on our website to provide safety information and to urge them to be prepared. Conducting outbound calls to life support and critical facility customers to ensure they are prepared. National Grid remains committed to public safety and is prepared if the storm impacts the energy delivery system. Three Philadelphia men admitted in federal court to stealing $1.6 million worth of cellphones and other electronic devices from UPS facilities throughout the country, including one in Vineland, the U.S. Attorney's Office said last week. Sekou Fofanah, 20, Shamaire Brown, 19, and Quamaire Brown, 19, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit cargo theft. All three men face five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when sentenced. The three men burglarized 55 warehouses in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Rhode Island from January 2021 through April 2023 to target packages marked with lithium-ion battery warnings, which indicate a high-value electronic device is inside, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. The burglars broke windows or pried open bay doors to get inside and typically committed the acts on Saturday or Sunday mornings when the facilities were closed, according to court documents. Criminal complaint documents showed Fofanah participated in a break-in at a warehouse in Vineland on June 27, 2021, and stole several packages containing electronic devices. The stolen merchandise was valued at $87,741. A fourth suspect, Aboudramane Karamoko, allegedly took part in the burglaries as well and is awaiting trial on the same charge. ATLANTIC CITY The Atlantic City Housing Authority has met some of the March 31 deadlines outlined in a recovery and action plan with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, but it missed the big one to fix housing deficiencies found in inspections. The authority did update its waiting list and its payment standards that determine rent amounts using rental market data, according to HUD spokesperson Olga Alvarez in a Wednesday email response to questions. As of March 31, 2024, ACHAs public housing waiting list has 567 applicants. The waiting list is currently open, Alvarez said. ACHA adopted new payment standards as of November 16, 2023 in accordance with the Departments Fair Market Rent limits. The authority did not, however, review its inspection results and address cited deficiencies in housing, Alvarez said. There are outstanding deficiencies cited that have not been resolved in HUDs system of record, she said. Alvarez did not immediately respond to questions about whether the authority has a new deadline to meet that requirement, or what other actions HUD may take. Authority Executive Director Tom Sahlin did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for comment. But after the press deadline Wednesday night he said much of the work addressing emergency repairs has been done, but the authority has been unable to upload reports to HUD. "From the ACHA's standpoint, the Authority has substantively completed the items required by March 31st," Sahlin said via text. "In order to report the fixes, I first need to access the findings on the HUD system. I have not been able to access the findings ... to match completed work orders from our old software to each finding," Sahlin said, adding that HUD is trying to help with that. The latest news from the ACHA shows their continued failure in their responsibility to improve living conditions for the residents of Stanley Holmes Village, despite a deadline of March 31 to ensure such, U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, said in a statement Wednesday. Atlantic City Housing Authority gives new contract to controversial contractor The Atlantic City Housing Authority board passed a resolution to award a new $150,000 contract to Jerry Volpe's Governance & Fiscal Affairs LLC, after tabling the resolution at its February meeting. Van Drew said residents are still living in homes without heat and hot water, and riddled with mold, and called again for HUD to take over the authority, saying the ACHA is not up to the task. I have serious concerns about how contracting and procurement have been handled for the past five years by the ACHA, and that is why I am meeting with HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis to discuss moving forward in the investigation of these matters, Van Drew said. Inspections by HUD and the city have found serious problems with heat and hot water, pest infestations, broken appliances, mold and water intrusion, and more. The Housing Authority also had to review what HUD considers an emergency and adhere to federal procurement regulations, both for emergency and non-emergency work activities; and pay back those that do not meet HUD rules using non-federal funds. ACHA submitted a copy of its Procurement Policy and it is under HUD review, Alvarez said. The authority has long had difficulty making the hundreds of repairs to units and the heating and other systems that serve them. Some building managers have said they have trouble getting the supplies they need to make repairs because of the way procurement is handled by a contractor. A group of about 130 residents of the 420-unit Stanley Holmes Village are suing the authority over ongoing unsafe and unhealthy conditions there, and the authority has repeatedly missed deadlines to provide information to the residents attorney and to the judge in that case. Steve Young of the National Action Networks South Jersey Chapter took a busload of about 42 Housing Authority residents to Washington, D.C., last week, where they met with staff members of HUD, of U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, both D-N.J., and of U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd. Van Drew asks HUD inspector general to investigate Atlantic City Housing Authority U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew has called on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General to investigate the Atlantic City Housing Authority in the wake of continued issues there. Everybody had the opportunity to tell their story when we met with HUD, as well as when we met with (lawmakers) staff, Young said of the residents who ranged in age from about 2 to more than 80. We asked why do they keep giving (the authority board) the opportunity to do nothing, Young said. People are still in hotels because there is no heat and hot water. Young said the group asked HUD to appoint an overseer to take over the authority, to be transparent and deal with the issues. Young is holding a meeting with residents at the community room at Stanley Holmes Village, 1539 Adriatic Ave., from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to talk about the trip to D.C. and to continue organizing a tenants group, he said. For more information, call 888-400-1236. A woman found deceased on Moline's 7th Street early Monday has been identified as Amy Beth Ranes, 45, of Moline, Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson said. An autopsy performed Tuesday found no anatomical cause of death, Gustafson said, adding that no foul play is suspected. He added that the woman had a significant medical history that could have contributed to her death. At 4:30 a.m. Monday, Moline Police received a 911 call from a passerby in the 3400 block of 7th Street to check the welfare of a woman lying along the side of the roadway. Ranes had been reported missing by her family Sunday afternoon. The circumstances of her missing were not suspicious, but the family was concerned about her well-being. Police canvassed the area looking for witnesses or video surveillance. Gustafson said the investigation is continuing between the Coroners Office, Moline Police and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Division. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Moline Police Department at 309-797-0401. Mail distribution in the Quad-Cities will move out of town. In a document Tuesday said United States Postal Service is moving ahead with the decision to drop the distribution center in Milan and move it to Des Moines. The Milan center will continue to be open and used as a processing center rather than both a distribution and processing center. The Dispatch-Argus/Quad-City Times previously reported that USPS has been considering changes to the Milan facility as part of the $40 billion Delivering for America plan to upgrade and improve the mail process. In the April documents, it shows that the change is expected to save the facility between $970,000 and $1.3 million a year. The documents say no career layoffs in the local workforce are anticipated, though USPS is planning to transfer positions. "This go-forward plan for the Quad-Cities facility will help USPS achieve the core goals of our Delivering for America plan: financial sustainability for our organization and improved service reliability for our customers," the conclusion of the document said. The bulk of the savings are expected to come from maintenance operations, the USPS document said, at around $600,000 to $800,000 a year. Ten maintenance positions, including two management positions, will be lost from the Milan facility. The move is expected to add $50,000 to $70,000 in transportation costs, but no transportation positions are expected to be lost. The USPS final document states 41 craft employee positions will be lost at the Milan facility 33 in processing and 8 in maintenance. The Des Moines facility will add 29 processing positions. Three management positions at the Milan facility also will be lost, one in processing and two in maintenance. The Des Moines facility will add one processing management. USPS said it will work with the unions and management associations in the staffing impacts of the changes and follow the relevant collective bargaining agreements and USPS policies. The USPS also will spend $5-$10 million on major upgrades and renovations at the Milan facility, including new sorting machines, rehabbing the loading docks, and renovating restrooms and break rooms, stated in the documents. In February, nearly two dozen postal workers attended the presentation of the proposed change and spoke out against the change during public comment. Many felt like the USPS was downplaying the fact that employees would be moved out of the facility and were worried about the lack of preparedness the Des Moines facility might face. Postal worker Murielle Weeks was one of many who questioned if the Des Moines facility would be able to handle Quad-Cities mail on top of what it already handles daily. "The mail is already late coming out of Des Moines. They seem like they are understaffed or overworked," she said. "Us adding the burden of our mail to their facility is not going to make mail delivery more efficient. It's going to slow it down." The Milan facility's retail and business mail acceptance will not be impacted by the changes, nor will collection box times change, the USPS document said. Others also brought up that the move to Des Moines seemed to show a lack of efficient, worried about mail-in ballots during the election and how some more rural areas already faced delayed time in mail. A customer of more than seven decades of the USPS, Paul Laird also spoke during the public comment portion. In the last 35 years alone, he said he has mailed more than 50,000 postcards. "I'm known as the 'Postcard Guy.' I used to be able mail in the Quad-Cities knowing the Quad-Cities recipient would get it the next day," he said. "The last five or six years I have had to mail them two days in advance to make sure they have a chance at getting it." Reporter Gretchen Teske contributed to this report. City officials in Davenport have managed to accomplish the impossible this year: They have brought Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature together to agree on something. The two parties have bickered over topics like changes to the Area Education Agencies, liability protection for farm chemical manufacturers, making birth control pills available without a prescription, and providing state tax money to arm teachers. But the Ds and Rs came together in the House last month, voting 92-2 to increase the penalties for government officials who violate Iowas open meetings law. The bill also requires a judge to remove a member of a government board who has twice violated the meetings law. This unusual bipartisan consensus was on display again last week. The House Government Oversight Committee heard testimony on a scandal in Davenport city government that has dragged on for months, with one troubling disclosure after another. The witnesses included two citizens who monitor local governments in the Quad Cities, the attorney who represents one of them, and an advocate for government transparency. That last person was me, as executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. I could have summarized my remarks by saying Davenport city leaders need to understand the first law of holes. That could save them from statewide embarrassment, loss of respect and the ire of the Legislature. If you are not familiar with the law of holes, it derives from the adage, When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. In the Davenport case, Mayor Mike Matson and the city council have refused for months to put down their shovels. They have become poster children for lousy government transparency. They are examples of how government officials should NOT conduct the publics business. For 50 years, the Legislature and court decisions have made it clear state and local governments have an obligation to make decisions in public, especially when spending tax money. But Davenport officials are desperately trying to keep the public in the dark. This quest accelerated after a six-story apartment building collapsed last May 28 across from City Hall. About 50 people lived there. The building had a spotty history of compliance with city building regulations. Emergency work to stabilize a bulging back wall was under way in the days before the collapse. But the city never ordered the building to be evacuated during the repairs. Some people began demanding the resignation of City Administrator Corri Spiegel, and her job performance was an issue in the weeks leading to the city election. But Mayor Matson defended her and city employees. What voters in Davenport did not know on election day should bother everyone. They were intentionally kept in the dark by Matson and Tom Warner, the city attorney at the time. Voters were not informed two of Spiegels assistants, Tiffany Thorndike and Samantha Torres, each asked on Aug. 31 for an amicable separation agreement in exchange for leaving their City Hall jobs. Eight days later, Warner signed agreements in which Thorndike was paid $157,000 and Torres received $145,000. Each also received health insurance coverage for a year. Neither agreement was presented for city council approval at a public meeting, even though Davenport city code requires that for any agreement of more than $50,000. On Sept. 15, Spiegel submitted her own demand letter to the city attorney. On Oct. 6, Warner informed the council he and Spiegel agreed the city will pay her $1.6 million for lost wages and for emotional pain and suffering in exchange for stepping down at years end. She also would receive city health insurance for another year. As with the Thorndike and Torres agreements, the agreement with Spiegel did not receive a public vote at a city council meeting. It was not until Nov. 17 10 days after the election when the public was informed Spiegel was leaving. Naturally, there were questions why these agreements never came up for an official council vote and how the women were so harmed as to merit these settlements. Warner, the citys lawyer, said a vote was not necessary because he had the consent of the council to negotiate an end to the three peoples jobs. How, when and where did the city council give its consent to those settlements and those expenditures when its members never took a public vote on them during a public meeting prior to moving forward? I asked the House committee last week. The open meetings law allows members of government boards to meet without the public being present for so-called ministerial purposes. I told the committee, Back where I come from in Davis County, spending $2 million in taxpayer money is not some ministerial, housekeeping function that is treated so casually. Several times as the Davenport controversy boiled, city officials could have stopped digging themselves into a deeper hole. But they did not. State Auditor Rob Sand has launched an investigation of the secret deals. Davenports response? The city sued to block his subpoena for records. A local resident, Dr. Allen Diercks, one of the House witnesses last week, sued Davenport over the city councils after-the-fact approval of the three settlements on Dec. 13. He is asking the court to void the agreements and claw back the payments made to the women. Another witness before the committee, Ezra Sidran of Davenport, has submitted a request for a copy of Spiegels letter in which she apparently made her case for a settlement from the city. Sidran received the letters Thorndike and Torres submitted. Davenports response for his request for the Spiegel document? The city sued Sidran and asked the district court to decide whether the letter must be released. Sidran is retired and cannot afford a lawyer. The Iowa Freedom of Information Council has asked the court to allow the nonprofit organization and its lawyer to intervene in the lawsuit against Sidran to explain why the public should be able to see what led to the deal with Spiegel. Davenports response? The city is fighting to keep us out. I told the Government Oversight Committee this is the most egregious abuse of the open meetings law I could recall in 50 years as a journalist. We will never know if the results of Davenports city election would have been different if voters knew when they went to the polls that the mayor and city council had orchestrated the secret payment of almost $2 million in tax money to three employees without a public discussion or a public vote. This column was first published by Iowa Capital Dispatch. After much fanfare, the first total solar eclipse to cross the United States since 2017 will begin on Monday afternoon. The shadow of totality will move from Mexico into south Texas around 2:30 p.m. EDT, and continue quickly northeast across the Mississippi Valley, Midwest and eastern Great Lakes before exiting eastward out of Maine just one hour later. Having two total eclipses cross the continental United States only seven years apart is a rarity. Before 2017, the last total eclipse to cover this much American territory was in 1970, when the moon's shadow moved out of the Gulf of Mexico, across the Florida Panhandle, and up the East Coast. And it will not happen again until 2045, when the shadow comes ashore on the northern California coast and races southeast across the Great Plains and over the Florida peninsula. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly and entirely in front of the sun, and it is rare because the orbit of the moon is not a perfect circle around Earth, and it does not orbit Earth in the same plane as Earth orbits the sun. On average, the moon is 239,000 miles from Earth, but the orbit is slightly elliptical. As a result, it is not the same distance away from Earth all the time. The variation is not large, about 10 percent, but this is why the moon sometimes looks a little bit larger or smaller in the night sky. That difference explains a special type of partial eclipse called an annular eclipse. When the moon is slightly farther away, it will appear smaller in the sky. If the geometry still allows the moon to cross the suns disc in the sky, it may not cover it entirely, creating a bright circular ring in the sky known as an annulus. Complicating matters further, the lunar orbit is not in the same plane as Earths orbit around the sun, it is inclined about 5 degrees. The moon does pass through this plane known as the ecliptic about two times a month, and a solar eclipse can happen when that crossing of the ecliptic occurs. Plus, solar eclipses only happen during a new moon phase, when the moon rises and sets at about the same time as the sun. During the rest of the lunar cycle, the moon is nowhere close to the sun as they each move across the sky. You have probably noticed this difference as the full moon rises in the eastern sky at around sunset, but you can sometimes catch a waxing crescent moon setting in the western sky shortly after sunset. Over a long enough time frame, there is a pattern to these eclipses, called the Saros Cycle, which is a period of about 18 years and 11 days. But even this cycle does not take into account the rotation of Earth, so while the shapes of the shadows on the ground are similar in these cycles, the location of the shadows changes. This all makes a total solar eclipse a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people. But for those who have the means to travel, the chances come around more frequently. The next total eclipse is in 2026, visible from Greenland, the North Atlantic, and southwestern Europe. Wherever you may be this year for the eclipse, enjoy the celestial show! Sean Sublette is the chief meteorologist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. Consider visiting one of these locations to view the April 8 total solar eclipse 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 Total solar eclipses through the decades Kathmandu, Nepal, April 3, 2024: The fourth meeting of Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultations Mechanism (BCM) held in Bern, Switzerland on Tuesday. The meeting held at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) reviewed the entire spectrum of Nepal-Switzerland relations including economic ties, development partnership, multilateral cooperation, and contemporary global issues such as climate change and human rights. Head of the Europe-Americas Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Joint Secretary Ganesh Prasad Dhakal and Assistant State Secretary for Asia and the Pacific in the FDFA of Switzerland, Heinrich Schellenberg led the respective delegations. The Nepali delegation included Ambassador of Nepal to Switzerland, Ram Prasad Subedi and the Embassy Officials whereas the Swiss Delegation included officials from the FDFA and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). According to the Nepali Embassy in Geneva issues related to the exchange of high-level visits, Nepals graduation from the LDC category, progress made towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, and ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, science and technology, and vocational training and among others were also discussed in the meeting. Earlier Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultations Mechanism was established in 2015. The meeting has decided to hold the next meeting in Kathmandu on mutually convenient dates. Sometimes lawmaking gets personal. That was the case this year for a number of Black women legislators who presented bills aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. On Tuesday, maternal health professionals joined some of the lawmakers to celebrate the passage of a resolution to create a Black Maternal Health Week. Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling, D-Henrico, said that when she gave birth to a stillborn son at five months of gestation last summer, she did not feel listened to by doctors. She had been in active labor while on the campaign trail, she said, and a doctor on call advised her to lay down, drink water and take Tylenol. But the situation could have turned dire for LeVere Bolling, whose voice cracked at times while she shared her story. The point was driven home by the March 20 death of former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson, who died due to sepsis following the stillbirth delivery of her daughter. I could have been her, LeVere Bolling said Tuesday. Her experience is among many potential close calls and confirmed fatalities due to complications with pregnancy or childbirths. Black women are more likely to see negative maternal health outcomes, in part due to racial bias, according to studies. At some point, I dont want us to need a Black Maternal Health Week, said Sen. Lashresce Aird, D-Petersburg who carried the resolution. She said she would rather not have to make the case for what Black mothers experience and instead see better health outcomes. But for now, she said, the resolution is a chance to further highlight disparities in health outcomes. Airds resolution was among a slate of proposals to improve maternal health, particularly Black maternal health outcomes. Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William, had her own close call a few years ago when delivering her twin boys. She previously told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that her pain was not investigated for the underlying cause and she had to return to the hospital with an infection. Thats a part of the Black maternal mortality story that were not listened to, were not believed, Carroll Foy said. A lot of it has to do with the ability to identify with someone different than you. Its why she and several others pushed for bills to require unconscious bias and cultural competency training when renewing nursing licenses. Gov. Glenn Youngkin has said he backs the bills general purpose, but he is seeking amendments that the legislature would need to reconcile when it reconvenes April 17. It takes a majority vote to approve proposed amendments. A bill by Del. Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, that awaits Youngkins action, would expand data collection of maternal mortality to include the near misses. And a proposal from LeVere Bolling would require health insurance to cover the costs of doula services. Though not licensed in obstetrics care, doulas have training and expertise in the childbirth process. They serve as companions and advocates to pregnant people as they provide educational, emotional and physical support to the parent. A U.S. Department of Health study noted their role in positive birth outcomes. Richmond-area resident Ashle Page who is a doula with Birth in Color has tested the difference in perception when she accompanies her clients. Sometimes I come in my Birth in Color T-shirt. Sometimes I dont, Page said. So when I come in wearing the shirt, of course everybody is on their Ps and Qs and, when I dont, they tend to think Im a family member. She said that showing up for her work as a doula can help ensure that the medical professionals are as attentive to detail as they are supposed to be. Birth in Color founder Kenda Sutton-EL has worked over the past six years to expand her organization around the state. She has also shown up to Virginias Capitol to advocate for reproductive health care laws. Like her organization, some of the work began more locally in Richmond. In 2019 Mayor Levar Stoney declared April 11-19 to be Richmonds Black Maternal Health Week to call attention to disparities. He joined the handful of women on Tuesday where he called them all heavy hitters in their advocacy work. As the cohort awaits further action on pending legislation, they say the symbolism of Virginia recognizing the issue formally can help spur change. Black Maternal Health Week, its not just black and white words on a piece of paper, LeVere Bolling said. Theres real lives at risk and we know this firsthand. Forest firefighters battling flames in Tulum and Bacalar Riviera Maya, Q.R. State officials continue with their battle against two forest fires in southern regions of the state. A fire in the municipality of Tulum and another in the municipality of Bacalar has kept Quintana Roo firefighters busy. The State Fire Management Center in Quintana Roo (CEMF) reported that in Tulum, the fire occurred in Los Tres Cenotes to the northwest of the town. To date, the fire affected area of 35 hectares of bush vegetation with 60 percent of the fire controlled and 50 percent liquidated. In Bacalar, a forest fire was reported in the north near the community of Caanan. That fire so far has burned 20 hectares of bush. Forest fire officials report flames are 70 percent controlled and 50 percent liquidated. They also reported that on Tuesday, another forest fire was extinguished in that same municipality in the Rio Verde Nuevo Tabasco area, with 66 hectares of bushes affected. State forest fire officials from the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment in coordination with the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) and municipal volunteers, are working to control the remaining two fires that started March 30. CEMF says 60 forest firefighters are battling the fires in Tulum and Bacalar. Photo: CGC April 2, 2024. According to Centro Estatal de Manejo de Fuego en Quintana Roo (CEMF), 60 firefighters are battling the states two forest fires. Tulum hotel guests could be asked to sign informative document on legal consequences of buying drugs in Mexico Tulum, Q.R. In the near future, Tulum hotel guests could be asked to sign an informative document upon hotel check in. The single page document from the Ministry of Tourism reminds tourists that drugs in Mexico are illegal and that buying and consuming them is not tolerated. At the bottom of the multi-sentence notice written in both Spanish and English is where the guest would sign acknowledging they understand the legal consequences of doing drugs in Mexico. The document, which consists of around seven sentences, has been presented by the Tulum Hotel Association (Asociacion de Hoteles de Tulum). Tulum Hotel Association Director Carla Patricia Andrade Piedras, says the idea is to include all Association hotel members with the formal notification during guest check-ins. It is a format that we suggest be integrated into the hotel check-in process. It is a formal notification that in Mexico the consumption of these substances is illegal, she said. If approved, the legal notice document would be issued by the Ministry of Tourism (Secretaria de Turismo) to help prevent the consumption of narcotics by Tulum tourists, a problem that has plagued the seaside town for many years. Welcome to Quintana Roo! Drugs in Mexico are illegal. Dont be mislead into thinking that purchase or use is allowed or tolerated. The purchase of illegal drugs in Mexico is a crime and is punishable by imprisonment . Dont put yourself the risk. Drug dealers on beaches and nightclubs will get you into trouble. They are not your friends, theyre criminals. Enjoy a drug-free vacation. This is an informative document that must be signed by the visitor as confirmation of being aware of the information contained therein. I have read the document and understand the legal consequences of buying drugs in Mexico, the proposed document reads. This November marks the former prime minister of Britains 150th birthday. Churchill is a continuing object of fascination, not only for his leadership during the Second World War, but also for his work as a historian. And nothing motivated his pen more than penury. My library, a relatively small one by university standards, has over 150 books dealing with Winston Churchill, one of the Big Four of World War II, which included FDR, Stalin, and Hitler. Why this fascination with the one member who had, on paper, the least impact on the outcome of World War II? The reasons I believe are an interesting commentary on the concept of historical reputation and the way ideas and opinions change in a democratic society. Our fascination with Churchill, whose sesquicentennial will be celebrated this November (and whose life you may want to study up on in anticipation), is part of a continued interest in both World War II and military history, which continues at a high level even while the subject matter is being deemphasized in academic history departments. Yet the History Book Club still thrives and History Today is still published in England seven decades after its founding. Bookstands are filled with magazines dealing specifically with World War II as well as the American Civil War, the American West, and other historical topics. Interest in Churchill thrives because, unlike the other Big Three, he was something more than a political leaderhe was also a writer of major historical works. His career in politics spanned six decades, from the reign of Queen Victoria to the presidency of Lyndon Johnson, and his literary career was almost as long and varied: he published 37 books during his lifetime and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953. He published his first book, The Story of the Malakand FieldForce, in 1898, at the age of 24; his last work appeared in the 1950s, the four-volume The History of EnglishSpeaking Peoples. Among his early works, The River War (1899), about Herbert Kitcheners reconquest of the Sudan, remains highly readable despite what some might consider a rather obscure episode. The opening chapter on the life-giving importance of the Nile throughout Egyptian history remains fascinating and informative today. And his biography of his father, Lord Randolph Churchill, written in 1906, a work of filial duty, remained the standard for crafting such biographies for more than 60 years. World War I supplied Churchill with a topic that he turned into a six-volume history, The World Crisis, which blends history and autobiography (he was in and out of office during the war) that foreshadowed his later history of WWII. The former is rarely read today, although again there is a gem or two to be found in this collection, especially the volume entitled The Unknown War: The Eastern Front. It remains accessible and illuminating even among later scholarly studies of that theater of the war. What is amazing is that much of this writing was carried on while he was holding high government office. One of Churchills most charming books is a collection of biographical sketches he wrote during the 1920s and early 30s as a way of making money. Despite his aristocratic background (he was a descendant of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough), he was chronically short of cash for most of his life. Great Contemporaries did well, selling over 20,000 copies in Great Britain and America. It contains 25 sketches in the original volume, which vary in quality, but those dealing with people he knew intimatelyfor example, Henry Asquith, Joseph Chamberlain, and Lord Roseberyare brilliant impressionistic pieces and establish his gift for painting a portrait in a few words: Asquiths mind opened and shut like the breech of a gun. Roseberys political career failed because he was essentially a survivor from a vanished age who because he would not stoop; he did not conquer. Arthur Balfour passed from one Cabinet to the other, from the Prime Minister who was his champion to the Prime Minister who had been his most severe critic, like a powerful cat walking delicately and unsoiled across a muddy street. Of the Irish politician Charles Stuart Parnell: he was not in the manner of English political leaders, but rather like the prophets who guided Israel. His sketch of Hitler written in 1935 was entitled Hitler and His Choice. The choice Churchill was referring to was whether this grim figure who has performed miracles and who had raised Germany from the dust would choose peace or war. In the 1930s he wrote a four-volume biography of his ancestor, the Duke of Marlborough, to answer charges of venality leveled against him by past historians, especially Thomas Babington Macaulay. Marlborough His Life and Times I doubt it is much read today, although his battle descriptions are gems of clarity and excitement. All this adds up to a simple fact of his life: Churchill had to write, as he had no source of income other than what he brought in with his books and articles. As he once noted: Most people live from hand to mouth; I live from mouth to hand. And he did so by eventually earning enormous sums from his writing. It is estimated that his written works add up to over 20 million words. Churchill was able to accomplish this feat because, first, he taught himself to dictate rather than to write and rewrite. And second, and more important, for the last half of his life, he developed the idea of employing a syndicate of scholars who would do the basic research for him while producing a first draft. He would then turn the final copy into his own rolling prose, a blend of Macaulay and Gibbon. If I were to create a reading list for those interested in getting a taste of Churchill, I would single out books both by him and by his many biographers. I would start with one of Churchills best: his stab at autobiography, My Early Life, which traces his career from birth to his election to Parliament in 1901. It is lively and charming. When I used it in my courses on British history, it proved a popular choice. The opening section on his schooling (he was an undistinguished student), where his Latin teacher asks for the declension of the word table, always got a chuckle. A table, to the table, O table, he conjugates in Latin. But what does it mean? the young Churchill asks. O table refers to when you address a table. But I never do was his answer, and he is warned that he will have trouble. He did. He never learned Latin but said he mastered the English sentence, which is a noble thing. It served him well throughout his life. Churchills multivolume history of the Second World War is considered dated today and often dismissed for his pro-British bias. I note, however, that most histories of the war list the series in their bibliographies nevertheless. Two of the volumes, The Gathering Storm and Their Finest Hour, which deal with the war up to its becoming a world conflict with the entrance of the Soviet Union and the United States, remain fresh and useful. They are also the volumes in which Churchill is the key Allied figure, not having to share the stage with Roosevelt or Stalin. The Gathering Storm covers the decade of the 1930s and has proved influential through its thesis of how the war came about but could have been avoided. Churchill called those The Years the Locust Ate. His indictment of the Allies appeasement policies remains the standard interpretation today despite attempts by some scholars to argue that appeasement staved off war until Britain had strengthened its armament position, especially among fighter planes. Their Finest Hour relates to the phase of the war when Britain stood alone against the Axis powers and saw its triumph over the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. These two volumes also include Churchills most famous speeches, his indictment of the Munich Pact as the apotheosis of appeasement, and his four great speeches in the House of Commons during the dangerous summer of 1940, when Britain stood alone against German might. In the remaining volumes of his history, Churchill is no longer the dominant figure of the Allied coalition, which Churchill dramatically called the Grand Alliance; those volumes lose some of their vitality while remaining a good, if pro-British, view of the conflict. Among the many special Churchill studies, two for sheer quirkiness stand out in my view. First is David Reynolds fascinating analysis of how Churchill organized a writing team to fashion his histories, In Command of History (2004). Reynolds shows how Churchill was able through this syndicate-of-scholars method to publish 37 books while maintaining his unique literary style. Second is David Loughs No More Champagne (2015), which focuses on the financial troubles that plagued Churchills life. The great man had a rather cavalier attitude toward money, and Lough documents his lavish spending. In AprilMay 1949, for instance, Churchills staff recorded the consumption of 454 bottles of champagne, 311 bottles of wine, 58 bottles of brandy, 56 bottles of Black Label Scotch, 58 bottles of sherry, and 69 bottles of port. Churchill pointed out when such matters were brought up that I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me. In reality, Churchill struggled with financial problems until the publication of the World War II volumes made him financially secure. A unique entry in Churchill studies is John Lukacs Five Days in London: May 1940. Lukacs argues that, in late May 1940, with France on the brink of defeat, the British army retreating to the Channel port of Dunkirk to begin a withdrawal, a key debate took place in the cabinet over whether to sue for peace. Lukacs traces the debate over five days in late May, with Churchill having to make the case for Britain remaining in the war. The prevailing sentiment in the cabinet, led by Lord Halifax. the influential foreign secretary, leaned toward making some kind of deal with Hitler. Lukacs shows how Churchill outmaneuvered Halifax and gradually won over the cabinet to remain in the conflict instead of watching Britain become a satrap of Germany. Interestingly, it was Neville Chamberlain, the very face of appeasement, who used his still-powerful influence among his fellow Conservatives to throw support behind Churchill. Lukacs sums up the situation nicely: Churchill did not win the war, but he could have lost it in May 1940. Given his role in history, Churchill has spawned numerous biographiesthe Guardian puts the figure at 1,000. The defining foundational study was done by Martin Gilbert, however, who produced the official biography in eight volumes. The series was begun by Churchills erratic son Randolph, who wrote the first two volumes, with Gilbert finishing the set. This series also includes 17 volumes of Churchills papers. The biographical material, despite its great length, is surprisingly engaging, a testament to Gilberts skill in mastering such a mass of material. Scholars have been and will be mining this material for years. For those wishing to read a shorter, one-volume study, Andrew Roberts Churchill: Walking with Destiny (2018) stands out despite still coming in at over 1,100 pages. Roberts, one of the leading historians of 20th-century England, has produced what will remain for a long time the best single volume biography, incorporating details of the major events in Churchills life while remaining fair and balanced in his judgments, although one senses a deep admiration for Churchill throughout. What makes Roberts study so enjoyable is the sense that he was having fun while writing the book. One important aside: Roberts notes that Churchills career was fueled largely by a desire to redeem his fathers reputation, which was sullied when a threat of resignation as chancellor of the exchequer in the hopes of gaining greater influence with the cabinet was simply accepted by the prime ministerand he was replaced. Memory of his fathers prematurely wrecked political career haunted Churchill throughout his life. Roberts also divides Churchills career at the year 1940. If he had died before that year, Churchill would have been remembered as one of the most interesting characters of English politics of the late VictorianEdwardian eras. After 1940, however, Churchill became, in the words of the acerbic left-wing historian A.J.P. Taylor, simply the savior of his country. Roberts also focuses on Churchills conviction that he was fated for greatness. As Churchill told a young lady friend when he was young: We are all worms, but I believe I am a glow worm. Roberts biography shows how true this was. A Kansas man who posed online as being from Roanoke obtained nude photographs from about 200 minor girls, federal authorities say. Andrew Kent, 22, pleaded guilty Monday to child exploitation charges in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg. He will face a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years when he is sentenced later. In January 2023, Kent met a 14-year-old girl from Lynchburg on Twitter, now known as X. After first pretending to be a 20-year-old woman, he eventually identified himself as Leo and truthfully said he was 21 years old, according to court records. Kent, who at the time was living in Manhattan, Kansas, sent the victim generic photographs of Roanoke to convince her that he lived nearby as their conversations became more graphic. He told her that he wanted to take a kids virginity, according to court records. After several weeks of chatting, he convinced the girl to send him nude photographs and videos of herself, as well as images of self-harm that included her carving the word Leo into her thigh, a statement of facts signed by Kent attested. Kent persisted even after the girl told him she suffered from bipolar depression. In June, Kent was arrested and agreed to an interview with FBI agents. During the course of this interview, Kent told law enforcement that he habitually sought out minors online, primarily using Twitter, court records state. Kent told authorities that he had obtained nude photographs from about 200 underage girls, often saying he lived near their addresses as he gradually secured their trust. He has been held without bond since his arrest. This case demonstrates the importance of knowing not only what your children are doing online, but also with whom they are communicating, U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh said in a statement Wednesday. There are dangerous people on the Internet who specifically target children. The demon core was a plutonium core, originally intended to be the heart of the third atomic bomb developed by the United States during World War II. As the war neared its climax, the United States dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan one on Hiroshima and another on Nagasaki in a bid to bring about a swift end to the conflict. In the shadow of these monumental events, preparations were underway for a potential third strike. The plutonium core, later to be infamously known as the "demon core," was meant to power this third nuclear weapon. Advertisement The intention behind its creation was clear: If Japan didn't surrender following the devastation at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the U.S. was prepared to drop a third atomic bomb to enforce submission. However, history took a different turn. Japan's surrender in the wake of the two atomic bombings called off the assembly and deployment of what would have been a third catastrophic event. Consequently, the demon core was never used as intended and remained at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where it transitioned from a weapon of war to a subject of scientific inquiry. Despite its dormant state, the core retained a dangerous potential due to its critical mass a precise amount of plutonium capable of sustaining a chain reaction of nuclear fission. This lingering capacity for unprecedented energy release earmarked the demon core as an object of both fascination and horror, setting the stage for a series of events that underscored the dangerous balance between scientific ambition and the sanctity of human life. China's Yangtze River sees improved water quality in 2023 Xinhua) 09:44, April 03, 2024 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Yangtze River, the longest waterway in China, saw further improvement in its water quality in 2023 as the country continued its efforts to protect this river, an official said Tuesday. It was the fourth consecutive year that the main stream of the Yangtze River was found to have Grade II water quality, the second-highest level in the country's five-tier water quality system, according to the official from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). In 2023, the quality of the water in 95.6 percent of sections of the Yangtze River Economic Belt had stood above Grade III -- an increase of 1.1 percentage points year on year, said the NDRC official. The Chinese government attaches great importance to conservation of the Yangtze. To restore biodiversity along the river, China implemented a full fishing ban in 332 conservation areas of the Yangtze River basin in January 2020. This initiative was later expanded to a 10-year fishing moratorium along the river's main streams and major tributaries, effective Jan. 1, 2021. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) LE MARS, Iowa -- A Sioux City man has agreed to a 15-year prison sentence in exchange for his guilty plea in connection with a fatal crash near Hinton. The attorney for David Diaz, 32, filed Diaz' written guilty pleas Monday to charges of vehicular homicide -- reckless driving and operating while intoxicated resulting in serious injury. The vehicular homicide charge was amended as part of a plea agreement from a Class B felony to a Class C felony, reducing the prison sentence from 25 to 10 years. Diaz will be sentenced to five years on the OWI charge for a total sentence of 15 years. He also will be fined $2,395 and ordered to pay $150,000 restitution to the estate of Ermiohne Joswa. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24 in Plymouth County District Court. Emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash at about 5:44 a.m. June 7, 2022, on U.S. Highway 75 south of Hinton. Diaz is accused of driving 81 mph in a southbound car and hitting a car driven by Uzael Abraham from behind. Joswa, 45, of Sioux City, a passenger in the back seat of Abraham's car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Diaz had minor injuries. According to court documents, Diaz smelled of alcohol at the scene and had admitted via a text message that he had been drinking while on his break at work in Le Mars. A blood sample taken from Diaz showed his blood-alcohol content was 0.159%, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08%. A 45-year-old man went to prison Monday for sexually abusing a young girl in Lincoln for years, with the prosecutor calling him a "serial predator" with multiple victims. First, Ernesto Canales' attorney, John Rogers, argued for probation, given his "fairly limited criminal history" and the fact that he's served more than two years in jail in the case already, taking educational classes and attending Bible study. "Mr. Canales is ready to put this behind him and to make a better life for himself," Rogers said. Canales, who is facing similar charges in Woodbury County, Iowa, told the judge he just wanted to say he was sorry and hoped the girl could forgive him. "I'm very sorry for everything," he said. "I feel so bad. It wasn't right." Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Morgan Smith said that while Canales may have a limited history of criminal convictions, he disagreed that Canales had a limited history of criminal behavior. He said there are accounts of Canales abusing other children in the past. And when he's done with the Nebraska case, he'll go to Iowa to face similar charges. According to a Lancaster County warrant for Canales' arrest, on April 21, 2021, the Lancaster County victim, then 14, told her father that Canales had "been raping her for years." Her father reported it to a Lincoln police officer, prompting an investigation and Canales' ultimate arrest and the charges. By then, Canales had been accused of sexual assault by three other girls: a 5-year-old in 2011, a 16-year-old in 2009 and a 6-year-old in 2021, according to court records. LPD interviewed Canales in 2011 and 2019 related to accusations made by two of the children. Both times, Canales, who is a U.S. citizen, had traveled to Mexico to visit family after the reports were made, and later denied the allegations when contacted by police. In May 2021, a 6-year-old girl in Sioux City, Iowa, where Canales then was living, disclosed to her mother that he had touched her "privates." On June 2, 2021, police arrested him there on her allegations. The next day, he was charged in Lancaster County. Smith said the victim in the Lancaster County case had her childhood snatched from her by Canales. "She was just a little kid. She was supposed to be doing little kid things, having fun with her friends. Instead, she was cleaning up the miscarriage caused by Mr. Canales' criminal behavior," the prosecutor said. In February, Canales pleaded no contest to first-degree sexual assault, a charge with a 50-year maximum sentence, as part of a plea deal. On Monday, Lancaster County District Judge Lori sentenced Canales to 49 to 50 years, plus lifetime community supervision for the aggravated offense. "You've ruined so many lives based upon what you have done to satisfy your own grotesque and monstrous desires," she told Canales. "It's the court's hope that your victims can move on from the hell that you have put them through." She also said she hoped that after his incarceration he would be civilly committed to a state sex abuse treatment facility "and not ever be able to be released from supervision or custody." Photos: Hearing on Sen. Halloran censure motion in Nebraska Legislature XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 XGR Halloran hearing, 3.28 SIOUX CENTER, Iowa Three blocks of U.S. Highway 75 in Sioux Center were scheduled close Wednesday as part of an ongoing highway expansion project. U.S. 75 between 10th and 13th streets South will be closed for pavement removal, underground work and paving preparation. Work also will be taking place between Ninth and 10th streets South. Local access may be maintained for businesses inside the construction zone, depending on where work is taking place. Local traffic may continue to use U.S. 75 outside of the construction zone within Sioux Center. Through traffic on U.S. 75 is encouraged to follow a detour on Iowa Highway 10 through Orange City and Alton, Iowa Highway 60 to Sheldon and U.S. Highway 18 through Hull and Boyden. Construction on the expansion project began in 2023. Final paving of the highway from 20th Street South to 13th Street South will take place later this spring, and landscaped medians in that area will be completed this year. Expansion of the 2.5-mile stretch of highway is expected to be finished in 2026. DES MOINES Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday signed into law a measure supporters say will strengthen protections for religious expressions in Iowa. Opponents contend it would give legal cover to discriminate against LGTBQ Iowans and others. Reynolds signed Senate File 2095 into law during a closed-door event hosted by the Christian conservative group The Family Leader. Thirty years ago, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed almost unanimously at the federal level. Since then, religious rights have increasingly come under attack, Reynolds said in a statement. Today, Iowa enacts a law to protect these unalienable rights just as twenty-six other states have done upholding the ideals that are the very foundation of our country. Under the new law, state and local government shall not "substantially burden" someone's exercise of religion unless it is in furtherance of a compelling government interest and must be narrowly tailored in the least restrictive means of pursuing that interest. A person, corporation, church, foundation or other entity whose exercise of religion has been burdened would have the power to go to court to seek damages, injunctive relief or other legal recourse. The bill defines exercise of religion as action "substantially motivated by one's sincerely held religious belief, whether or not the exercise is compulsory or central to a larger system of religious belief." Supporters say the bill is needed because, in their view, U.S. Supreme Court rulings have eroded religious freedom protections that were passed into federal law in 1993 by a Democrat-majority Congress and signed by Democratic President Bill Clinton. The federal law applies only to the federal government, but at least two dozen states have passed state-level versions of the legislation. House Democrats warned the bill would lead to state-sanctioned discrimination against LGBTQ+ Iowans and denial of reproductive health care, using religious freedom as a defense. Democrats introduced an amendment defeated by Republicans that would have inserted into the bill protections against discrimination as prescribed in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The amendment aimed to restore the original purpose of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act while preventing its misuse to erode civil rights and sidestep non-discrimination laws. Others said the bill would undermine inclusivity, and harm Iowa's economy, making it harder for Iowa businesses to recruit workers from out of state and retain current residents. Several business groups and chambers of commerce were registered opposed to the bill, including Krause Group, the Technology Association of Iowa, Principal Financial Group and the Iowa Chamber Alliance. Rep. Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison and a lead sponsor of the bill, called the arguments against the bill hyperbolic and misinformed during floor debate. Holt said the bill protects religious freedom in a narrow way and requires a balancing test by courts when evaluating restrictions on religious freedom. Rep. Charley Thomson, R-Charles City, said the legislation does not mean that a religious claimant is going to win. It just means that theyre going to get a hearing and a balancing test, Thomson said during debate on the bill. Connie Ryan, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, in a statement upon the bills passage, said religious freedom is already protected under the Iowa and U.S. constitutions. There is no rationale for legislation that misuses religious freedom as a means to justify discrimination against others, Ryan said. No person should be allowed to use their faith to impose their beliefs on another person, or to take away their rights. How can I make my retirement plan climate-friendly? Posted on 3 April 2024 by Guest Author This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Barbara Grady If youre worried that your retirement plan might include investments in fossil fuels, heres what you can do. The first thing youll want to do is research whats in your 401(k). Which stocks and bonds are in the mutual funds in your plan now, and which other funds are available through your employers plan? Try FossilFreeFunds.orgs tool called Invest Your Values, which allows you to plug in the name of a fund and see what percentage of its investments are in fossil fuels, deforestation contributors, gun manufacturers, and the like. If you click on the grade the tool generates, say the D for fossil fuels, you get the details of both the percentage invested in fossil fuels and which specific companies are invested in by that fund. The Invest Your Values tool also lets you look up how much the average employee at any given company is invested in fossil fuels. Sphere offers a tool, Atmosphere, that lets you look up more than 100 companies and see what the average 401(k) participant at that company is investing in fossil fuels. You can share your findings with like-minded co-workers who are also worried about the climate crisis. Perhaps you can get together to jointly ask your employer to add sustainable or climate-friendly funds to their 401(k) offering or even change the offerings altogether. Employers want to keep their employees happy and 401(k) advisers want to keep companies which are their customers happy, said Alex Wright-Gladstein, initiator of a recent #RetireBigOil march. Employers typically rely on 401(k) advisers to recommend and set up a 401(k) plan for employees. But the employer/company is the customer, and as such, has the power to ask for something different. Wright-Gladstein says that if the employer hears from enough people, they will be motivated to ask their 401(k) adviser firm to expand the types of mutual funds available and change the default funds. FossilFreeFunds.org/funds offers a list of dozens of climate-friendly mutual funds, including funds from Calvert, Parnassus, Impax Asset Management, Trillium, Green Century, ClearBridge, and others known to invest with conscious or climate-smart investment expertise. FossilFreeFunds.org/funds rates them both by financial performance and sustainability metrics. Morningstar, the investment research company, offers a sustainable investing webpage. Morningstars head of sustainable research offers a list of index funds that do not include companies with fossil fuel reserves (indicating plans to burn them in the future), though the funds might include some oil and gas companies. Morningstar also does a sustainability rating of major funds. Besides helping the planet, switching 401(k) offerings could also be a great financial move. Many experts believe that peak oil the point in time when oil demand peaks and begins to decline is arriving or maybe already here. The transition should benefit more people than just savvy investors, private equity, and the like who are already placing their green bets with $1.8 trillion in investment in new clean energy projects like solar and wind in 2023 that dwarfed the $1 billion invested in new oil, gas, and coal projects, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. You and your co-workers should be able to profit from the green energy transition too. And you should be able to expect your retirement savings will be there when you retire, and not have shrunk because a crash in fossil fuel energy stocks caught the broad market and indexes and thus your retirement plan unprepared. Tom Toro is a cartoonist and writer who has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. Why would you ever take an entire course on trauma? That was the question I asked my students last year at the beginning of a semester-long, waitlisted class on the most distressing type of psychic pain. Were they aspiring psychologists or social workers? Had they themselves been traumatized? Were they searching for tools to deal with catastrophe? Or had they just been intrigued by the topic? I braced myself for their answers and was shocked that, to a person, they all responded the exact same way: The course fulfilled a graduation requirement. Accordingly, I was less surprised this year when I heard the same reply from participants in a very different (also full) course I taught on the philosophy of charity: They needed it for their degree. Advertisement Im seeing this attitude more and more at the college where I teach, Boston University: Electives as you might remember them are out. Matthew Bae, a director of academic advising at BU, says he sees not more than one or two students a semester sign up for a course merely because theyre interested. Students taking pure electives are the exception, not the rule, Bae said, and I always remember them because theyre so rare they stand out. If students cant figure out what the immediate use value of a course is, they wont take it. And so far as I can tell, this utilitarian approach is directly related to the rising costs of college. Or perhaps I should say skyrocketing costs. Because, as the Boston Globe reported last week, four top New England universitiesTufts, Wellesley, Yale, and BUwill cost an unconscionable $90,000 a year next fall. Northeastern and MIT arent far behind. That means that the price tag for an undergraduate education at these institutions is about to push past a third of a million dollars. Advertisement These universities will say that such numbers are sticker pricesand that financial aid packages ease the burden. (Asked for comment on the price increase, a BU spokesperson made that argument to a local news outlet, adding that the average aid package at the school was $67,000 in 202324.) But a 2023 survey by Sallie Mae indicates that students across the country still shoulder, on average, 71 percent of costs through family contributions and loans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effects of this trend are manifold. Recent surveys suggest that one of these is increasing student anxiety. According to a 2022 poll, 68 percent of undergraduates say that it is a struggle for them or their families to pay for college; another indicates that a whopping 92 percent of students fear they wont have enough money to cover tuition. No wonder stress and worry are a daily struggle for the broad majority of college students. Advertisement And another effect, while less visible, is no less pernicious. Because 78 percent of students believe that the price is worth it anywaybut only so long as it leads to financial independence. In other words, a university education better pay. This is the brute logic of economics, which encourages students to see each course as a product that should earn a short-term return on investment. And this same logic is keeping students from doing the most important thing college lets them do: intellectually explore. When I graduated from university, about 25 years ago, the entire price tag for my degree was around $50,000a shade over the cost of one semester at BU these days. That was no small sum for my firmly middle-class family, even minus the scholarship money I was able to scrape together, but it also wasnt a backbreaking expense. Advertisement So, while I felt appropriately motivated to find a major, get a degree, and graduate, I could also afford to look around a bit. I enrolled in electives in anthropology, astronomy, and urban planning, and I did so not because I wanted to secure a return on investmentthey just sounded really interesting. And they were! I still remember what I learned about ethnographic methods, the Drake equation, and buffer zones, and Im the better for it. Advertisement Related From Slate The Outdated Tests Far Too Many Schools Still Use to Judge a Kids Ability Read More It turns out that my experience wasnt out of the norm. As Robert Elliott and Valerie Paton point out, college curricula that encourage students to follow their interests trace their origins back to the elective system put in place in the late 19th century by Harvard President Charles W. Eliot. Eliots reforms encouraged freedom of inquiry and liberated students from the rigid requirements of a common core, and, Elliott and Paton argue, their influence has persisted into the modern era. To wit, former Brown Dean Katherine Bergeron notes (citing Derek Bok) that at the turn of the 20th century, curricula in more than one third of Americas colleges were at least 70 percent elective. Advertisement For 19th-century philosopher John Stuart Mill, this kind of free exploration was one of the most important purposes of higher education. He wrote that a mind to which the fountains of knowledge have been opened, and which has been taught, in any tolerable degree, to exercise its facultiesfinds sources of inexhaustible interest in all that surrounds it, in the objects of nature, the achievements of art, the imaginations of poetry, the incidents of history, the ways of mankind past and present. Advertisement Advertisement In other words, a college experience that allows students to engage in a wide-ranging pursuit of knowledge, liberated from economic pressures, turns the world into a buffet of intellectual pleasures. And its one that treats the student as something more than a cog in a giant capitalist machine. But for Mill, the capacity to appreciate that buffet is a very tender plant, easily killed, not only by hostile influences, but by mere want of sustenance. In jacking up tuition costs, American universities are in the process of killing that tender plant. And the costs wont be just economic. As prices rise, elite institutions risk turning themselves into high-priced vocational schools for the professional managerial classand shunting students away from the most valuable part of college. This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become. As President Trump has said, all staff, offices, and initiatives connected to Bidens un-American policy will be immediately terminated. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung Should former President Donald Trump be reelected this November, his administration plans to weaponize Civil Rightsera legislation against the historically underserved communities that they were intended to help, according to an Axios report. Essentially, it will be used to help white people instead. The Trump campaigns fable of anti-white racism goes something like this: Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs woefully discriminate against hardworking white Americans and dole handouts to the undeserving (often, a racially coded way of referring to nonwhite communities). A spokesperson for the former presidents campaign, Steven Cheung, told Axios that if Trump wins a second term, all staff, offices, and initiatives connected to Bidens un-American policy will be immediately terminated. Cheung did not clarify what un-American policy he was talking about. But Biden has pledged in the past to advance racial equity among Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian communities. In an executive order in 2021, Biden vowed to pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, adding in a press release that entrenched disparities in our laws and public policies, and in our public and private institutions, have often denied that equal opportunity to individuals and communities. Advertisement Whatever Trumps plan is to roll that back, his allies are already waging a legal battle against government equity programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pandemic laid bare preexisting health and economic inequities, namely in disproportionate mortality rates by race. In the same year as the equity-related executive order, the federal government produced an approximately $29 billion relief fund for restaurants struggling during the pandemic. The program had a 21-day priority approval period for women, military veterans, and historically disadvantaged individuals (on the basis of race and gender). But when white business owners sued, federal judges struck down the race and gender priority, arguing that it violated the excluded business owners equal protection rights. The right-wing nonprofit America First Legal, created by former Trump adviser (and notorious racist) Stephen Miller, backed those lawsuits and brought a similar case against a program in Texas that they won, too. Millers group has also filed various civil rights complaints against woke companies using the Civil Rights Act of 1964. America First Legal alleges that practices to increase minority representation at the management level of a company, for example, are discriminatory to white people. Advertisement Whats strategically missing, however, from the race-baiting rhetoric and litigation is discussion of the genesis of such DEI policies. History textbookswell, some of them, depending on what state youre inattest to decades of government inaction, and at times, bigotry, that have been made into policy. Redlining, school segregation, and so many more discriminatory practices were sanctioned by American law. As a result, communities of color, by and large, faced significant hurdles to socioeconomic mobility that white Americans did not. Instead, many white Americans were literally subsidized in their pursuit of generational wealth, education, and positions of legal and political influence where other Americans were prohibited. This is not to say there were or are no poor white people, but it is a basic, indisputable fact of American history that such policies disproportionately harmed the nonwhite groups. It should hardly need to be stated that the reverse-racism discourse is a distraction. When taken literally and earnestly, it is galling in its myopia. Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, supporters of the anti-DEI movement mischaracterize attempts to grant historically denied opportunities as theft or robbery. Proponents of racial or gender equity programs then become branded as criminals running afoul of the Constitution and Civil Rights goals. As the pendulum inchesnot swingstoward progress, like clockwork, counterforces emerge to push back in the opposite direction. Related From Slate One Night at a Party for Young Trump Fans Says It All About Where MAGA Is Headed Read More Trump is at the vanguard of the backlash to progressoften alleging that his own victimhood is the result of discrimination. He has repeatedly called New York Attorney General Letitia James racist, for example. James brought a successful civil suit for fraud against the Trump Organization, which resulted in Trump being fined more than $355 million. A white man labeling a Black woman a racist may have been a sensational strategy to distract from the crimes he was being charged with. It also succeeded in encouraging a semantic debate yet again over whether reverse racism is a real thing. Advertisement But the main point is this: The campaigns touting of anti-white racism obfuscates the reality that race-based inequality still exists. Trumps circle and the far-right conservatives allied with it are sending the message that historically underserved groups have amassed and wield an unfair amount of powerover hiring decisions, over college admissions, and over education curricula at every level. In reality, from a wealth and political-capital perspective, many still remain beholden to the legacies of Jim Crow. Why are we even arguing about this? Trump and his allies have proven over and over that they do not reside in a fact-based world, nor do they seek to govern with regard to reality. But their politics consistently stoke the flames of divisionand this is no exception. So yes, the Axios report is not entirely surprising. Still, its an explicit acknowledgement of what many racial justice advocates fearedthat if Trump is reelected, his administration plans to eliminate hard-won gains that count as Civil Rights progress on many, many fronts. Only a couple of resounding things came from the 2024 Republican presidential debate cycle: that none of its participants would be this years Republican presidential nominee, and that the party loathes TikTok. On this there was unanimityNikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Mike Pence, and Chris Christie, all were eager to prove that they wanted to ban TikTok with the very most gusto. In a Republican Party very light on policy recommendations, and lighter still on policies candidates are willing to embrace openly, this policy looked like near orthodoxy, even as recently as early March, when all but 22 House Republicans voted to force the sale of the company or ban it outright. Digital fentanyl, you may remember sundry Republicans calling the social media app, at any opportunity. Digital fentanyl! Digital fentanyl! Digital fentanyl! But then, right around that vote, something happened: Donald Trump had a change of heart, one that coincided with a fundraiser. In early March, Trump spoke at a donor retreat for the powerful, conservative, and lavishly funded outside spending group Club for Growth, an organization that is one of TikToks richest and most vocal defenders in Washington. Not long after, Trump went from TikTok ban enthusiastreally, the one whose support allowed all these other Republicans to claim that they supported itto TikTok ban opponent. Advertisement In the context of everything else he may do with a second term, one minor policy flip-flop may seem like small potatoes, but the development represented a tectonic movement in Republican politics. For years, the Club for Growth warred with Trump. In 2022 the group was at bitter odds over Senate races; in 2023 it even opposed his presidential bid. The Club for Growth has also long clashed with Mitch McConnell, and that stance has placed the organization squarely on the outside of GOP politicking. But McConnell is outretiring as his chambers party leader, leaving a power vacuum in the Senateand Trump has been brought in. He told the groups donors that he and its president, David McIntosh, are back in love. McIntosh had dinner at Mar-a-Lago and rode along with Trump to a campaign event to prove it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But why is Trump welcoming the Club for Growth back into his arms? Well, he badly needs money. His small-dollar fundraising is in abysmal shape, and his legal fees are consuming a huge percentage of his presidential campaign resources. The Republican National Committee, after being purged and restaffed with Trump loyalists, is in a dreadful cash crunch. The Club for Growth has money, tons of it. The group had outside spending of more than $80 million during the 2022 cycle and contributed another $20 million to favored candidates. Among its top donors are billionaires Richard Uihlein and Jeffrey Yass; Yass, who holds a multibillion-dollar stake in TikTok, is already the top individual political donor of the 2024 cycle. Advertisement Now the Club for Growth is newly at the center of Republican politics after years of scrapping on the outsideand its going on the offensive. As Politico reported, the group has cranked up the intimidation against Republican members of Congress who would vote for the TikTok ban: The conservative political powerhouse Club for Growth had a threat for members: Vote for the bill, and we could dock your score. In the days immediately after Trumps flip-flop, Republicans claimed that their position in favor of a ban was immovable. In the House, Texas Freedom Caucuser Chip Roy said as much, as did prominent Florida Trump backer Mario Diaz-Balart. Advertisement Well see. Dont forget that in 2020, the RNCs entire political platform was whatever Trump wants. Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher, the Republican lodestar on this issuehe wrote a now-famous essay calling for this legislation and was an early adopter of the digital fentanyl linehas since announced that he will be leaving Congress posthaste (and taking a job at Palantir). Advertisement If Republicans revere Trump (enough to vote to overturn the results of an election he lost), they revere megadonors only slightly less, meaning that their willingness to stare down Yass and Uihlein is not immense. And they respect lobbyists, of which TikTok has many, a close third. Advertisement Related From Slate Trumps Secret Weapon Is a TikTok Billionaire Who Used to Spurn Him Read More Because, wouldnt you know it, TikTok has been loading up on them as well. The company has nearly four dozen lobbyists currently on the dole, a giant roster. Among them are numerous high-ranking former Republicans, including Trent Lott, who was Senate majority leader not so many years before McConnell took over the role. The Club for Growth is front-loading this campaign with some muscle of its own, drafting Kellyanne Conway as its TikTok lobbyist. Advertisement Usually, when Republicans do bombastic culture war, it happens far away from D.C.dogpiling on trans high school athletes or antifa. But here is the rare culture war battle theyve chosen that has delivered itself right into their front yard. Advertisement Advertisement Right now the fate of the TikTok ban rests in the Senate, where it doesnt seem entirely likely to move. Senate Democrats havent looked terribly eager to vote on the bill, but theyre notably getting little public heat from those very same House Republicans who voted to pass it, or from their Senate colleagues across the aisle. So, after all that screeching, its likely that many Republicans are going to slink away from their war on digital fentanyl. Some will go quietly, others hilariously. Ramaswamy, who sought to emulate Trump in all ways, is one great example of the latter: After he banked a $4.9 million donation from Yass, TikTok became a much quieter part of his campaign oratory, and he came out in opposition to the ban. Maybe not all GOPers will have so dramatic an epiphany. But its not likely that youll be hearing all that much about TikTok from them from here on out. Its gone from winning political villain to political loser for Republicans in the blink of one mans sudden cash crunch. Two Israeli air strikes on Tuesdayone killing seven food-aid workers on a convoy in Gaza, another killing seven officers of Irans Revolutionary Guard at their countrys embassy in Syriacould spark a new stage of this six-month-old war, possibly worsening its misery and widening its scope. The incidents highlight with new urgency the need to bring this war to a rapid endespecially for outside powers, Arab and Western, to make it sobefore things spin out of control any further. Israels attack on three vehicles of the World Central Kitchenwhich has fed thousands of war victims and refugees in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, and other areas in crisiswas unpardonable, whatever the findings of an official investigation into how it took place. In any case, it has prompted WCK and other aid groups to suspend operations in Gazawhere, even with the relief efforts, hunger and sanitary conditions are nearing catastrophic levels. The air strike on the Iranian officers was obviously a deliberate move, but it is not clear what spurred it, and it was carried out without first notifying President Biden, even though the United States might well be a targetthus drawing us into the war directlyif Iran decides to retaliate. It is hard to imagine Tehran not responding at all to Tuesdays attack. Five years ago, after a U.S. drone strike killed one of Irans top generals, Qassem Soleimani, and four of his aides on a runway at Baghdads airport, Shiite militiamen launched an attack on the U.S. Embassy. No one was killed, but 34 American troops suffered serious brain damage. Advertisement Whatever action Iran takes now, it could mark a tactical shift and strategic escalation. Tehran has taken pains to avoid direct involvement in this warperhaps deterred by, among other factors, the U.S. aircraft carrier battle group in the Mediterraneanand in recent weeks has pressured its proxy militias in the region to tone down their attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran tightened its control after one such attack killed three U.S. military personnel in Jordan. In response, U.S. Central Command launched a wave of attacks that killed 40 Iran-backed militiamenand U.S. diplomats had secret talks with Iranian counterparts. That being the case, Israel had an obligation to consult with Washington before taking any action that might alter Tehrans calculation of risks and benefits. Advertisement We still dont know how an Israeli fighter jet came to fire precision-guided munitions on the three separate vehicles of the WCK convoy. The organizations CEO, Erin Gore, called it a targeted attack by the IDF. The term suggests the Israel Defense Forces knowingly and deliberately killed the aid workers. This is unlikely; the IDF has no interest in killing members of an international aid groupone of them an American citizenthat is much beloved across the political spectrum. It is significant that the IDF chief and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly acknowledged the IDFs blame and apologized for the mistake, something they have rarely done after any of the other attacks that have killed civilians. (A headline in the left-leaning Israeli newspaper Haaretz read: If only Israel thought of all its Gaza victims as a PR disaster.) Advertisement Advertisement However, it would be too lenient to sigh and shrug it off, as some have done, as the sort of instance of friendly fire that happens on a tangled battlefield at night. As Jose Andres, WCKs founder, wrote in a New York Times op-ed, the three vehicles were clearly marked and traveling on a route and a schedule known to the IDF. This sort of coordinationwhich the WCK has handled with great care and frequencyis known as deconfliction. The term usually applies to communications between rival nations militaries to let each other know when and where theyre conducting flights, maneuvers, and missile tests in order to avoid misinterpretations and thus reduce the risk of accidental conflict. U.S. and Russia regularly sent deconfliction notices to each other when their jets were scheduled to fly over or near Syria. The WCK and other aid groups have gone through this same process in timing and mapping out their convoy routes. Advertisement Advertisement The significance of the WCK killings, besides the tragedy itself, is that it shows that the Israeli military is not paying as much attention as it should to its deconfliction arrangements. President Biden made this point clearly in a statement released Tuesday night. After declaring himself outraged and heartbroken by the deaths, he said: Advertisement Advertisement Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident. This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficultbecause Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties. Veteran foreign-policy journalist Laura Rozen, who has reported extensively on this failing, referred after the attack to Israels bullshit deconfliction system, noting that, whatever the precise cause of this incident, Israel evidently did not care enough to make deconfliction a priority. Advertisement Related From Slate Netanyahus Pact With Ultra-Orthodox Jews Is Being Put to the Test Read More Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International, tweeted shortly after the air strike, Humanitarians have spent SIX MONTHS telling anyone who would listen that deconfliction is broken. President Biden and his senior officials know it. But theyve done little beyond scold the Israelis over it while continuing to send weapons. This is the inevitable result. Israel is not the only obstacle to aid getting through to Gazans. The IDF has said that Hamas gunmen have intercepted food deliveries meant for Gazan civilians. Early on in the war, one Hamas leader said the terrorist organization, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, has no obligation to protect civilians in Gazathats a matter, he said, for the U.N. Advertisement Still, it is salutary, after the WCK killing, for Biden to pin a major part of the problem on Israeli carelessness. Now that he has publicly criticized Israel for ignoring Americans pressure on deconfliction, maybe he will start doing more than merely scold. Advertisement Advertisement All of the many Arab-Israeli wars in the last 76 years have ended as a result of pressure from outside powers. For a few months now, the outside powers with some relevance to the outcome of this warthe U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabiahave hammered out elaborate, precisely detailed plans for cease-fires, hostage-for-prisoner exchanges, and diplomatic moves beyond that. Its time for all of them to step up the pressure. If you havent placed email at the heart of your marketing strategy, youre overlooking a key tactic. Simply embracing email marketing isnt enough. In fact, failing to integrate your email marketing app with other business applications means missing out on a significant chance to boost your businesss revenue. Fortunately, leveraging email marketing app integration enriches your strategy. It turns your marketing tool into a powerhouse of insights and efficiency. Read on to learn about 5 top email marketing integrations and how they can make your marketing app even smarter. 5 Strategies for Integrating Email Marketing Apps Connecting your apps makes your marketing stronger. Lets show you how to mix them together for better results. CRM One of the most powerful types of email marketing integration is with CRM software, where you can harness the data you collect on clients and prospects and use this to deliver targeted campaigns to them. Most integrations allow you to sync contact data between the two applications, ensuring that each contact or lead you update in your CRM is also changed in the email marketing software. Most of the top CRMs for small businesses, such as Insightly, Zoho CRM, and Pipedrive, support integration with email marketing programs. Customer Service By plugging your email marketing application into your customer service software, your support agents can see details of exactly which email campaigns have been served to the customer and what actions were taken. This helps customers get a more personalized experience when they are speaking with an agent. For example, MailChimp allows you to integrate with Zendesk so that your team can see previous emails alongside a ticket in Zendesk. Likewise, its possible to integrate email marketing tools with your live chat software. LiveChat, for example, integrates with MailChimp, Campaign Monitor, and others to allow customers to sign up for newsletters whenever they sign into live chat. Analytics Your email marketing solution can be rigged up to integrate with popular Web analytics tools so that you can better track your campaigns. MailChimp, for instance, includes support for Google Analytics, automatically adding tracking codes to your email campaign URLs so that you can see precisely the impact your campaigns are having in terms of things like traffic and conversions. Klipfolio is another business intelligence app that integrates with a range of email marketing tools, allowing you to use them as a data source. This means that you can combine email marketing metrics with data from other areas of your business and create unique queries to discover patterns through your dashboards. eCommerce No matter how you dress it up, mailouts are ultimately about bringing in revenue in the long term. If youre using an email marketing application and have an online store, youd better make sure that theyre linked up. Apps like ActiveCampaign, MailChimp, and Campaign Monitor include integrations with a bunch of eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, either directly through the app or by using their APIs. By connecting these applications, you can do things like add customers as email contacts after they make a purchase, get marketing recommendations based on activity in your store, or pull items from your store directly into your email newsletters. Social Media Social media and email marketing are both valuable ways to connect with your customer, but they shouldnt be regarded as completely separate entities. After all, its likely that youre talking to the same people through both mediums. Generally, youll find that your email marketing software can be very easily connected to Twitter, Facebook, and even Instagram, so you can sync your campaigns. MailChimps HootSuite integration is a good example of how to sync up your marketing channels. By using the MailChimp campaigns stream, you can see reports and share links across social media, then assess how your followers have interacted with your campaign. The Lists stream lets you see the health of your campaigns by tracking open rates and unsubscribes, and when you put the streams together, youll be able to conjure up creative social campaigns based around whats working in your email efforts. Its worth exploring all of the supported integrations when choosing an email marketing tool, to make sure the other apps youre using in your business are complimentary. That way, you can be sure that things are synced and that data youre collecting on a daily basis goes towards delighting your customers and increasing your lead conversion. Integration Description Supported Email Marketing Tools CRM Integrate customer relationship management (CRM) software to harness client and prospect data for targeted campaigns. Sync contact data between CRM and email marketing tools. Insightly, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, and more Customer Service Connect email marketing with customer service software to provide personalized experiences and view campaign interactions. MailChimp (Zendesk integration), LiveChat, and others Analytics Integrate email marketing with web analytics tools for better campaign tracking. MailChimp (Google Analytics), Klipfolio, and more eCommerce Link email marketing applications with eCommerce platforms to enhance revenue generation. ActiveCampaign, MailChimp, Campaign Monitor, and more Social Media Easily connect email marketing with social media channels to synchronize campaigns and assess their impact. MailChimp (HootSuite integration), Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and more Powerful Results From Properly Executed Email Marketing You only need to open your inbox to see that email marketing works. All those newsletters and special offers are stuffing your account because marketers understand the power of the medium. Youll find countless statistics that back this up. Consumers marketed to through email spend 138 percent more than people who arent sent email offers. The average return is $44.25 for every $1 spent on email marketing. And email is nearly 40 times better at garnering new customers than Facebook and Twitter. But if youre going to do email marketing, you need to do it right. An important part of email marketing is about understanding exactly who your customers and prospects are in order to get the right message across at the right time. One of the smartest ways to do this is by harvesting the stockpile of customer data thats strewn across all your business applications, and plugging it all into your email marketing tool. This will give you the extra intelligence needed to make sure that youre hitting the right customers with the right message. Most of the top email marketing apps listed in GetApps independent ranking system, GetRank, support integrations with popular business software across a range of categories, from customer service and CRM, to HR and social media marketing. Tips for Seamless Email Marketing Integrations To ensure successful integrations between your email marketing tool and other business applications, consider these valuable tips: Evaluate Compatibility : Before selecting an email marketing tool, assess its compatibility with your existing business applications. Ensure that the integrations you need are supported. : Before selecting an email marketing tool, assess its compatibility with your existing business applications. Ensure that the integrations you need are supported. Data Security : Prioritize data security when integrating applications. Protect customer information and adhere to privacy regulations like GDPR. : Prioritize data security when integrating applications. Protect customer information and adhere to privacy regulations like GDPR. Training and Support : Provide training to your team on using integrated tools effectively. Ensure that your email marketing provider offers reliable customer support for troubleshooting. : Provide training to your team on using integrated tools effectively. Ensure that your email marketing provider offers reliable customer support for troubleshooting. Monitor Performance : Regularly monitor the performance of your integrated systems. Track metrics, analyze results, and make adjustments to optimize your marketing strategies. : Regularly monitor the performance of your integrated systems. Track metrics, analyze results, and make adjustments to optimize your marketing strategies. Test Automation : Explore automation features within your email marketing tool and integrated apps. Automate repetitive tasks to save time and improve efficiency. : Explore automation features within your email marketing tool and integrated apps. Automate repetitive tasks to save time and improve efficiency. Stay Updated : Keep your applications and integrations up to date with the latest versions. This helps prevent compatibility issues and ensures access to new features. : Keep your applications and integrations up to date with the latest versions. This helps prevent compatibility issues and ensures access to new features. Customization : Seek customizable integrations that can be tailored to your specific business needs. This flexibility allows for a more personalized and efficient workflow. : Seek customizable integrations that can be tailored to your specific business needs. This flexibility allows for a more personalized and efficient workflow. Backup Data : Implement data backup procedures in case of integration failures or data loss. Regularly back up critical customer data to prevent disruptions. : Implement data backup procedures in case of integration failures or data loss. Regularly back up critical customer data to prevent disruptions. User Feedback: Encourage feedback from your team members who use integrated systems daily. Their insights can help identify areas for improvement. The Power of Email Marketing Integrations Integrating your email marketing app with other business applications opens up new avenues for growth and engagement. Heres how you can make the most of email marketing app integration: Boost Engagement Through Personalization Deep Dive into Customer Preferences : Gather detailed insights from CRM data to tailor your emails, making each message resonate more personally. : Gather detailed insights from CRM data to tailor your emails, making each message resonate more personally. Segmentation : Use CRM insights to segment your audience, ensuring the right messages reach the right people at the right time. : Use CRM insights to segment your audience, ensuring the right messages reach the right people at the right time. Behavior-Based Email Triggers : Set up emails that automatically send based on specific customer actions, enhancing relevance and timeliness. : Set up emails that automatically send based on specific customer actions, enhancing relevance and timeliness. Dynamic Content : Integrate data to customize content dynamically, keeping emails fresh and engaging. : Integrate data to customize content dynamically, keeping emails fresh and engaging. A/B Testing for Personalization : Test different personalization strategies to see what works best, refining your approach over time. : Test different personalization strategies to see what works best, refining your approach over time. Customer Lifecycle Email Strategies: Craft emails that cater to each stage of the customer lifecycle, from acquisition to loyalty, ensuring relevant and timely communication. Streamline Operations with Efficient Campaign Management Automated List Management : Keep your contact lists up-to-date across platforms without manual intervention. : Keep your contact lists up-to-date across platforms without manual intervention. Targeted Campaigns Based on Data Insights : Leverage integrated analytics to craft campaigns that hit the mark every time. : Leverage integrated analytics to craft campaigns that hit the mark every time. Enhanced Performance Tracking : Get a clearer view of campaign performance with integrated analytics, allowing for rapid adjustments. : Get a clearer view of campaign performance with integrated analytics, allowing for rapid adjustments. Time-Saving Templates and Workflows : Use data from integrated apps to quickly populate email templates and workflows. : Use data from integrated apps to quickly populate email templates and workflows. Cross-Platform Campaign Coordination : Coordinate your email marketing efforts with social media and other channels for a unified marketing strategy. : Coordinate your email marketing efforts with social media and other channels for a unified marketing strategy. Unified Reporting for Informed Decisions: Access consolidated reports from integrated systems to gain comprehensive insights into campaign performance, optimizing your marketing spend. Enhance Customer Support and Satisfaction Immediate Access to Customer Histories : Give customer service teams access to a customers email interaction history for more informed support. : Give customer service teams access to a customers email interaction history for more informed support. Personalized Support Experiences : Use email data to personalize the customer service experience, building stronger relationships. : Use email data to personalize the customer service experience, building stronger relationships. Feedback Loop Integration : Automatically send customer feedback requests after support interactions, helping to improve service continuously. : Automatically send customer feedback requests after support interactions, helping to improve service continuously. Customer Journey Mapping : Use integrated data to map out and understand the customer journey, identifying key touchpoints for engagement. : Use integrated data to map out and understand the customer journey, identifying key touchpoints for engagement. Proactive Support Initiatives : Anticipate customer needs and issues by analyzing email interactions and engagement patterns. : Anticipate customer needs and issues by analyzing email interactions and engagement patterns. Real-Time Engagement Analysis: Utilize real-time data from email campaigns to identify and act upon immediate support opportunities, enhancing the customer experience. By incorporating these strategies through email marketing app integration, youre not just sending emails; youre creating a comprehensive, data-driven marketing ecosystem that can significantly enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and improve overall satisfaction. Benefits Description Enhanced Personalization Utilize CRM integrations to gather customer data and create personalized email campaigns for higher engagement and conversions. Efficient Campaign Management Streamline campaign tasks, such as list management and tracking, through integrations, saving time and boosting marketing effectiveness. Improved Customer Support Integrate with customer service apps for seamless access to customer email interactions, resulting in better-informed support responses. Data-Driven Insights Analytics integrations provide detailed campaign performance metrics, allowing you to refine strategies for improved results. Increased Revenue eCommerce integrations link your online store with email marketing, enabling targeted product recommendations and boosting sales. Multi-Channel Engagement Social media integrations synchronize email and social campaigns, expanding your reach and reinforcing brand messaging. Streamlined Workflow Integrations connect various applications, reducing manual data entry, minimizing errors, and ensuring workflow consistency. Customer Retention Utilize integrations for follow-up emails, loyalty rewards, and feedback surveys to nurture long-term customer relationships. Scalability Integrations support business growth, allowing you to expand your email marketing efforts and adapt to changing needs seamlessly. Competitive Advantage Effectively leveraging integrations provides a competitive edge, enabling relevant content delivery, faster responses, and staying ahead. Email Marketing App Integration and Your Business: The Takeaways Email marketing is undeniably a powerful tool for businesses seeking to connect with their audience and drive revenue. However, what truly sets successful email marketing apart is the integration of various business applications into the email marketing ecosystem. Its not just about sending messages. Its about leveraging the wealth of data and insights available through these integrations. That way, you create more personalized, efficient, and effective campaigns. Strategic Advantages of Email Marketing App Integration By aligning your email marketing with CRM systems, customer service apps, analytics tools, eCommerce platforms, and social media channels, you can take your marketing to new heights. This alignment gives you the power to deeply understand your customers, respond quickly to their needs and precisely measure your campaign impacts. This holistic approach to email marketing goes beyond being just beneficialit becomes a strategic advantage. In a competitive landscape with ever-evolving customer expectations, embracing these integrations gives businesses an edge. You can deliver content that hits the mark, enhance customer experiences, and quickly adapt to changes in the market. Unleashing the Potential of Email Marketing Apps So, as you embark on your email marketing journey or reassess your strategies, remember its more than just sending emails. Its about the connections you forge and the insights you gather. Integrations unlock the full potential of email marketing. They can be the driving force behind your businesss growth and success. By using these strategies through email marketing app integration, youre not just sending emails. Youre creating a comprehensive, data-driven marketing ecosystem. This ecosystem can significantly enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and boost overall satisfaction. Integrating your email marketing efforts amplifies your reach. It also deepens your relationship with your audience by providing relevant, timely, and personalized content. This approach elevates the customer experience and drives measurable growth for your business. It sets a new standard for whats achievable with thoughtful, integrated marketing strategies. Many friends gather over cocktails, including the founders of Mission Craft Cocktails. In fact, the pair enjoyed this tradition so much that they built a business around it. And theyre even using the venture as an opportunity to give back. Read more about the company and its mission in this weeks Small Business Spotlight. What the Business Does Creates bottled craft cocktails and gives 5 percent back to charity. Co-founder Amit Singh told Small Business Trends, We are a purpose driven company that just so happens to make great cocktails! Business Niche Making a real difference. Singh says, Five percent give back is so much larger than most any company in the industry for sure, but even where corporate norm is only one percent. Thus far we have funded over 27,000 meals to families in need in California. How the Business Got Started To give back during the pandemic. Singh explains, Our business started as a passion project between 2 best friends and their love of craft cocktails, and our inability to find any during COVID. The lockdown was also a bit of a call to arms for Marcin and myself in how we could best be impactful in giving back within our community. We really wanted to focus on using our entrepreneurial and business skill sets to create a perpetual giving machine versus any smaller impact one time personal donations would have ever made. Biggest Win Receiving a special industry honor. Singh adds, I think weve had a lot small wins on the sales side. But I think emotionally our biggest win was being chosen as one of only two brands to be part of the Jack Daniels and Uncle Nearest incubator program for 2024. It really validated our approach to this business and the purpose we have behind it. Biggest Risk Purchasing materials in bulk. Singh says, For us the biggest risk was clearly buying all the bulk spirits in advance of really scaling up our production or having the consumer demand to warrant these bulk spirits purchases. Knowing we needed these spirits to grow and handle future orders, we had to buy barrel upon barrel of whiskey and thousands of liters of tequila well in advance of us really having a proven business model. We purchased in a volume because we believed we had a better product and a purpose that consumers would support. Fun Fact Theyre not just business partners theyre like family! Singh adds, [We are] two best friends that started up a business because they love cocktails. Our families hang out and vacation together. And our lives are now so intermingled across family, business, cocktails and we all collectively dream of what type of impact our lives will make on others, as we scale this business. Favorite Quote Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth Mike Tyson. ***** Residence permit, certificate of Slovak Living Abroad and state citizenship can be requested at embassies. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share 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 About a dozen volunteers associated with the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community (CPYEC) and other Chinese charity organizations are spreading love, hope, and kindness this Ramadan in Pakistan by distributing food items and arranging iftar dinners for locals. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Harabin sponsor behind web targeting Ivan Korcok, Bratislava's past leaves a toxic mix of problems, and how Slovak experts help media professionals with fact-checking. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, April 3 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Polls suggest extremely tight election The Presidential Palace in Bratislava. (Source: SME - Marko Erd) The last polls ahead of the second round of the presidential election are in and suggest that the result will be very tight. Yesterday, a Focus poll for TV Markiza carried out at the end of March indicated that Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini would win the second round this Saturday. Today, a poll by the Median SK agency suggested the same result, with Pellegrini gaining 51.1 percent of the votes. This poll was also carried out at the end of March. But, according to a survey by the NMS Market Research agency for the Sme daily, ex-foreign affairs minister Ivan Korcok would win with 51.7 percent of votes. Data was collected between March 28 and April 2. Meanwhile, an Ipsos poll for the Dennik N daily, showed Korcok taking 50.1 percent of votes. A 48-hour moratorium on campaigning comes into effect at midnight on Wednesday. ELECTION UPDATES: The Smer and SNS parties reiterated their support for their coalition partner and Hlas chair Peter Pellegrini. The Sme Rodina party also supports him. Failed presidential candidate Jan Kubis voiced support for Pellegrini, but called on his voters to decide for themselves. During their meeting, former Czech PM Andrej Babis backed Pellegrini. During a discussion both men attacked mainstream media while praising disinformation media. The Klub 500 organisation of the biggest employers in Slovakia supports Peter Pellegrini. Its founder is close to Smer. Failed presidential candidate Patrik Dubovsky, the Za Ludi party, the Slovensko movement (formerly OLaNO) are backing Ivan Korcok, as is Progresivne Slovensko, which also called on people to vote. Igor Cako, a Bratislava businessman and former sponsor of failed candidate Stefan Harabin, admitted to creating a website that spread false claims about Korcok. He put thousands of pounds into the site and its promotion, according to NGO Transparency International Slovensko. MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY FOR WEDNESDAY Helping with fact-checking Ivan Srba. (Source: ESET Science Award/Linda Kiskova Bohusova) In recent years, disinformation has become a huge problem worldwide, but countering it is difficult. Ivan Srba and his colleagues from the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies (KInIT) are among those leading efforts to increase the quality of online content and prevent hoaxes and untruths being spread. They have created the largest database of checked facts in the world and an app for media professionals to verify information, regardless of what part of the world it originated in. EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND Lego sets at your fingertips Harry Potter Lego set. (Source: TASR) Between April 5-7, a new and interactive exhibition comprised of 500 Lego sets will be on display in the DK Zrkadlovy Haj culture house in Bratislava's Petrzalka borough. It will include 80 controllable models, the complete Lego Supercar collection, a huge city made up of 200 models and a 50-metre long railway. Admission starts at 5, the exhibition will be open between 09:00 to 19:00. For more information, click here. WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Cloudy to overcast skies and occasional showers expected. Daily temperatures will rise to between 12 C and 20 C. (SHMU) APRIL 4 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Izidor Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook and Instagram (@slovakspectator). Kremlin used Voice of Europe to influence countries ahead of EP election. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Less than three months ahead of European Parliament elections, the Czech Security Information Service (BIS) has revealed Russian influence behind the Voice of Europe website, the Czech Denik N daily has reported. According to the Czech intelligence service, the Kremlin has used the website to try to influence the election in several countries, with activities based in Prague. Cash was also given to politicians from several EU countries. Last week, the Czech Republic blocked the website, which was known for hosting pro-Russian politicians who want to stop EU aid to Ukraine and for providing an "alternative view on the European Union and the war in Ukraine", among other things. Slovak politicians, including far-right Republika party chair and MEP Milan Uhrik, ex-justice minister Jan Carnogursky, Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (SNS nom.) and Smer MP and PM Robert Fico's advisor Erik Kalinak have also given interviews to the Voice of Europe. According to Denik N, none of them received money from the website. In the case of Simkovicova the interview started with a compliment on her looks and a question about the secret behind them. She also mentioned that, in her opinion, Slovakia is closer to Ukraine and Russia than to the West, reports Sme daily. Kalinak's interview was solely focused on the June European Parliament election. According to Slovak Dennik N daily, Kalinak said that "there is only one mainstream medium in Slovakia and it is owned by Soros or at least one of his Open Society Foundations", and that "one medium is owned by [cybersecurity company] ESET that is allegedly connected to CIA". Neither claim is true. Kalinak also said that the Smer party slate is far more Eurosceptic than before. When the Sme daily asked both about their respective interviews, Simkovicova said that the website approached her, while Kalinak gave the interview at a Czech-Slovak diplomatic event. March 27th Hemro, the global leader in coffee grinding solutions, wants to extend a huge thank you to everyone visiting their Hotelex 2024 booth! We had a blast in Shanghai meeting with existing and new business partners, mingling with fellow exhibitors and connecting with coffee enthusiasts from all corners of the industry. Hotelex 2024 was the perfect stage for us to showcase our latest and greatest coffee tech. We had some incredible conversations, made new friends, and solidified partnerships that were certain will shake things up in the coffee world. At Hemro, were all about pushing the boundaries and bringing gamechanging solutions to the table, said Ziya Boro, Chief Sales Officer at Hemro. Hotelex 2024 gave us the chance to do just that and more. Big thanks to the organizers for putting together such an awesome event! As we look ahead, Hemro is pumped to keep the momentum going. Were committed to helping distributors thrive in a competitive market by providing top-notch equipment and unrivaled support. The connections we made at Hotelex 2024 are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey together! On the evening of the 27th of March we also hosted our top partners for an exclusive celebratory dinner in the context of our Mahlkonig The First 100 Years campaign. You find a selection of pictures from the dinner event as well as the booth here: Welcome to Mahlkonig 100 Year Dinner Party! (uphoto.cn) About Hemro Group Hemro Group is a global group of innovators creating the worlds most advanced coffee grinding technology across our four world-renowned brands: Mahlkonig, Ditting, Anfim and HeyCafe. As the leading coffee grinder, burr manufacturer, and technology solutions company, we are committed to excellencefrom the factory floor to our sustainability efforts and beyondso everyone can enjoy a quality coffee moment. Unified under the Hemro Group, our brands offer a full suite of trusted coffee grinder solutions for coffee shops, roasters, retailers, and home baristas. Hemro Group grinders are designed in our innovation & technology facilities in our Zurich headquarters and produced in our three production facilities in Germany, Italy, and China. Our distribution partners sell our products in 100+ countries. Our global accessibility makes Hemro a reliable partner around the world. Boasting more than 320 team members, our diverse group of innovators, engineers, coffee professionals, and creatives is a collaborative worldwide effort to develop a brighter tomorrow for coffee. Championed by our companys innovative spirit, teams are encouraged to push the boundaries of coffee grinder technology. As a result, innovations such as Mahlkonigs Grind-by-Weight technology are possible and move the industry forward toward a sustainable, lasting future for coffee. What is it about early-aughts rock that makes the transition to coffee business owner so seamless? Hawthorne Heights frontman JT Woodruff has Greenhaus Coffee, former Spoken bass player Jon Allen opened a little known roastery in Arkansas by the name of Onyx Coffee Lab, and Millennial guitar god Paul Waggoner of Between the Buried and Me is the owner of North Carolinas Nightflyer Roastworks. Whatever it ismaybe its the dedication or the willingness to lock yourself in a room alone and do the same repetitive task over and over again until you get really good at itthe Gen-X/Elder-Millennial-rock-musician-to-coffee-guy pipeline has never been stronger. If you know that last name, youve pretty much outed yourself as prog- and extreme music-friendly (but not pop bands who call themselves prog) and are the target audience for this very story. Benjamin Weinman, a founding member of the mathcore/metalcore band Dillinger Escape Plan is opening up Alkemy Coffee Co in Flemington, New Jersey. If you dont know what any of these words mean, the video below should tell you pretty much everything you need to know about the band and the genre. Im not too ashamed to admit (yes I am) that Im at least 100 of that videos 1.7 million views. As reported by My Central Jersey, Alkemy is a collaborative effort between Weinman and his fiancee Valentina Killough and will be taking over the space previously occupied by a different coffee shop, Factory Fuel Co. Crafted with care and a touch of sorcery, per their Instagram, the soon-to-open shop will rely on Killoughs training as certified aromatherapist and herbalist and will offer a blend of coffee, tea, aromatherapy, wellness workshops, and even live music, which is a little more threatening than one would normally expect from a cafe (see video above). The coffee for Alkemy will be provided by Golden Lantern Coffee Roasters (featured here as part of Build-Outs of Coffee feature series), an Orange County roaster co-owned by Misha Mansoor of progressive metal/djent band Periphery and frequent tourmate of Weinmans. (The pipeline is hummin.) The grand opening was originally scheduled for this weekend, with festivities planned for April 6th and 7th, but as it so often goes with opening a cafe, the date has been pushed back due to various setbacks beyond [their] control. So until then, youll have to get your Weinman fill by catching him on tour with iconic skate punk band Suicidal Tendencies, where he has joined on as the rhythm guitar player, or in Chicago in August for the Dillinger Escape Plans show celebrating the 25th anniversary of their breakout album Calculating Infinity. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240402/kim-jong-un-guides-test-fire-of-north-korean-hypersonic-ballistic-missile-1117707588.html Kim Jong Un Guides Test-Fire of North Korean Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Kim Jong Un Guides Test-Fire of North Korean Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Sputnik International North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided the first test-fire of Hwasongpho-16B, a new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead. 2024-04-02T22:59+0000 2024-04-02T22:59+0000 2024-04-02T22:59+0000 kim jong un north korea korean central news agency (kcna) yonhap hypersonic hypersonic missiles military & intelligence military https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/02/1117708251_0:0:900:506_1920x0_80_0_0_833fbb36ac2efb3dc83624387b2b001a.jpg North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided the first test-fire of Hwasongpho-16B, a new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead, KCNA reported on Wednesday.All North Korean missiles are now solid-fuel and nuclear-capable and are equipped with maneuverable warheads, agency added.The state media reported that the launch of the missile was aimed at confirming the designed technical specifications and verifying the reliability of the weapon system. The agency added that the characteristics of the missile and its maneuverability were proved through the test-fire.On Tuesday morning, Yonhap reported, citing the South Korean military, that Pyongyang launched an an unspecified ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan. The Japanese Defense Ministry later said the missile flew 650 kilometers (403 miles) at a maximum altitude of 100 kilometers and splashed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240320/kim-jong-un-oversees-test-of-solid-fuel-engine-for-new-hypersonic-missile--1117443191.html north korea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International north korea, hypersonic ballistic missile hwasong-16b, north korea missiles, does north korea have hypersonic missiles, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/1117717174.html Photos: Aftermath of Taiwan's Strongest Earthquake Since 1999 Photos: Aftermath of Taiwan's Strongest Earthquake Since 1999 Sputnik International A 7+ magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Taiwan on Wednesday, according to the Central Weather Administration's Seismology Center. It was the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years since the 1999 quake. While the Japan Meteorological Agency put it at 7.7, Taiwanese seismologists estimated it to be 7.3 on the Richter scale. 2024-04-03T14:14+0000 2024-04-03T14:14+0000 2024-04-03T14:14+0000 multimedia photo taiwan earthquake asia-pacific region https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/03/1117717344_0:511:2731:2047_1920x0_80_0_0_bca2f7d6e3aff6b6b31b2bb39152f564.jpg Taiwan typically experiences two to four moderate earthquakes annually, but saw immediate response efforts this time, with the armed forces joining rescue operations and a response center established for assistance. The quake led to the collapse of a plastics factory in New Taipei City and power outages in over 87,000 households. However, nuclear facilities operated by the Taiwan Power Company were unaffected. The earthquake also impacted railway traffic in southeastern China. China offered to assist Taiwan with the disaster's aftermath. Explore Sputniks photo gallery to see the devastation wrecked by nature: taiwan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International taiwan earthquake, taiwan quake, taiwan tsunamy, taiwan disaster https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/biden-administration-urges-congress-to-approve-sale-of-f-15-jets-to-israel---reports-1117710761.html Biden Administration Urges Congress to Approve Sale of F-15 Jets to Israel - Reports Biden Administration Urges Congress to Approve Sale of F-15 Jets to Israel - Reports Sputnik International The administration of US President Joe Biden is urging Congress to approve the sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel worth a total of $18 billion, while resisting calls to curb US arms sales to the Jewish state over its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, US media reported, citing US officials. 2024-04-03T06:00+0000 2024-04-03T06:00+0000 2024-04-03T06:00+0000 military israel israeli-palestinian conflict israel-gaza conflict palestine-israel conflict israeli air force (iaf) f-15 hamas gaza strip joe biden https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/03/1117710602_0:49:3072:1777_1920x0_80_0_0_4a95498c70698153990f3de12e645b67.jpg The US Department of State has recently sent an informal notice to two congressional committees urging them to begin legislative consideration of the sale of the planes, the newspaper reported. The deal is expected to include ammunition, training to operate the fighters, and other assistance. At the same time, US officials said that it would take at least five years for Israel to receive the jets. Meanwhile, Israeli officials said that the country would soon approach Washington with a new order for F-35 fighter jets, the newspaper reported. Earlier in the week, media reported that the US was considering supplying Israel with fighter jets and missiles in the next few years. Israel could receive up to 50 vehicles, 30 advanced medium-range AIM-120 missiles and components for turning bombs into precision-guided munitions. On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border, attacking both civilian neighborhoods and military bases. Nearly 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted during the attack. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 32,900 people have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, according to local authorities. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240329/kill-as-many-as-possible-israel-reportedly-devising-plan-to-occupy-gaza-following-genocide-1117624238.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/netanyahus-personal-agenda-is-not-hostages-1117688807.html israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International f-15 israel, biden f-15, israel hamas, israel fighter jets, israel sale f-15 https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/biden-calls-for-swift-probe-in-israel-attack-on-wck-workers-says-not-stand-alone-incident-1117709350.html Biden Calls For Swift Probe in Israel Attack on WCK Workers, Says Not Stand-Alone Incident Biden Calls For Swift Probe in Israel Attack on WCK Workers, Says Not Stand-Alone Incident Sputnik International US President Joe Biden in a statement called for a swift probe into the incident that killed seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza. 2024-04-03T03:17+0000 2024-04-03T03:17+0000 2024-04-03T03:17+0000 world joe biden israel israel defense forces (idf) aid workers civilian casualties civilian deaths https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/13/1117417429_0:0:2117:1191_1920x0_80_0_0_b48aefcc19f16521bcc6cd4f669fb65a.jpg "Israel has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into why the aid workers vehicles were hit by airstrikes. That investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public. Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed," said Biden in a White House release. The president added that Israel has not done enough to protect civilians and that the United States will continue its humanitarian efforts in Gaza while urging Israel to do more to facilitate the aid.On Monday, WCK staff were traveling "in a deconflicted zone" in two armored cars branded with the organization's logo, and a soft skin vehicle, the NGO said. The humanitarian convoy was attacked as it left the Deir al Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of food aid brought to Gaza by sea. The organization said that its convoy had coordinated its movements with the IDF.The Israeli strike against the staff of the WCK killed seven employees from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom and Palestine, as well as a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. The organization suspended its operations in the Gaza Strip after the deadly incident. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240402/four-world-central-kitchen-employees-killed-in-gaza-due-to-israeli-strike---reports-1117690616.html israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International world central kitchen incident, biden on israel, us israel relations, world central kitchen staff death investigation, israel attack on wck workers, israel gaza strip operation https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/crocus-terror-attack-well-organized-accompanied-by-pre-orchestrated-media-blitz-says-top-offical-1117712369.html Crocus Terror Attack Well-Organized, Accompanied by Pre-Orchestrated Media Blitz, Says Top Offical Crocus Terror Attack Well-Organized, Accompanied by Pre-Orchestrated Media Blitz, Says Top Offical Sputnik International Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev shared his take on Crocus terror attack, modern terrorism and Western role in nourishing jihadist organizations with security officials of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. 2024-04-03T09:06+0000 2024-04-03T09:06+0000 2024-04-03T09:29+0000 world russian security council nikolai patrushev volodymyr zelensky counter-terrorism terrorism anti-terrorism us terrorism https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/19/1117546607_0:126:3153:1899_1920x0_80_0_0_82d7d5faef7c98603a795bc0861ce264.jpg *"The terrorist attack was well organized and was accompanied by extensive, pre-orchestrated coverage by Western media in the right tone for them," Patrushev said at the 19th annual meeting of security council heads of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.On March 22, several armed men broke into Crocus City Hall and started shooting at people. They also started a fire in one of the auditoriums, which was full of people ahead of a concert. The attack left 695 casualties, including 144 dead, according to the latest data from the Russian Emergencies Ministry. The Islamic State Khorasan Province* (ISKP, also known as ISIS-K) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The four main suspects in the case all citizens of Tajikistan tried to flee the scene in a car but were detained and charged with terrorism. Russian authorities believe their plan was to flee to Ukraine, where the masterminds of the attack had arranged a safe haven for them. An investigation is underway."It is well known that the Kiev regime is not independent and is completely controlled by the United States. We should also bear in mind that ISIS*, Al-Qaeda* and other terrorist organizations were created by Washington," Patrushev noted, commenting on the alleged role of ISIS* in the terrorist attack on Crocus in Moscow.The reaction of Volodymyr Zelensky who said that the Russian authorities were responsible for the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack is inadequate, Patrushev pointed out.Immediately after the terrorist attack, phone calls from Ukraine to the Russian emergency services with false reports of mining of buildings began en masse, the official added.Patrushev highlighted that terrorist groups are increasingly being used for geostrategic purposes, and they are given modern weapons and intelligence equipment, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said on Wednesday.The official called for resolutely and harshly condemning terrorism in all its manifestations and the actions of countries that support or condone it.* terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240323/terrorist-attack-in-moscow-does-not-look-like-isis-handiwork-expert-1117512832.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240328/the-us-and-islamists-a-history-of-connivance-1117611979.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230818/us-main-instigator-of-coups-terrorism-and-assassinations-around-world---media-commentator-1112710064.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International terorism, ukraine terrorism, jihadism, us terrorism, terrorism geostrategy, patrushev, ukraine crocus https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/greece-plans-sell-white-phosphorus-shells-to-ukraine---greek-communist-mp-1117712678.html Greece Plans to Sell White Phosphorus Shells to Ukraine, MP Says Greece Plans to Sell White Phosphorus Shells to Ukraine, MP Says Sputnik International The Greek government plans to sell tens of thousands of banned white phosphorus munitions to the Czech Republic for further delivery to Ukraine, and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) condemns these plans, Nikos Papanastasis, a member of the Greek parliament from the KKE, has said in a statement shared with Sputnik. 2024-04-03T09:26+0000 2024-04-03T09:26+0000 2024-04-03T10:19+0000 military ukrainian crisis greece communist party of greece (kke) nato white phosphorus https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/0a/1114876192_0:144:3127:1903_1920x0_80_0_0_f45501798daaef58e1925409f182ac06.jpg "At today's meeting of the parliament's weapons programs committee, the government of the New Democracy [ruling party], which plays a leading role in supporting NATO-US-EU military operations on the Ukrainian front in the war with Russia, again submitted for approval a new list of weapons systems and ammunition for sale, in addition to the unknown huge shipments that have already been sent since the beginning of the war," Papanastasis said on Tuesday. "Today, the government, having crossed all boundaries in dragging the country into this imperialist war and violating any notion of respect for international treaties and the United Nations' prohibitions on the use of the banned chemical substance white phosphorus against human targets, is selling tens of thousands of incendiary tank shells containing white phosphorus to the Czech Republic, with a final destination in Ukraine," the lawmaker said. He added that, by making such a choice, the government of the New Democracy party is deliberately creating conditions for the commission of serious war crimes, and the silence of other parties in the parliament on the issue makes them an accessory to these crimes. The lawmaker said the removal of weapons and munitions for the Greek armed forces to send them to Ukraine weakens the country's defense capability. "The KKE unequivocally condemns the criminal actions that the government has committed, serving the dirtiest operational plans of NATO, the United States and the European Union, abandoning even the appearance of international legality, as is the case today when white phosphorus missiles are sent to the Ukrainian front," the statement read. The lawmaker further said that the Communist Party condemns the sending of Greek soldiers, units and warships outside the country and their participation in operations to support "bloody interventions" that could result in the Greek people becoming "targets of retaliation." Greek news outlet iEidiseis reported on Monday, citing military officials, that Greece is getting ready to send ammunition worth 150 million euros ($161 million) to Ukraine through the Czech Republic and is asking for approval from a relevant parliamentary committee. In mid-March, the Kathimerini newspaper reported that Athens was planning to send thousands of rockets and millions of bullets to Kiev in 2024. Greece reportedly intends to buy military supplies from the Czech Republic and have them transferred directly to Ukraine. The supplies feature 2,000 5-inch unguided Zuni rockets, 180 2.75-inch anti-tank rockets, 90,000 90mm anti-tank projectiles, anti-aircraft weapons and 4 million bullets. Greece also plans to give Ukraine 70 M114A1 155mm howitzers from its own arsenal. Western countries have ramped up their military and financial aid to Kiev since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. In April 2022, Russia sent a diplomatic note to all NATO countries on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian strikes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/what-is-white-phosphorus-that-israel-is-accused-of-using-in-gaza-strip-1114174368.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230710/us-de-facto-confessed-to-war-crimes-in-ukraine---russian-embassy-1111779664.html greece Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International white phosphorus, white phosphorus ukraine, greece white phosphorus, greek communists, war crimes ukraine KIEV, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb signed a security agreement between the two countries, Zelensky's press service reported Wednesday. The ten-year deal commits Finland to continue its military, political and financial support for Kiev amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Under the agreement, Finland will assist Ukraine in rebuilding its energy sector, strengthening border and critical infrastructure protection, and providing medical treatment for soldiers. The deal also includes arrangements on sanctions and compensations for damage caused by the conflict. Apart from Finland, Ukraine has signed security agreements with seven countries, namely Britain, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands. Since the start of the conflict, Ukraine received about 2 billion euros (about 2.16 billion U.S. dollars) in aid from Finland, including 400 million euros (about 432 million dollars) this year. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/macron-says-no-need-for-west-to-intervene-if-french-troops-attacked-in-ukraine---reports-1117715000.html Macron Says No Need for West to Intervene If French Troops Attacked in Ukraine - Reports Macron Says No Need for West to Intervene If French Troops Attacked in Ukraine - Reports Sputnik International French President Emmanuel Macron has told Western allies there would be no need for NATO or US forces to step into the Ukrainian battlefield if Russia targeted French soldiers deployed in the area, US media reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed US officials. 2024-04-03T11:00+0000 2024-04-03T11:00+0000 2024-04-03T11:00+0000 world russian armed forces emmanuel macron ukraine joe biden european union (eu) nato ukrainian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/09/1117228523_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_74edfe813f118a6bd5c5c4c63456f042.jpg In late February, following a Paris-hosted conference on Ukraine, Macron said that Western leaders had discussed the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine and, although no consensus had been reached in this regard, nothing could be ruled out. US President Joe Bidens administration is concerned about possible Russian attacks against any French forces deployed in Ukraine, as such circumstances could lead to France's full involvement in the conflict along with other allies, the report said. However, Macron has assured allies that there was no need for France's allies to intervene, US officials said. In February, Macron held phone conversations with Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, urging the allies to adopt a position of strategic ambiguity toward Russia that would allow them to keep all military options of their support policy for Ukraine on the table, including the deployment of troops, WSJ reported. The French president asked allies to abandon their policy of "red lines" toward Russia, leaving Moscow to guess the West's further potential steps, the newspaper reported, adding that this initiative contrasted with Biden's approach to avoid actions that could provoke Moscow and lead to escalation. The United States and Germany rejected Macron's initiative, saying it risked escalating hostilities, dividing allies and involving NATO on the side of the Ukrainian conflict, WSJ reported, adding that Scholz warned the French leader against making such ideas public. Following Macron's statements after the Paris-hosted conference, other EU countries rushed to dismiss such plans with the German chancellor saying that NATO had no intention of sending its troops to Ukraine. The Kremlin, in response to Macrons comments, said that a deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine would make a direct conflict between the alliance and Russia inevitable. In accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, an attack on one ally is considered an attack against the entire NATO, which allows for the provision of appropriate assistance to any member when attacked. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240328/macrons-proposed-escalation-in-ukraine-risks-nuclear-annihilation--experts-1117595458.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240327/boy-king-who-cried-wolf-macrons-constant-threats-to-send-troops-to-ukraine-signals-weakness-1117585743.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian crisis, russia-france clash, ukraine france, macron, russia france ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/magnitude-75-66-and-63-quakes-hit-near-taiwan-tsunami-warning-issued-in-japans-south-1117709068.html 9 Dead, 821 Injured as Earthquakes Hit Taiwan - Reports 9 Dead, 821 Injured as Earthquakes Hit Taiwan - Reports Sputnik International A 7.5-magnitude and 6.6-magnitude earthquakes were registered in the vicinity of Taiwan, and tremors were felt on the southern Japanese islands, data of the Japan Meteorological Agency showed. 2024-04-03T01:26+0000 2024-04-03T01:26+0000 2024-04-03T10:27+0000 asia japan meteorological agency okinawa taiwan japan china earthquake https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/03/1117708913_132:0:1321:669_1920x0_80_0_0_609b1bebe446f5b189158121a1747454.png The 7.7-magnitude earthquake was recorded at 8:58 a.m. local time on Wednesday (23:58 GMT on Tuesday) near the eastern coast of Taiwan at a "very shallow depth," the agency said without providing further details. The second earthquake was recorded in less than 15 minutes - at 9:11 a.m. local time.The 6.3-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the same region at 9:35 a.m. local time at a depth of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) underwater.China Earthquake Administration stated that a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan and was followed by more than 11 earth tremors with a magnitude of over 4.According to the latest reports, the death toll from earthquakes rose to 9 people while 821 are injured.Social media users posted videos on X showing that several buildings in Taiwan tilted and were partially destroyed.Tremors were also felt in the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa. After the earthquakes, tsunami warnings were issued for the southern Japanese islands of Okinawa, Miyako and Yaeyama. The agency said tsunami waves could reach as high as three meters (10 feet).Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that a 0.3-meter-high tsunami wave reached the island of Yonaguni at 9:18 a.m. local time. A small wave also reached the port of Ishigaki at 9:32 a.m. local time. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240108/japan-records-over-1200-tremors-in-week-after-powerful-earthquake-1116052132.html okinawa taiwan japan china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International vicinity of taiwan, earthquakes taiwan, east asia eartquakes, japan meteorological agency, tsunami warning in japan https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/netanyahu-under-pressure-from-allies-over-israels-deadly-strike-on-gaza-aid-workers-1117711431.html Netanyahu Under Pressure From Allies Over Israel's Deadly Strike on Gaza Aid Workers Netanyahu Under Pressure From Allies Over Israel's Deadly Strike on Gaza Aid Workers Sputnik International Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counterterror has, meanwhile, said that the bombing could be a violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime. 2024-04-03T09:15+0000 2024-04-03T09:15+0000 2024-04-09T10:05+0000 world israel us united kingdom (uk) canada poland australia gaza strip joe biden justin trudeau https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/03/1117711090_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_c1e3ac66be807be03662f5d216de870f.jpg Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under pressure from his allies over the Jewish state's airstrike on a convoy of the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza.In a phone call, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu that he was "appalled by the killing of aid workers," urging a "thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened."Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanded "full accountability" from Israel over the death of Australian aid worker Lalzawmi Frankcom, "a tragedy that should never have occurred."Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for "full accountability and investigation in this [airstrike]," warning that "it is absolutely unacceptable" to attack aid workers.Trudeaus Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez said he was appalled by the deaths and called on the Israeli government to clarify the circumstances of this brutal attack as soon as possible.Polands Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna stressed that Israeli authorities "should think about who should be held criminally responsible for pressing a certain button and how to compensate the families of the victims even if its impossible to do so with money."Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in turn, told reporters that American diplomats had already spoken with the Israeli government and urged "a swift, thorough and impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened."The comments come as Netanyahu appeared to admit that Israeli forces were to blame, adding that the aid workers were killed by an "unintended strike." Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) chief Herzi Halevi, for his part, acknowledged that the killings of the aid workers were the result of a "misidentification" in complex conditions.On Monday night, seven World Central Kitchen workers attempting to deliver much-needed food to Palestinians were killed in an IDF strike in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/israels-army-calls-world-central-kitchens-aid-workers-deaths-in-gaza-grave-mistake-1117708759.html israel united kingdom (uk) canada poland australia gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg israel's airstrike on an international aid convoy, israeli alies' criticism of tel aviv's attack againts aid workers, palestine-israel conflict https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/russia-circulates-in-unsc-draft-condemning-israeli-strike-on-iranian-consulate-1117710927.html Russia Circulates in UNSC Draft Condemning Israeli Strike on Iranian Consulate Russia Circulates in UNSC Draft Condemning Israeli Strike on Iranian Consulate Sputnik International Russia has circulated in the UN Security Council a draft statement of the UN body condemning the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy said on Wednesday. 2024-04-03T06:19+0000 2024-04-03T06:19+0000 2024-04-03T06:19+0000 world the united nations (un) un security council (unsc) israel iran syria https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/02/1117697107_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_b4471d0ed6043ca73a141e640d1d86cf.jpg On Monday, Israel carried out an airstrike on the consular annex of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, destroying the building. Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said seven of its members were killed in the attack, including two commanders. On Tuesday, the Syrian Health Ministry said that the attack also killed four Syrians and injured 13 more."By agreement with our Iranian and Syrian colleagues, we circulated a draft Security Council statement for the press condemning what happened [Israel's attack]," Polyanskiy wrote on Telegram. This is another opportunity to test the true intentions of our Western colleagues. We will see how the work on the document goes", he added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240402/israels-attack-on-iranian-consulate-highlights-netanyahus-pending-defeat-in-gaza-1117699434.html israel iran syria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International iran strike, israel strikes iran, damascus iran consulate, revolutionary guard corps, un iran russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/russia-knows-swedish-mercs-fighting-on-ukraines-side---moscow-1117710043.html Russia Knows Swedish Mercs Fighting on Ukraine's Side - Moscow Russia Knows Swedish Mercs Fighting on Ukraine's Side - Moscow Sputnik International Moscow is aware of the participation of mercenaries from Sweden in the hostilities on Ukraine's side, the Russian Foreign Ministry has told Sputnik. 2024-04-03T04:45+0000 2024-04-03T04:45+0000 2024-04-03T05:16+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis ukraine sweden mercenaries https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/13/1114334297_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a5cc53f1ea65e5d18bf501a663bfe7a2.jpg Swedish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tumas Vanesk told RIA Novosti last week that the Ukrainian embassy in Stockholm can recruit Swedes to participate in hostilities because it is not illegal by international law. When asked to comment on these statements, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik that "the Russian side is aware of the participation of foreign, including Swedish, mercenaries in the hostilities on the side of the Kiev neo-Nazi regime." The ministry added that, "despite the current absence of a reference to the Ukrainian foreign legion on the website of the Ukrainian Embassy in Sweden, one can hardly have any doubts that the recruitment of Swedes is carried out by the Ukrainian diplomatic mission through other channels." The ministry advised to "remember this to everyone, and not only Swedes, who are hatching plans to engage in armed activities against Russian troops in the special military operation area," adding that "authorities of foreign countries should know this and be responsible for their fates." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240125/ex-pentagon-adviser-macgregor-says-at-least-400-americans-died-in-ukraine-1116373349.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/scott-ritter-russia-wont-hesitate-to-eliminate-western-troops-in-ukraine-1116252636.html ukraine sweden Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia's special military operation, ukrainian crisis, mercenaries ukraine, ukraine mercs, foreign hired guns, russia hunts mercs https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/strike-on-iranian-consulate-sign-of-status-quo-as-us-allies-let-israel-cross-all-red-lines--1117724889.html Strike on Iranian Consulate Sign of Status Quo as US, Allies Let Israel Cross All Red Lines Strike on Iranian Consulate Sign of Status Quo as US, Allies Let Israel Cross All Red Lines Sputnik International The US should not be surprised by Israel's airstrike on Iran's embassy in Syria, since it already let it cross every other red line, Dr. Seyed Mohammad Marandi told radio Sputnik on Tuesday. 2024-04-03T21:13+0000 2024-04-03T21:13+0000 2024-04-03T21:13+0000 analysis seyed mohammad marandi benjamin netanyahu israel iran syria israeli defense force hamas middle east palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/02/1117700719_0:69:3072:1797_1920x0_80_0_0_75c424a15a96a2935487cacba3d06884.jpg As the US and its allies have continuously allowed Israel to "cross all red lines" in the past, it should be no surprise that it attacked an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Dr. Seyed Mohammad Marandi told Sputniks The Critical Hour on Tuesday.However, the United States and Europeans continue to parrot Israels lies, Marandi said, noting Israeli forces have attacked Al-Shifa hospital twice now, and the first time they falsely claimed it contained a tunnel network and Hamas command center.Now, they still try to repeat their lies even though its much more difficult, Marandi explained. Theyve wrecked all the hospitals. Theyve wrecked all the infrastructure. They shoot people carrying white flags."Marandi and co-hosts Wilmer Leon and Garland Nixon acknowledged the unlikelihood of the US not having advance notice about the attack; however, Marandi postulated it would showcase Israels lack of respect for the US if they didnt.Unlike the US and Europeans that allow Israel to get away with anything, this attack is a red line that the Iranians cannot ignore.With the protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ongoing, and some US politicians calling for elections in Israel, Marandi stressed the importance of remembering that he is not alone in carrying out the genocide in Gaza. Lets not allow the Americans to pin the blame on Netanyahu. Overwhelmingly people in Israel support the genocide, and, apparently, more than half believe it should be even more intense."The problem goes way beyond Netanyahu. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240402/israeli-attack-on-irans-consulate-in-syria-what-consequences-could-lie-on-the-horizon--1117698845.html israel iran syria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino israel attacks iran, israel attacks embassy, war in middle east, will iran enter gaza, will iran attack israel, dr. seyed mohammad marandi interview https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/us-philippines-launch-joint-land-drills-north-of-manila-1117719491.html US, Philippines Launch Joint Land Drills North of Manila US, Philippines Launch Joint Land Drills North of Manila Sputnik International The US and Philippine armies kicked off an annual joint exercise this week that is billed as an effort to increase bilateral land power capacity and capabilities for joint operations. 2024-04-03T13:50+0000 2024-04-03T13:50+0000 2024-04-03T13:50+0000 military philippines manila indo-pacific us army military drills military exercises us military https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/13/1117427026_0:188:3073:1916_1920x0_80_0_0_40d29ff27e03084556f8fefbd0ae7403.jpg Exercise Salaknib is traditionally hosted by Fort Magsaysay, the Philippine armys main training grounds located north of Manila. This years edition features some 600 US army personnel in the first phase and a projected 1,500 personnel in the second phase, the US Army for the Indo-Pacific estimated. This years drills will include infantry operations, multi-domain operations, urban breaching, jungle operations, joint forcible entry, air and direct assaults, javelin and anti-tank operations. Another new feature is the deployment of a ground-launched mid-range MRC weapon system to the Southeast Asian nation. The system comprises launchers, missiles and a battery operations center, according to its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin. "The inclusion of MRC, combined with our subject matter expert exchanges, is crucial for deepening our partnership," Brig. Gen. Bernard Harrington, commander of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240116/experts-urge-philippines-to-remain-restrained-after-longest-pause-of-provocation-in-south-china-sea-1116194593.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240223/slumbering-joe-overshadowed-chinese-mock-us-show-of-force-in-western-pacific-1116933848.html philippines manila indo-pacific Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us military drills, us military excercises, us and philippines cooperation, us drills in the pacific https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/us-set-the-eu-up-as-casualty-in-war-against-russia-1117709470.html US Set the EU up as 'Casualty' in War Against Russia US Set the EU up as 'Casualty' in War Against Russia Sputnik International The United States set the European Union up to be a casualty in the war against Russia and they should have seen it coming, journalist Rachel Blevins told radio Sputnik on Tuesday. 2024-04-03T02:36+0000 2024-04-03T02:36+0000 2024-04-03T04:26+0000 analysis germany ukraine european union (eu) russia sputnik nord stream 2 the critical hour https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/03/1107997817_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_cc23afe317621eab91f4c90d28f901a1.jpg The United States set up the European Union to be a casualty in its war against Russia and EU leaders should have known that, American journalist and RT correspondent, Rachel Blevins told Sputniks The Critical Hour on Tuesday.The United States knew that Nord Stream 1 was providing cheap gas to Europe, which helped its industry, and started warning Germany against opening a second pipeline with Russia, Blevins explained, adding later that the administrations of both former US President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden had threatened sanctions against Germany and that Biden threatened the pipeline itself.Earlier, Blevins noted that while Russias economy is growing despite Western sanctions, the EU population is struggling with issues that typically arent issues for industrialized societies. Think of all the reports saying Oh, well you know, last winter wasnt too bad, but we dont know whats going to happen this winter, she began. It is 2024 and you are talking about these countries in the EU. They should not have a question of [being] prepared for the coming winter when it comes to basic energy supplies. And yet they do, and thats because you have a political class there that has sold their public out.Co-host Wilmer Leon described the US posture as Mafia-esque a characterization Blevins agreed with, but she added that there seems to be a growing amount of blowback.Across the pond, Blevins noted that the Democrats have reduced themselves to promoting a war economy in an attempt to convince voters Ukraine is worth their support.Theyre literally at the point of saying this will create American jobs because they realize that they have lost the American public in this war effort, she said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/german-military-leak-added-embarrassment-to-berlins-silence-on-nord-stream-sabotage-1117132702.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240102/how-much-has-europe-overpaid-for-gas-after-rejecting-russian-deliveries-1115896728.html germany ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino nord stream pipeline, eu economy, russian economy, rachel blevins interview https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/watch-russian-su-25-jet-unleash-torrent-of-fire-on-ukrainian-positions-1117710474.html Watch Russian Su-25 Jet Unleash Torrent of Fire on Ukrainian Positions Watch Russian Su-25 Jet Unleash Torrent of Fire on Ukrainian Positions Sputnik International Su-25 attack aircraft play crucial role in special military operation, providing aerial support to Russian troops. 2024-04-03T08:15+0000 2024-04-03T08:15+0000 2024-04-03T08:15+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russian armed forces russian army ukrainian crisis video https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/03/1117710310_0:10:1224:699_1920x0_80_0_0_d2a4d0c0debe27160af28b06e08ba50b.png The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage showing the combat work of Su-25 fighter jets in the north of the Donetsk People's Republic. A squadron of jets carried out a sortie against Ukrainian positions, unleashed a barrage of unguided air-to-ground missiles and returned to base in one piece.The pilot of the attack aircraft explained that they provide air support for the Russian infantry.Su-25s are able to launch missiles at extremely low altitudes and evade enemy air defenses with sophisticated maneuvers and state-of-the-art devices that deceive heat-seeking systems by creating false targets. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Su-25 hammering Ukrainian positions Sputnik International Su-25 hammering Ukrainian positions 2024-04-03T08:15+0000 true PT0M54S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International su-25, su-25 ukraine, russian su-25, russian aircraft ukraine, russian jets fire https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/white-house-says-unaware-if-us-arms-used-in-israeli-strike-on-aid-workers-1117720925.html White House Says Unaware if US Arms Used in Israeli Strike on Aid Workers White House Says Unaware if US Arms Used in Israeli Strike on Aid Workers Sputnik International The United States is unaware if US-supplied weapons were used in an Israeli strike on World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers in the Gaza Strip, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said on Wednesday. 2024-04-03T15:12+0000 2024-04-03T15:12+0000 2024-04-03T15:12+0000 world palestine-israel conflict us john kirby israel world gaza strip white house gaza violence https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/03/1117720767_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_40bb2cd50f476d646ee689aa5380cc4f.jpg "I do not know the answer to that question," Kirby said, when asked whether US-supplied weapons or resources were involved in the strike. Ben Saul, the UN special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, has since said that the bombing may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime.Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under pressure from his allies over the country's airstrike on the urgently needed convoy. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/netanyahu-under-pressure-from-allies-over-israels-deadly-strike-on-gaza-aid-workers-1117711431.html israel world gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International gaza genocide, is israel committing genocide, whats happening with gaza, israeli genocide against palestinians, will israel be charged with genocide, whos backing israel, un hearing on gaza, current developments in gaza, whats happening to palestinians, us military aid to israel, us arms supplies to israel, us violating international law, what weapons is israel getting from us, israeli strikes, israel strikes gaza, israel kills civilians This undated photo shows a chicken house equipped with feeding systems for poultry production of the German company Big Dutchman, in Wuzhong City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.(Xinhua) YINCHUAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Despite having visited Yinchuan, the capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, several times, Philipp Prang, the commercial director of the German company Big Dutchman China, remains "very interested in this modern city." "We have already established good cooperation with some agricultural companies in Ningxia and also want to make new friends and collaborate with more Chinese agricultural enterprises," said Prang. Established in 1938, Big Dutchman is one of the world's largest suppliers of feeding systems and housing equipment for pig and poultry production. After some 30 years of development in China, the company's customers and suppliers have grown across the country, and sales branches have been set up in many Chinese cities, such as Guangzhou and Chengdu. "The continuous expansion of China's opening up gives us confidence in the Chinese market. In the future, we will further deepen cooperation with various regions in China, promoting rural revitalization and sustainable agricultural development," said Prang. Big Dutchman is one of the German companies that are optimistic about the prospects of the Chinese market. "We believe Ningxia is a very open province with a solid foundation for cooperation with Germany. It places great emphasis on the elderly care industry, and therefore, we have great confidence in its development," said Zhang Xin, chief development officer of RENAFAN (Beijing) Advisory Services Limited. As a leading German institution engaged in medical and nursing services for the elderly, RENAFAN has successfully operated 24 elderly care institution projects in China. During the China (Ningxia)-German Week for Friendship and Cooperation held in February in Yinchuan, cooperation agreements of 19 projects were inked between companies from Germany and Ningxia. The projects, worth about 157 million yuan (about 22.13 million U.S. dollars), range from elderly care services and equipment manufacturing to education and culture. "We have been impressed by the huge variety of potential business cooperation between German and Chinese companies in the area of agriculture," said Susanne Rademacher, a member of the board of directors of the German Chamber of Commerce, at the event. German direct investment in China increased by 4.3 percent to a record high of 11.9 billion euros last year, accounting for over 10 percent of the country's overall investment abroad, according to an exclusive analysis from the IW institute based on official data from Germany's central bank. "China is a crucial market. We believe that only through mutual cooperation can the people of China and Germany progress together," said Tohermes Yves, managing director of Germany's ADT Project Consulting GmbH. Norman Waters ordered a landscape rake and gauge wheels for the rake from Conover-based Everything Attachments in October. I called January 5 and they said they could not find my order, he said. Waters called again. This time, he said, a man told him the order was found and his product was still in line to be produced. He texted me a copy of my order, Waters said. Since then, Ive been waiting for four months to expire. Four months was the waiting period customers of Everything Attachments were asked to absorb. Everything Attachments manufactures blades, buckets and other heavy equipment. I was anxious to get it (the equipment) but willing to wait, Waters, 73, said in a phone interview from his Lincolnton, Georgia, home. Hes still waiting. Waters paid $1,321.36, he said, to Everything Attachments in October. I am trying to recover my money but I dont know how, he said. I have had zero success. Waters is not alone. Everything Attachments and its parent company T.C. Corriher Implement and Landshark Attachments owe Catawba County more than $50,000 in back taxes. Fidelity Bank says Everything Attachments owner Ted Corriher and the company owe the bank about $10 million. Last week, the courts stepped in to try to make sure Everything Attachments pays its debts. A Superior Court judge in Wake County signed a consent order that prohibits Everything Attachments owner Corriher, as well as TC Corriher Implement and Landshark Attachments, from selling, transferring, spending or disposing of any real property or proceeds, as well as any personal property. The order also said the company and its owner cannot spend more than $10,000 a week without the permission of Fidelity Bank. In addition, TC Corriher Implement Company is required to forecast weekly cash receipts and cash disbursements, plus provide the bank with a monthly report showing budget versus actual revenues and expenses from the prior month. Also, Corriher has 60 days to pay the companys delinquent $52,152 tax bill. When Waters found out about the consent order, he said he may take his bill to small claims court. But I doubt that it will do any good, he said on Friday. Iran confirmed the deaths of six Syrian citizens in the Israeli raid targeting its consulate in Damascus on Monday while the countrys government refrained from disclosing any casualties. Iranian television reported a total death toll of 13, including seven members of the Revolutionary Guards and six Syrians, details of which have not been disclosed by the Syrian regime. The status or affiliation of the Syrians killed in the strike, whether military or civilian, has not been made public by the regime. Tasnim news agency reported that the clearing of rubble from the consulate building has reached its final stages. The IRGC will conduct a funeral ceremony for its deceased members at the Sayyeda Zainab and Sayyeda Ruqayya shrines in Damascus, followed by the transportation of their bodies to Iran. Arab countries condemn Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike, emphasizing its unequivocal rejection of targeting diplomatic premises under any circumstances. The statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry asserted that such actions constitute a breach of international diplomatic protocols and the principles of diplomatic immunity. In addition to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, Russia, and Pakistan also condemned the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. The United States denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the strike. The Biden administration conveyed to Iran that it was not implicated in the attack and had no forewarning of it. According to sources cited by the website, U.S. officials informed Iran directly that the United States neither had advance knowledge of nor participated in the assault on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Israeli and U.S. officials stated that Israel notified the Biden administration shortly before its air force executed the strike but did not seek explicit approval from the United States. Security Council to hold meeting on Tuesday Russian Deputy Representative to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyansky, announced that the UN Security Council will convene an open session on Tuesday afternoon, at Russias behest, to discuss the Israeli raid on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Polyansky stated, Following the Israeli air attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Iran approached the UN Security Council requesting condemnation of this act. In response to Irans appeal, we requested an open session of the UN Security Council. The Russian diplomat clarified that the Maltese presidency of the Security Council scheduled the meeting for Tuesday afternoon. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The Syrian Network for Human Rights has documented the deaths of 102 civilians in Syria throughout March, among whom were 11 children and 14 women. In its monthly report, the network stated that the Syrian regime was responsible for the deaths of six civilians, including a child and a woman, while the SDF accounted for nine civilian casualties, including three children. According to the report, other parties were responsible for the deaths of 80 civilians, including six children and 13 women. Shockingly, 58 civilians, including three children and 12 women, lost their lives while gathering truffles. Furthermore, the report noted the loss of one medical staff member and five individuals due to torture. It highlighted two massacres occurring in Syria during March, resulting in the deaths of 21 civilians, including 11 women. The majority of victims were in Raqqa governorate, representing 31% of the total death toll, followed by Deir ez-Zor governorate with nearly 24%, and Daraa governorate with almost 20%. The Network urged the Security Council to take further action following the adoption of Resolution 2254. It emphasized the imperative of referring the Syrian issue to the International Criminal Court and holding all those involved in crimes against humanity and war crimes accountable. Additionally, the Network called upon all relevant UN agencies to intensify efforts regarding humanitarian aid, including food and medical assistance in areas where hostilities have ceased, as well as in camps for internally displaced persons. The Network also underscored the urgency for the Syrian regime to cease indiscriminate shelling and the targeting of residential areas, hospitals, schools, and markets. Furthermore, it demanded an end to the torture that has claimed the lives of thousands of Syrians in detention centers. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. In a notable escalation of tensions in the Middle East, a series of high-level diplomatic engagements and international condemnations have unfolded following a violent attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. This event, characterized by Syrian and Iranian officials as an act of Israeli terrorist aggression, resulted in the death of several individuals, described as martyrs, and left others wounded. Prime Minister of Syria, Hussein Arnous, made a significant visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran Chancery in Damascus to denounce the assault and extend his condolences to the families of the deceased, reiterating Syrias steadfastness against acts that challenge its sovereignty and the broader regional push for independent governance. Arnouss visit underscored the Syrian governments solidarity with Iran, expressing a collective resilience against external pressures and aggressions. Similarly, Syrias Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, engaged in direct communications with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, to condemn the attack vigorously. Mikdads actions, including a personal visit to the Iranian chancery to ensure the safety of its staff, highlighted a unified front against what both nations perceive as Israeli provocations. The conversations between the two ministers emphasized a mutual commitment to stand against aggressions and maintain the integrity of their bilateral relations amidst challenges. Iranian Foreign Minister Abdollahian signalled the attacks broader implications by reaching out to the international community, notably sending a message through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran to the U.S. administration. This move points to Irans strategy of framing the attack within the context of U.S. support for Israel, thereby calling for accountability at an international level. The incident has drawn sharp criticisms from various quarters of the international community, including Pakistan and China, both of which have condemned the attack in strong terms. Pakistans response, articulating the assault as a grave violation of international law and a threat to regional stability, alongside Chinas condemnation, emphasizes the global concern over the sanctity of diplomatic missions and the sovereignty of nations. Egypt, too, has voiced its condemnation, aligning with the broader consensus against the infringement of diplomatic norms and the violation of Syrian sovereignty. This collective regional and international denunciation of the attack on the Iranian consulate illustrates the complex interplay of diplomacy, sovereignty, and the rule of law in managing interstate relations and conflicts. The unfolding situation underscores a critical juncture in Middle Eastern politics, where acts of aggression not only provoke immediate bilateral tensions but also attract global attention, demanding a recalibration of diplomatic and strategic approaches to ensure peace and stability in a historically volatile region. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. ISLAMABAD, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's ruling coalition led the elections of the senate, or the upper house of the country's parliament, held on Tuesday, an official source told Xinhua on Wednesday. According to a source from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the ruling alliance parties including Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) won 14 seats, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) got 13 seats and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan secured one seat. The elections were to be held for half of the 96-member house across the country, including the capital Islamabad and four provinces. However, the actual elections were held on 19 seats after 18 members won unopposed before the voting and the ECP postponed polls for 11 seats in KP due to the incomplete provincial assembly as several members had yet to take oath. The ECP is yet to announce the official results but results calculations show that the ruling alliance will be leading the house while former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party will play its role as opposition. For three consecutive days, the International Coalition forces have been engaging in military drills with helicopter support at the Rubaria base in Al-Malikiyahs countryside, located in the easternmost part of the country. These exercises, led by American forces and involving the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) anti-terrorism units, aim to bolster military proficiency and readiness. A source in the Al-Malikiyah countryside informed Athr Press that the joint military training at the American-operated Rubaria village base, close to the Turkish-Iraqi border, incorporated live fire and artillery exercises targeting hypothetical enemies. This marked the continuation of high-alert security measures by the SDF around the vicinity of the American base for the third straight day. In mid-March, a similar series of military exercises were held at the Vanguard camp on Hasakahs eastern outskirts. These exercises utilized live ammunition for artillery strikes on fictitious targets located south of Hasakah, near Syrian army positions at Jabal Kawkab, where a comprehensive artillery regiment is stationed. Furthermore, on March 24, American and SDF forces conducted joint drills within the Al-Jabsa residences base, about 50 km south of Hasakah, in Al-Shaddadi city. Earlier, on January 19, reports from Deir-ez-Zor indicated the SDFs inaugural military training in the Al-Maamel area, situated near the sole land corridor between the Syrian state and SDF-held territories. Concurrently, heightened security measures were reported by the SDF, including the establishment of new checkpoints and the reinforcement of existing ones at key city entrances and neighborhood gateways. These measures, as described by a source to Athar Press, involve stringent inspections of personal identification and vehicles to thwart potential assaults on SDF-controlled zones. The SDF, backed by American forces, maintains control over the majority of eastern Syria, where several American military bases are strategically located, including notable sites in Al-Malikiyah, Rumailan, Al-Shaddadi, Tal Baidar, Live Stone, Qasrak, Himos, Al-Omar, Koniko, and the Al-Tanf base in southeastern Syria. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Syrias Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad denounced an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, insisting the attack will not affect ties between the two allies, AFP reported. 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 Syrian official news agency SANA. An AFP correspondent at the scene said the minister visited the attack site. The Israeli occupation entity will not be able to impact ties between Iran and Syria, he added. Iran vows revenge Iran and one of its key proxies vowed on Tuesday to respond to the strike. The attack killed seven people, including two Iranian generals and five officers, Syrian and Iranian officials said on Monday. Israel has repeatedly targeted military officials from Iran, which supports militant groups fighting Israel in Gaza, and along its border with Lebanon. Mondays strike in Damascus signalled an escalation because it struck an Iranian diplomatic mission. It was not clear if Iran would respond itself, risking a dangerous confrontation with Israel and its ally the United States, or if it would continue to rely on proxies, including Lebanons Hezbollah militia and Yemens Houthi rebels. The airstrike in Syria killed Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016, according to Irans Revolutionary Guard. It also killed Zahedis deputy, Gen. Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, and five other officers. Hezbollah said Tuesday that Zahedi played a crucial role in helping develop and advance the work of the group in Lebanon. This crime will certainly not pass without the enemy receiving punishment and revenge, Hezbollah said in a statement. US Announces New Round of Syria Counter-Terror Sanctions The United States Treasury Department Officer of Foreign Assets Control has issued a new round of Counter Terrorism Designations relating to Syria. In this round, an additional six persons, eleven businesses, and two ships have been sanctioned. According to the U.S. State Department, todays sanctions are calibrated specifically against Captagon manufacturing and sales, Syrian government sanctions evasions, and mining exports. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. made this statement: The Assad regime continues to employ a variety of schemes to evade sanctions and sustain its longstanding campaign of repression against its own citizens, including trafficking in illegal drugs, exploiting currency exchanges, and leveraging seemingly legitimate businessesthe United States remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to support this illicit financial activity at the expense of the Syrian people. At least 203 Cases of Arbitrary Detention Cases Recorded in March 2024, Including Children The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) revealed in its latest monthly report released today that no fewer than 203 cases of arbitrary arrests were documented in March 2023, with those detained including eight children and six women. The group also noted that the Syrian regime continues to violate the ICJ order. The 18-page report notes that, given the staggering rates of continuing arbitrary arrests, the number of Syrian citizens classified as missing has skyrocketed, so much so that this can be called a phenomenon in itself. Indeed, Syria is one of the worst countries worldwide in terms of the numbers of disappeared citizens. The report adds that the Syrian regime surpasses many of the worlds other authoritarian regimes by virtue of having absolute hegemony over the legislative and judicial branches of government. The regime has wielded this hegemony to promulgate a multitude of laws and decrees that violate international human rights law, as well as the principles pf law and the parameters of arrests and interrogation established in domestic legislation and the current Constitution of 2012. A part of this process, the report stresses, is legitimizing the crime of torture. There are several texts in Syrian law that outlaw torture, including Article 53 of the current Syrian constitution which bans arbitrary arrest and torture and Article 391 of the Public Penal Code, which provides that anyone who uses coercion during interrogation shall receive a timed prison sentence ranging from three months to three years, while torture is wholly prohibited. Despite these texts, however, other legal texts, including Law No. 16 of 2022 on Criminalizing Torture, explicitly contradict the aforementioned legal articles and legitimize impunity for torturers Washington state cant auction an East King County forest for logging without first analyzing the local projects climate change impacts, a judge ruled last week, blocking the controversial timber sale and putting officials under pressure to change how they evaluate public lands for harvesting. The agency responsible for such auctions is reviewing Thursdays decision, while advocates who challenged the project in court are calling the ruling a significant win. The Wishbone sale was scheduled for last July with a $1.62 million minimum bid, then paused when opponents sued the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Metropolitan King County Council members and the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe had also raised concerns. This is a major victory for carbon rich, biodiverse forests and the laws that protect them, John Talberth, president at the Center for Sustainable Economy, said in a statement about the judges decision. DNR will confer with the Washington State Department of Ecology about next steps, Duane Emmons, the agencys assistant deputy supervisor for state uplands, said in an interview. At stake is how DNR generates timber revenue, which helps fund schools, county governments and other services. King County Superior Court Judge Kristin Ballinger sided with Talberths organization and others that challenged DNRs attempted sale of 4.7 million board feet of timber on 102 acres near the Tolt River, outside Duvall. Judge blocks King County timber sale The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has sought to auction more than 100 acres of timber near Duvall for commercial logging. But a King County judge ruled last week that the agency must analyze the projects climate change impacts. The organizations accused DNR of failing to consider the negative effects of harvesting what they describe as mature or legacy forests, characterized by large trees that range up to 110 years old. They estimated the commercial logging project would emit 48,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The Wishbone area was previously logged in the 1920s and 1930s, so it isnt a pristine old growth forest off-limits to timber sales. But its developed naturally since then and includes trees that climb 150 to 200 feet in the air, leading advocates to contend that it and similar forests should also be preserved. Ballinger ruled that DNR did not conduct any meaningful analysis of carbon emissions from the Wishbone timber sale and made no attempt to study alternative uses of the area, such as less-intensive logging, leasing trees to polluters as carbon credits or opening the space to scientific research. She ordered DNR to assess the projects climate impacts and alternatives before trying to advance the sale again. The agencys environmental review for the Wishbone auction looked at the effects of timber sales generally, rather than focusing on the specific project, the judge found. DNR said the projects carbon emissions would be minor and said the forests it manages across the state collectively store more carbon than they emit. Ballinger rejected those arguments. Even if it is true that DNRs managed lands capture more carbon than they release, it does not follow that individual logging projects will result in a minor amount of greenhouse gas emissions, her ruling said. At a local level, Ballingers decision is being hailed by admirers of the Wishbone area, a cluster of woods and wetlands about 30 miles from Seattle via highway and gravel road. They say mature forests promote biodiversity, provide animal habitat, store carbon and combat climate change better than forests logged more recently and regrown as homogenous tree plantations. Last year, a timber industry group said pausing the Wishbone sale and similar harvests would force developers to use more carbon-intensive building materials like concrete and steel and reduce funding for essential public services, while the Snoqualmie Tribe called for DNR to account for the climate impacts of logging the area, not just the revenue that may be realized. Hiking through the Wishbone area last summer, advocates noted cedar, hemlock, maple, cottonwood and alder trees, as well as huckleberries, gooseberries and devils club plants. They pointed to huge stumps with ax notches left by early 20th century loggers and tree snags occupied by bugs and birds. Its a beautiful forest, said Jim Oliver, a regional coordinator at the Center for Responsible Forestry. It shows what happens when trees are actually allowed to grow back in an undisturbed way. More broadly, last weeks decision could change how DNR handles other properties. For decades, the agency has engaged in logging based on the understanding that its required to make money for its beneficiaries. The Washington Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the agency isnt constitutionally obligated to harvest forests, giving it more leeway. Although Ballinger issued her decision only on the Wishbone sale, its one of several clashes over DNR timber auctions in the past few years and the second time a judge has cited DNR for failing to assess climate change impacts. Advocates won a similar case in Jefferson County in 2022, though that ruling came after sales went through and trees were cut down. For the court to say that the climate consequences ... need to be taken into consideration is crucial, said Talberth, from the Center for Sustainable Economy. The opportunity to reform how DNR does business is upon us. DNRs Emmons said the judge criticized the agency on procedural grounds, rather than objecting to the states overall forests strategy. The court didnt rule on our management of these lands. This case was about the SEPA process, he said, referring to the State Environmental Policy Act. The court ruled that the department needs to do an individual sale-by-sale analysis of the carbon and climate impacts of harvesting timber. DNR hasnt done analyses on that level before and isnt aware of other jurisdictions to emulate, Emmons said, so the agency will seek guidance from the Department of Ecology on how to proceed. An appeal of Ballingers ruling is still possible, he said. 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: Computer monitors and a laptop display the X, formerly known as Twitter, sign-in page, July 24, 2023, in Belgrade, Serbia. Elon Musks X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, announced Tuesday, April 2, 2024, that it has named company veteran Kylie McRoberts as new head of safety nine months after the last executive to hold the position departed from the social media company. Credit: AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File Elon Musk's X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has named a new head of safety nine months after the last executive to hold the position departed from the social media company. X said that company veteran Kylie McRoberts will oversee the global safety team. The platform also announced that Yale Cohen, who previously worked for media firm Publicis Media, would become head of brand safety and advertiser solutions. The last executive heading what was formerly called the trust and safety team, Ella Irwin, left the company in June 2023. While Irwin did not point to specific reasoning at the time, her resignation arrived just days after Musk publicly complained about the platform's handling of posts about transgender topics. Since Musk's $44 billion purchase of the platform in October 2022, X has seen several leadership shakeups. The appointments, first announced Tuesday, arrive amid ongoing concerns about content moderation on X as well as the spread of misinformation and hate speech on the platform, which some researchers say has been on the rise under Musk. The issue has driven away some big-name advertisers. In November, brands including IBM, NBCUniversal and its parent company Comcast, said that they stopped advertising on X after a report from the liberal advocacy group Media Matters said their ads were appearing alongside material praising Nazis. It was yet another setback as X tries to win back big brands and their ad dollars, X's main source of revenue. Later that month, Musk went on an expletive-ridden rant in response to companies that had halted spending on X in response to antisemitic and other hateful material, accusing them of "blackmail" and, using a profanity, essentially told them to go away. Beyond advertiser battles, X has also attempted to some sue those who have documented the proliferation of hate speech on the platform including Media Matters and the non-profit Center for Countering Digital Hate. A federal judge dismissed the suit against the center last week, ruling that X cannot seek damages for the independent acts of third parties based on the nonprofit's reports, or its "speech." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: More than 97 percent of the solar panels in Europe are imported, mainly from China. The European Union on Wednesday announced investigations targeting two Chinese-owned solar panel manufacturers suspected of receiving subsidies as trade tensions heat up between Brussels and Beijing. Brussels has in the past year taken stronger action to defend European industry against growing threats from China and the United Statesbut the EU also faces a dilemma. The 27-nation bloc wants to build up its renewable energy as it races to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but at the same time move away from excessively relying on cheaper Chinese wind and solar technology. Chinese state subsidies are already in the EU's crosshairs. In September last year, Brussels started a probe into Chinese electric car subsidies that could lead to punitive tariffs on vehicles it believes are unfairly sold at a lower price. Beijing at the time warned it would harm trade relations, and raised fears the EU was risking a trade war. Wednesday's probes were launched under new rules that came into force in July last year and seek to prevent foreign subsidies from undermining fair competition in the EU. Under investigation are two consortiums, one of which includes the Enevo group in Romania and a German subsidiary of Chinese parent company Longi Green Energy Technology. Longi is the world's biggest solar panel manufacturer. The second consortium is made up of two subsidiaries both fully owned and controlled by Chinese state-owned firm, Shanghai Electric group. "The (European) Commission will assess whether the economic operators concerned did benefit from an unfair advantage to win public contracts in the EU," the bloc's powerful antitrust regulator said. The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU accused the bloc of abusing its new powers. "We express our serious dissatisfaction with the abuse of the new tool by the relevant EU authorities and the use of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation as a new tool of economic coercion," it said in a statement. 'Preserve Europe's economic security' Under the EU's new rules, firms must tell the commission when their public procurement tenders in the EU are worth more than 250 million euros ($270 million) and when the company has been granted at least four million euros in foreign financial contributions in the three previous years. "The commission considered it justified to open an in-depth investigation for two bidders, since there are sufficient indications that both have been granted foreign subsidies that distort the internal market," said a statement. The two consortiums had applied to design, construct and operate a photovoltaic park in Romania with an installed capacity of 110 megawatts, partly financed by European funds. "The two new in-depth investigations... aim to preserve Europe's economic security and competitiveness by ensuring that companies in our single market are truly competitive and play fair," the EU's internal market commissioner Thierry Breton said. Europe heavily relies on foreign solar panels. More than 97 percent of the panels in Europe are imported, mainly from China, the EU's financial services commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, said in February. She pointed to a global oversupply and a surge of imports in the EU since 2023. "Solar panel prices have plummeted by over 40 percent. These falling prices are an opportunity for citizens and solar panel installers as it supports internal demand, and it is clearly a challenge to EU solar panel producers," she said. Past battles It is not the first time the EU has targeted China under its Foreign Subsidies Regulation. In February, the commission began a probe into a subsidiary of Chinese rail giant CRRC. That investigation was closed after the CRRC subsidiary withdrew this month from a tender in Bulgaria to supply electric trains. Battles with China over solar panels are not new for Brussels either. In 2013, the EU imposed anti-dumping duties after European manufacturers said they were being forced out of business by underpriced Chinese panel imports. Those restrictions were scrapped five years later. 2024 AFP 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: Piet De Staercke, from back right to left, with his wife Jill Bornauw, their eldest son Stan De Staercke, watch their youngest Tuur de Staercke, get screened by a Custom Border Protection officer, right, in the port of entry at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. The Belgian family of four, used the Mobile Passport Control app, the newest technology in international travel, to ease their way to their port of entry. Within minutes they had bypassed a long line of people waiting at the airport's passport control and were waiting for their luggage. Credit: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta The Belgian family of four was on their fourth trip to the United States. They had been dreading the long line at passport control when they entered the country but had heard about a new app they could use to ease their way and decided to give it a shot. Within minutes, they had bypassed the long line at Washington Dulles International Airport and were waiting for their luggage. "It was always a long row," said Piet De Staercke of the line to go through passport screening. He, his wife and two sons were visiting Washington and Chicago. "We were a bit scared. But now with the app, it's amazing." As travel continues to boom following coronavirus pandemic-related slumps, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expanding the use of technology like the Mobile Passport Control app the De Staercke family used in an effort to process the ever-growing number of passengers traveling internationally. And with events like a rare solar eclipse, the Olympics in Paris, and summer holidays still driving international travel, those numbers don't look set to drop anytime soon. Customs and Border Protection officials gave The Associated Press a behind-the-scenes look at some of the technologies they've been using and what to expect in the months and years ahead. THE NUMBERS During fiscal year 2023, the agency processed over 394 million travelers at the ports of entry. That's a 24% increase over the previous year. When looking at the country's top 20 airports by passenger volume, officers processed 31% more travelers while average wait times increased 11%. And at some of the busiest airports, the wait times have had negligible increases or even decreased. At JFK Airport in New York, for example, wait times went downby 0.4 of a second on averagewhile CBP officers processed 33% more travelers. Increasingly, people are traveling internationally with their families rather than going abroad alone for business. International travelers not using the Mobile Passport Control app, stop and use the portal to get their initial processing and instructions on their next procedure, in the port of entry at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. A Mobile Passport Control app user can bypass this procedure and go straight to a Custom Border Protection officer for processing easing their way to the port of entry. Credit: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta MORE APPS Officials are moving more toward app-based technologies to speed passengers' movement through the airport. The Mobile Passport Control app used by the Belgian family is one example. It's available to U.S. citizens, but also to lawful permanent residents, certain Canadians and travelers from countries who are part of the Visa Waiver Program who've already been to the U.S. at least once. Passengers upload their photos and information to the app. When they enter the screening area, they get routed to a separate line. The officer then just needs to take a photo of one member of the family and it pulls up the entire group's photos and their information. CBP launched the app in 2021 but is now trying to get more people to use it, including by working with airlines to allow the app to be downloaded while the plane is in flight and putting up signs at airports to let travelers know about it. Last year, a record 4.1 million people came into the country using the app. "Any second that we can save through the process, it saves time because it adds up eventually," said Marc Calixte, the top CBP official at Dulles. Last September, the agency also created an app specifically for passengers who use Global Entry. That's one of the "Trusted Traveler" programs CBP runs that allows certain low-risk passengers who make an appointment for an interview and submit to a background check to travel through customs and passport control more quickly when they arrive in the U.S. A Custom Border Protection officer, right, puts his thumb up as Tuur de Staercke, left, gets screened in the port of entry as his family watches at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. The Belgian family of four, used the Mobile Passport Control app, the newest technology in international travel, to ease their way to their port of entry. Within minutes they had bypassed a long line of people waiting at the airport's passport control and were waiting for their luggage. Credit: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta IMPROVEMENTS TO GLOBAL ENTRY Last year saw a record 3.2 million people apply to the Global Entry program, and this year the agency is on track to field about 4 million applications, said Brendan Blackmer, CBP branch chief for the Trusted Traveler Programs. But passengers have complained about how long it can take to get applications processed and their struggles to get appointments. On its website, CBP says it averages four to six months to process applications. In February, 17 members of Congress wrote to CBP demanding information, saying they were fielding complaints from constituents over the wait times. Blackmer said the agency has pushed to improve the process, including by allowing nearly 100% of people renewing their status to do so without having to come into an enrollment center. That frees up appointments for first-time applicants. And it's pushing for more people to be able to complete the process while they're in the airport, either leaving or returning from a trip. There are also more appointments available, Blackmer said, although some cities like San Francisco are still seeing so much demand that appointments can take more than 90 days to get. "We've done a lot of work the past year and a half, and the agency's in a better position now and able to meet the demand for the program. And we're going to continue to work," Blackmer said. International travelers go down the escalator to get processed at the port of entry at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta FEE INCREASES Come Oct. 1, people using some of the Trusted Traveler Programs will see increases to the fees they pay. The cost of NEXUS, a U.S.-Canadian program designed to ease travel between the two countries for pre-approved travelers, will go from $50 to $120. Global Entry will go from $100 to $120. SENTRI, for pre-approved travelers on the southern border with Mexico, will go down, from $122.50 to $120. But the fees will now cover all kids under 18 regardless of which program you're in. What's unchanged is that approval for the programs will still be good for five years. WHAT'S NEXT? Calixte said possibly by the end of summer the airport will be opening so-called E-Gates where passengers using Global Entry can use the app, bypass an officer at a booth, and instead go to a gate where their photo is taken and matched to their passport, and, assuming no red flags arise, the gates open and they pass out of the customs and passport control area and are on their way. Further on the horizon, Blackmer said the agency is exploring a concept called smart queuing, where the app assigns passengers to certain lines depending on information they have entered into the app, such as whether they have goods to declare. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: Sean Grasso The Palmer Glacier on Oregon's Mount Hood isn't the moon, but it's a good place to practice. Some 6,000 feet up the snow-capped mountain, located about 70 miles east of Portland, a multi-disciplinary team from the University of Southern California, Texas A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, and NASA gathered to turn loose a four-legged robot named Spirit into the wild. The team that included engineers, cognitive scientists, geoscientists and planetary scientists field-tested Spirit as part of the LASSIE Project: Legged Autonomous Surface Science in Analog Environments. Spirit covered a variety of challenging terrains, using his spindly metal legs to amble over, across and over around shifting dirt, slushy snow and boulders during five days of testing last summer. Sometimes he expertly traversed the hillside, while at other moments he teetered and fell over. This was all part of the process to better understand the substrate properties and learn to better walk on these extreme terrains. The practice time Spirit logged produced data that will be used to train future robots for use on intergalactic surfaces, like earth's moon and perhaps planets in our solar system. USC, UPenn, Texas A&M, Oregon State, Georgia Tech, Temple University, and NASA Johnson Space Center are teaching dog-like robots to navigate craters of the moon and other challenging planetary surfaces in research funded by NASA. Credit: Sean Grasso "A legged robot needs to be able to detect what is happening when it interacts with the ground underneath, and rapidly adjust its locomotion strategies accordingly," said Feifei Qian, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and School of Advanced Computing, which is leading the project. "When the robot leg slips on ice or sinks into soft snow, it inspires us to look for new principles and strategies that can push the boundary of human knowledge and enable new technology. We learn and improve from the observed failures." Spirit learns from every step. "Similar to the way that when we walk on uneven surfaces as humans, we can sort of detect how the ground is shifting beneath our feet, a legged robot is capable of the exact same thing," said Cristina Wilson, a cognitive scientist at Oregon State University. The more machines the merrier Qian's group doesn't intend to stop at just one robot, wandering the wilderness alone. She and her former colleagues at Penn, Cynthia Sung, Mark Yim, Daniel Koditschek, and Douglas Jerolmack plan to undertake the TRUSSES Project: Temporarily, Robots Unite to Surmount Sandy Entrapments, Then Separate. They want to help the space agency put teams of robots on the moon and have them work together on tasks. They would take the knowledge they came in with, and the data they collect on the mission, and communicate those details to each other. "They would sense how the ground conditions are," Qian said, "and then exchange that information with one another, and collectively form a map of locomotion risk estimation. The team of robots can then use this traversal risk map to inform their planetary explorations: 'There is an extremely soft sand patch that might be high-risk for wheeled rovers. Come over here, this might be a safer area.'" The robots in mind for this kind of work would be more than just Spirit: There would be a wheeled rover (great for payload and long distances), a Hexapedal robot (intermediate payload but better mobility than the wheeled), and dog-like ones like the rugged version of Spirit (highest mobility, shorter distances). And here's the coolest part of that research, the part that sounds like something the Transformers would do, or at least a team of castaways on "Survivor": If one got in a jam, made immovable by loose dirt or a rock or a ravine, his bot-mates would arrive and link together and form a bridge, or a pyramid, to hoist their pal to safety. And then back to work. "When they plan for the strategy to pull the robot up, they'll decide what force to exert and what position the robot should go to, while also compiling the terrain information," Qian said. "That's the key idea of how to use these capabilities: to both prevent and recover from locomotion failures in extreme terrain." Back to Mount Hood Spirit gets around a variety of natural environments, to learn how to better move on challenging terrains Qian has let him off his leash on Southern California beaches, and the multi-university team has field-tested him in the soft granules of White Sands National Park in New Mexico. But the video shot at Mount Hood shows just how otherworldly that landscape can be in these planetary-analogue environments. This provides Spirit with plenty of opportunities to learn on earth, before potentially exploring other planets. "You look around us, it would be very hard to drive up this," Ryan Ewing, a geologist from NASA Johnson Space Center, says in the video. "But as a legged being, as humans, we can step around it easily. A dog could walk around it easily. So this project is the proving ground that we can enable new science and new mobility on environments that are like other planets." In fact, a dog is indeed frisking about: Howard, Wilson's German shepherd, wandered about, with the kind of agility Spirit could only dream of. "We are going to observe how Howard moves in different types of snow and ice conditions," Qian says in the video. "What exactly, out of those combined motions, allows him to succeed on challenging terrain?" The LASSIE Project calls for two more trips for Spirit: to White Sands and back to Mount Hood. The TRUSSES team, from USC and Penn, also plans to visit White Sands next year with Spirit and the other, new, multi-tasking robots. Imagine WALL-E with friends. 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: The Microsoft logo is seen in Issy-les-Moulineaux, outside Paris, France, April 12, 2016. In a scathing indictment of Microsoft corporate security and transparency, a Biden administration-appointed review board issued a report Tuesday, April 2, 2024, saying a cascade of errors by the tech giant let state-backed Chinese cyber operators break into email accounts of senior U.S. officials including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Credit: AP Photo/Michel Euler, File In a scathing indictment of Microsoft corporate security and transparency, a Biden administration-appointed review board issued a report Tuesday saying "a cascade of errors" by the tech giant let state-backed Chinese cyber operators break into email accounts of senior U.S. officials including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. The Cyber Safety Review Board, created in 2021 by executive order, describes shoddy cybersecurity practices, a lax corporate culture and a lack of sincerity about the company's knowledge of the targeted breach, which affected multiple U.S. agencies that deal with China. It concluded that "Microsoft's security culture was inadequate and requires an overhaul" given the company's ubiquity and critical role in the global technology ecosystem. Microsoft products "underpin essential services that support national security, the foundations of our economy, and public health and safety." The panel said the intrusion, discovered in June by the State Department and dating to May "was preventable and should never have occurred," blaming its success on "a cascade of avoidable errors." What's more, the board said, Microsoft still doesn't know how the hackers got in. The panel made sweeping recommendations, including urging Microsoft to put on hold adding features to its cloud computing environment until "substantial security improvements have been made." It said Microsoft's CEO and board should institute "rapid cultural change" including publicly sharing "a plan with specific timelines to make fundamental, security-focused reforms across the company and its full suite of products." In a statement, Microsoft said it appreciated the board's investigation and would "continue to harden all our systems against attack and implement even more robust sensors and logs to help us detect and repel the cyber-armies of our adversaries." Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, left, listens during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled "CHIPS and Science Implementation and Oversight", Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. a scathing indictment of Microsoft corporate security and transparency, a Biden administration-appointed review board issued a report Tuesday, April 2, 2024, saying a cascade of errors by the tech giant let state-backed Chinese cyber operators break into email accounts of senior U.S. officials including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Credit: AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File In all, the state-backed Chinese hackers broke into the Microsoft Exchange Online email of 22 organizations and more than 500 individuals around the world including the U.S. ambassador to China, Nicholas Burnsaccessing some cloud-based email boxes for at least six weeks and downloading some 60,000 emails from the State Department alone, the 34-page report said. Three think tanks and foreign government entities, including a number of British organizations, were among those compromised, it said. The board, convened by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in August, accused Microsoft of making inaccurate public statements about the incidentincluding issuing a statement saying it believed it had determined the likely root cause of the intrusion "when, in fact, it still has not." Microsoft did not update that misleading blog post, published in September, until mid-March after the board repeatedly asked if it planned to issue a correction, it said. Separately, the board expressed concern about a separate hack disclosed by the Redmond, Washington, company in Januarythis one of email accounts including those of an undisclosed number of senior Microsoft executives and an undisclosed number of Microsoft customers and attributed to state-backed Russian hackers. The board lamented "a corporate culture that deprioritized both enterprise security investments and rigorous risk management." The Chinese hack was initially disclosed in July by Microsoft in a blog post and carried out by a group the company calls Storm-0558. That same group, the panel noted, has been engaged in similar intrusionscompromising cloud providers or stealing authentication keys so it can break into accountssince at least 2009, targeting companies including Google, Yahoo, Adobe, Dow Chemical and Morgan Stanley. Microsoft noted in its statement that the hackers involved are "well-resourced nation state threat actors who operate continuously and without meaningful deterrence." The company said it recognizes that recent events "have demonstrated a need to adopt a new culture of engineering security in our own networks," adding it has "mobilized our engineering teams to identify and mitigate legacy infrastructure, improve processes, and enforce security benchmarks." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: Illustration of the neuromorphic photonic lifelong learning. The photonic connections in each optical layer are gradually activated with different tasks. Photonic neurons only lighten when activated by corresponding signals, in which the active connections are relatively sparse and the information is parallelly transmitted in spectrum. Credit: Light: Science & Applications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01395-4 Artificial intelligence (AI) tasks have become increasingly abundant and complex, fueled by large-scale datasets. With the plateau of Moore's law and end of Dennard scaling, energy consumption becomes a major barrier to more widespread applications of today's heavy electronic deep neural models, especially in terminal/edge systems. The community is seeking next-generation computing modalities to break through the physical constraints of electronics-based implementations of artificial neural networks (ANNs). Photonic computing has been a promising avenue for overcoming the inherent limitations of electronics and improving energy efficiency, processing speed and computational throughput by orders of magnitude. Such extraordinary properties have been exploited to construct application-specific optical architectures for solving fundamental mathematical and signal processing problems with performances far beyond those of existing electronic processors. Unfortunately, existing ONNs suffer "catastrophic forgetting" are still struggling with simple onefold tasks. The main reason is that they inherit the widespread problem of conventional computing systems, which are prone to training new models that interfere with formerly learned knowledge, rapidly forgetting the expertise gained from previously learned tasks when trained on something new. Such an approach fails to fully exploit the intrinsic properties in sparsity and parallelism of wave optics for photonic computing, which ultimately results in poor network capacity and scalability for multi-task learning. In a recent paper published in Light: Science & Applications, a team of scientists, led by Professor Lu Fang from Sigma Laboratory, Department of Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, and co-workers have developed L2ONN, a reconfigurable photonic computing architecture for lifelong learning. The unique characteristics of light, spatial sparsity and multi-spectrum parallelism have been developed in photonic computing architecture for the first time, endowing ONNs with lifelong learning capability. Unlike existing ONNs that try to imitate ANN structures, the photonic lifelong learning of L2ONN is initially designed following the physical nature of lightmatter interaction, to fully explore the functional and performance potentials of wave optics in photonic computing. Benefiting from the proposed lifelong-learning optical computing architecture, experimental evaluations on free-space and on-chip architectures demonstrate that L2ONN shows its extraordinary learning capability on challenging tens-of-tasks, such as vision classification, voice recognition and medical diagnosis, supporting various new environments. L2ONN achieves up to 14 times larger capacity than existing optical neural networks, with an order of magnitude higher energy efficiency than the representative electronic artificial neural networks. "Humans possess the unique ability to incrementally absorb, learn and memorize knowledge. In particular, neurons and synapses perform work only when there are tasks to deal with, in which two important mechanisms participate: sparse neuron connectivity and parallelly task-driven neurocognition, together contribute to a lifelong memory consolidation and retrieval. "Accordingly, in ONNs, these characteristic features can be naturally promoted from biological neurons to photonic neurons based on the intrinsic sparsity and parallelism properties of optical operators. "An optical architecture imitating the structure and function of human brains demonstrates its potential to alleviate the aforementioned issues, which shows more advantages than electronic approaches in constructing a viable lifelong learning computing system. "We have demonstrated the photonic lifelong learning provides a turnkey solution for large-scale real-life AI applications with unprecedented scalability and versatility. We anticipate that the proposed neuromorphic architecture will accelerate the development of more powerful photonic computing as critical support for modern advanced machine intelligence and towards beginning a new era of AI," stated the scientists. Provided by TranSpread PRAGUE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Czech police said on Wednesday that they have arrested 14 individuals suspected of trafficking drugs from Slovakia. In a statement, the police said the suspects, arrested after a seven-month investigation, were 11 Czech nationals and three foreigners. Czech police, in collaboration with their Slovak counterparts, also seized nearly 100 km of hashish, cocaine, methamphetamine and other illicit drugs. The primary suspect is identified as a foreign national who imported drugs from Slovakia. According to police, the suspect supplied cocaine and meth to the drug market in the eastern Czech regions of Hradec Kralove and Pardubice as well as in Prague. In addition, the suspect is alleged to have supplied preparations containing pseudoephedrine to drug producing facilities in the Central Bohemia region. Police accused the members of this organized group of distributing medications containing pseudoephedrine, as well as the trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine. The severity of the crime will determine the sentences faced by the accused, with potential penalties of up to 18 years in prison, the police said. The recent operation follows the October arrest of 11 foreigners by Czech police, who were accused of cultivating large quantities of cannabis in rented apartments in Prague. ULAN BATOR, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's central bank's growth forecast for the country's economy this year has been lowered to 3.8 percent, a senior bank official said Wednesday. "We have lowered this year's economic growth forecast to 3.8 percent from an earlier forecast of around 8 percent mainly due to the slowdown in the growth of the agricultural sector caused by livestock loss," Nanjid Urgamalsuvd, head of the Monetary Policy and Forecasting Division at the Bank of Mongolia, told a press conference. At least 5.9 million or 9.2 percent of Mongolia's livestock have died in the extremely cold weather known as "dzud" so far this winter, according to the country's State Emergency Commission. "Dzud" is a Mongolian term to describe a severely cold winter when a large number of livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered in snow. In the winter, Mongolia saw record snowfall, the largest since 1975, and around 90 percent of its territory had been covered with snow up to 100 cm thick, the country's emergency agency said. Mongolia, one of the last surviving nomadic countries in the world, has elevated its disaster preparedness to high alert due to the harsh winter and big livestock loss. The promotion of the livestock husbandry is seen as the most viable way to diversify the landlocked country's mining-dependent economy. CANBERRA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Prominent businesswoman and community leader Samantha Mostyn will become Australia's next governor-general, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced. Albanese on Wednesday said that King Charles III has accepted his recommendation to appoint Samantha Mostyn as the 28th Governor-General of Australia. Mostyn, who currently chairs the federal government's Women's Economic Equality Taskforce, will become the second woman to serve as the monarch's representative in Australia. "Ms Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She is a businesswoman and community leader with a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors," Albanese said in his official announcement. The Governor-General of Australia facilitates the work of the government and parliament by giving royal assent to bills, formally appointing and swearing in the prime minister and ministers and ordering elections at the request of the government. The office is also responsible for the Order of Australia, which recognizes Australians for outstanding achievement and service. Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 for distinguished service to business, the community and women. Mostyn will be sworn in on July 1, replacing incumbent Governor-General David Hurley at the end of his five-year term. Appearing at a press conference alongside Albanese in Canberra, the 59-year-old said her strong business experience and background in law, which she studied at the Australian National University, would serve her well in the role. KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), which is building the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a mega rail project in Malaysia, recognized its local vendors on Wednesday for their contributions to the project. In a statement, the CCCC awarded 20 local vendors, including consultants and subcontractors with the Award of Excellence 2023, highlighting their skills and achievements across a range of areas, including health, safety, and environment (HSE) management, quality management, project management, and resource allocation. Kong Qi, managing director of the CCCECRL, noted that local vendors have been instrumental in driving the project's success. "Their exceptional performance has not only advanced the project's objectives, but has also set new standards for excellence in our industry. This award symbolizes our appreciation for their hard work and commitment and underscores the vital role they play in paving the way for the smooth operation of the ECRL," he said. One of the recipients of the award, FLT Machinery Sdn Bhd Supervisor Kherul Anuar Mat Saman, said he is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on the ECRL project since July 2022, with the company being a contractor of heavy machinery, specializing in the provision of machinery, soil, and river sand. "Working with CCCECRL has been an enriching experience marked by their effectiveness and commitment to safety and quality. Through meticulous planning and strict adherence to specifications, we ensure that our products consistently meet the project's high standards," he said. Separately, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said late on Tuesday that works on ECRL are on schedule and will be completed as planned, with a four-hour travel time between Kota Bharu and Kuala Lumpur to be in place of a seven-hour car journey. A major infrastructure project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the ECRL runs from Malaysia's largest transport hub Port Klang and travels across the peninsula to Kelantan state in northeastern Malaysia. Commentary: Overcoming zero-sum mentality for future China-U.S. ties Xinhua) 09:47, April 03, 2024 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Over the past decade, the "Thucydides's Trap" has been tapped by many politicians and scholars in Washington as a prevailing narrative to frame the future of China-U.S. relations. This parallel compares China to many rising powers in history, and implies that its rise poses a direct challenge to U.S. dominance, reminiscent of the many wars and conflicts between a rising power and an established power, like the historic war between Athens and Sparta, two cities state in ancient Greece. Many insightful observers have argued that viewing China-U.S. ties through the lens of a "trap" is both misleading and avoidable, emphasizing the potential for constructive engagement over deterministic conflict. Graham Allison, who popularized the term "Thucydides's Trap," now also believes that the trap is not inevitable. Allison was part of a delegation comprising representatives from U.S. business, strategic, and academic sectors that recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the meeting with Xi, they emphasized that given their close economic interdependence, both the United States and China stand to flourish only through peaceful coexistence and mutual development. Why is there a growing rejection of the "Thucydides's Trap?" At its core, the trap hinges on a zero-sum mentality, a perspective that views international relations as an eternal competition, where the progress of one nation inherently undermines that of another. It is crucial for adherents of the "Thucydides's Trap" theory, especially among U.S. observers and policymakers, to acknowledge that it was the zero-sum mindset that has often been a key driver of conflicts between nations throughout history. As said by Xi on Wednesday, the China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, and whether China and the United States have a cooperative or confrontational relationship bears on the well-being of the Chinese and American peoples and the future of humanity. In contrast to the complaints of those China-bashers in Washington who criticize China's growth as being at the expense of the United States, it is crucial to recognize that the two countries' respective success is an opportunity for each other. 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. 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. Regarding its strategic intentions, China has made its commitment to eschewing the outdated practices of colonization and exploitation, as well as rejecting the pursuit of hegemony. China has no intention to replace the United States. Its developmental goals are focused on continually improving the well-being of the Chinese people and making substantial contributions to global sustainable development. By contrast, Washington's attention appears increasingly fixated on its diminishing hegemony. As the Global South awakens and developing countries ascend, reverting to the past of unipolar world becomes improbable. The old days of China-U.S. ties won't come back, but their relationship can embrace a brighter future as long as both see each other as partners and show mutual respect, coexist in peace and cooperate for win-win results. In talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Allison, the father of the "Thucydides's Trap," stressed that in today's complex world, binary opposition cannot solve the problems. The United States and China must cooperate and find a correct way to get along with each other, which is crucial to both countries and the world, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) NAIROBI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Wednesday announced that it has started the process to revoke all the title deeds issued for lands inside gazetted forests to save the resources from encroachment. Soipan Tuya, cabinet secretary for environment, climate change and forestry, said in a statement issued in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the documents were issued irregularly and, therefore, are illegal. The revocation is expected to save the nation's 2.29 million hectares of forest cover that is increasingly under attack as the country grapples with the effects of climate change. "All public organizations that have been allocated land in gazetted forests will be issued with special licenses to utilize the land for the intended purpose and the good of the public," Tuya said. Only 7 percent of Kenya's 582,650 square kilometers in total area is under forest cover, which is below the globally recommended 10 percent. The Kenyan government is working to increase the forest coverage rate to at least 10 percent through an initiative that seeks to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years. This is also part of the government's mitigation efforts against climate change, which is ravaging the country as drought and heavy rains occur in the country more frequently. LINCOLN Instead of being censured as a senator requested, Hastings lawmaker Steve Halloran is receiving a letter of reprimand for inserting the names of several colleagues into his graphic description of a rape. The Nebraska Legislatures Executive Board, which handles disciplinary matters, voted 8-1 Wednesday morning to give Halloran a letter of reprimand, and in a separate vote agreed to release the contents of an investigative report into the incident in question on March 18. State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney was the sole no vote on the letter. Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, one of the senators Halloran named in his reading, had filed a resolution calling for Halloran to be censured, and formally accused him of sexual harassment. The board didnt vote on the resolution Wednesday. Chair Sen. Raymond Aguilar of Grand Island said this was because the board thought the letter was a more specific and stronger action, and her resolution would need to be amended to revise the language accusing Halloran of harassment. (Cavanaugh) got what she needed, Aguilar said. Cavanaugh said Wednesday after the boards vote that she filed a censure motion anyway, saying legislative leaders failed her, and accused them of lacking leadership and empathy. It isnt clear whether the Cavanaugh motion will be considered this session. I know it wont be taken up, Cavanaugh said of the motion. But its the only thing I can do. Other senators criticized the letter as the lesser of the three disciplinary options available to the Legislature. Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha said it felt more like a formality than a condemnation, especially because lawmakers moved quickly onto the next bill on the agenda after the letter was read out to the floor. The controversy began when Halloran spoke to support Legislative Bill 441, which sought to remove current protections that make it harder to prosecute K-12 educators charged with providing obscene materials to minors. That bill was ultimately blocked by a filibuster. Halloran quoted extensively on the floor from a graphic rape scene from a memoir of a sexual assault survivor Lucky, by The Lovely Bones author Alice Sebold. He said the book was available in some schools and called that inappropriate. And he repeatedly interjected the names Senator Cavanaugh and Senator Dungan into his reading of explicit sexual passages. This was not harassment, Halloran wrote in his defense. It was me doing my job representing my constituents by responding to earlier comments that we were conflating (content) that was obscene with what I dont like. Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, who sits on the board and co-sponsored Cavanaughs resolution, initially said she was satisfied with giving Halloran the reprimand knowing that it was one of the only repercussions available. However, she said, the policy is broken. Its not enough, but its good to finally set a bar, Slama said. Later on, Slama described the letter as a disservice to sexual assault victims who have spoken out on the incident. She maintained her previous argument that the right move was for Halloran to resign. If he was an adult, hed pick up his toys and go home, she said. Slama said another reason the board opted for a letter of reprimand over a censure was to avoid another fight in the chamber and the potential for more workplace harassment violations, as a censure action would have required debate. She lamented that the Legislature likely would have struggled to find enough votes to censure Halloran, and criticized board members for asking her to recuse herself from a vote on the resolution since she was a cosponsor. Aguilar submitted a complaint the day after Hallorans remarks, which launched the investigation. The report released Wednesday determined that his remarks violated the Legislatures workplace harassment policy under three sections defining sexual harassment, but that it did not create a hostile work environment. The report recommended the board either censure or reprimand Halloran. Senator Hallorans conduct and comments were reprehensible and should not be tolerated because they may lead to or foster a hostile work environment, the report stated. Cavanaugh said Wednesday that she was iced out of the process, and claimed Aguilar did not communicate with her about what the board was doing. Aguilar disputed that, saying that he talked with Cavanaugh several times during the past two weeks. He acknowledged, however, that he did not inform her that the board was considering a letter of reprimand in place of her resolution. Cavanaugh said her censure motion is an effort to get other members of the Legislature to debate the issue publicly, given the boards decision to go with the letter of reprimand. She and her brother Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha called out senators who have not commented on the incident. That is going to be a stain on your record for posterity, John Cavanaugh said. Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington said the incident exposed a flaw in the Legislatures rules, noting that protocol dictates that an objection to words spoken on the floor must happen immediately. Incidents similar to this one have happened multiple times, DeBoer said, and she announced plans to propose a rule change next session to extend the time someone can object to floor speech. Our rules dont work as currently written, DeBoer said. That particular one anyway. Meanwhile, Halloran said he is seeking legal advice about the incident, but he is taking no further action. Im looking forward to the end of the session, he said. Lowe of Kearney cast the sole committee vote against the letter. Lowe told the Kearney Hub on Wednesday he supports reprimanding Halloran, but he believed the Executive Board rushed its work on the letter. As a result, Lowe said he is concerned that the letter might result in unintended consequences in the future if the procedure is put under a microscope. I just want to make sure were doing this right for the future. I didnt think we spent enough time discussing it, Lowe said. After nearly eight years as a state senator, Lowe said he doesnt recall anything equaling such a firestorm of criticism, although North Platte Sen. Mike Grone became the target of immense criticism when he collected photos of his staff without their permission. Grone resigned. Lowe said Wednesday he received his first look at the reprimand letter about 6 p.m. Tuesday. The Legislature stayed in session until 10 p.m., so he felt he wasnt able to give the Halloran matter the attention that is due. I thought something needed to be done, but I think we rushed it. I also questioned, do we want to stifle our speech on the floor, which hasnt been stifled up until now? Lowe said. 90% of firms in Vietnam plan more investment inside ASEAN: HSBC survey By Minh Anh Wed, April 3, 2024 | 4:33 pm GMT+7 Up to 87% of businesses in Vietnam plan to invest more inside ASEAN, while 69% of them plan to do so outside the 10-nation bloc, according to an HSBC survey of financial decision-makers in the regions six biggest economies. Skyline of Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Travel. Businesses are planning to invest in entering new ASEAN markets (69%); technology and digitalization (60%); sustainability (56%); new business lines (49%); and supply chain resilience (44%), the ASEAN Business Sentiment survey finds. Local technological capabilities and supply chain challenges are the top barriers for businesses in Vietnam looking to expand into new ASEAN markets. Other hurdles include supply chain challenges, competition, lack of market information, and understanding local regulations. Product development ranks as the top priority for Vietnam businesses, ahead of growing in ASEAN. The surveyed companies also prioritize improving customer services, diversifying supply chain, and digitization of operations. The survey also finds that in almost all ASEAN markets, over half of the respondents surveyed express their interest in expanding into Vietnam as a new market. Confidence runs high on growing business across ASEAN markets. Up to 98% of Vietnam-based respondents express confidence about growing their business in the country. Share of Vietnam-based respondents who are very confident about growing their business in each market. Source: HSBC ASEAN Business Sentiment survey. Some 94% of the respondents in Vietnam expect their intra-ASEAN trade to increase in 2024, with 27% of them expecting an increase of more than 30%. The survey gathered 600 responses from companies with annual revenues of at least $150 million, split equally across the six biggest ASEAN economies: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Aeon opens third compact store in Vietnam, plans extra two this year By Hai Yen Wed, April 3, 2024 | 10:27 am GMT+7 Japanese retail giant Aeon opened a store in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday under the new retail pattern super supermarket (SSM), the third of its kind in Vietnam to date. Spanning 5,000 square meters, Aeon Nguyen Van Linh is located at the Crescent Mall shopping center in District 7. It has a 2,000-square-meter supermarket and a 1,200-square-meter food court. The new outlet is part of Aeons pattern diversification strategy, that started being rolled out two years ago. Aeon The Nine, its first SSM in Vietnam, opened in Hanoi in 2022. A year later, a similar outlet debuted in the southern province of Binh Duong. The Aeon Nguyen Van Linh supermarket is located at Crescent Mall shopping center, District 7, HCMC. Photo courtesy of Aeon Vietnam. Underscoring general retail as one of the three business pillars of the Japanese retailer in Vietnam, director general of Aeon Vietnam Furusawa Yasuyuki revealed the companys intention to open an additional two SSMs this year. Furthermore, Aeon Vietnam will inaugurate more shopping malls in 2024, including one in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, slated for opening later this year. As of last May, Aeon had invested nearly $1.2 billion in Vietnam. At present, Aeon operates six Aeon Mall outlets in the country, two each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and one each in Binh Duong province and the northern city of Hai Phong. It is expected to develop an additional 20 shopping malls in Vietnam. In late 2023, at the Vietnam-Japan economic forum in Tokyo, the local governments of Bac Giang province and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho sealed agreements with Aeon Vietnam for the development of two $250-million Aeon Mall facilities. The Orangeburg County School District's application window for students wanting to transfer schools within the district is open through June 30. The program allows students to transfer to a school within the district that is not in their attendance zone. More information is available on the district's website. The program is not open to pre-K or kindergarten students. Students who decide to transfer will need to find transportation as the district will not provide transportation. The issue was one of many discussed during a school board meeting last month. In other matters, the district will offer summer school for elementary school students at Elloree, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler and Sheridan from June 3 through June 27. The hours for elementary school students will be from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Summer school will be offered for middle and high school students at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Middle/High School, Bethune-Bowman High School and Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School from June 6 through June 27. Middle and high school hours will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Trustee Dr. William O'Quinn expressed concerns about students from Lockett Elementary or Branchville High having to travel so far to attend summer school. He was informed the decision was made based on school availability and that summer school students will be bused to their needed location. Trustee Betty Pelzer asked what the student and teacher ratio will be for summer school and was told for third-graders the ratio is 15 students to one teacher and for the other grades it will be 20 students to one teacher. Teachers who want to teach in summer school can apply through the district's website. In other business: It was announced that Congressman James Clyburn has nominated the Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School Band to represent South Carolina in the 2025 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Trustees were informed the district will have an extended school year for students with disabilities as documented under the Disabilities Education Act. In order to qualify for the program, a student will have to exhibit academic regression or recoupment issues during the previous year. The program will be offered June 3 through June 27. Students will be identified through the district's Individualized Education Program team. The program will include reading and math instruction. The district recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition winners and participants. Imani Jean of Edisto Elementary was crowned the first-place winner, receiving a $500 cash prize. Neshel Mantle of Elloree Elementary was awarded second place with a $300 prize, and Zionna Carmon of Dover Elementary took home the third-place prize of $150. The district recognized St. James-Gaillard, Mellichamp, Holly Hill, Lockett, Vance-Providence, Elloree, Edisto Elementary and Holly Hill-Roberts Middle Junior Beta Club students as well as Branchville High School Beta Club students. The district recognized Dr. Demestress Bell, a 1998 graduate of Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School. Bell currently is the chief executive officer and founder of Dr. Dee Unlimited Education Consulting and Company. She is also an English teacher at HKT. The district recognized Robert E. Howard Middle School math teacher Jayson Leverett as the February Rookie Teacher of the Month. The district recognized Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School's Georgette Kimpson as the February district Employee of the Month. Trustees received an update about the April 8 solar eclipse and were informed there would be no impact to the school day schedule as a result of the eclipse. The eclipse will begin around 1:50 p.m. and will last until around 4 p.m. The eclipse will not be a total eclipse in The T&D Region like the one experienced in 2017. All were encouraged to make sure to wear special glasses when looking at the sun if they choose to do so. We will make it a learning and safe activity for our students and staff here in Orangeburg, Foster said. Trustee Mary Berry Ulmer asked for the board's self evaluation to be placed on next month's agenda. Ulmer said the board has not had a self-evaluation in almost five years and is not in compliance with its own policies. If we are not in compliance and we do these policies ourselves and we are not adhering to our policies, that looks bad on us as a board, Ulmer said. We expect everybody else in the district to be evaluated but the board is not evaluated. Board Chair Ruby Edwards said the issue will be placed on the agenda for the April meeting. The district's revenues for the month of February were $33.6 million and its expenses were $10.8 million. Trustees were also informed the district's year-to-date revenues exceed expenses by $25.5 million with four more months remaining in the fiscal year. Trustees were informed the district's teachers have chosen the McGraw Hill English Language Arts curriculum for the next school year. Teachers were able to provide input on the curriculum selection during a districtwide survey. Elementary students will use SC Wonders and the middle and high school students will use Study Sync. Both curricula are aligned with state teaching standards, according to school officials. Ulmer said she liked the programs, noting the materials are both digital and print and they do not require students to have Internet access. The district donated out-of-circulation school buses to St. John's Missionary Church, Perfecting Zion Institutional Church and Jones Chapel Baptist Church. The buses will be used for church congregations and church missions. O'Quinn asked if the district could legally donate such items to a nongovernmental entity and was told the district can do so. When he was arrested Monday, 22-year-old Sumter resident Daejon Rashad Jackson was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and trafficking fentanyl, in addition to murder, SLED said in a news release. The charges are connected to the death of 34-year-old Sumter resident Frederick Ricardo Nelson Jr., according to arrest warrants. On Nov. 14, 2023, Jackson shot Nelson 12 times with a Taurus G2C handgun, arrest warrants said. There was no word on a motive for the shooting, or the location where Nelson was fatally shot. Get TheTandD.com for $1 for 3 months Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com. View our latest offer at TheTandD.com/subscribe After killing Nelson, Jackson attempted to conceal the murder by moving Nelsons body to a wooded area in Rembert, S.C., the arrest warrants said. Nelsons body was discovered nearly two weeks later by a group of six hunters who noticed a strong smell coming from the tarp that was about 30-40 feet off Cimmaron Road, according to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker. On Nov. 26, 2023, Nelsons body was found wrapped in bed sheets, a comforter, and a red tarp, according to arrest warrants. After making the grisly discovery, the hunters immediately called 911, the Sumter County Sheriffs Office previously said. Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office: Man shot after asking for $60 Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office A 53-year-old Orangeburg man drove himself to the hospital after he was pistol-whipped and shot, according to a sheriffs office incident report. Jackson was charged following an investigation where SLED agents conducted interviews, recovered evidence, examined telephone records and autopsy results in addition to the findings from its forensic lab, according to the arrest warrants. The drug charge stems from a search of Jacksons home during an unrelated criminal investigation, an arrest warrant said. In Jacksons bedroom, investigators found a box containing a plastic bag with powder substance, which was determined to be 5.2 grams of fentanyl following analysis, according to the arrest warrant. Calhoun County Sheriffs Office: Person of interest sought after alleged shoplifting A person of interest is being sought after an alleged shoplifting incident on Easter Sunday, according to the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office. Jackson was booked at the Sumter County Sheriffs Office Detention Center, SLED said. Information about his bond status was not available. The case will be prosecuted by the 3rd Circuit Solicitors Office. (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. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) NANNING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith in Nanning on Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and Laos are good comrades, good brothers and good partners who share a common future and common development. Bilateral relations have always maintained a sound momentum of development. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Wang said that China is ready to work with Laos to implement the strategic consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, push for more tangible results in the building of the China-Laos community of shared future, fully support Laos as the rotating chair of ASEAN, enrich the connotation of the China-Asean community of shared future, and jointly safeguard regional peace and development. Wang said that China will actively support Laos in hosting a series of leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation, work with other parties to promote regional economic integration that benefits all and is inclusive, and build East Asia into a model for a new round of economic globalization. Saleumxay Kommasith congratulated China on the successful holding of the two sessions, and expressed his belief that China will become more prosperous and stronger through the development of new quality productive forces and the promotion of Chinese modernization. He believes that China will play an exemplary role for other developing countries to achieve modernization. Saleumxay Kommasith said that Laos firmly pursues the one-China policy and firmly supports China's position on Hong Kong-related and Xinjiang-related issues, adding that Laos will work with China to implement the new version of the action plan for building a Laos-China community with a shared future, promote the Laos-China Railway to achieve greater economic effect, strengthen cooperation in energy, agricultural tourism and other fields, and jointly crack down on cross-border crimes. As the rotating chair of ASEAN, Laos will closely communicate and cooperate with China to jointly advance the East Asia cooperation process. The two sides also exchanged views on the South China Sea and other issues of common concern. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) A father yesterday called for police officers to be trained to handle people with mental health conditions, after his son was shot and killed by a municipal officer on Friday afternoon. He needed help and they kill him, Cleophas Noel said of his son, Elijah Noel. Cleophas said Elijah, 20, was schizophrenic. The family of Neil Ballai is pleading with the authorities to release his body and give them peace of mind as his funeral is being delayed pending an autopsy. Ballai, 55, of Eccles Trace, Spring Village, Valsayn, died last Thursday morning when the Kiss Baking Company Ltd truck he was driving was rear-ended by a black Hyundai Ioniq motor car driven by a soldier, in the vicinity of the Ato Boldon Stadium on the Solomon Hochoy Highway. JUBA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Wednesday announced that his country is close to reclaiming control of its sovereign airspace from neighboring Sudan, following the completion of the Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) by China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC). The Ministry of Transport and the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority are in the process of taking over control of South Sudan's territorial airspace from Sudan, the president declared while presiding over the reopening ceremony of the national parliament in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. "Taking full control of our airspace will enable our country to register airlines as well as collect fees," Kiir emphasized. The president highlighted that the air traffic management system, which began construction in July 2020, was completed in December 2023 and is now ready for commissioning. The ATMS project is a cooperation project between South Sudan and the Chinese government, which includes training South Sudanese technicians to prepare them for managing the airspace. It also involves the construction of the Juba ATMS center, a new air traffic control tower and operation building, a surveillance system, a navigation system, a communication system and the civil engineering and supporting facilities required by the system, such as meteorological facilities, calibration flight tests and personnel training. In 2016, South Sudan signed a three-year agreement with Sudan under the International Civil Aviation Organization to manage and control its airspace. According to the agreement, Juba would take over control of its airspace territory after training and acquiring a qualified workforce to oversee the system, enabling the collection of fees from all aircraft using the airspace. PHOENIX The fate of legislation that foes claim would lead to the shooting of migrants is now in the hands of Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. But what the legislation actually would do if the governor does not wield her veto stamp is less than clear. On paper, House Bill 2843, approved by the Republican-led House and Senate on party-line votes, would expand existing law that allows individuals to use or threaten to use physical force to keep someone from trespassing on a premise. That law, also known as the Castle Doctrine based on the concept that someones home is their castle allows the use of deadly physical force, only in defense of himself or third persons. Rep. Justin Heap, R-Mesa, said the current law appears to apply only to someones home or yard. The change he wants would expand that to cover someones farm or ranch and other buildings on that property, he said. But Heap, in describing the measure to a House committee, specifically mentioned an increasingly larger number of migrants or human traffickers moving across farm and ranch land. And his measure comes as Nogales rancher George Alan Kelly is on trial in Santa Cruz County, accused of shooting to death an unarmed migrant crossing his property. Its a damning fact, said Sen. Anna Hernandez, D-Phoenix, that when Heap first described his bill to the House committee, he said his legislation would fix a loophole in the law about defense of premises. Hernandez said Heaps description leaves only one conclusion that his measure is designed to provide some leeway for ranchers who go a step farther than chasing off trespassers and kill people crossing their property. Heap told colleagues in February, If a farmer owns 10,000 acres of farmland, his home may be a half a mile away from where he is. And if he sees someone on his land, can he approach them and trespass them from his property? (By trespass them, he apparently meant tell them they are illegally trespassing.) But when the bill was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, Heap insisted it has nothing to do with shooting migrants. Hernandez isnt buying it. She told Heap that reading his bill leads to the conclusion HB 2843 is meant to allow more people to use deadly force on their ranches. Heap said thats belied by the actual wording of the proposal. This bill has nothing to do with migrants, he told Hernandez. He said it doesnt change any other laws that deal with the question of when individuals can use deadly physical force. So why, then, Hernandez asked, did he specifically mention the increasingly larger number of migrants or human traffickers moving across farm and ranch land when promoting the measure? Heap said he was just reflecting on something that occurred the day before. We had had the sheriff from Yuma County do a presentation, he said. And the sheriff had discussed the problem they had with farmers with migrants basically destroying the crops by crossing over their fields. So, he said, there is a link at least from that perspective. I said this would be a concern: If youre a farmer are you allowed to go out to a migrant whos crossing your field and trespass them from your property and tell them they have to leave? Heap said. But that is the extent of his bill, he said. You wouldnt be justified in killing them unless they use physical force against you, Heap said. He said he used the example of problems faced by ranchers in explaining his bill only because thats what lawmakers had heard the day before. A lobbyist for the Arizona Civil Liberties Union, testifying against the legislation before a Senate panel, conceded that, by itself, HB 2843 wouldnt legalize the indiscriminate killing of those walking across someones property. Someone who has used deadly physical force against someone who is trespassing would still need to demonstrate that a reasonable person would believe that deadly physical force had been necessary to protect themselves or others, said the lobbyist, Marilyn Rodriguez. The physical force used cannot have been excessive. But she said its clear HB 2843 would expand where that deadly force can be used assuming it is justified from situations now limited to what occurs inside someones house or immediate yard, to anywhere on a persons property, even if its a multi-acre ranch. If nothing else, Rodriguez said just the discussion of expanding what constitutes defense of property to now include ranches and farms is dangerous. She said the legislation comes amid increasingly hostile comments about migrants, most of whom, Rodriguez said, are not smugglers but are fleeing violence and persecution. HB 2843 sends a bad message, she said. It is horrifying to imagine a world in which this bill becomes law in which people suddenly get the message that extra-judicial killings are now on the table and that the law will be on their side if they shoot first, she said. That drew an angry reaction from Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, who told Rodriguez all that is based on claims the legislation would make shooting migrants legally permissible. He said those claims are fanned by what he called erroneous news reports. That is a lie, he said. And its been all over the newspapers. Still, Kavanagh acknowledged, the legislation could have have an effect and lead to more shootings despite what he says is its clear wording. Some people may be killed because of misinformation gun control people have spread all over the place, he said. And decent people who are misled by that lie will wind up being prosecuted for criminally negligent homicide or manslaughter because they thought, based on things said to them by gun control advocates, that they can shoot to kill in their house. That provoked a reaction from Hernandez. You said it may cost a few lives, a few people may die, she told Kavanagh. I hope that were not saying that that is OK. Hernandez said that already is happening across the country. People are shooting, people are killing people, she said. Thats why this bill is such a concern. Kavanagh retorted, Sometimes its good to shoot people when theyre going to shoot you illegally. Sometimes its bad to shoot people because youre a criminal or you listen to gun control (advocates) who misled you into thinking the Castle Doctrine, if extended outside or even inside, lets you shoot somebody traipsing through your house at night. Anne Thompson, a volunteer representing Mothers Demand Action, a group that advocates for what it calls sensible gun control laws, questioned the need to create a special expansion of the right to use deadly force. Arizona already has a self-defense law that allows the use of deadly force when a person is threatened, she told lawmakers. Thompson said that includes a shoot-first law that allows people to shoot and kill others even if they know they could possibly safely walk away from the confrontation. She also said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is opposed to the measure. In a February interview with KVOA-TV Nanos said the measure amounts to allowing the use of deadly force when someone commits a misdemeanor such as trespassing. He cited a situation where an individual is playing ball and the ball goes into someones yard. I may go and retrieve the ball, and you can shoot me? Nanos said. Its not just nuts, its absolutely ridiculous and totally unnecessary, he said. I think its racist. I think its targeting. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero added her opposition in a post on X on Wednesday, calling the measure dangerous and downright racist and urging the governor to veto it. Granting property owners the right to shoot trespassers, claiming self-defense, is a heartless dehumanizing act of violence, she wrote. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China once again urges the Philippines to respect the facts, and return to the right track of properly managing and resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday. In response to a query concerning an open letter by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily news briefing that the Philippines keeps accusing China of "intimidating smaller countries" without mentioning at all the Philippine occupation of and encroachment on China's territory in Nansha Qundao. That is a real propaganda "trap," said Wang. "On the issue of Ren'ai Jiao, it's not the size, but the behavior of a country that determines who is right and who is wrong," Wang said. He pointed out that right after the Philippines deliberately grounded its warship on Ren'ai Jiao in 1999, which seriously violated China's sovereignty, China made demarches to the Philippines, and the Philippines promised to tow away the warship several times. A senior official of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs made it clear that the Philippines had no intention of building any facility on Ren'ai Jiao and it doesn't want to and will not be the first country to violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). "But 25 years on, not only hasn't the Philippines fulfilled its promise to tow away the warship, it has even attempted to send construction materials for large-scale repair and reinforcement of the warship in order to build permanent structures on Ren'ai Jiao," Wang said. Pointing out that the Philippines has gone back on its words, and stirred up trouble to provoke China, he said the behavior of the Philippines not only breaches the understandings between the two sides on handling the Ren'ai Jiao issue, but also violates the DOC, especially its Article 5 on refraining from action of inhabiting the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays and other features. "The Philippines is clearly responsible for the current tensions in the South China Sea," Wang added. Wang stressed that China and ASEAN countries have long been committed to properly managing and resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation between the states directly involved, and have worked together to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, which has kept it generally stable. However, for some time, the Philippines has been pulling non-regional actors into South China Sea affairs to back Philippine provocations and the violation of China's sovereignty, he said, adding that the Philippines has been pursing selfish gains at the expense of the consensus reached by countries in the region. "This is the main reason why the situation in the South China Sea has escalated and become more complicated," he said. "We once again urge the Philippines to respect the facts, observe the relevant understandings between the two sides and DOC provisions, follow the consensus reached between China and ASEAN countries, and return to the right track of properly managing and resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible," said Wang. Wagoner County Emergency Management Expo always has neat things to see and do. Saturdays 11th annual event was no different, except for one major surprise. Cage Stidham was there in person to watch the Firefighter Combat Challenges. That alone was a near miracle. Stidham was seriously in a November one-car crash near Inola. The recent Coweta High School graduate was in critical condition. The school and town gathered on Tiger Field to hold a prayer vigil. It was a somber occasion with the knowledge of Stidhams injuries. Then, slowly, but surely, the volunteer Emergency Management team member started to make progress. His condition allowed Stidham to transfer to a Broken Arrow facility then to the Cadillac of medical help in the southwest: The Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. The recovery gained momentum there and a recent social network post revealed how far Stidham had come. Then, he shows up at Saturdays Expo looking almost as good as new! He had a simple response for Its good to see you. Im glad to be here, he said. Realize there was more going on with people giving blood to the Oklahoma Blood Institute, browsing safety information, sitting in a medical helicopter or picking up prizes during the Easter Egg Hunt. For this reporter, it was an outstanding to wonder how many prayers offered that cold night on Tiger Field helped and how much modern medicine has come. The bottom line is it was just great to see Stidham in Emergency Management gear and making great strides toward recovery. Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin addressed a Tulsa Regional Chamber forum Wednesday, touching on topics including the outlook for a tax relief bill and who will replace Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell this fall. It was Mullins second stop of the day in the city, having visited the Parent Child Center of Tulsa earlier. Mullin, who has been traveling the state the past two weeks while the U.S. Senate has been in recess, said a common question he gets asked during his travels is why cant you folks get along? Mullin tells those who ask that the political system is not designed for us to get along. Our founding fathers did not set up Washington, D.C., for a group of people to all get along and make decisions together, Mullin said. If they wanted us to all get along, they would have had just one person in charge. The junior Republican senator from Oklahoma said that while things are a mess in Congress right now, work is being done. As far as Congress goes, we are trying our best to work together, Mullin said. And I know you go, What are you talking about? You guys are actually dysfunctional. Yeah, we are. I agree. But Mullin said Congress is still working. Were still doing things it is just the dysfunction is exposed more than its ever been, he said. Senate Republicans, who are a minority in the chamber, are negotiating at a disadvantage, Mullin said. So what we are willing to accept today is maybe different than if we controlled both chambers and the White House, Mullin said. Id rather do something than hang on the edge of a building until my hands get tired. That sentiment was evident in his response to an audience question regarding the chances that the Senate will approve the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. The bill, which would provide for enhanced child tax credit, business breaks, disaster relief and affordable housing tax credits, has passed the House but is on shaky ground in the Senate, Mullin said. I think this is where you guys are playing a role, he told the group of about 250 people. Mullin said he supports the measure and urged members of the business community to pressure senators to support the bill. Everybody believes this tax bill is better than the one we are working on right now in the Senate, he said. Mullin also added his thoughts on the possibility of U.S. Rep. Tom Cole becoming the next chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Cole is believed to be the favorite to get the job, Mullin said, adding that it would be huge for the state of Oklahoma. We get overlooked all the time by large states like Texas because they have more (congressional) representatives than we have, he said. Regarding a replacement for McConnell, who has announced that he will step down as minority leader this fall, Mullin said the race for that position is primarily between two people. So, theres only two people that say they are running: Sen. John Thune from South Dakota and Sen. John Cornyn from Texas, Mullin said. The race is really between those two for the leadership position, he said, adding that he considers Thune a friend. I talk to (him) literally almost every day, Mullin said. I really think it is his to lose. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. HANOI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The market share of Vietnamese durian in China has reached 31.8 percent, only behind Thailand (68 percent), Vietnam News Agency reported Wednesday, citing the Vietnam's Plant Protection Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. If Vietnam makes good use of opportunities, advantages and organize professional production, constantly improve techniques and quality, the country's durian market share can surpass Thailand's and dominate the Chinese market, said the department. Vietnam now has 708 durian growing areas and 168 packing facilities with transaction codes to export its products to China, which are issued by the General Administration of Customs of China. Vietnam's total durian growing area has reached 112,000 hectare, with an annual output of 863,000 tons. Vietnam's durian was mainly exported to China with 595,000 tons in quantity in 2023, accounting for 98.6 percent of the country's total export of this product group. Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday in a case that raises the question of whether state taxpayers should have to pay to help the Catholic church run a virtual charter school. The case, Drummond vs. the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, involves the first religious charter school in the nation, the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual Charter School, proposed to be supported with public funds. It may eventually have to be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court. Are we being used as a test case? Justice Yvonne Kauger interjected at one point during the proceeding, which lasted for about 90 minutes in the state Supreme Courts chamber on the second floor of the Oklahoma Capitol. It sure looks like it. The principle of separation of church and state dates to the founding of the nation, and Attorney General Gentner Drummond cited the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from establishing any sort of state religion, in arguing that tapping taxes to support a Catholic school would be a clear violation of the Constitution. However, Drummond referred more frequently to the Oklahoma Constitution and to laws passed in the state that stipulate that no public money should be appropriated to support a specific church, denomination, sect or system of religion. For their part, attorneys who represented the states Virtual Charter School Board argued that at least three cases resolved in recent years by the U.S. Supreme Court reflect the courts willingness to allow some new latitude in using taxpayer funds to support religious private schools. As an example, they referred to a 2022 case in Maine, Carson vs. Makin, in which the Supreme Court ruled that if Maine were to allow private school tuition vouchers to be issued to students, it could not prohibit students from using them to offset costs of attending private religious schools. Drummond and an attorney for the school board, Phil Sechler, sparred over what could be the key issue in the Oklahoma case, whether the St. Isidore school should be classified as a public school or a private one. Drummond argued that by accepting state funds that might be used to offset costs of everything from computer software to teacher salaries the school would essentially qualify as a state actor like any other public school and would be subject to the same state rules that govern the administration of public schools. If St. Isidore were to be run by the church essentially as a public school, the attorney general said the state likely would have no issues with it. However, the church has said that it intends to operate the school as a genuine instrument of the church, he said. The AG asserted that if the court allows taxpayer resources to be used to support an instrument of the Catholic church, it should be prepared to allow for the same state resources to be tapped to support schools that would indoctrinate children in the beliefs of other religions as well, which might range from Islam to Satanism. Sechler countered that the St. Isidore school, despite accepting public funds, should still be classified as a private school. St. Isidore is organized as a private, nonprofit corporation. It has its own certificate of incorporation, its own bylaws, its own officers, and its own board of directors. The state was not involved in any of that, he said. St. Isidore has its own facilities, its own bank account, its own authority to raise funds and to enter into contracts. The Statewide Virtual Charter School Board is responsible for authorizing and sponsoring virtual charter schools in Oklahoma. It signed off on the establishment of the St. Isidore school in October of last year. Organizers have said that the school, envisioned to be up and running this year, would cost Oklahoma taxpayers more than $25 million in the first five years of its operation. Several of the Supreme Court justices raised questions during Tuesdays proceedings. Chief Justice Dustin Rowe, for instance, asked about taxpayer supported grants that benefit the sectarian Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. Drummond responded that while grants do represent public funds they, like school vouchers, are awarded not to institutions but rather to individual students. Justice James Winchester asked whether students at St. Isidore would be required to study Catholicism. Justice Noma Gurich asked if organizers of the school would consider changing the curriculum to be religious neutral. Attorney Michael McGinley, another attorney for the school board, responded that the state wouldnt have control over St. Isidores curriculum, as the school would operate more as a private contractor offering clear benefits to the state and its residents rather than as a government actor. Justice Dana Kuehn asked Drummond why the state board would have approved St. Isidores charter if it would be unconstitutional. I think they betrayed their oath of office, the attorney general responded. Sechler defended the board. He said churches should not be excluded from operating schools or from benefiting from state funding based solely on their embrace of religion. He said St. Isidore school shouldnt be treated differently than other private schools in Oklahoma that have been allowed to benefit in various ways from public funds. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. As the presidential election ramps up and Oklahomas closed primaries come up this summer, as an independent voter, I believe that its fair to include all voters in the election process regardless of party affiliation. When I first became an independent voter about 10 years ago, I had no idea that one day independent voters would jump in popularity to make up nearly half of U.S. voters. Gallup reports that voters identifying as independent peaked at 46% in September, but has hovered at or above 40% for about two years. An interesting historical note is that President George Washington is the only president to represent no political party an independent voter. But since the nations founding, the party system has dominated the political system. An independent voter is a person who is nonpartisan, not affiliated with any particular party. Independent voters believe wholeheartedly that the U.S. Constitution is the bonding decree that governs our nation. We believe it ought to be the common bond of values that guide us through our differences. Yet, millions of independents the fastest growing part of the electorate are locked out of voting in closed partisan primaries. This is a crisis that should be addressed with solutions. Primary elections are publicly funded, and no American should have to join a party to vote in an election their tax dollars paid for. Some voters are looking at closed primaries as a hindrance to our democracy. Others have a more dire view, of such exclusion being unhealthy to democracy. Other states have updated their election laws to reflect this change in view, either through a ballot initiative or legislative changes. In 2004, Washington voters approved an initiative to become the first state to adopt a top-two primary system for congressional and state-level elections. California voters did the same in 2010. In 2020, Alaska voters passed a measure for a top-four primary. Nebraska has a top-two system, but its Legislature is nonpartisan. The Maine Legislature in 2021 passed in a notable bipartisan vote a measure that opens primary elections. In total 20 states have opened primaries. Many of those are considered red states such as Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Montana, North Dakota and Tennessee. These are just a few examples where leaders are taking serious efforts to reform closed primary elections. Numbers are growing for calls to reform our closed primary system in Oklahoma and elsewhere. We are at a crucial time where leaders have a chance to do whats right for all Americans. This is a time when we must work more together than not. This is a time when we must put the advancement of all ahead of individual agendas. We must come together to form an alternative in our electorate that supports every American voter. Open primaries for all would be a change in a positive direction, opening the door of better possibilities as a nation. In almost ever state, independent voters are the largest or second largest group of registered voters. Nationally, that includes over 50% of young people, 49% of veterans and growing numbers of voters of color. In Oklahoma, independent voter registrations havent reached that level but represent 20% of the voters. However, independent registrations have grown by 3.1% in the state since 2020. Regardless of the growing popularity of independent voters, there is a moral and ethical case of open primaries. Closed primaries can be viewed as a form of voter suppression. As politically unaffiliated voters increase, closed primaries lock out bigger parts of our electorate. These voters are left out of determining their leaders. A good question to ask yourself: Does a person have to register with a party just to take part in the election process? Open primaries bring more inclusiveness into the political process. We need inclusiveness more now than ever before. We need everyone working together. If we can work more together, we can establish and accomplish more as a nation. The Rev. Mareo Johnson is the founder and pastor of The Seeking the Kingdom Ministries, president of United Nations Association of Eastern Oklahoma and founder and executive director of Black Lives Matter Tulsa Chapter. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Ho Chi Minh City saw 16,161 firms newly established or resuming operations between January and March, while some 16,180 enterprises left the market during the period, according to the city's Statistics Office. It meant that in the first quarter of 2024, for every firm entering Ho Chi Minh City, there was one business pulling out of the market. In the year up to March 20, a total of 11,000 companies were licensed for establishment, with their combined registered capital exceeding VND93.8 trillion (US$3.7 billion), reflecting a 12.4 percent increase in the number of new market entrants and a 5.6 percent rise in capital compared to the previous year. Among the newly-established businesses, the count of companies registering to operate in the agro-forestry-fishery sector witnessed a decline of 13.8 percent compared to the previous year, accompanied by a significant drop of 39.3 percent in their pledged capital. The commercial and service industry saw a 13-percent year-on-year increase in the number of newcomers. Their total registered capital grew 17 percent from the figure recorded in the same period last year. Since the start of the year, the Ho Chi Minh City market has shown some positive signs of recovery due to surging demands for material imports, according to a recent report released by the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA). Several firms have won orders set for delivery until June, or even December, broadening an upbeat economic outlook. However, HUBA said that certain sectors are still grappling with a shortage of orders, due in part to the loss of traditional markets, subdued consumer spending, and hindrances related to administrative procedures. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Thai Agriculturist Association (TAA) recently reported a sharp decline in the rice redemption price at the central market in Thailand, primarily due to oversupply caused by farmers cultivating Vietnam's high-yield rice variety, Jasmine 85. The Bangkok Post reported on Tuesday, citing the TAA, that the rice redemption price at the central market dropped in recent times from the highest level in a decade, which reached up to US$354 per ton during the first crop season two months ago, attributed to high demand, although the exact extent of the decline was not specified. The sharp fall has caused farmers to fret as they are preparing for the second crop season that will start within April, according to TAA president Pramote Charoensilp. One of the main causes of the price drop was believed to be the popularity of the Vietnamese rice variety Jasmine 85, which has been recently grown by Thai farmers to leverage its advantages, including short production time, high yield, and good resilience to weather. Despite the TAA urging farmers to refrain from cultivating foreign rice varieties to mitigate adverse effects on local cultivars, the planting of this particular cultivar has commenced. The association also warned Thai farmers not to cultivate this variety, as both rice millers and exporters shy away from it. This type produces rice that is dull-white hue and easily damaged during the milling process, according to the Thai Rice Mill Association. It is estimated that 160,000 hectares of rice plantations in Thailand will grow Jasmine 85 in the upcoming season, according to the TAA. Director general of the Thai Rice Department (RD) Natthakit Khongthip said that no Vietnamese rice cultivar has been registered with this department yet. Thailand does not produce enough rice grains to meet farmers needs. That causes them to seek foreign alternatives, especially the Vietnamese variety, which provide a high-volume yield but require a shorter farming time, Natthakit was quoted by the Bangkok Post as saying. He said the RD is trying to improve local varieties to help Thai rice regain its popularity, but many challenges lie aheadd. Pramote stated that the TAA has called upon Thailands Department of Internal Trade to investigate additional factors contributing to the price decline and to initiate a probe into the origins of foreign rice varieties being cultivated within the country. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! HELSINKI -- One child was killed and two seriously wounded in a shooting at a school outside the Finnish capital on Tuesday, police said, with a 12-year-old fellow pupil suspected of the attack taken into custody. The arrest of the boy was made without further violence in the Helsinki suburb of Siltamaki, 4 km (2.5 miles) south of the Viertola school in Vantaa district, police said. Education Minister Anna-Maja Henriksson broke into tears when speaking to reporters hours after the attack in a country where gun violence among youths is rare. "One 12-year-old child will never again return home from school," she said. The suspect and the three victims were all sixth-graders, the police said in a statement. Police officers operate at the Viertola comprehensive school in Vantaa, Finland, on April 2, 2024. Three minors were injured in a shooting at the school on Tuesday morning. A suspect, also a minor, has been apprehended. Lehtikuva/Markku Ulander via Reuters "The injuries of both victims who were taken to the hospital are very serious," said Criminal Commissioner Marko Sarkka. A national day of mourning will be observed on Wednesday, with government buildings flying the flag at half-mast, the interior ministry said. There were no other suspects, police said. They provided no details on the identity of the suspect or victims, apart from saying they were all 12-year-old Finns and pupils at the school and the suspect was a boy. Police officers operate at the Viertola comprehensive school in Vantaa, Finland, on April 2, 2024. Three minors were injured in a shooting at the school on Tuesday morning. A suspect, also a minor, has been apprehended. Lehtikuva/Markku Ulander via Reuters Parents had to wait for three hours before they were able to collect their children, with lots of tears and hugs when they were reunited outside the police barricade. Children had to leave their coats behind. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the shooting was deeply shocking. He encouraged parents to comfort their children and help alleviate any fears about further such attacks. "I want to tell children and young people all over Finland that the Finnish authorities and school staff are doing everything they can every day to prevent something like this from happening," Orpo said in a statement. Police officers and police vehicles operate at the Viertola comprehensive school in Vantaa, Finland, on April 2, 2024. Three minors were injured in a shooting at the school on Tuesday morning. A suspect, also a minor, has been apprehended. Lehtikuva/Markku Ulander via Reuters The suspect had admitted the attack in a preliminary interview, police said, and the offences would be investigated as murder and attempted murder. No one has yet spoken on the suspect's behalf. He will be put in the care of social services because a child cannot be remanded in custody, police said. Police said the motive was not clear. The handgun's permit belonged to a relative of the suspect, they said. National Police Commissioner Seppo Kolehmainen speaks while Police Chief Ilkka Koskimaki and Inspector Tomi Salosyrja look on during a police press conference on the Viertola school shooting incident in Vantaa, Finland, on April 2, 2024. One sixth grade pupil died and two others were seriously injured in the Vantaa school shooting on Tuesday. Lehtikuva/Markku Ulander via Reuters Video circulating on social media and unverified by Reuters showed two police kneeling at the side of the suspected shooter who was lying face down on a sidewalk. The Viertola school has around 800 pupils from first to ninth grade and a staff of 90, according to the municipality. Anja Hietamies, the mother of an 11-year-old pupil, told Reuters she received a message from her scared daughter after the shooting. Police officers talk to family members of pupils at the Viertola comprehensive school in Vantaa, Finland, on April 2, 2024. Lehtikuva/Markku Ulander via Reuters "She said they were in a dark, locked classroom, not allowed to speak on the phone but could send messages," Hietamies said. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said on X: "The day started in a horrifying way...I can only imagine the pain and worry that many families are experiencing at the moment. The suspected perpetrator has been caught." Previous school shootings in Finland have put a focus on Finland's gun policy. In 2007, student Pekka-Eric Auvinen shot and killed six students, the school nurse, the principal, and himself using a handgun at Jokela High School, near Helsinki. People bring candles and flowers at the Viertola school in Vantaa, Finland, on April 2, 2024. One sixth grade pupil died and two others were seriously injured in a shooting incident at the school on Tuesday morning. The suspect is also a 12-year-old pupil at the school. Lehtikuva/Roni Rekomaa via Reuters A year later, in 2008, Matti Saari, another student, opened fire at a vocational school in Kauhajoki in northwest Finland. He killed nine students and one male staff member before turning the gun on himself. Finland tightened its gun legislation in 2010, introducing an aptitude test for all firearms licence applicants. The minimum age for applicants was also raised to 20 from 18. It was too early to draw any policy conclusions from Tuesday's attack, Rantanen told a press conference. There are more than 1.5 million licensed firearms and about 430,000 licence holders in the nation of 5.6 million people, where hunting and target shooting are popular. The Department of Information and Communications in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam on Tuesday fined a TikToker VND7.5 million (US$298.5) for uploading a video in which he said Saigon is an ideal location for crimes to the short video platform. The fine was levied on Nguyen Nhat Hai, the owner of the Tiktok account Nhat Hai Biet Tuot, as he was found to have provided incorrect information, slandered or insulted agencies and organizations, and lowered the honor or dignity of individuals. The Department of Information and Communications in Ho Chi Minh City also confirmed that it had joined hands with the northern province to punish the TikTok influencer. On March 14, a video titled 'Snatching snacks in Saigon' on the Nhat Hai Biet Tuot channel went viral on TikTok. It began with the question, Do you know why people often have their phones, necklaces, bags, even snacks robbed in Saigon?, which includes the former name of Ho Chi Minh City that is still in popular use now. The footage depicted a group of youths purportedly pilfering snacks from a grocery store situated in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Local police have yet to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the incident. The TikTok user claimed that in Saigon, indulgence in alcohol persisted throughout the day and night. He conjectured that due to likely shortages of mangoes and guavas, drinkers resorted to purloining snacks to complement their wine. Hai contended that while culinary offerings in the northern region were diverse, Saigon seemingly boasted a more limited repertoire, predominantly comprised of mangoes, guavas, and snacks. Nonetheless, the populace exhibited a propensity for imbibing alcohol until the late hours of the night. He also said that Saigon had many thieves due to its culture. In Saigon, people did not care about others, so it was an ideal place for crimes, he claimed. Following criticism for allegedly fomenting regional discrimination, the video has been removed. The Nhat Hai Biet Tuot channel, boasting close to 900,000 subscribers and garnering 30.5 million likes, continues to maintain a significant online presence. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! HANOI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's 44 billion U.S. dollars target in textiles and garments export this year is feasible to achieve, Vietnam News Agency cited Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association as saying on Wednesday. The statement was made based on the fact that many retail corporations from Free Trade Agreement member countries such as Canada, Australia, Europe have come to Vietnam to find supply chains with competitive prices. He said the recent increase in orders showed that the textile industry has continuously recovered. However, facing potential market risks, businesses need to seek solutions to maintain growth and stabilize jobs for workers. According to the association, global manufacturers as well as textile and garment supply chains continue to choose Vietnam as a destination for manufacturing and placing orders. Vietnam earned over 9.53 billion dollars from exporting textiles and garments in the first quarter of this year, up 9.62 percent year on year, according to the association. The Southeast Asian country ranks third in the world in terms of textiles and garments exports. Last weeks earthquake in My Duc District, Hanoi underscores the possibility of additional strong earthquakes in the Vietnamese capital if the Red River fault zone becomes active, as per an experts analysis. Seismologists attribute the magnitude-4 earthquake in outlying My Duc District on March 25 to the Red River fault zone, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Phuong, chairman of the Scientific Council at the Institute of Geophysics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. The quake is categorized as a minor, natural earthquake. Its epicenter was approximately 1.8km from the Red River fault boundary, with a depth of about 16km, aligning well with models of tremor generation at the fault. In an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Phuong disclosed insights into the hazards posed by the Red River fault zone. What lessons can we draw from the earthquake in My Duc District? There are indications that Hanoi remains susceptible to earthquakes, especially if the Red River fault zone becomes active, potentially triggering a significant seismic event. It is imperative to prepare for future earthquakes along this fault line, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Hanoi, home to over 10 million people and numerous high-rise buildings. The impact of a strong earthquake here could be devastating. For instance, despite being of equal intensity, the Kobe earthquake in Japan in 1995 claimed 6,000 lives, while the quake in Tuan Giao Town, located in Dien Bien Province, northern Vietnam, in 1983 resulted in no casualties. The disparity in fatalities can be attributed to the urban setting of Kobe, contrasting with the uninhabited area where Tuan Giao is situated. What is the level of danger posed by the Red River fault zone and how probable is it for earthquakes to occur in Hanoi? The Red River fault zone, originating from Yunnan, China, extends in a northwest-southeast direction, reaching Tam Dao Town in the northern Vietnamese province of Vinh Phuc. From Vinh Phuc downward, the fault zone is obscured by sediment layers and appears discontinuous, yet scientists speculate its continuation to the Vietnamese coast and the Gulf of Tonkin. The fault zone comprises several major faults, including the Red River fault, Lo River fault, and Chay River fault, which are prominently visible in the Hanoi area. These faults run parallel to each other in a northwest-southeast direction. Clarence Allen (1925-2021), an American geologist collaborating with Chinese counterparts, identified ongoing movements along the Red River fault zone from the beginning of the Holocene Epoch (11,700 years ago present day), estimating its displacement to be approximately 3 to 5mm per year. This suggests that the fault zone remains active and capable of generating earthquakes. However, the intensity of activity varies across different segments of the fault zone. While the northern part in Chinese territory has experienced earthquakes with magnitudes of up to seven, the section adjacent to the Vietnamese border exhibits fewer signs of seismic activity, with sporadic and relatively minor earthquakes recorded thus far. In Vietnam, the Institute of Geophysics has documented approximately 30 earthquakes along the Red River fault zone, predominantly characterized as small to moderate tremors. However, as the fault zone traverses through Hanoi, the capital city is situated directly atop its source area, rendering it vulnerable to potential seismic events that could inflict damage upon the urban community. A Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) map shows the level of ground shaking expected from earthquakes along the Chay River fault. Photo: Nguyen Hong Phuong The pressing inquiry on many minds is: Could an earthquake strike Hanoi? Compared to fault zones of similar length worldwide, the Red River fault zone is deemed relatively weak in its earthquake-generating capacity, with no recorded instances of significant damage in Vietnamese territory. However, it remains a seismic risk, prompting ongoing evaluation and predictive modeling by seismologists to assess potential damage to infrastructure and populations. Among its segments, the Chay River fault is identified as capable of producing the strongest earthquakes, while the Red River and Lo River faults are expected to yield weaker tremors. Seismic scenarios based on these fault zones have been developed for five urban districts in Hanoi to gauge seismic risks and anticipate potential impacts on communities and structures. Which areas in Hanoi are most vulnerable to earthquake impacts? We assess how earthquakes affect both buildings and individuals, taking into account various factors such as earthquake magnitudes, including levels 5, 6, and 7. Level-7 earthquakes are recognized for causing the most substantial damage. Throughout Hanoi, we have developed a ground classification map, categorizing areas into types A, B, C, D, and E, with A representing the most robust ground and E the weakest. For instance, in Soc Son District, the predominant ground type is A, while in central Hanoi, it is primarily type D. Areas like riverbanks and mudflats are classified as type E. During earthquakes, damage tends to be more severe in type-E ground areas compared to type-A ground areas. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Phuong, chairman of the Scientific Council at the Institute of Geophysics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology You and your colleagues previously cautioned that Hanoi might experience a powerful earthquake reaching level 8 (approximately 6.3-6.5 on the Richter scale). Have the recent forecasts altered this prediction? Currently, forecasts suggest that Hanoi may face an earthquake reaching level 8, but our research has provided more nuanced insights. Instead of a blanket level-8 earthquake warning for the entire city, we now have more detailed seismic risk assessments for each district. Urban districts exhibit the highest ground vibrations, reaching level 8, with return periods of 475 and 975 years. In addition, areas such as Cau Giay, Thanh Xuan, and Ha Dong Districts, along with parts of Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hoang Mai Districts, experience the strongest ground vibrations at return periods of 2,475 and 9,975 years. Given the significant earthquake risks, what recommendations do you propose for residents and local authorities? Given Hanois location in a level-8 seismic zone, the likelihood of earthquake-related damage is considerable. It is imperative for both individuals and government bodies to recognize the inevitability of earthquakes along the Red River fault zone. In the absence of preparedness measures, earthquakes can result in significant devastation. Adherence to seismic design standards and regulations is crucial during construction endeavors, whether for residential homes or high-rises. Moreover, urban planners, construction engineers, and relevant authorities must ensure compliance with seismic guidelines. Regular updates to seismic design standards in construction projects and the formulation of earthquake response strategies are essential components of disaster preparedness efforts. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Four coal miners were killed in a fire sparked by a methane gas blast at a coal mine in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam at daybreak on Wednesday. The mine is owned by Thong Nhat Coal Company, based in the province's Cam Pha City. The deadly incident occurred at 0:20, said a representative of the company. After being notified of the accident, rescuers and officials quickly arrived at the scene. The bodies of the four victims were taken out of the mine at 3:15 am. Apart from the deaths, the fire also left seven other miners injured. They were rushed to Quang Ninh General Hospital for emergency treatment. The incident happened when a group of 11 coal workers were mining, according to preliminary investigation results. The mine spans an area of 23 square meters. Local authorities and the company are cooperating to support the deceaseds families, and provide each with VND60 million (US$2,400). Quang Ninh Province has reported some tragedies caused by methane gas explosions over the past few years, reported Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper. In 2019, a blaze triggered by methane broke out at Ha Long Coal Company, claiming two lives and injuring three others. Methane caused a fire at a mine exploited by 86 Limited Company in 2013, killing four workers. Methane is a gas without color and smell, and is often found in mines and biogas cellars. It is extremely flammable and may form explosive mixtures with air. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Welcome Guest! You are here: Home American Muslims reject Joe Bidens Ramadan Iftar invite Justifying their decision, the American Muslim leaders said it would be shameful to attend any celebratory Iftaar event while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are starving. Read More Wednesday April 3, 2024 3:31 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies [American Muslims offering Maghrib Salah after Iftar in front of White House.] Washington: Protesting against the US administrations continued support to the Israeli occupation in Palestine and its ongoing war and blockade in Gaza, top American Muslim community leaders have rejected to accept the White House invite to attend Ramadan Iftar with President Joe Biden. Muslims around the world observe fast from dawn to dusk during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Iftar is the special meal served when the days fast ends after sunset and before Maghrib Salah. A customary Iftar meal event is organised every year by the White House which is attended by diplomats from various Muslim countries and Muslim community leaders in the United States. American Muslim leaders have however refused to attend this years White House Ramadan Iftar party. Justifying their decision, the American Muslim leaders said it would be shameful to attend any celebratory Iftaar event while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are starving. Its inappropriate to do such a celebration while theres a famine going on in Gaza, Wael Alzayat, who leads Emgage, a Muslim advocacy organization, and had attended the last years event, told the news agency Associated Press (AP). Were just in a different world. Its completely surreal. And its sad, he said. After the boycott by the Muslim leaders and Arab diplomats, the White House Iftar party was left for a small group of Muslim staff members. However, the White House was forced to cancel the event following the protest, Al Jazeera reported. One of the guests, a doctor who had recently come back from Gaza, gave the US president a letter written by a displaced Palestinian child in Rafah, who lost his entire family. He then left the event stating that he could not attend it while people in Gaza were being murdered, the Doha based broadcaster reported. Edward Ahmed Mitchell, Deputy Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), also said Biden's Iftar was nixed because so many people chose not to attend, including invitees who had initially agreed to go. The American Muslim community said very early on that it would be completely unacceptable for us to break bread with the very same White House that is enabling the Israeli government to starve and slaughter the Palestinian people in Gaza, Mitchell told Al Jazeera. Some Muslims even organised a counter Iftar right in front of the White House to protest Biden's pro-Israel policy. Several Muslim leaders were expected to attend Tuesdays meeting with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Muslim government officials and national security leaders. The White House did not name them. Some people who had attended events in previous years, such as Mayor Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn, Michigan, were not invited. The cancelled iftar underscores Bidens struggle to stem growing anger in US Arab and Muslim communities over his unconditional support for Israel. The Israeli Occupation Forces have killed close to 33,000 Palestinians since Oct 7. Moreover, around 1.8 million people are starving because of the Zionist blockade of Gaza. The United Security Council (UNSC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) both have called for immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza. While the Zionist regime of Netanyahu continues to ignore UNSC resolution and ICJ order, the United States, totally against the global wish, is extending moral, diplomatic, financial and also military support to Israel. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HA NOI On behalf of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has approved the implementation strategy for the national power development master plan for 2021-30, with a vision to 2050, laying out a comprehensive roadmap for economic and social growth by ensuring robust and reliable electricity supply. The plan champions a decisive shift away from fossil fuels towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. It's a resolute commitment to slashing environmental pollution and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning squarely with Viet Nam's pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Key to its success is investment in power projects, with a keen eye on the priorities outlined in the National Power Plan VIII. This means fostering seamless coordination among ministries, sectors and provincial authorities to drive effective implementation. The list of important power projects prioritised for investment by 2030 includes various types such as thermal power, LNG (liquefied natural gas) power, coal-fired power, hydroelectric power and renewable energy sources. The Government targets to raise the total domestic gas-fired power capacity to 14,930MW and the total LNG-fired power capacity to 22,400MW. The Government also plans to increase the total coal-fired power capacity to 30,127MW and the total hydro-power capacity to 29,346MW by the end of this decade. The total offshore wind power capacity is expected to reach 6,000MW, onshore wind power is projected to amount to 21,880MW by 2030. The Government plans to import from 5,000MW to 8,000MW from Laos, with the potential to ramp up capacity under favourable conditions. It also outlines specific lists of important transmission grid projects, prioritising investment in interconnected grids with neighbouring countries. This strategic move not only bolsters Viet Nam's energy security but also fosters regional cooperation. Renewable energy takes centre stage, not just for domestic consumption but also for export, with a focus on regions with good renewable energy potential and favourable grid infrastructure. For rural, mountainous and island areas, it includes providing electricity to 2,478 small- and medium-sized pumping stations in the Mekong Delta region, as well as supplying electricity from the national grid or renewable energy sources to remaining islands in Quang Tri, Kien Giang, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces Tri, Kien Giang. 900,000 households in these areas are expected to be electrified, even including with renewable sources. Moreover, there are plans to build two interregional industrial and service centres for renewable energy, with one in the northern region and one in the central-southern region, aiming to develop an industrial ecosystem related to renewable energy services. VNS WELLINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Research will be jointly conducted by 12 New Zealand research teams and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) over the next six months on feasibility studies in environmental monitoring, water and climate modeling, natural hazards, and biodiversity. "This is important work both for now and for the future of how we grow food, sustainably monitor our agriculture, anticipate floods and droughts, and measure environmental impacts," New Zealand Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins, who is also the Space Minister, said on Wednesday. Collaborating with NASA means the teams will have access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise to develop their research and build partnerships with a world leader in space research, Collins said. The research teams will conduct a range of feasibility studies, including dynamic forest mapping, CO2 flux estimations for small countries, and tracking pasture quality with satellite imagery, among other Earth observation research, the minister said. Collins said science plays a huge role in rebuilding the economy as the government works to ease the cost of living for all New Zealanders. HCM CITY Seafood exports were worth nearly US$2 billion in the first quarter, 8 per cent up year-on-year, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). The US, Japan and China - Hong Kong were the three largest importers. Exports to the US increased by 16 per cent to $330 million, with shrimp, tuna, tra fish, and crab exports rising by 13-53 per cent. VASEP said tra fish prices in the US recovered after bottoming at the end of last year, and white-legged shrimp export prices also went up slightly though still low compared to average prices in the last five years. The US Department of Commerce (DOC) recently announced the final findings of the 19th anti-dumping duty administrative review of Viet Nams frozen tra fish fillets exported to the US between August 1, 2021 and July 31, 2022, and the anti-dumping tax rate for five Vietnamese companies was $0.18 per kilogramme. The rate was lower than following previous reviews, and provides a positive outlook for tra fish exporters, VASEP said. Last month the DOC also announced preliminary countervailing duties on Vietnamese, Indian and Ecuadorian shrimp, and Viet Nam's general tax rate was significantly lower than for the other two, it said. Speaking about the Chinese market, the association said tra fish, white-legged shrimp, lobster, anchovies, and crabs are major seafood exports to it, with lobster, crabs and white-legged shrimp exports rising by 11 times, seven times and 2.5 times in the first quarter from a year earlier. According to businesses, China is tightening inspection of shrimp imported from Ecuador, causing supply from that country to decrease and creating opportunities for Vietnamese firms to increase their exports of white-legged shrimp to the market. Exports of white-legged shrimp and crab to the Japanese market showed positive signs with increases of 20 per cent and 23 per cent. Vietnamese tra fish is becoming increasingly popular in Japan, with exports rising by 25 per cent in Q1. The association said shrimp and tra fish exports to other markets such as the EU and Korea had not yet shown clear signs of recovery, but tuna exports to the two were up 27 per cent and 15 per cent. In general, tuna exports to major markets were solid, with exports to the US and Japan rising by 30 per cent and 9 per cent, it said. Squid and octopus exports to Korea increased by 16 per cent, while exports to other major markets such as the US and Japan decreased by 3 per cent and 21 per cent. The average export prices, though still low were generally higher than that at the end of 2023, VASEP said, hoping companies would get more orders at better prices after upcoming international seafood fairs in the US, EU and Japan. Le Hang, VASEPs communications director, said Viet Nam, the world's top exporter of frozen shrimp after India and Ecuador, could get new opportunities to boost exports since Ecuador and India were being warned about antibiotic residue and labour issues. But the problems they face were also lessons for Vietnamese firms to be cautious and strictly comply with regulations in import markets as well as at home to sustain exports. VNS HA NOI The export of cameras, camcorders and components earned more than US$720 million last month, an increase of 75.6 per cent year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). Overall, this product group earned more than $2.15 billion in the first quarter of this year, an increase of 69.5 per cent over the same period last year. The standout feature of this selection of export goods is the notable surge in imports across all key markets. China was the largest market for Vietnamese cameras, camcorders and components with more than $931.72 million as of February 29, a sharp increase of 105 per cent over the same period last year. Thus, the Chinese market accounts for 43 per cent of this product. The US is Viet Nam's second largest market with a turnover of more than $136 million in the first two months of the year, accounting for 6.3 per cent. South Korea ranked third with more than $92.8 million, an increase of 22.5 per cent over the same period last year, and the proportion reached 4.3 per cent. Besides the three main markets above, Viet Nam also exports to Hong Kong (China), Japan and India. By the close of the first quarter of this year, this product category has emerged as the second-fastest-growing, trailing only behind plastic products. The export of cameras, camcorders and components brought in more than $7.6 billion last year, an increase of 19.5 per cent over the same period, to be the product with the third highest growth rate, only after fruits and vegetables and rice. VNS HA NOI Minister Nguyen Chi Dung led a delegation from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has just concluded a working visit to Chinas Hainan province. Their purpose was to study the construction and development of an international free trade zone model. The MPI presently serves as the standing agency for the steering committee overseeing the formulation of the regional and international financial center project, with Minister Dung acting as its deputy head. Meanwhile, the a Nang People's Committee is advocating for specific mechanisms and policies tailored to the central city, including a proposal for the experimental establishment of the a Nang free trade zone, strategically linked with Lien Chieu Port and a Nang International Airport. In Hainan, Dung had a working session with representatives from the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), during which they exchanged experiences in developing a free trade port, including tax exemption and reduction policies. The MPI delegation visited the free trade centre and duty-free trade zone in Haikou, Hainan, and visited the Haikou Jiangdong New Area The delegation had a working session with the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development. Minister Dung proposed the two sides exchange specific experiences in building the Hainan Free Trade Port. Speaking at the working sessions, Dung said that his working visit also aimed at deepening the two countries trade and investment cooperation. He proposed the two sides increase connectivity, particularly in transport; intensify collaboration in priority fields such as digital economy, green economy and circular economy; and enhance people-to-people exchanges. VNS HA NOI Setting the stage for global business connections, the 33rd Viet Nam International Trade Fair (VIETNAM EXPO 2024), began in Ha Noi with the participation of more than 480 enterprises from 16 countries and territories. The four-day event is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, directed by the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) and organised by VINEXAD JSC at Ha Noi International Exhibition Center (I.C.E) at 91 Tran Hung ao Street. With nearly 600 booths, the fair focuses on introducing five main categories: Viet Nam Export and Investment Promotion Pavilions; National Pavilions; Electronics, Machinery, and Supporting Industries; Digital Technology and E-commerce and Food and Beverage. First established in 1991, VIETNAM EXPO is the longest-running annual trade promotion event in Viet Nam, said Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien. He added: "Being trusted by local enterprises and international trade promotion organisations as a destination to showcase their products and explore opportunities for business expansion and investment in the Vietnamese market, VIETNAM EXPO has gradually asserted its role and influence over the past 30 years. Within the framework of the fair, alongside traditional promotional activities, product introductions, trade exchanges, traditional trade promotion methods, this year Viet Nam Expo continues to maintain B2B online trade connections to attract commercial organisations, businesses both domestically and internationally to participate remotely. "Participating units will post information, images, videos of their businesses on the digital platform and interact directly with visitors not only during the four days of the fair but throughout 365 days of the year. "This is an effective and practical value-added service for all participants, making Viet Nam Expo 2023 different from other international fairs." Among the 16 participating countries and territories, there are four major national pavilions from China, India, South Korea and the Russian Federation, which demonstrates the appeal of the Vietnamese market in attracting investment and fostering sustainable foreign trade cooperation. Following the robust and noticeable progress of the Viet Nam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, the India Pavilion, led by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), officially participates in VIETNAM EXPO. This sets the foundation for cooperation and experience exchange between the business communities of both countries in 2024 and beyond. VIETNAM EXPO 2024 also celebrates the 25th consecutive year chosen as a flagship event to promote economic, commercial, and investment activities by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). This is a bridge to expand bilateral co-operation, especially in 2024 the second year of implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and South Korea. In the context of preparing to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Viet nam and the Russian Federation, many leading enterprises from Moscow, who are interested in exploring the Southeast Asian markets in general and seeking opportunities to develop business relationships with Vietnamese partners in particular, are gathering at the expo. Continuing to affirm its role as Viet Nams largest trading partner and the second-largest export market, the China Pavilion with over 100 booths exhibit industrial machinery and equipment from major cities and provinces such as Fujian and Guangdong. To deepen the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, this pavilion is expected to bring more opportunities for technology transfer and offer greater flexibility in investment co-operation. As well as showing the diversity of exhibiting categories and the quality of exhibitors products and services, VIETNAM EXPO 2024 also focuses on creating supply-demand connections through many activities, specialised seminars, and high-level forums with various discussion sessions and topics. VNS LUANG PRABANG Viet Nams macro-economic achievements were applauded at an international workshop co-organised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bank of Laos on April 3 in Luang Prabang. The workshop discussing measures to overcome headwinds of the global economy saw the participation of bank governors from Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam; the Deputy Managing Director of IMF; the Chief Representative of International Financial Corporation (IFC) office in Laos; representatives of central banks and finance ministries of ASEAN countries, international organisations, and financial institutions in the region. Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Hong led the Vietnamese delegation to the event. As a main speaker at the workshop, Hong shared the positive results of Viet Nams economic restructuring model in recent years from agriculture to industry and services. During this process, the SBV's monetary and credit management has actively contributed to the countrys macroeconomic stability, creating a solid foundation for sustainable development and promoting industrialisation. In addition, Viet Nam's banking industry is also promoting national digital transformation and proactively deploying practical actions to respond to climate change, she said, adding that it ranks higher than those in other Asian countries in implementing a number of important contents of the Paris Agreement. Participants at the workshop praised Vietnam's macroeconomic achievements in recent years, saying that Viet nam contributes to making ASEAN a bright spot of regional and global growth. The workshop, which took place on the sideline of the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meetings 2024, provided participants with an opportunity to discuss long-term development trends in the world and how to take advantage of opportunities that the trends can bring to boost economic growth. According to the IMF, in contrast to projected slowdown of the global economy and the risk of recession, the Asia-Pacific region continues to maintain a solid outlook, expected to contribute about two thirds of the global economic growth in 2024. In particular, ASEAN, a typical model of economic integration and cooperation, is increasingly becoming a dynamic economic region that is expected to contribute about 10% of GDP globally this year. Within the framework of the workshop, leaders of central banks and representatives of the IMF and IFC discussed long-term development trends in the world, from economic restructuring, demographic changes, climate change adaptation, technology development, artificial intelligence and green transition to the operation of the ASEAN economy in general, and financial markets and the monetary policy management of central banks in particular. - VNS HCM CITY The exports of Viet Nams aquatic product posted positive growth in the first quarter of this year, bringing hope for the entire seafood industry, including processed tuna products. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), canned tuna exports in the reviewed period surged 53% year-on-year, bagging over 196 million USD, a year-on-year increase of 21%. Nguyen Ha, VASEP's tuna market expert, said that this year, Vietnamese tuna exporters have expanded export markets right from the beginning of the year. In the first quarter of this year, tuna products were shipped to more than 80 markets, compared to 70 markets in the same period last year. Tuna exports to the US and the EU declined, but the remaining markets saw high growth. Especially, in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) markets, tuna exports continued to grow. Notably, the shipments to Canada and Chile rose 146% and 116%, respectively. Statistics from the International Trade Centre (ITC) showed that Vietnam is the third largest tuna supplier for Canada in 2023, after Thailand and Italy. Last year, Canada's tuna imports from major suppliers decreased substantially due to the fact that in recent years, Canadian consumers have reduced their consumption of aquatic products, including tuna. They tend to switch to protein sources with lower prices. However, it is expected that Viet Nam's tuna exports to Canada will recover because the North American country's aquatic product consumption demand is forecast to increase in the next five years, according to the VASEP representative. In Europe, Portugal is the sixth biggest importer of Vietnamese tuna among the EU countries with its import turnover reaching more than US$220,000 in the first quarter of this year, twice as much as the same period last year. Although the figure is still modest, it signals a bright future for the export of Vietnamese tuna to this market. - VNS IEN BIEN ien Bien Phu Museum has become a must-visit site for tourists to the north-western province of ien Bien, as the locality is actively preparing for the 70th anniversary of the ien Bien Phu battle victory (May 7, 1954-2024) and opening the Visit Vietnam Year ien Bien 2024. On March 13, 1954, the Vietnam People's Army launched the first attack on the French heavily fortified base at ien Bien Phu, starting a 56-day historic campaign whose victory on May 7 directly led to the signing of the Geneva Accords, ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina. The museum, located on Vo Nguyen Giap Street in ien Bien Phu City, houses thousands of documents and artefacts associated with Viet Nams historic victory over French troops in 1954, which resounded across the five continents and shook the globe. The museum was inaugurated in 2014 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the ien Bien Phu Victory. It is a modern architectural work with exterior design mimicking the shape of the iconic camouflage bamboo hats worn by Vietnamese soldiers in the war of resistance against the French in the first Indochina war (1946-54). The exhibition area is arranged on the first floor of the museum on a space of 1,250sq.m. It houses nearly 1,000 documents, artifacts, photographs and maps, making it a modern exhibition space. The highlight of the museum is a large panoramic artwork, one of the worlds largest war-themed oil paintings, depicting the ien Bien Phu battlefield at different times from late 1953 to May 7, 1954. The extraordinary circular oil on canvas is 132m long, 20.5m high and 42m in diameter. Featuring 4,500 characters, the artwork depicts the entire army going to battle, the opening combat at Him Lam Hill, the A1 Hill battle, and the final triumph. It was created by nearly 200 painters, architects, musicians and technicians, starting in November 2019 and completed in May 2022. The panoramic painting, together with other exhibits, enables visitors to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere of the glorious victory. A visit to ien Bien Phu Museum provides an opportunity to hear and witness the intense battles fought by Vietnamese soldiers against the French colonialists that led to the glorious victory that shook the world, said Huynh Minh Nhat, a tourist from HCM City. I was deeply moved and proud of the previous generations. They lived, fought and sacrificed their youth to defend the country so that the present generation could live in peace, he added. Vu Thi Tuyet Nga, director of the museum, said the unit has mobilised all human resources to meet tourists' demand. Attention has been paid to collecting and preserving war artefacts, contributing to popularising the countrys tradition of resilience and solidarity in resisting foreign invaders, not only for Vietnamese people but also peace lovers around the world, she added. The museum stands as a driving force for ien Bien to develop historical tourism into a leading economic sector. ien Bien expects to welcome 1.3 million visitors and earn some VN 2.2 trillion from tourism this year when the province hosts the National Tourism Year. These numbers are expected to reach more than 1.45 million and VN2.38 trillion, respectively, in 2025. VNS HCM CITY - The southern region of Viet Nam saw impressive tourism results in the first quarter of 2024. The tourist numbers and revenue show that tourism in many provinces and cities in the Southern region is steadily growing. Stepping into Q2, ready for the peak summer tourism season, relevant authorities and tourism businesses are innovating and diversifying products and services, while also seeking solutions to cope with challenges and difficulties to continue attracting tourists. According to the HCM City Tourism Department, in the first three months of 2024, the number of domestic tourists coming to the city reached over 8 million, which is an increase of 6.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. The number of international visitors reached over 1.38 million, which is an increase of over 32 per cent. Total tourism revenue reached about VN44.7 trillion (US$1.78 billion), which is an increase of nearly 24 per cent. In Kien Giang province, tourism businesses continue to offer many tours to ecological areas, beaches and islands, attracting many tourists, especially during the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays. In the first three months of this year, the total number of tourists to Kien Giang reached over 2.7 million, up over 22 per cent year-on-year. Similarly, in the Mekong Delta region, ong Thap tourism, with its strengths in tourism products associated with agricultural production experiences and ecotourism attracted 1.15 million tourists in the first quarter of this year. Total tourism revenue reached VN480 billion, which is an increase of 1.2 per cent. Although the tourism industry achieved many positive results, demonstrating clear growth momentum, according to tourism representatives, many localities and travel businesses are facing various difficulties, especially with the upcoming peak summer tourism season. Destinations, tourism products and services are facing higher competition. Moreover, with the reality of soaring airfare prices, especially during the Hung Kings' Anniversary and April 30 and May 1 holidays, many tourists are hesitant or considering switching to nearby tourist destinations, with lower costs and flexible transportation means. They are also considering international destinations that have equivalent expenses to domestic travel. Tourist Le Thanh Huong in Hiep Binh Phuoc Ward in Thu uc City shared that her group of friends plan to travel to Phu Quoc during the April 30 and May 1 holidays. After checking the airfare prices, her group is considering buying train tickets from HCM City to Phan Thiet. They will go to Rach Gia City in Kien Giang, then take a high-speed boat to Phu Quoc on a different occasion. Innovating products, boosting demand According to Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of the HCM City Tourism Department, with the goal of building and innovating attractive tourism products, the 20th HCM City Tourism Festival, taking place from April 4 to 7, is eagerly awaited by many tourists to find and buy tours with preferential policies. Tourism businesses will introduce about 400 tours and related services combined with tourism at the festival. Various transportation options for tours such as cars, trains, high-speed boats and airplanes, along with suggestions for suitable experiences, will be offered as well. Saigontourist Travel Services Company introduces many domestic and international tour packages to Phan Thiet, a Lat, Nha Trang, Phu Yen, Con ao, Vung Tau and the Southwest region with flexible transportation means and diverse experiences. Similarly, Vietravel provides tourists with various experiential tour packages with attractive discounted prices in an effort to stimulate demand and kick off the summer tourism season early. Among them, the company introduces many tourism products for the domestic market, for families and for groups of friends. Notable products include five-star train travel, Go Green" tours and the Essence of Vietnamese cuisine" programme, which allows tourists to savor delicious dishes from each region. Kien Giang tourism will continue to promote the development of new products, connect more international flights and create more favorable conditions in attracting tourists, relevant authorities said. - VNS HA NOI The Supreme People's Court has proposed a draft of the Law on Justice for Minors to protect the rights and rehabilitate individuals under 18 who commit crimes. The draft suggests reducing maximum prison sentences from 18 to 15 years for ages 16 to under 18, and from 12 to 9 years for ages 14 to under 16. Under the current regulations of Article 101 of the Criminal Code, individuals aged 16 to under 18, when convicted, face a maximum prison sentence of 18 years if life imprisonment or the death penalty is applicable. For those aged 14 to under 16, the maximum sentence is 12 years under similar circumstances. The draft law also limits instances in which juvenile offenders are subject to temporary detention. Juvenile offenders aged 14 to under 16 could be temporarily detained if they commit extremely serious crimes and violate other preventive measures, continue to offend, escape and are captured according to a wanted decision. Similarly, those aged 16 to under 18 could be detained for very serious crimes and other violations. Another significant aspect of the draft law concerns redirection measures for juveniles not prosecuted for criminal liability. The draft introduces 11 redirection measures, including existing ones like reprimand and community education, and new ones such as participation in educational programmes, compulsory treatment, community service and activity restrictions. Additionally, judicial education at reformatory schools becomes the strictest measure among them. VNS SEOUL Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang on April 1 held working sessions with Governor of Jeonbuk province Kim Kwan Yyeong and Mayor of Naju city in Jeollanam-do province Bok Soo Kim within the framework of her working visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK), during which she assured them that the Viet Nam-RoK ties are now at the best development stage in history. Hang, who is also Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (OV) Affairs, described the RoK as the biggest foreign direct investor in Viet Nam with a total capital value of US$86 billion. The two countries also enjoy active exchanges on various levels, including cultural interactions and high-level delegations. Governor Kim Kwan Yeong, for his part, praised the Vietnamese community in Jeonbuk and Vietnamese brides in particular for taking care of their families and raising their children in multicultural households, contributing to the development of both countries. The provincial authorities will continue improving policies in support of Vietnamese workers through simplified visa process, consider offering Vietnamese as a second language in local schools, and continue to support the stability and development of the Vietnamese community here. Presenting Naju as a burgeoning city thriving in both industry and agriculture, Mayor Bok Soo Kim said the city needs skilled labour, while citing the presence of 16 major industrial conglomerates. He also mentioned Naju's recent labour agreement with Thuan Thanh District in Bac Ninh province and a twinning relationship established with ong Nai province in Viet Nam. In reply, Hang proposed that the host further boost cooperation in labour, trade and vocational training, especially for skilled workers from Viet Nam. She also urged continued support for the Vietnamese community living there. While in the RoK, she attended the opening of the Vietnamese community office in Jeonbuk, and held meetings with the Vietnamese Associations in Jeonbuk and Jeonnam Gwang Ju. The Vietnamese community in Jeonbuk now groups about 15,000 people, primarily students, workers and women married to Korean citizens. VNS WASHINGTON DC Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai had a meeting with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai in Boston on April 2 (local time), as part of his US trip for the Viet Nam Executive Leadership Programme (VELP). Khai highlighted Viet Nam's consistent policy of building an independent and self-reliant economy in association with active, extensive, and effective international integration. He underscored that the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and the US in September 2023 has created new spaces and motivations for bilateral cooperation in various areas. The two sides should continue effectively implementing their comprehensive strategic partnership framework, especially in breakthrough areas of science-technology, innovation, education-training, he said, proposing that Viet Nam and the US should continue specifying the partnership, ensuring that bilateral cooperation brings practical benefits to businesses and peoples of the two countries. For her part, Tai expressed her delight at the development of the Viet Nam-US relations since the two sides upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and affirmed that she will coordinate with the Vietnamese side in implementing agreed contents in the joint statement on the upgrade, especially in the fields of economy, trade, and investment. The US Trade Representative expressed her hope to further promote bilateral collaboration through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in the coming time. The same day, Deputy PM Khai also had a meeting with Vietnamese intellectuals who are lecturers and experts at Harvard University as well as reputable companies and associations in Boston. The intellectuals hailed Viet Nam's socio-economic achievements, holding that its position and prestige has risen in the world arena, and affirming that they always turn their hearts and minds to the homeland. They said they hope the Vietnamese National Assembly and Government will provide overseas Vietnamese with more favourable mechanisms and policies, enabling them to make greater contributions to the Fatherland. They also voiced a number of proposals and recommendations in the fields of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and financial market development, and asserted that Viet Nam has opportunities to catch up with other countries in terms of science and technology development, especially in the emerging sciences. Deputy PM Khai briefed the intellectuals on Viet Nam's achievements in socio-economic development and external relations over the years, underscoring that the Government is drastically working for the targets set in the five-year socio-economic development plan, with priority given to science and technology development and innovation, especially in the areas of electronics - semiconductor, and artificial intelligence. He said that the Party, State, and Government always consider the Vietnamese community abroad an inseparable part of the nation, and expressed his hope that the community will continue to implement specific projects and activities to implement Viet Nam's socio-economic development priorities. Acknowledging ideas and proposals of the intellectuals, the Deputy PM pledged that ministries and sectors at home will consider them during the design of new policies in the future. VNS BUDAPEST The Viet Nam-Hungary comprehensive partnership has grown soundly across various sectors, with the countries parliamentary cooperation thriving on both bilateral and multilateral fronts, stated Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Quang Phuong at his recent talks with Marta Matrai, First Deputy of the Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, in Budapest. The Vietnamese legislator took the occasion to propose both sides maintain exchanges of high-level delegations and specialised committees, enhance mutual cooperation and support at multilateral forums, and coordinate the implementation of agreements signed between the two parliaments during the visit of Vietnamese NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue to Hungary in 2022. The two NAs joint organisation of legislative workshops is an effective and practical mechanism that needs to be further leveraged, Phuong said. On the Hungarian side, Matrai stated Viet Nam stands as Hungary's foremost important partner in Southeast Asia. Hungary, situated at the heart of Europe with flexible legal frameworks, hopes to receive more investment cooperation from Viet Nam, she noted. The senior officials exchanged views on mutual concerns, with Phuong expressing a wish for the Hungarian government to support the recognition of the Vietnamese expat community, which numbers around 6,000, as an ethnic minority of the country. As part of his trip to Hungary from April 1-3, the NA vice chairman paid a courtesy call to the speaker of the Hungarian NA, Laszlo Kover, who affirmed that the relationship between the two NAs is one of special importance, characterised by frequent and effective delegation exchanges as well as the maintenance of a legislative dialogue mechanism for experience exchanges. Phuong told Kover that Viet Nam wants to enhance multifaceted cooperation with Hungary, the countrys traditional friend and first and only comprehensive partner in the Central Eastern European region. He expressed his hope for both sides to continue stepping up engagements at all levels through the party, government and parliamentary channels as well as people-to-people exchanges, to further strengthen mutual political trust and understanding. He also conveyed an invitation from NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue to welcome the Hungarian NA speaker to visit Viet Nam at the earliest opportunity. While in Hungary, Phuong also met with the chairpersons of the Hungary-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group and the Hungary-Viet Nam Friendship Association, visited the Vietnamese Embassy, and met with representatives of some prominent associations. At these meetings, he shared his hope to continue maintaining exchanges between the friendship parliamentarians' groups for better mutual understanding and parliamentary cooperation in the time to come. The NA Vice Chairman also affirmed that people-to-people exchanges are an important diplomatic channel, contributing to fostering bilateral friendship. VNS HCM CITY HCM City wants to strengthen collaboration with Cambodian localities in various fields, according to Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Vo Van Hoan. Hoan visited the Cambodian consulate general in the city on Wednesday for Chol Chnam Thmay, the Khmer New Year holiday (April 13 to 16). He offered his best wishes to the consulate staff and Cambodians studying and living in the city on their nations accomplishments in recent years. He hoped that, under the reign of King Norodom Sihamoni and the leadership of the National Assembly and the Royal Government of Cambodia, the countrys people would go on to greater achievements. Based on the motto of "good neighbours, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, long-term sustainability," HCM City treasures and strives to consolidate its relations with Cambodia, he said. The city pays special attention to facilitating business networking and co-operation to fully realise the co-operation potentials in economy, trade and investment, he said. HCM City would work closely with the consulate to deepen the long-standing ties between the two countries as well as the city and Cambodian localities, he promised. The Cambodian consul general, Chan Sorykan, thanked the leader for visiting and offering his wishes to the Cambodian community in the city on the occasion of an important event for Cambodian people. He also thanked the city for its close co-operation with the consulate. He promised to do his best to promote Cambodias relations with HCM City as well as Viet Nam, especially in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He hoped the city would continue to support and create favourable conditions for businesses from both countries. The two sides are preparing plans to organise a co-operation and investment facilitation event for real estate, and a trade and investment fair for HCM City and Cambodian localities. VNS HCM CITY Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Vatican, will visit Viet Nam from April 9-14 at the invitation of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Viet Nam, the office of the conference announced on Wednesday. According to Chief of the office Archbishop Giuse ao Nguyen Vu, this will be the first Vatican Secretary for Relations with States-level visit to Viet Nam. During the visit, Archbishop Gallagher will meet with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs. He planned to visit Ha Noi-based National Children's Hospital, which has had medical cooperation with Rome's Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital since 2005. Archbishop Gallagher will celebrate the Mass at designated cathedrals in Ha Noi, Hue and HCM City; and meet with members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Viet Nam before wrapping up the visit. VNS HA NOI Legal proceedings have been launched against three more defendants when the Investigation Security Agency is expanding investigations into violations of Xuyen Viet Oil Company, Lieutenant General To An Xo, spokesman of the Ministry of Public Security, said on Wednesday at the Governments regular press conference in Ha Noi. Tran Duy ong, deputy director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, was prosecuted for receiving bribes while chief accountant of the Xuyen Viet Oil Company inh Tien Dung and its sales director Nguyen Tan Long were prosecuted for giving bribes. This was the latest development of the expanded investigation of the case "Violating regulations on management and use of State assets causing loss and waste; irresponsibility causing serious consequences; giving bribes; and accepting bribes" at the Xuyen Viet Oil Company and some related agencies. The police have detained many people who held positions. Previously, legal proceedings were launched against director of VietinBank Thanh Xuan Branch Vu Trung Thanh, deputy director of the Xuyen Viet Oil Companys Ha Noi branch Nguyen Van Thang, freelancer ong Xuan Dung for giving bribes and director of Nghi Son Oil Refinery Branch Phan Tien Anh for receiving bribes. The Investigation Security Agency said that these defendants took advantage of the State's policy that allows them to collect part of the petrol sales for the petroleum stabilisation fund but they did not send money into the fund's account. These defendants fraudulently made up financial reports and improperly set up funds to get benefits personally, causing loss of State assets. On December 14, 2023, the agency launched legal proceedings against and detained former Secretary of the Ben Tre Province's Party Committee Le uc Tho for abusing power and position to influence others for gains. On December 21, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade o Thang Hai was also prosecuted and arrested for allegedly receiving bribes. Spokesman of the Ministry of Public Security To An Xo also affirmed that the investigation into the case at Phuc Son Group JSC will be expanded. He said the ministrys Investigation Police Agency is collecting more relevant documents and evidence, and it will further investigate the case to clarify wrongdoings by the company in localities and units. Measures have been taken to completely recover assets for the State, he said, adding that VN55 billion (US$2.19 million) and $1.6 million has been recovered and many assets have been distrained so far. On March 27, the agency began legal proceedings against and detained Le Viet Chu, former deputy chairman and former chairman of the People's Committee and Secretary of the Party Committee of Quang Ngai Province; and Pham Hoang Anh, permanent deputy secretary of the Party Committee and former director of the Construction Department of Vinh Phuc Province, for receiving bribes. It was revealed that Chu allegedly received money from Nguyen Van Hau, chairman of the Phuc Son Group JSC, to ensure that the group won a lucrative bid for the road construction on the southern bank of Tra Khuc River project in the central province of Quang Ngai. Similarly, Anh allegedly accepted money from Hau to facilitate his company in executing a market construction project in the northern province of Vinh Phuc. Earlier, the agency started legal actions against 15 defendants associated with the Phuc Son Group case. VNS HA NOI - The Department of Public Security of Ha Noi and the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow on April 3 held talks and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in many fields. Accordingly, the two agencies will strengthen cooperation in mutual legal assistance, transnational and high-tech crime prevention and control, and ensuring security and safety of the two countries' embassies in each other's territories. At the talks, Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Hai Trung, Director of the Hanoi Department of Public Security, called on the Moscow delegation to share its experience and assist the Hanoi Department of Public Security, in applying advanced technologies to ensure security and order in the city, firstly the operation of a security surveillance camera system. He also proposed the guests to share experience in ensuring cyber security and safety; administrative and social order management; security and order management at metro stations and on urban trains as well as in guaranteeing security and safety of diplomatic representative agencies, businessmen, foreign students, and expatriates in the capital cities of the two countries. The two sides will continue to implement the cooperation agreements signed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, especially those on mutual legal assistance, new types of crimes, and hi-tech crimes. They will devised a plan to deploy the MoU signed by the two agencies. For his part, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow Major General Novikov Vladislav Anatolievich said that the MoU signed by the two agencies will open a new period of development for both sides, helping to promote cooperation between the administrations of the two cities. He emphasised that the Russian side is always ready to support and meet all needs of the Hanoi Department of Public Security. At the talks, the two sides discussed issues, including cybercrime prevention and control, information security, and the fight against transnational and organised crimes. - VNS HONG KONG - Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee on April 3 hosted a reception for Vietnamese Consul General Pham Binh am, who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure. Highlighting the fruitful Vietnam - Hong Kong cooperation in recent times, Lee said Vietnam and Hong Kong are currently important trade and investment partners of each other. He also appreciated the Consul Generals active contributions to the development of the relations over the past time, saying that with his efforts and commitment, many issues that existed for decades between the two sides have been resolved, including the removal of visa restrictions for Vietnamese workers and facilitation of business and tourist visas for Vietnamese citizens. Lee said he believes that it will create momentum for further development of the relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong in the time to come. Expressing his pleasure at the positive changes in Vietnam - Hong Kong relations recently, am spoke highly of Lees efforts to create a breakthrough in Hong Kong's ties with Vietnam. The diplomat suggested the two sides sign cooperation documents in fields such as finance, human resources, education and tourism to create a framework for government agencies and businesses of both sides to carry out specific collaboration plans. He recommended they enhance the exchange of delegations at all levels to increase understanding and information sharing as well as exchange measures to promote cooperation and resolve existing and arising issues. Acknowledging ams suggestions, Lee said he believes that the two sides will witness many strong developments in their relations in the coming time, adding that Vietnam and Hong Kong can become a role model in international relations, both coordinating with each other to resolve existing differences and developing together in areas of mutual interest. - VNS THUA THIEN -HUE Giving up a stable life in Japan and attractive offers from major hospitals, Prof. Dr. Hattori Tadashi, 60, decided to pursue the journey of bringing light to tens of thousands of poor people in Viet Nam. Prof. Dr. Hattori Tadashi, CEO at Asia - Pacific Prevention of Blindness Association (APBA), is one of the leading experts in Japan in the field of treating eye fundus and lens diseases and also the world's leading surgeons with vitrectomy and Phaco (Phacoemulsification) surgery, which is the procedure to fragmentise the cloudy lens, remove it and then replace it with a proper artificial lens in order to restore your vision. In 2022, doctor Tadashi was honoured to win the Ramon Magaysay Award, considered the "Nobel Prize of Asia". With these remarkable experiences and achievements, Tadashi could easily return to a stable life with high income in the "land of cherry blossoms". However, he decided to choose a difficult but meaningful path - the journey to bring light to the poor people of Viet Nam. His life officially turned a new page after he decided to participate in a volunteer trip first planned to last three months in Viet Nam in April 2002. But what he witnessed in the country has kept him in this place until today. He told baotintuc.vn that he was truly heartbroken by the fact that many people lost one eye a long time ago, and only when the other eye had a detached retina or could not see did they go to the hospital. There were cases where surgeries were required but they insisted on refusing them because they could not afford the fees, Tadashi said. Because of the lack of surgical supplies and equipment, many people had to live in darkness forever, which made him endlessly sad. From then on, he decided to spend all the money he had saved to buy an apartment to start carrying out his mission in Viet Nam. The ophthalmologist always believes that no matter if there is only one blind patient, he will still be there to cure that patient. It is not necessary to have a very big house, the money to buy a house would be more meaningful if it could help many people see the light and have a normal life. For that reason, over the years, he and his wife have continued to move to many places and live in rented houses to fulfil the mission of a physician, hoping to light up the beautiful lives of tens of thousands of Vietnamese patients. The number of patients being helped gradually increased as the accumulated funds of Dr. Tadashi and his wife gradually dried up. To continue to fulfil his desire, over the years, he began to shuttle between Viet Nam and Japan. After days and hours of hard work in his country, he returned to Viet Nam with equipment and lenses to help poor people. On weekends, the Japanese doctor and his Vietnamese colleagues come to mountainous and remote areas to perform surgery and treat people with cataracts and at risk of blindness. Over time, more and more ophthalmologists accompanied him on this volunteer journey, while many sponsors and organisations in Viet Nam and abroad began supporting his trips. Poor people often easily accept living with illness without going to the hospital for treatment to save money. But doctor Tadashi was not afraid to go to far and difficult places to help patients get free surgery, said Nguyen Dung, vice chairman of the Thua Thien-Hue Peoples Committee. That is very appreciable. If it weren't for doctor Tadashi, many poor people in Hue City would be committed to living the rest of their lives in darkness forever," he said. Building foundation for Hue Eye Hospital Coming to Hue City more than 20 years ago, Tadashi learned a lot about the ophthalmology sector here and identified many urgent problems. At that time, Hue Eye Centre (predecessor of Hue Eye Hospital) was only a small-scale medical facility with incomplete facilities and lacking equipment. The doctors had difficulty learning and receiving advanced techniques. Since then, every year, the Japanese doctor comes to Thua Thien-Hue Province 2 or 3 times, bringing hospital equipment, machinery and supplies that are donated from the Japanese Government. Many pieces of modern ophthalmic equipment are now used at Hue Eye Hospital such as phaco machine, ultrasound machine, surgical microscope and OCT retinal tomography machine. On each trip, he not only directly participates in surgery on patients but also instructs and transfers techniques for doctors at the hospital. In the early years, the professor transferred to ophthalmologists in the hospital the technique of phaco surgery for patients with cataracts. To date, four doctors have mastered this surgical technique, bringing light to about 6,000 patients. Gradually, Tadashi has updated the local doctors' examination, treatment and surgery methods for eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Professor Tadashi is one of the top 10 ophthalmologists performing vitreous retinal detachment surgery in the world today. He has made great contributions, laying a solid foundation to help Hue Eye Hospital become one of the four leading eye hospitals in the country, said Pham Minh Truong, the hospitals director. People in Hue City now do not need to go to Ha Noi or HCM City for treatment like before, but can have surgery with specialised and modern techniques at the hospital, Truong said. Recently, Prof. Dr. Tadashi was honoured and awarded the title "Honorary Citizen of Thua - Hue Province for his contributions to people's health and the development of ophthalmology in the locality. For his great contributions in restoring the visual abilities of tens of thousands of Vietnamese people, he was also awarded the Friendship Medal by the President and an insignia "For the People's Health by the Ministry of Health. Behind the success and humanitarian journey of doctor Tadashi, it is impossible not to mention his wife Hoang Thi Thanh Hoai who has accompanied him throughout his long journey over the past 20 years. Hoai said: "If he wants to do such precious things, I will always support and do my best." The planned 3-month trip to Viet Nam in 2002 of doctor Tadashi has been extended for more than 20 years and will continue to be extended. His non-stop trip has brought light to more than 60,000 Vietnamese people and remarkable advances in ophthalmic medicine for the country. VNS KON TUM The shortage of doctors in the central highland province of Kon Tum, especially in remote areas with high ethnic minority populations, has reached a critical level, requiring the province to have special mechanisms to train human resources to serve people's medical needs. Currently, the entire province has 539 doctors. Of those, 294 are working at provincial hospitals, 146 at district hospitals, and 99 at communal health centres. The shortage of doctors has remained a challenging issue in the province for years. In Kon Ray District, there are only 17 doctors although the required target of this locality was 32 doctors to ensure a minimum ratio of 10.5 doctors per 10,000 people. Due to the insufficient number, the allocation of doctors to commune health centres encounters many difficulties. There are only three out of a total of six commune health centres staffed with doctors in the district. At Tan Lap Communes health centre, there are only two practitioners and two nurses available to examine patients. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, head of the medical centre, stated that previously the centre had one doctor. However, due to the shortage of doctors at the district level, the doctor was moved to work at the regional polyclinic in ak Rve in January. Tan Lap Communes health centre had been without a doctor since then, she said. We are unable to perform certain procedures and use specialised equipment such as ultrasound and electrocardiogram machines. In severe cases, we are forced to transfer patients to higher-level facilities, she said. If we had enough doctors, patients with severe conditions wouldn't have to travel. Additionally, some medications can only be prescribed by doctors, so we cannot dispense them without one," she shared. Dr Nguyen Luan, Deputy Director in charge of the Kon Ray Districts Health Centre, said that the district had consistently failed to meet the number of doctors required according to the staffing targets set by the Department of Health since 2020. The reasons leading to this situation were that medical graduates often do not wish to work at district-level hospitals. Additionally, some doctors resign to establish their own private medical facilities. Statistics show that seven doctors in Kon Ray District had resigned, but the district had been unable to replace them since 2020. The scarcity of doctors poses challenges in sending them for training and expanding medical services. Remaining doctors must fill in the gaps, working tirelessly to ensure medical care for those seeking education, Luan explained. Tran Ai, Deputy Director of the Kon Tum Provincial Department of Health, said that the province still needed about 100 additional doctors to ensure a ratio of 10.5 - 11 doctors per 10,000 people. Recruiting doctors to work in remote areas, particularly those inhabited by ethnic minority communities, is quite difficult, according to Ai. In the recruitment campaign in 2023, the province aimed to recruit 108 doctors, but only managed to recruit 23 general practitioners and six reserve doctors. Ai also highlighted that the capacity of the province's grassroots healthcare workforce still had many shortcomings. According to Luan, another difficulty is the failure to attract additional doctors or motivate medical workers to undergo training as there is currently no support policy for doctors pursuing further education. Due to the high costs of education, particularly in specialised fields, healthcare facilities struggle to encourage staff development. The district health centre has encouraged doctors to undertake short-term training, lasting three to six months, for simple services that do not require high-level specialisation at the provincial hospital. For commune health centres without doctors, the district health centre regularly sends doctors to provide medical examinations and treatment. Y Ngoc, Vice Chairwoman of the Kon Tum Provincial People's Committee, said the province proposed the Government consider implementing special mechanisms for training doctors on-site to help address the current shortage of doctors at the grassroots level in the province. If there are no mechanisms for training doctors from ethnic minority communities, those living in remote areas in Kon Tum Province will continue to lack doctors in the next five to ten years, she stressed. VNS Nguyen Quang Hung, director of the Fishery Inspection Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, talks with Viet Nam News reporter To Nhu about Viet Nams effort to remove the European Communitys yellow card on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. After more than 6 years of implementation, how do you evaluate the process towards removing the IUU "Yellow Card"? As of October 23, 2017, we were not sure how many ships we had. The data was only on paper. But six years later, we now have a fully digitised national database. Before 2017, no one knew where the ships were going, where they were fishing at sea, but now we all know where the ships are going and what area they are fishing in, just by turning on the vessel monitoring system (VMS). That is a big change. Compared to other countries, we have achieved this very quickly. Currently 98 per cent of fishing vessels have VMS installed. Regarding controlling output at fishing ports, before, we just weighed the fish to calculate the price. Now, most of the 83 fishing ports have set up fishing port management boards to control catch yields, fishing vessels arriving and departing, and fishing permits. Previously, seaports receiving imported aquatic raw materials only quarantined and did not control IUU or container goods, but now they are under control very well. A few years ago, businesses had basically complied with regulations, but there was still loose management of processing for exports in factories. But now the frequency of goods being returned by the European Community (EC) is very low, proving that we are well controlling food processing for export. Regarding law enforcement, in the past, fishery inspection was mainly in the fields, rivers and onshore, the sea areas were largely uncontrolled without the presence of law enforcement. But in the past six years, all Viet Nams waters have fisheries surveillance, especially since the Prime Minister issued Directive 45 on fisheries inspection, the border guards, coast guards and navy force in all sea areas have ships, so law enforcement on offshore waters has changed greatly. Last year, the rate of fining increased by 20 times compared to previous years, with more than VN100 billion (US$4 million) of fines levied nation-wide, and fines relating to fisheries inspection alone were more than VN10 billion ($400,000). Of course, the fine is not an achievement, but it shows that law enforcement has deployed their troops relatively synchronously. The legal framework also changes a lot. The 2017 Fisheries Law was a major turning point for the fisheries industry towards sustainable development, especially the regulations on fisheries organisation in the region and the world that we have brought into our laws. Viet Nam is very ready and has signed on to most international treaties and agreements on fisheries. For example, the United Nations treaty on migratory fish stocks and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)s Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) specifically target IUU fishing. We have done this very seriously, but some limitations remain due to the small and fragmented traditional fisheries industry. The EC inspection team plans to come to Viet Nam concerning the removal of IUU "yellow card", how are you preparing for this? As initially scheduled, the EC inspection delegation was expected to arrive in June, but recently the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had a meeting with partners and the team may come earlier, possibly in mid or late May, however, there is no exact time yet. In the plan, Viet Nam will have to send the EC a report on progress towards card removal based on the October 2023 inspection results by April. And we are currently finalising the report to send to the team. Why hasn't the "yellow card" been removed yet? There are opinions that we should not blame the localities, what is your comment on this? IUU is a story that has been around for a long time. The EC has warned not only Viet Nam, but 24 countries and territories with "yellow card" and "red card". Up to now, there are still nine countries with "yellow card" and "red card". In the region, Cambodia is receiving a "red card" and Viet Nam is imposed a "yellow card". Countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea have been able to remove the warnings because their number of fishing vessels is small. For Thailand, which has about 6,000 vessels, it took nearly 5 years to remove the "yellow card. Brunei has 2-3 vessels, South Korea with 245 ones and the US Hawaii State has only 150, meanwhile the number of vessels of Viet Nam is much bigger. The determination from the Government and ministries is at highest level. We are working with the Party Central Office to submit the Secretariat's directive on strengthening the Party's leadership in combatting IUU fishing. Members of the Secretariat and ministries all agreed very strongly. It is expected to be issued in the next few days. In fact, fishing activities take place at seas, fishing ports and river mouths. Therefore, the most important thing is people's awareness. Currently, only about 10 per cent of our fishermen violate the IUU fishing. The remaining 90 per cent have complied very well. But these 10 per cent greatly affect the 90 per cent of fishermen who comply with the law, impacting the price of fish sold in domestic and exported markets. Therefore, the most important thing is still to disseminate to raise fishermen's awareness. What is Viet Nams biggest difficulty in removing the IUU "yellow card" before the EC team comes? I think that, in the context of our fisheries industry, it is impossible to have 100 per cent compliance with the regulations. And the EC side also said that it is impossible to be 100 per cent perfect. The problem is to solve the bottlenecks. If we want to remove the "yellow card", we must stop fishing vessels from violating foreign waters. From now until the team comes, if any other countries report Vietnamese ships violating foreign waters, it will be very difficult to remove the card. The Prime Minister has directed that the violation of foreign waters, in cases of loss of VMS connection and other law violations, penalties must be strictly imposed. Thus, the EC will see that we are very serious. Currently, we impose strict penalties; fishing vessels and fishermen exploiting foreign waters face criminal prosecution and up to 8-9 years in prison. Thanks to the high deterrent power, from the beginning of the year, only five fishing vessels violated the regulations. The Party Secretariats directive and Prime Minister's telegram also made it very clear that the issue of "yellow card" is not simply a story about shrimp and fish, or a problem of the fisheries industry, but the issue is also the countrys prestige and position in the international arena and in diplomatic relations. The highest concern of EC is strict fleet management. To remove the IUU "yellow card" warning, the most important thing is to raise self-awareness of fishermen on international law and regulation compliance, helping them thoroughly understand the importance of combatting IUU fishing. VNS QUANG NINH An incident caused by a methane gas fire occurred early Wednesday morning at Mining Workshop 2 of Thong Nhat Coal Company in the northern province of Quang Ninh killing four workers and injuring seven others. The mine has been dug to a depth of 240m of the design depth of 380m. The four unfortunate workers are Tran Van Bao, 35, residing in Luc Hon Commune, Binh Lieu District of Quang Ninh Province, Nguyen Thanh Luan, 37, from oan Hung District of Phu Tho Province, Ta Van Nham, 34, from Pho Yen District of Thai Nguyen Province, and Le Van Huyen, 33, from Hoa An District of Cao Bang Province. At present, the seven injured workers are being treated at Quang Ninh Provincial General Hospital. After receiving information about the incident, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Xuan Ky sent provincial leaders to the scene to direct the rescue. The rescue work was immediately carried out and completed after three hours (around 3am). The local authorities and Thong Nhat Coal Company are co-ordinating to support the victim's families and take care of the funerals. Nghiem Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh People's Committee, the same day came to the hospital to visit, encourage, and provide support to families of the injured and dead workers. Quang Ninh Province authorities, the State-owned Viet Nam National Coal - Mineral Industries Group (TKV-Vinacomin) (the parent company of Thong Nhat Coal Company) as well as the group's trade union, each offered VN 20 million (US$800) for each of the deceased. Vinacomin also said it would cover all funeral costs. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh later has issued a cable asking all relevant agencies to quickly clarify the cause of the incident and settle the consequences. He also conveyed profound condolences to the families of the victims. More inspections are ordered to look into potential work safety issues in all economic and production activities in Quang Ninh Province, the Government leader noted, whereas the Ministry of Industry and Trade must work with Vinacomin to review regulations concerning mining to guarantee safety for workers. VNS HA NOI Vietnam News Agency (VNA)s veteran journalist Tran Mai Hanh died on Tuesday afternoon in HCM City while on a trip to visit his old battlefields and colleagues from the resistance war against the US. He suffered from severe respiratory failure upon arriving in the city during a long-day trip with his younger brother, journalist Tran Mai Huong, to the central and southern localities, his family said. Earlier they travelled to a Nang City, Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Binh inh, Phu Yen and ong Nai provinces. Tran Mai Hanh was born on January 1, 1943 in the northern province of Hai Duong. He graduated from the Faculty of Literature, Hanoi University (now the Faculty of Literature, Ha Noi University of Social Sciences and Humanities). In September 1965, he became a war correspondent for VNAs Special Mission. During the 1965-75 period, he was present on the fronts and battlefields in the south and the north. Hanh recorded historical images on April 30, 1975 at the Independence Palace. In 1996, he was appointed general director of Radio Voice of Vietnam and elected as a member of the Party Central Committee (8th and 9th tenures). He was also a member of the 10th National Assembly, permanent vice president and general secretary of the Vietnam Journalists Association (6th and 7th terms), and member of the board of directors of the Press Federation of ASEAN countries. Hanhs novel "A war account 1-2-3-4.75" won the 2014 Literature Award of the Vietnam Writers Association, the 2015 ASEAN Literature Award. It was translated into English and Lao. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam's Drug Crime Investigation Department has warned of a surge in drug smuggling via maritime routes, using more sophisticated tactics. Criminals are using new tactics, including equipping drug packages with tracking devices to aid retrieval. Major ports like Cat Lai in HCM City, Hai Phong, Tien Sa in a Nang, and Cai Mep in Ba Ria-Vung Tau are hotspots for illegal activities, according to Major General Nguyen Ngoc Quang, Deputy Director of the Drug Crime Investigation Department. Heroin, ketamine and crystal methamphetamine from the Golden Triangle region are transported into Viet Nam via land routes, then concealed in various export goods such as plastic pellets, loudspeakers, electronic devices, magnetic cranes, packaging machines and granite stones before being shipped overseas. Additionally, cocaine is hidden in scrap metal containers and fish meal imported into Vietnamese ports before being forwarded to other countries. The majority of maritime drug trafficking operations are orchestrated by foreign criminal organisations in collusion with local individuals. In 2023, seven individuals were arrested and 303kg of cocaine seized in eight sea smuggling incidents. More recently, there's been a rise in reports of drug packages washing ashore. On Monday, locals in oi Duong Beach, Binh Thuan Province, discovered a bag containing 25 small packages, totalling 25kg of drugs washed ashore. Earlier, 42 packages, equivalent to 42kg of drugs, were found and seized in Vung Tau City. In early January 2024, authorities in Quang Ngai Province found nearly 300kg of cocaine washed ashore. Major General Nguyen Ngoc Quang emphasised vigilance, urging citizens to promptly report suspicious findings. Marine police are also enhancing patrols and intelligence-gathering efforts. Recent drug packages, including cocaine, washing ashore indicate a growing problem and maritime route through the central and southern coastal areas serving as a drug transportation route for international criminal organisations, Quang said. He stressed the importance of citizen cooperation in combating drug smuggling and distribution. VNS HA NOI There has not been any information on casualties among Vietnamese citizens living or visiting Taiwan (China) following a deadly earthquake that devastated the island. Viet Nams Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei said no Vietnamese are among the people killed or injured following the biggest earthquake seen in Taiwan in 25 years. The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the office in Taipei to quickly contact local authorities and the Vietnamese community to obtain information and promptly respond to the situation. The ministry also ordered Vietnamese representative agencies in Japan and the Philippines to be ready to prepare citizen protection plans after the governments of these countries issued tsunami warnings. Following the directions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese representative agencies in relevant areas will continue to closely monitor the situation, keep in close contact with the Vietnamese community and be ready to deploy protection measures if needed. Vietnamese citizens who need help can contact Viet Nams Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei at phone number +886 933262836 or the citizen protection hotline of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs at phone number +84 981 84 84 84. Travel agencies in HCM City said the earthquake did not affect their tourism plans, Phu Nu TP HCM (HCM City Women) newspaper reported. Pham Anh Vu, communications director of Viet Media Travel, said the company had a tourist group returning from Taiwan on Wednesday morning and plans to send three other groups to Taiwan on Thursday. On Wednesday morning, many travel companies in HCM City reported that their tourist groups already in Taiwan were not seriously affected by the earthquake. A Vietravel representative said tourist groups scheduled to depart from April to June have not had any requests to postpone or cancel tours. Vietravel is also ready to assist tourists in adjusting their tour schedules. A representative of Saigontourist said to ensure the best conditions for organising tours and serving tourists, in case of safety, the company will adjust the tour departure time. Taiwan's biggest earthquake in at least 25 years killed nine people on Wednesday, injuring more than 800, while 50 went missing en route to a national park, authorities said, as rescuers used ladders to bring others to safety, Reuters reported. VNS The World Evangelical Alliance announced the resignation of its Secretary General Bishop Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher as of March 31, 2024, for health reasons. In a statement released on Monday, the WEA International Council, which is the governing body of the organization that represents some 600 million evangelicals in 143 countries, said that they had unanimously accepted Schirrmachers resignation. They acknowledged his months-long struggles with long-Covid, an illness resulting from long-term effects of COVID-19 infection that is broadly defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after acute COVID-19 infection, according to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The Chair of the WEA International Council, Rev. Dr. Goodwill Shana, is assuming interim leadership of the organization for a period of up to six months, while the Council evaluates the role of the Office of the Secretary General and conducts a search process for a new Secretary General and CEO. The statement honored Schirrmachers long productive relationship with the WEA, its national members and commissions, and highlighted that his erudite writings reinforcing biblical truth have been an encouragement to many. The International Council of the WEA looks to the prayers and support of the WEA family and friends to navigate the road ahead with God's direction, wisdom and grace, it added. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Schirrmacher who took over leadership of the WEA in 2021 after having served the WEA in various other capacities for some two decades. In a statement sent to Christian Daily International, Schirrmacher noted that he had suffered of long-Covid since mid-2022 and he was considering stepping down at the end of that year if there was no improvement. With the disease still little understood, he was undergoing various checks which recently resulted in a proposed cure that would take a full three months of treatment, a period which would be too long of an absence in a CEO role, he said. He also shared his plans to again focus more strongly on several issues that are close to his heart, including dedicating time for his role as President of the International Institute for Religious Freedom, where he will support the leadership that succeeded him when he became Secretary General of the WEA. A second major project will be his involvement in the Bonn Abrahamic Center for Global Peace, Justice and Sustainability (BAC), which has its seat opposite of the UN campus in Bonn, the city where he lives. Bonn is the seat of the Climate Change Secretariat and the Sustainability Action Center of the United Nations. Our first published appearance will be the upcoming mega conference in Bonn in June 2024, he said. The WEA International Council expressed their wish for Schirrmacher to experience a full and speedy recovery and pray for Gods healing hand upon him to continue his significant global ministry. China condemns attack on international relief workers in Gaza (People's Daily App) 09:52, April 03, 2024 Civilians should not be targets of attacks, and the safety of international humanitarian rescuers should not be threatened, China said on Tuesday. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) The Taliban's supreme leader promised in a recent voice message that it will punish adulterous women by stoning them to death in public, declaring that the radical Islamic group is acting in accordance with God while Western officials are of the "devil." Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada said in a voice message that the rights Western officials advocate for on behalf of Afghan women violate the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law, The Telegraph reported Thursday. The Taliban's supreme leader also vowed to uphold sharia and continue to fight against Westerners. Akhundzada has never been seen in public, and Afghanistan's state TV, which is under the Taliban's control, broadcasts voice messages that are purportedly from the group's supreme leader. Following the United States' 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban's subsequent return to power, the group has continued to impose harsh restrictions on women. "You say it's a violation of women's rights when we stone them to death," Akhundzada was quoted as saying. "But we will soon implement the punishment for adultery. We will flog women in public. We will stone them to death in public." "These are all against your democracy, but we will continue doing it," he continued. "We both say we defend human rights we do it as God's representative and you as the devil's." The Telegraph reported that Akhundzada is believed to be in southern Kandahar, which has frequently served as a stronghold for the group. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up "Do women want the rights that Westerners are talking about? They are against sharia and clerics' opinions, the clerics who toppled Western democracy," Akhundzada said in his message. "I told the Mujahedin that we tell the Westerners that we fought against you for 20 years, and we will fight 20 and even more years against you." According to the Taliban's supreme leader, the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan does not mean that the group intends to "now just sit and drink tea." "We will bring sharia to this land," Akhundzada said. "It did finish after we took over Kabul. No, we will now bring sharia into action." The international community has repeatedly condemned the terror group for imposing harsh restrictions on women, such as prohibiting them from attending universities. Not long after the Taliban banned women in December 2022 from seeking a university education, the group prohibited women from working at non-governmental organizations. Shortly after the Taliban returned to power, the radical Islamic group also issued a decree in May 2022 requiring women to conceal their faces and wear a full-body covering in public. The decree included punishments for Afghan women's fathers or closest male relatives, who might be fired from their jobs or imprisoned if their female relative does not cover her face outside the home in the manner dictated by the Taliban. Earlier this year, The Associated Press reported that Abdul Ghafar Farooq, a spokesperson from the Taliban's Vice and Virtue Ministry, said that the group has arrested women in the Afghan capital for wearing "bad hijab." Farooq told AP that the outlet had received complaints for two years about women not wearing the hijab correctly. The spokesperson did not say how many women have been arrested, nor did he explain what constitutes a "bad hijab," according to AP. Farooq told the outlet that ministry officials advised the women to follow the dress code, but when they did not comply, female police officers were dispatched to arrest the women. "These are the few limited women who spread bad hijab in Islamic society," Farooq said. "They violated Islamic values and rituals, and encouraged society and other respected sisters to go for bad hijab." Originally published by The Christian Post Amazon Web Services (AWS), an amazon.com company, released new research on April 2 showing that employers across ASEAN are willing to pay higher salaries of over 36 per cent for workers with AI skills and expertise, with workers in IT (49 per cent), and research and development (46 per cent) enjoying the highest pay bumps. The regional study, titled Accelerating AI Skills: Preparing the Asia-Pacific Workforce for Jobs of the Future surveyed almost 6,700 workers and over 2,000 employers across ASEAN. On top of significant salary bumps, 97 per cent of ASEAN workers expect their AI skills to have a positive impact on their careers, including increased efficiency, higher job satisfaction, and faster career progression. 92 per cent of ASEAN workers indicated an interest in developing AI skills to accelerate their careers, and this interest transcends generations. Over nine in 10 Gen Z (93 per cent), Millennial (93 per cent), and Gen X (90 per cent) workers want to acquire AI skills, while 86 per cent of Baby Boomersa demographic usually contemplating retirementsay they would enrol in an AI upskilling course if it was offered. The research also found that the productivity payoff from an AI-skilled workforce could be immense for the ASEAN region. Surveyed employers expect their organisations productivity to increase by 54 per cent as AI technology automates repetitive tasks (69 per cent), improves workflow and outcomes (68 per cent), and enhances communication (64 per cent). ASEAN workers believe AI could raise their productivity by as much as 54 per cent too. ASEAN organisations go all-in on AI The speed of AI transformation happening across the ASEAN region is remarkable. 97 per cent of employers envision their companies becoming AI-driven by 2028. While most employers (96 per cent) believe their IT department will be the biggest beneficiary, they also foresee research and development (94 per cent), finance (93 per cent), sales and marketing (92 per cent), human resources (87 per cent), and legal (81 per cent) driving significant value from AI too. Delving into key industries in the ASEAN region, the research shows the banking and financial services industry is leading the charge on AI adoption, with 97 per cent of organisations using AI solutions and tools today, followed closely by the telecommunications industry (96 per cent), and the public sector (92 per cent). The AI wave is sweeping across ASEAN countries, transforming the way businesses operate and the way we work. Our research shows that society as a whole will benefit from an increased productivity boost, which will translate into higher salaries for skilled workers across the region, said Abhineet Kaul, director at Access Partnership which was commissioned by AWS to conduct the regional study. With a growing number of organisations expected to deepen their use of AI solutions and tools, and the continual evolution of AI-driven innovations, there is a need for employers and governments to nurture a proficient workforce capable of steering current and future AI advancements. Generative AIa type of AI that can create new content and ideas quickly, including conversations, stories, images, videos, music, and morehas captured the attention of the public in the past year, and this technology is already transforming workplaces across ASEAN. Over 97 per cent of surveyed employers and workers expect to use generative AI tools on the job within the next five years, with 76 per cent of employers highlighting increasing innovation and creativity as the top benefit, followed by automating repetitive tasks (66 per cent), and improving outcomes (64 per cent). Emmanuel Pillai, head of training and certification, ASEAN, AWS Generative AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform businesses across all ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, and this research shows that AI skills are imperative for the future workforce. From financial services to construction and retail, industries are embracing AI at a rapid pace, which is why an AI-skilled workforce is essential to unleashing a culture of innovation and driving productivity in the region, said Emmanuel Pillai, head of training and certification, ASEAN, AWS. At AWS, we are collaborating with organisations like VPBank and NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam to upskill their employees so they can effectively manage and embrace emerging technologies, including AI. Bridging the ASEAN AI skills gap The research reveals a looming AI skills gap which must be bridged to ensure the region is well-positioned to unlock the full productivity benefits of AI. Hiring AI-skilled talent is a priority for nine in ten (90 per cent) ASEAN employers, of which nearly 72 per cent cannot find the AI talent they need. The research also uncovers a training awareness gap, whereby over 81 per cent of employers indicated that they dont know how to run an AI workforce training programme. Meanwhile, 73 per cent of workers said they are not sure about relevant career paths where AI skills are useful. The research highlights the need for greater collaboration between governments, industries, and educators to help employers across ASEAN implement AI training and guide workers in matching their AI skill sets to the right roles to harness their newly acquired capabilities. This report affirms the power of AI as a driver of business transformation. As businesses continue to harness the power of AI to revolutionise the workplace and as the technology becomes increasingly integrated in our everyday lives, governments have an opportunity to steer progress through smart, forward-looking policies that positively impact the role that AI will play in shaping our shared future, said Jeff Paine, managing director, Asia Internet Coalition. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, upskilling workers in AI, founded on ethical frameworks and principles, is not just a strategic choice, but a critical imperative for governments and organisations across Asia-Pacific, said Dr Rupa Chanda, director of the trade, investment, and innovation division at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. This report shows that the future of work demands a workforce equipped with AI proficiency to navigate emerging challenges and harness opportunities for sustainable and equitable economic growth and development, as well as inclusive innovation. Accelerating digital skills training across ASEAN AWS has trained over 50,000 individuals in Vietnam and more than 1.2 million people across ASEAN on cloud skills since 2017. But with the rapid adoption of cloud-enabled technologies like AI, more needs to be done to upskill the workforce at scale so organisations can innovate and grow in an AI-dominated future. In November 2023, Amazon launched the AI Ready initiative that complements AWS commitment to provide free cloud computing skills training to 29 million individuals globally by 2025. Microsoft hires DeepMind co-founder to lead AI unit DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman will become the head of a newly created consumer AI unit at Microsoft, the scientist and entrepreneur said on Tuesday. Vietnam eyes comprehensive ecosystem for AI technology Tech companies are facing huge opportunities to develop AI and semiconductors with the support of the government and authorities. The deal was concluded during a trip to Vietnam by the China Duty Free and China Tourism mission at the end of March. "The first duty-free store will be opened in the northern city of Mong Cai in Quang Ninh Province near the Chinese border this year," according to Jonathan Hanh Nguyen, chairman of IPPG. "The second will open next year in the beach city of Nha Tran, Khanh Hoa Province, and the third in downtown Ho Chi Minh City at an unspecified date." Before the pandemic, Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa, and Quang Ninh were the top destinations for Chinese tourists. This year Vietnam is eyeing 18 million foreign arrivals, the same number as the year before the pandemic, along with tourism revenues of $34 billion. China was the largest source of tourists for Vietnam in 2019, receiving 5.8 million Chinese tourists then, or 30 per cent of all foreign arrivals. In the first quarter of this year, Vietnam received 890,000 visitors from China, an increase of 635 per cent on-year. According to a survey from Hotels.com, Chinese travellers spend an average of $930 abroad, 58 per cent of it on shopping, especially high-end products. Vietnams duty-free retail is emerging as a new attractive investment channel. In January, Lotte Duty Free signed an MoU for a strategic marketing agreement with hospitality company Modetour. Under the MoU, both companies will promote the Vietnamese tourism market by expanding customer engagement points and developing tourist-centric offerings that integrate duty-free shopping with travel experiences. The deal was made as South Koreans continue to expand their list of preferred travel destinations in Vietnam, including Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Dalat. Lotte Duty Free currently oversees four duty-free outlets in Vietnam, including one in Danang's downtown area, another at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Nha Trang International Airport, and Danang International Airport. Its revenue increased by over 350 per cent on-year in 2023, with visitors from South Korea accounting for around 60 per cent of the increase. Lotte opens fourth duty-free in Danang South Korea's leading travel retail group Lotte Duty Free has opened a duty-free store in the centre of Danang. Cities the ticket for duty-free stores Vietnams duty-free retail is emerging as a new attractive investment channel for both local and foreign investors as they ramp up efforts to capitalise on domestic consumption and tourism. The deal (CPTPP) has created a system of rotating chairmanship based on the order of the agreements ratification. In 2024, Canada is chairing the CPTPP Commission, working to advance the agreement in a manner that reflects the interests of partners, businesses, civil society, and the public. One of the key priorities for Canada is to develop an effective path forward on accession. This priority will be guided by the Auckland Principles, which state that the CPTPP is open to accession by any economy that is willing and able to meet its high standards, has a demonstrated history of compliance with their existing trade commitments, and can achieve the consensus of members. CPTPP gains to be built on expansion For example, despite being formally signed in 2023, the United Kingdoms entry into the CPTPP only takes effect this year, following the completion of domestic legal processes by the British parliament. Joining is considered the UKs most significant trade agreement since its departure from the European Union. At last weeks meeting between Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and UK Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign Office, Sir Philip Barton, both sides agreed to closely cooperate with each other to well make the most of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and boost cooperation in the sectors of finance-banking, education and training, science and technology, and maritime economy, while also deepening trade and investment. Emily Hamblin, British consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, told VIR that the CPTPP offers the UK and Vietnam an expanded platform for trade liberalisation, market access, and regulatory harmonisation. Its provisions facilitate streamlined customs procedures, accelerated tariff reductions and enhanced intellectual property rights. All of this contributes to the creation of a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, Hamblin said. By joining this dynamic and diverse trade bloc, the UK has gained access to a market of over 500 million people. This not only strengthens our trade links with Vietnam but also broadens the horizons for British businesses, enabling them to tap into new markets and forge supply chains across the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023, total trade in goods between the UK and Vietnam reached $5.92 billion, including Vietnams exports of $6.42 billion, up 88.5 per cent on-year; and imports of $799 million, up 87.6 per cent on-year. Cumulatively, as of March 20, the UK had more than 560 valid projects in Vietnam, registered at $6.3 billion. The CPTPP is a free trade agreement in-force between Vietnam and 10 other countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Canada, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Singapore. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam is expected to see many opportunities in expanding trade and investment cooperation with potential new members of the CPTPP. Taking effect for Vietnam in January 2019, it is considered one of the best solutions as it offers flexible mechanisms for dealing with investment obstructions as well as trade facilitation. China, Ecuador, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Columbia, Uruguay, and others have all expressed interest in joining the CPTPP, which currently represents a free trade area worth about $11 trillion in aggregate GDP. In 2022, South Korea expressed its desire to join, as it seeks to diversify its export portfolio amid heightened economic uncertainty. Currently, this nation has yet to submit its official application, pending completion of its domestic procedure requirements. It conducted countless informal and formal consultations with every member country at every level of the government hierarchy. Accession would help expand trade and investment for South Korea, raising its GDP by 0.33-0.35 per cent annually, the state-run Korea Institute for International Economic Policy estimated. Meanwhile, the Thai government has continuously expressed interest in joining the 11-member mega trade bloc. Thailand considers the agreement an effective tool for recovering and developing its economy, and making industries such as electronics and agriculture more competitive against rivals such as Vietnam and Malaysia, which are both members. Nguyen Lan Phuong from law firm Baker McKenzie Vietnam told VIR that the expanded CPTPP will benefit Vietnam significantly. It is a modern and forward-looking trade agreement, with cutting-edge provisions in digital trade and e-commerce. In the technology-driven era, collaboration in technological advancements is imperative for sustained and resilient economic growth, and will open up new avenues for cooperation in emerging sectors, Phuong said. The Vietnamese government has been revising regulations with a view to taking full advantage of its benefits and its enormous market, such as the data privacy protection decree and social media tax administration regulations. An expanded CPTPP is good news for supply chains in Vietnam, Phuong added. On the downstream side, she continued, Vietnam origin goods already enjoy a cost advantage over competitor non-agreement goods via lower import tariff rates and streamlined trade procedures in the existing member markets of Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Singapore. Adding new members will expand consumer markets for Vietnam origin goods. An expanded CPTPP would allow manufacturers to source materials from additional markets, without forfeiting the benefits offered. Accordingly, expansion will allow for more dynamic and agile supply chains within the trading block, Phuong said. Commitments on import duties from CPTPP members for Vietnam CPTPP members eliminate import duties of 97-100 per cent tariff lines for goods originating from Vietnam. Most Vietnamese goods when imported into CPTPP members will be subject to import duties of zero immediately when the agreement enters into force. Some preferential import duty commitments of CPTPP members are as follows: - Canada commits to eliminating import duties on 95 per cent of tariff lines, which is equivalent to 78 per cent of exports from Vietnam to Canada when the agreement enters into force. - Japan promises to remove import duties on 86 per cent of tariff lines, which is equivalent to 93.6 per cent of exports from Vietnam to Japan when the agreement enters into force, and import duties on 90 per cent of tariff lines will be zero after five years. - Peru commits to erasing import duties on 80.7 per cent of tariff lines, which is equivalent to 62.1 per cent of exports from Vietnam to Peru when the agreement takes effect, and import duties of 99.4 per cent of tariff lines will be zero after 17 years. - Mexico pledges to eliminate import duties on 77.2 per cent of tariff lines, which is equivalent to 36.5 per cent of exports from Vietnam to Mexico when the agreement becomes valid, and import duties of 98 per cent on tariff lines will be zero after 10 years. - Chile commits to phasing out import duties on 95.1 per cent of tariff lines, which is equivalent to 60.2 per cent of exports from Vietnam to Chile when the agreement enters into force, and import duties of 99.9 per cent of tariff lines will be zero after eight years. - Australia promises to remove import duties on 93 per cent of tariff lines, which is equivalent to 95.8 per cent of exports from Vietnam to Australia (about $2.9 billion) when the agreement takes effect. Import duties on other tariff lines will be zero after a maximum of four years. - New Zealand vows to eliminate import duties on 94.6 per cent of tariff lines, which is equivalent to 69 per cent of exports from Vietnam to Chile (about over $1 billion) when the agreement enters into force, and import duties on other tariff lines will be zero after seven years. - Singapore commits to erasing import duties on all tariff lines when the agreement becomes valid. - Malaysia pledges to eliminate import duties on 84.7 per cent of tariff lines when the agreement enters into force. After 11 years, 99.9 per cent of the tariff lines in Malaysia will be reduced or eliminated. - Brunei vows to remove import duties on 92 per cent of tariff lines when the agreement takes effect. Import duties of 99.9 per cent tariff lines will be zero after seven years and all tariffs will be eliminated after 11 years. Source: Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade Wide-ranging agreement opens up more diverse trade channels The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is set to expand its membership. Economist Raymond Mallon talked with VIRs Thanh Dat about implications for Vietnam of expanded membership to include the United Kingdom and other countries. ISHCMC is a vibrant community of over 1,500 students representing 61 nationalities, and provides a unique learning experience from Early Years through to Grade 12. Renowned for its commitment to fostering holistic development and a love for learning, ISHCMC stands out as a top international school for young learners. It's a place where education transcends traditional boundaries, offering students a vibrant and nurturing environment to grow academically and personally. The IB PYP is designed to nurture inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. At the core of ISHCMC's primary curriculum is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), a framework that challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore, investigate, and engage with the world around them. The IB PYP is designed to nurture inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. On Thursday, April 11, at 8:30am, ISHCMC is set to open its doors to prospective parents with an event that promises to be both enlightening and engaging: IB PYP Math with ISHCMC Students. This event is tailored to showcase the school's innovative strategies in teaching Mathematics within the IB PYP framework, particularly emphasising how these methods are applied to students in grades 3 to 5. More than just an exhibition of ISHCMC's prowess in teaching numbers and equations, the IB PYP Math with ISHCMC Students is a comprehensive introduction to the school's ethos and its broader Primary Years Programme. Prospective parents will have the chance to tour the school's state-of-the-art facilities, witness first-hand the dynamic and nurturing learning spaces, and meet the dedicated leadership team. This interaction aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how ISHCMC nurtures energised, engaged, and empowered learners who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world. ISHCMC is not just inviting parents to observe; it's inviting them to engage, interact, and be a part of the learning community. The IB PYP Math with ISHCMC Students event, scheduled for Thursday, April 11, at 8:30am, reflects the school's transparent and inclusive approach to education, where parents are considered vital partners in the learning journey. For those considering ISHCMC for their child's education, this event is an invaluable opportunity to see the school in action. It's a chance to witness how ISHCMC integrates rigorous academic standards with a caring, student-centred approach. By attending, parents will experience the very essence of what makes ISHCMC a nurturing ground for the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators. In a world where education is the cornerstone of future success, ISHCMC stands as a testament to comprehensive, compassionate, and forward-thinking teaching. The upcoming IB PYP Math with ISHCMC Students event, set for April 11, is more than just an open house; it's a doorway to a world of opportunities for young learners. To register now to secure your spot at the IB PYP Math with ISHCMC Students and take the first step towards providing your child with an education that's both empowering and transformative, click here. Contact us : +84 (28) 3898 9100 ; Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn Vietnam develops open educational resources for higher education Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Decision No. 1117/QD-TTg approving a programme to develop open educational resources for higher education. ISHCMC celebrates 30-year legacy International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) held its 30th Anniversary Gala Event on December 2, a momentous occasion commemorating three decades of educational excellence and innovation. Google to delete incognito search data to end privacy suit, illustration photo/ Source: Internet If a proposed settlement filed Monday in San Francisco federal court is approved by a judge, Google must "delete and/or remediate billions of data records" linked to people using the Chrome browser's incognito mode, according to court documents. "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," lawyer David Boies said in the filing. A hearing is slated for July 30 before Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who is to decide whether to approve the deal that would let Google avoid a trial in the class-action suit. The settlement calls for no cash damages to be paid but leaves an option for Chrome users who feel they were wronged to sue Google separately to get money. The suit originally filed in June of 2020 sought at least $5 billion in damages. "We are pleased to settle this lawsuit, which we always believed was meritless," Google spokesman Jorge Castaneda said in a statement. "We are happy to delete old technical data that was never associated with an individual and was never used for any form of personalization." The object of the lawsuit was the "Incognito Mode" in the Chrome browser that plaintiffs said gave users a false sense that what they were surfing online was not being tracked by the Silicon Valley tech firm. But internal Google emails brought forward in the lawsuit demonstrated that users using incognito mode were being followed by the search and advertising behemoth for measuring web traffic and selling ads. The lawsuit, filed in a California court, claimed Google's practices had infringed on users' privacy by intentionally deceiving them with the incognito option. The original complaint alleged that Google had been given the "power to learn intimate details about individuals' lives, interests, and internet usage." "Google has made itself an unaccountable trove of information so detailed and expansive that George Orwell could never have dreamed it," it added. The settlement requires Google, for the next five years, to block third-party tracking "cookies" by default in Incognito Mode. Third-party cookies are small files which are used to target advertising by tracking web navigation and are placed by visited sites and not by the browser itself. Google earlier this year began limiting third-party cookies for some users of its Chrome browser, a first step towards eventually abandoning the files that have raised privacy concerns. Google announced in January 2020 that it would begin eliminating third-party cookies within two years, but the start has been delayed several times amid opposition from web media publishers. Cookies have recently been subject to greater regulation, including the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation introduced in 2016 as well as regulations in California. Google eliminates hundreds of jobs in ad team tweak Google on Tuesday confirmed it is eliminating "a few hundred" positions from its global ad team, amid a push to use artificial intelligence for efficiency and creativity. French regulator hits Google with 250 mn euro fine French regulators said Wednesday they were fining Google 250 million euros ($272 million) for breaching an agreement on terms for paying media companies for reproducing their content online. Decision No. 262/QD-TTg dated April 1 includes a status update on the 13 imported liquefied natural gas-fired (LNG) power projects and 10 domestic gas-fired power projects which are earmarked for completion by 2030 under the PDP8 to achieve a total imported LNG capacity of 22,400MW and a total domestic gas capacity of 14,930MW. The decision also sets out that the country's total offshore wind power capacity will be expected to be 6,000MW by 2030, with onshore wind power at 21,880MW, biomass power at 1,088MW, waste-to-energy power at 1,182MW, additional rooftop solar power at 2,600MW, and battery storage at 300MW. Vietnam is expected to develop 300MW of flexible power sources, and priority has been given to areas with potential capacity shortages. Vietnam also plans to import about 5,000MW of electricity from Laos, which could increase to 8,000MW subject to improvements and reasonable electricity prices. Meanwhile, the central and southern regions hold the potential to export power overseas ranging from 5,000MW to 10,000MW when feasible projects emerge. Renewable energy will be used to produce new types of energy such as green hydrogen and green ammonia for the domestic market and exports, with a planned capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. Many rural, mountainous, and island areas of the country remain off-grid, and Decision 262 is part of the governments plan to extend power supply to these historically under-served regions. The aim is to connect over 910,000 homes in almost 15,000 villages to the national grid or renewable energy projects. Under the implementation plan, Vietnam will build two interregional industrial and service centres for renewable energy in the northern and central-southern regions. The move aims to develop an industrial ecosystem for renewable energy services. The country also supplies power to almost 2,500 small- and medium-sized water pumping stations across 13 Mekong Delta cities and provinces. Vietnams impressive vision for a cleaner energy future Vietnams power development plan outlines a comprehensive energy blueprint for the country. Mishra Kumar Sameer, director of Deals Advisory for KPMG in Vietnam, explains how a diversified energy mix with supporting infrastructure will be crucial in meeting environmental commitments and energy security. Detailed implementation will direct success of PDP8 Emphasis is being made that the implementation of the nations power plan for the decade and beyond will not be successful without a detailed plan and clear investor selection process. Located in Thu Duc of Ho Chi Minh City, the Dong Tang Long project was once expected to be a model urban area, but it has remained unused for many years and is now a series of abandoned and degraded villas. Twenty kilometres from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, it was established in 2005 by Housing and Urban Development Investment Corporation. The project was expected to be increase its land price after nearby Nguyen Duy Trinh street was listed in the expanded routes of the city. However, plans to expand the route were delayed and no updated on the matter have been forthcoming. The project was priced at $2,700-2,900 per square metre of land and from $333,000-750,000 for a townhouse, as well as up to $1.6 million per villa, depending on location. Many of those were completed, but few residents live there. Villas have been left uninhabited and vacant for many years, causing deterioration and the areas overgrown with grass. According to Nguyen Nam, a resident of the project, there are few people living there as it is far from the centre with few amenities and leisure services. It is too desolated and there are no services. People owning a house here would probably have other properties in the city centre, so they do not live here, Nam said. In Hanoi, Lideco urban area located in Hoai Duc district was started in 2007, but is still unfinished. Most of the villas have been only partially completed and left abandoned and uninhabited. The project includes around 650 villas and over 130 town houses. It should have completed construction in 2013, but a lack of effective infrastructure has been deemed the reason for the standstill. Infrastructure focus sets stage for real estate bonanza, illustration photo/ Photo Le Toan Infrastructure comes first A report on infrastructure real estate released by the Vietnam Institute for Real Estate Research (VIRES) last week evaluates the essential role of parallel development of real estate and transport infrastructure projects. The VIRES believes that in the process of urbanisation, transport infrastructure projects play a leading role in development thanks to convenient connectivity and awakening of potential localities. The formation of a residential area or a large urban area starts with roads and traffic. The promotion of infrastructure deployment encourages population movement, land transfer, and the development of new areas. This creates motivation for formation of real estate projects to meet new local development needs, thereby attracting investment. Transport infrastructure is the backbone of the real estate market in each certain area and is also a key and fundamental factor in bringing added value to real estate, it said. Peter Meyer, vice chairman of Lodgis Hospitality, said that the government had invested into the infrastructure system in 2024 with a range of projects and investment in infrastructure crucial for economic growth. The Vietnamese government is focusing on roads, public transport, and other things that are fundamental as they relate directly to properties. Efficient functioning airports are also crucial to all of our destinations, said Meyer. Michael Piro, COO of Indochina Capital, said that the accessibility to project sites was a crucial factor in deciding the efficiency of any given project. Infrastructure is a key factor for projects development and real estate developers are finding projects where infrastructure development is happening, but they are facing challenges when land price around the world is rocketing and becoming too expensive for investment, Piro said. Real estate projects adjacent to airports, ports, or located in areas with ring roads and highways running through them always have higher value and the ability to increase in price compared to other real estate projects. Location is a top factor determining the value of real estate. The VIRES cited the example of the Van Don-Mong Cai Expressway opening in September 2022, which helped reduce travel time from Hanoi to Mong Cai city from seven to three hours, creating a boost for the local market. A VIRES survey shows that real estate prices in Mong Cai have increased by about 30-40 per cent compared before the expressway planning. To benefit from the route, industrial and commercial real estate projects, smart urban areas, and resorts in Mong Cai are being promoted for investment and development. In some localities with expressways running through them, such as Cau Gie-Ninh Binh, land prices are also increasing. According to the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association, dozens of projects along Metro Line 1 have increased sharply in price compared to those in 2018. Kiet Vo, national head of Residential Project Marketing at CBRE Vietnam, said the average price in some projects located along the line have increased from 50 to 150 per cent over the last eight years. Many projects on this route have increased in price rapidly, and many others are in the pipeline. The apartment market in areas near the metro line still has a lot of potential for price increases, attracting business and commercial units to set up retail stores, as well as increasing parallel development of office projects, said Vo. A study by the Environment for Development in Vietnam has shown that the areas within a radius from 1-3 kilometres from a metro station have a 15 per cent increase in real estate value, and 5 per cent for 3-5 km. With new transportation infrastructure projects being implemented to connect with Ring Road 3, real estate projects in Hanoi have recorded high price increases, especially in the past five years. Risks for real estate investors From a positive perspective, infrastructure projects create development space and investment opportunities for the real estate market in neighbouring areas. However, according to the VIRES, after the news of an infrastructure project upgrading is leaked, land prices start rising rapidly. Therefore, planning infrastructure projects is a key factor that can easily be exploited by speculators to create a real estate bubble, it said. Real estate speculators are constantly looking for information on planning infrastructure projects to stay one step ahead, buying land and other real estate located in or near the planned infrastructure areas to enjoy the increased price after the infrastructure is complete. Vo Hong Thang, deputy director of Research and Development at DKRA Vietnam, said that transport infrastructure positively impacted the real estate market. However, in the current difficult times, investors who want to be successful must pay attention to a number of factors. The first is to have strong finances, avoid using loans, and to carefully review the projects legality, and review local planning, Thang said. Another important factor that cannot be ignored when investing in infrastructure is peoples livelihood. Real estate values can increase in areas that form urban areas, with residential areas with full amenities such as markets, hospitals, schools, and parks. Just being near a transport infrastructure system alone is not enough. In a volatile period, investors need to determine a medium- and long-term investment strategy to ensure expected profits because large transportation infrastructure projects often have long-term falling points, so it is necessary to increase capital, especially equity capital, Thang added. Investors need to determine a medium and long-term investment strategy, thereby ensuring expected profits because large transportation infrastructure projects often have long, complicated timelines. To minimise risks, investors must pay attention to preparing sustainable and stable financial flows for 3-5 years, Thang said. Phu Yen takes on logistics infrastructure investment With the development of Vung Ro and Bai Goc seaports, Phu Yen province is determined to locate a logistics centre in Dong Hoa town that can connect to Tuy Hoa airport. Phu Yen can break through in transport infrastructure Along with improvements in connecting regional and national transport infrastructure systems, new initiatives in Phu Yen province will create stellar opportunities for the province to entice large investors. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and PetroVietnam collaborate on green energy On March 7, Danish renewables investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Market Funds, signed an MoU with PetroVietnam, Vietnams national oil, gas, and renewable energy group. Vietnam, Ericsson enhance cooperation in digital infrastructure Vietnam and Ericsson will strengthen cooperation in developing digital infrastructure, applications, platforms, and promoting digital economy development. The fair comprises nearly 600 booths across five main categories: export and investment promotion; electronics, machinery, and supporting industries; digital technology and e-commerce; food and beverage; and national pavilions, and is expected to welcome over 20,000 visitors over the four days. This year, there are four major national pavilions from China, India, South Korea, and Russian Federation, which demonstrates the appeal of the Vietnamese market in attracting investment and fostering sustainable foreign trade cooperation. Addressing the event, Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade said, "During the current difficulties in global trade, supply chain interruptions, and declining aggregate demand, trade events like VIETNAM EXPO are necessary to help the business community promote and introduce products to new markets." "In addition to traditional trade show activities, VIETNAM EXPO will maintain business-to-business connection activities on its online platform," he added. The Invest in Vietnam Pavilion will continue its mission to foster the development of key industries for the economic development of provinces, cities, and industrial zones across the country. The Hanoi Promotion Agency remains the highlight of the show, continuing to promote the strengths, potential, and investment policies of the city, and develop business connections with domestic distributors as well as foreign importers in supporting industries. There are also many high-quality exports and 'One Commune, One Product' items being introduced to consumers nationwide and abroad. Besides showing the diversity and quality of exhibitors products and services, VIETNAM EXPO 2024 will also focus on many activities, seminars, and high-level forums with various discussion topics. First established in 1991, VIETNAM EXPO is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, directed by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, and organised by VINEXAD JSC. It is the longest-running annual trade promotion event in Vietnam. 1,200 exhibitors display their solutions at Vietnam Expo 2023 1,200 exhibitors representing 20 countries and territories are showcasing cutting-edge products and innovative solutions at the Vietnam International Trade Fair in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam Expo 2023) from December 7 to 9. KTG Industrial: Showcasing Excellence at Vietnam Expo 2023 At Vietnam Expo 2023, an event renowned for its global reach, KTG Industrial Managed by BKIM (KTG Industrial), a prominent player in the fields of industrial real estate, made a significant impact. S.E.A Connect paves the way for international retail and F&B brands The trade fair S.E.A Connect, which will be held on November 25 at the Rex Hotel Saigon, is expected to pave the way for international F&B and retail brands to enter Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. How can Vietnam expand investment and trade when the CPTPP amplifies its membership with the UK and others in the time to come? Economist Raymond Mallon While the UK may not become a major market for Vietnam, any expansion of CPTPP membership offers the potential for Vietnam to gain broader global market access that should facilitate trade diversification and increased investment and technology transfer. The main benefits from an expanded CPTPP are likely to stem from coherent approaches to regulating trade across more nations. This, and reduced tariffs, should stimulate overall trade growth and help drive growth in incomes and employment. But there will also be challenges in ensuring equitable benefits from any increased trade. Vietnams most obvious benefit from expanded CPTPP membership will be lower-cost access to a larger and more diverse market with reduced tariffs and trade barriers. This can lead to increased export volumes and revenue for Vietnamese businesses, with the potential for increased and higher productivity employment. More broadly, expanded CPTPP should help the government achieve its objective of more geographically diverse trade flows to reduce Vietnams reliance on any single market. This will enhance the economys resilience to economic shocks and geopolitical tensions. The CPTPP promotes regulatory coherence and transparency. More consistent trade regulation will facilitate smoother cross-border transactions and reduce business compliance costs and risks. Streamlining and harmonising administrative procedures required from Vietnamese exporters will increase their incentives to trade with smaller and emerging markets, thus promoting trade diversification. Accession to the CPTPPs relatively transparent and predictable investment regime will help attract increased and higher quality foreign direct investment from new member countries. Foreign investors from all other countries will also be more likely to invest in Vietnam as it offers increasing market access to a broader range of CPTPP member countries. What challenges can you see from these new economies as well as in Vietnams economy? However, new members will also introduce increased competition. Some Vietnamese firms are likely to face pressure to enhance productivity, quality, and innovation to remain competitive. Some may not survive the increased competition. Policymakers may need to consider options for supporting those adversely affected by the CPTPP. On the other hand, most consumers will benefit from increased choice and lower prices generated by increased competition. Increased competition in input markets may also benefit some Vietnamese producers that use imported inputs. Vietnam may need to invest in institutional capacity and human resources to effectively navigate the complexities of an expanded trade agreement and to maximise the opportunities from an expanded market. Such investments may also be needed to help any workers adversely impacted by increased competition. What are your recommendations for Vietnam to bolster trade and investment with the expanded CPTPP? Vietnam should continue to encourage new members proactively to join the CPTPP, while also stopping or discouraging the provision of any concessions to new members that would undermine the regulatory coherence provided by the deal. Monitoring the implementation of economic integration agreements on an ongoing basis remains important to help identify resulting beneficiaries and losers. Identifying and communicating information on beneficiaries will help sustain support for integration that benefits the Vietnamese economy and its people. Consideration could be given to proactively disseminate information to businesses on investment and market opportunities from existing and new CPTPP members. It will be especially important to target the specific needs of small- and medium-sized enterprises to ensure more equitable benefits from trade. Informal firms may also have opportunities to benefit via linkages with formal firms directly engaging in trade. Providing training, workshops, and resources to managers of such enterprises could help them better understand the opportunities and requirements of existing and emerging international markets. This might include assistance with export procedures, quality standards, and accessing finance. Improving infrastructure, such as transportation networks and digital connectivity, can facilitate trade and investment flows within the expanded CPTPP region. Vietnam should prioritise infrastructure development to enhance its competitiveness in the expanded market. Strengthening institutions responsible for trade facilitation and regulatory compliance should also help. More broadly, investing in education, training, and innovation can enhance competitiveness and enable Vietnam to integrate into the expanded CPTPP more effectively. UK formally inks deal to join CPTPP The United Kingdom formally signed a treaty to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade group in New Zealand on July 16, kickstarting its membership of a modern and ambitious trade deal spanning 12 economies across Asia, the Pacific, and now Europe. How will Vietnamese exports be affected once the UK joins the CPTPP? Vietnamese exports to the British market will have to face off with robust rivals from other CPTPP nations. UK deems Vietnam a market economy The United Kingdom will consider Vietnam as operating under market economy principles following the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Developers with plans for 1,887 homes along the Brazos River told the Waco City Council on Tuesday the project would create $620 million in taxable value once completed. Representatives of Houston-based Caldwell Companies, which owns the 521-acre site where the development would unfold, and city staff said they expect construction to take about a decade, split over 16 phases. Developers also asked the council to endorse the formation of the first municipal management district in the city, which is expected to be up for a city council vote next month. If the district is approved, construction would start 18 months after the approval. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality also would have to consider the creation of the district, a type of political subdivision able to supplement municipal services within the community, such as water and sewer service and construction of roads and public spaces. Developers plan to fully fund construction and seek reimbursements from Wacos Tax Increment Financing Zone No. 4 from 2037 through 2051. Based on the estimated tax revenue the development would generate, the taxpayer-funded TIF reimbursements would be worth $93 million. The development, called Riverway on the Brazos, is planned in a 521-acre property extending east from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between the Brazos River and Lake Shore Drive. The property is in the 720-student Bosqueville Independent School District. Caldwell Companies owns the land and will build the development. In addition to homes, plans include commercial space, public parks, trails, gathering pavilions and a 170-slip marina. Caldwell has developed other master planned neighborhoods, mostly in the Houston area. This includes the 2,540 acre, 4,100-home Towne Lake development on a private 300-acre lake in Cypress. The homes in Towne Lake are listed in the $400,000 to $1.1 million range. While there is no word on home pricing in Riverway, home designs in the presentation given to the council are similar to those listed on Towne Lakes website. Caldwell President and Chief Development Officer Peter Barnhart told the council it is rare to find such an ideal property as the one along the Brazos. Barnhart said Caldwell learned from Towne Lake the importance of building developments near bodies of water, as the water brings community members together and supports amenities such as marinas or parks. Barnhart said early construction phases would focus on developing the community and homes, while later phases would flesh out commercial development along Lake Shore Drive. Barnhart said Caldwell will fund and construct the development as well as any needed infrastructure such as roads and sewer, but will seek reimbursement from Waco through TIF funding based on the taxable value of the property once it is completed. According to City Manager Bradley Ford, the current value of the property is about $527,000. After construction is completed, the property is estimated to be worth $620 million, with $29 million in city property tax revenue generated from 2037 to 2051. The property also would generate almost $113 million in revenue for TIF Zone No. 4 through 2051, netting almost $20 million after the proposed $93 million in TIF money going back to the project. In addition to the planned TIF requests, Caldwell is asking the city to endorse creation of a municipal management district, a requirement for the TCEQ to approve its formation. The districts allow property owners within their boundaries to work together to supplement city and county services for improvements in the community, such as for water and sewer. The district would be able to issue bonds, levy property taxes within its boundaries and charge fees to fund its services. If the district includes only the 521-acre Caldwell property, it would initially be governed by a board of between five and 30 Caldwell owners or stockholders, or their agents or employees, serving staggered four-year terms. The petition to form the district could allow the city council to appoint members as terms expire, or allow the voters in the district to elect members as the initial terms expire. Regardless of how the board is composed, the city council could dissolve the district by a two-thirds vote, in which case the city would assume all of the districts property and debts. A petition from the owners of two-thirds of the districts property value also could dissolve the district. The districts capital improvement budgets would need to be approved by the city every five years. Council Member Jim Holmes said the area of Waco where the development is planned has been hibernating, and discussions for development in the area 25 years ago never took off. Holmes also said having so many homes within only a few miles of downtown Waco would encourage economic development elsewhere in the city. Phillips Auctioneers will offer three paintings by the famed American neo-expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat across its evening sales in New York and Hong Kong this upcoming May, all of which are estimated to collectively sell, at the higher end, for more than $86 million. The works are dated from 1981 to 1982 and were acquired from the collection of the anthropologist Francesco Pellizi, who first bought the pieces in the initial half of the 1980s from Basquiat's first dealer, Annina Nosei. About the Basquiat Lots at Phillips Headlining the New York Phillips auction, which will be held on May 14, is Basquiat's widely acclaimed 1982 piece, "Untitled (ELMAR)." Laterally, it spans across eight feet and features a modern-day depiction of Icarus in the midst of falling out of heaven while an archer hurls two missiles his way. Phillips estimates this particular painting to fetch between $40 million and $60 million. According to a press release by the auction house, "Untitled (ELMAR)" is "a cornerstone of Basquiat's golden year," as he went from an artist struggling to sell on the streets to an international gallery success. It has even been showcased as part of a commemoratory event held for the 10th anniversary of Basquiat's death at Gagosian Los Angeles in 1998, alongside being featured on the cover page of the event's accompanying catalog. Recently, the piece was part of the artist's retrospective exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton Art Museum in Paris last 2018. Joining "Untitled (ELMAR)" in the upcoming Phillips sale in New York is Basquiat's 1981 painting: "Untitled (Portrait of a Famous Ballplayer). This piece comes with a prospective price tag of around $6.5 million to $8.5 million. Two weeks later from that particular auction, on May 31, a Hong Kong Phillips sale will take place and will offer the artist's "Native Carrying Some Guns, Bibles, Amorites on Safari (1982)" for an estimated $12 million to $18 million. For more information, check out the auction house's web listing of the three lots by clicking here. The School District of Mauston likely has some tough decisions ahead, as residents in the district voted heavily Tuesday to reject additional funding over the next four years. A $9 million operating referendum over the next four years was voted down with 1,265 no votes to 785 in favor, an approximately 62 to 38 percent margin. In February, district Superintendent Joel Heesch said the district is facing a nearly $1.5 million deficit to balance in the 2024-25 school year. You get to this day and you realize that there are just some gaps somewhere in the communication or the understanding of what we are facing and the reasons behind it, Heesch said. Roughly 75 percent of district expenses are for salaries and benefits for staff. Heesch added that balancing a budget when facing deficits that the district is facing, which include over $2 million after 2024-24, involves possible impacts to staff and positions. Thats what I was really hoping our communities would understand, Heesch said. We are not overstaffed, we do not overpay, and yet, were going to be in a position where we are going to see some things with class sizes and our ability to attract and retain staff. Some of the things that we fought really hard to do are going to be significant challenges for us moving forward. The district sent out multiple mass mailings and held community sessions, among other communication methods, Heesch said, adding that he went on Mauston-based WRJC radio three times and held six Coffee with the Superintendent sessions to convey the reasons for the referendum. Were in a place where we just have to figure out how to do a better job next time (the district proposes a referendum) and moving forward, Heesch said. If the referendum had passed, $95 would have been added per year to district property taxes per $100,000 of property value. A home valued at $220,000 would have paid roughly $209 more per year in property taxes if the referendum had been approved. One incumbent, Michael Coughlin, and one new member, Charlotte Gyllin, were elected to the School Board on Tuesday. Coughlin received 1,234 votes and Gyllin got 953. A third candidate, Michael Mullenberg, received 831. Gyllin will replace Darrell Hines on the board. A great hike doesnt have to be a hard hike. Sometimes a mellow trail in a nature-rich environment is all you need to recharge. On these trails, you wont find any steep climbs or large hillsnot one has an elevation gain of more than 425 feetjust five solid hikes that promise more pleasure than pain. Presidio Promenade Trail (4.2-mile loop) (Courtesy of @megan_cheek) San Franciscos Presidio Promenade Trail is a tour of the parks greatest hits. In just over four miles, youll stroll up Lovers Lane past Andy Goldsworthys dramatic "Woodline", take in the views at Inspiration Point, pass by the National Cemetery and Korean War Memorial, check out a second Goldsworthy work ("Spire"; and if the Presidio Officers Club is open when you pass by, theres a third Goldsworthy treat inside), and end by communing with Yoda in fountain form. Park in the lots near the Presidio Social Club (563 Ruger St.), then pick up the trail where Simonds Loop meets Ruger Street. Youll hit a couple of small hills along the way, but the vast majority of the trail is smooth sailing across varied types of terrain. // San Francisco Presidio, presidio.gov Elevation Gain: 410 feet Tennessee Valley Trail (3.6 miles out-and-back) (Courtesy of @parkerhunt) If you play the Marin Headlands right, you can hike the iconic coastal landscape without ever climbing a single serious hill. On the Tennessee Valley Trail, its a virtually straight, 1.8-mile shot through the valley to beautiful Tennessee Beach, an irresistible spot for picnicking and other warm weather shenanigans. Pick up the trail from the parking lot on Tennessee Valley Road down the hill from the Miwok Livery Stables. // 591 Tennessee Valley Rd. (Mill Valley), nps.gov/goga Elevation Gain: 180 feet Bayview and Meadowlark Trail (4.9-mile loop) (Courtesy of @grow.from.it) For a nice mid-length trail that has pretty views across the bay, check out the Bayview and Meadowlark loop in Fremonts Coyote Hills Regional Park. The mostly flat, partially paved route is a favorite stopover for birds at the edge of the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and runs along the water and through the gently rolling grasslands where they rest up. Pick up the Bayview Trail from the main parking lot. Parking is $5/vehicle (if you want to bring your furry friends, youll have to pay $2 per dog) but note that weekends can get busy and, when there are no more spaces available, theyll temporarily close the lot. If youre up for adding another (flat) mile or so to your hike, you can park for free outside the gates. // 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd. (Fremont), ebparks.org Elevation Gain: 282 feet Muddy Hollow Trail to Limantour Spit (6 miles out-and-back) (Courtesy of @the_worldenphotos) On this six mile trail, theres plenty of time to catch sight of the wildlife that call Point Reyes National Seashore home. The typically quiet, out-and-back route passes through a lush riparian corridor frequented by Tule elk, over the ridge of Limantour Spit, and out to Limantour Beach where birds flock in the marshes, elephant seals wallow in the sand, and harbor seals play beyond the breakers. Park at the Muddy Hollow Trailhead parking lot, then follow the path to Estero and turn right at Limantour Spit, a distance of about three miles. // Muddy Hollow Rd. (Inverness), nps.gov/goga Elevation Gain: 203 feet Mexican restaurant chains are offering burrito bargains to celebrate National Burrito Day. Whether you enjoy chicken, steak or vegetarian options wrapped in a tortilla, theres a deal for you on Thursday, April 4. Heres where you can save without skimping on the flavor. Qdoba Qdoba Rewards members can purchase an entree and a drink Thursday and get a free burrito. Scan your Rewards QR code in-person or redeem online or in the app. Members only Baja Fresh Customers can take advantage of Baja Freshs buy one, get one burrito free deal on April 4. Place your order online and use the code BURRITO2024. Customers must sign up for the Club Baja Rewards account or already be a member. Moes Southwest Grill The chain is offering a buy one, get one free bowl or burrito deal. Order online, in-store or through the Moes Rewards App. El Pollo Loco Rewards members can take advantage of a buy one, get one burrito deal throughout the day. The free burrito has to be of equal or lesser value as the other, and the deal is not valid on combos. El Pollo Loco has more than 495 locations throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Louisiana. Taco Bell The fast food joint has several offerings through their app and through third-party delivery apps. On Thursday, customers ordering from the Taco Bell app can get a buy one, get one 50 percent off for burritos of equal or lesser value. Order through Uber Eats for a buy one, get one beefy five-layer burrito of equal or lesser value. If youre ordering for a larger party, you can get a free burrito when you spend $22 or more through Grubhub. Finally, those ordering via DoorDash can buy a burrito and get $5 off an order of $20 or more. Chipotle Chipotle is offering its rewards members free delivery on Thursday when ordering online or with the app. Use the code DELIVER. On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina The chain is offering $5 off their Big Bordurrito (which has a larger portion of chicken or steak), classic burrito or chimichanga. Take advantage of the offer in-person or online with the code 5OFFBURRITO. Taco Johns If youre a Bigger Bolder Rewards member (or become a member and download the app before April 3), you can receive $2 off a choice of the Meat and Potato Burrito Combo. There are Taco Johns locations in 23 states. Find one near you. Del Taco Rewards members can get any burrito for free when they spend $10 or more. Place your order on the app or online. Rubios Coastal Grill Every burrito on the menu will be $8.99 on Thursday. No additional purchase is necessary, just make sure to scan the discount code at the register or enter BURRITO at checkout for online or app orders. Rubios has locations throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. When a finance worker in Hong Kong was called in to a live videoconference by the chief financial officer of his multinational company in February, everything seemed normal. The CFO and other executives acted and sounded as they always did, even if the reason for his being dragged in was unusual: He was instructed to wire $25.6 million to several bank accounts. He, of course, did as the boss asked. Amazingly, the CFO image and voice were computer-generated, as were those of the other executives who appeared on the call. And the accounts belonged to scammers. The worker was the victim of a stunningly elaborate artificial intelligence scam, according to local media reports. The millions remain lost. Welcome to the dark side of AI technology, in which the voices and faces of people you know can be impeccably faked as part of an effort to steal your money or identity. Scientists have been programming computers to think and predict for decades, but only in recent years has the technology gotten to the level at which a computer can effectively mimic human voices, movement and writing style and more challenging predict what a person might say or do next. The public release in the past two years of tools such as OpenAIs ChatGPT and DALL-E, Googles Gemini (formerly Bard), Microsofts Copilot and other readily available generative AI programs brought some of these capabilities to the masses. Learn more Senior Planet from AARP has free online classes to help you discover more about artificial intelligence. AI tools can be legitimately useful for many reasons, but they also can be easily weaponized by criminals to create realistic yet bogus voices, websites, videos and other content to perpetrate fraud. Many fear the worst is yet to come. Were entering an industrial revolution for fraud criminals, says Kathy Stokes, AARPs director of fraud prevention programs. AI opens endless possibilities and, unfortunately, endless victims and losses. Criminals are already taking advantage of some of those endless possibilities. Video: How to Avoid Voice Cloning Scams Celebrity scams. A deepfake (that is, a computer-generated fake version of a person) video circulated showing chef Gordon Ramsay apparently endorsing HexClad cookware. He wasnt. Later, a similar deepfake featured Taylor Swift touting Le Creuset. The likenesses of Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Clarkson and other celebs have been replicated via AI to sell weight loss supplements. Fake romance. A Chicago man lost almost $60,000 in a cryptocurrency investment pitched to him by a romance scammer who communicated through what authorities believe was a deepfake video. Sextortion. The FBI warns that criminals take photos and videos from childrens and adults social media feeds and create explicit deepfakes with their images to extort money or sexual favors. Eyal Benishti, CEO and founder of the cybersecurity firm Ironscales, says AI can shortcut the process of running virtually any scam. The superpower of generative AI is that you can actually give it a goal; for example, tell it, Go find me 10 different phishing email ideas on how I can lure person X. Anyone can use this technology: Its just like downloading any other app, says Alex Hamerstone, an analyst at TrustedSec, an information security consulting company. If you were recording this conversation, you could feed it into the software and type out whatever you want me to say, and it would play my voice saying that. When I think of the mall, I imagine spending five minutes circling a parking lot for a spot, then walking 10 or 15 minutes to get to Cinnabon or The Gap. It turns out I have rather pedestrian ideas of how colossal a shopping destination can be. The largest mall in America is callednaturally enoughthe Mall of America. You can find it in Bloomington, Minneapolis. Comprising more than 520 shops and restaurants, it draws 40 million visitors a year and occupies more than 5.6 million square feet. As well as retail, the Mall of Americas attractions include a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, Crayola Experience, a flight simulator and an aquarium. As our search for all things big in America continues, you could go to a yard sale that stretches from Addison, Michigan, to Gadsden, Alabama, stretching 690 miles across six states and drawing hundreds of thousands of vendors and shoppers. Its held on the first Thursday to Sunday of August and is named the 127 Yard Sale because it stretches along Highway 127. The 127 Yard Sale, which stretches along six states and 690 miles of highway from Addison, Michigan to Gadsden, Alabama, is the World's Longest Yard Sale. Courtesy: 127 Yard Sale Another option is Casey, Illinois, which sells itself as the place of Big Things in a Small Town. Located on Interstate 70, midway between St. Louis and Indianapolis, this unexpected tourist attraction has become a tribute to the large and mundane thanks to local resident Jim Bolin. Casey boasts dozens of fantastically large items from a 450-pound piggy bank outside the butcher shop to the worlds largest pitchfork (60 feet, 1,940 pounds) and swivel spoon (11 feet, 8.5 inches tall). The World's Largest Pitchfork was created to be placed at Richards Farm Restaurant, located in Casey, Illinois. Courtesy: Big Things in A Small Town And you mustnt forget the world's largest rocking chair, which is a colossal 56.5 feet tall and was completed in 2015. It weighs over 46,000 pounds and is made from recycled materials. Caseys big stuff has attracted so much attention that neighboring Martinsville has gotten into the act with a giant horseshoe and anvil (5,530 pounds). Rural areas lag behind their urban counterparts when it comes to broadband access. The combination of low population density and remoteness make such areas unattractive to internet service providers, who are hesitant to invest in expensive infrastructure without a guaranteed pool of customers. James A. Gekiere/AFP via Getty Images The $30 per month that Daisy Solis has saved off her internet bill for the past two years stretched a long way. Those dollars covered new shoes for her three, growing children; dinners at the Chick-fil-A that opened in her town of Penitas in South Texas; and part of a higher-than-usual electricity bill. It has really helped me in that I dont have to stress out about the bill, said Solis, 27. $30 goes a long way. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Now, Solis worries she might have to sacrifice on her internet speed because a federal subsidy that has helped her pay for her internet plan is set to expire at the end of April. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for internet service, as well as up to $75 per month for households on tribal lands. The $14.2 billion program was part of the 2021 infrastructure law and has helped 23 million households in the U.S including 1.7 million in Texas save money on their internet bills. The programs funding is slated to dwindle at the end of April, though, potentially cutting millions off from the internet. In May, limited remaining funding in the program will enable eligible households to receive a partial discount; there wont be any benefits after May. The programs termination will disproportionately impact South Texas, where counties along the Texas-Mexico border had higher than average rates of participation. Overall, 1 in 7 Texans used the program. And in some border counties, including Hidalgo County, about half of residents used the subsidy, according to data from the Federal Communications Commission. Some people have told me they might not get internet if (the subsidy) goes away, said Marco Lopez, a community organizer at La Union del Pueblo Entero, a nonprofit organization that supports low-income neighborhoods in the Rio Grande Valley. I dont know what to tell them because its not just cutting off their internet; its cutting off their opportunities for jobs, for school, for telehealth. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill that would extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program through the end of 2024. But the bill has not moved and faces considerable pushback from Republican lawmakers who claim the Biden administration has spent recklessly. A colonia unincorporated neighborhoods that lack basic services such as street lights, proper drainage, paved roads or waste management is seen near Edinburg in March 2020. Veronica G. Cardenas for The Texas Tribune In a December letter to the chair of the FCC, a group of lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas disputed that the broadband program was necessary. The lawmakers said that most households using the subsidy already had broadband subscriptions. But thats likely untrue. According to an FCC survey, 47% of respondents reported having either zero connectivity or relying on mobile service before enrolling in the federal program. During a Monday press call, Stephen Benjamin, senior adviser to the president, blamed Republicans for failing to extend funding for the internet subsidy. If congressional Republicans fail to act, 23 million Americans, including millions of their own constituents, will lose access to affordable, high-speed internet and may not be able to access the benefits that brings, like access to education, telemedicine, job opportunities and more, Benjamin said. Its past time for congressional Republicans to step up and prevent their constituents internet costs from increasing in the coming weeks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Tuesday, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel sent a letter to Congress urging them to fund the program until the end of the year. She said the funding has been particularly critical for vulnerable populations, including veterans, seniors and students. ALSO READ: BiblioTech plans tech literacy classes as Bexar bids to improve online access We know that nearly half of ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) households are led by someone over the age of 50, she wrote. The ACP and the broadband service it supports is need to have for many seniors, who depend on the program for managing their health and maintaining access to their medical teams. The programs termination comes as the state and federal government pump historic sums of money to expand broadband infrastructure and close the so-called digital divide. Texas is poised to receive more than $3.3 billion federal dollars to help connect the roughly 7 million Texans who lack access to affordable internet. The state will bolster those funds with an additional $1.5 billion that voters approved in November. Some advocates worry that terminating the Affordable Connectivity Program now could jeopardize the success of future broadband investments. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If we build the infrastructure but then all these people lose internet access, we are going to be taking one step forward and two steps back, said Kelty Garbee, executive director of Texas Rural Funders, a nonprofit focused on rural philanthropy. It is important to take a long view. Rural areas lag behind their urban counterparts when it comes to broadband access. The combination of low population density and remoteness make such areas unattractive to internet service providers, who are hesitant to invest in expensive infrastructure without a guaranteed pool of customers. Garbee worries that ending the government subsidies could shrink the rural customer base and make those areas even less attractive to internet companies. Jordana Barton-Garcia, who focuses on broadband investments for nonprofit organization Connect Humanity, said that while the termination of the Affordable Connectivity Program will be a significant loss for high-poverty areas, the program is a Band-Aid solution. She said the subsidy doesnt address the root of the problem: that the economics of broadband do not work in rural, low-income areas. Instead of being ruled by profit-maximizing major corporations, we need other models to serve low- and moderate-income communities, she said. We need to be able to serve without maximizing profits and instead serve for the public good. Some communities have found innovative ways to provide broadband to their rural constituents at a low cost. The city of Pharr in Hidalgo County, for example, created a municipal internet service program that offers plans for as low as $25 per month, the price residents in the border community said they could afford. Barton-Garcia said Pharr wont be affected by the termination of government subsidies because the city has already secured its own funding. Pharr used grant money, a municipal bond and American Rescue Plan dollars to create a city-run internet service. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: Suburban Bexar County residents could get faster internet Large internet providers such as Comcast said they will continue to support low-income customers with an affordable plan. Comcast offers eligible customers a plan called internet essentials for $9.95 and a slightly higher-speed plan for $29.95. For smaller providers in rural Texas, though, a low-cost plan is not financially feasible without government support. Charlie Cano, CEO of ETex Telephone Cooperative, said his lowest-cost option is $62 per month. Anything lower than that is going to jeopardize our business model, Cano said. Im nervous about what we are going to do about that low-cost option. The March/April edition of Austin Monthly magazine, which has been acquired by Hearst Newspapers as part of its push into Austin. Hearst Texas Austin Media The Spring 2024 issue of Austin Home magazine, which is now a part of Hearst Texas Austin Media. Hearst Texas Austin Media Hearst Newspapers, owner of the San Antonio Express-News, is continuing its expansion into Austin with the acquisition of two magazines and associated websites. The company, which earlier this year launched Austin Daily, a newsletter and online product reporting on Austins culture and politics, has acquired Austin Monthly and Austin Home magazines from Open Sky Media. Terms were not disclosed. All three brands will operate as Hearst Texas Austin Media, a new organization created for the companys Austin push. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With a total staff of 13, HTA Media will provide local journalism ranging from in-depth explainers on weather to traditional beat reporting on growth, infrastructure and development to features coverage celebrating the culture, food, events and unique Texas architecture of Austin, Express-News Publisher Mark Medici said. The new unit is overseen by Randi Stevenson, who had been executive producer of ExpressNews.com, the newspapers subscriber website. Stevenson will report to Medici as general manager of Hearst Texas Austin Media. Medici said that more than 15% of Express-News digital traffic now originates from readers in Austin, and nearly 30% of its total traffic is from readers in the Interstate 35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin. A desire to continue building its audience and advertising revenue in the fast-growing region is a chief driver of Hearsts Austin expansion. On the advertising side, we are experiencing a marked increase in digital ad revenue from New Braunfels, San Marcos and Austin, Medici said. The opportunity to increase our audience reach and advertising revenue by acquiring a storied lifestyle journalism brand in Austin Monthly was too good to pass up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The magazine, which was founded in 1992, has gained a loyal following for its coverage of the citys culture, neighborhoods and lifestyle. Austin Home, which was founded more recently, puts its focus on residential real estate in Austin and the Hill Country. As general manager of the new unit, Stevenson has responsibility for editorial content, sales, strategy and operations of the companys Austin brands and has relocated to Austin from San Antonio. She joined the Express-News in 2019 from the Chicago Tribune. Stevenson is assisted in her new role by Kate Weber, the Express-News chief revenue officer; Marc Duvoisin, the papers editor-in-chief; and Thomas Nork, director of operations and distribution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This April, Sony BBC Earth brings in a mixed bag of content, poised to captivate hearts, invigorate minds, and spark the spirit of adventure. Showcasing the world through the lens of people with autism spectrum disorder, the channel premieres 'Inside The Autistic Mind', Big Little Journeys which takes people through the real-life adventures of six tiny animals, whereas 'Jack The Ripper: A Case Reopened' investigates one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in criminal history. The diverse content line-up is all set to appeal to viewers of all ages. Inside The Autistic Mind delves into the lives of two remarkable individuals, each navigating the complexities of autism with courage and resilience. Presented by the illustrious Chris Packham, the series aims at creating awareness about autism along with showcasing how empathy plays an important role in dissolving certain barriers. The show is premiering on April 2nd, 2024, at 12:00 PM and 09:00 PM, with a repeat telecast on Saturday and Sunday i.e., 6th and 7th April respectively. Trailing six tiny animals as they travel to the unknown is Sony BBC Earths Big Little Journeys. The series aims to give viewers a glimpse into the lives of these tiny but mighty creatures such as the endangered golden-headed lion tamarins in Brazil, gymnastic bushbabies in South Africa, and the rare Taiwanese Formosan pangolin. Viewers can watch the survival strategies of these animals, as they overcome obstacles, fight predators, and hunt for their families on 14th April, Sunday at 12:00 PM and 09:00 PM. Taking viewers back in time to the fog-drenched streets of Victorian London, Jack The Ripper: A Case Reopened is a perfect specimen of modern forensic science meeting historical enigma. Premiering 20th April 2024, on Sunday at 09:00 PM, the show introduces the team of forensic experts and senior police officers who utilized forensic psychology techniques for the identification of the serial killer. This April, mark your calendars to watch Inside The Autistic Mind, Big Little Journeys, and Jack The Ripper: A Case Reopened only on Sony BBC Earth. Gujarat Titans has launched a slew of initiatives in its efforts towards environmental sustainability and creating a circular waste economy. One of the significant efforts in this direction is the strategic waste management partnership with Nepra Resource Management Pvt. Ltd. (NEPRA) for the home games of the TATA IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The partnership will also emphasise on segregation of waste into recyclable and reusable commodities and educating fans about segregation of waste and maintaining hygienic practices in public places, thereby contributing towards a cleaner and greener stadium. Further, Gujarat Titans will also endeavour to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) footprint through reduction in Scope 3 category emissions with a active partnership with Gujarat Metro, adoption of electric vehicles for transportation and adoption of public buses during the five home matches. The tie-up with NEPRA with an objective of "zero waste to landfills" will focus on creating a circular waste economy. NEPRA will also oversee the efficient collection and transportation of waste, spearheading sensitization and awareness campaigns for stall operators within the stadium. Having implemented its sustainability policy last year, the Titans aim to take it to next level forging new partnerships. During IPL 2023, the Titans implemented an initiative of ensuring only 2% of waste generated over seven home games made it to landfills. More than 33,000 kg of waste was managed through collection, segregation and disposal across the five home matches. Reuse of plastic was also undertaken last year in a partnership with Bisleri to recycle it into benches for schools. These benches were distributed among various schools across Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Bhuj where the Junior Titans programmes were successfully hosted during the months of January and February 2024. Colonel Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Gujarat Titans emphasized the teams commitment to environmental stewardship through sustainability and said, Responsible behaviour on and off the field is an integral part of our conduct at Gujarat Titans. We are alive to the challenges that all of us face and shall strive to make a difference with our sustainable initiatives. Our partnership with NEPRA will enable us to contribute significantly to waste reduction and encourage fans to preserve the environment while enjoying the games. Madhur Gopal, Associate Vice President of Marketing, Sales & Digital Initiatives at Manipal Health Enterprise, is at the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare through digital transformation. With a focus on enhancing patient experiences and accessibility, Madhur Gopal spearheads initiatives that leverage cutting-edge technologies to redefine healthcare delivery. In this discussion, we delve into the digital disruptions in healthcare that are reshaping patient care, Manipal's strategic partnerships to drive innovation, and its commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital healthcare solutions. Could you discuss some of the digital disruptions in healthcare that have significantly enhanced patients' convenience and ease of access to healthcare services? The integration of digital technologies in healthcare has ushered in a wave of transformative changes, greatly enhancing patients' convenience and accessibility to healthcare services. One significant disruption is telemedicine, which allows individuals to remotely connect with healthcare providers. This innovation is particularly beneficial for patients residing in tier 2 towns and international markets, enabling them to access medical consultations without geographical constraints. Furthermore, telemedicine facilitates follow-up visits, enabling patients to seek timely medical advice from the comfort of their homes. Remarkably, institutions like Manipal have successfully implemented tele-consults for report evaluations, significantly improving patient care. Another area of digital disruption is remote health monitoring, offering real-time insights into patients' health statuses and enabling proactive interventions when necessary. This proactive approach ensures timely responses to potential health concerns, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. Initiatives such as online queue management and the online booking of patient rooms have streamlined administrative processes and reduced wait times, contributing to a more seamless and stress-free healthcare experience for patients. Additionally, technologies like HoloLens have empowered surgeons to connect remotely, revolutionizing surgical procedures and leading to enhanced medical outcomes. Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in healthcare by enabling precision medicine and predictive modelling. These AI-driven tools facilitate personalized care, helping healthcare providers anticipate and address potential health issues before they escalate, ultimately promoting better health outcomes for patients. The rapid evolution of digital health technologies is not only revolutionizing patient care but also bridging existing gaps in healthcare delivery, ultimately leading to a more connected, accessible, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem. What partnerships has Manipal Health Enterprise forged to leverage digital innovations and improve patient experiences? Could you provide examples of how Manipal Health Enterprise is reimagining healthcare beyond the conventional model of treatment with a focus on holistic wellness and preventive care? Manipal Health Enterprise has spearheaded numerous partnerships to harness digital innovations and enhance patient experiences in healthcare. One noteworthy collaboration is with Google Health, wherein Manipal pioneered a remote health project aimed at post-discharge patient monitoring. Through this initiative, patients can track their health using Fitbit devices, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans based on real-time data insights, thus promoting personalized care and improved outcomes. In another groundbreaking endeavour, Manipal is revolutionizing patient care with its step-down ICU, powered by artificial intelligence. This innovative system monitors patients' vital signs as they transition from intensive care units to regular rooms, utilizing a Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) to identify high-risk scenarios promptly. This proactive approach ensures timely interventions and enhances patient safety. Moreover, Manipal Health Enterprise has embraced telehealth solutions, delivering over 20,000 online consultations to date. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients underscores the effectiveness and convenience of this service, with demand steadily increasing month by month. Looking ahead, Manipal is forging strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Microsoft Health to drive clinical digital initiatives focused on enhancing medical outcomes and fostering collaboration in patient care. Additionally, the collaboration with YouTube to provide authenticated health content signifies Manipal's commitment to empowering individuals with accurate and reliable health information through digital platforms. In essence, Manipal Health Enterprise is not merely reimagining healthcare but actively shaping its future by leveraging digital technologies to prioritize holistic wellness, preventive care, and patient-centric experiences beyond the conventional treatment model. In what specific ways has your organization embraced digital enhancements to stay ahead of the curve in the healthcare industry? Manipal has embraced use of new technologies to help our patients. We are continuously working on new initiatives to ensure that we are able to bring the latest to our customers. From remote health monitoring through wearable devices to 5g ambulances there are many initiatives which has helped us to stay ahead of the curve. Some notable ones are implementation of Fuji AI enabled integrated PACS system. This is Indias first implementation which allows us to have integrated view of all the clinical images of the patient. The AI layer helps to link any anomaly from any organ imaging and thus helps doctors to link the symptoms to various medical condition. This is also helping to improve the diagnosis of the patient. We have also worked on 5G ambulance, which helps us to connect the ambulance to Emergency Room from where doctors can guide ambulance staff on first hand treatment. This is helping patients and more so in Road Traffic Accident cases where basis video view doctor from emergency room can provide a better advice to the clinical staff in the ambulance. Could you elaborate on any notable initiatives undertaken by Manipal Health Enterprise to integrate emerging technologies into your healthcare services? At Manipal Health Enterprise, our commitment to revolutionizing healthcare drives us to integrate emerging technologies seamlessly into our services, creating a comprehensive and patient-centric ecosystem. Through our Digital Initiatives, we prioritize virtual care delivery, ensuring accessibility and convenience for patients across diverse demographics. Our Telemedicine programme stands as a testament to this commitment, with close to 20,000 virtual consultations conducted nationwide. This initiative plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and patients, particularly in underserved areas. By extending our reach to tier 2 and 3 cities, we ensure that clinical care is readily available, regardless of geographical constraints. Our focus areas in virtual consultations include pain management, dermatology, fever & sore throat, and OBG-related issues, catering to the diverse healthcare needs of our patients. With a significant portion of consultations falling within the 20-50 age group, our services have garnered widespread adoption among this demographic, underscoring the effectiveness and relevance of our digital healthcare solutions. In addition to virtual care, Manipal has introduced innovative solutions such as our bed inventory platform, empowering patients to view available beds and book inpatient rooms in advance. This initiative not only reduces wait times but also enables patients to plan their hospital visits efficiently, enhancing overall patient experience and convenience. In summary, Manipal Health Enterprise embraces a multifaceted approach to healthcare, leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions, widespread virtual consultations, and strategic initiatives to ensure a healthier and more accessible healthcare landscape for all. Which emerging technologies hold the greatest potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery across different regions, demographics, and target groups? Several emerging technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery across diverse regions, demographics, and target groups. One such technology is artificial intelligence (AI), which has already shown promise in areas such as diagnostic imaging interpretation, personalized treatment plans, and predictive analytics for disease prevention. AI-powered tools can significantly improve healthcare outcomes by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and patient-centric care. Another transformative technology is telemedicine, which enables remote consultations and healthcare delivery, bridging geographical barriers and improving access to medical services, especially in underserved regions. Telemedicine facilitates timely interventions, continuity of care, and patient education, thereby empowering individuals to take charge of their health irrespective of their location. Furthermore, the Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by enabling remote patient monitoring, real-time data collection, and personalized interventions. IoT devices can track vital signs, medication adherence, and lifestyle factors, providing clinicians with valuable insights to optimize treatment plans and enhance patient outcomes. Blockchain technology also holds promise in healthcare, particularly in areas such as secure data exchange, interoperability, and patient privacy. By ensuring tamper-proof records and facilitating secure data sharing among stakeholders, blockchain can improve transparency, efficiency, and trust in healthcare systems, benefiting patients and providers alike. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have the potential to transform medical training, patient education, and surgical interventions. These immersive technologies can enhance learning experiences, simulate complex medical procedures, and improve surgical precision, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction. In conclusion, the convergence of these emerging technologies holds tremendous potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by addressing various challenges and enhancing patient-centered care across different regions, demographics, and target groups. However, successful implementation will require collaborative efforts from healthcare stakeholders, policymakers, and technology developers to ensure equitable access, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations. How do you envision the role of health and wellness companies evolving in the future, particularly in terms of moving beyond traditional healthcare approaches to deliver valued expertise and services to consumers? In envisioning the future role of health and wellness companies, I foresee a significant shift towards holistic and proactive approaches that go beyond traditional healthcare paradigms. These companies will increasingly focus on delivering valued expertise and services to consumers by embracing innovative strategies and technologies that prioritize prevention, personalized care, and overall well-being. One key aspect of this evolution is the integration of digital health solutions and data-driven insights into everyday wellness practices. Health and wellness companies will leverage wearable devices, mobile apps, and virtual platforms to empower consumers with actionable information about their health status, lifestyle choices, and preventive measures. By providing personalized recommendations and continuous monitoring, these companies can actively engage consumers in managing their health proactively and efficiently. Moreover, there will be a greater emphasis on preventive care and lifestyle interventions aimed at addressing underlying health risks and promoting long-term wellness. Health and wellness companies will offer comprehensive programs that encompass nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health support, tailored to individual needs and preferences. By fostering a holistic approach to well-being, these companies can empower consumers to take charge of their health and achieve optimal outcomes. Furthermore, I anticipate a shift towards more collaborative and integrated models of care, where health and wellness companies work closely with healthcare providers, employers, insurers, and other stakeholders to deliver comprehensive services and improve health outcomes. By fostering partnerships and leveraging synergies across different sectors, these companies can create seamless experiences for consumers and drive meaningful impact on population health. The future role of health and wellness companies will be characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on empowering consumers to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. By moving beyond traditional healthcare approaches and embracing holistic wellness principles, these companies have the potential to drive positive change and make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions around the world. What challenges do you foresee in the adoption and implementation of digital healthcare solutions, and how is your organization addressing them? In navigating the adoption and implementation of digital healthcare solutions, several challenges emerge, each requiring proactive strategies for effective resolution. At our organization, we're committed to addressing these challenges head-on to ensure the seamless integration of digital solutions into our healthcare ecosystem. One significant challenge lies in building a secure platform to protect patients' health records and vital information from potential threats. To mitigate this risk, we've implemented robust security parameters and protocols, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. By prioritizing data security, we instil trust and confidence in our patients, reinforcing their belief in the safety of our digital platforms. Cultural change presents another hurdle, as both customers and employees navigate the transition to new user experiences and interfaces. To facilitate this shift, we're investing in comprehensive training programs and education initiatives to familiarize stakeholders with the benefits and functionalities of these technologies. By fostering a culture of acceptance and embracing innovation, we pave the way for seamless integration and adoption of digital healthcare solutions. Adoption of new technologies can also be a gradual process, requiring time and effort to garner user acceptance. To expedite this process, we're implementing training modules and educational campaigns to demonstrate the tangible benefits of these technologies to patients. As individuals experience first-hand the value and convenience offered by digital solutions, their willingness to embrace these technologies increases, driving widespread adoption across our healthcare ecosystem. Interoperability poses another challenge in integrating various mobile apps and third-party platforms into a cohesive system. To address this, we've developed a robust data lake layer that facilitates seamless integration and linkage of disparate data sources to patient identifiers. This interoperable framework ensures efficient data exchange and collaboration across different platforms, enhancing the overall effectiveness and functionality of our digital healthcare ecosystem. Our organization is committed to overcoming the challenges associated with the adoption and implementation of digital healthcare solutions through proactive measures, robust security protocols, cultural transformation, education initiatives, and interoperable frameworks. By addressing these challenges, we're poised to realize the full potential of digital health technologies in transforming patient care and improving healthcare outcomes. How do you ensure that the digital solutions implemented by Manipal Health Enterprise are accessible and beneficial to a diverse range of patients, including those in underserved communities? At Manipal Health Enterprise, ensuring that our digital solutions are accessible and beneficial to a diverse range of patients, including those in underserved communities, is a top priority. While there were initial challenges in adapting to new technologies, we are witnessing a gradual acceptance and utilization of these advancements by both patients and healthcare providers. Recognizing the varying levels of tech literacy among patients, we have implemented strategies to bridge this gap and ensure that everyone can benefit from our digital solutions. Our efforts are particularly focused on reaching patients in remote areas with limited access to proper healthcare. Through ongoing initiatives, we are making technology more streamlined and affordable, thus ensuring that healthcare reaches every corner of the country. One example of our commitment to accessibility is our triaging services, which utilize video consults to provide healthcare services in Tier 2 and 3 cities across Rajasthan, UP, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. By breaking down geographical barriers and leveraging technology, we ensure that clinical care is readily available to all, regardless of their location or background. Furthermore, we are launching Health Connect Programs in collaboration with corporates to extend our reach to remote areas and other cities nationwide. These programs aim to foster partnerships and leverage resources to provide comprehensive healthcare services to underserved communities, thereby addressing the diverse needs of patients and promoting health equity across the board. Manipal Health Enterprise is committed to ensuring that our digital solutions are not only accessible, but also beneficial to a diverse range of patients, including those in underserved communities. Through innovation, collaboration, and a patient-centric approach, we strive to make healthcare more inclusive and accessible to all. A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper inspects the scene of a fatal crash involving a Hays County school bus in Bastrop County on March 22. Jay Janner/Associated Press The concrete pump truck driver who struck a school bus and SUV, killing two people, had failed two drug tests in the past two years and his employer had not verified his status with a federal clearinghouse for drug and alcohol violations, court records show. Jerry Hernandez, 43, was arrested last Friday and charged with criminally negligent homicide, one week after the crash on Texas 21 that killed Hays County preschooler Ulises Rodriguez Montoya, 5, and Ryan Wallace, 33, a Bastrop resident and University of Texas at Austin doctoral student. An arrest warrant for Hernandez released by the Bastrop County District Clerks office details three drug- and alcohol violations since 2020, which changed the status of his commercial drivers license, but didnt prevent him from driving the concrete pump truck. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last week, a federal transportation agency disqualified Hernandez from commercial driving for at least 30 days, saying it would pose an imminent hazard to public safety. After the crash, Hernandez told a Department of Public Safety trooper that he had smoked marijuana the night before, slept for about three hours before waking around 12:30 a.m. and consuming cocaine around 1 a.m., the warrant said. The crash occurred just before 2 p.m. that day. He appeared to fall asleep several times during the conversation and refused to provide a blood sample, according to court documents, but a search warrant was issued and a blood specimen was collected. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse indicated Hernandez had refused a test in September 2020, when his employer had reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use, the warrant said. READ MORE: Truck driver charged in fatal school bus crash After he refused to take a test, Hernandez should have been removed from performing safety-sensitive functions at this point by the company he was driving for at the time, the arrest warrant said. Under federal rules for commercial drivers licenses, that includes driving a commercial motor vehicle, as well as loading, unloading, inspecting or servicing such vehicles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That refusal would have warranted a referral for an evaluation by a substance abuse professional, the warrant said. Those are licensed doctors, social workers, psychologists or others who meet U.S. Department of Transportation criteria and are tasked with assessing transportation employees who violate drug and alcohol rules and determining the education or treatment needed to return to duty. According to DOT guidelines, substance abuse professionals must develop a follow-up testing regimen for violators, including at least six tests in the first 12 months after returning to work. Hernandez tested positive for drug use in two follow-up tests, the warrant said: one for marijuana on Dec. 15, 2022, and another for cocaine on April 11, 2023. But even though his clearinghouse status was prohibited because of the failed tests, a loophole allowed him to continue driving commercially. State drivers license agencies, which issue commercial drivers licenses, arent required to downgrade those licenses for drug and alcohol violations. Thats set to change this fall under a new rule introduced in 2021 and scheduled to take effect in November. The rule change is intended to close what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration called a knowledge gap between the federal government and individual states drivers license agencies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Currently, most state agencies do not receive drug and alcohol program violation information about commercial license and permit holders, the administration said in a summary of the rule changes. The state agencies are unaware when commercial vehicle operators are prohibited from driving due to violations, so they continue to hold valid licenses. Under the new rule that takes effect Nov. 18, stage agencies must remove commercial driving privileges from drivers who are prohibited due to those violations. Despite the loophole, Hernandezs employer should have been aware of his drug and alcohol history, the warrant said. Hernandez was driving a truck that belonged to FJM Concrete, a company owned by Francisco Martinez and based in Smithville, a city in Bastrop County. According to the arrest warrant, Martinez did not verify the status of Hernandezs license or his status in the federal clearinghouse before hiring him as a driver. In 2021, Martinez was cited for employing an unlicensed driver, according to Hays County court records. A plea hearing was set for March 10, 2022, but a warrant wasnt issued by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4s office until Monday, records show. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Martinez pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor traffic charge Tuesday. After hitting the school bus and passenger vehicle, Hernandez seemed unaware of the magnitude of the crash he was involved in, the arrest warrant said, and Hernandez never mentioned striking a school bus. While he told a trooper that an SUV traveling in front of him had braked suddenly, forcing him to swerve, that didnt match video footage from the bus dashboard camera or witness statements, the warrant said. One week after the crash, the U.S. Department of Transportation disqualified Hernandez from driving any commercial vehicle, which it said would constitute an imminent hazard to public safety. This finding means that based upon your present state of unacceptable safety compliance, your operation of any commercial motor vehicle substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death if not discontinued immediately, the order said. It was issued Friday, March 29, and handed to Hernandez at St. Davids Emergency Center in Bastrop. The order cites both the March 22 collision and Hernandezs history of using controlled substances while being employed as a professional CMV driver, referencing the refused test and two failed tests. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A field administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed a one-year disqualification period, which will take effect unless Hernandez requests an administrative review of the order. To resume driving commercial vehicles, hell need to complete a return-to-duty process, including an evaluation, substance abuse treatment and education as determined by a professional, and pass return-to-duty testing, the order said. If Hernandez violates the order, he can be fined up to $6,974 per violation, and could be subject to criminal penalties. The East and North-East have a thriving ecosystem of their own rich culture, tradition, lifestyle, language, consumer trends, content consumption, buying behaviour and more. The advertising industry here has evolved to embrace the diversity of this region and has been formulating a highly hyper-local strategy, perhaps long before national brands caught on to this strategy. In this three-part In-Depth series, Adgully speaks to leading industry names to decipher the East and North East markets, how advertising has evolved in these markets, the key trends dominating these markets, how brands engage with their consumers, and much more. Also read: In-depth Part 1: The changing face of Advertising in East and North-East markets Tracking the growth story Angad Singh Manchanda, CEO & Co-founder, Chimp&z Inc shared his views on how Chimp&z has observed the advertising scenario to evolve specially in the East market, saying, The advertising landscape in India has showcased remarkable growth, expanding at a rate of approximately 12%, surpassing the global average of 4.5%. Traditional media spending in India stands at a substantial $5 billion, with advertisers allocating over $5 per capita on adverts, indicative of a robust market with promising growth prospects. We have indeed come a long way from iconic campaigns like Amuls Amul doodh pita hai India, Cadburys Umeedowali dhoop, or Surf Excels Daag achhe hain, as the industry shifts its focus towards an automated advertising approach. This transition enables precise targeting and heightened efficiency, propelled by the widespread adoption of smartphones and internet connectivity across the nation. Vandana Ramkrishna, Chief Operating Officer, Madison Media Ace, observed, From being a largely safe and traditional market, East has moved towards a huge transformation of adoption of latest media trends to elevate their marketing quotient. Not just large corporates, but even homegrown, owner-driven companies have seen a significant shift in the adoption of digital as part of their regular branding campaigns. All this, without losing out to the distinct linguistic and cultural nuances of the markets. Regional content has grown at least by 2X and both local as well as national marketers lap up the association opportunity. Yousuf Rangoonwala, Founder, Kakkoii International, added here, The advertising landscape in Eastern India has witnessed a gradual evolution, presenting both challenges and opportunities for brands. While our brand has observed limited project opportunities in the region over the past four years, we have recognized the abundance of talent available, both locally and from neighbouring areas. However, the visibility of significant projects and innovative briefs remains relatively low, indicative of the ongoing challenges associated with the Eastern market. He further noted, Kolkata, serving as the focal point of the Eastern market, presents unique dynamics characterized by its historical background and economic profile. Despite being India's least prosperous metropolitan city, Kolkata continues to play a significant role in the regional advertising scene, with traditional mediums such as outdoor advertising retaining prominence. However, there persists a lack of diversity in advertising content and brand engagement, primarily driven by established categories like innerwear, real estate, and jewellery. While the Eastern market shows signs of improvement, particularly with the rise of local agencies, it still lags behind other regions in terms of attracting large-scale investments and strategic moves from national brands. The need for a more progressive mindset among traditional businesses and entrepreneurs is evident, coupled with a shift towards embracing modern advertising strategies to stimulate market growth and brand engagement. Meanwhile, Rajni Daswani, Director - Digital Marketing, SoCheers, acknowledged that the East has always been the last focus market, especially for pan-India players. With multiple different regions, but all with very different regional nuances of their own, a lot of brands try to enter the market only when they feel confident enough across the nation. Regional brands that understand regional nuances better have always taken a higher market share. However, with saturation across other markets and the East presenting such ample opportunities, brands have entered the market strongly even with a strong digital approach. Through hyper-local based targeting that can be based on location, interests, and demographics, brands can now easily craft and make them reach messages that resonate with specific communities, she added. Kritika Arora, Director - Performance and Acquisitions, Globale Media, noted, The advertising landscape in East India has witnessed a remarkable transformation fueled by various influential factors. The regions rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity have sparked a surge in demand for localized content that resonates with specific audience preferences. As a result, brands are strategically tailoring their campaigns to cater to the unique linguistic and cultural nuances of the region, effectively engaging with their target audiences. The Digital transformation In the past few decades, spending on digital advertising has increased to a great extent and now is in alignment with traditional media channels. There is a rise in more targeted, personalized, mobile advertising because of a growing mobile-first consumer base. Digital media consumption has surpassed traditional media in the East as well. Mohit Anand, Co-Founder & CEO, Secure Connection, noted, It is fascinating how the advertising scenario, especially in the East market, has been evolving, especially post-COVID. We have seen a major shift towards digital platforms across the board. From social media marketing to in-app advertising and digital media campaigns, everything seems to be going digital. One notable shift is the decline in organic reach on social media platforms. This shift is pushing brands to concentrate more on paid advertising to effectively reach their target audience. Additionally, there's a burgeoning interest in performance-based marketing, particularly in the realm of in-app ads. Everyone's craving measurable results these days. Speaking about Amazon, Anand said that it has transcended its role as merely a shopping platform and has now become a colossal advertising powerhouse. Brands can now directly target consumers based on keywords, leading to increased sales opportunities and precise audience engagement. Focusing on East India, the narrative follows a similar trajectory. Digital advertising is asserting its dominance here as well. More and more brands are waking up to the potential of digital platforms in connecting with their audience. It is fast becoming the preferred avenue for establishing brand presence and driving sales. Mehernosh Pithawalla, EVP - Brand & Strategic Insights, Godrej & Boyce, too, stated that digital transformation in the East has revolutionized the advertising landscape. Consumers in this region have enthusiastically adopted mobile and social platforms, prompting us to develop culturally relevant and personalized campaigns across these channels. We harness the power of data, influencers, and interactive experiences to captivate our audiences. Our strategy has evolved from traditional media to a digital-first approach, focusing on targeted online campaigns and leveraging CTV for premium audiences. This shift mirrors the evolving consumer journey and underscores the influence of online channels. The East, previously underrepresented in media, has experienced remarkable digital growth, with ample opportunities for further expansion. While national ad spending is projected to increase by 12% in 2024, the East is poised for a 6-7% growth. By maintaining agility and embracing innovation, Godrej & Boyce is poised to thrive in this dynamic market, Pithawalla added. According to Delphin Varghese, Co-founder & Chief Revenue Officer, AdCounty Media, There is an increasing need for digital agencies looking to establish themselves in the East to adapt to the dynamic and evolving landscape. Eastern consumers are increasingly more brand-aware and tech-savvy. The Middle East also has a very high mobile phone penetration. Marketers need to ensure that their website and marketing collaterals are optimized for mobile viewing and user experience. We at AdCounty Media adapted our marketing strategies to resonate with the local audiences in the East. To begin with, we developed a brand identity that aligns with the region's cultural preferences and language. He further added, We also believe in creating high-quality content that caters to the specific needs and interests of our East Asian audiences. We have developed targeted social media campaigns for our clients in the East and partnered with Middle Eastern influencers to promote some services and ensure a wider reach. Our cultural sensitivity, localized marketing strategies, and strong local presence are some crucial factors that have contributed to our success. Our campaigns such as Pushing Digital Boundaries or Tested Strategies for Success highlight our dedication to innovation and delivering desired results. AdCounty Media has harnessed the power of programmatic platforms to cater to a precise audience segment through geo-targeting. Its programmatic platforms have also augmented engagement and brand recall via contextual targeting. Alongside this, the platforms also offer features of creative optimization that help the company craft campaigns that resonate with East Asian audiences. Besides these, robust performance tracking available on these platforms has helped us improve campaign performance through assessing metrics like brand lift, ad recall, engagement rates, etc., Varghese added. Rajni Daswani of SoCheers noted that the East markets have gotten a lot more accessible due to digital penetration; however, theres still a lot to learn about each citys cultural preferences and nuances that help brands and agencies connect with them better. However, with regional language content creation, we have been able to break some barriers and see effective reach numbers. Localized ads in digital and print; sponsoring local events; key regional celebrity and influencer endorsements are some of the ways we have looked at approaching the East markets. Globale Medias Kritika Arora shared, We leverage digital channels to reach and engage with the target audiences of our clients more effectively. This includes strategies such as content marketing, social media advertising, influencer partnerships, and search engine optimization (SEO). Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on personalization and data-driven advertising, where brands use consumer data to deliver more relevant and targeted messages. Our brand communication is currently focused on creating authentic and relatable content that resonates with the Eastern market culture and values. A good understanding of regional dialects and cultural quirks can be crucial in developing marketing strategies. We are also focused on driving lower funnel metrics for our brands by adopting multiple approaches that include retargeting and sealing the deal. From traditional mediums like print and television to the explosion of digital platforms and social media, the options for reaching audiences have expanded exponentially, pointed out Shivansh Tripathi, Business Development Manager, Mrig Sight Media, adding, However, navigating this diverse and complex market requires more than just adopting new channels it demands a deep understanding of local preferences, values, and communication styles. By embracing innovation while respecting cultural sensitivities, businesses can unlock immense opportunities for growth and engagement in East markets. As we continue to explore this ever-changing advertising scenario, business development strategies must remain agile, adaptive, and culturally attuned to effectively capture the attention and loyalty of East market consumers. Adoption of emerging tech like AI, ChatGPT, ML, AR Vandana Ramkrishna of Madison Media Ace noted, There are brands who want to keep the audience engaged, so along with building the Top Funnel, brands use GPT-enabled Chatbots. These help them keep the audience engaged along with collecting the PII data. Google and Meta themselves provide AI-enabled options like AI-powered Ad Copies, AI enabled dynamic creatives. These reduce TAT, and human intervention, thereby saving budgets. iThink Logistics, one of India's leading shipping platforms has onboarded onto Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The move underlines iThink logistics commitment towards local businesses and small e-commerce sellers by ensuring accessible logistics support in the largely evolving digital landscape. iThink Logistics going live on the ONDC Network unfolds advantages for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Indian e-commerce landscape. Businesses leveraging the Open Network can seamlessly unlock a broader market reach beyond their established territories, providing SMEs and MSMEs access to a vast customer base and enabling them to tap into new markets with broader audiences. This newfound accessibility is coupled with enhanced autonomy, as dependence on established marketplaces minimizes. This empowers all kinds of businesses with greater control over crucial aspects such as brand identity, pricing strategies, and customer relationships. Shireesh Joshi, CBO, ONDC shared, Logistics is a critical component if you want to conduct your business digitally in the current ecommerce landscape. We welcome iThink Logistics on ONDC Network and we are confident that it will enhance delivery options for the small and medium sellers on the Network. At iThink Logistics, our mission of revolutionizing e-commerce aligns perfectly with ONDCs vision to create an inclusive and unbiased ecosystem for every e-commerce seller and retailer across India. As we join the ONDC Network, it signifies our dedication to democratizing business opportunities for SMEs and MSMEs, enabling them to transcend conventional limits. We are transforming the logistics landscape and fuelling the dreams of myriad entrepreneurs navigating the ever-evolving e-commerce ecosystem in India. Now with ONDC Network, our commitment to fostering an environment where businesses from every nook and corner of the country can thrive becomes stronger. We are proud as we contribute to this journey of creating a balanced and equitable retail ecosystem for all." quoted Kuldeep Kunjadiya, Product Manager at iThink Logistics iThink Logistics on ONDC will bring tangible benefits through competitive shipping rates facilitated by iThink Logistics AI-powered courier aggregation on the ONDC platform. This enables SMEs and MSMEs to benefit from cost-effective shipping solutions, saving shipping costs and enhancing overall competitiveness while getting the best TAT for shipments. This integration goes beyond transactional benefits, contributing to an improved customer experience through real-time shipment tracking and enhanced delivery visibility offered by iThink's platform. This fosters customer trust and loyalty, essential elements for sustained business growth. Lizol, Indias leading disinfectant brand, has launched a unique, first-of-its kind large scale testing challenge Test What You Trust to question consumer trust in phenyls and demystify their efficacy with factual evidence on germ kill and cleaning. Consumers today test all kinds of products before making a purchase decision. However, they tend to rely on generational trust and familiarity for homecare products like floor cleaners and disinfectants, associating the strong pungent smell of phenyls as a proof of their germ-kill and cleaning efficacy. With its innovative campaign, Lizol boldly challenges consumers to reassess the phenyls they trust for maintaining home cleanliness. By advocating for proactive testing, Lizol urges everyone to prioritize their family's safety and protection with the same scrutiny applied to floor cleaners as to other products. The campaign invites consumers to nominate their phenyl brands to undergo scientific testing against Lizol for germ-kill and cleaning efficacy. The top 10 nominated phenyls will be tested, and final results published by an independent ISO-certified lab. With assured prizes to participants for each submission, consumers will have the opportunity to win weekly bumper prizes including iPads, refrigerators and washing machines. The brand has roped in popular actor Vijay Varma as the face of the campaign to engage consumers and draw attention to the inadequacy of their trusted phenyl brands. In the witty film, Varma highlights the quintessential behaviour of an Indian consumer who closely evaluates every product before making a purchase but falls short when it comes to phenyls. Urging consumers to question this decision and bust myths around efficacy of phenyls, Varma invites consumers to submit their preferred phenyl brands that will undergo testing in independent ISO-certified labs with other phenyls and Lizol. Results from the test, communicated through a series of ads, will reveal the truth of which product provides superior cleaning and disinfection. Speaking on the campaign association, actor Vijay Varma said, It is exciting to see such confidence and assurance from a brand like Lizol that is focusing its campaign on breaking misconceptions around phenyls we have grown up with in several Indian homes. With #TestWhatYouTrust, consumers can put their phenyls to the test, helping India break its flawed perception and make the right choice for their home. For years, Lizol has been a reliable and trusted brand for me and my family, and I encourage everyone to nominate their trusted phenyls and re-evaluate their choice against Lizol." Saurabh Jain, Regional Marketing Director, Hygiene, Reckitt- South Asia said, Lizol has been championing the cause of protecting families from germs for decades. Consumers often misrelate Phenyls strong smell with better germ-killing properties. The #TestWhatYouTrust challenge will help educate consumers on their misplaced trust in phenyls and reiterate the need to adopt Lizol for 99.9% germ-free homes. We are confident about Lizols efficacy in germ-kill and cleaning and invite consumers to nominate any phenyl brand they feel can stand the test of science and prove to be superior to a specialist. Campaign Video Link - Babita Baruah, CEO, VML India said, The Lizol Test Your Trust challenge campaign exemplifies the profound impact of advertising in leveraging cultural insights to address business challenges. By urging consumers to move beyond mere popular belief and actually test the efficacy of their trusted brands, we are reshaping consumer perceptions. VML India is privileged to partner with Reckitt India on this journey, and we eagerly anticipate the positive response from consumers to our collaborative efforts. With the #TestWhatYouTrust challenge^, Lizol aims to reaffirm its consumers that Lizol All-in-one Floor Cleaner is scientifically proven to be a superior surface cleaning solution, providing 10X better cleaning and 99.9% Germ Kill than phenyls. From all the nominated phenyl brands, Lizol will choose the top 10 phenyls for testing by an ISO-certified laboratory. People who wish to participate in the challenge and nominate their chosen phenyls can do so by logging on to lizoltestwhatyoutrust.com or giving a missed call on 9999333499. The nominations are open starting 30th March 2024 till 31st May 2024 and results will be announced by the campaign ambassador Vijay Varma once the tests are concluded. Before the Lok Sabha elections, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi took down more than half a million political ads in the city. These ads, which included hoardings, posters, banners, wall paintings, signages, and flags, were removed from various public spaces across the city's 12 zones. The removal was in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that comes into effect when elections are announced, aiming to restrict political advertising. The 12 zones of MCD where the advertisements were removed are Rohini Zone, City SP Zone, Civil Lines Zone, Karol Bagh Zone, Narela Zone, Keshavpurm Zone, South Zone, West Zone, Najafgarh Zone, Central Zone, Shahadara North Zone, and Shahadara South Zone. With Delhi set to vote on May 25 in the sixth phase of the seven-phase polls, the MCD's action aligns with the regulations. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4. According to an official document released earlier this week, the MCD removed a total of 257,280 hoardings, 192,601 banners or wall paintings and posters, 40,022 removable signages, and 30,139 removable flags. Next time you're 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 Mr. 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. Mrs. 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, weve 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, Mr. 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. In a stern rebuke, the Supreme Court has taken a hard stance against Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved for its defiance of court orders regarding misleading advertisements. The apex court has demanded Patanjali to take the contempt petition seriously and provide a more satisfactory response within a week. Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, key figures in the company, were present in court as per the Supreme Court's directive. Despite Patanjali tendering an 'unconditional apology' for its violations, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the nature of the company's response. The Supreme Court criticized Patanjali for continuing to publish misleading advertisements despite prior warnings. The company claimed its media department was unaware of the court order, but the court dismissed this as 'lip service' and emphasized the need for respecting court orders. The apex court has rebuked Patanjali for holding a press conference within 24 hours of the proceedings, suggesting a deliberate violation of court orders. Patanjali Ayurved has been instructed to file two separate affidavits for two distinct instances of contempt. One pertains to the company's persistence in publishing misleading advertisements, while the other concerns its failure to respond to the contempt notice issued to Balakrishna and the company. Justice Kohli remarked, "Not just SC, every order passed by courts across the country has to be respected," emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The bench indicated that contempt cases against Patanjali would be pursued to their 'logical conclusion.' Furthermore, the Supreme Court held the government responsible for not taking action against Patanjali's misleading claims regarding COVID-19 remedies, questioning why the authorities turned a blind eye to the issue. The case against Patanjali Ayurved stems from allegations by the Indian Medical Association of a smear campaign against modern medicine through its advertisements. Despite assurances to the court, Patanjali allegedly violated laws related to advertising and branding, leading to contempt proceedings. This development displays the significance of adhering to legal and ethical standards in advertising, especially concerning public health matters. The Supreme Court's firm stance signals a commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting consumers from deceptive marketing practices. National Cyber Security Centre Bern, 03.04.2024 - Florian Schutz, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), will meet with his French counterpart, Vincent Strubel, Director General of the French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), on 3 April to discuss cybersecurity issues and strengthen relations between the two countries. The meeting between Florian Schutz and Vincent Strubel will provide a valuable platform for deepening dialogue and intensifying cooperation between France and Switzerland in the field of cybersecurity. The talks will cover issues such as cooperation between the two countries, the implementation of cybersecurity policy and the current cyberthreat situation. It will also provide an opportunity to develop in-depth technical discussions to strengthen the ability of both nations to meet cyber challenges. Address for enquiries Communication NCSC +41 58 465 04 64 media@ncsc.admin.ch Publisher National Cyber Security Centre https://www.ncsc.admin.ch/ncsc/en/home.html General Secretariat DDPS https://www.vbs.admin.ch/ Defence http://www.vtg.admin.ch Biden and Trump win presidential primaries in four more states 2 US President Joe Biden and his Republican rival and predecessor Donald Trump have easily won their presidential primaries in four more states as they are set for a 2020 rematch in November. On Tuesday, hundreds of delegates were up for grabs in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and the crucial battleground state of Wisconsin. Multiple names remained on the presidential ballots in the four states, though neither Trump, 77, nor Biden, 81, faced any major challenger. In all the four states where the primaries were held Tuesday, Trump bagged more than 75 per cent of the votes, while Biden, a Democrat, received more than 80 per cent of the votes. Trump with four wins now has 1,860 delegates. Biden has so far won 3,030 delegates as against the minimum requirement of 1,968 delegates. Biden and Trump have already amassed enough delegates to win their respective nominations. But the turnout could provide more clues about the election on November 5. Their rematch is expected to mirror the 2020 campaign, though Trump will run this time under the spectre of 91 felony charges. Their nominations will be confirmed at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. Connecticut and Rhode Island allowed voters to vote uncommitted in the primary, while Wisconsin offered a similar option of uninstructed delegation. There was an effort in Wisconsin on Tuesday by anti-Biden protesters to encourage people in the Democratic primary to pick the uninstructed option in opposition to Bidens policies on the Israel-Hamas war. Pressure has been growing on Biden especially, to push harder for a ceasefire in Gaza, with some states, including Michigan, fostering similar campaigns for residents to submit uncommitted votes for the president. These victories offer insights into base voter enthusiasm for the upcoming 2020 rematch, particularly in Wisconsin, a crucial November battleground. Biden and the Democratic National Committee have outpaced Trump and the Republicans in fundraising. Biden claimed the largest single-event fundraising record last week when he received USD 26 million at a star-studded New York event. Trump hopes to bring in USD 33 million at a Palm Beach, Florida fundraiser. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Democrats have been growing increasingly anxious about public polls showing Trump making unprecedented inroads among Black and Hispanic voters. But there may be reasons for Republicans to feel uneasy about these polls too, it said, adding that surveys now consistently show Trump leading President Joe Biden nationally and in almost all of the key swing states. Alabamas public elementary and middle school students are taking annual standardized tests this month, and for third graders, the reading portion is extremely important. This is the first school year that Alabamas third-graders spring reading test results will put a child on either a path to fourth grade or a path that will include intensive reading help, more testing and possibly an extra year of school. According to state data, about 78% of this years third graders were estimated to be on track at the beginning of the school year. The retention component of the Alabama Literacy Act, passed in 2019, becomes effective with this years third graders. In simple terms, it means a third grader could be retained, or held back, if the child is not reading on grade level before August 2024. What does reading on a third grade level look like? Parents should get regular communication from their teacher and can ask to review the materials teachers use to see if a student is reading on grade level. You can also review sample questions from the states third grade standardized test. Click Lets Go below. What is the Alabama Literacy Act? While this is the first time the retention piece of the law takes effect, many of the foundational parts of the Alabama Literacy Act have been in place for a few years. That includes everything from teachers learning to teach reading based on what science shows about how children learn to read to student reading plans for those who need them to voluntary summer reading camps for young learners. A third-graders test results shouldnt be the first indication a child is struggling to read. Third grade teachers should have already notified parents if their child is struggling to read on grade level and should have been working to improve their reading skills throughout the school year. Why is reading in third grade such a big deal? Experts say third grade is a critical year for reading, where children cross the line from learning to read sounding out words, figuring out sentence structure -- to reading to learn. By fourth grade, children should be using those foundational pieces learned in the previous grades to gain knowledge of other subjects. If a child isnt reading on grade level by the end of the third grade theyll struggle to learn subject-level content from the fourth grade forward, likely falling further behind year after year. And that can impact whether that child stays in school and graduates on time. A 2011 study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that students who couldnt read on grade level by the end of the third grade were four times more likely to leave school without earning a high school diploma. Authors found that one in six students who are not reading on grade level by the end of the third grade did not graduate from high school on time, four times the rate of their grade-level peers. The number increases exponentially for students who are poor, Black or Hispanic, according to that research. Will third graders get held back if they dont pass the statewide spring reading test? Not necessarily. There are multiple ways for third graders to show theyre able to read at grade level. Passing the reading portion of the third-grade annual test, called the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program or ACAP, is the quickest way to move on to the fourth grade. All second and third graders will take the spring ACAP ELA test, which includes the reading test, between March 18 and April 12. But there will be additional chances to take and pass a second and even a third test. This year, those additional tests will be given in June and again in July. Beyond passing a test, though, there are other ways to meet the requirement and be promoted to the fourth grade. A child could qualify for a good cause exemption in the following cases: A child is in the first two years of learning the English language, A child has a disability and is learning alternate standards, A child has a disability, was retained once in kindergarten, first, second or third grade and has received two years of intensive remediation, A child has received intensive intervention in reading for two or more years and has already been retained for a total of two years. Experts told AL.com that if your child meets that last exemption - being held back for two years already in their kindergarten through third grade years, parents should ask whether special education services are needed to get your child the help he needs. A child can also be promoted to the fourth grade, even if they dont pass the reading test or qualify for a good cause exemption, if they demonstrate grade level reading through a reading portfolio of work collected by the childs teacher throughout the year. Isnt holding kids back a bad idea? That depends on who you ask. Last June, Chalkbeat, a nonprofit education news site, rounded up the latest research on holding kids back, and found that evidence for younger grades is mixed and researchers dont have an easy answer. And Alabama schools already hold back thousands of children in kindergarten through third grade every year. How many kids are held back in a regular year? The numbers for retention for kindergarten, first, second and third grades are in the chart below. Will my child have to go to summer reading camp? Summer reading camps, held for kindergarten through third grade students, are currently optional. Students who show a deficit in their reading skills are invited to summer camp, but are not required to attend. The reading camps, which typically run between four and six weeks, have proven to help young students retain their reading skills over the summer according to data shared by the state department of education. Students are given a total of 60 hours of reading instruction. State education officials said theyre working on ways to raise the low participation among reading camps - only 29,000, or 26% of the states 110,000 eligible kindergarten through third grade students participated last summer. How will I know if my child is struggling to read on grade level? Every child in kindergarten, first, second and third grade will be tested in reading at the beginning, middle and end of each school year. If at any time those test results show a child needs help, the teacher has 15 days to notify the childs parent, in writing. The notice should also include the plan called an individual reading plan the school will use to get your child on track. Parents should receive monthly updates, in writing, on the childs progress. If you have a third grader who is struggling to read, you may have already received a notice that their child may have to repeat the third grade if they dont reach grade level by the end of the summer after their third-grade year. But remember that your child still has the rest of the school year and this summer to improve their reading skills, if needed. And teachers should be working intensely with children to help them reach grade level. What happens if my child is held back in the third grade? Will another year in third grade help my child? If a child is held back in the third grade, it will not be simply a repeat of their third grade year. The child will get more intensive reading help, including being taught by a highly effective teacher and frequent monitoring. Parents will be asked to help, too, and will be given resources to help their child at home. Where can I learn more about how to help my child read? State education officials have produced The Alabama Family Guide for Student Reading Success in both English and Spanish. Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net. Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023. Talladega County Central High School will close at the end of the school year after the board of education voted to accept Superintendent Suzanne Laceys recommendation to do so. Her recommendation came after months of discussion and a thorough review of the facts, according to Lacey. Those facts included the high cost of operating the school, the likelihood that enrollment will shrink further, and how state policies negatively impact the schools ability to operate and strengthen academics, officials said. Central High was established in 1926 and is one of seven high schools in the district. The school enrolls 143 students in seventh through twelfth grade, making it the smallest of all schools in the 6,800-student district. Two of the factors cited as reasons to close the school directly relate to the school earning a D on the 2023 report card - the only one of the countys 17 schools to earn below a C. Changes made to the Alabama Accountability Act last year require all schools that earn a D or F to offer school choice to students enrolled at those schools. Talladega County Central High Schools D grade means students could transfer to other schools in the county, which could result in losing more students. Rezoning wasnt an option, Lacey said in a statement provided to AL.com, because any students rezoned to the school could request to stay in their current school. The current accountability system negatively impacts small schools and will continue to work against the school because of the 20 students requirement in the graduation cohort, Lacey wrote. Lacey attributed the schools score of 62 - down from 81 in 2022 - to a change in how the schools grade was calculated by state officials. Despite having an 89% graduation rate and 94% college and career ready rate, the school was not eligible to earn points reflecting those rates because fewer than 20 students were in the twelfth grade. That meant the schools score mostly reflects how students performed on annual standardized tests. The final factor has to do with the high cost of operating the school. According to school spending data AL.com reviewed, the district spent $26,500 per student at Talladega County Central during the 2021-22 school year, the fifth-highest amount spent of all non-specialty schools statewide. The amount spent at other schools in Talladega County ranged from $7,500 to $15,200 per student. House Republicans shouldnt rush to pick a new Appropriations Committee leader until they have a fuller discussion about changing the process to avoid massive packages, like the long-delayed $1.2 trillion measure enacted before the Easter recess, Rep. Robert B. Aderholt said Wednesday. Aderholt, who is considering running against Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole for the job, in a Wednesday letter to fellow GOP lawmakers called for party leaders to delay a scheduled April 9 Steering Committee meeting to select the new chairman. Currently the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee chairman, Aderholt is the full committees most senior Republican after Rep. Kay Granger of Texas, who is stepping down into a chairwoman emeritus role, and Rep. Harold Rogers of Kentucky, the panels former top Republican who already served a full six-year term. In his letter, Aderholt did not say whether he will ultimately seek the full committee gavel, but he is the only member other than Cole, R-Okla., to indicate interest. Cole, the current Transportation-HUD subcommittee chairman, has secured backing from every other subcommittee cardinal besides Aderholt and Agriculture subcommittee chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., a member of the House Freedom Caucus. In calling for a delay of the vote, which many had seen as an anointment of Cole, Aderholt stressed that the current spending process is fundamentally flawed and that Republicans need to find a way to return to debating and passing individual appropriations bills in a timely fashion. Instead of hastily selecting a new Appropriations Chair, I believe that now is the time to focus on correcting the process and developing our theory of government on how we will manage our responsibilities, Aderholt wrote. Our Conference must work together to define a clear direction forward before choosing a Chairman to lead us there. While Cole and a vast majority of the Republican Steering Committee supported the final fiscal 2024 appropriations package last month, Aderholt voted against it. He highlighted earmarks that Senate Democrats had secured supporting the LGBTQ community and hospitals that perform abortions. While I know that some have criticized my efforts in making some controversial provisions known to Members of our Conference, I believe it is my duty as a Cardinal and Chairman of the [Labor-HHS-Education] Subcommittee to make concerns within the conferenced version of my subcommittees bill known prior to consideration on the House Floor, Aderholt wrote. Granger announced shortly after the House passage of that final package that she would be stepping away from the position. She had announced earlier that she would be retiring at the end of this Congress. Aderholt wrote that while Granger and Cole, the panels current vice chair, did an admirable job in navigating the fiscal 2024 process, changes are needed. A change in the appropriations Committee Leadership, however, presents a perfect opportunity to change the process, Aderholt wrote. The bottom line? We cannot continue to go down the same path and expect a different outcome. ___ 2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. An Alabama man accused of sexually assaulting an underage girl and getting her pregnant has pleaded guilty in Michigan to 31 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to prosecutors. Tyrone Anthony Jones, a 53-year-old resident of Scottsboro, and former Flint resident, sexually assaulted the victim dozens of times while she was living in Flint with Jones and his wife between 2002 and 2003, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said in a Tuesday, April 2, news release. The victim became pregnant by Jones and delivered the baby when she was 13, according to the release. The wheels of justice may turn slowly but they never stop turning and today, justice was served with the conviction of Tyrone Anthony Jones, Leyton said in a statement. I want to credit the survivor of these appalling sexual assaults for showing tremendous strength and courage for coming forward to make sure that Jones was held accountable for his unforgivable acts. Jones moved to Alabama after the assaults. The victim and her child also moved to another state, according to prosecutors. The victim came forward and made a formal criminal complaint with the Flint Police Department in September 2022. Jones was charged three months later. The charges were able to be filed 20 years after the fact because theres no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan, the prosecutors office said. Jones is being held without bond at the Genesee County Jail. Hes scheduled to be sentenced before Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth A. Kelly on May 6. A petition for a union election at Mercedes-Benzs automotive plant in Alabama could come as early as this week, according to Reuters. The news agency cited three unnamed sources familiar with the matter. In February, the United Auto Workers announced that more than half of the employees at Mercedes-Benzs Vance plant have signed union authorization cards. The union has set a goal of 70% of the plants workers signing union cards before it will petition for a union election. Reuters says a timeline for when the paperwork with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) could be filed is still fluid. The news comes a little over three months since the UAW began a public campaign in auto plants located in Deep South states historically resistant to union activity. Mercedes-Benz, along with Hyundais Montgomery plant, are part of that campaign. Last week, the union announced that workers at the Vance plant in Tuscaloosa County had filed charges of anti-union activity against them with the NLRB. About 6,000 people work at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), which was the first auto plant to locate in Alabama. The plant produces the Mercedes GLE, GLE coupe and GLS model series. After investing more than $1 billion into its Alabama operations since 2017, Mercedes also produces the all-electric EQS SUV and EQE. In February, the union announced 30% percent of the employees at Hyundais Montgomery plant had also signed cards. If a union is certified or recognized, the employer is required to bargain over terms and conditions of employment with union representatives. Just last month, the UAW announced hitting the 70% threshold at Volkswagens assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. That plants union election will be concluded in three weeks. Its the third attempt to unionize that factory. Amid the push for unionization, the state legislature is considering a bill that would keep companies receiving state economic development incentives from voluntarily recognizing labor unions. Under SB 231, companies are also prohibited from disclosing an employees personal contact information to a labor organization, or a third party acting on behalf of a union, without the employees prior written consent, unless otherwise required by state or federal law. Alabamas new secretary of commerce, Ellen McNair, has 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 UAW organizes in state auto plants. 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. Friends and family are mourning the death of a beloved security officer killed in a horrific crash on a west Birmingham street nearly one week ago. The Jefferson County Coroners Office on Wednesday identified the fatality victim as Browyn Lavar Fortner. Friends said he went by Bronwyn Fortner. He was 46 and lived in Birmingham. Fortners dog, Sky, also died in the crash. The wreck happened just after 5:31 p.m. on Thursday, March 28 in the 2600 block of Jefferson Avenue. Fortner was driving an older Crown Victoria and was involved in a collision with another vehicle. Fortner was pronounced dead on the scene at 6 p.m. The driver of the other vehicle - a woman - was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. No additional information has been released. Birmingham police and Birmingham firefighters investigate a deadly crash on Jefferson Avenue.(Carol Robinson) A crowd gathered following the deadly crash and at least one person did a Facebook Live video of the aftermath, showing the victim dead inside of is vehicle. That video was later removed. Fortner was a former police officer in Birmingham, Brighton, Lipscomb, Fairfield and Harpersville. He was a well-known, much-loved security officer at several places including Midfields Piggly Wiggly and Legacy Prep charter school. He was loved by so many, said his best friend, Jefferson County sheriffs Deputy Truman Sampson. There was an outpouring of grief on social media by those who loved him. You were a dynamic person and friend, wrote one woman. You always encouraged others and and always had a kind heart. You always had a kind spirit and joyful heart, wrote another. You always protected us and watched out. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Two Mississippi charged with reckless murder in a deadly street-racing crash on Interstate 459 in Hoover have been denied bond following an Aniahs Law hearing. Tyrique M. Carter, 22, of Byram, Miss., and Elisha Jamal Lindsey, 22, of Jackson, Miss., were initially charged with reckless murder in the Feb. 9 death of Tamarion Burton of Jackson, Miss. The fatality victim was their friend. They are also charged with attempting to elude, receiving stolen property and motor vehicle speed contest, a law enacted in Alabama in 2023 to crack down on street racing and exhibition driving. Additionally, Carter is charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injuries or death. The suspects were in stolen high-dollar vehicles at the time of the fatal crash. Both men appeared Tuesday before Bessemer Cutoff Jefferson County District Judge Thomas E. Thrash Sr. The bond hearing also served as a preliminary hearing. Thrash, in his Wednesday order denying bond, noted that Carter has four pending felony cases in Mississippi and is not a resident of Alabama. He also has outstanding warrants in other, unnamed, jurisdictions. A Hoover investigator, in his testimony, attributed the direct cause of the accident contact with the vehicle driven by the fatality victim to Carter, the judge wrote. Carter was driving a stolen 2023 BMW 2 worth $79,899 at the time of the crash. This court is uncertain that release in this case would be consistent with public safety, Thrash wrote. Lindsey, who also isnt an Alabama resident, has three pending felony cases in Mississippi, and the judge noted that he has six counts of failure to appear in court on other cases. The investigator testified that Lindseys speed and reckless behavior in handling the vehicle he was driving attributed to the wreck. Lindsey was driving a stolen 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk worth $97,460.51. In addition to denying bond, Thrash forwarded the cases to a grand jury for indictment consideration. Charging documents state they were involved in an exhibition of speed and a speed contest at the time of the deadly crash. Authorities said those involved were traveling together in a group in three vehicles. They were on their way to Mississippi from Atlanta. The crash happened at 10:09 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, on I-459 southbound near U.S. 31. Hoover, police Lt. Daniel Lowe at the time said all three vehicles were occupied by indivdiuals who knew each other. They were each traveling at a very high rate of speed together on I-459 when the BMW and Nissan Sentra collided with one another, sending the Nissan Sentra off the roadway and into a tree. The BMW and Jeep Grand Cherokee both briefly stopped but fled the scene when police arrived, resulting in the pursuit. Burton was pronounced dead on the scene. Another person inside the car Kortlon Talton - was taken to the hospital with serious injuries that required surgery, according to court records. Descriptions of all the involved vehicles were provided by 911 callers and was shared with patrol officers in Hoover and neighboring agencies, Lowe said. A short time later, a Hoover officer spotted the other two vehicles believed to be involved traveling on John Hawkins Parkway near Hunter Street. The officer attempted to stop the vehicles, but both fled. One of the vehicles, the Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Lindsey, was involved in a single vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 31 and I-459. He was taken into custody at that location. Carter, in the BMW, continued fleeing and was pursued by officers with several area agencies, including Star 1 helicopter. That vehicle eventually stopped at a gas station on Morgan Road in Helena where Carter was taken into custody. Both suspects remain in the Jefferson County Jail. Costco is now offering its members in the United States to prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss drugs, including Ozempic, through its virtual, low-cost healthcare partner Sesame. Costco first partnered with Sesame, a direct-to-consumer health care marketplace that connects medical providers nationwide with consumers, last fall when it began offering its members online health checkups for as low as $29, reports CNN. Sesame co-founder and president Michael Botta told CNN that two months after the announcement, Costco and Sesame noticed that about one in five customer inquiries was about weight-loss help. So the companies began working on a new program to address that interest. The new Costco-only weight loss program, which launched Tuesday, is $179 for three months of services for Costco members, according to entrepreneur.com. It includes video appointments with Sesame clinicians who specialize in weight loss, prescriptions for popular drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy when appropriate, and support with unlimited messaging and nutrition and exercise advice. How does the Costo weight loss program work? Heres how the Costo weight loss program works, according to USA Today: This is whats included for $179 every three months for Costco members: Three months of clinical consultation. Ability to select the clinician of your choice. An initial live video consultation with the clinician. Ability to message your clinician outside scheduled appointments. A nutritional guide and recommendations. An individualized, clinically appropriate treatment program. The program does not include the cost of the medications, however, which can be cost-prohibitive for many. Without insurance coverage, the weight loss medications cost between $950 to $1,600 per month, depending on the drug. Below is the podcast player followed by the newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox each day here. A new ethics debate The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill that would repeal and replace the existing state ethics law, reports AL.coms Mike Cason. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, a Daphne Republican. Those opposed to the measure include state Attorney General Steve Marshall and Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton. Simpson said the bill clarifies ethics laws and how they affect public employees and their families far beyond lawmakers. Marshall argued that it would result in decriminalizing ethics cases and leaving them to civil litigation. Albritton said it narrows the definition of family members and loosens a friendship exception so loopholes might open up over gifts received by those with connections to public officials. Still, the bill passed the House 79-9 and moves to the Senate. Union vote coming? Yesterday we had a segment on warnings from the governors office about the effects of unionization. Since then, Reuters has reported that a petition for a union election will drop soon for workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama. The United Auto Workers union said back in February that half that plants workers had already signed union authorization cards, and its said that its goal is to get that to 70 percent before petitioning for an election. AL.coms William Thornton reports that, just last week, the union said workers in Vance filed anti-union charges against the company with the National Labor Relations Board. Systems down City employees in Birmingham have spent the past few weeks filling out paper timecards and doing business with good old-fashioned ink and paper (perhaps the way God intended, said the newspaperman in an emailed newsletter). This is certainly an unwanted outage. Is it malicious? City officials have been coy on the topic so far. Mayor Randall Woodfin called the issue a network disruption, and the mayors director of communications, Rick Journey, wouldnt say whether it was the work of hackers, just that there will be more details later and that it wont stop workers from getting paid. AL.coms Joseph D. Bryant reports that multiple sources have pointed toward a ransomware attack. If that were true, it would mean someone is demanding a payment in order to release the computer system and data back to the city. Thats not an uncommon situation. Last year, the Cullman County Revenue Commissioners office was attacked, and several years ago the Montgomery County data was captured by hackers. Just a joke? When the media brand Bham Now posted a story on Monday that the Brookwood Village mall would be turned into an aquarium, folks figured out that the story was being shared on April Fools Day. But here it is April 3, and some are still foolin around with the idea. AL.coms Howard Koplowitz reports that a wishful but very serious petition to support an aquarium quickly picked up hundreds of signatures. The original April Fools post by Bham Now included a photoshopped sign that said Brookwood Aquarium and claimed that future features at the site would include an aquatheater and glass bottom boat rides. Retiring weatherman Veteran meteorologist Fred Hunter is retiring at the end of the month, reports AL.coms Cody D. Short. Hunter is from Fort Payne. His early-career stops included Tuscaloosa before he landed at WBRC Fox 6 in 1997, and hes been there ever since. Folks in Central Alabama know him from doing the weather and from doing traveling feature stories on Absolutely Alabama. Quoting How do we get back to that in this country, where you dont actually have to agree with someone to show them respect? U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, while explaining that she considers some of her Democratic colleagues as (gasp) friends. By the Numbers 176 Thats how many fentanyl pills the Colbert County Sheriffs Office claims a man had hidden in two Easter eggs in his car. More Alabama news Born on this date In 1974, major league infielder and manager Alex Grammas of Birmingham. On the podcast today: Alleged mistreatment of dogs The Down in Alabama podcast is short and free. You can find Down in Alabama wherever you get your podcasts, including these places: UPDATE: Ariel Davis has been found alive and is at an undisclosed hospital. No other details have been released. EARLIER: A search is underway for a 27-year-old Jefferson County woman who has been missing for 24 hours. Ariel Nicole Josaphine Davis was reported missing by family Tuesday. She is mentally disabled and does not drive nor handle her own finances. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on Wednesday issued a Missing and Endangered Alert for Ariel. Ariel lives with her parents and was last seen about 10 a.m. Tuesday at her familys home on Creekstone Circle in Clay. Her sister, Alexis Davis, said Ariel is easily persuaded and they believe she has been in communication with an unknown man who gained her trust and lured her out of the house. She has just disappeared, Alexis said. Ariel Nicole Josaphine Davis, a 27-year-old mentally disabled woman, was reported missing from Jefferson County on April 2, 2024.(Contributed) Ariel was home when her parents left for work Tuesday. Her father called Alexis several hours later, concerned that he had not been able to get in touch with Ariel. Family said she always answers her cell phone. Alexis rushed home. The door was unlocked and all of the cash in the house was gone. Her bag was gone, some of her clothes were gone, she said. Nothing of great value was missing. Because Ariels father is on her bank account, they received a notification from Regions Bank in downtown Birmingham Tuesday that there had been a withdrawal from Ariels account all $16 she had in there and the account closed. I think he thought there would be more money in there, Alexis said. But we just got back from Florida for spring break, and she had spent all her money there. A photo was released by the bank and Alexis said they do not recognize the man with Ariel. Ariel Nicole Josaphine Davis, a 27-year-old mentally disabled woman, was reported missing from Jefferson County on April 2, 2024.(Contributed) The family said theyve received a tip they were both seen at the Greyhound bus station heading to Atlanta. I just have a feeling shes not in Alabama anymore, Alexis said. We cant sleep, she said. Weve been up since the moment we realized she was gone. Ariel is 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. She was last known to be wearing a pink or peach tank top. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office at 205-882-0087. An Alabama man has been indicted on federal dogfighting charges. Carlton Lenard Adams, 51, maintained a stock of 78 fighting dogs at three properties two in Bessemer and one in Adger, according to the indictment announced Wednesday. All of the dogs were rescued by federal authorities. Adams is charged with illegally possessing dogs for fighting purposes and illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. According to the 17-count indictment, Adams lived part-time at a home in Adger and a different home in Bessemer. He kept 62 fighting dogs at his property in Adger, 10 at his Bessemer residence, and six more at the home of an acquaintance, also in Adger. The investigation began in September 2023. Agents recovered tools and supplies used in the training and keeping of dogs used for fighting, including modified treadmills to hold dogs in place for dog fight conditioning. Also found were injectable veterinary steroids, suture materials and syringes, skin staplers, a weighted dog vest, homemade breeding stand used to immobilize female dogs who are too aggressive to mate naturally, and a break stick device used to break the bite hold of a dog during specified intervals in a dog fight. Adams was also in possession of two pistols and a semi-automatic shotgun known as a Street Sweeper, which under federal law is deemed not just a gun but a destructive device. The dogs were rescued and cared for by a program administered by the U.S. Marshals Service. The Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorneys Office successfully sought civil forfeiture of the dogs so they could not be returned to Adams, and instead rehabilitated and evaluated for possible adoption. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Office of Inspector General, the FBI and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are investigating the case. Under federal law, it is illegal to fight animals and to possess, train, transport, deliver, receive, buy, or sell animals intended for use in an animal fighting venture. If convicted, Adams faces penalties up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each firearms charge, and up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count of animal fighting charges. San Antonio police arrested a man accused of kidnapping a woman he was dating after she decided to end their relationship. Tetra Images/Getty Images/Tetra images RF San Antonio police arrested a man accused of kidnapping a woman he was dating after she decided to end their relationship. Charles Lindgren, 41, was charged with kidnapping Tuesday. His bail has been set at $90,000. According to an arrest affidavit, Lindgren is accused of kidnapping a woman he had been in a relationship with after she went to his home to collect her belongings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The woman had ended her relationship with Lindgren after he allegedly assaulted her two days prior, according to the affidavit. Investigators say Lindgren restrained the woman inside by force and threatened to kill her if she tried to escape or called the police. He also threatened to kill the womans family, according to investigators. READ MORE: Two men found dead with gunshot wounds in southern Bexar County home Lindgren forced the woman into his car, and they drove to a nearby gas station, where she escaped to the restroom while Lindgren was pumping gas, according to the affidavit. The woman called police from inside the restroom, according to investigators, but was retaken by Lindgren when she believed police arrived, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The call taker could hear what was happening, and police were able to pinpoint the location of the moving vehicle. She was eventually able to get away and meet with officers. Police were unable to arrest Lindgren at the time but identified him through the gas stations surveillance footage. The shooting death of a Canada Goose in west Alabama led to more gunfire, an injury, and criminal charges. Tuscaloosa County sheriffs deputies were called at 5:24 p.m. Saturday to a report of a person shot in the 14000 block of Ridge Road in Brookwood. They arrived to find Colby Lee Pinegar with a gunshot wound, according to court records. Pinegar was taken to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The victim told authorities he was inside his home when heard a gunshot. He went outside and saw a man running through the field across the street from his residence. The suspect, he said, was heading toward a truck carrying a rifle. He could also see the dead goose in the field. Pinegar and a witness went to confront the suspect. A verbal altercation ensued, and Pineger tried to get the trucks license plate number, records state. The truck then began to pull off. As it did, 42-year-old Jacob Wayne Battle leaned out of the window and fired at Pinegar, hitting him at least once in the leg. When investigators spoke with Battle, he told them he told his son to shoot the goose. The victim and the witness, Battle said, then drove over to confront him. Battle said he did not see either of the men armed but said when one of the men went to the back of the truck, he did not know what he was going to do so he fired two to three warning shots toward the ground. The Canada Goose is federally protected. Battle is charged with first-degree assault, which is a felony. He was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail Sunday and released Monday after posting $30,000 bond. A south Alabama hospital announced today that it will end IVF treatment at the end of the year, following a state Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are children. Infirmary Health in Mobile, which faced several lawsuits over the destruction of frozen embryos, said it will temporarily resume IVF treatment for the rest of 2024 and then end the treatment. The Center for Reproductive Medicine will move its office from the medical center at the end of the year to another location, according to a spokesperson. In order to assist families in Alabama and along the Gulf Coast who have initiated the process of IVF therapy in the hopes of starting a family, Mobile Infirmary has temporarily resumed IVF treatments at the hospital, said an email statement from Infirmary Health spokeswoman Hannah Peterson. However, in light of litigation concerns surrounding IVF therapy, Mobile Infirmary will no longer be able to offer this service to families after December 31, 2024. Three families had sued the hospital and the Center for Reproductive Medicine after an unauthorized person entered a storage area, removed several frozen embryos and then dropped them on the ground. The lawsuit sought damages for wrongful death of a child. A circuit court judge dismissed those claims. But the Alabama Supreme Court overturned that decision in February, becoming he first in the country to rule that frozen embryos are extrauterine children. Most of the states fertility providers paused in vitro fertilization after the court decision. Lawmakers then rushed to pass a bill providing legal immunity for doctors and IVF clinics. Alabama Fertility and UAB restarted treatment after Gov. Kay Ivey signed the IVF protections into law, but treatment remained paused at Infirmary Health in Mobile until recently. However, some experts have said the new law didnt do enough to protect doctors and clinics. Barbara Collura, president and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, said Alabama did nothing to clarify the legal status of frozen embryos in storage. In the past, patients had the option to destroy or donate embryos to science or other families, but its unclear whether all those options will remain available in the state. The law provides immunity from prosecution; it does not change the status of an embryo or list what can and cannot happen to an embryo outside the uterus in Alabama, Collura said last month in an email. Story updated at 3:23 p.m. to clarify that the Center for Reproductive Medicine will move and not shut down The candidates in the April 16 runoff for an open congressional seat in South Alabama praised a private debate on Monday for giving them a chance to show voters their positions and raising the profile of the contest, despite the public not being able to watch, the press being barred and little to no word getting out about what was said. The Republicans involved in the pre-taped debate blasted each other on topics that might have been discussed, but cannot be verified, because no one from the press aside from the TV affiliates hosting the event, were allowed inside. And the whole thing is being held under wraps for an unspecified future air date, despite the runoff being just two weeks away. Ive been to dozens of political debates and never heard of anything like this, said Aaron Kall, director of debate at the University of Michigan who provides national analysis on political debates. Some media outlets have been denied access to political debates because of grudges, but generally not the entire media. The debate host, the Mobile Chamber, says they OKd the bizarre format. Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Chamber, said this offered a unique advantage to have local TV affiliates, WSFA and WALA-TV, put out a full length, hour-long video of the debate that was pre-taped and is expected to be broadcast on April 8 or 9. The county says it was not informed on the requests to hold a closed event inside Government Plaza, which it owns and administers. The Chambers request to use the Auditorium was not presented as a closed event, reads a statement today from the county spokesperson, Sharee Broussard, therefore typical informal staff-level processes were followed. The Mobile Chamber was advised to allow the press; the denial was the decision of the Chamber, not of the Mobile County Commission. Byrne, a former Congressman, said the debate was a chance to inform voters. The people in the 2nd congressional district have been in the dark about a lot of things they dont know if they are in the 2nd Congressional District, said Byrne of the newly configured district covering much of the Black Belt in south Alabama. However, as of today, the voters remain in the dark. But Byrne said the arrangement was a way to get information out because we dont have a daily newspaper anymore, " noting the Mobile Press-Register ceased publication last year in print. It is now available as a digital daily edition and AL.com publishes continuously online. We dont have a daily newspaper, he said, so we are looking at out-of-the-box things to get information out there. Byrne also defended the use of the debate site Government Plaza, the home to almost all the public offices in the City of Mobile and Mobile County and said that the Chamber paid a $300 fee to rent and close off the auditorium. Broussard said the fee was for janitorial services, but that the Chamber has not been invoiced yet. The Chambers rental fee to use the auditorium normally assessed at $750 was waived, she said. Broussard indicated the unusual private session will prompt a county to review their rental policies. This has revealed the need to have a more formalized process., she said. Bradley Byrne, president & CEO with the Mobile Chamber, provides remarks during the announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, that Breeze Airways will provide non-stop service from Mobile, Ala., to Orlando, Fla., and Providence, R.I., starting in April 2024.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com Byrne said he was unconcerned with a delayed broadcast of the debate, saying the issues discussed during it will not change. Prior to the primary, we put out digital billboards to tell people about the race, he said. We put ads into the local weekly newspaper. We sent out numerous digital pieces of information to let people know there is a race. We are doing everything we can to get information out there to voters in the area. People dont have good access to information because they do not have daily access to a newspaper. Jonathan Gray, a longtime political consultant in South Alabama, told AL.com on Monday that he felt the Chambers strategy wasnt effective, adding that a larger percent of a modern voting audience is online rather than watching local TV news, and would be more accessible through live streams on social media. This is a made-for-TV ratings debate, Gray said. Talk about tag wagging the dog. Mobile has not turned their electioneering to the paid television markets to determine when its more feasible and suitable to hold a debate. You could put it on Facebook and get more viewers. Democratic views The stakes are high in the 2nd district race. It features four candidates in a two-way runoff for the newly drawn district the U.S. Supreme Court recently forced Alabama to create, a district covering much of the Black Belt and rural areas between Montgomery and Mobile. The seat is considered competitive during the general election, and the race could play a crucial role in determining which political party holds the majority next year in the U.S. House. The district has been labeled as Democratic after it was redrawn, but Republicans see an opportunity to compete for the open seat. Three of the four candidates running on April 16 say they were fine with the debate format. Supporters included Democrat Shomari Figures and Republicans Caroleene Dobson and Dick Brewbaker. Democratic state Rep. Anthony Daniels campaign deferred comments to the Alabama Democratic Party, which also said they didnt have any problems with the debates format. Since this was a media partnership, we dont have an issue with the debate taking place in this manner, said Sheena Gamble, spokeswoman with the Democratic Party. We actually made the same overture to and several others to partner with us in the forum/debate; the Gray stations are the ones that jumped at the opportunity and created this media special with both the Democrat and Republican parties. Atlanta-based Gray Television, Inc., is the owner and operators of WSFA and WALA. Figures, who was unaware that media was not allowed inside the debate on Monday, said the debate hosts informed the audience before it began later that night that if anyone was a member of the press, they had to leave. We didnt set the rules, Figures said, adding that a similarly-structured pre-taped debate was held at Troy University-owned Davis Theater in Montgomery in February, before the March 5 primary. Clif Lusk, a spokesperson at Troy University, said WSFA paid a standard rental rate to use the Davis Theater on Troys Montgomery campus on Feb. 13-15 to record the debates with the candidates for both parties. Troy was not a sponsor nor organizer for the debates, Lusk said. The theater is rented out by various groups and organizations and leaders at Troys Montgomery campus authorize those agreements without additional reviews by the Board of Trustees or Chancellor, Lusk added. When we did the first televised forum, they (the TV station) required us for means of participation to agree to participate in a runoff debate if we ended up in the runoff, he said. They made that a requirement. It was a pre-condition for their initial TV forum in February. Figures said each candidate received 20 invitees who could attend the debate inside the Government Plaza auditorium. The WALA-TV general manager told AL.com Monday that anyone who pre-registered to attend the debate, was allowed inside. He disclosed that if media had pre-registered, he did not believe there was any way they could prevent a member of the press from attending. But local media was not made aware of the debate beforehand and WALA-TV Fox 10s general manager Eric Duncan denied an AL.com reporter entry. Figures said, I cannot speak for the Republican side, but on the Democratic side there as not an embargo or anything. They didnt tell us not to tell the media about it. A debate story was posted on the right-wing website 1819 News, but Mobile Chamber spokeswoman Denise Curtis confirmed that their attendees were asked to leave. A recap of the Republican debate was posted online. The Democratic debate was not reported by the website. They asked all the media to identify themselves and leave the room, Figures said. The (Mobile County) Republicans were also having their monthly meeting at Government Plaza. The state party chairman was there. They did the party meeting before their debate was recorded. Republicans react Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl was scheduled to speak before the countys GOP executive committee, and that event was open to all members of the press. The Alabama GOP did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. But the two candidates on the GOP side praised the debates opportunity, while taking digs at each other. The Dobson campaign blasted Brewbaker for his alleged responses in the unaired debate on issues like immigration reform, and for taking a casual attitude toward illicit fentanyl use, and voter fraud. The debate and its format allowed us to illustrate the difference between the stale ideas of a career politician who took a government salary for almost 20 years and the fresh vision of a newcomer entering public service for all the right reasons, the Dobson campaign said in a statement. Brewbaker, a former state senator and longtime Montgomery automobile dealer, received 39.6% of the vote during the March 5 primary. Dobson, an attorney from Montgomery, finished second with 26.5%. The two are facing off in a primary runoff because neither received more than 50% of the vote during the initial primary. On the Democratic side, Figures is facing Daniels because neither candidate got more than 50% during the March 5 primary. Figures got 43.5% of the vote, while Daniels was second with 22.4%. The Brewbaker campaign responded by saying the Dobson campaigns aim is to spend millions to tear down a noble and exemplary conservative record of the former senator who has not only fought for the Republican Party his entire adult life but is the only candidate in the race with a documented reputation for keeping his promises to Alabama voters. David Mowery, with the Brewbaker campaign, said they felt any exchange of ideas is a good thing, especially the chance to show voters why liberty, security and limited government make Brewbaker the ideal standard bearer for the Republican Party in the 2nd District. This story was updated at 7 p.m. to include a statement from a Troy University spokesperson. A man has pleaded guilty in the 2023 rape of a teen girl in the bathroom of a Prattville restaurant. Grevi Geovani Rivera-Zavala, 29, of Honduras was initially charged with first-degree rape. District Attorney for the 19th Circuit CJ Robinson announced Wednesday that Rivera-Zavala pleaded guilty to second-degree rape. Autauga County Circuit Court Judge Joy Booth sentenced Rivera-Zavala to 10 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections. Once his sentence is completed, Rivera-Zavala will be released into the custody of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for deportation. Rivera-Zavala entered the U.S. illegally, was briefly detained, and then was then released despite the fact that he had a criminal record, Robinson said. The incident happened in May 2023 at Poblanos restaurant on Prattvilles Cobbs Ford Road. The victim told police the man forced her into a stall in the womens bathroom, removed her clothing, held her down and raped her, according to charging documents against Rivera-Zavala. The two did not know each other. This is a crime which shocked our community, Robinson said. My office worked with the victims family and the Prattville Police Department in order to seek accountability and justice for innocence lost. Due to the seriousness of this crime and the victims age, I am thankful to have permanently removed this threat to public safety, he said. I pray our federal government adopts stronger immigration policies to identify and prevent dangerous illegals from entering our country looking to commit criminal acts. Countless people have peacefully come to the United States looking for a better life, many become part of their local communities, and pay taxes, Robinson said. None of those traits describe Rivera-Zavala, he was a threat, his history showed that, and failed policies allowed for this crime to occur. Authorities are trying to identify a man who they say significantly, and intentionally, underpaid for two comic books at an Opelika store. Police launched a theft investigation following the March 21 incident at Almost Anything which is located at 221 South Ninth Street in Opelika. The suspect, police said, entered the store about 1:30 p.m. and bought two comic books. While conducting inventory, the business discovered the suspect had swapped pricing and underpaid approximately $600 for the two comic books. The suspect is seen on surveillance video wearing a dark hat, black jacket, and red polo shirt. Authorities released the surveillance video on Wednesday. Anyone with information is asked to call Opelika Police Department at 334-745-8665 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP. Mississippi Black Spring Break is still coming to the Biloxi beach April 11-14, but without permits from the city and county for vendors, extra parking lots or amplified music on the beach. By a vote of 5-2 three hours into the tense meeting the permit for spring break was denied by the council. Voting to uphold the denial of the permit by the special events committee were George Lawrence, Dixie Newman, Paul Tisdale, Kenny Glavan and David Shoemaker. Voting against the denial were Felix Gines and Robert Deming III. Denying the permit for parking on a private lot to accommodate some of the spring breakers is a black eye on Biloxi, Maurice Bryant told the council during citizens comments. Some residents asked the council to let spring breakers come to the city while others begged the city to do what they could to keep the event away. Several new ordinances were adopted to manage all special events after one person was shot and killed during last years spring break. Five more people were shot and injured in Biloxi, including a Biloxi police officer. Weve made every other event uphold these new ordinances, said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller. The beach along South Mississippi is public. Nobodys closed the beach. Nobody said anything like that, Miller said. He was very pleased the organizers finally came together and met with the city, Miller said. But they stopped. They didnt move forward, he said. We denied because it was not sufficient and that is the bottom line. Tisdale, councilman for the area where the beach party is held, told the organizers they dont know where people are going to park, they dont know how many are going to come, they city cant hire addition law enforcement officers to help with the event and the organizers cant find anyone to lease parking for the event. The ordinance was adopted in October and the deadline to apply for the event was December, he said. Were open to any solution that makes sense, said Nicholas Brundidge, one of the organizers of the event. But Tisdale countered, saying, Its not a city event. Its your event. Its your responsibility. An estimated 30,000 people attended last years event, and the Shular lot can park fewer than 200 cars, Miller said. You cant take 200 parking spaces and put 30,000 cars in and Im sorry, you cant do that. I still think we should work with them, Gines said, asking how the city can help have a safe event for spring breakers coming to Biloxi in two weekends. Glavan said that unlike Miami Beach and other cities that used curfews to keep spring breakers away, Biloxi adopted laws to work with organizers for safe events. ___ (c)2024 The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.) Visit The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.) at www.sunherald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A public hearing on a bill to increase the involvement of local police and sheriffs in the enforcement of immigration law filled a committee room at the Alabama State House on Wednesday. The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee did not vote on the bill after the hearing, during which three people spoke in opposition to the legislation, saying it would lead to racial profiling and cause immigrants to distrust police and be less likely to report crimes. HB376 by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, a Republican from Trinity, which is in Morgan County, says state and local law enforcement could enter memorandums of understanding with federal authorities that would allow them to arrest and temporarily detain people suspected of being in the country illegally. Yarbrough said the federal government has abdicated its responsibility to enforce immigration laws and that the flow of people over the border with Mexico forces state and local police to do more to protect their citizens. Yarbrough named his bill the Laken Riley Act, after the 22-year-old nursing student who was killed in February while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. The man charged in Rileys death is a citizen of Venezuela who entered the United States illegally in 2022, authorities say. Yarbrough noted that the Alabama National Guard has sent soldiers to the southern border to help against what he said was close to an invasion. He said his bill would empower local law enforcement to participate in the enforcement of immigration laws and hopefully prevent another tragedy like Laken Rileys murder. Yarbrough read statements from Colbert County Sheriff Eric Balentine, the chief of police in Trinity, and Jared Hudson, a former Navy Seal and founder of Covenant Rescue Group, which fights human trafficking, in support of his bill. Rep. TaShina Morris, D-Montgomery, said it was not reasonable to accept that law enforcement could be trusted to properly use its discretion under the law and not target racial minorities. Were going to sit here and act like we dont understand the history? Morris said. Ana Ockert of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, spoke in opposition to the bill, saying it would discourage girls and women who are victims of human trafficking and domestic and sexual violence from seeking help. HB376 imposes stringent requirements for victims to disclose their immigration status, creating barriers that force them to choose between seeking help and risking deportation, in addition to shattering their fragile sense of security, Ockert said. With the knowledge that human trafficking is happening in Alabama, we should be encouraging victims to come forward. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can delegate to state and local law enforcement the authority to handle certain immigration functions under the agencys direction through what are called 287(g) agreements. But Jerome Dees, policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center, said he was not aware of such an agreement granting the authority described in HB376. HB 376 purports to give authority to local law enforcement to go out and arrest individuals on the basis of their suspected immigration status, Dees said. The bill does say that this authority would be pursuant to federal authority. Im curious as to exactly which authority that might be. Theres no 287(g) MOU that currently exists that allows local law enforcement officers or agencies to go out and make arrest based on immigration status, and case law is clear on that distinction, as well. Dees noted a section of the bill that says, A law enforcement officer acting within the scope of his or her authority under any memorandum of understanding, agreement, or other authorization from the federal government may arrest, with probable cause, any individual suspected of being an illegal alien. Dees said there is no clear guidance on when its appropriate for law enforcement to make an arrest based on that. Youve already heard discussion today that is likely going to lend itself to increase the instances of racial profiling, Dees said. Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, chairman of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, said he expects the committee to vote on the bill next week. An Alabama pharmacist who served time for prescribing pain pills online is suing the Alabama Board of Pharmacy for taking away his license, alleging the board is corrupt and that he was maliciously prosecuted. Defendants acted with malice, personal animosity, and used the proceedings primarily for purposes other than bringing the plaintiff to justice, the complaint, filed in federal court last week, states. The board removed pharmacist Billy Easts license after he served time for a felony conviction. But in 2022, the Attorney Generals office investigated the boards decision and reinstated Easts license. He is currently licensed. The Alabama Board of Pharmacy did not respond to a request for comment. In 2008, East was convicted of selling hydrocodone, addictive painkillers, online. The prosecutor in his case, Lloyd Peoples, said Easts actions resulted in 5 million pills being put out on the street, many of which were sold to addicts. He was sentenced to two years in federal prison. After prison, he began practicing again, Federal law requires the pharmacy, not the pharmacist, to seek clearance for a pharmacist to practice after a felony, the suit says. It also alleges that the owner of the pharmacy where East worked, Brooklere Pharmacy in Adamsville, called the board to confirm that it would be OK to hire East. When East went back to work after prison, he contends, his employer failed to seek a waiver to allow him to do so. The lawsuit alleges that members of the state board knew that it was not Easts responsibility to obtain the waiver and still revoked his license. The Board contends it can provide evidence that East repeated malpractice or committed acts of gross malpractice negligence by knowingly working in a pharmacy that was in violation of Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations, the board stated in its 2022 filing in response to Easts motion to dismiss their case against him. The Attorney Generals office intervened in 2022 and Easts license was reinstated. His lawsuit against the board now claims that the board engages in corrupt practices, including demanding excessive fees and fines from Alabama pharmacists. We all want these agencies to operate in a way they protect the public and not harm the public, said Easts attorney, Martin Weinberg. And we think the opposite is being done here. According to the suit, the board collects fees and fines far beyond the amounts necessary. In 2019, the Alabama Board of Nursing, with 101, 020 members, collected $141,810 in fines. The Alabama Board of Dental Examiners, with 6,892 members, collected $138,082, whereas the Alabama Board of Pharmacy, with 28,410 members, collected $855,360. Other states see fewer fines. In 2019, Texass pharmacy board, which licenses 114,430 members, collected $310,490 in fines. Arizonas board, with 37,797 members, collected $63,872. The lawsuit claims that an attorney for the board, Jim Ward, threatened and intimidated East and misused administrative processes to hold conversations meant to prejudice the results of the boards case against him. There are no non-pharmacist members on the board to provide a check for how the board operates, said a second attorney for East, Caroline Pruitt Hooten, adding that there is also a lack of legislative oversight over the finances of the board. Theyre incentivized to bring charges against pharmacists, for revenue, she said, and then theyre allowed to apportion that money amongst themselves, however they see fit. The PNC Foundation, charitable arm of the Pittsburgh-based bank, has donated $10 million to Birmingham Promise, which will help pay for public college scholarships in Alabama for students who graduate from Birmingham City Schools. Its the largest donation to the program since it was founded in 2019. This is an enormous day for Birmingham Promise, said Samantha Williams, executive director of Birmingham Promise. Birmingham Promise depends on support from our corporate community, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said. PNC just raised the bar. Three Birmingham Promise students joined Williams, Woodfin and PNC Bank CEO Bill Demchak and other PNC officials for the announcement. This is the future of Birmingham, Williams said. It enriches our community by providing students with the chance to fulfill their dreams, along with the generational impact of graduating without a high burden of tuition debt, said Nick Willis, PNC regional president for North and Central Alabama. Demchak met and spoke with the Birmingham Promise students. I would say thank you a million times to PNC Bank, said Damiuna Dawson, a UAB senior and Carver High School graduate who received scholarships through Birmingham Promise. On what turned out to be the final day of his life, Bubba Copeland seemed to have turned a corner. Friends and family, as well as members of the church he pastored in Phenix City, had encouraged the Smith Station mayor after two stories appeared about him on the 1819 News, a conservative website once owned by the Alabama Policy Institute. That Friday, he got two new tires for a car. He stopped by Smiths Stations government center to pick up a new city credit card. And he wrote a letter to his congregation, thanking them for holding a pastor appreciation day. I look forward to continuing our journey of faith, growth, and service together, he wrote. He shot himself later that day, even as loved ones tried to talk him out of it. The story of Copeland, who died last Nov. 3, is documented in a story in Esquire, Right-Wing Media and the Death of an Alabama Pastor: An American Tragedy. Copeland, a 49-year-old married father of three, died by suicide two days after the conservative news site published photos of him wearing womens clothing and makeup. On the day of his death, the same site published a story accusing him of using the names and photos of local residents, including a minor, without permission in posts, including the real name of a local businesswoman in a fictional story about a man who develops a deadly obsession with taking over her identity. An examination into the electronic devices belonging to Copeland following his suicide turned up no criminal wrongdoing, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said last year. According to the Esquire piece, Copeland led a Bible study on Nov. 1 after the first story broke. His Scripture verses came from the 23rd Psalm. He then walked into a church trustee meeting that last two hours. We did not suspend him, David White said. We did not reprimand him. We did not fire him...We talked to him frankly. We expressed our shock and disappointment, and then we replaced that with our concern and our love and our support for our brother, who was suffering. The church would be fine. Now it was Bubba we were worried about. One day before his death, he drafted resignation letters as mayor and pastor. Admittedly, there have been instances where my wife and I have taken private pictures within the confines of our home, which should have never been shared online, the letter, which was never sent, read. I realize this was a significant lapse in judgment and a personal failure, for which I bear complete and absolute responsibility.... I apologize for any distress or humiliation my actions may have caused. Love to all, Bubba. But after the second story appeared, people began to fear for Copelands safety. He was telling people that he didnt know if he could go on. On the afternoon of Nov. 3, Lisa Deason, Copelands former communications director, confronted him at his home, holding onto him as he tried to leave. Im going to do it in front of you if you dont move, he said. As Deason tried to keep him from driving off, her phone rang. It was Jeff Pitts with the sheriffs office. He asked to speak to Copeland. Bubba, its Major Pitts, Jeff Pitts. Jeff, man, I love you, Copeland said. But Im done. I cant do this no more. He called his son, Carter. I love you, buddy, Bubba said. Ive lived my whole life to make sure that you are successful and that you have what you need. And I just want you to know that I love you more than anything in this world. I knew immediately what that meant, Carter says. And I just said, Please, Dad, please tell me youre not doing what I think youre doing. Please, we can get through this. " Copeland was found in Beulah when a slow pursuit was initiated with the mayors vehicle. He turned off Lee County Road 279 and on to Lee County Road 275 just north of Yarboughs Crossroads and pulled over. He exited the vehicle, produced a handgun and took his own life, the sheriffs office said last year. Elizabeth White, a WRBL News 3 crime reporter based in Auburn said, Bubba was down, and they just kept kicking and kicking and kicking. It wasnt enough for them to just expose him. They wanted to hurt him. Its devastating to know that for all the good he did, he spent his last days and moments in unbearable anguish. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Migrants on March 21 breached the barriers set up on the Rio Grande in El Paso by Texas National Guard. The migrants were hoping to be processed by Border Patrol. Omar Ornelas/El Paso Times In this March 21 photo, a migrant observes others who breached the concertina wire on the Rio Grande in El Paso. The migrants were hoping to be processed by Border Patrol. Omar Ornelas/El Paso Times More than 200 migrants have been arrested on misdemeanor rioting charges in connection with a late March border breach in El Paso that the local district attorney said injured Texas National Guard members. The local public defender vowed to contest what she contends are false charges. The incident occurred March 21 at a border gate at the Rio Grande, where El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks said nine migrants cut through concertina wire and assaulted National Guard members at the front of a group of roughly 1,000 asylum-seekers. An estimated 425 migrants broke away from the larger group and went through the wire, rushing over the Guard members at the gate before reaching another fence, according to Hicks and a video published by the New York Post. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Department of Public Safety troopers wanted to charge more than 300 people, but ultimately arrested about 221 of those individuals, Hicks said, including seven of the nine people who have been indicted on felony charges of rioting and assaulting a public servant. DPS is looking for the other two people accused of leading the charge, who were released by Border Patrol agents, Hicks said. The rest of the migrants face misdemeanor rioting charges. Its not clear how many remained at the county jail this week. On Easter Sunday, a judge released an unspecified number of the migrants on personal bonds after denying prosecutors request to postpone bond review hearings until after the holiday. Hicks said he was told the released migrants had federal detainers and were presumably deported following their release. While I am not particularly concerned about immigration cases, I am concerned about violence and destruction of property, Hicks said at a Tuesday news conference, alleging that migrants punched Guard members in the face and stomped on their knees and saying that one tried to take a Guard members gun. If we dont send a message that they cant do that, Im concerned. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At a separate news conference the same day, El Paso Chief Public Defender Kelli Childress said the charges against the migrants were unfounded and that her office planned to challenge them. It was not immediately clear how many of the migrants her office is tasked with defending. In time through the court process, the real incidents that had occurred on that morning as well as going backwards into the evening before will be revealed, Childress said. The charges against these migrants are false and theyre an attempt to inflame the public. We are armed with the truth and we are prepared to defend our clients in criminal court. Gov. Greg Abbott said state troopers were instructed to arrest every illegal immigrant involved for criminal trespass (and) destruction of property related to the breach. More than 700 National Guard troops were dispatched to El Paso after the breach, Abbott said last week. Prosecutors will review each case to decide whether to prosecute individuals, even if they were released and deported, Hicks said. In such instances, he said a case may result in an arrest warrant for a person that authorities cant locate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Childress said she did not know if any of her clients already had been deported because Immigration and Customs Enforcement had not given her that information. If we are not able to locate anyone, we might proceed a different route with a motion for dismissal, Childress said. Tornadoes were possibly responsible for damage overnight in parts of Chilton and Dallas counties, according to the Birmingham office of the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service said it plans to take a look at that damage today and officially rule if it was caused by tornadoes or straight-line winds. In Dallas County, tees were reported down near Dallas County High School due to a possible tornado late Tuesday night and multiple trees were uprooted and blocked County Road 26 near Plantersville. Multiple buildings were reportedly damaged along County Road 16 near Pools Crossroads in Chilton County. A possible tornado also downed trees and powerlines near Plecher and Cooper in Chilton County, the weather service reported. Tornado damage at Pools Crossroads (south of Fairview) in Chilton County late last night photos from Bill Castle pic.twitter.com/UL6yUW1BRn James Spann (@spann) April 3, 2024 Shortly after 5 a.m., Alabama Power reported about 139 active outages affecting more than 4,600 customers. Storms were expected to clear out on Wednesday, and cooler and drier conditions are expected for the rest of the week. This is a developing story and will be updated. Updated at 7:12 a.m. to show damage was not confirmed to have been from tornadoes. A Tuscaloosa County man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced 43-year-old Nathaniel David Struening of Buhl to more than 15 years, according to a joint announcement Wednesday by Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples. Struening pleaded guilty in November 2023 to one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Struening was also ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution to the child victims. Once released from prison, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life. In 2020, the FBI in Milwaukee, in collaboration with the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office, was investigating numerous groups of individuals engaged in the receipt, possession, distribution and possible production of child sexual abuse material through a proactive operation. As part of the FBIs operation, online covert employees documented these illegal activities and forwarded the documentation for further investigation to the appropriate FBI field office. According to court documents, Struening transported child pornography in a group on the social media application, Kik. Federal search warrants were obtained for Struenings Kik account and his residence where several electronic devices were seized. Additional child pornography was found in his possession. The FBI Birminghams Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case, along with the FBI, the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office, ALEA, the Homewood Police Department, and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriffs Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case. UAW President Shawn Fain on Tuesday told a fired up room of union members in North Carolina that Southern politicians sense that things are changing. Right now, auto workers at Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa are joining together to form a union with the UAW. Of course, the company wont take it lying down, and neither will the wealthy, so theyre pushing back. And the politicians are getting involved. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey recently dared to say that the economic model of the South is under attack, Fain said. Shes damn right it is! Its under attack because workers are fed up with getting screwed. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently dared to say that the economic model of the South is under attack. Shes damn right it is! It's under attack because workers are fed up with getting screwed." UAW (@UAW) April 2, 2024 Fain was in North Carolina at a rally for Daimler Truck workers as contract negotiations get underway. The Mercedes-Benz Group is the largest individual shareholder of Daimler Truck Holding AG. Fains comments came the same day Reuters reported that a petition for a union election at Mercedes-Benzs automotive plant in Alabama could come as early as this week. Fain went on to blast the governors of Georgia and Tennessee for anti-union legislation in those states. These corporate backed politicians are all cut from the same cloth, he said. Theyre willing to trample on the rights of workers, the very citizens who elected them, to pad the pockets of their welathy donors. But guess what? Thats right, tick tock. Their days are numbered. The tide is turning, and Southern workers are taking back control of our destinies. In a statement released through her office, Ivey responded on Wednesday: The UAW president appears to be living in the past with his references to the South during the Great Depression. In case he hasnt noticed, its 2024, and many folks from other parts of the country are choosing to move south, including Alabama, where they can enjoy a better quality of life. Auto manufacturing jobs have also moved south. Therefore, its not surprising the UAW now wants to cash in on the gains of southern workers. In February, the United Auto Workers announced that more than half of the employees at Mercedes-Benzs Vance plant had signed union authorization cards. The union has set a goal of 70% of the plants workers signing union cards before it will petition for a union election. In February, Ivey blasted the UAW as a looming threat to the states economy. We cannot let this out-of-state interest group take away this hope and prosperity from our folks, Ivey told the Montgomery Chamber. It wasnt her first salvo against the unionization drive. In a statement posted on the Alabama Department of Commerce page, Ivey said the union push means that Alabamas model for economic success is under attack. The UAW is in the midst of a public campaign in auto plants located in Deep South states historically resistant to union activity. Mercedes-Benz, along with Hyundais Montgomery plant, are part of that campaign. Last week, the union announced that workers at the Vance plant in Tuscaloosa County had filed charges of anti-union activity against them with the NLRB. In February, the union announced 30% percent of the employees at Hyundais Montgomery plant had also signed cards. The deadline for some Verizon customers to claim part of a proposed $100 million class action settlement is approaching. The settlement is part of a New Jersey lawsuit claiming U.S. customers who signed up for Verizons wireless service plans at certain monthly rates ended up paying more due to undisclosed administration fees. These charges were implemented in a deceptive and unfair manner, the plaintiffs claimed. Charges started at 40 cents per month for each phone line in 2005, ultimately rising to $3.30 a line by 2022. While not admitting fault, Verizon has agreed to a settlement on the claims. In addition to the payments, the wireless company will amend its customer agreement to include disclosures related to the administrative charges. All current and former account holders with wireless or data services that were charged Verizons administrative charges between Jan. 1, 2016, to Nov. 8, 2023, are eligible. Eligible customers will receive a notice by mail or email. Eligible customers will receive up to $100, depending on how many claims are filed and how long you were a subscriber. The minimum payment will be $15, plus $1 for each month the administrative fee was assessed. The deadline to file a claim is April 15. You can file online here or by mail with the letter or email sent from the company. . Saturday will provide a coda for the victims of one of Birminghams most notorious murder cases, as its three victims will finally receive a grave marker at the citys oldest cemetery. Emma, May and Irene Hawes have been buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in an unmarked grave since their deaths in 1888. A special ceremony is planned for this weekend, preceded by a tour of the cemetery. At the end of the tour, participants will be invited to leave a rose at the grave. The event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. Tickets can be acquired here. In December 1888, Emma Hawes was killed by her husband, Richard, who also murdered two of the couples three children, Irene, age 6, and May, age 7 or 8. Richard was hanged, and buried in Atlanta. Never forgotten, reads the new marker. It was a huge story at the time. It was all across the country, Terri Hicks, who helped raise $1,000 for the marker, said. It makes me very happy. I wish we could have done something bigger, because they deserve so much more. The Hawes Horror was the subject of a book, and is a story retold many times in the more than 135 years since it happened. It began on Dec. 4, 1888, when two teenagers taking a boat onto an artificial reservoir in East Lake discovered the body of a fully-dressed little girl. It was May Hawes, the daughter of Richard Hawes, a train engineer, and his wife, Emma. She was identified after the little girls body was displayed by a funeral home. The whereabouts of the rest of the family was unknown. But just as suddenly, word came that Richard Hawes was returning to Birmingham, fresh from being newly married to Mayes Story of Columbus, Miss. He was arrested off the train, still dressed for the nuptials. By Dec. 8, an axe was discovered at the reservoir, and then Emmas body was found at the bottom of the pond. By 10 p.m. that night, an estimated crowd of 3,000 angry and inebriated rioters converged on the city jail, aiming to lynch Hawes. A crowd of lawmen opened fire on them, leaving 10 dead and wounding several more. A day later, Sheriff Joseph Smith and Birmingham Police Chief O.A. Pickard were arrested for their response to the melee. By that time, the body of Irene Hawes had been found in the water. The following April, Richard Hawes stood trial, accused of killing his wife and daughters in order to marry Story. He was found guilty and eventually executed in 1890, denying a reported jailhouse confession that he had hired an associate to murder his family. Hicks said money was collected in 1888 to bury the Hawes victims and raise a marker, but no marker was ever installed. Beginning last year, William Nolan with Exploring History helped organize a fundraising effort to pay for a marker. The total cost was $1,000. Stuart Oates, director of the Oak Hill Memorial Association, said other efforts over the years had tried to put up a monument, but this one was finally successful. In 1888, Birmingham was a lot like the wild West, he said. It was remarkable and horrible that a man would abandon his family and do away with them so he could remarry and start a new life. What do we do today when a child is abducted? Its big news. I think it stirs something within us. Being human, you feel empathy or outrage when you hear a story like this. Hicks said she felt an emotional bond with the victims. Ive spent a lot of time researching this particular story, and their genealogies. Ive really connected with Emma and her girls through all of this. They were almost family to me, Hicks said. Heads up if you havent submitted your tax return the deadline is just around the corner. April 15 is the deadline for most Americans to file their 2023 tax return. But what can you do if youre not ready to hit the send button? Or, what do you do if you owe money but you cant pay. Heres what the Internal Revenue Service recommends: Unable to file by the April 15 deadline? How to file for an extension If youre unable to file by April 15, you can request an extension. Its important to note, however, that extra time gives an extension on tax filing, not paying any money thats owed. Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension through IRS Free File by filing a Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax ReturnPDF. You can make electronic payments using Direct Pay, debit card, credit card or digital wallet and indicate the payment is for an extension. Also, you need to mail Form 4868 by the tax deadline. Tax extensions allow you six additional months to submit your return. What if you owe money? You can avoid paying interest and some penalties by paying your balance due by April 15, even if you file for an extension. For residents of Maine or Massachusetts, the tax deadline is Wednesday, April 17, due to Patriots Day and Emancipation Day holidays. If you can pay your bill in full via: Direct Pay Pay via debit card, credit card or digital wallet Electronic Federal Tax Payment System This service allows you to pay taxes by phone or online Electronic funds withdrawal File and pay electronically from your bank. Check or money order Payments made by check or money order should be made payable to the United States Treasury. Cash Make a cash payment through a retail partner and other methods. The IRS urges taxpayers choosing this option to start early because it involves a four-step process. Details, including answers to frequently asked questions, are at IRS.gov/paywithcash. What if youre unable to pay your taxes in full? If youre unable to pay your taxes in full by the deadline, the IRS recommends paying what you can now and then applying for an online payment plan. The online portal gives you an immediate response to a payment plan without writing or calling the IRS. The payment plans can include: Mega-popular warehouse shopping club Costco continues to grow. Late 2023, Costco CFO Richard Galanti announced the company plans to open 33 locations during fiscal 2024, up from 23 the year before, Eatthis.com reported. Of that 33, two will be relocations of existing stores and 31 will be new builds. One of the new locations will reportedly be in Alabama. In March, the Madison County Commission approved a deal to widen Wall Triana Highway to five lanes to accommodate a new Costco location at the Clift Farms development. No timeline for the store opening has been announced. Costco has four locations in Alabama, including one in Huntsville on North Memorial Parkway which opened in 2000. Costco does have several openings planned for the coming months. According to a list on its website, stores will open in: Loomis, California May North Port, Florida June Mt. Juliet, Tennessee- June Jiangning, China June Riverbank, California June Richmond, Texas June Galanti had previously said the companys goal is to reach 30 new openings a year, divided equally between the U.S. and overseas. Costco currently operates 871 warehouses worldwide. Costco offers Gold Star memberships for $60 a year in the U.S. or $120 for Executive Members who receive additional benefits and savings. An Alabama dentist was sentenced to 160 years in prison after being convicted of 13 counts of rape, sexual abuse and sodomy, court records showed. Joseph Clarence Cox, 44, of Gadsden, was arrested on the charges in 2021. The indictment filed against him did not indicate whether there were multiple victims. An Etowah County jury found Cox guilty of the charges on Jan. 26. They acquitted him on three sexual abuse charges. On March 26, Etowah County Circuit Court Judge George C. Day sentenced Cox to 160 years in state prison, according to court records. Coxs attorney indicated he would appeal the conviction. According to court records, Cox pleaded guilty in 2013 to two counts of misdemeanor harassment, was sentenced to 90 days suspended sentence and paid a $500 fine. A former worker in Coxs office in DeKalb County told police she was fired after she turned down his advances, which included suggestive comments and spanking her. On Tuesday at 10:09 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated tornado watch in effect until Wednesday at 2 a.m. for DeKalb County. Tornado watch vs. Tornado warning: Know the difference When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let's break it down: Tornado watch: Be prepared! A Tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to tornado formation. It's your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room. While it doesn't indicate an imminent tornado, it's a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states. Tornado warning: Take action! A Tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. This is the real deal there's an immediate danger to life and property. Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement. Knowing the difference between these two alerts is essential in staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger approaches. Get ready for tornadoes Be weather-ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Sign up for alerts: Familiarize yourself with your community's warning systems. Some places have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone alerts for severe storm notifications. Establish a communication plan: Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative's house, that you can reach quickly. Choose a secure shelter: Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Practice your plan: Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don't forget about your pets if time permits. Prepare your home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Extend a helping hand: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt. What to do when a tornado strikes When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Stay informed: Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings. At home: If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits. At work or school: If you are at your workplace or school, adhere to tornado drill procedures. Move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter, avoiding large open areas like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and steer clear of windows. Outdoors: If a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be. In a vehicle: It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. On Tuesday at 6:47 p.m. an updated tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 7 p.m. for Madison County. "At 6:45 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Hazel Green, or 9 miles north of Meridianville, moving northeast at 30 mph," says the weather service. "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely." The tornado is projected to affect Huntland around 7:05 p.m. The weather service states, "Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris." Tornado watches and warnings: Your safety guide When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let's break it down: Tornado watch: Be prepared! A Tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to tornado formation. It's your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room. While it doesn't mean a tornado is imminent, it's a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often encompass a broad area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states. Tornado warning: Take action! A Tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. This is the real deal there's an immediate threat to life and property. Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, find the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement. Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms. Prepare for a tornado Be weather-ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Sign up for notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes. Establish a communication plan: Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative's house, that you can reach quickly. Choose a secure shelter: Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Establish a communication plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows. Secure your home: Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Extend a helping hand: Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries. Staying safe during a tornado: Quick actions to take When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Stay informed: Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings. At home: If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits. At work or school: If you are at your workplace or school, adhere to tornado drill procedures. Move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter, avoiding large open areas like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and steer clear of windows. Outdoors: If a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be. In a vehicle: It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Cambodia commemorates 2 Chinese martyrs killed in peacekeeping mission 31 years ago Xinhua) 10:13, April 03, 2024 KAMPONG CHAM, Cambodia, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday held a commemorative ceremony for two Chinese UN peacekeeping martyrs who lost their lives in a peacekeeping operation in the kingdom 31 years ago. Held at the memorial monument of the two martyrs in Skun town in southeastern Kampong Cham province, the event was attended by Gen. Phuong Siphan, secretary of state of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, as well as hundreds of local authorities, soldiers and students. At the event, participants paid homage and laid wreaths to honor the two martyrs, namely Chen Zhiguo and Yu Shili, who were killed in a blast in 1993 during China's peacekeeping efforts and aid operations to Cambodia. Siphan recalled that about 800 Chinese UN peacekeepers were on a peacekeeping operation in Cambodia in 1992 when the Southeast Asian country was still at war, and a midnight explosion on May 21, 1993, claimed the two soldiers' lives. "The two heroic Chinese peacekeeping martyrs had sacrificed their lives for the cause of peace in Cambodia," he said. "Although they had passed away, their spirits will live forever." The commemoration was held as the Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese festival to honor ancestors and remember the dead, draws near. Wang said the two Chinese martyrs lost their lives for the cause of peace, stability and happiness of the Cambodian people. "Their noble, peace-loving and responsible souls are still shining to this day," he said. He added that their sacrifice had significantly contributed to forging a stronger bond of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and armies. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Scott Huddleston is a veteran staff writer, covering education, local history, preservation and the Alamo. He can be reached at shuddleston@express-news.net. He has been reporting for the Express-News since 1985, covering local government, public safety, criminal justice, flooding, transportation, military, water and the environment. He is a native Texan and a longtime San Antonian. An updated tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 4:51 a.m. in effect until 7 a.m. for Houston County. Tornado watches and warnings: What you need to know When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let's break it down: Tornado watch: Be prepared! A Tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to tornado formation. It's your signal to review your emergency plans, ensure your supplies are in order, and identify your safe room. While it doesn't indicate an imminent tornado, it's a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states. Tornado warning: Take action! A Tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. This is the real deal there's an immediate threat to life and property. Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or by trained spotters and law enforcement. Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms. Prepare for a tornado Stay weather-ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Sign up for alerts: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes. Establish a communication plan: Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative's house, that you can reach quickly. Choose a secure shelter: Pick a safe room within your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows. Practice your plan: Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don't forget about your pets if time permits. Secure your home: Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Help your neighbor: Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries. Tornado safety: What to do when the twister hits When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Stay informed: To ensure your safety during a tornado, remember that acting promptly is crucial, according to the weather service. Stay informed about tornado watches and warnings through regular updates on local news or a NOAA Weather Radio. At home: If you are at home and a tornado warning is issued, make your way to the basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Don't forget to ensure the safety of your pets if time allows. At work or school: Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums. Outdoors: When you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate refuge inside a sturdy building. Remember that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe options. If there is sufficient time, make your way to a secure structure. In a vehicle: It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. An updated tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 1:31 a.m. in effect until 2 a.m. for Covington, Crenshaw and Escambia counties. Tornado watch vs. Tornado warning: Know the difference When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Here's a breakdown: Tornado watch: Be prepared! A Tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation. It's your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room. While it doesn't indicate an imminent tornado, it's a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states. Tornado warning: Take action! A Tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. This is the real deal there's an immediate danger to life and property. Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, find the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement. Knowing the difference between these two alerts is essential in staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger approaches. Get ready for tornadoes Stay weather-ready: Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings Sign up for alerts: Familiarize yourself with your community's warning systems. Some places have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone alerts for severe storm notifications. Establish a communication plan: Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative's house, that you can reach quickly. Choose a secure shelter: Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Practice your plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows. Prepare your home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Help your neighbor: Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries. What to do when a tornado strikes When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Stay informed: Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings. At home: If you are at home and a tornado warning is issued, make your way to the basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Don't forget to ensure the safety of your pets if time allows. At work or school: Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums. Outdoors: If you're outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. If there's time, make your way to a secure structure. In a vehicle: It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Remember, acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Originally Posted by Crikey Originally Posted by Originally Posted by Newmexican Originally Posted by Quite untrue.. people from countries like India for instance are among the best educated and highest earning households in the US. The statement about immigrants spreading disease is flat out not true. Quite untrue.. people from countries like India for instance are among the best educated and highest earning households in the US. The statement about immigrants spreading disease is flat out not true. I believe that people that come here legally want to be part of this country, not just an appendage to it and I applaud and welcome legal immigrants. I have several friends, that are now citizens, that have immigrated legally from India, Mexico and Greece and I have had the priviledge of attending 3 naturalization ceremonies. Not one of these friends likes the fact that people come here illegally and get away with it. crikey wrote.You are correct. I incorrectly wrote immigrants instead of illegal immigrants and it makes big difference. That was an oversight/typing error and I thank you for pointing it out.I believe that people that come here legally want to be part of this country, not just an appendage to it and I applaud and welcome legal immigrants.I have several friends, that are now citizens, that have immigrated legally from India, Mexico and Greece and I have had the priviledge of attending 3 naturalization ceremonies. Not one of these friends likes the fact that people come here illegally and get away with it. Otherwise let me break down some aspects of illegal immigration as I see it. Firstly there are things about some illegals that are bad. Their lack of linguistic assimilation for instance or the phenomenon of drug related crimes that is a small but disturbing part of migrants who cross over from the south of the border. All this is true, but at the same time we need to recognize that most Mexicans who migrate illegally are good people who are looking for a better life with no intent to harm Americans. The reason they migrate illegally while risking their lives is simply because (a) there are jobs attracting them here that pay better than in Mexico and (b) they have no legal options - unlike the European settlers of the 19th and 20th centuries who had very few restrictions on immigrating from Europe. Once illegals are inside the US, their options to assimilate are not going to be very many.. the fear of deportation ensures that most will never assimilate and this leads to the creation of an underground class that will very easily be exploited by ruthless employers who only want cheap labor. It is easy for an employer to pay less than minimum wage to an illegal because the illegal won't complain due to a fear of deportation. This indirectly depresses the wages of low skilled Americans or makes it hard for them to compete against illegals. So we have a vicious cycle. People get upset about illegal immigrants and demand draconian laws. This drives illegals even more underground and makes it very difficult for them to assimilate. This puts other Americans at a disadvantage and so on. So when people direct their rage at illegals, they actually make the problem worse for both the illegal and the low skilled American worker. One finds it harder to assimilate while the other can't compete for a job due to depressed wages. We are all worse off living in such a society. Nobody likes illegal immigration. I was mostly reacting to statements such as "until Ted Kennedy's 1965 Immigration law that opened the floodgates to Third World immigration to the USA. For a full discussion of this massive demographic change, please read "Death of the West" by Pat Buchanan." and of course one of the replies where it was claimed that immigrants from third world countries spread diseases and so on. The problem is that often times I find that under the surface, an opposition to illegal immigration is nothing more than an opposition to all immigration from non-white countries which is unfortunate.Otherwise let me break down some aspects of illegal immigration as I see it. Firstly there are things about some illegals that are bad. Their lack of linguistic assimilation for instance or the phenomenon of drug related crimes that is a small but disturbing part of migrants who cross over from the south of the border. All this is true, but at the same time we need to recognize that most Mexicans who migrate illegally are good people who are looking for a better life with no intent to harm Americans. The reason they migrate illegally while risking their lives is simply because (a) there are jobs attracting them here that pay better than in Mexico and (b) they have no legal options - unlike the European settlers of the 19th and 20th centuries who had very few restrictions on immigrating from Europe. Once illegals are inside the US, their options to assimilate are not going to be very many.. the fear of deportation ensures that most will never assimilate and this leads to the creation of an underground class that will very easily be exploited by ruthless employers who only want cheap labor. It is easy for an employer to pay less than minimum wage to an illegal because the illegal won't complain due to a fear of deportation. This indirectly depresses the wages of low skilled Americans or makes it hard for them to compete against illegals. So we have a vicious cycle. People get upset about illegal immigrants and demand draconian laws. This drives illegals even more underground and makes it very difficult for them to assimilate. This puts other Americans at a disadvantage and so on. So when people direct their rage at illegals, they actually make the problem worse for both the illegal and the low skilled American worker. One finds it harder to assimilate while the other can't compete for a job due to depressed wages. We are all worse off living in such a society. We have every right as a nation to question the 1965 Hart-Cellar Act and the rational behind it, especially since it was being pushed by a Ted Kennedy, an open-borders liberal; intent on pandering for future votes in order to keep the Kennedy dynasty alive. Ted Kennedy stood on the floor of the Senate and uttered these words in support of this destructive piece of legislation:Do I need to go line by line for you and point out the glaring inaccuracies contained therein? Everything Kennedy said wouldn't happen has in fact happened! Perhaps the "critics" were right after all, because it seems as if their version of events has turned out to be more in line with reality than what Kennedy envisioned.I live in Southern California, whereby he have entire cities, ethnic enclaves, comprised of third-world immigrants from Latin America and Asia. They do not assimilate and have essentially duplicated the same environment from which they apparently fled. These are so called "legal" immigrants mind you.If third-world immigration was such a blessing, how come countries like Japan, China, Mexico, to name a few, open their borders to millions of poor immigrants from all over the world? How come the native born populations of Mexico are not in any danger of being replaced by massive non-Hispanic immigration? Why is it only first-world, white nations are expected to embrace this tsunami of human migration under the guise of "diversity and multiculturalism?"Pat Buchanan has been 100% correct in his analysis of this destructive pattern, including the Hart-Cellar Act of 1965 and issues related to the changing demographics of this country.I as an American, have every right to question the logic of allowing millions of third-world immigrants into this country who do not embrace assimilation. Let me ask you, are whites not allowed to have their own country where they are the majority? The Chinese have their own country, Mexicans have their own country, and the Japanese have their own country. I could go on, but even you get the picture I believe.Let me be clear, I have no problems with immigration per se, so long as it's done responsibly and done in consideration for what's in the best interest of the host country. What's being done now is reckless and destructive and it should no longer be tolerated.No country on the face of this planet would allow in so many immigrants (legal or illlegal) so as to replace the native population. But that's exactly what is happening in this country today.We need to enforce our immigration laws for the very reasons you pointed out in your analysis. It does not matter one iota why they come here illegally. They need to stay in their own countries, in order to bring about necessary change to correct the conditions that compel millions of them to invade another country, in violation of immigration laws. As it stands, the US is the safety release valve for Mexico and the elites running that country know this.Nothing is going to change so long as we continue down this same path of denial and appeasement for these people. Coming here illegally for a so called "better life" is no excuse.Everyone wants a "better life," including native born Americans! We should not be expected to lower our standard of living in order to create opportunity for the entire world, especially those who come here in violation of our immigration laws. English News Chinese democracy hailed by global observers at third International Forum on Democracy Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 2 Avril 2024 The China-proposed vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilizations Initiative (GCI), have contributed Chinese wisdom and solutions to strengthening global governance and enriching and developing political civilization of humanity. By Wang Li, Wu Gang, People's Daily The third "International Forum on Democracy: The Shared Human Values" was held in Beijing on March 20. Chinese and foreign guests engaged in discussions on topics including "Democracy and Modern Governance," "Democracy and the Rule of Law in the Digital Times," "AI and the Future of Democracy" and "Democracy and Global Governance in a Multipolar World." Democracy is a common value of humanity and a concrete phenomenon that is constantly evolving. There are diverse ways for countries to realize democracy. Guests attending the forum believe that there is no one-size-fits-all model of democracy. As long as it suits a country's national realities and represents the interests of the people, it is a democracy that works. Countries should respect the diversity of civilizations and respect other countries' rights to independently choose a path to democracy and the political system. "Democracy should not be exported or imposed on other countries and regions," said former Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema. He believes that there are many ways to achieve democracy and it cannot be standardized. Exchanges and mutual learning sustain civilizations, he added. Former deputy speaker of the lower house of the Malaysian Parliament, Ong Tee Keat, noted that the practice of democracy is greatly influenced by the history and culture of each country. He called for respect for the diversity of democracy, saying what matters most in democracy is the relevance of the people's participation. Former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the world today lacks an effective and democratic global governance system. The international landscape has undergone significant changes, with many emerging market countries having a significant influence on global affairs. However, their representation and voice in international organizations remain inadequate. "It is time to correct this imbalance in order to make the global governance system more fair and democratic," he added. Democracy is an important hallmark of the progress and development of human civilization, an ideal that has always been cherished by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people. Guests attending the forum believe that China has developed a path to democracy with Chinese characteristics after long-term exploration. Hassan Ragab, Egyptian director of the Confucius Institute at the Suez Canal University in Egypt, said that Chinese democracy is not a direct copy of the Western model, but rather one that has been developed based on China's historical and cultural traditions, and economic and social development. Western democracy is not universally applicable, and the successful practice of Chinese democracy breaks the misconception that democracy can only be achieved through the Western way, he noted. Chinese democracy is whole-process people's democracy. Stephen Perry, president emeritus of Britain's 48 Group Club, said that Chinese government hears its people and it tends to do what its people want. China has taken a democratic path that is in line with its national conditions, Perry noted, adding that China achieves democracy through a scientific method. Zhang Shuhua, director of the institute of political sciences at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Chinese democracy is deeply rooted in the fertile soil of the Chinese culture and fully reflects the will of the Chinese people. It has effectively promoted the modernization of the country's governance system and capacity, making significant contributions to the political civilization of humanity, Zhang noted. The China-proposed vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilizations Initiative (GCI), have contributed Chinese wisdom and solutions to strengthening global governance and enriching and developing political civilization of humanity. Participants at the forum believe that it is necessary to promote the building of a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, equity, justice and win-win cooperation, and to build a community with a shared future for mankind that is crucial for a better future of humanity. Countries should build consensus, coexist harmoniously and be interdependent in a multipolar world, said Peter Kagwanja, the chief executive officer of the Africa Policy Institute (API), a Nairobi-based pan-African think tank. The China-proposed BRI, GDI, GSI and GCI contribute to the building of a new type of international relations and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Kagwanja said. Chen Bo, president of the China Institute of International Studies, said that promoting equal and orderly world multipolarity and inclusive economic globalization requires following humanity's common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. "Only by adhering to these common values of humanity can we continuously improve the global governance system and promote the development of multipolarity, and constantly advance the cause of human progress," Chen remarked. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China-Africa cooperation fosters Africa's regional economic integration China further improves market access to unleash market potential China continues strengthening sci-tech innovation capabilities Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) A recent cartoon on Lucianne.com accurately pointed out the deceit of the left which ignores the truth of Bidens disastrous reign while continuing to distort Trumps statements. The cartoon shows a man pointing to a chart listing the current Biden chaos in the world saying to his companion, Cant you see hes a total disaster? The other man wearing a Biden 2024 t-shirt smirks, Yeah, but Trump said, Grab them by the @$%*#!. Yes, he did say that, but why? Trump was simply making a point while chatting with a supposed friend about how some women allow stars and celebrities to do anything to them -- even grab their private parts. This is the truth that one hoped the Me-Too movement would change, but I doubt it will. As a handsome billionaire in his youth, Trump probably ran into a lot of self-serving, avaricious, ambitious bimbos. The very idea that he would have bothered with the very transparent E. Jean Carroll is laughable. But when it comes to media disinformation, one has to admit that it has been extremely successful, at least to those living in a liberal bubble. I no longer watch insipid award shows but while researching how widespread the TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) has been since 2016, I came across a clip of Meryl Streep ripping into Trumps imitating a disabled reporter while she accepted a Golden Globe achievement award. Meryl, you are a great actress, but you really need to escape that bubble that is making you look like a low info moron. That disabled reporter could not move his arms at all so Trump wasnt imitating him. His waving arms gesture had been made several times in speeches against opponents, including Ted Cruz and others. Libertarian reporter John Stossel covered the extent of Trump myths in an excellent video which proves how the mainstream press hides any truth that exonerates Trump. My longtime readers know that Donald Trump was not my first choice in 2016 for president. I much preferred Texas Gov. Rick Perry, but I voted for Trump then, and in 2020 after his very successful years in office. I plan to do the same in November. In 2022, I wrote a column inviting TDS supporters to email me to explain why they hated him. All but one of the responses actually praised the former president and the only one that differed still admitted that he was a good president. Of course, its possible that the TDS crowd doesnt read American Thinker or any of my columns but I have yet to read any sensible explanation for this antipathy to the former leader of the free world. They criticize his coarse comments, his tweets, his looks, his ego and other personal traits. I wanted to know what they think of his administration that brought more jobs, less taxation, less unemployment figures to all segments of society. However, they never discuss his achievements, just his personal behavior. I have lived through several presidents and the very worst behavior Ive witnessed has been from Democrats. While in office Donald Trumps worst offenses have been his insulting tweets and comments after he has been attacked by rivals. One could say they were made in self-defense. He has not, however, brought his mistress into the White House when the first lady was away (JFK); he has not conducted press interviews while sitting on the toilet or whipping out his privates during cabinet meetings (Lyndon Johnson); he has not indulged in sexual activity in the Oral Office with an intern, nor did he accept campaign funds from communist China for his reelection in 1996, which in return, he signed waivers allowing tech companies to transfer our most sensitive satellite (i.e., missile-launching technology to Red China (Bill Clinton); he did not have a reputation of heavy drug use in his youth nor did his administration pass a health insurance plan (Obamacare) that destroyed many workers coverage; and he never bowed down before global leaders (Barack Obama). There is no use mentioning the horror that is Bidens administration because the pain is too great. Everything that President Donald J. Trump has done is for the good of all American citizens and he plans to do that again after being reelected this November. His enemies in the media continue to distort and twist every word out of his mouth. This is not surprising as 96% of journalists donate to the Democrat party which we now realize has no interest in legislation benefitting the American citizen but supports the current invasion of illegals it needs to maintain political power through voter fraud. We have a very important obligation this November and that is to make our way to the polls in such great numbers that even if the thousands of unsigned and illegitimate ballots show up like they did in 2020, good will prevail. Although I always vote for the individual rather than a party, I feel there is no choice but to vote straight conservative because the only way for Trump to govern for us is if he has a GOP House and Senate to undo the disaster of the current Biden administration. Go register to vote, make sure your record hasnt been destroyed. Make sure your children and grandkids over 18 understand that their future lives will be impacted by the 2024 results. Most important, make sure they know what MAGA means. Make America Great Again. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License The current status of the New York civil fraud case that New York Attorney Letitia James filed against Donald Trump, and that resulted in a huge ruling against him, thanks to Judge Arthur Engoron, is just a little bit of a puzzle. In the short term, Trump is on defense, but the wheels of justice should turn and place him on offense. Understanding that requires us to look at the logic of the law, a subject at once fascinating and exacting and, sometimes, very surprising. The role of logic in law is one of the features of the law that most non-lawyers misunderstand. When a case goes to trial, whether criminal or civil, it is because the two sides are unable to resolve their differences out of court. This means the parties disagree either as to the facts of the dispute, or as to the law governing the dispute, or both. The two sides to a court case are called the plaintiff and the defendant. In a criminal case, the plaintiff is the state, sometimes called the people of the state. Whether criminal or civil, the plaintiff accuses the defendant of some kind of wrongdoing. This accusation of wrongdoing has a name, such as theft, burglary, rape, robbery, negligence, breach of contract, fraud, etc. In all cases, whether criminal or civil, the accusation has what are called elements. The elements of the accusation are propositions that the plaintiff must prove true to prevail on his case. In a criminal case the plaintiff must prove each element of the accusation true beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case the plaintiff must prove each element of the accusation true by a preponderance of the evidence. Image (edited) by kstudio. Here are some Examples of accusations and their elements: Theft: The elements of the crime of theft are (1) the defendant seized (2) a thing of value (3) that is not his own and (4) carried it away. Malicious Prosecution: The elements of the tort of malicious prosecution are (1) The civil or criminal action was terminated in favor of the plaintiff (who was the defendant in the underlying case). (2) The defendant filed or played an active role in the underlying case. (3) The defendant had no reasonable grounds to file and pursue the underlying case. (4) The defendant filed or pursued the underlying case for an improper purpose or abusive purpose, such as a desire to ruin the plaintiffs reputation. (5) Plaintiff suffered significant harm because of the defendants actions. Defamation: The elements of the tort of defamation are (1) A false statement of fact. (2) Communication to a third party. (3) Defendant was negligent or malicious in determining the truth of the statement. (5) The false statement caused injury. In a trial, the judge is called the trier of law because it is the judges job to rule on any disputes of law and the jury is called the trier of fact because it is the jurys job to decide questions of fact. Sometimes, people are reluctant to serve on a jury because of the Biblical injunction, Judge not that Ye not be judged. But that reluctance is misplaced. The jurors do not judge the defendants guilt or innocence. Rather, the jurors judge whether the evidence adduced at the trial proves all the elements of the accusation beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal case or by a preponderance of the evidence in a civil case. The jury does not judge the defendant; the jury judges the evidence. How do the jurors know what the elements of the accusation are? The judge instructs the jury on the elements of the accusation and on any other matters of law that the jury needs to know. It is the judge's duty to follow the law and instruct the jury on the law they need to know. Then, the jury's duty is to follow the judges instructions. When both judge and jury properly perform their duties, the jurys verdict will logically follow from the law and the evidence of the case. When the losing party appeals a judgment (civil) or verdict (criminal), appellate courts are obliged to follow the law and to issue a decision that is logically sound. A correct appellate decision must be a valid argument with only true premises; that is, it must be a sound argument. The legal term for this argument is the ratio decedendithe rationale of the decision. A good example of a ruling courts decision is Dodd v. Jackson, in which the Supreme Court overruled Roe v Wade. The Dodd decision was not about abortion per se. Instead, it ruled that the decision in Roe vs. Wade had no ratio decedendi because it abandoned constitutional principles about states rights. Understanding these logical requirements of law helps us understand just why the appeal bond in the Trump civil fraud case in New York was set so outrageously high, at nearly a half billion dollars. Under New York law, an essential element of a cause of action for civil fraudthat is, one of the things the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of evidenceis that the defendants false statement or concealment of material fact resulted in harm to the plaintiff (or, in Trumps case, the State of New York, which acted as the lenders proxy). But as every netizen by this time knows, Trumps evaluation of his own property harmed no one. (This is entirely separate from the judges wackyto put it politelyapproach to evaluating Trumps property values.) Not only is damage an element of fraud, its also an element of any civil case. The party suing has standing to sue only when there is an actual injury. (Cases seeking injunctive relief are the exception, for they require the complaining party to make a strong case that, if the defendant isnt prevented from action, the complainant will be injured.) On this basis, too, Engorons decision is reversible. Because the case against Trump utterly failed because no one was hurt by Trumps actions, an honorable appellate court will throw this case back in Judge Engorons face because he made his ruling despite any evidence showing that anyone was harmed. Because Engoron knows that his judgment will be overruled, the enormously high judgment, which carries with it an equally enormous bond on appeal, was intended to prevent any appeal. So, as was queried in the opening paragraph, is Trump on the defense or the offense? When a manifestly impossible bond amount blocked his appeal, Trump was clearly on the defense. However, now that the New York Court of Appeals has reduced the appeal bond to a figure Trump can make, Engorons judgment will soon be before the Court of Appeals on the merits, where it is brain-dead obvious that the non-existence of any person harmed invalidates both standing and the Engoron judgment of fraud. The entire matter reeks of corruption. When the Court of Appeals rules on the merits of the appeal, vacating the Engoron judgment against Trump and dismissing Letitia Jamess fraud accusations, in a just world, two things would happen. First, Engoron would be removed from the bench for judicial corruption. Second, Letitia James would be disbarred for ethics violations. Given that this courtroom drama (or farce) is playing out in New York, the judges and prosecutors just deserts are not certain. However, no matter what happens, even though the judgment itself will be reversed, Trump will still be saddled with hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees consumed in his defense. Will he then go on offense? Will he attempt to recoup these losses in legal actions for malicious prosecution and defamation? Thats a plaintiffs case any good lawyer would want to take. From the second it was filed, it was clear that Alvin Braggs indictment against Donald Trump for the payments he made to Stormy Daniels was a due process disaster. The complaint alleges legal conduct and then concludes that this legal conduct constituted illegal action of an undisclosed nature. The case should have been tossed instantly. But now that we know that the judge trying the case has deep Democrat ties and is trying to prevent Trump from exposing those ties, its becoming clear why its proceeding to trial. Last year, John Hinderaker, who is no Trump fan, eviscerated Braggs indictment: You can read Alvin Braggs indictment of Donald Trump and a supporting statement of facts here. The indictment is what we expected. It all has to do with paying $130,000 to Stormy Daniels for a non-disclosure agreement, which was legal. The payment was made by Lawyer A, Michael Cohen. Trump reimbursed Cohen using Trumps own money, which was legal. The 34 counts arise out of the fact that by agreement, Cohen got reimbursed by sending monthly invoices to Trump or his revocable trust. So for each monthly bill from Cohen, we get three counts of falsifying documents: one for the invoice, one for the ledger entry, and one for the check stub. Pathetic. The indictment alleges that all of this was done with intent to defraud and intent to commit another crime and aid and conceal the commission thereof, but it never says what that other crime was. The second crime is mandatory because without it, falsifying a business record under New York law is a misdemeanor on which the statute of limitation has run. Presumably the second crime is alleged to be a campaign finance violation. But the payment to Daniels did not violate the campaign finance laws. What this all boils down to is that, despite 34 counts against him, Trump has no idea what crime he is alleged to have committed. This is the most fundamental denial of due process there is. Under the Sixth Amendment, In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shallbe informed of the nature and cause of the accusation Bragg bypassed that constitutional requirement completely. The judge should have tossed the case instantly for that due process failure. However, Juan Merchan, the judge assigned to the case, chose not to do so. Given the blatant, fundamental problems with the indictment, it was reasonable to question Merchans motives. Conservatives did and they discovered a couple of things. First, Merchan is a dedicated Democrat who, in 2020, donated to Democrat causes, including Joe Bidens presidential campaign. Second, Merchans daughter, Loren Merchan, has an interesting job. It turns out that shes one of the Democrat partys major fundraisers (almost $100 million and counting) and that shes been using the case over which her father presided to help raise those funds. She also worked closely with Adam Schiff. As Julie Kelly explains, Her ties to Schiff are especially troubling given Schiffs role in refurbishing the reputation of one of Braggs star witnesses: disbarred lawyer and convicted perjurer Michael Cohen. According to Federal Election Commission reports, Schiffs campaign committee paid Authentic Campaigns more than $3.7 million for digital media acquisitions between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020. In addition to the media buys, Schiff paid Authentic Campaigns $215,000 for digital consulting fees. During the same time period that Merchans firm raked in nearly $4 million, Schiff turned Cohen, Trumps lawyer who paid Daniels $130,000 allegedly to keep quiet before the 2016 election, against his former client. In other words, Loren Merchan isnt a child. Shes playing with the big boys and earning lots of money for doing so. That makes her fair game and her father, for having such an arch-activist daughter, fair game, too. Indeed, at this point, Judge Merchan should recuse himself (that is, withdraw from the case). Under New Yorks Code of Judicial Conduct, just the appearance of improprietyand things look pretty darn improperviolates the code of conduct: Section 100.2 A judge shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all of the judge's activities. (A) A judge shall respect and comply with the law and shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. But Judge Merchan plays by leftist rules, which means that the rules dont apply to him. Rather than recusing himself now that its patently clear that his values align with his daughters, that his daughter is a major Democrat party player, and that shes using his case to help raise money, Merchan is trying to silence Trump. Last week, he ordered Trump to stop talking about witnesses in the case. Then, yesterday, he used his judicial authority to order Trump to keep silent about Merchans own daughter. In the Book of Exodus, at chapter 23, verse 7, God mandated that judges must Keep far from a false charge and that judges may not bring death on those who are innocent and in the right In other words, a moral society requires moral judges. On the known facts, Judge Mechan has failed the Exodus test. Image by Freepik. As more women enter politics in Mexico. more women get killed by criminal elements intimidating office seekers. Here is the story: A candidate for mayor of a violence-wracked city in Mexico has been killed just as she began campaigning, marking yet another politician to be shot dead in the country in recent weeks. Two authorities in the north-central state of Guanajuato said candidate Bertha Gisela Gaytan Gutierrez was shot to death on a street in a town just outside the city of Celaya. Mayorships in Mexico often included smaller surrounding communities. The authorities were not authorized to be quoted by name. So another politician is down. In fact, she makes it 14 since the start of 2024. Elections are two months away, so more may be added to the list. Once upon a short time ago, Guanajuato was a lovely town mere driving distance from Guadalajara. I remember visiting the area and enjoying its colonial look. Driving around was a delight with so many opportunities for photos and spectacular scenery. Today, the situation is different as the article points out: Guanajuato has for some time had the highest number of homicides of any state in Mexico, and Celaya is arguably the most dangerous place, per capita, to be a police officer in North America. At least 34 police officers have been killed in this city of 500,000 people in the last three years. In Guanajuato state, with its population just over 6 million, more police were shot to death in 2023 - about 60 - than in all of the United States. What a shame, but that's reality. As more than one Mexican friend has told me, the intimidation campaign against mayors and state officials is part of the plan. The criminal elements want to send a message that you are with us or you will be killed. They would rather take on mayors and small town police chiefs because they are better armed than the locals. Mexico is in deep trouble when a lovely place like Guanajuato is out of control. According to CBS Chicago, Alderman Lamont J. Robinson wants to rename Columbus Drive to Barack Obama Drive. "We need to honor more Black men, and this is one small way we can do that," Robinson wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Chicago's children deserve to see that they too can become Black history and cement a new tourist destination to increase Chicago tourism highlighting where Black history was made. Does Alderman Robinson actually believe a street sign bearing Obamas name is going to change the futures of Chicagos Black kids, when Obama as president for eight years did not? And does he really believe changing a street sign is going to bring more tourists to Chicago than stopping the senseless crime that plagues the very area the street runs through? This sounds like just more empty virtue signaling. Easy work that makes some people feel better rather than committing to the hard work that would actually make kids do better. Because changing street names has been done before. Results? In 2021 the city council renamed Lake Shore Drive to Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Drive to honor the famous explorer who founded Chicago. In the Sun Times, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the $500,000 was, worth it to honor a man who was, forgotten in the annals of Chicago history. But what about DuSable High School which opened in 1935? Wasnt that a great way to honor the legacy of Chicagos founder? Famous DuSable grads include Don Cornelius, creator of Soul Train. John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing, which published the two most influential Black magazines of the 20th century: Ebony and Jet. Chicagos first Black mayor, Harold Washington, who was known as a voracious reader and supreme orator with an impressive vocabulary. In 2018 the city council renamed Congress Parkway to Ida B. Wells Drive, after the well-known writer, journalist, and abolitionist. Apparently, the 1941 Ida B. Wells public housing project in Bronzeville hadnt inspired the greatness they were hoping for. Like all public housing projects named after influential people, it was a breeding ground for gangs, drugs, and criminal activity. It was demolished 2002-2011. How many Chicago school kids know anything about DuSable the explorer, or Ida B. Wells, Don Cornelius, John H. Johnson, and Harold Washington? Now Alderman Robinson wants to repeat the same virtue-signaling name change for a man who rose to power purely on his oratory skills, not by any legislative or leadership record. And there are many Chicagoans, Black and White, who view Obama as a divider, who brought more racial grievance than healing. He campaigned on hope and change and the importance of fathers. Its 2024. How much hope is there on the south side? What changed on the west side? And where are the fathers? Alderman Robinson, if you really want to help Black children achieve history making heights, lead a movement to end the epidemic of Black fatherless homes. Because decades of research with reams of data prove what yet another 2023 report from the Institute for Family Studies proves, Neighborhoods are safer when two parent households are predominant. Obama talked about it. He gave a Fathers Day speech (June 2008, Apostolic Church of God. Chicago) about the importance of fathers. He quoted scripture from Jesus Sermon on the Mount, then as president, did precisely nothing. Fix education? Obama talked about it. He threw a lot of money at it. Results? In 2023, there were 67 Illinois schools where not a single student tested proficient in math and 32 where no student tested proficient in reading. Yet officials in those schools graduated nearly 70% of their students. Those numbers are straight from the Illinois State Board of Education's 2023 Illinois Report Card. Take control away from the CTU and give it to educators who will teach kids how to speak, read, write, and the importance of presenting themselves with class and dignity. Pull the pants up. Put an end to the woke social justice platform responsible for destroying every standard of merit and achievement: speaking English clearly and correctly, showing up to school on time, well behaved, and prepared. Stop tolerating crime. Chicagos Black kids need real leadership, Alderman Robinson. A street sign only tells them where they are. A leader leads them in the right direction. Image: Aaron Volkening The passing of former U.S. Senator and vice-presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman at the age of 82 marks a significant loss of leadership and patriotism in American politics. Lieberman, who served Connecticut in the Senate for nearly a quarter of a century, leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership, bipartisan collaboration, and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. His political career was marked by numerous milestones, including his historic nomination as the first Jewish politician to join a major American party's presidential ticket in 2000 when Al Gore selected him as his running mate. Lieberman's political activities were not limited to domestic policy but also reflected a broader view of foreign policy. His perspective on the Iranian regime set Lieberman apart from many contemporaries. Lieberman's engagement with the Iranian resistance movement underscored his understanding of Iran's strategic importance in Middle Eastern politics and the global fight against religious dictatorship, extremism, and radicalism. He was a voice for democracy in Iran. By aligning with the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a democratic alternative to the Iranian regime, he sent a clear message that supporting democratic movements and opposing oppressive regimes is essential for peace in the world and the Middle East, otherwise peace remains an illusion. His speeches, which repeatedly emphasized the legitimacy and democratic vision of the NCRI, aimed to inspire confidence in both Iranian and international audiences that a free and democratic Iran is within reach. He specifically supported NCRI leader Maryam Rajavi's 10-Point Plan. Lieberman's support for the Iranian resistance is primarily expressed through his support for Maryam Rajavi's 10-point plan for Iran's transition period, envisioning a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic founded on gender equality. "I have reviewed this plan. I discussed it with Mrs. Rajavi. I will tell you, in my opinion, in the history of uprisings and rebellions for freedom in the world against dictatorships, there has never been a group of revolutionaries as ready to avoid chaos and provide a smooth and peaceful transition to freedom as this group, the NCRI, and the people of Iran. So, there is an alternative," he stated in his speech at the Free Iran World Summit 2023, adding, "the NCRI and Mrs. Rajavi have a transition plan.that shows this organization is not seeking to seize power. It is about ensuring that the people of Iran take power when this regime falls. It is a plan that begins with a transition to early elections, to have a constituent assembly from the people of Iran which will then adopt the constitution, hopefully very similar to the 10-Point Plan, and will elect the country's leaders." Image: Official portrait, via Picryl Pretend you're a Democrat. You're hesitating to vote for Joe Biden because the economy is bad and the president is a dotard. You aren't happy about U.S. support for Israel in its war on Hamas. You may still be upset that Democrats rigged your favorite, Bernie Sanders, out of the presidential race, twice. In comes Hillary Clinton to buck you up to get out there and vote. According to Breitbart News: Get over yourselves. That is the intemperate advice from two-time failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton who has scolded voters complaining about the likely prospect of a Donald Trump versus Joe Biden rematch in the 2024 presidential election campaign. She delivered her blast Monday night during an interview on The Tonight Show with host Jimmy Fallon, saying: Get over yourselves, those are the two choices And, you know, its one of, like, one is old & effective & compassionate, has a heart & really cares about people, & one is old & has been charged with 91 felonies. I dont understand why this is a hard choice, really. Feel motivated? It's come to this: Which pretty well signals that it's not just "deplorables" inclined to vote for President Trump whom she despises, it's also her own Democrats. 'Get over yourselves' is about the most insulting thing one can say to someone who's upset about some matter, suggesting that he or she is nothing more than a touchy egomaniac whose feelings are entirely imaginary as well as not worth considering. Can you imagine President Trump saying such things to his potential voters, particularly those who hesitating to vote for him? In the past, he's told black voters with such inclinations: "What do you have to lose?' which sounds a lot better than 'get over yourselves.' What this indicates is Hillary's cold contempt for voters, even Democrat voters, who are already feeling pretty unenthusiastic about Biden. Instead of addressing their concerns, she insults them as big babies, telling them to do what she wants, or else. Persuasion, or winning them over, is not a job she plans to embrace. If anything, an exhortation like that is likely to drive these voters to Trump, which probably wasn't her plan. What it shows is that, unlike her "I feel your pain" husband Bill, she doesn't even pretend that she has empathy for others. She only has scorn and contempt, along with zero self-awareness to recognize what a poison pill that is to voters. Despite having a tin ear, she's hailed, by Fallon at least, as a popular standard-bearing Democrat, called in like Obama and Clinton, to help win over voters for Joe. If I were whoever it is who runs Joe Biden's campaign team, I'd get this mean old hag off the stage as soon as possible, never to be seen shilling for him the campaign trail again. It's one thing to try and fail to attract voters. It's quite another to make voters want to run the other way based on a performance as bad as this one. Image: Screen shot from The Tonight Show video, via YouTube Tens of thousands of American families continue to demand justice for what they believe are the wrongful deaths (murders) of loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such justice soon may be coming due in large part to the dedicated efforts of two attorneys in Florida (working pro bono) to thoroughly research the criminal codes of 25 states to identify crimes committed by various high-level officials and organizations prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the attorneys, a former prosecutor, prepared extensive legal briefs (documenting strong evidence of crimes) that have been submitted to the attorneys general of Texas and Florida. The brief was subsequently filed with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In Texas, a total of 22 county district attorneys have received the 27-page brief, plus exhibits for review and action. Similar filings soon will be made with the Louisiana and South Carolina attorneys general and perhaps several other state attorneys general. Further information about the Texas brief is here, and information about the Florida brief is here. In the briefs, the alleged crimes are according to each states criminal code. The legal briefs/filings request that each attorney general thoroughly investigate the evidence of alleged crimes and, if found probable, convene a grand jury, present the evidence, issue criminal indictments, and prosecute the accused to the full extent of the law. The Texas legal brief, for example, filed at the request of 46 next-of-kin Texas families, lists the following accused persons as subjects of a criminal investigation: Anthony Fauci, ex-director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Cliff Lane, deputy director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Francis Collins, ex-director, National Institutes of Health Deborah Birx, ex-White House COVID response coordinator & former director of DOD HIV Research at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Rochelle Walensky, ex-director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Stephen Hahn, ex-commissioner, Federal Drug Administration Robert Redfield, ex-director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Peter Daszak, president, Eco-Health Alliance Rick Bright, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority The administrators and health care providers of hospital systems and facilities providing care to patients in Texas, including but not limited to Baylor, Scott, & White Hospital System (BSW) Alleged crimes per Texas penal code include: Capital Murder Tex. Penal Code 19.03(a)(7) Murder Tex. Penal Code 19.02(b) Manslaughter Tex. Penal Code 19.04 Trafficking of Persons Tex. Penal Code 20A.02 Participation in enterprise through racketeering or unlawful debt collection Tex. Penal Code 72.04 by Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity Tex. Penal Code 71.02 Injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual Tex. Penal Code 22.04 Abandoning or endangering a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual Tex. Penal Code 22.041(c) Unlawful Restraint Tex. Penal Code 20.02. This effort to investigate Anthony Fauci and other accused persons is supported by donations from individuals and organizations such as the Fight Like a Flynn PAC, run by former national security adviser and retired lieutenant general Mike Flynn. Based on the strong evidence of crimes presented in the legal briefs prepared by the Florida attorneys, it is indeed time for state attorneys general to conduct their own investigations. If the evidence supports criminal charges and indictments, the victims of COVID wrongful deaths and their suffering families may finally receive accountability and justice for the egregious crimes committed against them. Further information about this justice-seeking effort can be obtained by contacting the Vires Law Group at https://vireslaw.group. Paul S. Gardiner is a retired U.S. Army officer, a Vietnam veteran, and an avid lover of America. He has assisted in locating and communicating with next-of-kin family members in different states who desire accountability and justice for their lost loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Image: Triggermouse via Pixabay, Pixabay License. Leftism always begets more government, and more government always begets an increase in abuses and usurpations. (Always is not hyperbole.) Therefore, it is a fallacy to believe that there is any distinction between a government under the influence of political leftism, and a criminal cartelwhen big enough and strong enough, both will pillage, both will plunder, and both will murder. Thats just what thugs do. So, it should come as no surprise to anyone that a far-left regime is now allegedly outsourcing some of its violence and tapping a notoriously vicious criminal gang to handle the brutalization of its political dissidents abroad. Just today, Breitbart News published an article from Christian K. Caruzo, reporting on a news item from a Colombian broadcaster: Venezuelas socialist regime is using the Marxist National Liberation Army (ELN) terrorist organization and the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization to persecute Venezuelan dissidents abroad, according to a report published by Colombias Caracol Television on Sunday. Caruzo relays that Caracol purportedly based its report on a number of alleged secret documents from the South American branch of the Pentagon (SOUTHCOM), as well as testimonies of those persecuted. Also, per Caruzo: Caracol claimed the documents showed that DGCIM has been acting in Colombia for years in alliance with ELN and other criminal groups to access national security secrets and persecute opponents of the socialist regime. Now, the DGCIM is the Venezuelan General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence; in 2022, an office of the United Nations determined that the state agency was one of Maduros favored agencies to commit state-sponsored crimes against humanity including the use of extreme acts of torture, sexual violence, and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatments on political dissidents. Here are the details, again from Caruzo: The Colombian news channel identified three dissidents targeted in Colombia and Chile. The three dissidents in question met in Cucuta, Colombia, on December 13, 2023, allegedly to discuss how to overthrow Maduro with ideas that were more quixotic than real, and reportedly not armed. The group was reportedly unaware that the regime knew of their intentions. By January of this year, the Dissident #1 had been kidnapped by the ELN and turned over Maduros regime, where the man confessed of his intention to assassinate Maduro. In February, Dissident #2 was kidnapped and murdered by a group of men who were impersonating local law enforcement; Chilean authorities determined the suspects (one of whom formerly worked for Maduro) to be linked with the Tren de Aragua gang. And, just a few weeks back, Dissident #3 narrowly escaped a similar fate(?) after being chased down by six adult males walking along the street late at night. As Thomas Paine wrote: Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one: for when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries BY A GOVERNMENT, which we might expect in a country WITHOUT GOVERNMENT, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer. Governments only legitimacy rests on the notion that it is functioning to secure individuals unalienable rights; when it abandons or (in the case of Maduros regime) ignores that imperative, government becomes intolerable because there is no difference (yet its worse, because we the people furnish and fund our oppressor) between the sufferings it sows and the oppression that would be inarguably be sown by overt criminal factions. Image: DonkeyHotey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered. AI music is facing backlash. In an open letter on Medium.com organized by the Artists Rights Alliance, over 200 musicians took part including Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Frank Sinatras estate, raising concerns about AIs predatory use within the music industry. AI music backlash is stirring the web as 200+ artists join together to stop AI-driven music AI adoption devoid of control may be dangerous in music production, as pointed out by the artists in an open letter organized by the Artist Rights Alliance. The musicians warn that if not properly regulated, Artificial Intelligence could lead to a race to the bottom and undermine human songwriters and artists craft. According to BBC, artists are concerned that tech giants like YouTube are experimenting with AI-based tools for creating music because they believe that this might infringe on creative rights and devalue their work. These companies want these organizations to pledge not to create AI that could replace or undermine human creativity or deny fair payment to creators of art. Taking into consideration such trends Tom Kiehl from UK Music gave unauthorized use of works belonging to musicians as training data for AI music laundering. For him, its important for artists to give their consent and get proper credit as well as remuneration due to them having contributed to AI systems. When a song made by AI mimicking Drake and The Weeknd went viral, the question became prominent. Moreover, Drake did not like the song because this was an example of the challenges that musicians face when trying to defend their work against AI-generated products. Sting also insisted on keeping the human touch in music production saying that the musical building blocks are ours. Some artists still support AI, saying its a great tool to generate copyright-free tracks However, there are musicians who support AI in music. For instance, Grimes has encouraged her fans to create tracks with her voice using AI without infringing copyright while offering to share royalties for successful songs created by AI. David Guetta is another musician who supports the use of artificial intelligence tools. Hence, it can be seen that the arguments concerning artificial intelligence and music have been illusory and must consider moral implications as well as safeguarding artists intellectual property rights. Recently BBC has asked Google for its comments on this topic. Speaker Dade Phelan joins Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at NASA's Johnson Space Center to announce the inaugural members of the Texas Space Commission Board of Directors and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium Executive Committee alongside Rep. Greg Bonnen and NASA's Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Houston . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer A national political group plans to spend nearly a million dollars to unseat Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan as he fights to survive a GOP runoff election next month. The Club for Growth, a group funded by GOP donors that usually focuses on congressional races, said it would spend $900,000 in the Beaumont media market. The group already has posted one ad that describes Phelan as a Democrat in disguise. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Phelan, a Beaumont Republican, faces a May 28 runoff against GOP activist David Covey. No Democrats are running in the heavily conservative district, so whoever wins the runoff will be elected. A Texas House speaker has not lost reelection since 1972. If Phelan is deposed, it inevitably will set off a scramble for the gavel within the House Republican Caucus. At least one other Republican, Cypress Rep. Tom Oliverson, already has said he wants the position. The announcement was part of a planned $4 million ad buy across Phelans race and four other GOP runoffs, each of those targeting incumbents who opposed private school vouchers. That included more than $2 million in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to oppose Reps. Justin Holland and DeWayne Burns, $650,000 to oppose Rep. John Kuempel near San Antonio and $300,000 to oppose Rep. Gary VanDeaver in Northeast Texas. Phelan has said he supports vouchers but advised House members last year to vote as they saw fit a move that voucher proponents have criticized. While roughly two dozen GOP House members ultimately joined with Democrats to defeat the proposal, it was the furthest any voucher bill had advanced in the House in two decades. A spokesman for Club for Growth said the group sees Phelan as an obstacle to passing school choice in Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad School freedom is the defining civil rights movement of our generation and Texans sent a clear signal demanding school freedom during the March 5th primary elections, said Club for Growth Action President David McIntosh. You can no longer consider yourself a conservative if you oppose school freedom. The group has been allied this cycle with Gov. Greg Abbott, who has led the charge to unseat voucher opponents. The new ads come as Abbott has said virtually nothing about whether Phelan should remain in office, though in recent weeks the governor has had Phelan by his side at several events, which could be seen as a tacit endorsement. Abbotts campaign did not respond to a request for comment, nor did Phelans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Phelan has served in the role since 2021, with his first legislative session described by Abbott as one of the most conservative legislative sessions our state has ever seen. The biggest donor for the Club for Growth this cycle is Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass, who has given the group $16 million. Yass also gave the largest single donation in Texas history $6 million to Abbott in January, which the governor used to help defeat seven anti-voucher Republican incumbents in the March primaries. A while back, Amazon launched something pretty ambitious. This is a store where you can simply grab the items you want, walk out, and be charged accordingly. This forgoes using a traditional cashier. Well, it appears that Amazon is going to ditch its Just Walk Out technology. Amazon has been developing this technology for quite some time, and it has distributed it throughout about half of the Amazon Fresh stores present in the States. There are also other Amazon Fresh stores with this technology including those in the UK. This means that the technology has not been able to make it to other entities despite the companys efforts to distribute it. Amazon is ditching its Just Walk Out tech As cool as this technology sounds, there was a lot of drama going on behind the curtain that basically spelled this technologys demise. Data concerns For starters, technology like this does not come without its price. Were not just talking about money; were talking about data. If oil is black gold, then data is digital gold. The Amazon Just Walk Out technology employs a bevy of sensors and cameras to identify the people taking products off of shelves. This will help the company identify what products are being taken off of shelves. These sensors would have to collect biometric information such as faces and the shapes of peoples bodies. This is something that the city of New York did not like, and it filed a class action lawsuit against Amazon. Not really cashier-less Another thing about this tech is the fact that, while it was cashier-less, the technology was not devoid of human intervention. A ton of data was gathered through the cameras, and there was actually a team of over 1,000 workers in India scanning the camera footage. So, while there were no cashiers, there had to be an army of people looking over the footage. That, ostensibly, costs much more than a handful of cashiers. The cost of running this technology was pretty high in general. Since it was only supported in a handful of stores, it appeared that more money was going out than was coming in for the technology. So, Amazon had to ditch this technology. It earns much more money from people doing online shopping than people doing real-world shopping. Buying a fruit salad at an Amazon Fresh store doesnt quite push people to shop for a dress online, so the company isnt prioritizing its in-store experience as much. The outflow of money isnt quite justified. Amazon walks out Because of these factors, Amazon is walking back this technology in its stores in the US. While thats the case, it was still operating in the stores in the UK. Qualcomm shows that its upcoming Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite chip has outperformed Intels most capable Meteor Lake series chips by a huge margin. Qualcomms new platform that is targeting Apples M series chips, is scheduled for a mid-2024 release. While we are still away from the release, performance numbers of Qualcomms new solution for power-efficient Windows computing are building up anticipation. Previously in October, Qualcomm compared Snapdragon X Elite with Intels 13th generation Raptor Lake series chips. It showed Snapdragon X Elite matching the performance of Intels powerful i913980HX albeit consuming 70% less power. However, 2024 has offered us a number of really efficient Windows laptops running on Intels latest Meteor Lake series Core Ultra chips. So, its worth knowing how Qualcomms upcoming ARM-based SoC compares to Intels latest and best offerings. Qualcomm compared Snapdragon X Elite with Intels Core Ultra 7 155H and Core Ultra 9 185H The latest revelation from Qualcomm and PCWorld aims to answer just that. Qualcomm has shared the same sort of comparison once again, with two of the latest 14th generation Meteor Lake series Core Ultra chips the Core Ultra 7 155H and Core Ultra 9 185H. Both of the chips include similar core architecture with a total of 16 cores and a peak turbo frequency of 4.8 and 5.1GHz respectively. On the other side, the Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite boasts 12 of Qualcomms custom-made Oryon CPU cores, thanks to the companys acquisition of Nuvia. Each of them runs at the same 3.8 GHz. The numbers indicate a win for Qualcomm Notably, the devices Qualcomm used to measure the performance of the Core Ultra 7 155H, and Core Ultra 9 185H are Asus Zenbook 14 OLED, and Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 respectively. In the single-thread test, Qualcomm says that the Snapdragon X Elite is 54% faster than the Core Ultra 7 155H with the exact same power consumption. And when both the chips perform the same, the Arm-based chip consumes 65% less power. While this is still a synthetic benchmark, the difference is huge and it may result in incredible power-efficient operation for Windows going forward. Moving on to the multi-thread, the Snapdragon X Elite is again 52% faster than the Core Ultra 7 at the same power, and with the same performance, it consumes 60% less power. Its very similar to the single-thread performance and means a similar potential outcome for the future. Speaking of the more powerful Core Ultra 9 185H, it performed only slightly better as compared to Core Ultra 7 in multi-thread. However, the Snapdragon X Elite still outperformed it with 41% faster performance at the same power and 58% less power at the same performance. For those who are waiting for a graphics test, the Snapdragon X Elite is 36% faster using the UL 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark as compared to the Core Ultra 9 185H at the same power. It consumes 50% less power if the performance is the same. Qualcomm also claims that its Arm-based offering is capable of outperforming Apples M3 chip by 22% on Geekbench 6.2. Will Snapdragon-powered laptops dominate all of its competition in performance? Nonetheless, there isnt a commercially available device with the Snapdragon X Elite chip yet. It indicates two things firstly we cannot rely solely on the power efficiency to get an idea of the battery life. Secondly, without accounting for the cooling system, we cannot claim that it will perform the best. Manufacturers might focus on lightweight systems with small batteries and cooling with a reasonably good performance. It will surely benefit but may be in a different way. Aid workers killed in Gaza were heroes, says charity as British victims named Seven aid workers, including three Britons, who were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza will be remembered as heroes, the charitys chief executive has said. British victims John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were part of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) security team. They died alongside American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Australian national Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, 43, who was the leader of the relief team, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25. These are the heroes of WCK. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. Erin Gore, CEO. Read more: https://t.co/4f38RQ1l4I pic.twitter.com/neAsSzKVP5 World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) April 2, 2024 The charitys chief executive Erin Gore said: These are the heroes of World Central Kitchen. These seven beautiful souls were killed by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) in a strike as they were returning from a full days mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. And we have countless memories of them giving their best selves to the world. We are reeling from our loss. The worlds loss. The World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid taken to Gaza on the maritime route, the charity said. WCK immediately suspended operations in the region. During a phone call with Israels prime minister, Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by the killings and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation. Announcing the results of a preliminary investigation early Wednesday, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said: It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened. He added that an independent body would conduct a thorough investigation which is to be completed in the coming days. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had confirmed Israeli forces were behind the unintended strike earlier on Tuesday. I spoke with Israeli FM @Israel_Katz to underline that the deaths of @WCKitchen aid workers in Gaza, including three British Nationals, are completely unacceptable. Israel must urgently explain how this happened & make major changes to ensure safety of aid workers on the ground. David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 2, 2024 Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the killings were completely unacceptable as he pressed Israel for major changes to ensure the safety of aid workers. A Downing Street spokesperson said: The Prime Minister spoke to Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening. He said he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. The Prime Minister reiterated that Israels rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Lord Cameron said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: I spoke with Israeli FM @Israel_Katz to underline that the deaths of @WCKitchen aid workers in Gaza, including three British Nationals, are completely unacceptable. Israel must urgently explain how this happened & make major changes to ensure safety of aid workers on the ground. The Foreign Secretary is attending a Nato foreign ministers meeting on Wednesday, where he is expected to encourage allies to step up and spend more on defence. Earlier on Tuesday, during a visit to the north east of England, Mr Sunak told broadcasters Israel was being asked to to investigate the incident urgently. He said his thoughts were with the friends and family of those killed and Israel should ensure aid workers could carry out their work unhindered. They are doing fantastic work bringing alleviation to the suffering that many are experiencing in Gaza, he said. They should be praised and commended for what they are doing. They need to be allowed to do that work unhindered and it is incumbent on Israel to make sure they can do that. Sir Keir Starmer has called for international law to be upheld as he described the deaths as outrageous and unacceptable. A member of the World Central Kitchen prepares a pallet with the humanitarian aid for transport to the port of Larnaca from where it was intended for shipping to Gaza (Petros Karadjias/AP) The Labour leader said the deaths were horrifying and his thoughts were with the families of those killed. We condemn this strike. There must be a full investigation and those responsible must be held to account. Humanitarian workers put their lives in danger to serve others. Their deaths are outrageous and unacceptable and it is not the first time aid workers have come under fire in Israels campaign. International law must be upheld and humanitarian workers must be protected so that they can deliver the aid that is so desperately needed. This war must stop now. Far too many innocent people have died in this conflict and more than a million are facing starvation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aid workers were killed by an unintended strike by Israeli forces (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Labour repeats our call for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and full humanitarian access into Gaza. Mr Netanyahu said in a statement: Unfortunately, over the last day, there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip. He said officials will do everything for this not to happen again. US President Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths and said he had spoken to WCK founder Jose Andres. Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians, he said. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen. Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians. He said an Israeli investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability and its findings must be made public. The UK should halt arms sales to Israel in the wake of the killings of seven aid workers in Gaza, including three Britons, a former national security adviser has suggested. Lord Peter Ricketts, a former senior diplomat who chaired the Joint Intelligence Committee during the Blair government, said Israeli forces killing of the aid workers has sparked global outrage as he called for an immediate ceasefire. Aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) confirmed British victims John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, who were working for the charitys security team, were among seven of its staff killed when their convoy was struck after unloading food in Gaza. The incident has prompted condemnation from the UK and its allies. Crossbench peer Lord Ricketts, who served as national security adviser between 2010 and 2012, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think there is abundant evidence now that Israel hasnt been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians, and a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law, that is a condition of the arms export licensing policy. I think the time has come to send that signal. It wont change the course of the war. It would be a powerful political message, and it might just stimulate debate in the US as well, which would be the real game-changer, if the Americans began to think about putting limits, restrictions on the use of American weapons in Israel. He added: Sometimes in conflict, you get a moment where theres such global outrage that it crystalises a sense that things cant go on like this. And I think I hope that this awful incident will serve that purpose. The peer said a failure by Israel to respond appropriately and show aid workers they are able to deliver supplies to areas of conflict should prompt further steps to increase the pressure on (Israeli prime minister) Netanyahu, including the UK no longer supplying the country with arms. He called for an immediate ceasefire for an extended period to open up the borders and make it safe to get aid in for those delivering it and those receiving it, adding this could also help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey also joined calls for the UK to suspend arms sales to Israel. He said: The deaths of these British aid workers in Gaza is an absolute disgrace. These brave people were trying to help starving families in Gaza. Clearly, the thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable. The Government must take swift action to suspend arms exports to Israel. We must redouble our efforts to secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has in recent weeks come under pressure from across the political spectrum to publish legal advice he has received about UK arms exports to Israel. Export licences could not continue to be granted for UK arms heading to Israel if there is a risk weapons could be used in a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Before MPs left Parliament for the Easter recess, Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell told the Commons UK arms exports amount to 0.02% of Israels military imports when questioned about the legal advice by shadow foreign secretary David Lammy. Labours Darren Jones suggested the UK halting arms sales would not change the course of the war. The fact of the matter is if the UK, for example, stopped supplying arms, the war would not end. What we need to do is get the parties to a position where the fighting can stop, the shadow Treasury minister told ITVs Good Morning Britain programme. On Monday's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert actor Matt Damon told a story about the cat he adopted the cat 10 years ago during a month-long stay at an Airbnb. According to Damon, age 53, this cat is the toughest jungle cat and after hearing his explanation why, I'm pretty sure you'll agree. View the original article to see embedded media. Damon explained, He was living by himself in the jungle.He was the coolest cat. He was hunting. He had two giant holes in his side. He was fighting for his life every night. The Damon family were feeding this stray cat while they were staying in Costa Rica and they decided they couldn't just leave him there so they decided to take him home with them to Los Angeles, where they have a backyard. "We decided we gotta take the cat, he's gonna die, now he's relying on us. He moves into our house, we have this little backyard, I thought yeah, he'll be great out there." Damon then laughed, "He never went outside, ever again." Typical cat! Related: Jimmy Kimmel Enlists Messi the Dog in His Beef with Matt Damon Damon then says, "Cut to the cat ends up with a brain tumor." Damon explains how they take him to get radiation and he's just the toughest jungle cat. Im not going to let a brain tumor take this cat out, Damon told Colbert. Damon then explains that after the family moved to New York the poor cat wasn't doing so well. He had lost a lot of weight and according to Damon, he would only walk around in left circles. Damon brought the cat to the animal hospital in NYC and a cat neurologist (And Damon cracks up at this point) who he hilariously says is named Chad, who initially prepared the family for the worst, telling him Look this is important you have to have this conversation with your children, part of being a pet owner part of doing that is giving them the dignity ... this cat doesnt really have a quality of life anymore. This is where the story takes a hilarious turn. What Matt Damon's Cat Neurologist Suggested Damon agreed and planned to bring the cat back in three weeks if it wasn't doing any better, until Dr. Chad offered a radical suggestion. Damon continued, Chad said, I could load him up on steroids. And I go, What do you mean? He goes, I mean, I could give him like a BUNCH of steroids. Damon asked if there were long term issues with that and the cat neurologist replied, "YEAH! Massive long term issues with that but we can just see what happens. Damon finished the hysterical tale, That was two and a half years ago." The audience erupted in applause over this tough as heck cat. " Now hes jacked, and I joke that hes like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hes got muscles on muscles! He looks great. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Shown are potential temperatures for 8 a.m. Wednesday in South Texas. Morning lows will be in the upper 40s near San Antonio. Pivotal Weather San Antonio has had two separate cold fronts move through the region in the past 36 hours. First, a front came through Monday night, and it brought scattered thunderstorms through San Antonio. Then, a secondary push of even cooler air swept through the region Tuesday night. Thanks to that second cold front, temperatures started on the chilly side on Wednesday. Low temperatures fell to the mid 40s in much of South Texas, reaching 45 degrees just after 5 a.m. in San Antonio. That is 11 degrees below average for early April. Temperatures were even cooler in the Texas Hill Country. Low temperatures reached 37 to 38 degrees in Fredericksburg and Kerrville. Temps stayed in the 30s and 40s through 8 a.m. before quickly rising after sunrise. San Antonio reached the 50s by 8:30 a.m., quickly rising into the low 60s by 9:30 a.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Changes are coming Not only will the cold fronts passage mean cooler air, it also means the arrival of especially dry air in South Texas. Relative humidity values are expected to drop to near 20% by Wednesday afternoon. Because of that, skies will be completely sunny, likely without a single cloud. Temperatures are able to warm up and cool down much more quickly when dry air is in place. Even after a chilly morning, temperatures will rise quickly throughout the day, reaching the low 80s by the late afternoon. Theyll fall to the 70s after 6 p.m., and drop back to the 60s shortly after sunset. Similar weather is expected on Thursday, but temperatures will be just a few degrees warmer. Morning temperatures will start in the low 50s, and afternoon temperatures will reach the low to mid-80s under bright sunshine. It doesnt get a whole lot better than that, so be sure to get outside and enjoy it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Friday and the weekend A few clouds will move into San Antonio on Friday, but mostly sunny skies are still expected as high temperatures reach the low to mid-80s. Winds will increase a bit, too, rising to 15 to 20 mph during the afternoon and evening. Shown are the potential high temperatures for Friday in South Texas. San Antonio will experience temps in the low to mid-80s. Pivotal Weather Big changes come over the weekend. Thats when partly to mostly cloudy skies enter the forecast once again. We have a chance of a few showers and thunderstorms late Saturday night and into early Sunday. While widespread severe weather is not expected, we cant rule out the chance of isolated strong thunderstorms near San Antonio. Clouds and rain next week On Monday, a strong system of low atmospheric pressure is expected to move into the southwestern United States. Unfortunately, this will likely direct some Pacific moisture into Texas just ahead of the total solar eclipse visible over South Texas on Monday afternoon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Partly to mostly cloudy skies are expected in much of South Texas on Monday, along with a chance of a few showers and storms. The highest rain chances, though, are expected to stay closer to the Texas Gulf Coast. The forecast still has the opportunity to improve in the coming days, so be sure to stick with expressnews.com/weather for more updates as we move closer to Monday. Shown is the Climate Prediction Centers national rainfall outlook for the next six to 10 days. Above-average rainfall is favored for much of Texas April 8-12. Climate Prediction Center With the western system of low pressure slowly moving closer to Texas, moderate rain chances are expected through at least the middle of the week. This is apparent when looking at the Climate Prediction Centers precipitation outlook for April 8-12. According to the outlook, San Antonio has a 60% chance of above-average rainfall, a 30% chance of near-average rainfall, and only a 10% chance of below-average rainfall. MPs are set to consider sanctioning the former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells after a further set of leaked recordings appeared to raise questions about her statements to Parliament on the Horizon scandal. Covert recordings obtained by ITV and Channel 4 show Ms Vennells, who led the Post Office at the height of the scandal, was told in 2013 that there had been allegations the Horizon system could be accessed remotely, something she later told a committee of MPs was not possible. It later emerged that subpostmasters Horizon accounts could be accessed remotely by staff working at Fujitsus headquarters in Bracknell. Responding to the recordings, Labour MP Liam Byrne, who chairs the Commons Business and Trade Committee, said he was concerned Ms Vennells may have potentially misled Parliament. Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells has already forfeited her CBE as a result of her role in the Horizon scandal (Anthony Devlin/PA) He said: We are deeply concerned by the latest revelations regarding the Post Office and will be exploring options for penalising the leadership that presided over the scandal. All options are on the table, including the Commons exercising its powers in relation to contempt of Parliament. We have to make absolutely sure that we dont jeopardise any future legal action or undermine Sir Wyn Williams public inquiry. I will present my committee with options upon Parliaments return later this month for careful consideration. In a call on July 2 2013, an independent investigator warned Ms Vennells not to categorically deny that Horizon could be accessed by Fujitsu staff in case some bloody whistleblower contradicted her. Seven years later, in a letter to a parliamentary committee, Ms Vennells said she had been told by Fujitsu that the system could not be accessed remotely. The recordings do not appear to contain any explicit statement confirming that Horizon could be accessed remotely. Commenting on todays announcement, Mr Byrne told Channel 4 News, which first broadcast the tapes last week: Weve got to now lay out the facts to Parliament. Paula was briefed according to your tapes in 2013. She then told the House in 2013 that remote access was not possible. It seems very very difficult to square that answer with what youve heard on your tapes. He added: Were testing powers that have not been used in merely 70 years. Weve got work to do now reviewing all the options that are available to us. Ms Vennells has already handed back her CBE as a result of her role in the scandal. She said: I continue to support and focus on co-operating with the inquiry and expect to be giving evidence in the coming months. I am truly sorry for the devastation caused to the subpostmasters and their families, whose lives were torn apart by being wrongly accused and wrongly prosecuted as a result of the Horizon system. I now intend to continue to focus on assisting the inquiry and will not make any further public comment until it has concluded. Fujitsu declined to comment directly on the recordings or Mr Byrnes statement, but a spokesperson said: The Fujitsu Group regards this matter with the utmost seriousness and offers its deepest apologies to the subpostmasters and their families. The UK statutory public inquiry, to which our UK subsidiary is providing full co-operation, is examining complex events that have unfolded over many years, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to this co-operation. Based on the findings of the inquiry, we will also be working with the UK Government on the appropriate actions, including contribution to compensation. The Fujitsu Group hopes for a swift resolution that ensures a just outcome for the victims. Anthony Albanese says he used a phone call with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to express Australias anger and outrage over the killing of the aid worker Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom in Gaza. The Australian prime minister said the Israeli drone attack on a seven-member team from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity on Monday would only add to international concerns over the extraordinary loss of life in Gaza. Albanese said he had demanded full accountability over the incident and conveyed to prime minister Netanyahu in very clear terms that Australians were outraged by this death, by this tragedy, of this fine Australian. Related: Zomi Frankcoms family say Australian aid worker killed in Israeli airstrike was doing the work she loves I expressed Australias anger and concern at the death of Zomi Frankcom, Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday. Zomi was an Australian aid worker working for the World Central Kitchen providing support for people who are suffering from tremendous deprivation in Gaza. The three cars were struck by Israeli drones when they travelled along a route south of Deir al-Balah pre-approved and coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF chief of the general staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, said the strike was a grave mistake that followed a misidentification at night, during a war, in very complex conditions. We are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK, he said. Netanyahu said it was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip. This happens in wartime. We are thoroughly looking into it and will do everything to ensure it does not happen again, Netanyahu said on Tuesday. Despite Netanyahus public comment that such things happened in times of war, Albanese said the Israeli prime minister in the phone call did accept responsibility for the tragedy so there was no equivocation there. But the Australian foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, had a sharper response to Netanyahu. I would say to Mr Netanyahu that wartime does not obviate responsibility for observing international humanitarian law, including the protection of aid workers, Wong told the ABC. She noted that the conflict in Gaza had been particularly fatal for aid workers and cited UN figures that about 196 aid workers had been killed. This is unacceptable. Wong, who also spoke with the Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz on Tuesday evening, reiterated that unless Israel, Mr Netanyahu, changes his course of action, Israel will continue to lose [international] support. We say to Mr Netanyahu: you must change course, Wong said. Pressed on whether Israel was ignoring such demands, Wong said nation states made their own decisions and those decisions may include acting in ways which diminish their standing internationally. The Australian government has repeatedly condemned Hamas 7 October attacks, but has also called for the protection of civilian lives in Israels military response. As the death toll and warnings of famine have mounted, Albanese and his ministers have expressed growing concerns about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Wednesdays call between Albanese and Netanyahu lasted about 20 minutes. Albanese said he had made clear, again, that it is Australias view that humanitarian assistance must reach people in Gaza unimpeded and in large quantities. But Albanese did not give a direct answer when asked whether he had spelled out any potential consequences to Netanyahu if Israel did not conduct a satisfactory investigation into Frankcoms death or change the course of its war more generally. Albanese said he had reiterated Australias longstanding concern with Israels plans for a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah and the consequences for the more than 1 million Palestinian civilians sheltering there. Related: Charities halt Gaza aid after drone attack that killed seven workers I indicated very clearly Australias view, as I have in every conversation I have had with prime minister Netanyahu, our support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, support for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security with prosperity side by side. Netanyahu has previously ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state, insisting he would not compromise on full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River. When asked on Wednesday how his message had been received, Albanese said: Prime minister Netanyahu expressed his views and I expressed the views of Australia. Albanese, whose government has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire since December, said the US decision last week not to veto a UN security council ceasefire resolution was a clear indication of global opinion. The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, said it was a tragic circumstance where an aid worker has lost their life in a very difficult war zone. Dutton said innocent people were losing their lives in Gaza as a direct result of Hamas attacks on the 7th of October. He called on the militant group to release hostages so that a ceasefire can be entered into. The General Delegation of Palestine to Australia said it was shocked and grieved by the killing of Frankcom and other colleagues who were delivering desperately needed humanitarian aid to northern Gaza. It said humanitarian relief personnel should never be targeted by attacks. The president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Nasser Mashni, called on the Australian government to hold Israel to account for its continual breaches of international law and to avoid weak language. This is not a tragedy, this is a crime, he said. Not all companies offer temporary cover for expats returning to the UK, but it can be done - Alamy Dear Alex, I need comprehensive cover for my car for 31 days to allow my son, who lives in Australia, to drive it during his visit to Britain this summer. My insurer will not add him to my cover as he is not permanently resident here. What can I do? DW Dear DW, Temporary cover for expats returning to the UK and borrowing a friend or relatives car shouldnt be too hard to arrange, but unfortunately some companies simply dont offer this service because they deem the risk of an accident caused by a driver from abroad being unfamiliar with the British road system to be too high. But it can be done. Certain dedicated temporary insurance providers, such as Tempcover, will insure non-UK drivers on their specific temporary policies, which will be separate to your own policy with Lloyds. Some providers limit cover to a maximum of 28 days, which might mean youll have to shave a few days off the start or end of your sons trip during which he isnt able to drive your car. However, there are providers offering as much as three months of temporary cover though they might prove a touch more expensive. One thing to check before you buy, though, is the rules for each provider, because they vary. Some insurers, for example, will only cover expats who still have UK licences, or who have switched them for EU ones. If your son has an Australian licence, the pool of providers will be narrowed. Id also suggest that if your son plans to return to the UK repeatedly, you shop around for an insurer that will cover drivers with non-UK licences as a temporary addition. Most of the time, its cheaper to add a driver to an existing policy than it is to take out a separate temporary policy, so if you dont mind doing the legwork, you might reap the rewards later on. For new and used buying guides, tips and expert advice, visit our Advice section, or sign up to our newsletter here To talk all things motoring with the Telegraph Cars team join the Telegraph Motoring Club Facebook group here A-Z Car Finder Joe Biden in Raleigh, North Carolina, on 26 March 2024. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters Joe Biden has said that Israel is not doing enough to protect aid workers and has called for a swift investigation into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drone attack in Gaza which killed seven people working for the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed, the US president said, in comments that were highly critical of Israels actions in Gaza. Related: Gaza aid convoy strike: what happened and who were the victims? The strike on the WCK convoy killed citizens of Australia, Britain and Poland as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the US and Canada. Early on Wednesday, the IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi put the strike down to misidentification, adding that the the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers, and that it was a mistake that should not have happened. Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the aid workers deaths and highlighted that this was not a standalone incident. This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians. More than 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the war between Israel and Hamas began after the militant groups attack on Israeli communities on 7 October, Jamie McGoldrick, the UNs top official for the coordination of humanitarian aid in Gaza, said on Tuesday. The attack on WCK was not an isolated incident, he added, pointing out that the number of humanitarians killed in the last six months in Gaza was nearly three times as high as the death toll recorded in any other single conflict in a year. On Tuesday, WCK named Jacob Flickinger as the US-Canada dual citizen working for the aid group who was killed in the attack. In the aftermath of the drone attack, several charities including WCK announced they would suspend operations in Gaza, leading to fears that the humanitarian catastrophe in the territory would worsen. One of the charities, Aneran, said the deaths of the WCK workers led their team to conclude that delivering aid safely is no longer feasible. According to Oxfam, since December, the number of people in Gaza facing catastrophic levels of hunger has nearly doubled. At least 27 children have died of malnutrition, according to Gazas health ministry. Bidens criticism of Israels actions in Gaza has grown over recent weeks and his frustration with Benjamin Netanyahu has become increasingly visible. Last month Biden said the Israeli prime minister must pay more attention to the innocent lives being lost as a consequence of the actions taken in Gaza and that his stance was detrimental to Israels interests. The attack on the WCK aid convoy drew condemnation from leaders around the world. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak called for an urgent investigation into the attack and told Netanyahu in a conversation that far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians had lost their lives in Gaza. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said he had demanded full accountability over the incident and conveyed to Prime Minister Netanyahu in very clear terms that Australians were outraged by the death of the Australian aid worker. A Bondi property is for rent at $1,250 a week while undergoing extensive remedial construction. Photograph: Tamsin Rose/The Guardian Renters are being asked to shell out $1,250 a week to live in a three-bedroom Bondi apartment where scaffolding and boards block almost every window and theres construction noise from 7am weekdays and 8am Saturdays. When Oliver came across the Bondi listing at the weekend six months into his gutting search for a rental for his young family he was shocked. Initially, when you see a property come up, youre excited, he said. Theres actually a property thats a bit above our budget and maybe, just maybe, theres an opportunity there but then its a construction site. The father of two found the listing at the Easter long weekend, reading that the apartment was undergoing extensive remedial construction works that extend into the living room and kitchen. Due to the works, access to the balconies are not permitted and most of the building is clad in scaffolding. A temporary ply wall has been erected along one length of the living space. Prospective tenants were told the oversized apartment just footsteps to surf was also subject to construction noise from 7am to 5pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and as such was being offered at a significantly reduced rate. When it opened for inspection on Tuesday night, a handful of people showed up to view unit 8 at 232-234 Campbell Parade, managed by The Rubenstein Group the realtors turned reality TV stars of Luxe Listings Sydney fame. The agency declined to comment when asked what kind of discount had been applied to the property and how long most of the building would be a construction site. An agent at the viewing told prospective tenants that the works were expected to wrap within nine months and then the rent would go up to about $2,700 a week. Related: Brock got the news the day he asked for repairs one of 30,000 NSW renters evicted without a reason each year According to Domain, the property was leased for $1,980 a week in November 2020 and then again for an undisclosed amount in November last year. It was then relisted last month. For Oliver and his wife who asked not to be identified so as to not damage their chances when they eventually apply for a new home its not even an option worth considering. Its just insane, he said. How could you live there with a family, or how could anyone live there? I work from home so theres no way. Pretty gutting. The Tenants Union New South Wales chief executive, Leo Patterson Ross, said the agent needed to be clear about how big the discount being applied was and consider if it should even be listed. Its pretty unbelievable that somewhere with this amount of work and intrusion into your life can cost more than $60,000 a year, he said. While the price being asked for a property under construction shocked Patterson Ross, he said there were many worse out there and, speaking generally, there was little in the way of legal framework to stop very poor quality properties from being listed and snapped up due to the severity of the rental crisis. Related: In Queenslands feeding frenzy housing market, renters are paying the price Hes one of many in the sector calling on the NSW Labor government to introduce its long-awaited rental reforms package, more than a year after Chris Minns took office. The Greens housing spokesperson, Jenny Leong, noted the appointment of a rental commissioner, but said the government had so far failed to provide significant assistance to renters. If this property wasnt in Sydney, you would think this advertisement was an April fools joke, she said. We are now at a point in this rental crisis where landlords are trying to flog rooms in a construction site the private market is failing. The states rental commissioner, Trina Jones, said landlords and agents were required to disclose material facts about a rental property before an agreement was struck. In this case that would include telling the renter about ongoing or anticipated rectification work or major repairs that will happen during the tenancy, she said. There is no suggestion of a failure to disclose material facts for the Bondi listing. The better regulation minister, Anoulack Chanthivong, said rectification works on buildings were important. Being upfront and transparent about any material facts of a rental property helps to create a trusted rental system, he said. He said the government was focused on getting new houses built because at the end of the day renters arent just being kneecapped by outdated rules, theyre being pressured by a failure to build homes for more than a decade. People gather around one of the cars of the aid group World Central Kitchen that was hit by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Ministers are under pressure from Tory MPs and peers to stop arming Israel after seven humanitarian workers were killed by an airstrike in Gaza. Four Conservatives told the Guardian on Wednesday that the UK should stop exporting arms to Israel after its strike, which killed three British aid workers. Their intervention comes after Peter Ricketts, a government national security adviser during David Camerons premiership, said the time had come to send a signal and stop exporting arms. David Jones, the Conservative MP for Clwyd West, said the Israeli strike on the aid convoy was extraordinary. The government should urgently reassess its supply of arms and deliver a stern warning to Israel about its conduct. Israel has every right to defend itself and every right to act proportionately that doesnt include people who are trying to do good, he said. Related: Gaza aid convoy strike: what happened and who were the victims? Given that weve seen three British citizens all of them ex-forces killed in what is, at best, a negligent manner I think that we really need to reassess our supply of weaponry there. I thought that [Benjamin] Netanyahus response these things happen in war was completely inadequate, frankly shamefully inadequate. Paul Bristow, the Conservative MP for Peterborough, said: The thought that British-made arms could be used in action that kills innocent civilians in Gaza turns the stomach. The fact that we have now seen British aid workers killed while they try to feed families in Gaza must be a line in the sand. Flick Drummond, the Conservative MP for Meon Valley, said UK arms sales to Israel should be stopped for the foreseeable future. This has been concerning me for some time, she said. What worries me is the prospect of UK arms being used in Israels actions in Gaza, which I believe have broken international law. Hugo Swire, a former Foreign Office minister in Camerons government, said: I fully support the UK policy of selling arms to Israel in order for Israel to be able to defend herself from any would-be aggressor. What I do not support is the selling of arms which can be and now look as if they are being used offensively in Gaza. Alan Duncan, another former Foreign Office minister, told the charity Action for Humanity that the governments stance on arms exports to Israel is a matter of grave concern, particularly given Israels blatant disregard for international humanitarian law. He called for an immediate arms embargo and immediate clarifications of whether UK components were used in the strike that killed the aid workers. The Liberal Democrats called on Wednesday morning for UK arms exports to Israel to be suspended. The SNP said parliament should be recalled from its Easter recess to discuss the crisis. Rishi Sunak told the Suns Never Mind the Ballots show on Wednesday that Israels conduct in Gaza had become increasingly intolerable. The prime minister said arms licences were kept under careful review according to regulations and procedures that well always follow. Lord Ricketts, who is also a former permanent secretary of the Foreign Office, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think theres abundant evidence now that Israel hasnt been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians. And a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law. Thats a condition of the arms export licence. So honestly, I think the time has come to send that signal. It wont change the course of the war. It would be a powerful political message. And it might just stimulate debate in the US as well, which would be the real game-changer. The challenges for Labour to maintain a united front on the issue were apparent on Wednesday at a joint appearance in London by the shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, where the latter said there was now a case for halting arms sales. If the government legal advice says what people suspect it says, then the government should be halting sales, Khan said. Asked if she agreed, Reeves reiterated the party line that Labour was urging the government to publish any reports that it had on Israels compliance with international law. In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, said that if the governments legal advice says there is a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, its time to suspend the sale of those arms. The seven aid workers, who had been delivering food aid to Gaza, were killed on M0nday by an Israeli drone. Those killed three British citizens, a Palestinian, a US-Canadian dual citizen, a Pole and an Australian were working for World Central Kitchen (WCK), an international charity. Rishi Sunak has called for an urgent investigation into the Israeli airstrike. The seven victims were named by WCK as Britons John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, who were working for the charitys security team. The teams leader, Zomi Frankcom, 43, an Australian national, also died, along with Jacob Flickinger, 33, an American-Canadian dual citizen; Damian Sobol, 35, a Polish national; and Saif Issam Abu Taha, a 25-year-old Palestinian. On Tuesday the Israeli newspaper Haaretz published details of the strike, citing defence sources. According to the report, an Israeli drone fired three missiles at the convoy of three armoured cars all of which were clearly marked on the roof and sides with the WCKs logo because of a suspicion that an armed militant was travelling with them. Despite the fact that the suspect did not leave a warehouse with the rest of the group, the cars were hit as they travelled back along a route pre-approved and coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the report said. Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, the chief of the general staff of the IDF, said the incident was a mistake that followed a misidentification during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened. Cheaper beer exists, even in London if you know where to look - Moment RF There is a moment in every mans life when he realises he has turned into his father. Mine came at the bar of a well-known central London pub last year, when a card-reader, proffered almost apologetically by the barman, informed me I owed close to 8 for the mass-produced beer Id ordered. I swallowed hard. I almost spluttered. 8 for a pint? How? Of all the indignities of modern British life, expensive beer is amongst the most infuriating. Beer should be an affordable pleasure and yet, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), a glass of beer in the pub is now a luxury. Lager has, according to the Office for National Statistics, grown in price by more than 28 per cent, on average, since before the pandemic. Its nothing short of a pint-tastrophe. And while it would be nice to be able to identify a culprit a moustache-twiddling, beer-watering brewery boss, perhaps the causes are nothing so colourful. The Ukraine war has driven up energy and raw material costs, with a knock-on effect on everything else. Rents have risen as landlords try to claw back cash lost during Covid-19 lockdowns. Staff in London have to survive in a ludicrously overheated housing market, driving up wages and the city attracts huge numbers of tourists, keen to experience London pubs and generally less price-sensitive than locals. All this is on top of other, longer-term factors, like sky-high beer taxation and the fact that many pub tenants are forced to buy beer from their pubco (the company that owns their pub), invariably at prices higher than on the open market. And brewers are not entirely blame-free: some beers are understandably expensive because theyre made with expensive ingredients in small batches by tiny breweries, but others are expensive because their multinational owners know (or believe) they can keep prices high and punters will continue to fork out. Ask a freehold landlord what she or he pays for a keg of the worlds favourite stout. But its not all bad. Cheaper beer exists, even in London. Indeed, Ive never known a time when the price of a beer varies so much depending on where you buy it. Wetherspoons is reliably cheap: according to a spokesman, this is based on a philosophical belief in fair prices, achieved through purchasing power and a rigid buying structure. Others, like Sam Smiths, once noted for value in London, have abandoned the policy. And then there are the blessed places, in the UK and abroad, where good beer remains reasonably priced in pubs of all types. Here are my recommendations if you want to avoid a meltdown at the bar. The Black Country A few years ago, I interviewed Tim Batham, genial owner of Black Country brewery Bathams. I think beer ought to be cheap, its a staple thing that everyone ought to have, he told me. I was delighted to subsequently discover this philosophy was shared by most in this part of the world. Tims beer or should I say his daughter Alices, since she makes it, at the brewery next door to the Vine (colloquially known as the Bull and Bladder) pub in Brierley Hill remains great value. Try also the charismatic Beacon Hotel in Sedgley, home to the legendary strong mild, Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby, still well under 4 for a truly delicious 6 per cent beer. Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby is a cheap yet delicious pint - Beacon Hotel in Sedgley Sheffield Debate about Britains best beer city can keep pub bores going all evening, but when it comes to good beer at excellent prices, one city stands out: Sheffield. Its full of charismatic pubs, and it has more breweries per capita, according to the recent Sheffield beer report, than anywhere else in the UK. Probably the best part of town for a pint is that around Kelham Island, home to the Fat Cat and the Kelham Island Tavern, where a good pint of perfectly-kept cask beer is generally yours for a lot less than 4. Theres a bonanza of choice, too: around 600 different beers are on sale in Sheffield on any given day. The Fat Cat in Sheffield boasts pints of perfectly-kept cask beer for less than 4 - Alex Ekins/Alamy The North East of England For my third pick, I enlisted the help of Englands greatest pub expert, Martin Taylor, who in 2022 completed Britains longest pub crawl of all of the establishments in the Good Beer Guide. He suggests the North East of England, particularly the coast between Stockton and Sunderland. Try the banked Bass in the Sun Inn [in Stockton] and the Camerons Strongarm in Hartlepool for maritime heritage and affordable pints, he told me. Banked beer with its huge, teetering head of foam has to be seen to be believed, and at less than 3 a pint, its a luxury that anyone can afford. The Sun Inn is a popular pub in Stockton - Alamy Stock Photo Franconia, Germany There are plenty of places on the Continent for cheap beer. In terms of capitals, Minsk works out the cheapest according to travel booking website Omio, with pints crossing the bar at 90p a go although why youd want to go to Belarus right now is beyond me (and the Foreign Office advises against it). Much better to head for Bavarias northern third, Franconia, the greatest brewing region in what may be the worlds foremost beer country. There are dozens of small breweries here, churning out delicious, characterful lager at prices that seem barely feasible given the quality. At Upper Franconias heart is Bamberg, a town of 70,000 souls with more than a dozen breweries. Spezial, Schlenkerla and Keesman, the last-named producers of what may be Germanys best Pils, are must-visits. Bohemia, Czech Republic Plenty of Britons head for Prague to drink, and the beer there is reliably cheaper than here. But for really good value, get out of the Czech capital. Here are two options to please drinkers of both political persuasions: Cvikov, in the north of the country, saw its brewery closed by the Communist government in 1968 (theres still graffiti on a brewery wall lambasting the minister responsible) but it was reopened in 2013, complete with a hotel in the former maltings; and Kutna Hora, to the east of Prague, had its brewery bought and closed by Heineken in 2009 but reopened by locals in 2017. The latter is a particularly delightful town boasting a remarkable gothic church, Saint Barbaras just the sort of tourist attraction those of us slowly turning into our dads appreciate. Edouard Philippe has made no secret of his ambitions for the French presidency - LOU BENOIST/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES Police have conducted searches in a French city hall in an investigation targeting Edouard Philippe, a former prime minister and close ally of Emmanuel Macron. An inquiry into Mr Philippe, now the mayor of the port city of Le Havre in Normandy, and two other officials in the city was opened in December 2023, a judicial source told AFP. The source, who asked not to be named, said the investigation involved suspicions of influence peddling, favouritism, embezzlement of public funds, and workplace bullying. Mr Philippe, who served as premier from 2017 to 2020, is a close ally of Mr Macron. He runs a centrist movement, Horizons, that is allied to the presidents ruling party. He is currently seen as the pro-Macron figure who is most likely to stand for the presidency in 2027, as the incumbent leader cannot run for a third consecutive term. Complaint centres on citys digital hub Mr Philippe has made little effort to hide his ambitions for the presidency, and some analysts are already predicting the most likely scenario for 2027 is a duel between him and far-Right leader Marine Le Pen. The policy inquiry was opened after a complaint that was lodged in 2023 relating to the setting up of a digital hub in the city, known as the Cite Numerique du Havre. Mr Philippe confirmed to the BFM Normandie TV channel that searches had taken place, and added: We are at the disposal of the magistrates and we will respond to all the questions to show in good faith that we have respected all the rules. According to Le Monde, which first reported on the probe, the plaintiff is a former senior official with the local authority whose contract was not renewed by Mr Philippe in April 2023. Christelle Mazza, a lawyer for the plaintiff, welcomed the searches. This is very encouraging for the status of whistleblower and for all public officials who, in the exercise of their functions, including at the highest level, witness facts likely to constitute offences, she said. JK Rowling described the Scottish governments new hate crime law as wide open to abuse. Photograph: Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP Comments by JK Rowling that described prominent transgender women activists as men will not be recorded as a non-crime hate incident, Police Scotland has said. Related: JK Rowling will not be arrested under new Scottish hate law, say police The Harry Potter author challenged police to arrest her in a series of posts on X on Monday as the Scottish governments contentious hate crime law came into force, which she described as wide open to abuse. She listed sex offenders who had described themselves as transgender alongside well-known trans women activists, describing them as men, every last one of them. On Tuesday the force confirmed that her comments did not amount to a crime, as it emerged that more than 3000 complaints had been made under the new act within the first 48 hours. The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 extends statutory aggravations to more protected characteristics including age and transgender identity, and creates a new offence where someone communicates material or behaves in a threatening or abusive manner with the intention of stirring up hatred based on these protected characteristics, with a maximum custodial sentence of seven years. While supporters of the act insist that the bar for prosecution is set very high, further concerns have been raised about the recording of non-crime hate incidents that do not meet the criminal threshold and are based on the perception of the victim or a bystander. Related: Scotlands first minister defends Hate Crime Act amid barrage of criticism Although this method of recording has been in place for many years as a means of monitoring community tensions, Police Scotland is now reviewing its procedures after a court of appeal ruling stated that a similar policy in England could have an effect on freedom of expression. A number of the complaints received by the force since Monday related to a speech made by the first minister, Humza Yousaf, when he was the justice secretary in 2020, during which he highlighted the preponderance of white people in senior public roles. Police Scotland confirmed that no crime had been committed in this case, nor was a non-crime hate incident recorded. This morning, the Scottish governments community safety minister, Siobhian Brown, told BBC Radios Good Morning Scotland programme that misinformation and publicity had led to the high number of reports, adding that a fake complaint had been made using her name and contact details. She insisted that the extended stirring up offence had a very, very high threshold for criminality. Weve been very clear within the act this is not about restricting freedom of expression, it is to protect, she added. The Loose Women presenter India Willoughby, a transgender woman who was named in Rowlings post, said that Police Scotlands decision was weak. One of the World Central Kitchen vehicles targeted by Israeli air strikes which killed seven people, including three Britons - AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES The Government must publish advice about whether Israel has broken international law in Gaza, Labour has demanded, as pressure builds for an arms sale ban. David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, and Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, made the call after three British aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza. James Henderson, 33, John Chapman, 57, and James Kirby, 47, were killed when the Israeli Defense Forces bombed a humanitarian convoy delivering food to Palestinians in Gaza on Monday. They were all former servicemen overseeing security for the World Central Kitchen aid organisation. The Britons killed, from left, John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby were former British servicemen working on security for the aid charity - WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN Four other aid workers were killed in the air strikes, which the IDF has said was an accident and for which Israel has apologised. The Liberal Democrats have gone further than Labour by demanding an immediate suspension of arms sales to Israel, while the SNP called for Parliament to be recalled from its Easter recess to debate the issue. Lord Ricketts, a former UK national security adviser, also called for arms exports to be suspended, saying there is now enough evidence Israel is not paying attention to its international humanitarian law obligations. The Foreign Office is continuing to weigh up legal advice about whether Israel is failing to show a strong enough commitment to international humanitarian law in its military action in Gaza. If Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, concludes that is the case, the Department for Business and Trade will be told to block arms exports from the UK to Israel. Foreign Office officials have made submissions Despite reassurances to parliamentarians a month ago from Lord Cameron that MPs would be told of any change in position, no public statement has been forthcoming. Submissions by Foreign Office officials about whether Israel is breaching the requirements are understood to have been made in both January and February. Mr Lammy said: I have now been calling for 12 days for David Cameron to publish the legal advice so that we are clear on whether Israel has contravened international humanitarian law, and therefore arms sales should be suspended. This has happened in the past, it happened under the Margaret Thatcher administration, and it happened under Gordon Browns administration, so there is precedent. But it is important now that that advice is published so that we can all be clear that if there has been a breach in international humanitarian law, and I must say that I do have very serious concerns, that arms sales are suspended. Rachel Reeves says it is urgent the Government publish its reports on Israeli compliance with international law - ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK Ms Reeves said: We have urged the Government to urgently publish any reports that they have on the abidance with international law. The international law is clear that where arms sales are at risk of being used for purposes not consistent with international law, they shouldnt happen. That is why now we are asking the Government to urgently publish the evidence that they have. Rishi Sunak said he has been consistently clear with Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, that he must protect civilian lives. The Prime Minister told The Sun on Wednesday: I think weve always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that well always follow, and I have been consistently clear with prime minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while of course we defend Israels right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law. Get more aid into Gaza. Thats what weve consistently called for and what we want to see actually is an immediate humanitarian pause to allow more aid in, and crucially the hostages to be released, and thats what well continue to push for. A Foreign Office source said legal advice is not routinely published by the Government. A TikTok sensation shared a helpful tip to avail of major discounts at Costco. Lawyer and financial expert Erika Kullberg, with more than 7.7 million followers as of present writing, reveals a hack on getting great discounts even you have already purchased an item. In her 19-second video clip titled "What Costco doesn't want you to know about getting money back," Kullberg acts out an interaction between a customer and salesperson at the major American retailer. The customer just bought a TV recently, and it is $400 off now, but the salesperson said there's nothing she could do about it. However, the customer pointed out that Costco's term as a price adjustment policy, since the TV was bought three weeks ago, meaning it falls within the price adjustment period of 30 days The salesperson just answered, "Fine, we'll give you back the $400 difference." Millions of social media users follow Erika Kullberg because of her helpful pieces of money advice. Thus, he featured in major media companies like CNBC, the Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, @erikakullberg What Costco doesn't want you to know about getting money back #lawyer #money #personalfinance original sound - Money Lawyer Erika The Georgetown Law alumna also paid over $225,000 in student loans in under two years. She shares her personal finance knowledge via YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Due to her educational yet entertaining content, she became among the most followed lawyers on social media, with more than 10 million followers across the three major social media platforms. Consequently, her work has received recognition from various organizations. How To Avail Costco's Price Adjustment Credit? Costco advises customers that purchases made online at Costco.com within 30 days of the price change could be eligible for a price adjustment credit. Credits are usually granted in three to five business days. End consumers are the only ones eligible for special consideration for promotional pricing. Resellers should purchase the item within the valid promotional dates "to receive the promotional price." Customers who bought their item at a Costco warehouse site have to inquire at the membership counter at the Costco site where the purchase was made. Costco does not price match with other retailers. Check if a promotional price was already deducted from your order. Meanwhile, a financial expert and billionaire investor predicts that Costco is going to go big-time online. Charlie Munger, chairman of Daily Journal and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, shares his viewpoints on Costco's operations and stock valuation in a recent forum organized by Yahoo! Finance. Costco's Bright Future Online Munger said that Costco will be "an absolute titan on the internet" due to its curated products that have to earn the trust of everyone and for the "huge purchasing power on a "limited number of stocking units." The financial expert said that the retail giant will become "a big, powerful company as far ahead as you see," which it deserves because of its good culture and "good moral ethos." Michael Goodfellow made significant contributions on the use of Actinobacteria in biotechnology, especially in the discovery of new drugs Photograph: family My father, Michael Goodfellow, who has died aged 83, was a world authority on Actinobacteria, an important group of microbes valued for their antibiotic-producing capacity. A global collaborator, Mike was granted numerous international awards for his significant contributions on the use of Actinobacteria in biotechnology, especially in the discovery of new drugs. He was also recognised with the naming of the bacterial genus Goodfellowiella. He chaired national and international organisations, including the trust that oversees the publication of Bergeys Manual, an international resource on the classification and identification of bacteria, and was a founding member of Bergeys International Society for Microbial Systematics. Mike began his academic career as a postdoctoral fellow at Penn State University in the US (1966-67), then fulfilled a similar role at the University of Leicester (1967-1969). In 1969 he joined the University of Newcastle as a lecturer in microbiology, and remained there until his death, promoted to senior lecturer, reader, and then professor in microbial systematics, and also heading the school of biology from 2005 until 2008. Born in Ecclefechan, Dumfries and Galloway, to Mary (nee Wilson), a shirt machinist, and Edwin Goodfellow, a door-to-door salesman, Mike had a difficult childhood after his mother died when he was three. He grew up in Carlisle, attending Carlisle grammar school before studying botany at the University of Liverpool, where he also completed a PhD in microbiology. After joining Penn State University straight after graduation, he returned to Liverpool for a short spell as a teacher at the Prince Rupert secondary modern girls school before joining Leicester University. In 1983 he married Punita Tanna and they had two children, my sister Maya and me. Despite his own isolated upbringing, Mike filled ours with joy, and he was endlessly caring, wryly funny and always supportive. A socialist, internationalist and a deeply political thinker, he was instrumental in setting up the Socialist Environment and Resources Association and was a Labour party member from the age of 18 until he resigned his membership a few days before he died, in protest of the partys direction of travel. He was a voracious reader, and even the briefest conversation with him would highlight that there were few subjects he didnt know something about. But he wore his knowledge lightly and was always curious about the views of others. Staunchly opposed to private schools, he served as chair of governors at Gosforth high school for nearly 40 years and in his spare time followed the fortunes of Liverpool FC, having supported them since his university days. Mike is survived by Punita, Maya and me. West works for a lender called A.N.Y. Bank in the Nationwide advert and jokes about a large expenses bill for lunch and breaking 'the company record' Ads for Nationwide featuring the actor Dominic West have been banned for misleading customers after the building society suggested it would not be closing its branches. The Advertising Standards Authority launched an investigation after receiving hundreds of complaints about the TV, radio and newspaper ads where West plays the boss of a fictional bank. Among 282 complaints was one from rival Santander, which understood that Nationwide had recently closed or reduced opening hours at several branches, and challenged whether the ads were misleading. In the television ad, West, who recently played Prince Charles in The Crown, works for a lender called A.N.Y. Bank and jokes about a large expenses bill for lunch and breaking the company record. He then jokes about cutbacks and says that the branch downstairs is a bit overindulgent nowadays and when a colleague says that Nationwide, seen from their window over the road, is not closing branches, West replies: Were not Nationwide, are we? We are nothing like them. Going, Going, Nowhere A voiceover at the end of the ad says: Unlike the big banks, were not closing our branches, while the on-screen text refers to branch closures at Lloyds, Bank of Scotland/Halifax, Natwest, Barclays, Santander and HSBC. The radio ad featured a similar conversation, with the colleague saying: Boss, news from Nationwide and Theyve just confirmed theyre keeping branches open, followed by the same voiceover as the TV ad. The newspaper ad featured the text Going, Going, Nowhere and Unlike the big banks, were not closing our branches but the small print at the bottom of the ad said: If we have a branch in your town or city, well still be there until at least 2026. Nationwide said it launched its original Branch Promise in 2019 not to leave a town or city where there was no other Nationwide branch, and strengthened this in 2023 to guarantee they would not close any of their branches until at least 2026. The bank told the ASA they had closed 20 branches in the last 18 months, including two in 2023, but it had the largest remaining number of branches of 10 banks. The building society, which has around 600 branches, also supplied the regulator with an article from the consumer magazine Which? that recommended Nationwide as a bank for consumers who still valued face-to-face contact. The ASA said viewers were likely to miss qualifications within the ads that the banks Branch Promise would be in place until at least 2026. In the ad, The Crown actor makes light of cutbacks and says that the branch downstairs is 'a bit overindulgent nowadays' It also understood that in the 12 months before the ad campaign, Santander had closed fewer branches than Nationwide and, at the time the ad was seen, Santander had not announced that they would be closing branches in the future. The ASA said: We acknowledged that over a 10-year period, in comparison to other financial institutions, Nationwide had closed the smallest percentage of any financial institutions estate. However, we noted that they had nevertheless closed 20% of their estate, which equated to 152 branches, and we considered that was a significant number that had been permanently closed. We also understood that since Nationwide had launched their original Branch Promise, in the 18 months since July 2022 they had permanently closed 20 branches. Of those 20, 14 had been closed in the 12 months preceding the campaign, with two of them having been closed in 2023. The ASA concluded: As above, we understood that Nationwides Branch Promise was only valid until 2026, at which time Nationwide could begin to close branches permanently. Branch promise We considered those factors relating to previous, recent branch closures and the effect on future branches in the long term were likely to be significant to consumers when making decisions about whether to choose Nationwide, in the context of the claims made in the ads that Nationwide were not closing their branches. Because we considered that consumers would understand from the ads that Nationwide would not be closing branches in the long-term future and that they had not recently closed branches, we concluded that the ads were misleading. The watchdog ruled that the ads must not appear again in their current form. We told Nationwide Building Society not to mislead in relation to the closure of their branches, it said. A Nationwide spokesman said it accepted the decision and welcomed the opportunity to make clear its commitment to its Branch Promise. We recognise the ASAs decision and are delighted to have the opportunity to make even clearer our now extended branch promise to keep every branch open until the start of 2028. The investment we have made to keep branches open means we now have more than any other brand and are the last one standing in more than 90 communities. Judd Blevins, left, a city councilor in Enid, Oklahomas, speaks with an Enid resident on 26 March 2024. Photograph: Sean Murphy/AP Voters in Enid, Oklahoma, have decisively kicked out a city council member with a history of ties to white nationalist groups from the elected body almost a year after he was admitted. Judd Blevins lost his position as Enids ward 1 council member, according to Oklahomas state election board. The move comes months after Blevin was shown to have attended a deadly neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 and was later shown to have led an Oklahoma chapter of the white nationalist group Identity Evropa. Blevins denied he was or ever had been a white supremacist, and said he was motivated by the same issues that got Donald Trump elected in 2016. A small group of 36 Blevins supporters had won him election last year, but he lost Tuesdays vote to fellow Republican candidate Cheryl Patterson who had campaigned on a platform of returning Enid to normalcy and appears to have defeated Blevins by a 20-point margin, or 268 votes. In his campaign to maintain his seat on the council after a recall election was approved earlier this year, Blevins noted his achievements, including voting for a movie theater in his ward, storm water drainage improvements and the opening of a branch of the Texas Roadhouse steak restaurant chain. He had said voters had elected him because they believed I was the best candidate who shared their values, their concerns and their hopes for the future of Enid. An earlier effort to censure Blevins for failing to explain or apologize for aligning himself with white nationalists collapsed after a fellow commissioner, Derwin Norwood, the only Black member of the city governing body, said he accepted Blevinss statement that he was opposed to all forms of racial hatred, racial discrimination and any form of government that would suppress the rights that are enshrined in our constitution. But as the election drew close, some claimed that Blevinss extremist ties had not been severed. At a public forum last week, his opponent said she believed in second chances, but my opponent has not been forthcoming in his continued association with members of the white nationalist movement. After Tuesdays results rolled in, Connie Vickers, a Democrat who campaigned against Blevins, told NBC News: We won. Blevins lost. Hate lost. Even on voting day, Blevins said he had a good chance of retaining his seat. Im pretty confident Ill come out on top, he told the outlet. And if not, I fought the good fight. He said that if he was defeated, he planned to just go back to private life. Life goes on. But the race between Blevins and Patterson at times grew heated. He disparaged her as a tool of radical social justice campaigners and compared himself to Donald Trump encircled on all sides by a faction of far-left perverts. Someone had tried to kill him by cutting a brake line on his pickup, he claimed. Blevinss opponent, meanwhile, campaigned on a platform to restore Enids sullied reputation. It was time to step forward, Patterson said of her candidacy. Its time to restore our reputation. Enid is not a town that promotes white nationalism or white supremacy in any way, Patterson was quoted by NBC. And the people are good. The Enid election results have yet to be certified, which could happen on Friday. Italian marines take position during an amphibious assault demonstration as part of a Nato exercise in Norway last month - Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP Nato countries that do not spend two per cent of GDP on defence spending are playing Russian roulette with the Wests future, Grant Shapps has warned. In an article for The Telegraph to mark the military alliances 75th anniversary, the Defence Secretary argued that allies must accept we are now in a pre-war world. Last year, just 11 Nato members met its two per cent target, first set almost two decades ago, with France and Germany among the nations that spent less on defence. That figure is expected to rise to 18 this year, with Paris and Berlin recently announcing that they will hit the target in 2024 but others in the 32-nation alliance have not done so. Mr Shapps wrote: We must look beyond that target to shore up our defences. Yet some nations are still failing to meet even the two per cent. That cannot continue. We cant afford to play Russian roulette with our future. Referring to Natos anniversary, he said: Paying tribute to Natos past is not enough. Today we must give urgent thought once again to the alliances future. We have moved from a post-war to a pre-war world. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, delivered a similar message on Wednesday during a two-day trip to Brussels for a Nato summit of foreign ministers. He told allies spending two per cent on defence was the best way to prepare for the American elections in the autumn, in a clear reference to the possibility of a Donald Trump victory. Mr Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, triggered outrage in February when he said he would encourage Russia to attack Nato members who were not hitting the spending target. In a speech at a Royal United Services Institute conference in Brussels later on Wednesday, Lord Cameron raised concerns that younger people are not as pro-Nato as they were during the Cold War, saying: We have to win the argument with Nato all over again with a new generation. He also warned that Nato would face a very bleak future if its allies allowed Vladimir Putin to succeed in Ukraine. The tough messages to Nato allies come as the Conservative Party is locked in debate about how high to raise UK defence spending. Currently, around 2.3 per cent of GDP is spent on defence. Rishi Sunak has an ambition to raise that to 2.5 per cent but has put no timeframe on when that would happen. Recommended Britain has always been a prime mover in Nato. Other powers must do more to pay their way Read more Three former Tory defence secretaries Sir Michael Fallon, Sir Gavin Williamson and Ben Wallace told The Telegraph last month that they want a three per cent election manifesto pledge. No extra money was announced for the Ministry of Defence in the Budget last month, triggering a backlash from some Tories and former soldiers. Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has proved a major test for Nato and triggered a step change in approach for some nations. Two new countries have joined, Finland in 2023 and Sweden this year. Other nations most notably Germany have announced major increases in defence spending. The 11 nations that hit the two per cent Nato target last year were the UK, the US, Denmark, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, Greece, and Poland. The US spent the second most on defence, at 3.2 per cent, of GDP much more than the UK as a proportion of the economy with Poland spending the most, at 3.9 per cent. Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato general secretary, said the target was due to be hit by 18 member nations in 2024 but did not name them. Mr Shapps warned: Russia is menacing our neighbours. China is increasingly belligerent. Iran is using its proxies to cause regional havoc from the Middle East to the straits of Yemen. North Korea is perpetually rattling its nuclear sabre. Increasingly, these malign powers are aligning and our democracy is in their crosshairs. Seventy-five years ago George Orwell painted a terrifying picture of a world without Nato. Today, we live in a more dangerous age. Once more, autocratic Big Brothers are seeking to divide us. But we have a big advantage. Today our alliance is bigger, stronger and more experienced than ever. And as long as we stand together, well guarantee that Orwellian ending never comes to pass. Lord Cameron warned: There is another future for Nato, for the West. And that is one where we allow Putin to succeed and the celebrations will be held mostly in Moscow, and, of course, Beijing, Tehran and North Korea. That is a very bleak future, not only because I believe other European countries would be at risk, but I think all of the world would look around in America, Britain and other European powers when we stand up for our allies, how reliable are we and even the absolute key to Nato, article five. Allies in Europe would start looking at each other and wondering how much they could really trust each other. In February, Mr Trump, who could be the US president come January if he defeats the incumbent Joe Biden, described a conversation with a leader of a Nato country about whether the US would protect it if it did not pay two per cent and Russia attacked. Mr Trump said: I said: You didnt pay? Youre delinquent?... No I would not protect you, in fact, I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You gotta pay. He has since insisted he would not pull the US out of Nato. Meanwhile, Labour has doubled down on its support for Nato in an article for The Telegraph by David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, and John Healey, the shadow defence secretary. They wrote: Labours commitment to Nato is unshakeable, alongside our total support for our nuclear deterrent, which we maintain on behalf of our Nato allies. Similar to trout and salmon, the char has a long history as a culinary delicacy. Photograph: FLPA/Jack Perks/Rex/Shutterstock The Arctic char (or charr), Salvelinus alpinus, has for centuries had a special place in Britains largest natural lake, Lake Windermere. Since the ice age, when the glaciers retreated leaving behind a deep cold water lake, the char has lived in its depths. Similar to trout and salmon, the char has always been thought of as a culinary delicacy and for centuries was sold to the wealthier members of British society as a rare dish. Commercial netting was stopped in 1921 and now it is only a specialist angler that will try to lure one on to a hook. Related: Up to 70 days of suspected illegal dumps of sewage in Windermere in 2022, analysis finds There are many other Arctic char populations, and it is thought to be the most northerly freshwater fish. Some are elsewhere in the UK, notably in Scotlands deep lakes, often isolated so long that they were once thought to be different species. The Windermere char was originally a migratory species, like salmon, but even though they could escape the lake they stay put. They grow slowly and a 10-year-old spawning fish will reach 30cm (1ft). Their existence and their cultural value contributed to Windermere being declared a Unesco world heritage site in 2017. Sadly, however, their future is in doubt. Raw sewage from United Utilities overflows has been flooding into Windermere. If this situation continues, the char habitat may never be the same. Taiwans biggest earthquake in 25 years killed at least nine people and injured hundreds more on Wednesday as it shook buildings across the island. Violent shaking was felt across all of Taiwan and its outlying islands from the magnitude 7.2 tremor, leaving buildings leaning precariously near the epicentre, close to the eastern coastal city of Hualien, in a mountainous part of the island. Even as more than 100 aftershocks rattled the island nation, rescuers were trying to reach dozens of people caught by landslides and falling debris, including 70 workers trapped in two rock quarries. At least 50 people have been reported missing. Fang Zhen, a 22-year-old undergraduate at National Dong Hwa University in Hualien, was woken up when things started to fall from the shelves in his bedroom. When he thought it was over, Mr Fang went downstairs to survey the damage and saw that part of a nearby mountain had completely collapsed. Home of the popular tourist attraction Taroko Gorge itself the result of a collision of massive tectonic plates Hualien is no stranger to earthquakes, some resulting in serious damage and deaths. Images from the areas picturesque mountains on Wednesday showed landslides that sent thick clouds of dust into the sky. Elsewhere in Taiwan, train passengers gripped subway railings and ducked to the ground as the cars swayed violently. Footage from local media reports showed hapless swimmers caught up in violent waves that formed in rooftop swimming pools. During one live news broadcast, a presenter carried on heroically, advising audiences to remain calm despite nearly losing her balance as the shaking caused debris to fall from the ceiling. Hualiens experience of frequent earthquakes meant people were well-prepared for Wednesdays tremor, said Joyce Yeh, a professor at National Dong Hwa University who has lived in the area for 20 years. Hualien people say if you dont run away, you are a local, and if you run away, you are not a local. You just wait, and you hold on until it calms down, Prof Yeh told The Telegraph from her farmhouse in Hualien. A partially collapsed building in Hualien - CNA/AFP/Getty Images Prof Yeh said she was getting ready to travel for the Tomb Sweeping holiday, an important traditional festival where people pay their respects to their elders, when glasses and bottles began to fall to the floor and shatter. After the shaking subsided, a warning from the local government arrived urging her to close all her windows because a fire had broken out at the universitys science building, and the smoke may have contained toxic fumes. While the experience left her shocked and terrified, she said she felt far more prepared this time compared to the 6.5-magnitude earthquake there in 2018 that left 17 people dead. This time, she had prepared an emergency backpack with her passport, ID, and water. So I just grabbed my bag and walked outside and waited in my yard. The earthquake severely disrupted travel around the island, complicating the work of rescuers trying to get to people in areas cut off by massive landslides many in tunnels that cut through the mountains that bisect the island from north to south. A man checks a partially collapsed building in Hualien for survivors . . . - TVBS . . . before pulling a child to safety through a window - TVBS Wang Kwo-Tsai, Taiwans minister of transportation, said he was not optimistic that the islands roads and railways would be operational again soon. In the meantime, maritime transport is being propped up to connect Hualiens port to the northern Suao port. China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as a renegade province, said it was paying close attention to the quake and willing to provide disaster relief assistance. The earthquake was the strongest to hit since 1999 when a magnitude 7.3 tremor killed more than 2,400 people, injured over 11,000 and damaged more than 50,000 buildings. Emergency workers assist a survivor after he was rescued from a damaged building in New Taipei City - CNA/AFP via Getty Images Members of a search and rescue team prepare to enter a partially collapsed building in Hualien - National Fire Agency/AP Many Taiwanese likened Wednesdays shaking to the 1999 disaster. It felt just like it, one said. It felt just as serious. But the known damage and casualties this time are far smaller. Of the nine deaths reported so far, many were people who were struck by falling rocks while hiking or in vehicles. Strict building regulations in Taiwan revised after the 1999 disaster and widespread public awareness of the threat posed by seismic activity, appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the island. T.H. Schee, of Taiwans Open Knowledge Foundation, who has worked closely with civil defence and preparedness groups across Taiwan, had returned to his hometown of Puli, which was impacted heavily by the 1999 quake. Just in Puli, around 5,000 buildings collapsed in a small town of 80,000 people. It hurt a lot, he said. And after that, the government, especially the Ministry of Interior, started developing new building codes for newly constructed houses, apartments, and buildings that were enforceable. They required buildings to withstand a high level of force, he said. A damaged apartment in New Taipei City - Fabian Hamacher/REUTERS Other factors contributed to the lower number of casualties, Mr Schee said. Taiwans emergency response is now more organised and, unlike 25 years ago, involves civil society and volunteer organisations. Wednesdays quake also struck deeper at a depth of more than 21 miles creating a less extreme shockwave. For the magnitude of the earthquake, [the situation] could have been very serious, but its not, Mr Schee said. I think the response has improved a lot because we only see [nine] casualties so far. 02:14 AM BST Everything we know about the earthquake in Taiwan 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 always 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Recommended Rowling's 'come and get me' retort to Hate Crime Act is direct challenge to Yousaf Read more 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. 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. 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. Taiwans strongest earthquake in 25 years has killed nine people and injured at least 900, causing building collapses, power outages and landslides on the island, and triggering initial tsunami warnings in southern Japan and the Philippines. The fire agency said 64 people were trapped in one coalmine, and six in another, while rescue workers had lost contact with 50 people who were travelling in minibuses through a national park as the earthquake wiped out phone networks. The quake, given a magnitude of 7.2 by Taiwans earthquake monitoring agency and 7.4 by the US, struck close to Hualien, a city popular with tourists on Taiwans eastern coast, damaging buildings and trapping people amid aftershocks after the quake, which started at 7.58am. Related: Taiwan earthquake live updates: evacuations and tsunami warning in Japan; buildings collapsed in Taiwan Videos on social media showed children being rescued from collapsed residential buildings. One five-storey building in Hualien appeared heavily damaged, its first floor collapsed and the bulk of the building leaning at a 45-degree angle. Taroko national park in Hualien said nearly 1,000 tourists and staff were stranded in its mountains. Local media reported that three hikers and one driver died after rockslides in the park. Taiwans Centre for Science and Technology (CST) said people and vehicles were trapped in the Dachingshui tunnel. Train lines were also damaged, and schools and workplaces were closed across large areas of the city. Tens of thousands of homes were without power. Witnesses in Hualien described driving while rocks dislodged from nearby mountains fell down around them, while others rushed outside after feeling the strength of the tremors. Farther north, part of the headland of Guishan Island, a tourist attraction also known as Turtle Island because of its shape, slid into the sea. In the capital, Taipei, several people were rescued from a partly collapsed warehouse, and tiles fell from buildings. Although it was measured at 7.7 in Japan, Taiwans earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude of Wednesdays quake as 7.2, making it Taiwans strongest since 1999, when a 7.6-magnitude quake 93 miles (150km) south of Taipei killed 2,400 and injured 10,000. Hualiens last big quake in 2022, recorded as 6.9 magnitude, toppled buildings and derailed a train, killing one person and cutting off power for thousands of residents. Wednesdays quake caused TSMC, Taiwans leading semiconductor manufacturer, which is responsible for the production of most of the worlds advanced semiconductors, to evacuate its production lines, according to Bloomberg News. Taiwans CST said more than 15 aftershocks exceeding a magnitude of 4.0 had occurred so far, but the magnitude had been decreasing. Damage was visible on some buildings in central Taipei, such as outside the Howard Plaza hotel, where the earthquake had damaged brickwork and dislodged some of the lettering on the hotels sign. Mike Hung Hsu, a hotel guest from the US, said he was woken up by the earthquake. Ive never felt this kind of earthquake in LA, even though we have earthquakes pretty often, he said. I used to live in Taiwan, in my memory we never had an earthquake like this one. Japanese media initially said the quake could trigger waves as high as 3 metres in some areas of Okinawa prefecture, located roughly 1,600km south of Tokyo, but the forecasts were later downgraded. Japans meteorological agency lifted all tsunami advisories at around noon local time, while the chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said there had been no reports of injury or damage. However, an official from Japans meteorological agency urged people to continue evacuating until the advisory was lifted. Some residents of the main Okinawa island had evacuated to a nearby US military base, media reports said, while footage showed others watching the sea from the safety of high ground in the prefectural capital, Naha. The agency has warned that aftershocks, with a similar intensity to those felt in Taiwan, may be likely over the next week. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quakes epicentre was 18km (11 miles) south of Taiwans Hualien city at a depth of 34.8km. The Philippines seismology agency on Wednesday issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas fronting the Pacific Ocean, saying they were expected to experience high tsunami waves but later lifted the warning. It has been only three months since a magnitude-7.6 quake and tsunami killed 244 people and caused widespread damage on the Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture on the Japan Sea coast. Japans biggest earthquake on record was a 9.0-magnitude undersea jolt in March 2011 off Japans north-east coast, which triggered a tsunami that left about 18,500 people dead or missing. Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office said it was highly concerned about the earthquake, which was also felt in coastal cities in Chinas Fujian province, and offered to provide assistance. Additional reporting by Gregor Stuart Hunter Westminster magistrates court A teenager has appeared in court accused of plotting a Satanic terror attack against a homeless person. Cameron Finnegan, 18, was arrested last month following an investigation by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE). The defendant, from Horsham in West Sussex, is accused of being a member of an extremist Right-wing Satanic online organisation called 764, that has alleged links to a Nazi occult group known as the Order of Nine Angels (ONA). The groups have been linked to several terror investigations in Britain and the United States and allegedly promote murder, sexual abuse, self-harm, and terrorism. It is alleged that when the teenager was arrested, he was in possession of a terrorist kill guide and was plotting to attack a homeless person who was living in a tent. Defendant also faces child pornography charge Mr Finnegan, who lives with his sister and adoptive parents in a 1 million home, was also arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of a child. He was arrested on March 26 and charged on Wednesday. He was charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, one count of possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, and one count of possessing indecent images of a child. Appearing at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance at the Old Bailey on April 12. The ONA was founded in the UK in the 1970s and has links to Nazism, starting its calendar from the birth of Adolf Hitler. Stock pic of employment tribunal folder A transgender woman who heads a Scottish rape charity has been accused of presiding over a heresy hunt against a former employee who expressed gender-critical beliefs. Roz Adams, a support counsellor, claims she suffered discrimination when her views on gender became known to senior colleagues at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre [ERCC], including the centres chief executive Mridul Wadhwa. At an employment tribunal in Edinburgh on Wednesday, lawyer Naomi Cunningham, representing Ms Adams, claimed the ERCC mounted an inquisition after a female rape survivor said she would feel uncomfortable talking to a man and asked to know the biological sex of her support worker. Ms Adams said she was accused of being transphobic after suggesting in an email that they tell her that one volunteer was a woman at birth who now identifies as being non-binary. Hostile attitude to sex-realist beliefs It emerged at a previous hearing in January that the centre refused to support the response and instead told the woman that it does not have any men on their volunteer team. On Wednesday, Ms Cunningham told the tribunal Ms Wadhwa held a hostile attitude towards sex-realist beliefs and used the incident to instigate a nine-month disciplinary procedure against Ms Adams. Ms Wadhwa, who was born male, was among a number of high-profile transgender people named by JK Rowling in a social media post this week in protest at the introduction of Scotlands new hate crime laws. Ms Cunningham told the tribunal that an internal investigation into Ms Adams was a heresy hunt and unequivocally and blatantly, an inquisition into the claimants state of mind and the state of the claimants beliefs. Ms Adams previously said she was horrified when she received a letter advising she was being investigated for gross misconduct and faced the possibility of immediate dismissal with no pay. She took sick leave but, after weeks of worrying, was told she was being investigated for misconduct and would face only a warning. She eventually resigned in March 2023. Chief executive was not controlling mind A lawyer for the ERCC denied the claims of a witch hunt and said Ms Adamss conduct had contravened the ERCCs policies. He insisted that Ms Wadhwa was not the controlling mind of disciplinary action taken against Ms Adams. At the hearing in January, Miren Sagues, 33, a former board member at ERCC, described Ms Wadhwa as an amazing woman who respected peoples boundaries. The tribunal will make a decision at a future date. Police Scotland has said no action will be taken against Ms Rowling amid calls for her to be charged under Humza Yousafs controversial hate crime law which came into effect on Monday, despite fears over its impact on freedom of speech rights. Scotlands Hate Crime and Public Order Act introduces offences for threatening or abusive behaviour which is intended to stir up hatred, which in Scotland previously applied only to race. They carry a possible seven-year prison sentence. Ms Rowling had protested on X, formerly Twitter, saying the legislation was wide open to abuse by activists who wish to silence gender-critical feminists. Police revealed new grisly details after a Florida dad found unconscious allegedly murdered his wife and their toddler son before trying to kill himself. Jean Carlos Aponte, 40, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Sara Ashley Gama, 38, and their 2-year-old boy, Ethan, at their Plantation, Florida, home, court records indicate. It's unclear if he entered a plea to the charges or retained an attorney to comment on his behalf. Aponte is accused of fatally stabbing Gama 28 times in the face, neck, and stomach, WTVJ-TV reported, citing the arrest affidavit. She was found to have multiple fractures and sustained several defense wounds to her hands, said authorities. The couple's son, Ethan, was allegedly stabbed four times in the neck, authorities said. He also sustained defense wounds to his hands. Police found him face down in the family's pool. He died as a result of the stabbings and subsequent drowning, according to the medical examiner, the outlet reported. Police were first called out to the family's home last Tuesday after Gama's dad discovered his daughter in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor and his son-in-law unconscious in the master bedroom. He was unable to locate his older grandson. First responders later found Ethan dead in the pool. "He was a beautiful little boy, and I never heard anything," family friend, Gilda Howell, said, according to WSVN-TV. "... I'm just so devastated." The couple's newborn son was unharmed. Aponte, who appeared to be suffering from an apparent drug overdose, was administered Narcan and transported to the hospital, where he remained until his first court appearance over the weekend, the outlet reported. On Sunday, a judge denied him bond and ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation. A motive in the gruesome slayings remains under investigation, but Aponte previously reached out to a local support group for veterans struggling with mental health issues. James Henderson was one of three Britons killed in the IDF strike - Facebook Rishi Sunak told Benjamin Netanyahu he was appalled by the killing of three British citizens in an Israeli strike as he described the situation in Gaza as intolerable. In a call with the Israeli prime minister on Tuesday night, Mr Sunak demanded answers and called for a thorough and transparent independent investigation after aid workers were killed. James Henderson, 33, and John Chapman, 57, who are both said to have served in the Royal Marines, were named alongside James Kirby, a former Army rifleman and sniper marksman, as the three Britons who had died in the bombing of a convoy. Mr Netanyahu admitted the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] were behind the strike on the World Central Kitchen vehicles, which killed seven aid workers in total. The charity had alerted the IDF to the route it was using and was travelling in cars marked with its logo on the roof. Mr Netanyahu said the strike was unintended and described it as a tragic event of the kind that happens in wartime. Mr Sunak said he was shocked and saddened, adding: Were asking Israel to investigate what happened urgently, because clearly there are questions that need to be answered. The Prime Minister went further in his call with his Israeli counterpart, not only saying he was appalled by the attack but also issuing wider demands on Israels actions in Gaza. A Downing Street spokesperson said of the call: The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza, and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, de-conflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. Israels military chief said the strike as the result of a misidentification in complex conditions. Announcing the results of a preliminary investigation early Wednesday, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi expressed remorse over the killings and called the event a grave mistake. It shouldnt have happened, he said. Joe Biden sharply criticised Israel on Tuesday night, saying it has not done enough to protect civilians. For weeks, the Foreign Office has been considering whether Israel is failing to demonstrate a commitment to international law, and whether therefore the UK should stop selling the country arms. Calls are now emerging for intelligence-sharing to be scaled back if UK legal advice concludes that Israel is now falling short of that requirement. Alicia Kearns, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee, told The Telegraph: A determination that Israel is not demonstrating a commitment to international humanitarian law would have implications for our intelligence-sharing, alongside arms sales. Lord Cameron described the killing of three British citizens as completely unacceptable in a phone call with Israel Katz, his Israeli counterpart. The Foreign Secretary said Israel must make major changes to ensure the safety of aid workers on the ground. The Foreign Office took the unusual step of summoning Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli ambassador to the UK, for a 30-minute meeting with Andrew Mitchell, the development minister. Lord Cameron has cut short his Easter break to handle the crisis. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, condemned the deaths as outrageous, unacceptable and horrifying, adding: This war must stop now. Far too many innocent people have died in this conflict. A friend of Mr Hendersons said the family had been informed of his death on Tuesday morning, adding: Everybody is gutted. He was a lovely lad. He hadnt been out there long, only a couple of weeks. A former colleague of Mr Kirby confirmed to The Telegraph that he had died in an Israeli airstrike that struck an aid convoy. Mr Kirby served as a sniper marksman in the Army between 1994 and 1998 and a rifleman between 2009 and 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile. Most recently he worked as a security consultant for risk management and security specialists Solace Global. Mr Kirby also worked as a players escort at Wimbledon and provided security at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, as well as working for high-net worth individuals and business leaders. John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, said the US was outraged at the killing of the aid workers, which he described as emblematic of a larger problem. The strike was evidence of why distributing aid in Gaza is so challenging, he said, adding that Israel should clarify what happened in days, not weeks. The workers who died included Australian, Canadian and Polish citizens as well as a US-Canadian dual national, who was identified by American media as Jacob Flickinger, 33. On Tuesday night, Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, telephoned the chef who runs the World Central Kitchen charity to apologise personally, expressing his deep sorrow and sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life. The strike on the convoy was carried out by drone, The Telegraph understands, via an operator with the 933 brigade based in the southern city of Khan Younis. It would have been signed off by three people an intelligence officer, a unit commander and a legal adviser. An Israeli military source called the strikes an intelligence failure, saying suspicions of the convoy were based on intelligence and heightened by it travelling at night. Israeli security officials told the Haaretz newspaper the convoy was trailed by IDF drones and fired upon three times. One of the convoy's vehicles following the fatal IDF strike in Deir Al-Balah - Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images The IDF believed an armed Hamas operative had joined a World Central Kitchen convoy transporting 100 tonnes of food aid to its warehouse in the central city of Deir Al-Balah. The food had been delivered by sea from Cyprus. Subsequent intelligence revealed that, when the convoy left the warehouse, the Hamas operative stayed behind, the sources told Haaretz. An Israeli drone reportedly fired a missile at one of the cars in the convoy, after which the aid workers moved to another vehicle and informed their superiors that they had been attacked. A second missile then hit the car they had moved to, according to Haaretz. When the third car in the convoy approached and tried to move the wounded, a third missile struck, killing everyone, the newspaper reported. Bellingcat, an open-source intelligence website, reported that the destroyed cars were found around 1.6km apart, corroborating the report of three separate strikes. The cars appeared to have been hit with inert or low-yield missiles similar to the Hellfire R9X used by the US military, Bellingcat reported. The Hellfire contains no explosives and kills targets through kinetic force. In Haaretz, a defence source expressed his frustration with troops in the field who launch attacks without any preparation, in cases that have nothing to do with protecting our forces. Photographs from the attack site showed a hole in the roof of one of the convoys cars through the middle of the WCK logo. The car was otherwise largely undamaged, suggesting explosives were not used in the strike. Recommended What happened to Israel's rules of engagement? Read more The IDF said on Tuesday it had launched a high-level investigation into the incident while Mr Netanyahu described it as a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip. This happens in war, and we will investigate it to the end. We are in contact with the governments involved, and we will do everything to ensure that this does not happen again, he said. The IDFs spokesman expressed sincere sorrow to the families of the victims, promising an in-depth examination ... to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident. We have been reviewing the incident at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of what happened and how it happened, said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, lauding World Central Kitchens vital mission of bringing food to people in need. We will be opening a probe to examine this serious incident further. We will get to the bottom of this and we will share our findings transparently. World Central Kitchen described the attack as unforgivable. Erin Gore, the charitys chief executive, said: This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organisations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. The organisation said it was suspending its operations in the region in the aftermath of the attack. Cyprus said ships bringing 240 tonnes of aid to Gaza would return to port now the NGO was no longer working in the field. World Central Kitchen is devastated to confirm seven members of our team have been killed in an IDF strike in Gaza. Read our full statement on the loss of our team members here: https://t.co/gsijamzfMU pic.twitter.com/PtQCxX5XrW World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) April 2, 2024 The deadly attack was particularly shocking to the aid world since Israel held a broadly positive relationship with WCK, unlike other groups working in Gaza such as UNRWA, the UNs agency for Palestinian refugees. In his statement, Rear Admiral Hagari praised WCK for delivering aid to Israel in the aftermath of the Oct 7 massacre. Tania Hary, the director of prominent Israeli human rights organisation Gisha, said on Tuesday: WCK are thought to have the closest cooperation with the IDF and seemed to enjoy preferential treatment for being from its perspective neutral (i.e. no advocacy work). In the end, the truth remains that no one is safe in Gaza. Juliette Touma, a UNRWA spokeswoman, called the Israeli attack on the aid workers absolutely devastating. It shouldnt happen, but whats been happening way too often in this conflict is that all the red lines have been crossed. Too many aid workers have been killed. Too many medical workers, too many journalists, too many children, Ms Touma told The Telegraph. At UNRWA alone, 176 workers have been killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza since the start of the war, including most recently in a precisely targeted Israeli bomb on an aid warehouse in Rafah, southern Gaza. Israel claimed to have killed Muhammad Abu Hasna, a Hamas commander, in the attack. NGOs on the ground are expressing concern that de-conflicting with the IDF is not functioning properly, Tess Ingram, a spokesman for Unicef, told The Telegraph by phone from Gaza. Those of us working here understand that this is a very dangerous place..[but] we lost seven colleagues last night because that system didnt work properly, she said. Australian authorities on Tuesday confirmed the death of Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, a 44-year-old woman from Melbourne. On Tuesday, Nate Mook, a former colleague, spoke of her as embodying the greatest aspects of humanity in a post on X, formerly Twitter: Zomi was one of the earliest employees at World Central Kitchen. She first showed up to volunteer at our WCK kitchen in Guatemala after the Fuego volcano eruptionand became like family. Zomi was effervescent, her spirit of service embodied the greatest aspects of humanity. pic.twitter.com/xfoTIvFBUM Nate Mook (@natemook) April 2, 2024 Ms Frankcom was seen in a video last week filmed inside a field kitchen in Deir Al-Balah, where chefs were making rice with beef and vegetables. Another victim has been identified as Damian Sobol, a Polish national from a city on the Ukrainian border, who took up charity work following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Rebel Wilson has claimed it felt like Sacha Baron Cohen had sexually harassed me on the set of their 2016 film Grimsby. The Australian actress has written a memoir called Rebel Rising in which she accuses the British comedy star of incidents of inappropriate behaviour when she played his on-screen girlfriend in the Louis Leterrier-directed film. A representative for Baron Cohen has described the claims as demonstrably false, in a statement given to the PA news agency. The Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids star said her aim was not to cancel Baron Cohen with her recollections in the memoir, released in the US on Tuesday, but to retell an experience which made her feel completed disrespected, which led to me treating myself with even more disrespect by eating in an extremely unhealthy way. Wilson said she first met Baron Cohen in 2013 at a dinner party hosted by British comedian Matt Lucas, describing the Borat and Ali G actor as her idol. Lucas and Baron Cohen had been at school together in London. The actress said 52-year-old Baron Cohen called her a year later to offer a role in Grimsby, which was released in North America as The Brothers Grimsby. She played Dawn, the girlfriend of Baron Cohens character Nobby, a football fan who gets drawn into the world of his secret agent brother. Baron Cohens wife Isla Fisher also had a role, alongside Mark Strong, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Tomlinson and Johnny Vegas. During filming in Cape Town, South Africa, Wilson claimed she felt every time she talked to Baron Cohen hed mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene, which she claimed was in no way essential to the films plot. She said she felt the actor would give gross directions in scenes which were either derogatory to women or to her size. The 44-year-old also claimed it appeared Baron Cohen wanted me to look and feel awful, allegedly making her change into shorter and smaller clothes where you could see as much cellulite as possible. Sacha Baron Cohen (PA) Wilson detailed a particular incident on set where she claimed she was lured out of her trailer into an unfurnished concrete room with a mattress on the floor, with the only people in the room being Baron Cohen and his mates. Allegedly Baron Cohen pulled down his trousers as his friends recorded on their phones, telling Wilson: OK, now I want you to stick your finger up my ass, for a scene that he said would be in the film. Wilson, who said she was scared, claimed there was no director or film crew around during the incident, adding: Its my opinion that Sacha Baron Cohen gets off on making people feel uncomfortable. A representative for Baron Cohen told the PA news agency: 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. Comedy actress Wilson refused to promote the film, adding she felt it was the only power I had left in this situation, but claimed she was left feeling scared again when an associate of Baron Cohen threatened to ruin her reputation with big Hollywood studios. Sacha Baron Cohen in character as Nobby attending the world premiere of Grimsby in London in 2016 (PA) Wilson said she did not want to be labelled a troublemaker at the time, but shared a version of her claim on social media platform Twitter during the #MeToo movement in 2017 without naming Baron Cohen because she said she knew he was litigious. She said she is now sharing her alleged experiences because the more women talk about things like this, hopefully the less it happens. In the memoir, Wilson also describes other comedy actors such as Ben Stiller as a total gentleman on Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb, and said Will Ferrell could not have been lovelier when producing Bachelorette. She also listed lovely encounters with Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Bob Saget, Robin Williams and Garry Shandling. Ruby Wax has said people who are ashamed of their mental health issues are not worth knowing. The US comedian and actress has been open about her own struggles and spent time in an institution where she had a treatment involving magnets to address her depression. The 70-year-old told ITVs Good Morning Britain: I happen to have an illness. I could win an Oscar and still feel this, it isnt dependent on what happens. 'I did end up in a mental institution.'@Rubywax is on a mission to break down the stigma surrounding mental health with her book and upcoming tour. pic.twitter.com/H39Ndm9Ctb Good Morning Britain (@GMB) April 3, 2024 She added: I did end up in a mental institution, only because there was stuff I didnt resolve earlier in my life. So I was running. But I once I got in the mental ward they did certain things on me, they gave me RTMS, which is a new method of dealing with depression repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. So they dont use the shock thing you know, where Dr Frankenstein turns on the plug. Its magnets, so theres no side-effects. And they say if you have 20 sessions, youve got a 65% chance of recovery. The treatment, which Wax said was effective, involved her having what looked like a bathing cap placed over her scalp and strapped under her chin, before a piece of machinery resembling a 1950s hairdryer was lowered over her head to stimulate her brain. And here it is! My one woman show, Im Not As Well As I Thought I Was is back in 2024 with some new dates. If you didnt get to see the show, I hope youll be able to come along to one of these new dates. Tickets are available now from my website: https://t.co/VMFTjyOVzz pic.twitter.com/PjAd4286sT Ruby Wax (@Rubywax) December 13, 2023 She has since written a book called Im Not As Well As I Thought I Was, and embarked on a tour of the same name, in memory of her friend, Die Hard actor Alan Rickman. Asked if she ever has any regrets about speaking so openly about her mental health or if she feels the stigma around the issue has gone, Wax said: If theyre ashamed of it, theyre not worth knowing. Because its in the newspaper now that its the biggest pandemic. So I hedged my bets. And I love when people come up to me and go Me too. And after the show, theres question and answer and they always say Heres what happened to me. And I love it. I love it. I dont want to talk about how many kids are in school, or what their latest their favourite Netflix is, just tell me whats going on. The SNP could fall into second place in Scotland on just 19 seats after the next election, a new poll has suggested. The YouGov survey of 18,761 UK adults used the multi-level modelling and post-stratification (MRP) method of projecting, which the pollster said accurately predicted the past two general elections, to understand how seats may fall on election day. Labour, under the modelling, would sweep to victory, claiming more than 400 constituencies across the UK, as well as overtaking Humza Yousafs party north of the border. Our latest MRP has Labour pushing the SNP into second place in Scotland Labour: 28 seatsSNP: 19Con: 5Lib Dems: 5https://t.co/OsyOEUzb0L pic.twitter.com/JkEVvT3Kf1 YouGov (@YouGov) April 3, 2024 Scottish Labour would claim 28 seats in Scotland up from the single constituency won in 2019, with the SNP dropping to less than 20 from 48. Under the modelling Labour look set to win back its political heartland in Scotland across the central belt, winning just one seat, the Western Isles, outside of the area. Elsewhere, the Tories will drop two seats to five, losing the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine seat occupied by energy minister Andrew Bowie, focused in strongholds in the borders and the north east. The Lib Dems would rise to five seats, picking up Mid Dunbartonshire, the precursor constituency to which Amy Callaghan won from former party leader Jo Swinson in 2019, from the SNP and Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, which is currently held by the SNPs departing former Westminster leader Ian Blackford. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: After years of division and decline under both the SNP and the Tories, Scotland is crying out for change. Across the UK, voters are getting ready to kick out this rotten Tory government and here in Scotland we can lead the way in making that happen. Labour is taking nothing for granted and we will continue working tirelessly to earn voters trust. Change is possible and Labour is ready to deliver it, with our plan to make work pay, cut bills, renew public services and strengthen our economy. While SNP deputy Westminster leader Mhairi Black said: Its easy to see why voters are eager to see the back of this Conservative government which has forced upon them austerity measures, Brexit chaos, and a cost of living crisis to top it all off. Voters in Scotland are sick of the Tory government, but with Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak joined at the hip on spending cuts and so many other major issues, its clear that Labour does not offer a real alternative. Labour doesnt need Scotland to win the election, but Scotland needs SNP MPs to defend Scottish interests at every opportunity. Scottish Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie said: People want change which is why the Liberal Democrats are growing. With a Liberal Democrat MP, you get someone who will stand up for your community and is for Scotland in the UK and for change across the country. Whether its seeing your GP, a dental appointment, improving education or the cost of living, the Liberal Democrats are focused on what matters. SNP policy is to push for democratic effect to be given to a mandate from the Scottish people in favour of independence if the party wins the majority of seats in Scotland at the next election. But an earlier MRP poll, conducted by Survation and published at the weekend, put the SNP on 41 seats north of the border. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has defended the UKs careful export licensing regime amid calls for the UK to stop arms exports to Israel. Aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) confirmed British victims John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, who were working for the charitys security team, were among seven of its staff killed when their convoy was struck after unloading food in Gaza. The incident has prompted condemnation from the UK and its allies. The Prime Ministers comments come after a opposition politicians and a former senior diplomat urged the Government to suspend arms exports to Israel. The SNP has meanwhile said MPs should return to the House of Commons early from their Easter break to debate and vote on ending arms sales to Israel. Speaking to the Sun Newspapers Never Mind the Ballots show, Mr Sunak said: I think weve always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that well always follow, and I have been consistently clear with Prime Minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while of course we defend Israels right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and, sadly, too many civilians have already lost their lives. Get more aid into Gaza. Thats what weve consistently called for and what we want to see actually is an immediate humanitarian pause to allow more aid in, and crucially the hostages to be released, and thats what well continue to push for. Lord Peter Ricketts, a former senior diplomat who chaired the Joint Intelligence Committee during the Blair government, had earlier said Israeli forces killing of the aid workers has sparked global outrage as he called for an immediate ceasefire. The crossbench peer, who served as national security adviser between 2010 and 2012, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think there is abundant evidence now that Israel hasnt been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians, and a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law, that is a condition of the arms export licensing policy. I think the time has come to send that signal. It wont change the course of the war. It would be a powerful political message, and it might just stimulate debate in the US as well, which would be the real game-changer, if the Americans began to think about putting limits, restrictions on the use of American weapons in Israel. He added: Sometimes in conflict, you get a moment where theres such global outrage that it crystalises a sense that things cant go on like this. I think I hope that this awful incident will serve that purpose. The peer said a failure by Israel to respond appropriately and show aid workers they are able to deliver supplies to areas of conflict should prompt further steps to increase the pressure on (Israeli prime minister) Netanyahu, including the UK no longer supplying the country with arms. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has come under pressure from across the political spectrum to publish legal advice he has received about UK arms exports to Israel (James Manning/PA) He called for an immediate ceasefire for an extended period to open up the borders and make it safe to get aid in for those delivering it and those receiving it, adding this could also help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey said ministers should take swift action to suspend arms exports to Israel. He said: The deaths of these British aid workers in Gaza is an absolute disgrace. These brave people were trying to help starving families in Gaza. Clearly, the thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has in recent weeks come under pressure from across the political spectrum to publish legal advice he has received about UK arms exports to Israel. Export licences could not continue to be granted for UK arms heading to Israel if there is a risk weapons could be used in a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Before MPs left Parliament for the Easter recess, Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell told the Commons UK arms exports amount to 0.02% of Israels military imports when questioned about the legal advice by shadow foreign secretary David Lammy. Stephen Flynn, the SNPs Westminster leader has written to Mr Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, calling for an immediate recall of Parliament. He wrote: This situation demands that the Prime Minister comes to Parliament without further delay to outline the UK Governments response to the killing of UK citizens by Israel, to enable MPs to scrutinise the UK Governments response, and so that Parliament can finally debate and vote on ending arms sales to Israel. FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Driving Through History The road trip is a quintessential summer vacation experience. At the same time, nearly three-quarters of Americans say their plans have been affected by record-high gas prices, with most opting to stay closer to home. Prepare for your trip by taking a look back in time at some iconic road trip destinations and classic vacation images taken since the early days of driving in America. Editor's Note: This story was updated in April 2024. Library of Congress Road Trip, 1908 This photo depicts Alice H. Ramsey, the first woman to drive the entire length of the United States from coast to coast. The 22-year-old made the 3,800-mile trek from Manhattan to San Francisco in 1909, driving a Maxwell DA shown here. Chrysler was formed out of the ailing Maxwell Motor Co. in 1925. Hulton Archive/Getty Images Tampa, 1925 While one might picture destinations such as Miami and Orlando when thinking of popular Florida vacation spots, Tampa has been a longtime tourist hub for sun-seeking vacationers. This 1925 photo depicts a packed crowd of cars, trolleys and tourists along the city's Lafayette Street Bridge over the Hillsborough River. MPI/Getty Images Hollywoodland, 1925 Yes, the iconic Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles didn't always spell out the words "Hollywood." Erected as a billboard for a residential development project in 1923, the sign originally spelled out "Hollywoodland." It was changed to its current, shortened version in 1949. The iconic sign and enduring movie industry symbol is currently 350 feet long with 45-foot high capital letters. For more fun articles like this, please sign up for our free newsletters. Keystone/Getty Images Soboba Hot Springs, circa 1925 It may not be as famous or glamorous as nearby Palm Springs, but the town of Soboba Hot Springs in the San Jacinto Mountains of California's Riverside County has long welcomed visitors to its unique environment. This now-defunct tourist resort from circa 1925 featured rooms inspired by Native American architectural styles. General Photographic Agency/Getty Images San Francisco Beach, 1928 Packed beaches are nothing new, as this photo taken at a San Francisco beach from 1928 shows. Although with so many cars looking alike, one can't help but wonder how people were able to tell which car was theirs after they were done soaking up the sun on the beach. FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Packing for the Trip, 1940s This is how you packed for a trip in the 1940s. Stylish luggage? Check. Suit and hat? Check. Cigarette in mouth as you load the trunk of the car? Obviously. Related: Route 66: Then and Now Hulton Archive/Getty Images Miami Beach, late 1940s Art deco is an integral part of Miami culture and history, so much so that even its parks department facilities were built with its architectural flourishes. This gorgeous parks department facility was erected on a public beach in the 1940s, and looks more like a mansion than your typical government building. FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Checking the Map, circa 1950 Before GPS and Google Maps, the only navigation tool available to the common traveler was the good old-fashioned paper kind. And, as anyone who has ever used one knows, the slightly accusatory phrase "do you know where you're going?" often accompanies a map's unfurling. This couple seems to have avoided a classic fight over directions ... at least so far. Archive Photos/Getty Images Chandelier Tree, circa 1950 You're not alone in having that photo of your car driving through the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, California. Home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, the town is surrounded by forest and is serviced by the Redwood Highway in Mendocino County. At 315 feet high and 21 feet in diameter, the Chandelier Tree is thought to be up to 2,400 years old. Pictorial Parade/Getty Images Miami Beach, 1954 If you think today's traffic on Collins Avenue in South Beach is bad, take some small comfort in knowing this is not a unique problem in the history of the Magic City. This 1954 photo was taken in February, at the height of snowbird season, at the intersection of Lincoln and Washington in Miami Beach. FPG/Getty Images Esso Station, circa 1955 Decked out in full uniform, including cowboy boots and captain's hats, filling up a tank of gas used to come with a side of style. These female gas station attendants are shown working at an Esso station, which was a phonetic trading name used by Standard Oil (from pronouncing the "S" and "O" in Standard Oil) in the U.S. until 1966. Hulton Archive/Getty Images Las Vegas, 1955 The Strip wasn't always the center of action in Las Vegas. Fremont Street was once the king of Sin City, shown here as cars drive past the clubs and casinos lining its main drag in 1955. Today, the historic district buzzes with life thanks to the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall, which is packed with attractions. FPG/Staff/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Flying A Service Station, 1955 Typically painted in a slick white coat with red trim, Flying A service stations were once commonplace across the U.S. This man is showing off the full Flying A uniform, and seems quite happy to be doing so. In 1966, Phillips Petroleum rebranded a number of Flying A stations as Phillips 66. Evans/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Southampton, circa 1955 Weary New Yorkers have been retreating to the Hamptons for summer vacations for generations. Taken at Southampton, the largest and oldest community in the Hamptons, this photo taken circa 1955 depicts a trio of surfers being pulled along the beach by an all-terrain vehicle as onlookers cheer. Related: Classic Vacation Spots We Miss and How They've Changed FPG/Getty Images Amoco Station, 1958 This vintage Chrysler is getting filled up by a petrol pump attendant in 1958 at an Amoco station. A descendent of Standard Oil, Amoco was a pioneer in the drive-through filling station until it went defunct in 1998, merging with BP. In recent years, the Amoco name has been making a comeback; BP has introduced more than 100 new Amoco stations across the U.S. Harvey Meston/Staff/Archive Photos/Getty Images Niagara Falls, circa 1960 Still in operation today, the "Maid of the Mist" is a popular tourist vessel that has been shuttering travelers across Niagara Falls since 1846. Before the Mist took its maiden voyage, rowboats transported passengers across the Niagara River. Today the boat carries up to 600 passengers and has been carried everyone from Jimmy Carter to Princess Diana. Keystone/Getty Images Sleeping Beauty Castle, circa 1960 Everyone recognizes the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, the focal point of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Opened in 1955 as the "happiest place on Earth," the park attracted 18.7 million visitors in 2019. Tom Kelley Archive/Getty Images A Day on the Lake, 1962 Nothing compares to a relaxing day on the lake, a quintessential summer vacation activity since vacations were invented. This photo depicts an active family of canoers, kayakers, fishers, and picnickers ready to get in a full day of recreation on the lake as dad helps unload the 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona Wagonaire. Harvey Meston/Getty Images Pikes Peak, circa 1962 Known as "America's Mountain," Colorado's Pikes Peak is a longtime tourist destination near Colorado Springs. As one of 54 mountains in the state that rise above 14,000 feet (known as "fourteeners"), Pikes Peak is also home to the unique Pikes Peak Highway which allows visitors to drive all the way to the summit. 1966 Fairlane 500 wagon Station Wagon, 1966 Long before it was popularized by the Griswold family in the classic "Vacation" film franchise, the station wagon has been moving families packed up for a holiday from coast to coast. This photo depicts a 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 station wagon ready to hit the road. Aside from being a not-so-great 1990 movie starring Andrew Dice Clay, the Ford Fairlane was sold in North America from 1955 to 1970. Frederic Lewis/Getty Images South Lake Tahoe, 1974 Lake Tahoe has been welcoming visitors to its shimmering mountain-rimmed shores since gambling first arrived in 1944, and it hasn't looked back. This photo depicts traffic to South Lake Tahoe in 1974, with the now-defunct Cabana Motel in the background. Today, around 3 million people visit Lake Tahoe annually. Library of Congress Wigwam Village Motel, 1977 This iconic motel in Rialto, California, is one of dozens of classic old motels that can still be found to this day dotted along Route 66, America's most famous road trip throughout history. Also known as the Mother Road or Will Rogers Highway, Route 66 extends 2,448 miles from downtown Chicago to Santa Monica, California. The storied cross-country roadway was first established in 1926. Library of Congress New Jersey Boardwalk, 1978 This classic vacation scene depicts a lazy summer day spent between a father and son strolling the New Jersey boardwalk in Keansburg with plenty of opportunities for treats in the background including hamburgers, hams and, of course, frozen malteds. One look at dad's vintage plaid pants and you know it's the '70s. Frances M. Ginter/Getty Images New York City, 1979 This photo depicts a street scene from Midtown Manhattan looking toward Times Square in 1979. With a preponderance of "Taxi Driver"-era yellow cabs, clearly this was taken before the invention of Uber. In 2019, New York City welcomed a record 65.2 million visitors, 51.6 million of whom were domestic travelers. Related: Once Popular Tourist Hotspots That Are Now Totally Abandoned Central Press/Getty Images Disney World, 1979 Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. Covering a massive 25,000 acres across four theme parks, the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain remains an iconic destination in the annals of American summer vacation history. Odds are, you've been there. Library of Congress Santa Monica Pier, 1979 An enduring symbol of the American summer vacation, California's Santa Monica Pier first opened to the public in 1909. Designated a Santa Monica Historic Landmark in 1976, the pier contains the famous Pacific Park amusement park, an aquarium, a video arcade and other attractions. The pier is also the western terminus of Route 66. Library of Congress San Francisco, 1980s This Library of Congress image depicts the driver of an F-Line trolley posing in front of his car at the end of the line in San Francisco's Castro District. San Francisco's first electric streetcar line opened in 1892, with more than 26 million people visiting the Golden Gate City in 2019. Library of Congress Fish Inn, 1987 Weird roadside attractions have always been a crucial calling card of the American road trip. This uniquely shaped motel once known as the Fish Inn welcomed visitors along Route 10 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, from 1932 to 1996. Today, Coeur d'Alene is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Idaho. Maybe the fish had something to do with it. Find more great road-trip stories right here. This article was originally published on Cheapism FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images More From Cheapism We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we believe in. Pricing and availability are subject to change. 7 best budgeting apps of August 2024: $0 and low-cost ways to organize your finances the modern way Looking for a modern way to track your everyday spending, organize your finances and grow your savings without breaking the bank? Luckily, many of the best budgeting apps can help you track expenses and set financial goals at little to no cost. Still others go further, packing a variety of robust features to help you personalize your savings goals, stay on top of your investments, plan for retirement and more, with alerts designed to keep you on the right financial path. Some even ferret out ways to help you save a little extra cash a handy feature if youre on a fixed income. To save you time, we analyzed 15 of the most popular budgeting apps available on Google Play and the App Store, comparing a range of product benefits and details while prioritizing functionality and cost to narrow down our best picks for a wide range of savers and budgeting goals. 1. Best overall budgeting app: YNAB YNAB (You Need A Budget) Best overall budgeting app YNAB (You Need A Budget) The basics Free 34-day trial Supports desktop, iOS and Android What it costs $109 annual subscription ($9 a month) starting August 1 $15 monthly subscription User ratings Apple Store: 4.8 out of 5 stars (51,810 reviews) Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 stars (19,110 reviews) Pros Connects multiple budget, loans and savings account types 34-day free trial requires no credit card Chat with real human support Promises not to sell your data or info shared in the app Cons Not a free budget app requires monthly subscription Not ideal for tracking investment portfolios Get it for $109 a year or $15 a month at YNAB Why we like it YNAB short for You Need a Budget helps you plan ahead with your finances, and not just keep track of and analyze what youve spent. It uses a zero-based budgeting approach, a strategy that assigns every dollar you earn to a designated spending category, leaving zero dollars unaccounted for. YNAB is ideal if youre looking for granular control over your budget and to identify trends in spending habits. With YNAB, you set targets for customized spending categories like savings, spending, monthly expenses, debt or travel. You then link your banking, credit card, loans and other financial accounts to the app and assign your money to your categories, helping you to understand exactly how your budget will play out. Other benefits include net worth reporting and educational resources. Theres even a YNAB subreddit, where fans of the app talk about money success stories and user tips, including unofficial YNAB extensions for more flexible features from your browser. YNAB doesnt support a free version of its app, though new users can take advantage of a 34-day free trial without a credit card. Otherwise, it offers subscriptions of $14.99 a month or $109 a year (a $70 savings over monthly). Yet even with a subscription fee, YNAB earns high praise from customers who claim the app is life changing once you get the hang of it. Why its not for everybody YNAB charges a subscription fee, which means if youre after a free budget app youll want to look at other apps in our list, like Goodbudget or Empower. It also doesnt offer features for tracking an investment portfolio. And unlike some other apps, it uses 128-bit encryption which industry experts dont consider as secure as the 256-bit AES encryption gold standard. 2. Best Mint alternative: Monarch Money Monarch Money Best Mint alternative Monarch Money The basics Free 7-day trial Supports desktop, iOS and Android What it costs $100 annual subscription ($8.33 a month) $15 monthly subscription User ratings Apple Store: 4.9 out of 5 stars (24,580 reviews) Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 stars (5,370 reviews) Pros Works like Mint and can import your Mint data Share budget with up to 5 family members High customer praise for design and reporting Cons Not a free budget app requires monthly subscription Zero-based budgeting requires hands-on approach Some users cite connectivity and data issues Get it for $100 a year or $15 a month at Monarch Money Why we like it With Mint no longer available, you may be one of the millions of users searching for a Mint replacement to manage your money and track spending. Enter Monarch Money an app thats similar to Mints functionality. Like Mint, Monarch Money offers a user-friendly interface with zero-based budgeting tools, cash flow planning, investment tracking, personalized financial goals and a customizable dashboard with visual tracking. Like Mint, you can split transactions with Monarch, and its also available on the same platforms at Mint, helping a smooth changeover. Monarch earns good ratings on Google Play and the Apple Store, with customers supporting that a switch from Mint was relatively easy, some even saying that Monarchs features are better than Mints. Monarchs subscription fees are similar to YNABs: $14.99 a month or $100 a year (which saves you about $80). And it offers a seven-day free trial for new customers to try out the app. Why its not for everybody Monarch Money charges a monthly subscription fee that, while aligning with YNABs fee, is relatively high. And some novice users may find the interface, with its abundance of analytics and reports, complicated. The company is also vague about its security measures, saying on its site only that it uses bank level security. Also room to pause: In January about the time that Mint users began switching to new apps we began seeing complaints in the Monarch Money subreddit about connectivity and other issues. At least one redditor skeptical of the advertising cites issues with data that might concern advanced Mint users. 3. Best for building good money habits: Quicken Simplifi Quicken Simplifi Best for building good money habits Quicken Simplifi The basics Supports desktop, iOS and Android What it costs $3 a month, billed annually User ratings Apple Store: 4.2 out of 5 stars (3,770 reviews) Google Play: 4.3 out of 5 stars (2,250 reviews) Pros Connects banking, investments, loans and card accounts Watchlist and reminders can keep new budgeters on track 30-day money-back guarantee Cons Not a free budget app Customer support through app only Not as robust as other Quicken products Get it for $3 a month at Quicken Simplifi Why we like it Backed by money management giant Quicken, Simplifi calls itself best for most people due to a clean dashboard, flexible tools and simple reporting that can meet most budgeters needs. Like other budgeting apps, Simplifi allows you to sync broad types of financial accounts and track monthly plan spending and savings goals. New users can start with its Spending Plan, which organizes your money into broad categories like income, bills and savings goals, showing you whats left to spend or save each month. It also supports watchlists that monitor your spending and trigger alerts if youre at risk of straying from your goals. A newer feature is Simplifis investments dashboard that offers a way to see your portfolio and chart performance against real-time quotes, though app functionality doesnt appear to be as robust as desktop or even other competitors. At $3 a month, paid by annual subscription, Simplifi is cheaper than competitors like YNAB and Monarch, and new subscribers can request a refund within 30 days if it doesnt meet your needs. Simplifi also relies on the same security protocols as other Quicken products, which include 256-bit AES encryption and multifactor authentication to protect your personal and financial information. Chat support is available through the app, where you can request phone support for more-complicated issues. Quicken also hosts an active forum for fans to ask questions and request features theyd like to see in future Simplifi updates. Why its not for everybody Customers like the beauty of Simplifi but say you cant customize its dashboard or categories as well as other apps, which means you might get stuck with features or functionality that isnt useful to you which could be a little too simple for advanced budgeters. Account syncing might also be a problem, depending on your accounts, with users reporting days-long lags in transactions and issues linking to some credit unions and investments platforms. 4. Best for budgeting beginners: Goodbudget Goodbudget Best for budgeting beginners Goodbudget The basics Supports desktop, iOS and Android What it costs Free version offers 20 envelopes 10 regular and 10 annual $80 annual subscription ($6.70 a month) for advanced features $10 monthly subscription for unlimited envelopes Ratings Apple Store: 4.6 out of 5 stars (12,880 reviews) Google Play: 4 out of 5 stars (19,250 reviews) Pros Free version supports essential budgeting features Debt-payoff planners include avalanche and snowball methods Useful reports and financial insights track income and expenses Supports budgeting for couples Cons Lacks ability to track investments Paid subscription required for expanded envelopes, accounts and device support You must enter transactions manually Get it for free at Goodbudget Why we like it Unlike many budgeting apps, Goodbudget formerly Easy Envelope Budget Aid, or EEBA is an offline app that embraces the popular envelope budgeting method. Its offline, because it doesnt link to your financial accounts. Instead, you enter transactions and stash your money in different digital envelopes for various expenses. Great for beginning budgeters, Goodbudget offers a tangible experience in monitoring your spending habits, with planners that incorporate popular strategies for paying down debt. It prompts you to fill your envelopes and keeps you informed with personalized reports. The website also features a blog, podcast and free online courses to improve financial literacy. Goodbudgets free version includes functionality that can support most budgeters in managing and monitoring spending, including 10 regular envelopes for everyday budgeting and 10 annual envelopes for longer-term savings goals. The paid version which recently increased in price expands the number of accounts, devices and transactions you can track and allows you access to email support. Because it doesnt link to your actual bank accounts, you never share your logins or password with the app. And your personal data is protected with 256-bit AES encryption. Why its not for everybody As an offline app, Goodbudget doesnt offer the same powerful features and real-time reporting found in other budgeting apps, which could be frustrating for advanced budgeters. You also need to manually download or enter your financial data into the app to manage your income against expenses. 5. Best for personal investors: Empower Empower Best for personal investors Empower The basics Supports iOS and Android What it costs Free standard version 0.89% management fee for financial advisor User ratings Apple Store: 4.7 out of 5 stars (43,450 reviews) Google Play: 4.3 out of 5 stars (19,200 reviews) Pros Free app offering clean design and dashboard Connects multiple banking, investment and loan accounts Track your net worth and investment portfolio Promises not to sell your data Cons Not available on desktop While unique, wealth management services require hefty fee and portfolio Users complain about glitches and heavy promotion of paid services Get it for free at Empower Why we like it Empower is a free app backed by a financial management firm that packs in a powerful range of budgeting and investment tools using a clear, easy-to-use interface. Its ideal for both new and advanced budgeters and can also make a good replacement for the discontinued Mint app. Empower provides a single view of all of your accounts, including checking and savings, credit cards, investment accounts, mortgages and loans. You can view your transactions and spending by category, and use the net worth and portfolio tracker to stay on top of your finances. Empower is available both for desktop and mobile, offering two options for managing your money. And it encrypts customer data with 256-bit AES encryption and multilayer key management for heightened security. Why its not for everybody While Empowers standard features are free to use, youll pay a high 0.89% management fee for wealth management support from a financial advisor a feature thats available only for portfolios of $100,000 or more. Its also been criticized by some reviewers for glitchy services and weaker charting than other apps. Still others complain about aggressive pop-ups, email and even sales calls promoting Empowers wealth management services (though you can opt out with an email to donotcall@personalwealth.empower.com). 6. Best for paying off debt: PocketGuard PocketGuard Best for paying off debt PocketGuard The basics Supports iOS and Android What it costs Free basic version $13 monthly subscription for PocketGuard Plus $75 annual subscription ($6.25 a month) for PocketGuard Plus User ratings Apple Store: 4.6 out of 5 stars (7,030 reviews) Google Play: 4 out of 5 stars (2,230 reviews) Pros Connects a range of accounts that includes banking, credit and investments Debt-payoff plans including avalanche or snowball strategies Spending reports and financial insights Doesnt sell your data Cons Not available on desktop Free version lacks many features Not designed for tracking or benchmarking investments Support available by email only Get it for free at PocketGuard Why we like it The PocketGuard app is packed with features for creating custom budgets, tracking your spending and gaining insights into your expenses. Its built-in debt-payoff plans can also help you pay down and get out of debt faster. And if youre switching from Mint, PocketGuard can walk you through how to import your transactions for faster setup. Like YNAB, PocketGuard follows a zero-based budgeting method that assigns a job to each dollar, and users like that it keeps tabs on your transactions, spotting recurring bills. PocketGuard Plus can even negotiate better bill deals, trim subscriptions and set savings targets all while you pay down debt. Users online generally agree that PocketGuard is intuitive and easy to use, with most complaints calling out a 2024 change in pricing from a lifetime subscription to renewable monthly and annual fees. In addition to using 256-bit SSL and advanced encryption standards, PocketGuard offers biometrics and PIN code protection to protect your financial information if you lose your phone. Why its not for everybody PocketGuards strength is its unlimited, customizable budgets, personal payoff plans and financial insights features that require a PocketGuard Plus subscription. And while you can link investment accounts for a clearer picture of your overall net worth, the app lacks investment planning features to monitor, benchmark or build your portfolio. 7. Best for couples: Honeydue Honeydue Best for couples Honeydue The basics Supports iOS and Android What it costs Free User ratings Apple Store: 4.5 out of 5 stars (8,850 reviews) Google Play: 3.9 out of 5 stars (2,500 reviews) Pros Free to use no paid subscription needed Connects banking, credit card, investment and loan accounts Separates out expenses Joint bank account with no fees Cons Not available on desktop Customer support by email only Lacks detailed analytics and reporting Sells data to third parties unless you opt out Get it for free at Honeydue Why we like it If youre among the 25% of couples who say money is their greatest relationship challenge, Honeydue may be a way to smooth over your shared money issues. Its also completely free to use and comes with an optional joint banking account with zero fees. The app provides you and a partner with a quick view of your bank accounts, credit cards, loans and investments. It categorizes both shared and individual expenses, syncs with your bank and credit accounts, sends bill payment reminders and lets you chat with your partner within the app. Honeydue also offers multifactor authentication, PIN and Touch ID to help protect your information, should you lose your phone. Why its not for everybody Honeydue lacks some of the advanced budgeting features you can find with other apps, like goal setting, investment tracking and detailed reporting. Though unlike the other apps on our list, Honeydue is transparent about disclosing your information to third parties but you can choose to opt out. What to look for in a budgeting app When youre on the hunt for a budgeting app, look for benefits and features that best fit your financial goals and the way you manage your money. Think about those that offer a free version or a limited free trial with enough time to test-drive the app before committing, among other key elements to compare, including: Features that fit your needs. Some apps support simple budget tracking only, while others offer services that monitor your savings and alert you when youve gone off track. Still others allow you to track investments or build a portfolio. Supported devices. Make sure the app is compatible with the technology you actually use, whether its your desktop computer, your phone or across devices. Ability to try it for free. Look for apps that offer a free version or trial with enough time that allows for test-driving what it has to offer before you commit. Bank account syncing. Apps that sync with your banking, credit cards and other accounts can provide real-time insight into your spending and simplify your budgeting. Customizable categories. Pick an app that lets you personalize spending categories to match your lifestyle, spending habits and budgeting preferences. Security features. Prioritize apps that are up front about how they protect your personal and financial information, with security measures like multifactor authentication and 256-bit AES encryption. Privacy policies. Read the apps privacy policies to learn whether they plan to sell your data to third parties. Free apps are more likely to engage in this practice, but not always. Customer support. Most budgeting apps support help by email or live chat through an app or website. Test how long it takes to get help during your trial period to see if it meets your needs. Dig deeper: 5 popular budgeting strategies and how to find the best fit for financial motivation 128-bit vs. 256-bit AES encryption whats the difference? The difference between these two advanced encryption standards (AES) lies in the length of the keys used to encrypt and decrypt your data, or digitally convert your data from a randomized version of numbers to a readable form. These keys are represented by a unique string of either 128 or 256 digits, depending on the encryption standard. Both standards can sufficiently secure your data, but the gist is that because a 256-bit key is significantly longer than a 156-bit key, its harder to break or compromise making it the industrys benchmark for banks and financial apps entrusted to store and transmit sensitive personal identifiable information and financial data. How we chose the best budgeting apps We evaluated 15 of the most popular budgeting apps available on Google Play and the App Store as of July 1, 2024, analyzing each app against monthly subscription fees and a series of features that include: Syncing with a range of financial accounts Detailed expense tracking by category Financial goal setting and investment planning Information sharing among family members Debt reduction and money-saving features Security features and privacy policies after all, youre entrusting the app with your personal and financial information We also read through customer reviews on Google Play, the Apple Store, Trustpilot and Reddit to better understand actual user experiences the good and the bad. Sources About the writer Kat Aoki is a seasoned finance writer who's written thousands of articles to empower people to better understand technology, fintech, banking, lending and investments. Her expertise has been featured on sites like Forbes Advisor, Lifewire and Finder, with bylines at top technology brands in the U.S. and Australia. Kat strives to empower consumers and business owners to make informed decisions and choose the right financial products for their needs. Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, marking the first conversation between the leaders since their historic in-person summit in November and the latest in ongoing efforts by US and Chinese officials to defuse tensions between the two superpowers. The call comes amid heavy global turbulence the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as North Koreas nuclear capabilities, were topics of discussion. Other issues that have strained the Washington-Beijing relationship also came up, including Taiwan, Chinas recent provocations in the South China Sea and Beijings human rights abuses. The two leaders also discussed a number of issues where US and Chinese officials see room for cooperation, including countering narcotics, the fast-developing world of artificial intelligence and climate change, according to a White House readout. The White House described the one-hour-45-minute conversation as candid and constructive on a range of issues on which the leaders agreed and disagreed. Biden stressed the need to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and he also raised his concerns over Chinas support for Russias defense industry, the White House added. Chinas Foreign Ministry also said the two leaders had a candid and in-depth exchange. In the call, Xi characterized US-China relations as beginning to stabilize, but he warned that negative factors had been growing and required attention from both sides, a ministry readout said. Biden noted his worries about Chinas trade tactics that the White House said harm American workers and emphasized that the US will do what it must to prevent advanced US technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment. The two leaders welcomed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication and responsibly manage the relationship through high-level diplomacy and working-level consultations in the weeks and months ahead, the readout stated, noting Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China. Biden also expressed concerns about TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese parent company ByteDance. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Biden discussed House-passed legislation that would require TikTok to be spun off from ByteDance and emphasized that it was an American national security issue. Xi, for his part, called for the two sides to value peace, prioritize stability and honor their commitments to each other an apparent reference to Chinese officials concerns about American tech and trade restrictions on China that they see as at odds with Washingtons assurances that it does not want to decouple the two nations economies. Beijings heightened attention on those restrictions, which include a range of controls targeting Chinas access to high-end, dual-use American technology, were reflected in Xis comments to Biden. If (the US) is adamant on containing Chinas hi-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, China is not going to sit back and watch, Xi said, according to Chinas readout. On Taiwan, which is a key point of friction between the two countries, Xi called the issue the first red line in the relationship and urged the US to act in accordance with President Bidens commitment of not supporting Taiwan independence, the readout said. Chinas ruling Communist Party claims the self-ruling democracy as its own territory and has vowed to reunite with it, by force if necessary. A check in The Biden-Xi chat represents a follow-through on a simple commitment that Biden made publicly after meeting with Xi for multiple hours in Woodside, California, last fall: That, moving forward, the two leaders would pick up the phone and call each other more often, with an eye towards preventing potentially dangerous misunderstandings between two of the most powerful countries in the world. A senior administration official previewing the call was quick to note that despite the great lengths to which both countries have gone to over the last year to de-escalate historic high tensions in US-China relations, a phrase Biden had uttered after his summit with Xi still remains operable: Trust but verify. I dont think we ever really take the Chinese at their word when they say they will or will not do something. It is about verifying, as the president says, the official told CNN when asked about Xis pledge that Beijing will not interfere in the US 2024 election. Verifying the results we see, the actions we see, and then continuing to underscore and press on what our concerns are. That fraught dynamic was underscored during Novembers summit when Biden after underscoring the constructive nature of his meeting with Xi told a CNN reporter that he would still refer to the Chinese leader as a dictator. The label, which Biden had previously used to describe Xi, quickly drew the ire of the Chinese government, and marked an awkward end to what was a momentous meeting between the two leaders. The Biden administration plans to continue stressing to Beijing the US grave concerns about Chinese efforts to hack US critical infrastructure, the official said. CNN reported exclusively in January that Xi had told Biden when they met in November that China would not interfere in the US presidential election, and that that assurance had also been reiterated by the Chinese foreign minister to Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The conversation Tuesday was meant to serve as a check in on the progress made on areas discussed by the two leaders during their meeting last year, including the re-establishment of the two countries military-to-military communications and their pledge to work together to curb the production of fentanyl, the official said. Biden also raised concerns in the call about Chinas support for Russias defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security. His comments came on the heels of Xis recent pledge to strengthen strategic coordination between China and Russia on a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this year. While China has shied away from publicly providing lethal aid to Russia to assist in its invasion of Ukraine, US officials have raised concerns that Chinas economic support for Russia has allowed the country to rebuild its defense industrial base. The Chinese readout noted that the two leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. China, of course, is a sovereign country, it will make its own decisions about its relationships, but quite concerned about the direction of travel on this one, and Im certain it will come up, the senior US administration official said Monday ahead of the call. Biden and Xi last spoke on the phone in July 2022. We would hope there would be a chance for another in-person meeting in the near future, the senior administration official said. Yellen set to visit China this week In a significant mark of the Biden administrations ongoing engagement with Beijing, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is scheduled to visit China later this week, where shell meet with her Chinese counterparts in her second visit to the country as Treasury secretary. Yellen is scheduled to make two stops, traveling to Guangzhou and Beijing, for meetings with economists, students and members of the business community. A Treasury official told reporters Monday she planned to have frank discussions on what the administration considers unfair trade practices from China. The Treasury secretary has vocally warned of the threat Chinas overcapacity poses to the global economy, but has also cautioned that decoupling with the manufacturing juggernaut would be disastrous for the US. China in recent days has signaled it will will push back against American concerns about industrial overcapacity, with a commentary in state media Xinhua on Tuesday calling those a pretext for certain Western countries to poison the environment for Chinas domestic development and international cooperation. In addition to Yellen, other US officials have spoken with their Chinese counterparts in 2024, demonstrating just how critical the administration sees its bilateral relationship with the country. In January, Sullivan met with the Chinese foreign minister in Bangkok, and Blinken met with the Chinese official in Munich in February. Blinken is also set to travel to China himself in the coming weeks, the senior administration official told reporters Monday, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to participate in a call with Chinas minister of defense soon. This story has been updated with additional developments on Tuesday. CNNs Simone McCarthy, Sam Fossum and Arlette Saenz contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com groundsound Wants You to Listen to These Drums Live at Pop Montreal, in the waning days of the sticky 2023 summer heat, long before their debut album was available, the duo known as groundsound took the stage in bright, ruffled costumes that shimmered as they moved to the bass. The Riddim Writerwho, in another life, is Isis Semaj-Hall, literature professor at the University of the West Indiesdrew the audience in alongside Gavsborg, a.k.a. Gavin Blair of the venerable Jamaican group, collective, and label Equiknoxx. The combination of story, stage presence, and sound drew in the crowd throughout their too-short set. Thank goodness for the February release of their first outing, Working Progress. An infectious, beat-driven project, groundsound arose from what Blair calls likemindedness. They met at Anchor studios, owned by producer and mutual friend Augustus Gussie Clarke, who throughout his four-decade career has worked with artists like U-Roy, Dennis Brown, Maxi Priest, and Shabba Ranks. We spoke a lot about Kumina, Blair explains, mentioning the traditional Afro-Jamaican religion and dance form involving rituals, drumming, music, and trance-like movements where participants can become possessed by ancestral spirits. This interest put Nicholas Nick Allen [a Kumina teacher] on our radar. After brief links with Nick, we started creating music together that incorporated Kumina sounds. This led to a performance at the 2019 International Charles Town Maroon Conference in Portland, Jamaica, which laid the groundwork for groundsound. Maroon refers to a person who escaped from enslavement or descended from those who escaped. Maroons formed communities in remote areas of Jamaica, building African- and Indigenous-influenced societies and resisting re-enslavement. The conference brings together academics and the islands Maroon community around issues of Indigenous sustainability and Maroon culture. I dont know if we were totally sure that people would understand what we had done, describes Semaj-Hall. In the studio, we were like, this is it. We see everything. When their music was performed, the audience seemed to understand, and importantly, they moved as well. That first experiment, which rounds out the album as Sonic Uprising, contains vocals based on WhatsApp texts, Kumina drums, and some broken beat business. groundsound straddles styles, forcing a reliance on way too many adjectives: poppy, poetic, bass-driven, housey, folky, electronic, organic, but all made to make you think and move, in whichever order strikes your fancy. Its hard not to draw comparisons with dub, the Jamaican genre known for manipulation and rearrangement of sounds. Semaj-Hall playfully equivocates a little on this point: It depends on how [someones] understood dub, how theyve been thinking about dub, but how we are approaching the music, I think is very much in line with how dub music and dub processes work. So sometimes its kind of a subverted message, packaged, obscured, tucked over here, hidden around this corner. (Credit: Moise Youmba) All good storytellers draw the listener in, and in each track groundsound offers up a tantalizing image or idea that you want to know more about. The album kicks off with a description of a trainthe Obeah 5. Were invited to step onboard and look around, then offered a variation of Ive Been Working on the Railroad (courtesy of the sweet tones of Jamaican outfit Earth and the Fullness). The overall feeling is that of being taken on a trip, and the movement doesnt let up for the balance of the album. But dont get distracted by just how much Working Progress elicits head nods and begs for boogie (try not to dance to the amusingly titled we had a QUALITY TIME dubbing these drums). Kat7, another Gavsborg project with vocalist Exile Di Brave, offers assistance on Put on an Iron Shirt, a song inspired by, as Semaj-Hall explains, Africans brought to Jamaica who were actually responsible for the developments having to do with wrought iron and English folks [who] had been taking credit for their work for hundreds of years. And so that wrong was being righted at that time, she continues. Gavin sent me the article. Hes like, Hey, what do you think? Do you have words for this? And I was like, I might have some words for this, actually. Whatever creativity emanates from Semaj-Hall is matched by Blair. The innovation and originality that informs groundsound isnt surprisingwith Nick Bobby Blackbird Deane, Jordan Time Cow Chung, Kemikal and Shanique Marie, Blair has been instrumental in some of the most exciting Jamaican music of this century. From hardcore dancehall (check Aidonias graphic Flying Dagger aka 100 Stab) to the experiments in melody and rhythm (2021s Basic Tools is a good example), Equiknoxx takes the crew ethos seriously, drawing inspiration and assistance from a huge range of local talentevery project draws on the talents of the wider collective. The approach to groundsound appears to be similar. Equiknoxx blossomed in a Kingston yard, full of people that didnt really have access to anything. No radio, no selectors and no dance was playing any of what we were doing, explains Blair, so it was just really about making music for us in the yard. groundsound, however, has to function transnationallyas Semaj-Hall lives and works in Jamaica, and Blair, though hailing from the same island, presently finds himself in Berlin. Learning about how the project was also born in a yard, developed over lots of chatslive and on WhatsAppmeant speaking to each member at different times, and getting different impressions of how groundsound came to be at Equiknoxx studio in Kingston, and other studios in Barbados and Berlin. Music can feel like an exorcism, states Semaj-Hall, You can release something through the exercise of dancing of motion. And the music stems from motionas Blair puts it, in the studio is where he lays it all down, but mostly its from travels, whether locally, internationally, even going for a little walk around the block where I live. To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here. The former president stands to gain billions from the merger that took the parent company of Truth Social public. Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters Donald Trumps social media company Trump Media managed to go public last week only after it had been kept afloat in 2022 by emergency loans provided in part by a Russian-American businessman under scrutiny in a federal insider-trading and money-laundering investigation. The former US president stands to gain billions of dollars his stake is currently valued at about $4bn from the merger between Trump Media and Technology Group and the blank-check company Digital World Acquisition Corporation, which took the parent company of Truth Social public. But Trump Media almost did not make it to the merger after regulators opened a securities investigation into the merger in 2021 and caused the company to burn through cash at an extraordinary rate as it waited to get the green light for its stock market debut. Related: Putin bromance has US intelligence officials fearing second Trump term The situation led Trump Media to take emergency loans, including from an entity called ES Family Trust, which opened an account with Paxum Bank, a small bank registered on the Caribbean island of Dominica that is best known for providing financial services to the porn industry. Through leaked documents, the Guardian has learned that ES Family Trust operated like a shell company for a Russian-American businessman named Anton Postolnikov, who co-owns Paxum Bank and has been a subject of a years-long joint federal criminal investigation by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) into the Trump Media merger. The existence of the trust has previously been reported by the Guardian and the Washington Post. However, who controlled the account, how the trust was connected to Paxum Bank, and how the money had been funneled through the trust to Trump Media was unknown. The new details about the trust are drawn from documents including: Paxum Bank records showing Postolnikov having access to the trusts account, the papers that created the trust showing as its settlor a lawyer in St Petersburg, Russia, and three years of the trusts financial transactions. The concern surrounding the loans to Trump Media is that ES Family Trust may have been used to complete a transaction that Paxum itself could not. Paxum Bank does not offer loans in the US as it lacks a US banking license and is not regulated by the FDIC. Postolnikov appears to have used the trust to loan money to help save Trump Media and the Truth Social platform because his bank itself could not furnish the loan. Postolnikov, the nephew of Aleksandr Smirnov, an ally of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has not been charged with a crime. In response to an email to Postolnikov seeking comment, a lawyer in Dominica representing Paxum Bank warned of legal action for reporting the contents of the leaked documents. There is also no indication that Trump or Trump Media had any idea about the nature of the loans beyond that they were opaque, nor has the company or its executives been accused of wrongdoing. A spokesperson for Trump Media did not respond to a request for comment. After this story was published, a lawyer representing Trump Media said in a statement: The Guardian continues to propagate its false narrative that TMTG has these fake connections to Russia. It is a hoax. Litigation will continue on this point and we are confident that The Guardian will ultimately be held responsible for its defamation and this story should be retracted. But Postolnikov has been under increasing scrutiny in the criminal investigation into the Trump Media merger. Most recently, he has been listed on search warrant affidavits alongside several associates one of whom was indicted last month for money laundering on top of earlier insider-trading charges. Postolnikov and the trust In late 2021, Trump Media was facing financial trouble after the original planned merger with Digital World was delayed indefinitely when the Securities and Exchange Commission opened an investigation into the merger, Trump Medias since-ousted co-founder-turned-whistleblower Will Wilkerson recounted in an interview. Part of the problem was that Trump Media struggled to get financing because traditional banks were reluctant to lend millions to Trumps social media company in the wake of the January 6 Capitol attack, Wilkerson said. Trump Media eventually found some lenders, including ES Family Trust, but the sequence of events was curious. ES Family Trust was established on 18 May 2021, its creation papers show. Postolnikovs user access to the account was verified on 30 November 2021 by a Paxum Bank manager in Dominica. The trust was funded for the first time on 2 December 2021. Trump Media then received the loans from ES Family Trust: $2m on 23 December 2021, and $6m on 17 February 2022. The loans came in the form of convertible promissory notes, meaning ES Family Trust would gain a major stake in Trump Media because it was offering the money in exchange for Trump Media agreeing to convert the loan principal into shares of Company Stock. Oddly, the notes were never signed. But the investment in Trump Media proved to be huge: while precise figures can only be known by Trump Media, ES Family Trusts stake in Trump Media is worth between $20m and $40m even after the sharp decline of the companys share price in the wake of a poor earnings report. The ES Family Trust account also appears to have benefited Postolnikov personally. As the criminal investigation into the Trump Media deal intensified towards the end of last year, the trust recorded several transfers to Postolnikov with the subject line Partial Loan Return. In total, the documents showed that the trust transferred $4.8m to Postolnikovs account, although $3m was inexplicably reversed. (On 17 July 2023, Postolnikov received $300,000. On 17 October 2023, Postolnikov received $1.5m, before it was reversed the next day; later the same day, Postolnikov again received $1.5m, which was also reversed. On 19 October 2023, Postolnikov received the $1.5m for a third and final time.) The reason for the trusts creation remains unknown. Aside from the money that went to Trump Media, the trusts statements show the trust has directly invested money with only two other companies: $10.8m to Eleven Ventures LLC, a venture capital firm, and $1m to Wedbush Securities, a wealth management firm. The current status of ES Family Trust is also unknown. The trusts address is listed as a residential home in Hollywood, Florida. But, according to the property website Redfin, the six-bedroom home appears to have been sold in December 2023. The creation papers also contained something notable: a declaration that, if the original trustee a Paxum employee named Angel Pacheco stepped down from the role, his successor would be a certain individual named Michael Shvartsman. Sprawling money-laundering investigation Last month, federal prosecutors charged Michael Shvartsman, a close associate of Postolnikov, with money laundering in a superseding indictment after previously charging him and two others in July with insider-trading Digital World shares. Shvartsman and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty. At least part of the evidence against Shvartsman came from a confidential informant for the DHS, court filings show: in one March 2023 meeting with the informant and an associate, Shvartsman mentioned a friend who owned a bank in Dominica and made bridge loans to Trump Media. [Shvartsman] stated that a friend of his owns a bank in the island of Dominica and would be able to provide banking services to Russian and Ukraine Nationals if the [confidential informant] had other clients in need of that service, the DHS report said. [Shvartsmans associate] told the [confidential informant] that he does not think the SEC would be able to go after [Shvartsman] for his part in the investment but mentioned that [Shvartsman] essentially provided bridge financing for the firm behind the Truth Social media platform, it said. The unredacted parts of the DHS report do not specify whether the friend was Postolnikov and what the bridge financing referred to but the report left open the possibility that Shvartsman also had a role with the trust. A lawyer for Shvartsman declined to comment on his clients relationship with Postolnikov. A spokesperson for the US attorneys office for the southern district of New York also declined to comment. It is unclear whether federal prosecutors are aware that Trump Media was propped up by Postolnikov via ES Family Trust. At the same time, the money-laundering investigation surrounding the Trump Media merger and the scrutiny on Postolnikov appears to have ballooned in recent months. The investigation into potential money laundering appears to have started after Wilkersons lawyers Phil Brewster, Stephen Bell and Patrick Mincey alerted the US attorneys office in the southern district of New York to the ES Family Trust loans in October 2022. Months later, in June 2023, the FBI expanded its investigation to work jointly with the Department of Homeland Securitys El Dorado taskforce, which specializes in money laundering, and its Illicit Proceeds and Foreign Corruption group, which targets corrupt foreign officials who use US entities to launder illicit funds. A woman who claimed her boyfriend's 3-year-old son died in an accidental fall down a flight of stairs is now facing homicide charges, after a series of eyebrow-raising text messages she sent to her boyfriend were found by authorities. The Marinette Police Department said that Samantha J Wishman, 32, reported the incident last June. She claimed the toddler had fallen down the stairs the previous night while his father was working an overnight shift at a factory. The responding officer say the father performing CPR on the boy in the bathroom. The officer took over and found the boy to be cold with his lips turning blue. An ambulance arrived to take the boy to the hospital. The father "seemed frantic and wanted to go to the hospital" but Wishman "seemed more calm in the situation" the officer noted in a criminal complaint. The boy died at the hospital. He already had what the officer described as a "fairly strong odor of decomposition" and had significant bruising on his head and other parts of his body. The medical examiner determined that some of the child's injuries were not consistant with a fall. Now, months later, the child's death has been ruled non-accidental, the police said in a release. Wishman was shared with first-degree reckless homicide and neglecting a child that died. Investigators had accessed Wishman's phone records and found numerous text messages she allegedly sent to the boy's father before the boy's death. "I'm ready to hurt these mother f------ kids nobody f------ understands I can't breathe so this is so much harder n now I'm having more problems breathing," she allegedly wrote, according to the criminal complaint. Another described the alleged fall down the stairs. "His one side of his face probably will b brusied when he wakes up. Side of his head was the start of one n under his eye that what I noticed. He wasn't bruised on his belly or back but I will b checking in the morning." "I just really hate my f---- life," her final text of the overnight said. There were five other children in the home. When interviewed by police, one of them reported that Wishman slapped and used a belt as discipline on at least one of the children. Police arrested her after an extensive investigation into the case. Wishman is due in court on April 15. It is unclear if she has an attorney to speak on her behalf. By Joey Roulette and Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Tuesday directed NASA to establish a unified standard of time for the moon and other celestial bodies, as the United States aims to set international norms in space amid a growing lunar race among nations and private companies. The head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), according to a memo seen by Reuters, instructed the space agency to work with other parts of the U.S. government to devise a plan by the end of 2026 for setting what it called a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). The differing gravitational force, and potentially other factors, on the moon and on other celestial bodies change how time unfolds relative to how it is perceived on Earth. Among other things, the LTC would provide a time-keeping benchmark for lunar spacecraft and satellites that require extreme precision for their missions. "The same clock that we have on Earth would move at a different rate on the moon," Kevin Coggins, NASA's space communications and navigation chief, said in an interview. OSTP chief Arati Prabhakar's memo said that for a person on the moon, an Earth-based clock would appear to lose on average 58.7 microseconds per Earth-day and come with other periodic variations that would further drift moon time from Earth time. "Think of the atomic clocks at the U.S. Naval Observatory (in Washington). They're the heartbeat of the nation, synchronizing everything. You're going to want a heartbeat on the moon," Coggins said. Under its Artemis program, NASA is aiming to send astronaut missions to the moon in the coming years and establish a scientific lunar base that could help set the stage for future missions to Mars. Dozens of companies, spacecraft and countries are involved in the effort. An OSTP official said that without a unified lunar time standard it would be challenging to ensure that data transfers between spacecraft are secure and that communications between Earth, lunar satellites, bases and astronauts are synchronized. Discrepancies in time also could lead to errors in mapping and locating positions on or orbiting the moon, the official said. 'HOW DISRUPTIVE' "Imagine if the world wasn't syncing their clocks to the same time - how disruptive that might be and how challenging everyday things become," the official said. On Earth, most clocks and time zones are based on Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC. This internationally recognized standard relies on a vast global network of atomic clocks placed in different locations around the world. They measure changes in the state of atoms and generate an average that ultimately makes up a precise time. Deployment of atomic clocks on the lunar surface may be needed, according to the OSTP official. The official also said that as commercial activities expand to the moon, a unified time standard would be essential for coordinating operations, ensuring the reliability of transactions and managing the logistics of lunar commerce. NASA in January said it has scheduled for September 2026 its first astronaut lunar landing since the end of the Apollo program in the 1970s, with a mission flying four astronauts around the moon and back scheduled for September 2025. While the United States is the only country to have put astronauts on the moon, others have lunar ambitions. Countries have their eyes on potential mineral resources on the moon, and lunar bases could help support future crewed missions to Mars and elsewhere. China said last year it aims to put its first astronauts on the moon by 2030. Japan in January became the fifth country to put a spacecraft on the moon. India last year became the first country to land a spacecraft near the unexplored lunar south pole, and it has announced plans to send an astronaut to the moon by 2040. "U.S. leadership in defining a suitable standard - one that achieves the accuracy and resilience required for operating in the challenging lunar environment - will benefit all spacefaring nations," the OSTP memo stated. Defining how to implement Coordinated Lunar Time will require international agreements, the memo said, through "existing standards bodies" and among the 36 nations that have signed a pact called the Artemis Accords involving how countries act in space and on the moon. China and Russia, the two main U.S. rivals in space, have not signed the Artemis Accords. Coordinated Universal Time might influence how Coordinated Lunar Time is implemented, the OSTP official said. The U.N.'s International Telecommunication Union defines Coordinated Universal Time as an international standard. his story has been refiled to correct an abbreviation error in paragraph 11) (Reporting by Joey Roulette and Will Dunham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Joe Biden speaks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on 13 March 2024 and Donald Trump speaks in New York, on 11 January 2024. Photograph: AP Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump won primary elections in four states, including the crucial battleground state of Wisconsin. Hundreds of delegates were up for grabs in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and Wisconsin on Tuesday, and Biden and Trump have already amassed enough delegates to win their respective nominations. But the turnout could provide more clues about the general election in November. Related: The anti-war protest secured a huge primary vote. What happens next? Voters also had a chance to register their discontent with the nominees. Connecticut and Rhode Island gave voters the opportunity to vote uncommitted in the primary, while Wisconsin offered a similar option of uninstructed delegation. Wisconsin Democrats will be closely watching the turnout for uninstructed delegation after progressive activists launched a campaign encouraging voters to withhold support from the US president to protest against his handling of the war in Gaza. The Listen to Wisconsin campaign, based on similar efforts in states like Michigan and Minnesota, has attracted support from some rank-and-file union members as well as an influential group of low-wage and immigrant workers in the state. Those voters represent key constituencies whose support Biden will need to win in November, and even a small erosion in support could spell trouble for him in Wisconsin, where he defeated Trump by just 0.6 points in 2020. In 2016, the former president defeated Hillary Clinton by roughly 0.8 points in Wisconsin, and he hopes to repeat that performance this fall. Polls closed at 8pm ET in Connecticut and Rhode Island and at 9pm ET in New York and Wisconsin, with results coming in shortly afterwards, and Biden will soon have a better sense of his standing in the battleground state. With the presidential nominees already decided, Wisconsin Republicans are more closely focused on two ballot measures related to election management in the state. The first measure raises the question of abolishing the use of private funds in election administration, and the second asks whether only election officials designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections, and referendums. Republicans have encouraged supporters to vote yes on both measures, after their legislative efforts to change election rules were repeatedly blocked by Wisconsins Democratic governor, Tony Evers. Republican leaders have expressed pointed criticism of the grant money that Wisconsin election officials received from the non-profit Center for Tech and Civic Life in 2020 to address the challenges of navigating the coronavirus pandemic. Those leaders have derided the grant money as Zuckerbucks, a reference to the $350m that the Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, gave to the non-profit to help election offices across the country in 2020. Republicans argue that such funding must be abolished to ensure voters trust in election results, but Democrats warn that the approval of such a measure could drain resources from government offices already stretched too thin from budget cuts. On the second ballot question, Democrats have criticized its wording as vague and accused Republicans of attempting to intimidate non-partisan voting rights groups from their usual registration and turnout efforts in the state. Rather than work to make sure our clerks have the resources they need to run elections, Republicans are pushing a nonsense amendment to satisfy Donald Trump, Ben Wickler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said in a statement last month. Thanks to longstanding Wisconsin law and the dedicated service of thousands of elections officials in municipalities across the state, our elections are safe and secure. Donald Trumps lies about his 2020 loss shouldnt dictate whats written in our state constitution. A New York judge rejected former President Trumps presidential immunity claims in his hush money case on Wednesday, saying Trump waited too long to raise the defense. Justice Juan Merchans ruling removes another pathway for Trump to delay his upcoming hush money trial, which is slated to become the first criminal trial of a former president on April 15. Unlike his other three criminal indictments, Trump had not argued he was immune from his 34 charges in the hush money case, which stems from payments made before he was president. But the former president in recent weeks began insisting that some of prosecutors desired trial evidence would be precluded if the Supreme Court agrees with his immunity claims in another cases. Defendants motion is DENIED in its entirety as untimely. The Court declines to consider whether the doctrine of presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence of purported official presidential acts in a criminal proceeding, Merchan wrote. Merchans ruling moves Trumps hush money prosecution one step closer to reaching trial. Trump does still has a pending effort to adjourn the schedule because of prejudicial pretrial publicity, however. But barring a last-minute twist, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) is set to take Trump to trial in less than two weeks on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Bragg has accused Trump of criminally concealing a hush money payment to hide damaging information from voters ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump pleaded not guilty. The ruling comes as similar decisions on Trumps immunity claims have caused delays in his other criminal cases. Trumps claims of presidential immunity reached the Supreme Court earlier this year in his federal election interference case, after the justices agreed to weigh whether a president can be criminally charged for their actions while serving in the office. The trial judge in Washington, D.C., overseeing Trumps case and a three-judge panel on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the former presidents theory that he cannot be criminally prosecuted. For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant, the D.C. Circuit panel wrote in its 57-page decision earlier this year. We cannot accept that the office of the Presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter. He has also claimed presidential immunity in his federal classified documents case and Georgia election interference case, though the judges in those cases have not yet weighed in on the matter. Updated at 5:03 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Three Philadelphia-area men, each of whom spent decades in prison, had their convictions vacated in court last Thursday due to recent evidence that their DNA had been absent from the scene of the murder of an elderly woman more than 25 years ago. Sam Grasty, Derrick Chappell and Morton Johnson have consistently claimed their innocence in the 1997 murder of Henrietta Nickens, a 70-year-old woman who was beaten to death and sexually assaulted in her Delaware County, Pennsylvania, apartment, according to Paul Casteleiro, Grasty's attorney and legal director of the nonprofit Centurion, which worked on his behalf. The men were sentenced to life in prison and had been incarcerated for approximately 25 years, according to attorneys. "The state didn't answer any evidence in opposition to our DNA evidence and our crime scene reconstruction expert," Casteleiro told ABC News. "Up until today, that hasn't been the course that they have taken. They opposed this [evidence of their innocence] and in every way." PHOTO: Sam Grasty (left), Derrick Chappell (center) and Morton Johnson (right) had their convictions vacated by a Pennsylvania judge after spending decades in prison for murder. (The Families) The defendants were convicted of murder, burglary and engaging in criminal conspiracy, among other crimes, according to court documents. Common Pleas Judge Mary Alice Brennan has set a bail hearing for May 23 after vacating the men's convictions, according to court dockets. Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer can ask for a retrial, appeal the judge's decision to vacate, or dismiss the case, according to attorneys. The district attorney's office did not immediately return ABC News' request for comment. "This case should have never gone to trial," Vanessa Potkin, Johnson's attorney and director of special litigation at the Innocence Project, told ABC News in a statement. "As soon as the initial testing was done, law enforcement should have recognized that they had focused in on the wrong individuals. Because they refused to do so, they sent three innocent kids to prison where they were locked away for decades while the person who committed this crime walked free." MORE: Death row inmate exonerated 30 years after 1994 arson murder in Philadelphia Chappell was 15 years old when he was arrested. Johnson was 18 and Grasty was 21, according to their lawyers. All men are now in their 40s. Nickens, the 70-year-old victim who was attacked and killed in her home on Oct. 10, 1997, was found by her daughter the next day, according to Casteleiro. Chester, Pennsylvania, police questioned another neighborhood teen about the murder, Potkin told ABC News: 15-year-old Richard McElwee, who had a history of drug abuse, according to Potkin. Chester police, who had detained McElwee on drug charges, interrogated him for hours until he eventually gave them a confession, according to Potkin. PHOTO: Morton Johnson (left) and his lawyer Vanessa Potkin (right) say that his case should have never been tried because his DNA nor his co-defendants' DNAs were found at the crime scene of the death of Henrietta Nickens in 1997. (Courtesy of The Innocence Project) McElwee testified that he was the lookout while the three co-defendants entered the apartment to rob Nickens, according to Casteleiro. Prosecutors originally said that the defendants sexually assaulted Nickens, but none of their DNA matched the semen found at the crime scene, nor was the four defendants' DNA found anywhere at the scene, according to Casteleiro. Prosecutors alleged a green jacket that was found at the crime scene belonged to Grasty, without testing it for DNA, according to Casteleiro. Years later, the jacket was tested for DNA and did not match the DNA of any of the defendants, but it did match the semen in the victim's body, according to Casteleiro. McElwee was given a six-to-12-year sentence with the plea deal, while Grasty, Chappell and Johnson were given life sentences. Neither Nickens' family, the Chester Police Department, nor McElwee immediately responded to ABC News' request for a statement. MORE: Georgia deputy fatally shoots man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 16 years Without a DNA match, prosecutors developed theories on where the semen at the crime scene came from, according to Casteleiro. "It's just contrary to what the justice system is all about," Casteleiro said. "Prosecutors are supposed to do justice and not just supposed to get convictions. They want to convict the right people." Judge vacates convictions of three Philadelphia-area men imprisoned for decades originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs (D) office is opposing former President Trumps demand that his fast-approaching hush money trial be delayed because of prejudicial publicity. In court papers made public Wednesday, prosecutors argued the April 15 trial date should go ahead as planned, noting it was Trumps eighth bid to postpone the schedule as part of his broader legal strategy to delay all four of his criminal trials beyond the November election. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo wrote that the national attention surrounding the case isnt likely to subside, and Trump deliberately generates press attention himself. Defendant simply cannot have it both ways: complaining about the prejudicial effect of pretrial publicity, while seeking to pollute the jury pool himself by making baseless and inflammatory accusations about this trial, specific witnesses, individual prosecutors, and the Court itself, Colangelo wrote in the new filing. Trump last week renewed his demand that the trial be postponed indefinitely because of the barrage of media coverage on his hush money case, which in less than two weeks is slated to become the first criminal trial of a former president. Trump claimed the coverage prejudices potential jurors, preventing a fair trial. [N]o fair and impartial jury can be selected in this County at any time in the near future, including in April of this year. Therefore, the Court should adjourn the trial date until the prejudicial media coverage subsides, Trump attorney Todd Blanche wrote in the motion, which was made public last week. Blanche had also attached a media study and polling conducted at the direction of Trumps team that suggested a majority of Manhattan residents which comprises Trumps jury pool already believe the former president is guilty. Top Stories from The Hill Braggs office is prosecuting Trump on 34 charges of falsifying business records, alleging the former president criminally covered up a hush money payment to conceal damaging information from the public ahead of the 2016 election. Trump pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors responded in their new filing by insisting Trumps motion was littered with inaccuracies and matters already rejected by the judge. They also expressed doubts about the reliability of the data from Trumps team. None of the new information presented by defendant supports his request for an adjournment; indeed, much of the new data actually confirms that this Court will be able to find twelve impartial jurors (and alternates) in Manhattan, Colangelo wrote. This Court should accordingly decline to revisit its prior rulings and should adhere to the April 15, 2024, trial date. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Andrew Gray and John Irish BRUSSELS (Reuters) -A proposal by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for a 100 billion euro ($107 billion) five-year fund for Ukraine drew mixed responses from member states on Wednesday. The proposal to put military support for Ukraine on a long-term footing would also give the Western alliance a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion. Under the plans, NATO would take over some coordination work from a U.S.-led ad-hoc coalition known as the Ramstein group - a move designed in part to guard against any cut in U.S. support if Donald Trump returns to the White House, diplomats said. "We need to shift the dynamics of our support," Stoltenberg said as he arrived at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul, so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments. Less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges." He declined to confirm the 100-billion euro figure, which was leaked by several diplomats, but said the aim was for a decision to be taken at a NATO summit in July. Until now, NATO as an organisation has focused on non-lethal aid for Ukraine out of fears that a more direct role could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia. Its members have provided billions of dollars in arms on a bilateral basis. Diplomats said there was a growing view within NATO that it was time to put military aid to Ukraine on a more sustainable footing and NATO was best placed to do that. But they said it was unclear whether the 100 billion euro figure would be accepted or how it would be financed. NATO decisions require consensus among its 32 members. SCEPTICISM, SUPPORT Initial reactions from across the alliance signalled a decision may not be easy. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto "firmly stated Hungary will not back any @NATO proposals that might draw the alliance closer to war or shift it from a defensive to an offensive coalition," government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said on X. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the plan as "right and important". Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins also welcomed it, suggesting contributions could be a percentage of each member's GDP. Other ministers said they needed to look at the details, including how it would be funded. Privately, some officials were more blunt. "NATO has no budget or ways to raise such money," one diplomat said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for fresh funding commitments, not simply the repurposing of existing pledges. Meanwhile, Russia said NATO had returned to a Cold War mindset as the alliance marks its 75th anniversary this week. NATO has said Ukraine cannot join while it is at war with Russia but that it will become a member at some point. ($1 = 0.9288 euros) (Additional reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten, Nette Nostlinger, Geert De Clercq, Andreas Rinke and Inti Landauro; Writing by Andrew Gray and Ingrid Melander; Editing by Stephen Coates, Gareth Jones and Ros Russell) Abby Jimenez's fans devour her cupcakes and her romance novels. The author of "The Friend Zone" and her most recent, "Just for the Summer," is at the top of her literary and culinary games. These are my hobbies. Baking was always a hobby for me, writing was always also a hobby for me. I just happen to be able to do things that other people like, which is great, Jimenez tells TODAY.com. The winding tale of Jimenez's twin careers begins in 2007. At the time, Jimenez was working as a retail manager when she got pregnant with her third baby in three years. Six months later, she lost her job and found herself scrambling to earn enough money to pay the bills. "I decided to take some cake decorating classes at the local Michaels just to distract myself from how depressed I was, Jimenez says. What was supposed to be a band-aid on a temporary financial hardship became the foundation of Jimenezs success. On launching her baking business Jimenez never intended to start selling her baked goods, let alone open and operate a brick-and-mortar bakery. But the bills kept piling up and so she saw only one choice: to launch Nadia Cakes, named after her middle child, from her house. For two years, Jimenez baked and sold assorted cupcakes from her California home while her three children climbed on her as if she were monkey bars. Jimenez, who says that she was chronically exhausted, ended up developing carpal tunnel in both of her hands. My nerve damage was so bad in my right hand that (the doctor) said surgery on Friday, she says. While Jimenez was recovering, she found herself on the brink of a mental and financial breakdown. I told my husband, I cant keep doing this. People who do this either have a bakery or they have a daycare, she remembers saying. Jimenez was operating both, all while descending into deeper debt. Her husband casually suggested that they open up a formal bakery, an idea that Jimenez says she gawked at. Yet she found herself begging a local bank to offer her a loan. After securing a $5,000 loan, Jimenez recalls the scary moment when she and her husband charged $125,000 additional opening expenses to their credit cards. We were so broke. We were like, this is really all or nothing. Were either going to be successful and have a bakery or were going to lose our house, our cars, were gonna lose everything, she says. If Jimenezs life was a fairytale, this next moment would be one in which shed be garnished with pixie dust and sent to step into her new fantastical life. In 2009, she opened the doors to Nadia Bakes in Palmdale, California to instant success with lines wrapped around the building. The bakery made a name for itself with its geode cakes, which looked like they were cut from the side of a crystal. One cake broke the internet for its resemblance to a certain body part. Jimenez says that she couldnt keep up with the demand, so her husband quit his job as a retail manager to join her formally as CFO, handling the financial and logistical side of the business. Within six months, she was cast on TLCs Fabulous Cakes, followed by Food Networks Cupcake Wars, where she won $10,000 for her Rose Bowl-inspired display of cupcakes. At that time, she found herself ready to open a second location, but the oversaturation of cupcake shops in California encouraged her to look East. We really wanted to move somewhere where there were seasons. So we took a five-week cross-country trip with all the kids in the car and drove through 23 states. When we came to Minnesota, we were like, This is nice, she says. Within three months, her family packed up their California home, trading in palm trees for parkas in The North Star State. abbey jimenez (Courtesy Ryan LaPlante) On stumbling into her writing career After opening not just one, but two locations in Minnesota, Jimenez once again found herself itching for something new, so she turned a page and picked up a romance novel, her go-to genre. I was chasing a certain kind of romance and I had a really hard time finding it. I wanted something that was funny, but also had depth. I wanted to read stories that felt realistic, like they were people I would know. I had such a hard time finding exactly what I wanted and I was like, You know what, maybe I can write my own romance, Jimenez says. Its at this point that I decide, if given the opportunity, I would be hesitant to accompany Jimenez to an amusement park. She strikes me as someone who only moves at one speed which is faster than humanly possible and never looks back. But she corrects me. You know, I am really not a risk-taker actually. Im very risk-averse. My husband is the one thats like, No, you can do this, she says. The self-proclaimed risk-averse writer decided to write what she describes as a YA dystopian novel that was absolutely terrible. After receiving some advice from a literary agent, she decided to try her hand at writing a contemporary romance novel. Again, Jimenez submitted the book to a new literary agent, who decided to take her on as a client. If youre reading this and thinking that Jimenez was born under a rainbow and sleeps on a pot of gold, shell be quick to correct you too. It was not all sunshine and roses after that. After that, everything was hard, Jimenez says. She says she was in submission to publishers for so long that she had enough time for her to write a draft of her second book, "The Friend Zone." Nine months into this, we ended up getting an offer for a three-book deal and I got two offers on the same day, Jimenez says. Now, you may start to reconsider that pot of gold. Jimenezs sixth book, Just for the Summer, will be released on April 2, 2024 but shes well on her way to doubling her batch. I have two more books after that that I have book deals for. I dont think Im ever going to stop because I love it too much. In some ways, her writing process hasnt changed since those early dystopian days. Success has meant that she now has a lake house she can retreat to when she needs to bust out 10,000 words but most of the time, youll find her writing on the sofa in her living room with her laptop resting on her body. She likens her home to an international airport, with three teenagers and four dogs passing through at any given time. Its very distracting and not conducive. Still, Jimenez says she has a tendency to complete her drafts a few months before deadline. If Im turning my book in on deadline, I feel like Im late, she says. On learning about life in a love stories Jimenezs books, which are all interconnected, fit squarely into the romantic-comedy genre, with funny scenes bordering the steamy ones. Dont call them light, though. Her books have more serious threads stitched between the pages with characters who are dealing with anxiety, domestic abuse and infertility. It was an intentional choice, but not an immediately welcome one, Jimenez says. Her newest book, Just for the Summer touches on the effects that your childhood can have on your relationships as an adult. One thing that I heard a lot of during the rejection period was, Were looking for lighter fiction. Were looking for lighter romance right now, Jimenez says. She says those responses were frustrating. I cant picture writing anything that doesnt have these more important themes because romance takes place in the folds of everyday life. These are the real things that happen to real people when theyre falling in love, Jimenez says. Jimenez believes that her inclusion of real-life situations is her strong suit. Every single one of my books now is run through a rigorous beta read team and rigorous sensitivity read. I find advisors for important themes in every single one of my books, which is why they feel so authentic and they feel so accurate, Jimenez says proudly. At the same time, shes found that the stigma around romance novels has changed. Readers and publishers alike know more than to expect romance authors to present a fluffy manuscript that can be read in one sitting, then tossed aside. When I started writing, there were bookstores that simply didnt carry romance. I find that less and less now. Its very rare now that I walk into an indie bookstore and cant find a romance section. Not only are publishers taking the genre more seriously, I think that sellers are taking it more seriously," she says. I think a lot of people learn how to be in healthy, non-toxic relationships through reading the right kind of romance. This article was originally published on TODAY.com WASHINGTON President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to speak by phone on Thursday, according to a U.S. official with knowledge of the call. It will be their first direct communication since seven aid workers were killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza this week. The discussion comes after Biden on Tuesday delivered some of his strongest criticism of Israel since the start of its war with Hamas, saying that he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of the World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers, who were killed by an Israeli airstrike on Monday. President Joe Biden, left, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Miriam Alster / AP file) "Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians," Biden said in his statement Tuesday. Netanyahu wrote on X on Tuesday that Israel "deeply regrets" the death of the workers, adding that the country is "fully committed to enabling humanitarian aid to reach the civilian population in Gaza and we will do everything in our power to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future." Biden and Netanyahu last spoke on March 18. During that call, the White House said that Biden warned the Israeli leader against implementing a planned military operation in Rafah and invited Netanyahu to send a senior interagency team to Washington. Netanyahu canceled the high-profile delegation's visit to Washington, though it may be rescheduled for the coming days. A version of the meeting took place virtually on Monday. Separately, on Wednesday, Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz called for early elections to take place in September. The Israeli government has said that about 1,200 people were killed in Israel during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. About 240 Israelis were also kidnapped, and Israel has said that more than 100 people are still being held hostage in Gaza. Since the war broke out, more than 32,900 people have died in Gaza, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Monica Alba reported from Washington, Zoe Richards reported from New York. NEW YORK (AP) A company that provides services for immigrants in federal detention was ordered Tuesday to pay more than $811 million in restitution and penalties in a lawsuit alleging it used deceptive and abusive tactics. Nexus Services must pay roughly $231 million in restitution as well as penalties of $13.8 million to New York, $7.1 million to Virginia and $3.4 million to Massachusetts, according to a judgement filed in federal court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg. The Virginia-based company, its subsidiary Libre by Nexus and its three executives must also each pay more than $111 million in civil penalties. This judgment is a victory for thousands of immigrant families who lost their life savings and were targeted and preyed on by Libre, New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. Libre exploited vulnerable immigrants and their families to pad its pockets, and that is illegal and unconscionable. James joined state attorneys general in Virginia and Massachusetts and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in a 2021 lawsuit that accused the company of violating state and federal consumer protection laws. The officials said the company promised to secure immigrants release on bond while their immigration claims were being processed but concealed and misrepresented the true nature and costs of its services. They said the company collected thousands of dollars in fees above the face value of the bonds and forced immigrants to wear painful ankle monitors. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon noted in her decision that the company isn't a licensed bail bond agent or a surety company certified by the U.S. Treasury but a "service provider that acts as an intermediary between immigration detainees and sureties and their bond agents. The company said in a statement that it intends to appeal the judgement, calling it a shocking departure from normal American jurisprudence" as it was decided without evidence, without a trial and without a damages hearing. We continue to remain committed to serving our clients - people who suffer and sacrifice for a better life, and who do not deserve to be political pawns in an American legislature or an American courtroom," the company added. Two American passengers on a Norwegian Cruise ship were left scrambling after their ship left port without them. Now, they say they're uncertain as to whether or not they will continue the 20-day voyage after popular vacation Liner neglected its "basic duty of care." Jill and Jay Campbell were among eight passengers who had to rush through seven different countries over 48 hours to catch up to the cruise ship at the dock in Senegal. "After what we witnessed, we truly believe there is a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed - they followed those rules too rigidly," Campbell said on the TODAY show. "I really feel that they forgot they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and wellbeing of their customers should be their first priority," she added, claiming the crew of the ship had a "basic duty of care that they had forgotten about." Six Americans and 2 Australian passengers were left on an island after the ship refused to let them board. 6 American, and 2 Australian cruise ship passengers were stranded on an African island of Sao Tome after the cruise refused to let them board. Those who were left behind said they took a private tour of Sao Tome that ran over the departure time of their cruise ship on Friday. They say the ship was still anchored when they arrived and the island's Coast Guard even escorted them to the ship. But the captain apparently had other thoughts and refused to let them board. "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," Campbell said. "They had no port to call for the next day, they were simply going to be at sea." The Campbells and others were left on the island without their belongings, money, medicine, or travel documents. Luckily, the Campbells had their Visa card with them and paid more than $5,000 in food, toiletries, and hotels for the group, they told WRAL. The group also came across an elderly woman who said she was left behind by the ship after suffering a stroke on another tour. The Campbells arranged to help her board a flight to the United States. They also met up with an elderly woman who said she was left behind by the ship after she suffered a stroke on another tour and was sent to a local hospital - and the Campbells helped arrange for her to fly back to the United States. The group first tried to catch up to the ship in Gambia. However, after traveling 15 hours through six countries, found that the ship could not dock due to low tides. In a statement to The Post, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said it is a "very unfortunate situation," but noted that guests are responsible for returning to the ship at the published all-aboard time. "When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all-aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port as per the regular protocol," the spokesman said. "Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call." "Given that these guests were on a private tour and did not return to the ship at the communicated all-aboard time, they are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call, per our protocol." "Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," the spokesperson added. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing information as it becomes available." Canadian wildfires are again bringing down U.S. air quality, and Detroits air reached unhealthy levels Wednesday the worst in the country. The Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) air quality indicator marked the Michigan citys air as hazardous a day after air reached the very unhealthy level in Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and other Midwest cities. Detroit has an Air Quality Index score of 309 as of Wednesday morning. Anything higher than 300 is considered hazardous. Given the high rating, the EPA recommends that everyone should stay inside and limit activity. Wildfires all over Canada have blanketed the eastern U.S. with smoke over the last few weeks, with the East Coasts largest cities covered in an orange haze earlier this month. The current bout of smoke stretches across the Midwest from Iowa to West Virginia. On Tuesday, Chicago had the worst air quality of any city in the world. Two weeks ago that title went to the Twin Cities, with St. Paul, Minn., topping the charts. Minneapolis marked its record 23rd air quality hazard alert this week. Detroit has the second-worst air quality in the world Wednesday trailing only Dubai, according to tracking service IQAir. Chicago and Minneapolis follow in third and fourth. More than 482 wildfires are burning across Canada, with 253 of them considered out of control, according to Canadian authorities. Just under 30,000 square miles of forest have burned so far this year. Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and exacerbate health problems for those with breathing difficulties. Health officials have encouraged people to limit outside activity when heavy smoke is present. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Sarah Morland (Reuters) - Diplomats at a regional Americas body on Wednesday urged Haitian politicians to move forward with a delayed plan to replace Prime Minister Ariel Henry with a transitional council, a move which could trigger the long-awaited deployment of an international security force. The transitional council - agreed with the mediation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) bloc - has been delayed for over three weeks amid factional infighting over who should be on it and what their powers should be. Haiti's de facto government says it is examining constitutional concerns that have been raised but is working as fast as possible. "We acknowledge that the agreement has not found favor amongst all, but currently it presents one of the best opportunities to move the country forward," said Samuel Hinds, ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) from Guyana, the current CARICOM leader. "CARICOM's aim is not to impose a solution on the Haitian people but to advance discussions," Hinds added, saying the transition plan's implementation marked a "significant opportunity" for rebuilding trust and could help pave the way for foreign troops to help police restore order. Henry first requested an international force to help police fight powerful armed gangs in 2022 and the United Nations later ratified a Kenyan-led deployment. But Nairobi put that on hold when Henry announced his resignation on March 11, pending the establishment of a new government. Some Haiti military and civil associations have called for an alternative transition method, such as choosing a provisional president from Haiti's Supreme Court judges. Opponents charge that is a move by Henry's allies to retain power and say it is delaying the process while the death toll mounts. Most of the court's judges were appointed by Henry. Frank Mora, the U.S. ambassador to the Washington-based OAS, reiterated his country's "unwavering support" to the security mission and urged all stakeholders to respect the transition council plan and Henry's commitment to resign once his replacement is appointed. The U.S. has not pledged troops but has vowed the largest financial backing of the mission, though lawmakers have blocked much of these funds. As of mid-March, less than $11 million, from France and Canada, had been deposited in the U.N.'s dedicated fund. Meanwhile, Haiti's capital has been in a state of virtual anarchy for weeks as gangs lay siege to areas they do not yet control. The national palace has been attacked multiple times, and the international airport and ports are blocked, worsening deadly food and medical shortages. "One more day is one too many. It is time to act," said Haiti's OAS ambassador Gandy Thomas, urging an immediate international response. "It is no exaggeration that armed gangs' grip on the country is almost total." OAS diplomats approved a resolution declaring support for the transition plan and for the security mission, but did not mandate specific contributions or funding to the country's cash-strapped humanitarian groups. The U.N. estimates at least 1,500 have been killed in the first three months of this year, as gang violence already deemed catastrophic last year escalated in the political vacuum. (Reporting by Sarah Morland, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) On the grounds of an elementary school in a small Philippine town, the fuse was lit on one of the worst war crimes of the 20th century while at the same time setting in motion one of the greatest survival stories in US military history. The main feature of the Bataan World War II Museum behind Balanga Elementary School is a life-size diorama of the surrender of the US forces in the Philippines to Japanese commanders on April 9, 1942. The museum itself is tiny, taking up less than two floors of a building that doesnt seem much bigger than a modern American suburban house. There are some displays of the weapons of the Bataan campaign, bits of a wreckage, a few personal items, wall art with bullet points of World War II and the fighting in the Philippines. The diorama sits outside its entrance. It hardly seems enough to remember what it represents the largest surrender of US military forces in history. Maj. Gen. Edward P. King (second from left) discusses preliminary terms of surrender on Bataan with Japanese officers following battles along Bataan and Corregidor. - Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Hours after that surrender, tens of thousands of Filipino and American troops began the Bataan Death March, a five-day, 65-mile trek to a prison camp to the north, during which they were denied food and water amid searing heat. Thousands would die. Others would show unimaginable resilience. The Battle of Bataan As Japanese planes were bombing Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, Tokyos forces were also making their first attacks on other US military positions in the Pacific. And the Philippines was a key target. Then a US commonwealth, the Philippines was home to some 20,000 US troops. About 100,000 Filipinos were also attached to the US Army by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 and the combined force was known as the US Army in the Far East (USAFFE). Two weeks after its first aerial attacks on December 8, 1941, Japans main invasion force landed on the main Philippine island of Luzon, and in just over three months pushed the US and Filipino defenders into the Bataan Peninsula, across Manila Bay from the Philippine capital. The plan of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the US commander in the Philippines, had been for his forces to hold out on the southern part of the peninsula until the US Navy could deliver reinforcements and supplies to the besieged defenders. But the Americans and Filipinos quickly ran out of ammunition, medicine and food, and the commander on Bataan, Gen. Edward King, went against his superiors orders and told his troops to lay down their arms, accepting personal responsibility for the defeat. You men remember this. You did not surrender you had no alternative but to obey my order, he said. Accounts from the time said King asked for assurances from the Japanese officer accepting the surrender, Col. Matoo Nakayama, that his troops be treated humanely. We are not barbarians was the Japanese reply. A post-war trial would find the Japanese commander in the Battle of Bataan and the man responsible for the troops that carried out the Death March, Gen. Masaharu Homma, guilty of war crimes. He was executed in 1946. The Death March That surrender site in Balanga doesnt mark the beginning of the Bataan Death March. Some of the troops came from Marileves on the peninsulas southern tip and Bagac on the west coast. But all would pass Balanga as they moved north. The marchs route now looks like a roadway you could see many places in the world. Trucks and cars share the pavement with the ubiquitous motorized tricycles and jeepneys that provide public transport in the Philippines. It passes McDonalds and Jollibee restaurants, strip malls and car dealerships, farm fields and under-construction housing developments touting the latest in luxury living at affordable prices. But in 1942, it was hell on Earth. The American and Filipino POWs were put in groups of 100 men each, with four Japanese guards per group, according to a US Army history. They marched four abreast in blistering heat. American and Filipino prisoners of war captured by the Japanese are shown at the start of the Death March after the surrender of Bataan on April 9 near Mariveles in the Philippines in 1942 during World War II. Starting on April 10 from Mariveles, on the southern end of the Bataan Penisula, 70,000 POWs were force-marched to Camp O'Donnell, a new prison camp 65 miles away. - AP Survivor James Bollich recounted the suffering in a 2012 interview with the Air Force News Service. They beat us with rifle butts, sabers, clubs, anything they could get their hands on. That went on all day long. They wouldnt let anybody have a drink of water or let us rest, and they didnt feed us, Bollich said. Once anybody collapsed, the Japanese immediately killed them, he said. It looked like they were really trying to kill us all. White markers along a highway on the Bataan Peninsula show the route from the 1942 Bataan Death March. - Brad Lendon/CNN Today the route is marked by occasional white concrete markers by the roadside, some remembering those who were on it, like one at kilometer 24, dedicated to the memories of J.B. McBrid (sic) and Tillman R. Rutledge, two buddies who walked the Bataan Death March. A marker for kilometer 100, in front of the veterans cemetery on the former US Clark Air Base, just says Death March. Death in boxcar For the thousands of US and Filipino POWs, the trek from Bataan to the detention facility at the former US military Camp ODonnell in Capas, to the north of the peninsula, was not entirely on foot. From a railhead in San Fernando to another about five miles from the prison camp, the POWs were jammed into boxcars for about 30 miles (48 kilometers) of their journey. The smallest of these boxcars were about 240 square feet (22 square meters) on the interior. With wooden sides, metal roofs and only a small slit for ventilation, they became ovens for the 100 or more POWs in each. The last of their kind sits today on the Capas National Shrine, erected on the site of the former Camp ODonnell, but a visitor could easily miss it. A boxcar used during the infamous 1942 Bataan Death March, displayed at the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac Province, north of Manila. - Kyodo News/Getty Images Its displayed off the parking area of the sprawling monument to the Philippines war dead. Unlike in 1942, a roof shields the boxcar. Its almost a sanctuary from the burning sun on a March 2024 morning. But on a nearby plaque are the accounts of those who survived a box car maybe this very one in 1942, and its spooky to be near it, to poke your head through its open door and imagine the horror it once held. We were herded into crowded boxcars like cattle getting ready for slaughterhouse Men were fighting and struggling to keep a foothold and stand upright The platform (of the boxcar) was a sea of filth from dysentery patients. And more. We were being cooked alive in a 110-degree oven; we sweated, sizzled, urinated, defecated I saw a few who were fainting but had not an inch to fall on I do not know how many of my comrades died in that car, there must have been at least 10. But for those POWs who lived, there would be unthinkable ordeals yet to come. The Capas Concentration Camp Standing on the grounds of the former Camp ODonnell today, its impossible to imagine what it once was, a prisoner of war detention facility with conditions so bad Filipinos refer to it today as the Capas Concentration Camp. More than 31,000 trees each numbered in white numerals have been planted on the 133-acre site to honor each of the fallen during the Death March. A 230-foot-high (70-meter) obelisk towers over stone walls with the names of the dead engraved on them. Its peaceful on this March morning, a lone visitor outnumbered by the two-person snack and souvenir stand staff. A monolith at the Capas National Shrine to the Philippine victims of the Bataan Death March in 1942. - Brad Lendon/CNN In the late spring and early summer of 1942, more than 60,000 survivors of the death march were jammed onto the same real estate, according to a US Army history. There was little running water, sparse food, no medical care and only slit trenches along the sides of the camp for sanitation. The heat was intolerable, flies rose out of the latrines and covered the prisoners food, the Army history says. Around 400 POWs Filipinos and Americans would die each day, it says. According to the US Navys History and Heritage Command, about 9,000 Americans made it to ODonnell, and 17% of those died there. The toll was far worse for the Filipinos. Some 26,000 died at Camp ODonnell during its 73 days of operations, according to the US Defense Departments POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Off to the left of the main Filipino memorial at Capas, across the parking lot and tucked up against the sites perimeter, is a memorial bearing names of the American victims of ODonnell. Hundreds of them are etched in stone, now weathered by the heat and humidity of this part of Luzon island. Like the museum back at the surrender site in Balanga, it hardly seems enough to the memories of those who had suffered so much. Disabled Filipino World War II veteran and death march survivor Manuel Abrazado, 80, (L) and his comrade Emilio Aquino, 86, (R) look at the names of their comrades at the Capas National Shrine in northern Tarlac province on April 6, 2004 during a memorial day marking the fall of Bataan. - Romeo Gacad/AFP/Getty Images By midsummer 1942, the Japanese decided to close ODonnell. Over the next six months, Filipino POWs were gradually released back into the local population, after signing pledges not to take up arms against Japanese occupiers. The Americans at ODonnell were moved to another camp, Cabanatuan, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the west, where conditions were marginally better. But by 1944, the resolve of American POWs would be tested again. Thousands more of them would die. But a few would pull off one of the greatest but largely unheralded survival stories of World War II. Americas worst maritime tragedy Theres no memorial in the Philippines to the single biggest loss of life at sea in US history. But the grounds of the Capas monument are a good place to think about it because its roots run through there and back down to that surrender site in Balanga. By 1944, Japan needed laborers to sustain its war effort in factories and mines and POWs were an easy source of manpower. And US forces island-hopping across the Pacific were closing in on the Philippines, looking to make good on Gen. MacArthurs pledge of I shall return. So the American POWs at Cabanatuan and other camps were loaded into the holds of cargo ships to be taken to Japan or its occupied territories. The Bataan Peninsula as seen from the Mount Samat National Shrine, a monument topped with a giant memorial cross in memory of US and Philippine dead in World War II. The South China Sea is in the background. - Brad Lendon/CNN Conditions for prisoners on the ships were much like those boxcars on the death march, men packed so tightly there was no room to sit in darkened holds with no ventilation and temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The Americans called them hell ships. On October 24, 1944, one of those hell ships, the Arisan Maru, was steaming in the Bashi Strait between the Philippines and Taiwan with more than 1,700 American POWs in its holds when a US Navy submarine, mistaking the unmarked ship for a Japanese cargo or troop transport, struck it with a torpedo. The old freighter broke apart and the POWs spilled into the South China Sea, according to accounts from some of the nine Americans who survived. Four were picked up and taken back into custody by Japanese forces. But five US soldiers, Lt. Robert Overbeck, Sgt. Calvin Graef, Pvt. Avery Wilber, Cpl. Donald Meyer and Pvt. Anton Cichy, would escape to freedom. All but Meyer also survived the Bataan Death March. According to their accounts, they were led by Overbeck, who like almost all of the POWs, was forced away from Japanese naval ships that could have rescued them. But the lieutenant was lucky enough to find an Arisan Maru lifeboat left to float away after the Japanese crew that used it boarded a rescue ship. Theyd also left a small amount of food and fresh water aboard. Overbecks luck continued when the lifeboat bumped into a wooden crate that contained a sail. A relief depicts the 1942 Bataan Death March on the Death March Memorial in Capas, Philippines. - Brad Lendon/CNN Eventually, four other POWs would join Overbeck aboard that lifeboat. And as the Army lieutenant, a civilian mining engineer in the Philippines when war broke out, had a bit of sailing experience, he was able to pilot the lifeboat about 250 miles toward the Chinese coast, on at least one occasion avoiding a Japanese warship in the South China Sea. According to Overbecks account, posted online by his son Charles, they were taken aboard a local junk boat near the Chinese coast and from there were escorted inland, avoiding the Japanese occupiers. For 12 days the five survivors were transported about 600 miles by foot, truck, bicycle and plane to Kunming airfield, base of the 14th Air Force and the former Flying Tigers, according to a 2019 synopsis of the Arisan Maru sinking from the nonprofit research project Asia Policy Point. The five survivors would fly west from Kunming aboard a US C-47 on November 28, 1944. We arrived in Washington, D. C. on December 1, 1944, via North Africa and the Atlantic, Overbeck wrote. But it was mid-February before word was received from the Japanese through the Red Cross in Geneva that our ship had been sunk with no POW survivors. I saw the list with our names along with the rest close friends, acquaintances, enemies and strangers. According to a US Naval History and Heritage Command webpage, 1,781 POWs, almost all American, were aboard Arisan Maru when it left the Philippines. This was the greatest US loss of life at sea, it says. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Macedonian-born filmmaker Goran Stolevski, whose previous features include 2022s You Wont Be Alone and Of an Age, has a talent for making heartbreaking films that contain just enough tragedy to turn a person inside out. His third feature, Housekeeping for Beginners, which follows a mostly queer found family of eight as it attempts to recover from the loss of the woman at the center of their world, certainly fits that bill. Featuring a multigenerational cast of Eastern European actors, the ensemble film, which will be released in select theaters on Friday, was inspired by a photo from the 1970s taken by one of Stolevskis friends just after he had moved to Melbourne, Australia, and into a house with his boyfriend and eight gay women. He posted this random snapshot from their day-to-day life, and I just remember looking at it and going, like, what a great space a little cocoon where you can be relaxed and live your messy life on your own terms, in a time and place where that wasnt possible for most queer people, Stolevski told NBC News in an interview. From left, Samson Selim, Vladimir Tintor, Anamaria Marinca and Sara Klimoska in Stolevski then thought about transposing what he saw in that decades-old photo into a present-day context in North Macedonia, in southeast Europe just north of Greece. Macedonia is where I grew up, so it just felt natural, and also, Macedonia is a great stand-in for pretty much all of Eastern Europe and southern Europe, the director, who moved to Australia as a teenager, said. From a Western, Anglo-Saxon perspective, its this kind of exotic place, but, in reality, most queer lives in most countries today are shaped by a much more similar reality to what Macedonians are dealing with than to what we are. While the film opens on an upbeat note, with three of the familys youngest members Mia, 5; her sister, Vanessa, whos about 13; and newcomer Ali, 19 dancing around the living room to a Macedonian pop song, it quickly gives way to more sobering scenes. The mom of the two young sisters, a fiery Roma woman named Suada, and her blond, laced-up partner, Dita, are seen going in and out of health clinics, looking for answers about the progression of Suadas pancreatic cancer. Its not long before Suada succumbs to illness, a loss that turns the entire household upside down and threatens their ability to continue living under one roof. Mia Mustafa as Vanesa in Vanesa flounders in the wake of her mothers death, while Dita, who never aspired to be a parent, struggles to fill the void left behind. Ditas best friend and housemate, Toni, and his lover, Ali (who is taken in by the cohabitating group after he and Toni have a one-night stand), are thrust into fatherhood roles while navigating their own complicated relationship. Collectively, the largely unrelated family which also includes three queer women who look to be in their early 20s must navigate harsh realities of the society they live in, in which sexuality, ethnic background and socioeconomic status are all potential reasons to take away someones rights. But, amid the grief and frustrations that enter their lives, the band of eight finds moments of comfort in their unconventional household bursting with energy, chaos and lost souls looking for a soft place to land. The dynamic that emerged between the characters is this family dynamic thats very similar to how I grew up, because I lived in a two bedroom apartment with six other people of three different generations and that doesnt count the 47 cousins that came in and out of the house every day, Stolevski said. Theres a warmth to me that comes from that time and a sense of belonging that I really crave and miss, and I think thats the same kind of space that emerges in these overcrowded, found families. Echoing words Dita utters in the final scene as an olive branch to Vanesa, Stolevski added, Ultimately, were all shaped by this universal impulse this need to live in a space with people who you can yell at but still feel loved by. Capturing the beauty of found families To achieve his vision of a multiethnic, messy cocoon of found family and queerness, Stolevski embraced a more free-wheeling approach to filmmaking than hes perhaps allowed himself to in the past. Alongside the more experienced cast members, he cast multiple first-time actors in lead roles, including Samson Selim (Ali) and his real-life daughter, Dzada (Mia). To help them tease out authentic portrayals while still keeping his headstrong, 5-year-old star engaged Stolevski said he nurtured an easygoing, exploratory environment during filming. It was a very free atmosphere on set, so they didnt shut down and become mechanical, because film set processes can be dehumanizing to the best actors, quite frankly, and Ive tried to minimize that as much as possible in all my films, Stolevski said, describing the filming as loose and documentary style, capturing snippets of the actors interacting in the family space. There was a chaotic energy that I loved, and I felt would be indicative of this massive, overcrowded household with a 5-year-old in the middle. Shooting in North Macedonia with first-time actors also brought plenty of challenges. To secure Selim for the role, Stolevski had to repeatedly pay the young mans boss to hold his spot as a pizza delivery driver until after filming. And to secure filming locations, Stolevski had to lie about the portrayal of queer themes in the film something that he initially thought would pose a roadblock to finding his youngest star. The reality is, in a country like Macedonia, making a film that involves gay people and children is complicated. Getting the permission of a family of a little girl from a conservative community to be in this film, its complicated, Stolevski said. When you say gayness, people just picture dirty sex, and that doesnt happen just in Macedonia its everywhere. When it turned out that his top choice for Mia was Selims daughter, it was a no-brainer to cast her, according to the director. In addition to not having to convince her parents of his intentions, Stolevki found that Dzadas natural chemistry with her father enhanced the believability of the films most heartfelt character, Ali, and drove home its central theme. Hes so good and so angelic, and for him to belong in that space organically, those girls needed to be obsessed with him, especially the little one, Stolevski said of Ali, who forges a particularly deep bond with Mia and Vanesa in the wake of their mothers death. Its key to what the theme is: that its not the roles youre born into you become a parent based on an innate thing that connects you. Documenting untold stories As someone whos built a family in Australia but remains deeply connected to his roots, Stolevski offers a unique viewpoint on what its like to live outside a handful of countries where gay rights arent, what he calls, dire. As he articulates in conversation and on film, the reality is that most queer peoples lives are defined by how they navigate the often contradictory obstacles their society places before them, in an effort to carve out a rich existence for themselves. A lot of times, we talk about these countries, like, Oh, gay marriage is legalized in Slovenia, and every little bit of progress is wonderful, but that doesnt quite describe what life is like day to day, he said. You still probably have to be closeted in your workspace, even if theres anti-discrimination laws in place, and the policeman who will corner you while youre running away from gay bashers might be there to protect you or might be there to join them. Director Goran Stolevski on the set Stolevski noted that in many places, including his home country, socioeconomics dictate how much you can get away with. Theres often a bubble where you can live queer life semi-comfortably, he said, citing his experience returning to North Macedonia as a recognized media figure. But its just limited who gets access to that severely, severely limited. Although its been decades since he shared a space with multiple generations of family members in Macedonia, Stolevski hasnt lost his interest in telling stories about his home country, as hes shown in each one of his features. In fact, he said, telling rich stories about Macedonia and other places that largely remain hidden from the screen is his singular goal. So many more lives resemble these ones, and theres so much less documentation, Stolevski said, contrasting his country of birth with a safe, well-covered storytelling space like Australia. All these stories that are so vibrant and alive are going to go untold theres not going to be any record of what day-to-day life feels for these people; its going to be like they never existed unless I capture it right now. For more from NBC Out, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Isabel Allende likes to start the day very early. She says that in the early dawn her senses awaken and she organizes her thoughts to write about the imaginary worlds that she, for more than 40 years, has created for millions of readers around the world. Before, I could write for 10 hours straight and, when I got up from my chair, all my bones hurt, even my teeth hurt. Now I cant do that, said Allende, laughing and speaking in her native Spanish with Noticias Telemundo from her home in California. At 81, Allende says that she has seen it all in a life marked by challenges, exiles, creative bets and a wildly successful career: A winner of multiple literature awards, Allende is widely considered one of the most read Latin American authors in the world, with over 70 million books sold. From her first novel, "The House of the Spirits," which became an international bestseller, to memoirs like "Paula" (about her daughter's illness and death), Allende's stories revolve around recurring themes such as love, violence, justice, redemption and friendship. There are certain things that move me a lot. Solidarity, those people who are capable of sacrificing everything to help another. That moves me tremendously and appears in many of my books, she explained. Isabel Allende en su casa de Caracas, donde escribio Allende, who was a journalist before starting her literary career at age 40, is a keen observer of current events. Sometimes, she doesnt like what she sees. "There is an anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States and in the world, because there are more and more people who have to be displaced. They leave their countries of origin due to extreme violence or extreme poverty. And it is a problem that is growing right now," she said. "There are more than 110 million refugees in the world and the majority are women and children. This is a problem that is not going to be solved by putting guards on the border or barbed wire. It is going to be solved when the circumstances that force people to leave improve in their countries of origin," Allende said. Allende has lived in the U.S. since 1988, more specifically in California, her home after a long journey: She left her homeland of Chile following the rise of the late dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet, whose military regime would result in more than 40,000 victims registered as missing, killed, tortured or politically imprisoned. Allende went to Caracas, Venezuela, where she lived for over a decade from the mid-'70s to the late '80s and where she worked as a freelance journalist for the El Nacional newspaper. Multiples galardones y millones de ejemplares vendidos ubican a la escritora chilena como una de las voces mas importantes de las literatura latinoamericana. (Acey Harper / Getty Images) "When I left Chile as a political refugee, I went to Venezuela, which was a country that welcomed immigrants and refugees from all over the world, an open, generous, hospitable and rich country," she said. "Today, there are almost 6 million Venezuelans who have left the country for the same reasons that other people came to Venezuela before. The most notable case is Colombia, where so many Colombians came to Venezuela and now it is Venezuelans who go to Colombia." 'The country needs immigrants' Speaking about the changes she's seen in the U.S. regarding immigration, Allende said that "precisely because the numbers have increased so much, there are many more restrictions and much more anti-foreigner sentiment. Anyone who comes from somewhere else is frowned upon, especially if they're a person of color. Now, if they were white people from Scandinavia in the U.S., Im sure they would be better welcomed than us Latinos," she stated forcefully. "I think there has to be a global policy, a national policy and a cultural policy so that people understand that immigrants contribute much more to the country than they receive," said Allende, who's been a U.S. citizen since 2003. "This is a country made of immigrants, and the second generation, the third generation, they are already citizens and they contribute a lot to the United States." Allende believes previous periods in history could offer solutions. There are many jobs in the United States that no American wants to do for any money in the world. There are many industries that are very difficult, besides agriculture. ... There should be work permits like there were in times past in which people came, worked for a season, sent money to their families, and [they] could enter and leave the country. There could be a system with some openness for people who come to work, she said. On the upcoming U.S. presidential election and candidates' proposals on immigration, Allende said: "[Donald] Trump considers that immigrants are not people and he has expressly said so; I mean, its not something that Im inventing right now. So any policy of theirs is going to be even more draconian than separating children from their parents, for example. And you have to be very careful with that. I believe that the country needs immigrants." She warned against the adoption of discourse that's anti-immigrant or against people of color or poor people. "When social media and social networks, the press and politicians speak this discourse, logically we can fall into a very grave fascist regime," she said. Asked if literature can provide a different perspective on immigration, Allende said it can bring us closer to people. "If they tell me that there are 100 million refugees in the world, it is a number and means little until I meet one; when I know his story, his name and everything that has happened to him, then I can put myself in his place," she said. Allende then spoke of her book "The Wind Knows My Name," about a blind girl who is separated from her mother at the border. "When they talk to me about the thousands of separated children, they are also numbers, until you think of a certain child and know that it could be your son or his grandson," she said. "Everything changes when you can personally relate to something. Literature makes us see things from an angle we had never expected, and that is wonderful. That is why literature will always exist." Book bans, women's rights and 'not losing hope' Last year, two of Allende's novels, "The House of the Spirits" and "In the Midst of Winter," were on a list of books removed from schools in Orange County, Florida. Allende said it's happening now because of "this thing between the religious and extreme right, of banning books." But Allende added it's "almost an honor that they at least notice that the book exists. It doesnt affect me at all." She added that "The House of the Spirits" was banned several years ago, first in Chile and later in North Carolina. "Because all it takes is for a parent to complain and they will remove the book from the library. But one teacher who defends it is also enough for the book to return to the library, and that is what happened then," she said. Isabel Allende en un evento literario celebrado en Boston, durante la gira de presentacion de Allende has always been outspoken about women's rights and feminism, and it's one of the objectives of her foundation. She said gender parity, where feminine values have the same weight as masculine ones, "is the ultimate goal, and to achieve it is a relentless fight that will take much longer than the years of my life. Im not going to see it and maybe my granddaughters arent going to see it, but here we go. There is more education and the young generations no longer endure what our grandmothers or mothers endured." But, she said, "you always have to be vigilant because there is no excuse for everything to go backward. What has happened in the United States is that the right to plan your family, that is, not only abortion but also contraception is on the chopping block. ... And this is something that directly affects women and the entire society." But she said some things have gotten better. "When I left Chile, 50% of the Latin American population lived generally under a military dictatorship, very repressive, in which people disappeared and there was massive torture," Allende said. "Now we've known decades of weak and often conditional democracies, but democracies. And I believe that these authoritarian and fascist tendencies come and go with the law of the pendulum. The same is happening in Europe. And in my 80 years I have seen a lot, so I dont lose hope. I think we are moving forward, not going backwards." These days, the author has decided to take on the challenge of writing children's books, and every Tuesday and Thursday she receives a visit from a demanding literary critic: Camila, a 4-year-old girl to whom she reads what she writes. "It was a beautiful challenge because when Camila goes to the house for me to read to her, I can see how she falls in love with the characters," she said. The first of three illustrated books that she's writing, "Perla, la Super Perrita" ("perrita" means female dog), is scheduled for publication later this year. She acknowledged that young people can be scared of books because they're used to screens, so it's harder to get them to read, "but literature has a function and even if the medium changes, even if you hear it on audio, even if you read it digitally, it still has a function and continues to exist. And the proof is that now more books are published than ever and all those books are sold somewhere. There are readers who read in a hurry, but they read." Allende also offered a glimpse of what may be left for her to write. "I always said I wanted to write an erotic novel, but as long as my mother was alive, I couldnt do it. And my mom lived to be 98," Allende said, laughing. "So by the time I was free to do it, I no longer had the hormones, and frankly, the topic doesnt interest me that much now." A previous version of this article was first published in Noticias Telemundo. For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Jonathan Ross has compared himself to a hamster thanks to a lack of showering (Getty) A friend of mine recently revealed that she usually showers three times a day: once in the morning, once after work, once before bed. I felt amazed and ashamed in equal measure. Three times a day? Im lucky if its three times a week. I used to be more scrupulous, but then I used to go into an office full-time. Now I have three days a week working from home, its all too tempting to go full goblin mode defined as a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations by Oxford University Press. Showering feels less of a necessity and more like a nice to do. Its a bit like cooking an elaborate three-course meal when its just you eating it. Sure, its tasty, but is it really worth all the effort? The topic of to shower or not to shower was revived once more by Jonathan Ross after the chat show host and comedian admitted that he generally showers once a week or less. His wife, the scriptwriter Jane Goldman, also goes days at a time without showering. I resent the fact that I have to shower, he said, speaking to Josh Widdicombe on the Parenting Hell podcast. I sometimes go at least a week without showering at least. So does Jane sometimes. Were like a couple of hamsters in their own straw in that bed. Ross said hed only wash two days on the trot if he had done something to work up a sweat: Why bother doing it two days in a row, whats wrong with you? I didnt do any exercise. His record stint sans-shower stands at two weeks while they were holidaying in Florida, because its sunny and Im jumping in and out the swimming pool. Ross said he only bothered to wash once he discovered his armpits were smelling pretty potent the stench was so strong that soap wouldnt shift it, and Ross claims he ended up having to shave his armpit. While this example is on the extreme end, I felt secretly vindicated by the revelation that Ross doesnt give enough of a s*** about anything to bother spending any extra time on grooming whatsoever. Amid the proliferation of wellness culture, clean living and more lotions and potions than any of us could ever need, theres something refreshing about someone in the spotlight holding their hands up and saying that, hey, theyre happy to be just a little bit gross. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have revealed theyre not everyday showerers (AP) And Ross isnt alone. According to data from YouGov, 3 per cent of Brits only shower once a week. Hes also not the only celeb to put his head over the parapet on this issue. Previous A-listers to go on record saying they take a lackadaisical approach to lathering include Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who caused a furore when they said they didnt feel the need to shower or wash with soap every day. The couple came clean (pun intended) on an episode of Dax Shepards Armchair Expert podcast, in which they said neither of them shower every day. Kutcher said he washes his armpits and my crotch daily and nothing else ever, and usually throw[s] some water on my face after a workout to get all the salts out, while Kunis said she washes her face twice a day. I didnt have hot water growing up as a child so I didnt shower very much anyway, Kunis said, adding that she rarely bathed her children when they were newborns. These days, they have a system for washing their kids: If you can see the dirt on them, clean them. Otherwise, theres no point. Were like a couple of hamsters in their own straw in that bed Jonathan Ross Jake Gyllenhaal also outed himself as a less-frequent bather, saying: Theres a whole world of not bathing thats helpful for skin maintenance, and we naturally clean ourselves. So are Ross et al onto something should we all be showering less? We are living in a society of over cleansers, Dr Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told The Independent. Bathing every day is not necessary, and in fact, in some cases can be damaging to the skin. While there are not specific rules on bathing, I generally tell my patients that visible soiling should be washed from the skin, he added. Areas like the face, underarms, and groin should be washed daily because they tend to accumulate more oil and sweat than other parts of the body, which can lead to overgrowth of microorganisms on the skin. Showering every day might not be necessary (Getty) Dr Zeichner recommended bathing after heavy sweating, working out, and if you are noticing any foul body odour. Other experts agree, with Professor Stephen Shumack, president of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, advising that you should only shower when you need to. Its only in the last 50 to 60 years [since the advent of bathrooms with showers] that the idea of a daily shower has become commonplace, he told the Sunday Morning Herald. The pressure to do that is actually social pressure rather than actual need. Its become popular because of the social need to smell good. But its only the glands in your armpit and groin that produce body odour. Theyre not all over the body. Shumack also warned that a daily hot shower could do more harm than good, saying: Overwashing causes defatting of the skin getting rid of the natural body oils we produce to protect the skin cells. This can cause actual damage, making them more permeable to bacteria or viruses, precipitating itchy skin, dryness, flakiness and worsening conditions like eczema. And what about the much-touted theory that if you stop washing your hair with shampoo it cleans itself? The jury seems to be out on that one. Bathing every day is not necessary, and in fact, in some cases can be damaging to the skin Dr Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology Imagine if you didnt wash your face or underarms for a week the same logic applies to your hair and scalp, Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist from the Philip Kingsley clinic in London, told the BBC. They are likely to become coated in dirt, smelly, greasy and flaky. Build-up of yeasts and bacteria will also occur, especially as they thrive in oily environments. Stylist Inanch Emir went one further, telling The Independent: It is basically a load of rubbish, its an old wives tale to avoid washing your hair every day. It isnt damaging, it is what we do after that damages hair. Washing regularly and air drying will look after the scalp and help hair to grow better. If your hair is getting polluted regularly, the pores on your scalp will be clogged up. Not washing your hair, for, say, 17 days, will allow layers of dirt to sit on your skin and scalp. This makes it thinner and more brittle, meaning it gets damaged more easily. While there are no hard and fast rules, it seems that showering less often provided you keep fundamentals clean (groin, face, underarms) wont do any harm and could even be beneficial. So why not press pause on the judgement, embrace your inner hamster and go full goblin mode? Becoming a member of the great unwashed never felt so on-trend. The judge presiding over Donald Trump's falsifying business records case shot down his bid to use presidential immunity as part of his defense, finding the former president waited too long to raise the issue. In his ruling Wednesday, Judge Juan Merchan also denied Trump's motion to delay the trial's start date until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on his immunity claims in the federal election interference case in Washington, D.C. Trump had contended in a New York filing last month that hes immune from state prosecution based on official acts, and that some of the evidence against him should be kept out of the impending trial because they were official presidential acts including his tweets and public comments. Merchan rejected the request, saying Trump had waited too long to raise the argument. "This Court finds that Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024" but failed to do so, the judge wrote. The evidence Trump's attorneys are trying to keep out of the case pertains to statements that he made while in office about two key prosecution witnesses: former Trump attorney Michael Cohen and adult film star Stormy Daniels. Merchan said Wednesday Trump had been on notice that prosecutors planned to use evidence of "the alleged pressure campaign" on the pair for several months. The Defendant had ample notice that the People were in possession of, and intended to use, the various statements allegedly made by Defendant on social media, in public, and in various interviews. He was also well aware that the defense of presidential immunity, even if unsuccessful, might be available to him, the judge wrote. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges that he falsified business records related to money he paid to Cohen to reimburse him for a $130,000 hush money payment the lawyer made to Daniels in the closing days of the 2016 presidential campaign. Daniels claims she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, an allegation Trump denies. Trump publicly blasted both of them in 2018 after Cohen pleaded guilty to related charges. Merchan noted in Wednesday's ruling that Trump had tried raising an immunity defense when he sought to have the Manhattan district attorneys case moved to federal court last year. That effort was firmly rejected by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the matter was a purely a personal item of the President a cover-up of an embarrassing event. Hush money paid to an adult film star is not related to a Presidents official acts, Hellerstein wrote in his ruling last summer. Merchan said that despite the attempted use of the defense last year, Trump strategically waited until March 7 to try to raise it in the state case. He called that delay unjustifiable and said it raises real questions about the sincerity and actual purpose of the motion. Attorneys for Trump also argued in last month's filing that the hush money trial, now scheduled to start April 15, should be put on pause pending the Supreme Courts ruling on Trumps immunity arguments. The high court is scheduled to hear those arguments on April 25. Merchan rejected that request in Wednesday's ruling as well. An attorney for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. Most Americans have moved on from the presidential primaries now that they are effectively over. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have amassed enough delegates to win the Democratic and Republican nomination, respectively. But there was still an important message for Biden in particular from the results in Wisconsins primary on Tuesday, where progressives and pro-Palestinian Democrats did not support the Democratic president. As of early Wednesday morning, nearly 48,000 votes, or 8.3% of those cast, were for uninstructed in the Democratic primary. Biden was actively shifting course Tuesday as he addresses increasingly loud concerns from the Muslim American community about the situation in Gaza. He had been scheduled to attend a scaled-back iftar dinner commemorating Ramadan at the White House. But pushback from potential attendees led the White House to shift those plans and instead conduct a meeting with Muslim community leaders. Trump, meanwhile, is holding general election rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin to focus on the issues of immigration and crime. Wisconsins uninstructed delegation vote The primaries technically continue into June, and some progressive voters in particular are intent to use the process to send a message to Biden about his support for Israel during the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Thats why there will be a fair amount of scrutiny of the fraction of people who dont vote for Biden in the Democratic primary in Wisconsin but instead support an uninstructed delegation. This is basically the same as voting for the uncommitted option that appears in many other states primary ballots. Rather than sending delegates favoring Biden to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August or favoring Trump to the Republican National Convention in July in Milwaukee, these voters are instead voting to give delegates the power to pick whichever candidate the delegates want. Its basically a message to the national parties and candidates that these voters are unhappy. Heading into Tuesdays contests, on the Democratic side, Biden had 2,606 delegates compared with 26 delegates spread across five states for uncommitted and three for Jason Palmer, the businessman who scored a surprise victory in the Democratic caucuses for American Samoa. On the Republican side, Trump had 1,686 delegates compared with 103 spread across three candidates, including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who have since dropped out of the race. There will be some number of voters who pick the uninstructed option in any year. Nearly 2% of Democratic primary voters opted for uninstructed instead of then-President Barack Obama in Wisconsins Democratic primary in 2012. Michigans protest example Whats different this year is that progressive and pro-Palestinian groups were actively encouraging voters in Wisconsin to pick the uninstructed delegation. A similar campaign in Michigans Democratic primary in February with the uncommitted option yielded more than 100,000 votes, about 13% of the primary vote count, compared with Bidens 81%. For comparison, 3% of Michigan Republican voters, more than 33,000, picked uncommitted over both Trump and Haley. A volunteer holds a "Vote Uncommitted" sign outside of a polling station at Oakman School in Dearborn, Michigan, on February 27. - Nic Antaya/Bloomberg/Getty Images Any discontent could be consequential Wisconsin, while it has a smaller Arab American voting population than Michigan, is one of those key battleground states that have been decided by slim margins in recent elections. Trump won the White House by winning states like Wisconsin in 2016 and then lost the White House when Biden took it back for Democrats in 2020. Read this dispatch from CNNs Jeff Zeleny and Gregory Krieg on the spoiler role Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could play as an independent candidate in a state like Wisconsin. They note that when the Green Partys Jill Stein was a candidate in Wisconsin in 2016, Trump won. When Stein was off the ballot in 2020, he lost. There was an uncommitted option on Tuesdays presidential primary ballots in Connecticut and Rhode Island as well. New York also conducted a primary, but does not list uncommitted as an option. RELATED: In quest to change voting rules, Republicans push ballot measures in key battleground states A shift on Israel? There have been some indications after the Michigan protest that Biden and other top Democrats were evolving on Israel. The US recently allowed a Gaza ceasefire resolution to pass through the United Nations Security Council. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top elected Jewish official in the country, called for a new election in Israel and sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When a Biden event in North Carolina was interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, Biden admitted they have a point. On the other hand, the Biden administration is on the cusp of approving a deal to sell up to 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel. As returns roll in from the Wisconsin primary, Biden could have been attending the iftar dinner at the White House to commemorate Ramadan, but it was shifted to a meeting, clear evidence of the frustration he is getting from the Muslim community. Navigating how to support Israel is complicated for both Biden and Trump. The New York Times recently reported that Trump alarmed right-wing journalists from Israel when he told them in an interview that Israel should finish up in Gaza. Whether it was advice or a demand, the comments were far from the full-throated support for Israel that US conservatives might expect. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israel conducted one of its most audacious attacks against Irans armed entrenchment in years on Monday, killing Mohammad Reza Zahedi and his deputy and destroying what Iran said was its consular building in Damascus. Zahedi was commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Forces Department 2000, which oversees operations in the Levant. While the IRGC has a sprawling apparatus and can find a successor for Zahedi, he will not be easily replaced. The nature of the strike likely portends an Iranian response, but the regime will still tread carefully to avoid a direct armed conflict with Israel and the United States. Who was Mohammad Reza Zahedi? Mohammad Reza Zahedi was born on November 2, 1960, in Isfahan. In 1980, he joined the IRGC, where he was the commander of influential divisions like the 14th Imam Hossein Division during the Iran-Iraq War. Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the IRGC, also commanded the 14th Imam Hossein Division, and like Zahedi, he hailed from Isfahan. The relationships Zahedi forged during these years were pivotal in his rise through the ranks. Zahedi later held a series of positions, including as deputy commander and then commander of the IRGCs ground force and commander of the IRGCs air force. He had significant career overlaps with the late Ahmad Kazemi, who was killed in a mysterious plane crash in 2006. Kazemi commanded both the IRGCs ground force and air force, and Zahedi succeeded him in both positions. Like Zahedi, Kazemi hailed from Isfahan and commanded the 14th Imam Hossein Division at one point during the Iran-Iraq War. Zahedi also had experience with domestic security in Iran as operational commander of the IRGCs Sarallah Headquarters, a key command responsible for Tehran. Separately, he was the IRGCs overall deputy commander for operations for a period of time. Zahedi likewise served tours as the commander of the IRGC Quds Forces Lebanon Corps and Department 2000, which was his most recent posting. This is one of the most important commands of the Quds Force, given its proximity to and liaising with Hezbollah, the crown jewel of the Islamic Republics proxies. Zahedi was on the radar of the United States and Israel for a long time and was sanctioned as a specially designated global terrorist by the U.S. government in 2010. The Treasury Department reported he played a key role in Irans support to Hezbollah and acted as a liaison to Hezbollah and Syrian intelligence services and is reportedly charged with guaranteeing weapons shipments to Hezbollah. In this capacity, Zahedi had a longstanding and close relationship with its secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah. This report from Amwaj Media illustrates this intimate dynamic between Zahedi and Hezbollah and places him as having been a member of Hezbollahs Shura Council and an IRGC delegate to its Jihad Council at one point. These are two critical decision-making bodies for Hezbollah. Zahedi held the rank of brigadier general. His experience in the IRGC ground force, air force, and Quds Force, not to mention his stint at the Sarallah Headquarters, demonstrates how the Quds Force often draws on expertise from other IRGC branches in service of its regional command structure because of its significance to Tehran. Mohammad Hejazi, who died under mysterious circumstances in April 2021, came to the helm of the IRGCs Lebanon Corps with a similar skillset. He first served as commander of the Basij, chairman of the IRGCs joint staff, deputy commander-in-chief of the IRGC in its entirety, and only thereafter deployed to Lebanon. He died as deputy commander of the Quds Force. Zahedi had a comparable pedigreeoccupying a wide range of senior posts throughout the IRGC before assuming the Lebanon Corps commandership. A loss for the IRGC and the Axis of Resistance. Zahedi in his capacity as commander of Department 2000 of the Quds Force oversaw its Unit 2250, which is responsible for logistics, especially arms transfers and supporting Hezbollah, as IntelliTimes has reported. The late Razi Mousavi, the head of Unit 2250 before he was assassinated late last year, thus reported to Zahedi. Both men had longstanding relationships, networks, and experience, so their deaths are a blow to the IRGC. But they are not insurmountable: The fundamentals of the IRGCs doctrine and strategy will remain the same. Nevertheless, with the late IRGC Quds Force Commander Qassem Suleimani, Hejazi, Zahedi, and his deputy Mohammad-Hadi Haji-Rahimi removed from the battlefield, this may accelerate the ongoing trend of diffusion and decentralization of IRGC regional operations under Esmail Ghaanis Quds Force commandership, with Hezbollah and other actors playing an increasingly active role in its supervision to compensate. A replacement for Zahedi will eventually be found, but the killing of his deputy, who previously served as the Quds Force deputy coordinator, its third-most senior position, further hollows out the Quds Force and Department 2000s top brass. Zahedi likely played an integral role in the IRGCs joint operations rooms with members of its Axis of Resistance and his loss will be felt there at the coordination level. Will Iran respond? Iran will feel pressure to respond more aggressively as this strike, unlike previous targeted killings, took place in an alleged Iranian diplomatic compound. Zahedis seniority is another factor. While he was not a major general like Suleimani, he still had a significant stature in Tehran. Further, voices within the Islamic Republics establishment have complained about a loss of deterrence against Israel after a series of assassinations. However, any Iranian response is still likely to be carefully calibrated to avoid a direct conflict with Israel and the United States at a time when the Iranian leadership is unpopular at home and succession questions loom large, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei turning 85 this year. Some observers interpreted Khameneis condolence note on Tuesday that punishment will be undertaken by the hands of our brave men as meaning Iran will retaliate directly rather than use its proxies. But the wording was vague, and Khamenei considers himself the leader of the Islamic Revolution, including its proxies, and not just Iran. An indirect answer to Israels strike would preserve the regimes signature plausible deniability while avoiding escalation. If Khamenei decides to respond via Iranian forces, such an operation could mirror what took place after the killing of Razi Mousavi in December, with a strike on what Iran claimed were Mossad facilities in a third country where it does not fear a response, like Erbil, Iraq. Lastly, Khamenei has lately been focused on the importance of maintaining supremacy in the media war with Washington and its allies like Israel. This is critical amid the hostilities in Gaza after the October 7 massacre. Iranian leaders will factor this into their decision-making. Israels actions have generated sympathy for the Palestinian causeinsulating Iran and isolating the United States and Israel, and Iran is unlikely to want to detract attention from that. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Public education The Idaho GOP and its overlord, the Idaho Freedom Foundation, are committed to the destruction of public education. They push very partisan members to school boards and college boards. North Idaho Colleges board has driven it to the point that there is a high probability that it will lose accreditation. In 2022 the Ada County Republicans pushed an extreme slate of four candidates for the College of Western Idaho Board. The voters rejected the slate saving CWI for now. They want to launch a voucher program that would siphon $360 million per year by 2025 away from public education. They say this will provide for parental choice. However, we know that the parental choice argument is a smokescreen as they are quick to deny parental choice for health care for trans gender kids. They push House Bill 58 under which school districts would only be allowed to run bond issues and supplemental levy elections during the May primary election and the November general election when races for partisan offices take place. Supplemental funding is vital for school districts given the low level of funding from the State. Eliminating the two election dates will make obtaining funding much more difficult. Steven D. Simpson, Boise Library books I grew up in a home that didnt just like books but cherished them. As a young girl, I went to the library weekly to check out books. As a pre-teen, I continued to do so. As a teen, I continued to do so. As a college student, I continued to do so. As a professional adult, I continue to do so. The Meridian Library has provided me with a consistent flow of information, enlightenment and exposure. My literacy has far-reaching benefits for me and others in helping me understand things outside my own experience. It has exposed me to the spectrum of human emotions through text both fictional and nonfictional. I can easily say that the Meridian Library is my favorite place in town it offers something that no other establishment can. I believe in the power of literature in its ability to keep society well-rounded and emotionally intelligent. I believe in the individual right to select the books in which I feed my mind. In total, I find immense joy in the fact that I have the whole world at my fingertips through the 14 digits of my Library card. I want everyone to have this gift. Breanna Kerfoot, Kuna Outlawing vaccines As a native Idahoan, Im repeatedly shocked, astounded and embarrassed by our Idaho Republican-controlled legislature. Far-right Republicans in this state claim to be staunch supporters of small government and individual freedom UNLESS it goes against their view of whats appropriate. Then they want to legislate everything to control us and limit our choices. Very personal decisions between health care providers, individuals and families are being criminalized. The latest insult to our intelligence and personal choice comes from Sen. Tammy Nichols and Rep. Judy Boyle who dont want any Idahoan to be able to receive an mRNA vaccine. Really? Forgive my amazement, but that is my personal choice not yours! Unfortunately, I am certain these legislators and their like-minded colleagues will never get to work on the real issues Idahoans face. They will continue to waste time and resources pushing their personal agendas and claiming to represent Idaho values. They will do much more harm to us than good in their pursuit of controlling our choices. I hope the moderate Republicans in our legislature and in our state government will keep these extremists from hijacking the state I call home. Shannon Page, Boise The Missouri teen whose head was smashed into the pavement during a viral school brawl must now overcome "significant" cognitive issues following the violent assault, the family's attorney says. Kaylee Gain, 15, was savagely beaten by another teen girl near Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis on March 8, according to viral video of the fight. Her head was slammed into the sidewalk several times while she was repeatedly pummeled by her assailant, the footage shows. Now, nearly a month after the vicious attack, Kaylee's family says although she has made some progress and was recently transferred out of the intensive care unit, she continues to have a long road to recovery. "Kaylee's ability to walk has slightly improved, but she is still unable to do so without the assistance of the hospital staff," the family said in an update through their attorney, Bryan Kaemmerer, Monday. "However, Kaylee is still showing signs of significant cognitive impairment during the limited conversations that she is able to have, and she tends to reiterate the same short sentences over and over." "Although Kaylee appears to realize that she is in the hospital, she does not understand why she is there," the family added. It's unclear what led up to the brawl, during which Kaylee sustained a skull fracture and brain trauma, according to her family. The teen suspect, who has not been publicly identified due to her age, has been charged with assault. Meantime, Kaylee's family is pushing for her to be tried as an adult. "Given the particularly violent nature of this assault, and also taking into account the devastating injuries that Kaylee has incurred, it is difficult to imagine a more appropriate case for a juvenile to be certified as an adult," Kaemmerer said, last week. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Jerusalem on April 2, 2024, to demand early elections and a cease-fire deal to free the remaining hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas militants. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Massive street demonstrations that last year posed the most serious threat to date to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and then quieted after the Oct. 7 attack, have returned in full force. Tens of thousands of Israeils are once again filling the nights in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with calls for Netanyahu to resign. But with the context different now Israelis and Palestinians are locked in ferocious warfare have Netanyahu's chances for political survival also changed? The Houdini of Middle Eastern politics must now escape forces closing in from multiple fronts: the left, the right, ultra-Orthodox religious, the business community, even some families of Israeli hostages seized by Hamas militants. And this time Netanyahu is less able to fall back on U.S. support as he engages in an unusually bitter, unusually public spat with the Biden administration. Anyone who has studied Israeli politics for more than two seconds knows that Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has managed to survive a long string of seemingly career-ending crises. His latest election in 2022, for example, came even as he stood trial for numerous corruption charges. Betting against him, as one commentator put it, is like betting against the house. Still, the pressure on Netanyahu now is more intense than any in recent memory. Demonstrators' demands include immediate elections aimed at dumping Netanyahu and his radical right-wing coalition government, something the prime minister insists would be dangerous during a war. Israelis march through Jerusalem on the night of April 2, 2024, in one of the latest demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The call for elections now, a moment before victory, would paralyze Israel for at least half a year, Netanyahu said last weekend. 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." Read more:Israel's religious right has a clear plan for Gaza: 'We are occupying, deporting and settling' While last year's demonstrations unprecedented at the time were triggered by Netanyahu's efforts to weaken the Israeli judiciary, today's added fuel is the government's failure to free the hostages and what many see as mishandling of the war in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has dragged on for nearly six months and killed more than 200 Israelis and more than 32,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. Israel launched its offensive in retaliation for the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel. Meanwhile, in the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv since Saturday night, the protest rallies have grown in size to include tens of thousands of people, many chanting or waving signs saying "Netanyahu is guilty" and "Free our country." Protesters start fires to block a major highway during an anti-government demonstration in Jerusalem on March 31, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) At one street corner in Jerusalem, near the Knesset, or parliament, sat a larger-than-life model of a blue voting box with an imitation ballot saying, "Changing directions." And in an unusual act for Israel, several hundred protesters have set up a tent city in the heart of the holy city. Read more:Grief and anger as workers with Jose Andres aid kitchen killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza I believe that both the Israeli people and the Palestinian people are being held hostage by horrible leadership," said Elana Kaminka, a 49-year-old California native whose son, an officer in the Israeli army, was killed in the initial Hamas assault. She joined the rally in Jerusalem. "This government is dangerous. ... This government is acting against the interest of the Israeli people. And the Palestinian people." On Wednesday, a group of activists invaded the Knesset while it was in session. The demonstrators shouted slogans, waved pictures of hostages and smeared windows with yellow paint before being dragged out by security agents. A handful of opposition legislators waved support for the demonstrators. Two elements distinguish the new wave of protests compared with those last year. One is the presence of relatives and supporters of some of the 100 or so hostages in Gaza. Early on, many thought it was not the time to challenge the government, which was engaged in negotiations to free the men, women and children. Now, after months of desperate frustration, many but not all have abandoned that fear and joined the rallies and marches. The second is represented by a group called Brothers in Arms, reserve army soldiers and officers who oppose Netanyahu and especially his moves to allow ultra-Orthodox men to avoid mandatory military service. Last year, several senior retired officers joined the opposition to Netanyahu, but the numbers have swelled. Israeli authorities remove people staging sit-ins to block a highway during an anti-government demonstration in Jerusalem on March 31, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Nir Shaish, a former paratrooper who fought in one of Israel's wars with Lebanon, joined the demonstration Tuesday primarily to demand that the government "pay whatever the price" to bring the hostages home. But the issue of the religious avoiding military service mandatory for all Israeli citizens, men and women added to his fury. Read more:Two friends, each with family trapped in Gaza, are united by anguish. 'I should be there to protect them' A law was scheduled to go into effect this week that would require conscription of ultra-Orthodox men, or haredim, who have largely avoided such service until now. Several ultra-Orthodox men are in Netanyahu's coalition government and threatened to walk out if the law was enacted. It has been put on pause for now. The ultra-Orthodox "say that prayers are saving more than someone in the military unit," Shaish said. "We want them to participate in military service. Equal rights [means] equal duties." Like the vast majority of Israelis, Shaish, 65, said he initially believed the war was justified. But now, he said, it's being used by Netanyahu as a "tool for survival." Polls show Netanyahu to be wildly unpopular, with belief in his credibility and handling of the war sinking. Even as his domestic support plummets, Netanyahu has tested the loyalty of Israel's strongest ally, the U.S. government. He has consistently rejected or ignored the advice and warnings given to him by senior U.S. officials on how to conduct the war, especially their pleas to avert civilian casualties as Israeli bombs kill thousands of noncombatants, including aid workers and journalists. A protester puts himself underneath a water cannon truck loaded with odorous water, forcing Israeli police officers to figure out how to remove him safely during an anti-government demonstration in Jerusalem on April 2, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) He embarrassed Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken by announcing the largest project in years of Jewish settlements in the West Bank while Blinken was in Israel on an attempt to revive diplomacy. Most of the world considers such settlements erected on land claimed by the Palestinians to be illegal, and the Biden administration has repeatedly urged a halt to them. Last week when the U.S. took the highly unusual step at the United Nations of allowing passage of a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Netanyahu threw a fit. Israel opposes an immediate cease-fire, as did the U.S. until recently. And when Benny Gantz, a more centrist member of Israel's so-called war Cabinet, announced he was making a trip to Washington for official meetings, Netanyahu ordered him to cancel it. Gantz went anyway and was warmly greeted by senior U.S. officials, including the secretaries of Defense and State. The Biden administration seemed keen to underscore that there are alternatives to Netanyahu. Analysts said Netanyahu is acting deliberately to antagonize the Biden administration as a distraction from a war that, aside from nearly obliterating large parts of the Gaza Strip, has taken an enormous economic and psychological toll domestically. If that is the case, it is a risky gamble, as Israel is heavily dependent on Washington for weapons, money and other support. "The factors that could spark early elections in Israel are multiplying and growing stronger," said Nimrod Goren, writing for the Middle East Institute in Washington, including "messages from top American officials that change in Israel is needed." Anti-government demonstrators tussle with police officers as they break through a security zone near the Israeli prime minister's residence in Jerusalem on April 2, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Even if the current government falls and there are new elections, it remains unclear what kind of difference a new government would make. Or what that would mean for Netanyahu. Israel had five elections in four years and almost always ended up with Netanyahu. As Goren noted, "Netanyahus skills at political survival should not be underestimated. In previous times of potential political crisis, Netanyahu repeatedly showcased his ability to take control of political events." Wilkinson reported from Washington and Yam from Jerusalem. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines is prepared to respond to China's attempts to disrupt its supply missions in the South China Sea and protect its troops stationed in the waterway, a top security official said on Wednesday. Jonathan Malaya, the spokesperson of the National Security Council, said the Philippines is committed to maintaining its position at the Second Thomas Shoal and there will be no let up in re-supply missions to Filipino soldiers on a grounded warship there. "Our commitment to maintain BRP Sierra Madre will always be there, so any attempt by China to interfere with re-supply missions will be met by the Philippines in a fashion that protects our troops," Malaya told a maritime forum. Malaya reiterated that the counter-measures announced by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr last week against "aggressive" actions by China's coastguard will be "multi-dimensional" and not solely military in nature. Part of these measures includes making "changes and adjustments" to Philippine re-supply missions and operations in the South China Sea, Malaya said without elaborating, citing security concerns. Echoing an earlier call by the Philippine defence minister for the public not to fall victim to Chinese propaganda, Malaya warned of "foreign malign influence" meant to weaken the Philippines. "We have seen that they are working here through their surrogates or if we may call them amplifiers, because there are definitely Chinese narratives which run counter to the truth," Malaya said. The Philippines and China have had a series of maritime run-ins, including water cannon use, and heated verbal exchanges that has triggered concern about an escalation at sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory, policed by an armada of coastguard vessels, some more than 1,000 km (620 miles) from its mainland. China has maintained its responses have been appropriate in the face of Philippine encroachment. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague said China's claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected. The row comes at a time when the Philippines and United States are deepening military ties, frustrating China, which sees Washington as interfering in its back yard. "The root cause of the current escalation of maritime disputes between China and the Philippines is that the Philippines relied on the support of external forces, violated its commitments, and repeatedly engaged in provocations," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular briefing on Wednesday. Wang urged the Philippines to "return to the correct path of properly managing disputes through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible." Next week, Marcos will meet his American and Japanese counterparts at a trilateral summit in Washington, and Malaya said a "big aspect" of their discussions will be on security. (Reporting by Karen Lema; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor and Raju Gopalakrishnan) A woman died in a residential fire Friday night in the small town of Greenleaf west of Caldwell. Sherri McKinney, 64, was identified as the victim, the Canyon County Coroners Office told the Idaho Statesman on Wednesday. Her cause of death is still pending. The home at the intersection of Tucker and Lower Pleasant Ridge roads was fully engulfed in flames at 11 p.m. when crews with the Caldwell Fire Department and Wilder Rural Fire Protection District arrived. The female resident was the only person in the single-story home at the time of the fire, Caldwell Fire said in a Tuesday news release. The home was a total loss, Caldwell Fire Department spokesperson Char Jackson told the Statesman. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, she said. Smoke detectors throughout the home were not working at the time of the fire, according to the release. The womans death was directly attributable to that factor, the Caldwell Fire Department said. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries, the department said in the release. Fire spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. About three in five deaths in residential fires occur in homes either without smoke detectors or with alarms that are not operating, Caldwell Fire said. The risk of dying in a residential fire is cut in half when smoke detectors are working as they are intended, the department added. (Reuters) -The U.S. Cyber Safety Review Board is expected to issue a report detailing lapses by Microsoft that led to a targeted Chinese hack of top U.S. government officials' emails last year, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday. The intrusion, which ransacked the Microsoft Exchange Online mailboxes of 22 organizations and more than 500 individuals around the world, was "preventable" and "should never have occurred", the Washington Post said, citing the report. Microsoft and the Cyber Safety Review Board did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Last year, the tech giant said the Chinese hack of senior officials at the U.S. State and Commerce departments stemmed from the compromise of a Microsoft engineer's corporate account penetrated by a hacking group it dubbed Storm-0558. The hack is alleged to have stolen hundreds of thousands of emails from top American officials including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Daniel Kritenbrink. The Cyber Safety Review Board's report blames shoddy cybersecurity practices, lax corporate culture and a deliberate lack of transparency over what Microsoft knew about the origins of the breach, according to the Washington Post. (Reporting by Mehnaz Yasmin in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) By Roushni Nair and Rishav Chatterjee (Reuters) -Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) on Wednesday ruled out any impending deal to sell its Australian mobile network operation Optus following reports that talks for a potential stake divestment had fallen off. Southeast Asia's largest telecom operator, Singtel sought a trading halt after its shares sank 3.15% to S$2.46. The company then reiterated that there was no Optus divestment deal. Its shares were last down 3.9%. Earlier in the day, reports said talks had ended for Singtel to divest a 20% stake in Optus as the parties were unable to agree on certain terms involving the valuation and price aspect of a possible transaction. Singtel, majority owned by Singapore sovereign investor Temasek, in March denied an AFR report that it was offloading Optus to Canada's Brookfield for up to $12 billion. Reuters had reported that the company was in advanced talks over a "significant" stake sale to Brookfield, citing a person with direct knowledge of the matter. Brookfield declined to comment when contacted by Reuters on Wednesday. Optus has been one of Singtel's largest investments overseas though Australia's second-largest telecommunications group recently drew public ire after a 12-hour network blackout affected more than 10 million Australians. "Optus' current return on invested capital is bit too low to monetise at this stage, as there is no urgent need of cash at Singtel," said Sachin Mittal, an analyst at DBS. "It is better to improve Optus first via cost cuts in the near term and mobile tariff hikes in the medium term before divesting a stake." Singtel asked its shareholders to "exercise caution" in their review of reports relating to Optus while dealing with its shares. Singtel's Singaporean operations and Optus account for half of its business while the rest comprises minority stakes in several telcos including Bharti Airtel, Indonesia's Telkomsel and the Philippines' Globe Telecom. ($1 = 1.5352 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Roushni Nair and Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) WASHINGTON A Washington man who led an attack on officers on Jan. 6 and represented himself at trial using arguments a federal judge described as "bulls---" and "gobbledygook" was sentenced to seven years in federal prison on Wednesday. Taylor James Johnatakis was convicted in November on felony counts of obstruction of an official proceeding, assaulting officers and civil disorder, as well as four misdemeanor charges. Judge Royce Lamberth, who was appointed to the bench by former President Ronald Reagan, said at the sentencing hearing on Wednesday that he was troubled by Johnatakis' "lack of remorse" and he was concerned that, if given the chance, Johnatakis might engage in violence again. Noting the letters of support that Johnatakis' friends and family had sent to the court, Lamberth noted that Johnatakis was being held "accountable for what he did," not the person he is. Unfortunately, Lamberth said, Johnatakis left his good attributes at home "when he went to the Capitol on Jan. 6." Much as he did during the trial, Johnatakis continued not to engage with the substance of the proceedings and instead advanced sovereign citizen arguments, indicating that he did not think he was subject to the federal justice system. "Does the record reflect a repent of my sins?" Johnatakis asked the judge after his sentence was imposed on Wednesday. Johnatakis indicated to the court that his family planned to move to Iowa after Lamberth asked if he preferred where he would like to serve his term. The federal Bureau of Prisons ultimately decides where Johnatakis will serve his sentence. After Lamberth noted that he and Johnatakis had "an interesting relationship" over the course of his case, Johnatakis said, "I do honor what you do for this country." Wearing a prison jumpsuit, he then blew a kiss to members of his family, waved goodbye, and gave a thumbs up before being led back to serve out his sentence. Earlier this year, Lamberth said he was "shocked" that "meritless justifications of criminal activity have gone mainstream," with Republican politicians defending the actions of Jan. 6 rioters. I have been dismayed to see distortions and outright falsehoods seep into the public consciousness, Lamberth said. The Court fears that such destructive, misguided rhetoric could presage further danger to our country. Federal prosecutors had sought nine years in federal prison for Johnatakis, saying he "came equipped to organize rioters by strapping a megaphone onto his back, and he led the charge up the Southwest stairs of the U.S. Capitol" and "coordinated a violent assault on a line of police officers defending the U.S. Capitol." Johnatakis participated in the assault himself, prosecutors said, with video showing that he "used a metal barricade to attack officers head on and grabbed one officer to prevent him from defending himself against other attacking rioters contributing to that officers physical injury." Johnatakis had posted before the attack that he was traveling to Washington to "CHANGE the course of HISTORY #stopthesteal" and that "What the British did to DC will be nothing..." After yelling into his megaphone that then-Vice President Mike Pence was a "traitor to this nation," Johnatakis chased officers up the stairs and organized a push on law enforcement. More than 1,350 people have been charged in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and more than 950 defendants have been convicted. Around 500 have been sentenced to periods of incarceration ranging from just a few days to 22 years in federal prison, for a Proud Boy leader convicted of seditious conspiracy. Dwayne The Rock Johnson will be welcoming a late wrestling trailblazer his grandmother into the WWE Hall of Fame. Johnson will induct Lia Maivia, one of the first women promoters of professional wrestling, into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on Friday, he said in a video on social media earlier this week. Maivia, Johnsons grandmother, and his late grandfather, legendary wrestler Peter High Chief Maivia, established one of the most prominent families in the sport. They were both Samoan. In the heartfelt post, Johnson called Maivia the real Final Boss. She took over my grandfathers wrestling company here in Hawaii, and she made a promise to my grandfather when he was dying on his deathbed and she said, Im going to take over the company and Im going to make your dream come true that its going to be a success, Johnson said in the video. The late promoter took over Polynesian Pro Wrestling, the National Wrestling Alliances territory in Hawaii, after her husband died in 1982, according to the WWE. There, she was tasked with promoting A Hot Summer Night, a widely anticipated lineup that included the likes of Andre the Giant, Ric Flair and Rocky Johnson, her son-in-law. The event that drew more than 20,000 people. Maivia, who died in 2008, posthumously joins her husband in the Hall of Fame. The couple are also credited as a matriarch and patriarch of the Anoai family, one of wrestlings most famous lineages. The family includes not only Johnson but also Rikishi, Roman Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso, among several others. Johnson himself has honored Maivia in the past, making her a main character on the NBC comedy series Young Rock, loosely based on his life. Hes also opened up about some of the more complicated aspects of his grandmothers legacy in a previous social media post. She was one of the first ever female wrestling promoters and operated her business out of HAWAII with an iron first and some violence when she felt it was necessary, he wrote. Her tough business practices caught up with her as she was indicted by the FBI on extortion charges. While Maivia was eventually acquitted, Johnson wrote that the FBI later charged her with illegal immigration, froze her assets and deported her. By 1991 my grandma was homeless. In 1992 I was able to identify a legal loophole and get her back legally into the U.S. I was also able to secure social security for her legally and moved her into a little one room apartment in Tampa, Florida, he wrote. Once I started making some decent money in WWE, I bought her a condo where she would live happily for the rest of her life, a few miles away from us in South Florida. The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills on Sept. 5, 2014. (Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images) A man accused of talking his way past the front desks of posh Beverly Hills hotels and walking off with suitcases full of jewelry, shoes and designer dresses admitted Tuesday that he stole a guest's diamond necklace valued at $395,000. Appearing in a federal courtroom in downtown Los Angeles, Jobson Marangoni De Castro pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property. The tall, slender 38-year-old wore a white jail jumpsuit, his gray hair thinning and his goatee streaked with gray. The victims, identified in an affidavit only as residents of Brazil, traveled to Los Angeles in May 2023 to attend a fashion event, FBI Special Agent Gary Wallace wrote. They packed jewelry and designer clothes inside their six suitcases, along with several AirTag tracking devices. Four days after the couple checked into the Peninsula Beverly Hills, De Castro ate dinner at the bar and charged the bill to the couple's room, Wallace wrote. It's unclear why De Castro, a Brazilian citizen with legal residency in the United States, singled out the couple, who told the FBI they didn't know him, the agent said. The next day, De Castro returned to the hotel, identified himself to the front desk clerk as a guest and said he'd left his keys in his room, Wallace wrote. After De Castro was able to answer some security questions, the clerk gave him a key to the Brazilian couple's room. De Castro unlocked the door but found one of the guests sleeping inside, Wallace wrote. He left the hotel. After the couple went out to dinner, De Castro returned to their room and rolled six suitcases into an elevator, according to the agent. With the help of hotel staff, he loaded the suitcases into an Uber and left in the ride-share car, Wallace wrote. The couple returned about an hour later and went to the Beverly Hills police, reporting the theft of some $500,000 worth of jewelry and another $300,000 in shoes and clothes, according to the affidavit. Among the pilfered items was a custom-made Flavia Vetorasso diamond necklace, Wallace wrote, and an embroidered white silk Chanel dress. A month after the theft, the victims' attorney provided the Beverly Hills police a valuation of the stolen goods, which estimated the loss at nearly $1.5 million. The diamond necklace was valued at $395,000, while a Chopard LHeure du Diamant watch was appraised at $89,400, Wallace wrote. Beverly Hills police traced two AirTags in the couple's luggage to a Rodeo Drive address across the street from the apartment complex where De Castro lived, according to the agent. Two days after the suitcases went missing, De Castro flew to Miami, where he contacted a jewelry seller on Instagram and offered to sell a diamond necklace and watch, Wallace wrote. In an Instagram message, De Castro said he didn't have papers for the jewelry, which he claimed belonged to his late mother. Read more:'You know what could happen if he talks': Real estate fraud led to murder-for-hire plot, prosecutors say Wallace compared the photos De Castro sent to the seller to those provided by the victims' attorney and concluded they were the Flavia Vetorasso necklace and the Chopard LHeure du Diamant watch. De Castro sold one of the pieces it is not clear in the affidavit whether it was the necklace or the watch for $50,000, Wallace wrote. De Castro thanked the seller afterward, writing, "I will definitely recommend. Im very happy. In his guilty plea, De Castro admitted that he transported "jewelry including a diamond necklace" across state lines knowing it was stolen. He did not plead guilty to another theft outlined in Wallace's affidavit. Two weeks before he wheeled the suitcases out of the Peninsula Beverly Hills, De Castro met a couple at the pool of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The husband exchanged phone numbers and Instagram handles with De Castro, and told him they were staying in room 589, Wallace wrote. De Castro asked the man if he had dinner plans. When the man said he had a reservation at a restaurant, De Castro told him it would be safer to leave his valuables behind in his room, Wallace wrote. The man found this odd the restaurant was in a safe area but he and his wife locked their jewelry, passports and cash in the room safe before going to dinner, according to the affidavit. Citing surveillance footage, Wallace wrote that De Castro talked a clerk into giving him a key to room 589 and was seen, 30 minutes later, walking out of the lobby with suitcases belonging to the couple. The couple returned that evening to find the safe and closets of their room empty, their belongings gone, Wallace wrote. They estimated losing $36,000 in jewelry and $3,000 in cash. Read more:L.A. con man who posed as attorney, rubbed elbows with Gov. Newsom is sentenced to 6 months De Castro was arrested by the FBI in August. His lawyers asked a judge to release him on bail, writing in court papers that he had no criminal history and had never been arrested until this case. He had no desire to return to Brazil, they wrote, which he fled nearly 20 years ago "for fear of prosecution based on his sexual orientation." De Castro's mother who, contrary to her son's message to the Miami jewelry dealer, is still very much alive offered to post a surety bond to secure his release. Unpersuaded, a judge ordered De Castro jailed. He faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced. U.S. District Court Judge Hernan D. Vera scheduled a hearing April 30 to resolve a dispute between De Castro's attorney and prosecutors over the value of the stolen jewelry, which could affect his sentence or any restitution amount. De Castro's lawyer, Annick Jordan, declined to comment. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. GREEN BAY, Wis. Donald Trump returned to Wisconsin on Tuesday night for the first time in nearly two years, re-introducing himself to the battleground state with misleading claims about the 2020 election. You know we won this state. We won this state by a lot. It came out that we won this, Trump told the crowd at a rally here. Trump won Wisconsin in 2016; he did not win it in 2020. Turnout was higher in 2020 than it was four years earlier, so Trump did get more votes than he did in 2016 but it was over 20,000 votes short of what Joe Biden received. On Monday, Trump also spread the falsehood in an interview with Milwaukee-based conservative talk radio host Dan ODonnell. We actually did much better than the first time, he said. We won it in Wisconsin, as you know, the first time. The second time we did much better, but I guess it was delayed. They found out a lot of wrongdoing. And after the wrongdoing was found, people said, Well, he actually did win. ODonnell did not offer pushback on the claim. Trumps campaign declined to offer additional comment. A number of Republican Party officials and other candidates have expressed a desire to move on from claims the 2020 election was stolen, even as Trump continues to push the conspiracy theories. Wisconsin played a central role in Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Two attorneys who worked for Trump orchestrated a plan that originated in Wisconsin for fake electors to falsify paperwork saying he won the state, according to a lawsuit settlement reached more than three years after the 2020 election. That strategy was replicated in other key battleground states. Even though Trump continues to re-litigate the past election, top allies have tried to change the subject and look toward November, as opposed to the past election. Trumps daughter-in-law Lara Trump who was recently installed as co-chair of the Republican National Committee told NBC News that she believes Republicans are leaving 2020 in the past. I think we are past that. I think thats in the past, she said last month when she was asked whether it was the RNCs position that the 2020 election was not fairly decided. The past is the past, and unfortunately we had to learn a couple of hard lessons in 2020. The Green Bay rally, though, underscored how that message has not yet reached some of Trumps most intense base voters. Roughly 90 minutes before Trump took the stage, Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, who is among the most prominent advocates for the false idea that the 2020 election was stolen, hyped up the crowd by again claiming both Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were wrongly decided. We all know what happened in Wisconsin in the 2020 election, he said. The crowd gave him a huge ovation. GREEN BAY, Wis. Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a demonstrative call for head-to-head debates with President Joe Biden, placing an empty lectern on the stage before a rally here to represent where Biden could stand. This is for Joe Biden. I am trying to get him to debate, Trump said, referring to the empty podium. Trying to get Crooked Joe to debate. Anytime, anyplace. A staple of down-ballot candidates seeking to force reluctant rivals to debate, the visual aid emphasized Trump's charge that Biden is afraid to meet him one-on-one. But it also hinted at the very real possibility that a presidential election could come to pass without at least one televised debate for the first time in generations. And, by implication, it excludes the candidate causing consternation for both presumptive major-party nominees: independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "If RFK Jr. gets on a debate stage, Democrats and Republicans better gird their loins," Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis said. "As long as you have a race with two candidates with high unfavorables, injecting a third candidate creates a lot of dangerous scenarios." Until Tuesday, there had been little public discussion of debates since Trump and Biden locked down enough delegates to win their parties' nominations last month. Trump wrote in a typical all-caps post on Truth Social in March that he would debate Biden "anytime, anywhere, anyplace" a sentiment repeated on the front of the empty lectern at Tuesday's rally. In a statement Tuesday night, Biden campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler called the event setup in Green Bay a weak merch play from a guy desperate to avoid talking about how hes got no cash, no campaign infrastructure, and no answer for how his chaotic, divisive and violent campaign is going to win this November." "Trump said last fall only people who are losing want debates. At least we agree on something, Tyler added. Empty lecterns onstage at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay, Wisc., ahead of a campaign event on April 2, 2024. (NBC News) Trump's campaign has avoided answering questions about why he sounds so eager to get on a stage with Biden after skipping the Republican primary debates this election. In 2022, the Republican National Committee, citing perceived bias during Trump's 2020 election loss, severed its relationship with the venerable nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. Biden responded to Trumps earlier call for a debate by saying it depends on his behavior. In February, he said of Trump: "If I were him, Id want him to debate me, too. Hes got nothing else to do." But Biden aides say the campaign wont make a decision until later this year. In a statement to NBC News last week, Biden campaign spokeswoman Lauren Hitt questioned Trump's sincerity. Donald Trump pulled out of the Presidential Debate Commission, so hes only talking about debates now because hes desperate to change the conversation from his financial and legal troubles, Hitt said, alluding to Trump's poorer campaign treasury and the four criminal trials he faces. Theres only one candidate in this election whos running to serve the American people and strengthen our democracy, and thats Joe Biden. Officials at the Commission on Presidential Debates, which traditionally picks venues and negotiates rules with the campaigns, did not respond to NBC News' inquiries about this year's planned forums. Similarly, several members of the organization's board individually declined interview requests or did not respond to them. There are plenty of reasons for all the tiptoeing, but one looms larger than the others: Kennedy. Asked about Kennedy last week, Trump campaign spokeswoman Danielle Alvarez said the focus for the former president is getting on a stage with Biden, whom he debated twice in 2020. "President Trump is more accessible to the American people than Broken Biden, whose staff doesn't allow him to take interviews or answer questions because they are terrified of his failed presidency, disastrous policies and declining cognitive abilities," Alvarez said. Biden's campaign declined to say whether it would welcome the inclusion of Kennedy if the president decides to debate Trump. The namesake son of the former New York senator and U.S. attorney general, who was assassinated on the presidential campaign trail in 1968, has gained traction in national polls and the nervous attention of both Democrats and Republicans. The Democratic National Committee recently hired veteran operative Lis Smith to help counter third-party candidates. Last week, Trump went after Kennedy himself. "RFK Jr. is the most Radical Left Candidate in the race, by far," Trump wrote on Truth Social, attacking Kennedy for supporting progressive policies on the environment. Trump framed Kennedy as a force that would take votes from Biden "I love that he is running!" But the decision to go on offense appears to betray a degree of anxiety. A Kennedy spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Kennedy, a vocal voice in the anti-vaccine movement whose agenda is hard to neatly define in conventional political terms, has welcomed his inclusion in the national discourse. On Monday, he echoed Trump in accusing Biden who has made the preservation of democratic values the centerpiece of his campaign of imperiling those very ideals. I can make the argument that President Biden is the much worse threat to democracy" than Trump, Kennedy said in an interview on CNN. "The reason for that is President Biden is the first candidate in history, the first president in history, that has used the federal agencies to censor political speech ... to censor his opponent." Kennedy appeared to be referring to a case before the Supreme Court on the level of contact between government officials and social media companies regarding content removal. His campaign has not clarified what case he was referring to. The debate commission announced late last year that it had selected dates and sites for three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate at Texas State University, Pennsylvania's Lafayette College, Virginia State University and the University of Utah. To qualify under the commission's rules, Kennedy would have to qualify for ballots in states that collectively have at least 270 electoral votes, and he would have to register at 15 percent or more in five national polls. Brad Todd, a GOP strategist, said there is zero chance that the commission will host debates this year or in the foreseeable future because Republicans dont trust the members of the commission to represent the interests of candidates. Regardless of which entity is empowered to sanction debates or if campaigns just get together to make their own rules they are important forums for the public, especially this year, he said. Presidential debates really matter because youre dealing with such a small group of people who are undecided at a time when many of them find fault in both major-party candidates, he said. Thats who decides the election this year. Neither of the major-party candidates have agreed to anything, and aides to both Biden and Trump say they believe the other candidate will ultimately duck a face-to-face meeting. But if swing voters see one candidate or the other trying to end a tradition of televised debates that dates to the 1960 race between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy RFK Jr.'s uncle there could be a steep political cost, Kofinis said. "That would be a catastrophic mistake for whoever proposes it first or whoever walks away from it," Kofinis said of a possible debate-less election. "There is a general expectation that if youre running for president, youre going to debate so that the American public can evaluate candidates side by side or three candidates side by side by side." Jonathan Allen reported from Washington, D.C., and Matt Dixon reported from Green Bay. The mayor of Atlantic City says a police raid on his home was a "political" attack related to a "private family issue." Mayor Marty Small held a news conference on Monday and said it was not related to a crime, despite laptops and cell phones being taken. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office executed five search warrants last Thursday naming the mayor and his wife, LaQuetta Small, the city's superintendent of schools, the Associated Press reported. Small said he and his wife have been interacting with state child welfare authorities and have nothing to hide. "We're going through family therapy, and that's what this should be, a family matter," he said. Officers reportedly seized two of Small's phones and some laptops, his attorney said. Small described the raid as "very aggressive." We did not deserve that," the mayor said. "I had nothing to hide." "A lot of politics going on... because they know they can't beat me in an election," Small said, according to the New York Post. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office released a statement after the mayor made the allegations. "The men and women of this office involved in the search conducted themselves in the highest professional manner," the release stated. "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 went on to say, "Both Mayor Small and Dr. Small were treated with dignity and respect during the entire process." The raid on the mayor's home came the same day the county prosecutor announced charges against the principal of Atlantic City High School for allegedly failing to report child abuse and related charges. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has postponed plans to travel to Saudi Arabia this week as he recovers from a cracked rib following a minor accident, the White House said on Wednesday. Sullivan had been due to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid a U.S. push for progress toward normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The injury "has affected his ability to travel," White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. "This was a minor accident of his own. It was not caused by anybody. It was not the result of a nefarious act." Kirby said Sullivan looks forward to rescheduling the trip, but did not provide a date. Talks on normalization had been put on ice in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian Hamas fighters on southern Israel and Israel's subsequent assault on Hamas-ruled Gaza, but conversations have resumed in recent months. As part of a normalization deal, Saudi Arabia wants to clinch a mutual defense pact with Washington and get U.S. support for its civil nuclear program. (Reporting by Steve Holland, Doina Chiacu and Katharine Jackson; editing by Rami Ayyub and Doina Chiacu) After a massive earthquake killed nine and injured over 1,000 people early Wednesday, rescuers in Taiwan were combing through the rubble to find scores of people missing or trapped, while experts say a slew of aftershocks could make the search and rescue even more dangerous. Taiwan's National Fire Agency said at least 1,050 people were injured when the earthquake, measured as 7.2 magnitude by Taiwan officials and 7.4 by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck near the east coast city of Hualien at about 8 a.m. local time. Hualien is a popular tourist destination 100 miles south of Taipei, where buildings swayed and some damage was reported. A series of aftershocks followed, reaching up to 6.4 magnitude. Some buildings tumbled or were leaning precariously while scores of people were trapped inside the damaged structures. Around two dozen of almost 50 hotel workers on their way to a resort in Taroko National Park had been located. The temblor set off a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines that was later lifted. "It was very strong. It felt as if the house was going to topple," said Chang Yu-lin, 60, a worker in a hospital in the capital of Taipei. Taiwan has developed significant search-and-rescue capabilities, but it's a difficult undertaking to identify and recover victims who may be buried deep under concrete while dodging the perils of aftershocks, said Joseph Barbera, an emergency physician and professor of engineering management and systems engineering at the George Washington University. Barbera was part of a response team deployed by the United States Agency for International Development to the 1999 Jiji earthquake that killed over 2,400 people in Taiwan. "The issue of trying to identify anyone that might be alive can be difficult. Then getting to those that youve located that are deeply entombed can require a Herculean effort with multidisciplinary teams," Barbera told USA TODAY. The death toll may rise some in the coming days as search teams sift through collapsed structures, Barbera said. In Hualien, the city's mayor, Hsu Chen-Wei, said by the end of the day everyone in buildings there that are considered dangerous had been evacuated and demolition had begun on four. The White House said Wednesday morning that it is monitoring the impacts from the earthquake on Taiwan and Japan. "The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers," National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement. Developments: On Thursday morning, a helicopter rescued six people who had been trapped in a mining area, the fire department said. The railway line to Hualien re-opened ahead of schedule on Thursday, although one rural station north of Hualien city remains closed due to damage, the railway administration said. Officials in Taiwan's air force said six F-16 fighter jets were slightly damaged in the earthquake, but they are expected to return to service soon. Wu said an investigation is underway to determine why not all Taiwanese received a nationwide alert issued following the quake. There was no tsunami threat to Hawaii, the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam or the west coast of North America, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center said. Earthquake rocks Taiwan: Strongest temblor in 25 years Taiwan's earthquake preparedness may have spared lives, damage Taiwan, prone to earthquakes, sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire where 90% of the world's temblors take place. Emergency services are prepared for quake rescue and recovery. The densely populated island nation is also exceptionally well prepared for earthquakes, Barbera said, which makes the damage from Wednesday's quake potentially much less than it would be otherwise. Taiwan is a "model" for its seismic building codes and strict enforcement of them, he said. Critical buildings that need to function in emergencies are built on a foundation that allows for it to roll during a quake, he said. Taipei 101, a skyscraper that once held the title of tallest building in the world, features a famous tuned mass damper, essentially a massive pendulum that sways during an earthquake to counteract and limit any swaying of the building. "There's a dramatic difference between building failures structural failures, not just buildings in Taiwan versus other other countries that have similar size earthquakes," Barbera said. "Theyve had a true commitment for decades to risk reduction." 'We are frightened. We are so nervous.' Linda Chen, 48, said her apartment in downtown Hualien city had been so badly damaged in an earlier earthquake in 2018 that she had to move. But her new apartment block was damaged, too, in the latest earthquake. "We worry the house could collapse anytime. We thought we had already experienced it once in Hualien and it would not hit us again, because God has to be fair," she said. "We are frightened. We are so nervous." Reuters Aftershocks near epicenter could continue for days At least 29 aftershocks above a 4.9 magnitude have rumbled near the city of Hualien on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Dozens more have been clocked by Taiwan's Central Weather Administration. Wu Chien-fu, director of Taiwans Seismology Center, said aftershocks reaching 7.0 could shake the nation of 23 million people for three or four more days. Over a dozen aftershocks on Wednesday were greater than 5.0 in magnitude, and one was over 6.0, USGS data shows. Aftershocks are a sequence of smaller quakes that are a part of the "readjustment process" along a fault line where a main shock took place, the USGS said. They can continue for days, weeks, months or even years after a large earthquake, and their frequency usually decreases with time. Dozens rescued from tunnels where they were trapped Over 70 people have been evacuated from tunnels near Hualien City, fire authorities said. Video published by Taiwan National Fire Agency shows responders conducting search-and-rescue operations underneath collapsed buildings. The rescued people include two German nationals. Where did the earthquake strike? The earthquakes epicenter was 6 miles northeast of the small town of Hualien City. The area is known by some as the Hawaii of Taiwan because of its warm, tropical weather, lush greenery and crystal clear ocean waters. In addition, its home to the Taroko Gorge, a stunning natural granite gorge with transparent turquoise and dark blue water that is a destination for hikers. Signs along the pathways and hiking trails in the gorge warn visitors of possible falling rocks. Five-star hotels in the town of Hualien and in the vicinity of Taroko National Park where the gorge is located cater to tourists from around the globe coming to see and hike the area. Elizabeth Weise Videos show dramatic moments when earthquake hit Social media videos showed rescuers using ladders to help trapped people out of windows. Buildings could be seen collapsing onto streets as landslides swept across roads and highways. Bridges swayed and items on shelves splattered onto the ground. Some damage was reported to the Taipei subway system, which closed briefly before resuming partial service. "At present the most important thing, the top priority, is to rescue people," said President-elect Lai Ching-te, speaking outside one of collapsed buildings in Hualien. Rescue and recovery efforts underway The quake shook Taipei, knocking out power in several parts of the city. Elsewhere, authorities said they had lost contact with 50 travelers aboard four minibuses heading to a hotel in a national park, Taroko Gorge. Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen said the military will be deployed to help with rescue and recovery operations. She pledged that federal and local governments would cooperate with each other to "minimize the impact of the disasters." Shallow quake was close to land Wu said the quake's epicenter was very shallow and close to land, the result of movement in the Philippine Sea Plate. He said it felt strong in Taipei because of the basin effect, which occurs when earthquake reverberations become trapped in soft ground. The quake was Taiwan's largest since the 1999 Jiji earthquake that killed over 2,400 people and injured 11,300 more. Nuclear power stations unaffected Most power has been restored after the quake, electricity utility Taipower said, with the island's two nuclear power stations unaffected. Taiwan's high-speed rail operator said no damage or injuries were reported on its trains, although services would be delayed as it made inspections. A major supplier of chips to Apple and Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. said it had evacuated some fabrication plants and safety systems were operating normally. Nvidia said it expects no supply disruptions from the earthquake. It said later its workers were safe and had returned to their workplaces shortly after the earthquake, adding that impacted facilities were expected to resume production during the night. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taiwan earthquake live updates: Aftershocks rumble; rescues underway Tornadoes, flooding rain and snow wreaked havoc across multiple states Tuesday, in a storm system that has already killed at least two people, destroyed buildings, uprooted trees and downed power lines. As many as 27 million people are under risk of severe storms Wednesday as the destructive storm system moves east and is forecast to bring heavy rain, floods, high winds and severe winter weather from Maine to Florida. In the past 24 hours, there have been 12 reports of tornadoes across six states Alabama, Illinois, Tennessee, Ohio, Georgia and Kentucky. Multiple EF-1 tornadoes were confirmed in Jessamine, Anderson, Bourbon, and Nelson counties in Kentucky, as well as in Prospect across Jefferson and Oldham counties, with 95 mph to 110 mph winds. Syndication: The Enquirer (Kareem Elgazzar / The Enquirer / USA Today Network) Many in the wind-battered states are waking up to the severe damage: homes stripped down to their metal bones, roofs ripped off buildings and power lines torn down. This storm system, which started its deluge in the west over the weekend, has been making its way across the country. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a 46-year-old homeless woman sheltering in a drainage pipe died, according to the Tulsa Fire Department. The womans boyfriend told officials that they had gone to sleep at the entrance of the pipe when they were startled awake by floodwaters Monday evening, The Associated Press reported. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear had declared a state of emergency Tuesday because of the storms that started to hammer the state Monday and deployed Kentucky State Police and emergency managers to affected areas to assist locals in need. Workers cut up downed trees lying across the road in Prospect, Ky., Tuesday, April 2, 2024. (Timothy D. Easley / AP) Kentucky officials on Wednesday afternoon announced a weather-related fatality in Campbell County following a two-vehicle incident. The Campbell County Coroner did not release the name of the victim, but confirmed it was a 19-year-old male. Over 20 counties have reported damage from the severe weather in the state. In Nelson County, Kentucky fire officials shared photos of severe storm damage while responding to a gas leak: mangled metal and collapsed buildings. Another likely tornado touched down in Conyers, Georgia, uprooting trees and damaging homes. The suspected tornado caused some minor injuries associated with trees, tree down calls and power outages, Meredith Barnum, deputy director of the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency, told NBC News. Fallen tree. (Courtesy Jazzalyn Daniels) An uprooted tree in Conyers, Georgia, on Tuesday. (Courtesy Jazzalyn Daniels) Some 255,000 customers remain without power Wednesday morning with almost 106,000 without power in West Virginia, 87,000 out in Wisconsin and nearly 16,000 out in Kentucky, according to PowerOutage.us. That number grew to over 330,000 as of 2:30 p.m. ET with over 105,000 out in Wisconsin and 94,000 out in West Virginia. Tuesdays large spring storm also left heavy snow in Wisconsin, with 9.5 inches in Pulcifer and 8.3 inches in La Crosse. April storm hammers the East Coast As the storm has moved east, 50 million people are under wind alerts, 46 million under flood watches and 11 million under winter alerts Wednesday. As of Wednesday morning, severe storms are moving through parts of the Southeast and the Florida Panhandle, where a tornado watch is in effects for parts of southern Georgia, southern South Carolina and northern Florida through 1 p.m. Storms are also possible from central Florida up through southern Maryland for the rest of Wednesday, with all hazards possible for metro areas such as Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Charleston, Raleigh and Richmond. Flash flooding will be possible for a large area from the Ohio River Valley into the Northeast with Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York under flood alerts. An additional widespread 1 to 3 inches of rain could fall through Thursday, with risk for coastal flooding. Meanwhile, around the Great Lakes, heavy snow and wind will continue Wednesday with blizzard warnings for parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Snow is also forecast for northern states from upstate New York up to Maine. By the time it ends, 20-30 inches of fresh snow could blanket the Michigan Upper Peninsula, and 12-24 inches across the high elevations of New England. Both major metros of Chicago and Boston may see some snowflakes mix in with rain, but little to no accumulation is expected. The man accused of opening fire during an Easter Sunday brunch at a restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, killing one person and injuring seven others is now in custody in Kentucky, according to police. Anton Rucker, 46, was arrested at a Princeton residence, the Metro Nashville Police Department said in a statement. He surrendered without incident and is being held in Kentucky on a fugitive from justice warrant, police said. Police tape around shooting scene at Roasted restaurant (Metro Nashville Police Department) The shooting happened at about 3 p.m. Sunday, at the restaurant Roasted, where Allen Beachem, 33, was shot and killed. Seven other people were injured with gunshot wounds, none of which were critical, April Weatherly, an executive assistant at Nashville's public affairs office, said. Rucker was involved in an argument with another man prior to the shooting, Weatherly said. Following the shooting, Rucker fled the scene in a gray Mercedes GLS 450, which police recovered Monday evening, according to a post on X. According to police, Rucker is a convicted felon who has been arrested at least twice in the past year once in August on aggravated assault and gun charges, and again in October on drugs charges. More information regarding the status of those cases is currently unavailable, attorney information for Rucker wasn't immediately available Wednesday. An alleged space object has appeared to crash through the roof of a family home in Naples, Florida, leaving several questions and a damaged residence in its wake. Last month, Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics, took to X, to share that an "equipment pallet" from space had reentered Earth's atmosphere, hypothesizing it would likely have reached Fort Myers, Florida. PHOTO: Alejandro Otero, a homeowner in Naples, Florida, shares photos of the alleged space object that crashed through his home. (Alejandro Otero) "The EP-9 equipment pallet reentered at 1929 UTC over the Gulf of Mexico between Cancun and Cuba. This was with the previous prediction window but a little to the northeast of the 'most likely' part of the path. A couple minutes later reentry and it would have reached Ft Myers," McDowell wrote on March 8. MORE: Life on Mars: How volunteers in NASA's Mars simulator will live for a year Alejandro Otero, a homeowner in Naples, Florida about 40 miles south of Fort Myers responded to McDowell on X and shared several photos of damage to his home, as well as a photo of the alleged space debris. PHOTO: Alejandro Otero, a homeowner in Naples, Florida, shares photos of the alleged space object that crashed through his home. (Alejandro Otero) "Looks like one of those pieces missed Ft Myers and landed in my house in Naples," Otero wrote on March 15. Otero said the apparent space object "tore through the roof" and went through two floors of his home, and that the object "almost hit my son." Hello. Looks like one of those pieces missed Ft Myers and landed in my house in Naples. Tore through the roof and went thru 2 floors. Almost his my son. Can you please assist with getting NASA to connect with me? Ive left messages and emails without a response. pic.twitter.com/Yi29f3EwyV Alejandro Otero (@Alejandro0tero) March 15, 2024 Otero previously claimed he had reached out to NASA for a response but did not hear back. In a statement Tuesday, NASA said the agency "collected an item in cooperation with the homeowner, and will analyze the object at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida as soon as possible to determine its origin," adding, "More information will be available once the analysis is complete." PHOTO: Alejandro Otero, a homeowner in Naples, Florida, shares photos of the alleged space object that crashed through his home. (Alejandro Otero) In an interview with WINK TV in Ft. Myers, Otero said he was on vacation when the incident took place but that his son was home and called him about the damage, saying, "Something ripped through the house and then made a big hole on the floor and on the ceiling." "When we heard that, we were like, impossible, and then immediately I thought a meteorite," Otero told WINK. Otero said the object weighs nearly two pounds and appears to be "cylindrical-shaped." PHOTO: Alejandro Otero, a homeowner in Naples, Florida, shares photos of the alleged space object that crashed through his home. (Alejandro Otero) "It used to have a cylindrical shape, and you can tell by the shape of the top that it traveled in this direction through the atmosphere. Whatever you burned, created in this burn and melted the metal over in this direction," Otero told WINK. MORE: NASA announces new 'super-Earth': Exoplanet orbits in 'habitable zone,' is only 137 light-years away Upon arrival to his home, Otero said he was "shaking" and that he's "super grateful that nobody got hurt." I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief," Otero told WINK. "What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage? he said, adding, Im super grateful that nobody got hurt. ABC News has reached out to Otero for a comment. Suspected space object crashes through roof of home in Naples, Florida originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A Palestinian American doctor walked out of a meeting with President Joe Biden before it was over Tuesday evening, underscoring the high tensions, anger and concern from Arab, Palestinian and Muslim American communities amid the Israel-Hamas war. Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency physician from Chicago who traveled to Gaza earlier this year, told CNN he abruptly left the meeting that included Vice President Kamala Harris, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, other administration officials and a small group of Muslim community leaders. While the president has often faced protests and interruptions at public events in the last several months, Ahmads decision to leave the meeting is perhaps the most intimate moment of protest the president has faced to date since Israels campaign in Gaza began following Hamas October 7 attack. Its a stark reminder to the president of the political problem he faces with key parts of his coalition including Arab and Muslim Americans and progressive voters as his administration continues to stand by and support Israels war in the Palestinian enclave. CNN previously reported that what was supposed to be an iftar dinner to break the Ramadan fast was changed to a meeting because participants didnt feel comfortable having a celebratory meal while hundreds of thousands in Gaza are on the brink of famine. Its another example of the administrations fraying relationship with the Muslim American community other attempts at holding meetings in key states have been hampered by declined invitations, and relationships with important community groups have frayed since the war began. Following the meeting, a White House official said in a statement that President Biden and Vice President Harris know this is a deeply painful moment for many in the Muslim and Arab communities. Biden, the official said, made clear that he mourns the loss of every innocent life in this conflict and expressed commitment to continue working to secure an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to free the hostages and significantly increase humanitarian aid into Gaza. Ahmad traveled to Gaza as part of a delegation of doctors from the NGO MedGlobal, working in the city of Khan Younis as fighting raged around the Nasser Hospital. He discussed his experience there, citing massive numbers of displaced, injured and dying people, and he spoke out against an expected Israeli offensive in Rafah. I said it was disappointing Im the only Palestinian here, and out of respect for my community, Im going to leave, Ahmad said he told the president. Before he left, he handed Biden a letter from an eight-year-old orphaned girl, Hadeel, who is living in Rafah. I beg you, President Biden, stop them from entering Rafah, a translation of the letter shared with CNN says. US officials have warned Israel not to expand its military operations into Rafah without a comprehensive plan to protect civilian lives. Biden told him he understood that he needed to leave, Ahmad said. Ahmad said he felt it was important to attend the meeting, though he reiterated he did not feel it was appropriate to talk about death and famine over a dinner. Multiple invited guests declined the invitation. I wanted a chance to stand up and walk away from the people making decisions the way they are walking from my people, Ahmad said. Ahmad is planning to return to Gaza in the coming weeks. Theres this tremendous amount of survivors guilt that all Palestinians are feeling right now, he said. We are living this and breathing this our entire lives have been changed. Its hard to be here and live my life normally thinking about people who are over there suffering especially having two daughters. Ahmad said he also wanted to counter the assertion that Hamas is using hospitals, shelters and schools as bases and command centers. We had not seen anything of that nature, he said. Later Tuesday night, Ahmad again pleaded for the Biden administration to take a stronger stance on protections for aid workers and civilians in Gaza, telling CNNs Kaitlan Collins, It cannot just be rhetoric. It cant just be the president saying hes very sorry and demanding answers. Gaza is becoming unlivable. I mean, there is nothing left there. Theres no schools, and people are living in tents in a very cramped area. It just seems that the White House has not decided to take that leap and really put their foot down, he added on The Source. Attendee on meeting: It really felt like it was kind a PR move Dr. Nahreen Ahmed, an ICU physician in Philadelphia who also attended the meeting, told CNN that her colleague Ahmad made a heartfelt plea before he walked out of the meeting. This was not him as a doctor, this was him as a Palestinian American, having witnessed the atrocities that he saw firsthand. Thaer and I were both in Gaza together. We watched far too many people killed, coming in dead on arrival in the emergency room, said Ahmed, who is the medical director at the NGO MedGlobal. Thats a voice that doesnt get to vent their frustrations and talk about how much it affects them, because theyre not invited to the table. And so it was a really important moment to be able to exercise that right, she added. Following Ahmads departure, Ahmed said the five other attendees from the Muslim American community took turns speaking on different topics at the meeting, which lasted more than an hour and left some attendees frustrated. I felt like maybe this was not necessarily a meeting where anything actionable was meant to happen, or be promised, but that it was that it really felt like it was kind a PR move, to be able to say we met with the Muslim community, Ahmed said. A doctor described whats happening on the ground with aid distribution and overwhelmed hospitals. Another attendee discussed the need for maritime support. An imam called on Biden to reset his moral compass, according to Ahmed. And Ahmed detailed the dire situation with malnutrition and the violation of international humanitarian law and the effects of that on patients, on hospital systems. Following the listening session, Ahmed said that Biden initially responded with a focus on the terrors of October 7. He kind of went back to that and said, You know, I hear what everybodys saying, but like, think about the young people that were killed on October 7. And it kind of dismissed the over 30,000 people dead in Palestine, she said. Biden went on to discuss the complexity of eradicating Hamas and ongoing talks with leaders in the region working toward a ceasefire, Ahmed said. Ahmed told CNN she felt it was important to attend and humanize the suffering she has witnessed firsthand in Gaza, where she plans to return in the coming weeks. Ahmed said that became clear in a moment where Harris asked her what the people in Gaza are eating. I said, Well, mostly, theyre not eating anything. But, if youre asking about the animals feed, like, yes, people are eating animal feed. And she looked like she was hearing that for the first time as a confirmed thing, Ahmed said, adding that it confirmed to her that these conversations need to happen. Harris, however, has forcefully spoken out against what she has cast as a humanitarian catastrophe and a crisis and has highlighted reports of people eating animal feed in past public remarks. Last month, during remarks at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, Harris said, What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating. We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal feed, women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration. White House changed plans after pushback over starving Gazans The White House had shifted plans for Biden to host an iftar dinner Tuesday night to break the Ramadan fast with Muslim community leaders, instead deciding to hold a meeting with the group as the administration faces anger and concern from Arab, Palestinian and Muslim American communities amid the Israel-Hamas war. A White House official said earlier Tuesday that Biden would instead host a small dinner with senior Muslim administration officials, but outside attendees were expected only to go to the meeting after significant pushback from expected attendees, sources told CNN. There was a significant amount of pushback from attendees that it would be inappropriate to raise the humanitarian crisis in Gaza over dinner, a person familiar with the meeting told CNN. Theres a famine in Gaza, 23 children have died from starvation in Northern Gaza. I dont think anybody would be comfortable sharing those stories and images over dinner. Another source familiar with the plans said that there was little interest from participants in wanting to eat and celebrate and that it became clear it would be more fitting to hold a policy discussion. CNN had previously reported that several people who were invited to attend have declined, sources said, citing frustration with the administrations support of Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. And a third source told CNN, Basically the sentiment we heard over and over again was that anybody going to the iftar while Palestinians are being killed and starved should be ashamed of themselves. The moment is significantly scaled back from previous Ramadan observations during the Biden administration. Last year, the White House did not hold an iftar dinner the breaking of the daily fast after sundown but hosted nearly 350 people for a reception celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan. Continuing his tradition of honoring the Muslim community during Ramadan, President Biden will host a meeting with Muslim community leaders to discuss issues of importance to the community, a White House official said. The iftar following the meeting was described by the White House official as a small breaking of the fast, prayer, and iftar with a number of senior Muslim administration officials. This year, Ramadan comes as more than 32,000 people have been killed since Israel launched a ferocious campaign in Gaza against Hamas in the wake of the terror groups brutal attacks on October 7, according to the Gaza health ministry. Biden has called for an immediate ceasefire but has stopped short of saying it should be permanent or halting arms provisions to Israel. White House officials have held several meetings with prominent Arab American and Muslim leaders in various cities. Last month, senior White House officials met with Arab, Muslim and Palestinian American community leaders in Chicago. Tom Perez, the White House director of intergovernmental affairs, and Steve Benjamin, director of public engagement, participated in the meeting, among others. But some of the invited participants declined to attend due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Anger and concern about the administrations handling of the conflict is also presenting political problems for Biden, including in battleground states such as Michigan, home to more than 200,000 Muslim American voters. In the states Democratic primary in February, more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters chose uncommitted to send a message to the president. Biden has also been repeatedly interrupted by activists on the campaign trail. This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Jack Forrest contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Yellowstone star Mo Brings Plenty is trying to locate his nephew Cole Coco Brings Plenty, who he says has been missing since March 31. Cole Brings Plenty, who appeared in two episodes of the Western series prequel 1923, was last seen leaving the Lawrence, Kansas area driving a white Ford Explorer, according to a missing flier posted to Mo Brings Plentys Instagram page on Tuesday. The Lawrence Kansas Police Department wrote in a statement on Tuesday that the 27-year-old actor has been identified as the suspect in a domestic dispute and that police have probable cause for his arrest. Officers responded to reports of a female screaming for help, but the suspect fled before officers arrived, the statement read. He was last seen on traffic cameras leaving the city immediately after the incident on Sunday. This incident involves allegations of domestic violence, which limits the amount of information we can share to protect the victim, the statement read. Police noted in their statement that Cole Brings Plentys family has reported him as a missing person. Early on Wednesday, Cole Brings Plentys manager and publicist Michelle Shining Elk told CNN in a statement, Despite our persistent efforts, we have been unable to establish contact with Cole; his disappearance without informing anyone of his whereabouts is not characteristic of him and is deeply concerning. Regardless of the speculations, concrete evidence that Cole is on the run does not exist, and we urge everyone to refrain from making unfounded claims. We must allow the legal system to determine truth and justice assigning guilt because someone is missing is not helpful to either party or the due process to which each of us has a right, the statement added. As we intensify our search for Cole, we hope that law enforcement the Lawrence Police Department and surrounding agencies devotes the same effort and resources to locating a missing person as apprehending a suspect. Cole deserves no less. Cole Brings Plentys other acting credits include appearances in TV series like Into the Wild Frontier and The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger, according to his IMDB page. This story has been updated to include additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Giant panda Shuangshuang, residing in Japan, dies of heart disease Global Times) 10:19, April 03, 2024 The female giant panda Shuangshuang, residing at Japan's Kobe Oji Zoo, died on Sunday after suffering from severe heart disease for many years, according to China Wildlife Conservation Association's WeChat account on Monday. According to the statement, Shuangshuang's condition had continued to deteriorate and the animal had begun to refuse to eat since March, even rejecting water and experiencing convulsions and other symptoms. Chinese and Japanese experts continued to implement all necessary rescue measures, but the animal was unable to be saved. Shuangshuang was born in 1995, and arrived at Kobe Oji Zoo in Japan in 2000 for the purpose of jointly cooperative research between China and Japan on the international conservation of giant pandas, according to the release. Experts explained that a 29-year-old giant panda is equivalent to a nearly 100-year-old person. Shuangshuang was diagnosed with senile heart disease during a routine examination in 2021. The Chinese and Japanese sides quickly organized a team of specialists to provide joint diagnosis, treatment and careful care, and the condition of Shuangshuang was relieved to a certain extent at that time. According to the release, Chinese and Japanese sides also formulated a strict treatment plan. Both sides postponed the deadline for Shuangshuang's return to China on multiple occasions to prevent deterioration of her condition due to the long-distance transportation and the global pandemic, following the expiration of the giant panda cooperation agreement in 2020. Chinese and Japanese sides will appropriately handle the body of Shuangshuang in strict accordance with the provisions of the cooperation agreement. Shuangshuang will be returned to China at the right time after specialized treatment. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) On Monday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced she will be sending 110 National Guard troops, along with law enforcement personnel, to support Texas authorities' mandate to stop illegal migrants from crossing over into Texas from Mexico. Reynolds called the situation at the border 'nothing short of an invasion' and blamed the Biden administration, saying it had 'failed to protect the sovereignty of our border.' Days later, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent an additional 700 soldiers from the Texas National Guard to the Texas Tactical Border Force, which was recently created and deployed to El Paso. Illegal immigration has become one of the most contentious issues this year and has far-reaching ramifications for the upcoming election as federal and Texas authorities fight over jurisdiction. Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has said border security will be one of the key pillars of his second White House term, if elected. The soldiers sent from Iowa will be in Texas until May 3, while 10 personnel from the state's Department of Public Safety will remain in place until April 27. A second Iowa National Guard deployment of five personnel will also take place between April 1 and September 30. In a statement, the Iowa governor said: "President Biden and his Administration have failed to protect the sovereignty of our borders and the safety of the American people. What Texas faces is nothing short of an invasion with historic levels of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs entering our country. Now, every state is a border state, and with that comes a duty to protect the people of Iowa. "These deployments will help Texas on the frontlines of this crisis. I am grateful to all the members of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Iowa National Guard for volunteering for the deployment. It's a testament to their leadership and willingness to serve." On March 30, Abbott confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that 700 additional troops "surged to El Paso" after footage of migrants pushing past fencing and National Guard members in the state went viral on social media. YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement he was "outraged and heartbroken" by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed seven people working for World Central Kitchen (WCK). He also said Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers. According to Biden, this is not a stand-alone incident, and is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult. Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians.Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen.Israel hasalsonot done enough to protect civilians, Biden said. The U.S. president said that Israel's investigation of the incident "must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public." Biden said he will continue to press Israel to do more to get aid into Gaza. He said a U.S. team in Cairo is working to secure a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal. The strike on the WCK convoy on April 1 killed citizens of Australia, Britain and Poland as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that the strike was tragic and unintended, and the Israeli military pledged an independent inquiry. YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. The United States warned Iran on April 2 not to retaliate against it for an attack on Iran's embassy compound in Syria, telling the U.N. Security Council it had no prior warning of the strike that Tehran has blamed on Washington's ally Israel, Reuters reports. Iran said the strike on April 1 killed two of its generals and five military advisers. According to different newspapers, six Syrians were also killed as a result of the strike. "We will not hesitate to defend our personnel and repeat our prior warnings to Iran and its proxies not to take advantage of the situation - again, an attack in which we had no involvement or advanced knowledge - to resume their attacks on U.S. personnel," said deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood. Iran told the 15-member Security Council that it reserves the right "to take a decisive response" to the attack, accusing Israel of violating the founding U.N. Charter, international law, and the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, Reuters adds. "The United States is responsible for all crimes committed by the Israeli regime," said Iran's deputy U.N. Ambassador Zahra Ershadi, accusing the U.S. of trying to destabilize Syria and the region. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier on Tuesday condemned the attack in Damascus, calling on "all concerned to exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. The body of an experienced hiker who plummeted 1200 feet to his death down a volcano in Washington was discovered by a group of climbers ascending Mount St. Helens. Roscoe "Rocky" Shorey, 42, of Washougal, Washington, was found dead Saturday after a climbing group reached the summit and came upon his personal belongings, according to the Skamania County Sheriff's Office. "Near the personal belongings, a snow cornice near the rim fractured and fell into the crater of the mountain. The climbing group reported observing a motionless person within the crater of the volcano approximately 1200 feet below the summit," the sheriff's office said. A snow cornice is an overhang of snow that can break off suddenly and is often hazardous. The climbers called for help and Shorey's body was recovered by several rescuers. Authorities described Shorey as an "experienced mountain climber" who "had successfully summited Mount St. Helens 28 times prior to this accident." Shorey's friend, Bret Barnum, said the avid climber was "more my little brother than my friend," according to KGW-TV. "In 42 years, that guy lived a hundred years of life easily... I was fortunate enough to be able to hop in the car and take a ride with him. Every time we could go out, it was an adventure," said Barnum. "The testament to his life is that he just lived it," he said. "He lived in his way. He did not live dangerously. He lived it (life) with prediction, with passion, with intention. The community as a whole, the metro area, has lost a very, very caring individual who was not reckless, nor careless, and happened to fall upon some very bad luck that day." Its now official: Klaus Makela will become the next music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, beginning in 2027-2028. Hell conduct fourteen weeks of CSO concerts of which four will be on tour. Hell concurrently become music director of Amsterdams Concertgebouw Orchestra. Hell retain relationships with the Oslo Philharmonic and the Orchestre de Paris. Hell be thirty-one years old. Makela is a big catch, the hottest young conductor around. But the initial response has been predictably mixed. An influential music critic of my acquaintance calls the Makela appointment the most hairbrained development he has yet witnessed in American classical music. Norman Lebrecht, on his ever-popular slippedisc blog, writes that Chicago has entered into a raw deal. An email that arrived this morning from a leading European artists manager reads: [Chicagos] mediocre management is unable to produce any vision for the future, so they are entrusting the golden boy whos supposed to rescue the entire music industry. Makela perfectly serves a music institution without a purpose. Until the next sensation comes along. Many blame this new norm on Ronald Wilford, who at Columbia Artists Management created the jet-set conductor as a signature of career status. Thats become such a ubiquitous template that its worth a moment of reflection. Arthur Nikisch is widely regarded as the leading symphonic conductor of his generation, based in Germany. Earlier in his career, however, Nikisch was conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for four seasons (1889-1893). That meant that he led 388 of the orchestras 398 nonsummer concerts, including 196 on tour to 32 American cities. There were no airplanes. There were no guest conductors, The Chicago Symphony had two music directors during its first half-century: Theodore Thomas (1891-1905) and then Thomass assistant Frederick Stock (1905-1942). That they were both German-born conferred identity and a Germanic fundament remained long in place, governing repertoire and sonority. Thomas and Stock were Chicago fixtures. As I remarked in an earlier blog: Stocks commitment to the Midwest (which he toured extensively) was absolute, his popularity immense. Touting (from the stage) the I-will spirit of Chicago, he spurned prestigious offers to relocate northeast. He implemented concerts targeting ethnic neighborhoods with seats costing fifteen to fifty cents. He led his own childrens concerts. He inaugurated outdoor summer concerts at Grant Park. (And I could go on.) Theodore Thomass credo An orchestra show the culture of the community loudly re-echoes today when American orchestras are quite suddenly cognizant that they lack local roots. I have often extolled the South Dakota Symphony in this space because its Lakota Music Project, and kindred initiatives, define it as South Dakotas orchestra. Its music director, Delta David Gier, moved to Sioux Falls and raised a family there. Makelas appointment self-evidently has nothing to do with Thomass credo. Rather, it was largely driven by the enthusiasm of the Chicago Symphony musicians. And doubtless there is a feeling that a young conductor will entice young audiences. That Makela is an exceptional baton-wielder is unquestionable. I heard him conduct Tchaikovskys Pathetique Symphony with the New York Philharmonic in December 2022 and wrote: Makelas Tchaikovsky, while not profound, proved terrific. This fellow must have been born with a baton in his crib. His style of leadership is both commanding and spontaneous. His imprint is personal. I concede that his Pathetique is (alas) more about drama than about pain; but the drama its nuanced ferocity carried the day. He has the confidence and authority to listen and respond in the moment to the musicians, both individually and collectively; to the vicissitudes of musical argument and expression. His is a bewildering talent. But as I later added none of that speaks to Makelas capacity for institutional leadership. Its demonstrably risky to entrust musicians to choose their own music director. A notorious instance: the New York Philharmonic players wanted Loren Maazel and they got him, in 2002. But Maazel, a famously virtuosic conductor, projected no institutional vision. And he left no legacy. Assessing that Makela Pathetique in New York, I further wrote: If he were fifty years older . . . he would probably be capable of extracting a more tragic reading of the Pathetique Symphony. For me, the supreme recording of this work was made by Wilhelm Furtwangler and the Berlin Philharmonic in 1951, courtesy of Radio Cairo. . . . It has little in common with Makelas thrilling rendition the other day in New York. Conductors ripen no more rapidly than other human beings do. Another thing: conductors with a gift for grasping and leading the culture of the community are not likely to be young conductors; theyre people like Gier and the late Michael Morgan, in Oakland, with a certain amount of life experience behind them. It took Gier more than a decade of patient negotiation to clinch his orchestras charmed relationship to half a dozen Indian reservations. Chicagos decision to hire Klaus Makela will now inescapably be juxtaposed with Esa-Pekka Salonens resignation in San Francisco because Salonen is a bona fide music director. The Makela appointment, whatever else one makes of it, rejects fundamental change. It will come sooner or later. It has to. P.S. My More than Music NPR feature on music directorships, citing South Dakota, is here. The commentators include the New Yorkers Alex Ross, who says: Theres just a tremendous amount of caution, a tremendous amount of groupthink, in the orchestra world.. . . For a music director to carry off an ambitious project, you have to be there. You have to be on the scene, persuading people, interacting with them, listening to their ideas. Not just communicating your own. Building a sense of cooperation. You cannot do that as effectively if youre flying in for two or three weeks, and another couple of weeks in the winter, and another two weeks in the spring. I find it a bit outrageous that music directors are so highly paid to begin with for one job and then you find them holding a second or even a third position with exorbitant salaries in those places as well. This, of all things, is something the orchestra world should really be thinking about: drastically revising our idea of who a music director is, what their job entails. For more on Thomas, Stock, and Chicago, see my Classical Music in America: A History of Its Rise and Fall (2005). New Delhi: Urging the BJP karyakartas to break all previous records of polling in their respective constituencies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared tips with the party cadre on how to achieve the partys target of 370 seats and 400 paar for the BJP-led NDA. The PM claimed that the voters are saying, "Phir ek baar Modi sarkar" (Modi government once again). During his interaction with the BJPs booth convenors in Uttar Pradeshs 10 Lok Sabha constituencies through the NaMo App, Mr Modi stressed the importance of grassroots engagement. He also praised UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath for "mahila suraksha" in the state. The soul of victory in elections lies in the victory at the polling booths You will have to work with the resolve to break all previous records of the polling booths, said Mr Modi. The Prime Minister also recalled how some of the tasks, earlier considered impossible, were made possible by his government and listed the consecration of Ayodhyas Ram Mandir, the abrogation of Article 370, the free Covid vaccine and the law against triple talaq as achievements. Talking about the law against triple talaq, Mr Modi said not just Muslim women but even men from Muslim families thank him for saving their daughters and sisters. Jab niyat sahi ho nateeje sahi aate hain, remarked the Prime Minister. Asking the BJP workers to work hard on the ground and make sure to win the trust of people with their hard work to achieve the partys target of 370 seats and 400 plus seats for the NDA, Mr Modi advised them to reach out to first time voters, youth, women and even veteran karyakartas, who might not be active on the field due to their age, but their blessings and suggestions can help every booth register more votes than previously. Mr Modi asked the BJP karyakartas to conduct themselves with sensitivity and humility during the election campaign and also to take care of their health while campaigning during the summer heat. Asking karyakartas to intensify their efforts, the PM pointed out that because a BJP worker is in direct contact with voters, they are the face of the BJP. When you meet them (voters), they also see Modi in you. Whatever you tell them, they feel that it is Modi who is telling them. If you give a guarantee, then they trust that this is Modi only, so there is strength in this guarantee, the Prime Minister said. Mr Modi, during his interaction, said that the voters observe booth workers closely. "How you behave, how excited you are, how optimistic you are, how confident you are... all these things are important to the voters. It has been seen that if even a little bit of 'ahankar' (ego) is seen, then the voter goes away from us immediately. Therefore, the polling booth workers have to be alert in every way," he said, adding, You are not only taking the BJPs ideology and works with you but also taking its tradition and culture. While asking the workers to actively use social media to disseminate the partys message and the Modi governments achievements, Mr Modi said karyakartas also need to update voters in their respective booths on how the ghamandiya gathbandhan" (Opposition alliance) tried to damage the country and how the country suffered during their rule. Seeking feedback on grassroots initiatives, Mr Modi also urged the paty workers to apprise people about the government's welfare schemes. While interacting with a woman karyakarta, who mentioned how some of the key schemes of the Central government are being availed of by women voters and how they feel safe, the Prime Minister replied, Ever since the Yogi government has come to power in Uttar Pradesh, law and order has been its priority. Even women now know it. In another interaction with a woman worker from Hathras, Mr Modi said, Yogi ji ne ye kaam to bahut achcha kiya hai, when the worker said that the business community does not fear gundagardi" anymore. Mumbai: The Congress has filed a complaint against Union minister Nitin Gadkari and the BJP for the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct. It has been alleged that Mr. Gadkari has been using school children for his election campaign and sought immediate and decisive action against him. In a complaint to the Election Commission of India, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe has claimed that Mr. Gadkair, who is the BJP candidate from the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, used school children in his election rally held on Monday. The Congress spokesperson has also attached the photographs and videos of the event along with his complaint letter. Despite clear directives from the Election Commission regarding the prohibition of involving children in election-related activities, BJP and Mr. Gadkari have been using school children for their personal campaign. School children from NSVM Fulvari school were used by the BJP and its candidate mr. Gadkari for his campaign rally held between 12 noon and 1 pm on April 1 at Vaidhali Nagar. This blatant disregard for the land and ethical standards is deeply concerning and cannot be overlooked, Mr. Londhe said in his complaint. The EC had issued directives to all political parties in February telling them not to use children in political campaigns in any manner including the distribution of posters/pamphlets, for slogans, campaign rallies, election meetings, or any other election-related activity. The Congress leader contended that the use of children in political campaigns not only violates the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, but also goes against the court directives including a 2014 order by the Bombay High Court. It is evident from the attached video and photographs that the BJP is attempting to influence voters by exploiting children in their campaign. I have provided the necessary evidence (in the form of of photographs and videos), he said. Mr. Gadkari is seeking a third term in the Lok Sabha from the Nagpur seat. He defeated seven-term Lok Sabha member and Congress leader Vilas Muttemwar in the 2014 elections by a margin of nearly 2.85 lakh votes. In 2019, his victory margin against Congresss Nana Patole was 2.15 lakh votes. This time, he has set a target to win the election by over five lakh votes. His election campaign is focused on road shows and door-to-door visits. The sixth century BC Chinese philosopher-soldier Sun Tzu had written in his Art of War, arguably the earliest known work on that subject: Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril. While there is no gun play in trade and commerce, it can and often does lead to a trade war, as seen in 21st century sanctions battles, which can instantly turn a trading partner into a trading foe. Hence, international trade and commerce potentially could turn as good or as bad as war, where balance sheets matter most. Recurring adverse balance sheets can very easily turn toxic, leading to wars of economics, geography and politics. Its because business is fundamentally about profits and losses. A trader who is a monetary or financial loser is out of business. In international trade, therefore, no major business deal can take place between individual traders or industrialists without policy intervention by nation states, and the endurance of their mutual cordial politico-diplomatic relations. When India, therefore, signed a $100 billion free trade agreement with four European nations -- Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland -- on March 10, it was undoubtedly a landmark deal. These nations are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), but not members of the 27-nation European Union (EU). Hence, when such a monumental step is taken to open each others doors for trade and commerce, its natural for businessmen, and citizens to learn how their lives and livelihoods might be affected, for better or worse, through such an open door business policy. Will the FTA between these four nations lead to any benefits for our populace of 1.4 billion? The officials of the contracting parties must have done detailed studies before any such agreement was signed. Nevertheless, ordinary citizens of India should also know more as not all details of complex multinational pacts are easily comprehensible to people at large. Let us, therefore, examine what open-source materials are available to learn the salient features of Indias four new European partners. Landlocked Liechtenstein (161 sq km), Switzerland (41,285 sq km), the island nation of Iceland (103,022 sq km) and the Baltic nation of Norway (323,779 sq km) together constitute a 468,247 square km geography, (in contrast with Indias 32.88 lakh sq km). The four-nation demography of 14.078 million can be contrasted with Indias 1.4 billion -- the lowest population being that of Liechtensteins 34,000. However, what may be deficient in one sector is more than compensated by the four European nations quality of economic prosperity being way ahead of India. India though trumps with the sheer weight of its demography, which makes it a force to reckon with despite the huge internal wealth, income and distribution distortion and disparity. No doubt Indias GDP of over $3 trillion, compared to the four nations combined $2 trillion, is higher and better, but what is important is that both Switzerland and Norway stood eighth and tenth in the list of the top 50 nations with highest GDP per person, at $81,994 and $75,420 respectively (2019 figures). In highest purchasing power per person as well, while Switzerland and Norway were ranked ninth and 11th, India didnt even figure in top 70, despite New Delhi being number three (after China and the United States) in the category of biggest economies by purchasing power, again owing to sheer size of its 1.4 billion people. India must also remember that its new EFTA trade partners have a few distinct features. Except Iceland, the other three -- Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein -- have traditionally maintained huge trade surpluses, unlike Indias chronic adverse balance of payments figures. It should also be noted that, Switzerland apart, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway have been prominent Western consumers of Chinese-made goods for over the past two decades. All four countries, now Indias trade partners, are deeply intertwined with both Nato and the EU, with close links in economics, commerce, banking, defence and politico-diplomatic relations. If the FTA with India is to succeed in letter and in spirit, care must be taken to ensure that third country-origin goods dont derail the high-end import and export of specific items. It is because there are clear signs of high-pitched trade tensions all around through sanctions and various dos and donts in place, as the two raging wars in Europe and the Middle East have made things more complex than ever before. New Delhis new FTA is thus the result of a divided Europe as several nations on that continent are keen for an FTA with India mainly because of this nations huge consumer market. Understandably, among New Delhis EFTA partners, Switzerland stands as the star attraction for reasons known to all. Widely considered as the mecca of niche fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), the Swiss presence in the India-EFTA agreement is bound to please the Delhi elite. High-end watches, chocolates, biscuits and assorted luxury goods will be able to enter India at low tariffs, which will progressively end with no tariffs. It is learnt that tariffs on cut and polished diamonds too will be reduced from 5 per cent to 2.5 per cent in five years after the implementation of the EFTA agreement. Today, though the four-nation deal is Indias first FTA with Europe, its only a part -- a much bigger deal with the 27-nation EU is still awaited. Talks have been going on with Britain for an FTA for several years now, but some issues still need to be sorted out and any agreement is on hold till the Indian general election and perhaps the UK election due by early next year. One of New Delhis conditions for the present FTA has been $100 billion investment in India by the EFTA nations. It will be interesting to see how things work out in future because, so far, the trend is tepid. Except for Switzerlands $10 billion, the other three have had extremely limited investments in India -- Norway $721.52 million, Liechtenstein $105.22 million and Iceland $29.26 million. It may thus be a real challenge for the four nations to fulfil Indias stipulated primary FTA condition. On balance, the India-EFTA deal appears interesting, but its course will certainly require deft navigation to avoid any one-way adverse balance sheet for India. As mentioned earlier, both London and Brussels are waiting in the wings for their turn. One, therefore, hopes the recent FTA results in a win-win for all and doesnt end up in an astronomical trade imbalance the way India was taken for a ride in the $100 billion deficit in bilateral commerce with the Chinese dragon. by Melani Manel Perera Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, secretary general of the Bodu Bala Sena, an organisation opposed to other religions in Sri Lanka, received two fines of 50,000 rupees each for defamatory comments about the Muslim community. Colombo (AsiaNews) The Colombo High Court has rejected the request for bail filed by Buddhist monk Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, sentenced to four years in prison on 28 March for defamatory comments against Islam made in late 2016. Gnanasara Thero was convicted of causing damage to national and religious harmony, which is why Judge Aditya Patabendige also imposed two fines of 50,000 rupees (US$ 165) each. The court ruled that in case of non-payment, the prison sentence will be extended by another two years. The cleric is secretary general of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), a right-wing extremist organisation opposed to religions other than Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Kuragala is an archaeological site and a place of worship with a thousand-year history. It has prehistoric rock inscriptions and the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple complex, but also Arabic inscriptions that suggest an ancient Muslim use of the shrine. A mosque was built last century, but since 2013 the BBS and other extremist groups have been calling for its demolition, arguing that it stands on an exclusively Buddhist archaeological site. Gnanasara Thero also made repeated references to Islamic invasion and aggression and accused Christians of "forced conversions". In February of this year, during court proceedings, he apologised to the Muslim community for his statements. The case against him was filed following complaints by former MPs Mujibur Rahman and Azath Salley. by Vladimir Rozansky The number of Tajiks involved in the Moscow massacre is increasing, with arrests and verifications also by the Dushanbe authorities. Despite the clampdown on mosques, recruitment is taking place via social networks, among the most marginalised sections of the population. And the hostility that is forcing many migrants to return home could have repercussions on the country ruled by Rakhmon for thirty years. Dushanbe (AsiaNews) - The number of Tajiks associated with the Krokus City Hall attack on March 22 is continually increasing, with arrests and checks also by the Dushanbe authorities, who have proposed to their colleagues in Moscow to conduct joint investigations. Various commentators spoke on Radio Ozodi on the reasons why the citizens of Tajikistan give in so easily to the lure of ISIS terrorists, including the Russian-Tajik political scientist Khursand Khurramov, who recalled the many tragic events of recent times before that of Moscow, Istanbul, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, where several names of Tajik citizens were highlighted. Another expert in the sector, the Tajik orientalist Parviz Mullodzanov, believes that the radicalization of young Tajiks is essentially due to "socio-economic factors", with the most marginalized citizens approaching extremist organizations through internet access. In his opinion, "in the last ten years the jihadists have started to use new strategies, based on the use of social networks, while previously they mainly tried to take control of the mosques". The Tajik authorities have imposed strict control on places of worship, so they have focused on the masses of digital users. The problem is that every year at least 150 thousand Tajiks are excluded from the labor market, and most of them try to get by with labor migration. A similar situation is created in other countries in Central Asia and North Africa, such as Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Egypt, but Tajikistan is one of the countries with the highest rate of population increase (+ 2.4% per year). The main destination for migrants remains Russia, which thus becomes the main field of action for ISIS recruiters. In an interview with Asia-Plus, the deputy director of the Dushanbe Islamic Research Institute, Rustam Azizi, actually believes that the propaganda concerns both migrants and residents, especially among young people under 30 looking for work . The main characteristics of these people are "the identity crisis, which we try to resolve with the increase in religiosity, criminal tendencies and the marginalization of people with very low levels of education", for which religiosity often remains an assumed factor with little self-awareness. Temur Umarov, from the Carnegie center in Berlin, also believes that "poverty and the increasingly glaring social inequality, in the digital age and total transparency, greatly exacerbate the feeling of injustice". This is especially true in regimes like the Tajik one of Emomali Rakhmon, whose family owns practically the entire country, and is not ashamed to show off its power and wealth everywhere. Approaching the transition phase after thirty years of dictatorship, Rakhmon "has swept away every vestige of civil society, also cleansing the regional administrations of members deemed to be less than loyal, given that there can be no question of any type of opposition", observes Umarov. Mukhiddin Kabiri, the leader of the National Alliance of Tajikistan party, banned for years at all levels, reiterates that "in recent years such conditions of political and social life have been imposed in the country as to push the youth into the embrace of ISIS and any other terrorist organization." It is no coincidence that those arrested for the Moscow attack are between 19 and 30 years old, "all born and raised under the Rakhmon regime, where even the imams are appointed by the state committee for religious affairs". Tajik authorities usually justify further repression based on the international community's reactions to the most sensational crimes, but experts doubt that this time the Krokus massacre could play into Rakhmon's hands. The strong wave of hostility against the Tajiks in Russia is in fact forcing many compatriots to return to their homeland, which could cause new crises on a social-economic and even political level. by Fady Noun Led by Mohammed Sammak and Faycal Sinno, the delegation visited the Holy See for the first time. The meeting with Card. Parolin and the greeting to Pope Francis. The aim is to develop a cooperation agreement at the level of Christian and Muslim educational institutions. A meeting with Fr. Youssef Nasr, secretary of the Lebanese Catholic schools, is planned for the end of Ramadan. Beirut (AsiaNews) - In a discreet manner, without much media hype, a delegation of the Islamic Makassed paid a visit to the Vatican on 28 March, received at length by the Secretary of State, Card. Pietro Parolin, and to greet Pope Francis as he passed by at the end of the audience.The delegation included Mohammad Sammak, a columnist and author of some twenty books, secretary general of the National Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue and a leading figure of moderate Islam in Lebanon and the Arab world. Also with him was the president of the NGO Faycal Sinno and their respective wives. The visit was the Islamic Makassed's first to the Vatican since its inception back in 1876. Founded in the 19th century, the Islamic Makassed Association is the oldest and most prestigious representing the Sunni community in Lebanon. Close to Dar e-Fatwa, the official reference body for the Sunni community, it provides assistance and services in three areas in particular: education, social services and healthcare. It has 24 schools spread across the Cedar Country, a university, mosques, hospitals and clinics, a scout group and several cultural institutions. With a total of around 10,000 employees, it operates with its own funds, although it receives aid and financial support from Saudi Arabia for some of its services in particular. This is the case, for example, of the dialysis department of the Makassed Hospital in Beirut. On the other hand, the institution claims to have 'lost all its properties in the city centre', entrusted in the past to the real estate company Solidere. Islamic-Christian collaboration The purpose of the visit to the Vatican was to develop cooperation between the network of schools linked to the Makassed - within which there are just under 6,000 students - and that of the Secretariat of Catholic Schools in Lebanon. The latter provide education to about a third of the total number of students in the entire country, amounting to 200,000 young people. The programme includes exchanges of students, teachers and schooling programmes. "We want to give a strong impetus to our cooperation agreement, which is now in its first year," says the Makassed president. "Hatred and mistrust," he adds, "must not be in our dictionary. "The Makassed delegation," Faycal Sinno points out to AsiaNews, "was received for 50 minutes by Card. Parolin. Enthusiastic about the project, the Vatican Secretary of State called Fr. Youssef Nasr, president of the General Secretariat of Catholic Schools, to encourage him in this direction, believing that it could contribute to strengthening coexistence and the culture of dialogue'. The parties then agreed to hold a coordination meeting after the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and prayer. The educator and administrator still remembers "the happy days" when students "did not think about different community affiliations" in their relationship with their peers. "With Card. Parolin we spoke freely about everything," adds the president of Makassed, who admits he was "surprised" by the in-depth knowledge of the Lebanese reality demonstrated by his interlocutor. At our insistence, Sinno then revealed that the Vatican Secretary of State said he was 'saddened' by the stalemate in the presidential elections. And for what he described as the "obstinacy, even selfishness" shown by the various leaders in the field, without neglecting the geopolitical stakes. On the other hand, the Makassed president praised his interlocutor's "exceptional qualities of faith and kindness" and the general atmosphere in the Vatican. On the front line against extremism It should be mentioned here that the Islamic Makassed are not limited to the educational, hospital and social spheres. Indeed, since 2015, the date of the 'Beirut Declaration on Religious Freedoms' whose themes are taken up in the Abu Dhabi Declaration on Human Brotherhood (2019), the institution has been at the forefront of the doctrinal battle against Islamic extremism. Celebrated in Christian political circles as the 'Saydet el-Jabal meeting', the 'Beirut Declaration' was adopted at the end of a conference that featured speakers Hicham Nachabe, rector of Makassed University, Mohammad Sammak and Radwan Sayyed, researcher and thinker. "The enemy is now on the ground. The extremist wave has reached us,' warns Sammak. "We used to think that our open and liberal society, with its multicultural composition, was safe from this phenomenon. Today,' warns the Muslim leader, 'we are surprised and shocked by its virulence, especially among young people, even if this trend remains a minority'. The "Beirut Declaration" specifies and defines certain aspects of Islamic doctrine on issues such as: the recognition of freedom of belief and teaching; respect for freedom of conscience; respect and dignity of the human being as an individual; the right to be different; respect for pluralism; the right to political and social participation; the construction of a civil state; respect for human rights charters; commitment to a united and democratic Lebanon, etc. "The declaration is pleasing," notes Sammak, "because it includes fundamental concepts such as respect for freedom of conscience. 'It is a notion,' he adds, 'at the heart of Christian culture and theology. Christians are not used to hearing us talk about freedom of conscience. We tend to talk about religious freedom, but freedom of conscience goes beyond that'. We must fight extremism, the Muslim leader concludes, 'from within Islam itself. We cannot just say: this is not Islam. We must convince Muslims with arguments from the Muslim faith, from the Koran'. by Sumon Corraya Win Rozario had called 911 to seek medical aid during an episode of mental breakdown. According to the family, the officers fired six gunshots at the boy. The father had emigrated from Gazipur district 10 years ago: 'I demand justice'. Dismay and protest from the local community. Dhaka - New York (AsiaNews) - Bangladeshi migrants living in the United States have expressed concern and shock over the tragic killing of Win Rozario, a young Catholic, at the hands of the police. Two days ago, the local community protested, expressing their dismay at what happened. Gabriel Tapas Gome, former president of the Expatriate Bengali Christian Association, told the media: We came to the United States seeking a safe life, but Win Rozario's death has left us deeply saddened. According to relatives and members of the diaspora, Win Rozario, a 19-year-old Catholic, had called 911 on March 27 to receive medical assistance during an episode of mental crisis. Within minutes, New York police arrived at the residence in Ozone Park, Queens, attempting to take the boy into custody. Rozario resisted, according to sources, by becoming agitated and brandishing scissors, and the police responded by firing six shots at the young man. Win Rozario, was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting, which occurred around 1:45 p.m Francis Rozario, the victim's father, who emigrated from Gazipur, Bangladesh, ten years ago, said in tears: "My son was mentally ill. The police killed him illegally. I ask for justice for his death." According to his father, Win dreamed of joining the US Army but his plans were hampered by delays in obtaining a green card for citizenship, which was approved only last year. Nazmul Huda, consul general of Bangladesh in New York, visited the Rozario family to offer condolences and assure that an investigation has been launched. He promised that all appropriate action will be taken if the investigation reveals any wrongdoing by the police. The entire episode was captured on officers' body-worn cameras, the local police chief said, but the footage has not been released. The New York Police Department has confiscated the weapons of the officers involved, pending the outcome of the investigation. According to Police Chief John Chell, Rozario's mother intervened during the crisis, dropping the Tasers that officers had used against the 19-year-old to calm him. Rozario is the third person to be fatally shot by the New York police in the last two months and his district, the 102nd, is not yet covered by the pilot program implemented by the local government, under which health workers with expertise in mental health intervene alongside the agents to respond to some requests for assistance. Meanwhile, Nirmol Rozario, president of the Dhaka-based Bangladesh Christian Association, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and called for justice for Win Rozario. Over 2,000 Christians from Bangladesh live in the United States, and most do not have American citizenship. Police in Georgia have identified the suspect accused of ramming an SUV into a gate outside the FBI's Atlanta field office on Monday. Dekalb County Police said Ervin Lee Bolling was arrested on a preliminary charge of interference with government property. The FBI on Monday said the agency was looking into both state and federal charges to be determined following an investigation, TMX reported. The crash occurred shortly after noon when the SUV followed an authorized vehicle through the front gate, Fox News reported. A pop-up barricade was activated, stopping the vehicle and crumpling its hood, according to video of the scene. "He ... tried getting into the gate, but our security precautions prevented him from getting in," FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis told reporters. The driver reportedly got out and headed for the FBI building. "Several of our special agents who were passing by apprehended the man after he exited his vehicle," the FBI said in a statement. The suspect was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for a mental evaluation and treatment of any injuries. "Agents and bomb techs checked the car as a precaution as a part of our standard operating procedure," the FBI said. The motive for the incident remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. -- with reporting by TMX Today's news: Phone call between Biden and Xi Jinping; Most Japanese feel insecure economically; In Thailand, the Move Forward party is getting closer to disbanding; Chinese military exercises on the border with Myanmar; New winds of war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. TAIWAN The island of Taiwan was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the most powerful shock recorded in the last 25 years. So far the authorities have reported the deaths of four people. In the area of the city of Hualien, where the epicenter was recorded, several landslides occurred. In some neighboring countries, a tsunami warning was issued, then withdrawn. CHINA USA US President Joe Biden spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping for nearly two hours yesterday on a range of topics including ownership of TikTok, tensions in the South China Sea and American sanctions against China. It was the first time since July 2022 that the two leaders spoke by telephone. In a week, Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington. JAPAN According to a government survey, 63.2% of Japanese feel economically insecure and have a negative outlook on the future. This is the worst result recorded since 2008, with an increase in 2023 of 0.7% compared to the previous year. In a separate survey, 46.1% of workers from dual-income families reported having financial difficulties. THAILAND Thailand's Constitutional Court said it had accepted the petition calling for the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which won elections last year but was sidelined by the conservative establishment. The Electoral Commission had the request under the lese majeste law, used to silence the opposition. MYANMAR CHINA Over the past two days, the Chinese army has conducted military exercises along the border with Burma's Kachin State. Military spokesman Tian Junli explained that rapid maneuver tests were conducted to safeguard national sovereignty, border stability, people's lives and property. On Monday, the Chinese special envoy for Myanmar, Deng Xijun, met the head of the coup junta Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw to discuss the "peace process" and the fraud operations still present along the border. ARMENIA AZERBAIJAN New accusations of armed attacks are being bounced back at each other by the military structures of Armenia and Azerbaijan, for a shooting that allegedly took place on the evening of April 1st in the border towns of Geydarabad and Bicenek, in the territory of the Azerbaijani enclave of Nakhicevan between Armenia and Iran, while the Armenians speak of an attack on the nearby villages of Kut and Tekh. RUSSIA AFGHANISTAN The Russian Foreign Ministry, together with the Ministry of Justice and other interested institutions, is preparing the review of the declaration of "terrorist organization" for the Taliban of Afghanistan, which dates back to 2003 and is now being considered to eliminate it in view of the Forum Russia and the Islamic World in Kazan in May, in which representatives of Kabul will participate. Makram Khashman, 58, approached a confidential informant with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to organize a professional hit in exchange for money. While the informant declined the offer, he told Khashman he "knew someone who may be able to help with his request, according to Local 10 News. Unbeknownst to him, the someone he was referred to was an undercover federal agent. Khashman assumed he would eventually pay the undercover agent a down payment of $2,500 to kill a business rival. U.S. Marshals arrested Khashman on a federal murder-for-hire charge on Tuesday. He made his initial appearance in a Fort Lauderdale federal court before he was transported to the Broward County Jail. Prosecutors allege Khashman arranged for a meeting with the agent on Feb. 29 in the area of 120 S. Pine Island Road in Plantation. According to court documents, the accused got into the agent's vehicle and cut straight to the chase. The undercover agent, who wore a wire, told Khashman that he had heard he "had a problem," and Khashman replied that "it was a big problem." "(He) explained that he was in the streets with his family, that (the victim) had taken over a million dollars and a business worth three million dollars from (him)," an ATF agent wrote in the complaint. Khashman told the perceived hitman to do "whatever had to be done." When asked to elaborate on his request, Khashman said he "wanted something easy, like an injection." Court documents claim the agent told Khashman that "once he was committed there was no going back," to which he replied, "No problem." The agent then said he would "bring guys down from New York and would need a few days to put eyes on the victim before completing the job," quoting him a price range of $5,000 and $10,000 for the killing. "The UCA (undercover agent) agreed and informed KHASHMAN that he would need a photograph, name, address, daily routine, and any additional information related to Victim-1," the ATF agent wrote in the complaint. When the undercover agent asked Khashman directly if he wanted the rival dead, he affirmed and said "I don't give a f-," the complaint said. "KHASHMAN affirmed and emphasized that Victim-1 had a lot of money on Saturdays because the employees were paid in cash, but the UCA could keep the money." The pair met once more at the same location on March 19 where Khashman gave the agent the victim's name and background information to help facilitate the job. "KHASHMAN told the UCA that Victim-1 would have a large amount of cash on Saturday to pay employees and would be traveling from his residence directly to the business," the complaint states. Khashman was arrested one week after the exchange of information. It was also revealed in court documents that Khashman and a group of relatives are involved in an open case in Palm Beach County civil court. Allegedly, Khashman and the co-defendants were involved in a company at one point and even served as a "mentor" and uncle to one of the plaintiffs. He claims he and the family members were given a 50% stake in the company, according to a counterclaim. Khashman's nephew "essentially ousted" him from the company, the filing read. Authorities don't specify in the federal criminal court documents whether Khashman was trying to have his nephew killed. His hearing is scheduled for April 5. The man, Sargis Galstian, and his wife were among a few dozen Karabakh Armenians who did not flee to Armenia following last Septembers Azerbaijani military offensive that triggered the mass exodus of Karabakhs population. Galstian is a veteran of the 1991-1994 war with Azerbaijan who held various Karabakh leadership positions in the following decades. His decision to stay in Stepanakert fueled speculation that he is collaborating with Azerbaijani authorities. Galstian did not publicly explain it. It is also not clear why he ultimately decided to leave Karabakh together with his wife. Sources told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Wednesday that the couple entered Armenia through the Lachin corridor last Friday. According to Armenias Investigative Committee, Galstian was remanded in custody and charged with espionage the following day. In the interests of the investigation, additional information cannot be released at this point, said Gor Abrahamian, the committee spokesman. Galstian and his wife were escorted to the Armenian border by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Zara Amatuni, an ICRC spokeswoman in Yerevan, said it acted in accordance with the will and desire of those persons. In total, we have helped more than 50 people voluntarily move to Armenia [from Karabakh] since October, Amatuni told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Galstians nephew Davit is a prominent Karabakh politician who is now exiled in Yerevan along with other Karabakh Armenian leaders. Davit Galstian insisted on Wednesday that he lost contact with his uncle in September and did not know that the latter decided to move to Armenia. According to the U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, the two men discussed the importance of advancing the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Secretary underscored that there is no justification for increased tension on the [Armenian-Azerbaijani] border and cautioned that aggressive actions and rhetoric from any side would undermine prospects for peace, Miller said in a statement. Citing Aliyevs office, Azerbaijani news agencies reported that Blinken sought to dispel Azerbaijani concerns about the trilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian slated for Friday. They said he assured Aliyev that the talks are not directed against Azerbaijan and will focus on Armenias domestic agenda. Blinken and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with Pashinian in Brussels amid Armenias deepening rift with Russia, its longtime ally. Moscow has also expressed serious concern about the talks. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry last week accused the West of siding with Yerevan in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and encouraging it to take destabilizing actions. Aliyev was reported to say during Wednesdays call that according to his information, Blinken and von der Leyen are planning to discuss with Pashinian Western military assistance to Armenia. The accusations made in the West that Azerbaijan intends to attack Armenia are completely groundless, Aliyev was quoted as saying. He singled out false claims made by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne after talks with Blinken held in Paris on Tuesday. We spoke about the territorial integrity of Armenia which is today called into question by Azerbaijan, Sejourne told a joint news conference with Blinken. He accused Baku of spreading fake news about Yerevan ratcheting up tensions along the border. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claimed on Sunday and Monday that Armenia is massing troops and military hardware along the long border in possible preparation for military provocations there. The Armenian military dismissed the claim. An EU monitoring mission deployed on the Armenian side of the frontier likewise denied any Armenian military buildup there. Some Armenian officials said that Baku itself could launch offensive military operations to try to scuttle the unprecedented Brussels talks. 3 April 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan has become an energy giant of the 20th century among the countries in the South Caucasus. Looking at the cooperation between Azerbaijan and European countries in the field of oil and gas from the end of the 20th century until now, it was quite transparent and possible to see the future prospects, which are coming true now. In our age of technology, the value of time has started to be considered from a number of aspects. Rapid response to global challenges and changes and transition to a diversified economy by exploring new energy resources in a short period of time. Although oil and gas are considered the main backbone of Azerbaijan's economy, Azerbaijan, which can react flexibly to the demands of the time, was able to take a number of important steps in the mentioned direction. The addition of green energy to the country's economy as an alternative can be considered one of the latest achievements. Today, the transition to "green energy" is one of the main directions of the energy policy of the state of Azerbaijan. One of the main goals of reforms in the energy sector is to gradually increase the share of energy obtained from "green energy" sources in the country's energy balance. Thus, Azerbaijan actively cooperates with international organizations, various countries and investors in this field. The 500MW renewable energy joint project of giant energy companies such as ACWA Power of Saudi Arabia and Masdar of Abu Dhabi with Azerbaijan's SOCAR was one of the most successful steps of the last year. ACWA Power entered the Azerbaijan market in 2019, with the intention of supporting the Central Asian nation in meeting its ambitious renewables integration, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, and decarbonisation targets. ACWA Power is currently developing a 240MW wind power plant in Azerbaijan, at an investment value of US$286 million. Meanwhile, four implementation agreements for mega giga projects including a 1GW onshore, a 1.5GW offshore wind farm and a battery energy storage project were signed earlier this year with the Azeri Ministry of Energy, while a cooperation agreement with State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) will enable collaboration and exploration in the fields of renewable energy and green hydrogen. Moreover, Masdar has been active in Azerbaijan since 2020 and developed the 230MW Garadagh solar plant, which become operational in October this year. The UAEs clean energy pioneer has also signed agreements to develop onshore wind and solar projects and integrated offshore wind and green hydrogen projects with a total combined capacity of 4GW in the country. Masdar and Azerbaijan have agreed on an option to expand the total capacity for renewable projects to 10GW across multiple technologies. On the other hand, Azerbaijan's cooperation with Europe in the field of energy can be emphasized. Two days ago, President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with Romania's Energy Minister Sebastian-Ioan Burduja in Baku was dedicated to the discussion on energy and the expansion of cooperation in many fields. The President of Azerbaijan underlined that bilateral relations are in the stage of active development and stressed the importance of reciprocal visits between heads of state and at other levels to enhance bilateral ties. Touching upon the importance of the 8th meeting of the Joint Commission on economic-trade relations and scientific-technical cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Romania in Baku in terms of defining the prospects for bilateral bonds, President Ilham Aliyev hailed the inclusion of energy and other pertinent issues in the meeting's agenda. During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the major projects underway in Azerbaijans energy sector, particularly in green energy, and emphasized the significance of the 10th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting and the 2nd Green Energy Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting held in Baku last month. Further to the discussions between the President of Azerbaijan and the Romanian Energy Minister, both sides underscored significant advancements in the energy sector and shared opinions on natural gas exports from Azerbaijan and the export of green energy to Romania via the Black Sea. They acknowledged ongoing discussions surrounding LNG, green energy and gas supply projects, with Azerbaijan aiming for a structured entry into the Romanian energy market. Economic and trade relations between the two countries were highlighted at the meeting, with an emphasis placed on a 30 percent year-on-year increase in trade turnover, amounting to 670 million US dollars. Cooperation concerning investments was also noted. They touched upon SOCAR's active presence in Romania and its substantial role in the country's fuel market. Thus, the transition to green energy in Azerbaijan has become the main segment of both domestic and foreign policy of Azerbaijan. In addition to all this, relevant normative legal acts are adopted in the country and institutional measures are implemented for the development of the "Green energy" industry. In general, the transition to green energy plays an important role in solving global environmental problems for Azerbaijan. This is of great importance in ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem and the balance between human needs and nature's capabilities. It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan, which has taken important steps in this field, is also preparing to host COP29. Holding such a global event in Azerbaijan is also a clear example of the country's joint support for steps taken to prevent climate change and global warming. Because green energy production occupies a special place in ensuring energy security for Azerbaijan. Also, the strengthening of production encourages the development of new technologies and innovations. The Republic of Azerbaijan has a favorable green energy potential from a geographical point of view, and a purposeful state policy is carried out in order to use it efficiently. Undoubtedly, Azerbaijan is ready to make even more efforts to successfully fulfill its commitment by 2040. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief; follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 14:11 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Having lost its hopes in Russia after its humiliating defeat in the Second Garabagh War, the government of Yerevan completely severed its ties with Moscow and began to incline itself towards the European Union and NATO. During this process, the biggest supporter of Armenia in Europe was France. The interesting thing is that official Paris, which once used its time in the OSCE Mink Group to its advantage, no longer hides its biased policy after Azerbaijan's glorious victory over Armenia. Undoubtedly, France cannot swallow the loss of its power in Africa and the Middle East, the end of colonial traditions, and aggressively welcomes the struggle of peoples for their freedom and liberation of their lands. It is no secret that France has historically committed massacres on the oppressed peoples of the African continent for centuries and reached the level of the current "civilised" country by exploiting human labour. Now France has started targeting Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus to fill the gaps in its failed colonialization policy. In particular, the conclusion of the Garabagh conflict and the opening of the Zangazur Corridor are the main topics of concern for the French government. Because the opening of this Corridor is a project that will strengthen the economic and political ties of the Turkic World, as well as the return of the historical lands of Azerbaijan, and will also be useful for the countries in and around the South Caucasus. Undoubtedly, the unity of the Turkish states is an abstraction that is not welcomed and even feared in the West. Europe's prejudices against the Turkic nations so far prove that such a crusading mentality has further developed in the 21st century. Besides, France, adhering to tradition, is trying to prevent the Zangazur Corridor project from becoming a reality by conducting military exercises in Armenia and spreading terrorist thinking in the South Caucasus. Paris carries out propaganda against Azerbaijan in the political arena. The allegations made by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne regarding Azerbaijan, demonstrate the intention to target Azerbaijan using all the possibilities, disrupt the peace process in the South Caucasus, and turn the region into a new source of conflict. President Emanuel Macron intends to rise to the European leadership with his statements about the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Garabagh issue. But his incompetent position in politics not only makes himself ridiculous but also causes serious problems for France. Because official Moscow and Berlin are carefully following the steps of Paris and taking notes to raise issues in the future for any consequences. So far, Germany's response to France has been to veto all of Macron's proposals to the European Union. It is interesting that there are not a few countries that share the same interests as France and support Armenia. Iranian officials also implement the same policy as Macron regarding the Zangazur Corridor and try to suppress Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus under the guise of a religious brother. The main evidence of this is the suggestion made by Iranian MP Jalal Rashidi Kuchi regarding the shooting of the Israeli embassy in Baku. The targeting of Azerbaijan-Israel relations by the Iranian authorities in various forms is no different from the propaganda carried out by France in the United States. It should not be forgotten that for 30 years, Armenia committed countless crimes on the lands of Azerbaijan and vandalised historical and cultural monuments. During this period, neither France, the guardian of culture and humanism, nor Iran, which is considered the "symbol" of Islam in the region, had a single voice. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 23:00 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more Against the backdrop of Iran's tensions with the USA and Israel, Iran's provocations against Azerbaijan have been spotlighted in the headlines. So, according to official Tehran's claims, after the bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus by Israel, the Iranian Parliament said it was time to respond to official Tel Aviv. But how and where? Yesterday, the radical member of the Iranian parliament, Jalal Rashidi Kuchi's statement about this was not received unambiguously. Regarding the targeting of the Israeli embassy, he indicated Azerbaijan as the location of revenge. One of the most interesting things is that, although it is claimed that the shooting of the building next to it, not the consulate, was carried out by the United States, Iran still blames Israel and also intentionally implicates Azerbaijan. If Iran's problem is only the US or Israel, then why isn't Iran targeting the US embassy in Yerevan? It means that the official Tehran, which every time puts forward groundless excuses, is trying to say something to Baku, but its incompetence in the field of diplomacy does not allow it. Israeli journalist and political commentator Rachel Avraham told AZERNEWS that the Tehran regime could not hide its jealousy of Azerbaijan-Israel relations. According to her, what is interesting for Iran is not to take revenge for the incident in Damascus but to use it as an excuse and send a 'message to Israel and Azerbaijan. The Iranians want to target not just Israel but also Azerbaijan, which they consider to be a strong ally of Israel. For this reason, they are interested in going after the Israeli Embassy in Baku. They wouldn't attack Armenia; literally, the embassy in Yerevan, even if they are against the USA, it goes without saying, she said. As regards the reason why Iran is targeting Israel and not the United States, Rachel said that the US is a tough enemy for Tehran; they are after a bit of a soft one. I think that they consider the Israeli Embassy a softer target than the US Embassy. They would rather go after the US allies than the USA directly for that reason, the journalist added. Rachel Avraham said that Iran is trying to show its hatred for Azerbaijan, along with Israel and the United States. She added that Iran has always wished death to its opponents, and most importantly, it cannot withstand the fact that Azerbaijan is a secular state. They always despise a secular country like Azerbaijan, where a female journalist interviewed the Iranian ambassador without wearing a hijab. And despite the fact that most Azerbaijani women wear hijab in Azerbaijan, it is not by force or under the dictates of a regime like Iran. Even though some of the women are Shia Muslims, they still have a modern lifestyle and promote secularism, not religious fundamentalism. This greatly disturbs them, and that is why they have a special hatred for Azerbaijan. And they hate the fact that Azerbaijan is the closest ally of Israel. This is one of the main reasons that disturbs them and forces them to resort to provocations and terrorism, she added. Regarding the response of the Israeli government to Iran, the journalist said that no official response has been given yet. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief; follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 21:19 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The provocations carried out by the Armenian side on the border with Azerbaijan, the baseless claims made by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne against Azerbaijan in Paris, as well as the biased policy implemented by the West regarding the Garabagh issue already predict the decisions that the parties will make at the Brussels meeting on April 5. In particular, the fact that Azerbaijan was not invited to this meeting and the statements of the Armenian officials relying on France's support form an opinion that the results of the tripartite meeting will not be peaceful at all. For this reason, Azerbaijan insists that the April 5 meeting be postponed. But the West insists on advancing its own agenda in this matter. The scenario envisages the complete transfer of Armenia to the disposal of the West. For 30 years, Armenia has been Russia's springboard in the region, and now it makes a shift in its mission inclining towards the West, led by France. All these processes are taking place in Iran's view and silence. Iran does not seem to see the US and EU military base being established on its borders. The geopolitical games taking place in the South Caucasus region seem to be part of the scenario of World War III and the redistribution of the world. The previous status quo satisfied everyone except Azerbaijan and Turkiye. This was a scenario calculated for the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and the creation of a second Armenian state in the South Caucasus. Despite all efforts, President Ilham Aliyev broke the rules of this game. He created a new reality and status quo in the region. It goes without saying that the fans of the West and Armenia do not want to put up with this. Like the Ukrainian front, efforts are being made to create a second front and new dividing lines in the South Caucasus. Of course, Georgia should clarify its position here. The Georgian authorities follow a pro-Western line. In fact, Georgia should be together with Azerbaijan in the region. Russia will never come to terms with the processes taking place in Armenia. Also, time is running out for him. Russia, which has been in a waiting position in Ukraine for a long time, eventually lost Ukraine and had to fall into the current situation. And finally, all these events once again provide an opportunity to deeply analyze the preliminary results of the upcoming Brussels meeting. Turkish expert Gungor Yavuzaslan said in his comment to Azernews that the Brussels meeting planned for April 5 prioritizes the personal interests of the West more than Armenia. According to him, this meeting also expresses the West's promise to support Armenia in establishing a new status quo. "The meeting to be held in Brussels, especially under the leadership of France, is a manifestation of the support given to Armenia by the West. While the Ukrainian war continues, we see Europe trying to implement a new policy through France in the South Caucasus. Pashinyan does not stand by the agreement he signed after the 44-day war, but tries to cooperate with France to create a new status quo in the Caucasus," he said. The expert pointed that regional states will not be indifferent to this. The rapprochement of Armenia with the West will contribute to the cooperation between Moscow and Ankara. "This situation will accelerate the rapprochement between Ankara and Moscow. Also, Russia, which continues the war in Ukraine, will not accept the intervention of NATO and France in the South Caucasus, which it sees as its backyard. Official Moscow can take strict steps in this regard. "Freezing Armenia's participation in the CSTO and withdrawing from the organization may cause Azerbaijan to take military steps to open the Zangazur Corridor." The political analyst noted that certain forces are trying to create a new source of conflict through the Caucasus. The expert reminded that no provocative step taken against Azerbaijan and Turkey will go unanswered. "There is an attempt to create a new conflict and tension in the international world. This happens through the Caucasus. However, we must not forget that if pressure is carried out against Azerbaijan today, the Turkish Armed Forces will take security measures together with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces." Gungor emphasized that the main reason for the West's interest in the South Caucasus is the war in Ukraine. He said that the USA and the EU are using Armenia to suppress Russia in the region. "Recently, there is a growing crisis in Europe under the huge slogan "We can send troops to Ukraine". We must not forget that if Western troops enter Ukraine, the war will spread to the whole of Europe. For this reason, the United States, together with France, wants to push NATO into the South Caucasus. This is a plan to be implemented by Armenia. However, among the powers that will stop this project are Ankara and Baku," the expert added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 12:31 (UTC+04:00) The Russian airline IrAero has started flights on Chelyabinsk-Baku-Chelyabinsk route, Azernews reports. The flights will be performed on Wednesdays of every week. The plane will take off from Chelyabinsk at 18:00 and arrive in Baku at 20:00. Flights will be carried out by Superjet 100 aircraft. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 17:33 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The importance of the Middle Corridor increases day by day, and the countries on the corridor are implementing projects to eliminate bottlenecks and shortcomings throughout its length. Deputy Kazakh Transport Minister Satan Ablaliyev told Azerbaijani media that Kazakhstan implements several projects in this regard. He said that Kazakhstan is taking various measures to eliminate the shortcomings in terms of expanding the transmission capacity of this route as well as increasing its capacity. According to him, Kazakhstan Railways JSC has already started implementing a number of projects on the construction of secondary roads to increase freight transportation. He also spoke about the construction of a new road bypassing Almaty and a single window developed by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia for transportation through the corridor. For shedding light on the issue, the correspondent of Azernews addressed questions to expert on transport Rauf Aghamirzayev. The expert noted that, in general, the Middle Corridor has been on the agenda in recent years, and the reason for this is that a number of infrastructure projects have been implemented so far. He emphasised that projects are ongoing and additional work is needed for large volumes, and one of them is the project implemented in Kazakhstan. Currently, we know that there are two border crossings between Kazakhstan and China called Dostlug and Horgos for the railway. The third border crossing point is being built in the direction of Alamaty. Kazakhstan is generally a country with great transit potential. It is one of the important countries on the East-West Corridor. Other projects are being implemented in Kazakhstan. The construction of a bypass railway without entering the city of Almaty is one of these projects. The delivery of goods by means of this railway will take place one day earlier. However, another point is the transition to alternating current. Half of the way in Kazakhstan along the East-West corridor has been ensured with alternating current. But it would be better to switch to alternating current up to the port of Aktau, which will lead to 20 percent cheaper transportation of goods along the corridor, Aghamirzayev said. He added that another issue is speeding up work in the direction of increasing the transmission capacity of the ports and preparing a new road map in line with the growth. In the present case, the figures for different years were announced. He pointed out that by 2030, it is planned to increase the cargo transfer from presently 2.7 million tons to 10 million tons. In the case of container transportation, projects were announced that envisage the possibility of accepting 400 TEU containers. The Pundit noted that at the same time, in order to connect east and west in Kazakhstan, there is a need to build a highway connecting the city of Beyneu with the city of Shalkar, along with railways. In this case, vehicles coming from the Caspian should travel an extra distance to the north of the Caspian to go to the centre and east of Kazakhstan, which creates additional costs. Another issue is that the number of ships in the Caspian Sea should be increased. In connection with the Caspian basin retreat, dredging work should be carried out. Dredging works are planned at Aktau Port until 2025. Azerbaijan will also work in this direction. Our shipyard has received orders for the construction of these types of ships. Besides, there is a need to complete the projects implemented in Azerbaijan so far. Azerbaijan State Railways has also announced that the section from Ujar to Baku will complete the transition to alternating current by 2028. One of the other infrastructure bottlenecks is the transmission capacity of the stations on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. The station on the Azerbaijani side consists of 14 tracks, while the Gardabani station consists of 7 tracks. It means receiving twice less cargo from Azerbaijan and transferring twice less cargo from Georgia. Another problem is that these stations are located in residential areas. Therefore, their expansion creates additional problems. I think that both countries should take appropriate measures. Because if the importance of the corridor increases, the overdue stoppage of the freight train at the border may cause problems in the future due to a lack of infrastructure. There is a need to modernise the railway network and rolling stock in general on the territory of Georgia. Certain work is being done in this area. Kazakhstan's contribution in this field is greater. Because Kazakhstan itself already produces diesel locomotives and also manufactures AC locomotives. Azerbaijan purchased several products Kazakhstan and Georgia can do it as well. If Georgia, like Azerbaijan, switches to alternating current in the section up to the Black Sea ports, the transmission capacity of the corridor will increase, and congestion will disappear. Switching to the alternating current in Georgia will enable to reduce prices by 20 percent in transporting goods, Aghamirzayev noted. As for the road infrastructure, he emphasised that it can currently accept certain loads. But for the increased freight needs, some projects need to be implemented, and these projects have already been announced. One of them is the construction of the second phase of the Alat Port; and Anaklia Port in Georgia, whose groundbreaking ceremony was announced, will take place this year. Pundit noted that all these are elements that increase the transmission capacity of the corridor. Currently, regular block trains run from Germany to Turkiye via Romania. Taking into account that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be put into operation after major repairs, diverting these block trains from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan is also on the agenda. Besides, a joint Middle Corridor Multimodal Road Company was established between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. The purpose of creating this company is to remove bureaucratic obstacles in the corridor. As bureaucratic obstacles are reduced, faster transit of cargo will be ensured. I think that the work in this direction will continue, and as cargo growth increases in the coming years, we will ensure more efficient transportation through some corrective work. The main issue is having a road that can carry this load. A faster transition will be ensured by the availability of reception facilities in line with the increased cargo demand and the elimination of bureaucratic obstacles, the economist added. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Doctors from across the world, who are treating wounded children inside the besieged Gaza Strip, claim that Palestinian children are being targeted by Israeli snipers- with one medical professional describing their actions as a "dark stain on our shared humanity." Canadian Doctor Fozia Alvi told the Guardian that she recently entered a hospital room and saw two little children with severe facial wounds and breathing tubes. "I asked the nurse, what's the history? She said that they were brought in a couple of hours ago. They had sniper shots to the brain. They were seven or eight years old," she told the outlet. "They were not able to talk, paraplegic. They were literally lying down as vegetables on those beds. They were not the only ones. I saw even small children with direct snipershot wounds to the head as well as in the chest. They were not combatants, they were small children." Alvi's experience is not unique - medical professionals across Gaza say that they've treated patients with sniper wounds who were obviously not combatants - people who were too young or too old or were waving white cloths at Israeli soldiers. New York Doctor Vanita Gupta said that one day parents brought in several small children who had been outside, in an area with no ongoing fighting. "One child, I could see there was a shot to the head. They were doing CPR on this five- or six-year-old girl who obviously died," Gupta told the Guardian. And while several children had been brought in following this incident - there were no adults with related injuries. The Israeli Defense Forces "completely rejects" allegations of civilians being targeted by snipers, adding that it "follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm." However, some human rights advocates claim that IDF troops targeted Palestinian children long before the war on Gaza began. "In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers routinely shoot children in the head, chest or abdomen, all areas from which a child will quickly bleed out if they aren't killed instantly," Miranda Cleland of Defense for Children International Palestine told the Guardian. "Many of these children are shot by Israeli forces from great distances, sometimes upwards of 500 feet, which is something only a trained military sniper would be capable of." An ex-Israeli sniper, who spoke to the Guardian anonymously, said that the IDF gives its soldiers a large amount of leeway in any area declared a combat zone. "The problem is the regulations that enable soldiers who just want to shoot Palestinians. In my experience, most soldiers who pull a trigger only want to kill those who should be killed but there are those who regard all the Arabs as the enemy and find any reason to shoot or no reason at all," he said. "Even if they are outside the regulations, the system will protect them. The army will cover up. The other soldiers in the unit will not object or they will celebrate another dead Arab. There's no accountability so even the loosest regulations have no real meaning." Within three weeks of the October 7 Hamas attacks, more children were killed in Gaza than there had been in every other conflict combined since 2019. In the ensuing six months, upwards of 13,000 children were killed - constituting more than of all Palestinian war deaths. 3 April 2024 16:16 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov received the Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by the Minister in his X account. The Minister noted that the sides discussed the priority directions of bilateral business partnership and enhancing the relation in key areas such as trade, investments, taxation, and information technologies. During the meeting with Katsuya Watanabe, the Japanese Ambassador to Azerbaijan, our discussions primarily centered on the priority directions of bilateral #business partnership. We also explored avenues for enhancing relations in key areas such as #trade, #investments, taxation, pic.twitter.com/wOAjUfkC27 Mikayil Jabbarov (@MikayilJabbarov) April 2, 2024 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 17:14 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The delegation led by Yalchin Rafiyev, the chief negotiator of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), met with Leena Nandan, the secretary of the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by COP29 on its official "X" account. The parties discussed COP29 within the framework of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Today, members of Azerbaijans @COP29_AZ team headed by Chief Negotiator H.E. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev @YalchinRafiyev met with H.E. Mrs. Leena Nandan, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change @moefcc and her team where the sides discussed a range issues pic.twitter.com/8KqFgBQck2 COP29 AZ (@COP29_AZ) April 3, 2024 Note that COP29 will be held in Azerbaijan in 2024. The decision was made at the plenary session of COP28 on December 11. Azerbaijan successfully participated in the COP28 held in Abu Dhabi last year. Besides, Azerbaijan confirmed its commitment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 35 percent by 2030 and increase this target by 40 percent by 2050. Fulfilling the commitments under the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 and actively working in this regard are priority issues for the government of Azerbaijan. The Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been held annually since 1995. The event aims to assess the progress made in combating climate change around the world. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 14:37 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Azerbaijan National Art Museum has opened an exhibition themed "Belarus through the eyes of artists". The event was co-organised by the Culture Ministries of Azerbaijan and Belarus, the National Art Museums of Azerbaijan and Belarus, and the Belarusian Artists Union Public Union within the Belarusian Cultural Days, Azernews reports. A total of 35 art pieces by Belarusian artists Anton Vyrvo, Anna Kononova, Gleb Otchik, Anna Sadovskaya, and Vladimir Urodnich were showcased as part of the exhibition. Many public and cultural figures attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition. In their remarks, Belarusian Culture Minister Anatoly Markevich, director of the National Art Museum Farhad Khalilov, Shirin Malikova, chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, People's Artist Farhad Khalilov, and director of the Belarus National Art Museum Anna Kononova hailed the high level of relations between the two countries. They underlined that the exhibition of Belarusian artists in Baku will open new horizons for future successful cooperation. After the official part, the event participants were briefed about the main theme of the exhibition. In 2024, Belarus celebrates the 80th anniversary of liberation from the Nazi invaders. By creating picturesque landscapes as a tribute to the memory of the defenders during those historical events, Belarusian artists Anton Vyrvo, Anna Kononova, Gleb Otchik, Anna Sadovskaya, and Vladimir Urodnich offer to comprehend the beauty and value of a peaceful creative life. The art pieces convey a special, unique aura of Belarusian nature, urban and rural landscapes. Each of the artists offers their own interpretations of the picturesque landscape through the prism of patriotic themes. The beauty of nature on the canvases is depicted with sincere love for the native land. Founded in 1937, the National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decorative-applied arts of Western Europe. Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of brush. The museum has successfully organised and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists. These exhibitions have not only attracted art enthusiasts but have also contributed to the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and other countries. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 15:20 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The National Art Museum invites you to enjoy a historical lecture titled "Stamped Coins of Azerbaijan" on April 3. During the lecture, renowned collector and numismatist Rustam Huseynov will provide insight into the history of stamped coins that were minted in Azerbaijan in different periods of time, Azernews reports. Visitors to the event can look forward to learning about the significance of the stamped coins, notable examples from different periods, and the reason behind the practice of stamping coins. The lecture will be conducted in Russian, offering a unique chance for enthusiasts to enjoy the fascinating world of Azerbaijani numismatics. Founded in 1937, the National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decoratively applied arts of Western Europe. Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of brush. The museum has successfully organised and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists. These exhibitions have not only attracted art enthusiasts but have also contributed to the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and other countries. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 11:40 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The international community should not remain silent on the mine terrorism of Armenia, Azernews reports, citing Sabina Aliyeva, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan, regarding the mine explosions in Tartar and Aghdam. The mines buried by Armenia in the territory of Azerbaijan during the thirty-year occupation continue to pose a threat to people. As a result of the next mine attack, four civilians were injured. In total, 350 people have been injured by landmines since the Second Garabagh War. "The international community should not remain silent on mine terrorism, it should put serious pressure on Armenia to submit accurate mine maps to Azerbaijan," the ombudsman noted. It should be recalled that since the 1990s, the Armenian military units, which have occupied more than 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territories, have laid landmines in Azerbaijan's territories for 30 years. As a result, since the Patriotic War of 2020, a large number of military and civilian people have been injured and lost their lives in the territories of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. Although the occupation of Armenia has ended, the mines hidden in those areas still pose a serious threat to people's lives. Although appeals were made to the Armenian side regarding the submission of mine maps, it had no effect. The maps presented by Armenia do not coincide with the real locations of the mines. Recall that on April 2, the district prosecutor's office received information about the injury of one person in the area of Saricali village, which was freed from occupation, in Agdam region. As a result of the incident, Aliyev Khayyam Gambar oglu, born in 1987, an employee of Azerbaijan's National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), who was conducting demining operations in the area, was injured, and the equipment used was damaged. Further to the report of ANAMA and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Polad Ismayilov, born in 1969, Arzuman Tagizade, born in 1992, and Elmir Bagirov, born in 2006, were injured as a result of a mine explosion yesterday, while grazing animals in the uncleared area beyond the former contact line. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 09:32 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Mohamed Abdelsalam, Azernews reports. During the meeting, the discussions revolved around the cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders, the preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the global threats against the Islamic religion, as well as the religious solidarity. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov pointed out that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to promoting unity and solidarity in the Islamic world, underscoring the significance of developing mutual support and cooperation within international organizations, on bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. Highlighting the projects implemented by Azerbaijan with respect to promoting intercultural dialogue, as well as fighting against such dangerous trends as Islamophobia, the Azerbaijani top diplomat said that the anti-Islamic policy pursued in some Western countries raise serious concerns. Secretary-General Mohamed Abdelsalam commended Azerbaijans contribution to the cooperation with Islamic world, the countrys position in the post-conflict period, as well as its peace initiatives. He emphasized the significance of religious leaders presenting joint initiatives concerning climate change, building on the experiences of the previous year, within the framework of COP29. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Speaker of Azerbaijans Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova has met with the delegation from St. Petersburg, Russia headed city governor Alexander Beglov. The sides underlined that the relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are based on good neighborliness and mutual understanding, and these relations cover many areas. They particularly highlighted the significance of the personal rapport between the heads of state in driving forward bilateral cooperation. The sides also noted that the Milli Majlis maintains close cooperation with both the Federation Council and the State Duma, with mutual visits and positive dialogues contributing to the ongoing development of these relations. Governor Alexander Beglov reminisced about his previous visit to Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the intergovernmental commission on economic and humanitarian cooperation between Azerbaijan and the city of St. Petersburg. The governor spoke warmly of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, adding that today President Ilham Aliyev continues the political course founded by the great leader of Azerbaijani people with great success. He reminded that the 100th anniversary of the birth of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev was celebrated last year in St. Petersburg. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 10:34 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more A total of 16 pieces of weapons were found and seized in the city of Khankandi, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). On April 2, 14 automatic weapons, one machine gun, one rifle, 47 cartridge combs, 900 cartridges of various calibers and other ammunition were found and taken from the scene in Khankandi city as a result of actions carried out by Azerbaijani police officers. Recall that arms and munitions have been found in undisclosed locations, including the basements of schools, nurseries, and assorted structures, in the liberated regions of Azerbaijan's Garabagh. Once more, the presence of weaponry linked to Armenian separatists has been affirmed, indicating illicit efforts by Armenians to engage in terrorist activities and provocations within Azerbaijani territories. It is worth noting that on September 19, 2023, the Azerbaijani Army conducted swift anti-terrorist operations resulting in the disarmament of Armenian separatists in Garabagh. Subsequently, leaders of separatist factions were apprehended and brought to Baku, where they were lawfully detained. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 13:17 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources reported that Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Mukhtar Babayev, the Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, convened for a meeting, Azernews informs. They discussed plans regarding the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), set to be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. Note that COP29 will be held in Baku this November. The hosting of the COP normally rotates among the five regional groups of the UN. Each regional group must decide by consensus to nominate a country from among its members to host this conference. It was the Eastern European regional group's turn to host COP29 in 2024. Our country, which is included in the mentioned group, submitted its candidacy for holding the conference in Azerbaijan. Along with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Bulgaria also submitted their candidacies. In a joint statement issued as a result of direct negotiations between the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia on December 7, Armenia withdrew its candidacy in favour of Azerbaijan. After that, Bulgaria also withdrew its candidacy. Thus, on December 9, the Eastern European regional group identified Azerbaijan as the country that will host the COP in 2024. It should be noted that Azerbaijan has joined the fight against global climate change by being a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Our country aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases by 35 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. After 2030, a more ambitious target has been set, which consists of reducing the amount of greenhouse gases by 40 percent by 2050. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has declared the freed lands of our country a "Green Energy" zone. It is planned to turn these areas into "net zero emission" zones by 2050. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 15:38 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Another round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Montenegro was held on Tuesday in the city of Podgorica, Azernews reports. The Azerbaijani delegation, led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fariz Rzayev, and the Montenegrin delegation, led by Milisav Raspopovic, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed the current state of and prospects for bilateral cooperation with respect to political, economic, and humanitarian spheres, as well as strategic energy and transport projects implemented by Azerbaijan. The sides also exchanged views on collaboration within international organizations. In this regard, the Montenegrin minister was informed about the preparations for the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan this year. Deputy Minister Fariz Rzayev briefed the Montenegrin side on the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period, including Azerbaijans efforts undertaken towards the establishment of sustainable peace in the region, addressing the mine problem in liberated territories, as well as ongoing large-scale restoration and reconstruction projects. During the political consultations, the parties discussed international and regional issues, as well as other matters of mutual interest. As part of the trip, the Azerbaijani deputy minister also held meetings with other Montenegrin officials. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The billionaire backing former President Donald Trump's $175 million bond payment has revealed the steps it took to get a deal done, revealing that Trump posted all the cash as collateral, and that the bond in New York was organized quickly. "It's what we do. I'm happy to do it. We would have done it for anybody else," Chairman and majority holder of Knight Specialty Insurance, Don Hankey told CNN in a phone interview. "It was an easy transaction. It was put together very quickly." Knight Specialty Insurance, based in California, is known for providing high-risk auto loans to car buyers with lower credit scores. Hankey has previously supported Trump's presidential campaigns and stated he reached out to the Trump Organization last month when the former president was facing a bond total of $464 million. According to Forbes, Hankey's fortune is valued at $7.4 billion. "We had a conversation about putting together a bond of that size," Hankey told CNN. A New York appeals court eventually brought the amount of the bond down to $175 million. That's when the Trump team contacted Knight Specialty, Hankey continued. Initially, Trump was to post a series of investment-grade bonds and cash as collateral (80% bonds and 20% cash). Despite Knight Speciality receiving the bonds and approving them, Hankey revealed they were not posted in the end. While Hankey has not heard directly from the former president, he revealed that Eric Trump did reach out Tuesday morning to thank him for the business. This is not the first Hankey and Trump find themselves in business with one another. In 2022, California lender, Axos Bank loaned Trump $100 to refinance the mortgage on Trump Tower. Although Hankey is a prominent shareholder in Axos, he said he was not aware of the Trump Tower loan at the time. 3 April 2024 15:30 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, currently leading the delegation of representatives at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, headed by Mevlut Chavushoghlu, will be on a visit to Azerbaijan from April 3rd to April 5th, Azernews reports, citing the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan. Within the framework of the visit, the delegation will hold a series of meetings in Baku at the National Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other institutions. During the meetings, in addition to deepening the relations between the two brotherly countries, discussions will be held on the situation in the South Caucasus, achieving peace between Yerevan and Baku, joint activities in international organisations, and other issues. The delegation will also visit the Martyrs' Alley and the Turkish Martyrdom on April 4th. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 17:41 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The meeting of the Pardon Issues Commission is being held in the presence of the President of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. During the meeting, the appeals submitted to the commission were reviewed. It should be noted that, so far, 69 pardon decrees and 12 amnesty acts have been signed. President Ilham Aliyev last signed the decree on May 8th of last year, "On Pardoning a Number of Convicted Persons on the Occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani People, Heydar Aliyev." According to the decree, a total of 801 convicts have been pardoned. Among them, 463 persons have been released from deprivation of liberty sentences, 220 persons have been released from the unexpired portion of deprivation of liberty sentences, and 118 individuals have been released from other penalties not related to deprivation of liberty (such as restricted liberty, correctional work, fine penalties, and conditional sentences). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 20:20 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The Department of Psychology of Khazar University is gearing up to host the highly anticipated "8th International Psychology Conference of Azerbaijan." Scheduled for two days on April 26-27, this prestigious event is poised to attract a diverse audience, including students, professionals, and enthusiasts from various sectors, Azernews reports. Renowned for its academic excellence and practical significance, the conference serves as a platform for attendees to delve into the latest developments and insights in psychology. Esteemed professors and practitioners from around the globe, including distinguished speakers like Prof. Adrian Furnham, Prof. Michele Moore, and Prof. Cem Ali Gizir, will present their expertise on a range of topics. Welcoming participants from the mental health field, human resources, management, finance, and beyond, the conference promises invaluable networking opportunities and the chance to enhance theoretical and practical skills through workshops and discussions. Established in 1991 by Dr. Hamlet Isakhanli, Khazar University has a rich history of academic excellence and research contributions. The Department of Psychology, founded in 2010, continues this tradition by offering comprehensive education in psychology theory and practice. In addition to presentations and lectures, the conference invites submissions of scientific theses, providing researchers with a platform to showcase their findings and contribute to the advancement of the field. Topics covered include biological psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and more. Khazar University extends a warm invitation to all interested individuals to participate in this enriching academic event. For further information and registration details, please visit Khazar University's official website. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 21:33 (UTC+04:00) Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume trilateral talks, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "We believe that it is high time we reinstated the regular work of the Russia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral mechanisms," she said at a news conference. "We urge our partners to show political will, to resume communication that proved its effectiveness in the formats which helped, with Russia's assistance, start the search for effective solutions to the most difficult issues, including border delimitation, unblocking of transportation and logistics routes in the region, and the development of a peace treaty." According to the diplomat, all territorial disputes and claims between Baku and Yerevan should be settled exclusively by political and diplomatic methods within the bilateral commission on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. "We are ready on our part to do all we can to help this along," she said. "Unlike the European Union and the US, which are engaged in wringing concessions from one side and making threats against the other, we have always advocated for a comprehensive, compromise-based settlement of existing differences in the interests of establishing lasting peace and prosperity across the modern-day Caucasus," Zakharova said. "Our proposal remains on the negotiating table." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 11:10 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more In January-February this year, the Marketing and Economic Operations Department of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) exported non-oil products worth $62,3 million, Azernews reports. This is $2,1 million or 3,5 % more than in January 2023. In January, Azerbaijan's exports amounted to $4,8 billion, and in the non-oil sector $455 million. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 14:19 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The interest of Western countries is to deprive Armenia of its sovereignty. Maria Zakharova, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, said this in her statement on Russia's "Zvezda" TV channel. "This is exactly what the Western curators want from Armenia - the loss of its sovereignty, nothing else. They have conducted such experiments with many states that are currently developing their economic capabilities, so to speak. There are many promises. For example, the European Union and Washington invest in Serbia, provide economic support, etc.; they made promises. However, none of the promises have been fulfilled," she said. M. Zakharova noted that Western countries do not provide any assistance to Armenia in the normalisation of relations with Azerbaijan. She added that what they want is to capture the country's political strata and manipulate them for their own purposes. "They want to achieve full influence over the country and the political elite. But those who are trying to undermine the situation in the South Caucasus and try to use Armenia as a tool want to achieve geopolitical influence," the official of Russia's Foreign Ministry added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 19:45 (UTC+04:00) The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) distributed food packages to the Muslim community in the Central American country of El Salvador as part of its "Ramadan Program," Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. Food support was provided to 200 families in the capital San Salvador, and a total of a ton of basic food items, including rice, oil, and flour, were delivered for iftar meals of students of a primary school affiliated with the El Salvador Islamic Union, according to a statement by TIKA. The distributions were carried out with the participation of Turkiye's Ambassador to San Salvador Gul Buyukersen and Emerson Bukele, the brother of El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele. Bukele expressed his gratitude to TIKA and Turkiye in his speech, conveying his satisfaction on behalf of the Muslim community in El Salvador. Throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, TIKA will also provide food support to 200 families in Mexico and distribute Ramadan packages comprising stationery materials to 100 children through its Mexico office. Food aid will also be provided in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Panama, and an iftar program will be organized for the Muslim minority and households in need in the Cuban capital Havana. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 April 2024 21:53 (UTC+04:00) The U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken was forced to drive from Paris to Brussels because of a plane malfunction, local media reported Wednesday. After arriving in France in a Boeing 737 aircraft, which has been modified for U.S. officials' use, Blinken met French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to discuss their support for Ukraine and the need to increase aid to Gaza. The aircraft in question later suffered a technical problem, but the cause is not yet known, according to local media. Recall that similar incident had happened once before when the Secretary of State had to attend the World Economic Forum. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz As dangerous weather moves across the Midwest, the National Weather Service radar system was hit with a network outage early Thursday, losing the capability to issue tornado and severe thunderstorm alerts. The disruption lasted for more than four hours, according to Weather Service officials. During the outages, severe weather compelled roughly 50 tornado and thunderstorm warnings across states, including Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, reported Daryl Herzmann, who runs the Iowa Environmental Mesonet and maintains a cache of data on Weather Service watches and warnings across the country. This is not the first incident where network failure brought about chaos. More isolated outages occur as often as once a month, Herzmann said. "There are little outages all the time," Herzmann continued. "Typically, they don't have this large of a blast radius, let's say. This was a big one." Operations were operating normally as of 6:30 a.m., announced Weather Service spokeswoman Susan Buchanan after the agency shifted network services from a data center in College Park, Md., to one in Boulder, Colo. The agency is working with an information technology vendor "to identify the root cause of the outage," Buchanan said in an email. Jacob Dickey, a meteorologist with WCIA in Illinois, said on X early Tuesday that he was receiving hand-drawn maps of tornado warning areas from the Weather Service's St. Louis office, as it was unable to send out the warnings electronically. "Clear data issues are happening with NWS right now," he wrote. Additionally, commenting,"Sheesh." Buchanan also notes watches and warnings were being issued as normal Tuesday morning as more stroms and potential tornadoes moved across the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. Ken Graham, the Weather Service's director since June 2022, has said addressing crumbling data infrastructure is a top priority. This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is Theresa Opeka A Wake County grand jury handed up an indictment Tuesday against North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood for allegedly using a state vehicle for private purposes.The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducted an eight-month investigation into Wood's use of state-owned vehicles before and after the Dec. 8 accident when she hit a parked car owned by Chris Valverde of Pinehurst, near the intersection of Salisbury and Hargett Streets in downtown Raleigh.SBI found that Wood allegedly traveled back and forth to regularly scheduled hair and dental appointments out of town and to shopping centers and spa locations wherebetween January 2021 and December 2022.Wood faces a Class 2 misdemeanor charge of the private use of a publicly owned vehicle.A court date is scheduled for Dec. 4.According to a press release from Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman's office, the investigation is ongoing.Carolina Journal contacted Wood's office by phone for comment but did not receive a response before publication.Wood, a Democrat who has been known as the state'sfor her department's audits of financial misconduct, had the spotlight thrown on her for the December 2022 incident.She faced much controversy after she left the scene of the accident and was charged on Dec. 12 with a misdemeanor for hit-and-run, leaving the scene, property damage, and an infraction for unsafe movement.Wood was at a Christmas party that night. Video obtained by WRAL shows Wood being led into the law office of Rufus Edmisten, a former N.C. secretary of state and Watergate lawyer, while her car remains in the intersection on top of Valverde's car.In March, Wood pleaded guilty to the hit-and-run charge. WNCN - CBS 17 reported that Wood appeared with her attorney, Roger Smith Jr, in court. The infraction citation was dropped. The report said that Wood told the judge that she was not impaired the night of the crash but that she had two glasses of wine at a previous Christmas party. She paid $11,000 in restitution and a $300 court fine.Last Wednesday, Wood announced at the end of a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing that she is not seeking re-election for a fifth term in 2024.she announced during the hearing on the NC Department of Commerce Employment Security Division payment of unemployment insurance payments. During a Capitol Hill hearing on Tuesday, Robert Hur got into a contentious back-and-forth with Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) over how his special counsel report on President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents while out of office dealt with the thorny issue of the commander-in-chief's foggy memory.Schiff charged that Hur must have known he was injecting hisinto the report - which described Biden as awhom a jury likely would not convict- that political rivals could seize upon in an election season.When Schiff tried to pivot to the criminal documents case against former President Donald Trump, Hur brought the conversation back to what the California Democrat had just said about the investigation into Biden and lobbed his own accusation at the congressman.Hur said.Schiff said the rules demanded that Hur notparticularly with languageSchiff said, adding later,In reply, Hur said,Schiff interjected and declared,With Schiff's time expiring, Hur was allowed to get in one final response:Earlier in the exchange, Hur explained that regulationshim to write a confidential report explaining his decision-making to Attorney General Merrick Garland.But it was ultimately Garland's call on how much of the report to release to the public in accordance with legal requirements and Department of Justice policy, Hur added.Schiff, who is running for Senate, served as the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee for several years, including as its chairman. But he was kicked off the panel last year by then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who had accused Schiff of being a repeat liar, particularly with investigations related to Trump.The GOP-led House later voted to censure Schiff over allegations that he abused his access to sensitive information and misled the American people about Trump's ties to Russia and more. The congressman rejected the censure resolution as aand said he would wear the rebuke as aOver the weekend, Schiff said that he hopes the U.S. intelligence community willbriefings for Trump if he secures the GOP nomination ahead of a possible 2020 rematch against Biden in November's election. Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be? 8.7% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.26.09% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.65.22% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become. Malpractice awards are getting higher for physicians and hospitals across the country. Here are five key numbers to know: 57. The number of medical malpractice verdicts of $10 million or more during 2023, according to data from TransRe cited in a Feb. 2 Medscape report. More than half of those verdicts hit $25 million or more. 67.7%. The percent growth in malpractice verdicts of $10 million or more from 2013, when it was 34, to 2023, according to the same TransRe data. $261 million. The record-breaking malpractice verdict returned by a Florida jury against St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital for a lawsuit made famous by a Netflix documentary. $120 million. Another record-breaking malpractice verdict Valhalla, N.Y.-based Westchester Medical Center Health Network was ordered by a jury to pay a patient and his family following delayed stroke care that resulted in brain damage. 1.1% to 3%. The percent increase each year in average premium rates for physicians from 2019 to 2023 in states without patient compensation funds, according to Monitor data cited by Medscape. Here are four states altering or upholding their noncompete laws that Becker's has reported on in 2024: California California added a requirement for businesses that previously held employees to now-unenforceable noncompete agreements. The state allows noncompetes only in connection with the sale of a business, sale of equity in a business or ending of a partnership. Florida The Florida Legislature declined to pass two laws banning noncompetes for physicians and doctors of osteopathic medicine. New York The New York City Council is considering bills that would ban noncompetes after Gov. Kathy Hochul in December vetoed a bill that would have prohibited them statewide. Washington A bill amending Washington's noncompete policy was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on March 13. The law, which adds protections for workers following instances that have arisen since the state moved to restrict noncompetes in 2019, goes into effect June 6. OakLeaf Medical Network, a physician-owned network based in Eau Claire, Wis., plans to open four clinics in Wisconsin following the closure of two hospitals. Springfield, Ill.-based Hospital Sisters Health System closed Chippewa Falls, Wis.-based St. Joseph's Hospital and Eau Claire, Wis.-based Sacred Heart Hospital on March 22. The OakLeaf clinics, which will open between May 1 and May 13, will be located in Cornell, Ladysmith, Menomonie and Rice Lake, all in Wisconsin, according to a March 28 news release from the organization. While OakLeaf was trying to open new hospitals in the region, it ran into obstacles as the Affordable Care Act banned new physician-owned hospitals, The Chippewa Herald reported April 2. In lieu of the hospitals, OakLeaf planned to create a community hospital managed by a board that way, the organization would not own the hospitals. Additionally, multiple regional health centers HSHS operates with Green Bay, Wis.-based Prevea Health will end services April 2. Here are 14 new ASCs opened or announced in March: If you would like to add an ASC to this list, please email pnewitt@beckershealthcare.com. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and city officials from Powell, Ohio, celebrated the start of construction on an $183 million outpatient facility. Outpatient Care Powell will feature a two-story health center and a five-story medical building, according to an April 2 news release from the Columbus-based academic medical center. The location will offer services including urgent care, imaging, physical therapy and endoscopies. The 207,000-square foot facility is slated to open in August 2026, according to the release. Donald Trump's former attorney John Eastman has officially been disbarred for his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Eastman is no longer "eligible to practice law," said a notification by the State Bar Association of California that appeared on its website Tuesday. It dated the determination to Saturday, March 30. The action followed a recommendation by attorney disciplinary Judge Yvette Roland last Wednesday that Eastman's law license be put on "involuntary inactive" status. Her opinion was forwarded to the California Supreme Court for review. The state Bar also noted felony charges that Eastman is facing in Georgia concerning his efforts to impact the presidential election there. Roland determined in a 128-page ruling that "Eastman failed to uphold his primary duty of honesty and breached his ethical obligations by presenting falsehoods to bolster his legal arguments." He also "exhibited gross negligence by making false statements about the 2020 election without conducting any meaningful investigation or verification of the information he was relying upon," she added. The judge rejected Eastman's claims that he believed that baseless claims of election fraud were true. Roland called Eastman's perspective "willful blindness that is tantamount to Eastman's actual knowledge that the allegations regarding hidden ballots were false." Eastman's attorney said after Roland's opinion was issued that Trump's former lawyer believed he was doing his job, and that he needs to earn money to fight his upcoming Georgia trial. Eastman wrote memos to Trump after his election defeat suggesting that votes by legitimate electors be tossed out and that fake electors be submitted to Congress instead by then-Vice President Mike Pence. Witnesses testified that Eastman also made false claims about the election in court and to Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. Clearwater, Fla.-based BayCare Health System has shared plans to build a $538 million nonprofit hospital in Manatee County, Fla. BayCare Hospital Manatee will comprise 154 beds in private patient rooms and offer services including general, orthopedic and specialty surgery; gastroenterology; cardiology; urology; diagnostic and interventional imaging; neonatology; obstetrics; and emergency care. The hospital's planned design allows for an expansion to 207 beds, with the possibility for additional capacity if needed, according to an April 3 news release. The hospital will also include a 45,000-square-foot medical arts building. Construction is expected to kick off in October, with the hospital anticipated to open in 2027. BayCare comprises 16 hospitals and hundreds of locations across Polk, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties in Florida. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will hear a case April 3 on whether hospitals violated a state law prohibiting wiretapping when they had third-party analytics tools on their websites, the Boston Globe reported. A Massachusetts woman sued New England Baptist Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, both in Boston, alleging that cookie technology on their websites violated her privacy by transmitting her data to third parties such as Google and Facebook for targeted advertising, according to the April 3 story. The defendants argued that using the state's Wiretap Act as a standard aims to "interpret the language of this pre-internet age statute in a way that creates unintended, absurd, and calamitous internet age consequences." At least a dozen class-action lawsuits have been filed against hospitals and other organizations in Massachusetts claiming that website analytics and advertising technologies violate the Wiretap Act, the Globe reported. Somerville, Mass.-based Mass General Brigham settled a similar class-action lawsuit over the use of website cookies and pixels in 2022 for $18.4 million, according to the story. Becker's reached out to Cambridge, Mass.-based Beth Israel Lahey Health, the parent system of the two hospitals involved in the April 3 case, for comment. Massachusetts lawmakers say Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm that founded Dallas-based Steward Health Care, profited by around $800 million and "looted" the health system when it exited in 2020. Cerberus responded in a Feb. 26 letter to the lawmakers' request for more information regarding Steward's financial struggles. "Cerberus's answers still don't provide a clear answer for how much Cerberus made off of the people of Massachusetts," Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Edward Markey said in an April 2 statement. "The information provided to Congress shows that the company may have made more." Here are 10 things to know: 1. The firm acquired Boston-based nonprofit health system Caritas Christi, now known as Steward Health Care, for a cash price of $246 million in 2010. More than $220 million of pension liabilities were taken on during the transaction. At least $400 million of capital investments in Steward's infrastructure, facilities, technology, and operations were also required as part of Cerberus's purchase agreements. 2. Around $880 million was reinvested by Steward across various Steward facilities from 2010 to 2016. The investments also allowed Steward to grow from six acute care hospitals to nine, including one long-term acute care hospital; 1, 230 licensed beds to 2,000 licensed beds; two outpatient imaging sites to six sites; and one surgery center to six surgery centers. 3. From 2010 to 2016, Cerberus did not retain profits or dividends from Steward, with all cash flow being reinvested into the health system. 4. Cerberus retained some of the $1.25 billion investment in 2016 from Medical Properties Trust, the largest hospital landlord in the U.S., for future investments, with some also distributed to Cerberus investors. 5. Cerberus sold its controlling equity interests of Steward entities to Ralph de la Torre, MD, CEO of Steward, and other Steward management members in May of 2020 for $350 million. The purchase was paid for through a convertible promissory note of $350 million. 6. Medical Properties Trust purchased the note for around $334 million, the letter said. The money was loaned to Steward's new owners to buy out Cerberus, The Boston Globe reported April 2. 7. Cerberus did not invest additional capital into Steward from the time of the 2016 Medical Properties Trust deal to when Cerberus transferred ownership of Steward in May 2020. "CCM refrained from taking any distributions or dividends and Steward reinvested all internally generated cash flows into its healthcare system." 8. Cerberus and its affiliated entities did not retain profits, dividends or payouts from Steward or other affiliated entities from the 2016 MPT deal to the May 2020 Steward ownership transfer. Steward reinvested all cash flows into its business during that time. Cerberus and its affiliated entities do not have any existing stake in Steward or its affiliated entities. 10. "We do clearly know this: Cerberus worked hand-in-glove with Dr. Ralph de la Torre and Steward executives to create complicated financial schemes that put health providers in impossible positions and actively undermined the public's access to high quality health care," Ms. Warren and Mr. Markey said. "We need clear answers from the company to find out who at Cerberus received these huge profits and claw them back from the private equity executives responsible for this mess." Becker's has reached out to Cerberus for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available. As hospitals and health systems look to harness the power of artificial intelligence, many are looking to add chief AI officer to their executive teams. But is this position necessary? Richmond, Va.-based VCU Health is one of the health systems looking for a chief data and AI officer. This individual would be in charge of data management and responsible for AI adoption across the health system, ensuring safe and ethical use. Ellen Wiegand, senior vice president and CIO of VCU Health, told Becker's this role is important because analytics and AI strategy cannot be an "other duty as assigned" added to another group of leaders' existing jobs. "It requires dedicated time and subject matter expertise," she said. "Establishing the new CDAIO role provides leadership, focus and specialized expertise to drive progress across the health system." Bhavik Patel, MD, chief AI officer of Phoenix-based Mayo Clinic Arizona, echoed Ms. Wiegand's sentiments in a Fox News article. Dr. Patel said that the chief AI officer is more than a "technocrat." "In essence, the chief AI officer is not just a technocrat but a visionary leader, ensuring that the organization navigates the AI-driven paradigm shift in healthcare with agility, responsibility and a patient-centric approach," he told the news outlet. With little framework on how to govern the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, hospitals and health systems are banking on this new C-suite leader to help them craft policies that will ensure AI is rolled out safely and ethically at their organizations. "I think more organizations are realizing the importance of a role like this, as it can help align an enterprise on strategy, governance, adoption road maps, these kinds of things. So I think that's the opportunity," Dennis Chornenky, the first chief artificial intelligence adviser for Sacramento, Calif.-based UC Davis Health, told Becker's. "Generally, AI in healthcare is still a relatively new proposition, especially large language models and generative AI and their potential impact on patient-provider interactions, so there's a lot of need for mutual learning." But some leaders see AI as a part of the CIO role. "In my opinion, if you've hired the right CIO, it's just something they take on," B.J. Moore, CIO of Renton, Wash.-based Providence, told Becker's. "This is the single most important tool that we've had in technology I think ever. And if you're a technology leader and you aren't embracing this and becoming an expert, then you're just missing the boat." Crystal Landry, RN, has decided to step down as CEO of Lincoln, Maine-based Penobscot Valley Hospital. Ms. Landry will exit her role within the next three to six months to dedicate more time to her family, according to a news release shared with Becker's. "It has been an absolute honor to lead Penobscot Valley Hospital and work alongside its outstanding staff and medical providers. Over the last nine years, including five as CEO, I have been deeply committed to elevating the quality of care we provide, facing challenges head-on, and embracing opportunities for growth," Ms. Landry said in the release. "Now, as I prepare to focus on my family, who have been incredibly supportive throughout my tenure, I am confident that PVH is well-positioned for a bright future under new leadership." Ms. Landry has helmed Penobscot Valley Hospital since 2019. During her tenure, the hospital emerged from bankruptcy in December 2020. The hospital filed for bankruptcy in January 2019, citing a need to restructure legacy debt. Ms. Landry plans to work with the hospital's leadership and board on a transition plan. St. Louis-based Mercy has promoted two leaders to guide its growing Ozarks region. David Argueta has been elevated to regional president of Mercy Southwest Missouri Communities, according to an April 3 news release shared with Becker's. He previously served as president of the system's Springfield (Mo.) Communities. John Myers, chief operating officer of the Springfield Communities, has succeeded Mr. Argueta as community president. The promotions are part of a larger strategic growth plan for Mercy, which plans to finalize its acquisition of Pittsburg, Kan.-based Ascension Via Christi Hospital this summer. The region includes a mix of urban and rural settings across Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and serves both residents and tourists. "Mercys presence in the Ozarks is significant," Mr. Argueta said in the news release. "Southwest Missouri is a large and important region for Mercy. It includes patients across 27,000 square miles and more than 200 sites of care. Creating a regional approach allows us to lead all facilities in the region in a coordinated manner and deepen existing services while we also grow into communities such as Pittsburg, Kansas." Madera, Calif.-based Valley Children's Healthcare is providing its president and CEO, Todd Suntrapak, with 24-hour security following criticism of its compensation for top hospital executives. Zara Arboleda, a spokesperson for the health system, confirmed to Becker's that Mr. Suntrapak has had to get security at his home. "Yes, security has been added to our CEO's home after threats were made against him," Ms. Arboleda said. "Due to security concerns, we cannot discuss more details." Ms. Arboleda previously told GV Wire that the security assignment was in response to comments made by Fresno leaders but did not specify what the comments were. Fresno City Council members Miguel Arias and Garry Bredefeld have spoken out recently about executive compensation at Valley Children's. They have characterized the compensation of Mr. Suntrapak as "excessive," and they asked California Attorney General Rob Bonta to investigate operations at Valley Children's, NBC affiliate KSEE and CBS affiliate KGPE reported. Mr. Bonta's office told Becker's on March 25, "To protect its integrity, we can't comment on, even to confirm or deny, a potential or ongoing investigation." Valley Children's Healthcare has pushed back against the criticisms of executive compensation, saying that "assumptions made about the compensation for our CEO are based on, at best, an ill-informed reading of our IRS Form 990 from 2021." The health system also outlined its specific compensation structure in a letter to the Fresno City Council from Valley Children's Healthcare board of trustees Chair Michael Hanson and members of the board. On April 1, Mr. Bredefeld posted a response to the GV Wire story on Facebook, which says in part, "It's clear from the article that Valley Children's leaders are out of touch with the community they are supposed to serve. And when I say out of touch what I'm talking about is the position taken by Valley Children's that no one should make public comments about their cronyism and misuse of the hospital's money. That is outrageous." Nurses are calling on Hennepin County Board of Commissioners to take back oversight of Minneapolis-based Hennepin County Medical Center from Hennepin Healthcare System, citing working conditions they say have not improved, according to the Star Tribune. On April 2, nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association and healthcare workers from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Hennepin County Association of Paramedics and EMTs asked that commissioners initiate dissolution of the Hennepin Healthcare System board of directors. "We find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the very essence of our healthcare system is at risk," Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, RN, MNA co-chair at HCMC, said in a news release. One point of contention is a change made to employee benefits last year in order to close a budget gap. Employees say the change increased their out-of-pocket costs and will make it harder to recruit and retain staff. "Behind the walls of statistics and reports lies the profound truth about the human cost of decisions made without empathy, without understanding, and without public transparency," Mr. Olson-Ehlert said. "After months of inaction from hospital leadership, Hennepin County commissioners must use the powers given to them in state statute to take direct control of this critical public health system." The request comes months after county commissioners placed more oversight on the health system's budget and management decisions. Two Hennepin Healthcare board members resigned after oversight was tightened. The Hennepin County board oversees Hennepin Healthcare's budget, and commissioners are able to dissolve Hennepin Healthcare and take back control of HCMC and the other health clinics if two-thirds majority of county board members vote to do so, according to the Star Tribune. Thomas Klemond, MD, HCMC medical staff president, told the newspaper he agrees nurses and other healthcare workers face ongoing challenges, but he expressed concerns that dissolving the Hennepin Healthcare board "would likely make things worse." Babette Apland, Hennepin Healthcare board chair, said in a statement shared with Becker's that the Hennepin board has "shared goals with all team members and take any concerns seriously. Our conversations with them informs our work as a board." Ms. Apland also said the health system board was created by the county "to provide the expertise and attention specified in its bylaws. Our health system benefits from the diverse leadership and broad expertise of its community board members. The board includes leaders with experience and a high degree of expertise in healthcare, social services, labor, higher education, and other relevant fields. The health system CEO, physician leaders and two county commissioners also provide valued leadership to the board." Additionally, she said volunteer board members willingly share their time and talent, and moving away from this leadership "is not in the best interest of Minnesota's largest safety-net healthcare system. The board looks forward to continuing to strengthen its partnership with Hennepin County to support the employees and serve the patients who trust us with their care." As the financial challenges for hospitals mount, big systems have become sellers. For-profit large health systems are trimming the number of hospitals despite some turning a profit last year. Cain Brothers reported 81 deals in the last 12 months, including a "significant number" of for-profit divestitures joining nonprofit systems. HCA Healthcare posted $5.2 billion net income in 2023 and Tenet Healthcare reported $1.3 billion net income, and both have forged multiple deals in the last several months. Large nonprofit systems are also downsizing, including St. Louis-based Ascension and Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health's Dignity arm, both of which reported a loss last year. The Cain's Brothers report also noted a high volume of national systems selling to regional systems. So who is stepping in to purchase these hospitals? In many cases, its academic health systems. "This quarter saw transformative deals that may reshape how healthcare is delivered, reflecting creative partnerships that continue to form in a changing healthcare environment. Academic medical centers continue to make investments in assets of high strategic value to expand their clinical, teaching and research capabilities," according to Cain Brother's. Transactions in the last three months include: UCLA Health acquiring a 260-bed Los Angeles hospital from HCA Healthcare UCI Health in Orange, Calif., purchasing four hospitals from Tenet Healthcare UCSF Health signed an agreement to acquire two Dignity hospitals for $100 million MyMichigan Health in Midland announced plans to add Ascension Michigan, which includes 16 hospitals Academic medical centers have been transforming into more traditional health systems over the last several years, with a network of clinics and surgery centers across the community. Now, they're also adding hospitals to support more local healthcare in surrounding communities. For example, Penn Medicine revealed plans to purchase Doylestown Health, a single hospital system based in Bucks County, Pa., and Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health is nearing completion of Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health Network. Kaufman Hall noted an uptick in academic health system acquisitions in the third quarter of 2023, with seven of 14 transactions with nonprofit buyers being academic systems. Academic health systems are hoping that by keeping local hospitals afloat, they'll be able to better serve those communities and avoid further straining capacity issues at the flagship hospital. When community hospitals close, people have to travel further for care at the academic medical centers, which then see an influx of patients they may not be prepared to serve. "Occupancy rates at academic health systems have been substantially higher than the median occupancy rate for hospitals and health systems overall, and a strong community hospital network allows academic health systems to ease some of the occupancy constraints at the academic medical center flagship by utilizing available space in high-quality community hospitals for lower acuity patients," wrote Anu Singh, managing director and practice leader of partnerships, mergers and acquisitions at Kaufman Hall. Mr. Singh predicts more academic health system acquisitions in the coming months. The Queen's Health System in Honolulu has purchased Wahiawa (Hawaii) General Hospital. The health system entered an asset purchase agreement to acquire the hospital last November. The nonprofit hospital's board, providers, administration and employees were part of the process during Queen's acquisition, according to an April 3 news release. WGH hospital temporarily closed its emergency department March 18 due to heating, ventilation and air conditioning issues. "Queen's plans to immediately renovate and strengthen the Emergency Department and diagnostic services," Robin Kalohelani, RN, regional vice president of operations, central and associate chief nursing officer of the Queen's Medical Center West Oahu, said in the release. "Because Queen's Medical Center Wahiawa is the nearest emergency department for the residents of Wahiawa, Central O'ahu and the North Shore, this will be our initial priority." Queen's hopes to reopen the ED this summer. The community will also have access to more providers, services and specialists through the health system's acquisition. Queen's has also offered employment to almost 100 WGH employees and has encouraged existing hospital employees to look at other opportunities within the health system. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law that will lower the country's minimum conscription age from 27 to 25, potentially boosting the number of men available to fight Russia's invasion. It remains unclear how many men will be affected by the move. Zelenskyy Lowers Army Conscription Age The Ukrainian Parliament approved the bill in May 2023, but Zelensky did not sign it into effect until Tuesday. After the law was passed in 2023, the Parliament released a statement stating that it was "inappropriate" and that martial law prevented many citizens eligible for military service from being called up despite the current need. Martial law is currently in effect in Ukraine, and calling men to battle consists of a two-stage process. Men are first drafted into the armed forces, and after enlisting in the military, they can later be called up by the government to fight. The law that Zelenskyy signed on Tuesday lowers the age at which they can be drafted to 25 but leaves the mobilization age at 27. However, the Ukrainian Parliament is also considering a bill reducing the mobilization age to 25. Furthermore, martial law bans the majority of men between the ages of 18 and 60 from leaving Ukraine unless they are deemed unsuitable for military duty due to health issues or have an exemption. This move was made as the Russian invasion entered its third year, and Ukraine struggled to raise more troops for its armed forces. According to a report released earlier this week by the UK's defense intelligence agency, Russia has much more soldiers and ammunition on the eastern front than Ukraine. It also stated that Russia could replenish its forces by 30,000 troops a month. Raising the draft age has been a controversial issue in Ukraine. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, claimed that the armed forces required an additional 500,000 soldiers at the start of 2024. In a CNN opinion piece from February, he voiced his frustration at the inability of state institutions in Ukraine to boost the manpower levels of their armed forces without using undesirable efforts. Zelenskyy fired Zaluzhnyi in February 2024 because of a disagreement about the draft age. "If there are enough arguments to mobilize 25-year-olds and this is really something we need to do, I will agree with it," Zelensky told reporters in a December press conference. He also ruled out mobilizing women. Read Also : OpenAI Makes ChatGPT Free to Use Without Login Requirements Ukrainians Face Russia-Imposed Violence On Tuesday, UN human rights chief Volker Turk demanded that the country cease its hostilities and occupation for Ukraine to start healing the deep wounds and painful divisions brought on by Russia's invasion. In a video statement to the UN Human Rights Council, High Commissioner Turk expressed alarm that the world has grown numb to this crisis and said that more than two years after the invasion started, harrowing stories of human suffering continue to unfold in the country every day. The UN rights head reminded that over the past two years of immense suffering, bloodshed, loss, and grief, more than 10,500 civilians have died and more than 20,000 have been injured, noting that actual figures are likely to be "significantly higher." A former systems architect with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has pled guilty in a three-decade identity fraud scheme which began at a hot dog cart and cost the victim 575 days of freedom. Matthew David Keirans, 58, served more than a decade in the Iowa City-based hospital's IT department, a spokesperson confirmed to Becker's April 2. He obtained the job using a fictitious I-9, social security number and date of birth. During his employment, Mr. Keirans "was the key administrator of critical systems" and had the "highest" possible level of access to the hospital's computer infrastructure, according to an April 1 news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. He worked remotely from his home in Wisconsin, which is not an uncommon arrangement in the IT department, the hospital spokesperson said. Mr. Keirans was terminated for "misconduct" July 20, 2023. The spokesperson said: "The University of Iowa acted promptly as soon as it learned of the matter. We worked collaboratively with federal and state law enforcement on the investigation." Now, Mr. Keirans who was convicted of one count of false statement to a national credit union administration insured institution and one count of aggravated identity theft faces up to 32 years in prison and a $1.25 million fine. He pled guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on April 1. Mr. Keirans met his victim in the late 1980s when the two worked together at an Albuquerque hot dog cart, according to the news release. He assumed the victim's identity and used it to obtain false documentation in the victim's name, including a Kentucky birth certificate. For more than 30 years, Mr. Keirans lived under his victim's identity in all aspects of his life, including his role at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Between August 2016 and May 2022, he used his victim's identity to obtain eight loans totaling more than $200,000 and maintained deposits at a national bank. In 2019, Mr. Keirans' victim who was homeless entered a branch of the bank in Los Angeles and reported that someone was using his credit to accumulate debt. He said he did not want to pay the debt, and wished to close the accounts. The bank called the Los Angeles Police Department, who contacted Mr. Keirans, still living under the victim's identity. Mr. Keirans said he lived in Wisconsin and did not give anyone permission to access the accounts; he faxed phony documents to the police, who arrested his victim on two felony charges under the name "Matthew Keirans." Over the next few years, the victim spent 428 days in county jail and 147 in a mental hospital, where he was prescribed psychotropic medication after being found not mentally competent to stand trial. Mr. Keirans frequently contacted the police department and Los Angeles District Attorney for updates on his victim's prosecution, while the victim continued to assert that he was not Mr. Keirans. In March 2021, the victim pled "no contest" to felony charges in exchange for a time-served sentence and was released from jail. The state court ordered the victim to "use only their true name, Matthew Keirans," in the future. The victim made "numerous attempts to regain custody of identity" while Mr. Keirans made false reports against him through law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin and California, according to the news release. In January 2023, the victim learned that Mr. Keirans was employed by the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and contacted the hospital. The complaint was referred to a local law enforcement agency, which used DNA evidence to confirm that Mr. Keirans was not the son of the Kentucky man that his false birth certificate asserted but that his victim was. When interviewed by police in July 2023, Mr. Keirans first insisted the victim was "crazy" and "needed help and should be locked up," per court documents. He confessed to the scheme when presented with DNA evidence. A sentencing date will be set after a presentence report is prepared. An employee at CentraCare Rice Hospital in Willmar, Minn., was seriously injured after being stabbed by a patient April 1, police told local news outlets. Police were called to the hospital's emergency department around 11:30 a.m. for assistance with a "combative patient" who had been in the hospital for an apparent mental health issue. According to police, the individual stabbed a CentraCare employee with a knife and then injured himself. The CentraCare employee escaped to safety, while hospital security, EMS and other ED staff subdued the suspect, who police have identified as a 31-year-old-male from Willmar who they say has a history of erratic behavior. In a statement to Becker's, St. Cloud, Minn.-based CentraCare said it was saddened by the situation. "At CentraCare, the safety and health of our employees, patients and visitors are our top priorities," the statement said. "Events like this are happening far too frequently at healthcare facilities around the country, and we are not immune. Our thoughts are with the employee who is recovering from their injuries as well as the staff who suffered emotional distress as a result of this incident.We are providing support teams for all involved and we will continually strive to create even safer environments for our patients, their families and all employees at CentraCare." Police said an investigation is ongoing. The suspect was treated for his injuries before being taken into custody on pending charges of first degree assault and second degree assault. Calls from healthcare workers for federal action to be taken on workplace violence have escalated in recent months. Late last month, the presidents of the American Nurses Association, American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Nurses Association urged lawmakers to pass two bills aimed at strengthening safety protections for workers in the industry where the rate of serious injuries tied to workplace violence is six times higher compared to all other private sector employees in the U.S. What the phone box could look like when finished What the phone box could look like when finished A Belfast phone box could be transformed into a new public gallery space amid fresh plans. The phone kiosk in the Cathedral Quarter is being repurposed as a display case for the creative arts in the city. Full plans and listed building consent have now been submitted by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), which has taken charge of the scheme. Initial plans for the project were first unveiled in November. The RSUA and JP Corry challenged early career architects across Northern Ireland to present innovative proposals for the repurposing of the neglected telephone kiosk located on North Street, at the junction with Waring Street. And after careful consideration, the judges chose the Design Box for its clarity, simplicity, and thoughtful adaptation to the unique challenges of the location. A design statement now says the kiosk is to be fully refurbished and to have a free-standing display-case (with lighting) installed inside. The K6 kiosk is one of the UKs most iconic and recognisable items of street furniture, it says. It was designed for King George Vs Silver Jubilee by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and was a development on his original K2 design. Both models echo or quote from the architectural language of Sir John Soane, and the Soane family tomb in the churchyard of St Pancras Old Church in London is the most commonly attributed source for the iconic K2/K6 roof. the kiosk has been decommissioned by BT and does not contain a payphone. It has been sold to the RSUA under BTs Adopt a Kiosk scheme, which has seen many kiosks taken into community ownership. Kiosks adopted under this scheme have been converted for a wide variety of uses including community libraries, locations for Automatic Emergency Defibrillators (AEDs) and coffee stations. Mourne filmmakers excited to tour Dear Imelda, starring Father Ted actress, across UK and Europe in summer The pair wanted their Co Down home to be highlighted in the short film Cousins Aron Holden and Declan Curran shot Dear Imelda over three consecutive days in Kilcoo last September Co Down filmmakers and cousins Aron Holden and Declan Curran have said that the success of their independently shot and currently unfunded short film has led to a number of festival nominations. Dear Imelda, which features Father Ted actor Rose Henderson in the title role, has already toured the US, at a number of film festivals, but its creators are looking forward to taking it across the UK and Europe throughout the summer, as well as picking the location for its Irish premiere. The 17-minute-long film follows the story of grandson Ciaran (Curran) and grandmother Imelda (Henderson) as they navigate trying to live together for the first time. Desperate to cling to her independence, Imelda disputes the need to have Ciaran dropped into her life, especially when he presumptively installs something which he requires to work from home the internet. In an attempt to mediate the ongoing friction, Ciaran demonstrates the benefits technology could contribute to his nannys off-the-grid lifestyle and, in doing so, discovers that he has the ability to play a vital role in rekindling a friendship on hiatus for some 60 years. The pair wanted their Co Down home to be highlighted in the short film Dear Imelda premiered at the Chicago Irish Film Festival last month, where it was nominated for an award, and featured at the Craic Fest in New York a few days later. The film was also screened last week at the Toronto Irish Film Festival, where it was up for the prestigious Best Short award. Declan Curran, from Atticall in the Mournes, had written, directed and starred in his first ever film back in 2021, which won a number of awards nationally and internationally and was also screened at Cannes. Shine tells the story of a young man (Curran) who struggles to express his dreams and ambitions to his family and friends. Declan, whose day job is working as a property manager, is well versed in the performing arts circles and had been treading the boards on stage for the two years prior to venturing into screenwriting and finding his true calling. For as long as I can remember, Ive been creating something, in some aspect, he told the Belfast Telegraph. So its no surprise for people to see me continuing in this line of work, whether it be YouTube or theatre or now my short-film writing and acting. This is something that feels to me like a natural ability. Its the closest thing to magic I can think of. Cousin Aron Holden, director of Dear Imelda, previously worked on Shine with Declan, but this is their first joint creation. Arons previous camera credits include the likes of Dungeons and Dragons and Blue Lights. The Co Down men grew up together in the Mourne area and so said it was only natural that their films are shot there. Dear Imelda was filmed in Kilcoo over three consecutive days last September. Aron pointed out that the opening shot, which he filmed, was important to the pair for a number of reasons. The opening shot of the Mourne Mountains means a lot to us. It was important for us to put the area where we grew up on the big screen like that, he said. I have photographed the Mournes a number of times, but this shot was something special. Declan added that the location was just as important as the characters themselves. This area of the Mournes worked perfectly, because it showed just how off-the-grid this woman lived, he said. Rose Henderson in the title role The filmmaker said that Rose Henderson, who is most famous for her role as Sister Assumpta in Father Ted, was an incredible collaboration. He first met the acclaimed actor at a film festival on Achill Island a few years ago when he was touring Shine. She came up to me and complimented the film and said shed love to work with me on any future projects, he explained. So when Aron and I came up with the idea and script for this film, I decided Id try to get in touch with her to see if she was interested and, to our surprise, she was. Working with her definitely took the film to another level. She is a real professional who brought so much to the production. She even brought some props with her that were from her late mother, so she really got stuck into the film and the script as well. It was a joy to share the screen with her. Aron added that working with Rose was an absolute breeze because of her professionalism. She was so collaborative and helpful, and it was clear she elevated the direction of the crew and everyones work on set, he said. The films soundtrack, meanwhile, has been composed by traditional Irish musician and instrumentalist Tara Howley, from Co Clare. Tara previously worked for seven years on the Grammy Award-winning Riverdance and has toured Europe, Asia, the US and Canada with the show. To keep up to date with the latest news on Dear Imelda, follow @dearimeldafilm on Instagram Hollywood star Jamie Dornan has described filming the second season of BBCs hit-show The Tourist back home as a dream which he said celebrates just how beautiful Ireland is. The beautiful scenery of Ireland is wowing viewers of the shows newly-released second season, with Tourism Ireland looking to capitalise on its international popularity in drawing holidaymakers this summer. With its first season set in Australia, the second relocates to Ireland, with filming taking place last year in Wicklow, Dublin and on Achill Island. Dornan said: When people hear you're from Ireland, they always have something good to say about the time they've been there. And usually what they're talking about is the people. We shot on Achill Island and it was just breathtaking we got a glorious sunny day and the clearest crystal blue water you've ever seen. To leverage the exposure and opportunity, Tourism Ireland created a short behind-the-scenes film. In it, Dornan, who plays Elliot alongside Australian co-star Danielle Macdonald, who plays Helen and Sarah Hammond, executive producer, talk about filming in Ireland and how spectacular it was. Dornan was previously awarded an honorary doctorate from Queens University Belfast for his contribution to the arts and putting Northern Ireland on the map. The 41-year-old, from Holywood, in Co Down, earned international recognition after starring as serial killer Paul Spector in the BBCs crime drama show The Fall. The role earned him an Irish Film and Television Award (IFTA) for best actor as well as a nomination for a British Academy Television Award for best actor. Following The Falls success, Dornan landed the Hollywood role of Christian Grey in the hugely popular Fifty Shades of Grey series. The Tourist Series 2 - Official Trailer His latest role in The Tourist, is a drama thriller series where Dornan plays the victim of a car accident who wakes up in hospital in Australia with amnesia, slowly learning about his life in criminality. The Belfast star plays opposite Macdonald, who plays a police officer who is put on the case to help Dornan figure out who he is but ultimately ends up getting entangled in his illegal exploits. The first episode of season one garnered 18 million views, with the later episodes episodes leading to the show becoming the most watched series on BBCs iPlayer. The second series, set in Ireland, was released in January and includes shots from Bray, Djouce and the Wicklow Mountains as well as some in Dublin and on Achill Island in Mayo. While the first episode received 4.2 million viewers, each of the fifth subsequent episodes received more than 3 million viewers. Tourism Ireland, the organisation who is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination, aims to use the opportunity of its success to highlight Irelands stunning scenery. Elmagh Killeen, Tourism Irelands Head of Brand and Marketing Communications, said the shows scenery presents another fantastic screen tourism opportunity to showcase Ireland. The series is bringing the magnificent scenery of Ireland to the attention of viewers around the world. And, our behind-the-scenes film will remind our millions of followers on social media that the series was shot here, encouraging them to put Ireland on their holiday wish list. Executive producer Sarah Hammond added: I think series two is all about celebrating just how beautiful Ireland is. Patron of Dignity in Dying Dame Prue Leith has called for people to have the right to step out of life (Andrew Milligan/PA) Dame Prue Leith has issued a further rallying cry for the right to end-of-life choice, saying she does not want her last moments to be in a hospital in screaming agony. The television presenter, campaigner and patron of Dignity in Dying, said someone who is miserable, in pain, and living with an incurable disease should have the right to step out of life. In her latest comments on the topic of assisted dying, Dame Prue described herself as always an interfering woman with firmly held views on the sensitive subject. Her open letter to party leaders calling for a debate in Parliament on assisted dying when the next government is in place has so far received 235,969 signatures, just shy of the 250,000 target. Discussion around the need for a law change has grown in recent months with moves towards one progressing in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. The restaurateur and cookery school founder, speaking at the launch of the community and eco-minded Big Lunch event set to take place in June, told the PA news agency: I am always an interfering woman, so I do campaign for quite a lot of sustainability but also really strongly for the right to die when you want to die. I am not wanting to force anybody to accept euthanasia or anything grim like that. I just think the people who have had enough of their life because they are in intolerable pain, theyre dying anyway, why should a good life end with three weeks or even three days of absolute agony when it could be cut short. Dame Prue has previously spoken about her elder brother David suffering a really horrible death from bone cancer more than a decade ago, and revealed her late husband Rayne Kruger asked doctors for a bit of assistance with dying. Speaking on Wednesday, Dame Prue told PA: I want to die peacefully in my own bed surrounded by my family. I dont want to die in a hospital in screaming agony. Frankly, it is a great big secret. No one wants to talk about how many people die in real agony and also who just have absolutely had enough of their lives. In her open letter, Dame Prue calls for a safe and legal option to end a persons suffering in a peaceful and dignified manner. Dame Prue Leith attends the launch event for this years The Big Lunch at the Phoenix Garden in London (Yui Mok/PA) On the possible reasons for wanting assisted dying, she said: For some people, its that they have lived a very long time, all their friends are dead, all their family is dead, theyre lonely. Of course, we should say well they shouldnt be lonely but there is no good preaching about it, it doesnt make it go away by saying we should do something about the loneliness. Yes, we should, we should do more about palliative care, we should do all we can to make peoples lives happy. But if they are totally miserable, and theyre in pain, and they have an incurable disease, for goodness sake they should have the right to step out of life. In 2023, she made a documentary with her son, Tory MP for Devizes Danny Kruger, exploring the conversation around assisted dying. Channel 4s Prue And Dannys Death Road Trip delved into the duos own views on end of life choice, as well as confronting both sides of the debate. Dame Prue was married to South African author Rayne for almost 30 years before his death from emphysema in 2002 at the age of 80. In 2016, she married retired fashion designer John Playfair, with whom she presents the ITV series Prue Leiths Cotswold Kitchen. GK Barry on her amazing visit to Belfast pub and her love for Derry Girls actress Jamie-Lee ODonnell One of the UKs biggest TikTok stars has said nothing will ever top the well-known Belfast bar she visited. Grace Keeling, better known online as GK Barry who has 3.5m followers, came to Belfast as part of her Saving Grace podcast tour in February. I just loved the atmosphere it was mental from start to finish, she said. The first person Grace met once she arrived here was one of Belfasts iconic black taxi drivers and she was impressed by his wit. I thought, I dont know where Ive just stopped off here but Im enjoying it, she said. While in Belfast Grace visited the Dirty Onion, where she recalled having an amazing night. That was my favourite place nothing will ever top it, she said. I think it was possibly one of the best nights out Ive ever had in my life. That place bury me there! It was incredible, everyone was lovely, it was just such a good atmosphere, I loved it. The Dirty Onion proved a big hit with TikTok star Grace Keeling Grace bumped into a few fans while enjoying her night out in Belfast. I felt like Madonna, I walked in and everyone turned everyone kept saying What are you doing here?, she said. Grace also spoke of Northern Irelands drinking culture. Your doubles are like our quadruples I couldnt believe it. The barman was pouring my drink and I say, Oh, do you fancy me? and he was like, No this is what I give everyone, she joked. Not only did Grace enjoy the night out in Northern Ireland, she also likes our accent. I love your accent, its like in my top three accents. I love the Australian accent, the Northern Irish accent actually I enjoy any accent that isnt my own, she said. Grace admitted she used her Belfast show as an opportunity to meet one of her favourite NI actresses. The show in Belfast was amazing, the crowd was incredible but I love Jamie-Lee ODonnell and Im obsessed with Derry Girls. I loved it, so when I met her in person I couldnt even hide the fact I was obsessed with her. The first thing I said was, I love you and she was like Ive literally only just met you but God bless, she revealed. Grace Keeling with Jamie-Lee ODonnell Grace said Jamie-Lees character of Michelle was her favourite character, but she also had a soft spot for James, played by Dylan Llewellyn. He cracked me up because I related, I related to him, and the nun I loved the nun, she said. The whole show was incredible, they need to bring it back. Grace enjoyed her time in Belfast so much that she plans to perform here again this year. Aside from visiting Northern Ireland again, Grace is also planning to bring her podcast further afield. I want to push my podcast overseas. I want to go to America and Australia. I want to interview more people that arent British, she added. You can follow Grace via @gkbarry (TikTok), @gkbarry_ & @savinggracepod (Instagram) On Tuesday, President Joe Biden spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first conversation between the leaders since their historic face-to-face summit in November and the latest ongoing efforts by US and Chinese officials to ease tensions between the two giants. The call was made amid severe worldwide unrest, and they discussed North Korea's nuclear weapons program and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. It also included other problems that have strained relations between Washington and Beijing, such as Taiwan, China's recent provocations in the South China Sea, and Beijing's violations of human rights. Biden, Xi Spoke for First Time Since November According to US officials, the goal of the talks was to resolve rather than manage tensions, and both leaders were open about their intense disagreements. Xi claimed the US posed economic risks to China because of Biden's wide ban on high-tech exports. A Chinese state media said that Xi warned that if the US insists on suppressing China's high-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, they will not sit idly by. Biden rebuffed his appeal, with the White House saying he told him "the United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced US technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment." Kirby reported that Biden did not back down about TikTok, the popular app owned by China that Congress is threatening to ban until it changes hands. Biden stressed that he wants to protect the security of American citizens' data. Xi, China's most powerful leader in decades, has consolidated authority at home and adopted a tough stance in Asia. In recent weeks, he has escalated clashes with the Philippines in the South China Sea and clamped down on freedoms in Hong Kong. However, US watchers see Xi as eager to defuse tensions with the US as China navigates its challenging economic conditions. Xi granted the US two main demands during the California summit, which are the restrictions on the precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that is causing a US overdose epidemic, and the resumption of communication between the two militaries to manage crises. He also might think there are more opportunities to work with Biden, who ran against Donald Trump in November's presidential election and has portrayed China as an opponent. Furthermore, Biden has also pointed out areas of shared interest, such as combating climate change and maintaining or stepping up some of Trump's tough measures. The White House stated that before President-elect Lai Ching-te's inauguration on May 20, Biden urged Xi to ensure "peace and stability" across the Taiwan Strait. China has denounced Lai, a longtime supporter of a separate identity for the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing, but the US has been cautiously optimistic that China will not go beyond custom in its military maneuvers ahead of the inauguration. According to state media, Xi informed Biden over the phone that Taiwan is still an "uncrossable red line" for China. The US has expressed growing concern over increasing Chinese moves against the Philippines in the dispute-rife South China Sea. The Biden administration has placed a high priority on supporting allies while continuing to communicate with China. Amid the diplomatic turmoil with China, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos will join Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington for three-way discussions during Kishida's state visit next week. Read Also : Zelenskyy Lowers Ukraine's Army Mobilization Age From 27 to 25 to Fight Soldier Scarcity Yellen, Blinken To Visit China According to officials, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is scheduled to depart on Wednesday and visit Guangzhou, a southern city representative of China's manufacturing power, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is also expected to visit China in the coming weeks. Following the call, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that they believe there is no substitute for regular communication at the leader level to manage this complex and often tense bilateral relationship effectively. In less than a year, Blinken and Yellen will make their second trip to China, returning to their regular interactions after the COVID-19 pandemic and rising tensions under Trump. The one-time crime boss and leader of South East Antrim UDA is known to be desperate to quit the organised crime gang ever since he was forced to stand down as brigadier. Gary Fisher could be headed across to the UK Ousted terror chief Gary Fisher is planning a new life in England, a source has claimed. The one-time crime boss and leader of South East Antrim UDA is known to be desperate to quit the organised crime gang ever since he was forced to stand down as brigadier. He has become increasingly paranoid in recent months, convinced he will be the sacrificial lamb answerable for South East Antrims (SEA) criminal activities as the Paramilitary Crime Task Force steps up the pressure. He no longer has any influence in the running of SEAs criminal empire. Fisher is believed to be a wealthy man, with some insiders estimating his wealth at 1m. And now he wants to take the money and run. South East Antrim UDA mural in Glengormley, North Belfast Well-placed sources say he is looking at how he can liquidate his cash, which he has invested in property and other commercial assets. He is asset rich, said our source. He is looking to get the cash to fund a life away from Northern Ireland and SEA. Its widely known he wants out, but its not as simple as packing the money into a bag and heading off into the sunset. The Sunday World reports Fisher has been in regular contact with a former UDA figure who now lives in Liverpool. The Liverpool-based individual was linked to a double murder but wasnt convicted. He quit the UDA and moved to England but has remained in touch with Fisher. Gary Fisher could be headed across to the UK It is understood Merseyside home of Liverpool FCs Anfield Stadium and the famous Kop End is Fishers preferred destination and he has made trips there to scout out places to buy a house. According to our sources, the current SEA leadership are keen to keep him in Northern Ireland in case the organisation is made to answer for its past criminal activities. Fisher is also believed to be one of a number of senior figures who have been in contact with government intermediaries about the prospect of transitioning away from criminal activity. The stumbling block for him is his considerable personal wealth. For Fisher to transition he would likely have to forfeit the proceeds of his crimes. Last week, the Sunday World revealed a cohort of SEA members have been in discussions about moving away from criminality. The majority of those involved are veteran members who are largely inactive and are not involved in the organisations criminal activities. SEA can boast a membership of more than 2,500, the vast majority of whom are no longer involved in paramilitary activity. Fisher was a ruthless leader in his time as brigadier, when SEA controlled the drugs trade in Carrick and surrounding areas. He lost control of the trade as a number of outside gangs and dealers moved on to their patch. The current leadership is determined to regain control and have placed the drugs operation in the hands of William Duck McTaggart, who is coming to the end of a jail sentence for possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Under his direction, in recent months an estimated 75,000 in fines have been levied against unlicensed dealers operating on SEA territory. A number of others have been ordered out of the area. Outwardly, SEA has endorsed talks on transitioning but only in the hope it takes pressure off their criminal activities. McTaggart is due for release in weeks but it is not clear how his return will affect the transition process. Father says we dont have any enemies after four escape fire horror Four people treated for smoke inhalation after an arson attack on a property in Omagh. An Omagh man whose house was destroyed in an arson attack cant understand why he may have been targeted and said his family are simply easy-going people. Derek Greenaway woke up early on Wednesday morning to find his fire alarm ringing and his front door on fire. His wife initially heard the alarm and alerted him and their two children to the danger. Along with their pets three dogs and a budgie they all managed to escape unharmed, but the inside of their Winters Grove house was completely destroyed in the blaze. Read more Four people treated for smoke inhalation after reckless arson attack in Omagh Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Greenaway said: I dont believe in people being lucky or unlucky but we just dont understand it why are we being picked on? Is it mistaken identity? We dont have any enemies were very easy-going people and always trying to help people. The fire itself was limited to the front door, but the smoke destroyed everything and was so extensive that some even got into the next door neighbours house. The family were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, and have had to move into emergency accommodation. Mr Greenaway revealed they were in the process of selling the house to buy a bungalow, which would better suit Mr Greenaway due to his mobility issues. He said: It could have been far more serious and fatal. Thankfully everything was ok, thankfully we had a working smoke alarm I couldnt recommend one more. Damage caused by the arson attack in Omagh. Pic: Pacemaker Condemning the incident, MP for West Tyrone, Orfhlaith Begley, said: It is blood-chilling to think of the terrible tragedy the residents could have been facing today as a result of this cowardly arson attack. Police believe the fire was started after a flammable liquid was poured through the letterbox just before 3.45am. Alliance Councillor Stephen Donnelly added: This is a truly appalling incident and those responsible must be robustly condemned. There is no place in our community for such utterly reckless behaviour and my thoughts are with the family who are now left to pick up the pieces. Making matters worse for the Co Tyrone family is the fact that this happened less than four years after the house was targeted in a previous arson attack. Shortly after moving in, Mr Greenaway noticed a couple of burglars trying to steal his neighbours car. He said: I knocked on the windows and the guy ran off the very next night the shed was set on fire. The aftermath of the arson attack in Omagh. Pic: Pacemaker On that occasion the fire spread and burned the whole side of the house, but didnt manage to get inside. Mr Greenaway was at least reassured that time by knowing why his house was targeted, but does not know why he was attacked this time. He said: I just feel angry and frustrated that I have no idea why it was done. If I could only understand their logic but there is no logic. The arson attack occurred at Winters Grove in Omagh. Pic: Pacemaker PSNI Detective Inspector Winters said: This was an extremely reckless incident, and we are grateful to our colleagues in the fire service for tackling this fire, which could have had very serious consequences for those affected. Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who had managed to extinguish the blaze, which is believed to have been started after flammable liquid was poured through the letterbox. The four occupants of the house were inside at the time of the incident, and were treated at the scene by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation. Extensive damage has been caused to the interior of the property as a result of the fire. The police are appealing to anyone who may have any information to get in touch. Sinn Fein is choosing to throw dirt at everyone else in row over McMonagle job references Longford woman Sarah McNally was fatally stabbed in New York at the weekend Residents in Longford have told of their shock and dismay at news the former boyfriend of local woman Sarah McNally has been charged with her murder. Marcin Pieciak (36) was arrested and charged by New York detectives on Monday after Ms McNally was fatally stabbed inside the doors of The Ceili House pub, where she worked, in Maspeth, Queens, on Saturday evening. Back home, locals struggled to comprehend the fallout from a tragedy that has left many deeply upset and searching for answers. Longford woman Anne Quinn told the Irish Independent how her own son, who lived within walking distance of the scene of the incident, relayed news surrounding the tragedy. My son lives right beside it, she said. He lives in Maspeth and its literally 10 seconds (away), he said. I thought it was awful. You get a fright especially when your own family is there. It is shocking. How can you get news like that? A family friend said the devastation brought about by Ms McNallys death had cast a long shadow over a community which was now rallying around those closest to the former Mean Scoil Mhuire student. I went to school with her mum and her dads sister is my best friend so we are all shocked, she said. It is very sad and the families are just in a terrible state. I would have seen her as a child and I would be always asking her aunt how she was getting on. It is just very sad. I am trying to support my friend and be there for her. We would be friends for 40 years. "Longford is great for supporting people who are going through tragic circumstances. I think Longford is a brilliant little town. People run it down the whole time but when it comes to things like this we are very much united. Sarah McNally had worked in bars across the New York Longford native Ms Nally had been working behind the bar of the Queens pub at the time when she was attacked and stabbed in the neck. She had been a well-liked and respected member of staff at the Irish bar for almost a year, having previously worked in other bars in Manhattan and in her adopted home of Queens. Her mother, Dorrie, has flown out to New York as efforts continue to bring home Ms McNallys body with the assistance of the Kevin Bell Trust. The Irish Independent spoke to a number of other locals just as confirmation emerged that detectives had arrested and charged Mr Pieciak, of Queens, New York, with Ms McNallys murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. One woman, who did not want to be named, described what had happened as just terrible, saying her heart goes out to her family. Local man Padraig Coyne said the circumstances surrounding the incident were almost too difficult to comprehend. Its absolutely cruel, a woman trying to do a bit of work to get a bit of pay, he said. Its just unreal. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance to the family of the Ms McNally. A man in his 30s has died four days after being seriously injured in a Dublin assault. The man, who was one of two people injured during an attack in Clondalkin on Saturday night, was pronounced dead at Tallaght Hospital on Wednesday. No arrests have been made and gardai at Clondalkin are renewing their appeal for witnesses. The local coroner and State pathologist have been notified and arrangements were being made on Wednesday for a post-mortem examination. The results of the post-mortem will determine the direction of investigations. An incident room has been set up at Clondalkin Garda Station and a liaison officer has been appointed to provide support and updates to the mans family. Gardai are specifically urging passengers who travelled on the number 13 Dublin Bus from Clondalkin on Saturday between 9pm and 10pm to come forward, especially those who disembarked at the bus stop on St Cuthberts Road and proceeded towards Grange View Road. Additionally, investigators are seeking information from anyone who was in the Tower Road area of Clondalkin between 9.30pm and 10.15pm, or in the Grange View Way area between 10.00pm and 10.30pm. They are also looking for any potential camera footage from that time period. Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. John Chapman, one of the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers who were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza (World Central Kitchen/PA) The British aid workers killed in the Israeli air strike in Gaza will be remembered as heroes, their families have said. John Chapman, 57, and James Kirby, 47, were among seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers killed in strikes by the Israel Defense Forces on Monday. The pair worked in the charitys security team and died alongside fellow British military veteran James Jim Henderson, 33. The family of Mr Chapman, who is believed to have been a former marine and father-of-two from Dorset, said he will forever be a hero and died trying to help people. In a statement issued through the Foreign Office, they said: We are devastated to have lost John, who was killed in Gaza. He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. We request we be given space and time to grieve appropriately. He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be missed dearly. The family of Mr Kirby, a military veteran who is believed to be a former member of Britains special forces, said he was a genuine gentleman who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. They told the BBC: Alongside the other six individuals who tragically lost their lives, he will be remembered as a hero. James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British armed forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. James lost his life trying to save others, he will never know what a void he has left, our family will never be the same. They added they are incredibly proud of who James was and what he achieved. Mr Kirbys cousin Adam McGuire told Sky News: Not only James but the six other individuals are like heroes to us. They went out there selflessly to help some of the most desperate people in the world. The teams leader, Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, 43, an Australian national, also died, along with American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25. The convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid taken to Gaza on the maritime route, WCK said. The charity immediately suspended operations in the region. The attack has drawn international condemnation of what Israel called an unintended strike, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak telling his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu he was appalled by the killings and demanding a thorough and transparent independent investigation. Britons John Chapman, James Jim Henderson and James Kirby (World Central Kitchen/PA) Speaking to the Sun newspapers Never Mind the Ballots show, Mr Sunak described the aid workers deaths as an awful, awful tragedy. To think that these were brave Brits who were actually risking their lives to bring aid to people in need in Gaza. To have lost their lives in these circumstances is a tragedy, he added. On Wednesday, Lord David Cameron described the killings as dreadful and said we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers. As he arrived at a Nato meeting in Brussels, the Foreign Secretary told broadcasters: The dreadful events of the last two days are a moment when we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers, including the three British citizens that tragically were killed. We should also send our condolences to their families and our thoughts should be with them. Mr Netanyahu described the attack as unintended and tragic and pledged an independent inquiry. Unfortunately in the past day, there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip, Mr Netanyahu said in a video statement on Tuesday. This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence. On Wednesday, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on the Government to suspend arms sales to Israel, adding: The thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable. Lord Peter Ricketts, a former senior diplomat who chaired the Joint Intelligence Committee during the Blair government, also suggested on BBC Radio 4s Today programme that the UK should send a powerful message by halting arms sales to Israel. Seven aid workers killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza dominate the front pages of Wednesdays newspapers. The Times concentrates on the outcry at the deaths, while the Daily Express says three British aid workers were killed in the strike on a convoy during a mercy mission. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Killed trying to feed kids is the headline on the Daily Mirror, along with a picture of one of the wrecked vehicles and the faces of the three Britons and Australian World Central Kitchen colleague Zomi Frankcom. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Guardian also features a picture of one of the vehicles and says charities have halted delivering aid following the attack. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The political fallout occupies the front of The Daily Telegraph, which says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu he was appalled at the attack. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The i follows a similar line, saying the UK has demanded answers, while The Independent says the Foreign Secretary has demanded a full and transparent explanation. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Daily Mail says the three British victims James Henderson, John Chapman and James Kirby were military veterans, The Sun hailing Mr Chapman as a Special Boat Service hero. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content A picture from the attack in Gaza also features on the front of the Financial Times, which leads on the slowing shift to electric vehicles after the latest sales figures from Tesla and Chinese rival BYD. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Metro reports on an auction bidder who pushed the price of a painting up by bidding against himself. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content And the Daily Star focuses on fridges recording when food was removed. Portstewart teacher lives in Asia, but after spending time in UAE and witnessing situation, is now part of efforts to save animals Jester is currently under the care of vets in Dubai after suffering burns Emma Baxter with two of her rescue kittens in South Korea An expat from Portstewart now living in South Korea is helping rehome neglected cats in Dubai with new owners all over the world. Primary school teacher Emma Baxter spent two years in the United Arab Emirates before moving to Asia, where she now lives with her three rescue cats. During her time in Dubai she noticed strays were a common problem, and they were thought of more as pests than pets. Ive always been a massive animal fan and grew up with cats and dogs, so have always loved caring for them, she explained. While I was in Dubai I found a pregnant cat at the school I worked in, so I took her home and she gave birth. I found homes for all the kittens, and then my parents actually took the mother back home to live with them. She lived for a few years with my family before she sadly passed away. It was through that experience I realised there was no help for strays like we have in Northern Ireland, where charities have their trap, neuter and release programmes to help the animals. People in Dubai are actually fined for feeding stray cats and often they would call pest control to get them removed, where theyre trapped. Very often they are not released and just dumped in the desert. Good Samaritan Ronald feeding cats on the streets in Dubai In an effort to help, she has linked up with a Filipino called Ronald. She explained: He is such a kind man and has rescued hundreds of cats off the streets in Dubai and housed nearly 50 in his apartment at one time, because he didnt want to see them abandoned. It is illegal to fundraise and open a GoFundMe page in Dubai, so thats where I come in. Really, I just run the pages for him, and the money goes to help pay vet bills to help these poor and neglected animals Ronald is the true hero here. On Monday he sent a video to Emma of a cat that was severely burnt by scalding water. She said: I named him Jester because we found him on April Fools Day, but this situation is no joke. After being rushed to the vets, it was clear Jester has been suffering for quite some time and did not get into this condition overnight. The vets say he will need to stay at the clinic for at least two months, which could lead to some hefty bills. Jester is currently under the care of vets in Dubai after suffering burns Jester suffered an extreme burn to his hind leg and needed to be sedated in order to have a closer look. He also has ear mites and may be anaemic. Over 700 was raised in just 24 hours for Jester, but it looks like his vet bills could amount to at least double this. Emma said: This is the third rescue in three days, its just awful to see this happening. I wish more people around the world could see whats going on. Some often ask why Im helping cats there when there are strays here, but the situation is totally different these cats desperately need our help to survive. To help donate to Jesters vet bills visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-jester-emaciatedinjured-street-cat. Follow Ronalds rescue campaign @burdubaistraycats on Instagram. Pope Francis has led thousands of people in a moment of silence to pray for the aid workers killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza and a young Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandre who was killed in this madness of war. Francis appealed anew for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken from Israel on October 7 by Hamas. Praying for the families of the seven World Central Kitchen workers killed, he called for humanitarian aid to reach Gazas people and for all efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading. At the end of his general audience, Francis also showed tourists and pilgrims in St Peters Square the rosary and camouflaged New Testament book that a 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandre had with him when he was killed in the eastern city of Avdijevka. Pope Francis showed tourists and pilgrims the items that a 23-year-old Ukrainian had with him when he was killed (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) They were apparently given to Francis two weeks ago by Lucia Caram, an Argentine-born nun living in Spain who has spearheaded multiple humanitarian missions to Ukraine to bring in aid and ferry out wounded soldiers. According to a March 13 Instagram post, she said Francis became emotional during a private audience when she presented him with Oleksandres rosary and New Testament. She said Francis kissed the rosary, which he himself had blessed on a previous occasion for the nun to distribute in Ukraine. He urged me to continue. He gave me more rosaries to bring to Ukraine, she wrote at the time. In showing off the items on Wednesday, Francis flipped through the pages of Oleksandres underlined New Testament and said the young man still had an entire life ahead of him when he was killed. He asked for a moment of silent prayer thinking of this kid and so many like him, killed in this madness of war. Northern Ireland politics were thrown into chaos when Jeffrey Donaldson resigned as DUP leader. He has been charged with historical sex offences, while his wife Eleanor Donaldson has been charged with aiding and abetting. They both strongly deny the allegations. DUP interrim leader Gavin Robinson has said that the allegations are devastating. The east Belfast MP, who belongs to the moderate wing of the party, was a close ally to Donaldson. How did the charges come about? With a General Election looming, will the DUP survive this crisis? How do Donaldsons allies feel? Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris and Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride to discuss the latest Cave-themed cafe, coffee bean field trip enrich consumption scenarios in Yunnan Xinhua) 10:21, April 03, 2024 Tourists order coffee at the bar of a cave-themed caf in Fumin County of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Ji Zhepeng) KUNMING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- A caf in southwest China's Yunnan Province offers coffee lovers a unique and unforgettable experience: the opportunity to enjoy a delicious cup of joe in an ancient cave formed tens of millions of years ago. Under stalactites decorated with colorful lights and with the sound of bubbling spring water filling the space, the caf in the caves of Gemstone Cave Scenic Area, Fumin County, is unique as it is situated in a natural mountain cave, hundreds of meters deep. Because of its ingenious design, this caf has become a popular place for visitors to rest, sip coffee and spend leisure time admiring the beauty of nature. "Opened in October 2023, our cave caf is favored by consumers opting for diversified and more personalized experiences," said Jin Qianqian, a barista working at the coffee outlet since it went into operation. Zhang Jian, general manager of the scenic area, said that this caf had gone viral on social media as soon as it opened. Tourists all around the world including those from Japan and the Republic of Korea have paid a visit to the spectacular karst cave to enjoy pour-over coffee and explore the unusual venue. Zhang introduces that the caf attracts many visitors each weekend and holidays. Over 300 cups of coffee were sold every day during this Spring Festival holiday. Up to now, over 30,000 consumers have visited this fascinating, innovative coffee shop. And the caf owner is busy brewing up more experiences. "In the future, we plan to hold music concerts and coffee competitions in this huge cave," Zhang said. The caf is just one of a slew of new coffee experiences available as part of an immersive coffee tour of Yunnan, China's main coffee-producing region. As the coffee industry in Yunnan now attracts global attention, coffee practitioners have been exploring innovative ways to promote coffee-related tourism and cater for the fast-growing population of coffee consumers in China. Coffee shops set in manors, farms, ancient architecture or on rooftops, have all gained popularity among inquisitive tourists. In Pu'er city, a coffee manor boasting an awe-inspiring mountain view is especially popular. The manor's coffee brewing area, roasting area and other facilities are interwoven across 300 mu (about 20 hectares). A 60-yuan (about 8.5 U.S. dollars) ticket gives visitors access to nine kinds of pour-over coffee and hands-on experience of the whole process from bean to cup. Xu Yan, a tourist from Hebei Province, north China, travelled more than 2,000 km to Xiaowazi coffee manor in Pu'er City on the weekend. At the viewing platform, Xu enjoys the view of the drifting clouds and rolling mountains while tasting the freshly brewed coffee made by baristas. "Drinking coffee in the mountains is a unique experience, and the coffee here tastes sublime," Xu said. In addition to the coffee manor, Yunnan also integrates coffee into its history. In the downtown of Pu'er City, historic blocks like Daijiaxiang Street were once a choke point of the ancient north-south tea-horse trade route. Young entrepreneur Yang Fan knew that one of the century-old buildings would be the perfect venue for his caf. Old wooden beams, stone benches and other vintage paraphernalia can be seen everywhere in this old-fashioned caf, which makes customers feel like they are in a traditional Chinese teahouse. "We retained everything as before so that tourists can get a better understanding of the city's past," Yang explained. The ancient dwelling is now a refurbished caf serving quality coffee, adding cultural values to the beverage. "Compared to the common coffee shops, such a quaint and reminiscent caf makes me more relaxed," said one tourist from Kunming, capital of Yunnan, who came to Pu'er for the weekend. The tourist added that such experiences have won the hearts of consumers, and there are more and more people walking into coffee manors and special-designed coffee shops to start their own immersive, fragrant coffee journey. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) After 20 minutes of cries for assistance, a Guatemalan migrant woman was discovered dead after falling from a 30-foot border wall close to San Diego. The 24-year-old, who has not been identified, screamed for rescue while clinging to Customs and Border Protection personnel before she fell and struck her head on the concrete on March 21. Rise in Migrant Deaths Under Biden's Watch An investigation by the Border Patrol revealed that a deadly incident occurred close to the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, which is about three miles west. This is just one tragic instance among the many migrant deaths that the area is observing; the number of these deaths has risen substantially since President Joe Biden took office. It is said that at around 10:27 p.m. on March 21, Border Patrol agents got news of a group going near a particular region of the border wall. This section, which was made up of two separate walls with electrical conduit on top and metal poles supporting them, served as the location of the catastrophe as it happened. Once investigators finally found the group within the barrier, they saw a Guatemalan lady poised dangerously on top of the second wall. There were urgent warnings to discourage her from going down, and the San Diego Fire Department was being called for help. Concurrently, US Border Patrol agents engaged with the woman, initially attempting to dissuade her from scaling the formidable barrier. However, despite these efforts, her precarious situation persisted. After the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department came on the scene at around 10:48 p.m., they found a disturbing situation. The woman waited for help, open about her effort to hold onto her vulnerable posture. Nevertheless, logistical challenges hindered the prompt deployment of aid. The narrow terrain impeded the firetruck's maneuverability, rendering it unable to position a ladder in proximity for immediate use, according to Fox News. Read Also: Space Junk Streaks Across California-What Is It? US Migrant Crisis Officers from the Border Patrol informed the woman that help was on its way and urged her to cling on tightly. But with these pledges, the woman continued to call for help, and at around 10:54 p.m., disaster struck. A descent caused a deadly collision with a raised concrete foundation, leaving several seriously hurt. Responding medical personnel saw the woman's serious condition upon arrival, which included extensive bleeding and significant head damage. Unfortunately, there was nothing the doctors could do and the woman passed away from her wounds. Her death adds to the alarming number of migrant fatalities. She was pronounced dead after consultation with a doctor from Scripps Mercy Hospital and fire department medical officials on the scene. Related Article: Experienced Hiker Who Plummeted 1200 Ft to His Death Down Volcano Found By Hikers But Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church who is being sought over sex-abuse allegations, was nowhere in sight. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy (second from right) prays with then-presidential hopeful Rodrigo Duterte (to Quiboloys right) at a birthday celebration during a thanksgiving worship service in Lingayen, a town in Pangasinan province, northern Philippines, March 27, 2016. Police in the southern Philippines on Wednesday arrested three loyal associates of Apollo Quiboloy, the founder of a megachurch and religious adviser to ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, in connection with a sexual abuse case against the televangelist preacher. Police officers went to the compound of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church in Davao City to serve an arrest warrant on Quiboloy, its founder, and were allowed inside, but he was not on the premises, officials said. The 73-year-old pastor, who is also wanted by federal authorities in the United States over similar allegations, is believed to be at-large in the Philippines. We dont want trouble in serving this warrant. I appeal to the followers of Quiboloy not to resort to violence and follow the rule of law, said Brig. Gen. Alden Delvo, the police chief in Davao. Philippine media reports said that a regional court in Davao had issued a warrant for the pastors arrest on Wednesday. That followed the Philippine Senate separately ordering his arrest last month for failing to appear before a committee to respond to allegations that he had sexually abused female members of his congregation. Although Quiboloy was nowhere to be seen at the compound, police took three of his associates into custody, Delvo said. The three, who were identified as Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes, are suspected of allowing abuses to take place at the church, which is headquartered in Davao. In its warrant, the court in Davao had also indicted the three and order their arrests on charges of sexual abuse. When the trio of Quiboloys associates learned that police were moving in to arrest them, they sent out surrender feelers, Delvo said. We havent spoken to Pastor Quiboloy (personally), but they were polite enough to let us enter the premises of the Kingdom and talk to their administrator and the lawyer also, Delvo told reporters, adding that the whereabouts of Quiboloy remained unknown. But we are just hoping that in the coming days pastor, Quiboloy along with his lawyers will submit themselves to the authorities, so that he can be processed and post bail, he said. However, he said, the Senates arrest order was a different story. Delvo said Davao police were coordinating with the Senates sergeant-at-arms tasked with taking Quiboloy in. The pastor will be a fugitive and subject to a manhunt operation if he does not appear. Delvo said he believed Quiboloy was still inside the country, and specifically in his safe haven in the Davao region, the political base of his supporter Duterte, where he enjoys a certain level of protection. [Website of U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation] Quiboloy, who refers to himself as the appointed son of God, had earlier this year accused Dutertes successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., of working with the U.S. in a plot to kidnap and eliminate him. I am under surveillance in the Philippines by the CIA and the FBI. In my own country I am hiding because they can pick me up just like that, Quiboloy said in a voice recording uploaded on YouTube and Facebook in February. In November 2021, a U.S. grand jury charged him on suspicion of orchestrating a sex-trafficking operation that coerced girls as young as 12 to have sex with him or risk eternal damnation, federal prosecutors said. Quiboloy, U.S. prosecutors had said, allegedly recruited girls and young women, ranging from 12 to 25 years old, to work as personal assistants or pastorals at his church. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ has branches in California. He has denied the allegations. Under the charges brought against him by U.S. authorities, Quiboloy faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted of sex-trafficking, and five to 20 years if convicted of fraud and money laundering. The Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-commissioning Unit John Warner is moved to Newport News Shipbuildings floating dry dock in Virginia in preparation for a christening, Aug. 31, 2014. The United States will find a way to provide the nuclear-powered submarines promised to Australia as part of the AUKUS security pact despite the massive backlogs plaguing American shipbuilding yards, Deputy U.S. Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Wednesday. Campbell, who recently departed from his role as President Joe Bidens Asia czar to become the second-most senior U.S. diplomat, said it was fair to say American submarine production is hampered, but added that there was already a substantial focus on the issue at the Pentagon. Supply-chain issues have hamstrung production at American shipyards, but the billions of dollars of investments made by Canberra in the shipbuilding industry was helping fix that, he said. As is always the case, more money helps, Campbell said at an event at the Center for a New American Security held to mark a year since the AUKUS submarine deal was unveiled. AUKUS, in many respects, is a game changer. It is basically finding the way forward. National Security Council Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in Washington to examine his nomination to be deputy secretary of state Dec. 7, 2023. [Mariam Zuhaib/AP] Campbell acknowledged the injection of Australian funds though very generous would not be enough on its own, and that new investments and new capabilities would be needed to increase our ability both to service and also produce submarines. Backlogs and bottlenecks have plagued a number of programs, he said. There is a very serious endeavor underway to see what steps can be taken to not only to assist a program like AUKUS but, frankly, certain munitions which are central to American military purpose. Australia has earmarked a total of AU $368 billion, or about U.S. $245 billion, over the next 30 years as part of the AUKUS pact, which is aimed at countering Chinas expansionism in the Indo-Pacific. AUKUS pact Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States unveiled the deal in March 2023 for the latter two nations to arm Australia with nuclear submarines over the coming decades under AUKUS. As part of that, the United States committed to selling between three and five Virginia-class nuclear submarines, which use conventional weapons, to Canberra over the next decade in exchange for some U.S. $3 billion of Australian investment in American shipyards. But concerns have emerged in Australia that the United States may not be able to provide the submarines due to backlogs. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers, such as Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, have pondered if the United States has submarines to spare. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) meets with U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Point Loma Naval Base in San Diego, Calif., March 13, 2023. [Stefan Rousseau/AP] A U.S. defense spending bill signed last month also cut funding for production of a Virginia-class sub, with Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democrat from Connecticut who co-chairs the AUKUS Working Group, saying the move could undercut plans to provide submarines to Australia. One of the big questions with AUKUS was: Will it provide enough submarines to keep the US fleet at an adequate level and will it produce enough submarines to satisfy the three boats that we agreed to sell? the lawmaker told Australias Sydney Morning Herald. Australian and U.S. officials, though, have maintained the submarines will be provided by the early 2030s, by which time Australia expects to begin producing its own submarines with British help. Multilateralism During Wednesdays event, Campbell also flagged the possibility of Japan and the Philippines joining AUKUS in some capacity, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. scheduled to visit the White House on April 11. It is true that there are other countries that have expressed an interest to participate, under the right circumstances, Campbell said. I think you'll hear that we have something to say about that next week. The No. 2 American diplomat said it was all part of a push by the United States to shift its Indo-Pacific alliances in a more multilateral direction, and away from a series of bilateral relationships. It used to be that we had this hub and spoke set of relationships between the United States and allies and partners, he said. Now were creating a lattice-fence arrangement, with lots of intertwined overlapping interlocking engagements. The Royal Thai Police announced Wednesday that it would form a committee to investigate Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn following his arrest for alleged money laundering linked to an online gambling network. Gen. Kitrat Panphet, the acting national police chief, disclosed the decision about Gen. Surachate, who has been released on bond after turning himself in on Tuesday night, during a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Government House in Bangkok. When the discipline department considers there is a reasonable suspicion of misconduct, it is the responsibility of the commander, which is me, to decide whether to form a committee to investigate the facts and give the investigated person a chance to explain. There wont be an immediate suspension, Kitrat told reporters. The acting chief said a fact-finding committee comprising officers of equivalent rank to Surachate would be established to investigate the allegations and determine potential further action. If the investigation reveals wrongdoing, a disciplinary inquiry committee will be formed at another level. That stage will consider whether suspension, dismissal or provisional placement out of service is necessary, Kitrat said. The investigation follows a criminal courts approval on Tuesday of an arrest warrant against Surachate, which investigators from the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) had requested. Under the warrant, Surachate faces allegations of complicity and money laundering related to an online gambling network case. The criminal case will not be affected by the police internal investigation, according to officials. After surrendering at the Tao Poon Police Station on Tuesday evening and being released on a 100,000 baht (U.S. $2,722) bond, Surachate maintained his innocence while promising to cooperate with the legal proceedings. From now on, we will enter various judicial processes, investigations and ordering of cases. Therefore, today, I must use my right to fight the case, he told reporters. As long as the judge has not pronounced a verdict, I am considered innocent. As long as the NACC has not indicated any wrongdoing, I am innocent. Today, the process has just begun with allegations. I have been bailed and will return to work as normal. Srettha, the prime minister, said that all involved in the case would be treated fairly. Thai National Police Chief Gen. Torsak Sukvimol (left) and Deputy National Police Chief Gen. Surachate Hakparn hold a joint news conference in Bangkok, March 20, 2024. [Tananchai Keawsowattana Thai News Pix/BenarNews] Ongoing tensions The investigation into Surachate is the latest development in ongoing tensions within the Royal Thai Police force, which escalated in September when his associates were raided and arrested by Lt. Gen. Traitrong Piewpan, then commander of the Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation. Traitrong said those actions were linked to the investigation of the gambling ring. In March, Srettha ordered the temporary transfer of National Police Chief Gen. Torsak Sukvimol and Surachate to the Prime Ministers Office, appointing Kitrat as the acting police chief while a committee investigated the internal dispute. In an attempt to show there was no rift between them following Sretthas order, the two officers spoke to the media jointly at police headquarters. People think police Gen. Surachate and I have issues, but as Ive said from the start, we actually dont have any problems with each other, Torsak told reporters at the time. For his part, Surachate said he was ready to be investigated. If the prime minister issues an order, I must perform my duties because I am a permanent official and he is my superior. Im ready. I see it as having no issues of winning or losing, he said at the time. The high-profile case has reignited calls for comprehensive police reforms in Thailand, with critics citing the alleged involvement of senior officers in illicit activities as a symptom of deep-rooted issues plaguing the force. Regardless, police reform is necessary. Surachate may be guilty or not, no one knows, but it greatly shakes the credibility. We must focus on creating a strong mechanism for checks and balances, along with elevating ethical and disciplinary standards to restore the credibility of the police force, said Worachat Awipan, a scholar at Payap Universitys Institute of Religion, Culture and Peace Lab. Wilawan Watcharasakwej and Ruj Chuenban in Bangkok contributed to this report. The Election Commission wants the party dissolved over its campaign to reform Thailands royal insult law. Former Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat leads a victory parade with fellow party members and supporters on May 15, 2023, after a general election. Thailands Constitutional Court on Wednesday agreed to consider a petition from the Election Commission to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party, in a development that could potentially reshape the kingdoms political landscape. The progressive Move Forward won the highest number of seats in parliamentary elections last year, but its bid to lead Thailands first pro-democracy government after nearly a decade of army-backed rule was blocked by conservative MPs and senators. The commission filed the case over Move Forwards campaign to reform the countrys strict Lese-Majeste law, also known as Article 112, which criminalizes insults against the monarchy and rights groups say has been used to stifle dissent. The court has given Move Forward 15 days to reply to the petition. The decision to accept the complaint follows an order in January that Move Forward must stop all activity, including the use of speeches, publications and advertisements, aimed at repealing or amending Article 112 of the Criminal Code. The court said the partys pledge to amend the royal insult law amounted to an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon said his party would fight the petition and present its case after Songkran, a festival that marks the Thai New Year later this month. We have prepared quite adequately in advance, Chaithawat said at a press conference Wednesday. The looming court decision has reignited debate over the delicate balance between protecting the monarchy and upholding democratic freedoms in Thailand, with potentially far-reaching implications for politics in the kingdom. The Constitutional Court disbanded Move Forwards predecessor, Future Forward, in 2020 and banned its leader from politics for a decade over a campaign loan issue. Parit Wacharasindhu, a party-list MP, said it would be hasty to assume Move Forward would meet the same fate. The issue of petitioning for the party's dissolution is something our legal team and the party have been prepared for, he told reporters after the EC filed its case on March 18. We don't want to jump to conclusions because our legal team will do their utmost to prove our innocence through the process. Move Forward is the biggest party in Parliament, commanding 151 seats, and opinion polls show it is still the most popular political movement in Thailand. The partys progressive policies have struck a chord with younger voters in particular, but are fiercely opposed by the military-backed parties and royalists that have long dominated Thai politics. If Move Forward was dissolved, analysts said it would be a setback for political reform in the country. It would reflect fundamentally that the process of political development through Thai political institutions has failed, said Olarn Thinbangtieo, an associate professor at Burapha Universitys Faculty of Political Science and Law. Jon Preechawong in Bangkok contributed to this report. The co-founders of the media firm that former President Donald Trump recently took public are being sued by the company, which claims they failed "spectacularly" to launch the business and are now attempting to "thwart the deal." The action, which was filed in a civil court in Sarasota County, Florida, attempts to prevent Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky, the co-founders of Trump Media & Technology Group, from having any ownership or influence over the company's board of directors. Trump Media Sues Co-Founders Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky, former competitors on 'The Apprentice,' are staking out an 8.6% stake in Trump Media's overall shares, arguing that their entitlement is protected by a 2021 contract Donald Trump signed with United Atlantic Ventures, LLC. The estimated value of their alleged stake would be $601 million based on Tuesday's closing price of DJT. In February, Moss and Litinsky initiated legal action against Trump Media in Delaware Chancery Court, contesting their stake in the company. This lawsuit was filed around the same period when shareholders of Digital World Acquisition Corp., a shell company, greenlit a merger with Trump Media, the entity responsible for the emerging social media app Truth Social. Through United Atlantic Ventures, Litinsky and Moss were scheduled to receive 8.6 million shares in the new merged business, according to the court case. This interest, which is estimated to be worth $444 million, shows what the complaint considers to be an exceptional opportunity for the two parties, who it says are taking use of President Trump's power. The lawsuit contends that Truth Social's existence hinged on President Trump's involvement, emphasizing his pivotal role in its creation. Litinsky and Moss, acting through United Atlantic Ventures, had previously sued Trump, alleging his intention to dilute their ownership in the new entit, according to CNN News. Read Also: Ukraine Drone Attack Strikes Deeper Than Ever Into Russia Trump Media's Debut Amidst Truth Social's Challenges Trump Media's public debut last week saw Donald Trump holding 78.8 million shares valued at about $4.1 billion, an increase of $228 million from the previous closing price. In addition to Moss and Litinsky, the lawsuit also implicates United Atlantic Ventures (UAV) and Patrick Orlando, the former CEO of Digital World Acquisition Corp. The suit accuses Moss and Litinsky of undermining the company during negotiations with Orlando, which led to an SEC investigation in 2021 and delayed the merger for over 18 months. Previously, Moss and Litinsky sued Trump Media in Delaware, alleging the company's illegal efforts to diminish their stake. Truth Social is presently in a state of an uncertain stage as it begins its journey as a public corporation, and these legal disputes are occurring during this time. At the same time that Truth Social's share price dropped from over $80 to $51.60 at the end of Tuesday's trading session, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued papers on Monday that showed the company had incurred a net loss of $58 million in 2023, My Panhandle reported. BENNINGTON Speaker after speaker over two-plus hours expressed concerns Monday about a planned nursing facility at the Bennington Health and Rehabilitation site for Vermonters with challenging and complex care needs. More than 100 people attended an informational session at the Bennington Firehouse, many with sharp questions for the facility operators, the iCare Health Network, or state officials who attended. Most questions riveted on whether some facility residents might pose a threat to the community if they left the site on Blackberry Lane off Dewey Street and on security measures to be implemented; the companys history at its facilities in other states, and on what many saw as a lack of transparency about the changes. Ask your questions This meeting is for all of you to ask your questions, said state Rep. Mary Morrissey, R-Bennington, who had pressed the state and iCare officials to hold a meeting in Bennington. In opening remarks, she reiterated her concerns about the populations to be cared for in Bennington, including with a history of substance abuse, serious mental health issues, and involvement with the Corrections system. We need to have an understanding of how this works, she told iCare representatives. That is especially the case, Morrissey said, in a neighborhood that is very close to the building ... This isnt against the populations and their needs, but you need to do it sensibly, with qualified staffing. Corrections concerns Reflecting statements from several who attended, Louise Santelli said her main concern is that some of the facility residents will be referred from the state Corrections system. It is the criminal that Im concerned about, she said. She asked if staff will be trained to deal with those individuals, adding, This is a scary atmosphere ... People are going to get hurt if [staff] are not trained properly. Norm LeBlanc, who lives near the facility said traffic and speeding are already issues under the current home ownership, with resident numbers less than half the expected number iCare and the state propose. Referring to people who have been in the Corrections system and are difficult to place in regular nursing homes, he said, There is a reason they chose a life to be hard to placed. Not me. I served my country for 24 years, five combat tours. I live on Putnam Street because I like it. And its nice, and I do not wish to live next to people that have been incarcerated for other things. Kelley Carroll, whose daughter was fatally stabbed in 2021 by a man who was later found incompetent to stand trial, said, My concern is that those types of individuals are going to end up in a nursing home ... I firmly believe they do not belong in a nursing home. Melissa Frechette said she was concerned the new facility could mean that area residents will have fewer nursing home beds available close to home and are going to be the ones spending time in hospitals waiting for [nursing home] beds. David Skoczulek, vice president of Business Development and Communications with iCare Network, and Jess DeRing, who will be director of operations, said the key factor to remember is that the facility will house residents who were admitted by their diagnosis and who are not considered a risk in a nursing home setting. Both officials said they understand why residents would have concerns, but they said the experience in other, similar facilities they operate is that people say it is really quiet, in Skoczuleks words. That also goes for the number of calls to the police or other emergency services, he said, because of the enhanced skill of the staff, who can anticipate pending issues and deal with many, while a normal nursing home staff would be more inclined to call for assistance. DeRing said of staff training that it takes place before a person begins in the job and is ongoing, including training iCare has developed from operating two other similar facilities offering enhanced care, in Holyoke, Massachusetts and Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Aged or incapacitated Although some residents will be referred from the Corrections system, they said the average age is expected to be in the 65 to 70-plus range, and they will have physical or mental limitations that make them unlikely to even think about walking away from the facility grounds. Those who are younger will be admitted only if they have limitations confining them and are not a risk in a nursing home setting. Security will be enhanced compared to a regular nursing home, with key-pads on doors, monitoring and an entrance staffed around the clock, they said. Skoczulek said residents with acute needs or problems will not be allowed to leave the facility or a planned enclosed outdoor space in the rear of the building, except for a doctor visit or similar trip, while accompanied by staff. Some residents might have had substance abuse issues or are listed on the sex offender registry, the iCare officials said. However, those persons would be admitted only if it is determined they aren't considered a risk in a nursing home setting. In practice, DeRing said, referring to two other enhanced-care iCare facilities, those with a Corrections background are typically not the focus of complaints or incidents. I know it is hard to picture, but if you came to either of the centers that do this, you would look around and say, this is a nursing home, Skoczulek said. He added, People there are not exit-seeking ... We are talking about a much sicker, much more infirm, much more debilitated. They dont have the faculties to put together something like trying to walk up the hill ... I am not joking when I say they are looking forward to bingo, looking forward to the next meal, looking forward to reading a book, watching TV. It is not a Corrections environment. It is a nursing home environment. Enhanced care facility The goal is to better serve about 100 Vermonters identified as having needs most nursing facilities aren't prepared to address, said Department of Disabilities Aging and Independent Living interim Commissioner Megan Tierney-Ward. Company representatives said the first task for them in establishing an enhanced-care facility was to find a good location, and the Bennington Health and Rehabilitation home was considered ideal. The nursing home, with a 93-patient licensed capacity, was for sale by the current owners, Genesis Healthcare, and it is located near a hospital and other services and also meets other criteria. There have been sticking points along the way in completing the purchase and finalizing the contract with the state to operate, said Skoczulek, but he said the target date for completing the purchase and assuming control of the facility is now April 12. He and DeRing, added that new residents will be admitted slowly after thorough and comprehensive reviews, at an expected rate of three to six per month. Current nursing home residents wont have to move out, they said, and iCare staff will meet with them and family members as they decide whether they want to move to a different facility. DeRing said newer residents with more complex needs have mixed well with other residents already living in facilities iCare has taken over in other states. The Manchester, Connecticut-based iCare Network includes 10 nursing facilities, including the two now offering enhanced levels of care. The company cares for 1,400 residents in total and has 2,500 employees, Skoczulek said, and is in its 21st year in business. President Joe Biden expressed deep concern and sadness over the tragic incident in Gaza, where seven aid workers lost their lives. His remarks reflect a strong stance on the matter, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. In a statement released by the White House, Biden said bluntly that Israel is not going far enough in its fight against Hamas to protect defenseless people. Biden Urges Action After Aid Workers Killed in Gaza Aid workers have tragically suffered in this latest confrontation between Israel and Hamas, making it one of the worst in recent memory. Biden stated that he was deeply worried about the growing number of humanitarian workers who have perished and emphasized that these kinds of things should never happen. He added that Israel must put protecting people and relief workers in Gaza first. Biden called for a swift and transparent investigation into the attack, underscoring the importance of accountability and the publication of its findings. He affirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza through all available means, according to the Guardian. Furthermore, the US President revealed ongoing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire as part of a broader hostage deal, with a dedicated team working towards this goal in Cairo. Jamie McGoldrick, the top UN official responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid in Gaza, solemnly stated that over 200 aid workers have tragically lost their lives since the outbreak of hostilities. He emphasized that the attack on World Central Kitchen was not an isolated incident, pointing out that the number of humanitarian casualties in Gaza over the past six months surpasses the death toll of any other single conflict in a year. The identity of one of the victims was revealed by WCK, which named Jacob Flickinger as a dual US-Canada citizen who was working for the organization when he was killed in the attack. In response to the shocking incident, several charities, including WCK, announced the suspension of their operations in Gaza, according to The Guardian. Read Also: US 'Outraged' After Israel Confirms 'Unintentional' IDF Strike Killed Gaza Aid Workers: Kirby Gaza Humanitarian Crisis The decision raised concerns about worsening humanitarian conditions in the territory, where the number of people facing extreme hunger has almost doubled since December, according to Oxfam. Gaza's health ministry also reported that at least 27 children have died from malnutrition. Biden reiterated his opinion that Israel has not done enough to protect civilians and relief workers in Gaza. He underlined that to reduce civilian losses, the United States has continuously asked Israel to guarantee that military operations against Hamas are kept apart from humanitarian activities. Biden promised to keep putting pressure on Israel to take more steps to make it easier for supplies to reach Gaza. During a conversation with WCK founder Jose Andres, President Biden expressed his condolences and admiration for the organization's tireless and heroic endeavors to provide food assistance to vulnerable populations worldwide. As concerns about the security and welfare of humanitarian workers and residents in Gaza grow, the international community is looking to Israel for stronger security protocols and coordinated efforts to address the humanitarian situation. Expectations for an early truce and a long-term settlement to the crisis endure as investigations deepen and cries for accountability become more audible, Reuters reported. Related Article: Massive 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Taiwan If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. OUR OPINION Our Opinion: Another workforce housing project in Great Barrington, another creative prototype to keep our eye on Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that if he is elected to the White House, he remains committed to pardoning National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower Edward Snowden on his first day in office. In a petition released on Monday (Apr. 1), Kennedy called on US President Joe Biden to pardon Snowden. In 2013, Snowden visited Hong Kong and exposed classified NSA documents that revealed the US government was spying on its citizens. He was then charged with theft of government property. "Snowden performed a critical public service by revealing to Americans for the first time that our government had been spying on us, millions of law-abiding American citizens, in violation of numerous laws and of our fundamental right to privacy," Kennedy said in a video attached to the petition. Fox News Digital reported that Snowden is now a Russian citizen after seeking asylum and was stranded inside the country following the release of the documents. Washington revoked his passport as he was attempting to make the trip to his intended final destination, Latin America, where he planned to stay to avoid US prosecution for taking thousands of classified documents from the NSA and leaking them to the press. The information included the mass collection of Americans' metadata, allowing the government to see when and to whom a phone call or message was sent. Snowden has not left Russia since. The video also featured a compilation of comments made by former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, all of whom criticized Snowden as a traitor. "Prior to Edward Snowden, nobody knew that the intelligence agencies were illegally mining all of our data and spying on American citizens," Kennedy added. "So it's not surprising that those same intelligence agencies are now trying to portray Snowden as a criminal and that captive politicians are supporting that narrative." He further called Snowden a "hero," a word he also extended to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. "Instead of jailing Snowden, I'm going to build a statue to him and maybe to Julian Assange somewhere near the Washington Press Club or perhaps outside the CIA headquarters in Langley as a civics lesson to the Republic," RFK Jr. added. Read Also : Robert F. Kennedy Jr Officially Announces His Presidential Running Mate Kennedy previously said he would pardon Snowden and Assange, who was held in a maximum security London prison and fighting extradition to the US on espionage charges for publishing classified military documents in 2010. "It's time that we return our government to the democratic and humanitarian ideals that we've always represented as a nation," he added. "Let's go back to championing free speech and celebrating truth-tellers and the whistleblowers who put their careers and their own freedom on the line to protect ours." Kennedy has long criticized US intelligence agencies, saying he was supporting the reverence of "[t]uth-tellers who champion free speech and try to return America to its democratic and humanitarian ideals." He also insisted last month that he would not comment on pardoning the Jan. 6 rioters until he gets elected to office. However, Kennedy recently told CNN that Biden was a greater threat to democracy than former president Donald Trump. The book of Job troubles people. How can a loving God permit such devastation in the life of a man the Bible says was, blameless and upright, (Job 1:1) and of whom God Himself said, there is none like him on the earth (Job 1:8)? And yet God allowed Satan to touch Jobs life with calamity and Job lost his property and his children. But in all his loss, Job worshiped God and did not charge God with wrongdoing or sin (Job 1:20, 22). Throughout the book, Job faces adversity first the losses, then from his wife, and then from his friends. At one point, we read this heart-wrenching utterance, Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him (Job 13:15). What Is the Context of This Verse? As readers, we get to take a peek behind the curtain, so to speak, as God reveals a scene from heaven. The introduction and explanation of the behind-the-scenes events are encompassed in Job 1:6-2:10. Satan, being the accuser (Revelation 12:10), goes before the throne of God to give an account of his travels on earth. God asked him if he knew of Job, His servant, a blameless man. God allows Satan to touch first Jobs family and his belongings (buildings, beasts, and land). And then, because Job worshiped God when stricken by the news, Satan told God Job would surely curse Him if Job was physically touched. God gives Satan permission and Job suffers from boils on his body (Job 1-2). When his friends arrive, they wisely sit with him in silence for seven days but in chapter 3 their wisdom turns to accusations and windy wisdom (because they too are ignorant of the facts). According to John MacArthur, three cycles exist in the book of Job. Cycle One encompasses Job 3:1-14:22. It is the first round of conversations between Job and his acquaintances. Cycle Two includes Job 15:1 21:34, where the second sequence of accusations and answers ensue between Job and the three. Cycle Three (Job 32-37) shows us the entrance of Elihu, a younger man who speaks some truth, but he is as clueless as are the others. Chapters 38-42 reveal Jobs deliverance. Who Is Speaking in This Verse, and to Whom? In chapters twelve and thirteen, Job is acknowledging and lamenting his situation to Zophars latest rebukes and counsel. In this particular passage, Job is speaking to his friends (and yet to God) as he laments his condition. He is ignorant of the why, so he cries out to all within earshot, the closest being his wife (Job 2:9), his friend, Zophar (his immediate audience), with Bildad (Job 8), and Eliphaz (Job 4, 5) close by. God is always within hearing range, and we can assume Satan hears the discourse between Job, these people, and God. What Else Happens in Job 13? As we have seen, Job is answering Zophars latest charge against Jobs ways. Job: - Tells him he is not inferior to them (v. 2) - Wants to argue his case with God (v. 3) - Rebukes his friends for their wrong counsel (v. 4) - Tells them it would have been wiser had they remained silent (v. 5) - Tells them to listen to his argument in his pleas to God (v. 6-7) - Asks them who are they to speak for God (v. 8) - Reminds them they are not without sin and God will rebuke them for partiality (vv. 9-10) - Asks if they fear Him (v. 11) - Rebukes them for their false defenses and maxims ( v.12) - Counsels them to hush so he can speak (v. 13) Job then asked why he should set himself up for Gods wrath (v. 14). He seems to lead to verse 15 by inferring his defense is just and God will vindicate him. He said he trusted God, no matter the outcome even to death. And his salvation will include the knowledge that godless people will not be in Gods presence. He knows who he is and he knows he is in the right because no one can say he is other than righteous. Job switched his direct audience to God in verse 20 when he asked God to take His hand off him and keep him from terror of Him. He then asked God to point out his transgressions. He accused God of hiding from him and calling him (Job) an enemy. What Does This Verse Mean, and What Does It NOT Mean? Job is stating his case to his earthly audience and also to God. He is sure of his righteousness but is not sure of how God sees him. Even if God would bring Job to death, Jobs trust in God would not fail. He still planned to argue his innocence before God and not as a self-righteous man or a fraud, but as one who loved and trusted his God. We have found the first part of Job 13 means Job would not be surprised if God took his life. The verse does not mean God would be anything other than just or righteous. Gods character is fully operational in whole. Not one of His attributes supersedes another. He is fully loving and He is fully just all the time. The second part of the verse could be taken as Job thinking he can change Gods mind or that Job knows better who he is than does the Lord God. Again, God knows everything about us. Job said he would defend his ways before God by virtue of Gods goodness and not his own. Why Can We Trust in God, Even When We Are Facing Difficult Trials? God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives, including physical and spiritual exterior influences. Nothing surprises Him. His Word tells us that for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose, He works all things together for good His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). This is an oft-quoted verse, and rightly so, but the following verse gives even greater hope. Romans 8:29 tells us He created us to be conformed to the image of His Son, our Savior. When a person makes a promise, so much of it is conditional. The person may have all good intentions, but what if that promise maker lied, or has a change of heart, or even dies? What if something makes the promise impossible to fulfill? God is eternal and is unchanging. When He makes a promise, He always delivers. Its impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). He also tells us in His Word He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:15). This was as true for Job as it is true for us as believers. Job faced extreme calamity, and many of us do, too. We are not alone. God wastes nothing and will use whatever we endure to grow us more into the image of Christ Christ who suffered crucifixion and death so we may live. Jesus told us to expect hardship, even tribulation (John 16:33; Romans 12:12), and He told us to take heart for He has overcome the world. James 1:2 tells us to consider it a joy to meet trials. And 1 Peter 1:6 gives us more assurance no matter what we face here on earth, we have a heavenly dwelling awaiting us. Thats good news! One day we believers will meet our biblical heroes. Yet we, as did Job (we can assume), will seek Jesus first! After our initial face-to-face introduction to our Lord and Savior, we might be afforded the chance to talk with all the righteous people we have read about in the Scriptures. We might want to ask Job how he endured. I can imagine him saying nothing as he points to Jesus. May we be speechless as well. Photo credit: Getty Images/PORNCHAI SODA Lisa Loraine Baker is the multiple award-winning author of Someplace to be Somebody. She writes fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa serves as a Word Weavers mentor and is part of a critique group. Lisa and her husband, Stephen, a pastor, live in a small Ohio village with their crazy cat, Lewis. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. A flotilla of aid ships is returning to Cyprus after an Israeli airstrike targeted seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen earlier this week. Reuters reported that the barge left Gaza after WCK staff offloaded aid from it, which sailed from Cyprus when their vehicle was hit on Monday (Apr. 1). Another ship, Jennifer, was still loaded with 240 tons of food when she headed back to Cyprus on Tuesday (Apr. 2) but did not make her delivery due to WCK suspending its operations. "One third (of the aid cargo) was delivered, and two thirds is coming back," a Cypriot official told Reuters. WCK has been active in Gaza since October, bringing food by land routes and participating in airdrops. Meanwhile, UNICEF said that the Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza was "appalling." "These were brave humanitarian workers trying to do their job," UNICEF's communication specialist Tess Ingram told the BBC. "This absolutely should not happen in the line of duty and it is appalling they have been killed." Ingram added that UNICEF's operations in Gaza have been impacted by WCK "pausing their operations as they are one of the big helpers." "We have lost so many colleagues. It is dangerous for us and it is also dangerous for people in Gaza," she added. Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Exxon Mobils Baytown Refinery. Under new EPA rules, facilities including those along the Houston Ship Channel which are within a mile of another, have had recent accidents or handle hydrofluoric acid, which is used in the production of gasoline and other products, must submit an additional report showing they took steps to make their operation less risky. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer WASHINGTON Oil refineries and petrochemical plants are facing a fresh crackdown on the handling of hazardous materials, as the Biden administration seeks to carry through on reforms begun by the Obama administration a decade ago following the explosion of a fertilizer plant in the central Texas town of West. Under new standards finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency last month, refineries, chemical facilities and coal processing units must soon start submitting additional reports analyzing the risk of the hazardous materials they keep on site and whether it makes sense to replace those materials or adjust their operations to make them less dangerous. Facilities including those along the Houston Ship Channel which are within a mile of another, have had recent accidents or handle hydrofluoric acid, which is used in the production of gasoline and other products, must submit an additional report showing they took steps to make their operation less risky. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, filed legislation late last week seeking to block the new regulation, calling it an attempt to eliminate the use of hydrofluoric acid. Yet again, EPA is creating a costly 'solution' for a problem that doesnt exist, he said. Why? Because the radical environmentalists of this administration believe modern science and civilization are a scourge, not a benefit. The change to how companies report through the EPAs Risk Management Program, created in the mid-1990s, comes as the EPA seeks to improve air and water quality and reduce the risk of dangerous explosions and fires in areas that have historically housed the nations petrochemical infrastructure. In announcing the new rule last month, EPA described its requirements as reducing the frequency of chemical releases and their adverse effects and further protecting vulnerable communities from chemical accidents. Similar rules enacted during the Obama administration were rolled back under the Trump administration in 2019. That same year, the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in Pennsylvania exploded after a leak of hydrofluoric acid. A report by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, an independent federal agency, found hydrofluoric acid to be one of the eight most hazardous chemicals regulated by the EPA Risk Management Program and recommended EPA evaluate whether it required greater regulation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hydrofluoric acid needs to be safely managed to keep it from triggering catastrophic accidents, Eric Schaeffer, executive director of the nonprofit Environmental Integrity Project, said. How many explosions and Chemical Safety Board investigations will it take to dampen Congressman Crenshaws enthusiasm for this extremely hazardous material? The new regulations are expected to cost industry more than $250 million in annual compliance costs, according to EPA, more than three times what was estimated under an initial version of the regulation proposed last year. Industry groups are already signaling their intention to sue the EPA, arguing new regulations should be focused on operations with troubled track records and not facilities at large. Rather than taking a targeted and data-driven approach to enhancing safety, EPA made sweeping changes that remove important safeguards on sensitive chemical information and impose unworkable mandates on facilities that provide vital contributions to critical sectors, including food production, water purification and energy production, Ryan Jackson, vice president of federal affairs at the American Chemistry Council, said in a statement. Joey Guerra is the music critic for the Houston Chronicle. He also covers various aspects of pop culture. He has reviewed hundreds of concerts and interviewed hundreds of celebrities, from Taylor Swift to Dolly Parton to Beyonce. Hes appeared as a regular correspondent on Fox26 and was head judge and director of the Pride Superstar singing competition for a decade. He has been named journalist of the year multiple times by both OutSmart Magazine and the FACE Awards. He also covers various aspects of pop culture, including the local drag scene and "RuPaul's Drag Race." Google has agreed to delete billions of records containing personal information collected from millions of people through its Chrome web browser, as part of a settlement agreement in a lawsuit in the United States. The lawsuit accuses Google of tracking Chrome users internet activity even when they had switched the browser to Incognito mode, a setting which is supposed to shield a user from being tracked. Advertisement The details of the deal emerged on Monday, more than three months after Google and its legal team disclosed they had resolved a lawsuit brought in June 2020 which focused on the privacy controls of the firms Chrome web browser. The Incognito mode on Googles Chrome browser is supposed to shield a user from being tracked (Picsmart/Alamy/PA) The settlement requires Google to delete billions or personal records stored in its data centres, and make more prominent privacy disclosures about Chromes Incognito mode when it is activated. Advertisement The data deletion also applies outside the US. The agreement also imposes other controls designed to limit Googles collection of personal information. While Google is supporting the deal, it disputes the claims as meritless, and said it was only required to delete old personal technical data that was never associated with an individual and was never used for any form of personalisation. In contrast, lawyers representing Chrome users depicted the settlement as a major victory for personal privacy in an age of ever-increasing digital surveillance, according to court papers. Advertisement They valued the settlement at between $4.75 billion and $7.8 billion, based on calculations of potential advertising sales that the personal information collected through Chrome could have generated in the past. The majority of Irish businesses believe their workforce will require upskilling to remain competitive and navigate modern challenges, a survey has found. The research, conducted by Ipsos Behaviour & Attitudes for Skillnet Ireland, found most businesses feel workers will particularly require upskilling in the areas of sustainability and digitalisation. Advertisement Over the 500 business leaders surveyed, spanning organisations of all sizes, industries and regions, 65 per cent said staff would need upskilling for the digital transition, and 59 per cent said the same regarding climate action and sustainability. For large businesses, robotic process automation, cloud computing and artificial intelligence were each pinpointed as key areas for upskilling, underlining the place of technology in modern workplaces. The research found larger companies have an overall positive outlook, 94 per cent of which said they are confident about the future, compared to just 49 per cent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Just over half of SMEs also reported difficulty in recruiting staff with the necessary skills, highlighting cybersecurity, financial management, sales and marketing as key skills needed to drive growth. "We are listening to businesses all the time to identify skills gaps and provide solutions that support firms in boosting their competitiveness," Skillnet Ireland's chief executive Paul Healy said. He added that while businesses will continue to face challenges posed by digital and climate transition, "maintaining a strong talent pipeline is key in tackling these changes". Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel mistakenly killed seven people working for the aid charity World Central Kitchen in a Gaza airstrike, with the US and other allies calling for explanations amid widespread condemnation. Israel's military voiced "sincere sorrow" over the incident, which ratcheted up international pressure for steps to ease the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza, nearly six months into Israel's siege and invasion of the Palestinian enclave. Advertisement The strike on the World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy killed citizens of Australia, Britain and Poland, as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. WCK, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff were travelling in two armoured cars emblazoned with the charity's logo and another vehicle, and had coordinated their movements with the Israeli military. People gather around the carcass of a car used by US-based aid group World Central Kitchen, that was hit by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah. Photo: Getty Images "Unfortunately, in the past day there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip," Mr Netanyahu said in a video statement. Advertisement "This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence." The Israeli military pledged an investigation by "an independent, professional and expert body". At least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the United Nations, and Hamas has previously accused Israel of targeting aid distribution sites. In a call on Tuesday, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak told Mr Netanyahu that UK was appalled by the deaths, which included three Britons, and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation, Mr Sunak's office said. Advertisement Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed "anger and concern" to Mr Netanyahu in a separate call. Outrage The United States, Israel's closest ally, said there was no evidence Israel deliberately targeted the aid workers but that it was outraged by their deaths and Israel had an obligation to ensure aid workers in Gaza were not harmed. US president Joe Biden called WCK founder Mr Andres to express condolences, and Washington will press Israel to do more to protect aid workers, the White House said. "These people are heroes, they run into the fire, not away from it," US secretary of state Antony Blinken said of the seven aid workers, speaking to reporters in Paris. Advertisement "We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk." The United Nations, which has warned of a looming famine in Gaza, again called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Israel has long denied accusations that it is hindering the distribution of urgently needed food aid in Gaza, which it has besieged in a war since October, saying the problem is caused by international aid groups' inability to get it to those in need. The aid convoy was hit as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse after unloading more than 100 tons of food aid brought to Gaza by sea, WCK said. Advertisement "This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organisations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war," WCK's chief executive Erin Gore said. "This is unforgivable." The US-based charity said it would pause its work in Gaza, and the United Arab Emirates, which has financed the seaborne food deliveries to Gaza that WCK distributed, said it was putting the shipments on hold pending safety guarantees from Israel and a full investigation. Anera, a US-based aid group that works in part with WCK, said it too was pausing operations in Gaza because of safety concerns. Increasing isolation Australia, the UK and Poland, countries which have generally been friendly towards Israel, all demanded action to protect aid workers, underscoring Netanyahu's increasing diplomatic isolation over Gaza. Israel has been under rising international pressure to alleviate severe hunger in Gaza, which has been shattered by Israel's offensive against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. The conflict began after Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Octpber 7th that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. Since then, much of the densely populated territory has been laid waste and most of its 2.3 million population displaced. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The United Nations and other international groups have accused Israel of hindering aid distribution with bureaucratic obstacles and failing to ensure the security of food convoys, underlined by a disaster on February 29th, in which around 100 people were killed as they awaited an aid delivery. Hamas, Gaza's dominant group, has said the main problem with aid distribution is Israeli targeting of aid workers. After the latest incident, it issued a statement saying the attack aimed to terrorise workers of international humanitarian agencies, deterring them from their missions. Andres, who started WCK in 2010 by sending cooks and food to Haiti after an earthquake, said he was heartbroken and grieving for the families and friends of those who died in the airstrike. "The Israeli government needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon," he said. Video obtained by Reuters showed a large hole in the roof of a four-wheel-drive WCK vehicle and its burned and torn interior, as well as paramedics moving bodies into a hospital and displaying the passports of three of those killed. Conditions in Gaza remain extremely precarious with fighting going on in several areas on Tuesday and 71 people killed in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours, according to Gaza health authorities. -Reuters Ukraine has lowered the military conscription age from 27 to 25 in an effort to replenish its depleted ranks after more than two years of war following Russias full-scale invasion. The new mobilisation law came into force a day after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed it. Ukraines parliament passed it last year. Advertisement It was not immediately clear why Mr Zelensky took so long to sign the measure into law. He made only a brief public comment about it at a news conference in Kyiv on Wednesday with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. An audit requested by Ukraines recently appointed commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, found that a previous estimate that the country needed 500,000 new recruits was wrong, Mr Zelensky said. That is partly because troops serving in the rear can be sent to the front line, he said. Newly recruited soldiers attend a ceremony to mark the end of their training (AP) Advertisement Mr Zelensky said he was not ready to tell journalists how many new conscripts the Ukrainian army will need. Conscription has been a sensitive matter in Ukraine for many months amid a growing shortage of infantry on top of a severe ammunition shortfall that has handed Russia the battlefield initiative. Russias own problems with manpower and planning have so far prevented it from taking full advantage of its edge. But the Russian military on Wednesday said it has experienced a recent surge in enlistments, attributing it to public outrage over last months terror attack on a Moscow concert hall that killed more than 140 people. Advertisement About 16,000 people have signed up in the last 10 days, Russias Defence Ministry said. Its claim could not be independently verified. An affiliate of the so-called Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. The Kremlin has insisted, without providing evidence, that Ukraine and the West played a role in the killings, despite their strong denials. Soldiers celebrate the end of their training at a military base close to Kyiv (AP) Advertisement The law Mr Zelensky signed to lower the conscription age, known as 9281, is distinct from a more controversial and expansive draft mobilisation law which is still being considered in parliament. That bill, known as 10449, would not only lower the conscription age, but also spell out who has the right to exemptions, among many other issues. This legislation, expected to be deeply unpopular, has proven harder to pass in parliament, with more than 1,000 amendments submitted by politicians. Mr Zelensky also signed two other laws pertaining to mobilisation, including one that creates an online registry for recruits. These laws introduce changes only to some aspects of the mobilisation process. But still there are many other issues that have to be resolved, said Oksana Zabolotna, an analyst with the Centre for United Actions, a government watchdog in Kyiv. Advertisement Lowering the conscription age probably would not meet the militarys earlier request for 500,000 new recruits, she said. There are about half a million men aged 25-27. Some of them are unfit for service, some have left, some are (in the) reserve or have the right to deferment, she said. She estimated the new law may achieve about 10% of the goal. That is still a step forward. The average age of Ukrainian soldiers, like those on the Russian side, is around 40, military analysts say. The new mobilisation law came into force a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed it (Francisco Seco/AP) Some Ukrainians worry that taking young adults out of the workforce will backfire by further harming the war-ravaged economy, but the problem reportedly has become acute as Kyiv prepares for an expected summer offensive by the Kremlins forces. The initial enthusiasm for going out to fight against the Kremlins forces has waned, though public support for the war remains high. Ukraine currently forbids men younger than 60 from travelling abroad. Commanders say they do not have enough soldiers to launch offensives, and barely enough to hold positions during intensifying Russian assaults. Russias population is more than three times as large as Ukraines, and President Vladimir Putin has shown a willingness to force men to the front if not enough volunteer. Mr Zelensky has rarely mentioned the mobilisation issue, and parliament has held long and inconclusive debates about it in recent months. Last December, Mr Zelensky said Ukraines military wanted to mobilise up to 500,000 more troops. But he said he had asked the top brass to spell out the details on what is a very sensitive matter before deciding whether to grant their wish. Such a major mobilisation would cost Ukraine the equivalent of 13.4 billion dollars, Mr Zelenskyy said at the time. Other aspects to be considered include whether troops currently on the front would be rotated or allowed home leave, he said. Volunteers and students of the Kyiv State Arts Academy clear the rubble after it was hit during a Russian missile attack (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) The need for a broad mobilisation to beef up the number of Ukrainian troops reportedly was one of the areas of disagreement between Mr Zelensky and General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the popular commander in chief of Ukraines armed forces whom the president replaced in February. Ukrainian Defence Ministry statistics say the Ukrainian military had nearly 800,000 troops in October. That does not include National Guard or other units. In total, one million Ukrainians are in uniform. Meanwhile, Ukraines air force said it shot down four drones that Russia launched overnight over central provinces. An 11-year-old boy died in a hospital from injuries sustained during Russias attack in the Kupiansk area on Tuesday, according to Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov. His 58-year-old father was killed in the attack. Mr Zelensky said on Wednesday that Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, sees daily humiliation and pain from unrelenting Russian aerial attacks. Russian attacks all across the country are wreaking havoc, Mr Zelensky wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in an appeal for Ukraines western partners to supply more air defence systems. In March alone, the Kremlins forces launched more than 400 missiles of various types, 600 Iranian-designed Shahed drones, and more than 3,000 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine, he said. A crowd of people, some crying, gathered at a rain-soaked amusement park in South Korea to bid farewell to a beloved giant panda before her departure to China. Fu Bao has been a major attraction at the Everland theme park near Seoul since she was born there in 2020 to pandas Ai Bao and Le Bao, who came from China in 2016 on a 15-year lease programme. Advertisement China sends pandas abroad as a sign of goodwill but maintains ownership over the animals and their cubs. Fu Bao has been a major attraction at the Everland theme park near Seoul since she was born there in 2020 (Chung Sung-Jun/Pool Photo via AP) Decades of conservation efforts in the wild and study in captivity saved the species from extinction, increasing its population from fewer than 1,000 at one time to more than 1,800 in the wild and in captivity. Advertisement On Wednesday, many panda fans in South Korea braved the rain to attend a farewell ceremony at the Everland park for Fu Bao, who was to be flown to China later. As a truck carrying Fu Bao slowly moved to a plaza in the rain, many visitors wearing raincoats or holding umbrellas waved flags, shouted their parting messages and took photos with their mobile phones. Some loudly cried or wiped away tears. The truck was decorated with a huge picture of Fu Bao and the message: It was a miracle that we met you. Thank you, Fu Bao. Advertisement Visitors hold pictures of Fu Bao as they await the pandas departure (Lee Jin-man/AP) But she was not shown to the public on Wednesday. The park last showed her to the public on March 3. You are our baby panda forever even if 10 years pass or 100 years pass, zookeeper Kang Cheol-won said in a speech during the ceremony. Dear all, Fu Bao is now leaving. Please, remember Fu Bao for a long, long time and please dont cry much! Fu Baos mother, Ai Bao, gave birth last year to female twin cubs, the first panda twins born in South Korea. Staying with Labor minister Anne Aly, who has lashed some acts carried out by Israel and saying war has rules. Her comments come after seven aid workers delivering food were killed in an Israeli airstrike, including Australian woman Zomi Frankcom. She told ABCs Afternoon Breakfast that war has rules. This is not war. War has rules, rules that have been agreed upon by the international community Israel has been urged to abide by those rules, strongly urged by the international community, and by the ICJ [International Court of Justice] to abide by those rules of war, she said. Aly said the systemic destruction of an entire people, deliberately withholding food and aid were not acts of war. These are not things that just happen in war, and I think that if the Israeli government wants to continue to utilise war as a context for its actions, then it needs to start abiding by the expected principles of war and the agreed rules of warfare. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce was also on the program, and said in response that he would want everyone to obey the laws of warfare. Hamas did not abide by any rules of warfare at the start, and obviously the sense of retribution that one can see with whats happening it does not look like abiding by a set of rules, but I will leave that to people who are much wiser than me to come to the determination or otherwise, he said. Bruce Lehrmann asked Seven to pay for a bender in Sydney with cocaine and sex workers as the network sought to secure an exclusive interview with the former federal Liberal staffer, an ex-producer on its Spotlight program has claimed in explosive evidence in the Federal Court. Taylor Auerbach has emerged as an unlikely witness in Lehrmanns defamation case against Network Ten and high-profile presenter Lisa Wilkinson after Ten won an eleventh-hour court bid on Tuesday to reopen its case and call him to give evidence in its defence. Taylor Auerbach with his lawyer Rebekah Giles arriving at the Federal Court in Sydney on Thursday. Credit: Rhett Wyman The former senior producer on Spotlight told the Federal Court in Sydney on Thursday that Lehrmann had purchased a bag of cocaine while we were dining at Franca in Potts Point in Sydney on January 5 last year before the exclusive interview deal was inked in April. Auerbach said he had caught a taxi with Lehrmann from the restaurant to Meriton Suites near World Square, and Lehrmann had pulled out the bag and started to put it on a plate. He said Lehrmann had told him he wanted to order sex workers to the Meriton, and began Googling a series of websites to try and make that happen. The accommodation was paid for by Seven. EPA is in contact with Hobsons Bay City Council over reports of mulch at Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood that may possibly contain demolition building materials, an EPA spokeswoman said. EPA has visited the site and is satisfied with the councils actions. The park opened in April last year after receiving funding through the West Gate Tunnel Project, as part of a state government initiative to improve parks and sporting facilities in the inner west. A spokesperson for the West Gate Tunnel Project said the council oversaw construction of the playground and was leading the asbestos contamination investigation. We are liaising with Hobsons Bay City Council, the spokesperson said. Melbourne father Jason Murphy, who first reported the suspicious materials after visiting the park, said he saw insulated wires, chunks of brick and concrete, plywood of various kinds, bits of wood with nails in it and a chunk of unknown composite material. My kids were playing here and I was sitting under the tree when I noticed wood with nails in it and a lot of other stuff that was very surprising to find in that environment. The material should not be in mulch or tanbark at childrens playgrounds, he said. Just imagine how horrified youd feel if you saw your kid put this in their mouth. Its a dereliction of the duty of care of everyone involved. This new playground is a fantastic asset, but I wont be taking my kids back there until the problem is solved. Shadow Environment Minister James Newbury has called for the Allan government to explain how contaminated product came to be at the reserve, and to provide a guarantee that other Melbourne parks are safe. Every parent will be deeply concerned about asbestos being found near where children play, Newbury said. Asbestos is seriously dangerous and its just not good enough that the substance was there. Since Sydneys asbestos crisis started in early January, mulch containing asbestos has been found at 75 sites, including seven schools, a supermarket, hospitals and numerous public parks. The initial investigation was launched after a child took home bonded asbestos from a playground in the citys inner west. The crisis quickly spread north. The Queensland Environment Department detected easily crumbled asbestos in February. The discovery sparked concerns that dozens of locations, including schools, had received asbestos-contaminated mulch. Separately on Wednesday, the EPA warned Victorians to avoid mulch advertised on Facebook marketplace and Gumtree, after asbestos was found in free mulch given to a resident in Melbournes east. After the recent asbestos mulch scandal in NSW and Queensland, Victorias EPA revealed it was investigating the source of mulch given away free last year to a Heathmont resident that included asbestos and other industrial rubble. EPA inspectors combing mulch at the reserve on Tuesday. Credit: Justin McManus I urge the community to watch out for anyone offering garden mulch who cant demonstrate they follow appropriate high standards and quality checks to avoid contamination, said the EPAs director of regulatory services, Duncan Pendrigh. If the offer seems too good to be true, be wary of it. The Heathmont resident contacted the EPA following the NSW mulch crisis. The playground has also been closed. The agency said it had inspected 59 commercial mulch producers across the state in March and no asbestos was found in any garden mulch being sold, although six operators were given warnings to increase their controls to prevent contamination. Last week Upwey High School and Upwey Primary School parents were told asbestos may have been found on a freshly redeveloped school oval in Melbournes outer east after state railway corporation VicTrack used the site as a temporary car park. The NSW contamination crisis prompted Queensland authorities to carry out testing to find asbestos traces at a dog park and a state school. Victorias EPA said it had taken eight matters to court in the 2022-2023 financial years due to the mishandling of asbestos. Washington: US President Joe Biden is under growing pressure to limit the supply of weapons to Israel as members of his own ranks demand that the US stop being complicit in the murder of innocent people in Gaza. As Biden declared he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers killed by Israeli forces this week, Democrats and progressives stepped up calls for the administration to stop sanctioning military aid to Israel unless the nation does more to protect lives. Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom was killed in an Israeli air strike in central Gaza while helping to deliver food. Credit: LinkedIn The most damning condemnation came from independent Jewish senator Bernie Sanders, who described the carnage in Gaza as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the modern history of the world and told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop murdering innocent people. Right now, what Israel is doing is fighting not just Hamas, but going to war against the entire Palestinian people, and this World Central Kitchen horror is just one part of what the Netanyahu war machine is doing, Sanders told MSNBC, in reference to the charity convoy that was struck while delivering aid to starving people in Gaza this week. People view the eclipse during the Space Center Houston Annular Eclipse Celebration and viewing event at NASAs John Space Center Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Houston may not be in the path of totality, but there are many events around the city where residents can still view the solar eclipse while enjoying expert talks, hands-on activities and free glasses. From parks to museums, attendees can safely observe this rare cosmic event on April 8. Space Center Houston People view the eclipse during the Space Center Houston Annular Eclipse Celebration and viewing event at NASAs John Space Center Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Space Center Houston will be offering three days of interactive programming on solar eclipse science, including musical performances, historical lectures, hands-on activities with the Houston Astronomical Society, planetarium presentations and a crafting class to make solar system bracelets. On eclipse day, free glasses will be provided and talks hosted by retired NASA astronaut Tony Antonelli will take place. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: April 68: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: 1601 NASA Parkway Houston Museum of Natural Science The Houston Museum of Natural Science will be hosting "Totality Over Texas." Attendees can enjoy the eclipse in the Burke Baker Planetarium at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., followed by free eclipse briefings from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Don't miss the 94% partial eclipse starting at 12:20 p.m. at the Sun Dial. Telescopes for viewing and a livestream of the total eclipse from Bandera will be available. Participants will receive free eclipse glasses and enjoy solar activities. Discounted $6 admission tickets are available now. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: 10:30 a.m.-3: p.m. Where: 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land Visitors are encouraged to arrive early at the Sugar Land outpost of Houston Museum of Natural Science to delve into the museum's exhibits and engage in solar crafting while anticipating the eclipse. Expert staff and astronomers will provide educational insight. For safe eclipse viewing, attendees will receive glasses provided by staff upon arrival. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 13016 University Blvd., Sugar Land Houston Zoo A crowd of spectators watch elephants at the Houston Zoo. Michael Paulsen/Houston Chronicle Experience a unique viewing of the eclipse surrounded by zoo animals at the Houston Zoo. Free eclipse glasses will be available (while supplies last) at 11 a.m. near the Cypress Circle Cafe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 6200 Hermann Park Drive SCIENCE BEHIND THE ECLIPSE: What makes Texas' total solar eclipse so rare Katy Arboretum: Cosmic Eclipse Encounter Advertisement Article continues below this ad The city of Katy, in collaboration with the Katy Branch Library, will host a brief event at Arboretum Park. Activities such as pre-eclipse story times and lawn games will keep attendees entertained while awaiting the eclipse's peak. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided, but quantities are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. When: 12:30-2 p.m. Where: 2136 Katy City Park Road, Katy Memorial Park Memorial Park Conservancy will host its first ever eclipse party on the Kinder Land Bridge West Mound. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The park is hosting a viewing party on the recently completed Kinder Land Bridge. The event will include pinhole camera-making and lectures. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sun protection. When: 1-3 p,m. Where: Kinder Land Bridge-West Lawn, Kinder Land Bridge Houston Public Library Multiple Houston Public Library branches will host eclipse parties, featuring crafts like pinhole camera-making for safe viewing and eclipse-themed story times. Check the HPL website for branch locations, and be sure to register early as space is limited. When: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (time varies per location) Where: Various locations SOLAR ECLIPSE EYE SAFETY: Everything to know about eclipse glasses, including how to check for safety certification Levy Park Levy Park is hosting a solar eclipse viewing party on April 8. Levy Park Houston At Levy Park's solar eclipse viewing party, guests can enjoy live music by DJ Del Sur, engage in lunar-themed crafting activities suitable for all ages and receive complimentary glasses for safe eclipse viewing. When: 12:30 p.m. Where: 3801 Eastside Saengerfest Park in Galveston Visit Galveston's Solar Eclipse Watch Party features interactive games and activities, plus free viewing glasses. When: Noon-3 p.m. Where: 2302 Strand, Galveston Cornelius Nursery Eclipse viewing parties Cornelius Nursery locations throughout Houston will be hosting eclipse viewing parties. Attendees will receive complimentary glasses and goody bags filled with stargazing treats, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, there will be a kids' station with chalk, crayons and coloring pages. When: 1-2 p.m. Where: Multiple locations Children's Museum Solar Eclipse Community Live Streams Children's Museum Houston will host educational and fun Facebook Live streams for the total solar eclipse. Courtesy photo Children's Museum Houston will host a series of Facebook Live streams to explore the cosmos, discuss the science of solar eclipses and celebrate the solar eclipse in partnership with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard. Lima: Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is facing attempts to remove her from office for permanent moral incapacity amid a scandal about the ownership of at least three luxury watches. The move to oust Boluarte from power came three days after police broke down the front door of her residence to search for the Rolex watches as part of an investigation. Peruvian president Dina Boluarte, seen with Ecuadorian president Guillermo Lasso, has come under fire for her watch collection. Credit: Bloomberg Boluarte, who took power in 2022 after her predecessor was impeached for illegally trying to dissolve congress, saw the beginning of her term marked by protests and the ensuing crackdown that left dozens dead. She hung on, despite widespread calls for her resignation or to bring forward elections, but is now facing renewed calls to step down over the scandal. Market research firm Ipsos measured Boluartes unpopularity rate at 88 per cent in March. Taiwan Rocked by Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years, Killing at Least 9 and Injuring Hundreds (Photo: mna.gpwb.gov.tw / Public Domain) A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan on Wednesday, killing at least nine people, injuring hundreds, and causing widespread damage across the island. The tremor, which hit at around 8 a.m. local time (8 p.m. Tuesday ET), was the strongest to hit Taiwan in at least 25 years, according to seismology officials. The epicenter of the quake was located about 11 miles south-southwest of Hualien City on Taiwan's east coast, at a depth of approximately 21 miles, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency measured the quake at a magnitude of 7.2, while the USGS recorded it as a 7.4. As of Wednesday evening, Taiwan's fire department confirmed that at least nine people had died and 882 were injured due to the earthquake. Officials warned that the number of casualties could rise in the coming days as rescue efforts continue. The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, which were later lifted. In Japan, officials initially warned of waves up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) high in some areas of Okinawa prefecture, but the forecasts were later downgraded. The biggest reported wave was 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) on the Japanese island of Yonaguni, which is close to Taiwan. Annie Lima, an American who has lived in Taiwan for almost 17 years, described the quake as "pretty scary" and "by far the strongest and the most frightening" she had experienced. "Even there in a doorway on the second floor, we could barely keep our balance, you know, holding both sides of the doorway," she told NBC News. "And all around us things were falling off the walls and off shelves, smashing and crashing everywhere." The damage was concentrated in the eastern Taiwan county of Hualien, near the quake's epicenter, where officials said they were working to free 131 people who were trapped. Videos on social media showed collapsed buildings, with one appearing to be nine stories tall and partially collapsed, standing at an angle. Jason Delickta, an American living in nearby Meilun, said his restaurant in Hualien, the Salt Lick Smokehouse & Grill, suffered significant damage. "We lost most of our plates, because they're all on top of the line, and so they all were shaking and fell off," he said. "We lost a lot of liquor bottles, beer bottles, glasses, things like that." The earthquake disrupted rail services and damaged the main road into Hualien, which Delickta said would likely have a significant economic impact on the town, as it relies heavily on tourism during the upcoming four-day holiday for the traditional Chinese festival known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. The earthquake knocked out power for more than 87,000 households and was followed by a series of aftershocks, the biggest of which measured 6.5, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said a disaster response center had been set up and that the National Army would provide support to local governments. She also urged people to avoid using elevators and to pay more attention to safety due to the ongoing aftershocks. TSMC, one of the biggest companies in Taiwan's crucial semiconductor manufacturing industry, reported that its safety systems were operating normally and that some fabrication plants had been evacuated as a preventive measure. "All personnel are safe, and those evacuated are beginning to return to their workplaces," the company said in a statement. The earthquake was felt across the region, with social media users in China's Fujian province and cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou reporting tremors. In the Chinese territory of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Observatory received more than 100 reports of tremors, describing the vibration as akin to the "passing of light trucks." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) arrives with Ambassador Robert Wood, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, for a session of the Conference on Disarmament at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, March 20, 2019. Wood has dismissed on Tuesday, Jan. 21, an Iranian lawmaker's reward for US President Donald Trump's killing as "ridiculous". (Photo: REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo) The United States has warned Iran not to retaliate against it for an attack on Iran's embassy compound in Syria, which Tehran has blamed on Washington's ally Israel. During a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood made it clear that the U.S. had no prior warning of the strike and would not hesitate to defend its personnel if Iran or its proxies resumed their attacks on U.S. forces in the region. The strike, which occurred on Monday, reportedly killed two Iranian generals and five military advisers, marking one of the most significant attacks on Iranian interests in Syria, where Israel has been conducting a long-running campaign against Iran. Iran's deputy U.N. Ambassador Zahra Ershadi accused the U.S. of being responsible for all crimes committed by the Israeli regime and called on the Security Council to condemn the attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus. Current and former US officials told The New York Times that the alleged Israeli strike was a strategic blow to Tehran and may risk an escalation of tensions in the region. Ralph Goff, a former senior CIA official who operated in the Middle East, called the attack "reckless," adding that "it will only result in escalation by Iran and its proxies." Dana Stroul, the Pentagon's former top Middle East policy official, labeled the attack "the Israeli version of the US strike on Qassem Suleimani," referring to the assassination of the Quds Force chief in Baghdad in January 2020, and warned that it was a "significant escalation and risks tipping an already volatile, unstable region into full-scale war." U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack in Damascus and called on "all concerned to exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation." He cautioned that any miscalculation could lead to a broader conflict in the region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already experiencing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East. In the wake of the strike, US troops based in southeastern Syria intercepted an attack drone, marking the first such incident in two months. Iran-backed militias had refrained from attacking US bases after three US troops were killed in a drone strike in Jordan in January. The strike reportedly killed Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the IRGC's most senior official in Syria, along with his deputy Gen. Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, five other IRGC officers, and at least one member of Hezbollah. Zahedi was responsible for the IRGC's operations in Syria and Lebanon, for Iranian militias there, and for ties with Hezbollah, making him the most senior commander of Iranian forces in the two countries. Iran and Hezbollah have vowed to respond to the strike on the IRGC generals, with Iranian state TV reporting that the country's Supreme National Security Council met late Monday and decided on a "required" reaction. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blamed Israel for the attack, saying the "cowardly crime will not go unanswered," while Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, "The evil Zionist regime will be punished at the hands of our brave men. We will make them regret this crime and the other ones." Israel has grown increasingly impatient with the daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah, which have escalated in recent days, and warned of the possibility of a full-fledged war. While Israel does not, as a rule, comment on specific strikes in Syria, it has admitted to conducting hundreds of sorties against Iran-backed terror groups attempting to gain a foothold in the country over the last decade. research news Transporting spin information at the speed of light For decades we were dreaming of and predicting room-temperature spintronic devices beyond magnetoresistance and just storing information. With this teams discovery, our dreams become reality. Igor Zutic, SUNY Distinguished Professor Department of Physics Scientists have used electrical pulses to manipulate magnetic information into a polarized light signal, a discovery that could revolutionize long-distance optical telecommunications, including between Earth and Mars. The breakthrough, described in a study published March 27 in Nature, involves the field of spintronics, which aims to manipulate the spin of electrons in order to store and process information. The researchers applied an electrical pulse to transfer this spin information from electrons to photons, the particles that make up light, allowing the information to be carried great distances at great speed. Their method meets three crucial criteria operation at room temperature, no need of magnetic field and the ability for electrical control and opens the door to a range of applications, including ultrafast communication and quantum technologies. For decades we were dreaming of and predicting room-temperature spintronic devices beyond magnetoresistance and just storing information. With this teams discovery, our dreams become reality, says the studys co-author, Igor Zutic, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics. Zutic and UBs work on the study was supported by the National Science Foundations Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) program and the U.S. Department of Energys Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program. The study was led by the Jean Lamour Institute, a joint unit of Frances National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Lorraine. Other contributors represent universities and institutes in France, Germany, Japan, China and the United States. Devices could replace conventional electronics In spintronics, which has been used successfully in magnetic computer hard drives, information is represented by electron spin and, by its proxy, the direction of magnetization. Ferromagnets, such as iron or cobalt, have an unequal number of electrons whose spins are oriented either along or against the magnetization axis. Electrons with spin along the magnetization travel smoothly across a ferromagnet, while those with opposite spin orientation are bounced around. This represents binary information, 0 and 1. The resulting change of the resistance is the key principle for spintronic devices, whose magnetic state, which can be considered as stored information, is maintained indefinitely. Just as a fridge magnet does not need power to remain stuck to the door, spintronic devices would require much less power than conventional electronics. However, akin to taking a fish out of water, spin information is quickly lost and cannot travel far when electrons are taken out of the ferromagnet. This major limitation can be overcome by utilizing light through its circular polarization, also known as helicity, as another spin carrier. Just as humans centuries ago used carrier pigeons to transport written communication farther and faster than could be done on foot, the trick would be to transfer electron spin to photos, the quantum of light. Spin-LEDs meet three criteria Tatemo chef and co-owner Emmanuel Chavez Eva Kolenko Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemo is among four other finalists in the Best Chef Texas category of the prestigious James Beard Awards. While Houston was otherwise shut out after landing a bevy of semifinalist nominations, the 34-year-old Chavez is in the running, for the second year in a row, for whats often called the Oscars of the food world. (Tatemo was previously nominated for Best New Restaurant in the country.) "I feel a little more relief because this means we are consistently getting better," Chavez said. "But we know the job's not finished and that we have to focus on the next two months." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chavez joins the following chefs for the regional award: Christopher Cullum, Cullum's Attaboy in San Antonio Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, Birdie's in Austin Misti Norris, Petra & the Beast in Dallas Ana Liz Pulido, Ana Liz Taqueria in Mission HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants The announcement comes after a strong showing for Houston in January, when area restaurants and chefs garnered 11 semifinalist nominations. Houston candidates were recognized in national and state categories such as Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Restaurant, Emerging Chef, Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Hospitality, Outstanding Bakery, Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker and Best Chef Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad None except Chavez made the cut, which is judged by a mix of people working in the restaurant industry as well as food media (including some past and present Chronicle employees). Megan Maul, co-owner of Tatemo and partner of Emmanuel Chavez, left, have built a following for their restaurant focused on using heirloom corn The awards and recognition have opened doors for the restaurant and Chavez, who was called out as one the countrys best chefs in Food & Wine magazine last year. Esquire named the Spring Branch restaurant, located at 4740 Dacoma, one of the best new openings the previous year. Houston Chronicle critic Alison Cook has praised Chavezs use of heirloom corn on the menu at the reservations-only Tatemo, which serves a seven-course tasting menu for $125 that "vaults from one joy to another, whether it be a shivery-cool opening ceviche or a downy, tart-and-sweet plantain tortilla hiding a mole negro of tongue and black-bean puree. "Underpinning everything are the warm, rounded tones of the gorgeously hued masa that make this particular world spin on its axis," Cook wrote in her Top 100 review. "Chavez has a memorable and deeply felt take on one of the citys foundational cuisines." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The accolades contributed to the Tatemo staff doubling in size to 13 to keep up with the increased demand. Calls to participate in food events, fundraisers, collaborations and media opportunities have become more frequent as well, but Chavez said he wants to shift his focus on being in the kitchen more. Chavez closes the restaurant twice a year for about a week so he and his staff can rest and also dine out or travel to find inspiration and stay on top of trends. The recent "spring break," which Chavez spent in San Francisco, was last week, and Tatemo's first service since then fell on the same day as the Beard finalist nomination. MORE FROM BAO ONG: Houston restaurant March and bar Julep land on Food & Wine's top U.S. lists If Chavez wins in June, he will join Street to Kitchens Benchawan Jabthong Painter, who was named Best Chef Texas for her inspired Thai cooking in Houstons East End. Other Texas finalists include: Gemma in Dallas for Outstanding Hospitality; Convenience West in Marfa and Mixtili in San Antonio for Outstanding Restaurant; Barbs-B-Q in Lockhart for Outstanding New Restaurant; and David Uygur of Lucia in Dallas for Outstanding Chef. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I would've wished to see more of my friends out there (as finalists)," Chavez said. "The more of us that are out there, the better it is for all of us." He said it's not lost on him that the support of Houstonians has made Tatemo, a 20-seat restaurant, a dining destination. The awards ceremony for winners will be held June 10 in Chicago, where Chavez will be the lone finalist from the fourth-largest city in the country. "We hope to make Houston proud," Chavez said. Conformation-X Therapeutics, LLC, an immune-oncology focused drug development company, announced today that it has closed an oversubscribed funding tranche of $3.65M, bringing the total raised since inception to over $13.5M. The company unveiled its lead assets by disclosing successful ex vivo and in vivo proof-of-concept studies for its HHLA2 and IL18BP programs, marking critical milestones in the cancer drug development process. Drawing inspiration from the fundamental role of protein conformations in disease biology and drug efficacy, Conformation-X applies unparalleled precision to developing novel immune checkpoint inhibitors. The company is creating a comprehensive portfolio of differentiated therapeutics addressing cancer mechanisms that have eluded existing treatments. The limitations of current checkpoint therapies are evident, as they dont fully target the diverse spectrum of mechanisms associated with non-responsiveness and treatment resistance, said Dr. Ali H. Munawar, CEO of Conformation-X Therapeutics. Despite the pivotal role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy, several peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that the overall response rate across various cancers remains at or below 20%. Patients facing resistance to conventional checkpoint therapies encounter a range of challenges. This includes tumors that inherently possess low immunogenicity, are less likely to trigger an immune response, and immune exclusion, which restricts immune cells from the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, complex genetic landscapes featuring oncogenic drivers and epigenetic modifications further contribute to immune evasion and influence treatment outcomes. Dr. Munawar added, We are committed to pioneering alternative therapeutic options for these patients by targeting novel biology and molecular pathways. The successive rounds of funding are a testament to our investors confidence in the innovation and rigor behind our efforts. The recent capital infusion accelerates the company towards translational studies of its lead asset and facilitates the expansion of its pipeline. The company's pipeline encompasses diverse drug target classes, extending beyond the current landscape of immune checkpoints to include novel soluble and epigenetic checkpoints while continuing to innovate within the B7-family of receptors. Achieving selective therapeutic targeting of HHLA2 demonstrates our teams profound understanding of its intricate structure-function relationship and the critical role that HHLA2 plays in tumor immune evasion. Our work highlights the strength of Conformation-Xs drug discovery platform, said Dr. Stephen Weeks, Sr. Director of Structural Biology and Biophysics. About Conformation-X Therapeutics Conformation-X utilizes a proprietary discovery platform enriched by structural insights to pioneer therapeutics with innovative mechanisms of action. The company is developing a diverse portfolio of immunotherapies that activate both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. The companys premier preclinical asset includes a potent HHLA2-inhibitor that selectively restores its immune-suppressing effect with application in PD1/PDL1-negative cancers. To learn more visit www.conformationx.com. Conformation-X Therapeutics is an independent, privately held research & development (R&D) company affiliated with the Pledge Therapeutics discovery platform. About Pledge Therapeutics Pledge Therapeutics is headquartered in Greater Boston with a second R&D branch in Leuven, Belgium. Pledge harnesses a state-of-the-art platform that merges structure-based drug design with biophysics, facilitating breakthroughs in the design of treatments for challenging therapeutic targets. Pledge is grounded in a collaborative ethos, drawing on a network of experienced life sciences entrepreneurs, clinicians, and discovery scientists. Under its management umbrella, Pledge unites two independent biotech ventures: Orthogon Therapeutics, which specializes in antiviral treatments, and Conformation-X, dedicated to advancements in immune-oncology. This integrated model reinforces Pledges mission to revolutionize patient care across diverse therapeutic areas. More info on www.pledge-tx.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403623298/en/ Mouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest electronic components and industrial automation products, today launches its latest installment of the Empowering Innovation Together (EIT) technology series, which explores the world of industrial machine vision technology. This installment of the EIT technical content series delves into the systems, algorithms, and models required for machine vision, with in-depth coverage of real-world manufacturing applications. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240327027187/en/ This installment of the Empowering Innovation Together (EIT) technical content series delves into the systems, algorithms, and models required for machine vision, with in-depth coverage of real-world manufacturing applications. (Photo: Business Wire) The use of machine vision has grown increasingly vital in everyday technology, driven by the demand for more efficient and accurate manufacturing processes. Machine vision technology can be used in applications across industries, including automotive, industrial, and medical. The series highlights advancements in perceptual AI and deep learning on embedded platforms, technologies that further the achievements of machine vision. The series includes a podcast interview with Peter Denzinger, Vice President of Engineering at Vista Solutions, who discusses the component-level advancements necessary for collaboration between humans and machines. Denzinger outlines the challenges and opportunities facing the machine vision industry. "Our latest season of the Empowering Innovation Together series kicks off with the transformative potential of machine vision technology," said Yin. "This cutting-edge technology is reshaping the industrial landscape, and we touch on a handful of possibilities through engaging, technical conversations with top industry experts." The series includes articles, an infographic, a video and more about the evolution of machine vision and deep learning on embedded platforms, providing in-depth analysis and technical details for engineers who want to explore the potential of machine vision technology, its applications and the opportunity for future design. Established in 2015, Mouser's Empowering Innovation Together program is one of the industry's most recognized electronic component programs. To learn more, visit https://www.mouser.com/empowering-innovation/ and follow Mouser on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. For more Mouser news, visit https://www.mouser.com/newsroom/. As a global authorized distributor, Mouser offers the widest selection of the newest semiconductors, electronic components and industrial automation products. Mouser's customers can expect 100% certified, genuine products that are fully traceable from each of its manufacturer partners. To help speed customers' designs, Mouser's website hosts an extensive library of technical resources, including a Technical Resource Center, along with product data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, engineering tools and other helpful information. Engineers can stay abreast of today's exciting product, technology and application news through Mouser's complimentary e-newsletter. Mouser's email news and reference subscriptions are customizable to the unique and changing project needs of customers and subscribers. No other distributor gives engineers this much customization and control over the information they receive. Learn about emerging technologies, product trends and more by signing up today at https://sub.info.mouser.com/subscriber/. About Mouser Electronics 2024 - Mouser Electronics, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is an authorized semiconductor and electronic component distributor focused on New Product Introductions from its leading manufacturer partners. Serving the global electronic design engineer and buyer community, the global distributor's website, mouser.com, is available in multiple languages and currencies and features more than 6.8 million products from over 1,200 manufacturer brands. Mouser offers 28 support locations worldwide to provide best-in-class customer service in local language, currency and time zone. The distributor ships to over 650,000 customers in 223 countries/territories from its 1 million-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution facilities in the Dallas, Texas, metro area. For more information, visit https://www.mouser.com/. Trademarks Mouser and Mouser Electronics are registered trademarks of Mouser Electronics, Inc. All other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240327027187/en/ State Street Corporation, the global provider of financial services to institutional investors, recently marked the official opening of its new office building in Kilkenny. Located at IDA Ireland Business and Technology Park, the new building is also home to State Streets recently established global cybersecurity centre of excellence, the only dedicated cybersecurity hub outside of the US, supporting the needs of its employees in over 200 geographic markets worldwide. State Street said the availability of relevant and skilled technology talent from universities in the South-East region, alongside the need to support global operations outside of the US, are two of the key reasons for the firm to select Kilkenny as its regional base. 'Exceptional Talent Pool' Our new office and global cybersecurity centre reflects State Streets commitment to Ireland and our confidence in the South-East region's exceptional talent pool, said Ron O Hanley, chairman and chief executive officer of State Street. "We are grateful to the Irish government for its support in our continuing journey to enhance our operational capabilities by leveraging Irelands exceptional workforce and its strength as a fund domicile and ecosystem. Opening Ceremony State Street established its Irish operations in 1996 and has grown to become one of the largest international financial services employers in Ireland. With a presence in Kilkenny for over 20 years, State Street was the first company in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), to establish a regional base outside of Dublin. The opening ceremony was hosted by the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, and by State Street chairman and chief executive officer, Ron OHanley. 'Vital Element' I want to congratulate State Street on this important milestone for their regional operations in Ireland," said Minister McGrath. "The Kilkenny operations are a vital element in the development of the international financial services sector in the South-East region and the cybersecurity centre is a testament to links they have developed with the third level institutions. Source: www.businessworld.ie Wellola, the digital health company, has announced the successful closure of a 2.2 million funding round led by Elkstone with additional funding from Enterprise Ireland and Bay Advisory. The investment brings Wellolas total funding to date to 4 million and will accelerate market expansion to meet demand. The team at Wellola hopes to use the additional capital to accelerate market expansion across Europe and it plans to recruit technical and operational staff across Ireland and the United Kingdom. 'Making An Impact' Wellola is revolutionising how hospitals and clinics care for and communicate with their patients," said Barry Brennan, partner at Elkstone. "As Irelands largest early-stage venture fund, we are always on the lookout for innovative Irish founders making an impact both at home and abroad." Background Founded in 2016 by Sonia Neary (Chartered Physiotherapist and CEO), Wellola builds patient management solutions to deliver high-quality care. Built by clinicians, major healthcare organisations including Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the North East London Foundation Trust and Birmingham Community NHS Trust have already deployed Wellolas award-winning Portasana platform. The company claims that Portasana has enabled one NHS Trust department alone to reduce the need for return appointments by 30%, saving it approximately 325,000 a year. 'Rapidly Evolving' Wellola has developed an international reputation for innovation and service delivery and Enterprise Ireland is proud to back this funding round which will see Sonia Neary and the Wellola team continue to expand in the UK and Europe," said Ruth McAvoy of Enterprise Ireland. "Wellolas technology brings benefits to both patients and healthcare systems and will play a critical role in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. Source: www.businessworld.ie The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee revealed at its March 22, 2024, meeting that it hasn't been allowed to review abortion records since 2013. That means earlier reports may have been undercounts. It also means the committee won't be able to count unsafe abortions, which are expected to rise with strict abortion bans. Dreamstime/TNS For a decade, a Texas committee has counted and investigated maternal deaths in the state, producing legislative reports that help shape public health policy for new and expectant mothers. But when members of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, which serves under the Texas Department of State Health Services, recently reread their original legislative responsibilities, they came to a realization: They have not been allowed to review deaths involving abortions. That means earlier legislative reports, the most recent of which found 63 pregnancy-related deaths in Texas in 2019, may have been undercounts. And it means unsafe abortions, which are expected to rise with strict Texas abortion laws, will not be reviewed by committee members. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The committees chair, Dr. Carla Ortique, an OB-GYN at Texas Childrens Hospital, announced the revelation at the groups March 22 meeting. She and another committee leader also voiced concerns about a budget rider, approved last year, that will prevent Texas from participating in a national data-sharing system with other maternal mortality committees around the country a move they said will hurt the nations ability to study largely preventable maternal deaths. MORE: Maternal death rate in Texas dropped from 2013 to 2019, but racial disparities persist, report shows Its my hope, Ortique said at the meeting, that members of the public, the media, professional organizations, community organizations, and all that recognize that the preventable death of a mother is unacceptable will hear these updates, understand the importance of engaging in efforts to ensure that the work of this committee is able to continue and will raise their voices as deemed appropriate. The announcement represented a rare moment of public friction between the committee, a 17-member body mostly composed of physicians, and the Legislature, which created the group in 2013 to study maternal death cases that are notoriously difficult to parse. Maternal deaths in Texas are above the national average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From 2018 to 2021, 28.1 Texas women died per 100,000 live births, compared with the national rate of 23.5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black women historically have been two to three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Texas, the maternal mortality committee drills deeper into maternal death records to come up with a more comprehensive picture of statewide deaths. Last year, the committee found the overall rate of pregnancy-related deaths in Texas dropped from 18.1 per 100,000 live births in 2013 to 16.7 in 2019. But the maternal mortality rate for Black women (27.9) remained higher, and for the first time, the report said discrimination was a factor that drove maternal deaths. The committee currently is reviewing maternal deaths from 2020 and will publish its report in September. Its expected to begin counting 2021 deaths next year. That later report could offer a glimpse into how abortion bans may have influenced pregnancy-related illnesses and mortality. Now, the quality of the data is in question. Members were unaware the original 2013 statute that formed the group bars them from collecting records associated with voluntary or therapeutic termination of pregnancy. Ortique declined to offer additional comments, referring to her statements at the meeting. The Texas Department of State Health Services, which collects possible pregnancy-related death cases for committee review, has left out any cases where death certificates or medical records indicate an abortion, like the way it excludes deaths from car crashes and other accidental, non-pregnancy causes, said agency spokesperson Chris Van Deusen. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its unclear how many abortion cases have been left out of the committees reviews. Van Deusen could not provide an estimate, and said DSHS is prohibited from keeping and sharing those records. Without access to abortion records, committee members cannot determine whether those women died from the abortion or other, more common pregnancy-related factors like obesity and mental health disorders. They also will not be able to measure a potential rise in unsafe abortions a leading cause of maternal death globally. Unsafe abortions, which studies say are more common when abortions are illegal, happen when the procedure is performed by a person who lacks the skills or in an environment that doesnt meet minimal medical standards. Among 37 states that reported abortion data in 2021, Texas accounted for the second-highest share next to Florida with 51,847 pregnancy terminations. Deaths rarely arise from legal abortions, only occurring at a rate of 0.43 cases per every 100,000 pregnancy terminations, according to the CDC. Between 2013 and 2019, there were 27 reported deaths from complications arising from legally induced abortions nationwide, CDC data shows. Even records associated with nonfatal abortion complications, which Texas lawmakers in 2021 required providers to report to the state, are not shared with the committee, said Dr. Patrick Ramsey, the committees vice chair, who also works as chief of the maternal-fetal medicine program at University of Texas Health, San Antonio. I think that is certainly something that should be considered going forward, that as part of our duty, (abortion complications) should also be reviewed under the guise of our committee to better inform us of whats happening with women in Texas during pregnancy in the postpartum period, Ramsey said during the March 22 meeting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the meeting, more recent actions from the Texas Legislature sparked pushback from Ortique and Ramsey. Last year, when the state approved $4 million to obtain faster maternal health data from hospitals, Texas also allocated $2.9 million for a state-based replacement for the MMRIA system, which acts as a data clearinghouse for maternal mortality committee across the country. Texas accounts for 10% to 14% of births in the U.S., Ortique said in the meeting, and backing out of the national database would make it harder to measure national trends. Budget documents also say the creation of a state database is intended to preclude the acceptance of federal funding for use of MMRIA or any similar federal application. For the last five years, the committee has been using a CDC grant worth $813,209 annually to improve its data collection efforts. But the grant cycle is up this year, and DSHS will have to assess whether it can reapply, said Van Deusen. More provinces are running fairs to further attract and utilize foreign investment Global Times) 10:23, April 03, 2024 China is doubling down on efforts to attract foreign investment as more provinces are running fairs to further attract and utilize foreign investment over coming days, reflecting China's determination to further opening-up. China's recent measures related to opening-up and upcoming events have offered a clear path forward for operation and investment in China, according to multiple CEOs from global companies when contacted by the Global Times, and Chinese market watchers said that China's attraction to foreign investment remains strong. Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province will hold a global investment conference from April 8 to 9. Focusing on developing new quality productive forces, the conference has attracted more than 2,000 guests including representatives from more than 300 global companies, and they will conduct communications around digital economy, green energy, intelligent manufacturing and biomedicine, according to the Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau on Tuesday. The upcoming China International Consumer Products Expo, which will be held from April 13 to 18 in Haikou, South China's Hainan Province, is expected to welcome more than 3,000 brands from 59 countries and regions. The event will be China's first significant international expo this year, as the country continues to promote consumption growth, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). These activities have sent a clear signal that the Chinese government welcomes and supports foreign investors to invest in China, Guo Tao, an industry analyst told the Global Times. China not only shows the potential and opportunities of its market, but also its determination to improve the business environment and strengthen international cooperation. This has a positive effect on enhancing the investment willingness of multinational companies, Guo added. Those events also came after a series of activities of promoting high-quality opening-up by Chinese governments following the China Development Forum concluded on March 25 which attracted around 400 guests from global companies and institutions. On April 1, MOFCOM held a roundtable in Chongqing with 26 foreign companies including Intel and BASF, after a roundtable was held with 12 Danish enterprises in Beijing on March 29. MOFCOM vows to promote the development of Danish enterprises in China on the back of supportive policies, and Danish representatives also expressed optimism about Chinese market potential and were committed to further strengthening investment and cooperation with China. Chinese experts also said that high-tech and high value-added industries have become a new driving force for the transformation and upgrade of China's economy, which provides new investment opportunities for foreign capital. Mats Harborn, president of Scania China Group told the Global Times that the company is developing deep relationships with Chinese suppliers to tap into the exciting, new technological innovations happening in China, such as electrification, autonomous driving and connected intelligent vehicles. French multinational software company Dassault Systemes said that Chinese government's recent initiatives to attract foreign investment and improve the business environment have bolstered their confidence in China's market potential. By closely collaborating with our Chinese partners and leveraging our expertise in digital technologies, we aim to transform challenges into opportunities, said Samson Khaou, Executive Vice President for Asia-Pacific at Dassault Systemes. A number of foreign investors are also expanding in the Chinese market, reflecting confidence in China's economic growth. On March 27, US memory chip giant Micron Technology's new plant in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province officially broke ground. Apple opened its new store to large crowds in Shanghai on March 21 with a reported impressive investment of over 83.4 million yuan ($11.54 million). On the same day, Panasonic signed a deal to produce eco-friendly integrated circuit products in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province. Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca on March 1 announced to invest $475 million in a new drug factory in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. To further attract foreign investment, in March, China's State Council, the cabinet issued 24 measures, which included targeted moves including expanding market access in the high-tech and financial sectors, facilitating cross-border data flows and promoting international business travel. "The action plan demonstrates the government's determination to remain an integral part of the global economy, which bodes well for foreign investors engaging in long-term business in China," Harborn said. China is opening wider and wider to the world, and China's mega-market will bring enormous opportunities to the world. Our message to businesses around the world: invest in China, flourish in China and succeed in China,Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. In the first two months of 2024, China's high-tech manufacturing has utilized 28.27 billion yuan of foreign capital, up 10.1 percent from a year ago, data from MOFCOM showed. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Nicole Hensley is a staff writer for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at nicole.hensley@houstonchronicle.com. She joined the Chronicle in 2018 from the New York Daily News and after writing for The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington. A native of Seattle, Nicole is a graduate of Washington State University. The Clear Creek ISD Administration Building is located at 2425 E Main St, League City. Kirk Sides Though the Houston region isnt in the path of totality for Mondays solar eclipse, some school districts and universities are marking the historic occasion with learning activities and, in a few cases, even giving students the day off, in the name of science, of course. Two Houston-area school districts, Clear Creek and Cleveland ISDs, have announced their cancellation so far. The eclipse will occur from 12:20 to 3 p.m. Monday, reaching totality around 1:40 p.m. Its a rare astronomical event that will not repeat itself again until 2044, and even then, will not likely be seen in Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Waco and other cities in the path of totality, meaning they will see the most prolonged darkness, are expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors to stare up at the sky. Because of this, many Central and North Texas districts have canceled school, partly for safety reasons, as major highways are expected to face increased congestion, and the large number of visitors may make it more difficult for students and staff to safely get to campuses. Houston is expected to have as much a view of the eclipse, but isnt expecting as many visitors as its north and northwest neighbors because it is not in the path of totality. Cleveland ISD said it is closing school to allow students to experience this once in a lifetime learning opportunity event to make memories, take pictures, make videos together, the district posted in a statement on their website. This was not a routine decision because this is not a routine eclipse, they said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It is not just an eclipse, this will be THE ECLIPSE for Texas, the website reads. Other districts in the area, including like Pearland, Aldine, Pasadena and Montgomery ISDs, have decided not to cancel classes, but are still commemorating the occasion by providing safety glasses for students to watch the eclipse. Buc-ees has also joined in the free glasses fun, by committing to send every school district in Texas eclipse glasses in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science. As of March 27, only 51 of the 1,200 districts in Texas had not inquired about receiving the glasses, according to a recent Houston Public Media story on the program. Many school districts that wont close for the day are still using the eclipse as a learning opportunity. Several Houston ISD schools will provide glasses for students to view the eclipse during class. Helms Elementary, for example, has a plan for students to observe the eclipse with eclipse glasses from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. And earlier this week at the West division of HISD, students had the opportunity to learn from NASA's Chief Science Officer and Astronaut, continuing the district's partnership with the Space Center in Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Aldine ISD also hosted NASA astronauts on their campuses April 3, for students to learn about astronomical careers in advance of the big day. Pasadena ISD will be hosting outdoor viewing opportunities for students and other learning programs at each of their campuses. And Conroe ISD will be sending students in their Academy of Health and Science Professions to the Baylor University Eclipse Over Texas event on a field trip. Baylor University has canceled classes for the day to allow an eclipse-viewing event in their stadium which 20,000 people are expected to attend. The event will be family-friendly and was put on in partnership with the Discovery Channel. There will also be events scheduled in Waco for the solar weekend leading up to Monday. The events include a steamclipse expo, drone show and multiple concerts to keep visitors busy. One Houston-area university has canceled classes, too. Rice Universitys Faculty Senate approved the Monday holiday back in December 2021, and the Rice Program Council, a student organization, is planning a watch party for the Rice community, according to Chris Stipes, executive director of media relations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston have not announced an intent to cancel classes, but there will be on-campus activities to celebrate the eclipse regardless. SHSUs department of Physics and Astronomy will be handing out glasses and organizing informational activities about the eclipse on campus. UHs Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science or SACNAS group and the Astronomy Society will be hosting an Eclipse Appreciation Day watch party for students to learn more about the event and the campus observatory. Despite the campus programming, some students have been frustrated that more schools and universities did not decide to cancel classes for the historic event. One student at UH began a petition on March 26, which has almost 300 signatures, asking the university to cancel classes. The creator of the petition, Lindsey Ward, wrote that she is a student who lives an hour away from UHs main campus and was concerned about safety on the drive to class on Monday. As students, our safety should be paramount, Ward wrote on the petition, adding that with such a surge in population, officials are warning residents about road hazards and traffic congestion. The traffic will prevent many (commuters) like myself from being able to get to class, resulting in unfair tardies and absences that could affect our grades. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When reached for comment Wednesday, UH confirmed that the Universitys schedule hasnt changed, as a result of the petition, according to the interim director of media relations, Bryan Luhn. Buzzi SpA's 2023 regional results see cement sales climb in Italy Peter Bell By 03 April 2024 Buzzi SpA reported domestic hydraulic binders and clinker sales in Italy up 2.1 per cent in 2023, while the ready-mix concrete output slightly declined 1.4 per cent. The average prices of cement and concrete confirmed their improvement compared to the previous period. Such trend in volumes and prices led to net sales of EUR818.3m, up 12.7 per cent (EUR726.2m in 2022). Ebitda achieved EUR175.2m, more than doubled compared to EUR82m of last year. USA US cement sales closed the year slightly down compared to 2022 down 1.8 per cent, due to the general weakness in demand as well as to some logistical issues along the Mississippi River. Ready-mix concrete volumes, however, confirmed the unfavourable trend in the final months of the year, closing the year down 7.7 per cent, also penalised by the shortage of drivers. On the contrary, selling prices strongly improved compared to the previous year. Total net sales amounted to EUR1742.7m, up 9.5 per cent compared to EUR1591.8m of 2022, while EBITDA increased from EUR497.5m to EUR639.1m (+28.5 per cent). Central Europe Shipments of hydraulic binders and ready-mix concrete in central Europe closed 2023 sharply declining, by 20.9 and 20.8 per cent, respectively. Selling prices, both for cement and concrete, confirmed the levels already achieved in the first nine months, also during the last quarter, thus marking a substantial improvement compared to the previous year. Overall net sales thus increased from EUR798.8 to EUR872m (+9.2 per cent) and EBITDA improved from EUR120.5m to EUR189.1m (+57 per cent). Luxembourg and The Netherlands Average selling prices in the Low Countries showed a clear strengthening compared to the previous year, which, however, was unable to balance the unfavourable demand. Net sales came in at EUR214.1m down 5.6 per cent compared to the previous year (EUR226.9m), while EBITDA stood at EUR28.1m, clearly improving compared to EUR7m in 2022. Eastern Europe Cement sales volumesin eastern Europe maintained the rather negative dynamics of the first semester, closing the year down 13.1 per cent. Ready-mix concrete sales also contracted (down eight per cent), albeit with a more favourable pace in the second part of the year. The improvement in the price level remained solid in 2023. Net sales increased from EUR141.3m to EUR156.7m (+10.9 per cent) while EBITDA improved from EUR27.2 to EUR38.2m (up 40.4 per cent). Czech Republic and Slovakia Cement sales in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, after the decline in the first half of the year, continued to show a weak trend, closing 16.1 per cent lower, in line with the general market trend. The ready-mix concrete sector, including Slovakia, recorded similar dynamics, both in terms of volumes (down 19 per cent) and selling prices. Consolidated net sales amounted to EUR204.8m (EUR201.2m in 2022, up 1.8 per cent) and EBITDA increased from EUR56.8m to EUR72m (+26.8 per cent). Ukraine Ukraine's cement sales volumes in 2023 largely recovered ground (up 32.7 per cent). Ready-mix concrete sales closed the year up (up 7.1 per cent) but far from pre-war levels. Selling prices confirmed a marked strengthening compared to 2022. Net sales stood at EUR85.6m, increasing compared to EUR59.8m achieved in 2022. EBITDA came in at EUR5.6m (it was negative and equal to EUR6.8m in 2022). On 20 June 2023, Buzzi reached an agreement with CRH regarding the sale of its operations in Ukraine. The completion of the transaction is subject to obtaining the required regulatory approvals. Russia In 2023 net sales amounted to EUR284.6m, down compared to EUR290.4mof the previous year (down 2.0) and EBITDA decreased from EUR99.6m to EUR96.2m (down 3.4 per cent). Mexico Net sales, referring to 100 per cent of the joint venture, stood at EUR1025m, up 33.4 per cent on the previous year, while EBITDA came in at EUR465.5m, significantly exceeding EUR305.8m achieved in 2022. Outlook The latest forecasts have revised growth estimates for global economic activity slightly upwards in 2024, thanks to the greater resilience demonstrated in several markets, including the US. In the construction sector, a weak development of the residential segment is still expected in 2024, especially in EU countries, while infrastructure investments will remain the main driver of the market, with more evident effects in the US and Italy. Energy prices should continue to ease, although remaining far from pre-crisis levels. Buzzi expects a weak dynamic also for our sales volumes, mainly in countries such as Germany and the Czech Republic, albeit with less pronounced decline compared to the trend highlighted in 2023. Published under Pre-K students Fabian Alexander, left, and Alaiya Parrish pretend to be airline pilots in the airplane station in their classroom at Farias Early Childhood Center on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Houston ISD plans to make multiple changes to its upcoming summer school session, which thousands of students who need to meet promotion standards are expected to attend this year. The district will be expanding the number of students who will be eligible to attend summer school this year and extending the length of the summer school session by seven days. The changes come as HISD also plans to have a shortened summer break this year due to its new District of Innovation status, which allows the district to start the upcoming school year earlier. Summer school offers a valuable opportunity for students providing targeted support to enhance their academic skills and ensure a sturdier foundation for future success, the district wrote in a message to families in early March. By participating in summer school, your child can gain confidence, bridge learning gaps, and thrive academically, setting them on a path towards achievement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres what you need to know about summer school this year in HISD: THE REPORT CARD: Subscribe to the Houston Chronicles weekly newsletter recapping HISD news How long is summer break this year? HISD students and employees will lose several weeks of summer this year because the district is moving up the start date of the 2024-25 school year by about two weeks. The new District of Innovation designation means HISD, like nearly all school districts, is now exempt from a state law requiring it to start no earlier than the fourth Monday August. The 2023-2024 school year ends on June 5 and the new school year starts on Aug. 12. The previous academic year ended on June 1 and regular session classes resumed on Aug. 28. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When is summer school? HISDs free summer school session will occur on Monday through Friday from June 17 through July 19, which is a total of 22 days. The district will have students and staff holidays on June 19 for Juneteenth and July 4 and 5 for the Fourth of July. The district held summer school last year for kindergarten through 11th grade students from June 6 to June 30. Students did not have class on Fridays, except for on June 30, and they had a holiday on June 19, so they were in class for 15 days over the summer. Who is required to attend? Who can opt-in? HISD requires students to attend summer school if they dont meet promotion standards for attendance or fail to earn a 70 or above in core subject area courses, such as reading and math. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The district also offers summer school to emergent bilingual students pre-K and kindergarten students to strengthen their foundational content knowledge and language skills. What changes is HISD making? HISDs academic office wrote in a message to families that it is revising who is eligible for summer school to significantly narrow achievement gaps and prepare all students for Year 2035 workplace and world. In addition to other eligible students, the district will offer summer school to students who score significantly below grade level or do not meet expected academic achievement growth on the Northwest Evaluation Associations Measures of Academic Progress Growth exam. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Students will be eligible for summer school if they score under the 30th percentile and achieve less than .35 growth under the Rasch Unit scale on the reading or math exam, according to HISD school board documents. To monitor student proficiency and performance, the district required students to take the NWEA MAP Growth exams in math, reading and science for the first time this year. Students are scheduled to take the adaptive exam at the beginning, middle and end of the year. HISD will also allow parents of elementary school students to opt-in to summer school if there is space available. What will students learn? HISD wrote to the Board of Managers that classes will focus on math, reading and Language Arts, science and enrichment time. The district will also provide New Education System curriculum that is focused on the most critical grade level standards to support students, according to the message. Advertisement Article continues below this ad High quality curriculum will be provided and will focus on the most important standards that need to be covered in the grade for pre-K through eighth grade attendees, the district wrote in a message to the board. High school summer programming is tailored towards credit recovery for attending students. How will families know eligibility? EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, center, is being sued by environmental groups of sulfur dioxide pollution levels. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Two national nonprofits sued the head of the Environmental Protection Agency last week after the agency failed to hold Texas and other states accountable for poisonous sulfur dioxide pollution that violated federal limits. The Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club, two environmental groups, brought the lawsuit in federal court in California against EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. Instead of seeking a financial settlement, they asked the court to decide if Regan was violating the Clean Air Act and to force his agency to take action against the states and territories that failed to meet the standard. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2010, the EPA changed the emissions limit for sulfur dioxide, a pungent, poisonous gas that smells like a just-struck match and contributes to acid rain. It is released when coal or oil is burned, when metal is extracted from ore and in other industrial processes. At the time, the agency estimated the new rules would prevent 2,300 to 5,900 premature deaths and 54,000 asthma attacks a year. "Human health can be dangerously impacted by sulfur oxide emissions in as little as five minutes (and) these lives can only be saved and adverse health avoided if EPA actually and effectively implements the 2010 (rules)," the lawsuit said. It noted that 1.6 million people live in areas with sulfur dioxide air pollution that violated the rules, including five Texas counties: Freestone, Anderson, Rusk, Panola and Titus. The lawsuit said the Texas counties, whose sulfur dioxide pollution is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, had exceeded the limits in early 2017 and were expected to meet the standards by 2022. It said the EPA never determined if Texas reduced the sulfur dioxide emissions in those areas, and missed similar deadlines in eight other states and two U.S. territories. "Because this is pending litigation, EPA has no further information to provide," said Cathy Milbourn, a spokesperson for the agency. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality also declined to comment on the lawsuit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zachary Fabish, a Sierra Club attorney, said the EPA should act immediately because "the diverse health harms from this pollution include the worst possible consequences." Ryan Maher, an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, said the delays "amount to illegal subsidies for fossil fuels, slowing our transition to a clean energy economy." Rep. Chuck Fleischmann is one of the sponsors of a bill to rename Dulles International Airport the Donald J. Trump International Airport. The bill was referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler. Rep. Fleischmann was among the six other Republicans signing on as co-sponsors. Jack Allen, a Democrat who is running for the Third District seat, said, "Congress has become more concerned with renaming structures than working for the American people. From renaming dozens of post offices last year to this most recent move we see that their priorities are not aligned with reality. "What they should be focused on is passing legislation to secure our southern border, expand access to healthcare, and work to solve our federal deficit, but instead they are wasting their time. If they will not work for us, then it is time we send folks to Washington who will." Steve C. McAfee, 82, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed peacefully from this life to his heavenly home on March 22, 2024. He was born in 1942, in Chattanooga. Steve was a devoted husband of over 60 years to his wife, Lynda. He was a loving father to John (Carrie) and Jeff (Shawna) and Poppop to grandchildren, Adam (Priscilla), Maegan (Max), Isaiah, adopted granddaughters Carolina and Madison, and great-grandchildren Ansley, Rosalee, and Sparrow. He also leaves behind his brother, Richard, nieces, nephews, and his fur baby, Lindy Lou. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Marjorie, and sisters Carolyn "Rosebud" DeBerry and Shirley Williams. He was a carman with Norfolk Southern Railroad for 39 years, retiring in 2002. Steve attended City High School. Before attending Providence Baptist Church, Steve was a deacon at Philadelphia Baptist Church where he taught the teen boys' Sunday School class and served as a youth leader with his wife. Steve was devoted to his wife of over 60 years and people considered them to be joined at the hip. When you saw one of them, you would also see the other. He would do anything for his family and often did extra work so that the family could take vacations and have other extras. He was a hard-working man who sometimes only got four hours of sleep before going to the railroad for his nightly shift. He was a prankster and enjoyed playing jokes on co-workers and his wife. He could always be counted on to bring laughter to others. Steve loved to tinker. He was the Mr. Fix-It of the family and would always come when his family called for help with anything. Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church in Ooltewah, TN, with Dr. Jerald Daffe and Rev. John Jones officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the service hour at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Steve's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements are by the Cremation Center of Chattanooga, 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. Southern Adventist Universitys School of Music invites the community to a concert by its Steel Band in Mabel Wood Halls Ackerman Auditorium on Wednesday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Keith Lloyd, the 16-member ensemble will perform a mixed repertoire of songs written specifically for steel pans with arrangements of folk and popular music, including Day-O (Banana Boat Song), Kokomo, Late in the Evening, The Point of Focus, El Montuno, and Hard Times. Featured soloists include junior nursing major Eian Dumanon, senior chemistry major Ryan Howell, junior nursing major Razelle Temana, and senior history major Amy Van Arsdell. For more information on this free concert, visit southern.edu/musicevents or call 236-2880. Tenn. Senate will close two more committee today Two more Senate committees are expected to hold their final meetings today Transportation & Safety and Health & Welfare. The Judiciary Committee finished its final calendar yesterday. The bills on these calendars do not appear too controversial, which means the Senate may close for business today by lunchtime. Senate returns to Gov. Lees corporate tax handout, voucher scam and budget With committees closing, senators will set their eyes on adjournment. But that means the upper and lower chambers of the legislature need to work out their differences on key legislation or not. The biggest items leftover are also the most expensive: Lees corporate tax handout: The Senate approved a $1.6 billion corporate handout this year and $400 million annual corporate tax break moving forward. The House bill includes the $400 million annual tax break, but only handouts $700 million this year. The Senate approved a $1.6 billion corporate handout this year and $400 million annual corporate tax break moving forward. The House bill includes the $400 million annual tax break, but only handouts $700 million this year. Lees voucher scam: The Senate version has a low-ball estimate of $75 million in year one and $278 million by year two. The House version estimates a $397 million price tag in year one. The governor only included $144 million in his budget recommendation to launch this program. 8:30 a.m. Transportation 1. SB 0915 by Niceley. (*HB1015 by Faison.) Requires businesses engaged in the towing or storing of motor vehicles to remove and secure a firearm left in a stored motor vehicle if the firearm can be removed without causing damage to the motor vehicle. Requires a removed firearm to be tagged or logged in a manner to tie it to the vehicle from which it was removed. Requires the firearm to be stored at the business in a firearm safe or other type of secure storage. Further requires the business to notify the owner with information regarding how the firearm may be retrieved. 10 a.m. Health & Welfare 1. SB 2299 *Yager (HB 2376 by *Butler) Public Health- Clarifies that, for the purpose of regulation of health and related facilities, an organization is classified as a home care organization if such organization provides home health services, home medical equipment services, professional support services, or hospice services to one or more patients on an outpatient basis. 2. SB 2340 *Yager (HB 1998 by *Hicks G) TennCare- As introduced, requires the bureau to reimburse certain public or private ground-based ambulance services that bill for transports at a rate not less than 67.5 percent of the federal medicare program's allowable charge for participating providers for emergency services and 100 percent of the federal medicare program's allowable charge for participating providers for nonemergency services. - Amends TCA Title 71. 3. SB 2246 *Swann (HB 2093 by *Vaughan) Medical Occupations- As introduced, requires health-related boards that license practitioners authorized to prescribe buprenorphine-containing products to post nonresidential buprenorphine guidelines and standards on the licensing board's website no more than 10 days after receipt of the guidelines. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68. 4. SB 2864 *Roberts (HB 2297 by *Whitson) Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities- As introduced, requires Part B of the Katie Beckett program to serve a minimum of 5,000 program participants. - Amends TCA Section 71-5-164. 5. SB 2850 *Roberts (HB 2900 by *Kumar) Professions and Occupations- As introduced, as an alternative for an applicant for certain professional licenses or certificates having to show United States citizenship or authorization to work in the United States as verified by the SAVE program, allows the applicant to show proof of application for a valid visa that would authorize the applicant to lawfully work in the United States or a valid J-1 or F-1 student visa; requires the board of medical examiners to grant a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine to certain temporary licensees who are in good standing two years after the temporary licensee begins practicing medicine at a healthcare provider in this state as a temporary licensee, rather than two years after the date of initial licensure. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 63; Title 68; and Chapter 211 of the Public Acts of 2023. 6. SB 1936 *Massey, Yager (HB 2366 by *Carringer, Towns) Health Care- As introduced, changes the application requirements for international medical school graduates applying for special licenses. - Amends TCA Title 63. 7. SB 1930 *Akbari (HB 2222 by *Love) DNA and Genetic Testing- As introduced, adds testing for variants of the Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene associated with increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease to the conditions for which the department of health must develop screening programs. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 5. 8. SB 2791 *Watson (HB 2940 by *Hicks T, Jernigan, Gillespie, Behn, Lynn, Whitson, Helton-Haynes, Rudd, Harris, Vital, Alexander, McCalmon, Carringer, Miller, Hardaway, Eldridge, Parkinson) TennCare- As introduced, enacts the "TennCare for Working Individuals with Disabilities Act." - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 5. 9. SB 0459 *Watson, Crowe (HB 0416 by *Hemmer, Clemmons, Vital, Hakeem, Martin B) TennCare- As introduced, directs the bureau to establish, by January 1, 2024, a statewide program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) to provide comprehensive, integrated acute and long-term care services for qualifying frail, elderly individuals who require nursing facility levels of care; sets minimum program enrollment limits; authorizes the director to seek any federal waiver the director deems necessary to establish the program. - Amends TCA Title 71. 10. SB 1740 *Haile (HB 1723 by *Hazlewood) TennCare- As introduced, enacts the "Annual Coverage Assessment Act of 2024," which requires each covered hospital licensed as of July 1, 2024 to pay an annual coverage assessment for FY 2024-2025 of a certain percentage of the covered hospital's annual coverage assessment base. - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 5. 11. SB 2136 *Reeves (HB 2318 by *Williams, Whitson) Medical Occupations- As introduced, makes various changes to the authorized scope of practice of physician assistants and advanced practice nurses who meet certain qualifications. - Amends TCA Title 55; Title 63 and Title 68. 12. SB 2139 *Reeves (HB 2358 by *Carringer, Sherrell) Pharmacy, Pharmacists- As introduced, establishes a procedure for certain specialty medications to be returned to and re-dispensed by certain approved pharmacies. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71. 13. SB 1505 *Yarbro (HB 1339 by *Camper, Pearson) Human Services, Dept. of- As introduced, requires the department to actively seek and apply for federal grants and other available federal funds, and utilize available federal funds, for the purpose of alleviating childhood hunger. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 71. 14. SB 2009 *Reeves (HB 2269 by *Boyd) Health Care- with the amendment, revises the process for reviewing applications submitted to the health facilities commission. Establishes a contested case process for applicants. 15. SB 1945 *Crowe (HB 2174 by *Alexander) Food and Food Products- As introduced, redefines "food service establishment" to exclude an establishment whose primary business is other than food service, that incidentally makes casual, occasional food sales for two days or less while an organized temporary event is being conducted less than one-quarter mile from the establishment, for the purposes of exempting such establishments from regulation by the department of health and local governments. 16. SB 2419 *Crowe (HB 2445 by *Alexander, Hicks T, Helton-Haynes, Rudder) TennCare- As introduced, enacts "Emma's Bill," which requires that when making a determination of medical necessity, the bureau shall take into consideration the patient's overall condition and use such overall condition as a factor to determine the level of funding and what medical items and services the patient receives, even if such determination does not result in the least costly course of diagnosis or treatment. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 71. 17. SB 2293 *Crowe, Campbell (HB 1975 by *Hawk) Human Services, Dept. of- As introduced, requires the commissioner to include in the annual block grant report information detailing the department's use of federal TANF funds in furtherance of the four purposes of the TANF program. - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 1, Part 1. In 1950 Detroit was one of the most prosperous cities in the world with a population of 1.8 million. Forty years later the population was 1 million. Now the population is 670,000. There is no city in the country that is more tied to a union than Detroit and the UAW. The combination of Democrat rule and the UAW has resulted in a population decline of almost 65 percent in the last 75 years. Have to give the Democrats and their union buddies credit, they have certainly lowered the cost of housing in Motown. And not just in Detroit, if one drives through Michigan you will find once prosperous cities that look like a combination of Berlin in the summer of 1945 and a third world country. As County Mayor Wamp mentioned there are some really good unions; our local IBEW for example. And then you have thug unions like the UAW who are nothing but vultures who come in after VW and the state of Tennessee invest billions of dollars for plants, infrastructure and training to reap the benefits. No wonder the UAW leadership supports Democrats while admitting more than half their members will vote for Trump. Sounds like a real Democratic organization. And meanwhile our President is doing all he can to destroy the Big 3 automobile companies. The last car I bought made by the UAW was a 1975 Mustang. On the other hand, even though I would never buy a car made by the UAW I would never hire an electrician who was not a member of the IBEW. There are a lot of good hard working people at the VW plant. We don't need to import this cancer from Michigan with their corrupt leadership. Douglas Jones John Franklin Frank Burrow, 80, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed away on March 28, 2024, in his home. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lynn Edging Burrow. He is also survived by his daughters and families, Betsy and Jeremy Cyr of Tyler, Tx., and granddaughters, Sophia and Sarah; Anna and Allen Peterfreund of Dalton, Ga., and granddaughters, Ava and Laney. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Janet Burrow, as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, Buddy and Becky Edging and Dr. Richard Edging and Dr .Pat Okker. Frank was born on March 30, 1943 in Norfolk, Va., the first child of Almyra Beazley and John Wesley Burrow. Throughout his childhood, Frank moved around the state of Virginia as his father was transferred and was promoted within the VA State Police. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1965. Upon graduation, he moved to Huntsville, Al., to work for Brown Engineering, a subcontractor to NASA. He helped put a man of the moon by aiding in the design of the third stage of the Saturn 5 rocket assembly. This was before men relied on massive computing, so he was able to do so with just hand calculations and a slide rule. While in Huntsville, he also fell over-the-moon in love with Lynn Edging, whom he married in 1969. He continued to work as a rocket scientist until switching gears to nuclear engineering. In 1976, he and Lynn and their two young daughters moved to Lynchburg, VA where he went to work for the energy company Babcock & Wilcox. His knowledge and expertise were instrumental in helping to save the world from a nuclear reactor meltdown at Three Mile Island. In 1980, the family moved to Signal Mountain, where Frank worked in nuclear fuels for TVA before retiring in 2004. He did his part to make America great. Frank was a fun-loving person with an extraordinary sense of humor. Frank loved Corvettes, English bulldogs, and a good party. He made the most of his retirement years by enjoying two of his lifelong passions woodworking and restoring sixties Corvettes. However, Franks devotion to his wife and family is his greatest enduring legacy. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on April 12, at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace). Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on April 13, in the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home with Reverand Steven Edging officiating. Interment will be at 3 p.m. on April 13, in Chattanooga Memorial Park Cemetery, 501 Memorial Drive. Those wishing to do so may make donations in Franks memory to the McKamey Animal Center, McKameyanimalcenter.org, 4500 N. Access Road, Chattanooga, or Bethel Bible Village, bethelbiblevillage.org. Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, lanefh.com. Five years since its debut, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Future Ready Institute in Teaching and Learning at Tyner Academy is preparing for a further enhanced experience at the start of the 2024-25 academic year.The Hamilton County school system launched its Future Ready Institutes in 2018 at 13 schools, offering students insight and information about careers in engineering, technology, health, tourism and business. UTCs Future Ready Institute in Teaching and Learning at Tyner began that year and is now one of five institute options at the school.Today, UTC and Hamilton County Schools signed a Memorandum of Understanding to extend the sponsorship of UTCs Future Ready Institute in Teaching and Learning at Tyner.The ceremony took place in Hunter Halls John Ebb Stewart and Mary Ann Stewart Instructional Technology Laboratory on the UTC campus.The signing ceremony speakers included UTC Chancellor Steven R. Angle, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson, UTC College of Health, Education and Professional Studies Dean Valerie Rutledge and Tyner Academy Principal Tiffany Earvin.What a great opportunity to highlight a partnership that fits both Hamilton County Schools and UTC, Dr. Angle said. We like to think of ourselves as Chattanoogas university. We engage our students. Certainly, theyre learning in a classroombut applying what they learn to real-world problems that impact our community, our state and our nation. Our students learn, do, and were training them to be leaders and lead.The Future Ready Institutes are a direct line of connection between the Chattanooga community, educational entities like UTC, and large companies that have some resources to draw on to help support the mission of Hamilton County Schoolsand have an impact on our students to engage them in the excitement of applying and doing things. And this program is a great example of that.In introducing Supt. Robertson, the chancellor said, This is what partnership looks like: working together for the good of our students and our community and changing lives together.What were excited about is that we know its more than just teachers that make K-12 happen, Supt. Robertson said. We need counselors, we need social workers, we need school psychologists. By expanding this program, its not just going to improve the pipeline of K-12 educators; its also going to improve the pipeline of school psychologists, which is one of the hardest things that we have to hire. So were excited to provide those opportunities.UTC is stepping up and we want UTC to be not only Chattanoogas university; we want it to be Hamilton County Schoolss university.Principal Earvin said it was essential to highlight the work current students in the Tyner Academy program are doing to serve other students in their own community.They go to Bess T. Shepherd (Elementary School) and theyre going to Harrison Elementary every week to provide the same type of skillset that theyve gotten from teachers when they were younger, she said. They are giving back. Theyre working in classrooms. Theyre teaching lessons of various typesjust to make sure theyre pouring back into their own communities and to make sure they are serving students through this particular program.In partnership with UTC, it is critical for us to make sure our younger students can also see the importance of teachers, not just teachers that are certified currently, but the ones that are leaving their own classrooms and coming back to work-based learning programs to provide access and opportunities for our younger students. Thats critical for us.Dean Rutledge, a Tyner graduate, said it is imperative that this partnership be successful.I really think part of the success of this effort has been the investment of both UTC and Hamilton County Schools, and I appreciate how important this is for us, exposing the students to what I have always thought is a fabulous career, Dean Rutledge said.Since the establishment of the Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools, the UTC School of Education has been excited to acquaint students with a career in education by allowing them to experience field placements, complete coursework and get a head start on their college courses in this major.UTC Assistant Professor of Education Jennifer Lynberg, who oversees the Future Ready Institute in Teaching and Learning at Tyner, added, The program covers the components of instruction, teaching strategies and all professions that encompass the education field, and whats new this fall is that participating students will be able to complete the Tennessee Child Development Associate certificationa requirement for eligibility to work in professional childcare settingsat no cost to the student.That certification means that, even if participating students opt not to continue to college, those who complete the program will take an industry credential into the job market. Students will also take six dual-enrollment courses (half that satisfy high school and first-year college curriculum requirements) at no cost to them and can begin college with 18 credit hours already earned.Our goal is to get them invested in their education at the high school level to get them ready to move on after high school, said Ms. Lynberg, the UTC Future Ready liaison. The fact were offering 18 credit hours is really innovative; they will leave high school with 18 credit hours, which is a fantastic head start to a successful college experience.UTC will support the program through staff in-kind service or up to $50,000 funding each fiscal year. Designated professionalsone from UTC and one from Tynerwill support student participation. Teacher externships are available for Tyner faculty each summer. As a former vice president of United Steelworkers D9 Local Union 15120 and current candidate for Tennessee State House District 28, I reaffirm unwavering support for the ongoing unionization efforts of Volkswagen (VW) workers. Having served as a union leader, I bring invaluable first-hand experience and deep-rooted commitment to the cause of workers' rights and collective bargaining. Witnessing the transformative impact of unions in advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity in the workplace, I understand the critical importance of union representation in empowering workers and strengthening communities. Unionization at Volkswagen isn't merely a matter of policy - it reflects shared values and principles. It represents a commitment to justice, equality, and the recognition of every worker's inherent worth and dignity. By standing together in solidarity, workers and their allies uphold the fundamental right of workers to have a voice in shaping their workplace and their future. In my view, fighting for workers' rights isn't just a noble cause - it's a moral imperative. As a Tennessee State House District 28 candidate, I pledge to advocate for workers' rights, championing policies supporting unionization and collective bargaining. Coonrod and Volkswagen workers aspire to create a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect, empowerment, and shared prosperity. Together, let's stand in solidarity with Volkswagen workers in their pursuit of fairness, dignity, and opportunity. Demetrus Coonrod ITC agreed to pay agencies $6.6 million for environmental damages from its 2019 tank fire that burned for three days. The preventable fire ripped through 15 atmospheric storage tanks filled with toxic chemicals, which filled the air with thick black smoke and ran into the Houston Ship Channel. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer ITC will pay state and federal agencies $6.6 million for environmental damages from its 2019 tank fire that burned for three days. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Intercontinental Terminals Co. has agreed to pay more than $6.6 million to compensate for the natural resource damages caused by the 2019 fire at its Deer Park terminal, federal and state officials said Tuesday. The fire, which burned for three days, ripped through 15 atmospheric storage tanks for toxic chemicals, filling the air with thick black smoke and sending chemicals into the Houston Ship Channel, combining with polluting firefighting foam along the way. In July 2023, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board found ITC could have prevented the blaze. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas Attorney Generals Office and the U.S. Department of Justice announced the payout after they filed a civil complaint and a proposed consent decree on the incident. The agreement will go through a 30-day public comment period and needs final court approval. The $6.65 million settlement designated the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas General Land Office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as recipients of the funds. In an earlier settlement, the Environmental Protection Agency got $5.25 million from the company for their costs incurred responding to the releases. Harris County separately received a $900,000 settlement from ITC in 2021 after suing them for illegal development in a floodplain and pollutants discharged into the public stormwater system. Numerous personal injury cases are still pending. The 2019 fire released an estimated 470,000 to 523,000 barrels of hydrocarbon and petrochemical products. Burning chemical smells filled the area, and cancer-causing benzene lingered in the air for weeks. Firefighters battled to contain the blaze, and the flow of contaminated water into Tucker Bayou and Houston Ship Channel spread far and wide after a dike wall broke during the response. Researchers found hazardous chemicals lingering in local waterways for months after the incident. No ITC personnel or emergency responders were injured in the blaze. In a Tuesday statement, the U.S. Department of Justice said the hazardous releases caused significant injuries to ecological resources and services, including birds and marsh and riparian habitat areas, and forced the closure of state, county and city parks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This settlement will help repair, in part, the devastating environmental damage caused by the release of hazardous substances from ITCs Deer Park facility, said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton reiterated that the three-day fire severely contaminated local air quality and land, noting that a separate environmental enforcement lawsuit against the company was still pending. All companies operating in our state must take the utmost precaution to prevent any such disaster from harming our citizens and our environment, Paxton said. Following the fire, ITC worked collaboratively with state and federal authorities to resolve claims related to natural resource damages, the company said in a statement. We are pleased to reach resolution of these claims, and we are committed to continually implementing enhancements to the safety, environmental integrity and emergency response capabilities at the terminal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad LOCALS FIGHT: Deer Park residents who lived through 2019 ITC fire fight permit renewal hours before Shell blaze Some County Commissioners on Wednesday were critical of a group of officials who held a press conference urging Volkswagen workers not to join the United Auto Workers. Commissioner David Sharpe said the group, that included County Mayor Weston Wamp, Commissioner Lee Helton and several members of the local legislative delegation, may have violated the National Labor Relations Act. He said the commission's ethics committee should look into it. He said, "I was raised on union money. It put me through school and put food on our table. To speak while on the taxpayers' dime as a representative of this county, I take issue with." Commissioner Warren Mackey, who said he was "a proud UAW member" while working at three different Detroit plants, said the UAW brought better pay and better benefits to plant workers. Hitting the "anti-union policies of conservatives," he said the VW workers "should be allowed to make their own decisions." Commissioner Mackey said the local Volkswagen plant "is the only Volkswagen plant on the plant that is non-union. The company itself has no problem with a union." Commissioner Greg Beck said when he went to work for Combustion Engineering in 1966 he was making $2.09 per hour. He said it was due to the Boilermakers Union that the pay was up to $13 an hour by the time he left in 1981. He said workers were given 10 minutes to eat lunch. He said, "Were it not for the union, we probably would have still been making $2.09 an hour." Commissioner Beck said, "I take offense to anyone who says unions are political. Unions are humane." Commissioner Gene-o Shipley, a union member for half a century, said the UAW "needs to come to the values of Chattanooga, not the values of Detroit." Commissioner Helton said, "My opposition was based on the fact that not all unions are created equal." He said he uses local union workers on his construction projects, but he said he believes the UAW is different. An investigation by special agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, along with investigators with the Pikeville Police Department and the Office of the 12th Judicial District Attorney General, has resulted in the indictment of a Rhea County woman, charged in the drug-related death of a Pikeville woman. In August, 2022, officers with the Pikeville Police Department responded to an overdose death call for service at a residence on White Flats Road in Evensville in Rhea County. They found Hailey Green, 27, deceased from an apparent overdose. At the request of Pikeville Police and the Office of the 12th Judicial District Attorney General, TBI drug agents joined the investigation. During the course of the investigation, agents and officers identified Kayla Tinsley, 33, as the individual involved in the fentanyl distribution that led directly to the victims death. On April 1, the Rhea County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Ms. Tinsley with one count of second-degree murder and three counts of possession of Schedule II controlled substance for resale. On Tuesday, she was arrested and booked into the Rhea County Jail on a $450,000 bond. Kate and William could return to the spot of their 2010 engagement if the Princess of Wales is medically cleared to travel. Kate Middleton may return to where she and Prince William first became engaged. Whats the reason for the Princess of Wales return to the particular spot? Kate Middleton may make a fairy-tale return to the spot she said yes to Prince William Two of the princesss close friends are getting married in Kenya, Africa, a special place for the Prince and Princess of Wales. It is there that, in 2010, they became engaged in the foothills of Mount Kenya. The Daily Mails Richard Eden reports Kate Middletons friends, Joss Craig and Miranda Simpson, are engaged. Craigs father, William, runs Kenyas 55,000-acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. They could reportedly marry in the same area. In the foothills of Mount Kenya, Lewa was where William proposed to Kate with Princess Dianas engagement ring. Wouldnt it be lovely if Catherine could attend the wedding? says a friend, reports the Daily Mail. However, Kates attendance will be contingent on her current medical advice. She is currently receiving a round of preventative chemotherapy and is recovering from abdominal surgery. It is unknown if the royal couple has ever returned to where they became engaged fourteen years ago. It is also still being determined whether or not they will attend the wedding when it does occur. Kate Middleton and Prince Williams romantic engagement William got down on one knee during a romantic getaway trip to Kenya in 2010. The couple stayed in a cabin hut at the Wildlife Conservatory. The engagement was announced on Nov. 17, 2010. The couple sat down for a joint engagement interview with ITV to discuss the moment. We had a little private time away with some friends, and I just decided that it was the right time, really, William said. Wed been talking about marriage for a while, so it wasnt a big surprise, but I took her up somewhere nice in Kenya and proposed. Kate said the proposal was very romantic. However, she added she didnt see it coming. No, not because we were out with friends and things, so I didnt expect it all. I thought He might have thought about it, but no. It was a total shock when it came, and very excited, she explained. Prince William proposed with Princess Dianas sapphire and diamond engagement ring Kate Middleton wearing Princess Dianas engagement ring in 2010 | Arthur Edwards WPA Pool/Getty Images Upon asking Kate Middleton to be his wife, Prince William proposed to his mother Princess Dianas sapphire and diamond engagement ring. The ring was as iconic as the marriage of Diana and Prince Charles, which spanned fifteen years. William said of the sparkler, Its my mothers engagement ring. So I thought it was quite nice because she wont be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all. This was my way of keeping her close to it all. He joked, Im not an expert on it at all. Ive been reliably informed its a sapphire with some diamonds. Im sure everyone recognizes it from previous times. Kate responded, Well, I just hope I look after it. Its very, very special. Kate Middleton and Prince William became engaged in November 2010. They married on April 29, 2011. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) might be best known from text or image-creating applications like ChatGPT or Stable Diffusion. But its usefulness beyond that is being shown in more and more different scientific fields. In their recent work, to be presented at the upcoming International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR), researchers from the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) in collaboration with colleagues from Imperial College London and University College London have provided a new open-source algorithm called Conditional Variational Diffusion Model (CVDM). Based on generative AI, this model improves the quality of images by reconstructing them from randomness. In addition, the CVDM is computationally less expensive than established diffusion models and it can be easily adapted for a variety of applications. A fluorescence micrograph taken from the open BioSR super-resolution microscopy dataset Source: A. Yakimovich/CASUS, modified image from the BioSR dataset by Chang Qiao & Di Li (licensed under CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) With the advent of big data and new mathematical and data science methods, researchers aim to decipher yet unexplainable phenomena in biology, medicine, or the environmental sciences using inverse problem approaches. Inverse problems deal with recovering the causal factors leading to certain observations. You have a greyscale version of an image and want to recover the colors. There are usually several valid solutions here, as, for example, light blue and light red look identical in the grayscale image. The solution to this inverse problem can therefore be the image with the light blue or the one with the light red shirt. Analyzing microscopic images can also be a typical inverse problem. You have an observation: your microscopic image. Applying some calculations, you then can learn more about your sample than first meets the eye, says Gabriel della Maggiora, PhD student at CASUS and lead author of the ICLR paper. The results can be higher-resolution or better-quality images. However, the path from the observations, i.e. the microscopic images, to the super images is usually not obvious. Additionally, observational data is often noisy, incomplete, or uncertain. This all adds to the complexity of solving inverse problems making them exciting mathematical challenges. The power of generative AI models like Sora One of the powerful tools to tackle inverse problems with is generative AI. Generative AI models in general learn the underlying distribution of the data in a given training dataset. A typical example is image generation. After the training phase, generative AI models generate completely new images that are, however, consistent with the training data. Among the different generative AI variations, a particular family named diffusion models has recently gained popularity among researchers. With diffusion models, an iterative data generation process starts from basic noise, a concept used in information theory to mimic the effect of many random processes that occur in nature. Concerning image generation, diffusion models have learned which pixel arrangements are common and uncommon in the training dataset images. They generate the new desired image bit by bit until a pixel arrangement coincides best with the underlying structure of the training data. A good example for the power of diffusion models is the US software company OpenAIs text-to-video model Sora. An implemented diffusion component gives Sora the ability to generate videos that appear more realistic than anything AI models have created before. But there is one drawback. Diffusion models have long been known as computationally expensive to train. Some researchers were recently giving up on them exactly for that reason, says Dr. Artur Yakimovich, Leader of a CASUS Young Investigator Group and corresponding author of the ICLR paper. But new developments like our Conditional Variational Diffusion Model allow minimizing unproductive runs, which do not lead to the final model. By lowering the computational effort and hence power consumption, this approach may also make diffusion models more eco-friendly to train. Clever training does the trick not just in sports The unproductive runs are an important drawback of diffusion models. One of the reasons is that the model is sensitive to the choice of the predefined schedule controlling the dynamics of the diffusion process: This schedule governs how the noise is added: too little or too much, wrong place or wrong time there are many possible scenarios that end with a failed training. So far, this schedule has been set as a hyperparameter which has to be tuned for each and every new application. In other words, while designing the model, researchers usually estimate the schedule they chose in a trial-and-error manner. In the new paper presented at the ICLR, the authors incorporated the schedule already in the training phase so that their CVDM is capable of finding the optimal training on its own. The model then yielded better results than other models relying on a predefined schedule. Among others, the authors demonstrated the applicability of the CVDM to a scientific problem: super-resolution microscopy, a typical inverse problem. Super-resolution microscopy aims to overcome the diffraction limit, a limit that restricts resolution due to the optical characteristics of the microscopic system. To surmount this limit algorithmically, data scientists reconstruct higher-resolution images by eliminating both blurring and noise from recorded, limited-resolution images. In this scenario, the CVDM yielded comparable or even superior results compared to commonly used methods. Of course, there are several methods out there to increase the meaningfulness of microscopic images some of them relying on generative AI models, says Yakimovich. But we believe that our approach has some new unique properties that will leave an impact in the imaging community, namely high flexibility and speed at a comparable or even better quality compared to other diffusion model approaches. In addition, our CVDM provides direct hints where it is not very sure about the reconstruction a very helpful property that sets the path forward to address these uncertainties in new experiments and simulations. Filing taxes ought to be easier and cheaper. This year, for Texans with relatively straightforward returns, it can be. d3sign/Getty Images Nearly 22 million Texans will sit down to file their taxes over the next few weeks, whether on paper, with the help of an accountant or as will be the case for most online through a private company. One of the few issues that nearly every American can agree on is that filing taxes has become too complicated and too expensive, and we need a better path forward. Many of us have very simple tax situations no investment properties, no backdoor Roth IRAs, no executive deferred compensation plans. We have a W-2, perhaps a savings account, and we take the standard deduction. That ought to be easy, right? But its not. Americans spend an estimated 1.7 billion hours and $31 billion annually to file their taxes each year, even though the overwhelming majority of us have simple tax cases and should be able to file in minutes and for free. Millions more find it too hard or expensive to file taxes at all and miss out on credits they would have otherwise earned. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Luckily, there is a solution for nearly 4 million Texas taxpayers this year. The Internal Revenue Service is piloting a Direct File program this season that allows eligible taxpayers to directly and securely file their tax returns online with the IRS for free. But wait, you say: Doesnt free filing already exist? Sort of and not for as many people as it should be. While the IRS has offered a Free File option through partnerships with private companies for several years, only people who made below $79,000 are eligible. Private companies like TurboTax have advertised their services as no-cost even $0 to file but that wasnt the case for most taxpayers who used the service, and they didnt find out until theyd entered their information in the program. In January, the Federal Trade Commission slapped TurboTax for false marketing. But this new pilot program, Direct File, is a truly free option with no income restrictions. This years pilot program limits eligibility to people who are in Texas and 11 other states, and who have relatively straightforward tax returns. But the hope is that the program will expand in the coming years so that anyone can file their taxes for free, directly with the IRS. Crucially, the program accommodates those who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC). I work for Every Texan, a nonpartisan, equity-focused research and advocacy organization,and weve observed an unfortunate reality: Many low-income Texas families miss out on these vital credits each year. Direct File can help these families freely access the tax credits they rightfully deserve.A free tax filing option would save Texans an average of nine hours and $150 every tax season, according to IRS estimates. These savings are welcome everywhere, but they can be utterly transformative for low-income filers and communities of color, which are disproportionately harmed by the complicated tax system. For example, 1 in 5 families eligible for the EITC do not claim it, because its either too complicated to file themselves, or a lack of better options forces families to use an unregulated tax preparer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2023, about 2.5 million Texas workers and families received the EITC, totaling $7.1 billion in tax credits. If Texas taxpayers use Direct File proportionately to our states population, altogether we could save $1.7 billion in filing fees, unclaimed credits and time cost of filing. In credits alone, Texans could claim approximately $739 million more than they do now, with much of that going to low-income families and communities of color. If Congress extends American Rescue Plan policies, like the expanded Child Tax Credit, the benefits could hit as high as $4.3 billion. Taxpayers across the country overwhelmingly support the choice to file their taxes for free. Polling from Hart Research found that 88% of Americans support the Direct File pilot program, and more than 75% of respondents would likely try the free tool. Not surprisingly, the for-profit tax preparation industry doesnt like the idea. To protect their bottom line, they and their allies have poured millions of dollars and hundreds of hours into limiting taxpayers choices. Their bad-faith arguments against the program (such as that itll hurt Black Americans) fail to hold up, especially considering that the industry has a long and well-documented history of taking advantage of American taxpayers. This malintent directly contradicts the wide support for choice among Texans across the political spectrum. We all can benefit from a free, simple alternative to commercial tax preparation software, which will only improve with increased usage. Texas taxpayers who need more assistance than what the new program offers should explore free tax filing assistance alternatives through the IRSs Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs: In Houston, for instance, taxpayers can get one-on-one help by appointment through United Way, University of Houston, and more. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its clear the status quo is broken, and taxpayers deserve better. So we urge you to check the Direct File website to see if youre eligible for the pilot program. Paying taxes is a legal and civic responsibility but we shouldnt have to pay a private company in order to pay our government. Rayson Tan / Unsplash Wrestling with Christian faithquestioning, doubting, reforming, and even falling away from ithas been part of the Christian tradition as long as theres been a Christian tradition. Christianity asserts some big claims about the world, and a healthy faith can mean wrestling with these claims at some point along our faith journey. The result can be a more robust faith, even if it is a somewhat reformed faith. But this is certainly not how it goes for everyone. Sometimes one cant get past an objection that calls the truth of Christianity into question. Other times, living by ethical claims that run counter to current cultural norms proves too heavy a burden. Sometimes the sheer audacity of the claims of Christianity leads people to dismiss them as unbelievable and unserious. And then theres the presence of scandal and abuse within the ranks of church leaders. With church-related trauma all too common these days, some people simply want out. These experiences, often lived out on social media and other online channels, travel under the banner of faith deconstruction. Deconstruction is one of those terms that feels familiar, even if most people know little about its roots. While it began as a term of art with 20th-century postmodern philosopher Jacques Derrida, I suspect most faith deconstructions arent being informed by a study in Derridean semantic theory! Today, deconstruction may refer to a wide variety of experiences. Sign up for CT Books Each issue contains up-to-date, insightful information about today's culture, plus analysis of books important to the evangelical thinker. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. To help with the confusion, Alisa Childers and Timothy Barnett offer their new book, The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why Its Destructive, and How to Respond. As their subtitle makes clear, Childers and Barnett take a critical stance toward the deconstruction movement. Their tone is decisively polemical toward what they identify as a grave danger facing the church. Two potential misunderstandings Before going further, its worth highlighting a couple ways the book might be misunderstood. First, it is not primarily a book for those going through deconstruction. As the authors stipulate, its primary audience is Christians who are experiencing deconstruction from the outside. The book, then, is written for those who are watching someone else, perhaps a family member or a friend, go through deconstruction. And the authors hope we might be equipped to watch and potentially guide that process in fruitful ways. The second possible misunderstanding has to do with the target of the books criticism. Childers and Barnett have a rather narrow focus. This is seen in their definition of deconstruction. They say, Faith deconstruction is a postmodern process of rethinking your faith without regarding Scripture as a standard. Those who see deconstruction in a more positive light probably wont appreciate this definition. One might even see the books criticisms as aimed at a straw man that doesnt resemble ones own experience of doubting or questioning Christian faith. But this could be because the book isnt aimed at addressing every possible variety of deconstruction. As I understand the authors, they dont have in mind someone who merely doubts the truth of Christianity, or even someone who is abandoning the faith after evaluating it on the basis of the evidence at hand. Instead, they are responding to those who use subjective standardswhat they call a postmodern processto come to views that align with cultural norms rather than biblical norms. While this may not be everyones form of deconstruction, the authors argue that it is (all too) common and support this claim with a raft of statements from leading voices in the deconstruction movement. Truths of fact and preference Childers and Barnett make use of an analogy made famous by the ever-prescient 20th-century theologian Francis Schaeffer. Schaeffer imagined a two-story building to illustrate two different kinds of truth. On the lower story, we have objective truths, such as those found in science and mathematics. You would operate in a lower-story framework if, for instance, you were constructing a bridge, fixing your automobile, or doing your taxesall tasks that cant be completed without reliance upon objective facts. On the upper story, however, we have the truths of preference and what we take to be personally meaningful. Within the upper story, you might give opinions on your favorite ice cream, how someone should decorate their house, or what you personally find inspirational. In sum, lower-story truths are facts made true by the way the world is, whereas the upper story is composed of subjective truths that are, in a sense, up to us and our preferences. In many deconstruction stories, argue Childers and Barnett, lower-story truths play a minimal role. In other words, we see little concern for evidence that either does or does not substantiate the truth of Christian claims. Instead, we often hear assurances that one had to follow ones heart or be true to oneself. In a related vein, deconstruction narratives sometimes report a process of discovering that certain Christian doctrines are toxic or oppressive. Its often quite unclear what makes a claim toxic or oppressive, and in many cases the accusation amounts to an expression of subjective distaste. But this shifts the claims of faith from the lower story to the upper story. If a particular flavor of ice cream is distasteful, then by all means reject it. But this doesnt work so well for lower-story matters like medical diagnoses. The truth about ones medical condition might be quite unpleasant to hear, but it would be foolish to reject the bad news simply for its undesirability. Connecting this theme to the Christian faith, Childers and Barnett acknowledge that we may find some parts of it distasteful. But such evaluations, they argue, should take a back seat to considerations of objective truth and falsehood. Just like a medical diagnosis, what ultimately matters is whether the claims of Christianity correspond to reality. Recovery or improvement? It is sometimes said that the deconstruction movement is an extension of the Protestant Reformation. After all, reformers like Martin Luther rejected key doctrines professed by the church. Seen in this light, Luther was deconstructing the faith long before there were any YouTube and TikTok channels. Childers and Barnett see little affinity between the Reformation and the contemporary phenomenon of deconstruction, as theyve defined it. The thrust of the Reformation was a return to biblical fidelity. Proponents of deconstruction, on the other hand, seek to improve [Christianity] according to their own personal beliefs and preferences rather than to recover the original, which they feel is harmful or oppressive. The authors admit that there are many areas where the church has lost its way. But even if people have legitimate concerns, this calls for a spirit of reformation, oriented toward the recovery of biblical truth rather than an impulse for wholesale deconstruction. Childers and Barnett make the point that virtually all deconstruction stories mention the place of questions in launching the deconstruction journey. Questions should be encouraged, they emphasize, and they chide Christians who give overconfident and pat answers or, worse, no answers at all. But we have to be mindful of where the questions are coming from and what their askers might be seeking. As the authors observe, Some questions seek answers, and some questions seek exits. They advise taking care to discern where people are in the deconstruction process and assessing their readiness for substantive conversations about faith. Where we see that readiness, we engage their questions as best we can. What comes next Childers and Barnett are primarily focused on deconstruction. But deconstruction is a fundamentally negative project. When we deconstruct, we take something apart. What good does that something provide when it lies before us in pieces? At some point, we will replace our deconstructed view with another view about reality and the good life. While there are a lot of ways, both good and bad, to take something apart, Id suggest that a more important focus is the process of putting it back together. I fear that in all our discussions about deconstruction, we lose sight of what to do in light of the beliefs weve discarded. To be clear, there are some really ill-advised ways to rethink our faith, and The Deconstruction of Christianity does a worthy job of highlighting them. Unfortunately, people can sometimes blow up their faith in ill-advised ways. Rethinking ones faith can be an emotionally charged experience, and for some, it will be difficultif not nearly impossibleto do it in a very principled way. So its going to get messy. What comes next, though, is whats crucially important. Now that weve called it all into question, what will we believe? How will we go about determining it? Will we be as tough on our new view as we were on traditional Christianity? Or will we just accept uncritically whatever is culturally fashionable? Deconstruction may be difficult and painful for many reasons, but the hardest work lies in what comes next. Travis Dickinson is professor of philosophy at Dallas Baptist University. His books include Wandering Toward God: Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions. Our research, based on large-scale student surveys, finds a surprising and complex interplay of religion and mental health at US universities. Illustration by Elizabeth Kaye / Source Images: Getty / Unsplash In 2021, the Religious Exception Accountability Project (REAP) brought a lawsuit calling for an end to the U.S. Department of Educations complicity in the abuses and unsafe conditions thousands of LGBTQ+ students endure at hundreds of taxpayer-funded, religious colleges and universities. The underlying premise of REAPs suit is that the federal government is duty-bound by Title IX and the U.S. Constitution to protect sexual and gender minority students at taxpayer-funded colleges and universitiesand this means ending religious exemptions for schools, including many Christian colleges, which order student life according to traditional theologies of sex and gender. The REAP case, which is ongoing two years later, is not the only reason the experiences of LGBTQ+ students on Christian campuses are closely scrutinized, of course. And neither is REAP the only voice claiming Christian colleges are subjecting thousandsperhaps tens of thousandsof LGBTQ+ students to abuse and its effects, like poor mental health. Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. Until recently, there have been no studies testing that claim by comparing the mental health of LGBTQ+ students at religious and non-religious universities. While the individual stories of students are necessary, it is equally necessary to have rigorous, empirical studies evaluating the proposition that religious universities are causing harm. Our article, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders (one of the top journals in the field), is the first analysis of this kind. Using data collected by the Healthy Minds Study, we examined over 135,000 university students from around the nation, around 30,000 of whom self-identified as LGBTQ+. We were able to sort students according to the type of school they attended, as determined by the universities self-descriptions as Catholic, evangelical, or an other Christian university (including Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Nazarene, and Lutheran schools). The data didnt measure whether schools required students and/or faculty to sign a statement of faith or campus life code; it looked only at their denominational affiliation. With this information, we were able to compare LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ students at these religious universities to those at non-religious universities. Part of our purpose was to identify as many nuances as possible. Wheaton College psychologist Mark Yarhouse has noted that LGBTQ+ students on religious campuses are not a monolithic group. They hold a range of beliefs and values regarding their sexuality and behaviorsome combine a traditional sexual ethic with same-sex attraction, for instanceand their stories resist a simple narrative. We therefore examined not only whether LGBTQ+ students had better or worse mental health (as measured by reports of suicidal thoughts and anxiety) at one kind of school or the other. We also wanted to see how these students engagement with religion and spirituality (as measured by religious activities) might affect their mental health at religious and non-religious colleges. So what did we find? The answer, unsurprisingly, is complex. Initially, we hypothesized that student and university fit would lead to reports of better mental health. We hypothesized that non-religious students would do better at non-religious universities and that religious students would do better at religious universities. Further, while research has overwhelmingly shown that religion is correlated with better mental health, we hypothesized that LGBTQ+ individuals wouldnt benefit as much (or perhaps not at all) from being at a religious university. But our findings didnt support our hypotheses. First, we found that religiosity was correlated with better mental health regardless of LGBTQ+ identification. We also found that students who are less religious, whether LGBTQ+ or not, often reported better mental health while attending a religious university. (Religious students seemed to do just as well at any school.) For instance, students who said religion was unimportant to them typically reported better mental health if they attended a Catholic university than a non-religious university. And those who engaged in no religious extracurricular activities or were not religiously affiliated tended to do better at evangelical schools than non-religious ones. Remarkably, this pattern held even after we controlled for a host of factors such as the size of the university, whether the university was public or private, the region of the country in which the university was located, the number of extracurricular activities the student was involved in, the students relationship status (married, single, divorced, etc.), whether the student was international, the students race, and more. Our study couldnt determine exactly why students who dont value religion would experience better health at schools that do. But its possible that non-religious students benefit from being in a more religious environment because theyre less likely to encounter or engage in risk-taking behaviors. Ample research has found that religious people are significantly less likely to develop substance use disorders and behavioral disorders such as gambling disorder, compulsive sexual behavior disorder, and gaming disorder. Two other findings are noteworthy too. One is that LGBTQ+ students reported better mental health at other Christian universities compared to non-religious universities. This again was not in line with our initial expectations. The other is that one group of LGBTQ+ students was at greater risk at evangelical schools, while another group of LGBTQ+ students was at lower risk at those same schools. The difference seemed to be their engagement with religion, a difference we did not see with non-LGBTQ+ students. For LGBTQ+ students at non-religious universities, the rate of suicidal thoughts varied by approximately 20 percent depending on whether or not the students were religious. For LGBTQ+ students at evangelical universities who participated in religious activities, that rate dropped to just 6 percent. However, for LGBTQ+ students at evangelical universities who did not participate in religious activities, the rate jumped to a staggering 34 percentabout one in three. This suggests that LGBTQ+ students mental health may only benefit from being at an evangelical school if they themselves are religious. LGBTQ+ students who are not engaged in religion may feel doubly disconnected. What does this mean for religious universities and LGBTQ+ students who attend evangelical schools? One big implication is that we should not see these students as a monolithic group. Some are likely to thrive in evangelical institutions, while others will be at higher risk of suicidal thoughts. Its important to recognize that our research cant determine why some LGBTQ+ students struggle with their mental health at evangelical schools. It could be that these students disengage from religious activities because of how theyre feeling, not the other way around. Also, students (and their families) select the universities they attend. In many cases, students pick a school they feel fits their needsand sometimes that may mean a religious school for a non-religious and/or LGBTQ+ student. Our study suggests that even without religious engagement, they may do much better in that environment than they would elsewhere. But the REAP lawsuit could make that choice impossible. Instead of that maximalist approach, religious universities should examine themselves to determine how to best serve all their students. Wed also like to see further research into this question of how LGBTQ+ students fare at religious schools. Our findings did not support the picture of widespread harm some have painted, but neither could our data answer every question that could be raised. Justin Dyer is a professor of religious education at Brigham Young University and a fellow at the Wheatley Institute. Jenet Erickson is an associate professor of religious education at Brigham Young University and a fellow at the Wheatley Institute. I want to continue to call myself a complementarian. But we need to reclaim the term. Illustration by Maria Jesus Contreras Is there a future for complementarianism? I dont mean whether the God-ordained concept of complementarity between men and women will itself continue to existthose of us who hold to the principle of equality and distinction between men and women understand it to be grounded in Scripture itself. Rather, Im speaking of complementarianism as a specific movement, a coherent framing of some of those biblical convictions. Id very much like to be able to continue describing myself as complementarian by conviction, believing that Scripture prescribes particular roles for men and women in the church and in the home. But in recent years, the increasing cancellation, co-option, and cannibalization of complementarianism as a term has led me to question whether I will continue to use it to describe my beliefs. Since the word complementarianism was first used in the late 1980s to describe or frame the theological beliefs I hold, the concept has been subject to much critique. Now as Christians, we should not fear inquiry but embrace healthy and respectful criticism. It compels us to interrogate our thinking, identify our unspoken assumptions, and grow in our understanding and knowledge of God. Sign up for Moore to the Point Join Russell Moore in thinking through the important questions of the day, along with book and music recommendations he has found formative. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. But cancellation is different. Cancellation doesnt simply say, I think you are wrong, and heres why. It says, You dont deserve to exist. There is no place for you here. And unfortunately, an increasing number of opponents of complementarianism are choosing to leapfrog over critique to land on cancellation. Indeed, many newer and younger commentators now typically condemn all expressions of complementarianismin every time and in every placeas being inherently abusive and intolerable. I share in the lament expressed by many of these sisters and brothers. I grieve that complementarian theology has been misused and abused by its self-proclaimed proponents to the deep detriment and harm of others, most notably women. I prayerfully long for repentance and recommitment to what I am persuaded is the biblically faithful and fruitful teaching of the complementarity of men and women. However, many now see the concept of complementarianism as fundamentally incapable of being anything other than harmful to women, with no place for it in the contemporary church. But this means there is no place for complementarian women such as myself in the church. I hold a doctorate in theology and have extensive experience in ministry leadership as well as the respect and support of countless male complementarian colleagues. When I seek to offer my own experience and credentials as evidence that complementarianism is in fact capable of uplifting and honoring women, I have been informed that it is simply impossible for complementarianism to have produced such positive results, and so I must not in fact be complementarian. How is it possible for complementarianism to have a meaningful future when its opponents deny that it should even have a present? Yet cancellation is not the only thing imperiling complementarianisms future. The theological framework is also being co-opted by those who hold a far more restrictive view about gendered relationships and roles and seek to flatten out any differences between complementarianism and patriarchalism (the societal rule of men). But complementarian theology is not the same as patriarchal ideology. Those of us committed to complementarianisms defining theological principles can spot the differences immediately. Written in 1987, the founding document of complementarianismthe Danvers Statementinsists on the equal personhood of men and women. It also recognizes that scriptural distinctions exist and lays out the Bibles teaching on the godly expression of those distinctions within the home and the church. It calls women to exercise their God-given intelligence, to not be servile, and to proactively make Gods grace known in word and deed. This is in direct contrast to those who speak of men and women as unequal in being, extend male headship beyond marriage and the church to all areas of society, claim there is no place for women in theological study (or even higher education more generally), encourage husbands to determine what Christian books they will and wont permit their wives to read, and suggest there is no legitimate ministry for women outside the home. This is not complementarianism. To their credit, many proponents of patriarchy know this. To their mind, complementarianism is too passive. It doesnt go nearly far enough. And yet despite this, complementarianism is increasingly being hijacked by this distorted and repressive ideology. When there is no recognized public distinction between these two contrasting viewpoints, how can complementarianism stand on its own terms? How can it continue to have genuine meaning into the future? In addition to cancellation and co-option by outsiders, the third and likely greatest present danger to complementarianisms future is cannibalization from within. Such cannibalization occurs when adherents insist on redefining complementarianism beyond the foundational theological principles in the Danvers Statement. Yes, different individuals, churches, and ministries will come to different conclusions about the application of those principles. However, the peril of self-destruction presents itself when such interpretations are defined as the only faithful form of complementarianism. It occurs when no allowance is made for differing conclusions that are still grounded in and consistent with complementarianisms defining theological affirmations. Cannibalization also happens when self-professed complementarians eagerly refute any hint of feminist thought while being apparently content to overlook outright misogyny. I recently watched as a tweet from a self-described Christian feminist woman was subjected to a vitriolic pile-on from certain complementarian quarters while a viral video that asserted women are biologically less capable of rational thinking than men was greeted with near silence from the same camp. When we complementarians are selective about the biblical principles we will and wont uphold, we participate in our own destruction. How is there to be a future for complementarianism if we, its adherents, wont comprehensively and consistently uphold what we say we believe? I dont know if complementarianism as we know it has a future. But I do know it will only have one if complementarian Christians are willing to consistently demonstratein both word and deedthat those who judge it (and us) incapable of bearing any good gospel fruit have it wrong; if we are willing to unapologetically denounce unbiblical and misogynistic teachings about men and women; and if we are willing to hold ourselves accountable to our theological principles, both by refusing to go beyond them and by settling for nothing less. If complementarianism is to have a God-given future, then it will require both its male and female adherents to proactively invest in that future and to do so in actual complementary partnership with one another. Therein lies the challenge, but also the opportunity: to model what it really means that God has created men and women to bear his image together. We have the chance to reiterate the central role that God has been pleased for women to play in the unfolding storyline of Scripture (such as in Luke 24:112) and to enact the kind of wonderful ministry partnership we see between men and women in Romans 16. And we have the opportunity to imitate and so honor our Savior, who always treated women with enormous dignity and respect, who called them to find life abundantly in him, and who urged them to invite others to do the same. Danielle Treweek is the author of The Meaning of Singleness: Retrieving an Eschatological Vision for the Contemporary Church and the diocesan research officer for the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affairs building at Rajpath in New Delhi, India saiko3p / Getty Christian ministries operating in India are continuing to lose the governments authorization to legally collect foreign donations, in what is amounting to a devastating financial blow to many organizations. This March, Vision India, an organization that provides leadership training for Christian young people, was unable to renew its Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license. A week prior, the government conducted an enquiry, and a week later, refused the renewal, said Vijay Mohod, director of Vision India. Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. The thenprime minister of India, Indira Gandhi, introduced FCRA during the Emergency period in 1976, claiming there was foreign interference in domestic politics. The first FCRA required organizations intending to receive foreign contributions to register with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The subsequent iterations in 2010 and 2011 made this policy stringent, requiring organizations to renew their FCRA licenses every five years, among other new clauses, and its most recent iteration, passed in 2020 and amended in 2022, is even more restrictive. One clause, for example, requires all FCRA organizations to have their accounts at a specific branch of a bank and prohibits interorganizational grants. Theoretically, these five-year licenses are renewed based on an organizations annual submission of reports, detailing the foreign funds received and demonstrating they were properly utilized for their stated, approved purposes. However, as Christian ministries have failed to see their licenses renewed, some leaders have questioned if the government has an ulterior motive. So many organizations depend on foreign funding, said archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, general secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI). If they dont receive funds, then many of their projects have to be kept on hold or completely removed. The first sizable organization of any faith to lose its FCRA license was Compassion International in 2017. At the time, the organization brought about $45 million annually into India, more than any charity. As CT reported in 2017, Compassion was desperate to stay in the country: [Compassion] talked to Indian lawyers and accountants. They testified before the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. They asked thenSecretary of State John Kerry to mention them to his counterpart in India. (He did.) They asked sponsors to write their members of Congress. (More than 35,000 did.) They asked everybody they knew in positions of power both in the US and India for help. All along, both Compassion and its local offices remained committed to addressing the concerns raised by the government, but to no avail, said the ministrys president and CEO Santiago Jimmy Mellado. He traced the license loss back to 2011, when India strengthened FCRA, giving it the power to regulate organizations it disagreed with philosophically. (Previously, an organizations FCRA license had practically been for life.) For many, the move was also seen as another step toward Hindu nationalism and authoritarianism since Prime Minister Narendra Modis election in 2014. While the Home Ministry cites compliance issues and misuse of foreign funds, many NGOs accuse the government of taking an increasingly harsh approach to compliance that raises minor technicalities or directly targets groups over their ideological stances. Last year, the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) and the Church of North India lost their licenses. The license of EFI, the umbrella body for evangelicals in India, was refused renewal for the stated reason that it would affect prejudicially the public interest and harmony between religious, racial, social, linguistic, regional groups, castes or communities. Given that EFI is involved significantly in interfaith, charity, and prayer initiatives to build bridges in society and to promote reconciliation and social harmony, it came as a surprise that the government would categorize us in this way, said Vijayesh Lal, general secretary of EFI. I have been told that perhaps we were punished for speaking about religious freedom for Christians and others through our various reports and because we have challenged violence against Christians in the Supreme Court as well as several anti-conversion laws in various high courtsbut I hope that is not the case. In January, the Indian government canceled World Visions license after initially suspending it in 2022. Though the ministry, which has a presence in more than 6,000 urban, rural and tribal communities, has not left the country, it said it was profoundly disappointed and has still had to close projects and lay off staff supported by FCRA funds. The organization said that the decision would have a significant impact on many vulnerable people across the country in the coming years. The axe seems to be brought down more stringently on Christian organizations who may have made slight mistakes in some aspects or compliances of the law, said archbishop Cuoto. Though CBCIs license was renewed last year after being on hold, the government has denied a license for the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), and several other Catholic dioceses under CBCI in India have reported that their FCRA licenses are on hold, says Couto. The loss of an FCRA license for another Christian organization, the Churchs Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), has been crushing, says bishop Subodh C. Mondal, CASAs vice chairperson. CASAs entire work is jeopardized. They had to terminate close to 350 staff in India, he said. Ninety percent of their work is affected by this. We will apply afresh for FCRA. In many cases, the reasons stated for cancellation of FCRAs are often unclear and sometimes even illegitimate, said one leader of a reputed Christian NGO who spoke to CT on conditions of anonymity. It raises doubts about whether the current administration truly intends to allow any organization to operate and receive foreign funding in India going forward, he said. There seems to be no discernible pattern to the denials or cancellations of FCRA statuses, says another widely respected FCRA expert, who also requested anonymity. There is no clarity in terms of the reasons that they are giving. One cannot identify what went wrong and where, said the expert. Because [FCRA] is an internal security legislation, the courts also have held that the government is under no obligation to make it public (to elaborate on or explain the objections). The crackdown extends far beyond Christian organizations. Prominent secular human rights groups, humanitarian aid organizations, and policy groups have also lost their licenses. This includes Oxfam India, the Centre for Policy Research, CARE India, the Programme for Social Action, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Amnesty International, as well as the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and Charitable Trust headed by former Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs FCRA website, about 16,000 NGOs and associations hold active FCRA licenses as of April 2024. The Home Ministry has revoked the FCRA registrations of over 20,701 NGOs or associations, but the website does not state how far that number dates back to. In July 2023, a group of retired civil servants and officials called the Constitutional Conduct Group sent an open letter to Amit Shah, the minister of home affairs, expressing concern over what they termed the harassment of NGOs through selective FCRA enforcement. The letter urged the government to cease needless harassment of organizations providing vital services, especially to Indias most marginalized and disadvantaged sections. NGOs have fought the Home Ministrys decisions through appeals. But few exceptions have been made; in 2022 the government reinstated the FCRA registration for the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa, less than two weeks after initially declining to renew it, citing vague adverse inputs. The one-off reversal has done little to quell overall fears and outrage from NGOs and civil society advocates, who argue the widespread crackdown poses an existential threat to Indias democratic fabric and constitutionally protected rights like freedom of association. Critics contend the Modi government is intolerant of dissent and unwilling to accept criticism of its Hindu nationalist ideology and policies. They allege the FCRA enforcement is being used as a systemic tool by the government to financially choke and muzzle NGOs working on issues like minority rights, human rights, transparency, and the alleged discrimination toward and religious persecution of minorities like Muslims and Christians under the rule of Modis Bharatiya Janata Party. There are also concerns that the disruption of NGOs providing critical services could have devastating impacts on poverty, hunger, gender equality, and marginalized communities. It will definitely impact the work most of the charity sector is doing. It has a double whammy effectboth the beneficiary and the benefactor are affected, said the NGO leader. The [charity sector is] working at grassroots levels, and those are the people who are most affected. Lots of peoples livelihoods depend on NGOs, for it is the only vocation they have. Foreign policy analysts warn the domestic NGO crackdown risks damaging Indias global reputation and making Western nations and donors more reluctant to donate aid, given fears they may be blocked from reaching legitimate organizations. Though some Indian organizations plan to reapply for their FCRA licenses, a few, like the Centre for Policy Research, have sued the Indian government. The think tank, which lost its license at the beginning of 2024 for allegedly misusing foreign funds, stated that the governments decision made no sense and was too harsh, calling it incomprehensible and disproportionate. (The organizations license was due for renewal in 2021, but it has faced numerous bureaucratic obstacles since.) Most, however, may not take the way of confrontation via appeals out of fear of further crackdown. It is foolish to live in Rome and fight the pope, said the FCRA expert. Home News 'Betrayed the central tenet of Easter': Reactions to Biden's Easter trans day proclamation Prominent Christians and conservatives criticized President Joe Biden this week after he recognized the Transgender Day of Visibility, which happened to fall on Easter Sunday this year. Some called the presidents proclamation abhorrent, while his supporters implied that objections stemmed from a hatred of trans-identifying people. On Monday during the White House Easter Egg Roll, Biden, who identifies as Catholic, seemingly denied that it was him who made the declaration. He responded to a question about House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., criticizing the White House for celebrating the Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Hes thoroughly uninformed, Biden said, adding, I didnt do that. The White House has previously released a statement recognizing the Transgender Day of Visibility, including one in 2023 and another in 2022. While the day has existed since 2009, many took issue with the Biden administration joining others in still recognizing the observance on Easter Sunday. The following pages reactions to Biden's proclamation. Home News Archbishop calls Biden a 'cafeteria Catholic,' says he 'picks and chooses' elements of faith Archbishop of Washington Wilton Cardinal Gregory asserted during a televised interview this week that President Joe Biden "picks and chooses" which elements of the faith to follow, calling him a "cafeteria Catholic." During a Sunday appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation," Gregory appeared alongside CBS News Correspondent Ed O'Keefe and Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of Washington. "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. "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." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Biden is one of two Catholics to ever serve as president of the United States, the first being John F. Kennedy. Throughout his political career, Biden has attracted criticism for supporting abortion access and other policies that critics have noted are in conflict with the church's teachings. Gregory acknowledged that Biden reportedly attends church regularly, calling his devotion "sincere." However, Gregory said that the president often avoids discussing complex issues. "But he also steps aside some of the hot-button issues, or uses the hot-button issues as a political tool," he said. "Which it's not, it's not the way, I think, we would want our faith to be used." During the 2024 State of the Union address, Biden promised to restore Roe v. Wade as "the law of the land" following the U.S. Supreme Court's reversal of the 1973 decision that made abortion a national right in June 2022. The president's administration has also endorsed the so-called "Women's Health Protection" Act, which would null several states' restrictions on abortion and eliminate various protections, including parental consent and notification laws. Both Budde and O'Keefe took the position that Biden should remain personally opposed to abortion, but as a political leader, he should not place his beliefs on others. Budde argued that it is possible to adhere to the spectrum of life and still advocate for women to have abortions. When asked about Biden's communications with Pope Francis, Gregory replied that he would not be surprised if the Holy Father expressed similar concerns to the president about how he presents the Church's views on issues like abortion. "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." In 2020, then-Bishop Gregory opted not to refuse communion to Biden despite his pro-choice politics, stating that he wanted to foster a relationship where "we can discover areas where we can cooperate that reflect the social teachings of the church, knowing full well that there are some areas where we won't agree." President Biden also faced criticism this month from prominent Christians and conservatives after he recognized the "Transgender Day of Visibility," which happened to be on the same day as Easter Sunday. The White House has previously released a statement recognizing the "Transgender Day of Visibility," including one in 2023 and another in 2022. While the day has existed since 2009, many took issue with the Biden administration joining others in still recognizing the observance on Easter Sunday. One of the critics of the president's proclamation, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Baptist, called Biden's actions "abhorrent," and he declared that the administration "has betrayed the central tenet of Easter which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ." In response to a question about Johnson criticizing him for celebrating an LGBT-themed day on Easter, Biden claimed the House speaker was "uninformed," adding, "I didn't do that." Home News Florida man sentenced to 14 months for sending death threat to Chief Justice John Roberts A judge has sentenced a Florida man to 14 months in federal prison for sending a death threat to U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts a month after he pleaded guilty. Neal Brij Sidhwaney, a 43-year-old resident of Fernandina Beach, was sentenced to 14 months by U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard, according to a Tuesday update from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. According to court documents, Sidhwaney placed a phone call on July 31, 2023, from Florida to the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., leaving "an expletive-laden, threatening voicemail message." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "On the voicemail message Sidhwaney identified himself by name and repeatedly threatened to kill a specific United States Supreme Court Justice," stated the Attorney's Office. "This case was investigated by the Supreme Court of the United States PoliceProtective Intelligence Unit with assistance from the United States Capitol Police-Threat Assessment Section. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirwinn Mike and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Wheeler, III." Last December, Sidhwaney pled guilty to the charge of transmitting an interstate threat to kill and faced the possibility of as much as five years in prison for his actions. Although the U.S. Attorney's Office did not name the justice he threatened, a competency assessment of Sidhwaney filed in court by psychologist Alan J. Harris stated that the defendant threatened Roberts. "The identified official is Chief Justice John Roberts, whom he allegedly contacted by phone call and threatened to kill," the competency assessment stated. Harris found Sidhwaney competent to stand trial but noted that the defendant suffered from "delusional disorder with psychosis." The Supreme Court has seen an apparent uptick in threats against its members in recent times, especially against justices who lean conservative, following the court's 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, which paved the way for several states to ban abortion in nearly all circumstances. In 2022, in response to the leak of a draft opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned Roe, a man was arrested for plotting to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his home in Maryland. In October 2022, Justice Samuel Alito said at a Heritage Foundation event that the draft opinion leak made Supreme Court justices "targets for assassination." "The leak also made those of us who were thought to be in the majority in support of overruling Roe and [Planned Parenthood v. Casey] targets for assassination because it gave people a rational reason to think they could prevent that from happening by killing one of us," Alito said at the time. He added that everyone, from the justices to their staff members, "want things to get back to normal the way they were before all this last term." In March 2023, the Supreme Court filed a request with Congress to allocate an additional $12.4 million for Fiscal Year 2024 to improve security. Home News Presbyterian church of Pakistan leaders reconcile after years of division 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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. 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, who is 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, 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 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. Truly, in unity, they will find their strength, said 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. This article was originally published by Christian Daily International. Home News Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signs state version of Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law Iowa has become the latest state to enact a measure designed to protect the religious freedom rights of residents. Iowas Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed SF 2095, known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, into law Tuesday. The measure passed the Republican-controlled Senate in a 31-16 vote on Feb. 20 and was approved by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in a 61-33 vote on Feb. 29. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The legislation enshrines the protections of the federal law of the same name into state law. Thirty years ago, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed almost unanimously at the federal level," Reynolds said in a statement. "Since then, religious rights have increasingly come under attack. Today, Iowa enacts a law to protect these unalienable rights just as twenty-six other states have done upholding the ideals that are the very foundation of our country. The measure declares that state action shall not substantially burden a persons exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless the government demonstrates that applying that burden to a persons exercise of religion is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. The bill contains a provision enabling Iowans who feel like their right to religious freedom was burdened to assert such violation as a claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding and obtain appropriate relief, including damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate redress. Greg Chafuen, legal counsel with the conservative religious liberty nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, praised the bill's passage in a statement Wednesday. Americans should be able to defend their rights when their government stops them from living and worshiping according to their faith," he said. "[T]his law provides a sensible balancing test for courts to use when reviewing government policies that infringe upon the religious freedom rights of Iowans. The law doesnt determine who will win every disagreement, but it does ensure that every Iowan regardless of their religious creed or political power receives a fair hearing when government action forces a person to violate his or her religious beliefs, Chafuen added. We commend the Iowa Legislature and Gov. Reynolds for enacting this important legislation and setting the stage to ensure that freedom of religion is protected for everyone. Opponents of the bill have argued that it is too broad. Courtney Reyes, executive director of the pro-LGBT activist group One Iowa Action, claims the bill will permit discrimination against LGBT individuals. Theres no denying it: this bill is aimed at discriminating against LGBTQ+ Iowans, single parents, people needing reproductive healthcare services, and many more," Reyes said in a statement. "Supporters of the legislation knew this when they voted down the amendment to prevent discrimination, and the Governor knew this when she selected the location of the signing over a month after its passage." Reynolds signed the bill during the dinner event hosted by the Christian conservative activist group The Family Leader, led by influential Iowa Evangelical activist Bob Vander Plaats. Half of U.S. states do not have a version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in place, according to a report published by the First Liberty Institute last year. States without such protections are Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. While Utah did not have a Religious Freedom Restoration Act in place at the time of the reports publication, the states Republican Gov. Spencer Cox approved a law establishing protections for religious Utahns last month. The legislation in Utah passed without any opposition, marking a contrast from the bill in Iowa, where the vote came down along party lines, with all support for the legislation coming from Republicans and all opposition to it coming from Democrats. Home News Richard Dawkins laments decline of 'cultural Christianity' in UK amid surging Islam Renowned atheist still dismisses Christianity's claims as 'nonsense' Atheist author Richard Dawkins described himself as a "cultural Christian" and lamented the faith's waning cultural influence in Europe, though he still derided its key tenets as "nonsense," during an interview on Easter Sunday. Speaking with British journalist Rachel Johnson, Dawkins noted that the United Kingdom is "fundamentally a Christian country," and he still personally values the Christian ethos despite not believing the religion from which it emerged. "I call myself a cultural Christian," said the evolutionary biologist and author of The God Delusion. "I'm not a believer, but there's a distinction between being a believing Christian and being a cultural Christian. And so, I love hymns and Christmas carols, and I sort of feel at home in the Christian ethos. I feel that we are a Christian country in that sense." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe While claiming he is "happy" the number of practicing Christians in the U.K. is plummeting, Dawkins also acknowledged that Islam appears to be gathering strength in Europe as Christianity recedes. He noted he was "slightly horrified" that Ramadan lights adorned London's Oxford Street during Easter. "If I had to choose between Christianity and Islam, I choose Christianity every single time," he said. "I mean, it seems to me to be a fundamentally decent religion in a way that, I think, Islam is not." Dawkins argued that Islam is less compatible with British values than Christianity, particularly regarding the treatment of women and homosexuals. "I'm not talking about individual Muslims, who, of course, are quite different," Dawkins said. "But the doctrines of Islam the Hadith and the Quran is fundamentally hostile to women, hostile to gays. And I find that I like to live in a culturally Christian country, although I do not believe a single word of the Christian faith." Johnson, the sister of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, acknowledged that her own Christian faith "waxes and wanes," but asked Dawkins his predictions regarding the effects a culturally dominant Islam would have on bedrock English institutions such as the monarchy. "I think it would be a terrible thing," Dawkins said. "And insofar as Christianity can be seen as a bulwark against Islam, I think it's a very good thing. In Africa, for example, where you have missionaries of both faiths operating, I'm on 'Team Christians,' as far as that's concerned." Dawkins nevertheless dismissed the fundamental claims of Christianity, such as the Virgin Birth and the Resurrection, emphasizing his belief that such supernatural assertions are "nonsense," though he acknowledged their importance "from a cultural point of view." A survey of more than 3,000 U.K. adults commissioned by five Christian organizations in 2022 found that only 6% identify as "practicing Christians," with 42% identifying as "non-practicing Christians." According to data released by the U.K.s Office for National Statistics in 2022, Christianity is quickly dwindling in the country, with less than half of the population identifying as Christian since the country's first census in 1801. The data showed that only 46.2% or 27.5 million of the countrys more than 67 million people say they are Christian. In the 2011 census, 59.3% of the population or 33.3 million people described themselves as Christian. Islam, by contrast, has surged in the U.K., swelling from 2.7 million in 2011 to 3.9 million in 2021. Mayor Sylvester Turner talks to Marvalette Hunter, his chief of staff, as he presides over his final City Council meeting in December 2023. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Marvalette Hunter, chief of staff for Mayor Sylvester Turner, presented a mayoral proclamation to Empower Pharmacy CEO and founder Shaun Noorian during the grand opening of an Empower facility. Chevall Pryce Marvalette Hunter, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turners chief of staff and one of City Halls 20 highest-paid employees during her tenure, filed for unemployment benefits after leaving the city, records show. Hunter, who city records show earned about $216,000 last year and in recent years has reported more than $200,000 in annual income in addition to her city salary, left the city Jan. 2 as Mayor John Whitmire took office. Turner was term-limited and could not run again. City spokeswoman Mary Benton said the Texas Workforce Commission has not yet notified the city of unemployment benefits paid to former city employees in the first quarter of 2024, but said Hunters claim was approved by TWC. Reached by phone Tuesday, Hunter declined to comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Employment law experts said Hunter likely qualifies to receive benefits. But observers were surprised at her decision to file, noting not only her lucrative senior role and private sector income but the fact that her job ending was not akin to a surprise factory closure any senior aide to a term-limited politician knows their job is temporary. Mike Loftin, a municipal finance expert who retired last year after serving Houston and four other cities over 50 years, said that senior political aides filing for unemployment is unusual. Dave Martin, a former city council member who served as Turners mayor pro tem and chaired the councils budget committee, agreed. Theres always been a transition from administration to administration, especially in key jobs like chief of staffs and certain directors, he said. You serve at the will of the mayor, and when the mayor exits and a new mayor comes in, the assumption has always been that the new mayor brings his or her own people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Martin also stressed that the city would be on the hook for any benefits paid. City officials confirmed that every dollar paid in unemployment compensation to former employees is a dollar that the city must pay the state workforce commission. For the current fiscal year, the city has set aside $747,000 for such payments. It bothers me, Martin continued. Its their right. Legally they can do it. But I have a problem with someone (in such a role) filing for unemployment from an ethical standpoint. Richard Carlson, an employment law expert at South Texas College of Law, said TWC may scrutinize Hunters private sector income being partly employed in other ventures might not meet the definition of unemployed, he said but he did not question her eligibility. Even high-income people can qualify for unemployment compensation, Carlson said. If your house burned down, you wouldnt be disqualified from the insurance company paying you because the insurance company said, Well, you dont need this; youre too wealthy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hunter had been Turners top aide since April 2017, and also worked stints in the city housing and planning departments previously, as well as at the Harris County Housing Authority and as a private sector affordable housing developer. In addition to her city salary, Hunter reported significant private sector income while serving as chief of staff. Her most recent financial disclosure form, filed with the city in May 2023, shows occupational income of between $100,000 and $500,000 in 2022 from 3D Visions Planning Consultants, her consulting company, and HuntJon LLC, a company she has used to develop affordable housing. Hunter also reported between $100,000 and $500,000 in income from interest, dividends, royalties, rents and investments from HuntJon LLC, as well as $1,000 to $10,000 in rental income from two other properties. A city spreadsheet obtained by the Houston Chronicle that shows Hunter having filed an unemployment claim that was approved by TWC also lists 14 other mayoral aides or department directors who left the city after Jan. 1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Of those, three others sought unemployment benefits, two of whom were approved: an administrative aide who worked at the city only briefly, and Turners former government relations director, Bill Kelly, who records show earned about $142,000 in 2023. He reported no other source of income. Kelly, who started a new job at a government relations firm this week, said he received about $2,200 a month in unemployment benefits in February and March, undercut by $400 monthly premiums on the private health insurance plan he had to purchase after leaving the city. I was unemployed, and I drew unemployment, he said. If anybody thinks I was taking advantage of the system I didnt even have health insurance at the end of January. A TWC spokesman said both officials salaries would make them eligible for the maximum weekly benefit payment allowed in Texas $577, with an overall benefits cap of $15,000. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Home News Taiwan hit by strongest earthquake in 25 years; at least 9 dead, hundreds injured Taiwan suffered a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday, the strongest to hit the East Asian nation in 25 years, resulting in at least nine confirmed deaths, hundreds of injuries and the destruction of several buildings. The earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast near Hualien, about 200 miles south of Taipei, around 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Several aftershocks were felt all over the island, measuring up to 6.5 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. At least 900 people were injured and nine killed, according to Taiwan's National Fire Agency. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Scores of people are trapped in the highway tunnels in Hualien County. According to a USGS tectonic summary, Wednesday's earthquake was the "result of reverse faulting near the boundary between the Eurasia and Philippine Sea plates." Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te, the current vice president, visited the devastated area, saying in a statement that "currently, the most important thing, the top priority, is to rescue people." "Rescuing them is of utmost priority," he added, as reported and translated by The Washington Post. "We need to find out how many people are still trapped and rescue them as soon as we can." "Those injured should be given quality medical treatment, so they can recover quickly. [We are aiming for] two-way traffic to resume by tomorrow evening. As for the water and power supply, those will be restored quickly." Lai tweeted that efforts were "in full swing to address the aftermath of today's earthquake." "The outpouring of global support is uplifting & deeply appreciated, as are the endeavors of our brave responders. My thoughts are with all affected as we work to recover & rebuild," he continued. In the last 50 years, six other magnitude 7 or greater earthquakes have occurred within 160 miles of Wednesday's earthquake, according to USGS. "The largest of these was an M 7.7 earthquake in September 1999 (the Chi-Chi earthquake) that resulted in at least 2,297 fatalities, caused damage estimated at $14 billion, and occurred 59 km east of the April 2, 2024, event," the U.S. agency noted. "In 1920, a magnitude 8.2 earthquake, potentially associated with the subduction zone interface between the Philippine Sea and Eurasia plates, occurred immediately east of the April 2 earthquake." Japan, which lies across the East China Sea from Taiwan, issued an evacuation advisory for the coastal areas of Okinawa, a southern prefecture, as a tsunami is expected to hit as a result of the quake. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that tsunami waves of up to three meters (or around 10 feet) were expected to strike large sections of Japan's southwestern coast, reported Reuters. Japan experienced its worst earthquake in several years on New Year's Day, when a 7.6 magnitude quake hit its Ishikawa prefecture, killing approximately 230 people and damaging or destroying over 44,000 homes. Home News Trump floats 'Christian Visibility Day' in response to Biden's 'Trans Visibility Day' Former President Donald Trump blasted President Joe Biden on Tuesday for commemorating Transgender Visibility Day on Easter Sunday, saying that Election Day this year should be considered "Christian Visibility Day." "What the Hell was Biden thinking when he declared Easter Sunday to be Trans Visibility Day?" Trump said during a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as the crowd booed. President Trump responds to Joe Biden promoting transgender day of visibility on Easter: "November 5th is going to be called something else. You know what it's going to be called? Christian Visibility Day when Christians turn out in numbers that nobody has ever seen before." pic.twitter.com/HJuHPREfoS Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe April 2, 2024 Last Friday, Biden issued a proclamation that said: "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." Transgender Visibility Day, which has been observed on March 31 since 2009 after being established by a trans-identified activist, happened to fall on Easter Sunday this year, which prompted outrage from conservative Christians. Though Biden also issued a statement to mark Easter and Christ's Resurrection, his proclamation regarding Transgender Visibility Day was longer. On Monday, Biden seemingly denied issuing the Transgender Visibility Day proclamation, and the White House attempted to downplay the backlash by noting that the observance falling on the same day as Easter was coincidental. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre deflected criticism by suggesting that those offended by it were being cruel and spreading misinformation. Characterizing Biden's proclamation during his Wisconsin rally as "total disrespect to Christians," Trump said, "Nov. 5 is going to be called something else." "You know what it's going to be called? Christian Visibility Day, when Christians turn out at numbers that nobody has ever seen before: let's call it Christian Visibility Day," he said. Trump, who garnered strong support from conservative Christians in the 2016 and 2020 elections, later pledged that if re-elected, he would sign an executive order "to cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, transgender insanity and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content onto our children." Trump, who leads Biden in six of seven swing states, according to a new Wall Street Journal poll, has repeatedly warned of rising anti-Christian animus in the government under the Biden administration. During a February speech at the National Religious Broadcasters 2024 International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, he promised to create a special task force to address rising anti-Christian sentiment if he takes back the White House. Trump claimed his barrage of indictments is a preview of what Democrats would like to do to anyone who stands in the way of their political agenda, which he contends includes anyone who worships an authority higher than the state. "The chains are already tightening around all of us if you think about it," he said. "Ultimately, the radical left is coming after all of us because they know that our allegiance is not to them. Our allegiance is to our country, and our allegiance is to our Creator. They don't want to hear that." During a Holy Week promotion for Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" Bible, Trump also claimed that "Christians are under siege." "We must protect content that is pro-God. We love God, and we have to protect anything that is pro-God," Trump said in the ad, drawing mixed reactions from Christians. "We must defend God in the public square and not allow the media or the left-wing groups to silence, censor or discriminate against us." Home News Former Chi Alpha pastor gets no prison time for sexual abuse of family member William C. Robinson, a former pastor for the Corpus Christi, Texas, chapter of the embattled Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, who pleaded guilty to the continuous sexual abuse of an underage family member beginning when she was 9, will serve no prison time. Robinson received 10 years of probation as part of a plea deal agreed to on March 22. He is also required to do 120 hours of community service and parenting classes, according to KRIS. His internet access will also be monitored, and he must abide by a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. He is required to stay away from his victim. Robinson, who was arrested on June 11, 2022, pleaded guilty to one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, one count of sexual assault of a child and three counts of indecency with a child. His abuse of the family member is reported to have occurred between July 11, 2015, and June 27, 2022. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In exchange for his guilty plea, Robinson can remove the charges from his record at the end of his probation. Mark Forrest, Assemblies of God director of communications and public relations, told KRIS that Robinson has not worked with Chi Alpha or held Assemblies of God credentials since 2022. Chi Alpha, which is a campus ministry located on around 300 college campuses globally with the support of the Assemblies of God, has been under fire in recent months. Ministry organizers were accused of allowing Daniel Savala, a 67-year-old itinerant minister and convicted sex offender, to prey on young males for more than two decades. Former Assemblies of God pastor J.R. Armstrong of MAG Church in Orange, Texas, recently announced that his congregation voted to follow in his footsteps and disaffiliate from the Assemblies of God in response to the Chi Alpha scandal. "Considering the current crisis being faced by this district and fellowship, the board decided that recommending disaffiliation was in our best interest because systematic sexual abuse within this district and others was known dating back to at least 2018," Armstrong told the South Texas Assembly of God network during a March 17 special business meeting. Armstrong elected not to renew his credentials with the Assemblies of God months after criticizing Assemblies of God General Superintendent Doug Clay for making comments that he believes minimized the abuse Savala is accused of perpetuating on young men through Chi Alpha. Savala was arrested in Waco last June for allegedly sexually abusing the minor sons of one of his proteges in the ministry. Last month, a legally blind Sam Houston State University student who was part of Chi Alpha filed a $1 million lawsuit alleging he was sexually abused by Savala while in the ministry. The lawsuit names several groups as defendants, including the General Council of the Assemblies of God, South Texas District Council Assemblies of God, Inc., also known as South Texas District Council Assemblies of God, Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, USA, and Chi Alpha Campus Ministries Huntsville. The student listed as John Doe alleges that even though some ministry leaders witnessed Savala engaging in sexual assaults, they still brought youth from religious groups across the state to Savala's house for mission work. Using information from Assemblies of God training and policies, Armstrong argued that ministry and denomination leaders were grossly negligent in their handling of Savala's abuse in the ministry because they were warned repeatedly that he was a predator from at least 2018. "In the time between 2018 and April of 2023, it's undeniable that at least three minor children were molested by him. These three boys were allegedly victimized as a direct result of the inaction of elected leadership of the Assemblies of God to follow through on the knowledge that they admit they had at the time," Armstrong argued. "Two of them were sons of an active Chi Alpha missionary. One of them who filed suit in north Texas a few weeks ago was actually 13 at the time." Home News Pope Francis claims Pope Benedict XVI defended him over same-sex civil unions stance: report Pope Francis has reportedly claimed in a new book that his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, defended Francis' support for legal civil union protections for same-sex couples to prelates. Excerpts of the pontiff's new book, The Successor: My Memories of Benedict XVI, which is slated for publication in Spanish on Wednesday, maintain that Benedict XVI defended Francis on the issue in front of an undisclosed group of cardinals, according to Reuters. "They showed up at his home to practically put me on trial and they accused me in front of him of backing same-sex marriage," Francis said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The former pope reportedly helped the cardinals to "distinguish" Francis' views on the issue, explaining to them that his position was "no heresy," according to Francis' recollection in the book. Pope Francis, who endorsed civil unions for homosexual couples while serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires, became the first pontiff to do so in 2020. "Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God," Francis asserted during an interview for the film "Francesco." "Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it," he added. "What we have to create is a civil union law; that way, they are legally covered." The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith sent shockwaves through the Roman Catholic Church last December when it issued "Fiducia Supplicans," which permits priests to bless "couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church's perennial teaching on marriage." After the guidance drew opposition from Catholic bishops, mainly in Africa and Eastern Europe, the Vatican subsequently released five pages of clarification to the guidance. The Vatican insisted that "the document is clear and definitive about marriage and sexuality," adding that the "non-ritualized form of blessing" authorized by the declaration "does not intend to justify anything that is not morally acceptable" but instead amounts to a "response of a pastor towards two persons who ask for God's help." Other Catholic prelates pushed back against any claim that Benedict would have supported the guidance. Cardinal Gerhard Mueller of Germany claimed during an event marking the first anniversary of Benedict's death last December that the declaration "never would have happened [under Benedict] because it was so ambiguous," according to Reuters. Mueller, who served as the head of the Vatican's doctrinal office before Francis removed him in 2013, denied the metaphysical existence of marriage between two members of the same sex. "There is no homosexual matrimony," he said. "It does not exist, it cannot exist, despite ideologies we have [today]," he said. In 2003, Benedict XVI who was then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and prefect of the Vatican's doctrinal office signed off on a document asserting that compassion for homosexuals in the Church "cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behavior or to legal recognition of homosexual unions." Other portions of Francis' new book detail the political maneuvering behind the 2005 papal conclave that led to Benedict's election following the death of Pope John Paul II, according to The Associated Press. Francis, then Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, claims some of his fellow cardinals "used" him to siphon votes away from then-Cardinal Ratzinger during the 2005 conclave. "They told me afterward that they didn't want a 'foreign' pope,'" said Francis, who ultimately supported Benedict's election. Home News Youth minister shot dead by pastors son in love triangle near New Generation Church Easter Sunday at New Generation Church in Dallas, Texas, culminated with a bloody murder as the congregation's youth minister was gunned down in a rage-filled attack by the pastor's son, who confessed to an affair with the minister's wife prior to their recent divorce, police say. Records from the Dallas Police Department cited by NBCDFW state that Joshua Bell (a.k.a. Joshua Andrews), 30, who has been identified as the son of New Generation Church leader Eric Andrews, was charged with the shooting death of youth minister Denzel Branch, 31, down the street from the church. Police say they responded to the 2500 block of 56th Street in Dallas after getting reports of the shooting that occurred around 3:25 p.m. Branch, a father of three, was found suffering from a gunshot wound and later died at a local hospital. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Before the shooting, investigators say Branch and Bell engaged in a verbal dispute that became physical. Branch, according to eyewitnesses, punched Bell in the face, causing the pastor's son to pull out a black pistol and fired multiple shots. Branch tried to escape the shooting in a car, but police say Bell confessed to following the youth minister and kept shooting. He only stopped after "he saw (Branch) laying on the middle of the road." The pastor's son also "stated he has been involved in an intimate relationship since May 2023 with (Branch's ex-wife), who divorced (Branch) around November 2023," according to the arrest affidavit. In a statement published on Facebook Monday afternoon, the church said they are "deeply saddened" by the Easter Sunday tragedy. "Our hearts are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place down the street from our church after our morning service yesterday. We sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers and concern, and we ask for your continued prayers for the families and our church family as we navigate through these difficult times," the church said. "Psalms 46:1 states, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.' In the days to come, we will trust in God's Word, continue in hope, and look to God, who is the author and finisher of our faith." Neighbors reported hearing approximately eight shots in the attack on the youth minister and recalled efforts to save his life after the shooting. "I seen that the guy was laying, you know, on the ground," Karen Lozano, who has lived in the area for nearly 20 years, told NBCDFW. "People were yelling. They were giving him CPR." Bell reportedly fled the scene after the shooting but eventually turned himself in to the police. He is currently in custody in the Dallas County Jail with a $500,000 bond, according to court records. Branch was licensed as a minister at New Generation Church on September 23, 2018, according to a video posted by the church on Facebook. In a Good Friday message in 2021, Branch preached a message he titled, "You will Be With Me In Paradise." In the message based on Luke 23:39-43, he argued that people can be saved with their "dying breath," but only if there is time to repent. "There are those that do not believe you can be saved in a dying breath. I, for one, was taught growing up that you cannot live a hellish life and expect Heaven's reward," he said. "There is no guarantee that you will have a chance to repent, so I will not gamble with my salvation in a way of living a hellish life just because you might have the opportunity to [repent]," he added. Home Opinion America is in moral freefall For many years now, it has been clear that America has been in a steep moral and spiritual decline, despite some genuine revival movements along with some holy pushback against the growing cultural insanity. But two recent examples confirm that we are now in moral freefall. The first is Pres. Bidens proclamation that March 31, which this year falls on Resurrection (Easter) Sunday, is now Transgender Day of Visibility. This is not a poorly timed announcement. It is not even a slap in the face. It is a kick below the belt accompanied by a laugh and a smile. It is as insulting as it is perverse, no matter how much we care for our trans-identified friends and colleagues and want them to experience wholeness and freedom in the Lord. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The second example is a post by Baptist leader William Wolfe, contrasting this presidential announcement, which was made on Good Friday, with Good Friday, 1956: Good Friday, 1956: Three crosses on the NYC Skyline Good Friday, 2024: The White House celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility America didnt become less religious. We just traded Christianity and the cross for the religion of LGBTQIA+ and the rainbow flag. This prompted David Limbaugh to repost Wolfes post with the comment, Is it fair to say that we are now a full-blown pagan society? Yes, it is quite fair at least for those celebrating the Biden proclamation and for the symbolic significance of this act, emanating from the White House itself. Of course, this twisted trend (in the name of compassion and, at times, Christian love) is nothing new. Thats why in February 2020 I wrote an article titled, As We Mindlessly Careen Our Way Down the Slippery Slope. It began with these words: Is anyone surprised that HGTV recently featured its first throuple, in this case, a man and two women? But what else should we expect? This is the inevitable direction of our societys slippery slide down. The avalanche goes downward, not upward. In that regard, we have been in moral freefall for many years, with Christian philosophers like Francis Schaeffer calling America a post-Christian nation over 50 years ago. As noted by Elliot Clark in December 2020, Yes, back in 1970, Schaeffer says the United States not just continental Europe was already post-Christian. He writes about the reality of historic Christianity becoming the minority in the West, stripped of cultural power and influence. (Schaeffer also had this prescient warning: In this situation, Schaeffer identifies a great danger for evangelicals: taking sides with political elites to retain comfort, affluence, and personal peace. In the face of societal chaos and upheaval, Schaeffer doesnt want Christians to compromise for the sake of short-lived comfort.) So, to repeat, we have been in spiritual, moral, and cultural decline for decades, despite, as I noted above, some positive developments amid the decay. And it is true that, back in 1944, 9 years before the first edition of Playboy was published, Rev. Peter Marshall declared, Surely the time has come, because the hour is late, when we must decide. And the choice before us is plain Yahweh or Baal. Christ or chaos. Conviction or compromise. Discipline or disintegration. Similarly, in 1959, Prof. Robert Coleman proclaimed, In a day when unprecedented numbers of people have a form of religion while at the same time the Church seems unable to stem the rising tide of degeneracy that threatens the land, the question must be raised: Why this paradox? Should not the Church have influence for righteousness in proportion to her numbers? However one may seek to answer this question, it is obvious that what we need is not more religion, but more power. In short, we need real revival! Im confident that we can go all the way back to the American colonies and find similar, thunderous warnings, speaking of our spiritual apostasy and moral rot. After all, the First Great Awakening, which presupposed a great falling away, took place in the 1730s and 1740s, at a time when the idea of secular rationalism was being emphasized, and passion for religion had grown stale. Theres even a danger of becoming so accustomed to our nations precipitous condition that we just yawn at the latest example of our depravity. Drag queens reading to toddlers with the enthusiastic support of the American Library Association? No big deal. Thirteen-year-old girls having their healthy breasts removed and 11-year-old boys getting chemically castrated because of short-lived struggles with their gender identity? Nothing to fuss about. Radical feminists launching a Shout Your Abortion movement? No big deal. Christians being canceled because they dare to hold to their biblically-based values in public? Lets not get too worked up. How deadly complacency can be! Thats why we need to feel the full force of the outrage of the moment, as the President of the United States, himself a professing Catholic, uses his bully platform to mock the followers of Jesus worldwide. First, he announced Transgender Day of Visibility on Good Friday. Then, he timed things so that it would be celebrated this year on Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. Wake up, America! It really is revival or we die and that revival, that awakening, that coming to life again, that returning to the Lord with all our hearts and souls, repenting of our own sins must begin with each of us. To pray it again, Lord, let the awakening start with me! Home Opinion How Martin Luther and Moses failed anger management 101 The Christian Post recently reported on a roundtable discussion where Dr. Michael Brown pointed to the writings of Martin Luther being quoted by the Nazis in the run-up to World War II. So, what are we to make of Luther's bitter castigation of the Jewish people toward the end of his life? It has been said, Anger is a deeply personal experience that can quickly become very public. Moses and Martin Luther are two renowned leaders who were used by the Lord in monumental ways, but who nevertheless were consumed at times by personal anger that became very public. Moses was given the Law on Mount Sinai about 3,500 years ago, and Martin Luther discovered the Gospel in Scripture about 500 years ago. Moses and Luther were exceptionally gifted men uniquely chosen by God, and yet both leaders possessed the penchant to lose control of their anger when they witnessed people behaving badly. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe For example, Moses in a burst of anger killed an abusive Egyptian taskmaster (see Exodus 2:11-12). And when the Lord instructed Moses to speak to the rock so that water would pour out for the Israelites, (see Numbers 20:6-13) Moses anger and frustration with Gods people led him to disobey the Lord. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses angrily struck the rock twice with his staff. As a result of his sinful disobedience, God did not allow Moses to enter the Promised Land. Unfortunately, Martin Luther also failed this important test of leadership when he stubbornly refused to properly manage his anger toward the Jews. Luther of course was the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation who translated the Bible into German for the masses. But Luther became furious when the Jews of his day did not accept Jesus as Messiah, and he responded in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. Righteous anger is experienced in the Spirit, whereas sinful anger becomes manifest in the flesh. Discerning between the two requires wisdom from the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 21:12-13; Ephesians 4:26-27; 30-31). Sadly, even illustrious spiritual titans like Moses and Martin Luther at times choose to engage in wicked behavior. Luthers sinful nature was no better or worse than yours or mine. And it was no better or worse than the sinful nature of the Apostle Paul, who wrote, I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature (Romans 7:18). The basement room of mans soul is completely wretched. The sinful nature is distinct from the heart and mind, and is something believers dont shed until our soul leaves our body when we die. Christians have been set free to live with a pure heart and stay out of the basement with our thoughts, words and deeds. A believer in Jesus is dedicated to thinking and living in a way that pleases the Lord (see Romans 6:15-23; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8). Possessing a holy hatred for false teaching is noble, but losing control of your anger and lashing out at people when they refuse to come to Christ is immoral and undisciplined. Luther's exasperation over the Jews rejecting Jesus drove him to write some shameful things. Luther should have followed our Lords example instead. While suffering intense agony on the cross, Jesus prayed for the soldiers who were crucifying Him: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34). And compare Luthers revolting rhetoric to the Apostle Pauls undying and abiding love for the Jews. Paul wrote, I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel (Romans 9:2-4). Consider our Lords deep and unconditional love for the Jewish people. Jesus said, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing (Matthew 23:37). Scripture declares, If anyone says, I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar (1 John 4:20). Hopefully, Martin Luthers unrestrained attacks and repulsive vitriol did not drive the Holy Spirit from his heart and prevent the otherwise disciplined reformer from confessing his sin and asking the Lord to forgive him. Given the utter depravity of man's sinful nature, Luther wisely instructed his followers, Dont call yourselves Lutherans, but Christians. A couple hours before his death in 1546, Luther began repeating over and over: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. And perhaps in those final hours, Luther reflected upon the glorious fact that the Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (Romans 1:16). Luther may have even recalled these words he had written 23 years earlier: I hope that if one deals in a kindly way with the Jews and instructs them carefully from Holy Scripture, many of them will become genuine Christians and turn again to the faith of their fathers, the prophets and patriarchs. It was Jesus Christ living within Martin Luther (see Galatians 2:20) who produced kindness toward the Jews in 1523, just as it was Luthers sinful nature and his trips to the basement that would later result in his simmering hostility toward the Jews. The avoidable offenses in the lives of Martin Luther and Moses can serve as a cautionary tale to each of us whenever we get upset at the actions of others. Uncontrolled anger and ranting against those with whom you disagree can have far-reaching consequences. Nevertheless, I suspect that Martin Luther and Moses, like each one of Gods children, would handle certain events in their lives much differently if they could go back and undo those angry and fateful decisions that quickly became very public. Home Opinion Understanding gender ideology We live in a time when the culture-forming institutions of the Western world (e.g., education, mass media, big business, some sectors of government) actively promote the idea that a man can become a woman (or vice versa), that gender is a spectrum, that ones internal feelings at any given time determine ones gender, and that to oppose any of these ideas is an act of malicious discrimination. Teenagers and young adults, especially, are beholden to these views, which means that church leaders need to understand them and respond to them in light of Scripture, reason, and science. Gender ideology[1] is a vast and complex topic, but Ill endeavor in this article to set forth and critique its key tenets so that those ministering to Christian young people will be equipped to understand and respond to it. One caveat before I begin is that the ideology Im addressing is primarily promoted by activists and academics, many of whom have influential platforms. My critique of these ideas is not meant to deny the very real experience of those who suffer from gender dysphoria or feel conflicted about their gender identity. There is a significant difference, however, between experiencing such feelings and making them the basis for dubious claims about human nature, and it is the latter position that I aim to challenge here. The Church and individual Christians should come alongside those who suffer from gender dysphoria and offer support, encouragement, and pastoral counsel. Definitions Before we go further, it will be helpful to briefly define some of the key terms related to current discussions about gender.[2] Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe (Biological) Sex: Biological make-up or composition related to sexual reproduction reflected in the hormonal, anatomical, and reproductive differences between men and women resulting from their chromosomal differences. Gender: This term has different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. As defined by Webster, it can be a synonym for biological sex (e.g., the male gender), or can refer to the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with one sex. [3] Activists tend to use gender in the sense of gender identity (see below), which can create confusion when trying to analyze their claims. Most also insist that gender is a spectrum. [4] Ill argue below that this is misguided scientifically, philosophically, and biblically. Gender Identity: A persons self-perception of whether they are male or female, masculine or feminine. Gender Dysphoria: Experiencing distress, inner anguish, or discomfort from sensing a conflict between ones gender identity and ones biological sex. [5] Transgender: An umbrella term for the state or condition of identifying or expressing a gender identity that does not match a persons genetic sex. It may mean dressing in the culturally determined dress of the gender that someone identifies with; it may involve someone having hormonal treatment to seek to bring their chemical balance into alignment with that gender; and it could include undergoing surgical treatment to alter their bodies. It may also mean not identifying as one gender all the time (which is often termed gender fluid) or not identifying as male or female at all (usually called non-binary or agender). Key tenets of gender ideology Its remarkably difficult to find a list of beliefs or principles related to gender on websites devoted to LGBTQ issues and advocacy. Typically, terms are presented and defined (as weve done above), but there is no attempt to lay out a coherent set of ideas on gender and offer evidence or arguments to support them. This is likely due to the difficulties that would entail in terms of making a coherent case and offering evidence to substantiate it. Many activists on these issues have sought to avoid debate, unfortunately, by labeling those who challenge them as hateful or otherwise unworthy of engagement. This has proven to be a powerful rhetorical move that enables them to make assertions without having to defend their position. Despite the lack of systematically presented beliefs, the following is a distillation of the most common assertions of gender ideology. There is little, or possibly no, connection between a persons biological sex and their gender identity. Activists (and those who follow their lead) now frequently replace biological sex with sex assigned at birth since The assignment of a biological sex may or may not align with whats going on with a persons body, how they feel, or how they identify. [6] Ones feelings alone determine ones gender identity. These feelings may change over time so ones gender identity also changes over time. [7] A natal male who identifies as a female is, in fact, a woman. A natal female who identifies as a male is, in fact, a man. A transgender man or woman is as much a man or woman as a biological man or woman. [8] Gender is a spectrum, and not limited to male or female. Other purported genders include non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, two-spirit, and demigender, to name a few. To fail to affirm a persons gender identity is to attack their sense of self and personhood. Thus, it is appropriate to pass laws that compel individuals and institutions to use a persons preferred pronouns and to allow them to use facilities like locker rooms, showers, and bathrooms that match their gender identity.[9] Scientific and philosophical responses Although some activists claim that biological sex is a spectrum, this has no basis in biology.[10] Human beings are sexually dimorphic because they exhibit exactly two reproductive roles male and female. As Anderson observes, Sex ... is identified by the organization of the organism for sexually reproductive acts ... The fundamental conceptual distinction between a male and a female is the organisms organization for sexual reproduction.[11] After conducting a thorough review of the relevant scientific literature, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Paul McHugh and professor of statistics and biostatistics Lawrence Mayer concluded that The hypothesis that gender identity is an innate, fixed property of human beings that is independent of biological sex that a person might be a man trapped in a womans body or a woman trapped in a mans body is not supported by scientific evidence.[12] To reiterate a point made earlier, although science gives no support to the idea that one can be or become a different sex than what ones biology indicates, it is also true that those who suffer from gender dysphoria can have strong, subjective feelings that they have a gender identity that doesnt match their biological sex. I sympathize with them and will say more below about how I believe that mismatch is best addressed. Returning to gender ideology, to drive a wedge between biology and gender is to untether a person from the physical reality of their own body. As Nancy Pearcey observes, in our postmodern culture, The body has become a morally neutral piece of matter that can be manipulated for whatever purposes the self may impose on it like pressing a mold into clay or stamping Lincolns profile on a copper penny. In stark contrast to this is the Christian view that assigns the human body a much richer dignity and value. Humans do not need freedom from the body to discover their true, authentic self. Rather we can celebrate our embodied existence as a good gift from God. Instead of escaping from the body, the goal is to live in harmony with it.[13] A number of gender ideology claims are also contradictory. As Anderson points out: They claim that the real self is something other than the physical body, in a new form of Gnostic dualism, yet at the same time, they embrace a materialist philosophy in which only the material world exists. They say that gender is purely a social construct while asserting that a person can be trapped in the wrong gender. They say there are no meaningful differences between men and women, yet they rely on rigid sex stereotypes to argue that gender identity is real, while human embodiment is not. They claim that truth is whatever a person says it is, yet they believe theres a real self to be discovered inside that person. They promote a radical expressive individualism in which people are free to do whatever they want and define the truth however they wish, yet they try ruthlessly to enforce acceptance of transgender ideology.[14] Scriptural response In addition to scientific and conceptual difficulties, there are also strong scriptural reasons for rejecting gender ideology. As Ive written elsewhere, the first chapter of Genesis reveals Gods design for human beings as men and women who collectively reflect his image. I wont repeat that material here, but suffice it to say that God created human beings as a gender binary, and there is no indication in Genesis or the rest of the canon that there is a third option, or that men or women can transform into the opposite sex or gender. Instead, this design reflects Gods intention for us, which he describes as very good (Gen. 1:31). As Andrew Walker rightly notes, "Being creatures means that we cannot re-create ourselves in any fashion or form that we desire by a simple act of the will or the complex work of a surgeon. When we as creatures reject the Creators blueprint, we are both rebelling against the natural order of how things objectively are, and (though it may not seem like it) we are rejecting the life that is going to be the highest good for us."[15] Christians should compassionately empathize with those who experience gender dysphoria or feel conflicted about their gender identity. The severity of these feelings varies from person to person but can be quite distressing and debilitating. A supportive family, friends, church, and professional Christian therapy can help those who struggle in this area. One key challenge, however, is to not let feelings (however strong) redefine reality or become the foundation of our identity. As Branch writes, since it is contrary to Scripture to hold that one is the opposite sex, for people experiencing gender dysphoria, it is more accurate to say, I am a [male or female] made in the image of God with both a body and soul, but I am experiencing confused feelings about gender right now.[16] Because of Adam and Eves fall, human beings (and all of creation) bear the corrupting consequences, which manifest themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Ultimately, for any human being to truly flourish, they must find their identity in Christ. Branch helpfully summarizes, In Christ, my old self is crucified (Rom 6:6). In Christ, I am now clothed ... with Christ (Gal 3:27). In Christ, my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). In Christ, I have died to my old life and my life is now hidden in God (Col 3:3). In Christ, I am a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). In Christ, I am forgiven (Eph 1:7). As Christians, our identity is always in Christ. Anything else we embrace as our identity is a false idol competing for worship. Building ones life around a transgender identity ... is the path away from peace and victory.[17] *This article originally appeared at Summit Ministries. Notes By gender ideology, I mean the radical and revisionist ideas about gender described throughout this article. The following (commonly accepted) definitions are taken primarily from Andrew T. Walker, God and the Transgender Debate: What Does the Bible Actually Say about Gender Identity?, 2nd ed. (The Good Book Company, 2022), 24-28. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gender. Ones gender identity could be woman, man, transgender, nonbinary, or an infinite number of other possibilities (A Scientist Explains Why Gender [and Sex] Arent Binary, https://cadehildreth.com/gender-spectrum/). Those who adopt gender ideology tend to incorporate contradictory elements of biological determinism and sociological relativism into their understanding of gender. They presuppose, for example, that gender is socially constructed but also biologically fixed. The current (fifth edition) of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists gender dysphoria as a mental disorder, but only in cases associated with clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (cited in What is Gender Dysphoria? https://www.psychiatry.org:443/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoria). Sex and Gender Identity, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/sex-gender-identity. Its nonsensical, of course, to claim that biological sex is arbitrarily assigned at birth. Except in rare cases where disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are present, a newborns sex is obvious. Even in cases of DSDs, the newborn is still either male or female. There may be developmental abnormalities, but there is no third possibility when it comes to an individuals sex. As the pediatric endocrinologist Quentin L. Van Meter writes, The exceedingly rare DSDs are all medically identifiable deviations from the sexual binary norm. The 2006 consensus statement of the Intersex Society of North America and the 2015 revision of the statement does not endorse DSD as a third sex. (Ryan T. Anderson, When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment [New York: Encounter Books, 2018], 88). Your gender identity is how you feel inside and how you express those feelings (Sex and Gender Identity). The Human Rights Campaign advises, Refrain from contrasting trans men and women with real or biological men and women. Contrasting transgender people with real or biological men and women is a false comparison. They are real men and women, and doing so contributes to the inaccurate perception that transgender people are being deceptive when, in fact, they are being authentic and courageous, (HRCs Brief Guide to Getting Transgender Coverage Right, https://www.hrc.org/resources/reporting-about-transgender-people-read-this). In New York City, for example, an employer can be fined up to $250,000 for failing to comply in these areas (Gender Identity/Gender Expression CCHR, https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/law/legal-guidances-gender-identity-expression.page). Many view this as speech compelled by the government to affirm currently popular gender ideology. Eugene Volokh argues that this is equivalent to compelling someone to address another person as Milord, Your Holiness, or thee (Opinion | You Can Be Fined for Not Calling People Ze or Hir, If Thats the Pronoun They Demand That You Use, Washington Post, October 23, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2016/05/17/you-can-be-fined-for-not-calling-people-ze-or-hir-if-thats-the-pronoun-they-demand-that-you-use/). By gender here, I mean biological sex. Activists seek to completely sever the concept of gender from biological sex, but this tears the concept away from its physical and linguistic foundations, robbing it of meaning in the process. Masculinity and femininity could be described as a spectrum (e.g., a woman exhibiting more or fewer typically feminine traits), but biological sex cannot. Severing the term gender from biological sex leads to incoherent claims, such as a person being neither male nor female, or both at the same time, or being male one week and female the next. These are descriptions that in no way map onto physical reality. Anderson, Harry Became Sally, 79. Executive Summary Sexuality and Gender, The New Atlantis, https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/executive-summary-sexuality-and-gender. McHugh taught at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and for twenty-five years was the psychiatrist-in-chief at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. The New Atlantis notes that McHugh is arguably the most important American psychiatrist of the last half-century. Nancy R. Pearcey, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2018), 203, 210. For a helpful exploration of how the West has become characterized by expressive individualism that seeks to conform reality to human desire, see Carl R. Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution (Crossway, 2020). Ryan Anderson, Transgender Ideology Is Riddled With Contradictions. Here Are the Big Ones, https://www.heritage.org/gender/commentary/transgender-ideology-riddled-contradictions-here-are-the-big-one. Walker, God and the Transgender Debate, 48. Also see Deuteronomy 22:5, which prohibits men from presenting as women, and vice versa. J. Alan Branch comments, While many people think the biblical prohibition of cross-dressing is obscurantist, the clothing of the cross-dresser acts as a proxy for embodiment and a corresponding rejection of Gods will (J. Alan Branch, Affirming Gods Image: Addressing the Transgender Question with Science and Scripture (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019), 44. Ibid., 50. Ibid., 142. Famed atheist Richard Dawkins says he's a 'cultural Christian' After decades as the poster boy for New Atheism, 'God Delusion' author Richard Dawkins says he is a "cultural Christian". Speaking to Rachel Johnson on LBC Radio, Dawkins said he was "happy" that the number of professing Christians in the UK was declining but said it would be "truly dreadful" if Christianity were to be replaced with another religion. The straight-talking scientest admitted he was "slightly horrified" to see Ramadan lights being displayed in parts of the UK over Easter. "I must say I'm slightly horrified to hear that Ramadan is being promoted instead," he said. "I feel that we are a Christian country." He continued, "It's true that statistically, the number of people who actually believe in Christianity is going down and I'm happy with that, but I would not be happy if, for example, we lost all our cathedrals and our beautiful parish churches. "So, I count myself a cultural Christian. I think it would matter if we... substituted any alternative religion, that would be truly dreadful." Reacting to his comments, Christian Concern said, "Who would've thought we'd ever hear those words come out of Richard Dawkins' mouth, even a few years ago?" Theos CEO Chine McDonald, writing in Christianity magazine, said, "We've come a long way from the antagonism of New Atheism that made it its mission to denounce all religion, including Christianity. But I'll save my excitement for when Dawkins et al start talking about the ways in which their lives have been turned upside down by the radical love of Jesus Christ." Later in the interview, Dawkins said that given the choice between Christianity and Islam, he would go for Christianity "every single time". "[Christianity] seems to me to be a fundamentally decent religion in a way that I think Islam is not," he said. He went on, "I'm not talking about individual Muslims, who, of course, are all quite different, but the doctrines of Islam, the Hadith and the Quran, it's fundamentally hostile to women, hostile to gays and, I find that I like to live in a culturally Christian country, although I do not believe a single word of the Christian faith." Dawkins has in the past spoken about his "normal Anglican upbringing" before abandoning Christianity in his teenage years. Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, speaks at a press conference. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston officials unveiled new details of the city's landmark settlement with the firefighters union during the first City Council committee meeting of Mayor John Whitmire's tenure. The city signed a deal with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341 last month to end the two parties years-long contract dispute, promising firefighters $650 million in backpay and up to 34% salary increases over the next five years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad City Attorney Arturo Michel outlined the deals basic structure at the time of the announcement, including the citys plan to finance the backpay through a judgment bond, which would spread the cost over the next 25 to 30 years. Finance Director Melissa Dubowski also previously hinted at the possibilities of implementing higher taxes, new fees and budget cuts to help soften the additional fiscal strain caused by the agreement. During a Tuesday meeting, jointly hosted by City Councils Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee and Labor Committee, officials delved into more specifics of the agreement, including a breakdown of the percentage raises for different fire personnel and a possible utility rental fee to help bridge Houstons budgetary gap. Several council members also raised concerns about not yet receiving the final draft of the agreement to review. Here are the four takeaways from the Tuesday meeting. Rank-and-file firefighters might see higher raises than supervisors The city shared in March it would give around 3,700 classified firefighters a collective 10% pay raise in the first year. The firefighters are then set to receive additional raises of 14% over the following four years, or 24% if the city can secure new revenues for public safety. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Tuesday, Dubowski revealed that the city is looking to offer a larger first-year pay increase to rank-and-file firefighters to help with recruitment efforts. Under the proposed plan, rank-and-file firefighters will see a 12% raise in the fiscal year starting in July, while engineers and supervisory staff will receive more modest pay increases of between 6% and 9%. Even though Houston firefighters have not had a contract since negotiations first broke down in 2017, former Mayor Sylvester Turner managed to grant them a three-year 18% salary increase through a city ordinance in 2021. This adjustment boosted the base salary for a first-year firefighter to $51,843 today. With the proposed 12% increase in the new contract, their base salary would rise to $58,064 next year. City to take on the unions $6.5M legal fees As part of the agreement, Houston will cover the firefighters unions $6.5 million in attorney fees accumulated over the past eight years, according to Michel. The expense will come out of the citys property and casualty fund, a risk management fund designed to cover legal claims and commercial insurance costs. The $6.5 million is in addition to the $1.7 million that the city itself spent on outside legal counsel for the case. Michel said a judge likely would have required the city to pay the union's attorney fees if the claim had been contested in court. Although $6.5 million is significantly higher than the city's own legal expenses, he said the cost is reasonable, considering the city relied more on its in-house attorneys. Advertisement Article continues below this ad New educational incentives to match police benefits Besides pay raises, the new contract also includes additional pay incentives, including an educational one modeled after an existing incentive in the Houston Police Department. Police officers, upon graduation from the Houston Police Academy, receive an extra $3,640 a year for a bachelors degree, $6,240 for a masters degree and $8,840 for a doctorate degree. The amounts for firefighters will be similar, Michel said. The city will also reimburse part of the firefighters' tuition costs if they pursue higher education degrees, similar to the policy for the police department. Marty Lancton, who leads the firefighters union, said the incentives will help the city recruit qualified firefighters: We want the most well-rounded, the best firefighters working for the Houston Fire Department. Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, Council Member Edward Pollard questioned the rationale behind paying firefighters for obtaining these degrees when, unlike police officers, their promotions are not tied to educational credentials. Council Member Abbie Kamin, chair of the Labor Committee, added that the council and the public need more information on how these incentives will impact city finances. I'm not comfortable that we have the full picture yet of what these costs are, Kamin said. Were supposed to be vetting this and asking questions, and we have yet to see (the agreement). Dubowski said the administration will release more data in the coming weeks. Eliminating vacancies and implementing new fees to pay for the deal Even before factoring in the financial strain from the firefighters agreement, the city already faces a projected budget shortfall of at least $160 million for the upcoming fiscal year, according to Dubowski. Controller Chris Hollins, the citys financial watchdog, projected the shortfall could grow to $230 to $280 million next year when accounting for the latest deal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whitmires team has proposed potentially adjusting the citys property tax revenue cap, charging a garbage fee and implementing 5% budget cuts across most city departments as potential ways to cut expenses and generate new revenues. Dubowski on Tuesday added the city is also considering adding a new right-of-way rental fee for utility companies that need to install pipes under city streets. To reduce expenditures, she said the administration might consider eliminating some staff vacancies across Houston departments, especially vacancies that have taken longer than a year to fill. The city might also consolidate some staff positions serving corporate functions like human resources, legal and financial roles that would not directly impact services to constituents, she said. Houston was able to build up its budget reserves during Turners tenure using federal COVID-19 relief money. Its fund balance currently stands at about $428 million, $241 million above the legally required minimum. With this balance, Hollins said, the city has about a year to fix its finances. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form One thing that sets apart Foundry events is that they are informed by the always-insightful editorial coverage from titles such as CIO, CSO, and InfoWorld. Members of the event team are not only avid readers, we pick the brains of the journalists to help guide the event content and invite them to join us as session moderators. At our upcoming Data, Analytics & AI Summit a virtual event taking place April 11 attendees will hear from CIO editors and contributors, including Paula Rooney, Lucas Merian, Issac Sacolick, and Today in Tech podcast host Keith Shaw. A car parked at a meter along Gray Street near Bagby in Houston on March 30, 2022. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston City Council will vote to extend the time residents will have to pay city parking meters on Wednesday. The current ordinance requires drivers who park in metered spots to pay between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The new ordinance would keep the start time at 7 a.m., but extend the period people will have to pay to 2 a.m. The new change will not increase parking rates, if passed, but is expected to generate more revenue for the city, said Council Member Edward Pollard, who introduced the agenda item with Council Members Fred Flickinger and Tiffany Thomas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is a way in which we can trickle on small amounts that will add up over time, Pollard said. City ordinance requires ParkHouston, which oversees parking meters in Houston, to keep a $2 million fund balance. Any revenue made that exceeds the fund balance goes into the citys general fund, said Billy Rudolph, chief of staff of the citys Administrative and Regulatory Affairs Department. Before the pandemic, the city received approximately $10 million in ParkHouston revenue for the general fund, Rudolph said. Last year, the city received approximately $5 million. Pollard believes that cash amount could double with the extension. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The administration says that we're broke," Pollard said. I don't necessarily believe that, but I do believe that we are going to have to find ways to bring in more revenue. The potential change comes as city leaders continue to look for ways to save money heading into this years budget season. As pandemic relief funds dry up and a costly deal with the firefighters union inches toward completion, Houston is facing a projected shortfall of anywhere between $230 million to $280 million for the upcoming fiscal year, according to the city controller. Most city departments have been asked to cut 5% of their budgets a tall task for departments like Solid Waste Management, which are struggling to do their jobs with the few resources they currently have. In addition to new revenue, Pollard sees another benefit a potential move toward parking equity. People who park downtown for work have to pay, and those who come to enjoy the area at night should have to as well, he said. No one wants to pay additional fees, and I understand that this may be a small inconvenience for some, Pollard said. But we're all going to have to make small sacrifices that hopefully add up to bring greater benefit and services to the city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mayor John Whitmire did not respond directly to questions of whether he would support the proposal, but he said that a robust discussion would likely follow at City Council this week. In this case, three Council Members are playing an active role by introducing an idea to help bring additional revenue to the city, Whitmire wrote in a statement. Such a privilege also comes with a duty to do more than present a good idea. Whitmire added that before this proposal could go forward, council members would have to get input from the public and weigh the potential unintended consequences of implementing the change. While Pollard is optimistic about the potential change, business leaders who work downtown, where many of the city's parking meters are located, are raising red flags. Kris Larson, president and CEO of Downtown Houston, which operates as the umbrella group for the areas development organizations, told the Chronicle he was first approached about the potential changes by the mayors office and Council Member Joaquin Martinez, who represents downtown not by the three members of council who put the item on the agenda. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What problem are we trying to solve with this change? Larson asked. Is this simply about revenue and trying to maximize the amount of revenue that the city can collect in the short term? He notes that any short-term gains could come at the expense of long-term losses in sales and property taxes. Extending metered hours can create a barrier to entry for those who do not go downtown after 6 p.m. because they either cannot afford to park or do not think they should have to, Larson said. If those people avoid the area, he said, it would have "detrimental effects" on the small business community, which would suffer from reduced sales. But, Larson said, it goes even further. If small businesses begin to struggle, property owners ability to market and lease space in the area will diminish as well, lowering property values. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Representatives with Houston First, the citys convention and marketing arm, declined to comment on the parking changes on Monday, saying its officials had not yet been briefed on the details. 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. A charity funded by a failed cryptocurrency platform plans to close and sell a 17m Oxfordshire property it bought two years ago. Effective Ventures (EV UK) plans to wind down in 2025, according to its recently filed accounts . The charitys board has also decided to sell Wytham Abbey near Oxford , which it purchased in 2022 after being given 17m from a non-crypto source to support its purchase. EV UK had received money from failed cryptocurrency platform FTX and its linked foundation, but the charity said it repaid funding received in 2022 from these sources. The charity is under investigation by the Charity Commission, a spokesperson for which said: Our inquiry into Effective Ventures remains ongoing. We dont routinely comment or provide updates on ongoing inquiries but do produce an inquiry report outlining our full findings on conclusion. Wytham Abbey up for sale In April 2022, EVF purchased Wytham Abbey near Oxford and some land around it with the aim of using it as a convening centre to run workshops and meetings on the worlds biggest issues. It received 17m from Open Philanthropy to support the purchase. But trustees have now decided to sell the property, according to a statement from Elizabeth Garrett, the managing director of Wytham Abbey Project. Garretts statement reads: Im sad to announce that the Wytham Abbey Project will be shutting down. Unfortunately, we did not meet the funding bar of our major funders, and the board has decided to sell the Wytham estate. Plan to wind down EV UKs accounts for the year to June 2023 state: The trustees of EV UK decided that the charitable purposes for which the charity was set up would best be served by spinning out all of the projects which are currently fiscally sponsored by EV UK, into new independent entities. This process is expected to take between one and two years. The board of EV UK does not intend to fiscally sponsor new charitable projects, once the existing projects have spun out. It is therefore expected that EV UK will eventually wind down (in 2025 or beyond). The FTX Foundation, which shut down in November 2022 when Sam Bankman-Frieds cryptocurrency exchange FTX collapsed, was one of EV UKs largest funders. Bankman-Fried has recently been sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $11bn in assets. His lawyer reiterated a pledge to appeal the sentence the same day. The accounts state: As has been widely reported in the press, one of EV UKs funders, FTX Foundation (FTXF), filed for bankruptcy protection in the USA in November 2022. As a result, EV UK does not expect to receive any future grant income from this source. Income up Total income at EV UK was 61.95m in 2022-23, up from 55.69 the year prior. The vast majority was from grant income and donations. The charitys total expenditure was also up year-on-year, at 58.30m compared with 35.8m. Its report states that significant effort has been made to recruit new trustees, with one new trustee appointed and more expected this year. EV reached a settlement agreement in relation to the repayment of FTX funds amounting to around 3.34m, the accounts show. This amount is equal to the entire amount which EV UK received from FTX and the FTX Foundation during 2022, a spokesperson for the charity previously told Civil Society . A settlement with the bankruptcy estate of the funder provided a general release from all possible claims from the FTX estate. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Cal-Maine Foods Inc., the biggest egg producer in the US, has culled roughly 3.6% of its flock after birds at a Texas facility tested positive for avian flu, adding to concerns over a widening outbreak. Nearly 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets were destroyed and production at the Parmer County plant has temporarily ceased, the company said in a statement. Shares of the producer plunged as much as 6.1%, the biggest intraday decline since October, before erasing declines. Thats the biggest bird flu casualty in the US since Dec. 7, when 2.6 million birds were killed at an egg farm in Ohio after the virus was found in the facility, according to data from the US Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Cal-Maine also reported an outbreak at a Kansas facility in December that affected 684,000 hens. The latest Cal-Maine infections come at a time when highly pathogenic flu is spreading in dairy cattle herds including in Texas raising concerns about the potential impact on the food chain. In 2022, the worst-ever global outbreak of the disease prompted more than 72 million birds to be killed in the US to slow the spread of the virus. This is the first significant outbreak of the spring migration season, and it shines a spotlight on the prospect of additional cases impacting broader industry production and tightening the egg supply, Stephens analysts Ben Bienvenu and Jack Hardin wrote in a note. The company said its working closely with authorities and industry groups to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks. It added that the virus cant be transmitted through safely handled and properly cooked eggs, and that no eggs have been recalled. Eggs cost $2.47 a dozen last week, less than half of a record high from December 2022, according to USDA data. Top photo: Laying hens stand in enriched housing on a farm near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. Canadas minister of agriculture announced a new poultry and egg farmers working group in November to help them adjust to new trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Photographer: Shannon VanRaes/Bloomberg. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. The United States and Britain 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 work jointly to 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. 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 worlds 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 in recent months has spurred excitement as well as fears it could make some jobs obsolete, upend elections and potentially overpower humans and catastrophic effects. 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. (Reporting by Shepardson; Editing by Richard Chang) Tami Pierce, right, appears at the Harris County Civil Courthouse, on Monday, April 1, 2024, where she argues before Judge David Peeples about the validity of the 2022 judicial race she lost to 180th District Court Judge DaSean Jones. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Attorneys this week wrapped up another round of litigating Harris County's November 2022 elections, after spending hours in court arguing over whether individual votes cast nearly a year and a half ago should have been included in the final tally. Following the two-day trial, a judge will decide whether to call a new election in the 180th District Court judicial race that Republican candidate Tami Pierce lost by just 449 votes to Democratic Judge DaSean Jones. Judge David Peeples, a visiting judge from Bexar County, was tasked last year with all 21 lawsuits filed by unsuccessful Republican candidates challenging their election outcomes. While Peeples has previously upheld election results, he could be persuaded to order a redo in this final race given the razor-thin margin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Most recently, Erin Lunceford, who lost the 189th District Court race to Democrat Judge Tamika Craft by 2,743 votes, argued her case over a week-long trial before Peeples in August. Peeples ruled that while he found "many mistakes and violations of the Election Code," there were not enough votes in doubt to justify ordering a new election in Lunceford's race. He upheld the results in 15 other cases as well, and another three candidates dropped their lawsuits before his ruling. Lunceford's case is currently on appeal. Though Pierce's race had the closest margin, it was the last to go before the judge. The case was set on a separate, delayed track after Jones filed a motion meant to deter meritless lawsuits. While Harris County's midterm elections were marred by a ballot paper shortage on election day that impaired voting at around 20 out of 782 polling locations, Republican candidates' grievances eventually expanded to include numerous allegations concerning election errors and illegal votes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pierce and her attorney, Paul Simpson, all but set aside the ballot paper shortage as part of their strategy, instead focusing on the findings of Republican Party members who set out to audit the election on their own by sifting through thousands of voter records and flagging votes they deemed to be illegal for numerous reasons, such as voter addresses that were incomplete, nonresidential or located outside the county. Pierce and Simpson argued that 2,117 votes were illegal and should not have been counted in the race, including ballots from 1,198 voters who allegedly did not meet residency requirements. Though Pierce repeatedly insisted she was simply "challenging" votes, Jones' attorney, Oliver Brown, argued she was in many cases seeking to throw out the votes of Harris County residents, some of whom were elderly. As Brown worked through the list of votes, asking Pierce whether each one should be removed from the count, he pointed out that many had been flagged due to other people's errors a missing signature from an election judge, a box that had not been checked by an election official or a missing timestamp that would have confirmed whether a mail ballot had been received on time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When Brown asked Pierce if she would throw out a 94-year-old's ballot in order to get a new election, Pierce insisted that challenging the vote was not a personal or punishing act. Brown objected, arguing that "removing someone's vote" would be "harsh and punitive." Simpson pushed back on Brown's tactic, pointing out that age does not exempt voters from legal requirements such as presenting proper identification. Brown also hammered Pierce for filing a lawsuit that forced Jones to bear the cost of defending the county's elections, arguing it amounted to a "poll tax" for his client and the other 20 Democratic elected officials who won their races. Peeples did not indicate when to expect a decision. In November, he issued a 36-page ruling three months after the Lunceford trial concluded. Pierce's attorney asked the judge to expedite his judgment in this case. MEDINA, Ohio -- As summer nears, the city is looking to change some of the rates for the municipal pool, as well as for summer passes for the Medina Community Recreation Center. Last summer was our busiest year ever at the pool, and we are proposing removing the camp and group rate of $5 daily admission and requiring them to pay the normal daily admission rate, Parks and Recreation Director Jansen Wehrley said. MEDINA, Ohio -- In just two years, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday -- and Medina is already preparing to be part of the festivities. During a recent Finance Committee meeting, City Council approved a resolution of support for America 250-Ohio, a commission that is preparing Ohios portion of the celebration. AKRON, Ohio An Akron man convicted last month of fatally shooting a man and then leaving his body in a parking lot was sentenced Tuesday by a Summit County judge to life in prison. Luther Easter, 34, will not be eligible for parole until he has served 28 years, according to the Summit County Prosecutors Office. A jury found Easter guilty in March of aggravated murder, kidnapping and tampering with evidence in the death of 34-year-old Dartanian Howard in September 2022. Prosecutors say Howard was lured to the area of Flower Court and North Howard Street in the Cascade Valley, just north of the Y Bridge, by Laurelin Flanagan. Easter, Flanagan and another unnamed person then killed Howard, prosecutors say. In September, Flanagan was sentenced to 13 to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. COLUMBUS, OhioC.J. Prentiss, a trailblazing state lawmaker from Cleveland who was a fierce advocate for education and civil rights, died Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She was 82. The cause of death was emphysema and heart failure, according to her husband, Michael Charney. A racial and social justice activist since the 1960s, Prentiss served on the State Board of Education from 1985 until 1990, then served in the Ohio General Assembly as a Democrat from 1991 until 2006. In 2005, Prentiss became the second Black woman to serve as Senate minority leader, and she was the first Black woman to lead the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus. Those who worked alongside Prentiss remember her as a strong, forceful leader who wasnt afraid to stand up for what she believed in and unlike many politicians who always was forthright about what she thought, whether it was what people wanted to hear or not. Prentiss was a particular advocate for K-12 education, going on a hunger strike for several days in the mid-1990s to secure funding for the states school breakfast program, which largely benefited students from poorer families in Appalachian Ohio. She also was an early champion of Ohios third-grade reading guarantee program, and she pushed for legislation to secure funding for all-day kindergarten, reduced class sizes, support for at-risk Black male students and literacy support for elementary school students. She also stood up for civil rights. Chris Redfern, a Port Clinton Democrat and a former House minority leader, recalled when he and Prentiss served on the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board in the mid-2000s. Prentiss, he said, made a motion that the board should allow same-sex civil-union ceremonies at the Ohio Statehouse, just as opposite-sex couples were able to for their weddings. After (the motion) failed, she goes, I wont be a part of this, Redfern said in an interview. And she got up and she said, Come on, Chris, lets go. And if you disagree with C.J., you do that at your own peril, so I knew better than to disagree, and we left. At the same time, Prentiss was also a pragmatist who was on good terms with many of her Republican colleagues and was very effective at getting things done. Her persistence would wear you down to the point you would just say, OK, OK, OK, OK, former Democratic state lawmaker Rhine McLin said with a chuckle. Prentiss was also funny, kind, and warm-hearted. When out with her colleagues, she would often order a beer Heineken, in particular and put it in a wine or martini glass. Its a bit more civilized, Redfern explained. Carolyn Jean Prentiss was born on Clevelands West Side on June 6, 1941. Her father, Albert Luster, was a member of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and was beaten by police while trying to integrate Euclid Beach Park in the 1940s, according to Scott Stephens, a former reporter for The Plain Dealer who now is executive director of communications and engagement for the Shaker Heights City School District. Prentiss mother, Berenice, was a science teacher and president of the Cleveland Delta Sigma Theta sorority. C.J. Prentiss attended John Marshall High School and was one of six Black students in her graduating class, according to Charney. She then earned a bachelors and masters degree in education from Cleveland State University, held a post-graduate certificate in administration from Kent State University, and attended the advanced management program at Case Western Reserve University. Prentiss became increasingly involved in local politics in the 1970s, becoming one of the only Black members of Ohios Cuyahoga Womens Political Caucus. She was a 1984 Democratic National Convention delegate for then-presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, then became co-chair of the Cleveland Rainbow Coalition, according to Stephens. After her time on the State Board of Education and in the Ohio legislature, Prentiss created the C.J. Prentiss Emerging Leaders Project to help train young progressive leaders, and she helped form the liberal think-tank Policy Matters Ohio. In addition to her husband, Prentiss is survived by Maurice and Albert McIntosh, her sons from her first marriage, as well as five grandchildren. Jeremy Pelzer covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility run by MetroHealth and its partner ProMedica will close this spring, according to layoff notice sent to the state. The facility stopped accepting new patients this week and will close by early summer after all patients have been released or transferred. The facility currently has roughly 40 patients in its care. All 92 ProMedica Employment Services employees at the Pearl Road facility in Old Brooklyn will be laid off from their jobs, beginning May 31 the letter said. The layoffs are expected to be permanent. Companies are required to send whats called a WARN notice to state governments when they close a manufacturing plant, store or another facility. Among the ProMedica employees being let go are 36 nurses aids, four registered nurses, 22 licensed practical nurses, three physical therapists and three speech language pathologists, as well as few dozen managerial, administrative and support staff. In addition, there are a number of support staff who work in the building employed by MetroHealth. All MetroHealth employees currently working at the Old Brooklyn facility will be offered positions with the System moving forward. MetroHealth leadership and its Human Resources team will work with managers to discuss new opportunities, locations and schedules with those staff members, MetroHealth wrote in a statement. HR team members and recruiters will also meet with ProMedica employees about job opportunities in the System, including nursing positions. ProMedica also will offer additional job search resources and information on offerings elsewhere in the company. The goal is to help all employees, from both organizations, move seamlessly to future employment success. The multimillion-dollar, 96-bed nursing and subacute rehabilitation center is part of MetroHealths recently renovated Old Brooklyn Campus, and only opened in 2022. It was touted to be a facility uniquely situated to provide many services for seniors, including adult day care facilities and MetroHealths Center for Rehabilitation Research. Headquartered in Toledo, ProMedica is a non-profit health organization that was once one of Northwest Ohios largest employers. It includes 12 hospitals, a health plan, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing centers, memory care communities, and outpatient rehabilitation clinics. However, ProMedica has reported financial losses on the order of hundreds of millions of dollars since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Executives were let go, the president and CEO retired, and in 2023 sold off its hospice and home healthcare division in 2023, and announced the sale of its health insurance division, Paramount Health, to Medical Mutual in January. The companys skilled nursing facilities were apparently also racking up hundreds of millions in losses, prompting the company to leave the skilled-nursing arena as well. The company once held more than 200 skilled-nursing facilities. The MetroHealth facility was one of the last in Ohio to close. ProMedica says it will continue to operate two skilled nursing facilities in other states. MetroHealth has not yet determined how it will use the space in the future. CLEVELAND, Ohio For the second year in a row, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit has won a major planning grant from the Federal Transit Administration to expand its budding regional bus rapid transit network. RTA said Wednesday it received news of the grant award on Tuesday. To its surprise, the agency received the full $700,000 amount of its request, or $140,000 more than the minimum it needed to carry out the project. The grant will pay for a project to plan a new bus rapid transit line on Lorain Road extending 15.7 miles from North Olmsted through neighboring Fairview Park to Ohio City on Clevelands West Side. Were pretty excited, said Mike Schipper, RTAs deputy general manager. He said the agency was pleased to win the new grant a year after having won $432,000 under the same federal program to plan another bus rapid transit route on Broadway from near downtown Cleveland through Slavic Village to Garfield Heights. We were a little surprised because we won last year and maybe it wasnt our turn to win again, Schipper said. Not only did they award us the grant, they also awarded the entire $700,000. That was probably even more shocking. The grant adds support for a regional vision that centers on rebuilding thinly developed portions of Cleveland and its suburbs around corridors fanning out from the city with dense, walkable development that would reinforce more robust transit service and vice versa. It seems like all the stars are aligning, said Mary Cierebiej, executive director of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission. Cleveland.com has reached out to Cleveland officials for comment. The Federal Transit Administration also awarded $1.2 million to the Central Ohio Transit Authority COTA serving Columbus, to plan for transit-oriented development along the proposed 9.3-mile West Broad Street bus rapid transit corridor extending from Columbus to Franklin and Prairie townships. The [Columbus] corridor would be the regions first rapid transit route and serve as the main transit thoroughfare providing connections to north-south routes, the FTA said on its website. COTA previously announced on March 14 that it had been awarded a $42 million construction grant from the FTA to help build the bus rapid transit line. That grant came through the agencys collaborative mobility initiative, LinkUS The latest round of Ohio grants were among $17.6 million in grants awarded Tuesday to 20 communities in 16 states, with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The FTA made the grants through its Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development. The goal, according to the agencys website is to help communities develop local plans to encourage ridership by developing housing and businesses near transit corridors.' FTA also said the latest round of grants for the first time includes a focus on developing plans for affordable housing. Accordingly, the RTA grant application said the Lorain Road planning project will analyze specific sites with the potential to increase the supply of affordable housing, and that it will review the housing market to identify gaps, such as senior, inter-generational, low/moderate income. A network emerges City planners see bus rapid transit, or BRT, as a cheaper alternative to building new streetcar or light rail lines. In a BRT system, buses have special lanes for high-speed boarding, and priority at traffic signals. The network now shaping up in Cleveland includes the $200 million, four-mile Euclid Avenue HealthLine, completed in 2008 from Public Square to University Circle, and the simpler and less costly Cleveland State University Line completed in 2014. The CSU Line includes a four-mile corridor on Clifton Boulevard on Clevelands West Side that consolidates routes for No. 55 buses running from Rocky River and Lakewood to CSUs downtown campus. RTA will soon kick off final design plans for another BRT route on West 25th Street, plus the Broadway line. The agency has raised $30 million toward the estimated $50 million cost of the West 25th Streeet project, including $12 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation and a $10 million local match. A rendering shows how a bus rapid transit line proposed by RTA along West 25th Street in Cleveland could encourage dense, transit-oriented development.Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Schipper said RTA would be in a position to hire a consultant to carry out the planning for the Lorain Road BRT within nine to 12 months. RTAs grant application envisions building the line starting in 2030 and beginning service in 2032. Regional collaboration cited Schipper said that cooperation among officials from Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Fairview Park and North Olmsted may have helped to convince the feds to award the latest grant. RTA also said that winning a planning grant improves the agencys chances of winning far bigger construction grants from the federal government in the future. Schipper said that shifts in political leadership, including control of the presidency and Congress, have not affected the federal governments willingness to fund a transit-planning grant once it has been awarded. Weve gone through various changes at the federal level, and no administration change has impacted a grant that weve been awarded,' Schipper said. Cuyahoga County has been planning in sync with RTAs vision for the future. The countys planning commission is weeks away from releasing a model zoning code for suburbs of Cleveland showing how they could rezone 85 square miles of thinly developed land along 22 corridors in Cleveland and 25 suburbs with dense, walkable transit-oriented development. Illustrations from a newly-completed best practices guidebook authored by the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission show how Cleveland and 25 suburbs could turn low-density sprawl into transit-friendly development.Cuyahoga County Planning Commission The county is largely built out. One way for it to rebuild its tax base and add population is to make better use of land within areas already developed in a low-density, spread-out manner designed for automobiles. Transit-oriented development, which clusters projects near bus and rapid transit rail lines, can help. North Olmsted is receptive to the idea. It recently completed a study showing how parking lots around the partially vacant Great Northern Mall could be redeveloped with housing located near the proposed bus rapid transit route on Lorain Road. A birdseye view shows how the Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted could be rebuilt in the future with apartments. A densely developed part of the city could be connected to Cleveland via a bus rapid transit line.City Architecture Max Upton, North Olmsteds director of economic and community development, said he was thrilled to hear about the new RTA grant. Its wild, he said. Were super excited about the possibilities it could unlock for North Olmsted and for the region. Note: This story has been updated to include a link to information about the $42 million bus rapid transit construction grant received in March by the Central Ohio Transit Authority. WASHINGTON, D. C. - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown wants President Joe Biden to examine the national security implications of Nippon Steels relationship with Chinas steel industry as the Tokyo-based company seeks to buy U.S. Steel for $14.1 billion. The Cleveland Democrat who chairs the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee this week sent Biden a letter to highlight a report titled Forged Friendship: Nippon, China, and Industrial Base Risks, produced by a U.S. consultant called Horizon Advisory. Nippon has dismissed the report as inaccurate. There are four good reasons why Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost should seek a superseding felony indictment of former Ohio Speaker Larry Householder from a different Cuyahoga County grand jury. Most have to do with multiple apparent conflicts that Dave Wondolowski, who signed the indictment as grand jury foreman, has in the case. The March 25 indictment charges Householder with felony aggravated theft, theft in office, money laundering, telecommunications fraud and tampering with records. Xi, Biden hold phone talks Xinhua) 07:59, April 03, 2024 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden on the phone Tuesday at the request of the latter. The two presidents had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relations and issues of mutual interest. President Xi noted that his San Francisco meeting with President Biden last November opened a future-oriented San Francisco vision. Over the past months, their officials have acted on the presidential understandings in earnest. The China-U.S. relationship is beginning to stabilize, and this is welcomed by both societies and the international community. On the other hand, the negative factors of the relationship have also been growing, and this requires attention from both sides. President Xi stressed that the issue of strategic perception is always fundamental to the China-U.S. relationship, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right. Two big countries like China and the United States should not cut off their ties or turn their back on each other, still less slide into conflict or confrontation. The two countries should respect each other, coexist in peace and pursue win-win cooperation. The relationship should continue moving forward in a stable, sound and sustainable way, rather than going backward. President Xi underlined three overarching principles that should guide China-U.S. relations in 2024. First, peace must be valued. The two sides should put a floor of no conflict and no confrontation under the relationship, and keep reinforcing the positive outlook of the relationship. Second, stability must be prioritized. The two sides should refrain from setting the relationship back, provoking incident or crossing the line, so as to maintain the overall stability of the relationship. Third, credibility must be upheld. The two sides should honor their commitments to each other with action, and turn the San Francisco vision into reality. They need to strengthen dialogue in a mutually respectful way, manage differences prudently, advance cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit, and step up coordination on international affairs in a responsible way. President Xi stressed that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations. In the face of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external encouragement and support for them, China is not going to sit on its hands. He urged the U.S. side to translate President Biden's commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence" into concrete actions. The U.S. side has adopted a string of measures to suppress China's trade and technology development, and is adding more and more Chinese entities to its sanctions lists. This is not "de-risking," but creating risks. If the U.S. side is willing to seek mutually beneficial cooperation and share in China's development dividends, it will always find China's door open; but if it is adamant on containing China's hi-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, China is not going to sit back and watch. President Xi stated China's position on Hong Kong-related issues, human rights, the South China Sea, and other issues. President Biden noted that the U.S.-China relationship is the most consequential relationship in the world. The progress in the relationship since the San Francisco meeting demonstrates that the two sides can advance cooperation while responsibly managing differences. President Biden reiterated that the United States does not seek a new Cold War, its objective is not to change China's system, its alliances are not targeted against China, the U.S. does not support "Taiwan independence," and the U.S. does not seek conflict with China. The U.S. follows the one-China policy. It is in the interest of the world for China to succeed. The U.S. does not want to curtail China's development, and does not seek "decoupling" from China. The U.S. will send Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit China shortly to strengthen dialogue and communication, avoid miscalculation and promote cooperation, so as to advance the relationship on a stable path and jointly respond to global challenges. The two presidents also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and other issues. The two presidents found the phone call to be candid and constructive. The two sides agreed to stay in communication, and tasked their teams to deliver on the San Francisco vision, including advancing the consultation mechanisms on diplomatic, economic, financial, commercial and other issues as well as mil-to-mil communication, carrying out dialogue and cooperation in such areas as counter-narcotics, artificial intelligence and climate response, taking further steps to expand people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing communication on international and regional issues. The Chinese side welcomed visits to China by Treasury Secretary Yellen and Secretary of State Blinken in the near future. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Iran says "important" message sent to U.S. after Israeli attack on Iranian mission Xinhua) 10:27, April 03, 2024 TEHRAN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Tuesday that the country had sent an "important" message to the U.S. government after Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate building in Syria. He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, a few hours after Israeli warplanes launched a missile strike against the consular section of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday. The Israeli attack "killed a number of Iran's official military advisers in Syria," Amir-Abdollahian said, adding that Director-General of the Department of America at the Iranian Foreign Ministry Issa Kameli summoned an official of the Swiss embassy in Tehran, which represents U.S. interests in Iran, at 00:45 a.m. local time on Tuesday (2115 GMT on Monday). During the meeting, the Iranian Foreign Ministry official elaborated on the dimensions of Israel's "terrorist attack and crime" and highlighted the U.S. government's responsibility, Amir-Abdollahian said. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said on Monday that two of its veteran commanders, along with five officers accompanying them, were killed in the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate. Meanwhile, Amir-Abdollahian has called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to condemn an Israeli attack on the Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria. He made the remarks in a phone call with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha on Monday following the missile strike, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry early Tuesday. Amir-Abdollahian asked the OIC to take appropriate and immediate action and measures against the Israeli "crime." The OIC chief, for his part, strongly condemned the "new Israeli crime" against diplomatic missions, expressing solidarity with the Iranian government and people. He also extended condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed in the "criminal" attack and highlighted the OIC's responsibility regarding the issue. In another development, Iran's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Zahra Ershadi, called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council in the wake of the Israeli "aggression" against the Iranian consulate in Syria, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Tuesday. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Vanessa Frazier, UN Security Council president for the month of April, Ershadi condemned Israel's deadly "terrorist" attack that leveled the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus. She stressed that Iran reserved its "legitimate and inherent" right based on international law and the UN Charter to respond decisively to such "terrorist" actions. Calling the "horrifying" crime a threat to regional peace and security, she said such "dire crimes" had far-reaching international consequences and could lead to the escalation of tensions in the region, potentially fanning the flames of conflicts. Ershadi urged the UN Security Council to condemn in the strongest terms Israel's "criminal action and terrorist" attack. Iran demanded the UN Security Council take every necessary measure, including holding an urgent meeting, to deal with the conspicuous violation, prevent future "aggressive" actions that could jeopardize the security and safety of diplomatic missions and ensure that those responsible for such "criminal acts" were brought to justice, she added. Speaking to reporters in Damascus on Monday, Iran's Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari said the airstrikes were carried out by Israel's F-35 fighter jets on the Iranian consulate's five-story building located near the country's embassy in the Syrian capital, the Iranian Students' News Agency reported. By carrying out the attack, Israel had crossed an international red line, Akbari said, vowing that Iran would give a befitting response to the "terrorist" move at the right time and place. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Google Podcast finally shuts down today, April 2, as the tech giant urges users to move to YouTube Music where most audio-related content has transitioned. At least 500 million users, at least according to total downloads since 2018, are estimated will be affected by the discontinuation. Subscribed users are given until July to move their subscriptions to YouTube Premium, which also includes ad-free services for YouTube Music. The tech giant first announced plans to close down the Google Podcast in September of last year. Also Read : Google Assistant Driving Mode Bids Goodbye to Users Starting February Google Discontinues More Old Services Google Podcast joins the growing list of Google services being discontinued as the tech giant moves most of its products and services to centralized platforms like YouTube or Google One. Before Podcast, the tech giant bid farewell to Google Play Music, Movies & TV, and several old Android features. More recent examples are the service termination for Google Driving Assistant, Maps, and Play Store on older phones. There are so many discontinued platforms, services, and applications that there is a dedicated webpage to monitor which digital products Google has killed off already. After Podcast, Google will also soon stop support for DropCam this coming April, while Google Jamboard will officially shut down by the end of the year. Related Article : Google Bids Farewell to Google Play Movies & TV Google Podcast Alternatives If there is one alternative Google wants its users to move from Podcast, it is clearly YouTube Music where most podcasts are already being hosted. If paying the whole YouTube Premium package does not sound attractive, users can still go to either Spotify or Deezer to enjoy popular podcast shows and radio events. In the case you already have a subscription to Amazon Prime, Audibles may look like a cheaper option. X (formerly Twitter) is also beginning to grow to become a podcast platform with its "Spaces" tab. Major Hollywood music artists like Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, and Nicki Minaj are now calling for protection from "predatory" AI and its "assault on human creativity." In an open letter issued by digital advocacy group Artist Rights Alliance, music artists urged AI developers, tech companies, and digital music services to stop using their performers' likenesses "irresponsibly" without compensation. The letter also emphasized the "enormous threats" the unchecked technology poses to their privacy, identities, crafts, and their very livelihoods. While recognizing the AI's "enormous potential to advance human creativity," the letter focused on the effects of its unauthorized use that can "substantially dilute the royalty pools that are paid out to artists." More than 200 musicians have reportedly signed the letter, including the estates of Frank Sinatra and Mary Wilson. All successful artists that amassed wealth from years of building their careers. AI Becomes More Prevalent in Music Industry The open letter from music artists marks the first big move from Hollywood musicians in stopping the rampant abuse of AI amid a surge in online spaces. Various musicians, many independent or just starting out, called out of being impacted by AIs stealing their voices for profits. Several platforms have also been reported for marketing digital replicas of artists like Drake, Perry, and Eilish for any willing buyers. Rightful compensation to artists and performers on AI use has been among the primary demands during last year's Hollywood strike. While the protest did not prevent the use of AI in the industry, performers are granted more protection from being exploited through AI without permission or royalties. Music Artists Diving into AI Trend While more and more major music artists have been calling out against wrongful practices in AI, the list of big names jumping into the tech industry's "hype train" is also noticeably getting longer. Just a few months ahead of the open letter, several major artists like Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, and John Legend have lent their voices to YouTube for its AI-assisted track creation for its Short videos. Rock ban KISS also passed down their live performances to their digital replicas. The only difference from other uses of AI in music is that the artists and record labels receive royalties. Microsoft is currently being blasted for its supposed "inadequate" security measures in protecting sensitive data in the US amid the surge of cyberattacks on the tech giant. The Department of Homeland Security released a report on Tuesday detailing that the state-sponsored espionage campaigns on the company last year was supposed to be "preventable and should never have occurred." The report called out to Microsoft to "develop and publicly share a plan with specific timelines" in resolving security issues across its services, digital systems, and products. The investigation, in partnership with the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, follows after the July 2023 cyberattack that resulted in 60,000 government emails stolen by China-based hackers. The breach was reportedly made possible through a compromised Microsoft engineer's corporate account. Several state departments contracted the tech giant for its cloud services, making the impact of the attack much bigger. The report was published just after another data breach on Microsoft, resulting in several company emails being stolen by bad actors. Microsoft later revealed that hackers were able to access the company's source code and internal systems, although no related attacks on its customers have been noted. Also Read : Microsoft Reveals Hackers Breached Company Source Code, Internal Systems DHS Warns of More Sophisticated Cyberattacks Aside from lecturing Microsoft for allowing "avoidable errors" to occur, the department also noted a growing trend of cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated. Microsoft, in cooperation with OpenAI, earlier reported the increase in nation-backed threat actors using chatbots and AI tools to automate its operations. Other private-public business partnerships in the US also pointed out in the past how hackers are becoming more open with their attacks amid rising tension with countries the Western nation called "adversaries." US Gov't Bans Microsoft Copilot Amid Data Breach Concerns Amid security issues and potential data leaks on its products, the US Congress has barred the use of Microsoft Copilot within state-operated devices. The AI chatbot joins ChatGPT and TikTok in platforms deemed to have potential risks of leaking important information to "non-House approved cloud services." In response, Microsoft said it understood the government's tighter regulations on digital platforms accessed by its members amid moves towards higher security requirements. So far, only Copilot has been barred from Microsoft's products. Its other services reportedly remain available to be used by Congress and other legislative bodies. Issues with TikTok's ownership were reportedly discussed during a rare call meeting with US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping amid the push to ban the app in the Western country, according to the White House. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday that Biden "reiterated" that calls to bar the app in the US "was not about a ban of the application, but rather our interest in divestiture." Kirby, however, did not disclose Xi's response to the discussion. The talks on the controversial app were first reported by Reuters. TikTok is currently owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, the company targeted for a nationwide ban with the proposed Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. US House Passes TikTok Ban Bill Amid China's Protest The bill has already passed the US House of Representatives and is on its way to a Senate hearing. Biden, who is currently running re-election campaigns on the video-sharing platform, previously remarked to sign the legislation once it passed Congress. China has earlier blasted Congress' approval of the bill, accusing the country of "unfairly suppressing foreign companies." The US currently occupies only 10% of TikTok's total users and revenues with most of its market coming from Asia. Biden, Xi Deliberates Around Advanced US Tech Trade Restrictions Aside from issues on TikTok, the two also reportedly discussed concerns on the ongoing transaction of advanced technologies between the US and China. According to Kirby, Biden raised worries about "advanced US technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment." China has been reported several times of still acquiring NVIDIA AI chips despite the US sanction on the technology. In response, insider reports indicate that the White House has been urging allied nations to impose further restrictions to stop China from acquiring its advanced AI chips. They reportedly agreed to "maintain open channels of communication and responsibility" on economic roles. Secretary of State Anthony Blinked is noted to go to China to further the discussions. The phone call was the first meeting the two presidents made since the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit last November. Tesla's EV sales are showing signs of slowdown as it tries to compete in an increasingly tighter market. In its first quarter report on Tuesday, the electric automaker revealed a decline in EV units sold from the same period last year. Tesla said it sold 387,00 cars so far this year, an 8.5% drop from the 423,000 sales from the first quarter in 2023. The sales drop was even after Tesla lowered the prices of its EVs by up to $20,000 amid complaints from its investors. Also Read : California EV Sales Slow Down Amid Government Ramp Up Tesla Blames Production Slowdowns for Lower Sales The company cited delivery delays due to factory shutdowns and an arson attack at its Gigafactory in Berlin as factors for the lower sales. Its flagship Cybertruck also did not provide much profit to the company as most of cars outside of the first batch of release is still stuck in production limbo. The slowdown in Tesla's market has previously been noted in lower sales of EVs in several states in the US amid steep competition. More EV Manufacturers Join US Market Fray With the current administration pushing to transition the whole country's highways to be carbon-free by 2026, more car manufacturers have started expanding EV operations in the US. Amid ramp-ups in production, lawmakers and car dealers expressed concern about the government playing catch-up in making highways sustainable for electric vehicles. As of writing, the government has been facing pushback to increase EV chargers in major highways over concerns of environmental impact and logistics problems. EV battery production has also been relatively slow as companies are dissuaded by regulatory requirements needed to operate in the US. Many automakers still import lithium batteries for their EVs, marking the price of the cars much higher. This is not to include delays in the chip factories, which are needed for EV car systems, despite billions of dollars invested. As of writing, the White House has eased the requirements to shift towards green energy for car dealers while the government and automakers find a way to boost its market. Recent surveys indicate Americans remain indifferent towards the much-pricier EVs, with less than 40% planning to buy one over traditional gas-powered cars. Two Florida brothers pleaded guilty Wednesday in New York federal court to insider trading charges related to their purchase and sale of securities of the company that eventually merged with former President Donald Trump's social media firm. The brothers, Michael Shvartsman and Gerald Shvartsman, earned more than $22 million in illegal profits by trading in securities of the shell company, Digital World Acquisition Corp., in October 2021 after learning of nonpublic information that DWAC planned a merger with the privately held Trump Media & Technology Group , prosecutors said. Although that merger was announced in late October 2021, it only was completed last month in a deal that led to Trump Media becoming a publicly traded company. "I've made a terrible mistake," Gerald Shvartsman, 46, told Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan federal court as he pleaded guilty, according to the Associated Press. He also said that what he had done was "wrong and the mistake I will pay for dearly the rest of my life." A third defendant in the case, former DWAC board member Bruce Garelick, has pleaded not guilty to securities fraud charges that allege he also purchased DWAC securities on the open market after learning of nonpublic information about the merger plan. Garelick, who had also been chief strategy officer of Michael Shvartsman's Miami-based venture capital firm, Rocket One Capital, is due to stand trial in late April in Manhattan federal court. No one associated with Trump Media, which owns the Truth Social app, has been accused of wrongdoing in the case. Michael Shvartsman, 53, and Gerald Shvartsman, who owns a furniture manufacturing company, are scheduled to be sentenced on July 17. Federal sentencing guidelines recommend that Michael Shvartsman, who netted $18.2 million in illegal trading profits, receive between 41 and 51 months in prison, according to his plea agreement. Sentencing guidelines recommend that Gerald Shvartsman, who netted about $4.6 million in illegal trading profits, receive a prison term of between 33 and 41 months. Liman is not required to sentence the brothers according to the guidelines, which also recommend the men each be fined between $15,000 and $5 million. As part of his plea agreement, Michael Shvartsman also agreed to forfeit $18.2 million to the federal government. If he does not pay that money, he will forfeit all money in an SNB Bank account, as well as any right or title to a $14 million luxury yacht named Provocateur, and its three Jet Skis, which were purchased with profits from the trades. "Insider trading is cheating, plain and simple, and today's convictions should remind anyone who may be tempted to corrupt the integrity of the stock market that it will earn them a ticket to prison," Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement after the brothers pleaded guilty. Alan Futerfas, a lawyer for Michael Shvartsman, declined to comment on the guilty plea. A lawyer for Gerald Shvartsman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Now is not the time for investors to bail on Tesla , according to Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood. "When it's been cut in half, down 60%, is not the time to run for the hills if you believe Tesla is going to be and this we also believe the autonomous taxi network," she told CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin during an interview on " Squawk Box " Wednesday. Tesla shares have slumped more than 33% since the start of the year as it faces rising competition in China and slowing demand for electric vehicles, with the Elon Musk-run company reporting an 8.5% year-over-year decline in first-quarter deliveries earlier this week. Despite this recent pressure, Wood believes that the stock could hit $2,000 in the next five years. And, while she sold some shares around the $300 and $400 level, she views the current share price as an attractive entry point. TSLA YTD mountain Tesla, YTD That's evident from recent moves at the investment firm. Wood snatched up 182,052 shares for the flagship ARK Innovation ETF , 42,744 shares for the ARK Next Generation Internet ETF , and 10,202 for the ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF , according to the firm's daily trading data from Tuesday. The combined purchase equates to more than $39 million based on Tuesday's close price of $166.63. "This reminds me very much of 2018-19," she said. "We're in a bit of a trading range, and we will be until more and more analysts and investors understand how provocative the convergence of these three technologies is going to be," she said, referring to robotics, energy storage and artificial intelligence. A pumpjack is shown outside the Midland-Odessa area in the Permian basin in Texas, July 17, 2018. Crude oil futures on Wednesday clung to recent gains as mounting geopolitical tensions and OPEC+ policy lift prices. The West Texas Intermediate contract for May delivery gained 28 cents, or 0.33%, to settle at $85.43 a barrel. The Brent contract for June delivery added 43 cents, or 0.48%, to settle at $89.35 a barrel. Crude futures are at their highest level since late October. Some members of OPEC and allies led by Russia, called OPEC+, are voluntarily cutting 2.2 million barrels per day of production through at least the second quarter. The group's Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee concluded a meeting Wednesday without recommending changes to OPEC+ current production policy, according to two delegates. The committee can only make recommendations for OPEC+ to consider at a formal meeting. The rise in oil prices Wednesday was blunted by a build in U.S. crude stockpiles. Commercial inventories, which exclude the strategic petroleum reserve, increased by 3.2 million barrels last week, according to the Energy Information Administration. The 2024 Sohn Investment Conference took place in New York took place Wednesday, with a slew of hedge fund managers highlighting their top ideas. Among the stocks mentioned are an e-commerce platform, a semiconductor name and a chemicals company out of Europe. The event also features ideas from rising stars within the hedge fund industry. It also included the Sohn "Idea Contest Winner." Here are some of the top picks mentioned: Vijay Shilpiekandula, Dilation Capital Investment Idea: ASML Vijay Shilpiekandula of Dilation Capital, who was named the Sohn Idea Contest Winner, presented ASML as his best stock idea. The Dutch semiconductor company is an "R & D powerhouse" and "high-quality business" that looks attractive on a growth-adjusted basis compared to peers, the investor said. A future potential catalyst he's looking forward to is ASML's investor day on November 14, where Shilpiekandula expects management commentary about opportunities in high-bandwidth memory and generative AI. "What I find like good opportunity for investors in the market to think about right now is to be creative about the long-term capacities and the long-term earnings potential of this company based on this gold rush that all these memory makers and large language models are chasing," Shilpiekandula said. Shares of ASML are up 29.5% this year. The company beat fourth-quarter revenue and profit expectations, but said its revenue for this year will be similar to that of 2023. Jesse Cohn, Elliott Investment Management Investment Idea: Etsy E-commerce platform Etsy is an undervalued company, according to Elliott Investment Management managing partner Jesse Cohn. His firm owns over 10% of outstanding shares, which he said has a "really good business model" as it has proved to be highly profitable and extremely cash-generative. While he maintains that Etsy is a durable business, he noted that Etsy has meaningfully underperformed the broader market, as the company has lost 19.6% year to date due to ongoing macroeconomic struggles in consumer spending since the Covid pandemic. That should be an opportunity for investment, according to the activist investor, however. Etsy "trades in-line now with load and no growth peers across internet, e-commerce and traditional retail," Cohn said. "On a cash flow basis, it trades at a discount to Bath & Body Works, Gap. ... It's relatively early in its operational and monetization process." Seth Fischer, Oasis Management Investment Idea: Kao There's an underappreciated buying opportunity in Japanese global chemicals company Kao, according to Seth Fischer, founder and CIO at Oasis Management. Kao, the company behind Biore, Curel and other cosmetics brands, has an attractive portfolio of products that have yet to realize their full potential, Fischer said. This can be changed with more global marketing initiatives, he noted. The Japanese stock is flat on the year, even as the Nikkei 225 is higher by more than 17% as the Japanese index scaled fresh all-time highs this year. "They have great technology, many interesting products, but they have yet to translate that into any sort of growth mindset," Fischer said. "But we think it's a Sleeping Beauty." David Einhorn, Greenlight Capital Investment Investment idea: Solvay Greenlight's David Einhorn unveiled Solvay as his top investment idea , saying the European chemicals company is a market leader with an attractive valuation. "Solvay is an essential chemical company that holds the number one position across all of its markets" Einhorn said. "While all of these are thought of as commodity businesses, they are higher margin and much more stable than most commodity chemical businesses." Solvay shares are down more than 3% year to date. Over the past year, they have tumbled more than 70%. Michael Buckley, Duquesne Family Office Investment idea: Natera Natera, a medical diagnostics company, could have huge upside based on the strength of its oncology business, according to Michael Buckley, portfolio manager at Duquesne Family Office. Natera shares are higher by more than 47% this year. Buckley said the firm's oncology segment, which he said has the potential to detect cancer earlier in patients than has a CT scan, can drive the company's revenues going forward. Currently, two-thirds of the company's revenue comes from its women's health business, he said. What's more, he expects that the company will be able to reach profitability sooner than the Street currently anticipates. "Not only is it an exciting stock with incredible growth potential, but it's one of the few healthcare companies that can both dramatically improve patient outcomes while lowering total system costs," he said. Mohammed Anjarwala, Advent Global Opportunities Investment Idea: Carpenter Technology Carpenter Technology is an underappreciated business in the aerospace industry that can also be a play on the backlog of planes from Boeing and Airbus, said Mohammed Anjarwala, managing director at Advent Global Opportunities. "We think Carpenter is one of the best ways to play the growing backlog of planes at Boeing and Airbus, as they ramp up their billing rates," Anjarwala said. Carpenter is a leading supplier of specialty alloys for the aerospace industry, a market with high barriers to entry given stringent testing requirements for parts, Anjarwala noted. The investor said Carpenter, one of just three suppliers, has cornered roughly 40% of the market. What's more, the company can benefit from the rise in travel as global incomes rise. The managing director expects the stock could trade at $200 per share, or 20 times forward P/E, around the same level of its peers. Currently, it trades a little above $70 per share, roughly at a 17 times forward P/E. The stock is up by 3.6% this year. They jumped 3% on Wednesday. Correction: Vijay Shilpiekandula works at Dilation Capital. A previous version misstated his firm's name. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives to attend a European Council summit at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 21, 2024. Sameer Al-doumy | Afp | Getty Images Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has run into political trouble ahead of European parliamentary elections in June, with his ruling party shaken by two political scandals within six weeks. Orban is a long-time ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump and widely seen as Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest supporter in the European Union. The right-wing leader has led the central European country since 2010, making him the EU's longest-serving head of state. Yet two major scandals have recently rocked his dominance of Budapest's political landscape at a sensitive time when Hungary is poised to hold both local and European elections in early June. The latest controversy is "likely to prove more problematic" for Orban, according to analysts at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, who note that the Hungarian prime minister was previously able to move on from a pardon scandal without a significant loss of public support. Peter Magyar, a little-known lawyer formerly close to Orban's government, published an audio recording last week that he says proves top officials conspired to cover up corruption. He has since announced plans to form a new political party to challenge Orban's Fidesz party. Lawyer and former government insider Peter Magyar speaks to the people at a demonstration he organised in front of the prosecutor general's office on March 26, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. Janos Kummer | Getty Images News | Getty Images "From being a practically unknown figure just a few months back, [Magyar] is now successfully organizing big-scale demonstrations in Budapest and is dominating the political agenda and the public discourse," said Zsuzsanna Vegh, a visiting fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, a transatlantic think tank. Vegh told CNBC that Magyar's abrupt political breakthrough indicates a large demand for new political leadership in the country. "He announced the launch of a political movement, and he may try to tap into a mix of disillusioned Fidesz as well as opposition, and importantly, undecided, maybe even apolitical voters," Vegh said. 'Unclear if Magyar can maintain his momentum' Magyar published a recording on Facebook and YouTube of a conversation with Judit Varga his then wife and Hungary's justice minister at the time in which she implies that she knew government officials had doctored evidence in a corruption case during her tenure. The revelations prompted several thousand citizens to protest near parliament in Budapest on March 26, according to Reuters. The demonstration followed the country's largest protest in years that took place in early February, when it emerged that former Hungarian President Katalin Novak had issued a pardon to a man imprisoned for covering up a series of child sexual abuses. Orban allies, including Novak and Varga, were forced to resign in the wake of the pardon scandal. A government spokesperson told CNBC that the situation could be compared to the famous William Shakespeare play, "Much Ado About Nothing." They added that Magyar's political intervention had "fallen flat." Supporters of Lawyer and former government insider Peter Magyar while he speaks to the people at a demonstration he organised near the Hungarian Parliament on March 26, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. Janos Kummer | Getty Images News | Getty Images How much annual income would you need to feel financially secure? Your answer probably depends on a litany of factors, including how much debt you have, how much you have saved in case of an emergency and whether or not you have children. Another major factor: which country you live in. Consider the responses to CNBC's International Your Money Financial Security Survey conducted by SurveyMonkey. Adults in the U.S. and eight other countries were asked how much money, at a minimum, they'd have to make to feel financially secure and could choose from four levels of annual income. For U.S. respondents, those were $50,000, $100,000, $500,000 and $1 million. Residents of other countries were given roughly analogous levels in their national currencies. Respondents could also indicate that they'd never feel financially secure. Here's how much money people around the world say they need to make, per year, to feel financially secure. United States $50,000: 33% $100,000: 43% $500,000: 13% $1,000,000: 3% I'll never feel financially secure: 8% United Kingdom 50,000: 64% 100,000: 19% 500,000: 4% 1,000,000: 3% I'll never feel financially secure: 10% Germany 50,000: 53% 100,000: 29% 500,000: 9% 1,000,000: 1% I'll never feel financially secure: 9% France 50,000: 45% 100,000: 30% 500,000: 13% 1,000,000: 4% I'll never feel financially secure: 8% Spain 50,000: 57% 100,000: 27% 500,000: 8% 1,000,000 3% I'll never feel financially secure: 5% Switzerland (Swiss franc) 50,000: 20% 100,000: 54% 500,000: 16% 1,000,000: 3% I'll never feel financially secure: 7% Singapore (Singapore dollar) $50,000: 12% $100,000: 31% $500,000: 30% $1,000,000: 22% I'll never feel financially secure: 4% Australia (Australian dollar) $50,000: 26% $100,000: 50% $500,000: 14% $1,000,000: 2% I'll never feel financially secure: 9% Mexico (peso) $500,000: 46% $1,000,000: 25% $5,000,000: 13% $10,000,000: 8% I'll never feel financially secure: 8% Differing attitudes toward financial security Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Wednesday's key moments. U.S. stocks edged higher Wednesday as Wall Street attempted to shake off its lackluster start to the second quarter. Markets digested better-than-expected labor data from payrolls processing firm, ADP, which revealed a strong hiring pickup for March. The 10-year Treasury yield rose on the release and briefly touched its highest level since November. But rates came off those highs after the latest ISM non-manufacturing reading came in slightly weaker than expected for March. During the Club's Morning Meeting, Jim Cramer said he's monitoring the potential impact of the massive earthquake in Taiwan on semiconductor production there. Eaton was added to Deutsche Bank's "Catalyst Call Buy List," with analysts forecasting a material first-quarter earnings beat when the industrial name posts results later this month. The Wall Street analysts expect quarter-over-quarter improvements in Eaton's electrical orders, along with bullish commentary from management on market demand. Shares hit a new all-time high Wednesday. Jim Cramer called Eaton the "most megatrend big cap story there is," citing positives for the company from industrialization and artificial intelligence. Barclays upgraded the stock Tuesday. Procter & Gamble on Wednesday tumbled more than 2.5% on signs of industrywide weakness in cosmetics. Concerns were sparked by negative remarks from Ulta Beauty at a JPMorgan retail conference. Shares of Ulta were getting crushed, down more than 13% on the session. While that weakness was rubbing off on peers, Jim sees the dip in P & G as an opportunity. "Procter is a buy here," he said. "Their beauty business isn't relevant in this discussion." It is worth mentioning that cosmetics industry pressure was knocking shares of Club name Estee Lauder down nearly 4%. Our commentary on Estee Lauder on Tuesday was cautious . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long PG, ETN, EL. 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. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is pressing for the alliance to be more directly involved in the delivery of military aid to Ukraine. Speaking at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Stoltenberg said the organization will examine how it can take on a greater role in coordinating weapons and other equipment for Kyiv something that has thus far been the purview of a U.S.-led contact group. "Ukraine has urgent needs any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield as we speak," Stoltenberg told the meeting's attendees. "So we need to shift the dynamics of our support." "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for long haul so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short term offers and more on multiyear pledges," he said, declining to provide specifics but adding that a multi-year financial commitment would also be part of the plan. "NATO allies provide 99% of all military support to Ukraine," he said. "So doing more under NATO would make our efforts more efficient and more effective." Natasha Turak Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a campaign event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 2, 2024. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg urged a judge to reject an eleventh-hour bid by Donald Trump to delay his upcoming criminal hush money trial due to biased media coverage. Bragg, who accuses Trump of falsifying business records in a scheme to conceal a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, said in a court filing shared Wednesday that the former president himself is to blame for the rabid press. Trump's "own incessant rhetoric is generating significant publicity, and it would be perverse to reward [him] with an adjournment based on media attention he is actively seeking," Bragg told New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan. Trump "simply cannot have it both ways: complaining about the prejudicial effect of pretrial publicity, while seeking to pollute the jury pool himself by making baseless and inflammatory accusations about this trial, specific witnesses, individual prosecutors, and the Court itself," Bragg wrote. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is also wrong to claim that the deluge of publicity means he can't get a fair jury, the D.A. wrote. An "indefinite adjournment" is also unwarranted, Bragg added, because the media's focus on the case is unlikely to recede. Trump last month asked for a "significant" delay of the trial which is set to begin jury selection on April 15 until the publicity surrounding it "subsides." That request marked Trump's eighth attempt to push back the start of the trial, Bragg noted in his filing Wednesday. Signage is seen outside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, Aug. 29, 2020. The health technology company Prenosis on Wednesday announced its artificial intelligence-powered diagnostic tool for sepsis is the first to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection, and it is often deadly. More than 350,000 adults with sepsis die during hospitalization or are discharged to hospice each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sepsis is notoriously challenging to diagnose, but early detection is key since patients can deteriorate quickly. Prenosis' tool, called Sepsis ImmunoScore, uses 22 different parameters like temperature, heart rate and cell counts to help clinicians assess a patient's risk of sepsis, the company told CNBC. Doctors and nurses often have to monitor each of these parameters individually. Prenosis' solution uses AI to evaluate all of those markers at once. The tool generates an overall risk score and four categories that "correlate to a patient's risk of deterioration," according to a release. Sepsis ImmunoScore was built using Prenosis' Immunix platform, which is based on a dataset of more than 100,000 blood samples from 25,000 different patients, the release said. The tool is integrated directly into electronic health records where clinicians create and manage patients' medical records. Embedding Sepsis ImmunoScore within existing workflows means it will be easy to use and access, Prenosis said. Clinicians will also see a display that shows exactly which parameters were used to calculate the overall risk score. Prenosis' solution was approved through the FDA's De Novo pathway, which means the agency has not authorized anything like Sepsis ImmunoScore before. It's a big win for the 10-year-old Chicago-based startup. While Prenosis is the first company to receive FDA approval for its AI diagnostic tool for sepsis, several organizations have built and released similar solutions. For instance, Johns Hopkins University has built an AI system that aims to catch sepsis symptoms more quickly. A 2022 study published in Nature Medicine found that, in severe cases, the university's AI model detected sepsis an average of six hours earlier than traditional methods. Epic Systems, a leading health-care software vendor, has also developed an AI-powered sepsis prediction tool, though the company's model has been subject to substantial criticism in recent years. Epic's sepsis model is used in hundreds of hospitals across the U.S., according to a 2021 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. But researchers found that the model "poorly predicts sepsis," and that "its widespread adoption despite poor performance raises fundamental concerns about sepsis management on a national level," the study said. Epic pushed back on the findings, and the company published a blog post that said health-care organizations have seen sepsis mortality rates improve because of its technology. Even so, Epic reportedly overhauled its sepsis model the following year in an attempt to improve its performance, according to Stat News. Prenosis told CNBC that while it could have gone straight to market with Sepsis ImmunoScore, it did not want to try and sell the product without FDA approval. The company said the tool was ready around three years ago, but it wanted to work with regulators to be conscious of safety concerns and ensure that the technology does not cause harm. Additionally, the FDA updated its guidance for companies in September 2022 and shared examples of device software functions where it "intends to focus its regulatory oversight." The agency said software that "analyzes patient-specific medical information to detect a life-threatening condition, such as stroke or sepsis," falls under this category. In other words, the agency suggests companies developing sepsis detection tools should seek official authorization. Prenosis said it worked to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Sepsis ImmunoScore to the FDA for around 18 months. Now that the company has secured the agency's approval, it will conduct additional studies to demonstrate the tools' accuracy and impact on clinical decision-making. Prenosis will begin to sell the tool to hospitals in the U.S. and eventually to hospitals across the globe, the company said. Work is very tiring for most and look forward to the end of the day when they get to go home and relax. Unfortunately, some employees tend to be followed by their job everywhere they go due to bosses not respecting off hours. That might be changing with California's new bill. Right to Disconnect Bill There are supposed to be boundaries between work and personal hours, wherein bosses should not contact workers when they're no longer on the clock. Some would say that being forced to work unpaid overtime should be punishable, and California agrees. With the "right to disconnect" bill, employees will no longer be required to respond to their boss' work-related emails n or texts outside work hours. The hours that a staffer would work need to be specified as well, and the boss may not ask employees to exceed them. Should a salaried worker be asked to work longer hours than previously stated, it needs to be mentioned in their contract, and exceptions will only apply in emergency cases, as reported by Engadget. With the new regulations, many workers will have the chance to actually take a break from their jobs. The proposition is still in its early stages and was proposed by California State Assemblyman Matt Haney. The "right to disconnect" bill, also known as AB 2751, is already an established regulation in other countries like France, Argentina, Ireland, Mexico, and Spain. If the bill is passed, the Department of Labor will monitor companies to see whether they follow the new policies. Should they not, they could be fined a minimum of $100, and it could be as simple as forcing employees to join video conference meetings outside working hours. "I do think it's fitting that California, which has created many of these technologies, is also the state that introduces how we make it sustainable and update our protections for the times we live in and the world we've created," Haney stated. Read Also : Hollywood Braces for Another Union Strike Amid Worries Over AI, Layoffs and Wages Employees and Work Hours Workers going above and beyond are often praised by bosses, calling them hard workers for doing more than what was required of them. While some choose to put in more effort, others don't have a choice. In a survey that questioned 1,000 employees, it was found that about 70% of them were contacted by their bosses outside working hours at least once a week, and three out of ten said that they always answered when their employers contacted them. 63.3% of employees believe that such practices should be illegal, and about 45% believe the penalty should be a fine, as reported by Forbes. Only 39.5 % believe that being reprimanded is punishment enough for reaching out to employees after hours. A whopping 90.4% said that they want the possibility of being contacted outside working hours made known as early as the interview process. In emergency cases, 46.1% said that urgent project deadlines can be considered with 63.4% saying the same for other work emergencies. The corporate logo of Swiss Re, the world's second-largest reinsurer, on the outside of the company offices April 22, 2003 in Munich, Germany. Reinsurance company Swiss Re said on Wednesday it would appoint its corporate solutions boss Andreas Berger as its group chief executive from July, replacing long-serving CEO Christian Mumenthaler. The announcement follows a strong recovery by the firm in 2023 after a challenging 2022, which has helped to push the company's stock to its highest level in several years. Net profit at Swiss Re surged 580% in 2023. "The board unanimously determined that Andreas Berger is the right person to build on the firm's current momentum and lead Swiss Re into the next phase of its development," said Jacques de Vaucleroy, vice chairman of Swiss Re's board. De Vaucleroy said Berger had a convincing track record, underscored by his leadership during the successful turnaround of the company's commercial business insurance arm, corporate solutions. Vontobel analyst Simon Foessmeier said except for 2023, profitability at Swiss Re had been below that of peers in recent years, so the CEO change was not a "huge surprise as such." In a research note, Foessmeier said Berger had built an impressive track record at corporate solutions, adding: "Reinsurance is currently the sweet spot in the sector, for Andreas Berger the key will be execution. Buy." Rwanda-born Berger, 57, is a German national who joined Swiss Re in March 2019 as CEO of corporate solutions and a member of the group executive committee, the company said. The 54-year-old Mumenthaler, who will be leaving the company, joined Swiss Re in 1999 and rose through the ranks to become CEO in July 2016. A company spokesperson described the handover as an "orderly transition" given Mumenthaler's long tenure. "The company is in a good position, and markets are good. So it's a good time for a change," the spokesperson said. A powerful earthquake struck off Taiwan early Wednesday, rocking the entire island and collapsing buildings. Japan issued a tsunami alert for the southern Japanese island group of Okinawa. Taiwan's 0918 Earthquake Central Emergency Operations Center | Via Reuters Rescuers searched Thursday for dozens of people still missing a day after Taiwan's strongest earthquake in a quarter century damaged buildings, killed 10 people and left others stranded in remote areas. In the eastern coastal city of Hualien near the epicenter, workers used an excavator to stabilize the base of a damaged building with construction materials as officials took samples of its exterior and chickens pecked among potted plants on its slanted roof. Mayor Hsu Chen-wei said 48 residential buildings were damaged in Wednesday's quake, some of which were tilting at precarious angles with their ground floors crushed. Some Hualien residents were staying in tents, and the main road linking the county to the capital, Taipei, was still closed Thursday afternoon, but much of Taiwan's day-to-day life was returning to normal. Some local rail service to Hualien resumed, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., one of the world's most important manufacturers of computer chips, restarted most operations, the Central News Agency reported. Rescue and emergency workers block off a street where a building came off its foundation, the morning after a quake hit the eastern Taiwanese city of Hualien. Paul Yang | AFP | Getty Images Taiwan is regularly jolted by earthquakes and its population is well-prepared for them. It also has stringent construction requirements to ensure buildings are quake resistant. Hendri Sutrisno, a 30-year-old professor at Hualien Dong Hwa University, spent Wednesday night in a tent with his wife and baby, fearing aftershocks. "We ran out of the apartment and waited for four to five hours before we went up again to grab some important stuff such as our wallet. And then we're staying here ever since to assess the situation," he said. Others also said they didn't dare to go home because the walls of their apartments were cracked or they lived on higher floors. Taiwanese Premier Chen Chien-jen visited some earthquake evacuees in the morning at a temporary shelter. Nearly 1,070 people were injured in the quake. Of the 10 dead, at least four were killed inside Taroko National Park, a Hualien county tourist attraction famous for canyons and cliffs about 150 kilometers (90 miles) from Taipei. One person was found dead in a damaged building and another was found in the Ho Ren Quarry. Authorities on Thursday afternoon retrieved a body from a trail. This image shows dust rising from debris fallen from a hillside after an aftershock rocked the region in Shanlin, in the southern Taiwan county of Kaohsiung. Afp | Afp | Getty Images About 700 people were either still missing or stranded Thursday, including over 600 who were stranded inside a hotel called Silks Place Taroko, the National Fire Agency said. Authorities said the employees and guests were safe and had food and water, and that work to repair the roads to the hotel was close to completion. Others who were reported to be stranded, including two dozen tourists, about 20 campers and six university students, were also safe, they said. Authorities also said about 60 workers who had been unable to leave a quarry because of blocked and damaged roads were freed. Central News Agency said all were able to leave the mountain safely around noon. Six workers from another quarry were airlifted out. Authorities have not been able to contact about 40 people, mostly hotel employees earlier reported to be in the national park. After the quake, local television showed neighbors and rescue workers lifting residents through windows and onto the street from damaged buildings where the shaking had jammed doors shut. It wasn't clear Thursday if any people were still trapped in buildings. The quake and its aftershocks caused landslides and damaged roads, bridges and tunnels. The national legislature and sections of Taipei's main airport suffered minor damage. Nvidia may be the hottest tech crown jewel for Wall Street at the moment, but at least one investor's not buying into it. David Miller, co-founder and chief investment officer of Catalyst Funds, thinks the artificial intelligence space is "overheating," with Nvidia as a prime example. "If you look at AI stocks or Nvidia in particular Nvidia's a phenomenal company, massive revenue growth, massive earnings growth, but there's a question how wonderful are they? The question isn't, are they wonderful, but are they worth $2.2 trillion?" he said to CNBC in a recent interview. Miller said Nvidia is inherently different from companies such as Microsoft and Apple, which he thinks are worth their $2 billion valuations. But Nvidia is a hardware business, which haven't demonstrated their ability to dominate, unlike software ecosystems firms. Nvidia's fiscal fourth-quarter revenue was also unprecedented for the company, adding to Miller's worries. The company raked in $22 billion in revenue for the period , adding it sees fiscal first-quarter sales of $24 billion. Miller said there's a certain limit or ceiling to how large Nvidia can become, especially given its already exponential growth so far. "I have little doubt that AI is going to be a massive technology breakthrough that will reshape our world," Miller said. "Does that mean that that company will be able to maintain software margins for a hardware company, which has never been done before in history and continue that exponential revenue growth in the piece of a $2 trillion valuation? That I'm a little bit doubtful." Nvidia shares more than tripled in 2023 as investors flocked into the AI darling. This year, the stock is up another 82%. What he likes Instead, Miller likes Hims & Hers Health , which he said can justify its revenue and margin growth due to the stock's large runway. The company can benefit as it aims to streamline the prescription fulfillment process in the medical industry, he noted. "It's easier to get to a much bigger valuation where you're starting from something small," Miller noted. The company can "really take a lot of market share, but in a very profitable way that's recurring in nature, whereas something that's hardware, you have to always stay on top." Hims shares are up nearly 70% year to date. Miller also likes Alpha Metallurgical Resources in the coal space, citing supply-side pressures as a major catalyst. Environmental factors Metallurgical coal, he said, is necessary to produce steel and is different from thermal coal, which has the potential to be replaced by other sources of energy such as natural gas, nuclear and renewable power. Metallurgical coal companies are trading very cheaply alongside their thermal coal peers since investors are "throwing the baby out with the bathwater," Miller said. Environmental regulations limit the amount of coal mines in the U.S., which could boost shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources. "You have a great risk-to-reward opportunity when you're paying for pretty discounted valuations for an area where there's going to be more supply needed," he added. "There's going to be more metallurgical coal used over the next three to five years, but there's no new supply coming online." Miller's fund, the Catalyst Systematic Alpha I, has consistently demonstrated a history of outperforming the market. The fund has returned 10.2% year to date versus its category average of 4.6% and ranked in the first or second percentile in four out of the past five years, according to Morningstar . The fund also charges 1.81% in fees. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks after attending a wake for New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer Jonathan Diller, who was shot and killed while making a routine traffic stop on March 25 in the Far Rockaway section of Queens, in Massapequa Park, New York, U.S., March 28, 2024. A judge on Wednesday rejected a last-ditch effort by former president Donald Trump to delay his hush money trial scheduled to begin in New York on April 15. Trump had asked Judge Juan Merchan to postpone the trial until after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on where he has presidential immunity in another criminal case in Washington, D.C. federal court, which is related to his efforts to reverse President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. Merchan, in shooting down that request, said Trump had "myriad opportunities" to make an argument that he was immune in the hush money case before March 7, when his attorneys first raised that claim. "Defendant's motion is DENIED as untimely," Merchan wrote in his decision issued in Manhattan Supreme Court, which is a trial-level court. The judge also wrote that he declined to consider whether the doctrine of presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence by prosecutors of purportedly official presidential acts at the trial. Those acts include statements Trump made on social media and in interviews about witnesses in the case his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, and the porn star Stormy Daniels when he was president from 2017 to early 2021. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office, which is prosecuting Trump, plans to use those statements at trial as evidence of an "alleged pressure campaign" on Cohen and Daniel, Merchan noted Wednesday. Trump is charged in the case with falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony counts. Trump's then-lawyer Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her silence about an alleged one-time sexual tryst with Trump a decade earlier, to avoid her damaging his chances of winning the White House. Trump denies having sex with Daniels. in his ruling, Merchan wrote that Trump's lawyers "fail to explain why Defendant waited long past" a statutory deadline of 45 days before trial to make a pre-trial motion seeking a delay. The trial had been scheduled to begin on March 25, but Merchan postponed it. A majority of Southeast Asians would align with China and not the U.S. if forced to pick sides, though some countries that feel threatened by Beijing's South China Sea claims still prefer Washington, according to a regional survey. This is the first time Beijing has edged past Washington since 2020 when the annual survey first posed the question. The U.S. as a preferred choice dropped to 49.5% from 61.1% last year. The survey was conducted by Singapore-based think tank ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEASYusof Ishak Institute between Jan. 3 and Feb. 23 with 1,994 respondents from academia, business, government, civil society and the media. Respondents were from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the highest number of participants from Singapore and Indonesia. China at over 50% emerged as the most strategically relevant partner for ASEAN, edging past the U.S., while Japan continues to be the most trusted major power in the region, the survey revealed. China and ASEAN have mutually been the largest trading partners for four consecutive years, with trade volume reaching $911.7 billion in 2023. However, half of the respondents also expressed distrust toward China, with 45.5% saying that they fear Beijing could use its economic and military power to threaten their country's interest and sovereignty, the report said. China's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea is the Philippines' (90.2%) and Vietnam's (72.5%) top concern, the region's two frontline South China Sea claimant states. The Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Bloomberg last month that his government's claims on certain parts of the South China sea should not be viewed as provoking China. "This is not poking the bear, as it were. We are trying to do quite the opposite. We are trying to keep things at a manageable level, to continue the dialogue, whatever they are, at every level," he said. Vietnam has also asserted sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea though Beijing has brushed aside those claims. The survey revealed the U.S. still holds majority support among The Philippines (83.3%) and Vietnam (79%) respondents, who are inclined to align with the U.S. over China. "While China has gained some ground in Southeast Asia in terms of garnering favorable public perception, it is worth noting that some of its most acute territorial disputes are also located in the region," said Kenddrick Chan of LSE IDEAS, the foreign policy think-tank of the London School of Economics and Political Science. ASEAN should build up its resilience and unity to fend off pressures from the two major powers, the U.S. and China, nearly half of the survey respondents said. YouTube Shorts is undeniably infested with bot accounts. From content generation to views, more and more AI-fueled content is being fronted to users, all meant to serve one purpose: to earn profit fast. With the technology becoming more accessible to many people, so does the growing trend of organized content generation campaigns on the platform solely to drive profits. AI Motivational Posts The current trend or "meta" on the YouTube Shorts' AI mill are motivational posts, often using historical figures to spout supposed inspiring quotes. These videos are even easy to spot. A new account will easily encounter one or two similar videos on their Shorts feed just minutes after creating the account. Like with Facebook's AI epidemic, Jesus Christ and other Biblical figures are common subjects of these videos to drive thousands, if not millions, of views in an instant. Looking at many of these accounts interacting with the posts will show automated responses from bot accounts, usually giving unrelated answers to the post or attaching scam links in the replies. These videos are easy to make, with the image, voice, and even the quote of Christ being generated by AI, allowing similar content to roll out as soon as one came out. Of course, all of them are monetized. With the influx of AI-powered videos on the platform, it makes it more difficult for content creators to build a career on the TikTok-like avenue of the platform. However, these motivational/religious posts more often than not diverge into far more nefarious content just to gain more clicks. Disinformation Machine With the surge of AI-fueled religious Shorts on the platform, a number of "doom posting" accounts are starting to emerge. Often predicting supposed the "end of the world," the videos use AI to depict alleged signs of the apocalypse in addition to AI-voiced narrations. The videos commonly associate current events to amplify fear among people, especially those unfamiliar with AI, and could easily be convinced by the graphic images. Exploiting the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Although YouTube has started curbing the number of AI-powered posts on its platform by enforcing new content label requirements, more just keep popping up from each one that got taken down. It did not help that the Shorts' algorithm is being easily exploited to push for these kinds of videos to appear foremost on many accounts, further boosting its visibility and engagement. For now, more content creators are demanding that the social media giant address the issue amid the platform's attitude towards disinformation, especially with the upcoming elections. Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code On Tuesday, Citigroup urged a federal judge to drop a lawsuit accusing Citibank of failing to reimburse customers targeted by online scammers. Citigroup's Legal Challenge Citigroup Inc. is under fire from the State of New York after a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James in January accused Citibank unit of lacking sufficient safety measures and security protocols, allegedly enabling fraudsters to exploit online and mobile banking platforms, including wire transfers and payment apps like Zelle and Venmo. This legal action underscores the mounting concern over financial fraud, which the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports led Americans to lose $12.5 billion in 2023. Citigroup's Case Dismissal Request As a response, Citigroup has moved to dismiss the case, branding it a misguided attempt by the Attorney General to alter federal law. The bank argues that the suit aims to amend the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) to introduce new consumer protections, a change Citigroup believes should be addressed by Congress rather than through litigation. Citigroup also asserts that wire transfers fall under Article 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), not the EFTA, where banks are exempt from covering losses if they adopt commercially reasonable security measures in good faith to verify customer identities, according to the Uniform Commercial Code, which is utilized by all US states. The New York-based bank asserted that it has implemented such measures and prevents countless daily fraudulent transactions. Emphasizing that no system is foolproof against every scam, it argued against a lawsuit that could significantly disrupt "how banks have organized their policies and practices for decades." James' office did not respond immediately to a request for comment. READ ALSO: Finance Worker Victimized by a Deepfake Chief Financial Officer Pays $25 Million Through 15 Bank Transfers New York AG's Lawsuit Claims The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that Citi has overpromised and underdelivered on security and neglected to respond adequately to red flags, such as the use of unrecognized devices, changes in user names and passwords, and instances of phishing, which allowed scammers to steal millions of dollars. In a statement, James said that banks are expected to be the most secure places to safeguard money. Yet, Citi's negligence has permitted scammers to steal millions from hardworking individuals. There is no justification for Citi's failure to safeguard accounts, and James' office will not excuse illegal conduct by major banks. One customer reportedly lost retirement savings amounting to $40,000 after clicking on a text message link that appeared to be from Citibank. James additionally alleged that Citibank coerced victims into signing affidavits that purportedly limited their ability to recover losses and rejected reimbursement claims without due consideration. The attorney general seeks Citibank to reimburse scammed New Yorkers, pay a civil fine of $5,000 per violation, and appoint an external monitor to examine bank records and locate victims. The case is titled New York v. Citibank NA and is being heard in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York under case number 24-00659. RELATED ARTICLE: Citigroup Continues to Cut 20,000 Jobs, a "Disappointing" Quarter's Overhaul that Marked $1.8B Loss 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a stark warning regarding the alarming surge in bacterial meningitis cases across the United States. According to the CDC, incidences of meningococcal disease, predominantly linked to the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, have escalated to 422 cases last year, marking the highest annual tally since 2014. As of March 25 this year, the CDC has already recorded 143 cases, signaling a worrying spike compared to the corresponding period last year, which saw 62 fewer cases reported. The predominant strain, identified as serogroup Y ST-1466, mostly targets adults aged between 30 and 60, with a concerning fatality rate of 18%, surpassing the previous average of 11% between 2017 and 2021, Fox News reported. Additionally, the strain disproportionately affects Black or African American individuals (63%) and people living with HIV (15%). Dr. Barbara Bawer, a primary care physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, expressed concern over the sudden surge and noted the strain's higher fatality rate than previous variants. Meningococcal disease commonly manifests symptoms of meningitis, including fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or altered mental status. In severe cases, it can lead to meningococcal bloodstream infection, characterized by fever, chills, vomiting, fatigue, cold extremities, severe aches and a dark purple rash. Transmission primarily occurs through close contact, such as coughing, kissing, or prolonged exposure to infected individuals. Timely diagnosis and antibiotic administration are needed because the disease can rapidly progress and become life-threatening. To mitigate the risk of infection, the CDC recommended vaccination, particularly with MenACWY and MenB vaccines, and advised everyone to avoid crowded environments. Bawer also noted that vaccination compliance and prompt antibiotic treatment for those exposed to infected individuals are very much needed now, considering the alarming spike. Additionally, public health officials are campaigning for heightened vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to curb the spread of bacterial meningitis across communities nationwide. Poultry Processors Mountaire Farms and Case Foods have agreed to pay a combined twenty-two million dollars to resolve the U.S. court's claims, suggesting wage suppression of poultry workers. With this settlement, the total amount paid out in the litigation exceeds two hundred seventeen million dollars. According to reports by Reuters, plaintiffs' attorneys filed a request on Monday requesting U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher to initially approve the settlements, marking the 10th and 11th deals in the long-standing case. Based on the settlement papers, Mountaire agreed to settle thirteen million, five hundred thousand dollars, while Case Foods will pay eight million, five hundred thousand dollars. Both North Carolina-based companies have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, reiterating their decision to settle to avoid the costs associated with further litigation. In Monday's filing, lawyer Shana Scarlett, who is representing the plaintiffs, emphasized the inherent risks in complex antitrust class actions. She noted that despite the confidence of interim co-lead counsel, there is no guarantee of a jury finding the plaintiffs liable. READ ALSO: Tosh Pork On Hot Seat, Allegedly Retaliating Through Employee Termination and Severed Pig's Head Threat Scarlett did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Tuesday. An Antitrust Lawsuit Filed in 2019 The lawsuit, first filed in 2019, focuses on ten poultry processors. Plaintiffs claim these companies conspired to suppress wages. They argue that companies should have competed by offering higher wages and benefits in a competitive labor market. A group comprising tens of thousands of red meat processing workers across 140 plants claimed that JBS, Tyson, and other companies conspired for years to suppress wages artificially. The lawsuit asserted that these companies violated antitrust laws by exchanging confidential compensation data through surveys and meetings. Tyson and JBS, major players in the meat industry, have agreed to pay one hundred twenty-seven million, two hundred thousand dollars to settle a lawsuit alleging they suppressed workers' pay at processing plants. These settlements represent the most significant agreements reached thus far in the wage-fixing case in the Colorado federal court. In the settlement filing, the workers' attorneys stated that the immediate recovery's value outweighs the possibility of future relief after prolonged and costly litigation. Preliminary Approval of Settlements Gallagher has given preliminary approval to several other settlements, including one from Perdue, amounting to sixty million, six hundred thousand dollars, and another from Sanderson, resolving claims against it for thirty-eight million, three hundred thousand dollars. Wayne Farms also agreed to pay thirty-one million, five hundred thousand dollars, but none of these companies admitted liability. As part of their cooperation agreements, Mountaire and Case must assist the plaintiffs by providing documents and other information in the ongoing case against companies that have not yet settled, including Tyson and other defendant families. A spokesperson for Tyson did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Tuesday. The plaintiffs' request for a court order certifying the case as a class action is expected in June. The case is Jien versus Perdue Farms Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with case number 1:19-cv-02521. RELATED ARTICLE: Tyson Foods Experiencing Reduced Demand, Permanently Shutting Down Its Perry Plant Affecting 1,276 Workers 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The current national debt is $34.5 trillion, which is honestly a hilarious amount of money. Even understanding that were working on a global scale here, thats an absolutely cartoonish amount of money. We may as well be in the hole by a gajillion. The idea of ever bringing that back to zero seems like a lie. My hunch is that most people are betting that well be living in a bombed-out world where the currency is cockroach wings before we ever have to make good on that sort of monetary promise. At the same time, Im no gold-standard kook, and I understand that this is a different sort of debt than the one I owe to Chase Bank for a laptop. Im also not going to go full fiscal fascist and explain that we need to scrap every library and food-stamp program for their copper wiring until were in the black. Theres a difference between wealth and liquidity, and that our country lives, like many people vastly richer than me, nestled in the center of a web of things owed to and fro. Seems like a nightmare, but hey, somehow Im the one with generalized anxiety. Don't Miss I was curious, though, when was the last time the United States truly didnt owe anyone shit? I wasnt even sure it existed. For all I knew, wed been on the hook for the value of the tea destroyed in Boston Harbor since we first told England to fuck off. But it turns out we have, indeed, hit net zero on our books before, and we dont have to go back to the Revolutionary War to find it. It is, though, closer to our founding than it is to this Friday. Public Domain Dear France. We have decided to become a country. Please send guns. We ll pay you back. As I guessed, we were a country born in debt, since, in order to buy the stuff we needed to kill all those redcoats, we needed to take out loans from countries like France and the Netherlands. The first official figure given for the national debt, in 1783, was $43 million, a figure Jeff Bezos could realistically misplace. This debt grew, thanks in part to first Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamiltons belief in the power of debt, saying, A national debt, if not excessive, will be to us a national blessing. Andrew Jackson did not agree. He had what amounted to a deep personal hatred and shame of the fact that the U.S. was in debt, and he made it his mission to bring the number down to zero, which he accomplished, for the first and only time in U.S. history, in 1835. How did he do it? Well, through a good old-fashioned fire sale of federal lands and the dissolution of national banks. This allowed him to entirely erase the national debt, something that probably would have been a source of pride if it wasnt immediately followed by a six-year depression thats also responsible for the birth of the credit rating. Now, the clean debt didnt cause the depression, that was caused by a real-estate bubble and a drop in the value of cotton, but unfortunately, the two are going to be linked forever. Advertisement While railing against the debt, Jackson called it black magic, and it seems like it was at least in the terms that it was an incredibly dangerous thing to fuck with. Counterfeiting is the ultimate victimless crime. If you give a fake dollar to a vendor, and they cant pass it on, theyre screwed, sure but if everyone can pass it on, no ones screwed, and you did them a favor by patronizing them. Your only sins are dishonesty, getting something for nothing and slightly diluting the money supply. And if those are crimes, well, every politician in Washington needs to be locked up. Of course, if everyones a counterfeiter, society cant function, but society couldnt function if everyone were a barista either. All of which is to say, your honor, that we believe we should be cleared of all charges, or should at least be punished no harder than the following weirdos from the criminal hall of fame. 5 Made a Countrys Worth of Counterfeit, and It Was Technically Legal When Samuel Upham started selling fake Confederate currency in 1862, he was just making souvenirs, he claimed. He lived in Philadelphia, where you couldnt even spend Confederate dollars, and if smugglers used his fake dollars to go South and buy cotton, that wasnt his concern. Plus, at the bottom of every bill was a clear message declaring, Facsimile Confederate Note Sold wholesale and retail by S.C. Upham. Don't Miss It wasnt his responsibility if buyers cut that message off with scissors, and if the result looked just like real Confederate money (which was also usually bought in sheets and had to be separated with scissors), don't blame him. via Wiki Commons In Georgia, you could buy 1/25 of a person with this. Upham openly advertised his money-selling business, and Northern authorities considered arresting him but decided against it. He wasnt counterfeiting their money, after all. And while counterfeiting a foreign countrys money is also a crime, they didnt recognize the Confederacy as a country. Its even possible (though not proven) that the Union secretly backed his operation, to flood the South with fake money and topple their economy. Jefferson Davis accused the North of that in a speech, calling this a means of despoiling the country people by fraud of such portions of their property as armed violence may fail to reach. A Richmond newspaper wrote, Doubtless the counterfeits in question have been scattered broadcast wherever an execrable Yankee soldier polluted the soil with his cloven foot. Upham bills couldnt have had too huge an effect, though. The Confederacy were already overprinting so much money themselves that they didnt need any help breaking their economy. 4 14 Million 1 Pound Coins, Made by One Guy Advertisement Making coins isnt a very efficient form of counterfeiting. Coins arent worth very much, they require a lot of raw material compared with notes and making them yourself means a huge amount of labor. Thats why British police were surprised in 2007 when they came upon Marcus Glindons operation. He had produced 14 million 1 pound coins over the course of seven years, from his home workshop, after being fired from his job as an engineer. Some other men had hired him to do the work, providing him with the metal and paying him a fraction of the coins face value. While that added up to a fair bit over all those years, Glindon didnt quite live the life of a millionaire. In other words, it didnt look like he made all that much money, making all that money. Even a detective on the case spoke out on his behalf. He is quite a simple man, who was married and has two children, said the constable. He was quite happy just to have a job. He was getting paid a wage and doing what he likes doing. Advertisement via Wiki Commons He was doing her, every day, for seven years. By the way, the 1 coin bears the face of Queen Elizabeth II, and it has only ever born the face of Queen Elizabeth II. Before it was introduced in 1983, there were no pound coins, only a pound note. Now, a year and a half after her death, they havent got around to introducing a replacement with King Charles face. Charles is on some other coins, but not the 1 so far. This must be because Marcus Glindon now makes all the nations 1 coins, and he refuses to update his template. Advertisement 3 Exchanging Fake Money for a Fake Painting In 2014, two brothers in Spain worked together on a painting, doing it in the style of Francisco de Goya. They called it Portrait of don Antonio Maria Esquivel, and well include a self-portrait by the real Esquivel below, but youll have to imagine that the forgery was a little more Goya-like. The brothers found a buyer who offered $4.3 million for it. Goya paintings can sell for millions at auction, so this might be a reasonable price to pay, if only as an investment. Antonio Maria Esquivel Assuming the works real, and why on Earth would it not be? They received the first installment on the payment. Then they crossed the border from Italy and were caught carrying $1.9 million in Swiss francs. Customs officials noticed that these guys were carrying $1.9 million in fake Swiss francs those weren't banknotes but photocopies. Advertisement Advertisement So, two gangs of thieves each tried to fool the other, and both ended up with a big bag of nothing? Not exactly. Because to facilitate the deal, the Spanish brothers paid a middleman, who claimed to be acting on behalf of the elusive buyer, supposedly a wealthy sheikh. They paid this middleman $325,000 in real money, as they were art forgers, not money forgers. What do you know, we found a case of counterfeiting with real victims. They arent victims youll feel hugely sorry for, though. 2 Emerich Juettner, Fined $1 for Making $1s The Secret Service spent 10 years hunting down a counterfeiter who was making one-dollar bills. Its surprising he had the skill to dodge them so long, judging from the bills themselves, which werent very good. The paper quality was lousy, and where the bill was supposed to say Washington, D.C., it said Wahsington, D.C. Numismatic Bibliomania Society The criminal they sought clearly wasnt very accomplihsed. The man turned out to be Emerich Juettner, who was 72 years old. They only got him because a fire broke out in his apartment, he threw a bunch of his stuff out the window, and some kids who found his bills told their parents about them. Juettner got some jail time, and he also received a fine of $1. He then sold the rights to his story to Hollywood, which netted him more money than counterfeiting ever had. Advertisement Milton Berle, the 1950s icon known as Mr. Television, and Richard Pryor, Rolling Stones #1 stand-up comic of all time, seem to occupy such distant moments in comedy history that they couldnt have possibly shared the same stage. Yet, there they were on The Mike Douglas Show in 1974, creating the most uncomfortably awkward moment in the shows history. Pryor was co-hosting Douglas daytime talk show that week hey, a jobs a job when Uncle Miltie joined the two to plug his new autobiography. The book featured several maudlin stories, including one in which Berle confessed to a 1930s affair that resulted in a child born out of wedlock. For the time, it was pretty scandalous stuff. Berle, in his best Jerry Lewis-style tears-of-a-clown mode, revealed his inner agony to Douglas and Americas housewives. The young woman wanted an abortion! Her mother insisted they marry! And in the midst of Berle's story, an off-camera Pryor got the giggles. Douglas, despite himself, had to stifle his own snicker. Ill go ahead and speculate given Pryors mid-1970s habits, its not unlikely that hed been smoking something that made it hard to keep a straight face. (Later when Pryor offered to light Berles cigar, the older comic snapped, I dont smoke that.) Whatever the reason for the suppressed laugh, Berle stopped mid-story to lecture Pryor on propriety and comedy. Richard, let me tell you something, baby. I told you this nine years ago, and Im going to tell you this on the air in front of millions of people, he said before pausing for dramatic effect. Pick your spots, baby. Don't Miss All right, sweetheart, Pryor replied, imitating Humphrey Bogart. Advertisement Advertisement Berle could barely contain his rage as the exchange continued, according to Scott Sauls Becoming Richard Pryor. Pick your spots! he repeated, furious at being called sweetheart. Im sorry, Milton, Pryor tried. Ill be honest, Im crazy. No, youre not crazy, Berle said before taking Pyror by the chin and forcing him to look into his eyes. Its a wonder Pryor didnt punch him then and there. I want to ask you why you laugh. I laugh because its funny, man. Its funny to me. It aint nothing to do with you. Because it never happened to you, scolded Berle. No, no, its just the insanity of all this is funny, Pryor said, looking to the heavens for help. Do you understand? Im funny and I laugh, and so Im crazy and so I apologize because I dont want to hurt your feelings and because I respect what you do. But I dont want to kiss your ass. The audience went nuts ass wasnt a term regularly heard on The Mike Douglas Show. Berle literally threw up his hands, turned back to Douglas and didnt address Pryor again. Predictably, the comedy community was split on who won the uncomfortable confrontation. Older comics believed Berle put the younger comedian in his place, while Pryors contemporaries applauded his refusal to back down. Like Berles ill-fated hosting stint on Saturday Night Live, it was another signal to Mr. Television that a new generation was taking over. WeWork on Tuesday finalized plans for 90% of its global real estate portfolio, involving amended leases, new management agreements, or the lease rejection process. This marks a significant milestone in the company's global restructuring efforts. WeWork Emerging from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing WeWork announced its goal to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. and Canada by May 31. It revealed that it had secured agreements with landlords, resulting in a reduction of over 40%, amounting to more than eight billion dollars, in rent commitments. The shared office space provider, previously valued at forty-seven billion dollars in private assessments, filed for bankruptcy in November as it faced mounting losses from long-term leases due to decreased demand for office space during the pandemic and a shift towards hybrid working. The company, backed by SoftBank, has based its post-bankruptcy business plan on a substantial decrease in future rent expenses negotiated with its landlords. On Tuesday, the company announced that it had reached agreements to amend approximately 150 leases, securing improved economic terms, including reduced rent payments. The company is also in the process of terminating another 150 leases. The company plans to uphold 150 leases without alterations, and negotiations with landlords for approximately 50 more locations are ongoing. WeWork Off to Becoming a Leaner Business According to WeWork's global head of real estate, Peter Greenspan, WeWork's lease negotiations will enable the company to emerge from bankruptcy as a more streamlined business, offering workspaces that will be advantageous for both employers and landlords amidst the uncertainties in commercial real estate markets. READ ALSO: Spirit's, JetBlue Merger Denied, Now Faces Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Concerns Amid Debt Maturities Greenspan mentioned a growing demand for these services and spaces, making it an excellent time to work with landlords to reconsider how they make money from office spaces previously occupied by traditional, long-term leases. WeWork did not withdraw from specific geographic markets when it reduced its leases. Instead, according to Greenspan, it scaled back in certain cities, such as New York, where the company had expanded too rapidly or ventured into other products beyond its primary coworking space business. In November, WeWork struck a deal with over 90% of its bondholders to change three billion dollars of debt into equity. SoftBank 9984.T, holding roughly 70% of the company, would maintain an equity interest in the proposed restructuring. WeWork's Buyback Bid from Co-Founder Adam Neumann WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann has put forward a bid exceeding five hundred million dollars to buy back the company, with unclear financing details. Meanwhile, WeWork chose not to comment on the specifics of Neumann's offer, mentioning that it routinely evaluates expressions of interest from third parties. Under Neumann's leadership, WeWork experienced rapid expansion and became the most valuable U.S. startup. However, his focus on growth over profitability, coupled with reports of his unconventional behavior, resulted in his removal and disrupted plans for an initial public offering in 2019. RELATED ARTICLE: ALDI Strengthening Retail Presence, Ambitiously Aims to Open 800 Stores In the Next Five Years 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Dark web definition The dark web is a part of the internet that isnt indexed by search engines. Youve no doubt heard talk of the dark web as a hotbed of criminal activity and it is. Researchers Daniel Moore and Thomas Rid of Kings College in London classified the contents of 2,723 live dark web sites over a five-week period in 2015 and found that 57% host illicit material. A study, Into the Web of Profit, conducted by Dr. Michael McGuires at the University of Surrey, shows that things have become worse. The number of dark web listings that could harm an enterprise has risen by 20% from 2016 to 2019. Of all listings (excluding those selling drugs), 60% could potentially harm enterprises. What can you buy on the dark web? You can buy credit card numbers, all manner of drugs, guns, counterfeit money, stolen subscription credentials, hacked Netflix accounts and software that helps you break into other peoples computers. Buy login credentials to a $50,000 Bank of America account, counterfeit $20 bills, prepaid debit cards, or a lifetime Netflix premium account. You can hire hackers to attack computers for you. You can buy usernames and passwords. And, as well see, for most companies compliance with the standard is achieved by filling out self-reported questionnaires. For those merchants, PCI DSS compliance mainly becomes mandatory in retrospect: if a breach occurs that can be traced back to a failure to implement the standard correctly, the merchant can be sanctioned by their payment processors and the card brands. Merchants may be required to undergo (and pay for) an assessment to ensure that theyve improved their security, which well discuss in more detail later in this article; they may also be required to pay fines. Very large companies may be required to undergo assessments conducted by third parties even if they havent suffered a breach. PCI DSS fines PCI DSS fines can vary from payment processor to payment processor, and are larger for companies with a higher volume of payments. It can be difficult pin down a typical fine amount, but IS Partners provides some ranges in a blog post. For instance, fines are assessed per month of non-compliance and the per-month charge increases for longer periods, so a company might pay $5,000 a month if theyre out of compliance for three months, but $50,000 a month if they go as long as seven months. In addition, fines ranging from $50 to $90 can be imposed for each customer whos affected in some way by a data breach. Photo: Clare Jackson/Alamy Stock Photo Just about every week for 30 years, Ive paused in the middle of Central Park to look over its expanse at the stockade of towers to the south: copper-roofed Beaux-Arts palaces, Art Deco ziggurats, mid-century slabs, twiggy condos, tapering glass Alps. The cluster has grown and thickened in that time; Ive watched at least 15 of those skyscrapers go up, lined up like telephone poles. There are more on the way. Foster + Partners JP Morgan headquarters at 270 Park Avenue, a full ten blocks south and a quarter-mile high, is still unfinished, but its beefy bulk is already overweening. Snhettas 50 West 66th Street leads a flanking maneuver up the West Side. This latest generation of megabuildings represents something more radical than incremental growth: a system of global financing and advances in engineering that are redefining the word tall. They herald real estates next sky grab, the race to raise the steel-and-glass cliff of midtown until Central Park begins to feel less like an oasis and more like a base camp. The city is closing in. Frederick Law Olmsted designed Central Park as an urban refuge. To him, a swath of green in the city was not a rural wilderness but a glorious artifice, designed to create a sequence of theatrical illusions. He directed each footstep, managed every view and sound and breath. He curved paths, hid glades, and sprung surprises. He was an auteur of the multisensory experience. One crucial element of this landscape of pleasure was the relationship with the gridded city beyond, which Olmsted saw as a kind of jail, nudging its residents toward illness and despair. The park was conceived to be therapeutic, to cleanse air saturated with disease and minds befogged by anxiety. Once, I read those benefits metaphorically that is, until the spring of 2020, when Central Park suddenly became a literal haven of safe air and sanity. (Except in the North Meadow, where the worlds misery broke through in the form of a COVID field hospital.) To protect that tranquility from urban clamor, Olmsted gave the park a perimeter nearly free of high fences, portals, or ceremonial gates. Instead, he opted for a low, rusticated stone wall, chinked by footpaths and lined with trees that would provide separation but not enclosure. He didnt want visitors to feel like they were strolling around a prettified cage, and he believed that the city would in any case be largely invisible from these 843 acres, occluded by topography and trees. That invisibility was essential to his definition of an urban park, which, he wrote in 1870, needed a simple, broad, open space of clean greensward, surrounded by a depth of wood enough to completely shut out the city from our landscapes. The skyline long ago broke clear of Olmsteds barrier of trees, at least from certain points of view. By the 1930s, great stone masses were mounting up along Central Park South: The Plaza Hotel opened in 1907, the Essex House joined it in 1929, and more Art Deco piles poked up in the blocks just south. If you looked across the Great Lawn in the early 1980s, you would have followed a wavy line above the treetops that passed from the Solow Building at 9 West 57 Street, its black glass framed in a mass of white travertine, to the pin-striped GM Building on Fifth Avenue, both roughly 700 feet tall. Farther east, on Lexington Avenue, the peak of the ski-slope roof of the Citigroup Building reaches over 900 feet. By 1930, a line of tall buildings had already passed the tree line on Central Park South. Photo: MCNY/Gottscho-Schleisner/Getty Images 1951: The prewar lineup had barely changed. Photo: Bettmann Archive/Getty Images By 1998, blocky modernist postwar towers filled in among the previous generation of buildings. Photo: Rudolf Dietrich/ullstein bild via Getty Images 2013: The 90 stories of One57 radically reset the scale. Photo: Oliver Morris/Getty Images In the past decade, though, the skyline went through an astonishing growth spurt. At first, skinny thousand-footers sprouted to provide the ultrawealthy with dronelike overviews of Olmsteds creation. Before long, the first generation of supertall towers looked puny alongside super-duper-talls like Central Park Tower and the pencil-stroke of 111 West 57th Street, whose topmost 200 feet are open to the weather and serve no function except to add height. I saw those buildings as standouts, gobbling up air rights so as to remain rare and preserve their expensive isolation. Now, though, exceptional height is becoming standard, and the spaces between posts are being filled in. The result is a skyline thats no longer just a backdrop or a distant view or a pleasantly hard-edged contrast with the soft green clouds of woodland. Instead, its a constant presence, looming inescapably over virtually every corner of the park. Its impossible to write this sort of lamentation without recalling how regularly, and over how many decades, others have fired off similar protests. Most were aimed at the chaotic intensity of midtown itself. Observers noted the contrast between the heroic bristle of towers as seen from a distance and the hectic jams they created on the street. A famous 1945 photograph by Andreas Feininger, Noon Rush Hour, Fifth Avenue, shows what all those high-rises meant for life down at ground level: swarms of well-dressed office and shop workers packing the sidewalks, all trying to cram errands and a quick bite into the same lunchtime break. (He used a telephoto lens to collapse perspective and emphasize the crowding.) In 1955, the New Yorker critic Lewis Mumford warned that midtowns skyscrapers had created a perpetual traffic nightmare. If Manhattan ceases to be a milieu in which people can exist in reasonable contentment instead of as prisoners plotting to escape a concentration camp, it will be unprofitable to discuss architectural achievements, he wrote. A generation later, the Times architecture critic, Paul Goldberger, quoted Mumfords dictum in a gloomy essay on density. There is such a thing as being too crowded, and midtown Manhattan has become just that, he wrote. A place in which enormous buildings block out not just sun and sky, but one another; a place in which traffic moves not just slowly, but almost not at all; a place in which walking is not necessarily more practical than riding, because the sidewalks are as jammed as the streets. 2019: From the Sheep Meadow, a rapidly changing view. Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images 2023: A new normal of 1,500-foot towers. Photo: Patti McConville/Alamy Stock Photo Ive never been especially sympathetic to the notion that too many buildings bring too many people not in the capitalistic heart of Manhattan, anyway. In my lifetime, street-level midtown has always felt like a forest floor, shaded by tall trunks and teeming with ground-hugging creatures. Seen from the sidewalk, a 90-story building appears no more formidable than a 30-story one; the top is just up there, somewhere, out of sight. Besides, I miss the pedestrian gridlock. During the pandemic, the area acquired an eerie, horrifying quiet. Even now, the tourists are back but the rhythm of rush-hour footfalls, which would seem lively in most other downtowns, feels disconcertingly scant. These days, the congestion is all aloft. The 2017 rezoning of east midtown brought the 1,400-foot One Vanderbilt, with its drearily hallucinogenic observation deck. Another behemoth, designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill, is likely to go up on the other side of Grand Central. These buildings bases sit at a distance from Central Park, but their crowns crowd its horizon, raising the high perimeter wall that Olmsted worked so hard to avoid. The center of Manhattan was built on a tacit pact: The corporate district would go about its business as if nature had been banished from the island, and Central Park would keep bucolically burbling and whispering as if the tough city were merely a distant rumor. But the current generation of tall buildings has definitively reneged on that arrangement. Now, the park feels like Valhallas backyard, a lawn where we tiny humans scuttle through the grass while high-net-worth gods look down on us (unless the clouds at their feet get in the way). Can anyone stop that takeover of the air, that concrete eclipse? In theory, yes. Zoning rules are not natural law; they get constantly rewritten to guide development where its wanted and protect resources that are fragile or scarce. But were talking about midtown Manhattan here. Its hard to see who will defend the magnetism of Central Park against the march of money and technology, or the never-satiated lust for height. Chinas NEV sector off to strong start in first quarter 10:29, April 03, 2024 By Chu Daye ( Global Times This photo taken on Feb 24, 2023 shows the assembly line of GAC Aion, an NEV subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. Photo: Xinhua A number of Chinese new-energy vehicle (NEV) brands saw their shares continue to rise on both US and Chinese bourses on Tuesday after they posted strong sales figures for March. Chinese experts believed that the strong sales performance of some leading NEV brands in March reflected the strong momentum in the further upgrading of China's manufacturing industry. The strong exports performance, despite headwinds, also reflected the competitiveness of Chinese NEVs, they noted. Private enterprises continue to demonstrate their innovative capability, reflecting the resilience of the Chinese economy and recovering confidence of private enterprises, analysts pointed out. Looking forward, experts believe that China's NEV sales will continue to post strong gains, with an expected high growth rate of around 20 percent in the first half of the year. BYD, China's biggest electric vehicle (EV) maker, reported a 46.1 percent year-on-year rise in its March sales on Monday with 302,459 units sold. For the first quarter, the company sold 626,263 NEVs, up 13.44 percent. China EV makers Nio, Li Auto and XPeng also reported March and first-quarter deliveries on Monday, meeting or just exceeding low expectations, according to media reports. The strong sales posted by these brands were accompanied by news of the impressive entrance into the market by new brands such as Chinese smartphone and electronics maker Xiaomi. The company, having debuted its SU7 electric car last week, now had bookings reaching 40,000 units, with backlog orders piled up for as long as eight months, according to media reports on Tuesday. Under the spotlight of investors and global media outlets, the robust booking data send the company's shares up 8.97 percent to 16.28 Hong Kong dollars ($2.08) per share at the Hong Kong bourse on Tuesday. Xiaomi's market value during intraday trading once reached $7.6 billion, surpassing both GM and Ford, according to Reuters. Some observers hailed Xiaomi's successful debut into an already crowded scene featuring fierce competition as one more example of the daring entrepreneurial spirit of the Chinese private sector companies and a demonstration of recovering confidence by private companies. The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) said on Tuesday that it expects NEV sales to top 820,000 units in March, an increase of 33 percent year-on-year. Month-on-month, the increase is equal to 84 percent. According to estimates by a CPCA executive, China's NEV sales accounted for 62 percent of global NEV sales in January and February, the Securities Times reported. "As one of the tech-intensive and green 'new three' items, the robust growth of the NEV sector is an indication that the Chinese economy is off to a good start in the first quarter," Li Chang'an, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies of the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times on Tuesday. In a sign of a further recovery in manufacturing activity, China's official manufacturing purchasing managers' index returned to expansion range with a reading of 50.8 in March after running below 50 for five consecutive months, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Sunday. "The stellar performance of the sector signals China's global competitiveness when it comes to technology and innovation has further strengthened amid the nation's broader plan to develop new quality productive forces," Li said. "China's NEV market is a highly competitive sector and the performance by leading NEV brands underlined the resilience of China's industrial upgrade," Wu Shuocheng, a veteran automobile analyst, told the Global Times on Tuesday. "Against protectionist headwinds in some markets, the competitiveness of Chinese companies remained strong," Wu said. As the Chinese economy continues to recover, Wu expected NEV sales to register a 20 percent year-on-year growth for the first half of the year with overall sales of passenger vehicles growing by around 5 percent. Analysts also urged the US and the EU to stop their crackdown tactics against China's new-energy industry, including the NEV sector, as Chinese NEVs are a contributing, not an undermining, factor for their climate goals. Protectionist measures taken against Chinese EVs will not improve their competitiveness for their respective auto industries and will undermine their efforts in realizing climate goals, Li said, noting that the noises of decoupling on NEV could not obstruct the rise of Chinese NEV, which is driven by market competition, devotion to innovation and supply chain advantage. The US and the EU should seek cooperation with China on NEVs so as to tap the great complementarities, rather than taking a protectionist path, analysts said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) According to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, while the benefits of having children are shared between both parents, it is mothers who primarily bear the costs. The Persisting Disparity in The Workplace Despite the rising levels of education among women and their increased representation in senior leadership roles at work, women are still more inclined than men to take breaks from the labor force or reduce their working hours due to caregiving duties. Some studies indicate that some women also opt for occupations that offer lower pay but greater flexibility to accommodate their family responsibilities. Those caregiving responsibilities have significantly contributed to the ongoing gender pay gap, commonly known as the motherhood penalty. The study authors from PNAS observed that for mothers, both employment rates and earnings, when considering employment, decline sharply around the time of childbirth for women and may persistently remain lower even long after childbirth. According to Jasmine Tucker, vice president of research at the National Women's Law Center, a perpetuating dynamic exists. When a child falls ill and someone needs to take time off from work, it tends to be the woman due to her lower wages. From an economic standpoint, creating a self-perpetuating prophecy makes more sense. Contrarily, men do not encounter a penalty as parents. A separate report by the British Trade Union Association TUC suggests that full-time working fathers often receive a wage bonus when they have children, making roughly 20% more than men without children. READ ALSO: What Working Mothers Need to Achieve Work-Life Balance Breadwinner Moms Have a Heavier Load at Home Even in cases where women outearn their husbands, they tend to shoulder a more significant burden in caregiving responsibilities, highlighted in a separate survey by the Pew Research Center and an analysis of government data. Richard Fry, a senior researcher at Pew, emphasized that even though there may be more egalitarian marriages, their duties at home have not been equalized, noting that the gender disparity in caregiving persists, even if wives are the primary breadwinners. Indeed, the PNAS study also discovered that the motherhood penalty is even more pronounced in female-breadwinner families, where women who earn more experience a 60% decrease in earnings compared to their male partners before childbirth. Hybrid Jobs Can Help Breadwinner Moms While the significant expense of childcare in the U.S. remains a burden on women's labor force participation, changes in workplace dynamics may offer some relief, according to Lauren Sanfilippo, senior investment strategist at Bank of America's Chief Investment Office. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous employees resisted returning to traditional office settings, prompting the adoption of a hybrid work model, which typically involves working three days a week in person, which has become more the norm than the exception. Office attendance has settled at 30% below pre-pandemic levels, as indicated by a report from the McKinsey Global Institute, which is aiding women in remaining in the workforce after having children, as suggested by other reports. The hybrid work environment since the pandemic may help alleviate the motherhood penalty somewhat, providing more flexibility and improving opportunities for working mothers, said Sanfilippo. RELATED ARTICLE: Career Over Children: Here's Why Sarah Silverman Made Her Choice 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. By Yoon Ja-young Korea Investment Corp. (KIC) opened an office in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, which is the sovereign wealth fund's first office established in an emerging market. It is the KIC's fifth overseas office, following ones in New York, London, Singapore and San Francisco. "We selected Mumbai as our first overseas post in emerging markets as we highly rate the potential of the Indian economy," KIC CEO Jin Seung-ho said at the opening ceremony of the office at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. "The Mumbai office will serve as a platform for entering the dynamic Indian economy," he said. "We feel a great sense of responsibility as Korea's first public investment institution to enter India," he added. "We will actively explore promising investment opportunities in this rapidly growing region." At the opening ceremony were government officials from both Korea and India as well as representatives from global investors such as Blackstone, KKR and Brookfield. Representatives from sovereign wealth funds and pension funds of other countries already operating in Mumbai also attended the event. "As the Indian economy grows, it is expected to offer new business opportunities in diverse areas. Korea also wishes to be part of this trend," Korea's consul general in Mumbai Kim Young-og said. "The KIC's Mumbai office will contribute to the economic growth of both countries as well as elevating the special strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher level," he added. Ajay Seth, India's secretary of economic affairs, expected the establishment of the Mumbai office to deepen cooperation between the KIC and India. Amit Kumar, Ambassador of India to Korea, said in a congratulatory video message that the KIC will find abundant investment opportunities in India, expressing hope for the expansion of financial cooperation between the two countries. The KIC said the Mumbai office will focus on securing promising alternative investment projects. The KIC is paying attention to venture capital and private equity investment opportunities stemming from India's rich IT ecosystem and expanding domestic market. It also plans to invest in tangible assets such as infrastructure and real estate to support India's economic development. It would be really useful to the authorities if we all had barcodes tattooed on our foreheads at birth. After all, if you have nothing to fear, and have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to hide, or so they say and we will come to that. But there is much more to life than the convenience of state bureaucrats sitting behind desks. And my guess is that, even if we did submit to such indignities, we would still spend a huge part of our lives queuing to get through officious security checks and filling in forms. And this is one good reason Lord Blunkett is as wrong now as he was 20 years ago when he tried to introduce Identity Cards, a supposed cure-all for our problems whose supporters never think very hard about the subject. If they did, they might wonder why they are always called ID cards for short. What does the D stand for? Nobody knows. In the same way, nobody can explain what use they would actually be. For certain, they were less than no use at all when they were imposed on this country at the outbreak of World War Two in September 1939. I have combed the archives for any evidence that they ever helped uncover a spy-ring or anything of that kind. Though you will not be surprised to learn that a black market in stolen cards quickly sprang up, or that half a million people managed to lose theirs in the first two years of the war. Policemen hold up traffic in the 1940s after ID cards were imposed on the country after the outbreak of World War II They would, of course, have been very useful to the Nazis, had they ever arrived, in rounding up Jews and other persons they wanted to kill. In fact a Jewish furrier, Meyer Rubinstein was prosecuted in 1950 for never having obtained a card, presumably because he feared that putting such an obviously Jewish name on a national register would be his death warrant. Note that he managed to live happily without it for ten years, and also that the cards still existed in 1950, five years after the war had ended. They only disappeared after increasingly officious abuse of them by the police. They were also worse than useless in protecting the innocent or in clearing up bureaucratic misunderstandings. In one famous case, the Seamens Union leader, Charles Jarman, was held by police on ludicrous smash-and-grab charges even though his card showed him to be a man of standing and hardly likely to involve himself in such a crime. A Joyce Mew won a case in court after refusing to show her papers to a rationing office busybody who, after supervising her wartime provisions over a counter for years, knew perfectly well who she was. Our recent experience of Covid restrictions, weird surveillance of dissenting journalists including (apparently) me, and the police sunbathing squad warn us that such things could easily happen again in modern Britain, only with added helicopters, CCTV cameras and internet snooping. Winston Churchills Tories eventually ordered the cards abolition in February 1952, after yet another angry court case. The Daily Mail of February 22 that year recorded: Many people did what they have been longing to do since they were issued they tore them up. In fact, the ghost of identity cards lingered for years, for many of that generation found that their new NHS numbers were their old National Identity numbers, lasting until quite recently. But what had in effect been a Bullying Licence for Busybodies had been cancelled. Most continental countries have had such cards for so long that nobody remembers when or why they began. Id guess most of them go back to Napoleon Bonaparte and his obsession with registration and reorganisation, but many unfree European states needed no outside encouragement to keep careful lists of their subjects and to give their heavy-handed police powers to demand their documents. In most cases these nations began life as despotisms, in which the state was above the citizens head rather than beneath his feet. And a brisk period of German occupation no doubt boosted the identity business. Illegal migrants are escorted to shore in Kent. Proponents of ID cards believe they would make it less difficult for such arrivals to find work in the black market The key thing about these countries is that they have never had any need to justify treating all their citizens as if they were suspects. They just automatically do so. Here, we do things differently. Those few miles of salt water which separate us from the continent caused us to develop wholly different traditions. Above all, we are all presumed innocent. If the government wants to interfere with us, it must justify itself to us, not the other way round. Here, as Lord Blunkett swiftly found, you cannot just do what you want. This irritated the Blair government. The people Lord Blunkett dismisses as an angry minority, obsessed with the myth of state surveillance and as a vocal minority who accused me of attempting to mastermind some sort of Orwellian deep state surveillance had a point. Lord Blunketts argument that we all accept specific forms of identification is a feeble one. Each of these, from our National Insurance number to driving licence or credit card, is for a particular purpose. The holders of our private information have it for one reason, and one alone, not to use as they will. But centralise it in a single card, and the institutions of the state have immense power. In the Blair years there were one or two odd cases a journalist who had caused the government some trouble over the Iraq war who suddenly faced questions about his tax affairs from a pro-Blair newspaper; a woman who complained to an opposition politician about her NHS treatment, who then found that confidential information about her had leaked into the public domain. No wrongdoing was proved, but you see what power the state could have over us, if everything it knew about us was all in one place. Then there is Lord Blunketts touching alleged concern for the current levels of immigration across the Channel. Oh, yes? Let us never forget the 2009 revelation by the Blairite apparatchik Andrew Neather that New Labour had a driving political purpose: that mass immigration was the way that the UK Government was going to make the UK truly multicultural. It is quite true that if this country was as bureaucratic as, say, France, it might be harder for illegal immigrants to find work or homes. But has Lord Blunkett not heard of the dark economy? There are ways of evading identity cards and (I hate to mention it) it is not impossible to forge them. As long ago as 2006, despite its identity card laws, Frances government estimated (it did not know) that there were between 200,000 and 400,000 undocumented migrants in the country, with perhaps 100,000 more arriving illegally each year. The French also expel thousands each year, as we barely do. But it would be absurd to claim that their identity system keeps illegal immigration under control. I suspect Lord Blunkett, a former Home Secretary, knows this all too well. But his old socialist trust in the benevolence of the state still, alas, flows through his veins. He should get over it. The killing of seven aid workers, including three Britons, by Israeli forces in Gaza could mark a turning point in the war against Hamas. Maybe it was a freak accident. But that's hard to believe, given that a single rogue missile didn't cause the mayhem, but three precisely targeted ones. The incident has confirmed fears that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) haven't been as scrupulous in trying to avoid civilian deaths as the government in Jerusalem has claimed. According to the United Nations, 196 aid workers (including the seven on Monday night) have been killed in the conflict. Were they also the victims of accidents? In January, two members of an Al Jazeera media crew died when a targeted IDF missile hit their car. In March, video footage emerged from a captured drone showing four apparently innocent Palestinian men being killed as they strolled on wasteland. James Kirby, Security Team member of the US-based aid group, was killed on Monday John Chapman, Security Team member of the US-based aid group, was killed on Monday James (Jim) Henderson, Security Team member of the US-based aid group, was killed on Monday The IDF also shot dead three Israeli hostages last December, even though they were holding a makeshift white flag. The incident suggested the IDF are very free with their weaponry. In January, six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab begged for help after five family members were killed as their car tried to outrun Israeli tanks and escape Gaza City. She died alongside two paramedics, who were trying to save her. Another accident? And then, of course, there are 32,000 people, including Hamas fighters, who are said to have died in the conflict. This death toll is issued by the Hamas-run health ministry, and may well be inflated. Even so, it's surely possible, even likely, that many innocent Palestinians have died because their lives were held by the IDF at nought. The killing of three British aid workers (all ex-servicemen) and four others has illuminated what should already have been apparent: Benjamin Netanyahu's government is pursuing this war with little regard for human life or stability in the Middle East. The King is evidently so concerned that he is taking a keen personal interest. Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah I know the arguments, of course. Hamas is an evil organisation, which denies the Holocaust happened and is committed to the destruction of Israel. It is anti-Semitic and as its liberal Western sympathisers should realise undemocratic, misogynist and homophobic. What Hamas did on October 7 in Israel was not merely barbaric. The murders, the rapes, the burning of bodies, the killing of babies and children, and the abduction of hostages were depraved. Israel couldn't reasonably have been expected to turn the other cheek, and I don't believe any developed country would have done so. The determination of the Israeli government to extirpate Hamas, so it could never commit such crimes against Jews again, was wholly understandable, though very possibly not practicable. Yet there comes a moment when the killing and destruction wreaked by the IDF on innocent people outweighs the original sin. I believe this moment has come. We came to it on Monday night when the seven aid workers were killed. One of the dire effects of that action will be that many foreign aid agencies will withdraw from Gaza, or decline to go in. A destroyed car where the body of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, 6, who begged Gaza rescuers to send help after being trapped by Israeli military fire, was found along with the bodies of five of her family members In truth, we may have come to it months ago when Netanyahu's government obstructed aid into Gaza. It has admittedly sanctioned tens of thousands of tonnes of food and medical equipment but, according to Israeli human rights organisations, has refused to grant permission for many mercy missions. We probably came to it two weeks ago when Netanyahu approved plans to invade Rafah in southern Gaza, where 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter. Such an attack which the Israeli government believes can root out what remains of Hamas would almost certainly lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. So we have arrived at a point where the entire civilised world, led by the U.S., is urging the Israeli government to desist. Will it listen? Let me answer that question by referring to the past. I believe that supporters of Israel among whom I count myself sometimes make a fundamental mistake. Perhaps because the country was born in the aftermath of the great crime that was the Holocaust, they forget that Israel has long had an extremist political undercurrent. Admirers rightly extol visionary leaders such as Chaim Weizmann, the country's first president, and David Ben-Gurion, its first prime minister. Yitzhak Rabin, the former army general who worked for peace as prime minister before being assassinated by an Israeli extremist in 1995, was another hero. These men were deeply patriotic, and prepared to defend their country against its Arab enemies, who tried to snuff out Israel from its inception in 1948. They were also pragmatic, and realised that, in the end, Israel would have to come to an accommodation with its neighbours. But there is a darker strain in Israeli history represented by terrorist organisations such as the Stern Gang and Irgun, the latter of which carried out the bombing of the King David hotel in Jerusalem in 1946, in which 98 people, including 28 British citizens, were killed. Irgun and other terrorists were also responsible for the 1948 massacre at Deir Yassin, in which some 107 Palestinian villagers are thought to have died. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aid workers deaths in Gaza was an 'unintentional' 'tragic incident' How many admirers of Israel know that in 1944 two Jewish terrorists assassinated Lord Moyne, British Minister-Resident for the Middle East, in Cairo? I find it shocking that in 1975 the Israeli government repatriated the bodies of the assassins (they had been executed by the British) and triumphantly laid them in state in Jerusalem. I mention all this because we mustn't be blind to the extremist strand in Israeli politics. It is visible today among some hardline West Bank settlers, and in the far-Right parties on whose political support Benjamin Netanyahu depends. For example, last November Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu suggested that dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip was 'one of the possibilities'. He was immediately criticised by several mainstream politicians, and momentarily disowned by Netanyahu. Is Netanyahu an extremist? He is obdurate in his opposition to any settlement with moderate Palestinians (who do exist) and is pursuing the war against Hamas in such a brutal way that it is alienating Israel's allies not least because his uncompromising behaviour threatens to plunge the Middle East into war. Or is he a pragmatist at heart? After all, even Menachem Begin a former Irgun terrorist who was distrusted by Margaret Thatcher for that reason made an historic peace agreement with Egypt in 1979. The next Israeli election isn't due until October 2026, though it could happen earlier, as many Israelis hope. The best outcome for their country would be Netanyahu's replacement now by a moderate, pragmatic leader. Were Britain to stop its very modest arms sales to Israel, that would be a largely symbolic gesture, since Israel can do without them. But Israel can't so easily do without the moral support of allies such as Britain. Above all, it needs the logistical and diplomatic support of the United States. The truth is that Israel is too small to stand alone, and it's in grave danger of losing friends. If the deaths of seven selfless aid workers serve to bring Benjamin Netanyahu's bloody onslaught to an end, they won't have died in vain. Ask anyone what the hardest bag in the world is to get, and they would most likely say it's an Hermes Birkin. The colorful purses are made in a limited supply, allegedly only offered to clients who have an extensive purchasing history with the brand. And, with a starting price tag that's easily more than $10,000 and a limited amount shipped to the brand's boutiques each year, it's become an indulgent, luxury item that only few can attain and afford. But in recent months, there have been rumblings that a new piece de resistance is on the rise: the Margaux bag from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's very pricey brand The Row. The Row's Margaux bag, which has been seen on celebs like Kendall Jenner (pictured in 2023), has been dubbed as the new Hermes Birkin Ranging in price from $3,490 to $6,810, the bowling-shaped Margaux bag comes in a handful of different sizes, as well as a variety of colors and finishes The Birkin comes with a starting price tag that's easily more than $10,400 and a limited amount are shipped to the brand's boutiques each year The now sold-out bag has been dubbed 'The New Birkin' by many savvy TikTok users, with Vogue even calling it a 'future heirloom in the making' in an article published last November. The brand, which was founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley in 2006, prides itself on no logos, no labels and no loud prints. 'The Margaux was introduced six years ago, but it earned greater prominence during the recent "quiet luxury" craze, which is an aesthetic The Row is closely associated with,' Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at 1stDibs, told DailyMail.com. 'It has recently been toted by some key influencers including Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Kendall Jenner which has led to a spike in its desirability,' Freund explained. Ranging in price from $3,490 to $6,810, the bowling-shaped Margaux bag comes in a handful of different sizes, as well as a variety of colors and finishes. Potential buyers can choose from deliciously luxe leathers to soft and indulgent suedes. The price of the bag makes it a 'luxury investment,' Freund told DailyMail.com, comparing it to that of a tote from understated designer Bottega Veneta. 'The Margaux is positioned as a versatile "workhorse" bag, with an ample interior and a chic, unassuming exterior making it perfect for many uses and settings, much like the Birkin,' Freund said. Now, it just can't seem to stay on the shelves. Actress Jennifer Lawrence is also a big fan of the bag, holding it here in a deep purple-brown color in 2023 'The Margaux was introduced six years ago, but it earned greater prominence during the recent "quiet luxury" craze,' 1stDibs editorial director Anthony Barzilay Freund said The bag also comes in another shape, known as the 'EW' - which is still equally as expensive to the other models Content creator Lilly Sisto was one of the first people to start sporting the bag on TikTok before it blew up into the mainstream. The piece was gifted to her in September 2023 as payment from a brand she worked with - and while it was something she had been eyeing for a long time, she didn't think it would explode into such a huge trend. 'I still don't think the bag is trendy since it can be in your closet forever but it is interesting to see how many people are obsessing over it,' Sisto told DailyMail.com. According to Freund, over the past six months, searches on 1stDibs for 'Margaux' have increased over 300 per cent compared to the six months prior. He explained that the increase began in October and 'reached a peak' in January 2024. Some of the brand's items, like the zip-front combat boots, have gone viral in the past, but the majority of their pieces, like the cashmere sweaters and tailored suit pants, are meant to be so unsuspecting and luxe that they go unnoticed to the naked eye. New York City-based influencer Madison Rae purchased her bag last fall, which she was able to get by calling The Row store on the Upper East Side. They happened to have one left - a size 15 in taupe-colored leather, which she got delivered to her house that same day. The bag has become extremely popular on social media, with many influencers and fashion experts getting their own, like Lilly Sisto (left) and Delia Atenea (right) Influencer Madison Rae is another big fan of the Margaux bag Rae, who is based in New York City, also owns a Birkin bag in addition to her Margaux tote Get the look for less! Dupes for The Row's Margaux Khaite Medium Maeve Bag - $2,650 Brochu Walker Everyday Tote - $898 Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Work Tote - $169.90 Advertisement Rae told DailyMail.com that the purse had 'exceeded' all of her expectations. 'I'm a mom of two young kids and a self-proclaimed bag lady,' she explained. 'I walk/subway everywhere and sometimes I need to carry a bag that holds a lot, but also still makes me feel elevated and put together.' But while getting hands on the bag may have been attainable even as early as last fall, it's not so easy to get ahold of anymore, much like the Birkin. According to Business of Fashion, 85 per cent of the bags 'introduced to online retailers including Bergdorf Goodman and Mytheresa' had sold out, citing data from retail analytics firm Edited. Currently, the bag is sold out on The Row's own website, as well as Saks Fifth Avenue, Mytheresa, Matches Fashion, and even UK-based stores like Harrods and Selfridges. Rae admitted that not being able to find the bag online made her want it 'even more.' 'I think it's trending, not trendy,' Rae explained. 'It's having a really big moment right now but it's still understated and with all things The Row, you only know if you know.' In the next five years, the bags resale value is estimated to be anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, Freund told DailyMail.com, and possibly even more. 'I still don't think the bag is trendy since it can be in your closet forever but it is interesting to see how many people are obsessing over it,' Sisto told DailyMail.com Over the years, the Birkin bag has been extremely popular with celebrities, like Cardi B and Heidi Klum Freund said that buyers had reported that the bag was 'well-constructed and durable,' which were key attributes for a successful resale. He said it was hard to predict its exact future resale price, though, because of the 'fluctuating tastes in fashion as well as the bag's unproven history and longevity.' 'Availability is also a huge factor in the vintage market, with scarcity dictating prices,' he said. 'While the Margaux is almost constantly sold out online, it does continue to be continuously produced, which may affect the bag's secondary-market value over time.' But as cute and coveted as the bag is, is it really the new Birkin? Some customers aren't so sure. 'I don't necessarily feel it is the new Birkin, but I do feel it is one of the "It" bags to have at the moment,' Delia Atenea, of Momma Loves Fashion Blog, told DailyMail.com. 'A Birkin is a Birkin and I feel that you can own both and style both of them very differently,' Atenea, who owns the bag in a black leather size 17, continued. 'The Birkin feels a little more sexy to me while the Margaux is more minimalist and chic.' Atenea pointed out that she believes that some of The Row's sale tactics are mirroring that of Hermes and how they sell the Birkin Curiously enough, The Row's Margaux bag was first introduced in 2018, but seems to have blown up into the mainstream recently Freund admitted that while calling the Margaux the 'new Birkin' was 'catchy marketing,' he said it was a 'bit hyperbolic at this stage.' 'The Row is an interesting and unique brand, but nothing can compete with the prestige and legend surrounding Hermes and its Birkin or the bag's proven track record on the market,' he told DailyMail.com. 'It might be more appropriate to call this bag the new alternative to Louis Vuitton's Neverfull, Chanel's Grand Shopping Tote, or YSL's Sac de Jour,' Freund furthered. However, Atenea did point out that she felt like the tactics that The Row was using to sell the bags were beginning to mirror Hermes because of its limited availability. 'They just removed all the Margaux Bags from third party retailers, making the bag harder to get, and they have been sold out lately,' she claimed to DailyMail.com. Freund also noted that The Row's Margaux was only on its sixth year of production, while the Hermes Birkin would be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. As Rae told DailyMail.com, 'Let's just let the Margaux be what she is and the Birkin be the Birkin. They can coexist!' Signs are usually created to warn others about rules but clearly these posters mostly exist to amuse. People all over the world have been sharing the funniest signs they've spotted whilst out and about and Bored Panda collated the best into a hilarious gallery. Including a bizarre request, from the University of Alabama, asking students not to use their genitals to press the buttons on the lift. Elsewhere a shop was forced to make a sign to remind customers that they don't accept cash from people's bras. People all over the world have been sharing the funniest signs they've spotted whilst out and about and Bored Panda collated the best into a hilarious gallery. Including a traffic road sign decided it's best use was to make fun of motorists stuck in traffic Meanwhile a cat owner hung their feline friend out to dry when she made a sign to reveal his extra curricular activities. Elsewhere a traffic road sign decided it's best use was to make fun of motorists stuck in traffic. Here FEMAIL takes a look at some of the funniest signs spotted around the world... How many times did this happen? Meanwhile a bizarre request, from the University of Alabama , asked students not to use their genitals to press the buttons on the lift Oops! Meanwhile a cat owner hung their feline friend out to dry when she made a sign to reveal his extra curricular activities Bizarre! Elsewhere someone thought the end of a footpath, in the US, needed a specific sign to make it clear the walkway had ended Money is money! Elsewhere a shop was forced to make a sign to remind customers that they don't accept cash from people's bras And harder to kidnap! This humorous sign would be sure to make those who don't take life to seriously giggle Or do both! This sign would be bound to stop anyone in their tracks, even if you werent looking for help Shots fired! This hilarious sign outside a US Burger King was clearly aimed at another well known burger joint Very clever! This notice got the message across loud and clear but in a humorous way Yikes! Meanwhile a sailor named his boat Unsinkable II which begs the question what happened to Unsinkable one And that's what it's all about! Sometimes signs have absolutely no purpose other than to entertain S. Korea warns N. Korea will see end of regime if it harms its people But there was little agreement to be had, attracting thousands of comments 'Can we agree this is the best way to divide the USA into four?' the post asked A hypothetical map that has put forth a vision of the United States if it was split into four regional chunks has sparked heated debate. 'Can we agree that without splitting states, this is the best way to divide the USA into four?' a Reddit user on the Geography subreddit wrote alongside the graphic, a replica of which has been reproduced by DailyMail.com below. Evidently, 'we' could not - as responses revealed there was little agreement to be had on the proposal (the image has been deleted by the moderators of the subreddit, but was seen by this publication). Indeed, the post garnered nearly 5,000 comments, all arguing over the theoretical prospect of cordoning off specific states into four categories: Northeast, Midwest, West, or South. A hypothetical map that has put forth a vision of the United States if it was split into four regional chunks has sparked heated debate A major point of contention among Redditors was including the state of Missouri in the South. 'I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missourah!' a declared a man whose comments history suggests he lives in Alabama - also referencing a Simpsons quote poking fun at how some in Missouri pronounce the state's name. 'I feel like Missouri was only given to the south here to generate interaction and comments. Missouri is definitely Midwest, and classified by the government as Midwest,' a second argued. 'Geographically it is midwestern, culturally it is more southern. Also giving Missouri to the south is Kansan approved,' a third contended. 'We from the south recognize Missouri has southern tendencies, but we do not grant it the status as part of "The South,"' a fourth added. 'Might have to split into 5 sections. West, South, Midwest, Northwest and Missouri,' one armchair diplomat proposed. 'The South is about right. Not sure about Missouri, I've always considered it Mid West,' one wrote - to which a second responded: 'The south considers it Midwest and the Midwest considers it South. As a Midwesterner I'd say let the South have it.' Others chimed in with references to Missouri's history - which likewise does not neatly fit in with the history of the South, nor the history of the Midwest. Across nearly 5,000 comments, Redditors took particular issue with Missouri being grouped in with the South rather than the Midwest - though Midwesterners weren't keen on claiming it 'Split missouri in half and I'd say it's pretty good,' someone else suggested, with another responding: 'We'll call it the Missouri compromise.' 'The Missouri Compromise 2: The Recompromising,' a third jokester chimed in. In truth, the Missouri Compromise was the name of legislation from 1820 that approved the region's request for statehood as a slave-owning state. At the same time, it admitted Maine as a free state, to keep the balance between slave- and non-slave owning states. The Missouri Compromise further mandated that, with the sole exception of the state, slavery would not be allowed north of the 36th latitude line, which ran along its southern border. During the Civil War, Missouri state legislature voted 98-1 to remain with the Union. However, Confederate-loyal militias soon emerged across the state as well, fighting to retain the right to own slaves. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared that slaves in states that had seceded were freed - which, again, didn't affect Missouri, as it hadn't seceded. Two years later, in January 1865, delegates at the Missouri state convention voted 60-4 to pass the state's Ordinance of Emancipation, mere weeks before the federal government passed the Thirteenth Amendment, banning slavery nationally. Missouri's not-so-clear-cut history around its stance on slavery played into the charged commentary from contemporary regional loyalists on the Reddit thread discussing the map. Some took the pains of breaking down the controversies around states that seemed torn between two regions - including Missouri Yet another commenter decided to take it upon themselves to break down much of the ambiguity around Missouri - as well as in-between-er states like it. 'People confuse these states,' they began. 'Colorado: Definitely a Western state with midwestern influence. 'Oklahoma, Kentucky : Definitely southern states with Midwestern influence. 'Missouri: Definitely a midwestern state with southern influence. 'Virginia: A southern state with huge northeastern influence that grows day by day, maybe it will become northeastern in the near future or arguably already is.' Someone else confirmed of that case-by-case breakdown: 'Best take I've seen on this whole thread.' The sentiment of a divided America is not without precedent. Back in late 2020, in his first speech as president elect, Joe Biden 'made clear his intention to bridge the deep and bitter divisions in American society. He pledged to look beyond red and blue and to discard the harsh rhetoric that characterizes our political debates,' as Gallup put it. In the lead up to the 2020 election, Gallup found that nine in 10 Americans on both sides of the political spectrum felt that, should the other side win, there would be 'lasting harm' done to the United States. In March 2023, Axios reported that about one in five Americans would be in favor of a 'national divorce,' in which Republican- and Democrats-dominated states split into two separate nations. Viewers who have bipolar disorder have praised Channel 4's hit show Big Mood for its portrayal of mental illness - but claim it glosses over the challenges in seeking psychiatric care. The show, stars Derry Girls star Nichola Coughlan as Maggie, a young woman struggling with bipolar disorder, while Lydia West (It's a Sin) plays her best friend Eddie. Described as 'a vivacious and rebellious portrayal of female friendship when infiltrated by the complexities of a serious mental illness,' the show finds both characters at a crossroads in their friendship as they rapidly approach their thirties. The programme aired on Thursday - and social media users have since taken to X to share their thoughts on mental health representation. 'I love it so much,' Dr Josephine Taylor - who often shares content about her experiences with bipolar on social media - wrote. 'Crying and laughing simultaneously. A joy to see a real nuanced and sensitive portrayal of the highs and lows of bipolar.' The show, stars Derry Girls star Nichola Coughlan as Maggie, a young woman struggling with bipolar disorder, while Lydia West (It's a Sin) plays her best friend Eddie They also added that it 'really captures what can be the pure nonsense of mania'. 'Have a few issues with big mood (granted i'm BPD not bipolar but i still think most of us are probs more boring than the media paints us) BUT it nails the depression!!' another added. 'Shout out to Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West who I thoroughly enjoyed!!' However, commenters also found that the treatment Maggie receives in the show was not indicative of real challenges entwined with the UK healthcare system. One poster said the show gives a 'comforting but totally unrealistic depictions of how most people with bipolar disorder receive treatment ie wait for weeks for a GP appointment, wait for months to see a psychiatrist, get discharged, go back to GP etc'. 'I didn't feel mocked by the portrayal of bipolar in Big Mood last night which I worried I would be,' another added. 'What I do feel mocked by is the representation of psychiatry. 'I'm guessing it was a show of private health care. If only they showed the struggles of those accessing the NHS.' Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, can cause people to have extreme mood swings. The programme aired on Thursday - and social media users have taken to X to share their thoughts on mental health representation The show, stars Derry Girls star Nichola Coughlan as Maggie, a young woman struggling with bipolar disorder, while Lydia West (It's a Sin) plays her best friend Eddie Camilla Whitehill devised and wrote the new series, with Rebecca Asher - best known for her work on Dead To Me and Brooklyn Nine Nine - serving as director What is bipolar disorder and how is it managed? Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, can cause people to have extreme mood swings. It gives them episodes of depression - feeling very low and lethargic - and mania, feeling very high and overactive. Each extreme episode of the condition can last for several weeks, and some sufferers may not often experience a 'normal' mood. Treatment options for managing bipolar disorder include mood stabilisers or psychological treatment, such as talking therapy. Doing regular exercise and planning activities that give a sense of achievement are also recommended by the NHS. Bipolar disorder is believed to be caused by extreme stress, overwhelming problems and life-changing events as well as genetic and chemical factors. Advertisement It takes an average of nine-and-a-half years to be diagnosed with bipolar, which is characterised by periods of manic highs and depressive low moods. People with the condition are typically misdiagnosed three times before receiving the proper diagnosis, because the depressive symptoms are often mistaken for other mental health conditions: 40 per cent are wrongly told they have major depressive disorder (MDD), according to research. This can have devastating consequences because the treatment for bipolar and MDD are different. Bipolar requires a mood stabiliser, rather than antidepressants, and if people with bipolar are prescribed these, it might not work or could trigger a manic episode. It can be hard for doctors to differentiate between the conditions as the symptoms of depression and low mood in bipolar are very similar, and patients with bipolar tend to seek help when depressed and not during a manic episode. It gives them episodes of depression - feeling very low and lethargic - and mania, feeling very high and overactive. A synopsis for the show describes the characters as two people who have 'lived in each others pockets for ten years, through thick, thin, and multiple challenging eyebrow trends. 'But with the rest of their lives looming, careers hanging in the balance, and Maggies bipolar disorder making an unwelcome return to form, Eddie begins to question whether this friendship is really in their best interests. 'Its a pivotal point in both their lives, bringing to the surface those all-important questions could sleeping with your former History teacher be the key to happiness? Is a basement Rat Hotel a functional alternative to pest control? How do you stop your new psychiatrist giving you worry dolls? 'With their twenties behind them, Maggie and Eddies relationship faces the future can it survive?' Camilla Whitehill devised and wrote the new series, with Rebecca Asher - best known for her work on Dead To Me and Brooklyn Nine Nine - serving as director. It was produced by the Fremantle-backed Dancing Ledge Productions. 'Getting my own Channel 4 comedy still feels like some kind of long form prank, Punkd style,' Camilla admitted. 'But on the off chance it isnt, I am beside myself to be making this show with such an incredible team of people, a cast that Id be jealous of if it wasnt my cast, and for a channel thats produced some of my favourite shows of all time.' Laura Riseam, Channel 4s Commissioning Editor, added: 'Big Mood is an authentic portrayal of the passionate, reckless, and surreal tales of close friendship threatened by an all-consuming mental illness. 'Its outrageously daring, painfully funny and unreservedly poignant the type of comedy that firmly belongs on Channel 4. We are delighted to welcome Camilla and Dancing Ledge into the fold.' Queen Camilla wore a very rare brooch handed down to her from her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, to the Easter Sunday Service at St George's Chapel. The royal, 76, arrived at Windsor Castle wearing the brooch pinned to her black cape, which was stylishly draped over her shoulders. The dazzling accessory is made from emeralds, diamonds and sapphires and was handed down to her from Queen Elizabeth. But some of the brooches in the collection barely saw the light of day, with the late queen only showcasing them out in public a handful of times. This particular brooch is thought to be originally owned by Queen Mary of Teck, who was photographed wearing it in the early 1900's, according to royal fan account British Royal Jewels stated on Instagram. Camilla arrived at Windsor Castle wearing the brooch pinned to her black cape, which was stylishly draped over her shoulders Queen Elizabeth rarely wore the brooch out. Here she is pictured wearing it in 1997 at the Royal Windsor Horse Show The stylish brooch has sapphires, diamonds and emeralds encased in it It is believed that Queen Mary went on to wear it for several occasions, including in 1909, after the Royal Family was joined by Tsar Nicholas II and his family for the Cowes Regatta, Tatler reported. Less than a decade later in 1918, the Bolsheviks assassinated Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra and their five children, bringing the Russian monarchy to an end. The brooch paired well with Queen Camilla's emerald green ensemble that she wore to the annual Easter Mattins service on Sunday. She put on a show of sartorial solidarity with Sarah Ferguson and Princess Anne, as they all donned shades of traditional Easter green. The royal looked elegant in her elegant dress which she paired with a coordinating hat, black suede knee high boots and a classic Chanel clutch bag. Queen Camilla wore a number of brooches, with deep meanings behind them as she put on a brave face and undertook royal duties in the absence of Kate and Charles last week. Queen Mary of Teck is pictured in 1909 wearing the brooch during the regatta Elizabeth is pictured wearing the brooch, thought to be originally owned by Queen Mary of Teck, in 1997 Last Wednesday, she made a royal visit to Shrewsbury, where she donned a brooch that has otherwise never been seen in public before. Camilla was dressed in a brown leopard print blouse by Fiona Clare, a brown suede skirt and camel top stitch coat by Anna Valentine. She showcase two bumble bee brooches, one of her own and one belonging to mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. According to The Queens Jewels by Leslie Field, one of Elizabeth's first brooches was a diamond bee brooch set. Meghan Markle's mom Doria Ragland was seen posing up with Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles at a star-studded event hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The couple helped throw the exclusive bash in honor of The Kinsey African American Art and History Collection last month. On Tuesday, the Kinsley family shared snaps from the Los Angeles event, which showed a loved-up Harry and Meghan chatting with guests and enjoying the art. Among the 'array of industry leaders' in attendance were also Ragland, 67, and Knowles, 70, who were photographed with their arms around each other. Guests were treated to a private tour of the exhibit at Sofi Stadium at Hollywood Park, followed by a moderated conversation with the Bernard, Shirley and Khalil Kinsley moderated by Christine Messineo, Director of Frieze LA and NY. A-List Moms: Meghan Markle's mom Doria Ragland was seen posing up with Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles at a star-studded event hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Loved up: Harry and Meghan helped throw the exclusive bash in honor of The Kinsey African American Art and History Collection last month Chic: Meghan opted for a structured black outfit with green floral accents for the occasion Meghan opted for a chic, structured black outfit with green floral accents for the occasion, while Prince Harry donned a shirt and suit combo. The couple were photographed embracing fellow hosts Bernard and Shirley Kinsley. Another picture showed them beaming as they sat side by side during the talk on the history and significance of black art. While they were mingling, it appeared that Knowles and Ragland were becoming fast friends. The interaction sent fans of both the Duchess of Sussex and Beyonce wild as they praised the meeting the 'mothers of two iconic women'. 'Lovely that Beyonces mother came to support Duchess Meghan Markle and Prince Harry host a special event,' one X user wrote. 'The coolest Grandmothers committee. Like hello! Tina Knowles and Doria Ragland,' another added. While one person exclaimed: 'We got a picture of Doria Ragland and Tina Knowles, the mothers of mothers!' Hugs: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were photographed embracing fellow hosts Bernard and Shirley Kinsley. Mingling: Guests treated to a private tour of the exhibit at Sofi Stadium at Hollywood Park Old friends: Meghan and Beyonce's relationship dates back to the Cowboy Carter's Brits acceptance speech with husband Jay-Z in 2019 Ragland kept her look laidback in classic cream cardigan, while Knowles amped up the glam with a fitted black blazer and chunky belt. Meghan and Beyonce's relationship dates back to the Cowboy Carter's Brits acceptance speech with husband Jay-Z in 2019 when the couple namechecked the Duchess of Sussex. Since then, Meghan, her mom and Prince Harry have been spotted enjoying Beyonce's Renaissance tour in LA last year from a private box. The trio reunited for the evening, which was brought together through a partnership between Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation and The Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Foundation for Art and Education. The Kinsey African American Art and History Collection is one of the 'largest and most comprehensive private collections of African American art and historical artifacts in the world'. It spans from 1595 to present day including works by seminal artists including Jacob Lawrence, Alma Thomas, Ernie Barnes, Bisa Butler and many more. The award-winning collection is currently on view at the Holocaust Museum Houston through June 2024. Meghan Markle handed out signed Polaroids to youngsters during her visit to a Los Angeles children's hospital, newly released video shows. The Duchess of Sussex, 42, smiled warmly as she chatted with young patients and explained how the retro camera printing process works - when she made an appearance on March 21 - in clips shared by Extra TV on X. At one point, she could be heard telling one girl that 'what's so neat about' the image is that it was still developing as they watched it - and encouraged a boy to shake the film. The mother-of-two held onto a Sharpie - ready to autograph the snaps - and leaned down to talk with the children, as well as giving many of them hugs. In a royal-style visit in California, photos saw Meghan leading a 'Literally Healing' session. Meghan Markle handed out signed Polaroids to kids during her visit to a Los Angeles children's hospital, new photos show The former Suits star was seen showing off her acting skills while reading to kids. In photos of the visit released on Tuesday, shared online by the hospital, via ExtraTV, Meghan greeted the group of children as they meet to hear her read the stories, including Rosie Revere, Engineer, which she labelled as 'one of her favourites'. Meghan's acting roots were clearly paying off as she gestured and changed the sound of her voice to add more to the characters' quotes. The Duchess was effortlessly stylish in a floral ensemble. She added a touch of springtime joy to her outfit and donned a chic flowery $3,490 (2,776) Oscar De La Renta silk-chiffon landscape shirt dress with long cuffed sleeves and a sash belt. The outing marked the second occasion that Meghan has donned the piece, having previously worn the dress in photographs displayed in the Sussexes' Netflix docuseries in 2022, Harry & Meghan. For her recent engagement, she paired the outfit with a classic pair of 595 ($747) 'Love Affair' black pumps with a delicate strap from Italian brand Aquazzura - an item Meghan has sported on numerous occasions. Meghan wore her glossy brunette tresses loose and kept her make-up simple and understated to complement her lively ensemble. A touch of rosy pink blusher and a sweep of eyeliner across her eyelids was enough to enhance the mother-of-two's complexion. The Duchess of Sussex , 42, smiled warmly as she chatted with young patients and explained how the retro camera printing process works - when she made an appearance on March 21 In a royal-style visit in California ,photos saw the Duchess of Sussex leading a 'Literally Healing' session The Duchess added to her outfit with a pair of simple yet elegant chunky gold hoop earrings. Meghan, who is married to Prince Harry, has not returned to Britain since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. The Duchess of Sussex did not come back for King Charles's coronation in May 2023 which her husband attended alone. Harry and Meghan moved to California in June 2020, saying they wanted space to raise their first child Archie. Their daughter Lilibet was born in 2021. A statement about Meghan's visit to the children's hospital read: 'Children were laughing and singing as The Duchess turned into character with every page as she read patient favourite books like Rosie the Riveter, Pete the Cat and I Saw a Cat'. The mother-of-two held onto a Sharpie - ready to autograph the snaps - and leaned down to talk with the children, as well as giving many of them hugs Meghan's acting roots were clearly paying off as she gestured and changed the sound of her voice to add more to the characters' quotes It also isn't the first time that the Duchess has connected with kids through stories; she's authored a children's book, The Bench, and to mark Archie's first birthday in May 2020, the mother and son appeared in a clip where she read Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld. During her visit in March, Meghan also shared hugs with the children and staff, as well as taking photographs with them. 'With literacy development and fun in mind, the mother-of-two also helped kids with STEAM activities tied to each book that let patients explore counting, colours, problem solving and more,' a statement added. The Duchess is a children's book author after releasing The Bench, a story inspired by Archie's relationship with his father, Prince Harry. 'The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Fathers Day, the month after Archie was born,' Meghan said in the press release from publisher Random House Children's Books. 'That poem became this story.' The book was dedicated by Meghan to Harry and Archie: 'For the man and the boy who make my heart go pump-pump,' the dedication read. Children's Hospital Los Angeles' Literally Healing is a reading programme that gifts families at the hospital more than 65,000 books annually. Meghan's storytime was part of the Make March Matter campaign, an annual fundraiser at the hospital that aims to create hope and build healthier futures with the help of 'celebrities, business and the greater community'. More than $10million for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been raised by the campaign since 2016. Meghan isn't the first celebrity to visit the hospital to support patients, with Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jake Gyllenhaal providing the children with a special advanced screening of Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019. Meghan Markle made each child 'feel special' as she individually greeted them Meghan Markle used her 'acting skills' with a 'wonderful lack of inhibition' as she visited a Children's Hospital Los Angeles, according to body language expert Judi James. The Duchess of Sussex, 42, who lives in Montecito, appeared in great spirits as she joined children for a special storytime appearance on March 21, when she led a 'Literally Healing' workshop. Expert Judi James told MailOnline that the mother-of-two managed to make each child 'feel special' as she individually greeted them, while showcasing empathy as she engaged with the children. Judi said: 'She acted in the role of host to each one as they arrived, performing an individual form or greeting ritual that should have made each child feel special.' In footage of the visit, Meghan greeted the group of children as they met to hear her read stories, including Rosie Revere, Engineer, which she labels as 'one of my favourites'. Meghan Markle, 42, who lives in Montecito, used her 'acting skills' with a 'wonderful lack of inhibition' as she visited a Children's Hospital Los Angeles , according to body language expert Judi added: 'She could have sat while they were brought in but by coming out to greet them she made each one feel important while she took over authority for the room rather than looking like an invited guest from the outside.' Despite wear a face mask for the children's health and immunity which can 'create barriers to any bonding', Meghan still managed to offer 'engaging communication'. The expert said: 'Meghan produces a body language masterclass here that might actually have provided us all with a vital lesson in the skills of effective and engaging communication while wearing a mask during the time of Covid. 'The mask might have been necessary for the children's' health and immunity but hiding two-thirds of the face can sadly create barriers to any bonding and empathy with both adults and children. 'Meghan overcame these barriers though with several powerful techniques.' Gesturing and changing the sound of her voice to add more to the characters' quotes, Meghan's acting roots were clearly paying off. Judi said: 'Meghan clearly used her acting skills to deliver the stories with a wonderful lack of inhibition, making the mask almost "vanish" by compensating with exaggerated eye and eyebrow expressions; searching pauses where she eye-scanned to create involvement, and a soaring vocal tone as she read the lines. 'She managed to hold each book up open at eye-level so the children were reading along with her and she read from the side of the page, which can be tricky. 'She also used her left arm to act out the stories for added emphasis. She added: 'She used the technique of empathy, appearing to be reading at the same pace as the children and looking and sounding genuinely surprised when she turned each page. Expert Judi James told MailOnline that the mother-of-two managed to make each child 'feel special' as she individually greeted them, while showcasing empathy as she engaged with the children The Duchess of Sussex appeared in great spirits as she joined children for a special storytime appearance on March 21, when she led a 'Literally Healing' workshop In footage of the visit, Meghan greeted the group of children individually as they met to hear her read stories 'She increased her eye-engage during dramatic pauses to create listener engagement and we can see children's hands going up as their responses become more vocal. 'She joined in with the chant/song with matching enthusiasm and she even self-pointed at some stage to make herself look as enthralled by the story as the children were.' Meghan's stylish floral $3,490 (2,776) Oscar De La Renta silk-chiffon landscape shirt dress also helped the children engage, according to Judi. She said: 'Meghan's skirt was like a storybook illustration in itself. It was a useful 'intentional gesture' in terms of setting out the mood of the session and intriguing the children from the outset.' During her visit in March, Meghan also shared hugs with the children and staff, as well as taking photographs with them. 'Children were laughing and singing as The Duchess turned into character with every page as she read patient favourite books like Rosie the Riveter, Pete the Cat and I Saw a Cat', read a statement. It also isn't the first time that the Duchess has connected with kids through stories; she's authored a children's book, The Bench, and to mark Archie's first birthday in May 2020, the mother and son appeared in a clip where she read Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld. Despite wear a face mask for the children's health and immunity which can 'create barriers to any bonding', Meghan still managed to offer 'engaging communication' Gesturing and changing the sound of her voice to add more to the characters' quotes, Meghan's acting roots were clearly paying off Meghan joined in with the song while reading the book which matched the children's enthusiasm During her visit in March, Meghan also shared hugs with the children and staff, as well as taking photographs with them Meghan's stylish floral $3,490 (2,776) Oscar De La Renta silk-chiffon landscape shirt dress also helped the children engage, according to Judi The Duchess beamed alongside the children after she read a slew of stories at the Children's Hospital in LA 'With literacy development and fun in mind, the mother-of-two also helped kids with STEAM activities tied to each book that let patients explore counting, colours, problem solving and more,' a statement added. The Duchess is a children's book author after releasing The Bench, a story inspired by Archie's relationship with his father, Prince Harry. 'The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father's Day, the month after Archie was born,' Meghan said in the press release from publisher Random House Children's Books. 'That poem became this story.' Meghan poses for a group photograph during her visit last month to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Meghan's storytime was part of the Make March Matter campaign, an annual fundraiser at the hospital that aims to create hope and build healthier futures with the help of 'celebrities, business and the greater community' Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf on September 16, 2023 The book was dedicated by Meghan to Harry and Archie: 'For the man and the boy who make my heart go pump-pump,' the dedication read. Children's Hospital Los Angeles' Literally Healing is a reading programme that gifts families at the hospital more than 65,000 books annually. Meghan's storytime was part of the Make March Matter campaign, an annual fundraiser at the hospital that aims to create hope and build healthier futures with the help of 'celebrities, business and the greater community'. More than $10million for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been raised by the campaign since 2016. Meghan looked effortlessly stylish during her visit in the floral shirt dress with long cuffed sleeves and a sash belt. The outing marked the second occasion that Meghan has donned the piece, having previously worn the dress in photographs displayed in the Sussexes' Netflix docuseries in 2022, Harry & Meghan. For her recent engagement, she paired the outfit with a classic pair of 595 ($747) 'Love Affair' black pumps with a delicate strap from Italian brand Aquazzura - an item Meghan has sported on numerous occasions. Meghan wore her glossy brunette tresses loose and kept her make-up simple and understated to complement her lively ensemble. A touch of rosy pink blusher and a sweep of eyeliner across her eyelids was enough to enhance the mother-of-two's complexion. The Duchess added to her outfit with a pair of simple yet elegant chunky gold hoop earrings. However, some shoppers were left bitterly disappointed by what they found As the bank holiday weekend comes to an end, Britons need something to look forward to - and what better to raise our spirits than discounted chocolate? Social media has been flooded with tips, jokes, and memes, as bargain-hunters rush out to the shops in search of reduced Easter goodies. While some people struck gold and found eggs for as little as 35p, others were left bitterly disappointed after being met with empty shelves. One X user (previously Twitter), joked: 'Me waiting for shops to reduce their Easter eggs to 50p each,' with a second writing: 'It's discounted Easter egg day and I feel sick'. 'Happy discounted Easter egg day!' celebrated another, while someone else questioned: 'Alright, where are all my discounted easter egg hunters at? Where's the bargains at?' One user gushed: 'Small Easter eggs reduced to 60p in Asda (Max 6 per customer). Includes Buttons, Smarties, KitKat and Character eggs too!' And Morrisons seems to be a popular option, as another customer managed to spot larger versions of the gold bunny eggs which were slashed from from 12 to 1.25 Meanwhile, someone else posted into the group 'Feed your family for about 20 a week' that there are small eggs being flogged for 60p each in Asda - including Mini Eggs, Freddo, Milky Bar, and Caramel Nibbles One savvy shopper took to Facebook to announce they bagged a Lindt gold bunny egg in Morrisons for 35p, discounted from 3. They penned: 'Found these in Morrisons this morning for 35p each, 120g so a good size too.' And Morrisons seems to be a popular option, as another customer managed to spot larger versions of the gold bunny eggs which were slashed from from 12 to 1.25. Sharing their discovery in the Facebook group, Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, they revealed that they snapped up a whopping 16 of the chocolate goodies - but not everyone was happy about it. One commenter called her 'greedy' and another quipped: 'Why dont you leave it for other people - why have you got a buy 16?' Meanwhile, someone else posted into the group 'Feed your family for about 20 a week' that there are small eggs being flogged for 60p each in Asda - including Mini Eggs, Freddo, Milky Bar, and Caramel Nibbles. Another gushed: 'Small Easter eggs reduced to 60p in Asda (Max 6 per customer). Includes Buttons, Smarties, KitKat and Character eggs too!' One bargain fan announced: 'Easter Chocolate and Sweets reduced to clear at Aldi,' with an assortment of easter lollies, eggs, and snacks all with slashed prices. Social media has been flooded with tips, jokes, and memes, as bargain-hunters rush out to the shops in search of reduced Easter goodies According to the post, the Specially Selected Ruby & Raspberry Geometric egg and the Specially Selected Blonde & Feuilletine egg are both reduced to 1.75 from 3.49. Galaxy Truffle Mini Eggs are going for 59p a pop and Aldi's own brand mini chocolate eggs are priced at 49p per packet. Another shopper shared images of the Tesco reduced to clear eggs they stumbled across in Llandudno Junction, and insisted there is a 'national reduction where stock is left'. Five-packs of Creme Eggs are priced at 1.25, when they are usually 2.50 - Mini Eggs are 1.12 and the Lindor extra-large eggs are 7.50, down from 12. Someone else shared their haul of a Terry's Chocolate Orange egg and a KitKat Chunky egg that they snapped up from their local petrol station for 1 each, discounted from 5. However, this year a lot of chocolate fans were not happy with the selection, with some claiming they didn't manage to find anything that wasn't full price. One annoyed user wrote: 'Called at local Tesco on way to chip shop. Not a single reduced-price Easter egg. Not even a mini one. Nor any choc bunnies.' A second added: 'Went into Tesco to get reduced Easter eggs and they had NONE!!,' alongside crying emojis. According to the post, the Specially Selected Ruby & Raspberry Geometric egg and the Specially Selected Blonde & Feuilletine egg in Aldi are both reduced to 1.75 from 3.49 Galaxy Truffle Mini Eggs are going for 59p a pop and Aldi's own brand mini chocolate eggs are priced at 49p per packet Another shopper shared images of the Tesco reduced to clear eggs they stumbled across in Llandudno Junction, and insisted there is a 'national reduction where stock is left' Meanwhile, a third penned: 'I didn't buy any reduced Easter eggs. All the ones I saw today were still full price.' A fourth questioned: 'Where are all the easter eggs gone? Usually have lots left over and reduced after Easter but none in Sainsbury's or Tesco.' Others remarked: 'I am bitterly disappointed by the fact that the Easter eggs in Tesco are not at all reduced in price!' and 'Are reduced Easter Eggs still a thing?' It comes just after the news that Britain's biggest chocolate firms have secretly shrunk the nation's most popular Easter treats. Brands such as Cadbury, Galaxy, Mars, Twix, KitKat, Smarties, Yorkie, Terrys and Lindt are all involved. And in the latest example of shrinkflation, prices have not been cut to match the smaller size, while some have even gone up. Some of the products drawn into what amounts to the Great Easter Egg Robbery even include a number described as 'large' or 'family size'. For example, the large Mars milk chocolate egg is down from 252g to 201g, a reduction of 20 per cent, yet the price has remained the same at 3. The Twix milk chocolate Easter egg is down from 246g to 200g and the Galaxy Minstrels Easter Egg has been cut from 234g to 192g. Both are also made by Mars. New photos released this week of the Duchess of Sussex entertaining young patients at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) on March 21st with a storytime session show she picked a personal favourite for the occasion, after first reading the book in September at the Invictus Games. Echoing Queen Camilla's love of reading to youngsters, Meghan led a 'Literally Healing' session and top of the list was Rosie Revere, Engineer, a book by US author Andrea Beaty which Meghan, 42, was first spotted reading in September to the children of Invictus Games athletes in Dusseldorf. Beaty is known for writing books that encourage young girls to enjoy STEM subjects - Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and also wrote Ada Twist, Scientist, which was adapted by Netflix. Rosie Revere, Engineer was one of a series of books the Duchess spent reading out loud during the visit to the California hospital, which lies a 90-minute drive from the Montecito home Meghan shares with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two. Meghan Markle dropped by the Los Angeles Children's Hospital on March 21st, with photos of the 'literally healing' session appearing this week; the Duchess, 42, chose to read Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, which she also read at the Invictus Games in September In September, Meghan hosted a private children's reading session at the Invictus Game - and Rosie Revere, Engineer was among the stories she read 'Children were laughing and singing as The Duchess turned into character with every page as she read patient favourite books like Rosie the Riveter, Pete the Cat and I Saw a Cat', read an official statement on the visit. Photos and footage show Meghan also shared hugs with the children and staff, as well as taking photographs with them. Meghan's storytime was part of the Make March Matter campaign, an annual fundraiser at the hospital that aims to create hope and build healthier futures with the help of 'celebrities, business and the greater community' . The Literally Healing programme at CHLA sees more than 65,000 books given to families every year. 'With literacy development and fun in mind, the mother-of-two also helped kids with STEAM activities tied to each book that let patients explore counting, colours, problem solving and more,' the statement added, the A in STEAM standing for the Arts. The book Rosie Revere, Engineer is an illustrated tale of a girl and her dream to become a great engineer. The Duchess of Sussex visited the hospital on March 21, when she led a 'Literally Healing' session Meghan travelled 90 minutes from her Montecito home to Los Angeles to meet and read to patients The book Rosie Revere, Engineer is an illustrated tale of a girl and her dream to become a great engineer - author Andrea Beaty is known for encouraging girls to enjoy STEM subjects Its preview reads: 'Where some people see rubbish, Rosie Revere sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. 'Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats. Rosie's gizmos would astoundif she ever let anyone see them. 'Afraid of failure, she hides them away under her bed. 'Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose, who shows her that a first flop isn't something to fearit's something to celebrate.' The Duchess herself is a children's book author after releasing The Bench, a story inspired by Archie's relationship with his father, Prince Harry. Meghan's latest storytime session was part of the Make March Matter campaign, an annual fundraiser at the hospital that aims to create hope and build healthier futures with the help of 'celebrities, business and the greater community' During her visit, Meghan (pictured) also shared hugs with the children and staff, as well as taking photographs with them Meghan poses for a group photograph during her visit last month to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles For her outing, Meghan opted for an elegant floral ensemble and wore a mask, likely to help protect the children from any infections Meghan seen interacting with children during the Storytime session at the Children's Hospital 'Children were laughing and singing as The Duchess turned into character with every page as she read patient favourite books like Rosie the Riveter, Pete the Cat and I Saw a Cat', read a statement about the solo visit 'The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Fathers Day, the month after Archie was born,' Meghan said in the press release from publisher Random House Children's Books. 'That poem became this story.' The book was dedicated by Meghan to Harry and Archie: 'For the man and the boy who make my heart go pump-pump,' the dedication read. To mark Archie's first birthday in May 2020, the mother and son appeared in a clip where she read Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld. A top West end director has criticised trigger warnings on theatre productions and has warned anxious audience members to simply avoid plays so they won't be upset by potentially distressing content. Gregory Doran, director emeritus at the Royal Shakespeare Company and its former artistic director, commented on trigger warnings while addressing an audience at London South Bank University last week. He spoke with students in a Q&A session following a keynote lecture on Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus, during which someone asked him for his thoughts on trigger warnings. The Stage reports he revealed he 'hates' the audience warnings - reflecting sentiment expressed by Ralph Fiennes and Matt Smith earlier this year. He said: 'How do you do [content warnings] for Titus Andronicus? You just dont come. Dont come if you are worried, if you are anxious stay away.' Gregory Doran, who became artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2012 and held the position until 2022, has blasted trigger warnings for audiences The Shakespeare play in question features scenes of rape and violence as prisoners take revenge on the eponymous character, a Roman general, and target his children. In response, Titus kills two of the prisoners and cooks them in a pie, which he serves up to their mother before killing her too. Mr Doran became the artistic director at the Royal Shakespeare company in 2012, succeeding Michael Boyd. In 2022, he took on the role of director emeritus. During his lecture in which he spoke about his 1994 production of Titus Andronicus, he addressed the extreme violence that features in the play and its significance in today's 'violent world'. Doran's comments echo arguments made by Ralph Fiennes on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg last month Doran was addressing an audience in a lecture about Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus which features physical and sexual violence His comments about trigger warnings come after thespian Ralph Fiennes made a similar argument last month. Appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he suggested audiences have 'gone too soft' and argued some stage performances should leave viewers 'shocked and disturbed'. The 61-year-old Harry Potter star added that the element of surprise is 'what makes threatre so exciting'. 'I don't think you should be prepared for these things and when I was young we never had trigger warnings before a show,' he argued. The actor added that he would get rid of trigger warnings but would keep notifications about strobe lighting, and other props that could damage a person's health, in place. 'Shakespeare's plays are full of murder and full of horror, and as a young student and lover of the threatre I never experienced trigger warnings like oh by the way in King Lea Gloucester's going to have his eyes pulled out,' he said. 'Theatre needs to be alive and in the present. It's the shock, it's the unexpected, that's what makes the theatre so exciting.' The calls join a chorus of voices in the theatre industry, including Christopher Biggins and Sir Ian McKellen, who want trigger warnings to be scrapped. Last year, Sir McKellen blasted trigger warnings after he ridiculed the signs at his own play Frank and Percy at The Other Palace in London. A warning has been placed on the theatre's website saying the show contains strong language, sexual references and discussions of bereavement and cancer. The 84-year-old said: 'Outside theatres and in the lobbies, including this one, the audience is warned "there is a loud noise and at one point, there are flashing lights", "there is reference to smoking", "there is reference to bereavement".' He added: 'I think it's ludicrous, myself, yes, absolutely. I quite like to be surprised by loud noises and outrageous behaviour on stage.' Bosses of the London's world-renowned Globe threatre were slammed in 2022 after they provided warnings ahead of Shakespeare's centuries-old play Julies Ceasar. The Roman dictator was famously stabbed to death inside the halls of Rome's senate which is a scene that features in the modern production of Shakespeare's classic. But the Globe - which is on the site of the Bard's original playhouse - alerts the audience before performances that the show will contain 'stage blood and weapons including knives.' It warned: 'Content guidance: Depictions of war, self-harm and suicide, stage blood and weapons including knives.' Actor Christopher Biggins blasted the theatre: 'Do we have to have signs for everything under the sun. It's a joke. What they are trying to do is insulting to the mentality of theatre-goers.' Queen Letizia cut an elegant figure as she joined her husband King Felipe VI at an arts award ceremony in Cadiz. The European monarch looked bright and breezy in a pink summer dress as she attended the awards to present the Gold Medal of Merit In Fine Arts 2022 on Wednesday. The mother-of-two donned a stylish ruched pink and white floral gown from Spanish brand Lady Pipa, in colour 'Terrazzo Rose, which currently retails online for 110. It's not the first time the royal sported the look, wearing the same ensemble for a luncheon celebrating the 'Miguel de Cervantes' Literature Prize last year. The 51-year-old completed today's outfit with a white clutch bag and accessorised with chic pearl earrings. Queen Letizia cut an elegant figure as she joined husband King Felipe VI at an arts award ceremony in Cadiz on Wednesday King Felipe VI looked typically sharp in a grey pinstripe suit, adding a pink tie to match his wife's ensemble. Letizia's newly bobbed hair looked glossy and sleek as she styled it into bouncy curls and her glamorous makeup featured a smokey eye. Inside, the royal couple awarded the the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts to the winners. The honour has been awarded by the Ministry of Culture of Spain each year since 1995 to individuals or institutions excelling in art or culture. A range of artists - from musicians to dramatists, gallery owners and clowns - have received this recognition previously to mark their outstanding work in the field. Those who have encouraged the dissemination and conservation of art and culture have also been celebrated. It comes after Letizia attended the Discapnet Awards, in Madrid last week, teaming her green shirt with a pair of matching heels and white bootcut trousers. Now in their seventh year, the Discapnet Awards honour ICT-based initiatives that make technology more accessible to disabled people. The Spanish monarch looked bright and breezy in a pink summer dress as she attended the awards to present the Gold Medal of Merit In Fine Arts The mother-of-two donned a stylish ruched pink and white floral gown which she paired with electric pink heels It's not the first time the royal sported the look, wearing the same ensemble for a luncheon celebrating the 'Miguel de Cervantes' Literature Prize last year (right) Four prizes of5,000 are on offer for categories such as 'Best-ICT based product or service' and media outlets who are helping inform people about the support available to them. It's no doubt of interest to Letizia as a former journalist who worked as a news anchor at CNN+ before meeting King Felipe. It comes after Letizia's daughter Crown Princess Leonor of Spain had a royal inspection from her father this week. King Felipe visited the future queen, 18, and her classmates at the military training centre in Zaragoza. Leonor put on her best camo as she joined the maneuvers carried out by the students of the General Military Academy at San Gregorio National Training Centre. The Spanish King, who also donned the army uniform as the Commander-in-chief of all the Spanish armies Land, Navy and Air Force, shook his daughter's hand as she stood among other military trainees. Letizia 's newly bobbed hair looked glossy and sleek as she styled it into bouncy curls and her glamorous makeup featured a smokey eye King Felipe VI looked typically sharp in a grey pinstripe suit, adding a pink tie to match his wife's ensemble When inside, the royal couple awarded the the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts to the winners King Felipe and Letizia during the delivery of gold medals for merit in the fine arts 2022 in Cadiz The royals later sat next to each other as they enjoyed lunch with the military students at the national training centre. The Princess, who turned 18 in October last year, has been making solo appearances and training at the Military Academy to ensure she's ready for her future in the monarchy. The royal was pictured wearing a helmet and camouflage gear she carried out lessons with the group. Ruling partys tax cut pledges to worsen tax revenue shortfall By Yi Whan-woo The ruling People Power Party (PPP) is pledging to lower taxes to woo voters in the lead-up to the April 10 general elections, but whether such pledges are viable remains doubtful as the government is struggling with a record shortfall in tax revenue. PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon has promised to halve the value-added tax rate to 5 percent from 10 percent for daily necessities, including instant rice, noodles, canned foods and diapers, to ease the burden on households due to the high cost of living. He also promised to drastically soften tax rules for microbusiness owners to exempt an increasing number of them from paying relatively high taxes on their sales. The government approved a reform measure in February to hike the threshold from 80 million won ($59,000) to 140 million won for levying taxes for annual sales made by microbusiness owners. Those below the threshold are subject to between 1.5 and 4 percent tax rates, while others are subject to a 10 percent tax rate. Under the circumstances, Han pledges to hike the threshold again from 140 million won to 200 million won. "I must say Han's pledges may end up as empty, sugar-coated promises, because fulfilling promises means the government's shortfall in tax revenue will get worse," Myongji University political science professor Shin Yul said. He pointed out that tax revenue fell 51.9 trillion won in 2023 from a year earlier due mainly to weak corporate activities and the property market slump. The government collected 344.1 trillion won in taxes in 2023, down from 395.9 trillion won a year earlier. The amount collected last year was 56.4 trillion won less than the Ministry of Economy and Finance's forecast in its 2023 budget planning. Such a shortfall is a record high for any administration. Of the entire amount of revenue, value-added tax accounts for more than 20 percent. It is also one of the three sources of the government's tax income along with corporate tax and personal income tax. Choi Gi-ho, an economics professor at the University of Seoul, expressed concerns that lowering the value-added tax rate may "further deepen the shortage of tax revenue." Concerning Han's push to ease tax rules for microbusiness owners, Choi cited the finance ministry's study that estimated value-added tax will decrease by about 400 billion won if the relevant threshold was hiked from 80 million won to 140 million won. "The reduced amount will be much larger if the threshold is raised to 200 million won," the professor said. The professor said that, instead of easing tax rules, providing vouchers and cash-like coupons for those in the bottom income bracket could be more effective in improving their livelihoods. Meanwhile, the finance ministry said it is aware of Han's pledges concerning tax cuts, adding, "We received relevant requests from him." It said whether it will accept Han's request will be decided after "thoroughly going over the impact on the public's finances." A campaigner who watched her stepfather murder her mother when she was just 14 years old has recalled the chilling moment he looked her in the eye and walked away after committing the brutal crime. Georgia Gabriel-Hooper, now 20, recalled following her abusive stepfather Andrew 'Jack' Hooper after he shot her mother Cheryl in the driver's seat of her car to ask him: 'Why?' Speaking on Sian Williams's Life Changing podcast on BBC Sounds, Georgia, who was born and raised in Shropshire, said she went into 'autopilot' after seeing her mother shot in the arm and the neck while she stood in front of her, powerless to stop her abusive stepfather. The 20-year-old said she remained oddly calm after witnessing the bloodshed and wanted answers for her mother, which compelled her to follow Jack back to his car and stand in front of the bonnet. As Jack serves a life sentence with a minimum of 31 years for Cheryl's murder, Georgia has reflected on how her stepfather's behaviour escalated in the months before he carried out the fatal attack. Georgia Gabriel-Hooper, now 20, has recalled the moment she watched her mother Cheryl die when she was shot by her abusive ex in her car Describing her mother, Georgia said she 'couldn't say no' to people and was 'known for her smile'. 'My parents got divorced when I was two, so from being quite young I was very much with my mum,' she told the podcast. When she was seven years old, Georgia was introduced to her mother's new partner Jack - a 'very charming' man at first. A farm owner, Jack would allow Georgia to help him feed his cattle. 'He was fantastic when I first met him,' she said. However, as time went on and Jack 'worked his way into [Cheryl's] head', Georgia revealed her once wonderful stepfather 'changed very drastically'. She recalled how her mother and stepfather argued frequently as his behaviour began to resemble coercive control. Cheryl Hooper, 51, was murdered in January 2018 after she separated from her violent and controlling ex-husband After Cheryl's death, Georgia vowed to testify against her stepfather in court to ensure justice was served Andrew 'Jack' Hooper was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 31 years after being found guilty of murdering Cheryl One of his favourite tactics to maintain control, Georgia said, was to give his partner the silent treatment. 'He would play mind games by not telling you why he was upset. He just went very quiet,' she said. Georgia recalled watching her mother approach Jack for affection, but he would refuse to look her in the eye. 'It left you thinking, 'what have I done'? It eats away at you,' she recalled. As Jack's behaviour continued to become more controlling, Cheryl became more trapped, leading her family to worry for her wellbeing. On Cheryl and Jack's wedding day in 2016, a 13-year-old Georgia pulled her mother aside and asked her if she was sure she wanted to walk down the aisle. Georgia revealed: 'On the wedding morning I said, 'please make sure this is the right decision because we will all stand by you if you don't want to do this'.' Cheryl chose to marry Jack despite warnings from the family, but Georgia believes her mother felt 'duty bound' to go through with the wedding. Cheryl Gabriel-Hooper (left), 51, was shot twice with a double-barreled shotgun by her estranged husband Andrew Hooper (right) in front of her 14-year-old daughter Georgia in January 2018 She added: 'He'd filled her head with so many promises and it was just a very very difficult situation.' However after the wedding, Jack's controlling behaviour worsened quickly. Georgia recalled being disciplined harshly both by Jack and Cheryl - as Cheryl became so frightened of her husband that she told off her daughter to keep her in line in case he lost his temper. 'I was used as a pawn,' she recalled. 'I would only have to breathe wrong.' She said she grew to 'resent' her mother for the way she was treated, adding that they had 'a lot of arguments' - although it was clear that Cheryl was acting out of fear. Things came to a head in December of 2017 when Cheryl met a friend for a drink - something she hardly ever did as Jack continued to isolate her. Although the meeting had been completely innocent, Jack became convinced his wife had cheated on him and, in a drunken rage, became violent. She recalled Jack coming home from the pub and instantly becoming aggressive as he walked into the house. 'He grabbed the television wrenched it out of the wall and smashed it on the floor,' she said. Georgia, who was sitting upstairs in her bedroom at the time, then heard her stepfather take his shotgun out of the cabinet, take it apart and reassemble it. In a fit of rage, he then accused Cheryl of having an affair before telling her he wanted a divorce. 'I ran straight to my mum when he left the house and I can safely say I have never seen my mum so petrified,' Georgia recalled. That night, after Jack stormed out, a terrified Cheryl and Georgia packed their bags and left, moving into Cheryl's parents' home for safety. However, the pair lived in fear for the next month as Jack became erratic and switched between making threats to Cheryl and begging her to come back to him. He also put a tracking device on her car to keep an eye on her, which had tragic consequences. One night in January 2018, Cheryl was out at the pub with friends when Jack, who had been tracking her, turned up to confront her. At the time, Georgia was at Cheryl's friend's house for the evening, but the concerned mother soon left the pub to go and pick up her daughter in a bid to get away from her abusive ex. After picking up Georgia, Cheryl drove back to her parents' house to safety - but as they pulled into the driveway, they realised Jack had followed them home and he had blocked them in. She recalled the horrifying moment he stepped out of his car and walked up to their vehicle before he started banging on the door. In a bid to protect her mother, Georgia got out of the passenger seat and tried to call the police - but she was too panicked to be able to unlock her phone. 'I wasn't quick enough,' she said - although she acknowledged she could not have prevented what happened next. As she reached the front of the car and her view became clearer, Georgia realised Jack was carrying a shotgun. 'I heard the glass shatter... looked up , and that was when I realised he had a gun and he had shot her with the first shot. 'Mum was looking at him and he leant over a bit further and shot her in the neck right in front of me.' After witnessing such a brutal attack before her eyes, Georgia said she 'froze' and 'went into shock'. 'He looked at me and turned on his heel and walked back to his truck,' she recalled, before adding she then 'chased after him' - something she knows people would say was a 'crazy' thing to do. 'I just kept saying to him: 'Why?'' she recalled. But she didn't receive an answer, and as she banged on the bonnet of his truck, she realised she needed to jump out of the way in case he ran her over. Jack drove off and took the murder weapon with him, leaving Georgia in silence as she walked back to the car to try and find signs of life. 'I can just remember the silence,' she said. 'I patted on her leg and said: 'If you can hear me, you need to let me know'.' Soon a neighbour came out and ushered her inside while they called the police. It was at this point Georgia recalls becoming 'hysterical' as it dawned on her that her mother was dead. After fleeing the scene, Jack returned to his farm with the shotgun, which was an antique he had taken from his parents' home, and attempted to kill himself with it. However his attempt was unsuccessful and when armed police arrived at his home an hour after he killed Cheryl, they found him alive but with a substantial wound to his face. As Georgia waited for her stepfather's day in court, she struggled severely with her mental health and had to have her school timetable changed because she wasn't sleeping. However, while Jack fought for his life after shooting himself, she willed him to make a full recovery so she could face him in court and testify against him. 'I wanted to see him put away for a long time because I knew that I was a star witness,' she said, adding: 'I wanted to be an advocate for my mum.' As she battled with grief, she also experienced extreme guilt as she believed she had 'let [her] mum die' when she did not act faster to get out of the car. However, she has now worked through the negative feelings and knows it's not her fault. Hooper, had already been convicted of previous domestic abuse offences before he met her mother. But Cheryl never knew this when the relationship began. Georgia spoke to MailOnline back in December 2020, saying: 'I wish there could have been a domestic abuse register when my mum was alive. 'My stepdad had a history of domestic abuse before even meeting my mum so if there had been a register, it could have prevented her from entering into a relationship with him. 'A register would save lives because it would potentially stop someone from entering a relationship with an abusive partner,' Georgia added at the time. 'A lot of abusers turn into serial abusers, attacking every woman they go out with. It's rarely an isolated incident so we need that register to keep women safe. 'Something needs to be done. We have a sex offenders register, so why don't we have a domestic abuse register?' As she now campaigns for domestic abuse awareness, Georgia wants to see children educated about what abuse within the home can look like - as she believes a key turning point in her situation came when she mentioned her stepfather's behaviour to a teacher, who in turn alerted the authorities. Six years on from her mother's murder, Georgia discussed how grief still blights her today, striking at unexpected times - but she added the last year has been especially difficult. 'I feel like she's slipping through my fingers a little bit.. with every year that passes she feels further and further away,' she said. However, Georgia insists she will not be controlled by fear and has started a new tradition on the anniversary of Cheryl's murder - going clay pigeon shooting,. 'I've never let myself get scared of shotguns, she said, adding that she tackled the fear 'head-on'. As for the future, her goals in life are simple: To live a happy life and have a relationship that 'isn't dangerous'. Queen Mary of Denmark looked typically stylish today as she attended the Freedom Museum in Copenhagen, amid rumours that she dropped out of a planned trip with her husband Prince Frederik. The Australian-born royal, 52, donned an elegant long trench coat which she tied at the waist as she headed out to the Museum to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the National Guard. The outing comes amid speculation that Mary may have spent the Easter break away from Prince Frederik as their flag remained raised over their mansion in Amalienborg Castle - meaning at least Frederik, Mary or their son Crown Prince Christian was in attendance. The family often travel for Easter, with the palace telling Danish publication Her&Nul last week that Queen Margrethe, 83, will act as head of state as the whole family travel out of the country. However, it seems a last minute change took place, with Mary possibly staying behind in Copenhagen. Queen Mary, 52, donned an elegant long trench coat which she tied at the waist to show off her slender sophiscated figure The newly-knighted Queen paired her outfit with a fashionable wide-brimmed hat and blue leather gloves She made at speech at the significant event in Copenhagen Mary walked along the field and greeted personnel as they celebrated the 75th anniversary of the National Guard This has further heightened rumours over the state of the couple's marriage, after Frederik was pictured with glamorous Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova. Today, Mary attended the event alone. The Queen paired this with a fashionable wide-brimmed hat and blue leather gloves. Putting her best fashion foot forward, Mary opted to pair the outfit with heeled tawny leather boots. The mother-of-two wore her brunette tresses down in a curly blow-dry and opted for glamorous makeup with smoky eye shadow and pink gloss. Mary looked in high spirits as she gave a speech at the significant event and presented guards with medals for their service to the role. Mary looked in high spirits as she gave a speech at the significant event and presented guards with medals for their service to the role Mary looked sharp and put her best fashion foot forward as she attended the event Mary's visit today was also tinged with sadness. According to Danish newspaper, Billed Bladet, aHome Guard soldier died from a cardiac arrest while on duty the night before Mary's visit. Today, she took to the podium to address military personnel and pay tribute to the fallen soldier. 'For 75 years, the Home Guard has created security and safety for the Danes. 'It is a day we want to celebrate, but before I go any further, I would also like to express my deepest sympathies to those bereaved by last night's tragic death,' she said. Mary is pictured sat with personnel at the event, who she handed out medals to Mary donned an all-navy blue ensemble as she stepped out without her family She opted to wear her brunette tresses in a curly blow dry and wore glamorous makeup It's been a troublesome few years for the Danish royals including 'affair' rumours and a rift over title changes, the family has entered a new chapter following the accession of King Frederik X to the throne in January. As royal fans were sent into a frenzy over the mystery of Mary staying behind, many revisited King Frederik's night out with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova in Madrid last autumn which sparked rumours of an 'affair' around the world. Genoveva was spotted out with King Frederik last November as the pair enjoyed dinner at a flamenco restaurant in Madrid until the early hours of the morning, Spanish magazine Lecturas reported. Photos of the pair out in the Spanish capital city sparked rumours of an affair, which Genoveva strenuously denied in a legal letter posted on Instagram. The popular couple have worked hard to ignore affair rumours - which did slow once Frederik was named King The flag indicates when there is a working royal at home - meaning the King, Queen or Crown Prince were inside throughout the holiday season After posting the denial, Genoveva sought solace in San Sebastian where the family of her ex-husband Cayetano Martinez de Irujo owned a property. Spanish magazine Hola! reported the socialite stayed at the Palace of Arbaizenea, a property once owned by the Duchess of Alba and bequeathed to her son Cayetano Martinez de Irujo. The magazine reported Genoveva heads to San Sebastian any time she needs to 'disconnect' from public life. However last month, after several months off of social media, Genoveva made her return to public life with a new post on her Instagram page - including two selfies with her fluffy pooch.he reality TV star and the King enjoyed included a stroll in a park, going to an art exhibition and a meal while watching flamenco. In a legal letter posted on Instagram, she slammed the 'malicious' rumours suggesting the pair were romantically involved. The pair have only held the title of King and Queen since Queen Margrethe abdicated on 31 December. This prompted speculation that Queen Margrethe's abdication may have been driven to save the marriage of her son and Princess Mary in the wake of the alleged 'affair'. Royal commentator Phil Dampier told The Telegraph: 'It's possible that the Queen took this action because she would have been terrified of the marriage breaking up and the royal family losing Mary. 'It would have caused major problems. 'The Queen has always seen Mary as a tremendous asset.' Rachael Stirling, the daughter of Dame Diana Rigg, says her mother, who campaigned for legalising assisted dying in the UK, would be 'proud' of the proposed changes to Scottish law this week to allow it. The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Patients (Scotland) Bill, lodged at Holyrood on March 27th, want adults with an incurable illness to be able to seek a lethal dose of drugs from their GP. Before her own death from cancer in 2020, James Bond actress and Game of Thrones star Dame Diana Rigg made an impassioned plea for assisted dying to be legalised. And in December, Stirling, 46, wrote an article for The Observer that included a statement from Rigg discussing her declining health before her death, saying: 'They don't talk about how awful, how truly awful the details of this condition are, and the ignominy that is attached to it.' Stirling said her mother had pleaded with her to 'push [her] over the edge' just one day before she died. Appearing on Woman's Hour this week, actress Rachael Stirling, the daughter of Dame Diana Rigg, who died of cancer at the age of 82 in 2020, said her mother would 'be proud' that Scotland is considering a right to die law The actress, who's married to Elbow frontman Guy Garvey, said she loved spending the final months of her mother's life with her, but Dame Diana's wishes should have come first and foremost Speaking on Woman's Hour this week, an emotional Stirling said her mother would have been 'really proud' of the Scottish Bill, and her impact on 'starting a national conversation'. Through tears, she told host Emma Barnett, who's in her final week at the helm of the Radio 4 show, about the two months before her mother died. She said: 'For an incredibly powerful, intelligent woman, it was pretty tough and we faced it, she faced it. We faced it with fortitude and laughter and joy and Camparis.' Stirling, who's married to Elbow frontman Guy Garvey, said Dame Diana moved in with her and that the pair 'sort of became one and the same person'. Mother and daughter pictured in 2014; Dame Diana shot to fame in the 1960s for her role in The Avengers The star in her younger years; Dame Diana became a vocal advocate for assisted dying laws to change even after her death, with Stirling releasing a statement on the subject in The Observer in 2023 She explained that while she wanted her mother to have agency over her death, it wasn't a straightforward issue. She said: 'I mean one has to acknowledge the other side of it is: would I not have those two months when I was caring for her? 'Obviously her wishes are first and foremost but I loved having her for those two months. 'I was a proper carer, giver of meds, giver of everything. I gave her the best of an ending that it was possible to give.' It is currently illegal in the UK to assist someone's death and MPs have consistently voted against any change in the law, but assisted dying is currently the subject of a Parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee inquiry. The new Bill proposed this week in Scotland says people should have personal autonomy on their medical care and be able to choose safe and compassionate assisted dying rather than face the potential of a prolonged, painful and traumatic death. Rigg said before her death that it was time there was more debate and a shift in the law to help people who want a choice in the matter. The Avengers star recorded a statement in her final weeks calling for individuals to be given 'true agency over their bodies at the end of life' 'This means giving human beings true agency over their own bodies at the end of life,' she added. Rigg also revealed details of how she had been given just six months left to live and had lost control of her bowels - something she describes as 'dehumanising'. She also spoke about how palliative nurses will acknowledge that some individuals in her situation will starve themselves towards the end. 'It's not that they want to die that way. It's how they take control,' she explained. Rigg, pictured with co-star Patrick McNee in The Avengers, said in the recording that it was time there was a shift in the law to help people who want a choice on assisted dying Rigg's daughter had promised she would make her mother's comments public to further the debate on assisted dying. The late Avengers star is the latest of several well-known personalities who support a change in the law, including Esther Rantzen and Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith. The Scottish bill has been backed by Dame Esther Rantzen, who joined Swiss-based euthanasia clinic Dignitas last year after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Leith too, 84, has publicly spoken about her experience of watching her brother David's 'horrific' death more than a decade ago. She said although her brother had bone cancer, he 'finally died of pneumonia because the only way he could kill himself was to stop taking antibiotics, which they gave him because he kept getting pneumonia'. Rigg, who died in 2020, spent her last months 'joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and a deep pride in her profession,' her family said One of Rigg's last roles saw the iconic actress as Mrs Pumphrey in All Creatures Great and Small She added: 'That meant he died a really horrible death because dying of pneumonia is like drowning. That was horrific.' Leith, who is patron of campaign group Dignity in Dying, recalled how her brother was given morphine every four hours, but the pain relief only lasted for three hours. As a result, she said, he was 'crying out, screaming, in absolute agony' for hours each day. Watching him suffer made her question why those who are dying are not able to die on their own terms, she said. Mr Leith died in 2012, aged 74. Support: Dame Esther Rantzen is backing the Bill at Holyrood Critics, however, have condemned the potential Scottish legislation as dangerous and warned it will normalise suicide. MSPs are expected to be given a free vote on the issue, with the Bill likely to face its first Holyrood test later this year before a final vote is held at some point in 2025. Those who have said they do not support the law include First Minister Humza Yousaf and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur, who introduced the legislation as a Private Members Bill, said: This Bill contains robust safeguards similar to those successfully introduced in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States, where they continue to enjoy strong public support. Our current laws on assisted dying are failing too many terminally ill Scots at the end of life. Too often, and despite the best efforts of palliative care, dying people are facing traumatic deaths that harm both them and those they leave behind. Polling has consistently shown overwhelming public support for assisted dying, and now I believe politicians are catching up with where the public has been for some time. In the effervescent world of sparkling wines, one style is finally having its moment and its only taken a few centuries. Cremant is a type of sparkling wine thats crafted using the same in-depth, traditional method of winemaking used in champagne and in some cases the same grapes though its typically aged for less time. Strict rules mean that only wine produced in the Champagne region can carry the famous moniker, yet some cremant vineyards sit right on Champagnes doorstep. Cremant gets its name from the French word creme, meaning creamy. Its a wine term that was officially recognised in France back in 1975, though wines have been made in this style all over the country since the very beginning of the early 19th century - and before that in some places. Since the rise of prosecco, which did a fabulous job of democratising sparkling wine, discerning drinkers have turned away from these sweet Italian bubbles and looked to a drier, more complex style of sparkling wine that tastes more like champagne but without the premium price tag - the kind that can be popped mid-week rather than awaiting a big celebration. Cremant is a type of sparkling wine thats finally having its moment - as sales in Waitrose rise by half (file image) If youre looking to pop a bottle of budget fizz that still carries the sophistication of champagne, here are six cracking cremants to try (file image) Cremant has quietly stepped in to fill the gap (and the glasses) of those looking for quality, complexity - and superb value for money. For while a bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut NV will set you back 42.99, a bottle of Cremant dAlsace is available for just 13.99. Its no wonder that French drinkers have been trying to keep this secret to themselves. It also makes you feel rather sophisticated and in the know to say cremant out loud and who doesnt love that?! So its perhaps no surprise that while champagne sales are down, Waitrose is reporting that over the past three months sales of cremant are up by 51 per cent compared with the same period last year. Its now overtaken sales of Spanish budget fizz Cava. Traditional method wines such as cremant and champagne are extremely time-consuming to make as the bubbles are formed within the single glass bottles themselves during their secondary fermentation, rather than in large tanks like prosecco. They then need to undergo a minimum amount of ageing before they can be released. This method is what gives the fizz its classic, toasty, brioche notes, so its not just all about primary fruit flavours. Some are aged for a short time and some for a long time, and the flavour profile and the price will often reflect this. Cremant is cheaper than champers because the nine regions in France and Luxembourg where its made dont carry the same cachet for sparkling wines and theres much more produced. While most of them might not reach the heady heights of certain champagne brands, many of them arent far off! Theres so much cremant to explore from across France and it can be made in rose and demi-sec (slightly sweet) styles, too, so theres something for everyone. The nine regions to seek out for cremant wines are Alsace, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Limoux, Jura, Savoie, Luxembourg and a Rhone-style called Cremant de Die. So, if youre looking to pop a bottle of budget fizz that still carries the sophistication of champagne, here are six cracking cremants to try... Simonnet Febvre Brut Cremant De Bourgogne Simonnet Febvre Brut Cremant De Bourgogne 15, Tesco Cremant from Burgundy, in my opinion, is the style thats closest to champagne, partly because its often just made with chardonnay one of the champagne grapes though theres an extra splash of fruitiness. Enjoy drinking alone, or with salmon blinis. 3/5 Morrisons The Best Cremant De Limoux Morrisons The Best Cremant De Limoux 12.50, Morrisons Limoux is one of the oldest regions for sparkling and predates champagne! These southern French belles have fabulous, concentrated fruit with melon and citrus flavours that can handle heavier, poultry dishes. 4/5 Prince Alexandre Cremant de Loire Prince Alexandre Cremant de Loire 10.49, Waitrose For those looking for higher, tart acidity with a touch of honey on the nose, Cremant de Loire, which often has a fair whack of the local chenin blanc grape, offers this in spades. A foodie cremant that can handle creamy dishes extremely well. 3/5 Louis Vallon Cremant De Bordeaux Blanc De Noirs Louis Vallon Cremant De Bordeaux Blanc De Noirs On offer at 13, Sainsburys This cracking Bordeaux cremant looks as classy on the outside as it tastes. Made only with black grapes, which in this case are cabernet franc and merlot, this is a style with a pink tinge and tangy texture with notes of red apple skin, brioche and almonds. Try it with meat! 5/5 Marcel Cabelier Cremant du Jura Brut Marcel Cabelier Cremant du Jura Brut 11.99 mix 6 price, Majestic Jura cremant, while often made with chardonnay like in champagne, can offer a lovely, quirky point of difference when local savagnin and poulsard grapes are added. Light and frothy, these work well as aperitif wines. 3/5 Arthur Metz Cremant dAlsace Organic Brut Arthur Metz Cremant dAlsace Organic Brut On offer at 12, Ocado Alsace cremant can use pinot blanc, pinot gris and riesling grapes alongside the champagne grapes pinot noir and chardonnay giving the wine a delicious, creamy softness. Perfect with cheesy canapes. 4/5 Beauty lovers are obsessed with a brand new $6 Kmart makeup buy that's 'identical' to a high-end counterpart from Drunk Elephant that costs more than ten times as much. The discount retailer has come out with new bronzers and blushes - and eagle-eyed shoppers were quick to point out its resemblance to Drunk Elephant's popular D-Bronzi drops. While Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops are an eye-watering $65 for 30ml - OXX's buy is only $6 for the same amount. Sydney makeup artist Ashlee Day recently came across the budget buys at Kmart and decided to test them out, only to find that she much preferred the $6 bronzer. 'I'm being dead serious - I'd pick the Kmart version over Drunk Elephant,' she said. Sydney makeup artist Ashlee Day came across the budget beauty buys at Kmart Ashley mixed a few drops of both products in with her daily moisturiser and rubbed it into her face in a video. 'I really like using Drunk Elephant's formula with a moisturiser because it's a bit too much on its own. Mixing it adds a nice subtle glow to the skin and evens out your skin tone,' she said. 'Kmart's is way more liquidy - I only used a tiny bit of the Kmart one and it looks literally the same. 'It blended beautifully - it's more pigmented so you are getting a lot more bang for your buck.' Ashlee finished her makeup routine and was stunned by the results. 'It's $6, it looks phenomenal, it's done a great job evening out my skin tone,' she said. 'I love the Drunk Elephant under foundation - but it's too light if you actually want to use it for bronzing on top of your makeup,' she said, which is why she'd pick Kmart's version from now. While Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops is $65 for 30ml - OXX's buy is only $6 Many shoppers in the comments shared their thoughts on the dupes. 'OXX is so hit or miss - original black package foundation and concealer is trash, however the contour and blush $4 sticks are so creamy and are amazing,' one said. 'Most of my make up collection is now Kmart, did a rushed look in the car about, 10 min job, stayed on for 15 and a half hours before I washed it off,' another shared. A third added, 'I really like OXX stuff - it is cheap and works well.' 'I love this! Looks like Kmart outdid other dupes,' a woman added. The popular fast-food chain has rereleased the Mac Jr. and Grand Mac burgers, along with a brand new side of onion rings served with Big Mac Special Sauce. The fan-favourite range is now available for a limited time and can be purchased in all restaurants and Drive-Thru locations, as well as via the MyMaccas app. Foodies know the classic Big Mac features two 100 per cent Australian beef patties, lettuce, cheese, onions, pickles, Big Mac sauce, and sesame seed buns. Boasting all the flavours of the traditional Big Mac, the Mac Jr is a smaller, single-patty variation, while the Grand Mac lives up to its title, offering up to 61 per cent more Australian beef than the Big Mac classic. McDonald's is bringing back its classic 'Mac Family' burgers in Australia The Mac Family was last launched to rave reviews in 2021 for the chain's 50th anniversary in Australia. Foodies have recently been rushing to their nearest Macca's locations after the chain brought back the cult favourite Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramello McFlurry - and now they have the perfect burger to pair with it. Australia's McDonald's has been celebrated for its diverse menu - with even top British food reviews begging the UK to 'up their game' when it comes to late-night menus. 'The Big Mac is a true global icon and one of our most popular menu items,' said Samantha McLeod, Marketing Director for McDonald's Australia. 'Featuring layers of tasty goodness, a unique balance of savoury, meaty and tangy flavours plus the iconic Special Sauce, the Big Mac is instantly recognisable, forever memorable, often imitated, but never quite replicated.' The pair were both wearing a pair of 'industry secret' Birkenstocks Nigella Lawson was snapped visiting one of Australia's best seafood restaurants alongside its head chef Josh Niland - but one small detail had fans talking. The celebrity chef dined at the two-hatted Petermen seafood restaurant in St Leonards on Sydney's North Shore and wore the exact same pair of shoes as Josh. Nigella and Josh posed out the front of the establishment each wearing a pair of Birkenstock Boston leather Clogs - an 'industry secret' loved by chefs for their supportive, lightweight and slip-resistant design. The 64-year-old has been travelling Australia as part of her three-show 'An Evening with Nigella Lawson' tour and has been sampling some of the country's best culinary hot spots. She prioritised comfort when visiting Petermen in the $220 footwear which Josh had also been wearing while on duty in the kitchen. Nigella Lawson (right) was snapped with chef Josh Niland (left) after dining at his Sydney restaurant last week. The pair were both wearing an 'industry secret' shoe The 64-year-old prioritised comfort when visiting Petermen in Birkenstocks' $220 Boston shoes which Josh had also been wearing while on duty in the kitchen While Josh opted for all black, Nigella sported a mineral grey pair of Birkenstock Bostons. 'We were all thrilled to have the one and only Nigella Lawson in for dinner this evening at Petermen!!! We hope you enjoy the rest of your visit here in Sydney and can't wait to see you again soon,' a post to Petermen's Instagram read. Nigella responded saying she had a 'wonderful' experience. Everywhere Nigella ate during her trip to Australia Petermen Dining - St Leonards, Sydney ChoCho San Japanese restaurant - Potts Point, Sydney Alta Trattoria - Fitzoy, Melbourne Fugazzi Bar and Dining Room - Adelaide Sushi Room - Fortitude Valley, Brisbane The Calile Hotel - Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Agnes Restaurant - Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Lulu La Delizia - Subiaco, Perth Cullen Wines - Wilyabrup, WA Indigo Oscar - Cottesloe, Perth Balthazar - Perth Advertisement Petermen is the newest venture for Josh and his wife Julie Niland after they wowed foodies with their other seafood specialty venues Saint Peter, Fish Butchery and Charcoal Fish Jamie Oliver enjoyed a five-course seafood feast at Petermen alongside a group of former Masterchef contestants and posed for photos with kitchen staff last November Nigella isn't the only notable guest the acclaimed Petermen Dining has entertained since it opened its doors in February 2023. Jamie Oliver enjoyed a five-course seafood feast alongside a group of former MasterChef contestants and posed for photos with kitchen staff last November. Petermen is the newest venture for Josh and his wife Julie Niland after they wowed foodies with their other seafood specialty venues Fish Butchery, Charcoal Fish as well as Saint Peter which was once visited by A-Lister Margot Robbie. Guests can enjoy an a la carte menu of seafood dishes designed to be shared in the chic 60-seater dining room which has original artworks by iconic Aussie artist Ken Done. A mum has revealed the ultimate grocery hack - and she's been using it for almost 20 years. The New Zealand woman shared that she's used the same four coles shopping bags since 2006 but washes them regularly to keep them looking new and smelling fresh. She only owns five grocery bags - including one insulated container - and has in turn saved hundreds on paper and plastic shopping bags. 'Such a lovely sunny day here I thought Id wash my shopping bags,' she shared on Facebook alongside an image of her drying rack. 'I left them in the tub with hot water and detergent. Then drained it and let cold water run over while I gave them a light scrub with my laundry brush. Spun them in the washing machine and now they look like new again!' The New Zealand woman shared that she's used the same four Coles shopping bags since 2006 but washes them regularly to keep them looking new and smelling fresh The mum said that washing them by hand uses the least amount of water and electricity and does the job just as well as her washing machine. Many checkout workers praised the mum for keeping her bags clean, and revealed horror stories about their experiences at the counter. 'I remember my days on checkout, some bags smelt so revolting I had to hold my breath to prevent vomiting and scan as fast as possible,' one shared. 'I don't know how anyone could eat food after being packed in those smelly bags.' Another said, 'As someone who works at Coles in the checkouts - thank you! The amount of smelly bags we deal with, whether urine-soaked or the stench of cigarettes, its so gross.' Others revealed that many shoppers don't even wipe out their freezer bags after meat and blood leaks out - with one even seeing a dead mouse in a customer's grocery bag. The mum said that washing them by hand uses the least amount of water and electricity Not only does washing your grocery bags keep them free of bacteria, but it'll also save you a ton of money and inconvenience in the long run. Thousands of shoppers have constantly slammed the paper bags supermarkets have changed to with many claiming they are not as durable as the plastic bags. Many also tend to leave reusable bags at home and buy the 25c shopping bags at the counter. While the sum doesn't seem like much in the moment, it definitely adds up over time. READ MORE: Little-known colour coding trick at Woolworths that will make your checkout much easier Advertisement Many others shared that they also wash their bags regularly - with one even admitting to using her mum's grocery bags from the 1980s. 'No need to keep buying bags, keep them clean and they will last forever,' a woman said. 'I love my mum's ones, I do need to sew one of them up. It finally got a stress tear, but it is from the 80s - it's done an amazing job.' 'I use fridge bags for everything, and often get compliments from the checkout staff on how clean my bags are,' another said. 'I spray them with vanilla after use. Well done, yours look fantastic for bags from 2006.' 'I have canvas ones that fold up and have snap buttons to hold them in their folded up state. Only three of them but they are nice and big, I've had them about 15 years and I pop them in the washing machine regularly,' a mum said. The price has been slammed by thousands on social media Sunchill claims to be the 'ultimate water hammock', but it costs $1073 A young business owner who claims to have designed the 'ultimate water hammock' has been slammed over its 'ridiculous' high prices - and his defensive social media presence. Sunchill has copped a raft of criticism for its $699 USD ($1073 AUD) floaty that inflates in 90 seconds and can be used to relax at the beach or pool in style. However, thousands on TikTok have dubbed the product as 'unaffordable', sparking an onslaught of furious, yet understandably defensive responses from the founder. Owner Hans Burri, from Florida, told FEMAIL he finds it 'bizarre' many have the nerve to comment on an item they likely don't know anything about or have no intention of buying. Consequently, several of the brand's TikTok videos have gone viral with one exceeding 7.9million views. American floaty brand Sunchill has copped some nasty criticism on social media over the pricing of its products. The cheapest water hammock is $699 USD ($1073 AUD) Thousands have taken to the comments of the brand's TikTok and Instagram page to share how they really feel about the high price - with many describing it as 'far too expensive' and 'ridiculous' To respond to the comments, owner Hans Burri, lashes back with in quite a defensive manner There's one question that's repeatedly asked in the comments of the videos: How is the price justified? To each, Hans lashes back with either a brutal response or one that's obviously sarcastic. 'This is a business. We are working hard to make money. I'm sure why all these TikTok comment people can't understand that. I mean, it's nice they made the post go viral but come on guys.' he wrote. 'Bro $700, are you absolutely trippin'??' one person commented on TikTok, another said: 'I'll be waiting for the Anko dupe.' 'Kmart pools work better,' another said. 'Cute but it's worth $100-150 at most,' someone else wrote. The founder said at one point he 'hit his limit' of responding to comments for the day 'That price in this economy? I mean you do you boo, I'm just too broke... waiting for Kmart dupes or dupes in general,' one more added. Many also pointed out the responses themselves. 'Crazy expensive pricing and even more crazy customer interactions - yikes!!! best of luck to you and your business,' one said. 'Sunchill has no chill,' another noted. Not only were people up in arms about the price, many also questioned the safety of the product. 'I really worry about safety with these things. It only takes a moment,' one said. 'What a great way to get lost at sea,' another wrote, a third said: 'Couple drinks in and before you know it you'll be hundreds of miles off the coast.' Not only were people up in arms about the price, many also questioned the safety of the product. 'I really worry about safety with these things. It only takes a moment,' one said Mr Burri launched the business from his garage in 2020 during the Covid pandemic and following rapid success the products are now built in a massive workshop in Florida Mr Burri addressed the comments and his strategy when it comes to replying to criticism. He added the brand's target demographic are men and women above 40, Whereas he claimed those commenting on the TikTok video are of a younger generation and so have a different mindset with their money Mr Burri addressed the comments and his strategy when it comes to replying to criticism 'The commenters on TikTok have really come on strong about the price of my product,' he said Mr Burri launched the business from his garage in 2020 during the Covid pandemic and following rapid success the products are now built in a massive workshop in Florida. Mr Burri addressed the comments and his strategy when it comes to replying to criticism. 'The commenters on TikTok have really come on strong about the price of my product,' he said. 'I find it bizarre that many people (2,000+ comments) have the desire to chime in about a product they very likely aren't actually interested in buying - and at the very least, don't understand the quality, features, and benefits of.' According to the website, the floaty has 'no weight limit' and is safe for dogs, children and even pets to use. It's made from high-tech poly-pro fabric netting that slightly flexes to create a comfortable experience. The most expensive product called the 'Megachill' is priced at $2,099 USD ($3,224 AUD) and there's also a $124 USD ($190 AUD) floaty for your drinks cooler. 'The misinformed comments from the younger age group that is viewing this video have certainly sparked my interest in defending my hard work,' he said According to the website, the floaty has 'no weight limit' and is safe for dogs, children and even pets to use. It's made from high-tech poly-pro fabric netting that slightly flexes to create a comfortable experience And the comments continue He added the brand's target demographic are men and women above 40 - as they're more likely to have children they wish to entertain or own a pool or boat to invest in the product. Whereas he claimed those commenting on the TikTok video are of a younger generation, not the target demographic. And so have a different mindset with their money. He claimed 85 per cent of commenters are women aged 34 and under. 'That has led to these less-than-positive comments on the TikTok video and in turn to my somewhat defensive stance,' he said. 'I have been working nonstop on this design for almost four years now and it actually sells very well here in the US and even in Australia during the Spring and Summer. 'The misinformed comments from the younger age group that is viewing this video have certainly sparked my interest in defending my hard work.' However, those who have purchased the product say it's worth the investment. 'I love my Sunchill!' one wrote. Another said: 'We absolutely love ours.' The product has also received several five-star reviews on the Sunchill website. Rom-com producers should be shaking in their shoes: the stereotypical sad, lonely 'singleton' is heading for extinction. Turns out a growing number of people prefer to be on their own. There's world-wide evidence: fewer people are getting married and we're staying single longer. Sometimes permanently. Lots of divorced people now choose to stay solo. Canadian research recently found a significant drop in the number of people living together as couples from 1981 to 2021, echoing the trends. Are you sure about that? Hold on a minute, I know lots of single people who would love to be in a relationship, I hear you say. 'Rom-com producers should be shaking in their shoes: the stereotypical sad, lonely 'singleton' is heading for extinction. Turns out a growing number of people prefer to be on their own,' said Tracey Possibly. But that might well be because you're making them feel that way. Research shows single people who are surrounded by people who constantly quiz them about their single state, are the least happy of the group. The others are doing just fine, thanks very much. Is the research right? Might happy-ever-after not be the secret to life-long happiness, after all? I asked a selection of single men and women to tell me how happy they were single with varying results. I LOVED BEING SINGLE IN MY 20S BUT IT'S DEPRESSING IN YOUR LATE 30S Natasha, 38, has a four-year-old son 'There's nothing lonelier than being in a bad relationship. I was married for six miserable years to someone I was completely incompatible with. 'The ironic thing is, I kind of knew it wasn't going to work before I went there. A panic sets in if you're a single woman and want children: there really is a man shortage. 'When people question your choice of partners, they need to be aware that you are choosing the best of what's available to you. 'I felt left behind: friends were on kid number two and renovating kitchens and I was still sharing with flatmates and putting my name on stuff in the fridge. Being single can be great I loved it in my 20s - but it can be bloody depressing in your late 30s. The British sex and relationship expert asked a selection of single men and women to tell her how happy they were single with varying results (stock photo) 'I was happy for a brief period with my then husband. I have a son who I love desperately but it was clear from the moment he was born, that we have drastically different views on parenting and life. He's a pessimist and I'm an optimist. He dragged me down and I didn't want that to happen to my son. 'When we finally split, I felt enormous relief watching him walk down the path. But then despair at having to get out there and find someone again. 'That was two years ago. I haven't bothered dating because I just can't face it. To be frank, I'm feeling happier and happier about being by myself. It's easier and I am lucky to have tons of friends and a terrific family. 'There are sad times though. I read a quote the other day which sums it up for me: I don't want someone to do things with I have friends. I want someone to do nothing with. I want to not have to plan a weekend. To know there's someone around to just loll about with. That's what I miss the most.' LIFE WAS BAD AFTER MY WIFE LEFT BUT THE FREEDOM OF BEING SINGLE IS ADDICTIVE Mark is 42 and divorced with no children 'I got married very young I was 20. I liked being married and was shocked when my wife announced she'd been having an affair and was leaving me. I was 35 when it happened and totally lost. I'd always had her with me, it freaked me out being on my own. I wasn't used to it. I lived in a small town and didn't have many single mates. Life was bad there for a few months. 'Then my younger sister, who lived in central London, took pity on me and asked me to visit. She worked in publicity and happened to have lots of single friends. She'd told them all I needed cheering up and by God, didn't they do just that. There were about 10 of them. They all bigged me up, made me laugh, flirted with me, and made me realise my life wasn't over, it was just beginning. Yes, I did sleep with one or two of them. The sex was out of this world. I was never adventurous, but I ticked off most of my sex bucket list in six months. SINGLE VS COUPLE SEX: WHO'S ENJOYING IT MORE? Research suggests married couples have sex more often than single people do, probably because of opportunity. They also report higher levels of general sexual satisfaction. Singles, on the other hand, experience more variety and novelty and score higher on individual enjoyment levels. Swings and roundabouts! For singles: The good: You get to experience what long-term couples miss the most: novelty. The excitement of the very first time you have sex with someone is impossible to replicate, no matter how much effort you put into keeping things zippy. The bad: Casual sex might be exciting but it's often unsatisfying. It's selfish sex: both of you are often out for your own pleasure. Studies also show women still experience shame after no-commitment hook-ups, despite a more permissive society. For couples: The good: Lust might not linger but intimacy is equally, if not more, satisfying. There's a difference between having sex and making love. The more you know your partner's body, the easier it is to make them orgasm. You know each other's triggers, what works, what doesn't. While some are more likely to walk on the wild side with a stranger, others find they're more open to erotic adventures with a partner they know and trust. The bad: Making love to the same person for the rest of your life has obvious drawbacks. Humans quickly desensitise to habitual stimulation: this isn't helped by the fact that most couples do exactly the same thing, in exactly the same order, every time they have sex. Advertisement 'That was seven years ago. I moved to London soon after that first, life changing weekend. I'm still single and living it up. I've nothing against settling down when I find the right person, but I love the freedom that being single offers. I love not having to answer to anyone, to be able to come home when I want, stay out when I want, see who I want. I like making decisions on my own. I even love cleaning and making sure my flat looks tidy: I'm a neat freak, my wife was a bit of a slob. You have to like your own company, but I can see why lots of people are choosing to avoid relationships and stay single.' I'M NOT SURE I EVER WANT TO GET MARRIED OR HAVE CHILDREN Becky has just finished an Arts degree 'Im 26 and have never had a "proper" boyfriend as my Dad calls it. He doesnt understand why not, and I can see hes trying to work up the courage to ask if I prefer women to men. I dont. 'Truth is, I dont see the rush to get into a relationship. I know he and my Mum were serial monogamists from age 16 or something but thats not happening in my generation. I can get sex whenever I want, so thats no reason to be with someone. 'No-one in my friendship group is in a relationship theres about 10 of us, a mix of genders and sexualities. Maybe its because we have such a good group of single friends, that none of us feel the need to have a relationship with one person. 'I dont need a man to make me feel "whole" or "complete". They are such dated concepts. Im not sure I ever want to get married or have children. When I do have a serious relationship, I might choose not to live with them. I dont want to have to do things I dont want to, just to keep a partner happy. 'Im not cynical and I do believe in love. I just dont see it as my parents do. I dont want to merge into "one", I want to retain my independence and individuality. Until I figure out how to do that and still be with someone, Ill very happily live alone.' BEING SINGLE SUCKS. I HATE IT Alex, 32, has never had a long-term relationship 'Single is fine if youre attractive and well-off and have lots of friends. Not so much fun if youre short, broke, and shy. 'I have never had a girlfriend, even though Id desperately love to. Part of the problem is my job I work in IT and work from home, so never meet anyone. The other reason is I care for my mother who is elderly and needs looking after. Im not exactly a catch. 'Im desperately lonely most of the time and envious of what I see happening on social media. I get that some people prefer to be on their own but theres a difference between being alone and lonely. My Mum isnt company: shes sick and not interested in talking. Im not good at making friends and so all I do is work. 'Ive tried dating sites but Im not a looker, so its pointless. I can count the number of sexual encounters Ive had on one hand. Life was better when I was at school because at least I was around other people and there was hope. I am technically a virgin and worry that if I do meet someone, that will put them off. 'I would give anything to be in a relationship. To be loved and touched and cared for and to do the same back. Being single sucks. I hate it.' *Some names have been changed Visit traceycox.com for Traceys books, product ranges and podcast, SexTok with Tracey and Kelsey. Her newest book, Great Sex Starts at 50, is available from all booksellers. By Lee Kyung-min The term of Heungkuk Life Insurance CEO Lim Hyung-joon was extended for a year at a shareholders meeting on Friday. I will do my best to bolster profitability, the former deputy governor at the Bank of Korea (BOK) said. Among my efforts will be enhancing the profit outlook amid business conditions that are undergoing major changes under the IFRS 17. The International Accounting Standards Board issued IFRS 17, or International Financial Reporting Standards 17, in May 2017. It requires transparent reporting of a companys financial position and risk. The life insurer held a shareholders meeting March 29 and confirmed his reappointment. He was first appointed head of the life insurer in March 2022. His second term will end in March 2025. Lim's appointment in 2022 gained attention as he was not an insider of the life insurance industry. Born in Busan in 1962, he majored in economics at Yonsei University and earned a master's degree from the same school. He joined the central bank in 1987, building up expertise in financial market and monetary policy. Heungkuk Life under his leadership was able to fortify its contractual service margin (CSM) and payment capacity ratio key indicators of IFRS 17. Lim has extensive experience in personnel management and communications capabilities. The firm expects Lim to lead a rebound in corporate profit and stable personnel management. The firms net profit came to 249.9 billion won ($184 million) last year, down 41.8 percent from 354.3 billion won the previous year. The insurer's operating profit stood at 178.5 billion won last year, down from 280.5 billion won in 2022. 19 percent who reported unhappiness as kids no longer expressed it as adults 11 percent of adolescents reported being unhappy with their gender The majority of gender-confused children grow out of that feeling by the time they are fully grown adults, according to a long-term study. Researchers in the Netherlands tracked more than 2,700 children from age 11 to their mid-twenties, asking them every three years of feelings about their gender. Results showed at the start of the research, around one-in-10 children (11 percent) expressed 'gender non-contentedness' to varying degrees. But by age 25, just one-in-25 (4 percent) said they 'often' or 'sometimes' were discontent with their gender. The researchers concluded: 'The results of the current study might help adolescents to realize that it is normal to have some doubts about ones identity and ones gender identity during this age period and that this is also relatively common.' It comes amid a massive boom in transgender children receiving drugs to change their gender in the US - as critics say doctors and parents are not challenging young people enough. Patrick Brown, a fellow at the conservative Ethics and Public Policy Center who was not involved in the research, told DailyMail.com: 'This study provides even more reason to be skeptical towards aggressive steps to facilitate gender transition in childhood and adolescence. 'The fact that rates of satisfaction are lower even just a few years later suggests that for the vast majority of people, prudence and caution, rather than a rush towards permanent surgeries or hormone therapies, will be the best approach for teenagers struggling to make sense of the world and their place in it. 'As such, policies that prohibit gender transition for minors make a great deal of sense.' The study is one of the longest into the issue of gender in children - but the researchers point out it has some limitations. For one, it looked at a mixture of children from the general population and kids who were receiving mental health care - though not specifically for anything related to their gender. Therefore it does not necessarily reflect the attitudes of children clinically diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The researchers, from the University of Groningen, analyzed the data of 2,770 people who were part of the Tracking Adolescent's Individual Lives Survey. Participants were asked to respond to the statement 'I wish to be of the opposite sex' at six different points over 15 years. They were given a multiple choice: 0-Not True, 1-Somewhat or Sometimes True, and 2-Very True or Often True. The same prompt was given every two or three years from the start of the study in March 2001 until the end. Rates of gender dysphoria have soared in every state except one over the past five years Across all age groups, surgery rates rose most dramatically in 2021 Researchers looked for those expressing 'gender non-contentedness,' or unhappiness with being the gender aligned with their biological sex. The study, published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, found that overall 78 percent of people had the same feelings about their gender over the 15 years. Around 19 percent became more content with their gender and just about 2 percent became less comfortable. Participants were also asked to evaluate their self-worth by rating how they felt about their physical appearance and self esteem. According to the findings, females were more likely to report being unhappy with their gender and both increasing and decreasing 'non-contentedness' were associated with lower self-reported self worth, more behavioral problems and an increase in emotional struggles. The authors said: 'Gender non-contentedness, while being relatively common during early adolescence, in general decreases with age and appears to be associated with a poorer self-concept and mental health throughout development.' Brown told DailyMail.com: 'As anyone who has ever been a teenager knows, puberty and its aftereffects can be a confusing time of hormonal surges, physical changes, and social insecurity. 'It isn't surprising that the highest rates of being dissatisfied in one's body would peak during this time.' Rates of gender dysphoria, a clinical diagnosis by a healthcare professional that differs from gender non contentedness, have soared in every US state except one since 2018 - with the average age of diagnosis trending younger. The above map shows the proportion of children between 13 and 17 years old that identified as transgender by state, with darker colors indicating a higher proportion of young people Sex change surgery rates have shot up in recent years, with one in six trans adults in the US opting to have gender-affirming surgery An analysis of insurance claims conducted by Komodo Health Inc found between 2017 and 2021, approximately 121,880 children aged six to 17 years old were diagnosed with the condition. In 2021, 42,000 were given the diagnosis, a 70 percent increase from 2020. And children under 18 years old now make up one-fifth of new diagnoses each year. In the United States, 1.6million people ages 13 and older identify as transgender. A report by the health data analytics firm Definitive Healthcare shows the rate of gender dysphoria increased in every state except South Dakota from 2018 to 2022 across all ages. The sharpest rises over those five years were seen in three Republican-led states: Virginia (274 percent) Indiana (247 percent) and Utah (193 percent). South Dakota saw a decline of 23 percent between 2018 and 2022. Meanwhile, the report also found the number of sex change surgeries being carried out each year is rising rapidly - climbing by up to 40 percent in some years. Greater social acceptance and increased awareness about the condition on the part of doctors can partly explain the increase in cases. Unlike other countries, such as the UK, there is no federal lower age limit for when children can get 'top' or 'bottom' operations in the US, which leaves it up to the states. In The Netherlands, debate over the issue has ramped up as more Dutch experts have voiced their concerns over the potential adverse effects of puberty blockers and hormonal therapies for minors who wish to transition. And in the US most recently, trans rights were thrust into the spotlight after critics slammed President Joe Biden for declaring Easter 'Trans Visibility Day.' However, the president said he did not make this declaration, but that the awareness day is celebrated every year on March 31 and only coincided with Easter this year by chance. Dr Jay Richards, director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family, told DailyMail.com: 'Weve known for over a decade that most kids who experience distress with their sexed bodies resolve those feelings after they pass through natural puberty. 'Indeed, we can infer from the DSM 5 [2013] and other sources that as many as 88 percent of gender-dysphoric girls and as many as 98 percent of gender-dysphoric boys in previous generations desisted if allowed to go through natural puberty. 'These two facts make it clear why gender-affirming care on minors is such an outrage. It leads, in the end, to sterilization and in many cases to a complete loss of natural sexual function. 'There is no good evidence that this helps minors long term. Moreover, it medicalizes what could very well be temporary psychological symptoms. 'History will judge this medicalized gender-affirming care on minors as we now judge eugenics and lobotomies.' The research was published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior. One Brit has died and dozens more sickened in a 'superbug' outbreak linked to contaminated eye drops. Health chiefs traced the crisis back to three separate medical drops produced in India for patients with dry eyes.. All were thought to have been carrying an antibiotic-resistant bug that can prove fatal for immunocompromised patients. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) bosses believe the outbreak is now over, with the brunt of it occurring last autumn when the products were originally recalled. No details on the patient who died were released. Brand names that were linked to the outbreak were various batches of AaCarb, Aacomer and Puroptics eye drops UKHSA said that, as of 21 March, officials had confirmed 52 confirmed cases linked to the use of the eye drops in Britain as well as six additional 'probable' cases. This graph shows the timeline of the outbreak in the UK Burkholderia cenocepacia a type of bacteria naturally resistant to the antibiotics normally used to treat such infections was listed as a contributing factor in their death. The medications were manufactured by Indiana Ophthalmics, a company based in India. Various batches of AaCarb, Aacomer and Puroptics branded carbomer eye gels were affected. Such products are usually given to patients suffering from dry eyes, and can be bought online for as little as 4.50. UKHSA said that, as of 21 March, officials had confirmed 52 confirmed cases linked to the use of the eye drops in Britain. READ MORE: Warning that brain-eating parasite with 99% death rate might be making its way into British water The brain eating parasite (pictured) can be found globally in freshwater, but it's only deadly to humans when it's living in warmer waters of 25 to 30 degrees Advertisement Another six cases were listed as 'probable'. The youngest patient sickened was a baby, while the oldest was 91. The vast majority were already in hospital being treated for another issue when they were given the eyedrops by staff unaware they were using a contaminated product. Of the cases, 25 were assessed by UKHSA as having 'clinically significant infections' brought on by Burkholderia cenocepacia. Eleven suffered eye infections. Some developed ulcers in their eyeball, while others got conjunctivitis and a serious 'deep tissue infection'. Nine patients developed respiratory infections and four more had blood poisoning. Most cases were spotted between October and December but one struck as early as January 2023. It was only after a surge of cases that officials were able to link the outbreak to the eye drops. This led to Indiana Ophthalmics issuing a voluntary recall of their three brands of carbomer eye gel in November. UKHSA also issued a national patient safety alert in December advising all medics in the NHS to avoid using carbomer eye gels in high-risk patients, such as those going through chemotherapy. In an update yesterday, UKHSA said the outbreak has now slowed, with the last case spotted in February. As such, they withdrew their advice on restricting the use of carbomer eye gel. But they added that officials will continue to keep an eye out for any new infections. It's not the first time Indian eye-drop manufacturers have been linked to infections. In April last year there was wave of eye infections causing death and blindness in the US linked to products made by Global Pharma Healthcare in India. Medication involved in the outbreak was manufactured by Indiana Ophthalmics, an eye medication company based in India . American inspectors who visited the company's plant in the state of Tamil Nadu found dirty equipment and clothing, missing safeguards and procedures and dozens of other issues. In a document US Food and Drug Administration wrote they found poor cleaning throughout the factory as well as significant gaps in written procedures and training for employees. Surfaces that touched packaging 'were not cleaned, sanitized, decontaminated, or sterilized' and there were gaps or mismatches in records to do with how key machines and areas were cleaned. Surfaces were not easy to clean, as one room had 'soft, unsmooth, and cracked sealant, protruding nails, and nail holes' on the walls. The company also didn't track or have rules on how many times sterile overalls could be re-used in the company's cleanroom after washing where the eye drops are manufactured. An inspector also saw a 'black, brown, greasy deposit' on part of one of the company's machines used to put its product into bottles. Global Pharma Healthcare Pvt Ltd was found to have skipped important tests to double check the it's products were sterile. It also failed to verify the ingredients it used to make the products, relying only on what its supplier said. Family doctors are having to teach parents how to cook simple foods like potato and beans in a bid to reduce childhood obesity. Overstretched GPs say a lack of specialist services means they are offering healthy recipe advice to those with overweight children. Many are struggling to tackle growing problem, blaming a lack of training and capacity, according to a survey. With more than a third of children (37 per cent) overweight by the time they leave primary school, the UK faces a timebomb of health conditions as they get older. Researchers from the University of Birmingham conducted in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals to understand their experiences of supporting families lose weight. More than a third of children (37 per cent) overweight by the time they leave primary school, the UK faces a timebomb of health conditions as they get older In one response, a healthcare professional said: 'I had one mum and her child was overweight, but she was a young parent and she actually didn't know how to cook the dinners. 'We spent a lot of time with her giving her worksheets, how to cook, make potato and beans rather than going to the fish and chip shop.' Up to 10MILLION Brits 'could be junk food addicts': Experts warn dependence on ultra-processed foods is just as dangerous as being hooked on cocaine or alcohol Experts estimate that up to 10million Brits, about one fifth of the population in England, could be hooked on junk food despite knowing it's harming them Advertisement Healthcare professionals complained of insufficient time and training to support families, including limited availability for specialist services. They reported poor access to routinely collected data on children's weight and had concerns about damaging trust by highlighting weight concerns about children. Others said they were aware of cultural considerations when bringing up weight, according to the findings published in the British Journal of General Practice. Last night, obesity campaigners said it should not be down to GPs to teach cooking skills. Tam Fry, chair of the National Obesity Forum, said: 'It is pitiful that doctors are having to teach their patients cooking skills because millions of UK families have no idea of how to prepare a healthy meal. 'Time was when excellent cookery teaching in schools used to ensure that kids left secondary school with good basic knowledge about food - but that has mostly gone.' Latest childhood obesity figures show 22.7 per cent of year 6 pupils were classed as obese or severely obese in 2022/23. When obesity and overweight figures are taken together, the figure rises to 36.6 per cent of children, meaning more than one in three are above a healthy weight. Miranda Pallan, Professor of Child and Adolescent Public Health who led the study, said: 'Through the series of interviews with doctors, primary care nurses and school nurses, we have been able to see some clear barriers that prevent effective advice and support for families to tackle the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. 'While we should not expect doctors to be spending lots of time teaching families how to cook healthy, balanced meals, the study does highlight that healthcare professionals need more support and dedicated time to enable them to give practical advice and in some cases refer to more specialist services.' They're billed as being better for you than smoking. But experts insist that doesn't mean vapes are safe. In fact, the nicotine-laden gadgets are linked to a catalogue of health problems. Just today a shock study warned that e-cigarettes may raise the risk of heart failure. Researchers tracked 175,000 adults in the US and found those who vaped were almost a fifth more likely to develop the deadly condition, than those who didn't use the devices. MailOnline can also reveal the number of adverse side effects linked to vaping reported to UK regulators has now eclipsed 1,000. The extensive list includes everything from headaches to strokes. Experts say the Government must take increasing action to combat rising vape use in the UK including helping people quit the devices (stock image) As of February, a total of 1,009 reactions to vapes have been recorded by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Here are the 10 most common reports Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Salim Khan, head of department for public health at Birmingham City University, said evidence of growing vaping harms must be matched by action. He also said the UK must consider offering a stop-vaping scheme, similar to bold advice given to smokers. Dr Kahn said the incoming Government action to curb some vape flavours and packaging intentionally marketed at children will 'go some way' to tackling the teen vaping epidemic. Soaring usage rates in children have sparked fears that younger generations are sleepwalking into a public health crisis. But demanding an even tougher stance, Dr Khan told MailOnline: 'It's imperative that further measures are also implemented.' He called for greater fines for shops that illegally sell the devices to children, as well as increased penalties for those caught selling vapes that don't meet UK regulatory standards and contain high levels of toxic metals and other dangerous chemicals. Dr Khan added: 'The Department for Education should provide more guidance and support to schools to help curb the use of vapes on such premises.' He also called for a broad education campaign on the dangers of vaping. 'Clearly it is assumed by many that vaping is not harmful when indeed it delivers a high dose of nicotine to the lungs and consequently can result in damage to lungs, airways, and blood vessels which links with the recent US study showing e-cigarettes being linked to an increased risk of heart failure,' he said. Dr Khan also said the Government should implement a vaping cessations strategy similar to its stop smoking campaign. 'There appears to be no strategy in place for vaping cessation and this may have led to increased use and number of youth and adult users,' he said. 'Nicotine gum and patches are known to be safe in delivering nicotine and help with smoking cessation. 'Hence there needs to be similar measures in place, including appropriate support/counselling services for vape users and availability of free nicotine gum and patches to help people gradually "wean" themselves off vapes, particularly those who have never smoked before and reliant on vapes.' While the latest study has linked vapes to heart failure, it's not the only adverse side effect linked to the devices. Your browser does not support iframes. MailOnline has analysed data on adverse reactions linked to vape use collected by UK watchdog the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). As of February, a total of 1,009 reactions have been recorded, five of them fatal. These reports are made via the MHRA's Yellow Card system for adverse events linked to medical devices or drugs in the UK. Members of the public and medics can submit them. All five deaths were linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. None of the fatalities, which have all occurred since 2010, are proven to have been caused directly by vaping. No ages were mentioned for any of the deaths. Some reported digestive issues such as diarrhoea or flatulence, and even one case of rectal haemorrhaging, linked to their vape use. Others reported symptoms that are more obviously connected to the devices, such as thermal burns from inhalation of heated vapour and headaches, potentially from nicotine exposure. Two cases of lung injuries specifically linked to vapes were also logged, as well as one case of laryngeal cancer (in the area of the throat containing the vocal cords). Two vapers reported depressive thoughts linked to their use of the devices, with one even feeling suicidal as a result. There were also two reports of serious stokes linked to vapes and one person even claimed to have caught SARS, a virus in the family as Covid, after using a device. One woman, or her medic, also reported suffering a miscarriage while using a vape. Vaping while pregnant is only recommended by the NHS as alternative to smoking, which is considered more dangerous to an unborn child. However, the health service acknowledges the risks of vaping while pregnant are still unknown and it's better for expectant mums to stop completely if possible. Of the 1,009 reactions reported, respiratory conditions accounted for the majority of reports at 432. Coughing was the largest single reported issue at 105 cases. Dyspnoea, the clinical term for difficult or laboured breathing, was the next common issue (62 reports) followed by oropharyngeal pain (pain at the back of the throat near the tonsils, 49). Commenting on the data, Dr Khan said the data highlighted that vaping isn't safe. 'The list of common issues linked to e-cigarettes makes clear the wide range of resultant health problems and, contrary to popular belief, that vaping is harmful,' he said. NHS Digital data, based on the smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England survey for the year 2021, showed 30 per cent of children in Yorkshire and the Humber have used a vape 'Damage to the airways and lungs appear to be most common reported health issues however research has shown the impact of e-cigarette/vapes inhalation on the immune system and nervous system too. 'As more research findings come to light, it will be of no surprise to see increased number of cases linked to e-cigarettes and indeed an increase in associated health problems.' The MHRA data is anonymised meaning the age of people who suffered these reactions is not known. Given the nature of the MHRA data none of the events reported can be proven as being linked to vapes. Any medical event reported to the MHRA is based on the suspicion that a drug or device was responsible or contributed to it, not proof. This essentially means reported events can simply be coincidences and nothing to do with the drug or device in question. But the MHRA Yellow Card system allows to track potential patterns between devices and adverse reaction sand investigate them if needed. Officials use the same database, set-up in the wake of the 1960s thalidomide scandal, to track the safety of Covid vaccines. This can lead to drugs or devices being reviewed, having warnings added to the labels or being taken off the market completely. MailOnline reporter reveals her firsthand experience of predatory sweet shops selling vapes Inside the eerily quiet shops themselves, employees are ready to pounce on potential customers. After kindly telling shop workers I didn't need help, they hovered over my shoulder, intensely watching me browse the hundreds of products on offer. In an exchange that seemed innocent to begin with, I was asked my age. A usual question for purchasing a vape - which is supposedly illegal for kids to buy, I thought. However his predatory intentions soon became obvious. 'Beautiful young girls have to pay 5 just for looking in the shop,' he said. 'So do other people not have to pay?' I quipped back. 'Or is it just what you call beautiful young women?' He replied: 'Let me guess your age. You look young but I think you are older. Do you prefer to be called a beautiful girl or a lady? How old do you think I am?' This was, quite clearly, not about whether I was old enough to purchase a vape. Advertisement Hazel Cheeseman deputy chief executive Action on Smoking and Health said vaping, on the whole, is safer than smoking and is a useful tool to help people to quit. However, she added: 'Increased use among teenagers has raised public concern. 'Vaping is unlikely to be risk-free and could be addictive. It is right that sales are banned to under 18s and welcome to see further restrictions being introduced to reduce the appeal to teenagers. 'A balance needs to be struck to cease the opportunity of vaping to help the millions still smoking to quit, while managing the risks to teenagers from uptake.' As Ms Cheesman states, vaping is widely considered by experts to be a safer alternative to smoking, allowing people to get a nicotine hit without suffering the harms of traditional cigarettes. But safer doesn't necessarily mean safe, and medics are increasingly concerned about the long-term use of the devices, particularly among people who have never smoked in their lives. These concerns are magnified when it comes to vaping among children, with data showing one in five kids has tried vaping while the number of youngsters using the devices has tripled in the past three years. This is despite it being illegal for under-18s to be sold a vape. Concerns over the issue led the Government to introduce measures aimed at combating the scourge of childhood vaping. One, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aims to introduce new powers restrict vape flavours and packaging intentionally marketed at children. Ministers have also vowed to ban disposable vapes under environmental laws, considered the most popular type of the device among teenagers. Disposable vapes are popular form of using e-cigarettes with a recent study finding they are regularly used by more than 300,000 people who have never smoked. Additionally, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last month revealed plans to raise tax on e-cigarette fluid, with the strongest formulas to be hit by a 3 hike. It is hoped the move will discourage non-smokers from picking up vaping as well as putting the devices out of the reach of 'pocket money prices' for kids. But the Government's measures are not without criticism, with some warning that making vaping more inaccessible could discourage smokers from quitting. As vapes have only been around for the blink of an eye in health monitoring terms, the consequences of using the devices, especially among people picking up the habit in their youth, for decades are unknown. The data simply doesn't yet exist. Doctors have expressed fears there could be a wave of lung disease, dental issues and even cancer in the coming decades among people who took up the habit at a young age. Last year leading paediatricians also warned children were being hospitalised with vaping-induced breathing difficulties amid a 'disturbing' youth vaping epidemic. NHS figures show a rise in the number of children admitted to hospital due to vaping. Forty children and young people were admitted to hospital in England last year due to 'vaping-related disorders', which could include lung damage or worsening asthma symptoms, up from 11 two years earlier, the NHS said. MailOnline has previously exposed the predatory tactics of some sweet shops selling capes, including products resembling popular sweet brans like Skittles and Jolly Ranchers. E-cigs allow people to inhale nicotine in a vapour which is produced by heating a liquid. Unlike traditional cigarettes, they do not contain tobacco, nor do they produce tar or carbon two of the most dangerous elements and partly why they are considered a safer alternative. Advertisement The strain of bird flu that infected a person in Texas has mutated to spread more easily, officials say amid growing alarm the disease could spread to more people. The CDC said tests on the H5N1 sample showed it had a mutation that was 'known to be associated with viral adaptation to mammalian hosts' - but insisted the mutations were minor and the overall risk to the public was low. This mutation was not detected in cattle or in wild birds, with officials saying it 'may have been acquired in the patient during the development of the [eye infection]'. Meanwhile, three pet cats have died from bird flu after catching the disease on dairy farms in Texas, according to reports as fears are raised that infected animals living near humans could spread the disease to people. And the largest egg producer in the US has revealed bird flu has been detected in its flock, with nearly 2million chickens now set to be culled. There is growing concern that the outbreak on farms could cause supply chain issues or drive up the price of eggs and dairy products. It comes amid concerns that H5N1 which has already triggered a pandemic in the animal world could soon do the same in humans. The EU's Food Safety Agency (EFSA) warned Wednesday that a large-scale bird flu pandemic could be triggered if the virus becomes transmissible between people. A cat pictured in close contact with dairy cows. Three pet cats on an infected dairy farm in Texas have died after contracting H5N1 (stock image) Infectious disease experts warn every infection in mammals or humans raises the risk of the virus gaining new mutations enabling it to infect people. Dr Francois Balloux, an epidemiologist in the UK, warned on X that the situation 'might change for the worse, eventually'. But he added: 'People not professionally involved in pandemic prevention/mitigation being worried/feeling miserable now won't make any material difference to what may hit us, except that their life would suck, far more than it should.' Dr Peter Hotez, a virologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, told DailyMail.com that the cases were 'a reminder that avian influenza is circulating and continuously jumping to new mammalian hosts. 'So far, the subsequent jumps to humans are still uncommon and not producing severe illness,' he added, 'but I believe this could change eventually'. The mutation detected on the virus infecting a dairy farm worker in Texas has been recorded previously, the CDC said and did not spark a major outbreak at that time. The change, on the PB2 gene linked to how the virus makes copies of itself, has not been recorded on wild poultry on in infections in cows. The above graph shows human cases of avian influenza globally reported by year. The colors represent different countries with the light blue being Egypt and the orange being Cambodia The CDC said: 'It is important to note that this substitution has not been seen in available PB2 genes from viruses circulating in wild birds and poultry or in the recently described cattle viruses detected in Texas. '[This suggests that] the mutation may have been acquired in the patient during the development of conjunctivitis.' Bird flu makes millions of copies of itself within every cell it infects before bursting out to infect other nearby cells. A number of these copies contain mutations, with every new copy raising the risk of a mutation emerging which could help the virus to infect or spread between humans. The patient in Texas had a mild infection, with their only symptom being inflammation of the eye. The first case of bird flu in the US reported in 2022 in a prison worker also saw the patient suffer only from fatigue for a few days. There are also concerns over infections with bird flu detected in pets which raises the risk of the virus being spread to humans. Yesterday, three pet cats were reported to have died after being infected with the virus on an affected dairy farm in Texas. So far, seven dairy farms in Texas have reported outbreaks alongside two in Kansas and one each in New Mexico and Michigan. There are also suspicions over another outbreak at a farm in Ames, Iowa. Cows infected are reported to be 'lethargic', eating less food and producing less milk than previously although they are not dying from the disease. At the same time, more outbreaks are being reported at poultry farms leaving farmers with no option but to cull their birds. The largest egg producer in the US Cal-Maine revealed yesterday it would need to cull 2million birds after the virus was detected in its flock. Officials in Michigan are now also urging people to take enhanced measures to protect their flocks. This is raising concerns over rising prices of milk and eggs. Farmers are being required to dispose of milk from infected animals, while egg producers are knocked out of action for months by the culling of their flocks. In 2022, egg prices surged more than 50 percent in response to the outbreak with a dozen large, Grade A eggs, priced at $3.59 in November compared to $1.72 at the same time the year earlier. They peaked in January, 2023, at $4.82 for a dozen eggs. Bird flu started to take off in 2020 after a wild bird flu swapped genes with a version of the virus from domestic poultry. It spread rapidly via migrating birds and in May 2021 it was confirmed to have crossed the bird-mammal barrier for the first time after two baby foxes in the Netherlands tested positive for the disease. One died from the infection, while the other was euthanized because of its symptoms. The route of infection was not confirmed, but scientists said it was likely via eating the carcass of an infected bird. In January 2022, the first case was then diagnosed in a human in 79-year-old Alan Gosling from the UK. The former engineer had contracted the virus from one of the 20 Muscovy ducks he shared his home with and had only mild symptoms. Barely three months later a second human case was reported in a prison inmate working on a poultry farm in Colorado. The patient also suffered from only mild symptoms 'fatigue for a few days' and later recovered after taking the antiviral drug oseltamivir. In November 2022, China recorded the first death from the virus in a poultry farm worker who was infected with H5N1. Sporadic cases have been detected since, but experts say the numbers are still much lower than the outbreak in Egypt around 2015 when more than a hundred cases were detected. Bird flu began to spread to domestic birds in February 2022, when the US revealed it had detected H5N1 in a turkey flock. In that year alone, an estimated 52million birds had to be culled to stop the virus spreading sending up the price of eggs and chicken meat. More culling was done in 2023 and again this year, with the total number of culled birds now estimated to be more than 82million. There are also concerns that the virus could spread into other animals with closer contact with humans after a dog in Ottawa, Canada, tested positive in April 2023. And there are signs that it is gaining the ability to spread between mammals including seals, after 17,000 pups died at a colony in Patagonia. Experts said at the time that the animals had been infected with bird flu, and warned that it was likely spreading between animals at the site. READ MORE: Men with long noses DO have bigger penises , scientists confirm We all know what they say about men with big hands and feet. It's commonly believed you can tell how big a man's penis is by looking at what size shoes and gloves they wear. However, a surgeon has revealed that a different body part could actually be a sign of a well-endowed man. Dr Rena Malik, a urologist and reconstructive surgeon in California, told the Diary of a CEO Podcast that a man's nose may be a better indication. Dr Rena Malik, a urologist and reconstructive surgeon in California, told the Diary of a CEO Podcast that a man's nose may be a better indication of penis size than hands or feet Men with biggest noses have a penis 1.2inches (29%) longer than those with the smallest sniffers. For people with noses which fall into the middle range, the average penis size is 4.5 inches. In Japan, the average penis size is 4.5 inches, according to previous research Dr Malik specifically pointed to a study in Japanese men, which measured 'all these body parts and penile, and they found was that nose length was correlated with penile length, not hand length or foot.' The researchers looked at the corpses of 126 middle-aged men within three days of their death. The team documented the men's height, weight, flaccid penile length, penile circumference, right and left testicular weights, and weight of their prostate. They also laid each cadaver down and pulled the penis vertically as far as it could go to measure stretched penile length (to simulate an erection). Nose length was recorded by measuring the distance from between a person's eyes to where the nostril starts. They found men with noses smaller than 1.8 inches had a penis size of up to 4.1 inches. However, for people with a nose that was over 2.2 inches long, their penises were larger, measuring 5.3 inches long (29 percent bigger). For people with noses which fall into the middle of this range, the average penis size was 4.5 inches, which is the average size of an erect penis in Japan, according to previous research. The team did not specify what could be behind the link. Researchers in Japan measured the size and weight of the reproductive organ of 126 dead japanese men. They also measured their nose size which was documented by measuring the distance from between a person's eyes to where the nostril starts near the tip of the olfactory organ (pictured) The above graphic shows the top 20 countries by penis length, measured from the base of the shaft, or root, to the tip of the head when erect. Researchers in Germany collected data from nearly 90 countries Another South Korean study backed up the Japanese team's findings. Researchers recruited 1,160 men in their thirties and measured their nose size compared to their non-erect penis. The study, published in the journal Translational Andrology and Urology, found that while men with bigger feet had a wider penis circumference, their manhood tended to be bigger if they had larger noses. Researcher Dr Sungwoo Hong said: 'Nose size is an important indicator of penile size.' 'Several studies have suggested hormone exposure in the prenatal period affects the growth of reproductive organs.' Dr Malik also said that most people think penises should be bigger than they actually are. She noted that while the average is about 5.1 to 5.3 inches while erect, most men think it should be closer to six inches. Women, on the other hand, have a different perspective. Dr Malik said that to find what a woman wants most, researchers looked at the most common dildo sizes women were purchasing. They found that women tended to opt for about the same length and girth as an average penis. However, a study of female college students at Texas A&M University found that most women thought bigger was better. The researchers said: 'Penises which were wider, longer, and moderately hairy were perceived more positively in terms of personality and sexual appeal.' This included them being seen as more attractive, with their targets being 'good in bed' and 'pleasers.' However, shorter and narrower penises were seen as less sexually attractive, with their targets being 'pillow princesses' and worse in bed. Dr Malik also said that she's seen an uptick in men worried about their penis size. She recommended those wanting to increase their girth try a traction device, which stretches out the penis for a few minutes a day. Dr Malik estimated that these can add an extra two centimeters. However, don't reach for a penis pump, a vacuum tube that draws blood into the penis to create an erection. Dr Malik noted that these are best used to treat erectile dysfunction and have not been shown to have an impact on penile length. Bandages from some of the most well-reputed brands, including Band-Aid and Curad, contain dangerous levels of forever chemicals, a shock report shows. Testing by a leading watchdog found the chemical fluorine in over two dozen different bandages that can be found in millions of medicine cabinets across the country. PFAS chemicals are sometimes used to make adhesives, and investigators believe they are products of the normal manufacturing process. Fluorine, which is also used to make rocket fuel, can lead to skin burns and eye damage, but it is most dangerous when inhaled. Dr Linda Birnbaum, a toxicologist and former head of the National Toxicology Program who co-led the lab testing, said the fact that risky chemicals come in direct contact with open wounds was 'troubling'. PFAS chemicals can easily enter the bloodstream after a person drinks water or eats food laced with them. Once in the bloodstream, PFAS can lodge themselves within healthy tissue where it can begin to damage the immune system, the liver, the kidneys, and other organs. Four types of bandages from household staple Band-Aid contained over 180 parts per million organic fluorine, a crucial component of PFAS forever chemicals Thinx Underwear and other period products were found to contain tens to over 100 parts per million of the compound Environmental health watchdogs had 40 bandages from 18 different brands tested for fluorine, and detectable levels were found in 26 of them. Consumer watchdog blog Mamavation and Environmental Health News used an EPA-certified lab to look for PFAS chemicals in the absorbent pads and adhesive flaps of bandages sold at major retailers, including CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Target, and Amazon. The bandages that contain high levels of fluorine above 100 parts per million include brands Band-Aid, Care Science, Curad, CVS Health, Equate, First Honey, Rite Aid brand, Solimo (Amazon brand), and Up & Up, Targets brand. Dr Birnbaum said: Because bandages are placed upon open wounds, it's troubling to learn that they may be also exposing children and adults to PFAS. It's obvious from the data that PFAS are not needed for wound care, so it's important that the industry remove their presence to protect the public from PFAS and opt instead for PFAS-free materials. PFAS substances contain bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms, creating one very resilient chemical that can remain in the environment for years or even decades. The chemicals are everywhere, most commonly in water and stain-repellent products, as well as nonstick cookware. Teflon, the kitchen staple nonstick coating is made with a fluorocarbon called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PFAS have also been detected in tap water and human blood. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found PFAS in the blood of 97 percent of Americans. According to Mamavation, the PFAS in bandages are likely used for their water- and grease-resistant properties. PFAS is a common contaminant in many household items from cookware to hamburger wrappers. It can remain in the environment as well as human tissue for years, even decades, before being cleared out Separately, PFAS has also been found in popular menstruation products, including those typically used by teen girls. Jessian Choy, who worked in San Franciscos Department of the Environment, chose to lab test her preferred brand Thinx period briefs and BTWN Shorty underwear. The testing was conducted in 2020 by Dr Graham Peaslee, who discovered PFAS chemicals in fast food wrappers in 2017, at the University of Notre Dame. The organic products had high levels of PFAS. Thinx had 3,264 parts per million (ppm), and the BTWN for teens had 2,053 ppm. They also had tens to hundreds of parts per million of copper on the inside of the crotch, and zinc on both sides. The investigation garnered bad publicity for Thinx, which would later settle a class-action lawsuit for around $5 million. The company refuted the findings and insisted to Dr Peaslee that their products did not contain PFAS. Dr Peaslee told The Hill: They called me back and said, Well, this things getting out of hand, can you just issue a statement saying theyre safe to wear? And I was like, Im sorry, did you not listen to a word I said yesterday? I wouldnt put my damn daughter in these things. Period underwear are far from the only menstrual products laden with PFAS. A separate series of lab analyses in 2020 and 2022 by Mamavation and Environmental Health News looked at 46 different sanitary pads, panty liners, and incontinence pads for evidence of PFAS. Fluorine was detected in 22 of them, or 48 percent. Dr Birnbaum said: Dermal exposure to PFAS from your menstrual products can be a big problem. Because vaginal skin is so vascular, we can anticipate the internal exposure could be a bit worse. The effects of skin exposure to PFAS chemicals are not well understood, though exposure to fluorine can cause severe skin irritation. Pete Myers, Chief Scientist at Environmental Health Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, told Mamavation: While its not possible today to answer the question of how much can be absorbed through the skin, we do know that any possible exposure should be avoided. PFAS should not be found in consumer items, period! The NHS waiting list could be 3 million people longer than previously thought with many waiting more than a year, an official report reveals. The Office for National Statistics said its survey of 90,000 adults in England found 21 per cent were waiting for an NHS appointment, including an operation or scan. This means that around 9.7 million people more than one in five are waiting when the results are extrapolated to the whole population. However, separate figures published by NHS England state there were 6.3 million people waiting for 7.6 million appointments as of the end of January, with some people needing more than one type of care. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Part of the discrepancy may be because the NHS does not include those waiting for follow-up consultations, with critics previously accusing health chiefs of keeping these people on a 'hidden waiting list' that means they can be sidelined as a low priority. The representative ONS survey also found one in seven respondents who were waiting for an NHS appointment had been waiting for more than a year, whereas NHS England says only one in 20 on their lists have been delayed this long. According to the ONS figures, this would suggest 1.35 million patients have been waiting longer than 12 months four times more than the 321,394 stated by NHS England. What do the latest NHS performance figures show? The overall waiting list shrunk by 28,000 to 7.58million in January. There were 376 people waiting more than two years to start treatment at the end of January, up on the 282 in December. The number of people waiting more than a year to start hospital treatment was 321,394, down slightly on the 337,450 in the previous month. Some 44,417 people had to wait more than 12 hours in A&E departments in England in February. The figure is down on the 54,308 logged in January. A total of 139,458 people waited at least four hours from the decision to admit to admission in February, down from 158,721 in January. Just 70.9 per cent of patients were seen within four hours at A&Es last month. NHS standards set out that 95 per cent should be admitted, transferred or discharged within the four-hour window. In February, the average category one response time calls from people with life-threatening illnesses or injuries was 8 minutes and 25 seconds. The target time is seven minutes. Ambulances took an average of 36 minutes and 20 seconds to respond to category two calls, such as burns, epilepsy and strokes. This is more than twice as long as the 18 minute target. Response times for category three calls such as late stages of labour, non-severe burns and diabetes averaged 2 hours, 4 minutes and 12 seconds. Nine in 10 ambulances are supposed to arrive to these calls within two hours. Advertisement Furthermore, the ONS suggests 670,000 people have been waiting 18 months or more, compared with the 14,000 stated by health officials. NHS England pledged to have ended waits of more than 18 months over a year ago. Brett Hill, head of health and protection at independent consultancy Broadstone, said: 'Of particular concern is the wide gap between the data reported in NHS waiting lists and the findings of the ONS survey, which suggests the proportion of UK adults now waiting for medical treatment or advice is far higher than previously understood. 'With 21 per cent of adults in England now waiting to access healthcare it highlights the huge problems for businesses when it comes to supporting the health of their employees and reducing sickness absence.' Andrew Gwynne, Labour's shadow health minister, said: 'Pull back the cover and the crisis in the NHS is even worse than it appeared. 'One in every five people in England are stuck on waiting lists, and they are waiting longer than ever before. 'Rishi Sunak has broken his pledge to cut waiting lists, and now he's planning to close services and cut doctors and nurses. 'The longer the Conservatives remain in office, the longer patients wait.' The ONS also asked the public about their access to GPs and satisfaction with their general practice. Almost one in 10 people said they had been unable to make contact with their GP the last time they tried to book an appointment, while 7.4 per cent said they were told to call back another day or ring 111 because the practice could not help. Almost a third of patients said they had found it 'difficult' or 'very difficult' to secure an appointment while just under half said it had been easy. Dr Margaret Ikpoh, vice chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'We know how much our patients value the care that GPs and our teams offer, and we share their frustrations when they struggle to access it when they need to.' An NHS England spokesperson said: 'The official published statistics on NHS waiting lists actually show 6.3 million patients were on NHS waiting lists as of the end of January and only 4.2 per cent of waits were over a year. 'Work is ongoing to reduce the longest waits for patients but despite pressures and industrial action, hardworking NHS staff ensured the covid backlog has fallen for four months in a row and 18-month waits are down almost 90 per cent on their peak. 'In terms of GP care, almost two-thirds of people are happy with their experience, and millions more are being given appointments compared to before the pandemic.' A bird flu pandemic could be '100 times worse than Covid' and kill up to half of everyone it infects, experts have warned as the White House says it is 'monitoring' the situation. Speaking at a briefing, virus researchers said the H5N1 strain of bird flu may now be getting 'dangerously close' to triggering a pandemic. Multiple cases of the infection in a variety of mammals, including cows, cats and, more recently, humans, are all raising the risk of the virus mutating to become more transmissible, they said. But others attending the briefing said it was too early to panic because there were still too many unknowns about recent cases to warrant sounding the alarm. A White House representative said today it was tracking bird flu in the US, adding: 'We take the health and safety of the American people seriously.' The above shows how bird flu is edging closer to human spillover in the US The panel was quickly convened off the heels of news that a dairy farm worker in Texas tested positive for the virus, alongside 12 herds of cows in six states and three cats also in Texas that subsequently died. Testing done on the worker showed the patient's virus had already mutated to spread more easily although the CDC said this mutation had been recorded before, that the risk was low and that there was no sign of human-to-human transmission. The briefing was attended by bird flu researchers, doctors and officials from government agencies who were alarmed by the bird flu case in a human. John Fulton, a pharmaceutical industry consultant for vaccines and founder of Canada-based pharmaceutical company BioNiagara, organized the meeting after receiving enquiries from the media. Speaking at the briefing, Dr Suresh Kuchipudi, a bird flu researcher in Pittsburgh, warned: 'This virus [has been] on the top of the pandemic list for many, many years and probably decades. 'And now we are getting dangerously close to this virus potentially causing a pandemic.' He added: 'H5N1 viruses have already demonstrated several important features of a potential pandemic virus. 'So these are, the virus is already globally distributed, and this virus particularly, that is often perceived as an avian virus, it can, and it has shown, the ability to infect a range of mammalian hosts including humans. 'We are not really talking about a virus that is yet to make a jump, we are talking about a virus that is globally present, already infecting a range of mammals and is circulating. 'So, therefore, in my view, I think this is a virus that has the greatest pandemic threat [that is] playing out in plain sight and is globally present.' 'It is really high time that we are prepared.' The above shows cases of H5N1 in people by country from the year 1997. The virus underwent a major change in 2020 when a wild and domestic version combined His concerns were echoed by Fulton, who warned the H5N1 strain of influenza A could trigger a worse pandemic than Covid. He said: 'This appears to be 100 times worse than Covid, or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate. 'Once its mutated to infect humans, we can only hope that the [fatality rate] drops.' The World Health Organization estimates the fatality rate for H5N1 at 52 percent, based on the 462 deaths recorded since 2003 among the 887 people diagnosed with the virus. For comparison, Covid currently kills less than 0.1 percent of people it infects although at the beginning of the pandemic this was around 20 percent. Since 2020, when the new strain of bird flu emerged and spread around the world, seven out of 26 people infected with H5N1 have died or nearly 30 percent. Some experts warn that in more serious but rare cases, H5N1 could infect the respiratory tract triggering pneumonia. It can also infect other areas, such as the eyes where it causes inflammation. Dr Gabriel Girouard, a microbiologist in New Brunswick, warned the death rate of H5N1 was currently around 50 percent, although there were few human cases. But he said that if the virus did start to spread between people this would likely 'drop' but still 'remain high'. Newer infectious diseases have high fatality rates because people do not yet have a defense against them, allowing the virus to evade the immune system and cause a more severe infection. Other experts attending the panel called for calm, however, including David Swayne, who has worked on bird flu infections in animals for decades. He said: 'Right now, for the cattle cases there is no knowledge, so that's easy for the alarm to be raised. 'There is a huge lack of knowledge that we need to fill. 'Let's look at the facts and look at them with reason, we don't really know that much today because of the knowledge gaps that we need to fill.' Dr Francois Balloux, an epidemiologist in the UK, added on X this morning: 'People not professionally involved in pandemic prevention/mitigation being worried/feeling miserable now won't make any material difference to what may hit us, except that their life would suck, far more than it should.' To become a pandemic, a virus needs to be able to infect humans or animals easily and spread between them. But researchers are yet to establish whether the virus is now able to spread from mammal-to-mammal with studies underway on infected cattle. The White House press secretary said today, when asked about the US bird flu outbreak: 'This is something we are certainly monitoring. 'We have been, the CDC has been working and focusing on this. 'We take the health and safety of the American people seriously. It is very important to this President. Our top priority is to keep communities healthy, safe and informed.' So far, 12 farms across six states have reported H5N1 infections in their cows including five in Texas, as well as farms in New Mexico, Michigan, Ohio, Idaho and Kansas. Cows in Iowa are also being tested. Infected cattle are described as 'lethargic', eating less food and producing less milk. But they are not dying from their infections. But it is not clear how the cows became infected, whether it was via exposure to infected droppings, bird carcasses or another route. It also is not clear whether the virus is spreading between the animals or if they are being infected by a single source, such as their feed. Most of the cases across the country have been linked back to farms in Texas. For the human case, there are also many unknowns including how the patient was infected. It could have been from direct contact with cows or from touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching their face. Although many mammals are being infected, experts say there is one species they focus on in particular: Pigs. These animals have the same receptors in their lungs as humans, meaning an outbreak among them could predict a similar episode in humans. But, infections are not currently being recorded in pigs. However, a person in Pennsylvania was diagnosed with a flu infection from pigs earlier this year and hospitalized, but they made a full recovery. The individual had close contact with pigs and was infected with the H1N2 strain of influenza A, slightly different from H5N1. Scientists warn pigs could also become infected with human and avian flu viruses at the same time, which could then swap genes in a process called reassortment to create a new version of the virus. The situation has a potential wider impact than just causing panic, however, with the price of milk and eggs also likely to rise. Milk from infected cows cannot be sold, while egg farms have to cull all their birds when bird flu is detected which takes months to recover from. This was behind the surge in egg prices in 2020, when the price of a dozen large, Grade A, eggs surged from $1.72 to $3.59 over the year to November 2022. At their peak, they reached $4.82 for a dozen eggs. Officials say there is a very low risk from of contracting bird flu from milk because nearly all the supply is pasteurized, which inactivates viruses and bacteria before milk heads to stores. Bird flu started to take off in 2020 after a wild bird flu MIXED genes with a version of the virus from domestic poultry. It spread rapidly via migrating birds and in May 2021 it was confirmed to have crossed the bird-mammal barrier for the first time after two baby foxes in the Netherlands tested positive for the disease. One died from the infection, while the other was euthanized because of its symptoms. The route of infection was not confirmed, but scientists said it was likely via eating the carcass of an infected bird. In January 2022, the first case was then diagnosed in a human in 79-year-old Alan Gosling from the UK. Do you know more? Email freddy.pawle@dailymail.com Beachgoers have raised concerns about a new surfing trend on the rise across Australia that's banned at some of the most popular beaches. Hydrofoiling is an emerging sport where riders use a surfboard-like craft equipped with a curved, wing-shaped fin underneath. This fin suspends the board above the water, allowing riders to effortlessly glide above the surface. While some are propelled by ocean currents or a rider's 'pumping' motion, others are also equipped with a lithium-powered jet propulsion system. Despite the rising popularity of hydrofoiling around the world, it has been banned at some of Sydney's most popular beaches including Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Bronte, Bondi, and Tamarama. However, some hydrofoilers also known as foilers are ignoring the bans, which has sparked tension between those in the water. One incident occurred earlier this year at Bondi Beach when a hydrofoil rider was confronted while riding a wave by a swimmer who said it was dangerous. A hydrofoiler was confronted at Sydney's Bondi Beach, where the sport is banned The swimmer shared on Facebook: 'I spoke to one of them thinking he must not know, but said he knows and doesn't care. 'Saw so many near misses, one dad and his young daughter surfing had a near miss with them and then guy told them to watch out for his foil.' However, Bondi local and prominent foiler Joshua Ku said the ban was an overreach from the councils. 'Instead of using common sense with the situation, the councils think that they just need to create a rule, and then the rule kind of protects everyone,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'To an untrained eye the activity looks dangerous, but if you look at all the reports no one on a foil board has actually hurt anyone at the beach.' Mr Ku added that hydrofoiling is not banned at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, despite it attracting over four million swimmers annually. He said many surfers were 'jealous' of foilers. 'When someone's sitting there and maybe not getting as many waves as this foiler might be getting, instead of looking at and saying that looks really fun and exciting, they'd rather just sit there and whinge,' he said. Having spent his whole life surfing before becoming a foiler, Mr Ku said the fledgling community is more welcome to newcomers than surfers who try to protect their local surf break from outsiders. Joshua Ku (pictured), a prominent figure in hydrofoiling, argued that local council bans on the activity were unnecessary Hydrofoiling is banned at some of Sydney's most popular beaches, including Bondi (pictured) 'That's just the culture of surfing. When you've got old surfers who feel like they have a connection to their local beach and a bit of ownership, they think that they can be the ones calling the shots,' he said. 'They don't like it when a new sport comes in, and it's more effective than what they're riding.' Departing from the classic 'local surfer' culture is one reason Mr Ku is so passionate about growing the foiler community. 'When you paddle out on a foil board, and another foiler is out there, they're always so stoked to see you,' he said. 'They ask you, "What are you riding? What have you been up to lately with your foiling?" And it's just a really refreshing attitude.' Mr Ku hopes that future talks with the councils will help increase the amount of time that foilers can enjoy the surf and potentially move towards a lifting of the ban. Others pointed out the hypocrisy of the ban, highlighting that swimmers might feel just as fearful due to the presence of many out-of-control surfers. The ban on foils in Bondi was introduced in 2019 by Waverley Council and was extended south to Malabar by Randwick City Council in 2022. 'We share the community's concerns about hydrofoil surfboards and public safety,' a Waverley Council spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. 'We would ask the riders to exit the water or inform them on arrival that hydrofoils can't be used at our beaches. 'This proactive approach by lifeguards has been effective and the majority of riders respect our position. 'We call upon hydrofoil riders to respect the rules and we will continue to have conversations with our neighbouring Councils, and local hydrofoil rider groups, to ensure a consistent approach to managing public concerns.' FSS, Naver sign MOU for strategic business cooperation By Anna J. Park Naver's latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be applied to the financial tasks of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), as the two parties formed a strategic partnership on Wednesday. FSS Governor Lee Bok-hyun and Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the FSS headquarters on Wednesday, pledging to cooperate on enhancing digital finance and innovative AI-based financial supervision tasks. Through the agreed partnership, the big tech company's state-of-the-art AI technologies, such as its own deep learning language model HyperCLOVA X, will be utilized to enhance financial supervision. Unveiled by Naver last August, HyperCLOVA X is a large-scale AI model widely utilized across various sectors, including public services, finance, gaming, and mobility, aiming to enhance work productivity or to help build their own AI services. Collaboration for educational and research purposes will also take place between the two entities. Naver will conduct education sessions on its generative AI technology for FSS employees. It will also embark on joint research initiatives related to the utilization of AI technologies in the financial sector and the digitalization of finance. "Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence have been evolving at an astonishing pace, and I believe a generative AI technology is expected to bring about huge changes that can be parallel to the impacts of an industrial revolution," Lee said after signing the agreement. "The FSS plans to actively embrace and employ the latest digital technologies in its supervisory tasks. Through the MOU, the FSS expects to further enhance its capacities in supervision, inspection and protection of financial consumers by utilizing Naver's IT technologies," Lee added. Naver CEO Choi also vowed that the big tech company will fully support the FSS's digital innovation and advancement of its system. "While Naver's AI technology is increasingly being utilized across every industry sector, its application in the financial sector is becoming particularly stronger," Choi said. "Based on a range of collaborative projects with the financial industry, Naver will continue to support the FSS in innovating its tasks and advancing its digital systems by providing tailored AI solutions," the Naver chief added. The ongoing hostilities between brothers William and Harry are by no means the first close family row to blight the Royal Family. For if Queen Victoria was angry with her eldest son, Bertie the future Edward VII for his wayward philandering, this was as nothing to the fury reserved for her own mother, the Duchess of Kent. The widow of the late Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, fourth son of George III, German-born Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld truly became a Mum from Hell, controlling the every waking moment of her daughter in an attempt to stifle the slightest sign of independence. Sir John Conroy, Victoria, the Duchess of Kent and the Young Victoria as played by Mark Strong, Miranda Richardson and Emily Blunt in the film The Young Victoria Victoria at age two, with her mother, the duchess of Kent in a portrait dated 1821 Sir John Conroy, played here by Mark Strong, wanted to bring about a Regency which would mean that he and the Duchess of Kent would control the country, not Victoria As is widely acknowledged by historians, the Duchess and her close associate John Conroy, were determined to bring about a Regency following the eventual death of King William IV, which meant that they, and not her daughter Victoria, would control the country. Author Tom Quinn writes that King William IV had rightly guessed that his sister-in-law, the duchess, hoped he would die before Victoria reached the age of 18 and that the duchess intended to rule herself. Even more worrying was the fact that it was generally believe that the real power would lie with her adviser, the Irish aristocrat Sir John Conroy, a man who ruled the duchess as she ruled Victoria. Personal animosity resulted in the Duchess of Kent making every effort to keep Victoria as far away from her uncle William as possible. Indeed, Victoria was kept away from almost everyone and everything, a near prisoner at Kensington Palace, without friends, and with every minute of her life monitored by her mother and Conroy, who served as Comptroller of the Kent household at the palace. Known as the Kensington System, the regime was designed to keep Victoria dependent upon her mother and free from the influence of her wicked uncles, George IV and his brother William IV with their well-documented womanising. Eventually, an invitation to dine at Windsor arrived that could not be avoided, explains Quinn: a lavish affair to celebrate the birthday of Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV. William IV, Victoria's uncle, was one of the so-called 'Wicked Uncles' - the sons of George III. Along with the Prince Regent, later George IV, William was headstrong, selfish and addicted to vast indulgence Victoria, played by Emily Blunt, became Queen just weeks after turning 18 with the death of her uncle, William IV. And so a Regency was averted Miranda Richardson as Queen Victoria's mother, Victoria, the German-born Duchess of Kent. One of the young Queen's first acts on her accession was to move her bed out of her mother's bedroom The dinner allowed William to make a direct, scathing and very public attack on the duchess, explains Quinn in his book Scandals of the Royal Palaces An Intimate Memoir of Royals Behaving Badly. In a speech listened to in stunned silence, he complained that she had helped herself to parts of Kensington Palace without permission and that his one remaining aim in life was to live another year to thwart the ambition of the incompetent duchess and her evil advisers. William, as it turned out, lived just long enough to ensure that his niece Victoria became Queen. He died on June 20, 1837; Victoria had turned 18 just a few weeks before. One of her first acts on her accession was to move her bed out of her mothers bedroom. She banished Conroy from the premises in perpetuity. Children aged 13 are being taught how to treat stab and gunshot wounds by police officers in school. The extraordinary class has been taught to year nine pupils in at least one inner city London academy by City of London Police officers. It coincides with a rise in violent crime in the capital which has seen young people targeted by gangs, the most recent happening on Easter Monday. Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall slammed the lessons as the 'sad reality of Sadiq Khan's London where knife crime is up 54 per cent' as Londoners hit out at the 'sad state of affairs'. During the class at the City of London Academy secondary school in Southwark yesterday, officers taught pupils the sadly necessary skills which could save the life of someone who has been stabbed or shot. Year nine pupils at the City of London Academy pictured being taught how to treat stab and gunshot wounds by a City of London Police officer Officers (pictured) taught pupils the sadly necessary skills which could save the life of someone who has been stabbed or shot A police officer at the scene in Comeragh Road, West Kensington, west London, on April 2 after a man was shot dead on Easter Monday The City of London Police said the children were taught how to 'provide emergency treatment to someone suffering from a stab wound or ballistic injury' and how to stop bleeding in those situations. The presentation that officers gave to pupils included a slide on 'Exposure and Evacuation'. The slide showed a picture Jack Nicholson as horror villain Jack Torrance from 1980 Kubrick film The Shining after he had frozen to death after being left in the cold all night. Susan Hall told MailOnline: 'We shouldn't have to teach 13 and 14 year olds how to treat stab wounds, but that is the sad reality of Sadiq Khan's London where knife crime is up 54%. 'I am listening to Londoners, which is why I will put knife arches in every school that wants one and provide all frontline officers with knife detection wands, so we can get knives off our streets.' The City of London Police told residents: 'Our officers have been teaching year 9 students at the City of London Academy how to treat stab wounds and stop a bleed. 'The students were shown potentially lifesaving skills and how to provide emergency treatment to someone suffering from a stab wound or ballistic injury.' A 21-year-old man was shot dead in west London on Easter Monday, sparking a police hunt for the gunman. Police and ambulance crews were called to Comeragh Road in leafy West Kensington, where houses sell for close to 1million, just after 10pm. A man was found with gunshots wounds and treated by paramedics but died at the scene. Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall (pictured) slammed the lessons as the 'sad reality of Sadiq Khan's London where knife crime is up 54 per cent' The presentation that officers gave to pupils included a slide on 'Exposure and Evacuation', which the scene from 1980 Kubrick film The Shining of Jack Nicholson, as Jack Torrance, frozen to death after being left in the cold all night Social media users expressed horror at the state of affairs which has led children to have to learn these lifesaving skills due to an uptick in knife crime in London. User Ben replied: 'It's a sad state of affairs when plod have to teach children how to treat knife and gunshot wounds.' Another commenter, Mart, said it was 'frightening' that police had the teach the children these skills. A third said: 'Disgusting that you need to do this. Tell Khan to sort out this problem.' Police statistics revealed in January that more than 1,000 homicides had taken place in London since Sadiq Khan was elected mayor in 2016. Reaction to the visit was mixed on social media - with some lamenting the need to teach children how to respond to stabbing or shooting incidents Croydon was the borough with the highest homicide rate under Mr Khan's leadership with a total of 55 killings, amounting to just over 5 per cent of the total number of homicides in the capital. Alongside the south London borough - the areas of Southwark, Brent, Greenwich and Newham were the locations for 25 per cent of all homicides in the last seven years, each contributing above 5 per cent of the total. And this this year, the number of teenagers killed also remains high - with 21 youngsters killed in 2023, up from 14 in 2022. A further 30 were killed in 2021. Last week, my three children and I returned from an incredible ten-week trip to Asia, where we travelled to Bali in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Phuket and Krabi in Thailand and Bentota in Sri Lanka. We also spent a day each in Doha in Qatar and Shenzhen in China as we transferred between flights. That's six countries visited during a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Meanwhile, my children's friends were doing maths and spelling at school beneath grey UK skies. For this, I could be fined at least for my eldest's absence. Indeed, catching up on the news, I discovered that parents have been threatened with an increase to the penalty they already get for taking their children out of lessons in term-time. In an effort to crack down on parents like me who take their kids out of school, the Government's new 'attendance drive', announced last month, will increase the fine from 60 to 80 for longer than a five-day absence from the classroom, with the threat of prosecution if it isn't paid. Molly Gunn with her three children in Bali. 'Indeed, it's my firm belief that while our adventure won't help with the stuffy curriculum, it will definitely have boosted their life education' But if that happens I will take it on the chin, for I am one of a growing number of parents who are viewing attendance in a new way: flexibly! Despite piling our jumpers back on, we are all happy to be back at our Somerset home. It must be said, however, that the children my son, aged 13 and in Year 8; his younger brother, aged ten and in Year 6; and my daughter, aged six and in Year 2 have distinctly mixed feelings about returning to school, which they will do after the Easter holidays end next week. Did we have an amazing time on our extended trip? Yes. Did they miss their friends? Yes. Did they learn a lot while travelling? Yes. Do I think it will affect their education? Yes! But not negatively. Indeed, it's my firm belief that while our adventure won't help with the stuffy curriculum, it will definitely have boosted their life education. Their school work will be fine, too they'll catch up on what they've missed within a term and, I believe, be much better off for it. In a rapidly changing world, the UK schooling system is far too rigid and is lagging behind the times. A decade on from Michael Gove's reform of the National Curriculum and the general consensus is that it still isn't working. While the Government prioritises maths and English, there is little focus on arts, music and drama areas which have all been cut, despite an important arts and culture economy in the UK, which is precisely what I'd like my children to dive into when they're older. Hands up I'm exactly the sort of parent the Government wants to crack down on with their new term-time tax. I think a five-day school week spent sitting in the classroom isn't necessarily equipping youngsters for a working life in a world where the future jobscape is AI-friendly and most probably freelance, like my job as a writer. To me, their education can only be improved with quality time spent outside the classroom, experiencing the school of life. Travelling can only add to the richness of their learning. Take, for instance, the awareness of geography and eye-opening culture that taking them to Asia made possible. They got practical, daily maths lessons in each country we visited as we mentally converted the currencies. For example, 1 is 20,036 Indonesian Rupiah: my kids loved that we were millionaires when we converted 50! Molly's sons in Sri Lanka. 'When it comes to taking trips during school time, yes, it sounds like a luxury but escapism is important, and the Government forgets that, to most normal people, holidays are expensive' The school of life is so valuable, even down to the tight budgeting I got the kids involved in on our trip. Not to mention their swimming skills, which they improved daily with time in pools and sea. Most other parents think I'm brave or daring for taking my kids out of school. I shared pictures of our journey on my @SelfishMother Instagram feed, and the response has been mainly positive, with parents keen to know how the should go about it, too. When it comes to taking trips during school time, yes, it sounds like a luxury but escapism is important, and the Government forgets that, to most normal people, holidays are expensive. To be honest, it wasn't an easy thing to orchestrate and it took months of planning. My husband, Tom, a music producer, joined us for two weeks of the trip, but otherwise he had work commitments in the UK. Nonetheless, we decided it made sense to rent out our house while Tom stayed with friends, so we had to clear out the possessions of a family of five. I went to the trouble of un-enrolling my younger two from their state schools for a whole term. The benefit of living in rural Somerset is that their primary schools are not oversubscribed. There is no waiting list so I was able to do that, and then re-enrol them for the summer term. This was the best way to go about the trip so as not to receive fines. With my eldest child, I'll confess, I've had to roll the dice. After a discussion with his school, I opted for an unauthorised absence so that I didn't lose his place. We shall see whether that leads to a fine or not. But sometimes you have to live life on the edge, and I felt that now was the time to travel. And besides, I saved so much money by dodging extortionate school holiday prices. From plane fares, to hotel rooms, to car hire everything costs more during the school holidays . . . a lot more. The price of a vacation is so expensive during school holidays that it can often feel prohibitive to the average family last summer, we didn't go away at all because funds were so tight. My eldest is choosing his GCSEs next year, and I felt a term out now was better than later down the line. My middle child will be sitting his SATs after Easter, and I realise this may not have been the ideal time to travel. But he's a bright child and is brilliantly artistic, and I wasn't going to put our life on hold so he could cram for an exam created by the Government to measure attainment levels. There's no real benefit from SATs for my children, as far as I am concerned. Far more valuable will be the experience of travelling . . . or the experience of creating the pop-up art show I put on with him last December. The fact that he can put 'Hosted an Art Show' at the age of ten on his CV will be far more useful in the future than his SATs results. The family try on masks at an Indonesian market. 'It hasn't escaped me that I'm talking from a privileged middle-class standpoint, where taking my children out of school for a day, week or term is done with the thought and care to enrich their lives in other ways' Molly's children in Kuala Lumpur. 'Of course, the issue of school refusal and children missing lessons simply to doss about is a big concern. After all, we all want an educated country' I did no official home-schooling while we were away, but it's interesting how, at various points, my children 'self-schooled' my daughter sat down to make slime, as though she was in a chemistry lesson; my middle son would draw in his notepad regularly; my eldest learnt Spanish and Indonesian on Duolingo every night before bed. It hasn't escaped me that I'm talking from a privileged middle-class standpoint, where taking my children out of school for a day, week or term is done with the thought and care to enrich their lives in other ways. Of course, the issue of school refusal and children missing lessons simply to doss about is a big concern. After all, we all want an educated country, and it's worrying what happens to kids who are sedentary at home on their own, watching and playing on screens all day instead of socialising or learning at school. Could it be that if the school curriculum had a big old shake-up, with more focus brought into the creative art subjects, then kids might actually want to go to school more? And how about the Government put a cap on holiday companies increasing travel prices during school holidays? Or what about the radical idea that school time is more flexible generally as flexi-working has become since the pandemic? Could that suit parents' working life better, too? School attendance is at an all-time low. In former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman's final report last year, she found 'far too many children are missing school far too often'. It's no surprise the pandemic opened our eyes to a world where school wasn't mandatory. Like a collective consciousness, we've realised that if children aren't in school every single day of term, the wheels don't fall off. The world doesn't stop turning if kids don't have a 100 per cent attendance record. Buzz phrases such as home-schooling, school of life, online learning and mental health days no longer seem so woo-woo, and suddenly are viable options worth exploring. Molly's Instagram post with her children on the beach in Sanur, Bali. 'I've allowed my children odd days off school for myriad reasons: actual illness but also those days when I can see they are exhausted from the routine let's call those 'mental-health-duvet-days' No doubt my views will appal many parents and teachers, but I've seen for myself the benefits liberation can bring. I'm grateful for our country's school system and the education it gives my children, while also giving me free childcare, but I must admit I felt attendance rules were malleable even before Covid. I'm not sure where I get this renegade view, since I'm the daughter of a teacher: my mum taught French at the prestigious Prior's Field girls' boarding school, near Guildford. I am now 46, and in the early 1990s my parents' iron will to adhere to attendance rules felt as rigid as the blazer I had to wear to my Roman Catholic comprehensive in Merrow, Surrey. I was never, ever allowed a day off school unless the thermometer was showing I had a temperature as hot as the stodgy school dinner I'd be forced to eat at lunchtime. I've allowed my children odd days off school for myriad reasons: actual illness, of course, but also those days when I can see they are exhausted from the routine let's call those 'mental-health-duvet-days'. I've taken them to London to work meetings, such as a buying meeting at John Lewis, or an event at charity Save the Children. I've given them days off for trips to the beach, or a Friday here and there for a long weekend in Cornwall. I've allowed them entire weeks off to go on holiday, for example to Ibiza or Paxos. To me this makes sense. Because life is a lesson worth learning in itself, and life doesn't just happen at the weekend. My children are all bright and intelligent and I want them to be worldly, too. As a middle-class mother, my interest is in giving them the brightest breadth of life possible and I'm not sure that's always found in a classroom. With this new attendance drive, it feels almost as though the Government is making us choose between taking a holiday with a fine, or a more expensive holiday without a fine. The 20 rise in the cost of the fine will do little to deter the people such as me, who have always broken the rules anyway. But it might be a thorn in the side of people who find it hard to force their children to go to school, especially when their life is pretty hard anyway. When I was 14 I had glandular fever, which magically got me two months off school. My parents were satisfied to let me stay at home as I was genuinely ill with a doctor's note to prove it. I must admit I milked that time, and very much enjoyed being bed-bound with puzzles and copies of Just Seventeen magazine. Did those two months out of my school life affect my outcome negatively? Absolutely not! When I returned to school I felt as though I'd hardly missed a beat and, yes, a few years later I came out academically well-off with GCSEs, A-levels and a university degree. A couple of months out of the classroom won't have hurt my children either and I hope that the time they spend in school in future won't sap them of their creative drive. That's why I'm convinced those ten weeks we have spent touring the Far East has been the best education they could possibly have had. The deadly air strike which killed three Britons and four other aid workers in Gaza on Monday has shattered any assumption the West will continue to support Israel indefinitely in its war against Hamas terrorists. The carnage unleashed by the Israeli drones is as shocking as it is bewildering. How could the Israeli air force possibly have launched it when aid convoy was so clearly marked, and the Israelis were informed of its whereabouts? Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, described the strike as a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip, before adding complacently: This happens in wartime. But that is not good enough. The optics of this the needless slaughter of well-intentioned young people trying to help the disadvantaged in the most perilous place on Earth could not be worse. The war between Israel and Hamas, has dragged on for seven months since the slaughter of 1,200 Israelis by terrorists on October 7. Hamas, of course, provoked the terrible human cost to Palestinian civilians in Gaza by their rampage. Seven staff were killed in the airstrike on the aid convoy, including three British nationals But the worldwide sympathy Israel benefited from after the attack is dissipating rapidly. Against a background of the relentless destruction of Gaza, the ever-rising death toll and the hunger that stalks the benighted territory, this terrible error will only fuel claims Israel is bent on trigger-happy revenge, whatever the consequences. The fact that at least two of the three Britons killed are former Marines, and the other fatalities come from the U.S. and Australia both stalwart allies of Israel only makes things worse. As I say, we have to keep things in perspective. None of this would have happened had not the monstrous terrorists of Hamas embarked on their grotesque attack on Israel. But Israel has to take heed of the fact that its Western allies are increasingly warning Netanyahus government to reduce the civilian harm caused by its war to crush terrorists there. Yet humanitarian concerns are not alone in unsettling Israels Western allies. They are deeply worried about being dragged into a bigger war. There is a palpable fear that the Gaza conflict threatens peace and stability far beyond Israel. Also on Monday, Israeli F-35 stealth bombers struck a conclave of the Jewish states deadly enemies in the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital, Damascus. Senior Iranian commanders of the Islamic Republics Revolutionary Guards, who co-ordinate anti-Israeli activities with Palestinian jihadists and Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah militants, were killed. No need to mourn them, but we cannot ignore the truth that killing bad guys can have bad consequences. One of the World Central Kitchen aid convoy vehicles hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza An official inspects damage to an aid convoy vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza The Israelis wanted to disrupt the likelihood of Iran co-ordinating actions against them along their northern borders with Lebanon and Syria. Rockets launched from those two countries could cause serious damage to Israel because Iran sends its proxies serious hardware. But does Israel risk inflaming the whole Middle East by daring the Iranian ayatollahs to retaliate? Already, the conflict has spread. Egypt and the vital Suez Canal have faced disruption as the Yemeni Houthis attack Western shipping in support of Hamas. Neutral Jordan could be dragged in soon, too. The Israeli F-35s flew over Jordan to attack Syrias capital by surprise. They achieved that, but their violation of Jordanian neutrality puts its pro-Western government under pressure because so many of its people are Palestinians who are sympathetic to their cousins in Gaza. One reason for the roundabout flight path of the Israeli bombers was to avoid Russian-manned anti-aircraft defences based to the west and north of Damascus. The presence of thousands of Russian military personnel in Syria in areas where Iranian and Hezbollah forces also operate means a clash between Putins troops and Israel cannot be ruled out. U.S. troops are also present in eastern Syria and Iraq. They have already faced sporadic drone strikes by local pro-Iranian militias. The risk of an Israeli-Iranian war dragging in the superpowers, already at odds over Ukraine, cannot be ignored. Iran might aspire to go nuclear as Israel fears, but does not yet have the Bomb. Israel, Russia and the U.S. are nuclear powers and many fear Netanyahu is playing with fire and gambling recklessly to save his political skin. Before the war broke out, he was facing calls to resign over corruption charges. His wafer-thin parliamentary majority was under threat. The Hamas attacks in October punctured his reputation as Israels Mr Security, although, ironically, the war has saved his political career for the time being. If Netanyahus instinct for political survival leads him to widen the Gaza war, he will find he has few friends left among Israels traditional allies. For it would not only be bad for his own country but could plunge the rest of us into conflagration as well. Mark Almond is director of the Crisis Research Institute, Oxford. Top Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee will press on with their probe into Havana syndrome until they're 'satisfied' following a report that Russia is behind the mysterious psychological attacks on U.S. troops. A '60 Minutes' segment on CBS that aired Sunday compiled evidence over five years by The Insider and Der Spiegel revealing that a Russian intelligence unit may be behind Havana syndrome's puzzling neurological symptoms. Several U.S. defense officials and members of the U.S. military detailed the immense pain and disorientation they suffered after being targeted by the 'energy weapon.' 'It felt like I was stuck in this state of disorientation, not able to function,' FBI agent 'Carrie' said about her Havana syndrome symptoms. Their shocking claims come one year after five government intelligence agencies found it is 'very unlikely' that a foreign adversary of the U.S. is behind the neurological attacks. Now, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner of Dayton, Ohio, exclusively told DailyMail.com that his committee's investigation into Havana syndrome and other Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs) is 'ongoing' in light of the 60 Minutes report. It felt like I was stuck in this state of disorientation, not able to function, says FBI agent Carrie, describing events leading up to Havana Syndrome symptoms. https://t.co/ry94UCCuTj pic.twitter.com/e0WeSZmbsy 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 31, 2024 The State Department described what it saw as 'medically confirmed symptoms' including headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, confusion and disorientation 'It felt like I was stuck in this state of disorientation, not able to function,' FBI agent 'Carrie' said about her Havana syndrome symptoms 'Congressman Rick Crawford is leading the investigation into the targeting of men and women serving our nation and the health care they receive if they are harmed,' said Turner. Crawford, R-Ark., chairman of the Central Intelligence Agency Subcommittee, told DailyMail.com that the 'care and protection' of U.S. diplomats and troops is of the 'utmost importance.' 'The House Intelligence Committee's investigative efforts on this continue and will continue until we are satisfied with the Intelligence Community's response to this challenge,' he added. 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 alleged that the attacks are part of a worldwide mission by Russia targeting U.S. officials to 'neutralize' them. He also said that that acknowledging the potential use of sonic weapons would bring up security questions that the Biden administration doesn't want to grapple with. And attorney Mark Zaid, who represents over 24 clients who suffered from Havana Syndrome, said there is 'evidence of a cover-up' by the U.S. government. Another 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. The year-long collaboration also reported that senior members of Russian intelligence 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. The shocking claims come one year after five government intelligence agencies found it is 'very unlikely' that a foreign adversary of the U.S. is behind the neurological attacks. The White House is batting down the discrepancies between the CBS investigation findings and the intelligence community's March 2023 report. 'That particular piece about Russia - I know that they had not concluded that,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during the press briefing Monday. She went on to say the administration is taking attacks on U.S. troops and officials 'very seriously.' 'The President takes U.S. personnel - making sure that they are protected is the most important,' she added. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Monday that the March 2023 Intelligence Community report is still reliable. '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,' he told reporters. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, who also sits on the House Intel Committee, told DailyMail.com that he's 'long been concerned about the potential for foreign adversaries to deploy advanced technological capabilities against U.S. personnel, and the effects these could have on their health,' even before the CBS '60 Minutes' report. 'As a result, I introduced the bipartisan legislation (the IIR on AHI Act, H.R. 7305) to require the DOD to report all data on the investigation into the source of these attacks, and the treatment of this illness, to our appropriate Committees in Congress.' In December, Congress passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included funding for the intelligence community. According to a release put out by Turner and HPSCI Ranking Member Jim Himes, D-Conn., at the time, the bill ensures that impacted U.S. personnel are cared for and supported. In addition, it provides investments in 'necessary research' and continues the administration's investigation into Havana syndrome. In 2021, Congress passed the Havana Act authorizing the State Department, CIA and other 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 mysterious ailment has its roots in the original cases beginning in November 2016 through June 2018 among 25 U.S. 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. Chairman Mike Turner of Dayton, Ohio , exclusively told DailyMail.com that his committee's investigation into Havana syndrome and other Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs) is 'ongoing' in light of the 60 Minute report Russia has previously denied any involvement and dismissed the allegations as 'groundless' today 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) 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 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. House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good is in a fierce battle for re-election with an opponent gaining traction among members of Congress on a 'revenge tour' to get him out of office. Rep. Good (R-Va.) was one of the Republicans who voted to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October and he is now facing opposition from members of the GOP who disagreed with removing the former speaker. John McGuire, meanwhile, is gunning for Good's seat and has earned the backing of some high-profile lawmakers in Congress including Marjorie Taylor Greene. Good claims, however, it isn't necessarily a positive thing to have more support from the 'swamp' than those in the district and highlighted a lengthy list of his backers in Virginia's 5th district. Good's campaign manager told DailyMail.com that McGuire is being used as a 'puppet' for those in D.C. who are on a 'revenge campaign' against Good after he joined seven other Republicans in voting to oust former McCarthy. Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good's reelection campaign in Virginia's 5th Congressional District exhibits the fractures in the Republican Party as those aligned with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy launch a 'revenge campaign' against those who voted him out Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (left), who didn't want McCarthy booted and was herself ousted from the Freedom Caucus, is backing John McGuire's (right) bid to unseat Rep. Good And the congressman's campaign says the revenge tour isn't working. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is among the lawmakers outside of Virginia looking to bolster McGuire's bid to unseat Good - and she isn't shy about her thoughts on her right-wing colleague. 'He is the biggest backstabber,' she told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview this week. Greene's vendetta against Good and his Freedom Caucus stems from the some 50-member group's vote to boot her from the group her behind her back. She was also aligned with McCarthy. She noted that Good took around $2 million in his 2022 election from a McCarthy-aligned super PAC, the Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), then turned around and voted to kick the California Republican out of the top House job. 'That is an incredible amount of money, and then turn around, stabs him in the back and votes to vacate him as speaker. This is a pattern of behavior,' Greene said. 'I think people in Bob Good's district need to understand what a liar and backstabber Bob Good is,' she went on. Rep. Good (center) invited some of his highest-profile backers on his so-called 'Freedom Tour' in Virginia's 5th congressional district where dozens of local and state leaders are supporting his reelection bid Greene filed a motion last month to vacate new House Speaker Mike Johnson after Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who endorsed Good, used the same tactic to get McCarthy out in October. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) went out to McLean a D.C. suburb campaign for McGuire ahead of the state-wide June 18 House primary in Virginia. Despite formerly campaigning for Good and promising last year not to run against the conservative leader for his House seat, McGuire launched a bid and is selling himself as the more pro-Trump candidate. 'He's met President Trump and President Trump happens to like him,' Greene, who is in frequent contact with the former president, said of McGuire. Membership in the Freedom Caucus was once the pinnacle of conservative bonafides. Now, a firestorm from Trump's inner circle can threaten to oust even the staunchest of right-wing devotees. 'My constituents know and trust me. They know I represent them and their interests, not the DC Swamp's interests,' Good told DailyMail.com when questioned on his challenger. 'The people of VA-5 want a fighter with a backbone, not empty promises from just another politician who is constantly seeking another office.' 'I'm honored to have the support of countless local leaders whom I'm proud to serve and work with to restore our nation to its founding vision and to improve the lives of our constituents.' DailyMail.com can exclusively share two new endorsements Good picked up recently House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) and Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.). John McGuire claims he is the more Trump-aligned candidate after Rep. Good said in the 2016 election that Donald Trump was his last choice for president and then endorsed in 2024 his top competitor Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Pictured: Virginia congressional candidate John McGuire with Donald Trump Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) tops the list of high-profile endorsements for Good, but other lawmakers include Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds of Florida; Scott Perry of Pennsylvania; Eli Crane of Arizona; John Brecheen of Oklahoma; and Andrew Clyde of Georgia. Fellow Virginia Rep. Ben Cline is also backing the Freedom Caucus chief. Good also boasts a long list of endorsements from local leaders in his Virginia district including three sheriffs, 15 chairs and four vice chairs of different county GOPs in his district, five school board members and a handful of other county board members. McGuire's team did not provide DailyMail.com with a list of his endorsements, but in the district where he is running his backing appears slim. The limited list includes one county board of supervisors chairman for Campbell county, two former county supervisors for the same county, Lynchburg Mayor Stephanie Reed, who is an independent, and one sheriff from Buckingham County. Good's campaign highlighted that McGuire appears to have more support in the D.C. 'swamp' than in the district he wants to represent. The 'swamp' endorsements Good's campaign are referencing include Reps. Greene, Rogers, Derrick Van Orden (R-Minn.) and Austin Scott (R-Ga.). Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a close ally and former advisor to Trump, also endorsed McGuire. Good's Campaign Manager Diana Shores accused McCarthy and his allies of propping up McGuire's candidacy as retribution. She told DailyMail.com: 'Our opponent is simply a willing puppet for the Washington Establishment to use for their revenge campaign against Congressman Good, who is fighting for and standing up for his constituents every single day.' But Good will also have to contend with his record in the 2024 presidential race. The Virginia Republican originally endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis - a disloyalty Trump is not known to take lightly. Good only endorsed Trump minutes after DeSantis ended his presidential campaign. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who also endorsed DeSantis' presidential bid and is now backing Good, told DailyMail.com: 'Enthusiasm for Bob Good runs deep among Virginians outside of the beltway.' '[H]e is a proven America First conservative who irritates all the right beltway people by daring to do what he said he would do,' Roy claimed, adding: 'We need more Bob Goods in Congress.' A Facebook post from November 2016 showed Good saying Trump was 'about my 17th choice out of 17' in the Republican primary and noted that he had supported Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, but would vote Trump since the alternative was Hillary Clinton. 'Bob Good won't be electable when we get done with him,' Chris LaCivita, Trump's campaign manager, told Cardinal News in January. But so far, the embattled Virginia congressman is safe from a Trump onslaught, and the former president is staying mum on the race for Virginia's 5th district. Still, Good earned the support of former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. To combat some rising backing for McGuire, Good held a Freedom Tour event in his district last week with a stacked line-up of endorsers. Meadows, as well as Reps. Gaetz, Clyde, Roy, Andy Biggs (R-Az.) are just a few of the lawmakers who came to Virginia to support Bob Good's re-election campaign. The UK's competition watchdog has been accused of splurging over 2.7million of taxpayers' money on helping 'workshy' staff carry out their jobs from the comfort of their own home. Bosses have splashed out on nearly 2,500 laptops, smartphones, and tablets for just over 1,000 employees over the past three years, figures have revealed. Parliament Street think tank - which uncovered the data branded the Competition and Markets Authority's 'frivolous and excessive spending spree' astonishing during a cost-of-living crisis. Chairman Patrick Sullivan said: 'Instead of forking out millions of pounds to enable workshy staff to stay at home, a mandatory order should be put in place to get them back into the office where they belong.' A survey last month revealed civil servants were among the most likely to want to work from home - despite government efforts to get them back into the office. CMA bosses have paid for nearly 2,500 laptops, smartphones, and tablets for just over 1,000 employees over the past three years. Pictured: The CMA's Cabot Square offices The CMA is widely viewed as one of the foremost antitrust agencies in the world and is set to get huge new powers to rein in Big Tech this month under new laws. However it has come under fire over the past year over how it has dealt with scrutinising major deals, in particular Microsoft's 60bn takeover of Activision Blizzard. The watchdog last night defended its IT spending saying its staff also needed the devices in the office because it no longer had any standalone computers. Overall, officials spent 1,887,000 on 1,258 laptops for staff between January 2020 and December 2023. At an average cost of 1,500, this is the same price as the latest high-end Apple MacBook Air which was unveiled last month. A further 817,600 was spent on 1,164 smartphones and tablets. With an average headcount of 1,179 employees, this equates to 2,294 spent on every person. Last year, the Cabinet Office said they expected staff to be in 60 per cent of the time but also promised that flexible working would remain 'fundamental' to working life. When asked how many days they would be in the office in an ideal world, a recent poll by recruitment firm Randstad found civil servants answered just 2.1 each week on average. Company bosses are starting to have more sympathy with the hybrid working however with some admitting it was a necessary commitment to retain and hire new workers. A survey last month revealed civil servants were among the most likely to want to work from home - despite government efforts to get them back into the office (Stock photo) Sachin Agrawal, UK managing director of cloud computing firm Zoho, said: 'The pandemic ushered in a new era of remote working which has since resulted in many companies now offering a hybrid work model. 'Staff are now regularly granted work-from-home privileges and expect a degree of flexibility in their day job, so if organisations fail to support hybrid working they may be at risk of losing talent to their competitors.' Sheila Flavell CBE, chief operating officer of business and tech consultancy FDM Group, said: 'Hybrid working brings numerous benefits, and having the right technology in place to enable it actually delivers savings in the long term. 'But equipping staff with the latest shiny new devices must be accompanied by digital training and support so the return on investment is maximised.' A spokesman for the CMA said: 'At the CMA laptops and phones are IT equipment, not remote working equipment. 'They are used in both the office and at home there is no standalone IT equipment in CMA offices. As with all IT equipment, it must be periodically upgraded.' A Queensland man faces murder charges in connection with the death of a 21-year-old father that police initially thought died as the result of a crash. Blayde Barber, a 21-year-old father from Nanango, had been found critically trapped in a vehicle on March 21 on a property off Kingaroy Barkers Road in Booie, rural Queensland, after the car hit a fence post. Despite the efforts of emergency crews performing CPR, he later died in Kingaroy Hospital. Police said additional information now points to Mr Barber's cause of death to be from a gunshot injury, the Courier Mail reports. Kingaroy man Gavin Raymond Pates, 38, has been charged with one count each of manslaughter and insecure storage of weapons. He was denied bail and appeared briefly at Murgon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, April 3. His case was adjourned for later today. Blayde Barber, 21, (pictured) was found trapped in his car that collided with a fence post as he was leaving a property in Booie, rural Queensland. It was initially believed he died from injuries caused by the car crash on March 21 Kingaroy man Gavin Raymond Pates, 38, been charged with manslaughter Police allege the father arrived at the property in a 2005 Hyundai Sonata around 11.30pm before the incident. A second man, who is believed to have been a passenger, fled the scene before police and emergency crews arrived. At the time of the initial report, police said Mr Barber was not known to the people who lived on the property. 'It's a horrific set of circumstances for emergency services to respond to any incident involving the death of a person,' Det Act Insp Garske told media on Wednesday. Investigations are continuing. His sister Tatijana Barber took to social media to share her heartbreak. 'I don't think words could possibly describe how much I miss you. I'm forever grateful to call you my brother. You were taken from the world far too soon,' she wrote. Friends posted tributes to the young 'bubbly' and 'funny' father on social media. 'Forever 21. You didn't deserve this,' one wrote. 'I'm extremely saddened to hear of your passing; fly high, my gee. Look down on everyone and be the brightest star out there,' another said. Family and friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to the young father (pictured) and to express their shock at Mr Barber dying so young The 21-year-old and his ex-girlfriend, Toni Louise Eichner, became parents to their daughter in late 2022. Ms Eichner also paid tribute to the young dad. 'Rest easy honey, we ended poorly, but you had a big impact on my life and the chapters surrounding it. I will forever cherish and keep those for our daughter,' she wrote. 'Your daughter will always know who you are, she loves you. I love you. Until we meet again.' Increasing numbers of Generation Z are opting out of college and turning to vocational schools with hopes of higher wages and avoiding student debt, data shows. Young people who came of age during the pandemic said they have been deterred from four-year universities by high tuition and the prospect of student debt. Instead, they are attending trade schools and are being enticed by well-paying job opportunities and satisfying work. The National Student Clearing House recorded a 16 percent increase in enrollment at two-year schools with a 'high vocational program focus' and a 2.6 percent rise in community college enrollment in 2023, reported Bloomberg. 'It's a really smart route for kids who want to find something and aren't gung ho on going to college,' wielding program graduate Tanner Burgess, 20, told The Wall Street Journal. Alezet Valerio, 18, who started at a construction site right after graduating high school said she loves her job and finds it rewarding to building something Young people who came of age during the pandemic said they have been deterred from four year universities and are attending trade schools instead On TikTok, one young electrical lineman said he makes $200,000 a year and owns multiple homes 'It feels good at the end of the day, I'm physically doing something and there's a sense of completion.' There was a 23 percent increase in students studying construction trades in 2023 compared to the year before, and a seven percent increase in HVAC and vehicle maintenance and repair programs. Largely left on their own amid remote learning, many felt they weren't learning enough, and the idea of four more years of school - or even two - held little appeal. At the same time, the nation's student debt has soared. Over 43 million Americans owe a collective $1.3 trillion in student loan debt, with the average borrower owing $37,000, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Americans have lost confidence in the value of a college degree over the years, with many suggesting they are unsure that the cost of an education is worth it. A Gallup poll published in July 2023 found that the share of Americans who trusted higher education fell from 57 percent in 2015 to 36 percent. Gen-Zers are looking to the trades to make money, with many posting online about the large salaries they make in fields like welding and plumbing. On TikTok, one young electrical lineman said he makes $200,000 a year and owns multiple homes. 'We're doing 60 plus hours a week, 16 hours a day. With that comes doubletime, overtime, added benefits into your retirement, union benefits. We stay busy year round,' he said. 'I own a few investment properties, a nice truck. I focus on investment properties and earning more money with the money I make here.' The National Student Clearing House recorded a 16 percent increase in enrollment at two-year schools with a 'high vocational program focus' There was a 23 percent increase in students studying construction trades in 2023 compared to the year before According to data from payroll-services provider ADP, the median pay for new construction hires was $48,089 last year, compared to $39,520 for professional services new hires. Software company Jobber surveyed 1,000 high school and college-age students in July 2023 and found that 56 percent of respondents believe that 'blue-collar' jobs have more job security than 'white-collar' desk jobs when it comes to AI. Business opportunities were also important to survey respondents, and nearly two-thirds said they want to start their own business at some point in their lives. Alezet Valerio, 18, who started at a construction site right after graduating high school, told The Wall Street Journal she loves her job and finds it rewarding to building something. 'It's not at all what I was expecting. I'm building skyscrapers and building a career out of it,' she said. Colby Dell, 19, is attending trade school for automotive repair and hopes to open his own mobile detailing company. 'I always thought it was a hobby. Looking into these vocational schools, I realized it was a dream I could really pursue,' he said. An Aussie mum has called out Cadbury, claiming its range of Easter chocolates have a 'gross taste' - prompting the confectionary giant to respond. Miles Fyfe said that this year's bunnies and hollow Easter eggs had different texture and taste compared to previous years. She said they appeared waxier, oilier, possibly thinner, and had an 'general offness about them'. An Aussie mum has called out Cadbury, claiming their range of Easter chocolates have a 'gross taste' - prompting the confectionary giant to respond Even her children, who typically enjoyed their yearly Easter treat, refused to finish eating the chocolates due to the 'off' taste. 'It's as if they used cheap $2 store chocolate and wrapped it in Cadbury wrapping.' Even her children, who typically enjoyed their yearly Easter treat, refused to eat the chocolates due to the 'off' taste. 'We still have multiple uneaten bunnies and eggs,' she claimed. 'They've changed the recipe, or done something to the recipe, and they taste awful. 'They're not good, they were great last year. This year? Trash, absolute trash.' She posted about her experience on social media - with many ageeing. One person commented, 'I've noticed Cadbury hasn't tasted the same lately. Something's off.' Another chimed in, saying, 'I agree! They taste like cheap advent calendar chocolate.' A third said, 'I bought the Cadbury 18-pack. After one bite, it tasted like wax.' Poll Did you notice a difference in Cadbury chocolate this Easter? Yes No Did you notice a difference in Cadbury chocolate this Easter? Yes 734 votes No 170 votes Now share your opinion And a fourth added, 'I thought it was just me who noticed this! They definitely taste worse than last year.' Another said: 'My kids are complaining about the taste of the crunchy bunny, tastes like grass or earthy.' 'I thought it was just me who noticed this! They definitely taste worse than last year,' a fifth claimed. A spokesperson for Cadbury's parent company, Mondelez International, told Daily Mail Australia that although 'the recipe hasn't changed,' they are 'disappointed to hear that our product has not met the high taste and quality standards we strive for.' They also encouraged Aussies to reach out to their support team regarding any issues with products. Root Impact assists women experiencing career interruptions in resuming professional journeys By Lee Yeon-woo Excitement, coupled with a hint of nervousness, filled a conference room at Seongsu-dong in eastern Seoul, on a sunny day in March. Seated side by side at six tables, each bearing the names of a company, a group of women introduced themselves and exchanged greetings in a friendly manner. These women seemingly had almost nothing in common. Their ages, backgrounds and work experiences varied greatly. Yet, there was one thing they all shared: the desire to restart their careers. Roh Seung-hwa, 53, was one of them. As a dedicated mother who put her career on hold for over 10 years to focus on child-rearing, she felt that now is the time to focus on her own growth, not her daughter's anymore. "My daughter is now majoring in business at college. She's all grown up. I realized it's also my time to grow and evolve personally. If I don't jump in now, I feared there might be no chances left," Roh said. The program that Roh and the other 19 women attended is called Re:Boot Camp. Designed by Root Impact, a nonprofit organization, the program aims to support women who paused their careers for marriage, childbirth or caregiving, and are now ready to leverage their prior work experience to advance their careers. Over 10 weeks, participants engaged with real-world projects from various participating companies, refreshing their work acumen and enhancing their practical skills through digital tools and tailored education. Since its inception in 2018, the program has welcomed approximately 140 women, offering them a chance to reignite their careers. "Small companies struggle to recruit experienced talent, yet they're able to offer a work environment that's horizontal, flexible and free," Heo Jae-hyong, CEO of Root Impact, said. "For women resuming their careers after a break, the priority isn't always a full-time role with high salaries. Instead, their main concern is avoiding extended gaps in their careers. They seek opportunities where they can contribute meaningfully and experience self-efficacy, balancing with family responsibilities." "This program is such a rare opportunity for women looking to restart their careers," said Park Sun-young, another participant who stepped away from her job in 2014 to focus on raising her child. Although she continued to work as a freelancer, taking on short-term projects in content planning and editing, Park felt the pull of team collaboration and faced financial pressures as her daughter approached high school. However, upon deciding to re-enter the job market, she was met with a stark reality. Living in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, she sought help from various government-run women's employment centers, only to find the experience disheartening. "I felt marginalized, as if my work experience was deemed invaluable," Park recalled. During her freelancing work, Park encountered many strong, yet lesser-known companies in need of skilled employees. She believed she could be introduced to one such company during her visits to the centers. "The centers did not even have a comprehensive list of the local businesses. They mainly offered basic, low-paying jobs, like packaging positions at 12,000 won ($8.91) per hour," Park said. Roh echoed similar sentiments, "With 17 years of experience in financial accounting, HR and asset management, my skills are highly specialized and require expertise. Yet, the job suggestions I receive fail to reflect this. It's as if society views me merely as a person who did nothing at home." Roh hopes that society can take back its prejudice towards women who have paused their careers. "There's a prevalent belief that we should be content with low-skilled jobs simply because we stepped away from our previous roles. My message is clear: Being an 'ajumma' (middle-aged woman) doesn't mean we lack awareness or ambition," Roh said. Their sentiments are not just personal, but corroborated by statistics. As of the first half of 2023, almost 1.35 million women, or about one in five married women, are on a career break, with the average duration lasting 8.9 years. The primary reason for these breaks is child care, accounting for 567,000 women or 42 percent of cases. This is followed by marriage (26.2 percent) and pregnancy and childbirth (23 percent). Even upon returning to work, they face challenges, notably in the quality of available positions. Women typically find their salaries reduced to just 84.5 percent of what they earned before their break. There's also a noticeable shift in the job landscape, with fewer opportunities in office jobs, professional roles and permanent positions. Conversely, there's an increase in sales and service roles, alongside a surge in temporary job offerings. Women's economic participation is especially critical as Korea faces a declining working-age population. Earlier this month, the Federation of Korean Industries highlighted the impact of women's career breaks, estimating an annual loss of about 44 trillion won. "Active participation of women in the economy and childbirth are crucial for economic growth and development. Moreover, enacting policies that foster equal opportunities and eliminate discrimination is fundamental to establishing an equitable social environment and increasing the life satisfaction of each individual within society," Kang So-hyun, a research fellow from Korea Capital Market Institute, said. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva also noted during her visit to Korea last December that reducing the gender gap in work hours could raise Korea's per capita income by 18 percent. Yet, the lack of adequate child care infrastructure and the societal expectations for women to bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities often force women to put their careers on hold. "It's a misconception that career interruptions among women are always a matter of personal choice. Such conceptions hamper societal change," Hong Ju-eun, the project leader of Re:Boot Camp, said. "Many alums say that participating in this program allowed them to regain confidence and sharpen skills. Despite this personal growth, the unchanged external environment still poses challenges to implementing immediate changes in their career trajectory." Recognizing and respecting the diverse situations of women facing career interruptions is thereby important, according to Heo. "Society tends to oversimplify the issue by categorizing these women as a homogenous group, ignoring the vast differences in their work perspectives, employment status, family responsibilities and access to support," Heo said. Many have mentioned that tailored policy supports and an increased number of flexible working positions are the most needed components to facilitate their return to their professional journeys. "Korea is a rare country where most women are highly educated, having put in tremendous efforts to pursue and maintain careers. As long as the burden exists that they must excel in both their workplace and family responsibilities, I believe birthrates will remain low, regardless of cash support," Heo said. Therefore, Heo believes that creating a flexible and inclusive working environment is crucial for the future, not only for women but also for many people pursuing various family structures. Such an environment can create a win-win situation for both employees and the company, Heo said. Based on this belief, Root Impact has established a day care center in partnership with 13 social venture companies in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul, while also offering flexible work arrangements. The center alleviates the child care burden for employees, enabling them to continue their professional growth without compromise. It required a significant amount of financial investment, yet, it also promised returns. "For a small organization like ours, offering flexible work arrangements and supportive services, like this day care center, significantly boosts our appeal to high-caliber talent," Heo said. "I believe these represent the unseen profits of the company's investments. Attracting and retaining great colleagues, ensuring they remain engaged over the long term, poses the most significant challenge. While it's challenging to quantify these benefits in economic terms, the payoff, in the long run, is substantial." Vincent Larry pushed him down stairs at stranger's house, slammed him in ER Carl Grant died six months after his spinal cord was wrecked by police body slam An elderly dementia patient was paralyzed and died six months later after he was body-slammed into an ER floor by police, in a horrifying moment caught on film. Military vet Carl Grant, 68, had been taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, in February 2020 after trying to enter a house he wrongly thought was his. Policeman Vincent Larry pushed him down the stairs of the house's porch and took him to the hospital for gashes on his forehead from the fall. Then, after he had been treated, Grant, a US Marine Corps Veteran, wanted to leave and refused when Larry advised him not to. Horrifying surveillance footage showed Larry then throw him to the floor in a 'hip toss' that landed him hard on his back and wrecked the spinal cord in his neck. Carl Grant in bed in UAB Hospital hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, after he awoke from surgery, paralyzed from the neck down. The cuts on his forehead are from being pushed down porch stairs by the same officer who destroyed his spinal cord Birmingham Police bodycam just after Grant was body-slammed on the floor of the hospital by police, before they turned over his limp body and handcuffed him The story of how Grant ended up paralyzed began on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2, 2020, when Grant drove off from his Conyers, Georgia, home to shop for groceries. It was to be a quick trip, so he left his cell phone at home and the heater running. Along the way, Grant became disoriented and turned his Kia Optima onto Interstate 20, driving west. More than two hours later, he was in Birmingham, using his keys in the dark to try to unlock the door to a stranger's house. It was a one-story brick home, just like his. The owner called 911. Grant assured responding officers that it was his home. They handcuffed Grant, but realized he wasn't a burglar he truly thought he lived there. One officer recognized signs of dementia. At the precinct, a sergeant told officers they should have called medics for an evaluation and notified a supervisor. Instead, police told Grant to move along. He did and, about an hour later and less than half a mile away, officers responding to a burglary call found Grant sitting in a porch chair. Again Grant insisted he was home, and could prove it with paperwork inside. Grant stood up and turned toward the front door. Body-camera video shows Officer Vincent Larry telling Grant he couldn't enter and then shoving him down the porch steps. Officer Vincent Larry (pictured) was the policeman who pushed Grant down the porch stairs, arrested him, took him to hospital for the head injury, then threw him to the ground in the ER This family photo shows Carl Grant, his partner, Ronda Hernandez, and their dog, Charlie, at the house they shared in Conyers, Georgia, in 2019. After Grant's dementia diagnosis, they moved from California to Georgia, to be near his brother and sister In this family photo, Carl Grant prepares to cook in the home he shared with his partner, Ronda Hernandez, in Redlands, California circa 2000 Grant was facedown on the ground as Larry and other officers struggled to handcuff him. As they did, Grant cried out, 'Call the police!' These officers also began to recognize signs of confusion Grant couldn't tell them the day of the week or year. A sergeant asked Larry if they should take Grant into protective custody. Larry continued with the arrest, saying Grant assaulted him. Larry wrote in his report that Grant struck him with a closed fist, though he later told internal police investigators the shove caused Grant to turn and punch as he fell. Larry went with Grant to the UAB Hospital to be treated for a forehead gash from the fall. That took a few hours. At 3am Grant stepped out of an exam room, the officer wrote in his report, and told Larry he was going to charge his cell phone the one his mind didn't grasp was nearly 200 miles away. Larry wrote that he told Grant to stay because they would soon be discharged, but Grant refused. Hospital surveillance video shows Larry reach for Grant's arm and flip him over in what the police investigation described as a 'hip toss' not taught at the academy. Grant landed on his back. A nurse estimated his head bounced four inches off the floor. Larry rolled Grant over to his stomach and handcuffed him. It was the third time he had been restrained in six hours. When Grant awoke from emergency surgery and couldn't move, he apologized to family gathered around his hospital bed. In the fog of dementia, he thought he'd been paralyzed in the Vietnam War. Grant's family decided not to correct him. 'We left it like that, we didn't know how he'd react,' his sister, Kathy Jenkins, recalled. Grant died almost six months later on July 24, 2020, aged 69. The death certificate worksheet lists his paralysis as the cause, attributing it to 'physical assault with body slam'. Birmingham Police Department body-camera video of Carl Grant on the porch of a stranger's home in Birmingham, Alabama, after police were called there on February 2, 2020 Grant, due to his dementia, thought the house was his, despite living two hours' drive away. He was shoved down the porch stairs and taken to hospital for a head injury the fall gave him Grant had been a proud Marine who enlisted at 18 years old in 1969, following the example of a favored uncle. He settled in California after nearly a decade of active duty, continued to serve as a reservist and opened a trucking business. He also met Ronda Hernandez, who would become his partner of 30 years. They have two children, Michael and Michelle. By his early 60s, the more tired Grant got, the more confused he became. Doctors diagnosed him with early-onset dementia. He also had post-traumatic stress disorder and health issues from Agent Orange exposure during combat in Vietnam. After the dementia diagnosis, Grant moved from California to Conyers, Georgia, to be near his brother and sister. 'We were robbed,' said his sister Kathy Jenkins, whose anger has not subsided four years after Grant's death. 'It's like somebody went in your house and just took something, and you were violated.' This family photo shows Carl Grant and his partner, Ronda Hernandez, and her children, Michael and Michelle, in a friend's backyard in California in the mid-1990s Grant in front of his truck after he started a trucking business in California in the mid-1990s Grant (second right) with his family at his retirement ceremony from the US Marine Corps in California in 1999. At center in white jacket is his partner, Ronda Hernandez; background left is his sister, Kathy Jenkins, and his brother, William Jenkins, right Grant's death was among more than 1,000 across the US that an investigation led by The Associated Press documented after police used tactics like the hip toss that, unlike guns, are meant to stop people without killing them. More than 20 of those who died in these encounters, which also included weapons such as Tasers, were 65 or older. Many others were, like Grant, vulnerable due to a crisis brought on by their physical or mental health, or due to drug use. The Birmingham Police Department's investigation concluded Officer Larry used excessive force at the hospital. The punishment: a 15-day suspension and retraining. Larry was still on the job in August 2020, posing with another cop at a local clothing shop after they jumped into a promo shot that later went viral on social media, less than three weeks after Grant died. A civil lawsuit filed by Grant's brother in 2022 focuses on the need for better training for first responders on how to recognize and respond to vulnerable people. Birmingham attorneys Richard Rice and Johnathan Austin are representing Grant's brother, William Jenkins. 'If you can't stand up and say that what happened to Carl Grant was wrong, it just shows how much ground we have to cover to be able to really have a conversation about police accountability,' Rice said. A judge dismissed the case without addressing the allegations of excessive force. The city and the officer had argued they were not given notice that a lawsuit would be filed before a legal deadline. Jenkins' lawyers are appealing and the appeals court has ordered the parties to mediate. 'Grant was never physically, emotionally or mentally the same man as he was who walked into the UAB ER. He walked into the hospital and was beaten, paralyzed and left dead,' the lawsuit stated. Larry was no longer employed by the city as of September, the mayor's office said. He's now working as a part-time police officer in the suburbs outside Birmingham. Relatives of Carl Grant, from left, his sister, Kathy Jenkins; brother, William Jenkins, and Grant's partner, Ronda Hernandez, stand for a portrait in Birmingham, Alabama Larry (right) with fellow Birmingham Police officer Justin Judge, and Corey Bishop, owner of Refresh Clothing, in August 2020 - weeks after Grant died Graysville Police Chief McKinsley Marbury said his department opted to give Larry a second chance and he's doing great. 'You always keep what someone does in the back of your head,' Marbury said. 'There are so many things that we ask the Lord to forgive us for, that we probably are not worthy of forgiveness for. But he does. 'And if he can do it for us, we, as people, should be able to do it for someone else.' In court paperwork, Larry denied he committed an unprovoked assault on Grant at the hospital. His attorney declined to make him available for an interview. Grant was Black. Larry is too. They were in a city central to the Civil Rights Movement. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Police Chief Scott Thurmond have spoken out about police brutality elsewhere. Neither agreed to talk about this case. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A wanted man remains on the run despite being found asleep behind the wheel of a luxury car when he stopped at a set of traffic lights. Motorists alerted police officers to the bizarre sight after the man stopped the car at a red light at an intersection on Belgrave-Hallam Road, Hallam, in Melbourne's southeast on Monday around 2pm. Shocking footage captured the moment the man stopped at the lights and taking a nap, along with another male passenger in the black Mercedes sedan. Drivers nearby began to film and take pictures of their odd encounter with the man, who is wanted by authorities for allegedly earlier evading police. A wanted man remains on the run despite being found asleep behind the wheel at a set of traffic lights (pictured) The man was asleep for at least 20 minutes at the red light before the cops rushed to the scene, according to 7News. Police said paramedics tried to wake the diver up before officers told the man to step out of the vehicle when he woke up a short time later. A heavily tattooed male officer then yelled at the man not to drive off as he began to move the car forward. 'Do not... get out of the car, get out of the car now!' the officer yelled. The driver disobeyed his instructions and with the intersection clear of police vehicles and oncoming traffic, stepped on the accelerator and sped off. The man was driving a high-powered Mercedes C63 AMG worth more than $100,000. Police who were called to the scene (pictured) ordered the driver to step out of the vehicle but he disobeyed the instructions of officers The man was driving a high powered Mercedes C63 AMG worth more than $100,00 A spokeswoman from Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia the driver allegedly 'failed to stop' when he was being pursued by police, before he managed to get away for the second time. 'No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing,' the spokeswoman said. The driver still remains on the run. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage, has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The driver accused of killing a husband and wife in a horror collision involving three vehicles showed no remorse for the couple's deaths, a court has heard. Trevor Schutz, 62, and his wife Catherine, 54, were travelling in their black Ford sedan near Penola, in South Australia's south-east, on Easter Sunday when the crash occurred. The driver of a Ford ute, Shane Leistra, 51, allegedly crashed into them head-on at the intersection of Riddoch Highway and Three Mile Lane just after 5.15pm. Emergency services rushed to help Mr and Mrs Schutz, but the pair died at the scene. Two women, aged 42 and 69, who were travelling in a white Tesla, were also taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries as a result of the crash. Trevor Schutz, 62, and his wife Catherine, 54, (pictured) were killed in a head-on collision near Penola, in South Australia 's south-east, on Easter Sunday Their black Ford sedan (pictured) was allegedly crashed into at the intersection of Riddoch Highway and Three Mile Lane Leistra faced the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court from hospital on Tuesday and was granted three months bail to live with his sister. He was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious harm by dangerous driving. Prosecutors told the court Leistra showed no remorse when police spoke to him at the scene of the crash. 'The defendant, at the time had shown a lack of remorse,' the prosecutor said, according to The Advertiser. 'I can't comment on why that's the case it could be a number of reasons.' Leistra was returning from a trip to Portland, Victoria, when he allegedly swerved into oncoming traffic smashing into the two cars, the court heard. He suffered broken ribs in the crash and was taken to hospital for treatment and mandatory testing. His blood alcohol test results are set to return in three weeks. Shane Leistra, 51, (pictured) allegedly swerved into oncoming traffic smashing into two cars. Prosecutors told the court he showed no remorse when speaking to police at the crash site Two women, aged 42 and 62, were taken to hospital after Leistra also crashed into their white Tesla (pictured) The prosecutor asked the court to impose a bail condition which would ban Leistra from driving for 12 months. It's understood Mr and Mrs Schutz were the loving parents of two daughters and long-time members of the local Lutheran church in Suttontown. Locals shared touching tributes on social media to the couple who had lived at their home in the town for more than 20 years. 'They were the greatest people alive, always helping out others,' one person commented. 'Absolutely shocked to hear this news. Down to earth, decent, friendly people. Been to their farm a few times collecting their beloved jerseys, always up for a chat. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends,' another person wrote. Post Office boss Paula Vennells was aware there was a 'covert operations team' at Fujitsu that could alter subpostmasters' accounts remotely, newly unearthed recordings have revealed. The former chief executive had been briefed about allegations concerning the existence of the remote unit at Fujitsu's Bracknell headquarters in 2013, two years before she told MPs there had not been 'any miscarriages of justice'. Bombshell new audio, obtained by Channel 4 News, reveals Ms Vennells was told about the claims, made by former Post Office union rep Michael Rudkin after visiting Bracknell in 2008, and that the Post Office was investigating. More than 900 sub-postmasters were convicted of theft, fraud and false accounting between 1999 and 2015 due to faults in Fujitsu's Horizon system. For more than two decades, sub-postmasters complained the system was faulty. The shocking injustice was thrown back into the spotlight in the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, based on campaigner Alan Bates's bid for justice. Bombshell new audio reveals Paula Vennells was told about the allegations concerning the existence of the remote unit at Fujitsu's Bracknell headquarters in 2013 The audio reveals Ms Vennells was aware of the claims made by former Post Office union rep Michael Rudkin after visiting Bracknell in 2008, and that the Post Office was investigating Post Office boss Paula Vennells who was supposedly aware there was a 'covert operations team' at Fujitsu that could alter subpostmasters' accounts remotely In the recordings, dating back to 2013, two forensic accountants from Second Sight - the firm hired by the Post Office to conduct an independent investigation - appear on a call with Post Office general counsel Susan Crichton. One of the investigators, Ron Warmington, warns that Ms Vennells could be questioned by James Arbuthnot - a local MP campaigning on behalf of the subpostmasters - about the covert Bracknell operation. He says: 'If James says something like, "And where are you on this assertion about the Bracknell covert operations team, as it was referred to by Rudkin?"' Crichton can then be heard twice confirming that Ms Vennells had been briefed about the allegation. She says: 'Well look, that's a specific case. We'll come back to it when we finish the investigation.' Warmington adds: 'Yeah, well, as long as she doesn't come back and say, "Look, so what's this Bracknell issue, what is he talking about?" Oh, we've known about that for two months.' Crichton replies: 'She knows about the allegation. She knows we are working on it.' 'Oh, that's alright then. Good.' Warmington responds. 'We mentioned it to her. We're all going, "Well, that's all very odd."' Later in the same tape Crichton advises again of her role in appraising Paula Vennells of issues identified by the independent investigation. She says: 'She's got everything. The way that I've tried to brief Paula is, as soon as I have evidence that you know, that there is a problem, she knows about it the next minute.' In the recordings, dating back to 2013, two forensic accountants from Second Sight - the firm hired by the Post Office to conduct an independent investigation - appear on a call with Post Office general counsel Susan Crichton Crichton can be heard twice confirming that Ms Vennells had been briefed about the 'covert operations team' allegation Lord Arbuthnot speaks to the media ahead of a meeting of the independent Horizon Compensation Advisory Board on January 10, 2024 Ms Vennells ran the Post Office at the height of the scandal while it routinely denied there was a problem with its Horizon IT system. The Post Office continued to deny remote access was possible until 2019. Claims of Fujitsu having a 'covert operations team' which could remotely access Postmaster's accounts were first brought to light by former Post Office union rep Michael Rudkin after he visited Fujitsu's Bracknell headquarters on August 19, 2008. After being shown the recordings by Channel 4 news, Mr Rudkin recalled how he was shown staff members remotely accessing Postmasters' accounts despite being told categorically by the Post Office that this was impossible. He said: 'My chaperone introduced me to those that were left as being the covert operations team. 'I was astounded. He altered the figures of one of the branch accounts on a live terminal in the boiler room at Fujitsu headquarters. 'I asked him: Have you just altered those figures and is this real time? The reply was: 'Yes'. I said: 'Are you absolutely sure? 'Yes', this is real time.' 'Realising my disdain as to what I'd just witnessed, I was then more or less just ushered back upstairs and pushed out through the door like a common criminal.' The day after Mr Rudkin expressed concern at the revelation, a Post Office auditor turned up at his shop in Ibstock, Leicestershire, to tell him 44,000 was unaccounted for. Mr Rudkin was forced to repay the money and his wife Susan, who did most of the day-to-day running of the branch, was prosecuted and given a suspended prison sentence. He believes the action was taken against him after blowing the whistle on Horizon. Former Post Office union rep Michael Rudkin visited Fujitsu's Bracknell headquarters on August 19, 2008 and discovered Fujitsu's alleged 'covert operations team' which could remotely access Postmaster's accounts Commenting on the tapes, Mr Rudkin continues: 'The minute I first heard it, it was one of elation saying 'Rudkin you were right!'. The second one is one of sadness thinking 'Why did my wife and kids have to be put through this?'' 'For all them years. We shouldn't have had to endure this level of oppression. And for this, I hope they get sent to hell and back.' Susan did consider and contemplated suicide. 'The risk was very high that she would overdose and kill herself. She was so depressed.' 'It's not just us that's affected. It's the whole family. The way that you are shunned within the local community - whispers, 'No smoke without fire'. 'Susan's reputation and mine for that matter, just dragged through the mire. And I can't understand for the life of me why it's taking so long for the Metropolitan Police to get on top of this. Somebody's got to be held to account.' Also contained in the bombshell tapes, is the assertion that Ms Vennells did not believe the scope of the Second Sight investigation would extend to uncovering 'miscarriages of Justice'. Crichton clarifies to the investigators: 'Ian had a chat with Paula earlier on. And we've had a couple of chats this morning. 'So Paula agrees that the original scope of the investigation did not go as far as looking at whether it was the miscarriage of justice point, Ron and Ian. So that's, that's not what she's looking for. 'She's looking for the systematic - or systemic rather, not systematic - systemic weakness in the Horizon systems. But not, as I said, it doesn't go on to that next point around whether or not it's caused the miscarriage of justice, or suspension of a subpostmaster. 'Because I think that, once you found it, then it's up to us to look for and see what impact it might be, if that happens.' Two years later, Vennells would tell members of parliament at a Select Committee appearance that 'If there had been any miscarriages of justice it would've been really important to me and the post office that we surfaced those.' Former postmaster Alan Bates, who is portrayed by Toby Jones (pictured) in the drama, led and won the initial legal battle after himself falling victim to the faults The scandal is seen as one of the UK's biggest miscarriages of justice and has gained recent national attention over recent days thanks to Mr Bates Vs The Post Office airing on ITV The tapes also shockingly reveal how Crichton directly asked how the Post Office could limit interference form MPs over the growing scandal. She says: 'The need to somehow have a plan to close down this process. I mean, even to the extent of stopping MPs sending cases in now. So how do we close down the MP side of the process. 'And what would work for MPs? And what can we sell to MPs? And how quickly can we do that? 'So is there any way, and I'm thinking out loud here, is there any way of shutting down the MP cases, and making James and his friends happy, so they'll just go away basically?' Fujitsu and the Post Office declined to comment on the allegations raised in this report, citing the Public Inquiry now examining this scandal. The Post Office told Channel 4 News it is 'fully focused on getting to the truth of what happened'. Paula Vennells, Susan Crichton and Alwen Lyons did not respond to Channel 4 News' requests for comment. A schizophrenic man who stabbed his neighbour to death is being desperately hunted by police after he absconded from a mental health facility in east London. Philip Theophilou left the facility in Homerton on Sunday and has not returned, the Metropolitan Police said. The 54-year-old hacked his 'gentle' neighbour Simon Breed, 51, to death in 2004 after he lay in wait with a kitchen knife for hours outside of his house in Alexandra Park - just a few months after he had been released from a mental health hospital. And when the father-of-two returned home one evening, Theophilou stabbed him to death in the chest, head and back. Theophilou admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility after killing Mr Breed in the knife attack and then living rough in Hyde Park for three days before he was caught, the Old Bailey heard twenty years ago. Philip Theophilo (pictured), who stabbed his neighbour to death, is being desperately hunted by police after he absconded from a mental health facility in east London The 54-year-old hacked his 'gentle' neighbour Simon Breed, 51, (pictured) to death in 2004 after he lay in wait with a kitchen knife for hours outside of his house in Alexandra Park Police believe he travelled to the Green Park area on Sunday at around 11.25am, wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, and a black jacket. Doctors said he suffered from schizophrenia but had not been taking his medication at the time of the killing in April 2004. Officers and medical professionals are concerned at his lack of access to medication and the risk he may pose without it. Theophilou had previously caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to Mr Breed's house and car with a meat cleaver in January 2003. The attack followed building work started by Mr Breed shortly after he moved in 2002, and which had caused a crack in the next door house that Theophilou shared with his parents, the court heard. He was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and released from St Ann's Hospital in August 2003 after the incident. There were no problems until eight months later when Mr Breed was attacked at night as he returned from playing at a folk club. Police believe he travelled to the Green Park area on Sunday at around 11.25am, wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, and a black jacket Theophilou admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility after killing Mr Breed in the knife attack and then living rough in Hyde Park for three days before he was caught, the Old Bailey heard twenty years ago During his initial medical assessment, Theophilou had told a psychiatrist that he wanted to kill children in the street and he would have killed his neighbours if they had been there, it was reported at the time. The Mail discovered in 2005 that at first, Theophilou - a former West End theatre worker - was considered too 'high-risk' for St Ann's and should have been put in a more secure unit. But within two weeks he was transferred from a psychiatric intensive care unit to an open ward from which he escaped once and walked out another time. He was ultimately discharged from an open ward. Paul Brogan, defending, said Theophilou had been discharged from hospital in 2003 in apparently 'unsatisfactory circumstances'. 'There was a failure to monitor or treat him after discharge,' said Mr Brogan. The Breed family only realised had returned when he came to their door to apologise, it was heard at the time. After attacking his neighbour with the knife, Theophilou ran to the park from his home in north London, leaving Mr Breed dying outside his house. Mr Breed's wife found him struggling for breath on the doorstep of their home, and he died an hour later, it was reported at the time. The father managed to say 'I've been stabbed' and 'it was him next door' before he died, his wife said previously. Theophilou was sent to Broadmoor special hospital without limit of time under the Mental Health Act, in November 2005. Anyone who sees Theophilou should not approach him. Instead, call 999 immediately quoting CAD 3598/31Mar. Israel's highest-ranking officer has apologised for making a 'grave mistake' after his forces killed seven aid workers by bombing a clearly marked food convoy in Gaza. Former Royal Marines James Henderson and John Chapman and an ex-soldier named last night as James Kirby were among the victims of the 'outrageous' drone strike that has triggered worldwide condemnation. The team, which was providing security for the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity, were hit on Monday as they moved food from a warehouse to distribute to Gaza's starving population. Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) chief Herzi Halevi has now expressed remorse over the killings, which he says were the result of a 'misidentification' in complex conditions. He gave no further details. Lt. Gen. Halevi admitted the bombing 'shouldn't have happened' and said an independent body would conduct a 'thorough investigation' that would be completed in the coming days. Aid agencies accused Israel of deliberately targeting their staff, while experts, including the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counterterror, have warned the killing of WCK workers could be a war crime. Israel's highest-ranking officer chief Herzi Halevi (pictured in a video posted to X early this morning) has apologised for making a 'grave mistake' after his forces killed seven aid workers by bombing a clearly marked food convoy in Gaza James Henderson, 33, (pictured) was a former special forces operator and a member of the Royal Marines for six years, was killed in the bombing. He had been providing security for the World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza John Chapman, 57, (pictured) is also thought to have served in the Special Boat Squadron, part of the UK's Special Forces. He had only been in Gaza for a 'matter of weeks' when he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Monday An ex-soldier named last night as James Kirby (pictured) was also among the victims of the 'outrageous' drone strike that has triggered worldwide condemnation 'This incident was a grave mistake,' Lt. Gen. Halevi said in a video message posted on X early Wednesday morning, as he announced the results of IDF's 'preliminary debrief' into the killings. 'I want to be very clear - the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification - at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn't have happened.' He added: 'Israel is at a war with Hamas, not the people of Gaza.' Lt. Gen. Halevi revealed a probe has been launched into the incident in the coming days and said the conclusions of the independent investigation would be implemented immediately and shared with WCK and other 'relevant' international organisations. He said he has visited the new Humanitarian Command Center that was established on Tuesday to 'improve the way we coordinate aid distribution in Gaza'. 'We will continue taking immediate actions to ensure that more is done to protect humanitarian aid workers,' he said, adding that IDF was 'sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK'. He said the army 'shared in the grief' of the victims' loved ones, adding: 'We see great importance in the continued delivery of humanitarian aid, and we will keep working to facilitate this vital effort.' A Palestinian man stands next to the damaged vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike n Deir Al-Balah Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday Horrific photographs showed how a huge hole had been blown in the roof of one car, with the vehicle's interior torn to shreds by the force of the blast Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) Passports of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), who are killed after an Israeli attack on a vehicle belonging to WCK in Deir Al-Balah of Gaza on April 2, 2024 World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated with the Israeli military over the movement of its cars. Three vehicles that were moving at large distances apart were hit in succession. They were left incinerated and mangled, indicating multiple targeted strikes. At least one of the vehicles had the charity's logo printed across its roof to make it identifiable from the air, and the ordnance punched a large hole through the roof. It is understood that the strike - which an Israeli military source has branded as an 'intelligence failure' - was carried out by drone via an operator with the 933 brigade that was based in Khan Yunis, The Telegraph reported. The strike reportedly would have been signed off by three individuals, including an intelligence officer, senior commander and military legal adviser. Israeli security sources told Haaretz newspaper that IDF drones had trailed the food convoy and the army had reason to believe a Hamas operative was travelling with the group. Subsequent intelligence has since revealed that the terror suspect had stayed behind when the convoy left its warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, the insiders said. 'The armed man did not leave the warehouse,' the newspaper reported, citing defence sources. 'The cars travelled along a route preapproved and coordinated with the IDF.' The strikes on the charity's convoy highlighted what critics say is Israel's indiscriminate bombing and lack of regard for civilian casualties in Gaza. Israeli authorities blame Hamas for civilian deaths because the fighters operate in populated areas. Jacob Flickinger, 33, (pictured) has been named as the American-Canadian citizen who was one of seven food charity workers killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza late Monday night Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, (pictured) was also killed in the drone strike on Monday Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese demanded 'full accountability' from Israel over the death of aid worker Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom, 43, (pictured) who was the leader of the relief team and killed in the convoy Palestinian worker Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, (pictured) was also killed when missiles struck the convoy on Monday Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that Israeli forces were to blame, saying the aid workers had been killed by an 'unintended strike'. He said officials were 'checking thoroughly' what had happened. Mr Netanyahu was last night under intense pressure to explain why the attack happened and to guarantee that there will be no further strikes against aid workers. Ships carrying 240 tonnes of food aid were yesterday reported to have turned back from Gaza in the wake of the bombing, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the narrow strip of land. Rishi Sunak last night told Mr Netanyahu he was 'appalled by the killing of aid workers'. In a phone conversation the Prime Minister demanded a 'thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened'. Downing Street said Mr Sunak told the Israeli PM that the situation was becoming 'increasingly intolerable' and that 'far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza'. A No 10 spokesman said: 'The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. 'The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel's rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.' Volunteers at international aid organization inspect the vehicles as vehicles of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), who are killed, are heavily damaged during an Israeli attack on a vehicle belonging to WCK in Deir Al-Balah of Gaza on April 2, 2024 A UN worker holds James Henderson's passport at the scene of the strike People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 Passports of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen who were killed in an Israeli airstrike on April 1, 2024 are seen after the attack For weeks the Foreign Office has been considering whether Israel has broken international law and has threatened to cut off arms supplies to the country. Calls have now emerged for intelligence sharing to be scaled back if UK legal advice concludes Israel has fallen short of its requirement to demonstrate a commitment to international law, according to The Telegraph. Alicia Kearns, chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, has said that there must be a 'thorough and swift' investigation into the airstrike. She added: 'There is also still no explanation for the bombing of the Medical Aid for Palestine complex in a safe zone, which had also been deconflicted directly with the IDF in January, which four British doctors fortunately survived. READ MORE: All women hostages held in Gaza are being sexually abused, freed Israeli woman says An image grab from a handout video released by the Hamas Media Office shows a Hamas fighter and a Red Cross medic accompanying a newly released Israeli hostage Maya Regev to a Red Cross vehicle, in the Gaza Strip early on November 26, 2023 Advertisement 'Humanitarian agencies must be given the assurances they need that their people will be protected.' She also told the newspaper that a 'determination that Israel is not demonstrating a commitment to international humanitarian law would have implications for our intelligence-sharing, alongside arms sales.' Similarly, Lord David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, told his Israeli counterpart that the attack was 'completely unacceptable'. Israel's ambassador to the UK was also summoned to the Foreign Office for a dressing down. In a strongly worded statement, Sir Keir Starmer said the attack was 'outrageous and unacceptable', adding: 'This war must stop now.' Some Labour MPs demanded an immediate end to arms sales to Israel. Former shadow justice secretary and Left-winger Richard Burgon said the UK had licensed almost 500million worth of arms sales to Israel and suggested this was 'the latest incident where UK military exports may have been used in attacks on British nationals'. The SNP has also demanded that any legal advice given to the Government on whether Israel has broken international law be released. Ben Saul, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counterterror, has warned the killing of WCK workers could be a war crime. He told The Telegraph: 'It's a human tragedy. But, of course, it could well be a violation of international humanitarian law, under which Israel has a duty not to deliberately target humanitarian relief workers or their convoys or their relief consignments.' Prof Saul argued that Israel has a 'wider duty' to ensure the safety of aid workers and their 'freedom of movement', and to 'coordinate with them so that these kinds of tragedies never happen'. World Central Kitchen workers gather around the bodies of their colleagues after they were transferred to Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah WCK staff were seen mourning their dead colleagues as their bodies were loaded into an ambulance 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 The Polish man has also been named by authorities as Damian Sobol (pictured), who worked for the charity bringing aid into Gaza James Henderson, 33, was a member of the Royal Marines for six years, according to his LinkedIn profile Mr Henderson, 33, had served in the Royal Marines for six years. Mr Chapman, 57, is also thought to have served in the Special Boat Squadron, part of the UK's Special Forces. The third man was named last night by the BBC as James Kirby. He is understood to be an Army veteran. All three were working for a private firm providing security to the aid convoy. What is World Central Kitchen? Founded in 2010, World Central Kitchen delivers freshly prepared meals to people in need following natural disasters, like hurricanes or earthquakes, or to those enduring conflict. The group has also provided meals to migrants arriving at the southern U.S. border, as well as to hospital staff who worked relentlessly during the coronavirus pandemic. The aid group sends in teams who can cook meals that appeal to the local palate on a large scale and fast. 'When you talk about food and water, people don't want a solution one week from now, one month from now. The solution has to be now,' Andres is quoted as saying on the group's website. World Central Kitchen has worked in dozens of affected areas and currently has teams in Haiti, addressing the needs of Ukrainians displaced by Russia's invasion, as well as providing meals to people affected by the war in Gaza. In Gaza, the group says it has provided more than 43 million meals to Palestinians. The group has set up two main kitchens in the southern city of Rafah and the central town of Deir al-Balah. It lends support to 68 community kitchens throughout the territory, serving more than 170,000 hot meals a day. Advertisement They died alongside American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Australian national Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom, 43, who was the leader of the relief team, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25. Whitehall sources last night acknowledged that the 'horrendous' attack would make it harder for the Government to maintain its steadfast support for Israel's operation in Gaza. One insider said: 'This sort of thing just cannot be allowed to happen. We have shown support for Israel but that is contingent on them conducting themselves in a certain way, including acting in line with international humanitarian law.' Israel was under mounting pressure last night to explain why its forces had targeted a respected charity whose staff were travelling in clearly marked vehicles. Three missiles from a single drone hit the three vehicles one by one. Shocking pictures from the scene showed that one missile had punched straight through the prominently displayed logo of the charity on the roof of an armoured vehicle. The convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where workers had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea. The WCK said it had co-ordinated the movement of its team in Gaza in advance with the Israeli Defence Forces. WCK chief executive Erin Gore described it as a 'targeted attack' designed to deter aid agencies working in Gaza which has been subjected to months of bombardment following the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel. She said she was 'heartbroken and appalled', adding: 'This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organisations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. This is unforgivable.' Deliberate attacks on civilians, including aid workers, are considered a war crime. Israel last night faced condemnation from around the world. Poland, Australia and Canada demanded answers from Israel about the deaths of their citizens. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese demanded 'full accountability' from Israel over the death of aid worker Lalzawmi Frankcom who was killed in the convoy. US President Joe Biden was 'heartbroken', his press secretary said. World Central Kitchen (WCK) barge loaded with food arrives off the Gaza coast, where there is risk of famine after five months of Israel's military campaign on March 15, 2024 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 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 Mr Sunak said the aid workers were 'doing fantastic work.... They need to be allowed to do that work unhindered and it is incumbent on Israel to make sure they can do that'. Last night protesters led by families of Israeli hostages and anti-government groups marched on the PM's residence in Jerusalem. Mr Netanyahu said: 'Unfortunately over the last day there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip.' He said officials were 'checking this thoroughly' but added: 'It happens in war... and we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again.' The IDF expressed its 'deepest condolences' to the families of the aid workers, and said it was 'reviewing the incident at the highest levels'. The Spanish chef behind charity feeding the people of Gaza By Sam Greenhill Chief Reporter Chef Jose Andres, the Founder and Chief Feeding Officer for World Central Kitchen In disaster zones there are always people going hungry and World Central Kitchen's ethos is to feed them 'not tomorrow, today'. Set up by restaurateur Jose Andres, the charity provides healthy meals to families in need all over the world. Flamboyant chef Mr Andres has made it his life's mission to set up field kitchens in some of the world's most dangerous spots. He said: 'When you need medical service, you bring doctors and nurses. When you need the rebuilding of infrastructure, you bring in engineers and architects. And if you have to feed people, you need professional chefs.' Born in Spain, Mr Andres moved to New York aged 21 with just $50 (40) in his wallet he went on to own several restaurants across the U.S. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, he flew there to cook alongside families made homeless who were living in a camp, learning from them in order to create proper comfort food for survivors of a crisis. Since then, WCK has expanded to serve more than 350million hot meals following hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis, volcano eruptions and wars around the world, including Gaza. WCK said its team in Gaza has operated there for nearly six months and supplied more than 42 million meals to Palestinians. Advertisement Picked off one by one, the three British ex-forces heroes who became Israeli targets in airstrike on food charity vehicles in Gaza: How disaster unfolded step by step - as 'shocked' Sunak demands answers but Netanyahu insists 'this happens in war' By Andy Jehring, Mark Nicol and David Averre Late on Monday night three cars from the World Central Kitchen pulled out of the organisations warehouse in Gaza to distribute aid to Palestinians. Each vehicle was clearly marked as working for the humanitarian organisation, followed an IDF-approved route and had GPS trackers and SOS beacons broadcasting their positions. But despite taking every precaution, the seven brave volunteers inside the cars were being watched and were soon deemed hostile targets and eliminated. Among the doomed passengers were former Royal Marine James Henderson, 33; former SBS soldier John Chapman, 57; as well as a British military veteran named last night by the BBC as James Kirby. Each were well-versed in operating in the most hostile environments on the planet and would have briefed the IDF of their exact movements and plans that night. James Henderson, 33, was travelling in a clearly marked car operated by World Central Kitchen, a charity providing meals to Palestinians in the war torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone John Chapman (pictured) and James Henderson were travelling in a clearly marked car operated by World Central Kitchen (WCK), a charity providing meals to Palestinians in the war-torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone Images of the passports of Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson, which were found at the scene, were shared after their deaths Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip They were accompanying Polish aid worker Damian Sobol and his Australian colleague Lalzawmi Frankcom, as well as a U.S.-Canadian dual national and a local driver, Saif Abu Taha. Israeli forces had seen the volunteers entering the main distribution hub in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, with a larger convoy to collect the aid. A member of the IDF unit had identified an armed man as a potential threat on one of the trucks that had accompanied the three humanitarian vehicles, a security source told Israeli newspaper Haaretz. While neither the suspect nor the truck left with the World Central Kitchen (WCK) cars, a Hermes 450 drone was scrambled to follow them. Two of the cars had some form of armour plating, while the third was a soft-skinned 4x4, and all of them had clear WCK markings on the roof and doors. Despite this, the IDF unit responsible for securing the area ordered UAV operators to attack one of the vehicles shortly before midnight. It deployed a precision R9X Hellfire missile which smashed into one of the armoured cars. Passengers were seen scrambling from the wreckage and jumping into the other two vehicles. They informed authorities monitoring their movements that they had been hit and sped off. After travelling just 900 metres the Hermes 450 fired once more. The second armoured car was hit, leaving just the soft-skinned 4x4 remaining. Surviving passengers loaded the wounded into the final vehicle and pulled away. Polish World Central Kitchen and aid worker Damian Sobol, who was killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom died doing the work she loves, her family said in a statement Relatives and friends carry the body of Saif Abu Taha, a staff member of World Central Kitchen who was killed in the strikes Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) What is World Central Kitchen? Founded in 2010, World Central Kitchen delivers freshly prepared meals to people in need following natural disasters, like hurricanes or earthquakes, or to those enduring conflict. The group has also provided meals to migrants arriving at the southern U.S. border, as well as to hospital staff who worked relentlessly during the coronavirus pandemic. The aid group sends in teams who can cook meals that appeal to the local palate on a large scale and fast. 'When you talk about food and water, people don't want a solution one week from now, one month from now. The solution has to be now,' Andres is quoted as saying on the group's website. World Central Kitchen has worked in dozens of affected areas and currently has teams in Haiti, addressing the needs of Ukrainians displaced by Russia's invasion, as well as providing meals to people affected by the war in Gaza. In Gaza, the group says it has provided more than 43 million meals to Palestinians. The group has set up two main kitchens in the southern city of Rafah and the central town of Deir al-Balah. It lends support to 68 community kitchens throughout the territory, serving more than 170,000 hot meals a day. Advertisement But having made it 1.5km further along the coastal road the UAV fired for a third time blasting the remaining vehicle to bits. Local Nael Eliyan, living in a tent yards away, sprinted to the wreckage. Their injuries were serious and they died quickly, he said. Harrowing pictures showed how a huge hole had been blown in the roof of one car, with its interior torn to shreds. Another vehicle was missing most of its rear end. By 1am local time images were being shared on social media showing the bloodied corpses of the seven victims laid out in a nearby building. There were also images of the passports of Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson, which were found at the scene. As news of the unforgivable disaster spread, loved ones around the world began to pay tribute. Relatives of Mr Henderson in Falmouth, Cornwall, heard of his death on Tuesday morning. A friend told the Mail: He hadnt been out there long, only a couple of weeks. He was a lovely lad. Mr Henderson had served in the Royal Marines for six years before going to work for security contractors. He and the other two British men were reportedly working for Solace Global, a security firm based in Poole, Dorset. Mr Chapman, a former Royal Marine and SBS soldier, lived nearby with his wife and their two children. Mrs Chapman was too upset to talk last night. A former comrade told The Sun: He was a very well liked guy, a very popular bloke and this is a huge loss for his family, his friends and for the veteran community. People trying to deliver aid into Gaza are doing the right thing and they need support and protection from people like John and his colleagues. Hundreds gathered in Gaza to mourn the driver, Saif Abu Taha, whose body was transported to Rafah, his home town, where his relatives and friends carried him on their shoulders. Saif Issam Abu Taha, the Palestinian driver of the World Central Kitchen delegation, was also among the dead Damian Sobol, from Przemysl in south-eastern Poland, was described in a Facebook post as a fantastic boy by the citys mayor Aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who was from Melbourne, Australia was described as a kind, selfless and outstanding human being [who] travelled the world helping others in their time of need Horrific photographs showed how a huge hole had been blown in the roof of one car, with the vehicle's interior torn to shreds by the force of the blast A close friend who gave his name as Hassan said: Our hearts are broken by your death, Saif. You have hurt us with your passing, and we will not forget you. Lalzawmi Frankcom died doing the work she loves, her family said in a statement. The aid worker, who was from Melbourne, Australia was described as a kind, selfless and outstanding human being [who] travelled the world helping others in their time of need. Damian Sobol, from Przemysl in south-eastern Poland, was described in a Facebook post as a fantastic boy by the citys mayor, who said that words could not describe how those who had known him were feeling. More than 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the U.S.-funded Aid Worker Security Database, which records major incidents of violence against aid personnel. Nursery parents grilled Rishi Sunak yesterday over whether there are enough places and workers for the demands of his new childcare scheme. The Prime Minister insisted that capacity was growing and said he had increased the rates paid to nurseries. He added the country was 'moving towards' a programme to fund care for children from the end of maternity leave to the beginning of school. On a visit to the Aldersyde Day Nursery in Hartlepool, Co Durham, Mr Sunak met some of the first two-year-olds to receive 15 hours of free care a week. Nursery parents grilled Rishi Sunak (pictured) yesterday over whether there are enough places and workers for the demands of his new childcare scheme The Prime Minister insisted that capacity was growing and said he had increased the rates paid to nurseries He added the country was 'moving towards' a programme to fund care for children from the end of maternity leave to the beginning of school Labour education spokeswoman Bridget Phillipson (pictured) has refused to commit to plans beyond the 15 hours of taxpayer-funded care for two-year-olds introduced on Monday Education Secretary Gillian Keegan (pictured) has written to Ms Phillipson warning that some parents had told her they were wary of taking jobs or promotions because of the uncertainty over childcare in the future Q&A Parents are now entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare for two-year-olds. The scheme will expand so children aged nine months to four years will eventually be entitled to 30 free hours. How does the scheme work? Working parents must apply before the start of the term when a child will be eligible. Once approved, they receive a code to give to a childcare provider. The hours are designed to be used during school term time. Are there concerns about the plans? There are worries about the number of places available for children, though the Government has increased the hourly rate it pays to providers. The funding may also not cover the full cost of the childcare so some providers may charge 'top-up fees' for voluntary extras. Who's eligible? Most parents must work and earn more than 8,670 and less than 100,000 a year. So what would Labour do? Education spokesman Bridget Phillipson has refused to commit to the Tory plans to expand free childcare, claiming the system cannot deal with the demand. Labour later said it would not withdraw future childcare entitlements. It has commissioned a review of the Government scheme. Advertisement Asked by one parent if the system could cope, Mr Sunak said: 'We've seen an expansion over the last year of the number of people working in the sector and of the number of places. 'That's why we wanted to have a gap between announcing the policy and it coming into force, because you needed that expansion to happen.' He told another parent that it would 'take time to invest in the sector and expand the number of places, because it's such a big change'. The PM said: 'We're moving towards a system where parents will have 30 hours of free childcare from the time maternity leave ends at nine months for their little ones, all the way to four, when they start school. 'We've fully funded the programme and the future looks bright.' His comments came as Labour faced questions about its childcare policy. The party has said it will keep the 15 hours of taxpayer-funded care for two-year-olds introduced on Monday. But education spokesman Bridget Phillipson has refused to commit to plans beyond that. The party has commissioned former Ofsted chief Sir David Bell to review the Government's childcare scheme and is awaiting his findings. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has written to Ms Phillipson warning that some parents had told her they were wary of taking jobs or promotions because of the uncertainty over childcare in the future. At the weekend Ms Keegan said the Government was 'on track for more than 150,000 children to take up government-funded places'. In her response to the minister's letter, Ms Phillipson wrote it was an 'outright lie' that Labour would remove future childcare entitlements. She added: 'Parents have reported for weeks their difficulties in navigating the chaos of the Conservatives' botched childcare pledge, leaving many unable to access places.' Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg made fun of Americans who don't want to buy electric cars, claiming they're the same as people didn't want to adapt to cell phones in the 2000s. It comes as at least eight states run by Democrats like Buttigieg are planning to ban non-electric vehicles by 2032. Buttigieg was speaking on Fox News Tuesday afternoon when he was asked about a downturn in sales of Teslas and electric vehicles despite Biden's administration pushing them. He said: 'Let's be clear, the automotive sector is moving toward EVs and we can't pretend otherwise. Sometimes, when these debates happen, I feel like it's the early 2000s and I'm talking to some people who think that we can just have landline phones forever.' Buttigieg added the only options were for the US to 'fall behind China or we can claim the lead. President Biden wants to make sure that those EVs are made in America as more Americans choose EVs.' Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg made fun of Americans who don't want to buy electric cars, claiming they're the same as people didn't want to adapt to cell phones in the 2000s Pete Buttigieg on Fox News on EVs: "Sometimes when these debates happen, I feel like it's the early 2000s and I'm talking to people who think we can just have landline phones forever." pic.twitter.com/zrJHsaxjz4 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 2, 2024 He even managed to try and dig at Trump by saying that the former president's administration allowed China to 'build an advantage in the EV market.' 'Obviously not because they're big environmentalists over in China, just because that's the economically smart play. We've been working to make sure that advantage comes back on American soil,' he added. Buttigieg said despite the reported downturn in sales that 'consumers have wanted and purchased more EVs every single year than the year before and Tesla is facing more competition as GM, Ford and other competitors make sure they get a piece of the EV market.' Wall Street is bracing for the first Tesla sales decline in four years as appetite for electric cars continues to slow. The last time it saw a year-on-year decline in deliveries was in the first half of 2020 when car makers had to shut down factories due to COVID. Even with sales down of EVs, Democrats continue to push for them and against gas-powered vehicles. At least eight states are planning to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars in the next decade - and others are considering joining them. Only zero-emission vehicles can be sold in participating states beginning from the 2035 model year, according to the Advanced Clean Cars II legislation. Wall Street is bracing for the first Tesla sales decline in four years as appetite for electric cars continues to slow Buttigieg said: 'Let's be clear, the automotive sector is moving toward EVs and we can't pretend otherwise. Sometimes, when these debates happen, I feel like it's the early 2000s and I'm talking to some people who think that we can just have landline phones forever' At least eight states are planning to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars in the next decade - and others are considering joining them The rule, which was first adopted by California, means that automakers and dealerships would be banned from selling new gas cars in these states. Americans will not be forced to take their gas-powered cars off the road, however, and will still be able to buy used gas vehicles. These states have gone further than the latest federal legislation announced last week, where the Biden administration released new rules to gradually phase out gas cars by 2032. The new federal legislation requires automakers to reduce the tailpipe emissions of new vehicles by around 50 percent from model year 2026 to 2032. In order to achieve this, the Environmental Protection Agency is targeting 35 percent to 56 percent of vehicles needing to be EVs by 2032, and 13 percent to 36 percent needing to be plug-in hybrids by that date. It was initially proposed that two-thirds of all cars sold by 2030 would need to be EVs, but the brakes were put on that plan last week, giving a concession to carmakers and giving them more ways to comply. But carmakers will eventually stop making full gas-powered successors to the beloved muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s under Biden's new edict. A business owner fears she could lose her hair salon after a squatter set up a makeshift home behind the shop, blocking her staff from entering the premises. Emma Hayes, who owns C'ba Hair at Capalaba in Brisbane's southeast, was told by employees while she was visiting her family that a 52-year-old homeless woman had set up a small shelter behind the salon on March 6. Ms Hayes was informed a squatter (pictured) had set up a shelter for herself underneath her hair salon in Brisbane's southeast last month CCTV footage captured the homeless woman moving a large wooden pallet and leaving behind scraps of rubbish on the night of March 14. Ms Hayes told Daily Mail Australia the woman invited several others into the makeshift shelter and left behind a huge mess. 'They were stealing power, she was having sex with people under there for drugs, and there's disgusting stuff everywhere down there including needles,' she said. Ms Hayes claims the homeless woman also lit several fires next to gas bottles which supply power to her shop. The squatters left behind a huge mess (pictured) in the space underneath the salon which had been used as a makeshift home The business owner, who now pays $17,000 in insurance to protect her shop from intruders, fears she could be forced onto the streets herself if the homelessness issue is not addressed. 'If I lose this salon and I would end up homeless because I don't have a husband and I don't come from a wealthy family,' Ms Hayes said. 'My home is my guarantor.' Ms Hayes said it had been stressful dealing with homeless people living in the area. 'I had moments where I'm in the middle of doing hair and a man just walks in with his head on ice and I've got to stop what I'm doing because everyone is just so scared, ' she said. She is still reeling from the loss of another salon business in 2021 when a homeless man lit a fire inside a recycle bin which caused the shop to go up in flames, with the damage leaving her $50,000 out of pocket. Ms Hayes, the daughter of a former police officer, said she made multiple reports to the police about the squatters but was told there was little officers could do about the issue unless a criminal offence had been committed. A spokesperson from Queensland Police told Daily Mail that officers had spoken to the woman after reports were made about her. Emma Hayes (pictured) who owns C'ba Hair Salon in Capalaba said she fears she could lose her business due to mounting insurance costs The squatters set up the makeshift home in a small space behind the business, forcing staff to clean up the mess that has been left behind (pictured) 'Homelessness is not a criminal offence, and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) does not remove rough sleepers,' the spokesperson said. 'Should a criminal offence be detected, however, officers will take appropriate action.' The spokesperson said officers advised the landlord of the building to cordon off the small space and it was recommended that they put up 'No Trespass' signs to stop people using the area as a place to live. The woman is understood to have left the area and moved to another space not far from the hair salon. Ms Hayes said she tried to help the woman however, she refused her offer. 'I offered to buy the woman a tent and groceries,' she said. Several support groups were also contacted to lend their support. Ms Hayes was told there wasn't much assistance they could provide. Jess, one of the staff members who works at the salon, said it was the third time the business had been impacted by homeless people looking for a space to stay. 'We pay one of the highest salon insurances in the country because of it,' she said. A staff member told Daily Mail the store has had to deal with multiple incidents of homeless people causing issues at the salon (pictured, CCTV footage from the store of another incident involving an intruder) Ms Hayes revealed she is paying a massive $17,000 in insurance to protect her hair salon (pictured) from intruders Ms Hayes said that her staff have been forced to clean up the rubbish left behind by the squatter and the other homeless people. She said that her hair salon is not the only business in the area that has been used by squatters to set up their makeshift homes. 'She [the homeless woman] moved in to The Hub [a medical store on Raymond Street] ... and [allegedly] lit fires there,' Ms Hayes said. Queensland has seen the largest increase in requests for homelessness assistance of any state, according to a report from Homelessness Australia. The peak body for homelessness found 16,225 filed for assistance in the state in March 2023, a 12.9 per cent increase from December 2022. Earlier this year the state government announced it was aiming to build another 53,500 social homes by 2046, adding to some $6bn in housing investments. Figures from real estate website Domain found vacancy rates in Brisbane fell slightly from 0.9 per cent in December last year to 0.8 per cent in January this year. The father of two missing teenage girls in Detroit is pleading with the community for helping finding them nearly one month after they disappeared. Anieca and Aniya Ogden, 14-year-old twin sisters, were last seen at their father's house on March 8. Detroit police said the girls left the home on Robson Street near Curtis Street, east of Greenfield Road, together without permission and have not been seen since. Authorities have been unable to track the Mumford High School ninth graders because they do not have cell phones with them. However, investigators believe they are still in the area due to leads provided by the school counselor, reported FOX 2. 'If you have seen my kids, just please, tell them to come home,' said their father George Ogden. Anieca (right) and Aniya (left) Ogden, 14-year-old twin sisters, were last seen at their father's house on March 8. Anieca (pictured) was last seen wearing a beige tank top, shorts and orange 'Jordan' shoes. It is unknown what Aniya was wearing Aniya (pictured) and her twin sister are both described as five-feet tall, 130 pounds with sandy brown hair and brown eyes 'Tell them what they're doing out here is not right. And be kids, be teenagers, as long as you can be. The world we're living in is too unsafe to be trying to grow up too fast.' 'If they're not home, they're not safe. In the world that we're living in today, it's very unsafe. It's dangerous and they're 14 years old and these kids, they don't understand dangers that are out here lurking for them,' George said. 'I never would have pegged them to just leave like that. As a father that's trying to raise kids on his own, it's heartbreaking.' They are both described as five-feet tall, 130 pounds with sandy brown hair and brown eyes. Anieca was last seen wearing a beige tank top, shorts and orange Nike 'Jordan' shoes. It is unknown what Aniya was wearing. Any one with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Detroit's 12th Precinct at 313-596-1240 or 911. Detroit Police Department Capt. Philip Rodriguez told WXYZ: 'We just want to ultimately make sure that these young ladies are safe and theyre returned to their proper residences.' The girls reportedly ran away from their grandmother's house in River Rouge, Michigan, just days before they went missing The girls reportedly ran away from their grandmother's house in River Rouge, Michigan, just days before they went missing. On March 3, their sister Ashleigh Lett said on Facebook, 'Please help me find my 14-year-old little sisters Aneica and Aniya Ogden. They left the house about 12:30 this afternoon in River Rouge/downriver area!! Possibly could be on the westside of Detroit.' Their father had been able to find them and brought them home before they vanished again. According to the Detroit Police Department's Missings Weekly Report, there are 86 people missing including runaways as of March 29. The industry ministry said Wednesday it will continue to make efforts to improve the business environment for foreign firms operating in Korea, as it seeks to attract a record amount of foreign direct investment this year. Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun made the remark during a meeting in Seoul with representatives from foreign companies and business organizations, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. "It is significant that the current administration has consistently attracted record-breaking annual amounts of foreign investment each year," Ahn said. He added that despite the challenging business environment, Korea will continue efforts to attract competitive global companies with cutting-edge technologies through regulatory reforms that meet global standards. "Under the target of hosting foreign direct investment of $35 billion this year, we will continue to make more proactive communications with global business groups and foreign firms," Ahn added. During the meeting, participants expressed gratitude to the government for listening closely to the needs of foreign businesses and asked for the expansion of tax and financial incentives to further support their operations and investments. Foreign direct investment pledges to Korea, meanwhile, jumped 25.1 percent in the first quarter on-year to reach $7.05 billion, compared with $5.63 billion logged a year earlier. (Yonhap) An Australian woman has laid out her frustrations with the Albanese government as polls show Labor and the Prime Minister are increasingly out of favour with voters. Jill Fisher, from Epping in Sydney's northwest, disagreed with an opinion piece in The Daily Telegraph that said many first-term governments were plagued by mistakes including those that were later considered a success, like the Howard government. The column, penned by Joe Hildebrand, argued new governments have a pattern: A honeymoon period, an attempt to build legacy, followed by 'the wheels falling off' and then a reckoning where enduring governments learned from their mistakes. But Ms Fisher wrote in a response letter: 'What a crock... If the Albanese government had deliberately set out with an agenda to bring Australia to its knees, it couldn't be meeting with greater success. 'These no-hopers need to be voted out.' The government of Anthony Albanese (pictured with partner Jodie Haydon) has been slammed by a voter who said they have failed to convey what they stand for and how they can deliver READ THE FULL LETTER TITLED: 'FAILING AUSTRALIA' Let's hope the current federal government becomes the exception that proves the rule underlined in this article. This bunch of no-hopers need voting out. Joe Hildebrand (First-term failures are rarely fatal in Australia, Daily Telegraph 2/4) would have us believe this government is merely finding its feet and has yet to reveal what it really stands for and what it can actually deliver. What a load of crock. In fact, if the Albanese government deliberately set out with an agenda to bring Australia to its knees, it couldn't be meeting with greater success. Don't tell me the Albanese government is being led by people still wet behind the ears who need our time, sympathy and understanding. This government is being led by seasoned politicians who have been in parliament for decades and who should, by now, have ample time to convey what they stand for and how they deliver. As they haven't, it's self-deluding to suppose they ever will. I'm a grassroots Australian. I want to support our economy, not others, by buying things, including Australian souvenirs, manufactured in Australia. I want our prime agricultural land managed by farmers and graziers who understand it. Not destroyed by imported wind turbines and solar panels that are environmental disasters to produce, to operate, and to dispose of. I want our taxpayer money to go to good causes that are not linked to terrorist organisations. I want Australian values of mateship and inclusion to be celebrated. Not the archaic antisemitic rantings of an influential few. I want an education system that promotes pride in a country that so many people risk their lives to come to. I want a federal government that protects Australians from stateless criminals roaming our streets. I want my children to be able to afford or even rent a home in their own country without being priced out by unmanageable immigration and foreign investment. Most of all, I want our federal politicians to pay less fawning defence to overseas entities who do not pay Australian taxes, and more fawning deference to grassroots Australians who do. - Jill Fisher - Epping Advertisement The Albanese government was voted in at the 2022 federal election on a wave of enthusiasm it would improve the lives of normal Australians who had endured two of the toughest years for decades thanks to the Covid pandemic. But that initial optimism gave way to disappointment as the government seemed to make blunder after blunder including the failed Voice to Parliament campaign, dragging its feet on the cost-of-living and housing crises, and getting caught off guard by the release of immigration detainees via a High Court ruling. Poll Is Anthony Albanese doing a good job as Prime Minister? Yes No Is Anthony Albanese doing a good job as Prime Minister? Yes 288 votes No 6049 votes Now share your opinion Ms Fisher said she didn't agree with the notion ministers were 'wet behind the ears' policy-makers who were finding their feet after nearly a decade in Opposition. 'This government is being led by seasoned politicians who have been in parliament for decades and who should, by now, have had ample time to convey what they stand for and how they can deliver,' she wrote. Even Anthony Albanese's vow to bring greater transparency to parliament, after he slammed former PM Scott Morrison for secretly appointing himself to lead multiple departments, has fallen by the wayside. Labor tried to rush extraordinary immigration powers through parliament last week, with next to no debate or scrutiny, in response to another High Court ruling expected later this year. The laws, which were blocked in the Senate, could allow it to impose a blanket travel ban on countries who don't accept deportees. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil have both faced significant scrutiny since trying to push the bill through 'I'm a grassroots Australian,' Ms Fisher said. 'I want to support our economy not others... I want our land managed by farmers and graziers not destroyed by imported wind farms and solar panels that are environmental disasters to produce, operate and dispose of. 'I want Australian values of mateship to be celebrated... I want an education system that promotes pride in a country so many risk their lives to come to... I want a government that protects Australians from stateless criminals roaming our streets. 'I want my children to be able to afford or even rent a home in their own country without being priced out by unmanageable immigration and foreign investment. 'Most of all I want our federal politicians to pay less fawning deference to overseas entities who don't pay taxes and more to grassroots Australians who do.' It seems Ms Fisher is not alone. A national Essential poll, conducted March 2024 from a sample of 1,150 people, gave the Coalition a 5044 lead in a two-party preferred basis including undecided, a reversal of a 4847 Labor lead last fortnight. Primary votes were 36 per cent Coalition (up one), 29 per cent Labor (down three), 13 per cent Greens (steady), 7 per cent One Nation (down one), 3 per cent UAP (up one), 7 per cent for all Others (down one) and 6 per cent undecided (up one). Excluding undecided, this poll would be 5347 to the Coalition. It is easily the worst poll of this term for Labor. Political polls last week showed a trend against Labor following a series of debacles Weak flows to Labor on respondent allocated preferences partly explain this result, with analyst Kevin Bonham's estimate using 2022 election preference flows at about a 50.549.5 Coalition lead. Essential's poll was probably too favourable for the Coalition, but Newspoll gave Labor its second worst result this term: a 5149 lead. In last week's four federal polls, only Resolve had an improvement for Labor since the last time they did a poll. Even in that poll Mr Albanese's net approval was down five points with 49 per cent giving him a poor rating and 38 per cent a good one. Opposition leader Peter Dutton's net approval improved two points but he still trails behind Mr Albanese as preferred PM out of the two. A few were vocal but most contributed quietly While those who opposed a Yes vote at the referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament were cold-shouldered by corporate Australia, which lavished millions on the failed proposal, the No campaign still boasted the support of some seriously wealthy individuals. Disclosure of donations by the Australian Electoral Commission show that while a roll call of blue chip companies filled the Yes campaign coffers to overflowing with $1million and $2million-plus sums, the No backers gave comparatively modest amounts. Retired fund manager Simon Fenwick donated $750,000 to help defeat the Indigenous Voice to Parliament The largest donation made to Australians for Unity - the referendum fundraising arm of No spearhead lobbyist group Advance - was $800,000 made in eight $100,000 lots by The B Macfie Family Foundation. Foundation creator Bryant Macfie has been described as a Perth-based doctor and philanthropist who donates heavily to conservative advocacy groups such as the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA). While he largely shuns the limelight, Dr Macfie did give a 2008 lecture to mark his controversial funding of joint climate research by the IPA and the University of Queensland. 'Today we are faced with a newer religion known as environmental activism which has insinuated itself into some aspects of science,' he said. Dr Macfie's wealth was previously invested in mining. He was listed as one of the top shareholders in Perth-based Strike Resources for a number of years, which has iron ore and lithium projects in Australia and South America. Despite holding 800,000 shares, or over 6 per cent of the company in 2010, Dr Macfie is no longer listed among the top shareholders. A much less publicity-shy major donor to the No campaign was retired fund manager Simon Fenwick, who gave $750,000 to Fair Australia, which is also connected to Advance. Mr Fenwick worked as an investment banker in London and New York before co-founding fund manager International Value Advisers, which at its peak had around $20billion on its books. Marius Kloppers, a former BHP boss who left the mining company with a $75.2 million golden handshake in 2013, contributed $100,000 to fight the Voice The 53-year-old, who is estimated to be worth $50million, now lives in a $9million mansion in the exclusive Sydney north shore suburb of Mosman and sits on the board of the IPA. He told The Australian on Wednesday he entered the fray on the Voice because he feared the creation of 'a permanent grievance industry', which he claimed to have seen in the US. He also hit out at corporate Australia for its slavish support of the Yes case. 'How could so many CEOs read the temperature so badly (on the Voice)?' he asked. 'What gives them the right to think they speak for the shareholders, customers and staff? I would say its hubristic.' Mr Fenwick accused the media of double standards in treating donations made to progressive causes by the likes of tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes differently to those made to right-leaning organisations or activists. Mining mogul Clive Palmer spent $1.93million on advertising opposing the Voice leading up to the referendum 'Mike Cannon-Brookes is willing to donate to fashionable causes. He finds little or no backlash in most of the mainstream media,' Mr Fenwick said. 'However, if you donate to conservative causes, there is an aggressive backlash and the progressives are very aggressive and cunning at targeting this.' Kennards Self Storage founder Sam Kennard, who is involved with the Libertarian Party, gave $115,000 to fight the Voice through his company Siesta Holdings. 'The Voice isn't just some grand gesture,' Mr Kennard wrote on LinkedIn. 'It's a vast, expensive new bureaucracy. Aboriginal people need less bureaucracy, not more.' In February US financial media outlet Forbes estimated Sam Kennard and his brothers Walter and James have combined wealth of $1.87billion. Marcus Blackmore who donated $35,000 also went public before the October 14 referendum with his opposition to the Voice. Tech investor and former Shark Tank judge Steve Baxter donated $20,000 to fight the Voice Mr Blackmore said he would be listening to leading No advocate Indigenous Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. 'If Jacinta tells me I should vote no, I am voting no. She obviously knows a lot more about the Aboriginal issues than I do,' he told The Australian Financial Review. Vitamin and health supplement maker Blackmores Group, which was founded by Mr Blackmore's father Maurice, disassociated themselves from the views pointing out he had sold his shares in the company and did not work there. Marius Kloppers, a former BHP boss who left the mining company with a $75.2million golden handshake in 2013, contributed $100,000 to fight the Voice. Trevor St Baker, a businessman with interests in power stations and fuel supply, and an estimated net worth of $1.22billion, gave $50,000 through his company St Baker Enterprises. Leading No campaigners Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Warren Mundine rally those against the Voice last year Former Shark Tank judge and serial tech investor Steve Baxter contributed $20,000 to Advance as did Bakers Delight founder Roger Gillespie. Separate to the main No campaign groups, mining mogul Clive Palmers company Mineralogy spent $1.93million on advertising against the Voice, according to its AEC disclosure. Overall the $55 million spent by the major Yes campaign groups, who received huge donations from the big four banks, major mining companies and giant retailers such as Woolworths and Wesfarmers, dwarfed the No case's outlay of $12million. This is independent of money spent by political parties, trade unions, social groups and local governments pushing the Yes vote. A 'nightmare' strata company is under investigation for allegedly failing to pay tradies and ignoring its customers. Daily Mail Australia can reveal Dexterity Strata, which is based in Sydney, is under investigation by NSW Fair Trading. The regulator has appointed its own managers to run the business and its associated companies while it looks into allegations from angry customers questioning whether the company was 'still in existence'. One Dexterity Strata customer, who lives with his wife in an apartment block in inner-city Sydney, slammed the company's lack of communication. 'They were great in the moments after we signed our building up - then we barely heard anything from them at all,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'We've had a major works project planned for years and there has been zero movement on it since they took over. Dexterity Strata, which is based in Barangaroo in Sydney 's CBD, is being investigating by NSW Fair Trading (pictured: one of the firm's managed properties, as promoted by the company) Depak Mishra, is listed as the company's managing director on LinkedIn. He has been contacted for comment 'They rarely respond to emails or concerns and the Google reviews of the business are horrific. 'Who knows how many customers they have but strata is huge business nowadays. 'The whole system needs reform - there is barely any onus for strata companies to do anything, except around the time of the annual general meeting, and in raking in levies. 'Who knows what's going to happen next? We're all really worried.' Daily Mail Australia approached Dexterity Strata for comment. Depak Mishra, who is listed as the company's managing director on LinkedIn, was also contacted. Dexterity Strata boasts of offering a 'premium, personalised and friendly service'. 'Our mission is to provide a (sic) unmatched strata management service,' its website states. But the company has been inundated with one-star ratings on Google reviews - the lowest it is possible to give. Dexterity Strata has been inundated with one-star ratings on Google reviews - the lowest it is possible to give (pictured) 'It's a complete nightmare dealing with them,' wrote one furious customer. 'Their communication is practically non-existent, taking weeks to provide a pitiful response. 'Their customer service is absolutely abysmal, showing no regard whether you're an owner or a tenant. Avoid them at all costs.' One customer dubbed them 'absolute garbage'. 'This strata company wont pay any tradies their owed money or return calls or emails,' the wrote just a day ago. Another branded the company 'dodgy as hell', while a frustrated customer said they had been forced to arrange all works themselves. 'Once their service contract is signed, they disappear,.... don't answer calls,' they said. The regulator has appointed its own managers to run the business and its associated companies while it investigates allegations from angry customers questioning whether the company was 'still in existence' A spokesperson for NSW Fair Trading told Daily Mail Australia they are 'investigating this business' but said they could not reveal more details because the investigation is ongoing. 'NSW Fair Trading has appointed a Manager over the business and associated companies under Section 126 of the Property and Stock Agents Act 2022,' the spokesperson added. Under the act, a manager can be appointed for several different reasons relating to concerns over the running of the business. Daily Mail Australia has seen correspondence from Hayes Advisory informing landlords that the firm had taken over the running of Dexterity Strata. 'The appointment requires that we take full control of the Companies' businesses, which we have, and conduct a preliminary review of same, which is underway,' the letter stated. Danni Whittaker predicted that 2024 was the year her life would magically change, sharing a 'spiritual' prophecy that 'divine' powers would give her love and success this year. In a series of frenetic social media posts, she said this year would be the 'year of truth, the year of slaying more f***ing demons'. '(It's) the year of keeping it real,' Ms Whittaker wrote. 'The year of not putting up with s**t! The year of divine love and light. 'What magic is to come. What a time to be alive!! The best is really yet to come. I know, I've seen it!' But tragically 2024 would be Danni's last, with her death at a Gold Coast high rise apartment last week leaving friends devastated. In the weeks preceding her drug overdose at her own 40th birthday party, Danni was posting online about 2024 being 'the year of not holding it back'. And the Queensland businesswoman's certainty that mystical forces were driving her life towards greater things were tied up with her reaching 'the big 4-0'. Danni Whittaker had predicted that spiritual forces would make 2024 the year when everything changed for the better and that she was entering the new 'naughty 40s' Danni said her spiritual awakening meant that this year was 'the year of not holding it back. The Year of truth! the year of slaying more f***ing demons' Danni said forces of the universe were shifting and that this year she would achieve divine love and success and that it was 'time for massive change' In exuberant posts on her Facebook and Instagram pages, Danni described 2024 as starting 'off with a bang. 2024!!!! Who is f***ing pumped?! About her much-anticipated birthday last week, she posted: 'Age is just a number! Stay 8 forever. We're here to have fun d***heads.' 'The universe is forcing me to do what I was always meant to do! And it is a f***ing vibe.' Just last week, friends posted on her Facebook page birthday wishes celebrating her becoming a 'vintage model'. Days later, the same people were posting about their grief about the woman who was 'forever 40'. Queensland Police revealed that Danni suffered a cardiac arrest in her apartment in the waterfront Meriton Suites at Surfers Paradise while partying with six friends. Paramedics treated other women at the scene and two 43-year-olds were taken to hospital, with one recovering quickly and another admitted to intensive care. Along with Danni, they had reportedly ingesting a cocktail of drugs, with two of the substances found in the apartment being drugs Danni herself had said should be legal in a video on her Facebook page. Danni lived in a high rise apartment in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast where she tragically died last week. Above (right) celebrating with a glass of red wine before her spectacular Surfers Paradise view QPS Superintendent Peter Miles said on Tuesday that cannabis residue, ketamine and mushroom caps were found in the hotel room. It is believed that GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) or fantasy was also among the drugs the women had taken. In a Facebook video she posted last October, Danni asked about the illegality of some drugs, questioning why 'we can't have a mushroom or a leaf? A plant? But we can have alcohol, cigarettes and vapes. Think about it.' She became a prolific poster on Facebook and Instagram after leaving a 20-year corporate career in sales which she traded in for a life of 'funemployment' and new age spirituality as a 'Shamanic medicine woman'. Cheerily profane, Danni affectionally called her friends 'c***s', even returning home from a US business trip last November to be greeted by three friends all wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the words 'welcome home c***'. Danni's T-shirt said 'I'm the c***'. Danni revealed that 2023 had been tough for everyone but had forced her to 'go on this journey of self awareness, personal development and spirituality'. Paramedics said Danni was unable to be revived at the scene after they were called around 11pm last Friday to the flat where Ms Whittaker who was already in cardiac arrest She claimed last year she had conducted demon exorcisms, destroyed vampires, seen aliens, fairies and archangels, as well as having a bad flatmate, a shoulder injury and being drugged and robbed in California. 'Last year was growth. Lessons, shadows, self awareness, strength, tests, connections, pain, and love,' she posted in January. 'To get us ready for this year where our work is going to pay off. And this year, we have the power of the dragons on our side.' Danni asked her online friends, 'Whos excited and feeling the shift in energy?' and told them 'Yeh, voodoo woodoo Danni is onnnnn!' She encouraged them with, 'Give it hell! And tap in to your dragon energy. 'So hold your mother f***king horses c***s coz its all happening. 'Its time for massive change.' Paramedics said Danni was unable to be revived at the scene after they were called around 11pm last Friday to the flat where they identified seven patients, including Ms Whittaker who was already in cardiac arrest. Queensland Ambulance Service Inspector Mitch Ware said despite the attention of its High Acuity Response Unit, Danni 'was unable to be revived at the scene and was declared deceased'. Danni, who was cheerily profane, affectionally called her friends 'c***s', even returning home from a US business trip last November (above) with t-shirts emblazoned with the word Brooklyn Sauer, 14, required 160 stitches after she was attacked by a shark A teenage girl has recalled how she survived a terrifying shark attack that left her with gruesome injuries that required over 160 stitches. Brooklyn Sauer, 14, was bitten by a shark 200metres from the shoreline at Nielson Beach at Bargara, in Queensland's Bundaberg region, on March 15. Ms Sauer had been visiting her local beach with a friend for a quick dip after school when she suddenly felt herself being pulled underwater. She received a single bite to her torso and up to 40 puncture wounds on her back, abdomen and thighs which required more than 160 stitches. Her father Brett Sauer then received a phone call no parent ever wants to receive. Brooklyn Sauer, 14, was bitten by a shark 200metres from the shoreline at Nielson Beach at Bargara, in Queensland 's Bundaberg region, on March 15 He was told to rush to the surf life saving club's first aid room because his daughter had been attacked by a shark. The teenager was rushed to Bundaberg Hospital before she was airlifted to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane to undergo surgery. Ms Sauer revealed she didn't know she had been bitten until she saw the wound. 'I didn't really believe it was happening, I was in shock,' she told Seven's Sunrise. 'Pretty much all you think is that you've got to get out of the water.' Ms Sauer, who is a competent swimmer as a member of her local surf club, swam 200metres into shore to receive help. The teen later revealed the shark had come out of nowhere. 'It came from behind, kind of. When I turned back around, I saw a splash, an outline, but that was about it,' she said. 'It bit my side here, pulled me down. My friend saw me come back up.' Ms Sauer had been visiting her local beach (pictured) with a friend for a quick dip after school when she suddenly felt herself being pulled underwater The teenager was rushed to Bundaberg Hospital before she was airlifted to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane for surgery She remained calm once in the hands of paramedics and was even able to hold a bandage to one of her wounds. Ms Sauer credits her lucky escape to adrenaline and her surf life saving training. The teenager is on track to make a total recovery and continues to take part in activities with her local surf club. Construction worker, 56, died after falling more than two metres A construction worker has died after falling more than two metres at a building site, prompting a warning about a spike in similar incidents. The 56-year-old was pouring concrete when he fell and suffered life-threatening head injuries at a residential site at Doncaster East in Melbourne, WorkSafe said. The fall happened on March 26 and he died in hospital two days later. The workplace health and safety regulator said his death was the 11th confirmed workplace fatality this year and there's been a 'tragic spike' in serious falls at building sites recently. A construction worker has died after falling more than two metres at a building site, prompting a warning about a spike in similar incidents (pictured, construction workers in Sydney) There were four similar incidents over nine days and six others during the previous three weeks. They included a 31-year-old worker seriously injured after falling three metres from a roof in Brunswick East and a 53-year-old who suffered back and pelvic injuries after falling from a house in Portarlington. Earlier in March, a 28-year-old was left with serious spinal and head injuries after falling almost four metres from a ladder in Carrum Downs and a 32-year-old suffered head injuries after falling onto a concrete slab at Glen Waverley. The regulator's executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer says the jump in incidents is frustrating because falls are preventable. The 56-year-old was pouring concrete when he fell and suffered life-threatening head injuries at a residential site at Doncaster East in Melbourne (pictured, a Sydney work site) - he died in hospital two days later 'A fall can happen in just seconds but the consequences can last a lifetime, including devastating injuries and loss of life,' Dr Beer said. 'It might be easy to think that a tragic incident will never happen on your site, but if safety is not the top priority every day then the chances are high that it will.' Four of Victoria's 18 workplace deaths in 2023 were construction workers who fell from a height. An Aussie race car driver accused of killing two people in a head-on crash in the United States could be returning home after a judge offered him a plea deal. Western Australian man Luke Nardini, 31, was travelling along highway 84 near La Honda, a forested mountainous area 50km south of San Francisco, when his white BMW M4 collided with a grey Ford Taurus shortly after 5pm on September 1 last year. The speedway racer was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road while taking a tight, blind turn when he crashed head-on with the other vehicle. The back-seat passengers, local married couple Jack and Linda Davis, both in their 80s, died from their injuries. Nardini appeared before California Judge Susan Jakubowski on Tuesday morning local time and was accompanied in court by his mother Cheryle Nardini. Speedway racer Luke Nardini was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road near La Honda, a forested mountainous area 50km south of San Francisco, when he crashed head-on with another vehicle last September Married couple, Jack and Linda Davis (pictured), both in their 80s, died from in the crash just minutes away from their home in San Mateo County Judge Jakubowksi offered the 31-year-old a maximum sentence of one year in county jail if he pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor manslaughter. He was given until Thursday morning to make a decision on whether to accept the plea. Nardini told the court he needed to speak with his father Leo, who was still in Australia, before making a decision. The maximum jail time Nardini would likely face under California's sentencing laws would be six months. However, the judge could also grant Nardini time already served - meaning he could possibly serve no extra jail time after remaining in custody since September. San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe did not object to the plea offer but did expect Nardini to be given jail time. 'There needs to be consequences. Two people died,' Wagstaffe said, the West Australian reported. It is understood Nardini crossed into the wrong lane due to road works before smashing head-on with the Ford SUV. The horror crash occurred only minutes away from the four passengers' home in San Mateo County. A Californian judge has offered Nardini a maximum jail sentence of one year in county jail if he pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor manslaughter The 31-year-old, who has remained in a Californian jail since the crash, has until Thursday to decide on whether he accepts the plea deal Police said speed and alcohol did not contribute to the crash. Nardini has continually shown his remorse and in October last year said the crash 'was an accident' and he 'regrets the whole thing'. Along with the criminal charge, he is also facing two civil lawsuits filed by the families of the victims. Nardini will face Judge Jakubowski on April 4, where he is expected to submit his decision to the plea agreement. Last year, Nardini's mum made a desperate plea to friends and family urging them to write testimonials on her son's character so that his lawyer could present it in court. 'If anyone would be able to give an opinion of how you know Luke and his character so that his lawyers are able to use this in Court, our family would be forever grateful,' Ms Nardini wrote. 'Could you please comment on this post so we are able to screenshot this for his lawyers.' Some parents fear their students will get left behind and slow their progress Teachers are now required to make individual learning plans for all students Seattle has shuttered its gifted and talented programs because the school board determined they had too many white and Asian students. The district began phasing out its Highly Capable Cohort schools and classrooms for advanced students in the 2021-22 school year because they found it had too many racial inequities. School bosses said black and Hispanic students were underrepresented at the schools. According to Seattle Public School data, of the highly capable students in the 2022-23 school year, 52 percent were white, 16 percent were Asian and 3.4 percent were black. During a January 22, 2020, school board meeting, parents of black students in the Highly Capable Cohort asked the board to consider finding ways to incorporate students of color into the gifted program rather than shut it down. Then school board vice president Chandra Hampson slammed those parents saying, 'this is a pretty masterful job at tokenizing a really small community of color within the existing cohort.' When the school board decided to end the program, then vice president Chandra Hampson slammed parents of minority students who asked the board to keep the program as 'tokenized' Garfield High School is one of Seattle's public schools will be forced to shutter their gifted and talented program 'My request is that you please consider the disservice you would be doing to the minorities that are already in the HCC program,' one father said at the meeting, reported local news paper The Stranger. 'The program does more for black children, particularly black boys, than it does for their peers.' Three elementary schools, five middle schools and three high schools are currently highly capable cohort schools - all of which will be phased out by the 2027-28 school year. The gifted and talented program has been replaced with the Highly Capable Neighborhood School Model which requires teachers to come up with individualized learning programs for all of their students. According to Seattle Public Schools, the new model will be 'be more inclusive, equitable and culturally sensitive.' Parents told The Seattle Times they think the the new model could lead to their children getting overlooked and slow their academic progress. Erika Ruberry, a parent of a second grader at Decatur Elementary said, 'It seems to me that kids on maybe both extremes are going to be underserved.' Karen Stukovsky, who has three students in the gifted program said, 'You can only do so much differentiation.' 'You have some kids who can barely read and some kids who are reading Harry Potter in first grade or kindergarten. How are you going to not only get those kids up to grade level and also challenge those kids who are already way above grade level?' Some teachers said they felt they don't have the time and resources to make learning plans for every student in a classroom of 20 to 30 students. News station KOMO reported that anonymous teachers said the district is not providing them with extra resources. 'No extra time, no aid in the classroom, no curriculum help, and no extra compensation to come up with these additional lesson plans for every level of learning in a single classroom,' said the report. The school district said in a March 5 update they are currently facing a $104 million budget deficit. The district began phasing out its Highly Capable Cohort schools and classrooms in the 2021-22 school year because they found it had too many racial inequities (pictured file photo) According to Seattle Public School data, of the highly capable students in the 2022-23 school year, 52 percent were white, 16 percent were Asian and 3.4 percent were black (pictured file photo) 'This happened because Washington state is facing an educational funding gap, and there are fewer students enrolled at Seattle Public Schools,' said the district. However, supporters of the new program think it will bring together students of different backgrounds and create a more diverse learning environment. View Ridge Elementary School Principal Rina Geoghagan said, 'They bring their home experience and their culture, and that is really unique. It makes for a really rich learning environment.' 'Is it going to be perfect? No. But any time there is a change, it's not perfect.' Darrell Thomas, father of a fourth grade student in west Seattle said, 'I love that, if that meant we could stay here and keep her with her friend group and the teachers that we've, you know, know her well and love her and work with her throughout the day we will definitely love to do that.' A man who allegedly attempted to kidnap a child in a brazen broad daylight attack in inner-city Melbourne has been charged and released on bail. Police allege two boys, aged five and 14, were walking on Eldridge St in Footscray about 3.50pm on March 25 when a 32-year-old man approached them and tried to pick up the younger boy. The teen attempted to stop the man and was allegedly assaulted. In an earlier statement, Victoria Police said a nearby neighbour saw the incident unfold and yelled out to the man to put the child down. The younger child was uninjured in the incident, while the 14-year-old was left with minor injuries. The man was arrested at a Footscray address on Wednesday morning and charged with attempted child stealing, common law assault and recklessly cause injury. He was bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on June 21. GOP Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is recovering after emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in her leg, as she faces a tough re-election campaign in a new district. Boebert, 37, is attempting to win a seat in the state's Fourth Congressional District in 2024 after previously winning two terms in the third. Those efforts will go on hold temporarily after she was admitted to a Colorado hospital Monday, complaining of severe swelling in the upper part of her left leg, according to her campaign. She was diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome, a rare vascular condition that affects a vein in the pelvis and can cause deep vein thrombosis. Her spokesman suggested it could be caused by sitting down too much. Boebert had surgery Monday to remove the clot, with a stent inserted Tuesday morning. GOP Congresswoman Lauren Boebert had an emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in her leg, as she faces a tough re-election campaign in a new district She was diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome, a rare vascular condition that affects a vein in the pelvis and can cause deep vein thrombosis Dr. Rebecca Bade, who worked on Boebert's case at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, said that people who get the procedure the Congresswoman received 'are able to live and work just as they have in the past after a brief recovery.' Her campaign says Boebert is in 'good spirits' and excited to be 'getting back to Congress to continue fighting for Colorado.' 'After taking time to rest as recommended by doctors, she is expected to make a full recovery with no significant concerns for her long-term health and no hindrance to her ability to perform her duties as a Congresswoman,' the campaign added. May-Thurner syndrome is most common in adults between 20 to 50 years old, including women who have been pregnant. Boebert has four sons with ex-husband Jayson Boebert. 'An exact cause is unknown, but dehydration, travel, and extended periods of sitting have all been identified as potential factors in causing symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome,' her campaign claimed. She received well wishes from former New York Congressman and ally George Santos on X. 'Lauren underwent a surgery and has come out on the other end of it and is doing well,' he wrote about his 'dear friend.' 'I want to thank all the medical staff that looked after my friend and the Doctors who took this enormous responsibility. It's everyday hero's [sic] like these that we need to be thanking everyday.' 'An exact cause is unknown, but dehydration, travel, and extended periods of sitting have all been identified as potential factors in causing symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome,' her campaign claimed Dr. Rebecca Bade, who worked on Boebert's case at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, said that people who get the procedure the Congresswoman received 'are able to live and work just as they have in the past after a brief recovery' Boebert received well wishes from former New York Congressman and ally George Santos She has been fighting against perception of liberals and even some moderate Republicans of her reckless nature, with a series of scandals dotting her time in office, most infamously when she was asked to leave a performance of Beetlejuice over sexually groping her date She 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. She has been fighting against perception of liberals and even some moderate Republicans of her reckless nature, with a series of scandals dotting her time in office, most infamously when she was asked to leave a performance of Beetlejuice over sexually groping her date. Boebert faces at least 11 other Republican candidates in the June 25 primary. However, her popularity with the MAGA base may still save her as she faces a crowded primary and the local GOP gave her a boost last week. A Colorado Republican panel made a surprising decision Thursday night, choosing a former mayor, Greg Lopez, to be U.S. Rep. Ken Buck's likely replacement until the November general election. While Lopez is likely to win in the dark red district, he will be a placeholder and plans to step down after the general election winner is sworn into office in January. Two of Boebert's primary opponents who came in second and third, the special election candidacy would have been a boon and allowed them incumbency leading up to the general election in November. Korea's industry ministry said Wednesday the government will allocate 506.7 billion won ($375.7 million) over the next five years for use in industrial zones that specialize in the material, part and equipment sectors to cultivate them as the key base of the supply chain. The announcement came after the government designated five industrial zones in the three areas the previous year, with businesses pledging a combined investment of 6.7 trillion won. "The government will provide customized support for the industrial zones so that the 6.7 trillion-won investment can be implemented on time," the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a statement. The ministry added that the budget will be spent to support research and development projects, along with fostering workforces to be employed in the zones. "The material, part, and equipment sectors are the backbone of the cutting-edge industry, and play a vital role for Korea to emerge as the powerhouse of the supply chain," Industry Minister Ahn Duk-gen said. The government also expanded its scope of key strategic technologies for the material, part and equipment industries by including the space, aviation, defense and hydrogen categories. Following the revision, the total number of such eligible technologies rose to 200 from the previous 150. (Yonhap) The mystery of an elaborately staged 10,000 fake funeral at an historic London church took a new twist today - as the body of the man who was supposedly to be buried that day was discovered in a river in Latvia. The bizarre funeral at the London Oratory church last month sparked international media attention when it emerged that the presiding priest had dramatically stopped the service - upon realising that it was being filmed, that the mourners were paid actors and the coffin was empty. The name used for the dead man at the fake funeral was Lauris Zaube - a 23 year old Latvian man who had been missing since the early hours of 1 January. Today it emerged that Zaubes body has been found believed drowned after he wandered off alone from a New Years Eve party in the Baltic country. The body of business management student Lauris Zaube, 23, was found in the River Lielupe in Latvia on March 26 Convicted paedophile Jacky Jhaj, 38, organised the bizarre fake funeral with an empty coffin Jhaj even hired a director to film the funeral using cameras set up inside the historic London church Police in Riga search for missing Lauris after he went missing in the early hours of January 1 The extraordinary fake funeral had sparked huge interest in who had gone to such lengths to stage it and why until MailOnline was able to establish that the organiser was an exhibitionist would-be influencer with a track record of staging strange events to be filmed. That organiser was Jacky Jhaj, 38, a convicted sex offender, who has on at least two occasions posed as a film producer or film star - once hiring dozens of young extras to shoot a fake film premier in Leicester Square to boost his online following. The name Jhaj used for the supposed dead person when booking the Oratory was that of Zaube - the 23 year old Latvian missing since the early hours of New Years Day - and he pretended to be Lauriss mourning brother during the bogus event. But despite having been supposedly buried that day, Lauris was still missing - until it emerged today that his body has finally been found in a river in Latvia. Lauris is believed to have drowned after accidentally falling in after leaving the party near the Latvian capital Riga. Gita Gzibovska, a senior specialist of the public relations division of Latvian state police, confirmed that his body was recovered from a stretch of the river at Spunciems around two miles from the guest house which he disappeared from. She added: 'Forensic examinations have been ordered, but at the moment there are no indications that a criminal offence has been committed against Zaube.' Lauris had vanished from the party attended by 80 people which took place at a hired guest house in the hamlet of Straupciems on a remote island around 20 miles from Riga, the capital of Latvia. The funeral was meant to be that of 23-year-old Latvian man Lauris Zaube (pictured), whose body was found in a river lsat month Some of the mourners who turned out to be hired actors have not been paid for attending the funeral service at the London Oratory (pictured) Father Rupert McHardy, 49, (pictured) had prepared a sermon and was in his robes, ready to start the service at the London Oratory on Brompton Rd, South Kensington His friends realised he was missing and used a mobile phone app to track him as he apparently walked along a man-made earth bank, built as a flood defence beside the River Lielupe. But his phone signal disappeared at 3.30am after he had walked for two miles in the darkness, wearing only a white T shirt on his upper body to protect himself from temperatures of up to -8C, having left his jacket behind. When his friends reached the scene at 4am, they found it was at a spot where the earth bank, known locally as a dam, was blocked by a former farm building being renovated as a riverside home. Searches involving divers, tracker dogs, a drone and volunteers were carried out along the river and in numerous water-filled ditches, but no body was found until last week - with news of the discovery breaking today. Last month, MailOnline revealed that Lauris and Jhaj were previously known to each other after they appeared alongside one another in a music video - which sparked speculation Lauris may still be alive. But the grim discovery of his drowned body effectively quashes speculation that the young man had cooperated with Jhaj to fake his disappearance for the fake funeral. And it also effectively proves that Jhaj had lied when he told undertakers and church officials that he would bring cremated remains to the funeral service. Lauris' family had held out hope that he might have wandered off after suffering a mental breakdown or some form of amnesia, possibly after banging his head. But these were dashed when his body was discovered last week. The funeral directors who arranged the service in March were initially told by Jhaj that they would be collecting a body and a place was reserved for burial at Brompton Cemetery in Fulham, West London about a mile from the London Oratory Church. But the day before the funeral at the Catholic Church they were told they had to collect cremated remains from the family home of the victim. Jhaj pretended to funeral directors that he was a brother of Lauris called Clyde, even though the Latvian does not have a brother of that name. A horse drawn carriage, two vintage cars, men in top hats, a full choir and even a videographer were all arranged for the service after the bill of more than 10,000 was paid in advance. A worshipper at the London Oratory recognised Jhaj as being at the fake funeral when shown pictures of him at his fake film premier in Leicester Square. Father Rupert McHardy, 49, who was due to conduct the funeral said of the organiser: 'I saw him in the church and he was wearing dark glasses and whenever I looked at him, he turned away. I have no idea who he is and why he would do such a thing.' Video footage from inside the fake funeral showed people dressed in smart suits for mourning Dozens of child actors as young as six were recruited as supposed film extras dressed in school uniforms for the event Jhaj previously held a similar event in which he hired young girls to pretend to faint as he walked up and down a red carpet The priest had prepared a sermon and was in his robes, ready to start the service when the choirmaster warned him that something was suspicious. He added: 'I have never been involved in anything like this and it is very disrespectful to the church.' Fr Rupert described mourners who turned out to be actors as being respectful and polite, although one complained about not being paid. Sexual predator Jhaj from Feltham, Middlesex, was jailed for four years in 2016 for four counts of sexual activity with two 15-year-old girls. He pretended to be a top Hollywood film producer as he befriended the girls, plying them with alcohol and giving them lifts to parties, before sexually assaulting them. The fake funeral, however, was not the first event Jhaj had created. In November he staged a fake red carpet outside the Odeon Luxe cinema in London's Leicester Square involving dozens of young children and teenagers hired as supposed film extras. The child actors, some aged as young as six in school uniforms, were asked to pretend to faint as Jhaj paraded up and down in a red tuxedo as if he were a film star at a premier. The Met Police are believed to have launched a fraud investigation, although Scotland Yard could not confirm its involvement. His friends realised he was missing and used a mobile phone app to track him as he apparently walked along a man-made earth bank, built as a flood defence beside the River Lielupe. But his phone signal disappeared at 3.30am after he had walked for two miles in the darkness, wearing only a white T shirt on his upper body to protect himself from temperatures of up to -8C, having left his jacket behind. When his friends reached the scene at 4am, they found it was at a spot where the earth bank, known locally as a dam, was blocked by a former farm building being renovated as a riverside home. Searches involving divers, tracker dogs, a drone and volunteers were carried out along the river and in numerous water-filled ditches, but no body was found until last week - with news of the discovery breaking today. Last month, MailOnline revealed that Lauris and Jhaj were previously known to each other after they appeared alongside one another in a music video - which sparked speculation Lauris may still be alive. But the grim discovery of his drowned body effectively quashes speculation that the young man had cooperated with Jhaj to fake his disappearance for the fake funeral. And it also effectively proves that Jhaj had lied when he told undertakers and church officials that he would bring cremated remains to the funeral service. Lauris' family had held out hope that he might have wandered off after suffering a mental breakdown or some form of amnesia, possibly after banging his head. But these were dashed when his body was discovered last week. The funeral directors who arranged the service in March were initially told by Jhaj that they would be collecting a body and a place was reserved for burial at Brompton Cemetery in Fulham, West London about a mile from the London Oratory Church. But the day before the funeral at the Catholic Church they were told they had to collect cremated remains from the family home of the victim. Jhaj pretended to funeral directors that he was a brother of Lauris called Clyde, even though the Latvian does not have a brother of that name. A horse drawn carriage, two vintage cars, men in top hats, a full choir and even a videographer were all arranged for the service after the bill of more than 10,000 was paid in advance. A worshipper at the London Oratory recognised Jhaj as being at the fake funeral when shown pictures of him at his fake film premier in Leicester Square. MailOnline revealed that the pair were known to each other after they appeared alongside one another in a music video. Pictured: Lauris The guest house where Lauris disappeared from during a New Year's Eve party earlier this year Authorities in the eastern European country have now confirmed his body was recovered from the River Lielupe on March 26 Authorities searching for the body of Lauris earlier this year Father Rupert McHardy, 49, who was due to conduct the funeral said of the organiser: 'I saw him in the church and he was wearing dark glasses and whenever I looked at him, he turned away. I have no idea who he is and why he would do such a thing.' The priest had prepared a sermon and was in his robes, ready to start the service when the choirmaster warned him that something was suspicious. He added: 'I have never been involved in anything like this and it is very disrespectful to the church.' Fr Rupert described mourners who turned out to be actors as being respectful and polite, although one complained about not being paid. Sexual predator Jhaj from Feltham, Middlesex, was jailed for four years in 2016 for four counts of sexual activity with two 15-year-old girls. He pretended to be a top Hollywood film producer as he befriended the girls, plying them with alcohol and giving them lifts to parties, before sexually assaulting them. The fake funeral, however, was not the first event Jhaj had created. In November he staged a fake red carpet outside the Odeon Luxe cinema in London's Leicester Square involving dozens of young children and teenagers hired as supposed film extras. The child actors, some aged as young as six in school uniforms, were asked to pretend to faint as Jhaj paraded up and down in a red tuxedo as if he were a film star at a premier. The Met Police are believed to have launched a fraud investigation, although Scotland Yard could not confirm its involvement. Private details of David Sharaz's failed marriage have been laid bare for the first time in a series of texts released by the Federal Court. The texts between Mr Sharaz and his new fiancee Brittany Higgins were sent on February 8, 2021, and appear on a document called 'master chronology', supplied to the court by former Channel Seven employee Taylor Auerbach. In a lengthy affidavit, Mr Auerbach claimed Mr Lehrmann sent him the dossier with various messages between Ms Higgins and others, including Mr Sharaz and her ex-boyfriend Ben Dillaway. Mr Lehrmann denies leaking the texts. They can now be revealed because they were tendered into evidence at the Federal Court by Network Ten. According to Mr Auerbach, in the texts, Mr Sharaz says: 'Alex is f***ing smart.' David Sharaz is pictured with his ex-wife, Alexandra Craig. They are now divorced Texts between Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz can be revealed for the first time (mock up is pictured) In the texts, Brittany Higgins called Ms Craig 'terrible' (mock up of the text is pictured) 'She's doing it all just to f*** with me and make my life difficult. 'The cop basically hinted at me that this is bogus.I asked him a whole bunch of hypotheticals. He goes "put it this way David...you don't seem threatening to me".' Ms Higgins replied: 'That's so random. Jesus. She's a psychopath.' Mr Sharaz said: 'I'm just pissed off. I'm not even scared about the potential AVO etc. I'm just angry now.' Ms Higgins said: 'That's fair. It's good that the police etc totally see through it though! Even they can recognise that it's bogus.' 'Is this literally all about the Elizabeth Lee meeting?' Is it unclear from the texts which Elizabeth Lee Ms Higgins referred to, but there is a Liberal politician by the same name who is the member for Kurrajong in the ACT. Mr Sharaz continued: 'And my emailing her lawyer to try and sort the ... I emailed once if we can sort this I don't want anything etc and I CC'd Alex. Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz are engaged and moved to France in December last year (pictured together in France) In a lengthy affidavit, Taylor Auerbach (pictured) claimed Mr Lehrmann sent him the dossier with various messages between Ms Higgins and others, including Mr Sharaz and her ex-boyfriend Ben Dillaway 'Good news this is likely resolved for a month so I don't have to worry about it. 'I'll just knock together my version of events.' Ms Higgins replied: 'She's so terrible. I'm sorry you have to go through this. You deserve so much more than that x.' Mr Auerbach accused Mr Lehrmann of leaking Ms Higgins' personal messages to Channel Seven prior to filming his two exclusive interviews on the Spotlight program last year. Mr Lehrmann denies he is the source of the leak. The texts were originally obtained by Australian Federal Police during an investigation into Ms Higgins' rape allegations and were protected under the Harman undertaking, which means the material could not be used outside the courtroom. Network Ten's barrister Matthew Collins KC expressed concern in the Federal Court on Tuesday that Ms Higgins' privacy had been breached by the leak. 'No doubt in the hope that they would be broadcast and disseminated to her embarrassment,' Dr Collins said. However, when the network tendered Mr Auerbach's evidence in court on Tuesday, lawyers would have known that Ms Higgins' texts would then enter the public record for the world to see. A woman stabbed to death by her own daughter made a desperate call to emergency services the day before the attack. Joanne Perry, 53, was repeatedly knifed in the neck by her daughter Carly Pirronelli, 26, in the Melbourne suburb of Lower Plenty about 6.30pm on March 8. Victoria Police had been called to the Kett St address following reports that Pirronelli was trying to set her mother on fire. When they arrived, the officers were challenged by Pirronelli, who was armed with a knife and continued to plunge the blade into her mother's torso and neck, despite being told to drop the weapon. Pirronelli, who was on bail at the time, was shot by the police and died at the scene. Joanne Perry, 53 (pictured), was repeatedly knifed in the neck by her daughter Carly Pirronelli, 26, in the Melbourne suburb of Lower Plenty about 6.30pm on March 8 Ms Perry (pictured left) was so concerned by her daughter's (pictured right) mental health that she called the emergency services the day before EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: How Carly Pirronelli was a ticking timebomb next door Carly Pirronelli, 26, stabbed her mother to death before being shot dead by police Advertisement On Wednesday, the Coroners Court of Victoria was told that Ms Perry called triple-0 on March 7 with concerns about her daughter's deteriorating mental condition. Police went to the home, but Pirronelli had heard her mother making the call and left before they arrived. There was no history of family violence between the mother and daughter, but Pirronelli had been taken to hospital on February 20 after having auditory and visual hallucinations and showing 'erratic behaviour'. She was flagged for violence, self harm, suicide and mental disorder on a police database after that incident, the Herald Sun reported. Pirronelli also had a troubled past which included home invasion and drug charges. Just over a year ago, she appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court charged over a home invasion. She was alleged to have entered a Kingsbury home as a trespasser in company with one or more persons while another person was inside the house on February 21, 2023. It was further alleged Pirronelli entered the Lowell Avenue home with 'intent to assault a person' and she was also charged with cannabis possession. The home invasion charge was eventually dropped last August after the prosecution withdrew its case. Magistrate Belinda Franjic said only the cannabis possession charge would be proceeded with. The magistrate said she took Pirronelli's 'lack of prior conviction or findings of guilt' into account. 'The criminal charges, the charge of home invasion, has been struck out having been withdrawn by the prosecution,' she said. Pirronelli had come to the police's attention eight times in the two months before her death over her driving and for alleged criminal offending, not for mental health incidents. She was on bail at the time of her death and had returned to her mother's unit on the afternoon of March 8, after which a neighbour reported hearing a 'constant stream of yelling' after 6pm. Joanne Perry (left) and her daughter Carly Pirronelli (right) are pictured at Christmas Photos posted to their social media profiles often showed them smiling, with their arms around each other The court heard that another neighbour called police after hearing a woman yell: 'Don't set me alight.' Two officers arrived at the home 13 minutes after the first triple-0 call and climbed over back fences to get into the property. They called for an ambulance after seeing a large pool of blood, and then saw Ms Perry face down on the ground as her daughter was cutting her neck with a knife. She was ordered to drop the knife and at first did so, but then she picked it up again and continued stabbing her mother. She was shot several time after not complying with further orders to drop the knife. 'Less than 60 seconds elapsed between the police members seeing a large area of blood and the first constable's firearm being reholstered after it had been discharged eight times,' counsel assisting the coroner Sam Brown said. The court is investigating what led to the fatal incident, the relevance of Pirronelli's mental health and the police response. Before the horrific double tragedy, the mother and daughter appeared to have a close and happy relationship. Photos posted to their social media profiles showed them smiling, with their arms around each other. But in a dark coincidence, on one occasion they joked about what their graves would look like. Carly Pirronelli is pictured holding a cocktail in a photo posted to her Facebook account An online exchange between Joanne Perry and her daughter Carly Pirronelli is pictured Pirronelli tagged her mum in the comments section of a Facebook post showing a grave site with cannabis plants growing out of it and the caption 'How my grave will look'. 'Next to your cascade bottles (and) marks guitar,' Pironelli wrote with a smiley face emoji. 'OMG haha,' her mother responded. For confidential support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 World leaders have vented their fury at Israel following an 'outrageous' drone strike on a convoy of aid workers from the charity World Central Kitchen which killed seven, including three British armed forces heroes. The humanitarian convoy of three cars, which were clearly marked as belonging to the humanitarian organisation while moving along a route approved by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was blasted in a 'triple tap' strike on Monday. Israel's actions have triggered international condemnation, with leaders in the UK, the US, Poland, Canada, and Australia - the countries the foreign nationals in the group hailed from - among those calling for accountability. Among the passengers in the doomed aid convoy were former Royal Marine James Henderson, 33; former SBS soldier John Chapman, 57; as well as a British military veteran James Kirby. Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to London and has demanded 'full accountability' over the deaths, which foreign secretary David Cameron described as 'completely unacceptable'. Israel has apologised for what it called 'a grave mistake' and said it is investigating the incident. The UK government could now suspend arms sales to Israel once it has established the all of the facts of the incident, inside sources have reportedly said. James Henderson, 33, was travelling in a clearly marked car operated by World Central Kitchen, a charity providing meals to Palestinians in the war torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone John Chapman (pictured) and James Henderson were travelling in a clearly marked car operated by World Central Kitchen (WCK), a charity providing meals to Palestinians in the war-torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone A British military veteran named last night by the BBC as James Kirby was also killed Polish World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid worker Damian Sobol, who was killed in the Israeli airstrike in Gaza Australian aid worker Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43, who was among those killed in the strike Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, was part of the WCK team that was killed in the strike American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was one of the seven victims of the strike As well as the mounting Gazan death toll - with more than 32,000 killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry - an unprecedented number of humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict. At least 196 aid workers, including 175 members of the UN staff, have now been killed since October 7, according to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the seven victims in the WCK aid convoy 'join a record number of humanitarian workers who have been killed in this particular conflict.' In a strongly worded statement, US President Joe Biden said Israel 'has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians.' He called for a 'swift' investigation to bring accountability to what he said was not a 'stand alone incident'. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strike 'unconscionable' but 'an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted'. 'It demonstrates yet again the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.' Professor Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering terrorism, suggested that the killing of the WCK workers could be a war crime. Images of the passports of Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson, which were found at the scene, were shared after their deaths Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip 'It's a human tragedy. But, of course, it could well be a violation of international humanitarian law, under which Israel has a duty not to deliberately target humanitarian relief workers or their convoys or their relief consignments,' he said. Poland meanwhile said 'it does not agree to the lack of compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers', and demanded compensation for the families of the killed WCK staff. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said today that both the deadly strike and the Israeli government's reaction to the incident were straining ties between the two countries. Directly addressing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's envoy to Warsaw, Tusk posted on X: 'Today, you are putting this solidarity to the test. The tragic attack against volunteers and your reaction are generating an understandable anger.' Pope Francis has expressed his 'deep sorrow' over the deaths during his weekly audience at the Vatican, and said: 'I pray for them and their families.' He renewed his appeal for access to humanitarian aid for the 'exhausted and suffering civilian population' of Gaza, and for the hostages taken by Hamas to be released. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken a call with Netanyahu, in which said he was appalled by the killings and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister spoke to Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening. Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom died 'doing the work she loves', her family said in a statement Polish World Central Kitchen and aid worker Damian Sobol, who was killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza 'He said he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. 'The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. 'The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. 'The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel's rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.' Former national security adviser Lord Peter Ricketts today told the BBC that the UK should stop selling arms to Israel, saying: 'I think the time has come to send that signal. 'I think there's abundant evidence now that Israel hasn't been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians.' He said halting arms sales would send a 'powerful political message' that might spark debate about the US following suit, which would be 'the real game changer'. Experts expect pressure to increase on Israel to bring an end to the bloody war, which has now dragged on for six months. But Israel continues to state its aims - to eradicate Hamas and bring the remaining hostages home - even as its forces have swept through and destroyed most of the Gaza Strip. Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) WCK said it was mourning the loss of its seven 'heroes', naming them on Wednesday as Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25; Australian Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43; Pole Damian Sobol, 35; American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33; and Brits John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. 'These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission,' WCK CEO Erin Gore said. The organisation called the strike a 'targeted attack' and said its team had been coordinating its movements with the Israeli forces. '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,' Gore said in an earlier statement. Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since the start of the war, with the United Nations accusing Israel of preventing humanitarian aid deliveries and warning of 'catastrophic' hunger. World Central Kitchen was facilitating the provision of supplies brought by sea from Cyprus. Following the strike, it said it was suspending its operations in the region, deepening concerns about how urgently needed food aid will reach a starving population. The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted with Hamas's 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 has killed at least 32,916 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. During their attack on Israel, Palestinian militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead. An elite Melbourne private school and a travel company have been charged over the death of a student who fell ill on a school trip and tragically died. Kilvington Grammar school student Lachlan Cook, 16, suffered diabetes complications during a trip to Vietnam in September 2019 and later died in a Melbourne hospital. His death was found to have been preventable by a coroner in December 2023. WorkSafe on Wednesday said it has charged the school and the travel company, World Challenge Expeditions Pty Ltd, over Lachlan's death. An elite Melbourne private school and a travel company have been charged over the death of student Lachlan Cook (pictured), who fell ill on a school trip READ MORE: Australian teenage boy's death from a school trip to Vietnam to be investigated Lachlan Cook, 16, died at the Royal Children's Hospital (pictured) in Melbourne Advertisement A court previously heard that Lachlan had been self-managing his type 1 diabetes when he became sick and was taken to hospital 24 hours after first showing symptoms including vomiting and slurred speech. He suffered a heart attack and was flown back to the Royal Children's hospital in Melbourne, with his life support switched off in October 2019. World Challenge Expeditions has been charged with three counts of failing to ensure that persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The regulator alleges the company failed, so far as was reasonably practicable, to reduce the risk of illness or death to participating students, including those with diabetes. The school is also facing one charge of failing to ensure that persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks, WorkSafe said. In a statement, the regulator said 'WorkSafe alleges the school failed, so far as was reasonably practicable, to reduce the risk of illness or death to diabetic students on school trips'. 'World Challenge Expeditions Pty Ltd faces three charges of the OHS Act for failing to ensure that persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks. 'WorkSafe alleges the tour company failed, so far as was reasonably practicable, to reduce the risk of illness or death to participating students, including those with diabetes.' In December, Coroner Audrey Jamieson found that the alleged failures of the school and the travel company led to Lachlan's tragic and preventable death. The two Kilvington teachers on the trip, along with the World Challenge team leader, were not trained to support students with diabetes. They also did not have access to Lachlan's diabetes management and action plans. The 16-year-old was instead expected to monitor his own blood glucose levels and manage his symptoms, even as he became more and more unwell. The fees at Kilvington (pictured) range up to $29,228-a-year for Australian students and $40,640 for foreign students 'We can only hope that other schools and camp providers learn from our experience,' Lachlan's mother Kirsten McMahon told reporters outside court. The family's barrister Andrew Woods said the claim that Lachlan was capable of self-managing his diabetes were 'breathtakingly negligent'. 'Kilvington came dangerously close to blaming Lachlan and his family rather than their own failings,' Mr Woods said. 'Lachlan was a child and he was in the care of adults.' The case is listed for a hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on April 30. The fees at Kilvington range up to $29,228-a-year for Australian students and $40,640 for foreign students. Alliance members have sent billions in arms but only on a bilateral basis NATO foreign ministers are discussing the prospect of an unprecedented military fund for Ukraine that would see alliance members commit $100 billion (79.5 billion) over five years to ensure long-term support, even amid a Trump presidency. The proposals, led by outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, would give the security bloc a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion, diplomats say. Until now, NATO has focused on non-lethal aid for Ukraine for fears that a more hands-on approach could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia. Its members have provided billions of dollars in arms, but at their own discretion on a bilateral basis. Under the new plans, NATO would be granted control of the U.S.-led ad-hoc coalition known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which coordinates the sourcing and supply of lethal weapons and military kit to Kyiv. The move is designed in part to guard against any cut in U.S. support if Donald Trump returns to the White House, with Stoltenberg saying it would 'shield the mechanism (of providing aid to Ukraine) against the winds of political change'. Trump has previously railed against the U.S. provision of funding to Ukraine and said he would 'end the war in a day' if he were in the White House. Last month the former US president rocked allies by saying he would encourage Russia to 'do whatever the hell they want' to any NATO country not meeting its financial obligations. Ukrainian service members of the 37th Marine Brigade fire a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer toward Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in a front line in Southern Ukraine, March 30, 2024 Ukrainian servicemen practice combat exercises as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on March 28, 2024 Members of the 3rd Iron Tank Brigade take part in a military training as the Russia-Ukraine war continues, in the regions near the frontline in Kharkiv, Ukraine New proposals brought forward by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg would give the security bloc a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion Trump has previously railed against the U.S. provision of funding to Ukraine and said he would 'end the war in a day' if he were in the White House The plans will be discussed during a two-day meeting in Brussels this week that will celebrate the 75th anniversary of NATO's founding and prepare for a summit of alliance leaders in Washington in July. The meeting will provide insight into how far Ukraine's European allies are willing to go to support Kyiv's war effort as a military aid package for Ukraine worth some $60 billion remains stalled in the U.S. Congress. NATO has thus far declined to comment in detail on Stoltenberg's proposals, but an official said foreign ministers would 'discuss the best way to organise NATO's support for Ukraine, to make it more powerful, predictable and enduring'. 'No final decisions are to be taken at the April ministerial meetings, and discussions will continue as we approach the Washington summit in July,' the official said, declining to be named. Diplomats said there was a growing view within NATO that it was time to put military aid to Ukraine on a more sustainable footing and that the security bloc was best placed to do that. Others said that threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he said he would regard various steps taken by NATO allies as escalatory - such as providing tanks and other advanced weapons systems - had fallen flat. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will attend the Brussels meeting, said in Paris on Tuesday that NATO was looking at measures that could serve as the 'necessary bridge' to membership of the alliance for Ukraine. But there are some leaders within NATO that are likely to speak out against the plans, chief among which is Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban who last month voiced his belief that Trump would 'not give a penny' to Ukraine if he is elected later this year. Orban, speaking after a meeting with Trump, said: 'If the Americans do not give money and weapons, and also the Europeans, then this war will be over. 'And if the Americans do not give money the Europeans are unable to finance this war on their own, and then the war will end.' All NATO decisions require consensus among the alliance's 32 members, leading some diplomats to doubt whether the funding package in its entirety will endure. 'It goes some way to protecting in case of Trump. But it is impossible to create something Trump-proof,' one diplomat said. 'A fund of 100 billion looks very optimistic, knowing how difficult it was to agree on a smaller amount at EU level,' the diplomat added. A Silver 10 Euro coin to commemorate 75 years of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) foundation is unveiled at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 02 April 2024 Danish army Leopard 2A7 tank of NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group fires during live fire exercise in Perakula, Estonia February 15, 2023 French soldiers from the 7th Battalion of Alpine Hunters take part in a drill as part of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) deployment to reinforce regional security German Air Force eurofighters fly over the Freedom Square, demonstrating the presence of NATO's Baltic Airspace Patrol Mission in Latvia during events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Latvia's membership in NATO, at the Freedom Monument in Riga, Latvia, 28 March 2024 Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery in the direction of Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on April 01, 2024 A close-up view of ammunition, missiles as Ukrainian servicemen operate artillery in the direction of Kreminna, Ukraine's eastern Luhansk region on March 31, 2024 The news of NATO's $100 billion proposal comes on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the bloc's founding. In 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron slammed the U.S.-led alliance - set up after World War II to face off against the Soviet Union - as suffering from a 'brain death'. Now, four-and-a-half years later, the alliance has grown to 32 members with the addition of Sweden and Finland after what Macron described as the 'electroshock' of Russia's all-out assault in 2022. In response, NATO has ramped up troop numbers on its eastern flank and put in place new plans to deal with any Russian attack. 'NATO has been re-energised after the invasion of Ukraine,' said James Black, assistant defence and security director at RAND Corporation, a US think tank. 'In two years NATO has grown bigger, with more ambition in the scope of its activities, more forces in eastern Europe.' The refocus on its old nemesis Moscow has given the alliance a clear sense of purpose after some questioned whether it was still needed at the end of the Cold War. That process started back in 2014 when Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine - but it kicked up several gears with 2022's full-scale invasion. Since then, the security bloc's members have sent weaponry worth tens of billions of dollars to Kyiv and there has been a steep increase in countries meeting their target of spending two percent of GDP on defence - up to an expected 20 nations this year from just three in 2014. Pro-Palestinian medics have blockaded the entrance to NHS England's base as they call for a contract to be scrapped with a firm they say supplies technology to Israel's armed forces. Protests against software company Palantir Technologies UK have been staged this morning at the health service's headquarters in Waterloo, central London. It comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, following the militant group's October 7 terror attacks last year. US tech giant Palantir was awarded a 330million contract by NHS England to create a new data management system called the Federated Data Platform. Campaigners say the company specialises in AI-powered military and surveillance technology and data analytics, and has provided military and surveillance technology to the Israeli government for many years. Pro-Palestinian campaigners have staged a protest outside NHS England's HQ in London today The demonstrators are opposed to the health service's link-up with US tech firm Palantir Palantir was awarded a 330million contract by NHS England last year to create a new data management system called the Federated Data Platform Amnesty International has previously accused Palantir of being involved in 'serious human rights abuses' and said NHS England should have rejected the link-up. Palantir is said to have supplied technology to governments allowing them to spy on citizens, while also working with former US president Donald Trump's administration to enforce anti-immigration rules. The platform provided to NHS England is aimed at helping individual health service trusts as well as the NHSs 42 integrated care systems share data to improve care. Supporters say it brings together real-time data on how many beds hospitals have, as well as the size of waiting lists for planned care and staff rosters. Palantir's chairman and co-founder is US billionaire Peter Thiel who also helped set up PayPal. Data experts, senior politicians and NHS medics have warned the seven-year NHS deal could 'undermine public trust' if patient data was mishandled. Others raised concerns that patients may not be able to opt out of their data being shared through the FDP. The British Medical Association has described the contract as 'eye-watering' and 'deeply worrying', adding: 'Our fears about how patient information may be used and handled going forward have not diminished.' Mr Thiel, 56, told an Oxford Union debate in January last year that the NHS 'makes people sick' and compared the UK's affection for the health service to 'Stockholm syndrome'. Palantir was set up by US billionaire Peter Thiel (pictured), who also co-founded PayPal Amnesty International has previously accused Palantir of being involved in 'serious human rights abuses' Today's demonstration was carried out at NHS England's headquarters in Waterloo He called for the service to be ripped up and started again, with parts of it privatised. Palantir's chief executive Alex Karp has, however, said he disagrees with the comments that Mr Thiel made as a 'private individual'. Mr Karp has also insisted NHS patients' data would be safe in his company's hands and that NHS problems including record high waiting lists of more than 7million were 'not solvable without technology'. He told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme last October: 'We're the only company of our size and scale that doesn't buy your data, doesn't sell your data, doesn't transfer it to any other company. 'That data belongs to the Government of the United Kingdom.' Meanwhile, Israel's highest ranking officer yesterday apologised for making a 'grave mistake' after his forces killed seven aid workers by bombing a food convoy in Gaza. Former Royal Marines James Henderson and John Chapman and an ex-soldier named last night as James Kirby were among the victims of the 'outrageous' drone strike that has triggered worldwide condemnation. The team, which was providing security for the World Central Kitchen charity, were hit on Monday as they moved food from a warehouse to distribute to Gaza. Ships carrying 240 tonnes of food aid were yesterday reported to have turned back from Gaza in the wake of the bombing, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the narrow strip of land. Rishi Sunak last night told Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu he was 'appalled by the killing of aid workers'. Data experts, senior politicians and NHS medics have warned the seven-year Palantir deal with the NHS could 'undermine public trust' if patient data was mishandled The platform provided to NHS England is aimed at helping individual health service trusts as well as the NHSs 42 integrated care systems share data to improve care Today's protest comes a day after Israel killed seven aid workers when bombing a food convoy In a phone conversation the Prime Minister demanded a 'thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened'. Downing Street said Mr Sunak told the Israeli PM that the situation was becoming 'increasingly intolerable' and that 'far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza'. A No 10 spokesman said: 'The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. 'The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel's rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.' An Albanian migrant who arrived in Britain in a rubber boat is facing deportation after being jailed for 13 months for leading police on a terrifying 110mph chase. Lirdi Ruta, 19, collided with another car and ran several red lights as he tried to evade officers for 33 miles. The teenager, who did not have a driving licence or insurance, took off when police tried to stop him at Ashley Heath near Bournemouth on August 22 last year because he had cannabis on him. He raced through the towns of Verwood, Wimborne and Poole before he was finally stopped on the A338 near to where the chase started. Bournemouth Crown Court heard Ruta came to the UK in a dinghy in 2022 and lived in Bournemouth for a while before moving to Cambridge. He lodged an asylum claim but this did not meet the required threshold for consideration, MailOnline understands. Lirdi Ruta, 19, collided with another car and ran several red lights as he tried to evade officers for 33 miles Tim Dracass, defending, said Ruta was 'ambivalent whether he stays here or returns to Albania'. The Home Secretary has a duty to make a deportation order in respect of non-British or Irish citizens who have been convicted of an offence in the UK and sentenced to at least 12 months' imprisonment, unless certain exceptions apply. Ruta pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence or insurance and possession of a Class B drug. Recorder Don Tait said: 'This was an appalling piece of driving. Because you had cannabis, you attempted to evade the police. This resulted in a 33-mile pursuit, sometimes on narrow country lanes. 'You failed to stop at a number of red traffic lights, you committed multiple traffic violations and you collided with another vehicle. 'The speed of the vehicle you were driving was recorded as up to 110mph. It's extremely fortunate that another road user was not injured because of your driving or still worse, they could have been killed. 'The pre-sentence report describes you as being a high risk to the English public, I cannot but agree with that assessment. 'You were in this country illegally and I have not been advised as to what actions the authority intend to take as far as your presence in this country is concerned. Bournemouth Crown Court heard Ruta came to the UK in a dinghy in 2022 and lived in Bournemouth for a while before moving to Cambridge 'You had no driving licence and no insurance. I consider this to be a bad example of dangerous driving over an extended distance and in an endeavour to escape pursuing police officers. They would also have been put at risk by your driving.' He sentenced Ruta to 13 months in prison and disqualified him from driving for three years and ordered the destruction of the 64g of cannabis. More than 5,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to Britain already this year, including 791 over the Easter weekend. The Home Office recently revealed a 100,000 ad campaign that aims to persuade people in countries including Albania not to come to the UK illegally. The first wave of online ads will target Albania, Iraq, Egypt and Vietnam, with plans to introduce them in Turkey and India. But it was rubbished by migration campaigners, who called it 'toy town tinkering'. More than 13,600 Albanians reached Britain by small boat in 2022 but last year the number fell by 90 per cent. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Any foreign national who is convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence is considered for deportation at the earliest opportunity.' Special Counsel Jack Smith has slammed the 'pure fiction' notion that ex-President Donald Trump could claim classified documents as personal records in a biting rebuke to Judge Aileen Cannon. Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, had asked Trump and prosecutors to propose jury instructions based on two legal scenarios that favour Trump's claims that he had broad authority to take classified documents. The first scenario would instruct a jury to consider whether the documents were 'personal' or 'presidential' according to the Presidential Records Act, which determines how records belonging to the government should be handled by the White House at the end of a presidency. In this case prosecutors would have to prove the records belong to the government rather than to Trump. The second scenario would see neither the judge nor the jury being able to questions Trump's stance that the documents are personal as he had complete authority as President to take the records he wanted from the White House. This would make it almost impossible to secure a conviction and Smith's team already promised it would 'seek prompt appellate review' if Cannon were to push through this jury instruction. In a biting rebuke late last night, Smith slammed the defense that Trump had unchecked ability to claim all classified records as his personal property as 'pure fiction' and has having 'no basis in law or fact'. Special Counsel Jack Smith has slammed the 'pure fiction' notion that ex-President Donald Trump (pictured) could claim classified documents as personal records in a biting rebuke to Judge Aileen Cannon In a biting rebuke late last night, Smith (pictured) slammed the defense that Trump had unchecked ability to claim all classified records as his personal property as 'pure fiction' and has having 'no basis in law or fact' Cannon (pictured), who was nominated to the bench by Trump, had asked Trump and prosecutors to propose jury instructions based on two legal scenarios that favour Trump's claims that he had broad authority to take classified documents Photos released as part of the indictment against Former President Donald Trump show boxes of documents stacked in rooms across his Mar-a-Lago estate. Boxes allegedly containing classified documents appear to be stored on a ballroom stage 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 (pictured) when he left the White House in 2021 'Both scenarios rest on an unstated and fundamentally flawed legal premise - namely, that the Presidential Records Act and in particular its distinction between "personal" and "presidential" records, determines whether a former President is "authorized", under the Espionage Act, to possess highly classified documents and store them in an unsecure facility,' Smith's team wrote according to CNN. The prosecutors added that if either of the scenarios were to be presented to a jury, this 'would distort the trial'. Smith's office also said that the 'pure fiction' notice of the records being personal was invented when the boxes were retrieved from Mar-a-Lago two years after his term ended. In their own response, Trump's defense team said that in the first scenario, it would expect Cannon to tell the jury that Trump was 'authorized' by the Presidential Records Act to 'possess a category of documents defined as "personal records", both during and after his term in office.' In the second scenario, Trump's team said there couldn't be jury instructions 'relating to factual issues' as the second scenario would 'foreclose' prosecution of the former President. 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 you're 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 US national defense and obstructing efforts by the US government to retrieve them. The prosecution is one of four facing Trump as he seeks to unseat Democrat Joe Biden in the November 5 presidential election. Trump has cast the cases as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his campaign. At issue in Cannon's recent order is Trump's 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. Trump's lawyers argue his decision to keep the records shows that he deemed them to be his personal property. Images from inside Mar-a-Lago shows stacks of boxes of classified documents in a bathroom. This was included in the indictment People wait for a moving van after boxes were moved out of the Eisenhower Executive Office building inside the White House complex, on Jan. 14, 2021, in Washington, as the Trump administrations enters its final days in office Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the courthouse as he is expected to bid for dismissal in a hearing on a classified documents case, in Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S. March 14, 2024 Prosecutors have said the documents could not be construed as personal because they relate to US 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 Trump's 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 Trump's stance that they are personal. 'Both of them are completely irrelevant,' Kel McClanahan, a national security lawyer who has represented members of the US intelligence community, said of the competing scenarios. 'And both actually favor the defendant.' READ MORE: Trump will face trial on April 15 over hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels Advertisement 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 Trump's 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 Trump's 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 Trump's defense, Cannon last month rejected an attempt to invalidate the central charge against him 'willfully retaining classified information.' Cannon said Trump's lawyers could raise the issue later, noting it raised arguments 'warranting serious consideration.' An Oxford-educated junior doctor suspended after moonlighting at a private cosmetic surgery while signed off sick from his 35,000-a-year job has been allowed back to the NHS. Dr Daniel Coventry, 34, was supposed to be off work at the taxpayer's expense with a suspected virus but instead he was offering facial fillers, thread facelifts and anti-wrinkle jabs at a private clinic in Brighton. He was reported to his work at Worthing Hospital in West Sussex after he was caught on social media and concerns had been raised with the amount of sick leave he was taking. But now he has been allowed back into the NHS after apologising for his 'arrogant' and 'idiotic behaviour' despite being accused of being a 'maverick doctor' by the General Medical Council. During the investigation, Coventry claimed there was 'no conflict of interest' in doing private work while off sick and said he was 'not rostered' to work NHS shifts. Dr Daniel Coventry, 34, was supposed to be off work at the taxpayer's expense with a suspected virus but instead he was offering facial fillers , thread facelifts and anti-wrinkle jabs at a private clinic in Brighton. Pictured: The doctor at work in an unknown hospital Coventry claimed there was 'no conflict of interest' in doing private work while off sick and was 'not rostered' to work NHS shifts. Pictured: The doctor taking a selfie at an unknown hospital In August 2018, the private clinic called A New You introduced the doctor on their social media page He subsequently left his job before the GMC were able to give him a final written warning. In September last year, however, Coventry was suspended from medical practice for six months after being found guilty of serious professional misconduct. But last month at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, his suspension was revoked and he was allowed to return to unrestricted medical practise after he apologised for his attitude and confessed to blaming his behaviour on NHS 'failings'. The General Medical Council had earlier called for him to remain suspended citing previous evidence that it was up to his private patients to decide if he should treat them whenever he was ill at work. In a statement Coventry said he now accepted 'not having a leg to stand on' at the 2023 hearing and vowed in future to be 'toeing the line no matter what the policy is.' He also said he would 'err on the side of caution' if he was unwell at work in future and follow hospital rules on treating patients. He explained: 'My attitude during that hearing was overly defensive and on reflection I am quite embarrassed about this. I think that the depth to which I value being a doctor led to an automatic desire to bat away criticism of my behaviour rather than accept responsibility for what is such an obvious error of judgement. 'During that hearing I focused too much on my perception of the failures of the trust and not enough on my personal failure to familiarise myself with the rules of the trust. Whilst I believe that the trust could have done more to support me, I also believe that I should have done more to support myself and absolutely did bear the responsibility to do so.' He added: 'The judgment was the beginning of my realisation that what I had done was serious and that labelling it merely a mistake from lack of knowledge of the rule was insufficient to remedy the situation. Coventry claimed he hadn't had time to read the NHS policies on sick leave and said he thought there was 'no conflict of interest' in doing private work whilst off sick and 'not rostered' to work NHS shifts Coventry was reported to bosses at Worthing Hospital in West Sussex, after concerns were raised due to the amount of sick leave he was taking (stock image) 'It took handing down the judgment for me to appreciate just how poor my behaviour had been. In order to increase my insight and learn from this experience, I have read the panel's determination multiple times with a much less defensive attitude. 'The suspension has provided an opportunity for significant personal growth. Professionalism encompasses more than the skill to diagnose and treat. It includes trustworthiness. 'To be trustworthy requires a full understanding of the framework of the hospital setting, of rules and regulations, and merely not being aware of a regulation is no excuse for breaking it. 'I can sorely say I fell short of the professional standards of a doctor. Full insight means understanding how you affected other people.' He said he had completed a free online 'Medical Professionalism' course to give him a 'better understanding' of dishonesty but did not undertake a specific ethics course as he said these were 'in relation to patients.' The moonlighting occurred over a six period between April and October 2018 just a year after Coventry joined the Western Sussex NHS Trust. Concerns were raised that same year about the amount of time hey was taking off and a consultant surgeon explain the HR procedures to him and he was advised to access the hospital's 'StaffNet' website to read the Trust's policies regarding sick leave. But following a worsening of Coventry's sickness absences a new probe began in 2019. Investigators found posts on social media showing he had undertaken private aesthetic work at 'A New You' clinic in Brighton where face lifts cost up to 8,000 and tummy tucks cost up to 6,000. In December of that year he was found guilty of gross misconduct at an internal disciplinary hearing but he had already left the trust. Investigators found posts on social media showing he had undertaken private aesthetic work at 'A New You' clinic in Brighton where face lifts cost up to 8,000 and tummy tucks cost up to 6,000 Coventry was suspended from medical practice for six months after he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the Medical Practitioners' Tribunal Service, in December 2019. Pictured: Worthing Hospital where he worked (stock image) Coventry had studied medicine at Oxford after graduating with a first class degree in biology from Brighton Lawyer for the General Medical Council Ms Imaan Osman said: 'Dr Coventry has not accepted that his actions in undertaking private work whilst on sick leave from the Trust were dishonest. Rather his answers focused on his better understanding of dishonesty. 'He maintains he had not wilfully deceived anyone and says his behaviour and attitude at the 2023 Tribunal was wrong in relation to his understanding of dishonesty, rather than accepting that his actions were dishonest. He previously believed himself to be a 'maverick doctor' but his reflections on the running of a hospital are not specifically relevant to his dishonesty or remediation of misconduct. 'In stating that he needs to be more organised and professional, Dr Coventry sought to use poor organisation to excuse his dishonest conduct. He blamed the lack of induction at the Trust for his failure to read the policies and he had not made reference to, or admitted, dishonesty once. 'It is a concern to the GMC that the course completed by Dr Coventry has not addressed ethics and most importantly, dishonesty. 'His evidence relating to treating patients when sick raised concerns. Dr Coventry's suggestion that he would allow private patients to decide whether they would like to be treated by when he was unwell himself to be improper. 'He has demonstrated a lack of insight in suggesting that he now thinks 'more carefully about things that seem OK.' But Coventry's father Stuart who represented him at the hearing said: 'He is desperate to get back into NHS employment. He has fully acknowledged his specific wrongdoing and dishonesty, acknowledged the potential for wider issues and has undertaken remediation through study and introspection to ensure that there is no repetition. 'He has acknowledged that being a good doctor goes well beyond clinical care and to a holistic understanding of professionalism. The greatest lesson for Dr Coventry had been the whole Tribunal process and the evidence of his wrongdoing laid bare. 'He has recognised the root of the behaviours and his understanding of honesty and dishonesty in fact goes far deeper than just acceptance because he now understands someone can be dishonest in the absence of wilful deceit. 'Dr Coventry now understands that he needs to be 'extra vigilant' about his behaviour and its impact because one does not have to been wilfully deceitful to be dishonest. 'The GMC's reference to Dr Coventry believing himself to be a 'maverick doctor' has been lost in translation. He was trying to make a point about his understanding of rules during his childhood and growing up, not presently.' In revoking the suspension MPTS chairman Mrs Zeenat Islam said: 'The Tribunal did not accept the GMC's submission that Dr Coventry had not accepted that he behaved dishonestly. 'It was satisfied Dr Coventry had reflected on the 2023 Tribunal's findings in depth, accepted his misconduct and had taken steps to understand why his behaviour was dishonest. 'His reflections about not needing to be 'wilfully deceitful' to be dishonest were an accurate reflection of the difference between a lay and a legal definition of dishonesty. 'He made reference to his previous 'arrogance', said his behaviour was 'idiotic' and candidly accepted that on reflection that he 'did not have a leg to stand on'. 'He appreciates a good doctor is not just a competent clinician, but a professional who understands their role, the impact of their actions on others and the needs to maintain trust and confidence in the profession. He has taken responsibility for his actions and shown a genuine willingness to reflect on and remediate his misconduct.' Christian Brueckner's lawyer slammed prosecutors for labelling him the Madeleine McCann 'prime suspect' - saying it is impossible for him to get a fair trial as he returned to court this morning on unrelated rape charges. Brueckner's defence team opened proceedings with a furious attack on local prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters who named him as the 'prime suspect'. Atilla Aykac stressed how despite almost four years of investigating no charges for Madeleine's disappearance had been made and his legal team had still not received the case files. He said: 'The disappearance of Madeleine McCann is one of the biggest cases in the world but our client has not been charged and we have not seen any files. 'This is the fault of the public prosecutor's office and has created a worldwide sense of pillory against our client. Christian Brueckner's lawyers slammed local prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters who named him as the 'prime suspect' in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann Atilla Aykac stressed how despite almost four years of investigating no charges for Madeleine's disappearance Brueckner is also facing former pal Helge Busching in court today as he tells prosecutors the convicted paedophile was an 'expert at lock picking' 'This prejudices our client's case and also the ability of the court to try him fairly.' He went on to accuse Mr Wolters - who was in court - of 'making publicity' for the case against Brueckner, 47, despite not having presented or shared any case files. Also in court today, Brueckner will face a key witness who will tell prosecutors the convicted paedophile was an 'expert at lock picking'. Breuckner, was sensationally named by German police four years ago as the man responsible for Madeleine's 'abduction and murder'. However, despite the claim he has still not been charged and is currently on trial in his native Germany accused of unrelated sex crimes that took place in the same area of the Algarve where the then three-year-old disappeared. Former pal Helge Busching is the latest witness to give evidence at the court in Braunschweig, where Brueckner arrived early on Wednesday under a heavy police escort. Last year Busching told German media that Brueckner was an expert lock picker and could have easily got into the apartment in Praia da Luz where Madeleine was taken from in May 2007. He said Brueckner bragged about the burglary toolkit which he would use to 'break into holiday resorts, hotels and holiday homes to steal from tourists', Busching told Bild newspaper. Dressed in his now trademark blazer and jacket Brueckner was brought into court with handcuffs and shook hands with his legal team before sitting down. Busching, who is in German police witness protection, suggested that Brueckner 'came through the door' of the McCanns' holiday apartment, raising doubts over the official theory that Madeleine's kidnapper crept in through a window. German police were reportedly 'electrified' by the discovery of the lock pick kit and also are investigating the possibility that Brueckner used car paint solvent to sedate the young girl. He has denied any involvement in her abduction and is currently on trial accused of raping three women and sexually assaulting children between 2000 and 2017 on the Algarve. Busching, who claims to have met Brueckner a year before Madeleine vanished, said he found the tool kit in the suspect's Algarve home after he and a friend, Manfred Seyfreth, decided to ransack the place. Brueckner's former pal Helge Busching is the latest to give evidence against the convicted paedophile Brueckner arrived early to the court in Braunschweig on Wednesday under a heavy police escort The petty criminal recalled seeing passports, cameras, suitcases and various items carried by tourists in the property, adding the he 'also found a lock pick set'. Busching claims he kept the kit - which he says can be used to 'pick any lock, including security locks' - and later gave it to police in Germany. The kit is understood to be made by Dino which touts that its products 'ensure easier access into the most restrictive European keyways fast'. It reportedly includes 14 black stainless steel picks that are each designed for a specific door type. Police in Portugal have always claimed that Madeleine's abductor broke into the apartment through a window. They allege he likely left with the child through a door or by climbing back out the window. But when asked how Brueckner entered the home, Busching asserted: 'Through the door. Easily. He can open any door.' Busching also claimed that Brueckner had once confessed to kidnapping Madeleine alleged that Brueckner told him: 'She didn't scream.' Busching claims Brueckner made the confession at the illegal Dragon Festival held in the southern Spanish mountain town of Orgiva a year after Madeleine vanished. He also alleged that Brueckner turned up to the festival in an American campervan that he lived in between early 2007 and 2008. Busching says the van is not the Tiffin Allegro van police seized a few years back. He insists the vehicle Brueckner drove to the the festival - known for its techno music, booze and drugs - was a Winnebago and believes that if police were able to track down the van, they would find traces of Madeleine's DNA. Dressed in his now trademark blazer and jacket Brueckner was brought into court with handcuffs and shook hands with his legal team before sitting down Brueckner has denied any involvement in McCann's abduction and is currently on trial accused of raping three women and sexually assaulting children between 2000 and 2017 on the Algarve Busching says he knows that Brueckner abducted Madeleine, adding that 'another witness knows it as well'. He claims he advised the suspect to come clean but says Brueckner 'will never do that' because he is 'too stubborn' and 'assumes police cannot prove anything'. Busching added he has been pressed by Brueckner's lawyers to retract his allegations has been forced into witness protection for the last four years. Madeleine vanished from a rented holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal on May 3, 2007, during a family holiday. Her parents Kate and Gerry McCann, from Rothley, Leicestershire, spearheaded a high-profile campaign for information about her disappearance. Reports claim that phone records place Brueckner in the town on the night she vanished and that his yellow and white Volkswagen Westfalia campervan was spotted near the Algarve resort. Last May German forensic experts searched a reservoir 30 miles from Praia da Luz as part of their ongoing investigation. They are understood to have taken soil samples for analysis. Brueckner and Busching, who is also German, both previously lived in Portugal and were said to have been involved in petty theft. Brueckner has claimed the pair have not spoken since 2007, when they discussed a drug deal, and has denied Busching's claims about their conversation in 2008, saying they were 'not even worthy of comment'. Busching also claims to have seen videotapes which allegedly showed Brueckner sexually abusing an elderly woman and a teenage girl in Portgual. He later told the court he had contacted Dave Edgar in 2008, a former policeman and private detective hired by Kate and Gerry McCann to help find their daughter. Mr Edgar worked on the case for three years before enquiries were taken over by Scotland Yard and in later interviews, he always said he believed Madeleine's disappearance had been 'intricately planned by a gang of paedophiles'. Busching did not go into detail regarding a response from Mr Edgar but added he contacted Scotland Yard in 2017, after he had moved Greece where he had been convicted of people trafficking. He said:'They came to Athens, they wanted to question me, officially and they registered it with Greek police. 'With hindsight that was a mistake as the Greek police tipped off the local press and they heard about my meeting in an Athens hotel. 'The British police said they weren't interested in the rapes I had seen, they were with me for three days and then left.' In 2019 Brueckner was convicted in a German court of the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old American woman at her home in Portugal, close to Praia da Luz, and he is serving a seven-year sentence. Busching reportedly contacted British police about his former friend after he was arrested in Greece in 2017 over an alleged smuggling ring. Madeleine's disappearance was initially investigated by police in Portugal, with support from officers in the UK. The Metropolitan Police took over the investigation in 2011 after the Portuguese operation was shelved. But more than three years after linking Brueckner to Madeleine's disappearance, he has still not been charged regarding her abduction as prosecutors do not have enough evidence. Police are investigating reports of items being stolen from vehicles that were engulfed in flames after the Luton airport car park fire. In October last year, a fire ripped through the newly built 20million car park after a vehicle fault. Car alarms and loud explosions were heard as vehicles were burned through one by one, with a witness describing the speed in which the blaze tore through as 'incredible'. Now, Bedfordshire Police say they have been 'made aware of items being allegedly removed from the now disused multi-storey car park'. An airport spokesman also told the BBC any allegations of criminal activity were taken very seriously and were for police to investigate. A look at the raging fire that saw Luton aiport's new 20m car park collapse in flames Bedfordshire Police now say there have been reports of items 'being allegedly removed from the now disused multi-storey car park' An airport spokesman said any allegations of criminal activity were taken very seriously A look at the aftermath left behind after a fire ripped through level three of the airport's Terminal Car Park 2 Back in October, it was believed that a Range Rover sparked the car park inferno. A man who was arrested by police after the blaze was later released without charge. Following the fire, five people were admitted to Luton and Dunstable hospitals for smoke inhalation and a sixth person was treated at the scene but did not require further medical treatment. Police and ambulance crews also attended the scene and local residents were warned to keep doors and windows closed and avoid the area. Footage posted on social media at the time showed fire tearing through cars parked at the airport terminal, with smoke billowing over the airport's runway. The temperature of the flames soared well over the 600C (1,110F) that would destroy the building's integrity, and one fire officer said it would have hit six million watts. Russell Taylor, 41, an account director from Kinross in Scotland, saw the flames over the car park as he flew in to Luton Airport from Edinburgh. He said: 'There were a couple of fire engines with a car ablaze on the upper floor of the car park at just after 9pm. A witness described the speed in which the blaze tore through the car park's upper floor as 'incredible' A huge fireball was pictured as cars went up in flames, with onlookers saying they heard loud explosions Russell Taylor, 41, an account director from Kinross in Scotland, saw the flames after flying in to Luton Airport from Edinburgh 'A few minutes later most of the upper floor was alight, car alarms were going off with loud explosions from cars going up in flames. 'The speed in which the fire took hold was incredible.' Eyewitness Molly Bullard described 'scary scenes' as the short stay was 'exploding into flames'. She said on X: 'There is no transport in or out of Luton Airport. Passengers are being evacuated to walk on the footpath via the road underpass. All airport buses and vehicles are trapped by road blocks.' A full report by the fire service is expected in September this year. Lawyers representing Senator Linda Reynolds in her defamation case against Brittany Higgins and her fiance, David Sharaz, will base much of their case on the ex-political staffer's claims she was 'suicidal' in the aftermath of her alleged rape. Senator Reynolds launched defamation claims against the couple in 2023 after her former Liberal Party media advisor allegedly breached their settlement agreement. The proceedings stem back to Ms Higgins' claim she was raped by her coworker, Bruce Lehrmann, inside Ms Reynolds' Parliament House office in 2019. Following the alleged rape, Ms Higgins worked in Perth with Senator Reynolds in the lead-up to the 2019 federal election during which time Ms Higgins claims she felt 'isolated, ostracised and suicidal'. However Senator Reynolds' lawyer, Martin Bennett, claims their case will show 'very different recollections of that', the West Australian reported. Brittany Higgins (pictured with her partner, David Sharaz) are set to go to trial to defend themselves against Senator Linda Reynolds' claims they defamed her Following the alleged rape, Ms Higgins worked in Perth with Senator Reynolds in the lead-up to the 2019 federal election (pictured, a photo Ms Higgins shared from Perth of election night; she is pictured top left) It's understood Senator Reynolds' team will call up to 20 witnesses in a trial, including Ms Higgins' former coworkers. A hearing on Wednesday under a new judge, Justice Paul Tottle, made no mention of further mediation between the three parties. Instead, the groups planned for a strategic conference on May 24 ahead of the six-week trial starting on July 24. Senator Reynolds demanded damages from Mr Sharaz in January 2023 over claims the former press gallery journalist shared five social media posts that defamed her. Just six months later, the senator started a defamation case against Ms Higgins who she alleges shared two social media posts falsely claiming Senator Reynolds used the press to harass her. In one post, Ms Higgins slammed her former boss for continuing 'to harass me through the media and in the parliament'. Senator Reynolds claims the couple's posts were a 'concerted plan' to attack her integrity. Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz flew some 14,000km to Perth from their new home in the south of France to sit with Senator Reynolds for mediation in March but the parties failed to reach a resolution. At the time, Ms Higgins told reporters it was difficult to be back in Perth due to her negative memories. The lawyer representing Senator Reynolds (pictured) told reporters on Wednesday she has taken out a mortgage on her home to afford the proceedings 'It's beautiful, but just personally it's hard being back in Perth,' she said. 'I think everyone is acting in good faith trying to get an outcome.' Following their nine-hour attempted peace talk, Ms Higgins shared an Instagram story saying: 'I will not stay silent so you can stay comfortable.' On Wednesday, Senator Reynolds' lawyer, Mr Bennett, told the court she intends to add the post to her claims against Ms Higgins, arguing it aggravated the situation. Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz are expected to give their defences concurrently due to the overlapping nature of Senator Reynolds' claims. Mr Bennett has also asked the court to follow a document swap schedule to reduce the cost of the trial. He later told reporters outside the court Senator Reynolds has been forced to mortgage her house to finance her case. However, Mr Bennett didn't rule out the possibility of mediation efforts being revived following Justice Michael Lee's judgment in Mr Lehrmann's defamation case against Lisa Wilkinson and Network Ten. Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz flew to Perth in March (pictured) for a nine-hour mediation with Senator Reynolds 'At the moment, we need to prepare for a trial,' Mr Bennett said. Justice Lee is set to deliver his verdict next week. Mr Lehrmann has vehemently denied accusations he raped Ms Higgins in March 2019. A criminal trial against him was aborted in October 2022 due to juror misconduct. Further criminal proceedings were abandoned due to concerns for Ms Higgins' mental health. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 The Government is mulling changes to proposed new laws following a backlash over claims they will see 'nuisance' rough sleepers arrested for the way they smell. Tory MPs are plotting a rebellion against new powers in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Criminal Justice Bill, which have 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. Downing Street yesterday said Mr Sunak did not believe people should be arrested 'just if they smell' - a view also shared by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan. According to The Times, ministers are now considering amending the Bill to make clear that no one could be arrested for the way they smell, following an outcry. The newspaper reported that changes to the legislation could include clarifying that any issues with smell would not relate to people but instead to dropping rubbish. Sources said an amendment making that point clearer was 'on the table and being considered' in conversations with potential rebel Tory MPs. Tory MPs are plotting a rebellion against new powers in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak 's Criminal Justice Bill, which have been branded 'completely unacceptable' Downing Street said Mr Sunak did not believe people should be arrested 'just if they smell' - a view also shared by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan The powers in the Criminal Justice Bill were initially drawn up by former home secretary Suella Braverman. They have infuriated many on the Tory benches in the House of Commons and saw Ms Keegan endure an awkward TV interview yesterday. The Cabinet minister said she would support Government policy but told Sky News that people 'should not be arrested just if they smell'. She added: 'I haven't looked at that detail of it, but I guess the word is 'excessive', and I don't know what they mean by that.' The Education Secretary said she disagreed with Mrs Braverman's past description of rough sleeping as a 'lifestyle choice', saying: 'Normally, people have had a lot of hardship before they get to that point.' She said the Government needed to strike a balance between supporting rough sleepers into accommodation and employment, and ensuring members of the public were protected from 'aggressive' begging or other 'nuisance'. A Number 10 spokeswoman said that the provisions addressing 'nuisance' rough sleeping in the Criminal Justice Bill were about 'getting rid of an outdated Vagrancy Act which criminalises people for being homeless'. She said: 'We are clear that nobody should be criminalised for being homeless and having nowhere to live. 'But at the same time our legislation has provisions in place which are designed to assist the police with addressing behaviour that could make the public feel unsafe or intimidated 'And I think it's right to ensure that as we update the outdated Vagrancy Act we keep some of those powers in place.' She added: 'The police will receive guidance that comes with these powers and we are very clear that the focus of what this is on protecting the public from harassment and intimidation, and there'll be the requisite guidance in line with that.' Downing Street said the reference to 'smell' in the Criminal Justice Bill stemmed from the definition of causing a nuisance that is contained in an older piece of legislation, the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. 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 MP Bob Blackman is leading a rebel campaign to introduce backbench amendments to the Bill The Government has previously promised to repeal the Vagrancy Act, once it had found a suitable replacement. Senior Tory MP Bob Blackman is leading a rebel campaign to introduce backbench amendments to the Bill. 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 said: '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.' A five-year-old boy is delighted and 'super excited' after a message in a bottle he threw off a Sunderland pier washed up 500 miles away in Denmark. Harry Liddle and his sister Grace Liddle, 12, threw the glass bottles off Roker Pier on August 28 2023. On March 6, their mother Christie Bowley, 35, received a response on Messenger to say her son's bottle had been found in Denmark. Ms Bowley, who helps out at her partner Jason Liddle's business, Instaflor Ltd, said: 'I got a friend request on Facebook and I just left it there and saw he was from Denmark and didn't think much anything of it. 'I then checked my emails and I had an email from the same person who said he's found Harry's bottle and I couldn't believe it.' Five-year-old Harry Liddle from Sunderland writing his message in a bottle. He is 'super excited' that his message was found Grace and Harry Liddle getting ready to throw their bottles off the Roker Pier in Sunderland Grace pictured ready to throw her bottle into the sea as a boat sails past in the background The message travelled in a straight line, 500 miles towards Denmark across the North Sea Ms Bowley added the bottle travelled in a straight line from the pier to where it was found in Denmark. 'If you look on a map, it went on one straight line across the ocean, which is crazy,' she said. 'Harry said he thought his bottle would be found back on Sunderland beach, when his bottle was found he was happy and super excited.' It was Ms Bowley's partner and the children's father who came up with the message in a bottle idea initially. 'He told them one day, 'Should we write some messages in a bottle?' she said. 'They were really excited and so we ordered some bottles from Amazon and we even tested them to make sure they would not sink and could float. A message written by Harry that was thrown off the pier. It was found by Frederik Bilgrav Schramm, from Romo, Denmark The family were shocked that the message was found months later, 500 miles away 'They even came with little scrolls inside which they wrote the messages on.' Harry's note read: 'To whoever finds this bottle, my name is Harry Liddle. I am 5 years old from Sunderland, England. 'Please can you let my parents know when you find this bottle via Facebook or email.' The message was followed by Ms Bowley's contact details and signed off with the words 'Thanks, Harry.' Harry also drew a picture, which was included inside his bottle. Grace's note was similar to her brother's. The message was followed by Ms Bowley's contact details and signed off with the words 'Thanks, Harry' Christie Bowley said it is a 'waiting game' to see if Grace's bottle can one day be found Ms Bowley said family members and friends were 'in shock' when they discovered Harry's bottle had been found. 'A lot of people have even said now they want to try it,' she said. 'We genuinely never thought the bottles would ever be found, it was just something fun we wanted to do with the kids, but we always hoped they might be found.' Frederik Bilgrav Schramm, from Romo, Denmark, said he found the bottle on March 6 and also sent some photos of it to the family. The 24-year-old, who is a ship owner and farmer, said: 'It was most likely washed ashore somewhat earlier, as it has been at least two months since the water was so high up there where we found it.' Ms Bowley said it is a 'waiting game' to see if Grace's bottle can one day be found. 'Grace's bottle is somewhere out there floating in the sea, so it is just a waiting game to see if it could be found,' she added. Scotland's new hate crime laws have caused uproar since the legislation came into force on Monday. Human rights activists warned it would have a chilling effect on free speech, feminist campaigners slammed it for excluding women and trans people said it does not go far enough to protect them. But the main issue surrounding the SNP's controversial legislation is that no one knows, in practice, what constitutes as a hate crime under the new rules. JK Rowling was told by Police Scotland yesterday no action would be taken against her after she made a string of comments about trans women online. The force said that they were 'not assessed to be criminal'. The Harry Potter author, who had dared police to arrest her for misgendering convicted trans sex offenders, said she hoped all women who spoke out against issues on gender will now 'be treated equally under the law'. While many female campaigners celebrated the decision it begs the question of whether other, less notable members of the public, who choose to purposefully misgender someone online will be investigated under the new powers. The Hate Crime and Public Order Act was worked on by First Minister Humza Yousaf while he was justice secretary under Nicola Sturgeon's government JK Rowling was told by Police Scotland yesterday no action would be taken against her after she made a string of comments about trans women online After Police Scotland confirmed it would not be taking action against the Harry Potter author she said she hopes 'every woman in Scotland' is treated in the same way What is the new law and how does it work? Under the Hate Crime and Public Order Act, it is now a crime to 'stir up hatred' in relation to protected characteristics. These include age, disability, religion, race, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics, sometimes known as being intersex. Notably sex has not been included - provoking anger from some feminists - as Humza Yousaf said his government have plans for a separate misogyny bill. A person will be found to have committed an offence under the new law if they either behave or communicate material - including those online - in a manner that a 'reasonable person would consider to be threatening or abusive'. Therefore, if an individual was taken to court over comments they had made on social media, a judge would consider what a 'reasonable person' would decide upon seeing the evidence. The act, however, does not list a series of examples of what constitutes as a hate crime, rather each alleged 'hate crime' reported will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For example, while Rowling was reported to the police under the new laws for misgendering trans women, there is nothing within the law that makes misgendering a crime. 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 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 People hold up signs as they protest outside the Scottish Parliament today Instead, as Yousaf's victims and community minister Siobhain Brown confirmed, with regards to misgendering: 'It would be a police matter for them to assess what happens.' 'It could be reported and it could be investigated - whether or not the police would think it was criminal is up to Police Scotland,' she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. '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.' What is the maximum sentence under the hate crime act? The maximum sentence for stirring up hatred under the new laws will be seven years behind bars. The new legislation, however, consolidates existing laws in the country about crimes 'aggravated by prejudice' when a offender demonstrates malice or ill-will to someone because of a protected characteristic. This will also be taken into account, with judges able to create a longer sentence or higher crime if an individual violates both sections of the law. For example, a person hit someone while making a comment about their disability, this might be perceived not only as a hateful comment under the new laws but an assault aggravated by disability-related hate. Plans for the bill first got underway in 2021 under the government of Nicola Sturgeon Willoughby hit out at the Edinburgh-based writer for misgendering her online and including her alongside a list of transwomen, of whom many were convicted sex offenders Rowling has been one of the most prominent critics of the bill over the past few years What are the main issues surrounding the SNP's new laws? One of the main concerns raised about the new laws is the question of free speech with gender-critical feminists suggesting that the new law could be 'weaponised' to 'silence' people's opinions. One of the loudest critics of the law, that has been in the works for three years, is Joanna Cherry who said it 'will be weaponised by trans rights activists to try to silence, and worse still criminalise, women who do not share their beliefs'. She also said that being under police investigation, which could take up two years and see possessions like phones and laptops removed, could be a punishment in itself. Yet the Scottish First Minister insisted that there is a 'very high threshold' for prosecutions and a 'triple lock' on freedom of expression in the act. Women's rights campaigners, however, have said that the new rules offer 'more protection to men wearing fishnets on a night out for a laugh' than to women and girls. Speaking on BBC Woman's Hour yesterday, Susan Smith, co-director of For Women Scotland said: 'We have a really, really mad thing here as under transgender identity we have people who occasionally cross dress. 'The example given by the Equality Network who pushed for this is that it might cover someone going to the Rocky Horror Show where a man who is dressed up in stockings for a night out for a bit of a joke and is a victim of a crime could make a complaint under a hate crime report. 'Whereas a woman who is similarly attacked and wearing slightly risque clothing could be asked in court whether clothing choice influenced this attack.' It came after Rowling unleashed her fury against the new laws in a string of sarcastic 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'. Doubling-down at the end of her sarcastic rant, she said: '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.' 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' Amongst those listed by Rowling, included trans newsreader India Willoughby who the author sarcastically called 'what a gal' for joking about 'kidnapping feminists' and 'insult the looks of a female Olympic swimmer'. Willoughby last night hit out at the fact the author will not see any further action by police. In a video posted on X, she said: 'It is as clear as day that these are hate posts. That's what is motivating her. What is it about JK Rowling? 'It's like people get stardust in their eyes and they can't comprehend that the person who wrote Harry Potter can possibly be bad or vindictive when she clearly is, there is a mountain of evidence out there. 'I am tired of saying these examples. If she was doing this about another minority - or if another person was doing the same thing - making lists including sex offenders and then putting black or Jewish people in, there would be uproar. Absolute outrage.' The English broadcaster, 58, added that it was 'grossly unfair' that the author had not been investigated and questioned 'what protection' the new law had given her. When did discussions over the new law begin? The storm over the new laws marks the latest in what has been a rocky few years for the Scottish government as they tried to get the bill through Holyrood. The new law is the brainchild of Humza Yousaf, who was serving as Nicola Sturgeon's justice secretary before she resigned as First Minister last year. It went through a series of amendments and recommendations often putting the now First Minister face-to-face with gender-critical feminists. In early 2021, Yousaf tabled an amendment to the bill so that those activists who argue trans women are men would be criminalised. This was later withdrawn. It put the Scottish government at odds with women's groups once again who have previously had a bust up with the First Minister over her decision to initially send Isla Bryson to a female prison. Bryson - named Adam Graham until 2020 - had been convicted of raping two women prior to her transition, which she began while awaiting trial. She was initially sent to an all-female prison in Scotland following conviction, but was subsequently removed to a male wing of HMP Edinburgh after the case sparked an uproar. Kim Jong Un was seen cheerily puffing away on a cigarette as he oversaw the launch of a new hypersonic missile. The North Korean dictator wore an all-black outfit as he smoked a cigarette in the lead-up to the test-fire of Hwasong-16B, a new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead. The launch took place at an undisclosed location in North Korea on Tuesday, but the photos were shared today. Following the test, Kim declared North Korea had developed the ability to build solid-fuel, nuclear-capable missiles of all ranges as he pursues an arsenal that can credibly threaten rivals in Asia and the United States. State media said the test was supervised by Kim, who described the Hwasong-16B missile as a key piece of his nuclear deterrent he vowed to further build up to counter his 'enemies,' a reference to the United States, South Korea and Japan. The North Korean dictator wore an all-black outfit as he smoked a cigarette in the lead-up to the test-fire of Hwasong-16B The Hwasong-16B is a new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead In recent years, North Korea has been developing more missiles with built-in solid propellants In recent years, North Korea has been developing more missiles with built-in solid propellants. Such weapons are easier to move and hide, and can be launched quicker than liquid-propellant missiles, which need to be fueled before launch and cannot stay fueled for long periods of time. North Korea tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time last year, adding to its arsenal of long-range weapons targeting the US mainland. The country also has an extensive lineup of short-range and mid-range solid-fuel missiles that can be fired from land vehicles, ships and submarines and are potentially capable of hitting targets throughout South Korea and Japan. In recent months, the North demonstrated some of these missiles in drills it described as simulated nuclear strikes. Since 2021, it's also been testing hypersonic weapons designed to fly at more than five times the speed of sound. If perfected, such systems could potentially pose a challenge to regional missile defense systems because of their speed and maneuverability. However, it's unclear whether these missiles are consistently flying at the speeds the North claims. Un looked on in delight as he oversaw the missile test on Tuesday in North Korea North Korea's dictator was seen posing in front of the Hwasong-16B Kim wore an all-black outfit as he oversaw the test of his new hypersonic missiles North Korean official media KCNA claimed that during the Tuesday test, the missile's hypersonic glide warhead reached a peak altitude of 62 miles and flew about 621 miles North Korean official media KCNA claimed that during the Tuesday test, the missile's hypersonic glide warhead reached a peak altitude of 62 miles and flew about 621 miles after separating from the launch rocket, and performed various maneuvers before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. But the South Korean military said the North is exaggerating the success of the test and its overall missile prowess. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday maintained its assessment that the missile flew about 372 miles and accused North Korea of exaggerating the missile's flight performance, although acknowledging that the North's technologies were improving. The previous day, Japan reported a similar flight distance, although its Defense Ministry reported a maximum height close to that claimed by the North. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it remains unclear whether the North has perfected the technologies to ensure that the warheads of its hypersonic solid-fuel missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles survive the harsh conditions of atmospheric re-entry. 'Hypersonic missiles are weapons systems that are still being developed by advanced nations (the United States, China and Russia etc.) and they require highly difficult technologies,' the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a text message to reporters. The South Korean military said the North is exaggerating the success of the test and its overall missile prowess North Korea in previous tests have unveiled two different types of hypersonic vehicles North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a test launch of a possible new mid- to long-range solid-fuel hypersonic missile Tensions in the region have risen since 2022 as Kim used Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a distraction to accelerate his testing of missiles and other weapons 'It's difficult to predict when they will be deployed operationally, but it's expected to take a considerable amount of time.' The North also tested a purported hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile in January, years after it flight-tested liquid-fuel IRBMs. Experts say such weapons if perfected is potentially capable of reaching remote UA targets in the Pacific. 'North Korea's development of hypersonic IRBMs targets Guam, which hosts US military bases, and even Alaska,' said Chang Young-keun, a missile expert at South Korea's Research Institute for National Strategy. Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the missile tested on Tuesday was likely different from the system tested in January, which state media didn't name but was likely the Hwasong-16A. North Korea in previous tests have unveiled two different types of hypersonic vehicles - a conical one and a wedge-shaped one. State media images show that the January launch involved a conical warhead while the wedge-shaped design was used for Tuesday's launch. Tensions in the region have risen since 2022 as Kim used Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a distraction to accelerate his testing of missiles and other weapons. The United States and South Korea have responded by expanding their combined training and trilateral drills involving Japan and sharpening their deterrence strategies built around strategic US assets. Hours after the launch, Seoul's Defense Ministry announced that South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted a combined aerial exercise above waters near South Korea's Jeju island that involved at least one nuclear-capable U.S. B-52 bomber. This is the moment a panda keeper bid farewell to a gentle giant he raised from birth as he cried beside a truck before she was transported from South Korea to China. On Wednesday, the beloved panda Fu Bao departed Everland, the country's largest theme park in Yongin, as thousands of sobbing fans watched on. In heartbreaking footage of the departure ceremony, zookeeper Kang Cheol-won said in a speech: 'You are our baby panda forever even if 10 years pass or 100 years pass. 'Dear all, Fu Bao is now leaving. Please, remember Fu Bao for a long, long time. and please don't cry much!' He can then be seen making his way to the convoy carrying the giant bear, before resting his forehead against the side of the vehicle as he clutched onto his closed umbrella in the pouring rain. Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won sobbed as he said his goodbyes to panda Fu Bao who he had raised since birth in South Korea He spoke during a farewell ceremony for Fu Bao at Everland amusement park in Yongin. He said: 'You are our baby panda forever even if 10 years pass or 100 years pass' Fu Bao was seen arriving in a specially designed cage at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Thousands of people gathered in the streets in South Korea this morning to bid farewell to panda Fu Bao as she headed to China this morning Upset fans were seen holding up banners and posters dedicated to the animal celebrity Kang and a panda expert from China both assisted Fu Bao on her two-hour flight to her new home in the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province. Cheol had raised the Fu Bao since she was born in the Panda World amusement park in July 2020, to parents Le Bao and Ai Bao. The mother and father pair were sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 on a 15-year loan as a symbol of Korea's and China's friendship, reported The Korea Herald. Pandas sent by China to overseas countries are returned to China before they turn four in accordance with the endangered species conservation agreement. The amusement park was unable to show Fu Bao to the public on Wednesday as she spent a month in quarantine to prepare for her return to China. However, this didn't stop crowds of sobbing fans gathering to catch one last glimpse of the gentle giant before her journey. Emotional images of the event show the crowds of around 6,000, according to local reports, braved heavy rainfall as they stood under a colourful sea of umbrellas, with some even holding up posters and balloons dedicated to the animal celebrity. Although the fans were large in their numbers, they paused for silence when a specially crafted green vehicle carrying the panda passed through - in an effort to not scare her by the noise. The convoy, printed with a green jungle-like backdrop and images of Fu Bao's head drove slowly down the bustling streets as onlookers cried, waved, and watched with sadness at the bear's departure. One woman was seen leaning over a barrier, sobbing as she snapped a photo of the convoy carrying the panda Two police vehicles escorted the lorry down the packed streets as it headed for Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Fu Bao was popular among South Korean's as she was the first giant panda born in the country Fans were seen sobbing as the panda left the area, after having not seen her since March 3 The panda will begin her new life at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province A message painted onto the side of the vehicle also read: 'It's a miracle to meet you. Thanks, Fu Bao'. As the lorry made its way down the roads, it was seen being escorted by two police cars while fans trailed along behind. The road was decorated with flower designs and messages from fans, and Everland played photos and videos of Fu Bao on a large LED screen. Crowds of adoring panda lovers held up banners, flowers, and homemade posters as they leaned over railings and stepped into the roads to click photos. Some fans had been waiting from as early as 4am to catch a glimpse of the gentle giant, reported The Korea Times. One heartbreaking image shows a woman sobbing into the rain as she snapped an image of Fu Bao for the last time. On the back of her phone is a panda pop-socket - a seemingly touching tribute to the beloved Fu Bao. Another image shows a group of frowning people holding yellow balloons with the panda's face printed on the side. One more displays a young woman holding up a bright pink fuzzy poster, as she stands on the corner of the sidewalk awaiting the convoy. Zookeepers hosted a farewell event for the fans inside the theme park after she had left the area. Fu Bao was born in July 2020 to Le Bao and Ai Bao - a pair of giant pandas sent to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 People held up balloons and waved posters which had Fu Bao's face printed on them The lorry was decorated with images of Fu Bao and a message that read: 'It's a miracle to meet you. Thanks, Fu Bao'. Fans braved the cold, wet weather as they said their final goodbyes to the panda Fu Bao has been loved by South Koreans for her adorable appearance and unique charm. Around 5.5 million people had visited the Panda World in the Yongin park to meet the panda family since Fu Bao was made open to the public in January 2021. Le Bao and Ai Bao also gave birth to female twin cubs, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, at Everland in July 2023. A group of terrified Taiwanese citizens looked to be heading to an early grave as a huge earthquake sent a 10-storey building hurtling towards them - only for the structure to grind to a halt at a near-45-degree angle. Shocking footage captured by security cameras showed the moment the red brick building shook violently and began to fall, spraying dust and debris into the street below as the people below sprinted for safety or dove into their cars for protection. They appeared doomed to be crushed by tonnes of bricks and mortar, but thanks to Taiwan's strict building regulations the earthquake-proofed property miraculously remained standing, saving dozens of lives. The magnitude-7.4 quake struck just before 8:00 am local time (0000 GMT), with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) putting the epicentre 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Taiwan's Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometres. Nine people are confirmed dead - several of whom perished in a landslide on a mountain road out of Hualien next to the entrance of a tunnel. Breathtaking images showed how the road approaching the tunnel was completely wiped out by the landslide, with boulders smashing the tarmac to bits and sending it crumbling into the valley below. The magnitude-7.4 quake struck just before 8:00 am local time (0000 GMT), with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) putting the epicentre 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Taiwan's Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometres. Shocking footage captured by security cameras showed the moment the red brick building shook violently and began to fall For a second it looked as though the terrified people in the street were doomed to be crushed by tonnes of bricks and mortar Somehow the earthquake-proofed property miraculously remained standing, saving dozens of lives This photo taken by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east Now large-scale rescue efforts are underway as workers rush to free dozens of people trapped under the rubble of their homes. Photos have shown teams in protective clothing squeezing themselves into small gaps to pull out injured citizens. More than 900 people are reported to have been injured by the National Fire Service, with hundreds believed trapped. Around 80 of those are stuck in motorway tunnels around Hualien - a mountain-ringed coastal city of around 100,000 people that has been cut off by the quake. Up to 70 workers are also trapped in a pair of mines around Hualien, Taiwanese authorities confirmed. Morning news broadcasts were interrupted by the brutal tremor, with a clip from one newsroom's cameras showing how studio lights swung erratically from the ceiling while a newsreader was almost knocked over as the floor trembled beneath her feet. The presenter, who remained incredibly composed, tried to continue narrating from the teleprompter but fell back and had to brace herself on the screens behind. Officials said the quake was the strongest to shake the island in decades, and warned of more tremors in the days ahead. The quake and aftershocks also caused 24 landslides and damage to 35 roads, bridges and tunnels. Social media was awash with shared video and images from around the country of buildings swaying as the quake struck, while others partially collapsed and sprayed debris into the streets. Traffic along the east coast was at a virtual standstill, with landslides and falling debris hitting tunnels and roads in the mountainous region. Those caused damage to vehicles. A massive landslide following the brutal earthquake in Hualien wiped away a main road This handout from the Hualien Fire Department taken and released on April 3, 2024 shows a man looking at debris across a road in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east. Members of a rescue team searching for survivors in a damaged building in Hualien This handout from the Hualien Fire Department taken and released on April 3, 2024 shows a car and bridge (background) damaged in Hualien Footage captured by the newsroom cameras showed how lights swung violently from the ceiling while a newsreader was almost knocked over as the studio floor trembled beneath her feet The magnitude-7.4 quake struck just before 8:00 am local time (0000 GMT) and interrupted the morning broadcast The Lishan Fire Brigades help stabilise an injured driver following a landslide A bus narrowly avoided being smashed by a boulder on the Zhonghengbian Road out of Hualien Roads cracks at Taipingshan Park due to earthquake as at least four people were killed and hundreds of others injured after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off Taiwan's eastern coast Video showed water from a rooftop pool cascading down a skyscraper amid the terrifying earthquake This photo taken by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows people looking at a damaged building in Hualien This photo taken by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east Strict building regulations and disaster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the island, which is regularly hit by earthquakes as it lies near the junction of two tectonic plates. But the death toll is likely to increase in the coming hours with hundreds of people injured and many missing. Officials said the quake was the strongest since a 7.6-magnitude struck in September 1999, killing around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history. Dramatic images were shown on local TV of multi-storey structures in Hualien and elsewhere tilting after it ended, while a warehouse in New Taipei City crumbled. The mayor there said more than 50 survivors had been successfully plucked from the ruins of the structure. 'I wanted to run out, but I wasn't dressed. That was so strong,' said Kelvin Hwang, a guest at a hotel in the capital, Taipei, who sought shelter in the lift lobby on the ninth floor. 'Earthquakes are a common occurrence, and I've grown accustomed to them. But today was the first time I was scared to tears by an earthquake,' said Taipei resident Hsien-hsuen Keng. 'I was awakened by the earthquake. I had never felt such intense shaking before.' She said her fifth-floor apartment shook so hard that 'apart from earthquake drills in elementary school, this was the first time I had experienced such a situation'. This photo taken by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows rescue workers searching for survivors trapped in a damaged building in New Taipei City Massive waves threatened to engulf a swimmer who was in a pool when the earthquake struck around 9am local time on Wednesday Firefighters work at the site where a building collapsed following the earthquake, in Hualien, Taiwan This photo taken by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows emergency workers attending to a survivor, who had been trapped in a damaged building, in New Taipei City Images from Hualien, on the east coast of Taiwan close to the epicentre, showed a large glass-fronted building partially collapsed onto its front Dramatic images of Hualien show massive dust clouds thrown up by a landslide created as a result of the powerful quake This handout photo from the Taichung City Government's Fire Bureau taken and released on April 3, 2024 shows rocks blocking part of the road on a section of a highway in Taichung, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east Commuters grip the handrails aboard a Taipei metro during the 7.4 earthquake on Wednesday The quake struck shortly before 9am Japan time (12am GMT, 1am UK time) on Taiwan's eastern edge, south of the coastal city of Hualien Rocks blocking part of the road on a section of a highway in Taichung, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east Members of a rescue team searching for survivors in a damaged building in Hualien The wreckage of a printing company's factory after it collapsed following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in New Taipei A view of a landslide after an earthquake hit just off the eastern coast of Taiwan The wreckage of a printing company's factory after it collapsed following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in New Taipei, Taiwan, 03 April 2024 Local TV channels showed bulldozers clearing rocks along roads to Hualien, a mountain-ringed coastal city of around 100,000 people that was cut off by landslides. President Tsai Ing-wen called for local and central government agencies to coordinate with each other, and said that the national army would also be providing support. In Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines, authorities initially issued a tsunami warning but by around 10 am (0200 GMT), the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the threat had 'largely passed'. In the capital, the metro briefly stopped running but resumed within an hour, while residents received warnings from their local borough chiefs to check for any gas leaks. Taiwan is regularly hit by earthquakes as the island lies near the junction of two tectonic plates, while nearby Japan experiences around 1,500 jolts every year. Across the Taiwan Strait, social media users in China's eastern Fujian province, which borders Guangdong in the south, and elsewhere said they also felt strong tremors. Residents of Hong Kong also reported feeling the earthquake. China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as a renegade province, was 'paying close attention' to the quake and 'willing to provide disaster relief assistance', state news agency Xinhua said. Fabrication at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company - the world's biggest chip maker - was briefly interrupted at some plants, a company official told AFP, while work at construction sites for new plants was halted for the day. The vast majority of quakes around the area are mild, although the damage they cause varies according to the depth of the epicentre below the Earth's surface and its location. A red building is partially collapsed after a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake rocked the entire island on April 3, 2024 in Hualien County, Taiwan This handout from the Hualien Fire Department taken and released on April 3, 2024 shows a cordon and broken glass seen around a McDonald's outlet in Hualien The building in Hualien as seen from another angle - leaning at a heavy angle, its ground floor crushed Multiple videos of the building in the east coast island city show it keeled over, jolted from its foundations by the 7.7-magnitude tremor Videos shared on social media showed homes being shaken by the quake as items were flung from shelves onto the floor below Damage to a building in New Taipei City, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east Roughly 87,000 homes across the country were left without power, while trains and flights were also cancelled A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan's east on the morning of April 3, prompting tsunami warnings for the self-ruled island as well as parts of southern Japan and the Philippines Emergency workers assisting a survivor after he was rescued from a damaged building in New Taipei City The severity of tsunamis - vast and potentially destructive series of waves that can move at hundreds of kilometres per hour - also depends on multiple factors. Japan's biggest earthquake on record was a massive 9.0-magnitude undersea jolt in March 2011 off Japan's northeast coast, which triggered a tsunami that left around 18,500 people dead or missing. The 2011 catastrophe also sent three reactors into meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant, causing Japan's worst post-war disaster and the most serious nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Japan saw a major quake on New Year's Day this year, when a 7.5-magnitude tremor hit the Noto Peninsula and killed more than 230 people, many of them when older buildings collapsed. Police Scotland was deluged with almost 4,000 complaints in the first 48 hours of Humza Yousafs controversial hate crime laws coming into force. Officers are said to have recieved a hate crime complaint every two minutes during the first days of the legislation. Calum Steele, the former general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers within Police Scotland, said he understood that the number of complaints received so far could be as high as 3,800. He said that more than half are yet to be processed. Police Scotland said it would consider every report made under the law, which became active on Monday. Police Scotland confirmed they had received complaints about Ms Rowlings posts The legislation was immediately tested by Harry Potter author JK Rowling as she challenged Police Scotland to arrest her on Monday after making a series of posts referring to transgender women as men. But the force confirmed on Tuesday that the authors comments were assessed not to be criminal. A spokesman said no further action will be taken. The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act has been met with objections from freedom of speech advocates, including Rishi Sunak, Elon Musk and Joe Rogan. It creates an offence of stirring up hatred against people on grounds including transgender identity. Police Scotland said they had received complaints about Ms Rowlings posts, in which she said ten high-profile transgender women were men, including the broadcaster India Willoughby and the activist Munroe Bergdorf. After the confirmation she would not be prosecuted, Ms Rowling tweeted: I hope every woman in Scotland who wishes to speak up for the reality and importance of biological sex will be reassured by this announcement, and I trust that all women irrespective of profile or financial means will be treated equally under the law. Ms Rowling said: If they go after any woman for simply calling a man a man, Ill repeat that womans words and they can charge us both at once. Joanna Cherry KC, an SNP MP said the author had done a great service but said: Its a little early to be sure that the zealots who wanted to weaponise aspects of this new law against women have been thwarted. It came as Scotland star Ally McCoist described the new hate crime law as madness and claimed he will break it along with 48,000 Rangers fans at this weekends Old Firm derby. Speaking on TalkSPORT, the Rangers legend said: Weve got a Hate Bill, by the way. A Hate Bill has been passed in the country. And I can guarantee you, next Sunday at Ibrox, I along with 48,000 will be committing a breach of that hate bill in the particular Rangers v Celtic game we are all going to. It is madness. The 61-year-old claimed the new law is unpopular with the police because it is impossible to enforce. He added: There is nobody in our country who thinks that is a good idea, who I have spoken to. Two young girls die in Delhi fire Xinhua) 10:29, April 03, 2024 NEW DELHI, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Two girls aged 13 and 15 years died of asphyxiation when a fire broke out inside their house in the Indian capital city on Tuesday, confirmed the local police. The fire incident was reported from a highly populated area in Delhi's Sadar Bazar area. Both siblings were trapped inside the bathroom of their house after the fire broke out in the living area due to a short circuit in an air-conditioner. They were rescued by the fire department officials, but died on the way to a hospital. Four fire-trucks were rushed to the site as soon as the fire broke out, said an official of the Delhi Fire Services. "All possible efforts were made to rescue the girls alive. After taking out in an unconscious state both the girls were rushed to a nearby hospital. But they were declared brought dead," added the official. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The financial regulator and Naver, the top online portal operator, signed an agreement Wednesday on cooperation for the digitalization of the financial sector. Under the memorandum of understanding, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) will seek to utilize Naver's latest information technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to boost its monitoring and inspection capabilities. "The Financial Supervisory Service plans to actively utilize the latest digital technology in its financial inspection activities," FSS chief Lee Bok-hyun was quoted as saying during a signing ceremony held at the FSS headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. "With the MOU, it (FSS) is expected to be able to further strengthen its oversight and inspection capabilities, while also enhancing its protection of financial consumers, using Naver's IT technology," he added, according to the financial regulator. Choi Soo-hyun, the chief executive officer of Naver, said the company will work to help the FSS create a tailored AI solution for the digitalization of its operations, according to the FSS. (Yonhap) The death of a young woman on a busy highway on Easter Monday continues to baffle detectives who are investigating if she jumped out of a moving vehicle. Courtney Paige Anderson, 28, died on the Bruce Highway about 5.15pm at Bajool near Rockhampton, in Queensland, after being found 80m from the Toyota Hilux she'd been travelling in with her 35-year-old boyfriend. 'We still don't have anyone who's contacted us, who's sighted the vehicle driving Monday afternoon,' Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Kevin Mawdsley from Rockhampton police said. 'All our sightings are post incident (when) the car is stationary on the side of the road.' Mystery surrounds the death of Courtney Paige Anderson (pictured) on Easter Monday, as police investigate if she jumped from a moving vehicle Det Mawdsley said there had been 'some previously reported incidents but nothing recent'. 'I won't elaborate as to the specifics of that, we want to speak with the family members and other loved ones.' Other cars on the highway stopped and people tried desperately to save her, with one man later writing on Facebook that he 'tried so hard to keep her alive I'm devastated'. Det Mawdsley was tight-lipped about speculation that Ms Anderson had jumped from the ute. 'She sustained catastrophic injuries and she lost her life but I won't comment at this point in time about how those injuries were sustained,' he said. Det Mawdsley said Ms Anderson's partner was taken to Rockhampton Hospital where he was treated for shock. 'A number of witnesses who were travelling on the highway who stopped to render assistance all gave consistent versions that he was very distraught and highly emotional and that he needed to be treated for shock-type symptoms.' He added that investigators from Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch spoke with the boyfriend on Monday night at the hospital and that he was cooperating. 'His version of events is something we're investigating,' Det Mawdsley said, adding that officers would speak with him again, but that might not be until next week. He said the scene was 'certainly highly confronting and disturbing for those people' who saw came across Ms Anderson. Courtney Paige Anderson, 28, died on the Bruce Highway about 5.15pm at Bajool near Rockhampton, in Queensland , after being found 80m from the Toyota Hilux (pictured) she'd been travelling in with her 35-year-old boyfriend A Rockhampton woman was the first person to call triple-0 and she, a male driver from another car and several others stopped to provide first aid. 'Those community members performed first aid and CPR for a number of minutes with the assistance of QAS (Queensland Ambulance Service) call operators,' he said. 'When QAS arrived, there was a plan in place for Courtney to be airlifted to Rockhampton Hospital, but unfortunately, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.' Det Mawdsley said Ms Anderson's family had given permission for her name to be released and that 'as you would imagine in an event like this which was unexpected and sudden (they were) extremely distraught and devastated'. 'When a death occurs in that category it obviously is devastating for the family there is going to be a lot of questions we probably can't answer in full.' The detective said there was 'no indication' speed was a factor in the tragedy. After Ms Anderson's father Don posted a picture of her on Facebook, scores of people left messages of condolence and sympathy for the grieving family. Volunteer Jacob Flickinger helped needy families in Acapulco, Mexico during Hurricane Otis late last year, before he was tragically killed in an IDF strike in Gaza while working for the World Central Kitchen on Monday night. Residents in the state of Guerrero shared fond memories of how the American-Canadian national worked with the World Central Kitchen to distribute food at a time of crisis after the Category 5 hurricane made a devastating landing in the region in October last year. Touching video showed Mr Flickinger, 33, speaking with a local holding what appears to be a box of food, offering a fist bump while holding a pack of bottles of water. Restaurantes en Acapulco, a page promoting some of the dishes native to the region, shared images of Mr Flickinger with World Central Kitchen staff distributing food and water to locals. A tribute read: 'What sad news, our friend Jacob passed away, who helped us in the port of Acapulco carrying food everywhere and with whom we lived for several days. 'RIP. He once told me on one occasion that he came to help and not to distract himself in other things. Hug up to heaven.' Mr Flickinger is pictured with a local while distributing water in Acapulco, Mexico last year Mr Flickinger was one of seven killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza on Monday A damaged vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike, on April 2, 2024 Residents shared their memories and prayers for Mr Flickinger after news broke he was one of seven aid workers killed in an IDF strike on Monday as he and his colleagues worked to distribute aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Gladys De La O wrote on Facebook: 'My deepest condolences to the WCK family and to each of the families of the deceased. READ MORE: American World Central Kitchen worker killed in Gaza by IDF airstrike is seen in heartbreaking pictures with his wife and baby boy - as GoFundMe is launched to bring back his body and create trust fund for his child Advertisement 'Terrible and regrettable tragedy, the killing of this WCK group who were doing humanitarian work in the middle of a war. 'They are real heroes who died for the love of their neighbour. Rest in peace and in the glory of God be you.' Gloria Castaneda wrote: 'Up to heaven my gratitude for your help in Acapulco. A big hug to WCK, Chef Jose Andres and the families of the deceased.' Maris Flores wrote: 'Very sad news, very regrettable, God Father have them in his holy glory, great human beings gave their lives serving, helping their neighbor, RIP' Paty PB wrote: 'Our eternal gratitude you were at the exact moment giving us your support[.] a thousand thanks, and our condolences to your families.' Lulu Castanon said: 'Thank you for giving so much on this planet. beautiful beings of Light. wonderful return home.' Mr Flickinger was working in Gaza when an Israeli bombardment vehicles marked with WCK iconography. A GoFundMe fundraiser set up to assist Flickinger's partner Sandy and their one-year-old son notes that he was an aid worker in Gaza since early March working with World Central Kitchen and prior to that was on a mission with the organization in Mexico. Israel's armed forces chief Herzi Halevi called the attack a 'grave mistake', which he blamed on nighttime 'misidentification', adding in a video message that 'we are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK'. Mr Flickinger (second from the left) worked in Mexico before transferring to Gaza In a statement, WC Kitchen named Flickinger as one of seven 'beautiful souls' killed during the attack Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged the 'tragic case' would be investigated 'right to the end'. 'This happens in war,' he said. 'We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence.' The Israeli military pledged an investigation by 'an independent, professional and expert body'. UN chief Antonio Guterres labelled 'unconscionable' and 'an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted'. Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25 from Palestine; Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankom, 43 from Australia; Damian Sobol, 35 from Poland; James Kirby, 47 from the UK; John Chapman, 57 from the UK; and James Henderson, 33 from the UK were also killed in the attack. The World Central Kitchen, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff were traveling in two armored cars emblazoned with the charity's logo and another vehicle. The aid convoy was hit as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse after unloading more than 100 tons of food aid brought to Gaza by sea, WCK said. They said they had coordinated their movements with the Israeli military before travelling to distribute aid. The United States, Israel's closest ally, said that there was no evidence Israel deliberately targeted the aid workers but that it was outraged by their deaths and Israel had an obligation to ensure aid workers in Gaza were not harmed. 'These people are heroes, they run into the fire, not away from it,' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said of the seven aid workers, speaking to reporters in Paris. 'We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk.' The team from the charity and their Palestinian driver were killed in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah when their vehicle (pictured) was struck on Monday, local media reported, after the group helped deliver food and other supplies to the region British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu that Britain was appalled by the deaths and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation, Sunak's office said. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed 'anger and concern' to Netanyahu in a separate call. At least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the United Nations, and Hamas has previously accused Israel of targeting aid distribution sites. Israel has long dismissed allegations it is hindering the urgent distribution of food as rights groups warn of the urgency of supplying Gaza's desperate civilian population. Money raised through Mr Flickinger's GoFundMe page aims to help his family 'reestablish themselves after his tragic death.' It claims Flickinger was the 'sole financial provider' and the money will help in setting up a trust for his son, as well as flight and funeral arrangements. DailyMail.com contacted WCK and Restaurantes en Acapulco for comment. The family of British special forces soldier John Chapman declared the Israeli drone strike that killed him along with six others in a food aid convoy in Gaza 'an inhumane act'. Former SBS operator Chapman, 57, was killed alongside fellow British military veterans James Kirby, 47, and James Henderson, 33, as they travelled out of Deir al-Balah, south of Gaza City, in clearly marked World Central Kitchen aid trucks. 'We are devastated to have lost John, who was killed in Gaza. He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother,' a statement from John's family read. 'We request we be given space and time to grieve appropriately. He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be missed dearly'. It comes hours after family members of former Army sniper marksman Kirby said they are 'utterly heartbroken' by his death as they hit out at the 'senseless violence' in Gaza. 'James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British Armed Forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan,' their statement read. 'Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. 'A genuine gentleman, James was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, even in the face of senseless violence,' they said in what appeared to be a thinly-veiled swipe at Israel. The statement added the family are 'incredibly proud of who James was and what he achieved,' and told the world to 'never stop caring and trying to help people, love will eventually overcome hate.' Mr Kirby's father Marcel told the Daily Mail that he is 'absolutely devastated' by the news and that he 'can't believe' he won't see his son again. Now the three Brits' loved ones are awaiting their return to the UK, with Egyptian state media reporting that the bodies of the slain aid workers were today transported across the Rafah border and out of the Gaza Strip to be repatriated. John Chapman (pictured) was travelling in a clearly marked car operated by World Central Kitchen (WCK), a charity providing meals to Palestinians in the war-torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone James Kirby's family members said they are 'utterly heartbroken' by his death as they hit out at the 'senseless violence' being seen in Gaza James Henderson, 33, was travelling in a clearly marked car operated by World Central Kitchen, a charity providing meals to Palestinians in the war torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone British military veteran James Kirby was also killed British aid worker families' anger at Israel: John Chapman's relatives condemn 'inhumane act' after James Kirby's loved ones' veiled swipe at IDF's 'senseless violence' after the pair were killed in Gaza drone strike Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip Israel's actions have triggered international condemnation, with leaders in the UK, the US, Poland, Canada and Australia - the countries the foreign nationals in the group hailed from - among those calling for accountability. Israel has apologised for what it called 'a grave mistake' and said it is investigating the incident 'at the highest levels' Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for the seven aid workers, who loved ones remembered for their bravery. Friends described James 'Jim' Henderson as a 'gentle giant' who 'brought people together'. The 33-year-old had been a keen rugby player for Penryn RFC since he was a schoolboy and still regularly turned out for the first team when he was home, most recently on Boxing Day last year against Falmouth. Following the news of his death on Tuesday, around 40 team mates as well as friends and family met at the clubhouse to toast his memory and the flag at the club was lowered to half mast. Marek Churcher, the club's Director of Rugby, said: 'He was a really physical lad on the field and a gentle giant off it. 'He was somebody we loved to have around and missed when he was away although when he came home he would often turn up with a pair of boots - or sometimes without - was always a real presence on the field. 'He was a guy who kept his cards close to his chest about his personal life. 'Everybody is totally shocked by what happened, we gathered last night to raise a glass to him. 'It's not just the rugby club, Falmouth and Penryn is a close nit community and the whole community will miss him a lot. 'As much as it is a horrible thing, it shows how loved he was and how he brought people together. It's been a really difficult time for those of us who knew him but he will be remembered for a long time.' James Kirby's uncle said: 'Obviously we're upset at what has happened. I think we realised it was one of the possible dangers of his job though both when he was in the Army and after. 'This close protection work puts you at risk and he had been in difficult situations before working for other charities. 'He was an absolute gem. He would always do anything for anyone and go out of his way to do so too. 'He never really settled down in a traditional way. There were girlfriends of course but no-one special. 'He had just finished doing up a house in Glastonbury, a renovation project, which he had put on the market. 'I last saw him in December when he came to my Kate wife's funeral. He was always there at important family events. 'He used to live down the road here when his mum and dad were still together. But we've lost track of exactly where his father, Marcel, is now. 'I know my sister Paulette managed to reach him on the phone this morning. She said that as you would expect he was pretty cut up.' Julie Marshall, also shared a heartfelt tribute to him on Facebook alongside pictures of them together. 'I am absolutely devastated, a man who literally stole my heart who I will never ever forget,' she wrote. 'He was the bravest kindest soul with a little mix of crazy. 'He put his whole life into protecting others and fighting for what he believed so strongly in. He went through so much yet still had the best humour and kindness.' James's father Marcel spoke briefly to the Daily Mail on the doorstep of his neat, modern home in a village on the outskirts of Bristol. He said: 'I've only just found out first this morning what's happened to my son. I am absolutely devastated. 'James was away a lot with his work but whenever he was back he would come out here to see me. 'I just can't believe he won't be doing that again. He knew his job could put him in some difficult situations but he has been in far tighter ones,' he said, explaining that his son had spent time in Northern Ireland, in Bosnia and in Afghanistan. He said Mr Kirby had taken up some 'interesting jobs working for some very wealthy, famous people' after he left the army, but 'had been trying to build up this side of his work a bit more, the charity, humanitarian side helping others.' The grieving father, who only found out about his son's death this morning, questioned why it had taken so long for him to be informed. People carry the body of one of the foreign workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), who were killed in an Israeli airstrike, before they are transported to their families outside Gaza Egyptian state media reported that the bodies of the slain aid workers were today transported across the Rafah border and out of the Gaza Strip to be repatriated Julie Marshall paid a touching tribute to the British aid worker who died while working for an aid charity 'What I find so bewildering is no-one has been in touch with us to confirm this officially, that James has been killed. 'My sister called this morning and said there is a victim with the same name as your son out in Gaza. Is it him? 'So I went online and there it was. I recognised the pictures and the profiles and I realised it really was him and we'd lost him.' He went on: 'I'd appreciate some time now to be left alone on my own to grieve. I just can't really take it all in. 'Goodness knows what happens next. How can we organise a funeral for him when we don't know where he is or how to get his body home?' Mr Kirby said the rest of the family had become estranged from him but they knew 'full well' where he was and how to contact him. He added: 'That's another side of all this which is so hard to deal with that no-one thought to let me, his father, know.' Another loved one, Stephen Caple, wrote on Facebook: 'My cousin, James Kirby, killed in Gaza yesterday working to bring aid to innocent people. 'I will always be so proud of our family's HERO. The kindest, funniest and most lovable person. RIP Kirbs.' Mr Kirby and his fellow Brits all worked for security firm Solace Global. A boss at the company told the BBC that the three men were 'all valued team members, to whom we were very close' and that it was a 'tragic loss'. UK foreign secretary Lord Cameron has welcomed Israel's promise of an urgent investigation into the deaths, but warned it must happen 'very, very quickly'. Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to London and has demanded 'full accountability' over the deaths, which Lord Cameron described as 'completely unacceptable'. As well as the mounting Gazan death toll - with more than 32,000 killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry - an unprecedented number of humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict. At least 196 aid workers, including 175 members of the UN staff, have now been killed since October 7, according to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the seven victims in the WCK aid convoy 'join a record number of humanitarian workers who have been killed in this particular conflict.' Polish World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid worker Damian Sobol, who was killed in the Israeli airstrike in Gaza Australian aid worker Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43, who was among those killed in the strike Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, was part of the WCK team that was killed in the strike American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was one of the seven victims of the strike In a strongly worded statement, US President Joe Biden said Israel 'has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians.' He called for a 'swift' investigation to bring accountability to what he said was not a 'stand alone incident'. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strike 'unconscionable' but 'an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted'. 'It demonstrates yet again the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.' Professor Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering terrorism, suggested that the killing of the WCK workers could be a war crime. 'It's a human tragedy. But, of course, it could well be a violation of international humanitarian law, under which Israel has a duty not to deliberately target humanitarian relief workers or their convoys or their relief consignments,' he said. Lord Cameron warned Israel that Britain will be watching 'very closely' to make sure aid flows through Gaza while avoiding such 'dreadful incidents' as have been seen in recent days. The UK government could suspend arms sales to Israel once it has established the all of the facts of the incident, inside sources have reportedly said. Poland meanwhile said 'it does not agree to the lack of compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers', and demanded compensation for the families of the killed WCK staff. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said today that both the deadly strike and the Israeli government's reaction to the incident were straining ties between the two countries. Images of the passports of Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson, which were found at the scene, were shared after their deaths Directly addressing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's envoy to Warsaw, Tusk posted on X: 'Today, you are putting this solidarity to the test. The tragic attack against volunteers and your reaction are generating an understandable anger.' Pope Francis has expressed his 'deep sorrow' over the deaths during his weekly audience at the Vatican, and said: 'I pray for them and their families.' He renewed his appeal for access to humanitarian aid for the 'exhausted and suffering civilian population' of Gaza, and for the hostages taken by Hamas to be released. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has held a call with Netanyahu, in which he said he was 'appalled' by the killings and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister spoke to Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening. 'He said he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. 'The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. 'The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. 'The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel's rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.' Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom died 'doing the work she loves', her family said in a statement Polish World Central Kitchen and aid worker Damian Sobol, who was killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza Lord Cameron today welcomed a pledge from Israel to fully investigate the strike on an aid convoy, and urged the nation to ensure more aid is able to get into Gaza. The Foreign Secretary told broadcasters: 'I welcome what the Israeli foreign minister said yesterday to me about a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen, and we want to see that happen very quickly. 'I also welcome the fact he spoke about much more aid getting into Gaza, up to 500 trucks a day. 'That is essential, we have been promised these things before and it really needs to happen, including longer opening times at the vital crossing points. 'But, of course, the extra aid won't work unless there is proper deconfliction, unless aid can be taken around Gaza and we avoid the dreadful incidents like we have seen in the last couple of days. 'That is vital and Britain will be watching very closely to make sure that that happens.' Former national security adviser Lord Peter Ricketts today told the BBC that the UK should stop selling arms to Israel, saying: 'I think the time has come to send that signal. 'I think there's abundant evidence now that Israel hasn't been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians.' He said halting arms sales would send a 'powerful political message' that might spark debate about the US following suit, which would be 'the real game changer'. Experts expect pressure to increase on Israel to bring an end to the bloody war, which has now dragged on for six months. But Israel continues to state its aims - to eradicate Hamas and bring the remaining hostages home - even as its forces have swept through and destroyed most of the Gaza Strip. Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) WCK said it was mourning the loss of its seven 'heroes', naming them on Wednesday as Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25; Australian Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43; Pole Damian Sobol, 35; American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33; and Brits John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. 'These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission,' WCK CEO Erin Gore said. The organisation called the strike a 'targeted attack' and said its team had been coordinating its movements with the Israeli forces. '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,' Gore said in an earlier statement. Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since the start of the war, with the United Nations accusing Israel of preventing humanitarian aid deliveries and warning of 'catastrophic' hunger. World Central Kitchen was facilitating the provision of supplies brought by sea from Cyprus. Following the strike, it said it was suspending its operations in the region, deepening concerns about how urgently needed food aid will reach a starving population. The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted with Hamas's 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 has killed at least 32,916 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. During their attack on Israel, Palestinian militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead. Outrage at the deaths of three British veterans among aid workers in Gaza has led to growing calls for the UK to suspend arms sales to Israel. John Chapman, 57, James 'Jim' Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were working for a charity's security team when they were killed by an Israeli air strike on Monday. There has been global fury at Israel following the 'outrageous' strike on an aid convoy of three cars, which were marked as working for the World Central Kitchen charity. PM Rishi Sunak last night told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu he was 'appalled' by the killing of aid workers and demanded a 'thorough' investigation. Mr Chapman, Mr Henderson and Mr Kirby were all former members of Britain's Armed Forces, with their deaths described as a 'grave mistake' by Israel. Amid the outcry, a former national security adviser has urged Mr Sunak to go further in his condemnation and suspend arms sales to Israel for ignoring humanitarian law. There has been global fury at Israel following the 'outrageous' strike on an aid convoy of three cars, which were marked as working for the World Central Kitchen charity (Left to right) John Chapman, James 'Jim' Henderson and James Kirby, were among aid workers killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza on Monday PM Rishi Sunak told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu he was 'appalled' by the killing of aid workers and demanded a 'thorough' investigation Alistair Burt (left), a former Middle East minister, and Lord Peter Ricketts, a former national security adviser, both suggested Britain could now suspend arms sales to Israel Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'The thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable' Lord Peter Ricketts was the UK's first national security adviser and served under former PM David Cameron, who is now Britain's Foreign Secretary. The crossbench peer told Sky News: 'I would like to see at this point the UK decide that they are going to suspend arms export licences to Israel. 'I think there is enough now that Israel is, to put it diplomatically, not paying attention to its international humanitarian law obligations to protect civilians, to protect humanitarian workers and medical workers.' Lord Ricketts suggested a suspension of UK arms sales to Israel could also encourage the US to take similar action. 'I think there is abundant evidence now that Israel hasn't been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians, and a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law, that is a condition of the arms export licensing policy,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'I think the time has come to send that signal. It won't change the course of the war. 'It would be a powerful political message, and it might just stimulate debate in the US as well, which would be the real game-changer, if the Americans began to think about putting limits, restrictions on the use of American weapons in Israel.' He added: 'Sometimes in conflict, you get a moment where there's such global outrage that it crystalises a sense that things can't go on like this. 'And I think I hope that this awful incident will serve that purpose.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'The deaths of these British aid workers in Gaza is an absolute disgrace. These brave people were trying to help starving families in Gaza. 'Clearly, the thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable. 'The Government must take swift action to suspend arms exports to Israel. We must redouble our efforts to secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire.' Ex-Tory MP Alistair Burt, who served as Middle East minister under both Lord Cameron and Theresa May, said the potential for Britain suspending arms sales to Israel was 'now much higher than it was'. In his phone call with Mr Netanyahu last night, Mr Sunak warned the situation in Gaza was 'increasingly intolerable' with 'far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians' having been killed. Mr Burt said the PM's 'uptick in rhetoric' was 'appropriate' following the deaths of British nationals, but added it 'should be accompanied by more pointed questions about the investigation that has been promised into this'. 'The UK is entitled to have some scepticism when it's told there will be an investigation and it should demand that, this time, there's a proper investigation with some degree of accountability,' he told BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight programme. 'So I think the rhetoric needs to have a point, and then there may be further consequences beyond that.' He added: 'If it turns out that this attack was in any way calculated, that someone took a deliberate decision to aim at an aid convoy, it calls into question humanitarian law and potential breaches of it. 'And that raises the possibility the UK could no longer continue with arms supplies to Israel because legally the UK cannot do so if humanitarian law is being broken. 'So I think the potential for that is now much higher than it was. 'This was a course of action taken by Margaret Thatcher in 1982, by Tony Blair in 2002 - it didn't destroy the relationship with Israel but it was a clear signal there is a point beyond which the UK simply cannot go.' Labour's Darren Jones suggested the UK halting arms sales would not change the course of the war. 'The fact of the matter is if the UK, for example, stopped supplying arms, the war would not end. What we need to do is get the parties to a position where the fighting can stop,' the shadow Treasury minister told ITV's Good Morning Britain programme. Speaking as he arrived at a NATO meeting in Brussels this morning, Lord Cameron welcomed Israel's vow to fully investigate the strike on an aid convoy. The Foreign Secretary told broadcasters: 'I welcome what the Israeli foreign minister said yesterday to me about a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen, and we want to see that happen very quickly. 'I also welcome the fact he spoke about much more aid getting into Gaza, up to 500 trucks a day. 'That is essential, we have been promised these things before and it really needs to happen, including longer opening times at the vital crossing points. 'But, of course, the extra aid won't work unless there is proper deconfliction, unless aid can be taken around Gaza and we avoid the dreadful incidents like we have seen in the last couple of days. 'That is vital and Britain will be watching very closely to make sure that that happens.' The sister of murdered Ruby Garcia has spoken out to refute Donald Trump's claim he has spoken to family members after he mentioned her during a rally in Michigan. Mavi Garcia said she was 'shocked' when Trump namechecked her sister at the Tuesday afternoon rally in Grand Rapids while speaking about criminal cases involving suspects who had entered the country illegally. Trump described meeting the family of Ruby Garcia, a local 25-year-old murdered last month by a suspect in the country illegally, according to police. Trump said: 'Ruby's loved ones and community are left grieving for his incredible young woman. 'Remembering what they called her, they said she had the most contagious laughter, and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room. 'And I've heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family.' But Mavi Garvia firmly rebuffed the claims, telling NBC affiliate Target 8: 'He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV.' Garcia told FOX17 that Trump had not spoken to any of her relatives either. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event on April 2, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan Mavi Garcia, sister of Ruby, told Target 8 resolutely: 'He did not speak with any of us' 25-year-old Ruby Garcia's body was found with gunshot wounds on the side of US-131 in Grand Rapids in March Here is Trump claiming in a speech today that he spoke to the family of Ruby Garcia and what they supposedly told him. Then Ruby Garcias sister who says Trump is lying about this entire thing and never spoke to a single family member. pic.twitter.com/kPVZ3HuGMH Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 3, 2024 Ruby Garcia was allegedly murdered last month in her car by Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 25, whom she was dating. He told police he shot her multiple times during an argument before dropping her body on the side of the road and driving off in her red Mazda. Garcia, a Michigan woman, was later found dead on the side of a Grand Rapids highway on March 22. Trump last night took the opportunity to reference the alleged murder in a diatribe against illegal immigration. He also incorrectly referred to the 25-year-old as being 17. 'Under Crooked Joe Biden, every state is now a border state,' he said on Tuesday. 'Every town is now a border town because Joe Biden has brought the carnage and chaos and killing from all over world and dumped it straight into our backyards. During the speech he also called immigrants illegally in the United States 'animals' and 'not human', resorting to the degrading rhetoric he has employed time and again on the campaign trail. While violent crime is down, Trump and other Republicans have attacked Biden by seizing on several high-profile crimes alleged to have been committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally as border crossings have hit record highs. Trump continued to hammer the theme at a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Tuesday evening as the state was holding its presidential primaries. Trump accused rogue nations of 'pumping migrants across our wide open border' and 'sending prisoners, murders, drug dealers, mental patients, terrorists' - though there is no evidence any country is engaged in that kind of coordinated effort. Mavi Garcia criticized how Trump spoke about illegal immigrants in his speech. 'It's always been about illegal immigrants,' she told Target 8. 'Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and it's kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. 'What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that?' Mavi Garcia also pleaded on Facebook last week for reporters to stop politicizing her sister's story, and on Tuesday asked for privacy, saying she only wanted 'justice to be served' and to 'be left alone.' She noted that the family were close and that she would know if Trump had contacted them, Target 8 reported. Brandon Ortiz-Vite is charged with killing Ruby Garcia. Immigration officials said he was in the country illegally Flanked by police, Trump attends a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Tuesday Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S., April 2, 2024 Authorities say Ortiz-Vite is a citizen of Mexico and had previously been deported following a drunken driving arrest. He does not have an attorney listed in court records. Trump also again mentioned the killing of Laken Riley, a nursing student in Georgia. A Venezuelan man who officials say entered the U.S. illegally has been charged. Riley's family attended Trump's rally in Georgia last month and met with him backstage. Trump referred to the suspect in Riley's death as an 'illegal alien animal.' 'The Democrats say: `Please don't call them animals. They're humans.' I said, `No, they're not humans, they're not humans, they're animals,'' he said. DailyMail.com contacted Donald Trump for comment. A top cop's son has been fined and banned from driving for six months for riding a motorcycle more than 60km/h above the speed limit. Michael Blanch, who is the son of Western Australia's Police Commissioner Col Blanch, pleaded guilty to the speeding offence at Joondalup Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Michael Blanch, who is also a serving police officer, was clocked on a Honda motorcycle doing 132km/h in a 70km/h zone on December 28, 2023, in the northern suburbs of Perth. He was fined $1,200, with costs of $270, and is restricted from riding or driving for six months. Blanch (pictured left) is seen smiling proudly next to his father when he was promoted to commissioner in 2022 He did not apply for a spent conviction - meaning the driving offence will now appear on his record. Police Commissioner Blanch told morning radio on Wednesday he was disappointed by his son's actions. 'I'm disappointed obviously as a father and certainly as a commissioner, but I love my son and I will always support him, no matter what he does and hopefully he learns a significant lesson from this. 'He's not above the law and he will cop the consequences like everyone else does at court.' Police Commissioner Blanch (pictured) told morning radio on Wednesday said he was disappointed by his son's actions but still loves him Police Commissioner Blanch confirmed he'd also removed himself from the disciplinary process - which was being handled by a deputy police commissioner, explaining his son is 'not above the law'. 'The first thing I did was brief the CCC Commissioner that my son was caught speeding, I also let the (police) minister know,' the commissioner said. 'I have totally removed myself from any of the disciplinary processes, I have given that to a deputy commissioner. 'I don't talk to her about it, she will deal directly with the CCC Commissioner as required.' Possible human remains have been discovered in a park in south London. Metropolitan Police forensics officers were seen preparing to carry out a search of the area of Rowdown Fields in New Addington yesterday with officers confirming the remains will now be sent away for full analysis. Local resident Becky Phillips described the discovery as 'awful' while Deb Watts added: 'This is so sad thoughts are with the family.' Officers were called to the grim discovery at 9am yesterday and had remained at the scene overnight. Possible human remains have been discovered in a park in south London (pictured: officers at the scene) Metropolitan Police forensics officers were seen preparing to carry out a search of the area of Rowdown Fields in New Addington Police put a cordon in place around the park as officers investigated the grim discovery Officers were called at 9am yesterday and had remained at the scene overnight Superintendent Lewis Collins said: 'We are aware of the concerns within the local community following the discovery of possible human remains in the Croydon area this morning. The remains will be sent away for full analysis. 'I would like to reassure you that officers remain on scene and we will be carrying out a number of enquiries over the coming days to establish exactly what has happened. 'While our investigation is still at a very early stage, I would ask that people do not speculate on the circumstances and will we update you as soon as we have further information.' Locals spoke of their horror at the grisly discovery. One 80-year-old told MyLondon said: 'I don't like it, it's frightening. My husband is housebound and we live just opposite the park. We've never had any problems, it's a lovely safe community.' Jenny, who owns Vintage Wines and lives near the cordon, was appalled by the incident. 'I've lived here for 53 years, and it's a friendly place but it has changed in recent years. But I'd actually never feel safe anywhere else. I shut my shop at 10 and often people will offer to walk me home if it's dark,' she added. The field sits next to the Addington Valley Academy special school. Staff at the school did not respond to requests for comment. It's not the first time human remains have been found in the area. Last October a similar discovery was made in Crystal Palace Park with police later confirming it was 'material from a placenta'. The mother and child had both been identified and no offence was committed. Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer is now available to stream on Netflix A new Netflix documentary looking at the horrifying exploits of The Darkroom Killer - who used an alias to target men in Berlin gay bars - dropped on the streaming platform on Wednesday April 3. Spanning three episodes, the true-crime docuseries will take a look at the crimes of the Darkroom Killer, with investigators describing how they were able to catch the serial killer. So, who exactly is The Darkroom Murderer? What is his alias and how was he caught? Read on below for everything you need to know about the subject of the new Netflix documentary, Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer. Who is The Darkroom Murderer? Spanning three episodes, the true-crime docuseries will take a look at the crimes of the Darkroom Killer, with investigators describing how they were able to catch the serial killer Under the alias of Dirk P., the Darkroom Murderer was training as a teacher at an elementary school in the state of Brandenburg prior to his crime spree. Prior to that, he had also trained as a nurse equipping him with knowledge about the deadly impact of GHB - which he would use to drug his victims. Given the nature of the horrific crimes that he committed, it may come as a surprise to viewers of the show that his criminal record was clean. Dirk P. was given the moniker of the Darkroom Murderer because one of the murders occurred in a darkroom of a Berlin gay club. Darkrooms are safe spaces made available by many Berlin clubs for the LGBTQ+ community to have anonymous sex with strangers. What did The Darkroom Murderer do? In 2012, three men were murdered in Berlin, Germany in 2012 after they were drugged with a lethal dose of GHB, known as 'liquid ecstasy', and subsequently robbed. Crime scenes in the cases provided few clues or any hard evidence, leaving cops scrambling to find a suspect. In April that year, a young man was found dead at sex club Grosse Freiheit 114. Despite police being called to the crime scene, officers were unable to find any evidence or identify the man responsible for the murders. Senior homicide investigator Andreas Voges said: 'It's the kind of place you'd expect a lot of evidence, including DNA evidence. 'There were paper tissues lying around and we inspected the garbage that was filled with condoms. 'But with nothing to identify the body, it was a John Doe case.' Although the coroner found evidence of strangulation, there was nothing to suggest that Dirk P. or his victims were involved in a struggle. First victim is recognised Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer is available to stream on Netflix now After police returned to the bar with a photo of the victim he was identified as 32-year-old, Nicky Miller, having been recognised by one of the employees as a regular customer who worked at a nearby market. Nicky's sister Anka Hilgert described him as a beautiful person who was loved by everyone and would often 'wear a wig and pass as a woman... and sometimes dressed in high heels'. The amount of evidence to prove that Nicky's death was murder was ultimately inconclusive but coroner Dr Sven Hartwig admitted there was a possibility that the victim was poisoned. Dr Hartwig said: 'Other than alcohol, no other substances could be forensically traced on Nicky. 'No narcotics were detected. Cause of death with no concrete evidence is very difficult.' Second victim found dead by his own mother Three weeks before Nicky's death, a man named Alexander was found dead in his apartment after his grandmother, Regine Luck, was told he had failed to show up for work. 'I phoned his mum who went and checked on him he was lying on his bed dead,' she said. 'It is hard to understand why some one would do this: rob someone of their life.' Inspector Laschke said Alexander's body was once again untouched and showed no signs of a visible struggle before his eventual death, although his phone and wallet were missing. After an autopsy failed to confirm the cause of death, another man named Peter - who met Dirk P. in an online chat room - was murdered in his own apartment just 11 days after the darkroom incident. Dirk later admitted to putting his 'glass bottle of knockout drugs' on the table in his victim's living room before lacing his drink. After being sentenced to life in prison in June 2013, Dirk P. killed himself while behind bars nine months later. Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer is available to stream on Netflix now. A top public services watchdog is at the centre of a bias row after she was revealed to be behind a foul-mouthed social media account responsible for a string of posts including one reading: 'F*** the Tories.' Sinead Cook, 45, has now been suspended from her role as lead investigator for the Welsh Ombudsman's office, which is meant to provide an 'independent and impartial' complaints service for taxpayers. However, the Conservatives have called for the 'dismantling' of the publicly-funded organisation which pays investigation officers up to 48,000-a-year over allegations that it is more lenient in handling complaints against Labour politicians than their opponents. Labour has controlled the Welsh Assembly now the Senedd since it was set up in 1999. Ms Cook who has worked at the Ombudsman's office for almost ten years used an account on X, formerly Twitter, called @SweetlittleSewandsew and posted messages using the aliases Schnade Cee and Smoogi Cookster. In one addressing Gary Lineker's suspension from Match of The Day, Ms Cook asked why people 'are not talking about the fact the Government is trying to pass a Bill which is incompatible with the Human Rights Act and morally reprehensible', signing off: 'F*** the Tories.' Sinead Cook, 45, has now been suspended from her role as lead investigator for the Welsh Ombudsman's office In one addressing Gary Lineker 's suspension from Match of The Day, Ms Cook declared f*** the Tories Replying to a tweet from Bridgend Conservative MP Jamie Wallis she wrote: 'If the people of Bridgend didn't have a sense of humour, he would never have been elected. 'He's a joke.' In another post she wrote: 'Gimme an E, gimme an N, gimme a T, gimme an I, gimme a T, gimme an L, gimme an E, gimme a D, what does it spell Boris Johnson'. And in 2015 she praised then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, saying he represented 'an honest return to party roots and offers a genuine alternative to the Conservatives'. In a reply to a post by Kirstie Allsopp, she told the Location, Location, Location co-presenter to stop 'worrying about Wales' and 'speak to your Tory buddies about feeding kids in England'. She also accused former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell of being an 'awful human being' who was 'spouting Tory nonsense back in the 90s'. Ms Cook has now deleted her online accounts. But Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said the revelations meant 'no-one can have confidence in the impartiality of the Ombudsman's office'. He cited a complaint by a Tory councillor about a Labour Parliamentary candidate allegedly canvassing for votes at a school careers fair being dismissed without an investigation. Mr Davies told Mail Online: 'It's an absolute outrage that someone whose job is to investigate complaints against councillors has been making vicious and unpleasant political posts online. She accused former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell of being an 'awful human being' who was 'spouting Tory nonsense back in the 90s'. Replying to a tweet from Bridgend Conservative MP Jamie Wallis she wrote: 'If the people of Bridgend didn't have a sense of humour, he would never have been elected. 'It's time for the whole edifice of the Ombudsman's office to be dismantled and replaced by something truly independent to serve the people of Wales.' Welsh Conservative Shadow Local Government Minister Sam Rowlands added: 'The hateful comments from someone with such seniority in the Ombudsman office were shocking and it was deeply concerning that such a prejudicial attitude was on display, especially when the expectation of the office is to conduct itself with dignity, respect and fairness. 'Whilst it is welcome that the person in question has been suspended, it raises the question of her past discretions and the oversight of the organisation. 'The Ombudsman must now trawl through past cases to ensure that they have been dealt with fairly.' Amanda Williams, who leads a group of independent councillors in Bridgend, said: 'I have very serious concerns about the Ombudsman's office. 'There is no doubt in my mind that non-Labour councillors are treated more harshly than Labour councillors.' The Welsh Ombudsmans office insisted that team managers like Ms Cook were not responsible for decisions on whether to proceed with investigations, or on their conclusions. It added that she had not managed its councillor code of conduct team since last summer, and said there was no evidence that anyone else in the office knew of her social media activity. Each case is determined on its facts, a spokesman said. A controversial sign on the side of the road in a popular tourist town has received backlash for dividing visitors and locals. The sign, which read 'hometown not tourist town!', was erected in Denmark in Western Australia, but has since been removed by the council. Even after the sign was taken down, the debate raged on as photos continued to circulate on social media. According to one local, the number of tourists visiting the town has dramatically increased since the pandemic, but there's not enough accommodation or 'infrastructure' to support the population. The sign which read 'hometown not tourist town!' (pictured) was erected in Denmark, in Western Australia, but has since been removed by the Shire of Denmark council A picture of the sign on Facebook, ignited a debate among locals, with many condemning the 'attitude' of the sign's owner. 'As a Denmark local I am embarrassed by this sign. Please come to our beautiful town and enjoy its beauty and hospitality and support our local businesses. Please ignore the ignorant few,' one person wrote. Another said: 'Love people who think their town would be so much better without tourists in it, when the only reason the town survives is that tourist cash.' Meanwhile, others agreed with the sign's sentiment, saying there should be a cap on how many tourists are allowed in and that they just want to live 'peacefully' and 'without drama'. A local and business owner said potential visitors used to be 'put off' by the town, which is about a five-hour drive from Perth. Denmark (pictured) is about a five-hour drive from Perth Denmark's local council has embraced its newfound label as a popular tourist destination, maintaining that 'Denmark (pictured) is a beautiful place to visit' He went on to explain that more people have discovered Denmark since the Covid pandemic with droves of Australians able to work from home relocating from cities to rural areas. While infrastructure to support the rise in popularity still needs work, many locals say tourism is 'good for the town' and 'the economy'. Denmark's local council has embraced its newfound label as a popular tourist destination, maintaining that 'Denmark is a beautiful place to visit'. The U.S. State Department on Tuesday criticized North Korea's ballistic missile launch this week and called on the recalcitrant regime to return to dialogue, after Pyongyang fired a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile. The North fired the missile into the East Sea from a site in or around Pyongyang on Tuesday morning (Korea time), according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. "The United States condemns the DPRK's April 2 ballistic missile launch," the spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "This launch, like the DPRK's other ballistic missile launches in recent years, took place in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions," the official added. The spokesperson reiterated Washington's calls for reengagement with Pyongyang. "We remain committed to a diplomatic approach to the DPRK and call on the DPRK to engage in dialogue," the official said, noting the North's missile launches pose a threat to regional security. Military officials in Seoul put weight on the possibility of the North having tested an intermediate-range missile equipped with a hypersonic warhead. Last month, the North claimed to have successfully conducted a ground jet test of a solid-fuel engine for a new intermediate hypersonic missile. (Yonhap) What was meant to be a thrilling experience at the annual Chestival fair, hosted by the University of Chester, turned into a harrowing ordeal for attendees. On March 27, the 'Superstar' fairground ride broke apart - sending debris hurtling through the air and leaving two people hospitalised, including a student who suffered a concussion and whiplash. Footage of the nightmare incident, captured on video by a horrified attendee, shows a large panel breaking free of the fast-moving ride in Chester, Cheshire. The popular Superstar ride, dubbed a thrilling 'whirlwind at super speed,' collided at The University of Chester's Exton Park Campus, sending debris flying through the air. In a scene of chaos, the impact sent shattered glass flying in multiple directions - with adrenaline seekers fleeing for their lives. On March 27, the 'Superstar' fairground ride broke apart - sending debris hurtling through the air and leaving two people hospitalised, including a student who had suffered a concussion Footage of the nightmare incident, captured on video by a horrified attendee, shows a large panel breaking free of the fast-moving ride in Chester, Cheshire The popular Superstar ride, dubbed a thrilling 'whirlwind at super speed,' collided at The University of Chester's Exton Park Campus, sending debris flying through the air North West Ambulance Service was called to the site after two people, who were later rushed to hospital, were reported injured. One student who found herself caught in the rain of debris was 19-year-old Caitlin Colclough, from Kidsgrove, who was rushed to Countess of Chester Hospital. Caitlin was struck by a large panel that came crashing down towards the ground, leaving the teenager with a concussion and whiplash as a result of the impact. After being promptly rushed to hospital, Caitlin underwent a CT scan which revealed the extent of her injuries, according to her mother. Speaking to The Sun, Mandy Hancock, who spent the weekend in Chester caring for her daughter after the distressing ordeal, said: 'I was crying my eyes out watching the video. It has given me a few nightmares. 'The piece landed on them, but the ride kept going. I thought it would have had an emergency stop.' The mother has now blasted the University and Students' Union for how they have handled the incident, after claiming her daughter has since received limited support. Ms Hancock said: 'All that the Students' Union published was that they were working with the Health and Safety Team. It's disappointing how it has been handled post-accident. The support that has been in place has been very limited.' North West Ambulance Service was called to the site after two people, who were later rushed to hospital, were reported injured In a scene of chaos, the impact sent shattered glass flying in multiple directions - with adrenaline junkies fleeing for their lives According to StokeonTrentLive, The Health and Safety Executive has since launched an investigation into the incident. Jamie Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Chester Students' Union, said: 'There was an incident involving a fairground ride at Chestival on Wednesday 27 March, and the ride was closed immediately.' 'Two students were taken to hospital as a precaution and were discharged on the same day. Both the Students' Union and the University's Wellbeing team has been in close contact with the students throughout to offer support.' He added: 'The incident has been reported to the HSE to pick up with the external ride operator as necessary.' In April 2023, two children were injured after reportedly being 'flung' from a Surrey fairground ride called The Froggitt and flown by air ambulance to a London hospital - sparking a police investigation. Furious residents of the Illinois town of Dolton are demanding the resignation of their controversial mayor, who has been called 'the worst mayor in America.' Self-described 'Super Mayor' Tiffany Henyard, 40, has been accused of embezzlement and retaliating against a victim of sexual assault - and last month vetoed an investigation into the allegations. A meeting of the Dolton village board on Monday to discuss the veto descended into chaos as dozens of residents pounded on doors to get inside, but only about 40 were let in to express their rage at the Democrat. 'Why can't we have transparency with what's going on with our tax dollars?' one resident told Fox32. The meeting, where trustees were expected to approve a probe into Henyard, ended suddenly as police emptied the room, saying there had been credible threats made. Self-described Democratic 'Super Mayor' Tiffany Henyard, 40, has been accused of sexual assault and embezzlement 'Why can't we have transparency with what's going on with our tax dollars?' one resident said Henyard said: 'As you can see, our village, our community, myself, we are under attack. It's a shame that people can come to meetings and just tell one side of the stories and not get the entire side of both stories.' The high-rolling mayor, who earns $300,000 for her public duties, has spent thousands more on first class trips, a professional hair and makeup team and a security detail. She has been accused of unlawfully signing off contracts as dozens of unpaid suppliers threaten to take the town to court. Henyard has also been accused by a former employee of sexual harassment and retaliation. The former employee claims the mayor fired her after she said she was sexually assaulted at a work trip in Las Vegas. 'You know what happened in Vegas. You know what happened. And you should be addressing it,' one resident said at Monday's meeting. Henyard posted a video of herself with President Joe Biden at the White House in January after coming under fire for her high salary and questionable spending In one photo posted to Instagram, Henyard even appeared to pose with a dog laden with jewelry The FBI is now investigating spending on limos, first class flights and a professional hair and makeup team The town board had voted through a motion to ask agencies including the FBI, the US attorney, the Cook County sheriff and Cook County state's attorney to investigate Henyard earlier this year. Henyard vetoed the invitation, but FBI agents were already talking to dozens of people in the town of 20,000 about the unpaid bills. The mayor has admitted a $2 million deficit, blaming the trustees for incompetence, but some fear the true figure could be as high as $5 million. The town owes more than $427,000 to a company that repaved its streets, and another $400,000 to a tree-trimming company that worked for it last year. 'The mayor can blame everybody for what's going on, but she has to look at herself,' said former trustee Edward Steave. Tiffany Heynard, the first female and youngest mayor of Dolton, Illinois, is under fire for hiring her former campaign worker Lavelle Redmond (pictured together, left) as a code enforcement officer. The 46-year-old is a registered child sex offender Henyard had her charity 'Tiffany Henyard Cares' shut down last month by the Illinois Attorney General amid claims it used taxpayer money and the services of public employees. She and other officials are accused of spending more than $67,000 of public money on trips to Portland, Austin, Atlanta and New York City, traveling first-class on some of the flights, and spending $13,000 on a stay in New York. 'It's unfortunate that politics are being played. What's happened is a million dollars out of my budget have been cut because of politics,' Dolton Police Chief Lewis Lacey said. The first female mayor in the town's 128-year history was at the White House meeting President Joe Biden in January, but she has been accused of shutting down businesses that refuse to donate to her campaign. After a recall bid failed, Henyard posted this defiant image on Instagram declaring she 'forever will be Dolton's mayor' One resident, Lawrence Gardner, claimed that Henyard forced the closure of his trucking business after he refused to renew a $3,500 contribution to her political fund. The mayor was slammed for hiring her former campaign worker as the town's code enforcement officer despite the fact he is a convicted child rapist. She also raised eyebrows after spending hundreds of thousands of tax dollars on security details, including one occasion where she pulled cops off the street to perform a protection outfit. A successful recall vote was overturned on a technicality last year prompting her to dance on a podium at the subsequent board meeting to the strains of Rihanna's 'B***h Better Have My Money'. 'I am and forever will be Dolton's Mayor,' she posted on Instagram, prompting some to call her the 'Dolton Dictator.' She has not been charged with an offense and is defiant against critics she claims 'should be ashamed of themselves'. An Italian restaurant has apologised for telling an Indian diner that curry had affected her palate and left her unable to appreciate 'our unique dishes of Roman cuisine.' The Ci Tua Osteria Romana restaurant in Notting Hill said it had fired the staff member responsible and had been embarrassed by the reaction to the response which has been slammed for being racially charged. Climate change expert Malavika Prasanna, 26, was appalled to find the 'racist' response to the three star review she had placed on the internet after visiting the restaurant on Sunday evening. The restaurant had responded: 'I understand that moving from tandouri chicken to real cuisine can have a surprising effect 'But perhaps there is too much curry left under your pallet to appreciate our unique dishes of Roman cuisine, made with the highest quality raw materials. Ci Tua!' The Ci Tua Osteria Romana restaurant in Notting Hill said it had fired the staff member responsible and had been embarrassed by the reaction to the response which has been slammed for being racially charged Ms Prasanna had gone to the eaterie with two friends in Notting Hill to recapture some of the taste of pasta she had enjoyed while visiting Rome last month. She said she and her friends booked a table for 7pm and after being shown to their table were told only three types of pasta were available and a limited menu because of it being Easter Sunday. 'Two of us had recently been to Rome and we were craving some good pasta. I had the carbonara. 'The food was not bad, but it was just not the Roman Osteria they advertised it to be. So I just gave them an average, but nothing over the top. 'The restaurant environment was actually quite nice. The only thing that felt like Rome with the way the restaurant was set up and the energy. They had little things written on the walls in Italian. 'The experience was perfectly fine. I have a habit of reviewing restaurants that I go to in London because I look at other peoples'. 'I am a slightly picky eater so I like to see what someone said was good somewhere or what someone said was bad somewhere. 'I just gave them an average three stars for at least(being) a nice place. I didn't really say anything more because I felt I didn't get their full menu. 'I usually give four or five stars. Five is a bit of a rare one unless it is a perfect restaurant. I just went with three because it was good. 'Then I woke up the next morning with the reply to my three stars which said maybe there was too much curry under my palate to appreciate.' Ms Prasanna (pictured in Italy) had gone to the eaterie with two friends in Notting Hill to recapture some of the taste of pasta she had enjoyed while visiting Rome last month. Ms Prasanna, from Tottenham, said she had gone to the restaurant on the recommendation of a hotel manager in Rome who had lived in London for 10 years. She said the bill for her and her two dining companions came to 49.50 which was split three ways and no starter or desert was involved. Ms Prasanna added: 'I think that was very unnecessary and reflects all the stereotypes around food. Food is not culturally isolated and does not exist in a vacuum. 'I think particularly South Asian food or foods that are stronger in terms of spices and smell in the west have generally been an easy way to make fun of someone or another culture. 'I think this really feeds into it and it should have been well avoided and was extremely unnecessary. I definitely think there were racial connotations in this. 'I am not one to pursue these things in the more official routes, but what I did I want to do was make it clear in my network that this might not be the place they are most welcome at.' The trio left after an hour. On Google reviews she gave her pasta three stars, and awarded four to service and atmosphere. The restaurant provoked angry responses on the internet after the 'curry' message was reposted. Majulath99 wrote on Reddit: 'What a spectacular ****. Hopefully business goes through the floor and gets sold off to somebody who isn't anything like this.' Alternative Agave posted: 'What an unnecessary response, stooping so low just because of a 3 star review. Cute polarbear said: 'Can't believe a restaurant posted something like that as a reply... Being rude and condescending is one thing, but that's just ridiculous...' Critics pointed to other separate responses to reviews from the restaurant which they said belittled customers and were rude. Ms Prasanna (pictured in Italy) said she had gone to the restaurant on the recommendation of a hotel manager in Rome who had lived in London for 10 years The restaurant is owned by Stefano Calvagna, 53, who is also an actor and owns another food outlet called Trevi Italian Tiramisu in South Kensington. Albert Ballardini, a consultant for Mr Calvagna's business, said he did not write the response to Ms Prasanna and had been in Italy for two months. 'He has been ill and has no access to the reviews' he said. 'The response was written by a staff member in Rome and it was stupid and we apologise. We are not racist in any way.' He said Mr Calvagna's landlord for the South Kensington was of Indian origin and had been for several years and they were on best terms. A spokeswoman for Ci Tua said the restaurant had apologised to Ms Prasanna. Head of management Karolina said: 'This is a genuine unforgivable mistake from one person who was co-operating with us. 'I can guarantee you and anybody else that we are not a racist business and as a matter of fact I am Polish and others have different religious and cultural backgrounds too. 'The restaurant is culturally from Rome where there is an attitude to joke with people. 'We recognise that this time it has gone too far. I was not aware of the review and had I known I would have obviously stopped it from being published. We have reached out to the customer to apologise.' The restaurant is owned by Stefano Calvagna, 53, who is also an actor and owns another food outlet called Trevi Italian Tiramisu in South Kensington (pictured in 2019) In the apology, shared with MailOnline, she told Ms Prasanna: 'I am reaching out to you to sincerely apologise for the recent comment made under your review after your visit in Ci Tua! Osteria Romana. 'First thing I would like to say is the owner of the restaurant is currently ill and has been staying in Rome for the past two months. He is not the person who ever replies to customers' reviews. 'We have a designated person who is in charge of our social accounts, and he is the one who replies to all customer reviews and enquiries. 'We are aware that similar comments have been made in the past and we had a serious conversation with him. Unfortunately, after an unacceptable response made towards your person we have terminated his employment with our Company immediately. 'We have never been racist to anyone; the owner himself has a Polish wife and his dad is from Africa. We are a multicultural company where I am Polish, and our staff members are from Senegal, Bolivia, Romania so we would never make any comments especially towards our guests that are of racist nature. 'I believe you have booked the table for Sunday Easter at 7pm. We have accommodated you and your party, and we have done all check-backs regarding the food. No comment was made from your side that something wasn't right. 'I came over to check on you and asked if you wanted any dessert. There was no rudeness, or any racist behaviour towards any of you as we treat everyone equally and all our guests are important to us. 'Nevertheless we are extremely sorry for this unacceptable behaviour. Racism has no place in our premises, and we have zero tolerance for it. We will take measures to ensure this situation will never happen again.' Ms Prasanna said she would not be taking the matter further, but would also not be making a return visit to the establishment. The last ever video shared by an Australian aid worker killed in Gaza has broken the hearts of viewers around the world. The short video shows Melbourne-born Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom, 43, smiling as she gave a rundown of the menu World Central Kitchen were preparing for Palestinian people in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, on March 26. Ms Frankcom and six other WCK team members were on their way back from dropping off 100 tonnes of food and other aid supplies in northern Gaza on Monday, local time, when they were hit by an Israeli airstrike. The other six WCK victims were 35-year-old Polish man Damian Sobol, 25-year-old Palestinian driver Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 33-year-old dual US-Canadian citizen Jacob Flickinger and British nationals John Chapman, 57, James 'Jim' Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. In last week's video, Ms Frankcom introduced herself and WCK chef Oli. The last video shared of Australian aid worker Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom (left) before she was killed in an airstrike on Monday shows her helping prepare food for Palestinians Ms Frankcom was one of seven World Central Kitchen volunteers killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Monday (pictured, the wreckage of one of the three cars) 'This is the beautiful, fragrant, aromatic rice that will be served,' she said, showing the food being prepared for Gaza citizens. Following the horror attack, WCK said Ms Frankcom's 'team was travelling in a deconfliction zone in two armoured cars branded with the WCK logo and a soft skin vehicle'. 'Despite coordinating movements with the [Israeli army], the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse,' WCK said. It was later revealed the seven volunteers were travelling in three clearly-marked aid vehicles. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had spotted the three cars as part of a larger convoy as they entered the main distribution hub in Deir al-Balah to collect the aid. A member of the IDF unit identified an armed man inside one of the convoy's trucks as a potential threat however, neither the truck or the armed man left with the three WCK cars. A Hermes 450 drone was sent by the IDF unit to follow the three vehicles - two of which had armour plating while a third was a 'soft-skinned' 4x4. All three cars had WCK logos on their roofs and doors. Operators ordered an R9X Hellfire missile to be fired at one of the cars shortly before midnight. Its passengers were seen running to the two remaining cars. They informed authorities monitoring their movements they had been hit and made their getaway. However, the Hermes 450 fired a second missile at another of the cars just 900m down the road. Once again, the survivors scrambled to load the wounded into the last remaining car. They only made it 1.5km down the road before the third missile hit - killing the last of the seven volunteers. WCK shared photos of the seven volunteers killed (pictured) and said: 'We are reeling from our loss. The world's loss' It's understood an IDF unit targeted the three cars (one pictured) as they were earlier part of a larger convoy travelling with an armed man Distressing footage shared online showed the bodies of five of the victims at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Hospital staff held up bloodied and torn passports belonging to three of the dead which were British, Polish and Australian. WCK shared photos of all seven victims on Wednesday morning, AEST, with CEO Erin Gore writing: 'These seven beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission. 'Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. We have countless memories of them giving their best selves to the world. 'We are reeling from our loss. The world's loss.' The deaths of the innocent aid workers sparked outrage across the globe, leading Israel's highest-ranking officer to share an apology for the 'grave mistake'. In a video, IDF chief Herzi Halevi said 'Israel is at a war with Hamas, not the people of Gaza'. 'I want to be very clear - the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification - at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn't have happened,' he said. 'We will continue taking immediate actions to ensure that more is done to protect humanitarian aid workers,' he said, adding that IDF was 'sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK.' He added the IDF 'shared in the grief' of the victims' loved ones, saying: 'We see great importance in the continued delivery of humanitarian aid, and we will keep working to facilitate this vital effort.' Ms Frankcom and her team had unloaded ' 100 tons of humanitarian food aid' before they were killed (pictured, the last photo Ms Frankcom sent her family just moments before entering Gaza) All seven volunteers were killed in three missile strikes on Monday (pictured, people carrying one of the volunteers' bodies) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday demanded Israel take 'full accountability' for the deaths (pictured, inside one of the attacked WCK cars) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the hoards of international leaders calling for justice following the attacks and on Tuesday demanded Israel take 'full accountability' for the deaths. 'That is completely unacceptable, and Australia will see full and proper accountability as you would expect for how this could have occurred,' he said. Ms Frankcom's family on Tuesday afternoon said they are 'deeply mourning the news that our brave and beloved Zomi has been killed doing the work she loves delivering food to the people of Gaza'. 'She was a kind, selfless and outstanding human being that has travelled the world helping others in their time of need,' they said. 'She will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love for all those in her orbit. 'We are still reeling from the shock and we humbly request privacy during this difficult time.' Ms Frankcom's friends also shared tributes to her on social media, describing her as a 'beautiful person'. 'There are no words I can use to tell you what a beautiful person she was. I'm so blessed to have called her a dear friend,' one wrote. 'Rest in peace our beautiful sister,' another said. WCK has delivered more than 1,700 trucks full of food and cooking equipment through the Rafah Crossing at the border between Cairo, Egypt and Palestine. Australian Council for International Development chief executive, Marc Purcell, said it was 'truly tragic that an Australian aid worker, working to provide food to starving civilians, has been killed in this fashion'. Israel's highest-ranking officer chief Herzi Halevi (pictured) shared an apology for the 'grave mistake' of targeting the aid workers Photos of three bloodied passports (pictured) were shared online shortly after the attack At least 196 aid workers have killed to date in this latest Israel-Hamas conflict (pictured, one of the WCK cars) 'She died doing truly heroic work,' he said. 'The laws of war protecting humanitarian workers and civilians are being flagrantly disregarded by the Israeli Government and Defence Forces,' Mr Purcell said. At least 196 aid workers have killed to date in this latest Israel-Hamas conflict. Aid was being blocked form entering northern Gaza, putting hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starving to death, and humanitarian agencies in the south were under 'enormous strain' from air strikes', Mr Purcell said. 'We call on the Australian Government to urge the Israeli Government to cease attacks on aid convoys and to allow for the safe land passage of humanitarian assistance.' The moment a teenager allegedly killed a mom and three kids after smashing into their minivan at 112mph has been caught in a shocking video released by cops. Surveillance footage shows Chase Jones, 18, traveling at break-neck speed in his 2015 Audi A4 before tearing through the van in a Seattle suburb on March 19. Jones was allegedly traveling at 112mph before the horrific crash at the intersection of South 192nd Street and 140th Avenue South in Renton, triggering a multi-vehicle pile-up. The victims were identified as sisters Eloise and Matilda Wilcoxson, 12 and 13; Buster Brown, 12; and Andrea Hudson, 38. Court documents seen by KOMO News say they were 'immediately killed' by the 'incredibly violent collision'. Hudson's two children were also in the car but miraculously survived and are now stable after initially being taken to a Washington hospital in a critical condition. Chase Jones (pictured) appeared to smirk briefly as he appeared in court by video-link on Monday and pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide and reckless driving Surveillance footage shows Jones, 18, traveling at break-neck speed in his 2015 Audi A4 before tearing through the van at an intersection in a Seattle suburb on March 19 Appearing in court via video-link from his hospital bed on Monday, Jones looked expressionless as the charges leveled against him were read out, before pleading not guilty. He also appeared to be holding back a smirk at another point in the courtroom clip published by KOMO News. The teen has been charged with four counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular assault and one count of reckless driving. Also appearing in court by video-link, the mother of the two young girls killed said Jones has not tried to contact the families whose lives have been torn apart by the grisly crash. 'I'm a little concerned and shocked that there has been, to my knowledge, no attempt to reach out to us with any kind of message of sympathy or regret,' Rivka Wilcoxson told the court. Prosecutors said this isn't the first time Jones has been involved with law enforcement for dangerous driving. 'There is evidence that this defendant has been driving at an excessive speed and totaled two vehicles before this collision,' Senior Deputy Attorney Amy J Freedheim told the court, adding that the other crashes unfolded in January this year. The court set Jones' bail At $100,000 and recommended that he be placed on electronic home monitoring if he posts the sum. He is also banned from driving. Andrea Hudson, 38, was carpooling five children including two of her own when another car blew through a red light at an intersection, smashing into her van and killing her instantly Among the victims were sisters Eloise and Matilda Wilcoxson, 12 and 13, who are survived by their parents and four other siblings Also killed in the accident was 12-year-old Buster Brown, who was described as 'an exemplary son, brother, and friend' Jones and the victims' families appeared in court via video-link on Monday Defense lawyer Brad Barshi told the court Jones had suffered broken arms and legs in the crash and would be in hospital for a long time. 'My client is not out there stealing cars, having a gun, intentionally trying to commit a violent crime,' Barshi told the court, per KOMO News. 'This is an allegation in which my client may have made a dumb mistake by driving above the speed limit. That's the allegation.' Pictured: Jones on police bodycam footage at the site of a previous crash But the father of the two girls killed in the crash disagreed - pointing out Jones' 'reckless' history - but expressing empathy for the teenager despite it all. 'Your honor, I don't have evidence of remorse or of his home environment being the right environment for him to heal and change and become the man that he should become,' Chace Wilcoxson told the court, per KOMO News. 'I don't have hard evidence, but I'm confident that I personally have seen this car driven recklessly days and weeks before this accident. I don't think that this was just a dumb mistake.' Bodycam footage from the scene of a previous crash allegedly caused by Jones shows him admitting that he was speeding to a police officer. 'I saw an open road. I was definitely going above the speed limit of 25,' Jones told the officer in May 2023. When asked to estimate his speed, he said '40 or 50.' 'He told me he was speeding down the street ... that dude was hauling,' a KPD officer is heard saying in the video. Jones had crashed another car and the other driver involved said he was turning when Jones, in a Chevy Tahoe, approached at high speeds. The officer let Jones off with a warning and talked to the teen's parents before leaving the scene. Hudson is survived by her husband, Abe, and three children. Two of her kids, 14-year-old Nolan and 12-year-old Charlotte, were in the van at the time of the crash and suffered serious injuries The Wilcoxson sisters were described by their mother as 'inseparable' Jones, 18, has been charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and reckless driving in connection to Tuesday's crash. He was allegedly going 112 mph when he 'T-boned' Hudson's vehicle According to court documents, Tuesday's multi-car pileup was the third speeding crash Jones had been involved in over the last 11 months Photographs of the families affected have been left at the scene of the crash 'It's a mistake, mistakes happen. Lessons need to be learned, as long as you learn it,' the cop said. The next crash happened in January, where another driver said Jones was traveling at such a high speed he did not even see him coming, according to KOMO. Jones bought an Audi a month before the deadly crash, and after he totaled two other cars in the earlier wrecks. The deadly crash last week left three families heartbroken over the loss of their loved ones. 'When you're driving, think of the people around you,' the girls' father, Chace Wilcoxson, previously told the Seattle Times. 'When you're tempted to speed, think of Andrea. When you're tempted to grab your phone while you're driving, think of my beautiful girls, Matilda and Eloise. 'When you're trying to make the light, remember Buster Brown.' All four victims died from 'multiple blunt force injuries,' according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office Hudson's children, Nolan and Charlotte, who were also in the van, suffered brain bleeds, internal injuries and broken bones and taken to Harborview Medical Center. An adult in a third car, which was hit on in the collision, sustained minor injuries. Jones was treated for an internal injury that required surgery as well as a fractured leg and ribs. Hudson, who led a homeschooling group, was driving the three children home when she passed through the intersection and was T-boned by Jones, according to court documents. He also faced former pal Helge Busching who said he is an 'expert lock picker' Christian Brueckner's former friend has testified at the Madeleine McCann suspect's trial for separate sexual assault charges - sharing horrifying details of abuse the German allegedly subjected a girl and elderly woman to on camera. Helge Busching, who says he saw footage of the attacks, is the latest witness to give evidence at the court in Braunschweig, where Brueckner arrived early on Wednesday under a heavy police escort. He said one of the clips showed a German girl, who estimated 'must have been around 13, 14 or 15 with black hair'. He said: 'She was tied to a post. She was shouting at Christian, "Hey, you know what this is? This is rape".' 'But he just sat on the end of the bed and was laughing, I couldn't believe what I was watching,' he went on. Describing another video allegedly showing Brueckner and an elderly woman, Busching said: 'In the video a woman was tied onto a bed and was whipped and she had her eyes covered, then sexually abused her, and put on a condom, and the woman was screaming "You f***ing bastard" so I don't think she agreed with what was happening to her. 'Then he whipped the woman, and the end of the video was Christian Brueckner, he pulled down his mask, sat on [the] bed.' Brueckner's lawyer earlier slammed prosecutors for labelling him the Madeleine McCann 'prime suspect' - saying it is impossible for him to get a fair trial as he returned to court this morning on unrelated rape charges. Christian Brueckner's lawyers slammed local prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters who named him as the 'prime suspect' in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann Brueckner's former pal Helge Busching is the latest to give evidence against the convicted paedophile Brueckner's defence team opened proceedings with a furious attack on local prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters who named him as the 'prime suspect'. Atilla Aykac stressed how despite almost four years of investigating no charges for Madeleine's disappearance had been made and his legal team had still not received the case files. He said: 'The disappearance of Madeleine McCann is one of the biggest cases in the world but our client has not been charged and we have not seen any files. 'This is the fault of the public prosecutor's office and has created a worldwide sense of pillory against our client. 'This prejudices our client's case and also the ability of the court to try him fairly.' He went on to accuse Mr Wolters - who was in court - of 'making publicity' for the case against Brueckner, 47, despite not having presented or shared any case files. Also in court today, Brueckner will face key witness Busching, who was set to tell prosecutors the convicted paedophile was an 'expert at lock picking'. When asked to describe the rape of the elderly woman in more detail, Busching said: 'She was on a bed, in a nightdress which had been pulled and she was whipped with, I don't know how to call it but it looked like a large piece of leather, and he hit her on the breasts with it. 'Then he raped her, and i saw how he put on a condom but you couldn't see it directly, as she was on her side or her stomach.' Busching added:'The woman was shouting at him 'You fxxxing bastard,' 'You fxxxing arsehole' but she wasn't screaming and that's when he took off his mask and I recognise him as Brueckner. 'The woman must have been between 70-80 years old, I didn't know her and she was wearing goggles that had been painted over so she couldn't see. Brueckner is also facing former pal Helge Busching in court today as he tells prosecutors the convicted paedophile was an 'expert at lock picking' 'She was speaking English, he whipped her and then he raped her. I know it was Christian because when he took the mask off he looked directly into the camera.' When asked if there was 'anal sex' he replied:' I couldn't see properly.' Busching told the court that initially he and his friend Manfred Seyferth, who also watched the video and gave similar testimony lasty month, had discussed the possibility it was a snuff video because of the 'age of the elderly woman'. When asked about the video of the younger victim, Busching said: 'She must have been around 13,14 or 15 with black hair. She was German and she had long dark hair. Bruecker was wearing shorts and the girl kept saying 'This is rape' but he didn't have a mask on like he did in the first video.' In clear and convincing testimony Busching also described Bruecker as 'dangerous' and then added his 'biggest regret' was not going to the authorities sooner with information on the videos. He said he found them in around 2006 but hadn't mentioned it to police for more than ten years and his evidence was eventually used to convict Bruecker of raping an elderly American woman on the Algarve. Atilla Aykac stressed how despite almost four years of investigating no charges for Madeleine's disappearance When asked why he hadn't come forward sooner Busching replied:'I've been carrying it around in my stomach for years but I was afraid I would get into trouble for breaking into the house to steal them. 'But also because of other things I have been involved in so I kept my mouth shut for a while.' He told friends who were due to meet Brueckner that he had ominously warned them: 'If this guy turns up, then he is really dangerous.' Busching also denied he had been paid by Scotland Yard for information he had given them on Brueckner when he called their Madeleine hotline with information on him. He also told the court how his life had turned upside down after it emerged he was a key witness in the trial and he had quit his job in Corsica and had to move away. Breuckner was sensationally named by German police four years ago as the man responsible for Madeleine's 'abduction and murder'. However, despite the claim he has still not been charged and is currently on trial in his native Germany accused of unrelated sex crimes that took place in the same area of the Algarve where the then three-year-old disappeared. Last year Busching told German media that Brueckner was an expert lock picker and could have easily got into the apartment in Praia da Luz where Madeleine was taken from in May 2007. He said Brueckner bragged about the burglary toolkit which he would use to 'break into holiday resorts, hotels and holiday homes to steal from tourists', Busching told Bild newspaper. Dressed in his now trademark blazer and jacket Brueckner was brought into court with handcuffs and shook hands with his legal team before sitting down. Busching, who is in German police witness protection, suggested that Brueckner 'came through the door' of the McCanns' holiday apartment, raising doubts over the official theory that Madeleine's kidnapper crept in through a window. German police were reportedly 'electrified' by the discovery of the lock pick kit and also are investigating the possibility that Brueckner used car paint solvent to sedate the young girl. He has denied any involvement in her abduction and is currently on trial accused of raping three women and sexually assaulting children between 2000 and 2017 on the Algarve. Busching, who claims to have met Brueckner a year before Madeleine vanished, said he found the tool kit in the suspect's Algarve home after he and a friend, Manfred Seyfreth, decided to ransack the place. Brueckner arrived early to the court in Braunschweig on Wednesday under a heavy police escort The petty criminal recalled seeing passports, cameras, suitcases and various items carried by tourists in the property, adding the he 'also found a lock pick set'. Busching claims he kept the kit - which he says can be used to 'pick any lock, including security locks' - and later gave it to police in Germany. The kit is understood to be made by Dino which touts that its products 'ensure easier access into the most restrictive European keyways fast'. It reportedly includes 14 black stainless steel picks that are each designed for a specific door type. Police in Portugal have always claimed that Madeleine's abductor broke into the apartment through a window. They allege he likely left with the child through a door or by climbing back out the window. But when asked how Brueckner entered the home, Busching asserted: 'Through the door. Easily. He can open any door.' Busching also claimed that Brueckner had once confessed to kidnapping Madeleine alleged that Brueckner told him: 'She didn't scream.' Busching claims Brueckner made the confession at the illegal Dragon Festival held in the southern Spanish mountain town of Orgiva a year after Madeleine vanished. He also alleged that Brueckner turned up to the festival in an American campervan that he lived in between early 2007 and 2008. Busching says the van is not the Tiffin Allegro van police seized a few years back. He insists the vehicle Brueckner drove to the the festival - known for its techno music, booze and drugs - was a Winnebago and believes that if police were able to track down the van, they would find traces of Madeleine's DNA. Dressed in his now trademark blazer and jacket Brueckner was brought into court with handcuffs and shook hands with his legal team before sitting down Brueckner has denied any involvement in McCann's abduction and is currently on trial accused of raping three women and sexually assaulting children between 2000 and 2017 on the Algarve Busching says he knows that Brueckner abducted Madeleine, adding that 'another witness knows it as well'. He claims he advised the suspect to come clean but says Brueckner 'will never do that' because he is 'too stubborn' and 'assumes police cannot prove anything'. Busching added he has been pressed by Brueckner's lawyers to retract his allegations has been forced into witness protection for the last four years. Madeleine vanished from a rented holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal on May 3, 2007, during a family holiday. Her parents Kate and Gerry McCann, from Rothley, Leicestershire, spearheaded a high-profile campaign for information about her disappearance. Reports claim that phone records place Brueckner in the town on the night she vanished and that his yellow and white Volkswagen Westfalia campervan was spotted near the Algarve resort. Last May German forensic experts searched a reservoir 30 miles from Praia da Luz as part of their ongoing investigation. They are understood to have taken soil samples for analysis. Brueckner and Busching, who is also German, both previously lived in Portugal and were said to have been involved in petty theft. Brueckner has claimed the pair have not spoken since 2007, when they discussed a drug deal, and has denied Busching's claims about their conversation in 2008, saying they were 'not even worthy of comment'. Busching also claims to have seen videotapes which allegedly showed Brueckner sexually abusing an elderly woman and a teenage girl in Portgual. In 2019 Brueckner was convicted in a German court of the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old American woman at her home in Portugal, close to Praia da Luz, and he is serving a seven-year sentence. Busching reportedly contacted British police about his former friend after he was arrested in Greece in 2017 over an alleged smuggling ring. Madeleine's disappearance was initially investigated by police in Portugal, with support from officers in the UK. The Metropolitan Police took over the investigation in 2011 after the Portuguese operation was shelved. But more than three years after linking Brueckner to Madeleine's disappearance, he has still not been charged regarding her abduction as prosecutors do not have enough evidence. After long standing support of Israel in its war with Hamas terrorists, President Joe Biden is joining a chorus of world leaders furious over the drone strikes that killed aid workers in Gaza, including one American. Biden issued a statement claiming Israel 'has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians' as thousands of Palestinians are caught in the crosshairs of war and left without food, water and other necessary supplies. The president called for a 'swift' investigation to bring accountability to what he said was not a 'stand alone incident'. Israel apologized for what it called 'a grave mistake' and said it is investigating the incident. The American-Canadian killed in the strike was Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was a retired Master Corporal with the Canadian Armed Forces. International outrage ensued after the convoy of aid workers for World Central Kitchen was hit by an Israeli 'triple tap' drone strike on Monday, leaving seven dead. The three cars were marked as humanitarian aid and were struck while moving along a route approved by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). President Joe Biden is calling for an investigation and accountability after an Israeli drone strike killed seven aid workers in Gaza on Monday. Dual American-Canadian citizen 33-year-old Jacob Flickinger (right) was among the seven killed in the IDF drone attack Biden is among the world leaders who want accountability for the deaths. 'I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday,' Biden wrote in a strongly-worded statement on the incident. 'They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war. They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy.' The president added: 'Israel has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into why the aid workers' vehicles were hit by airstrikes. That investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public. The man acknowledged by Biden was Jacob Flickinger, who was a dual citizen of America and Canada and a new father. Flickinger's father wrote in a Facebook message paying tribute to his son: 'My son, Jacob, was killed Monday delivering food aid to starving families in Gaza. He died doing what he loved and serving others through his work with the World Central Kitchen.' Jeremy MacKenzie, whose Facebook account claims he also served in the Canadian Armed Forces, paid tribute to Flickinger as 'an Infantryman with Quebec's Royal 22nd Regiment' and was an 'Afghanistan veteran who retired in 2019.' 'He loved to help other veterans rehabilitate injuries and volunteered his services to personal (sic) train them for rehabilitation and get them back in shape,' the tribute notes. 'Volunteered to help with the trucker convoy in Quebec City in 2022.' A GoFundMe fundraiser set up to assist Flickinger's partner Sandy and their one-year-old son notes that he was an aid worker in Gaza since early March working with World Central Kitchen and prior to that was on a mission with the organization in Mexico. Money raised through the GoFundMe aims to help Flickinger's family 'reestablish themselves after his tragic death.' It claims Flickinger was the 'sole financial provider' and the money will help in setting up a trust for his son, as well as flight and funeral arrangements. The Canadian Department of National Defence said in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'We extend our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time.' 'Master Corporal (retired) Jacob Flickinger served with the Canadian Army from April 7th, 2008 to October 16th, 2019,' the ministry noted, and added of his service: 'He joined as a reserve infantry member with Le Regiment de la Chaudiere. In 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan as a Rifleman. In 2012 he joined the regular force as Infantry with the Royal 22e Regiment in Quebec, QC.' People carry the body of one of the foreign workers from World Central Kitchen who was killed in the airstrike as the bodies are transported to their families outside of Gaza American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was one of the seven victims of the strike John Flick wrote on Facebook that his son 'died doing what he loved and serving others' Also among those killed in the strike were three British armed forces veterans who were serving as security for the aid mission John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. Additional relief workers who died in the strike were 25-year-old Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha; Australian Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43; Damian Sobol, a 35-year-old from Poland. World leaders from the countries of the deceased have vented their fury at Israel for the 'outrageous' drone strike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy. Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to London and demanded 'full accountability' over the deaths. The UK government is also considering suspending arms sales to Israel should an investigation reveal wrongdoing, inside sources have reportedly said. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims 32,000 have been killed in the conflict since the terrorist organization invaded Israel on October 7. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the seven victims in the WCK aid convoy 'join a record number of humanitarian workers who have been killed in this particular conflict.' British military veterans James Henderson, 33, (center), John Chapman, 57, (left) and James Kirby, 47, (right) were traveling in the World Central Kitchen aid convoy providing meals to Palestinians on Gaza when they were hit and killed by missiles fired by an IDF drone Polish World Central Kitchen aid worker Damian Sobol, 35, (left) and Australian aid worker Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43 (right) were among those killed in the strike in Gaza Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, was part of the WCK team that was killed in the strike At least 196, including 175 members of the UN staff, aid workers have been killed in Gaza, according to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strike 'unconscionable' but 'an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted'. 'It demonstrates yet again the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.' Poland meanwhile said 'it does not agree to the lack of compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers', and demanded compensation for the families of the killed WCK staff. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said today that both the deadly strike and the Israeli government's reaction to the incident were straining ties between the two countries. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken a call with Netanyahu, in which said he was appalled by the killings and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation. Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip Experts expect pressure to increase on Israel to bring an end to the bloody war, which has now dragged on for six months. But Israel continues to state its aims - to eradicate Hamas and bring the remaining hostages home - even as its forces have swept through and destroyed most of the Gaza Strip. WCK said it was mourning the loss of its seven 'heroes', naming them on Wednesday as Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25; Australian Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43; Pole Damian Sobol, 35; American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33; and Brits John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. 'These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission,' WCK CEO Erin Gore said. The organization called the strike a 'targeted attack' and said its team had been coordinating its movements with the Israeli forces. '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,' Gore said in an earlier statement. Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since the start of the war, with the United Nations accusing Israel of preventing humanitarian aid deliveries and warning of 'catastrophic' hunger. World Central Kitchen was facilitating the provision of supplies brought by sea from Cyprus. Following the strike, it said it was suspending its operations in the region, deepening concerns about how urgently needed food aid will reach a starving population. The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted when Hamas invaded Israel in an October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, which is the largest single-day massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,916 people, according to the health ministry in Gaza where Hamas terrorists run the de facto government. During their attack on Israel, Palestinian militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead. Rishi Sunak today swerved growing calls for Britain to suspend arms sales to Israel amid outrage at the deaths of three British veterans in Gaza. John Chapman, 57, James 'Jim' Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were working for a charity's security team when they were killed by an Israeli air strike on Monday. There has been global fury at Israel following the 'outrageous' strike on an aid convoy of three cars, which were marked as working for the World Central Kitchen charity. Amid the outcry, a number of MPs and an ex-national security adviser have urged Mr Sunak to suspend arms sales to Israel over fears it is ignoring humanitarian law. Asked about those calls in an interview with The Sun, the PM stressed Britain would continue to follow its 'careful export licensing regime'. He added he had been 'consistently clear' with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel must act in accordance with international humanitarian law. Mr Sunak did not deny his phone call with Mr Netanyahu in the wake of Monday's killing of three British nationals was a 'testy' exchange. He said he had warned the Israeli leader that the situation in Gaza was becoming 'increasingly intolerable'. Rishi Sunak, in an interview with The Sun, swerved growing calls for Britain to suspend arms sales to Israel amid outrage at the deaths of three British veterans in Gaza The PM did not deny his phone call with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of Monday's killing of three British nationals was a 'testy' exchange There has been global fury at Israel following the 'outrageous' strike on an aid convoy of three cars, which were marked as working for the World Central Kitchen charity (Left to right) John Chapman, James 'Jim' Henderson and James Kirby, were among aid workers killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza on Monday Mr Chapman, Mr Henderson and Mr Kirby were all former members of Britain's Armed Forces, with their deaths described as a 'grave mistake' by Israel. Mr Sunak hailed the trio as 'brave Brits who were actually risking their lives to bring aid to people in need in Gaza' and said their deaths were an 'awful, awful tragedy'. 'I spoke to PM Netanyahu last night and was very clear with him that the situation is increasingly intolerable and what we urgently need to see is a through transparent investigation into what has happened,' the PM said. 'But also a dramatic increase in the amount of aid getting into Gaza removing the barriers but also closer work with aid agencies to make sure things like this don't happen again.' Asked about growing calls for Britain to stop selling arms to Israel, Mr Sunak replied: 'I think we've always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that will always follow, and I have been consistently clear with PM Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while of course we defend Israel's right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and sadly too many civilians have already lost their lives. 'Get more aid into Gaza. That's what we've consistently called for and what we want to see actually is an immediate humanitarian pause to allow more aid in and crucially the hostages to be released, and that's what we'll continue to push for.' Quizzed about whether he had held a 'testy' phone call with Mr Netanyahu, the PM responded: 'What's happened is a tragedy and it shouldnt have happened and there are questions that need answering.' Alistair Burt (left), a former Middle East minister, and Lord Peter Ricketts, a former national security adviser, both suggested Britain could now suspend arms sales to Israel Lord Peter Ricketts was the UK's first national security adviser and served under former PM David Cameron, who is now Britain's Foreign Secretary. The crossbench peer told Sky News: 'I would like to see at this point the UK decide that they are going to suspend arms export licences to Israel. 'I think there is enough now that Israel is, to put it diplomatically, not paying attention to its international humanitarian law obligations to protect civilians, to protect humanitarian workers and medical workers.' Lord Ricketts suggested a suspension of UK arms sales to Israel could also encourage the US to take similar action. 'I think there is abundant evidence now that Israel hasn't been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians, and a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law, that is a condition of the arms export licensing policy,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'I think the time has come to send that signal. It won't change the course of the war. 'It would be a powerful political message, and it might just stimulate debate in the US as well, which would be the real game-changer, if the Americans began to think about putting limits, restrictions on the use of American weapons in Israel.' He added: 'Sometimes in conflict, you get a moment where there's such global outrage that it crystalises a sense that things can't go on like this. 'And I think I hope that this awful incident will serve that purpose.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'The deaths of these British aid workers in Gaza is an absolute disgrace. These brave people were trying to help starving families in Gaza. 'Clearly, the thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable. 'The Government must take swift action to suspend arms exports to Israel. We must redouble our efforts to secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire.' Ex-Tory MP Alistair Burt, who served as Middle East minister under both Lord Cameron and Theresa May, said the potential for Britain suspending arms sales to Israel was 'now much higher than it was'. In his phone call with Mr Netanyahu last night, Mr Sunak warned the situation in Gaza was 'increasingly intolerable' with 'far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians' having been killed. Mr Burt said the PM's 'uptick in rhetoric' was 'appropriate' following the deaths of British nationals, but added it 'should be accompanied by more pointed questions about the investigation that has been promised into this'. 'The UK is entitled to have some scepticism when it's told there will be an investigation and it should demand that, this time, there's a proper investigation with some degree of accountability,' he told BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight programme. 'So I think the rhetoric needs to have a point, and then there may be further consequences beyond that.' He added: 'If it turns out that this attack was in any way calculated, that someone took a deliberate decision to aim at an aid convoy, it calls into question humanitarian law and potential breaches of it. 'And that raises the possibility the UK could no longer continue with arms supplies to Israel because legally the UK cannot do so if humanitarian law is being broken. 'So I think the potential for that is now much higher than it was. 'This was a course of action taken by Margaret Thatcher in 1982, by Tony Blair in 2002 - it didn't destroy the relationship with Israel but it was a clear signal there is a point beyond which the UK simply cannot go.' Labour's shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said Britain should suspend arms sales to Israel if lawyers have found clear risk of serious breaches of international law. He also repeated his demand for Lord Cameron and the Foreign Office to publish legal advice surrounding UK arms sales to Israel. 'The law is clear. British arms licences cannot be granted if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law,' Mr Lammy said. 'Labour's message to the Government is equally clear. Publish the legal advice now. If it says there is a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, it's time to suspend the sale of those arms. If David Cameron has received this advice, he must act on it.' Speaking as he arrived at a NATO meeting in Brussels this morning, Lord Cameron welcomed Israel's vow to fully investigate the strike on an aid convoy. The Foreign Secretary told broadcasters: 'I welcome what the Israeli foreign minister said yesterday to me about a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen, and we want to see that happen very quickly. 'I also welcome the fact he spoke about much more aid getting into Gaza, up to 500 trucks a day. 'That is essential, we have been promised these things before and it really needs to happen, including longer opening times at the vital crossing points. 'But, of course, the extra aid won't work unless there is proper deconfliction, unless aid can be taken around Gaza and we avoid the dreadful incidents like we have seen in the last couple of days. 'That is vital and Britain will be watching very closely to make sure that that happens.' A police tactical firearms team in South Africa shot dead nine members of a brutal gang suspected of raping a young girl in front of her screaming mother. Swift justice was handed out when the elite unit was ordered by top brass to find the eleven men who had put their victim through such a sickening ordeal. The ruthless gang based near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, is believed to be behind a series of serious crimes including murder and armed robbery. But when shocking details emerged from the mother of the sexually tortured girl who was repeatedly raped during a house robbery, officials ordered a crackdown on the criminal group. Officers from the crack KZN Provincial Stabilisation Team were mobilised when a tip-off came through that the feared gang was planning a hit on a rival boss. A woman reacts after identifying the body of a family member killed during a police raid Forensic workers examine the scene where suspected criminals were killed during a police raid in Marianhill near Durban The ruthless gang based near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, is believed to be behind a series of serious crimes including murder and armed robbery The unit was dropped off close to a house identified as the gang HQ in Desai, Mariannhill, but mistakenly in the dark had surrounded the wrong address. A lookout alerted the gang members inside who opened fire on the police unit, but the officers quickly regrouped and started firing back. Within minutes nine gang members lay dead. Police are hunting the two known remaining members who either escaped or who were not present, relaying the news to the rape victim and her mother. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: 'The Provincial Stabilisation Team pounced on the gang in the early hours of Wednesday morning. 'The suspects had been on our radar for serious and violent crimes but then allegedly raped a young girl and made her mother watch during a house robbery. 'The shoot-out happened when we received intelligence that the gang were plotting to execute a hit on a rival so an action plan was quickly put into place. 'Nine gang members were shot dead and three firearms have so far been found in their possession and a manhunt for two suspects is underway' he said. Within minutes nine gang members lay dead, and their family members were forced to identify their bodies Police are hunting the two known remaining members who either escaped or who were not present, relaying the news to the rape victim and her mother Colonel Netshiunda confirmed the wrong house was approached but said: 'Our team tactically retaliated and neutralised the threat with no injuries to us'. The unit was also in action in Durban last week when sent to an address where a gang wanted for a string of murders was said to be holed up and surrounded it. The gang opened fire and the police retaliated killing all four suspects inside. South African Police are currently waging a war on gangs who are engaged in a deadly battle for territory and control of the drugs, liquor and prostitution market. Every day in South Africa there are 75 murders and 120 rapes mainly carried out between rival gangs and in the impoverished areas where police rarely venture. South African Police are currently waging a war on gangs who are engaged in a deadly battle for territory and control of the drugs, liquor and prostitution market An elite firearm unit shot dead a gang of 9 suspected of the gang rape of a young girl in front of her mother and other serious crimes in Durban A South African Police detective based in Durban said: 'This group had been pushing and pushing for a while and this horrific gang rape was just the final straw. 'It happened just before info came in to where the gang could be found so the green light was given to arrest them but they made a mistake in opening fire first. 'The response was instant and when the shooting stopped 9 of those inside were dead' he said. X users showed little sympathy with one saying: 'I feel sorry for the parents. But those m*****f***kers had to die'. Another said: 'Case closed beautiful work' and Bongani Kunene said: 'Good riddance. Terrorising our community. Fantastic job KZN police'. A teaching assistant has won more than 9,000 in a sexual harassment case after the female headteacher at his school said he looked 'fit' in Speedos. Nikoloz Papashvili became the subject of staffroom 'banter' when colleagues at a school in Ealing, west London, laughed at sexual innuendos made by headteacher Shelagh O'Shea, an employment tribunal heard. Mr Papashvili claimed he had been 'used and abused' by the headteacher who had made 'unwanted sexual advances' and, in June 2020, told him she wanted to take him to 'meet the parents'. The teaching assistant took Belvue School to an employment tribunal after he was dismissed for 'skiving' off work to go on a summer holiday to Croatia. The tribunal ruled in his favour for claims of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal - concluding the investigation that led to him being fired was 'profoundly unfair'. However, Mr Papashvili's compensation award of 9,309 was reduced significantly due to his conduct. The tribunal found he had been dishonest and told multiple lies, including wanting to go to Georgia to see his parents and about having Covid. Belvue School headteacher Shelagh O'Shea (pictured) signed off emails to the teaching assistant with a kiss and said she wanted him to 'meet the parents' Teaching assistant Nikoloz Papashvili took Belvue School (pictured) to an employment tribunal Inappropriate comments made by senior women to younger men have 'no place in the modern workplace', an employment judge ruled after hearing the case of Mr Papashvili. Such remarks should be liable to scrutiny in the same way comments made by older men to young women are, he said. As well as awarding Mr Papashvili 9,309, the tribunal has revoked an anonymity order that previously meant Mrs O'Shea and Belvue School could not be identified. The hearing in Watford heard Mr Papashvili was sexually harassed by Mrs O'Shea on seven occasions over two years, from 2017 to 2019. 'The consistent theme in these allegations was Mrs O'Shea remarking upon (Mr Papashvili's) supposedly fit body and his Speedos', a tribunal judgement said. The tribunal heard from the school's caretaker, who said he and other members of staff 'teased' Mr Papashvili about the headteacher's 'remarks and innuendos'. Mrs O'Shea was also said to have signed off emails to the teaching assistant with a kiss and said she wanted him to 'meet the parents'. The hearing in Watford was told Mr Papashvili did not raise sexual harassment concerns until late 2020 when he face disciplinary proceedings. It was heard in March 2020 Belvue School closed for most students but a rota was drawn up for staff to continue coming in. Staff were told they had to attend the secondary school during the final week of term, irrespective of what the rota said - despite Mr Papashvili being scheduled to be off. As a result, he asked to take his holiday early so he could visit his parents in Georgia for his birthday - a request which was denied. The tribunal heard the headteacher then discovered Mr Papashvili had gone to the pub for 'leaving drinks' before 'setting off on a European tour' with his girlfriend the next day. Mrs O'Shea requested to see him however Mr Papashvili called in sick, claiming he had Covid symptoms. Mrs O'Shea said it was 'unacceptable' and launched disciplinary proceedings, however the tribunal found it was unclear what was being investigated. The tribunal found the school had already 'drawn a conclusion' by calling his behaviour 'unacceptable'. Mr Papashvili was signed off sick and faced gross misconduct allegations over lying about his summer absence and loss of trust and confidence. He subsequently made the sexual harassment complaint. Mrs O'Shea pictured during an awards evening at Belvue School in Ealing, west London Mr Papashvili claimed he had been 'used and abused' by the headteacher who had made 'unwanted sexual advances' From a 'hostile and intemperate' email, the tribunal concluded it was 'clear Mr Papashvili was not going to get a fair determination of his complaint'. He was sacked in December 2020. Judge Tobin said 'the headteacher who directed the investigation had established the facts to her liking'. At the latest compensation hearing, Judge Tobin said the Speedo comments were unacceptable. Employment Judge Gary Tobin said: 'We believe that Mrs O'Shea thought that she was paying (Mr Papashvili) a compliment and/or that her comments were jokey or risque. 'We accepted [a colleague's] previous evidence that he and some other staff teased (Mr Papashvili) about the Head Teacher's remarks and innuendos. 'We do not accept any contention that such comments were no big deal, but they do fall on the less serious scale. 'Both language and attitudes to colleagues change over time and comments that might have been prevalent and acceptable in a workplace 30 or 40 years ago are no longer justifiable or tolerated. 'Similar comments made by a senior man, particularly if older, are generally regarded as unacceptable if directed towards a junior or younger female and perhaps, belatedly, such comments made by a female Head Teacher towards a younger Teaching Assistant should now similarly be regarded as unacceptable. 'Such comments are not teasing or risque when the recipient objects and (Mr Papashvili) did object - although sometime after the event. 'We do not think the comments were made directly to (Mr Papashvili); they were made about him in a juvenile manner that increasingly has no place in the modern workplace. 'The harassment amounted to juvenile insinuations from an older woman in a professional environment and this reflected badly upon her.' South Korea has seized a stateless vessel that allegedly engaged in activities in violation of U.N. sanctions in waters off the country's south coast, security sources said Wednesday. The 3,000-ton cargo ship DEYI, reportedly en route to Russia from North Korea via China, was captured in waters off Yeosu around Saturday, they added. Thirteen were aboard the ship, including a Chinese captain and other Chinese and Indonesian crewmembers. South Korea's Coast Guard is said to have moved the ship and docked it in waters off the southeastern port of Busan after the crewmembers refused orders to stop the vessel. "Our government is conducting an investigation, in close coordination with the United States, into the concerned vessel's alleged violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions on North Korea," an official at the foreign ministry said. The official did not provide further details. It was not immediately known whether the ship was involved in any sanctions-violating activities. Authorities were reportedly unable to confirm what the vessel is carrying as the crew is refusing to open the cargo hold. U.N. Resolution 2397, adopted in 2017, allows a country to seize, inspect and impound any vessel within its territorial waters that is suspected of engaging in prohibited activities with North Korea. (Yonhap) A Palestinian-American doctor used the occasion of a White House meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday to protest the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza by walking out. Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency physician from Chicago, attended a meeting with Biden and Harris which was initially planned to be an Iftar dinner to break the Ramadan fast but was changed to a meeting because attendees were uncomfortable celebrating with the president. Ahmad detailed the meeting in an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins on Tuesday evening. A Palestinian-American doctor, Dr. Thaer Ahmad, walked out of the meeting with President Biden before it was over because I wanted to let them know what it feels like for somebody to say something and then walk away from them and not hear them out, not hear their response. pic.twitter.com/apqOTSxA4e Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) April 3, 2024 A Palestinian American doctor walked out of a meeting with President Joe Biden before it was over 'We were insisting that there be no food there. It made no sense for us to sort of break bread while talking about a famine taking place,' he said. After arriving at the meeting, Ahmad said he told Biden he needed to leave and said he was disappointed he was the only Palestinian in the room. 'I am from a community that is reeling, we are grieving and our heart is broken from what's been taking place from the last six month,' he said. Ahmad said the rhetoric coming from the White House was frustrating to listen to as the Palestinians were suffering as a result of the war. His goal, he said, was to get Biden to understand what it was like to hear someone and have them walk away without hearing their response. U.S. President Joe Biden continues to call for Israel to reduce the deaths of innocent civilians in Gaza while arming Israel Vice President Kamala Harris has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, but her demands have come up empty 'He actually said he understood,' Ahmad said. He gave the president a letter from an eight-year-old orphaned girl living in Rafah, begging Biden to stop Israel from invading Rafah. 'I let him know out of respect for my community, Im going to leave,' he said he told the president, adding that his community was 'reeling' and 'grieving' as a result of the war. He expressed anger with the Biden administration for sending more bombs, more bullets, and more fighter jets to Israel to help them continue the war. 'It's devastating and I'm so frustrated and angry to hear something like that, to hear about a fighter jet sale,' he said. Ahmad recalled a visit to Gaza in January where he could hear the fighter jets and the whistling of bombs being launched in the area, where he was afraid that the hospital he was in would come crashing down. 'I mean, it's totally unacceptable to be thinking that we're going to continue to arm this,' he said. Maggie Goodlander, the wife of Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, is exploring a run for Congress in New Hampshire and would be considered the front runner in what is expected to be a heavily contested Democratic primary. 'She is seriously considering it,' Kathy Sullivan, the former Democratic chair of New Hampshire told DailyMail.com. Goodlander, 37, is reaching out to New Hampshire Democrats as she weighs a bid. She spoke to Sullivan on Monday. She and Sullivan are considered a DC power couple and each has a high-profile job in President Joe Biden's administration: she is a top attorney at the Justice Department and he is Biden's top adviser on foreign policy, including the wars in the Ukraine and Middle East. Maggie Goodlander, who is married to Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, is considering a run for Congress Goodlander's entry into the race would make the congressional race a national competition. Goodlander is a New Hampshire native and from a storied, wealthy family in the state. Given her and Sullivan's ties to national Democrats like Bill and Hillary Clinton, the contest would be flooded by money and high-profile endorsements. 'I would think the combination of who she is, who she's married to and the backstory of the family is interesting on a national level,' Matthew Bartlett, a longtime New Hampshire political operative told DailyMail.com. Goodlander and Sullivan married in 2015 in a ceremony on Yale's campus that was attended by Bill and Hillary Clinton, future Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Clinton did a reading at the wedding. The couple owns a $2.2 million home in a tony neighborhood in Portsmouth, N.H. It has been their primary residence since 2018 although they have a home in Washington D.C. due to their jobs. A source close to Goodlander said that people in New Hampshire reached out to her about running for the seat Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster is vacating and that is why Goodlander is considering a bid. She would have to resign her job if she decides to run as, under the Hatch Act, federal employees cannot run for political office. Sullivan, as a federal employee, would be highly-restricted in what he would be able to do for her campaign. The Hatch Act has a long list of what federal employees cannot do, including using their title to help a candidate and hosting a fundraiser. It's unclear how much campaigning he would even be able to do for his wife. The White House counsel's office would be consulted on his options. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Maggie Goodlander were married in 2015; their wedding was attended by many prominent Democrats, including Senator Amy Klobuchar State Senator Becky Whitley (above center) announced she is running for the Congressional seat; Whitley posted a photo from the White House Easter Egg Roll with Maggie Goodlander (left) and Kayla Montgomery, a top official at Planned Parenthood, (right) Then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton walking with a then-Deputy Chief of Staff Jake Sullivan in November 2009 New Hampshire's second congressional district is one of the most competitive in the country. Kuster's decision to retire after six terms in Congress has put it into play with both parties invested in finding a strong nominee. The winner of the seat could determine which party controls the House of Representatives next year. Goodlander is not as well-known as Sullivan, who has become the face of Biden's foreign policy, but she is from a famous New Hampshire family. Her grandfather, Samuel Tamposi, was the son of Romanian immigrants and a real-estate developer who brought many Fortune 500 companies to the state, including Fidelity Investments, Anheuser Busch, and Coca-Cola. He was also a part owner of the Boston Red Sox and was friends with legendary player Ted Williams. Sam Tamposi also became a huge player in Republican politics, raising millions and becoming a power broker among the GOP. Goodlander's mother, Betty Tamposi, actually ran for Congress in the second congressional district in 1988 but lost in the Republican primary. Betty Tamposi is close to the Bush and Sununu families and was appointment as Assistant Secretary of State under President George H.W. Bush. Tamposi was fired from that job during the 1992 election over a controversy involving Bill Clinton's passport records. During the 1992 election, when Clinton was running against her boss President George H.W. Bush, Tamposi had Clinton's passport records sent to her home in Virginia, claiming that she was protecting them from being tampered with. At the time, Clinton's travels as a student and his draft records from the Vietnam War were huge political issues. While not classified, passport information is protected by the Privacy Act and access is restricted to individuals who need them for official government business. Bush ultimately fired her because Tamposi's deputies had also searched the passport files of Independent presidential candidate Ross Perot during the campaign, prompting Perot to accuse the Bush administration of a 'gross abuse of federal power.' Goodlander's father, Theodore Goodlander, is also a real estate developer and businessman. Her parents divorce in 2009 was splashed across the New Hampshire newspapers as the couple had a bitter fight over the family's financial assets. Despite the Tamposi ties to Republicans, Goodlander would run in the Democratic Party. In many ways her story parallels Annie Kuster, the woman she would be trying to replace in Congress. Kuster's parents were prominent Republican officials in New Hampshire but she became a Democrat. The race to replace Kuster is already competitive. Colin Van Ostern, a former gubernatorial nominee and Kuster's former campaign manager, announced he's running for the seat. And, on Wednesday, state Senator Becky Whitley announced her bid. Whitley was in Washington D.C. on Monday to attend the White House Easter Egg Roll. She posted a photo from the event with Goodlander and Kayla Montgomery, a top official at Planned Parenthood. Goodlander's grandfather Sam Tamposi (left) was a part owner of the Boston Red Sox and friends with legendary player Ted Williams (right) Goodlander's mother Betty Tamposi was a top State Department official under President George H.W. Bush Goodlander actually lives in a different congressional district than the one she would be running for. But she was born in Nashua, which is in the district, on election day and grew up there. Her grandfather was influential in developing Nashua into the city it is today. A Yale Law graduate, Goodlander worked for Senators Joe Lieberman and John McCain, clerked for the Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and taught constitutional law at the University of New Hampshire Law School and Dartmouth. She is a Navy reservist and spent 11 years as an intelligence officer. She also serves on the board of the New Hampshire Women's Foundation. She and Sullivan met at a security conference in Munich when she worked for Lieberman. The ties to the Clintons come from Sullivan, who worked for Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign and during her time as secretary of state. There is still plenty of time for Goodlander to make a decision. The filing deadline is in June and the primary isn't until September 10th. At one point, it was Sullivan who was considering a congressional bid. He told the Wall Street Journal last month that he thought about it but lost interest after seeing the toll it takes on politicians. 'I have seen the life of politicians,' he said. 'And I've become, like, 'That's not for me.' ' The family of the American-Canadian charity worker killed in an IDF airstrike in Gaza has shared a picture of him with his wife and baby boy. Jacob Flickinger, 33, was one of seven charity workers killed by an IDF strike as he and his colleagues from the World Central Kitchen worked to distribute aid to Palestinians. They were in a convoy of three cars Monday night when hellfire missiles struck their vehicles. 'Jacob had been volunteering in Gaza since early March helping distribute food to Palestinians,' Flockinger's family wrote on a GoFundMe page created to collect funds for funeral arrangements and a trust fund for his son. 'Before then, he dedicated his time to World Central Kitchen, also doing a mission in Mexico. He leaves behind his partner Sandy and his one year old baby boy.' Jacob Flickinger, 33, was one of seven charity workers killed by an IDF strike in Gaza. He is seen with his wife Sandy and his one-year-old son The incident has sparked international outrage. Flickinger is pictured above. The team from the charity and their Palestinian driver were killed in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah when their vehicle (pictured) was struck on Monday, local media reported, after the group helped deliver food and other supplies to the region In a statement, World Central Kitchen named Flickinger as one of seven 'beautiful souls' killed during the attack The incident has sparked international outrage and has heaped more pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his response to the October 7 terror attacks, which killed some 1,200 Israelis and resulted in more than 30,000 Gazans perishing in retaliatory strikes. In a statement, World Central Kitchen named Flickinger as one of seven 'beautiful souls' killed during the attack. President Joe Biden also released a statement in the aftermath of the attack, saying: 'I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday. 'They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war. They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy.' World Central Kitchen officials identified the seven victims of the attack and blasted Israel for hitting the aid group. 'These are the heroes of World Central Kitchen,' World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore said in a statement Tuesday. 'These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission.' In a statement, WC Kitchen named Flickinger as one of seven 'beautiful souls' killed during the attack A destroyed car displaying the charity's logo is seen from above on Tuesday. The convoy was targeted by R9X Hellfire missiles Celebrity chef Jose Andres (pictured), the founder of the charity, said: 'Today WCKitchen lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF air strike in Gaza. I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family' 'Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories,' Erin Gore, CEO, said. 'We are reeling from our loss. The world's loss,' he added. '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. This is unforgivable. 'I am heartbroken and appalled that weWorld Central Kitchen and the worldlost beautiful lives today because of a targeted attack by the IDF. 'The love they had for feeding people, the determination they embodied to show that humanity rises above all, and the impact they made in countless lives will forever be remembered and cherished.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the IDF had 'unintentionally [hit] innocent people in the Gaza Strip... it happens in war'. The WCK said its team had been travelling in a 'deconflicted' area at the time. Its vehicles' roofs were marked with WCK branding. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called for an urgent investigation. 'Humanitarian workers are heroes,' Blinken said. 'They show the best of what humanity has to offer. I extend my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the strike in Gaza. 'There must be a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation into this incident. Flickinger is a dual citizen of the US and Canada who was working as part of the non-profit's relief team. He was killed alongside workers from Australia, Poland and the United Kingdom. Three former British servicemen were among the victims. Former Royal Marines James Henderson and John Chapman and an ex-Army soldier James Kirby died in the drone strike. They were killed along side Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, Lalzawmi Frankcom, 43, from Australia, and Damian Sobol, 35, from Poland. The charity workers were 'leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza on the maritime route' at the time of the strike. They had just crossed in from the north after helping deliver aid that had arrived hours earlier on a ship from Cyprus, sources have claimed, and were killed on the Al Rashid Road, which runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea. Local Nael Eliyan, living in a tent yards away, sprinted to the wreckage shortly after the precision R9X Hellfire missile slammed into the vehicle. 'Their injuries were serious and they died quickly,' he said. World Central Kitchen workers gather around the bodies of their colleagues after they were transferred to Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah WCK staff were seen mourning their dead colleagues as their bodies were loaded into an ambulance Harrowing pictures showed how a huge hole had been blown in the roof of one car, with its interior torn to shreds. Another vehicle was missing most of its rear end. The IDF responded to the airstrike deaths, with spokesperson Daniel Hagari saying: 'Last night, an incident took place in Gaza that resulted in the tragic death of World Central Kitchen employees as they fulfilled their vital mission of bringing food to people in need. 'As a professional military committed to international law, we are committed to examining our operations thoroughly and transparently. I just spoke to WCK Founder, Chef Jose Anders, and expressed the deepest condolences of the Israel Defense Forces to the families and the entire World Central Kitchen family. 'We also express sincere sorrow to our allied nations who have been doing and continue to do so much to assist those in need. We have been reviewing the incident at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of what happened and how it happened. 'We will be opening a probe to examine this serious incident further.' Yesterday, ships carrying 240 tons of food aid were reported to have turned back from Gaza in the wake of the bombing, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the narrow strip of land. More than 180 aid workers have been killed in the war, according to the UN. 'This is nearly three times the death toll recorded in any single conflict in a year,' Jamie McGoldrick, UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said. US officials warned Russia that an imminent terror attack would happen on Moscow's Crocus City Hall two weeks before Isis gunmen struck but Putin dismissed the caution as a bid to 'destabilize our society'. Intelligence agencies had gathered information that ISIS was planning an attack in Moscow and even identified Crocus City Hall as a potential target, a fact that had not been reported until now. But Russian president Putin dismissed the warnings as 'provocative', calling them 'outright blackmail' and a bid to 'intimidate and destabilize our society' just three days before the gunmen killed more than 140 people in the venue. Moscow claims that the US warnings were 'too general' to prevent the attack, which has now been contradicted by US officials as they named Crocus City Hall as a potential target, according to The Washington Post. Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, told reporters in Moscow that Russia 'took appropriate measures' to prevent an attack - despite it taking an hour for specialized police arriving at the venue after authorities were alerted around 8pm on March 22. US officials warned Russia that an imminent terror attack would happen on Moscow 's Crocus City Hall two weeks before Isis gunmen struck but Putin (pictured) dismissed the caution as a bid to 'destabilize our society' A person looks on the Crocus City Hall concert venue following a terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow, Russia, March 24, 2024 Gunmen open fire at Crocus City Hall, in Krasnogorsk, Moscow region, Russia, March 22, 2024 A US intelligence official last month described how American agencies learned how a cell of ISIS based in Afghanistan was planning an attack in Moscow and shared the information with Russian officials. US officials say that the information was privately shared as recently as three days before gunmen burst into a large concert hall on March 22, spraying the crowd with gunfire, killing more than 140 people. The gunmen also set fire to the Crocus City Hall venue in the Russian capital. Earlier in March, the US embassy in Moscow also issued a security alert. It warned about a potential terror attack in Moscow and urging people to avoid crowds and be aware of their surroundings. 'The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and US citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,' the March 7 security alert stated. Concerts were specifically mentioned as a potential target in the US security alert. It is not clear what prompted the warning or whether it was related to the attack. The US gave the intelligence to Russia under the Duty to Warn requirement - an intelligence community requirement to notify US and non-US groups of potential impending threats. The US embassy issued another alert after the attack saying it was 'aware' of it and urged Americans to avoid the area. 'We strongly condemn the horrendous attack carried out at a concert hall in Moscow. We express our deepest sympathies with the families of the victims,' Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement. Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, has called the incident a 'terrorist attack.' 'All this resembles outright blackmail and the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society,' President Putin said in a statement. Social media footage shows as gunmen dressed in camouflage clothing opening fire with automatic weapons at people in the Crocus City Hall music venue near Moscow ISIS' news agency Amaq released sickening a 90-second selfie video of the attack that is too graphic for MailOnline to share A view shows the burning Crocus City Hall concert hall following the shooting incident in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow, on March 22, 2024 Rescuers clearing the rubble and extinguishing fires in the hall of the Crocus City Hall Gunmen can be seen shooting in a concert hall on the western edge of Moscow on Friday night The Islamic State group claimed 'sole responsibility' for the attack in a statement posted on affiliated channels on social media. US officials later confirmed that a branch of ISIS, Islamic State-Khorasan or ISIS-K, was responsible and had been planning at attack. ISIS-K had been known to operate in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, and was active inside Russia, two US officials previously told The Washington Post. The attack, which left the concert hall in flames with a collapsing roof, was the deadliest in Russia in years and came as the country's war in Ukraine dragged into a third year. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin called the raid a 'huge tragedy.' The Kremlin said Putin was informed minutes after the assailants burst into Crocus City Hall, a large music venue on Moscow's western edge that can accommodate 6,200 people. The attack took place as crowds gathered for a performance by the Russian rock band Picnic. Video showed the building on fire, with a huge cloud of smoke rising through the night sky. The street was lit up by the blinking blue lights of dozens of firetrucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles, as fire helicopters buzzed overhead to dump water on the blaze that took hours to contain. On social media, graphic videos were posted purporting to show the attack unfolding with gunshots and screams of concertgoers heard. A five-bedroom mansion once owned by a scammer who fleeced the Royal Mail out of 70million has gone up for sale after being seized. Complete with a detached pool house, the sprawling property is the former home of Narinder Sandhu, 62, who used the proceeds of an elaborate postage scam to buy it along with a Bentley and a Rolls-Royce. Hadley Grange is in the desirable Jordans Village near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire - whose famous residents include Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, who recently relocated there from Los Angeles. The mansion features a home cinema, gym, steam room and large triple garage, and is being sold with a guide price of 2,750,000. Millions of pounds were pocketed in the decade-long swindle, which involved the under-declaration of mail that was posted through a network of logistics companies in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire from 2005. A five-bedroom mansion once owned by a scammer who defrauded Royal Mail of 70million has gone up for sale after being seized The mansion features a gym, steam room and large triple garage, and is being sold with a guide price of 2,750,000 The luxury five-bedroom property in Buckinghamshire also comes with its own home cinema The property is situated in the desirable Jordans Village near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire - whose famous residents include Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne (pictured) Sandhu, owner of Packpost International Ltd and the 'architect' of the fraud, pleaded guilty to the offence. His declared taxable income was about 1million per year towards the end of the period the fraud was running, a trial at Southwark Crown Court was told last year. His brother, Parmjeet Sandhu, 56, from Slough, pleaded guilty to a charge of obtaining services dishonestly. Prosecutor Ellis Sareen said Narinder Sandhu lived with his family at Hadley Grange, a 'multimillion-pound mansion'. His brother Parmjeet did not become as wealthy, but still made 'a lot of money', Mr Sareen added. 'In this case, we will be talking about literal tonnes of mail - thousands of items. 'This has cost Royal Mail about 70 million or a little more. (The defendants) have not pocketed 70million, but they have benefited.' By 2016, so many companies were being operated by the group they were 'starting to forget' where they were located, Mr Sareen said. The fraud was discovered only when Royal Mail customers said competitors were offering unrealistic rates. The mansion, called Hadley Grange is in the exclusive Jordans Village near Beaconsfield Thee sprawling bolt hole is the former home of Narinder Sandhu, 62, who used the proceeds of an elaborate postage scam to buy it along with a Bentley and a Rolls-Royce Millions of pounds were pocketed in the decade-long fraud, which involved the under-declaration of mail that was posted through a network of logistics companies in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire from 2005 When investigators became suspicious about the group's companies, all their mail was diverted and checked, at which point it was found their postings had been 'significantly underdeclared,' the prosecutor said. Narinder Sandhu was sentenced to four years. He will only serve half the term before he is released on licence. Defending Sandhu, Gideon Cammerman, KC, said: 'As he moves through his 40s he is healthy, financially secure and in a stable home, he then went on to commit a very serious and prolonged fraud and it would not be overstating this to say not only has it ruined his life, but that of his wife and family. 'He is now 62, in poor health, has handed over all his wealth, large parts of which were dishonestly obtained, some not, his marriage is over, and he attends court from Wandsworth in disgrace.' He kept a Bentley (pictured stock image) and a Rolls Royce on the driveway and his home had a swimming pool Narinder, Parmjeet, and Mooney were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court (pictured) Parmjeet Sandhu was given 24 months prison suspended for two years. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work. James Mooney, 44, who was also involved in the scam, was handed a 21-month jail term, suspended for two years. James Ashworth, partner at Landwood Property Auctions, which is selling the mansion said: 'With Jordans being such a desirable area we are sure to see lots of interest. 'The property sits on a south-facing plot, extending to almost an acre with open fields beyond the boundary and it offers a huge amount of potential for any buyer, whether it be a little TLC and refurbishment of what is there, or perhaps extension and remodelling to put their own stamp on it, or a replacement dwelling. 'With quick access to London in under an hour via the M40 and A4 motorways, this opportunity is simply unmissable.' Police said he admitted to carrying out the deadly act during questioning 12-year-old suspect was detained less than an hour after yesterday's shooting Finnish police declared today that the 12-year-old boy suspected of shooting and killing a classmate while injuring two others was a victim of bullying and said this had driven him to commit the act. 'The motive for the act has been identified as bullying. The suspect has told the police during interrogations that he has been the victim of bullying and this information has also been confirmed in the police's preliminary investigation,' police said in a statement. They added that the young suspect, who wore a mask and noise-cancelling headphones when he carried out the shooting, had been transferred to the Viertola comprehensive school in Vantaa at the beginning of the year and struggled to integrate with his new classmates. Police said on Wednesday that their investigation had shown that the suspect had threatened other students on their way to school. But Finnish cops claimed the boy has expressed remorse for carrying out the shooting. It is unclear whether the school was aware of the bullying prior to the incident. It comes hours after a group of mourners gathered outside the school this morning to pay tribute to the child who was shot dead. The two 12-year-old girls injured in the attack remain in hospital, according to Finnish press. One is a Finnish citizen and the other has dual Finnish-Kosovan citizenship. This is the moment a 12-year-old boy was arrested by Finnish police with a firearm on the ground beside him after one child was shot dead and two others were seriously wounded in a classroom gun rampage this morning Armed Finnish police investigate the scene at the primary school Viertola comprehensive school where a child opened fire and injured three other children, on April 2, 2024 in Vantaa On Tuesday, heavily armed police cordoned off the Viertola school, an 800-student secondary school in the city of Vantaa, just outside Helsinki Candles and flowers are placed in front of the Viertola School to pay tribute to victims in Vantaa, in the north of the Finnish capital Helsinki, on April 3, 2024 The shooting occurred in the city of Vantaa - just outside the capital of Helsinki Crime Commissioner Kimmo Hyvarinen from the Ita-Uusimaa police told local media: 'The boy said during the interrogation that he regretted the act and he said he was sorry. When it comes to a child, it's hard to say how much he still understands his act and its consequences.' Yesterday's attack shocked the Nordic nation, where Finnish blue-and-white flags were hoisted at half-staff and scores of people including parents, teachers and fellow students laid flowers and lit candles in the snowy landscape near the school building where the shooting occurred. The Finnish government declared Wednesday a nationwide day of mourning, ordering all state agencies and institutions to lower the national flag to half-staff. Many private households across Finland joined in the commemoration. Heavily armed police on Tuesday cordoned off the Viertola school, an 800-student secondary school in the city of Vantaa, just outside Helsinki. Police said the deceased boy died instantly after being shot. The suspect was detained in the Helsinki area less than an hour after the shooting, with a revolver-like handgun in his possession. Footage of his arrest showed how the boy knelt down to the ground as police arrived on the scene and complied immediately with officers. The minimum age of criminal liability in Finland is 15 years, which means the suspect cannot be formally arrested. A suspect younger than 15 can only be questioned by the police before they are handed over to child welfare authorities. The gun was licensed to a relative of the suspect who was not immediately identified. Police said he admitted to the shooting in an initial police hearing. Investigators said the suspect had been studying at the new school for 11 weeks prior to the shooting. Police are investigating the case as a murder and two attempted murders, but lead investigator Marko Sarka said a separate inquiry was launched in connection with the firearm used in the shooting. The handgun is believed to be licensed to a close relative of the shooter. People gather outside Viertola school in Vantaa, after a shooting took place there earlier in the day, in a suburb of the capital Helsinki, Finland April 2, 2024 People attend a service at the Tikkurila church in Vantaa, Finland, on April 2 Mourners attend a service at the Tikkurila church in Vantaa, Finland, after the shooting Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the shooting was deeply shocking. He encouraged parents to comfort their children and help alleviate any fears about further such attacks. 'I want to tell children and young people all over Finland that the Finnish authorities and school staff are doing everything they can every day to prevent something like this from happening,' Orpo said in a statement. Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said yesterday on X: 'The day started in a horrifying way...I can only imagine the pain and worry that many families are experiencing at the moment. The suspected perpetrator has been caught.' Finland has witnessed two major deadly school shootings in 2007 and 2008. In their wake, the country tightened its gun laws, raising the minimum age for firearms ownership and giving police greater powers to perform background checks on individuals applying for a gun license. The nation of 5.6 million has more than 1.5 million licensed firearms, and about 430,000 license holders, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry. Hunting and gun ownership are deeply rooted traditions in this sparsely-populated northern European country, where target practice is also a widespread hobby. A woman charged in the death of her five-year-old son whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase has appeared before a judge for the first time since her arrest. Dejaune Anderson, 38, made several wild claims during the Tuesday appearance in southern Indiana, including that she was a sovereign citizen, is part of several other investigations, and is, in fact, a princess. The claims - which include that she's being tracked by the US Space Force - raise doubts whether she can stand trial. She was cuffed just two weeks ago, found in California after some two years on the run. That came after 5-year-old Cairo Jordan was found dead inside a suitcase in woods in rural Washington County, sparking a search for Anderson, who is now charged with murder, neglect of a dependent, and obstruction of justice. Scroll down for video: Dejaune Anderson, 38, made the wild claims in southern Indiana court Tuesday, asserting that she was a sovereign citizen, is part of several other investigations, and is, in fact, a princess The appearance, her first, comes two years after 5-year-old Cairo Jordan (pictured) was found dead inside a suitcase in woods in rural Washington County, sparking a search for Anderson Still, on Tuesday, she insisted on representing herself. 'You're known as Dejaune Anderson,' said Washington County Judge Larry Medlock, before warning the woman that representing herself could 'I'm representing the entity of Dejaune Anderson,' she replied, wide-eyed and smiling. 'My name is Princess Khalfia Atonte Pape the second representing the entity Dejuan Anderson.' The jurist went on to ask her if her decision was because she couldn't afford a lawyer, to which she responded she could 'It's not that I can't afford a lawyer,' she said during what amounted to a 15-minute hearing. 'I understand the nature of my case, and I understand this is my life on the line.' Asked for her date of birth, Anderson claimed to be over 60, telling the jurist: 'My date of birth is February 2nd 1961.' 'That would make you how old?' Medlock asked. 'That would make me 63 years old,' Anderson replied, providing the accurate figure. When asked for the the last four digits of her social security number, Anderson said she didn't have one - another erroneous claim. The claims - which include that she's being tracked by the US Space Force - raise doubts whether she can stand trial Washington County Judge Larry Medlock ultimately decided to hold Anderson in a Washington County jail without bond - a decision that upheld prosecutors' previous demands As he delivered that decision, he appeared to offer a slight dig at the accused, telling her, 'If Space Force comes forward and tells me they're willing to monitor you, we'll take up the issue of bond at a later time' Anderson is accused of packing her son's body into this suitcase before dumping it in a wooded area in Indiana Instead, she she recited a United Nations declaration - before again asking to represent herself in upcoming proceedings. 'I do not have a social security number,' she said. 'I have a declaration of nationality.' She then claimed a Space Force military detail has been following her every move - an assertion offered in the form of a formal objection. 'The basis of my objection is the fact that I am not a fugitive,' she said, explaining why she had just interrupted the proceedings. 'I've been under NSA surveillance for the past eight months. How can that qualify me as a fugitive on the run, when I've also had a detail from Space Force that was following my every move?' Before she could finish, a visibly fed-up Medlock cut her off - before explaining how her argument isn't a valid legal objection. 'If you want to represent yourself, you're gonna have to learn the rules of evidence, the rules of procedure,' he said. Anderson was arrested Thursday in Arcadia, California - outside Los Angeles - on the two-year-old murder warrant An autopsy revealed that the young boy died from an electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, a week before his body was found crammed in a suitcase 'Because if you conduct yourself like this and make these types of objections, you have no chance in the world, lady.' By the end of the 15 minutes, Medlock appeared to have had enough. He ultimately decided to hold Anderson in a Washington County jail without bond - upholding prosecutors' previous demands. As he delivered that decision, he appeared to offer a slight dig at the accused, telling her, 'If Space Force comes forward and tells me they're willing to monitor you, we'll take up the issue of bond at a later time,' Before she could be taken out of the courtroom, though, he stopped her and ordered a public defender be assigned to her case - insisting it was just in case she fails to demonstrate the cognizance to be her own counsel. 'If she files a written request that demonstrates that she has the ability to understand, comprehend, and represent herself, I may ask them to withdrawal or no longer require their services,' he said. '[B]ut I think it's appropriate that someone from the public defender's office be assigned at this time.' Anderson was arrested Thursday in Arcadia, California - a city outside Los Angeles - on a murder warrant. Police said ISP received information from a 'concerned citizen' that led to her arrest, during which US Marshalls identified Anderson as she was boarding a public transit train. Her son Cairo was found stuffed inside a 'Welcome to Las Vegas' suitcase almost two years earlier, on April 1, 2022. Before her son's death, Anderson contacted a priest, claiming that her son was '100 years old' and had launched 'death attacks' against her The body was found inside trash bags, stuffed inside a suitcase, and dumped in woods, eventually leading cops to Anderson's accomplice Dawn Coleman, 41, who in November received a sentence of 30 years, with five years of suspended probation. She was charged with aiding, inducing or causing murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, and obstruction of justice. Both women posted extensively to social media referencing demons and exorcism, with Anderson even reaching out to Fr. Vincent Lampert, priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, to tell him that her son was possessed. 'I have survived the death attacks from my 5-year-old throughout the 5 years he has been alive,' she wrote in a tweet. 'I have been able to weaken his powers through our blood. I have his real name and he is 100 years old. Need assistance.' As part of a plea deal, Coleman - who billed herself as a spiritual healer on social media by the name of 'Mama Gawd' - admitted to walking into a bedroom of Anderson's home where she witnessed the mom lying on top of her son, who was face down on the bed with his face into the mattress, cops said. Coleman told police 'it was already done,' when she walked in, and that Anderson had only asked her to help put Cairo in a trash bag and then into the suitcase. Cops have already cuffed and charged accomplice Dawn Coleman, 40, who helped pack up the child's corpse. She billed herself as a spiritual healer on social media by the name of 'Mama Gawd' 'You packaged Cairo like trash,' Judge Larry Medlock said. 'He was an innocent little boy who wanted to be loved' THE SOVEREIGN CITIZEN MOVEMENT? CONSPIRACY THEORISTS WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN RULE OF LAW 'Sovereign citizens' do not believe they are bound by federal or state law, or have to comply with any type of law enforcement. Many often do not believe that they are required to pay taxes either. The FBI considers the group to be an extremist organization. Well-known members include Terry Nichols, the Oklahoma City bomber. In 2010, two sovereign citizens shot and killed two police officers after being pulled over in Arkansas. 'Sovereign citizens do not represent an anarchist group, nor are they a militia, although they sometimes use or buy illegal weapons. Rather, they operate as individuals without established leadership and only come together in loosely affiliated groups to train, help each other with paperwork, or socialize and talk about their ideology,' a 2011 FBI paper on the group reads. Many do not think they are bound by taxes, so often do not pay those. 'They often will not pay taxes; that is pretty standard across the board, many will not pay their car registration, they won't get car insurance, they don't get licenses of any kind,' Rachel Goldwasser of the Southern Poverty Law Center told FOX News. The movement is based on a decades old conspiracy theory that the government was replaced secretly, and that the real government follows admiralty law. Advertisement Prosecutors said the two women then drove to an area outside of Pekin, and dumped the suitcase roughly a week before it was found by a local mushroom hunter. An autopsy found that Cairo died from vomiting and diarrhea that led to his dehydration, ISP said, confirming the boy had died about a week or less before the hunter discovered his body. Appearing in the same Washington Circuit Court in Salem, Indiana Anderson was extradited, Coleman pleaded guilty as part of a bargaining agreement. 'You packaged Cairo like trash,' Judge Larry Medlock said. 'He was an innocent little boy who wanted to be loved.' 'Sovereign citizens' - the defense Anderson on Tuesday turned to - do not believe they are bound by federal or state law, or have to comply with any type of law enforcement. Many often do not believe that they are required to pay taxes either. The FBI considers the group to be an extremist organization. Well-known members include Terry Nichols, the Oklahoma City bomber, while unproven proponents include the grandfather who fought Pittsburgh police over his impending house eviction with a six-hour gun battle this past August, A police source named the man as William Bill Hardison, 63, who he said was both a veteran and 'Sovereign Citizen'. The man died, and relatives said the house on Broad Street in Garfield had been owned by his recently deceased brother He was said to have been well stocked with firearms and ammunition, which led to up to 100 rounds being exchanged between him and law enforcement. His son, who is also named William Hardison, was at the scene and pleaded with his father to end the standoff. 'Dad, please surrender. Please give up,' he said. 'You have children and grandchildren that love you dearly. Please stand down.' A woman identifying herself as the man's sister added: 'He's a good man, he's just lost his brother and he was in the service.' A daredevil who barely escaped with his life after a cliff-scaling mission went wrong over Easter weekend said he was trying to 'be brave' when he took a short cut up an unstable rock wall. Cody Cretini, 22, was out for a walk on the beach with his girlfriend on Sunday when he decided to climb a cliff in an attempt to bypass a longer route up a hill. He told ABC News that he was trying to be 'brave' and 'adventurous.' But about 40-50 feet up the cliff, every rock he tried to grab onto began falling away. The avid hiker knew he was in trouble and that his odds at survival would not be excellent were he to plummet 60 feet into the rocky waters below. Cretini's girlfriend ran from the cliffs in the Golden Gate National Recreational Area to get help, which arrived by helicopter shortly after. The rescue team used night-vision cameras to identify and keep an eye on Cretini as they executed his daring rescue Rescuers from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department and Fire Department swooped in for what they called a 'technical' rescue. Battalion Fire Chief Jason Golden said 'it was just a much faster operation to use a helicopter. And the individual was starting to lose their grip.' 'The rescuer afterwards speaking with him said that was one of the most precarious rescues because of how the victim was grabbing on and how quickly they were to letting go,' he added. Cretini clung on to the cliff, at times using just several of his digits to maintain his position, for about an hour before his rescuers were able to remove him to safety. Rescue pilot Nigel Cooper, who flew the rescue aircraft, said he spoke to Cretini in the direct aftermath of the save and 'could just see the relief on his face.' 'I tried not to show too much relief on my face,' he added, also noting that his team's extensive training and team building is what allowed them to execute a mission that left Cretini with just a few scrapes and bruises. 'The fact that we train so much and work with each other so often, we understand the mannerisms, we can tell when somethings not going quite right,' he said. Deputy Sheriff Larry Matelli said he repeatedly issued clear instructions to Cretini: 'Don't let go man, don't let go.' After a few initial attempts, Matelli was able to put the 22-year-old's arms through a strap one at a time and brought him to the top of the cliff, where firefighters were positioned to render air. The team used night-vision cameras to get a visual of Cretini during the difficult save. It was Cretini's girlfriend (pictured right) who ran to get help when it became clear the 22-year-old was stranded 60 feet above the rocky waters The cliffs in Marin County become a popular visiting site in the springtime as the weather warms up The Sonoma County Fire Department was waiting on top of the cliff to render aid Rescue pilot Nigel Cooper (left), who flew the rescue aircraft, said he spoke to Cretini in the direct aftermath of the save and 'could just see the relief on his face' Cretini (right), pictured here with his girlfriend, is now safely back in his home state of Louisiana Cretini, a Louisiana native, expressed his gratitude to his rescuers before jetting back to his home state. The steep Marin County cliffs become a heavily trafficked area around this time of year as the weather warms up. Golden warns visitors not to tempt fate and stay away from the cliff's edges. 'Unfortunately we lose probably one to two people [every year] falling of these cliffs,' he said. 'Please be very careful when you get to the cliffs. Don't go up close to the edge and please don't try and climb up.' A spokesperson confirmed that the guests were 'more than an hour late' to re-board the ship on the day they were left behind Norwegian Cruise Line is hitting back at passengers who were stranded on a remote African island for being 'more than an hour' late to re-board the ship on the day they were left behind. A spokesperson from the cruise line confirmed to DailyMail.com that the eight passengers 'missed the all aboard time of 3pm by more than an hour' after they returned from a private tour on March 27. Their passports were turned over to local port agents, and the group of six Americans and two Australians were left behind on the island of Sao Tome and Principe. They launched a desperate bid to rejoin the ship in the following days, flying through six countries to reach Banjul, the Gambia, where the vessel was set to dock on April 1. However, adverse weather conditions meant the ship never reached shore. The group concluded their nearly 2,000-mile-long voyage to Dakar, Senegal, on April 2, where the cruise line confirmed they embarked Tuesday morning. Norwegian Cruise Line revealed that the eight passengers left behind on the island of Sao Tome and Principe were 'more than an hour' late to re-board the ship The six Americans and two Australians were on a private tour on the island of Sao Tome and Principe. The group concluded their nearly 2,000-mile-long voyage to Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday morning to rejoin the ship A seventh American, 80-year-old Julie Lenkoff, was coincidentally left in a local hospital the same day after she was 'medically disembarked' Hours before, however, it was unclear whether all of the passengers would get back on board. Speaking to USA TODAY, Jill and Jay Campbell, a couple from South Carolina, slammed Norwegian for failing to meet 'a basic duty of care.' 'After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although theres a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly,' Jill Campbell said. 'I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and the well-being of the customers should be their first priority, and that should be placed first. 'We believe there was a basic duty of care that theyve forgotten about so it does concern us.' Their cross-Africa journey concluded days after the ninth member of their party, 80-year-old Julie Lenkoff, was sent home seeking medical treatment. Lenkoff suffered a stroke during a different tour and, following an evaluation by on-board medical staff, was sent to a local hospital. She has since rejoined her family in the United States, but her daughter and son-in-law are slamming the cruise line for 'abandoning' the elderly woman. Jill and Jay Campbell were hesitant to get back on the ship in Senegal, believing the cruise line neglected to meet 'a basic duty of care' Lenkoff was released from the hospital in a 'coherent state,' a cruise spokesperson said, despite her family's protests that she was 'disoriented' and had trouble seeing The remaining eight passengers trekked nearly 2,000 miles from the remote island to Dakur, first attempting to rejoin the ship in Banjul, the Gambia. However, the ship was unable to dock there due to high tides According to the spokesperson, the eight guests will be reimbursed for their travel costs from the Gambia to Senegal Lenkoff was 'disoriented and had trouble speaking, seeing or moving her left side of her body' when she woke up, according to her daughter. Despite her condition, Lenkoff was released from the hospital 24 hours later and turned onto the streets of an unfamiliar city, leaving family to wonder why they were never contacted. A Norwegian spokesperson claimed the woman was released in a 'coherent state,' adding that the cruise line's protocol is to 'contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent.' Upon landing in California, she was taken to Stanford University Medical Center, where doctors deduced she may have suffered a heart attack in addition to a stroke. Also among the stranded passengers was a man with a heart condition and an expectant mother. A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line told DailyMail.com that the eight remaining guests were provided authorization to rejoin the ship in Senegal on April 2. 'Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjul, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal,' the spokesperson said. The cruise firm reiterated that guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, 'which is communicated broadly over the ships intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.' A 20-year-old prostitute's elderly boyfriend was arrested last week in Brazil for the murder of her pimp. Antonio Pereira, 65, had been on the run since last November when he allegedly had his girlfriend, Ana Silva, lure Glaudencio Santos, 41, to a landfill in Samambaia, an administrative region in Federal District. Federal District Civil Police investigators said that Pereira plotted Santos' death after he discovered that Silva had allegedly been working as a call girl. Santos, who once worked as a prostitute before he went on to work as a pimp, was contacted by Silva and instructed to meet her at the landfill they had visited in the past to perform religious rituals. Ana Silva was arrested March 7 in Federal District, Brazil for luring her pimp to a landfill, where her 65-year-old boyfriend allegedly shot him and then set him on fire Glaudencio Santos initially worked as a prostitute before he moved on and became a pimp Police said that Glaudencio Santos, 41, was lured to a landfill he had visited in the past with one of his call girls, Ana Silva, 20, who met him there before her 65-year-old boyfriend, Antonio Pereira, allegedly tortured him to death in November 2023. Both suspects were arrested last month Santos was allegedly ambushed and tortured by Pereira, who shoved a gun into his mouth as punishment for having Silva perform oral sex on customers, police said. He was then allegedly shot and tied to tires and burned alive. Two dogs, believed to be Santos', were found by police at the scene. The cruel method of torture, known as the 'microwave oven,' was made famous by the Primeiro Comando da Capital, the largest drug gang in the country and all of Latin America. Police launched a manhunt for the suspects in February and captured Silva on March 7. Alleged Brazilian call girl Ana Silva was arrested for the November 2023 murder of her pimp, Glaudencio Santos, who was shot and burned alive by her boyfriend Brazilian pimp Glaudencio Santos was tortured to death at a landfill in Federal District in November 2023 Silva faces up to 30 years in prison for premeditated homicide. Authorities learned Pereira was moving around several cities in the Federal District area and tracked him down to an address in Samambaia last Thursday. Pereira hid in a shack, where he attempted to suicide by stabbing himself in the neck and chest. Cops provided medical assistance on the scene and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Medical professors on Wednesday filed an appeal a day after a Seoul court dismissed their application to suspend the government's much-resisted hike of the nationwide medical school quota. On Tuesday, the Seoul Administrative Court dismissed the request filed by the Medical Professors Association of Korea to suspend the government's execution of the quota hike, saying that medical professors are not eligible as applicants. The court concluded that the medical professors' group does not have a direct or detailed legal interest in the expansion or distribution of medical school seats. According to legal sources, a lawyer representing the association filed an appeal against the latest court decision with the Seoul Administration Court on Wednesday. Tuesday's court decision was the first ruling made on a series of similar applications filed by the doctors' community to suspend the quota hike. (Yonhap) The angry passenger filmed shoving and shouting at a bus driver he accused of not stopping for him in front of his young daughter was unapologetic today and hit back defiantly: 'I'm not apologising - he was in the wrong.' Tyren Gee was caught on camera marching menacingly towards the driver, swearing at him repeatedly before pushing him with both hands. Police have said they are aware of the footage filmed in Dagenham, East London on Saturday in which Mr Gee warned the driver he was 'coming back' for him. The forklift operator today explained that he erupted in fury after the 364 bus failed to stop for him on a hail and ride section of the route. He and his three-year-old daughter who he had taken to the park caught another bus after walking to a nearby stop and he later confronted the driver when he saw him on his break. 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 Mr Gee told MailOnline: 'He'd looked right at me through that giant windscreen of his bus and didn't stop even though I was with my young daughter. 'I was on Reede Road in Dagenham outside the parade of shops, it's part of the hail and ride section of the 364 bus route and it's a wide road with plenty of room to stop. 'But even though I stuck my arm out clearly, he carried on driving. 'I walked with my daughter to a bus stop and caught another bus home but the stop I get off is a rest point for drivers and the one who failed to stop for me earlier was on his break. 'I went over and had a word with him and he was trying to tell me that he hadn't seen me stick my arm out to hail the bus when I know that he did. 'That's what really p****d me off, all he wanted to do was hurry on through the street to get to his rest stop so he could sit on his a***. 'I shouldn't have gone for him like I did, I regret that but I'm not apologising because as far as I'm concerned he was in the wrong. 'I'd taken my daughter out for the day on Saturday to give my partner a break and it had been a nice afternoon, which ended on a sour note.' The clip, posted to X, formerly Twitter, shows the confrontation yards away from where the 364 bus is parked up. Dressed in a leather jacket with a red cap and sunglasses, Mr Gee can initially be heard shouting aggressively at the driver, who tries to argue back that he had not seen him. The man then begins to walk away from the scene but not before he uses more expletives and points aggressively again at the driver But with his confused-looking daughter standing just a few yards behind him, Mr Gee then walks up very close to the busman and 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 and remains silent during the interrogation prompting the irate father to shove him with both hands. The man filming on his phone intervenes and says 'that is assault' and advises the bus driver to 'not do anything' and 'just leave him'. Escaping any further conflict, the bus driver steps down from the ledge, puts his hands in his pockets and stares up at Mr Gee who begins to walk away but stops 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****.' He 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 364 bus runs between Dagenham East and Hainault Street in the centre of Ilford in East London. 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'. A father and son who ran a 4million cocaine and cannabis supply ring from their neighbouring homes have been jailed. Antony Peers, 67, and his 37-year-old son - also called Antony Peers - were jailed last week for their part in a huge drugs conspiracy in the Astley and Tyldesley areas, in Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester Police said the pair had been 'operating the enterprise for years'. They played different roles in the plot while living just doors apart from each other on North Lane in Astley. The younger Peers used the Encrochat handle 'Tubbyfern' to communicate with others and organise the sourcing and supplying of cocaine. Police said that he also operated cannabis farms. The elder Peers also 'played a vital role' in the operation, using a hydraulic press to mix and re-press blocks of cocaine in his garage. Antony Peers (left), 67, and his 37-year-old son - also called Antony Peers (right) - were jailed last week for their part in a huge drugs conspiracy in the Astley and Tyldesley areas, in Greater Manchester Greater Manchester Police said the pair had been 'operating the enterprise for years' A tray of cocaine pictured by police after officers raided five properties and arrested the father and son on March 16 last year Three other men, Ricky Lee, 31, Christopher Gresty, 56, and his son Louis Gresty, 25, all from Salford, were jailed last December for their roles in the drugs ring. The operation was smashed by GMP as part of Operation Venetic, the force's initiative to mine incriminating data obtained by law enforcement from EncroChat's servers in northern France in April 2020. Police said the father and son were 'criminal associates' of Lee and Gresty. On March 16 last year, officers raided five properties and arrested the father and son. They seized drugs, wardrobes full of designer clothes, a Range Rover Evoque, mountain bikes and a Rolex watch and jewellery. A 30-tonne hydraulic press and cannabis growing equipment were also seized. Officers found the Peers' owned several houses on North Lane and in the surrounding area. The pair were sentenced for their role in the conspiracy at Bolton Crown Court last Thursday, March 28. Anthony Peers Snr was locked up for four years and six months. Anthony Peers Jr was jailed for eight years and three months. A proceeds of crime act hearing will take place later in the year. Detective Constable Steven Walker of GMP Challenger Team said: 'We believe these men have been operating this enterprise for years and I am pleased to say that it has now been brought to an end. The sentences today reflect the severity of their crimes and the misery and violence that illegal drugs inflict on our communities. 'We are committed to tackling the illegal drugs trade and rely on information provided by members of the public. If you have information about drug dealing in your area, I urge you to report it to police. 'You can do so via GMP's website (www.gmp.police.uk) or by calling 101. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.' Items seized by Greater Manchester Police officers after they raided the properties on March 16 last year A cash counting machine that was found during the search of the properties run by the Peers The sentencing hearing for Lee, Gresty and Gresty last year heard how the drugs conspiracy was worth an estimated 4million. The court was told how the trio continued to deal drugs in Manchester, Liverpool and Coventry during the first coronavirus lockdown. Lee used his money gains to pay for IVF treatment, holding a 'gender reveal' party during lockdown. In a video seized by police, Lee is even captured counting a pile of cash and saying: 'What d'you reckon that is? Half a day's work?' Ricky Lee used EncroChat handles 'scarygate' and 'shockingstar' to communicate with others and organise the wholesale acquisition and supply of cocaine and cannabis across Manchester, Liverpool and even Coventry, a court heard. His 'trusted associate' Christopher Gresty kept drugs, debt lists, scales, and bags at his flat in Eccles, the hub of the drug dealing operation. Gresty's son, Louis, dealt cocaine and cannabis at street level while the younger man's account took payments for drugs by bank transfer. Lee, of Swinton, was jailed for 14 years after he admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis and conspiracy to launder money at Manchester Crown Court. Christopher Gresty, of Eccles, was sentenced to eleven years in prison. He admitted the same offences. Louis Gresty, of Salford, was jailed for three years after he admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine, money laundering, and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer slammed former President Donald Trump after he claimed he spoke with the family of Ruby Garcia, a 25-year-old Grand Rapids woman who was murdered. Her family said that never happened. In an interview with CNN, the Michigan governor blasted the ex-president for using the grieving family to 'score political points' during his swing through the battleground state on Tuesday for an event focused on immigration and the border. 'He was capitalizing on a horrible tragedy that happened,' Whitmer said Tuesday night. 'There is a family that is grieving the loss of Ruby Garcia, and she was a real person, with a real story, and its a horrible story that happened.' Garcia was a young woman shot and killed in Grand Rapids on March 22. Her body was dumped on the side of the road. Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 25, is charged with her murder. Police said he and Garcia were dating. Ortiz-Vite was in the country illegally according to immigration officials and had been deported in 2020 but at some point re-entered the country illegally. Former President Trump speaking during a campaign event in Grand Rapids, MI where he discussed the brutal killing of Ruby Garcia and claimed he spoke with 'some' of her family 25-year-old Ruby Garcia's body was found with gunshot wounds on the side of US-131 in Grand Rapids last month. During his Grand Rapids visit, Trump mentioned Garcia's 'heinous killing' multiple times and slammed the Biden administration for her alleged killer being able to return to the U.S. after he was deported. 'Ruby Garcia was shot multiple times with an illegally obtained handgun. Her body was dumped on the side of a highway left to die,' Trump said. 'Now, Ruby's loved ones and community are left grieving for this incredible young woman, remembering what they called her. They said she had just this most contagious laughter and when she walked into a room she lit up that room,' he said. 'I heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family,' he added. But Ruby Garcia's sister, Mavi Garcia, who has been serving as a spokesperson for the family, said the ex-president and his campaign did not contact her or anyone in her immediate family. Mavi Garcia, sister of Ruby, told Target 8 resolutely: 'He did not speak with any of us' 'He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV,' Mavi Garcia told Target 8 after the event. DailyMail.com asked Trump's campaign to clarify who the ex-president spoke with from the family as he claimed. Whitmer slammed the former president for coming to her state to 'perpetrate the continued storyline that he had done everything to keep us safe, which is baloney.' Gov. Gretchen Whitmer slammed Trump on immigration after his swing through the battleground state on Tuesday and accused him to trying to 'score political points' off a grieving family Whitmer said while Trump was president, he called her to ask that Michigan send the National Guard to help with surveillance at the southern border. 'We helped him out because he couldn't get it done,' Whitmer said. She went on to blast him for helping tank the recent bipartisan border deal in Congress. 'I cannot abide when someone comes in and just tries to score political points off of someone else's pain and perpetuates a problem instead of actually trying to solve it,' she said. During his Grand Rapids 'Biden's Border Bloodbath' visit, Trump also took aim at Whitmer, hitting her sarcastically as a 'real beauty.' He criticized her as a 'terrible governor' and claimed the streets of Michigan are 'bad.' Whitmer's response: 'it's baloney, and everyone in Michigan knows that.' A North Carolina city has approved $300,000 for a reparations consultant with a record in online posts about 'White accommodation' and how her neighbors 'celebrate and romanticize segregation.' High Point City Council on Tuesday greenlighted $292,460 for Lea Henry and her team at the National Institute of Minority Economic Development, to lead its reparations efforts. At least two councillors have queried the large sum but there are few signs that members are aware of the hard-line views that Henry, a Harvard University graduate, posts on social media. On Facebook, Henry has slammed her North Carolina neighbors for 'celebrating segregation' and railed against 'White accommodation', a term critical race theory (CRT) advocates use to describe a type of black oppression. Harvard graduate Lea Henry, 52, rails on social media about her neighbors 'celebrating segregation' High Point City Council approved $292,460 for Lea Henry and her reperations team Whether taxes should fund cash payouts and other schemes for the descendants of slaves is a hot-button issue in America's culture wars. For critics of them, reparations consultants are a drain on much-needed resources. Henry's posts raise questions about whether she's the right woman for the job. Poll Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes No Not sure Do you support a federal reparation policy directed at the descendants of slaves? Yes 559 votes No 17654 votes Not sure 172 votes Now share your opinion In one, she refers to an online group for former and current residents of her own North Carolina city, Rocky Mount, to share nostalgic photos of yesteryear. 'People comment about how wonderful those times and those places were and everyone in the pictures is white,' she posted in September. 'Do they not see that they are celebrating and romanticizing segregation?' Those who commented positively on the photos were delivering a 'gut punch' to the blacks who were 'legally excluded' at the time, she said. The comments were a 'reminder about Jim Crow, and the reminder that people who lived and enjoyed it are alive and kicking and still using social media,' added Henry, 52. Henry says Hollywood's offerings for black audiences are full of 'self-hate, self-parody, and White accommodation' High Point taxpayers may read Henry's Facebook posts and question whether she's the right woman for the job In another post, she complains of the previews screened at a movie theater before the main feature, the Color Purple, a musical about racism in Georgia in the early 1900s. Councilman Tim Andrew said the reparations work plan needed to be clearer She described 'movies with Black casts that look like the worst self-hate, self-parody, and White accommodation.' 'I was p****d before the movie even started,' she posted in December. Henry, an expert in affordable housing and getting black people on the property ladder, has already worked for the city of 115,000 people as it produced its One High Point Commission report. The 245-page document was released last year, and called for policy changes to address the city's deep-rooted racism and legacy of slavery. It aims to help African Americans by improving schools and transport in black neighborhoods and making it easier to get a mortgage. Henry's new, 30-month project involves advising the city on which of those proposals should get turned into action. Councilwoman Monica Peters said Henry's advice would help High Point by increasing 'our tax base to help alleviate the cycle of poverty,' according to the High Point Enterprise. Last year's One High Point Commission report looked at the city's legacy of slavery Other council members were not convinced. Member Britt Moore called the project an overspend Councilman Tim Andrew said Henry's work plan was not clear, while member Britt Moore warned of overspending. Supporters of reparations say it's time for America to repay blacks for the injustices of the historic Transatlantic slave trade, Jim Crow segregation and inequalities that persist to this day. From there, it gets tricky. There is no agreed framework for what a scheme would look like. Ideas range from cash payouts to scholarships, land giveaways, business startup loans, housing grants, or statues and street names. Critics say that payouts to selected black people will inevitably stoke divisions between winners and losers, and raise questions about why American Indians and others don't get their own handouts. While popular among black Americans, other groups who would foot the tax bill are less keen. Has Meghan 'me first' Markle misfired? The 'American Riviera Orchard' launch is morphing into a massive headache for Princess Neverwas. As frenzied fascination bubbled around the MIA Princess of Wales last month, Meghan unveiled her gleaming, greige lifestyle brand. Some suggested the Duchess was callously piggybacking off so-called Kategate to flog her new jams, spreads and silly bits. Others said they couldn't believe she was so carelessly cooking in a white top with no apron in that cringingly spewtastic promo vid. Either way, the timing felt like something of a snub to the Waleses. Scurrilous Stateside rumors about the health of their marriage were swirling to boiling point. Dirty duo Andy Cohen and Stephen Colbert were popping gags at Kate's expense. And the proximity of Meg's Insta unveiling felt a little too close for Californian comfort as Prince William stepped out on stage in London just hours later, at an awards ceremony honoring his late mother. Ouch! Of course, the brand itself is a shameless royal masquerade. (See Meghan, Duchess Defector, decked out in floor-length ballgown, and the phony-baloney gold embroidered logo.) Has Meghan 'me first' Markle misfired? The 'American Riviera Orchard' launch is morphing into a massive headache for Princess Neverwas. As frenzied fascination bubbled around the MIA Princess of Wales last month, Meghan unveiled her gleaming, greige lifestyle brand. Perhaps, with the gossip gremlins working overtime to blow hot air about stricken Kate, Meghan couldn't pass up a chance to rub up against the royal fairy dust. After all, loose Windsor association and looser lips are the only things keeping her relevant. Spotify and the harsh Hollywood desert are hardly plumping her up Mount Olympus. And so, cloaked in sepia and Montecito musk, she's promising scents and serums, dog beds, doolies and napkin rings galore. Or is she? You see, now that we know the devastating truth about Kate's cancer diagnosis, this Martha Stewart misadventure is looking a bit Harry ham-fisted. Even Meghan, never afraid to stick her LA oar where it's not wanted, must surely know that any product releases of balsamic fig dip or grievance-scented smelling sticks would now leave her looking like a veritably unsympathetic Viscountess of Venom. Might the entire homewares project, the Tig 2.0 and a promised Netflix cook show have to wither on the orchard vine? The scriptwriters at South Park will certainly hope so. It strikes me Meghan's in a situation stickier than huckleberry jelly but really, she only has herself to blame. Though Kate's cancer was still secret at the time of the brand launch, Meghan well knew like the rest of us that the 42-year-old mom of three was convalescing following abdominal surgery. Something rather serious was clearly amiss. She'll need her vegan-leather hiking boots to weasel out of this one. But our Meghan is nothing if not a transformer. There's always the re-re-re-launch. Sex and the Snowflakes The full monty of 'Sex and the City' episodes are now on Netflix, meaning millions of Gen-Z first-timers will be inducted into the wonderful world of phallic brunch talk and Manolo magnificence. The snowflakes better pack smelling salts in their Pradas. Whether it's Samantha's slurs about a trans prostitute, Charlotte forcing a boyfriend into circumcision, Miranda's interracial fantasies, or Carrie's disgust at a lover's bisexuality, these pre-MeToo gems explode like politically incorrect confetti cannons. Brace for the Twitter tantrum! The full monty of 'Sex and the City' episodes are now on Netflix, meaning millions of Gen-Z first-timers will be inducted into the wonderful world of phallic brunch talk and Manolo magnificence. Floridian Inferno Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's new six-week abortion ban might come back to bite the GOP in their adult diapers. The Sunshine State's Supreme Court handed Sleepy Joe a double shot in the arm this week by ratifying the aggressive new law while simultaneously giving the go ahead for Dems to put the issue back on the ballot in November, just in time for the general election. Abortion rights largely won the 2022 midterms for this administration. And now, with one-note Kamala already mounting the pro-choice bandwagon at every turn, you can bet Biden will fan the Florida flames to reignite his dreadful poll numbers. Barbie barb Shakira won't be riding in a Pepto Bismol pink tour bus anytime soon. The Latina crooner known for her painfully honest hips has bravely come out against the universally beloved Barbie movie because it made her young sons feel 'emasculated'. She's right: Greta Gerwig's feminist shlock-a-thon steamrolled every man's pride to prove the fairer sex is best. But really this 4th quarter review is a little too obvious, much too late. What next, is she going to tell us Squid Game was quite violent and Al Gore really won Florida? The Latina crooner - known for her painfully honest hips - has bravely come out against the universally beloved Barbie movie because it made her young sons feel 'emasculated'. Haughty Hillary The People's Pantsuit is at it again. Hillary Clinton fumbled with her special brand of nauseating straight-talk on Monday, telling fence-sitting voters who are worried about Biden's advancing age to 'get over yourself' and vote for him anyway! 'I don't understand why this is even a hard choice [between Trump and Biden],' she said to talk show host Jimmy Fallon. She made similar comments early last month. It's this kind of electorate-alienating hobsnobbery that saw her humiliated in 2016. Beyonce's bum note Whisper it but Beyonce's new country album is fine. For all the frenzied talk of a genre-defying paradigm shift, 'Cowboy Carter' left me saddle sore in all the wrong places. Pompous promises of collabs with legends Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton both turned out to be throwaway interludes. Re-written 'Jolene' was better when Miley Cyrus covered it. 'Texas Hold 'Em' grates after the 14th spin. And '16 Carriages' sounds like the soundtrack on my daughter's favorite Disney movie. 'Protector' might contain an oh-so-sweet snippet of Queen Bey's 6-year-old Rumi asking mommy for a lullaby, but this lackluster album is enough to put me to sleep. Whisper it but Beyonce's new country album is fine. For all the frenzied talk of a genre-defying paradigm shift, 'Cowboy Carter' left me saddle sore in all the wrong places. With friends like these... Golden couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis rusted their reputation with retch-inducing public support for fellow Scientologist and bearded rapist Danny Masterson last fall. Karma's a Kunis because Kutcher the Career Butcher is now staring down another sordid scandal. While there's no suggestion of any wrongdoing on his part, sources say Kutcher fears his double-decade bromance with rapper and accused sex-trafficker Diddy could land him a subpoena. 'Mila will not let Ashton be in any sort of contact [with Diddy],' an insider told DailyMail.com. One more ruinous ruction Chez Kutcher, and his 'Black Swan' actress wife might fly the coop. The body of the fourth wife of killer Drew Peterson has been found at the bottom of an Illinois canal, according to her sister. Stacy Peterson, the 23-year-old fourth wife of the infamous cop-turned killer, went missing in 2007, and her body has never been found. Drew Peterson, who is serving 38 years for the murder of his third wife, was never charged in her disappearance but always remained the main suspect. The now-70-year-old killer was 49 when she went missing. Speaking to NewsNation's Senior National Correspondent Brian Entin on Banfield, Stacy's sister Cassandra Cales now claims she has located her body in a in a canal in Lockport, 35 miles outside Chicago, sharing underwater footage of the alleged remains with NewsNation. Cale claims she has shared her information with local police and the FBI, but police did an insufficient search of the canal. 'They were floating on top of the water the whole time,' she said. 'And when I was there they didn't even talk to me and treated me like a criminal, and at the end they told me the area is cleared.' Stacy Peterson was 23 when she went missing in 2007, and her body has never been found Stacy's sister Cassandra Cales now claims she has located her body in a in a canal in Lockport, 35 miles outside Chicago, sharing underwater footage of the alleged remain Drew Peterson, who is serving 38 years for the murder of his third wife, was never charged in her disappearance but always remained the main suspect 'Its somebody,' Cales said, adding that she's collecting funds to recover the remains. 'Whether its my sister or not, they need to be brought home.' DailyMail.com has reached out to the Bolingbrook police department and Illinois state police for comment on Cales' claims. Peterson, a former Bolingbrook Police officer, was sentenced to 38 years in prison for the 2004 murder of f his third wife Kathleen Savio in 2013. He and Savio were divorced when her body was found in a bathtub; her death was initially ruled an accident but police reopened the case after Stacy went missing. Peterson was also convicted in 2016 of plotting to kill the prosecutor who convicted him and sentenced to an additional 40 years in prison. When previously asked about Stacy's disappearance, Peterson has said he doesn't know what happened to her, and claimed she probably went off the radar on her own. He claimed: 'Her mother did the same thing and disappeared like that. Stacy always loved and admired her mother. So, if Stacy did what her mother did. I could believe that all day long.' In 1998, Stacy's mother, Christie Marie Cales, was last seen strolling a street at 4.30pm in the Chicago suburb of Blue Island before going missing. Cales said she used sonar technology that uncovered an 'upside-down' human skull with two eye sockets Stacy and Peterson began dating when Stacy was only a teenager, something Savio (pictured with Peterson) found out about after receiving an anonymous letter in the mail in 2001. Her boyfriend told authorities that Cales had left and never returned but Stacy's surviving siblings insist she was murdered. In an interview with Ashleigh Banfield, Peterson also talked about Savio and described her as 'boisterous and combative.' 'Kathy, my third wife, shed fight at the snap of a finger, shed just want to argue all the time. She was a very, what's the word? Well, she was very Italian. She was very boisterous, very combative. It had to be her way or no way. And I didn't really put up with that,' the murderer said. When questioned why he won't confess to his crimes, Peterson said he did not want his 'children to think he killed their mothers'. The pair began dating when Stacy was only a teenager, something Savio found out about after receiving an anonymous letter in the mail in 2001. 'She called me and she said, 'I got a letter, and it said he was having an affair, and she was a laughingstock,' Sue Doman, Savio's sister, told Dateline. 'The thing that really stood out with Kathleen was that [Stacy] was a baby. She said, 'I don't understand why he would do this.'' Savio wanted a divorce following the revelation and demanded half the investment in the house and half of Peterson's pension. Peterson's fourth wife Stacy Peterson (left) disappeared in 2007, four years after his third wife Kathleen Savio, (right) was found dead in a bathtub Savio's body was exhumed and later ruled a homicide Peterson is due for parole in 2047 at age 93 During his trial, prosecutors claimed Peterson killed Savio because he feared their pending divorce settlement would wipe him out financially. When Savio, 40, was found dead, she had a two-inch gash to the back of her head and the tub she was in was dry. But police at the time deemed her death an accident, believing she had slipped and fallen. After Stacy disappeared, authorities became increasingly suspicious of Peterson. Savio's body was exhumed and her death was reclassified as a homicide. Peterson was arrested in May 2009. A friend testified that Savio told her Peterson once pointed a knife at her and said 'I could kill you and make it look like an accident.' A former co-worker of Peterson's claimed that the cop had offered him $25,000 to hire a hitman to kill Savio, although he had never followed through. Peterson is due for parole in 2047 at age 93. This is the heartstopping moment several diners cheated death after a Mercedes driver rammed his car into a restaurant in the heart of Delhi. CCTV footage taken from inside Fateh Ki Kachori, a shop on Dehli's Rajpur Road, showed a white Mercedes Benz smashing into the packed restaurant. At least five people were injured in the crash, and were taken to nearby Tirth Ram Hospital. The Times of India reported that some of them suffered severe fractures. Diners were seen turning to face the speeding car moments before it crashed through the front of the shop. Glass and food were flung across the establishment as the car knocked several people down. CCTV footage taken from inside Fateh Ki Kachori, a shop on Dehli's Rajpur Road, showed a white Mercedes Benz smashing into the packed restaurant The interior of the restaurant is seen the moment the car ploughed through the front wall The car is seen smashing into the restaurant, sending diners and staff flying. A person in black is seen on the bonnet of the car and was briefly pinned against the wall, but miraculously appeared to walk away from the shocking crash The car can then be seen slowly reversing out of the restaurant as people check under the vehicle for anyone who might be trapped At least five people were injured in the crash, and were taken to nearby Tirth Ram Hospital The car can then be seen slowly reversing out of the restaurant, known for serving kachori, a deep fried snack popular in India. As it makes its way out, a concerned diner can be seen urging the driver, who has since been identified as 36-year-old lawyer Parag Maini, to stop in case there were people trapped under the car. After making sure that no one is underneath the car, the driver slowly pulls further out of the shop, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Diners were seen hugging each other and making sure that everyone was safe. One man needed to be carried out by two others, after taking the brunt of the collision. Delhi's deputy commissioner of police Manoj Meena told local media that cops found the Mercedes in damaged condition. It was also reported that Maini's wife was also in the car at the time of the crash. He added that charges of negligent driving and negligently endangering human life were lodged against Maini, who reportedly lives in nearby Noida, and that his car was seized. A preliminary investigation revealed that he was not under the influence of alcohol, though his blood sample was kept on file for 'analysis.' Senators plan to hold President Biden accountable on his administration's federal telework policies after scathing reports show most government agency headquarters are mostly empty. The bipartisan bill will require federal agencies to publicly share their telework policies and better track employees working from home. It will require audits and performance reviews of of remote workers as well. Senators say the bill will also crack down on locality pay - compensation based on a worker's location within the U.S. - to make sure it's not being abused. The bill comes after a bombshell report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that no federal agency had over 50 percent occupancy between January and March 2023. That's a staggering statistic when considering how federal agencies spend about $2 billion annually to operate and maintain federal office buildings - and over $5 billion yearly in leases. Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Gary Peters, D-Mich., introduced the Telework Transparency Act of 2024 on Wednesday. 'For too long, Americans have been on hold while bureaucrats phone it in,' Ernst said in a statement to DailyMail.com in announcing the bill. Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Gary Peters, D-Mich., introduced the telework transparency bill to better track federal remote worker data in and to better inform decisions on how they spend taxpayer dollars Ernst previously revealed in Decemver that not a single federal agency had over 50 percent office space utilization between January and March 2023 'Since temporary telework policies went into effect over four years ago, the remote lifestyle comes at the expense of the people federal agencies are meant to serve.' 'My bipartisan bill will provide full transparency into the inefficiencies of telework, so taxpayers are no longer on the hook for expensive wasted space at federal headquarters and misspent locality pay.' The lawmakers say the bill will create more accountability for federal agencies and could end up saving taxpayers billions. If passed, it would require periodic audits for federal agencies to understand if employees are working from the locality they are supposed to. Wages can often differ vastly on locality pay. For example individuals working in St. Louis would get a much smaller locality allocation for those living in the San Francisco Bay Area, where costs are generally higher. It would also create new standards to monitor teleworkers effectiveness, 'including customer service, backlogs and wait times, cost to operations, security, management of property, technology investments, and recruitment and retention,' according to the release. Some agencies, though, are worse than others when it comes to working from home. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Social Security Administration and the Small Business Administration (SBA) all had 10 percent utilization or less. And more lawmakers are taking notice. Committee on Small Business Chair Roger Williams, R-Texas, wrote a letter to SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman recently demanding answers for why the office 'is operating at a mere 10 percent capacity.' The Small Business Administration headquarters is operating at 10 percent of capacity as many federal workers enjoy lavish telework policies 'The SBA is tasked with one purpose to help Main Street,' Williams said. 'Its difficult to do that effectively when youre working from home and are more focused on making sure your laundry is washed and folded rather than ensuring the needs of our entrepreneurs are met.' The Republican expressed concern over the agency's request for $42 million allocation for rent despite the headquarters being void of employees. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Piskor denied any wrongdoing and appeared to name his accuser saying: 'I'm so sorry for being so stupid. I definitely should never have talked with Molly D' Piskor denied any wrongdoing and appeared to name his accuser saying: 'I'm so sorry for being so stupid. I definitely should never have talked with Molly D' The comic book artist, known for his work on Marvel's X-Men: Grand Design, and Hip Hop Family Tree, had recently been accused of 'grooming' a 17-year-old girl Ed Piskor, 41, died on Monday after sharing a 2,497-word farewell on Facebook claiming he was driven to his death by 'Internet bullies' and cancel culture A cult cartoonist who worked for Marvel Comics has died after penning a heartbreaking letter on social media saying he was 'murdered' by online trolls. Award-winning comic book artist Ed Piskor, who gained a massive following for his graphic novels and work on Marvel's X-Men: Grand Design, died on Monday at the age of 41, his family confirmed. A cause of death was not given, however, hours earlier the Pennsylvania native took to Facebook to share what appears to be a suicide note, condemning internet bullies and cancel culture in a 2,497-word farewell. The tragic post came days after allegations that Piskor had sent sexual messages to a 17-year-old girl swept the internet, and saw him lose a $75,000 webcomic deal, while his upcoming art exhibition at Pittsburgh Cultural Trust was postponed. Defiant Piskor, 41, denied anything sinister had happened, slammed his internet accusers and said they had his death on their hands. 'I was murdered by Internet bullies. Massive amounts of them,' he wrote in his final paragraphs. Comic book artist Ed Piskor, 41, died on Monday of an apparent suicide, a week after he was accused of 'grooming' a 17-year-old girl Piskor was known for his historical comics, Hip Hop Family Tree, and his work on X-Men: Grand Design Hours before his family confirmed his passing, Piskor shared an anguished letter on Facebook bidding farewell and blaming Internet bullies for his death 'Some of you out there absolutely contributed to my death as you were entertaining yourself with gossip. 'I wasn't AI. I was a real human being. You chipped little bits of my self-esteem away all week until I was vaporized. 'Maybe I'll be able to haunt you dorks as a ghost. I come from Gypsy heritage and I'm definitely cursing a lot of you. 'This is the calmest I've felt all week. It's over for me. I'm sorry for the hurt it'll cause my family and closest buds. 'I hope it makes people think twice when joining an internet feeding frenzy. There you have it. Control freak 'til the last. Peace out,' he concluded. The April 1 message sparked a frenzy of friends posting on his timeline, some saying they were heading to his house in Homestead, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. None confirmed he had been found dead. But shortly afterwards, Piskor's sister Justine Cleaves confirmed the tragic news on Facebook saying: 'It is with the most broken heart that I share my big brother, Ed, has passed away today. Please keep our family in your prayers as this is the hardest thing we've ever had to go through.' DailyMail.com reached out to his parents, who asked that their privacy be respected at this tragic time. Piskor's accuser, also a cartoonist, claimed online that she was being groomed by Piskor during Covid in 2020 when she was 17. She shared one message she alleged was from him that said, 'Naughty girl! That's my favorite', in a comment on her own work. He also allegedly wrote: 'I feel like you'd be a good partner in crime. You're not a snitch are you? If we robbed some banks you wouldn't rat me out would you?' After the girl made the claims, other accusers came forward online. Piskor's family confirmed his death in a Facebook post shared hours after he published his heartbreaking letter but did not reveal how he died Piskor began his letter by apologizing for 'being so stupid', but maintaining his innocence The cartoonist went on to say that he has 'no friends in this life any longer' and is a 'disappointment to everybody who liked me' Piskor, was best known for his Marvel work, his graphic novels such as Hip-Hop Family Tree and also being the co-host of successful YouTube commentary channel Cartoonist Kayfabe with comic book creator Jim Rugg. He also developed horror comic Red Room, a series of stories ironically focusing on the worst characters online and subtitled The Antisocial Network. But after the allegations surfaced, Kayfabe co-host Rugg posted on Instagram that he had ended his working relationship with his colleague. Piskor's family have not revealed how he died. Allegheny Medical Examiner's Office, which covers Pittsburgh, told DailyMail.com it did not have a record of his death in the county. The comic creator began his suicide note by proclaiming his innocence and cryptically naming his accuser, writing: 'I'm so sorry for being so stupid. I definitely should never have talked with Molly D. 'The language and optics look real dumb at best but I promise my innocence. Especially out of context it looks terrible. It was the height of Covid with no end in sight and I was alone through most of it. 'I was just happy to have the internet to talk to people with common interests. The way that I noticed her was when she would like a bunch of my picture at once.' He admitted: I definitely shouldn't have chatted with her when I found out how young she was. 'Curiosity killed the cartoonist. There was no way I'd have a 17 yr old stay at my place. Maybe not 18 even. 'I was forward projecting to some unknown future where Covid lockdowns were finished and we could see people again. Defiant Piskor - pictured with a fan at a comic book convention - denied anything sinister had happened, slammed his internet accusers and said they had his death on their hands The comic book artist was known for his work on Marvel's X-Men: Grand Design, and Hip Hop Family Tree 'And it wasn't even with sex in mind but simply saying that there's a bed here to crash like the kindness that was given to me a bunch of times when I was starting out. 'When I asked if she could keep a secret it was because I was sharing some Red Room pages before announcing the book and was just trying to sound cool. 'Tone is missing. When I said 'naughty girl' it was sarcastic after she told me some simple crime or infraction she committed. 'The whole pile of my dms (direct messages) she collected to show is just awful to look at. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to offer professional favors to anybody or use my 'position' (what a joke) to get into anyone's pants it was just common ground conversation.' Piskor's anguished missive also takes aim at a journalist on a local media outlet who reported on the messages, saying 'you know what you did to skew your narrative'. He then referred to another accuser he named as Molly Wright, who reportedly claims he asked for oral sex in exchange for his agent's contact details. Piskor admitted in his note that they had sex twice. 'Molly Wright is a conundrum to me and her actions border criminal,' he wrote. 'He said/she said never looks good but none of what she said happened and I can't believe she'd be so malicious and pile on like this. 'Now that I'm officially checked out I think my family has a civil lawsuit and she should be held accountable. She pushed this over the edge into 'multiple women' territory. It's so corny. 'I absolutely never asked for a b***job in trade for anything ever. She successfully made me look stupid and everybody accepted her word as fact. 'Citizens of the internet are playing such dangerous games with people's lives. I never had anyone lined up for an open relationship with her. 'I never was interested in a relationship with her. We had sex twice and she initiated both times. He continued: 'The first time was a surprise. When we were done watching a movie or just hanging out (I don't exactly remember the circumstances 4 years ago) she jumped on me and started kissing me, telling me how comfy I made her feel. 'We quit hanging out during Covid lockdown but kept in touch here and there and I thought things ended naturally. 'My house was burning and she threw gasoline on it. I'm dead. I don't have a reason to lie. Hold Molly Wright accountable, please.' Piskor described himself as a tormented 'solitary guy' who 'put every ounce of my time and life into my work for around the past 20 years. 'I never felt satisfied with my skill so I constantly worked really hard and tied it all to my identity and self-worth. Every waking moment was spent working,' he added. He said social media was his way of meeting people and he started a three year relationship at the end of Covid with 'someone who taught me true love'. Piskor continued: 'Now it's all gone. Art show evaporated. Was about to sign a $75k deal for Switchblade Shorties with Abrams, Cartoonist Kayfabe ends with Jimmy's 'shocking revelations' statement (those words hurt). 'I have no friends in this life any longer. I'm a disappointment to everybody who liked me. I'm a pariah. 'Some good people reached out and tried to help me through this whole thing but I'm just not strong enough. 'The instinctual part of my brain knows that I'm no longer part of the tribe. I'm exiled and banished. 'I'm giving into my instincts and fighting them at the same time. Self-preservation has lost out I knew I wasn't going to be able to survive this.' He reflected on the consequences of taking his life saying: 'Maybe it will get a couple more people to consider not joining online lynch mobs over gossip?' Piskor directly named people who he said had got their 'pound of flesh' and he claimed that the morning after Molly D posted her 'screencaps' he put together his will and had it notarized 'on Sunday', March 31. 'How's that for efficiency?' The cartoonist revealed he had lost a $75,000 webcomic deal as a result of the allegations against him The anguished artist explained he felt ostracized by the claims saying: 'I have no friends in this life any longer. I'm a disappointment to everybody who liked me. I'm a pariah' The tortured artist apologized to his family, telling his parents Ed Sr, 74, and Diane, 64, to use the will to move into a home without too many stairs: 'Leave whatever you don't use the rest of your lives to my siblings.' He added poignantly: 'Daddy hit me up this morning and wanted me to come home but it's just too far gone. It was great hearing your voice today also, mama.' Piskor went into detailed instructions about his intellectual property and how to ensure it created an income for his family. He also asked Rugg to keep Cartoonist Kayfabe running 'and share half the loot with my family each year'. And then he got round to his death, although didn't say where and when it would happen. His chilling instructions were: 'My phone is fully charged and it's on so I'm sure it can be pinged and tracked by first responders. 'I have a battery pack case so the phone should be on for a few hours at the very least. My phone number: 412-915-4501, license plate: JFA8859. I'm wearing a black hoodie. Maybe a black peacoat, black dickies, terrex continental boots.' Of his home, he said to his parents: 'Keep the house. It's not too shabby and will bring in a trickle of income each month.' Beginning his conclusion, Piskor referenced George Orwell's novel 1984, where a totalitarian regime manipulates people into believing anything. 'Once again, I'm guilty of being stupid,' he wrote. 'No doubt. But, that's all. I never thought in a million years that I'd take this step but I also never in a million years thought that something so Orwellian would ever happen to me. 'Ya never know in this life.' X-rated photos have been sent as part of 'spear phishing' attacks on a senior Labour MP, parliamentary staff and a political jounalist, it has emerged. Six unnamed men are claimed to have been targeted with 'alluring' messages and explicit images via WhatsApp as part of an apparent bid to gain compromising information. Experts claimed those behind the alleged attacks were probably looking to obtain indecent images of victims in order to blackmail them. People working at Westminster have been warned to 'trust your own instincts' and report any messages that might cause concern. The latest security alert at Parliament comes a week after the UK accused China of being behind 'malicious' cyber campaigns against MPs and the elections watchdog. People working at Westminster have been warned to 'trust your own instincts' and report any messages that might cause concern The Politico website reported that the senior Labour MP, four parliamentary staff and the political journalist all received unsolicited WhatsApp messages The Politico website reported that the senior Labour MP, four parliamentary staff and the political journalist all received unsolicited WhatsApp messages. These came from two suspicious mobile phone numbers between October 2023 and February this year and were sent by users calling themselves 'Abi' or 'Charlie'. The messages are said to have contained personalised references to the victims' appearances at political events and Westminster drinking spots - including Parliament's Woolsack bar. Explicit photos were also sent in several cases, with at least one victim having reciprocated. The person sending messages was revealed to have referred to themselves as a man called 'Charlie' when contacting two gay men, or a woman when contacting two straight men. A seventh unnamed man, a Tory MP, has reported similarly worded messages to the police, the website claimed - but added it had not spoken to the MP directly. According to Politico, one Labour Party staff member was contacted by 'Charlotte', who told him: 'Long time no speak! How're you? Still single?' 'Charlotte' soon sent several explicit images, to which the man reciprocated. But when he asked if she wanted to meet, she replied to say she was busy playing netball. 'If you're lucky, I'll slip you a picture of me in my gym shorts x,' she added. When the man tried to call the phone number several times, 'Charlotte' did not pick up - nor did they provide an Instagram account when he asked for it. 'Charlotte' also did not meet at a pub despite agreeing to do so. The man said: 'It was very convincing, there was so much specific information and the way they were texting was just so believable for a woman in their 20s. 'I've been pretty shook up, anxious and worried about what could happen, and just embarrassed that I fell for it. 'This sounds so obvious now, but don't send pictures to someone you don't know and trust particularly if you're in a politically exposed position, like working for an MP. 'If the conversation escalates to sexting quickly, that's definitely a red flag.' Dominik Wojtczak, head of the cybersecurity institute at the University of Liverpool, told Politico he believed the messages were part of a 'spear phishing attack'. Such attacks target a specific individual or group of individuals in order to try and trick them into divulging sensitive information, or gather compromising material. 'The purpose is most likely to simply obtain indecent images of the victims and then blackmail them,' Mr Wojtczak added. Ciaran Martin, the former chief executive of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, said: 'Malicious actors, including nation states, have a history of using digital messaging to try to cultivate relationships with people they think have political influence. 'Some of this activity is high quality and convincing. Some of it can be spotted a mile away. 'The key message is that anyone working in Westminster can expect stuff like this... trust your own instincts, don't respond, and report it if you're concerned.' A Parliamentary spokesperson said: 'Parliament takes cyber security extremely seriously. 'We provide Members and staff with tailored advice, making them aware of cyber risks and how to manage their digital safety - including on any personal devices and accounts. 'We would encourage any passholders who have concerns to contact the Parliamentary Security Department.' Only 4.3 percent of intern doctors have enrolled for internship training for this year, the health ministry said Wednesday, which is expected to leave a significant gap in the pipeline for new doctors over the next four or five years. Out of the 3,068 new doctors slated to begin internships this year, only 131 have registered with the Council for Graduate Medical Training by the registration deadline on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The rest, 2,937 doctors, are not eligible for internship training in the first half of this year, the ministry added. Internship training is a critical step in the medical education system of Korea, requiring the completion of a one-year internship followed by a four-year residency in a specialty to become a medical specialist. The low enrollment rate for internships raises concerns about the stability of the medical education system, which relies on a consistent influx of interns and resident doctors each year. The shortage of interns will inevitably lead to a deficit in resident doctors and specialists, with ramifications expected to persist for the next several years. The government is also concerned about potential interruptions in the supply of interns, residents and specialists. "There are concerns about the future situation (such as disruptions in the supply of specialists)," said Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo. "The government will further examine whether there are other ways to deal with this." About 12,000 interns and resident doctors have been on strike in the form of mass resignations since Feb. 20 to protest against the proposed increase in the number of medical students. The weekslong walkout has led to the cancellation or postponement of surgeries and other public health services at major hospitals. Medical professors, who have filled the vacancies of striking junior doctors at major hospitals for weeks, also submitted resignations and began cutting their working hours Monday to cope with growing fatigue. (Yonhap) Top Oversight Republican James Comer said President Biden has not responded to an invite to testify on Capitol Hill and said the White House spend every second trying to 'attack' and 'discredit' him. 'We have not heard back from President Biden. But the White House is spending, every second of their free time trying to attack me,' Comer said on Fox News on Wednesday. They 'do everything they can to discredit the investigation and to intimidate,' he added. Comer, R-Ky., insisted his investigation has 'proven the crimes' - even as he refuses to commit to holding a vote to impeach the president. 'We need to hear from Joe Biden because we're at the point now to where we're, what I call trying to now provide accountability. We've proven the crimes,' he told Fox. 'Now it's time to hold people accountable for the crimes.' Top Oversight Republican James Comer said President Biden has not responded to an invite to testify on Capitol Hill and said the White House spend every second trying to 'attack' and 'discredit' him Last month Comer sent a fundraising email suggesting he would send criminal referrals to the Department of Justice instead of impeaching the president. 'What do you think they would do if we impeached Biden? It's clear that Democrats will choose their party over their country and the truth at every turn. They should be ashamed of themselves,' Comer wrote. 'That's why I am preparing criminal referrals as the culmination of my investigation.' Those referrals will likely be ignored by the Department of Justice (DOJ), but 'when President Trump returns to the White House, it's critical the new leadership at the DOJ have everything they need to prosecute the Biden Crime Family and deliver swift justice,' Comer wrote. The invitation to testify came after Republicans exhaustively scoured the president and his family's bank accounts to find evidence of his wrongdoing. The saga has included testimonies from the president's son, Hunter Biden, and his brother, James Biden, among others, and Republicans see the president's potential testimony as the crown jewel of their probe. But it was all but certain the president would decline Comer's offer. He would likely opt to not have a potentially embarrassing made-for-TV-moment that could lend credibility to the GOP's efforts. The impeachment saga has included testimonies from the president's son, Hunter Biden, and his brother, James Biden, among others, and Republicans see the president's potential testimony as the crown jewel of their probe In response to the letter, White House spokesman Ian Sams sent DailyMail.com a post on X from earlier this month: 'Comer knows 20+ witnesses have testified that POTUS did nothing wrong.' 'He knows that the hundreds of thousands of pages of records hes received have refuted his false allegations,' his post continued. 'This is a sad stunt at the end of a dead impeachment.' But Comer disagrees. The Kentucky Republican's letter details many of the committee's findings, most notably focusing on how over $24 million has flowed from foreign sources to Biden, his family and their business associates. 'You have repeatedly denied playing any role in your familys business activities, but the Committee has amassed evidenceincluding bank records and witness testimonythat wholly contradicts your position on these matters,' the letter states. The Republican claims a network of shell companies funneled or received over $25 million from China, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakstan and other nations that ultimately ended up with the Biden family or their business partners. President Joe Biden is trailing former President Donald Trump in six out of seven battleground states, new polling from The Wall Street Journal shows. The survey data, released Tuesday night, has Trump leading Biden in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada and Pennsylvania. The two men are tied in Wisconsin when it's just Trump and Biden on the ballot. Biden leads Trump in Wisconsin when third-party candidates are factored in. Biden's biggest deficit is in North Carolina, a state that Trump narrowly won in 2020 and has a potent governor's race that could make November's result a nail-biter. And the president's age continues to be a drag - with just 28 percent of swing state voters saying they believe 81-year-old Biden has better physical and mental fitness to handle the White House. Wall Street Journal polling showed bad news for President Joe Biden, as he trailed former President Donald Trump in six out of seven battleground states Trump is ahead of Biden in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada and Pennsylvania, while the two are tied in Wisconsin when it's just Trump and Biden on the ballot. Biden leads in Wisconsin when third-party hopefuls are factored in Forty-eight percent of those surveyed said 77-year-old Trump. Another 20 percent of voters answered 'neither.' Across the board, both presidential candidates are highly unpopular. In every swing state, between 43 and 47 percent said they had a 'very unfavorable' view of Trump, while between 45 and 49 percent held a 'very unfavorable' view of Biden. Biden's highest unfavorables were in Arizona, at 61 percent, whereas Trump's received a 53 percent unfavorable rating in both Arizona and Wisconsin. Third-party hopefuls are attracting about 15 percent of the electorate across the swing states. And among the third-party candidates, independent presidentical candidate Robert F. Kennedy is attracting the most support - polling between 7 and 15 percent across the seven battlegrounds. Among third-party candidates, independent Robert F. Kennedy takes the biggest vote share - and by this poll's accounting helps President Joe Biden win Wisconsin Kennedy, a prominent antivaxxer, does the best in Nevada where he gets 15 percent of the vote share to Trump's 37 percent and Biden's 33 percent. RFK Jr. gobbles up just 7 percent of the vote in Pennsylvania, where Trump leads Biden 41 percent to 38 percent. In a two-person race, Trump is also ahead of Biden by three points - 47 percent to 44 percent - in Pennsylvania, the state the president was born. Other third party hopefuls - indepenedent Cornel West, Libertarian Lars Mapstead and Green Party hopeful Jill Stein - are pulling away between 1 and 3 percent of the vote across the seven states. West, a civil rights leader and former backer of progressive presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, does the best in Pennsylvania, winning 3 percent of the vote, whereas Mapstead polls at 3 percent in Arizona. The Libertarian Party won't officially pick a candidate until the party's convention in late May. It's still unclear how impactful the third-party candidates will be on the race generally, as it's uncertain if Kennedy and West will be able to gain access to every state's ballot, or if Mapstead will be the candidate Libertarians make their nominee. The Wall Street Journal write-up of the poll said that pollsters believed voters currently backing the third-party hopefuls were persuadable voters - and could end up casting a ballot for either Trump or Biden. In Kennedy's case, he's viewed favorably by half of all Republican voters but only a quarter of Democrats, despite previously running for the Democratic nomination. Pollsters found that Kennedy draws more support from voters who would otherwise back Trump over Biden. The other third-party candidates are pulling more support from Biden over Trump. She's a recluse who prefers to spend her days playing her beloved grand piano and immersing herself in Greek mythology. But for the fourth year running, L'Oreal heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers has been crowned the richest woman in the world. While there is very little that is flashy about the French beauty mogul, it's proving an impossible task for any billionaire to dethrone the 70-year-old whose fortune has skyrocketed to an estimated $99.5billion (78.9billion). Bettencourt Meyers - the granddaughter of L'Oreal founder Eugene Schueller - has generated much of her wealth from her 35 per cent stake in the French beauty giant which she owns with her husband Jean-Pierre Meyers and their two sons. Jean-Pierre is the grandson Rabbi Robert Meyers who was murdered at Auschwitz in 1943 and the couple's children, Jean-Victor and Nicolas Meyers, were raised Jewish. Their marriage sparked controversy as her L'Oreal founding grandfather was put on trial for 'economic and political collaboration' with the Nazis during the Second World War - although he was later cleared by a post-war court. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers has been crowned the richest woman in the world for the fourth year running She may not flaunt her wealth, but this stunning mansion was one of her childhood homes Francoise Bettencourt Meyers pictured with her socialite mother Liliane and cabinet minister father Andre Bettencourt Meyers - the granddaughter of L'Oreal founder Eugene Schueller - has generated much of her wealth from her 35 per cent stake in the French beauty giant which she owns with her husband Jean-Pierre Meyers (right) and their two sons As L'Oreal's share price shot up 20 per cent this year, it was Bettencourt Meyers that came out on top as she enhanced her fortune by a staggering $19billion, according to the annual Forbes rich list. The L'Oreal heiress is no stranger to the rich list, first making an appearance in 2018 when she was estimated to be worth $42.2billion following the death of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, the year prior. In the last six years, L'Oreal's share price has soared 150 per cent - paving the way for Bettencourt Meyers - who has served on L'Oreal's board of directors since 1997 - to double her fortune. Despite her vast wealth, the beauty tycoon does not indulge in the same glamorous lifestyle that her socialite mother and former cabinet minister father were famed for. Liliane - who inherited her father's wealth and was previously the richest woman in the world - and her husband Andre Bettencourt were known for throwing exclusive parties. Bettencourt Meyers instead shuns the spotlight, choosing to live a quieter life where she is said to play piano for several hours a day. She owns two grand pianos, a Steinway and a Yamaha, which take pride of place in her elegant two-storey apartment in the wealthy Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Her vast wealth is also reflected in her million-dollar mansions and her car collection which is said to include a Bentley Continental GT and a Porsche 911 Cabriolet. She began playing the piano as a child, having lessons from Yvonne Lefebure - a woman who counted the composers Faure and Ravel among her friends - at the exclusive Marymount School, in Paris, run by American nuns. Raised a strict Catholic, she is also a respected bible scholar and has written and published two books - a five-volume study of the Bible and a genealogy of the Greek gods. In his 2017 book The Bettencourt Affair, journalist Tom Sancton reflects that she was never comfortable with her status as heiress and rich girl, and could not have been less like her enthusiastic socialite mother. But she always insisted they were once a very 'close-knit family'. Francoise's marriage caused controversy as her grandfather Eugene Schueller (pictured), a pharmacist who invented a hair dye called L'Oreal in 1908, was put on trial for 'economic and political collaboration' with the Nazis during the Second World War Raised a strict Catholic, Francoise (pictured in 2011) is a respected bible scholar and has written books on topics ranging from Greek mythology to Jewish-Christian relations. Francoise also serves as the president of her family's philanthropic foundation, which supports French endeavours in the sciences and arts She owns two grand pianos, a Steinway and a Yamaha, which take pride of place in her elegant two-storey apartment in the wealthy Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine (pictured) Her vast wealth is also reflected in her million-dollar mansions and her car collection which is said to include a Bentley Continental GT (pictured) and a Porsche 911 Cabriolet Pictured: Francoise's socialite mother Liliane Bettencourt and former Cabinet minister father Andre Bettencourt are seen in 1997. The pair were known for throwing exclusive parties Pictured: Francoise Bettencourt Meyers (left) and mother Liliane Bettenourt leave the RITZ hotel on October 21, 2016 in Paris, France - a year before Liliane passed away making her daughter the richest woman in the world Sancton's book quotes childhood friend Arielle Dombasle: 'Francoise doesn't like luxury. She likes her Labrador. She adores her children and she loves her husband.' She is also known for her charity, serving as the president of her family's philanthropic foundation, which supports French endeavours in the sciences and arts. She pledged 173 million to repair efforts after fire that ravaged Notre Dame cathedral in 2019. But while she may not sing and dance about reigning over such a high-profile empire, Bettencourt Meyers could not avoid the headlines in the late-2000s when her inheritance became the subject of a sensational trial in France. The trial culminated in a longtime family friend and celebrity photographer being being convicted and jailed for three years after manipulating her ailing mother to access her extraordinary fortune. Bettencourt Meyers alleged that Francois-Marie Banier had manipulated her mother out of more than $1billion in art, cash, real estate and other gifts. On appeal, Banier received a four-year suspended sentence and was ordered to pay around $420,000 - but the trial sparked a public rift between the L'Oreal mother and daughter. French photographer and author Francois-Marie Banier explaining his works to Liliane Bettencourt (left) at Hans Lange Museum in Krefeld, Germany. In 2016, Banier was eventually convicted of 'abuse of weakness' of Francoise's elderly billionaire mother. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and ordered to pay 158 million euros in damages 'My daughter could have waited patiently for my death instead of doing all she can to precipitate it,' Liliane said in a TV interview. In 2011, a court appointed Bettencourt Meyers as her mother's legal guardian following the late heiress' Alzheimer's diagnosis. The case had far-reaching consequences in French politics. The tape recording made by her butler also suggested that Liliane and her financial advisor were avoiding paying taxes by keeping cash hidden away in Swiss bank accounts. The tapes also allegedly captured a conversation between Liliane and Eric Woerth (then the French Minister of Labour) who was soliciting a job for his wife managing Bettencourt's wealth - all while acting as the country's budge minister and heading up a campaign to catch wealthy tax avoiders in the country. Her mother also received a 30million euro tax rebate while Woerth was the French budget minister. The scandal eventually embroiled other French politicians, including President Nicolas Sarkozy, over an envelope of cash given towards his 2007 campaign. Bettencourt Meyers married Jean-Pierre, a former director of Nestle, in 1984 but their marriage caused controversy because her grandfather was accused of siding with Nazis. Bettencourt Meyers married Jean-Pierre (pictured together), a former director of Nestle, in 1984 but their marriage caused controversy because her grandfather was accused of siding with Nazis. Francoise Bettencourt-Meyers pictured during a high-profile trial involving the manipulation of her ailing mother In 2011, a court appointed Bettencourt Meyers as her mother's legal guardian following the late heiress' Alzheimer's diagnosis Although Schueller was cleared of 'economic and political collaboration' with the Nazis, he is known to have given financial support and held meetings for the La Cagoule group - a violent French fascist-leaning, antisemitic and anti-communist group whose leader formed a political party Mouvement Social Revolutionnaire. During the Second World War, MSR in occupied France supported the Vichy collaboration with the conquerors from Nazi Germany. After the war, he hired several members of the group as executives - a topic that was extensively researched by Israeli historian and author Michael Bar-Zohar in his book, Bitter Scent. Despite his history, the head office of the cosmetics company in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine is named Centre Eugene Schueller. Schueller founded L'Oreal in 1909 as he wanted to manufacture and market a hair dye that he had invented. L'Oreal is now one of the world's largest cosmetics companies, with $44billion in revenue last year from three dozen brands, including Maybelline, Kiehl's and Lancome. Celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Beyonce and Penelope Cruz have helped advertised the brand, often using its slogan: 'Because I'm worth it'. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's government aircraft suffered 'mechanical issues' on his trip to Europe for NATO meetings, forcing an unexpected road trip and a delay. The mechanical issue, which was disclosed by the State Department, forced Blinken's delegation to bus its way 193 miles from Paris to Brussels, a journey of over four hours, for a meeting of foreign ministers at NATO headquarters. NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg is addressing the foreign ministers at a meeting marking the 75th anniversary of the military alliance. As a consequence, Blinken rolled in about two hours late. The U.S. Air Force owns and operates the modified Boeing 737 Blinken uses during his globe-trotting trips, which have included repeat trips to the Middle East. He'll always have Paris. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) suffered mechanical difficulties on his government aircraft, forcing a scrubbed flight from Paris to Brussels. Here Blinken UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay (R) pose for a photograph at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, 02 April 2024 Blinken also had to deal with an aircraft mechanical issue on his trip to the Davos gathering in Switzerland at the start of the year. For that event, the nation's top diplomat traveled by helicopter from Zurich for the annual confab with top political and economic leaders in January. He boarded his Boeing jet, only to be told he was unable to fly. Traveling aides and press flew commercial to get back home. Blinken usually travels aboard a fleet of government executive jets featuring the same 'seafoam blue' paint job as the modified Boeing 757 that has the Air Force One call sign when the president is on board. The vice president uses similar planes. Last year, Harris was forced to return to the U.S. from a trip to Munich aboard a C-17 support plane due to 'maintenance issues' on the planned Air Force Two. Blinken is in Europe for talks on Ukraine, Gaza, and chaos in Haiti The mechanical issue forced Blinken's delegation to travel to Brussels by bus Blinken also had an aircraft mechanical issue in Davos in January The problem made Biden late to a meeting in Brussels Boeings series of safety issues Boeing safety issues have been a growing public concern since a door panel blew off one of the companys new 737 Max jets operated by Alaska Airlines while it was in flight over Oregon. Investigators identified missing bolts that held in place a door plug panel. In lower profile incidents, the company had asked operators to check for loose bolts in the rudder system. Boeing has experienced problems with its 737 MAX 9 model, seen here at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston There were also issues with the anti-icing system on the Max. Last June, a United Airlines flight crew noticed an engine fire while on the ground bringing in a Boeing 737 Max. There have also been issues Late last month, CEO David Calhoun announced he would step down from his post. A Delta Boeing 757 lost a nose wheel during takeoff in January. A Max 8 operated by Indonesias Lion Air crashed in 2018. An Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max 8 crashed in Adis Abbaba the following year. Those crashes prompted a two-year grounding of the fleet. Advertisement President Biden, whose administration is overseeing production of the next generation Air Force One, joked about the aircraft in a fundraiser with Bill Clinton and Barack Obama last week when comedian Stephen Colbert made reference to mechanical problems when an Alaska Airlines flight had a door plug all out in mid-flight. 'You're all busy men, you gotta go run the world. Here's an important question. All three of you have been on Air Force One. You still have the keys, Mr. Biden. That's made my Boeing right? Do those doors stay on?' Colbert asked. 'Before you get on, do you give Pete Buttigieg a socket wrench to tighten the bolts?' he joked. 'I don't sit by the door. I'm only kidding. I shouldn't even joke about it,' Biden responded. A vacant island off the Tampa coast has landed on the market for $14.2 million, six years after a band of friends bought it to use as a parking spot for their floating tiki bar. Pine Key, more commonly known as 'Beer Can Island,' officially closed to the public in February. Located on the northern tip of Longboat Key, the island is situated between MacDill Air Force Base and Apollo Beach. It is the brainchild of four dedicated investors who poured roughly $5 million into renovations for the property after buying it in 2017. While it was originally intended as a place to anchor their floating Tiki bar, the island has hosted weddings, parties and concerts with thousands in attendance. 'Were grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from the community and our members over the years, but all good things must come to an end at some point, and for us, that time is now,' majority owner Cole Weaver said in a press release. A Florida island deemed 'Beer Can Island' has hit the market for $14.2 million, six years after investors snapped it up for just $65,000 The island, formally known as Pine Key, officially closed to the public in February Four investors - Russell Loomis, James Wester, Cole Weaver and John Gadd - poured an estimated $5 million into the property for renovations Before Weaver and his partners scooped it up, the island was a popular party spot for locals. Its sands would be peppered with beer cans after the informal get-togethers - hence the nickname. Six years ago, Russell Loomis was inspired by the story of Richart Sowa, a British artist who created an artificial island using thousands of plastic bottles. The tech developer and Wisconsin native, who relocated to Tampa in the nineties, decided he wanted to do the same. So he recruited his friend of two decades, James Wester. With experience in nightclub promotion and subcontracting, Wester, also known as 'DJ West,' seemed like the ideal business partner. Next came Weaver, a friend of a friend. The trio constructed the bar from 258 plastic barrels atop a motorized platform. They began to search for a parking spot for their for-profit project, which became a party venue for rent, and settled on Pine Key. The partners reached out to Imperial Island, the company that owned the island, to inquire about renting part of the island. Renting wasn't an option, but buying it was. At the time, the 9-acre island was appraised at just $63,650, less than half of what it cost to put their floating bar together. The island was a popular party spot for locals before it was converted into a private event space, hosting weddings and even concerts The project began when Loomis aspired to build a floating tiki bar in 2017 but needed somewhere to dock it Weaver, the third investor brought onto the project, calls the opportunities for development on the island 'exceedingly rare' The investors added bathrooms, thatched-roof cabanas, a water slide and full bar Hillsborough County officials raised concerns about the land's suitability for wildlife and the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Offices to respond to emergencies on the island The investors brought on club promoter John Gadd as a fourth financial partner and closed on the property that year. The sale was finalized on December 22, 2017. They proceeded to add bathrooms, thatched-roof cabanas, a water slide and full bar, envisioning a private destination for partygoers. But Hillsborough County officials quickly took issue, arguing that the pristine land should be used as a nature reserve for local species like manatees rather than a place to host events. They ordered the bar to be closed and raised concerns about the ability of the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Offices to respond to emergencies on the island. However, as the property had never officially been zoned before its sale, the new owners were granted a considerable degree of autonomy under state law. The 9-acre island is also caught in the middle of an ongoing zoning battle It was appraised at just $63,650 at the time it was sold, less than half of what it cost for the investors to put their floating bar together The island is situated between MacDill Air Force Base and Apollo Beach, off the coast of Tampa 'All good things must come to an end at some point, and for us, that time is now,' Weaver said Similar concerns were raised during a planning commission meeting in March of last year, when Commissioner Steven Fernandez asked the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to voice its concerns about the impacts of future development. The area was referred to by a citizens advisory member as 'vulnerable' for its 'continual' erosion. Other worries were raised about its suitability for wildlife, with analysts arguing that this had been 'disrupted.' The fight will have to be taken up the next owner, as the zoning battle is ongoing. But for those daring enough to take it on, the island offers a 'unique opportunity for innovation,' according to the press release. This could mean an exclusive retreat for private property buyers, corporations or international investors. 'This opportunity is exceedingly rare, as Pine Key is one of the only privately owned islands in Tampa Bay,' Weaver said. Royal Mail has warned up to 1,000 jobs could be axed under bombshell plans put forward to slash its second-class letter delivery service. The company has outlined cuts to non-first class letters by delivering them only on every other weekday - and scrapping Saturday deliveries entirely. The postal giant said the shake-up could save it up to 300million a year but warned it could see 1,000 roles canned. The proposal is currently being looked at by Ofcom, the regulator overseeing the future of the universal postal service after it made a 419million loss last year. As part of the overhaul, the Royal Mail said it would keep a six-day-a-week service for first-class mail in a climbdown on previous calls for all Saturday letter deliveries to be scrapped. The plans also include extending the delivery time for bulk business mail to three days instead of two. Royal Mail has warned up to 1,000 jobs could be axed under bombshell plans put forward to slash its second-class letter delivery service (file photo) The dramatic shake-up of Royal Mail could save the firm about 300m a year (file Image) Currently, the price for a first-class stamp is 1.25, while the cost to purchase a second-class one is 75p. Parcels would continue to be delivered seven days a week, as they are currently. Royal Mail revealed the proposals, if given the go ahead, would lead to 'fewer than 1,000' voluntary redundancies as the plans would mean daily delivery routes cut by between 7,000 to 9,000 within two years. Just what is planned under the Royal Mail's radical shake-up - and why The Royal Mail has put forward radical proposals that would see first-class mail kept as a six-days-a-week service, but second-class letter deliveries cut dramatically. The company is proposing that all non first-class letter deliveries - including second class and bulk business mail, such as bills and statements - are cut to every other weekday. This would mean that second-class deliveries on Saturdays would be scrapped. Under the plans, Royal Mail would deliver second-class mail in some streets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with others receiving letters on Tuesday and Thursday. Royal Mail said the move would save it up to 300million a year, with the universal postal service currently costing it up to 675million every year. The cuts to second-class deliveries could see it axe up to 1,000 jobs, although it hopes this can be achieved through voluntary redundancy and staff turnover. Advertisement The group insisted it would not expect to make any compulsory redundancies and hopes the roles can be reduced through natural staff turnover among its 130,000 workforce. It claimed the shake-up would not need a change in legislation, given it would still be delivering first-class post six days a week and called for Ofcom to put the changes in place by April next year. Royal Mail said: 'The proposal is designed to create a more financially stable future for the business and its shareholders, protecting tens of thousands of jobs and the best terms and conditions in the industry. 'It closely aligns to changes successfully made in comparable countries - in Europe and around the world - over recent years, with limited changes for customers.' Liberal Democrat business spokeswoman Sarah Olney branded the plans a 'slap in the face for families being asked to pay more for less'. 'It risks creating a cost-of-postage crisis, as people feel forced to pay for first class stamps because second class delivery days are being slashed,' she added. Martin Seidenberg, group chief executive of Royal Mail owner International Distributions Services (IDS), insisted the group had 'worked hard to come up with a proposal that is good for our customers, good for our people and would allow Royal Mail to invest in products and services'. He said: 'If we want to save the universal service, we have to change the universal service. 'Reform gives us a fighting chance and will help us on the path to sustainability.' Ofcom has been consulting on the postal service reforms since January, with a deadline of April 3 set for responses. A spokesman for the regulator said: 'We'll carefully consider all the feedback received, and provide an update in the summer.' Royal Mail workers at work in at a sorting office in Cardiff, Wales Under its universal service obligation (USO), Royal Mail must deliver letters six days a week to all 32 million addresses in the UK for the price of a stamp. Royal Mail has long been urging the Government and Ofcom to review its obligations, arguing that it is no longer workable or cost effective, given the decline in addressed letter post. In a long-awaited report in January, Ofcom revealed options for an overhaul of the universal postal service that could see Royal Mail's letter delivery service slashed from six days to five, or even three, a week. Another option mooted was to extend letter delivery times, with a more expensive next-day delivery service available when required. The proposals sparked an outcry, with ministers quick to dismiss any suggestion that the Government would sanction the scrapping of Saturday deliveries. The six-day-a-week service is part of the universal service requirement stipulated by law under the Postal Services Act 2011. Royal Mail also said in its submission that it would change all standard bulk mail - such as bills and statements - to a second class service, meaning they arrive within three weekdays instead of two. It added that it would like to add new reliability targets, as well as 'revised, realistic' speed goals, and add tracking to universal service parcels. A New Jersey mother is sharing her harrowing story after she says her daughter came home from school several weeks ago having had her hair pulled out by a teacher's aide. Aaquilah Perez took her story to the local news because she says she doesn't want what happened to her daughter to happen to anyone else. ABC7 reports that, according to official documents, Perez's daughter, Zuwena, returned home from school last month with a bald spot on her head after a teacher's aide allegedly tore a braid off of the child's head. Perez took a picture of her five-year-old daughter's head as soon as she got home from school - she attends PS 26 in Jersey City, also called Patricia M. Noonan Elementary. The mother said she's put her daughter's hair in cornrows all the way to the nape of her neck, but when she returned home from school on March 15, one of the braids had clearly been ripped out, leaving a noticeable bald spot on her child's scalp. The empty spot where the braid used to be on her daughter's head was so alarming to the mother that she called medics to her residence when Zuwena arrived home Zuwena is a Pre-K student who has ADHD and other special needs, according to her mother. The empty spot where the braid used to be was so alarming to the mother that she called medics to her residence when Zuwena arrived home. Perez said the teachers at the school attempted to convince her that Zuwena's braid had disappeared when the child went down for a nap and slept messily. A story Perez is not buying for one second. She concerned mother told police the alleged hair-ripping incident occurred after her daughter refused to go into a time out. Zuwena has not returned to school following the incident, which occurred nearly three weeks ago. Her mother says she quit her job to take care of her full time. She also says she's outraged by the apparent lack of urgency the school has taken in examining the alleged assault on her child. 'I think they really have to take this matter seriously because I don't want anybody else's kids to get hurt or I don't want any other parents have to experience what I just experienced like three weeks ago,' she said. 'It's a terrible feeling to send your child to a place where they're supposed to be safe and for them to come home with their hair pulled down and sad seeing that their teacher hurt them, it's really heartbreaking.' The assault allegedly occurred in a pre-K class at Jersey City's PS 26 on March 16 'It's a terrible feeling to send your child to a place where they're supposed to be safe and for them to come home with their hair pulled down and sad seeing that their teacher hurt them, it's really heartbreaking,' Aaquilah Perez (right) said Perez wants to see immediate action taken against the instructor who allegedly yanked her kid's braid out. She is also hoping her daughter will be able to transfer to a different school. The Jersey City Board of Education is probing the allegations Perez has made against the teacher's aide, whose identity remains unknown at this time. 'The administration is reviewing all the facts surrounding this unfortunate news as we need to guarantee that all of our students are educated in a safe, nurturing environment,' said BOE President Dejon Morris in a statement to a local outlet. The incidents happened in 2022, after Ortiz was put on disciplinary investigation The Dallas anesthesiologist accused of poisoning IV bags with dangerous drugs in 2022 has hit trial in federal court. Dr. Raynaldo Rivera Ortiz Jr., 61, appeared at the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas Tuesday, more than a year after a fellow anesthesiologist died after taking home one of the tainted bags. He subsequently saw his license revoked and himself arrested - after 11 patients suffered cardiac emergencies after being treated with other tainted bags. Among them were teenagers, with one of their parents told he had just a 50/50 chance of surviving. He did survive, the administrator at the Baylor Scott and White Surgicare testified Tuesday - before recalling how the cardiovascular crisis, like several others, came during a routine outpatient procedure 30 minutes after an IV bag was taken into the OR. Dr. Raynaldo Rivera Ortiz Jr., 61, appeared at the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas Tuesday, more than a year after a fellow anesthesiologist died after taking home one of the tainted bags During proceeding, prosecutors produced clips of Ortiz's alleged handiwork, showing him handling bags brought into an OR moments before a medical emergency broke out 'We were perplexed because the incidents were happening under different doctors and nurses,' said Ashley Burks, as prosecutors produced clips of Ortiz checking on the IV bag warmer moments before another blowup that month. Choking back tears as she spoke, she recalled how the hospital had repeatedly had equipment tested, but could find no source for the incidents. Citing slew of near-deaths seen between May and August 2022, she said: 'We were desperately trying to figure out what was going on.' Burks said in that year before, there were just five transfers to hospitals for complications or emergencies. That number, however, shot up to 14 during that stretch, she said - including the teen's cardiac emergency. Becoming emotional as she remembered the day involving the 18-year-old , she recalled how she told the center's governing chair at time, 'It is f**king happening again,' before cops eventually cuffed Ortiz. Prosecutors proceeded to have the witness walk jurors through a surveillance clip that showed Ortiz approaching where the alleged poisoned bags were put, the IV bag warmer, to either check on them or take bags in or out, prosecutors said. After the close call, Burks testified, she and other officials looked at the IV bag and found a hole in it - a discovery that eventually led her and others to hone in on Ortiz. 'We were stunned,' she said. In one video - one of several showed Tuesday, though not all are publicly available - Ortiz is seen watching as a 57-year-old patient is wheeled out by paramedics in the midst of her medical emergency. Shortly before, he was filmed taking drugs out of the medicine cabinet, taking a bag out of the warmer, and then coming back and putting a bag into the warmer - where prosecutors said the poisoned bags were regularly kept Hospital brass also testified that on August 24, staff were left even more befuddled by inexplicable cardiac episodes when an 18-year-old man's surgery also suddenly went south, similar to the woman's and a nearly a dozen others He survived, after suffering the ordeal during a routine outpatient procedure for a nose defect Included in her testimony was the video from August 4th, the day of another cardiac crisis event involving a 57-year-old woman who went unnamed - but still took the stand Tuesday to describe her ordeal. She testified that she woke up from back liposuction and lower facelift surgery that day in another facility's ICU, unable to open her eyes, intubated, and under the impression she was about to choke to death. Revealing her facelift wasn't complete because of the medical cardiac emergency mid-surgery she had to undergo because of the alleged bag tampering. In the video - one of several showed Tuesday, though not all are publicly available - Ortiz is seen watching as the 57-year-old patient is wheeled out by paramedics in the midst of her medical emergency. Ortiz, meanwhile, is seen watching that scene unfold, shortly after he was filmed taking drugs out of the medicine cabinet, taking a bag out of the warmer, and then coming back and putting a bag in the warmer. A few minutes later, Ortiz was seen checking the warmer twice, after which nurse was observed pulling a bag out of the warmer and bringing it into that woman's operating room. Moments after, the medical event begins - an ordeal that the woman said has left her with heart issues for her entire life. An affidavit explains how following investigations there 'appears to be a likely correlation between Ortiz coming under scrutiny for medical errors and the adverse events affecting other anesthesiologists' patients' at the surgery center She told the court she settled with Baylor Scott & White after her doctor approached her about a settlement, and that the hospital system paid for her corrective surgery. Defense attorneys, meanwhile, tried to poke holes in prosecutors' theory that the video constitutes proof of Ortiz's involvement, showing clips of incidents they say the government 'left out.' Filmed the morning of the woman's surgery and several others, they showed nurses and doctors either observing the IV warmer or taking bags out. Burks also testified that on August 24, after staff were left befuddled by the patients having inexplicable cardiac episodes, the 18-year-old man's surgery also went south. She said a doctor named Chad Marsden switched out the teen's tainted IV bag with a 'clean' one, then asked her to hold onto the one that Jack had been given during his blood pressure spike for evidence. A few months before, Dallas police opened an investigation into the death of Dr. Melanie Kaspar, 55, an anesthesiologist at the hospital who died in June from cardiac arrest minutes after administering herself with an IV bag she had taken home from work after feeling dehydrated. A few months before, Dallas police opened an investigation into the death of Dr. Melanie Kaspar, 55, an anesthesiologist at the hospital who died in June from cardiac arrest minutes after administering herself with an IV bag she had taken home from work after feeling dehydrated Melanie Kaspar's Dallas home where she died in June 2022, after administering herself with an IV bag - on of the incidents that sparked the investigation. If convicted, he faces life in federal prison A toxicology report found her body contained the same drug in the IV bags Ortiz handled, while a Medical Board's report found that the IV bag which killed Kaspar was one that had been handled by Ortiz. Just before the incidents, Ortiz was placed under investigation and faced a disciplinary inquiry against him after a patient stopped breathing under his care during a routine procedure. An affidavit explains how following investigations there 'appears to be a likely correlation between Ortiz coming under scrutiny for medical errors and the adverse events affecting other anesthesiologists' patients' at the surgery center. The original investigation by the surgery began in May when a patient, identified as G.A., stopped breathing. The surgery explained how Ortiz 'deviated from the standard of care by failing to maintain the patient's airway and failing to document critical aspects of the incident.' Ortiz was aware of the investigation into his handling of the incident and expressed his unhappiness telling another doctor how he believed the center was attempting to 'crucify' him. In the affidavit seen by the Beast reveals how a fellow doctor said that Ortiz losing his job at the center 'would be financially 'devastating'. If convicted, Ortiz faces life in federal prison. Tory fears of a general election catastrophe are set to grow after a new mega-poll showed the party are on course for a worse defeat than in 1997. A new YouGov MRP study, published today, found the Conservatives would win just 155 seats at the upcoming contest - with a string of top Tories suffering defeat. This compares to the 165 seats the Tories won in the face of New Labour's landslide victory nearly 27 years ago. At the last general election in 2019, the Conservatives won 365 seats under then-prime minister Boris Johnson. The latest MRP study showed Labour are set to win 403 constituencies with Rishi Sunak facing a red 'tidal wave' when he calls the general election. This would leave Labour short of the 418-seat mark they reached under Sir Tony Blair in 1997, but would still hand Sir Keir Starmer a stonking 154-seat majority. The YouGov projection found Chancellor Jeremy Hunt would be the highest-profile casualty among 11 Cabinet ministers set to lose their House of Commons seats on election night. A new YouGov MRP study, published today, found the Conservatives would win just 155 seats at the upcoming contest - with a string of top Tories suffering defeat Sir Keir Starmer was found to be on course for a stonking 154-seat majority, with Labour winning 403 constituencies The latest MRP study showed Labour are set to win 403 constituencies with Rishi Sunak facing a red 'tidal wave' when he calls the general election The YouGov projection found Chancellor Jeremy Hunt would be the highest profile casualty among 11 Cabinet ministers set to lose their House of Commons seats Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the Commons who has been touted as a possible replacement for Mr Sunak, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Transport Secretary Mark Harper are also predicted to suffer defeat. According to the detailed seat-by-seat poll, if the general election were held tomorrow Labour would win 403 seats, the Tories 155, the Liberal Democrats 49, and the SNP 19. This is worse for the Tories than YouGov's pevious projection in January, which put the Conservatives on 169 seats. The pollster said this suggested 'the electoral situation is getting worse, rather than better, for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives as we draw closer to the election'. The MRP study was based on vote intention data collected and analysed by YouGov from 18,761 British adults interviewed between 7 to 27 March. Along with the prediction of 210 losses for the Tories on election night, the latest projection found other senior Conservatives face a tight battle to cling onto their constituencies. This includes Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove who was shown to be just one point ahead in his Surrey Heath seat. In Scotland, YouGov projected that Labour would reverse their recent electoral fortunes and overtake the SNP as the largest party in terms of seats. Sir Keir was found to be on course to win 28 Scottish seats compared the SNP's 19, while the Tories and Lib Dems would win five each. The MRP study showed that, despite their recent rise in opinion polls, Reform UK were not set to win any seats in the Commons - although the Nigel Farage-backed outfit were placed second in 36 constituencies. The YouGov mega-poll put Labour on 41 per cent of the vote share, with the Tories on 24 per cent, the Lib Dems on 12 per cent, Reform on 12 per cent, and the Greens on 7 per cent. An Oregon advertising executive has had their embezzlement charges dropped after the state was unable to find a public defender to take the case due to a chronic shortage. Isaac Lee Morris, 36, is accused of swindling a Portland advertising agency out of $815,000 and 35 other criminal charges, the Oregonian reported. However, a Multnomah County Circuit judge dismissed all charges against Morris on Thursday after three failed attempts to find a court-appointed attorney to represent him. Oregon is currently short of 500 public defenders, leaving around 2,500 people without representation, according to a recent report. A civil lawsuit filed against Morris by Thesis Agency accused him of stealing $815,000 from the company between 2020 and 2021. Isaac Lee Morris, 36, is accused of swindling a Portland advertising agency out of $815,000 and 35 other criminal charges The advertising executive's $900,000 home in Portland, Oregon A civil lawsuit filed against Morris by Thesis Agency accused him of stealing from the company between 2020 and 2021 The suit alleged the chief product officer spent the money on luxury items such as cameras, clothing, musical instruments, electronics and exercise machines. 'Morris used techniques of deception like returning some legitimately purchased items for credit and then using the credit for Morris' personal, unauthorized purchases,' it claimed. The company, which has 340 employees counts Adobe and Taco Bell among it's clients, dropped the civil lawsuit in December 2022 without a settlement, but left the opportunity refile it at a a later date. The criminal indictment was filed against Morris in November 2023 with a charge sheet including aggravated identity theft, first-degree theft, computer crime and fraudulent use of a credit card. Prosecutors objected to the case being dismissed and plan to refile the indictment 'in the near future' Liz Merah, a spokesperson for the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, told The Oregonian. 'Having to bring cases back to grand jury is manifestly unfair to victims, both because justice is delayed and because they have to go through the grand jury process again,' Merah said in a statement. A Multnomah County Circuit judge dismissed all charges against Morris on Thursday after three failed attempts to find a court-appointed attorney to represent him Adding: 'We certainly hope that the court will appoint counsel if/when we get to arraignment.' Judges prioritize finding defender to violent crime cases and for defendants who are in custody, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Public Defender said. The long-running public defender crisis led a federal judge to order criminal defendants to be released from jail if they have been held for more than seven days without access to an attorney. 'Oregon is not a gulag found in a Tom Clancy novel,' U.S. District Judge Michael McShane said last year. Adding: 'Oregon is an outlier here,' he said. 'It's a complete tragedy and nobody seems to have an answer. 'We have suspended the Constitution when it comes to this group.' McShane's order is currently being challenged by the state. A major lobby group of community doctors on Wednesday welcomed an offer by President Yoon Suk Yeol for talks with trainee doctors, reacting positively to a possible meeting between Yoon and junior doctors over a prolonged standoff over a plan to hike the number of medical students. Kim Taek-woo, head of the emergency committee at the Korea Medical Association, which represents 140,000 community doctors, made the remarks a day after the presidential office said Yoon is open to talks with trainee doctors. About 12,000 junior doctors have been on strike in the form of mass resignations since Feb. 20 in protest of the plan for a hike of 2,000 medical school admissions. "It is welcome to proceed with a direct meeting between Mr. President and trainee doctors," Kim told reporters. However, Kim said a meeting between Yoon and trainee doctors should be "meaningful" even if it takes place. Kim Sung-geun, a spokesperson of the association's emergency committee, said a meeting between Yoon and trainee doctors may take place. "Our expectation is that it's positive." But, the spokesperson also said the government should scrap the increased admission quotas if it is sincere about talks with the medical community. Still, prospects for a breakthrough over the standoff remain uncertain as the government has shown little sign of reducing the size of the increased medical school admission quotas. Adding to the complexity over the standoff, the government had already allocated the admission quotas to universities. In a national address on Monday, Yoon called on doctors 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. The reform plan has emerged as a hot-button issue for next week's parliamentary elections, with the ruling People Power Party aiming to regain a majority in the National Assembly. (Yonhap) Severe weather has caused mass destruction across several states, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. Parts of the Midwest and the South were under tornado watches into Tuesday night, including Parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Georgia. In Northeastern Oklahoma, three tornadoes touched down followed by heavy rain, which has been blamed for the death of a 46-year-old homeless woman from Tulsa who was sheltering inside a drainage pipe. Wisconsin also suffered from severe spring snow storms. By Wednesday afternoon, more than 100,000 people in West Virginia were without power, or 14% of the population, per poweroutage.us. Severe weather has caused mass distraction across several states, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power Parts of the Midwest and the South were under tornado watches into Tuesday night Kentucky has also declared a state of emergency following the severe storms and tornadoes that came Tuesday morning Wisconsin also suffered from severe spring snow storms In Charleston, West Virginia, a storm tore off a portion of the roof of an abandoned building, leaving bricks all over the street and blocking traffic. Uprooted trees littered lawns, roads, and even the tops of cars. Governor Jim Justice declared several counties in West Virginia to be in a state of emergency. Kentucky has also declared a state of emergency following the severe storms and tornadoes that came Tuesday morning. A young man died in a car accident during the storms in Campbell County, Kentucky, just outside of Cincinnati, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed in a news conference Wednesday. More storms bulldozed through Kentucky Tuesday afternoon, which led to tornado warnings across Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. Lexington, Kentucky Mayor Linda Gorton told local ABC affiliate WLEX-TV that a tree fell on someone's house, injuring them and sending them to the hospital. A tree toppled onto a University of Kentucky student's car, causing damage to homes. 'I looked out my blinds and I see the wind just start roaring,' Reese Sherrard told WLEX. 'I see one big tree just fall right on top of my car. No trees fell on our house, so it seems like we got pretty lucky.' Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville said on Tuesday night that there had been 'serious' storm damage in the county as well as in the neighboring city of Prospect. While no injuries have been recorded, Greenberg said that he had issued a state of emergency for the entire county and that fire crews were going door to door in the hardest-hit areas to check on residents. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in northeast Tennessee. Sunbright, a town with a population of around 500, particularly suffered the consequences as downed powerlines, trees, and route closures wreaked havoc in the small town. Sunbright, a town with a population of around 500, particularly suffered the consequences Sunbright's funeral home suffered damage as well as other residences Pictured: A building sits destroyed by a tornado on April 3, 2024 in Sunbright, Tennessee About 40,000 homes and businesses in Memphis, Tennessee, lost power for a brief period on Tuesday morning The tornado, which hit on Tuesday afternoon, caused extensive damage to Sunbright, but thus far no injuries have been reported Sunbright's funeral home and several residences were also damaged from the weather. About 40,000 homes and businesses in Memphis, Tennessee, lost power for a brief period on Tuesday morning, according to the utility company. This was caused by lightning striking an electric substation, which in turn damaged two other substations. Firefighters rescued two people who were sleeping beneath a bridge in Ohio when the Scioto River's water levels started to rise. Unable to return to shore, the Columbus Fire Department sent a rescue boat to save them, and both were reported uninjured. Mindy Broughton, who lives in an RV park close to Hanging Rock, Ohio, hurried into her mobile home on Tuesday morning as hail started to fall and the wind started to pick up. Broughton's fiance shielded her as the winds outside started rocking their mobile home. 'I said I think we may die today,' she told AP News. When the wind reseeded moments later, the couple went outside to see other trailers in the park overturned. Thankfully, they said no one was in the mobile homes when they toppled over. Part of Interstate 75 just northeast of Cincinnati was blocked when about a half-dozen power poles fell over from the high winds Tuesday afternoon, local NBC affiliate WLWT-TV reported. Forecasters in Wisconsin cautioned that eastern areas of the state, including the Green Bay area, could receive more than a foot of heavy snowfall. Central Wisconsin could see snowfall between 4 to 8 inches while eastern Wisconsin could see 8 to 14 inches, per the National Weather Service. Wind gusts are expected to reach 50 mph. Wisconsin currently has more than 100,000 people without power One homeless woman died in Tulsa, Oklahoma after taking shelter in a drainage pipe Wisconsin currently has more than 100,000 people without power Wisconsin currently has more than 100,000 people without power Meagan Wolfe, the senior election administrator for the state, advised citizens who planned to cast ballots in Tuesday's presidential primary to think about casting their ballots earlier in the day to minimize traffic jams. New England is expected to get a taste of the severe weather Wednesday night into Thursday, with forecasts of 12 to 18 inches of snow in parts of New Hampshire and Maine. Wind gusts are expected to reach 50 mph, which could cause power outages. A woman has been ordered to pay 1,300 after painting the word 'LIARS' onto BBC Wales' HQ to protest their coverage of the war in Gaza. Deidre Murphy, 69, was found guilty of criminal damage after the word was sprayed in red paint on the BBC's Cardiff office. She attacked the broadcaster's building after a protest opposing Israel's bombing of the Gaza Strip on October 28 last year. The protesters first met at the Aneurin Bevan statue in the city before walking to the BBC building where Murphy carried out the damage. Deidre Murphy, 69, was found guilty of criminal damage after the word was sprayed in red paint on the BBC's Cardiff office She attacked the broadcaster's building after a protest opposing Israel 's bombing of the Gaza Strip on October 28 last year She pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Magistrates' Court. Murphy, of Murton, Swansea, was sentenced to a conditional discharge of two years and was ordered to pay compensation of 702 to the BBC and court costs of 650. Murphy and a number of supporters congregated outside Cardiff Magistrates' Court where they waved Palestinian flags and sang 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.' President Joe Biden is frustrated with Israel after the strike that killed aid workers for the World Central Kitchen but the White House won't say if he'll call Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express his disappointment. When National Security Council spokesman John Kirby was asked about the president's thinking of the attack, he said: 'I think you could sense the frustration in that statement yesterday.' Biden described himself as 'outraged and heartbroken' in his statement condemning the attack. He also called for an investigation into the incident. President Joe Biden is frustrated with Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the strike that killed aid workers for the World Central Kitchen; above Biden and Netanyahu in Israel in October Leaders across the world were outraged when aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli drone strike Kirby said the administration would let Israel finish its investigation of the incident and read out its conclusions. 'They have already admitted that they conducted this strike. They have already publicly said that their fault for this strike, and they're working their way through the specific findings and details and I think we need to let them finish that work and speak to it themselves,' he told reporters on Wednesday. He also pointed out that 'I don't think you can look at what we've been saying, what we've been doing, or even the President's statement last night and say that we've somehow gone easy on Israel in every regard.' Biden and Netanyahu's relationship has gotten more and more tense as Israel's war against Hamas has continued. The administration is under heavy pressure from home and abroad to ensure the safety of aid workers and get critical supplies to the Palestinian people, many of whom are facing famine. But, on Tuesday, Biden joined a chorus of world leaders furious over the drone strikes that killed the WCK aid workers in Gaza, including one American. Biden said Israel 'has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians' as thousands of Palestinians are caught in the crosshairs of war and left without food, water and other necessary supplies. The president called for a 'swift' investigation to bring accountability to what he said was not a 'stand alone incident'. Israel apologized for what it called 'a grave mistake' and said it is investigating the incident. International outrage ensued after the convoy of aid workers for World Central Kitchen was hit by an Israeli 'triple tap' drone strike on Monday, leaving seven dead. The three cars were marked as humanitarian aid and were struck while moving along a route approved by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). President Joe Biden is calling for an investigation and accountability after an Israeli drone strike killed seven aid workers in Gaza on Monday. Dual American-Canadian citizen 33-year-old Jacob Flickinger (right) was among the seven killed in the IDF drone attack The American killed in the attack was Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was a dual citizen of Canada. A GoFundMe fundraiser set up to assist Flickinger's partner Sandy and their one-year-old son notes that he was an aid worker in Gaza since early March working with World Central Kitchen and prior to that was on a mission with the organization in Mexico. Money raised through the GoFundMe aims to help Flickinger's family 'reestablish themselves after his tragic death.' It claims Flickinger was the 'sole financial provider' and the money will help in setting up a trust for his son, as well as flight and funeral arrangements. Also among those killed in the strike were three British armed forces veterans who were serving as security for the aid mission John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. Additional relief workers who died in the strike were 25-year-old Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha; Australian Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43; Damian Sobol, a 35-year-old from Poland. People carry the body of one of the foreign workers from World Central Kitchen who was killed in the airstrike as the bodies are transported to their families outside of Gaza American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was one of the seven victims of the strike British military veterans James Henderson, 33, (center), John Chapman, 57, (left) and James Kirby, 47, (right) were traveling in the World Central Kitchen aid convoy providing meals to Palestinians on Gaza when they were hit and killed by missiles fired by an IDF drone Polish World Central Kitchen aid worker Damian Sobol, 35, (left) and Australian aid worker Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43 (right) were among those killed in the strike in Gaza Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, was part of the WCK team that was killed in the strike World leaders from the countries of the deceased have vented their fury at Israel for the 'outrageous' drone strike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy. Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to London and demanded 'full accountability' over the deaths. The UK government is also considering suspending arms sales to Israel should an investigation reveal wrongdoing, inside sources have reportedly said. Some progressive lawmakers in the United States have called on Biden to suspend aid to Israel, which appears unlikely. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims 32,000 have been killed in the conflict since the terrorist organization invaded Israel on October 7. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the seven victims in the WCK aid convoy 'join a record number of humanitarian workers who have been killed in this particular conflict.' 'We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help the fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk,' he said on Tuesday. 'These people are heroes,' Blinken said of the aid workers. 'They run into the fire not away from it. They show the best of what humanity really has to offer when the going gets tough. They have to be protected.' At least 196, including 175 members of the UN staff, aid workers have been killed in Gaza, according to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strike 'unconscionable' but 'an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted'. 'It demonstrates yet again the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.' Around 85 percent of Wyoming is a 'predator zone' for wolves - meaning it is legal to hunt and kill them After Cody Roberts, 42, tormented the wild animal he brought it to the back of the bar and shot it dead A Wyoming man has been reprimanded for parading a wolf around his local bar with tape over its mouth A Wyoming man was fined after he allegedly tormented a wolf by taping its mouth and parading it around his local bar before shooting it dead. Cody Roberts, 42, of Daniel, Wyoming, was cited and fined for being in possession of a live wolf during an incident on February 29. Roberts, an avid hunter, captured the wolf before allegedly taping its mouth shut and showing it off at his local pub, according to a witness who saw disturbing pictures of the debacle. According to Cowboy State Daily, the gross display took place at the Green River Bar in Sublette County. The 42-year-old, who is a father and owns a trucking company, allegedly ran the wolf down with a snowmobile and disabled it - but instead of killing the animal there and then, he allegedly kept it, took it home and then brought it to the bar. A Wyoming man was fined after he allegedly tormented a wolf by taping its mouth and parading it around his local bar before shooting it dead. (Pictured: stock photo of wolves) Cody Roberts, 42, of Daniel, Wyoming, was cited and fined for being in possession of a live wolf during an incident on February 29. He is pictured here with a dead animal he presumably hunted Roberts, an avid hunter, captured the wolf before allegedly taping its mouth shut and showing it off at his local pub, according to a witness who saw disturbing pictures of the debacle Finally, he allegedly took the tortured animal behind the bar and killed it. It is legal to kill wolves in the part of Sublette County where the distressing incident took place. However, by keeping the animal alive and tormenting it as Roberts allegedly did, he was violating hunting ethics. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department confirmed that an individual had been cited and fined for the misconduct, but did not name them. However, Sublette County Circuit Court records show that Roberts, a local resident, was cited for a wildlife violation stemming from an incident that took place on February 29. According to public records, Roberts has a hunting and fishing license. Roberts did not immediately respond to the DailyMail.com's request for comment. Adam Hymas, the responding officer, was also contacted but DailyMail.com did not receive a response as of publication. The 42-year-old, who is a father and owns a trucking company, allegedly ran the wolf down with a snowmobile and disabled it - but instead of killing the animal there and then, he allegedly kept it, took it home and then brought it to the bar Based on Roberts' social media accounts, he appears to be an avid hunter who frequently hunts wild animals alongside his kids (pictured here) The Wyoming Game and Fish Department confirmed that an individual had been cited and fined for the misconduct, but did not name them. However, Sublette County Circuit Court records show that Roberts, a local resident, was cited for a wildlife violation stemming from an incident that took place on February 29 In a statement to Cowboy State Daily, Game and Fish spokeswoman Breanna Ball said, 'An anonymous reporting party notified the Wyoming Game and Fish Department that an individual was alleged to be in possession of a live wolf. 'The reporting party notified the Department on March 1, 2024. According to the investigation, the individual possessed the live wolf on 2/29/24. 'The individual was hunting when he came across the wolf in the predator zone and intended to harvest it. 'However, the wolf was transported alive back to his residence and later to a business in Daniel, Wyoming. 'The individual euthanized the wolf later that day. The individual was cited for violating Chapter 10, Importation and Possession of Live Warm-Blooded Wildlife,' the statement said. The offense Roberts is facing carries a $250 fine. Around 85 percent of Wyoming is a 'predator zone' for wolves - meaning that the wild animals can be killed at any time with no bag limit or hunting days required. Areas of Wyoming close to nationals parks are considered a 'trophy hunting zone' - meaning that wolves are a 'trophy species' that can be hunted but only by hunters with tags during designated seasons and within predetermined quotas. Inside Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks wolves are under full federal protection and are not allowed to be hunted. A former colleague of British marine John Chapman, among seven aid workers who died in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza on Monday, has paid tribute to his late friend, warning he 'wouldn't go into Gaza now because I don't trust the IDF'. The 61-year-old ex-SAS Commando, who asked not to be named for security reasons, worked alongside Mr Chapman for several years on private work in the United Arab Emirates in the 1990s. He told how 'we all used to call' John, who worked alongside them in the Special Boat Service (SBS), 'Happy Chappy Chapman'. 'He was great, always a laugh,' he said. The source said he had been in Israel before Christmas but warned that 'Gaza is a completely different situation' as 'there is no accountability with the IDF'. 'John and the others were travelling in a clearly-identified vehicle, providing aid, along the approved route, and they were unarmed,' he said. 'Yet someone in the IDF pulled the trigger on them - where's the accountability?' It comes as Israeli military sources warn that the Israeli units who killed the World Central Kitchen workers, including three British veterans, are 'out of control' and 'do whatever they like' - despite assurances from Israel the strikes were a 'grave mistake' caused by 'misidentification'. World Central Kitchen volunteer John Chapman was among seven killed in Monday's strike James Kirby, 47, was part of the WCK security team, killed in strikes in Gaza on Monday James "Jim" Henderson, a former Royal Marine, also died in the horrific attack on the convoy Seven volunteers were killed in a series of strikes in Deir al-Balah, in Gaza, on Monday British victims John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were among those who tragically died after multiple drone strikes hit their convoy of vehicles in the war zone - after communicating to Israel that they were working in the area. Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, Australian Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankom 43, American Jacob Flickinger, 33, and Pole Damian Sobol, 35, were also travelling with the group when they were attacked on Monday. The aid convoy was hit as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse after unloading more than 100 tons of food aid brought to Gaza by sea, WCK said. Speaking to MailOnline, Chapman's former colleague remembered him as having a 'typical SBS sense of humour', adding that he 'took his work very seriously and was very professional'. He said they worked together between 1994 and 2000, with Chapman already in the UAE. 'I remember we really bonded because his first child was born about two weeks before my second,' he said. 'He left the UAE and went back to the UK with his family, but it didn't work out for him and he took another private security gig in the UAE. He found his niche, as we all do. 'I heard the news this morning, a friend told me what had happened. It was just such a shock. He was a great guy.' The ex-Commando, who lives in the north west of England, added to the chorus of criticism at the IDF, having previously come under fire while working in Israel during the second intifada in the early 2000s. He said: 'I was doing private security work, accompanying a television crew, with our Land Rover clearly identified as media. 'We had a six-round grouping, shots in the bonnet, both doors, the rear, a person basically having a bad day and taking it out on the media,' he claimed. The World Central Kitchen, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff were traveling in two armored cars emblazoned with the charity's logo and another third vehicle when they were hit by Israeli strikes. The first vehicle was hit by a precision R9X Hellfire missile shortly before midnight. Passengers were seen scrambling from the wreckage and jumping into the other two cars - and telling the IDF they had been hit. The remaining vehicles were hit after travelling just 1,000 yards up the road, on a street designated for the passage of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Shocking aftermath photos showed the cars scorched and badly damaged inside and out. The third car tried to take the injured to safety but was hit by a drone after making it a mile up the coastal road, killing all seven of the volunteers. Analysis of aftermath videos and images recovered suggest the convoy was hit by 'multiple precision strikes', according to CNN. Israel's Defense Forces have received international condemnation for the attacks, with security sources telling Israeli outlet Haaretz that command 'knows exactly what the reason what was the reason for the attack - within the Strip everyone does as they please'. The officials in Israel's Intelligence Division, who also remain anonymous, claimed the Southern Command in Gaza is trying to 'remove their responsibility' for the attack in Deir al-Balah after acting 'contrary' to orders and instructions from above. While senior officers are expected to give approval for attacks against 'sensitive targets', the source suggested in Gaza 'each commander sets the rules for himself'. 'In any case, it has not yet become clear whether the decision [Monday] to fire on the aid convoy was brought up for approval by senior officers,' the outlet noted. People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 The team from the charity and their Palestinian driver were killed in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah when their vehicle (pictured) was struck on Monday, local media reported, after the group helped deliver food and other supplies to the region Ms Frankcom was one of seven World Central Kitchen volunteers killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Monday (pictured, the wreckage of one of the three cars) Israel maintains the strikes were accidental, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledging that the 'tragic case' would be investigated 'right to the end'. 'This happens in war,' he said. 'We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence.' Chief of staff of the Israeli military, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi added: 'I want to be very clear the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers. 'It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened,' Halevi said. The Israeli military pledged an investigation by 'an independent, professional and expert body'. And Israel has long dismissed allegations it is hindering the urgent distribution of food as rights groups warn of the urgency of supplying Gaza's desperate civilian population. But critics have slammed Israel's military command for allowing such a string of attacks to occur - against a clearly marked aid convoy. UN chief Antonio Guterres labelled 'unconscionable' and 'an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted'. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu that Britain was appalled by the deaths and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation, Sunak's office said. Britain also summoned the Israeli ambassador to London and has demanded 'full accountability' over the deaths, which foreign secretary David Cameron described as 'completely unacceptable'. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed 'anger and concern' to Netanyahu in a separate call. Poland said 'it does not agree to the lack of compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers', and demanded compensation for the families of the killed WCK staff. Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, said today that both the deadly strike and the Israeli government's reaction to the incident were straining ties between the two countries. The WCK meanwhile called the strike a 'targeted attack'. '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,' CEO Erin Gore said in a statement. Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since the start of the war, with the United Nations accusing Israel of preventing humanitarian aid deliveries and warning of 'catastrophic' hunger. Britons John Chapman, James "Jim" Henderson and James Kirby, three of the World Central Kitchen seven aid workers who were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK), on April 2 Aid groups have shared just how vital food deliveries are to the people receiving them. In a statement shared with MailOnline, a Mercy Corps team member who has supported in the recent distributions of aid said: 'The aid had a significant impact. Despite its limitations, it left a great impact on them and helped them, especially since poverty, high cost of living, scarcity of resources, and the cessation of income had a severe impact on people's lives. 'The aid gave them a glimmer of hope for escaping hunger, especially with the arrival of the month of Ramadan.' Saleem, also using a pseudonym, added: 'There is still a severe food shortage in all governorates of the Gaza Strip, especially in Gaza and northern Gaza, where the shortage is very severe. 'Currently, these governorates are literally facing famine, with no bread available and people eating whatever they can find. In the other governorates, the shortage is more qualitative than quantitative, meaning that people are suffering from malnutrition with a severe lack of some components such as meat, vegetables, and sweets. 'People suddenly collapsed while walking on the street due to hunger.' At least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the United Nations, and Hamas has previously accused Israel of targeting aid distribution sites. As well as the mounting Gazan death toll - with more than 32,000 killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry - an unprecedented number of humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the seven 'hero' victims in the WCK aid convoy 'join a record number of humanitarian workers who have been killed in this particular conflict.' In a strongly worded statement, US President Joe Biden said Israel 'has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians.' He called for a 'swift' investigation to bring accountability to what he said was not a 'stand alone incident'. Professor Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering terrorism, suggested that the killing of the WCK workers could be a war crime. 'It's a human tragedy. But, of course, it could well be a violation of international humanitarian law, under which Israel has a duty not to deliberately target humanitarian relief workers or their convoys or their relief consignments,' he said. Images of the passports of Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson, which were found at the scene, were shared after their deaths Last month, analysis into the death of a Reuters journalist working on the border of Israel and southern Lebanon concluded an Israeli tank crew 'likely' targeted the clearly-identified group. Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah, 37, was killed by tank fire in the attack on October 13 while covering clashes on the border of Israel and southern Lebanon, days after Hamas' assault into Israel. Six reporters were also wounded in the attack. After listening to audio recovered from the site, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) has concluded the reporters came under fire from 0.50 calibre rounds, consistent with those fired by the Browning machinegun that can be fitted onto Israel's Merkava tanks, after being struck by the shells. The first shell fired killed Abdallah and severely wounded Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer Christina Assi, 28. Journalists from Reuters, Afp and Al Jazeera were also injured in the attack. Al Jazeera's manager of international communications has urged the Israeli government to disclose its own findings into the incident, and claimed it 'strongly indicates intentional targeting'. The day after the attack, Israel's military said it had visuals of the incident and it was being investigated. No results have been made public. An elderly New Jersey couple with a passion for art has lost more than $2 million thanks to a thief who served as their personal assistant. Raphael, 92, and Jane Bernstein, 87, are known for their prominent art collections. According to the Daily Beast, their collections have been shown in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Hood Museum at Dartmouth. The couple hired a part-time assistant to help them manage their funds and to help them with general technology issues. The assistant was clearly savvy in swindling funds, which eventually led to his arrest in January for wire fraud, along with a lawsuit filed against multiple credit card companies earlier this week. The assistant of art collectors Raphael, 92, and Jane Bernstein, 87, swindled the elderly couple out of $2 million and began committing fraud in 2018 (James Gillray, Temperance Enjoying a Frugal Meal) Their collections have been shown in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Hood Museum at Dartmouth (Soga Shohaku, Mt. Fuji with Sunrise and Pine Tree) The assistant was arrested in January and has been charged with one count of wire fraud Raphael and Jane announced their engagement in 1962, and were married in 1963. While Raphael worked at an investment banking firm, Jane became a teacher in Ridgewood after she received a master's degree from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. Together, they created art collections that the Hood Museum said features 'European, Japanese, and North American photography, paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture.' 'They have dedicated much of their lives to searching and researching, conserving and sharing, and acquiring and giving away spectacular examples of the many art worlds they find interesting,' the museum website continued. Their collections from the Hood Museum eventually found their way into other places and were featured in an exhibition at Harvard University. While the Bernsteins' total net worth is unclear, their assistant stole $2.9 million, which would be a substantial sum even to the wealthy. Raphael and Jane announced their engagement in 1962, and were married in 1963. The pair eventually created several collections, with many of them being featured at the Hood Museum Pieces from their collections from the Hood Museum were selected for an exhibition at Harvard University The art collectors hired their assistant and part-time library employee in 2018. Other than keeping track of funds and dealing with technology issues, the assistant managed the Bernstein's email. The civil complaint indicated that their assistant began making purchases with the Bernstein's credit card beginning in March 2022. He made small purchases in the beginning, but eventually spent more than $160,000 per month with their credit card by October of that year. The assistant used the art collector's credit card to purchase things such as computers, electronics, and gaming equipment. He allegedly began to use the Bernstein's ATM cards to withdraw cash and later made checks payable to himself from their bank accounts. Once these schemes seemed to be working, the assistant allegedly created PayPal and eBay accounts in their names. According to the civil suit, the art collectors had 'never used the services of these companies and are unaware that these companies exist.' (Osuitok Ipeelee, Singing Owl) Their collections mainly contain 'European, Japanese, and North American photography, paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture' The assistant allegedly got away with swindling the Bernstein's money by shipping his purchases to his home, the library, and to accomplices. He also created separate email folders so that the messages from eBay, Amazon, and Paypal would be rerouted. He was able to pay off the Bernstein's credit card balances by using money from the couple's own checking account. The truth slowly came out after Raphael's personal banker noticed some 'suspicious transactions.' He alerted the fraud department immediately and conferenced them in with Raphael's son John. Raphael later joined the conference, and together, they discovered that there were $703,795 in fraudulent transactions. John then contacted his brother, Dan, and the pair went over their parents' other bank accounts and credit cards. Once they finished sorting through their parents' finances, the brothers found that there were hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent transactions on their American Express card and their Bank of America account. The Bernsteins are now seeking justice after they claimed in their lawsuit that the institutions did not notify them of the fraudulent transactions. The couple's attorney, Kevin Galbraith, believes that the companies that the Bernsteins are suing knew about the fraudulent transactions The couple are suing suing Chase, American Express, and Bank of America. They are claiming that the institutions did not notify them of the transactions until February 2023. 'The banks knew them, they knew their transaction history,' the couple's attorney, Kevin Galbraith, told The Daily Beast. 'Once [the assistant] got involved... there were hundreds of transactions a month and not a single call was received cautioning them.' The lawsuit also claims that Bank of America is refusing to refund the Bernsteins' $646,316.18 in fraudulent payments from their checking account to their Chase credit card. An alleged reason behind the refusal is because Chase will not allow it and the payments occurred outside the refundable 60-day window. The Bernsteins are asking for compensatory damages and for officials to unfreeze $165,000 in their Chase checking account. As of now, the art collectors are unable to receive a new credit card due to the damage their assistant caused. Questions have been raised over the UK's role in the Israeli strike that killed three former British servicemen, after it emerged that the drone used may have had British-made parts in it. Former Royal Marine James Henderson, 33, former SBS soldier John Chapman, 57, and British military veteran, James Kirby, 47, were among the seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers who were killed in an Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip on Monday. The seven WCK workers pulled out of the charity's warehouse in central Gaza late on Monday night in three cars clearly marked as working for the humanitarian organisation, and followed an IDF-approved route and had GPS trackers and SOS beacons broadcasting their positions. But their lives were cut short when an Israeli-controlled Hermes 450 drone was scrambled to follow them, before picking the passengers of each car off with three precision R9X Hellfire missiles. Unearthed export licenses have revealed that a British company may have been sending over parts for potential use in Hermes 450 drones as recently as 2021. A Freedom of Information request, highlighted by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, shows that a Staffordshire-based company called UAV Engines Ltd. was sending over engine components for 'military aero-engines' to Israel. James Henderson, 33, was travelling in a clearly marked car operated by the WCK in Gaza James Kirby, 47, a former British sniper who served in Bosnia and Afghanistan, was killed Hermes 450 UAV (pictured) used by Israel in the strikes could have had UK-made engine Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, pictured yesterday The company, owned by the Israel drone specialists Silver Arrow, a subsidiary of the Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems, successfully applied to send over 'ignition units', 'washers' and 'pumps' to Israel. Washers were allowed to be sent until June 2021, pumps were allowed to be send until May 2021, and ignition units were allowed to be sent until August 2018. UAV Engines Ltd. was previously under scrutiny after claims were made that its parts were used in the Hermes 450 drones, the same ones used to kill the seven charity workers on Monday. It has previously denied that their parts were fitted to military drones in Israel, saying they were added to aircraft for export only to third countries. But a senior official with the export control section of the government's business and enterprise department said this hadn't been checked. According to the Guardian, Jane Carpenter said in a select committee hearing in 2009: 'We cannot categorically confirm that we have physically checked that the engines have been incorporated. We only licensed them to Israel for onward export.' A spokesperson for Elbit Systems, UAV Engines' parent company, told MailOnline: 'Elbit Systems UK, its subsidiaries and joint ventures, including UAV Engines Limited and U-Tacs, are not involved in the Hermes 450 programme.' A spokesperson from the Department of Business and Trade declined to comment on the export licenses given to UAV Engines, but said: 'The UK operates one of the most robust and transparent export control regimes in the world. 'We continue to monitor the situation in Gaza. We welcome Israel's commitment to a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into Mondays attack and we want to see that happen very quickly.' The three Brits died alongside aid workers from Australia, Poland, Palestine and a dual citizen of the US and Canada. The Australian victim was named this morning as Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom, 44, from Melbourne, while the Polish victim was named as Damian Sobol. Sobol, who also helped Ukrainian refugees, has been described as being a 'brave compatriot'. Jacob Flickinger, 33, was named as the dual US-Canadian worker, while Palestinian man Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha also died helping deliver aid. A UN worker holds a British man's passport at the scene of the strike Horrific photographs showed how the vehicle's interior had been torn to shreds by the blast Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2 The UK's role in the wider conflict has been called into question, and prime Minister Rishi Sunak has defended the UK's 'careful export licensing regime' amid calls for the UK to stop arms exports to Israel. Speaking to the Sun Newspaper's Never Mind the Ballots show, Mr Sunak said: 'I think we've always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. 'There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that we'll always follow, and I have been consistently clear with Prime Minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while of course we defend Israel's right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and, sadly, too many civilians have already lost their lives. 'Get more aid into Gaza. That's what we've consistently called for and what we want to see actually is an immediate humanitarian pause to allow more aid in, and crucially the hostages to be released, and that's what we'll continue to push for.' Lord Peter Ricketts, a former senior diplomat who chaired the Joint Intelligence Committee during the Blair government, had earlier said Israeli forces' killing of the aid workers has sparked 'global outrage' as he called for an 'immediate ceasefire'. Palestinians check a damaged vehicle after Israeli strikes in central Gaza Strip yesterday Clothes of members of the World Central Kitchen are seen inside their destroyed car A man stands by a destroyed car of the NGO World Central Kitchen as it sits on Al Rashid road A man displays British, Polish, and Australian passports next to the bodies of the aid workers The crossbench peer, who served as national security adviser between 2010 and 2012, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think there is abundant evidence now that Israel hasn't been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians, and a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law, that is a condition of the arms export licensing policy. 'I think the time has come to send that signal. 'It won't change the course of the war. It would be a powerful political message, and it might just stimulate debate in the US as well, which would be the real game-changer, if the Americans began to think about putting limits, restrictions on the use of American weapons in Israel.' He added: 'Sometimes in conflict, you get a moment where there's such global outrage that it crystalises a sense that things can't go on like this. 'I think - I hope - that this awful incident will serve that purpose.' The peer said a failure by Israel to respond appropriately and show aid workers they are able to deliver supplies to areas of conflict should prompt 'further steps to increase the pressure on (Israeli prime minister) Netanyahu', including the UK no longer supplying the country with arms. Staff members of the US-based aid group World Central Kitchen wait at a hospital morgue in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on April 2, 2024 after the convoy was hit the day before Staff members of the US-based aid group WCK wait at a hospital morgue in Rafah yesterday Relatives and friends mourn the death of Saif Abu Taha, a staff member of the US-based aid group World Central Kitchen who was killed as Israeli strikes hit a convoy He called for 'an immediate ceasefire for an extended period to open up the borders and make it safe to get aid in for those delivering it and those receiving it', adding this could also help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey said ministers should 'take swift action to suspend arms exports to Israel'. He said: 'The deaths of these British aid workers in Gaza is an absolute disgrace. These brave people were trying to help starving families in Gaza. READ MORE - American World Central Kitchen worker killed in Gaza by IDF airstrike is seen in heartbreaking pictures with his wife and baby boy - as GoFundMe is launched to bring back his body and create trust fund for his child Advertisement 'Clearly, the thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable.' Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has in recent weeks come under pressure from across the political spectrum to publish legal advice he has received about UK arms exports to Israel. Export licences could not continue to be granted for UK arms heading to Israel if there is a risk weapons could be used in a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Before MPs left Parliament for the Easter recess, Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell told the Commons UK arms exports amount to '0.02% of Israel's military imports' when questioned about the legal advice by shadow foreign secretary David Lammy. Stephen Flynn, the SNP's Westminster leader has written to Mr Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, calling for an immediate recall of Parliament. He wrote: 'This situation demands that the Prime Minister comes to Parliament without further delay to outline the UK Government's response to the killing of UK citizens by Israel, to enable MPs to scrutinise the UK Government's response, and so that Parliament can finally debate and vote on ending arms sales to Israel.' Dead piglets were dumped outside a town hall after animal rights activists had broken into a nearby abattoir to protest the treatment of pigs. Norfolk town hall staff were shocked when they were confronted by four dead baby pigs lying on the ground. Police said they are probing the incident in Downham Market and is believed it may have been a stunt by animal rights activists, but no group has so far claimed responsibility. The four animals were left near the town hall on Sunday, while graffiti was sprayed on the pavement around the corpses, including the word 'victims'. Joey Carbstrong (bottom left) and other animal protesters apparently inside a food facility in Watton Pictured, dead piglets left outside the town hall in Downham Market, Norfolk. It is believed it may be linked to animal rights activists but no group has claimed responsibility, so far OCCUPYING CRANSWICK GAS CHAMBER IN WATTON NOW pic.twitter.com/03Yb45LZ0b Joey Carbstrong (@JoeyCarbstrong) April 3, 2024 Norfolk Police said 'Officers are investigating following an incident of criminal damage in Downham Market on Sunday, March 31. 'Unknown suspects spray painted graffiti and left four dead piglets in the town square. Enquiries are ongoing.' It is not clear how old the piglets were, how they died or where they were obtained from. The bodies have now been removed and disposed of. Downham Market Town Council said it did not wish to comment on the incident. It comes as Norfolk Police said they were called to reports that a number of protesters had entered a food facility in Watton on Wednesday at 6.07am. The force said officers were on scene dealing with the incident in Brandon Road. Vegan campaigner Joey Carbstrong, who has released a film called Pignorant, appeared wearing a blue protective suit in a video clip apparently filmed at Cranswick Country Foods in Watton. He said: 'We're currently occupying the Cranswick Watton gas chamber.' Mr Carbstrong held a banner reading 'They fight to escape the gas', with a photo of a caged pig, in the video clip. Mr Carbstrong pictured with activists holding placards. His recent documentary is called 'Pignorant' Since around 6 am this morning weve been occupying the top of an active pig gas chamber owned by Cranswick country foods. This action follows my latest investigation, featured in the independent, which found pigs being hit in the face before being gassed to death in horrific pic.twitter.com/xVovmNmp7Y Joey Carbstrong (@JoeyCarbstrong) April 3, 2024 The activist wants to raise awareness about the gas chambers, which he describes as 'torture chambers'. Cranswick Country Foods describes its Watton site on its website as 'our dedicated processing facility in Norfolk, producing fresh pork, sausages and added value meal solutions'. Cranswick Country Foods has been approached for comment. Mr Carbstrong is a 31-year-old from South Australia who is known as a vegan celebrity. His new documentary aims to highlight how most pigs are killed in UK abattoirs using gas, which animal-welfare activists say is cruel. MailOnline has contacted him for comment. This is the shocking moment smugglers set up a ladder system on a 30-foot barrier along the Mexican side of the United States-Mexico border wall. The video footage surfaced on social media on Tuesday and showed five men locating two ladders on a section of the international border as cars zipped by in broad daylight. One of the men could be seen scaling the steel structure with the ladder's hood clinging from his pants. Another subsequently follows him up the barrier before they hook both ladders to the edge of the wall. Three would-be border crossers were recently recorded scaling to the top of a 30-foot steel border wall at the United States-Mexico borderline in an attempt to illegally enter the U.S. A smuggler climbs a steel pillar to get to the top of the border wall and set up one of the two ladders migrants would then use to cross illegally from Mexico to the United States Both men would later slide down the steel pillars before a pickup truck passed several yards behind the United States side of the wall. The smugglers were then joined by three male individuals on working to reinforce the rope ladders by tying them to the pillars. Less than a minute later, the three individuals started to climb up the later in an apparent attempt to illegally enter the United States. A United States border agency official told DailyMail.com that they were unable to tell where the border crossing would have taken place. Two alleged smugglers connect a ladder system to the top of a section of the United States-Mexico border wall on the Mexican side of the international borderline while three men remained on the ground before they eventually climbed to the top Alleged smugglers and migrants were caught on video reinforcing two ladders that were hooked to the top of a section of the United States-Mexico border wall on the Mexican side 'It's an example of how they always put migrant lives at danger became it is not a safe way to cross border,' the official said. Latest border figure released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed that U.S. Border Patrol agents registered 140,644 of the 189,922 encounters with people who unlawfully crossed the 1,954-mile long southwestern border in February. In all, the agency has reported 1,151,448 interdictions since October 2023, the start of fiscal year 2024. Border Patrol agents conducted 434 rescues at the southern border in February, the most since October. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has postponed plans to travel to Saudi Arabia later this week as he recovers from a cracked rib following a minor accident. Sullivan had been scheduled to travel to the Middle East on Thursday where he was to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid a U.S. push for progress toward normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The injury 'has affected his ability to travel,' White House spokesperson John Kirby said in a briefing with reporters. 'This was a minor accident of his own. It was not caused by anybody. It was not the result of a nefarious act.' White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan postponed a trip to Saudi Arabia due to a cracked rib Kirby said the trip would be rescheduled but did not give a date. Normalization efforts had been put on hold amid Israel's war with Hamas following the terrorist group's attack last October but the U.S. has been trying to jump start talks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Saudi Arabia last month to meet with the crown prince and the Saudi prime minister. On the trip, Blinken 'reaffirmed the United States' commitment to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza and to the establishment of a future Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.' Sullivan was to meet with Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman about normalizing relations between Saudi and Israel Normalization talks have been placed on hold since the October attack on Israel by Hamas - above aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed by an Israeli attack in Gaza As part of a normalization deal, Saudi Arabia wants to clinch a mutual defense pact with Washington and get U.S. support for its civil nuclear program. The U.S. hopes that if they reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia they can present it to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose would have to agree to a two-state solution. 'There has been lot of progress in the talks between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia about their draft defense treaty. They want to have their side of the deal ready and then put it on our table and say, 'Take it or leave it,' a senior Israeli official told Axios. Even if the U.S. reaches a deal with the Saudis, a defense treaty would have to be ratified by the Senate. President Joe Biden underscored the United States' "enduring" commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula during phone talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, the White House said. The call came amid growing concerns over North Korea's continued saber-rattling, including its missile launch this week, and a potential erosion of the sanctions regime against the North due to Russia's veto last week of a resolution to extend the mandate of a U.N. panel monitoring sanctions enforcement. The leaders' engagement followed their in-person summit in California in November, where they agreed on the resumption of bilateral military communications and other areas of cooperation in a display of their desire to stably manage the great-power relationship despite a hardening rivalry over security, technology and trade. "(Biden) emphasized the United States' enduring commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," the White House said in a readout on the call, which it portrayed as "candid and constructive." On the eve of the leaders' talks, a senior U.S. official told reporters that Biden planned to discuss with Xi efforts to advance the denuclearization of the peninsula, as the official highlighted rising concerns about Pyongyang's provocative moves. "(There is) certainly growing concern about the DPRK's provocations and the risks of its growing economic, military, technological partnership with Russia," the official said. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "We certainly continue to underscore those concerns to China while also reiterating our readiness to conduct diplomacy with North Korea and our determination to take steps to deter further provocations by the DPRK." Concerns have persisted that the intensifying competition between the two superpowers could shrink room for tighter cooperation on North Korea-related issues, particularly at a time of North Korea's burgeoning military cooperation with Russia, which boasts its "no-limits" partnership with Beijing. Those concerns deepened last week when Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution to extend the mandate of the expert panel, which is set to expire on April 30 absent its passage. China abstained in the vote -- a move that cast a pall over the future of international cooperation on sanctions enforcement. In Tuesday's call, Biden also emphasized "the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea," while raising concerns over China's support for Russia's defense industrial base, according to the White House. In addition, Biden raised concerns about what the U.S. termed China's unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices. "The president emphasized that the United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment," it said. Biden and Xi welcomed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication and responsibly manage the relationship through high-level diplomacy and other consultations in the weeks and months ahead, including during upcoming visits to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During their call, the two sides also reviewed and encouraged progress from their California summit, including counternarcotics cooperation, ongoing military-to-military communication, talks to address AI-related risks, and continuing efforts on climate change, the White House said. In Monday's pre-summit briefing, the senior U.S. official stressed, "Intense competition requires intense diplomacy to manage tensions, address misperception and prevent unintended conflict. This call is one way to do that." The official also underlined the U.S.' unchanged approach to China based on its framework of "invest, align and compete." The approach refers to Washington's strategy to make investments to reinforce its strength, and pursue alignment with allies and partners in its increasingly intense competition with China. (Yonhap) Elon Musk has signaled support for JK Rowling after she challenged Scotland's new hate crime law which could see citizens arrested for addressing a transgender person with the wrong pronouns. The Harry Potter author and prominent gender critic, who often refuses to use a person's chosen pronouns in her frequent posts on X, formerly Twitter, challenged police to arrest her for her own apparent violations. But on Tuesday Police Scotland confirmed that no action would be taken against Rowling, 58, despite thousands of complaints against her. She took to X shortly after, pledging to repeat any comment made by a woman in violation of the law so that cops would have to charge her for it too. Musk, who has a troubled relationship with his own transgender daughter, replied with a flame emoji in a show of support for the sentiment. 'If they go after any woman for simply calling a man a man, I'll repeat that woman's words and they can charge us both at once,' Rowling wrote on X. The Harry Potter author and prominent gender critic, who often refuses to use a person's chosen pronouns in her frequent posts on X, formerly Twitter, challenged police to arrest her for the apparent violations of the new hate crime law Elon Musk has signaled support for JK Rowling after she challenged Scotland's new hate crime law which could see citizens arrested for addressing a transgender person with the wrong pronouns Rowling took to X on Tuesday pledging to repeat any comment made by a woman in violation of the law so that cops would have to charge her for it too. Musk replied with a flame emoji in a show of support for the sentiment Her comment came in response to a woman airing concerns that police had only dropped charges against the multi-millionaire author because 'they won't go after someone that has the means to defend themselves'. 'They will target people that can't, until it becomes common enough to target you,' they mused. Meanwhile, Musk's relationship with his transgender daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson, 19, has grown tense in recent years as they appear to have grown apart over political and ideological differences. In September, he branded the teenager a 'communist' who thinks 'anyone rich is evil', in a sign their relationship had reached a new low. Musk's daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson filed a petition to change her gender to female Vivian legally changed her gender to female and her name from 'Xavier' last year, while revealing in court filings she 'no longer wishes to be related' to Musk 'in any way'. Rowling had been reported to police after referring to a number of transgender women including campaigners, convicted prisoners and celebrities as 'men' in a range of X posts reported to Police Scotland. As the author's comments whipped up a social media storm, she won support from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who said: 'People should not be criminalized for stating simple facts on biology.' A Police Scotland spokesperson said of the tweets: 'We have received complaints in relation to the social media post. The comments are not assessed to be criminal and no further action will be taken.' Rowling said of the police response: 'I hope every woman in Scotland who wishes to speak up for the reality and importance of biological sex will be reassured by this announcement, and I trust that all women - irrespective of profile or financial means - will be treated equally under the law.' 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. 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 Rowling said the assessment by Police Scotland, which concluded that her tweets referring to trans women as 'men' did not meet the criminal threshold, should 'reassure' women Bryson, who was known as Adam Graham at the time of the offences, began transitioning only in 2020 after being charged. Initially referring to them as 'women', Rowling 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.' 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, honors 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. '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.' Rowling has also recently taken up the case against a cup-winning Australian women's football team which has five trans players - including one who scored six times in a 10-0 victory. Protesters demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament ahead of Scotland's Hate Crime Law People hold up signs as they protest outside the Scottish Parliament today The author, who lives in Edinburgh, challenged those who opposed her views to report her under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, which came into effect on Monday. It aims to protect a number of characteristics from abuse under the law, including age, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity and those with variations in sex characteristics, such as intersex people. Rowling continued: '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. A judge has denied actor Jonathan Majors' request to set aside the guilty verdict in his domestic violence case. The motion set forth by the 34-year-old's legal team was rejected on Wednesday in New York, opening the doors for sentencing next week. A jury found him guilty of reckless assault in the third degree and harassment, a misdemeanor and a violation respectively, in December of last year. Majors is set to be sentenced April 8 and faces up to one year behind bars. The charges stem from a March 2023 incident that began in the backseat of a chauffeured car in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. A judge has denied Jonathan Majors' request to toss out the guilty verdict in his assault case, meaning the 34-year-old now faces sentencing next week The charges stem from a March 2023 altercation involving his ex-girlfriend, British dancer and choreographer Grace Jabbari According to prosecutors, Majors struck Jabbari and twisted her finger after she grabbed his phone in the backseat of a chauffeured car According to prosecutors, Majors' then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, grabbed his phone after seeing a text she believed was from another woman, reading, 'Wish I was kissing you right now.' As Majors attempted to get his phone back, he pulled Jabbari's finger, wrenched her arm behind her back and struck her face. The driver stopped the vehicle and Jabbari, a British dancer and choreographer, attempted to exit. However, Majors threw her back in. Majors spent part of the night in a hotel but later returned home, prosecutors said. There he found Jabbari, who said she fell asleep - but Majors insisted he thought she had fallen unconscious after attempting to commit suicide. The 'Creed III' actor called 911, but when a dispatcher asked him to explain what had happened to Jabbari, he said, 'I don't know.' Police arrested Majors on domestic abuse allegations, but he was released with a limited temporary restraining order. The following day, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office filed three counts of third-degree assault, one count of second-degree harassment and one count of aggravated harassment against the actor. In June 2023, Majors went to police with his own allegations, claiming Jabbari had been the aggressor. She was arrested in October, but the case was abruptly closed The 'Creed III' actor faces up to a year behind bars after being found guilty of reckless assault in the third degree and harassment in December 2023 Jabbari was granted a full restraining order on April 27, 2023, barring Majors from contacting her. In June, Majors went to police with his own allegations against the choreographer, claiming she had been the aggressor. Jabbari was arrested in October 2023, but the case against her was abruptly closed. New York Criminal Court Judge Michael Gaffey later released evidence including the 911 call and photos depicting dark bruising on Jabbari's finger and a gash behind her ear. Also among the exhibits were text messages between the pair. 'Maybe I'm such a monster and horrible man that I...should just kill myself,' Majors wrote hours after the altercation. If Jabbari sought treatment for her fractured finger and other injuries, 'it could lead to an investigation,' he wrote. Jabbari promised to delay the visit, but insisted that she needed pain medication. 'I will tell the doctor I bumped my head,' she wrote. The jury failed to reach a verdict on December 14. Four days later, Majors was found guilty, and a sentencing date was set for February 6. But sentencing was deferred to April 8 after Majors' legal team asked Gaffey to void the conviction, filing what is known as a 330.30 motion. Tickets for the first ever opening of Balmoral Castle to the public have sold out less than a day after they went on sale. The gold-dust briefs, on sale for between 100 and 150, with the latter including afternoon tea - were in short supply with just 40 issued each day from July 1 to August 4 later this year to see the late Queen's favoured retreat. Balmoral's ticket booking system was locked down under the stress of demand, with a notice reading: 'As we are currently experiencing a high demand of bookings, you have been placed in a queue.' But the monarch has raked in around 140,000 from the new guided jaunts, which are thought to have been introduced in line with the King's wishes to make royal properties more accessible to the public. Previously, tickets have been sold for access to the grounds of the Aberdeenshire estate, between the towns of Ballater and Braemar, at 17.50 apiece. For the first time, visitors to Balmoral can book tickets for a guided tour inside Balmoral Castle (pictured) Queen Elizabeth II waits to meet with new Conservative Party leader and Britain's Prime Minister-elect Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle on September 6, 2022 - two days before she died Balmoral is the favoured summer retreat of the royal family - with the castle used through the summer by the likes of King Charles Tickets for the internal guided tours throughout July and early August are now completely sold out King Charles inspects Balaklava Company at the gates of Balmoral in 2023 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with their children, Prince Andrew (centre), Princess Anne (left) and Charles, Prince of Wales (right) sitting on a picnic rug outside Balmoral Castle in Scotland, 8th September 1960 Queen Elizabeth II at the writing desk in her study in Balmoral Castle, Scotland, in 1972 Guests will be given a rare glance into rooms used by the King and Queen, two dining rooms, the drawing room, the page's lobby and the Red Corridor, where King Charles met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier this year. The tours will teach 'how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family', according to the estate's website. But some have expressed frustration at the speed at which the tickets sold out - and the prices being charged to enter the previously unseen corridors of the royal family's favoured summer retreat. One said on Facebook: 'Why is it so expensive? I would love to do this but 100 per person is extortionate.' 'A shame all the tours have sold out,' said another. 'More tickets need to be released for the internal castle tour,' pleaded a third fan on X, formerly Twitter. 'It has proved very popular. I went and booked within 10 mins of seeing this post yesterday morning. It may well become a regular experience,' said a fourth, signing their post off with a smiling emoji. Tours will take guests through a selection of rooms used by the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. There will be no ropes tethering off rooms as in some other properties, because it remains a functioning royal home. In a statement on its website, the Balmoral estate announced: 'Since its completion in 1855, access to the interior of Balmoral Castle has been restricted to the public, until now. 'For the first time in history, we're thrilled to announce the launch of interior castle private tours The Balmoral Experience. 'Learn about Balmoral's history and heritage, led by our experienced guides through several of the exquisite rooms within Balmoral Castle. 'You will see why Balmoral is such a special place the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal Family.' The then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana at Balmoral in 1981 whilst on their honeymoon Prince Charles and his mother Princess Elizabeth looking out of a window at Balmoral in 1952 Queen Elizabeth watches her son Prince Charles driving in a toy car on the grounds of Balmoral Castle Queen Elizabeth II with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at Balmoral on September 26 1976 Some of the King's own personal artworks will also be put on display in a bid to entice more visitors to the Aberdeenshire estate. Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire, has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848. The King has also ordered construction of a giant, thistle-themed maze in the grounds - inspired by a maze he used to play in as a child at Sandringham. The eyes of the world were drawn to the estate in September 2022 when the late Queen Elizabeth II died within its walls. She had been photographed meeting with the then-new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, just two days before she died as she asked the one-time Tory leader to form a new government. Balmoral was beloved by the late monarch and she, and the wider family, came to be regarded as neighbours by the locals in the nearby towns of Ballater and Braemar. Many local businesses came to be associated with the estate, having been granted Royal Assent for providing services to the Royal family each summer, as they would come to stay for the entire season. Queen Elizabeth II was also a frequent sight around the estate, both on foot and at the wheel of a Range Rover. In one famous tale, relayed by former Royal protection officer Richard Griffin, she met a pair of Americans while walking around the grounds with Mr Griffin - but the tourists did not recognise her as the head of state. He told Sky News in September 2022: 'It was clear from the moment we first stopped that they hadn't recognised the Queen which is fine and the American gent was telling the Queen where they came from, where they were going to next, and where they'd been to in Britain. And I could see it coming. 'And sure enough, he said to Her Majesty, 'And where do you live?' And she said, "Well, I live in London but I have a holiday home just the other side of the hills".' The Americans then asked her if she had ever met the Queen. Mr Griffin added: 'And as quick as a flash, she says, "Well I haven't, but Dicky here meets her regularly."' Former President Donald Trump and Nebraska Republican Governor Jim Pillen are calling for the state to move to a winner-take-all Electoral College vote system which could be a major blow to President Biden's path to victory in November. Nebraska has since 1992 been one of two states that allocates electoral votes in a proportional manner that includes dolling out some of the electoral votes by congressional district. The other state being Maine. While statewide Donald Trump carried Nebraska by nearly 20 points in 2020, Biden was able to flip the second district around Omaha and take its one electoral vote on his path to 306 electoral votes in the last presidential election. As Trump examines how he can reach the necessary 270 electoral votes to win in November, he has his eyes on that one Nebraska district and wants the states more than 30 year old system changed. The idea to move to a winner-take-all system picked up steam this week after conservative Turning Points USA founder Charlie Kirk posted on X. Suppose Donald Trump flips Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada next fall, as current polls all show him doing. Would he win the presidency? Not quite. In fact, if Trump flips those three states and no others, he loses by exactly ONE electoral vote, Kirk wrote. Why? Nebraska. Suppose Donald Trump flips Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada next fall, as current polls all show him doing. Would he win the presidency? Not quite. In fact, if Trump flips those three states and no others, he loses by exactly ONE electoral vote. Why? Nebraska. Despite being one of Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 2, 2024 Trump campaigning in Nebraska on Tuesday. He praised Nebraska's Governor Pillen on Tuesday for supporting a winner-take-all electoral vote system There is a bill, LB 764, that was introduced in the state legislature by conservative Republican state Senator Loren Lippincott in January 2023 that would move the state to a winner-take-all system. But it was referred to a committee more than a year ago and has been there ever since. On Tuesday, Republican Governor Jim Pillen released a statement saying he supports the bill. Im a strong supporter of Senator Lippincotts winner-take-all bill (LB 764) and have been from the start, he said. It would bring Nebraska into line with 48 of our fellow states, better reflect the founders intent, and ensure our state speaks as one unified voice in presidential elections. Pillen called on Republicans in the legislature to pass the bill, saying he would sign it. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen speaking at an event in Washington, DC in 2023 Republican Governor Pillen says he supports moving to a winner-take-all electoral vote system Nebraskas legislature is unicameral and officially nonpartisan, but the majority of legislators are registered Republicans. Trump praised Pillen for his support of a winner-take-all system on Tuesday, claiming its right for Nebraska. Lets hope the Senate does the right thing. Nebraskans, respectfully ask your Senators to support this Great Bill, he wrote in a social media post. The Nebraska Republican party is also rallying behind the bill, but state Democrats are skeptical of the effort to move the legislation before the term ends. The Nebraska legislative session ends April 18. Reporting live from the trenches dont worry, we arent getting rid of our unique electoral system in Nebraska, wrote state Senator Megan Hunt, who represents District 8 in Omaha, on X. Legislatively theres just no time. Nothing to worry about this year. Hunt said the effort just shows that Trump has serious concerns that the election is going to come down to one electoral vote and accused him of being willing to cheat and change the rules state-to-state to ensure a victory. Hunt called the move pathetic. This just shows that Donald Trump has serious concerns that this election is going to come down to one electoral vote, and hes willing to cheat and change the rules state-to-state to ensure his victory. Its pathetic and if he wants to win Omahas vote, he should come earn it. https://t.co/bLaPcmdIxr Senator Megan Hunt (@NebraskaMegan) April 3, 2024 The Nebraska Democratic Party chair urged Nebraskans to call their state senators to voice their support for the current system. We are proud of our unique electoral vote system and know all too well the economic benefits it generates with a national focus on our state, said chair Jane Kleeb. 'Governor Pillen might be influenced by extremist online personality Charlie Kirk, but our party is confident the Nebraska Legislature will continue to protect our fair electoral voting system. If Trump were to flip the three battleground states of Arizona, Georgia and Nevada as Kirk suggested, he would still be just shy of the necessary 270 delegates needed to win the presidency at 268. Biden lost Nebraska statewide in 2020 but won the state's second district which gave him one electoral vote from the state. He won the presidency with 306 electoral votes in total If Biden loses those three states, which he won in 2020, but still clinched the battlegrounds of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, he would have exactly 270 delegates needed to win. If Nebraska moved to a winner-take-all system under that map, the electoral college would be split between Biden and Trump 269 to 269. When the Electoral College is tied, the decision goes to the House where Republicans currently hold their smallest majority in decades. There each state would get a single vote. The only other state without a winner-take-all system for its electoral votes in Maine. In 2020, Biden won the state overall, but Trump received one electoral vote from its rural second district. Dame Prue Leith has issued a further rallying cry for the right to die, saying she does not want her last moments to be 'in a hospital in screaming agony'. The Great British Bake Off presenter, 84, who is a campaigner for and patron of Dignity in Dying, said someone who is miserable, in pain, and living with an incurable disease should 'have the right to step out of life'. Dame Prue, who is outspoken on the right to die and made a TV programme with her son Danny Kruger, said today she is 'always an interfering woman' and would not stop in her campaigning to enshrine it in law. Her open letter to party leaders calling for a debate in Parliament before the next general election has so far received 235,969 signatures, just shy of the 250,000 needed to put the topic forward for discussion. In her open letter, she calls for a 'safe and legal option' to end a person's suffering in a peaceful and dignified manner. Dame Prue Leith pictured today in London. She has reiterated her support for the right to die to be enshrined in law for those with terminal illnesses Dame Prue is best known to many as a judge on The Great British Bake Off opposite Paul Hollywood (above) Last year, Dame Prue filmed a programme exploring the subject of assisted dying with her son Danny Kruger (pictured), who does not share her views on the right to die Your browser does not support iframes. Dame Prue pictured in November last year at the Scottish Parliament with Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, who has introduced a bill to legalise assisted dying in Scotland READ MORE: Dame Esther Rantzen reveals she is considering assisted suicide amid her stage-four lung cancer Advertisement She became an advocate for assisted dying after losing her brother David, who suffered a 'really horrible' death from bone cancer; it prompted her to begin advocating for the terminally ill to be given the choice to end their life. Restauranter and cook school founder Dame Prue told the PA news agency: 'I am always an interfering woman, so I do campaign for quite a lot of sustainability but also really strongly for the right to die when you want to die. 'I am not wanting to force anybody to accept euthanasia or anything grim like that. 'I just think the people who have had enough of their life because they are in intolerable pain, they're dying anyway, why should a good life end with three weeks or even three days of absolute agony when it could be cut short.' Discussion around the need for a law change has grown in recent months with moves towards one progressing in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. And Dame Prue says, given the choice, she would prefer to die on her own terms. Dame Prue told PA: 'I want to die peacefully in my own bed surrounded by my family. I don't want to die in a hospital in screaming agony. 'Frankly, it is a great big secret. No one wants to talk about how many people die in real agony and also who just have absolutely had enough of their lives.' On the possible reasons for wanting assisted dying, she said: 'For some people, it's that they have lived a very long time, all their friends are dead, all their family is dead, they're lonely. 'Of course, we should say well they shouldn't be lonely but there is no good preaching about it, it doesn't make it go away by saying we should do something about the loneliness. 'We should do more about palliative care, we should do all we can to make people's lives happy. 'But if they are totally miserable, and they're in pain, and they have an incurable disease, for goodness sake they should have the right to step out of life.' Dame Esther Rantzen, 83, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer last year, is among those who supports a right to die for those with terminal illnesses Rachael Stirling, the daughter of the late Dame Diana Rigg, says her mother would have supported the right to die in Scotland READ MORE: Holyrood to vote on new right to die law: Controversial Bill would make Scotland first country in UK to approve assisted dying Advertisement Last year, Dame Prue made a documentary on assisted dying with her son, the Conservative MP for Devizes Danny Kruger. Prue And Danny's Death Road Trip on Channel 4 saw Dame Prue and her son - who does not share her views on the right to die - meet relatives of terminally ill people who chose to end their lives on their own terms. Ahead of the documentary airing, the Bake Off presenter told The Times how David's pain relief was insufficient, only working for three of the four hours between each dose, adding: 'He was crying out, screaming, in absolute agony.' David eventually died at the age of 74 after he began refusing to take antibiotics prescribed to him to treat pneumonia. Dame Prue added: 'Why, if you can prevent it, would you allow somebody to insist on somebody having six weeks of pain and misery? They're going to die anyway.' And last year, she met with Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur in Scotland, where he has introduced a bill to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill. Another famous face in favour of assisted dying is Dame Esther Rantzen, who has called for it to be made legal after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer last year. YouGov polling suggests the vast majority of the British public is in support of making assisted dying legal for those suffering from terminal illnesses, with around two-thirds steadily supporting the notion since 2019. Dame Prue was speaking today as she launched the Big Lunch community gatherings this summer, which aim to raise money for charity Dame Prue pictured with the current Bake Off line-up (clockwise from top left: Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding, Dame Prue, Paul Hollywood) This week Rachael Stirling, the daughter of Dame Diana Rigg, says her mother, who campaigned for legalising assisted dying in the UK, would be 'proud' of the proposed changes to Scottish law this week to allow it. The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Patients (Scotland) Bill, lodged at Holyrood on March 27th, want adults with an incurable illness to be able to seek a lethal dose of drugs from their GP. Before her own death from cancer in 2020, James Bond actress and Game of Thrones star Dame Diana Rigg made an impassioned plea for assisted dying to be legalised. Speaking on Woman's Hour this week, an emotional Stirling said her mother would have been 'really proud' of the Scottish Bill, and her impact on 'starting a national conversation'. Meanwhile, Dame Prue has taken a step back from Bake Off and will not appear as a judge on the celebrity edition to be aired this summer, with sources citing her age and other commitments as reasons for the break. A 71-year-old woman who was run over by her neighbour while crossing the road outside her home in Croydon, has been pictured today. Janet Emmett was on a pair of crutches when she slipped and fell and was crushed under her neighbour Elizabeth Avorga's Chevrolet as she returned from dropping her children off at school and nursery. Neighbours heard screams and saw the 42-year-old's car stopped on a grass verge with Mrs Emmett's legs and crutches protruding from underneath it following the crash on June 14, 2022. The incident happened on Kingswood Avenue, Croydon, where they both lived. The Old Bailey heard one neighbour told police Avorga was hysterical and screaming: 'I tried to stop, but she slid and fell. I killed Janet. Oh my God, I've killed my friend!' Janet Emmett, 71, was crossing the road on a pair of crutches when she slipped and fell and was crushed under her neighbour Elizabeth Avorga's Chevrolet Paramedics found Mrs Emmett trapped under the left front wheel of the car, and the cause of death was later found to be crush injuries to the head and torso. The fire service had to lift the Chevrolet from the ground so she could be taken to hospital. A gofundme page has been launched by Janet's son Declan who said his family's life was 'changed forever' following his mother's death. Mr Emmett said he was diagnosed with PTSD in August 2023 and desperately needed support but had to wait 16 to 18 weeks to see a professional. He now wishes to start a foundation in his mother's name to help families in a similar position to his own. Elizabeth Avorga, 42, arrives at The Old Bailey this afternoon to continue her trial for causing death by careless driving after running over and killing Janet Emmett, 71, on June 14th 2022 The gofundme reads: 'The NHS have been amazing with me and I am now getting the help and doing the best I can in this terrible situation. Now my idea is to start a foundation in my mums name to help families in a similar position to mine. 'I would like to find them the help that is needed privately, but this costs money. This is where you beautiful people come in, I am passionate about making a change and saving as many families from the depression and anxiety that comes from losing a loved one in tragic events.' Jurors heard that following the crash, Avorga was heard by a police officer saying: 'She was a good lady. We all cared for her. Why God, why? 'She was just walking up. She's got crutches, she got crutches. She's got a hip replacement. She was just telling me last week that she was going to have a replacement. A 71-year-old woman was crushed under the wheel of her neighbour's car when she slipped on her crutches and fell, the Old Bailey (pictured) heard 'She was walking up there because we don't have a sidewalk. She was just coming up, she was walking up the drive and then she slipped on her crutches and then, my panic, the car just rolled. The car just rolled because I saw her fall. Oh my God.' In her police interview she said she noticed Mrs Emmett in front of the car when she was just one or two metres away so she veered left but the pensioner lost her footing and fell in her path. Charlotte Hole, prosecuting, said: 'Had she stopped or at least passed Ms Emmett so widely there was no possibility the two would come into contact, the collision would have been avoided.' Avorga, from Croydon, south London, denies causing Mrs Emmett's death by dangerous driving. The trial continues. A police constable filmed himself having sex with a woman at a work Christmas party, then shared the video with colleagues, a misconduct hearing was told. PC Daryl Watson was at the event at the National Exhibition Centre outside Birmingham when he disappeared into the toilet area with the woman, who was not identified. The 29-year-old, who had already resigned, did not attend the hearing where he was found to have committed gross misconduct. Watson, who had been with West Midlands Police for six years, filmed the sexual activity with the woman and then played it to colleagues at the party in December 2022. He also sent the film to another officer, the hearing at force headquarters was told. Aerial view of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), an exhibition centre in Solihull, just outside of Birmingham West Midlands Police launched an investigation into what happened, but Mr Watson has not faced any criminal charges. Chief Constable Craig Guildford today said the former officer would have been dismissed if he had not resigned, adding that his conduct had seriously undermined public trust in the police. Chief Con Guildford said there was 'no place in policing for those who choose to conduct themselves in such a manner'. The misconduct hearing was told that the National Exhibition Centre was open to the public at the time. A 21-year-old man who was shot dead on an upmarket West London street was jailed in 2019 for his part in dismembering a jazz musician, MailOnline can reveal. Police and ambulance crews were called to Comeragh Road in west Kensington on Easter Monday, just after 10pm. The man - now named by police as Janayo Lucima - was found with gunshot wounds and treated by paramedics but died at the scene. The investigation into Monday's 'horrific' incident continues and no arrests have been made. MailOnline can reveal that when he was 19, Lucima was convicted of helping to cover up the murder of 'brilliant' jazz trumpeter William Algar by buying bleach and J-cloths and running errands. Days later, drug-dealer Ebrima Cham, 35, nicknamed the 'Brim Reaper', was also killed in a frenzied attack at a flat in Hounslow, west London. Janayo Lucima, a 21-year-old man who was shot dead on an upmarket West London street, was jailed in 2019 for his part in dismembering a jazz musician The man - now named by police as Janayo Lucima - was found with gunshot wounds and treated by paramedics but died at the scene MailOnline can reveal that when he was 19, Lucima was convicted of helping to cover up the murder of 'brilliant' jazz trumpeter William Algar (pictured) by buying bleach and J-cloths Accomplished jazz musician William Algar, 53, known as Blaise, was killed and chopped up in his home in 2019 - and wasn't found until a month later Emeka Dawuda-Wodu (pictured) was also convicted of perverting the course of justice in relation to disposing of William's body at the Old Bailey Picturesque houses opposite the crime scene in Kensington are listed on Rightmove as being sold for around 1million - with expansive airy rooms, large windows and some having terraces overlooking the quiet area. The houses in the desirable area are listed as recently selling for between 900,000 (a two-bedroom in 2018) and 915,000 (a three-bedroom flat in 2022). Residents in the upmarket West London suburb where former cabinet members reside have spoken of the distressing moments they watched the 21-year-old being given CPR from their balconies after he was fatally shot. Most locals in the area of West Kensington said they didn't hear a gunshot but saw emergency services gave the young man CPR for as long as half an hour after the shooting. Lucima's next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers and a post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place today. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This horrific incident took place at a busy time of the evening when many people in the area would have been going out, coming home from work or an evening out, or may have been driving through Comeragh Road, Barton Road or Palliser Road. I am keen to hear from these people. Police at the scene in Comeragh Road, West Kensington yesterday after the incident Met Police officers are guarding the road where a man was fatally shot on Easter Monday A forensic officer searches the scene in west Kensington for evidence yesterday Police have cordoned off Comeragh Road in west Kensington after a man was fatally shot 'Detectives remain in the area and I urge anyone with information to speak to officers directly or contact us online or via 101. If you can help please reach out to us. 'Were you in the area between 9.40pm and 10.30pm? Did you see a group of males on foot or on the bikes? Did you hear any shouting or witness any type of altercation or something that appeared suspicious? Do you have dashcam footage of anything that could assist our investigation? 'If you can help our investigation or have concerns please do approach officers as they patrol the area. Alternatively, please contact your neighbourhood policing team.' Accomplished jazz musician William Algar, 53, known as Blaise, was killed and chopped up in his home in 2019 - and wasn't found until a month later. Days later, drug-dealer Ebrima Cham, 35, nicknamed the 'Brim Reaper', was also killed in a frenzied attack at a flat in Hounslow, west London. Janayo Lucima, then 19, along with Emeka Dawuda-Wodu, then 19, Zimele Dube, then 33, Simon Emmons, then 40 and Marc Harding, then 45 were jailed at the Old Bailey. Lucima, along with Harding, were sentenced to three years and three months for their role in the dismemberment and disposing of body parts and perverting the course of justice. Mr Algar's body was chopped up with a 'Rambo knife' in the bathtub at his home. His arms and legs were buried in a nature reserve and his head and torso were discovered at his home a month later, when he was reported missing by his mother. Forensic officers at the scene in Comeragh Road after a man was shot dead on Easter Monday The fatal shooting occurred in leafy west Kensington near Hammersmith A police officer at the scene in Comeragh Road, West Kensington, west London, yesterday Forensic officers scour the scene for evidence at Comeragh Road yesterday At the time, Prosecutor Crispin Aylett QC said the attack on Mr Algar was 'of extraordinary viciousness beyond anger'. He told jurors it was 'frenzied' and 'the work of borderline psychopathic proportions'. Mr Algar was described in court as a 'good guy' who had a lot of interests and 'did not have a harmful bone in his body'. He suffered from mental health problems and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His life spiralled down after he began using and dealing class A drugs and his home was taken over by other dealers in what is known as a 'cuckoo' house. Jurors heard that before his death around December 1 2019, he had fallen out with Dawuda-Wodu over money. It was alleged that the Dawuda-Wodu, described as a drug-dealing gangster, had bullied Mr Algar and threatened to kill his cat, which was never found. Following Mr Algar's death, Dawuda-Wodu held a meeting on December 16 with Emmons and Lucima to decide what to do about the body, the court heard. Early the next day, Emmons' phone was allegedly used to research dissolving a body in acid, like a plot from the Breaking Bad television series. Lucima bought cleaning products at Tesco, and over the next couple of days Mr Algar was dismembered and his limbs were dumped on Hounslow Heath. Forensic officers searching bins in Comeragh Road, West Kensington, west London yesterday The clean-up operation was interrupted by the impromptu decision to attack Mr Cham, who was reputed to rob other dealers of cash and drugs, jurors heard. Emmons, Dube and Dawuda-Wodu travelled to Mr Cham's home where he was stabbed 11 times in a 'ferocious and frenzied attack', Mr Aylett said. On January 3 2020, Mr Algar's head and torso were discovered by police at his home. The victim's elderly mother had raised the alarm after he failed to keep in touch with her over Christmas. Dawuda-Wodu denied the murders and claimed he saw Emmons chopping Mr Algar's legs off with a Rambo knife. In his evidence, Emmons dismissed Dawuda-Wodu's claim he confessed to the killings and said the allegation he was involved in the clean-up was 'fantasy talk'. Emeka Dawuda-Wodu, 19, was convicted of murdering Mr Cham but cleared of Mr Algar's murder, following an 11-week trial at the Old Bailey. He admitted perverting the course of justice by disposing of Mr Algar's body. Dawuda-Wodu was part of a 'violent gang' who broke into a flat in Grove Road and stabbed Mr Cham 'repeatedly' before leaving him dead. Simon Emmons, 40, and Zimele Dube, 33, were also convicted of murder. Mr Algar was a brilliant trumpeter after taking up the instrument at the age of seven. He studied at the London School of Music and was asked to join The Damned after playing in a number of rock bands. Ebrima Cham, known as 'Brim', who was stabbed to death in 2019 after Mr Algar's death Mr Algar, who was known as 'Willy' in the music world, played on the band's hit single 'Grimly Fiendish' in 1985, but was in the line-up for less than a year. As his chances of a successful career faded, he began using drugs and became mired in the shadowy world of heroin and cocaine supply and was know as 'Blaise.' He allowed other dealers to use his tiny cluttered flat in Nowell Road, Barnes, as a den for their trade or 'trap house' and was treated 'like a slave'. Mr Algar, who was described by his family as a 'gentle man' had taken in a stray cat called 'Felix' and was besotted by the animal, the court heard. When he owed money for drugs Dawuda-Wodu threatened to harm Felix, who later disappeared. Mr Algar was so worried about the cat that he called the police in the days before he died and told of the threats being made against the pet. Prosecutor Crispin Aylett told the court that according to key prosecution witness Philip Ross, Mr Algar had spoken 'disrespectfully' to Dawuda-Wodu. He said: 'He had told Blaise, 'I'm not your bitch' or something...If you keep talking to me this way, if this keeps carrying on, I will kill your cat'. Mr Ross is under the impression that the argument had continued and he believes that he said that he had killed the cat.' Mr Algar was stabbed to death in early December, but he was not reported missing until January 2 when he failed to visit his 93-year-old mother at Christmas. When police searched the flat they found his head and torso wrapped in bin bags, old clothes, towels and knotted sheets in the blood spattered living room. His head and arms were later recovered from Hounslow Heath by police dogs after Emmonds and the teenager had taken a cab there with the limbs in a bulging suitcase. Parts of his body, including the genitals and anus have never been recovered. A pathologist found Mr Algar had no defensive injuries and he may have been killed when he was asleep face down, or 'incapacitated.' Traces of drugs including cocaine and morphine were found in his bloodstream. By the time Dawuda-Wodu was arrested he had been involved in the murder of Mr Cham on December 19, 2019. Mr Cham, known as 'Brim' was also drug dealer who had a fearsome reputation of robbing others in the trade. He was known as 'a maniac who carried a gun' and he had stolen Dube's drugs four times. The three killers stormed his flat in Grove Road, Hounslow, with a pirate dagger pretending to be buyers and stabbed him with 'severe force' in the kitchen of his home. Some of the 11 injuries were inflicted when he was already dead. An Israeli woman who was sexually assaulted while being held hostage in Gaza has described the horror she endured after she was abducted. Amit Soussana, 40, was taken hostage by Hamas during their October 7 attacks on Israel and released 55 days later. The female hostage has described how she was surrounded and taken away by ten men who she tried to fight off before being transported to Gaza and chained up for three weeks in a dark room. Speaking in the new documentary 'Screams Before Silence', Ms Soussana said: 'There were ten men around me. The feeling that they're taking me like I'm some kind of object, I couldn't stand it. 'My instinct was just to fight, and to do what I can. I was really scared that they were going to rape me there, and that they were going to drag me through Gaza streets and parade my body around. I feared that more than being killed.' Amit Soussana, 40, (pictured) was taken hostage by Hamas during their October 7 attacks on Israel and released 55 days later The female hostage has described how she was surrounded and taken away by ten men to Gaza Ms Soussana, an Israeli lawyer, said she was then taken to Gaza and kept in a dark room for three weeks where she was watched by a guard. 'I was chained for three weeks in Gaza. I was kept in a really dark room without being able to move,' she said. 'Whenever I needed to go and use the bathroom I needed to ask for permission. 'His name was Muhammad. He used to sit on the bed in front of me wearing his shorts. 'Lying down I remember I couldn't look at him - I was just looking away and covering myself with a blanket so I wouldn't have to look at him. It made me feel really uncomfortable.' She added: 'He also kept asking me, do I like sex, do I have sex with my boyfriend, and whenever he talked about it I just giggled and said ''oh come on stop, stop'', trying to change the subject. 'I knew he was up to something. I knew that something bas was going to happen.' Ms Soussana described how she was given sanitary towels for her period and ordered to take a shower after her monthly cycle ended. 'One day Muhammad came and gave me women's sanitary pads,' she said. 'He said ''when you get your period, after that, you will take a shower, and you'll wash your clothes''. And he kept repeating that a couple of time a day. Ms Soussana previously revealed how she was sexually assaulted while she was held captive by Hamas Ms Soussana, an Israeli lawyer, said she was then taken to Gaza and kept in a dark room for three weeks and watched by a guard 'Then I got my period, and the period was just for one day, but I fooled him to think that the period was continuing, until I could not lie anymore.' Ms Soussana previously revealed how she was sexually assaulted by guard Muhammad while she was held captive by Hamas. Ms Soussana claimed the guard, with his 'gun pointed at me, forced me to commit a sexual act on him' in a child's bedroom. The female hostage claimed she was sexually assaulted, as well as beaten and tortured, while she was held in Gaza for 55 days. The Israeli lawyer was released during a ceasefire in November alongside 21-year-old Mia Schem. King Charles has asked to be kept personally updated on the killing of three British military heroes delivering aid in Gaza, the Daily Mail can reveal. His Majesty is taking a keen interest in developments over the deaths of former SBS hero John Chapman, 57, ex-Royal Marine James Henderson, 33, and former Rifleman James Kirby, 47. Foreign office staff posted to the Middle East received a memo from the monarch asking that he is kept abreast as the tragic news broke on Tuesday morning. Charles is head of the Armed Forces and Captain General of the Royal Marines, the elite commando unit in which both Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson served. Royal observers say it is no surprise he would take their deaths to heart given his attachment to both the Marines and the military. Ingrid Seward, Editor in Chief of Majesty Magazine, said: 'These are the actions of a caring monarch, as head of state, head of the Armed Forces and Captain General of the Royal Marines. King Charles has asked to be kept personally updated on the killing of three British military heroes delivering aid in Gaza Former SBS hero John Chapman, 57. Charles is head of the Armed Forces and Captain General of the Royal Marines, the elite commando unit in which Mr Chapman served 'I think his mother might have done something similar in such circumstances.' His Majesty requested that the UK diplomatic mission keep him personally updated on Tuesday morning. The King asked that they keep him in the loop throughout the week as investigations get underway into why the Israeli forces targeted the seven aid workers. An email sent on his behalf requested an update by 4pm on Tuesday and another update later in the week. Diplomatic sources told the Mail that the communication from his office was 'extremely polite' and 'apologetic for the short deadline' despite it being a generous time window. Dickie Arbiter, press spokesman for Queen Elizabeth from 1998 to 2000, said that Charles was following in his mother's footsteps. 'As head of state, obviously he's concerned about British citizens who are in a war zone who volunteer for humanitarian purposes,' Mr Arbiter told the Mail. 'They are Brits who have volunteered on humanitarian grounds and they've been caught in the crossfire and they've been unfortunately killed in a conflict that seems to be getting out of control. 'In the normal course of events, he'd want to be kept informed in the same way as his mother.' It is understood His Majesty would have received clearance from No10 before making the personal intervention and there is no suggestion he is meddling in the politics of the region. 'He would have done it in conjunction with Rishi Sunak,' Mr Seward insisted, adding that it shows his feel for the national mood. Ex-Royal Marine James Henderson, 33. Charles is head of the Armed Forces and Captain General of the Royal Marines, the elite commando unit in which Mr Henderson served Former Rifleman James Kirby, 47. Royal observers say it is no surprise Charles would take their deaths to heart given his attachment to both the Marines and the military 'Charles is very good at understanding what gets to people, and this has really got to people. Being a diplomat I think he genuinely does want to be kept abreast of the situation. 'He thinks it could cause all kinds of terrible damage, this situation. Nobody's very satisfied, but he would definitely not have done this just off his own back.' Charles has taken a personal interest in the conflict from the start, having spoken out shortly after the October 7 massacre to say he was appalled by the 'barbaric acts of terrorism'. But while William was criticised for overstepping the mark in February when he said 'too many have been killed' in Gaza, he said he was speaking from a humanitarian point of view. The King has been careful not to meddle despite being incredibly concerned. A royal insider said: 'King Charles is very compassionate and has been particularly entrenched in the situation in Gaza since the outset, so I'm not surprised that he has asked to be kept updated. 'He has intervened privately before in situations in the Arab world, for example when people have been detained, and he does get involved in lots of personal issues. It's all part of him trying to help as much as he can. 'This probably came up in his red boxes and as head of state it's not an unusual thing to do, the Queen would have done something similar and liaised with the Foreign Office.' Buckingham Palace declined to comment. South Korea's top envoy in the United States rebuked Russia Tuesday for its recent veto of a resolution to extend the mandate of a U.N. panel monitoring the enforcement of anti-North Korean sanctions, stressing the move tarnishes international trust in the U.N. Security Council (UNSC). Speaking in a press meeting, Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong expressed "deep regret" over the veto in a UNSC vote on Thursday. Absent the resolution's passage, the panel is set to expire on April 30 in a loss of a key platform to help ensure global compliance with anti-North Korea sanctions. "(Russia) did an irresponsible act that undermines the U.N. sanctions regime, which Russia itself has backed, and international trust regarding the UNSC," Cho told reporters. The ambassador stressed that Moscow's veto is an example of the close alignment between the North and Russia having a negative impact not only on security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, but also on the U.N. and the international non-proliferation regime. "Our government will continue to closely cooperate with the international community through the rigorous implementation of the sanctions against North Korea and each country's respective standalone sanctions measures," he said. "In this process, we will continue watertight cooperation with the United States." Cho also "strongly" urged Russia to stop military cooperation with the North, which runs afoul of UNSC sanctions, and fulfill its obligations as a permanent UNSC member. In the lead-up to last week's UNSC vote on the panel's mandate, Russia was said to have proposed a "sunset clause" for sanctions against Pyongyang a demand apparently unacceptable to Seoul, Washington, Tokyo and other UNSC members. The sunset clause would have left anti-Pyongyang sanctions in effect only for a certain period of time unless there was a UNSC agreement to keep them in place for another agreed-upon period. Cho also highlighted that Seoul and Washington have been continuing efforts to further strengthen "extended deterrence" to prevent the North's "misjudgment" and block the North's use of nuclear weapons and missiles and conventional provocations. Extended deterrence refers to the U.S.' commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally. Meanwhile, Seoul and Washington are said to be preparing to commence new negotiations on the cost sharing for stationing the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea in the near future. The first round of talks, if held, are expected to focus on the general contours of how the two sides would proceed with the negotiations on a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA). The current SMA is set to expire at the end of next year. (Yonhap) Three former British servicemen were among the victims of an Israeli air strike which killed seven aid workers in Gaza yesterday. Former Royal Marines James Henderson and John Chapman and an ex-Army soldier James Kirby died in a drone strike on an aid convoy that triggered worldwide condemnation. The team, which was providing security for the World Central Kitchen charity, were hit on Monday as they moved food from a warehouse to distribute to Gaza's starving population. Along with the three British nationals providing security, four aid workers were also killed when the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse. The aid workers included Australian Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom, a Polish national Damian Sobol, an American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha. World Central Kitchen released pictures of all seven victims James 'Jim' Henderson, 33, from Cornwall, served in the Royal Marines for six years John Chapman, 57, from Dorset, served in the Special Boat Squadron James Kirby, 47, was a former sniper marksman who served in Bosnia and Afghanistan James 'Jim' Henderson formed part of the relief team's security detail, World Central Kitchen said. According to his LinkedIn page, the 33-year-old was a former roofer from Cornwall who served for six years in the Royal Marines. Following his exit from the military in 2016, he had worked a series of close personal security jobs before volunteering to work with WCK. He described himself as 'a highly disciplined, courteous and proactive individual who is mobile, offers flexibility and is willing to take on any further training necessary to offer the best service possible' and said he 'takes the health and safety of others very seriously'. He left the military in 2016 to pursue security jobs such as the one in Gaza, and wrote that his 'true vocation lies in security' in a 'civilian position'. He was due to leave Gaza on Monday, the Times reported. His family were only informed of his death on Tuesday morning, a day after he was killed, neighbours in Falmouth, Cornwall, told MailOnline. A close friend said: 'Everybody is gutted, he was a lovely lad. He hadn't been out there long, only a couple of weeks.' 'The group he was working for broke the news to the family this morning.' 'Everybody is gutted, he was a lovely lad. He'd been there a few weeks,' another friend said of Henderson, according to The Sun. The three British ex-forces heroes that were killed by the drone strike Mr Henderson was due to leave Gaza on Monday, the Times reported Following Mr Henderson's exit from the military in 2016, he had worked a series of close personal security jobs before volunteering to work with WCK John Chapman was among the charity's security team and was said to be a former Royal Marine. Pictured: His passport photo John Chapman was a 57-year-old who was among the charity's security team and was said to be a former Royal Marine. The father-of-two, from Dorset, also reportedly served in the Special Boat Service, the special forces unit of the Royal Navy. In a statement released through the Foreign Office, Mr Chapman's family said he 'died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act'. The statement added: 'He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. 'He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be missed dearly'. One of Chapman's pals told the The Sun that the former SBS hero had only been in Gaza 'matter of weeks' after having served 'previous stints working in the Middle East'. He hailed Chapman, 57, as a 'brilliant bloke' and said his death was a 'huge loss for his family, his friends and for the veteran community'. He also urged officials to provide more support to aid workers. 'People trying to deliver aid into Gaza are doing the right thing and they need support and protection from people like John and his colleagues to do their job,' the insider said. James Kirby was a 47-year-old who also worked in the charity's security team and was a military veteran. In a statement to the BBC, his family described him as a 'genuine gentleman'. They said: 'Alongside the other six individuals who tragically lost their lives, he will be remembered as a hero. 'James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British armed forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. 'Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need.' Mr Kirby's cousin, Adam McGuire, told Sky News: 'Not only James but the six other individuals are like heroes to us. They went out there selflessly to help some of the most desperate people in the world.' According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Kirby was a former sniper marksman and rifleman in the Army. The page reads: 'An experienced, SIA-licensed (Security Industry Authority) close protection officer with a background in executive protection, hostile and covert surveillance, security management and maritime security. 'Former member of the British armed forces, fully qualified in all aspects of close protection, with experience working with high-net-worth individuals, business leaders and their families and staff, globally. 'Willing and able to work on international assignments, and free to travel as required.' Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday He also described himself as someone who 'maintains a calm demeanour under extreme pressure, including life-threatening situations' and said he was 'experienced in working in varied theatres across the globe, both on land and at sea, including hostile and austere locations'. The Times said Mr Kirby was believed to be a former member of Britain's special forces. Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Israeli forces were to blame, saying the aid workers had been killed by an 'unintended strike'. He said officials were 'checking thoroughly' what had happened. But aid agencies accused Israel of deliberately targeting their staff. And Mr Netanyahu was last night under intense pressure to explain why the attack happened and to guarantee that there will be no further strikes against aid workers. Ships carrying 240 tonnes of food aid were yesterday reported to have turned back from Gaza in the wake of the bombing, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the narrow strip of land. Rishi Sunak told Mr Netanyahu he was 'appalled by the killing of aid workers'. In a phone conversation the Prime Minister demanded a 'thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened'. The Australian victim was named this morning as Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom, 43, from Melbourne. Friends and family remembered Zomi as a brave, selfless woman whose care for others drew her across the globe. For the last five years, she'd worked for Washington-based World Central Kitchen, taking her to the U.S., Thailand and her native Australia. The Australian victim was named this morning as Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom (pictured), 43, from Melbourne Zomi working with fellow World Central Kitchen worker Chef Oli (right) handing out food Jacob Flickinger was a 33-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Canada. He was reportedly the team lead 'We mourn this fine Australian who has a record of helping out her fellow citizens, whether it be internationally or whether it be through the support that she gave during the bushfires that occurred during that Black Summer,' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Australian Broadcasting Corp. 'She is someone who clearly was concerned about her fellow humanity.' In a statement, relatives described Frankcom as an 'outstanding human being' who was 'killed doing the work she loves delivering food to the people of Gaza.' She was born in Melbourne and earned a bachelor's from the Swinburne University of Technology. For eight years, she worked for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the nation's largest bank. Frankcom's social media highlighted visits to help those in need in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Romania and Haiti. World Central Kitchen colleague Dora Weekley, who met Frankcom responding to Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas in 2019, described her as 'larger than life.' She recalled when Frankcom was invited to walk a Hollywood red carpet, for a documentary about World Central Kitchen that was nominated for an Emmy. 'I remember getting a picture of her in a dress, saying, `Hold onto this forever,'' Weekley told ABC. 'Because usually I'm in sweats and runners, and I'm in Pakistan or Afghanistan or, you know, she could be anywhere, and never with her hair done or makeup done. 'She worked all hours, she gave everything, and she believed in helping people who were less fortunate.' Jacob Flickinger was a 33-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Canada. He was reportedly the team lead. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly called for a full investigation and said in a post on X that strikes on humanitarian personnel were 'absolutely unacceptable.' Speaking Wednesday in Brussels before a NATO meeting, she repeated the call for an investigation and said she had reached out to the Israeli foreign minister. 'Israel needs to respect humanitarian law, and we will make sure that is the case,' she said. Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha 27, had worked for World Central Kitchen as a driver and translator since the beginning of the year, relatives said Damian Sobol, 35, was known as a cheerful, friendly and resourceful manager who quickly rose in World Central Kitchen's ranks Hailing from the southeastern Polish city of Przemysl and studying hospitality there, Sobol had been on aid missions in Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey and, for the past six months, Gaza Free Place Foundation President Mikolaj Rykowski said Sobol was 'the man for every task - he could overcome every difficulty' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) had earlier stopped short of apologising for the deaths, which he described as a 'tragic case' that would be investigated 'right to the end'. His British counterpart Rishi Sunak (right) this evening told Netanyahu that he was 'he was appalled by the killing of aid workers' and branded the situation as 'increasingly intolerable' Saifeddin 'Saif' Issam Ayad Abutaha, 27, had worked for World Central Kitchen as a driver and translator since the beginning of the year, relatives said. His brothers described him as a dedicated young man eager to help fellow Palestinians. He'd also been a successful businessman who conducted trade with Ukraine, Egypt, China and others, brother Abdul Razzaq Abu Taha said. His work made him known on the Israeli side, his brother added, which helped in coordination and approval to assist the World Central Kitchen team in unloading the ship. Saif had hoped to get married. 'My mother was looking for a wife for him,' Abdul Razzaq Abu Taha said. 'He was supposed to get married if the war didn't happen.' Saif and other workers were excited about unloading the food aid, desperately needed in Gaza. The last time Saif and his brother spoke, he said, they'd finished the job and he was heading home. After hearing about the airstrikes, Abdul Razzaq Abu Taha said he tried to call to see whether Saif was OK. Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) Horrific photographs showed how a huge hole had been blown in the roof of one car, with the vehicle's interior torn to shreds by the force of the blast Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike After many attempts, he said, a stranger answered and told him, 'I found this phone about 200 meters away from the car. All of the people inside are killed.' Damian Sobol, 35, was known as a cheerful, friendly and resourceful manager who quickly rose in World Central Kitchen's ranks. Hailing from the southeastern Polish city of Przemysl and studying hospitality there, Sobol had been on aid missions in Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey and, for the past six months, Gaza. 'He was a really extraordinary guy,' said Marta Wilczynska, of the Free Place Foundation, which cooperates with World Central Kitchen. 'We were very proud of him.' Wilczynska met Sobol on the Polish side of the border with Ukraine, a few days after Russia's February 2022 invasion. He spoke English well and was a translator, and as a skilled manager, he could organize work in any condition, she said. 'Always smiling, always so helpful, he loved this job. I felt I had a brother in him,' Wilczynska said. Free Place Foundation President Mikolaj Rykowski said Sobol was 'the man for every task - he could overcome every difficulty.' Posting on Facebook, Przemy*l Mayor Wojciech Bakun said of Sobol's death that there are 'no words to describe how people who knew this fantastic young man feel now.' A Palestinian man rides a bicycle past a damaged vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike A UN worker holds James Henderson's passport at the scene of the strike Downing Street said Mr Sunak told the Israeli PM on Tuesday night that the situation was becoming 'increasingly intolerable' and that 'far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza'. A No 10 spokesman said: 'The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. 'The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel's rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.' Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, told his Israeli counterpart that the attack was 'completely unacceptable'. Israel's ambassador to the UK was also summoned to the Foreign Office for a dressing down. In a strongly worded statement, Sir Keir Starmer said the attack was 'outrageous and unacceptable', adding: 'This war must stop now.' Some Labour MPs demanded an immediate end to arms sales to Israel. Former shadow justice secretary and Left-winger Richard Burgon said the UK had licensed almost 500million worth of arms sales to Israel and suggested this was 'the latest incident where UK military exports may have been used in attacks on British nationals'. People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 Whitehall sources last night acknowledged that the 'horrendous' attack would make it harder for the Government to maintain its steadfast support for Israel's operation in Gaza. One insider said: 'This sort of thing just cannot be allowed to happen. We have shown support for Israel but that is contingent on them conducting themselves in a certain way, including acting in line with international humanitarian law.' Israel was under mounting pressure last night to explain why its forces had targeted a respected charity whose staff were travelling in clearly marked vehicles. What is World Central Kitchen? Founded in 2010, World Central Kitchen delivers freshly prepared meals to people in need following natural disasters, like hurricanes or earthquakes, or to those enduring conflict. The group has also provided meals to migrants arriving at the southern U.S. border, as well as to hospital staff who worked relentlessly during the coronavirus pandemic. The aid group sends in teams who can cook meals that appeal to the local palate on a large scale and fast. 'When you talk about food and water, people don't want a solution one week from now, one month from now. The solution has to be now,' Andres is quoted as saying on the group's website. World Central Kitchen has worked in dozens of affected areas and currently has teams in Haiti, addressing the needs of Ukrainians displaced by Russia's invasion, as well as providing meals to people affected by the war in Gaza. In Gaza, the group says it has provided more than 43 million meals to Palestinians. The group has set up two main kitchens in the southern city of Rafah and the central town of Deir al-Balah. It lends support to 68 community kitchens throughout the territory, serving more than 170,000 hot meals a day. Advertisement Three missiles from a single drone hit the three vehicles one by one. Shocking pictures from the scene showed that one missile had punched straight through the prominently displayed logo of the charity on the roof of an armoured vehicle. The convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where workers had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea. Nael Eliyan, a Palestinian living in a tent just yards away from where the missile struck, told The Sun that the aid workers' 'injuries were serious and they died quickly'. The World Central Kitchen said it had co-ordinated the movement of its team in Gaza in advance with the Israeli Defence Forces. WCK chief executive Erin Gore described it as a 'targeted attack' designed to deter aid agencies working in Gaza which has been subjected to months of bombardment following the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel. She said she was 'heartbroken and appalled', adding: 'This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organisations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. This is unforgivable.' Deliberate attacks on civilians, including aid workers, are considered a war crime. Netanyahu said on Tuesday an Israeli airstrike had mistakenly killed the charity workers, as Britain, the US and other allies called for explanations amid widespread condemnation. Israel's military voiced 'sincere sorrow' over the incident, which ratcheted up international pressure for steps to ease the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza nearly six months into Israel's siege and invasion of the Palestinian enclave. 'Unfortunately in the past day there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip,' Netanyahu said in a video statement. 'This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence.' The Israeli military (IDF) pledged an investigation by 'an independent, professional and expert body'. Britain summoned Israel's ambassador in London to express its 'unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing' of the WCK workers, three of whom were British nationals, and called for an urgent explanation from Israel of how this had occurred. The team from the charity and their Palestinian driver were killed in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah when their vehicle (pictured) was struck on Monday, local media reported, after the group helped deliver food and other supplies to the region 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 Israel last night faced condemnation from around the world. Poland, Australia and Canada demanded answers from Israel about the deaths of their citizens. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese demanded 'full accountability' from Israel over the death of aid worker Lalzawmi Frankcom who was killed in the convoy. US President Joe Biden was 'heartbroken', his press secretary said. Mr Sunak said the aid workers were 'doing fantastic work.... They need to be allowed to do that work unhindered and it is incumbent on Israel to make sure they can do that'. Last night protesters led by families of Israeli hostages and anti-government groups marched on the PM's residence in Jerusalem. Mr Netanyahu said: 'Unfortunately over the last day there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip.' He said officials were 'checking this thoroughly' but added: 'It happens in war... and we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again.' The IDF expressed its 'deepest condolences' to the families of the aid workers, and said it was 'reviewing the incident at the highest levels'. IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari later said in a statement that he had 'expressed the deepest condolences of the Israel Defence Forces to the families and the entire World Central Kitchen family'. 'We will be opening a probe to examine this serious incident further. 'This will help us reduce the risk of such an event from occurring again. 'The incident will be investigated in the Fact Finding and Assessment Mechanism: an independent, professional, and expert body.' Polish World Central Kitchen and aid worker Damian Sobol, who was killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 'British Nationals are reported to have been killed, we are urgently working to verify this information and will provide full support to their families,' Cameron said on X World Central Kitchen (WCK) barge loaded with food arrives off the Gaza coast, where there is risk of famine after five months of Israel's military campaign on March 15, 2024 The White House on Tuesday condemned the deadly airstrike as 'outrageous' and said it expected a broad and impartial investigation to be carried out with appropriate accountability. 'These people are heroes, they run into the fire, not away from it,' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said of the seven aid workers, speaking to reporters in Paris. 'We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk.' READ MORE: All women hostages held in Gaza are being sexually abused, freed Israeli woman says An image grab from a handout video released by the Hamas Media Office shows a Hamas fighter and a Red Cross medic accompanying a newly released Israeli hostage Maya Regev to a Red Cross vehicle, in the Gaza Strip early on November 26, 2023 Advertisement Yet in a sign of how Washington has set itself as Israel's most loyal defender, John Kirby, White House national security spokesman, said American officials would wait for the results of an investigation before drawing wider conclusions. And he insisted there was no question of halting weapons sales to Israel. 'We were outraged to learn of an [Israel Defense Forces]strike that killed a number of civilian humanitarian workers yesterday from the World Central Kitchen, which has been relentless and working to get food to those who are hungry in Gaza, and quite frankly, around the world,' he said. 'We send our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.' Israel has long denied accusations that it is hindering the distribution of urgently needed food aid in Gaza, which it has besieged in a war since October, saying the problem is caused by international aid groups' inability to get it to those in need. Since the October start of the war, World Central Kitchen has been involved in relief efforts, including supplying meals to hunger-stricken Gaza. It is one of two NGOs spearheading efforts to deliver aid to Gaza by boat from Cyprus and was also involved in the construction of a temporary jetty. The group has set up two main kitchens in the southern city of Rafah and the central town of Deir al-Balah. It lends support to 68 community kitchens throughout the territory, serving more than 170,000 hot meals a day. In Cyprus, officials said seaborne aid for Gaza civilians was returning to the eastern Mediterranean island following the killing of the WCK workers, after the US-based charity said it would pause work in the enclave. The United Arab Emirates, which had been the main financier for WCK's aid efforts through the maritime corridor, said it was pausing such shipments from Cyprus pending further safety guarantees from Israel and a full investigation. People stand near a destroyed car of the NGO World Central Kitchen (WCK) along Al Rashid road, between Deir Al Balah and Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, on April 2 A view inside a destroyed vehicle from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza on April 2 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 In Britain, a Cabinet minister said the Government is 'very, very concerned' by reports that a British aid worker has been killed in Gaza. Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, told the BBC: 'We haven't had it confirmed yet, but we are very, very concerned by the situation. 'We do know that we've urged Israel to do more to protect civilians, but also to allow aid to get into Gaza. READ MORE: White House condemns 'outrageous' Israeli airstrike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza ... but insists it wasn't 'deliberate' 'We were outraged to learn of an IDF strike that killed a number of civilian humanitarian workers yesterday from the World Central Kitchen,' said White House spokesman John Kirby Advertisement 'But we haven't yet had this confirmed and I think the IDF are reviewing this, probably as we speak.' She added it was 'worrying' that the charity World Central Kitchen had suspended its work in Gaza. She said: 'One of the key things is trying to ensure we get more aid into Gaza, so if one of the charities working on the ground has suspended, then that's obviously deeply concerning.' Ms Keegan added: 'Our thoughts would go to everybody affected.' James Elder, spokesman for the United Nation's Children's Fund (Unicef), said the aid worker deaths underlined how dangerous the situation in Gaza has become. He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'It is utterly horrifying. These people had been unloading something like a hundred tonnes of humanitarian food aid at this most critical junction when they were saving lives day in, day out. Describing it as an 'immense tragedy', Mr Elder said the incident 'underscores the horrendous conditions everyone continues to endure in Gaza, but it is just such a senseless loss of life'. He added: 'This has been one of the most dangerous places in living memory to operate, Gaza is breaking too many bleak records - numbers of children killed, number of people facing catastrophic hunger, record displacement, worst devastation to homes in living memory and largest number of United Nations colleagues killed since it was created.' 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 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 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 32,845 Palestinians, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. READ MORE: British aid worker killed alongside two other UK volunteers in Israeli air strike on Gaza food convoy, prompting Rishi Sunak fury Advertisement 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. 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 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. 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. A heavily armed Walgreens security guard accused a shopper of theft and threatened to put her in handcuffs while shining a light in her face, as revealed in a video. Brian Vinegar, a security guard at a Walgreens in downtown Seattle, can be seen wearing two badges, multiple pairs of handcuffs, and several guns as he threatened to take the shopper, Meika Prince, to the ground last Wednesday. Prince was picking up a prescription at the Walgreens when Vinegar approached her, she shared along with posting the video on TikTok. In the video, Vinegar can be heard saying: 'You are a thief. You are stealing things that did not belong to you. That's how it works out.' He then pulled out a flashlight and started shining it in Prince's face while saying: 'At this point, I'll give you the option to show me what you got. Otherwise, I'll detain you.' Brian Vinegar, a heavily armed Walgreens security guard, accused a shopper of theft and threatened to put her in handcuffs while shining a light in her face, as revealed in a video The security guard at a Walgreens in downtown Seattle, can be seen wearing two badges, multiple pairs of handcuffs, and several guns as he made threats toward the shopper, Meika Prince, last Wednesday Prince (pictured) was picking up a prescription at the Walgreens when Vinegar approached her, she shared along with posting the video on TikTok Vinegar claimed that a store manager at the Walgreens saw Prince stealing items on surveillance camera and demanded to check Prince's bag, videos that Prince shared on social media show. 'The police will come, and we will check if they find items on you. I hope you understand, at that point, you are really going to jail,' Vinegar can be heard saying. Vinegar proceeded to use the flashlight to check Prince's bag and asked, 'What is this?' before the woman vehemently said, 'It's none of your f**king business.' Prince then requested the security guard to call the police and the store manager, as Vinegar demanded Prince to leave the store, accusing her of another crime. 'You are trespassing. You cannot be on the property. You need to leave the store. If you do not leave, you are going to have a court date and you are going to jail,' he said. It was Prince who called law enforcement officers, who later arrived at the scene and started investigating, an official police report shared by Prince afterwards shows. In another clip shared by Prince, Vinegar can be heard interrupting their conversation until the police asked him to stop talking. Vinegar claimed that a store manager at the Walgreens saw Prince stealing items on surveillance camera and demanded to check Prince's bag, videos that Prince shared on social media show Vinegar can be seen wearing multiple pairs of handcuffs and a gun as he made threats toward Prince During an interview with the police, Vinegar denied there was any video footage of the alleged shoplifting. 'He told me there was no recording and his body worn video was not activated,' an officer wrote in the report. Prince also accused the security guard of racial profiling as Vinegar allegedly referred her as 'little black girl' in the conversation. 'He then began calling me a karen once i implied this was profiling. He hovered over me as if he was going to hit me,' she wrote in her post. 'When I asked him to call the police he refused. I was put in fear for my life all bc I wanted my prescription.' The video has elicited overwhelming reactions on social media, with more than a million of views and thousands of comments. Outraged users have since slammed Vinegar for his behavior and accused him of harassment. One user wrote, 'Tell me he lost his job. I hope you called the police.' During an interview with the police, Vinegar denied there was any video footage of the alleged shoplifting Earlier this week, Prince stated that she has hired a lawyer, and they are pressing for answers from Walgreens, as she shared in an update to her followers. In an interview with FOX13, she said: 'He had guns on him, he had mace. At one point, he pulled out a flashlight and was shining it on me.' 'He was approaching me, getting extremely close uncomfortably close. He said he was going to put me in handcuffs. It was extremely terrifying.' The outlet also reported that Vinegar's security license is listed as 'inactive,' meaning he's not a licensed security guard under the Washington state law. Attorney James Prescott, who is representing Prince, said: 'Stores do have a legal right to defend themselves against loss, but there's a way that they have to do that.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Walgreens for further information and comments. Homeland Security raided a trash-ridden basement in the Bronx where eight migrants were squatting with drugs, guns, endless junk and a seven-year-old child. Agents raided the home after NYPD officers arrested seven men and one woman at the home where the illegal activity was allegedly taking place, but six of the migrants were released without bail yesterday. DHS agents re-arrested two of the migrants during Wednesday's raid. One of the migrants had an open case for an attempted murder in Yonkers, according to NYPD chief of Patrol John Chell. Another individual in the group had a case for walking around with an open gun. Footage from the aftermath of the raid uncovers the disgusting basement where the migrants were squatting - which was covered in clutter, luggage, trash bags and a makeshift swimming pool. A seven-year-old child was also found on the scene, amongst the drugs and guns, although its unclear who the child's parents are and why he was at the trashed basement. Homeland Security agents have raided a basement in the Bronx where migrants were squatting with drugs and guns (Pictured: The home on Hull Avenue and East 207th Street in the Norwood section) A group of eight migrants from Venezuela had been camping out in the New York basement 'for months' Homeland Security agents raided the home after NYPD officers arrested eight individuals at the home where the illegal activity was allegedly taking place All eight were arrested on charges of of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance and acting in a manner injurious to a child. (Pictured: Yoessy Pino Castillo, 20, being arrested during the raid) The home where the migrants were squatting was covered in trash and luggage with clothes, shoes and belongings spilling out of suitcases and bags Video footage from today's raid showed the migrants being dragged out of the house in handcuffs. The group of migrants had been camping out in the New York basement when police received a call about a man with a gun close to a nearby school, leading officers to the property where the illegal activity was taking place. When authorities obtained a search warrant - they found two more loaded guns, three loaded extended magazines, ammunition and a bag of ketamine mixed with cocaine. There was also a seven-year-old boy found in the home along with the group of migrants. The home where the migrants were squatting was covered in trash and luggage with clothes, shoes and belongings spilling out of bags. The inside of the basement was torn apart, with miscellaneous junk crowding the floor and suitcases carelessly tossed all over the place. It is unclear why most of the migrants were released without bail while two were held despite each facing the same charges of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance and acting in a manner injurious to a child, The New York Post reported. The eight arrested were Hector Desousa-Villalta, 24, Jaiver Alborno, 22, Yoessy Pino Castillo, 20, Yerbin Lozado-Munoz, 25, Yojairo Martinez, 42, Miquel Vaamondes-Barrios, 31, Jefferson Orlando Abreau, 39, and Johan Cardenas Silva, 35. The inside of the basement was torn apart, with miscellaneous junk crowding the floor and suitcases carelessly tossed all over the place Dramatic footage from Wednesday's raid showed the migrants being escorted out of the property in handcuffs The NYPD 52nd Precinct shared a photo of the seized belongings - including weapons, ammunition and drugs The illicit activity had allegedly been going on for months at the home on Hull Avenue and East 207th Street in the Norwood section - right across the street from a school, according to FOX news. Dramatic footage from yesterday's arrest shows four NYPD officers dashing into the basement of a multi-family home and returning with multiple people in handcuffs. The raid initially resulted in eight arrests and police suspect that the migrants were illegally squatting in the property. All eight suspects face gun, drugs and child endangerment charges - however, all but two of them were released without bail following the arrest. Police initially discovered the basement-turned-drug den when the migrant spotted just footsteps away from a school with a gun fled. Officers chased 24-year-old Hector Desousa Villata to the home on Hull Avenue, where he was arrested along with seven other migrants. The illicit activity had allegedly been going on for months - right across the street from a school Pictured: One of the migrants being escorted from the property in handcuffs Hector Desousa Villata, 24, who is from Venezuela (left) and Jefferson Orlando Abreau, 39 (right) were among the six migrants released yesterday The raid initially resulted in eight arrests and police suspect that the migrants were illegally squatting in the property The entrance to the basement was cluttered with trash, including a baby's car seat and heaps of trash bags Police initially discovered the basement-turned-drug den when the migrant spotted just footsteps away from a school with a gun fled There appeared to be suitcases and bags full of belongings scattered throughout the inside and outside of the Bronx basement A seven-year-old boy found in the home along with the group of migrants A neighbor said, 'They're squatters and the owner has been trying to get them out of the apartment for the longest period of time' At the home, 22-year-old Javier Alborno tried to flee with a weapon but was quickly arrested. 'Two of the people with the guns had open cases, one for an attempted murder in Yonkers, and one walking around with an open gun indictment, walking around,' said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell. A neighbor said, 'They're squatters and the owner has been trying to get them out of the apartment for the longest period of time. 'I think he has a court date set, apparently because they're squatters for more than 30 days. They came, they were a disruptive force mainly because there were a lot of them. You didn't know who was staying, not staying there, and the owner of the building had a hell of a time trying to get them out,' said neighbor Alfred Munoz to ABC7. Scotland's justice minister has been forced to admit time-wasting complaints are being made to police under the country's controversial hate crime laws - including a false complaint made under her name. Siobhian Brown says 'misinformation and hysteria' have led to wrongful assumptions about the legislation - adding that one of the 4,000 complaints made to Police Scotland since it came into effect was submitted by someone pretending to be her. Police sources have suggested that First Minister Humza Yousaf has been the subject of the most complaints - after a speech he made following the death of George Floyd in the US was taken out of context and shared online by far-right activists. But the SNP continues to stand by the legislation, insisting that 'hysteria' around it is misplaced; JK Rowling has already sought to test the boundaries of the law with a series of tweets in which she referred to several transgender women as 'men'. Victims and community safety minister Ms Brown, meanwhile, has admitted that 'fake and vexatious' complaints are among those being made to police by ill-intentioned members of the public trying to poke holes in the law's efficacy. Victims and community safety minister Siobhian Brown says there has been 'a lot of misinformation and hysteria' around Scotland's new hate crime bill JK Rowling's comments about transgender women, in which she referred to them as 'men', were judged not to meet the criminal threshold by Police Scotland A protest against the new hate crime laws took place outside the Scottish Parliament on April 1, the day the legislation came into effect Rowling has received support from Elon Musk online. He has previously voiced his opposition to the hate crime laws After Rowling was judged not to have committed a crime under the new legislation, she was given support by billionaire owner of troubled social network X, formerly Twitter Humza Yousaf (pictured on Monday) has received more complaints under Scotland's new hate crime bill than JK Rowling , it has been revealed today 'I think also, in the last couple of weeks, there has been a lot of misinformation and hysteria regarding this bill being introduced,' she told BBC Radio Scotland. 'I was surprised myself on Monday to receive a call from Police Scotland about my complaint - this was a fake complaint someone had done anonymously in my name, and gave my office number. 'I think this shows the publicity and misinformation that's out there about this Act, that people are making fake and vexatious complaints.' Mr Yousaf, meanwhile, is believed to be the subject of the most complaints under the new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, which creates a new crime of 'stirring up hatred' towards certain protected characteristics. These are a person's age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or being intersex. An insider told the Sun: 'A lot of those complaints were about Humza Yousaf, on the same complaint about his parliamentary rant. JK Rowling has had some, but not as many as Humza Yousaf.' A 2020 video of Mr Yousaf speaking in the Scottish Parliament in the wave of the Black Lives Matter protests has been circulated for years, out of context, by far-right Twitter accounts seeking to portray the First Minister as racist. In the clip, the SNP leader tells of how people are often surprised he is the only 'non-white person in the room' at most of the meetings he attends. He then adds: 'The Lord President is white, the Lord Justice Clerk is white, every High Court judge is white, the Lord Advocate is white, the Solicitor General is white, the chief constable is white, every deputy chief constable is white, every assistant chief constable is white, the head of the Law Society is white, the head of the Faculty of Advocates is white and every prison governor is white.' Mr Yousaf was seeking to highlight how few people of colour are in positions of power in Scotland's parliament and government - but far-right activists stripped the clip of context and sought to suggest he was calling for a reduction in the number of white people in Scotland. News agency Reuters issued a fact-checking note on the video after Elon Musk, owner of troubled social network X, formerly Twitter, branded Mr Yousaf a 'blatant racist' in response to a post of the video from a well-known right-wing account. It concluded: 'The speech did not assert that white people make up too large a proportion of Scotland's overall population.' The video has been re-shared a number of times, including in the build-up to the new law taking effect - and is now believed to have been submitted to police a number of times as so-called evidence of the First Minister's racism. But police say the video was assessed against race hate legislation in the past and Mr Yousaf's comments were not judged to have been criminal. The hate crime bill, introduced on Monday, criminalises 'threatening or abusive behaviour' intended to stir up hatred against someone's identity Women's rights campaigners have hit out at Scotland's new hate crime law (pictured: protests outside the Scottish Parliament on April 1) Opponents of the law say it will threaten free speech - but the SNP has insisted it will protect freedom of expression Humza Yousaf was targeted by racist graffiti close to his home in Broughty Ferry, near Dundee, first reported by local newspaper The Courier (above) Trans newsreader India Willoughby accused Police Scotland of having 'star dust' in their eyes for failing to take action against JK Rowling over a string of tweets A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We have received a number of complaints in relation to a speech in the Scottish Parliament on June 10, 2020. 'Earlier complaints regarding this matter were assessed at the time and it was established no crime was committed and no further action was required.' Since the law came into effect, a house close to Mr Yousaf's in the Dundee suburb of Broughty Ferry has been daubed with racist graffiti containing derogatory references to Muslims and Pakistani people. READ MORE: Elon Musk backs JK Rowling over new hate crime law in Scotland after cops receive thousands of complaints Advertisement It has been universally condemned by the leaders of Scotland's political parties, and police are investigating. Musk has voiced his opposition to the new hate crime law, which carries penalties of up to seven years in prison in the most severe cases, and yesterday expressed solidarity with JK Rowling after her tweets were found not to have broken the law. On April 1, the day the law came into effect, the Harry Potter author posted a series of tweets referring to a number of trans women convicted of criminal offences as well as high-profile transgender activists, sarcastically referring to them as 'she'. Rowling - who made more than 8million from stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child alone last year - then said: 'April Fools! Only kidding. 'Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets aren't women at all, but men, every last one of them.' She was reported to Police Scotland over the comments, but the force later said her posts had not passed the threshold of criminality. It prompted an outcry from transgender newsreader India Willoughby - one of the 10 trans women targeted in Rowling's thread of tweets - who accused officers of getting 'stardust in their eyes'. But on Tuesday, Rowling responded to the decision, writing online: 'If they go after any woman for simply calling a man a man, I'll repeat that woman's words and they can charge us both at once.' Musk - who has a transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who has distanced herself from her father - responded to the tweet with a fire emoji. Multimillionaire Rowling was also given support by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who said on Tuesday: 'We should not be criminalising people for saying common-sense things about biological sex.' Some of the posts made by JK Rowling on X/Twitter on transgender women, which police say did not meet the criminal threshold when assessed under Scotland's new hate crime laws Bryson, 31, formerly known as Adam Graham, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, was moved to a men's prison after an outcry Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser says the decision not to log a non-crime hate incident against Mr Yousaf 'reeked of political bias' On Wednesday night, officers said neither Rowling nor Mr Yousaf would have a 'non-crime hate incident' logged against their name - a statistical marking used to track trends in hate incidents that do not meet criminal thresholds across Scotland. A spokesperson for Police Scotland told the Herald newspaper: 'The circumstances have been assessed and will not be recorded as a Non-Crime Hate Incident.' Among those to have an NCHI logged against them is Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser. Last year, he said identifying as a 'non-binary' person - someone who does not see themselves as exclusively male or female - would be 'as valid as choosing to identify as a cat'. He said tonight of the decision not to log an NCHI against Mr Yousaf: 'It is hard not to conclude that Police Scotland has been captured by the SNP policy agenda and that this is a decision that reeks of political bias.' Last night Calum Steele, the former general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said that around 3,800 cases were logged within the first 24 hours of the act coming into force Monday. The Scottish Tories have claimed that if the rate continues for the next 12 months, a total of 1.387 million crimes will be reported during 2024/2025 financial year. That would be more than four times higher than the total number of crimes - 302,076, recorded in the country over the last year, the party said. Amid concerns that freedom of speech will be impinged by the law, Mr Yousaf has insisted absolutely protects people in their freedom of expression' while guarding 'people from a rising tide of hatred that we've seen far too often in our society'. A serial conman tried to use his skills on arresting officers in New Mexico by pretending he had a heart attack and scuttling off though a bathroom ceiling. Steven Byers, 61, was arrested on multiple outstanding warrants by Bernalillo County sheriffs on February 9, eleven months after absconding from parole. Police bodycam video shows him persuading police to remove his cuffs to go to the bathroom, moments before medics warned them that someone was crawling through the ceiling above their heads. Officers burst into the bathroom to see a ceiling panel missing and set off in pursuit, eventually finding him hiding under a pile of insulation material in a wall cavity. 'Unfortunately, we don't treat everybody like they're an extreme risk,' a sheriff's spokesman said. Steven Byers persuaded officers to take him to hospital after his arrest on February 9 'I think I'm having a heart attack, dude,' he told one as he persuaded him to release the cuffs 'We trusted that he was going to comply, and he was truly there, at the hospital, with a medical condition and that he wasn't going to try to escape.' Byers who has a criminal record dating back 40 years made his way back to his home state after being freed on parole in Nevada in 2017. More than a dozen victims had reported him for home improvement fraud after he was paid for work on their homes that he failed to complete. At the time of his arrest he was also wanted for driving a stolen vehicle and operating as a contractor without a license. Police took him to Lovelace Hospital after he complained of 'stomach issues' and they uncuffed him so he could use the bathroom. 'No funny business, don't take off, don't do anything stupid,' Deputy Lorenzo Herrera warned him. Forty-five minutes later he warned officers his condition was deteriorating and asked if he could go again, moaning: 'I think I'm having a heart attack, dude.' As the minutes ticked by, one puzzled nurse reported hearing 'scratching' in the ceiling and officers burst into bathroom to find an overturned trash can under a missing ceiling panel. Byers hobbled off for what officers assumed would be a short bathroom break Medics were astonished to hear 'scratching' in the ceiling above them and alerted police 'Steven climbed up into the ceiling of the first floor and was moving from north to south and back and forth, looking for a way out of the hospital,' one deputy reported The absconder was eventually found and ordered back through the hole he had made There was to no further bathroom breaks for Byers until he reached the custody house The veteran offender returned to his home state after being freed on parole in Nevada in 2017 Medics scrambled to evacuate patients from the ward for fear the absconder would crash onto their beds. 'Get down!' one yelled, 'he's in the ceiling!' 'Steven climbed up into the ceiling of the first floor and was moving from north to south and back and forth, looking for a way out of the hospital,' one deputy wrote. 'Due to Steven's comments about needing to use the restroom and even being handcuffed in front of his body, I did not believe Steven would be able to clean himself effectively. 'Steven had been compliant up until this point and had previously used the restroom to throw up from these stomach problems with no issues.' Deputy Herrera set off in pursuit while being guided by directions from below, eventually spotting Byers curled up in a cavity. 'That was stupid,' the officer told him. 'Yeah, I tried,' Byers replied, 'Let's go.' 'Why would you do something like that?' Herrera demanded. 'I got scared,' the criminal claimed. An undercover detective with the sheriff's office told KOAT that Byers is 'one of those persons that we're going to have to take extra precautions on and have a heightened awareness of his ability to escape'. 'Not just his willingness, but he's intelligent. He knows what we can and can't do with regard to, you know, basic human rights.' Dan Klein, a former Albuquerque police detective who arrested Byers in the 1980s, said his former charge has 'not slowed up at all'. He absconded from parole last year and was arrested on multiple outstanding warrants He is now in the Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting trial 'You know, it's some people you'll never rehabilitate. And the only thing you can do is house them. And Steven Byers is that type of guy.' Byers was put back in handcuffs and given a clean bill of health by hospital staff. He asked to go to the bathroom again but was told he would have to wait until they got to the Metropolitan Detention Center. He is back in jail awaiting trial, and the hospital estimates the cost of repairing the damage he caused at $20,000. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy detailed his concerns Tuesday that President Joe Biden posed a threat to democracy and the First Amendment, because of his administration's efforts to censor social media. In an interview with NewsNations CUOMO (weeknights, 8 p.m. ET), Kennedy cited his own legal case against the Biden administration arguing that the president had unlawfully violated the First Amendment by working with Meta, Google, and Twitter to censor posts on social media. A similar legal case was filed by Missouri and Louisiana. 'What those cases show is that 37 hours after he took the oath of office high White House officials were meeting with the social media companies with YouTube, Facebook, Google, Instagram and Twitter and ordering them to censor President Biden's political opponents,' Kennedy said to host Chris Cuomo. Kennedy argued that the Biden administration unfairly weaponized the powers of the federal government to coerce private companies to censor speech. Kennedy warned that Biden was a threat to the First Amendment and democracy because of his willingness to censor social media and free speech Kennedy accused President Joe Biden of threatening the First Amendment and Democracy by trying to censor social media 'The leverage the White House had, it was saying, if you don't do that we're going to bring a trust case against you and we are going to revoke your section 230 immunity,' he said, calling the government's actions an 'existential threat' to social media companies. He said that government agencies demanded the censorship on select posts from him and other users about public health and the Covid-19 vaccine but also posts criticizing Biden's Ukraine policy and even a parody video of First Lady Jill Biden profanely heckling children while reading to them. 'It was existential threat and the the social media companies and went ahead and censored us,' he said. In February, Kennedy's case won a preliminary injunction against the Biden administration preventing them from taking actions to 'coerce or significantly encourage social-media companies to remove, delete, suppress or reduce, including through altering their algorithms, posted social-media content containing protected free speech.' Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy argued Biden threatened Section 230 lawsuits against social media companies if they did not comply with their demands Kennedy warned that it was a bad precedent for the Biden administration to have access to social media companies with the goal of censoring political opponents. 'Once you establish that precedent, the next president, whoever he is, even President Trump now has that power at his fingertips, and he now can use that to censor political opponents,' he warned. The Supreme Court took up the case brought by the state of Missouri and Louisiana, but turned down Kennedy's request to join the case. Despite signs of early success for the cases, a majority of Supreme Court justices were skeptical about the free speech arguments made by the states of Louisiana and Missouri and individual plaintiffs during the court hearings. During his interview with Cuomo, Kennedy complained that CNN digital and other media outlets unfairly clipped his quote when he indicated that Biden could be considered more of a danger to democracy than former President Donald Trump because 'that's the way it made me look crazy to liberals.' What I said was that I can make this argument and I didn't say definitively whether I believed one or the other was more dangerous to democracy,' he said. He said he did not believe that either Biden or Trump could actually destroy democracy. Kennedy's full quote, as reported by DailyMail.com, was: 'I can make the argument that President Biden is the much worse threat to democracy, and the reason for that is President Biden is the first candidate in history the first president in history that has used the federal agencies to censor political speech, so to censor his opponent,' he said. Kennedy added that although both Biden and Trump did things to threaten Democracy, he did not believe they would actually destroy it. 'I didn't say definitively whether I believed one or the other was more dangerous to democracy, I did say that I don't believe either of them are going to destroy democracy,' he said. A mayoral candidate was gunned down at a campaign event in north-central Mexican state of Guanajuato just hours after she had requested security protection. Gisela Gaytan was walking on a street Monday afternoon, the second day of her campaign for mayor of Celaya, when gunmen approached her on two motorcycles and opened fire before fleeing. Footage captured by a bystander showed at least two wounded men on the street pavement and Gaytan lying face down in a pool of blood. Another woman, who appeared to have been shot, was found sitting on the floor of a store. A spokesperson with the Guanajuato Attorney General's Office told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that no arrests had been made. Hours before the shooting, Gaytan announced on Facebook he had met with business owners of a local market to declare that changes were on the way for Celaya, which ranked as the world's most dangerous city in 2023 with 109.4 homicides per every 100,000 residents. 'Together, with determination and commitment, we will make the change we long for a reality,' she said. 'We want a Celaya where each person has the opportunity to prosper, we want transformation.' Gisela Gaytan became the latest public office candidate murdered in Mexico ahead of the June elections when she was executed on a street while campaigning in the city of Celaya on Monday Diego Perez is one of at least 15 candidates in Mexico who have been killed since the start of 2024. Perez was running for office in the southern state of Chiapas and was found dead March 14. His wife and son were wounded Tomas Morales aspired to become the mayor of Chilapa, a municipality in the Pacific coast state of Guerrero, and was shot dead in front of his home March 12 Gaytan, who was running under the ruling Morena party, apparently had an uphill battle in a municipality where the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel exerts its control and murdered the son of Mayor Javier Mendoza in August 2022. Law enforcement sources told Mexican news outlet Milenio that the attack took place in an area of the city influenced by the criminal organization. Security analyst David Saucedo told the outlet that Gaytan had been threatened in the past by the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel for refusing to align herself with them. Authorities recovered one of the two motorcycles and were looking into whether the bullet shell casings match others that were recovered from previous criminal incidents. Adrian Guerrero, a Morena candidate for the Celaya city council, was initially reported dead by Federal Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez on Tuesday, but he was found safely at the state prosecutor's office in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende. A forensic technician works at a scene where Celaya's mayor candidate for the ruling party Morena, Gisela Gaytan, was shot dead Tuesday Guillermo Torres, the mayor of Churumuco, was shot to death at a taco restaurant Saturday President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador the shooting during his daily press briefing Tuesday. 'These events are very regrettable, because these are people who are fighting to defend democracy, they're out on the street, face to face,' Lopez Obrador said. The killing was the latest in the increasingly bloody runup to Mexicos June 2 elections. At least 15 candidates have been killed since the start of 2024 - and expressions of regret have become routine. Diego Perez, the Institutional Revolutionary Party's candidate for mayor in the southern city of San Juan Cancuc, was found shot dead and tortured March 14. His wife and son were wounded. Armando Perez, the candidate for the National Action Party in Maravatio, Michoacan, is one seven Mexican politicians who have been murdered since January Tomas Morales, who aspired to become the mayor in the Pacific coast city of Chilapa under Morena, was executed in front of his home March 12. At least 34 candidates have quit from seeking office in the western state of Michoacan , according to data released by the state's electoral board and political parties March 25. Another 12 dropped out of the mayoral and city council races last Tuesday in the central state of Morelos. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the Gaytan's assassination, but Mexicos drug cartels have often focused assassination attempts on mayors and mayoral candidates, in a bid to control local police or extort money from municipal governments. Lopez Obrador acknowledged that drug cartels often seek to determine who will serve as mayor - either by running their own candidate or eliminating potential rivals. 'They make an agreement and say, `this person is going to be mayor; we don't want anyone else to register to run,' and anybody who does, well, they know' what to expect, the president said. The recent slayings have prompted the government to provide bodyguards or bulletproof cars for some, but candidates for municipal positions - while the most endangered - are the last in line for security. The Morena party leadership issued a statement, calling the killing 'cowardly,' and calling for an investigation. Rodriguez, the federal security secretary, said Tuesday the government has taken on the commitment to respond to protection requests within 72 hours. She said more than 100 candidates nationwide have asked for protection. Guanajuato has for some time had the highest number of homicides of any state in Mexico. Celaya is arguably the most dangerous place, per capita, to be a police officer in North America. At least 34 police officers have been killed in this city of 500,000 people in the last three years. Guanajuato, with a population of just over 6 million, registered 60 cop murders in 2023. The state has been wracked for years by violent turf battles between the Jalisco drug cartel and the homegrown Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel. Violence against politicians is widespread in Mexico. Over the weekend, Guillermo Torres, the mayor of Churumuco, a town in the neighboring state of Michoacan, was shot to death at a taco restaurant in the state capital, Morelia. In late February in another town in Michoacan, two mayoral hopefuls were shot to death within hours of each other. The sister of tragic headteacher Ruth Perry has slammed Britain's largest teaching union over its campaign to abolish Ofsted. Professor Julia Waters said the National Education Union (NEU) should 'work constructively' with the inspectorate following her sister's suicide. She said the union risks 'squandering' a real opportunity for change with its extreme stance. On Wednesday, delegates at the NEU's annual conference voted for a 'public facing' campaign calling for Ofsted to be scrapped. The motion also called on the union to advise its members to 'refuse to work' as Ofsted inspectors until 'full reform has been implemented'. Professor Julia Waters (pictured at the end of the inquest on December 7) said the National Education Union (NEU) should 'work constructively' with the inspectorate following her sister's suicide A photograph of Ruth Perry, 53, who took her own life after Ofsted downgraded her primary school to 'inadequate' An inquest into Ruth Perry's death found there was a 'link' between the inspection at Caversham Primary School and the headteacher's mental health deterioration It comes after Ofsted came under greater scrutiny after the suicide of Mrs Perry. The 53-year-old took her own life following an inspection report which downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading, Berkshire, from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns. But Prof Waters, who is due to address the NEU's conference on Friday morning, said: 'I agree wholeheartedly with everything the NEU is trying to do to improve school inspection, right up to the point when they call for Ofsted to be abolished. 'Yes, the system needs fundamental reform. Teachers and headteachers are still facing intolerable pressure from inspections. This cannot be helpful to children or parents. 'But, while understanding the strength of feeling, I do not believe that calling for Ofsted to be scrapped helps anyone. 'The current government won't do it, a future Labour government wouldn't do it. So why waste the energy and risk squandering the current opportunity for change?' She added: 'Part of the reason why Ofsted seems to have refused to listen to teachers and unions in the past is because its leadership has shown itself to be dangerously resistant to valid criticism. 'It has proven all too easy for Ofsted to refuse to listen to an organisation that says it shouldn't exist. We simply can't afford that anymore. 'In the interests of teachers, headteachers, children and parents alike, I urge the teaching unions to focus on working constructively for a more supportive, more reliable, kinder, safer inspection system.' Last month, Sir Martyn Oliver, chief inspector of Ofsted, launched the watchdog's Big Listen public consultation which will seek views about Ofsted. Mrs Perry (right) and her sister during a holiday in Italy in 1996 Mrs Perry (right) with her sister, who has previously slammed Ofsted and blamed the inspection for her death Ofsted faced scrutiny following the tragic death of 53-year-old Mrs Perry (pictured), who was left 'completely devestated' after inspectors downgraded her primary school to 'inadequate' over safeguarding concerns Last month, Sir Martyn Oliver (pictured), chief inspector of Ofsted, launched the watchdog's Big Listen public consultation which will seek views about Ofsted In his first major speech since becoming chief inspector in January, Sir Martyn said he wanted to 'mark a new chapter' with the sector, adding that 'nothing is off the table'. The motion, which was passed today and mentioned Mrs Perry, called on the NEU executive to encourage 'the removal of all mention of Ofsted judgements in publicity material'. It also called on the union to support members in 'balloting for, and taking, strike action' when 'mocksteds', deep-dives and excessive workload have arisen through Ofsted pressures. Findings from a survey of NEU teacher members in England, released at the conference, suggested that 82 per cent believe a new system of inspection should be introduced because Ofsted has 'so many problems'. During the debate, delegate Ian Walters, from Derby, described Ofsted as a 'ruinous regime' and he said he had witnessed a number of 'rude and intimidating inspectors' over the past 20 years in the profession. Addressing the conference, he said: 'Ask yourself how many of your colleagues have been seriously impacted by Ofsted? How many have left the profession? In many cases losing talented, dedicated professionals as a result of their experiences at the hands of this menace to education.' He added: 'I walk into school every morning past a banner proudly claiming to be rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This makes me embarrassed and ashamed of what my profession has become. 'By placing banners like this at the school gates and on publicity materials, we are normalising this vicious broken system and accepting that it has legitimacy.' Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU, said: 'NEU members have made their feelings very clear: Ofsted causes more harm than good and we need urgent and fundamental reform. Professor Julia Waters (pictured), said the union risks 'squandering' a real opportunity for change with its extreme stance for Ofsted to be scrapped. Pictured at Berkshire Coroners Court at Reading Town Hall on December 7, 2023, for her sister's death Daniel Kebede (pictured), general secretary of the NEU, said: 'NEU members have made their feelings very clear: Ofsted causes more harm than good and we need urgent and fundamental reform' 'The profession can be trusted to do their jobs effectively without a punitive, high-stakes system to keep them in line.' He added: 'Whilst the NEU continues to campaign on a national level for a new system which is supportive, effective and fair, it is vital that our members are protected from the harmful impact of Ofsted on the ground. 'Our new Ofsted risk assessment form offers members a means of organising their workplace to ensure the health and wellbeing of members is both prioritised and protected before, during and after an inspection. 'In the meantime, we urge NEU members to cease work as Ofsted inspectors and not to display their school's judgements on banners and other publicity materials.' A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson said: 'Our plan to ensure every child benefits from a world-class education is working with 90 per cent of schools now judged to be Good or Outstanding, up from 68 per cent in 2010. 'Ofsted is central to driving forward that improvement. Their independent inspections are vital to ensuring children are safe in school, parents are informed, and the Department is able to intervene where strictly necessary. 'We have worked closely with Ofsted to ensure inspections are conducted with professionalism and compassion. We are supporting Sir Martyn Oliver's work through the Big Listen, to hear from parents, teachers and education experts to understand where more improvements can be made.' For help and support contact the Samaritans completely anonymously, and for free from a UK phone, on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org. The Department of Justice is suing the Utah Department of Corrections for blocking the inmate from her treatment, worsening her mental health After being refused access to hormone treatment, an American prisoner who wanted gender affirming care castrated herself in a Utah jail. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing the state of Utah and its department of corrections for violating the Disabilities Act. The unidentified prisoner, who was diagnosed with gender dysphoria in June 2022 by a doctor contracted by the Utah Department of Corrections, had been requesting access to hormones, female housing, women's underwear, and makeup for the past two years. The inmate's mental health started to decline after she was denied the accommodations, and castrated herself during her state of deep mental anguish. A press release from the DOJ read: 'Twenty-two months after entering custody, she performed dangerous self-surgery and removed her own testicles.' After being refused access to hormone treatment, an American prisoner who wanted to become a woman castrated themselves in a Utah jail. The Department of Justice is suing the state of Utah and its department of corrections for violating the Disabilities Act 'The department's lawsuit is part of its broader efforts to combat discrimination against individuals with gender dysphoria.' The federal investigation determined that the state correctional agency put up 'unnecessary barriers' that prevented the prisoner from getting treatment for her severe gender dysphoria. 'People with gender dysphoria, including those held in jails and prisons, are protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act and are entitled to equal access to medical care just like anyone else with a disability,' explained Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, in the statement. Despite the doctor approving treatment for the prisoner for her condition in 2022, treatment was not provided until January 2023 - seven months after her diagnosis was made. The DOJ's investigation claims that the prisoner had a harder time getting treated for her condition because of the nature of her diagnosis. The investigation also determined that the corrections officers purposefully delayed the prisoner's access to the hormone treatment, despite her worsening mental health. Gender dysphoria, which is defined by the DOJ as 'a serious medical condition' that causes 'significant distress or impairment because of an incongruence between their gender identity and assigned sex', is recognized as a disability under the Disabilities Act. Therefore, inmates living in a correctional facility are entitled to treatment for this condition. Despite the doctor approving treatment for the prisoner for their condition in 2022, treatment was not provided until January 2023 The investigation also determined that the corrections officers purposefully delayed the prisoner's access to the hormone treatment, despite the prisoner's worsening mental health According to the DOJ, the corrections department 'failed to make reasonable modifications to its policies and practices to treat the complainant's gender dysphoria.' They're also demanding for the implementation of anti-discrimination training and policy changes for all Utah corrections officers. The inmate will be properly compensated by the department of corrections for the damages. British women should rally behind JK Rowling's 'brave stance' against the Scottish government's new law censoring criticism of transgender activists Sarah Vine told this week's episode of The Reaction. Ms Vine praised the Harry Potter author for showing 'proper leadership' by telling Police Scotland to arrest her in the aftermath of a new hate law being passed by the SNP. The new bill passed in Holyrood makes it illegal to make derogatory comments based on transgender identity or being intersex amongst other characteristics such as age and race. But there are fears this could be interpreted as a gagging law stifling the debate around social issues including access to female toilets for transgender women. British women should rally behind JK Rowling 's 'brave stance' against the Scottish government's law censoring criticism of transgender activists Sarah Vine told The Reaction Police Scotland decided not to arrest Ms Rowling after she made a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter , describing prominent trans activists as men not women Referring to her column in Wednesday's Daily Mail, Ms Vine said: 'I think what JK has done is amazing because pretty much thanks to her, we can now have this conversation because two years ago we could not have. 'She is witty, and she is clever. I really admire her. She did not have to do any of this, and the tide has started to turn. 'I wrote my column today about this (subject) saying the women of Britain and the men are behind her and honestly, I have had so many letters from readers saying this is proper leadership.' Ms Vine contrasted Ms Rowling's stance on the issue to politicians, including the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who she argued seem to have 'jumped on the bandwagon'. 'I just wish for a bit of clarity in our politicians that is not just jumping around from one fashionable course to the other,' the Daily Mail columnist added. Police Scotland decided not to arrest Ms Rowling after she made a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, describing prominent trans activists as men not women, in response to the new law. 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 Rowling said the assessment by Police Scotland, which concluded that her tweets referring to trans women as 'men' did not meet the criminal threshold, should 'reassure' women The Harry Potter author sarcastically posted a long thread on X/Twitter on transgender women as she criticised Scotland's new Hate Crime Act which came into force on April 1 Despite the controversy Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf said he was ' proud' of the Act Click here to watch the latest episode of The Reaction on our YouTube channel Advertisement 'The Scottish Police are not that stupid,' Mis Vine said. But Co-host Andrew Pierce quipped: 'Yes, but the SNP people who made the policy are'. He argued advocates of the bill are 'extremists'. He added: 'JK Rowling is a hugely, immensely brave woman. 'She has risked the ire yet again of the very vocal trans lobby, by throwing down the gauntlet and daring police in Scotland to arrest her under those controversial new hate crime laws which came into effect this week.' Critics of the SNP policy were keen to point out its former leader, Nicola Sturgeon, was forced from office after a man who raped two women, was sent to a female prison, after he began to identify as a woman. The Reaction comes out every Wednesday and is available on the Daily Mail's YouTube channel. By Kim Hyun-bin The South Chungcheong Provincial Government and local governments in China have declared intentions to deepen their exchanges and collaboration, with a particular emphasis on advanced industries. South Chungcheong Province Governor Kim Tae-heum met with Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming, Monday, to discuss expanding bilateral relations. The meeting was held in conjunction with the seventh South Chungcheong Province-China Local Government Exchange Conference, aimed at commemorating the 30th anniversary of exchanges between the two regions. Officials from 13 Chinese local governments were invited to participate in the event. "This year marks the 30th anniversary of exchanges between South Chungcheong Province and Chinese local governments, Kim said. South Chungcheong Province will lead the development of bilateral relations based on the solid foundation of cooperation built with 13 Chinese local governments." Xing expressed gratitude for the importance placed on the relationship with China and pledged to implement proposed measures to enhance cooperation between the regions. Both parties acknowledged the importance of strengthening exchanges between local governments, particularly in light of the uncertain international landscape. "Economically, Korea and China have an inseparable relationship," Kim said. "Despite differences in diplomatic and security matters, close cooperation between local governments is essential." Looking ahead, South Chungcheong Province and Chinese local governments plan to deepen cooperation in advanced industries such as energy, semiconductors and biotechnology. Kim announced plans for a visit to China within the year to facilitate closer exchanges. Xing echoed the sentiment, pledging to further develop relations. Lord Cameron has compared Putin to Hitler as the Foreign Secretary warns Europe is facing the same crisis as in 1938 - amid fears the world is in a 'pre-war era'. The former Prime Minister claimed the West needs to 'win the argument for NATO again' in a speech marking 75 years since the creation of the intergovernmental military alliance. The Foreign Secretary likened the current situation with Russia to the one Britain and France faced at the 1938 Munich conference with Nazi Germany. He said: 'What we face today is as simple as then. We have a tyrant in Europe who is trying to redraw borders by force, and there are two choices. 'You can appease that approach or you can confront that approach.' His comments echo those made by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who argued that NATO allies must accept we are living in a 'a pre-war world'. Mr Shapps alleged countries that do not spend two per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence are playing 'Russian roulette' with the future of the west. The former Prime Minister claimed the West needs to 'win the argument for NATO again' in a speech marking 75 years since the creation of the intergovernmental military alliance The Foreign Secretary likened the current situation with Russia to the one Britain and France faced at the 1938 Munich conference with Nazi Germany His comments echo those made by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps , who said in January the UK was facing a 'pre-war world', while General Patrick Sanders, the Chief of the General Staff, has previously referred to a '1937 moment'. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin Ukrainian service members of the 37th Marine Brigade fire a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer toward Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in a front line in Southern Ukraine, March 30, 2024 In his speech at an event in Brussels hosted by the Royal United Services Institute, Lord Cameron said NATO needed to demonstrate its 'relevance' to younger people who had not grown up with the threat of the Cold War. He continued: 'I think we have to win the argument for NATO all over again with a new generation, a generation that can see, yes, look at the threat that Ukraine has faced from Russia, but I think we need to go back to a more foundational argument, which is this. 'Fundamentally, the greatness of NATO is it allows countries to choose their own future.' He added: 'I think that is the sort of incredibly strong, values-based argument that a younger generation can understand and see.' Mr Shapps on Wednesday, in an article for The Telegraph, argued it was time to 'shore up our defences' and increase military spending. It has been 10 years since NATO countries agreed to spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence, which 18 of the alliance's 32 members are expected to achieve in 2024, up from just three in 2014. And according to Mr Shapps, this is still not enough. 'We must look beyond that target to shore up our defences. Yet some nations are still failing to meet even the two per cent. That cannot continue. We can't afford to play Russian roulette with our future,' he wrote for the newspaper. He encouraged NATO members to 'give urgent thought once again to the alliance's future,' arguing: 'We have moved from a post-war to a pre-war world.' Earlier in the day, Lord Cameron had urged allies at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers to 'step up and spend more on defence' in the face of Russian aggression. And now NATO foreign ministers are discussing the prospect of an unprecedented military fund for Ukraine that would see alliance members commit $100 billion (79.5 billion) over five years to ensure long-term support, even amid a Trump presidency. The proposals, led by outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, would give the security bloc a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion, diplomats say. New proposals brought forward by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg would give the security bloc a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion A Silver 10 Euro coin to commemorate 75 years of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) foundation is unveiled at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 02 April 2024 Members of the 3rd Iron Tank Brigade take part in a military training as the Russia-Ukraine war continues, in the regions near the frontline in Kharkiv, Ukraine Until now, NATO has focused on non-lethal aid for Ukraine for fears that a more hands-on approach could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia. Its members have provided billions of dollars in arms, but at their own discretion on a bilateral basis. Under the new plans, NATO would be granted control of the U.S.-led ad-hoc coalition known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which coordinates the sourcing and supply of lethal weapons and military kit to Kyiv. The move is designed in part to guard against any cut in U.S. support if Donald Trump returns to the White House, with Stoltenberg saying it would 'shield the mechanism (of providing aid to Ukraine) against the winds of political change'. Trump has previously railed against the U.S. provision of funding to Ukraine and said he would 'end the war in a day' if he were in the White House. Last month the former US president rocked allies by saying he would encourage Russia to 'do whatever the hell they want' to any NATO country not meeting its financial obligations. NATO has thus far declined to comment in detail on Stoltenberg's proposals, but an official said foreign ministers would 'discuss the best way to organise NATO's support for Ukraine, to make it more powerful, predictable and enduring'. In 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron slammed the U.S.-led alliance - set up after World War II to face off against the Soviet Union - as suffering from a 'brain death'. Trump has previously railed against the U.S. provision of funding to Ukraine and said he would 'end the war in a day' if he were in the White House Ukrainian servicemen practice combat exercises as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on March 28, 2024 German Air Force eurofighters fly over the Freedom Square, demonstrating the presence of NATO's Baltic Airspace Patrol Mission in Latvia during events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Latvia's membership in NATO, at the Freedom Monument in Riga, Latvia, 28 March 2024 Now, four-and-a-half years later, the alliance has grown to 32 members with the addition of Sweden and Finland after what Macron described as the 'electroshock' of Russia's all-out assault in 2022. In response, NATO has ramped up troop numbers on its eastern flank and put in place new plans to deal with any Russian attack. 'NATO has been re-energised after the invasion of Ukraine,' said James Black, assistant defence and security director at RAND Corporation, a US think tank. 'In two years NATO has grown bigger, with more ambition in the scope of its activities, more forces in eastern Europe.' The refocus on its old nemesis Moscow has given the alliance a clear sense of purpose after some questioned whether it was still needed at the end of the Cold War. That process started back in 2014 when Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine - but it kicked up several gears with 2022's full-scale invasion. Since then, the security bloc's members have sent weaponry worth tens of billions of dollars to Kyiv and there has been a steep increase in countries meeting their target of spending two percent of GDP on defence - up to an expected 20 nations this year from just three in 2014. The woke Seattle school board chief who shuttered its gifted and talented programs because they had too many white and Asian students was previously accused of racism by a colleague, documents from the probe show. Along with another board member, in 2021 Chandra Hampson was found to have violated the policy against harassing, intimidating and bullying over their treatment of two black employees who were working on an anti-racism plan. The anonymous complainants accused Hampson of launching 'an orchestrated campaign of bullying, escalating intimidation, gaslighting and retaliation' against them, according to the investigation report. Although investigators did not find 'clear evidence' that Hampson and her board colleague Zachary DeWolf discriminated against the staffers because of their race, it did conclude that they 'used their positions and authority to their detriment'. Three years later, Hampson is embroiled in a new race scandal at the school over the closure of its controversial gifted and talented programs. Along with another board member, in 2021 Chandra Hampson (pictured) was found to have violated the policy against harassing, intimidating and bullying over their treatment of two black employees who were working on an anti-racism plan Garfield High School is one of Seattle's public schools will be forced to shutter their gifted and talented program When the school board decided to end the program, then vice president Chandra Hampson slammed parents of minority students who asked the board to keep the program as 'tokenized' The district began phasing out its Highly Capable Cohort schools and classrooms for advanced students in the 2021-22 school year because they found it had too many racial inequities. School bosses said black and Hispanic students were underrepresented at the schools. According to Seattle Public School data, of the highly capable students in the 2022-23 school year, 52 percent were white, 16 percent were Asian and 3.4 percent were black. During a January 22, 2020, school board meeting, parents of black students in the Highly Capable Cohort asked the board to consider finding ways to incorporate students of color into the gifted program rather than shut it down. Then school board vice president Chandra Hampson slammed those parents saying, 'this is a pretty masterful job at tokenizing a really small community of color within the existing cohort.' 'My request is that you please consider the disservice you would be doing to the minorities that are already in the HCC program,' one father said at the meeting, reported local news paper The Stranger. 'The program does more for black children, particularly black boys, than it does for their peers.' Three elementary schools, five middle schools and three high schools are currently highly capable cohort schools - all of which will be phased out by the 2027-28 school year. The gifted and talented program has been replaced with the Highly Capable Neighborhood School Model which requires teachers to come up with individualized learning programs for all of their students. According to Seattle Public Schools, the new model will be 'be more inclusive, equitable and culturally sensitive.' Parents told The Seattle Times they think the the new model could lead to their children getting overlooked and slow their academic progress. Erika Ruberry, a parent of a second grader at Decatur Elementary said, 'It seems to me that kids on maybe both extremes are going to be underserved.' Karen Stukovsky, who has three students in the gifted program said, 'You can only do so much differentiation.' 'You have some kids who can barely read and some kids who are reading Harry Potter in first grade or kindergarten. How are you going to not only get those kids up to grade level and also challenge those kids who are already way above grade level?' Some teachers said they felt they don't have the time and resources to make learning plans for every student in a classroom of 20 to 30 students. News station KOMO reported that anonymous teachers said the district is not providing them with extra resources. 'No extra time, no aid in the classroom, no curriculum help, and no extra compensation to come up with these additional lesson plans for every level of learning in a single classroom,' said the report. The school district said in a March 5 update they are currently facing a $104 million budget deficit. Garfield High School is one of Seattle's public schools will be forced to shutter their gifted and talented program According to Seattle Public School data, of the highly capable students in the 2022-23 school year, 52 percent were white, 16 percent were Asian and 3.4 percent were black (pictured file photo) The district began phasing out its Highly Capable Cohort schools and classrooms in the 2021-22 school year because they found it had too many racial inequities (pictured file photo) 'This happened because Washington state is facing an educational funding gap, and there are fewer students enrolled at Seattle Public Schools,' said the district. However, supporters of the new program think it will bring together students of different backgrounds and create a more diverse learning environment. View Ridge Elementary School Principal Rina Geoghagan said, 'They bring their home experience and their culture, and that is really unique. It makes for a really rich learning environment.' 'Is it going to be perfect? No. But any time there is a change, it's not perfect.' Darrell Thomas, father of a fourth grade student in west Seattle said, 'I love that, if that meant we could stay here and keep her with her friend group and the teachers that we've, you know, know her well and love her and work with her throughout the day we will definitely love to do that.' This is the horrifying moment an 82-year-old man set himself on fire as police raided his home. Bodycam footage shows the moment Oklahoma City police entered Anthony Goulding's home to serve an eviction notice on Monday. As two female officers entered the home, Goulding ran to a room, grabbed a gasoline container and poured the liquid on himself. 'Are you ready,' Goulding said before lighting himself on fire. 'No! Stop!' an officer yelled One of the officers who showed up at the home had been working with Goulding and his wife Mary for weeks to find them somewhere to stay, as reported by KFOR. Bodycam footage shows the moment Oklahoma City police entered Anthony Goulding's home to serve an eviction notice 'Are you ready,' Goulding said before lighting himself on fire 'They were going to an extended stay facility and an Uber was waiting out front to take them to that location as our deputies were tending to the elderly woman who has Parkinsons disease,' Sheriff Tommie Johnson III told the local outlet. Goulding appeared to throw the canister at the officer, who managed to back away as the room was engulfed in flames. The officers then rushed to get Mary out of the home. One says: 'Come on. We gotta go. We gotta get you out.' Sheriff Johnson III added: 'Quickly, the home was overtaken by fire and smoke and that prevented her from making another entry. 'I think thats the biggest piece of this. For me to see our deputies, like even in the midst of all of this going on, still trying to save a life, still trying to get there, still trying to prevent it from happening in the fire. Mary, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, was moved to the extended living facility The couple's Oklahoma home is pictured above 'I really want to praise the courage of our deputies for what they attempted to do and what they did do was they saved a life.' Mary, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, was moved to the extended living facility. The officers tried to save Goulding but he died from the fire, as did the family dog. One of the officers suffered minor injuries but has since been medically cleared. In the coming weeks, the home where actress Marilyn Monroe live and died in will face a vote by Los Angeles City Council that residents feel could bring more residents to their neighborhood. Fans of the late actress currently wander the neighborhood with free reign, often looking for the home where she died more than 60 years ago. As of writing, the gated fence is currently as close as they can get, but that hasn't stopped tourists - and even busses traversing the narrow street - from attempting to access the property. That said, Monroe only lived at the bungalow in affluent Brentwood for some four-and-a-half months - before overdosing on barbiturates in 1962. Now worth $8.35million, Monroe bought it back in February of that year for $77,500, unknowingly making it a destination in the decades to come. Residents, meanwhile, are unhappy with the dynamic present already, and think that making the home a historical monument will only make matters worse. In the coming weeks, the Brentwood home where actress Marilyn Monroe live and died in will face a vote by Los Angeles City Council that will decide whether it will gain 'historical' status Residents like Eve McGregor (left) and Monique Kagan (right) do not approve, citing the out-of-towners the bungalow already draws 'People that are maybe not very well mentally,' said neighbor Eve McGregor of the unwanted sightseers, speaking to ABC 7. 'They think they're descendants of Marilyn Monroe, and that it's their house,' 'And they camp out... so, yeah. It's not that pleasant.' Monique Kagan, another resident of the quiet, tree-lined suburb, told the station that tourists already have attempted to access the giant gate on the property, with some allegedly successful. 'There were two intruders who came in looking for Marilyn Monroe's site - they said where she was murdered,' the middle-aged woman recalled, stopping for a interview in the upscale neighborhood. 'So, it can be very scary sometimes.' The station went on to show b-roll of some of these intruders - apparently garnered from the litany of surveillance cameras that line the properties along with the luscious greenery. They showed tourists armed with maps scouring the house's gate, seemingly looking for a way in. Footage seemingly recorded Tuesday showed visitors helping each other find the site, whose new owners officially filed a plan to tear it down in August According to records from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, the new owners of the home officially filed a plan to tear down the estate in August, but the city stopped those plans with its new landmark effort The property (in color) is a 2,900 square foot Hacienda-style estate built in 1929, now worth north of $8million. Write's have described it as 'an oasis' in an already lush area Neighbors have said tourists already have attempted to access the giant gate on the property, with some allegedly successful The site, if the vote this week goes through, will be protected and preserved for the years to come Photo of the bed where actress Marilyn Monroe, was discovered dead on August 5, 1962 A police officer stands in the backyard of the Brentwood home on the day of Monroe's death Monroe's body is wheeled out of her Brentwood home on August 5, 1962 Clips seemingly recorded Tuesday showed visitors helping each other find the site in question Actual footage filmed from the street - Fifth Helena Drive - showed an enormous tour bus attempting to traverse the road, while others seemingly recorded Tuesday showed visitors helping each other find the site in question. That site, if the vote this week goes through, will be protected and preserved for the years to come, as part of an effort led by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents Brentwood. She became involved after the home's current owners officially filed a plan to tear it down back in August, sparking fierce outcry from Monroe loyalists. Speaking to ABC 7, Park said she took the step after hundreds of those fans contacted her office asking her to prevent the estate from being destroyed - claiming that the family that owns the property tentatively supports her plan, with one caveat. 'I can't imagine any home in the city of Los Angeles more worthy of this designation than Marilyn Monroe's home,' Park said, explaining that if approved, the home would be moved to another location nearby more accessible to the public. She went on: 'It's also a very fair request from our community and constituents that their interest and privacy be respected as well, so when I hear things about trespassing, that really crosses a line.' As of writing, the gated fence is currently as close as they can get, but that hasn't stopped tourists - and even busses traversing the narrow street - from attempting to access the property The family that owns the property tentatively supports the plan, with one important caveat ABC 7went on to show b-roll of some of these intruders - apparently garnered from the litany of surveillance cameras that line the properties along with the luscious greenery An attorney retained by the family, however, appeared to pushback in an interview with ABC 7 Tuesday, telling the station that the landmark deal is still less than ideal 'Designating it as a landmark doesn't do anything to help the public, does nothing to address the community's concerns. In fact, it's only going to worsen the impacts on the community,' he said The Brentwood Hacienda-style home, located at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, is best known as the last residence of the 'Some Like It Hot' starlet (pictured outside a previous home in 1956) Dissidents say a home with a passing connection to a celebrity doesn't meet the standards for a landmark The homeowners, meanwhile, still live next door to the property, and according to Park, support the proposal to physically move the house - a move that would likely cause a drop in unwanted foot traffic. An attorney retained by the family, however, appeared to pushback in an interview with ABC 7 Tuesday, telling the station that the landmark deal is still less than ideal. 'The house is not visible from the street. It will never be accessible to the public even if it's designated as a landmark. It is our client's property, and they can do whatever they want with [it],' said Benjamin Hanelin. He added: 'Designating it as a landmark doesn't do anything to help the public, does nothing to address the community's concerns. In fact, it's only going to worsen the impacts on the community.' Hanelin did not reference the relocation plan, which, according to comments offered up by Park, does not seem to be a done deal. 'I think it's a very creative idea. It would certainly involve a lot of work and funding,' she told the outlet of the somewhat vague undertaking via Zoom. 'We'd have to find a suitable location for it, but if that's something that there is community interest and support in doing, 'It would provide the access that I think is an important part of preservation,' she added, not offering details. 'It may just be a solution that works for everyone.' The vote is as part of an effort led by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, who said she took the step after hundreds of those fans contacted her office asking her to prevent the estate from being destroyed Bejamin Hanelin, a lawyer for the current homeowners, said that designating it a historical site will set a terrible precedent, in a city filled with homes that celebs have lived in for often short periods of time The homeowners, meanwhile, still live next door to the property, and according to Park, support the proposal to physically move the house - a move that would likely cause a drop in unwanted foot traffic. However, they only support it if the home is physically moved - an undertaking that will take time, and cost money Monroe opened up about the property in an interview with Life magazine in 1962. 'Anybody who likes my house, I'm sure I'll get along with,' she said Hanelin, however, shot back that designating it a historical site will set a terrible precedent, in a city filled with homes that celebs have lived in for often short periods of time. He claimed a home with a passing connection to a celebrity doesn't meet the standards for a landmark, despite it being billed by writers as an 'oasis' in the neighborhood, while those who knew the actress said she was proud of and often 'exulted in' the property. Before her death, she opened up about that dynamic in an interview with Life magazine - one that seemed to suggest she may approve of the fanfare outside her old residence. 'Anybody who likes my house, I'm sure I'll get along with,' she said at the time. Argentina's President Javier Milei has vowed to establish a diplomatic 'roadmap' towards the United Kingdom handing over sovereignty of the Falkland Islands to South America. The right-wing economist reiterated the nation's 'unwavering claim for the islands' and took a swipe at his predecessors for 'mere words' spoken in 'international forums with no impact on reality'. Milei spoke during a ceremony in Buenos Aires to mark the 42nd anniversary of the start of the conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the territory. President Milei said: 'I want to reiterate our unwavering claim for the islands, and I commit that during our government we will have a clear roadmap so that the Malvinas return to Argentine hands'. Argentina's President Javier Milei gestures during a ceremony to commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the war between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland islands The 74-day war was sparked by Argentina's invasion of the Falkland Islands on April 2, 1982. The British chose to fight and retake the islands which led to a number of casualties on both sides 255 British soldiers and around 649 Argentines, as well as a British victory. Argentina still claims the islands while Britain says the Falklands are a self-governing entity under its protection. A 2013 referendum there resulted in a 99.8 per cent vote to remain British. Mr Milei's speech came after a cancelled 'Malvinas Day' Argentina's preferred name for the archipelago which he claimed was a cost-cutting measure. Despite his vow, many Argentine's remained critical of Mr Milei's stance on the 'national issue', it was reported in The Telegraph. Naval Air Squadron takes off after transporting J Company, 42 Commando, Royal Marines from Port San Carlos to Darwin during The Falklands War Royal Marine Peter Robinson, carrying the Union Flag attached to the aerial of the radio he is carrying, during The Falklands War Carlos Retamozo, who fought in the war as an 18-year-old conscript, said: 'I was never clear on the president's stance on this basic national issue. Today, I am still not clear.' In February, Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited the Falklands and said they will remain 'part of the British family'. He said at the time: 'The Falkland Islands are a valued part of the British family, and as long as they want to remain part of the family, the issue of sovereignty will not be up for discussion. 'The Falkland Islanders should be proud of the modern, prosperous community they have built.' Jill Biden pushed back at polls that show husband Joe Biden losing to Donald Trump in key battleground states, saying it's 'obvious' he'll win another term in the White House. 'No, he's not losing in all the battleground states,' she told CBS Mornings where she surprised Missy Testerman of Tennessee, the newly named National Teacher of the Year. But a new poll from The Wall Street Journal shows President Biden losing to Trump in six out of seven battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada and Pennsylvania. The two men are tied in Wisconsin. Jill Biden announced the first ever state dinner for teachers Jill Biden, however, dismissed the numbers. 'I feel that Joe will be re-elected,' she said. 'He's coming up even or doing better. So you know what, once people start to focus in and they see their two choices, it's obvious that Joe will win this election.' President Biden, too, has rejected poll numbers saying it's too early to believe them. Jill Biden, a long time educator, was on the CBS morning news show to announce the first ever state dinner for teachers. 'When you come to the White House, we are going to have a state dinner for the teachers,' she told Testerman. Testerman said that would be 'absolutely amazing.' 'I'm incredibly touched,' she told Biden. 'I know how devoted you are to teaching, continuing to teach, even when you're the first lady of the United States, first one ever to do that, and I know that we share the joy that there is to be found in education.' State dinners are formal, black tie occasions meant to convey an added sense of honor and celebration. Jill Biden stopped by CBS Mornings to surprise Missy Testerman of Tennessee, the newly named National Teacher of the Year A new poll from The Wall Street Journal shows President Joe Biden losing to Republican rival Donald Trump in six out of seven battleground states Trump is ahead of Biden in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada and Pennsylvania, while the two are tied in Wisconsin when it's just Trump and Biden on the ballot The state dinner will be on May 1 when all the state teachers of the year come to the White House for a celebration in their honor, a White House official told DailyMail.com. The Bidens have hosted the teachers of the year for an annual celebration since President Biden won the White House. But this will be the first time they honor them with a state dinner, similar to Michelle Obama hosted a Kids State Dinner when she was first lady. Jill Biden, who teaches English and writing at a Northern Virginia Community College, said hosting the nation's top teachers is 'one of my favorite events at the White House.' The state and national teacher of the year are chosen by the Council of Chief State School Officers. The Bidens are hosting two state dinners soon, for Japan on April 10 and Kenya on May 23. The White House on Wednesday refused to say if Israel would face any consequences from its chief ally the U.S. amid fury over the strike that took out an aid convoy and killed seven relief workers from World Central Kitchen. Andres in a new interview said the IDF targeted aid workers 'systematically, car by car.' He said the IDF knew his aid workers' movements in advance of their ill-fated trip inside Gaza. This was not a 'bad luck situation where, 'oops,' we dropped the bomb in the wrong place,' he said. 'This was over a 1.5, 1.8 kilometers, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, in the roof, a very colorful logo that we are obviously very proud of,' he said. It's 'very clear who we are and what we do.' 'Even if we were not in coordination with the (Israel Defense Forces), no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians,' he told Reuters after penning an op-ed where he declared 'food is not a weapon of war.' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked repeatedly Wednesday if there would be any consequences for Israel after the IDF took out an aid convoy and killed seven World Central Kitchen workers White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to reveal any consequences for Israel, who relies on the U.S. for an annual $3.3 billion in military aid. 'We've had we're having conversations with Israel. We've been very clear about that. Those conversations have been tough. We've been very public about those conversations on this particular incident. There will be an investigation,' she said, pointing to an internal Israeli probe that the administration called for. 'The president has said he wants it to be swift, he wants it to be comprehensive, and he is there to seek accountability, to bring account for account, right? To bring accountability. She referred repeatedly to Biden's strongly worded written statement Tuesday, although Biden did not speak publicly about the region during health care themed remarks at the White House Wednesday. 'And you heard from the President last night in his statement, he is he's outraged he is hearbroken. We're all heartbroken here, those seven lives,' she said. President Joe Biden is calling for an investigation and accountability after an Israeli drone strike killed seven aid workers in Gaza on Monday. Dual American-Canadian citizen 33-year-old Jacob Flickinger (right) was among the seven killed in the IDF drone attack People carry the body of one of the foreign workers from World Central Kitchen who was killed in the airstrike as the bodies are transported to their families outside of Gaza Polish World Central Kitchen aid worker Damian Sobol, 35, (left) and Australian aid worker Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43 (right) were among those killed in the strike in Gaza British military veterans James Henderson, 33, (center), John Chapman, 57, (left) and James Kirby, 47, (right) were traveling in the World Central Kitchen aid convoy providing meals to Palestinians on Gaza when they were hit and killed by missiles fired by an IDF drone American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was one of the seven victims of the strike Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, was part of the WCK team that was killed in the strike Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip Biden's statement, to which Jean-Pierre referred repeatedly, said: 'I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday. They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war.' 'They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy. Israel has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into why the aid workers' vehicles were hit by airstrikes. That investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public.' Asked earlier why the U.S. shouldn't conclude it was a deliberate strike, national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters Wednesday, 'As I said yesterday, they're investigating it and we have every expectation we do expect that they will do a thorough job, a swift job, and that they'll be transparent about what they find,' he said. IDF chief Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi apologized Wednesday for the strike, which he called a 'misidentification.' 'I want to be very clearthe strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn't have happened.' Former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau was among those criticising the White House's public response. .The President doesn't get credit for being 'privately enraged' when he still refuses to use leverage to stop the IDF from killing and starving innocent people. These stories only make him look weak,' he posted. A language guide advising Scots to stop using words such as 'mother' and 'father' to avoid being 'oppressive' has been published by a taxpayer-funded aid organisation. Scotland's International Development Alliance (SIDA) is behind the document, which it says aims to help people 'avoid bias, stop reinforcing existing power structures, and convey respect'. Among the words listed as 'problematic' are 'girls', 'guys', 'mother' and 'father', Instead, people are encouraged to instead use 'parent' or 'guardian' along with 'colleagues' and 'everyone'. Terms such as 'third world' and 'foreign aid' are also frowned on. The Inclusive Language Guide, published in February, states that 'only by talking about and reflecting on language can we hope to make it anti-oppressive'. The charity says the document aims to help people 'avoid bias, stop reinforcing existing power structures, and convey respect' John O'Connell, (pictured) chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'This organisation is proposing changes to language based on a radical ideological programme' Critics say the guide is a way for 'red-pencil wielding zealots' to enforce 'radical progressive dogma'. The charity, which 'inclusively champions global sustainable development in Scotland', receives an annual grant from the Scottish Government. SIDA's guide, which is aimed at its members such as non-government organisations and public sector bodies, offers alternatives for words that it deems 'problematic'. It advises against saying 'foreign aid' as it claims this 'paternalistic language implies an unequal power relationship marked by altruism which denies the unjust distribution of resources that defines that dynamic'. A better phrase, it suggests, would be 'social development finance'. A spokesman for the Free Speech Union said: 'The only word I'd ban is 'problematic'. 'It's an attempt to gloss over the fact that the real reason these red-pencil wielding zealots want to ban words like mother and father is to enforce radical progressive dogma. 'Problematic' is a euphemism for 'things I would like to ban for narrow ideological reasons'.' The guide states: 'Only by talking about and reflecting on language can we hope to make it anti-oppressive. As a part of this goal, we also hope to adopt ideal language when possible.' Among the terms it advises people to be wary of using is 'vulnerable'. The guide states: 'This term is OK if it is not used paternalistically. So don't say 'vulnerable people' as a synonym for the majority world, but you can say that some sets of people are vulnerable to their circumstances.' It says 'majority world' is its preferred term for what is usually referred to as the 'third world'. The charity, which 'inclusively champions global sustainable development in Scotland', receives a grant from the Scottish Government. Pictured is First Minister Humza Yousaf Other words it says to avoid using include 'chairman' and 'spokeswoman', with 'chairperson' or spokesperson' said to be more appropriate. It also says members should avoid 'manpower', offering 'workforce' as an alternative. John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'This organisation is proposing changes to language based on a radical ideological programme, and is using taxpayers' cash as its support structure. 'The Scottish Government should withdraw funding.' SIDA's chief executive Frances Guy said: 'We make no mention of banning any words and are clear that context is important. 'With specific regard to the terms mother and father, we simply encourage people to reflect as to whether a gendered term is most appropriate, or if in fact the reference is to a parent or guardian.' Israel is expected to pay compensation to the families of the aid workers killed in the airstrike on a food convoy in Gaza, military sources have claimed. The Israeli military killed seven staff, including three British veterans, of World Central Kitchen (WCK) on Monday when it bombed a clearly marked vehicle belonging to the food charity. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief Herzi Halevi on Tuesday called the killings a 'grave mistake', which he blamed on night-time 'misidentification', and launched an independent investigation into the attack. The official report, which could be available in the coming days, is expected to conclude the deaths of the WCK workers was a 'tragic accident' and blame the attack on an 'intelligence failure', a military source told The Telegraph. If the conclusion is as expected, Giora Eiland, a retired IDF major general and former head of Israel's National Security Council, says the Israeli government will offer compensation to the victims' families. It is unclear what the compensation package would entail. The seven deaths have piled more pressure on Israel, with a United Nations official having suggested the killing of the WCK workers could be considered a war crime. It comes as Israeli military sources have warned that the Israeli units who killed the charity workers are 'out of control' and 'do whatever they like'. British victims John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby, 47, (pictured) were among those who tragically died after multiple drone strikes hit their convoy of vehicles in the war zone on Monday James Henderson, 33, (pictured) was a former special forces operator and a member of the Royal Marines for six years, was killed in the bombing. He had been providing security for the World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza John Chapman, 57, (pictured) is also thought to have served in the Special Boat Squadron, part of the UK's Special Forces. He had only been in Gaza for a 'matter of weeks' when he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Monday People on Tuesday inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza the day before British victims John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were among those who tragically died after multiple drone strikes hit their convoy of vehicles in the war zone - after communicating to Israel that they were working in the area. Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, Australian Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankom 43, American Jacob Flickinger, 33, and Pole Damian Sobol, 35, were also travelling with the group when they were attacked on Monday. The aid convoy was hit as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse after unloading more than 100 tons of food aid brought to Gaza by sea, WCK said. Speaking to MailOnline on Wednesday, Chapman's former colleague remembered him as having a 'typical SBS sense of humour', adding that he 'took his work very seriously and was very professional'. He said they worked together between 1994 and 2000, with Chapman already in the UAE. 'I remember we really bonded because his first child was born about two weeks before my second,' he said. 'He left the UAE and went back to the UK with his family, but it didn't work out for him and he took another private security gig in the UAE. He found his niche, as we all do. 'I heard the news this morning, a friend told me what had happened. It was just such a shock. He was a great guy.' The ex-Commando, who lives in the north west of England, added to the chorus of criticism at the IDF, having previously come under fire while working in Israel during the second intifada in the early 2000s. He said: 'I was doing private security work, accompanying a television crew, with our Land Rover clearly identified as media. 'We had a six-round grouping, shots in the bonnet, both doors, the rear, a person basically having a bad day and taking it out on the media,' he claimed. Seven volunteers were killed in a series of strikes in Deir al-Balah, in Gaza, on Monday WCK, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff were traveling in two armoured cars emblazoned with the charity's logo and another third vehicle when they were hit by Israeli strikes. The first vehicle was hit by a precision R9X Hellfire missile shortly before midnight. Passengers were seen scrambling from the wreckage and jumping into the other two cars - and telling the IDF they had been hit. The remaining vehicles were hit after travelling just 1,000 yards up the road, on a street 'designated for the passage of humanitarian aid, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Shocking aftermath photos showed the cars scorched and badly damaged inside and out. The third car tried to take the injured to safety but was hit by a drone after making it a mile up the coastal road, killing all seven of the volunteers. Analysis of aftermath videos and images recovered suggest the convoy was hit by 'multiple precision strikes', according to CNN. Israel's Defense Forces have received international condemnation for the attacks, with security sources telling Israeli outlet Haaretz that command 'knows exactly what the reason what was the reason for the attack - within the Strip everyone does as they please'. The officials in Israel's Intelligence Division, who also remain anonymous, claimed the Southern Command in Gaza is trying to 'remove their responsibility' for the attack in Deir al-Balah after acting 'contrary' to orders and instructions from above. While senior officers are expected to give approval for attacks against 'sensitive targets', the source suggested in Gaza 'each commander sets the rules for himself'. 'In any case, it has not yet become clear whether the decision [Monday] to fire on the aid convoy was brought up for approval by senior officers,' the outlet noted. The bodies of the six foreign aid workers killed in the strike were on Wednesday taken out of Gaza to Egypt for repatriation, a security source has said, as Israel faces a chorus of outrage over their deaths. People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 The team from the charity and their Palestinian driver were killed in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah when their vehicle (pictured) was struck on Monday, local media reported, after the group helped deliver food and other supplies to the region Ms Frankcom was one of seven World Central Kitchen volunteers killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Monday (pictured, the wreckage of one of the three cars) Horrific photographs showed how a huge hole had been blown in the roof of one car, with the vehicle's interior torn to shreds by the force of the blast Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) Passports of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), who are killed after an Israeli attack on a vehicle belonging to WCK in Deir Al-Balah of Gaza on April 2, 2024 Israel maintains the strikes were accidental, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledging that the 'tragic case' would be investigated 'right to the end'. 'This happens in war,' he said. 'We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence.' Chief of staff of the Israeli military, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi added: 'I want to be very clear the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers. 'It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn't have happened,' Halevi said. It is understood that the strike was carried out by drone via an operator with the 933 brigade that was based in Khan Yunis, The Telegraph reported. The strike reportedly would have been signed off by three individuals, including an intelligence officer, senior commander and military legal adviser. Israeli security sources told Haaretz newspaper that IDF drones had trailed the food convoy and the army had reason to believe a Hamas operative was travelling with the group. Subsequent intelligence has since revealed that the terror suspect had stayed behind when the convoy left its warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, the insiders said on Tuesday. 'The armed man did not leave the warehouse,' the newspaper reported, citing defence sources. 'The cars travelled along a route preapproved and coordinated with the IDF.' An ambulance carrying the bodies of World Central Kitchen workers who were killed in the airstrike is pictured at the Gaza border crossing in Rafah, Egypt, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 A World Central Kitchen worker holds the passport of deceased colleagues on April 3, 2024 as their bodies are moved from Al-Najjar Hospital to the Rafah crossing with neighboring Egypt to be later repatriated Bodies of the foreign employees of the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen are taken from Al-Najjar hospital and sent by ambulances to Egypt through the Rafah Border Crossing in Rafah, Gaza on April 3, 2024 Members of the public join a walking vigil through the streets for local aid worker James Henderson, organised by Palestine Solidarity Cornwall on April 3, 2024 in Falmouth, England Demonstrators in Falmouth, England on Wednesday paid to the three British veterans working for the aid charity World Central Kitchen who were killed in the airstrike Demonstrators gather around lit candles during an apparent vigil in Falmouth, England on Wednesday as they remember James Henderson, 33, from Falmouth, John Chapman, 57, from Poole and James Kirby Locals in Falmouth, England join a walking vigil through the streets for local aid worker James Henderson on Wednesday The Israeli military pledged an investigation by 'an independent, professional and expert body'. And Israel has long dismissed allegations it is hindering the urgent distribution of food as rights groups warn of the urgency of supplying Gaza's desperate civilian population. But critics have slammed Israel's military command for allowing such a string of attacks to occur - against a clearly marked aid convoy. UN chief Antonio Guterres labelled 'unconscionable' and 'an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted'. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu that Britain was appalled by the deaths and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation, Sunak's office said. Britain also summoned the Israeli ambassador to London and has demanded 'full accountability' over the deaths, which foreign secretary David Cameron described as 'completely unacceptable'. US President Joe Biden said he was 'outraged and heartbroken' by the deaths and charged that Israel 'has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians'. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed 'anger and concern' to Netanyahu in a separate call. Poland said 'it does not agree to the lack of compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers', and demanded compensation for the families of the killed WCK staff. Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, said today that both the deadly strike and the Israeli government's reaction to the incident were straining ties between the two countries. The WCK meanwhile called the strike a 'targeted attack'. '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,' CEO Erin Gore said in a statement. The charity also said it was mourning the loss of its seven 'heroes' and 'beautiful souls'. After their deaths, the charity suspended operations and a ship that had carried food aid from Cyprus to Gaza turned back towards the Mediterranean island with around 240 tons of supplies that had not been unloaded. Human Rights Watch said the attack 'displays the characteristics of a precision airstrike', adding that it gave greater urgency to an International Criminal Court investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes in the Palestinian territories. Jacob Flickinger, 33, (pictured) has been named as the American-Canadian citizen who was one of seven food charity workers killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza late Monday night Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, (pictured) was also killed in the drone strike on Monday Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese demanded 'full accountability' from Israel over the death of aid worker Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom, 43, (pictured) who was the leader of the relief team and killed in the convoy Palestinian worker Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, (pictured) was also killed when missiles struck the convoy on Monday A UN worker holds James Henderson's passport at the scene of the strike Volunteers at international aid organization inspect the vehicles as vehicles of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), who are killed, are heavily damaged during an Israeli attack on a vehicle belonging to WCK in Deir Al-Balah of Gaza on April 2, 2024 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 The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted with Hamas's October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to a based on Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,975 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The army said its forces had 'killed and apprehended a number of terrorists' in fighting near the Al-Amal Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis, where they had also located numerous weapons. Hamas also seized around 250 hostages on October 7. Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead. Talks for a ceasefire and hostage release deal have stalled, with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh accusing Israel of procrastinating. The families of the captives have staged four straight nights of mass protests, joined by a resurgent anti-government movement. Thousands gathered in front of parliament on Tuesday, with former prime minister Ehud Barak blaming Netanyahu for the October 7 'disaster' and demanding new elections. World Central Kitchen workers gather around the bodies of their colleagues after they were transferred to Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah WCK staff were seen mourning their dead colleagues as their bodies were loaded into an ambulance 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 The Polish man has also been named by authorities as Damian Sobol (pictured), who worked for the charity bringing aid into Gaza James Henderson, 33, was a member of the Royal Marines for six years, according to his LinkedIn profile The UN Human Rights Council will on Friday consider a draft resolution calling for an arms embargo on Israel, citing the 'plausible risk of genocide in Gaza'. The draft 'condemns the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects by Israel in populated areas in Gaza' and of 'the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare'. There are 47 countries serving on the Human Rights Council - among them 18 states which brought forward the draft resolution. Twenty-four votes are needed for an outright majority, or possibly fewer if there are abstentions. Israel has long accused the Human Rights Council of being biased against it. MPs are deliberating sanctions over shamed Post Office boss Paula Vennells after it was revealed she may have known that the Horizon system could be accessed remotely by Fujitsu staff. The Commons Business and Trade Committee chair has said 'all options are on the table', as it looks to take action against former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells for potentially misleading Parliament over the Horizon scandal. Covert recordings obtained by ITV and Channel 4 show Ms Vennells was told in 2013 that there had been allegations the Horizon system could be accessed remotely, something she later told a committee of MPs was not possible. It later emerged that subpostmasters' Horizon accounts could be accessed remotely by staff working at Fujitsu's headquarters in Bracknell. Responding to the tapes, Labour MP Liam Byrne, who chairs the Commons Business and Trade Committee, said he was 'deeply concerned by the latest revelations' and 'will be exploring options for penalising the leadership that presided over the scandal'. Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells seen leaving her home in 2022. She is now facing sanctions after it was revealed she may have known that the Horizon system could be accessed remotely by Fujitsu staff Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells was briefed by senior post office officials about a 'covert operations team' He added: 'All options are on the table, including the Commons exercising its powers in relation to contempt of Parliament. 'We have to make absolutely sure that we don't jeopardise any future legal action or undermine Sir Wyn Williams' public inquiry. I will present my committee with options upon Parliament's return later this month for careful consideration.' In a call on July 2, 2013, an independent investigator warned Ms Vennells not to categorically deny that Horizon could be accessed by Fujitsu staff in case 'some bloody whistleblower' contradicted her. Seven years later, in a letter to a parliamentary committee, Ms Vennells said she had been told by Fujitsu that the system could not be accessed remotely. The recordings do not appear to contain any explicit statement confirming that Horizon could be accessed remotely. If someone is found in contempt of parliament it means that someone has interfered with parliament or obstructed it (or a member of the House) from performing their duties. Former Post Office union rep Michael Rudkin visited Fujitsu's Bracknell headquarters on August 19, 2008 and discovered Fujitsu's alleged 'covert operations team' which could remotely access Postmaster's accounts Fujitsu declined to comment directly on the recordings or Mr Byrne's statement, but a spokesperson said: 'The Fujitsu Group regards this matter with the utmost seriousness and offers its deepest apologies to the subpostmasters and their families. 'The UK statutory public inquiry, to which our UK subsidiary is providing full co-operation, is examining complex events that have unfolded over many years, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to this co-operation. 'Based on the findings of the inquiry, we will also be working with the UK Government on the appropriate actions, including contribution to compensation. The Fujitsu Group hopes for a swift resolution that ensures a just outcome for the victims.' Former postmaster Alan Bates, who is portrayed by Toby Jones (pictured) in the drama, led and won the initial legal battle after himself falling victim to the faults The scandal is seen as one of the UK's biggest miscarriages of justice and has gained recent national attention over recent days thanks to Mr Bates Vs The Post Office airing on ITV In the recordings, dating back to 2013, two forensic accountants from Second Sight - the firm hired by the Post Office to conduct an independent investigation - appear on a call with Post Office general counsel Susan Crichton. One of the investigators, Ron Warmington, warns that Ms Vennells could be questioned by James Arbuthnot - a local MP campaigning on behalf of the subpostmasters - about the covert Bracknell operation. He says: 'If James says something like, "And where are you on this assertion about the Bracknell covert operations team, as it was referred to by Rudkin?"' Crichton can then be heard twice confirming that Ms Vennells had been briefed about the allegation. She says: 'Well look, that's a specific case. We'll come back to it when we finish the investigation.' Warmington adds: 'Yeah, well, as long as she doesn't come back and say, "Look, so what's this Bracknell issue, what is he talking about?" Oh, we've known about that for two months.' Crichton replies: 'She knows about the allegation. She knows we are working on it.' 'Oh, that's alright then. Good.' Warmington responds. 'We mentioned it to her. We're all going, "Well, that's all very odd."' Later in the same tape Crichton advises again of her role in appraising Paula Vennells of issues identified by the independent investigation. She says: 'She's got everything. The way that I've tried to brief Paula is, as soon as I have evidence that you know, that there is a problem, she knows about it the next minute.' Ms Vennells ran the Post Office at the height of the scandal while it routinely denied there was a problem with its Horizon IT system. The Post Office continued to deny remote access was possible until 2019. Ms Vennells handed back her CBE as a result of her role in the scandal. She said: 'I continue to support and focus on co-operating with the inquiry and expect to be giving evidence in the coming months. 'I am truly sorry for the devastation caused to the subpostmasters and their families, whose lives were torn apart by being wrongly accused and wrongly prosecuted as a result of the Horizon system. 'I now intend to continue to focus on assisting the inquiry and will not make any further public comment until it has concluded.' The chief of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said Wednesday leaders of South Korea and three other nations in the Indo-Pacific region were invited to the upcoming summit scheduled in July in Washington. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said South Korea was invited to the NATO summit for the third year as one of the non-NATO partners in the Indo-Pacific region, which include Japan, Australia and New Zealand. "I welcome the fact that I have now invited for the third time the heads of state and government from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Korea, our partners of the Asia-Pacific, to attend the summit in Washington in July," Stoltenberg said as NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels. President Yoon Suk Yeol was invited to the two previous NATO summits held in Spain in 2022 and Lithuania in 2023. Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of working with NATO allies and partners to support Ukraine as "Russia's friends in Asia are vital" for continuing its war. "North Korea and Iran are delivering substantial supplies of weapons and ammunition (to Russia). In return, Pyongyang and Tehran are receiving Russian technology and supplies that help them advance their missile and nuclear capabilities," he said. Stoltenberg said like-minded nations should work together in various areas, including technology, cyber and hybrid threats, to address "regional and global security consequences" stemming from Russia's deepening ties with its partners. "So, like-minded nations around the world need to stand together to defend a global order ruled by law, not by force," he said. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul attended the session of NATO allies and its partners to discuss the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region and express Seoul's commitment to strengthening cooperation with NATO, according to the foreign ministry. (Yonhap) Chaos has erupted in the Israeli parliament after protesters stormed the building and smeared yellow paint across the gallery windows. The protestors were demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to return all of Hamas's hostages home as demonstrations continue to rock the country. Around 20 demonstrators, some of whom were relatives of the hostages, broke into the visitors gallery in the Knesset and smeared the paint on the viewing windows above the chamber with their hands. They believe not enough government action has been taken to free their loved ones after 180 days in captivity. Hamas militants seized about 250 hostages on October 7, of whom Israel believes 130 remain in Gaza, including 33 who are presumed dead. Chaos has erupted in the Israeli parliament after protesters stormed the building and smeared yellow paint across the gallery windows The protestors were demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's failure to return all of Hamas 's hostages home as demonstrations continue to rock the country Around 20 demonstrators, some of whom were relatives of the hostages, broke into the visitors gallery in the Knesset and smeared the paint on the viewing windows above the chamber with their hands Some protestors threw yellow paint on the ceiling. Yellow is a colour that has been adopted to symbolise the plight of the captives and is usually represented in the form of a yellow ribbon. The parliament's security staff confronted the protestors and wrestled them away from the window, before eventually pushing them out of the gallery. In the chamber below, where legislators were voting on a climate-related bill, a number of opposition lawmakers raised their hands in solidarity with the protestors. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid expressed sympathy for the families and said: 'Our hearts are with you, the families of the protesters. We will fight with you.' The Knesset paint demonstration comes after thousands of demonstrators yesterday gathered outside the parliament to share their rage at Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza, which has so far killed nearly 33,000 people They were joined by families of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza as well as the former prime minister Ehud Barak who blamed Netanyahu for the October 7 'disaster' and demanded an election. Some 3,000 of the protesters later marched to Netanyahu's home to shout slogans demanding he resign, with police saying some 'rioters' tried to rip away barriers outside. The protestors left yellow handprints on the windows. Yellow is a colour that has been adopted to symbolise the plight of the captives and is usually represented in the form of a yellow ribbon Pressure on Netanyahu has been building recently as protestors have continued to take to the streets Israeli anti government protesters hold torches during a protest outside the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday Protesters were heard outside Netanyahu's house shouting slogans demanding he resign on Tuesday People march in a rally in Jerusalem on Tuesday against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip Anti-government protesters gather with signs and candles during a protest in Jerusalem on Tuesday Mounted officers reportedly charged into the crowd to stop them from breaking through, while water cannons were also deployed to disperse the furious crowds. At Tuesday's rally in front of parliament, some of the families accused Israel's longest-serving leader of trying to use the war to prolong his hold on power. Merav Svirsky, who lost both her parents in the Hamas attack, and whose brother was later murdered in Gaza, said Netanyahu is in no hurry to free the hostages. 'The basic duty of the state is to ensure the return of the abducted. I was naive, I didn't realise that our prime minister is not interested in bringing them back because of political considerations,' she said. Hostage families are also furious at Netanyahu, whom they say has not really pushed to have them freed. 'You are a pharaoh, a slayer of firstborns - 240 were kidnapped on your watch - it's your fault,' declared Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is one of the 134 still being held in Gaza by Hamas. 'You failed on October 7 in every possible way,' she declared, and now 'you are an obstacle to a hostage deal'. Zangauker said Netanyahu had tried to blacken the hostage families for protesting while the country was at war. They said: 'You call us traitors when you are the traitor, a traitor to your people, to the State of Israel.' 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 Former premier Barak said if Netanyahu launches a ground offensive on Rafah, the 'hostages will return in coffins'. He added: 'The one who abandoned them on October 7 is now sacrificing them on the altar of absolute victory.' He called for snap elections, saying 'the man responsible' for the calamity should be 'removed from the steering wheel'. The usually bullish Netanyahu has appeared both physically and politically fragile after leaving a hospital in Jerusalem today after a hernia operation. Visibly frail and sallow, Netanyahu was short-tempered and distracted during a television speech Saturday which his former minister and Likud colleague Limor Livnat called 'catastrophic'. The left-wing daily Haaretz said he looked 'like a frightened tyrant'. Netanyahu was even more gaunt when he left hospital only to have to face the ire of the international community after an Israeli strike killed seven aid workers for a US-based group in Gaza. 'It happens in war,' Netanyahu said with a tact which may not have been appreciated in the White House, which said it was 'heartbroken' at the deaths. 'Netanyahu has been buried politically many times before and bounced back,' said Emmanuel Navon, a former Likud member and political science professor. 'But this time is different because of October 7. It is not the same country. It's over for Bibi. He is 74, doesn't do any exercise, has a very hard job and he had a pacemaker put in six months ago.' Family members and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, carrying signs and Israeli flags, lit a bonfire during a rally outside the Kirya military headquarters on Saturday Hamas militants seized about 250 hostages on October 7, of whom Israel believes 130 remain in Gaza , including 33 who are presumed dead. Pictured: Protestors on Saturday One placard on Saturday had pictures of Netanyahu's face next to the text: 'UR the boss, UR to blame' But Navon doubts Netanyahu will be forced from office by the new wave of mass street protests despite the fury of the hostages' families. Pressure on Netanyahu has been building recently as thousands of protestors lit fires and gagged themselves in objection to the government's failure to retrieve the hostages on Saturday night. Pictures taken on Saturday night show thousands of people taking to Kaplan Street in the city, the site of weekly anti-government protests. Some held placards putting the blame for the hostages' fate on Netanyahu, with pictures of his face next to the text: 'UR the boss, UR to blame.' Police accused the anti-government protesters of being 'rioters' and said the demonstration was illegal. There have been several clashes between police and protestors as the officers blocked Begin Road in Tel Aviv while protestors lit bonfires outside the Kirya military headquarters. The weekly demonstrations on the Tel Aviv plaza renamed by campaigners Hostages Square came as anti-government protesters also gathered nearby outside the Ministry of Defence. Twenty families of hostages previously told the press that Netanyahu was the 'obstacle to a deal', claiming he was making decisions without consulting the cabinet and only serving his own interests. Demonstrators on Saturday wore gags and had their hands loosely bound to symbolise the plight on the hostages Police on Saturday accused the anti-government protesters of being 'rioters' and said the demonstration was illegal. Pictured: Police detain a man The police said they have arrested 16 people in Tel Aviv on Saturday Netanyahu's popularity in Israel has fallen since the war, with critics suggesting he could be prolonging the war to stay in power. 'Netanyahu came into the war already with low popularity ratings,' Mairav Zonszein, the International Crisis Group's senior Israel-Palestine analyst, told The New Arab. 'After October 7, he lost all legitimacy and a lot of Israelis hold him responsible for what happened,' Zonszein said. 'People want to see Netanyahu out.' Only 15 per cent of Israelis now want him to stay in the role once the war ends. The domestic turmoil in Israel comes after the world has begun to turn on the state after a drone strike killed seven international aid workers in Gaza on Monday. 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. Its retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,916 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The United Nations Security Council last week supported calls for a ceasefire urging that all hostages still held captive in Gaza should also be released. Resolution 2728 is understood to be non-binding and is not expected to have an immediate impact on the ongoing conflict. Israel is not expected to heed the call for an immediate ceasefire, and Hamas is not expected to immediately and unconditionally release the remaining 134 hostages. Gaza is home to some 2.3million people - 1.7million of whom have been displaced by the war, according to the United Nations Population Fund. Two Florida men pleaded guilty to insider trading charges Wednesday after admitting they illegally raked in $22 million by purchasing securities in a company before it was announced that the same firm was going to bring Donald Trump's media business public. Michael Shvartsman, 53, and his brother Gerald Shvartsman, 46, both pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud before the U.Ssd. District Court judge in Manhattan. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, according to the Department of Justice. Michael Shvartsman, the head of Miami-based venture capital firm Rocket One Capital, and his brother admitted to illegally trading on information they learned after signing confidentiality agreements with Digital World Acquisition Corporation (DWAC) - the company that took Trump Media & Technology Group public. DWAC is the parent company of the former president's Truth Social app. 'Ive made a terrible mistake, Gerald Shvartsman said at the hearing Wednesday. Gerald Shvartsman walks out of a hearing at the Manhattan Federal Court Wednesday Truth Social - former President Donald Trump's social media app - is owned by Digital World Acquisition, the same company the brothers purchased stock in after signing confidentiality agreements with the firm 'I will pay for dearly the rest of my life,' he added. Michael Shvartsman also admitted to the judge that he knew the trades were illegal and wrong. The brothers were arrested in June 2023 on the insider trading charges. Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, celebrated the ruling in a press release following the investors' guilty pleas. 'Michael and Gerald Shvartsman admitted in court that they received confidential, inside information about an upcoming merger between DWAC and Trump Media and used that information to make profitable, but illegal, open-market trades.' 'Insider trading is cheating, plain and simple, and todays convictions should remind anyone who may be tempted to corrupt the integrity of the stock market that it will earn them a ticket to prison,' Williams said. According to the DOJ, the Shvartsman received critical confidential information on DWAC's deal to take Trump Media public, like when the deal would be publicly announced, and then purchased millions of dollars worth of stock in the company before the merger. After hearing the pleas, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman scheduled the sentencing hearing for July 17. Both of the Shvartsman brothers will remain free on bail until their sentencing. On Monday April 1, Trump Media was trading at $52 per share, as of Wednesday afternoon, the company traded for $48 per share A third individual, Bruce Garelick, who worked for Michal Shvartsman at Rocket One Capital and also held a seat on DWAC's board of directors, is implicated in the case. He is accused of providing the brothers inside information that he learned from his board position at DWAC. He is scheduled to face trial on April 29. Donald Trump, notably, is not implicated in the ongoing case. The boat operator was arrested for failing to complete a safety course and lacking a required captain's license Cell phone video shows the passengers scrambling out of the path of an alligator A tour group with Coopertown Airboats was thrown into the water on Friday afternoon An airboat overturned during a tour through the Florida Everglades, launching all ten people on board into the alligator-infested waters below. A group from Coopertown Airboats was heading through the Everglades National Park on Friday afternoon when the boat operator spotted an alligator nearby. Wanting to give tourists a closer look, he turned abruptly, sending the boat onto its side and everyone into the murky water. Jose Maldonado was enjoying an outing with his relatives and friends, including some visiting from Puerto Rico, when he was thrown overboard. 'All of a sudden, the captain wanted to make a U-turn, sort of on the water, so we could get a better picture...and the boat flipped on its side,' he told 7News. 'And we were all in the water, and we were all screaming because the alligator was right there.' An airboat overturned during a tour through the Florida Everglades on Friday afternoon, sending all ten passengers into the alligator-infested water The boat flipped onto its side when the operator turned sharply to give tourists a better look at a nearby alligator The encounter quickly turned terrifying for Leon Tourigny, a tourist from Quebec, who filmed the accident on his cell phone Footage shows the passengers scrambling out of the murky water as they attempt to get out of the animal's path According to Maldonado, the group tried to flip the boat over, to no avail. Leon Tourigny, a human resources officer with the Canadian Armed Forces, was another one of the unlucky passengers. The Quebec man filmed the group wading through knee-deep water and reeds as they scrambled out of the animal's path. It took 15 minutes for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to arrive, passengers said. Luckily David Gonzalez, another airboat operator, happened to be passing by and helped the shaken passengers onboard. By the time fire rescue officials arrived, all passengers had climbed out of the water. One person was treated for injuries at the scene and did not require hospitalization. Juan Carlos Negro, who was visiting from Puerto Rico, said he was left with scratches but otherwise unharmed. In a statement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) confirmed that the boat operator had been taken to jail. Another passenger, Jose Maldonado, said the group was 'screaming because the alligator was right there' The tour was organized through Miami-based Coopertown Airboat Tours The operator was arrested and booked into jail for failing to complete a boating safety course and lacking a required captain's license By the time Miami Dade Fire Rescue fire rescue officials arrived, all passengers had climbed out of the water Crews towed the airboat (not pictured) back to shore and cleaned up fuel that had spilled into the water 'The operator of the airboat, an employee of Coopertown Airboat Rides, was arrested and transported to jail for having neither proof of completion of a boating safety course nor a captain's license issued by the United States Coast Guard,' the statement read. They declined to identify the operator by name, but the man was escorted to a waiting police cruiser once he and the other passengers reached shore. Crews righted the airboat and towed it away before cleaning up spilled fuel. The FFWCC is currently investigating the incident. A Venezuelan 'migrant influencer' who advised migrants to squat in US citizens homes is facing potential federal firearms charges, according to reports. Leonel Moreno, 27, who recently posed with a firearm on his popular Instagram account, has been flagged to Immigration and Customs Enforcement by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New York Post reported. ICE are now considering filing firearm charges against Moreno, according to internal federal documents seen by the Post. Sources told the Post the charges likely relate to violations of the Gun Control Act which prevents parolees from possessing, shipping, transporting or receiving firearms or ammunition. Moreno is currently in federal custody after failing to turn up to mandatory check-ins with officers as part of a a Biden administration-approved parole scheme after he entered the country illegally in 2022. Leonel Moreno, was arrested in Columbus, Ohio, on March 29 and is being held at The Geauga County Jail on behalf of ICE In recent social media posts Moreno brandished a large firearm in a gun store and asking his followers which weapon they like best 'If you want a gun you can buy them in stores,' Moreno explained in one Instagram post He was arrested in Columbus, Ohio, on March 29 and is being held at The Geauga County Jail on behalf of ICE. Any possible further charges would 'escalate' the case against Moreno, former ICE field office director John Fabbricatore told the Post. 'Charges under [Gun Control Act section] 922.g are a serious matter and can result in significant legal consequences for Moreno. 'This should be a warning to any illegal aliens that possessing a firearm unlawfully will result in criminal charges and hopefully lead to a conviction,' Fabbricatore explained. In recent social media posts Moreno brandished a large firearm in a gun store and asking his followers which weapon they like best. 'Thank God I already have my license,' he said in one post. 'If you want a gun you can buy them in stores,' he explained in another. Other posts showed him waving fistfuls of cash, claiming to have benefitted from government programs. Other posts showed him waving fistfuls of cash claiming to have benefitted from government programs Leonel Moreno's TikTok account @leitooficial_25, where he had amassed half a million followers, has reportedly been suspended Veronica Torres, right, the wife of TikTok Venezuelan migrant Leonel Moreno, left Moreno previously caused chaos after sharing tips on how to invade vacant homes and live off the US government on his TikTok account @leitooficial_25, where he had over half a million followers before the account was suspended. He is now posting under a new account. The original account helped officials track Moreno down after he went missing while on the Alternatives to Detention program. Moreno also made headlines in February, after he demanded Venezuelans unite to help a 15-year-old migrant accused of shooting a tourist and trying to kill a NYPD officer in Times Square. His content has been widely shared as Venezuelan migrants fleeing their country's collapse become one of the largest nationalities arriving at the US-Mexico border. An Alabama dentist has been sentenced to 180 years in prison for raping, sodomizing, and sexually abusing eight members of his former staff and three patients from his dental office. Joseph Clarence Cox, 44, was arrested in April 2021 following an investigation by the Gadsden Police Department, which revealed shocking evidence of improper sexual contact between Cox and his staff. During the trial, a total of eight former employees and three patients testified to numerous incidents of sexual abuse, including rape, sodomy, and sexual contact during dental procedures. After a week-long trial, the jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of sodomy, and eight counts of sexual abuse in January, as reported by ABC. Cox treated his place of business as his 'own personal playground' and showed zero respect for any woman who came to his office, Judge George Day said. Joseph Clarence Cox, 44, has been sentenced to 180 years in prison for raping, sodomizing, and sexually abusing eight members of his former staff and three patients from his dental office During the trial, a total of eight former employees and three patients testified to numerous incidents of sexual abuse, including rape, sodomy, and even sexual contact during dental procedures at his business (pictured) in Gadsden Judge Day sentenced Cox to 25 years in prison for each count of rape and sodomy and 10 years for each count of sexual abuse. He ordered those sentences to run consecutively. Cox, who started the Gadsden Dental Clinic in 2017 was arrested after officers found a large employee turnover within his business between June 2020 and April 2021. Officers executed search warrants at both his home and the clinic on Rainbow Drive and took him into custody a week later. Cox was later released after paying a $100,000 bond. During the trial, his former employees testified that the large turnover at the Gadsden Dental Clinic was due to repeated incidents of sexual abuse by Cox. Two former staff members stated that his behavior went beyond touching to rape and sodomy, with some incidents occurring during normal business hours. Patients were subjected to sexual contact during their dental procedures, according two of them who testified. Years before he opened his dental practice in Gadsden, Cox had received complaints regarding sexual harassment and unwanted contact Cox(pictured in January), who started the Gadsden Dental Clinic in 2017 was arrested after officers found a large employee turnover within his business between June 2020 and April 2021 Years before he opened his dental practice in Gadsden, Cox had received complaints regarding sexual harassment and unwanted contact. A former employee at his dental office in Fort Payne, less than an hour drive from Gadsden, accused him of smacking her bottom in 2012. Cox, who graduated from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, pleaded guilty to three counts of harassment after appealing the case to circuit court, online records show. He was fined $500, sentenced to probation, and his dental license was suspended for six months for those offenses at the time. In court earlier this year, Judge Day ordered his sentences to be run consecutively, stating that it would not be justice for each of the victims if the sentences were concurrent. Scotland's state-owned ferry company yesterday removed its chief executive amid the continuing crisis hitting services. Robbie Drummond has left his post at CalMac after passengers were beset by major delays and cancellations affecting services on the ageing fleet. Ministers said he had been removed from his post with immediate effect. But CalMac refused to say if he had received a payoff as a result of the decision, which followed a review of the leadership team and concerns about the firms operational performance. It comes just over a week after David Tydeman, the boss of nationalised shipyard Ferguson Marine, was axed after warning of yet more delays to the contract to build two CalMac ferries. Robbie Drummond of CalMac has been removed Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson said: Robbie Drummond is now the latest scapegoat for the SNPs ferries fiasco. Mairi McAllan as the SNP minister responsible is presiding over utter chaos in Scotlands ferry network. Not a single ministerial resignation has been offered over this scandal yet now the head of both CalMac and Ferguson Marine have been fired in the space of two weeks. The minister needs to urgently explain not least to betrayed islanders what is going on and why she believes sacking CalMacs top boss is a good idea. In recent years the ageing nature of CalMacs ferry fleet has increasingly led to delays and disruption on its routes around the West Coast. These problems have been compounded by ongoing delays to the two new ferries being built at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow. The ferries, which will ultimately serve West Coast routes with CalMac, are six years late and will cost around three times the original price of 97million. Ministers are also due to make a decision this summer on awarding the ferry services contract for the West Coast, something which would have a material impact on CalMac as a going concern. The company confirmed Mr Drummonds departure with immediate effect in a statement. It said island communities have faced real challenges over the last year and warned these are likely set to continue until new vessels are introduced to the fleet over the coming years. The statement said: In this context, the board wants to strengthen the focus further on operational performance of an ageing fleet, resilience and enhanced dialogue and responsiveness with the customers. As a consequence, the board has reviewed the executive leadership of the organisation to ensure that it is best placed to achieve that during some challenging years ahead. 'As part of that review, current CEO Robbie Drummond is stepping down with immediate effect. A company spokesman refused to say if Mr Drummond, who earned 171,000 last year including a basic salary of 157,000, had been awarded a payoff. MV Glen Sannox is still unfinished at Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow In a letter to Holyroods transport committee, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the CalMac board had removed Robbie Drummond from the position of CEO of CalMac Ferries Ltd with immediate effect. Lib Dem economy spokesman Willie Rennie said: Another week, another resignation but still no minister is carrying the can. CalMac have had to cope with an ageing fleet and delayed new ferries thanks to the SNP. Duncan Mackison, a former chief executive of CalMacs holding company David MacBrayne, has been appointed as interim chief executive until a permanent successor can be found. Scottish Labour transport spokesman Alex Rowley said The chaos on CalMac services is a direct result of the SNPs woeful mismanagement of Scotlands ferry fleet. No matter who is in the top job in CalMac, islanders will continue to be let down until the SNP government starts delivering the ferries we need. Angus Campbell of the Ferries Community Board, which represents passengers, said: The Ferries Community Board have consistently asked for a change of approach from top management at CalMac to be more islanders and community centred. This will only be achieved by changing the culture of the organisations in terms of policy, structure and strategic decision making. 'The best route to improving decision making and communication is to fully involve islanders, communities and build again a service designed around the needs of these communities. The man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death at an Irish pub in New York City was pictured Wednesday during his arraignment. Marcin Pieciak, 36, was arraigned in his hospital bed on April 3, two days after his arrest for second-degree murder after the alleged fatal knifing of Sarah McNally, 41, at The Ceili House in Queens. He was remanded and will appear back in court on Friday. An allegedly crazed Pieciak stabbed to death his girlfriend, McNally, at the pub where she worked, before turning the knife on himself last Saturday. Pieciak was charged with the murder Monday, in addition to receiving a charge for the criminal possession of a weapon - the bloody knives he used to stab Mcnally in the neck. Marcin Pieciak, 36, was arraigned in his hospital bed on April 3, two days after his arrest for second-degree murder after the alleged fatal knifing of Sarah McNally, 41, at The Ceili House in Queens Sarah McNally, 41, was stabbed in the neck at The Ceili House in Queens on Saturday Cops raced to the Queens Irish bar at around 6:30 pm on Saturday, after McNally and the alleged attacker both sustained severe knife wounds At about 6:30 pm on Saturday, Pieciak reportedly burst into the pub and attacked McNally. When police arrived a short time later, McNally was lying on the floor bleeding from stab wounds to her neck, while Pieciak was bleeding from self-inflicted stab wounds to neck and back as well. Pieciak reportedly refused to drop the murder weapons in his hands, forcing officers to use a stun gun on him. Both individuals were taken to NYC Health and Hospitals in Elmhurst. McNally was reportedly dead on arrival, just hours ahead of Easter Sunday. Pieciak appears to be recovering, though was initially listed as in critical condition. McNally, originally from Longford, Ireland, had reportedly been living in New York for a decade, and was living with her boyfriend at the time of her murder. Reports said the couple had no history of domestic violence, however the New York Daily News reported that Pieciak had previously been arrested for domestic violence. A New York Police Department spokesperson said that Pieciak had no prior arrests with their agency. No motive for the stabbing has yet been uncovered or reported. The pair had reportedly been living together for several months. McNally was from the town of Longford in Ireland, where members of her former community are mourning her sudden death. On Facebook, McNally's aunt Mary wrote: 'Rest in peace my beautiful niece Sarah, we are heart broken, Love you always.' When police arrived a short time later, McNally was lying on the floor bleeding from stab wounds to her neck, while Pieciak was bleeding from self-inflicted stab wounds to neck and back as well Pieciak looked worn and confused as he was arraigned virtually on Wednesday. He is due back in court on Friday Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Monahan told the Irish Independent: '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.' McNally's mother Dorrie O'Connor told The Irish Mirror: 'My daughter was murdered. There is nothing else to say.' Mike Lambe, a 62-year-old who lives in the neighborhood told The Post McNally was a 'sweet, innocent girl from Longford' who had worked at the bar for less than a year. Green, who frequents the pub where the horrifying murder happened, told NY Daily News that he knew the couple well, and he 'still can't believe it.' 'They was (sic) always together,' he said, referring to the alleged killer 'M' as 'cool.' 'Both of them. Thats why it blew my mind a little bit ... Sarah is good people. She helps people. Everybody owes her money.' Charities have been warned to ensure fundraisers are 'legal' after a fake Children In Need collector dressed as Pudsey Bear led a gang which stole from charities. David Levi led a group of bogus collectors who fleeced generous members of the public out of more than 500,000 intended for a good cause. The 48-year-old was jailed for five years and handed a Serious Crime Prevention Order after he admitted fraud and money laundering at Preston Crown Court. The order prohibits him from any fundraising activities for five years - or risk being returned to prison. Now, a regulator has warned organisations to take steps to ensure fundraising activities carried out in their name are 'open, honest and legal' - after the fake do-gooder proclaimed that he 'wants to carry on fundraising'. Charities have been warned to ensure fundraisers are 'legal' after a fake Children In Need collector dressed as Pudsey Bear led a gang which stole from charities David Levi led a group of bogus collectors who fleeced generous members of the public out of more than 500,000 intended for a good cause In emails to the BBC, following his conviction, the Pudsey Bear scammer said he enjoys raising money for good causes and 'fully intends' to fundraise again in the future. In December 2023, the court heard how the conman splashed out on a luxury cars and holidays after posing as a fundraiser for charities including BBC Children In Need, The Christie, and other charities. Levi, from Lytham, even dressed up in a Pudsey Bear suit and produced fake badges and marketing material to make his scam appear legitimate. When he was caught, he claimed he had made his wealth through escorting, and was lucky at casinos and bookies. 'I can make a grand a week', he told officers upon his arrest. In reality, the court heard he targeted supermarkets to make 'bucket collections' which had not been authorised. Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said the scam was a 'shocking breach of trust'. He stressed the 'vast majority' of charity fundraising was genuine, but urged charities 'to ensure they have robust oversight to ensure fundraising carried out in their name is open, honest and legal'. Sentencing Levi, Judge Andrew Jeffries KC said less than 10 per cent of the 500,000 traced through the conman's bank accounts made its way to the charities it was intended to help. He said Levi and his gang 'preyed upon the public's generosity - and in many cases, private grief.' 'The British public is always ready to give to a good cause and especially to any charity which helps children who are sick, those with cancer and Children in Need', he said. 'They give generously, even when many may not have much themselves.' He vowed to ensure no other scammers could operate in the way Levi and his gang had by passing deterrent sentences. 'The words despicable and brazen have been used and I echo those here', he said. 'The court will endeavour to ensure that no further bogus collections are made for charity so that members of the public can give with confidence as they have in the past.' The biggest loser was the BBC, whose Children In Need charity lost out on 47,000 donated by kind-hearted members of the public. In an email exchange from behind bars, Levi denied being a scammer and claimed he and his six codefendents simply pocketed expenses for their fundraising activities - which 'ran into thousands.' In December 2023, the court heard how the conman splashed out on a luxury cars and holidays after posing as a fundraiser for charities including Children In Need Alison Brown, director of Children In Need, said she was concerned Levi's bogus activity would put people off donating towards vital support for children and young people. However she said the money 'did get to where it was needed'. Mr Oppenheim agreed Levi's scam was 'potentially very damaging' and said people should not be pressured into donating on the spot. He said it is always possible to check whether a collector is legitimate before handing over any money. An audio recording shows Levi, who was jailed today for five years, telling police he received much of his money from 'escorting' when he was really conning Brits out of thousands of pounds. 'I don't know where it's come from but it's not charity money,' he said. 'I was doing a bit of escorting as well at the time, which I wasn't going to bring up, which is very good money.' When asked by police if he had records for his escorting, Levi said: 'Clients don't like [...] receipts. They like discretion.' He added: 'Escorting, on the odd times that I did it, you can make a grand a week, sometimes two grand a week.' Levi and his gang of fraudsters were so dedicated to the scam that they designed and made fake charity material including ID badges, pull-up banners and a Pudsey Bear suit for Children In Need. To try to cover his tracks Levi would contact each charity, obtain a fundraising pack and use this to claim he was a genuine collector in case he was questioned by store staff or the police, with collections taking place all over the country. Even when supermarket staff challenged the fraudsters about the bogus collections they were told they would lose their jobs or be reported to the national press. Also involved in the scam were Howard Collins, 73, who helped organise collections and went out collecting. He introduced a number of people to GOSH and wrote letters claiming to be from the North of England Events Office - which did not exist. William Ormand went out collecting, but the court heard that he was also involved in paying other collectors and appears to have assisted Levi. Martin Ebanks, 59, Robert Roy Ferguson, 63, and Stephen Chesterman, 63, also collected for the conspiracy. Former Obama campaign chief David Axelrod said the bombed aid convoy should be a 'bright red line.' Former Obama spokesman for national security Tommy Vietor urged the administration to 'demand accountability' Former aides to former President Barack Obama signaled disgust Wednesday with details about President Joe Biden being privately angry behind the scenes about an airstrike that killed aid workers in Gaza. 'The President doesn't get credit for being "privately enraged" when he still refuses to use leverage to stop the IDF from killing and starving innocent people,' wrote former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau wrote on X. 'These stories only make him look weak.' Favreau reacted Wednesday to a story from Politico noting that Biden was 'privately enraged' by the deadly strike from Israel against a World Central Kitchen convoy delivering food to victims of the war in Gaza. Seven aid workers were killed in the bombing, including an American citizen. Pod Save America host and former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau said Biden 'looked weak' People stand near a destroyed car of the NGO World Central Kitchen (WCK) Biden was delayed in publicly condemning the attack on the World Central Kitchen Convoy, several hours after they occurred. Other Obama alumni have increasingly voiced their frustration with Biden for unilaterally siding with Israel, without making concrete demands from Israeli Prime Minster Netanyahu. 'I'm glad that US officials are outraged about the IDF massacre of World Central Kitchen workers (at least on background), but there have to be consequences for it to matter,' former national security spokesman Tommy Vietor wrote on X. 'Demand accountability and more aid trucks into Gaza. Stop transferring weapons.' The Biden administration is currently weighing an $18 billion arms transfer package to Israel that would include dozens of F-15 aircraft, according to reports. Vietor previously criticized Biden for flying to Israel and giving the Israeli Prime Minster Bibi Netanyahu a hug on the tarmac to show his solidarity with Israel, calling it 'a mistake from the beginning.' 'To date, they've had this approach that's called "The hug Bibi strategy," where basically Biden says he'll disagree with Netanyahu privately but don't want to show any daylight in terms of public messaging,' Vietor said on the Pod Save America podcast in February. 'Stop transferring weapons,' wrote Obama's former national security spokesman Tommy Vietor Former Obama campaign chief David Axelrod said the strike should be a 'bright red line' Former Obama campaign chief David Axelrod did not name Biden officially but called the bombing of the aid convoy a 'bright red line.' 'Israel has the right to defend itself against barbaric acts of terrorism, not to indiscriminately kill innocents or valiant men and women who are working to save them from starvation,' he wrote on X. Tuesday evening, Biden issued a statement several hours after the strikes against the food charity founded by chef Jose Andres noting he was 'outraged and heartbroken' by the news. A senior American official expressed concerns to Politico about Biden's unwillingness to challenge Israel more directly. 'Its just rinse and repeat with the Israelis. The American political system cant or wont draw a real line with them and that is regrettable,' he said anonymously. A self-employed businessman sent almost 500 to his nephew who considered becoming a suicide bomber after he was shot fighting in Syria, a court heard. Farhad Mohammad, 45, is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of making five money transfers to Idris Usman in Syria while he was allegedly an Islamist fighter for the proscribed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which has links to al Qaeda. Prosecutors claim Mohammad made three Western Union transfers of $200 (158) via a middleman in Turkey, and two more transactions while he was abroad, with evidence of the transfers allegedly found on his mobile phone. Mohammed was arrested at Stansted Airport in February 2018 as he prepared to fly to Turkey, the court was told, and Facebook messages from his nephew allegedly showed Idris asking for money in order to buy cars, weapons and medical aid. The self-employed businessman is standing trial on five charges of financing terrorism, which he denies. Farhad Mohammad is standing trial charged with financing a member of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham terror group (pictured: a file image of HTS recruits in Syria in 2018) Mohammad, of Colchester, is standing trial at the Old Bailey (above). He denies five charges of financing terrorism Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham controls much of the Idlib province of Syria and has links to the wider al Qaeda organisation (file picture) A Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham fighter fires a pickup-mounted rocket at Syrian government forces earlier this year Prosecutor Diana Wilson told the court the married father-of-two was a Kurdish Iraqi who had lived in the UK for many years. But at the time his nephew Idris was in Syria, the country was marked by 'intense conflict' and a vast civil war. In one message in May 2017, Idris allegedly told the defendant: 'God willing, I am going to participate in a fighting, either I will stay alive or I become a martyr, it is up to God. If I became a martyr they will inform you.' He went on to say he would go on military exercises for 15 days before moving towards the enemy to fight them, jurors heard. Idris asked for money to buy a second-hand car for 'work', which the prosecution alleges was a codeword for fighting. He also asked for rent money and 650 dollars to buy a weapon saying 'it is the one I like', the court heard. It is alleged Idris sent the defendant a photograph of himself on a motorbike with an assault rifle on his back. On September 5 2017, Idris allegedly wrote: 'I am going to battlefield to fight. Forgive me and put me in your prayer.' The defendant allegedly replied: 'Frankly I do not like you to go. I want you to go back home secretly.' Idris asked for money for a mobile phone but the defendant said he was in a 'bad financial situation', the court heard. On September 22 2017, Idris allegedly told his uncle: 'The situation is not good here, please help me. We went to that fighting but we withdrew and nearly 100 brothers were killed. 'When we entered with the group, four of my brothers were killed at once and we could not bring their corpses back.' He went on to make five further requests for money which the defendant occasionally responded to, usually evading the demands, Ms Wilson said. On 28 October 2017 Idris allegedly revealed that he had been wounded in his arms and then asked the defendant for money for hospital fees. Jurors heard Idris said that he had seen a doctor and one arm was broken and a bullet had settled in the other arm in a sensitive place. He made repeated requests for more money for housing and to pay for an operation, the court heard. On November 13 2017, he allegedly told the defendant: 'Peace be upon you uncle. Uncle, I have changed my mind regarding suicide bombing, I'm not going to be a suicide bomber.' Instead, he told his uncle that he was going to a military camp, the court was told. Ms Wilson told jurors: 'The Crown will assert that the reference to suicide bombing assists you as to the type of fighter he (the defendant) understood Idris to be.' Mohammad is alleged to have sent his nephew at least $600 - almost 500 - while he was fighting in Syria for the terror group (pictured: a file image of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham fighters) Demonstrators in Binnish, Idlib, Syria in March protesting against the ongoing Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham occupation of the province Mohammad was arrested at Stansted Airport while boarding a flight to Turkey (pictured: a file image of the airport) Mohammad was arrested on 28 February 2018 on a flight from London Stansted airport to Turkey. He was carrying three mobile phones. In a police interview, the defendant denied funding terrorism, saying in a prepared statement: 'I have been living in the UK for 21 years. I am a married man with two children, and I am running my own business. 'I do not have any previous convictions. The allegations have nothing to do with me.' Ms Wilson told jurors: 'Despite what the defendant said in his interviews it is likely that he will accept making all five arrangements for money to be made available to his nephew Idris and that the focus of this trial will be whether he did so knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it - the money - would or might be used for the purposes of terrorism.' Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham is a proscribed terror group in the UK, and is considered a faction of the wider al Qaeda organisation. It is allied to the Syrian Salvation Government, which controls much of the Idlib province in Syria's north-west. Mohammad, of Osborne Street in Colchester, Essex, denies five counts of funding terrorism and the Old Bailey trial continues. U.S. to approve fighter jets in largest arms sale to Israel since Gaza conflict Xinhua) 10:35, April 03, 2024 WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is about to approve the sale of 50 U.S.-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel, U.S. media has reported. The arms sale is expected to be worth over 18 billion U.S. dollars, the largest of its kind since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7 last year, according to a Monday report by CNN citing people familiar with the matter. The White House is also expected to notify Congress of a sizeable new sale of precision-guided munitions to Israel, CNN reported. Among the more than 100 military sales to Israel that the United States has approved since Oct. 7, the value of most of those sales has not crossed the threshold for a notification to Congress. The sale is likely to face heated debate on Capitol Hill, as some lawmakers of Biden's Democratic Party have called for the administration to limit military aid to Israel at a time when more than 32,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Defense Minister Shin Won-sik will meet with the ambassadors of U.N. Command (UNC) member states later this week to discuss holding a defense ministerial meeting among the countries on a regular basis, his ministry said Wednesday. Last November, South Korea hosted the inaugural defense ministerial meeting with the 17 UNC member states as part of efforts to deepen ties with the countries that sent troops or other forms of support to South Korea under the U.N. flag during the 1950-53 Korean War. The ministry said this week's meeting will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation among the countries, noting that former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UNC Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Derek Macaulay will also attend the session. The U.S.-led multinational command was established in July 1950 under a U.N. mandate to support South Korea against North Korea's aggression and has been overseeing the armistice that halted the Korean War. The current members of the UNC are the United States, Britain, Canada, Turkey, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, the Netherlands, Colombia, Greece, New Zealand, Belgium, France, South Africa, Norway, Denmark and Italy. (Yonhap) Bryan Malinowski, the late executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, was awarded his $24,000 bonus after being fatally shot. Commissioners unanimously voted to posthumously award the late executive director his bonus after an executive session on Tuesday. The 53-year-old died on March 21, two days after he was involved in a fatal shootout with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigators were trying to carry out a search warrant at his Little Rock home. One agent was injured during the shooting, and according to ATF, Malinowski was the one who initially opened fire on the agents. The federal search warrant at Malinowski's residence last month was to uncover whether or not he illegally purchase a firearm. Bryan Malinowski, the late executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, was awarded his $24,000 bonus after being fatally shot Commissioners unanimously voted to posthumously award the late executive director his bonus after an executive session on Tuesday He was also suspected of gun trafficking. According to an affidavit submitted in support of the search, Malinowski acquired over 150 known firearms between May 2021 and late February. Moreover, the affidavit also stated that ATF made three undercover transactions of firearms and later recovered six firearms linked to a crime. Numerous firearms and ammunition were among the things that authorities took on March 19, according to court documents. The chair where Malinowski usually sat at the meetings was draped in black along with his airport badge. A moment of silence was held for Malinowski after the meeting was assembled by Bill Walker, the Airport Commission chairman. Commissioners then had to decide who would take Malinowski's spot as executive director, which is when they approved the bonus. The vice chairman and treasurer of the Airport Commission, Patrick Schueck, made the motion and noted that Malinowski had a 'very productive year,' citing the panel's longstanding habit of giving bonuses. Schueck brought up the airport's recently extended contract with Dassault Falcon Jet as well as grant money obtained for airport projects. Shane Carter confirmed that the bonus paid to Malinowski will go towards his estate. After his annual review last June, Malinowski received a $15,000 bonus as well as a 3% merit pay increase and retirement savings plan contributions. Furthermore, the Airport Commission decided to use an existing contract with ADK Consulting & Executive Search to help with the hiring of Malinowski's replacement. They also voted to give a 7% pay increase to Thomas Clarke, the airport's deputy executive director, who was named acting executive director on March 19. With this increase, Clarke will make $237,968.66 per year. The move for the 7% wage increase was made by Commissioner John Rutledge. He argued that it was comparable to 2019, which was the last time the airport had to appoint an interim leader. That time, Malinowski succeeded retiring executive director Ron Mathieu as the airport's deputy executive director. The 53-year-old died on March 21, two days after he was involved in a fatal shootout with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives According to an affidavit submitted in support of the search, Malinowski acquired over 150 known firearms between May 2021 and late February Moreover, the affidavit also stated that ATF made three undercover transactions of firearms and later recovered six firearms linked to a crime Walker said during a trip to Washington D.C., he got observe Malinowski's 'passion and love for not only his airport family, but the work that he was doing here at this airport.' At the meeting, Clarke thanks commissioners for showing him the same confidence as they did Malinowski. 'We will do our best to perform in a way that would make him proud,' Clarke said. At least a dozen MPs, their staff members and political journalists have been targeted in a sinister cyber honeytrap scandal. Parliamentary authorities are under pressure to investigate after a string of Westminster figures including a serving minister were sent flirtatious messages and naked pictures. Victims have voiced concerns that those behind the 'spear phishing' attacks seem to have intimate knowledge of their lives and movements and there are fears that a foreign state may be involved. Former Conservative party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith last night branded the attacks revealed by politics news website Politico an 'assault on parliamentary democracy' and demanded that the authorities increase security. The House of Commons was expected to email all MPs with a fresh warning on cyber security. At least a dozen MPs, their staff members and political journalists have been targeted in a sinister cyber honeytrap scandal (Stock photo) The Mail can reveal that Tory whips sent messages to their MPs warning them to be vigilant following a similar wave of attacks last summer. Among those targeted by the most recent messages are a serving minister, a senior Labour MP, a former Tory MP, Labour staff members and political journalists, according to Politico. Spear phishing is a targeted cyber attack on one or a select number of victims to induce them to reveal confidential information. The salacious WhatsApp messages were sent to both straight and gay men under the aliases of 'Abi' or 'Charlie' with the sender appearing to have detailed knowledge of those they were approaching. One of those targeted told the Mail he was troubled because he has only a limited online profile, yet the sender knew 'a lot' about him. Messages seen by the Mail follow a pattern in which the sender claims they met the target either on a night out in Westminster or at an event. They then claim that they 'had a little flirt' with the person before escalating to asking if they are single and in multiple cases sending sexual pictures. It is feared the attacks are an attempt by a hostile state to compromise and blackmail senior political figures directly or through their staff. The messages - sent from two mobile phone numbers between October last year and March this year - are believed to have worked on at least one of the victims, who reciprocated with a naked photo. All the victims that the Mail spoke to were alarmed by the depth of knowledge of those targeting key Westminster figures. The messages included details of appearances by the figures at parliamentary bars and political events. Parliamentary authorities are under pressure to investigate after a string of Westminster figures including a serving minister were sent flirtatious messages and naked pictures 9File image) One was asked how they were getting on with their boyfriend, whose name was correctly included, and another was sent the details of their relationship breakdown. Two others were sent references to their work on the Mid Bedfordshire by-election of October 2023 while another target was told they had previously met the message sender at the 'Sports' a nickname for a Parliament bar. One Labour Party staff member was taken in by 'Charlotte' who sent him explicit images, to which he reciprocated. He later became suspicious and tried to call her and meet her, but she did not answer or show up. He told Politico: 'I've been pretty shook up, worried about what could happen, and just embarrassed that I fell for it.' Another told the Mail that he had been targeted twice and was sent nude pictures, adding: 'It's pretty scary to think that there are sinister actors targeting people working in Parliament. It felt like someone with a good knowledge of British politics. They knew all the lingo. I don't have a very big online profile and they seemed to know a lot about me.' A former Tory MP, also sent sexual images, said: 'They knew about me - I was embarrassed because I thought I had forgotten them. They knew who I was friends with.' A political journalist said: 'The way they spoke was very natural, they knew some basic personal details about me and they referred to what was happening in politics that day.' Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the attacks were straight out of the Russian playbook and urged authorities to increase security. 'We've been slow to protect people,' he said. 'The Government and security services have got to get on with it. 'This is an assault on parliamentary democracy but everyone is scared stiff of calling out foreign agents.' Alicia Kearns, the Tory chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said: 'There is almost certainly a foreign hostile state behind this. 'It's really clever to go for staff because they're not as aware and aren't used to these kinds of advances. 'But they have a huge ability to influence their bosses, access their emails and they could do a lot of damage if they have been entrapped. 'That's why it's really important to look at the level of protection we give to staff.' Dominik Wojtczak, head of the Cybersecurity Institute at the University of Liverpool, told Politico the spear phishing was a highly personalised form of 'phishing' designed to gather compromising information or images of a victim and then blackmail them. A Parliamentary spokesman said it provided members and staff with 'tailored advice, making them aware of cyber risks and how to manage their digital safety.' If you're charged at by a rhinoceros, run up a hill. If it's an elephant, stand tall and make loud noises. If it's a brown bear, play dead, and if it's a black bear . . . fight for your life. But what do you do if you're facing a herd of aggressive cattle? That is the question on the lips of ramblers up and down the country following a spate of attacks perpetrated by so-called 'killer cows'. For in recent years, these unruly livestock have been turning the British countryside into something resembling a war zone. New figures from the Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that 32 people were killed by cattle in Britain between 2018 and 2022. And while no official data is collected for non-fatal incidents, experts say there are as many as 3,000 such attacks each year. Just last week, two ramblers fell into a river in Somerset as they attempted to run away from stubborn bovines blocking their path. They escaped unharmed. In recent years, these unruly livestock have been turning the British countryside into something resembling a war zone (Stock Image) In 2014, Libby James a farmer's daughter set off for a walk with her husband Ger and their well-behaved dog Arti along the Offa's Dyke National Trail on the Welsh border. Little did she know that 30 minutes later she'd be lying unconscious beneath the hooves of a baying herd of cattle Walking alone with his dog Merlin ten years ago, David Clarke, a chartered surveyor, was trampled by 25 cows and spent three days in hospital with a bleeding liver READ MORE: I was trampled by cows so badly that they left hoofprints on my chest - I was convinced that if I fell asleep I would never wake up Janicke Tvedt was left with seven broken ribs and devastating internal injuries Advertisement The most recent fatality was 75-year-old grandfather Huw Evans, who was trampled to death in November after a rogue Limousin cow escaped a market in Whitland, Carmarthenshire. The retired council worker was airlifted to hospital but died from his injuries. Cows often appear good-natured and docile. The 19th-century writer Thomas De Quincey described them as 'amongst the gentlest of breathing creatures'. Unfortunately, such behaviour is only half the story. There are five million beef and dairy cows in Britain, each typically weighing over half a ton and capable of charging at up to 25 mph. So it's no wonder the HSE describes cows as the most dangerous large animal in Britain. One lady who knows this better than most is 59-year-old Libby James, co-founder of campaign group Killer Cows. In 2014, Libby a farmer's daughter set off for a walk with her husband Ger and their well-behaved dog Arti along the Offa's Dyke National Trail on the Welsh border. Little did she know that 30 minutes later she'd be lying unconscious beneath the hooves of a baying herd of cattle. 'My father taught me to walk through a field of cows,' Libby told the Mail. 'I strolled confidently through the field and when the herd approached I raised my hands and bellowed 'Go back'.' But when Libby turned around to check on Ger, she realised she'd been encircled by the herd. Suddenly, the cattle charged and battered Libby to the ground before trampling her. New figures from the Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that 32 people were killed by cattle in Britain between 2018 and 2022 (Stock Image) While no official data is collected for non-fatal incidents, experts say there are as many as 3,000 such attacks each year (Stock Image) READ MORE: Horrifying moment farmer narrowly escapes being trampled by a rampaging cow which headbutts her in late-night attack Advertisement 'I got up once, and they butted me back down again. I got up again, and they knocked me back to the floor. The third time, I couldn't rise at all.' The sound of the cows bellowing into her ears as she lay, helpless and injured, is something that will never leave her. 'They trampled all over me. I prepared for death.' Libby survived this horrendous attack thanks to the bravery of her dog who bit the cows' heels, distracting them for long enough to allow her husband to sweep her up and carry her to safety. She was airlifted to hospital and treated for a perforated lung, a broken jaw, multiple broken ribs and a ripped lip. It was after this incident that Libby, along with two others, started the Killer Cows campaign, calling for a national database of cow attacks and better information for walkers. The group has recorded more than 850 serious attacks since 2017 and fears that incidents are increasing. So how do you stay safe? The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) told the Mail that its Countryside Code 'gives advice to visitors accessing countryside where livestock are present, such as sticking to marked paths and keeping dogs on leads'. Dr Jonathan Amory, associate professor in animal behaviour and welfare at Anglia Ruskin University, has spent his life studying cows. Speaking to the Mail, Dr Amory recalled a line from the U.S. animal scientist Temple Grandin: 'Cows are curiously afraid.' Cows often appear good-natured and docile. The 19th-century writer Thomas De Quincey described them as 'amongst the gentlest of breathing creatures' (Stock Image) Unfortunately, such behaviour is only half the story. There are five million beef and dairy cows in Britain, each typically weighing over half a ton and capable of charging at up to 25 mph (Stock Image) Prompted by their natural curiosity, cows often wander over to humans. But their inherent skittishness means they're also easily scared, which can prompt a panicked stampede. Dr Amory advises keeping your distance and avoiding sudden movements. This is especially true when cows are with their calves. But if you still hear the ominous thud of hooves approaching while walking your dog, what do you do? 'The first thing is to stay calm,' says Dr Amory. 'The second point is to drop your dog's lead: dogs are far better at protecting themselves than you are. Third, try to move calmly. Everything you do is about trying not to startle the animals.' But if the herd does begin to charge, what then? According to David Clarke, 68, a co-founder of Killer Cows: 'You're b*****ed.' Get out of the way, and fast. Walking alone with his dog Merlin ten years ago, David, a chartered surveyor, was trampled by 25 cows and spent three days in hospital with a bleeding liver. Shortly before being discharged, one consultant warned David against ever entering a field with calves, referring to the months when cows with newborns are on edge as 'trampling season'. Luckily, there are tell-tale signs of an imminent stampede. 'Look out for aggressive head shakes,' says Stephen West, senior knowledge exchange manager at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). 'Other signs of distress in cattle can include holding the head high above the shoulders, aggressive tail swishes and sharp blows of air from the nostrils.' Stephen has worked with cattle all his life. 'But even I get it wrong sometimes', he said. 'I've had a cow lash out at me. And if it can happen to me, then members of the public should know it can happen to anyone.' It's no wonder the HSE describes cows as the most dangerous large animal in Britain (Stock Image) Prompted by their natural curiosity, cows often wander over to humans. But their inherent skittishness means they're also easily scared, which can prompt a panicked stampede (Stock Image) Indeed, according to the HSE, 25 per cent of British cattle farmers are injured by their own herd each year. One theory for the increase in cow attacks over the past few years is the supposed rise in continental cattle in the UK. F or example, the French Limousin, known for its rich, lean meat, is notoriously aggressive and is now the single most common breed in Britain. According to Dr Jonathan Amory, heritage sites such as stately homes where the public have access to farmland, 'often keep breeds like British long horns as they're confident and docile, making them ideal for estates with public access'. However, the AHDB's Stephen West believes foreign cattle pose no greater threat than British breeds. Not only has there been no significant increase in continental herds for at least 40 years, he says, the Limousin and other lines have been selectively bred to eliminate aggressive characteristics. The Ramblers' Association considers dogs the primary risk for aggravating cattle. With pet dogs in Britain up by more than a million to 11 million since before the pandemic, this could explain the perceived increase in attacks. But the Killer Cows campaign group says its own 'attack database' shows no correlation. Jill Gilmore, 56, was trampled by cows outside Stockport in 2021. She spent three months in hospital, including a fortnight in intensive care. The only solution, she believes, is to segregate footpaths from fields. 'I'll never walk into an open field again.' Republicans are outraged after federal prosecutors charged an unlawful immigrant with smuggling minors into the country and producing child pornography with one. 'If Joe Biden and the Democrats actually cared about addressing humanitarian issues, they would start by reversing their open-border policies that are exploiting children and fueling human trafficking. 'Every day that their self-made border crisis continues is another day that innocent lives are put at risk,' Republican Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., told DailyMail.com. Natividad Aguilera Garcia, 37, of Shelbyville, Ky., stands accused of smuggling at least three illegal immigrants, including two who were juveniles. Garcia appeared in federal court for his arraignment on Monday. The minor who was used in pornography is referred to as Minor A. Migrants, including children, advance in a caravan on their way to the United States from Tapachula, Mexico, on March 25, 2024 Migrant child gives a soft smile on the walk through Mexico to the U.S. border Garcia had falsely told the federal government he was the uncle of Minor A and produced a fake birth certificate to back up the claim, the indictment says. The Biden administration's Office of Refugee Resettlement handed the child over to him under those pretenses. 'These horrific stories are going to keep happening as long as President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas refuse to enforce our laws,' Homeland Security Chair Mark Green, R-Tenn., told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'These minors are regularly abused, exploited, and used by the cartels in all manner of inhumane ways. Once they arrive here, the Biden administration releases most of them to sponsors with minimal vetting,' he went on. 'As one witness told my Committee last year, "Its been said that it is harder to adopt a cat than it is to sponsor an unaccompanied minor." President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, and their Democratic enablers in Congress may see a political benefit in this crisis, but all I see are shattered lives and broken futures for some of the most innocent among us.' According to the U.S. attorney's office for the eastern district of Kentucky, the scheme began on May 1, 2021 - four months into the Biden administration as illegal immigrants flooded the U.S.-Mexico border. A bombshell report put out in February revealed the U.S. agency responsible for the care of unaccompanied migrant children could not provide proof it had fully vetted U.S. sponsors before releasing children to them during an onslaught of migration in 2021. The report, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services inspector general, found 16 percent of child case files in March and April 2021 lacked documentation of sponsor background checks by the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement. A massive caravan of migrants heads to U.S. border A U.S. Border Patrol agent holds a child from Venezuela as her parents cross through razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border Migrant man crosses the Rio Grande holding his child in the air to prevent her from getting wet In 19 percent of cases where children were released to sponsors pending FBI or state checks, the case files were never updated with results, the watchdog found. The report raised questions about the government's ability to vet sponsors - fears that were affirmed in the Garcia indictment. During the swell of migrants at the start of the Biden administration the HHS refugee office struggled to move children from overcrowded border processing centers to shelters or the custody of relatives. Garcia has been charged with one count of production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity, one count of transportation of a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity, one count of encouraging illegal entry, one count of making a false statement to a federal agency, and one count of presenting a false document to a federal agency. In recent years it has been revealed that undocumented children were working illegally at poultry plants and car suppliers after being released from federal custody. Migrant encounters at the border hit new record highs at the end of last year and stayed high through the start of this year. In February, border agents encountered some 190,000 trying to cross the border. Some 470,000 unaccompanied children have crossed into the U.S. since Biden took office, and border patrol has made 45,000 arrests of illegal immigrants with criminal records - nearly double that of the first three years of the Trump administration. Currently there are 617,000 non-detained aliens with criminal convictions or pending charges who are currently in the U.S., up from 407,983 in January 2023. As next year's 30th anniversary of Martin Bashir's Panorama interview with Princess Diana looms, the BBC seems intent on ignoring it, having turned down two unsolicited drama treatments of the subject. Does it fear it's impossible to touch without provoking Prince William's ire? After Lord Dyson's 2021 report into the murkiness of Bashir's methods, William said: 'It is my firm view that this Panorama programme holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again.' The BBC seems to be listening, William. As next year's 30th anniversary of Martin Bashir 's Panorama interview with Princess Diana looms, the BBC seems intent on ignoring it. Pictured: Princess Diana in the interview After Lord Dyson's 2021 report into the murkiness of Bashir's methods, Prince William said it should never be aired again. Pictured: Princess Diana and Bashir in the interview The BBC seems to be listening to Prince William. Pictured: BBC New Broadcasting House in London The wokesters have got their way with the BBC axeing of Motherland. Why has the show about harassed mothers, school runs and wine o'clocks been dropped? A Beeb source says that in these gender-fluid times, when 'birthing parent' is sometimes preferred to 'mother', the show was 'a bit too heteronormative'. What does that mean when it's at home? Promoting her 60th anniversary 'farewell' tour, Lulu, 75, recalls her 1993 collaboration with Take That: 'They were very, very respectful, because they of course were in their teens, I think, and I was 40 ... and now we're family.' Take That's Howard Donald claims bandmate Jason Orange, then 22, had a particularly close relationship with then 44-year-old Lulu. No Boom Bang-a-Bang took place, howls the Scottish songstress! Interviewing Andrew Scott about his new Netflix series Ripley, Radio 4 Today's Martha Kearney mischievously remarks: 'Tom Ripley in the book and in previous versions is a younger man. 'Don't get me wrong, you appear in a very tiny swimsuit and look great!' Co-host Nick Robinson observes to perky Martha, who's soon leaving the show: 'There's a bit of a theme here emerging, Martha. Daniel Craig, you flirted with about jam. Now it's Andrew Scott about his swimming trunks.' Another thigh-slapper from throttlebottom Nick! Interviewing Andrew Scott about his new Netflix series Ripley, Radio 4 Today's Martha Kearney mischievously remarked he looks 'great' in a tiny swimsuit. Pictured: Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley Co-host Nick Robinson observes to perky Martha, who's soon leaving the show, that there appears to be a pattern with her interviews. Pictured: Kearney, left, and Robinson, right Andrew Scott takes a starring role in new Netflix drama Ripley, an eight-part adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley Ab Fab star Julia Sawalha punishes ex-beau Richard Herring when invited on his podcast before a live audience, declaring: 'May I say he dumped me by text.' Herring insists that wasn't his memory, but Julia adds: 'I got a drunken call from you. And you were "I oh yeah, I'm out, I'm out." 'Phone went dead. Next minute (a text): "I don't think we should go out any more. I don't think this is working."' Isn't revenge before a live audience grand? Irish comedienne and actress Aisling Bea confesses to once indulging in sex while listening to high-octave Hibernian warbler Enya. 'It was Sail Away,' she remembers. 'It's quite a difficult song to have sex to. Don't ever put it on girls! 'Don't ever have sex to, or with, Enya. Imagine if you're having sex with Enya and she starts singing.' A New York judge on Wednesday denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 trial on charges stemming from 'hush' money paid to Stormy Daniels until the Supreme Court reviews claim to presidential immunity in a separate criminal case. The high court is scheduled to hear the former president's arguments that he is immune from federal prosecution for trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat on April 25. A ruling might not happen until June, and the gambit could push Trump's January 6 trial back until after the November elections. Trump's defense lawyers in the New York case in March asked Justice Juan Merchan to delay the trial until that review was complete, arguing it was relevant because prosecutors were seeking to present evidence of statements Trump made while he was president from 2017 to 2021. In a court ruling on Wednesday, Merchan said Trump had waited too long to raise the issue. 'Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024,' Merchan wrote. He wrote Trump had been 'well aware' of his ability to raise the immunity claim earlier. Lawyers for President Donald Trump asked a New York judge to delay his Stormy Daniels trial based on immunity issues to be argued this month at the U.S. Supreme Court 'Nonetheless, defendant chose not to raise the defense of presidential immunity until well past the 45-day period provided by statute,' wrote Merchan. Trump, who leads President Joe Biden in a series of swing state polls ahead of their expected clash in the Nov. 5 election, has pleaded not guilty in each of the four criminal indictments he faces. He has accused Biden of orchestrating the charges, and calls all of the cases part of a 'witch hunt' against him. It came on a day when Manhattan DA filed his own legal brief opposing an effort by Trump lawyer Todd Blanche to have judge Merchan recuse from the case. Blanche had argued that Merchan faces a conflict in part due to his daughter's work for an online advocacy firm that has done work for high profile Democratic clients. Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump's motion, writing he had 'myriad opportunities' to raise the issue earlier Trump's trial relates to falsification of business records charges related to 'hush' payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Trump Trump's lawyers want Judge Merchan to recuse himself from the case, and point to digital advocacy work by his daughter Loren Merchan, who Trump has attacked by name. Merchan expanded a gag order on Trump following the attacks Merchan imposed a gag order on Trump, noting his repeated attacks on judges, lawyers, and court personnel in a variety of cases. He expanded the gag order Monday amid Trump's repeated attacks on his daughter. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg in a new filing Wednesday rejected the claim that Merchan was biased and couldn't fairly preside over the trial. 'This daisy chain of innuendos is a far cry from evidence,' Bragg's office wrote. 'There is simply nothing new here.' Merchan had declined a similar legal push to get him to recuse last summer. There were still more developments underway in a Florida courtroom, where Special Counsel Jack Smith issued a sharp response to Trump-appointed U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon in the classified documents case. It picked apart a Cannon request for recommended jury instructions that reflected Trump's claim that he was able to declare as personal government documents under the Presidential Records Act. He said it was based on a 'fundamentally flawed legal premise' and would 'distort the trial,' and suggested he would appeal an adverse ruling. Trump had made the immunity motion March 7 when the trial was set to begin at an earlier date. England's 20 dirtiest rivers were revealed yesterday as campaigners called for a new Blue Flag status to protect them from pollution. Sewage was dumped into the country's rivers and seas for a shocking 4.5 million hours last year with 559,546 spills in total. This is equivalent to an average of more than 1,500 sewage dumps every day. Four of the top-ten worst rivers in the country for dumping were in Yorkshire, analysis of Environment Agency data by the Liberal Democrats found. They include the River Calder, which topped the list with nearly 4,200 spills amounting to almost 33,000 hours of sewage dumping. It was followed by the River Avon where Wessex Water dumped 32,500 hours worth of sewage, then the River Severn which experienced more than 30,000 hours of discharging by Severn Trent Water. The River Avon in Wiltshire, where Wessex Water dumped 32,500 hours worth of sewage Sir Ed Davey said: 'England's treasured rivers risk being ruined by shocking levels of raw sewage dumping, with a catastrophic impact for local communities and wildlife' Under proposals by the Liberal Democrats rivers could be awarded special status to protect them from pollution. This would give swimmers the knowledge that certain environmental standards were being met. Water companies that continued to dump sewage into Blue Flag rivers would face punitive fines. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'England's treasured rivers risk being ruined by shocking levels of raw sewage dumping, with a catastrophic impact for local communities and wildlife. 'It is an environmental scandal and Conservative ministers are letting water companies get away with it. 'The public are rightly furious that their favourite local rivers are being spoiled, while water company bosses line their pockets with big bonuses. We urgently need a new Blue Flag status to protect our rivers, along with punitive fines for water companies that continue to pump their filthy sewage into them.' Last week, rowers in the Oxford and Cambridge boat race were warned to avoid ingesting Thames water due to high levels of E.coli bacteria. The Labour First Minister of Wales was criticised last night for taking an Easter break just days after starting work in the 153,000-a-year post. Vaughan Gething, 50, last month narrowly won the race to succeed Mark Drakeford, who resigned amid slumping approval ratings. But despite not yet having even held a meeting of his newly appointed cabinet, Mr Gething still took time off over the Easter weekend. His absence at a time when people in Wales are angry at record NHS waiting lists and the new 20mph speed limits in built-up areas was criticised by the Conservatives. 'This is the problem with Labour in Wales they're complacent and feel they can do whatever they want,' a senior party source told the Mail. 'The First Minister believes he can get away with taking a holiday before holding a meeting of his new cabinet because he thinks people in Wales will always carry on voting Labour. Well, he could be in for a surprise, because they're increasingly fed up. A change may be coming.' The Labour First Minister of Wales was criticised last night for taking an Easter break just days after starting work in the 153,000-a-year post. Pictured: Gething after he became the First Minister on Wednesday, March 20 Vaughan Gething signs his affirmation, assisted by Justice Martin Griffiths, presiding judge of Wales, at the Senedd in Cardiff on Wednesday, March 20 Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: 'These are not the actions of someone who will come in and shake things up' Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: 'These are not the actions of someone who will come in and shake things up. It's reasonable for ministers to take holidays, but Vaughan Gething has only just been elected.' Mr Gething became the first black leader of a European country when he won the leadership election. During his campaign, he became embroiled in a 'dirty money' row after vowing to introduce tougher penalties for those who break environmental rules. He was found to have taken a 200,000 donation from a firm run by David Neal, 63, who dumped waste on a conservation site and was twice convicted of environmental offences. Last night a spokesman for Mr Gething insisted that the First Minister had held full days of meetings in his office with cabinet colleagues since being sworn in on March 20, up until last Thursday. The spokesman added that Mr Gething was back in his ministerial office yesterday. Iran's supreme leader has threatened that Israel will 'be slapped' after an airstrike on the Iranian consular annex in Syria killed seven Revolutionary Guards, including two generals. Iranian leaders reiterated their calls for revenge on Wednesday and vowed the deadly attack in Damascus on Monday 'will not remain without answer'. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the nation's supreme leader, said Israel will continue to fail on the battlefield in Gaza, and its defeats will bring it closer to collapse. 'Desperate efforts like the act they committed in Syria will not save them from defeat and they will be slapped for the action, too,' he said said in a speech to the country's officials in the capital city of Tehran. Iranian state media said 13 people were killed in the strike in which, according to Tehran's ambassador, Israeli F-35 jets fired six missiles that levelled the five-storey consular building adjacent to the embassy. The European Union on Wednesday condemned the airstrike, which has been widely blamed on Israel, and called on countries in the region to show restraint. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike, one of the most significant yet on Iranian interests in Syria. Iran and its allies - including the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and other armed groups in Syria, Iraq and Yemen - have repeatedly traded fire with Israel and the US since the start of Israel's war on Hamas. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, pictured on Wednesday, has reiterated Iran's calls for revenge. He said Israel will continue to fail on the battlefield in Gaza, and its defeats will bring it closer to collapse Politicians, the Iranian government, and military officials attends a meeting with the Iranian Supreme Leader in Tehran on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 Iran said the apparent Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria (pictured) on Monday killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including two commanders of the Quds Force Iran said the strike killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including two commanders of the Quds Force - the Guards' foreign operations arm - Brigadier Generals Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi. Zahedi, 63, had held a succession of commands in the force in a Guards career spanning more than four decades. In Syria, a funeral was held for the slain Revolutionary Guard members at a holy Shiite shrine in Damascus, official state media reported. The main funeral ceremony of the IRGC members would be held on Friday, during an annual pro-Palestine rally, called al-Quds day. 'The defeat of the Zionist regime in Gaza will continue and this regime will be close to decline and dissolution,' Khamenei vowed in his speech on Wednesday. Iran's supreme leader, who has the final say in major state policies, urged people to take to the streets for this year's event. 'If in previous years, Quds Day was celebrated only in Islamic countries, this year, most likely, Quds Day will also be celebrated in non-Islamic countries.' He also said he hoped for a day that 'the Muslim world can celebrate the destruction of Israel.' Meanwhile, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said the attack 'will not remain without answer.' The airstrike Monday destroyed Iran's Consulate in Damascus. It's not clear if and when Iran would respond, but any retaliation from Tehran would risk a dangerous confrontation with Israel and the US. Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi was killed in Israeli air strikes on the Syrian capital Officials on Wednesday pay condolences at an event commemorating people killed in a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy complex in the Syrian capital Damascus Posters depicting Iranians who were killed in a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy complex in Damascus are displayed at the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 3, 2024 The strike has been condemned by the EU, which a spokesperson for the executive European Commission saying 'in this highly tense regional situation, it is imperative to show utmost restraint'. Iran blamed Israel for the attack, which killed two of its generals and five military advisers at its embassy compound in Damascus. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike, one of the most significant yet on Iranian interests in Syria. European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano, in a post on X, said: 'The principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases and in all circumstances in accordance with international law.' Speaking to Al Jazeera TV while visiting the Middle East, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the 'unacceptable' attack risked stoking an escalation of the conflict in the region and urged Israel to explain if it played any role. 'It's not acceptable, it needs to be clarified by the Israeli government... We are very concerned about the situation and that is why we ask the Israeli government to try to avoid this regional escalation,' Sanchez said. Meanwhile, the US is concerned that the apparent Israeli airstrike could trigger new attacks on American troops by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, the top US Air Force commander for the Middle East said Wednesday. Rescue workers search in the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy on April 2, 2024, a day after an air strike in Damascus A man stands near the rubble, after a suspected Israeli strike on Monday on Iran's consulate, adjacent to the main Iranian embassy building Iranians burn Israeli and US flags during a protest at Palestine square in Tehran, on April 1, 2024 after an apparent Israeli airstrike destroyed Iran's embassy consular annex in Damascus Rescue workers search in the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy on April 2, 2024, a day after an air strike in Damascus Rescue workers search in the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy a day after an air strike in Damascus Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said Iran's assertion that America bears responsibility for Israeli actions could bring an end to the pause in militia attacks on US forces that has lasted since early February. He said he sees no specific threat to American troops right now, but 'I am concerned because of the Iranian rhetoric talking about the US, that there could be a risk to our forces' Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Tuesday that the US assessed that the airstrike in the Syrian capital of Damascus was done by Israel. Grynkewich told reporters the US is watching and listening carefully to what Iran is saying and doing to evaluate how Tehran might respond. Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria were launching repeated attacks on US forces at bases in those countries late last year, and in late January killed three US service members and injured dozens more at a base in Jordan. In retaliation, the US launched a massive air assault, hitting more than 85 targets at seven locations in Iraq and Syria, including command and control headquarters, drone and ammunition storage sites and other facilities connected to the militias or the IRGC's Quds Force, the Guard's expeditionary unit that handles Tehran's relationship with and arming of regional militias. There have been no attacks on US troops in the region since that response. The rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy is pictured a day after an air strike in Damascus on April 2, 2024 Iran warned arch foe Israel on April 2 that it will punish an air strike that killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals Emergency and security personnel inspect the rubble at the site of strikes which hit a building next to the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital Damascus, on April 1, 2024 April 1, 2024, Tehran, Iran: Iranians burn Israel and US flags during an anti-Israeli demonstration at Palestine Square in Tehran Israel has long fought a shadow war of assassinations and sabotage against Iran and its armed allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah and other militant groups. Regional tensions have soared since the Gaza war erupted with Hamas's October 7 attack that resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to a tally of Israeli official figures. The Palestinian militant group is backed by Tehran, although Iran has denied any direct involvement in the attack. Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 32,975 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. Scandal-hit special prosecutor Nathan Wade has been accused of contempt of court by his estranged wife in a new divorce filing. Joycelyn Wade made the accusation in court papers filed Wednesday claiming that her former partner had failed to pay $4,400 worth of her medical bills. 'Defendant urgently requires medical procedures, namely an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound, due to severe physical symptoms she has been enduring,' the filings state. 'These symptoms have significantly impacted her ability to consume most foods, leading to a substantial weight loss.' She claims she is unable to pay the bills herself since Wade stopped paying child support for their two children. Nathan Wade has been at the center of a bitter divorce case, where it was revealed he had a relationship with Fulton County Da Fani Willis. The scandal rocked the county's case against Donald Trump and Nathan was forced to resign as top prosecutor. Nathan Wade and Fani Willis are pictured in August 2023. He now faces an accusation of contempt of court Joycelyn Wade (left) made the accusation in court papers filed Wednesday claiming that her former partner had failed to pay $4,400 worth of her medical bills. Wade was appointed by Fulton County DA Fani Willis to manage her prosecution of Donald Trump for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss Willis' conduct was examined during a series of sensational hearings, with Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ultimately slamming her for a 'tremendous lapse in judgment' and for acting in an 'unprofessional manner.' However, she escaped with just a slap on the wrist, after McAfee dramatically ruled she could stay on the Trump election interference case if Wade removes himself. In her filings, Jocelyn states that Wade has violated a temporary order issued by the court necessitating his payment of her medical bills. The scorned wife added that she cannot pay them due to Wade's 'sudden cessation of support' for their children, which has left her monthly income at less than $1,000 a month. Jocelyn's lawyers state her health means she is currently unable to work, which is exacerbating the financial situation. Wade informed their daughter, an aspiring medical student, that he would no longer be paying her rent on January 30, the day after the temporary order was issued according to the filings. In her filings, Jocelyn states that Wade has left her unable to pay the medical bills herself since he stopped paying child support Wade and Willis later had an affair, with Trump's team claiming their prosecution of him was biased and unprofessional. Willis attends a hearing on the Georgia election interference case on March 1, in Atlanta Willis' conduct was examined during sensational hearings, with a judge ruling she could stay on the case as long as Wade removes himself. Wade, looks on during a hearing on the Georgia election interference case, at the Fulton County Courthouse Nathan also reneged on a commitment to pay for his daughter's medical school entrance exam, per the filings. Jocelyn has been supporting their son living in Europe since his father stopped providing for him, the court documents state. His wife's lawyers claim their client requested Wade pre pay her medical expenses, but he has only said he will reimburse her at a later date. However, Jocelyn claims her medical provider will not schedule any appointments without prepayment. Her lawyers are now demanding the judge jail Wade until he pays for the medical expenses and the associated attorney's fees. DailyMail.com has contacted Wade for comment. An appeals court on Wednesday upheld a suspended jail sentence for a grandson of late former President Chun Doo-hwan for his illegal drug use. The Seoul High Court handed down the 30-month prison term, suspended for four years, to Chun Woo-won on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. The court also ordered him to be put under probation for three years and undergo 120 hours of community service and 80 hours of a drug treatment program, along with a forfeit of 2.66 million won ($1,973). Chun, 28, was indicted for taking four types of drugs, including ecstasy and ketamine, during his stay in the United States from November 2022 to March 2023. He received the same sentence and order from a district court last December. (Yonhap) Rishi Sunak has threatened to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if his Rwanda plan for migrants is blocked. The Prime Minister insisted the UK's border security and control of illegal migration is 'more important than our membership of any foreign court'. In an interview last night, he said he believed the Rwanda plan is 'compliant with all of our international obligations, including the ECHR'. But he added: 'I do believe that border security and making sure that we can control illegal migration is more important than membership of a foreign court because it's fundamental to our sovereignty as a country.' The European Court of Human Rights is the ultimate arbiter of the convention. The Prime Minister insisted the UK's border security and control of illegal migration is 'more important than our membership of any foreign court' Border Force Ranger escort 50 migrants into Dover Docks, Kent last month Mr Sunak sidestepped a question on whether he would pledge to leave the ECHR in the Tory election manifesto nor did he confirm whether he had a contract with a carrier to take people to Rwanda. But speaking to The Sun newspaper's Never Mind the Ballots show, he said: 'I can operationalise the policy as we've said, but the question you should be asking is: is this an issue that needs fixing? Well, I agree that it is and actually those are my values. 'The election, there will be a clear choice on this issue. I've got a plan that I'm working towards, and the alternative is I know you had Keir Starmer on here the other day I have not seen an alternative to our plan. 'So yes, I know people will have criticisms. I know people want to snipe from the sidelines. But the question is, what is the alternative to our plan?' Mr Sunak also repeated that his 'working assumption' is to hold the general election 'in the second half of the year' but insisted he has not decided on the date. He added: 'But ultimately we have a long-standing tradition. It's Prime Ministers that decide when we're going to call an election and I haven't decided because I'm busy focusing on the things that matter to people.' In the interview, Mr Sunak was also asked why he wears his trousers up to two inches too short, to which he laughed: 'Well I don't think they are that short.' Migrants gesture and take pictures as they cross the English Channel on a small boat in March Migrants gesture and take pictures as they cross the English Channel on a boat last month He added: 'I tend not to like lots of baggy, baggy stuff at the bottom of my ankle.' The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill the legislation which aims to get the flights off the ground remains tied up in Parliament after peers inflicted a series of defeats against the Government before the Easter break. Ministers did not seek to rush it back to the Commons ahead of the recess and it will now be considered by MPs when Parliament resumes on April 15, with the Commons likely to undo the latest changes made by the Lords and send it back to the Upper Chamber. It comes as new rules requiring businesses to pay overseas workers on a Skilled Worker visa significantly more come into force today. In a bid to clamp down on cheap foreign labour, the earning threshold for overseas workers has jumped from 26,200 to 38,700. Home Secretary James Cleverly said: 'It's time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad. Mass migration is unsustainable and it's simply not fair. 'It undercuts the wages of hard-working people who are just trying to make ends meet. 'We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers. 'I promised the British people an immigration system that serves their interests, and to bring numbers down these tough measures deliver on that commitment. Employers must also play their part and put British workers first.' Tenants are prioritising the ease of commuting once again as they look for a new home, according to new data from Savills. The estate agent said this was reflected in its latest data revealing popular commuter areas with the strongest rental growth. These areas with the best growth in the first three months of this year include Chester, Birmingham, Cobham and Weybridge, which saw values rise 3.9 per cent, 3 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. Areas with biggest rent rises include Weybridge, where values have increased 2 per cent in the past three months It is in sharp contrast to the start of the pandemic four years ago when lockdowns prompted a 'race for space' in the property market as people flocked to the countryside and coastal areas. As people return to the office, Savills said tenants are prioritizing the ease of their commute when choosing a new place to live. The appeal of commuter belt spots such as Cobham and Weybridge is the ability to enjoy surrounding countryside combined with the amenities of a vibrant town and good transport links. The train station in Weybridge provides train services into central London that are less than half an hour. Areas with biggest rent rises include the city of Chester, where values have increased 3.9 per cent in the past three months Savills said urban areas generally continue to outperform their surrounding areas, with regional towns and cities growing by 8.2 per cent on the year compared to 2.3 per cent growth in surrounding areas. Built-up areas in London's commuter belt are also outperforming at 3.9 per cent compared to 1.5 per cent for more rural commuter belt locations. Harriet Scanlan, of Richmond estate agency Antony Roberts, said: 'Despite a slight increase in properties available to rent in areas popular with commuters such as our part of London, this hasn't translated into cheaper rents. 'Tenants are presented with a wider array of choices, leading to an increase in viewings per property, yet landlords continue to benefit from steady rental incomes and minimal-to-no void periods. 'However, it's important to note while the modest increase in available properties to rent is encouraging, it's not yet sufficient to tip the scales in favour of renters. Supply continues to lag behind demand, ensuring that rental prices remain robust.' Growth in rental values in different regions and commuter areas Q1 2024 Suburban Inner Commuter Outer Commuter Regional towns & cities Cotswolds & South West All Regional Offices Quarterly growth 0.90% 0.70% 0.80% 0.90% 0.50% 0.90% Quarterly growth, Q4 2023 -0.30% 0.30% 0.60% -0.60% -0.80% -0.20% Annual growth 4.20% 2.20% 3.60% 7.40% 3.30% 4.00% Growth since Mar-20 21.10% 24.30% 24.70% 26.90% 26.20% 23.90% Source: Savills Expensive areas in the heart of London are not seeing a similar rise in rental values. They increased 0.3 per cent during the first three months of this year, with Savills attributing the slowing rental growth on the market 'slipping back into a seasonal pattern'. It means rental values have increased by 0.9 per cent in the past three months across affluent regions, while annual growth has slowed to 4 per cent. However, Savills explained that rents still remain significantly higher, at 18 per cent, than before the start of the pandemic. Growth in rental values across different parts of London Q1 2024 Prime Central London North West London South West London West London North and East London All prime London Quarterly growth Q1 2024 0.50% 0.60% -0.10% 1.10% 0.00% 0.30% Quarterly growth Q4 2023 -0.50% 0.50% -0.40% 0.70% 0.00% -0.10% Annual growth 2.50% 4.10% 2.90% 6.30% 2.70% 3.20% Growth since March 2020 14.00% 18.90% 20.70% 21.30% 15.90% 17.70% Source: Savills Rents in regional towns and cities continue to outperform their surrounding areas, says Savills Savills said Chester, Birmingham, Cobham and Weybridge are among the strongest performers this year, as tenants re-prioritise ease of commute. Jessica Tomlinson, of Savills, said: 'Rental growth picked up slightly on the quarter, however, affordability pressures and increased stock mean rental growth has settled at a much lower level compared with the last three years. 'But rents remain at a record high, and the prospect of falling mortgage rates is expected to ease some of the financial burden on landlords. 'Rental growth continues to exceed capital value growth, meaning that yields have improved across the sector, which will support continued investment. 'In London, houses are now outperforming flats, signalling that the flats market maybe hitting an affordability ceiling, while tenants searching for houses typically have slightly more leeway when it comes to budget. 'Also, a stronger sales market has constrained the number of houses to rent across the capital, particularly across west and north west London.' Most people have a short list of the animals they consider intelligent. Chimpanzees, dolphins, whales, maybe dogs (if you're a dog person), maybe cats (if you're not). But a new book exploring the latest from the biological sciences, and paired with vivid wildlife photography, might have you reaching for a pen to expand that list. New research shows that animals as tiny as ants and bees appear to be vastly more perceptive and intelligent than the small brained drones some humans take them for. Below are a few of the most surprising examples, uncovered by nature writer and photographer Marianne Taylor for her new book 'The Animal Mind,' out this week: To the surprise of researchers in at the Barcelona Zoo, giraffes are actually capable of complex mental math, engaging in statistical inference to assess probabilities and make predictions Giraffes can do math in their heads Technically speaking, it's a miracle of evolution that a giraffe can get its blood pumping 14 to 19 feet up to its brain to do much high-quality thinking at all. But to the surprise of researchers at the Barcelona Zoo, the tall, hooved creatures are actually capable of doing complex mental math, engaging in statistical inference to assess probabilities and make predictions. The study, conducted with four of the zoo's giraffe's by animal behaviorists as Barcelona University, two male and two female giraffes were shown two clear boxes filled with vegetable sticks. Each had a mix of carrot and courgette sticks (zucchini), with carrots being the preferred option. But soon, the researchers started putting up barriers to the boxes, hiding visual cues and eliminating scent information. In a stunning game of intellect, the giraffes managed to select which container was more likely to produce their preferred carrot sticks in 17 out of 20 experiments. This was based on the relative frequencies of food in the containers, and not on other information such as their sense of smell, the researchers said. For the study, two male and two female giraffes were shown two clear boxes filled with vegetable sticks. Each had a mix of carrot and courgette sticks (i.e. zucchini), , with carrots being the giraffes' preferred snacking option A barrier was then put in both boxes so the giraffes could consider only the upper part of the container when deciding. In 17 of 20 experiments, they picked the container more likely to give carrot sticks, apparently doing complex calculations based on past rounds in their head The team said the findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggest that despite having a relatively small brain size for a mammal, giraffes may have more sophisticated statistical abilities than previously thought. 'The results of the study suggest that large relative brain sizes are not a necessary prerequisite for the evolution of complex statistical skills,' study author Alvaro Caicoya of Barcelona University said. 'Statistical abilities might provide crucial fitness benefits to individuals when making inferences in a situation of uncertainty,' Caicoya added. 'Being able to identify from a distance which trees have the best proportions of leaves and flowers that the giraffes want to consume likely provides an evolutionary advantage.' Dolphins at Mississippi's Institute for Marine Mammal Studies were taught to help deal with litter, retrieving discarded paper in exchange for fish. The dolphins soon realized they could tear off small pieces of litter in exchange for food, saving the rest for when they were hungry Dolphins have developed and used currency A typical bottlenose dolphin not only has a brain larger than a person's, but its brain's neocortex has a higher neuron count and more folds and fissures then our comparatively smooth human brains. Small wonder then that a dolphin named Kelly at Mississippi's Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) was able to train its minders into giving it more fishy treats. Kelly and the other dolphins at IMMS had been taught to help deal with litter around the institute, retrieving discarded bits of paper in exchange for fish. But Kelly realized that her trainers would accept any size of paper for fish, so she started to hide piece of litter under a rock and tear off small piece to exchange for food when she was hungry, like a little food budget savings account. With their brains larger than humans' own, the intelligence of dolphins has been an established fact for decades. Above, an archival picture of a Russian diver with one of the Black Sea Fleet's combat dolphins, trained to patrol seas and destroy underwater saboteurs As zoologist Anuschka de Rohan told The Guardian, 'This behavior is interesting because it shows that Kelly has a sense of the future and delays gratification.' But the brilliance did not stop there. Soon, Kelly was using her last 'purchased' fish to lure seagulls into the tank, since her trainers provided even more fish for a recovered, down seagulls. She even trained her calf in the strategy, who in turn taught other calves, and according to de Rohan, 'gull-baiting has become a hot game among the dolphins.' As Marianne Taylor details the episode in The Animal Mind, Kelly had no difficulty 'grasping the social contract of fish-purchasing between herself and her trainers, nor in seeing and exploiting it inherent weaknesses.' Insects would seem like an unlikely candidate for self awareness or passing the so-called 'mirror test,' but a 2015 study in the Journal of Science gave persuasive evidence that ants possess some level of consciousness. Above, one of the ant test subjects inspecting itself Ants can recognize themselves in the mirror Over the years, a full menagerie of creatures have been subjected to the so-called 'mirror test' investigating whether or not members of a given species can perceive themselves in their own reflection. In some instances, animals as large and sophisticated as bears, dogs and gorillas appear to understand their own reflection, but in other instances they have lashed out as if seeing a competitor, a stranger or perhaps an eerie doppelganger. Insects would seem like an unlikely candidate for passing the mirror test, but a 2015 study in the Journal of Science gave persuasive evidence that ants might possess some level of self-awareness. The ant-mirror study (pictured) challenged, in author Marianne Taylor's words, 'old biases with the suggestion that a mere insect, possessing a paltry 250,000 neurons in its brain, could demonstrate what we regard as a highly advanced aspect of consciousness' Ants adorned with a small blue dot on their forehead by researchers furiously attempted to remove the blue paint when looking at their reflection. The grooming was no mere act of vanity: ants who returned to their colony with paint still on their heads were treated as a potentially hostile, rival species of ants and mercilessly attacked. 'This caused something of a stir in the animal-psychology world,' Taylor writes in The Animal Mind, with some questioning what conclusions the mirror test really proves. One skeptic, cognitive psychologist Ellen O'Donoghue at Cardiff University, told Live Science that she believes the test on can confirm 'one aspect of self awareness' like a sophisticated bodily awareness meaning ants won't be writing brooding philosophical texts on the nature of being anytime soon. Nevertheless, the ant-mirror study challenged, in Taylor's words, 'old biases with the suggestion that a mere insect, possessing a paltry 250,000 neurons in its brain, could demonstrate what we regard as a highly advanced aspect of consciousness.' North American prairie dogs are easy to underestimate from the surface. But underground, they have shown great skill tunneling sprawling subterranean 'towns' where populations reach into the thousands. And they have a language of 'squeaks' to defend their towns Taylor cites the work of Arizona biologist Con Slobodchikoff in her book, who has studied the vocal distinctions between prairie dogs' alarm calls, like the 'coyote' alarm squeak above Prairie Dogs build and guard underground cities The cute, pint-sized North American prairie dog is easy to underestimate from the surface. But underground, the varmints have developed great skill at tunneling sprawling subterranean 'towns' into existence, where populations can reach into the thousands and private little homes are reserved for familial subgroups that scientists call a 'coterie.' Each coterie, which is usually comprised of one male, three females and a few young not yet of breeding age, not only defends its own space from other coteries, however. They also spring into action to defend the whole 'town.' Taylor cites the work of Arizona biologist Con Slobodchikoff in her book, who has studied the vocal distinctions between prairie dogs' alarm calls to its community. Prairie dogs have different warnings for animals as visually similar as 'dogs' and 'coyotes,' with the latter alarm call leading to faster responses. Slobodchikoff and his team used sophisticated software tools to discover the prairie dogs' surprisingly detailed language The small creatures, he has reported, have different warnings for animals as visually similar as 'dogs' and 'coyotes,' with the latter alarm call leading to a faster emergency response. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: 'Real life Doctor Dolittle' at Cambridge claims he can talk to animals - so we put his skills to the test on clips of pigs, cats and dolphins (with incredible results!) Being able to chat with your dog, or finally understand what the cat wants, would be a dream come true for many pet owners. But this scientist, dubbed 'the real life Doctor Dolittle', says he can. Dr. Arik Kershenbaum (left), an expert in animal communications from the University of Cambridge, says that everything from a dog's whine to a dolphin's whistle is packed full of meaning. But, has Dr Kershenbaum really cracked the animal code or is he barking up the wrong tree? Advertisement Slobodchikoff and his colleagues used sophisticate equipment and software discovering that prairie dogs related surprising detail on intruders: everything from the color of a shirt a person might be wearing, to the pace and size of their dog. 'There was even information held in the rate of the squeaks,' Taylor noted, 'with a rapid volley of squeaks given for a fast-moving person, and a reduced delivery rate for one who was strolling slowly.' Taylor said that the evolutionary theory behind this is believed to be that prairie dogs might need to know which predator is after them, in case they're familiar with, say, how one coyote hunts vs. another. Ravens study their own predators for weaknesses The common raven (corvus corax) is already regarded as a very bright bird. It's been known to recognize friendly and adversarial humans, warn its own kind and more, but even a species that has been noted for its cleverness since antiquity still manages to be brighter than humans have come to expect. One of the raven's natural predators, the peregrine falcon, stalks its smaller fellow bird with both its brute size and own cunning so the raven has developed its own offensive survival strategy. The raven will provoke a peregrine falcon into playful skirmishes, dive bombing the predator and snapping at its wingtips or tail, in order to test its reaction times and see how it behaves. 'Knowing exactly what the local peregrine looks like from every angle,' according to Taylor, 'how it behaves in different circumstances, the signs that it's about to stoop [i.e. dive toward their prey] ... all of this is potentially life-saving information for the raven's memory store.' The common raven (corvus corax) is already regarded as a very bright bird. It's been known to recognize friendly and adversarial humans, warn its own kind and more. Above, Odin the raven in Sheffield who has been taught to paint abstract art But even a species like the raven, which has been noted for its cleverness since antiquity, still manages to be brighter than humans expect. Ravens will provoke its natural enemy, the peregrine falcon (above) into skirmishes, to test its foe's reaction times and see how it behaves To aid her human reader's own memories, The Animal Mind comes lavishly illustrated with many photos of the wild creatures whose bracing intellects are on display in its pages, everything from gorillas to giant manta rays to the infamous honey badger. This is not Taylor's first outing, exploring the surprises of the natural world. An accomplished illustrator and photographer based in rural Kent in the United Kingdom, Tylor has written or co-written over a dozen books many of them on birds, bats, insects and general scientific matters. She's investigated the lives of Scottish wildcats in her book 'Tracking for the Highland Tiger,' and delved into the tinier world of the UK's many native dragonfly species with 'Dragonflight.' 'The Animal Mind,' out now, was published by Abrams Books. Pentagon officials have sounded the alarm about 'unique classes of vulnerabilities for AI or autonomous systems,' which they hope new research can fix. The program, dubbed Guaranteeing AI Robustness against Deception (GARD), has been tasked since 2022 with identifying how visual data or other electronic signals inputs for AI might be gamed by the calculated introduction of noise. Computer scientists with one of GARD's defense contractors have experimented with kaleidoscopic patches designed to fool AI-based systems into making false IDs. 'You can essentially, by adding noise to an image or a sensor, perhaps break a downstream machine learning algorithm,' as one senior Pentagon official managing the research explained Wednesday. The news comes as fears that the Pentagon has been 'building killer robots in the basement' have allegedly led to stricter AI rules for the US military mandating that all systems must be approved before deployment. Computer scientists with defense contractor MITRE Corp. managed to create visual noise that an AI mistook for apples on a grocery store shelf, a bag left behind outdoors, and even people A bus packed with civilians, for example, could be misidentified as a tank by an AI, if it were tagged with the right 'visual noise,' as one national security reporter with ClearanceJobs proposed as an example. The Pentagon program has spent $51,000 investigating since 2022 'You can also with knowledge of that algorithm sometimes create physically realizable attacks,' added that official, Matt Turek, deputy director for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA's) Information Innovation Office. Technically, it is feasible to 'trick' an AI's algorithm into mission critical errors making the AI misidentify a variety of patterned patches or stickers for a real physical object that's not really there. A bus packed with civilians, for example, could be misidentified as a tank by an AI, if it were tagged with the right 'visual noise,' as one national security reporter with the site ClearanceJobs proposed as an example. Such cheap and lightweight 'noise' tactics, in short, could cause vital military AI to misclassify enemy combatants as allies, and vice versa, during a critical mission. Researchers with the modestly budgeted GARD program have spent $51,000 investigating visual and signal noise tactics since 2022, Pentagon audits show. A 2020 study by MITRE illustrated how visual noise, which can appear merely decorative or inconsequential to human eyes, like a 1990s 'Magic Eye' poster, can be interpreted as solid object by AI. Above, MITRE's visual noise tricks an AI into seeing apples US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Development and Emerging Capabilities Michael Horowitz explained at an event this January that the new Pentagon directive 'does not prohibit the development of any [AI] systems,' but will 'make clear what is and isn't allowed.' Above, a fictional killer robot from the Terminator film franchise What is public from their work includes a 2019 and 2020 study illustrating how visual noise, which can appear merely decorative or inconsequential to human eyes, like a 1990s 'Magic Eye' poster, can be interpreted as solid object by AI. Computer scientists with defense contractor the MITRE Corporation managed to create visual noise that an AI mistook for apples on a grocery store shelf, a bag left behind outdoors, and even people. 'Whether that is physically realizable attacks or noise patterns that are added to AI systems,' Turek said Wednesday, 'the GARD program has built state-of-the-art defenses against those.' READ MORE: Terrifying study simulated what artificial intelligence would do in five military conflict scenarios... and it chose WAR 100% of the time Researchers found AI models are likely to choose violence and nuclear attacks in a war-like setting. They looked at large language models from OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic. Researchers expressed major concerns about the US military using the technology, saying the model's reasoning for deploying nuclear weapons was only because we have nuclear weapons! Advertisement 'Some of those tools and capabilities have been provided to CDAO [the Defense Department's Chief Digital and AI Office],' according to Turek. The Pentagon formed the CDAO in 2022; it serves as a hub to facilitate faster adoption of AI and related machine-learning technologies across the military. The Department of Defense (DoD) recently updated its AI rules among 'a lot of confusion about' how it plans to use self-decision-making machines on the battlefield, according to US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Development and Emerging Capabilities Michael Horowitz Horowitz explained at an event this January that the 'directive does not prohibit the development of any [AI] systems,' but will 'make clear what is and isn't allowed' and uphold a 'commitment to responsible behavior,' as it develops lethal autonomous systems. While the Pentagon believes the changes should ease the public's minds, some have said they are not 'convinced' by the efforts. Mark Brakel, director of the advocacy organization Future of Life Institute (FLI), told DailyMail.com this January: 'These weapons carry a massive risk of unintended escalation.' He explained that AI-powered weapons could misinterpret something, like a ray of sunlight, and perceive it as a threat, thus attacking foreign powers without cause, and without intentional adversarial 'visual noise.' Brakel said the result could be devastating because 'without meaningful human control, AI-powered weapons are like the Norwegian rocket incident [a near nuclear armageddon] on steroids and they could increase the risk of accidents in hotspots such as the Taiwan Strait.' Dailymail.com has reached out to the DoD for comment. The DoD has been aggressively pushing to modernize its arsenal with autonomous drones, tanks, and other weapons that select and attack a target without human intervention. Taiwan has been hit by its strongest earthquake in 25 years, killing at least nine people, toppling buildings and even triggering tsunami warnings. But amid the chaos, eerie footage shows the island's tallest building the $1.8 billion Taipei 101 skyscraper gently swaying like a stick in the breeze. Measuring 1,671 feet in height, the building is fitted with an ingenious solution that reduces overall building sway by 40 per cent during quakes and winds. A 660 metric ton golden sphere called the 'tuned mass damper' hangs inside the building from the 92nd floor. As the building moves in one direction, the steel sphere sways in the other direction and maintains the building's overall balance. Key to Taipei 101's impressive structural integrity is a 660 metric ton golden sphere that hangs from the 92nd floor READ MORE: Huge 7.5 magnitude quake rocks Taiwan The magnitude-7.4 quake struck just before 8am local time on Wednesday Advertisement If wind or the force of an earthquake pushes the tower to the right, the sphere will provide an immediate and equal force to the left, cancelling out the initial motion. So although the tower sways, it doesn't topple. It's what's known as a 'passive damping system' meaning it operates without any external power or control just gravity and the movement of the building. Meanwhile, hydraulic pistons underneath the massive sphere absorb and dissipate the energy as heat. Dr Agathoklis Giaralis, a professor of structural dynamics at City, University of London, described the clever spherical device as 'like a pendulum'. 'This steel sphere rests on damping devices which are designed to dampen the relative sway movement between the structure and the sphere, acting in a similar way to the shock absorbers in car suspensions,' he told MailOnline. Although it's odd to see a building swaying, modern skyscrapers are built to be flexible, especially in earthquake-prone zones like Taiwan. 'The materials they are made out of are elastic which means that they stretch or contract according to the changing loads acting on them,' Professor Antony Darby at the University of Bath's Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering told MailOnline. 'The amount of this deformation in an individual element (e.g. a beam or column) is only very small, but when you multiply this across all the elements in a tall building, this can lead to significant lateral [sideways] movements. 'These movements are not dangerous to the structure itself, but, if excessive can lead to discomfort to occupants.' Taipei 101 is the tallest building in Taiwan and formerly the tallest building in the world (now the 11th tallest) Key to the building's amazing structural integrity is a 660 metric ton golden sphere that hangs from the 92nd floor - the 'tuned mass damper' In Taiwan, Taipei 101 must stand up to earthquakes and typhoons. Every eight floors the building was installed with supporting steel 'outrigger trusses' running from the building's core to its outer columns to increase the towers stiffness, and in order to stop it swaying and vibrating during an earthquake a huge tuned mass damper was installed - a device for transferring energy from the tower's movement into giant shock absorbers. This 660-tonne ball of stacked steel plates hangs on steel cables from the tower's 92nd floor. It's connected to the building's frame through eight fluid-filled shock absorbers READ MORE: Moment Taiwan is hit by mega earthquake on live TV Footage shows lights swinging violently from the ceiling Advertisement Construction of Taipei 101 began in 1999 and was completed in time for New Year's Eve 2004, when it finally opened to the public. It was designed to resemble a bamboo shoot rising upwards in eight sections looking like a series of square buckets stacked one on top of the other. Every floor was installed with supporting steel 'outrigger trusses' running from the building's core to its outer columns to increase the towers stiffness. While other tall buildings keep tuned mass dampers hidden, Taipei 101's is visible to visitors on the 88th through 92nd floors, making it something of a tourist attraction. Unfazed tourists have even filmed the sphere's movement during previous earthquakes, which are a frequent occurrence on the island. Taiwan is one country especially prone to earthquakes because it's close to where two tectonic plates meet the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian plate. Powerful seismic activity can be detected along the tectonic plate borders, where the plates rub up against each other, causing earthquakes. However, Taiwan's earthquake preparedness is 'among the most advanced in the world', according to Stephen Gao, a seismologist and professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology. The powerful quake struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning. Taiwan is one country especially prone to earthquakes because it's close to where two tectonic plates meet This photo taken by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east 'The island has implemented strict building codes, a world-class seismological network, and widespread public education campaigns on earthquake safety,' he said. As of writing, Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years has killed nine people, while another 50 are missing. Rescuers expect the total number of injured and killed to rise as the hunt for people trapped by the quake continues. The quake and aftershocks also caused 24 landslides and damage to 35 roads, bridges and tunnels, according to government statistics. Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency said the quake was a magnitude of 7.2, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) put it at 7.4. Next week, lucky people across the US will be treated to one of the most spectacular sights in the solar system - a total solar eclipse. And if you're in the UK, you'll be happy to hear that you may not need to travel across the pond to catch a glimpse of this incredible natural phenomenon. On April 8, a handful of towns and cities in the UK and Ireland will be able to see a partial eclipse just before sunset. Eagle-eyed viewers in Dublin, Belfast, Londonderry, Glasgow, and Aberdeen will have a chance to see the astronomical phenomenon, according to UK Weather Updates. 'While parts of the UK and Ireland will be able to see it too, there will be a very short opportunity for it, as the eclipse will take place at sunset shortly before the sun goes below the horizon,' it explained on X (formerly Twitter). This week, on April 8, the sun and moon will align perfectly for a total solar eclipse that will be visible over the USA and Mexico (file photo) While the UK and Ireland will not see a total solar eclipse, some towns will be able to see the sun partially obscured starting from 19:52 BST - just before sunset. On this map the more purple areas show where the eclipse will be more visible Which towns in the UK and Ireland will see the solar eclipse? UK Londonderry: 21.5 per cent Belfast: 17.3 per cent Glasgow: 11.2 per cent Edinburgh: 6.1 per cent Aberdeen: 4.2 per cent Liverpool: 0.64 per cent Ireland Belmullet: 44.2 per cent Galway: 35.5 per cent Dublin: 15.5 per cent Percentages reveal how much of the sun will be covered Advertisement An eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting its shadow onto the surface of the planet. From a vantage point on Earth, this looks like the sun is disappearing behind a dark shadow. For those directly in the path of the solar eclipse shadow, next week will be an incredible opportunity to see a rare 'ring of fire' eclipse. Since the moon will be at its farthest point from the Earth, called the apogee, it will not completely obscure the sun - leaving a bright 'diamond ring' around the edge. However, this 'annular' eclipse will only be visible to those directly beneath the moon's shadow which will travel over America and Mexico. For everyone on the edges of the eclipse path, which includes parts of the UK and Ireland, observers will only see the sun become slightly covered. UK Weather Updates, an amateur weather enthusiast from Wakefield, shared a breakdown of where this will be visible from the UK. The partial eclipse over the UK will begin at 19:52 BST at the Hevda Stack, a mountain summit in the far north of the Shetland Isles. The last place the eclipse will be visible will be near Rockall, an uninhabitable granite islet in the North Atlantic, at 20:51 BST. On X, formerly Twitter, an account called UK Weather Updates shared a list of the towns in the UK and Ireland that will see a partial solar eclipse on April 8 Since sunset over the UK and Ireland will be at roughly 19:38 BST, this means only a few places will get the chance to see any partial eclipse at all. UK Weather Updates adds: 'Western parts of Ireland are at the greatest chance due to a later sunset time.' Professor Don Pollacco, an astronomer from Warwick University, says: 'TSEs [total solar eclipses] occur on average about every 18 months but the visibility path of seeing the full total eclipse is extremely narrow, around just 80 miles. 'The path of totality starts in the South Pacific and moves through Mexico and up through the USA, before finishing in the Atlantic, west of Ireland.' The path of the solar eclipse will start over the Pacific and travel Eastwards over the US, finishing above the Atlantic west of Ireland Professor Pollacco adds: 'From the UK and Ireland, you will see a partial eclipse of the Sun close to sunset, with about 20-30% of the Sun obscured by the Moon.' The town of Belmullet will see the most coverage in the UK and Ireland, with 44 per cent obscuration. Across the UK and Ireland this is followed by Galway with 35 per cent, Londonderry with 21 per cent, Belfast with 17 per cent, and Dublin with 15 per cent obscuration. In the UK, Northern Ireland and Scotland will have the best views of the eclipse, although the sun may begin to set by the time the eclipse starts. Glasgow will see 11.2 per cent of the sun obscured, Edinburgh 6.2 per cent, and Aberdeen 4.3 per cent. In England, the eclipse will be even less noticeable with only 0.64 per cent coverage in Liverpool starting from 19:57 BST. As this map shows, towns further to the West of the country will see slightly more of the eclipse while London and other towns in the East will not see the eclipse at all If you are planning on watching the solar eclipse be sure to use the correct safety equipment such as eclipse glasses or a pinhole camera (file photo) If you are going to try and watch the eclipse it is absolutely essential that you do so safely with the correct equipment. Looking directly at the sun under any circumstances can be dangerous and you need to make sure you are protected against eye damage. Professor Pollacco adds: 'With no protection you will at best damage your eyes, or you could blind yourself.' To view the eclipse safely you can use eclipse glasses which reduce the brightness of the sun to safe levels and are widely available online. Alternatively, you can create a simple pinhole camera to project an image of the sun onto a surface. In bright conditions, even a household colander can work, projecting the sun's image through each of its holes. To do this, put your back to the sun and hold the pinhole camera or colander in the light to project the sun onto the ground in front of you. If you do have a telescope or binoculars, ensure these are fitted with appropriate solar filters to avoid instantly damaging your eyes. Before Monday's solar eclipse happens, eagle eyed skygazers will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a rare green comet, dubbed the 'Mother of Dragons', in the night's sky. According to astronomers, Comet 12P/PonsBrooks is viewable at night from the northern hemisphere in early April. Larger than Mount Everest, it should appear as a green blob with a hazy tail as it makes its first visit to the inner solar system in 71 years. To see Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, look westwards in the night's sky and find the constellation of stars known as Aries the Ram, which forms a loose V-shape. Over the next few weeks it will keep moving west towards Orion, the constellation that looks like the great mythical hunter. To see Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, look westwards in the night sky and find the constellation of stars known as Aries the Ram, which forms a loose V-shape. Over the next few weeks it will keep moving west towards Orion, the constellation that looks like the great mythical hunter Amateur astronomers have already been snapping photos of the comet with specialist telescopes. This image is a composite of three colours, showing the comet's ever-changing ion tail in light blue, its outer coma in green, and highlights some red-glowing gas around the coma in a spiral. The spiral is thought to be caused by gas being expelled by object's slowly rotating nucleus 12P/Pons-Brooks: Key facts Discovered: July 12, 1812 Orbital period: 71 years Type of comet: Cryovolcanic Last perihelion: May 22, 1954 Next perihelion: April 21, 2024 Nucleus diameter: 18.6 miles (30 km) Advertisement 'The comet can now be found in the constellation of Aries which is visible in the early evening, over in the west,' Gregory Brown, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, told MailOnline. 'It will only become visible after twilight and sets by around 10pm BST. 'While it may be possible to see with the unaided eye, it is best to try and observe with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope.' The public should look out for what looks like 'an irregularly shaped dirty snowball', or a faint star-like blob with a hazy tail and a green tint. It looks green due to the presence of a molecule called dicarbon, which emits a greenish glow from sunlight. At the moment, it is getting progressively closer to the sun and the Earth as it's pulled by the gravity of our star. On April 21, it will come as close as 72.5 million miles (116.8 million km) to the sun, while a close approach with Earth of 144 million miles (232 million km) will happen on June 2. Photographer Josh Dury shot 12P/Pons-Brooks on March 6, from Compton Martin in the Mendip Hills, Somerset Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is one of the brightest known periodic comets, with an orbital period of 71 years - meaning chances to see this object are rare Composite photo of 12/Pons-Brooks comet taken in Kendal, Cumbria by Stuart Atkinson, Saturday March 16, 2024 The comet abruptly brightened almost 100-fold on October 31 and continued to get brighter in the following days. It marked the second outburst from 12P/Pons-Brooks in a calendar month, and the third since July. It is pictured here on July 27, 2023, a week after its first outburst READ MORE: Here's the astronomical events of 2024 that you won't want to miss The total solar eclipse is described as the event of the decade Advertisement But by this time it will be too late to view in the northern hemisphere, according to Jessica Lee, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. 'From June onwards, after the comet has passed the sun, it will only be visible to observers in the southern hemisphere,' she told MailOnline. 'It will grow fainter and fainter again as it travels towards the outer solar system and won't approach the Earth again until 2095.' 12P/Pons-Brooks is what is known as a cryovolcanic or cold volcano comet, which means it exhibits volcanic activity. But instead of spewing out molten rock and lava like a volcano on Earth, a cryovolcanic comet releases a mixture of gases and ice. When a cryovolcanic comet gets closer to the sun like 12P/Pons-Brooks is doing now it heats up and builds pressure in the nucleus. The pressure continues to build until nitrogen and carbon monoxide explodes and flings out icy debris through large cracks in the nucleus's shell. These gaseous streams can form distinctive shapes when viewed through a telescope, such as devil horns, also described as a horseshoe or the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. Some have speculated that the horseshoe-like shape also resembles the Millennium Falcon spaceship in Star Wars 12P/Pons-Brooks is what is known as a cryovolcanic or cold volcano comet, which means it exhibits volcanic activity. But instead of spewing out molten rock and lava like a volcano on Earth, a cryovolcanic comet releases a mixture of gases and ice. According to an astronomer, the comet erupted on October 31 - the second time in the space of a calendar month Sketches of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks from January 21 and 22, 1884 during one of its rare spells of visibility Just like planets, comets in our solar system orbit the sun because they are attracted to the sun's massive gravitational pull. It takes 12P/Pons-Brooks 71 years to complete an orbit of the sun, but this is relatively short compared with the orbital length of most orbits which take thousands of years. Comets typically have highly 'elliptical' orbits, meaning they are elongated and not perfectly circular. These elliptical orbits take them very close to the sun at one point in their orbit (perihelion) and very far away from the sun at another point (aphelion). Like all orbiting bodies, the closer comets are to the sun, the faster they move. 12P/Pons-Brooks is currently hurtling towards the sun and therefore the Earth as well at more than 40,000 miles per hour (20 km per second). But this could increase to over 100,000 miles per hour as it makes its close approach to the sun, otherwise known as its perihelion. After making its closest approach to us, the space rock will be gravitationally flung back to the outer solar system and will not return until 2095. Californians received a shock in the early hours of Tuesday morning when golden streaks from an apparent explosion appeared over Los Angeles. Locals had believed it was the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched six hours prior or a giant meteor that combusted as it shot through Earth's atmosphere. Aerospace researchers have determined that the fiery object was the orbital object of China's Shenzhou-15 rocket that launched in 2022. The China-owned space junk comes just months after the nation infiltrated the US by flying a spy balloon over an Air Force base in Montana. A piece from the Shenzhou-15 rocket (pictured) exploded over California on Tuesday morning The 3,300-pound orbital module, a secondary piece of the rocket, was not designed to safely reenter Earth's atmosphere and was set to circle our planet with the tons of other space junk. Witnesses of the explosion posted videos on social media, showing the object streaking across the sky at around 1:40 a.m. PT, and questioned what it was. One person wrote on X: 'Im guessing this is debris or something else related to the SpaceX launch from earlier this evening,' while another simply asked: 'Dude, what was that?' As news surfaced that it was a piece from a Chinese-owned rocket, comments about the country's involvement began rolling in. 'China out there just doing whatever they want.' wrote one person on X. Another person commented: 'Someone in China is getting fired today. Not because it [the rocket] came down near LA, but because it missed.' Heather Golden, a spokesperson for the Aerospace Corporation - a federally funded space research and development center - told Dailymail.com that despite speculations that the explosion belonged to SpaceX, an analysis revealed it wasn't a US-owned rocket. Instead, Golden said: 'Our analysis suggests that the object seen re-entering over Los Angeles this morning was the orbital module from the November 2022 Chinese Shenzhou-15 launch to their space station.' The Shenzhou-15 rocket had three astronauts onboard when it lifted off from Mongolia in November 2022 The 17,857-pound Shenzhou-15 rocket is made up of multiple modules including the reentry module that carries the astronauts safely back to Earth and the service part that holds hardware like solar panels and life support needed for the mission. Shenzhou-15's third section, the orbital module, is a habitation space for astronauts and hosts scientific instruments, crew-operated equipment and other kinds of payload needed for the mission. Golden said 'reentries can often look like shooting stars (meteors) with a bright central body followed by a long, dazzling tail and often break into numerous fragments.' She added that if the object 'appears to be a tight cluster of bright points all moving in the same direction at similar speeds, and all leaving streaks behind them, then it is very probably a reentry breakup.' READ MORE: Piece of 5,800lb battery pallet tossed from NASA's ISS crashes through Florida home A two-pound object crashed into a man's home in Naples, Florida earlier this month, prompting an investigation by NASA into the space debris' origin. Advertisement In November 2022, China's Shenzhou-15 rocket launched with three astronauts on board from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia to the Tiangong Space Station to finish the construction of the nation's orbital outpost. Shenzhou-15's reentry module landed safely in June of last year and according to the Aerospace Corporation's tracking site, it predicted the Shenzhou-15 orbital module's reentry time would be at 1:33 a.m. GMT on Tuesday. There have not yet been reports that debris from the orbital module crashed on land and some might have landed in the Pacific Ocean, according to University of Southern California space relations expert Madhu Thangavelu. He told BBC that he's just 'hoping all of it burnt out in upper atmosphere.' This isn't the first time one of China's rockets has gone rogue. The sight of a China-owned rocket in American airspace may have triggered memories of the spy balloon that appeared in the Midwest in 2023. The balloon had drifted east and entered US airspace over Alaska on January 28 and was tracked as it flew over Malmstrom Air Force base in Montana, where nuclear assets are stored. Intelligence officials revealed in December that the balloon used an American internet service provider to communicate. The report stated that the balloon was connected to a US-based company and communicating with China about its navigation. It further stated that the connection 'allowed the balloon to send burst transmissions or high-bandwidth collections of data over short periods of time' to its home base in China. Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry are among 200 high-profile artists calling for the 'predatory' use of AI in the music industry to be stopped. In an open letter, several of the world's biggest stars have warned the tech 'will set in motion a race to the bottom' if left unchecked. The use of AI to steal artists' voices, likeness, and sound is an 'assault on human creativity', they said, and would 'destroy the music ecosystem'. Issued by the Artists Rights Alliance (ARA), the letter calls for a ban on AI tools that undermine or replace human songwriters or their work. The move is part of an industry-wide push for better regulation of generative AI, the technology behind chatbots like ChatGPT and image generators like Midjourney. Billie Eilish (pictured), Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry are among 200 high-profile artists calling for the 'predatory' use of AI in the music industry to be stopped Fears over the use of AI have mounted over recent months after a song using AI to mimic the voices of Drake and The Weeknd went viral online. Signatories of the latest letter range from rock stars of the past, such as REM and Jon Bon Jovi, to pop stars of the moment, including Jess Glynne and Zayn Malik. It warns that AI will 'infringe upon our rights and devalue the rights of human artists' if it is used irresponsibly. 'This assault on human creativity must be stopped. We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists' voices and likenesses, violate creators' rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,' the letter says. However the letter does not call for an outright ban - adding that responsible use of the technology could have benefits. Concern over AI being used in the film industry - from writing scripts to producing scenes - was at the centre of last year's strikes by Hollywood actors and writers. American Idol judge Katy Perry has signed the letter warning AI is an 'assault on creativity' Nicki Minaj joins the push for lawmakers to ban AI tools that steal artists' sound And it is quickly moving to the music industry. Last month, Tennessee - long known as the birthplace of country music - became the first US state to protect musicians against AI. Dubbed the 'Elvis Act', the legislation made vocal likeness a property right rather than a right of publicity. The same already applied to names, photographs, and likeness. The state governor, Bill Lee, said: 'Artists have intellectual property. They have gifts. They have a uniqueness that is theirs and theirs alone, certainly not artificial intelligence.' Last year, music publishers Universal were among a group of companies to sue AI firm Anthropic in the same state, claiming it used 'innumerable' copyrighted song lyrics - including the Beach Boys' God Only Knows and the Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter - to train its chatbot Claude. Last month, the songwriter behind hits for Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue described the pace of change in using AI to potentially replace artists artists was 'terrifying'. Guy Chambers told The Guardian: 'I think we may get to a stage in the future where an album will need to have a badge saying "this is an all-human record.' 'From what I've seen of AI, the acceleration is pretty terrifying, in terms of what it can do and how it could replace songwriters.' A Taiwanese chipmaker, responsible for 90 percent of the world's most advanced computer processors, halted production Wednesday amid a historic earthquake. Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing (TSMC) produces high-end microchips used in smartphones, cars, cloud server farms and AI-powered tech and its factories need to continually operate to meet demand. A spokesperson for TSMC told reporters that some of its equipment had been damaged and workers were evacuated from several of the firm's key sites while facilities were inspected for damages and future safety. The 7.2-magnitude quake, which released the energy equivalent of an atomic bomb, has raised alarm about the Taiwan semiconductor sector's vulnerability as tensions over the island's sovereignty heat up between China and the United States. A Taiwanese chipmaker, responsible for 90 percent of the world's most advanced computer processors, halted production Wednesday amid a historic earthquake The 7.2-magnitude quake, which has killed at least 9 people and injured over 900 more, led the island nation's top chipmaker - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) - to evacuate its manufacturing facilities and suspend work at the construction sites expanding its operations Barclays analysts said some highly sophisticated semiconductor fabs need to operate seamlessly 24/7 in a vacuum state for several weeks and the halts would disrupt the process, pushing up pricing pressure in the sector. This could spillover to cause a "short-term hiccup" to electronics manufacturing in economies focused on upstream products, such as Japan and Korea, as well as economies focused on downstream products, such as China and Vietnam, they said TSMC also took a small hit on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, where TSMC stock dipped 1.3 percent at close on Wednesday. But the quake, which killed at least 9 people and injured over 900 more, not only led the island nation's top chipmaker to evacuate its manufacturing facilities. It also suspended work at construction sites expanding TSMC operations. But the company said that the strong earthquake had largely spared its manufacturing operations. TSMC noted that Wednesday's strong earthquake had largely spared the company's manufacturing operations. 'There is no damage to our critical tools including all of our extreme ultraviolet lithography tools,' the company said in a statement, according to Bloomberg 'There is no damage to our critical tools including all of our extreme ultraviolet lithography tools,' the company said in a statement, according to Bloomberg. The chipmaker did note that a modest amount of equipment was damaged at some facilities, but TSMC representatives said it expected a full and speedy recovery. Based in the Taiwanese city of Hsinchu, TSMC also disclosed to Business Insider that some of its chip-making plants were only evacuated as a precautionary measure. 'The company is currently confirming the details of the impact,' TSMC's spokesperson said, but noted that initial inspections of the company's construction sites revealed 'normal' conditions with no serious damage to their future factories. Situated roughly 100 miles off the coast of mainland China, Taiwan is also home to smaller chip producers beyond megalith industry leader TSMC. READ MORE: How sewer robots helped a Taiwan city kill off disease-carrying mosquitoes: Machine scanned sewers for larvae to eliminate The unmanned hunter-droid (center) wired a live feed of mosquitos' sewer breeding grounds to exterminators in Kaohsiung city (right). Trap metrics suggest the bot cut down Aedes mosquito populations by about 69%. Several mosquito species in the genus Aedes are particularly notorious for spreading diseases in humans, including dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever and zika. The sewer robot searches, so Taiwan's exterminators can destroy Advertisement One of the firm's small local rivals, United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC), also hit pause on its manufacturing at some plants Wednesday, evacuating facilities in Hsinchu and Tainan, to assess the damage from the quake. These abrupt work stoppages are likely to have a real but temporary impact on the delicate manufacturing of intricate etched microchip fabrication. 'Some of the high-end chips need 24/7 seamless operations in a vacuum state for a few weeks,' as analysts for Barclays, Bum Ki Son and Brian Tan, said. 'Operation halts in Taiwan's northern industrial areas,' the analysts said, 'could mean some high-end chips in production may be spoiled.' At the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, lockdowns in the summer of 2021 caused a drop in Taiwan's chip production leading to global shortages and price hikes between 10 and 20 percent. China hawks in the US national security sector have long warned that the US economy could take a hit as high as 6.7 percent of GDP in the first year of a potential hot conflict between the two superpowers, if a war broke out over Taiwan's contested status as its own sovereign nation. This March, Taiwan's defense minister appeared to accidentally admit US Special Forces are on the island training the Taiwanese military off the coast of China a move which could precipitate a startling escalation of hostilities in the region. A Chinese invasion of Taiwan could lead to over 500,000 dead and devastation to the tech sector powering the global economy, all while spreading Beijing's growing influence, at least according to a January report from the Henry Jackson Society. A Bloomberg Economics analysis estimated that a Chinese blockade of the island, could drop 3.3 percent off US GDP in the first year. For its part, TSMC told reporters that it has already been hard at work diversifying the geographic spread of its operations with new plants in Arizona, Japan, and Germany to mitigate future disruptions. The Biden administration too has been taking steps to boost chip manufacturing at home, promising to turn the 'Rust Belt' into a 'Silicon Heartland' with the passage of the $52 billion CHIPS Act in 2022. CHIPS will provide subsidies for production, research and workforce development in tech hardware manufacturing, but particularly for semiconductor microchips. Despite fearful reactions in Taiwan, the earthquake had no impact on TSMC's stock price on the US-traded market, where shares were up 1.6 percent Wednesday morning in New York. And its rivals stock, UMC, scarcely changed. 'The robust demand for the firm's advanced node processes will cushion any financial effects,' analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence said of the quake. Several flights connecting Korea and Japan have been affected by a tsunami warning in Okinawa Prefecture caused by a major earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday, industry officials said. Korean Air flight KE755, which was scheduled to depart from Incheon Airport at 9:10 a.m., was delayed by around 2 1/2 hours due to deteriorating weather conditions at Okinawa's Naha Airport. Asiana Airlines flight OZ172, which was scheduled to depart from Incheon to Okinawa, was delayed by about three hours. Low-cost carriers Jin Air and T'way Air also reported delays in their flights to Okinawa. According to industry officials, flights between Korea and Taiwan, however, were operating normally, as there has been no direct quake-related damage to major airports in Taiwan. (Yonhap) SHOPPING Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Mail Best article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail.com will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information. When it comes to fertility, it seems like there is lots of conflicting advice, with everyone having different opinions about what products you need to conceive. However, there is one supplement in particular that has had 10 million social media views and more than 30,000 five star reviews on Amazon, suggesting that the EU Natural Conception for Her and Conecption for Him offers something better than the rest. Eu Natural Conception Fertility for Her & Him Bundle The EU Natural Conception for Her and Conception for Him is designed to improve your chances of getting pregnant faster. Conception for Her helps her balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles and supports ovulation while Conception for Him helps him support healthy sperm count, motility, and strength. Shop Aimed at improving both the health of the sperm and the egg through nutrients geared towards both the mum-to-be and the dad-to-be, these easy-to-swallow Conception capsules are packed with active ingredients to fill in key nutrient gaps. The Conception supplement for women contains key nutrients such as Myo-Inositol, Vitex, and Folate, which promote a healthy menstrual cycle and reproductive well-being and aid ovulation. Conception For Her is a vegan multivitamin that can support fertility, help balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles, and promote healthy conception Another key ingredient is Chaste Tree Berry extract, which may help stimulate the progesterone that a womb needs to support a pregnancy. Meanwhile, the male supplement includes folate to promote sperm production and zinc that has been proven to increase sperm mobility so the swimmers can reach the egg. Also, antioxidants like Vitamin C and E have also been linked to improved sperm quality and reduced risk of DNA damage. In short, the capsules aim to give you a higher sperm count as well as better mobility. Conception For Him is a potent and clean male fertility aid and multi-vitamin to help sperm count, motility, and strength plus helps fill nutrient gaps that can impact fertility They've certainly worked wonders for thousands of shoppers on Amazon, including some who'd tried for years without any results. 'These worked for us!' summed up one impressed Amazon reviewer. 'My husband and I were having a hard time conceiving and we tried for 2+ years. We started thinking that we cannot conceive after NUMEROUS negative tests. 'I took this Conception supplement everyday and my husband was taking his. One day, I woke up with morning sickness and I took a pregnancy test and sure enough I was pregnant.' Amazon offers a bundle with Conception For Her and Conception For Him for $54.95 for both, meaning it costs less than $1 a day to put your body in the best state to have a baby Another added: 'This is the best prenatal vitamin if you are trying to get pregnant. After two years of trying, finally Im pregnant.' There are even more glowing reviews on Amazon. And if lots of people share the same opinion about a fertility product, it's a good idea to take note because a shared consensus is rare. The EU Natural Conception bundle is worth a try! Some of Britain's most unique exhibits can be found at lesser-known museums Britain is celebrated for its world-class museums yet some of its most unique exhibits remain under the radar. From taxidermy and teapots to items once owned by royalty, their lesser-known archives are truly fascinating. MailOnline Travel reveals six of the most unique museums across the nation where these weird and wonderful artefacts - and more - can be found. Read on to discover what's on display and how to visit... The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & UnNatural History - Hackney, London The Viktor Wynd Museum plays host to an eccentric collection of objects obtained by Viktor Wynd. Pictured is 'the devil's table' cluttered with unusual objects. In the glass case behind, a two-headed lamb is shown This obscure museum is tucked away under The Last Tuesday Society's absinthe cocktail bar. Guests descend a spiral staircase to a basement filled with horrors and wonders of the natural world. A two-headed taxidermy lamb, 'mummified fairies', an eight-legged lamb and a gold-plated hippopotamus skull once belonging to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar are just some downright bizarre items on display. Each unusual object was brought in by Viktor Wynd, an artist and curator who's arguably just as eccentric as his collection. Tickets to 'the country's only curiosity museum' cost 6.72. Walk-ins are normally accepted, but guests are advised to book online. Address: East London (Hackney) - 11 Mare Street, E8 4RP The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret - Southwark, London Visitors can take a 52-step spiral staircase to view this semicircular operating theatre located in the attic of St Thomas Church The Old Operating Theatre Museum is a museum of surgical history and claims to be the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe for female patients. The museum sits in the attic of St Thomas Church, Southwark, on the original site of St Thomas Hospital. It was built in 1822 and predates both anaesthetics and antiseptics. The site has been restored with original furniture and equipment, including a 19th-century operating table and surgical instruments. Visitors enter through a 52-step spiral staircase to view a semicircular theatre with tiered seats, built for medical students. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival or online. Admission costs 9 for adults and 5.50 for children aged six and above. Address: 9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY British Lawnmower Museum - Southport, Merseyside The British Lawnmower Museum in Southport houses hundreds of lawnmowers, including one owned by King Charles and Princess Diana The Lawnmower Museum claims to retain 'a character not often seen in these modern times' It features antique machines from the 1800s This small museum in sunny Southport is home to hundreds of lawnmowers and machinery. According to its website, the museum 'retains a character not often seen in these modern times'. It's the brainchild of ex-lawnmower racing champion Brian Radam, who views the lawnmower as a piece of history to be celebrated. It features both antique machines from the 1800s and cutting-edge technology of the present day. Inside, visitors can see 'Lawnmowers of the Rich and Famous', including those owned by King Charles, then Prince of Wales, and Princess Diana, Brian May, Alan Titchmarsh and more. Entrance costs 3 for adults and 1 for children. For more information visit lawnmowerworld.co.uk/. Address: 106-114 Shakespeare St, Southport PR8 5AJ The Bubblecar Museum - Boston, Lincolnshire These quirky vehicles are on display in Lincolnshire. Visitors can view the extensive collection and can even book to drive one This quirky museum has more than 50 microcars on display. It's the only public museum in Britain dedicated to cars with an engine capacity of less than 700cc. These bright and bubbly fuel-efficient vehicles were born in post-World War II austerity Britain and became a symbol of the 1950s and early 1960s. While they fell out of popularity, the cars found fame in BBC comedies such as Only Fools and Horses and Lucky Feller. The museum also has scooters on display, as well as a row of period shops where visitors can discover memorabilia from the 1950s. It also offers 'ride weekends', giving customers a chance to book a 15-minute ride in a tiny vehicle. Tickets cost 5 for adults and 1 for children. Visitors can show up on the day or book by calling 07989 433 101. For more information visit bubblecarmuseum.co.uk. Address: Clover Farm, Main Rd, Langrick, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22 7AW Teapot Island - Maidstone, Kent The above image shows a glimpse into the extensive collection of teapots in Teapot Island Teapot Island in Kent houses the biggest collection of teapots in England, with over 8,400 on display. The family business grew from the personal collection of Sue Blazye, who received her first teapot from her grandmother in 1983. She now runs the museum with her husband Keith and son Luke. The two-time Guinness World Record-winning museum was visited in 2014 by King Charles and Queen Camilla, then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. The pair even left with a souvenir from the gift shop - a camel 'Cam-ella' teapot. Sue and Keith put the property up for sale last year as they're looking to live a quieter life. But the museum is still running in the meantime. Entrance costs 3.00 for adults and 2 for children. For more information, visit teapotisland.co.uk. Address: Hampstead Ln, Maidstone ME18 6HG The Fan Museum - Greenwich, London The Fan Museum is located in a Grade II* listed building in Greenwich and is home to more than 7,000 objects You'll surely be a fan of this museum. Located in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Greenwich, it has an extraordinary collection of fans. Opened in 1991, The Fan Museum is the only organisation dedicated to the history, culture and craft of the fan. It's home to over 7,000 objects, including a rare Elizabethan-period fan, Japanese Court fans and a Faberge fan incorporating gold work and enamelling. In addition to its extensive fan collection, there are examples of period costumes, fan-making tools and materials, catalogues and rare books. You could even try your hand at the intricate art of fan-making in one of the workshops. Tickets cost 5 for adults and 3 for children, and can be booked online. Address: 12 Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ER Inspired by the travels of three doughty Britons Lord Byron, the Hon Aubrey Henry Molyneux Herbert (half-brother of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who helped uncover Tutankhamuns tomb), and the feisty adventurer Edith Durham, we set out exploring Albania, with three landscapes to conquer river, mountain and sea. There were four of us; my husband and I and our 20-something daughters. Ive been bringing them here for 15 years but now travel in Albania is booming. After 50 years of isolation under a communist regime with dictator Enver Hoxha in office from 1944 to 1985 and fully independent only since 1992 Albania is welcoming the world with open arms. Albanians have a beautiful, time-honoured phrase blessed are your feet for bringing you here. So, get to Albania fast while the welcome is sweet and authentic, and a feast for four costs little more than a round in a UK pub. CAKE... AT 3,000FT Kruje Castle, pictured, is 40 minutes from the capital, Tirana I admire the Albanian attitude to cake. They are great early morning cake-eaters, often freshly baked with oranges or kumquats and crunchy with pumpkin seeds. Luckily there are mountain hikes to deal with the inevitable results. Above Kruje Castle, 40 minutes from the capital Tirana, there is a rock-cut shrine belonging to the Bektashi sect (a combination of Muslim, Christian and ancient beliefs) which collapses time. Some 3,000ft high, lit by candles, pilgrims come here to make offerings: meat and perfumed oil. A Bektashi baba with a long white beard that Noah would have envied confided in me that the only thing Bektashis revile are bare knees and rabbits. This is tricky in Albania as lolloping rabbits as well as plump ducks and baby donkeys share many of the mountain roads. Bettany, pictured above, has been bringing her family to Albania for 15 years An elderly woman sold me freshly picked coltsfoot flowers for tea and rose oil for my hair. Its easy to imagine why Byron so loved this place. It reminded him of the remote Highlands of Scotland. Moving south from Tirana to the mountain-view city of Berat, with sacred Mount Tomorr lighting up flame red in the morning, its slopes home to bears, booted eagles and black vultures, this city of a thousand windows was a merchants stop on the old silk routes. We stayed in Hotel Vila Aleksander and woke to the cluck of hens laying eggs. Albania has a fierce code of hospitality Besa which means people will give up all to protect respected guests. It became one of the rare places where the Jewish population, mainly refugees fleeing the Nazis, was greater after the Second World War than before. COASTAL REVIVAL Bettany reveals that at Grama Bay, pictured, there are still ancient inscriptions, some 23 centuries old, peppering the cliffs With the island of Corfu visible on a clear day and Italy just a four-hour ferry ride away, the Albanian riviera is starting to boom. My favourite nautical Albanian captain, on the Ionian coast around the city of Vlore, is called Baci, who arranges bespoke trips to the uninhabited nature reserve of Karaburuni, where at Grama Bay there are still ancient inscriptions, some 23 centuries old, peppering the cliffs. There are heartfelt prayers to the mythical sailor brothers of Helen of Troy, Castor and Pollux. After an exploration of the haunting, Homer-worthy sea caves, Captain Bacis dockside tables offered fresh fish, caught and fried as we waited, golden chips and a tricolori salad better than any Ive eaten in Italy. Further south, about three hours drive, Butrint said to be founded by the hero of the Trojan War, Aeneas is a site where ancient Greek remains peek through Roman arches, Byzantine mosaics and the remains of Venetian lagoons. We passed through without staying overnight but Dua Lipa and other stars in the Albanian-Kosovan firmament rent villas at nearby Kep Merli. GOING WITH THE FLOW Rivers in Albania carry liquid history. The wild waterway of Vjosa has been turned into a national park, flowing into the Adriatic from the Pindus Mountains in Greece. Chamomile tea is from the meadows, cherry jam from the shading wild cherries. Around the fortress town of Tepelene, the Vjosa swells to offer white-water rafting. It is worth following the river Osum and its tributaries too, flanked between the town of Berat and tiny village of Roshnik by fresh olive and apricot stalls. Our daughters Sorrel and May insisted they treat us to a thank-you meal. Locals told us to find a place called Alpeta. Our table was swiftly thick with spiced goats cheese, jugs of red and white wine, piping corn bread, courgette pies. We ate until we could eat no more. I could see the girls nervously checking their Monzo accounts. The cost? 36 for four. Strictly's Amanda Abbington has concerned fans by revealing her fiance Jonathan Goodwin is set to have a major operation. The Sherlock actress, 52, shared a selfie to Instagram cosying up to her escapologist partner, 44, while sat on a hospital bed. Jonathan was left with life-changing injuries after he was crushed between two burning cars in October 2021 during rehearsals for America's Got Talent: Extreme, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Now, Jonathan - who started dating Amanda in 2021 - is preparing to have 'more spinal surgery'. Alongside the snap, Amanda wrote: 'The bravest dude I know. More spinal surgery. We're used to hospital rooms.' Strictly's Amanda Abbington has concerned fans by revealing her fiance Jonathan Goodwin is set to have a major operation Jonathan was left with life-changing injuries after he was crushed between two burning cars in October 2021 during rehearsals for America's Got Talent : Extreme, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway Jonathan is suing America's Got Talent bosses over a stunt that went wrong and left him in a wheelchair for life. The stunt was supposed to see him free himself and fall underneath the vehicles before they collided. But the cars were released too early and he was crushed as the metal chassis came together before a huge fireball erupted. Jonathan then fell to the ground and hit his head. He was airlifted to hospital where he underwent surgery. The stuntman came away from the accident with fractures to his ribs, legs and shoulders, third-degree burns, internal organ injuries and he also lost his left kidney. Jonathan has performed other similarly death-defying stunts on the show before. In 2013, he wore a straightjacket and dangled from a blazing rope over the River Thames in London. He was suspended upside down from the London Eye and managed to escape, which was all part of his TV series The Incredible Mr Goodwin. The hospital selfie comes after Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington's explosive exit mid series from the BBC show. Last year Abington quit the show due to 'personal reasons' amid claims of a feud between her and Giovanni Pernice, 33. The stunt went horribly wrong and lead to him being hospitalised for four months The accident happened in mid-October 2021, with NBC 'temporarily' suspending production on the show Jonathan said that he called Amanda and 'thanked her' for the time they had together after the accident, in case he didn't see her again She was left so shaken from her experience that she demanded footage of their rehearsals to back up her claim of PTSD. Abbington, who starred on BBC drama Sherlock, has since dropped her complaint against the BBC and sources at the corporation say the matter is now closed and they have moved on. The actress was also seeking legal advice over Pernice's alleged behaviour towards her. It has reportedly taken months for her to recover from her time on the programme and she has apparently needed therapy following the behaviour she was exposed to. Speaking about her condition, Abbington told The Sun: I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally. Abbington was praised by the judges for her performances during her time on the show but it was claimed she was struggling behind the scenes. Pernice, who is one of Strictlys most in demand professional dancers because of his ability to get the best out of his celebrity partners, found himself in the headlines following the star's allegations. Friends say that he is a perfectionist who always gets results. It was reported during Strictly that Abbington and Pernice clashed but she dismissed claims of a fallout It was reported during Strictly that Abbington and her partner clashed but she dismissed claims of a fallout at the time. The Sherlock star quickly shot down suggestions and the 52-year-old took to social media to scotch the rumours and called the claims of a fallout 'bulls***'. But rumours once again swirled after she released a statement announcing her departure on Instagram where she left out the professional dancer. An inside source told The Telegraph: 'It could be that she didn't know what she let herself in for. 'He [Pernice] was quite tough and she found that difficult. If she wasn't very well, that wouldn't have helped. 'She was with a partner that had a certain training style that she couldn't cope with. Whether that came to a head or whether there's something else going on I don't know.' Pernice's parents said the dancer 'was just doing his job' following Amanda's shock departure from Strictly. Addressing the news at the time, Pernice's father Piero and mother Rosalda admitted that their son 'trained for long hours but was just doing his job'. The actress took to Instagram Live to shoot down suggestions that she had fallen out with her professional dancing partner, slamming the claims as 'bulls***' Abbington announced her departure form the show in October last year in an Instagram post The twinkle-toed star was reportedly only given the news of his partner's exit a few hours before the official statement was released. A source told the Daily Star that the processional was worried about the impact on his career. BBC bosses have been in discussions with the dancer about his future after further bombshell claims were made against him by Step's Faye Tozer. The pop star, 48, in tears after a heated clash backstage of spin-off show It Takes Two in 2018. A source told The Sun how Giovanni's 'fiercely competitive' nature left the pop star emotional and they butted heads during rehearsals. A BBC spokesman says: Planning around care for those taking part in and competing in our programmes is always a core part of our production process. An Australian rapper has spoken out after his wife shoved a woman off the stage at his show in Cairns on Sunday night. Blake Turner, known by the stage name ChillinIT, was dancing on stage when a young woman climbed onto the platform. She was then pushed off by the rapper's partner Natasha Rayner, fell back into the crowd and sustained a head injury. An Australian rapper has spoken out after his wife (pictured) shoved a woman off the stage at his show in Cairns on Sunday night Turner told the Cairns Post his wife was 'distraught' about the incident. 'No one should rush a stage and the young girl, everyone felt for, but my wife reacted out of instinct,' he said. 'I shut the show down to get her medical attention and physically put her on an ambulance. I then also attended to my wife who was distraught.' A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed a woman in her 20s was transported to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition. She has been discharged. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Turner for comment. Turner released his debut studio album Women Weed & Wordplay in October 2018. Blake Turner, known by the stage name ChillinIT, was dancing on the stage when a young woman climbed onto the platform. She was then pushed off by the rapper's partner Natasha Rayner, fell back into the crowd and sustained a head injury In 2019, he released his single Freedom, which became his first charting single and was number 87 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The following year, he released his album The Octagon and it made it to number 2 on the ARIA Album Chart. In 2021, Turner won the Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP at the ARIA Awards for The Octagon. A celebrity stylist has unleashed a scathing rant against David Jones and claimed they were injured by the zipper on one of their dresses. Jamie Azzopardi, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, made headlines after publicly clashing with a model during Melbourne Fashion Week last month. Now the influencer has turned their ire against a luxury department store, claiming in a lengthy Instagram post they were also 'fat shamed' by a staff member. They kicked off their lengthy message by saying they bought a 'really expensive' size 8 dress from David Jones which was 'a little loose' and had a 'tricky' zipper. 'Upon taking it home and putting it on for a red carpet event later that week, I realised I couldn't do the zip up,' they explained. Celebrity stylist Jamie Azzopardi has unleashed a scathing rant against David Jones and claimed they were injured by the zipper on one of their dresses 'It decided to play up, so I decided to take it off and that's when the zip got stuck, broke and upon releasing the zip, it cut a chunk of my skin.' Jamie alleged the cut was 'about two inches long' and 'bled for about 20 minutes', so they 'took the dress back to the store and explained what happened'. However, they said 'that's when things turned pear shape' and alleged the staff member who served them used the wrong pronouns and 'fat shamed' them. Azzopardi, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, made headlines after publicly clashing with a model during Melbourne Fashion Week last mont 'After the woman who served me finally got her mind around the fact that I was in that dress... and don't like being called "sir", she began to fat shame me,' they wrote. '[She then asked] why I'd bought the wrong size before adding that maybe I should try more appropriate clothing.' Jamie went on to say 'someone higher than her' eventually gave them a refund and 'apologised' for the treatment they received, but Jamie wasn't satisfied. Now the influencer has turned their ire against a luxury department store, claiming in a lengthy Instagram post that they were also 'fat shamed' by a staff member 'This is 2024 and the way that transpired is disgusting. Your product was faulty, and even if it was the wrong size, pointing that out would not have helped,' they said. A David Jones spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'David Jones is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for our team, our customers and our community. 'Any interaction that is contradictory to our core values is of concern to us and is taken seriously. 'In line with this, we have commenced our process of internal inquiry into this matter.' Jamie's allegations come after shocking footage emerged of them clashing with model Paige Montana De Cinque during Melbourne Fashion Week last month. The pair got into an argument at popular Melbourne venue Bar Bambi, during which Jamie falsely claimed they were the 'Head of Fashion Week', despite not being on the board of the organisation. Married At First Sight viewers have cruelly trolled some of the brides over their feathered brows. The explosive 2024 series continued on Monday night, as the fates of the couples were revealed during Final Vows. However, some fans were distracted by one specific detail as they took to social media to mock some of the brides over their eyebrow looks. They shared their dislike for the thick laminated eyebrow beauty trend as they piled on the criticism in unkind comments. Users wrote: 'What is it with her eyebrows, they look like tooth brushes....just weird?!' Married At First Sight viewers have cruelly trolled some of the brides over their feathered brows as the 2024 series came to an end on Monday night in an epic finale Another added, 'Terrible look, thought by now someone might have quietly whispered something.' 'I would like to thank #MAFSAustralia for showing me what type of eyebrows I DON'T want,' sniped one viewer. 'It's a horrendous beauty trend and just looks so bad. I don't get it.' However, others backed the fashion trend as they commented: 'Thick brows are back in fashion,' before adding, 'Eden's eyebrow game is getting stronger every week.' During Monday's episode, viewers also became convinced that Eden Harper had shaved off part of her eyebrow. The final vows episode saw Eden, 28, and Jayden, 26, profess their love for each other and get their happily ever after following a rocky few weeks on the show. However, fans were distracted by one notable detail as they shared their confusion over Eden's eyebrows. However, some fans were distracted by one specific detail as they shared their dislike for the thick laminated eyebrow beauty trend in unkind comments During the emotional final vows scenes, half of one of Eden's eyebrows seemed to have disappeared as viewers shared questioned whether she had shaved it off. Some fans even questioned if that was why Eden had decided to style her golden locks with a side fringe falling loosely to frame her face for the episode. Taking to social media, one wrote: 'Where did the other half of Eden's eyebrow go tonight?' Speculating that she had shaved off her brow, another said: 'I did the same thing with tweezers when I was 15.' 'Yeah I've done that one before! I imagine that's why they chose the side fringe hairstyle,' a third added. During the finale episode, viewers also became convinced that Eden Harper had shaved her eyebrow as half of one appeared to have disappeared in the final vows scenes The Final Vows episode saw Eden, 28, and Jayden, 26, profess their love for each other and get their happily ever after following a rocky few weeks on the show Monday's scenes saw Eden and Jayden walk away as a strong couple after a rocky few weeks where they clashed and struggled to understand each other. During the final vows, Eden shook with nerves as Jayden slowly professed his love, before she admitted she initially wasn't sure which way his vows would go. 'You're an amazing woman who deserves a true gentleman to stand beside you. Sometimes I worry that I may not be worthy to be that man,' he began. 'I worry about not being good enough for you and not being able to fulfil your needs and expectations in a partner. This decision is not one that I have taken lately. We are both good people and we both deserve a loving relationship,' he continued. 'Eden, the feeling I have for you I have never felt in my life. There is nobody else I want to be with,' he added, with his nervous bride visibly breathing a sigh of relief. During the tense scenes, Eden shook with nerves as Jayden slowly professed his love, before she admitted she initially wasn't sure which way his vows would go He went on: 'Although you constantly steal my hairbrush, use all my expensive shampoo, leave water all over the house after showering and get make up all over my towels, I wouldn't change it for anything because I truly love you with all my heart. 'You are everything and more that I asked the experts for in a partner and I knew early on in this experiment that you were very very special.' 'I can see myself spending the rest of our lives together and I can see you being great mother to all of our children, with baby humans or golden retrievers, we can have a few of each,' he joked as the pair embraced. An emotional Eden then began her own declaration, saying: 'I entered this experiment not knowing who would be standing at the end of the aisle, not knowing what it was, what I wanted in a partner, and not knowing how far we would make it.' 'Our relationship grew stronger with every challenge. In our way, we built trust and respect for one another we supported one another...' she went on as she broke down in tears. After sharing a kiss at the end of the ceremony, the couple said they were looking forward to a future together and gushed over getting their 'happily ever after' 'I now step out of this experiment knowing exactly what I want from a partner and that is you. I can't thank you enough for the love affection and kindness that you showed me. 'I hope I get to experience it for a lifetime. I can't wait to bring a relationship to every day life so I can tell you that I love you every single day.' The pair shared a sweet kiss, before Jayden gave Eden a glistening bracelet to seal their love. After the ceremony, the couple said they were looking forward to a future together and gushed over getting their 'happily ever after'. Ellie Leach was seen with her Coronation Street co-star Colson Smith as he supported her as her ex-boyfriend Bobby Brazier's new romance was revealed. The Strictly Come Dancing winner's outing is the first time she has been seen since her former flame Bobby Brazier seemingly confirmed a relationship with his co-star. Ellie showed Bobby what he was missing as she stepped out with a smile on her face at Manchester's Lowry Theatre to film ITV's drama Queens in a biker leather jacket. Ellie, 22, was joined by Celebrity Big Brother finalist Colson and she looked sensational in a pair of casual jean of loose-fitting jeans. She accessorised her streetwear ensemble with a pair of white trainers, sunglasses, and an oversized blue cotton tote bag. Ellie Leach was seen with her Coronation Street co-star Colson Smith as he supported her as her ex-boyfriend Bobby Brazier's new romance was revealed The Strictly Come Dancing winner's outing is the first time she has been seen since her former flame Bobby Brazier seemingly confirmed a relationship with his co-star Also opting for a relaxed fit, Colson wore a simple grey hooded jacket, a black T-shirt and cargo trousers. It comes after Bobby, 20, and his new EastEnders actress girlfriend, Jazzy Phoenix, teased their new relationship on social media. In a now deleted post, Jazzy, 23, took to Instagram on Monday to confirm the new romance, 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 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. She showed Bobby what he was missing as she stepped out to Manchester's Lowry Theatre to film ITV's drama Queens in a biker leather jacket Ellie, 22, looked sensational as she kept her look casual with a jean of loose-fitting jeans She accessorised her streetwear ensemble with a pair of white trainers, sunglasses, and an oversized blue cotton tote bag Bobby and his new EastEnders actress 'girlfriend' Jazzy 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 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) Channel Seven security moved a Today reporter on during a live cross on Wednesday morning. Alex Heinke was reporting on Seven's involvement in the Bruce Lehrmann saga at the front of the Seven network Sydney studio when he was asked to leave. 'We have just had some interruptions here, we are being moved on by security,' Alex told viewers. 'But what we can tell you this morning is that Seven strongly deny these allegations,' he said. Alex also revealed that former Channel Seven producer Taylor Auerbach will be defending claims made against him in court on Thursday. Channel Seven security moved Today reporter Alex Heinke (pictured) on during a live cross on Wednesday morning It comes as Mr Auerbach is threatening to sue Bruce Lehrmann for defamation over an alleged saga involving a night out and thousands of dollars worth of Thai massages. A News Corp story claimed Mr Auerbach used a Seven West credit card to book two $1000 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 Mr Auerbach's home in Elizabeth Bay for some hours after the massage, and expenses amounting to a total of $2940 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 the network's flagship current affairs program, Spotlight, which aired in June and August last year. Heinke was reporting on Seven's involvement in the Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) saga at the front of the Seven network Sydney studio when he was asked to leave It is understood Mr Auerbach used the corporate card without the knowledge of key Spotlight staff. Text messages later emerged showing a senior producer, Steve Jackson, allegedly guiding Mr Auerbach on how to reverse the massage transaction. However, Mr Lehrmann denied Mr Auerbach's version of events, telling media: 'It's an untrue and bizarre story from a disgruntled ex-Network Seven producer.' 'Network Seven only ever covered reasonable travel for filming and accommodation,' he said. Mr Lehrmann acknowledged that he was in Sydney with Mr Auerbach and other Seven staffers that night, but denied using the services of Thai masseuses. Channel Seven also released a statement on Tuesday evening rejecting 'the false and misleading claims relating to the broadcast of material in the Spotlight program'. It comes as Mr Auerbach is threatening to sue Bruce Lehrmann for defamation over an alleged saga involving a night out and thousands of dollars worth of Thai massages 'Seven has never revealed its source or sources and has no intention of doing so,' a spokesman for the network said. 'Seven notes Mr Lehrmann's court testimony last year that he was not the source. 'Furthermore, Seven did not condone or authorise the alleged payments to Mr Lehrmann referred to in the affidavits. 'As has been previously reported, the person involved admitted to the misuse of a Seven corporate card and all unauthorised expenses were immediately reimbursed. Seven notes that these proceedings remain before the court.' Harrison Boon has reignited his feud with Abbie Chatfield and his on-screen 'ex-wife' Bronte Schofield as he cruelly branded them 'unmarryable'. The 2023 MAFS groom, 32, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share an array of controversial posts about The Bachelor star Abbie, 28, and other reality TV stars. He was also slammed as 'vile' and 'misogynistic' after posting about a dating 'danger zone' for women of certain ages. Harrison first shared screenshots of former MAFS brides' dating profiles and posts about finding a match, including those of his on-screen 'ex-wife' Bronte and Sandy Jawanda. He then shared an article about Abbie discussing her recent break-up as he wrote alongside the post: 'Another unmarryable [crying laughing emoji].' Harrison Boon has reignited his feud with Abbie Chatfield and his on-screen 'ex-wife' Bronte Schofield as he cruelly branded them as 'unmarryable' The 2023 MAFS groom, 32, took to his Instagram Stories on Tuesday to share an array of posts about The Bachelor star Abbie, 28, and other reality TV stars Responding to his post, Abbie took to her own Instagram Stories to ask her followers to send them what Harrison had said about her, as she seemingly didn't have access to his Instagram page. Harrison also shared a screenshot of MAFS' Lyndall Grace tearfully announcing her break-up from her boyfriend of five months, writing alongside the picture: 'Sucks for you Lyndall. 'At least you haven't embarrassed yourself by saying over and over again how much better he was than Cam,' he added sarcastically. 'Now you can join the rest of the unmarryables on Hinge,' he added. Harrison - who is dating Gina Ha - was also accused of being 'misogynistic' as he shared a brazen statement about the 'danger zone' for women being between '27 and 35 years of age'. He has been slammed as 'vile' and 'misogynistic' after branding Abbie and an array of former MAFS brides as 'unmarryable' and posting about a dating 'danger zone' for women He then shared an article about Abbie discussing her recent break-up as he wrote alongside the post: 'Another unmarryable [crying laughing emoji]' Responding to his post, Abbie took to her own Instagram Stories to ask her followers to send them what Harrison had said about her, as she seemingly didn't have access to his Instagram He wrote: 'You ladies might have avoided accountability on MAFS but karma is a 'b***h'. The market ain't buying what you're selling and you're running out of time. 'All the emotional support you get from feminist echo chambers on Facebook and Instagram clearly aren't filling that void. Best of luck though. You can always adopt a dog?' He added on his Stories: 'I'm gonna get cancelled for this [crying laughing emojis],' in response to a fan as he brushed off the social media uproar. Harrison doubled down on his remarks in an Instagram Live where he spoke about the women who he branded as 'the unmarryables' and gave his thoughts on how men and women are 'valued' differently in the 'sexual marketplace'. He said: 'What makes a woman unmarryable? Good question you might have asked. They're missing, I would say, three of the four things that make them valuable in the marketplace - youth, beauty, character and values.' His slew of controversial comments prompted outrage online, with a whole host of former MAFS stars taking to social media to respond to his 'sexist' posts. Harrison first shared screenshots of former MAFS brides' dating profiles and posts about finding a match, including those of his on-screen 'ex-wife' Bronte and Sandy Jawanda Harrison also shared a screenshot of MAFS' Lyndall Grace tearfully announcing her break-up from her boyfriend of five months, writing alongside the picture: 'Sucks for you Lyndall' Harrison - who is dating Gina Ha - was also accused of being 'misogynistic' as he shared a brazen statement about the 'danger zone' for women being between '27 and 35 years of age' His slew of controversial comments prompted outrage online, with a whole host of former MAFS stars taking to social media to respond to his 'sexist' posts Harrison shared a screenshot of people branding him as 'vile' in a slew of DMs, as he wrote alongside the image: 'The unmarryables are in my DMs. Ladies let's discuss this live. Sending me abusive messages is low value behaviour and only proves my point.' Harrison's MAFS 'ex-wife' Bronte responded to his comments about her in a series of enraged posts after he reignited their ongoing feud. She wrote on her Stories: 'I don't want to give this particular person much airtime, he probably has about four years left with hair lol so he's truly one to talk about a 'timeline' but I love my girls, so much! 'Your relationship status and age doesn't determine your self worth, ever.' 'Being single is also a choice, a choice most of us made to HEAL from men like him and not to project the hurt they inflict on to our next partner,' she added. In a follow-up video, she also slammed her ex for still talking about her more than a year after the show. Harrison's MAFS 'ex-wife' Bronte responded to his comments about her in a series of enraged posts as she joined her co-stars in slamming him after he reignited their ongoing feud She fumed: 'Seriously, like you're in a relationship, cool, do you want a f**king medal, no one asked! Not one single person asked. Shut up!' His latest comments have reignited his feud with Brooke, who he has previously slammed over her OnlyFans career in vulgar posts. Meanwhile, Tahnee Cook also took to her Instagram to share a lengthy post calling Harrison out on his 'misogyny' as she slammed him as 'disgusting'. Sharing his slew of posts, she wrote: 'Jumping on here to address something gross I saw on socials this week. Swipe across to see. 'Being on MAFS was an intense experience for everyone and even immensely harder for those who put their hearts on the line to have it broken so publicly in front of the world. I love these girls so much and I won't allow them to be spoken about in such a gross tone. 'Anyone that shares these same views is a misogynistic pig and you should run as far away as you can. The sentiment that woman are no value to men when they hit a certain age it's just disgusting. She slammed her ex for still talking about her more than a year after the show as she urged him to 'shut up' in response to his posts MAFS alum Tahnee Cook also took to her Instagram to share a lengthy post calling Harrison out on his 'misogyny' as she slammed him as 'disgusting' 'How are we in 2024 with people still holding these beliefs? It is no longer normalised to stay in unfulfilling and toxic relationships in fear of being undesirable. Your age doesn't determine your worthiness of love. 'These same men will date women significantly younger than them because they feel they can control them and mould them into who they want them to be. 'These same men want a girl who's adventurous in the bedroom but only with them and hasn't been with anyone else. 'These same men want you to be beautiful but don't show it off too much to bring attention to yourself because you're theirs and not for anyone else. 'These same men don't want you to be more successful than they are because that threatens their 'masculinity'. She hit out at Harrison in a very lengthy statement and flocked to her co-stars' defence, with Harrison commenting a response beneath her post 'If we are 'unmarryables' then who fkn cares. We don't base our worth on the beliefs of disgusting men anyway. 'Anyone who is happy and unbothered doesn't have the time to drag people down like this.. Love my girls. P.S I've never seen a guy with a good hairline talk shit about women. Hot guys are feminists.' Responding to Tahnee's fuming post, Harrison simply commented: 'Nice to see all the unmarryables together in one post,' as he added fuel to the fire. Season 10 MAFS bride Sandy, whose post Harrison shared in his online rant, backed up Tahnee as she called him out on his behaviour. Season 10 MAFS bride Sandy, whose post Harrison shared in his online rant, backed up Tahnee as she called him out on his behaviour Re-sharing Tahnee's post, she penned: 'I was torn about sharing this because it's disappointing and I didn't want to give 'him' a platform. 'I try not to engage with people that can't be kind and considerate, but this also needs to be called out. 'What 'he' fails to see is that some of us chose to work on ourselves and process the trauma of what we went through instead of looking to another person to validate us.' Harrison declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. Schools still face staffing challenges By Jung Da-hyun After one month of operation, after-school care program aimed at providing child care services and education are showing promising signs of success with an increase in the number of participating schools and students. However, challenges such as a lack of instructors remain as expected. The Ministry of Education said Wednesday that after a month of implementation, 37 percent more schools than the government's estimate are participating in the before and after-school program called Neulbom School. The program is part of the government's initiative to address the low birthrate by easing the child care burden for working parents, offering various educational and child care services from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to elementary school students while their parents are at work. Currently, the program is only available to first-graders. The government plans to expand it to include higher grades starting from the second semester of this year. Initially, the government planned to introduce the program to 2,000 schools nationwide in March, about one-third of elementary schools nationwide. However, as of now, 2,838 schools have implemented Neulbom School. With more elementary schools in Seoul and Gwangju planning to start the program in April, it is expected that about 48 percent of all elementary schools nationwide will run the program in the first semester. The number of students attending Neulbom classes has also increased by 1.4 million compared to March 4, the starting day of the program. Approximately 74.3 percent, which is 136,000 students of the 2,838 elementary schools, are participating in the after-school care initiative. Parents taking advantage of the services are also responding positively, expressing that it is beneficial for children to take part in various activities in school, which are considered safer than private education institutions. However, the lack of space and teachers remains a significant challenge that needs to be addressed by the government's active intervention. In the case of elementary schools, homeroom teachers have to prepare for classes in the classroom after regular classes, but due to a lack of space, there are instances where teachers must vacate the classrooms for use in after-school activities. The shortage of teachers for the extracurricular program is also consistently highlighted as a problem. Groups of teachers have pointed out that some teachers are burdened with administrative tasks due to difficulties in hiring administrative personnel. Also, fixed-term teachers have to manage both Neulbom classes and administrative tasks simultaneously. They have also voiced complaints that vice principals are tasked with managing the program in their respective schools, leading to an overload of responsibilities. According to the education ministry's announcement about the program on March 12, one out of every six instructors in the program is a full-time teacher. During a briefing on Wednesday, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho announced a plan to assign working-level staff to all elementary schools and hire dedicated personnel to take charge of after-school education and care services starting from the second semester. Furthermore, local education offices and governments will strengthen cooperation to devise policies that address the lack of space, the ministry said. The Today breakfast show hosts shocked viewers on Wednesday when they mocked a woman passing by one of their reporters on the Gold Coast. Reporter Mia Glover pointed and laughed at the passerby over her attire during her morning live cross with the Sydney studio. Co-anchors Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo burst into laughter back in the studio, and said the woman's outfit made her look like she was in a Hitchcock film. 'Looks like they're all extras on a set doesn't it, on the Gold Coast,' Karl, 49, said, as he watched the early risers taking a stroll behind Mia on the camera. As Mia laughed at the joke, Karl went on to say it was like she was 'at Movie World'. The Today breakfast show hosts shocked viewers on Wednesday when they mocked a woman passing by one of their reporters on the Gold Coast. Pictured (L to R): Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, and Mia Glover It was at this point the television presenter caught sight of a woman approaching while holding a black umbrella to protect her face from the sun. Seemingly out for a casual stroll, she hid her eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses and protected her face from the light with the brolly. She added to the look in a long black skirt and red button-up shirt. Reporter Mia Glover pointed and laughed at a passerby for her attire during her morning live cross with the Sydney studio 'There we go, there's the umbrella lady. Alfred Hitchcock there,' he said, referencing the famous film director who was renowned for his moody films. When Mia noticed the woman walking up behind her, the reporter pointed and doubled over with laughter. 'Pointing at her. Don't shame her,' co-anchor Sarah, 37, said as the cameraman followed the woman while she moved past a laughing Mia. Meanwhile, co-anchors Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo burst into laughter back in the studio, and said the woman's attire made her look like she was in a Hitchcock film 'That's terrible,' Karl said, despite being in tears over the joke. '[Mia] is a funny woman,' he added, as his colleague then pretended to creep up behind the passerby. The woman made no comment or indication she heard Mia mocking her. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Nine for comment. Kirsten Dunst has spoken out about the darker side of Hollywood. The actress, 41, began her career in showbusiness when she was cast in Interview With The Vampire at the age of 11. In a new interview, Kirsten recalled one particular incident where an unnamed male director asked her a 'totally inappropriate' question when she was alone in his office aged 16 to discuss a sought-after role. She said she confided in her mother Inez Rupprecht about the 'out of the blue' comment, who swiftly withdrew her from the project. 'I was only able to avoid that predatory side of the business because wherever I went, my mother was literally always right there,' Kirsten told The Telegraph. Kirsten Dunst has recalled one particular incident where an unnamed male director asked her a 'totally inappropriate' question when she was alone in his office when she was 16 She said she confided in her mother Inez Rupprecht (pictured together in 1996) about the 'out of the blue' comment, who swiftly withdrew her from the project involving the male director The actress starred in a different movie The Virgin Suicides that same year, (pictured), She found a mentor in Sofia Coppola who asked her during the casting of the 1999 film if any male directors had 'pounced' on her previously, to which Kirsten replied: 'I dont give off that vibe' 'A male director had me in his office, by myself, and was asking me about this movie he wanted me for, and then, completely out of the blue, asked me this inappropriate question. 'Honestly, Im not even sure hes still working any more, its not something I like to reflect on. But I will say what he said was nothing to do with acting and it wasnt that what he said was just a bit off. It was totally improper. And I remember sitting there and knowing that something was wrong, but with no idea what I should do.' Kirsten said her mother told them she wouldn't be making the film after hearing the shocking comment. The actress soon found a mentor in Sofia Coppola who asked her during the casting of 1999's The Virgin Suicides if any male directors had 'pounced' on her previously, to which Kirsten replied: 'I dont give off that vibe'. Elsewhere in the interview, Kirsten discussed the gender pay gap between herself and Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man, which she previously said was 'very extreme'. The actress had just had a big Hollywood blockbuster film playing a cheerleader in Bring It On. Reflecting, Kirsten said she should have commanded a much bigger salary as she was 'bringing something to the table' but she had 'no awareness of that', nor the fact she was being paid 'much, much less than Tobey'. The actress, 41, began her career in showbusiness when she was cast in Interview With The Vampire at the age of 11 (pictured) Kirsten said: 'I was only able to avoid that predatory side of the business because wherever I went, my mother was always right there' (pictured in a still from Virgin Suicides age 16) Elsewhere in the interview, Kirsten discussed the gender pay-gap between herself and Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man, which she previously said was 'very extreme' Kirsten is returning to the big screen for the first time in nearly three years with A24's Civil War (pictured) The actress is pleased a lot more discussions are happening around pay as she admits she didn't even think to question it when she was working on the films from 2002 - 2007. After a hiatus from the industry since her award-winning role in The Power Of The Dog, Kirsten is s returning to the big screen for the first time in nearly three years with A24's Civil War. She plays Lee Smith, described as a, 'steely photojournalist' who risks her life covering the fictional American Civil War, where 19 states have seceded from the Union. The actress recently revealed after her Oscars win all she was offered was 'sad mum roles' and so she took time out to focus on motherhood. Kirsten is married to Jesse Plemons and they have two sons, whom they welcomed in 2018 and 2021. Brian Cox cosied up to his Long Day's Journey Into Night co-star Patricia Clarkson on Tuesday night. The Succession actor, 77, - who has been married to wife Nicole for 22 years - and the actress, 64, looked to be getting on well at an after party at The Londoner Hotel following the show. The pair are starring in a new revival of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night this spring 2024 in the West End. In the production Brian plays the flawed father of the dysfunctional Irish-American Tyrone family while Patricia plays his opium-addicted wife. The pair were seen in character kissing on stage during the production at the Wyndham's Theatre earlier in the night. Brian Cox cosied up to his Long Day's Journey Into Night co-star Patricia Clarkson on Tuesday night The pair are starring in a new revival of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night this spring 2024 in the West End At the after party Patricia looked stunning in a black dress with feather sleeves which she teamed with pink heels. Brian looked dapper in a grey suit as he wrapped his arm around her and beamed for snaps. Set in August 1912 at the Tyrones' summer home in Connecticut, this powerful play by Eugene, which is semi-autobiographical, follows a single day in the lives of the family. As the day begins to lead into the night, the Tyrones grapple with their own shortcomings, addictions, and struggles, blaming and resenting one another in the process. Written by O'Neill between 1939 and 1941 and posthumously published in 1956, Long Day's Journey Into Night earned O'Neill the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1957 and the Tony Award for Best Play. It comes after earlier this year Brian and his wife Nicole Ansari-Cox shared the story of their first meeting and how they didn't actually get together until eight years later. The actor and his actress wife, 55, said there was 'fireworks' during their first meeting in 1990 when Brian was on a world tour of King Lear. However despite 'clicking', it wasn't meant to be at the time, even though Brian did initially think she was 'coming back for him' following their evening together. The Succession actor, 77, - who has been married to wife Nicole for 22 years - and the actress, 64, looked to be getting on well at an after party at The Londoner Hotel following the show In the production Brian plays the flawed father of the dysfunctional Irish-American Tyrone family while Patricia plays his opium-addicted wife At the after party Patricia looked stunning in a black dress with feather sleeves which she teamed with pink heels Meanwhile Brian looked dapper in a grey suit as he wrapped his arm around her and beamed for snaps Set in August 1912 at the Tyrones' summer home in Connecticut, this powerful play by Eugene, which is semi-autobiographical, follows a single day in the lives of the family As the day begins to lead into the night, the Tyrones grapple with their own shortcomings, addictions, and struggles, blaming and resenting one another in the process Cast members Louisa Harland, Daryl McCormack, Brian Cox, Patricia Clarkson and Laurie Kynaston bow at the curtain call The Succession star told the Sunday Times Magazine: 'I was on tour in 1990 when I met Nicole at a party in Hamburg. We talked about work and all kinds of spiritual stuff well into the night. I was 44 and she was 23, but we sort of clicked. 'A few weeks later I was in a restaurant in Milan with the cast when she walked in. I thought, 'She's come for me,' and I stood up. Then sat down quickly thinking 'You bloody idiot,' because she clearly hadn't. After that I didn't see her again for eight years.' Nicole explained the reasoning for the time apart, and said: 'But then life took over. I worked in Zurich, Paris and Vienna and we didn't see each other again for eight years.' But it wasn't the end of the road for the pair, who met again when Brian was starring in Art on Broadway and Nicole left a note with the doorman for him. Brian recalled calling Nicole 15 minutes before the curtain was due to come up and she rushed back after he invited her to the show. Following the show, Brian and Nicole spent the night together after an evening of tango dancing, as he admitted they have been together since. However it hasn't been without trying times, as Brian told how they suffered a make or break evening in Texas two years into their romance, where Brian declared that either they needed to split or get married. He said: 'We went to the Little White Chapel in Vegas the next day. That was 24 years ago. It was great fun and that's been our relationship ever since.' Nicole also confessed their relationship has faced struggles, as she claimed there were 'four years of pure hell', which was aided by therapy. She said 'Our 25 years together have not been a fairytale. We had four years that were pure hell. We went to couples therapy and it helped a lot. He was always willing to work at it. Because after that first burst of falling in love, inevitably every relationship has moments where you have to decide: is this worth my time?' The loved-up pair have been married since 2002 and share two sons, Orson Jonathan and Torin Kamran. Last year, Brian revealed on Live With Kelly and Ryan, that he and Nicole renewed their wedding vows in a surprise Vegas ceremony. The star explained: 'We'd actually been apart for a while she'd been traveling and then we sat down and we said, 'Where do we go from here? Do we finish or do we go on?' And we thought, ''Well let's go on and get married''.' Elsewhere in The Times interview, Nicole admitted Succession 'didnt mean that much to her', but she is glad that it means everyone know sees the value in her husband that she has since all along. Brian's performance on Succession was critically acclaimed and secured him a Golden Globe. However, he has revealed that the success has come with a price, admitting he is mourning the loss of his privacy with his celebrity status. Last year, Brian told Barley Magazine: 'It's been a phenomenal journey for me. There's no question it's changed my life in so many ways. 'I've lost my anonymity, you know, I've lost all of that. That's all gone. I used to be the guy you'd say 'Oh, you were in such and such or no, or no you weren't'.but now I'm Logan Roy and everybody just wants me to tell them to f*** off!' Written by O'Neill between 1939 and 1941 and posthumously published in 1956, Long Day's Journey Into Night earned O'Neill the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1957 and the Tony Award for Best Play Brian looked great in his dark grey suit The cast bowed at the end of the show The show is currently on at the Wyndham's Theatre Brian posed for snaps at the after party The cast all posed together Cast members Louisa Harland, Laurie Kynaston, Patricia Clarkson, Brian Cox and Daryl McCormack attend the press night Co-stars Brian and Laurie posed together in their smart suits He discussed how fans commonly ask him for 'f*** off selfies', saying: 'I say they can have one for $500. He then added to The Guardian: 'I've lost my anonymity, and I've realised that was what was important to me. 'I haven't ever experienced anything like this. I mean, you ask for success in your work, and you get it, and then you have to deal with the consequences. 'I've always valued my privacy, but it's gone. I've been very lucky that I've had it for so long. You know, I've been doing this for over 60 years. And finally it's over.' Rebel Wilson has claimed her alleged experience with Sacha Baron Cohen led to an eating disorder in her bombshell new memoir. The Australian actress, 44, made shock claims about her experience with 'a**hole' comedian Sacha Baron Cohen in her memoir, Rebel Rising. She alleged that on the set of 2016 comedy The Brothers Grimsby, Sacha would ask her to strip off for scenes despite her 'no nudity' rule, in a string of claims which Sacha has strenuously denied and says are contradicted by evidence. In a memoir passage obtained by People Magazine, she shockingly alleged that Sacha requested she 'stick her finger up his a**' because he thought it would make a funny scene in the film and claimed 'it felt like [he] had sexually harassed me'. Rebel also claimed the alleged inappropriate experience with the Borat actor led to an eating disorder as she detailed the 'disrespect' she felt. Rebel Wilson has claimed her alleged experience with Sacha Baron Cohen led to an eating disorder in her bombshell new memoir The Pitch Perfect star recalled how she felt 'completed disrespected, which led to me treating myself with even more disrespect by eating in an extremely unhealthy way'. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sacha's representative for further comment. Rebel played Sacha's on-screen girlfriend in the 2016 Louis Leterrier-directed film and has made a series of allegations about her uncomfortable experience during shooting. Rebel claimed that during filming, Sacha would repeatedly 'mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene', which she alleged was in 'no way essential' to the film's plot. In her book, which was released in the US on Tuesday, she wrote: 'It felt like every time I'd speak to SBC, he'd mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene. I was like, 'Ha, I don't do nudity, Sacha'.' In her memoir Rebel Rising, the Australian actress, 44, made shock claims about her experience filming The Brothers Grimsby with 'a**hole' comedian Sacha Baron Cohen Rebel claimed that she was allegedly summoned by a product assistant for an additional scene while shooting in Cape Town, South Africa. Rebel said: 'OK, well, we're gonna film this extra scene,' SBC says. 'Then he pulls his pants down', SBC says very matter-of-factly: 'OK, now I want you to stick your finger up my a**.' And I'm like, 'What?? No!!'' Rebel claimed she was shocked and wanted to get out of it, adding: 'I was now scared. I wanted to get out of there, so I finally compromised: I slapped him on the ass and improvised a few lines as the character.' The Bridesmaids actress also claimed she only agreed to a sex scene with Sacha after several rewrites and recalled allegedly telling the producers that she wouldn't be promoting the film ahead of its release. However, newly emerged footage from the sex scene in the 2016 film seems to show that the action was part of the script and the actress was on board with the scene. She shockingly alleged Sacha requested she 'stick her finger up his a**' because he thought it would make a funny scene in the film as she claimed 'it felt like [he] had sexually harassed me' In her memoir, Rebel (pictured in 2016) also claimed the alleged inappropriate experience with the Borat actor led to an eating disorder as she detailed the 'disrespect' she felt Several never-before-seen clips from the movie that failed to make the final cut were obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com and depict Rebel and Sarah's characters using a cellphone to film themselves getting intimate. In the clips, Rebel can be heard discussing the scene while on camera but out of character, telling Sacha: 'I'll do a slap [of your butt] and I'll do a going down the crack', to which he replies: 'It's almost as if you're going to ram your fingers inside,' prompting her to answer 'yeah'. According to those close to Sacha, director Louis Leterrier had to discuss any nudity or sex scenes with Wilson before they were shot. They say she agreed to the scene. They also say that the cell phone was used because the movie called for Rebel and Sacha's characters Dawn and Nobby to use an iPhone to film themselves having sex. Rebel played Sacha's on-screen girlfriend in the 2016 Louis Leterrier-directed film and has made a series of allegations about her uncomfortable experience during shooting However, in a statement given to DailyMail.com, Rebel doubled down on her book's description of Sacha as an 'a**hole'. 'It is an a**hole move to release footage of one part of that disgusting episode while leaving out everything that preceded it including my horrified refusal to stick my finger up SBC's butt,' she said. 'This could not have possibly been for the film as the director Louis Leterrier was not even present,' she claimed. 'What this edited video shows is what I had to do in order to get out of the room, as written in Rebel Rising. Releasing unauthorized and misleading behind the scenes video without my approval is SBC's latest way of bullying and gaslighting me.' Rebel is pictured with her book, in which she alleged that on set, Sacha would ask her to strip off for scenes despite her 'no nudity' rule - claims which Sacha has strenuously denied Sacha has strongly denied ever mistreating Rebel or pressuring her to be naked in the film. A spokesperson for Sacha 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.' Sacha's team also provided nine anonymous statements from crew members that backed the claim that the scene was in the script. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Denise Drysdale has reportedly been locked in a secret feud with host Julia Morris for many years. A TV insider told Daily Mail Australia the pair haven't been on good terms since they worked together on Channel Nine's IMT: In Melbourne Tonight in 1996-1997. The source claimed Network Ten has had to do 'some very strategic planning' to have the two women on the same show. 'It would shock the viewers to know these two ladies had beef back in the day,' the former Channel Nine producer said. 'Julia was starting out in television and Denise felt she wasn't grateful enough of the advice she was giving.' I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Denise Drysdale (right) has been reportedly locked in a secret feud with host Julia Morris (left) for many years 'It was a personality clash from day one and [host] Frankie J Holden would feel really uncomfortable each week as they tried to out-do each other.' The insider claimed Denise, 75, used to be the only 'barrel-girl against Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton, Ernie Sigley and Daryl Somers until Julia, 55, joined the show.' 'I think Denise felt she could big sister the new comedian,' they added. A TV insider told Daily Mail Australia, the pair haven't been on good terms since they worked together on Channel Nine's IMT: In Melbourne Tonight in 1996 'However, Julia was determined to run her own race and the women never kept in touch once the show was axed.' 'They are both quite similar. They love to go for the big over the top loud jokes. Very visual, very silly and something which was more common back in those late-night-show formats,' the source said. 'Some would say Denise has had more success with that style of humour and Julia should have taken more note of the path Denise had created for the upcoming female comics.' The insider also claimed there was a montage made for Denise's entry into the jungle that did include the two back on IMT but it was quickly edited out The insider also claimed there was a montage made for Denise's entry into the jungle that did include the two women back on IMT, but it was quickly edited out. The pair also reportedly didn't have any conversations before Denise arrived on the show. 'In fact Julia mocked the National Treasure by mimicking her famous go-go dancing from the 60's,' they added. 'They are both professionals and viewers would really need to look hard to see the residual hatred but believe you these two women can not stand each other.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Julia Morris and Denise Drysdale for comment. Things are still going strong for Bill Hader and Ali Wong, who enjoyed a hand-in-hand stroll through Manhattan's Central Park on Monday. It's been one year since the comedian couple officially confirmed they had rekindled their romance after briefly dating in October 2022. At 6ft1in, the 45-year-old Barry creator-star is 14in taller than the 41-year-old funnywoman, and they were both dressed warmly for the 45-F rainy spring weather before lunching on Hong Kong-style fast food at Joe's Steam Rice Roll in the Upper West Side. Bill very publicly locked lips with Ali on January 7 after she won the Golden Globe Award for best female actor in a limited/anthology series/TV movie for Netflix's Beef. 'We're very selectively private,' Wong explained to Access Hollywood on January 15. Things are still going strong for Bill Hader and Ali Wong, who enjoyed a hand-in-hand stroll through Manhattan's Central Park on Monday 'I mean, we've been together for a minute so it's, like, I guess people didn't know we were together...We're both, like, in our 40s and parents.' Hader previously had a two-year romance with his Noelle onscreen sister Anna Kendrick between 2020-2022 after dating his The To Do List co-star Rachel Bilson from 2019-2020. The three-time Emmy winner co-parents three daughters - Hannah, 14; Harper, 11; and Hayley, 9 - with TV director Maggie Carey, whom he divorced in 2018 after 11 years of marriage. Meanwhile, the two-time Emmy winner is still technically married to her current tour manager Justin Hakuta, whom she 'amicably' filed for divorce from last December after a 20-month legal separation and seven years of marriage. Ali co-parents two daughters - Mari, 8; and Nikki, 6 - with the 41-year-old Stealth Startup co-founder, who signed a prenup. Wong is next scheduled to bring her stand-up comedy tour to Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ this Wednesday and Thursday. The Big Mouth actress will voice the one-eyed Jill in three episodes of season two of Bobs Gannaway's Monsters Inc. spin-off Monsters at Work, which premieres April 13 on the Disney Channel. It's been one year since the comedian couple officially confirmed they had rekindled their romance after briefly dating in October 2022 At 6ft1in, the 45-year-old Barry creator-star is 14in taller than the 41-year-old funnywoman, and they were both dressed warmly for the 45-F rainy spring weather before lunching on Hong Kong-style fast food at Joe's Steam Rice Roll in the Upper West Side Bill very publicly locked lips with Ali on January 7 after she won the Golden Globe Award for best female actor in a limited/anthology series/TV movie for Netflix's Beef Wong explained to Access Hollywood on January 15: 'We're very selectively private. I mean, we've been together for a minute so it's, like, I guess people didn't know we were together...We're both, like, in our 40s and parents' Hader co-parents three daughters - Hannah, 14; Harper, 11; and Hayley, 9 - with TV director Maggie Carey (R, pictured in 2016), whom he divorced in 2018 after 11 years of marriage The two-time Emmy winner is still technically married to her current tour manager Justin Hakuta (L, pictured in 2016) - whom she 'amicably' filed for divorce from last December after a 20-month legal separation, seven years of marriage, and two daughters Ali is next scheduled to bring her stand-up comedy tour to Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ this Wednesday and Thursday (pictured in 2017) Wong will voice the one-eyed Jill in three episodes of season two of Bobs Gannaway's Monsters Inc. spin-off Monsters at Work, which premieres April 13 on the Disney Channel The three-time Emmy winner will next executive produce and star as the titular role in Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja's animated remake of Cat in the Hat, which premieres March 6, 2026 Bill previously played the chaotic cat character from the 1957 Dr. Seuss children's book in a Saturday Night Live sketch a decade ago Ali will also produce and voice the titular teenager in Echo Wu's animated supernatural sitcom Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld, which premieres later this year on Netflix. Bill will next executive produce and star as the titular role in Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja's animated remake of Cat in the Hat - premiering March 6, 2026 - alongside Quinta Brunson, Xochitl Gomez, and Bowen Yang. Hader previously played the chaotic cat character from the 1957 Dr. Seuss children's book in a Saturday Night Live sketch a decade ago. Heidi Klum showed off her effortlessly chic sense of style as she arrived at America's Got Talent taping in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 50-year-old German supermodel turned heads in a stylish sleeveless black button-up dress, which she teamed with matching black knee-high boots. Slung over her shoulder was a black leather purse. The blonde beauty shielded her eyes with a pair of sunglasses. Heidi who recently attended the AGT red carpet in a skintight green number wore her golden tresses parted in the middle and cascading down in bouncy waves. The superstar also shared a number of clips from her day to her Instagram Stories, including one of her with an exaggerated face filter as she lip-synched to Beyonce's cover of Dolly Parton's Jolene, while on her way to AGT. Heidi Klum showed off her effortlessly chic sense of style as she arrived at America's Got Talent taping in Los Angeles on Tuesday The 50-year-old German supermodel turned heads in a stylish sleeveless black button-up dress, which she teamed with matching black knee-high boots Heidi enjoyed the song from Beyonce's country album debut, Cowboy Carter, while sitting in the back of the car. She then posted a second clip, testing out yet another funny filter which showcased her bright green eyeshadow. 'This week is our last week of auditions on America's Got Talent. More talent and more green eyeshadow,' she said. Heidi went on to post a clip from her makeup room, with a pink filter on her hair as she sat in her glam chair getting her makeup done. In another video she donned a mustache filter and was joined by her co-host Sofia Vergara, 51. 'Sofia, did you bring any cake for today?' Heidi asked her. 'Oh, there's a poppyseed cake in my dressing room,' Sofia, who looked stunning in a bright yellow dress, replied. Heidi has been a member on the America's Got Talent judging panel since 2011. Her golden tresses were parted in the middle and cascaded down in bouncy waves The blonde beauty shielded her eyes with a pair of sunglasses Heidi flashed a smile as she exited her car The Vogue cover girl strutted down the sidewalk as if it were her runway She also shared a number of clips from her day to her Instagram Stories, including one of her with an exaggerated face filter as she lip-synched to Beyonce's cover of Dolly Parton's Jolene Heidi went on to post a clip from her makeup room, with a pink filter on her hair as she sat in her glam chair getting her makeup done In another video she donned a mustache filter and was joined by her co-host Sofia Vergara, 51 In addition to Heidi and Sofia, the judging panel currently consists of Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell. Howie is the longest-serving judge on the show, after he replaced David Hasselhoff in 2010. Sofia joined America's Got Talent as a judge in Season 15, which premiered in 2020. Meanwhile Simon has been a judge on the show since 2016. America's Got Talent Season 19 premieres on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 with a two-hour episode. The show will air starting at 8:00 pm Eastern Time (ET)/ 5:00 pm Pacific Time (PT) on NBC. Too Hot To Handle star Francesca Farago and her transgender fiance Jesse 'Sulli' Sullivan don't mind waiting to get married. The pregnant OnlyFans model, 29, and Sullivan, 34 who announced their engagement in May 2023 said they will wait to say 'I do' until 'after babies' in a red carpet interview with People at Monday's iHeartRadio Music Awards. 'We're going to do wedding after babies because we were thinking how cute would it be to have two little newborns at the wedding or like two little toddlers,' Farago said. 'That would be so cute to like include them,' Francesca who shared har pregnancy news on Sunday after seeking out a sperm donor and undergoing IVF said. Sullivan shared that they will 'probably do a courthouse wedding first while she's pregnant and then do an actual wedding a little later.' Francesca Farago, 29, and her transgender fiance Jesse 'Sulli' Sullivan, 34, don't mind waiting to get married until 'after babies'; seen at iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday @francescafarago AHH IM PREGNANT We wanted to take this special day to celebrate this amazing milestone with all of you. Weve brought you with us through the loss, so we couldnt wait to bring you along for the win. We are so excited to be growing our family with Arlo as the coolest older sibling! To Our Daughter (Lullaby) - My Best Friend Jacob Farago also confessed that the pair had a 'really hard' wedding planning experience that left them feeling 'discouraged.' 'And then we looked at each other, and we were like, "Should we just do babies first?" And then we just decided there and then, and we just went right into IVF.' Farago also revealed that her positive pregnancy test came as a 'shock.' 'We thought it was going to be negative for sure, and then when we saw positive that early, we got a really early positive, we were like "No,"' she told the publication. Farago previously told People that the pair hope to have a 'huge' ceremony 'somewhere in Italy' or on Catalina Island, California. While at the music awards show on Monday, Francesca proudly flaunted her baby bump in a tight black dress that clung to her physique. She was joined by Jesse, who placed a protective hand on her stomach as they kissed on the red carpet. Jesse donned trendy black trousers with a matching tank top and edgy silver necklaces. The pregnant Too Hot To Handle star and Sullivan said they will wait to say 'I do' until 'after babies' as per People 'We're going to do wedding after babies because we were thinking how cute would it be to have two little newborns at the wedding or like two little toddlers,' Farago said Sullivan shared that they will 'probably do a courthouse wedding first while she's pregnant and then do an actual wedding a little later' On Sunday 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!' 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 Francesca announced her first pregnancy on Sunday after a 'bumpy' IVF journey with her fiance Jesse. She broke the news across social media on International Transgender Day of Visibility in honor of 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 six million Instagram 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,' she gushed. '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!' 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. 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 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' 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.' '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.' The pair announced their engagement in May 2023, after originally meeting via Zoom in June 2021 during her TikTok live event for Pride Month 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). Eva Mendes paid memorial to her late brother Carlos Mendez in an Instagram post on Tuesday on the anniversary of his birthday, nearly eight years after his passing. The Miami-born beauty, 50, posted a gif of actress Teri Garr from the 1974 Mel Brooks horror comedy Young Frankenstein, as it reminded her of her late sibling, who died at 53 after a cancer battle on April 17, 2016. 'My mood today captured by the coolest, Teri Garr,' said Mendes, who's been seen in the films such as Training Day, Lost River and Hitch. 'I post her because its my brothers heavenly birthday today and he LOVED her.' The Cuban-American actress continued: 'You can tell a lot by a person on who they crush on, looking back I didnt appreciate it, he was my annoying older brother, but now I realize he was cooler than I thought. It was me who didnt get it.' Carlo Mendez, 46, the younger brother of Eva and Carlos, said in the comment thread, 'I still can't believe it, it's gonna be 8 years since he passed. Unreal.' Eva Mendes, 50, paid memorial to her late brother Carlos Mendez on Tuesday on the anniversary of his birthday, nearly eight years after his passing. Pictured in LA in 2020 The Miami-born beauty posted a gif of actress Teri Garr from the 1974 Mel Brooks horror comedy Young Frankenstein, as it reminded her of her late sibling, who died at 53 in 2016 Mendes shares daughters Esmeralda, nine, and Amada, seven, with longtime partner Ryan Gosling, 43, who she first crossed paths with filming The Place Beyond the Pines in 2011. Mendes on Monday reflected on the 'complicated relationship' she has with April as the calendar turned to the new month. 'Oh April I have such a complicated relationship with you,' she wrote to her 6.2 million followers. 'Tomorrow would have been my brother's birthday..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him' She then referenced her younger daughter's April 29, 2016 birthday, saying, 'But then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more.' She added a pair of images in which she was posed outside sporting light brown locks. Mendes in November 2019 opened up to People about the roller coaster of emotions she experienced in losing her brother and welcoming her second child in the same month. 'It's so tough,' Mendes said. 'Thank God I had my baby; it was a week after he passed. So there was something to move forward. There was poetry to it all.' Mendes recalled fond memories of her older brother and his comedic wit amid the holiday season. The Cuban-American actress has past taken to the platform with memories of her sibling Mendes on Monday reflected on the 'complicated relationship' she has with April as the calendar turned to the new month Mendes' younger brother, Carlo Mendez, confirmed his older brother's death in an emotional memorial on the day he died Mendes shares daughters Esmeralda, nine, and Amada, seven, with longtime partner Ryan Gosling, 43, who she first crossed paths with filming The Place Beyond the Pines in 2011 'My favorite memories are when he used to, at Thanksgiving or a big dinner or Christmas dinner, roast everybody - but roast you hard,' Mendes said. 'Of course, I miss him incredibly, and that's an understatement, but I'm holding on to that tradition. 'I'm so happy that he gave me that. I don't think I could carry it on the way he did, but those are some fun memories because he would really get raw.' Mendes' younger brother, Carlo Mendez, confirmed his older brother's death in an emotional memorial on the day he died. 'With absolute pain and sadness in my heart this is the hardest thing I've ever had to go through in my life and as I'm writing this I'm still in disbelief,' Carlo said at the time. 'My brother has passed away peacefully this morning. He continued: 'I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for those who have prayed and have kept my brother in your thoughts and who wished him to get better. 'He fought with all his might and power and gave cancer one hell of a fight. He leaves behind behind a 13 year old and a 5 year old. I love you my brother may God bless you and I'll see you once again.' Paris Hilton's husband Carter Reum is clarifying why the lovebirds have been hesitant so far to share their daughter London's face with their fans. The 43-year-old venture capitalist shared their thinking on Easter, when he replied to a followers compliment on Paris' holiday post. The 43-year-old heiress-turned-reality star had showcased her trim figure in a vibrant hot pink mini dress while she and the couple's adorable one-year-old son Phoenix played with stuffed bunnies and enormous Easter eggs. 'Happy Easter... he is so darn cute.. can't wait to see your other little girl...' one of Paris' fans wrote approvingly. Carter made a rare reply in which he explained that it was a matter of comfort that was holding him and Paris back from also snapping photos of four-month-old London. Paris Hilton's husband Carter Reum, 43, is clarifying why the lovebirds have been hesitant so far to share their daughter London's face with their fans After Paris, 43, posed with son Phoenix, one, Carter replied to a compliment by saying they were 'not quite ready to share' London's visage, even though she 'looks just like her mamma' 'Not quite ready to share her w the world but she's adorable and looks just like hr mamma,' Carter gushed while adding two black heart emojis. Although he clarified that they weren't quite 'ready' yet for London to be photographed, the entrepreneur didn't explain what was different about their approach to London's privacy versus Phoenix's. Paris posed with the baby boy shortly after he was born, and she has shared a steady stream of images featuring him on her social media feeds ever since. However, the new parents may have also had a change of heart in the months after they welcomed Phoenix and before London arrived, with both born via surrogate. Although Phoenix is mostly showered with comments whenever he appears in his mother's posts, some users have also made cruel or mocking comments about the little boy. Paris described some of the comments about the size of Phoenix's head as 'vicious' while speaking to People in November, and she admitted she was 'heartbroken' after reading them. 'I couldn't believe that they could be mean and vicious about a little innocent baby,' she said. 'You can say what you want about me, but this is my little angel. And if anyone ever says anything to hurt him or his feelings, I will always be there to protect him.' She added that she 'feels sorry' for anyone compelled to say nasty comments about a child, and she added that it makes her 'mama bear instincts' flare up. Carter delved into the discussions over his children's privacy shortly after Paris revealed when she would be comfortable letting London's visage out into the world. In the comments section of a video shared to her TikTok account that prominently featured Phoenix, one fan praised the adorable little boy before saying they couldn't wait until Paris was comfortable enough to feature London as well. 'Love you, soon,' the fashion star replied. Carter didn't clarify what made the two uncomfortable about sharing London's face, and Paris has posed with her son Phoenix since he was a little baby; seen February 4 in LA However, Paris may have been traumatized by 'vicious' commenters who mocked the size of Phoenix's head on social media posts last year Paris previously revealed that she would show her daughter London's face to the public 'soon' in the comments section of a video shared on her TikTok account Although Hilton did not provide an exact date, she assured her followers that London's face would be shown in the near future. The entrepreneur shares her son and daughter with Carter, whom she began dating in 2019. The DJ and the businessman got engaged in February of 2021, and they tied the knot that November. Hilton revealed that she and her husband had welcomed Phoenix via surrogate in January of last year. The socialite's eldest child has since been featured in numerous photos and videos shared on her various social media accounts. The reality television figure and her husband went on to welcome London, who was also delivered via surrogate, last November. Hilton's eldest son became the subject of attention late last year, when numerous Instagram users began leaving messages on her posts to ridicule the size of his head. The entrepreneur spoke to People last November and told the media outlet that her 'mama bear instincts' began to surface after reading various comments concerning her son. The model lashed out against the users who had made remarks about Phoenix, and described the individuals who did so as 'cruel' and 'miserable.' 'I couldn't believe that they could be mean and vicious about a little innocent baby,' she added. The socialite posted a clip that showed her son Phoenix, one, playing around while they opened mail with each other The entrepreneur shares her son and daughter with her husband, Carter Reum, whom she began dating in 2019 The entrepreneur spoke to People last November and told the outlet that her 'mama bear instincts' began to surface after reading various comments concerning her son The model lashed out against the users who had made remarks about Phoenix, and described the individuals who did so as 'cruel' and 'miserable'; seen in 2023 Hilton then stated that, although she had become accustomed to online criticism, she would not tolerate jokes at her son's expense. 'You can say what you want about me, but this is my little angel. And if anyone ever says anything to hurt him or his feelings, I will always be there to protect him,' she stated. The DJ also thanked the individuals who had shown their support for Phoenix at the time. 'Sticking up for me meant the world to me, and to have people looking out for Phoenix in that way, it meant a lot,' she said. By Lee Hae-rin Migrant advocacy groups from across the country urged the police to arrest and investigate a far-right political candidate who has been unlawfully targeting migrants and to protect the constitutional rights of foreign nationals, Wednesday. A coalition of human rights groups held a press conference in front of the National Police Agency in Seoul to urge the police to investigate Park Jin-jae of the minor far-right Jayu Party regarding his alleged illegal detention of and aggressive behavior toward migrants. Park is currently running for a seat in Daegus Buk A-constituency in the April 10 general elections According to the group, Park and Citizens Protection Solidarity, a far-right civic group he belongs to, have forcibly interrogated and randomly illegally detained foreign nationals they assumed to be unregistered or undocumented migrants whom they believed needed to be handed over to police. The ultraright group is led by Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon of the Christian Council of Korea who also serves as a pastor for Sarang Jeil Church. Park has been a vocal opponent of the construction of a mosque in the southern city of Daegu and made numerous xenophobic remarks, according to the group. Notably, the candidate has uploaded videos of the so-called "arrests" on YouTube and TikTok and exposed the identities of the supposedly undocumented migrants without their consent. The group criticized Park as a manhunter who infringed on the polices authority and argued that he committed hate crimes against minorities based on a supremacist agenda similar to that of the Ku Klux Klan of the United States. The government should legalize the status of undocumented migrants and take due administrative procedures to protect their rights, the advocacy groups said in a joint statement, urging the police to arrest and investigate Park. Parks alleged aggressive and threatening behavior, breaking into people's homes and illegally detaining foreign nationals are all violations of fundamental rights granted in the Korean Constitution, according to a human rights lawyer. Regardless of ones nationality and infringement of immigration laws, everyone in Korea has the right to human dignity and liberty under the Constitution, said Choi Jung-kyu, a lawyer leading the coalition. Therefore, one can claim that Park committed a hate crime as he detained and questioned foreign nationals at random and forced them to show him their identification cards, the lawyer and the group noted. The group also pointed out that Koreas immigration policy leads to hateful sentiment against undocumented migrant workers despite their contribution to the domestic economy. Migrant workers are here because Korea's society needs them and they are members of this society, like the rest of us, Udaya Rai, the head of the Migrants Trade Union, said. Yet, Koreas immigration policies keep them in an undocumented status scenario in inhumane working conditions and treat them as criminals, he said. According to the Ministry of Justice, there are over 400,000 undocumented immigrants in Korea as of 2023. Kirsten Dunst hit the red carpet with husband Jesse Plemons on Tuesday night at the Los Angeles premiere of their new film Civil War. The actress, 41, and the actor, 36, looked ultra stylish as they posed for photos together. Kirsten stunned in a chic black frock with a ruffle-trimmed bodice and silky skirt. Her blonde hair was swept up in a sleek bun and she threw on a bold red lip. Meanwhile, Jesse looked sharp in a gray tweed suit worn with a white button-up shirt and black leather dress shoes. Kirsten Dunst hit the red carpet with husband Jesse Plemons on Tuesday night at the Los Angeles premiere of their new film Civil War The actress, 41, and the actor, 36, looked ultra stylish as they posed for photos together The couple both star in the new Alex Garland action film which is slated for an April 12 theatrical release. Civil War is centered on a team of journalists who travel across America while documenting a conflict between a dystopian government and various militia forces. Dunst plays a photojournalist covering America's descent into armed conflict The film is described as 'an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride through a near-future fractured America balanced on the razor's edge.' It also stars Priscilla's Cailee Spaeny, 25, and Nick Offerman, 53. Physical production on the feature commenced in Atlanta in March 2022, and its team eventually moved to London. The feature was also produced on a budget of $50 million, making it A24's most expensive project to date. The upcoming action film which hits theaters April 12 does not exceed three hours in runtime. The couple both star in the new Alex Garland action film which is slated for an April 12 theatrical release Kirsten stunned in a chic black frock with a ruffle-trimmed bodice and silky skirt Her blonde hair was swept up in a sleek bun and she threw on a bold red lip The couple tied the knot in 2022 Civil War's official trailer was released to the public in December last year, and it received much notice for its shocking depiction of an alternate version of the United States. Kirsten and Jesse met while playing an onscreen couple in the FX series Fargo in 2014. They became a real-life couple in 2016. Jesse popped the question in 2017 and they welcomed their first child, son Ennis, five, the following year. Kirsten gave birth to their second son James, two, in 2021. The couple finally tied the knot in Jamaica in 2022. Last month, Kirsten gushed over hers and Jesse's romantic and creative connection. 'Because we fell in love on a set, we fell in love creatively first. I think we'll always come back to that, in a very not-involving-our-real-life way,' she told Marie Claire. They played a couple again in Jane Campion's acclaimed gay western The Power Of The Dog (2021), which netted Oscar nominations for both Jesse and Kirsten. The first met on the set of FX's Fargo but did not begin dating until 2016 Jesse looked sharp in a gray tweed suit worn with a white button-up shirt and black leather dress shoes They are parents to two sons: Ennis, five, and James, two In spite of the professional connection the share, Kirsten revealed that 'we don't talk to each other on set' and they leave each other 'alone.' Notwithstanding, the Marie Antoinette actress gushed: 'I love working with him. What's nice is that we trust each other so much.' She recalled: 'He sent me a scene last night of this miniseries he's working on to get my opinion. If I'm having a hard time deciding on something, I'll have him read it. I trust his opinion more than anyone, and he cares about me more than anyone.' Kirsten teased with a laugh that she and Jesse 'hate the same things,' though she declined to provide any details to the public. Kirsten has been busy promoting Civil War and recent opened up to GQ Hype about aging in Hollywood and her refusal to try injectables like Botox and fillers. She recalled the moment when a producer encouraged her to have her teeth straightened. 'I was like, "No, I like my teeth". I was never that girl. I never did it,' Kirsten says, before crediting Sofia Coppola, who cast her in The Virgin Suicides when she was 16 and told her: ''You're perfect as you are", in shaping her decision to embrace her natural beauty. 'I realised it [later] in decisions I had made. Not to change teeth, not to blow up my lips, or whatever it is that everyone wants to look like,' she says. 'I still know to this day, Im not gonna screw up my face and look like a freak. You know what I mean? Id rather get old and do good roles.' Rebel Wilson gushed about getting engaged at Disneyland while promoting her memoir on Tuesday on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The 44-year-old Australian actress was congratulated by Jimmy, 49, for her engagement to Ramona Agruma and for welcoming 17-month-old daughter Royce. 'I got engaged to my Disney princess at Disneyland. We got engaged and I had a violinist playing Can You Feel The Love Tonight, there's rose petals. It was very, very romantic,' said Disney fan Rebel referencing the Elton John song from Disney's The Lion King. Rebel and Ramona got engaged in February 2023 at the Disneyland resort in Anaheim, California. The couple went public with their relationship in June 2022, and Disney played a role in that as well, specifically in Wilson's Instagram announcement. Rebel Wilson gushed about getting engaged at Disneyland while promoting her memoir on Tuesday on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 'I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess,' Rebel posted with the hashtag #loveislove. The couple welcomed their first child via a surrogate in November 2022, which Rebel announced on Instagram as well. Jimmy said there were funny things in her memoir Rebel Rising such as the time when she wanted to be a rapper. Rebel said she created a demo with her sister with them rapping their original song titled When Skeleton's Ruled the Earth and sent it out to record companies. 'But no record company ever wrote me back,' Rebel said. Jimmy asked her about the story about how she got malaria after high school and how it changed her life. 'I went to live in Africa after high school in a gap year and got malaria real bad,' Rebel said. 'I'm in the hospital hallucinating, and I lost my hearing because of the drugs that they gave me, and I'm hallucinating that I'm an actress and that I was really great and I won an Academy Award. It was fully blown and I could see all the actors and actresses and I walked up on stage and then I gave an acceptance rap.' 'It was so full blown that I came out of the hospital and I said ''I'm going to become an actress'',' Rebel said. 'Everyone was like ''no, we think Malaria has dented your brain. They're like look at you, you are not Nicole Kidman. It's not going to happen.'' And literally just my one best friend Nick thought I could be an actor. Nobody else did.' 'He was so sweet he engraved a star with my name on it and said ''one day when you have a dressing room that you can put that on your door'',' Rebel said. The 44-year-old Australian actress and Ramona Agruma are shown at their romantic engagement at Disneyland 'I got engaged to my Disney princess at Disneyland. We got engaged and I had a violinist playing 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight,' there's rose petals. It was very, very romantic,' said Disney fan Rebel referencing the Elton John song from Disney's The Lion King Jimmy asked her about the story about how she got malaria after high school and how it changed her life Rebel was on the NBC talk show to promote her new memoir Rebel Rising that was released on Tuesday by publisher Simon & Schuster 'It take one person to believe in you,' Jimmy said. 'Look at you now.' Rebel Rising was released on Tuesday by publisher Simon & Schuster. The actress shared that she didn't lose her virginity until she was 35 and was hesitant about whether she should put that in her new book. 'I lost my virginity quite late in life, at 35,' Rebel said. 'Not a joke sadly.' Rebel said she wondered later if she should put that in. 'I feel like if I was reading someone's memoir I'd just want to hear everything,' Rebel said. 'The things that might be embarrassing about them and the good things so I put them in.' 'Apparently Queen Elizabeth I never had sex, ever,' Rebel said. 'I beat her.' The sale of Rebel Wilson's hotly anticipated tell-all memoir Rebel Rising has been delayed indefinitely. The Australian actress' book, which was due to go on sale on Wednesday, has been pulled from both online and physical book stores. Buyers attempting to get the book on Amazon were notified that the title was 'currently unavailable' and that 'we don't know when or if this item will be back in stock'. Multiple fans online have reported that sites such as Booktopia have canceled orders of the book, and local stores such as Big W and Dymocks have also refunded existing pre-orders. The book's publisher, Harper Collins Australia, told Yahoo Lifestyle that, 'Publication of Rebel Rising has been delayed but we have no further comment.' The sale Rebel Wilson's hotly anticipated tell-all memoir Rebel Rising has been delayed. The actress is pictured The Australian actor's book, which was due to go on sale on Wednesday, April 3 has been pulled from both online and physical book stores On Wednesday, Rebel posted on Instagram announcing the book was on sale in the US, however, many of her Australian fans took to the comments to complain about the delay Down Under. 'I pre-ordered a copy from Big W in [Australia] and recently received a refund and notification that they were no longer stocking the book. Devastated!' one comment read. 'This happened to me too! I cant see it available anywhere in Aus now,' wrote another disappointed fan. Fans attempting to buy the book on Amazon were notified that the title was 'currently unavailable' Multiple fans online have reported that sites such as Booktopia have canceled orders of the book, and local stores such as Big W and Dymocks have also refunded existing pre-orders On Facebook, another Rebel fan reported that their local bookseller said the book was being recalled to be reprinted to 'have some parts redacted'. Rebel has claimed her alleged experience with Sacha Baron Cohen led to an eating disorder in her bombshell new memoir. She alleged that on the set of 2016 comedy The Brothers Grimsby, Sacha would ask her to strip off for scenes despite her 'no nudity' rule, in a string of claims which Sacha has strenuously denied and says are contradicted by evidence. In a memoir passage obtained by People Magazine, she shockingly alleged that Sacha requested she 'stick her finger up his a**' because he thought it would make a funny scene in the film and claimed 'it felt like [he] had sexually harassed me'. Rebel also claimed the alleged inappropriate experience with the Borat actor led to an eating disorder as she detailed the 'disrespect' she felt. The Pitch Perfect star recalled how she felt 'completed disrespected, which led to me treating myself with even more disrespect by eating in an extremely unhealthy way'. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sacha's representative for further comment. Rebel played Sacha's on-screen girlfriend in the 2016 Louis Leterrier-directed film and has made a series of allegations about her uncomfortable experience during shooting. Rebel claimed that during filming, Sacha would repeatedly 'mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene', which she alleged was in 'no way essential' to the film's plot. In her book, which was released in the US on Tuesday, she wrote: 'It felt like every time I'd speak to SBC, he'd mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene. I was like, 'Ha, I don't do nudity, Sacha'.' Rebel has claimed her alleged experience with Sacha Baron Cohen led to an eating disorder in her bombshell new memoir. Both pictured in The Brothers Grimsby Rebel claimed that she was allegedly summoned by a product assistant for an additional scene while shooting in Cape Town, South Africa. Rebel said: 'OK, well, we're gonna film this extra scene,' SBC says. 'Then he pulls his pants down', SBC says very matter-of-factly: 'OK, now I want you to stick your finger up my a**.' And I'm like, 'What?? No!!'' Rebel claimed she was shocked and wanted to get out of it, adding: 'I was now scared. I wanted to get out of there, so I finally compromised: I slapped him on the ass and improvised a few lines as the character.' The Bridesmaids actress also claimed she only agreed to a sex scene with Sacha after several rewrites and recalled allegedly telling the producers that she wouldn't be promoting the film ahead of its release. However, newly emerged footage from the sex scene in the 2016 film seems to show that the action was part of the script and the actress was on board with the scene. She shockingly alleged Sacha requested she 'stick her finger up his a**' because he thought it would make a funny scene in the film as she claimed 'it felt like [he] had sexually harassed me' Several never-before-seen clips from the movie that failed to make the final cut were obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com and depict Rebel and Sarah's characters using a cellphone to film themselves getting intimate. In the clips, Rebel can be heard discussing the scene while on camera but out of character, telling Sacha: 'I'll do a slap [of your butt] and I'll do a going down the crack', to which he replies: 'It's almost as if you're going to ram your fingers inside,' prompting her to answer 'yeah'. According to those close to Sacha, director Louis Leterrier had to discuss any nudity or sex scenes with Wilson before they were shot. They say she agreed to the scene. They also say that the cell phone was used because the movie called for Rebel and Sacha's characters Dawn and Nobby to use an iPhone to film themselves having sex. Rebel played Sacha's on-screen girlfriend in the 2016 Louis Leterrier-directed film and has made a series of allegations about her uncomfortable experience during shooting However, in a statement given to DailyMail.com, Rebel doubled down on her book's description of Sacha as an 'a**hole'. 'It is an a**hole move to release footage of one part of that disgusting episode while leaving out everything that preceded it including my horrified refusal to stick my finger up SBC's butt,' she said. 'This could not have possibly been for the film as the director Louis Leterrier was not even present,' she claimed. 'What this edited video shows is what I had to do in order to get out of the room, as written in Rebel Rising. Releasing unauthorized and misleading behind the scenes video without my approval is SBC's latest way of bullying and gaslighting me.' Sacha has strongly denied ever mistreating Rebel or pressuring her to be naked in the film. A spokesperson for Sacha 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.' Sacha's team also provided nine anonymous statements from crew members that backed the claim that the scene was in the script. ABC's The Good Doctor is only five episodes into its final season but pulled off quite the shocker with a series regular character being killed off: Noah Galvin's Dr. Asher Wolke. The network had already revealed this current seventh season would be The Good Doctor's last, and said the episode was a 'must-see' with a 'heart-stopping' moment. Fans were quite stunned when the beloved character was killed in a rather shocking fashion on Tuesday night's episode. The episode - which serves as the halfway mark for the truncated 10-episode season - found Galvin trying to reconnect with his Judaism. Wolke helped a patient's wedding ceremony, and drove the rabbi back to his synagogue, though they found a hateful surprise when they got there. ABC's The Good Doctor is only five episodes into its final season but pulled off quite the shocker with a series regular character being killed off: Noah Galvin's Dr. Asher Wolke (left) The network had already revealed this current seventh season would be The Good Doctor's last, and said the episode was a 'must-see' with a 'heart-stopping' moment Fans were quite stunned when the beloved character was killed in a rather shocking fashion on Tuesday night's episode The death also happened while his partner Jerome (Giacomo Baessato) was waiting for him at a restaurant to propose to him on their second anniversary They learned that a pair of thugs had vandalized the synagogue, with Wolke confronting them. He told them to leave right now and there wouldn't be a problem, though one of the thugs asked, 'What do you care?' The other said, 'He's a Jew too,' as Asher said, 'Yeah, I am a Jew. A gay one, in fact, and Im calling the cops.' That caused the vandals to disperse, but shortly thereafter, they returned and struck him with a fatal blow to the head. By the time the rabbi returned, Wolke was already dead, with the episode ending with a title card to help those who may be experiencing antisemitic hate. 'If you or anyone you know has experienced antisemitism, racism, anti-LGBTQ+ related incidents or hate crimes, or if you want to learn more about what you can do to stop hate, please visit splcenter.org Wolke's death was confirmed in the trailer for next week's episode, which featured images from the funeral. Fans did not shy away from expressing their thoughts on social media after the episode wrapped up. They learned that a pair of thugs had vandalized the synagogue, with Wolke confronting them @sunthingbyalec tweeted, 'THE GOOD DOCTOR JUST KILLED OFF MY FAVORITE CHARACTER... THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THEY'VE DONE THIS. I'M SICK' @culturedemily added, 'They did not just do THAT to one of my fave characters on The Good Doctor I'm so done.' @kathyvolfan added, 'The ending of the GOOD DOCTOR was shocking' @JanetEliassen added, 'Wow. Was not prepared for The Good Doctor' @DesirayPam said, 'Why did they have to kill Asher off the good doctor I really liked him @swiftiebuckycas added, 'WTF did The Good Doctor just DO?!!!! What the f**k? What the actual f**k?' @BootyDevineXX tweeted, 'Not me in a MESS with tonights episode ending of The Good Doctor' @Havein added @GoodDoctorABC Did not just do what that just did. Asher deserved a better ending than that.' @HLHEdith01 said, 'Um um I still can't close my mouth, The Good Doctor did a tragic thing and I am in a state of bloody shock!' @BloodyEeve said, 'I didn't like tonight's episode of The Good Doctor, the ending made me sob! Why are people so hateful?! He was one of my favorite characters!' @sunthingbyalec tweeted, 'THE GOOD DOCTOR JUST KILLED OFF MY FAVORITE CHARACTER... THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THEY'VE DONE THIS. I'M SICK.' @culturedemily added, 'They did not just do THAT to one of my fave characters on The Good Doctor I'm so done.' @kathyvolfan added, 'The ending of the GOOD DOCTOR was shocking,' while @JanetEliassen added, 'Wow. Was not prepared for The Good Doctor.' @DesirayPam said, 'Why did they have to kill Asher off the good doctor I really liked him,' while @swiftiebuckycas added, 'WTF did The Good Doctor just DO?!!!! What the f**k? What the actual f**k?' @BootyDevineXX tweeted, 'Not me in a MESS with tonights episode ending of The Good Doctor' while @Havein added @GoodDoctorABC Did not just do what that just did. Asher deserved a better ending than that.' @HLHEdith01 said, 'Um um I still can't close my mouth, The Good Doctor did a tragic thing and I am in a state of bloody shock!' @BloodyEeve said, 'I didn't like tonight's episode of The Good Doctor, the ending made me sob! Why are people so hateful?! He was one of my favorite characters!' Sophie Delezio is pregnant with her first child. The miracle double car crash survivor shared the wonderful news on social media on Wednesday evening alongside a gallery of celebratory images. In the first picture, Sophie and her partner Joseph are seen proudly posing on the beach in Sydney's Manly. The couple look elated as they both cradle Sophie's growing baby bump. In a second image, Sophie, 23, reveals a close-up image of her ultrasound on her smart phone, while a third picture shows the inspirational Australian clutching her blossoming belly. Sophie Delezio is pregnant with her first child. The miracle double car crash survivor shared the wonderful news on social media on Wednesday evening alongside a gallery of celebratory images. Pictured with partner Joseph In a second image, Sophie reveals a close-up image of her ultrasound on her smart phone In a final frame, Joseph looks every inch the proud father-to-be as he smiles for the camera. Sophie captioned the carousel of images simply. 'The greatest gift of all coming in September!' she wrote alongside a baby face and heart emoji. It wasn't long before the post was inundated with well-wishers. 'Congratulations,' wrote Cody Simpson's mother, Angie. 'Congratulations,' added former Hi-5 star-turned-Getaway reporter Charli Robinson 'The most amazing news,' added one more. A third picture shows the inspirational Australian clutching her blossoming belly In a final frame, Joseph looks every inch the proud father-to-be as he smiles for the camera. Australia rallied around Sophie when a car crashed through the window of her daycare in 2003 when she was two, trapping her underneath and severely burning her. Burns covered 85 per cent of her body after the tragedy, which also took both of her feet, several fingers and her right ear. Three years later tragedy struck again when the five year old was hit by a car near her home in Sydney's northern beaches while out with her nanny. The impact launched her 18 metres out of her wheelchair, leaving her with a broken jaw, broken collarbone, nine broken ribs, punctured lungs, two fractured vertebrae and a brain injury. Sophie suffered a heart attack during the ordeal and doctors at Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick asked her family - twice - if they would like to turn off her life support. She made another remarkable recovery and only a month later she left the hospital and went back to school. In 2023, she became engaged to childhood friend Joseph. Amy Nuttall is no stranger to weathering a relationship roller coaster on screen. As Downton Abbey housemaid Ethel Parks she had an affair with gentry, gave birth to an illegitimate child and later turned to prostitution after being spurned from society. In Emmerdale, her character Chloe Atkinson indulged in affairs, faked a pregnancy, and was forced to leave the village in disgrace after her tangled web of deceit unravelled. Yet, shockingly, it's off-screen that Amy has battled with some of her most difficult personal setbacks, having dealt with a cheating husband and the loss of her beloved mother in the space of a few months. On Monday, it emerged the 41-year-old actress had taken back her love rat husband Andrew Buchan for a third time, seven months after reportedly dumping him for failing to stick to her 'marriage rules'. Inside Amy Nuttall's on/off marriage to Andrew Buchan as the actress takes her love rat husband back for a third time in a year (pictured in 2013) In 2022 Andrew turned Amy'[s world upside down in 2022 when it emerged he had cheated on her with his co-star Leila Farzad, who he met on the set of his BBC series, Better (pictured) It's the latest twist in her convoluted love story with Andrew, 45, who turned her world upside down in 2022 when it emerged he had cheated on her with his co-star Leila Farzad, who he had met on the set of his BBC series, Better. Of course, Amy could not have predicted this turn of events when she first started dating Broadchurch star Andrew in 2007. They did not rush into marriage, tying the knot in 2012, with Amy no doubt wary after having her heart broken by her Emmerdale co-star and former boyfriend Ben Freeman. In another example of fiction blending with reality, the pair had been on-off lovers in the ITV soap before striking up an off-screen romance that lasted for four years. Amy described him as the 'first real love of my life', but much like the tumultuous storylines they played out on TV, their romance ended in tragedy when Ben was said to have cheated on her, causing a shock split in 2005. Refusing to give up on the idea of love, Amy moved on with Andrew two years later, and in an interview before their wedding she admitted: 'Ive known for ages hes The One.' She confessed to having an 'inkling' he was going to propose during their holiday - which turned out to be correct - and they went on to welcome a daughter and a son, now nine and five respectively. It was this same inkling that led to the demise of their union, however, as in 2022 her intuition alerted her to Andrew's betrayal. She is said to have grown concerned that he had been unfaithful after seeing pictures of him with Leila on social media, in which the pair appeared a little too close for comfort. Amy's fears were confirmed when she discovered he had been staying in a hotel close to their home - while claiming to be away working on location - and he had purchased racy lingerie in a different size to hers. A source told The Sun: 'As time moved on there were some tell-tale signs that he had become close to Leila just something in his mannerisms and in their social media posts together. 'But the final straw was the lingerie that's what clinched it. Amy just knew instinctively that it wasn't meant for her.' In Downton Abbey her character, housemaid Ethel Parks, had an affair with gentry, gave birth to an illegitimate child and later turned to prostitution after being spurned from society In Emmerdale, her character Chloe Atkinson indulged in affairs, faked a pregnancy, and was forced to leave the village in disgrace after her tangled web of deceit unravelled Amy had her heart broken by her Emmerdale co-star and former boyfriend Ben Freeman. In another example of fiction blending with reality, the pair had been on-off lovers in the ITV soap Amy confronted her husband about his behaviour, with a friend of hers telling MailOnline it 'must have been the most difficult thing Amy has ever had to do.' Seemingly unwilling to work on his 11-year marriage at that stage, Andrew left the family home shortly before Christmas, moving in with Leila. The actress was so 'crushed' by the end of her marriage that she was crying almost every day. Speaking to MailOnline shortly afterwards, she fought back tears and confessed: 'I can't talk about it [the split]. I'm sorry, I can't say anything.' A source said at the time: 'It was a huge shock. Amy is heartbroken.' Just weeks later, however, Andrew's mistress Leila allegedly returned to her husband James Maizels, who she married in 2013. In turn, it was claimed Amy demanded a divorce from Andrew in March, after being 'publicly humiliated' by his infidelity. Yet she seemingly had a change of heart by June, when Andrew was seen leaving their family home wearing his gold wedding ring, allegedly telling a friend at the time: 'We're healing.' Amy was spotted around the same time at the property, without her ring, but insiders suggested they were giving things another go. A source close to the couple told the The Sun: 'Amy was, understandably, devastated to learn of the infidelity and wanted a clean break and a fresh start. 'But Andrew has come back to her and promised to change. 'They have been working through their problems and are trying to put the love triangle behind them for the sake of their family.' Amy moved on with Andrew two years after Ben broke her heart, and in an interview before their wedding she admitted: 'Ive known for ages hes The One' (pictured in 2017) She confessed to having an 'inkling' he was going to propose - which turned out to be correct - and they went on to welcome a daughter and a son, now nine and five respectively The following month it was claimed she had taken her husband back on the condition he stick to a set of 'marriage rules.' Amy apparently demanded weekly date nights as they followed the 777 approach, full access to each other's phones and absolutely no out of work contact with any co-stars. It was reported that Andrew would also need to keep in contact via FaceTime when he's working away. 'No one thought they could come back from this but Amy has decided to give it one more go,' a source told The Sun. '[Amy] doesn't want to throw away over a decade together but at the same time she is far from a pushover. 'They will adopt the 777 approach which means every seven days you go on a date, every seven weeks you go away for the night and every seven months you go away on holiday just the two of you.' The 777 approach made up three of the rules, and the final one is that their work should be on an equal footing, it was reported. At the same time she took Andrew back, Amy was dealt a devastating blow as her beloved mother Elaine - who had been her rock during her marital split - was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The tragic news of course sent Amy into a spiral, who was left in 'total shock' by the diagnosis. As Amy struggled to cope with the thought of losing her mother, she split from her husband again, after he was seemingly unable to stick to her marital rules. Amy's inklings led to the demise of their union as in 2022 her intuition alerted her to Andrew's affair with Leila (pictured in Better) and he in turned walked out on the family home The 'gutted' actress called time on their marriage last summer and threw him out of the family home they shared with their two children. A source told The Sun: 'It took a lot for Amy to give the marriage another chance but she thought it was worth one final roll of the dice. 'There is no suggestion he has cheated again, but as far as she is concerned this is it. She is obviously gutted but also accepts that their time together has come to an end.' Amy was dealt another blow just weeks later, when her mother died in September. She shared the news with her Instagram followers, writing: 'My heart is beating loudly whilst I write this. Yesterday I said goodbye to my beautiful dear mummy. 'She was diagnosed in July with a glioblastoma (grade 4). To say it was the biggest shock would be an understatement. 'Together with my wonderful family, we helped care for her to the end where she died in my arms as I lay beside her on 30/10/23 at 5.05pm. 'She humbled us all with how she handled this cruel diagnosis never complaining, always smiling and bringing her daft humour to the fore every day. Mum, you were my rock. Always. My best friend. 'Im not sure how Im going to do life without you but I know youll always be with me to carry me through as you always did. Thank you mummy you gave me the best days I ever had xxx #glioblastoma #braintumour #rosemere.' She honoured her late mother by releasing the charity single, Thank You Mother, in March, teaming up with The Brain Tumour Charity to raise vital awareness and funds for the charity. At the same time she took Andrew back, Amy was dealt a devastating blow as her beloved mother Elaine was diagnosed with terminal cancer Elaine - who had been Amy's rock during her marital split - died in September and she honoured her late mother by releasing the charity single, Thank You Mother Shortly afterwards came the latest twist in her romantic tale with Andrew, with Amy confirming in an interview with The Sunday Times last week that they had reconciled. Asked how much she'd earned in the last year, Amy shared: 'Generally speaking, in the last financial year what can I tell you? below a hundred grand. 'But I'm married so it all goes into one pot. So it's not as scary because I can lean on that.' She also confirmed the couple still live in their family home together, explaining: 'I'm the joint owner of our comfortable family home in Buckinghamshire. We owned a smaller house before.' One of the jobs that will have contributed to her earnings last year was her stint in ITV drama, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, a dramatisation of the Horizon IT scandal. The actress played Lisa Castleton, with Will Mellor as her husband Lee in the series, which followed the story of hundreds of subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted for theft by the Post Office due to a faulty IT system. Amy will no doubt have taken plenty away from the role, which saw the Castletons go from being declared bankrupt when they were falsely accused of theft by the Post Office, to receiving a settlement pay-out when a judge ruled in their favour in a legal battle against their employers. Perhaps there's something to be said in the parallels between the Castletons financial struggles - who got back on their feet through what Lee called 'sheer bloody hard work' - and Amy's marital woes as she gives her union another chance. As for Andrew, it could be argued that his romantic trajectory mirrored the skewed morals shown on his last TV project, BBC's Better. Amy recently starred as Lisa Castleton, with Will Mellor as her husband Lee, in ITV drama, Mr Bates vs The Post Office As for Andrew, it could be argued that his romantic trajectory mirrored the skewed morals shown on his last TV project, BBC's Better AMY NUTTALL AND ANDREW BUCHAN BREAK-UP TIMELINE December 2022 Broadchurch star Andrew Buchan leaves actress wife Amy Nuttall after developing a relationship with his Better co-star Leila Farzad. The actor reportedly moved in with Leila after both parties are believed to have left their respective partners after the affair came to light. February 15, 2023 In social media posts shared to her Instagram page, Amy alluded to their split with cryptic quotes. The day after Valentine's Day she shared a pointed post that read: 'I am not impressed by money, social status or job title, I'm impressed by the way someone treats other human beings.' Days before she shared pictures from a holiday, which featured no sign of Andrew but one image with a female pal and a cute snap of herself holding hands with two children. In another hint that she was going through a tumultuous time, Amy shared a selfie drinking a cocktail at the beginning of the month, penning: 'When a pornstar martini makes life a bit better.' February 27, 2023 News that Amy and Andre have split breaks in the press, as it was revealed he had left the family home and moved in with Leila. Leila married her husband James Maizels in 2013, and they have a daughter who was born in 2014. It was not known when they split. A source told the outlet: 'It was a huge shock. Amy is heartbroken. 'For Andrew to walk away from his family was a huge shock to us all and Amy is heartbroken. Everyone who knows them thought they were going to be together forever. 'But he's packed his bags and left with his new co-star. Whatever has gone on, it seems to have been enough for him to re-evaluate his whole life and rip up their marriage. 'Nobody is quite sure of the exact details, but Andrew has clearly had his head turned pretty dramatically.' March 2, 2023 In the days after stories about their separation were published online, Amy was pictured looking downcast as she told MailOnline she was 'unable' to speak about her split. Friends reported that Amy had been 'crying almost everyday' and had been left devastated by their break-up. March 27, 2023 Amy reportedly demanded a divorce from her husband of 11 years Andrew weeks after news of their split emerged. The star was said to be keen to make the shocking split official by formerly ending their marriage and getting what she is 'entitled' to. After being left devastated by her husband's alleged infidelity, Amy apparently wanted to take the power back after the betrayal, while also claiming that Andrew and Leila have already parted ways. June 3, 2023 Amy and Andrew are both spotted arriving at their family home, sparking rumours that they were giving their relationship another go. In a serious U-turn, which was said to be unexpected by their close friends, Andrew told pals that the couple were 'healing'. July 4, 2023 Amy set her 'cheating' husband seven strict rules to follow after their reunion. She had taken Andrew back after his 'affair' - but with strings attached to help them rebuild their marriage. Amy demanded weekly date nights as they follow the 777 approach, full access to each other's phones and absolutely no out of work contact with any co-stars, according to The Sun. August 23, 2023 Amy and Andrew split for a second time' after he failed to stick to the marriage rules she set for him in the wake of his 'affair'. March 31, 2024 Amy confirms she is still with Andrew and the couple still own their family home together. Advertisement In the police drama, he played convicted drug dealer Col McHugh, who blackmailed corrupt police detective Lou Slack (Leila) into doing his bidding. While the characters were married to others in the show, body language expert Judi James told MailOnline after a viewing: 'The nuanced and constantly changing rituals and signals they used together always seemed designed to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat in terms of whether they were in fact deeply in love or lust or not.' Last month it emerged the drama - that received mixed reviews and decent ratings - had been axed after just one series. With the BBC pulling the plug on what would've been Andrew's next project, Amy will no doubt be hoping he's also pulled the plug on any further infidelities. 'I would NEVER try it on with someone else's boyfriend': A look back at Amy Nuttall's rocky romances in her own words after unlucky-in-love star's husband Andrew Buchan walked out to pursue relationship with co-star Downton Abbey star Amy Nuttall was left heartbroken after husband Andrew Buchan 'walked out' on her and moved in with new co-star Leila Farzad. It was the latest blow to befell the 40-year-old actress, who has had a rocky romantic past with her romances. She was famously cheated on by her Emmerdale co-star Ben Freeman in 2005, who she had described as the 'first real love of my life.' The pair had played on/off lovers in the ITV soap and their will they/won't they storyline ultimately seeped into their real lives as they struck up a romance, dating for four years. However, much like the tumultuous storylines they played out on screen, their romance ended in tragedy when Ben was rumoured to have cheated on her. A look back at Amy Nuttall's rocky romances: Amy was famously cheated on by her Emmerdale co-star Ben Freeman in 2005 (pictured in 2004) Tragedy: Downton Abbey star Amy was reportedly left heartbroken after husband Andrew Buchan 'walked out' on her and moved in with his new co-star (pictured in 2014) She was aware of the female attention her boyfriend would attract on a night out but had convinced herself he wouldn't stray. In an ill-fated interview, she told The Mirror in 2003: 'Girls seem to have no inhibitions at all, especially after a few drinks. It's obvious that we are out as a couple, but it doesn't stop them trying to clamber all over him. 'Ben's brilliant. He's very polite, but he always puts his arm around me to make it clear that he is there with me.' Making her stance on infidelity very clear, she continued: 'The girls don't make me jealous because I'm very secure in my relationship with Ben, but I do think it's rude. 'I would never dream of going up to someone else's boyfriend and trying it on.' Despite being a lads' mag favourite in the Noughties, Amy insisted that she had no male attention in real life, stating: 'I've never been chatted up since arriving on Emmerdale. 'Even when I'm not with Ben, I get the odd look of recognition but no one comes up to talk to me. Maybe they know I'm spoken for, or they feel intimidated because I'm on TV. Men like to play it cool and I suppose they don't want a knock-back.' Yet by her own admission she wasn't good at picking up signs from men, confessing that she had no idea that Ben was into her and that he did 'all the chasing.' New romance? Andrew is said to have told Amy their marriage was over before Christmas and has moved in with Leila after working together on their new series (pictured on the show) What's going on? Amy appeared to allude to the split, as she took to Instagram to share a cryptic message just a day after Valentine's Day Despite her one rule being 'not to mix work with pleasure', she found herself falling head over heels for Ben and the couple ended up moving in together. Even after they split and a woman came forward with a kiss and tell story about Ben, Amy insisted that she still had a lot of love for her partner. Speaking shortly after their split in 2005, she said: 'Ben and I are still good mates and we'll always remain close. 'He was the first real love of my life, and we're still very good friends with each other's families, so there's no bad feeling there at all.' Three years after their split, Ben faced trial for raping a 16-year-old girl in Barbados. He was later acquitted. He said he had been devastated by the allegation and that, since the incident in November 2006, he had been 'released' from his contract with Emmerdale. Two years after the trial got engaged to Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Biddall on the set of Dreamcoats and Petticoats. Yet in 2013 he was accused of infidelity again after he was pictured openly kissing and hugging his West End co-star Gina Beck. Former flame: Despite her one rule being 'not to mix work with pleasure', she found herself falling head over heels for Emmerdale co-star Ben and the couple dated for four years (pictured on the show) Despite claiming to have had no attention from men, Amy was linked to a number of high profile male suitors. She was seen out with the likes of Manchester United's Alan Smith and Everton's James Beattie, T4 presenter Steve Jones, reality star Calum Best and the late X Factor star Darius Campbell. Yet she denied being romantically involved with any of them, stating: 'I can't seem to go out and even talk to a guy without it getting in the papers that he's my new boyfriend. 'It makes it hard to date anyone because with all the attention I can't even work out whether I like somebody or not. It really puts pressure on, and most times I think it's not worth the hassle. 'But it's not like I get much attention anyway. It's always nice to be chatted up by a gorgeous guy, but the only ones I ever get are the drunk ones at the end of the night who come over and talk rubbish at me.' Despite not being approached in real life, Amy was considered a sex symbol by many men due to her racy lads' mag spreads. She later confessed that she regretted posing for the racy shoots, telling People newspaper: 'I was kind of told that if you do this you will get bigger and better storylines. 'They said that the more attention you got, the bigger the character would grow, therefore there would be more to do. 'And so I kind of thought, "Oh well...in that case". I wouldn't say there was pressure to do it but I certainly was young and naive because I was just 18 when I started in Emmerdale. 'My dad says, "Look, don't regret it. What's done is done." And so many girls have done it.' She continued: 'I went on GMTV to plug my storyline and all they wanted talk about was a lad's mag that I was in. I thought, "Hang on a minute, there is more to me than that".' It seemed Amy had found her happy ending when she met Broadchurch actor Andrew in 2007, with the couple tying the knot in 2012 and welcoming a son three years later. Yet their romance has since faced its own well-documented problems. Romantic entanglements: Amy was linked to a number of high profile male suitors including reality star Calum Best (left) and the late X Factor star Darius Campbell Michael McMartin, the manager of classic Australian rock band Hoodoo Guru, has died aged 79. The Canadian-born music industry professional, who led the band's business operations for over forty years, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. In a statement released by his family, Michael was said to be undergoing treatment for cancer for a number of years, but 'succumbed to his illness peacefully around noon on Easter Sunday, surrounded by his beloved family'. The Hoodoo Gurus expressed heartfelt tributes to their longtime manager, likening his passing to a profound loss within their own families. 'We are extremely grateful for everything we shared and built together,' read a statement posted to the band's Instagram. Michael McMartin, the manager of classic Australian rock band Hoodoo Guru, has died aged 79. Pictured The Hoodoo Gurus expressed heartfelt tributes to McMartin, likening his passing to a profound loss within their own families. 'We are extremely grateful for everything we shared and built together,' read a statement posted to the band's Instagram alongside a throwback pic of their beloved manager 'More like a close family member than a friend or business associate, the history we share and the connection we have will be everpresent in our lives,' the band wrote alongside a throwback picture of their beloved manager. Born on Vancouver Island and educated in Montreal, the Canadian relocated to Australia in 1971, where he helped form independent recording and publishing company Trafalgar Records. But in 1985, McMartin established Melody Management and his first clients were the Hoodoo Gurus, who he managed until earlier this year. 'More like a close family member than a friend or business associate, the history we share and the connection we have will be everpresent in our lives,' the band wrote in their statement. Pictured in 1987 The four-decade partnership with the band saw countless hit singles such as Leilani, What's My Scene? and My Girl, as well as the Gurus being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007. But in February this year, the music manager announced he would be stepping down from his service to the pop-rock icons due to ill-health. 'I really can't find the words to express my feelings at this time but respect, love and gratitude would be among them,' he wrote in a statement at the time. The four-decade partnership with the band saw countless hit singles such as Leilani, What's My Scene? and My Girl, as well as the Gurus being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007. The band pictured in 2007 'Thanks to the Hoodoo Gurus I have lived a life that I only otherwise could have dreamt of.' The esteemed artist manager was honoured with the APRA Ted Albert Award in 2007 for his significant and enduring contributions to Australian music, and in 2015 was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding services to the performing arts. McMartin is survived by his wife, Saskia, his son Hamish and his two grandchildren, Kiara and Koby. Nicole Richie was joined by her father Lionel as he supported his daughter at the premiere of her film Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. The music legend planted a sweet kiss on the actresses forehead as they posed for snaps together on the red carpet and the 74-year-old beamed with pride. Looking stylish as ever, the hitmaker kept it casual in a black bomber jacket, matching loose trousers and a white T-shirt. He completed the look with some white trainers and donned some light shades while showing off his daughter. Meanwhile Nicole, 42, wowed in a chic black mini dress with a chunky gold neckline and black heels. Lionel Richie looked full of pride as he supported his daughter Nicole Richie at the Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening The music legend, 74, planted a sweet kiss on the actresses forehead as they posed for snaps together on the red carpet Her blonde tresses were slicked back in a chic bun and she completed the ensemble with a heavy smoky eyeshadow look. The family all gathered together for the premiere, as the Simple Life star was joined by her husband Joe Madden and their children Harlow, 16, and son Sparrow, 14. Meanwhile Lionel was joined by both his girlfriend Lisa Parigi and ex-wife Brenda Harvey-Richie. Lionel and Brenda whom he was married to from 1975 to 1993 adopted Nicole when she was just nine years old in 1990. The star has been with Lisa since 2014, and the model opted for a chic look for the evening, wearing a black blazer, matching leggings and high heels. Brenda also opted for an all-black outfit, which was cinched in with a belt. In 1996, following his divorce from Brenda, Lionel tied the knot with stylist Diane Alexander, and had two children - Miles, 28, and Sofia, 24 - before divorcing in 2004. Elsewhere Nicole and Joel's rarely seen kids made their red carpet debut for the film, which is set to hit cinemas on April 12. Lionel and Brenda Harvey-Richie whom he was married to from 1975 to 1993 adopted Nicole when she was just nine years old in 1990 Looking stylish as ever, the hitmaker kept it casual in a black bomber jacket, matching loose trousers and a white T-shirt The whole family gathered together for the evening as they were also joined by Nicole's husband Joe Madden (R) and their children Harlow, 16, and son Sparrow, 14 (middle) Lionel was also joined by his girlfriend Lisa Parigi (second from left) and ex-wife Brenda Harvey-Richie (second from right) The reality star wowed in a chic black mini dress with a chunky gold neckline Nicole and Joel's rarely seen kids made their red carpet debut for the premiere as Harlow displayed an uncanny resemblance to her mother Nicole plays Rose in the remake. The character was first portrayed by Joanna Cassidy in the 1991 original of the same name Harlow was her mum's mini-me in a black strapless top, metallic black jeans and trainers. Her golden tresses were parted in the middle and styled straight for the evening. Meanwhile Sparrow channelled his dad in a casual black t-shirt, jeans and Vans trainers. Nicole and Joel tied the knot on December 2010. They welcomed Harlow two years prior, on January 11, 2008. Meanwhile Sparrow was born on September 9, 2009. Like the original which starred a young Christina Applegate the new version of Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead follows the antics of a 17-year-old who's forced to become the primary caregiver for her younger siblings after the elderly babysitter their mother hired kicks the bucket unexpectedly while she's away on a wellness retreat in Thailand. Cillian Murphy looked suave as ever as he posed for a new Versace photoshoot after becoming the brand's debut men's Icon. The actor, 47, joined fellow Oscar winner Anne Hathaway for the fashion house's new icons campaign. For one look, the Oppenheimer star sported a tan long-sleeved polo shirt along with a pair of black trousers. In another, he wore a white vest with a black blazer and a gold necklace. In a video for the campaign shared on Instagram, Cillian said: 'I avoid the monitor when I'm making films. It's because it's a different character, you know? Cillian Murphy looked suave as ever as he posed for a new Versace photoshoot after becoming the brand's debut men's Icon The actor, 47, joined fellow Oscar winner Anne Hathaway for the fashion house's new icons campaign 'You never want to kind of, affect, what your journey is.' At the end of the clip, he added: 'Clean and classic, it's Versace.' Cillian's partnership with the company appears to have been in the works for quite a while as he wore Versace throughout awards season. Speaking about the partnership, Versace creative director Donatella Versace said: 'I am thrilled that Cillian is joining the Versace family. 'He is a truly exceptional actor and totaly deserves his Oscar win. He is magnetic and mesmerizing in front of a camera and I loved seeing him bring Versace to life.' Cillian was 'in a daze' after his 'meaningful' Oscar win when he became the first Irish-born star to scoop the coveted Best Actor gong earlier this year. Speaking in the press room after picking up his statuette, Murphy told journalists: 'I'm in a little bit of a daze, I'm very overwhelmed. I'm very humbled. I'm very grateful and you know, very proud to be Irish standing here today. 'It's really really meaningful to me. I don't know if I said this in my speech, because I can't remember what I said.' For one look, Cillian wore a white vest with a black blazer and a gold necklace In another, the Oppenheimer star sported a tan long-sleeved polo shirt along with a pair of black trousers In a video for the campaign shared on Instagram, Cillian said: 'I avoid the monitor when I'm making films. It's because it's a different character, you know?' 'I did want to say that I think in Ireland we are really great at supporting artists and I think we need to continue to support artists and the next generation of actors and directors. I think that's vitally important. That's all I have to say.' When asked if he is 'content' about being remembered for his role as atomic bomb scientist J Robert Oppenheimer in the movie, the actor replied: 'Very content. I mean, you got to move forward, but this has been a huge, huge moment for me. 'The movie is so special to me, and myself and [director] Chris [Nolan] have such a special relationship.' Cillian, who won Best Actor at the Oscars for his role in Oppenheimer, became a new face of the high fashion brand following his career success Donatella Versace said: 'I am thrilled that Cillian is joining the Versace family' Cillian won universal critical acclaim for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the 'father of the atomic bomb' (pictured in Oppenheimer) 'And I just feel very privileged to be able to continue to work with him and I'm very proud that this is a film that is provocative, and that asks questions, and is challenging, but yet so many people went to see it, so I'm really really proud of it.' Cillian added of his relationship with director Christopher Nolan: 'It's very very special. We have been working together for 20 years. I think he's the perfect director, he's an extraordinary writer, he's an extraordinary director of actors. 'He presents this film like no one else does in the world, and I just can't believe my luck. I did a screentest for him when I was a kid, and I thought that would be it and it would just be enough to be in a room with Chris for a couple of hours, and here we are. So, I'm just so humble and thankful.' During his speech Cillian told the star-studded room that he was 'a very proud Irishman standing here tonight' before dedicating his win to 'peacemakers everywhere'. The actor was joined by his wife Yvonne and sons Malachy, 17, and Aran, 16 , as turned his big night into a family affair 'We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, for better or worse we're all living in Oppenheimer's world so I'd like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere,' he concluded to applause. The actor was joined by his sons Malachy, 17, and Aran, 16, as turned his big night into a family affair. After his lookalike sons made a rare red carpet appearance with their dad, Cillian took his seat next to his his wife Yvonne on the floor of the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, while Malachy and Aran had seats in the upper circle. Cillian paid a sweet tribute to his boys during his acceptance speech, looking up at them in their seats, as he told them he loved them. 'Yvonne McGuiness, my partner in life and art,' an emotional Cillain told his wife, before adding: 'My two boys, Malachy and Aran who are sitting up there. I love you so much.' Love Island's Amy Hart is seeking medical attention after experiencing heart pains, pins and needles in her legs and chronic fatigue. The TV personality, 31, who is set to marry her fiance Sam Rason in September after giving birth to their son Stanley in March 2023, said on Tuesday that she needed to speak to the doctor urgently. She also asked her followers not to worry her about her symptoms because she wanted to live in happiness for a few more days or weeks. Amy took to her Instagram to describe her worrying symptoms, saying: 'I need to go to bed cause I've got to get up early in the morning to call the doctors because I've been having, I mean I don't know if anyone else has had this. 'Obviously if it's something really bad don't tell me, like let me live in happiness for a few more days or weeks whatever, but I've had chronic fatigue. Love Island's Amy Hart is seeking medical attention after experiencing heart pains, pins and needles in her legs and chronic fatigue (pictured in March) The TV personality, 31, told her followers on Tuesday morning that she needed to speak to the doctor urgently 'I've been having my B12 injections. I'm up to date with my B12 but I've been having chronic fatigue, nausea - I'm not pregnant either just to say - really awful period pain, like to the point of being doubled over in the kitchen.' She also revealed she was having 'pins and needles on my feet and chest pains'. Following her symptoms, she revealed her fiance Sam said to her: 'Will you please go to the doctors?' Amy added: 'So tomorrow is that day. I'm going to get my iron and my folic acid checked as well but some of you were saying "Have you got a fibroid?". I've obviously got five, should have said that I'm my last story. But I've got five fibroids. 'So when I did my egg freezing I didn't have any. Then when I did panto in 2021 I was getting really bad pains. So I went and had a scan and I had five one centimetre fibroids. 'Then when I was pregnant they grew and now I'm thinking have they just got a lot bigger.' Amy added that she was keen to get a scan as soon as possible, even if it meant she had to go privately for one. She said: 'Basically I'm going to ask them if I can go for a scan and obviously early menopause is in my family, low AMH, time is of the essence. Amy took to her Instagram to describe her worrying symptoms, saying: 'I need to go to bed cause I've got to get up early in the morning to call the doctors' Amy is getting married to fiance Sam Rason in September after giving birth to her son Stanley in March 2023 (pictured two weeks after the birth) Following her symptoms, she revealed her fiance Sam said to her: 'Will you please go to the doctors?' (pictured in July 2023) 'If they can't book me in for a scan for ages then I'll just go and pay for one at my fertility clinic and go from there.' Amy suffered a cancer scare in 2022 when doctors found abnormal cells in her cervix following a routine smear test. The reality star's health concerns come after she revealed that she was dubbed the 'fat one' on Love Island as she shared a throwback snap taken after her first audition for the show. Sharing a stunning picture from 2019 to her Instagram Stories in January, the TV personality admitted that while she accepts she is older and a mother, she 'misses being skinny'. Amy penned: 'I accept that I'm older and have had a baby, but I miss being this skinny. Worst bit is, people said I was the fat one when I was on the show.' She looked incredible in an electric blue bikini in the shot but admitted that she got up at 4am to do her hair and makeup to make her 'Instagram look interesting' to the Love Island casting bosses. Amy commented: 'Five years ago I'd just had my first Love Island audition and was like right I need to make my Instagram interesting. 'Got up 4am in Barbados to do hair and makeup. These pics were on my FB memories hence the quality.' In January, Amy shared a throwback snap taken after her first audition for Love Island in 2019 Latest missile launch unrelated to general elections, experts say By Lee Hyo-jin United warnings by the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) about North Korea's alleged interference in the upcoming general elections through military provocations are being met with skepticism, with some analysts suggesting it to be an outdated tactic by the conservative bloc to rally supporters. According to North Korea experts, Tuesday's missile launch by Pyongyang was unlikely to be related to South Korea's elections slated for next Wednesday. Instead, it was considered to be part of a planned series of missile tests related to its development of a new solid-fuel hypersonic weapon. "I think Tuesday's test launch was part of their planned schedule that they have previously mentioned. During a ground test of a new type of solid-fuel engine on March 19, North Korea said that the timeline for the completion of the development of a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile system has been set," said Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification. North Korea fired what is claimed to be a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) equipped with a hypersonic warhead on Tuesday morning. The South Korean government linked the missile threat with the upcoming elections, with the military stating that it will closely monitor for any further provocations ahead of election day. "The North Korean regime is continuously engaging in military provocations and missile launches to unsettle our society ahead of the general election. However, such provocations will only unite our people more closely," President Yoon Suk Yeol said during a Cabinet meeting held hours after the missile launch. The PPP issued a statement taking a similar tone. "The missile launch is an effort to redirect attention away from internal difficulties toward external issues," it said, "serving as a tactic to stoke tensions within our nation by escalating inter-Korean military tensions just before our general elections." Historically, North Korea has often initiated various provocative actions prior to significant political events in the South. As well, the conservative bloc has often played up North Koreas pre-election hostile acts to influence security fears among the public and sway them to choose a conservative candidate who advocates for increased security capacity. But political commentator Rhee Jong-hoon views this as an outdated election strategy. "The significance of the so-called North Korea factor or the 'North Wind' in elections has diminished compared to the past. People are less concerned about the possibility of North Korean missile launches leading to an actual war, so I would say that emphasizing the North's hostile actions ahead of elections is somewhat outdated," Rhee said. In addition to the warnings on missile provocations, the Ministry of Unification warned of North Korea's attempts to interfere with the election through media propaganda, citing an increase in disparaging reports about Yoon in Pyongyang's state media. According to data released by the ministry on Tuesday, the Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's official newspaper, has increased reports condemning the Yoon government as the election day approaches, with seven such reports in January, 12 in February and 22 in March. "We strongly warn against North Korea's malicious attempts, which have been intensifying ahead of the elections," ministry spokesperson Koo Byung-sam said. However, the ministry did not provide a clear explanation of how the propaganda is being distributed to the South Korean public, given that public access to North Korean media such as the Rodong Sinmun and the KCNA is de facto banned here, with their websites blocked. "It is a fact that people continue to access (Rodong Sinmun) coverage through various channels," a ministry official said. Nicola Coughlan flashed a hint of cleavage in a turquoise blazer dress as she arrived to film Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in New York on Tuesday night. The Bridgerton actress, 37, accessorised with statement matching eyeshadow and tied a black belt into a bow around her waist. Nicola wore a pair of jazzy diamond-shaped earrings and carried a chic white purse with gold detailing. The former Derry Girls star finished her look with opaque black tights and sling-back heels as she braved the rain in Manhattan. The first instalment of the third season of Bridgerton will be released on Netflix next month and Nicola is also the star of new six-part Channel 4 comedy series Big Mood, which began airing in late March. Nicola Coughlan, 37, flashed a hint of cleavage in a turquoise blazer dress as she arrived to film Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in New York on Tuesday night The Bridgerton actress accessorised with statement matching eyeshadow and tied a black belt into a bow around her waist Big Mood follows Maggie (Nicola) and Eddie (Lydia West) as their friendship of 10 years is hit with work, life, and mental health pressures. On WWHL with Andy Cohen, 55, who hosts the Real Housewives franchise, Nicola promoted both shows. Nicola hilariously gave her Bridgerton character's alias Lady Whistledown a Real Housewives tagline, saying: 'I may be behind the quill but I'm always ahead of the gossip.' Bridgerton is known for its saucy scenes and Nicola has asked the producers for a 'PG' version so she could enjoy the show with her mother. It comes after Nicola revealed that series three of Bridgerton will be even raunchier than the previous two. The actress previously admitted she was initially terrified to film sex scenes with Luke Newton, who plays her love interest Colin Bridgerton. Nicola shared: 'I think we've won the sauciness for this series! I am so excited, I can't wait. 'It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Luke Newton who plays my love interest is so wonderful. The Derry Girls star wore jazzy diamond-shaped earrings and carried a chic white purse with gold detailing 'And even my wig has been upgraded. This season is really funny and romantic, they've incorporated a lot of rom com elements. And it's not one to watch with the family. Take of that what you will. 'It was terrifying. I am an Irish woman, and any Irish woman would feel like they can't do this. 'And then I went and realised, it's my job so I better. I had a great partner, and it was terrifying, but really liberating. I was exhausted by the end.' The third series of the hit regency romance, which follows the eight Bridgerton siblings attempting to find love, will pick up with Penelope and Colin's love story. Phoebe Dynevor, 28, starred in the period drama in series one which saw her take part in multiple sex scenes with actor Rege-Jean Page, 35. In the final episode of series two, with followed the eldest Bridgerton son, Penelope heard long-time friend Colin's snide comments to the other gentlemen about her and decided to finally give up on her unrequited feelings for him. Rebel Wilson revealed she had a vision that she was going to be an actress while on anti-malaria drugs during a near-death battle with a disease. During an apperarance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Australian actress, 44, said she had been in Africa, specifically Mozambique when she fell in while in high school aged 19. She said: 'I went to live in Africa after high school in a gap year while working on a charitable program and she got malaria real bad, Rebel said. 'I'm in the hospital hallucinating, and I lost my hearing because of the drugs that they gave me, and I'm hallucinating that I'm an actress and that I was really great and I won an Academy Award. It was fully blown and I could see all the actors and actresses and I walked up on stage and then I gave an acceptance rap.' Rebel Wilson told The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon she had a hallucination that she was going to be an actress while having a near-death battle with malaria while in school The Australian actress, 44, said she had been working on a charitable program in Africa, specifically Mozambique when she fell in while in high school aged 19 (stock image) Rebel said. 'Everyone was like ''no, we think Malaria has dented your brain. They're like look at you, you are not Nicole Kidman. [Acting] is not going to happen".' 'It was so full blown that I came out of the hospital and I said ''I'm going to become an actress''.' Rebel said. 'Everyone was like ''no, we think Malaria has dented your brain. They're like look at you, you are not Nicole Kidman. It's not going to happen.'' 'And literally just my one best friend Nick thought I could be an actor. Nobody else did.' 'He was so sweet he engraved a star with my name on it and said ''one day when you have a dressing room that you can put that on your door'',' Rebel said. 'It take one person to believe in you,' Jimmy said. 'Look at you now.' Rebel has previously said that upon her return to Australia, Rebel auditioned for the National Institute for Dramatic Arts - only to be rejected. The then-teenager was still trying to find her place in the world - and she then juggled a law degree and acting classes as she pursued her dream. During the interview, Rebel also gushed about getting engaged at Disneyland while promoting her memoir on Tuesday on She congratulated by Jimmy, 49, for her engagement to Ramona Agruma and for welcoming 17-month-old daughter Royce. 'I got engaged to my Disney princess at Disneyland. We got engaged and I had a violinist playing Can You Feel The Love Tonight, there's rose petals. It was very, very romantic,' said Disney fan Rebel referencing the Elton John song from Disney's The Lion King. Rebel and Ramona got engaged in February 2023 at the Disneyland resort in Anaheim, California. The couple went public with their relationship in June 2022, and Disney played a role in that as well, specifically in Wilson's Instagram announcement. 'I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess,' Rebel posted with the hashtag #loveislove. The couple welcomed their first child via a surrogate in November 2022, which Rebel announced on Instagram as well. Jimmy said there were funny things in her memoir Rebel Rising such as the time when she wanted to be a rapper. Rebel said she created a demo with her sister with them rapping their original song titled When Skeleton's Ruled the Earth and sent it out to record companies. 'But no record company ever wrote me back,' Rebel said. Rebel said:'I got engaged to my Disney princess at Disneyland. We got engaged and I had a violinist playing 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight,' there's rose petals. It was very, very romantic,' said Disney fan Rebel referencing the Elton John song from Disney's The Lion King The 44-year-old Australian actress and Ramona Agruma are shown at their romantic engagement at Disneyland Rebel Rising was released on Tuesday by publisher Simon & Schuster Rebel Rising was released on Tuesday by publisher Simon & Schuster. The actress shared that she didn't lose her virginity until she was 35 and was hesitant about whether she should put that in her new book. 'I lost my virginity quite late in life, at 35,' Rebel said. 'Not a joke sadly.' Rebel said she wondered later if she should put that in. 'I feel like if I was reading someone's memoir I'd just want to hear everything,' Rebel said. 'The things that might be embarrassing about them and the good things so I put them in.' 'Apparently Queen Elizabeth I never had sex, ever,' Rebel said. 'I beat her.' Emmerdale has confirmed that fan favourite David Metcalfe, who made a shock exit from the village last year, will not be returning. David, played by Matthew Wolfenden, 43, has been a regular character on the Yorkshire soap for 17-years but exited last year after it was revealed that his stepson was having an affair with his ex-fiance. In November, David left the village after catching step-son Jacob Gallagher (Joe Warren Plant) with his former partner Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins). Having just learned that his father Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, David promised to return. However in Tuesday's episode it was confirmed that the character has left the village for good. Emmerdale has confirmed that fan favourite David Metcalfe, [played by Matthew Wolfenden] who made a shock exit from the village last year, will not be returning In November, David left the village after catching step-son Jacob Gallagher (Joe Warren Plant) with his former partner Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) The episode saw Jacob, who considers David to be his father, walk into the shop to find his grandfather Eric and mother Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi). 'Your dad rang,' Eric began, before Jacob jumped in to say: 'I know what you're going to say but you don't need to look so worried. 'This is great actually because I can apologise properly. I can make everything better, I can tell him how much I've missed him.' 'He is not coming back,' Eric snapped back at his grandson. 'He has decided to stay a lot longer with Priya.' Jacob asked how long his father plans to stay away, to which Eric replies: 'Forever.' Later in the the episode, Jacob is dealt another blow as his mother Leyla admits that she blames him for David's departure and no longer wanted to see him. 'I'll ring dad and ask him to reconsider, I'll remind him that he promised grandad that he'd be back,' Jacob told Leyla. Pointing to a for sale sign outside his father's home, Leyla replied: 'Jacob if there was any way that David was going to change his mind, that wouldn't be there. He's clearly decided to start a life somewhere where there's no bad memories. Having just learned that his father Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, David promised to return Later in the the episode, Jacob is dealt another blow as his mother Leyla admits that she blames him for David's departure and no longer wanted to see him David's stepson Jacob had been growing closer to his ex-fiance Victoria 'Hope you and Victoria will be very happy living together. I think I'd prefer to find a place by myself. You've made your choice.' Jacob and Victoria had been growing closer before he ended up in hospital after a severe allergic reaction to one of her meals in The Hide. When Victoria came to check on him, Jacob confessed his love for her. The duo had been reluctant to explore their connection due to their nine-year age gap and Victoria's past relationship with David. Jacob and Victoria later took a risk at his house, at which point David arrived home unexpectedly. As Victoria hid upstairs, the pair thought they had gotten away with it, only for David to later see them share a kiss through the window. In September, actor Matthew broke down in tears as he confirmed he's leaving the soap after 17 years as David Metcalfe. In September, actor Matthew broke down in tears as he confirmed he's leaving the soap after 17 years as David Metcalfe The actor appeared on This Morning to discuss his upcoming exit, and at the time revealed that bosses were leaving the door open for him to possibly return in the future. The actor was visibly emotional as he watched the montage, telling Holly Willoughby and Craig Doyle that the show has been 'a big, big part of his life.' He said: 'I'm so nervous about leaving, almost two decades. 'It feels like the right time, yeah, the door has been left open, they're not killing me off, they promised. Who knows, I might be back, we will see. 'Not only has it given me 18 years of an amazing job, it's given me family. It's been a big, big part of my life.' Love Island star Amy Hart has opened up about how cruel trolls send her 'unkind' messages about her weight following the birth of her son Stanley. The TV personality, 31, has been candid about how her body has changed in the year since she and fiance Sam Ranson welcomed their first child. But despite advocating for body confidence Amy said she has been trolled online over her weight gain, with one person calling her 'disgustingly ugly'. Speaking to Closer, Amy said: 'Being in the public eye is fortunate and me and others are trying to lead the way when it comes to body confidence, but I still get unkind messages.' She added: 'I got a message the other day, saying "Hi Amy you are absolutely devastatingly ugly and you need to sort it out".' Love Island star Amy Hart opened up about how cruel trolls send her 'unkind' messages about her weight following the birth of her son Stanley Despite advocating for body confidence Amy said she has been trolled online over her weight gain, with one person calling her 'disgustingly ugly' (Pictured in July) Amy revealed that she was dubbed the 'fat one' on Love Island by vile trolls but would 'love to be that skinny now' (pictured on the show in 2019) The reality star revealed that people will argue in the comment sections of her posts about her weight. She said some people will leave nasty messages about how she is now unrecognisable and others will jump to her defence citing that she has had a baby. But Amy said that does not put the argument to rest, as trolls will slam having become a mother as no excuse for weight gain. Amy said that after giving birth she felt insecure, because she was trying to dress as she had done before and it did not work. Once Amy had found a style that worked for her new body, notably wide trousers, a bodysuit and a blazer, she said she began to love her curves and appreciate her body more because it created her son. While she tries to ignore the trolls online, Amy admitted she does occasionally reply and put them in their place. Her tactic, she revealed, is to take the person's name and find them on Facebook, at which point she said they will likely have shared a post reminding others to 'be kind'. Amy then screenshots said post and sends it back to the troll, asking 'Is this you?' Amy said some people will leave nasty messages about how she is now unrecognisable and others will jump to her defence citing that she has had a baby (pictured in June) The TV personality, 31, has been candid about how her body has changed in the year since she and fiance Sam Ranson welcomed their first child (pictured in March 2023) Amy said that after giving birth she felt insecure, as she was trying to dress as she had done before and it did not work (Pictured in May) The podcaster also revealed she would love to have four children - three boys and a girl - but does not know if that will be possible. She froze her eggs in 2019 after doctors warned her that early menopause ran in her family however she conceived Stanley naturally. The reality star, who welcomed Stanley in March last year, detailed how she and Sam are going to 'try for a second baby' after their wedding in September. The couple are busy planning a four-day musical theatre themed wedding in Spain. Amy has already picked out her dress and is currently organising the big day with her wedding planner - who has been pressing her to make decisions about the event. Amy previously told Heat Magazine: 'So, it's a four-day wedding, of course. The first dance isn't a song written for a musical, but it has been in a musical, and one of my friends who has just left the West End production of Hamilton is singing it. The reality star, who welcomed Stanley in March last year, detailed how she and Sam are going to 'try for a second baby' after their wedding in September (Pictured in September 2023 at their engagement) The podcaster also revealed she would love to have four children - three boys and a girl - but does not know if that will be possible (Pictured in June) 'At one point, he wasn't sure he would come to the wedding, because he has another friend getting married on the same day. 'But get this both our weddings are in Spain, only 35 minutes away from each other. He's going to their ceremony and drinks, and then to ours for the meal and the first dance. It's fate.' She has also picked her dress already after her stylish Jeff asked her to try on a gown 'she never would have looked at herself' which she 'ended up loving'. Amy Nuttall has made a very public show of unity with her husband Andrew Buchan when she spoke about being 'married' to him. In an interview with the Sunday Times this weekend, the actress, 41, referred to her partner, 45, during a conversation about homes and partnerships, seemingly proving they were very much 'on'. So does that mean Andrew is finally playing by the seven rules she set him in order to get their marriage back on track? Amy said in the interview: 'Generally speaking, in the last financial year what can I tell you? below a hundred grand, but I'm married so it all goes into one pot. 'So it's not as scary because I can lean on that.' Amy Nuttall has made a very public show of unity with her husband Andrew Buchan when she spoke about being married to him in a new interview (pictured together in 2017) The actress, 41, referred to her partner, 45, during a conversation about homes and partnerships, seemingly proving they were very much 'on' (pictured in 2014) She confirmed the couple still own their family home together, explaining: 'I'm the joint owner of our comfortable family home in Buckinghamshire. 'We owned a smaller house before.' It's the clearest indication yet that Amy considers that she and Andrew are back together for good, after taking him back for a third time. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Amy and Andrew for comment. On Monday, it emerged the actress had taken back her love rat husband seven months after dumping him for failing to stick to her 'marriage rules'. The couple first split when Andrew left Amy for actress Leila Farzad, 42, in December 2022 with the affair becoming public knowledge the following February 2023. But just weeks later, Leila allegedly returned to her husband James Maizels, while Andrew has gone back to his family, with The Sun reporting that Andrew told a friend: 'We're healing.' In July, it was claimed that Amy had set her husband seven strict rules to follow after their reunion in order to rekindle their relationship. The seven rules included having full access to one another's phones and having a date night once a week and going on a couple's holiday every seven months. On Monday, it emerged the actress had taken back her love rat husband seven months after dumping him for failing to stick to her 'marriage rules' (pictured in 2013) Amy said in the interview: 'Generally speaking, in the last financial year what can I tell you? below a hundred grand, but I'm married so it all goes into one pot' Amy apparently demanded weekly date nights as they followed the 777 approach, full access to each other's phones and absolutely no out of work contact with any co-stars, according to The Sun. It was reported that Andrew would also need to keep in contact via FaceTime when he's working away. 'No one thought they could come back from this but Amy has decided to give it one more go,' a source told the publication. '[Amy] doesn't want to throw away over a decade together but at the same time she is far from a pushover. 'They will adopt the 777 approach which means every seven days you go on a date, every seven weeks you go away for the night and every seven months you go away on holiday just the two of you.' The 777 approach makes up three of the rules, and the final one is that their work should be on an equal footing, it was reported. Speculation Amy and Andrew had reunited came in June when Andrew was seen leaving their family home wearing his gold wedding ring. Amy was spotted around the same time at the property, without her ring, but insiders suggested they were giving things another go. A source close to the couple told the The Sun: 'Amy was, understandably, devastated to learn of the infidelity and wanted a clean break and a fresh start. 'But Andrew has come back to her and promised to change. 'They have been working through their problems and are trying to put the love triangle behind them for the sake of their family.' They reconciled but the former Emmerdale star reportedly split from him again in August 2023 when he failed to stick to seven marriage rules she had set out to help rebuild their marriage. At the time, 'Gutted' Amy was said to have called time on their 11-year marriage and thrown him out of the family home they shared with their two children. It was originally thought that the couple were separated after Amy reportedly demanded a divorce from her husband Andrew in March last year, just weeks after news of their split emerged, but it seemed her wishes changed. After their second split in August last year, a source told The Sun: 'It took a lot for Amy to give the marriage another chance but she thought it was worth one final roll of the dice. 'There is no suggestion he has cheated again, but as far as she is concerned this is it.' They added: 'She is obviously gutted but also accepts that their time together has come to an end.' Amy had previously taken the actor back after his 'affair' with Better co-star Leila Farzad, 42 - but with a list of strict demands to help them rebuild their marriage Broadchurch star Andrew and Leila on screen in the show Better At the time, 'Gutted' Amy was said to have called time on their 11-year marriage and thrown him out of the family home they shared with their two children. They share a son and daughter, who they keep away from the limelight Amy was dealt another blow just weeks later, when her mother died in September after suffering from a brain tumour. She honoured her late mother by releasing the charity single, Thank You Mother, in March, teaming up with The Brain Tumour Charity to raise vital awareness and funds for the charity. Andrew was thought to have left the family home after their affair came to light and moved in with Leila after meeting her while working together on the BBC series. Leila married her husband James Maizels in 2013, and they have a daughter who was born in 2014. Andrew's alleged affair with Leila was exposed after Amy discovered that he had purchased racy lingerie in a size that was not her own. Friends claimed the actor informed Amy of his desire to terminate the marriage shortly before Christmas. A source told The Sun: 'The penny started to drop over a period of time. He was away a lot, which wasn't unusual because of the nature of his work, but at one point Amy realised he had been staying in hotels very near to home and wondered why. 'As time moved on, there were some tell-tale signs that he had become close to Leila just something in his mannerisms and in their social media posts together. 'But the final straw was the lingerie that's what clinched it. Amy just knew instinctively that it wasn't meant for her.' Amy, who had been so 'crushed' by the end of her marriage that she was crying almost every day, struggled to raise a smile as she was seen running errands in Buckinghamshire days later. Speaking to MailOnline about the split shortly afterwards, she fought back tears and confessed: 'I can't talk about it. I'm sorry, I can't say anything.' A source said at the time: 'It was a huge shock. Amy is heartbroken.' Andrew was said to have told Amy their marriage was over ahead of the festive period, leaving the actress devastated and their friends in a state of shock. The source added: 'For Andrew to walk away from his family was a huge shock to us all and Amy is heartbroken. Everyone who knows them thought they were going to be together forever. 'But he's packed his bags and left with his new co-star. Whatever has gone on, it seems to have been enough for him to re-evaluate his whole life and rip up their marriage. It was originally thought that the couple were separated after Amy reportedly demanded a divorce from her husband Andrew in March last year, just weeks after news of his affair (Leila Farzard and Andrew Buchan pictured) Leila has previously taken roles in Law & Order: UK, Man Down, This Time With Alan Partridge and I Hate Suzie - a part that earned her a Bafta TV nomination (pictured in 2021) 'Nobody is quite sure of the exact details, but Andrew has clearly had his head turned pretty dramatically.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for further comment. After being left devastated by her husband's alleged infidelity, sources told The Sun that Amy was taking the power back after the betrayal, while also claiming that Andrew and Leila had parted ways. The source said: 'She's told him she wants a divorce anyway, she's been publicly humiliated and the pain has been unbearable. 'She thought he was away working, when in fact he was often in hotels with Leila once the truth emerged it was like being hit by a train.' They added: 'Now she's decided to take back control again and plan her own future. She's going down the legal route and will get everything she's entitled to.' In January last year, Leila took to social media to share a gushing tribute to Andrew in a montage featuring the entire Better cast and crew. Her caption read: 'This lot. Couldn't and wouldn't happen without them. Big up the Better team who wiped my tears, held me up, fed me crumpets and made me smile. 'Don't have pics of everyone but this gang got me through! We made a show, it's NOT a Happy Valley replacement but a morality tale which should make you think.' Rebel Wilson has opened up about the physical abuse she endured at the hands of her father, including one incident when he threatened to 'choke and throttle' her. The Pitch Perfect star, 44, has shared numerous details about her private life in her explosive new memoir Rebel Rising. In the book, Rebel recalled her father Warwick, who died in 2013, having a violent outburst when she begged him to buy her a Slurpee as a 12-year-old. The pair were in the car with Rebel's sister Liberty when their father lost his temper after they kept asking him to buy them drinks. Rebel claimed her father grabbed her leg and screamed at her to 'shut up' before saying he would 'choke' her, 'kill' her and 'throttle' her if she said one more thing. Rebel Wilson has opened up about the physical abuse she endured at the hands of her father, including one incident when he threatened to 'choke and throttle' her Rebel (left) recalled her father Warwick (third from right), who died in 2013, having a violent outburst when she begged him to buy her a Slurpee as a 12-year-old She wrote: 'He whips around violently like he might actually try to choke me, then and there. He's furious. It's like a switch has flipped.' Rebel claimed she never dared ask her father to buy her a Slurpee ever again and only asked her mother Sue. The actress recalled another incident during her childhood years when her father allegedly hit her across the face after he thought she had wet the bed. Rebel told how she and Liberty had been dabbing their faces with washcloths in bed to try and cool down on a particularly hot night. The Bridesmaids star had the idea to wet both their mattresses in the hope it would help them cool down quicker. But when their father entered their bedroom, he thought the pair had wet their beds. Rebel said he immediately lost his temper and became a 'red-faced giant'. She wrote: 'He brings his palm up to his cheek and, with the full force of a strong, stocky adult man, hits me as I'm lying there on the wet mattress. Whack. Whack. Whack.' The Pitch Perfect star has shared numerous details about her private life in her explosive new memoir Rebel Rising (pictured as a teen) Rebel noted her father hit Liberty too but hit her the hardest because she was older and was supposed to be 'responsible'. 'We're left with red marks on our arms and legs where we've tried to defend ourselves against the blows,' she added. Warwick Wilson, who was a professional dog handler, died aged 62 from a heart attack while Rebel was filming American sitcom Super Fun Night. Rebel's memoir has attracted headlines for her alleged experience working with Sacha Baron Cohen on the 2016 film Grimsby. She alleged that on the set of the comedy Sacha would ask her to strip off for scenes despite her 'no nudity' rule, in a string of claims which Sacha has strenuously denied and says are contradicted by evidence. In a memoir passage obtained by People Magazine, she shockingly alleged that Sacha requested she 'stick her finger up his a**' because he thought it would make a funny scene in the film and claimed 'it felt like [he] had sexually harassed me'. Rebel also claimed the alleged inappropriate experience with the Borat actor led to stress eating. Rebel's memoir has attracted headlines for her alleged experience working with Sacha Baron Cohen on the 2016 film Grimsby The Australian actress made shock claims about her experience on the film with 'a**hole' comedian Sacha Baron Cohen She shockingly alleged Sacha requested she 'stick her finger up his a**' because he thought it would make a funny scene in the film as she claimed 'it felt like [he] had sexually harassed me' The Pitch Perfect star recalled how she felt 'completed disrespected, which led to me treating myself with even more disrespect by eating in an extremely unhealthy way'. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sacha's representative for further comment. Rebel played Sacha's on-screen girlfriend in the 2016 Louis Leterrier-directed film and has made a series of allegations about her uncomfortable experience during shooting. Rebel claimed that during filming, Sacha would repeatedly 'mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene', which she alleged was in 'no way essential' to the film's plot. In her book, which was released in the US on Tuesday, she wrote: 'It felt like every time I'd speak to SBC, he'd mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene. I was like, 'Ha, I don't do nudity, Sacha'.' Rebel claimed that she was allegedly summoned by a product assistant for an additional scene while shooting in Cape Town, South Africa. Rebel said: 'OK, well, we're gonna film this extra scene,' SBC says. 'Then he pulls his pants down', SBC says very matter-of-factly: 'OK, now I want you to stick your finger up my a**.' And I'm like, 'What?? No!!'' Rebel claimed she was shocked and wanted to get out of it, adding: 'I was now scared. I wanted to get out of there, so I finally compromised: I slapped him on the ass and improvised a few lines as the character.' The Bridesmaids actress also claimed she only agreed to a sex scene with Sacha after several rewrites and recalled allegedly telling the producers that she wouldn't be promoting the film ahead of its release. In her memoir, Rebel (pictured in 2016) also claimed the alleged inappropriate experience with the Borat actor led her to disordered eating Rebel played Sacha's on-screen girlfriend in the 2016 Louis Leterrier-directed film and has made a series of allegations about her uncomfortable experience during shooting Several never-before-seen clips from the movie that failed to make the final cut were obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com and depict Rebel and Sarah's characters using a cellphone to film themselves getting intimate. According to those close to Sacha, director Louis Leterrier had to discuss any nudity or sex scenes with Rebel before they were shot. They say she agreed to the scene. They also say that the cell phone was used because the movie called for Rebel and Sacha's characters Dawn and Nobby to use an iPhone to film themselves having sex. In a statement given to DailyMail.com, Rebel doubled down on her book's description of Sacha as an 'a**hole'. 'It is an a**hole move to release footage of one part of that disgusting episode while leaving out everything that preceded it including my horrified refusal to stick my finger up SBC's butt,' she said. 'This could not have possibly been for the film as the director Louis Leterrier was not even present,' she claimed. 'What this edited video shows is what I had to do in order to get out of the room, as written in Rebel Rising. Releasing unauthorized and misleading behind the scenes video without my approval is SBC's latest way of bullying and gaslighting me.' Rebel is pictured with her book, in which she alleged that on set, Sacha would ask her to strip off for scenes despite her 'no nudity' rule - claims which Sacha has strenuously denied Sacha has strongly denied ever mistreating Rebel or pressuring her to be naked in the film. A spokesperson for Sacha 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.' Sacha's team also provided nine anonymous statements from crew members that backed the claim that the scene was in the script. Lorraine Kelly has candidly opened up about the lasting impact of her miscarriage over 20 years ago as she confessed she 'always wondered what might have been'. The presenter, 64, shares daughter Rosie, 29, with husband Steve Smith but after her pregnancy loss recalled being 'very aware' of how it affected her entire family but is pleased that such issues are more openly discussed these days. Speaking in an interview with Saga magazine she admitted: 'Sometimes I wonder what might have been. You've got this parallel life that didn't happen. 'I do remember vividly the time when someone said, "Oh this is very common". They were trying to make me feel better, which made me feel worse. I thought, "Oh my God, so many people feel like this." 'And I was also very aware that it didn't just happen to me, it happened to Steve, to my mum. It has a ripple effect.' Lorraine Kelly has candidly revealed she has 'always wondered what might have been' after suffering a miscarriage more than 20 years ago Speaking in an interview with Saga magazine the presenter, 64, admitted: 'Sometimes I wonder what might have been. You've got this parallel life that didn't happen' (pictured with daughter Rosie in 2021) She added: 'I think it's good that we are talking about things like this a lot more. We are more open, and you should be. 'You should be allowed to grieve and go through that whole process the way it suits you. Some people don't want to talk about it, and some do. It's whatever suits you best.' The presenter and her husband tried unsuccessfully to conceive again but were unsuccessful and while she thinks it 'would have been nice' to have had more children, she feels 'lucky' to have Rosie. She said: 'It didn't happen for us. We weren't doing anything to stop it from happening. But we never went down the road of doing anything about it, like IVF or tests. 'And by the time you realise it's not happening I was in my early forties, and just thought our time had passed. 'But we were very lucky to have Rosie, a happy, healthy kid. It would have been nice, but equally there are a lot of positives with just having the one.' Rosie was just five years-old when Lorraine miscarried, and back in 2020 Lorraine and her daughter discussed the incident with OK! Magazine. Rosie told the publication: 'I do remember. We were in Dundee. I was in the car with Dad following the ambulance. I was okay, though I had no idea what was going on.' The presenter shares daughter Rosie, 29, with husband Steve Smith but after her pregnancy loss recalled being 'very aware' of how it affected her entire family but is pleased that such issues are more openly discussed these days Lorraine added: 'But we were very lucky to have Rosie, a happy, healthy kid. It would have been nice, but equally there are a lot of positives with just having the one' Lorraine also previously spoke to Giovanna Fletcher on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast about her loss, saying going through a miscarriage was 'really difficult'. She explained: 'That was a really difficult time and I think, yes of course we should absolutely sympathise with the women who go through this, but nobody asked after Steve. 'Nobody ever said 'How are you?' The only people who did, funnily enough, were friends that experienced it themselves and sadly as we know, far too many people experience it. 'I think we've got to be a bit more considerate about everyone and not just partners but extended family.' If you have been affected by this story contact the Miscarriage Association (miscarriageassociation.org.uk) or Sands (sands.org.uk) Former Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn has been granted a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband Christian Richard. Richard was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon last month after he allegedly threw a bottle of glass recyclables at Quinn but hit their two-year-old son. He has disputed this version of events as 'lies' from Quinn, and maintained instead that he threw a trash bag full of paper towels and soiled rags at the wall. Quinn obtained a temporary protective order after the first arrest, but Richard still appeared at their marital home the following night and was arrested again, according to an LAPD spokesperson. Now TMZ reports that a judge has approved Quinn's request for a temporary restraining order. Although he can engage in limited communication with Quinn so they can talk about child visitation, he must remain at least 100 feet from her at all times. Former Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn has been granted a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband Christian Richard; pictured 2021 Although he can engage in limited communication with Quinn so they can talk about child visitation, he must remain at least 100 feet from her at all times; pictured 2021 Furthermore, he is not allowed at the former couple's marital home and is banned from threatening, stalking or assaulting her. Quinn made explosive accusations against Richard in her court documents when filing for the temporary restraining order. She claimed the couple were experiencing money woes that caused their relationship to crumble, with disastrous results last month. Quinn alleged that during one outburst the day before his arrest, her husband urinated on the floor and threw dog feces at her. She also maintained that Richard flung decorative objects with metal in them at her during that same altercation. When that alleged incident occurred, Quinn decided to bring her relationship with Richard to an end, according to her court documents. She was purportedly packing her belongings the next morning when another confrontation with Richard occurred - the one that prompted his first arrest. The latest legal development comes on the heels of claims that the estranged couple's marital problems have been going on for month. Quinn has 'felt unsafe for a while' with her estranged husband, an insider told Us Weekly on Thursday; seen in June 2023 in West Hollywood 'Christine has felt controlled by Christian their whole relationship,' a source told Us Weekly last Thursday. The two met shortly after filming ended for the first season of Selling Sunset, which debuted in March of 2019. The insider also claimed that Richard (whose real name is Christian Dumontet), disapproved of the unabashedly sexy image that Quinn, 35, often displays. 'He never liked that her whole brand was about sex appeal and Christine would often have to lie about what partnerships or photoshoots she was doing so Christian wouldnt have a meltdown,' they added. The newest alleged details about the details about the estranged couple have emerged after they filed requests for temporary restraining orders against each other in the wake of Richard's arrest for assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly throwing a bag with a glass bottle in it at Quinn, which instead hit their two-year-old son Christian Georges Dumontet, according to Quinn. Quinn was previously reported to be planning to divorce her husband, but the insider clarified that she plans to file the necessary paperwork 'very soon.' The source claimed Richard, 45, had bristled at his 35-year-old wife's sexy image, and they said the marriage had been 'toxic for several months,' leaving Quinn in 'distress'; seen in March 2023 in LA She appears to have a sense of urgency, as Richard's allegedly violent incident leading up to his arrest was 'not the first time she has seen [Christian] lash out in an angry manner,' the Us Weekly source said. 'She has felt unsafe for a while,' the insider claimed. 'It has been toxic for several months and Christine has been in distress. It is going to be a long, messy road ahead of them, as they both have restraining orders and are not in agreement on plans with their son.' Quinn seems to be focusing on the future, as a second source told the publication that she was 'in great spirits' when she attended the Xerjoff Vibes and Elle Anniversary celebration on Wednesday. 'She was all smiles and was happily taking several photos for photographers. She seemed unbothered and was in a great mood all night mingling and taking selfies with guests,' they said. 'Christine put on a brave face and was smiling and laughing throughout the night.' Quinn's appearance at the Xerjoff Vibes and Elle Anniversary celebration marked her first public appearance since she filed for a restraining order against Richard. The reality star had been pictured arriving at the event earlier in the evening, and the diamond engagement ring that her estranged husband Christian Richard gave her was notably absent. They added it was 'not the first time she has seen [Christian] lash out in an angry manner.' He was arrested twice last week within 24 hours, the first time being after Quinn claimed he threw a bag containing a glass bottle at Quinn but missed and hit their son instead; seen March 19 The two will have difficult issues ahead, as the source said they are 'not in agreement on plans with their son,' two-year-old Christian Georges Dumontet; seen in March 2022 in LA The insider claimed that Quinn has felt 'controlled' by her estranged husband for the duration of their marriage. They wed in 2019; seen in June 2023 in LA Christine Quinn has made her first appearance since filing for a restraining order against her husband Christian Richards, as she attended a Xerjoff Perfume event on Wednesday The 20-carat sparkler was worth a whopping $1.2 million, but she opted to leave the glamorous item behind. In its place, she sported a more modest silver band with a blue gem in the center. Despite navigating her marital woes and requesting a restraining order against her estranged spouse, Quinn appeared in high spirits as she mingled with other attendees. The star was reunited with Selling Sunset stars Nicole Young and Davina Potratz as they posed for snaps at the event. This marked the first time since the mother-of-one has been seen since Christian was arrested twice in the span of 48 hours the previous week. According to new court documents, Christine claims that after she called him out for the 'lack of effort' he was putting in their marriage, things turned volatile, according to Us Weekly. The Texan, who owns two Yorkshire Terriers, stated that Richard pulled out 'dog feces' from the trashcan and hurled it at her. 'I then locked him out, and our son and I spent the night in the master bedroom,' Quinn claimed in her court documents. 'I could hear him continuing to shout and yell, and could hear him smashing and breaking things through the house.' It was previously claimed Richard had thrown a bag containing a glass bottle at Quinn but missed and hit their son instead - but Richard is now alleging the row erupted over Quinn's dogs urinating on his belongings - with the entrepreneur denying hitting their son, per TMZ. Earlier this week, Richard filed his own request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) that seeks to enforce a 'legal forcefield around him' - which he says is essential in light of Quinn's domestic violence allegations against him - which he denies. Richard claims the two family dogs are not housetrained and urinate and defecate all over their LA home - and says Quinn refuses to have them trained. At the event, Christine was joined by Selling Sunset alumni Nicole Young, who slipped into a black lace gown The pair also posed for snaps with fellow show alumni Davina Potratz, as Christine brushed off her recent marital woes He claims he discovered the two dogs had 'urinated all over some valuable belongings of his' despite him blocking off the area from the dogs. Richard claims when he went to confront Quinn about he found her in their bedroom with cleaning supplies and other items 'strewn about all over.' He says he became angry and picked up a trash bag on the ground - which he claims was full of soiled rags and paper towels - and threw it against a wall. Richard denies throwing the bag at Quinn and denies hitting their young son, while also denying the bag was filled with glass. He says this information was relayed to Quinn by police. After the bag was thrown Richard claims he tried to escort his son away from the scene but claims Quinn grabbed their son and holed in another room in the house. Richard says police came in with guns raised and arrested him over 'lies' Quinn had told them. He further claims Quinn filed a false police report and 'fabricated' domestic violence allegations against him to use as leverage in a potential divorce and custody battle. Richard claims Quinn wants to 'embarrass him' which is why she called police. A judge has yet to approve his request for the TRO. DailyMail.com has contacted Christine Quinn's representatives for comment. The update came amid reports that Quinn was moving to ensure that her estranged husband Richard is kept far away from her and their son. The Selling Sunset star had been meeting with lawyers to set in motion a temporary restraining order against Richard (real name: Christian Dumontet), according to TMZ. Additionally, sources claimed that the reality star was planning on leaving her husband and filing for divorce. The Xerjoff event marked the first time the mother-of-one was seen since her ex was arrested twice in the span of 48 hours the previous week According to new court documents Christine claims that after she called Christian out for the 'lack of effort' he was putting in their marriage, things turned volatile Quinn at that time had a week-long emergency protective order against her husband, but she needed to petition the courts for another restraining order to go into effect once the previous order ran out. Sources told TMZ that she is in the process of meeting with attorneys to plan out her next steps. The TV personality was reportedly planning to detail her entire history in order to secure a restraining order, and the sources describe their marriage as being a series of ups and downs. She has reportedly ready to make additional serious allegations against her estranged husband relating to their interactions out of the spotlight, and the lawyers are reportedly helping her to navigate those issues. Although sources previously told Us Weekly on Thursday that Quinn plans to file for divorce from Richard, her first priority is making sure that he can't come near her or baby Christian. Ultimately, the sources allege that she wants a permanent restraining order against Richard, though she will likely have to start with a temporary restraining order. The insiders add that Quinn's relationship with Richard feels irreversibly damaged now, so a reconciliation between the spouses is unlikely. Her emergency restraining order against her estranged husband only lasts for seven days, so she will need to have filed for a temporary restraining order by Wednesday in order to keep a legal barrier protecting herself and her child. Quinn's terrifying saga spilled into the spotlight on Tuesday, when Richard was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, with his bond set at $30,000. LAPD spokesman Jeff Lee told DailyMail.com: 'A victim and a suspect were involved in a domestic dispute when the suspect threw a bag at the victim with a glass bottle inside of it. It missed the victim, but that object struck a child. The Texan, who owns two Yorkshire Terriers, stated that Richard pulled out 'dog feces' from the trashcan and hurled the poop at her 'I then locked him out, and our son and I spent the night in the master bedroom,' Quinn claimed in her court documents. 'I could hear him continuing to shout and yell, and could hear him smashing and breaking things through the house' (pictured in 2021 with one of her beloved pups) It was claimed Richard had thrown a bag containing a glass bottle at Quinn but missed and hit their son instead - but Richard alleges the row erupted over Quinn's dogs urinating on his belongings; seen December 2022 in France 'The suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.' Christian was subsequently taken in an ambulance to a hospital for treatment with his mother by his side, according to TMZ. Richard was seen in a bathrobe last Tuesday as he was led into a squad car by police after his arrest. He subsequently made bail, but was shockingly arrested a second time on Wednesday after he violated the emergency restraining police had offered Quinn by visiting their home. Although Quinn and her son were reportedly not at the home at the time, Police arrived with guns drawn and did a search of the home before taking Richard into custody. An eyewitness on the scene alleged that police could be heard shouting for Richard to 'Come out with your hands up.' LA County Sheriff's records indicate that Richard posted another $30,000 bond and was released hours after the second arrest. A source told Page Six that Quinn and her son were staying at a separate 'safe' location, and that someone else had allegedly called the police on Richard. Quinn and Richard were originally introduced via a mutual friend, and the tech founder proposed to her on Valentine's Day of 2019. Richard has filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) that seeks to enforce a 'legal forcefield around him' - which he says is essential in light of Quinn's domestic violence allegations against him - which he denies; seen in June 2023 The couple were wed in December of that year in a ceremony with a winter wonderland theme featuring an unusual gothic twist, including Quinn's black wedding dress. They welcomed their son Christian in 2021. The blonde beauty is best known as a breakout star on Netflix's reality series Selling Sunset, in which she sold luxury homes for the Oppenheim Group for five seasons. Her final season on the show featured allegations that she had tried to bribe a client. Sian Welby showcased her growing baby bump in a chic bikini on Wednesday as she modelled several pieces of maternity wear in an Instagram Reel. The Capital presenter, 37, announced her pregnancy live on the station in February. She is expecting her first child with her fiance Jake Beckett. Sian said at the time: 'I think I want to share something with the group right now, actually. 'Seriously, guys: got a bit of an announcement for you. I'm pregnant! I don't know how I've managed to keep it from you for this long, but I am, it's not a joke.' Wednesday's Reel featured two bikinis and several other outfits - and the reflection of a patiently filming Jake could be seen at one point. Sian Welby, 37, showcased her growing baby bump in a chic bikini as she modelled several pieces of maternity wear on Instagram on Wednesday The Capital presenter announced her pregnancy live on the station in February She is expecting her first child with her fiance Jake Beckett. Sian said at the time: 'I think I want to share something with the group right now, actually. Seriously, guys' Sian titled the video 'Maternity Holiday Outfit Ideas' and her first outfit was a bright orange, black and blue trouser and crop top set. The second bikini was tiered and off-white with super-thin straps and showed off just a bit of Sian's bump. On a tiled pedestrian path, Sian supported her bump in black and white mid-length horizontally striped dress. Then while posing on a pier, she wore loose-fitting snazzily designed black and white trousers with a sleeveless cover-up. She then kept it simple in a plain black dress with a modest side split and tan sandals and a white cardigan. Outside her villa, showed off her bump in a super short-sleeved and below-the-knee off-white dress. Wearing black sandals, Sian crossed her hands under her bump and wore a maroon below-the-knee sleeveless knit dress. For the Reel's caption, Sian hilariously began: 'Right preggos'. She then continued: 'Ive put together all the outfits I took on holiday. I can personally vouch that all were really comfy and didnt dig into the bump!' Sian became engaged to Heart Radio producer Jake during a romantic holiday to Greece in 2023. Sian titled the video 'Maternity Holiday Outfit Ideas' and her first outfit was a bright orange, black and blue trouser and crop top set The second bikini was tiered and off-white with super-thin straps and showed off just a glimpse of Sian's bump In another picture, Sian supported her bump in black and white mid-length horizontally striped dress She wore loose-fitting snazzily designed black and white trousers with a sleeveless cover-up while posing on the pier She then kept it simple in a plain black dress with a modest side split and tan sandals and a white cardigan Outside her villa, Sian showed off her growing bump in a super short-sleeved and below-the-knee off-white dress Sian also crossed her hands under her bump and wore a maroon below-the-knee sleeveless knit dress Sian currently hosts Capital Breakfast with Chris Stark. Former co-host Roman Kemp has been replaced with Jordan North who previously hosted on BBC Radio 1. Sian also regularly hosts This Morning and was a favourite to replace Holly Willoughby before Cat Deeley was chosen. The star started her career as a Channel 5 weather girl before moving onto and Heart FM and the BBC. Reacher star Alan Ritchson claimed that he was sexually assaulted while he worked in the modeling industry. The 41-year-old actor said the incident happened while he was 'one of the highest paid models at the agency' and offered a gig with a 'very famous photographer' in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Wednesday. 'I was sent into a hotel room to do nudes with the promise that if I did the shoot, he would offer me a very lucrative campaign for a magazine and a clothing line,' he explained. 'I was sexually assaulted by this guy.' The North Dakota native said he immediately left the photo shoot, drove to his agency's office, and told them to never call him again. 'I quit the industry and it was the last photo shoot Ive ever had. Those pictures were never seen or published,' he claimed. 'That was it. I swore it off and thank God acting found me at the exact same time so I was able to make a switch to a new career, but it left some scars.' Reacher star Alan Ritchson claimed that he was sexually assaulted while he worked in the modeling industry; pictured in 2022 The 41-year-old actor said the incident happened while he was 'one of the highest paid models at the agency' in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter; pictured at the Versace Atelier show 2014 Ritchson did not name the photographer. 'Lets be honest, its like legalized sex trafficking,' he said of modeling. 'The industry is not regulated, and its a widely known secret that if youre hired on a job, youre basically being passed off to a photographer to be trafficked.' He said that there were numerous occasions when he found himself in these situations where sexual abuse seemed to be the objective, and the paycheck he desperately needed to survive served as the incentive. 'Youre always dancing around this very terrible line of, "How do I keep the job and not completely offend this photographer or this agent or whoever set this thing up, and how do I not get raped?"' Ritchson said he deeply empathizes with women who face power struggles and predatory behavior in the workplace. 'If I really had to, I could get myself out of whatever room I was in through a physical altercation. Most women dont have that option. Imagine how terrifying it must be.' The action star did mention that his modeling work for the department store JCPenney held a different experience. 'I was sent into a hotel room to do nudes with the promise that if I did the shoot, he would offer me a very lucrative campaign for a magazine and a clothing line,' he explained. 'I was sexually assaulted by this guy'; Versace show 2014 The North Dakota native said he immediately left the photo shoot, drove to his agency's office, and told them to never call him again; pictured at Maxim Hot 100 Party in 2010 'I swore it off and thank God acting found me at the exact same time so I was able to make a switch to a new career, but it left some scars' pictured in 2009 'Nobody was trying to get you naked and oiled up in the back of a hotel room so they could sexually assault you or threaten you that if you didnt do it, you wouldnt get a campaign.' He also weighed in on a 2018 New York Times report of sexual misconduct allegations against two famous fashion photographers. 'Some of the stories [from the expose] were just like mine. I was just starting to build a platform and get my voice in the business, and I wondered, "Should I say something?" Because all of the stories that those models were telling were my own. Its all true.' Although Ritchson moved on from modeling after briefly exploring an American Idol audition in 2004 and securing a few small acting roles shortly thereafter, he still found himself confronting sexual harassment. His producing partner threatened to ruin him if he refused to engage in a sexual relationship with her. 'She gave me an ultimatum to come to her room and said that if I didnt, she would destroy the business and she would destroy me by calling TMZ to claim I sexually assaulted her,' he said. 'It was really disappointing and became a perfect storm. It really broke me in that moment, and it took me a while to recover. I was super depressed and didnt know how to navigate that.' However, years later, while married with children, Ritchson reached a breaking point and attempted to take his own life. Lets be honest, its like legalized sex trafficking,' he said of modeling His producing partner threatened to ruin him if he refused to engage in a sexual relationship with her; pictured in Prime's Reacher 'I hung myself. It all happened so fast, and I was dangling there,' he said. He credits divine intervention for what followed next. In a vision, his sons, now aged 11, 10, and 8, appeared to him as adults in their mid-30s, just a few years younger than he was then. 'They calmly asked me not to do it, and told me that they wanted me to be here, alive and part of their lives.' He said he was then able to pull himself up off the rafters before blacking out. 'I was diagnosed as bipolar right after. Deep down, I was comforted to know, "OK, theres a name for this."' After the diagnosis, a friend suggested he try MDMA therapy with his wife Catherine. 'I had never done drugs but I was truly, like, "Well, I might kill myself tomorrow, what do I have to lose?" So, I did it. 'I swear to God, the biggest light bulb went off, and it rewired my brain in the best way. MDMA is a proven therapy to treat PTSD in veterans, and its something that can work in cognitive therapy settings.' The therapy session made him reflect on his existential journey and conclude that his purpose is 'to make the world a better place and serve others.' Years later, while married with children, Ritchson reached a breaking point and attempted to take his own life He said he was then able to pull himself up off the rafters before blacking out Ritchson's epiphany prompted him to seek out more fulfilling opportunities in his career, ultimately leading him to the TV series Reacher, adapted from the popular Jack Reacher novels penned by British author Jim Grant, writing under the pseudonym Lee Child. Reacher debuted as a massive success in February 2022, immediately topping Amazon Prime Video's streaming charts, marking a first for the platform. It quickly became one of the most-watched series debuts ever, accumulating 1.84 billion minutes of watch time in its first week. Within days, it was renewed for a second season. 'What got me ready for Reacher was all the losses that I took early on,' Ritchson said. Trainee doctors remain silent on Yoon's calls for talks By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol's proposed dialogue with trainee doctors would be unlikely to reach a breakthrough in the latter's month-long walkout over the medical school quota issue, even if such a meeting happens. The junior doctors, who have resigned en masse in protest of the government plan to increase the number of medical students, remain suspicious of Yoon's sincerity about talks, considering his resolute determination expressed in previous speeches. On Wednesday, the presidential office reaffirmed Yoon's stance announced the previous evening that he wants to discuss the issue with the junior doctors, who are directly engaged in the collective action, and hear what they have to say. The office said it is waiting for the Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA) to answer Yoons invitation. An official said that the talks can take place at any time, about any topics that trainee doctors want. This came after a spokesperson of the Medical Professors Association of Korea asked KIRA head Park Dan to meet Yoon without any conditions, during an online press briefing on Tuesday. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also said on the day during a TV appearance, Yoon has a very strong intention for candid talks with them with no limits on subjects. Yoon brought up holding a discussion about the 2,000 new slots to be added to the current quota of 3,058 came on Monday during a 51-minute televised address to the nation, urging doctors to propose a unified and rational plan. While the presidential office stressed his speech was intended to show that the government is open to backing down on the existing plan, the message ended up drawing negative responses from doctors because Yoon devoted most of his speech to rattling off research results on the anticipated shortage of medical doctors in the country and criticizing doctors for the prolonged walkout. The Korean Medical Association (KMA) said in a press briefing on Wednesday that it welcomed Yoons approach to meet junior doctors, but stated that it is difficult to verify the intention" behind the governments suggestion for talks, and added that "the most viable way of guaranteeing the sincerity of the talks is suspending the expansion in next years medical school quota. While various medical associations are voicing their own opinions, KIRA, which holds the key to ending the walkout, has not responded to the government. Since March 29, KIRA has not been releasing any statements on the issue, with its head Park refusing to respond to media inquiries on Yoons invitation. Skepticism is growing that a meeting between Yoon and Park would not likely bring an immediate resolution to the medical standoff. It is still confusing whether the government has the intention of stepping back from the 2,000 (added) slots, a medical professor based in Seoul said on condition of anonymity. With Yoon stressing the importance of the 2,000 slots throughout his speech, how could anyone believe that the government will compromise on its plan? To enable talks, the government should start by suspending the current policy. Otherwise, the dialogue, even if it takes place, will end up being used for political grandstanding before the general elections. Even if Yoon meets the KIRA head, chances are slim for an immediate rollback in the policy, because the government has already finished distributing the increased slots to medical schools across the country, and universities are now setting up requirements for next years admissions, with their deadline set for April 30. Since any abrupt changes would cause confusion in college admissions and a backlash from students and parents, a presidential official told reporters that any big changes from the 2,000 slots would be difficult, and doctors should consider this when they come up with their unified plan. Difficulties in unifying doctors are also raising skepticism. Though the KMA is the biggest doctors association, KIRA, the professors' association, the Korean Medical Student Association and other doctors' groups hold slightly different positions on how to counter the governments push, with doctors saying the KMA does not represent all of them. A KMA spokesperson told reporters Wednesday that it is communicating with trainee doctors, but was unavailable to share details on the proposed talks, citing that it is a matter between the presidential office and trainee doctors. Adding to this, many trainee doctors are now refraining from engaging in collective actions after the government threatened to suspend their licenses and take other legal actions in response to their walkout. Trainee doctors are now scattered to avoid the governments threats, and it is hard to say there is an entity that can play a pivotal role for drawing a unified doctors proposal, the Seoul-based professor said. It was a visibly relieved Giovanni Pernice who left a meeting in central London last week. For, as the Mail can exclusively reveal, the Italian dancer - one of Strictly's best-loved professionals - had just been assured by his bosses at the BBC that he would be making a return to the ballroom later this year. At any other point in the past eight years, it would have been taken as a given that the Beeb would want him back. After all, his Charleston swivels and Jive flicks - not to mention his dark and brooding good looks - have made him Strictly's most popular pro dancer. But this time round, the decision was no rubber-stamping exercise. For Giovanni, 33, has endured what one friend describes as a 'torrid' five months during which he was subjected to a string of attacks. Giovanni Pernice, 33, has endured what one friend describes as a 'torrid' five months during which he was subjected to a string of attacks The allegations, attributed to sources close to his most recent dance partner Amanda Abbington, made out he was 'abrasive' with his partners and had reduced some to tears. While Strictly insiders agree that Giovanni pushes his partners hard to give them the best possible chance of winning the glitter ball, they insist he is no bully. And that's why, despite accusations from Amanda and three of his previous partners, Giovanni was 'offered a contract' at the meeting and readily accepted. 'He is thrilled,' says one insider on the BBC One show. 'While there are dots on i's and crosses on t's still to be written in, it all looks to be happening for him. As it's the 20th anniversary, it's a big year for the show and everyone involved wants Giovanni to be part of it. 'It has been a really difficult few months for him. To have been hit with such claims - but not having anything he can respond to - has been really, really tough.' Both the BBC and Team Giovanni say there have been no official complaints made about his behaviour In fact, one source described the claims as a 'nasty witch hunt', which could not just have ended his Strictly TV career but endangered his place on the international ballroom dancing circuit generally. It all began in January when the Sun reported that former Sherlock star Amanda, 52, had asked the BBC for CCTV footage of the pair rehearsing. She claimed to have suffered 'post traumatic stress disorder' as a result of appearing on the programme and was considering legal action. His most recent dance partner, Amanda Abbington, made out Giovanni was 'abrasive' with his partners and had reduced some to tears Three weeks ago, the row erupted once again after the Sun reported that Amanda had met Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh (pictured with Giovanni) Both Giovanni and Strictly bosses believe the story was leaked by friends of Amanda, who has never made any comments on the record about the matter. In fact, despite numerous stories that she and Giovanni did not get on during the series - at the time, she insisted they were the best of friends. Three weeks ago, the row erupted once again after the Sun reported that Amanda had met Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh and television presenter Laura Whitmore - who were both former Strictly partners of Giovanni - to discuss their own 'difficult' experiences working with him. This led to 'tears being shed', according to sources close to Abbington, who shared details of the meeting. Despite Giovanni's friends rebuffing the story as 'three women meeting up for a coffee and a moan', once again, the dancer was left 'upset' at the reports. And earlier this week, it was reported that Giovanni's 2018 partner, former member of the 1990s band Steps, Faye Tozer, struggled to work with him and broke down in tears following an appearance together on spin-off show, It Takes Two. Faye, who made it to the final with Giovanni, ignored any opportunity to speak on the matter when she was approached, while those working on the show at the time say that her tears were in fact over a 'personal issue away from the show'. The lack of evidence, and the fact that Amanda told bosses she was leaving Strictly before the end of the series last year for a different medical reason, left them with nothing to formally investigate. Television presenter Laura Whitmore was also a former Strictly partner of Giovanni and described having a 'difficult' experience working with him However former partners have also come out to back him, including Debbie McGee, the widow of the magician Paul Daniels, who was paired with him in 2017 'The BBC are backing him all of the way,' says an insider at the broadcaster. 'There have been no complaints about Giovanni's behaviour, nobody has actually come forward and said, 'He did this to me' or 'He did that to me'. 'Nothing has come to light from any of these people and it feels very unfair to judge someone and potentially dump someone from their job because of what is written in the red tops.' That said, I'm told that there are some at the BBC who are said they do 'regret' pairing Giovanni with Amanda and, with hindsight, reckon they should have put him together with the more determined Angela Scanlon, the Irish television presenter, and put her pro partner, Carlos Gu, with Amanda. Giovanni, say those in the know, has also had the full support of his Strictly colleagues. Judge Anton du Beke, who stars alongside him in a BBC travel show Anton & Giovanni's Adventures In Spain, is said to have been a 'rock' to him in recent months. Former partners have also come out to back him, including Debbie McGee, the widow of the magician Paul Daniels, who was paired with him in 2017. Shortly after Amanda's allegations, Debbie shared a beaming throwback picture of her and Giovanni taken backstage during their stint together. 'Happy memories, Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly,' ran the caption. Indeed, Giovanni even dated one of his partners, Georgia May Foote, after they made the final together in his debut series back in 2015. And he is a viewers' favourite too. Not only is his tour, Let Me Entertain You, sold out across Britain but he won over millions of Strictly fans when he topped the 2021 series with deaf actress Rose Ayling Ellis. Their silent dance to Clean Bandit's Symphony won the Must-See Moment at the 2022 Bafta television awards. 'Giovanni's legacy lives on from what he did with Rose,' says a BBC insider. 'He was solely responsible for winning a Bafta and the BBC will not forget that. He made such a positive impact with Rose and it is a terrible shame that unsubstantiated slurs threated that. 'Now everyone at Strictly is ready to welcome him back with open arms.' And, let's hope this time they take care to pair him with the right partner. Nigora Bannatyne gave credence to an old adage on Wednesday as she showed off her youthful physique while holidaying in the Bahamas. Indeed, the brunette proved that age is just a number as she displayed her washboard abs in a mottled blue bikini while posing for a series of coastal snaps after celebrating her 44th birthday in the West Indies. In one image, shared with her 29,000 Instagram followers, she reclines against a tangled piece of sun-bleached driftwood, the azure Atlantic ocean providing a suitably picturesque backdrop. Nigora, a former former dental surgery receptionist, has been making the most of her time in the Bahamas after jetting off for a birthday break with millionaire husband Duncan Bannatyne, 75. Over the weekend she heaped praise upon her husband as well as her 'beautiful family and friends' for their 'kindness and energy' as she shared more photos from the trip. Nigora Bannatyne gave credence to an old adage on Wednesday as she showed off her youthful physique while holidaying in the Bahamas Indeed, the brunette proved that age is just a number as she displayed her washboard abs in a mottled blue bikini while posing for a series of coastal snaps 'I am thankful for my wonderful husband @duncan.bannatyne my beautiful family, friends .the kindness, the energy and the endless love and support from you through good and bad. Im thankful Im blessed...' she wrote. 'To connect, lean, grow, be inspired to do well and able to share our lives togethertheres not enough words to express my appreciation and gratitude to you all!' Nigora is Duncan's third wife after two previous marriages to his first, Gail Brodie, in 1987, and second wife Joanne McCue in 2006. The former Dragon's Den star has four children with Gail and two with Joanna, while Uzbekistan-born Nigora is also a parent to daughter Gabrielle from a former relationship. Duncan proposed to the brunette in 2016 with a 40,000 ring in millionaire's playground Monte Carlo, little more than 12-months after they embarked on a relationship. The couple originally met in 2014 when Duncan visited the Harley Street dental surgery in which she was employed as a receptionist. They married in Portugal in 2017 before jetting off to Croatia to enjoy their honeymoon. Duncan and Nigora previously spoke to OK! magazine about the moment they first met. In one image, shared with her 29,000 Instagram followers, she reclines against a tangled piece of sun-bleached driftwood Nigora, a former former dental surgery receptionist, has been making the most of her time in the Bahamas after jetting off for a birthday break Uzbekistan-born Nigora is a parent to daughter Gabrielle from a former relationship Nigora is Duncan's third wife after previously tying the knot with Gail Brodie and Joanne McCue, in 1987 and 2006 respectively The business mogul insisted she was on his mind from the minute he saw her at the dental surgery. He said: 'I spotted her in there one day while getting some crowns done. Just as I was building up the courage to speak to her, the buzzer went for my appointment. 'When I went home I couldn't stop thinking about her, I felt obsessed! I felt in love with her.' Nigora added: 'On day one. He was like "I'm madly in love with you." I thought he was joking and was speechless!' Georgia Steel has sparked rumours she's already moved on from her ex Toby Aromolaran. The Love Island All Stars couple, who finished in fourth place in the final, split last month after Toby, 25, called time on their relationship, which completely 'blindsided' Georgia. However it seems the reality star, 26, has moved on and is no longer paying Toby a second thought as she took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday night with a romantic snap. Georgia shared a snap of two beautiful bouquets of red roses as she wrote: 'X2' alongside an emotional emoji. While she didn't elaborate on any further details, the post comes after Georgia aimed a swipe at ex Toby on Sunday, after celebrating her 26th birthday. Georgia Steel has sparked rumours shes already moved on from Love Island All Stars ex Toby Aromolaran after sharing cryptic post on Monday The Love Island All Stars couple, who finished in fourth place in the final, split last month after Toby, 25, called time on their relationship, which completely 'blindsided' Georgia, 26 Posing in a stunning white lace dress, the star left little to the imagination as she showcased her incredible physique in the array of images. Displaying her white underwear in the see-through ensemble, Georgia made sure to show Toby what he is missing as she firmly put the past in the past. She wrote: 'Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, but Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present'. Despite leaving the villa together, Toby broke up with Georgia less than two months after the pair left South Africa, leaving the star completely shocked. Breaking her silence to confirm the split, she wrote on Instagram: 'After seeing the reports regarding my relationship with Toby I feel it's only right for me to be transparent and truthful with you all. Georgia added: 'It is true Toby has called things off. It has taken me by complete surprise and I'm still trying to process it and come to terms with it all. 'They say some people are in your life for a lifetime and some just for a chapter.' Georgia experienced a turbulent time on the ITV reality show, on which she first appeared on in 2018, and has since revealed her family and friends received 'death threats' after her stint on the show. However it seems the reality star, 26, has moved on and is no longer paying Toby a second thought as she took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday night with a snap of two beautiful bouquets of red roses The Love Island All Stars couple, who finished fourth place in the final, called time on their whirlwind romance just one month since they departed the villa together While she didn't elaborate on any further details, the post comes after Georgia aimed a cryptic swipe at ex Toby on Sunday, after celebrating her 26th birthday Displaying her white underwear in the see-through ensemble, Georgia made sure to show Toby what he is missing as she firmly put the past in the past Taking to Instagram to confirm the split, she wrote: 'After seeing the reports regarding my relationship with Toby I feel it's only right for me to be transparent and truthful with you all.' Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, she confessed she has been subjected to 'vile trolls' and 'death threats', causing her to briefly leave social media. 'You don't really know how to process that if I'm honest, you're quite scared, you don't know if the whole world hates you,' she said. 'My family and my friends, they had death threats. My mum got messages "How could you raise a girl like this?" 'Yeah, which is awful, because like in reality... I just want to make the people that support and love me proud.' Georgia then challenged the trolls over their actions, asking if they would dare say those things to a person's face - and whether they had considered that their comments could be the thing to 'tip someone over the edge'. The driver has so far not been charged in the shooting over Easter weekend She disputed the driver's claim of 'self defense' as they appeared uninjured Grieving Angie Harmon shared a poignant message days after an Instacart driver allegedly shot and killed one of her dogs over the Easter weekend. The 51-year-old former Law & Order star revealed in an Instagram post on Monday that her dog Oliver had been killed by the shopper after they dropped off groceries to her home in Charlotte, North Carolina. 'This Easter weekend a man delivering groceries for Instacart shot & killed our precious Oliver,' she wrote, alongside several sweet photos of the deceased pet. 'He got out of his car, delivered the food & THEN shot our dog.' In a statement provided to DailyMail.com, Instacart addressed Angie's claims - revealing that the delivery driver in question has been suspended from their role. 'We were deeply saddened and disturbed to hear about this incident. We have no tolerance for violence of any kind, and the shopper account was immediately suspended from our platform,' a spokesperson said. 'We have been in direct contact with the customer and are cooperating with law enforcement on their investigation.' Grieving Angie Harmon shared a poignant message days after an Instacart driver allegedly shot and killed one of her dogs over the Easter weekend (pictured 2022) Harmon claimed the driver delivered her groceries before shooting her dog Oliver. She disputed claims of 'self defense,' as the driver allegedly appeared unharmed Reflecting on her loss, she reshared a post from Daily Bible Verses, which read: 'God is saying to you today, Dont give up. I am your strength. Despite everything youve dealt with this year, Im pulling you through. Ive never left you and Im not going to let you down. Things will get better. Trust Me now.' In her Instagram post, Harmon claimed that the Instacart shopper knew that he was not being recorded before the shot the dog, noting that her Ring security camera was charging inside at the time of the incident. 'Our Ring camera was charging in the house, which he saw & then knew he wasnt being recorded,' she wrote. Harmon noted that the driver was released by police after claiming that he shot the dog in 'self defense.' However, the Rizzoli & Isles star disputed that her dog had attacked the driver, writing: 'He did not have a scratch or bite on him nor were his pants torn.' She went on to describe a chilling interaction in which the driver allegedly admitted to killing her dog. 'He shot our dog with my daughters & myself at home & just kept saying, Yeah, I shot your dog. Yeah I did,"' she wrote. Reflecting on her loss, she reshared a post from Daily Bible Verses, which read: 'God is saying to you today, Dont give up. I am your strength. Despite everything youve dealt with this year, Im pulling you through Harmon claimed the driver was a man using a woman's profile, which she reposted, though their identity has not been publicly release Harmon identified the driver as a man but claimed that he was using a woman's identity on his Instacart profile, which she posted on Instagram, though the delivery person's identity has not been publicly released yet. 'We are completely traumatized & beyond devastated at the loss of our beloved boy & family member,' she concluded, while adding '#RIP OLLIE.' In an update from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to TMZ, law enforcement officials confirmed that the Instacart driver had claimed he shot the dog in self-defense. 'The investigation revealed that a delivery driver arrived at the residence to deliver consumable goods. The driver told officers that a dog attacked him while he was at the residence and that he defended himself by firing a single gunshot, striking and mortally wounding the dog,' police said. 'Another dog was present at the residence but did not attack.' They added that the department's Animal Control division was also involved in the response to the shooting, but the department confirmed that no charges had been filed against the driver at this time. In a statement provided to DailyMail.com, Instacart addressed Angie's claims - revealing that the delivery driver in question has been suspended from their role She called the shooter's actions 'despicable and inexcusable' in a later Instagram Stories post Harmon's post included a sweet photo of someone scratching Ollie's chin, as well as a photo of the dog when he was a puppy Other photos showed Oliver with the other family dogs He cuddled up with another pooch for a cute nap in another heartbreaking photo She included a short clip in which she theatrically cleared her throat off camera because a snoozing Oliver was sitting on the out-of-bounds sofa, before another woman gave him head scratches The police department added that it was not seeking out any other individuals in response to the shooting. At this time, TMZ reported that law enforcement officers have 'closed' the case and 'refused to release the deliveryman's statement or alleged injuries.' Additionally, the outlet reported that the police 'would not provide any specific narrative as to what the dog did to show aggression or why it was self-defense.' During the incident, Harmon's lawyer, John Buric, said she was upstairs putting food in the squirrel feeder while her children 'were in the backyard when they hard a gunshot.' After hearing the sound, her kids reportedly 'rushed to the front of the house and found Oliver lying there in a pool of blood.' Harmon described the deliveryman as 'braggadocious' about killing her beloved pup and said he repeatedly kept saying: 'Yeah, I just shot your dog.' A statement from Instacart said it had been in contact with Harmon and noted that the driver had been suspended immediately; seen in 2017 in Beverly Hills Harmon's post included a sweet photo of someone scratching Ollie's chin, as well as a photo of the dog when he was a puppy, plus photos of him cuddling with her other dogs. She included a cute video in which she theatrically cleared her throat off camera because Ollie had broken the rules and sat on the couch, but then another woman gave him some much-appreciated head scratches instead of scolding him. Harmon subsequently wrote a message to the delivery driver in her Instagram stories. 'To the man who took Ollie away from us: your actions are despicable and inexcusable,' she seethed. 'You've not only robbed us of a beloved member of our family but you've also traumatized us beyond measure.' She said it was 'beyond comprehension' that 'someone could commit such a heartless act.' Harmon is best known for her stint on Law & Order and her starring role on TNT's Rizzoli & Isles (pictured) Harmon added: 'I'm devastated that I didn't get to say goodbye to him.' After modeling early in her career, Harmon got her big acting break on the bizarre two-season series Baywatch Nights. However, it was her addition to the main cast of Law & Order from 1998 to 2001 made her a hit with fans and critics. Harmon played the assistant DA Abbie Carmichael, who worked in close collaboration with longtime star Sam Waterston's character Jack McCoy. She went on to be a popular television star with numerous lead and supporting roles, as well as occasional film parts. Harmon's biggest role to date was on the crime drama series Rizzoli & Isles, in which she played a Boston homicide detective who works in collaboration with a medical examiner to solve crimes. The TNT series ran for seven seasons from 2010 to 2016. The BBC has broken its silence after a Countryfile segment caused backlash among viewers last month. The much-loved show which gives fans a glimpse at country life and all that comes with it came under fire after an episode which aired on March 17. During one part of the show journalist Datshiane Navanayagam went to Devon and Cornwall to examine the struggles that people living in the countryside have getting access to NHS dentists. But after the show aired the BBC received complaints from viewers over the dentistry segment - as they said it wasn't 'suitable' for the show that usually focuses on farming and wildlife. The broadcaster has now said, according to The Express: 'We received complaints from people who felt that the item on dentistry was not suitable for Countryfile.' The BBC has broken its silence after a Countryfile segment caused backlash among viewers last month The much-loved show which gives fans a glimpse at country life and all that comes with it came under fire after an episode which aired on March 17 (Adam Henson on the show stock) However, the BBC went on to point out that they cover a 'wide range of rural affairs issues affecting rural areas and communities'. They continued: 'In this programme, Countryfile investigated the lack of NHS dentistry provision in Devon and Cornwall. Our film acknowledged this is a national problem but focused on the stories of those living in rural areas. 'Previously the programme has produced diverse films including shortfalls in Special Education Needs provision and the difficulties recruiting Midwifery staff in rural areas.' At the time, fans took to social media to complain about the dentistry segment as they said: 'Countryfile. Dentists? Am I missing something?', 'What have NHS Dentists got to do with The Countryside? More irrelevant guff to pad out #countryfile.', '#Countryfile What has lack of dentists got to do with countryside matters?? Is this panorama or Countryfile? My favourite Sunday evening relaxation show ruined.' It comes after last week 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. During one part of the show journalist Datshiane Navanayagam went to Devon and Cornwall to examine the struggles that people living in the countryside have getting access to NHS dentists But after the show aired the BBC received complaints from viewers over the dentistry segment - as they said it wasn't 'suitable' for the show that usually focuses on farming and wildlife Journalist Datshiane Navanayagam (seen) went to Devon and Cornwall to investigate the dentistry crisis 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. 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 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. 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. At the time, fans took to social media to complain about the dentistry segment as they said: 'Countryfile. Dentists? Am I missing something?' (presenter Matt Baker seen on the show stock) It comes after last week Countryfile viewers raised concern for presenter Adam Henson during the Easter Sunday episode, after spotting a mark on his face The pair got married that same year after 28 years together, as getting married 'was suddenly really important' following her diagnosis. 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. Eva Longoria often shows off her toned tummy and legs when on the red carpet. But on Wednesday it was all about the star's pert bottom as she modeled a green dress that was so sheer it showed off her thong undies. The Desperate Housewives star - who welcomed her first child, a son named Santiago, with husband Jose 'Pepe' Baston in 2019 - looked to be in the best shape of her life. The 49-year-old Dora the Explorer actress was posing on a rooftop in Paris. 'Spring time in the city of love @nicolasgerardin @richard.bajon @stylememaeve @jordan_mkp,' wrote the star. In the comments section the pinup was compared to Jennifer Lopez, 54, who is known for her generous derriere. Eva Longoria flashed pert bottom as she modeled a green dress that was so sheer it showed off her thong undies. The 49-year-old Dora the Explorer actress was posing on a rooftop in Paris. 'Spring time in the city of love @nicolasgerardin @richard.bajon @stylememaeve @jordan_mkp,' wrote the star. Seen March 10 In the comments section the pinup was compared to Jennifer Lopez, 54, who is known for her generous derriere. Seen in 2016 Here Lopez is seen this year as she modeled a bra top and leggings in a bathroom 'Is it JLo or Eva?' asked fan mamalicious87. Another fan wrote: 'You look a bit like Jennifer Lopez with that booty energy.' Others thought she had Photoshopped the image. Another said: 'That is a fake booty added' and this fan wrote: 'Is the butt silicone?' One follower asked: 'How did her butt suddenly grow?' Then there was this: 'She always had a booty like this?' In 2019 Longoria said she wanted to get back into shape after having her son. She revealed it was 'torture' preparing for the Cannes Film Festival where she showed off her post baby body. The star had grueling workouts with personal trainer Grant Roberts. Getting ready for the French film event, she captioned it with: 'Getting it in before Cannes! Thanks to @grantrobertsfit for the past 6 months of torture!' Eva also shared several short workout videos to her Instagram stories, which showed her enduring several intense exercises. Eva is stepmother to her husband's three children - Natalia; and twins Mariana & Jose - from his first marriage to Natalia Esperon. The actress originally met Jose through a mutual friend back in 2013 and they'll celebrate their third wedding anniversary on May 21. Here is a rare look at her bottom, which she usually covers; Longoria for Angel City kits Workout: Eva Longoria has revealed that she's been in 'torture' for the last six months preparing for the Cannes Film Festival She welcomed her first child - a son called Santiago - with husband Jose 'Pepe' Baston in 2019 Eva has insisted that she's never felt any pressure to lose weight after giving birth In the past, Eva has insisted that she's never felt any pressure to lose weight after giving birth. She said: 'I don't really succumb to any pressure. So if people were saying, "Hurry up and lose weight," I don't know, because I don't listen to it. 'I've had some amazing women in my life - my mum, my sisters - who really taught me about my self-worth from very early on in life. I come from a family of strong women, so it would have been impossible for me to lose my self-worth.' She added: 'I still love yoga, but my workouts now are more weight training. Very serious weight training. I really gave my body time to adjust to postpartum and post-pregnancy. 'You know, it had a baby! It created a human life, so I really wasn't too hard about getting back into shape. Now I'm working out a lot more and watching what I eat. I'm barely starting to get back into it.' Rebel Wilson's ex Mickey Gooch Jr had a short-lived fling with Love Island star Georgia Harrison. The actress, 44, made the bombshell revelation she lost her virginity to the actor, 38, when she was 35 in her new memoir, Rebel Rising. After their romance, Mickey has lived his life largely out of the spotlight but embarked on a romance with Georgia, 29, in 2019. The actor, who split from Rebel in 2015, has remained good friends with the Hollywood actress. While it is not known if Mickey is in a relationship at the moment, he hit headlines in 2019 with his romance with Georgia. Rebel Wilson 's ex Mickey Gooch Jr had a short-lived fling with Love Island star Georgia Harrison The actress, 44, made the bombshell revelation she lost her virginity to the actor, 38, when she was 35 in new memoir, Rebel Rising (pictured in 2015) The TV star originally caught his eye after appearing on endurance based MTV reality show The Challenge: War of the Worlds. The American star, who is nine years her senior, eventually asked her to be his date at the London premiere of new film Madness In The Method. A source told the Mail at the time: Its casual but he took her out last week to his film premiere in London. He saw her on The Challenge and fancied her from then. 'It's a huge show in the US. After that he made sure he got introduced to her and eventually they swapped numbers and started getting to know each other. He loves her accent and how funny she is.' Following the premiere Mickey shared a snap of himself planting a kiss on Georgia's cheek as they made their way to a Casa Mexico tequila sponsored after-party at Chiltern Firehouse. Captioning the shot, he wrote: 'Shout out to my girl G.... thank you for coming out to support me on my big night in London.' Responding to the post, Georgia wrote: 'Love you so much thanks for a good night.' However the romance was short-lived. Georgia is now in a relationship with Anton Danyluk, 28, who she met on Love Island All Stars earlier this year. After their romance, Mickey has lived his life largely out of the spotlight but embarked on a romance with Georgia, 29, in 2019 Following the premiere Gooch shared a snap of himself planting a kiss on Georgia's cheek, he wrote: 'Shout out to my girl G.... thank you for coming out to support me on my big night' Responding to the post, Georgia wrote: 'Love you so much thanks for a good night.' Rebel and Mickey ended up dating for six months but the relationship fizzled out during a holiday with her family In 2021, he shared a throwback post of them at a game and wrote: 'Throwback Thursday cheers to the most beautiful girl I know.! Inside and out. "The Full Package" Writing about her exes in a chapter titled Late Bloomer in her newly released memoir Rebel Rising, the Australian actress reveals he was her first sexual partner Georgia is now in a relationship with Anton Danyluk who she met on Love Island All Stars earlier this year Rebel and Mickey ended up dating for six months but the relationship fizzled out during a holiday with her family but he spent time with her in the years that passed. In 2021, he shared a throwback post of them at a game and wrote: 'Throwback Thursday cheers to the most beautiful girl I know.! Inside and out. "The Full Package".' The actress revealed she made the decision so she could concentrate on her booming acting career. 'I obviously chose career over relationships and I dont regret that decision one bit,' she told the Daily Telegraph at the time 'A lot of my friends who are married now wish theyd taken the same path where you really went after your career and your dreams. 'Thats not to say both are mutually exclusive, because you can have it all if you want to,' the Australian actress continued. Rebel is engaged to designer Ramona Agruma and the couple welcomed their first child, Royce Lillian, via surrogate in November 2022. The Hollywood star opened up about her very first sexual encounter in her newly-released memoir, Rebel Rising, in a chapter titled Late Bloomer, which saw her go into detail about several of her ex partners. While doing so, Rebel revealed actor and comedian Mickey was her first-ever sexual partner - admitting he had no idea it was her first time. Revealing she was 'almost at my highest weight' at the time, she explained that one of the reasons she waited so long to have sex because she felt that 'as a big girl, no one would ever truly find me sexually attractive.' Gushing about their intense chemistry, Rebel also penned a brief personal message to Mickey - who is the son of multimillionaire banker Michael Gooch, founder of the $700million GFI Group - revealing that he may have learned the truth about their intimate moment in the pages of her book. 'And, Micks, I know this might be news to you if you are reading this, but yes I lost my virginity to you,' she writes in the memoir. The Pitch Perfect actress said that she 'high-fived myself' after losing her virginity to Mickey in a room at the Greenwich Hotel in New York while she was filming the 2016 movie How To Be Single - a film in which aspiring actor Mickey also landed a small role. Rebel explained how she was motivated to have sex after learning her mother had breast cancer, writing: '...life IS short. I didn't want to live my life without experiencing sex. Experiencing love. I put it out into the universe that I was finally ready. I was going to feel the fear and just do it.' Ashley Judd is starring in a new movie, which is her first since her mother Naomi Judd passed away two years ago. The beauty will star in the thriller Lazarus, which dropped its first trailer on Wednesday. The Someone Like You star, 55, plays Lee, an overprotective aunt who adopts her nieces Imogen and Maeve after their parents died. Ashley's character raises them in a remote cabin in the woods while a 'deadly pandemic' rages on. 'For over 10 years, the girls are raised to never leave the woods, avoid any and all interaction with outsiders, and ultimately rely on Lee as their only connection to the outside world,' according to a synopsis of the movie. 'Lee has convinced the girls this is the key to survival in what is now an infectious and violent world.' Ashley Judd is starring in a new movie, which is her first since her mother Naomi Judd passed away two years ago. The beauty will star in the thriller Lazarus, which dropped its first trailer on Wednesday The Someone Like You star, 55, plays Lee, an overprotective aunt who adopts her nieces Imogen and Maeve after their parents died 'But, when Imogen and Maeve discover an injured man in the nearby woods, Lees absolute control begins to disintegrate as their faith in her, and everything theyve ever known, begins to unravel,' the synopsis continued. At the beginning of the trailer, a voice over says: 'My girls have never been to the outside. Lazarus is their sanctuary' while ominous music place and a shot of Seattle looking deserted flashes on the screen. As the trailer continues, one of Lee's nieces discovers an injured man and attempts to help him with his wounds. It is soon revealed that the man is fleeing from a crime which draws more people to their formerly secluded location. The movie also stars Katie Douglas and Sarah Pidgeon as her nieces and Asher Angel as the injured man. Judd posted on Instagram May 2023 when production on the film completed saying Lazareth reminded her of her 1993 movie Ruby in Paradise because of its 'purity and simplicity.' 'I play Aunt Lee to two young women whom Ive raised since infancy, in an old cabin, self sufficient & isolated in the deep woods,' she explained. 'Free from social constructs and male violence, my perspective on the narrative may be different from the other characters,' she wrote. Ashley's character raises them in a remote cabin in the woods while a 'deadly pandemic rages on' 'For over 10 years, the girls are raised to never leave the woods, avoid any and all interaction with outsiders, and ultimately rely on Lee as their only connection to the outside world,' according to a synopsis of the movie 'Lee has convinced the girls this is the key to survival in what is now an infectious and violent world' 'But, when Imogen and Maeve discover an injured man in the nearby woods, Lees absolute control begins to disintegrate as their faith in her, and everything theyve ever known, begins to unravel,' the synopsis continued At the beginning of the trailer, a voice over says: 'My girls have never been to the outside. Lazarus is their sanctuary' while ominous music place and a shot of Seattle looking deserted flash on the screen As the trailer continues, one of Lee's nieces discovers an injured man and attempts to help him with his wounds. It is soon revealed that the man is fleeing from a crime which draws more people to their formerly secluded location Judd posted on Instagram May 2023 when production on the film completed saying Lazareth reminded her of her 1993 movie Ruby in Paradise because of its 'purity and simplicity' 'I play Aunt Lee to' two young women 'whom Ive raised since infancy, in an old cabin, self sufficient & isolated in the deep woods,' she explained 'Free from social constructs and male violence, my perspective on the narrative may be different from the other characters,' she wrote 'To me its about a sacred bond. To some, its an allegory. To other, a coming of age love story,' she wrote Ashley Judd posted about the movie when production wrapped in May 2023 Ashley took some time off from acting after her mother Naomi Judd's suicide and a bad leg break, pictured here in 2015 Naomi Judd died of a self-inflicted bullet wound in April 2022 at the age of 76 (pictured 2009) 'To me its about a sacred bond. To some, its an allegory. To other, a coming of age love story. 'Making this movie reminded me of #RubyinParadise in its purity and simplicity. Night scenes lit by candles. Living in the woods near set,' she continued. 'We are all so eager for you to to see Lazareth when it comes out! I am grateful for this pristine experience and all the running charades we played!,' she concluded. Lazarus debuts on demand and in theaters on May 10. Former Real Housewives of New York star Leah McSweeney has lashed out at Mayor Eric Adams just one day after she threatened to leave the city over rising crime. Appearing on Fox & Friends on Wednesday, the 41-year-old said she was heartbroken over what's happened to New York in recent years. 'This breaks my heart because New York City is the best city in the world, but it's not safe right now, and it is especially not safe for women,' she said. The designer and reality star said that her teenage daughter recently received death threats on the subway. She also revealed that she witnessed somebody 'smoking crack at 10am' in the middle of Times Square. Former Real Housewives of New York star Leah McSweeney lashed out at Mayor Eric Adams on Fox & Friends on Wednesday 'The worst thing is we're being gaslit by the politicians who tell us that it's actually safer than ever, and it's not,' she said. (Mayor Adams is pictured) 'Just smoking crack on the street, not even trying to hide it!' she told host Ainsley Earhardt. Referring to the constant smell of marijuana that permeates New York's streets, McSweeney said, 'I feel like I'm getting a second hand high.' She then turned her ire towards local politicians, and singled out Mayor Adams. 'The worst thing is we're being gaslit by the politicians who tell us that it's actually safer than ever, and it's not. I'm sorry, there's no way,' she said. 'I'm out there. I'm on the train. I'm walking around. It's not safe,' McSweeney continued. 'I'm hoping that things turn around, because like I said, this is the best city in the world, but the people who are in charge do not care. Mayor Adams is at Zero Bond, he's at Casa Cipriani. Help us.' The star then said she was considering moving to Florida if things don't change, and that she and daughter Kier have already started looking at colleges in the Sunshine State. 'This breaks my heart because New York City is the best city in the world, but it's not safe right now, and it is especially not safe for women,' McSweeney said Referring to the constant smell of marijuana that permeates New York's streets, McSweeney said, 'I feel like I'm getting a second hand high' Posting to Instagram on Tuesday, the New York native detailed some of the horrors she'd witnessed in the deteriorating metropolis. 'People are smoking crack for breakfast in Times Square,' she said into the camera as she trudged down one of New York's dreary, wet streets. 'My daughter also had someone on the train tell her that they were going to turn her into a pile of meat on the floor,' she continued. McSweeney finished, 'And I'll be leaving New York as soon as possible.' Posting to Instagram on Tuesday, the New York native, 41, detailed some of the horrors she'd witnessed in the deteriorating metropolis 'My daughter also had someone on the train tell her that they were going to turn her into a pile of meat on the floor,' she continued McSweeney starred on The Real Housewives of New York City for two seasons (pictured) and has also appeared on Love & Hip-Hop: New York The reality star and fashion designer was born in Manhattan and has spent her entire life in New York. She appeared on the Real Housewives of New York City and Love & Hip-Hop: New York and is a longtime fixture of downtown New York's social scene. Despite her passion for the city, McSweeney has hinted over the past year that she's eyeing a move to Florida. The Married to the Mob founder, who converted to Judaism in 2022, said last year, 'I love NYC but Miami is growing on me.' McSweeney's revelation comes just days after fellow RHONY star Bethenny Frankel claimed that she was punched on the streets of the Big Apple. Frankel, 53, shared the shocking news on social media after TikTok user Mikayla Toninato went viral after revealing that a man came up and 'hit me in the face'. 'This is insane bc this happened to me a few months ago but I was embarrassed to say,' Frankel wrote in the comments section. Despite her longtime love of New York, McSweeney has hinted over the past year that she's eyeing a move to Miami, Florida The reality star and designer is pictured posing on the trash-strewn streets of New York Frankel was born and raised in New York, but relocated to Connecticut a few years ago after citing safety concerns for herself and her teenage daughter Bryn. 'I don't feel totally safe. I'm not going to lie,' she told Fox 5 NY in 2022. 'I walk with my daughter. We had multiple incidents. She cringes now. She won't walk down the street without digging into my hand. It's not what it used to be,' she continued. 'Instagram makes it seem like it's vines outside restaurants and truffle cheese and everything is ok, but that's the social life, and the nightlife. That's not what's going on day to day.' Another Tiktoker named Halley Kate suffered a similar random attack on the streets of New York - recounting it on her own TikTok page. 'You guys I was literally just walking, and a man came up and punched me in the face,' she said. 'Oh my God, it was so bad I can't even talk,' she added. McSweeney's revelation comes just days after fellow RHONY star Bethenny Frankel (pictured) claimed that she was punched on the streets of the Big Apple Frankel claimed that she was randomly attacked at a bakery on the Upper West Side Frankel was born and raised in New York, but relocated to Connecticut a few years ago after citing safety concerns for herself and her daughter Bryn A third TikTok user named Olivia Brand recounted her assault in the Big Apple, which took place on March 17. She said she was walking and 'literally got punched in the head on the sidewalk. He goes, "Sorry," then punches me in the head.' Olivia added: 'Holy c**p, what the hell just happened? Oh my God.' According to Page Six, more than 25 women have revealed on TikTok they were randomly attacked in New York City in the past few months. The growing number of random punching attacks in New York City seemingly appears to part of a disturbing trend called the knockout game - where strangers punch random strangers in New York City with the intent of 'punching them unconscious.' TikTok user Mikayla Toninato went viral after revealing that a man came up and 'hit me in the face' Another Tiktoker named Halley Kate suffered a similar random attack on the streets of New York - recounting it on her own TikTok page Last week, New York police arrested a second man accused of randomly punching women in the face on the streets of Manhattan. The second suspect, Mallik Miah, 30, was arrested Thursday and charged with allegedly assaulting 27-year-old Mikayla Toninato in Greenwich Village in a broad daylight attack. He has since been freed on supervised release, and has not been linked to any of the other assaults plaguing women in the Big Apple in recent weeks. Toninato took to her social media page immediately after the attack - which just so happened to have occurred around the same time that influencer Halley Kate McGookin was also assaulted. McGookin's alleged attacker, Skiboky Stora, 40, was arraigned in court last Thursday. At least four other New York City women saying they have also been subjected to the seemingly random attacks in recent weeks. Saturday Night Live stars have hit back after a barbed TikTok video claimed the show has 'never hired a hot woman' in its 49 year history. The furore began when TikTok user Jahelis posted a video on March 21 saying: 'Am I the only person whos ever noticed that SN has never hired a, like, hot woman? 'Im not saying that every single woman who has been a cast member on SNL is ugly, just that none of them have ever been, like, hot.' Specifically calling out cast member Heidi Gardner, Jahelis said Gardner is 'often used as the super hot and super dumb' girl in skits - but said 'she's not that pretty' but 'I guess technically the most conventional hot female on this cast.' Jahelis reflected on whether the lack of 'hot' women on the show was intentional because 'once we see women as super funny, we have a hard time seeing them as also both sexy and attractive.' Saturday Night Live stars have hit back after a barbed TikTok video claimed the show has 'never hired a hot woman' in its 49 year history - pictured Heidi Gardner who was roasted in the clip Am I the only person who has noticed that SNL has never hired a hot woman? pic.twitter.com/DCvdQAVEkD Zero Star Reviews (@ZeroStarReviews) March 31, 2024 She added that SNL alum Maya Rudolph was 'really beautiful' and Kristen Wiig 'very conventionally attractive' but said she didn't perceive either of them as hot. Jahelis said Jimmy Fallon was a 'conventionally super hot guy' while heaping praise on Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis and current cast member Bowen Yang. Cast member Sarah Sherman posted on X: 'Just found out Im not hot. Please give me and my family space to grieve privately and uglily at this time.' New cast member Chloe Troast used the Jahelis's video before singing Christina Aguilera's Beautiful. Last month Gardner revealed she and her spouse Zeb Wells have broken up. The Kansas City, Missouri native, 40, made the personal reveal on The Liz Moody Podcast, as she said she 'went through the end of a relationship' in reference to Webb, 46, who she exchanged vows with in 2010. Gardner said that using the phrase 'end' felt 'weird to say' in talking about the split with Wells, a writer for Marvel Comics, who she did not refer to by name, nor specify the time when they parted ways. Gardner said she knows 'that person will always be in my life and it will transform in a different way.' Cast member Sarah Sherman posted on X: 'Just found out Im not hot. Please give me and my family space to grieve privately and uglily at this time She added that SNL alum Maya Rudolph was 'really beautiful' and Kristen Wiig (pictured) 'very conventionally attractive' but said she didn't perceive either of them as hot. New cast member Chloe Troast used the Jahelis's video before singing Christina Aguilera's Beautiful Specifically calling out cast member Heidi Gardner, Jahelis said Gardner is 'often used as the super hot and super dumb' girl in skits - but said 'she's not that pretty' but 'I guess technically the most conventional hot female on this cast' (pictured 2019) Gardner, who's been a cast member on the NBC comedy staple since 2017, made it appear that she and her estranged spouse remained as amicable terms, as she said she still has 'all the like love and respect in the world' for the person in question. 'It was just a couple year period of transition and grief and hope and loss and all of those things,' Gardner said. 'But I will say that during that time I feel like I never wasted a day in getting to know myself, becoming a better version of myself and becoming a better friend and future partner I think.' Gardner said she gleaned valuable lessons in the wake of the painful life experience, calling it 'a really cool reward out of something that was very painful and uncomfortable.' She said her inner circle of female friends were essential amid the tough timeframe. 'I will say the biggest thing I learned in that time is lean on the women in your life and your girlfriends,' Gardner said. 'I already had amazing friends and family, but I will just say that women showed up in such an incredible way.' Gardner said that her inner circle made clear that moving ahead, her 'romantic partner ... does not need to be [her] emotional rock. 'Oftentimes the women in my life just know better things to say and better ways I think to love me and take care of me in some of those moments.' Gardner, who has also done extensive work as a voice actor on shows such as SuperMansion, Alien News Desk and Bratz, said that it's important for friends to be present for one another amid tough times. 'We all know no matter what kind of relationships they're up and down with your partner one day, you are gonna love them more than anything and you're gonna be praising them to your friends,' Gardner said. 'And on some days they're gonna feel like your worst enemy and you're gonna be cursing them to your friends. As the April 10 parliamentary elections draw near and with early voting just two days away, rival parties intensified their campaigning efforts Wednesday. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has ramped up its criticism of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), focusing on some of its controversial candidates involved in real estate speculation. Meanwhile, the DPK has urged voters to deliver a stern judgment on what it calls the "incompetent" Yoon Suk Yeol administration, with former President Moon Jae-in joining the campaign trail to bolster the message. Both parties have also encouraged eligible voters to participate in early voting, evidently anticipating the potential impact of the two-day advance voting turnout on determining the actual election outcome. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and all of the party's candidates said they will cast their ballots Friday. "Regardless of your choice between early voting and voting on election day, please make sure to head to the polling stations," Han emphasized while visiting competitive constituencies ranging from North Chungcheong Province and Gangwon Province to Gyeonggi Province. Also, the PPP initiated fresh attacks on DPK candidates embroiled in real estate speculation allegations, including Yang Moon-suk, who is running for the Ansan-A constituency in Gyeonggi Province. Allegations surfaced that Yang's daughter, then a college student, allegedly secured a bank loan of 1.1 billion won ($815,107), claiming the loan was for business purposes after registering herself as a self-employed individual. However, the funds were actually used to purchase an expensive apartment in an affluent Seoul neighborhood, which is now owned by Yang and his wife. The PPP said the DPK is criticizing speculative investment in real estate while its candidates are allegedly resorting to deceptive practices to inherit wealth to their children. Meanwhile, Moon has joined the campaign trail of five DPK candidates running for districts in the southeastern cities of Busan and Ulsan, and the surrounding South Gyeongsang Province, over the past two days. "This general election is crucial, determining the fate of the Republic of Korea," Moon said during his visit to Ulsan on Monday. Moon also intensified his critique against the Yoon administration, labeling it as incompetent and ignorant, seemingly in line with the DPK's slogan. The DPK has accused the Yoon government of significantly worsening the economy and people's livelihoods and mishandling a series of controversial issues over the past two years. Observers attribute Moon's relatively harsh remarks to the latest efforts to consolidate voter support in districts with highly competitive constituencies. Moon had earlier pledged to stay out of politics since leaving office and has resided at a retirement house in Yangsan, 310 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap) Sian Welby has admitted she is finding giving up alcohol 'so much harder than I ever expected' during her pregnant. The Capital presenter, 37, is expecting her first child with her fiance Jake Beckett, with the couple jetting off to Tenerife for a holiday after Roman Kemp's departure from the radio show. Sharing an insight into their holiday on Instagram on Wednesday, Sian, who is 29 weeks pregnant, uploaded a photo of Jake enjoying a glass of white wine. She captioned the post: 'Not drinking on this holiday is so much harder than I ever expected'. The NHS recommends if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant you should not drink alcohol. Sian Welby has admitted she is finding giving up alcohol 'so much harder than I ever expected' during her pregnant. The Capital presenter, 37, is expecting her first child with her fiance Sharing an insight into their holiday on Instagram on Wednesday, Sian, who is 29 weeks pregnant, uploaded a photo of her fiance Jake Beckett enjoying a glass of white wine Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk. The presenter also showed off her blossoming baby bump in a holiday look book to showcase maternity style. Sian titled the video 'Maternity Holiday Outfit Ideas' and her first outfit was a bright orange, black and blue trouser and crop top set. The second bikini was tiered and off-white with super-thin straps and showed off just a bit of Sian's bump. The Capital presenter announced her pregnancy live on the station in February. She is expecting her first child with her fiance Jake Beckett. Sian said at the time: 'I think I want to share something with the group right now, actually. 'Seriously, guys: got a bit of an announcement for you. I'm pregnant! I don't know how I've managed to keep it from you for this long, but I am, it's not a joke.' Sian became engaged to Heart Radio producer Jake during a romantic holiday to Greece in 2023. The presenter also showed off her blossoming baby bump in a holiday look book to showcase maternity style In another picture, Sian supported her bump in black and white mid-length horizontally striped dress The presenter is expecting her first child with Jake. The Capital presenter announced her pregnancy live on the station in February Sian currently hosts Capital Breakfast with Chris Stark. Former co-host Roman has been replaced with Jordan North who previously hosted on BBC Radio 1. Sian also regularly hosts This Morning and was a favourite to replace Holly Willoughby before Cat Deeley was chosen. The star started her career as a Channel 5 weather girl before moving onto and Heart FM and the BBC. She will return to Capital Radio on Monday. Alec Baldwin marked his 66th birthday on Instagram with a black-and-white baby picture. This comes in the shadow of a court case involving his western Rust. Rust's production was struck by tragedy in 2021, when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot dead during a rehearsal with a Colt .45 being used as a prop. Baldwin, who was holding the gun when it went off but has denied pulling the trigger, has been charged with manslaughter. This Wednesday, as the trial loomed, Baldwin and his wife Hilaria got together with their seven children to commemorate a happier occasion. Hilaria posted an Insta Stories picture of herself in the kitchen with the children, in the process of preparing the desserts for her husband's birthday celebrations. Alec Baldwin marked his 66th birthday on Instagram with a black-and-white baby picture - in the shadow of a court case involving his western Rust Hilaria was pictured on her Insta Stories surrounded by her brood as she made 'some good old fashioned box cake for dada bday!' As the day wore on, she posted pictures of the finished treats, including a cake that was frosted and sprinkled with M&Ms by her youngest children The Baldwins, who married in 2012, now share Carmen, 10, Rafael, eight, Leo, seven, Romeo, five, Edu, three, Lucia, two, and Ilaria, one. Hilaria was pictured on her Insta Stories surrounded by her brood as she made 'some good old fashioned box cake for dada bday!' She added: 'He has also requested a pecan pie that I am currently attempting as a complete rookie. Wish me luck!' As the day wore on, she posted pictures of the finished treats, including a cake that was frosted and sprinkled with M&Ms by her youngest children. Her efforts were apparently successful as her husband posted to his Instagram page: 'Thank you for all of the birthday wishes And pecan pie.' It recently emerged Baldwin was offered a plea deal last year that would have seen him serve no jail time in connection with Hutchins' death. Variety reported that before the actor could decide whether to accept the terms, prosecutors pulled the offer and said they would be indicting him. In a filing seen by the outlet, prosecutor Kary Morrissey offered 'a plea deal identical to the petty misdemeanor deal accepted by Dave Halls. The filing states that the offer was made on October 5 and Baldwin was given until October 27 to decide, but prosecutors rescinded the offer on October 17. Halls, the first assistant director on Rust, did not serve prison time after pleading to a count of negligent handling of a deadly weapon. Variety reported that before the 65-year-old could decide whether to accept the terms, prosecutors pulled the offer and said they would be indicting him Baldwin will go on trial later this year for manslaughter in connection with the death of Halyna Hutchins, seen here in 2019 He was given six months of unsupervised probation, a $500 fine, 24 hours of community service and ordered to take a firearm safety class. Baldwin's lawyers have accused the prosecutors in the case of a list of abuses and are looking to have case dismissed. Variety reported that his lawyers claim that Morrissey repeatedly leaked confidential information about the grand jury proceedings to an NBC reporter. In November, lawyers representing the actor filed a motion for sanctions over that issue, and asked to have Morrisey and her co-counsel removed from the case. They also sought to have monetary penalties imposed against Morrissey over her alleged misconduct. At a hearing on November 15, the judge overseeing the case admonished the parties not to disclose anything about the grand jury proceedings. The judge also postponed the grand jury proceeding from November to January to allow more time to review material the defense wanted to present. Attorney's for Baldwin allege that within an hour of the hearing, Morrissey then called the NBC reporter to relay the scheduling update The shooting happened in October 2021 after two weeks of filming while Baldwin was practicing drawing out his gun from the holster Halls, seen here, was the first assistant director on Rust and did not serve prison time after pleading to a count of negligent handling of a deadly weapon Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and also faced a charge of tampering with evidence In this image taken from video released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, Baldwin speaks with investigators following the fatal shooting NBC reported that same day that the grand jury proceeding had been postponed, citing an 'unnamed source'. The reporter then allegedly contacted lawyers for Baldwin seeking comment hours after the judge made the ruling. In a filing earlier this week, Baldwin and his attorney Alex Spiro also claimed that the prosecutors rigged the jury process in the case. They are arguing that the grand jury process was rigged by the Santa Fe County D.A.'s office, alleging that they add 7 witnesses who were biased. The filing reportedly adds that three of the witnesses were on the DA's payroll, two of them were from Santa Fe Sheriff's Office and one was suing him in a civil case. It is also alleged that the FBI tested the pistol used in the fatal scene that killed Hutchins, and that the DA failed to present all the evidence from the testing. The documents allege that the testing showed that the revolver did fire without the trigger being pulled when fully loaded, just as they were on the day of the tragedy. During the trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed earlier this year, agent Bryce Ziegler said he had to break the gun with a mallet to get it to fire without using the trigger. Ziegler, appearing for the prosecution, said that couldn't have happened on the set of Rust because the gun was in working order when it came to him. His analysis contradicts claims by Baldwin that he only pulled back the hammer on the vintage-looking pistol. In 2022 Baldwin settled a civil lawsuit filed against him by Matthew Hutchins, the widow of Hutchins, seen here, and the father of their son This aerial photo shows the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, October 23, 2021, used for the film 'Rust' The jury was shown shocking images of cinematographer Hutchins' blood-stained shirt Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 26, was the armorer for Rust and was was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The verdict spells trouble for Baldwin when he goes on trial in July in the same courthouse for involuntary manslaughter. If found guilty he faces 18 months in jail. During the trial of Gutierrez-Reed, prosecutors painted a damning portrait of a film that was in a state of 'rushed chaos.' The night before the incident, six members of the camera crew quit because of their concerns over safety. The jury heard that Baldwin commissioned director Souza to write the script, which he owned the rights to. Baldwin was the lead actor on the movie and was also a producer. Bowles called Gutierrez-Reed, who was just 24 at the time of the incident, a 'scapegoat' for wider failings that led the New Mexico safety regulator to issue a $136,000 fine to the producers for 'willful and serious' safety failings. During the trial of Gutierrez-Reed, prosecutors painted a damning portrait of a film that was in a state of 'rushed chaos' Bowles told the court that Baldwin himself made the set unsafe by waving his gun like a 'pointing stick' at people. In his opening statement, Bowles said that Baldwin 'violated basic gun safety' by pointing the gun at Hutchins because he didn't intend to shoot at her. He said: 'The primary thing here was rush, get this thing so we can get the money and that's all on production and Mr. Baldwin is one of the primary producers. That's on them. Miss Gutierrez-Reed had no control over that.' The criminal case is not the only court proceedings resulting from the shooting of Hutchins. In 2022 Baldwin settled a civil lawsuit filed against him by Matthew Hutchins, the widow of Hutchins, and the father of their son. Under the terms Rust continued production at a new location in Montana and Matthew Hutchins, who has called his wife's death a 'terrible accident,' is an executive producer. No date has yet been set for the film's release. Heidi Klum looked absolutely radiant on the cover of Hunger magazine's anniversary issue, Wheres Your Head At?, which became available worldwide on Wednesday. For the photo shoot, the German-born beauty, 50, shot her best smoldering supermodel stare at the camera while rocking a beige coat with tortoiseshell buttons. For makeup, the Vogue cover girl sported a sultry smokey eye, which made her hazel eyes pop, bronzer for a sun-kissed glow and nude lipstick. The mother-of-four's nails were painted pale pink with a sheer finish and her golden blonde tresses fell towards her shoulders in bouncy waves. Heidi Klum looked absolutely radiant on the cover of Hunger magazine's anniversary issue, Wheres Your Head At?, which became available worldwide on Wednesday Inside the issue, the former Victoria's Secret Angel donned various different looks, including a black suit and white button-down, left partially unbuttoned. One image showed her beaming as she sat next to a large potted cactus in a ribbed yellow sweater and matching shorts. Hunger Magazine revealed on Instagram that Klum's issue, which retails for $13, has already sold out online. The publication revealed that the issue 'was conceived to take stock of what we do best; interviews with the players who keep the needle moving in their respective fields, reflecting on what has been over a decade of cultural shifts, all while providing our usual helping of fashion and beauty-related escapism.' She was styled by Ellie Witt and had her makeup professionally done by Linda Hay. In addition to Klum, other covers for the 30th issue include Kyle MacLachlan, Weyes Blood, Liam Gallagher and John Squire, Rza, Jessica Henwick and more. Previously, Klum appeared on Hunger Magazine's 10th issue and 5th year anniversary. Last month, she appeared on the cover of Glamour Germany magazine and opened up about the changes in her eyesight. 'The good thing is that my vision is getting worse and worse and I can no longer see everything so clearly (laughs),' she told the outlet. Klum continued: 'I just accept it - there's nothing you can do about it anyway. Should we rack our brains? It is what it is.' Heidi added that she lives with 'no regrets' as she reflected on her 30-year long modelling career. She said: 'No, I don't regret anything. I've been very lucky. Often you just have to meet the right people at the right time.' Heidi slipped into a strappy satin slip dress for one part of the photoshoot and wore a minimal palette of make-up to showcase her natural beauty. The blonde beauty shared a behind-the-scenes montage of the sexy shoot to Instagram. Heidi - who is married to Tom Kaulitz - shares daughter Lou, 14, as well as sons Henry, 18, and Johan, 17, with her ex-husband Seal, 60, from whom she split from in 2012 after seven years of marriage. She is also mother to Leni Olum Klum, 19, whose father is Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, 73. She spoke previously to Today about raising a blended family, admitting that she had not planned for raising her kids with a stepfather. Last month, the supermodel appeared on the cover of Glamour Germany magazine and opened up about the changes in her eyesight (seen in March 2024) Heidi - who is married to Tom Kaulitz - shares daughters Leni Olum Klum, 19, (seen above earlier this year), Lou, 14, as well as sons Henry, 18, and Johan, 17, with her ex-husband Seal, 60, from whom she split from in 2012 after seven years of marriage She said: 'Obviously when you get married and you have children, you hope for that to last forever. When I said "yes" I meant yes forever. Unfortunately, that was not the case.' However, Heidi went on to state that, despite going through divorce, she was dedicated to ensuring the well-being of her kids. 'You try to do your best to keep your children as happy as possible and keep them as grounded and loved most as possible,' she stated. She continued that she tried to maintain healthy relationships with every member of her blended family, saying: 'As long as everyone is happy, then I'm happy and we're all in good place.' After her divorce from Seal, Heidi found love with fellow German, Tom, 34, and the pair tied the knot in 2019. RIPLEY (Netflix) Rating: What to make of Andrew Scott? The actor doesn't so much specialise in sexually ambivalent characters as make a fetish of them. From the mad Professor Moriarty in Sherlock, to Fleabag's 'hot priest', and now as a coldblooded conman and killer in Ripley (Netflix), Scott's impassive, cruelly inexpressive face is his unique asset. As he looks at a man or a woman, studying their clothes and their figures, we can't be certain what he's thinking so we project our worst fears into his mind. The less he gives away, the scarier he becomes. Based on The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, a crime classic that inspired an entire genre of psychological thrillers, this eight-part streaming series is filmed in black and white as a highly stylised noir pastiche. What to make of Andrew Scott? The actor doesn't so much specialise in sexually ambivalent characters as make a fetish of them. Pictured: Scott, with Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn in Ripley From the mad Professor Moriarty in Sherlock, to Fleabag's 'hot priest', and now as a coldblooded conman and killer in Ripley (Netflix), Scott's impassive, cruelly inexpressive face is his unique asset The novel has been filmed before, most famously in 1999 with Matt Damon as Tom Ripley and a supporting cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Pictured: Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow in the adaptation Based on The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, a crime classic that inspired an entire genre of psychological thrillers, this eight-part streaming series is filmed in black and white as a highly stylised noir pastiche From the opening shot of Scott dragging a body down a stone staircase in a Rome apartment block, Ripley is a collage of images evoking cinema masterpieces. His shadow looms vast on the wall, a long-haired cat watches him with diabolical interest this isn't just television, it's a homage to great 1940s directors such as Carol Reed or Alfred Hitchcock. The novel has been filmed before, most famously in 1999 with Matt Damon as Tom Ripley and a supporting cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and Philip Seymour Hoffman. That movie was drenched in the luscious colours of Italy, especially the Amalfi coast south of Naples, where the story really gets going. By shooting in black and white, director and veteran screenwriter Steven Zaillian (also the writer of Schindler's List directed by Steven Spielberg another monochrome work) avoids the distraction of this scenery. He also sacrifices the eye-watering beauty of the seascapes, but that simply focuses attention on the hidden emotions of the characters more closely. His adaptation stays close to the novel. Tom Ripley is a smalltime crook in New York, working a chequebook fraud that barely pays the rent in his Skid Row slum. When an over-privileged businessman and his highly-strung wife hire him to go to Europe and spy on their playboy son, Ripley can't believe his luck. Johnny Flynn plays the wealthy idler, Dickie Greenleaf, frittering away his trust fund and kidding himself that he's developing a great talent as a painter. His girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning) is equally lazy, though at least she has enough self-knowledge to realise she lacks the discipline to be the professional writer that she is pretending to be. This isn't just television, it's an homage to great 1940s directors such as Carol Reed or Alfred Hitchcock. Pictured: Johnny Flynn, Andrew Scott, and Dakota Fanning The 1999 movie was drenched in the luscious colours of Italy, especially the Amalfi coast south of Naples, where the story really gets going By shooting in black and white, director and veteran screenwriter Steven Zaillian (also the writer of Schindler's List directed by Steven Spielberg another monochrome work) avoids the distraction of the previous film's (pictured) scenery Marge (Dakota Fanning) is lazy, though at least she has enough self-knowledge to realise she lacks the discipline to be the professional writer that she is pretending to be The adaptation stays close to the novel. Tom Ripley is a smalltime crook in New York, working a chequebook fraud that barely pays the rent in his Skid Row slum Scott's problem, one also faced by everyone who reads the book, is that Tom Ripley is a truly unpleasant individual. He trusts no one, he likes no one, he is no one there's no human being inside the shell. Though he's quick-witted and capable of superficial charm, he can't feel anything. He's empty. We need a reason to forgive him, or his heartlessness will soon become unbearable. Scott solves this by showing us a man who's had nothing but bad luck all his life, yet never gave up hope. In New York, where armed robberies seemingly go unpunished, he can't even cash a bad cheque without arousing suspicion. And when he arrives in the cliffside town of Amalfi, he has to trudge up and down hundreds of steps as he searches for Dickie, until he's so exhausted that, when he tracks down his quarry on the beach, he barely has the energy to lie. What he really wants is a soul to call his own. He comes alive when he finds himself alone in Dickie's villa trying on his clothes, imitating his affluent accent and improvising a conversation in which he dumps Marge: 'I'm sorry, but you've got to understand. You're interfering with Tom and me. No, no, it's not like that... there's a bond between us.' Is Ripley gay? Does he fantasise of sleeping with Dickie? Marge certainly suspects it but Scott makes sure we're unable to decipher his sexual motives. When he brags, 'I like girls,' he's obviously lying but perhaps that's because he doesn't like anyone. Highsmith adored her Ripley, to the extent that she sometimes signed herself 'Tom'. But her own personal life made her antihero, even at his nastiest, seem a sweetheart. Scott's problem, one also faced by everyone who reads the book, is that Tom Ripley is a truly unpleasant individual Ripley trusts no one, he likes no one, he is no one there's no human being inside the shell Though he's quick-witted and capable of superficial charm, he can't feel anything. He's empty A vicious alcoholic, she would terrorise people with her eccentricities setting her hair alight at a dinner party, or throwing a dead rat through a window at guests. She would open her handbag to reveal lettuce leaves crawling with snails. Tom Ripley existed, she said, 'to show the unequivocal triumph of evil over good and make my readers rejoice in it'. Scott's version of Ripley doesn't want us to go that far. But he does make us question our moral choices, by tempting us to sympathise with a character incapable of a good deed. That's the thing about black-and-white film, of course. There is no real black, or white. It's all grey. Netflix has gone noir. KIIS FM Melbourne broadcaster Byron Cooke has announced he will be hosting his own breakfast show in Saudi Arabia. Cooke revealed he will be heading to the Middle East to launch the country's first English speaking commercial radio station. 'It's official! I'm moving to Saudi Arabia to host The Byron Cooke Show,' he wrote on Instagram. Cooke also shared the news with KIIS FM Sydney hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson and revealed he will be hosting his final Melbourne show on Friday. 'I have an announcement to make to you both. I'll be hosting my own breakfast radio show with a cast of thousands, like your show and almost as many staff. And it will be broadcast right around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' he said. KIIS FM Melbourne broadcaster Byron Cooke has revealed he will be hosting his own breakfast show in Saudi Arabia Cooke will host his new radio show alongside Sana Kothari who was discovered in a search to find new radio talent on Virgin Radio in the UAE. He told the Herald Sun he will learn Arabic and is excited to live in Saudi Arabia as it's close to his 15-year-old son who lives in Paris. 'It's absolutely enormous and I'm going to give it everything because it has the potential to have a huge impact globally,' he added. Cooke's career move comes just weeks before Kyle and Jackie O are set to bring their radio show to Melbourne on April 29 as part of a record-breaking $200million 10-year contract. 'What we are going to put into Melbourne has never been done before. Even if you already hate Jackie, give me a chance,' Kyle recently joked. Cooke announced he will be hosting his final show on Friday before heading to the Middle East to launch the country's first English speaking commercial radio station 'We're going to give you a very different type of show. I'm not saying the other ones are the worst shows, they're not. They've been great, but we offer something different.' 'We are sticking to what we know. In terms of the day to day content, nothing changes, we won't be dumbing things down or pulling back,' Jackie added. 'We're looking forward to finally broadcasting into Melbourne. We're excited.' The pair promised the show would become more 'inclusive' for Melbourne and include the city in its prize giveaways, which previously were only for Sydney residents. Irina Shayk sweetly held hands with her seven-year-old daughter Lea De Seine as they emerged in New York City this week. The 38-year-old Russian supermodel shares her little girl with her movie star ex Bradley Cooper, with whom she shares an amicable rapport. She and Lea De Seine were well-prepared for a rainy northeastern day this Wednesday, both carrying umbrellas as they stepped out into the city. For her latest outing, Irina cut a stylish figure in a maroon jacket thrown over a print turtleneck and a pair of black leather hot-pants with tights. Accessorizing with a sleek pair of dark cat-eye sunglasses, she rounded off her ensemble with a pair of knee-high black leather boots. Irina Shayk sweetly held hands with her seven-year-old daughter Lea De Seine as they emerged in New York City this week The 38-year-old Russian supermodel shares her little girl with her movie star ex Bradley Cooper, with whom she shares an amicable rapport In addition to Bradley, Irina's celebrity-strewn dating history includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady and even Kanye West. Bradley and Irina were first linked in 2015 before going public in 2016, welcoming their little girl in 2017 and then going their separate ways two years later. Shortly after their breakup TMZ reported they had decided to split custody and to both remain based in New York in order to make joint parenting easier. In fact she and Bradley are such close co-parents that they have made sure to live just blocks apart in Greenwich Village in order to raise their daughter. 'He's a full-on, hands-on dad - no nanny,' Irina told Highsnobiety. 'Lea went on holiday with him for almost two weeks - I didn't call them once.' In a recent interview with Elle, Irina explained that she and Bradley 'always find a way' to align their work schedules with their parenting responsibilities. 'Hes the best father Lea and I could dream of. It always works, but it always works because we make it work,' the fashionista gushed. Irina, who hails from an industrial Soviet town on the foothills of the Urals, noted that she and Bradley hoped to provide their daughter with an ordinary upbringing in spite of their celebrity, as they themselves both had 'normal backgrounds.' She and Lea De Seine were well-prepared for a rainy northeastern day this Wednesday, both carrying umbrellas as they stepped out into the city For her latest outing, Irina cut a stylish figure in a maroon jacket thrown over a print turtleneck and a pair of black leather hot-pants with tights Accessorizing with a sleek pair of dark cat-eye sunglasses, she rounded off her ensemble with a pair of knee-high black leather boots Her ex Bradley Cooper is dating her friend Gigi Hadid; seen in February in NYC Bradley has been spotted since last October going on dates with none other than Irina's fellow international supermodel Gigi Hadid. Recently, he was seen taking Gigi to Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre to enjoy a performance of the classic 1979 musical Sweeney Todd. Near the beginning of this year, Bradley gave an interview to the British Film Institute and remarked on the glare of public scrutiny on his personal life. 'I definitely think I'm a private person,' he reflected. 'But you almost sort of have to give over to the fact that it's impossible to be private these days.' The Hangover star acknowledged: 'So it's more about acceptance of the reality, instead of creating my own reality that doesn't exist.' Camila Mendes is on the promo tour for her new movie Musica with her latest stop on GMA on Wednesday. The Riverdale alum, 29, looked gorgeous in a long, off-the-shoulder brown dress and cream-colored pumps. She was spotted outside the GMA Studios wearing a cream, floor-length coat over her shoulders. The Upgrade star's hair was worn in soft waves and she sported a radiant palette of make-up. Camila plays Isabella in Musica, which was written, directed and stars her boyfriend of two years, Rudy Mancuso, 32. Camila Mendes is on the promo tour for her new movie Musica with her latest stop on GMA on Wednesday The Riverdale alum, 29, looked gorgeous in a long, off-the-shoulder brown dress and cream-colored pumps 'There's a lot to the plot,' Camilla began. 'We have three different genres going on. There's a rom com, there's a sort of coming-of-age story, there's the Brazilian-American aspect, a very cultural aspect of the film. And she also said it is told through the point of view of someone who has synesthesia, which Mancuso has. Mancuso has musical synesthesia, during which he makes sense and order out of every day sounds. Mendes co-produced the film and told the hosts what that experience was like, calling it 'amazing.' 'When I got the script in my inbox, I was like I have to be more involved than just as an actress, being able to tell a Brazilian-American story is so rare, I've never been able to do that in my career,' she said. 'I hope people learn a little bit about Brazilian culture because it's so nuanced and so different from other Latin cultures.' She also hopes audiences also grasp the coming-of-age aspect of the film. 'Rudy is running around trying to please everybody in his life and ultimately what he realizes is that you can't feed others until you're fed,' she explained. Camila shared snaps from her visit to the GMA studios and captioned the post: 'bom dia america!!' Camila plays Isabella in Musica, which was written, directed and stars her boyfriend of two years, Rudy Mancuso, 32 The couple met on the set of the semi-autobiographical coming-of-age movie. Musica debuts on Amazon Prime on April 4 She was spotted outside the GMA Studios wearing a cream, floor-length coat over her shoulders The Upgrade star's hair was curled in a style reminiscent of 1940s star Veronica Lake 'There's a lot to the plot,' Camilla began. 'We have three different genres going on. There's a rom com, there's a sort of coming-of-age story, there's the Brazilian-American aspect, a very cultural aspect of the film' And she also said it is told through the point of view of someone who has synesthesia, which Mancuso has Mancuso has musical synesthesia, during which he makes sense and order out of every day sounds After her appearance on GMA, Camila headed over to the SiriusXM Studios to do another interview She wore the same dress and shoes that she wore on GMA Rudy joined her for the SiriusXM interview Mancuso cast his real-life mother Maria to play his onscreen mother in Musica and shot most of the film in the house and neighborhood he grew up in. 'This is not an experience that a lot of film makers, certainly not first time film makers get to have, so a bizarre experience in real time in the making, retrospectively very rewarding,' the You Tuber turned actor said. The couple met on the set of the semi-autobiographical coming-of-age movie. Musica debuts on Amazon Prime on April 4. Isla Fisher has broken her social media silence after bombshell allegations emerged about her husband Sacha Baron Cohen. The Australian actress, 48, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a snap with her friends Naomi Watts and Michelle Dockery as they spent time in London together. It marked her first post and public outing since Rebel Wilson accused her comedian husband Sacha, 52, of sexual harassment in shock allegations in her new memoir. However, Isla brushed off the recent drama, grinning from ear-to-ear while enjoying a girls night out at the theatre in London with her famous pals. She cut a stylish figure in an all-black ensemble as she posed for a selfie alongside her close friends Naomi, Michelle and Australian producer Bruna Papandrea. Isla Fisher has broken her social media silence after the allegations about her husband Sacha Baron Cohen as she shared a snap in the theatre with pals Bruna Papandrea, Naomi Watts and Michelle Dockery The group snapped the photograph while sitting in the audience at London's Harold Pinter Theatre as they prepared to watch The Hills of California. Sharing the image to her Instagram, Isla simply captioned the post: 'Girls night at the theater @hoctheplay @naomiwatts @brunapapandrea #michelledockery,' as she made no reference to the allegations against Sacha. Naomi, 55, also re-shared the picture to her own Instagram Stories as she documented their carefree girls night out on the West End. Isla's latest outing comes after her husband Sacha - who she married in 2010 and shares three children with - was accused of sexual harassment by actress Rebel. It marked her first post and public outing since Rebel Wilson accused her comedian husband Sacha, 52, (pictured in 2020) of sexual harassment in her shock allegations in new memoir Brushing off the drama, Isla and her close pals enjoyed a night out at London's Harold Pinter Theatre to watch The Hills of California. Sienna also shared snaps from the night to Instagram The Pitch Perfect star made shock claims about her experience with 'a**hole' comedian Sacha in her new memoir, Rebel Rising. Rebel played Sacha's on-screen girlfriend in the 2016 comedy The Brothers Grimsby and made a series of allegations about her uncomfortable experience during shooting. She alleged that on the set of the Louis Leterrier-directed film, Sacha would ask her to strip off for scenes despite her 'no nudity' rule, in a string of claims which Sacha has strenuously denied and says are contradicted by evidence. In a memoir passage obtained by People Magazine, she shockingly alleged that Sacha requested she 'stick her finger up his a**' because he thought it would make a funny scene in the film and claimed 'it felt like [he] had sexually harassed me'. She alleged that she felt 'completed disrespected, which led to me treating myself with even more disrespect by eating in an extremely unhealthy way'. Rebel played Sacha's on-screen girlfriend in the 2016 comedy The Brothers Grimsby and made a series of allegations about her uncomfortable experience during shooting Rebel claimed that during filming, Sacha would repeatedly 'mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene', which she alleged was in 'no way essential' to the film's plot. In her book, which was released in the US on Tuesday - though its Australian release has been delayed indefinitely, she wrote: 'It felt like every time I'd speak to SBC, he'd mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene. I was like, "Ha, I don't do nudity, Sacha".' Rebel claimed she was allegedly summoned by a product assistant for an additional scene while shooting in Cape Town, South Africa. She said: 'OK, well, we're gonna film this extra scene,' SBC says. 'Then he pulls his pants down', SBC says very matter-of-factly: "OK, now I want you to stick your finger up my a**." And I'm like, 'What?? No!!''' Rebel claimed she was shocked and wanted to get out of it, adding: 'I was now scared. I wanted to get out of there, so I finally compromised: I slapped him on the ass and improvised a few lines as the character.' She alleged that on set, Sacha would ask her to strip off for scenes despite her 'no nudity' rule, in a string of claims which Sacha has denied and says are contradicted by evidence The Bridesmaids actress also claimed she only agreed to a sex scene with Sacha after several rewrites and recalled allegedly telling the producers that she wouldn't be promoting the film ahead of its release. However, newly emerged footage from the sex scene in the 2016 film seems to show that the action was part of the script and the actress was on board with the scene. Several never-before-seen clips from the movie that failed to make the final cut were obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com and depict Rebel and Sarah's characters using a cellphone to film themselves getting intimate. In the clips, Rebel can be heard discussing the scene while on camera but out of character, telling Sacha: 'I'll do a slap [of your butt] and I'll do a going down the crack', to which he replies: 'It's almost as if you're going to ram your fingers inside,' prompting her to answer 'yeah'. According to those close to Sacha, director Louis Leterrier had to discuss any nudity or sex scenes with Rebel before they were shot. They say she agreed to the scene. She also alleged that Sacha requested she 'stick her finger up his a**' because he thought it would make a funny scene in the film and claimed 'it felt like [he] had sexually harassed me' They also say that the cell phone was used because the movie called for Rebel and Sacha's characters Dawn and Nobby to use an iPhone to film themselves having sex. However, in a statement given to DailyMail.com, Rebel doubled down on her book's description of Sacha as an 'a**hole'. 'It is an a**hole move to release footage of one part of that disgusting episode while leaving out everything that preceded it including my horrified refusal to stick my finger up SBC's butt,' she said. 'This could not have possibly been for the film as the director Louis Leterrier was not even present,' she claimed. 'What this edited video shows is what I had to do in order to get out of the room, as written in Rebel Rising. Releasing unauthorized and misleading behind the scenes video without my approval is SBC's latest way of bullying and gaslighting me.' The sale of Rebel Wilson 's tell-all memoir Rebel Rising in Australia has been delayed indefinitely after it was due to go on sale on Wednesday Sacha has strongly denied ever mistreating Rebel or pressuring her to be naked in the film. A spokesperson for Sacha said: 'While we appreciate the importance of speaking out, these 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.' Sacha's team also provided nine anonymous statements from crew members that backed the claim that the scene was in the script. Daily Mail Australia contacted Sacha's representatives for further comment at the time. MasterChef viewers did a double take during Wednesday's show as they said contestant Louise bore an uncanny resemblance to former Prime Minister Liz Truss. The 43-year-old from Somerset was one of six taking part in the second heat of the 2024 series. Among her creations, Louise whipped up a honey and creme fraiche Panna cotta with lavender crumbled biscuit and blueberry compote for former finalists Jane Devonshire, Ping Coombes and Irini Tzortzoglou. Fans took to X to comment on her striking resemblance to the politician, 48, thanks to her blonde bob. Viewers wrote: 'Louise reminds me simultaneously of Alison Steadman and Liz Truss' 'Pretty sure that's Liz Truss' and 'The Liz Truss clone is very irritating'. MasterChef viewers did a double take during Wednesday's show as they said contestant Louise bore an uncanny resemblance to former Prime Minister Liz Truss (pictured right) Among her creations, Louise whipped up a honey and creme fraiche Panna cotta with lavender crumbled biscuit which saw her make it through to the quarter finals Speaking to the camera, Louise said: 'I liked the food I put out, I thought it was yummy. I hope they do too.' Of her reasons to enter the show, she said previously: 'For at least 15 years my friends and family have been badgering me to apply for MasterChef. The reason I applied this year was that I had just had my five-year cancer-versary. 'I was diagnosed when my daughter was 18 months old and our world imploded. My diagnosis and intense treatment took a long time to come to terms with and changed me. 'A positive change was to try to embrace all of lifes opportunities fully; not to say no to scary things or to allow the myriad nasty side effects that I live with each day to stop me from having adventures. And so, I had to apply, and I am enormously glad I did.' John Torode announced she had made it through to the quarter finals alongside Olivia and Jerome. However some viewers felt Rana was 'robbed' as she was sent home after they watched Jerome cover his cherries in malt vinegar which left the judges unimpressed. After her exit, Rana said: 'I went and did my best and enjoyed it and thats all that matters. I feel gutted but I get to go home and see my little ones.' John Torode announced she had made it through to the quarter finals MasterChef next airs on BBC1 at 9pm on Thursday (pictured Greg Wallace) Viewers wrote: 'Louise reminds me simultaneously of Alison Steadman and Liz Truss' 'Pretty sure that's Liz Truss' and 'The Liz Truss clone is very irritating' However some viewers felt Rana was 'robbed' as she was sent home after they watched Jerome cover his cherries in malt vinegar which left the judges unimpressed Viewers felt Jerome should have been sent packing after his vinegar disaster Fans wrote: 'So, you cook a dish that everyone says doesn't work, and then you put vinegar in your dessert and still go through? Shocking decision to put Jerome through' Fans wrote: 'So, you cook a dish that everyone says doesn't work, and then you put vinegar in your dessert and still go through? Shocking decision to put Jerome through.' 'Rana was robbed' and 'My other half has just yelled FO at #MasterChef - yes Jerome we are all shocked. Rana was robbed'. 'Jerome put malt vinegar in his desert that disgusted everyone who had the displeasure of tasting it and still got through'. It comes as John and Gregg Wallace addressed quitting MasterChef as the show celebrates its 20th series. The duo have been hosting the show since it's 2005 relaunch, however it seems neither of them are ready to hang their judging boots up yet as they admitted they won't be stepping away from the show any time soon. Speaking to Bella magazine, John, 58, joked: 'Who would we leave it to? Don't be ridiculous. That's too much responsibility for anybody - to take over from me and him, there's no way in the world. 'Where are you going to find two attractive people, one with hair, the other without, anywhere like that? There's no way!' Revealing what it would take to get him to depart the hit BBC show, he teased: 'I think to get me out of place, they're going to have to push me out the door or blend my food to get me to taste it. That's when I'll be leaving.' MasterChef next airs on BBC1 at 9pm on Thursday. By Kwak Yeon-soo Political analysts have predicted an all-time high in overseas voter turnout will likely lead to increased participation overall in next weeks general elections. However, they remained divided over which parties are likely to benefit from it. Overseas voter turnout for the April 10 general elections recorded an all-time high of 62.8 percent, according to the national election watchdog. The National Election Commission (NEC) said 92,923 out of 147,989 registered overseas Koreans participated in the six-day poll that took place at 220 polling stations in 115 countries. This year's turnout marks the highest level since overseas voting was introduced in the 2012 general elections. Previous turnouts were recorded at 41.4 percent in the 2016 elections and 23.8 percent in the 2020 elections. Although the ruling People Power Party (PPP) remained silent, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) welcomed the results, encouraging voters in Korea to cast their ballots in the upcoming elections. The record-breaking overseas voter turnout reflects peoples desire for new government, DPK Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung wrote on Facebook, Tuesday. Analysts said that high overseas voter turnout will likely increase voter participation across the country during the early voting period and on Election Day. According to a survey conducted by the NEC, 76.5 percent of eligible voters responded that they are willing to cast their ballots in the upcoming elections. It seems likely that overall voter turnout will hit a record high. Voter turnout for the previous parliamentary elections (in 2020) was 66.2 percent. At that time, the NEC anticipated the voting turnout would be 72.7 percent, said Park Chang-hwan, a political commentator and professor at Jangan University. Lee Jong-hoon, a political analyst, agreed, saying, If overall voter turnout surges, it would mean the elections were successful in targeting younger voters who are conservative leaning. However, they were divided over which political party would benefit from the all-time high overseas voter turnout. I think high voter turnout reflects overseas Koreans disappointment with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. Many turned away from the ruling party following his appointment of Lee Jong-sup as ambassador to Australia. Whenever Yoon made foreign trips, his approval rating dropped, Park said. Lee, however, said overseas Koreans are generally believed to be conservative, and therefore, many could have actually voted in favor of the ruling PPP. Overseas voter turnout was the highest ever, but the number of overseas Koreans who registered as voters was the lowest. In other words, only those who registered as voters showed up at polling stations. Those who cast their ballots are usually the elderly who have party loyalty. It's possible that they wanted to back the Yoon administration, Lee said. By region, the highest voter turnout was in African countries at 79.3 percent. The Middle East followed at 74 percent with Europe at 73.5 percent. In Asia and the Americas, the rate stood at 62.8 percent and 56.5 percent, respectively. Online travel service provider, MakeMyTrip Ltd on Tuesday said it has entered into a partnership with Singapore Tourism Board for promoting Singapore as a key destination to Indian travellers. The two partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a year-long strategic partnership to boost travel to Singapore, MakeMyTrip said in a statement. Under the MoU, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and MakeMyTrip will embark on joint activations and campaigns to boost inbound travel to Singapore in 2024, it added. Through this partnership, we want to deepen Indian consumers brand affinity for Singapore and reinforce the citys appeal and enhanced offerings for various segments of Indian visitors, STB Chief Executive Melissa Ow said. STB will also tap into MakeMyTrips market understanding and insights to curate unique travel holiday packages targeting consumers in India, the statement said. MakeMyTrip Co-Founder and Group CEO, Rajesh Magow said Singapore was one of the top three searched international destinations on the companys platform last year, advancing from fifth place in 2022. The widespread interest for this destination from across India underscores its appeal. With ongoing initiatives that refresh its offerings, seamless travel access, and amenities tailored to Indian preferences, Singapore holds significant potential to capture the continued interest of more Indian travellers, he added. India is one of the top five markets for STB and over 10 lakh Indians visited Singapore in 2023, the statement said. Kanganas evolution from a silver screen sensation to a grassroots politician unfolds against a backdrop of controversy and high expectations In line with the 19th-century Victorian realist philosophy of Chance and destiny championed by Thomas Hardy, Kangana Ranauts journey from an obscure village in Himachal Pradesh to the glamorous world of Bollywood and now to the realm of politics seems like an unimaginable dream turned into reality. Her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination have propelled her from testing her luck in the film industry in Mumbai to considering a political career in her hilly home state. Kanganas ascent from the nondescript village of Bhambala in Mandi district is a testament to her sheer willpower and commitment. Despite facing resistance from her family, who initially opposed her choice to pursue a career in Bollywood, Kangana forged ahead, overcoming financial struggles and the harsh realities of life in Mumbai. Her journey was fraught with challenges, with her even lacking a proper place to live at times. However, her training under renowned theatre director Arvind Gaur proved to be a turning point, honing her skills and shaping her into the formidable talent she is today. Transitioning from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood to the rough and tumble world of politics is no small feat. Kanganas decision to enter active politics, particularly by contesting the Mandi Lok Sabha seat, signifies a significant shift in her career trajectory. Despite her lack of experience in politics, her unwavering support for Hindutva ideology and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coupled with her association with the RSS, has garnered her the BJP ticket, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic political showdown. However, Kanganas foray into politics is not without its challenges. Unlike the scripted narratives of films, political reality demands a different set of skills and commitments. Voters in Mandi will expect her to prioritise their needs and concerns, necessitating her to establish a permanent presence in the constituency. Her inexperience in political manoeuvring will require her to work doubly hard to earn the trust and support of the electorate, notwithstanding the backing of the BJP machinery and the charisma of Prime Minister Modi. The bypoll for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat held on October 30, 2021, saw the Congress candidate securing victory, largely due to the sympathy factor following the demise of Virbhadra Singh. However, with the political landscape shifting and the Congress party grappling with internal strife, Kanganas entry into the fray could potentially tilt the scales in her favour. Kanganas nomination for the Mandi seat on her 37th birthday was seen as a fitting tribute to her unwavering commitment to her ideological beliefs and her determination to serve her birthplace. However, her propensity for controversy, evident in her social media posts and public statements, has garnered both acclaim and criticism. From her remarks on the farmers agitation to her views on Indias independence, Kangana has courted controversy, often finding herself embroiled in heated debates and facing backlash from various quarters. As she embarks on this new chapter in her life, Kangana will need to shed her filmy persona and connect with the grassroots workers and voters on a more personal level. Building rapport with the electorate and demonstrating a genuine understanding of their needs will be crucial for her success as a politician. In conclusion, Kangana Ranauts journey from Bollywood to politics is a testament to her resilience and determination. While her transition may be fraught with challenges, her unwavering commitment to her beliefs and her desire to serve her people could pave the way for a successful political career. As she navigates this new terrain, Kangana will need to draw upon her strengths and adapt to the demands of the political arena, all while staying true to her roots and convictions. (The writer is a political analyst; views are personal) The first batch of more than 60 workers from India have arrived in Israel under a government-to-government agreement to bolster the country's construction industry facing a huge shortage of trained hands. The G2G mechanism has been worked out to keep away middlemen and to make the process of hiring fair through the screening tests conducted by Israeli examiners, who visited India a few times and coordinated the process with the Indian government agencies. The first batch of Indian construction workers arrived in the country on Tuesday evening and will be followed by a series of arrivals in the coming weeks totalling close to 850 by mid-April. "Today we had a farewell event from the first batch of 60+ Indian construction workers going to Israel under the G2G agreement. This is an outcome of hard work of many, including @NSDCINDIA. I'm sure that the workers become 'ambassadors' of the great P2P relations between India and Israel," Israel's ambassador to India Naor Gilon posted on X on Tuesday. Earlier, a little over 900 construction workers had arrived from India during the last few months through the B2B route, involving manpower agencies in both countries. Construction industry sources expressed dismay at the slow pace saying that after three months during which over 20,000 foreign workers from India and Sri Lanka were approved for jobs in the construction sector through screening tests conducted by the Israeli Contractors Association (ICA), only about a 1,000 workers had arrived so far. They blamed the "bureaucratic procedures" that included obtaining various permits from the governments for the long delay. Most of the selected workers are said to have resigned from their jobs and are said to be waiting to receive a visa to work in Israel, they said. "The Israeli government has repeatedly reported its intention to speed up these procedures but has not done so," a source told PTI. All stakeholders in Israel are said to have proposed several plans to fast-track the process in their discussions with the government. "The task assigned to us by the government was carried out at a record pace. It has been weeks since we completed three rounds of selection of workers in which professional approval was given to employ over 20,000 workers, half of them in the government track and half in the business track," the Israel Contractors Association told PTI. "We call on the government to act immediately to bring here the workers who have already (been) approved and to create a fast track for the approval and flight of the workers here. The delay in the arrival of the workers from India and Sri Lanka hurts all concerned," it said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in December last year had discussed advancing the arrival of Indian workers to Israel. The Israeli construction industry employs workers in specific fields where there is a lack of Israeli workers. The largest group of about 80,000 workers in the construction industry came from the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank and another 17,000 from the Gaza Strip, a huge majority of whom had their work permits revoked following Hamas' brutal attack on Israel in October. Another group of about 7,000 workers in the sector have come from China and some 6,000 from Eastern Europe. Israel's Minister of Economy Nir Barkat during his trip to India in April last year, had spoken to officials and his counterpart in New Delhi about hiring Indians in various sectors, including in the construction sector, much before the current escalation. The discussions had revolved around bringing in almost 160,000 people. About 18,000 Indians are working in Israel, mostly as caregivers. Most of them decided to stay back in Israel and did not leave the country during the war because "they felt quite secure" and "also because the salaries are quite attractive". Israel and India also inked an agreement in May last year during then Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's visit to New Delhi that will allow 42,000 Indian workers to work in the Jewish state in the fields of construction and nursing, a move that would address the rising cost of living and assist thousands of families waiting for nursing care. A statement released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry then said that 34,000 workers would be engaged in the construction field and another 8,000 for nursing needs. About 800 workers from India have also joined the agricultural sector in Israel during the past six months. To woo the voters particularly unemployed youth and women, the Congress on Wednesday launched the partys Ghar Ghar Guarantee campaign, an outreach progamme that aims reaching the doorsteps of eight crore families over the next few weeks with a message about what the party would do for the people if it comes to power. Among the guarantees is guaranteed apprenticeship with stipend of Rs one lakh per annum for every educated youth, Rs one lakh every year to the woman head of every poor family, loan waiver and legal guarantee of MSP in accordance with the Swaminathan formula for farmers, Rs 400 minimum wage which would apply to MNREGA, too, and caste census. The guarantee card represents the Congresss main election plank for the coming Lok Sabha polls. It seeks to set a narrative that the people are in great distress and facing injustice in various ways, and how the Congress and the INDIA Bloc would seek to alleviate their problems. It also runs counter to the BJPs Modi ki Guarantee campaign. The Congresss poll pitch is centred around Paanch Nyay or five pillars of justice Yuva Nyay, Naari Nyay, Kisaan Nyay, Shramik Nyay and Hissedari Nyay as well as the guarantees it has given to people under these heads. The grand old party is scheduled to release its Lok Sabha poll manifesto on Friday, with its top leaders addressing mega rallies in Jaipur and Hyderabad the next day. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched the campaign in the North East Delhi parliamentary constituency in the national Capital by distributing the Congress Guarantee card, which lists out five Nyay and 25 guarantees. Congress workers over the next few weeks will reach out to eight crore families and distribute the guarantee cards printed in 14 different languages. The guarantees were announced by Kharge and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi during the recently concluded Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. At the launch of the campaign in Usmanpur area of North East Delhi, which was, at one time, the Congresss stronghold and which predominantly comprises resettlement colonies, Kharge said, We are distributing this guarantee card to take our Panch Nyay Pachees Guarantee to the people. All Congress leaders and workers will tell the people about what our alliance government will do when it comes to power. Modi talks about Modi ki Guarantee, but his guarantees never reach the people, they are never fulfilled, Kharge said. Under the Yuva Nyay, the party has promised Bharti Bharosa -- 30 lakh new Central Government jobs, according to a jobs calendar. Under Pehli Naukri Pakki, the Congress has promised a one-year paid apprenticeship for all educated youngsters at Rs 1 lakh a year or Rs 8,500 a month. It has promised a law to ensure that Government recruitment examination question papers are not leaked and also, better working conditions and social security for gig workers. Under its Yuva Roshni guarantee, the party has promised Rs 5,000-crore start-up fund for youngsters. As part of Nari Nyay, the Congress has promised the Mahalakshmi guarantee of Rs 1 lakh a year for a woman in every poor family. It has promised 50 per cent reservation for women in new Central Government jobs and doubling the Centres salary contribution for all ASHA, anganwadi and mid-day meal workers. The party has promised Adhikar Maitri in every village to ensure that women get their legal rights. It has also promised to double the number of hostels for working women. Under Kisaan Nyay, the Congress has promised a legal guarantee to an MSP for crops following the Swaminathan formula, and a standing loan-waiver commission for farmers, if it comes to power. It has also guaranteed insurance payment within 30 days of crop loss and a stable import-export policy to benefit farmers. The party has also promised no GST on inputs for farming. The party has promised a national minimum wage of Rs 400 a day, including for all MGNREGA workers. Under Hissedari Nyay, the Congress has promised a social, economic and caste census. It has also promised removing the 50 per cent cap on SC, ST and OBC reservation through a constitutional amendment and a special budget for the SCs and STs, equal to their share of the population. With the first round of Lok Sabha elections due within a fortnight time, the Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday directed the State authorities to initiate strict vigil along international borders like India-China, India-Nepal, India-Pakistan in close coordination with security agencies like Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles (AR), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Coast Guard and intelligence wings of Intelligence Bureau and external intelligence agency. The Commission has directed Central agencies to strict vigil along Indo-Myanmar border by Assam Rifles; Indo Nepal Border by SSB especially in areas having porous border with Nepal; Indo-Bangladesh border and western borders by BSF; Indo-China border by ITBP, and in States with coastal area by Indian Coast Guard. These directions came after the EC meeting with all States/Union Territories (UTs) to review and assess the law and order situation, prevention of illicit activities, seizures and strict vigil across inter-State and international borders in the ongoing Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies polls for a free, fair, peaceful and inducement free elections. India shares borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and China. Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian States Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Myanmar border shares a border of 1,643 km in length and runs from the tripoint with China in the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the south. Bangladesh shares a 4,096-kilometre-long (2,545 mi) international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world. India and China share a 3,800 km (2,400 mile) border much of it poorly demarcated over which they also fought a bloody war in 1962 while Pakistan shares 3,323 km. Recent violence and turmoil in Manipur and its ramifications for the conduct of a peaceful election were also addressed, with the EC urging for swift action to assist internally-displaced persons and ensure their participation in the electoral process, the EC said. The purpose of the combined review was to bring all concerned stakeholders together on the same platform for a seamless coordination and cooperation amongst officials of the neighbouring States/UTs along with central agencies guarding the borders. The Commission, in detail, reviewed critical issues pertaining to each State/UT, the EC said in a statement. The commission has directed SSB to keep strict watch over international borders with Nepal and Bangladesh for any illicit activity, especially before 72 hours of the poll. The poll body has also directed Assam Rifles to hold regular joint security coordination meetings with State Police, Central Armed Police Force Ensure area familiarisation for newly inducted CAPF companies in coordination with civil administration and establish Joint Check Posts in coordination with State Police, it said. The commission underscored the importance of strict vigilance to curb the movement of contraband items, including narcotics, liquor, arms and explosives, across the international borders. It also sought identification of the entry and exit points for the movement of liquor and cash along the borders and curbing of illegal ganja cultivation in some States. The commission reviewed the support from the Indian Air Force and State Civil Aviation departments for sorties to ferry polling teams in challenging regions of 11 States, including Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Directions were given for adequate security measures to safeguard political functionaries and poll candidates based on their threat perception, particularly in states like Chhattisgarh and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Top officials of Central forces, the Coast Guard, State Chief Secretaries and representatives of the Defence Ministry and railways attended the hybrid meeting. Key issues discussed during the meeting included the need for enhanced coordination among neighboring States/UTs, diligent deployment of CAPF provided adequately in all States/UTs; logistical support for movement and transport on CAPF personnel in bordering poll going State/UT; identification and monitoring of flashpoints in border areas that may have ramifications on the election process; preemptive measures to address communal tensions based on past experiences, and the imperative of securing porous borders against illegal activities. The commission directed States and UTs to share intelligence on criminals and antisocial elements between bordering districts. Sealing of inter-State borders for preventing bogus voting during the last 48 hours; Action against absconders, history sheeters, criminals involved in election related offences and adequate security cover to political functionaries/ candidates based on threat perception, the EC said in its directive. It further said strict vigil along helipads, airports, bus stations and railway stations. Strict action against liquor and drug kingpins; curtail flow of country made liquor; establish forward and backward linkages to plug it systemically, the EC said. Calling upon Uttar Pradesh BJP and West Bengal booth workers to focus on young voters and women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Opposition leaders develop cold feet seeing the enthusiasm of BJP workers, and asked them to work with a resolve to break all old poll records. While virtually interacting with BJP workers from West Bengal through the NaMo app, Modi said the entire country has witnessed how the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has resorted to violence to stop BJP workers, but the saffron workers fearlessly stood their ground. Modi said he remains committed to taking action against corruption, emphasising that those engaged in corruption have two options left jail or bail. Addressing a digital rally of Uttar Pradesh BJP workers at 22,648 booths in 10 Lok Sabha seats, Modi said new records are being made in polls due to the hard work of BJP workers. The soul of victory in elections lies in the victory of the polling booth, he said while stressing that they will have to work with a resolve to break all old records of the polling booths. The Prime Minister also advised BJP booth workers to remain active on social media and make reels of beneficiaries as this would help fetch votes. Modi also personally spoke to some of the party workers and sought information about the activities of the party. The Prime Minister emphasised the role of BJP karyakartas as canvassers, urging them to enlighten people about financial transactions and apprise them of the Governments welfare schemes. He asked the workers to inform farmers that the Modi Government had sent enough money in their bank accounts which earlier used to be siphoned off by middlemen. In his 44-minute interaction with booth in-charges, panna pramukhs and workers, the Prime Minister instructed booth in-charges and workers to visit villages and interact with voters. Just distributing pamphlets will be of no use, he cautioned. The Prime Minister directed them to inform voters while visiting their homes about the Government schemes and their benefits. If they are not getting the benefits, tell them about Modis guarantee of ensuring benefits to them. Our target is to add 370 votes per booth compared to previous elections, with focus on women and first-time voters, he said. Modi asked the BJP workers to focus on youth voters, particularly first-time voters, and make them aware of the corruption and other misdeeds of the previous Governments. Referring to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said now Ramlalla is seated in the temple, Article 370 has been abolished and law against triple talaq is in place. He said the law against triple talaq has given security to Muslim families. Earlier, elderly persons in families remained worried that after marriage their daughters might return home due to triple talaq, he said, adding, when intentions are clear, good results come. This time voters are saying Phir ek baar Modi sarkar (Modi Government once again), the Prime Minister said. During the programme, the PM spoke to booth heads of Etah, Agra, Hathras and Bareilly and directed them to involve party supporters as campaigners to achieve the target. The BJP workers from Sambhal, Badaun, Bareilly, Aonla, Etah, Hathras, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, and Mainpuri Lok Sabha seats were involved in the interaction. While appreciating the workers, the PM said, I am happy to see your enthusiasm in this meeting. I am sure that the leaders of other parties would develop cold feet after seeing the level of your dedication. Lastly, he said, I am confident that all the BJP workers of UP have worked hard to ensure victory in every seat and each polling booth. The Prime Minister slammed the TMC and Congress-Left alliance fighting against each other in Bengal polls as a "superficial fight" as all the three parties are the same. "There is a superficial conflict between the Left, TMC and Congress in Bengal. They are all allies. This is an alliance of the corrupt. Those parties which are friends in other states, act as foes here. Their fight is not against each other, but against the BJP, as the BJP government is acting against their corruption. Let them do whatever they want as Modi will not stop taking action against corruption," he said. "The corrupt have come together and keep abusing Modi. For these corrupts, there are only two options left - jail or bail," he said. Referring to poll violence, Modi said electoral violence is the biggest challenge in Bengal. "The biggest challenge in West Bengal elections is electoral violence, but the Election Commission has made arrangements for the security and safety of the people. We all also monitor the events that unfold in West Bengal. We have to reach every voter's house and encourage them to vote fearlessly," he said. Modi claimed that before every election, the TMC tries to stop the BJP workers by hook or by crook. "The country has seen how BJP karyakartas have worked despite the threats. The TMC tries to stop the BJP by resorting to violence. The country has also seen how BJP workers fearlessly stood in their booths. We are confident of winning more seats this time," he said. Lauding the role of the BJP workers in serving the people of the state, Modi said, "It is due to these sustained efforts by the BJP workers that the faith of the people in the BJP is increasing with every passing day." "It is laudable how BJP karyakartas of West Bengal manage to work in a hostile environment. Our workers are putting themselves in danger and working for the people. I am confident that time we will win more seats than we had won the last time," he added. As the electoral battle heats up in Uttar Pradesh, political adversaries are resorting to unconventional means to target each other, with social media emerging as a new battleground. In a recent development, the Uttar Pradesh BJP launched a satirical attack on the Congress leadership through caricatures shared on its social media platform X, targeting Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. One of the cartoons portrayed the Gandhi siblings with the caption, Aa Ab bhag chaley (come on, lets run!), accompanied by the names of Raebareli and Amethi. The cartoon shows that the sister-brother duo is walking away from Amethi and Raebareli with a trolley bag. There was a mixed reaction as some netizens hailed this cartoon while some criticised it. Some said, They are going on a tour to Italy while one questioned the cartoon and wrote, sharafat bhi ghol ke pee gaye. These constituencies have historically been strongholds of the Gandhi family. The move stirred a flurry of reactions on social media, with opinions divided between support for the BJPs tactic and criticism of its approach. The timing of these cartoons is noteworthy, especially amidst speculation regarding Rahuls candidacy from Amethi and Priyankas potential contest from Raebareli. While Sonia Gandhi has opted out of the electoral fray in favour of a Rajya Sabha seat, the Congress is yet to officially announce the candidacies for these key constituencies. Ajai Rai, the Uttar Pradesh Congress president, emphasised the sentiment among the electorate in Amethi and Raebareli, asserting that the people desire the Gandhis to contest from these constituencies, given their historical significance. Rakesh Tripathi, spokesperson for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, defended the partys cartoons, suggesting that the Gandhi familys reluctance to contest from these constituencies indicates a retreat from the State. Tripathi pointed to Rahuls previous abandonment of Amethi and speculated that the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is compelling the Gandhis to shy away from Uttar Pradesh. He hinted at a potential exodus of prominent Opposition leaders from the State. Responding to these jabs, senior Congress leader Amarnath Agarwal questioned the BJPs narrative, highlighting Modis candidacy from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasised the national stature of Priyanka and Rahul, asserting their capability to contest elections from any part of India. Agarwal dismissed the BJPs insinuations, questioning whether Modi would dare to contest from Tamil Nadu, underlining the popularity of the Gandhis nationwide. As political rhetoric intensifies and social media becomes an increasingly potent tool, the electoral landscape in Uttar Pradesh continues to witness unconventional manoeuvres and sharp exchanges between rival parties. Thousands of fans gathered to say the final goodbye to Fu Bao, a giant panda born in Everland, before she headed off to China on Wednesday under an international agreement, nearly four years after she was born. Everland, the nation's largest amusement park located in Yongin, 42 kilometers southeast of Seoul, held a farewell ceremony where the female giant panda slowly passed fans while riding a vibration-free special vehicle used to transport semiconductors. Some 6,000 fans have gathered around to catch the last glimpse of the giant panda, with some of them waiting from as early as 4 a.m., despite the rainy and cold weather. Zookeepers Kang Cheol-won, widely recognized as the "panda grandfather" by fans, and Song Young-gwan each read out a letter to Fu Bao and to the fans. "The day has come for you to leave," said Kang, who has taken care of Fu Bao since she was born. "Fu Bao, you gave hope and bliss to many people since the moment you were born. It's now time for you to go on a long trip to begin your new life," he said. Some fans were seen weeping out loud when Kang read the letter. The road was decorated with flower designs with messages from fans, and Everland played photos and videos of Fu Bao on a large LED screen. The giant panda will head off to China on a Chinese-chartered plane from Incheon International Airport. She is expected to arrive in China late in the afternoon and stay at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan Province. Fu Bao was born on July 20, 2020, to Ai Bao and Le Bao, the giant pandas sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 as a symbol of the Korea-China friendship. Pandas sent by China to overseas countries are returned to China before they turn four in accordance with the endangered species conservation agreement. Everland said it plans to continue to share the life of Fu Bao in China through an agreement it reached with Chinese state media CCTV last year. (Yonhap) In a major anti-insurgency operation, 10 Maoists were killed on Tuesday in a gun battle with security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The gunfight took place at around 6 am in the forests near Lendra and Korcholi villages in Gangaloor area, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P said. The District Reserve Guard, the Special Task Force, the Central Reserve Police Force and its elite unit CoBRA were involved in the operation. After the skirmish, the bodies of 10 Maoists including a woman were recovered. Also found was a light machine gun, a .303 bore rifle, a .12 bore rifle, barrel grenade launchers and arms and ammunition. Prima facie, it seems that most of the deceased were from the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army Company No 2 of the outlawed Maoist organization. The identity of the deceased Maoists is yet to be ascertained. Naxalites carry out tactical counter offensive campaign between March and June every year. A large number of attacks on security forces have taken place in the Bastar region during this period. On March 27, six Maoists were gunned down in Basaguda area of Bijapur. Bijapur district is part of the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency which will see voting on April 19. As many as 42 Maoists have been killed this year in Bastar region's seven districts including Bijapur. Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi on Tuesday claimed that after arresting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, now the Enforcement Directorate will arrest her, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Durgesh Pathak and Raghav Chadha. At a press conference here, Atishi revealed that the offer, conveyed by a close associate of hers, came with a stark ultimatum: join BJP to safeguard her political career or face imminent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) within a month. I have been approached to join the BJP through a personal contact. I have been told that either I can join the BJP and save my political career or get arrested in the next one month. An individual very close to me told me that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made up his mind to put every AAP leader in jail. Starting with Satyendar Jain, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, now they have arrested Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. But now they want to arrest another four top leaders -- me, Raghav Chadha, Durgesh Pathak and Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi said. Despite these threats, Atishi affirmed AAPs resilience and commitment to upholding the nations constitution under the Kejriwal. Atishi mentioned that after the rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, where lakhs of people came from Delhi and across the country, and after the AAPs on the streets for the past 10 days, now the BJP feels that arresting four leaders of AAP wasnt enough. In the upcoming time, the next four leaders will be arrested and put in jail. The Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine at AIIMS Bhopal on Tuesdayorganized a significant animal bite awareness program under the theme "Aware Today for a Safe Tomorrow." The event, aimed at addressing the critical issue of animal bites and rabies prevention, was inaugurated by the Executive Director, Professor (Dr.) Ajai Singh. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ajai Singh emphasized that animal bites are not just a medical problem but also a social concern that demands urgent attention. He stressed AIIMS Bhopal's commitment to taking up the challenge of creating awareness and educating the public on the prevention and management of animal bites, particularly rabies. "Public awareness is crucial in tackling the menace of animal bites, and it is imperative that we extend our efforts beyond the confines of our institution," remarked Prof. Ajai Singh. "By collaborating with local health authorities and engaging communities, AIIMS Bhopal aims to create widespread awareness and ensure a safer environment for all." Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing public health challenges. Earlier in the program, Professor (Dr.) Yunus, Head of the Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, provided insights into the alarming statistics concerning animal bites in India. He highlighted that every hour; two individuals lose their lives due to rabies, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and awareness campaigns. The event witnessed active participation from AIIMS Community, reflecting the collective resolve to combat the menace of animal bites and ensure a safer future for all. Renowned actor Arun Govil, celebrated for his portrayal of the revered Lord Ram in the iconic TV series Ramayan, has ventured into the realm of politics by formally stepping into the electoral arena as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Meerut Lok Sabha constituency. In a symbolic gesture marking his transition from the silver screen to the political stage, Govil filed his nomination papers on Tuesday, flanked by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Thousands of people who thronged the collectorate shouted the slogan 'Jai Sri Ram' as Arun Govil, dressed in saffron, alighted from the open jeep. Expressing gratitude to the BJP leadership for the nomination, Govil acknowledged the overwhelming outpour of support from the public. Today, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the BJP leadership for bestowing their trust upon me and for nominating me as the candidate from Meerut, said Govil. Maurya exuded confidence in Govils candidacy, saying the BJPs is on firm footing in Uttar Pradesh. Arun Govil has filed his nomination papers today. There is tremendous confidence among the workers and people that the BJP will achieve the target of winning all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh and 400 seats in the entire country, Maurya said. Govils entry into politics was announced on March 24 when the BJP handpicked him to contest from the Meerut Lok Sabha constituency, capitalising on his widespread popularity and the deep-seated reverence garnered from his portrayal of Lord Ram. Responding to queries regarding the BJPs potential opposition in the forthcoming elections, Maurya downplayed any looming threat, stating, According to us, there is no one in competition. There is no opposition anywhere. There is a tussle among SP, BSP, and Congress. Our preparations are from 2024 to 2047 (when UP assembly elections are to be held). With Govils induction into the political fray, the BJP seeks to harness his towering celebrity status and mass appeal to clinch victory in the upcoming elections, reiterating its unwavering commitment to consolidate power both in Uttar Pradesh and across the nation. In a bid to fortify its position ahead of the fiercely-contested 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has embarked on a proactive campaign led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the party's national general secretary Sandeep Pathak. The political terrain, marked by the arrest of its supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, recent defections, and challenges, has prompted AAP to take decisive steps to address internal dissension and bolster party unity. The recent defections of prominent leaders like its Jalandhar MP Sushil Kumar Rinku and MLA Sheetal Angural to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have underscored the challenges facing AAP in Punjab as it sought to consolidate its hold on the State. In response, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has initiated a series of strategic meetings with legislators and party nominees across key constituencies, aiming to quell dissatisfaction and prevent further defections. Manns proactive approach was evident during his recent visits to Patiala and Faridkot, where he engaged in extensive discussions with MLAs to understand their concerns and grievances. Assuring them of his commitment to address their issues, Mann emphasized the importance of unity within the party to navigate the challenges posed by political rivals. Dr Balbir Singh and Karamjit Singh Anmol, contesting for Patiala and Faridkot seats respectively, along with the MLAs, participated in the discussions. Mann urged the AAP leaders to collaborate closely to ensure victory for the partys candidates in both constituencies. Our constituents have witnessed the impact of our governance and are content. Lets exert ourselves and replicate the resounding victories of the 2022 assembly elections, he said. The leaders informed Mann of their ongoing efforts, including village meetings and door-to-door campaigns, aimed at informing people about the achievements of the AAP Government in Punjab. They expressed their commitment to intensify these efforts in their respective constituencies. Meanwhile, Sandeep Pathak, the poll-strategist and partys national general secretary, also delivered a categorical message during a gathering of party workers at Ludhiana, indicating that those inclined to switch allegiance to other parties were free to do so. Pathaks statement, while seemingly unconventional, reflected AAPs confidence in its leadership and its commitment to upholding democratic principles. The timing of these developments is significant, especially with AAPs supremo Arvind Kejriwal embroiled in legal matters in Delhi. Despite Kejriwals absence, AAP remained steadfast in its mission to serve the people of Punjab and deliver on its electoral promises. Pathaks assertive stance is indicative of AAPs determination to confront challenges head-on and maintain party unity amidst external pressures. He reiterated AAPs commitment to its core principles and expressed confidence in winning all 13 seats in Punjab, despite attempts by rival parties to lure away its members with lucrative offers. Furthermore, Pathak emphasized the importance of unity among party members and workers, urging them to stand firm against any attempts to intimidate or coerce them into switching sides. His remarks resonate strongly with AAPs grassroots supporters, who view the party as a beacon of hope for a better future. The responsibility for Punjabs all 13 seats, along with campaigning in other states for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, lie entirely on Chief Minister Mann. Acting upon Manns directive, the AAP high command had decided to stay out of the opposition bloc INDIA while making clear its intention to contest elections independently. However, following Kejriwals arrest coupled with BJPs alleged attempts to poach its leaders has led to discontentment within the party ranks. Mann to Hit Campaign Trail ACROSS All Districts Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is now stepping into all districts to resolve discontent among legislators. This schedule of the Chief Minister had already been prepared earlier but was put on hold due to the Delhi rally. Soon, CM Mann will visit each district of Punjab one by one to meet with candidates and legislators there. A team of Election Commission of India (ECI) led by Deputy Election Commissioners Hirdesh Kumar and Ajay Bhadoo held an inter-state meeting on Tuesday with top bureaucrats, police officers, nodal officers from different departments and senior officials from enforcement agencies including Income Tax, ED, Customs and other officials from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to review election arrangements and law and order coordination in view of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The aim of the meeting was to ensure comprehensive preparation and coordination for the electoral process. Deliberations were held on various crucial aspects essential for smooth, fair, and transparent elections. Key topics included electoral roll revision, Vulnerability Mapping and Critical Polling stations, law and order, Arms depositions, security measures, voter awareness campaigns,webcasting,Electoral marked copy, EVM & VVPAT availability, Postal Ballot Instructions ,Seizure Integrated Control Room,Availability of AMF in all PS Specially Shade, Chair and water , PwD managed, Youth, And Women managed Polling Stations, Availability of Manpower, Sveep activities where low voter turnout and resource deployment to facilitate seamless voting procedures. Recognizing the significance of these elections in upholding democratic principles, the DECs emphasized diligent preparation and adherence to electoral guidelines. Effective coordination among all stakeholders was underscored to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. In addition, a separate meeting was held by the ECI team with various nodal agencies to review preparedness and steps taken by enforcement agencies. Nodal agencies were urged to provide training and knowledge sharing at the district level, following the instructions and SOPs prepared by the ECI for seizure. All the CEOs, IGs, CPs,DC, SSP and nodal officials of enforcement agencies have been directed to comply with instructions of the commission scrupulously and put sustained efforts to ensure conduct of election in a free and fair manner. Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C said that during the meeting, the ECI team directed state teams to enhance vigilance on the state borders and state authorities assured to further strengthen interstate coordination for conducting a smooth electoral process. The team specifically stressed the need for vigilance over the interstate check posts across neighboring states to ensure no cross-border movement of illicit cash, liquor, drugs or freebies takes place. The CEO further said the ECI team has been informed that state officials have been asked to step up seizures with support from adjoining border states and instill fear of administration among violators to conduct a free and fair election in the state. The team specifically urged Police and CRPF teams to keep strict vigilance and help curtail the drug menace. "We have enhanced vigil across the state to conduct a free and fair elections", Punjab CEO Sibin C assured the ECI team. During the meeting, all officers were briefed on the latest instructions of the commission and reviewed the necessary measures taken post the election announcement, particularly regarding the seizure of liquor and drugs. The Bharatiya Janata Party State president Mahendra Bhatt said that the BJP is amidst the people with a report card of its works in the past 10 years. The party does not need to clarify in response to the baseless allegations levelled by the Congress, he said. On being asked by the media about the allegations levelled by the Congress, Bhatt said that the Congress is asking questions to which the public has either already given the answer or will give it in these Lok Sabha elections. The BJP is answerable to the public on the promises it had made to the people and its resolve while the Congress is simply abusing the Prime Minister and insulting public mandate. The Congress is indulging in allegations and counter allegations regarding Ankita Bhandari while the people had put the party on the backfoot during its so called Yatra on the issue due to which an embarrassed Congress is levelling baseless allegations on BJP leaders. The people will soon clear this misconception of the Congress because the mind and vote of the people cannot be changed by propaganda, the BJP State president said. Bhatt further said that it is laughable that the Congress which is bogged down in scams is now asking about the culprits. Under chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, all cases irrespective of the time period are being probed while the strictest anti-copying law in the nation was also enacted. The interests of the unemployed have been secured now but the Congress appeared standing with the corrupt at this time. The Congress remained silent on the major scams which took place during its term in office, he said. Uttarakhand is progressing in all spheres. Under PM Narendra Modis guidance, projects worth more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore are underway in the State with assistance from the Centre. The PM assured the public gathering in Rudrapur that the development achieved in 10 years is only a trailer and that a lot more needs to be done. Uttarakhand is surely moving towards becoming a model State, Bhatt averred. | Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on Tuesday that in this election, on one side is the swarth ka parivar and on the other side, its 'Modi ka parivar. The 2024 elections present an opportunity for the people of India to express their gratitude to Modi ji, Yogi said while addressing a Prabuddh Varg Sammelan in support of Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha candidate Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar from Bareilly and Dharmendra Kashyap from Aonla. There is only one voice resounding across the entire nation Phir ek baar Modi Sarkar. Behind this unified chant lies Modi ji's decade-long unwavering dedication. He has strived to elevate Indias global standing, hence Indians are echoing this sentiment unanimously to express their gratitude towards him. Under Modi jis leadership, India is reaching unprecedented heights of development, he added. Making a comparison, the CM stated that in this election, one side offers a riot and curfew policy, while on the other side, the Modi government ensures a better security environment. Similarly, one side extends patronage to the mafia, while the BJP government prioritises establishing the rule of law. Additionally, while the people of INDI Alliance promote corruption in elections, the Modi government operates with a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. On one side, there is swarth ka parivar and on the other, there is Modi ka Parivar comprising 140 crore Indians. Similarly, while casteism prevails on one side, the other side ensures that the benefits of government schemes reach every impoverished citizen, he added. The CM remarked that there has been a significant transformation in the lives of the Annadata (farmers) due to initiatives like the Krishi Sinchayi Yojana, Agricultural Insurance Scheme, and Kisan Samman Nidhi. Additionally, schemes such as PM Start-Up, PM Stand Up, and PM Vishwakarma have been launched to foster employment opportunities. The chief minister highlighted that there has been a transformation in every sector across the country and the state, with Modi pledging for a developed India. He stressed that for a developed India, a developed UP is essential, and for a developed UP, a developed Bareilly is crucial, thus emphasising the necessity of the BJP. The CM commended MP Santosh Gangwar, noting his longstanding leadership in Bareilly. He remarked, Under his guidance, various developments have taken place in Bareilly, benefiting both the state and the nation. The workers here have received and will continue to receive his blessings. Santosh Gangwar has extended his blessings to Chhatrapal Gangwar and Dharmendra Kashyap. Under Santosh Gangwars leadership, Bareilly aspires to secure victory for BJP candidates. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday said he was confident the Congress will be wiped out in Chhattisgarh in the Lok Sabha elections. Sai was addressing the nomination rally of Bhojraj Nag in Kanker in which he appealed to people to vote for the BJP to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister for a third term. He said the Congress did not respect the public mandate given to it in the 2018 Assembly polls. That is why it suffered a shock defeat last year, he said. Modi in his 10 years tenure had worked for the betterment of village, poor, farmers, labourers and people from all the walks of life, he said. Sai said that his government in Chhattisgarh had fulfilled the promises of providing 18 lakh pucca houses to the homeless and two years of bonus of Rs 3,716 crore to 12 lakh farmers. Also, the BJP government had procured a record 145 tonnes of paddy at Rs 3,100, he said. During a session at the Bokaro collectorate office, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Vijaya Jadhav has ordered the arrest of an individual accused of causing unwarranted distress to a property owner, halting construction work, engaging in verbal abuse, and physical assault. In the presence of Police Superintendent Pujya Prakash, Deputy Development Commissioner Sandeep Kumar, SDO Chas Om Prakash Gupta, and other officials, the entire case was reviewed. The Sector 12 police station in-charge was summoned, and the accused, Anish Kumar Pandey, was taken into custody. Under the jurisdiction of Sector 12 police station, the owner of Plot No. 312, Tetuliya, Ram Narayan Mehta, lodged a complaint at the district office alleging that Anish Kumar Pandey and others were making false claims on his property. They were preventing him from carrying out construction work and subjecting him to verbal abuse and physical assault. Both parties were summoned to present their respective documents related to the claim at the office for a hearing . During the proceedings, it was revealed before all relevant officials that the opposing party, Anish Kumar Pandey and others, were making false claims on the said property and harassing property owner Ram Narayan Mehta without cause. Upon hearing the case, the DC Bokaro Jadhav wasted no time in directing the Sector 12 police station in-charge to arrest the accused, Anish Kumar Pandey, and initiate further proceedings. This swift and decisive action by the Bokaro administration serves as a testament to their dedication to protecting the rights of individuals and maintaining the rule of law in the community. It underscores the importance of prompt intervention in cases of injustice and sets a precedent for the fair and equitable resolution of disputes in society. Uzbek president meets with China's police chief Xinhua) 10:42, April 03, 2024 Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev meets with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua) TASHKENT, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in the capital of Tashkent on Monday. During the meeting, Wang conveyed warm greetings and good wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Mirziyoyev. Noting that China and Uzbekistan are friendly neighbors with a shared destiny, and the traditional friendship between the two peoples runs deep, Wang said China-Uzbekistan relations have entered a "golden era," featuring rapid development under the strategic leadership of both leaders. Wang said China is willing to follow the important consensus of the leaders of both countries; apply the principles of mutual assistance, common development, universal security and everlasting friendship to relations; implement the Global Security Initiative; and comprehensively deepen pragmatic cooperation in the field of law enforcement and security with Uzbekistan. China is willing to enhance cooperation to combat the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as transnational crimes. China also aims to strengthen law enforcement capacity to build a solid security barrier for common development, which will make more contributions to developing an all-weather, comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era and promoting a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future, said Wang. President Mirziyoyev asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi. He affirmed Uzbekistan's firm support for China's position on issues of core interest and the willingness to jointly maintain security and stability of both countries, as well as in the region. During his visit, Wang also met with Uzbekistan's Secretary of the National Security Council Viktor Makhmudov and Minister of Internal Affairs Pulat Bobojonov, and signed cooperation documents. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Korea can facilitate global consensus on responsible AI governance By Kim Won-soo In 2022, OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT to the world. Less than two years later, it is almost impossible to imagine a world without artificial intelligence (AI). AI is seeping into not just how we do business but all aspects of human life. And it is doing so at light speed. What sets it apart from all other technologies that came before, however, is the fact that AI is the ultimate double-edged sword. It has the potential to make life more convenient and prosperous, but at the same time, it can also threaten the very survival of humanity. The dangerous possibility that AI might defy human control and eventually turn against humans is closer to reality than we think. Last year, Googles Gemini Ultra became the first AI model to outperform humans on massive multi-task language understanding, foreshadowing the advent of superhuman AI. Nvidias CEO Jensen Huang warned that AI would be more intelligent than humans in five years, and Elon Musk predicted that it would be smarter than all of humanity by 2029. These concerns are not limited to AI development and use in the private sector. A recent report on AI safety commissioned by the U.S. Department of State expresses deep concerns about new types of weapons of mass destruction that AI can generate. In fact, in a simulated test by the U.S. Air Force last year, an AI-powered drone managed to attack and kill its pilot, who had ordered it to abort the mission. Drone warfare in Ukraine is recently reported to involve autonomous strikes on enemy targets without a human operator. Now, AI is advancing to the point where it can make tactical and even strategic decisions in any given military operation. Mass destruction of humans by AI-enabled killer robots and biochemical weapons is no longer a remote possibility. Despite the frightening speed and risks of its advancement, the norms and rules that regulate AI are lagging by a large margin. The more this normative deficit grows, the less likely it is that we can stop the catastrophic consequences of unregulated AI. No single government can shoulder the burden of this normative deficit alone. Not even the worlds wealthiest and most powerful state can stave off this growing risk by itself. Unless we have the same rules for everyone on the planet, we cannot avoid a race to the bottom. To our chagrin, however, the international community has yet to find a way to respond in unity. Individual national and regional efforts to regulate AI are still far from an international norm based on common interests. The ongoing attempts are commendable yet lacking in substance and teeth. We need to expand common ground among major players toward building a credible international institution for AI governance. It has been proposed that we create an international AI agency, drawing upon the model of the International Atomic Energy Agency. If we are to do so, we must keep in mind that, unlike nuclear materials and facilities, AI is intangible, diffused and apt to lower the barrier to information. Any new international institution on AI safety must consider these peculiar characteristics. To that end, we should try to streamline the various multilateral talks already underway on this issue in both the public and private sectors. Then, we need to develop a clear roadmap that can take us from building a global consensus on responsible development and use of AI to creating global norms and institutions that oversee AI safety protocols. What matters most at this point is that we take the first step toward this goal sooner rather than later. This first step can be to identify a fundamental issue the international community, including the United States and China, can get behind. One such fundamental issue could be responsible state behavior in military use of AI to minimize security risks from large-scale AI. I hope the recent forum entitled The Age of AI and the Future of Global Security, co-hosted by the Taejae Future Consensus Institute and the Chosun Ilbo, will serve as a springboard for much-needed dialogue on this issue. As a digital technology leader with close ties with both the United States and China, Korea can help facilitate the consensus-building process. It is a timely move by the Korean government to host the next rounds of the AI Safety Summit and the REAIM Summit this year, where all the key players in AI technology will be in attendance. These meetings will not solve all the headaches overnight. And this institutional journey will be long and bumpy. Throughout that process, I hope that Korea continues to be on the frontline. Kim Won-soo (wsk4321@gmail.com) is a former under-secretary-general of the United Nations and high representative for disarmament. As a Korean diplomat, he served as secretary to the South Korean president for foreign affairs and international security. He is now the chair of the international advisory board of the Taejae Academy (Future Consensus Institute) and a chair professor at Kyung Hee University. He is a guest editorial writer at The Korea Times. After the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday claimed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lost 4.5 kg in jail and was not keeping well, the Tihar Jail authorities issued a statement countering the claim and said the Chief Ministers weight is unchanged at 65kg. Tihar jail sources have provided Kejriwals weight since his arrival in the jail on April 1 while AAP claimed that the chief minister lost 4.5kgs since his arrest on March 21. Arvind Kejriwal ji is a severe diabetic. Despite health issues, he remained engaged 24 hours a day in the service of the country. Since his arrest, Kejriwals weight has decreased by 4.5 kg. This is very worrying. The BJP is putting his health at risk by putting him in jail, Atishi wrote in a post in X. If something happens to Arvind Kejriwal, not just the whole country, even God will not forgive them, she added. When asked about Tihar authorities denying the claims about Kejriwals health, they said, He has been in Tihar for a couple of days. We are talking about the time since he has been arrested by the ED. In ED custody, his sugar levels went down, which was a severe health risk. However, the Tihar jail authorities, where Kejriwal is lodged till April 15, said his weight has been constant since his judicial custody began. A senior Tihar jail official said the chief ministers vitals are normal. Sources said on April 1, his weight was 65kg, sugar level 139 (RBS), and Blood Pressure (BP) was 120/82. On April 2, his weight remained 65kg whereas his sugar level found to 182 (RBS), and Blood pressure (BP) 121/83. On Wednesday, his weight remained 65kg, sugar level 140 (RBS), and blood pressure (BP) 116/82. Tihar jail authorities said, Upon arrival on April 1, Kejriwal was examined by two doctors and all vitals were normal. Also, his weight is constant at 65 Kg, since his arrival in jail and till date. Home-cooked food is being provided as per court order. His vital statistics are normal. Arvind Kejriwal ji is a severe diabetic. Despite health issues, he remained engaged 24 hours a day in the service of the country. Since his arrest, Kejriwals weight has decreased by 4.5 kg. This is very worrying. The BJP is putting his health at risk by putting him in jail, she alleged in a post on X in Hindi. If something happens to Arvind Kejriwal, not just the whole country, even God will not forgive them, she added. Later, at a press conference, the Delhi minister said, Today, the Delhi High Court will hear a plea challenging his arrest by ED. After the court decides on it, we will seek legal help over his health situation. Alleging that Kejriwal has been put behind bars in a false case, Atishi said they are closely monitoring his health condition. The whole country is watching. For a severely diabetic patient, if their sugar levels fall below 50 mg/dL, it is extremely worrying. While he was in ED custody, his sugar levels fell thrice, including one time when it came down to 46 mg/dL, she said. Atishi claimed that in the last 12 days, his weight has reduced by 4.5 kg, which poses a health risk. Addressing a press conference, AAP MLA Dilip Pandey reiterated Atishis claims and said it was on record that Kejriwals weight has gone down to 65 kg from 69.5 kg. He is a severe diabetic. Diabetes is not just one disease. It can also lead to other severe illnesses. In the last 12 days, his weight has gone down from 69.5 kg to 65 kg. This is on record. We want that there should not be any irresponsible behaviour regarding his health, he said. After three decades of dedicated service, Ashu Tiwary has superannuated from her position as Principal of Motilal Nehru Public School (MNPS) in Jamshedpur. Tiwary has left an indelible mark on the institution, demonstrating unwavering commitment to educational excellence and student welfare throughout her tenure. During her illustrious career at MNPS, she showcased exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of education management. She spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education and fostering holistic development among students. Under her guidance, MNPS achieved significant milestones and emerged as a leading educational institution in the region. Tiwary is known for her expertise in educational assessment, quality management, and educational administration. Her proficiency in subjects such as Business English and English Grammar has contributed to the academic enrichment of countless students over the years. Additionally, he holds a Certificate Course in Ethical Leadership from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, further underscoring her commitment to professional development and ethical leadership practices. My experience as the Principal at Motilal Nehru Public School has been blissful. I am thankful to the school management, teachers, staff and dear students for their endearing support. I owe everything to them. I would like to continue to serve in the field of education to bring the best among the students, said Tiwary, with a twinkle in her eye. She pioneered the establishment of the ATL tinkering lab by Niti Ayog at MNPS by submitting a strong project proposal.The school launched its first ever website under her guidance created by the high school students. Ashu Tiwary was also instrumental in getting all Alumni members together by setting up the MNPS alumni association. Recently she encouraged the Management to introduce AI and Robotics in the school for the larger benefit of students. Govindpura police have nabbed two drug peddlers and seized about 3 kilograms of Cannabis Rs 55000, investigation of source and seller network is under investigation. Police said on March 31 during the night patrolling when they reached near the DPI building, two youths suddenly started running after seeing the police vehicle. Both of them ran towards the Gautam Nagar police post, whom we surrounded with the help of the staff and caught him. When asked about the reason for running away, they failed to provide a correct reply. The two were identified as Arju Purviya(25) of Kargil Basti, Govindpura and Bablu Uike(26) Kargil Basti, Govindpura. During the investigation the drugs which was Cannabis was found to be weighing 2.995 kg worth Rs 55,000. Police registered a case under section 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act. The crime record of the accused is under investigation. The police are continuously conducting operations to catch illegal drug traffickers in the city and based on information regarding the drug peddlers police immediately took action on the information received. The accused failed to provide documents related to Cannabis and was arrested and the source from where the accused brings the drug and where does he dispose is under investigation. The accused used to find the retail customers by bringing drugs at cheap prices and selling it in small quantities in Bhopal and nearby areas. The drug peddlers are involved in the crime for how long it is yet to be investigated and their local network has to be revealed. It is likely to be a direct contest between the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Meerut Lok Sabha constituency. The Samajwadi Party on Monday changed its candidate and replaced Bhanu Pratap Singh with Sardhana MLA Atul Pradhan. Pradhan is known as a giant killer as he had defeated Sangeet Som of the BJP in the 2022 UP assembly polls. Arun Govil, who played the role of Bhagwan Ram in Ramayana, is the BJP candidate in Meerut. SP president Akhilesh Yadav had to change the candidate following the vehement opposition mounted by the party cadres against Bhanu Pratap Singh. Pradhans entry, SP insiders say, will ensure that the Meerut contest is not one-sided, as it seemed likely with outsider Bhanu Singh in the race. While Pradhan unsuccessfully contested the Sardhana assembly seat several times starting 2012, in the 2022 assembly polls, he had defeated firebrand BJP leader Sangeet Som by a margin of over 18,000 votes. Expressing his gratitude to SP president Akhilesh Yadav for giving the ticket to him from the Meerut Lok Sabha seat, Pradhan said, We will continue our fight for the poor, youth and farmers. I was born and brought up in Meerut, a place which has been my karma bhoomi since my student days. A member of the Gurjar community, Pradhan (41) has been associated with the SP since he graduated from Chaudhary Charan Singh University. He was previously the president of SPs Chhatra Sabha (student wing). Pradhans wife Seema was elected Sardhana zila parishad chief in 2015 and last year, she unsuccessfully contested the Meerut mayoral polls with the SPs backing. The SPs decision to field Bhanu Singh initially from the seat had stumped party leaders. A Supreme Court lawyer and a resident of Sahibabad, near Delhi, Singh had contested the 2017 assembly polls from Sikandrabad seat as a candidate of the Rashtriya Janhit Sangharsh Party, an outfit he floated, and polled just over 1,000 votes. Singh is a Supreme Court lawyer and has been vocal against the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), which he claims are not foolproof. We were surprised that the party fielded Singh, who is not only an outsider but enjoys no mass support in his home turf. His candidature had triggered resentment among workers. The Meerut seat would have been a one-sided contest had Singh not been replaced with Pradhan, who is an active leader, former SP Meerut chief Rajpal Singh said. The Meerut Lok Sabha seat has an estimated 35% Muslim voters while Jats and Gujjars, who fall in the OBC category, are around 11% and 5% respectively. Scheduled Castes (SCs) form a significant chunk with around 19% of voters. What goes against Atul Pradhan is that Sardhana is not an assembly segment of the Meerut Lok Sabha seat and is a part of the Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha constituency. The BJP is banking on not just Govils appeal as the actor who played Ram in the widely popular TV serial Ramayana, but also that he is a local. He was born in Meerut. A speeding Mercedes-Benz SUV rammed into a famous kachori shop in north Delhis Civil Lines area injuring six people, including some shop workers, on Sunday. According to the police on Tuesday, the incident took place at Fatehchand Kachori shop on Rajpur Road on Sunday afternoon. Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) MK Meena said, the car driver, identified as businessman Parag Maini, a resident of Sector 79 in Noida, was nabbed from the spot. The vehicle involved in the incident was also seized. A purported CCTV footage of the incident surfaced on the internet showing a white-coloured Mercedes-Benz hitting some people standing outside the shop and tossing them in the air. The car rammed into a wall seconds later. Maini, aged 36 years old, along with his wife, had come to the shop to have kachori. While parking his car outside the shop, he lost control of the vehicle when he mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brakes, the officer said. Fortunately the shop, which is quite famous in the area, was less crowded at that time otherwise it would have led to a bigger tragedy, according to the officials. As per the preliminary medical examination, the driver was not under the influence of alcohol. His blood sample, though, has been preserved for further analysis as an investigation is still on, DCP Meena said. He said the injured were admitted to Tirath Ram Shah Hospital in Civil Lines. Two of the injured have received fractures. A case under sections 279 (rash driving) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at the Civil Lines police station, the police said. A day after the special court sent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15, Delhi Minister Atishi weighed in on his arrest, saying that there is no reason for him to resign from the post of Delhi Chief Minister because he has not been convicted. Her statement came after the BJP on Tuesday demanded Delhi Chief Minister resignation, saying the national capital deserves a better Chief Minister. A day after Arvind Kejriwal was sent to judicial custody in the excise policy case, AAP MLAs and councillors on Tuesday met his wife Sunita Kejriwal and asserted that the Delhi chief minister should run his government from jail and not resign. The AAP MLAs and Municipal Corporation of Delhi councillors told Sunita Kejriwal that two crore people of the national capital stand with the chief minister and he should not resign at any cost, party leaders said.Of the AAPs 62 MLAs in Delhi, 55 including all the ministers were present during the meeting.Four MLAs are out of station while three -- Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain -- are in jail, the AAP leaders said. Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi, has made it clear that Kejriwal has no plans to resign because he has not been convicted. There are two Constitutional and legal provisions related to this in our country. Representation of the People Act says that if you have a conviction for more than two years, then you cannot remain a public representative. Arvind Kejriwal has not been convicted...Arvind Kejriwal enjoys the overwhelming majority of the Delhi Assembly, so there is no reason for Arvind Kejriwal to resign. If Arvind Kejriwal resigns today then it will be a very simple and straightforward solution for the Bharatiya Janata Party to topple the Opposition governments, she said at a press conference when asked whether Kejriwal will resign from the post of the chief minister. Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia has accused Kejriwal of double standards, noting that he took resignations from deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and another ministerial colleague Satyendar Kumar Jain but has refused to resign following his arrest in the excise case. Atishi said there was no rule in the Constitution or law that requires Arvind Kejriwal to resign as the chief minister of Delhi. Citing the Representation of the People Act, she said Kejriwal has not been convicted in any case yet and that he enjoys an overwhelming majority. Asserting if Arvind Kejriwal resigns from the post of Delhi CM, Atishi stated that the BJP will topple the AAP government. Arvind Kejriwal enjoys the overwhelming majority of the Delhi Assembly, so there is no reason for Arvind Kejriwal to resign. If Arvind Kejriwal resigns today then it will be a very simple and straightforward solution for BJP to topple the opposition governments, she stated. Addressing a press conference on the AAP MLAs and councilors meeting with Sunita Kejriwal, Senior leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said the elected representatives wanted to meet Sunita Kejriwal after Kejriwals arrest. However, the meeting was delayed due to the partys protests against the arrest and the opposition INDIA blocs rally at Ramlila Maidan.The AAP MLAs met Sunita Kejriwal and nearly two dozen of them expressed their views, the Delhi Minister said in a press conference.Since Kejriwal can interact with her through videoconferencing from Tihar jail, the MLAs and councillor urged Sunita Kejriwal to communicate to him their message that he should keep running the government from behind bars without tendering his resignation, Bharadwaj added.They told Sunita Kejriwal that the BJP will exert immense pressure on the Delhi chief minister to resign. If he steps down, they will say that he abandoned his responsibilities, Bharadwaj said. It is the policy of the BJP to set a trap and force the chief minister to resign, he said. Kejriwal has communicated to party leaders and volunteers through his wife that he is fine, strong and more resolute than before, and asked them not worry about him, the Delhi minister said. Sunita Kejriwal also communicated the chief ministers message that he was extremely proud that the AAP MLAs, councillors and the entire INDIA bloc successfully organised Sundays massive rally at Ramlila Maidan even though he was not with them. The chief minister has said that the rally gave a clear message that as long as he is in the jail, the problems for the BJP will keep increasing, Bharadwaj said. On being asked if the CM will be changed and if it will be Sunita Kejriwal, the AAP stated that these are baseless rumours spread by the BJP. The BJP has been waiting to come into power in Delhi for almost 25 years. It is still as far from the BJP as it was 25 years ago. Launching an attack on the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekar has hit out at the Transport Minister and Najafgarh MLA Kailash Gahlot, accusing him of harassing him. Gahlot was recently called for questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged excise policy linked money laundering case. In a letter, he said, My Dear Kailash Gahlot ji, your next Dont worry, I understand how you and Jain are putting pressure on me; Harassing me through Jail Superintendent and his staff, But not for long. He alleged that he gave 50 crores to Gehlot at his farm house and said, Even though you changed all your phones before going to ED for investigation, you wont get away my friend. I will give all the screenshots , voice recordings of yours and mine, starting with the delivery of 50 Crores that I gave at your farm house, for Rajya Sabha seat as promised by my bro Arvind Kejriwal, so Kailash ji you cant get away, all the DBS account details and Cyprus Bank details I shall give the agency, I am sure you exactly know what I am talking about. He also hit out at AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar again for for making disparaging libelous statements defaming Sukesh following the Home Ministrys nod for Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) probe into the alleged extortion case involving AAP leader Satyendra Jain, who is currently in Tihar jail. He said, Be it as it may Priyanka ji for starters the Jail Protection money of Rs. 10 Crore and Rs. 50 Crore that was extorted and paid by me was to Satyender Jain in the capacity of then Jail Minister and on his instructions to Sandeep Goel then DG Prison. Sukesh, who is accused in a Rs 200 crore cheating case involving the wife of a former Fortis Healthcare promote, alleged, There is enough and more evidence including whatsapp chats proving the same, so unwantedly to act and do your drama everyone has seen the video of Tihar Club COO Satyender Jain getting his massages in Jail proving his power in Jail and how Jail Officials Right from top to Bottom are the puppets. Dont worry, I will make sure to expose everything in detail with supporting evidence, then the world will know who was and is in incharge of the famous Delhi jails, actions speak louder than words, so kindly hang on. Calling AAP chief the original conman, Sukesh remarked, So Priyanka ji, today time and again all of you keep shouting I am the notorious conman, but please ask your Kejriwal ji and Jain saab why they were happily using my services and mainly my money since 2015. Have some shame, you cant fool the People of India and mainly Delhi anymore. All know who the real OG conman is, Arvind Kejriwal. PepsiCo India on Tuesday said it will invest Rs 1,266 crore to set up a flavour manufacturing facility at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh as part of its expansion plans in the country. The plant spread over 22 acres, will play a significant role in scaling up PepsiCo's beverage production in India, generating employment and positively impacting the local economy, the company said in a statement. The construction of the upcoming plant is slated to start in 2024 and is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2026, it added. "With support from the government of Madhya Pradesh, we aim to strengthen our footprint while driving impactful progress in enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the region," PepsiCo India & South Asia CEO Jagrut Kotecha said. PepsiCo India Senior Vice President, Beverages George Kovoor said the new unit will be the company's second flavour manufacturing facility in India. "We aim to ramp up the production of our beverages to meet the rising demand in the country. This strategic investment not only strengthens our dedication to providing the highest quality beverages to our consumers but also reinforces our responsibility to drive sustainable practices across our operations," Kovoor added. PepsiCo's first flavour manufacturing facility in India is in Channo, Punjab. PepsiCo India said in line with its global sustainability goals, the new manufacturing facility will operate entirely on renewable energy sources leading to a reduction in carbon footprint by an impressive 1.9 metric tonne per day. With zero liquid discharge technology, the plant aims to achieve approximately 90 per cent overall water efficiency, ensuring responsible management of water resources, and replenishing 100 per cent of the water used at the facility, the company said. Pre-certification of political advertisements published in the media on polling day and a day before voting will be mandatory for all phases, the Election Commission said on Tuesday. Chhattisgarh Chief Electoral Officer Reena Babasaheb Kangale said this was necessary to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. Applicants must submit applications to the Media Certification Committee at least two days before the proposed publication date of advertisements, she said. Chhattisgarh will see polling on April 19 and 26 and May 7. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva on Tuesday slammed AAP leader Atishi challenging her to provide details of her allegation that she was approached to join the saffron party or be prepared for a legal action. BJP candidate from South Delhi Lok Sabha constituency and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Tuesday termed as gimmick the statements being made by Aam Aadmi Party leaders. The BJP leaders statement came on a press conference by Delhi Minister Atishi who claimed that the BJP approached her through a very close person to join the party or be prepared to be nabbed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) within a month. Addressing a press conference here, Sachdeva said that his party will take legal action against Atishi if she fails to provide proof to her claim that the BJP approached her to join it through her close friend. I was approached by the BJP through a person very close to me who asked me to join the BJP to save and enhance my political career or I will be arrested within a month, she said addressing a press conference. If Atishi fails to provide details of the person who she claims approached her on our behalf to join the BJP, we will take legal action against her. She cant put baseless allegations against us and get away with it, Sachdeva said. Meanwhile, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari demanded an apology from the AAP minister warning her to be prepared to face legal action if she does not provide proof to her claim. We want Atishi to tender an apologise for putting a false allegation against us or provide proof of the person who approached her. We will take legal action if she does not back her claim by this evening, he said. Bidhuri also said the public has understood the truth of these allegations. Police are investigating this matter but instead of giving any evidence, AAP leaders are constantly creating new false stories, he said. Bidhuri said Delhi government minister Atishi should be called the queen of lies because in this matter she has left even her guru Kejriwal behind. Samsung E&A and GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C) have won a combined $7.2 billion deal to expand a gas plant in Saudi Arabia, the biggest order for Korean companies in the Middle Eastern country, the presidential office said Wednesday. The Fadhili Gas Increment Program is a project run by Saudi Arabia's state oil giant, Saudi Aramco, to expand the capacity of an existing gas plant in an oilfield some 80 kilometers away from the city of Jubail in the country's east. The deal is the result of an agreement reached during President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit to Saudi Arabia last October to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in construction and infrastructure, the presidential office said in a press release. It is also the third-largest overseas construction order won by a Korean firm, after the $19.1 billion Barakah nuclear power plant project in the United Arab Emirates and the $7.7 billion Bismayah New City project in Iraq, it said. Samsung E&A said in a statement that it had clinched a $6 billion deal to construct two gas treatment facilities as part of the plant expansion program. It marks the single-largest contract in the company's history and the largest-ever deal that Korean builders have obtained from the Middle Eastern country. The completion of the project would raise the plant's daily capacity to 38 million MMSCFD (million standard cubic feet per day) from the current 25 million MMSCFD, it added. Samsung E&A is currently participating in two gas treatment and storage facility projects in Saudi Arabia, which has been investing big in gas plants in a bid to boost gas production. In a separate regulatory filing, GS E&C said it had bagged a $1.22 billion deal to build a sulfur recovery unit at the plant, which is expected to take about 41 months. The latest mega deal comes as a boon to Korean construction companies struggling to labor through a sluggish domestic business, raising hopes they could bask in more orders from the Middle East. The value of the contract accounts for about one-fifth of last year's $33 billion in total overseas orders obtained by Korean builders. As of Tuesday, this year their aggregate overseas orders came to $12.72 billion, more than double the $6.11 billion during the same period a year earlier. Stung by a slumping property business in Asia's fourth-largest economy, local construction companies have been shifting their sights to overseas markets as Middle Eastern countries are expected to place more plant orders on the back of rising oil prices. In a report issued in December last year, the Korea Research Center for Overseas Construction predicted construction projects in the Middle East to expand 3.3 percent in 2024 from a year earlier. "There is a possibility that Middle Eastern countries could inject their huge profits from high oil and gas prices into the construction center," the think tank said. Capitalizing on a construction boom in the region, large and smaller Korean builders have clinched orders from Middle Eastern countries in recent months. In June last year, Hyundai Engineering & Construction signed a $5 billion deal with Aramco to build a mega petrochemical plant in the east of the country. In light of brisk orders from the Middle East, industry sources said, Korea is on course to achieve its 2024 target of $40 billion in overseas construction orders. (Yonhap) Media should provide factual and correct information related to elections to the readers. The Commissions effort is to provide all the latest election related information to the media. Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan said this in the state level media workshop organized at the Academy of Administration. He said that media plays an important role in conducting free and fair elections. Rajan emphasized the ongoing efforts to promote widespread voter participation, stressing the crucial role of media co-operation in this endeavor. He urged media outlets to actively engage in voter awareness initiatives. Additionally, Rajan highlighted his consistent communication with the media to address queries and ensure accurate information dissemination to the public. Facility of postal ballot to journalists holding authorization letter The Chief Electoral Officer, Rajan, said that journalists possessing authorization letters from the Election Commission will have the option to vote via postal ballot. This provision enables journalists to cast their votes conveniently while engaged in polling day coverage. Furthermore, individuals aged above 85 years or those with over 40 percent disability will have the opportunity to vote from their homes upon request. Rajan also addressed journalists' inquiries during the briefing. Journalists are the eyes and ears of the Commission Joint Election Officer Manoj Khatri said that journalists are the eyes and ears of the Commission. He said that through you the Commission gets information, which is sometimes not apparent to the administration. Khatri said that political advertisements should be issued only after the approval of the MCMC Committee. Advertisement should not be given as news. He also urged journalists to file nominations for the National Media Award. National Level Master Trainer Professor P.N. Sanesar and Dr. Y.P. Singh gave detailed information about various electoral processes including cVIGIL app, KYC, MCMC, paid news, media ethics and media coverage on the day of polling and counting. Rajan expressed deep condolence on the untimely demise of the son of senior Bhopal journalist Manoj Saini. He prayed to God to give peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this loss. Additional Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Kumar Kaul, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Basant Kurre and Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Pramod Shukla officers and journalists were present in the media workshop. Controversy has erupted over the district administrations proposal to keep Ram Lalla awake for 24 hours during the upcoming Ram Navami festival, drawing objections from saints and members of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Anticipating a significant surge in the number of devotees during Ram Navami, the district administration has suggested keeping the temple doors open round-the-clock, discarding the traditional shayan (sleeping) timing to accommodate the expected influx of worshippers. District Magistrate Nitish Kumar had announced that the Ram Temple management would open its doors round-the-clock from April 16 to April 18, with the pinnacle of celebrations scheduled for April 17. However, the proposal has been met with skepticism from saints, who question the prudence of such a decision. Senior priest Satendra Das remarked, Never ever has any temple remained open for 24 hours, that too for three days. This is against Hindu tradition. Bhagwan also needs rest. While the Trust asserts that it is consulting with the saints to gather their opinions on the matter, concerns remain regarding the departure from established worship traditions. The Ram Navami fair, slated to begin on April 9, anticipates a massive turnout of over 50 lakh devotees in Ayodhya from across the country. With such a crowd expected, there is consideration to extend the temples opening hours to 24 hours a day during the festival period to ensure uninterrupted darshan of Ram Lalla. Presently, the temple operates for 14 hours daily, attracting a footfall of approximately 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh devotees to Ram Lallas shrine. Acknowledging the necessity for extended hours during the festival, the district administration has urged the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to contemplate opening the temple 24 hours on Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami tithis (dates). However, dissent arises from some saints, arguing that the proposal contradicts religious scriptures by depriving Ram Lalla of sleep. Trusts general secretary Champat Rai echoed the concerns raised by the saints, emphasising that Ram Lalla is revered in the form of a 5-year-old child, and it may not be suitable to keep them awake constantly. Should we keep Ram Lalla awake for 24 hours? Will it be prudent? he questioned. He added that a final decision would only be reached after thorough deliberations and discussions among all stakeholders. Ram Navami, a Hindu festival celebrated to honour the birth of Lord Vishnus incarnation Lord Rama, marks the culmination of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri celebrations, observed in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which falls on the cusp of spring and summer. This marks the first Ram Navami following the sacred consecration of Shri Ram Lalla. With such a significant event, Ayodhya is bracing for potentially massive crowds. As numerous individuals seek spiritual rejuvenation through participation, stringent security measures have been implemented to mitigate potential risks. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked both the chief secretary and DGP to personally oversee the preparations for the event. To cater to the massive influx of devotees, arrangements are being meticulously planned for darshan over three consecutive days, with special emphasis on Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami, Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra said in a statement. Since the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, devotees have flocked to the Ram Lalla temple, with nearly two crore people having visited the temple in the past two months. Nearly six months after his arrest, Rajya Sabha MP and AAP leader Sanjay Singh walked out of Delhis Tihar Jail on Wednesday night, following the Supreme Court order after the Enforcement Directorate conceded that it has no objections. After his release from Tihar, Singh said it was not a time to celebrate but to struggle as scores of party workers gathered to greet him. A large number of AAP supporters assembled outside the jail and raised the slogans of dekho dekho kaun aaya, sher aaya, sher aaya and Sanjay Singh zinadabad. The Rajya Sabha member was garlanded amidst sloganeering by AAP workers. Delhi cabinet minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak were also present outside the jail. There was a heavy security presence outside the jail in view of his release. Singh climbed atop his vehicle as supporters jostled to greet him. This is time for struggle. Arvind Kejriwal zindabad. Our jailed leaders will also come out soon. This is not time for celebration but time for struggle. Jail ke taale tutenge, hamare saare neta chhutenge (Jail locks will break and all our leaders will come out), he said. After his release, Singh left for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals residence to meet his wife Sunita. Earlier, Singh was admitted to the ILBS Hospital in Vasant Kunj. Around 1.30 pm, after being discharged from the hospital, he was taken back to Tihar jail for completing the bail formalities. On Tuesday, Singh had gone to ILBS for a regular checkup but got admitted. He got the news of his bail when he was in the hospital. After being discharged from the hospital, Singh went to Tihar Jail. Singh had been lodged in the high-security prison in the national capital since October 13, 2023. He came out through the gate number three. Jail officials said he was released after the completion of bail procedure. The AAP leader, was discharged from ILBS hospital on Wednesday following the order of his release. According to the officials of ILBS hospital, he was admitted to the hospital for a liver-related issue and received the news of his bail during his stay. Singh was admitted to the hospital for a liver-related issue. He was at the hospital for 24 hours. He had gone to ILBS for a regular checkup but got admitted. He got the news of his bail when he was in the hospital, a hospital official said. Earlier in the day, a city court directed AAP leader Sanjay Singh not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses in the Excise scam case. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja passed the directions before passing an order to release Singh from Tihar central jail following bail granted to him by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The judge also directed Singh to submit passport, inform it about itinerary before leaving NCR, and to always keep his phone location on. During the brief hearing, Singhs counsel informed the court that the politicians wife would be surety for the accused in the matter. I (Singh) am the Member of Parliament. There is no flight risk, the counsel told the court. The judge directed the accused to submit a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh and one surety of same amount. As part of the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada, AIIMS Bhopal organized a significant tree plantation event. The Executive Director, Professor (Dr.) Ajai Singh, spearheaded the initiative by planting trees alongside a large contingent of participants from various walks of life. With a profound emphasis on environmental conservation and community welfare, Prof Ajai Singh reiterated the importance of maintaining cleanliness and greenery within not only the premises of AIIMS Bhopal but also its surrounding areas. Recognizing the invaluable benefits of a greener environment, Prof Singh highlighted how it significantly contributes to the enhancement of public health. "Today's tree plantation drive symbolizes our commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment," stated Prof. Ajai Singh. "Trees play a crucial role in providing us with oxygen, absorbing water, and mitigating pollution. By planting trees, we not only contribute to our immediate surroundings but also to the well-being of future generations." The Gurugram police has filed a chargesheet in the court against seven people arrested for the murder of ex-model Divya Pahuja. The chargesheet has been filed against the main accused Abhijeet Singh, Ravi Banga, Hemraj, Om Prakash, Megha, Pravesh and Balraj Gill. In its chargesheet, the police cited altercation as the reason for the Model Divya Pahuja murder. Divya Pahuja, a former Gurugram-based model and girlfriend of slain gangster Sandeep Gadoli was murdered on January 2. The Gurugram Police filed the charge sheet in the court on Tuesday. The chargesheet said that Divya was shot dead by the hotel owner Abhijeet after an altercation in an inebriated condition. However, in the FIR, Divyas sister had also accused gangster Sandeep Gadaulis brother Brahm and his sister of being involved in the murder conspiracy. Seven people involved in the murder have been arrested and sent to jail so far. The police said that the role of gangster Sandeep Gadolis family in this has not been revealed yet. To complete its investigation, the police team will give notice to both of them to join the investigation and for the statement. During the police investigation, a notice has also been issued to Vijay, the operator of Hotel City Point. He is accused of misleading the police team that reached the spot on the incident day. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Tuesday that this election is about corruption versus zero tolerance, and that a strong government is required to ensure that jails are reserved for corrupt individuals and the mafia. Addressing a Prabuddh Varg Sammelan in Pilibhit, the chief minister said: Prior to 2014, the country was plagued with mistrust and chaos. However, since 2014, there has been a transformative shift in Indias landscape. Presently, the world witnesses a new India, committed to ensuring security, prosperity, youth employment, and trust among its citizens. Our generation considers itself fortunate because we have seen a changing India. Before 2014, the common people had lost faith in the government, and politicians. In such circumstances, global esteem for Indians had diminished. It was a time when our Annadata farmers were resorting to suicide, and the youth were forced to migrate. Extremism and Naxalism were dominant in the country, he added. Highlighting the transformation post-2014, the CM said, Today, the world is witnessing a new India. The nations prestige has soared globally. People now proudly proclaim their Indian identity under the leadership of world-renowned Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stating that the countrys picture changed after 2014, the CM said, Today, the world is seeing a new India. The countrys stature has elevated globally. People today proudly say we are Indians, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the worlds most popular politician. He also appealed to people to vote in favour of the state government minister and BJPs Lok Sabha candidate Jitin Prasada. Yogi further said that todays youth are not migrating but rather venturing into entrepreneurship by establishing their own startups. Moreover, daughters are feeling secure and contributing significantly to Indias security by joining as fighter pilots, he said. Yogi said that Indians are proudly gaining respect in the world under the leadership of PM Modi. He highlighted the eradication of terrorism in Kashmir, extremism & Naxalism in the North-Eastern states, resulting in a safer environment across the nation. He claimed that Uttar Pradesh has seen a decline in criminal activities, providing a safer space for daughters and businessmen. He also mentioned the successful management of curfews while ensuring the continuation of cultural events like the Kanwar Yatra. Efforts are underway to harmonise heritage with development initiatives. Initiatives such as the establishment of medical colleges, the construction of roads and bridges in Pilibhit, are being actively pursued to integrate the region with the broader developmental agenda. The government is promoting Pilibhit as a prime destination for eco-tourism, Yogi added. He mentioned that in Pilibhit, electric fencing has been installed around farmers lands situated amidst forests to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Moreover, the state government has introduced compensation measures for farmers affected by wildlife conflicts by integrating the loss of lives in the disaster category, he added. When PM Modi took charge of the country in 2014, India was considered as the 11th economy in the world. At that time, the country was seen as backward. However, today, the country has become the fifth-largest economy. During PM Modis third term, India is poised to ascend further, aiming to secure the position of the third-largest economy in the world within just three years, Yogi said. He added that this election is going to be family first versus nation first and mafia rule versus law and order. Remember whether its SP or Congress, their party president can only be someone from a particular family, while PM Modi, coming from an ordinary poor family, has dedicated his entire life to the country. For him, the 140 crore people of India are his family, Yogi said. The SP era was characterised by youth brandishing guns, but now efforts are underway to provide tablets to the youth to empower them. If the SP, Congress, and BSP come to power, mafia influence will likely prevail, whereas the BJP prioritises the rule of law, he added. Firefighters wearing gas masks ran up staircases and in and out of rooms shrouded in thick black smoke as they raced against time on Tuesday to find Gulashna (14) and Anaya (12) who were trapped inside their burning house in the crowded Sadar Bazar area here. While the firefighters toiled to find the sisters, they suffocated to death in a bathroom on the second floor of their multi-storey house on Chameliyan Road where they locked themselves after the fire broke out. A senior Delhi Fire Services official, who was part of the rescue operation, said, Thick smoke filled the entire building as it had a central air conditioning system. The building had glass windows and poor ventilation which trapped the smoke. The fire broke out in a music system and the flames soon spread to other electronic gadgets and wooden items in the house, he said. When Gulashna and Anaya saw the flames, they took shelter in a bathroom on the second floor of their house. The two girls locked themselves inside the bathroom. There were three to four rooms on the second floor of the house and the firefighters had to wear gas masks to enter the building for the search operation. We had to break open the bathroom door. The girls were found lying unconscious and were rushed to the hospital, said the official. The sisters were declared dead at the hospital, according to police. According to a friend of the victims family who did not wish to be named, Gulashna and Anaya had come back from school in the afternoon and were asleep when the fire broke out. Their mother and aunt were also home at the time of the incident but were rescued in time. Their father, a businessman, and their brothers had gone out, the family friend said. Police said the house comprised a stilt parking, upper ground floor, first and second floors.Delhi minister Atishi condoled the loss of lives. In a post on X in Hindi, she said, The fire incident in Sadar Bazar is extremely tragic. The death of two girls in this incident is very unfortunate. May God give courage to their family. She said the district administration has been asked to submit a report on the incident. According to fire department data, 43 people died in fire-related incidents in Delhi from January 1 to March 26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in his third term in office, stronger action will be taken against corruption by the government. Addressing a large public gathering at Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar on Tuesday, Modi said that corruption snatches away the rights of the poor and the middle class. He further said that the development achieved during the past 10 years of his term is only a trailer, adding that a lot more has to be done in Uttarakhand and across the nation. Beginning his address in support of BJP candidates for the Lok Sabha election by offering salutations to Nanda Devi, Golju Devta and Goddess Rajrajeshwari, the PM first greeted the locals in a sentence spoken in Kumaoni. Stating that he always feels blessed when visiting Uttarakhand, the PM said that the development achieved during the past 10 years in Uttarakhand is more than what was facilitated in the past 60-65 years. Listing the development works done in the State, he said that water connections were provided in 12 lakh homes, at least 85,000 homes were built for the poor, more than 5.5 lakh toilets were constructed, more than five lakh women were provided free cooking gas under the Ujjwala scheme and bank accounts were opened for 35 lakh citizens while more than Rs 2,200 crore was deposited directly into the bank accounts of farmers. There is a long list of development works our government has facilitated. It shows that if the intention is good, the result also will be good. Modis guarantee is to make India the worlds third biggest economic power and this will also bring more job opportunities and increased facilities in Uttarakhand. Each vote will strengthen the resolve to make this Uttarakhands decade, he said. Modi further said that another major task he is going to do in his third term- the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana, under which government assistance will be provided for setting up rooftop solar panels and provide upto 300 units of free electricity per month per household, while the excess will be bought by the government. Targetting the opposition, he said, The prince of the Congress royal family stated that the nation will be on fire if the BJP is re-elected to a third term. After having ruled the nation for 60 years, they are talking of setting fire after remaining out of power for only 10 years. With its Emergency mentality, the Congress does not trust in democracy and so is trying to incite and push the nation into anarchy. A Congress leader in Karnataka had said that the south of India should be divided away from the nation but far from taking action against him, the party gave him a ticket to contest the election. The people of Uttarakhand will never forget that they had also insulted the late general Bipin Rawat. The Congress is so stuck in the quagmire of appeasement that it cannot think of national interest, he alleged. Earlier, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt, BJP candidates Ajay Bhatt from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, Ajay Tamta from Almora-Pithoragarh constituencies and other party leaders also addressed the gathering. Union Minister Santanu Thakur, who is seeking re-election from Bongaon Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, on Wednesday urged members of the Matua community, who migrated to India before 2014, to apply for citizenship under the CAA, even if they already possess voting rights. Addressing a meeting at his constituency which has a large population of Matuas, Thakur said he himself would apply for citizenship under Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) though he is already a bona fide resident of the country. "Applying for fresh citizenship under CAA will enable you to avail all benefits, including permanent residency proof which is necessary for passport and visa. Although I was born here and my grandfather had proof of residency after coming, I will still apply," Thakur said. Thakur, a strong votary of CAA since the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, had asserted in the past that the Act would be enforced before the 2024 general elections. In response to a barrage of attacks from the TMC and other parties accusing the BJP of using the CAA as a divisive tactic to deport hundreds of thousands of legitimate citizens to camps and polarise society ahead of elections, Thakur had recently announced his intention to apply for citizenship under the Act. Thakur, a prominent member of the Matua community, seemingly took this step to dispel doubts among members of the Hindu community who migrated from Bangladesh or erstwhile East Pakistan after Independence due to the adverse situation there. In response to Thakur's move, TMC spokesperson Santanu Sen ridiculed him and accused the BJP of misleading Matuas and other migrant Hindus, who are already citizens of the country. He claimed that the BJP notified the CAA just before the general elections with an eye on the Hindu vote. "If Santanu Thakur is already a citizen, why he needs to apply under CAA once more? Is he hiding anything? Did Narendra Modi induct someone in his cabinet who was a non-citizen of the country?," Sen, a former Rajya Sabha member, asked. Thakur had defeated his nearest TMC rival, Mamatabala Thakur, who is also an influential leader of the Matua community, in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls where the CAA and NRC issues were the main poll planks. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been rapidly losing weight since his arrest on March 21, senior AAP leader Atishi claimed on Wednesday and accused the BJP of putting his health at risk by keeping him in jail. She said the Aam Aadmi Party will seek legal help over the chief minister's health condition. However, the administration of Tihar jail, where Kejriwal is lodged till April 15, has denied the claims over his health. A senior Tihar jail official said Kejriwal's vitals are normal. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. He has been sent to judicial custody till April 15. "Arvind Kejriwal ji is a severe diabetic. Despite health issues, he remained engaged 24 hours a day in the service of the country. Since his arrest, Kejriwal's weight has decreased by 4.5 kg. This is very worrying. The BJP is putting his health at risk by putting him in jail," she alleged in a post on X in Hindi. If something happens to Arvind Kejriwal, not just the whole country, even God will not forgive them, she added. Later, at a press conference, the Delhi minister said, "Today, the Delhi High Court will hear a plea challenging his arrest by ED. After the court decides on it, we will seek legal help over his health situation." Alleging that Kejriwal has been put behind bars in a "false case", Atishi said they are closely monitoring his health condition. "The whole country is watching. For a severely diabetic patient, if their sugar levels fall below 50 mg/dL, it is extremely worrying. While he was in ED custody, his sugar levels fell thrice, including one time when it came down to 46 mg/dL," she said. Atishi claimed that in the last 12 days, his weight has reduced by 4.5 kgs, which poses a health risk. The Delhi chief minister has been allowed to have home-cooked food in Tihar jail. On Tuesday morning, Kejriwal's sugar level was low. He was under the watch of Tihar jail doctors as his sugar level kept fluctuating, officials have said. Korea is set to inaugurate its fully fledged space agency, the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), next month, First Vice Science Minister Lee Chang-yune said Wednesday. KASA is scheduled to open its doors on May 27 in Sacheon, approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul, the vice minister said. The Ministry of Science and ICT has secured a reserve fund of 66.5 billion won ($49.3 million) for its launch and operations. Lee said efforts are under way to recruit top talents and develop strategic projects to propel KASA forward. The establishment of KASA was one of President Yoon Suk Yeol's campaign promises to invigorate the aerospace sector and position it as a key driver of the country's economic growth. KASA will be in charge of leading the country's space programs, as well as aeronautics and space research, including moon and Mars exploration projects. In 2022, Korea announced its plan for spaceflight, including a project to land a spacecraft on the moon in 2032 and on Mars in 2045. With the establishment of KASA, Korea also plans to foster more than 2,000 space-related companies and create about 500,000 new jobs. Lee also told reporters the ministry plans to come up with measures to support the innovation of state-funded research institutes and science and technology universities before July as part of efforts to strengthen the country's competitiveness in the field. (Yonhap) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi facilitated the return of 22,500 stranded Indian students from Ukraine after speaking with leaders of Russia, Ukraine and the US, which no other world leader could do. Addressing an election rally in western Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, the veteran BJP leader also lauded Modi for transforming India's reputation on the global stage since becoming prime minister in 2014. "India has become a powerful country. The world did not take India seriously... But our PM Modi has done a miracle. Today when India speaks on the international stage, the whole world listens carefully. This is India's reputation which has grown rapidly," Singh said. Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has been continuing for the last two years, the defence minister said, "Around 25,000 Indian students were studying in Ukraine. Their parents demanded from our prime minister that the children must be brought back... Every parent in India was worried." "What no other prime minister in the world could do, our PM did that. He called up Russia's President Putin and Ukraine's President Zelenskyy. Not just that, he even spoke to President Biden of the US, which is considered the most powerful nation. "Brothers and sisters, you should be proud that the war stopped for four-and-a-half hours and over 22,500 Indian children came back from Ukraine. This is India," he said. Modi has resolved that India would no longer be counted among poor countries and by 2047, it can become the world's largest economy, Singh said "You might have read in newspapers that there was a perception about India being a poor and weak nation. This was a worldwide perception. But the miracle that Modi has done in nine years, you would be proud that 25 crore have been lifted out of poverty," he said. The Union minister said sometimes the BJP's opponents question the government's claims on poverty statistics, but they should check the data of NITI Ayog and international financial firms about the changes brought about in the last nine years. Noting India's role in providing COVID-19 vaccines around the world, he said the heads of all countries acknowledge that the 21st century belongs to Bharat. Singh was addressing a rally in support of the BJP's Ghaziabad Lok Sabha candidate Atul Garg. Singh had won the Lok Sabha poll from this seat in 2009 but shifted to Lucknow in 2014. Ghaziabad goes to polls on April 26 in the second phase of the elections and has over 29 lakh registered voters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday urged delegates at a conference on justice and compensation in Ukraine to continue efforts to tackle impunity for war crimes in order to provide real strength to our common security security from aggressions and terror. Ministers and officials from dozens of countries met in the Netherlands to discuss how to bring justice to victims of Russias invasion of Ukraine, as the war sparked by Russias invasion drags on in its third devastating year. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the countrys commissioner for childrens rights charging them with personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine. The court also has issued warrants for two senior Russian military officers for alleged responsibility for attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Let the real peace be restored faster. And let everyone who destroys peace be truly afraid of facing trial in The Hague, Zelenskyy said in a video message. Ukraines prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, told the meeting that his country has identified 551 war crimes suspects, indicted 374 and has already prosecuted 104 people. During the conference, a register of damage caused by Russias invasion was formally opened, allowing people to submit claims for compensation for damages, loss or injury suffered as a result of the invasion. The Hague-based Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, or RD4U, was established by the Council of Europe last year. It will not pay out any claims, but is a stepping stone toward an international compensation mechanism that has not yet been established. The launch focused on claims for damage or destruction of residential property. It said that between 300,000 and 600,000 claims are expected. RD4U aims to allow further claims soon, including those related to damage or destruction of Ukrainian critical infrastructure. Opening the conference, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot said the devastating toll of Russian attacks underscored the need to support Ukraine. Because if we dont, the countrys justice system will eventually collapse under the weight of these atrocities, she said. The Hague, known as the international city of peace and justice, is central to efforts to bring accountability and end impunity for crimes in Ukraine. It is home to the International Criminal Court and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and the Dutch government has offered to host a special tribunal on the crime of aggression. While the ICC is investigating crimes in Ukraine, it does not have jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression in the conflict. Iran and one of its key proxies vowed Tuesday to respond to a strike widely attributed to Israel that demolished Irans consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus and killed eight people, including two Iranian generals. Irans state TV reported Tuesday that the countrys Supreme National Security Council, a key decision-making body, met late Monday and decided on a required response to the strike. The report said the meeting was chaired by President Ebrahim Raisi, but provided no further details. We will make them regretful about the crime and similar acts, said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all matters of state in Iran. Israel has repeatedly targeted military officials from Iran, which supports militant groups fighting Israel in Gaza, and along its border with Lebanon. Mondays strike in Damascus signaled an escalation because it struck an Iranian diplomatic mission. It was not clear if Iran would respond itself, risking a dangerous confrontation with Israel and its ally the United States, or if it would continue to rely on proxies, including Lebanons Hezbollah militia and Yemens Houthi rebels. The airstrike in Syria killed Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016, according to Irans Revolutionary Guard. It also killed Zahedis deputy, Gen Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, and five other officers. Hezbollah said Tuesday that Zahedi played a crucial role in helping develop and advance the work of the group in Lebanon. A Hezbollah member was also killed in Mondays strike, bringing the overall death toll to eight. Hezbollah announced the death of Hussein Youssef on Tuesday, but did not provide further details. This crime will certainly not pass without the enemy receiving punishment and revenge, Hezbollah said in a statement. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza nearly six months ago, those proxies have stepped up attacks, leading to near daily cross-border exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel, and frequent Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. Hamas, which rules Gaza and attacked Israel on October 7, is also backed by Iran. Israel, which rarely acknowledges strikes against Iranian targets, said it had no comment on the latest attack in Syria, although a military spokesman blamed Iran for a drone attack early Monday against a naval base in southern Israel.Israel has grown increasingly impatient with the daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah, which have escalated in recent days, and warned of the possibility of a full-fledged war. Houthi rebels have also been launching long-range missiles toward Israel, including on Monday. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the country is in a war on multiple fronts both offensively and defensively. We see evidence of this every day, including over the last few days, said Gallant, speaking to the Israeli parliaments Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee. We operate everywhere, every day, in order to prevent our enemies from gaining strength and in order to make it clear to anyone who acts against us all over the Middle East that the price for action against Israel will be a heavy one. Gulf monarchies Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar condemned the strike on the Iranian consulate amid fears of a widening regional conflict. The 22-state Arab League alleged that Israel aims to expand the war and push the region to chaos. Irans official news agency IRNA said Tuesday that Iran relayed an important message to the United States late Monday and that it called for a meeting of the U.N. Security Council. The message to Washington was delivered through a Swiss envoy in Tehran; Switzerland looks after US interests in Iran. IRNA said Iran holds the United States, Israels closest ally, responsible for the strike. Meanwhile amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, the U.S. Central Command said early Tuesday that its forces had destroyed a Houthi unmanned surface vessel the previous day. CENTCOM said the vessel posed a threat to US and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region. 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. It 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. The broadcaster condemned Netanyahus incitement claim as a dangerous ludicrous lie. Al Jazeera said late Monday that it holds Netanyahu responsible for the safety of its staff and offices, that it would continue what it described as its bold and professional coverage, and that it reserves the right to pursue every legal step. Israel has long had a rocky relationship with Al Jazeera, accusing it of 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 October 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 October 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 October 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 US 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. Pakistans National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq Tuesday endorsed a major demand of jailed former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party by appointing its nominated leader Omar Ayub Khan as the Leader of the Opposition in the lower house. According to a press release issued by the Assembly Secretariat, the development came after Omar along with PTI chief Gohar Khan and senior leader Amir Dogar met Sadiq. The Speaker declared Khan the Leader of the Opposition after the scrutiny process was completed under Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the National Assembly. The statement added that the deadline to submit nomination papers for the slot was till 6pm on Monday. No other candidates nomination papers had been received by the stipulated time, it said. With the appointment, the phase of appointing the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly was completed. The PTI supported Sunni Ittehad Council on March 9 had formally nominated Umar for the leader of the opposition by submitting his documents to the office of the speaker. Leader of the opposition sits in front of the speaker on his left side and on the right side of the leader of the house. He enjoys the status of a federal minister and gets a separate office where usually opposition parties hold meetings. He also gets the right to speak in response to the speech by the leader of the house or any leading member from the government. It may be noted that after the February 8 elections, all independent members elected with the support of PTI had joined the Sunni Ittehad Council, excluding Gohar Khan and Omar Ayub Khan. The Supreme Court has confirmed the conviction of a liquor tycoon's scion indicted for offering illicit business favors to a subsidiary, judicial officials said Wednesday. In a ruling made March 12, the top court upheld a prison sentence of one year and three months, suspended for two years, for Park Tae-young, president of leading liquor company Hite Jinro, on charges of violating the Fair Trade Act by making preferential contracts with Seoyoung E&T, a draft beer cooler system making affiliate, in which he holds the largest stake. The Supreme Court also approved lower courts' order for Park to carry out 80 hours of community service. The defendant is the eldest son of Hite Jinro Chairman Park Moon-deuk. The court also confirmed a fine of 150 million won ($111,012) for Hite Jinro; an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, for Kim In-kyu, president and CEO of the company; and a four-month prison term, suspended for one year, for Kim Chang-kyu, a former vice president of the company. They are accused of giving undue favors to Seoyoung E&T by signing contracts worth several billions of won from 2008 to 2017 with an aim to boost its sales. (Yonhap) Renault Korea Motors, the Korean unit of French automaker Renault Group, announced a revamp of its brand strategy Wednesday, as it seeks a breakthrough in prolonged sluggish sales. The company announced a change of its official corporate name from Renault Samsung Motors to the more simplified Renault Korea. It also announced that it will begin using the group's diamond emblem instead of the typhoon-shaped one that it has used since 2000, when it was sold to Renault from Korea's Samsung Group. "We changed the name because we felt that (the word motors) was not at all representing who we are and what we want to represent," Renault Korea CEO Stephane Deblaise said in a press conference in Seoul. Vehicle models being sold in the domestic market will also undergo new brandings. The XM3 compact SUV will be newly released under the name New Renault Arkana in tandem with its global counterpart model. It will also feature the diamond emblem. The QM6 midsize SUV will also feature the diamond emblem and be sold as the New Renault QM6. The SM6 midsize sedan, however, will maintain both its preexisting name and emblem, as the company plans to discontinue the model in the future, Deblaise said. Further, the company unveiled a new brand strategy, named Electro Pop, which combines Renault's corporate heritage with the latest innovations and technology under three thematic pillars of electrification, connectivity and user safety. Renault Korea also said it plan to launch a new hybrid SUV, currently in development under the project name Aurora, later this year. The new branding push by the company comes amid prolonged sluggish sales of its cars both at home and abroad. Renault Korea sold slightly over 100,000 vehicle units last year, down 38.5 percent from a year ago. In 2017, the company sold over 270,000 vehicles in the domestic and overseas markets. The company's reduction in its model lineup has often been attributed to its dwindling sales. In the past, Renault Korea has discontinued major models, such as the SM7, SM5 and SM3, reducing its product lineup to three models in Korea. Starting with the Aurora, Deblaise said the company plans to introduce at least one new vehicle model in Korea per year in the coming years. In an effort to boost its market presence here, the company last month unveiled a plan to invest 118 billion won ($87.5 million) in reinforcing its production base in Korea's southeastern port city of Busan by 2028. It also opened its first upscale flagship store in the country, named Renault Seongsu, in Seoul. It features a multifunctional cultural space, including exhibition halls, service centers, cafes and pop-up stores. 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U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla overtook Mercedes-Benz as the second-largest seller of imported vehicles in Korea last month, industry data showed Wednesday. The number of newly registered imported cars came to 25,263 units in March, up 6 percent from 23,840 units a year ago, the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association said in a statement. Of those, BMW accounted for 6,549 units, followed by Tesla and Mercedes-Benz, with 6,025 units and 4,197 units, respectively. It marked the first time for Tesla to beat Mercedes-Benz in Korea in terms of sales. Lexus and Volvo came in fourth and fifth, selling 1,218 units and 1,081 units, respectively. Industry watchers attributed Tesla's strong advance in sales to the confirmation of government EV subsidies last month. Also, Mercedes-Benz saw a significant decrease in registrations due to delivery delays caused by political tensions in the Middle East. In terms of individual models, Tesla's Model Y was the bestselling car, selling 5,934 units, followed by the BMW 5 and the Lexus ES, with 2,259 units and 822 units, respectively. (Yonhap) Stalin would have approved at the state of Scotland today, where anything you say can be reported as a hate crime depending on what is construed as a hate crime at any given time of the day by the Scottish Politburo. Once you are reported for said hate crime, Scottish Thought Police Stasi agents snatch you from your home in the morning hours, and you are taken to one of many re-education Gulags across the bampot nation. The worst part of the whole farcical spectacle is that children are now being indoctrinated to snitch on their parents or siblings if they say anything that is perceived as a hate crime. Snitch on Parents Pete McCoskins, 8, from Kilmarnock reported his dad to the Thought Police on March 26th, for saying something about the Jihadist leader of the SNP, Humza Yousaf. The 8-year-old boy was rewarded for his efforts with a trip to his local chippy, where he was given four deep-fried Mars bars and a Lucozade. Locals reported that the boy was then offered another four deep-fried Mars bars, a deep-fried Snickers bar and a can of tropical flavour Lilt if he snitched on someone else. The next day the police took away the boys mum, three of his teachers, and 29 pupils from his school. Aye, th wee bas loon noo haes enough chippy choco bars tae lest him til neist Tuesday, one local told reporters. You may be wondering what a Scottish Gulag looks like? By Lee Min-hyung Renault Korea seeks to make a breakthrough in the Korean market with its newly revamped emblem and the launching of strategic hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) models over the next three years, the automaker said Wednesday. As a result of this decision, the local subsidiary of the French automaker will equip its upcoming models here with the group's symbolic diamond-shaped logo. The move reflects the firm's strong will to rebuild its corporate identity here, according to the company. Renault Korea's midsize flagship SUV QM6 and smaller SUV XM3 will also be sold with the new logo here. "We have launched iconic models SM5, QM6 and XM3 for the past two decades in Korea," Renault Korea CEO Stephane Deblaise told reporters during a press conference in Seoul. "We will elevate our brand identity as a more beloved automaker by exchanging more with Korean customers." The automaker also introduced its much-hyped new brand strategy known as Electric Pop. Renault Group's E-Tech electrification technology will stand at the center of the strategy, so that the automaker stays in line with the ongoing auto paradigm shift. The company also pledged to level up its in-vehicle connectivity technologies and develop state-of-the-art infotainment systems to attract more trendy and design-savvy customers here. Renault Korea also shared its plan to introduce better safety solutions called Human First programs for its vehicles. Renault Korea also reiterated its strong willingness to regain its past glory with its upcoming mid-size hybrid SUV better known by its project name, the Aurora 1 in the latter half of this year. The SUV will be the automaker's first new model in four years after the XM3 in 2020. The strategic hybrid SUV will debut at the upcoming 2024 Busan International Mobility Show in the nation's southern port city in June. The automaker also plans to start sales for its Scenic E-Tech electric vehicle sometime in the first half of 2025. The model will be imported at the early phase of its sales, but the automaker is also considering manufacturing them in Korea in the near future. The latest announcement by Renault Korea is part of the firm's grand investment plan. The company recently shared its three-year investment vision by allocating a budget of 1.5 trillion won ($1.13 billion) for future mobility by 2027. The plan also includes hiring 200 new employees here. The decision is aimed at transforming itself into a vehicle maker focusing on hybrid vehicles and EVs. Hundreds of alumni, friends, and benefactors came together at Dalhousies Student Union Building in Halifax Tuesday (April 2) to celebrate the launch of Bringing Worlds Together, the universitys new $750-million fundraising campaign. The energy in the room was palpable as Dal President Kim Brooks shared the vision for the largest fundraising initiative ever among Atlantic Canadian universities. She said it will start with extraordinary partnerships and end with extraordinary solutions. But to change the world, she added, we cannot be worlds apart. Our ambition for this campaign is to share our capacity and talent with the world in a way that profoundly shapes it, Dr. Brooks said. This isnt about making Dalhousie better; this is about coming together to bring about a more just and equitable future. Its about making the world better. And it starts here in Nova Scotia. Learn more: dal.ca/worlds-together Dr. Brooks said Dal is making progress toward that future, with nearly half of the campaigns fundraising goal already raised an announcement made to literal fireworks and thunderous applause. That achievement exceeds the total amount raised through Bold Ambitions, the universitys last major comprehensive fundraising campaign which wrapped up in 2013. Big plans, big impact Supported by Bringing Worlds Together, Dalhousie will invest in enhanced and new programs, supports, and facilities with far-reaching impacts. For example, the university plans to create more scholarships to ensure that every qualified student has the financial support they need for a Dalhousie education. It will launch Dalhousies Biomanufacturing Bridge, a specialized, small-scale facility that will turn medical breakthroughs into new treatments that change patients lives. And there are plans for a new community clinic that will expand access to the oral care, legal, and social work services that are available to underserved populations in Nova Scotia through Dals existing clinics. Our ambitions for this campaign are to vault us even further ahead in the areas where our impact has the potential to grow exponentially and profoundly change the world, said Dr. Brooks. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; A hub for change Bringing Worlds Together builds on the success and growth that Dalhousie is experiencing. As the regions largest research-intensive university, Dal engages partners locally and beyond in research and projects that tackle major issues and seize opportunities. Dr. Brooks said that has made the university a vital hub for collaboration. It has also enabled Dal to have an impact in areas such as ocean sustainability, improving health outcomes, food security, and climate change, earning widespread recognition for the solutions it has developed. For more than 200 years, our extraordinary community of alumni, donors, and partners have enabled Dalhousie to do the extraordinary to become a national university with global impact, she said. With Bringing Worlds Together, Dr. Brooks said Dalhousie is taking that to a whole new level. The campaigns three pillars highlight how the university will make good on this commitment. Inspiring Future-Ready Leaders creates clear paths for students to succeed. Engaging in High-Impact Research tackles some of the most complex issues facing humankind. And Lifting Our Communities will lead to more clinics, programs, and outreach efforts that help strengthen communities across Nova Scotia and beyond. Dalhousie is a place where worlds come together, said Dr. Brooks. Where scholarly excellence meets hands-on learning experiences. Where students get to know world-leading researchers in their classes. And where groundbreaking research is helping us achieve a better and more sustainable future that leaves no one behind. A major endorsement The vision behind Bringing Worlds Together was endorsed at the event by special guests Fred and Elizabeth Fountain. Longstanding supporters of Dalhousie, the Fountains are serving as honorary campaign co-chairs with the Honourable A. Anne McLellan We support Dalhousie because we believe Nova Scotia needs the best possible university it can be but we also see that the world needs that too, said Fred Fountain, who, like McLellan, is both a Law alum and past university chancellor. Supported by partnerships and the power of philanthropy, Dalhousie has had a significant impact through the learning it delivers, the research it conducts, and the solutions it develops by working with our communities. Bringing Worlds Together is going to build on this legacy. Dr. Brooks, left, with Fred and Elizabeth Fountain. This campaign has the potential to take Dalhousie to the next level in ways that will create lasting positive change for the planet, and were enthusiastic to be a part of it, said Elizabeth Fountain. We believe it represents the best possible opportunity we have, as a society, to find solutions to the pressing challenges we face and to do it on a timeline and a scale that makes a difference both now and for future generations. Bringing the world on board Having made history with the announcement of Bringing Worlds Together, Dr. Brooks and Dalhousie are focused on whats next. With nearly half of the campaign goal raised, there is considerable momentum to raise the other half. The university is ready to capitalize on that with upcoming launch events in Truro, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Dr. Brooks said she is looking forward to sharing details about the campaign with alumni, partners, and donors across Nova Scotia and the country and inviting them to support Dalhousies efforts to rise to the most pressing challenges facing society. Thats why we are Bringing Worlds Together, she said. We are seeking partners who want to drive meaningful and lasting change that leaves no one behind, who want to accelerate talent and create impact with distinction, and who know that community matters. We can make a better world. And we can do it when we Bring Worlds Together. To explore how you can help bring worlds together, please visit dal.ca/worlds-together. By Baek Byung-yeul Hanwha Ocean is moving to acquire Australian defense shipbuilder Austal, as part of its strategy to expand its presence in the global defense market and achieve further growth. Despite Austal's initial rejection of Hanwha's acquisition proposal, the shipbuilding company plans to continue with further negotiations, Hanwha Group said Wednesday. Hanwha Group said it recently offered more than 1.02 billion Australian dollars ($665 million) to acquire Austal. The shipbuilder, founded in 1988, is an Australian defense and commercial shipbuilding company headquartered in Australia, with shipyards also in the U.S. state of Alabama. Hanwha has a diverse portfolio related to the defense industry, including aerospace, shipbuilding and defense. By acquiring Austal, Hanwha Group aims to upgrade its shipbuilding subsidiary's presence as a global defense company. The group believes that the acquisition will not only create synergies in the specialty shipbuilding sector, building high-value special purpose vessels, but also help it gain an advantage in bidding wars for military ships and vessels in the United States and elsewhere. "Hanwha has a value chain in various defense sectors, including Hanwha Ocean's special vessel business and global commercial ship business as well as Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Aerospace, which complement Austal's portfolio," a Hanwha Group spokesperson said. However, Austal reportedly rejected Hanwha's proposal, saying that the Australian government is unlikely to approve the acquisition by a Korean company engaged in defense contract work, according to report from overseas media outlets. Hanwha Group believes, on the contrary, that there would be no significant issues with this acquisition. Given the friendly relations between the Australian and Korean governments and Hanwha Group's substantial business dealings with Australia, including the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the Redback infantry fighting vehicle, the group sees the acquisition would not face any major obstacles and discussions on the deal are not concluded but rather ongoing. Notably, Hanwha is known to have offered a price with approximately a 30 percent premium on Austal's share price, making it a friendly proposal to the shareholders of the Australian company. "We respect the regulatory approval process and are confident of obtaining approval," the Hanwha official said. "It is true that we are currently reviewing the acquisition." "Legal reviews conducted through international law firms have confirmed there are no concerns, and the specific amount for the acquisition is still under negotiation." Northrop Grumman Corporations successful launch of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile Type 3 Configuration 2 (MRBM T3c2) Target Vehicle marks a significant milestone in US missile defense development. Conducted in collaboration with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the US Navy, the launch at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, was part of Flight Test Aegis Weapon System 32 (FTM-32). Get alerts: The Importance of Realistic Target Vehicles Modern missile defense systems are complex, technologically advanced systems requiring rigorous testing and validation to ensure their effectiveness. Realistic target vehicles play a vital role in this process. By replicating the trajectories, speeds, and potential countermeasures of real-world ballistic threats, these targets allow engineers to evaluate the performance of missile defense systems under the most demanding conditions. Northrop Grummans MRBM T3c2 target vehicle development exemplifies the high-fidelity simulation required for robust missile defense testing. This two-stage, solid rocket-fueled target is designed to mimic the characteristics of contemporary medium-range ballistic missiles precisely. Its construction incorporates decommissioned Navy and Air Force engines, demonstrating a commitment to the resourceful reallocation of existing assets. This approach promotes cost-efficiency and sustainability practices within the defense sector, underscoring Northrop Grummans ability to optimize resources while meeting stringent performance standards. Testing Aegis Weapon Systems Against Evolving Threats Ultimately, investment in sophisticated target vehicles translates into enhanced missile defense capability. By testing and refining defense systems against highly realistic simulations, Northrop Grumman and its partners enhance the readiness and effectiveness of the warfighter in an ever-evolving threat environment. The Aegis Weapon System, a cornerstone of US naval defense capabilities, leverages advanced radar technologies and sophisticated combat management systems to provide comprehensive threat detection and tracking. Its integrated design is crucial for maintaining naval superiority in complex operating environments. The Flight Test Aegis Weapon System 32 (FTM-32), utilizing Northrop Grummans MRBM T3c2 target, served as a critical validation point for the systems capabilities against evolving ballistic missile threats. During the test, the Aegis system successfully detected, tracked, and intercepted the simulated MRBM during the terminal phase of its flight. The Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Dual II, a key interceptor within the Aegis system, made this interception possible. The SM-6s enhanced capabilities, including over-the-horizon targeting, facilitate engagement of threats during their final approach when defensive maneuvers are significantly more difficult. The success of this test underscores the continuous refinement of the Aegis Weapon System and its ability to counter increasingly sophisticated ballistic missile technologies. This proactive approach ensures mission readiness and maintains the United States strategic advantage in the naval domain. The Evolving Nature of Ballistic Missile Threats Ballistic missiles, classified by their range, pose a unique challenge due to their high speeds and the predictability of their trajectories after launch. As potential adversaries develop more advanced ballistic missile technologies, the need for robust defensive capabilities becomes even more pressing. Northrop Grummans expertise in developing targets like the MRBM T3c2 aligns with the US militarys efforts to stay ahead of evolving threats. This program capitalizes on our proven history of innovative rocket designs, executed with speed and discipline, said Robin Heard, director of targets, Northrop Grumman. We continue to invest in technology that delivers these vital capabilities our customers need to respond to growing threats. By providing realistic test scenarios, Northrop Grumman plays a crucial role in refining US missile defense. The successful launch of the MRBM T3c2 reaffirms the United States commitment to maintaining robust missile defense capabilities. The collaboration between Northrop Grumman, the Missile Defense Agency, and the US Navy underscores the value of partnerships in safeguarding national security. Bellaghy woman Darcy Taylor says she is excited to represent her county after being selected as the Derry Rose recently. With five months to go to the annual Rose of Tralee Festival, the south Derry woman was chosen as the 2024 Derry Rose at the City Hotel in Derry on March 24. In the coming weeks, Roses are being chosen throughout Ireland and around the world based on their personality and how well they embody the ambassadorial qualities of being a Rose. 32 Roses from the UK, America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East and Ireland will then be selected to appear in the live finals on RTE One hoping to become the Rose of Tralee. The Rose of Tralee Festival first started in 1959 and has been held in the city of Tralee in County Kerry every August. This year the event will run from August 16 to August 20. Darcy, a graduate of Queens University, works in the media industry as an Assistant Content Producer for the Mark Patterson show at BBC Radio Foyle. Speaking to the County Derry Post, Darcy said her experience so far has been amazing. She said last weeks selection process started with one-to-one interviews with the judges, followed by a group interview. When her name was announced last Saturday night as the official Derry Rose, Darcy said she couldnt believe it. I was so surprised, I didn't even get to see my family's reaction because I turned. I was in such disbelief, said Darcy. Darcy said that the entire process did not feel like a competition as all of the girls were really supportive and it could have been any one of us. Describing the moment her name was called out by the event compere, Darcy said it felt like an out-of-body experience. I can't believe it's actually happening. I'm just so excited, I feel like the nerves have kind of gone away because I feel like I've done the hard part, probably not the hardest, she laughed. I'm proud of representing Bellaghy, the people in Derry city, and just the county in general. It feels like a big responsibility but I'm excited to take on that role. Growing up, Darcy often watched the Rose of Tralee on the television with her grandmother. I always remember granny watching it with me. My granny is 90 but fit as a fiddle and is still getting out and about. I remember going down to hers and watching the Rose of Tralee every year, she is a religious one like that. I just kind of thought, why not [participate]? If I was lucky enough to be picked it would just be an amazing experience to get to Tralee to get to speak to so many new people but it was really just for the experience more than anything. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience so I thought let's just go for it. Why not? I'm not getting any younger, Darcy laughed. Coming from Bellaghy, Darcy hopes to encourage other girls from rural areas to participate in the competition in the future. I'm hoping that what young girls will be able to take away from me is that, even if you're from a really small town, if you don't have any connections in this industry, just go for it whatever way it is, acting or dancing or whatever. Just go for it and enjoy it. If you work hard, you'll be able to make it. Darcy explained that being a Rose gives you amazing opportunities to develop yourself through the ambassador role. I am getting a chance to do things I just wouldn't have had otherwise and I think that's really the beauty of something like the Rose of Tralee. It might be easy to look at the Rose of Tralee and think it's really outdated but actually the opportunities are amazing. Darcy will have the opportunity to meet other Roses throughout her ambassador missions and the Rose of Tralee festival. I'm also excited to meet other Roses. I wouldn't get a chance to know any of these girls that will be competing if I didn't do this. It's nice to meet new people that you just wouldn't see otherwise. For the new Derry Rose, it is only the beginning of the journey as she will need to be an ambassador of the Rose organisation for the next two years. The Rose of Tralee festival is happening in August so basically you want to be doing [events] like this. Derry has a music festival, it has a Jazz Festival, a Maritime Festival, so I will be going down there as a ambassadorial role. And then we'll have the actual tour of Ireland that all the Roses go on from different counties in a week in August. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Police in Northern Ireland have had a major learning experience after taking a walk in the steps of those with autism, the chief constable has said. Jon Boutcher was among 120 officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to get a glimpse into the world of the neurologically diverse ahead of Autism Acceptance Week. The chief constable said those with autism have been failed in the past due to a lack of understanding of such conditions. It came during a visit of the Training 2 Care UK Autism Virtual Reality Experience Bus to Belfast an initiative developed by those with autism which immerses users through the journey of being brought into custody with flashing lights, noises and sensory aspects such as smells and textures. Those participating were observed by a trainer who took them through a lengthy debrief afterwards to assess their reactions and explain the reasons for how the experience worked. While many prison authorities and schools have taken part in it, the PSNI is believed to be the first police force to do so. Mr Boutcher described it as an incredible experience. He said the PSNI took part in the training because its officers are here to look after everybody. You cant do that unless you walk in other peoples shoes from different backgrounds, cultures and disabilities, he told the PA news agency. Autism, Aspergers, these are conditions that for most of us, are things that we read about in newspapers, but we have to deal with people who are going through crises, and to have an experience such as I have just had, that gives you a very brief glimpse into the world who people who suffer from autism experience, can only help our officers understand what people are going through, that they would otherwise have no clue. It was incredibly disorientating, really challenging. It gave us a very brief glimpse into the world that many people have to endure and that will make them better police officers, and help them deal with people who have to go through that every day of their life. Mr Boutcher added: This is something that every police service should be doing around the country. I can honestly say I feel I learn something every day, sometimes that learning experience varies to a degree, today has been quite a big spike in understanding just what people go through. I have done some stuff with autism and Aspergers previously because we failed people with these conditions because we have not understood these conditions so that is why this is so important to do. Temporary Superintendent Finola Dornan, who chairs the Police Autism Support Group, said there has been a phenomenal response from the officers who went through the training. Its been really positive, they see the value in terms of their policing practice, so thats hugely important and for us it is really rewarding, she said. With it being Autism Acceptance Week, I hope that people can see the efforts were making to better equip our officers to be more accessible and responsive to the autistic community. As the Chief Constable has said, were here for a really wide diverse range of people, and thats not easy for frontline practitioners so everybody who have come has been really grateful for the training and has engaged really positively in it. I have no doubt theyll go back to police stations right across Northern Ireland and put this into practise and share their learning with their colleagues. The PSNI has also been working with Autism NI. The groups chief executive, Kerry Boyd, said she strongly welcomed the PSNI taking part in the initiative. It will benefit them within their role as police officers on the ground, but also as civilians too, their friends, neighbours, family and also work colleagues, being able to understand better how autism affects everyone differently and how it can be overwhelming, and most of all how to support an autistic person, she said. I feel that we have a lot of support within the PSNI already, they have a fantastic support group within it, and its really about ensuring that all the police officers have the same training and understanding so that when they come into contact with somebody who has autism, theyre able to understand and support them better. Our message for Autism Acceptance Week is really to be kind to different minds. Its not just about police, everyone in our society needs to take time to understand autistic people better. Red Jackal over Taiwan: Geosat CEO clears the air on drone scandal Geosat's CEO Max Lo talks to DIGITIMES Asia about the Jackal controversy, cooperation with NATO, and why Hong Kong films are getting rubbish. When Digitimes (DT) spoke to Lo, the dust had hardly settled following the eyebrow-raising discovery that Geosat Aerospace & Technology Inc, the premium drone contractor to Taiwan's military was using motors from the Chinese drone company T-Motor. DIGITIMES Asia revealed that T-Motor helps build drones for China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). DT wanted to understand how parts from a Chinese military company ended up in the drones of "Taiwan's National Drone Team" and the extent of Geosat's purchases in T-Motor, a company that supports research and development for the PLA. Lo offered his side of the story and introduced Geosat, whose drones will likely be the first line of defense against a potential PLA assault on Taiwan. "This is all just a big misunderstanding" When asked about the presence of PLA-linked drone parts in the company's Jackal Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Lo replied, "This is all a big misunderstanding." Media reports distorted the company's intentions, he added. Lo said that because Geosat is the exclusive contractor to Taiwan's military, people worried that Taiwan's military was equipped with "red," which is to say CCP-linked, tech. "This is not the case," Lo claimed. The drone in question is the Jackal. Geosat acquired the right to manufacture the Jackal domestically following a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Flyby and plans to supply it to Taiwan's military in 2025. Lo said Geosat has been making drones for Taiwan's Army and Navy for the last two years. "We can do this with 100% no China parts," he added. The drone shown to Taiwan's President-Elect Lai Ching-te was not "no China parts" however. It was equipped with at least eight motors manufactured by a PLA contractor. Lo said the drone presented to Taiwan's next head of state was merely an example. It was made together in partnership with the UK and Turkey he added. Lo said the drone was equipped with eight T-Motor motors. The total cost of eight V10-KV160 motors would be US$2952, according to T-Motor's website. T-Motor is a very good company, Lo said. It's pretty big, he added. T-Motor's friends in the PLA DT discovered that T-Motor and its CEO Wu Min had deep connections with China's PLA. DT wanted to know how much Geosat's Lo knew about T-Motor and its CEO's involvement in and support of China's military-industrial complex. Digitimes asked Lo whether he knew Wu and T-Motor were closely connected to PLA drone research. DT asked if he knew of the CEO's connection to Dr Quan Quan, one of the PLA's leading military drone researchers. "Of course, we knew," said Lo. "We're very aware of the company's background," he added. Obey Lo said if you remove the ideological differences, Wu and others like DJI's boss Frank Wang are excellent scientists and businessmen. Under the communist system, they have no free will, he added. They have to obey the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), said Lo. Take DJI for example, he added. DJI originally made drones for recreational purposes, said Lo. However, the company had to let the CCP put back doors in its hardware, he added. If DJI did not cooperate with the CCP then it would have been shut down, said Lo. It's the same with Jack Ma's Ant Group, he added. If Chinese tech companies want to survive, they need to get the green light from China's ruling CCP, Lo said. When the Party comes calling, you have to obey, Lo explained. Industry capture Tech companies are often backed by China's military, said Lo. China's defense industry invests huge amounts of money in these companies, he added. The cash the CCP's military-industrial complex provides is not just used to establish partnerships between the defense industry and the private sector, Lo said. It is used to capture it, he added. This is how China uses dual-use technology, said Lo. All of China's major industrial endeavors have a military purpose. The People's Republic of China regards Taiwan as a rogue province and denies its sovereignty. China routinely threatens to attack Taiwan. The PLA regularly uses drones to put pressure on Taiwan's government and to threaten the country and its people. Newsweek reported that t 1,709 Chinese warplanes were tracked entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone last year. The Lo-down on those PLA parts Lo said the Chinese motors in the Jackal were a remanent from less geopolitically tense times. However, Geosat is committed to decoupling its supply chain from China, he added. Low used the Mandarin expression "de-redding." It means kicking the CCP out of supply Chains. "Everyone knows that the drone industry was founded on Chinese parts," said Lo. "The global drone supply chain was built on 4000 companies based in China's Shenzhen," he added. "The Chinese government offers massive subsidies to the country's drone industry." This made China's drones and drone parts cheap, so everyone bought them, he said." Lo said China wants to make other countries dependent on its technology. By the time you want to rid yourself of Chinese tech it's already too late, he added. "We can no longer use Chinese parts because of the geopolitical reality of a new cold war," Lo explained. Nobody wants to use China's parts anymore because if hostilities break out then Beijing will close off its supply chain, he added. Lo said he told President-Elect Lai that Taiwan and its democratic allies are trying to replace Chinese parts with non-China parts. "This is not just an ideal, but something we're actually doing," he added. Lo said Taiwan's allies want Taiwan to play a role in the movement to decouple from China's supply chain. Lo said Taiwan can use its manufacturing capacity to lower drone-making costs enough to price China out of the drone supply chain. Taiwan's supply chain shield Lo said everyone has heard about Taiwan's silicon shield. Lo said he wants to draw on Taiwan's manufacturing capacity and expertise in UAV and anti-UAV technology to establish a supply chain to help protect Taiwan from attack. Taiwan's president coined the phrase silicon shied in a 2021 Foreign Affairs article to describe how Taiwan's semiconductor industry dominance serves as a deterrent against PRC attacks. "Our semiconductor industry is especially significant: a 'silicon shield' that allows Taiwan to protect itself and others from aggressive attempts by authoritarian regimes to disrupt global supply chains," she said. Quid pro NATO Lo said he wants Taiwan to become an indispensable supply chain partner in drone technology to its international partners such as the US and NATO. Interoperability between democratic allies is the key to building drone supply chains, he added. Taiwan and Geosat can develop its relations with NATO, Lo said. Taiwan isn't a member of the UN but Nato is facing new challenges he added. All the bad guys are coming together, said Lo. An alliance between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia is a threat to world peace Lo added. Faced with this threat, NATO is looking for strategic partners in Asia. Japan is not originally part of NATO the threat posed by Russia has brought them closer, he added. As drones become increasingly important in warfare, interoperability between allies becomes essential, Lo said. This way, democratic allies can share parts. Taiwan is not a member of NATO. However, if Taiwan is a crucial supplier of the drones and the drone components that NATO needs, then it will protect Taiwan. Taiwan's advantages in drone technology could help protect it from attack, said Lo. If Taiwan is producing high-tech chips for drones and AI recognition technology, then NATO would assist Taiwan, and tell China to behave itself, he added. Lo told me he was about to take a business trip to Japan. DT asked if Geosat was planning on inking any deals during the trip. Lo's response was economical. "What I can tell you is that Japan and the US are important trading partners for Taiwan," he said. Geosat teaches Taiwan's military how to drone Geosat recently announced it won an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flight Operator Training Course contract with Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Lo told DT how the program works. At the end of the day a drone is an aircraft, Lo said. Since Taiwan's airspace is shared by the military and civil society alike, everyone needs to know how to operate safely without causing an accident, he added. Geosat will provide a wide-ranging training course, Lo explained. The company will show the military how to perform pre-take-off and post-landing checks on the drones to ensure their safe operation and maintenance. Lo said Geosat has the most drone instructors and examiners for drone piloting in Taiwan. Lo said Geosat's training is not limited to the military but includes other civil and government organizations too. Lo said he wants to develop resources in Taiwan's drone ecosystem and the ability of the country and military to mobilize civilian resources when necessary. Lo said Taiwan's mobilization of civilian resources is something that Taiwan's army can improve on. Lo the social engineer Lo said he is an engineer by trade, however, in his mission to cultivate the Taiwanese army's ability to mobilize society he sees himself as a kind of social engineer too, he said. Lo revealed that he took part in the student movements in Taiwan in the 1980s and this informs how he sees his role in the development of Taiwan's drone and aerospace industry. UDN reported that Lo participated in Taiwan's Wild Lily student movement in March 1990. The movement demanded the direct election of Taiwan's president and vice president, as well as new popular elections for all representatives in the National Assembly. If we want to purge China from supply chains, we need to manufacture alternatives that are better and cheaper than what China has to offer, said Lo. It's just like in the Cold War with the US and Russia racing each other for an advantage, he added. Lo noted that this intense competition has resulted in significant technological progress. He said that the internet was a by-product of the space race. "Hong Kong movies are rubbish" Lo noted that behind the geopolitical power struggle and politics, there are human beings. Lo said when he studied in the US he had many Chinese classmates. On a personal level we are all the same, said Lo. They're good people who are passionate about technology, but they are forced to obey the CCP. It's just like Hong Kong, said Lo. Hong Kong is basically dead now and their films are getting rubbish, he added. The CCP doesn't allow imagination, or a second opinion, said Lo. Its approach to technology is a step backward he added. Lo said Taiwan's imaginative edge was something that set it apart from China, and what will keep the country one step ahead of Beijing in the tech race. Taiwan's freedom of imagination is proof that Taiwan's choice to follow the path of democracy is the right one," he added. "This isn't a question of one-upmanship," Lo said. "It's Taiwan's basic advantage and a fundamental philosophical difference in China and Taiwan's approach to science," he added. Fried drone anyone? Moving forward, Lo said the first island chain will play an important role in countering China's UAVs. Lo hopes for greater cooperation between Taiwan and Japan on microwave counter UAV systems, he added. We need to be able to detect and jam China's drone swarm, so they fall out of the sky, he added. Lo hopes to find front-end partners together with Geosat and Taiwan to build its anti-drone defense system, he added. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. By Lee Min-hyung Samsung E&A and GS E&C won a mega-sized contract worth $7.2 billion (9.6 trillion won) to widen a gas plant in Saudi Arabia, raising hopes for Korean construction firms to clinch more contracts in the Middle East, according to the presidential office, Wednesday. The Samsung affiliate won its largest-ever contract worth $6 billion for the Fadhili Gas Increment Program from Aramco. The project is to expand the capacity of the existing Fadhili Gas Plant, located some 350 kilometers northeast of Saudi Aradia's capital city of Riyadh. Once the project finishes, the daily gas throughput will rise from the existing 2.5 billion cubic feet to 3.8 billion cubic feet, according to Samsung E&A. The company also plans to utilize its local networks there and continues to build a sustainable partnership with Aramco, the company said. Samsung E&A will also apply its unique execution system which integrates all of its cutting-edge technologies, such as modularization and automation to the project until its successful execution, it said. "We are confident to deliver a steady performance on the Fadhili Gas Increment Program with our extensive experience in Saudi Arabia," Namkoong Hong, Samsung E&A's president and CEO, said. "We will further gain the trust of clients with our differentiated technology and quality, and further strengthen our position in the Middle East market." Aramco also welcomed the latest contract with Korean construction firms. "The award of these contracts reflects Aramco's goal to increase supplies of natural gas, help efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and free up more crude oil for value-added refining and export," Wail Al Jaafari, executive vice president of technical services at Aramco, said. "Together with leading international companies, we are advancing our goal to increase gas production," the Aramco executive said. "The expansion also supports our ambitions to develop a lower-carbon hydrogen business, while associated liquids from gas are an important feedstock for the petrochemical industry." GS E&C also won a contract worth $1.22 billion for the Fadhili gas expansion project. The company will be in charge of constructing a sulfur recovery treatment facility there. The construction will be underway for around 41 months, according to the GS affiliate. Korea's presidential office also spoke highly of the latest achievement, saying it is the third-largest overseas construction contract clinched by local construction firms. The latest order enabled Korea to attain an accumulated foreign construction order worth $12.72 billion between Jan. 1 and April 2, which is more than twofold growth from the previous year, according to the presidential office. The government also pledged to offer unwavering support for Korean construction firms to win more orders abroad. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Trade minister invites foreign businesspeople to Buddhist temple in Seoul By Ko Dong-hwan Foreign companies operating in Korea hope for the government to provide larger incentives and improve local infrastructure so that they can invest more in the country, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Wednesday. A delegation of CEOs of foreign companies and representatives of foreign chambers made these suggestions during their meeting with Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun at Jingwan Temple in northwestern Seoul. They included CEOs of Korean offices of global firms in cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors, batteries and petrochemicals including Dupont, S-Oil, Boeing, Renault, Toray and Axa, as well as representatives of chambers of commerce of the U.S., Germany, France, the U.K., Japan and China. European Chamber of Commerce in Korea Chairperson Philippe Van Hoof expressed appreciation to the ministry's support for European firms in Korea and asked for further efforts so that European companies can commit investments in Seoul in a consistent manner, according to the ministry. S-Oil President Ryu Yul requested that the Korean government extend its tax exemption service and improve its licensing approval procedures for the Shaheen Project, a large-scale petrochemical infrastructure construction project in Ulsan launched by Saudi Aramco, the largest shareholder of S-Oil, investing 9.3 trillion won ($6.9 billion). Kim Seung-rok, CEO of the Korean office of the U.S.-based Air Products, also requested stronger tax exemptions so that the company can make more investments in clean hydrogen projects in Korea. Sean Blakeley, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea, asked the government to introduce an improved electricity distribution network so that British firms make more investments in offshore wind farm projects in Korea. Son Geon-seog, vice-president for battery materials research at Belgium-based Umicore, proposed that the government expand electricity provision for local industrial complexes so that the company can increase investments for facility expansion here. Dschun Song, managing director for German-headquartered BASF, requested that the government introduce more specified, detailed standards and policies for certifying carbon footprints and decarbonizing businesses so that the company can invest more for eco-friendly projects in Korea. The dignitaries experienced Buddhist practices at the temple such as a tea ceremony and meditation and enjoyed vegan meals. "We wanted to show you that Korea, with its rich roots in culture, history and its coexistence with society, has an ideal environment for communicating with global communities and inviting global firms and experts here," Ahn said during the meeting. He pledged to cater to the companies' needs, saying the ministry this year aims to meet the goal of drawing $35 billion in foreign investments. "We've expanded state funds and raised maximum financial supports for foreign companies investing in here. And we'll provide them with our local talents, for which we have passed a new special bill. Amid the fast-changing global trade environment and tricky supply chains to keep up, we'll keep bolstering our efforts to host foreign firms here," he said. Donal Ryan is set to publish his X novel, one which might send your heart spinning - or, crack it in two. This August, the Limerick lecturer will release his eighth book, titled Heart, be At Peace. A sequel to his debut The Spinning Heart, Donals new novel takes us to a small town in rural Ireland, where people have weathered the storms of economic collapse and are now looking towards the future. But a fresh menace is creeping around the lakeshore, as the peace of the community is about to be shattered. Young people are being drawn towards the promise of fast money whilst the generation above them tries to push back the tide of an enemy no one can touch. Described as a stunning lyrical novel told in twenty-one voices, Heart, be at Peace can either be read independently, or as a companion to The Spinning Heart. Over the years, the author has been asked many times about the fate of the characters of his debut novel, which was translated in about 30 languages. To this day, The Spinning Heart remains Donals most translated book. Heart, be at Peace will be published on Thursday, August 15. Creative Media Year 2 & 3 along with Year 3 students from Dundalk Institute of Technology's (DkIT) Film & Television course recently participated in an Erasmus + Intensive Programme in Zaragoza Spain. This gave these DkITs students a unique opportunity to broaden their educational horizons and experience new cultures for 8 days. They met media, engineering and architecture students from Spain (San Jorge University) and Netherlands (AVANs University) for a busy week of teamwork and the creation of multidisciplinary and multicultural architectural and media projects. This occasion served as an opportunity for students to connect with individuals from varied educational backgrounds which also fostered a rich cultural exchange. In addition to their academic pursuits, the students enjoyed enriching cultural trips to old castles in the Pyrenees and were given comprehensive tours of Zaragoza's historical city centre. These experiences provided them with a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage and history. The main highlight of the program was the Collaborative Project, where students were divided into multidisciplinary and multinational teams. Each team was tasked with creating a building that symbolised Zaragoza, the project required incorporating various elements, with a particular focus on media. Not only did the students contribute to the architectural design, but they also played a crucial role in branding and producing a video showcasing their building in Zaragoza. The aim was to entice people to visit the building and experience the unique blend of culture and innovation it represented. This multifaceted project not only challenged the students creatively but also provided them with practical, hands-on experience in applying their skills across different mediums. The culmination of their efforts resulted in a tangible representation of their cultural immersion and collaborative endeavours during their time in Spain. Just five out of the ten houses in Louth County Council's affordable housing scheme are to be taken up, with the remaining five to revert to the developer to be sold on the open market, councillors learned at the Dundalk Municipal District April meeting. Cllr Kevin Meenan raised the matter at the April meeting, seeking an update on the scheme. Senior Executive Officer, Mr John Lawrence told the meeting that the scheme has now closed with five applicants to the scheme "over the line". Mr Lawrence had previously told members at the March meeting that Louth County Council, at that point, had received around 26 applications but added that the actual number of eligible applications was quite low, at that point, less than five. He had highlighted at the March meeting that there was very strict criteria in relation to applying for the scheme, adding that they had extended the closing date for applications to Wednesday 6 March. Cllr Marianne Butler asked if Louth County Council could purchase the houses and use them for social housing, as it had done following the financial crash a number of years ago, but Mr Lawrence said that they would not be doing so. He said that when the Council acquired properties to sell as affordable houses, the person buying the house didn't expect that their next door neighbour would be a social housing tenant, as they are private houses. Mr Lawrence said that the Council was operating this way to recognise that they are private houses and if someone engaged with the local authority to buy a private house, it would look to minimise the number of social housing tenants in the immediate vicinity. He added that this did not mean that the Council would not be availing of Part V, which provides for social and affordable houses, but said that with this particular scheme, people were buying the affordable houses on the basis that they were buying into a private development. Cllr Edel Corrigan commented that private housing was used for social housing through HAP so she did not understand the reason why using these private houses would be an issue. Mr Lawrence said that Part V means that 10% must be social housing, which people are aware of. With an affordable housing scheme, the intention is to sell private houses at a discounted rate, with the State taking an equity to help those who are unable, due to income barriers to afford the full cost of the houses. He said that the Council's engagement with developers at the moment is on the basis that, they would not buy houses that have been earmarked for affordable houses but were not taken up, "certainly not on the basis of 50:50". He further added that they would not get the discount that would have gone to those buying them as affordable houses anyway, and that they did not want to buy the houses for 380k, the price at which they went on sale on the open market. A thousand-year-old wild Irish oak tree toppled by a storm is set to be resurrected as rare Irish oak casks. In a unique project between Drogheda-based Boann Distillery and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel cooperage in Kildare, the storm-felled oak, with a 10-metre girth, will be transformed into barrels that will age and produce Prestons brand of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The Preston family, who reside on Swainstown Farm in KIlmessan, where the ancient tree once stood tall, are descendants of the renowned Preston's of Drogheda, Co Louth - operators of a major whiskey bonding business for almost a century from 1886. It is extremely rare that Irish oak is used to craft casks, making this a unique project, said Peter Cooney of Boann Distillery. The idea was first mooted six years ago after I told Arthur Preston about our plans to revive the trademark Prestons Whiskey brand, using an old whiskey recipe 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 Prestons Estate, and when it fell during last Decembers Storm Elin 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 24 months. The staves will then be transported back to Kildare where coopers will turn them into three to four 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 naturally very excited about this whole project." Its great to see the idea evolve from a conversation in 2018 to an innovative collaboration between heritage-rich estates, seasoned distilleries, and renowned cooperages, said Arthur Preston of Swainstown Farm. "I cant wait to taste the final product. The Prestons mashbill that will be laid down once the casks are ready is secret Vintage Mashbill XI from the Boanns 2021 Vintage Mashbill Project. "We have been laying down stock for this brand since 2021 in a variety of casks such as Bourbon, Oloroso, PX, NEOC and Jamaican Rum, said Peter Cooney. By using Irish Oak we can bring a piece of ancient Ireland to the glasses of future connoisseurs. Four young people from Louth recently travelled to Ireland's Youth Parliament, Dail na nOg 2024 Andrew Rosbotham, Sophie Campbell, Katie Reenan and Erin Myers joined over 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nOg (local youth councils) across Ireland met in Dail Eireann to debate the issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic. Mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nOg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of the day, which they feel that the Government should do more to address. Andrew Rosbotham, National Executive representative for Louth Comhairle na nOg, spoke at the Opening Ceremony on the work of the outgoing National Executive and gave a summary of their proposals. Andrew Rosbotham, National Executive representative for Louth Comhairle na nOg said: ...The Minister for Education and her Department are really supportive of what we are trying to achieve, they are very committed to including the voice of children and young people in Education and are developing ways to make that happen. They are improving teacher education and awareness of RSE resources, and will be starting a longitudinal study on how RSE is being implemented in all schools. Dail na nOg, Irelands National Youth Parliament, now in its 22nd year, tackled a range of issues related to mental health, including body image, school stress, and mental health services. The biennial parliament, which provides a platform for young people to speak about and make recommendations on the issues that most affect them, was hosted by the Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, who chaired the Opening Session in the Dail Chamber. There were closing remarks in the chamber from Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler. Delegates from Comhairle na nOg - representing each of the 31 local authorities across Ireland filled the committee rooms in Leinster House where they took part in workshops to debate the three mental health topics. Discussions were held around how mental health affects the lives of young people in their communities and what changes need to be implemented to address these challenges and improve the experiences of young people in Ireland. Following a formal vote in the afternoon where delegates processed through the lobbies of the Dail, school stress was selected as the priority topic. This will inform the work of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executive 2024-2026, who are tasked with advocating for policy change in this area during their tenure. Chairing the debate, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, told those gathered: The young people gathered in the chamber are a powerful force for change. At a time when parts of the world are in turmoil with war, hunger and the devastation of climate change, it is you who hold the keys to your own future. Your discussions today on the themes of Mental Health, Body Image and School Stress will evoke thoughts and compassion for your peers and colleagues. If there is one thing I would encourage you to do in this Chamber today, it is to listen completely. When you listen you play one part of the conversation. The golden rule of being a good speaker is to be a good listener. Click 'Next' through the gallery to view inside! A colourful Louth house has received a mixed reaction after being featured on the latest episode of Home of the Year. Owned by Olivia and Peter, the home was up against a 300 year old cottage in Wicklow and a 1920s terrace house in Dublin, the latter of which was chosen for the Home of the Year final. Built in 2004, the Louth home features reupholstered chairs from Olivia's granny's house, an eclectic collection of painted furniture and even a wallpapered washing machine! Olivia said, "I don't know if there is a rule book but I don't go by it, I just go by what brings me joy." She said, "It's not for everyone, but sure we love it and it shows our personality, so... why not?" Judge and interior design expert Hugh Wallace gave the home top marks and described the house as "the gift that keeps on giving". However, judge Amanda Bone - known for her love of minimalism - said the house was "too much" for her and gave it a mark of six. Online reaction was mixed, with one harsh X user calling the home "horrendous". Another stated, "Think Amanda will need a defibrillator when she sees this house. That said, there is a warmth and personality to it. The owners love it and thats all that matters." Another X user commented, "Love a bit of colour and stuff but this is too much for me." However, not everyone agreed with the criticism. One X user stated, "Loved the originality of home three. When will Amanda realise people dont live in cold sterile museums. Hugh got it completely right. 'Its called a family home', 'full of love'." Another commented, "Loved the last colourful house tonight. It was bursting with warmth, love and a real home! Adored it. Well done to the owners. They were robbed." Meanwhile, some social media users criticised others' reactions, with one person commenting, "Hats off to all those families who are brave enough to surrender their homes to such scrutiny!" White House "outraged" by deadly Israeli airstrike on Gaza aid workers Xinhua) 11:02, April 03, 2024 WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Tuesday that it was "outraged" by the news that seven members of a food charity group were killed by Israeli forces in an airstrike in Gaza. John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, told a press briefing at the White House that the United States was aware of comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledging responsibility for and pledging investigation into Monday's fatal strike on a convoy of World Central Kitchen (WCK) en route to distributing food to innocent Gazans devastated by Israel's military operation. A preliminary probe by Israel has been completed Tuesday, Kirby added. "But we expect a broader investigation to be conducted and to be done so in a swift and comprehensive manner. We hope those findings will be made public and that there is appropriate accountability." "More than 200 aid workers have been killed in this conflict, making it one of the worst for aid workers in recent history," he said. "This incident is emblematic of a larger problem and evidence of why distribution of aid in Gaza has been so challenging. But beyond the strike, what is clear is that the IDF must do much more to improve deconfliction processes so civilians and humanitarian aid workers are protected." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during the briefing that U.S. President Joe Biden called WCK founder and celebrity chef Jose Andres. The president, according to Jean-Pierre, "conveyed he will make clear to Israel that humanitarian aid workers must be protected." Earlier in the day in Paris, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Israeli government to conduct "a swift, a thorough, an impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened." "And as we have throughout this conflict, we've impressed upon the Israelis the absolute imperative of doing more to protect innocent civilian lives, be they Palestinian children, women, and men or be they aid workers, as well as to get more humanitarian assistance to more people, more effectively," Blinken said in remarks at a joint press conference also attended by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne. For his part, Sejourne expressed France's "firm condemnation of the Israeli strike" that killed the WCK personnel, including a U.S.-Canadian dual national, an Australian, three Britons, a Palestinian and a Pole. The French top diplomat's remarks were seized by a reporter at the White House briefing to ask Kirby why the United States, unlike France, didn't explicitly condemn the strike. "I think by (me) saying we're outraged, I think you can fairly characterize that as condemning the strike itself," Kirby said in response. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) U.S. President Joe Biden sought to manage tensions over the South China Sea and Taiwan's May presidential inauguration in a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, their first direct talks since meeting in November. Biden used the call to emphasize "the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea," the White House said in a statement. Xi said ties between the China and the U.S. are beginning to stabilize, but warned that they could "slide into conflict or confrontation," according to China's official Xinhua news agency. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told a briefing after the call that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel to China in the coming weeks. That follows a trip this week by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The nearly two-hour call between the leaders described by Kirby as "business-like" comes ahead of meetings next week between Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos as China flexes its military might. On Monday, a senior U.S. administration official said the U.S. and Chinese militaries would hold maritime talks this week in Honolulu. Washington has expressed concern over China's coast guard's use of water cannons on Philippines vessels near Second Thomas Shoal in a disputed section of the South China Sea. An escalating diplomatic row and recent maritime run-ins between the two Asian countries has made it a potential flashpoint between the U.S. and China. Beijing claims vast portions of the South China Sea, sometimes in direct opposition to international law. "China seems determined to continue to run these gray zone operations, driving the U.S.-Philippine alliance and Philippines-Japan security ties closer, which well see on display next week," said Gregory Poling, a South China Sea expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, referring to the trilateral summit in Washington. 'Creating risks' Xi and Biden also discussed U.S. efforts to block certain U.S. technologies, including advanced semiconductors, from export to China. Xi warned Biden that the U.S. is "not de-risking but creating risks" by suppressing China's trade and technology development and adding new entities to U.S. sanctions lists. Biden told Xi the U.S. "will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment," according to the White House. Kirby said Biden broached U.S. concerns about popular social media app TikTok, which faces proposed U.S. legislation that would force its Chinese-owner ByteDance to divest over data security and disinformation concerns. "He made it clear to President Xi that this was not about a ban of the application, but rather our interest in divestiture so that the national security interests, and the data security of the American people can be protected," Kirby said. Taiwan test China's response to Taiwan's presidential inauguration in May will test the stability of relations between Beijing and Washington. China regards Taiwan, a self-governed island with democratic elections, as part of its territory and recently dropped language about a "peaceful reunification" from its budget. Taiwan strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future. Taiwan's current Vice President Lai Ching-te, who Beijing views as a separatist, won the presidency in January and Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan ahead of his swearing in. Xi urged Washington to translate "Biden's commitment of not supporting 'Taiwan independence'" into concrete actions, Xinhua reported. Biden and Xi agreed in November to reopen military communications and cooperate to curb fentanyl production. After that meeting, Biden told reporters he had not changed his view that Xi is a dictator, a comment that China called "extremely absurd." But the two have looked to smooth over a rocky period in relations that took a turn for the worse after a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon transited the U.S. and was shot down by a U.S. fighter jet last year. Biden and Xi's call also addressed U.S. concerns over China's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, its economic trade practices, human rights abuses in Xinjiang and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, the White House said. (Reuters) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday Israel mistakenly killed seven people working for the aid charity World Central Kitchen in a Gaza airstrike, and the U.S. and other allies called for explanations amid widespread condemnation. Israel's military voiced "sincere sorrow" over the incident, which ratcheted up international pressure for steps to ease the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza nearly six months into Israel's siege and invasion of the Palestinian enclave. The strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy killed citizens of Australia, Britain and Poland as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. WCK, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff were traveling in two armored cars emblazoned with the charity's logo and another vehicle, and had coordinated their movements with the Israeli military. "Unfortunately in the past day there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence." The Israeli military pledged an investigation by "an independent, professional and expert body." At least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the United Nations, and Hamas has previously accused Israel of targeting aid distribution sites. In a call on Tuesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu that Britain was appalled by the deaths, which included three Britons, and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation, Sunak's office said. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed "anger and concern" to Netanyahu in a separate call. The United States, Israel's closest ally, said that there was no evidence Israel deliberately targeted the aid workers but that it was outraged by their deaths and Israel had an obligation to ensure aid workers in Gaza were not harmed. U.S. President Joe Biden called WCK founder Andres to express condolences. Washington will press Israel to do more to protect aid workers, the White House said. "These people are heroes, they run into the fire, not away from it," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said of the seven aid workers, speaking to reporters in Paris. "We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk." The United Nations, which has warned of a looming famine in Gaza, again called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Israel has long denied accusations that it is hindering the distribution of urgently needed food aid in Gaza, which it has besieged in a war since October, saying the problem is caused by international aid groups' inability to get it to those in need. The aid convoy was hit as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse after unloading more than 100 tons of food aid brought to Gaza by sea, WCK said. "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. "This is unforgivable." The U.S.-based charity said it would pause its work in Gaza, and the United Arab Emirates, which has financed the seaborne food deliveries to Gaza that WCK distributed, said it was putting the shipments on hold pending safety guarantees from Israel and a full investigation. Anera, a U.S.-based aid group that works in part with WCK, said on Tuesday it too was pausing operations in Gaza because of safety concerns. Increasing Israeli isolation Australia, Britain and Poland, countries which have generally been friendly towards Israel, all demanded action to protect aid workers, underscoring Netanyahu's increasing diplomatic isolation over Gaza. Israel has been under rising international pressure to alleviate severe hunger in Gaza, which has been shattered by Israel's offensive against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. The conflict began after Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. Since then, much of the densely populated territory has been laid waste and most of its 2.3 million population displaced. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The United Nations and other international groups have accused Israel of hindering aid distribution with bureaucratic obstacles and failing to ensure the security of food convoys, underlined by a disaster on Feb. 29, in which around 100 people were killed as they awaited an aid delivery. Hamas, Gaza's dominant group, has said the main problem with aid distribution is Israeli targeting of aid workers. After the latest incident, it issued a statement saying the attack aimed to terrorize workers of international humanitarian agencies, deterring them from their missions. Andres, who started WCK in 2010 by sending cooks and food to Haiti after an earthquake, said he was heartbroken and grieving for the families and friends of those who died in the airstrike. "The Israeli government ... needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon," he said. Video obtained by Reuters showed a large hole in the roof of a four-wheel-drive WCK vehicle and its burned and torn interior, as well as paramedics moving bodies into a hospital and displaying the passports of three of those killed. Conditions in Gaza remain extremely precarious with fighting going on in several areas on Tuesday and 71 people killed in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours, according to Gaza health authorities. (Reuters) NATO foreign ministers meet on Wednesday to discuss how to put military support for Ukraine on a long-term footing, including a proposal for a 100 billion euro ($107 billion) five-year fund and a plan seen as a way to "Trump-proof" aid for Kyiv. The proposals by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg would give the Western alliance a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion, diplomats say. The plans will be discussed during a two-day meeting in Brussels that will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and prepare for a summit of alliance leaders in Washington in July. The meeting will provide insight into how far Ukraine's European allies are willing to go to support Kyiv's war effort as a military aid package for Ukraine worth some $60 billion remains stalled in the U.S. Congress. Under the plans, NATO would take over some coordination work from a U.S.-led ad-hoc coalition known as the Ramstein group a move designed in part to guard against any cut in U.S. support if Donald Trump returns to the White House, diplomats said. Until now, NATO as an organisation has focused on non-lethal aid for Ukraine out of fears that a more direct role could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia. Its members have provided billions of dollars in arms on a bilateral basis. Diplomats said there was a growing view within NATO that it was time to put military aid to Ukraine on a more sustainable footing and NATO was best placed to do that. Some said that threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would regard various steps taken by NATO allies as escalatory such as providing tanks and other advanced weapons systems had not led to retaliation against them. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will attend the Brussels meeting, said in Paris on Tuesday that NATO was looking at measures that could serve as the "necessary bridge" to membership of the alliance for Ukraine. NATO has stated that Ukraine cannot join while it is at war with Russia but that it will become a member at some point. NATO declined to comment in detail on Stoltenberg's proposals but a NATO official said the ministers would "discuss the best way to organise NATO's support for Ukraine, to make it more powerful, predictable and enduring". "No final decisions are to be taken at the April ministerial meetings, and discussions will continue as we approach the Washington summit in July," the official said, declining to be named. Early stage Diplomats cautioned that discussions on the proposal were at an early stage and it was unclear whether the 100 billion euro figure would be accepted or how it would be financed. NATO decisions require consensus among the alliance's 32 members. "It goes some way to protecting in case of Trump. But it is impossible to create something Trump-proof," another diplomat said of the plan to transfer work to NATO from the Ramstein group, named after a U.S. air base where it often meets but known formally as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. "A fund of 100 billion looks very optimistic," the diplomat added. The meeting comes as NATO is seeking a new leader to succeed Stoltenberg, who has been in post for nearly 10 years. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has the backing of a some 90 percent of NATO members for the job including the United States, France, Britain and Germany according to diplomats. But he faces opposition from Hungary which objects to his criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government and a late challenge from Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. Some diplomats had hoped to choose Stoltenberg's successor at the Brussels meeting but they said more time would now be needed. Several expressed confidence, however, that Rutte would be appointed in the end. (Reuters) A LOCAL-election candidate has joined calls for a relief road in a Co Cork town infamous for traffic congestion. Andrew Ring, who is standing for election to Cork County Council in the Kanturk-Mallow municipal district for the Social Democrats, said a number of recent tragedies emphasised the need for a relief road for Charleville. Mr Ring was speaking at a visit by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns to Charleville on Tuesday. I was happy to have the opportunity to brief Holly on pressing local issues, including the need for a relief road around Charleville, he said. Heavy traffic passing through the town, travelling between Cork and Limerick, has led to concerns about poor air quality, unacceptable congestion and road safety, with a number of fatal incidents on the main street in recent years. I fully support calls by concerned locals for a relief road to alleviate the detrimental impact that traffic volumes are having on the town. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns with local election candidate Andrew RIng, who is standing for election in the Kanturk-Mallow municipal district. Ms Cairns said Mr Ring would make an exceptional councillor for the area. I would urge as many people as possible to get behind Andrews campaign, so we can achieve our goal of increasing our representation on local authorities on June 7, she said. A clinical psychologist who has worked with long covid sufferers has described as possibly the greatest injustice the plight of health care workers who contracted the virus in the course of their duties losing special pay arrangements. Liam Quaide, also a Social Democrats councillor in the East Cork area, was speaking as the arrangement by which the health care workers still enduring symptoms of the virus would be paid their regular salary came to an end at midnight on March 31. This means that the workers concerned will be paid under their contractual sick pay rules, an arrangement which has a limited time span. Mr Quaide described what was happening to healthcare workers who are suffering from various covid related symptoms as a shocking way to treat people who were celebrated as heroes by our government at the height of the pandemic. There is no clinical rationale for suspending these pay arrangements, he said. Many of these healthcare workers are experiencing a severity of symptoms that has not changed in years. While much of the countrys workforce stayed at home in relative safety during the lockdown, healthcare staff risked everything in their remarkable public service, and some paid an enormous price. And by healthcare staff I include, not just clinicians but catering and cleaning and other staff in healthcare settings. Symptoms of long covid include debilitating fatigue after modest levels of activity, joint and nerve pains, vertigo, shortness of breath, chronic sleep disturbance and cognitive difficulties also known as brain-fog. Some can struggle with basic activities of daily living such as dressing or showering. As yet, there are very limited medical treatments available to alleviate these symptoms and no clear rehabilitation programme. Mr Quaide pointed out that while unions are attempting to have long covid recognised as an occupational injury, similar to a majority of EU countries where financial compensation has been put in place, the position of the Irish Government was to reject this approach as it wasnt possible to prove where these healthcare workers contracted the virus. In a response to a query from The Echo, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said the temporary special scheme to support eligible staff who were impacted by long covid had been extended a number of times by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform and the extension granted in October 2023 until the end of last month had been the final sanction according to the department. Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell after that date, may utilise the full provisions of the public service sick leave scheme which will provide further support. The circa 120 employees impacted by the conclusion of the Special Scheme have received notification of this from their employer, said the Department of Health spokesperson. PLANS for an outpatient medical facility in Mahon have been green lit by Cork City Council. Irish Life Assurance plc lodged the application for the facility in December, seeking permission for the change of use of part of the existing ground floor and the entire first floor of Block B at City Gate Park from permitted office use to outpatient medical services use. A document accompanying the application noted that Mahon has proven itself to be a highly successful and accessible location from a healthcare perspective and that the presence of facilities such as the Mater Private Network Cork, the Vhi SwiftCare Clinic, and Sims IVF has significantly added to the healthcare offering for the Cork and wider Munster area. The proposed development site is currently unoccupied, with the previous office tenant having vacated the space, it said. Given the current issues facing the office sector post covid-19, and the preference for hybrid working among office staff, the ability to secure a new office tenant(s) is extremely limited. Noting the emerging healthcare cluster in the Mahon area, there is now the opportunity to provide additional healthcare facilities to complement adjacent operators in that sector, and to meet demand. The document stated that the application responds to an increased need for outpatient medical facilities in the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic and the backlog of demand which currently exists. The proposed development if permitted, would represent a very significant additional investment in healthcare facilities in Cork, strengthening and consolidating Mahons function as an office and healthcare employment cluster, and will support existing and proposed investment in high quality public transport links in Mahon, it added. The application said there would be no elevational changes to the existing building to facilitate the proposed medical use. Cork City Council sought further information, including the number of staff members to be employed at the centre and the number of patients it could facilitate, before making a decision on the application. The local authority was subsequently informed that an end user for the proposed development has yet to be identified. Regarding patient numbers, the council was told that all prospective patients would be outpatients and would avail of medical services by appointment only, with no walk-in service provided. Cork City Council has now granted permission for the proposed change of use. The local authoritys decision is subject to 11 conditions, which have yet to be published. PERMISSION is being sought for a series of amendments to the Land Development Agencys (LDA) proposed housing plan for Corks former St Kevins Hospital and grounds in Shanakiel. The LDA has plans to build more than 260 units, an enterprise centre, and creche facilities at the site. The agency has now lodged a planning application seeking a number of changes to the scheme. If permission is granted, the revised plans would see the replacement of the permitted Block G a three-storey apartment building comprising 10 duplex apartments with six two-storey townhouses. The proposed development will also comprise the internal reconfiguration and change of use of the permitted ground floor creche in the former St Kevins Hospital building to provide six apartments with no associated changes to elevations of the building, and the change of use and internal reconfiguration of the permitted enterprise space in the chapel to a creche with an outdoor play area. The LDA said these amendments would provide an overall increase of two units on the site. The proposed development also includes all associated site development and excavation works above and below ground as well as necessary refurbishment and repair works. The planning application is currently at pre-validation stage, with Cork City Council due to make a decision on it by May 20. The LDA previously said its vision is to transform the defunct and derelict former Victorian Mental Asylum lands into a new vibrant residential community for the people of Cork. This underutilised site, on the south facing Shanakiel Ridge, looking over the River Lee, has the opportunity to be an exemplar housing development offering housing for all sectors of our society in our community. The Land Development Agency is mandated by Government to develop such sites that are in public ownership and there is no better example of such an opportunity as this strategic site in the heart of Cork, said the LDA. WEST Cork native Anne Horan has been named vice-president of the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Ms Horan, the eldest of six girls, was born in Ballineen, West Cork, and studied to be a primary school teacher at Mary Immaculate College, doing her teaching practice at St Marys Central School in Enniskeane. She taught in a one-teacher school on the Mizen peninsula for six years, and got involved in the Schull branch of INTO during that time, telling The Echo, They were wonderful people, and I made great friends. Life brought me to Limerick then, where my father was originally from, she said, explaining that she taught in St Fergus National School for 16 years, where she was able to teach her own two children. She moved from Schull, the second-smallest INTO branch, to Glin, the smallest, saying I felt at home, I was welcomed and supported. That support is what INTO was all about for me. Going to branch meetings and getting information from other teachers about what was happening around the country was so important, because we had no mobile phones at the time, she said. In 2008, Ms Horan moved to Carrickerry NS, a rural school in west Limerick, where she is teaching principal. Carickerry NS has 59 pupils and three teachers, and its in a lovely rural community that really values its small school, she said. Ms Horan has worked at all levels of the union, from staff representative to member of the benefits fund committee to a full member of the central executive committee, and will be appointed vice-president on the final day of the INTO annual congress. Im really honoured to be president of such a strong union: We have 50,000 members both north and south, and I plan to work diligently on their behalf. Im looking forward to the year ahead. Carrigaline Municipal District independent councillor, Marcia DAlton, has announced she will not be running in the June local elections in a post published on her Facebook profile on Tuesday night. In her post, Ms DAlton described being an elected councillor on Cork County Council and, previously, Passage West Town Council as the most extraordinary honour. I don't not want to run again but my gut screams loud that it's time to take a pause, she said. "I've given this job all I have and more and my body needs sleep. Ms DAlton also referred to the financial pressures of the present day life. Although financially we've managed miraculously to date, cost of living has increased so violently that I have to help take the pressure off Rob, she said. The councillor also referred to other reasons that she might discuss in posts to come. In her Facebook post, Ms DAlton said that the creativity of the role of councillor was awesome for people with the right attitude. There'd be days at the computer when I would mentally stand back, look at the array of topics coming across my desk and literally gasp, she said. On top of what would generally be expected of a councillor, I've painted buildings, planted bulbs, swept streets, created businesses, written countless submissions, innumerable funding applications, designed signage, stayed up nights for oral hearings, helped run festivals. There have been deep and very meaningful insights into some of your lives; to have been allowed there has been an incredible privilege. For someone never interested in politics, I reluctantly gained an understanding of it that I never envisaged possible. She said she was beyond thankful for the friendship of people, your smiles in the street, your waves when passing in the car, your unplanned conversations in unexpected places, your words of encouragement and, most of all, your confidence in me. You have buoyed me up when the going was rough and danced with me when the energy was high, she said. That's the essence of community, I am so grateful - thank you! ADVOCATE of the elderly in Cork and organiser of the Over 60s Talent Competition, Paddy OBrien, has acknowledged Bishop John Buckley and well-known photographer Denis Minihane for their support over the years. Marking Mr Minihanes recent retirement from The Echo and Irish Examiner titles, Mr OBrien organised a lunch with Bishop Buckley and Mr Minihane. During the lunch, Mr OBrien acknowledged their support of the Over 60s Talent Competition which he founded in 1977 as a means to help combat loneliness among the aged. Mr OBrien said he first came in contact with Mr Minihane in 1978 while running the heats of the competition. I would describe Denis as a thorough gentleman, he said. He always has a lovely smile and he was always so courteous and friendly to the people in the Over 60s. Mr OBrien also thanked Bishop Buckley for his support for the competition and who also would attend most of the local heats each year and would attend the final. MARINE advisers have been appointed to help procure a multi-role vessel to replace the naval services decommissioned flagship, LE Eithne. Tanaiste Micheal Martin, who is also the defence minister, provided the update. He said the work of the marine advisors will inform, in due course, a tender competition in line with the public-spending code. LE Eithne (P31) was towed out of Haulbowline last month and is set to be recycled. Meanwhile, Mr Martin said that the two inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) that were delivered to Cork last May to replace the decommissioned LE Orla and LE Ciara are expected to become operational later in 2024, following a programme of work, crew familiarisation, and training. In addition to achieving a balanced fleet of nine vessels by 2028, the move to LOA2 [Level of Ambition 2] also provides that all modern vessels be double-crewed to ensure each vessel spends a minimum of 220 days at sea per year, to be phased in over the course of the vessel-replacement programme, he said. Mr Martin said there are also a number of initiatives to counter staffing challenges. Among these, he said, was phase three of naval-service recruitment. Marine advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel to replace the Irish Naval Services now decommissioned flagship, LE Eithne. Picture Dan Linehan Mr Martin said psychometric testing for general-service recruitment was paused in 2023, on a pilot basis, for six months. The Defence Forces have advised that a pause of a further six months is warranted to allow for a fair determination on whether the pause was positive or negative, he said. He said there has been significant progress on pay. Mr Martin said he is satisfied that such measures, together with those outlined in the implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the strategic framework for its transformation will ensure the naval service is equipped and staffed appropriately, in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government. Ukraine on Wednesday lowered the military conscription age from 27 to 25 in an effort to replenish its depleted ranks after more than two years of war following Russias full-scale invasion. The new mobilization law came into force a day after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed it. Ukraines parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed it last year. It was not immediately clear why Zelenskyy took so long to sign the measure into law. He didnt make any public comment about it, and officials did not say how many new soldiers the country expected to gain or for which units. Conscription has been a sensitive matter in Ukraine for many months amid a growing shortage of infantry on top of a severe ammunition shortfall that has handed Russia the battlefield initiative. Russias own problems with manpower and planning have so far prevented it from taking full advantage of its edge. The average age of Ukrainian soldiers, like those on the Russian side, is around 40, military analysts say. Some Ukrainians worry that taking young adults out of the workforce will backfire by further harming the war-ravaged economy, but the problem reportedly has become acute as Kyiv girds for an expected summer offensive by the Kremlins forces. The initial enthusiasm for going out to fight against the Kremlins forces has waned , though public support for the war remains high. Ukraine currently forbids men younger than 60 from traveling abroad. Many Ukrainian men are evading the draft by hiding at home or trying to bribe their way out of the battle. Commanders say they dont have enough soldiers to launch offensives, and barely enough to hold positions during intensifying Russian assaults. Russias population is more than three times as large as Ukraines, and President Vladimir Putin has shown a willingness to force men to the front if not enough volunteer. Zelenskyy has rarely mentioned the mobilization issue, and parliament attached more than 1,000 amendments to the mobilization bill he signed. Last December, Zelenskyy said Ukraines military wanted to mobilize up to 500,000 more troops . But he said he had asked the top brass to spell out the details on what is a very sensitive matter before deciding whether to grant their wish. Such a major mobilization would cost Ukraine the equivalent of $13.4 billion, Zelenskyy said at the time. Other aspects to be considered include whether troops currently on the front would be rotated or allowed home leave, he said. The need for a broad mobilization to beef up the number of Ukrainian troops reportedly was one of the areas of disagreement between Zelenskyy and Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the popular commander in chief of Ukraines armed forces whom the president replaced in February. Ukrainian Defense Ministry statistics say the Ukrainian military had nearly 800,000 troops in October. That doesnt include National Guard or other units. In total, 1 million Ukrainians are in uniform. Meanwhile, Ukraines air force said it shot down four drones that Russia launched overnight over central provinces. An 11-year-old boy died in a hospital from injuries sustained during Russias attack in the Kupiansk area on Tuesday, according to Kharkiv regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. His 58-year-old father was killed in the attack. Zelenskyy said Wednesday that Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, sees daily humiliation and pain from unrelenting Russian aerial attacks. Russian attacks all across the country are wreaking havoc, Zelenskyy wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in an appeal for Ukraine's Western partners to supply more air defense systems. In March alone, the Kremlins forces launched more than 400 missiles of various types, 600 Iranian-designed Shahed drones, and more than 3,000 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine, he said. (AP) FOTA Wildlife Park has announced the appointment of a new director, Aileen Tennant, who has been described as the perfect fit to lead Fota Wildlife Park into its next chapter. Ms Tennant will assume her role on July 1, spearheading the operations of the Cork Wildlife Park, which welcomes around 450,000 visitors annually. A Carlow native and DCU science education graduate, Ms Tennant ran the discovery and learning department at Dublin Zoo for nine years. She will now lead the senior management team at Fota Wildlife Park, driving the implementation of the organisations strategic goals. Entrusted with the leadership, growth, and strategic development of Fota Wildlife Park, Ms Tennant will oversee all aspects of park management while also tasked with upholding its core values of conservation, education, research, animal welfare and visitor experience. Her appointment comes at an exciting time of growth for Fota Wildlife Park, which is currently commissioning a state-of-the-art education, conservation and research conference centre. We are delighted to welcome Aileen as our new park director, chair of Fota Wildlife Park, Jim Woulfe, said. Her extensive experience and dedication to conservation and education make her the perfect fit to lead Fota Wildlife Park into its next chapter of innovation, growth, and development. Id also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing director, Sean McKeown, for his steadfast leadership in the development of the wildlife park and his commitment to conservation over the past 40 years. We wish him the very best on his retirement. Ms Tennant said she is incredibly honoured to join Fota Wildlife Park and contribute to its mission to enable a more sustainable and biodiverse future, which will be driven forward by activity in the new education complex. I look forward to working with the team to deliver positive change in the conservation of wildlife and to inspire visitors to join us in this mission at Fota Wildlife Park, she added. A 35-year-old Cork woman allegedly tried to spit at gardai several times when they found her carrying hundreds of euro worth of property stolen from shops and she verbally abused them as paedophiles. Sergeant Aisling Murphy outlined the allegations today against Margaret Deasy of Cork Simon Community at Cork District Court. The alleged offences relate to March 30 at Paul Street, Cork. Gardai received a report of a woman shouting and being aggressive on Paul Street. Gardai arrived at the scene and spoke to Margaret Deasy. It is alleged there was a smell of intoxicating liquor coming from her. Upon speaking to her, she became aggressive shouting at gardai, F*** off, ye paedophiles. She also attempted to spit at them several times. At 4.10pm she was arrested and conveyed to Bridewell garda station, Sgt Murphy said. In the Bridewell she allegedly had stolen property in her possession, namely 288 of cosmetics from Boots on Half Moon Street, 168 worth of clothing from Next at Opera Lane, 133 of cosmetics from Murphys pharmacy, North Main Street, 64 of clothing from H&M on Opera Lane, 22 of alcohol from Centra on North Main Street and 20 of clothing from the Irish Cancer Society on Princes Street. Judge Mary Dorgan accepted jurisdiction to deal with the case at Cork District Court. Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan asked for an adjournment of the case until May 8 so that consideration could be given to whether there will be a plea of guilty or if the charges will be contested. Ms Deasy faces several counts of handling stolen property, engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a danger. She is also accused of causing criminal damage where it is alleged that she was seen on CCTV damaging flower pots on March 30. There are calls in Cork for the length of a secondary school teaching degree to be reduced. The Professional Masters in Education (PME) went from one year to two years in the last decade, and a Cork teacher said that students are essentially paying to work for free. The Cork South Paddy Mulcahy branch of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) proposed a motion at the unions annual convention that the union campaigns to reduce the programme to a year. Halved Ann Piggott, who read the motion, told The Echo that the length of the degree could easily be halved without compromising on the professional quality of the teachers. Trainee teachers are going to college for two years now and they are paying an awful lot of money for it, she said. She explained at the convention: The PME is a two-year programme for people who satisfy the Teaching Council Subject Requirement in a minimum of one subject and who want to teach in second-level schools. Since 2014, the training period for student teachers has doubled from one year to two. The previous one-year qualification, the HDip, allowed access to teaching jobs. From speaking to PME students, Ms Piggott said that they said they only spent a few hours in college in year two, they stated the material covered was not so different from what they had studied in year one; and for most of the time in year two they were in schools from a content perspective, it appears that all material could be covered in one year. Free work The free work being done in schools is a great way to fill the gaping black holes in timetables during the current teacher shortage but it costs a lot of money to become a teacher. In years one and two of the PME, students will pay approximately 6,500 each year, 13,000 to colleges to gain a teaching qualification. She said that paying so much money to do unpaid work in schools, on top of rent, fuel, heat, and transport means that young people from certain socio-economic backgrounds will not be able to afford the costs of two years of training. Consequently, when the training time and costs doubled, there was a significant fall in applications when 1,200 HDip applicants fell to 800 PME applications. This two years is on top of a three- or four-year degree, she said. Anyone who studies a degree teaching programme right from the start will have training periods combined with school placements and be fully qualified in four years, so an inequality exists, she said. With enormous debts after a long training programme, and little prospect of saving for a home, younger teachers are going to Dubai to pay off debts and save, but this unnecessary debt could be minimised by reducing the second year of the PME, she maintained. The motion was carried by the convention, meaning that the ASTI will advocate for the reduction of the PME, with Ms Piggott telling The Echo that there was a good response from the members to the motion. TRANSPORT Minister Eamon Ryan has said he is aware of ongoing public transport service issues in Cork city and that efforts are under way to improve the reliability of bus services. Mr Ryan made the comments in response to a parliamentary question recently submitted by Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke, who asked what action the Department of Transport is taking to improve the bus service in the city. Issues I am aware of the ongoing public transport service issues in Cork city, and the negative impact that they are having on the travelling public, said Mr Ryan. Further, the National Transport Authority [NTA] have advised that they are specifically aware of the punctuality and reliability issues in Cork city and that they are working closely with Bus Eireann to address these. Mr Ryan said he has also been advised by the NTA that there are a number of routes in Cork city that are being prioritised for planned service improvements in 2024. To this end, Bus Eireann are working with the NTA to examine what steps can be taken in 2024 to improve service provision in the city, and counter issues such as traffic congestion, he said. The MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme, the minister said, has already brought improvements to the network. Still work to be done However, he acknowledged that there is still work to be done in Cork city to build on these incremental changes. In particular, service reliability and punctuality enhancements for routes 220, 225, and 226 need to be addressed, and these routes in particular are being reviewed by the NTA and Bus Eireann with a view towards additional timetable refreshes. Further, recruitment drives for drivers are under way in Cork to address shortages, which will also improve service provision. Further, the planned Cork Network Redesign will involve the creation of new bus routes and improved bus frequencies to help transform the public transport network to meet anticipated growth and future demand in the region. It is currently anticipated that the Cork Network Redesign will commence implementation from 2025, subject to funding and resource availability. The minister said reliability issues highlight the fundamental importance of ensuring bus priority measures, such as those proposed as part of BusConnects Sustainable Transport Corridors. THE food culture of West Cork is embedded in Karen Coakleys DNA. Born and raised in Bantry, her life has been imbued with the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula, and the people that spearheaded todays modern Irish food. It was that love of great Irish produce and a renaissance in Irelands restaurant scene that encouraged Karen to record her life and recipes via Kenmare Foodie. Since 2018, she has branched into food tours of Kenmare, where guests could experience making a baguette at Maison Gourmet, sample beautiful handmade cheeses, a guided wine tasting with a sommelier, and more besides. In 2022, after making a comeback following the challenging Covid years, Karens tour was named one of the top ten food tours in Europe. This coming summer season, her confidence is high as she launches a new tour in Killarney and private tours through her beloved Beara Peninsula. I caught up with Karen to ask her about her journey from stay-at-home mum to TV personality, tour guide, and business owner. I moved from Bantry to Kenmare in 2000 with [husband] Vincent and the two boys, Calen and Aodhan. Then, in 2007, we had twin boys, Rory and Connor, and I was a stay-at-home mom, says Karen, whose life became about wrangling four young boys into young men. I devoted my life to cooking for my family, making sure they had the best of ingredients and home-cooked meals every day. I worked part-time in a restaurant, but I always had this passion for food. Growing up in West Cork, produce the variety and abundance of it was the norm, and the love of it a constant; there in her blood. When you grow up in West Cork, the food runs through your veins. But its not until I left that I realised how much of an impact it had had on me. I was looking for the local produce that I always had, like Peter Rosss carrots, but in 2000 in Kenmare there were fantastic restaurants, but the produce wasnt there as much as it is now. Karen Coakley giving one of her tours. Growing up in Bantry, Karen had a part-time job the check-out at SuperValu. She recalls Jeffa Gill hand delivering Durrus Cheese, made just down the road, and the likes of Gubbeen chorizo going across her check-out. When you grow up with that, it becomes part of who you are. I was incredibly inspired by these women in West Cork who were making all these amazing things with milk, Karen says. I remember going into Mannings Emporium in Ballylickey when I was about 18, and he had this really lovely looking bread. I asked him what it was, and he said that was sourdough. That was in 1990; West Cork already had foods like this, and the area led the way. It just made me who I am. Ireland is an incredible place now, in that local produce is something that is available everywhere, so thats really fantastic to see. In 2012, Karen became involved in a food festival in Kenmare. That put me out into the world of social media, chatting to chefs, producers, journalists everyone in the foodie world. From there, she set up Kenmare Foodie, initially as a recipe blog and as a way to share her life in Kenmare with Vincent, her four boys and the family pets. Five years later, Karen was regularly appearing on RTEs Today Show, cooking her own recipes and spreading even further her message of West Cork and Kerry produce. The food tours, though, came about entirely by accident. I had always wanted to do something in food tourism, and [food tours] were just a no-brainer. I had a couple of conversations with friends who said I had all this passion for food and Kenmare, and that I really should consider doing food tours. The tours started off for Karen as something to do on a Wednesday, to get out of the house and away from kids; away from the kitchen sink, earn a little bit of money and be able to share a little bit of my passion. From that nugget of an idea, Karen has worked hard over the years developing the food tourism side of her business that now forms the bedrock of her brand. People travel from all over Ireland, the UK and U.S to Kerry, specifically to meet Karen, have a tour, and experience the Ireland she portrays through her social channels. Karen Coakley, pictured at one of her tours. Kenmare Foodie only ever started out as my scrap book. That was the beginning of me trying to find a space for me or my identity outside of just being a mum and someone who lit the fire and cooked dinner, she explains. While her Kenmare Food Tour remains her flagship offering, Karen has been working closely with Failte Ireland as part of the working group on the West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP). And the work is starting to pay off. Private tours of the Kerry side of the Beara Peninsula cater mainly to the market for U.S visitors on a once in a lifetime holiday in Ireland, and after recognising that Killarney was ripe for food tours, this year Karen launches a new twice-weekly food tour there. I always loved Killarney, she says. As a child, we always came to Killarney in our caravan on holidays. I love it, and outside of Dublin it has the most tourist visitors per capita in Ireland. Theres a lot happening there with food, especially post- Covid; Killarney has had a huge transition and is really leading the way in Ireland with its sustainability charters. But Karen is still bowled over by those that book in for one of her tours because of her presence on social media. When I first ran tours in Kenmare on Wednesdays, I discovered it was people following me on Instagram from Macroom, Cork and Killarney who were coming because they had been following me, had cooked my recipes, and wanted to meet me and do the food tour with me. I have followers in America and the UK booking a food tour because they follow me on social media, and I often think its bonkers, but fabulous! I do private cooking cases as well, says Karen. I recently got a booking request for an American family who were staying in Kenmare and wanted me to do a cookery demonstration at their rented house. But before it started, they gathered around me, and the mother gave me a painting she had made of one of my favourite photographs of me sea swimming. Turned out they were followers; she had spent months painting that to give to me. I cried my eyes out! It was unthinkable that someone in America would do that for you, then book you to cook for them. Her husband had made me a lovely cheeseboard, and now were friends on Facebook! Karen chatting to tourists. Karen says what people want from food tourism has changed significantly post-Covid. Food tourism is coming into a new era, she says. People want immersive experiences, unique experiences, and they want authenticity. Younger generations really focus on sustainability and are very much into their food and where it comes from. That all flags what Im about and what my tours are about. Since beginning Kenmare Foodies, Karens boys have grown up. Calen is 30, Aodhan is 26, and Connor and Rory are now 16. But, says Karen, home life is not so different. The only difference for them was, last summer, I didnt cook so much and that was a big shock! There was a time when I always cooked, but now I just say I cant do everything I cant be making money and cooking dinner all the time! Im still really close to the boys and theyre home regularly. For a year and a half over Covid, they were all home. That was tough for them, especially the older two, because they had to step away from the lives they had and move home. But it was also good because they had time to figure out what they wanted to do. Ahead of her new tour season, Karen has unveiled a new-look website. Its a one-stop-shop for everything Kenmare Foodie, from food tours and private cookery classes to her collection of recipes. The project was funded entirely through the Digital That Delivers programme with Failte Ireland. Im thrilled with my new website, says Karen. I would say to anyone working in food tourism to link in with Failte Ireland; I wouldnt be where I am without the supports they have given me. Karen has built a successful business and a recognisable brand from nothing but a wish to share her joint passions for food and home life, learning as she went, and all while juggling a hectic family life. There is never a right time to start a new chapter or try something new or to invest in ourselves. But, says Karen, if there is something you really want to do, the only obstacle to making it happen is you. When I had the idea to do food tours, they went around in my head for a long time. I kept saying it was a crazy idea; no-ones going to come on a food tour, how am I going to make it work? When something goes around in your head, it can turn into a negative thing and make you walk away. But one day I went for coffee in Maison Gourmet, a bakery that is on my Kenmare Food Tour, and met [the proprietor] Emma. I told her I was thinking of starting a food tour, and straight away, she said what a fantastic idea it was, that I should bring the group to the bakery to make baguettes! Once Emma said that, I realised maybe it wasnt such a bad idea, and I took it from there. Work with people who believe in you, and if it doesnt feel right, its not for you. You have to feel good about what youre doing. The PBS documentary series A Brief History of the Future was an idea whose germination accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Right around the time that the pandemic was hitting us, I realized that most of the narratives and stories about the future were based in doom and gloom, right? said Ari Wallach, co-executive producer and host. I call it big dystopia. Ari Wallach talks with Karen Washington, a farmer in Chester, New York. BetterTomorrows Wallach is a futurist who has been investigating our planet for years, trying to determine what does a flourishing society look like on a thriving ecologically-sound planet Earth. One way to explore this idea was to travel with a film crew and document positive impacts around the globe. Wallach and his team visit a kelp farmer in New Haven, a solar farm in Morocco, a mycelium entrepreneur in New York state and a floating village in Amsterdam, among many other locations. The footage was molded into a six-part, six-hour documentary. The series, which covers not only climate innovators but historians, scientists and thinkers, premieres on PBS on April 3, and Wallach was part of a team that included executive producer Kathryn Murdoch (married to James Murdoch, Rupert Murdochs son), the UNTOLD studio, and Drakes DreamCrew production team. The following are excerpts of a conversation with Wallach from his home in Hastings-on-Hudson. Youre sort of looking at this show as a kind of corrective to the doomsday-based climate narratives out there? It is a corrective intervention on how we think about the future, which is yes, there are potentially a lot of bad things that can happen. But guess what? Theres also a lot of potentially great things that can happen. What I say early on in this show is, we often think about what could go wrong, but we dont often think about what does it look like if it goes right. And theres multiple rights. Were there places from your travels that stuck out for you? It was my first time in Iceland and the folks that I met were very forward thinking. Theyre like, heres what we have. And heres how were going to make it better. Were going to tap into geothermal. Were going to grow food in the middle of winter. We dont have a lot of light. So, were going to store light. Parallel to that, when we were in India, we were in this very small village that had decided to go almost completely solar. This was much more of like, heres how we lean into better futures environmentally, sustainably and for our own health. And that mindset was very different from the one that Ive been kind of enmeshed in for the past decade plus, especially in the kind of clean green energy space. When you see these micro examples of people doing things at the very local level, how did that change how you think about things, or did it at all? A lot of what I did as a kind of host and a guide was pull myself out of the usual rooms that Im in. Im in a lot of conference rooms and a lot of organizations Seeing folks who were acknowledging where they were and where we are as a species on this planet right now, but then saying, okay, lets acknowledge, but lets move forward, and move forward in a way that is not pollyannish rainbows and unicorns, but move forward in a way where its like, every little bit counts. You know, I go back to this quote that I always attribute to Al Gore, but I dont know if its really from him. Theres no silver bullet. Its a silver buckshot. A lot of what we did in our travels was finding the people who are doing the silver buckshot. When you visited Ecovative (a company producing food, leathers, and materials from mycelium, a fungi) how scalable do you think something like that is and how optimistic does that make you feel about where we can go with food production? Lets go back a hundred-ish years to the first couple of oil derricks in Tulsa or the Permian Basin. And now look at the global footprint of oil and big oil. No one back then thought it would scale to being basically how you run a planet. Whether its mycelium for food production or for energy or for building materials, people say, well, how can that scale? Look around. A gas station on every corner, a car in front of every home more or less, we scaled it, it worked. And that wasnt even driven by an emergency. That was just driven by economics. So, imagine if you have economics and a little bit of an emergency situation that stuff can scale. You introduce this concept of the intertidal moment the moment between things in the ocean. But what does this mean for our species? As a society were at an intertidal between what was and what will be. What the show really does is it brings to light different folks and projects and ideas that are for the intertidal moment. They are emblematic of an intertidal mindset of, we got to take a little bit about what we did before, mix it in with this kind of the chaos of the current moment and point us towards what we want. But none of them claim to be the perfect example of the next paradigm. What we show in the series are folks who are doing that with an open, innovative mindset, whether its in technology or food or housing or how we think about democracy or even human psychology. Your team also visits with Boyan Slat (founder of The Ocean Cleanup). What was that like? The takeaway from Boyan Slat isnt just what theyre doing, because what theyre doing is very fascinating. Theyre cleaning up rivers and taking microplastics or plastic that became microplastics out of the ocean and therefore out of the fish. He basically said, everyone kept saying this is impossible. You cant do anything. And he just kept saying, what if we just go and clean it up? He said, not everything has to be pie in the sky, Manhattan-project level. Sometimes you just have to do it. What would you say to people who are becoming overly cynical about climate breakdown? Its hard not to be cynical about the fate of our species on planet Earth. We have to recognize, though, that those arent all the stories of whats happening. There are two things you can do. One, curate what comes into your mind think about the stories that are perpetuated algorithmically to us. These algorithms are receptive to what it is that were clicking on. So be careful and think about what you want more of coming on to your information plate. Two, there are things that you need to do in your daily life. We had a lawn, and were letting it go to a meadow. What does Aris little piece of land have to do with, you know, creating a pollinator pathway? But that helps avoid the cynicism knowing that youre doing something. There are bigger things. You can donate to candidates. You can march. You can rally. The key thing, though, is to recognize that you have agency, both for your own actions and those around you. A Brief History of the Future premieres April 3 on PBS. Watch the trailer below. ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (April 3, 2024) Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is among the University of North Carolina (UNC) System schools participating in the Military Equivalency System, designed to support military service members in earning college credit. The UNC Military Equivalency System contains thousands of equivalencies between military occupations and training and academic courses at the 16 universities in the UNC System. Before applying for admission, prospective students can use the resource to determine how experience from their Joint Services Transcript (JST) equates to specific courses at the states public universities. This is particularly good news in North Carolina, where the UNC System serves a growing number of military-affiliated students more than 21,000 last fall, or about 9% of the student population. Our North Carolina military community is greatly enhanced professionally and personally through higher education. The UNC System breakthrough in providing real-time information on credit for military education, training and experience will benefit service members, family members and veterans, said retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Rodney Anderson, chairman of the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission. This UNC military credit equivalency system not only supports military readiness but advances North Carolina as the most military friendly state in the nation. Until now, prospective military students have faced a lengthy decision process, having to contact a universitys registrar, admissions office, or sometimes faculty or academic program directors directly to inquire about what credits they could receive for their military experience. The process has proven confusing and overwhelming for service members and universities alike. The Military Equivalency System now provides a transparent and streamlined way for students and institutions to review the JST at any time before or during enrollment. The resource also empowers service members to evaluate their best options across the UNC System for pursuing an education and allows for better movement of credit among UNC campuses. The idea for the system goes back to a state law that mandated the development of a plan to ensure that college credits are uniformly granted to students with military training. A 2022 regulation enacted by UNC System President Peter Hans further directed the creation of a centralized and definitive resource to be used by public universities for awarding credit for military courses and jobs. Hans said the new system is key to providing high quality degrees and credentials to more veterans, active duty, Reserve and National Guard students in the states universities. We want to keep these dedicated and highly skilled men and women in our state, and that starts with offering them an affordable, accessible education right here in North Carolina, Hans said. Were happy this system has finally come to fruition, giving veterans and service members what they deserve hard-earned credit for their knowledge and experience. We also recognize the tremendous value these folks bring to our states critical workforce areas such as the healthcare, IT, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. The UNC Military Equivalency System went live on Feb. 29, 2024. It is expected to expand substantially in the next year as more course credit equivalencies are added. Universities in the UNC System: Appalachian State University East Carolina University Elizabeth City State University Fayetteville State University North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University North Carolina Central University North Carolina State University University of North Carolina Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Pembroke University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of North Carolina Wilmington Western Carolina University Tra Vinh, Vietnam, aids poultry farmers in vaccinating against avian influenza The agricultural sector in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam, is raising awareness and supporting livestock farmers to vaccinate their poultry against avian influenza. The sub-department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine in Tra Vinh will assist livestock farmers in vaccinating over 3.15 million poultry birds and conduct disinfection spraying in barns and at poultry trading, slaughtering and processing points. In the first quarter of 2024, the department provided over 8,960 litres of chemicals to localities for disinfection spraying in barns for 49,640 livestock farming households. Through awareness campaigns, livestock farmers in the province administered over 1.03 million vaccine doses to 808,098 poultry birds. In Cau Ke District, a significant portion of the poultry population comprises free-range ducks, making up approximately 40% of the district's total poultry count of 1.1 million. The district has seen notable success in poultry disease prevention and control, particularly in flock management and avian influenza vaccination. Despite the district's sizable poultry population, the primary focus of farming remains on large-scale production, with livestock farmers demonstrating a high level of awareness concerning disease prevention and control measures. Ha My Xuyen, head of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Cau Ke, said that since the beginning of the dry season in 2024, the station has monitored poultry farming for restocking to promote and support poultry farmers in vaccine administration. As a result, over 200,000 poultry birds have been vaccinated against avian influenza in the district, which led to the effective managing and monitoring of the disease without any outbreaks. On average, Tra Vinh Province has around 6.7 million poultry birds raised by households annually. Currently, there are three large-scale poultry farms with a total of 36,000 chickens as well as poultry farms of medium scale with a total of over 257,000 animals and small-scale livestock farming households. This year, Tra Vinh Province aims to produce approximately 7.8 million poultry birds. - VNS Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . I remember begging my parents to get me a phone with a camera when the earliest ones were launched. The idea of taking photos wherever I went was new and appealing, but its since become less of a novelty and more of a daily habit. Yes, Im one of those. I take pictures of everything from beautiful meals and funny signs to gorgeous landscapes and plumes of smoke billowing in the distance. If you grew up in the Nokia 3310 era like me, then you know how far weve come. Gone are the 2-megapixel embarrassments that we used to post to Friendster with glee. Now, many of us use the cameras on our phones to not only capture precious memories of our adventures and loved ones, but also to share our lives with the world. Im lucky enough that I have access to multiple phones thanks to my job, and at times would carry a second device with me on a day-trip just because I preferred its cameras. But most people dont have that luxury. Chances are, if youre reading this, a phones cameras may be of utmost importance to you. But youll still want to make sure the device you end up getting doesnt fall flat in other ways. At Engadget, we test and review dozens of smartphones every year; our top picks below represent not only the best phone cameras available right now, but also the most well-rounded options out there. What to look for when choosing a phone for its cameras Before scrutinizing a phones camera array, youll want to take stock of your needs what are you using it for? If your needs are fairly simple, like taking photos and videos of your new baby or pet, most modern smartphones will serve you well. Those who plan to shoot for audiences on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube should look for video-optimizing features like stabilization and high frame rate support (for slow-motion clips). Most smartphones today have at least two cameras on the rear and one up front. Those that cost more than $700 usually come with three, including wide-angle, telephoto or macro lenses. Weve also reached a point where the number of megapixels (MP) doesnt really matter anymore most flagship phones from Apple, Samsung and Google have sensors that are either 48MP or 50MP. Youll even come across some touting resolutions of 108MP or 200MP, in pro-level devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Most people wont need anything that sharp, and in general, smartphone makers combine the pixels to deliver pictures that are the equivalent of 12MP anyway. The benefits of pixel-binning are fairly minor in phone cameras, though, and youll usually need to blow up an image to fit a 27-inch monitor before youll see the slightest improvements. In fact, smartphone cameras tend to be so limited in size that theres often little room for variation across devices. They typically use sensors from the same manufacturers and have similar aperture sizes, lens lengths and fields of view. So while it might be worth considering the impact of sensor size on things like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, on a smartphone those differences are minimal. Sensor size and field of view If you still want a bit of guidance on what to look for, here are some quick tips: By and large, the bigger the sensor the better, as this will allow more light and data to be captured. Not many phone makers will list the sensor size in spec lists, so youll have to dig around for this info. A larger aperture (usually indicated by a smaller number with an f/ preceding a digit) is ideal for the same reason, and it also affects the level of depth of field (or background blur) thats not added via software. Since portrait modes are available on most phones these days, though, a big aperture isnt as necessary to achieve this effect. When looking for a specific field of view on a wide-angle camera, know that the most common offering from companies like Samsung and Google is about 120 degrees. Finally, most premium phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra offer telephoto systems that go up to 5x optical zoom with software taking that to 20x or even 100x. Processing and extra features These features will likely perform at a similar quality across the board, and where you really see a difference is in the processing. Samsung traditionally renders pictures that are more saturated, while Googles Pixel phones take photos that are more neutral and evenly exposed. iPhones have historically produced pictures with color profiles that seem more accurate, though in comparison to images from the other two, they can come off yellowish. However, that was mostly resolved after Apple introduced a feature in the iPhone 13 called Photographic Styles that lets you set a profile with customizable contrast levels and color temperature that would apply to every picture taken via the native camera app. Pro users who want to manually edit their shots should see if the phone theyre considering can take images in RAW format. Those who want to shoot a lot of videos while on the move should look for stabilization features and a decent frame rate. Most of the phones weve tested at Engadget record at either 60 frames per second at 1080p or 30 fps at 4K. Its worth checking to see what the front camera shoots at, too, since theyre not usually on par with their counterparts on the rear. Finally, while the phones native editor is usually not a dealbreaker (since you can install a third-party app for better controls), its worth noting that the latest flagships from Samsung and Google all offer AI tools that make manipulating an image a lot easier. They also offer a lot of fun, useful extras, like erasing photobombers, moving objects around or making sure everyone in the shot has their eyes open. How we test smartphone cameras For the last few years, Ive reviewed flagships from Google, Samsung and Apple, and each time, I do the same set of tests. Im especially particular when testing their cameras, and usually take all the phones Im comparing out on a day or weekend photo-taking trip. Any time I see a photo- or video-worthy moment, I whip out all the devices and record what I can, doing my best to keep all factors identical and maintain the same angle and framing across the board. It isnt always easy to perfectly replicate the shooting conditions for each camera, even if I have them out immediately after I put the last one away. Of course, having them on some sort of multi-mount rack would be the most scientific way, but that makes framing shots a lot harder and is not representative of most peoples real-world use. Also, just imagine me holding up a three-prong camera rack running after the poor panicked wildlife Im trying to photograph. Its just not practical. For each device, I make sure to test all modes, like portrait, night and video, as well as all the lenses, including wide, telephoto and macro. When there are new or special features, I test them as well. Since different phone displays can affect how their pictures appear, I wanted to level the playing field: I upload all the material to Google Drive in full resolution so I can compare everything on the same large screen. Because the photos from todays phones are of mostly the same quality, I usually have to zoom in very closely to see the differences. I also frequently get a coworker whos a photo or video expert to look at the files and weigh in. Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget Best camera phone overall Google Pixel 8 Pro Screen size: 6.7-inch | Screen resolution: 2,992 x 1,344 | Weight: 7.5 oz | Front camera resolution: 10.5MP | Back camera resolution: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom | Storage: 128/256/512GB | RAM: 12GB | Battery: 5,050mAh Read our full review of the Google Pixel 8 Pro Googles Pixel 8 Pro has the best camera game in town, outshining even the latest iPhones. Thats not just because Google continues to deliver the cleanest results in low-light, especially compared to Samsungs flagships, but its typically the first to bring useful features to market. Things like Portrait Mode, Night Sight and Super Res Zoom may not have originated on Google phones (sometimes companies from China, like Huawei or Xiaomi, did these earlier), but when they arrive on Pixels, theyre usually better than the rest. Getting a Google handset should guarantee youre among the first to experience such tools earlier than your friends. The company has historically used its superior processing to make up for hardware shortfalls, but nowadays its flagships have imaging setups that easily stand up against the competition. The Pixel 8 Pros 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide camera and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom rival the best of Samsung and Apple. Googles Magic Editor lets you tweak almost anything you want in your pictures, and its new video boost allows for even more advanced processing. Plus, I was very impressed by the Audio Magic Eraser tool, which can drastically reduce background noise. Youll also love using the Pixel 8 Pro as your daily driver thanks to its pleasant interface, which is both pretty and easy to use. Googles premium phone is one of the first to offer built-in generative AI features like summarizing a website and generating customized wallpapers and color themes, in addition to helpful Call Screening and Recorder tools. The Pixel 8 Pros battery clocked 21 hours on our test as well, and Googles Tensor G3 processor delivered speedy performance. Plus, at $999, the Pixel 8 Pro is the cheapest flagship on this list and our favorite Android phone, period more reasons to recommend it over the rest. $649 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $999 at Google Store Pixel 8 Pro vs Galaxy S23 Ultra comparisons In this pic the Pixel 8 Pro capture better colors, more details and wider dynamic range. Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget Best pro-level camera phone Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Screen size: 6.8-inch | Screen resolution: 3,120 x 1,440 | Weight: 8.18 oz (232 grams) | Front camera resolution: 12MP | Back camera resolution: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom | Storage: 256GB/ 512GB/ 1TB | RAM: 12GB | Battery: 5,000mAh Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsungs Ultra series of flagships is usually packed to the brim with top-tier components for power users, which makes it no surprise that the Galaxy S24 Ultra has the edge in camera specs. With its 200MP main sensor accompanied by 10MP, 12MP and 50MP options for its wide, 3x telephoto and 5x telephoto systems respectively, Samsungs premium handset is kitted with the most advanced hardware. The company also introduced its own Magic Editor tool this year, which basically does what Googles version offers remove photobombers, reposition subjects, suggest tweaks, replace backgrounds and more. Those who are familiar with Samsungs history might also catch that a 5x optical zoom is relatively low for the Galaxy S series, since its reached 10x with older lenses. Still, this new system, combined with software, allows Samsung to still offer what it calls 10x optical quality zoom, which our reviewer Sam Rutherford said is surprisingly sharp. He even described the S24 Ultras close-up shots of distant objects as comparable to those from a Pixel 8 Pro. In low light, Sam notes the S24 Ultra largely keeps up with Googles Night Sight as well. From my experience, Samsung tends to deliver pictures that are more saturated than the competition, as well as portrait shots that are a tad less accurate at blurring around a subjects outlines than Pixel phones. Still, these differences are minor enough that whether theyre acceptable boils down to your preference. I generally recommend the S24 Ultra to pro users, since Samsung offers a manual mode in its camera app that gives advanced photographers more control over specific settings. I also particularly like the native video editor in the phones Gallery app, which lets me easily trim and split clips, as well as export individual frames. The S24 Ultra is also an excellent phone, thanks to its titanium build, helpful new AI features and bright, colorful display. It also has the longest-lasting battery of all the candidates on this roundup, so you can take it on a two-day camping trip and not worry about bringing a charger and looking for outlets. Chances are, if youre already a fan of Samsung, or use its other devices like the Galaxy Watch or one of the companys laptops or TVs, youll find even more benefits in getting the S24 Ultra. $1,300 at Amazon Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra photo comparions A photo comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and some competing devices. Photo by Cherlynn Low / Engadget Best iPhone camera iPhone 15 Pro Max Screen size: 6.7-inch | Screen resolution: 2,796 x 1,290 | Weight: 7.81 oz (221 grams) | Front camera resolution: 12MP | Back camera resolution: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom | Storage: 256GB/ 512GB/1TB | RAM: 12GB | Battery: NA/Up to 29 hours video playback Read our full review of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Im the sort of person that hangs on to an older phone because Im too lazy to move my data over, but after I tested the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I instantly set it up to replace my iPhone 14 Pro. Even though I had reservations about its size, the improvement in quality, especially in telephoto shots, was enough to convince me. A lot of my pictures are of wildlife, and the iPhone 15 Pro Maxs 5x optical zoom helped me get much clearer shots of an Eastern screech owl hidden in a tall tree than my iPhone 14 Pro. Ive been able to get closer to subjects like grazing deer, soaring hawks and busy woodpeckers in both still and video capture. In more typical scenarios, the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers great color and clarity, both at night and during the day. I also appreciate Apples Photographic Styles, which lets me set a bunch of levels and have all my pictures turn out the way I like them. While I sometimes wish the native editor in the Photos app offered more tools for splitting up videos and exporting individual frames, at least theres always iMovie available in iOS that provides all I need to quickly produce a clip for Instagram or TikTok. Though Apple and Googles flagships are generally neck-and-neck when it comes to cameras, I still find Pixel phones more accurate and consistent in Portrait mode and slightly stronger in low light. iPhones have the advantage in Cinematic videos, though, so if youre not married to Android or iOS, your choice boils down to what and when you shoot most. $1,199 at Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max camera samples iPhone 15 Pro Max camera samples Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget Best cheap camera phone Google Pixel 7a Screen size: 6.1-inch | Screen resolution: 2,400 x 1,080 | Weight: 6.8 oz (192 grams) | Front camera resolution: 13MP | Back camera resolution: 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Storage: 128GB | RAM: 8GB | Battery: 4,385 mAh Read our full review of the Google Pixel 7a Like I said earlier, Googles ability to use software to make up for limited hardware is its greatest strength. This is particularly helpful in the midrange category, where phone makers have to use cheaper components and camera sensors tend to be one of the areas of sacrifice. Still, with its 64MP main rear camera and 13MP one up front, the Pixel 7a offers better photo and video quality than anything else at this price. In some cases, Googles midrange device even did better than Samsungs S23 Ultra, according to my colleague Sam Rutherford in his review. Devices from OnePlus and Nothing, and Samsungs A series, dont even come close. Apples only sub-$500 offering is the iPhone SE (2022), which packs a single 12MP sensor in the back. Even if you can find an iPhone 13 on the secondhand market, its image and video quality still lags the Pixel 7a, which can record footage in 4K resolution. Throw in the fact that the Pixel 7a lasted 17 hours on our battery test and comes with a 90Hz OLED screen, youll be hard-pressed to find a better phone at this price, much less one with cameras like Googles. $409 at Amazon Former executive Xu Yao from the sci-fi Netflix series '3 Body Problem' was sentenced to death for the murder of its producer, which took place nearly three years ago. Lin Qui founded Yoozoo Games in 2009, which owns all the rights for any adaptation of the Chinese series, which debuted on Netflix on March 21. The court stated Yao was known as a esteemed lawyer who ultimately became professional rivals with Qui before being sidelined following his assistance in bringing the Netflix deal to life in 2020. According to Business Insider, the Shanghai First Intermediate People's Court found former executive Yao, 43, guilty of poisoning Lin Qui, 39, resulting in his death. RELATED: Renowned K-Pop Producer Shinsadong Tiger Dead At 40 Qui decided to use other executives to spearhead business operations, and according to reports, Yao didn't take his replacement lightly. Just months after the rift started between the two Qui was dead. The dispute led to Yao tampering with Qui's food, allegedly sickening him by poisoning a cup of his pu'erh tea. Yahoo News reported that Yao acquired lethal substances and disguised them as probiotics before giving them to Qui. Qui, formerly known as China's "Billionaire Millennial," reportedly felt unwell after taking the pills, checking himself into a hospital. Despite his initial stable condition, his health took a dramatic turn. He died 10 days after his arrival. RELATED: New Netflix Series 'Griselda' Starring Sofia Vergara Has Fans Celebrating Her Riveting Performance On March 22, Xu Yao was sentenced to death. His ruling came just one day before the premiere of the trilogy book series now-turned TV series '3 Body Problem.' The fictional story depicts past, present, and future encounters of an alien civilization from a nearby system of three sun-like stars orbiting each other, a representation of orbital mechanics. The show portrays a blend of ethics, politics, physics, and Chinese history. In a short time, the series has already recieved a whopping 81.7 million hours watched. The Essex Reporter is a daily digital news website covering the Town of Essex and City of Essex Junction, Vermont. Our beat reporters are on the ground every day covering local government, schools, sports, business and culture. HERNDON, Pa. Beginning farmers, homesteaders poised to scale up and those thinking about getting into farming for profit are invited to join the PA Veteran Farming Network for a Beginning Farmer workshop May 4. Navy veteran Kathleen Mirarchi and her family own and operate Mirarchi Meadows, which is home to a small Katahdin sheep flock and beehives in Northumberland County. Mirarchi will share some of the obstacles her family has overcome in establishing their farm operation. United States Department of Agriculture Beginning Farmer Coordinator Michael Sherman will also share details of programming from USDA that can assist very small farmers in getting established and growing their farms, covering everything from loans to conservation and risk management programming. Air Force National Guard veteran Nichole Ditty of Sweet Amber Apiary will join attendees to visit active beehives on the property and discuss the benefits of beekeeping for veterans. This event is free to veterans, military and their spouses. Learn more and register at pavetfarms.org/event-details. COLUMBUS The Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Program honored Josh Snyder with the 2024 CCA of the Year award in March at the 2024 Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference in Ada, Ohio. Snyder is a precision agronomy solutions advisor at the Crestline Agronomy Location of Sunrise Cooperative. He received a plaque and $1,500 in recognition of his contributions. Get our Top Stories in Your Inbox SALEM, Ohio A dairy herd in Ohio tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Ohio Department of Agriculture announced April 2. The dairy operation in Wood County received cows on March 8 from a Texas dairy that later confirmed cows were infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as the bird flu. Ohios animal health officials were notified when the cows began showing clinical signs similar to sick, lactating dairy cows in other states. The Ohio Department of Agriculture said it received a presumptive positive test for HPAI and is awaiting confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Veterinary Services Laboratory. The USDA announced on March 25 that a mystery illness in dairy herds in Texas and Kansas was determined to be highly pathogenic avian influenza. Since then, the USDA confirmed the detection of HPAI in seven dairy herds in Texas, two in Kansas, one in Michigan, one in New Mexico and one in Idaho. The herds in Michigan and Idaho had also recently received cows from affected herds in Texas, where animals later tested positive. One person in Texas who had been in contact with affected cattle tested positive for the bird flu, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control announced on April 1. This is the second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a human since this outbreak began in February 2022. The other person had been in contact with an affected poultry flock. State and federal agencies maintain there is low risk to human health and no risk to the commercial milk supply. Background Dairy producers in Texas first noticed some cows were sick with an unknown ailment in mid-February. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, impacted cattle show flu-like symptoms including fever, low appetite, thick and discolored milk along with a sharp reduction in milk production averaging between 10-30 pounds per cow throughout the herd. The disease seemed to affect mostly older dairy cows in mid-lactation. The virus has been detected in unpasteurized milk samples from sick animals and through throat swabs, the USDA said. Most impacted cows recover with supportive care. While there is low risk to human health, people with close or prolonged exposure to infected animals or environments are at greater risk of becoming infected themselves. There is still no risk to the commercial milk supply as federal regulation requires milk from sick animals to be diverted or destroyed. Additionally, pasteurization has proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. There is concern, though for economic impacts to individual herds hit by the virus. The Texas Department of Agriculture said affected herds may lose up to 40% of their milk production for 7 to 10 days until symptoms subside. There could also be issues for producers who sell raw milk or use raw milk to make cheese, as the virus is found in unpasteurized milk. More than 82 million domestic birds have been culled as a result of the current bird flu outbreak, which started in February 2022. The bird flu has been detected in more than 200 mammals, mostly wild animals. Bird flu detections tend to be higher in the fall and spring as wild birds, primarily waterfowl, that naturally carry the virus migrate and spread it in their droppings. It can spread on farms through contaminated water or people carrying matter from infected birds on their clothing, gloves, shoes, vehicle tires or other equipment. The first domesticated ruminant to be diagnosed with HPAI was a goat kid in Minnesota in February. The goats lived on a property where a backyard poultry flock had recently been hit by HPAI. The birds and goats had access to the same space and a shared water source. Several goat kids died, but adult goats tested negative for the virus and appeared healthy. Its still unclear if the virus can be transmitted from cow to cow, but USDA officials arent ruling it out just yet. According to the National Milk Producers Federation, USDA officials are also considering the possibility of mechanical transmission in which animals may spread the virus by milking equipment that hasnt been fully sanitized. Farmers across the country are urged to practice good biosecurity, test animals before necessary movements, minimize animal movements, isolate sick animals from the herd, and limit contact between cattle and wild birds. If movement must occur, the USDA recommends PCR testing animals before movement and isolating animals after movement for a minimum of 21 days before integrating them with the rest of the herd. Related content: Bird flu detected in dairy cows in Texas, Kansas Dairy cows in Michigan diagnosed with bird flu A continued strong lead by the Holstein sire, Genosource Captain, plus two new graduates in the top 10 are features of the daughter-proven Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI) ranking. Captains PLI climbs to 874, despite the impact of the rolling base change which takes place each April, AHDB confirms in its new rankings. He continues to excel in Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for production, including 1187kg milk, 49.5kg fat and 37.6kg protein. Combining this with outstanding Feed Advantage (289), he earns his stripes from close to 500 daughters milking in the UK and many more internationally. Captains Type Merit of 1.85 also ranks him high on the conformation lists. Climbing a place to second is Westcoast River (PLI 778), with 329 UK milking daughters. River has one of the best HealthyCow ratings at 286, thanks to outstanding udder health (-32 SCC) and higher daughter fertility (Fertility Index 10). Ranking even higher for daughter fertility is third placed Aardema Pistolero, with a 12.3 FI. He too scores well for HealthyCow at 275 and has a PLI of 722. Both River and Pistolero are sons of Westcoast Guarantee, a former number one PLI sire himself. The highest-ranking new graduate moves into fourth position in the form of Peak AltaZazzle son, Winstar Greycup. His PLI of 717 reflects a well-balanced profile, including high fat PTAs, at 40.4kg and +0.19%. Fifth to seventh places are occupied by three De-Su 14222 Kenobi sons, the first being FB Kenobi Targaryen, with a PLI of 710 and excellent protein transmission (36.2kg). Next comes Denovo 15567 Kimmel (PLI 706), who makes strong gains as he adds UK daughters and offers a high milk PTA at 969kg. And the third Kenobi son is Bomaz Kettle who transmits high milk solids and has PLI of 703. Peak Mauney climbs to eighth position (PLI 701), with exceptional daughter Fertility Index (14.3), a high HealthyCow (273) and favourable transmission of digital dermatitis resistance. However, the best Fertility Index, at 14.4, is for ninth placed Progenesis Wimbledon, who also excels for milk quality, at +0.33% fat and +0.24% protein. He shares this position with the final new graduate in the top 10, Badger SSI Big Al Newman, both earning a PLI of 695. Newman has the best Lifespan Index of the top bulls (+198 days), and also the best HealthyCow at 298. Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB said: The leading proven sires demonstrate a superb balance of traits including those which will confer health, efficiency and high production on to their daughters. This is so important in an economic and political climate which demands a low carbon footprint and high standards of animal welfare alongside profitability, all of which are being demonstrated through the performance of actual daughters of these sires. The fact that these gains can be made through breeding is not to be overlooked, as this is the cheapest and most permanent and long-term method of making progress." Christine Quinn's husband has been ordered to move out of their home. Christine Quinn's husband ordered to move out of their home A judge has approved Christine's request for a temporary restraining order against Christian Dumontet and ruled that he must vacate their Hollywood home. Christian has also been ordered to hand over login information for the home's security systems and he has been forbidden from coming within 100 yards of Christine, her home, vehicle, job or their son Chrstian Jr's "school or childcare", according to PEOPLE. The order is in effect until a hearing on April 17. Christine recently filed for divorce after five years of marriage and, in court documents obtained by PageSix, she alleged that when she initially broke up with Christian, he started yelling at her, throwing floral arrangements and urinated on the floor in a "rampage" before fishing dog faeces out of the bin and throwing them at her. She said: "I then locked him out, and our son and I spent the night in the master bedroom. I could hear him continuing to shout and yell, and could hear him smashing and breaking things through the house." Amid the divorce proceedings, Christian had tried and failed to get a restraining order put in place against Christine, The entrepreneur was arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident earlier this month, and he subsequently submitted a request to the court demanding the 'Selling Sunset' star move out of their home, as well as asking a judge to restrict her travels with Christian Jr. However, according to PageSix, the judge denied the request until the legal meeting on 17 April. The documents stated: The facts given in the request do not show reasonable proof of a past act or acts of abuse." Kirsten Dunst has revealed a male director once asked her something "totally improper". Kirsten Dunst has recalled quitting a role after the director made an inappropriate comment The 41-year-old former child star - who starred in 1994's 'Little Women' and 1995 'Jumanji' in her youth before going on to land roles as a teen in the satires 'Dick' and 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' and the Sofia Coppola-directed drama 'The Virgin Suicides' - has not disclosed any further details about the incident that happened when the 'Bring It On' star was all alone with the unnamed director. In a candid interview with Britain's The Telegraph newspaper, she said: "A male director had me in his office, by myself, and was asking me about this movie he wanted me for, and then, completely out of the blue, asked me this inappropriate question." Without naming the filmmaker or what he said, she continued: Honestly, Im not even sure hes still working any more. Its not something I like to reflect on. But I will say what he said was nothing to do with acting. And it wasnt that what he said was just a bit off. It was totally improper. And I remember sitting there and knowing that something was wrong, but with no idea what I should do. The only person she told was her mother, who "withdrew me from the process and told them I wouldnt be making the film. Kirsten - who gained further attention for her role as Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi's 'Spider-Man' trilogy in the noughties - says Coppola was a great mentor to her and filled her with confidence as teenager experiencing the crazy world of Hollywood. Praising the 52-year-old Academy Award winner - who is the youngest child and only daughter of filmmakers Eleanor and Francis Ford Coppola, and is also a former child star having starred as an infant in her father's acclaimed crime drama 'The Godfather' in 1972 - she said: The way Sofia made me feel about how I looked on camera gave me so much confidence in my teenage years. Its a weird age to be working in Hollywood, and I know how rare and valuable it is to find that kind of mentor. Kirsten was once driven by a producer working on 'Spider-Man' to the dentist because they demanded she got her teeth straighten - but she refused. She said: All I can say is that when I was 19, I was not thinking in those terms at all." Kirsten is glad women are speaking out on gender pay disparity in Hollywood after she found out she was paid "much, much less" than her 'Spider-Man' co-star Tobey Maquire, 48, who played the titular role and her lover in the Marvel series. She said of what has changed in the industry since the trilogy ended in 2007: The one big thing is the more open conversation around womens pay. When I was cast in Spider-Man, I had just had this big hit with Bring it On so, you know, I was actually bringing something to the table. But I had no awareness of that, nor even that the fact I was being paid much, much less than Tobey [Maguire, her co-star] might be unfair. So it wasnt as if I was turning up to the set every day feeling bad about it. It was just something no-one even thought to question. Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are "still together" - but taking some space to "figure things out". Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are still working on their relationship The 37-year-old 'Transformers' actress - who has Noah, 11, Bodhi, 10, and Journey, seven, with ex-spouse Brain Austin Green - recently confirmed on the Call Her Daddy podcast that reports about her and the 33-year-old rapper calling off their engagement at some point was accurate. And whilst she and MGK - whose real name is Colson Baker - are said to be living apart and going through ups and downs, they still hope to work things out. A source told ET: "Megan and MGKs relationship is up and down. Right now, they are taking some space, but things could easily change. "They are still together as a couple and trying to figure things out. MGK is very in love with Megan, so he does his best to keep her happy and lets her take the lead." The source added of Brian's reaction to the candid interview: "Brian isn't bothered by Megan's comments about him on Call Her Daddy. Brian's priority with Megan is her being a good mom to their kids and having a healthy co-parenting relationship with her," the source says. Green and Fox share three boys." The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star, 50, moved on with 'Dancing With the Stars' pro Sharna Burgess, 38, with whom he welcomed son called Zane in 2022. The insider added that the actor "is happy and enjoying his relationship with Sharna. He is at peace in this relationship and Sharna provides security and stability to him, which he loves and appreciates." Megan said on the podcast: "As of now I don't have a comment on the status of the relationship per se. What I can say [is] that [he's] what I refer to as being my 'twin soul.' There will always be a tether to him no matter what. I can't say for sure what the capacity will be, but I will always be connected to him somehow. "Beyond that I'm not willing to explain, but all those things you said were accurate things that have occurred." Megan and MGK - who has 14-year-old daughter Casie with ex-wife Emma Cannon - have been dating since 2020 and got engaged in 2022 and have had their share of ups and downs over the years, including a devastating miscarriage. The 'Jennifer's Body' star sparked break-up rumours in February 2023 after she deleted most of her photos with MGK from her social media and unfollowed him, while also sharing lyrics about dishonesty. She was also seen without her engagement ring at the time, with a source claiming she and MGK had a big fight that was much more serious than past issues they had. Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips, has hailed the Prince and Princess of Wales a "fantastic team" amid Catherine's cancer battle. Peter Phillips branded the future king and queen 'a fantastic team' King Charles' 46-year-old nephew - whose father is Anne's first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, who also has daughter Zara Tindall, 42, with the Princess Royal - has heaped praise on the Royal couple for the way they balance their public life with caring for their three children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis . As Catherine undergoes preventative treatment for an undisclosed form of the disease, Peter - who has two children with his ex-spouse Autumn Kelly - hailed her "remarkable". Speaking to 'Sky News Australia', he said: "Her and William make a fantastic team together. "Their kids are great, and they have the balance of public life and trying to be parents to three young children which is always difficult. "They've got it pretty right because I think as history has taught us and anyone knows that actually you want to be there for your children." Elsewhere in the interview, Peter admitted "it's still quite emotional" thinking back to the last family time they shared with the late Queen Elizabeth in Scotland before she passed away. The late monarch died peacefully at her beloved Balmoral Castle in Scotland in September 2022, aged 96, and he said it was "easier" to share their grief with the public after having some private time with Elizabeth. He said: "I was lucky to be in Scotland before she passed and actually having those few days with her, just in Scotland, just as a family, before she left Balmoral that was really nice. "Looking back on it, it's still quite emotional, that part was a proper family moment. "And then obviously when she left Balmoral it became more of a public grieving." He continued: "In many ways we'd had our quiet moment with her, we'd said our goodbyes, so whilst it still wasn't particularly easy, it was easier to be able to share the public's grief for her." The late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite residence, Balmoral Castle, is throwing open its doors for the first time this summer. Queen Elizabeth stayed at Balmoral most summers The British monarch - who died peacefully at the large estate house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in September 2022, aged 96 - spent many fond summers at the picturesque property with sprawling grounds. And now, Royal fans will be able to visit parts of the castle, which is still in use by King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, and the Royal Family. Guided tours will take place from July 1 to August 4, with small groups of up to 10 people per tour. Tickets for the castle interior tour are priced from 100 or 150, including afternoon tea. A description of the tour reads: They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle. You will learn about the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the royal family. Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used today by their Majestys The King and Queen and other members of the royal family. Upon entering the ballroom, visitors will take in Charles watercolour paintings of Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham. Outfits worn by Charles and Camilla, the late Queen and The Queen Mother are also on display. The Royal Family has owned the estate since 1845 when Prince Albert purchased it. Margaret Rhodes, the queen's late cousin, once said: "It was a life of picnics and paddling around." Elizabeth and her late husband, Prince Philip, would stay at Balmoral from July until October and would often be seen riding her beloved horses. Her granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, 34, said in the 2016 documentary, 'Our Queen at Ninety': "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands." Stanley Tucci has vowed to continue acting despite his foray into food and drink. Stanley Tucci vows to continue acting alongside food and drink work The 'Devil Wears Prada' star, 63, is a Tanqueray ambassador and former host of CNN's 'Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy', and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he went viral for the way he makes a Negroni, whilst he's also released several cookbooks. However, he's still committed to his day job. He told Luxury London: I still love to act, and I will [continue to] do all that stuff, but I love it. I didn't know it was going to be as intense as it is. I didn't know that it would give me the opportunities that it has. I'm thrilled. The 'Hunger Games' actor - who has three adult children with late first wife Kathryn Spath, and a son and a daughter with spouse Felicity Blunt - was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2017, and previously admitted he reached a period where he "didn't see the point of living" if he would no longer be able to enjoy the pleasure of enjoying a meal with his loved ones again. He told You magazine in 2022: "I was a cranky patient. Because I was miserable. I thought it was never going to go away. And I was like, how did this happen... "There were times when I thought I was never going to be able to eat with my family again. The things I love to do are eat and taste and drink. And I love to do them with the people I love. "If I cant do that, then I really dont see the point of living. "I spent months and months up in my room, listening to everybody. Like a ghost in my own house. People coming and going. And I would go down and I would cook, but I couldnt eat it but Id want to cook. "Sometimes it almost made me ill to do it, but I wanted to do it. It was pretty f****** awful." The 'Supernova' star revealed there are still some foods and drinks he can't enjoy the way he used to. He shared: "Since I wrote 'Taste', the list of things I can eat has got longer. I think Im probably at the point where I dont know how much better its going to get. This is what the doctors have told me, but Im at a very good place. "Can I just tuck into a big piece of steak? No, I still cant. And with a burger, there has to be a high-fat content, which is what I like anyway. So thats fine. I dont believe in lean burgers. Whats the point? "If the wines too warm, or has too many tannins, it hurts too much. Because this is all brand new." Victoria Beckham has ruled out re-joining the Spice Girls for a 30th anniversary reunion tour. Spice Girls fans will be gutted that Posh has ruled out performing with the girl band again Despite Mel B, aka Scary Spice, blabbing that there will be a full reunion with all five members - also including Geri Horner (Ginger), Emma Bunton (Baby) and Melanie C (Sporty) - Posh Spice has confirmed she will not be partaking in any performances or tours with the 'Viva Forever' hitmakers, though she would still like to "celebrate" with them "in another way". Speaking to Radio France, the fashion designer said: "We do have a group chat. I do speak to all the girls. It would be lovely for us to do something to celebrate [the 30th anniversary] a dinner or a lunch and reminisce. But yes, it will not be any more than that." She added: "Im so proud of what I achieved with the Spice Girls but now, for me, its about empowering people through fashion and beauty. There have been lots of rumours about tours and performances, but that will not happen. But Id love to celebrate with the girls in another way, just me and them." Appearing on 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' recently, Mel teased: "I'm such a blabbermouth. I get told off all the time for announcing stuff that I'm not meant to announce. "But what I can say is we're definitely working on something together - all five of us. "And by me just saying that I'm probably going to get into trouble again." Victoria hasn't performed with the group since the 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony at London Stadium. However, the rest of the 'Say You'll Be There' group embarked on the 'Spice World Tour' in 2019, after Victoria declined to take part due to other work commitments. Mel didn't give any more details about any plans for this year, but she did ponder the last three decades. She added: "I was a Spice Girl at the age of 17. I'm old. I'm feeling old right now. But it is amazing that we've managed to kind of still stay friends. "It's been 30 years. What you go through as a group... you are just welded together for life because you've been through such a crazy experience." A teacher who quit her job to participate in a reality cooking show and became India's first MasterChef. A skydiver who performed a parachute jump in a sari. A doctor who began empowering couples to become parents via IVF years before it was a thing. Bollywood's first stunt woman who began her career at the age of 12. The pages ahead bring you stories of women who dared to step out of their comfort zones to do something for the love of it -- and did it very well! Be inspired! DR CHANDNI KAPADIA Dynamic Leader Dr Chandni Kapadia, Executive Director of GLS University, Ahmedabad, started young when it came to boldly carving her own path to success. For this dynamic woman, self-belief has been a potent force, serving as the driving factor propelling her forward, especially during challenging times. I embraced the opportunity to pave my own path at a time when sending young women abroad for education was a ground-breaking idea, especially at the age of 16. This experience solidifiedmy determination to thrive independently in a foreign land, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Ever since, Ive actively sought out challenges, and consistently tuned out negativity. My refusal to heed naysayers has served as a driving force in my life since my teenage years. My father has been an unsung hero, a silent force that has played a pivotal role in shaping the person I have become today. His guidance, values, and unwavering support have been instrumental in moulding me into the resilient and empowered woman that I am. Navigating the professional landscape as a woman, particularly when occupying a top position, poses unique challenges. Gaining respect and asserting oneself in a male-dominated environment can be a formidable task. Nevertheless, my years of experience in the industry have instilled in me the confidence to express my opinions assertively and fearlessly. One aspect that has truly astonished me on this journey is the power of self-belief. Witnessing the transformation of my beliefs into realities has been remarkable. This unwavering faith has not only allowed me to overcome numerous challenges but has also provided me with a renewed perspective. Ive always confronted challenges and criticism directly, meeting them head-on. Yet, there are moments when one might feel disheartened or not at their best. At such times, I emphasise the importance of self-belief and cautious decision-making. Also, finding solace in the company of my family, friends, and my cherished furry companion my beloved BFF Zoey provides clarity of thought and a much-needed lift to my spirits. From Dr Chandni To You... Despite the challenges women might face in gaining trust from others, its crucial that you maintain faith in yourself. A genuine belief in your dreams is the catalyst for others to believe in them too. Begin by embracing your authentic self, prioritising your needs, and watch as the doors of opportunity open Read more: Out Of The Ordinary: Sport Climber Shivani Charak Global trade declined in most sectors last year, except for pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment and road vehicles, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said in a recent report. Among the sectors where the value of trade declined by more than 10 per cent last year are apparel, textiles and chemicals. With a marked shift in global trade along geopolitical lines and a major supply chain reset following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, Indias trade reliance on China and the European Union (EU) has risen by an estimated 1.2 per cent, the report showed. This occurred despite Indias efforts to cut reliance on China through the production-linked incentive scheme and quality control orders to check the entry of cheap Chinese items. Global trade fell in most sectors in 2023, and apparel and textiles were among the sectors where the trade value dropped by over 10 per cent, a recent UNCTAD report said. India's trade reliance on China and the EU has risen by an estimated 1.2 per cent despite India's efforts to cut reliance on China. The US cut reliance on China by 1.2 per cent last year. Indias trade reliance on Saudi Arabia fell by 0.6 per cent. UNCTAD estimates a major shift in trade due to the Russia-Ukraine war. While Russias trade dependence on China rose by 7.1 per cent, its reliance on the European Union (EU) decreased by 5.3 per centa result of Russian oil shifting from the EU to China and India. Chinas two-way trade with Russia last year had hit $240 billion, Chinese customs data showed. Russia had also increased purchasing Chinese goods when major US and EU companies started exiting Russia after the war. During the last two years, the geographical proximity of international trade has remained relatively constant, showing minimal nearshoring or far-shoring trends. However, since the latter part of 2022, there has been a noticeable rise in the political proximity of trade, the UNCTAD report said. This indicates that bilateral trade patterns have been favouring trade between countries with similar geopolitical stances. Concurrently, there has been an increasing concentration of global trade to favour major trade relationships, although this trend has softened in the last quarter of 2023, it noted. The United States, however, managed to cut reliance on China by 1.2 per cent last year and raise its trade dependence on the EU and Mexico. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Bangladesh is all set to formulate a new law, as per which, to import or export any type of goods or services now onwards, prior government permission will be mandatory. The draft of the Import and Export Act, 2024, has reportedly been approved in principle by the cabinet in a recent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The cabinet has approved the draft of the new law titled 'Import and Export Control Act 2024'. The government will have the authority to regulate or prohibit import or export of any goods or services under the new law. New law will also take into account financial institutions funded by foreign investors, as per cabinet secretary Mahbub Hossain. Interacting with the media after the meeting, cabinet secretary Mahbub Hossain underlined the new law has been drafted to make the existing laws more relevant to contemporary needs even as he added the Import and Export Control and Prohibition Act of 1950 is in effect currently. Commercial service activities are also included in the draft, said Hossain while underlining the existing law deals with import-export of goods only even if the new law incorporates additional aspects. The definition of services includes any service as described in the General Agreement on Trade in Services under the WTO. The government will have the authority to regulate or prohibit import or export of any goods or services under the new law, as per the cabinet secretary, who added it will also take into account the financial institutions funded by the foreign investors while remittances will also be considered as export earnings under the new law. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR) Heist comedy film Crew starring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon was released in theatres last Friday. The film has opened up to good audience and critical reception. Now, Kriti has opened up about a possible sequel.In a recent interview with a leading news portal, Kriti expressed her thoughts on a sequel to Crew. She shared that the films team would love to return for another instalment. She also shared that the audiences reaction motivates the makers for a sequel.Crew revolves around air hostesses who plan a heist after their airline is on the brink of bankruptcy.Kriti Sanon will next be seen in Do Patti. The film which also features Kajol is Kritis maiden production venture. Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus. Korrektur als Einstiegschance Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen. 3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2024) - Aftermath Silver Ltd. (TSXV: AAG) (OTCQX: AAGFF) (FSE: FLM1) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "First Tranche"), whereby the Company has completed the issuance of 12,132,427 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.22 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,669,133.94. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable by the holder to acquire one additional Common Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance at a price of C$0.32 per Common Share. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the First Tranche to complete geological, metallurgical and engineering studies at the Company's Berenguela Silver-Copper-Manganese project in southern Peru ("Berenguela") and for general working capital purposes. In connection with the First Tranche, the Company issued 273,840 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") and paid commissions of $66,444.68 to certain finders. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional Common Share at a price of $0.32 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. All securities issued pursuant to the First Tranche, including the Finder's Warrants, are subject to a hold period expiring on August 3, 2024, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada. The Company anticipates closing a second tranche shortly, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. None of the securities sold in connection with the First Tranche have been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Berenguela Project: Background The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in Berenguela through a binding agreement with SSR Mining. Berenguela hosts a potentially open-pittable silver-copper-manganese Mineral Resource close to Santa Lucia in Puno province, southern Peru. Silver, copper and manganese have crucial industrial applications in the clean energy and battery spaces. Copper and manganese have been designated critical metals by the US government and the European Union. The project is less than 6km from road, rail and power lines and 4 hours from Arequipa by sealed road. Aftermath published a Mineral Resource estimate in March 2023 based on over 300 core and RC holes, which is linked here. Recent bench-scale metallurgical test work successfully produced commercial battery-grade 99.98% pure manganese sulphate crystals (see news release dated February 29, 2024 linked here.) Qualified person Michael Parker, a fellow of the AusIMM and a non-independent director of Aftermath, is a non-independent qualified person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Parker has reviewed the technical content of this news release and consents to the information provided in the form and context in which it appears. About Aftermath Silver Ltd. Aftermath Silver Ltd. is a leading Canadian junior exploration company focused on silver, and aims to deliver shareholder value through the discovery, acquisition and development of quality silver projects in stable jurisdictions. Aftermath has developed a pipeline of projects at various stages of advancement. The Company's projects have been selected based on growth and development potential. Challacollo Silver-Gold project. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Challacollo silver-gold project. A NI 43-101 Mineral Resource was released on December 15, 2020 (available on SEDAR+ and the Company's web page). The Company is currently completing environmental permitting in anticipation of an upcoming drill program. Cachinal Silver-Gold project. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Cachinal Ag-Au project, located 2.5 hours south of Antofagasta. On September 16, 2020, the Company released a CIM compliant Mineral Resource and accompanying NI 43-101 Technical Report (available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's web page). ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Ralph Rushton" Ralph Rushton CEO and Director 604-484-7855 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the completion and anticipated results of planned exploration activities, the ability of the Company to complete a second tranche of the private placement on the proposed terms or at all, the anticipated use of proceeds from the First Tranche and receipt of regulatory approvals with respect to the First Tranche and any subsequent tranches of the private placement. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will be able to complete a second tranche of the private placement on the terms as anticipated by management, that the Company will use the proceeds of the First Tranche as anticipated, and that the Company will receive regulatory approval with respect to the First Tranche and any subsequent tranches. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. 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 the Company will not be able to complete a second tranche of the private placement on the terms as anticipated by management or at all, that the Company will not use the proceeds of the First Tranche as anticipated, that the Company will not receive regulatory approval with respect to the First Tranche and any subsequent tranche of the private placement, risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, and regulatory changes. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. 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. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION ONLY IN CANADA AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES, OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR IN THE UNITED STATES OR IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204077 SOURCE: Aftermath Silver Ltd. PUNE, India, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report titled "Contraceptive Market by Product (Devices, Drugs), Gender (Female Contraceptive, Male Contraceptive), Method, Distribution - Global Forecast 2024-2030" is now available on 360iResearch.com's offering, presents an analysis indicating that the market projected to grow from a size of $48.43 billion in 2023 to reach $119.89 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 13.82% over the forecast period. " Global Advances and Challenges in Contraceptive Accessibility and Innovation " Family planning is crucial for health and well-being, and contraceptives serve as essential tools that empower individuals to decide if and when to have children. These methods vary in function, preventing pregnancy by either blocking fertilization, hindering the implantation of fertilized eggs, or controlling hormonal cycles. Recent years have witnessed a rise in the adoption of contraception, fueled by educational initiatives and enhanced access to healthcare across the globe, especially in emerging economies. The field has witnessed significant innovations offering more efficient and user-friendly choices. However, the path to widespread acceptance faces hurdles, including stringent regulatory measures and cultural resistance in certain areas. The industry is exploring environmentally friendly options and new methods aimed at men, promising a future of expanded choice and accessibility. Across different regions, including the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, the use of contraceptives has increased owing to ongoing needs for awareness, acceptance, and innovation. Download Sample Report @ https://www.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/contraceptive " Elevating Sexual Health and Family Planning Awareness " The discussion about sexual health and family planning is witnessing an unprecedented surge, marking a pivotal shift toward more informed and responsible choices in sexual behavior. The global challenge of unintended pregnancies emphasizes the need for enhanced access to reliable contraceptive services and comprehensive information, highlighting the social, economic, and health ramifications that families and individuals may face in their absence. The demand for versatile, practical, and side-effect-minimal contraceptive options has soared as women increasingly seek to align their reproductive choices with personal aspirations, educational pursuits, and career ambitions. This shift, coupled with breakthroughs in technology and streamlined communication channels, has improved the reach and impact of sexual health and family planning information, consequently bolstering contraceptive use. This trend safeguards women's reproductive health and emphasizes the pivotal role of conscientious family planning and contraception in fostering a healthier, informed, and empowered society. " Exploring a Spectrum of Contraceptive Options for Comprehensive Family Planning " The array of contraceptive methods available offers a diverse selection tailored to individual needs and preferences. Condoms are a dual-purpose option facilitating birth control and safeguarding against sexually transmitted infections. These disposable barriers are crafted from latex, polyurethane, or lambskin. However, proper sizing by a healthcare professional is vital for effectiveness. The intrauterine device (IUD), in its copper variant, wards off sperm through a copper-induced toxic environment within the uterus, while its hormonal counterpart relies on progestin to thicken cervical mucus, blocking sperm and potentially inhibiting ovulation. Subdermal implants and vaginal rings, such as the NuvaRing, continuously release hormones to prevent ovulation, alongside the convenience of quarterly injectable contraceptives and the daily regimen of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) in various hormone combinations. The transdermal patch offers a skin-applied hormonal method, providing an effortless approach to managing contraception. Each of these methods highlights the importance of personalized choice in reproductive health, highlighting the advancements and accessibility in contraceptive technologies. Request Analyst Support @ https://www.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/contraceptive " Bayer AG at the Forefront of Contraceptive Market with a Strong 16.07% Market Share " The key players in the Contraceptive Market include Bayer AG, Viatris Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi S.A., Merck & Co., Inc., and others. These prominent players focus on strategies such as expansions, acquisitions, joint ventures, and developing new products to strengthen their market positions. " Introducing ThinkMi: Revolutionizing Market Intelligence with AI-Powered Insights for the Contraceptive Market " We proudly unveil ThinkMi, a cutting-edge AI product designed to transform how businesses interact with the Contraceptive Market. ThinkMi stands out as your premier market intelligence partner, delivering unparalleled insights with the power of artificial intelligence. Whether deciphering market trends or offering actionable intelligence, ThinkMi is engineered to provide precise, relevant answers to your most critical business questions. This revolutionary tool is more than just an information source; it's a strategic asset that empowers your decision-making with up-to-the-minute data, ensuring you stay ahead in the fiercely competitive Contraceptive Market. Embrace the future of market analysis with ThinkMi, where informed decisions lead to remarkable growth. Ask Question to ThinkMi @ https://app.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/contraceptive " Dive into the Contraceptive Market Landscape: Explore 180 Pages of Insights, 648 Tables, and 24 Figures " Preface Research Methodology Executive Summary Market Overview Market Insights Contraceptive Market, by Product Contraceptive Market, by Gender Contraceptive Market, by Method Contraceptive Market, by Distribution Americas Contraceptive Market Asia-Pacific Contraceptive Market Europe, Middle East & Africa Contraceptive Market Competitive Landscape Competitive Portfolio Inquire Before Buying @ https://www.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/contraceptive Related Reports: Contraceptive Pills Market - Global Forecast 2024-2030 Oral Contraceptive Pills Market - Global Forecast 2024-2030 Emergency Contraceptive Pills Market - Global Forecast 2024-2030 About 360iResearch Founded in 2017, 360iResearch is a market research and business consulting company headquartered in India, with clients and focus markets spanning the globe. We are a dynamic, nimble company that believes in carving ambitious, purposeful goals and achieving them with the backing of our greatest asset - our people. Quick on our feet, we have our ear to the ground when it comes to market intelligence and volatility. Our market intelligence is diligent, real-time and tailored to your needs, and arms you with all the insight that empowers strategic decision-making. Our clientele encompasses about 80% of the Fortune Global 500, and leading consulting and research companies and academic institutions that rely on our expertise in compiling data in niche markets. Our meta-insights are intelligent, impactful and infinite, and translate into actionable data that support your quest for enhanced profitability, tapping into niche markets, and exploring new revenue opportunities. Contact 360iResearch Mr. Ketan Rohom 360iResearch Private Limited, Office No. 519, Nyati Empress, Opposite Phoenix Market City, Vimannagar, Pune, Maharashtra, India - 411014. Email: sales@360iresearch.com USA: +1-530-264-8485 India: +91-922-607-7550 To learn more, visit 360iresearch.com or follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter , and Facebook . Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2359256/360iResearch_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/contraceptive-market-projected-to-reach-119-89-billion-by-2030---exclusive-report-by-360iresearch-302105816.html EQS Newswire / 03/04/2024 / 11:01 UTC+8 Macau Pass, Along With Twelve Asia-Pacific Fintech Companies, Joins the Sirius initiative, Aiming to Support the Sustainable Development of SMEs. 13 mobile payment tools and digital platforms, including MPay, pledge to promote local small and micro enterprises (SMEs) to participate in sustainable development programs. Programme SIRIUS (Sustainability Innovation for Regenerative & Inclusive Purpose), supported by 13 Asia-Pacific fintech leaders at its inaugural launch, was unveiled to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in their transition towards sustainability, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Programme SIRIUS is an open and collaborative industry initiative that aims to support MSMEs operating on digital platforms in their journey towards sustainability. It will foster open industry dialogues where like-minded industry partners can exchange ideas on sustainability innovations and share best practices to support MSMEs on their sustainability journey, helping their transition into a low-carbon economy, advancing their accessibility to sustainability financing, and uplifting MSMEs with new growth opportunities. At the launch event, 13 industry partners from 11 economies pledged to participate in the Sirius initiative: MPay (Macao SAR, China), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), ANEXT Bank (Singapore), Bigpay (Malaysia), bKash (Bangladesh), DANA (Indonesia), GCash (the Philippines), Hipay (Mongolia), Kakao Pay (South Korea), TNG Digital (Malaysia), TossPay (South Korea), TrueMoney (Thailand), and Zalopay (Vietnam). Corporates and businesses today face increasing reporting requirements from regulators, financial institutions and supply chain partners to disclose and track their sustainability performances. Small Medium Sized Enterprises ("SMEs") represent 90% of all businesses and 50% of employment worldwide, yet their limited size means they lack the capability and data collection mechanism for sustainability related reporting. As multinational corporations aim to reduce their carbon footprint and extend these expectations to suppliers, local merchants can gain a competitive advantage by embracing sustainability. SMEs are a vital part of the supply chains of large enterprises, and there is an urgent need to call for industry cooperation efforts and innovation to promote the transition of SMEs, including those operating on digital channels, towards sustainable development. Sun Ho, Chairman and CEO of Macau Pass, said, "SMEs are the backbone of any economic growth. MPay serves as a bridge for them to digitalization by providing the necessary tools and changing the way they operate. We are committed to helping Macao SMEs make progress through digital financial services. We look forward to Sirius initiative bringing global financial institutions and payment providers together to jointly promote more inclusive and sustainable growth for SMEs worldwide." Chen Leiming, Chief Sustainability Officer of Ant International said, "As merchants play an increasingly important role in both global and local economies, it is essential to provide them with the right mindset, knowledge, and resources to take climate action. Given the complexity of the task, from classification and governance frameworks to costs and education, a joint effort from public and private institutions, industries, and markets is required to drive this transformation. With our experience in innovation-led sustainability and SME programs, Ant International is honored to create more sustainable opportunities for SMEs." Macau Pass, Along With Twelve Asia-Pacific Fintech Companies, Joins the Sirius initiative, Aiming to Support the Sustainable Development of SME 03/04/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com CHONGQING, China, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From March 29th to 30th, Yongchuan, Chongqing, played host to the climax of the First Manufacturing Intelligence Solution Innovation Contest, which included both the finals and an accompanying Innovation Conference. Following a rigorous three-month competition period, four teams emerged victorious, each securing the first prize for outstanding solutions within their respective categories. The competition was segmented into four principal tracks: enhancement of basic manufacturing capabilities, optimization of key production processes, assurance of core element resources, and innovation in intelligent detection technology. The theme of the contest was "Exploring New Productive Forces to Promote New Industrialization-Innovation-Driven, Empowering Intelligent Manufacturing." During the finals held on March 29th, after tense live roadshows and debates, the judging panel, composed of technical experts and industry experts, selected four first-place, eight second-place, twelve third-place, sixteen honorable mentions, and thirty-eight excellence awards from an initial pool of 80 solutions that excelled in the preliminary rounds. These awards highlighted a collection of innovative, leading, and scalable solutions that are poised to significantly boost the supply capacity of intelligent manufacturing solutions and further the high-quality advancement of China's manufacturing sector. The contest venue, Yongchuan District in Chongqing, is strategically positioned along the principal economic corridor linking Chengdu and Chongqing, the two economic powerhouses of Western China. This area is explicitly designated by the national government as a modern manufacturing hub and a cornerstone for vocational education across the region. Hosting the event, Yongchuan District is at the forefront of embracing digital transformation, with an ambitious goal to emerge as a beacon of digital and innovative development within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic axis. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xinhua-finance-showcase-of-innovation-marks-chongqings-first-intelligent-manufacturing-contest-302106631.html Lonza Group AG / Key word(s): Sustainability/Miscellaneous Lonza Publishes Invitation to the 2024 Annual General Meeting and 2023 Annual and Sustainability Reports 03-Apr-2024 / 07:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Annual General Meeting will take place on 8 May 2024 at the Congress Center in Basel, Switzerland Albert M. Baehny will not stand for re-election as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Jean-Marc Huet proposed as new Chairman of Lonza All current Board Members except for Albert M. Baehny proposed for re-election Proposed 14% dividend increase from CHF 3.50 to CHF 4.00 per share 2023 Annual and Sustainability Reports published Lonza's near-term science-based emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Basel, Switzerland, 3 April 2024 - Lonza today announced the publication of its 2023 Annual and Sustainability Reports, as well as its invitation to the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The event will take place on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, at 10:00 a.m. CEST, at the Congress Center Messe Basel, Messeplatz 21, 4058 Basel, Switzerland. 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) Albert M. Baehny, current Chairman of the Board of Directors, will not stand for re-election. The Board of Directors is proposing to shareholders the election of Jean-Marc Huet as new member and Chairman of the Board of Directors for a one-year term until the completion of the AGM 2025. Jean-Marc Huet is the current Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Heineken N.V. and former Chief Financial Officer of Unilever, Bristol-Myers Squibb and the specialized nutrition company Royal Numico N.V. The Board of Directors also proposes the re-election of the following individuals to the Board of Directors for a further one-year term each, until completion of the AGM 2025: Marion Helmes Angelica Kohlmann Christoph Mader Roger Nitsch Barbara Richmond Jurgen Steinemann Olivier Verscheure The AGM invitation can be accessed on the AGM webpage . Further motions include the election of the Compensation Committee, and the approval of the compensation of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The Board of Directors is proposing a 14% dividend increase from CHF 3.50 to CHF 4.00 per share. Subject to approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, 50% of the dividend will be paid out of the capital contribution reserve and will therefore be free from Swiss withholding tax. All details on the motions can be found in the 2024 AGM invitation . 2023 Annual and Sustainability Reports Lonza today published its 2023 online Annual Report and Sustainability Report , which is aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. PDF versions of the reports can be accessed via the Annual Report webpage, which can be found here . The 2023 Sustainability Report is Lonza's sixth sustainability report. The report provides insights into the company's commitments and performance related to the most relevant sustainability priorities for its business and stakeholders. Responsible business is both an ethical and a commercial imperative for Lonza. Since 2022, environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics have been incorporated into Lonza's compensation policy for both management and employees. This ensures that sustainability remains an integral part of every employee's daily work and sustainability achievements are recognized and rewarded as a core strategic pillar of Lonza's long-term success. For more information, please visit Lonza's 2023 Remuneration Report . Lonza's near-term science-based emission reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) In 2023, as part of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction strategy, Lonza submitted near-term, science-based emissions reduction targets that have now been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) , a leading carbon footprint reduction initiative. Lonza has committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG1 emissions by 42% by 2030, from a 2021 base year2. The company also set a supplier engagement target for Scope 3 emissions, committing that 79% of its suppliers by emissions - covering purchased goods and services, capital goods and upstream transportation and distribution - will have science-based targets by 20283. The SBTi's validation underscores Lonza's commitment to addressing its environmental impact through concrete and science-based actions, underlining the company's dedication to sustainable business practices. About Lonza Lonza is one of the world's largest healthcare manufacturing organizations. Working across five continents, our global community of around 18,000 colleagues helps pharmaceutical, biotech and nutrition companies to bring their treatments to market. United by our vision to bring any therapy to life, we support our customers with a combination of technological insight, world-class manufacturing, scientific expertise, process excellence and innovation. Our work enables our customers to develop and commercialize their therapeutic discoveries, allowing their patients to benefit from life-saving and life-enhancing treatments. Our business is structured to meet our customers' complex needs across four divisions: Biologics, Small Molecules, Cell & Gene, and Capsules & Health Ingredients. Our company generated sales of CHF 6.7 billion with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 2.0 billion in Full-Year 2023. Find out more at www.lonza.com Follow @Lonza on LinkedIn Follow @LonzaGroup on X Lonza Contact Details Media Inquiries: media@lonza.com We Are Innovation, a leading global innovation network, released the 2024 Effective Anti-Smoking Policies Global Index (https://antismoking.global/). The index assesses around 5.5 billion people, nearly 70 percent of the world's population. It offers an analysis of the public policies to eradicate smoking in 69 countries across four regions. The Index delves into the intricacies of alternative nicotine products, scrutinizing aspects such as regulatory frameworks, prohibitions, taxation, and governmental measures for switching from smoking. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402477735/en/ The top 20 countries in the global anti-smoking index, led by the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Slovakia in the podium positions, collectively impact almost 1 billion people worldwide. European nations dominate the list, with 15 out of the 20 spots occupied by countries from this region. However, non-European nations like the United States, Lebanon, New Zealand, Canada, and Saudi Arabia also make significant strides in terms of regulations. The index emphasizes the urgent need for global advancements in anti-smoking policies. Finding a balance between traditional measures and innovative approaches, including alternative nicotine products, is key to success. The Index calls for a holistic approach encompassing alternative products to address the gaps in regulation. Global policies differ radically in receptiveness, with vaping facing sales bans despite growing evidence on its harm reduction. Thus, seventeen countries have prohibited vaping. Tobacco Heated Products (THP) policies show similar regional bifurcation patterns. Thirteen countries prohibit THP, mostly in South America and Asia. Snus faces widespread prohibitions in the European Union, except in Sweden. China with bans on THP and nicotine pouches and heavy restriction of vaping and snus scored 51st place. India scored last globally for completely prohibiting all nicotine alternatives. In addition to forgoing harm reduction benefits, the blanket ban fuels illicit trade. In the Americas, Canada and the United States are open to vaping and other alternatives, while many Latin American countries ban them. New Zealand leads in vaping in the Asia Pacific, while Australia, India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam have banned it. Japan, however, is the frontrunner for THP and snus. In the MENA region, only Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have progressive harm reduction stances, while other countries prohibit alternatives. Nicotine pouches have avoided significant regulatory scrutiny, but their potential depends on recognition for health merits outside of the EU and US. "With over 8 million lives lost annually to smoking-related diseases, the need for effective anti-smoking measures is more urgent than ever. Nations like Sweden and New Zealand are leading the way by embracing innovative nicotine products in the fight against smoking. Their public policies allowing alternatives have yielded remarkable results, with smoking rates around 5 percent nearly smoke-free. This success highlights the vital role innovation must play in consigning smoking to history. Policymakers worldwide must follow the example set by these countries, fully harnessing safer products to uproot smoking's toll on global health," stated Federico N. Fernandez, the CEO of We Are Innovation. ABOUT WE ARE INNOVATION We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world's most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 40 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402477735/en/ Contacts: info@somosinnovacion.lat +44 7460 970216 LONDON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TerraPay, a leading global money movement company, proudly announces the appointment of Marco Boldini as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Policy, Regulatory, and Governmental Affairs. This strategic addition to TerraPay's senior leadership team underscores TerraPay's commitment to simplifying complex regulatory landscapes, and fostering sustainable growth across international markets. Marco brings over two decades of exemplary leadership and expertise in the financial services sector to his new role at TerraPay. Previously, Marco served as a Partner in the Financial Services Regulatory and Fintech team at the international law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, where he showcased a remarkable track record of excellence. In addition, Marco holds prestigious positions as a Full Professor at the San Raffaele University (Professore Straordinario) in Rome and an Honorary Visiting Professor at Bayes Business School, London. Additionally, Marco is completing his MBA at Bayes Business School, London. His vast experience also includes serving as the Italian Honorary Consul in the UK until 2020. At TerraPay, Marco will spearhead the development and execution of the company's global regulatory strategy, collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders. He will provide regulatory support to various departments, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, guidelines, and ethical standards across diverse jurisdictions, driving operational excellence and strategic growth.Commenting on Marco's appointment, Ambar Sur, Founder & CEO of TerraPay, stated, "Marco's profound understanding of ever-changing regulatory frameworks, coupled with his proven leadership acumen, will be instrumental in shaping TerraPay's regulatory strategy, fostering a culture of compliance and integrity across our global operations." Marco Boldini expressed his enthusiasm about joining TerraPay, stating, "I am thrilled to embark on this new journey with TerraPay, a pioneering company at the forefront of global payments innovation. I look forward to leveraging my expertise to navigate regulatory complexities, drive sustainable growth, and reinforce TerraPay's position as a trusted partner in the international payments ecosystem." As TerraPay continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its industry leadership, Marco Boldini's appointment signals a significant milestone in the company's journey towards driving global financial inclusion and empowerment. For media inquiries, please contact: Juveria Samrin, juveria.n@terrapay.com About TerraPay TerraPay simplifies global money movement - by providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 30 global markets and enabling payments to 144 receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses - ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces - while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices in Bangalore, Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Hague, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/terrapay-strengthens-regulatory-strategy-with-appointment-of-marco-boldini-as-executive-vp-and-global-head-of-governmental-affairs-302103467.html press release REGULATED INFORMATION 3 April 2024 Sale of Les Abeilles to the Boluda group: having received favourable opinions in talks with the relevant works councils, Econocom announces that it has finalised and signed agreements with the buyer As stated in the press release on 4 March 2024, Econocom entered into exclusive negotiations with the Spanish towage and shipping group Boluda with a view to selling 100% of its shares in the firm Les Abeilles to this group. Following these negotiations, Econocom has announced that all the works councils of the companies concerned by the sale have now given a favourable opinion on the transaction. This approval confirms the project's legitimacy for the firm Les Abeilles, which will now enjoy support from a global leader in towage - already widely present in France - to help it grow in the future. The approval also made it possible for Econocom and Boluda to yesterday evening finalise and sign the agreements, which remain nonetheless subject to the condition precedents that usually apply to this type of transaction, including approval from French authorities. Econocom has underlined its aim to complete the transaction by the end of the second quarter of 2024, as stated in its strategic plan 'One Econocom' that it announced in November 2023. Next publication: Q1 2024 revenue on 18 April 2024 after market close. ABOUT ECONOCOM The Econocom group, which was founded 50 years ago, is a pioneer in support for digital transformation of firms. Its solutions focus on developing and transforming the workplace, infrastructure, audiovisual technology and digital signage. These solutions cover the full range of expert responsibilities needed to carry out digital projects, from the design phase and guidance in choosing a solution to equipment roll-out and managed services. This includes equipment purchasing and leasing, equipment customisation and equipment-related services, as well as the refurbishing of devices at the end of their lifespan. Econocom is present in 16 countries and has more than 8,800 employees. The group is listed on Euronext in Brussels, on the BEL Mid and Family Business indexes, and it made 2.681 billion in revenue in 2023. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.econocom.com Investor and shareholder relations contact: benjamin.pehau@econocom.com Financial communication agency contact: info@capvalue.fr +33 (0)1 80 81 50 00 ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yG+eacaclWfIlpppap6ZbJOXmJqUmWGbZ2eclmOclJ/HcG5mnWaTa5THZnFlnW5s - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-84896-pr_-econocom-les-abeilles_03042024_en.pdf LONDON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nium, the leader in real-time cross-border payments, today announced its partnership with luxury tour operator Scott Dunn to issue virtual cards to its global network of hotel providers. Nium's virtual card solution enables travel intermediaries to effectively pay airlines, hotels, and the global travel ecosystem via more efficient, cost-effective, and secure transactions in more than 20 local currencies. Scott Dunn's extensive network of global hotel partners benefit from improved reconciliation, card scheme protection, and quicker access to funds, helping to maximise working capital and improve cash flow. In the 12 months since working with Nium, Scott Dunn has been able to add new hotel destinations to its offering that it couldn't before, improve conversion rates among its customer base, and strengthen its provider relationships. "Accelerated by the post-pandemic travel boom, high-net worth individuals and families are seeking new experiences and more bespoke holidays than ever before. In a short period of time, Nium's innovative virtual card payment solution has enabled us to expand our global footprint by offering more choice, flexibility, and control to our new and existing hotel partners around the world, in turn driving deeper connections, better prices, and improved experiences for our customers," said Mark Woodall, Chief Financial Officer at Scott Dunn. "For decades, payments have been perceived as a necessary cost of doing business, and the travel industry is no exception," said Spencer Hanlon, Global Head of Travel Payments at Nium. "Our partnership with Scott Dunn is a great example of how this is changing. Today, virtual card solutions are helping travel businesses unlock value from payments to create new revenue streams and differentiate from the competition. We look forward to continuing to help Scott Dunn accelerate growth and meet the needs of its customers with our innovative payment solutions," he added. The announcement follows the recent news of Nium's partnership with Secret Escapes as the fintech continues on its mission to transform the way hotels get paid worldwide. Its combination of virtual card solutions with an extensive real-time cross-border payments network for collections and payouts to bank accounts, digital wallets, and cards in over 100+ currencies and 190+ markets offers a unique proposition for the travel industry. About Scott Dunn Scott Dunn was first established in the UK over three decades ago, born out of a desire to revolutionise ski holidays for the luxury market. Since then, it's expanded to cover all seven continents and continues to expand its operational footprint in the U.S and Singapore following its acquisition by Flight Centre Travel Group in January 2023. About Nium Nium, the leader in real-time, cross-border payments, was founded on the mission to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the global economy, its payments infrastructure is shaping how banks, fintechs, and businesses everywhere collect, convert, and disburse funds instantly across borders. Its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans 190+ countries, 100 of which in real-time. Funds can be disbursed to accounts, wallets, and cards and collected locally in 35 markets. Nium's growing card issuance business is already available in 34 countries. Nium holds regulatory licences and authorizations in more than 40 countries, enabling seamless onboarding, rapid integration, and compliance - independent of geography. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1678669/4628245/Nium_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/scott-dunn-selects-nium-to-improve-hotel-cash-flow-management-with-virtual-card-payments-302106339.html BEIJING, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- inter airport China, the premier Asian exhibition for the airport infrastructure and services sector, organized by RX Greater China, is set to unfold from September 4th to 6th in Beijing. This event is tailored to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and exchange insights among global airport industry professionals and suppliers through exhibitions, networking, and concurrent forums. Held at the Beijing CIEC (Chaoyang Venue), the event is now open for registrations, inviting participants to an expansive showcase. It aims to unite premier resources from the airport industry, encouraging partnerships and promoting sustainable development. Registration is available via the official link: https://bit.ly/iareg The exhibition showcases industry excellence, connecting suppliers of airport infrastructure, technology, and services, fostering business cooperation and technology exchange. Notable international brands including SIEMENS, Vanderlande, ADB SAFEGATE, alongside significant Chinese domestic brands like Airsafe and CIMC, will present their latest innovations, demonstrating the strength and creativity of both international and China's own industry. For the first time, inter airport China 2024 expands its exhibition scope to include industry topics like big data, AI, non-aeronautical revenue, airport commercial design, and professional training, reflecting our dedication to evolving industry needs. inter airport China 2024, in partnership with key industry associations, is introducing themed forums that will bring together experts and visionaries. The 4th inter airport Exchange Forum, will focus on topics like Airport Sustainability and Airport Design and Planning. Additional forums, including the Smart Civil Aviation Forum, The Airport Security Forum, and the GSE Seminar, will offer deeper dives into specific challenges and innovations. The return of one-on-one matchmaking service facilitates personal interactions, fostering new partnerships. Additionally, the streamlined Chinese visa application processes and visa-free policies for several countries have been leveraged to introduce the International Visitor Benefits Program, aimed at enhancing the experience for international visitors. Chris Zang, Senior Project Director, highlights the program's importance in fostering global connections and contributing to the aviation industry's future. The event promises a variety of on-site activities, including exclusive lounges, business matching sessions, and factory tours, to enhance business prospects and showcase cutting-edge solutions. We invite industry professionals to register for inter airport China 2024 and seize the unparalleled opportunities to engage with the future of global aviation. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.interairportchina.com/en-gb.html For further details, contact Penny Pei at penny.pei@rxglobal.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/registration-now-open-for-inter-airport-china-2024-navigating-the-future-of-airport-development-302106890.html Partnership with IBS Software will ensure dynamic and competitive airfares. PANJIM, India, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FLY91, the country's youngest regional airline, which is on a mission to make air travel accessible to travellers across India, has partnered with IBS Software to power its commercial operations. FLY91 aims to provide an air alternative to road and rail travel across underserved routes in India. IBS Software has created a reservation experience designed to deliver a simple, efficient and cost-effective experience, to attract and retain customers. By implementing IBS Software's modern omni-channel iFly Res commerce platform, FLY91 will not only create a compelling user experience powered by the platform's rich set of APIs and flexible rules engine, but also deliver dynamic pricing. These real-time dynamic and personalised pricing capabilities are a vital tool in delivering the most cost-effective fares and ensuring pricing is competitive with alternative modes of transport. Additionally, access to an API-driven ecosystem gives FLY91 the ability to open its services and routes connecting tier 2 (population of 50,000 to 100,000) and tier 3 (population of 20,000 to 50,000) cities across India to interline partners, providing international and domestic airlines with a solution to last-mile coverage to smaller destinations that are traditionally poorly or underserved by existing carriers. Prasanna Subramaniam, CTO at FLY91, commented: "At FLY91 we are striving to deliver comfortable, reliable and affordable flights for everyone in India, opening up new travel opportunities to cities that have been underserved in the past. Delivering a simple and slick reservation experience will be a critical part of our success as we look to inspire a new demographic of air passengers. It is also vital that we deliver a peerless experience and have the ability to react to market dynamics in real time to keep costs down. Making all that happen requires brilliant and like-minded partners like IBS Software. We are excited they are on the journey with us as we enable the next 100 million Indians to take flight." Gautam Shekar, Senior Vice President at IBS Software, said: "FLY91 is an airline with a clear vision and a bright future. They also recognise that embracing cutting edge technology is fundamental to realising their ambitions. We're thrilled to have been trusted to power the commercial operations of such a visionary carrier. We look forward to supporting FLY91 by delivering differentiated customer experiences that help unlock a new wave of travel opportunities for millions of Indians." Founded by industry veterans including CEO Manoj Chacko, who has earlier worked in senior leadership roles at Emirates Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, American Express, SOTC and WNS, FLY91 has already secured its first set of routes under the government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN, which intends to put scheduled passenger services into at least 50 unserved regional airports and roll out approximately 1,000 new regional routes. FLY91, which started commercial operations on March 18, 2024, will operate a fleet of turboprop ATR 72-600 aircraft from its home base of Goa's Manohar International Airport. ABOUT IBS SOFTWARE IBS Software is a leading SaaS solutions provider to the travel industry globally, managing mission-critical operations for customers in the aviation, tour & cruise, hospitality, and energy resources industries. IBS Software's solutions for the aviation industry cover fleet & crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, staff travel and air-cargo management. Across the hospitality sector, IBS Software offers a cloud-native, unified platform for hotels and travel sellers, including central reservation (CRS), property management (PMS), revenue management (RMS), call center, booking engine, loyalty and distribution. For the tour & cruise industry, IBS provides a comprehensive, customer-centric, digital platform that covers onshore, online and on-board solutions. Across the energy & resources industry, we provide logistics management solutions that cover logistics planning, operations & accommodation management. The Consulting and Digital Transformation (CDx) business focuses on driving digital transformation initiatives of its customers, leveraging its domain knowledge, digital technologies and engineering excellence. IBS Software operates from 17 offices across the world. Further information can be found at www.ibsplc.com Follow us: Blog | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram About FLY91: FLY91 (Just Udo Aviation Private Limited) is a pure play regional airline headquartered in Goa, that strives to enhance air connectivity across tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. Founded by industry veterans and backed by professional funding, FLY91 is committed to enhance last mile air connectivity and will connect over 50 cities across India in the next five years. As part of this plan, FLY91 will induct 30 aircraft into its fleet which will be based at multiple hubs across the country. This vision is reflected in its selection of ATR 72-600 aircraft, which is a robust & established choice for safe, efficient and sustainable operations for regional airlines globally. For more information, please refer to www.fly91.in . Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2377164/Fly91.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1169353/IBS_Software_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/indias-regional-airline-carrier-fly91-partners-with-ibs-software-to-democratise-air-travel-across-india-302105366.html CHICAGO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marine Engines Market is expected to reach USD 15.2 billion by 2029 from USD 13.1 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 3.0% during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The Marine Engines Market is propelled by a confluence of factors that influence demand for these powerful workhorses of the maritime industry. The ever-expanding global trade heavily relies on maritime transportation for efficient movement of goods across continents. This translates to a constant need for new vessels and consequently, a growing demand for marine engines of various capacities. Increasing international trade activities, particularly in emerging economies, necessitate the expansion of existing fleets and construction of new ships, further driving the demand for marine engines. Growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations on air and water pollution from maritime vessels are pushing the industry towards cleaner technologies. This creates a demand for new, more fuel-efficient engines that comply with emission regulations, such as those governing sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The focus on sustainability is leading to increased adoption of alternative fuels like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and biofuels. This, in turn, fuels the development and demand for engines capable of operating on these cleaner fuel sources. Continuous advancements in marine engine technology are leading to the development of more efficient and powerful engines. This translates to reduced fuel consumption, lower operating costs for ship owners, and a smaller environmental footprint. As the maritime industry strives for efficiency and sustainability, marine engine manufacturers will continue to innovate and develop new technologies to meet the evolving needs of this crucial sector. Browse in-depth TOC on "Marine Engines Market" 150 - Tables 100 - Figures 280 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=261640121 Marine Engines Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $13.1 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $15.2 billion Growth Rate Poised to Grow at a CAGR of 3.0% Largest Market Asia Pacific Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Engine, By Type, By Power Range, By Fuel, By Vessel Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Key Market Opportunities Rising demand for duel fuel and hybrid engines Key Market Drivers Growth in international marine freight transport Four stroke segment, by Type, to hold the second-largest market in Marine Engines Market. Four-stroke engines hold the second-largest market share in the Marine Engines Market due to a compelling combination of advantages that cater to a wide range of vessel needs. Compared to traditional two-stroke engines, four-stroke engines offer superior fuel efficiency. This translates to significant cost savings for ship operators, especially for vessels undertaking long journeys or those with frequent stops and maneuvers. In today's economic climate, fuel efficiency is a top priority, making four-stroke engines an attractive option. Four-stroke engines generate fewer pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) compared to their two-stroke counterparts. This characteristic aligns perfectly with the growing focus on environmental sustainability and stricter emission regulations in the maritime industry. Four-stroke engines help ship owners comply with regulations in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) and contribute to cleaner air and water. Manufacturers are constantly innovating four-stroke engine technology. Advancements like common rail injection systems, electronic engine management, and dual-fuel capabilities (LNG or biofuels) are improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and offering more flexibility in fuel options. This positions four-stroke engines as a future-proof solution for the evolving needs of the maritime industry. Marine gas oil segment, by Fuel, to be the fourth-largest market segment. Marine Gas Oil (MGO) holds the fourth-largest market share in the marine engine fuel segment for several compelling reasons. MGO offers a good balance between power density and affordability, making it suitable for a wide range of vessel types. Smaller cargo ships and short-sea traders operating on regional routes or within coastal areas benefit from the efficient and readily available MGO compared to heavier fuel oils (HFO) that require more complex handling. MGO provides reliable and clean burning fuel for various fishing vessels and offshore service ships, catering to their operational needs without requiring the immense power output of HFO. MGO's cleaner burning properties contribute to reduced emissions around populated coastal areas and ports, making it a favourable choice for ferries and smaller passenger vessels where environmental concerns are crucial. MGO's widespread availability, applicability across various vessel types, role in regulation compliance for specific regions, and cost-effectiveness for certain routes contribute to its position as the fourth-largest market share holder in the marine engine fuel segment. While it might be a transitional fuel source, MGO plays a significant role in the current maritime landscape. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=261640121 Middle East & Africa to emerge as the third-largest Marine Engines Industry. The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region nabs the third-largest market share in the Marine Engines Market, driven by a confluence of factors specific to its geographical and economic landscape. The MEA region sits at a critical crossroads for global maritime trade. The Suez Canal, a vital passage connecting the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea, facilitates a significant portion of global seaborne trade. This strategic location necessitates a robust maritime infrastructure, including a large fleet of vessels requiring powerful engines. Economic growth within the MEA region has spurred a rise in intra-regional trade. This translates to a growing demand for smaller and medium-sized vessels equipped with efficient engines for navigating shorter routes within the region. The MEA region is a major producer of oil and gas. This flourishing sector necessitates a growing fleet of offshore service vessels, platform supply ships, and crew transfer vessels. These specialized ships rely on reliable and maneuverable engines to support exploration and production activities. Several governments within the MEA region are prioritizing investments in port infrastructure and maritime development. This includes creating new ports, expanding existing facilities, and attracting foreign investment in the maritime sector. This focus on infrastructure development fuels the demand for new vessels and consequently, marine engines. The Middle East & Africa's position as the third-largest market share holder in the Marine Engines Market stems from its strategic location, flourishing regional trade, government investments, and a mix of modern and aging fleets requiring new or replacement engines. The future of the market will likely witness an interplay between these factors and the adoption of cleaner technologies as the maritime industry strives for sustainability. Key Players Key players in the global Marine Engines Companies include Caterpillar (US), Wartsila (Finland), Man Energy Solutions (Germany), Rolls-Royce Plc (UK), AB Volvo Penta (Sweden), HDHyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Japan), Cummins Inc. (US), Daihatsu Diesel Mfg. Co., Ltd. (Japan), and Deutz AG (Germany). Browse Adjacent Markets: Energy and Power Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Gas Engine Market by Fuel Type (Natural Gas, Special Gas), Power Output (0.5-1 MW, 1.1-2 MW, 2.1-5 MW, 5.1-15 MW, Above 15 MW), Application (Power Generation, Cogeneration, Mechanical Drive), End-Use Industry and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 Marine Lubricants Market by Oil Type (Mineral Oil, Synthetic Oil, and Bio-Based), Product Type (Engine Oil, Hydraulic Fluid, Compressor Oil), Ship Type (Bulk Carrier, Container Ships), & Region (Asia Pacific, North America) - Global Forecast to 2028 Marine Battery Market by Ship Type (Commercial, Defense, Unmanned), Sales Channel (OEM, Aftermarket), Battery Function, Nominal Capacity, Propulsion Type, Ship Power, Battery Design, Battery Type, Energy Density and Region - Global Forecast to 2030 Marine Engine Monitoring System Market by Engine Type (Propulsion Engine, Auxiliary Engine), End Use (OEM, Aftermarket), Component (Hardware, Software), Ship Type (Commercial, Naval), Deployment (On-Board, Remote), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's 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 Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/marine-engine-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/marine-engine.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/marine-engines-market-worth-15-2-billion-by-2029--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302106888.html Brera Partners, a private equity firm specializing in investments in the asset light financial services sector, has announced it has acquired 70% of the shares in Italian insurance broker GBSAPRI Group, with the strategy to drive consolidation in Italy's fragmented insurance broking sector. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Rome with nine offices across Italy, GBSAPRI Group was established in 1951 to service SMEs, corporates and the public sector. The brokerage has grown its specialist expertise via acquiring local insurance intermediaries across different verticals and sectors, covering: marine, cargo, aviation, financial institutions, employee benefits and affinity groups, reinsurance, risk management and claims management. Brera said the acquisition will enable GBSAPRI Group to continue its aggregator business model and acquire a series of businesses currently in the pipeline to grow its presence on the Italian market. "Our ambition is to become Italy's premier insurance broker, and we are delighted to be able to work with Brera Partners to achieve that goal," said GBSAPRI Managing Director Carlo Maria Bassi who will transition to the CEO role in the context of this transaction. "With Brera's financial support and partnership, we will be able to significantly strengthen our position in the Italian insurance market, whilst guaranteeing the highest standards of work quality and customer satisfaction that we have maintained for the past 70 years." "When we started this process, we never imagined meeting a company like Brera. Their partners Andrew Borda and Tin Radosevic have been instrumental in turning this ambitious project into a reality," added current CEO Guilio Spagnoli who will transition to Chairman as part of the transaction. "GBSAPRI now has the means to become a true insurance hub, with significant M&A ambitions, but will still maintain its values as a service-focussed broker managed by partners." "Brera Partners is excited to support GBSAPRI and the management team on their growth journey to become the leading Italian insurance broker for businesses and the public sector," said Andrew Borda, Partner at Brera Partners. "GBSAPRI has earned a reputation as a leader in several non-life insurance product lines and in recent years has successfully built its position through constant organic growth and M&A transactions, acquiring leading specialist brokers such as marine intermediary Poliass and corporate and industries expert Rodino Partners. We look forward to supporting Carlo Bassi and Giulio Spagnoli in building GBSAPRI into the main aggregator broker in Italy." The GBSAPRI Group was assisted by financial advisors Kitra Advisory, KPMG, and by law firms Lener Partners, Lexia and Andpartners. Brera Partners was supported by Chiomenti on Legal DD and transaction documentation, by PWC on Financial and Tax DD and tax structuring, LEK Consulting on Commercial Due Diligence and Rosedge Capital as debt advisor. Eurazeo, advised by Ahsurst, provided the acquisition financing for the transaction. Brera Partners was backed by Headway Capital Partners with equity financing to facilitate the transaction. About Brera Partners: Brera Partners is a leading investor in European asset light financial services with a focus on opportunities in western Europe and an EV range of EUR 25 million EUR 300 million. Focus sectors are financial product distribution, wealth management, trust and fiduciary services and insurance broking. www.brerapartners.com About GBSAPRI Group: GBSAPRI Group (the "Company") is a leading independent Italian insurance broker serving the private and public sector with a focus on commercial and specialty lines as well as employee benefits. The Company has 9 offices, more than 130 FTEs and has been active in the Italian insurance space for more than 70 years. Brokered premium in 2023 exceed EUR 210 million. www.gbsapri.it About Headway Capital Partners: Headway Capital Partners is a London-based private equity firm with advised funds of over 1.3 billion. Headway provides bespoke liquidity and capital solutions to private equity GPs and managers, investing globally in a full range of co-investment and secondary transactions, with a focus on small to mid-size independent sponsor co-investments and GP-led transactions in Europe and North America. www.headwaycap.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240327745178/en/ Contacts: Stephen Breen of Rein4ce on behalf of Brera Partners Stephen.breen@rein4ce.co.uk, +44 (0)7843 076556 Zilch is seeing over 10 million customer payments every month Multi-year contract helps Zilch advance their financial infrastructure and accelerate towards their endgame of capturing total share of consumer wallet Checkout.com selected for its global acquiring footprint, to fuel Zilch's future expansion with high-performance payments Zilch, the world's first ad-subsidised payments network (ASPN), today announces it has selected Checkout.com, the digital payments solution provider, as its primary acquiring partner globally, with a particular focus on the UK and USA. With its payments network supporting over 145 currencies and domestic acquiring coverage in over 45 markets, Checkout.com will help Zilch continue to offer the fast and reliable high-performance payments that its expanding customer base has come to expect from its regulated payment network. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403480196/en/ Zilch selects Checkout.com for global acquiring (Graphic: Business Wire) This appointment represents an important milestone in Zilch's operations and technology strategy as it rapidly evolves to best support the company's high growth. In February, Zilch expanded its consumer debit and credit offering with the launch of 'Pay over 3 months' in addition to 'Pay over 6 weeks', for its more than 3.6 million registered users. Customers use their Zilch card on average 100 times a year and now make more than 10 million payments per month with Zilch. Philip Belamant, CEO Co-Founder of Zilch, said: "Checkout.com's innovation and robust track record in partnering with some of the world's biggest companies made the decision to expand our partnership an easy one. Having worked together for over two years, I'm certain that this move will be a game changer in our tech stack and payments infrastructure." "In addition, Zilch is excited to partner with another leading UK fintech in Checkout.com. It's testament to the strength of the UK's amazing fintech ecosystem and is another reason why I am proud to be a founding Co-Chair of the recently launched Unicorn Council for UK Fintech." Guillaume Pousaz, Founder and CEO of Checkout.com, commented: "We are delighted to be working with Zilch, a category-leading fintech, to ensure that payments acquiring and processing is a business enabler and not a business distraction for Zilch as it successfully continues on its incredible growth journey. It's an exciting moment to join forces in such a dynamic market where our technology is powering many of the world's leading companies." About Zilch Zilch's vision is to eliminate the cost of consumer credit. For good. Zilch is the ad-subsidised payments network. Leveraging its unique vertically integrated, first party data business model to set itself apart from the incumbent fintech industry with a profitable global revenue source, bringing unrivalled value to customers and marketers alike. Today, Zilch is revolutionising the $50 trillion advertising and payments industries by merging the very best of debit, credit, and savings. Zilch provides millions of customers the freedom to go anywhere in the world (online or offline) and, when they pay, earn up to 5% cashback rewards on debit payments ('Pay Now') or spread interest-free credit repayments over six weeks or three months, and in the process help build their credit profiles with all the major credit agencies. Three years from launch, Zilch had amassed more than 3.6 million registered customers. With the launch of its proprietary Ad-Subsidised-Payments Network (ASPN), Zilch allows retailers worldwide instant connection with millions of Zilch's first-party data, closed loop network of high intent customers. Offering customers personalised savings, deals and discounts codified to their habitual spend. In January 2023, Zilch struck a ground-breaking reporting agreement with the UK's prime credit reference agencies, transforming the UK lending ecosystem by enabling 35m working adults to build their credit records using interest-free credit rather than high-cost revolving credit products. Since April 2020, Zilch has been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), obtaining a consumer credit licence through the Regulatory Sandbox Programme. For more information, visit: www.zilch.com About Checkout.com Checkout.com offers a high-performance, cloud-based payments platform that transforms payments into a significant revenue source for enterprises and scaling businesses. Its technology is built for flexibility, scalability, and efficiency, enabling seamless processing of payments, payouts, and card program management. Checkout.com is headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong, and other locations across six continents. Customers include global brands such as Sony, SHEIN, Wise, Patreon, and GE HealthCare. Checkout.com. Where the world checks out. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403480196/en/ Contacts: Zilch Ryan Mendy, Chief Communications Officer: press@zilch.com Media enquiries: zilch@hawthornadvisors.com Checkout.com Press contacts: pr@checkout.com Scientists propose new bird family tree, revises bird evolutionary history Xinhua) 14:32, April 03, 2024 HANGZHOU, April 3 (Xinhua) -- An international team has revolutionized the system of bird classification and rewritten our understanding of the evolutionary history of birds. Despite tremendous efforts in the past decades, the relationship among main avian lineages remains controversial. The researchers, led by Chinese zoologists from Zhejiang University, analyzed the genomes of 363 bird species in 92 percent of all extant families and presented a new, well-supported evolutionary tree. The Neoaves, a group that includes the vast majority of bird species, are classified into four major groups: Mirandornithes, such as flamingos; Columbaves, such as pigeons; Telluraves, including parrots and eagles; and Elementaves, according to the study published in the journal Nature on Tuesday. According to the study, elementaves is a newly proposed grouping comprising about 14 percent of all modern bird species, including seagulls, albatrosses, penguins, hoatzins, and swifts. Also, they confirmed that a mass extinction event destroyed all non-avian dinosaurs about 66 million years ago, thus providing an opportunity for birds to diversify rapidly and occupy a wide range of ecological niches. "Our work has changed many traditional views on the evolutionary history of birds," said Zhang Guojie from Zhejiang University. "This new family tree will serve as a solid backbone for mapping the evolutionary history of all bird species with important implications for ornithological research and biodiversity studies," added Zhang, the paper's corresponding author. The study is part of an international collaboration program called the Bird 10,000 Genomes Project to map the genomes of approximately 10,500 existing bird species. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) MEGA METAL STRENGTHENS EUROPEAN MARKET WITH WIRE FAIR ISTANBUL, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mega Metal, one of the important players of value added copper wire industry of the world, attends Wire Fair, one of the most important events of wire and cable industry worldwide. Dominating more than 70 percent of the market as the Europe's biggest and strongest fine and superfine copper wire manufacturer, Mega Metal aims to maintain its strong market position thanks to the fairs where it presents its innovative products. Mega Metal, one of the most important players of European and Turkish market in the copper wire industry, will attend Wire Fair between 15-19 April in Dusseldorf Germany. The innovations for a wide range of needs of industry and commerce will be presented in the fair which is one of the most important events of the wire and cable industry worldwide. Also conferences, forums, High Potential Days with ecoMetals will be organized at the fair where all stakeholders in the process chain from raw materials to the latest machines for wire production and processing, new products to innovations obtained from research will attend. "We are the first-line brand when it comes to superfine conductive wire in Europe" Mega Metal, which meets the copper wire demand of Turkiye and Europe with its innovative products, will be at Hall 10 stand A70 in the fair. Mega Metal Board Chairman Cuneyt Ali Turgut evaluated the fair and stated that production of copper conductive wire with high added value is their priority as Mega Metal, and underlined that the markets leading the technology in this segment are Europe and America. Turgut stated that Mega Metal is the first-line brand when it comes to superfine conductive wire especially in European market and added that "We, as Mega Metal, dominate more than 70 percent of the market as the biggest and strongest fine and superfine copper wire producer of Europe. We aim to maintain our strong market position here and the fairs we attend serve this goal. We will continue to attend international fairs which will make major contributions to us to make new business connections, create networks, promote our products at the international arena and keep informed of new developments in our industry". "We have sustainability in our agenda" Cuneyt Ali Turgut stated that the focus of the investments in 2024 is sustainability, and added that "We have installed a solar power plant on the roof of our factory in Kayseri. We have electricity production capacity of 6 MW here. We have also started to work to install two solar power plants of total 57 MW in Kutahya, Bilecik and Tunceli. When all our power plants are deployed in the first quarter of 2025, we plan to start to meet 85 percent of our company's electricity consumption from renewable energy". About Mega Metal Starting its production activities in Kayseri in 2005, Mega Metal currently employs more than 700 persons in 75 thousand sqm open area and 45 thousand sqm indoor area. Mega Metal, which produces super-fine oxygen-free electrolytic copper wire products with high technology and quality, dominates 75 percent of the European market. The wires produced by Mega Metal are used in a wide range of areas, from renewable energy plants to the automotive industry, from space crafts to high-tech medical devices and robots; and the company exports to more than 30 countries around the world, especially the European Union countries. For detailed information: Feveran Iletisim / Safak Tan / 0541 245 41 27 / safak@feveran.com.tr Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2375238/Mega_Metal_Kayseri_Fabrika.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2375244/4622107/MegaMetalLogo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mega-metal-at-wire-fair-with-its-most-innovative-products-302105622.html Regulatory News: On the occasion of Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten's visit to TotalEnergies' (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) Antwerp refinery battery storage project, the Company announced the development in Belgium of a second similar project. The new project will be developed on the site of TotalEnergies' depot in Feluy. It will have a power rating of 25 MW and capacity of 75 MWh, thanks to the forty Intensium Max High Energy lithium-ion containers supplied by Saft. Start-up is expected at the end of 2025. These two projects, which represent a global investment of nearly 70 million, will bring TotalEnergies' storage capacity in Belgium to 50 MW 150 MWh. These battery storage sites play a key role in the resilience of the electricity system, providing flexibility and helping solve grid congestion problems. They also encourage the growth of renewable energies in the country, which require solutions like these to compensate for their intermittency. "We are pleased to announce this new storage project in Feluy, just a year after we began our Antwerp project, which should be operational by the end of the year. These projects are fully in line with our integrated development strategy for electricity, not just in Belgium, but globally," said Olivier Jouny, Senior Vice President, Integrated Power at TotalEnergies. "These technical systems also confirm the European leadership of our affiliate specialized in battery production, Saft, and its industrial-scale stationary storage know-how." TotalEnergies and electricity in Belgium In Belgium, TotalEnergies is a major player along the entire electricity value chain. As an electricity supplier, the Company has a portfolio of 900,000 customers. As an electricity producer, TotalEnergies relies in particular on the Marchienne-au-Pont CCGT power plant (430 MW), the Plate-Taille hydroelectric storage (140 MW), and an offshore wind farm located in the Belgian North Sea (300 MW). TotalEnergies is also developing solar and onshore wind projects, with a portfolio of 300 MW. In electric mobility, TotalEnergies already has more than 10,000 charging points in operation (35% on roads, 20% at private homes and 45% in offices) throughout the country. TotalEnergies operates recharging points in major cities such as Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. About Saft Saft specializes in advanced technology battery solutions for industry, from the design and development to the production, customization and service provision. For more than 100 years, Saft's longer-lasting batteries and systems have provided critical safety applications, back-up power and propulsion for our customers. Our innovative, safe and reliable technology delivers high performance on land, at sea, in the air and in space. Saft is powering industry and smarter cities, while providing critical back-up functionality in remote and harsh environments from the Arctic Circle to the Sahara Desert. Saft is a wholly owned subsidiary of TotalEnergies, a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations. @TotalEnergies lTotalEnergies lTotalEnergies lTotalEnergies Cautionary Note The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403290511/en/ Contacts: TotalEnergies Contacts Media Relations:+33 (0)1 47 44 46 99l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations:+33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com LONDON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- European and Global Advisers (EGA), the London-based investment boutique recently joined by former BlueCrest Capital Management partners Mattias Eriksson and Ebrahim Kasenally, has partnered with Cite Gestion to launch a systematic long-short UCITS fund which seeks to generate positive returns from the strongest and weakest governed companies in the S&P 500. Domiciled in Ireland, the PLURIMA Market Neutral UCITS Fund takes long positions in the index's 100 best-governed companies and shorts its 100 least well-governed companies, as determined by the stewardship model provided by leading governance analysts Green Blue Invest, the ESG brand of Cite Gestion SA. The model, which excludes tobacco, defence and oil & gas companies on its long positions, uses AI and Natural Language Processing to rank the quality of companies' governance based on analysis of their 10-K reports. Over 15 years of evidence the model, developed through Green Blue Invest's partnership with Swiss-based Stewardship & Governance Associates (SGA), has demonstrated that the language used by senior executives is indicative of the quality of corporate governance and company culture. Using a proprietary dictionary of 8,000 key words, the model screens for the occurrences and use of negative and positive words in corporate communications such as 10-K filings, comprehensive annual reports companies are required submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Using these metrics, companies are assigned a core stewardship score, which determines the quality of their governance. Companies that score highly tend to share certain characteristics, including concern for employee welfare, prudence, and a focus on R&D, which generate more shareholder value. Conversely, companies ranking the lowest in terms of governance tend to underperform. Combining the paper trading and live track record, the average gross underperformance generated by the model is in excess of 5% per annum. The investment team has been running a long-only version of the strategy for five years, over which time it has outperformed the S&P 500 Total Return Index by more than 35% since its inception on February 20, 2019. The PLURIMA Market Neutral UCITS Fund will be long 100% the top 100 stocks ranked by the stewardship score, and short 80% the bottom 100 stocks, giving a net long exposure of 20%. The composition of the portfolio will be rebalanced on an annual basis, with weightings rebalanced quarterly. Mattias Eriksson, Partner at EGA, said: "Governance is at the heart of company performance and applying a quantitative approach to assessing its quality allows the fund to systematically generate alpha from the best and worst managed companies in the S&P 500. "Partnering with Cite Gestion and Green Blue Invest means we can leverage the expertise of industry leading ESG practitioners to offer wealth managers targeted exposure to the characteristics that are an important and sustainable forward-looking source of outperformance." Pascal Botteron, CIO of Green Blue Invest and Head of Investments at Cite Gestion Private Bank, said: "The vast majority of ESG funds focus on the 'E' but our research shows that well-governed companies deliver positively not only on the 'G' but also on the 'E' and the 'S'. Our academic model systemically harvests this governance premia and dynamically adjusts to changes in corporate language to ensure it is exposed only the best and worst managed companies in the index. "We are delighted to collaborate with Mattias and Ebrahim to offer EGA clients exclusive access to a long-short version of the model in a UCITS format." About European and Global Advisers LLP EGA LLP (www.egallp.com) was formed in 2011 as an independent, privately owned, investment boutique to provide specialist, niche market funds for institutional investors and professional investors as well as advisory firms and their clients. EGA manages investment funds, provides investment advisory services and develops investment strategies for banks, asset managers and family offices. All in one service offered via entities in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Since 2021 new partners have added multiple new investment strategies. The Firm now manages seven UCITS Funds. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2358492/EGA_LOGO.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ega-and-cite-gestion-partner-to-launch-long-short-fund-targeting-best-and-worst-us-corporate-governance-302096194.html 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. Im kostenlosen, exklusiven Spezialreport prasentieren wir ihnen 5 innovative KI-Unternehmen, die bahnbrechende Entwicklungen in diesem Sektor pragen konnten. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? 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. Nutzen Sie die Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! LUXEMBOURG, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Centralis Group (Centralis), a leading alternative asset and corporate services provider, today announced its acquisition of YLP Group (YLP). Centralis partners with alternative investment firms and corporate organisations providing administrative, global expansion and governance solutions tailored to each clients' unique needs. The Group has established itself as an industry leader providing a customer-centric tailored service via over 330+ highly experienced professionals. The Group is headquartered in Luxembourg, with presence in 11 countries and 16 locations globally. YLP, which was founded in 2014, is a growing corporate service provider based in Luxembourg. YLP is an Ordre des Experts-Comptables licenced business that provides services to alternative fund clients, primarily real estate & private equity structures, as well as multinational corporates; aligning with Centralis' existing service offering. The acquisition will significantly broaden Centralis' reach in the Luxembourg market, deepening the presence of Centralis within the country's key fund outsourcing service sector. The acquisition of YLP allows Centralis the opportunity to expand its current servicing capabilities to additional alternative fund clients, whilst providing the opportunity to YLP clients to benefit from the existing Centralis global services. YLP's reputation for quality-of-service provision and company culture is aligned with that of Centralis. Aidan Foley, CEO of Centralis Group commented "We're pleased to welcome YLP's team to the Centralis Group. Their wealth of expertise and deep knowledge of the Luxembourg market will further enhance our ability to deliver top-tier solutions to both existing and new clients. We are excited to leverage our collective strengths to further drive successes together." Olivier Liegeois, YLP Partner commented: "YLP is extremely excited to join the Centralis Group. After ten years of organic growth we understand that this acquisition will broaden the scope of services we can offer to our clients in Luxembourg and in new markets. Additionally, Centralis' corporate culture and proven track record aligns with YLP's motto since day 1 of 'Quality service for the right price'." Grant Thornton acted as financial and tax advisor to Centralis, and Dentons served as legal counsel. Deloitte Luxembourg acted as M&A advisor to YLP, and NautaDutilh served as legal counsel. www.centralisgroup.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/centralis-group-enters-its-next-phase-of-growth-by-acquiring-the-business-of-ylp-group-302106033.html Optimization solution improved efficiency, reduced delivery times and reduced carbon footprint FICO (NYSE: FICO): Artelys, an independent company specializing in numerical optimization, modeling, and decision support, has used FICO optimization technology to build a solution that optimizes post-production activity in Toyota Motor Europe's vehicle distribution hubs, organizing tens of thousands of operations on thousands of vehicles a day. The manual scheduling that used to take three hours per day for each hub is now done in 20 minutes. A customer buying a vehicle from a Toyota retailer can add numerous options to a Toyota vehicle such as a navigation system, a towing bar or a parking assist system. To minimize delivery time, the solution has increased the efficiency of the distribution hubs of Toyota Motor Europe, ensured satisfactory delivery time to customers, and reduced the carbon footprint of vehicle logistics operations. "The flexibility of FICO Xpress and Artelys Kalis was key to address the very specific scheduling needs of Toyota's workshops," said Nicolas Omont, VP Operations at Artelys. More information: https://www.fico.com/en/products/fico-xpress-optimization and https://www.artelys.com/solvers/xpress/. At the heart of Toyota Motor Europe's supply chain are seven strategically located vehicle distribution hubs that handle both the European-built models and those shipped to Europe from overseas. These hubs ensure all vehicles get to their customers on time, performing final installations on the vehicles and a final inspection before shipping the vehicles to their retailer. Achieving on-time delivery while reducing lead times and CO2 emissions is critical. The Artelys solution optimizes the work plan at each hub, maximizing the number of tasks that can be performed considering many technical and operational constraints. These constraints vary widely, from restricting vehicle movements within the facility to ensuring compliance with legal working hours for the team. "It is particularly hard to design applications able to efficiently manage such heterogeneous constraints and objectives and prioritize them," said Omont. "In addition, the software is able to manage optional flexibility by enabling potential overtime to finish highly prioritized tasks or diversify crews working on difficult tasks." User acceptance was also essential. Artelys developed the solution to show planners that they wouldn't lose flexibility in their way of working, and they wouldn't have a black box providing plans without being able to understand them. Planners can analyse the application output and understand differences with their current way of working. The Toyota Motor Europe solution must solve the planning every day in a few minutes to allow sufficient time for the planners to validate it. In addition, it can re-optimize on the fly, based on end-user manual amendments. "Thanks to Constraint Programming, the complex optimization problems are solved with the reliability and consistency with no room for failure," concluded Omont. "We use advanced features of FICO Xpress to implement several heuristics. They provide distinct solutions among which the best one is selected." Strong Partnership with FICO "Artelys has a strong partnership with FICO, having worked together for more than 15 years," said Omont. "The solution we created for Toyota relies on FICO Xpress Optimization, as the problem is modelled with Xpress Mosel language and solved with Artelys Kalis, which is fully integrated into FICO Xpress. Artelys' expertise in mathematical optimization applied to supply chain has enabled FICO to consolidate its position as one of the leading optimization solvers for supply chain applications in Europe." "This kind of optimization will only gain in importance as manufacturers worldwide look to reduce their carbon footprint while maximizing performance," said Alexandre Graff, vice president of Global Partners Alliances at FICO. "Artelys has demonstrated with this project and others the massive potential of using FICO optimization to solve incredibly challenging supply chain problems." About Artelys Founded in 2000 in Paris, Artelys is an independent company specializing in numerical optimization, modelling and decision support. Artelys activities cover software edition and consulting services in optimization, data science and artificial intelligence. The company provides off-the-shelf software such as the Artelys Crystal suite or numerical optimization solvers and custom software solutions to tackle specific business problems. www.artelys.com/ About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 100 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency. Learn more at www.fico.com. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403611662/en/ Contacts: FICO UK PR Team Wendy Harrison/Parm Heer ficoteam@harrisonsadler.com 0208 977 9132 Paris, 3 April 2024 - The Company's shareholders are invited to participate in the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held on Tuesday 23 April 2024, at 10:00 am, at the Salons des Arts et Metiers, 9bis avenue d'Iena, 75116 Paris. The AGM prior notice, including the meeting agenda and the proposed resolutions, was published in the BALO (French Bulletin of Obligatory Legal Announcements) on 18 March 2024 and the AGM notice will be published in the BALO on 8 April 2024 and in a French journal of legal announcements on 8 April 2024. In conformity with article R. 225-73-1 of the French Code of Commerce, the supporting documents to the AGM are available on the Company's website (www.altamir.fr). The supporting documents to the AGM will also be made available to shareholders as of the AGM notice date. Thus, in conformity with the applicable regulatory provisions: all registered shareholders may, up to and including the fifth day before the AGM, request that the Company forward them the documentation referred to in articles R.225-81 and R.225-83 of the French Code of Commerce, by electronic or other means. Bearer shareholders may exercise this right only after producing a registration certificate stating that their shares are recorded in a bearer securities account on the books of an accredited intermediary; all shareholders may review the documents referred to in articles L. 225-115 and R.225-83 of the French Code of Commerce at the company's headquarters. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * About Altamir Altamir is a listed private equity company (Euronext Paris-B, ticker: LTA) founded in 1995 and with a NAV of 1.3 billion. Its objective is to provide shareholders with long-term capital appreciation and regular dividends by investing in a diversified portfolio of private equity investments. Altamir's investment policy is to invest principally via and with the funds managed or advised by Seven2 and Apax, two leading private equity firms that take majority or lead positions in LBO and growth capital transactions and seek ambitious value creation objectives. In this way, Altamir provides access to a diversified portfolio of fast-growing companies across Seven2's and Apax's sectors of specialisation (Tech & Telco, Consumer, Healthcare, Services) and in complementary market segments (mid-sized companies in continental Europe and large companies in Europe, North America and key emerging markets). Altamir derives certain tax benefits from its status as a SCR ("Societe de Capital Risque"). As such, Altamir is exempt from corporate tax and the company's investors may benefit from tax exemptions, subject to specific holding-period and dividend-reinvestment conditions. For more information: www.altamir.fr Contact Claire Peyssard Moses Tel.: +33 6 34 32 38 97 E-mail: investors@altamir.fr ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: ym5wZJtrY2qXy2tpZZdtmmJraG+WmWSblmnGk2Rplp2cb3KVxpuVm5ybZnFlnmVq - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-84904-cp_mad_ag_en_03-04.pdf UTRECHT, Netherlands and NEW DELHI, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Turacoz Group, a leading medical communication company, recently participated in BioEurope's 18th edition held in Barcelona from March 18th to 20th, 2024. The event, known for connecting the global biopharma community to foster life science partnerships, provides an excellent overview of life sciences industry trend. BioEurope Spring serves as a pivotal platform for industry players to gain insights into emerging trends, network with innovative start-ups, and forge partnerships with global pharma companies. Turacoz Group utilized this opportunity to connect with key stakeholders across the biopharma spectrum, including innovators in drug development, pharma experts, investors, and service providers. During the three-day event, Turacoz Group's representatives Ashish Pandey along with Turacoz founder Dr. Namrata Singh, engaged intensively with industry leaders to highlight Turacoz's unique ability to create Clear, Cohesive, Complete, Concise, and Concrete scientific communication in a target-specific language and format. This expertise is crucial for biopharma companies facing challenges in effectively communicating complex scientific data, especially in areas of rare diseases and strict regulatory compliance. "BioEurope Spring provided us with a remarkable opportunity to interact with industry pioneers and showcase how Turacoz can revolutionize medical communication. Our experience and utilization of emerging technologies especially generative AI uniquely position us to support life sciences companies throughout their product life cycle, ensuring accurate and impactful communication with diverse stakeholders," said Dr. Namrata Singh, founder of Turacoz Group. Turacoz Group's participation at BioEurope Spring underscores its commitment to advancing medical communication through innovative strategies. By empowering biopharma companies with tailored communication solutions, Turacoz aims to enhance and drive innovation in the life sciences industry. About Turacoz Group: Turacoz Group is a leading global medical communications agency. We partner with the life sciences industry to communicate science and medicine in an innovative manner across the entire product life cycle from development to commercialization. Our team combines scientific expertise, creativity, and industry knowledge to deliver solutions that are highly effective for our clients. With a strategic presence in five key locations across Europe, North America, and Asia, Turacoz Group is uniquely positioned to offer its deep domain expertise to biopharmaceutical, emerging biotech, medical device companies and research institutes globally. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2377890/Turacoz_Group_BioEurope.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378422/4629330/Turacoz_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/turacoz-group-showcases-expertise-in-medical-communication-at-bioeurope-spring-2024-in-barcelona-302107041.html Regulatory News: The shareholders of Gecina (the "Company") (Paris:GFC) are invited to participate in the Combined General Meeting to be held on: Thursday April 25, 2024 from 3pm (CET) at Hotel Kimpton St Honore Paris, 20 rue Daunou, 75002 Paris The meeting notice, containing the agenda and the proposed resolutions, was published in the French official gazette (BALO) no.29 on March 6, 2024. The invitation to attend, presenting the agenda and useful information on the conditions for the organization of the Combined General Meeting and how to take part in it, was published in the BALO and the French legal announcements journal "Actu-Juridique.fr" on April 3, 2024. The preparatory documents for this Combined General Meeting are made available to the Company's shareholders in accordance with the legal and regulatory conditions and timeframes applicable. The documents covered under Article R.22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code will be available on the Company's website at www.gecina.fr. All shareholders may ask the Company to send them these documents with written requests to be sent by post to the Company's registered office or by email to titres&bourse@gecina.fr until the fifth day (inclusive) before the Combined General Meeting on April 25, 2024, i.e. April 20, 2024. For bearer shareholders, a certificate confirming registration in the securities accounts for bearer shares held by an authorized intermediary must be submitted to exercise this right. Shareholders will be able to follow the Combined General Meeting on the Company's website: www.gecina.fr. The Board of Directors French limited company (societe anonyme) with capital of 575,031,457.50 Registered office: 14-16, rue des Capucines 75002 Paris France Paris trade and companies register: 592 014 476 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403670076/en/ Contacts: Gecina 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. In diesem kostenlosen Report geben wir Ihnen Favoriten an die Hand, die aufgrund von Sondersituation die Chance auf eine Kursvervielfachung besitzen. Handeln Sie Jetzt! Fordern Sie jetzt den brandneuen Spezialreport an und profitieren Sie von dem weiter steigenden Kurs des Edelmetalls. Sichern Sie sich jetzt Ihren kostenfreien Report. Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben? Die Branche steht vor einem erneuten Innovationsschub von bahnbrechenden Medikamenten bis hin zu revolutionaren Therapien. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Sie sollten jetzt in Biotech-Aktien einsteigen, weil wir am Beginn einer neuen Ara der medizinischen Innovation stehen konnten! Gen- und Zelltherapien, personalisierte Medizin und bahnbrechende Technologien konnten das Gesundheitswesen revolutionieren und die Aktienkurse in die Hohe schieen lassen. Die nachste Erfolgsgeschichte im Biotechbereich warten nur darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Wer jetzt investiert, hat die Chance, von gigantischen Durchbruchen und enormen Renditen zu profitieren. Warten Sie nicht, bis es zu spat ist - der nachste Biotech-Superstar konnte morgen schon durchstarten! Verpassen Sie nicht diese Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Biotech-Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 3 Biotech-Aktien das riesige Potenzial haben, Ihren finanziellen Erfolg zu sichern. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen zukunftstrachtige Investments im Biotech-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Camino Minerals Corporation (TSXV:COR)(OTC PINK:CAMZF)(WKN:A116E1) ("Camino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced road building and drilling pad construction at its wholly-owned Maria Cecilia copper porphyry project ("Maria Cecilia" or the "Project") in Peru. Activities started at the end of March, with drilling to commence by the end of April 2024. Approximately 6 kilometers of roads will be constructed to connect to the existing road network in the area. The Maria Cecilia project is located in the Cordillera Negra mountain range in the Andes at an elevation of 4,300 metres; approximately a 3 hour drive from the nearest mining-supported town of Caraz. Please see our Maria Cecilia site visit video "Maria Cecilia Project - Where Does Copper Come From?" by Camino CEO, Jay Chmelauskas. "The drilling program that starts in April at Maria Cecilia provides a chance to make a new copper discovery on a project that has seen over 30,000 metres of historical drilling. Over USD $28 million has been invested in the adjacent projects, defining resources of copper and gold mineralization, but the central porphyry target on our project has never been drilled," said Camino CEO, Jay Chmelauskas. "It is a bold drilling strategy, but one where multiple pulses of mineralization provide a sizable, rare, and quality opportunity to make a copper discovery." The Maria Cecilia complex is a mineralized system of intrusives that extends for over 5 km and hosts the mineral resources of Toropunto, Emmanuel, and the undrilled central porphyry target, Maria Cecilia. The Maria Cecilia target, exhibits the largest magnetic anomaly in the porphyry complex. Camino intends to drill up to two 750 meter holes to intercept a significant magnetic anomaly with the potential to host a robust mineralized porphyry system (Figure 1). Molybdenum has been encountered during previous exploration immediately adjacent to Maria Cecilia, that zonation models indicate potential proximity to a copper source. The proposed drilling program aims to discover ore-grade copper mineralization and associated minerals within the host rocks. This package of rocks is believed to have the potential to host significant mineral deposits characteristic of large-scale porphyry-style mineralization. Figure 1. Long Section of Maria Cecilia Multi-Intrusive Copper Porphyry System Figure 2. March 2024, Camino Meets with Local Community to Start Drilling Activities at Maria Cecilia. Maria Cecilia is in the center of the Northwest-Southeast belt between Toropunto, a copper-molybdenum-gold high-sulphidation epithermal system and the Emmanuel porphyry copper-molybdenum mineralization, hosted in a package of sandstones and limestones of the Goyllarisquizga group. This approximately 20-million-year-old Formation, hosts andesitic porphyry and granodiorite intrusions that could host large-scale concentrations of copper mineralization in the Cordillera Negra belt. At Maria Cecilia there is a 2.0 km Northeast-Southwest zonation, from unaltered calcareous rocks, grading to skarns of brown garnets, green garnets, and pyroxenes with the presence of sulfides, sandstones and hornfels with a stockwork of quartz veinlets, intruded by a porphyritic stock with copper oxides sampled at surface. The drill holes at Maria Cecilia will seek to define copper mineralization and to estimate the corresponding zonation in the porphyry stock for further follow up drilling. Figure 3. Profile of the Undrilled Maria Cecilia Porphyry Intrusion Spanning 2 km in Photo Limits The Company is also pleased to announce the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") has accepted for filing documentation related to the Company's earn-in agreement (the "Earn-in Agreement") with Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd ("Nittetsu"). Following their acceptance, the TSXV has provided conditional acceptance for the issuance of 2,235,295 common shares to a non-related third-party, Resource Play (the "Finder") as finder's fees in connection with the Earn-in Agreement. The TSXV has also provided conditional approval for the issuance of a further 882,352 common shares to the Finder if Nittetsu exercises their right under the agreement to contribute their 3rd option instalment payment of CDN$1,500,000 to Camino in May 2024. The finder's fee agreement was previously announced on February 1, 2023, and June 14, 2023, and the issue of stock to satisfy the finder's fee was announced on January 10, 2023. Further to the January 10, 2024, news release, the Company wishes to advise that the TSXV has also provided conditional acceptance for the issuance of 352,942 common shares issued to former Chief Financial Officer, Justin Bourassa. This issuance constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied upon the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 under sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the aggregate of the total dollar amount of the severance payment exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). About Camino Camino is a discovery and development stage copper exploration company. Camino is focused on advancing its high-grade Los Chapitos copper project located in Peru through to resource delineation and to add new discoveries. Camino has also permitted the Maria Cecilia copper porphyry project for a planned exploration drilling program. In addition, Camino has increased its land position at its copper and silver Plata Dorada project. Camino seeks to acquire a portfolio of advanced copper assets that have the potential to deliver copper into an electrifying copper intensive global economy. For more information, please refer to Camino's website at www.caminocorp.com. Jose A. Bassan, FAusIMM (CP) 227922, MSc. Geologist, an independent geologist and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this document. Mr. Bassan has reviewed and verified relevant data supporting the technical disclosure, including sampling and analytical test data. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD For further information, please contact: /S/ "Jay Chmelauskas" Camino Investor Relations President and CEO info@caminocorp.com Tel: (604) 493-2058 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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking information. In making the forward-looking disclosures in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information in the release includes the prospectivity of future exploration work at Maria Cecilia and the receipt of necessary authorizations and approvals. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release is subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Such risk factors include, among others, that actual results of the Company's exploration activities may be different than those expected by management, that the Company may be unable to obtain or will experience delays in obtaining any required authorizations and approvals and the state of equity and commodity markets. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and 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 required by law. SOURCE: Camino Minerals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Oakville, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - FendX Technologies Inc. (CSE: FNDX) (OTCQB: FDXTF) (FSE: E8D) (the "Company" or "FendX"), a nanotechnology company developing surface protection coatings to reduce the spread of pathogens, announces that Dr. Carolyn Myers, CEO of FendX, will be participating in a shareholder webinar, hosted by IR Labs, on Thursday April 11, 2024 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT to provide an overview of the Company, discuss products in development and recent achievements. The webinar will be geared towards current institutional and individual shareholders and others interested in learning more about the Company. The webinar will be recorded and made available to international shareholders after the event. To register, please click here. The Company also announces that further to the Company's press release on March 25, 2024 which announced the completion of a second closing of the non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), raising $1.5 million to date, and further upsizing of the Offering to accommodate increased demand, the Company intends to complete its non-brokered private placement by on or about the end of April 2024. About FendX Technologies Inc. FendX is a Canada-based nanotechnology company focused on developing products to make people's lives safer by reducing the spread of pathogens. The Company is developing both film and spray products to protect surfaces from contamination. The lead product under development, REPELWRAP film, is a protective surface coating film that, due to its repelling properties, prevents the adhesion of pathogens and reduces their transmission on surfaces prone to contamination. The spray nanotechnology is a bifunctional spray coating being developed to reduce contamination on surfaces by repelling and killing pathogens. The Company is conducting research and development activities using its nanotechnology in collaboration with industry-leading partners, including McMaster University. The Company has an exclusive worldwide license to its technology and IP portfolio from McMaster, which encompass both film and spray coating nanotechnology formulations. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Carolyn Myers" Carolyn Myers Chief Executive Officer and Director Contacts: Dr. Carolyn Myers, CEO and Director 1-800-344-9868 Alyssa Barry, Investor Relations 1-833-947-5227 investor@fendxtech.com For more information, please visit https://fendxtech.com/ and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including with respect to: the plans of the Company; statements regarding the intended third closing of the non-brokered private placement and products under development and any pathogen reduction benefits related thereto. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and involve several risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and that actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include: product candidates only being in formulation/reformulation stages; limited operating history; research and development activities; dependence on collaborative partners, licensors and others; effect of general economic and political conditions; and other risk factors set forth in the Company's public filings which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, the reader is urged to refer to the Company's such filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204072 SOURCE: FendX Technologies Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Exploits Discovery Corp. (CSE: NFLD) (OTCQB: NFLDF) (FSE: 634) ("Exploits" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is in receipt of the seismic dataset on its Bullseye gold property completed in late 2023 by New Found Gold Corp. ("NFG"). This was the first survey of its kind to be conducted on the island of Newfoundland and one of the first in North America. NFG's entire seismic program covered 47km2 of their Queensway North project area and was conducted by HiSeis, an industry leader in hard rock seismic surveys. The Company will be engaging a consultant in the near term and expects initial interpretations by this summer. Jeff Swinoga, Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We are very pleased to receive the seismic data that will give us indications of potential deep-seated structures under our Bullseye gold property that may host gold mineralization. We intend to combine this seismic dataset with the 13,000 metres of diamond drilling completed on our property. This is another layer of data that we believe will be valuable in designing drilling programs and increase our chances for exploration success at depth. We plan to continue to drill and explore for significant gold discoveries on Bullseye as well as our much larger Gazeebow South property further north." Figure 1: Mineral property map showing coverage of the NFG seismic survey over Exploits' Bullseye property. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6393/204089_faa6042c24d3ca10_002full.jpg About Exploits Discovery Corp. Exploits is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Exploits is utilizing its experienced, talented local team and geologic understanding with the vision to become one of the most successful explorers in Canada. On Behalf of the Board /s/ "Jeff Swinoga" President and CEO For more information, please contact: Shanda Kilborn VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations +1 (778) 819-2708 shanda@exploits.gold https://exploitsdiscovery.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law. Acknowledgments Exploits Discovery would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program from the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204089 SOURCE: Exploits Discovery Corp. Experic, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and clinical trial supply services company serving the biopharmaceutical industry, today announced the appointment of Philip Dunne as Director of EU Operations, to head up initial operations of its recently announced 10,000 sq. ft facility in Dublin, Ireland. "We are delighted to have Philip on board to support our recent EU expansion," said Vice President of Operations, Brian Fagan. "A seasoned industry professional, he brings a diversified skill set in pharmaceutical and medical device clinical trial supply services to the Experic team. Philip is the perfect choice to ensure safe, secure, and fully compliant storage for all items on-site or en route to the patient." Philip offers deeply relevant experience gained from more than 25 years in international supply chain support for global clinical trials at leading CDMOs and pharmaceutical companies as well as extensive familiarity with EU regulatory requirements. Most notably, he has previously managed similar facility start-ups, including in Ireland, and has a strong knowledge of applicable GDP and GMP requirements needed for operational delivery. "I am very excited to be joining the Experic team to bring their first international facility online," shared Philip Dunne, Director of EU Operations. "Whether storing precious vials of the latest vaccine or kits for clinical trials, we will provide customers of every size the same attention to regulatory details and personalized, regional support that they deserve." Combined with an excellent understanding of the global pharmaceutical transport industry, import/export regulations, supplier management skills, and commitment to efficient operations, Philip is aligned with Experic's customer service-oriented mindset and commitment to quality to ensure successful delivery of critical supplies at every step. Connect with members of the Experic team at an upcoming industry event. About Experic Experic, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and clinical trial supply services company, supports every phase of a product's life cycle from conception to clinical and commercial scale, across a range of dosing and packaging formats. From our state-of-the-art, cGMP facility, we manage global delivery of the highest quality products, even for expedited projects, while providing unparalleled knowledge, expertise, and customer service. Learn more about our manufacturing and clinical trial supply services at expericservices.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403074316/en/ Contacts: For media inquiries, contact Savannah Worcester on behalf of Experic at savannah.worcester@themarketelement.com Mexico City, Mexico--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - The renowned Sundance Film Festival is set to make its debut in Mexico City, marking a significant milestone for the city's vibrant film scene. The festival, known for its celebration of independent cinema and emerging filmmakers, will showcase a diverse selection of films from around the world. Book a stay at one of the many hotels in Polanco. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7838/203965_4ed9a4961487eaf0_001full.jpg Mexico City's first edition of the Sundance Film Festival will take place in the heart of the city, offering a unique cultural experience for attendees. With a focus on promoting creativity and innovation in filmmaking, the festival aims to inspire and engage audiences. One of the highlights of the festival are the various locations near the prestigious Polanco district, known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore this vibrant destination and experience the best that Mexico City has to offer. To accommodate attendees, a variety of hotels in Polanco Mexico City will be offering special rates and packages during the festival. From luxury accommodations to boutique hotels, there will be options to suit every preference and budget. One hotel in Polanco that stands out is Hotel Presidente InterContinental, known for its exceptional service and prime location. The Mexico City edition of the Sundance Film Festival promises to be a celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity. About Sundance Film Festival The Sundance Film Festival is a renowned showcase for independent filmmakers and emerging talent. Founded by Robert Redford, the festival aims to celebrate creativity and diversity in filmmaking. About Polanco, Mexico City Polanco is a vibrant neighborhood in Mexico City known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It is home to many of the city's top hotels, making it a popular destination for visitors. Contact: Ziannia Gamino - Grupo Presidente 55 53277700 ziannia_gamino@grupopresidente.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/203965 SOURCE: Comunicae Seedrelease Network S.L. Metals Acquisition Limited ARBN 671 963 198 (NYSE: MTAL; ASX: MAC), a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Jersey, Channel Islands ("MAC" or the "Company") advises that Mr Rhett Bennett, has resigned from his position as a Non-Executive Director of the Company, with immediate effect. The Board has for some time been discussing the need for greater diversity (including, but not limited to, geographical and gender diversity) including in the context of the Company's current operating asset being in Australia, whilst the majority of the Board are based in the Northern Hemisphere. It is in this context that Mr Bennett offered his resignation. The Board has commenced a process to identify and recruit additional directors that align with the diversification objectives of the Company. MAC's Chair, Patrice Merrin, stated "Rhett has contributed immensely both to the Board and the Company during his tenure. We sincerely thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best for his future endeavours This announcement is authorised for release by Mick McMullen, Chief Executive Officer Director. About Metals Acquisition Limited Metals Acquisition Limited (NYSE: MTAL; ASX:MAC) is a company focused on operating and acquiring metals and mining businesses in high quality, stable jurisdictions that are critical in the electrification and decarbonization of the global economy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403625798/en/ Contacts: Mick McMullen Chief Executive Officer Director Metals Acquisition Limited. investors@metalsacqcorp.com Morne Engelbrecht Chief Financial Officer Metals Acquisition Limited TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce that it has incorporated a U.S. based subsidiary, Aclara Technologies Inc. ("Aclara Technologies"), to develop its rare earths separation capabilities in the United States. This development will allow Aclara to better position itself to carry out all of the stages leading up to the production of metal and alloys for high performance permanent magnets, following the recent announcement that the Company has entered into a joint venture with CAP to develop metal and alloys capabilities. As a result, Aclara is positioned to become the first vertically integrated heavy rare earths company outside of Asia. Aclara CEO, Ramon Barua, commented: "This strategic decision is only possible because of Aclara's unique feed of clean heavy rare earths, particularly Dysprosium and Terbium, which is expected to be sourced from two stable and investment friendly countries in the Americas. This competitive advantage distinguishes Aclara from other players in the industry. By going further in the vertical integration of rare earths production, we improve our ability to commercialize our product while retaining the economic margins of this important stage in the value chain. Consequently, end users will benefit from a more cost competitive product built with traceable, fully ESG compliant materials, resulting in a stable long-term supply of heavy rare earths. We understand the importance of building a geopolitically independent supply chain for critical materials and we aspire to become a leader in that effort." Aclara's Vertical Integration Strategy The decision to integrate vertically responds to the need for creating a geopolitically independent supply chain for permanent magnets, a much-needed performance enhancer for the motors of electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics and other applications associated with the decarbonization of our planet. Aclara Technologies is expected to source high purity mixed rare earths carbonates from Aclara's extraction modules in Chile and Brazil. These carbonates will be then converted into individual rare earths oxides in the separation facility. For this purpose, Aclara Technologies has awarded a contract to the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") to develop a production flowsheet specially designed for its premium carbonate, and to Hatch Ltd. ("Hatch") to work on the engineering of the proposed separation facility. Under the terms of the agreement, SRC will develop a conceptual Solvent Extraction ("SX") separation process, which will serve as the basis for Hatch to conduct a Class 5-AACE CAPEX and OPEX estimation for the rare earth separation facility. The aim of this conceptual analysis is to design a plant capable of processing Aclara's mixed rare earth carbonates into separated neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide (with a purity of 99.0-99.9% by weight) and dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) oxides (with a purity of 99.5-99.99% by weight). The engineering study is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024. The Company notes that the final decision to build the separation facility will depend on the completion of a thorough analysis of costs, logistics and time to permitting. Alternative locations currently under consideration include Brazil and Chile. Aclara COO, Barry Murphy, commented: "This study represents the starting point of our strategic intent to vertically integrate our future mining operations into the production of separated rare earth oxides, and to position Aclara as a key player in the future supply of heavy rare earth oxides. Both SRC and Hatch possess the requisite expertise and experience to undertake this important work and we are therefore thrilled to be collaborating with these two highly reputable companies in the execution of the separation study." The following senior engineers from SRC and Hatch will lead the separation engineering study: SRC : Baodong Zhao (PhD, P.Eng) has more than 25 years of experience in the metallurgical engineering and project management, especially in rare earth mineral processing and hydrometallurgy. He was previously an independent metallurgical consultant at REE Metallurgical Consulting and the Vice President of Metallurgy at Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. Over the past eight years, Baodong has worked on many rare earth projects by leading and participating in all aspects of laboratory and pilot plant test work, as well as preliminary economic assessments covering sample preparation, mineralogical characterization, beneficiation, hydrometallurgy and rare earth element separation using solvent extraction technology. Baodong is a reviewer for the Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. : Baodong Zhao (PhD, P.Eng) has more than 25 years of experience in the metallurgical engineering and project management, especially in rare earth mineral processing and hydrometallurgy. He was previously an independent metallurgical consultant at REE Metallurgical Consulting and the Vice President of Metallurgy at Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. Over the past eight years, Baodong has worked on many rare earth projects by leading and participating in all aspects of laboratory and pilot plant test work, as well as preliminary economic assessments covering sample preparation, mineralogical characterization, beneficiation, hydrometallurgy and rare earth element separation using solvent extraction technology. Baodong is a reviewer for the Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. HATCH: Rob Fraser has more than 30 years hydrometallurgical experience including operations, design, study management, commissioning, and technology commercialization. He obtained operations experience at Cawse Nickel (HPAL, SX, EW) and within Nyrstar at the Hobart and Cockle Creek Smelters. Major projects have included Voisey's Bay nickel in Canada, where a hydrometallurgical demonstration plant (POX, SX, EW) was built before the commercial plant was taken to feasibility level and Goro Nickel Project, where he provided metallurgical support at the Yabulu refinery. Rob held roles, from Technical Manager and Deputy Project Manager on the commercial plant feasibility study, through to Lead Process, Module Construction Manager and Process Commissioning Lead on the demonstration plant. Rob is Hatch's Global Hydrometallurgy Lead. In parallel, Aclara will start to develop its metals and alloys capabilities through REE Alloys SpA, its recently established joint venture company with CAP S.A. (further details regarding the joint venture can be found in the Company's press release issued on March 13, 2024). Aclara's goal is to be able to connect all aspects of the production of clean rare earths up to the point where they are able to be received by a permanent magnet manufacturer. We expect that by approaching this effort under one company we will be able to capture synergies, reduce costs and expedite time to market. Aclara's patented extraction of heavy rare earths is quite unique, considering its low carbon footprint, very high levels of water recirculation (>95%) and circular economy principles. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and it does not generate any solid or liquid residues, thus eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer, ammonium sulfate. Further, harmful levels of radionuclides, typical of hard rock rare earth deposits, are not concentrated within the Aclara flowsheet. Finally, the Company aims to revegetate all impacted areas. About Aclara Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX:ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral resources hosted in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The Company currently has two projects under development: the Penco Module in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile, and the Carina Module in the State of Goias, Brazil. Aclara's rare earth extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and therefore does not generate tailings, thus eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The extraction process developed by Aclara minimizes water consumption through high levels of water recirculation made possible by the inclusion of a water treatment facility within its patented process design. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer, ammonium sulfate. Further, harmful levels of radionuclides, typical of hard rock rare earth deposits, are not concentrated within the Aclara flowsheet. Simultaneously, alongside the development of the Carina and Penco projects, the Company intends to identify and evaluate further opportunities to increase future production of heavy rare earths. This will involve greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional projects within the Company's concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to the Company's corporate strategy; expectations as to activities conducted in connection with the Carina Module and Penco Module, timelines for completion and the success, effect or outcomes resulting therefrom; the development of a separation facility and the related contracts and studies in relation thereto; the development and success of the Company's vertical integration strategy; and plans as to expenditures, investments, and use of capital and financial resources in the near and long term. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated as of March 22, 2024 filed on the Company's SEDAR profile. Actual results and timing could differ materially from those projected herein. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. For further information, please contact: Ramon Barua Chief Executive Officer investorrelations@aclara-re.com SOURCE: Aclara Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Below, we publish an article sent to us by a young Israeli communist who has been living abroad. After refusing to serve in the IDF, this young comrade faced serious personal repercussions. But after being arrested at a Palestine solidarity protest, he was stripped of his Israeli citizenship and told he would no longer be able to return to Israel. This is a scandalous violation of the most elementary principles of democracy. Irrespective of the rights and wrongs of the actions that led to this young comrades arrest (which, as explained, did not lead to criminal charges in the country in which this person presently resides), the removal of a persons citizenship rights is scandalously draconian and represents a violation of the most fundamental principles of democracy. The UN Declaration of Human Rights states quite clearly that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality. This arbitrary removal of an individuals citizenship, without following any legal process, shows the hollowness of the oft-repeated claim that Israel represents the Middle Easts only democracy. That the state of Israel denies the Palestinian people their fundamental democratic rights, not only to a homeland but to equality for those with Israeli citizenship, is well known to all. That such undemocratic and arbitrary methods have in this case been used against an Israeli Jew demonstrates how, despite its claim of providing a democratic homeland for the Jews, there is no democracy in the state of Israel for Jewish citizens either once they dare to step out of line. As an Israeli citizen and a communist living abroad, I have felt first-hand the immense pressure the Israeli ruling class exerts on Jewish workers to bind them to their imperialist ambitions. My life has been a constant tug-of-war between my personal convictions and the societal expectations imposed upon me by my homeland. My journey as a communist organised with the International Marxist Tendency (IMT) has been one of defiance and sacrifice, leading to a heart-wrenching separation from my family and homeland. The Israeli state, like any other capitalist nation, is built upon a foundation of exploitation and oppression. The plight of the Palestinian people, subjected to decades of occupation and discrimination, became impossible for me to ignore. Since its inception in 1948, Israel has enforced compulsory military service for most citizens, irrespective of gender, as part of its imperialist agenda. The Conscription Law mandates that all Jewish and Druze citizens over the age of 18 serve in the IDF, perpetuating the states aggressive war-mongering policies towards Palestinians and neighbouring states in the region. Through military service, the ruling class perpetuates a culture of militarism and obedience / Image: public domain Growing up in Israel, I was inundated with nationalist rhetoric and the glorification of military service. It was ingrained in us from a young age that serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was not just a duty, but a badge of honour. As I delved deeper into Marxist theory, a stark realisation dawned upon me regarding the methods through which the Israeli state functions to uphold the interests of the ruling class. It became clear that the seemingly noble facade of military service was, in fact, a crucial instrument in perpetuating the grip of the elite. The Israeli state, like other imperialist states, employs its military apparatus not merely for national defence, but as a means to consolidate and expand its dominance both within its borders and beyond. Through military service, the ruling class perpetuates a culture of militarism and obedience, stifling dissent and resistance among the populace. Externally, the Israeli states military interventions serve to advance the interests of imperialism and the global capitalist system. From the occupation of Palestinian territories to interventions in neighbouring countries, the Israeli military acts as a tool of aggression to secure strategic interests and expand imperialist influence. When I reached military service age, I made the decision not to serve. This was not a decision that I took lightly. As an isolated communist, as I saw it, this was the only way I had to defy the state and the bonds that forcibly tie me and millions of others to the ruling class. I regarded it as a step towards building a better world, one free from the shackles of oppression and exploitation. In the eyes of this ruling class, refusal is seen as an act of betrayal, a threat to their authority and privilege. The consequences of my decision were severe. Classified as an Israeli citizen whose parents reside abroad, my citizenship status initially provided some flexibility in fulfilling these obligations. I could defer my service while living abroad and visit Israel without being compelled to serve or risking the loss of my citizenship status. However, the conditions attached to these visits proved to be a form of practical exile from Israeli society. The IDFs recruitment unit, known as Meitav (which crudely translates as the best or the utmost in English), issued a document to all diaspora members via their respective embassies. This document outlined the terms of our visits to Israel: we could return for a mere 10 days every month, totaling up to 120 days per year. Yet, additional restrictions in contradiction with these conditions compounded the challenges. We were required to reside outside of Israel for at least 60 days before and after each visit. Moreover, these visits could only occur once a year. These stringent, contradictory and confusing regulations create convoluted and scarce opportunities for what were termed as returns, causing most in my situation to make minimal visits to Israel so as not to fall afoul. The emotional and psychological toll of these regulations cannot be overstated. They succeeded in severing ties between us and our loved ones, our homes. Picture the profound sadness and regret of not being able to bid a final farewell to a loved one at a funeral, or the frustration of missing out on annual family gatherings. Consider the heartbreak of being absent from significant family events like weddings, births, and graduations due to these laws. These were not simply inconveniences: they were life-altering events that lay at the heart of our familial connections and traditions. We were left feeling disconnected, isolated, and effectively excluded from our roots, our cultural heritage, and our families. However, this was far from the full extent of the states repressive measures. Despite the supposed flexibility afforded to members of the Israeli diaspora in fulfilling their military service obligations, the reality of our status became painfully clear when I attended a protest in solidarity with the Palestinian people as a result of the genocidal slaughter in Gaza currently being enacted by our ruling class. Unfortunately, I got into an altercation with the police and was arrested. I wasnt charged, and was released with a caution. However, the Israeli embassy was notified, and this is where things took a dark turn. My arrest was used as an excuse for the most draconian measures, as I was stripped of my democratic rights, with the near-immediate revocation of my citizenship and a chilling refusal of entry into Israel. This abrupt expulsion from my homeland shows the lengths to which the Israeli state would go to silence dissent and maintain its grip on power. We are told by the Israeli ruling class and their backers among the western imperialists, that Israel is the Middle Easts only democracy. But what kind of democracy revokes a persons citizenship merely for protesting? Netanyahu, merely to stay in power and out of prison, needs to keep this war going indefinitely / Image: World Economic Forum, Flickr My resolve is stronger than ever, despite state intimidation. I am more determined than ever to continue standing in solidarity with the oppressed, wherever they may be. My expulsion from Israel was an assault on the principles of justice and democracy. As Israelis, we are told that the state upholds our democratic rights and ensures our security. There is a palpable fear in Israeli society, a sense that we are surrounded by enemies and must defend ourselves. The Israeli state steps forward in the role as our protector. But what is the Israeli state actually doing? Netanyahu, merely to stay in power and out of prison, needs to keep this war going indefinitely. Through their actions, the Israeli government is deliberately destabilising the region. New fronts threaten to open up on the Lebanon border and elsewhere. Thousands of Israelis have been displaced from their homes along the border. Far from guaranteeing Israeli Jews a peaceful, prosperous and secure life, this state is creating ever-greater instability, whilst the capitalist class continues to enrich itself by plundering and exploiting the majority. The siege mentality in Israeli society that they deliberately create is wholly to the benefit of the ruling class and the most reactionary elements in Israeli society. Through their brutal policies, they feed enmity in the whole region towards Israelis, and then use this enmity to rally the Israeli working class around themselves. Finally, showing their cynical disregard for ordinary Israelis, when any of us dares to use the democratic rights of which the Israeli state is supposedly the guarantor, they immediately turn their backs on us. They strip us of citizenship, imprison and silence us. I call upon all working class Israelis to reject the states oppressive, militaristic policies, to refuse to be complicit in the continual oppression and outright slaughter of the Palestinians, and to rise against the systemic violence perpetuated by our ruling class and the government which act as their puppets. Only a socialist federation of Israel-Palestine, as part of a socialist federation of the Middle East, can create the conditions for a genuinely peaceful, harmonious and prosperous existence for all the peoples of these lands. Namodenoson demonstrated anti-fibrosis, anti-steatosis and anti-inflammatory effects in former Phase IIa study Patient enrolment for Phase IIb study is ongoing in Europe and Israel Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE:CANF), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address oncological and inflammatory diseases, today announced submission of an investigational new drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), for the Company's ongoing Phase IIb clinical study. Can-Fite's drug candidate, Namodenoson, has been shown to reduce hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, as well as body weight reduction, in a Phase IIa clinical study where data have been already published in a peer scientific journal (Link to Manuscript). Currently Can-Fite is enrolling patients for a Phase IIb clinical study in Europe and in Israel and is seeking IND approval in order to include US patients in the ongoing study. The Phase IIb trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in subjects with biopsy-confirmed MASH. The primary efficacy objective of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy of Namodenoson as compared to placebo in 140 subjects with MASH, as determined by a histological endpoint. Eligible subjects are randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to oral doses of Namodenoson 25 mg every 12 hours or a matching placebo for 36 weeks. "We are eager to look at the therapeutic effect of Namodenoson in patients with MASH," said Motti Farbstein, chief executive officer of Can-Fite. "Prior human data showed that treatment with Namodenoson leads to significant anti-MASH effects. Namodenoson's novel liver-protective mechanism of action provides a unique opportunity to potentially improve inflammation and reduce hepatic steatosis and fibrosis which may provide important therapeutic benefits for patients." Rates of MASH are increasing in the United States in concert with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes and is estimated to affect 2-5% of adult Americans. By 2028, Vantage Market Research estimates the addressable pharmaceutical market for MASH will reach $21.9 billion in size. In March 2024, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals announced FDA approval of Rezdiffra (resmetirom) for the treatment of MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, potentially paving the way for more drugs that target this huge market. About Namodenoson Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Namodenoson was evaluated in Phase II trials for two indications, as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, and as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential effect accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug. About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF) is an advanced clinical stage drug development Company with a platform technology that is designed to address multi-billion dollar markets in the treatment of cancer, liver, and inflammatory disease. The Company's lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson recently reported topline results in a Phase III trial for psoriasis and is expected to commence a pivotal Phase III. Can-Fite's cancer and liver drug, Namodenoson, is being evaluated in a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of steatotic liver disease (SLD), a Phase III pivotal trial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the Company is planning a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer. Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and Europe and Fast Track Designation as a second line treatment for HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Namodenoson has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. CF602, the Company's third drug candidate, has shown efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These drugs have an excellent safety profile with experience in over 1,600 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information please visit: www.can-fite.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements, about Can-Fite's expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, its product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. All statements in this communication, other than those relating to historical facts, are "forward looking statements". Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "may," "should" or "anticipate" or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Can-Fite's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things, our history of losses and needs for additional capital to fund our operations and our inability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; uncertainties of cash flows and inability to meet working capital needs; the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies, clinical trials and other product candidate development efforts; our ability to advance our product candidates into clinical trials or to successfully complete our preclinical studies or clinical trials; our receipt of regulatory approvals for our product candidates, and the timing of other regulatory filings and approvals; the clinical development, commercialization and market acceptance of our product candidates; our ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business and product candidates; the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering our product candidates and our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; competitive companies, technologies and our industry; risks related to any resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Israel and Hamas; risks related to not satisfying the continued listing requirements of NYSE American; and statements as to the impact of the political and security situation in Israel on our business. More information on these risks, uncertainties and other factors is included from time to time in the "Risk Factors" section of Can-Fite's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024 and other public reports filed with the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Can-Fite undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403043294/en/ Contacts: Can-Fite BioPharma Motti Farbstein info@canfite.com +972-3-9241114 KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Avant Brands Inc. (TSX:AVNT)(OTCQX:AVTBF)(FRA:1BU0) ("Avant" or the "Company"), a leading producer of innovative and award-winning cannabis products, today welcomes the addition of Ms. Sukhie Chahal as Vice President of Revenue Strategy, who previously served as Revenue Management & Sales Strategy at Canopy Growth Corp. Norton Singhavon, Founder and CEO commented: "Sukhie's proven track record in sales and operational planning, honed at a leading global cannabis company, perfectly aligns with Avant's strategic growth goals. Her expertise will be instrumental in both optimizing our domestic adult-use channels and accelerating our international expansion. We're thrilled to welcome Sukhie to the team as we embark on this exciting new chapter." Sukhie Chahal, VP Revenue Strategy commented: "The dedication and focus on innovation I've witnessed from Avant's team is truly inspiring, especially considering their success in both the established Canadian market and on the global stage. The Team's ability to make such a strong impact speaks volumes about their capabilities. I'm excited to join forces with this talented group and contribute my experience to optimize and increase revenue streams for Avant, both domestically and internationally." Ms. Chahal is a seasoned professional with more than 10 years' experience in the cannabis and beverage alcohol industries spanning 3 continents; focused on driving incremental revenue growth, implementing innovative pricing strategies, and spearheading market initiatives. Previously, Ms. Chahal held a pivotal role at Canopy Growth, where she served as an integral part of the Revenue Management and Sales Strategy team. Her focus on optimizing revenue growth across various channels and products showcased her ability to navigate the intricate landscape of the cannabis industry with precision and foresight. With her deep understanding of the complexities of the cannabis industry and her strategic vision, Ms. Chahal is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the growth and success of Avant Brands Inc. in this dynamic and rapidly evolving market. About Avant Brands Inc. Avant is an innovative, market-leading premium cannabis company. Avant has multiple operational production facilities across Canada, which produce high-quality, handcrafted cannabis products based on unique and exceptional cultivars. Avant offers a comprehensive product portfolio catering to recreational, medical, and export markets. Our renowned consumer brands, including BLK MKT, Tenzo, Cognoscente, flowr and Treehugger, are available in key recreational markets across Canada. Avant's products are distributed globally to Australia, Israel and Germany, with its flagship brand BLK MKT currently being sold in Israel. Additionally, Avant's medical cannabis brand, GreenTec, serves qualified patients nationwide through its GreenTec Medical portal and trusted medical cannabis partners. Avant is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:AVNT) and accessible to international investors through the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX:AVTBF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA:1BU0). Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Avant operates in strategic locations including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. For more information about Avant, including access to investor presentations and details about its consumer brands, please visit www.avantbrands.ca. For further inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations at Avant Brands Inc. 1-800-351-6358 ir@avantbrands.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as 'may', 'will', 'should', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'could', 'intend', 'target', 'project', 'estimate', 'believe', 'predict', 'potential', 'plan', 'objective', 'contemplate', 'seek', 'aim', 'continue', 'budget', 'forecast', 'projections', 'outlook', 'strategy', 'priority', 'goal', 'aim', 'pursue', 'on track', 'initiative', 'expand', 'maintain', 'monitor' and similar expressions or their negatives. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated benefits of Sukhie Chahal's appointment as Vice President of Revenue Strategy and the Company's expectations regarding her contributions to revenue growth and strategic expansion, the Company's strategic shift towards accelerating international revenue growth and the decision to streamline operations, the Company's business strategies, objectives, and plans for future operations, expectations regarding market trends, consumer preferences, and product demand, anticipated growth opportunities and the Company's ability to capitalize on them, future performance, financial condition, and prospects of the Company Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Readers should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. SOURCE: Avant Brands Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (OTC Pink: TLOFF) ("Talon" or the "Company"), the majority owner and operator of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project ("Tamarack Nickel Project") in central Minnesota and the operator of numerous high-grade nickel-copper prospects in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan ("Michigan UP Projects"), is providing an update on the Company's mineral exploration activities in both Minnesota and Michigan for 2024. 2024 Exploration Plan: Nearly 50% funded by the US Department of Defense (DOD): In November 2023, Talon and the US Department of Defense announced that the US Department of Defense would provide US$20.6-million for accelerated exploration in Minnesota and Michigan, nearly doubling Talon's exploration budget. The partnership with the Department of Defense ensures that nearly half of Talon's 2024 exploration plan is funded by support from the Department of Defense. 30,000-meter drill program followed by in-house geophysics (already underway): Talon's exploration plan for 2024 includes 30,000 meters of drilling with subsequent in-house geophysical testing, aimed at further expanding the resource in Minnesota and testing historical high-grade nickel targets in Michigan. Minnesota Targets: The 2024 exploration efforts will be concentrated on four key areas at the Tamarack Nickel Project, namely: (1) the Raptor Zone; (2) testing the Deep MT Target that sits directly below the Tamarack Resource Area; (3) the Main Zone massive sulfide exploration (i.e., expanding the high-grade nickel-copper mineralization stepping outside of the Tamarack Resource Area); and (4) CGO East Expansion. Each of the target areas present unique opportunities for discovery and resource growth at the Tamarack Nickel Project. (1)Raptor Zone: A parallel but separate intrusion from the Tamarack Resource Area with high-grade mineralization found along the basal contact that extends over four kilometers. Based upon drill results to date, Talon is working towards achieving critical mass in the Raptor Zone. Figure 1. Longitudinal section of the Tamarack Nickel Project, showing the Raptor Zone structure and mineralization trend relative to the Tamarack Resource Area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/204040_eacbdaa344bef948_001full.jpg (2)Deep MT Target: Potential Raptor Zone origin that resides directly beneath the Tamarack Resource Area and could represent a game changing exploration opportunity. Figure 2. (A) Cross-section through the Tamarack Nickel Project, looking north with MT (geophysics) anomalies. Note the MT anomaly of the Tamarack Resource and the Deep MT anomaly where a new borehole electromagnetic (BHEM) anomaly zone of high-conductance has been identified (pink/purple = higher conductivity). (B) Long-section looking east through the Tamarack Resource Area showing the location of the BHEM anomaly and spatial relationship to the Raptor Zone structure (Plane). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/204040_eacbdaa344bef948_002full.jpg (3)Main Zone Massive Sulphide Expansion (step-outs from the Tamarack Resource Area): Testing the eastern continuation of the massive sulphide mineralization to potentially increase the high-grade nickel-copper resource, thereby increasing the mine life and improving overall economics of the Tamarack Nickel Project. Figure 3. Plan view of a portion of the mineralized domain in the current Tamarack Resource Area highlighting the exploration target that has never been tested. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/204040_eacbdaa344bef948_003full.jpg (4)CGO East Expansion: Shallow, brownfields exploration potential through minimal drilling and geophysics to increase the high-grade nickel-copper resource, thereby increasing the mine life and improving overall economics of the Tamarack Nickel Project. Figure 4. Plan view map of CGO East Area in the current Tamarack Resource Area. Block model showing the resource category and surface Electromagnetic survey showing the areas of higher conductivity (pink/purple - higher conductivity). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/204040_eacbdaa344bef948_004full.jpg Michigan Targets: Talon's exploration activities in Michigan offer promising prospects for new high-grade nickel discoveries similar to what has been found at the Eagle Nickel Mine (currently in operation in Michigan), with untapped geophysical targets and a new Talon exploration model based on previous discoveries. Kicked off exploration in March 2024: Talon is already on the ground in Michigan (ahead of schedule) conducting geophysical work. Talon has also purchased a local property in L'Anse, Michigan that will serve as Talon's local office and core shed. Talon plans to deploy one drill rig starting in May with funding from the Department of Defense. Talon has engaged in information sharing activities with local community leaders and tribal sovereign governments in advance of drilling and has hired its first Community and Tribal Engagement Liaison, Cody Mayer, based in the region close to Talon's exploration priorities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Exploring over a +400,000-acre package originally purchased by Henry Ford: Talon's exploration efforts cover a vast land package, showcasing the historical significance and potential of the region. Exploration efforts in Michigan, though limited, have resulted in the identification of two discoveries, Eagle and Eagle East (currently owned and operated by Lundin Mining), highlighting the relatively untapped potential within the region. Utilizing private land package with little to no modern nickel exploration: Talon's exploration activities in Michigan leverage a private land package with minimal modern nickel exploration, presenting a unique opportunity for significant discoveries and value creation. Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon, stated: "2024 is already a very exciting year. We are drilling potential game-changing targets at the Tamarack Nickel Project and are excited to report that we have also started exploration in Michigan where the potential to find more high-grade nickel around an existing and operating nickel mine (the Eagle Mine) is high. I believe that our in-house exploration team's experience and proven track record of expansion at the Tamarack Nickel Project is a solid foundation for our ambitious plans in 2024. We are committed to delivering exceptional exploration results in 2024 while continuing to prioritize safety and sustainability. Our focus on expanding the domestic supply of nickel underscores our commitment to driving growth and innovation in the industry." Highlights of 2023 Exploration: Drilled 25,000 meters with in-house drill team: Talon's local in-house drill team executed a 25,000-meter drill program, demonstrating exceptional efficiency and technical proficiency. Drilling operations expanded to four company-owned drill rigs while achieving over 1,300 consecutive days without a Lost Time Incident. Best nickel intercept reported globally in 2023: Intercept at 3.04% NiEq for over 101.71 meters in drill hole 23TK0473 (see press release dated August 21, 2023 for further information). Numerous high-grade intercepts outside of the Tamarack Resource Area: Talon achieved notable success in its exploration efforts, with numerous high-grade intercepts recorded across various zones in the Raptor Zone, Main Zone (step-outs from the Tamarack Resource Area), CGO East, and CGO West, signaling the potential for substantial nickel-copper deposits beyond the established Tamarack Resource Area. Secured US$20.6-million in funding from the US Department of Defense to fund exploration: A substantial cost-share program where the Department of Defense will match US$20.6-million of Talon's exploration funds. Brian Goldner, Chief Exploration Officer and COO of Talon, added: "Our exploration efforts in 2024 are strategically aligned to unlock new opportunities and drive value. We are excited about the potential of our multiple targets and remain dedicated to pushing the limitations of exploration." Talon invites stakeholders to stay tuned for detailed updates on its exploration targets, with further press releases to follow. Talon also plans to provide an update on permitting and its activities in North Dakota in the next couple of weeks. QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALIFIED PERSONS Please see the technical report entitled "November 2022 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota" with an effective date of November 2, 2022 ("November 2022 Technical Report") prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101")) Brian Thomas (P. Geo), Roger Jackson (P. Geo), Oliver Peters (P. Eng) and Christine Pint (P.G) for information on the QA/QC, data verification, analytical and testing procedures at the Tamarack Nickel Project. Copies are available on the Company's website (www.talonmetals.com) or on SEDAR at (www.sedar.com). The laboratory used is ALS Minerals who is independent of the Company. Lengths are drill intersections and not necessarily true widths. True widths cannot be consistently calculated for comparison purposes between holes because of the irregular shapes of the mineralized zones. Drill intersections have been independently selected by Talon. Drill composites have been independently calculated by Talon. The geological interpretations in this news release are solely those of the Company. The locations and distances highlighted on all maps in this news release are approximate. Dr. Etienne Dinel, Vice President, Geology of Talon, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Dr. Dinel is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, and he has reviewed, approved and verified the technical information disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information. Where used in this news release: NiEq% = Ni% + Cu% x $3.75/$9.50 x Cu Recovery/Ni Recovery + Co% x $25.00/$9.50 x Co Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 x Pt Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 x Pd Recovery/Ni Recovery + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $1,400/$9.50/22.04 x Au Recovery/Ni Recovery For Ni and Cu recoveries, please refer to the formulae in the November 2022 Technical Report. Recovery of Ni to the Cu concentrate was excluded from the NiEq calculation. The following recoveries were used for the other metals: 64.1% for Co, 82.5% for Pt, 69.3% for Pd and 72.6% for Au. ABOUT TALON Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with additional high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project, and currently owns 51%. Talon is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to shape a mine plan for submission to Minnesota regulators, and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has an agreement with Tesla Inc. to supply it with 75,000 metric tonnes (165 million lbs) of nickel in concentrate (and certain by-products, including cobalt and iron) from the Tamarack Nickel Project over an estimated six-year period once commercial production is achieved. Talon has a neutrality and workforce development agreement in place with the United Steelworkers union. Talon's Battery Mineral Processing Facility in Mercer County was selected by the US Department of Energy for US$114 million funding grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the US Department of Defense awarded Talon a grant of US$20.6 million to support and accelerate Talon's exploration efforts in both Minnesota and Michigan. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams. For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com. Media Contact: Todd Malan 1-(202)-714-8187 malan@talonmetals.com Investor Contact: Sean Werger 1-(416)-500-9891 werger@talonmetals.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the receipt of DOD funding; future exploration, drilling and the results thereof; increases to the high-grade nickel-copper resource; increases to the mine life and improving overall economics of the Tamarack Nickel Project. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204040 SOURCE: Talon Metals Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands, is pleased to announce that it has signed a franchisee for Joey Turks Island Grill for Scarborough, Ontario. Joey Turks ("Joey Turks") a fast casual restaurant serving delicious original Caribbean Island recipes is a 100% owned subsidiary of Happy Belly Food Group. "Today is an exciting day for Happy Belly Food Group. The signing of our first ever franchisee for our Joey Turks brand (our 35th signed franchised agreement across all brands in our portfolio) shows the execution of our brand plan in full motion. From launching the brand on July 7th, to the opening of our corporate location on November 26th, to our 30-unit Area Development agreement signed on January 9th, and now a signed franchisee. In under nine (9) months we have gone from conceptual menu design to store build to scaling for franchisee growth, and this brand is just getting started," said Sean Black, Chief Investment Officer of Happy Belly. "We established this brand with the aim of delivering substantial value to our shareholders. Observing the absence of a definitive market leader in Canada, along with no appealing Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) or Fast Casual concept for acquisition, we recognized the opportunity to leverage our internal expertise and available capital to launch our own brand. Recognizing the significance of speed to market in introducing a new brand, we have swiftly implemented our accelerated growth strategy to execute on both corporate and franchised store locations. "The organic growth and asset-light model of Joey Turks is no different than how we incubated and grew Mucho Burrito to be the market leader in Canada for fast casual Mexican when there were no other attractive options to us. We are using the same process to build and scale Joey Turks based on great food and great people. Mucho has grown to approximately 150 locations across north America, and we are using the same formula with Joey Turks. "This is the first (1st) of thirty (30) contractually committed units in our Area Development agreement. As progress unfolds, we look forward to revealing specifics about our initial real estate location. Our overarching strategy has always been to focus on the development and growth of emerging brands within the food sector. Anticipating the continued rollout of our franchising initiative, we expect these new franchised locations to contribute to the company's overall revenue and profitability." Joey Turks To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/204121_f2973019248708bd_002full.jpg About Joey Turks Island Grill Joey Turks is a flavorful journey through the islands of the Caribbean, where the warmth and soul of every irresistible bite awaits. Our mission is to unlock the potential for widespread appreciation of authentic Island cuisine through a growing chain of island inspired restaurants. Joey Turks offers a tantalizing island-inspired menu, featuring a diverse array of dishes bursting with irresistible flavors. From savory jerk chicken and succulent island beef stew our menu captures the essence of the islands in every bite. Come Taste Paradise! About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) is a leading consolidator of emerging food brands. Happy Belly To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/204121_f2973019248708bd_003full.jpg For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. Happy Belly Food Group Shawn Moniz Founder, Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: www: www.happybellyfg.com or email hello@happybellyfg.com Interested parties please call: (604) 737-2303 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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, and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. 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. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly 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. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca . To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204121 SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. SHANGHAI, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinix, a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers, has been recognized as the sixth most innovative company in the Asia-Pacific region by Fast Company in their prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024. This acknowledgment highlights Infinix's unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence in the mobile technology industry. The company's ability to combine cutting-edge technologies with affordable pricing has resonated strongly with consumers in emerging markets. Infinix's revolutionary 260W fast-charging technologies, alongside AI-powered features such as noise reduction and the Folax virtual assistant, exemplify their commitment to enhancing the user experience. "We are delighted to be acknowledged by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies in the Asia-Pacific region. This recognition is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and our commitment to providing our customers with state-of-the-art mobile technology. In 2024, we introduced the flagship gaming concept, empowering professional gamers to realize their dreams in the esports scene. Just last month, we also launched the Infinix NOTE 40 Series, aiming to deliver the best smartphone experience and be a leader in fast charging technology. All of these achievements are a result of listening to consumer feedback and striving to meet their demands," said Tony Zhao, General Manager of Infinix. Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies is a highly regarded franchise and one of the most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. The editors and writers at Fast Company identified the companies driving progress worldwide and across various industries, assessing thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a comprehensive guide to today's innovation landscape, encompassing early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. "Despite the global slowdown in the growth of startups and large technology companies last year, these ten companies not only provided solutions for regional challenges in the Asia-Pacific region but also expanded their presence across borders," stated Fast Company. Hot off the press Infinix's innovative approach has secured its sixth position in Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024, Asia-Pacific Sector. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its groundbreaking 260W fast-charging technologies, which have set new standards for charging speeds. Furthermore, Infinix's integration of AI-powered noise reduction technologies and the Folax virtual assistant enhances user interactions and convenience. The recent launch of Infinix's NOTE 40 Series has significantly contributed to its recognition for innovation. The NOTE 40 Series showcases the latest advancements in charging technology, including the All-Round FastCharge 2.0 powered by the revolutionary Cheetah X1 chip. This technology enables fast and efficient charging, providing users with a seamless charging experience. Investing in the future Infinix's innovative spirit extends to its marketing strategies, with a focus on supporting STEM programs and coding camps. Collaborations with UNESCO and Google highlight the company's commitment to driving positive change. With a track record of delivering cutting-edge products and a dedication to innovation, Infinix continues to lead the way in the globe, including the Asia-Pacific tech industry. In addition to its product innovations, Infinix is making strides in corporate social responsibility (CSR) through its UNESCO CogLabs program. This initiative aims to empower young minds through technology by providing access to educational resources and opportunities. By supporting initiatives like UNESCO CogLabs, Infinix demonstrates its commitment to driving positive change in the communities it serves. For more information about Infinix and its innovative products and initiatives, visit www.infinixmobility.com About Infinix: In?nix Mobility is a rapidly emerging technology brand that designs, manufactures and markets an expanding portfolio of smart devices worldwide under the In?nix brand, which was founded in 2013. Targeting today's youth with ?rst in class technology, In?nix creates trendy, powerful and attainably priced smart devices that bring the latest technology on the market to users around the world at a time when they need it at a price that they want it. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378373/Infinix_Named_No_6_Fast_Company_s_World_s_Most_Innovative_Companies.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378374/Infinix_NOTE_40_Pro__5G_All_Round_FastCharge_2_0.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378375/UNESCO_s_CogLab_Educational_Robot_UNESCO_headquarters.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378376/Infinix_device_support_UNESCO_CogLabs_Workshop.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2316423/Infinix_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infinix-named-no-6-in-fast-companys-worlds-most-innovative-companies-of-2024-asia-pacific-sector-302107136.html BANGKOK, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 28th, NETA Auto participated in the Bangkok International Book Fair 2024 held in Thailand. NETA Auto, as one of the representatives of China's "Going-Global" strategy for enterprises, participated in this event. The NETA V-II was chosen as the designated vehicle for the 3rd Sino-Thai Cultural and Translation Publishing Forum, where it received widespread welcome and acclaim. Founder and Chairman of NETA Auto, Fang Yunzhou, expressed that NETA is the only automotive brand named after a Chinese traditional mythological figure. The "NETA Spirit" represents a new attempt and exploration of Chinese traditional culture in the new era, a firm confidence in Chinese civilization, a heartfelt commitment to the value of Tech for all, always upholding the vision of popularizing Smart EVs. Inspired by the "NETA Spirit," NETA has garnered the affection and recognition of 400,000 users worldwide, having entered markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The overseas market expansion roadmap has already extended to Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. On March 29th, at the NETA's Thailand factory in Bangkok, production of the NETA V-II, a five-seat spacious intelligent pure electric SUV, is progressing rapidly. During the factory visit event, NETA Auto signed the first batch of 100 NETA V-II key customer orders, marking a strong start to the sales of this new car in Thailand. The distinguished guests experienced the localized production at NETA Auto's Thailand factory, sensing the factory's technological leadership, and witnessing NETA Auto's firm determination to deepen its presence in the ASEAN and global markets. Thailand is the initial destination for NETA's overseas expansion. Within just 19 months since its launch in Thailand, NETA has acquired over 14,000 Thai users, capturing nearly 20% market share in Thailand's pure electric vehicle market. Its models, embodying the value of Tech for All, have received enthusiastic responses locally, ranking in the top 3 in Thailand's pure electric vehicle sales since last year, with orders continuing to grow. As an advocate for high-quality smart electric vehicles globally and a promoter of Chinese culture, NETA Auto embodies high technology, high-added value, and represents a leading force in green transformation. On its path to globalization, NETA is evolving from "China's NETA" to "The World's NETA." About NETA Auto NETA Auto, a brand of Hozon New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. (Hozon), is a leading innovator in the smart electric vehicle industry. With a focus on "Tech for all" and "Make intelligent EVs for all," NETA Auto develops high-quality electric vehicles and cutting-edge technologies. Its lineup includes popular models like NETA GT, NETA S, NETA X, NETA AYA (NETA V-II), and NETA V. NETA Auto is dedicated to the mass consumer market, introducing new models each year and covering the mainstream A0-B segments. The brand has also developed the "Shanhai Platform," an intelligent and safe car platform, and the HOZI Technology brand, meeting user demands and promoting accessibility to advanced technology. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378540/1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378541/2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/neta-auto-exhibits-at-bangkok-international-book-fair-302107153.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - ATEX Resources Inc. (TSXV: ATX) ("ATEX" or the "Company") announces that its founding CEO, Raymond Jannas, is proceeding with a planned retirement from the executive team of ATEX at the end of April, and effective May 1, 2024, Ben Pullinger, the Company's current SVP of Exploration and Business Development, will step into the role of ATEX's President and Chief Executive Officer. These changes mark the completion of the succession plan developed by ATEX's Board of Directors (the "Board"), assuring a seamless transition of leadership for the Company. Mr. Jannas will remain a member of the Board and will be appointed to a new role as Strategic Advisor to the Board. Additionally, ATEX is pleased to announce the appointment of two new senior employees, Mr. Aman Atwal as VP of Business Development and Investor Relations and Dr. Owen Hatton as Director of Exploration, strengthening the management team to further support the growth of the Company and its world-class Valeriano Project. Appointment of Aman Atwal as VP of Business Development and Investor Relations Mr. Atwal brings over a decade of Corporate Development and Investor Relations experience working with senior publicly traded mining companies. Mr. Atwal joins ATEX from Lundin Mining where he worked for nine years as Director of Corporate Development, contributing to the strategy, execution, and communication of three successful acquisitions, one strategic divestiture, and a high profile attempted takeover. He spent his earlier years in Investor Relations at Barrick Gold and in equity research at Barclays Capital Canada covering the North American mining sector. Mr. Atwal holds an MBA from McMaster University, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and is currently completing a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree at York University Osgoode Hall Law School. Appointment of Dr. Owen Hatton as Director of Exploration Dr. Hatton will take on the new role of ATEX's Director of Exploration and will be based in Chile where the Company's Valeriano Project is located. He most recently held the role of Principal Geologist, Americas & Europe for Oz Minerals where he worked for five years. He brings over 24 years of international experience in the exploration, management and advancement of exploration projects including Andean copper-gold porphyry systems and has held senior roles at Avanco, BHP and Teck Resources in the past. Dr. Hatton holds a PhD in Economic Geology from the University of Tasmania and a BSc Degree in Geology from the University of Technology Sydney and is a Member of AusIMM. He also holds post secondary certifications in Applied Finance and Mining Finance. Dr Hatton is an Australian citizen with permanent residency in Chile and is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. Both Mr. Atwal and Mr. Hatton will commence their roles at ATEX on May 1st 2024. Comments from the Chair and Mr. Jannas "On behalf of the Board and all shareholders, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Raymond for his invaluable contributions and leadership during his time as CEO of ATEX," stated Craig J. Nelsen, Chair of ATEX. "Raymond has played a pivotal role in guiding the Company through significant milestones and challenges while growing the Company and advancing the Valeriano Project to where it is today. We would like to thank him for his vision and for his energy in running the day-to-day operations. We also appreciate his commitment to remain part of the ATEX team in his ongoing role as a Director and Strategic Advisor to the Board. We wish him well in his retirement." "I'd also like to personally welcome Ben to his new role as President & CEO." Continued Mr. Nelsen, "I've watched Ben develop over the last two years and have the upmost confidence in him in his new role. He has the right combination of technical skills, capital markets experience and knowledge of our shareholder base to guide ATEX through its next stages of growth. Additionally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Aman and Owen who are joining the growing ATEX team. I look forward working with them and seeing them contribute to the further success and growth of the Company." Mr. Jannas stated, "It has been an extraordinary journey steering this company since 2020 when its market value stood at CAD $5 million dollars. As I sit here today, Valeriano is evolving into one of the largest undeveloped Cu-Au porphyry districts in the world. Such an accomplishment, for such a small team, brings me immense joy, as this discovery represents a significant milestone in my career. To Ben Pullinger, stepping into the role of President and CEO, I offer my sincerest wishes for continued success. A profound appreciation goes to the ATEX team and the Board for their unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment. Their contributions were indispensable in achieving our collective goals. I am confident they will remain a driving force in shaping the future of Valeriano. I extend heartfelt thanks to my friends Pierre Lassonde, Craig Nelsen and Albrecht Schneider, whose unwavering support has been invaluable and played a pivotal role in our success." About ATEX ATEX is exploring the Valeriano Copper Gold Project which is located within the emerging copper gold porphyry mineral belt linking the prolific El Indio High-Sulphidation Belt to the south with the Maricunga Gold Porphyry Belt to the north. This emerging belt, informally referred to as the Link Belt, hosts several copper gold porphyry deposits at various stages of development including, Filo del Sol (Filo Mining), Josemaria (Lundin Mining), Los Helados (NGEX Minerals/JX Nippon), La Fortuna (Teck Resources/Newmont) and El Encierro (Antofagasta/Barrick Gold). Valeriano hosts a large copper gold porphyry resource: 1.41 billion tonnes at 0.67% CuEq (0.50% Cu, 0.20 g/t Au, 0.96 g/t Ag and 63.80 g/t Mo), which includes a higher-grade core totaling 200 million tonnes at 0.84% CuEq (0.62% Cu, 0.29 g/t Au 1.25 g/t Ag and 55.7 g/t Mo), reported in September 20231. For further information, please contact: Raymond Jannas President & CEO Email: rjannas@atexresources.com Ben Pullinger Senior Vice President of Exploration and Business Development Email: bpullinger@atexresources.com 1-647-287-3778 or visit ATEX's website at www.atexresources.com CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, including predictions, projections, and forecasts. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "potential", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, among others: the anticipated retirement date of the Company's current President and CEO and his future positions with the Company; and the start dates of the incoming President and CEO and other new employees. Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether such results will be achieved. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed above and elsewhere in this news release, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; changes in commodity prices; the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities and mineralization; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future metals price; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the results of economic and technical studies; delays in obtaining governmental and local approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration; timing of assay results; as well as those factors disclosed in ATEX's publicly filed documents. Although ATEX has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. 1 Please see NI 43-101 technical report titled "Independent Technical Report for the Valeriano Copper-Gold Project, Atacama Region, Chile" by Joled Nur, CCCRRM-Chile, and David Hopper, CGeol, with an effective date of September 1, 2023, available at www.sedarplus.com and www.atexresources.com for additional details on the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Valeriano project. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204070 SOURCE: ATEX Resources Inc. -- Expansion of leadership team aligned with planned first global regulatory submission for approval for pridopidine for Huntington's disease and preparation for commercialization -- Prilenia Therapeutics B.V., a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the urgent mission to develop novel therapeutics to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders, today announced the appointment of Dr. Jina Swartz, M.D. Ph.D., as its first Chief Medical Officer (CMO). In this role, Jina will lead all clinical development and medical affairs activities at Prilenia. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402307494/en/ Jina Swartz, M.D. Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Prilenia (Photo: Business Wire) Jina has more than 30 years' experience in both academic neurology practice and in global drug development at leading pharmaceutical companies and joins Prilenia from Exciva, a neurodegeneration-focused biotech, where she was Chief Medical Officer. Previously, Jina served as Therapeutic Area Head of Neuroscience in Global Clinical Drug Development at Merck and Co. Renowned within both research and industry circles, Jina is active in several important neurology and neurodegeneration associations including the European Brain Council and the European Federation of Neurological Associations. She also was recently elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences for her expertise in neurodegenerative disorders and neuropsychiatric drug development. "Jina joins Prilenia during an important phase of the Company's growth. We recently announced plans to submit pridopidine for regulatory review in Europe for Huntington's disease (HD) and to commence a pivotal, global Phase 3 study in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Jina, in our newly created CMO role, will be a key leader as we advance these important initiatives," said Dr. Michael R. Hayden, CEO of Prilenia. "Jina's deep expertise as a thought leader, clinician treating neurodegenerative diseases and leader in global drug development is perfectly matched to our goal of changing the therapeutic landscape in HD and ALS." "This is such an exciting time to be joining Prilenia and to help advance the Company's mission to develop new therapeutic options for people living with neurodegenerative diseases like HD and ALS," said Jina Swartz, M.D. Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Prilenia. "We have a remarkable opportunity, with pridopidine, to positively impact the lives of those living with these devastating diseases where progression has proven difficult to slow thus far. I believe that Prilenia is on the cusp of changing that paradigm." Jina completed her Doctorate at the University of Cambridge, where her thesis focused on the exploration of molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease and trinucleotide disorders. About Pridopidine Pridopidine (45 mg twice daily) is an oral, highly selective and potent investigational S1R agonist that has exhibited a safety and tolerability profile similar to placebo in clinical studies to date. The safety dataset includes approximately 1,700 patients who have been on pridopidine for up to seven years. The S1R protein is highly expressed in the brain and spinal cord, where it regulates several key processes that are commonly impaired in various neurodegenerative diseases. Activation of the S1R by pridopidine stimulates multiple cellular protective pathways including enhancing autophagy, axonal transport, mitochondrial energy production and respiration, and restores calcium homeostasis. These effects are essential to neuronal function and survival, and lead to neuroprotective effects. Prilenia holds Orphan Drug designation for pridopidine in HD and ALS in the U.S. and EU. In addition, pridopidine has received Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HD. About Prilenia Prilenia is a clinical stage biotechnology company founded in 2018 focused on the urgent mission to develop novel therapeutics to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. The initial focus of the company has been on HD and ALS. Prilenia is backed by a group of well-respected investors including: Forbion, Morningside, Sands Capital, SV Health Investors, Sectoral Asset Management, Talisman, Amplitude Ventures and the ALS Investment Fund. The Company is based in the Netherlands, Israel and Massachusetts in the U.S. For more information, visit www.prilenia.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. 2024 Prilenia Therapeutics B.V. For a copy of this release, visit Prilenia's website at www.prilenia.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402307494/en/ Contacts: Prilenia Contact Communications Team info@prilenia.com VENTURA, Calif., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than a decade-long hiatus, RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, the award-winning, globally recognized lash serum, is now available for purchase in and shipment to California. This follows the dissolution of an injunction on sales in California entered in a private lawsuit arising under the state's unfair competition law. RevitaLash Cosmetics is thrilled to resume eyelash conditioner sales in California effective April 3rd, 2024. "As a family-owned business, we are celebrating our contributions to this industry, and that starts with our best-selling RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner," said Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff, Founder and CEO of RevitaLash Cosmetics. "I created the original RevitaLash eyelash conditioner for my late wife, Gayle. She proved to all of us that it is possible to live a full, meaningful, passionate life, even in the face of a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. She continues to be the inspiration for RevitaLash Cosmetics. Her passion for giving back to others guides our mission today, and we have since developed an entire range of products designed to enhance the natural beauty and inner spirit of women." Lori Jacobus, President & Global CMO, emphasized the team's gratitude, stating, "As a brand that truly values its customers, we are grateful for their loyalty to the RevitaLash Cosmetics brand over the past 10-plus years. RevitaLash Cosmetics was the first, and continues to be, the world's leading lash and brow beauty enhancement product line, as well as the ONLY brand of its kind developed by an Ophthalmologist. We are proud of our brand heritage and attribute our success to our devoted community." California consumers can now find RevitaLash Advanced lash conditioners at leading retailers such as Amazon, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and online at revitalash.com. For more information about RevitaLash Advanced lash conditioners and where to purchase them in California, visit revitalash.com. About RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaLash Cosmetics is a worldwide leader in developing advanced lash, brow, and hair beautification products. Established in 2006, the collection includes award-winning RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner and RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner, and is available in physician's offices, spas, salons, and specialty retailers across 70+ countries. A supporter of non-profit breast cancer initiatives, RevitaLash Cosmetics donates a portion of proceeds to research and education initiatives, giving back to the breast cancer community year-round, not just in October. For information, visit www.revitalash.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2377741/revitalash_cosmetics_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/revitalash-advanced-eyelash-conditioner-makes-triumphant-return-to-california-after-10-years-302106517.html The following is the Resolution of Lucha de Clases CMI Venezuela on the political and electoral situation, approved by its Central Committee. Future analyses will be published that add further detail to the position the resolution puts forward. We invite the most conscious layers of the workers and wider mass movement to read, analyse, circulate and discuss the content of the text. It is a contribution to the debate on what position consistent revolutionaries should take in the coming presidential elections and the kind of organisation we need to put the forces of the Venezuelan working people back on their feet. [Read the original in Spanish] The Central Committee of Lucha de Clases, Venezuelan section of the International Marxist Tendency, in the context of the current political situation and the road towards the presidential elections of 28 July, expresses the following position: 1. The revolutionary communists of LdC/CMI categorically condemn the blackmail policy of US imperialism, which is threatening to re-impose financial sanctions against Venezuela in response to the failure of the Barbados Agreements and as a form of economic pressure to try to secure its interests in our country. The imposition of sanctions against the state and [the state-run oil company] PDVSA has aggravated the previous crisis of rentier capitalism in Venezuela, which has seriously affected the living standards of the working people. 2. We reject the threats expressed by Maria Corina Machado the main leader of the pro-coup and pro-imperialist right wing to constitute a civic force to underpin civil disobedience, and thus demand from their imperialist masters "more forceful actions" against Maduro. Reading between the lines this implies new calls for coups d'etat and more decisive foreign interventions, including military incursions. 3. If the pro-imperialist right wing comes to power, it would continue alongside other schemes the ongoing brutal policy of cuts targeting the workers and poor, which in a matter of a decade have pulverised the rights and gains of the working people. The puppets subservient to Washington would take up the same anti-democratic and repressive weapons that the Maduro government has deployed, not only to silence the voices of dissent to the cuts, but also to unleash all the vengeful anger against the working class, contained and accumulated for decades. 4. We unequivocally reiterate our most forceful opposition to the anti-working class cuts policy that the Maduro government has implemented in an attempt to save decaying Venezuelan capitalism. The PSUV leadership has imposed, through the authoritarian use of institutions, electoral conditions that hinder the registration of new voters by impeding the participation of Venezuelans abroad, while restricting the right of numerous organisations to stand candidates. All these actions are aimed at ensuring Maduro's second re-election at any cost. In addition, the government uses accusations of coup conspiracies to persecute and carry out arbitrary arrests, in violation of due process. This Bonapartist action, which extends to the proscription of class-based trade union activity, the criminalisation of protest and the arbitrary prosecution of workers, constitutes a repudiatory assault on the political, civil and democratic rights of the population. Such a policy is diametrically opposed to the ideals of socialism and the revolution, with which the PSUV leadership is trying to manipulate its rank and file. 5. We condemn the absolute restriction on the participation of left-wing political organisations, which in accordance with their legitimate democratic rights aspire to run candidates in the upcoming elections. This state of affairs is the result of the state taking control of the electoral register of several parties, the institutional rejection of formalisation of new groupings, efforts to block the formation of groups of electors [another method for presenting candidates], and requests for provisional designations to run candidates. 6. Despite the above, we must voice our differences with the electoral proposals put forward by different left-wing factions, which have been obstructed by the institutions. We refer, on the one hand, to that presented by the MPA [Movimiento Popular Alternativo/Popular Alternative Movement] and the PCV [Communist Party] in the figure of Manuel Isidro Molina, and, on the other, to that of the Bloque Historico Popular in the person of Maria Alejandra Diaz. In our opinion, the political positions and programmes defended by these figures constitute class conciliation, they are deeply impregnated with chauvinism and bourgeois conservatism, and more importantly, they do not present proposals capable of connecting with, attracting, organising and developing the forces of the working class, the youth and all the oppressed layers of society. 7. The anti-working class and anti-popular programmes defended by the dominant factions in national politics, and the absence of programmatic proposals that would allow the accumulation of class forces, lead us to the following conclusion: the working people today do not have an electoral alternative capable of genuinely expressing their aspirations. While the members of LdC/CMI understand electoral tactics as an opportunity to spread a revolutionary programme, the present electoral conditions have annulled any prospects in that direction. We firmly believe that the present situation demands the development of the forces of the working class, to put their stamp on society beyond these elections. Faced with the offensive of the ruling classes against the rights and gains of all the oppressed layers, the task of revolutionaries, before and after 28 July, is to organise, extend, integrate and coordinate all local, regional and national efforts aimed at promoting the defensive struggles for a wage equal to the cost of a basic basket of goods, restitution of labour rights, freedom for all workers imprisoned for struggle, public services and quality services, among others. We call on all working people and youth to maintain and redouble their initiatives of struggle. These categorically should not be postponed in the name of a flawed electoral process, the outcome of which is predetermined. In response to the political demagogy that will abound in the coming months, we must keep the focus on the prevailing needs of our class, promoting instances of programmatic discussion that will allow us to build our forces. We are convinced of the need to link the immediate demands of the workers of the city and the countryside, the women's movement, the youth and other oppressed layers with the tasks of the revolutionary transformation of society. 8. All of the above highlights the need to build a communist and revolutionary alternative capable of bringing together the fighting capacity of the most conscious sectors of the working people. We struggle to overthrow capitalism and build a new world, with the creative force of the working class and all the oppressed peoples. We call on revolutionaries who agree with this position to support us in this necessary struggle. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:SYH)(OTCQX:SYHBF)) ("Skyharbour" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that its joint-venture partner company, Orano Canada Inc. ("Orano"), has commenced a comprehensive 2024 field campaign at the 49,635 hectare Preston Uranium Project ("Preston" or the "Property") located in the western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. The program will include a ground electromagnetic survey (ML-TEM), a ground gravity survey, and a Spatiotemporal Geochemical Hydrocarbons (SGH) soil sampling program. Location Map of Preston Project: https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Sky_Preston_20211209.jpg The 2024 field programs mark the first exploration programs carried out by Orano since 2020. The geophysics will consist of ground Moving-Loop Transient ElectroMagnetic (ML-TEM) and ground gravity surveys for an estimated 35.6 line-km and 2,295 stations, respectively. The ML-TEM survey will cover Preston West where there is a known conductor, and Preston Far West as a reconnaissance survey. The gravity survey will cover an area with intentions to identify alteration zones manifesting as gravity lows. The SHG soil sampling is set to commence later in the summer with additional news forthcoming. The budget for the 2024 campaign is approx. CAD $850,000 with Orano as the operator and Skyharbour as a minority, participating partner in the project. Preston 2024 Field Programs - Geophysical Surveys: https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/Geophysical-Survey-Progress.png Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour, stated: "We are very much looking forward to the findings of these exploration programs this year at Preston with our strategic partner Orano. This is the first field work being carried out at the Project in several years, and we have elected to participate in the program as a minority partner in the JV as we strongly believe in Preston's discovery upside potential." Preston Uranium Project: In March 2017, Skyharbour signed an option agreement with Orano (formerly AREVA Resources Inc.) that provided Orano an earn-in option to acquire a majority working interest in the 49,635 hectare Preston Uranium Project. The significant potential of the Project has been highlighted by past discoveries in the area by NexGen Energy Ltd. (Arrow deposit), Fission Uranium Corp. (Triple R deposit), and F3 Uranium Corp. (PLN discovery). Exploration at the Project has consisted of ground gravity, airborne and ground electromagnetics, radon, soil, silt, biogeochem, lake sediment, and geological mapping surveys, as well as exploratory drill programs. Over a dozen high-priority drill target areas associated with multiple prospective exploration corridors have been successfully delineated through these methodical, multiphased exploration initiatives, which have culminated in an extensive, proprietary geological database for the project area. Joint Venture and Strategic Partnership: In early 2021, Orano fulfilled their earn-in option interest in the project through funding exploration expenditures and making cash payments. After a total of CAD $4.8 million in exploration expenditures having been spent on the Project, Orano formed a joint venture with Skyharbour and Dixie Gold for the future advancement and development of the Project. Orano now holds a 51% (fifty-one percent) interest in the joint venture, with the remaining interest split evenly between Skyharbour and Dixie Gold with each company retaining a 24.5% (twenty-four and a half percent) interest in the joint venture. 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 and approved by David Billard, P.Geo., a Consulting Geologist for Skyharbour as well as a Qualified Person. About Orano Canada Inc.: Headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Orano Canada Inc. is a leading producer of uranium, accounting for the processing of more than 15 million pounds of uranium concentrate in Canada in 2023. Orano will celebrate 60 years of exploring for, mining and milling uranium in Canada in 2024. Orano Canada is the operator of the McClean Lake uranium mill and a major partner in the Cigar Lake, McArthur River and Key Lake operations. The company employs over 450 people in Saskatchewan, including about 320 at the McClean Lake operation where over 46% of employees are self-declared Indigenous. As a sustainable uranium producer, Orano Canada is committed to safety, environmental protection and contributing to the prosperity and well-being of neighbouring communities. Orano Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of the multinational Orano group. As a recognized international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group's 17,000 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow. About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.: Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with twenty-nine projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 587,000 hectares (over 1.45 million acres) of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone that returned drill results of up to 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Adjacent to the Moore Uranium Project is Skyharbour's recently optioned Russell Lake Uranium Project from Rio Tinto, which hosts historical high-grade uranium drill intercepts over a large property area with robust exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drill programs. Skyharbour has joint-ventures with industry-leader Orano Canada Inc., Azincourt Energy and Valor Resources at the Preston, East Preston and Hook Lake Projects, respectively. The Company also has several active earn-in option partners including: CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Medaro Mining Corp. at the Yurchison Project; North Shore Uranium at the Falcon Project; and TSX-V listed Tisdale Clean Energy at the South Falcon East Project which is host to the Fraser Lakes Zone B Uranium and Thorium Deposit. In aggregate, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to over $33 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures, over $27 million worth of shares being issued and over $19 million in cash payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete their entire earn-ins at the respective projects. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin: https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_2024-02-14_V2.jpg To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd.. SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD. "Jordan Trimble" __________________________ Jordan Trimble President and CEO For further information contact myself or: Nicholas Coltura Investor Relations Manager Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Telephone: 604-558-5847 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@skyharbourltd.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. The securities offered 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 U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements, including the Private Placement. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, regulatory approvals, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.comfor further information. Vancouver, British Columbia, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. ("Terra" or the "Company") (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1), a multi-jurisdictional exploration company focused on supporting the global transition to clean energy, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (the "Agreement") with a wholly owned subsidiary of Fulcrum Metals Plc., ("Fulcrum", AIM:FMET). Pursuant to the Agreement, Terra will have an option (the "Option Agreement") to acquire a 100% interest in Fulcrum's Charlot-Neely, Fontaine Lake, Snowbird and South Pendleton uranium licences (the "Licences") located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada and collectively encompassing 596.71 km2 of highly prospective ground for a uranium discovery. Highlights Proximal to northern and southeastern edges of the Athabasca Basin ("Basin") in northern Saskatchewan, a premium mining district and leading global source of high-grade uranium; Charlot-Neely is located within the emerging Uranium City district on the northwestern margin of the Basin Historical work at the projects has demonstrated evidence of uranium mineralization along favourable structural trends with prospective target horizons based on electromagnetic conductors; Future exploration requires the undertaking of a modern systematic geologic fieldwork to determine the uranium potential. Terra Balcanica CEO, Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, commented: "In our pursuit of high-quality assets worldwide, Terra Balcanica has secured an option to acquire a Canadian uranium portfolio covering close to 600 km2 with tremendous potential for discovery. In a world transitioning to green energy solutions, the acquisition of these assets provides a more robust and diverse exploration portfolio for Terra. Although there has been an increase in activity in the uranium sector, we are at the early stages of a commodity super-cycle and being able to acquire such a large, advanced uranium portfolio on favourable terms was a clear opportunity for our shareholders. It is the right time, jurisdiction, and commodity to augment our advanced Balkan portfolio and to further participate in the changing energy landscape. We look forward to working with Fulcrum to apply their technical and jurisdictional expertise to advance these Saskatchewan uranium projects, and we are excited by the addition of a strategic commodity to Terra's existing polymetallic portfolio." Portfolio Overview and Discovery Opportunity The licence portfolio totals 596.71 km2 targeting major NE-SW trending structures along strike from historic uranium mines and projects that have attracted significant investment. Discoveries such as the Arrow (4.3Mt at 0.83% U 3 O 8 ; https://www.nexgenenergy.ca/exploration/overview) and Triple R (2.7Mt at 1.94% U 3 O 8 https://fissionuranium.com/projects/triple-r-deposit/project-overview/) have proved the concept of exploring along structures outside of the Athabasca basin. Figure 1. Regional map of northern Saskatchewan, Canada which is one of the world's leading sources of high-grade uranium and supplies about 20% of the world's uranium. The blue symbols illustrate locations of the four optioned exploration properties totalling 596 km2 in the context of the world-famous Athabasca Basin, a Paleoproterozoic siliciclastic depo-centre Key Terms of Agreement On closing of the transaction, Terra will have a four-year option to acquire 100% of Fulcrum's owned uranium licences. In consideration for the four-year option and at the time a definitive agreement is announced by way of news release and subject to a CSE approval, Terra shall pay Fulcrum C$7,500 for exclusivity on execution of signing of the Letter and pay Fulcrum C$25,000 less the C$7,500 exclusivity payment on execution of closing of the Option Agreement. Additionally, Terra shall pay Fulcrum cash according to the schedule below: C$50,000 on the first anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$75,000 on the second anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$75,000 on the third anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$75,000 on the fourth anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; and issue Fulcrum shares of TERA at the 10-Day Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") prior to the date of issuance as per the following schedule: C$250,000 on closing of the Option Agreement with the initial share payments capped at C$0.065/share, pre-consolidation; C$350,000 on the first anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$500,000 on the second anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$650,000 on the third anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$1,250,000 on the fourth anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; Terra will also complete minimum work expenditures totalling $3,250,000 prior to the fourth anniversary of the Option Agreement and grant Fulcrum a 1.0% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") on all claims with buydown option of 0.5% NSR for C$1,000,000. As part of the Option Agreement and for terminating the existing prior agreement (the "Prior Agreement") between Fulcrum and Global Energy Metals Corp. ("Global Energy"), Global Energy will be compensated with C$150,000 in shares in TERA on closing of the Option Agreement and a 0.5% NSR on all claims. The transaction contemplated above is an "Arms' Length" in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The CSE has not passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Restructuring Board of Directors Mr. Steven Latimer, ICD.D, CFA, MBA, has stepped down as a director of the Company to focus on his other business interests but he will continue to act as a Strategic Advisor to the Company. Giulio T. Bonifacio, Terra's Non-Executive Chairman of the Board commented: "We are very thankful for Steve's involvement to date while looking forward to his future role and contributions as key strategic advisor and shareholder of the Company." Qualified Person Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, P.Geo, is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Dr. Miskovic has reviewed and validated the information contained in this news release as factual and accurate. About the Company Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina and owns 100% of the Ceovishte mineral exploration licence in southern Serbia. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. "Aleksandar Miskovic" Aleksandar Miskovic President and CEO For the complete information on this news release, please contact Aleksandar Miskovic at amiskovic@terrabresources.com , +1. Cautionary Statement This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. AW Technologies and Asahi Kasei Medical, a core operating company of the Asahi Kasei Group, have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement in Japan for AW Technologies' TrachFlush device. AW Technologies is currently in the process of medical device registration of the TrachFlush in Japan, with market launch targeted in fiscal 2024. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403877269/en/ The TrachFlush and a unique cuff pressure control aligned with ventilator flow. (Graphic: Business Wire) Developed by AW Technologies based on an invention by an intensivist, the TrachFlush is a medical device to reduce the discomfort of ventilated patients while lightening the workload on healthcare professionals during tracheal suctioning. The TrachFlush supports airway secretion (phlegm) management with a unique cuff pressure control system, and has received the CE Mark in Europe in 2020 and FDA clearance in the United States in 2023. In Japan, marketing and sale is to be performed by Asahi Kasei Medical. With the push of a button, the TrachFlush deflates the cuff and utilizes the ventilator air pressure during an inspiratory cycle, and re-inflates the cuff before the cycle completes. Ken Shinomiya, President of Asahi Kasei Medical, stated, "We are delighted to add the TrachFlush to our product lineup in the intensive care field, where we have strength in the area of blood purification. By leveraging our experience and know-how in blood purification, we believe that this will deliver diverse value, such as enhancing patients' QOL and reducing the burden on healthcare workers." Adam Hansen, CEO of AW Technologies, commented, "We are very pleased and excited to announce our partnership with Asahi Kasei Medical. This partnership is very important for AW Technologies, and Asahi Kasei Medical will play a very important role in our expansion of TrachFlush globally. We believe the TrachFlush will have a great impact in the ICU not only by preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia, but also by non-invasively preventing the accumulation of secretion in the airways." About AW Technologies ApS AW Technologies is a Danish medical device company, established in 2018, focused on developing disruptive and innovative airway management solutions for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU, including TrachFlush. For further information, please visit www.trachflush.com and www.awtechnologies.dk. About Asahi Kasei and Asahi Kasei Medical The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Asahi Kasei Medical is a core operating company in the Health Care sector. Its blood purification business comprises devices and systems for dialysis and therapeutic apheresis, and its bioprocess business comprises equipment for the manufacture of biotherapeutics, biosafety testing services, and biologics CDMO operations. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com and www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/medical/en/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403877269/en/ Contacts: North America Contact: Asahi Kasei America Inc. Christian OKeefe christian.okeefe@ak-america.com Europe Contact: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH Sebastian Schmidt sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce the much awaited restart of drilling at its road accessible Pilar gold-silver project in the mine-friendly State of Sonora, Mexico. The Company has been busy reviewing all past data with an independent resource professional to determine the most effective use of drill meters for the upcoming campaign. Work completed has outlined 7,000 meters of drilling required within the Pilar concessions held along with minority partner, Colibri Resources. This includes, 4,000 meters of infill drilling within known areas of mineralization and 3,000 meters of step-out and exploration drilling on the peripherals of drilled mineralization and/or strong surface geochemistry indicating highly prospective targets. All proposed drilling is fully permitted. The outcome of the proposed drilling will go into the definition of a maiden resource estimate for the Pilar Main Zone, providing an important building block for the Company. The first drill hole will follow-up on JES-22-62, which returned 108.6m of 0.8 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag. The drill rig mobilized to site April 1st and began drilling hole JES-24-73 on April 2nd. The Company will update as drilling progresses. "We are excited to report the drill is back onsite and turning at Pilar." commented Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "It's been nearly two years since we last drilled at Pilar, with the previous drill program identifying new areas of mineralization to the east and southeast of Pilar's Main Zone. We now look to continue to expand the overall footprint while we build towards a maiden resource at Pilar. With gold prices hitting all time highs, we feel this is the right time to aggressively advance our projects." Photo 1. RC Drill Rig Mobilizing to the first drill pad for 2024 at the Pilar Project, Sonora, Mexico. Photo 2. Lining up drill hole JES-24-73. Photos 3 & 4. Pilar Project Drill and Geology Crew Preparing for Drill Start-Up Figure 1. Pilar Project Planview map showing the southern block made up of the Pilar Main Zone and several parallel trends untested with coinciding active placer mining developments. The largest placer mining development is 2km to the northeast of Pilar and has seen no systematic modern exploration. To the north, a large alteration zone that spans 3.3 km by 1.5 km (North Alteration Zone) has returned high-grade gold and silver values in the first few sampling programs across the newly acquired area. The initial phase of drilling for 2024 will focus on the Pilar Main Zone in which Tocvan has 51% majority interest. About the Pilar Property The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries. Pilar Drill Highlights: 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au Pilar Bulk Sample Summary: 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Extracted Grade Calculated at Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Additional Metallurgical Studies: Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth. About Tocvan Ventures Corp. Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 43 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Channel samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For more information, please contact: TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO 820-1130 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4 403-829-9877 bsutherland@tocvan.ca The Howard Group Jeff Walker VP Howard Group Inc. 403-221-0915 jeff@howardgroupinc.com SOURCE: Tocvan Ventures Corp View the original press release on accesswire.com Little Rock, Arkansas--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Inuvo, Inc. (NYSE American: INUV), a leading provider of advertising technology, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that serves brands and agencies, announced today that it will be presenting at the 14th Annual LD Micro Invitational at the Sofitel New York on April 8th- 9th, 2024. Richard Howe, Chief Executive Officer of Inuvo, is scheduled to present on Tuesday, April 9th at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. To register and access the presentation, please visit https://ldinv14.sequireevents.com. Management will also be available for one-on-one meetings with approved qualified investors throughout the conference. To request a meeting with Inuvo, please contact inuv@crescendo-ir.com or Dean Summers at dean@ldmicro.com. About LD Micro LD Micro, a wholly owned subsidiary of Freedom US Markets, was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the micro-cap space. Whether it is the Index, comprehensive data, or hosting the most significant events annually, LD's sole mission is to serve as an invaluable asset for all those interested in finding the next generation of great companies. For more information on LD Micro, visit www.ldmicro.com. About Inuvo Inuvo, Inc. (NYSE American: INUV) is a market leader in Artificial Intelligence built for advertising. Its IntentKey AI solution is a first-of-its-kind proprietary and patented technology capable of identifying and actioning to the reasons why consumers are interested in products, services, or brands, not who those consumers are. To learn more, visit www.inuvo.com. Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding Inuvo's quarter-end financial close process and preparation of financial statements for the quarter that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including, without limitation risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and represent our views only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading "Risk Factors" in Inuvo, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 as filed on February 29, 2024, and our other filings with the SEC. Additionally, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends, and uncertainties including the continued impact of Covid-19 on Inuvo's business and operations. Inuvo cannot provide assurances that the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based will prove to have been correct. Should one of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Inuvo does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Inuvo further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by a third party regarding the subject matter of this press release. The information which appears on our websites and our social media platforms is not part of this press release. Inuvo Company Contact: Wally Ruiz Chief Financial Officer Tel (501) 205-8397 wallace.ruiz@inuvo.com Investor Relations : David Waldman / Natalya Rudman Crescendo Communications, LLC Tel: (212) 671-1020 inuv@crescendo-ir.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/203990 SOURCE: LD Micro Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) (OTCQX: KLDCF) (FSE: 3WQ0) ("Kenorland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") has accepted the Company's notice to implement a normal course issuer bid (the "NCIB"). The NCIB will commence on April 8, 2024 and terminate on the earliest to occur of (i) April 7, 2025, (ii) the date on which the maximum number of Shares that can be acquired pursuant to the NCIB have been purchased, or (iii) such earlier date on which the Company provides notice of termination of the NCIB. Under the NCIB, Kenorland may purchase up to 3,218,420 common shares of the Company (the "Shares"), which represents approximately 5% of the Shares outstanding as at February 14, 2024. Over any 30-day period, Kenorland will not purchase more than 1,287,368 Shares in total, which represents 2% of the Shares issued and outstanding as of March 15, 2024. All purchases of the Shares are to be made through the facilities of the TSXV or alternative Canadian trading systems, in accordance with its rules and regulations. The price which the Company will pay for any such Shares will be the prevailing market price at the time of acquisition and all Shares will be purchased for cancellation. Payment for the Shares will be made from the Company's existing working capital. The Company has engaged Haywood Securities Inc. to act as its broker for the NCIB. The actual number of Shares that may be purchased pursuant to the NCIB and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by the management of the Company. The Board of Directors believes the underlying value of the Company may not be reflected in the current market price of its Shares. As a result, depending upon future price movements and other factors, the Board believes that the Shares may represent an attractive investment to the Company and their purchase is an appropriate use of the Company's financial resources and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Furthermore, the purchases are expected to benefit all persons who continue to hold Shares by increasing their equity interest in the Company if the repurchased Shares are cancelled. To the Company's knowledge, none of the directors, senior officers or insiders of the Company, or any associate of such person, or any associate or affiliate of the Company, has any present intention to sell any securities to the Company during the course of the NCIB. However, sales by such persons through the facilities of the TSXV or any other available market or alternative trading system in Canada may occur if the personal circumstances of any such person change or if any such person makes a decision unrelated to these normal course purchases. The benefits to any such person whose Shares are purchased would be the same as the benefits available to all other holders whose Shares are purchased. The Company has not previously purchased for cancellation any of its outstanding Shares. A copy of the Form 5G - Notice of Intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid filed by the Company with the TSXV in respect of the NCIB can be obtained from the Company upon request without charge. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor may there be any sale of the Shares in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Kenorland Minerals Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) is a well-financed mineral exploration company, with approximately $23.54 million in working capital as of February 29, 2024, focused on project generation and early-stage exploration in North America. Kenorland's exploration strategy is to advance greenfields projects through systematic, property-wide, phased exploration surveys financed primarily through exploration partnerships including option to joint venture agreements. Kenorland holds a 4% net smelter return royalty on the Frotet Project in Quebec which is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. The Frotet Project hosts the Regnault gold system, a greenfields discovery made by Kenorland and Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. in 2020. Kenorland is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com On behalf of the Board of Directors, Zach Flood President, CEO & Director For further information, please contact: Alex Muir, CFA Investor Relations Manager Tel +1 604 568 6005 info@kenorlandminerals.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects', "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204048 SOURCE: Kenorland Minerals Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. ("Nevada Vanadium" or the "Company") announces a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of $72,000 through the sale of 1,200,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.06 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one share purchase warrant with each warrant (the "Warrant") entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.08 per share for a period of three years from closing (the "Private Placement"). The Company also announces that is has closed a first tranche of the Private Placement in the amount of $43,544 through the sale of 725,733 Units. John Lee, Executive Chairman of the Company, was the sole subscriber to the 725,733 Units. The issuance of Units to Mr. Lee is considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relies on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that participation in the Private Placement by Mr. Lee does not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction in connection with the closing of the Private Placement. Proceeds of the Private Placement are expected to be used for project advancement, working capital and general corporate purposes. The securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a regulatory four-month hold period. The securities issued pursuant to the first tranche closing will not be able to be traded until August 3, 2024. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Nevada Vanadium and Flying Nickel Mining Corp. ("Flying Nickel") also announce that further to their joint press releases dated October 5, 2022 and August 23, 2022, Nevada Vanadium and Flying Nickel continue to work diligently with their respective advisors towards completion of the proposed acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Nevada Vanadium by Flying Nickel by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement (the "Transaction"). Flying Nickel and Nevada Vanadium expect to update the closing schedule in April 2024. About Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. is a reporting issuer in Canada, holding a 100% interest in the Gibellini vanadium project in Nevada, United States. To find out more about Nevada Vanadium, visit www.nevadavanadium.com. NEVADA VANADIUM MINING CORP. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Ron Espell" CEO For more information about Nevada Vanadium, please contact Investor Relations: info@nevadavanadium.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release include the expected gross proceeds of the Private Placement, and use of proceeds raised from the Private Placement, and the expected timing to determine the closing schedule for the Transaction. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should not be read as guarantees of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: changes in business plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's project, ability to complete the Transaction as previously announced by press releases on October 5 and August 23, 2022 (collectively, the "Joint News Releases"); and general market, industry and economic conditions. See the Joint News Releases for further details about the Transaction and its associated risks. Further details about the risk factors concerning the Transaction are set out in such news releases. Additional risk factors are set out in the Company's latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking statements included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204073 SOURCE: Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Copper Standard Resources Inc. (CSE: CSR) ("Copper Standard" or the "Company") announces the commencement of drilling at its flagship Colpayoc Project in the Yanacocha Mining District in Cajamarca, Peru. The Company has started Phase I of a two-phase drill program. Phase I is expected to include approximately 16,400 feet (5,000 meters) of drilling over 18 drill holes to test the potential large copper/gold porphyry and expand the existing resource. The Company anticipates completion of the Phase I drill program by mid-2024. Phase II to be based upon Phase I results. The Company's proposed drill program stems from the expansion of geologic knowledge and understanding of the deposit attained through the relogging of historical drill core and complementary detailed fieldwork. During detailed geologic reviews, the Company identified a potential porphyry copper/gold target underlying the previously drilled oxide gold cap. The gold cap contains over 300,000 ounces of an inferred gold resource and remains open both laterally and at depth. Average drill hole depth will be approximately 655 feet (200 meters) where drilling is designed to confirm and expand the current oxide gold resource. At least two drill holes are expected to reach depths of approximately 1,300 feet (400 meters) to test for the enriched copper and copper-gold primary grades in the untested porphyry system underlying the Daylight oxide gold resource. These programs are fully funded for 2024 with the completion of the Company's recently over-subscribed $5 million private placement. Andy Swarthout, Chairman, commented "2024 represents a significant opportunity for Copper Standard, and we look forward to expanding our gold resource as we test the extent of the underlying porphyry system. Previous drilling ended in phyllic alteration with anomalous gold and copper, indicating potential proximity to a porphyry copper/gold system. Phase I drilling will not only establish the potential of the oxide gold mineralization at depth but will provide important guidance for expanded exploration of the underlying porphyry system in Phase II drilling." The National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Colpayoc Project, can be found on the Copper Standard website at https://copperstandard.com or on Sedar+ at www.sedarplus.com. Qualified Person Andy Swarthout, Chairman, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. About Copper Standard Resources Inc. Copper Standard is a resource-stage mining company with a focus on copper and gold, with an option to acquire 100% of the Colpayoc Project in Peru. Colpayoc has significant, untested potential for supergene and porphyry copper - gold mineralization at depth, beneath drill holes bottoming in oxide gold-copper mineralization. The Colpayoc Project is largely untested with limited drilling and is similar to many of the world class porphyry copper-gold deposits within the prolific Yanacocha District. Copper Standard continues to evaluate opportunities in the mineral sector on an ongoing basis. For more information about Copper Standard, please visit our website at www.copperstandard.com or email us at info@copperstandard.com. Marcel de Groot, President & Director Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the meters of drilling and number of drill holes for Phase I drilling at the Colpayoc Project; completion of the Phase I drill program by mid-2024; identification of a potential porphyry copper/gold target; additional exploration potential of the Colpayoc Project in general; potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Company's exploration and development plans in Peru. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its information circular dated December 20, 2021, available on www.sedarplus.com. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204088 SOURCE: Copper Standard Resources Inc. HANGZHOU, China, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 28th, George Cui Shan, Chairman & CEO of SUPCON, (688777.SH, SUPCON.SW) sat down for an interview to talk about the recent establishment of the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center (hereinafter referred to as "Innovation Center") and the debut of its first self-developed humanoid robot, Navigator a. As the primary shareholder of the Innovation Center, SUPCON is excited by the prospect of potential collaborations between academia and industry in the field of humanoid robotics, along with the future application of these robots in diverse industrial scenarios. The Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center is dedicated to researching intelligent sensing and control technology, as well as developing fully functional robots. It will serve as a comprehensive hub for technological research, product development, talent incubation, and industrial growth. With its substantial support for the center, SUPCON enhances its strategic vision of integrating AI with robotics, actively driving the intelligent transformation of the humanoid robot industry. The newly launched humanoid robot, Navigator a, stands at a height of 1.5 meters and weighs 50 kilograms, boasting advanced hardware components including a cutting-edge planetary reducer, lightweight humanoid mechanical arms, and a dexterous hand with multiple degrees of freedom. This remarkable hand features 15 finger joints, six active degrees of freedom, a fingertip force of 10N, a lightweight design of 600g, and an impressive joint speed of 150 degrees per second. Moreover, Navigator a revolutionizes the integration of mechanism control, imitation learning, and reinforcement learning, leveraging innovative technologies like large-scale AI models to achieve groundbreaking advancements in both hardware and algorithms. It has been deployed and highly recognized in several field-proven projects. George underscored that, unlike traditional humanoid robots that focus primarily on the connection of parts and the overall system, the collaboration between SUPCON and the Innovation Center aims to achieve breakthroughs in AI technology and its industrial application. In the era of industrial AI, robotics innovation must expand beyond mere operational capabilities to encompass planning, harnessing AI as the industrial "brain". Furthermore, George asserted that the future of humanoid robots hinges on their utilization in specific scenarios and industries. It is crucial to bridge the gap between technological research and industrial demand, thereby empowering the industry's continued progress. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378467/Image_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/navigator--humanoid-robot-supcon-integrates-ai-with-robotics-302107204.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - American Pacific Mining Corp (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, due to strong investor demand, it has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") (see news release dated April 2, 2024) from 15,000,000 units at a price of $0.20 per unit (the "Unit") for gross proceeds of $3,000,000 to 20,000,000 units for gross proceeds of $4,000,000. The private placement is now fully subscribed and the order book is closed. "We are very pleased to see such strong investor demand for this private placement, which we believe demonstrates the significant support and confidence that investors have in American Pacific and our ability to deliver shareholder value," commented CEO Warwick Smith. "The funds raised will allow us to aggressively advance our exploration programs at our two key projects." The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration and development on the Company's Palmer Project, Madison Project, other mineral exploration and development projects, and for general corporate purposes. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur as soon as practicable and may occur in one or more tranches. The Company may pay a finder's fee in connection with the Offering to eligible arm's length finders in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Eventus Capital Corp. has been appointed as a Finder in connection with the Offering. This Offering is being conducted under the listed issuer financing exemption as per Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions. As a result, the securities issued will not be subject to a hold period under the prevailing Canadian securities laws. An Offering Document related to this Offering is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on www.americanpacificmining.com. Potential investors are advised to thoroughly review the offering document prior to making any investment decisions. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About American Pacific Mining Corp. American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company has two flagship assets: the Palmer Project, a Volcanic Massive Sulphide-Sulphate (VMS) project in Alaska, under joint-venture partnership with Dowa Metals & Mining, owner of Japan's largest zinc smelter; and the Madison Project, a past-producing copper-gold project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Global Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Also, in American Pacific's asset portfolio are high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts in Nevada, USA, including the Ziggurat Gold project, partnered with Centerra Gold and the Tuscarora Gold-Silver project. The Company's mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition. On Behalf of American Pacific Mining Corp. Board of Directors: Warwick Smith, CEO & Director Corporate Office: Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada Investor relations contact: Kristina Pillon, High Tide Consulting Corp., 604.908.1695 / Kristina@americanpacific.ca Media relations contact: Adam Bello, Primoris Group Inc., 416.489.0092 / media@primorisgroup.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the completion of the Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204078 SOURCE: American Pacific Mining Corp. Airship's analysis shows lower activation and engagement of app customers acquired at the peak of holiday shopping, when new installs spike 40%-100% over October averages Airship's insights, best practices and lifecycle benchmarks can help retailers drive customers through the app lifecycle to increase engagement, gain loyalty and accumulate value For brands that experience a flood of new installs during peak shopping days like Black Friday, the secret to capturing the value of that effort is what happens next. Airship, the mobile app experience company, today shared findings that indicate peak installers are not all they're cracked up to be. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403543802/en/ Airship's aggregate analysis shows that customers adding shopping apps at the height of the holiday frenzy see lower weekly retention rates than pre-holiday customers by Week 4. (Graphic: Airship) For apps, peak install periods are the most significant value creation opportunities and also the most costly due to more paid install competition. To quantify the opportunity and bring greater urgency to value-capture efforts, Airship analyzed mobile app lifecycle and retention data aggregated across more than 60 million new shopping apps first installed between Oct. 1 and Nov. 27 (Cyber Monday), 2023. Key app install findings include: Peak Day: Going on a decade, Black Friday is the top day of the year for customers to install a shopping app double the daily average rate for October. Going on a decade, Black Friday is the top day of the year for customers to install a shopping app double the daily average rate for October. Peak Week: Six of the top seven peak shopping app install days were Nov. 19-25, which is much more tightly grouped than prior years. This peak week saw 40% more app installs than October's weekly average. Six of the top seven peak shopping app install days were Nov. 19-25, which is much more tightly grouped than prior years. This peak week saw 40% more app installs than October's weekly average. Pre-Holiday: Five of the seven lowest daily app install days were Oct. 1-7, providing a one-week pre-holiday cohort to compare against peak-week customers. "When acquisition costs are high, customer lifespans need a long enough runway to amortize those costs and generate returns. In other words, brands must hold on to newly acquired customers for dear life," (Forrester Research, Inc., "Unlock Your Revenue Growth Potential," June 4, 2023). Wake Up, Retailers! The core finding of Airship's retention analysis should be a wake-up call to retailers everywhere: by Week 3 after install, any advantage gained in this merriest time of year is wiped out as peak-week customers go on to average 18% lower weekly retention rates than customers acquired pre-holiday. By Week 15, peak-week retention rates plummet further. A three percentage point difference at Week 15 +27% greater than peak week's rate can equate to massive future value. Research done by Frederick Reichheld of Bain Company found a 5% increase in retained customers yields 25-95% more profit. More recently, Google/Ipsos found that 74% of retail decision-makers say investing in mobile apps is key to driving profitability and important for long-term success (85%). Despite the peak growth opportunity and overall importance of apps, the two cohorts exhibit a similar retention pattern, suggesting retailers don't treat peak-week app customers any differently from pre-holiday customers despite the holiday frenzy's urgent, transactional focus. Essentially, retailers allow peak-week customers to remain transactionally focused, which is reflected in lower retention rates before Christmas has even arrived. In addition, both cohorts see 38% of new users only open the app once within the analysis time frame (Week 0), helping to account for the Week 1 retention rate. Capturing Value Requires Advancing Customers Through the App Lifecycle Rather than focusing on rear-view retention rates, Airship recommends that retailers focus on advancing customers through the mobile app lifecycle from acquisition to activation, engagement and loyalty. To help, Airship compared the peak-week and pre-holiday cohorts with a subset of metrics used to gauge and optimize progress through the activation and engagement lifecycle stages. During activation (Day 1-30 after download), the most successful apps focus on understanding customers' preferences and interests while gaining ways to communicate with them. Identified User Coverage, which is the number of devices with a unique customer ID divided by total devices, is a key metric as it allows brands to link customer data from prior interactions and across channels to better personalize and orchestrate future interactions. Customers gained during pre-holiday have 3% higher Identified User Coverage rates than peak-week adopters. Perhaps due to seasonality and promotions or rewards requiring registration, both cohorts come in above the February shopping category averages: 10% higher for pre-holiday customers and 7% higher for peak week. Metric comparisons for the engagement lifecycle stage included Average Sessions Per Active User, Average Session Length (in minutes per month) and Airship's Engagement Score, which indicates how many monthly active users return on a daily basis. Pre-holiday customers' February 2024 Engagement Scores are 8% higher than the shopping category average and 14% higher than peak-week customers', further illustrating the transitory, transactional nature of the latter cohort. Pre-holiday customers also lead in Average Sessions Per Active User, with February 2024 totals 17% higher than peak-week customers and 9% higher than the shopping category average. The only engagement metric where peak-week customers outperformed pre-holiday customers was Average Session Length, with .006 more monthly minutes in February 2024 (+.4%). Both cohorts are 9% below the February shopping category average for session duration. For best practices, additional metrics and benchmarks to compare activation and engagement performance across app store categories, please download Airship's reports: Mobile Lifecycle Benchmark: Activation and Mobile Lifecycle Benchmark: Engagement. Registration is now open for Airship's April 11 webinar, Capture Customer Attention: 3 Strategies in 30 Days. "Customers clearly flock to shopping apps to get the best deals, earn rewards and gain exclusive access, but it's up to retailers to turn installs and first transactions into ongoing use where real value accumulates," said Thomas Butta, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Airship. "Brands should continually optimize onboarding experiences and reinforce value throughout the lifecycle and across channels for different types of customers. Above all, they need to capture customers' attention in moments that matter which calls for in-app experiences tailored to the individual, so brands can continually grow customer understanding, drive engagement and build loyalty over time." Methodology Airship analyzed aggregate data from shopping apps with at least 100,000 monthly active users that also saw new installs and at least 1,000 device sessions within both the peak-week and pre-holiday cohorts. Analysis included 63 million new app users gained between October 1 and November 27, 2023. One-week pre-holiday and peak-week cohorts were established to track and compare monthly activation and engagement metrics through February 2024 and weekly retention rates through Week 15 following Week 0 installation. About Airship No one knows more, does more, or cares more than Airship when it comes to helping brands master mobile app experience (MAX). From the beginning of apps, Airship powered the first commercial messages and then expanded its data-led approach to all re-engagement channels (mobile wallet, SMS, email), app UX experimentation, no-code native app experience creation and App Store Optimization (ASO). Having powered trillions of mobile app interactions for thousands of global brands, Airship's technology and deep industry expertise have enabled apps to become the digital center of customer experience, brand loyalty and monetization. With the Airship App Experience Platform and Gummicube's ASO technology and expertise, brands now have a complete set of solutions to optimize the entire mobile app customer journey from the point of discovery to loyalty driving greater value for everyone involved. For more information, visit www.airship.com, read our blog or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403543802/en/ Contacts: North America: Deidre Wright Airship +1 415-223-0832 deidre.wright@airship.com Kali Myrick Kali Myrick Communications +1 503-580-4645 kali@kalimyrick.com EMEA: Ana Williams Airship +44 (0)20 3405 5160 press@airship.com Pauline Delorme Tyto PR +44 (0)20 3934 8882 Airship@tytopr.com Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has, through its flagship fund CI V, acquired a majority stake in Elgin Energy to deliver and expand its existing 15 GW solar PV and battery portfolio COPENHAGEN, Denmark , April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has signed an agreement to acquire a majority share in Elgin Energy (Elgin) and will, together with Elgin's retained management team, invest 250 million into Elgin. The investment will combine CIP's industrial approach for procurement and construction with Elgin's high quality development portfolio to enable Elgin to become an Independent Power Producer (IPP), grow its team and pipeline in existing and new markets, and develop into a fully integrated and full-service solar and storage company. To date, Elgin has delivered close to 2GW of ready-to-build solar PV and storage projects and, in recent years, the company was successful in the UK and Ireland government-backed auctions on a total of 30+ projects. Elgin's current project pipeline of 15GW is supported by development activities in the UK, Irish, and Australian markets, covering stand-alone solar, solar co-located with battery storage, and stand-alone battery storage. "Elgin is a perfect fit for CIP's investment strategy given its strong leadership and culture, market leading development expertise, high quality pipeline of scale and significant growth potential in markets with attractive fundamentals. We are well placed to support Elgin in transforming into an IPP with our expertise in procurement and construction," commented Nischal Agarwal, partner in the CIP Flagship investment team, responsible for investments in Europe. "We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. This strategic partnership reinforces our financial strength while aligning with our vision to become the leading European solar company. Given CIP's industrial background and approach, they are an ideal partner for Elgin in its next phase of growth and transformation into an IPP. With CIP's support, we are well-positioned to achieve our ambitious goals, including our commitment to create over 100 new jobs at Elgin, and accelerate towards a net-zero future," said Ronan Kilduff, CEO of Elgin. With a target size of EUR 12bn, CIP's fifth flagship fund, CI V, is set to become the largest of its kind globally. The fund aims to invest in a range of technologies from wind and solar PV to energy storage across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) today is the world's largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X. CIP manages 12 funds and has to date raised approximately EUR 28 billion for investments in energy and associated infrastructure from more than 150 international institutional investors. CIP has approximately 500 employees and 12 offices around the world. For more information, visit www.cip.com About Elgin Elgin Energy For further information, please contact: E-mail: media@cip.com Oliver Routhe Skov, Head of Media Relations Phone: +45 30541227 Email: orsk@cip.com Thomas Knig, Partner - Investor Relations Phone: +45 7070 5151 Email: tkon@cip.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Bayhorse Silver Inc, (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") reports on its ongoing operations programs at its Bayhorse Silver Mine in Baker County, Oregon, USA, and newly acquired claims directly across the Snake River in Washington County, Idaho. There are a lot of moving parts to Bayhorse's current operations. While some of them are press releasable, many important activities are not material, just work in progress supporting the operation. Keeping our shareholders up to date is all the more important as a lot of things fall into place at an increasing tempo. We're going to try to have a newsletter/corporate update out at fairly regularly intervals. --- The sad passing of our long time Director, John Cerenzia, meant we had a director vacancy to fill. We had been working on permitting matters with Mark Abrams, a professional geologist working from Spokane, WA. and asked him to consider a directorship with Bayhorse and were pleased when he accepted. Mark is licenced in Oregon and Idaho. He is a QP as defined by NI-43-101. He has been an exploration manager of a number of companies, and designed and executed generative exploration programs which is exactly the skill set Bayhorse needs for our exploration work in both Oregon and Idaho. We released Mark's career details with the news of his appointment. With Mark's guidance, aided and abetted by our two long time geological consultants, Dr Clay Conway, P. Geol and Dr Gerry Ray P. Geol., who did the original geological assessment at the Bayhorse (three wise men so to speak), we would like to properly explore our recently staked areas on the Idaho side of the border with Oregon on the Izee Terrane. Mark has already put in motion a systematic sampling and staking program working closely with Jon Farrell, our Operations Manager. "I've been an active explorationist for forty-four years," Abrams told us. "I've worked for Placer Dome Exploration Inc opened the Winnemucca office to provide exploration support for McDermitt, Cortez and Bald Mountain mines. I worked as Placer Dome's representative on the Cordex Syndicate/ Marigold Gold mine joint venture and opened a Reno office where I was the district geo on the Great Basin Project, worked. After Placer, worked for Agnico Eagle out of Reno for eleven years. Then I worked for Golden Predator on its US projects and, for the last ten years I have been consulting." "At Bayhorse we're lucky to have a very experienced geo team. Very, very knowledgeable about the Bayhorse Mine but also about the Idaho side, of the river," said Abrams. "That's where we need boots on the ground prospecting." "I'd like to get into the drainages of Rock Creek," said Abrams. "We need to collect stream sediment samples in the catchment basins to help explore our claims here and prioritize target areas. Rock sampling is also needed to prospect the claim area. While historically there was a lot of prospecting in the area, most of it was in the really late 1890's through to the late 1920's, and we need to add more data dots to the map, and I need Jon to run the program." In Idaho, Jon Farrell is on the ground. "I'm just billy goating in the hills," he said in a phone call. Farrell rides a dirt bike as far as he can to set stakes, but the terrain is often so steep that he has to hike the last leg to the way point. "What you see on a map and what you see on the ground are very different." One advantage of the ground level view is that you see detail which Google Earth misses. "You can actually see the historic workings on the Idaho side from the Bayhorse property in Oregon," Farrell said. "There's an old gypsum mine which, when you get close, has quartz veins all over the place." These old workings left very little in the way of paper records, although Mark Abrams is working through the paper trail such as it is. But they did leave rocks at surface which can be systematically sampled. "Around the Oregon claims we knew there were old workings. While Bayhorse has been focused on reopening the Bayhorse Mine, this additional staking in Oregon has allowed us to cover more ground. I found a historic gold shaft. And there are stockpiles and dumps all over with copper staining on the Oregon side." As well as the rock dumps and old workings, Farrell identified the three bulldozer cuts at the top of the Bayhorse hill that Dr. Ray had sampled as part of the original 43-101. Bulldozer cuts are a great source for rock samples as they often cut through overburden and expose the rock below. Having seasoned explorationist Mark Abrams involved means that Farrell is doing surface reconnaissance in a systematic way with the samples properly geotagged and locations photographed. "Mark is helping me out quite a bit," said Farrell. As well as billy goating, Farrell is now drilling on the previously planned underground drilling at the Bayhorse Mine. The mine has been safety inspected and a training day has been conducted for the underground drill crew. "We want to do a few short holes," said Farrell. "We'll drill into the Big Dog hanging wall towards the older workings in the mine, where the historic mining and mineralization is well recorded." Over on the Idaho claims, Farrell's staking work is being guided by the preliminary results from the VTEM survey flown in January, and the geological mapping done prior by Dr. Conway. Bayhorse is in the process of logging the samples and readying them for submission for assay. Depending on the lab workload, we anticipate the results towards the end of April, and the analysis of those results by our team of geologists and a consulting geophysicist. While we have the various resistivity and electro-magnetic "signatures" from the VTEM, it is really only the first step. How those signatures are interpreted is where the real value lies. We are commissioning an additional interpretation of the Geotech work, and permitting for a planned drilling program on the low resistivity zone is underway. This is where a lot of geological expertise is needed. Consulting geologists Dr Conway and Dr Ray, along with Mark Abrams and CEO Graeme O'Neill will be on site between May 10 to May 19 to conduct the first comprehensive geological look at the rocks on the Idaho side. They will be assisted by Operation Manager Jon Farrell who is taking care of the teams logistics need,and where his on the ground experience over the past four months will pay off,as the geological team samples analysis will provide more pieces to the puzzle. CEO Grame O'Neill, looking at Bayhorse overall, sums it up, "This whole Hercules discovery and our proximity to it has created a different animal for us, copper/silver/gold exploration added to a relatively straightforward "reopen a high grade silver mine" process." "We have preliminary work in progress. We have announced the expansion of land, including tying up the available ground in Idaho around the VTEM signatures was a priority for us, that delayed the underground drill program at the Bayhorse Mine. But the drill is turning underground and we already have core for assay. These will be short holes at first, typically less than 100 feet, as we are already underground and in mineralization. We don't have to drill through lots of overburden. We expect the silver assays will be completed in fairly short order, with the multi element taking a little longer. Those assays and once we get further interpretation of the VTEM results, and completed our review, will be promptly announced by the Company, as will the results of sampling the newly acquired ground by the geological team in May." "In my opinion, the VTEM survey and our staking, sampling and drilling efforts should put us in a solid strategic position. We are very aware of other companies, including Hercules, staking along the intersections of the Izee and Old Ferry terranes in Idaho and planning, or conducting, drilling programs. The Bayhorse Mine and the surrounding ground are right on one of these Izee terrane "sutures". While we are bringing the Bayhorse Mine back into production it makes a lot of sense to secure, sample and survey what may turn out to be highly prospective and highly desirable land on the Idaho side. It's a huge challenge but there is a real possibility of a big reward for our shareholders," concluded O'Neill. This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. Mark Abrams, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist, a Qualified Person and Director of the Company has prepared, supervised the preparation of, and approved the technical content of this press release. On Behalf of the Board. Graeme O'Neill, CEO 866-399-6539 About Bayhorse Silver Inc. Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA. With state of the art Steinert Ore-Sorting technology reducing waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%, we have created a minimum environmental impact facility capable of mining 200 tons of mineralization per day and the ability to process and supply 3,600 tons per year of silver/copper/antimony concentrate ranging between 7,500 to 15,000 g/t silver and 10-12% copper, 10-12% antimony, and 15-18% zinc using standard flotation processing at its milling facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA, with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company also has an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Brandywine high grade silver/gold property located in B.C. Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204131 SOURCE: Bayhorse Silver Inc. Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to report that its partner Tocvan Ventures (CSE: TOC) has announced that infill drilling has commenced in the Main Zone at the advanced exploration stage Pilar Gold and Silver Project in Sonora, Mexico. Colibri holds a 49% interest in the Pilar Gold & Silver Project. Please see select excerpts from Tocvan's news release below: Tocvan News Release: (April 3, 2024) - Brodie A. Sutherland, P.Geo. reports: Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company"), is pleased to announce the much awaited restart of drilling at its road accessible Pilar gold-silver project in the mine-friendly State of Sonora, Mexico. The Company has been busy reviewing all past data with an independent resource professional to determine the most effective use of drill meters for the upcoming campaign. Work completed has outlined 7,000 meters of drilling required within the Pilar concessions held along with minority partner, Colibri Resources. This includes, 4,000 meters of infill drilling within known areas of mineralization and 3,000 meters of step-out and exploration drilling on the peripherals of drilled mineralization and/or strong surface geochemistry indicating highly prospective targets. All proposed drilling is fully permitted. The outcome of the proposed drilling will go into the definition of a maiden resource estimate for the Pilar Main Zone, providing an important building block for the Company. The first drill hole will follow-up on JES-22-62, which returned 108.6m of 0.8 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag. The drill rig mobilized to site April 1st and began drilling hole JES-24-73 on April 2nd. The Company will update as drilling progresses. "We are excited to report the drill is back onsite and turning at Pilar," commented Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "It's been nearly two years since we last drilled at Pilar, with the previous drill program identifying new areas of mineralization to the east and southeast of Pilar's Main Zone. We now look to continue to expand the overall footprint while we build towards a maiden resource at Pilar. With gold prices hitting all time highs, we feel this is the right time to aggressively advance our projects." About the Pilar Property The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the region's best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. Pilar Drill Highlights: 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au Pilar Bulk Sample Summary: 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Extracted Grade Calculated at Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Additional Metallurgical Studies: Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth. BRODIE A. SUTHERLAND, CEO FOR TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. AND A QUALIFIED PERSON ("QP") AS DEFINED BY CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101, HAS REVIEWED AND APPROVED THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS RELEASE. ABOUT COLIBRI RESOURCE CORPORATION: Colibri is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) and is focused on acquiring and exploring prospective gold & silver properties in Mexico. The Company holds six high potential precious metal projects. For more information about all Company projects please visit: www.colibriresource.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements." Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. For information contact: Ian McGavney, President, CEO and Director, Tel: (506) 383-4274, ianmcgavney@colibriresource.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204132 SOURCE: Colibri Resource Corporation EAGAN, MI / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / GovMint, one of the largest direct-to-consumer retailers of collectible coins, announces a selection of vintage $5 Gold Liberty Half Eagle and $10 Gold Liberty Eagle Coins from the Fairmont Collection Reserve+, a special subset of the Fairmont Collection-which is an immense hoard of more than 13,000 vintage U.S. pre-1933 gold coins. The Reserve+ set has been meticulously curated to include only the highest quality gold coins with the greatest luster and exceptional beauty. Fairmont Collection Reserve+ Each $5 Gold Liberty Half Eagle and $10 Gold Liberty Eagle coin was graded by the esteemed Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Each coin has earned the coveted PCGS "+" designation, which means it has exceptional eye appeal and ranks in the top 30% of quality for the grade. These exceptional coins come encased in museum-quality slabs, proudly displaying a gold foil label that signifies their inclusion in The Fairmont Collection Reserve+. These $5 and $10 Gold Liberty coins were designed by Christian Gobrecht, the 3rd Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Both denominations feature Lady Liberty with a Coronet on her head inscribed with the word "Liberty." The reverse features a proud bald eagle with wings spread and a stars and stripes shield on its breast. The $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle, struck from 1839-1908, was the first gold coin minted by the United States. This golden coin carried the weight of a nation emerging from the Civil War. As it changed hands, the $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle witnessed the reconstruction of a fractured America. It spoke of resilience of a nation forging ahead with newfound strength. In the hands of pioneers and dreamers, it echoed the spirit of a country marching towards a brighter horizon. The $10 Liberty Gold Eagle, struck from 1838-1907, stands as a gilded titan of prosperity. These gold coins bore witness to the industrial revolution, a period where the gears of progress turned relentlessly. In the hands of entrepreneurs and visionaries, the $10 Liberty Gold Eagle whispered promises of a nation rising to economic heights. It clinked in the pockets of those who built railroads, erected skyscrapers, and fueled the engine of an economic powerhouse. Each transaction with this majestic coin felt like a handshake with destiny. "I'm extremely excited that we are able to offer these vintage U.S. gold coins from the Fairmont Collection Reserve+. Given the legacy and exceptional quality of these gold coins that have been well preserved for well over a century, along with the scarcity, we expect a complete sellout," said Ted Smetana, Chief Commercial Officer Merchandising at GovMint. Visit www.govmint.com/reserveplus for more information and to purchase. About GovMint GovMint has been on the forefront of collectible numismatic coins since 1984 and specializes in selling rare and collectible coins, as well as a variety of other modern numismatic products and bullion. Contact Information Brian Johnson Senior Marketing Director media@amsi-corp.com SOURCE: GovMint View the original press release on newswire.com. With Outvio Desk, eCommerce can finally manage the complete customer journey, from before to after the purchase, on one single platform with unparalleled control and efficiency. TALLINN, ESTONIA / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Outvio, the leading post-purchase platform for eCommerce, has just released Outvio Desk, a groundbreaking AI-powered customer support platform designed for online shops, set to transform customer support for the whole eCommerce industry. Outvio Desk Product Outvio Desk product Image with chat and desktop app Outvio Desk boasts multiple innovative and unique features that set it apart from existing customer support solutions. Unlike other support tools, Outvio Desk was purposely built for online stores and natively collects all data related to online orders, customers, deliveries, and returns/exchanges. With built-in AI-guided automation, repetitive, often time-consuming, delivery and other issues are solved on auto-pilot, something unique in the industry. Outvio Desk is fully integrated with other Outvio suite products, creating the first holistic e-commerce customer journey solution. On top of traditional email and chat, Outvio Desk also integrates social media channels as standard. Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp engagement can be managed without ever leaving Outvio Desk, enabling customer communication in completely new ways throughout the shopping and delivery process. The innovation continues with pricing. There are no extra charges to add agents or to process tickets. Outvio offers unlimited agents and tickets in a single plan with all the functionality eCommerce brands need. "Customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of a successful eCommerce business," Juan Borras, CEO of Outvio. "With Outvio Desk, we've taken customer support to the next level, providing eCommerce businesses a centralized single point of truth with tools needed to provide exceptional service, resolve issues quickly, and build lasting customer relationships." Impact on eCommerce Businesses Outvio Desk is already being adopted by leading eCommerce brands in Europe and the U.S. with outstanding results. An average decrease of 38% in the number of agents needed to offer the same or better customer support experience has been reported thanks to AI-driven automation, not having to multi-home between applications and self-service support for end customers. Early adopters also reported an increase in operational efficiency, claiming a reduction of up to 40% in the time needed to solve customer queries, due to the unified nature of Outvio Desk and other post-purchase tools included in the Outvio suite. Reduced workload for warehouse, marketing and business development teams was also revealed. Other improvements included a boost in customer satisfaction and retention, enhanced brand reputation and increased sales due to the cumulative effect of providing superior support and shopping experiences being a major driver of additional sales and referrals. "Outvio Desk is a game-changer for eCommerce businesses and a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize eCommerce," added Juan Borras. "With the addition of this innovative product to the Outvio suite, businesses can transform their customer support from a cost center to a strategic key asset that drives customer satisfaction, retention, and revenue growth." Contact Information Kaidi Tiitson CMO kaidi@outvio.com +37253068731 SOURCE: Outvio View the original press release on newswire.com. SOMERVILLE, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / LPW Training Services, a global industry leader in Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences technology training, proudly announces its prestigious recognition as a recipient of the 2024 Association for Talent Development's (ATD) Excellence in Practice (EIP) Award for our distinguished Project Management Development Program. LPW will receive this notable recognition during ATD's International Conference & Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 20, 2024. LPW Training Services LPW Training provides end-to-end, enterprise learning solutions for technology deployment initiatives. The talent development industry highly regards the ATD Awards as the most rigorous and sought-after accolade. They recognize organizations that are breaking boundaries and leading the way in driving impactful change and solving business challenges through innovative talent development practices. "This award reflects the culture of learning at LPW. We are honored to receive the ATD EIP award for Project Management, which reinforces our leadership in talent development and innovation within our industry. LPW remains committed to empowering our employees, cultivating a culture of learning and growth, and delivering exceptional value to our customers." said Liza Pizarro-White, CEO of LPW Training Services. "At LPW, we are making our innovative talent development practices a key differentiator in driving our business success," said Pam Morris, Director of Operations & Sales at LPW. "We foster a culture of continuous learning that has the active and full sponsorship of our executive team." Since 2003, the ATD Awards have recognized organizations that demonstrate exceptional success in talent development initiatives on an enterprise-wide level. About LPW As the recognized global leader in pharmaceutical, life sciences, and commercial technology training, LPW Training Services aims to deliver innovative and engaging learning experiences that yield best-in-class adoption rates. Established in 2004, LPW became a true global partner of choice by offering world-class learning solutions in over 50 countries and more than 30 languages. For more information, visit www.lpwtraining.com. About ATD The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world's largest professional membership organization. It supports those who develop employees' knowledge and skills, improve performance, and help achieve results for the organizations they serve. Established in 1943, the association was known as the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). ATD's members come from over 100 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD supports talent development professionals who gather locally in volunteer-led US chapters, international member networks, and with global strategic partners. For more information, visit www.td.org. Contact Information Christine Monclova Marketing Coordinator cmonclova@lpwtraining.com (800) 620-0429 SOURCE: LPW Training Services View the original press release on newswire.com. Cybersecurity experts say that blocking certain websites lowers the risk of cyberattacks and removes distractions NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / According to data collected by the cybersecurity company NordLayer, a significant portion of employers (72%) block malicious and adult websites. Malicious websites can pose severe security threats by spreading malware, while adult websites are often restricted due to concerns over inappropriate content and potential productivity loss. Gambling sites are blocked by 43% of employers, likely due to concerns over addiction and productivity loss. Research shows that the Domain Name System (DNS) filtering feature is also used for blocking phishing, cryptojacking, illegal, and DDoS as a Service (DaaS) websites. This way, employers try to protect their networks and systems from cyber threats and illegal activities. "In today's threat landscape, where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, DNS filtering plays a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining regulatory compliance, and preserving the integrity of organizational networks," says Carlos Salas, a cybersecurity expert at NordLayer. Employers seek to maintain a professional work environment Besides just blocking adult websites, many managers take a step further to maintain a professional work environment. For example, 30% block dating sites, 28% do not allow access to sex education websites, and about 12% of employers even block lingerie sites. Information or sales related to drugs websites are blocked by 37% of IT managers. Interestingly, 21% of employers block VPN websites, likely to prevent employees from circumventing network restrictions and accessing blocked content, which could pose security risks or productivity concerns. "To lower distractions from work and promote productivity, 19% of IT managers restrict access to gaming websites because they can be time-consuming and embedded with ads and hyperlinks to other malicious websites. Additionally, celebrity news websites and social media are blocked by 8% and 7% of employers, respectively," adds Salas. U.S. employers are less restrictive compared to global data In the United States, employers tend to adopt a more lenient approach towards restricting employee internet access at work compared to global averages. While malicious websites pose significant security risks, only 62% of U.S. employers block them, which is lower than the global average of 72%. Similarly, adult websites are restricted by 57% of IT managers in the U.S., which is also lower than the global average. Gambling websites are disabled by 35% of U.S. employers. When it comes to potential distractions, gaming websites are restricted in only 16% of U.S. employers' workplaces. Additionally, celebrity news websites are blocked by only 7% of U.S. employers, aligning with the global average, while social media is inaccessible in just 5% of U.S. businesses. Compared to the United States, Canadian businesses are less restrictive on gambling, because only 28% have blocked access to online casinos. Interestingly, while Canadian employers are more strict on adult content (60%), they are less likely to block dating sites (20%, while in the U.S. - 24%), sex education (4%, U.S. - 20%), and lingerie (4%, U.S. - 14%). Contact Information Vilius Kardelis PR manager vilius@nordsec.com SOURCE: NordLayer View the original press release on newswire.com. Hokkaido University researchers have identified new lipids in some herbal teas in detail for the first time, preparing the ground for investigating their contribution to the health benefits of the teas. SAPPORO, Japan, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Herbal teas are enjoyed worldwide, not only for their taste and refreshment but also for a wide range of reputed health benefits. But the potential significance of a category of compounds called lipids in the teas has been relatively unexplored. Researchers at Hokkaido University, led by Associate Professor Siddabasave Gowda and Professor Shu-Ping Hui of the Faculty of Health Sciences, have now identified 341 different molecular species from five categories of lipids in samples of four types of herbal tea. They published their results in the journal Food Chemistry. Lipids are a diverse collection of natural substances that share the property of being insoluble in water. They include all of the fats and oils that are common constituents of many foods, but they have generally not been examined as significant components of teas. The Hokkaido team selected four teas for their initial analysis: dokudami (Houttuynia cordata, fish mint), kumazasa (Sasa veitchii), sugina (Equisetum arvense, common horsetail) and yomogi (Artemisia princeps, Japanese mugwort). "These herbs are native to Japan and have been widely consumed as tea from ancient times due to their medicinal properties," says Gowda. The medicinal benefits attributed to these and other herbal teas include antioxidant, antiglycation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergic, anticarcinogenic, antithrombotic, vasodilatory, antimutagenic, and anti-aging effects. The lipids in the teas were separated and identified by combining two modern analytical techniques called high-performance liquid chromatography and linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The analysis revealed significant variations in the lipids in the four types of tea, with each type containing some known bioactive lipids. These included a distinct category of lipids called short-chain fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs), some of which had never previously been found in plants. SFAHFAs detected in tea could be a novel source of short-chain fatty acids, which are essential metabolites for maintaining gut health. "The discovery of these novel SFAHFAs opens new avenues for research," says Hui, adding that the lipid concentrations found in the teas are at levels that could be expected to have significant nutritional and medical effects in consumers. The lipids discovered also included a-linolenic acid, already known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and arachidonic acid which has been associated with a variety of health benefits. These two compounds are examples of a range of poly-unsaturated fatty acids found in the teas, a category of lipids that are well-known for their nutritional benefits. "Our initial study paves the way for further exploration of the role of lipids in herbal teas and their broad implications for human health and nutrition," Gowda concludes. "We now want to expand our research to characterize the lipids in more than 40 types of herbal tea in the near future." Contacts: Associate Professor Siddabasave Gowda Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate School of Global Food Resources Hokkaido University Tel: +81-11-706-3687 Email: gowda@gfr.hokudai.ac.jp Professor Shu-Ping Hui Faculty of Health Sciences Hokkaido University Tel: +81-11-706-3693 Email: keino@hs.hokudai.ac.jp Sohail Keegan Pinto (International Public Relations Specialist) Public Relations & Communications Division Office of Public Relations and Social Collaboration Hokkaido University Tel: +81-11-706-2186 Email: en-press@general.hokudai.ac.jp Paper: Lipsa Rani Nath, et al. Dissecting new lipids and their composition in herbal tea using untargeted LC/MS . Food Chemistry. March 4, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138941 Funding: This study was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS; 22K1485002, 21H02376, 21K1481201); and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) SPRING (JPMJSP2119). Press release on Hokkaido University website: https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/blog/lipids-with-potential-health-benefits-in-herbal-teas/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378661/Hokkaido_University_Herbal_tea.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lipids-with-potential-health-benefits-in-herbal-teas-302107291.html Coral Gables, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Epluribus LLC, creators of MOXY, announced in-depth reporting on campaign contributions to U.S. Congressional and Presidential campaigns within its just-released 4.0 app and website platform. Contributions in the 2020 national election cycle skyrocketed to nearly $8 billion yet the 2024 cycle appears on the track to demolish that record. The funds reaped from large individual donors and organizations, such as wealthy individuals and political action committees (PACs), far outweigh the contributions made by small individual donors by a factor of 3-times. Due to the expense of running a campaign, candidates for public office must solicit contributions across the spectrum but more quickly reach their fundraising goals by targeting special interest groups and deep-pocketed donors. "A component of our form of government that is blatantly non-democratic is the fundraising process, which relies heavily on large donors and organized special interests. Most voters feel they lack the disposable income to contribute and thereby forfeit their influence to those better-able to fund campaigns. Now, voters can examine politicians' legislative and fundraising records and candidates can publish campaigns within MOXY to increase donations from normal voters," emphasizes Cesar M Melgoza, Founder & Chief Executive of Epluribus LLC, creators of the MOXY voter empowerment platform. Today's MOXY 4.0 displays a rich set of facts on funds raised by candidates for national elected offices, including the House of Representatives, the Senate, and presidential tickets. The massive data are derived from the official source, the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC), then distilled by MOXY data scientists into distinct categories - such as individual donations by dollar range, top candidate committees, top organizations and PACs and top individual donors. This information is neatly displayed within MOXY Representative and Candidates profile pages. The fundraising data within MOXY quickly and easily helps voters understand which individuals and organizations fund their incumbent representatives and new candidates. In combination with legislation data showing sponsors, votes and full text, the public can more objectively decide which politicians share their priorities and merit their votes. MOXY is a US-only platform available for Android, iPhone and web browser devices. Its all-parties-welcome approach to engaging voters in constructive discourse, differentiates it prominently from any other platform in existence. MOXY Political Campaign Fundraising Pages To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9479/204066_2ae1aed644ed89af_002full.jpg MOXY Political Campaign Fundraising Pages To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9479/204066_2ae1aed644ed89af_003full.jpg About MOXY MOXY is an online platform designed to inform and engage voters within a contemporary, educational and inclusive format. It features detailed location-based information such as elected officials, legislation, ballots, voting process information tailored to a voter's own jurisdictions. It also includes a wealth of survey research which members have the option to participate in, plus forums, POV's, Podcasts and Live Streams facilitate discussion among its users. The elegantly simple user interface, its blend of official and user-generated content along with its constructive approach to discourse makes MOXY one-of-a-kind among platforms. Visit https://www.moxy.live or download it from the app stores to learn more and sign up for a free trial account. Watch the Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bao-ndrKesk Contact: Catrinel Laurentiu,(305) 908-6747, news@epluribus.live ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204066 SOURCE: Epluribus LLC - Creators of the MOXY Citizen Empowerment Platform The FWA network is being deployed and operating at 28 GHz ATHENS, Greece, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Intracom Telecom, a global technology systems and solutions provider, proudly announces the extension of collaboration with Open Fiber, Italy's largest wholesale network provider. Open Fiber is working together with Intracom Telecom for the achievement of the EU Gigabit society target supported by relevant European initiatives. Since 2019, Open Fiber has been pioneering in the use of FWA for rural networks in Italy, with an extensive deployment. In 2022 it took part to the tender for "Italia 1 Giga" plan and was awarded by the Italian government the rollout in eight provinces. An important milestone was achieved by the two companies completing the field tests at one of Open Fiber's commercial sites in Puglia, South Italy. The WiBAS G5 dual-BS hub and G5 GigaConnect terminals operating at 28 GHz demonstrated excellent performance results delivering 1 Gbps at 5km distance. FWA technology uniquely enables rapid deployment in areas with minimal telecommunication infrastructure, and Intracom Telecom's WiBAS G5 dual-BS and WiBAS G5 GigaConnect platforms at 28 GHz stand out as they are designed to deliver Gigabit connectivity at extended ranges with carrier grade quality of service. Intracom Telecom's FWA platforms feature advanced algorithms for dynamic capacity allocation, maximizing concurrent subscriber connections and automations to expedite terminal installation and service provisioning. With exceptional reliability and design, the WiBAS G5 product family is easily deployable and maintainable even in challenging terrains. Kartlos Edilashvili, Acting CEO of Intracom Telecom, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting Open Fiber's ambitious initiative to introduce Gigabit connectivity to Italian citizens, especially those in rural areas. He emphasized the crucial role operators must play in the economic and social progress of the countries they operate in, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance citizens' quality of life. Mr. Edilashvili is confident that the partnership with Open Fiber will set an example for other organizations to follow and include FWA technologies in their network expansion strategy, making a substantial contribution to realizing the EU directive for Gigabit connectivity in the years to come. Having supplied and supported networks in Italy since 2014, Intracom Telecom specializes in Ultra-Broadband Internet connectivity for rural residential subscribers. The WiBAS family of FWA products is already operational globally with more than 50 networks, and 10 of them in Italy with impeccable performance and reliability. About Open Fiber S.p.A. Open Fiber is committed to deploying ultra-wideband optical fiber (BUL) throughout Italy, fostering national connectivity, and providing access to advanced digital services. For more information, visit www.openfiber.it. About Intracom Telecom Intracom Telecom is a global technology systems and solutions provider operating for over 45 years in the market. The company is the benchmark in fixed wireless access, and it successfully innovates in the 5G/4G wireless RAN transport and small-cell SON backhaul international arena. Intracom Telecom offers a comprehensive revenue generating software solutions portfolio and a complete range of ICT services, focusing on IoT, SDN/NFV, Big Data analytics & data-driven intelligence, and Smart City solutions. Furthermore, the company is developing security integrated systems for critical infrastructure protection and border surveillance, having extensive knowhow and a proven track record in this industry. Moreover, it addresses the Energy & Utilities industry, emphasizing on smart metering and end-to-end IT solutions. Intracom Telecom serves telecom operators, public authorities and large public and private enterprises. The Group maintains its own R&D and production facilities and operates subsidiaries worldwide. For more information, visit www.intracom-telecom.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/intracom-telecom-and-open-fiber-present-worlds-first-commercial-fwa-network-for-gigabit-to-the-home-302107315.html AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- First-quarter 2024 total U.S. sales decrease 10% year over year Jeep brand first-quarter 2024 total U.S. sales increase 2% year over year Jeep brand nameplates Wrangler, Compass, Renegade, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer all post gains versus the same quarter last year Total PHEV first-quarter 2024 total U.S. sales increase 82% year over year; Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Dodge Hornet R/T and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid take four of top-five spots for best-selling hybrids in the U.S. ( Source: S&P Global Mobility U.S. State Registrations database through Jan. 31, 2023) Chrysler brand first-quarter 2024 total U.S. sales increase 9% year over year Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid recorded its best-ever Q1 total U.S. sales New 2025 Ram 1500 arriving in dealerships now All-new, all-electric Fiat 500e, available for order now at FiatUSA.com, arrives any day now Stellantis is set to launch eight fully battery-electric vehicles (BEV) in the U.S. by the end of 2024, which includes Jeep Recon, Ram 1500 REV, Wagoneer S, Dodge Charger Daytona and the all-new Fiat 500e FCA US LLC reports total sales of 332,540 vehicles in the first quarter for 2024. Overall, first-quarter 2024 total U.S. sales declined 10%. "As Jeep prepares to deliver its first fully electric vehicle, the Jeep Wagoneer S, in the U.S. in the second quarter, the brand saw significant growth across its portfolio in Q1, and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe are currently ranked the No. 1 and No. 2 best-selling hybrids in the country," said Jason Stoicevich, head of U.S. sales. "2024 will be a transformative year for the company and our consumers, and our focus and commitment remain on delivering best-in-class products across Stellantis' diverse portfolio." Total PHEV first-quarter 2024 total U.S. sales increased 82% year over year; Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Dodge Hornet R/T and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid take four of top-five spots for best-selling hybrids in the U.S. (Source: S&P Global Mobility U.S. State Registrations database through Jan. 31, 2023). Stellantis is set to launch eight fully battery-electric vehicles (BEV) in the U.S. by the end of 2024, which includes Jeep Recon, Ram 1500 REV, Wagoneer S, Dodge Charger Daytona and the all-new Fiat 500e. Jeep brand saw first-quarter 2024 total U.S. sales increase 2% year over year. Jeep brand nameplates Compass, Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer, Renegade and Wrangler all posted gains versus the same quarter last year: Compass first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales increased 19% year over year Grand Wagoneer first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales increased 74% year over year Wagoneer first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales increased 136% year over year Renegade first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales increased 40% year over year Total Jeep Wrangler first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales increased 1% versus the same quarter last year Total Grand Cherokee first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales remained level year over year The Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe held their spots as the two top-selling plug-in hybrids in the country: Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the first electrified Jeep Wrangler, America's best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle, had 19,090 (50%) of total Jeep Wrangler first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales Jeep Wrangler 4xe first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales increased 33% year over year Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe accounted for 12,660 (23%) of Grand Cherokee total first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe first-quarter 2024 U.S. sales increased 75% year over year These vehicles represent the brand's start to its electrification strategy to provide new levels of efficiency, environmental responsibility, performance and capability, on and off the road The brand's fully electric all-new Jeep Recon will debut this year The fully-electric all-new Wagoneer S will debut in Q2 of this year The Chrysler brand's first-quarter 2024 total U.S. sales increased 9% year over year: Chrysler Pacifica 2024 total U.S. sales increased 15% year over year, recording its best-ever Q1 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid accounted for 7,320 (22%) of total Chrysler Pacifica sales of 33,114 in the first-quarter of 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid sales increased 111% year over year Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid rounds out the top-five best-selling PHEVs in the U.S. Dodge brand saw sales of 7,419 in the first quarter for its new Hornet. The brand's first muscle-inspired crossover, the Hornet R/T, accounted for 5,983 (81%) of total Hornet sales, and was the No. 3 best-selling hybrid in the U.S. Dodge will deliver the world's first and only electric muscle car, 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, this year. The all-new Fiat 500e is available to order now in (RED) edition, as well as the recently announced Inspired by Beauty and Inspired by Music editions. The all-new, all-electric Fiat 500e, recently named the 2024 Urban Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal, will be arriving in the U.S. any day now. Ram brand, which saw the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) ramp up in Q1 for production of the new 2025 Ram 1500, is delivering the new 1500 to dealerships now. The 2025 Ram 1500 offers customers three engine options, including the all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane and 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output (H/O) Straight-Six Turbo (SST) engines from the Stellantis Hurricane Twin-turbo family, the most powerful six cylinders in the segment, and the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 eTorque. The new 2025 Ram 1500 also features the latest, most advanced Uconnect system ever, with an improved 12-inch or new 14.5-inch touchscreen display and intuitive user experience. An all-new, ultra-premium Tungsten model joins the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, which also includes Tradesman, Big Horn / Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn and Limited models. Ram brand also announced its new Ram Professional commercial vehicle division with full-service customer mobility and value solutions last month. FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US LLC is a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V. FCA US LLC Sales Summary Q1 2024 Q1 Sales Vol % CYTD Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Compass 27,647 23,209 19 % 27,647 23,209 19 % Patriot 0 0 0 0 Wrangler 38,308 37,971 1 % 38,308 37,971 1 % Gladiator 12,989 13,575 -4 % 12,989 13,575 -4 % Cherokee 1,196 13,213 -91 % 1,196 13,213 -91 % Grand Cherokee 54,455 54,502 0 % 54,455 54,502 0 % Renegade 5,763 4,129 40 % 5,763 4,129 40 % Wagoneer 13,131 5,560 136 % 13,131 5,560 136 % Grand Wagoneer 3,550 2,044 74 % 3,550 2,044 74 % JEEP BRAND 157,039 154,203 2 % 157,039 154,203 2 % Ram P/U 89,417 105,350 -15 % 89,417 105,350 -15 % ProMaster Van 5,853 17,694 -67 % 5,853 17,694 -67 % ProMaster City 38 5,678 -99 % 38 5,678 -99 % RAM BRAND 95,308 128,722 -26 % 95,308 128,722 -26 % 200 -1 0 -1 0 300 1,693 2,989 -43 % 1,693 2,989 -43 % Town & Country 0 0 0 0 Pacifica 33,114 28,910 15 % 33,114 28,910 15 % CHRYSLER BRAND 34,806 31,899 9 % 34,806 31,899 9 % Dart 0 0 0 0 Viper 1 0 1 0 Hornet 7,419 22 New 7,419 22 New Charger 10,660 22,106 -52 % 10,660 22,106 -52 % Challenger 9,737 11,371 -14 % 9,737 11,371 -14 % Journey 0 8 -100 % 0 8 -100 % Caravan 2 1 100 % 2 1 100 % Durango 15,129 17,467 -13 % 15,129 17,467 -13 % DODGE BRAND 42,948 50,975 -16 % 42,948 50,975 -16 % 500 41 0 41 0 500L 0 3 -100 % 0 3 -100 % 500X 113 135 -16 % 113 135 -16 % Spider 0 0 0 0 FIAT BRAND 154 138 12 % 154 138 12 % Giulia 640 966 -34 % 640 966 -34 % Alfa 4C 0 0 0 0 Stelvio 917 1,424 -36 % 917 1,424 -36 % Tonale 728 0 New 728 0 New ALFA ROMEO 2,285 2,390 -4 % 2,285 2,390 -4 % FCA US LLC 332,540 368,327 -10 % 332,540 368,327 -10 % For the methodology of determining FCA US LLC monthly sales click here. These statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and, by their nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: volatility and deterioration of capital and financial markets, changes in commodity prices, changes in general economic conditions, economic growth and other changes in business conditions, weather, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, changes in government regulation, production difficulties, including capacity and supply constraints, and many other risks and uncertainties, most of which are outside of our control. U.S. fleet business includes three channels, rental, governmental and commercial. Stellantis North America Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world's leading automakers, aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility for all. In North America, it's best known for producing and selling vehicles in a portfolio of iconic, innovative and award-winning brands, including Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge//SRT, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, while creating added value for all stakeholders. Follow company news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Company website: www.stellantis.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Stellantis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellantisNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellantisna Twitter: @StellantisNA YouTube: http://youtube.com/StellantisNA SOURCE FCA US LLC The Wyoming Hunger Initiative enters its fifth year of fighting food insecurity through agency support, partner funding NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / About 86,000 Wyoming residents have trouble keeping the fridge and the pantry stocked at home. That number is both surprising and troubling to Jennie Gordon, First Lady of Wyoming, who leads the Wyoming Hunger Initiative to address food insecurity by increasing awareness and support for the work of local anti-hunger organizations statewide. "The prevalence of food insecurity became apparent when my husband (Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon) and I were on the campaign trail when I noticed that so many communities had pantries set up," says the First Lady. "It was a much bigger issue throughout the state than I had realized." The Wyoming Hunger Initiative's approach is simple-provide support to the existing food pantries and agencies in all 23 counties in Wyoming and the Wind River Reservation, without reinventing the wheel. Through infrastructure grants and emergency funding, 200 anti-hunger organizations across the state are supported by the initiative, providing a funding source for a necessary gap in the fight against food insecurity. "These organizations have their boots on the ground, and they know how to do their work the best," says First Lady Gordon. "We're here to maximize impact by supporting them and connecting them with partners across the state to share resources." The initiative, which began in 2019, is one that First Lady Gordon has particular heart and passion for, as her family's personal experience with food insecurity brings the cause that much closer to home. "I grew up in a big family, and although we always had enough food growing up, my parents did not have the same experience," says First Lady Gordon. "It not only taught me to be thankful for what we had, but also motivated me to give back." The Wyoming Hunger Initiative falls under the umbrella of the Wyoming Governor's Residence Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization tasked with enhancement of the Wyoming Governor's Residence and support of the initiatives of the First Spouse. Enbridge recently gave a $10,000 Fueling Futures grant to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative as part of our commitment to building vibrant and sustainable communities. The funding supports the initiative's emergency fund, which allows for expedited processing and approval of grants to respond to urgent food pantry and agency requests. "The emergency funding comes at a time when help is needed quickly, like if a fridge breaks down or if an agency receives a large supply of produce with nowhere to store it," says the First Lady. "The grants are small but very significant - I am always amazed at what these agencies can make happen with them." With the initiative reaching its five-year mark, First Lady Gordon has plans to spin the initiative to an independent nonprofit and hopes to host the first ever statewide summit for agency partners in 2025. Though the initiative audience began with a focus on children, it expanded its mandate in 2022 to all Wyoming residents. "We know that if you have a hungry child, you have a hungry family," says First Lady Gordon. "You probably also have a hungry senior or veteran, and these vulnerable populations need our help." No matter the geographic location, anyone can give where they live. The Wyoming Hunger Initiative encourages action in a variety of ways: by donating time, money or by simply spreading awareness. "It's important to realize that everybody could just be one emergency away from being that person in need," she says. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Enbridge Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Enbridge View the original press release on accesswire.com Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Social Impact Partners is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the 2nd Season of the Brain Health Innovation Olympics, focused on defining criteria and developing ideas to build and implement Brain Health Centers of Excellence. This season's competition brought together teams from prestigious institutions worldwide, including Dartmouth College, Asian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Management - Lucknow, Rotman School of Management, SDA Bocconi, and the University of Calgary. Representing four continents and 10 countries, these teams engaged in an intense 8-week program guided by the expertise of the IXL Center team and a distinguished group of executive leaders. Participating students from colleges and universities around the world joined SIP's Brain Health Innovation Olympics challenge to create Brain Health Centers of Excellence. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10060/204134_slide6.jpg "We are in a unique moment post-pandemic, where the entire world is focused on brain health. The 2nd season of the Innovation Olympics has been a testament to the power of multi-sectoral and inter-generational collaboration and innovation of a younger generation," said Sarah Hoit, Co-Founder and Chairman of Social Impact Partners. Winning concepts include fully integrated solutions to deliver Brain Health Centers of Excellence in Senior Living Communities, Brain Health incubators and investment funds, workplace brain health programs, and increased caregiver support. All plans emphasized the critical role of Food as Medicine, the need for integrated innovative technologies, and the power of collaboration in the solutions. Student innovations and executive leaders focused on developing the criteria and implementation strategy for Brain Health Centers of Excellence in senior living, as well as campuses, colleges, and universities. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10060/204134_slide7.jpg "This season's focus on the design and implementation of Brain Health Centers of Excellence in Senior Living facilities and Academic institutions provide a cohesive platform to better address the lack of brain care across the lifespan. The diverse perspectives and expertise brought by the participating teams and judges have laid a solid foundation for future advances," said Dr. Gene Bowman, Instructor in Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health Clinical Trials Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. Over 40 leaders from corporate, nonprofit, science, and technology sectors who are part of the SIP's Global Brain Health and Longevity Initiative collaborated to judge the Olympics and mentor the students, and they will continue to work together to bring these ideas to the marketplace. 2024 Judge Panel To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10060/204134_slide3.jpg "The results of the Innovation Olympics are powerful. We look forward to incorporating these concepts into our work as we partner with SIP to bring innovation and impact to this critical topic," said Marc Plumart, Chief Growth and Commercial Officer at Sodexo, the world's leader in sustainable food and valued experiences, serving more than 100 million people daily in 53 countries. The 2nd Season of the Brain Health Innovation Olympics represents a significant step forward in advancing brain health initiatives globally. Social Impact Partners looks forward to continuing this momentum and driving further innovation in the coming seasons. For more information about Social Impact Partners and the Brain Health Innovation Olympics, please visit www.socialimpact.partners and join SIP's Global Brain Health and Longevity Initiative. About Social Impact Partners Social Impact Partners is a global nonprofit organization that drives positive change through collaboration and innovation. By partnering with academia, industry, and advocacy groups, SIP tackles pressing social challenges and creates sustainable solutions for a better world. Visit www.socialimpact.partners to become a member, support student programs, and join Social Impact Partners' collective efforts for brain health and longevity. Contact Allison Bonner, Senior Director of Operations abonner@socialimpact.partners (843) 518-0800 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204134 SOURCE: Social Impact Partners Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received further high-grade copper results which expand the Great Burnt Copper Deposit a further 50 m down plunge. In addition to the expansion of the deposit, the Company's ongoing down-hole geophysical program has identified that the massive sulphides associated with the deposit are highly conductive, and additional priority targets have been selected for drilling in the next phase. The survey's success will assist in identifying and prioritizing other targets on a regional scale as the summer exploration season ramps up. Holes GB-24-23 through to GB-24-28 and GB-24-31 were completed in the upper part of the deposit and have been successful in confirming historic deposit limits and grade/width characteristics including 2.02% Cu over 7.00 m in GB-24-23. Hole GB-24-23 also confirms that the deposit extends to surface, and this will define where trenching and detailed mapping will occur during the summer field program. Holes GB-24-32, GB-24-30 and GB-24-33 were infill drill holes that have confirmed significant Cu mineralization in the Main Zone. GB-24-33 returned 2.26% Cu and 0.37% Zn over 20.92 m and GB-24-32 returned 3.10% Cu and 0.28% Zn over 11.29 m and will upgrade the resource in this area. GB-24-29 intersected a 1.80 m massive sulphide interval assaying 1.00% Cu approximately 30 m below and down dip of the 25.42 m intercept grading 5.51% Cu from GB-23-12. It's important to note that the presence of massive sulphides shows that the system is open down dip. GB-24-34 intersected 1.75% Cu and 0.81% Zn over 5.00 m, including 4.02% Cu and 1.68% Zn over 1.00 m. With the increase in Zn, Benton could potentially be progressing to the Cu-Zn portion of this VMS system. This hole successfully expands the deposit 50 m down plunge and remains open for expansion. Table 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/204143_9f8628935428bad1_002full.jpg Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/204143_9f8628935428bad1_003full.jpg Additionally, the Company announces that, subject to regulatory approval, it is conducting a non-brokered private placement with participation from strategic investors for proceeds of up to $3 million on a best effort basis. The private placement is priced at $0.15 per unit with each unit consisting of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, each full warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire an additional common share of the Company for $0.22 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. President and CEO Stephen Stares stated, "We continue to be extremely excited about the Great Burnt Deposit and the potential of the project as a whole. We have secured significant interest in the financing and look forward to closing the placement as soon as possible. Our team is confident that we'll have continued success in expanding the Great Burnt Deposit down plunge and along strike along with additional discoveries as we progress with the upcoming programs along the favourable 25 km volcanic-sedimentary belt at Great Burnt." QA/QC Protocols Core and rock samples, including standards, blanks and duplicates, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd., Springdale, Newfoundland for preparation and analysis. All samples were acquired by saw-cut (channels/drill core) with one-half submitted for assay and one-half retained for reference, or hand (rocks) and delivered, by Benton personnel, in sealed bags, to the Springdale lab of Eastern Analytical, which is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples are analysed using Eastern's Au (Fire assay) @ 30g + ICP-34 method that delivers a 35-element package utilizing a 200mg subsample totally dissolved in four acids and analysed by ICP-OES analytical technique. Overlimits are analysed with Eastern's atomic absorption method, using a 0.200g to 2.00g of sample, digested with three acids. All reported assays are uncut. Eastern Analytical Ltd. achieved ISO 17025 accreditation in February 2014 (for more details on the scope of accreditation visit the CALA website). QP Stephen House (P.Geo.), Vice President of Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised its preparation. About Benton Resources Inc. Benton Resources is a well-financed mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Benton has a diversified, highly prospective property portfolio and holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow. Benton is focused on advancing its high-grade Copper-Gold Great Burnt Project in central Newfoundland, which has a Mineral Resource estimate of 667,000 tonnes @ 3.21% Cu Indicated and 482,000 @ 2.35% Cu Inferred ("Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Property, Central Newfoundland" by P&E Mining Consultants Inc., April 7, 2022). The Project has an excellent geological setting covering 25km of strike and boasts six known Cu-Au-Ag zones over 15km that are all open for expansion. Further potential for discovery is excellent given the extensive number of untested geophysical targets and Cu-Au soil anomalies. The Phase 1 drill program consisting of over 5,650m, completed in November, returned impressive results including 25.42m of 5.51% Cu, including 9.78 m of 8.31% Cu, and 1.00 m of 12.70% Cu from hole GB-23-12. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc., "Stephen Stares" Stephen Stares, President Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below. For further information, please contact: Stephen Stares, President & CEO Phone: 807-474-9020 Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca Iryna Zheliasko, Investor Relations Phone: 647-249-9298 ext. 322 Email: iryna@grovecorp.ca Website: www.bentonresources.ca Twitter: @BentonResources Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204143 SOURCE: Benton Resources Inc. PRESS RELEASE REGULATED INFORMATION 3 April 2024, 06:00 pm CEST Ghent, Belgium - 3 April 2024 - Sequana Medical NV (Euronext Brussels: SEQUA) (the "Company" or "SequanaMedical"), a pioneer in the treatment of fluid overload in liver disease, heart failure and cancer, announces today that it received transparency notifications from the shareholders listed below, notifying the number of voting rights attached to shares mentioned next to their respective names in the table below. The transparency notifications were filed following a private placement of new shares that was announced and priced on 20 March 2024, with pricing announced on 21 March 2024, by means of a private placement through an accelerated bookbuilding procedure of new shares. Reason for notification Aggregate number of shares and voting rights held % of total outstanding shares(1) Adrianus van Herk(2) Acquisition of voting securities or voting rights 1,328,570 3.70% ParticipatieMaatschappij Vlaanderen NV(3) Disposal of voting securities or voting rights / Downward crossing of the lowest threshold N.A.(4) N.A.(4) _____________ Notes: (1) The total number of outstanding shares of the Company mentioned in the relevant transparency notifications amounts to 35,909,420, each share giving right to one (1) vote (being 35,909,420 voting rights in total). (2) Adrianus van Herk ("van Herk"), acting as a person that notifies alone, informed the Company, by means of a notification dated 28 March 2024 that on 25 March 2024 the aggregate number of voting rights of van Herk crossed the threshold of 3% of the outstanding voting rights of the Company. (3) A parent undertaking or a controlling person of ParticipatieMaatschappij Vlaanderen NV ("PMV"), informed the Company, by means of a notification dated 3 April 2024 that on 27 March 2024, PMV's aggregate number of voting rights crossed below the lowest threshold of 3% of the outstanding voting rights of the Company. The notification furthermore specifies that PMV is controlled by Het Vlaams Gewest and that Het Vlaams Gewest is not controlled. (4) If the holding has fallen below the lowest threshold, the shareholder doesn't have to report the number of shares and voting rights held. This announcement is made in accordance with Article 14 of the Belgian Act of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of major participations in issuers of which shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and regarding miscellaneous provisions. To access copies of the aforementioned transparency notifications, reference is made to Sequana Medical's website). Pursuant to the Belgian Transparency Act and the articles of association of the Company, a notification to the Company and the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) is required by all natural and legal persons in each case where the percentage of voting rights attached to the securities held by such persons in the Company reaches, exceeds or falls below the threshold of 3%, 5%, 10%, and every subsequent multiple of 5%, of the total number of voting rights in the Company. For more information, please contact: Sequana Medical Lies Vanneste Director Investor Relations E: IR@sequanamedical.com T: +32 (0)498 05 35 79 About Sequana Medical Sequana Medical NV is a pioneer in treating fluid overload, a serious and frequent clinical complication in patients with liver disease, heart failure and cancer. This causes major medical issues including increased mortality, repeated hospitalizations, severe pain, difficulty breathing and restricted mobility. Although diuretics are standard of care, they become ineffective, untolerable or exacerbate the problem in many patients. There are limited effective treatment options, resulting in poor clinical outcomes, high costs and a major impact on their quality of life. Sequana Medical is seeking to provide innovative treatment options for this large and growing "diuretic-resistant" patient population. alfapump and DSR are Sequana Medical's proprietary platforms that work with the body to treat diuretic-resistant fluid overload, delivering major clinical and quality of life benefits for patients and reducing costs for healthcare systems. The Company's Premarket Approval (PMA) application for the alfapump was submitted to the US FDA in December 2023 and accepted for substantive review in January 2024, having reported positive primary and secondary endpoint data from the North American pivotal POSEIDON study in recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Results of the Company's RED DESERT and SAHARA proof-of-concept studies in heart failure support DSR's mechanism of action as breaking the vicious cycle of cardiorenal syndrome. All three patients from the non-randomized cohort of MOJAVE, a US randomized controlled multi-center Phase 1/2a clinical study, have been successfully treated with DSR, resulting in a dramatic improvement in diuretic response and virtual elimination of loop diuretic requirements. The independent Data Safety Monitoring Board approved the start of the randomized MOJAVE cohort of up to a further 30 patients, which is planned after alfapump US PMA approval. Sequana Medical is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels. Important Regulatory Disclaimers The alfapump system is currently not approved in the United States or Canada. In the United States and Canada, the alfapump system is currently under clinical investigation (POSEIDON Trial) and is being studied in adult patients with refractory or recurrent ascites due to liver cirrhosis. DSR therapy is still in development and it should be noted that any statements regarding safety and efficacy arise from ongoing pre-clinical and clinical investigations which have yet to be completed. There is no link between DSR therapy and ongoing investigations with the alfapump system in Europe, the United States or Canada. Note: alfapump and DSR are registered trademarks. Forward-looking statements This press release may contain predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements represent the current judgment of Sequana Medical on what the future holds, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Sequana Medical expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of Sequana Medical only as of the date of this press release. Attachments Article L. 238-8-II of the French commercial Code and article 223-16 of the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) general regulation Regulatory News: Corporate name of the issuer: Veolia Environnement (Paris:VIE) 21 rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS FRANCE (ISIN code: FR0000124141-VIE) Information closing date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights March 31, 2024 725,411,667 Total number of theoretical voting rights (1): 743,146,502 Total number of voting rights that may be exercised (2): 732,851,372 Inclusion in the Veolia Environnement Articles of Association of a clause requiring a reporting obligation of the declaration of crossing a shareholding threshold, complementary to the one relating to the thresholds provided by the French law and the regulations in force (article 8). (1) Number of theoretical voting rights after taking into account the number of shares with double voting rights as of March 31, 2024 (17,734,835 shares) and the number of treasury shares held as of March 31, 2024 (10,295,130 shares). (2) Number of voting rights that may be exercised number of theoretical voting rights (or total number of voting rights attached to shares) shares without voting rights (number of treasury shares held as of March 31, 2024). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403751111/en/ Contacts: Veolia Environnement Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, April 03 For immediate release 3 April 2024 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 210,500 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 846.00 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 23 January 2024. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 37,757,509; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 187,233,794. The figure of 187,233,794 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 atsec AB Stockholm, Sweden is thrilled to announce: We are the first IEEE Authorized Testing Facility! This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403252100/en/ IEEE certificate (Graphic: Business Wire) We've officially been approved as an IEEE Authorized Testing Facility, making atsec AB Stockholm, Sweden the first company able to provide testing of medical devices according to the IEEE 2621 standard. Additional locations include atsec corporation Austin TX, USA and atsec GmbH Munich, Germany. The IEEE, or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, is a globally recognized leader in developing technical standards. Earning their authorization as a testing facility demonstrates our capability to conduct rigorous and reliable security evaluations of medical devices according to the IEEE 2621 standard. Importantly, the IEEE 2621 standard is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the leading regulatory body for medical devices in the United States. This recognition signifies that the FDA considers the standard to be a valuable tool in ensuring medical device security. Proven Expertise Through Pilot Projects "We enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to become a player in this domain when IEEE first contacted atsec in July 2022," said Sal La Pietra, President and founder of atsec. "We're particularly proud of this achievement because it follows the successful completion of two pilot projects that used the IEEE 2621 standard for medical device testing. These projects allowed us to refine our processes and demonstrate our expertise in applying this standard," added Rasma Mozuraite Araby, Managing Director of atsec AB in Stockholm, Sweden. Looking Ahead: Medical Device Testing As an IEEE Authorized Testing Facility with laboratories in Sweden, the U.S., and Germany, atsec is now positioned to offer our clients a suite of testing services that ensure their medical devices meet the industry's security benchmarks. If you're looking for a reliable partner to verify the security of your medical devices, contact us today at info@atsec.com to discuss your specific needs. Link to IEEE listing: https://standards.ieee.org/products-programs/icap/programs/medical-devices-cybersecurity/test-labs View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403252100/en/ Contacts: Andreas Fabis Marketing Director fabis@atsec.com www.atsec.com Former Ambassador to the United States tapped by Australian hypersonic technology and scramjet engine disruptors Hypersonix Launch Systems Ltd, Australia's leading aerospace engineering, design and build company, today announces the appointment of former Australian Ambassador to the United States the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO to the position of Chair of the Board effective 18th March 2024. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403838382/en/ Arthur Sinodinos (Photo: Business Wire) Arthur Sinodinos is currently also Co-Chair of the AUKUS Forum which is a skilled team of entrepreneurs, innovative leaders and visionary change-makers, supporting the trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, The United Kingdom, and the United States. He was Australia's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2023, and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and Senator in the Australian Government from 2011 to 2019. Arthur Sinodinos also served as Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Hon. John Howard AC from 1997 to 2006. Leveraging his deep knowledge of both industry and government, having spent years brokering international bridges, Mr. Sinodinos is well primed to guide this visionary company into the global aerospace and satellite launch markets. Previous Chair and Hypersonix Co-Founder David Waterhouse remains on the board in the role of Deputy Chair. Mr. Waterhouse joined Co-Founder Michael Smart in 2019 to form the company with a vision for how airbreathing scramjet propulsion could revolutionize high speed flight and access to space. Mr. Waterhouse's leadership and expertise helped the company secure contracts with the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit. Hypersonix is moving to the next stage of growth, in anticipation of increased demand following the upcoming first DART hypersonic aircraft flight, and conducted an extensive executive search to lead the board and guide the company into this future. "It is a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the Board with Hypersonix and I would like to thank David for his stewardship through the early stages of the company," said Arthur Sinodinos, Chair of the Board, Hypersonix. "When I first learned about Hypersonix in 2022, I was amazed by the access-to-space technology and 'green-fueled' launch vehicles that they were developing. There is a critical need for hypersonic technology in defense, and an equally significant potential for commercial applications. Hypersonix has the right leadership team in place and I look forward to guiding and supporting them to maximize growth potential and bring the product line to market." "Hypersonix is a great Australian success story and I am grateful to have led the company through the early startup stage, establishing our first foothold in the US Defense market and laying the groundwork for where we are now," said David Waterhouse, Co-founder, Hypersonix. "I'm excited to see the heights Arthur's extensive experience will help us reach and I look forward to continue my work with Arthur and my fellow board members as we embark on the next chapter for the company." "Arthur brings a wealth of knowledge to Hypersonix, and the executive team is very excited to draw on his experience and extensive insight into government, defense, and industry," said Matt Hill CEO, Hypersonix. "Arthur's time as Ambassador to the United States will be invaluable to inform and guide our global growth strategy. We have big plans, commencing with the upcoming first flight of our DART hypersonic flyer with US Defense Innovation Unit." Hypersonix is Australia's leading aerospace engineering, design and build company, specialising in hypersonic technology and scramjet engines. Hypersonix was selected by the United States' Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in March 2023 to provide the DART hypersonic vehicle under contract for the Hypersonic High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities (HyCAT) Program. DIU selected Hypersonix from more than 60 respondents to the HyCAT solicitation, which sought vehicles for high cadence long-endurance testing of: hypersonic platforms and components; sensors for detecting and tracking; and systems for communications, navigation, guidance and control. DART is a 3D printed hypersonic flyer, powered by a single SPARTAN scramjet engine and will fly at Mach 7 to provide US Defense with an innovative test bed capability for evaluating these emerging technologies in flight. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403838382/en/ Contacts: Media: Espresso Communications on behalf of Hypersonix Hypersonix@espressocomms.com CHICAGO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the global Latin America data center construction market is growing at a CAGR of 9.25% during 2023-2029. To Know More, Click: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/latin-america-data-center-construction-market-size-and-analysis-2024 Browse In-depth TOC on the Latin America Data Center Construction Market ???? 354 - Pages??????????????? 28?? - Tables??????????????? 103 - Figures????? The Latin America Data Center Construction Market Report Scope?? Report Attributes?? Details??? Market Size - Investment (2029)?? USD 2.32 Billion Market Size - Investment (2023)?? USD 1.36 Billion CAGR - Investment (2023-2029)?? 9.25 % Market Size - Area (2029) 1,576 thousand Square Feet Power Capacity (2029) 311 MW Historic Year?? 2020-2022?? Base Year?? 2023 Forecast Year?? 2024-2029?? Market Segmentation?? Infrastructure, Electrical Infrastructure, Mechanical Infrastructure, Cooling Systems, Cooling Techniques, General Construction, Tier Standard, and Geography Geographic Analysis?? Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America Market Dynamics??? Increase in Demand for Cloud-Based Data Centers Big Data & IoT Boosting Data Center Investments Implementation of Tax Incentives Appeals to Data Center Investments Growth in the Digital Economy Brazil is a leading data center investment hub in Latin America, with Sao Paulo serving as a central location for developing various facilities, including hyperscale and cloud regions. This is followed by Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza. Brazil is actively investing in digital transformations such as the 5G network rollout, which is slated to play a critical role in encouraging digital innovations, IoT, smart cities, and the fourth industrial revolution, leading to foreign investments in the country. Brazil stands out with 15 existing undersea cables that connect the country to other Latin American countries, as well as Portugal, Cameroon, Angola, and the US. The country is slated to witness the deployment of the Firmina submarine cable by Google; this submarine cable is poised to connect Brazil to Argentina, Uruguay, and the US. In August 2023, ODATA launched RJ01, its first data center campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the facility is spread across a raised floor area of around 18,000 square meters and accounts for a power capacity of 24 MW. The company invested around $50 million in this project and is estimated to lease it out to major hyperscale customers. In May 2023, Scala Data Centers opened the SGRUTB05 data center in the Tambore campus in Barueri City, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The 6 MW facility is spread across 72,000 square feet and comprises 400 racks; it is leased to the major hyperscale clients. In addition, the company was projected to inaugurate the SGRUTB08 data center in Q1 2024. Nowadays, data center operators spend their revenue on infrastructure, concentrating on improving redundant power infrastructure rather than on cooling systems throughout the Tier I and Tier II centers. Interestingly, mission-critical applications cannot be operated in these data centers since they account for a power capacity of less than 1 MW. According to the Uptime Institute's design and construction standards, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are some of the locations in Latin America that account for the presence of those data center facilities that received the Tier II standard certification. Data Center Investors Analysis Digitalization is propelling data center investments across Latin America owing to the broad use of cloud-based services, rising internet penetration rates, the growth in social media usage, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as IoT and big data. In 2023, Latin America witnessed significant colocation investments from Scala Data Centers, KIO Networks, ODATA (Aligned Data Centers), Equinix, Ascenty, and Cirion Technologies. For instance, Scala Data Centers decided to invest in more than 30 data centers spread across the under-construction, planned, and announced stages. AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Google, and Huawei Technologies are the global cloud operators actively involved in expanding their presence or developing new cloud data centers. For instance, In February 2024, AWS plans to launch the cloud region in early 2025. In addition, the company plans to invest around $5 billion in three data centers in the next 15 years in Queretaro, Mexico. Why Should You Buy this Report? Market estimations by investment, area, and power capacity at the regional level and across key geographies (5+ countries covered). Assessment of investments by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators. A detailed study of the existing market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the growth trajectory of the market and its sub-segments. A comprehensive analysis of the industry's key market enablers, latest trends, restraints, and growth prospects. Data center market investments are classified into multiple segments and sub-segments (electrical, mechanical, and general construction services), with sizing and market forecast. Provide a business overview and product offerings of prominent construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry. The Latin America Data Center Construction Market?Report Encompasses Crucial Data, including:???? Market size and growth forecast for 10 years from 2020-2029???????????? CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) during the forecast period: This metric provides insights into the annual growth rate of the Latin America data center construction market over the specified time frame.?????????????? Detailed information on growth drivers: The report offers in-depth information on the factors that will propel the Latin America data center construction market?growth from 2023 to 2029. This includes an analysis of various market influences.?????????????? Precise estimation of market size: Accurate assessments of the Latin America data center construction market?size and its contribution, focusing on key market segments.?????????????? Predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior: The report offers insights into anticipated trends and shifts in consumer behavior that are likely to impact the Latin America data center construction market, helping businesses prepare for future market dynamics.?????????????? Geographical market growth: The report covers the development of the Latin America data center construction market. Competitive landscape analysis: A thorough examination of the market's competitive landscape is presented, including detailed information about companies operating in the Latin America data center construction market. This includes an overview of key players, their market share, strategies, and key developments.?????????????? Analysis of growth challenges: The report includes a comprehensive analysis of factors that may pose challenges to the growth of companies in the Latin America data center construction market, providing a well-rounded view of the market dynamics.??????? Buy this Research @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/latin-america-data-center-construction-market-size-and-analysis-2024 The Report Includes the Investment in the Following Areas: Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure General Construction Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgear PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units Chillers Units Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Dry Coolers Economizers & Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units Cooling Technique Air-based Cooling Liquid-based Cooling General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Physical Security DCIM/BMS Solutions Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography Brazil Chile Colombia Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Key Data Center Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Alfa Laval Assa Abloy Axis Communications Bosch Security Systems (Robert Bosch) Caterpillar Cummins Daikin Applied Delta Electronics EATON Honeywell Johnson Controls Legrand Munters Mitsubishi Electric Piller Power Systems Panduit Rittal Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric Siemens STULZ Vertiv Prominent Construction Contractors AECOM Aceco TI Afonso Franca Engenharia Constructora Sudamericana Cundall Fluor Corporation Gensler HDOS Hyphen Holder Construction Jacobs Engineering KMD Architects Modular Data Centers PQC Quark Syska Hennessey Group Soben Turner Construction Turner & Townsend The Weitz Company ZFB Group Zeittec Prominent Data Center Investors Amazon Web Services (AWS) Ascenty Angola Cables Ava Telecom Blue NAP Americas Cirion Technologies ClaroVTR Digicel Entel Equinix EdgeUno EdgeConneX Elea Digital Gtd Peru HostDime IPXON Networks InterNexa KIO Networks Microsoft Millicom (Tigo Panama) Nabiax Oxygen Onex ODATA (Aligned Data Centers) Quantico Scala Data Centers SONDA Telecom Italia Sparkle V.tal New Entrants CloudHQ DHAmericas EVEO Layer 9 Data Centers Surfix Data Center Key Questions Answered in the Report:?? How big is the Latin America data center construction market? What is the growth rate of the Latin America data center construction market? What is the estimated market size in terms of area in the Latin America data center construction market by 2029?What are the key trends in the Latin America data center construction market? How many MW of power capacity is expected to reach the Latin America data center construction market by 2029? Get the Detailed TOC @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/latin-america-data-center-construction-market-size-and-analysis-2024 Check Out Some of the Top-Selling Research Reports:???????????? Latin America Data Center Server Market - Industry Analysis and Forecast 2022-2027 Latin America Data Center Storage Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027 Latin America Data Center Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028 Latin America Data Center Colocation Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028 Why Arizton?????????????????????? 100%?Customer Satisfaction????????????????????? 24x7?availability - we are always there when you need us????????????????????? 200+?Fortune 500 Companies trust Arizton's report????????????????????? 80%?of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry????????????????????? 100%?more data and analysis????????????????????? 1500+?reports published till date?????????????????????? About Us:?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 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Website:?https://www.arizton.com/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378546/Latin_America_Data_Center.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/latin-america-emerges-as-hotspot-for-data-center-development-the-latin-america-data-center-construction-market-to-hit-2-32-billion-by-2029---arizton-302107179.html KANSAS CITY, MO / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Sifted, the trailblazer in Logistics Intelligence, has been featured in two G2 Spring 2024 Grid Reports. The company appeared in the report for Supply Chain Visibility Software and was named a "Leader" in Multicarrier Parcel Management Solutions for the second consecutive quarter. Sifted G2 Spring Report Announcement G2, the world's largest and most trusted software marketplace, releases quarterly Grid Reports ranking products on customer reviews, as well as data gathered from online sources and social networks. Sifted's visibility into the shipping lifecycle, paired with its cost reduction and process improvement tools, were key criteria for inclusion in the reports. Sifted's clients lauded their industry-leading visibility and reporting capabilities, with 92% of users saying they would be likely to recommend the software. "I can count on Sifted (LI) software to help analyze my company's small parcel data and spend. I've been able to leverage the tools to make informed decisions about reducing our small parcel spend," says one user. Sifted also earned a "Users Love Us" badge, with users rating the Quality of Support 9.5/10. "I've been impressed with the seamless user experience. Their platform is in constant improvement to meet client needs," says one verified user. "Sifted gives concrete data that is often hard to gather or digest. We use this data to make all major logistics-related business decisions," says another. "We're honored to be named a Leader in our space by G2 again. It's reflective of our ongoing investment and advancement in our Logistics Intelligence platform," says Shawn McCarrick, Sifted CEO. "Increasingly shippers are looking for a technology solution to proactively manage their parcel operations and reduce their reliance on consultants - and we're delivering that." About Sifted Sifted's Logistics Intelligence platform launched in 2021 and is changing how high-volume shippers optimize parcel costs. Sifted's machine learning capabilities transform data from billions of shipments into personalized, benchmarked analytics. Equipped with hard-dollar ROI and unparalleled transparency into vendor performance, shippers gain clarity, autonomy, and control - a tectonic shift from traditional consultancies. Sifted is setting new standards in operational efficiency and multi-carrier parcel spend management. Discover more at Sifted.com. Contact Information Grayson Gilbert Marketing Specialist grayson.gilbert@sifted.com 9139915620 SOURCE: Sifted View the original press release on newswire.com. AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:THR) ("Thermon" or the "Company"), a global leader in industrial process heating solutions, today announced that Kevin Fox, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, will be departing Thermon to pursue another opportunity, effective April 12, 2024. The Company has begun a search to consider both internal and external candidates for the Chief Financial Officer role. During this transition period, Greg Lucas, Vice President and Corporate Controller, will assume the roles of principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the Company. Mr. Lucas joined the Company in 2021 as Corporate Controller, and he will also continue to serve in this role during this interim period. Bruce Thames, Thermon's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I have the utmost confidence in Greg's expertise and ability to lead our finance group during this interim period. Greg has made numerous contributions to improve our financial reporting during his time with Thermon, and we are fortunate to have him as an essential member of our finance organization. We wish Kevin continued success in his new role." About Thermon Through its global network, Thermon provides safe, reliable and mission critical industrial process heating solutions. Thermon specializes in providing complete flow assurance, process heating, temperature maintenance, freeze protection and environmental monitoring solutions. Thermon is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.thermon.com . CONTACT: Ivonne Salem, Vice President, FP&A and Investor Relations (512) 690-0600 | Investor.Relations@thermon.com SOURCE: Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Australians' appetite for travel is on the rise, and Liberty has flexible lending solutions to help more people realise their dream holidays sooner. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / A recent Tourism & Transport Forum Australia survey showed 82% of Australians surveyed plan to go on a holiday within the next 12 months. Despite current cost-of-living pressures, the survey found travel was ranked as the second highest priority of all non-essential expenses. Leading non-bank Liberty says personal loans could help travellers move their plans forward or take advantage of limited-time holiday offers. According to Head of Communications Kate Jenkinson, personal loans can help open the door to more opportunities and help borrowers reach their goals sooner. "Travel is still a priority for Australians, and a personal loan is one solution that could help with funding holidays," Ms Jenkinson said. "For example, the earlier you book flights and accommodation the cheaper they often are. By securing your holiday plans with a personal loan, you could start paying it off before you go." The flexibility of personal loans allows borrowers to address their needs and get closer to their goals with a fixed repayment plan. Personal loans have a variety of purposes beyond funding vacations, such as consolidating debts, covering medical expenses, financing home improvements, paying for education, or handling unexpected emergencies. "Each borrower is unique with their own individual circumstances and Liberty takes this into account to help find a flexible solution to meet your personal needs." The highly awarded non-bank encourages borrowers at any stage of their lending journey to explore the flexible options on offer to help them fast-track their plans. "At Liberty, we offer free-thinking loans to provide greater choice and help people reach life's big milestones - from that once-in-a-lifetime trip, to purchasing a new car, or celebrating their dream wedding." With flexible credit assessment practices, Liberty can help more borrowers to get financial. About Liberty As one of Australia's leading non-bank lenders, Liberty offers innovative solutions to support customers with greater choice. Over more than 26 years, this free-thinking approach to loan solutions has seen more than 850,000 customers across a wide range of home, car, business and personal loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance products. Liberty remains the only non-bank lender with an investment-grade credit rating offering custom and prime solutions to help more people get financial. Approved applicants only. Lending criteria apply. Fees and charges are payable. Liberty Financial Pty Ltd ACN 077 248 983 and Secure Funding Pty Ltd ABN 25 081 982 87 2 Australian Credit Licence 388133, together trading as Liberty Financial. Contact Information: Kate Jenkinson Manager - Group Communications +61 3 8635 8892 mediaenquiries@liberty.com.au SOURCE: Liberty View the original press release on accesswire.com Adenia, a Beau Plan, Mauritius-based private equity firm focused on growth opportunities in Africa, closed its fifth fund, Adenia Capital V, at $470M. AC(V) received commitments from new and existing investors globally. More than half (60%) of commitments secured came from investors, including DEG, EIB, FMO, IFC, Proparco, SIFEM and South Suez. Existing investors on average more than doubled their commitments. The remaining 40% of commitments included new DFI relationships, such as the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Findev Canada, and Norfund. Notably, the fund also attracted large local institutional investors, including South Africas Public Investment Corporation as well as Kenyan and Ghanaian pension funds, who joined European family offices, impact investors (such as Blue Earth), and a US foundation. Fund V continues Adenias long-term investment strategy of making control investments in medium-sized companies across Africa with proven business models that demonstrate ample room for operational and ESG improvements. The vehicle is sector-agnostic with financial services, agribusiness, renewable energy, consumer goods, telecommunications, healthcare and education, business services, light manufacturing, and specialty distribution as areas of particular focus. Led by Managing Partners Alexis Caude, and Stephane Bacquaert, Adenia has already completed two investments and announced a third from Fund V, including Enfin, a solar financing solutions provider serving commercial and industrial clients across South Africa, and The Courier Guy, a leader in last-mile delivery and express parcel (CEP) services in South Africa. Most recently, the firm announced the signing of the acquisition of 12 subsidiaries of Air Liquide in West and Central Africa and the Indian Ocean. FinSMEs 03/04/2024 Allure Security, a Boston, MA-based online brand protection-as-a-service company, raised $10M in Series A funding. The round was led by Curql, with participation from Jens Montanana and existing investors Glasswing Ventures, Zetta Venture Partners, Gutbrain Ventures, and PBJ Capital. The company intends to use the funds to grow its research and development team, and expand its go-to-market function. Led by CEO Josh Shaul, Allure Security protects brands by finding and stopping online brand impersonation attacks before people fall victim. Its patented, artificial intelligence-powered engine finds more spoofed websites, social media accounts, and mobile apps more quickly and with greater accuracy than legacy approaches. Its multi-pronged approach to managed response blocklisting, decoy data, and takedown reduces the lifespan of a scam and related damage. FinSMEs 03/04/2024 Higgsfield AI, a San Francisco, CA-based startup focused on democratizing social media video creation, raised $8m in seed funding. The round was led by Menlo Ventures, with participation from Charge Ventures, Bitkraft Ventures, K5 Tokyo Black, AI Capital Partners (Alpha Intelligence Capitals U.S.-based fund) and DVC, among others. Angel investors include Nima Khajehnouri, Ilya Gelfenbeyn, Abhay Parasnis, Amar Hanspal, Jack Brody, and others. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. Led by Alex Mashrabov, co-founder & CEO, Higgsfield AI provides Diffuse, an app that enables users to create highly personalized and realistic human characters from a single selfie, offering a new dimension of engagement and creativity in video content. With its Prompt Builder, users can craft original content using text prompts, reference images, or videos, all powered by Higgsfield AIs proprietary video model. The company has already launched Diffuse in select markets, including India, South Africa, the Philippines, Canada, and Central Asia, with plans for a gradual global rollout. FinSMEs 03/04/2024 Prominent Pakistani fashion designer Nomi Ansari revealed that women in his country want to look like Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone. During an interview on Hasna Mana Hai with Tabish Hashmi, the designer said, Everyone comes with a lot of hope and requests. But to make their hope a reality also you need something to start with. Everyone wants to look like Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone. But they do not have the body structure or the lifestyle or the audience to achieve the desired look. Advertisement When asked what he does with such clients, he replied, Unka hum Mahesh Bhatt bana sakte hain (I can make them look like Alias father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt). Coming back to Alia Bhatt, the Darlings actress is all geared up for the release of her upcoming film Jigra. She produced the film along with Karan Johar. Directed by Vasan Bala, the film also features Vedang Raina. It is slated to release on September 27, 2024. In addition to Jigra, she has also been roped in for Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love and War alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. Recently, Alia has also been reported to play a lead role in the upcoming YRF Spy Universe film along with Sharvari Wagh. Advertisement On the other hand, Deepika will be seen in several interesting projects. One of her most anticipated projects is Kalki 2989 AD in which she will be essaying the female lead opposite Prabhas. The film will also feature acting stalwarts including Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan in a key role. It is scheduled to hit the theatres in May this year. Besides, Deepika will also be a part of the Hindi remake of The Intern with Amitabh Bachchan. Police in Arunachal Pradeshs Lower Subansiri district recovered three bodies from a room of Hotel Blue Pine at Hapoli under mysterious conditions. They appeared to have bled to death from cuts on their wrists read more According to Devis father Balan Madhavan, a travel photographer, they had fallen prey to black magic. The deceased also looked up 'life after death' on the internet before the incident. Image used for representational purpose/Pixabay Three people from Kerala, a married couple and a friend, were discovered dead in a hotel room in Arunachal Pradeshs Ziro on Tuesday. Police in Arunachal Pradeshs Lower Subansiri district recovered three bodies from a room of Hotel Blue Pine at Hapoli under mysterious conditions. They appeared to have bled to death from cuts on their wrists. A note was also discovered in their hotel room. The couple was identified as Naveen Thomas (35) and his wife Devi (35), both Ayurvedic doctors from Kottayam district. The third person was identified as Arya B Nair (29), a schoolteacher from Thiruvananthapuram. Advertisement According to Devis father Balan Madhavan, a travel photographer, they had fallen prey to black magic. The deceased also looked up life after death on the internet before the incident. No debts, no problems, going to the place where we should be The three arrived at the hotel on 28 March and had been sharing a room since then. The hotel staff had noticed them moving around the premises until 31 March. However, the next day (1 April), the staff did not see any of them, according to Keni Bagra, Superintendent of Police, Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. On Tuesday (2 April) morning, the staff tried to check on them. They first made a call to the room but there was no answer. Then they went to the room, but there was no response to knocks. When they banged on the door, the lock broke and they found them dead there, following which they called the local police station at around 10.30 am, the SP told Indian Express. When the police entered their room room number 305 they discovered Aryas body on the bed and Devis body on the floor. A police official told Mathrubhumi.com that Naveen Thomas was found lying inside the bathroom. There were cut wounds on their remains. Police also found a suicide note in their room which reads, We have no debts. We dont have any problems. We go to the place where we should be. Advertisement The matter came to light after Aryas father lodged a missing complaint with the police. The black magic angle Monichan Kizhakkedam, the president of Meenadom panchayat in Kottayam, who is familiar with the family said, They had made these wounds as part of Punarjani so that they could get another life, reports Mathrubhumi.com. As of now, nobody has any idea about when the tragedy actually happened. According to Naveens neighbour, Iype, as he told Mathrubhumi.com, Naveen and his wife Devi were members of an organisation named Punarjani, which deals with some sort of black magic as it worships dark forces like satan. The couple, along with Devis friend, went to Arunachal Pradesh with the support of Punarjani. Advertisement We strongly believe that this organisation had influenced the mindset of the couple, Iype said. According to Monichan, the couple had got married 13 years ago and had stopped their Ayurveda practice a year ago and started online trading. Naveen did not interact much with people in the locality though the couple were living with his parents both retired government employees. For a short period, Devi had taught German language at a private school in Thiruvananthapuram, where she befriended Arya, Monichan told the Indian Express, adding that two of Naveens relatives have on Tuesday left for Arunachal Pradesh. Police have registered a case of unnatural death. Advertisement Investigation underway Kerala police on Tuesday said it will be sending a team to Arunachal Pradesh in connection with the death of three persons hailing from the state amidst speculations that black magic may be behind their deaths. Kerala police, however, said it cannot presently say that it was due to black magic. Thiruvananthapuram City police Commissioner C Nagaraju said there appears to be something abnormal in the behaviour of the three a married couple and a woman but nothing can be said conclusively till their mobiles and other electronic devices are examined. We cannot say it was due to black magic or something like that. Our team will go there tonight. After the procedures are completed, we can bring the evidence from there. So, it will take some time, the top officer of the city police said. Advertisement He also said it needs to be investigated why the three went there and how their deaths occurred. The officer also said that prima facie they do not have information about any other such groups. But we need to probe as to why this group was formed and what was their common objective. With inputs from PTI Botswana has already offered 8,000 elephants to Angola and another 500 to Mozambique, as it seeks to tackle what president Mokgweetsi Masisi described as overpopulation read more A conservation group says elephant poaching has increased in Botswana, which has long been viewed as a rare refuge for elephants in Africa. AP In a dispute over the import of hunting trophies, Botswanas president Mokgweetsi Masisi has announced to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. Masisi told German media that this would only impoverish Botswanans. He said elephant numbers had exploded as a result of conservation efforts, and hunting helped keep them in check. Heres what we know so far. Not a joke Germans should live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to, Mokgweetsi Masisi told German daily Bild. Advertisement This is not a joke, said Masisi, whose country has seen its elephant population grow to some 130,000. Botswana has already offered 8,000 elephants to Angola and another 500 to Mozambique, as it seeks to tackle what Masisi described as overpopulation. We would like to offer such a gift to Germany, Masisi said, adding that he would not take no for an answer. The African leader argued that conservation efforts have led to an explosion in the number of elephants and that hunting is an important means to keep them in check. Ensuring the import of hunting trophies is sustainable and legal The herds of elephants were causing damage to property, eating crops and trampling residents, he told the German paper. Germanys environment ministry earlier this year raised the possibility of stricter limits on the import of hunting trophies over poaching concerns. But a ban on the import of hunting trophies would only impoverish Botswanans, Masisi said. Botswana banned trophy hunting in 2014 but lifted the restrictions in 2019 under pressure from local communities. Botswanas president Mokgweetsi Masisi argued that conservation efforts have led to an explosion in the number of elephants and that hunting is an important means to keep them in check. AP The country now issues annual hunting quotas. A spokeswoman for the environment ministry in Berlin said Botswana had not raised any concerns with Germany on the matter. Advertisement The ministry however remained in talks with African countries affected by import rules, including Botswana, the spokeswoman said. In light of the alarming loss of biological diversity, we have a special responsibility to do everything to ensure the import of hunting trophies is sustainable and legal, she said. Germany was one of the largest importers of hunting trophies in the European Union, she said. African elephant hunting trophies already require import authorisation under current rules, she added. Discussions within the EU on harsher import restrictions are focused on extending the list of protected species, she said. With inputs from AFP A survey by a Singapore-based think tank reveals over 50 per cent Southeast Asian respondents would align with China over the US. This is the first time since 2020 that Beijing has emerged as the preferred choice. Why has Washingtons popularity dropped in the region? read more This photo taken on 4 July 2023 shows tourists walking along a street in the Chinatown area of Bangkok. AFP File Photo A slight majority of Southeast Asians would choose to align with China over the United States, according to a new survey by a Singapore-based think tank. This is the first time that Beijing has overtaken Washington since 2020 when the annual survey started asking this question. The study published Tuesday (2 April) also found that India is among the three least strategically relevant countries to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Advertisement The sixth edition of The State of Southeast Asia study was conducted by the think tank ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEASYusof Ishak Institute between 3 January and 23 February. As many as 1,994 respondents from the 10 ASEAN countries Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam belonging to the private sector, academia, business, government, civil society and the media took part in the analysis. Lets take a closer look. China is ASEANs most favoured ally China has seen a surge in popularity in most of the ASEAN countries, the survey has revealed. About 50.5 per cent of respondents said they preferred to align with the Asian giant over its rival America, a jump from 38.9 per cent in 2023. The US, which was the popular choice last year at 61.1 per cent, saw a decline to 49.5 per cent this year, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The support for China was most evident among respondents from Malaysia (75.1 per cent), Indonesia (73.2 per cent) and Laos (70.6 per cent). Thailand and Brunei also saw a shift towards Beijing. As per the Singapore-based think tank, these countries have benefitted significantly from Chinas Belt and Road Initiative and robust trade and investment relations, reported Japans NHK World. Advertisement The flags of the United States and China fly from a lamppost in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, US, on 1 November 2021. Reuters File Photo Notably, ASEAN and China have been each others largest trading partners for four straight years. Their trade volume touched $911.7 billion last year, according to CNBC. The US was a preferred partner of the Philippines and Vietnam at 83.3 per cent and 79 per cent respectively. This can be partly attributed to these nations rising tensions with China in the South China Sea, reported Nikkei Asia. As per Time magazine, Chinas popularity fell in the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. About 45.5 per cent of respondents from ASEAN said they fear China would use its military and economic power to threaten their countrys interest and sovereignty, CNBC reported citing the study. Advertisement Beijing maintains its position as the most influential political and economic power in Southeast Asia, the survey found. [The report] is a statement of the fact that people think China has become the most influential economic power. But at the same time levels of concern about the degree of influence are actually extremely high, Danny Quah, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, was quoted as saying by Nikkei Asia. The fact that China is acknowledged as most influential does not mean acceptance of them, similarly if it were the US, he added. Advertisement How the Gaza war plays a role The plunge in the US popularity among people in Southeast Asia is reportedly driven by Washingtons nearly unbridled support to Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza. Over 46 per cent of those surveyed said Israels war was a big concern for governments, with Muslim-majority nations in ASEAN ranking it at the top of their geopolitical concern. Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, told SCMP that Americas strong, almost unquestioning pro-Israel stand on the Gaza war had especially led to diminished confidence in US moderation and deliberation. Advertisement This extends beyond the fact that there are large Muslim populations in Southeast Asia. US willingness to hold up and veto UN processes looking at Israeli behaviour have decreased trust in Washingtons commitment to the current rules-based international order, Chong said. A person looks on near the damaged Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli forces withdrew from the hospital and the area around it following a two-week operation, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, 2 April 2024. Reuters File Photo Speaking to SCMP, Sharon Seah, a senior fellow and coordinator of ASEAN studies at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said that though religion played a role in support for the Palestinians in Southeast Asia, the growing humanitarian and human-rights violations are becoming a serious concern. How ASEAN views India Indias influence in Southeast Asia is far behind its rival China. Only 0.4 per cent of Southeast Asian respondents believe India is politically and strategically relevant to their countries, as per ThePrint report. Among major powers regional influence and leadership, India was at the ninth position out of the 11 nations. On the other hand, Beijing was at the top with 43.9 per cent of respondents saying that the Asian giant has the most political and strategic relevance to the region, ThePrint reported citing the study. After China, the US and Japan were the most strategically relevant partners for Southeast Asians. Japan remains the most trusted major power in the region, with 58.9 per cent of respondents expressing confidence in the country. After Japan and the European Union, India is at the third post to broaden ASEANs strategic options among Southeast Asians. Dont want to pick Experts say the key takeaway from the study is that Southeast Asians do not want to choose between the rival superpowers the US and China. Instead, about 46.8 per cent of respondents said that ASEAN should build up its resilience and unity to fend off pressures from Washington and Beijing. The key takeaway is that as the geopolitical environment becomes more volatile, the region is looking to enhance its internal resilience, Seah, a lead author of the annual report, told Time. With inputs from agencies The Palestinian Authority on Tuesday formally asked for renewed consideration by the United Nations Security Council of its 2011 application to become a full member of the world body, with the aim for the Security Council to discuss this issue at an upcoming ministerial meeting in West Asia on 18 April read more Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told Reuters on Monday that the aim was for the council to take a decision at an April 18 ministerial meeting on the West Asia. File image/Reuters The Palestinian Authority has once again raised the issue of full membership in the United Nations, formally requesting that the UN Security Council reconsider its decision. This move revives an application initially made in 2011, indicating a significant diplomatic push by Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour. The aim, as Mansour stated, is for the Security Council to discuss this issue at an upcoming ministerial meeting in West Asia on 18 April. However, no specific date for a vote has been set yet. Advertisement Lets understand the complexities of UN membership processes, including the current status of the Palestinians as a non-member observer state and the difficulties they face in gaining full membership. How are the Palestinians doing right now at the UN? The Palestinians are a non-member observer state at the United Nations, the same status as the Holy See. The 193-nation UN General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to non-member state from entity. There were 138 votes in favour, nine against and 41 abstentions. How do new member states get admitted to the UN? Countries seeking to join the UN usually present an application to the UN secretary-general, who sends it to the 15-member Security Council for an assessment and vote. Mansour sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday requesting renewed consideration by the Security Council of a Palestinian application for full membership made in 2011. Guterres has sent the letter to the Security Council, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Countries seeking to join the UN usually present an application to the UN secretary-general, who sends it to the 15-member Security Council for an assessment and vote. File image/Reuters A council committee of 15 members first assesses an application to see if it satisfies the requirements for UN membership. The application can then either be shelved or put forward for a formal vote in the Security Council. Approval requires at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the US, Russia, China, France or Britain. Advertisement If the council approves the membership request, it then moves to the General Assembly for approval. A membership request needs a two-thirds majority to be approved by the Assembly. A country cannot join the United Nations unless both the Security Council and General Assembly approve. What was Palestine not admitted in 2011? A UN Security Council committee assessed the Palestinian application for several weeks to see if it satisfied the requirements for UN membership. But the committee was unable to reach a unanimous position and the Security Council never formally voted on a resolution on Palestinian membership. Diplomats said the Palestinians lacked the minimum nine votes needed to adopt a resolution. Even if they had won enough support, the United States had said it would veto the move. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers from his home Wayanad on Wednesday. The Congress leader had bagged the constituency in Kerala with a record margin in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Can he retain the seat, a party bastion, this time? read more Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra greet their supporters during a roadshow, before filing his nomination papers for the upcoming general elections, in Wayanad on 3 April 2024. AFP Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is all set to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Keralas Wayanad, the constituency he won for the first time in 2019. He filed his nomination papers on Wednesday (3 April) after holding a mega roadshow in the district, along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Addressing the crowd, the former Congress president reportedly tried to strike a personal chord with the residents of Wayanad. When I came to Wayanad five years ago, I was new here, but you elected me as your MP and soon you made me a member of your family. I have received love and affection. I have learnt so much from my brothers and sisters. It has been an honour for me to be the MP of Wayanad. I dont treat you or think about you as an electorate, but I think about you the same way I think about my (little) sister Priyanka, he said. Advertisement I have received love and affection. I have learned so much from my brothers and sisters. It is an honour for me to be your MP. I treat you and think of you the same way I think of my little sister @priyankagandhi. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. : Shri pic.twitter.com/09tEQqUb4F Congress (@INCIndia) April 3, 2024 While Gandhi won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat by a tremendous margin in the 2019 general elections, we will take a look here if history will repeat itself or if he is set for an uphill battle this time. Wayanad: Lok Sabha seat and beyond The hill district of Wayanad boasts lush green foliage and diverse wildlife. It reportedly has a forest cover of 36.48 per cent in Kerala. Wayanad has a varied terrain, ranging from 354 feet to a maximum of 7,350 feet above sea level, noted Moneycontrol. The districts forests are part of a greater forested area including Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Bandipur National Park, and BR Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Sathyamangalam Forest in Tamil Nadu. Advertisement As per The News Minute (TNM), the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency was carved out in 2008 after a delimitation exercise. It consists of seven Assembly segments: three in the Wayanad district, three in the Malappuram district, and one in the Kozhikode district. The Wayanad district has 6.24 lakh voters, while segments in the other two districts have a total of 8.05 lakh voters, reported The Week. According to The Quints article in 2019, the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat has 44.85 per cent Muslims, 41.31 per cent Hindus and nearly 13 per cent Christians. 2019 Wayanad LS results Congress has been triumphant in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat since 2009. Advertisement MI Shanavas won the seat for the Grand Old Party in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. He retained the constituency in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, securing it by just a margin of 20,870 votes against the Communist Party of Indias (CPI) Satyan Mokeri. The Wayanad seat fell vacant after Shanavas death in 2018. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi chose to contest from Wayanad besides Congress traditional bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. However, his decision was criticised by the Left in Kerala, including chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The Gandhi scion lost Amethi to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Smriti Irani. In Wayanad, he won by a record difference of 4,31,770 votes, the highest margin by which any candidate had won an election in Kerala. Advertisement Gandhi bagged over seven lakh votes with a 64.7 per cent vote share against CPIs PP Suneer, who got 274,597 ballots with a 25.1 per cent vote share. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) registered a sweeping victory, winning 19 out of 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala. Will Wayanad remain Congress safe seat? Rahul Gandhi is facing CPI candidate Annie Raja from Wayanad this time. She also held a roadshow in the district before filing her nomination on Wednesday. The CPI is a partner of the ruling CPI (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala. While the CPI and Congress are part of the Opposition INDIA bloc, the two parties are bitter rivals in Kerala. Advertisement As per The Week, the CPI had urged the Gandhi scion not to fight from Wayanad last September. The party fielding a leader like Raja was also viewed as a way to deter him from entering the fray from the district. However, the Congress again gave a ticket to Gandhi from Wayanad. According to India Today sources, it was Rahul Gandhis choice to compete from Wayanad again instead of another seat in the South. He allegedly did not want to give the impression that he was abandoning the voters who stood by him in a battle for political survival, the TV channel reported. Wayanad is my home, and the people of Wayanad are my family. From them, I have learned a great deal over the last five years and received an abundance of love and affection. It is with great pride and humility that I file my nomination for Lok Sabha 2024 once again from this pic.twitter.com/rjgz0cYTyB Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 3, 2024 Earlier this week, Kerala CM Vijayan hit out at Gandhi for contesting against CPIs national leader Raja. He said the Gandhi scion was challenging the LDF by fighting from Kerala, and asked why he was not fighting against the BJP directly at the Centre. Besides Raja, Gandhi will face the BJPs Kerala unit chief K Surendran from Wayanad. Both Raja and Surendran have targeted the Congress leader over his absence from the constituency in the last five years. Wild elephants have visited Wayanad more than Rahul Gandhi, the Kerala BJP president had said after his candidature was announced. The human-animal conflict in the district has become a prominent issue in the last few months, with a surge in the number of wild elephant attacks. CPI national executive member Raja, who is way ahead of Gandhi in election campaigning in the district, has also repeatedly raked up the incumbents absence. Speaking to The Week, she said the Wayanad electors were asking the same question. They ask, Will you be here after the election? Will you come and see us? I ask why they were asking this question and they reply, Elephants have visited Wayanad many times; our MP, not even half as often. Surendran, who has claimed he will put up a tough fight against his rivals, has called both Gandhi and Raja tourists to Wayanad, The Week reported. The Congress leader had visited Wayanad in February following the deaths of two men in separate elephant attacks. He had visited the families of the victims, promising them his full support. Rahul Gandhi met the family of a forest watchman killed in an elephant attack in Wayanad, on 18 February 2024. PTI File Photo While national issues will dominate the polls, the rising man-animal conflict in Wayanad could be a hot-button topic. Speaking to The Week, award-winning documentary filmmaker and political observer OK Johnny, said candidates cannot ignore issues like animal attacks that impact the right to life of a large number of the electorate. A lack of medical infrastructure is another key issue in the hill district where patients have to be often taken to the adjacent Kozhikode district. According to Deccan Herald (DH), the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) could also play a role in Muslim-dominated segments of the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat. As per Moneycontrol, Gandhi, whose vision for Wayanad includes various developmental plans, is cut off from the districts more pressing issues related to livelihood and basic infrastructure in the region. Some locals in Wayanad have expressed dismay at Gandhis absence in the last five years. While they put hopes on Rajas candidature, they do not believe BJPs Surendran, who will file his nomination on Thursday, would make much difference, DH reported. So, will it not be smooth sailing for him this time? Experts say while Gandhi is likely to win from Wayanad again, his margin could go down. Last time, a significant portion of the left-leaning and liberal population voted for Rahul Gandhi, seeing him as a national leader and the face of the national front against the BJP, Johnny told The Week. But now, with the entry of Annie Raja, Rahul Gandhis support from these sectors could diminish. She is poised to garner more votes than any previous left candidate because of her stature and her ability to connect with people. In fact, if it was not Rahul Gandhi contesting, she could have made the race in Wayanad even tighter, he added. As per India Today, Gandhi faces no threat in Wayanad numerically, however, he may win with a smaller margin. The White House has asked NASA to establish a unified standard of time for the Moon, calling it a coordinated lunar time (LTC). This would provide a time-keeping benchmark for lunar spacecraft and satellites that require extreme precision for their missions read more A ski lift at the Kalavrita ski centre on Mount Helmos is silhouetted as the moon rises near the town of Kalavrita, Greece. Reuters The Moon is all set to get its own time reference system. The White House sent a memo to NASA on Tuesday asking the space agency to establish a unified standard of time for the Moon and other celestial bodies. The development comes as the United States aims to set international norms in space amid a growing lunar race among nations and private companies. The head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), according to a memo seen by Reuters, instructed the space agency to work with other parts of the US government to devise a plan by the end of 2026 for setting what it called a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). Advertisement Lets take a closer look. What is LTC? Time on the Moon is slightly faster than on Earth, averaging 58.7 microseconds each day, due to the absence of gravity, according to OSTP chief Arati Prabhakars memo cited by Reuters. The LTC would provide a time-keeping benchmark for lunar spacecraft and satellites that require extreme precision for their missions. An atomic clock on the moon will tick at a different rate than a clock on Earth. It makes sense that when you go to another body, like the Moon or Mars that each one gets its own heartbeat, Kevin Coggins, NASAs top communications and navigation official, told the New York Post. While others may not think much of a few hours difference in time, when high-tech systems interact, microseconds matter. US leadership in defining a suitable standard - one that achieves the accuracy and resilience required for operating in the challenging lunar environment - will benefit all spacefaring nations, the OSTP memo stated. How will it help astronauts? Establishing a lunar time standard is crucial since a number of nations intend to deploy astronauts to the moon in the second half of 2020. According to Reuters, under its Artemis programme, NASA is aiming to send astronaut missions to the moon in the coming years and establish a scientific lunar base that could help set the stage for future missions to Mars. Dozens of companies, spacecraft and countries are involved in the effort. Advertisement China said last year it aims to put its first astronauts on the moon by 2030. Japan in January became the fifth country to put a spacecraft on the moon. India last year became the first country to land a spacecraft near the unexplored lunar south pole, and it has announced plans to send an astronaut to the moon by 2040. An OSTP official said that without a unified lunar time standard it would be challenging to ensure that data transfers between spacecraft are secure and that communications between Earth, lunar satellites, bases and astronauts are synchronised. Discrepancies in time also could lead to errors in mapping and locating positions on or orbiting the moon, the official said. Advertisement The official also said that as commercial activities expand to the moon, a unified time standard would be essential for coordinating operations, ensuring the reliability of transactions and managing the logistics of lunar commerce. NASA will, however, face challenges in establishing a single time standard on the moon since this would necessitate global cooperation and agreement on the mathematics and science of timekeeping. The fact that more than 30 nations, including India, have already signed up for Artemis is to NASAs advantage. The two main rivals of the US in space, China and Russia, are yet to sign the Artemis Accords. Whats the difference between a time standard and a time zone? Advertisement A time standard is a set of rules that define the time units (such as seconds, minutes, and hours) and serve as a point of reference for timekeeping. It is used to measure time intervals. The guidelines for modifying clocks to adjust for leap years and leap seconds to maintain accuracy are established by time standards. Time zones and time standards are not the same thing. A time zone is an area of the planet that follows the same standard time. Time zones are roughly defined by lines of longitude and are based on the rotation of the Earth. On Earth, most clocks and time zones are based on Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC. This internationally recognised standard relies on a vast global network of atomic clocks placed in different locations around the world. They measure changes in the state of atoms and generate an average that ultimately makes up a precise time. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters Peru president Dina Boluarte is under investigation for illicit enrichment for possessing luxury timepieces watches without proving how she got them. The investigation has now widened to widened to include a Cartier bracelet and bank deposits of unknown origin read more Peru's president Dina Boluarte, who is facing an enquiry into possible illicit enrichment and failure to declare ownership of luxury watches, addresses the audience during an assistance program for the elderly, in Lima, Peru. Reuters Ever since Perus first female president took office, she is regularly been seen wearing luxury Rolex watches. Now her collection has landed her at the centre of a corruption scandal, amid a difficult term involving allegations of corruption and her approval rating plummeting to nine per cent. Last week, police raided her private residence and the presidential palace for luxury items and evidence about how she came to acquire them. She has admitted to owning at least one Rolex watch, and prosecutors discovered documents linking Boluarte to a Datejust 36, which starts at $15,000 (Rs 12.50 lakh) in Peru, during the raid. Boluarte failed to publicly explain the possession of the luxury items, despite earning a monthly presidential salary of only $3,320 (Rs 2.75 lakh). Advertisement Boluarte has denied any wrongdoing. However, on Monday, the investigation has widened to include a $56,000 (Rs 46.69 lakh) Cartier bracelet in her possession and 1.1 million soles ($298,070 or Rs 2.48 crore) in bank deposits of unknown origin. Heres everything that we know so far. Whats the Rolex scandal? Dina Boluarte is under investigation for illicit enrichment for possessing luxury timepieces watches without proving how she got them. Dozens of police and prosecutors raided her home and office over Easter weekend looking for evidence in the case. Dina Boluarte, who took power in 2022 after her predecessor was impeached for illegally trying to shutter congress, saw the beginning of her term marked by protests and ensuing crackdown that left dozens dead. In March, a popular political Youtube show La Encerrona reviewed thousands of photos of Dina Boluarte and found she wore a number of Rolex watches worth between $14,000 (Rs 11.67 lakh) and $25,000 (Rs 20.83 lakh). On 18 March, the Perus prosecutors office announced preliminary proceedings against Dina Boluarte for alleged illicit enrichment and failure to declare ownership of the expensive Rolex watches in documents. Dina Boluarte, who took power in 2022 after her predecessor was impeached for illegally trying to shutter congress, saw the beginning of her term marked by protests and ensuing crackdown that left dozens dead. File image/Reuters She is also facing calls to step down amid questions about the provenance of her collection of Rolex watches. Despite widespread calls for her resignation or to bring forward elections, Dina Boluarte survived but is now facing renewed calls to step down over the scandal. Advertisement In a televised address to the nation Dina Boluarte called the raid abusive and said she would serve her term until 2026. Congress has already taken initial steps to impeach Boluarte. What happened during the raid? Dozens of prosecutors and police arrived at Dina Boluartes house near midnight on Good Friday to carry out a search warrant Prosecutors said they had requested the watches from Dina Boluarte but they had not been handed in and the raid produced elements of interest for the investigation. Local media outlets published documents from the raid showing at least one Rolex watch, a Datejust 36 model with a purchase date of 8 July, 2023. A similar model on Rolexs website costs at least $14,800 (Rs 10.33 lakh). Advertisement Eight lower-priced watches from other brands were found in the Government Palace, according to local media reports. Dina Boluartes salary as president is about $4,200 (Rs 3.50 lakh) with expenses and housing paid for by the state. What happens next? Dina Boluartes defence had asked the prosecutor to postpone the presidents testimony, but are now requesting she give a statement Friday 5 April due to the political turbulence the case is causing. Mostly left-wing Opposition legislators, presented a motion in Congress on Monday to begin Dina Boluartes impeachment for permanent moral incapacity. Only 26 of 130 legislators are needed to start the process, 52 votes are needed to debate the impeachment in Congress and 87 are needed to impeach. Advertisement Prosecutors said they had requested the watches from Dina Boluarte but they had not been handed in and the raid produced elements of interest for the investigation. File image/Reuters Dina Boluarte has already survived two attempts to start impeachment proceedings but both failed to receive 52 votes to proceed. Impeachment is unlikely since right-wing legislators have a majority in congress and support Dina Boluarte. Six of Dina Boluartes ministers, including the interior minister, have resigned on Monday over the scandal. Gustavo Adrianzen, who took over as prime minister in March, must be confirmed by Congress on Wednesday and if he fails the vote of confidence, Dina Boluartes entire Cabinet must resign. What happened to Perus other presidents? Perus politics are highly polarised and the constitution allows presidents to be impeached for moral incapacity a subjective measure thats been used to impeach several former leaders. Advertisement Almost all high-ranking officials or former Peruvian presidents have been investigated by the prosecution or have been involved in corruption cases in the last three decades. After being elected in 2016, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned prior to a likely conviction after being successfully impeached in 2018 following a corruption scandal. His vice president, Martin Vizcarra, then took over but was also impeached for permanent moral incapacity due to corruption charges in 2020. After that Manuel Merino was president for just five days, resigning after two protest deaths in Lima. Francisco Sagasti then took power for a year until leftists outsider Pedro Castillo was elected in 2021. Castillo was impeached in December for trying to shutter congress. Castillo is now jailed in the same prison as another former president Alejandro Toledo. They shared the prison with former President Alberto Fujimori who was released last December after a pardon. With inputs from Reuters The World Central Kitchen (WCK) began moving food aid to starving people in northern Gaza via a maritime corridor from Cyprus last month, in collaboration with Spanish charity Open Arms read more US president Joe Biden with chef Jose Andres from World Central Kitchen. The aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed when their convoy was hit shortly after they oversaw the unloading of 100 tonnes of food brought to Gaza by sea. File image/Reuters The World Central Kitchen (WCK) was at the forefront of the humanitarian effort when seven of its workers tragically lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Celebrity chef Jose Andres, who has demonstrated remarkable determination in bypassing bureaucratic obstacles to provide aid to Gaza, is indeed heartbroken and grieving after the incident. The group on Tuesday announced that it was pausing its operations in the region after seven individuals were killed as they left a warehouse, as per a Washington Post report. Advertisement World Central Kitchen collaborated with the Spanish group Open Arms to send two maritime aid shipments carrying hundreds of tonnes of supplies to Gaza, despite international warnings about the enclaves impending famine. The first shipment arrived in mid-March, and the second left Cyprus on March 30. The aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed when their convoy was hit shortly after they oversaw the unloading of 100 tonnes of food brought to Gaza by sea. Sidestepped red tape to bring aid to Gaza Celebrity chef Jose Andres disdain for red tape is one of the reasons his food charity found itself is coordinating the humanitarian effort in Gaza when seven of its workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike. WCK began last month moving food aid to starving people in northern Gaza via a maritime corridor from Cyprus, in collaboration with Spanish charity Open Arms. It acted after Israel refused to let the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) deliver food to northern Gaza based on claims some agency staff had taken part in the 7 October attack on southern Israel by Palestinian Hamas fighters. Advertisement Oscar Camps, director of Open Arms, said in an interview with Reuters that the maritime route between Cyprus and Gaza had been open since 20 December but no organisation had used it. They constructed a makeshift jetty from rubble and unloaded the aid just metres away from bombardments amid warnings from Israel that it could not guarantee their security, he said. Jose Andres said on 26 March that 67 WCK kitchens were operating in Gaza, feeding 350,000 people a day. Operations are now suspended following the Israeli airstrike on the WCK convoy. File image/Reuters Andres, who is Spanish and American, said on the social media platform X he decided to get involved in the maritime aid delivery after an invitation from the Cypriot government, hoping other aid providers would follow suit. He said on 26 March that 67 WCK kitchens were operating in Gaza, feeding 350,000 people a day. Operations are now suspended following the Israeli airstrike on the WCK convoy. Advertisement Earlier in the conflict, WCK had partnered with restaurants and hospitals in Israel to feed people displaced or injured by the 7 October Hamas attack, and then switched in February to helping airdrops of aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Andres said on Tuesday he was heartbroken and grieving for the families and friends of the seven WCK workers killed in the Israeli airstrike. They included citizens of Australia, Britain and Poland as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. US president Joe Biden spoke with Andres to express his condolences. Biden also told Andres he would make clear to Israel that aid workers must be protected, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told a briefing. Advertisement Adaptive Founded by Andres in 2010 after he travelled to Haiti to help following an earthquake that killed more than 300,000 people, WCK has fast become one of the leading providers of emergency aid at scenes of natural disaster or human conflict. The NGO describes itself as first to the frontlines, using an entrepreneurial and adaptive approach to err on the side of feeding people expediently vs asking for permission or following systems and bureaucracy that lack urgency and flexibility. When others are assessing the situation we are already feeding, and in the process we learn what is going on, not the other way around, Andres told the Spanish-language edition of Vanity Fair in a recent interview. Advertisement Earlier in the conflict, WCK had partnered with restaurants and hospitals in Israel to feed people displaced or injured by the 7 October Hamas attack, and then switched in February to helping airdrops of aid to Palestinians in Gaza. File image/Reuters The charity says it entered Ukraine five days after Russias invasion in February 2022 and set up restaurants in five cities. Born in 1969 in a coal mining town in Spains northern Asturias region, Andres worked as an apprentice at Ferran Adrias experimental El Bulli restaurant near Barcelona before moving in 1991 to the US, where he set up tapas restaurant Jaleo. His company ThinkFoodGroup now owns more than 20 restaurants including one with two Michelin stars. He has cultivated relationships with some of the USs most powerful people, receiving a $100 million (Rs 833 crore) donation from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2021 and striking up a rapport with former US president Barack Obama. Obamas government in 2014 named him an Outstanding American by Choice, an award given to naturalised US citizens who have achieved extraordinary things, following up with the National Humanities Medal in 2015. His relationship with Obamas White House successor Donald Trump was less cordial. The Spaniard cancelled plans for a restaurant in Trumps Washington hotel over comments the then-presidential candidate made about Mexicans, calling them rapists and murderers. Trump sued Andres for breach of contract, and the two reached a settlement in 2017. With inputs from Reuters The death of seven World Central Kitchen workers in an Israel airstrike in Gaza has drawn condemnation from across the world even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident unintentional. The tragedy has led to other charities suspending their work in the war-torn region, making conditions even more catastrophic read more They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war. They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy. Israel has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into why the aid workers vehicles were hit by airstrikes. That investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public. Hours after seven aid workers belonging to the World Central Kitchen, a charity delivering food to besieged Palestinians, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, US president Joe Biden expressed his outrage and heartbreak over the tragedy, saying Israel has not has not done enough to protect civilians. Advertisement The incident has drawn widespread international condemnation and underscores the risks that humanitarian workers take every day in trying to deliver still-insufficient levels of aid to Gaza. As a result of the deaths, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has paused operations in Gaza, which is a new is a new blow to humanitarian efforts. We take a closer look at what happened, who were the workers and how this incident raises questions on the future of aid deliveries in the war-torn region. Airstrike that killed aid workers On Monday night, seven aid workers belonging to World Central Kitchen, which was founded by founded by Spanish-American chef, Jose Andres, in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, were killed in an Israeli strike in the city of Deir al-Balah. The charity announced in a statement, Despite coordinating movements with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza on the maritime route. According to sources within the IDF, the aid workers, who were travelling in two armoured cars branded with its logo and one non-armoured vehicle, were hit by three times by missiles fired from a drone based on suspicions that a terrorist was travelling with the convoy. Advertisement Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip. A series of airstrikes killed seven aid workers from the international charity, leading it to suspend delivery of vital food aid to Gaza. AP Haaretz quoting sources said that some of the passengers left their vehicle after it was hit by the first missile and climbed into another car, which was then hit by a second missile. The third car in the convoy, which approached to pick up the occupants of the second car, was hit by a third missile. The strike killed all of the WCK workers in the convoy. Following the tragedy, WCK has suspended its work in the region while Andres said his group lost several of our sisters and brothers in what it said was an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Andres called on Israel to stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives lost. Advertisement On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that his country had killed seven humanitarian workers, in what he described as unintentional. Unfortunately there was a tragic incident in the last 24 hours in which our forces unintentionally hit innocent people in the Gaza Strip, he said. It happens in wartime We will do everything we can to ensure this isnt repeated. The Israeli military further pledged an investigation by an independent, professional and expert body. The aid workers who died But who are the seven humanitarian workers who died in the airstrike? WCK announced that the victims were British, Polish, Australian, Palestinian and also included a dual US-Canadian citizen. Advertisement The Australian was identified as Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, with her family saying that she died doing the work she loves. The 43-year-old aid worker from Melbourne, Australia was the WCKs Relief Lead in Gaza. She was described as a kind, selfless and outstanding human being [who] travelled the world helping others in their time of need. A man displays blood-stained British, Polish, and Australian passports after an Israeli airstrike, in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen. AP The Polish victim was identified as Damian Sobol. The countrys Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said on X: Our brave compatriot, Damian Sobol from the city of Przemysl helped those in need in Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is taking place. He was killed in an attack for which the Israeli army claimed responsibility. Advertisement Noah Sims, a chef in North Georgia and a former colleague of Sobol described the Polish as the Michael Jordan of humanitarian work, reported the New York Times. Anything I ever needed, Damian could get it done, Sims said. The British government has confirmed that three of the aid workers who died were British nationals and confirmed their identities to be John Chapman (57), James (Jim) Henderson (33) and James Kirby (47). Local British media outlets described Chapman and Henderson as former Royal Marines who later turned to volunteer work. The sixth worker Jacob Flickinger, was a 33-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Canada, according to the World Central Kitchen, and worked on the groups relief team. US secretary of state Anthony Blinken described the aid workers as heroes who were simply trying to help fellow human beings. Relatives and friends mourn the death of Saif Abu Taha, a staff member of the US-based aid group World Central Kitchen who was killed as Israeli strikes hit a convoy of the NGO delivering food aid in Gaza a day earlier, during his funeral in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP Last but not the least was local Palestinian 27-year-old Saif Issam Abu Taha. He worked for World Central Kitchen as a driver and translator since the beginning of the year, relatives said. As per an AP report, he had also been a successful businessman who conducted trade with Ukraine, Egypt, China and others. Following his demise, his body was transported to Rafah, his hometown, where mourners gathered to bid him a farewell. He was happy to work with an organisation that provides humanitarian aid to the displaced, our hearts are broken by your death, Saif, his close friend Hassan told the BBC amid tears, sadness and anger. Aid workers dying in Gaza Mondays airstrike killing seven aid workers is not the first time that an incident such as this has taken place since the war broke out in Gaza on 7 October 2023. As per Aid Worker Security Database, a compilation of data on attacks funded by the United States Agency for International Development, 203 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the war started. All of them have been Palestinian until Mondays strike. The UNRWA, the UN agency dedicated to Palestine, has stated that 176 of their workers have died since October last year. Jamie McGoldrick, the UNs humanitarian co-ordinator for the occupied territories, was quoted as telling the Financial Times, There is no safe place left in Gaza. Ciaran Donnelly, the International Rescue Committees senior vice president for crisis, response, recovery, and development, told Vox: The attack that happened yesterday isnt something that happened in isolation. There has been a pattern of attacks against humanitarian aid operations and facilities as well as medical workers and facilities throughout this conflict. Gaza is both one of the most dangerous and one of the most restrictive spaces weve operated in for quite some time. A member of the World Central Kitchen prepares a pallet with the humanitarian aid for transport to the port of Larnaca from where it will be shipped to Gaza, at a warehouse near Larnaca, Cyprus. File image/AP A humanitarian blow to Gaza The attack has led to WCK to pause deliveries of aid to the people of Gaza. Other charities have also announced they are suspending operations in the territory in the aftermath of an Israeli drone attack. One such organisation is Anera, which helps refugees around West Asia. The group said the killings, alongside the loss of numerous other aid workers and their families, has led our team to conclude that delivering aid safely is no longer feasible. While we understand the severe consequences this suspension will have on the Palestinian population, the escalating risks associated with aid delivery leave us with no choice but to halt operations until our staff regain confidence that they can do their work without undue risk, a statement said. Such actions will be a definite blow to Gaza and the thousands who live there and are staring at an imminent famine. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have predicted that by August if a ceasefire isnt called, the number of deaths in Gaza would reach nearly 67,000 and exceed 85,000 if theres an escalation in the conflict. Palestinian children wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen amid shortages of food supplies, as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. File image/Reuters The airstrike killing seven is also a huge problem for Israel. With more international voices condemning the strikes, the country becomes more isolated on the international stage. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led country is losing support from its allies, such as the US and the UK. Israel risks being left without any partners to provide and deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza after the deadly erroneous IDF strikes on a convoy belonging to the World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid group in central Gaza, a United States official told The Times of Israel on Tuesday. Israel has already been under rising international pressure to alleviate severe hunger in Gaza, which has been shattered by Israels offensive against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Another official also noted that the deaths would raise more hurdles for Israel as it seeks to press ahead with a promised offensive in Rafah. With inputs from agencies On February 15, electoral bonds scheme was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional read more The government is reportedly working on a new scheme for funding political parties which would be an alternative to the electoral bonds scheme that was struck down by the Supreme Court earlier this year. What will new scheme for funding political parties include? A report by Mint cited two sources aware of the discussions in the government, saying the new scheme will address the concerns the apex court had pointed out while striking down the electoral bonds scheme. Advertisement When will the new scheme replacing electoral bonds scheme be launched? The report cited unnamed sources as saying that the new scheme is expected to be introduced after the Lok Sabha 2024 polls. Voting for 543 seats in Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. The counting of votes and announcement of results is scheduled for June 4. Intense discussions underway As per the report, the Ministry of Finance has been holding internal consultations on the new scheme, which when introduced, may open new routes for funding for political parties which were stopped after the apex court struck down electoral bonds as unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first reaction to the scrapping of the poll bond scheme, said those dancing and taking pride will soon regret it. In a recent interview with a Tamil channel - Thanthi TV, PM Modi dismissed the argument that the top courts striking down of the electoral bond scheme as unconstitutional was a setback to his government. The PM stated that no system is perfect and any shortcomings could be improved upon. Tell me, what have we done that I should see it as a setback? I firmly believe that those celebrating over it (bond details) and taking pride in it are going to repent, the Prime Minister said. Advertisement The electoral bonds scheme, which were launched in 2017, allowed individuals and corporate entities to donate money to political parties anonymously through financial instruments. In a significant ruling on February 15 this year, the Supreme Court scrapped the electoral bonds scheme saying that some provisions of the scheme that were signed into law through the Finance Act of 2017 were unconstitutional on account of non-disclosure of information relating to political funding. Underscoring the complexity of political funding, AK Verma, director of the Centre for Study of Society and Politics, said: The possibility of evolving a political funding regime that addresses the transparency requirements without causing embarrassment to parties and donors, through a consensus among parties, cannot be ruled out provided there is effort in that direction. Advertisement This can happen only after the elections. The apex court should have given guidance on an alternative mechanism, Verma said. Experts unanimously pointed out that political parties could come together to frame a transparent funding regime after the elections and also emphasised the importance of guidance from the Supreme Court on alternative mechanisms. The Enforcement Directorates counsel advocate Zoheb Hossain told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that Bansuri Swarajs name was mentioned in the list of lawyers was a mistake read more Did BJPs Delhi candidate Bansuri Swarajs name appear in the EDs list of lawyers handling the AAP leader Sanjay Singhs case? The central probe agency says no, putting to rest the Aam Aadmi Partys speculation that the saffron party is involved in the investigation. On April 2, AAP leader Sanjay Singh got bail in the Delhi Excise Policy case after the ED did not object to it. Delhis Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, after the Supreme Court ordered bail for Singh, said, A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court warned the ED, saying that if you oppose this bail, we will write the decision on it, based on merits, facts and the facts are against you. You have not presented any evidence against Sanjay SinghBJP leader Bansuri Swarajs name is also there in the list of ED lawyers. So it has become clear that ED and BJP are one. Advertisement ED ED pic.twitter.com/742dGrw6bK Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) April 3, 2024 The Enforcement Directorates counsel advocate Zoheb Hossain, according to the Bar & Bench, told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that Bansuri Swarajs name was mentioned in the list of lawyers was a mistake. Bansuri Swaraj, BJPs candidate from New Delhi constituency and the daughter of former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, is a lawyer by profession. During the bail plea hearing, the bench noted that Singh had not been found possessing money, while the allegation of him receiving Rs 2 crore in bribe could be tested in the trial. Nothing has been recovered, there is no trace, the bench told Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the central probe agency. AAP leader Sanjay Singh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 4, 2023, in the money laundering case citing his alleged role in framing and implementing the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. As per the agency, the policy was aimed at benefiting certain liquor manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. The biggest issue is that we are without statehood - we are a UT. I fought in Rajya Sabha when Article 370 was abrogated. I want to fight in Lok Sabha too - for statehood We will demand full statehood where there would be a GovernorMy first battle in Lok Sabha would be for the reinstatement of statehood, said Azad read more Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad, who will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from AnantnagRajouri constituency, on Wednesday said that his first battle in Lok Sabha would be for the reinstatement of statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Azad said, The biggest issue is that we are without statehood - we are a UT. I fought in Rajya Sabha when Article 370 was abrogated. I want to fight in Lok Sabha too - for statehood We will demand full statehood where there would be a GovernorMy first battle in Lok Sabha would be for the reinstatement of statehood. Advertisement #WATCH | Lok Sabha elections 2024 | Srinagar, J&K: On his candidature from AnantnagRajouri constituency, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad says, "Initially, I had no intentions to contest. But all our colleagues - be it from South Kashmir or Pir pic.twitter.com/yNUF3foOX0 ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 He said that initially he had no plans of contesting elections but jumped into the fray after being persuaded by his colleagues. Initially, I had no intentions to contest. But all our colleagues - be it from South Kashmir or Pir Panjal - all of them said that if we have to contest to win, I will have to contest. There is something in my heart - Assembly Elections were held here 10 years backNo one knows what would happen by September, he said. On Tuesday, DPAP announced that former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Azad will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Anantnag -Rajouri constituency. Today the core committee of DPAP met and we have decided that (party president) Ghulam Nabi Azad will contest the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, DPAP leader Taj Mohiuddin told reporters on Tuesday. Advertisement Azad left the Congress in 2022, ending his five-decade-long association with the party, and floated his own political outfit-Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). This will be the first Lok Sabha election for Azad after he lost from Udhampur constituency in 2014 to BJP leader Jitendra Singh. Azad was elected to Lok Sabha twice - in 1980 and 1984 - from the Washim constituency in Maharashtra. He was a member of Rajya Sabha from 1990 till 2006. He became J&K chief minister during the 2006-08 period. He was again elected to the Upper House in 2009 and was its member till February 2021. Azad entering the fray has raised the profile of the newly carved out Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency and a multi-cornered contest is expected. Advertisement The 75-year-old veteran politician will face Mian Altaf Ahmad of the National Conference, who holds considerable influence in the Gujjar and Pahari population on either side of the Pir Panjal Range in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP and the PDP have not named their respective candidates yet, but are expected to do it in due course. The Anantnag constituency, which spreads across the Pir Panjal range to include Rajouri and Poonch areas after delimitation, will go to polls on 7 May in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. With inputs from agencies BBC is damaging Britains image in a multipolar world by pissing off potential allies and coming across as the UKs entitled and sanctimonious attack dog read more (File) A BBC logo is reflected in the viewfinder of a television camera outside the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) headquarters in London. Reuters Let me stop you right there! thundered Irfan Ali, the President of Guyana, at BBC interviewer Stephen Sackur. The Hard Talk host had tried to lecture President Ali on carbon emissions from Guyanas newfound oil reserves worth $150 billion in the next decade or two. Stating that his country does more than enough of forest conservation for which it is not paid or given credit while the developed world enjoyed the fruits of energy since the industrial revolution, he asked the BBC interviewer point blank: Are you in the pockets of those who damaged the environment? Advertisement This interview instantly went viral. From every corner of the world praise poured in for Ali, who embodied the voice of the Global South. But more strident than the support was the sheer anger and disgust towards the BBCs hypocrisy, its chastising coloniser tone, and what seemed to be its advocacy for the globalist elite and invested interests. In a multipolar world, the BBC as also a handful of western media outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Financial Times, or Deutsche Welle has squarely sided with powerful Left-leaning, globalist networks which want to weaken every government unwilling to do their bidding. By its over bias, the BBC violates the first premise of Britains Royal Charter which defines its Public Purposes: To provide impartial news and information to help people understand and engage with the world around them: the BBC should provide duly accurate and impartial news, current affairs and factual programming to build peoples understanding of all parts of the United Kingdom and of the wider world. The BBC has long failed to convince the world that it is spending British taxpayers money to provide impartial news and information. The Conservative Party of the UK has long called out its strong pro-Labour, pro-Left leaning. Tory MP Peter Bruinvels famously called it the Bolshevik Broadcasting Corporation. Then prime minister Margaret Thatcher said: I have fought three elections against the BBC and dont want to fight another against it. Advertisement Indarjit Singh, the chief of Britains Network of Sikh Organisations, said: Stations like BBC Asian Network do little to encourage integration and social cohesion because they allow communities to ghettoise themselves. In October 2019, Singh quit Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4, exposing BBCs misplaced sense of political correctness. The BBC stopped the broadcast of a show commemorating Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, who had been beheaded for opposing forced conversion of Hindus to Islam in India in the 17th century, because it might offend Muslims. Russia banned the BBC in 2022 accusing it of circulating fake news on the war against Ukraine. China has banned the BBC too. The Beeb has been accused of deep-seated bias against Israel in its coverage of the Palestinian conflict. Advertisement In India, the BBCs list of transgressions is long. It has always been seen as pro-Pakistan, a stand consistent with Labours. Recently, the BBC was found guilty of tax evasion. After initially trying to make it seem like vengeance by the Indian government, the BBC admitted that it underreported Rs 40 crore ($4.8 million) of income in its tax returns. It followed a suspiciously timed documentary in the run-up to the 2024 elections called India: The Modi Question. The documentary, through a slew of opinion and innuendo, raked up the 2002 Gujarat riots and tried to implicate then Gujarat CM and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom courts had exonerated a decade ago. Advertisement This is politics at play by people who do not have the courage to come into the political field. They want to have that teflon cover saying that I am an NGO, media organisation etc. They are playing politics, said Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar about the film. Look who the cheerleaders are. What is happening is, just like I told you this drip, drip, drip how do you shape a very extremist image of India, of the government, of the BJP, of the Prime Minister? This has been going on for a decade. Whether it is the anti-CAA protests or farmers agitation, abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir or Ram Mandir pran pratistha, Leicester riots or the hijab-in-schools controversy, the BBC has consistently taken anti-India, anti-Hindu positions. Advertisement All this begs the question: is the BBC doing the once-Great Britain a great disservice? The answer is pretty clear. The BBC undermines the UKs economy, security, law and order, and demographic destiny by consistently taking a Left-tainted, pro-immigrant stance. It pussyfoots on Islamic radicalisation and terror. But more importantly, it is damaging Britains image in a multipolar world by pissing off potential allies and coming across as the UKs entitled and sanctimonious attack dog. The BBC cannot claim to be independent of Britain nor can Britain shake off the BBC baggage in foreign relations, especially when there is no wall of solid, impartial journalism to separate the two. The author is contributing editor, Firstpost. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) just declared a record revenue of Rs29,810 crore for FY 2023-24. This amounts to 11 per cent growth in revenues compared to 9 per cent during the previous financial year. HAL also received fresh manufacturing contracts of over Rs19,000 crore and repair and overhaul contracts worth Rs16,000. This is an outstanding performance considering the major supply chain challenges throughout the year due to the global political situation. Meanwhile, Indias defence exports cross the Rs21,000-crore mark for the first time. Advertisement Also, the series production variant of LCA Tejas Mk 1A, tail number LA5033, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Group Captain (retd) KK Venugopal, made its first flight on 28 March and is getting all set for handover to Indian Air Force (IAF) later in April. Meanwhile, India just delivered two HAL-built Dorniers to Guyana and began a new partnership. HAL has clearly come a long way since it was first established as an aircraft factory by the visionary patriot and pioneering industrialist Seth Walchand Hirachand Doshi in 1940. Initial years of Hindustan Aircraft Hindustan Aircraft was started in Bangalore in the Mysore state with the active support of its Diwan, Mirza Ismail in December 1940. The Kingdom of Mysore was a venture partner. There were also others who invested their money. As early as 1942 Hindustan Aircraft was licensed producing Harlow PC-5, Curtiss P-36 Hawk and Vultee A-31 Vengeance for the IAF. By April 1941, the Indian government acquired one-third of ownership and by April 1942, it nationalised the company by compensating shareholders adequately. Nationalising was prompted by the World War II. In 1957, the company started manufacturing Bristol Siddeley Orpheus jet engines under licence at the new factory located in Bangalore. The IAF Aircraft Manufacturing Depot in Kanpur, which was manufacturing HS748 under license at that time, along with the newly established group tasked with MiG-21 production under license and its planned factories in Koraput, Nasik, and Hyderabad, were amalgamated to establish HAL as a DPSU. Hindustan Aircraft was renamed as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd later on 1 October, 1964. The HAL HF-24 Marut fighter bomber was the first indigenous fighter aircraft made in India. It had a world-class airframe design, but could not fully succeed because it lacked a matching powerful engine. Yet 141 were built and saw significant service in the IAF including during the 1971 war. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd today HAL is today a major aerospace and defence PSU with headquarters in Bengaluru. HAL currently has 11 dedicated Research and development (R&D) centres and 21 manufacturing divisions under 4 production units spread across India. HAL is managed by a board of directors and works under the direction of Indias Ministry of Defence. They are involved in designing and manufacturing fighter jets, helicopters, jet engines and marine gas turbine engines, avionics, software development, spares supply, overhauling and upgrading of Indian military aircraft. Advertisement Operating revenues and financial status The company has nearly 24,500 employees. Its provisional and unaudited revenue from operations exceeding Rs 29,810 crore ($3.75 billion) for the financial year 2023-24 and registered a double-digit growth of around 11 per cent. Operating income has increased to Rs6,509.50 crore ($820 million). The net income has increased to Rs5,827.73 crore ($730 million). HALs total assets are now worth Rs67,203.80 crore ($8.4 billion). Of HALs total equity of Rs23,575.89 crore ($3.0 billion), 71.65 per cent is held by the Government of India. HALs shares currently trades at Rs3,548 and it saw an increase of nearly 150 per cent last year. Advertisement As of 31 March, 2024, the company order book stands more than Rs94,000 crore. HAL expects many more orders in FY 2024-25, announced HAL chairman CB Ananthakrishnan. The company has maintained the growth momentum and has achieved an improved performance. More than 40 per cent of HALs revenues come from international deals to manufacture aircraft engines, spare parts, and other aircraft materials. LCA Tejas orders IAF had initially ordered 40 LCA Mk-1, out of which 32 fighters were delivered and two squadrons of these are already flying and operational. Eight Mk-1 two-seaters are in the process of being delivered. IAF ordered 83 LCA Mk-1A jets (including 10 two-seat) for Rs48,000 crore in February 2021. IAF has already announced intentions to buy 97 more Mk-1As at a cost of around Rs67,000 crore. The first aircraft was to be delivered to IAF by 31 March but some key certifications will be completed in a month. Advertisement In October 2023, HAL handed over the first LCA Mk-1 two-seat variant to the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in Bangalore. With eight LCA Mk1 two-seat aircraft and nearly 10 ordered for Mk-1A variants, the twin-seat aircraft are set to fill a key operational and training role in the IAF. LCA Mk-1A is expected to give a significant operational boost to the IAF. Meanwhile, based on projected performance, IAF has already indicated the initial requirement of nearly 200 LCA Mk-2. This figure is bound to increase when the aircraft begins to fly. Last year, HAL and US engine maker General Electric signed a MoU for transfer and technology (ToT) and manufacturing of GE-414 aero-engines in India for Tejas Mk-2 aircraft. A total of 80 per cent ToT has reportedly been agreed upon, and if it does take place, it should significantly transform the aero-engine manufacturing ecosystem, and promote a level of self-reliance. Meanwhile, HAL keeps looking for opportunities to collaborate and develop newer technologies through joint ventures and alliances with friendly global and Indian technology partners. Advertisement Helicopters For long HAL made the Alouette and Lama helicopter variants under license. The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv has been a great success story for HAL. After the first flight in 1992, the helicopter was inducted into the Indian armed forces in 2002. To date, over 400 have been built, including a few exported to foreign customers. The armed variant Rudra, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) have been ordered in significant numbers. The ALH variants are also being operated by many civil operators. HAL is now developing the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), a medium-lift helicopter to replace the Mi-8/17 helicopters. The first flight is targeted in 202526. HAL also formed a joint venture, the SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd with French firm Safran Helicopter Engines for indigenous design and development of chopper engines. Trainer aircraft HAL had successfully built in the past trainer aircraft like the HT-2, HPT-32 and Kiran. For now, 106 of the under-production HTT-40 Basic training aircraft, have been ordered by the IAF. They look promising. But the HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate jet trainer has still to see the desired success and this reflects poorly on our capabilities. Other domestic aerospace tasks HAL built the Folland Gnat, the Ajeet, the MiG-21s, Jaguars and MiG-27 aircraft, HS-748, among others. HAL built nearly 220 Sukhoi Su-30MKI. They will now be involved in its upgrade. It also be carrying out the overhauls. HAL upgraded the SEPECAT Jaguar fleet and the MiG-29s. It licensed production of 82 BAE Hawk 132. HAL built over 125 Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian armed forces and some foreign customers. HAL will be the production partner for DRDOs Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). HAL supplies ISRO, the integrated L-40 stages for GSLV Mk II, propellant tanks and feed lines of PSLV, GSLV MKII and GSLV MKIII launch vehicles and structures of various satellites. HALs international major orders HAL has also obtained several multimillion-dollar contracts from leading international aerospace firms such as Airbus, Boeing and Honeywell to manufacture aircraft spare parts and engines. It will manufacture Dornier 228 for RUAG of Switzerland. Export composite materials to Israel Aerospace Industries. Produce Honeywell TPE331 engines. HAL got a contract to supply avionics for the Malaysian Su-30MKM. A contract to supply the ambulance version of HAL Dhruv to Peru and a few HAL Dhruv helicopters for Turkey and Mauritius. HAL has an unmanned helicopter development project with Israel Aerospace Industries. HAL will supply steel and nickel alloy forgings to GE Aviation for its global military and commercial engine programmes. Way ahead: Need to do much more HAL, the flagship aircraft builder of the country must succeed so that, it can meet the aircraft requirements of the fourth largest armed forces in the world and the huge demand from the civil sector. HAL is currently ranked 42nd globally among defence manufacturers. India must one day get to within the first ten. China already has two companies there. HAL has been a great license manufacturing company but has not invested sufficiently in original design and building intellectual property. Also often there are production quality issues. It must also come out of the socialistic structure and culture and imbibe realistic corporate methods for hiring and firing the workforce. There is a need to get result-oriented well-paid CEOs. HAL must start competing more beyond the assured Indian armed forces orders. India still has a long way to go on indigenous transport aircraft, airliners, and large unmanned aerial vehicles. As the future is unmanned, HALs manned unmanned teaming programme called Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) needs to be hastened. India has license-produced and overhauled a large variety of aero engines but has failed to design and produce an aero engine of its own. The aero-engine development requires a task-force-like approach. It is most important if India has to become a global player. Meanwhile, given the Make in India policy and to increase the share of defence exports to achieve the target of $5 billion by 2025, HAL is planning to set up logistic bases in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam with a priority target for Southeast Asia, West Asia and North African markets. It would not only help to promote HAL products but also act as a service centre for Soviet/Russian-origin equipment. There is a need to understand the difference between Make in India and self-reliance. The goal is self-reliance and there are challenges to overcome. One cannot develop everything. Products to work on have to be identified and prioritised. This has to be done keeping risk and return on investment (RoI) in mind. This requires market understanding. There will be large capital requirements and the regulatory framework needs to be put in place. There is a need to prepare for a long gestation period. Skilled manpower will be required. There is an urgent requirement for a publicly articulated National Security Strategy (NSS). From the NSS must flow the National Defence Strategy (NDS), National Defence Science & Technology Strategy (NDSTS) and National Defence Industrial Strategy (NDIS). This is essential to ensure a whole of government approach to issues. Procurement processes must be fine-tuned to ensure that there is value created for shareholders of private industry. A non-lapsable national defence fund would enhance the confidence of the private sector in government intentions. This fund must also be used to fund R&D which may be projects spanning multiple years. Collaborative partnerships between DRDO, DPSUs and Indian private companies and between Indian companies and global aerospace majors must be encouraged. There is a significant push for sharing public infrastructure, especially testing infrastructure, with private companies. This needs to be expanded. There is a need to expand the market beyond the armed forces to paramilitary, civilian areas and of course, for export. Private industry must be continually educated, encouraged and supported to understand, accept and adapt to the distinctly different nature of innovation, research, development, manufacturing, maintenance and sustainment of military products. India has done it. It can do it. It has to be a whole-nation approach. The time to get going is now, lest we get left behind. The writer is Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. As Iran celebrated its 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic two things have not abated one is the spate of Western sanctions on Iran and the second is the mutually assured destruction syndrome with Israel. Low-intensity, clandestine attacks on strategic assets and grey zone warfare have continued apace by both sides. But rhetoric is no longer being expressed in words alone. The threat of increasing wider conflagration in the region is becoming real. Hitherto Iran has been well ensconced with plausible deniability for the actions of its major strategic offshoots or network partners in Houthis (Yemen); Hamas (Gaza) and Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria among others. This asymmetric strategic advantage has enabled Tehran to exercise and enhance its influence in the Middle East and beyond while becoming an indispensable and powerful Joker in the Middle East pack as Andrey Kortunov alluded to. Advertisement In the wake of the 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas and the killing of nearly 1,200 civilians with over 250 hostages, the Israeli response to destroy Hamas for good has met with limited success. But the disproportionate response and continued bombings have only resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian civilian casualties, huge injuries and excessive civilian strife due to the prevention of humanitarian assistance from going into Gaza which has brought the international community and institutions patience to the brink. Most countries faced large-scale demonstrations against the continuing plight of Palestinians and the reportage from the ground by various agencies which impacted their assessments. Finally, a moribund UNSC passed a resolution UNSCR 2728 (25 March) calling for immediate ceasefire, release of remaining hostages and uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid and assistance. As expected, it was denounced by an ever-so-intransigent and domestically discredited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US after much indignation and public outcry abstained on the resolution for the first time to let it pass. However, to keep the carrot dangling, some of their interpreters called it a non-binding resolution yet again trying to row in two boats. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken explained that their vote reaffirms the US position that a ceasefire of any duration come as part of an agreement to release hostages in Gaza. But an enraged Bibi even cancelled a visit of his two ministers to Washington for discussion on his final assault against Hamas at the Rafah crossing, where nearly 1.5 million displaced Palestinians are said to be holed up. During this war and even before, while many Arab countries were considering normalising ties with Israel in the Abraham Accords format the Iranians and Turkey became more sanguine for the Palestinian cause. Iranians fully supported the Hamas ideology and strategy as it corresponded with their thinking and resolve about the Zionist state and its iron-clad benefactor the Americans. No doubt the war this time has lasted this long as both sides are engaged with their heart and soul into it. It seems to be a now or never fight. However pragmatic and sanction embattled Iranians did not want to get directly involved in the Hamas war. Intermittent responses and minor escalations continued by all sides. The defeat of Hamas is not a strategic defeat for Iran but their continuation of war and survival of Hamas is already a strategic defeat for Israel. Of course, Prime Minister Netanyahus predicament and threat to his political survival are very well known and understood which have tended to adversely impact the Israeli interests and credibility beyond borders as he faces continued demonstrations at home. Given the international pressure in Gaza whether the opening of another front in Lebanon or Syria is a good strategy only time will tell. Advertisement Global strategy to deal with the ongoing Israel-Hamas was wrongly based on the fear factor. The fear of this war going beyond the localised narrow Gaza terrain dictated all efforts and concerns by most players to somehow prevail upon and contain the fallout and expansion into a wider regional conflict which would be disastrous by all counts for the region and the world. However, no one was looking at the germane issue due to their own strategic and convenient interests which is the underlying and unresolved Palestinian cause which has come in prominence once again both at the Arab street and the global slate. Palestinians want a vote at the UNSC to recognise them as a full state and member of the UN. But West Asia is a tinder box and even a small light could flare up including an accidental rub. We have probably reached that point. Advertisement On 2 April 2024, alleged Israeli precision missile strikes took out the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus killing General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Tehran believed he was the target of the attack. Several others were killed too. The Iranian Ambassador escaped but said that the response would be harsh. Israelis as usual refused to comment and so did the Americans stating that they could not divulge if the US was informed of this operation. However, they have advised the Iranians not to escalate by retaliation at this time. Meanwhile, Israel has continued to take down Iran-backed Hezbollah assets in Lebanon and Syria keeping the conflict to sub-optimal levels. Claiming that it had averted the transfer of advanced weapons to the West Bank and Hamas, Israel, last week, carried out its deadliest strikes in months on northern Syrias Aleppo province and killed a senior Hezbollah fighter in Lebanon. It has also regularly struck the airports in Aleppo and Damascus to derail Irans weapons transfers to its proxies. Hezbollah from all accounts is said to be the strongest of the three Hs even as the Houthis have been able to disrupt global shipping through attacks on commercial shipping especially aligned to US and Israel, imposing heavy costs on the global maritime trade, purportedly in support of Hamas and Palestinian cause. Advertisement IS-KP has also become rejuvenated and carried out lethal attacks against Iranian and Russian targets recently killing hundreds of people. Could this attack be passed as yet another one is an open question? If that indeed is the case then a major escalation could be averted. While the Russians have called for a UNSC meeting on the alleged Israeli strikes on the Iranian mission in Damascus, the Iranian response and its quantum and timing will remain a major cause of concern. Like that of the killing of General Qassem Soleimani in Iraq some kind of below-threshold attacks by Iranian proxies against US bases were witnessed. So far observers believe that Tehran was keeping the Hezbollah out of orbit but whether they would try to fully activate all fronts remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that Iran reserves the right to retaliate and will determine the nature of its response to the aggression. If indeed the war escalates regional and global mayhem and devastation will follow, which for the current fractured global order would be difficult to contain. Defiance of international laws has become a norm even by smaller and middle powers which has further emboldened the non-state actors in the bargain. In a scenario like this one can only hope for sanity to prevail before it is too late. Advertisement The writer is a former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is a Distinguished Fellow with leading think tank Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Just days after failing to make payroll, Byjus has now laid off about 500 people, without notice. Most of the staff were from its Tuition Centre division read more Byju's Byju Raveendran faces an uphill task as he tries to steer the ailing edtech company back on course. Image: AFP Byjus troubles dont seem to be ending any time soon. Just days after the troubled edtech company was facing issues in paying salaries to its employees as it was unable to make payroll for a shortage of funds, reports are now coming in that the company has reportedly laid off approximately 500 employees, primarily in sales and marketing roles from across divisions. These layoffs, again, come amid challenges in securing capital for its day-to-day operations, according to a report by the Economic Times, who were quoting sources familiar with the matter. Advertisement Furthermore, the company is laying off employees over the phone and letting them go without notice, Moneycontrol.com reported, quoting sources. About 240 of the laid-off employees were part of Byjus Tuition Centre operations, while the remaining were employed across its broader business divisions focusing on K-10 education and examination preparation. Sources on the inside revealed that layoffs stem from financial constraints and were conducted after identifying underperforming staff members over an eight-week period. However, as opposed to the standard practice, the affected employees were neither put through a performance improvement plan nor given any notice. A spokesperson for the company also revealed that they were in the final stages of a business restructuring exercise to simplify operating structures, reduce the cost base, and improve cash flow management. Reports surfaced in September last year that the Bengaluru-based firm intended to reduce its headcount by a third, or approximately 4,000-4,500 employees, to further streamline costs. The layoffs come just a day after a memo was sent to employees on Monday informing them of delayed salaries due to actions taken by conflicting investors, which have limited the use of funds through a rights issue. Employees have been internally assured that all salary arrears, including a significant portion of Februarys pay and the full March payout, will be resolved by April 8. Advertisement Recently, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Bengaluru declined to halt Byjus extraordinary general meeting (EGM) scheduled for March 29 to increase its authorized share capital to accommodate a $200-million rights issue. The rights issue is being offered at a 99 per cent discount to the companys peak valuation of $22 billion. Investors not participating in this funding will face dilution of their shareholding post-completion of the rights issue. The statement provided by Byjus spokesperson on Tuesday expressed optimism that the company would overcome the unfortunate layoff situation with majority investor support for the $200-million rights issue. (With inputs from agencies) The Chinese attack that rocked Microsoft last summer could have been easily prevented, if the company had taken cybersecurity seriously, said the US Cyber Safety Review Board, in a scathing report read more A prominent government advisory board issued a severe critique on Tuesday evening, stating that a Chinese espionage attempt targeting Microsoft last summer could have been prevented and should never have happened. The US Cyber Safety Review Board, operating within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has been probing the breach at Microsoft since early August, as per a report by Axios. Hackers backed by China were detected in Microsofts cloud networks in July, and were able to access emails of about 25 government organizations and officials, including those of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and several State officials. Advertisement This incident raised significant concerns across Washington, given Microsofts position as the primary cloud provider for the US government. According to the report, the breach in July occurred due to avoidable errors and Microsofts failure to detect the compromise of crucial security measures. The board spent seven months investigating and discussing with other cloud service providers to pinpoint where Microsoft went wrong. The report highlights Microsofts recent decisions that led to a deprioritization of enterprise security investments and rigorous risk management. Despite the severity of the situation, three board members abstained from the investigation due to financial or employment conflicts. Meanwhile, officials warned that the Chinese government team responsible for the breach might target other high-value US companies in the future. The reports release has reignited concerns among Microsofts competitors and critics who argue that the companys dominance in providing cloud services and enterprise software poses national security risks. Some experts advocate for the freedom to choose the best technologies for specific needs, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in the government and enterprise sectors. In response to the critique, Microsoft has already begun internal changes in its cybersecurity culture, such as expanding access to security logs and overhauling its security strategy. The company appreciates the investigations efforts and is reviewing the final report for additional security enhancements. Going forward, CISA plans to establish a baseline of strong security practices for cloud service providers, with the intention of ensuring transparency and continuous improvement in cybersecurity measures. (With inputs from agencies) In a rather bizarre and puzzling incident, scammers were able to cheat a Thane-based man out of Rs 50,000, even though he did not share his OTP. The man was trying to pay the fine of a traffic challan which he thought was genuine read more Scammers in India have become so prolific that it is really difficult to keep track on the various modus operandi that they operate on. The best way to stay safe is usually to use ones common sense and not share any banking or personal details with people whom you dont know. However, a new kind of scam has surfaced, using which scammers can steal your hard-earned money, even if you dont share your OTP. Advertisement In a rather bizarre and puzzling incident, a 41-year-old man, one M.R. Bhosale from Thane has filed a complaint with the police after his father was duped by an elaborate online scam. Bhosales father, an auto-rickshaw driver in Ghatkopar, received a text message claiming to be from the Panvel Traffic Police, alleging a traffic violation and instructing him to settle the fine through an app called Vahan Parivahan. Believing the message to be genuine, Bhosales father attempted to download the app but encountered difficulties. Seeking help, he forwarded the message to his son, who then installed the app on his own device. However, what seemed like a routine verification process soon turned into a nightmare as Bhosales bank account was swiftly emptied of a significant sum, as reported by The Free Press Journal. After installing the app, Bhosale began receiving numerous OTPs on his phone, indicating potential fraudulent activity. He acted swiftly and removed the app from his device. Despite his efforts, unauthorized transactions totalling Rs 50,000 had already been made from his account. Upon realizing they had had fallen for a rather sophisticated scam, Bhosale reported the incident to the authorities and filed a formal complaint. He provided all the details he had regarding the fraudulent mobile number, the deceitful link, and the unauthorized transactions. Responding to the complaint, the police have launched an investigation, invoking sections 66C (identity theft) and 66D (cheating by personation using a computer resource) of the Information Technology Act. Efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds. Advertisement To safeguard against such scams, users are urged to exercise caution when dealing with unknown messages or downloading unfamiliar apps. Blindly trusting such messages can lead to financial losses. Its crucial to verify the authenticity of communications from supposed official sources and refrain from sharing personal or financial information without thorough verification. Always confirm the legitimacy of traffic violation notices or other messages through official channels to avoid falling prey to scams. (With input from agencies) Relying too much on Taiwan for semiconductor manufacturing has raised major concerns for industry leaders and government officials for years now. As a result, several government officials have been urging chipmaking companies to expand and diversify their production lines out of Taiwan read more Taiwan accounts for about 80-90 per cent of all silicon chips that power the world's smartphones and AI-computers. Image Credit: Reuters Mobiles phones, PCs and practically all other electronic devices are likely to get more expensive for the next few months because of the massive, 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Taiwan earlier today. In the wake of the largest earthquake to strike Taiwan in a quarter-century, both Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and its competitor, United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC), have evacuated massive sections of their factories, creating uncertainty around chip production at the worlds leading manufacturer of advanced chips. Advertisement TSMC, which serves as the primary contract chipmaker for tech giants like Apple and NVIDIA were forced to relocate their staff from specific areas. The chipmaker has stated that it is evaluating the impact of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake off the islands east coast. Similarly, UMC ceased operations at certain plants and evacuated facilities in its Hsinchu and Tainan hubs. Taiwanese firms, including TSMC and ASE Technology Holding Co., dominate the global semiconductor market, supplying chips for various devices from iPhones to automobiles. It is estimated that about 80-90% of all silicon chips that power smartphones and AI-running supercomputers, come out of Taiwan, either in the form of finished SoCs, or silicon wafers. Geographically, Taiwan is located near a major fault line, were two tectonic plates meet. This makes it prone to frequent and sometimes extremely violent earthquakes. Because Taiwan is prone to earthquakes, and Taiwanese factories are susceptible to minor seismic activity regularly, a single major tremor is capable of ruining entire batches of precision-made semiconductors. TSMCs safety systems are functioning normally. As per company protocol, certain fabs were evacuated to ensure personnel safety, stated the company in a press release. We are currently in the process of assessing the extent of the impact. Relying too much on Taiwan for semiconductor manufacturing has raised major concerns for industry leaders and government officials for years now. Advertisement The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated a global shortage of semiconductors and highlighted the faultlines that exist in the global supply chains when it comes to silicon chips. Not only did industries across the world face a major chip shortage, the chips that were available were being sold at 3-4x the official price. NVIDIAs GPUs for example, used in gaming and video editing PCs, crypto mining, and now AI applications were being bought by scalpers looking to make a quick buck and were resold for anywhere between 50 per cent and 250 per cent premium. In response to these concerns, government officials all over the world have been urging Taiwanese companies, including TSMC, to diversify their manufacturing locations geographically, mindful of the potential threats to Taiwans stability. Apart from being prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, Taiwan has also been forced to deal with an erratic and problematic China. An Israeli airstrike killed Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the top commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), in Syrias Damascus along with six other top IRGC officers read more An Iranian flag hangs as smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus on Monday. Source: Reuters Iran has vowed revenge for the killing of a top general and senior military and intelligence officers in an Israeli airstrike in the Syrian capital Damascus, but its promise to carry out a counteroffensive might be harder than it looks. The evil Zionist regime will be punished at the hands of our brave men. We will make them regret this crime and the other ones, said Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, on Tuesday. Advertisement An Israeli airstrike killed Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the top commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), in Damascus along with six other top IRGC officers, said IRGC in a statement on Tuesday. The Iranian government further said that the strike was conducted on a building which was part of the Israeli embassy complex. Iran has risky options on the table The Iranian leadership faces the dilemma of striking a balance between the vow to avenge the most high-profile targeting killing of an Iranian official in recent years and the need to avoid an outright war with Israel and its Western partners like the United States. For years, Israel and Iran have been engaged in a shadow war where the two have hit at each-others interests abroad but have stayed out of a direct war. While Iran has financed and armed regional groups like Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel and has allegedly carried out attacks on Israeli missions abroad, Israel has targeted Iranian scientists and officials and has also struck the Iranian nuclear programme. A direct attack on Israel is unlikely as it would invite a reciprocal attack on Iran and would likely drag the two countries in war along the United States on the side of Israel. Here are the options on the table for Iran to respond to the Israeli killing of General Zahedi, who is the senior-most Iranian officer to be killed since the US assassination of Qasem Soleimani in 2020, who was the then-chief of the Quds Force, the military and intelligence wing of IRGC looks after its covert foreign operations. Advertisement 1. Attack on US interests Iran has held the United States responsible for the Israeli strike in the Syrian capital Damascus. As a response, it is expected that Iran may target US interests in the region. These targets may be US troops and bases in the region. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War on October 7, 2023, Iranian proxies have repeatedly hit the US troops and bases in the region. This may not be the best option as it would leave Israel unpunished and carry the risk of getting into a direct escalatory spiral with the United States that may lead to an Iran-US War, note Helen Regan, Hamdi Alkhshali, and Tamara Qiblawi in an article for CNN. Advertisement Separately, US officials were quoted as saying by Reuters that they have not picked up intelligence so far that Iranian proxies were looking to attack US personnel in the region following the strike in Damascus. 2. Irans proxies pitched against Israel Iran has a network of proxies in the region, dubbed the Axis of Resistance, opposed to Israel. The groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) comprise this network. Iran may activate this network to attack Israel. Such groups have, however, already been engaged with Israel anyway since October 7. While Hamas is already fighting the war in Gaza, Lebanon-based Hezbollah too has been battling Israel and the country has been preparing for a potential full-fledged war with the group for months. It has vacated 40 communities along the Lebanese border amid border skirmishes and cross-border strikes. Advertisement Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House, told CNN that Iran is likely to use its proxies in the region along with diplomatic efforts to isolate Israel, but it is not likely to escalate significantly. 3. Attacks on Israeli interests abroad Just like Israel struck Iranian interests in Syria, Iran may also attack Israeli interests abroad. These interests may include Israeli diplomatic missions or places associated with the Jewish people. There is a long history of such attacks. In 1992, a bombing at the Israeli embassy in Argentina killed 29, which Israel blamed on Hezbollah. Then, in 1992, Israeli diplomats were targeted in India, Georgia, and Thailand, which Israel blamed on Iran. Advertisement 4. Ramping up nuclear programme Iran may opt for ramping up its nuclear programme and move closer towards the development of a nuclear weapon, but this carries the risk of attracting Israeli or US strikes on its nuclear facilities. In 1981, Israel bombed a nuclear reactor in Iraq. Then, over the years, Israel and the United States have mounted cyberattacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. The most notable was the 2010 Stuxnet attack. Iran is understood to be quite close to the development of a nuclear bomb. Last year, General Mark Milley, the then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that Iran could develop a nuclear weapon within months upon taking the final decision to do so. 5. No military action against Israel Experts have also said that Iran may not act militarily against Israel at all and may keep working towards isolating Israel internationally, which is increasingly facing criticism over the human toll of the war in Gaza. Sanam Vakil of Chatham House told CNN that Iran is unlikely to directly respond militarily but it is likely to build on this momentum of international condemnation for the war in Gaza", stoke up international fears of a broader and regional war, and isolate Israel further. The deteriorating security situation in Haiti, marked by widespread violence and a lack of effective governance, has emboldened armed groups to assert control over significant portions of Port-au-Prince and rural areas read more A police vehicle monitors the area near the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 2, 2024. AFP Haitis National Library in the capital Port-au-Prince fell victim to armed gangs on Wednesday, exacerbating the turmoil gripping the Caribbean nation. Dangelo Neard, the librarys director, expressed grave concern over the loot, highlighting the threat to Haitis rich history. Reports indicate that armed groups raided the institution, plundering furniture and vandalising vital infrastructure like generators. Neard lamented the imminent danger faced by the librarys irreplaceable documentary collections, including rare documents dating back over two centuries, crucial to Haitis heritage. Advertisement The deteriorating security situation in Haiti, marked by widespread violence and a lack of effective governance, has emboldened armed groups to assert control over significant portions of Port-au-Prince and rural areas. Despite pledges to establish transitional authorities, the country remains mired in political paralysis, further fueling the chaos. The assault on the National Library follows a similar attack on the National School of Arts, underscoring the escalating lawlessness gripping Haiti. In response, the beleaguered national police have vowed to restore order and peace, though challenges persist in quelling the violence. Haitis descent into turmoil intensified in February, as criminal gangs launched coordinated attacks on key infrastructure and security installations, exacerbating the nations already precarious situation. Amid the ongoing crisis, Haiti braces for uncertain times ahead, with hopes pinned on the establishment of a new transitional government to navigate the turbulent waters. They are seeking to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has been in power since the assassination of president Jovenel Moise in 2021. The country has no sitting parliament, with its last election in 2016. The country has also been wracked for decades by poverty, natural disasters, political instability and gang violence, with Moises assassination setting off months of spiraling insecurity even before Februarys clashes. Advertisement Unelected and unpopular, Henry announced March 11 he would step down as part of an internationally brokered plan to make way for a so-called transitional council. But weeks later the council has yet to be officially formed and installed amid disagreement among the political parties and other stakeholders due to name the next prime minister and because of doubts over the very legality of such a council. The problem with time is that we spent two and a half years with Ariel Henry who did nothing, and now in two weeks we want to do a lot of things, council member Leslie Voltaire told AFP. Advertisement He also blamed regional body CARICOM for rushing the formation of the council, though he said it would be stood up by Thursday and elect a prime minister within a week. With inputs from AFP Describing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war as one of the worst conflicts in recent history, US President Joe Biden issued some of his strongest criticism of Israel since the start of the war read more Emphasising that Israel is not doing enough when it comes to providing protection to the aid workers, US President Joe Biden said that he was outraged and heartbroken by the killing of the seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers. Describing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war as one of the worst conflicts in recent history, the US President issued some of his strongest criticism of Israel since the start of the war which was prompted by the October 7 massacre by the Hamas terrorists in Southern Israel. Advertisement The POTUS also mentioned that incidents like these are the major reason why distributing humanitarian aid to Gaza has been so complicated. I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza, the US President said in a statement. Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult, he added. I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen. Here is my full statement. pic.twitter.com/Nl2jq8wqTt President Biden (@POTUS) April 3, 2024 The devastating strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy killed the citizens of Australia, Britain and Poland as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the US and Canada. Bidens statement came hours after the Israel Defence Force clarified that the strike was not carried out with the intention to harm the aid workers, operating in the conflict-stricken region. Advertisement It is pertinent to note that more than 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war. US VP echoes similar sentiments Meanwhile, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris described the attack as a devastating tragedy. She also called for a swift investigation into the matter and urged the parties to ensure that something like this does not happen again. The death of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza, including one American, is a devastating tragedy. The investigation must be swift, and steps must be taken to ensure this does not happen again, Harris wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. Advertisement The death of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza, including one American, is a devastating tragedy. The investigation must be swift, and steps must be taken to ensure this does not happen again. Israel must do more to protect aid workers who are Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 3, 2024 Israel must do more to protect aid workers who are bravely and selflessly working to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure food, water, and medicine get to innocent people in need, she furthered. In the aftermath of the drone attack, several charities including the World Central Kitchen announced that they are halting its operation in Gaza. Many fear that the suspension could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe in the region. Seven employees of the US-based food nonprofit World Central Kitchen were murdered on Monday by an Israeli bombing; UN Secretary Antonio Guterres called the incident unconscionable and an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted read more Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip. AP As Israel faced a chorus of indignation over the murders of six international humanitarian workers murdered in a Gaza strike, the remains of the workers were due to be taken out of the war-torn Palestinian enclave via Egypt on Wednesday. Seven employees of the US-based food nonprofit World Central Kitchen were murdered on Monday by an Israeli bombing; UN Secretary Antonio Guterres called the incident unconscionable and an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted. Advertisement Rafah border with Egypt was to be used to remove the bodies of the six international employees who were slain together with a Palestinian coworker from Gaza, according to Marwan Al-Hams, head of the citys Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital. Israels armed forces chief Herzi Halevi called the attack a grave mistake, which he blamed on nightime misidentification, adding in a video message that we are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier pledged the tragic case would be investigated right to the end. The seven deaths piled more pressure on Israel, whose war since the Hamas attack of October 7 has brought devastation and mass civilian casualties to Gaza, where the UN warns the population of 2.4 million is on the brink of famine. US President Joe Biden charged that Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians and called for a swift investigation into what he said was not a stand-alone incident. Anger and concern Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had voiced his anger and concern in a phone call with Netanyahu, while Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador and demanded full accountability. Advertisement Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X to Netanyahu and Israels ambassador, saying the tragic attack against volunteers and your reaction are generating an understandable anger. The charity said it was mourning the loss of its seven heroes and beautiful souls. It said they had been killed in a targeted attack that was launched despite the group having coordinated its movements with the Israeli forces. It named those killed as Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25; Australian Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43; Brits John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47; Pole Damian Sobol, 35; and US-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33. Advertisement After their deaths, the charity suspended operations and a ship that had carried food aid from Cyprus to Gaza turned back to the Mediterranean island with around 240 tonnes of supplies that had not been unloaded. Mass protests The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted with Hamass October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israels retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,916 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. Overnight, Israeli strikes killed at least 60 more people, the ministry said. The army said its forces had killed and apprehended a number of terrorists in combat and an air strike, in fighting near the Al-Amal Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis, where they had also located numerous weapons. Advertisement Palestinian militants on October 7 also seized around 250 hostages. Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead. The families of the captives have staged four consecutive nights of mass protests, joined by a resurgent anti-government movement. Thousands gathered in front of parliament Tuesday, with former prime minister Ehud Barak blaming Netanyahu for the October 7 disaster and demanding new elections. The Palestinians, meanwhile, have revived their application to become a full member state in the United Nations. In a letter to Guterres that was seen by AFP, Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour requested upon instructions of the Palestinian leadership that an application dating back to 2011 be reconsidered this month by the Security Council. Under the adjusted plan, subsidies for new establishments have been significantly increased, with each new bed for elderly care and each new slot in universal childcare service venues eligible for grants of 50,000 yuan and 20,000 yuan respectively read more China has unveiled a strategy to address the challenges posed by its rapidly ageing population and declining birth rate. In response to these pressing issues, exacerbated by a sinking birth rate, Beijing has disclosed plans to expand its community-based elderly care networks and childcare centers. The revised implementation plan, covering care services for both young and old, aims to enhance resource networks in rural areas. Released jointly by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the National Health Commission, the updated plan includes increased subsidies for new establishments in elderly care and childcare. Advertisement Under the adjusted plan, subsidies for new establishments have been significantly increased, with each new bed for elderly care and each new slot in universal childcare service venues eligible for grants of 50,000 yuan and 20,000 yuan respectively. This marks a notable increase from the previous rates of 20,000 yuan and 10,000 yuan per new slot. Chinas demographic challenges, including an ageing population and declining birth rate, have raised concerns about a shrinking labour force, strained social welfare systems, and rising healthcare expenses. These demographic trends have implications for economic growth, compounded by other challenges such as property market downturns, local government debt, and the need to adjust Chinas growth model. Official data indicates that China had 216.76 million people aged over 65 in 2023, with projections suggesting that by 2035, people over 60 will account for 32.7% of the population. The proportion of those aged 65 and above is also expected to rise significantly. To address these challenges, China aims to improve infrastructure conditions for elderly care and childcare services, encouraging the provision of inclusive services and strengthening the three-tiered elder care network. The focus has shifted towards elderly care, with initiatives such as home-based community care networks tailored to meet the needs of the elderly, including disability care and medical assistance. Advertisement While the original plan included provisions for child-friendly cities, the new version emphasizes elderly care, reflecting the changing demographics and the need to adapt to evolving societal needs. The plan also highlights support for public healthcare institutions to establish or expand facilities for integrated medical and elderly care services in areas with surplus medical resources. This development doesnt augur well for India. The already frazzled China-India ties deteriorated further recently after Beijing renamed several territories inside India on its map, inviting strong reactions from the Indian side read more According to The Daily Star, Hasina told Yao Wen, Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka, "I want China to help Bangladesh for further economic development of the region." Wen had called on her at the Gono Bhaban. File Photo. Reuters With India-China tensions soaring in the aftermath of Beijing renaming several territories in Arunachal Pradesh on its map, neighbouring Bangladesh has called for Chinese help in developing the relatively underdeveloped southern part of the country. According to reports in local media, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday sought Chinese cooperation in the matter. According to The Daily Star, Hasina told Yao Wen, Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka, I want China to help Bangladesh for further economic development of the region. Wen had called on her at the Gono Bhaban. Advertisement The news report said, quoting PMs speech writer M Nazrul Islam, that Hasina had told the Chinese envoy that the southern region of the Bangladesh had long suffered neglect and that only the Awami League government had taken any effective steps to extricate the region from backwardness. According to the speech writer, Hasina underlined the utility of the road link that had been established with the countrys southern region via the Padma Bridge. In turn, The Daily Star reported the Chinese ambassador having asked the prime minister for placing specific proposals for the regions development. Nazrul, the report added, told reporters that Hasina had accepted an invitation to visit China sometime in July this year. This development doesnt augur well for India. The already frazzled China-India ties deteriorated further recently after Beijing renamed several territories inside India on its map, inviting strong reactions from the Indian side. Moreover, China has for long been pushing its agenda in Bangladesh, with observers citing Sri Lanka as the example that should deter Dhaka lest it slips into Beijings debt trap. Earlier China had asserted that it would stand by Dhaka in parrying any external influence, an obvious reference to the US, after the latter raised questions over the fairness of general elections in the country. Advertisement Additionally, China has exerted its economic control in Bangladesh through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative by establishing the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, which aims to integrate the economies of the two countries through regional connectivity. Cargo transport volume via China-Laos Railway logs new high in Q1 People's Daily Online) 16:19, April 03, 2024 The imports and exports by way of the China-Laos Railway reached a quarterly record high of 1.38 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 33.6 percent, according to Kunming Customs in southwest China's Yunnan Province. The Mohan railway port, located on China's border with Laos, has become the country's fastest-growing rail port in terms of cargo volume. It is also China's largest railway port facing ASEAN. The China-Laos Railway, a landmark project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, began operations in December 2021. The 1,035-kilometer railway connects Kunming in China with Vientiane in Laos. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Sisis term runs to 2030, following constitutional amendments that extended presidential terms to six years and allowed him to stand for a third election read more Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visits the memorial and performance grounds after his swearing-in ceremony for his third term in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) in the east of Cairo, Egypt. Reuters Tuesday saw the inauguration of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for a third term in the nations new capital. This was the biggest of the mega-projects that have come to represent his administration and have put a strain on the nations budget. Speaking in the recently constructed parliament building, Sisi outlined the difficulties Egypt has faced recently and pledged to continue the countrys progress, which many Egyptians claim they are left out of. Advertisement The past few years have shown that the path of nation-building is not paved with roses between terrorist attempts at home, sudden global crises abroad, fierce wars around us, Sisi told lawmakers and religious, government, and military officials. With 89.6% of the vote and no credible opponents, Sisi easily won the election in December of last year. While some voters responded favourably to his message of stability and security during the raging conflict in Gaza, many others, who were more concerned with their financial problems, showed disinterest in the election and said that the outcome was inevitable. You carry a heavy load! shouted one attendee during the ceremony, while another interjected If God is with you, then no one can be against you! Sisis term runs to 2030, following constitutional amendments that extended presidential terms to six years and allowed him to stand for a third election. In his speech, Sisi promised increased spending on programmes targeting the poor and engaging the private sector in line with commitments that helped secure last months expanded $8 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund. Advertisement Villagers ran toward a bus carrying the last set of children who were abducted from their school in Nigerias northwest on March 7. Days before a deadline to pay a 1 billion naira, or $767,000 ransom for their release, the army announced it had rescued all 137 hostages, but only 127 were taken back to the village, and 10 stayed back in town for further medical treatment. Since Sisi became president in 2014, Egypt has embarked on an infrastructure splurge spearheaded by the military, which he says is essential for economic development and to accommodate a population that has grown by 6 million since hitting the 100 million mark four years ago. Advertisement The $58 billion New Administrative Capital in the desert east of Cairo is the largest of the mega projects, which also include an expansion of the Suez Canal, extensive road building, and other new cities. Critics blame such projects for contributing to Egypts economic woes, saying they divert resources away from more urgent needs and increase Egypts debt burden. In his inauguration speech, Sisi promised investment in several sectors, including energy, as well as rationalized public spending, and committed to continuing to build new cities. Former Egyptian presidential hopeful Ahmed Tantawy said the speech was typical in repeating promises of a new republic but offering no real solutions. Advertisement We strongly demand transparency and frankness with the great Egyptian people who are struggling under debt, poverty, human rights deteriorating record, Tantawy told Reuters. The former leftist lawmaker, who had emerged as the most popular challenger during last years election, ended his campaign after he was unable to secure the required number of public endorsements. Last month, he was found guilty of forging election documents and ordered to pay a fine and barred from upcoming elections. Though economic troubles threatened Egypts stability, its global position has been bolstered by the Gaza crisis, in which it has served as the main conduit for aid and an initiator of ceasefire talks. Advertisement Sisi, a former intelligence general, rose to power a decade ago after deposing of the Muslim Brotherhoods Mohamed Mursi, Egypts only freely elected president. Rights groups estimate tens of thousands of people including liberal activists and Islamists have been jailed since Mursis ouster. Sisi and his supporters say that stability and security are paramount, and that the state is working to safeguard social rights such as housing and jobs. The child conducted the shooting while using a mask and noise-canceling headphones, according to the Finnish TV station MTV Uutiset read more The fourth-largest city in Finland, Vantaa, saw a 12-year-old boy open fire at his school on Tuesday morning Image Courtesy Reuters Finlands flags will be flown at half-mast on Wednesday in observance of the national sorrow following the shooting death of a 12-year-old student and the serious injuries of two more. According to the Interior Ministrys website, all public buildings and institutions will lower their flags starting at 8:00 am (05:00 GMT). The ministry urged everyone in the nation to take part in the occasion. The fourth-largest city in Finland, Vantaa, saw a 12-year-old boy open fire at his school on Tuesday morning. Advertisement About eight hundred students between the ages of seven and fifteen attend the school. The child conducted the shooting while using a mask and noise-canceling headphones, according to the Finnish TV station MTV Uutiset. The 12-year-old victim passed away at the scene, and by the time the police came, the suspect had already left the school. An investigation into murder and attempted murder has been launched. After being apprehended in a calm manner an hour after the incident, the gun-wielding suspect confessed to being the gunman during a preliminary interrogation. According to authorities, there were no additional suspects. They added that the guy was carrying a relatives weapon. The police are investigating, among other things, the motive for the act and the reasons for the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Marko Sarkka, who is leading the investigation, said in a statement on Tuesday. Sarkka added that the boy would not be incarcerated as he is under 15 years old and so cannot be held criminally responsible. Police also said a technical investigation of the crime scene had begun at the school, which would continue on Wednesday. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in a statement that the incident was deeply upsetting, adding that his thoughts were with the victims, their parents, other pupils and teachers. Advertisement In the coming days, we must be present for the children and young people, offer them words of comfort and show them that we care about them, he said in a statement. They may be scared or have questions. It is important that we talk about the incident in our homes. Finnish President Alexander Stubb said in a post on social media platform X that he was shocked by the shooting. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased student, Stubb said. Elina Pekkarinen, Finlands Childrens Rights Ombudsman, told Finnish news agency STT, that for years (we have been repeating) that we need to take violence between children in society seriously. Advertisement Acts of violence, particularly amongst children under 15 years old, have been on the rise for several years, she added. Finland has already witnessed several gruesome school attacks in recent decades. In November 2007, an 18-year-old man opened fire at a secondary school in Jokela, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Helsinki, killing the headmaster and a nurse along with six pupils before turning the gun on himself. A year later, in September 2008, 22-year-old Matti Juhani Saari killed 11 people at a vocational school in the western town of Kauhajoki. In October 2019, a college student, armed with a sabre, killed a 23-year-old woman and wounded nine others at a vocational school in the city of Kuopio. Advertisement (With agency inputs) The 81-year-old lawmaker, who is running for a new opposition group, was disqualified by the election commission this week due to a conviction for contempt of court from 2021 read more As tensions rise ahead of the May polls, former South African president Jacob Zuma filed an appeal on Tuesday against a ruling by electoral officials prohibiting him from contesting. The 81-year-old lawmaker, who is running for a new opposition group, was disqualified by the election commission this week due to a conviction for contempt of court from 2021. However, attorneys for Zuma and the party said in court documents seen by AFP that the sentence did not render him ineligible since it was the result of civil rather than criminal procedures. Advertisement According to the documents, the electoral commission had no valid reasons to violate President Zumas political rights. (Zuma) was not an accused, he was not charged of an offence by a criminal court, he was not involved in any criminal trial proceedings. South Africa will hold general elections on May 29 in what is considered to be the most contested election since the establishment of democracy in 1994. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) is suffering in the elections and faces losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, owing to a sluggish economy and charges of corruption and incompetence. Zumas new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party is one among the parties looking to take advantage of the ANCs weaknesses. Named after the ANCs old military wing during the anti-apartheid fight, it appears to be on track to capture a sizable proportion of the vote in the battleground area of KwaZulu-Natal, Zumas home province, with some surveys placing it at 13% overall. It largely relies on the considerable political clout still wielded by Zuma, who despite scandals and graft allegations is still largely popular particularly among the countrys more than 10 million Zulus. Traitors The fourth president of democratic South Africa from 2009 to 2018, he has long been bitter about the way he was forced out of office under a cloud of corruption allegations. Advertisement Campaigning for MK in an attempt to relaunch his career, he has attacked members of the ANC, his former political home, as traitors and sellouts. But last week the electoral commission said he could not run in May for under the constitution any person who was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine cannot stand in an election. Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in June 2021 after refusing to testify to a panel probing financial corruption and cronyism under his presidency. He was freed on medical parole just two months into his term. Advertisement But his jailing sparked protests, riots and looting that left more than 350 dead in South Africas worst violence since the advent of democracy. An appeals court later ruled Zumas release was illegally granted and ordered him back to jail. When he returned to a detention facility, he was quickly granted a remission of nonviolent criminals endorsed by his arch-rival and successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa. Tensions between the ANC and MK have escalated in recent weeks. The former has unsuccessfully attempted to disqualify the latter and has taken it to court to prevent it from utilising the MK name, citing intellectual property theft. MK leader Visvin Reddy is scheduled to appear in court again on Wednesday for allegedly inciting violence in a viral internet video in which he says major riots will break out if the MK is not allowed to run. Advertisement Reddy rejects the accusations. The electoral court in Bloemfontein is likely to rule on Zumas expulsion from the contest next week. The International Organisation for Migration of the United Nations reports that around 116,000 Haitians who formerly lived in Port-au-Prince are already residing in the southern area read more According to a United Nations study issued on Tuesday, more than 53,000 individuals have left Haitis capital in less than three weeks, the great majority doing so to avoid the countrys relentless gang violence. U.N. officials are concerned that over 60% are going to the rural southern part of Haiti. Our humanitarian colleagues emphasized that these departments do not have sufficient infrastructure, and host communities do not have sufficient resources, to cope with the large number of people fleeing Port-au-Prince, said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Advertisement The International Organisation for Migration of the United Nations reports that around 116,000 Haitians who formerly lived in Port-au-Prince are already residing in the southern area. Approximately 3 million people left the capital city soon after strong gangs attacked several government buildings at the end of February. More than 4,000 prisoners have been released from Haitis two largest jails after gunmen assaulted and burnt police stations and the countrys principal international airport, which is still closed. As of March 22, the U.N. estimated that over 1,500 people had died and another 17,000 had been rendered homeless. Among the rare travelers trying to head north instead of south from the capital were Marjorie Michelle-Jean, a 42-year-old street vendor, and her two children, ages 4 and 7. I want to see them alive, she said, explaining that stray bullets keep hitting the tin roof of their home. Last week, they tried twice to travel to her hometown of Mirebalais in central Haiti but were forced to turn back because of roadblocks. I will definitely try again, she said. Its absolutely not safe in Port-au-Prince. Advertisement Of the 53,125 people who fled Port-au-Prince from March 8-27, nearly 70% already had been forced to abandon their homes and were living with relatives or in crowded and unsanitary makeshift shelters across the capital, the U.N. found. More than 90% of Haitians leaving the capital have been crowding into buses, risking travel through gang-controlled territory where gang rapes have been reported and gunmen have been known to open fire on public transport. The violence forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to announce last month that he would resign once a transitional presidential council is created. Henry was in Kenya to push for the U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from the East African country when the attacks began, and he remains locked out of Haiti. Advertisement The transitional council, which will be responsible for choosing a new prime minister and council of ministers, has yet to be formally established. Meanwhile, the mass migration from Port-au-Prince is expected to continue. But Gary Dorval, 29, who was among a handful of people joining a demonstration on Tuesday, said he wants to stay until a new government is installed: I want to be part of the change. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Palestinian Hamas organization has strengthened its stance, despite the fact that recent negotiations have not produced much progress read more Haniyeh also denounced what he said was "direct American participation" in the war in Gaza by supplying weapons and ammunition to the Israeli military Image Courtesy Agencies Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, charged Israel on Wednesday with dragging out negotiations to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and an agreement for the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Palestinian Hamas organization has strengthened its stance, despite the fact that recent negotiations have not produced much progress. The Zionist occupation continues to procrastinate stubbornly, and does not respond to our fair demands for an end to the war and aggression, Haniyeh said in a recorded speech shown at a Hezbollah meeting. Advertisement Tuesday saw the return of Israels negotiation team from another round of talks in Cairo, according to a statement from Netanyahus office. In the framework of the talks, under useful Egyptian mediation, the mediators formulated an updated proposal for Hamas, the premiers office said. However, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said on Tuesday that the group had not been sent any new proposals. The movement has not received any proposals from the mediators or the occupation (Israel) regarding a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal, he said. In his speech shown on Wednesday ahead of comments from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the Qatar-based Haniyeh reiterated Hamass conditions for peace. These include a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the return of displaced Gazans, unhindered entry of aid, full reconstruction of the war-ravaged territory, and a respectable prisoner exchange deal. Haniyeh also denounced what he said was direct American participation in the war in Gaza by supplying weapons and ammunition to the Israeli military. (With agency inputs) In view of the earthquake striking off the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of Wednesday, 03 April 2024, the following emergency helpline has been setup by India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan: Mobile: 0905247906 Email: ad.ita@mea.gov.in , India Taipei Association (ITA) wrote on X read more In this photo released by the Hualien City Government, government workers and journalists are seen near firefighters working near a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday. AP After a 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan killing at least four people and injuring dozens, India on Wednesday issued an advisory for its citizens in Taiwan and issued an emergency helpline number for assistance, guidance, or clarification. Taking to X, India Taipei Association (ITA) wrote, In view of the earthquake striking off the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of Wednesday, 03 April 2024, the following emergency helpline has been setup by India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan: Mobile: 0905247906 Email: ad.ita@mea.gov.in. Advertisement IMPORTANT ADVISORY In view of the earthquake striking off the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of Wednesday, 03 April 2024, the following emergency helpline has been setup by India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian India Taipei Association (@ita_taipei) April 3, 2024 The ITA also requested the Indian nationals to follow advisories issued by the local authorities. ITA also requests Indian nationals in Taiwan to share this advisory through their local networks for wider circulation, it added. Wednesdays magnitude-7.4 quake struck just before 8:00 am local time (0000 GMT), with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) putting the epicentre 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Taiwans Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometres. Three people among a group of seven on an early-morning hike through the hills that surround the city were crushed to death by boulders loosened by the earthquake, officials said. Separately, a truck driver died when his vehicle was hit by a landslide as it approached a tunnel in the area. Officials said the quake and series of aftershocks was the strongest to shake the island in decades, and warned of more tremors in the days ahead. Advertisement The earthquake is close to land and its shallow. Its felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands, said AFP quoted Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipeis Central Weather Administrations Seismology Center, saying. Strict building regulations and disaster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the island, which is regularly hit by earthquakes as it lies near the junction of two tectonic plates. Wu said the quake was the strongest since a 7.6-magnitude struck in September 1999, killing around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disaster in the islands history. With inputs from agencies Speaking at a special event titled Achievements in Food Security: Indias Strides Towards Sustainable Development Goals, hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN at the UN headquarters, Murthy reflected on his own experience of hunger read more N R Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, shared a personal anecdote about experiencing hunger for 120 hours continuously while hitchhiking in Europe half a century ago. Speaking at a special event titled Achievements in Food Security: Indias Strides Towards Sustainable Development Goals, hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN at the UN headquarters, Murthy reflected on his own experience of hunger. Addressing a diverse audience including UN diplomats, officials, academia, civil society organizations, and members of the Indian diaspora, Murthy highlighted the significance of food security and nutrition achievements in India, particularly in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Advertisement I have experienced hunger for 120 hours non-stop when I was hitchhiking in Europe, at a place called Nish, a border town between Bulgaria and what was then Yugoslavia and today Serbia, Murthy recounted. Expressing gratitude for the educational opportunities provided by the Indian government, Murthy emphasised the importance of giving back to society and supporting the education of underprivileged children. Success is bringing a smile to the face of helpless people, Murthy remarked, citing the success of The Akshaya Patra Foundation in serving meals to millions of children. He called upon leaders of other countries to adopt the Akshaya Patra model and work towards bringing joy, health, confidence, hope, and success to underprivileged children worldwide. Lauding the work done by the Foundation, Murthy said that Akshaya Patra raises our confidence that good things can indeed happen in India". The Infosys founder emphasised that India has been making good economic progress due to the success of the governments economic policies, vision and the hard work of Indian entrepreneurs and citizens as well as the foreign direct investment from multinationals. He noted that the government of India runs the worlds largest food security programme, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which benefits over 800 million people. As part of it, the school feeding programme PM POSHAN (Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme directly benefits over 118 million children. Advertisement Akshaya Patra is a proud addition and a proud partner of this fantastic initiative of the Government of India, Murthy said. Poverty is not unique to India. It is there in every society. Akshaya Patra makes the future of India safe by bringing inclusivity to the countrys growth and making the poor people enthusiastic partners in our quest towards prosperity," Murthy added. He stressed that Akshaya Patra is a worthy example of a " successful public-private partnership and it very importantly rises above religion, region and caste. Murthy said he is very impressed that Akshaya Patra has used technology in a big way to ensure that food is clean and delivered hot and dust-free. Advertisement Any rational discussion on such an initiative would make people say it is impossible. However, the Akshaya Patra leadership and the team have proved that a plausible impossibility is better than a convincing possibility, Murthy said. Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Madhu Pandit Dasa, also addressed the event. On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs New York City, Dilip Chauhan presented a citation to Dasa on behalf of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, honouring Akshaya Patra for its work. With their relentless efforts over the past 23 years, Akshaya Patra has made a significant impact in alleviating hunger, not only in India but also overseas, Chauhan said. Advertisement Their remarkable milestone of serving four billion meals is a testament to their dedication and compassion to commit to this global cause as we celebrate their achievements and continue our collective journey towards a hunger-free world, he added. With inputs from PTI The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and its epicentre was located 34.8 kilometres (18 miles) deep and 18 km south of Hualien City, Taiwan read more This photo taken by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east. AFP Shortly before 8:00 am (0000 GMT) local time on Wednesday, a significant earthquake struck Taiwans east, triggering tsunami warnings for both the self-governing island and areas of southern Japan. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and its epicentre was located 34.8 kilometres (18 miles) deep and 18 km south of Hualien City, Taiwan. The magnitude was reported by Japans Meteorological Agency at 7.5. Remote Japanese islands in the area, including Miyakojima island, were predicted to see tsunami waves as high as three metres (10 feet) right away, according to the agency. Advertisement Evacuate! said a banner on Japanese national broadcaster NHK. Tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately, an anchor on NHK said. Do not stop. Do not go back. Live television broadcasts from the ports of the Okinawa region, including Naha, saw ships leaving for the ocean, presumably in an attempt to defend their boats. Because Taiwan is located close to the meeting point of two tectonic plates, earthquakes frequently strike the island. In September 1999, Taiwan saw the greatest natural catastrophe in the nations history when a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the island, killing almost 2,400 people. Japan receives about 1,500 shocks annually. The majority are quite moderate, albeit the extent of the damage they inflict depends on the epicentres location and depth below the surface of the Earth. The power of tsunamis, which are enormous, potentially catastrophic waves that may travel hundreds of miles per hour (or kilometres per hour), is also dependent on a number of variables. Even larger quakes usually cause little damage in Japan and Taiwan thanks to special construction techniques and strict building regulations. Japan has also developed sophisticated procedures and technology to alert and evacuate people when needed. Advertisement Japans biggest earthquake on record was a massive 9.0-magnitude undersea jolt in March 2011 off Japans northeast coast, which triggered a tsunami that left around 18,500 people dead or missing. The 2011 catastrophe also sent three reactors into meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant, causing Japans worst post-war disaster and the most serious nuclear accident since Chernobyl. The total cost was estimated at 16.9 trillion yen ($112 billion), not including for the hazardous decommissioning of the Fukushima facility, which is expected to take decades. Despite stricter building guidelines, many structures, particularly outside major cities, but not only there, are old and vulnerable. This was brought home in the 7.5-magnitude New Years Day quake in 2024, which hit Noto Peninsula and killed more than 230 people, many of them when older buildings collapsed. Hours before her death, mayoral candidate Bertha Gisela Gaytan addressed a press conference where she laid out her proposals to fight corruption and improve Celayas security situation read more Elections, which are supposed to be a festival of democracy, might turn out to be Mexicos worst nightmare after a candidate for mayor was shot dead on the very first day of her campaign in the city of Celaya. The candidate, Bertha Gisela Gaytan, running for the countrys ruling party Morena, was shot at in a town as she was walking in the streets with activists and supporters during an election campaign. Advertisement Another Morena party member Adrian Guerrero was also reportedly killed during the campaign. Gaytans death is the latest addition to the list of mayoral candidates who have been murdered in Mexico since September 2023. What led to the candidates death? Mexico, which is scheduled to go to polls in June, has become a breeding ground for political violence. Gaytans death comes against the backdrop of Guanajuatos, the state of which Celaya is part, position as being the state that records the most number of homicides in the entire country. Hours before her death, the mayoral candidate addressed a press conference where she laid out her proposals to fight corruption and improve Celayas security situation. Meanwhile, a research organisation that tracks political violence in the country, called Data Civica, has found that eight of 10 attacks and murders happen at the municipal level. This is where organised crime can have greater territorial control, the organisation said. It added, The municipal governments control the local budget and the police whether those police are doing everything they should be, or letting certain things happen. Usually, candidates challenging the incumbent government fall victim to such attacks. When a party is already governing, it is probable though we cant be sure of anything that there are power agreements [between local politicians and organised crime], Data Civica said, adding And when there is a change of the party, you do see an increase in violence. Advertisement President Lopez Obrador reacts Outgoing Mexican President Lopez Obrador has offered condolences to the family of Gaytan, calling her death very regrettable. These events are very regrettable because these are people are fighting to defend democracy, Lopez said. He added, Theyre out on the street, face to face. 2024 Mexican elections to be the bloodiest? Considering the number of murders that have taken place in the run-up to the elections, Mexico might witness one of its bloodiest polls this year, experts have warned. Organized crime is once again preying on local candidates across swaths of the country where cartels dominate. Before Gaytans death, two mayoral hopefuls in the town of Maravatio in neighboring Michoacan state had lost their lives to violence. Advertisement On February 10, a man running for Congress for the Morena party in the sprawling Mexico City suburb of Ecatepec was fatally shot in the street alongside his brother. He had allegedly received threats from a local union. Many candidates, fearing for their lives and learning about their colleagues deaths, have even dropped out of the electoral process. So far, NATO as an organisation has refused to provide Ukraine with weapons out of fears that such an act could drag NATO closer to a direct conflict with Russia read more So far, NATO as an organisation has refused to provide Ukraine but that may change with the new proposal. Source: Reuters In a major shift from its current policy, NATO will float a five-year 100-billion-euro fund to support Ukraine in the war with Russia, according to a proposal by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. This will put NATO, a military alliance of 32 Western nations, at the fore in the aid to Ukraine. So far, NATO as an organisation has refused to provide Ukraine with weapons out of fears that such an act could drag NATO closer to a direct conflict with Russia. The United States-led Ramstein Group of nations have led the Western support of Ukraine. Advertisement With the proposed plan, NATO will also Trump-proof the support for Ukraine. Former US President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican Party nominee in the US presidential election, has indicated that he would pursue an isolationist foreign policy if he wins and is expected to slash the US support to Ukraine. We must ensure assistance to Ukraine for long haul: NATO chief As NATO foreign ministers meet in Belgiums capital Brussels, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said they must provide security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul. Ukraine has urgent needs. Any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield as we speak. So we need to shift the dynamics of our support. We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul so that we rely less on the voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges, said Stoltenberg. Stoltenberg further said that Russia needs to understand that its wars objectives cannot be achieved and Moscow cannot wait us out. In the two-day meeting in Brussels, NATO foreign ministers are holding preliminary talks on the proposal, which is expected to take shape as a package by July when a summit will be held in Washington DC. NATO proposal to Trump-proof Ukraine assistance Officials were quoted by AFP as saying that the proposal floated by NATO chief Stoltenberg could help insulate the flow of weaponry to Ukraine from a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House in November. Financial Times quoted a diplomat briefed on the proposal as saying that NATO joint budget coefficients could be used to calculate individual shares of contribution to the 100-billion-euro proposal. The diplomat further said it will solve the burden-sharing problem. Advertisement The proposal comes at a time when a $60 billion US assistance package to Ukraine is stuck in the US Congress as the far-right flank of the Republican Party aligned closer to Trump is not letting the plan pass. It is expected that the NATOs proposal could ensure the long-term assistance to Ukraine and safeguard against such roadblocks. The ideas will be reviewed at a two-day gathering in Brussels to commemorate the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations 75th anniversary and to get ready for an alliance leaders summit in Washington in July read more The foreign ministers of NATO will gather on Wednesday to explore ways to provide military support for Ukraine on a long-term basis. Among the topics of discussion will be a plan to Trump-proof aid for Kyiv and a proposal for a five-year fund worth 100 billion euros ($107 billion). As Ukraine confronts Russias invasion, the Western alliance would have a more active involvement in managing the delivery of guns, ammunition, and equipment, according to plans made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Advertisement The ideas will be reviewed at a two-day gathering in Brussels to commemorate the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations 75th anniversary and to get ready for an alliance leaders summit in Washington in July. The conference will provide light on the extent to which Kyivs war effort is supported by its European allies, given that a $60 billion military aid plan for Ukraine is still stuck in the U.S. Congress. According to the proposals, NATO would take over some coordinating duties from the Ramstein group, an ad hoc alliance led by the United States. This step is partly intended to protect against any reduction in U.S. assistance in the event that Donald Trump wins reelection to the presidency, according to officials. Because of concerns that taking a more active role may lead to a worsening of relations with Russia, NATO has up to now concentrated on providing non-lethal assistance for Ukraine. On a bilateral basis, its members have given billions of dollars worth of weaponry. Diplomats said there was a growing view within NATO that it was time to put military aid to Ukraine on a more sustainable footing and NATO was best placed to do that. Some said that threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would regard various steps taken by NATO allies as escalatory - such as providing tanks and other advanced weapons systems - had not led to retaliation against them. Advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will attend the Brussels meeting, said in Paris on Tuesday that NATO was looking at measures that could serve as the necessary bridge to membership of the alliance for Ukraine. NATO has stated that Ukraine cannot join while it is at war with Russia but that it will become a member at some point. NATO declined to comment in detail on Stoltenbergs proposals but a NATO official said the ministers would discuss the best way to organise NATOs support for Ukraine, to make it more powerful, predictable and enduring. No final decisions are to be taken at the April ministerial meetings, and discussions will continue as we approach the Washington summit in July, the official said, declining to be named. Advertisement Early stage Diplomats cautioned that discussions on the proposal were at an early stage and it was unclear whether the 100 billion euro figure would be accepted or how it would be financed. NATO decisions require consensus among the alliances 32 members. It goes some way to protecting in case of Trump. But it is impossible to create something Trump-proof, another diplomat said of the plan to transfer work to NATO from the Ramstein group, named after a U.S. air base where it often meets but known formally as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. A fund of 100 billion looks very optimistic, the diplomat added. Advertisement The meeting comes as NATO is seeking a new leader to succeed Stoltenberg, who has been in post for nearly 10 years. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has the backing of a some 90% of NATO members for the job - including the United States, France, Britain and Germany - according to diplomats. But he faces opposition from Hungary - which objects to his criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government - and a late challenge from Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. Some diplomats had hoped to choose Stoltenbergs successor at the Brussels meeting but they said more time would now be needed. Several expressed confidence, however, that Rutte would be appointed in the end. Addressing the 19th Meeting of Secretaries of the Security Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Kazakhstans Astana, Doval said that any act of terror including cross-border terrorism committed by whomsoever, wherever and for whatever motives is not justified read more National Security Advisor Ajit Doval addresses the 19th Meeting of Secretaries of the Security Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Kazakhstan, Astana. ANI Days after a deadliest attack killed 144 people at the Crocus City Hall concert, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday condemned the barbaric terrorist attack and conveyed to his Russian counterpart Nikolay Patrushev Indias solidarity with Moscow to address the threat from terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Addressing the 19th Meeting of Secretaries of the Security Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Kazakhstans Astana, he said that any act of terror including cross-border terrorism committed by whomsoever, wherever and for whatever motives is not justified. Advertisement Kazakhstan | During his speech at the 19th Meeting of Secretaries of the Security Council of the SCO, NSA Ajit Doval strongly condemned the barbaric terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22, 2024, and expressed condolences to the families who lost their loved https://t.co/P9PkWCqyAa ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 Perpetrators of terrorism should be effectively and expeditiously dealt with including those involved in cross-border terrorism, said Doval, adding, that the need of the hour is to shun double standards and hold accountable those who are sponsors, financiers and facilitators of terrorism. NSA Doval also expressed deep concern about the security situation in Afghanistan including the continued presence of terrorist networks. He mentioned that as a contiguous neighbour of Afghanistan, India has legitimate security and economic interests in Afghanistan. Islamic State militants had claimed responsibility for the Moscow attack and US officials said they had intelligence that it was the networks Afghan branch, Islamic State Khorasan, that was responsible, according to a Reuters report. Russia has said it is also investigating a Ukrainian link, something Kyiv and the United States have strongly rejected. Advertisement In the deadliest attack inside Russia in 20 years on March 22, gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at concertgoers at the Crocus City Hall, killing at least 144 people. With inputs from agencies Iran has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause in the Israel-Hamas war, with Tehran engaging in a shadow war with Israel but careful enough not to engage in a direct confrontation read more Palestine does not want Iran to interfere in its internal affairs, President Mahmoud Abbass Fatah party said in a statement on Wednesday. Iran has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause in the Israel-Hamas war, with Tehran engaging in a shadow war with Israel but careful enough not to engage in a direct confrontation. The statement, according to a Times of Israel report, by the Fatah party read, This external interference, particularly by Iran, has no other objective than to sow chaos in the Palestinian internal arena, which will only benefit the Israeli occupation and the enemies of our people. Advertisement We will not allow our sacred cause and the blood of our people to be exploited for suspicious plots that have nothing to do with them, it added. The party has said that it will be on the lookout for those tamperers, and will cut off the hand of those who meddle in Palestinian affairs. Tehran is one of the biggest sponsors of terrorist groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, assisting them financially and militarily as well as training their members. However, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has long been trying to distance itself from Hamas after reconciliatory efforts between the two failed. Also, the PA faces global pressures to sideline the terror group for the sake of Palestines future. Iran has also been accused of being an active player in Hamas October 7 attack on Israel, with many questioning whether the Islamic Republic or any of Tehrans proxies would engage itself in the Israel-Hamas war. Time and again, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has backed Hamas onslaught on Israel. Similarly, the countrys President Ebrahim Raisi has always heaped praises on the terrorist group for attacking Israel. Advertisement We kiss the hands of those who planned the attack on the Zionist regime. The Zionist regimes own actions are to blame for this disaster. Khamenei had said earlier. Meanwhile, Irans support to Hamas has brought trouble to Palestine with the regions government now openly rejecting the countrys backing. A few days ago, Fatah accused Hamas of returning the Israeli occupation to Gaza through its October 7 adventure. While the collection of trace DNA from crime scenes is a common practice, the emergence of environmental DNA (eDNA) from various sources such as solid surfaces, soil, water, and air presents new opportunities for evidence gathering read more A recent study has revealed that airborne human DNA could serve as valuable evidence in forensic analysis, particularly in cases where traditional trace evidence is absent. According to researchers, individuals are unlikely to entirely prevent the release of their DNA into the environment, as even simple activities like speaking or breathing can disperse human DNA into the air. While the collection of trace DNA from crime scenes is a common practice in criminal investigations, the emergence of environmental DNA (eDNA) from various sources such as solid surfaces, soil, water, and air presents new opportunities for evidence gathering. Advertisement In a study led by Flinders University in Australia, researchers examined samples collected from air-conditioning units in both residential and office settings. They discovered that human DNA could be detected on the surfaces of these units as well as in the air. Notably, air samples were found to contain more recent DNA traces, while surface samples retained DNA from prior occupants. Emily Bibbo, a PhD candidate at Flinders Universitys College of Science and Engineering and the studys author, emphasized the significance of these findings. She stated that the study underscores the potential for human DNA to be collected from circulating air in air-conditioning systems, further supporting the notion that human DNA can be dispersed in the air and settle on various surfaces. The research, published in the journal Electrophoresis, highlights the promising role of airborne human DNA in enhancing forensic investigations, particularly in scenarios where traditional evidence collection methods may be insufficient. Biological material is routinely collected from crime scenes and exhibits, and these new methods have potential in identifying the usual users of a room as well as visitors, said Mariya Goray, senior lecturer in forensic science, Flinders University. It is very unlikely that an average offender, even with forensic awareness, could totally prevent their DNA from being released into the environment, said Goray. We now know that eDNA and eRNA shed from sources such as skin or saliva can be detected in the environment, including soil, ice, air and water. Advertisement We may be able to use (eDNA) as evidence to prove if someone has been in the room, even if they wore gloves or wiped surfaces clean to remove the evidence, said Bibbo. The researchers recommended follow-up studies that can determine the best location for air collection devices, along with the appropriate time after a crime to test and acquire DNA of interest, if it is present. With inputs from PTI The Russian Defence Ministry on Wednesday said that military conscription has seen a major spike since last months devastating attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow read more After Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation to reduce the military mobilisation age, Russia pointed out that it has seen a significant jump in the number of people signing contracts to join the armed forces following the deadly Moscow terror attack. The Russian Defence Ministry on Wednesday said that military conscription has seen a major spike since last months devastating attack on the Crocus City Hall in the countrys capital. In the statement, the ministry mentioned that more than 100,000 people have signed contracts with the military since the commencement of the year 2024. In the last 10 days alone, over 16,000 Russians signed the conscription agreement. Advertisement During interviews conducted over the past week at selection points in Russian cities, most candidates indicated the desire to avenge those killed in the tragedy as the main motive for concluding a contract, the ministry said in a statement, Reuters reported. While the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 144 people, the Russian authorities including the countrys president Vladimir Putin maintained that the attackers had links to Ukraine. Was this a reaction to Ukraines new bill? Meanwhile, Ukraines Zelenskyy signed a bill to lower the mobilisation age for combat duty by two years. The bill was lying on Zelenskyys table for about a year before being approved by the president on Tuesday. With the signing of the legislation, the new age of military mobilisation was reduced from 27 to 25 years. The bill is expected to help the Ukrainian forces to mobilise more fighting power in its war against Russia. Why did Ukraine reduce its age of conscription? In December, Zelenskyy stated that the countrys military had proposed mobilising 500,000 more Ukrainians into the armed forces. The request was made by former military chief, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny. However, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the new head of the Ukrainian armed forces maintained that the aforementioned figure is no longer up-to-date and assured that it has been significantly reduced after a review of resources, The Telegraph reported. Advertisement One of the main reasons for the reduction of the age is the fact that the average age of Ukrainian troops is over 40. The concern was expressed by US Senator Lindsey Graham during his visit to Kyiv. I would hope that those eligible to serve in the Ukrainian military would join. I cant believe its at 27, he told reporters. Youre in a fight for your life, so you should be serving not at 25 or 27," he added. In addition to lowering the draft age, the Ukrainian leader signed two other bills. One required men given waivers from military service on disability grounds to have another medical assessment. Advertisement The second bill will create an online database of people eligible for military service. Both were passed with the aim of helping the military draft more fighters. With inputs from agencies As Faye assumes the presidency, Sonkos role as prime minister is expected to be influential in shaping the new government. With his vast experience and grassroots support, Sonko brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the administration read more Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegals youngest president at 44, was sworn in on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in the countrys political landscape. Fayes ascent to power, just 10 days after his release from prison, came with promises of radical reform and a fresh perspective. The appointment of Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure and Fayes former mentor, as prime minister, signals a collaborative approach to governance. Sonko, known for his anti-establishment stance, played a pivotal role in Fayes journey to the presidency, despite being unable to contest the election himself due to legal constraints. Advertisement The close relationship between Faye and Sonko was evident during their joint campaign tour, where they received enthusiastic support from crowds chanting their names in unison. Sonkos endorsement of Faye further solidified their alliance, culminating in Fayes decisive victory in the presidential election. As Faye assumes the presidency, Sonkos role as prime minister is expected to be influential in shaping the new government. With his vast experience and grassroots support, Sonko brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the administration. During the inauguration ceremony, Sonko received a warm reception from his supporters and affirmed his commitment to working closely with Faye to implement their shared vision for Senegal. As he prepares to form the government, Sonko expressed his intention to present a proposal of government appointments to Faye in the near future. Fayes landslide victory in the election underscores the publics confidence in his leadership and his ability to bring about meaningful change. With Sonko by his side, Faye is poised to navigate the challenges ahead and steer Senegal towards a brighter future. Sonko, who came third in the 2019 presidential election, had been embroiled in a series of legal cases since 2021 that he said were politically motivated and aimed to curtail his bid for the presidency. The unrest linked to his legal woes left dozens dead and hundreds arrested. Following their release from jail, Faye and Sonko embarked on a whirlwind campaign tour with the aim of spreading their project for the people. Advertisement Sonko on Tuesday evening reiterated their programme for a sovereign, just and prosperous Senegal that we drew up together, that we presented together to the Senegalese people and that we defended together. He said it aimed to bring about lasting and structural change and sought to achieve a break with the past, progress and definitive change. Sonko set out his own position as the public authority in charge of coordinating and conducting the nations policy in accordance with the Constitution. Faye has said his priorities include fighting corruption and lowering the cost of living, as well as national reconciliation after years of turmoil. Former head of state Macky Sall abolished the post of prime minister in 2019, claiming it would speed up the implementation of his presidential projects. Advertisement He reinstated it in 2022. Sonko on Tuesday pledged his loyalty and dedication to President Faye, saying there would be no question of leaving him alone to shoulder this heavy responsibility. Political scientist El Hadji Mamadou Mbaye said Sonko had slipped away in recent days to allow Mr Faye to be enthroned. But with his speech last night, he showed that he is the captain of the ship. It is he who has embodied the project, it is he who carries the project and it is he who will implement the project and choose the men, Mbaye added. Senegal has previously seen conflictual relationships between presidents and their prime ministers, such as between the first head of state Leopold Sedar Senghor and Mamadou Dia. Advertisement But Mbaye said the new pair share a closeness which may prevent this from happening. The one who carries the party is Sonko and if (Faye) engages in a tug-of-war with Sonko, its all over for him, the political scientist warned. But Mbaye envisaged a balanced division of roles between Faye and Sonko. Faye will have the image of the youngest (democratically elected) president in Africa, the image of a Senegal with a renewed democracy, he will have more legitimacy, even to renegotiate contracts, he said. Sonko will be there to face up to national problems, which he said is a vast and risky task. Advertisement With inputs from AFP Ghanas high priests office say those criticising the ceremonious marriage do not understand customs & traditions of the community after several videos surfaced online in which the girl can be heard being told to dress teasingly and use the perfumes to boost her sexual appeal read more For marriages to take place, a woman needs to be 18 years old, but a bizarre case in Ghana is drawing the ire of people from across the globe. In the West African nation, the most revered 63-year-old priest married a 12-year-old girl, which is referred to as child marriage or minor marriage elsewhere. Interestingly, the customary ceremony took place in the Nungua area of the capital, Accra last week. Several videos of the wedding have surfaced online showing community members gathered to witness the union, sparking an outcry on social media. Advertisement Following the outrage, the girl was traced and she is now under police protection. However, the priests office said that those who criticising the marriage do not understand traditional customs and traditions and that the marriage to the girl child was only ceremonious. How Ghana priest marriage with minor came to light? The high priest, also known as a Gborbu Wulomo, assumed his position making him reportedly responsible for performing sacrifices on behalf of the community, leading traditional rites and enforcing cultural practices. According to tradition, the Gborbu Wulomo must also take a Boi ekpaa yoo, his customary wife, after he assumed power, a post by the priests office said. Girl was asked to dress teasingly, boost husbands sexual appeal As per traditions, the high priests wife must be a virgin. Also, local women reportedly told the girl to dress teasingly for her husband and were also advised to be prepared for wifely duties and to use the perfumes they gave her to boost her sexual appeal to her husband. The community leaders say such duties would not be expected for another six years when she would be 18. However, civil society groups continue to condemn the marriage. Ghana priest already married four times The girl was reportedly chosen to be the priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIIIs, fifth wife when she was six years of age. Advertisement The minor comes from Ga culture, in which one of the families must provide a bride for the high priest, for which the selection is considered a spiritual process. It is an honour for specific families who get to be responsible for nominating someone for these roles to serve the god-like priests. While the legal minimum age to marry in Ghana is 18, almost 20 per cent of girls in the African nation are married before the legal age, as per global campaigning NGO, Girls Not Brides. Ghanian authorities swing into action After the massive outrage, the Ghana Police say they have identified and tracked down the girl and she, accompanied by her mother, is now under their protection they havent made any arrests in the case. Advertisement Police have reached out to the governments childrens minister and social welfare department to secure essential support for the 12-year-old as the investigation is ongoing, the police stated. Beijing had gifted Fu Baos parentsAi Bao and Le Baoto South Korea in 2016 and as per agreement their offspring had to be shifted back China only loans pandasas per norms to join the breeding programme back home. read more An internet rage, a symbol of Chinas panda diplomacy and a treasure that gives happiness, Fu Bao, left South Korea for China in a high-tech non-vibrating vehicle typically used for transporting semi-conductors Wednesday amid a huge gathering of thousands of well-wishers. Beijing had gifted Fu Baos parentsAi Bao and Le Baoto South Korea in 2016 and as per agreement their offspring had to be shifted back China only loans pandasas per norms to join the breeding programme back home. Advertisement Fu Bao or treasure that gives happiness was born in 2020 and soon became a celebrity in South Korea. Her videos on the Everland amusement parks YouTube channel attracted around 500 million views. Fu Bao has so far been visited by nearly 5.5 million people, about one-tenth of the entire South Korean population. Everlands Panda World doubled last year to 2.15 million, compared to 1.07 million in 2020 before Fu Baos arrival. Recently, Fu Baos parentsAi Bao and Le Baowelcomed twin sisters, named Rui Bao and Hui Bao. Fu Bao left Everland at around 11 am, the zoo said in a statement, adding the panda will leave for China via the Incheon International Airport on a chartered plane. She was moved on a special non-vibrating vehicle typically used for semiconductor transportation, the facility added. Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won, who is famous in the South for his bonding with Everlands pandas and is widely referred to as their grandpa, read out a letter at the ceremony, the park said. Kang is accompanying the panda on the journey to China until Fu Bao arrives at the countrys Shenshuping Panda Base in Sichuan Province, Everland said. You will be forever (my) baby panda, even after 10 or 100 years. Thank you for coming to grandpa. I love you Fu Bao, Kang said in his letter, referring to himself as her grandpa. The United States strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control, a US State Department officials said on Tuesday, according to a report read more Border Personnel Meeting between Indian Army and Peoples Liberation Army conducted by the Peoples Liberation army at the Chinese Side in Bum La, Arunachal Pradesh, on 30 October, 2019. PTI File Days after China released a list of 30 new names for places in Arunachal Pradesh, the US on Tuesday criticised Beijings move as yet another unilateral attempt to reassert its territorial claims, according to a South China Morning Post report. The United States strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control, South China Morning Post quoted a US State Department representative as saying on Tuesday. Advertisement Earlier, India outrightly rejected the Chinese move as senseless and asserted that assigning invented names does not alter the reality that the state is, has been, and will always be an integral part of India. China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. We firmly reject such attempts, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Assigning invented names will not alter the reality that Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India, he said. On Sunday, state-run Global Times had reported that the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs has released the fourth list of standardised geographical names in Zangnan, the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh which Beijing claims as part of south Tibet. In April last year too, India had reacted sharply when Beijing released the third list of standardised names of 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh. The first batch of the standardised names of six places in Arunachal Pradesh was released in 2017 while the second batch of 15 places was issued in 2021. Advertisement Last month, a tunnel inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Arunachal Pradesh became the latest flashpoint. As India and China traded warnings and made overlapping claims of national sovereignty, Washington openly sided with its Indo-Pacific partner New Delhi angering Beijing. The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, a State Department representative said in a press briefing. Beijing then accused Washington of trying to provoke and take advantage of other countries conflicts to serve its selfish geopolitical interests. After being largely neutral on the dispute for decades, the US in recent years has strengthened its cooperation with New Delhi, including a more active role in sharing intelligence as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy to check Chinese activity in the region. Advertisement On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his Gujarat visit, asserted that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will remain an Indian state in the future. Addressing a press conference in Surat, he had said nothing will be gained by changing the names. If I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was an Indian state, is an Indian state and will remain so in the future. Nothing will be gained by changing names, Jaishankar had said. The ties between India and China came under severe strain following the eastern Ladakh border row that began in May, 2020. The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks. Advertisement India has been consistently maintaining that peace and tranquillity along the LAC were key for normalisation of overall ties. With inputs from agencies The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned the decision by the information ministry, saying it was a clear violation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. read more Sudan has suspended operations of Saudi state-owned broadcasters Al Arabiya, Al Hadath, and UAE-owned Sky News Arabia channel. According to the Sudanese State News Agency (SUNA), this decision was made due to the broadcasters perceived failure to uphold necessary standards of professionalism and transparency as well as their neglect to renew their licenses. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate swiftly condemned the move by the information ministry, denouncing it as a blatant infringement on both freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Advertisement Closing satellite channels and restricting those working in the profession would silence the voice of the professional media, and would also open the door to the spread of rumours and hate speech, the syndicate said on Tuesday in a statement. The decision comes as a continuation of intimidation tactics imposed on journalists who have been working under extreme conditions since war broke out last April, the statement added. Al Hadath stated that it had not yet been notified of the decision to suspend the work of its channel and Al Arabiya in Sudan, in a post on X. We were surprised to hear of the decision to stop Al Hadath and Al Arabiya channel on state tv, it added in another post on X. The war in Sudan, which is approaching its first anniversary, erupted over disputes about the powers of the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under an internationally backed plan for a political transition towards civilian rule and free elections. With inputs from Reuters. The UK government expects Israel to take immediate action to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, coordinate with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians, and repair essential infrastructure such as hospitals and water networks read more British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the recent deaths of three British aid workers in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. In a statement released by Downing Street on Tuesday, Sunak emphasized the worsening situation in the region and urged immediate measures to ensure the unhindered flow of aid into Gaza. The call comes in the wake of the deaths of John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby, British nationals who were part of the security team for the World Central Kitchen charity. They were among seven international aid workers killed in an airstrike on their convoy earlier this week. Advertisement According to the Downing Street statement, Sunak expressed shock and dismay at the incident and stressed the need for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the airstrike. The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable, the statement read. The UK government expects Israel to take immediate action to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, coordinate with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians, and repair essential infrastructure such as hospitals and water networks. The Prime Minister reiterated that Israels rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, it added. While the family of John Chapman in a statement through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said he was subject to an inhumane act, the relatives of James Kirby said they are utterly heartbroken by his death. Speaking from Brussels as he attended a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) meeting on Wednesday, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he had sent condolences to the families of the victims. I welcome what the Israeli foreign minister said yesterday (Tuesday) to me about a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen, and we want to see that happen very quickly, he said. Advertisement As well as the three Britons all former armed forces men Australian national Lalzawmi Frankcom, Polish national Damian Sobol, Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutahas, and US-Canadian citizen Jacob Flickinger, were also killed in the Israeli air strike. Israel has described the strike as an accident in which the workers who had just unloaded more than 100 tonnes of food aid were hit unintentionally. Israeli military operations have been ongoing since Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel in October last year, killing thousands of people and seizing hundreds as hostages. Last week, the UN Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza after the US did not veto the measure in a shift from its previous position. It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Advertisement With inputs from PTI Switzerlands population stood at 8.82 million at the end of 2022, with foreigners constituting a significant quarter of the total populace. The proposed amendment aims to define the permanent resident population read more Switzerland is gearing up for a crucial vote on measures aimed at curbing immigration to prevent the population from reaching 10 million before 2050. The decision comes after sufficient signatures were submitted Wednesday, triggering the referendum under Switzerlands direct democracy system. The Swiss Peoples Party (SVP), known for its hard-right stance, swiftly collected 114,600 signatures, surpassing the required threshold in record time. Expressing concerns over mass immigration, the SVP emphasised the need to safeguard Switzerlands unique landscape, quality of life, and prosperity for future generations. Advertisement Once the signatures are authenticated, the referendum process will proceed, a journey that typically spans months or even years before a final vote is cast. At the heart of the initiative is a proposed amendment to the Swiss constitution, mandating that the countrys permanent resident population does not exceed 10 million by 2050. Switzerlands population stood at 8.82 million at the end of 2022, with foreigners constituting a significant quarter of the total populace. The proposed amendment aims to define the permanent resident population to include both Swiss nationals and foreigners with long-term residence permits or stays exceeding 12 months. The upcoming vote underscores Switzerlands commitment to addressing demographic challenges and ensuring sustainable population growth in the decades ahead. If it exceeds 9.5 million before 2050, the government and parliament will take measures, in particular regarding asylum and family reunification, with a view to ensuring compliance. If these measures are not enough, Switzerland would ultimately have to terminate the agreement on the free movement of people with the EU. Switzerland is not in the European Union but has been part of the EUs Schengen open-borders area since 2008. The move comes in the midst of negotiations for a rapprochement between Switzerland and the EU. Advertisement The SVP said the initiative was the answer to immigration-related problems in Switzerland, citing housing shortages, rising rents, traffic jams, overcrowded public transport, falling school standards, violence and crime, electricity shortages, stagnant per capita income, higher health insurance premiums and increasing pressure on our beautiful countryside. The SVP, which comfortably topped the Swiss general election in October, has come a long way from its roots as a farmers party in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. It became a national force focused on opposition to three things: mass immigration, closer ties with the EU, and the abandonment of Swiss neutrality. Its new leader, 43-year-old hill farmer Marcel Dettling, is considered on the harder wing of the party on immigration. Advertisement Today, too many foreigners are arriving, and not the right ones. We need controlled immigration that benefits our country and our population, he said after the signatures were deposited. According to the Federal Statistical Office, in 2022, net migration accounted for a 68,800 rise in the population. Natural change births minus deaths accounted for a 7,900 increase. FSO 2020 projections predicted the population would be 10.4 million in 2050, with a low scenario of 9.5 million and a high scenario of 11.4 million. With inputs from AFP China considers the self-governing island of Taiwan as part of the Chinese nation and is committed to the eventual reunification of the island with the Chinese mainland read more China has mounted one of the largest incursions into Taiwanese territories. Source: Reuters As many as 30 Chinese warplanes and nine naval ships were detected around Taiwans territories on Wednesday, one of the highest this year in a 24-hour window. In a post of X (formerly Twitter), Taiwans Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C, said the Chinese air force warplanes and warships were detected up to 6 am (local time) on Wednesday in the countrys air defence identification zone (ADIZ). The Taiwanese military monitored the situation and employed appropriate force to respond, the Taiwanese government added. Advertisement 30 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 20 of the aircraft entered Taiwans northern, middle line, and SW ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and employed appropriate force to respond. pic.twitter.com/LkVR7XQ3LD Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) (@MoNDefense) April 3, 2024 Last month, Taiwanese authorities said 36 Chinese warplanes and six naval ships were detected around the island. China has hardened its stance on Taiwan China considers the self-governing island of Taiwan as a breakaway province. Beijing is committed to the eventual reunification of Taiwan with the Chinese mainland and has not ruled out the use of force for that purpose. In recent years, tensions have spiked in the Taiwan Strait the strait in the South China Sea between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland as China has increased military activity harassing Taiwan. Lately, Chinese leaders have hardened the rhetoric regarding Taiwan. In 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that Beijing will not renounce the use of force and will take all necessary measures to stop all separatist movements in Taiwan. Then, in December 2023, Xi said the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland is inevitable. Then, last month, Chinese Premier Li Qiang in a report in the National Peoples Congress (NPC), the countrys rubber-stamp parliament, reiterated the call for the reunification but dropped the word peaceful from the report that had been used in earlier reports. The Chinese attitude has also hardened as Taiwan has been governed since 2016 by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is more pro-independence. Beijing considers the DPP leaders as secessionist and confrontational. China expected to increase pressure on Taiwan as new president takes over After the victory of William Lai of the DPP, the current Vice President of Taiwan, in the presidential elections earlier this year, China is expected to ramp up pressure to force Taiwan it to adopt a more accommodative stance. He will assume office on May 20. Advertisement In the Taiwanese polity, Beijing has preferred DPPs rival Kuomintang (KMT), which it sees as more accommodative to its interests than the DPP which it sees as much closer to the United States. Following Lais taking office, there will likely be an immediate uptick in the number of Chinese incursions to send the signal, you voted poorly, said Dean Cheng, Senior Advisor to the China Program at the US Institute of Peace (USIP), to Axios. The report also quoted Raymond Kuo, Director of the RAND Corporations Taiwan Policy Initiative, as saying that Beijing could conduct some kind of military demonstration around inauguration day to signal their displeasure with the incoming Lai administration. Advertisement The AFP noted that Chinese incursions, which experts call grey zone actions that are aggressive moves short of acts of war, have been increased since 2016 when current and outgoing Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP, was elected, who considers Taiwan to be already independent. The assertion of Taiwanese independence has long been a red line for Beijing. In stump speeches, Trump frequently claims that immigrants crossing the border with Mexico illegally have escaped from prisons and asylums in their home countries and are fueling violent crime in the United States read more Donald Trump used the demeaning language he has frequently used on the campaign trail when he labelled immigrants living in the United States illegally on Tuesday, calling them animals and not human. The Republican presidential candidate, who was accompanied by a number of law enforcement officials, gave a detailed account of many criminal cases involving suspects who were in the country illegally. He also issued a dire warning, claiming that if he lost the election on November 5, anarchy and violence would sweep over America. Advertisement He used a same ominous tone while speaking in Green Bay, Wisconsin, later on, calling the 2024 election the countrys final battle. While discussing Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was reportedly slain by a Venezuelan immigrant living in the US illegally, Trump claimed that certain immigrants were subhuman. The Democrats say, Please dont call them animals. Theyre humans. I said, No, theyre not humans, theyre not humans, theyre animals, said Trump, president from 2017 to 2021. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trump described meeting the family of Ruby Garcia, a local 25-year-old murdered last month by a suspect in the country illegally, according to police. Garcias sister denied the former president spoke with the family, according to local media reports. In stump speeches, Trump frequently claims that immigrants crossing the border with Mexico illegally have escaped from prisons and asylums in their home countries and are fueling violent crime in the United States. While available data on criminals immigration status is sparse, researchers say people living in the U.S. illegally do not commit violent crimes at a higher rate than native-born citizens. Democratic President Joe Biden, Trumps rival in the November presidential election, accuses Trump of encouraging Republicans in Congress not to pass legislation this year that would have beefed up security at the southern border and introduced measures aimed at reducing illegal immigration. Advertisement Donald Trump is engaging in extreme rhetoric that promotes division, hate and violence in our country, Michael Tyler, Biden campaign communications director, told reporters on Tuesday ahead of Trumps speeches. Trump titled his Michigan speech Bidens border bloodbath, and said he met family members of Garcia, who was allegedly murdered last month in her car by Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 25, whom she was dating. They said she had just this most contagious laughter, and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family, Trump said. Mavi Garcia, Ruby Garcias sister, disputed that account, according to local television stations. Advertisement He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, Mavi Garcia was quoted as saying by a local NBC affiliate. Reuters was not able to immediately contact Garcias family. A Trump campaign representative declined to comment on the record. The murders of Garcia and Riley have allowed Trumps campaign to play simultaneously to some voters fears about violent crime and immigration. Some 38% of Republicans cited immigration as the countrys top issue in a Reuters/Ipsos poll released in late February, as did about one in five independents. Trump frequently claims without evidence that migrants have caused a spike in violent crime in U.S. cities. On Tuesday, he repeated an unfounded claim that Latin American nations are intentionally sending their criminals to the United States. Advertisement Tuesdays Wisconsin primary During his evening speech in Wisconsin, Trump pledged he would stop the plunder, rape, slaughter and destruction of our American suburbs, cities and towns. He also warned that the coming election could be Americas last. This country is finished if we dont win this election, he said. And I heard somebody say two or three days ago, said, if we dont win, this may be the last election our country ever has. And there could be truth to it. Michigan and Wisconsin are two swing states that could determine whether Biden or Trump occupies the White House next year. In the 2020 election, Biden beat Trump in Wisconsin by less than one percentage point and in Michigan by less than three. Both states are expected to be extremely close again this year. Advertisement Although both Trump and Biden have mathematically clinched their presidential nominations, they will be on their partys presidential primary ballots in Wisconsin on Tuesday. The Biden team will be watching for protest votes by Democrats angry over the presidents strong support of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza. In Februarys presidential primary in Michigan, a state with a large Muslim population, Biden easily won the primary but more than 100,000 Democrats voted uncommitted, instead of for Biden, as a protest over his Gaza policy. A similar option is available in Wisconsin on Tuesday. The protest campaigns goal is to get 20,682 voters to mark their ballots uninstructed, Wisconsins version of uncommitted. The number is significant because it represents Bidens winning margin over Trump in the state in 2020. Upon receiving the letters, Lahore police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) senior officers promptly reached the LHC premises to investigate the matter. The letters were taken into custody, and security measures for the LHC judges were heightened read more Three judges of Pakistans Lahore High Court (LHC) received threatening letters containing white powder on Wednesday, as confirmed by the courts Registrar Office. The judges who received these letters are Justice Shujaat Ali Khan, Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan, and Justice Alia Neelum. Upon receiving the letters, Lahore police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) senior officers promptly reached the LHC premises to investigate the matter. The letters were taken into custody, and security measures for the LHC judges were heightened in response to the incident. Advertisement The police also apprehended the employee of the courier company responsible for delivering the letters. The individual was taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation. Given the suspicious nature of the white powder, suspected to be anthrax, Punjab police spokesperson stated that the substance has been sent to a laboratory for examination and confirmation. This incident follows a similar occurrence the day before, where all eight judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), including Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, received letters suspected to be laced with anthrax. The threatening letters to high court judges surfaced after the Supreme Court took suo motu notice and formed a seven-member bench chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to hear the case of six IHC justices who accused spy agencies, including ISI, of meddling in judicial matters. The IHC judges had alleged that their bedrooms were bugged, and their relatives were abducted and tortured by the intelligence agencies personnel to get desired verdicts. Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded a thorough and immediate investigation into the threatening letters with white powder sent to IHC and LHC judges. With inputs from PTI Trump had sought Judge Juan Merchans removal from the case last year as well. The judge rejected the request at the time and said his impartiality in the case could not reasonably be questioned read more Former US President Donald Trump has again sought the removal of the judge in his hush money case. Source: Reuters Former US President Donald Trump has sought the removal of Judge Juan Merchan overseeing his hush-money case for the second time over a conflict of interest. Trump has lashed out at the judges daughter, Loren, and has argued that her work as a political consultant brings in a conflict of interest for her father. He is subject to two gag orders in the case, but he has continued to speak about it on his social media platform Truth Social. Advertisement The hush money case is related to a $130,000 payment made to adult film actor Stormy Daniels in 2016 to buy her silence for an alleged sexual relationship with Trump in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. It is alleged that Trump falsified business records to cover up the payment. The trial is set to start on April 15. Why has Trump sought the judges removal? Former US President Donald Trump has argued that the New York judge, Juan Merchan, has a conflict of interest because his daughter, Loren Merchan, is a political consultant who has worked with the Democratic Party. Trump has also claimed that Lorens company, Authentic Campaigns, has derided him. He has also said that the company and its Democratic clients are set to benefit financially from the case. The trial in this case will benefit Authentic financially by providing its clients more fodder for fund-raising, Authentic will make more money by assisting with those communications and your honors daughter will continue to earn money from these developments by virtue of her senior role at Authentic. Your honor has an interest in this case that warrants recusal, said Trump in the court, as per filings carried by The New York Times. Trump further said that, as recently as in February and March 2024, Authentic has used social media to market its connections to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris while deriding him. He further said that the judge appears to have made extrajudicial comments about the case and that he used the Office of Court Administration to issue a statement about an X (formerly Twitter) account that was associated with his daughter. Advertisement The judges daughter, Loren, is the President of Authentic Campaigns, a Chicago-based political consultancy. The companys top clients include Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff and Senate Majority PAC, a major fundraiser for the Democratic Party, according to The New York Post. Notably, Schiff was the lead prosecutor in the Trumps first impeachment trial. Earlier, Trump had sought Merchans removal from the case last year as well. The judge rejected the request at the time and said his impartiality in the case could not reasonably be questioned and that Trump had failed to demonstrate that there exists concrete, or even realistic reasons for recusal to be appropriate, much less required, as per HuffPost. Advertisement Trumps attempt to get Merchan removed from the case is being as an attempt to delay the start of the trial in the case. Trump plays around the gag order In the hush money case against him, former US President Donald Trump has two gag orders against him, but he has continued to target the judge and his daughter on social media. Earlier on Monday, the gag order was expanded to bar Trump from speaking about the families of Judge Merchan District Attorney on the case. Previously, Trump was barred from commenting about jurors, court staff, witnesses, or prosecutors. Trump has said that the gag orders are against his constitutionally-assured freedom of speech and hamper his ability to campaign in the presidential election. He is the presumptive Republican nominee against incumbent Joe Biden. Advertisement Within hours of the expansion of the gag order, Trump in a post on Truth Social shared a clip mentioning Loren, the judges daughter. In the clip from a segment on a Fox News show, commentator Brian Kilmeade termed the gag order outrageous and added, Also, the fact is, the judges daughter is an activist who works for Kamala Harris? And there was some dispute on whether she did have a picture up on a website with Donald Trump behind bars. That, to me, is something that if Im Donald Trump, Im concerned about that. The judge has a daughter who feels this way. During his evening speech in Wisconsin, Trump pledged he would stop the plunder, rape, slaughter and destruction of our American suburbs, cities and towns. He also warned that the coming election could be Americas last. read more On Wisconsins presidential primary election day, former US President Donald Trump started on his inaugural campaign visit to the state, unleashing a tirade against what he dubbed migrant crime while persisting in his baseless assertions regarding the election. Accompanied by several law enforcement officials, the Republican presidential contender delved into various criminal cases involving individuals residing in the country unlawfully, cautioning of a dystopian future engulfed in violence and disorder should he fail to secure victory in the upcoming November election. Advertisement During a speech in Michigan the previous day, Trump resorted to derogatory language, referring to undocumented immigrants as animals and dehumanizing them, perpetuating a discourse he has frequently employed throughout his campaign endeavours. Subsequently, in his address in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he maintained a similarly ominous stance, characterizing the forthcoming 2024 election as the nations decisive battle. While recounting the tragic case of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia allegedly slain by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, Trump regrettably categorized certain immigrants as less than human. The Democrats say, Please dont call them animals. Theyre humans. I said, No, theyre not humans, theyre not humans, theyre animals, said Trump, president from 2017 to 2021. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trump described meeting the family of Ruby Garcia, a local 25-year-old murdered last month by a suspect in the country illegally, according to police. Garcias sister denied the former president spoke with the family, according to local media reports. In stump speeches, Trump frequently claims that immigrants crossing the border with Mexico illegally have escaped from prisons and asylums in their home countries and are fuelling violent crime in the United States. Advertisement While available data on criminals immigration status is sparse, researchers say people living in the U.S. illegally do not commit violent crimes at a higher rate than native-born citizens. Democratic President Joe Biden, Trumps rival in the November presidential election, accuses Trump of encouraging Republicans in Congress not to pass legislation this year that would have beefed up security at the southern border and introduced measures aimed at reducing illegal immigration. Donald Trump is engaging in extreme rhetoric that promotes division, hate and violence in our country, Michael Tyler, Bidens campaign communications director, told reporters on Tuesday ahead of Trumps speeches. Trump titled his Michigan speech Bidens border bloodbath, and said he met family members of Garcia, who was allegedly murdered last month in her car by Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 25, whom she was dating. Advertisement They said she had just this most contagious laughter, and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family, Trump said. Mavi Garcia, Ruby Garcias sister, disputed that account, according to local television stations. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoken with us, Mavi Garcia was quoted as saying by a local NBC affiliate. Reuters was not able to immediately contact Garcias family. A Trump campaign representative declined to comment on the record. Advertisement The murders of Garcia and Riley have allowed Trumps campaign to play simultaneously to some voters fears about violent crime and immigration. Some 38% of Republicans cited immigration as the countrys top issue in a Reuters/Ipsos poll released in late February, as did about one in five independents. Trump frequently claims without evidence that migrants have caused a spike in violent crime in U.S. cities. On Tuesday, he repeated an unfounded claim that Latin American nations are intentionally sending their criminals to the United States. TUESDAYS WISCONSIN PRIMARY During his evening speech in Wisconsin, Trump pledged he would stop the plunder, rape, slaughter and destruction of our American suburbs, cities and towns. Advertisement He also warned that the coming election could be Americas last. This country is finished if we dont win this election, he said. And I heard somebody say two or three days ago, said, if we dont win, this may be the last election our country ever has. And there could be truth to it. Michigan and Wisconsin are two swing states that could determine whether Biden or Trump occupies the White House next year. In the 2020 election, Biden beat Trump in Wisconsin by less than one percentage point and in Michigan by less than three. Both states are expected to be extremely close again this year. Although both Trump and Biden have mathematically clinched their presidential nominations, they will be on their partys presidential primary ballots in Wisconsin on Tuesday. The Biden team will be watching for protest votes by Democrats angry over the presidents strong support of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza. In Februarys presidential primary in Michigan, a state with a large Muslim population, Biden easily won the primary but more than 100,000 Democrats voted uncommitted, instead of for Biden, as a protest over his Gaza policy. A similar option is available in Wisconsin on Tuesday. The protest campaigns goal is to get 20,682 voters to mark their ballots uninstructed, Wisconsins version of uncommitted. The number is significant because it represents Bidens winning margin over Trump in the state in 2020. With inputs from Reuters. The regional election commission declared Abdullah Zeydan unfit to run, and as a result, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), the party led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, won city hall with a meagre 27 percent of the vote read more After the election boards decision provoked protests, Turkeys pro-Kurdish party said on Wednesday that it was appealing the order that nullified the election of its mayoral candidate in the eastern city of Van. We made our objection to the Supreme Election Board cancelling the candidacy of our Van Greater City Mayor Abdullah Zeydan and giving the mandate to the AKP candidate, the DEM party stated in a statement. Abdullah Zeydan of the DEM received more than half of the vote in Sundays local elections in Van. Advertisement However, the regional election commission declared him unfit to run, and as a result, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), the party led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, won city hall with a meagre 27 percent of the vote. Their decision followed the last-minute reversal of a court verdict that had restored his right to stand for election. Zeydan, who had been elected on the HDP (now DEM) ticket in 2015, was arrested in 2016 after criticising the Turkish armys air campaign against outlawed Kurdish militants in the Kurdish-majority southeast. Violent protests against his ouster lasted through the night in Van province, which lies on Turkeys eastern border with Iran. The local governors office banned all demonstrations for 15 days after violent scuffles spread to several cities in the region, with some protesters setting police barricades ablaze. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 89 people were detained, 26 of them in Van province, for joining unauthorised rallies and chanting slogans in praise of a separatist terror organisation, referring to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) blacklisted by Turkey and its Western allies. In the southeastern Yuksekova district of Hakkari, 29 people were detained after violent clashes between protesters and police late Tuesday. Advertisement DEM accused by authorities of links to the PKK on Sunday claimed the mayorships of large towns in Turkeys Kurdish-majority southeast, including the regions largest city Diyarbakir. The movement is also the third-largest party in Turkeys national parliament. Fellow opposition party CHP, which made major gains in the local elections and held control of Istanbul and other big cities, has backed DEM in its battle against the Van ruling. A delegation from the party is due to visit Van on Wednesday, the CHP said. Known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, it includes clauses that make aggravated homosexuality a felony punishable by death and imposes sentences of up to life in prison for consenting same-sex relationships read more Pastor Martin Ssempa, one of the petitioners in favor of the Anti-gay law displays a sticker with the word "TUBIGAANYE" (We have refused Homosexuality) after the hearing of the petitions and applications challenging the Anti-gay law at the Constitutional Court, in Kampala, Uganda December 18, 2023. Reuters Ugandas Constitutional Court is scheduled to make a decision on a petition to overturn one of the worst anti-gay laws in the world, which has been widely denounced, on Wednesday. When the law was passed in May of last year, it infuriated the LGBTQ community, advocates for civil rights, the UN, and Western countries. Known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, it includes clauses that make aggravated homosexuality a felony punishable by death and imposes sentences of up to life in prison for consenting same-sex relationships. Advertisement The administration of President Yoweri Museveni has adopted a confrontational stance, with representatives charging that the West is attempting to coerce Africa into legalising homosexuality. As of 10:00 am (0700 GMT), the Constitutional Court in Kampala will render its decision, deputy registrar Susanne Okeny Anyala declared on Tuesday. In December, it started hearing the case. Human rights advocates, governing party lawmakers, and two law professors from Makerere University in Kampala filed the petition. They allege that the law infringes upon basic liberties protected by the Ugandan constitution, such as the right to privacy and the absence of discrimination. Additionally, according to the petitioners, it violates Ugandas obligations under international human rights legislation, such as the UN convention against torture. The court will also decide whether, as required by the constitution, adequate consultation with Ugandan residents was conducted before the bill was approved. West trying to coerce us A 20-year-old man became the first Ugandan to be charged with aggravated homosexuality under the contested law in August last year. He was accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with (a) male adult aged 41, an offence punishable by death. Uganda, a conservative and predominantly Christian country in East Africa, is notorious for its intolerance of homosexuality. Advertisement It has resisted pressure from rights organisations, the United Nations and foreign governments to repeal the law. The United States, which threatened to cut aid and investment to Kampala, imposed visa bans on unnamed officials in December for abusing human rights, including those of the LGBTQ community. The World Bank announced in August it was suspending new loans to Uganda over the law, which fundamentally contradicts the values espoused by the international institution. In December, Ugandan state minister for foreign affairs Henry Okello Oryem accused the West of seeking to coerce us into accepting same-sex relationships using aid and loans. In 2014, international donors had slashed aid to Uganda after Museveni approved a bill that sought to impose life imprisonment for homosexual relations, which was later overturned. Advertisement But the latest anti-gay law has enjoyed broad support in the conservative country, where lawmakers have defended the measures as a necessary bulwark against Western immorality. Last month, a Ugandan court dismissed an appeal by a gay rights group seeking government registration, ruling that it aimed to promote unlawful activities. The Court of Appeal said any registration of the group Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) was against the public interest and national policy. The law imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations, and establishes provisions for the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality read more In a significant ruling, Ugandas Constitutional Court has upheld the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, dismissing a bid to overturn what is considered one of the strictest anti-gay laws globally. Justice Richard Buteera, Ugandas deputy chief justice and head of the court, announced the decision, stating that the court declined to nullify the law entirely or grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement. While the court acknowledged that certain sections of the law infringed upon the right to health and were inconsistent with privacy and freedom of religion, it ultimately upheld the legislation. Advertisement The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, enacted in May of the previous year, sparked widespread condemnation from LGBTQ communities, human rights activists, the United Nations, and Western nations. The law imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations, and establishes provisions for the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality. President Yoweri Musevenis government has maintained a defiant stance, accusing Western nations of attempting to impose their values on Africa by advocating for LGBTQ rights. The legal challenge was brought forth by two law professors from Makerere University, Kampala, as well as legislators from the ruling party and human rights activists. Despite their efforts, the courts ruling solidifies the status of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in Ugandas legal framework. They had charged that it violates fundamental rights guaranteed by Ugandas constitution, including freedom from discrimination and the right to privacy. The petitioners also said it contravened Ugandas commitments under international human rights law, including the United Nations convention against torture. The court had begun hearing the case in December. A 20-year-old man became the first Ugandan to be charged with aggravated homosexuality under the contested law in August last year. He was accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with [a] male adult aged 41, an offence punishable by death. Uganda, a conservative predominantly Christian country in East Africa, is notorious for its intolerance of homosexuality. Advertisement It has resisted pressure from rights organisations, the United Nations and foreign governments to repeal the law. The United States, which threatened to cut aid and investment to Kampala, imposed visa bans on unnamed officials in December for abusing human rights, including those of the LGBTQ community. The World Bank announced in August it was suspending new loans to Uganda over the law, which fundamentally contradicts the values espoused by the US-based lender. In December, Ugandan state minister for foreign affairs Henry Okello Oryem accused the West of seeking to coerce us into accepting same-sex relationships using aid and loans. In 2014, international donors had slashed aid to Uganda after Museveni approved a bill that sought to impose life imprisonment for homosexual relations, which was later overturned. Advertisement But the latest anti-gay law has enjoyed broad support in the country, where lawmakers have defended the measures as a necessary bulwark against Western immorality. Last month, a Ugandan court dismissed an appeal by a gay rights group seeking government registration, ruling that it aimed to promote unlawful activities. The Court of Appeal said any registration of the group Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) was against the public interest and national policy. With inputs from Reuters British Foreign Minister David Cameron will request support from the allies for British-led plans to equip the Ukrainian armed forces with NATO-standard weapons and missiles. Since the invasion of Ukraine started in 2022, the UK has provided billions of pounds in support of the country read more In light of the escalating Russian invasion, British Foreign Minister David Cameron urged NATO members to increase defence production and spending in support of Ukraine on Wednesday. Cameron will make the following statement at a speech marking 75 years of NATO history since the organizations inception on April 4, 1949: Allies need to step up and spend more on defence in the face of continued Russian aggression and a more dangerous world. Advertisement The British minister will request support from the allies for British-led plans to equip the Ukrainian armed forces with NATO-standard weapons and missiles. Since the invasion of Ukraine started in 2022, the UK has provided billions of pounds in support of the country. With Ukraine closer to NATO than ever, we must sustain the critical support Ukraine needs to win the war, Cameron said. In addition, Cameron will welcome Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom to the NATO alliance during a speech at a gathering of the organisations foreign ministers. Two years after Russias invasion of Ukraine made it reevaluate its national security strategy and determine that membership in NATO was the Scandinavian countrys greatest assurance of security, Sweden formally joined NATO in March. Cameron also emphasised NATOs dedication to Ukraines integration into the alliance, restating the agreement of all countries about Ukraines eventual NATO membership. Vladimir Putins war chest and inventory of weaponry were to be reduced, according to a new set of sanctions that Britain imposed in February against Russia. Us President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping discussed range of bilateral, regional, and global issues aimed not at managing but rather than resolving differences, the White House said read more Us President Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping spoke over phone call for two hours. Representational image. Reuters File US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping engaged in a nearly two-hour-long phone conversation, with a White House official calling the communication a way to effectively manage this complex and often tense bilateral relationship. The phone call, which comes ahead of two top US officials visit to Beijing, was the first direct exchange between the two leaders since a summit in Woodside, California in November last year. in the coming weeks, Bidens top economic envoy, Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, will visit both south Chinas manufacturing hub Guangzhou and capital city Beijing accompanying Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, officials said. Advertisement The talk was not aimed at managing but rather than resolving differences, and the two leaders were open about heated disagreements, US officials added. They discussed subjects ranging from denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula to Human rights violations in Xinjiang and Chinese support to Russias defence industrial base. Taiwan is the uncrossable red line The island country Taiwan and the territorial disputes in the South China Sea continue to sour the relationship and remains a bone of contention between the two countries. Amid rising tensions between China and its South Asian neighbours, President Biden pressed Xi to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and called for the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the dispute-rife South China Sea. In the phone call, Xi told Biden that Taiwan remains an uncrossable red line for China, according to Chinese state media. The United States has over the years voiced concerns about rising Chinese movements and military drills against the Philippines in the South China Sea region and exerting pressure on Taiwan, a self-ruling country which China claims its own. China will not sit idle if US suppresses its rights In his call, Biden asserted his concerns about unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices harming American workers and families and urged Xi to take necessary action to protect Americans data security. The United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced US technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment, the White House stated Biden as saying. Advertisement He also declined to back down on TikTok, the blockbuster Chinese-owned app that US Congress is threatening to ban unless it divests and is freed from Chinese control. Xi, while replying to Bidens appeal, said that China will not sit idle if the US tries to undermine its right to development and accused him to creating economic risks by banning exports of advanced technologies. If the United States insists on suppressing Chinas high-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, we will not sit idly by, Xi warned, according to Chinese state media. As China faces economic headwinds, Xi Jinping met around two dozen American CEOs at the Great Hall of People last week to woo their confidence in the economy and called for a brighter future in the relationship between the rivals. They argued that denying them the opportunity to witness the eclipse would violate their religious freedoms read more Six inmates in the United States have filed a lawsuit against authorities, seeking permission to witness the years most significant astronomical event, a total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8. Arguing on grounds of religious freedom, the prisoners contend that a planned lockdown in New York state prisons during the eclipse would infringe upon their rights. In their court filing submitted on March 29, the inmates emphasized the religious significance of solar eclipses across various faiths, asserting their sincerely held beliefs that the upcoming event warrants gathering, celebration, worship, and prayer. Advertisement They argued that denying them the opportunity to witness the eclipse would violate their religious freedoms. The New York Department of Corrections, in an advisory issued last week, announced the cancellation of visitation for facilities located in the path of totality, where the Moon will fully block out the Sun. While the department did not provide specific reasons for the restrictions, it stated that prisoners would be returned to their housing units ahead of the eclipse and issued with safety glasses. The lawsuit highlights the diverse religious backgrounds of the plaintiffs, including Christians, Seventh Day Adventists, Atheists, and Muslims, all of whom view the solar eclipse as a significant religious event. The inmates contend that their religious beliefs necessitate their participation in witnessing the eclipse. With an estimated 32 million people residing within the path of totality and an additional 150 million living nearby, the economic impact of this years eclipse is expected to reach $6 billion, according to estimates by The Perryman Group. The path of totality spans across western Mexico, several US cities, and eastern Canada, prompting closures and early dismissals in schools along the route, including in Cleveland and Montreal. The New York Department of Corrections declined to comment on the lawsuit, which underscores the complexities surrounding religious accommodations within the prison system amid significant celestial events. Advertisement With inputs from AFP The White House sees steel as critical to national security, and Biden said last month that US Steel should remain domestically owned. His opponent in the Nov. 5 presidential election, former President Donald Trump, has promised to block the deal if he wins. read more Citing national security concerns amid bipartisan opposition in Congress to the Japanese companys $14.9 billion deal to acquire US Steel Corp, the head of the US Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday urged the White House to scrutinise the relationship between Nippon Steel and the Chinese steel industry. At least three US senators also have expressed concerns regarding Nippon Steels business engagements in China, initiating a fresh battleground in a political endeavour aimed at thwarting the Japanese conglomerates proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel. Advertisement Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat who chairs the Senate banking committee, urged US President Joe Biden on Monday to launch an investigation into Nippons business connections in China, as per a letter obtained by the Financial Times. Browns concerns stem from a report by Horizon Advisory, a consultancy, which highlighted that Nippons market exposure and operations in China pose a significant national security risk. The Ohio senator emphasized the necessity for the Biden administration to meticulously scrutinize Nippons involvement in the Chinese steel industry, with which it has been intricately linked for over four decades. Brown forwarded the Horizon report to Biden, garnering support from two other senators representing industrial states: Ohio Republican JD Vance and Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey, as reported by the FT. As you examine this deal, I urge you to thoroughly investigate the allegations raised in this report and examine Nippons ties to the Chinese government and the danger this merger poses to American national and economic security, Sherrod Brown said in a letter to Biden citing an April report, opens new tab by consultancy Horizon Advisory. Advertisement Nippon Steel said in a statement that Horizons report was rife with inaccuracies and misrepresentations and that its operations in China were very limited, representing less than 5% of its global production capacity. The White House did not immediately comment. Horizon Advisory did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Horizons report said Nippon had a long-run history of supporting the establishment of Chinas steel industry and that it operated, in whole or in part, nine facilities in China and had active joint ventures with a range of Chinese state-backed steel champions. Nippons connection to the Chinese steel ecosystem and industrial policy agenda has concerning implications regarding ties to Chinas military-civil fusion strategy and quest for global economic power, said Brown, a Democrat from Ohio who is running for another term in the Nov. 5 elections. Advertisement Nippon Steel said the entities in which it invests in China have no control over its operations or business decisions outside of China, and that its Chinese partners do not have any access to information about Nippon Steels operations, including about its R&D and engineering, outside of China. The White House sees steel as critical to national security, and Biden said last month that US Steel should remain domestically owned. His opponent in the Nov. 5 presidential election, former President Donald Trump, has promised to block the deal if he wins. With inputs from agencies. The protesters conducted the protest to express their frustration towards Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahus administration, accusing the Israeli government of failing to ensure the speedy release of the hostages read more A woman looks at photographs of hostages held in Gaza displayed in Ramat Gan. Source: AP Major chaos ensued in the gallery above Israels Knesset after activists and the relatives of the hostages in Gaza threw yellow paint at the glass window of the Israeli parliament. During the demonstration which took place on Wednesday, some of the protesters covered their hands in yellow paint as well. The protesters conducted the protest to express their frustration towards Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahus administration, accusing the Israeli government of failing to ensure the speedy release of the hostages. Advertisement These hostages have been held captive in Gaza following the October 7 massacre by Hamas in southern Israeli territories. In light of this, security personnel immediately confronted the activists and pushed them away from the windows. They eventually escorted the crowd out of the Israeli parliament. The video of the whole ordeal circulated online. , pic.twitter.com/102wszCZpu (@KnessetT) April 3, 2024 Netanyahu govt faces pressure over hostage situation The incident took place while the Israeli lawmakers were voting on a climate-related bill. During the demonstration, several opposition members in the plenum raised their hands in solidarity with the protesters in the gallery above. The Netanyahu administration has been facing immense public pressure in Israel and abroad as many slam him for not pursuing a hostage deal quickly. Earlier this week, several family members of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza who had US-Israel citizenship told the Israeli premier that they are receiving better treatment from the White House than from the Israeli government, Axios reported. Advertisement Meanwhile, senior members of the Netanyahu government including ultranationalist finance minister Betzalel Smotrich, have stated that the hostages should not be Israels top priority and that it is more important to destroy Hamas instead. Amid the chaos, family members of the hostages have also stated that they have been frequently harassed by Netanyahus supporters on social media. The Israeli premier has been accused of not putting enough pressure on Qatar which is the key mediator of hostage and ceasefire talks. However, Netanyahu accused the United States of the delay instead. They can do more to press Qatar, the Israeli prime minister said in one of the meetings with the families of the hostages, Axios reported. The legislation is expected to help the Ukrainian forces to mobilise more fighting power in its war against Russia read more Amid the raging Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a bill to lower the mobilisation age for combat duty by two years. Interestingly, the bill was lying on Zelenskyys table for about a year before being approved by the president on Tuesday. The legislation is expected to help the Ukrainian forces to mobilise more fighting power in its war against Russia. While it was not clear what prompted the Ukrainian president to sign the bill, the parliament of the conflict-stricken nation has been discussing a separate legislation to tighten the draft rules for months. Advertisement In the recent phase of the war, the Ukrainian troops have been on the back foot on the battleground and have been facing a shortage of ammunition supplies. It is interesting to note that the signing of the bill was not immediately announced by the presidents office. However, the Ukrainian parliament merely updated the addition of the bill on its website. What is the new military mobilisation age? With the signing of the legislation, the new age of military mobilisation was reduced from 27 to 25 years. It is pertinent to note that the mobilization draft bill has already seen several amendments in the parliament since the start of 2024. Following the commencement of the conflict, Ukrainian citizens were allowed to voluntarily join the army starting at the age of 18. Not only this, men between the ages of 18 and 16 are barred from leaving the country under the martial laws that were in place immediately after Russias military invasion. However, before the bill received the presidents assent, the mobilisation draft protected younger men many of whom are students from being forcibly mobilized. Why did the Bill receive Zelenskyys approval? The latest move would expand the number of civilians the army can mobilise into its ranks to fight the war. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war on February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been placed under martial law. Advertisement In December, Zelenskyy stated that the countrys military had proposed mobilising 500,000 more Ukrainians into the armed forces. The request was made by former military chief, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny. However, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the new head of the Ukrainian armed forces maintained that the aforementioned figure is no longer up-to-date and assured that it has been significantly reduced after a review of resources, The Telegraph reported. In the past, there have been constant calls to reduce the military mobilisation age. Some called it a crucial step since Ukraine was struggling to garner a constant flow of foreign aid. Another main reason for the reduction of the age is the fact that the average age of Ukrainian troops is over 40. It is very unusual to have your wars fought by your dads, quipped Gen. Richard Barrons, former commander of the British militarys Joint Forces Command. Advertisement Hence, it was argued that the younger men would be in a better physical condition to fight the battle against the Russians. A similar assertion was made by US Senator Lindsey Graham during his visit to Kyiv. I would hope that those eligible to serve in the Ukrainian military would join. I cant believe its at 27, he told reporters. Youre in a fight for your life, so you should be serving not at 25 or 27. What caused the delay? The Ukrainian leader gave the green signal to the bill months after he stated that he would only sign the bill if the parliament provided him with a strong enough argument to do so. Advertisement Zelenskyy has expressed reservations over the bill since he stated that Ukraine lacks the funds to pay for new conscripts. The discussion over the legislation has been decisive in Ukrainian society as well. While support for the military is extremely high among Ukrainians, many in the country have been hesitant to join the battleground. Not only this, some soldiers have been fighting for over two years with little to no breaks. However, Syrsky took this argument to put forward his case in favour of the legislation. It is necessary to take into account the fact that people are not robots, Syrsky said, insisting that more people are needed to establish regular rotations away from the front for the most combat-weary units. Advertisement They are exhausted, physically and psychologically, especially in combat conditions. For example, those who came to military recruitment centres in February 2022 these people need rest and treatment," he furthered. Zelenskyy passes another controversial bill In addition to lowering the draft age, the Ukrainian leader signed two other bills. One required men given waivers from military service on disability grounds to have another medical assessment. The second bill will create an online database of people eligible for military service. Both were passed with the aim of helping the military draft more fighters. However, the second bill became controversial with many opposing the legislation because of privacy and security concerns. Despite the criticisms, Zelenskyy has emphasised that the bills are the need of the hour. In February, Zelenskyy revealed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the start of the war. Meanwhile, US officials have stated that the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed was at least 70,000. iQOO launched its flagship iQOO 12 smartphone in India in Legend and Alpha colours last year. Now it is finally bringing the Red version of the phone to India, which it is calling Desert Red Anniversary Edition. The company is celebrating its 4th anniversary in India. This has a vegan leather finish instead of the glass back in the other version while retaining other specifications. The new leather rubbing process creates a unique wind-printed texture like a desert, telling the story of the explorers journey to pursue the unknown, says the company. Pricing and availability The iQOO 12 Desert Red Anniversary Edition is priced at Rs. 52,999 for the 12GB + 256GB version and the 16GB + 512GB version costs Rs. 57,999. It will be available from Amazon.in and iQOO.com starting from April 9th. Launch offers Rs. 3000 instant discount with HDFC and ICICI Bank cards No-cost EMI up to 9 months iQOO 12 specifications 6.78-inch (2800 1260 pixels) 1.5K flat LTPO AMOLED 20:9 aspect ratio screen with HDR10+, 144Hz variable refresh rate, up to 1400 nits brightness in HBM mode, up to 3000 nits peak brightness, 2160Hz PWM dimming Octa Core Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 4nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 750 GPU 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) storage Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14 Dual SIM (nano + nano) 50MP camera with Omnivision OV50H sensor, f/1.68 aperture, OIS, LED flash, 50MP 150 ultra-wide-angle camera with Samsung JN1 sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 64MP 3x telephoto camera with f/2.57 aperture, Omnivision OV64B sensor, OIS, up to 100x digital zoom, up to 8K video recording 16MP front-facing camera with f/2.45 aperture, 1080p video recording In-display fingerprint sensor, infrared sensor USB Type-C audio, Stereo speakers, Hi-Fi audio Dimensions: 163.22 75.888.1mm;Weight: 203.9g Dust and splash resistance (IP64) 5G SA/NSA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 7 802.11 be, Bluetooth 5.4, GPSL1+L5B1C+B1I+B2a, GLONASSG1 GalileoE1+E5aQZSSL1+L5, USB Type-C, NFC 5000mAh battery with 120W ultra-fast flash charging Google introduced a new Chrome security feature called Device Bound Session Credentials (DBSC). This feature links cookies to a specific device, preventing hackers from stealing and using them to take over users accounts. Understanding Cookies and Cookie Theft Malware Cookies are small files that websites use to store browsing information, making online experiences smoother. However, theyre also targeted by hackers for unauthorized access to accounts. Hackers often use malware to steal cookies, gaining access to users accounts. Malware-as-a-Service operators spread such malware through social engineering, convincing users to install it. Once installed, the malware extracts authentication cookies, allowing attackers to sell compromised accounts. Introducing Device Bound Session Credentials (DBSC) To tackle this issue, Google is developing a new web capability known as Device Bound Session Credentials (DBSC). By associating authentication sessions with the device, DBSC aims to disrupt the cookie theft industry, rendering stolen cookies worthless. This shift forces attackers to operate locally on the device, facilitating more effective detection and cleanup efforts. The key features include: Technical Solution: DBSC At its core, the DBSC API allows servers to initiate sessions with specific browsers on devices. Each session generates a unique public/private key pair stored securely on the device, making it challenging for attackers to exploit. This solution utilizes Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) for key protection and maintains the freshness of short-lived cookies through a dedicated DBSC-defined endpoint. Preserving User Privacy: DBSC safeguards user privacy by preventing sites from correlating keys from different sessions on the same device. Users can delete keys at any time, and DBSC doesnt disclose device information beyond its ability to offer secure storage. Improving User Protection: Google is experimenting with DBSC to protect Chrome Beta users. Once fully deployed, DBSC will enhance security for Google accounts automatically, benefiting both consumers and enterprise users. Testing DBSC While still in the prototype phase, DBSC can be tested by enabling the enable-bound-session-credentials flag in Chromium-based browsers. Interest Beyond Google Several server providers, identity providers (IdPs), and browsers have shown interest in DBSC, highlighting the broader industry support for enhanced security measures. Google is actively engaging with stakeholders to develop a standard that caters to various website types while preserving user privacy. Availability Development updates and announcements regarding DBSC are available on GitHub. Google aims to facilitate origin trials for interested websites by the end of 2024 and invites participation and feedback from all parties interested in bolstering online security. Source | Via Nearly 2,000 acres of ranchland in eastern Mesa County will be conserved thanks to a conservation partnership with the Nichols and Bevan families and Colorado West Land Trust. The Land Trust announced the conservation of the Flying Triangle Ranch on Tuesday. The agreement will safeguard 1,960 acres of the Plateau Valley, near Collbran, preserving wildlife habitats and scenic landscapes. It also underscores the families commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural preservation, according to a release from Colorado West Land Trust. The fact that a lot of our neighbors have conserved their land as well makes it even more valuable to my family and ranches in the future, landowner Ty Bevan said. I think someday there will be big tracts of land that are prohibited from being developed. I dont think we will really see the full impact in our lifetime, but future generations will be greatly appreciative. Within a 10-mile radius of the Flying Triangle Ranch, more than 11,000 acres of land are already conserved by the Land Trust, according to the release. Filling in gaps in protected areas to protect entire landscape systems is a goal of the Colorado West Land Trusts Forty Forever: Seeding the Future campaign. We are deeply honored to partner with the Nichols and Bevan families and are inspired by their dedication to conservation, Colorado West Land Trust Conservation Director Ilana Moir said. Together, we are preserving not just land, but a way of life a legacy that resonates with the spirit of the West. The Nichols and Bevan families have ties to this land that spans six generations back to the late 1800s in the Plateau Valley. Ty Bevan, alongside his wife Carrie and their three children, oversees the daily operations of a cattle ranch, managing seasonal grazing practices. Ty takes pride in nurturing the land and witnessing how his actions help the land flourish, according to the release. This property includes important habitats, from mixed mountain shrublands and sagebrush shrublands to riparian corridors and perennial streams, providing critical forage, cover, and breeding grounds for a myriad of wildlife species, according to the release. Its fertile soils and irrigation water rights play an important role in sustaining local wildlife populations, while supporting the regions agricultural economy. You really dont own this land as much as you think you do, you just borrow it for a time and make the most while you have it, and then pass it on to our kids who will hopefully want to do the same thing, Ty Bevan said. The Colorado West Land Trusts Forty Forever Campaign is a $1.8 million initiative to bolster the Land Trusts capabilities to address needs and serve the community. According to the release, the campaign emphasizes the importance of conservation easements like Flying Triangle Ranch, protecting wildlife habitat, farm and ranchland, scenic spaces and access to outdoor recreation across western Colorado. Government of Canada expands assisted departures from Haiti Global Affairs Canada News release April 1, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada As the security situation in Haiti remains extremely volatile, and the Port-au-Prince airport remains closed, the Government of Canada continues to take action to protect the safety and security of Canadians in Haiti. Canada's assisted departure operation from Haiti to the Dominican Republic is now complete and successfully assisted 153 Canadians to leave Haiti. Canada is grateful for the support of the authorities in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic, who have helped to reunite Canadian citizens with their families. Starting as early as Wednesday of this week, if security and weather conditions allow, Canada is expanding assisted departure operations from Port-au-Prince to Canada to include Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and their immediate eligible family members who wish to leave Haiti. These assisted departure operations will bring Canadian citizens, permanent residents and eligible family members from Port-au-Prince to a secondary safe location and then onward to Montreal via a chartered plane. Eligible family members include the spouse or common law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and dependent children as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). In line with previous assisted departures, the chartered flights to Canada will be at the traveller's own expense, priced consistently with the average cost of similar commercial flights. Financial assistance, in the form of private funds transfers and emergency loans, is available to those in need. In recent weeks, approximately 500 Canadian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members have reached out to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to express interest in getting assistance to leave Haiti. As of today, there are close to 3,110 Canadians in Haiti registered with GAC's Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Canada urges all Canadians in Haiti to check the Travel advice and advisories by destination as often as possible for updates. Canada's officials in Ottawa and at missions in Haiti and the Dominican Republic are working tirelessly to help Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate eligible family members leave to safety. Canada has deployed GAC's Standing Rapid Deployment Team (SRDT) to the region to support its operations and provide emergency response, coordination, consular assistance and logistical support. The SRDT is composed of highly trained employees who are ready to deploy on short notice to support Canada's response to emergencies. Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and their immediate eligible family members wishing to leave Haiti should: apply for a travel document as soon as possible, if they do not currently have valid documents sign up with the Government of Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service, to receive important information about available assistance contact GAC's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre: by calling: +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available) by text message at: +1 613-686-3658 via WhatsApp at: +1 613-909-8881 via Telegram at: Canada Emergency Abroad via Signal at: +1-613-909-8087 Email: haitisos@international.gc.ca Quotes "Our officials in Canada and at missions in the region have been working tirelessly to help Canadians affected by the situation in Haiti. We will continue to support Haitian-led solutions to the political, security and humanitarian crises, which will only continue until all Haitian stakeholders are fully engaged in identifying and implementing these solutions." - The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 1 USCENTCOM, Royal Jordanian Air Force Conduct Humanitarian Airdrops U.S. Central Command Press Release | April 1, 2024 USCENTCOM April 1, 2024 Release Number 20240401 - 01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Northern Gaza on April 1, 2024, at 12:16 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict. The combined joint operation included Jordanian provided food and three U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft. The U.S. C-130 aircraft dropped 25,344 meal equivalents, including rice, flour, milk, pasta, and canned food, providing life-saving humanitarian assistance. During today's mission, approximately 60 bundles landed in the sea. CENTCOM does not assess civilian harm or damage to infrastructure at this time but continues to monitor the situation. The DoD humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing U.S. and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering. These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 17, 2024 Transcript Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: OK. Hello. Good morning. Happy April Fools, for those who celebrate. Happy Final Four, for those who watch. So just a few things at the top, and then can get can jump right in. So on the bridge repair that's happening in Baltimore, the department continues to support the whole-of-government response in Baltimore. Through the unified command, the U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating this effort in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Navy and many others. The unite the unified command launched the wreckage removal effort on Saturday. Highly-trained demolition crews started cutting the top portion of the north side of the collapse collapsed bridge on Saturday, which is the key step prior to the removal. Multiple Navy barges are on site assisting in the efforts. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed the underwater survey that needed to take place prior to removing the wreckage. Hundreds of personnel from the Army Corps, Coast Guard, Navy are supporting efforts on the ground, as well. Additional vessels, equipment and personnel are expected to arrive over the coming days. We stand ready to assist in further efforts to provide immediate response, reopen the the port, rebuild the bridge and support the people of Baltimore. And last, the department wishes a fond farewell to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere Affairs Daniel Erikson. We thank him for his exceptional public service and his lasting contributions to the department, including successful implementation of the National Defense Strategy in the Western hemisphere, stronger security partnerships, regional defense modernization, advancing climate resilience and an enduring commitment to democracy and human rights. And with that, I'm happy to jump into questions. Tara? Q: Sabrina, I wanted to ask you about the "60 Minutes" piece last night. MS. SINGH: Yes. Q: Did DIA conduct an investigation into the Havana Syndrome attacks? And if so, is there any part of that that can be made public? And then last year at the NATO Summit, the (inaudible) reported that a DOD official was injured by a a potentially Havana Syndrome attack. Can you talk about that? MS. SINGH: I can confirm that a senior DOD official experienced symptoms similar to those reported in anomalous health incidents. This person was there at the at the NATO Summit in Vilnius; not part of the secretary's delegation that was also there during that time. In terms of any investigation, this is something that the intelligence community is at the forefront of and leading, so I'd refer you to the IC to speak more to that, particularly, ODNI. So I just don't have more for you on anything that we're doing. Q: But there was there a DIA component? Can you confirm whether there was - because (inaudible) is saying that there was a Pentagon investigation into this. Was there any Pentagon investigation? MS. SINGH: I can't confirm anything. As far as I'm aware, ODNI is has been the lead on this, so I'd have to refer you there. (inaudible). Do you want me to Q: No, no. MS. SINGH: I was happy to silence. Dave? Q: So Q: Sorry about that. MS. SINGH: That's OK. Q: The "60 Minutes" overtime piece said that MS. SINGH: Yes. Q: 11 members of Harris' advance party to Hanoi were also reporting these symptoms, nine of them DOD. Can you confirm that? MS. SINGH: I can't. I just don't have anything more to share on that. 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 that's it. Q: Does does Secretary Austin agree that it is agree with the intelligence community's assessment that it is very unlikely these symptoms are being caused by an attack from an external power? MS. SINGH: Secretary has confidence in the intelligence community, and they're continuing to do their assessment. The investigation is ongoing, so obviously not going to speak more to that at this at this time. Q: Did he have any personal reaction to the fact that a DOD official reported these symptoms? MS. SINGH: The secretary is tracking that this occurred in Vilnius, but other than that, I'm just not going to be able to preview anything. Idrees? Q: There were reported Israeli strikes, a a building next to the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. Of course, the (inaudible) did the Israelis notify the U.S. that they would be striking next to the Iranian Embassy? MS. SINGH: I don't have anything more on that one. Q: Is there going to be any DOD participation in these remote talks on Rafah with the Israelis this today? And then a separate separate issue: are any updates on the Niger situation? MS. SINGH: On Niger, no updates. On the what you referenced earlier on this meeting, right now, I don't have anything for you. I'd refer you to the NSC to speak more to it. We might have something later today, but I just I don't have anything for you at this time. (inaudible)? Q: Has is DOD currently doing any more reviews on contracts or things to see if there's any extra funding that can be kind of reworked, like we saw a few weeks ago, for Ukraine? Is there, like, any active relooking at things? MS. SINGH: I'm not aware of any right now. As you know, what happened a few weeks ago was we had nine contracts come in under bid, which we are very fortunate of. But I'm not aware that any more have come in under the bid amount, or that there's another assessment being done. As you as you've seen us continue to urge, you know, our the most important thing that we want to see Congress pass is the supplemental. I know they're out of session, but hopefully, when the House is back in session next week, they will bring it to the floor, and then we can continue getting out those PDAs as we you know, regularly. (inaudible)? Q: Thanks. Do you have a any totals on the number of service members involved in the response to the Baltimore bridge collapse? MS. SINGH: Let me check. Let me check if I have anything. I believe from Army Corps of Engineers, over 1,100 engineering, construction and contracting and ops specialists are available for support. For Navy, I don't have more specifics on numbers, so I'd refer you to the Navy to speak to that. Q: Thank you. MS. SINGH: Of course. Tara, yes, I'm happy to (inaudible). Q: Just a couple more on Vilnius. So MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: the DOD official, was that person not part of the secretary's traveling delegation? MS. SINGH: That's right. They were there separately attending meetings that were part of the NATO Summit at Vilnius, but not part of the secretary's delegation that traveled there. Q: OK. And did that person return to work, or did they have to be medically some of these more serious cases, it sounds like people have to be medically retired. MS. SINGH: I'm not aware. I'm, you know, not going to get into more specifics on the medical well-being of this individual as they're entitled to privacy, so I'm just not going to be able to provide more details at this time. But you know, again, it was a just to reiterate, separate and apart from the delegation that traveled with the secretary. Q: Same hotel? Like, was it was it a part was it, you know, a question of maybe the secretary's delegation could have been at risk because of (inaudible)? MS. SINGH: I'm not aware that the secretary's delegation was at risk. I'm not sure on the specifics of the hotel, either. Missy? Q: Hi. Just wanted to ask if you I know that you wanted to defer questions about DO potential DOD participation in the remote meeting MS. SINGH: Yes. Q: on Israel/Gaza. Like, can you just sort of explain to us what what the goal is of that meeting? It seems like it's a it's a little bit different than what I think a lot of the senators heard was supposed to happen as of last week, which was, you know, a a sit-down to discuss alternative approaches to the operation in Gaza. What is this? Is this sort of like an interim meeting on that front or is this something different? If you could help elucidate that a little bit, that'd be helpful. MS. SINGH: So I don't want to get ahead of anything. I know that's not very satisfactory but I I know that there will probably be more to share later today. The, I think, initial goals of the meeting still stand, 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 the very concentrated population that's there, over a million people. So I think the goals and the intent are still the same but I just don't have more for you at this time. Hopefully we will have more to share later today. Yes, Joe? Q: Last night, I guess overnight, a couple several drones were launched from Iraq, or they claim (inaudible) Iraq (inaudible) towards Israel. It seems I mean, just from open source says that these drones traveled above, you know, Jordan and above and undetected, even by U.S. radar systems. Are you guys still looking into I mean, Tower 22 wasn't too long ago. One, is there anything that you can share about that investigation or is that strictly CENTCOM? And two, are you guys looking into what happened last night and how those went undetected? MS. SINGH: Thanks for the question. I'm not tracking anything on that, so I would have to refer you to CENTCOM for for more details on that. Q: On both? MS. SINGH: On both, yes. Yes, Jeff? Q: Thanks. Setting aside Havana syndrome symptoms, what level of concern is there at the Pentagon and and with the Secretary about U.S. adversaries, Russia or others, employing directed energy weapons on the battlefield or not on the battlefield in other situations (inaudible)? I mean, where does the Pentagon stand on that? MS. SINGH: I think we'd always be concerned of any type of impact to our service members or civilians that causes, you know, health health defects, health impacts. Again, I know this is something that the IC is looking into, continues to investigate. I'm just not going to get ahead of that. I know that's not satisfying, but sorry. Anything else? Q: Sabrina, who's who's representing the DOD in the discussions today? MS. SINGH: I don't have more for you right now but hopefully we will have later today. Yes, Tony? Q: Once you do get a briefing from the Israelis, can you share at least the a level of detail of they're they're showing in terms of their offensive plan, you know, both the plan to go after these Hamas battalions and also mitigate civilian casualties? MS. SINGH: I don't think we would be in a position to read out the Israeli plans in detailed Q: Not detailed, Sabrina, but just generally. To this point, you guys have said "we haven't seen details of these" if you do get more details, it just broadly contrast what you're (CROSSTALK) Q: two weeks ago with today. MS. SINGH: As as you can probably appreciate, just not going to get ahead of anything that's occurring today or in subsequent weeks. If there is more details to share, we, you know we'd be happy to do it, but right now, I'm just not going to get ahead of any meetings. Q: I understand that. OK. MS. SINGH: Yes. All right. Anyone else? Oh, yes? Q: Is there a cost estimate yet on JLOTS, on the deployment? MS. SINGH: On the deployment? Q: for JLOTS. How much will it cost to build the pier? MS. SINGH: There is not, but I know I know that's something that folks have asked for, and I haven't forgotten on on about that. I don't think I have, like, a a cost estimate in totality but let us get back to you on that Q: OK. MS. SINGH: because we do owe you an answer on it. Q: Great. MS. SINGH: Yes, OK. OK Q: any developments on, like, that final mile distribution part or just is it is it accurate to say at this point that, like, the final mile, there's just no DOD role at all? MS. SINGH: There is not going to be a DOD role when it comes to, like, where the you're talking about when humanitarian aid comes through the causeway and goes into Gaza? There is not going to be a a DOD role into that. I know you've asked about contracts. Q: Yes, the contract management part of it, but MS. SINGH: To my knowledge, there is not. Looking into I mean, I can't speak for I mean, I can only speak for DOD. I can't speak for other agencies. You know, USAID is of course coordinating with NGOs and other groups who are are getting aid into Gaza, but as far as a DOD role in terms of boots on the ground, as you know, we've been pretty clear that that won't that won't be the case. In terms of how that distribution is happening, it's still something that we are working through. Hopefully we will have more to share in the coming days and weeks. I know that's also of interest to a lot of people in here. But I just don't have more right now. Q: Any update on the ships? MS. SINGH: Ships are still underway. We're still aiming towards our our, you know, goal of setting this up within the 60 days that we announced, which was I don't I don't I don't want to do the math from here, I want to say we're half maybe halfway there. But they're still underway, and when we have more details to share, we will certainly share. Q: Sabrina, where where is this going to be built in Gaza? MS. SINGH: I don't have a location for you just yet. It will be off the coastline, but no specific location. Q: So no specific you location you can share, or it hasn't been decided yet? MS. SINGH: A little bit of both. I think I think that's still being worked through, on what makes the most sense in terms of, you know, what would be most impactful and effective. We're still also working through, you know, how we're going to coordinate the aid getting from the floating pier to the causeway, what makes sense. So, you know, I don't know that we'd exactly detail explicitly the location ahead of when we're ready, but obviously when it starts to get it set up, you know, we'll have more details to provide. Q: To today, we've seen the I don't know if you saw the footage from coming out of Al-Shifa Hospital, the wide destruction, the the dead bodies. This is the biggest hospital in in Gaza. There was a big Israeli operation. They claimed they went after militants. Other organizations on the ground saying actually a lot of civilians were killed in this operation and this medical establishment has been destroyed. How much did the Pentagon know about this operation? How much did the Israelis share? And do you have any comments about what we we've been seeing coming out of that location? MS. SINGH: I honestly have seen the public reporting. I don't have more to share in terms of the actual operation itself. You know, we don't ask to clear operations by the IDF before they go in. We do know that unfortunately Hamas does embed in and use civilians as human shields, as we've seen in hospitals, schools, mosques. I just don't have more to share on the actual operation itself Q: So MS. SINGH: I refer you to the IDF. Q: Hamas was using the hospital when Israel launched this operation? MS. SINGH: We know that Hamas uses hospitals Q: Yes, but MS. SINGH: I've only seen the public reporting. I don't have a independent assessment. Q: but this hospital, do you know if if they were using it or not? MS. SINGH: I just don't have an independent assessment, but by all accounts, it seems very clear that Hamas does embed in hospitals and, you know, use civilians as human shields. So it certainly wouldn't be surprising if Q: So is it OK now for Israel to destroy hospitals? MS. SINGH: I again, I I'm going to have to refer you to the IDF for their own operations. Q: No, from your perspective, from the from the let me put it this way does the is the Secretary OK with the Israelis launching operations against hospitals in Gaza? MS. SINGH: I think, Fadi, that you can understand that the Israelis have an incredibly hard task in front of them. Q: No, I don't understand that. MS. SINGH: well, just let me finish. Q: Yes. MS. SINGH: in an a terrorist organization using I'm just taking an example a hospital, a school, a mosque as a place to operate out of. That's not something that I think many modern, professional militaries have had to encounter before. I think the Israelis we have received assurances from Minister Gallant, from others Israelis government officials across the interagency that they are doing everything they can to ensure that civilians are protected. We are absolutely every single time in the readouts that we put out, we are imploring on them that they uphold humanitarian laws, that they, you know, conform to upholding the laws of armed conflict. This is not our fight, so I can't speak to all the operational decisions that are being made on the ground. We certainly believe that one civilian death is one too many, but I again, I can't speak to this specific operation. Q: Can I can I Q: Just just to clarify on MS. SINGH: I'll come back to you. Q: You said many, many times no boots on the ground. MS. SINGH: Yes. Q: No boots on the causeway? Will there be boots on the causeway? MS. SINGH: No boots on the ground into Gaza. I on the causeway, I mean, you're going to have our ships coming up and and, like, personnel probably helping offload cargo, but Q: U.S. personnel helping offload cargo onto the causeway? MS. SINGH: Most likely, but not onto not into Gaza. Q: But then not driving it down the MS. SINGH: Not driving. That's right. Q: OK. MS. SINGH: Missy Q: Just to follow up on Fadi's question, the I think the I believe the WHO assessed that more than 20 patients had been killed during the Shifa operation. Does DOD have a comment on that? MS. SINGH: I haven't I actually have not seen that report. Look, we've said this very publicly and I'll and I said it to Fadi as well, that, you know, we certainly don't want to see any innocent civilians die when it comes to any operations that are happening, whether it be in and around a hospital or anywhere else, and I'll just leave it at that. Q: OK. And then there's been some analysis that the fact that it the IDF has had to go back to areas that it allegedly cleared in the past or that they stated you know, where they had been operating previously and reengage in those areas sort of attest to a lack of effectiveness of what they're what they're doing there and the potential for ongoing problems. And I just wonder what the what if DOD agrees with that assessment, in terms of the what the return to Shifa says about the effectiveness of this strategy in in Gaza? MS. SINGH: I don't have anything for you on that one. I would let the IDF speak to their own operations. Yes, and then Idrees? Q: Regarding the North Korea, does North Korea continue providing weapons to Russia? How is the (inaudible) between the two countries? MS. SINGH: We do assess that the partnership continues to flourish, that North Korea does continue to provide support to Russia. We've certainly had declassified intelligence read out to all of you. So we do believe that support continues but I don't have anything to share in terms of, like, recent shipments or anything like that. Q: (Inaudible) flourish? MS. SINGH: It continues to grow. We see that partnership you know, we continue to see Russia reach out to partners like North Korea, to Iran, to continue to get support for its war in Ukraine. And, you know, we continue to stand with Ukraine for however long it takes. Q: Do you know what weapons the North Korea received from Russia? You you talked about they're providing weapons to Russia. MS. SINGH: I'm sorry? Q: What kind of weapons North Korea received from Russia in return for them providing weapon to to Russia? MS. SINGH: I mean, it's been a variety. I think we've declassified some of that intelligence, whether it's munitions or other supplies. Idrees, last question? Q: Is the U.S. considering conditioning any aid to Israel at this point? MS. SINGH: We don't condition aid to Israel. I don't have anything to share that would change our policy at this point. Q: And I think Chairman Brown on Friday said or Thursday that the U.S. had turned down Israeli requests for some weapons. Do you have any details on what type of weapons you guys turned down? MS. SINGH: I think he was referring to in and and I would, you know, let Joint Staff speak to this more but I think he was referring to it as, like in any type of any time we've we provide aid to an ally, we always assess our own readiness. So sometimes, there are requests that we just can't meet because it will impact our own readiness. So there are certain things that, you know, we just aren't able to provide at at that time. Q: (inaudible) how frequently they've been turned down? MS. SINGH: No. All right, OK, last question? Q: Just getting that Shifa Hospital, the (inaudible) hospital, you said that you the U.S. knows that Hamas use embeds with schools, hospitals, uses human shields. Throughout Israel's operation, given that the Defense Department has had some ISR assets overhead, has the department been collecting any evidence in to prosecute or later present of the war crimes that are being alleged by Hamas? MS. SINGH: We're flying ISR to help with hostage rescue and recovery. That's from the beginning, that's what it's been used for in helping the Israelis, you know, identify where hostages are, but that's it. Q: So the U.S. is not looking with its, as its done in Russia, looking for evidence of war crimes or atrocities by Hamas? MS. SINGH: Right now, the ISR is just being used to help identify where hostages are. OK, thanks, everyone. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3726753/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, allies to conduct joint patrols to counter China The U.S., Japan and the Philippines to launch joint naval patrols amid tensions with China in the South China Sea. By RFA Staff 2024.04.01 -- The United States, Japan and the Philippines are launching joint naval patrols in the South China Sea in a move seen as countering China's 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 Japan's Asahi Shimbun. The Asahi quoted unnamed Japanese government sources as saying that the move is made "in response to China's 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 won't be tolerated." In recent months, China's coast guard has stepped up its campaign of harassment near some disputed reefs in the South China Sea, using water cannons against Filipino vessels. Beijing's 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 military's 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 China's PLA (People's 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 Beijing's threats. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indonesian President-elect Prabowo meets with Chinese leader Xi, discusses deeper strategic ties Outgoing President Jokowi signed off on defense chief visiting with regional leaders months before being sworn in. Pizaro Gozali Idrus and Dandy Koswaraputra 2024.04.01 -- Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday and was expected to travel on to Japan for similar high-level talks during an unprecedented trip by the uninstalled head of Indonesia's next government. Outgoing Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo agreed to the travel plans of the president-elect who continues to serve as defense minister, according to Jokowi's office. Prabowo is to take the oath of office in October, when he becomes Indonesia's first new president in a decade. "Yes, he had received permission," a source at the Presidential Staff Office who was not authorized to speak on the trip and asked for anonymity told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news service, on Monday. Prabowo was scheduled to meet with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Defense Minister Dong Jun before leaving for Japan on Tuesday, where he was to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, officials said. The news on Friday that China's president had invited his future Indonesian counterpart from Southeast Asia's largest country raised eyebrows in Jakarta, because no president-elect had ever undertaken such a trip abroad. Prabowo's trip to China and Japan - a close ally of the United States - is also his first foreign journey since he won the Feb. 14 presidential election. During Prabowo's meeting with the Chinese president, Xi told Prabowo that China was willing to enhance "comprehensive strategic cooperation" with Indonesia and make positive contributions to regional and world peace, said Brig. Gen. Edwin Adrian Sumantha, spokesman for the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. Prabowo expressed the hope to Xi that the largest country in Asia and the largest one in Southeast Asia could continue strengthening their strategic partnership, Edwin said. "Regarding defense cooperation, I view China as one of the key partners in ensuring regional peace and stability," Prabowo said, according to a statement released by the Indonesian defense ministry. "I am also committed to fulfilling Indonesia's Minimum Essential Force (MEF), including increasing defense industry cooperation and productive dialogue," the Indonesian president-elect said. The statement did not mention the South China Sea despite a recent study by Indonesia Strategic and Defence Studies (ISDS) and Kompas Research and Development finding that nearly three-quarters of Indonesians see China's activities in the waterway as a threat to Indonesia's sovereignty. "The Indonesian public does not like the aggressiveness of Chinese ships which are pushing into Indonesian territory," ISDS co-founder Erik Purnama Putra told BenarNews last month, referring to waters around Indonesia's Natuna islands. Edwin said Prabowo was to go to Japan for a Tuesday meeting to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations. "Yes, the statement is confirmed. He will also visit Japan on April 2 to 3, scheduled to meet with the Japanese prime minister and defense minister," Edwin told BenarNews on Monday. During his meeting with Prabowo, Xi also emphasized that China was ready to make positive contributions to maintaining regional and global peace and stability. "President Xi emphasized the importance of cooperation between China and Indonesia in maintaining maritime security in the Southeast Asia region, especially regarding the South China Sea issue which is of global concern," Edwin said. Prabowo conveyed greetings and a message from Jokowi to Xi, and said he was happy to make China the first country he visited following the election. In his message, Jokowi told Xi that his successor as president supported developing closer ties with China and would continue Indonesia's friendly policy toward China, according to Xinhua, the Chinese state-run news agency. During Jokowi's nine years in office, bilateral trade with China has soared and Beijing has invested billions of U.S. dollars in infrastructure projects in Indonesia. Recalling the development of bilateral relations over the past decade, Xi said both sides had made the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway an example of high-quality cooperation and entered a new stage of development. China views its relations with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective, Xi said, according to Xinhua. He said Beijing would work with Jakarta to build a Sino-Indonesian community with a shared future that has regional and global influence to contribute to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity. 'Too soon' Indonesian international political analysts, meanwhile, questioned making China the first stop for Prabowo before taking office. "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 Mokhamad Luthfi, a defense analyst at Al Azhar University, told BenarNews last week. "Visits to foreign countries by the newly inaugurated Indonesian president should first be toneighboring 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). "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. Last year, Indonesia became the largest recipient of Chinese investment in the Southeast Asia region with a figure reaching U.S. $7.3 billion, according to data from the State's Investment Coordinating Board. In October 2023, Erick Thohir, State-Owned Enterprises minister, said the Indonesia-China Business Forum had resulted in 31 business cooperation agreements reaching at least 200 trillion rupiah ($15.5 billion). Even so, he added there is still potential for cooperation of up to $28.6 billion with China covering infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and tourism. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No: 51, 1 April 2024, Regarding the Latest Developments in Gaza Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs The images coming out of the Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip are proof of Israel's attempt to deliberately and systematically destroy the Palestinian people. The crimes committed by the Israeli authorities over the past six months are among the greatest barbarities in human history. Those who have committed these crimes will be brought to justice, and the names of those who have condoned these crimes will be a black stain on the pages of history. Israel violates human conscience and the law, and harms international peace and stability. The international community has an obligation to stop Israel. The necessary action should be taken without delay to ensure the implementation of the latest UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, and the additional measures announced by the International Court of Justice. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 1 April 2024 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. ** Briefing Today Good afternoon. Today is the first day of the month, which means that at 1 p.m., there will be a briefing by the President of the Security Council for the month of April, and that is the Permanent Representative of Malta, exactly. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier will be here at 1 p.m. to brief you on the programme of work for said Security Council. ** Gaza Turning to the situation in Gaza and more particularly at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza city, I can tell you that we are planning a mission to the hospital as soon as we can get there to help people receive medical attention and to assess the state of the hospital. This comes as we saw the reports that the Israeli defence forces have vacated the premises of Al Shifa Hospital. Yesterday, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros, said that, according to information received, 21 patients had died since Al Shifa came under siege, this time on March 18th. Meanwhile, at Al Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, a WHO team was conducting a humanitarian mission there yesterday when a tent camp inside the hospital compound was hit by an Israeli air strike. Four people were reportedly killed, and 17 others injured. All WHO staff are accounted for. The WHO team was at the hospital to assess needs and collect incubators, which are to be sent to health facilities in northern Gaza. For its part, our colleagues at UNRWA said there has been no significant change in the volume of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza or improved access to the north. From 1 to 30 March, a daily average of 159 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza per day. The highest number this month was on 28 March, when 264 trucks entered Gaza via the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing and the Rafah land crossing. This remains well below the operational target of 500 trucks per day. UNRWA also continues to provide storage and distribution capacity for other agencies' food and commodities. The Agency reported today that more than 1.8 million people which is 85 per cent of Gaza's population have received flour, and nearly 600,000 have received emergency food parcels. ** Lebanon Meanwhile to the north, in Lebanon, you saw that over the weekend, we issued a statement on the situation along the Blue Line. In the statement, the Secretary-General condemned an explosion on Saturday that impacted an Observer Group Lebanon patrol, injuring three of the UN military observers that belong to UNTSO, the UN Truce Supervision Organization, and one language assistant a Lebanese language assistant. And our peacekeeping colleagues updated, telling us today that the four people are recovering after Saturday's incident. The UNIFIL Head of mission and Force Commander, Major General Aroldo Lazaro, today visited one of the military observers, who is being cared for in a hospital in Beirut. An investigation is ongoing by the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Secretary-General reiterates that the safety and security of peacekeepers must be ensured. And we keep saying that these repeated breaches of the cessation of hostilities are in violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). The impact on civilian areas on both sides of the Blue Line is unacceptable, and we urge all sides to pursue a diplomatic solution to this crisis. ** Haiti Turning to Haiti, and a grim humanitarian update for you. Despite the challenges, our partners are continuing to provide daily emergency assistance to people impacted by the violence in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. On Saturday alone, our friends at the World Food Programme were able to provide more than 28,000 meals to people who have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence. Despite this widespread insecurity, 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 our partners on the ground including Haitian non-governmental organizations, local businesses and Haitian farmers' organizations. 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. And also, over the past month, our humanitarian partners have delivered more than 2.3 million litres of 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, including children. As we have mentioned, 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 their normal capacity. 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 Haiti Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan continues to be severely underfunded. Only $45 million of the $674 million required have been received that's less than 7 per cent. ** World Autism Awareness Day I want to flag that tomorrow, there will be a virtual event to mark World Autism Awareness Day. This event will, for the first time, seek to provide a truly global overview of the state of affairs with regard to awareness, acceptance and appreciation of autistic people, from the perspective of autistic people themselves. With panels devoted to individual regions, an all-autistic lineup of speakers will share their lived experience, as well as their thoughts on the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event will be streamed on the UN's YouTube channel from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. And, in his message to mark the Day, the Secretary-General says that it is a moment to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of autistic people in every country and in every community. As a matter of fundamental rights, he calls on Governments to invest in stronger community support systems, inclusive education and training programmes, and accessible and technology-based solutions to enable people with autism to enjoy the same rights as everyone else. ** Financial Contributions Quick quiz on financial contributions and then a note on the impact of our current liquidity crisis. Three fresh payments round out the month of March in our bookkeeping department, which ended up with 96 full payments to the regular budget. The latest cheques came from the regions of Micronesia, Central America and Africa. The first Member State trades in a currency called the quetzal. Guatemala. Perfecto thank you. There is a reason why EFE is at the briefing. Exactly. The second has a capital named Majuro. Well, it's the Marshall Islands, closer to you than others. And the third has no fewer than three capital cities. Exactly, South Africa. And for the extra bonus, what are the three cities? Pretoria, Cape Town and what is the judicial capital of South Africa? Bloemfontein. I know, Sherwin, I'm sure Sherwin is monitoring. ** Escalators And speaking of monitoring and of money and I wish James were here because this will impact him more than others, but no doubt he's monitoring from Doha. Due to the current budget issues, the escalator service will be reduced throughout the building starting next Monday. The escalators in the Conference Building that operate between the basement and the 1st floor, and the 2nd and 3rd floor will function only on alternate Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Those between the 1st floor and the 2nd floor and those operating between the 3rd and 4th floors will function on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays because we don't have enough crews. The escalators in the General Assembly building that are used by delegates will function every day, except when the Fifth Committee meets. Yes, I will email that. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Okay. Edie? Question : Are they going to post that so we? Spokesman : Yeah. And it is April Fool's. Correspondent : Yes. Spokesman : Okay. Correspondent : We realized. Spokesman : It's after midday. Yes. Okay, go ahead. Just stand by the escalators on alternating Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It's not midday in LA. It's not midday in Los Angeles. Yes, Edie? Question : Thank you, Steph. A couple of follow-ups. First, since the Israeli military pulled out of Al Shifa earlier today, what's holding up the UN going in immediately to assess what's happened? We've heard some dire reports from people who have gotten into the area. Spokesman : Our WHO colleagues are waiting for the deconfliction and the proper security assurances. They are trying to go as quickly as they can. I mean, the information that they've received, according to Dr. Tedros, is fairly bleak. Question : And on the peacekeepers who were injured in Lebanon, is there any indication of how long that investigation is going to take, and will the results be made public? Spokesman : We will try to do it as quickly as possible. As soon as I have something to share with you on that, I will. Dezhi, and then Abdelhamid. Question : First, a very quick follow-up on that. The UN is trying to get to Al Shifa Hospital. Have you got the permission from the Israeli side already or you are just? Spokesman : Well, we're trying to ensure that we have all the security guarantees that we need. Question : Including the permission from the Israeli Government? Spokesman : Yes, sir. Question : Okay, so my question here, today, it's been reported by Syria and then the Iranian media that the Iranian Embassy in Damascus was being struck by Israeli missiles. Any response from the UN? Spokesman : We've seen the news reports just as we're preparing for the briefing. We're obviously very concerned by these reports, but we'll wait to get a bit more information to opine. Question : So, two follow-ups. First, if it turns out to be true, would this be a double sovereign violation? Because, you know [cross talk] Spokesman : I will speak once we have the facts, and we know what's happened. Question : Okay. And second, I've been I was there. It's very close to my office in Damascus. It's a very crowded area and it's a main road of Damascus. So, anything like this happened, would this be a very dangerous move for other civilians rather than, you know, Palestinians or Israelis? Spokesman : Well, we have seen attacks in Syria before that have cost the lives of civilians. There was one over the weekend, I believe, with a car bomb in which civilians were killed. We condemn all these attacks, but we're waiting to get facts on what happened today. Question : But first, you condemn this attack? Spokesman : Once that we know have happened, we're trying to gather the facts, and then we shall opine on it. Correspondent : Okay. Spokesman : Abdelhamid? Question : A follow-up to my friend Dezhi's question. On Friday, and I hope you have the facts now, 38 were killed near Aleppo by Israeli raids. So, I assume that four days is enough to get the information. Do you condemn that? Is it a violation of Syrian sovereignty? Can the UN definition of aggression applies to this attack? Spokesman : Attacks from the outside on any country are a violation of sovereignty. We have condemned these attacks and will continue to do so. Question : My second question about Shifa Hospital. The news say that completely is out of function now. Completely. But the Israeli radio said 200 were killed, 500 were arrested, 900 were detained. And in your statement, quoting WHO, you said 21 were killed. So, where we stand with these numbers? Spokesman : Well, this is the information WHO has had through its contacts there. They're trying to send a team on the ground to assess the situation and get a clear picture of what happened during the siege of the hospital. Gabriel, then Mr. Roth and then Georgia. Question : Thanks, Steph. Is the mission to Al Shifa in response to Israel's ending its siege of the hospital? Spokesman : That's correct. Question : And do you know roughly how big the team will be? Spokesman : No. Question : And do you have any idea of what kind of time frame they're expecting? Spokesman : I think they're trying to move as quickly as possible while keeping their own safety in mind. Richard Roth, CNN? Question : Stephane Dujarric. Yes, that's the pronunciation I was told. The story in The Guardian yesterday that Israel lodged an official proposal with the UN for the dismantling of UNRWA and that the Secretary-General has been notified by UN officials in Israel who've received this from the Israeli Chief of General Staff. We have talked about this weeks ago. This was sort of floating around. Can you confirm these elements of the story? Spokesman : No. I've spent quite a lot of time this morning on the phone with various colleagues in the region. Nobody seems to have seen such a document or where that such a document has been shared. No such document was received by the Secretary-General's office as of this morning. That being said, our position on UNRWA remains unchanged. That UNRWA is the lifeline of hope of services for millions of Palestinians in the region, including in Gaza. And currently it's the backbone, the spine, the arms and the legs of our humanitarian operation there. Georgia? Question : It is reported that on Friday, Secretary-General will meet the Turkish Cypriot community leader. Could you confirm? Do you have any further information about the meeting? Spokesman : Yes, I believe it will happen. I need to be able to confirm it to you, and I apologize because I know you emailed me on Friday and on the weekend, I usually try to blank my mind, and I forgot to confirm it this morning. But I'll have something for you very soon this afternoon. Madame, and then Stefano. Question : Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu just tweeted past hour that he will be stopping and closing Al Jazeera's operations in Israel. Is this something of concern and is it an attack on the freedom of press? Spokesman : Yes, it's something of concern. Any limitation on the right of journalists to operate anywhere in the world is of deep concern. And we're seeing, frankly, all over the world a negative trend in that regard. Senor Vaccara? Question : Thank you very much. Stephane, two questions. One is on Lebanon. Does the Secretary-General, about this last incident, because it's not the last one, will ask the Security Council to have a meeting on the security of the peacekeepers in Lebanon? Spokesman : The Security Council will be kept informed. Frankly, our peacekeepers are at risk in every mission that they operate. We saw it in Mali before the mission closed with a horrendous level of fatalities on peacekeepers. We've seen it in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We've seen it in South Sudan. We've seen it in the Central African Republic. UN peacekeepers represent the will of the international community to bring peace at a stabilized situation. It is outrageous that they are targeted in any way, shape or form by any party. Question : Second question is the media TV programme 60 Minutes with Spiegel and Insider heard an investigation on the so-called the Havana Syndrome. They link it to a Russian military agency, the GRU attack to those US diplomats, and not only in Cuba, but around the world. Now, it's very serious accusation. Does the Secretary-General think that this is something that deserve an investigation, an international investigation? Spokesman : I have no particular comment on it. I think any time there are issues, things need to be investigated, but I have no particular comment on this. Yvonne? Question : On Haiti, what does the Secretary-General think now about the chances of this multinational force being deployed? Spokesman : Sorry, if you can repeat, my hearing is bad. Question : Yeah. What does the Secretary-General, how does he rate the chances currently of this multinational force ever being deployed? Spokesman : I don't believe he's a betting man. I don't know if he would rate it. I think we're frustrated at the amount of time that it's taken. We're frustrated 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. We understand some is moving forward, but the longer it takes to deploy such a force, the more the people of Haiti are suffering. And we just, I think, outlined it in pretty great detail today. Okay. I will ask you to be patient because I think you got another 23 minutes, and then you will have Vanessa Frazier. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel continues to block aid into northern Gaza; UN sending team to shattered Al-Shifa Hospital 1 April 2024 - Israeli forces are blocking aid deliveries into famine-stricken northern Gaza as the five-month-long war grinds on despite recent strong demands from the top UN court and the Security Council for open aid access into the enclave and for a temporary ceasefire and the return of all hostages taken in October, as the UN plans an assessment mission into Al-Shifa Hospital, which had been occupied by Israeli troops for two weeks. More than a dozen Palestinians have been killed related to airdrops by multiple nations who are trying to deliver desperately needed aid in the face of Israel's slow walking food shipments at border crossings into Gaza, according to news reports. The victims reportedly either died by drowning while trying to retrieve food packages from the sea or were fatally struck by falling boxes of aid. At the same time, reports from UN agencies on the ground in Gaza indicate a continuation of airstrikes and attacks. This comes alongside ever louder calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for Israel to comply with both a Security Council resolution for a cessation of hostilities during Ramadan, which ends on 10 April, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders last Friday, asking the country to respect its obligations as a signatory of the Genocide Convention and open border crossings to allow sufficient aid into the enclave. Battlefields across the Strip In its latest situation report, the specialist UN Palestine relief agency UNRWA said Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continued military operations across the Gaza Strip, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of houses and other civilian infrastructure. Israeli attacks have killed more than 32,000 people in Gaza since the war began in October, according to the health ministry there, following a Hamas-led incursion into Israel that left almost 1,200 dead and more than 240 taken hostage. Airstrikes and bombardment continued in north Gaza, Khan Younis and Rafah, where UNRWA estimates a total of 1.2 million people are now living, the vast majority in formal and informal shelters, the UN agency reported. Over 100 UNRWA schools have been directly or indirectly hit, with some being severely damaged. Many have been used as shelters for displaced families since the war began. "No place is safe in #GazaStrip. This is a war on children. On their childhood and their future. Ceasefire now," UNRWA posted on social media. Aid access impeded Access impediments continue to severely compromise the ability of humanitarians to reach people in Gaza, UNRWA said. According to the UN humanitarian coordination office, OCHA, since 1 March, 30 per cent of humanitarian aid missions to northern Gaza have been denied by Israeli authorities. UNRWA is disproportionately impacted, with Israeli authorities continuing to deny the agency access to northern Gaza to deliver emergency food assistance since announcing last week that it would no longer approve these shipments. There has been no significant change in the volume of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza or improved access to the north, UNRWA reported. In terms of aid shipments, there have only been 159 aid trucks entering Gaza on average per day, well below the operational target of 500 trucks needed daily, the UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters at Headquarters on Monday. UNRWA continues to provide storage and distribution capacity for other agency food and commodities, and reported that since the war broke out, 1.8 million Gazans have received flour, and nearly 600,000 people have received emergency food parcels, he said. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is providing desperately needed food to 1.45 million people in Gaza, but says "it's not enough." "Without a ceasefire and full access, lives are at risk," the UN agency said. 'Attempts to sideline UNWRA must stop' Responding to media reports that Israel had sent the UN Secretary-General a formal plan to dismantle UNRWA, the UN Spokesperson said on Monday that no senior UN official in the region has received any plan from Israel and neither has the UN chief. "Our position on UNRWA remains unchanged, that it is a line of hope for millions of Palestinians in the region, including in Gaza," he said. "Currently, it's the backbone, the spine, the arms and the legs of our humanitarian operation there." UN Emergency Humanitarian Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths slammed any efforts to limit UNRWA's lifesaving work, which is mandated by the UN General Assembly. "Attempts to sideline UNRWA must stop," he said. "UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza. Any effort to distribute aid without them is simply doomed to fail." Hospitals must be protected: Tedros The World Health Organization (WHO) chief reported at the weekend that at least four people were killed and 17 injured after an Israeli airstrike hit Al-Aqsa Hospital in middle area of the Gaza Strip. The "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 on Sunday," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a social media post. "WHO staff are all accounted for," he explained, adding that the team was at the hospital assessing the needs and collecting incubators to be sent to the north of Gaza. "We again call for protection of patients, health personnel and humanitarian missions," he urged. "The ongoing attacks and militarisation of hospitals must stop. International humanitarian law must be respected." He called for an immediate end to the hostilities. "We urge parties to comply with the UN Security Council resolution and ceasefire!" The WHO chief spoke out against the Israeli siege of Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza. The two-week-long military operation left many dead and injured, according to media reports. "Hospitals must be respected and protected; they must not be used as battlefields," he said. UN plans mission to Al-Shifa Hospital The UN is looking into the two-week siege of Al-Shifa Hospital, the UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday. "We're planning a mission to the hospital as soon as we can get there," he said. The mission will help people get medical assistance and assess the state of the hospital, he explained, adding that WHO had reported that 21 patients had died during the siege. Security Council 'needs to do more': France to table new draft resolution The Security Council needs to do more to help ease the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in Gaza said France's Ambassador to the UN Nicolas de Riviere, speaking outside the Council Chamber on Monday, following a closed door meeting. He said the Council had to live up to its responsibilities, following last week's resolution tabled by the E-10 elected members, demanding an "immediate ceasefire", which passed when the United States abstained as opposed to vetoing the draft. He said a "comprehensive" new draft resolution was being presented by France on Monday, calling for an immediate ceasefire without any time limitation and the unconditional release of all hostages. He said it would also condemn the terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October, and call for full humanitarian access. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Explainer: Feeding Haiti in times of crisis 1 April 2024 - Almost five million Haitians are going hungry and need food assistance, according to recent UN figures, but the violence and related insecurity created by heavily armed rival gangs operating mainly in the capital are posing more questions about how to make sure those beleaguered people get enough to eat, now and in the future. Gangs reportedly control up to 90 per cent of Port-au-Prince, raising concerns that hunger is being used as a weapon to coerce local populations and hold sway over rival armed groups. They control key routes to farming areas to the north and south and have disrupted the supply of goods, including food. This in a country which has a predominantly rural farming population which some believe could be self-sufficient in food. So, what's gone wrong? Here are five things you need to know about the current food security situation in Haiti: Are hunger levels rising? There are some 11 million people in Haiti and according to the most recent UN-backed analysis of food security in the country around 4.97 million, almost half the population, needs some type of food assistance. Some 1.64 million people are facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity. Children are particularly impacted, with an alarming 19 per cent increase in the number estimated to suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2024. On a more positive note, the 19,000 people who were recorded in February 2023 as facing starvation conditions in one vulnerable neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince have been taken of the critical list. Why are people going hungry? UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell said the current "malnutrition crisis is entirely human-made". The key drivers of the current food insecurity are increased gang violence, rising prices and low agricultural production as well as political turmoil, civil unrest, crippling poverty and natural disasters. An estimated 362,000 people are now internally displaced in Haiti and have difficulties feeding themselves. Some 17,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince for safer parts of the country, leaving behind their livelihoods and further reducing their ability to buy food as prices continue to increase. According to the UN Security Council-mandated Panel of Experts on Haiti, gangs have "directly and indirectly threatened the nation's food security". The escalation of violence has resulted in economic crises, increased prices and exacerbated poverty. The gangs have disrupted food supplies by, at times, shutting down the economy by threatening people and mounting widespread roadblocks, known locally as peyi lok, as a deliberate and effective ploy to stifle all economic activity. They have also blocked key transportation routes and levied extortionate, unofficial taxes on vehicles that attempt to pass between the capital and productive agricultural areas. In one case, a gang leader in Artibonite, the country's main rice growing area and a relatively new focus for gang activity, issued multiple threats on social media, warning that any farmers returning to their fields would be killed. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported in 2022 that there had been a notable decrease in cultivated land in Artibonite. Meanwhile, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that in 2023, agricultural production plummeted by around 39 per cent for maize, 34 per cent for rice and 22 per cent for sorghum compared to the five-year average. How did we get to this point? While the current hunger crisis in Haiti has been exacerbated by the control the gangs exert over the economy and daily life in Haiti, it has its roots in decades of underdevelopment as well as political and economic crises. Deforestation partly due to poverty and natural disasters like flooding, drought and earthquakes, have also contributed to food insecurity. Trade liberalization policies introduced in the 1980s significantly reduced import taxes on agricultural products, including rice, maize and bananas, undercutting the competitiveness and viability of locally produced food. What is the UN doing? The UN humanitarian response continues in Haiti in coordination with the national authorities, despite the tense and volatile situation on the ground, especially in Port-au-Prince. One of the key food-related activities is the distribution of hot meals to displaced people, food and cash to those in need and lunches for school children. In March, WFP said it reached over 460,000 people both in the capital and across the country through these programmes. UNICEF has also provided assistance, including school meals. FAO has a long tradition of working with farmers and has been delivering essential support for the upcoming planting seasons, including cash transfers, vegetable seeds and tools to support agricultural livelihoods. The UN agency also continues to support Haitian-led national agricultural policies and the implementation of development programmes. What about the long term? Ultimately, the aim like in any underdeveloped country in crisis is to find the path towards long-term sustainable development which will include building resilient food systems. It's a complicated situation in a country so dependent on humanitarian support provided by the UN and other organizations. The goal is to reduce import dependency on food and link humanitarian responses with long-term action on food security. So, for example, WFP's home-grown school feeding programme, which provides lunches to students, is committed to buying all of its ingredients locally rather than importing them, an initiative which will support and encourage farmers to grow and sell crops that will improve their livelihoods and in turn boost the local economy. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has worked with farmers in the southwest of the country to grow highly nutritious breadfruit. Around 15 tonnes of flour have been milled, some of which is supplying WFP programmes. ILO has also supported cacao farmers who have exported 25 tonnes of the valuable commodity in 2023. Both initiatives will boost famers' incomes and improve their food security and according to the ILO's country chief, Fabrice Leclercq, will help "to curb the rural exodus". Most agree, however, that without peace and a stable, secure society, there is little chance that Haiti will be able to significantly reduce its dependence on external aid while ensuring that Haitians get enough to eat. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Haiti support continues, deadly Afghan mine blasts, autism awareness day 1 April 2024 - Humanitarians continue to support Haitians affected by rampant gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, while an appeal for the country remains underfunded, the UN said on Monday. On Saturday alone, the World Food Programme (WFP) provide more than 28,000 meals to people who have been forced to flee their homes. Despite the widespread insecurity, WFP has delivered food assistance to some 480,000 people across the country since the beginning of March, thanks to partners on the ground - including Haitian non-governmental organizations, local businesses and Haitian farmers' organizations. Meals, medicine and more The UN agency has distributed more than 358,000 hot meals to more than 69,000 people in 48 displacement sites in the capital over the past month. Humanitarian partners also have delivered more than 2.3 million litres of water to nearly 29 displacement sites, which has benefited some 60,000 displaced people. Traumatized Haitians, including children, have also received medicine and psychosocial support. The 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. The ongoing insecurity has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Haiti. More than 360,000 people are currently displaced, including some 160,000 in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, and more than 1,000 schools have been closed across the country. Meanwhile, a $674 million humanitarian plan for Haiti, announced in February, is less than seven per cent funded. Afghanistan: More than 10 children killed or injured in separate mine blasts More than 10 children were killed or maimed in two separate landmine explosions in Afghanistan, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a tweet on Monday, expressing deep sadness. The incidents occurred in Ghazni and Herat provinces. UNICEF extended deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured. Since 1989, nearly 44,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war, averaging to around 110 people per month, according to the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS). A UNICEF report on the impact of explosive ordnance for 2022 documented around 700 children maimed or killed - a rate of approximately two children per day. Guterres calls for unity to realize full rights of persons with autism UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for ensuring an inclusive and accessible world for all in his message to mark World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday. The annual commemoration on 2 April is a moment to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of autistic people in every country and community. "But around the world, they continue to confront barriers to their fundamental rights to education, employment and social inclusion as called for by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," he said. Invest in support systems The UN chief urged governments to invest in stronger community support systems, inclusive education and training programmes, and accessible and technology-based solutions to enable persons with autism to enjoy the same rights as others. "Today and every day, let's unite to realize their rights, and ensure an inclusive and accessible world for all," he said. Approximately one in 100 children has autism, which constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). World Autism Awareness Day has been celebrated since 2007, following its proclamation by the UN General Assembly. This year's observance from UN Headquarters in New York will for the first time seek to provide a truly global overview from the perspective of autistic people representing six regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, North America and Oceania. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Situation Report #97 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 28-30 March 2024, is valid as of 30 March 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 1 Apr 2024 Key Points The Gaza Strip Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continued military operations across the Gaza Strip, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of houses and other civilian infrastructure. Airstrikes and bombardment continued in north Gaza, Khan Younis and Rafah where UNRWA estimates a total of 1.2 million people are now living, the vast majority in formal and informal shelters. Access impediments continue to severely compromise the ability of humanitarian actors to reach people in the Gaza Strip. According to OCHA, since 1 March, 30 per cent of humanitarian aid missions to northern Gaza were denied by Israeli authorities. UNRWA is disproportionately impacted, with Israeli authorities continuing to deny UNRWA access to northern Gaza to deliver emergency food assistance. There has been no significant change in the volume of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza or improved access to the north. From 1 - 30 March, a daily average of 159 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza per day. The highest number this month was on 28 March, when 264 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 trucks per day. UNRWA is the largest humanitarian organization in Gaza. Since 7 October, over 1.8 million people, or 85 per cent of the population, have been provided with flour. In addition, nearly 600,000[1] people have received emergency food parcels and almost 3.6 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 30 March, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities is 173, an increase of two. As of 30 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] UNRWA and other UN parcels distributed by UNRWA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EODMU-3 Wraps Up Operation Deep Freeze with USCG US Navy 01 April 2024 From Lt. j. g. Rae Timberlake CORONADO, Calif. -- Navy Divers assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit THREE (EODMU-3) returned from a deployment on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) Feb. 13. Polar Star is the U.S.' only heavy icebreaker. Polar Star's primary mission is to support scientific research at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, by breaking ice and keeping the sea channels clear for supplies to move in and out. The Navy and Coast Guard divers were on hand to provide emergency underwater ship's husbandry services. During the deployment, Coast Guard and Navy divers conducted medical training and training on all aspects of recompression chamber operations. "For dive operations, we're required to be able to reach a recompression chamber within six hours, whether that's by helo or at a local hospital," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian Korte, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area's dive force manager. "The Coast Guard doesn't currently have a chamber so that's why we partner with the Navy divers to bring that capability onboard Polar Star. We couldn't have done the mission without them." The Coast Guard expects to acquire the same type of recompression chamber the Navy has early next year. "The time that they didn't spend diving, was spent on qualification training with the junior Coast Guard divers, showing them how to use the chamber and practicing procedures under pressure," said Korte. The joint dive team conducted 72 military dives totaling about 1,198 minutes of bottom time as deep at 45-feet. Joint missions like Operation Deep Freeze are opportunities for the Navy and Coast Guard to innovate new tactics and improve existing capabilities in a challenging environment. "Diving in 29 degree water, there's a lot of challenges," said Korte. "A tear in the dry suit or frozen equipment adds risk to what would be a routine dive." The U.S. is an Arctic nation with sovereign territory and maritime claims. Despite containing the world's smallest ocean, the Arctic Region has the potential to connect nearly 75% of the world's population. As a component of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE, EODMU-3 provides skilled and combat-ready deployable forces around the globe to support a range of operations in any environment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Gunston Hall Arrives in Cherbourg, France US Navy 01 April 2024 From USS Gunston Hall Public Affairs CHERBOURG, France -- The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) arrived in Cherbourg, France, 28 March, to disembark French Marines following NATO's largest exercise in decades, exercise Steadfast Defender 24. Gunston Hall originally embarked the Platoon of French Marines in February when they pulled into Portsmouth, UK. The U.S. Navy embarking, integrating, and operating with Allied forces demonstrated NATO's ability to deploy forces rapidly from North America and other parts of the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe across thousands of kilometers, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe, and in any conditions. "Working with the French Marines has been beneficial to becoming a more efficient and stronger Alliance" said Cmdr. Christopher W. Van Loenen, Gunston Hall's commanding officer. "Integrating with our Allies provides us the opportunity to exchange warfighting lessons and learn from each other in real time." Steadfast Defender 24 is a multi-domain operational and tactical-level live exercise. During the exercise, Allies demonstrated their ability to deploy some 90,000 forces from North America and other parts of the Alliance, move them to and across Europe, from the Arctic to the Eastern flank of the Alliance, to conduct defensive operations. NATO exercises are defensive, transparent and proportionate, and conducted in full respect of our international obligations. During Steadfast Defender, Gunston Hall operated alongside Italian Landing Assault Helicopter Ship Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italian amphibious transport dock San Giorgio, and French Navy Aquitaine-class Frigate Normandie. Gunston Hall carried out five amphibious exercises and 19 well deck operations in the High North with French, Finnish, and NATO's newest Ally, Sweden. As these Allies all worked together in the maritime domain, it showcased the interoperability and strength of the Alliance. Gunston Hall's integration within Steadfast Defender 2024 and their presence in Sixth Fleet emphasizes the United States Navy's dedication to NATO's transatlantic unity and determination to continue to do all that is necessary to protect its Allies, our collective values and the rules-based international order that NATO stands for. Gunston Hall is an amphibious vessel currently assigned to the U.S. 2nd Fleet based in Norfolk, Virginia. It is one of the 50 NATO naval assets, accompanied by 80 air platforms and 1,100 combat vehicles, participating in Steadfast Defender 24. 2024 year marks the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance, and the scale of this exercise is showcased the Alliance's sheer strength and dominance to keep our one billion people safe. The U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic to ensure access, deter aggression, and defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Emperor Qinshihuang's museum launches online ticket platform for overseas tourists Xinhua) 16:50, April 03, 2024 XI'AN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A service platform of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum was officially launched on Wednesday, allowing overseas tourists to buy tickets online. The platform provides services in 24 languages and tourists from 39 countries and regions can use 29 currencies to make reservations for visits. Since its trial run on March 20, the platform has already facilitated reservations for over 2,000 foreign tourists. Located in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the world-renowned iconic Terracotta Warriors, recorded more than 11.2 million visits last year, hitting an annual high. Discovered in 1974, the army of Terracotta Warriors was built by Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-207 B.C.), who unified China for the first time. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) NAS Sigonella Welcomes First MQ-4C Triton US Navy 01 April 2024 From Lt. j.g. Andrea Perez, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy -- The first MQ-4C Triton arrived to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, March 30, 2024. The MQ-4C's arrival to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations marks the second forward-deployed detachment for VUP-19. A total of three detachments are planned when the program is fully operational. Deployments like this enhance U.S. Navy interoperability with NATO Allies and partners. "The addition of the MQ-4C Triton, right here in Sigonella, is another milestone in the successful development of the Triton program," said Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, Commanding Officer, NAS Sigonella. "We are proud to support VUP-19 [Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19] as they integrate with the Fleet to expand the roles of unmanned aircraft systems operations in our region and beyond." The MQ-4C Triton is the Navy's newest Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Maritime Patrol asset and augments the capabilities of the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. To prepare for the arrival of the Triton in Italy, VUP-19 "Big Red" held a ceremony to celebrate the deployment and the opening of a new Triton hangar at NAS Sigonella, March 2. VUP-19, homeported in Florida at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, boasts more than 300 Sailors and officers from various aviation ratings and officer communities who maintain and operate the Triton around the world. Aircrew gather and process surveillance information utilizing data fusion tools that integrate sensor data from multiple aircraft into a comprehensive networked picture to further assist in building an accurate threat representation. VUP-19 achieved initial operation capability in September 2023 during its deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Naval Air Station Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. The installation's strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu vows to ban Al Jazeera broadcasts in Israel By VOA News April 01, 2024 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 Israel's 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 Netanyahu's 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 Netanyahu's 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 that's journalism. We speak truth to power," Moawad told VOA from Doha. Moawad, who previously worked at VOA's sister outlet Alhurra TV, added that he worries Netanyahu's 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas officials say 4 international aid workers killed by Israeli airstrike By VOA News April 01, 2024 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cameroon opposition: Senegal is example for fair elections, ousting entrenched leader By Moki Edwin Kindzeka April 01, 2024 Members of Cameroon's 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 it's 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 Cameroon's 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 wouldn't 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 Senegal's 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 Senegal's election shows it is possible to stop leaders from clinging to power. Senegal's President Macky Sall attempted to postpone this year's election but backed down after widespread protests. Mbang Boniface is a member of Cameroon's 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 Senegal's 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 Cameroon's 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." Cameroon's government insists that its institutions are independent, while Biya's 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. Cameroon's presidential elections are set for next year. President Biya will set the date. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President: Bulgaria Supports Efforts to Find a Peaceful Solution to the Conflict in the Gaza Strip as soon as Possible President of the Republic of Bulgaria 2 April 2024 The Head of State holds a telephone talk with the President of the State of Israel Bulgaria supports and is part of the international efforts to cease-fire, release the hostages, restore dialogue, and find a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible. This was stated by President Rumen Radev in a telephone conversation with the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog. The session took place in connection with President Herzog's postponed visit to Bulgaria due to the internal political situation in our country. The focus of the conversation was the military actions in the Middle East following the terrorist attack by "Hamas" against the State of Israel on 7 October last year and the humanitarian crisis for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. The Bulgarian President recalled that at the very beginning of the conflict, our country vehemently condemned the terrorist attack by "Hamas" against the State of Israel and denounced the taking of hostages. President Radev stated that the State of Israel has the right to self-defence against terrorism, but at the same time, he expressed his deep concern over the unprecedented number of civilian casualties and the critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, calling on Israel to find a way to guaranteeing the lives of the civilian population. The head of state also pointed out that Bulgaria is part of the general decision of the European Council from March, with which European leaders call on Israel not to launch an offensive in the city of Rafah, which would have catastrophic consequences in humanitarian terms. Bulgaria shares the European Council's call for an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid. He also recalled that among the hostages held by "Hamas" there are two people of Bulgarian origin. During the talk, the situation with the crew of the "Galaxy Leader" ship detained off the coast of Yemen, including two Bulgarian citizens, was also discussed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the JRCC at a joint press conference with the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola Press and Information Office, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus 02-04-2024 Dear Roberta, I welcome you today in Cyprus, here at the Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre (JRCC), on what has turned out to be a very sombre day. Early this morning we have learnt the news of the deaths of seven humanitarian aid workers working for World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza, trying to deliver desperately needed assistance. WCK is one of our crucial partners in sending much needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza and on implementing the Amalthea initiative. I express our sincere condolences to the WCK and the countries which have lost their citizens, and we call for an immediate and complete investigation of this incident. Dear Roberta, it has been six months since your last visit on the island but even in this short period, the circumstances are now distinctly different. In your previous visit on October 1st, you joined me in celebrating Cyprus' Independence Day. Just six days later, a war broke out in the EU's immediate neighbourhood, across the sea from Cyprus. And the tragic events of last night prove once again that this is not a regional crisis of limited concern or impact. Its effects reverberate across the region and impact Europe in crucial areas, such as security and migration. The tragic events should not discourage us. We must double down on our efforts to provide more assistance as the needs dramatically escalate. We should also not overlook what has been achieved so far and what it is possible when we persevere in doing what is right, what is necessary. In this context, I consider it important that at the recent European Council we finally adopted conclusions on the Middle East, because I truly believe that as a Union, we should not be mere observers to this crisis. We have a responsibility to act and we should be an integral part of initiatives, together with our partners, to put an end to the war and start a political process for a lasting solution, based on relevant United Nation (UN) Security Council resolutions. Dear Roberta, your presence here today as President of the European Parliament, representing almost 400 million European citizens, is a strong message that Europe and its citizens care deeply about the severely deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, and that they stand behind initiatives to alleviate the crisis. With the Amalthea initiative, Cyprus, as the closest EU member state to the Middle East, which has excellent relations with all its neighbours in the region, aims to fulfil its moral obligation to ease the suffering of civilians in Gaza. To this end, we are working closely with our partners, including the UN, of course the EU, the United States (US), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and others. Safe delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance is a must. It is our obligation as international community to scale up our efforts to ensure increased deliveries of much-needed aid and underscore in the strongest of terms that humanitarian aid workers must have full protection in conducting their essential efforts in providing food and humanitarian assistance. International humanitarian law is crystal clear as regards respecting and protecting humanitarian aid workers. I want to stress once more that the Amaltheia initiative is not a substitute to other routes, namely the all-important land routes and the air drops. It is complementary to them, with the sole purpose being to increase the provision of assistance by sea and to mutually reinforce all pathways for sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need. We have already dispatched the first two shipments with hundreds of tons of aid directly to Gaza, through close partnership with the UAE. Furthermore, in cooperation with partners and stakeholders, we are working on rendering the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza more stable and predictable. We also started working on the funding modalities of the maritime corridor by activating the "Amalthea Fund". I would also like to refer to the US Government's decision to establish a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza, which should be operational very soon and will allow for a significantly scaled-up flow of assistance. With President Metsola, we had the opportunity last night to discuss other issues of common concern. As always, I briefed Roberta on our continued efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus problem, including my recent meeting with the UN Secretary-General in Brussels. We will have another European Council in two weeks where EU-Turkey relations will be discussed. We are ready for progress on this file in a step-by-step approach, provided that Turkey engages constructively on all aspects of EU-Turkey relations, including, of course, the Cyprus problem and the resumption of talks based on UN Security Council resolutions, which is an essential component of the relationship between Brussels and Ankara. We also exchanged views on migration. Here at the JRCC, we monitor all sea traffic going in and out of Cyprus. The number of Syrian migrants coming from Lebanon has been consistently increasing in recent weeks which is deeply concerning. I fully understand the challenges Lebanon is facing, but exporting migrants to Cyprus should not be the answer and cannot be accepted. Towards that end, the EU should also stand by Cyprus in tangible ways. Finally, we exchanged views on the upcoming June European elections. I warmly welcome Roberta's initiative to visit member states in order to motivate people, especially Europe's youth, to vote. Increased youth participation to the election is a shared goal and a point I have been consistently making, including at a panel discussion with Cypriot youth last month and in my speech to students at the College of Europe in Bruges two weeks ago. This year, when we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our EU accession in Cyprus, increased interest and participation to the European elections is a timely test for all of us and a personal bet for me, and we must rise to the occasion. I take also today's opportunity to wish Roberta every success on her own candidacy for the elections as I firmly believe that she has done an excellent job and has been an exemplary President of the European Parliament. Dear Roberta, once again, it is a great pleasure to host you and your team to Cyprus. The European Parliament's support on all the issues we discussed, but especially on the Cyprus problem and the Amalthea initiative, is extremely important and greatly appreciated. For the statements of the President of the European Parliament, press here. For the video of the statements, press here. (RM//AP/IA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President of the European Parliament at the joint press conference with the President of the Republic at the JRCC Press and Information Office, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus 02-04-2024 "Cyprus is Europe's primary gateway to the Middle East, Asia and Africa. And as we can see today, it is also the departure point for the critical "Amaltheia" initiative. What happens here is a precise translation of our European values; solidarity, peace, united in the defence of our common humanity. The situation on the ground remains desperate. Too many innocent people have died. Just this morning, we woke up to the tragic news of more aid workers killed. We must use all our resources to get answers, to bring in more relief. Humanitarian organisations like World Central Kitchen (WCK) must be protected. Dear Nikos, we welcome the "Amaltheia" initiative and we very much appreciate your leadership and your personal commitment to make this a tangible success, a reality. Our approach is to get more help into Gaza, save innocent lives, and advance the need for a two-state solution that gives Palestinians a true perspective while giving Israel security. The European Parliament will keep pushing for a cease fire, as we have been doing for months. We will keep seeking the return of the remaining hostages. We will continue to emphasise that there can be no prospect of peace, security, stability and prosperity for Gaza as long as Hamas operates with impunity. We will continue to advocate for a settlement that empowers peaceful, legitimate Palestinian leadership and one that ensures lasting stability in the region. I think this is just one example of the leadership Europe and the world has seen from Cyprus, and it proves the point that in Europe we know no big and small leadership and ideas do not depend on geography. And Cyprus proves this every day here, and particularly through its members in the European Parliament. On the Cyprus problem, dear President, let me reassure you and reiterate that you have the full support of the European Parliament to find a way forward under the UN plan. And your personal commitment and leadership on this is very much appreciated. On migration next week, we have a big unprecedented legislative package that will hopefully go through the European Parliament that was asked from us, from citizens, including from Cyprus in 2019, when we ran for the last European elections. With this legislative package, we will be able to answer both in the short and medium term, but also hopefully in the longer term, the individual national challenges that countries such as yours are facing in regard to migration. We are two months away from the European Parliament elections. This is the reason why I am also here, is that your vote, your voice matters. Do not let anyone else decide for you. This election is way too important for that. The next few years will be decisive for Europe and for both sides of our Mediterranean. And I am confident that European citizens in Cyprus, in every member state, will respond. So, dear President, dear Nikos, thank you again for Cyprus's leadership and thank you for keeping European values at heart." Q: Is last night's tragic event a setback for the "Amaltheia" initiative since WCK already announced its decision to pause all its activities, and is it too soon to talk about a third shipment? President Christodoulides: More important is that the humanitarian needs are there and the initiative will continue. And as I mentioned before, we are also in contact with the United States, as it is very well-known. They prepare the peer in Gaza. And I think we will be in a position to have more humanitarian assistance sent to Gaza before the end of the month. We have this unfortunate incident. I express again the condolences of the Republic of Cyprus. But the "Amaltheia" initiative will continue as a humanitarian need is there. Q: How will the European Parliament respond to the today's tragic events? Shouldn't there have been more decisive actions towards protecting humanitarian aid workers and people on the ground? President Metsola: Absolutely. So we will convene as a plenary in the next few days. You will recall that the European Parliament has, since the very beginning of the conflict, not shied away from being the first institution to call for a ceasefire. To call for the return of all hostages with great concern for the number of innocent lives that have been lost. And today's latest tragedy being an addition to the grave concern that we continue to shine a spotlight on. We have also been in contact with the journalists on the ground. In my talks with the United Nations Secretary-General the week before last, this centred around how we as a European Parliament can continue to call not only with language, but also in pushing our country's leadership in order to speak to all the actors in the region. In order for there to be a ceasefire, the hostilities must stop. What happened today is just the last instalment of yet another tragedy that can only increase as the days go by. The situation is extremely desperate. For the video of the statements, press here. (RM/NZ/EP) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 2, 2024 Transcript Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary; Dr. John F. Plumb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: All right. Everyone, good afternoon. So we have a guest today. Today, Dr. John Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, is here to announce the release of the department's Commercial Space Integration Policy. Dr. Plumb's space policy portfolio covers the strategic capabilities of integrated deterrence, space missile defense, nuclear weapons and countering weapons of mass destruction. Dr. Plumb has some opening comments, and then we'll take a few questions, and following Dr. Plumb's portion, I'm happy to answer a few news-of-day questions. So with that, I'll turn it over. Dr. Plumb? ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (SPACE POLICY) DR. JOHN F. PLUMB: Great. Well, thanks, Sabrina, and good afternoon, everyone. Today, I'm proud to announce the release of the department's first-ever Commercial Space Integration Strategy. This marks a new effort to harness the remarkable innovation of the commercial space sector to enhance our resilience and strength and integrated deterrence as a department. Space is essential to the Joint Force. Our military relies on space every single day. To protect our men and women in uniform and to ensure the space services they rely on will be available when needed, the department has a responsibility to leverage all tools available, and those tools include commercial solutions. From launch, to space domain awareness, to satellite communications and more, the commercial sector's ability to innovate, to scale production and to rapidly refresh their technology is opening the door to all kinds of possibilities. Now, when I talk about the commercial sector, it's important to note that this is distinct from the Defense Industrial Base, or the DIB, as we call it. The DIB is predominantly focused on U.S. government contracts to build specific government systems, but the commercial sector develops products to serve a viable commercial market outside of government, and their incentives are to innovate for their entire customer base, not just the Department of Defense. The 2022 National Defense Strategy directed us to increase collaboration with the commercial sector and leverage its technological advancement and entrepreneurial spirit. Our new Commercial Space Integration Strategy follows through on that directive. The degree to which commercial space capabilities and services can benefit U.S. national security will ultimately be measured by how well the department can actually integrate commercial solutions into the way we operate not just in peacetime, but also in conflict. And to do this, as Secretary Austin has written in the foreword of the strategy, the DOD will need to illuminate the structural, procedural and cultural barriers to overcoming legacy practices and preconceived notions of how the commercial sector can support national security. Now, rolling this out, it's been a lot of work to get here. Over the last year, my team has engaged directly with space stakeholders across the department, across the interagency and with commercial space entities of all sizes. We've hosted roundtables, tabletop exercises and informational sessions to better understand how commercial space solutions could support the department while taking into account the commercial sector's interests as well, and informed by that body of work, our strategy outlines four priorities for the department to pursue. First, we will work to ensure access to commercial solutions across the spectrum of conflict. We will leverage contracts and other agreements to set clear expectations with commercial providers and ensure the Joint Force has access to the capabilities it needs when it needs them to execute its mission. Second, we will work to achieve integration prior to crisis. We want to integrate commercial space solutions in our day-to-day operations during peacetime so we can be ready and able to rely on those same commercial solutions during conflict. Critically and this is a finding from our sessions with commercial providers we need to work to bring more commercial partners into our wargames and into our training exercises so that commercial partners also understand what will be required of them. Third, we will work to establish the security conditions necessary to integrate commercial space solutions and help commercial providers reduce risk. Now, the department will always maintain the option to use military force to protect and defend commercial assets, but our main lines of effort will follow three three lines: one, create norms and enhanced safety for all; two, generate and share actionable threat information with commercial partners; and three, explore different forms of financial protection, if required. Underpinning all of this is the department's firm commitment to be a leader and a responsible actor in space. And finally, we will support the development of new commercial space capabilities that have the potential to support the Joint Force. The department has a number of tools at our disposal to help commercial companies scale where our interests align, and we need to seize them. Now, before I take questions, I'll just note the Commercial Space Integration Strategy is entirely unclassified. It's available to the public. It will be posted today on defense.gov, I think shortly after this. The strategy is deliberately unclassified to be transparent about what we are trying and need to achieve, and it will also help hold ourselves accountable to the strategy we've signed ourselves up for. So we're excited to embark on this important new effort to leverage American ingenuity and enhance the resilience of our national security space architecture and strengthen deterrence. I'm confident it will pay dividends for the department for years to come. Thank you, and I look forward to your questions. MS. SINGH: Great. We'll start in the room here. Yes, go ahead. Q: Hi. DR. PLUMB: Hi. Q: Ashley Roque with Breaking Defense. DR. PLUMB: Hi, Ashley. Q: I just need to ask you about the promised gaps analysis dealing with commercial insurance for DOD space contractors. When do you think that will be wrapped up? And then sort of the strategy published about when to compensate firms, or would that be a case-by-case basis? DR. PLUMB: Yeah, the strategy looks at so first of all, thanks for the question. The strategy is kind of lays out the four different types of financial protection that can be made available to commercial partners, and so one is just commercial insurance. So there's a market that the government deal with. There is also this concept of war risk insurance, which is sometimes available on the commercial market, and then there is U.S. government-backed war risk insurance, or just U.S. government-backed insurance. That particular piece, I think, is what you're asking about. We do not have a final answer on that. The secretary has directed that the department look at, are there gaps that need to be covered by this now? And the parallel is for air logistics, we had this craft agreement which in very specific cases, the department can turn on additional insurance for providers. Same for the maritime, for convoys and for the types of logistics. And so the question is, is there a gap that needs to be filled for specific mission sets? And I think the most important thing to take away is in any case, in whatever thing we end up with, if we do end up in that space, it is only when the government turns that on. And so we're going to look at our primary means of ensuring that kind of de-risking is through the contract with the company itself. Q: Just - I want to do a quick follow-up. You mentioned different stakeholders. Did you work with ODNI on this, or should we be expecting different strategies to come out from the Intelligence Committee? DR. PLUMB: So there are many components of the IC that have kind of dual hat that also work with, you know, the department and the IC. So certainly NGA and NRO are part of this, and ODNI is aware of it. If - you know, NRO has its own commercial strategy for buying electro-optical. So they all nest sort of under this OSD piece, they're all - work together. They're not at odds with each other in any way. MS. SINGH: Let's go to Mike and then Sandra. Q: Thanks. Mike Stone from Reuters. DR. PLUMB: Hi, Mike. Q: As commercially-provided space capabilities become more critical for civil services on Earth? How does the department under international humanitarian law view the principle of distinction between military and civilian assets in space? DR. PLUMB: How does the department view the distinction? I'm not sure I have a answer on that specific piece because of course many systems can be used for military or for commercial. They are today and continue to do so. I will say on the - you know, what we've seen in the Ukraine conflict is Russia threatening commercial provider satellites, frankly even hacking ViaSat because it - well, it's a commercial provider who's also being used, or the Russians think they're being used, for Ukrainian battlefield. Q: So the - the question is really at what point of content on a satellite will you view that as an act of war if someone shoots it down? Is it just a little bit or if you're ... DR. PLUMB: I'm not - I'm not - I can't get into hypothetical red lines but I understand your question, it's a good question. I think I'd have to - I'd have to ponder that one for a bit, Mike. That's not one that I've considered before. MS. SINGH: Sandra? Q: Thank you. Mr. Secretary, Sandra Erwin, Space News. DR. PLUMB: Hi, Sandra. Q: On your point about what the Secretary wrote in the report about the cultural impediments and the institutional problems or issues, how do you change that? I mean, do you - the report really doesn't get into, like, that problem. So what are your thoughts on how you would change that? DR. PLUMB: So I don't want to undersell how hard that could possibly be, but I do think right now it's very clear across the department that the commercial sector has ability to move at a faster speed than we can move in many ways and it brings innovation in ways that maybe don't match our normal pace. We need to hold ourselves accountable. Frankly, one way to do that is to come back to the Secretary perhaps on an annual basis, et cetera, to say "Hey, here's what we're doing, here's how we're making progress, here's where there's stumbling blocks and hurdles." So we have to have an internal process to make sure that we do keep doing this. That's one thing I intend to do through the ASD for Space Architecture we've set up with the Space Warfighting Activities Group just to make sure that we are staying true to this strategy. Q: Is that something that you discussed with ... DR. PLUMB: Absolutely. Q: ... the companies, and they've ... DR. PLUMB: Yeah - with the companies or with the department? Yes, with the companies, I think the value of this being unclassified to the companies, we'll also be able to use this and say "look, this is a thing you have signed up for. So how can I benefit national security? Can we work together?" I think it's very powerful on - on both sides, not just from the department's side. MS. SINGH: We're going to go in the room here. Sure. Q: Hi. Mikayla Easley with Defense Scoop. Thanks for your time, sir. I was just hoping maybe you could clarify the differences between this strategy and the one currently under development by the Space Force, as well as maybe how these two will support one another? DR. PLUMB: Sure. And frankly, I just had a long talk with General Saltzman about this. So I'll just say we're - we're very much aligned. This is - the department-wide strategy, a little bit more policy-focused. And overall, I think - you know, hope his strategy will follow in the near future, and I think it is a little bit more focused on service-specific, acquisition-specific, and frankly, how he, as a service chief, wants to see his military service take this on and address it. MS. SINGH: Great. And we will go out to the phones. Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg? Q: Hi, sir. Thanks for doing this. One quick - two quick questions. How much money is this Space Force Space Systems Command budget is there for - in the '25 plan for potential commercial services envisioned in your strategy? And two, what commercial companies can you point to at this point as capable of performing this ISAM mission, this space services, assembly, logistics, manufacturing mission? DR. PLUMB: Sure. Thanks, Tony. So two things. One, I don't know the answer to your question about how much money, so I'm just going to have to - you'd have to ask the Space Systems Command or Space Force on that. And I do want to be clear, the point of this strategy is not to have someone just do an accounting for how much money we're spending on a thing because that's a - that's the wrong metric. The right metric is how much national security benefit are we getting or how much more cost efficient might it be to solve certain problems using the commercial market. But then your second question - so in the strategy, we have these 13 different mission areas laid out, and we distinguish between those mission areas that are primarily government, which means mostly it's government function and some commercial sector solutions might help it - there's hybrid, where it's more of a 50/50, some government, some commercial, and it could be pretty much even-stevens, and then primary - primary commercial. And out of those 13, the only one that's clearly primarily commercial right now is Space Force designation here, but SAML, which is Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics, and SpaceX is launch, Tony. So SpaceX, Firefly, Rocket Lab, all these different companies that are doing commercial launch, that's where the commercial sector clearly can provide services. On mobility and logistics, I'm only aware of one and a fully functioning company, and that's Space Logistics that can do a - on-orbit servicing right now. There are more coming. And then the ISAM piece is not even a mission area for us yet. It is emerging, and is clearly emerging mainly in the commercial market, which is on-orbit assembly generally, so. MS. SINGH: Great, thank you. And our last question is from Shelley Mesch, Inside Defense. Q: Hi. Thank you for taking the time. I wanted to ask about what commercial space operators can do with this information? What guidance do you have for them to getting involved? What's the front door? And how is this going to help the department find new commercial partners? DR. PLUMB: OK, thanks, Shelley. I guess I'd say first of all I, as the policy - as the Space Policy Chief, as some of you like to call me, I don't have any acquisition authority. That acquisition authority is in, you know, Space Systems Command as one of the primary acquisition places. Frank Calvelli with the Department of the Air Force has Space Acquisition Executive title on. Clearly, Space Systems Command has the Space Commercial Office, which is a front door. I'm not saying it's the only front door. I think what this strategy hopes to do is say yes, continue working on bringing commercial entities in. This is actually a thing we want you to do, not just a thing you should be experimenting with. And so I think over time this should provide better integration, better ways forward, and hopefully as we identify those mechanisms or those capabilities that could benefit national security, an additional lever arm for the department to say yes, let's help that through, let's scale that, let's figure out how we could incorporate that not just in the peacetime but also into - to crisis and conflict. MS. SINGH: Thank you. Thanks, Dr. Plumb. Really appreciate your time. DR. PLUMB: Well, thanks, Sabrina. And thank you, everybody. I really appreciate it. MS. SINGH: All right. Hi, everyone. Hopefully you don't have any space questions for me. I just have one thing at the top and then happy to jump in and start taking questions. This morning, Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner hosted Singapore Deputy Secretary for Policy Frederick Choo here at the Pentagon for the 9th U.S. Singapore Midterm Defense Review. This is an annual dialogue that surveys defense priorities and collaboration between the U.S. and Singapore, one of our longstanding partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The officials discussed a range of topics, to include maritime domain awareness, emerging technologies, force posture initiatives and training opportunities. A readout of the meeting will be published later today online. And with that, I'm happy to jump into questions. So, Tara. Q: Thanks, Sabrina. I have a couple on Israel, Gaza. First, is the Pentagon concerned that Israel's strike against the Iranian consulate is going to increase the risk to U.S. troops in both Iraq and Syria? There has been a quiet period, I guess, where it looks like Iran had directed the proxies not to strike. But is that over now? Is the Pentagon concerned about that? MS. SINGH: Well, I can't speak to actions that haven't happened or anything, you know, hypothetical actions. But we certainly continue to monitor the situation. Of course, we are aware of the strike that was conducted yesterday. But I don't have anything more for you. We're going to continue to make sure that our forces are protected in the region. So, that means monitoring what's going on around them. But beyond that, I just don't have more to share. Q: Okay. And then on the World Central Kitchen strike, has Israel reached out to you to assure that the weapons used to kill the World Central Kitchen aid workers were not provided by the U.S.? MS. SINGH: So on that first, I think just it should be very clear that, you know, our hearts go out to those who lost their lives in that strike. These are humanitarian aid workers who are providing lifesaving aid to Palestinians in Gaza. And, you know, the Israelis have taken responsibility for that strike. They are conducting an investigation. There have been conversations at different levels from the Department with Israeli counterparts. I don't have more to share for you on the weapons that were used. But we are, certainly, engaging with the Israelis. As you know, the secretary regularly engages with Minister Gallant. I don't have a call to preview just yet, but when they do speak, I'm sure this will be something that comes up in conversation. But we certainly welcome that the Israelis have opened up an immediate investigation into the incident. Q: Does it change circumstances particularly for the U.S. providing weapons if it turns out that the weapons that were used to kill these aid workers were actually U.S. provided weapons though? MS. SINGH: Well, again, I'm not going to get ahead of the investigation that the Israelis are conducting. We've been very clear from the - from the beginning, since the war started, since the Israelis conducted operations within Gaza, that they need to do everything possible to preserve innocent lives, Palestinian lives, the lives of humanitarian aid workers going in every single day providing this type of care and service. And they need to uphold those humanitarian laws. And that's something that, you know, you've seen in every single readout that we put out as well, with the secretary and Minister Gallant. So, we're going to keep having those conversations. We're going to keep reiterating that. Q: Just last - MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: does this further complicate getting the pier constructed? Does it show just how potentially dangerous and deadly it could be for anyone that's going to distribute aid that comes into that pier? MS. SINGH: Well, it's certainly something that, you know, we're - we take into consideration when we're talking about forces that are going in to set up the pier. Now, we have received assurances, the chairman spoke to this. You've seen other people across the administration also speak to this as well, that the Israelis have committed to providing some type of security for our forces along with other - we expect other nations to also play a role in that. I don't have more to provide at this time but there's no higher priority than the protection of our forces. That is something that the secretary and the president take very seriously. And they will be protected when they begin to start the - setting up the JLOTS. Carla? Q: Thanks. Her last question was one of mine. But I'll follow up on that. MS. SINGH: Okay. Q: Can you give us any sort of update on the pier construction? Do we have anymore finite ideas about when this will start? MS. SINGH: No, unfortunately. I know that you want an exact date. Look, we announced this, we said within 60 days from when announced. So, we're looking, you know, mid - sorry - late April, early May, I believe that's somewhere in the 60 days. I'm - again, I'm not looking at a calendar here. We're still on track to meet that deadline, we believe - or that timeline that we set. And the ships are continuing underway. But when we have more details of when that construction starts, we'd certainly be - we'll be providing an update. Q: Okay, thanks, Sabrina. MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: And then just two clarifications. The U.S. did not conduct a strike in Damascus? MS. SINGH: The U.S. did not conduct a strike in Damascus. I would refer you to the Israelis to speak to their strike. Q: And then, can you confirm that no attack has occurred on U.S. ground forces in the Middle East over the last month? MS. SINGH: That's correct. I - if you're referring to an engagement that happened at Al Tanf Garrison yesterday, a drone was shot down by the base. But we do not believe the base or U.S., or coalition forces were the intended target. The drone was traveling in the proximity of the base and the base did engage that drone. But we do not access right now that that was an attack on U.S. Forces. Joe? Q: Can you give us - know 0 the origin of that drone? Where it came from or (inaudible) - MS. SINGH: I don't. Q: Distribution? MS. SINGH: I mean we have - believe is probably launched by an IRGC-backed group, but I don't have an attribution for the drone. Q: In Iraq or Syria? Can you - no? MS. SINGH: I don't. Q: All right. And then I have - and have there been any force posture adjustments in the aftermath of the Israeli strike in Damascus yesterday? MS. SINGH: I wouldn't get into any force posture projects or changes, just for the security of our own forces. Again, we're all - we will always take whatever we need to do to protect our forces. But I just don't have anything to announce. Q: And can you say if anybody in DOD was contacted by the Israelis before, during or after this strike? Were you guys notified? MS. SINGH: We were not notified about - I'm sorry - the strike in Damascus? We were not notified by the Israelis about their strike or the intended target of their strike in Damascus. Yes? Q: Hi. Well, shouldn't the Israelis have notified you, given this does have a clear implication, the safety of U.S. personnel in the region? MS. SINGH: All I can tell you is that we were not notified about the strike prior to the strike happening. Q: (Inaudible) remarkably beyond concern. I mean, this has an implication (inaudible). MS. SINGH: That's your characterization. That's not mine. Q: One question on the pier then. I asked once before whether assurances had been received from the Israelis. I mean, you talked about assurances for the safety of U.S. forces. But what about the safety of the aid workers unloading supplies from the pier? I asked General Ryder whether the U.S. had asked for assurances that they wouldn't be fired upon. And he said they hadn't. But now, with this latest attack, and we know we have - you know, Haaretz in Israel is reporting, the drone methodically shot each one of these cars, making sure everyone was dead with full visibility, all the convoy, aid convoy cleared with the Israeli military. They made sure everyone was dead in it. Isn't the time now to ask for assurances that humanitarian workers who are moving supplies from this pier will not be fired upon, even if there's clear visibility? MS. SINGH: I think we've been clear and at the top when I was addressing Tara's question, we were very clear that we don't want to see humanitarian aid workers targeted. These are heroes going into Gaza, putting their lives on the line, getting lifesaving aid, whether it be medical or humanitarian - or food aid into Gaza to Palestinians. We certainly don't want to see any humanitarian organization or worker targeted. In terms of assurances, all I can speak to right now are our forces. What happens when the aid convoys come off the pier and go into Gaza, again, we don't want to see any humanitarian aid worker or the distribution of aid targeted. We are working with partners in the region, NGOs to figure out how that aid is distributed Q: (Inaudible) negotiations, who is willing to do this now? MS. SINGH: We are still we an organization like the World Central Kitchen in one of many organizations providing life-saving aid to Palestinians. And and people all around the world. We hope that they will continue to do that and to continue their efforts within Gaza. But again, the logistics of how the humanitarian aid gets disbursed and distributed within Gaza is still something that's being worked out now. Fadi? Q: Thank you, Sabrina. So I mean this incident is significance but it's it's not isolate that according to the (inaudible) security database, which receives support from the USAID. In less than six months 208 workers have been killed by Israel in Gaza, which is the highest toll registered since 1997. This is more than what's been documented in Syria and Afghanistan and in Sudan. Are you calling on Israel to investigate all the other incidents and do you think this was an unintended consequence of the war or is Israel actually this has some disregard to civilian life, aid workers as manifested by the high numbers of aid workers killed and the high total of civilians killed. MS. SINGH: Well, and not to sound like a broken record here but we have been very consistent and repetitive in our conversations with the Israelis. The need to preserve innocent lives. They need to, when conducting operations protect innocent lives within Gaza. And of course that includes humanitarian aid workers. I believe Israel has launched other investigations into other incidences. So I'd refer you to them to speak to more of those. We certainly welcome the fact that they did this very quickly. They launched an investigation very quickly, taking responsibility. So want to see what comes out of that investigation and we would hope that they share those results publicly so we too can also learn and understand what exactly happened here. Q: Do you think so as you said, you've been raising this issue with the Defense official, including the Secretary with the Israeli counterparts. Do you think the Israelis have been listening and does do the numbers provide you with a sense of the Israelis are actually listening to what you're saying to them? MS. SINGH: We do believe that the Israelis have listened to us when it comes to some of their operations. I mean we saw at the very beginning of the war, you know, more paired back targeted operations. They have been able to heed our advice, especially early on when we, you know, were talking to them about urban warfare and what it would mean to go into highly dense populations. So we do believe that they are heading our advice. Again, we're going to continue to, in all of our conversations at all levels of government, we're going to continue to urge them to protect innocent Palestinians, to protect humanitarian aid workers, and that's coming from the highest levels of government. So we're going to continue that in our conversations. Q: May I just ask one more question on the strike in Damascus? MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: So apparently you targeted a diplomatic building, which according to international law should have immunity. Is the U.S. concerned that its main ally region is targeting diplomatic buildings? MS. SINGH: So I don't actually know what type of facility that was. Again, this was not a U.S. strike. So I don't have a lot of details on what type of building that was. But no, we don't support attacks on diplomatic facilities. Lara? Q: Yes, thank you. Just wondering if anyone in DOD is looking into whether Israel deliberately targeting aid convoy is violates international humanitarian war and whether that should have consequences in terms of continuing to send aid to Israel? MS. SINGH: Well, that's something that the Israel government is looking in to. They're launching their own investigation. We're not. We're not doing our own independent investigation. That's something that we, again, are waiting to see what the results are from the investigation. They've already started I believe a preliminary one. And so we'll just wait to see what those results yield. Q: So why do we have any assurances I mean why do we why do we trust and is the Israeli government investigating themselves on this? Is that how we treat other allies? MS. SINGH: Well Lara, we investigate ourselves and we hold ourselves to very very high standards as well. We would expect we would expect the Israeli government to do the same. If Q: (Inaudible) violating humanitarian law is that do we trust them or o we have an independent assessment? MS. SINGH: We expect that well, I'm not going to speak and get ahead of the investigation. If there are findings in the investigations that lead to behavior changes, how operations are conducted on the ground of Gaza we would certainly want and would want to have assurances that Israeli would do that. Would uphold any findings from the investigation and would, you know, implement them. But again, it's under investigation and I'm just not going to get ahead of that. Natasha? Q: Thanks, Sabrina. So you've said a couple times now that this was an Israeli strike on this building in Damascus. The Israelis have not actually confirmed or denied whether it was them. So I'm just double checking here. So it's the Pentagon's assessment that this was an Israeli strike. Have you all been in touch with the Israelis about this? MS. SINGH: We were not notified before the strike occurred. We have been engaged with them at different levels. But again, this was not a U.S. military strike. So I don't have a lot of the details on it. Q: You have been engaging with them after the fact to discuss specifically their attack on this building in Damascus? MS. SINGH: We have engaged with them on various different levels, not to mention some of the questions about the humanitarian aid workers that were also killed in the strike in Gaza. Tom. Q: Thanks, Sabrina. Thank you. Does the U.S. plan on increasing airdrop into Gaza now that World Central Kitchen and at least of their agencies suspended operations? MS. SINGH: We have a steady cadence of airdrops, humanitarian airdrops that Central Command does almost daily every other day. It sort of depends on the weather conditions and also conditions on the ground. I'm you know, they're pretty consistent, Tom, so I think I'd let Central Command speak to that if they're going to increase. But right now they're happening almost on a daily basis. Q: Thank you. And going back to the drone outside of Al Tanf, does the Pentagon still assess that I think the date was February 4th was the sort of the last like attack on MS. SINGH: Yes. Q: Is that is that is that still the determination that that was the last attack on U.S. troops? Yesterday doesn't count. MS. SINGH: That was the last attack on on U.S. forces was February 4th that we assessed as an attack. Again, as I said, I believe it was Fadi that that had asked. The the drone was shot down in the vicinity of Al-Tanf garrison but we don't assess that it was targeting that base. Q: What kind of a drone was it? MS. SINGH: I don't have any of those details. Q: And then finally, sorry, just to be clear from something you said earlier, I think it was in response to Tara's question. You are you and the Pentagon are unable at this time to rule out that U.S. munitions were used in yesterday's strike in Gaza? MS. SINGH: I don't have any details on the strike. As you know, the Israelis are launching an investigation. We are in touch with them. But I have no details on anything that was used in terms of what hit that convoy. What I can tell you and what I will continue what we continue to say in our conversations with the Israelis is that we always expect them to uphold humanitarian laws when it comes to the use of U.S. made systems, capabilities, munitions. They are launching investigation into what happened. They have taken responsibility for what happened. So I'm going to let that investigation continue and not get ahead of that. I'm going to go to the phones and happy to come back in the room. Dan Lamothe, Washington Post. Q: Sabrina, to the question of, I guess, targeting, the United States has offered several times to assist Israel with targeting, basically improving their accuracy. This looks different. This looks less like inaccuracy as much as a direct choice to strike this convoy, this World's Central Kitchen convoy. What is, I guess, the Secretary's comfort at this point that the Israelis are taking necessary precautions to avoid collateral damage, to avoid civilian casualties? And if it is, as it sounds so far in open source that they may have struck a convoy knowing there is humanitarian workers in it, even if there was only one militant or something like that nearby. MS. SINGH: Thanks, Dan, for the questions. So what we have worked with Israel on and helped them with is I think what you're referring to is some of the operational planning when it comes to Rafah. There was a meeting at the White House, a virtual meeting hosted by the White House yesterday when it came when it comes to the operations in Rafah, but what we are working with the Israelis on is how they are going to conduct operations when there's a dense humanitarian population there. We're not necessarily providing targeting to the Israelis. What we have been doing is providing assistance when it comes to hostage rescue and recovery. In terms of assurances when it comes to protecting innocent Palestinian lives, the lives of aid workers going in to Gaza, it's something that every single call, conversation from the Secretary's level on down through this building, we are focused on. It comes up in every single meeting. And we are going to continue to press the Israelis to uphold those humanitarian laws, to ensure that they are doing everything possible, everything possible to protect innocent lives in Gaza. I will take another one from the phone. Idris, Reuters. Q: Hey, Sabrina. So I think in every readout that you put out, and I think even after the Secretary met Minister Gallant, you talk about the importance of civilian casualties and how the Secretary brings it up with his counterpart. Is he a bit frustrated and maybe even embarrassed that even after his pleas, the Israelis continue these sort of actions that risk and kill civilians and are actually somehow actually increasing the number of civilians they've killed in the past couple of weeks, even after the Secretary met him? So is the secretary frustrated? And does he believe it's worth pushing the Israelis since they don't seem to be actually decreasing, that they seem to be increasing civilian casualties over time? MS. SINGH: Thanks for the question. The Secretary has voiced his concerns publicly and privately with Minister Gallant over his concerns on how the innocent civilians within Gaza are being protected as the IDF continues their operations. I'm not going to go further into their conversations, but these conversations have been very direct. They've been quite candid. And, you know, they continue to engage on an almost weekly basis as you well know, Idris, and so I'm just going to leave it at that. Yeah. Q: Thank you. Yesterday, the NSC announced that there would be an upcoming talk between Secretary Austin and the PRC. MS. SINGH: Yeah. Q: I'm curious if you can add any more details, schedule, purpose of call, and then is the Secretary planning to travel to the PRC anytime soon? MS. SINGH: I don't have any travel announcements to make today. I don't have any calls to preview today. I know you were probably not expecting that. But I will say that, you know, we value mil-to-mil communications at the highest levels. It's something that we continue to engage the PRC on. A call has not been set up yet. That's not to say one won't come in the future. I just don't have an exact date for you. Yes? Q: Thank you. On the attacks on the consulate, Iranian consulate in Damascus. Yesterday, the Iranian Foreign Minister, he pushed it that cause on Pakistan. And he said that we send a very important message to the U.S. as a supporter of the Israeli government. And the U.S. must be held accountable for that. Have you received any notification? Any message through the Swiss Embassy in Iran from the Iranian government, first. And second, does that kind of this message concerns you that this will may fuel up the conflict in Gaza and this will encourage the Iranian proxy groups to resume the attacks on the U.S. forces in the region? MS. SINGH: Well, we've made it very clear and private channels to Iran that we were not responsible for the strike that happened in Damascus. I will reiterate, the U.S. had no involvement in that strike. And we had no knowledge about it ahead of time. So I'll just leave it at that. Yeah. Q: OK. You are not involved in India. But are you expecting more attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East after the Israelis (inaudible)? MS. SINGH: I don't have a crystal ball to predict attacks on U.S. forces. Q: But don't you believe that such kind of strikes will escalate the region? MS. SINGH: Well, we certainly don't want to see escalation in the region. Again, what we have done in the region is position U.S. forces to send a message of deterrence. We continue to engage through diplomatic channels, so we don't see tensions rise in or continue to rise in the region. We certainly don't seek escalation. And I know we've had conversations about this, but you know our forces in Syria and Iraq are there for the primary mission to ensure the defeat of ISIS. That is their goal. That is something that we share with the Iraqi government. That is something a mission that we share with the SDF. And so we want to be able to continue our mission. And of course, we don't want to see any escalation or tensions rise. Courtney? Q: Couple of quick ones. On the World Central Kitchen, who in the Pentagon had the conversations with the Israelis about that, the strike that killed the aid workers? MS. SINGH: I'm not going to get into specifics, but at different levels of the department, there was an engagement with the Israeli government. Q: So phone calls today or (inaudible)? MS. SINGH: Calls today. Q: I mean, are we talking about at Secretary Austin's level or has that (inaudible)? MS. SINGH: I have no calls to read out from the Secretary today. Q: So (inaudible)? MS. SINGH: So, no. Q: So it wasn't the Secretary? MS. SINGH: It was not the Secretary. Q: And then on the strike in Syria, do you expect that the U.S. will have any kind of independent confirmation of who was actually killed there or are you relying on the reports from the Syrian and Iranian governments? MS. SINGH: Our initial assessment right now is that it was a few top IRGC leaders. We haven't been able to independently confirm identities, but that is our initial assessment right now. Yeah. Q: And then I know the answer to this, but I got to ask it. So you just said that the we made it very clear in private channels to Iran that the U.S. was not involved and who what are those channels and who's the one on the U.S. side of those strikes? MS. SINGH: Yes. Thank you, Courtney, for the question. As you can as you predicted, I will not get into more specifics on that, but appreciate the question. Well, and then Luis. Yeah, go ahead. Q: A quick two quick questions. MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: I don't know if you can answer about the space or not. My question was about space... MS. SINGH: You just had Dr. Plumb up here. Q: Thank you. Is there a competition in the space like we have on the arms on the Earth, yeah, as far as space is concerned? And second, where do we stand as far as U.S.-India space relations are concerned because so much has been going on in the past? MS. SINGH: Yeah, I don't have much more for you on that. You know, we have a good relationship with the Indian government. We don't seek any conflict when it comes to, you know, expanding operations or capabilities in space, but competition is something that, you know, all nations are looking to expand their capabilities into space. But I just don't have more for you on that. Q: As far as cyber security attacks are concerned, so much talk of the town these days, which nations are those who are attacking the cyberattacks in the U.S. and affecting the common normal lives and also the national the U.S. national security? MS. SINGH: Look, I don't have any specifics to go into from here. We're certainly, you know, mindful of bad actors who want to attack our cybersecurity infrastructure. We take, you know, precautionary measures. We work with the interagency to ensure that our systems are robust and secure. But beyond that, I just don't have more. Q: Thank you. MS. SINGH: Luis? Q: Yeah. You mentioned that the United States reached out to the Iranians. Can you explain why? I mean, I understand the circumstances, but what is the rationale in doing so? MS. SINGH: To make clear that the U.S. had nothing to do with those strikes. Q: Based on comments that they've made, I mean, what was the prompting for something like this? MS. SINGH: Again, I think that tensions being high in the region. We wanted to make it very clear in private channels that the U.S. had no involvement in the strike in Damascus. And we did that. Q: And then a separate question back to Natasha's point. MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: I don't think the Israelis have actually acknowledged that this was their airstrike. So are you saying that this was the United States assessment when you say that there were several IRGC top leaders that were there that this was an Israeli airstrike? MS. SINGH: That's our assessment and that's also our assessment that there were a handful of IRGC top leaders there. Can't confirm those identities, but that's our initial assessment right now. Great. I will take two more from the phone and then happy to wrap up. Jeff Schogol, Task and Purpose. Q: Thank you. During the most recent airdrop over Gaza, 60 bundles went into the ocean. That seems a little bit higher than recently. Do you have any data on what may have caused that? MS. SINGH: Jeff, thanks for the question. For more specifics, I would refer you to CENTCOM to answer that. What I can say is that when we do these airdrops, while we always try to mitigate for, you know, civilian harm and where these could land whether it's something that we cannot control. And I believe these bundles, unfortunately, when they did deploy we're just the drifted into the water and landed into the water. But for more specifics, I would direct you to CENTCOM for that. And last question, Heather, USNI. Q: Hi, thank you so much. Two questions. The first is that, it seems that the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea has slowed a bit in the past couple of weeks. And I was wondering if there's any speculation or reasoning for why those might have slowed down. And then second just to go back to the Israeli strike on the aid workers. I know you talked about how they were investigating themselves and that the United States investigates themselves, but does the United States have the same confidence in the Israelis ability to investigate themselves as they would say for the United States investigating themselves? MS. SINGH: We expect the Israeli government to hold themselves to the same standards that we do when we do an investigation. We want this investigation to be independent, to be fair, to gather the facts, and to make sure that something like this never happens again. So, yes, we do have confidence that the Israelis can do this and learn from their mistakes and understand and better plan for future operations, whether it be in Gaza or, or elsewhere. In terms of your first questions on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, I mean, look, we have continued to engage when we see the Houthis preparing to launch whether it be, you know, unmanned surface vehicles, UAS's at our ships or commercial vessels. I can't speak to the pace. I would direct you to them to speak to why if they have slowed down. We certainly continue to engage. We certainly will continue to do everything we can to protect commercial shipping through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. And, of course, do everything that we need to protect our forces as well. All right. Thanks, everyone. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3728518/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 2, 2024 Release Readout of the U.S.-Singapore Mid-Term Defense Review Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout: Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner hosted Singapore Ministry of Defence Deputy Secretary for Policy Frederick Choo at the Pentagon today for the 9th U.S.-Singapore Mid-Term Defense Review. Both officials reaffirmed the progress the United States and Singapore have made to deepen their longstanding partnership on defense cooperation. They reviewed ongoing bilateral defense initiatives - including force posture cooperation and high-end air-to-air training - and agreed to continue strengthening U.S.-Singapore collaboration on a range of efforts, including maritime domain awareness and emerging technologies. The two officials also reiterated that the partnership between the United States and Singapore is built on common principles, underscoring their mutual commitment to supporting the security, stability, and prosperity of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. While at the Pentagon, Deputy Secretary Choo also met with Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker to discuss the close defense cooperation between both countries. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3728538/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister's Office The 37th Government 02.04.2024 The Mossad, ISA and IDF negotiating team will return this afternoon from Cairo at the conclusion of an additional intensive round of negotiations. In the framework of the talks, under useful Egyptian mediation, the mediators formulated an updated proposal for Hamas. Israel expects the mediators to take vigorous action regarding Hamas to advance the negotiations toward a deal. The State of Israel is continuing to make all necessary efforts for the release of the hostages from Hamas and their return to Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on March 25-31, 2024 Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2024-04-02 International cooperation On March 25-31 the NATO Air Policing Mission fighter aircraft were scrambled six times to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. On March 25 the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment fighter jets identified and escorted one IL-20 flying from the mainland Russia to Kaliningrad. The aircraft had no flight plan, its onboard transponder was on, the crew maintained radio communication with the regional air control centre. On March 25 NATO air policing aircraft intercepted two SU30SM flying from Kaliningrad and back without the flight plan, the onboard transponder was off and the crews were not maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. On March 26 NATO fighter jets intercepted two SU30SM flying out of Kaliningrad and back in international airspace. They had no pre-filed flight plan, the onboard transponder were off, the crew were not maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. On March 28 NATO Air Policing Detachment aircraft were scrambled to identify and escort two SU30SM. The aircraft were flying in international airspace from and back to Kaliningrad without the flight plan, with switched off onboard transponders, and not maintaining radio communication. On March 29 NATO fighter aircraft intercepted two SU30SM flying from and to Kaliningrad, without the flight plan, with their onboard transponders switched off, not maintaining radio communication. On March 31 NATO fighter jets identified and escorted one TU-204 flying from Kaliningrad to mainland Russia via international airspace. The aircraft had no flight plan, its onboard transponder was switched off, the crew was maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Conversation between Ministers Sikorski and Katz: Poland demands explanation for attack on convoy Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland 02.04.2024 In a conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Minister Radosaw Sikorski called for an impartial investigation into the attack on a humanitarian convoy in Gaza in which a Polish citizen was killed. Minister Sikorski stressed that Poland is shocked by the deadly strike on seven members of a humanitarian organisation delivering aid in Gaza. This is all the more so as the attack targeted World Central Kitchen, a completely non-political entity which in the past helped refugees from Ukraine in Poland as well as Israeli citizens evacuated after the Hamas attack. The head of the Polish MFA said that the case is being investigated by the Polish public prosecution service and that the incident should be considered in criminal terms. In response, he heard assurances from Minister Katz that the Israeli investigation "will be independent." Minister Israel Katz expressed his condolences to the Polish government, nation, and family of the Polish volunteer killed in the attack and said that the investigation will help prevent such incidents in the future. He assured that the Israeli government is concerned about the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers during the ongoing conflict. He emphasised that for the Israeli authorities the goal is to eliminate Hamas, which poses a threat to the civilian population. Minister Sikorski stressed that for the credibility of Israel's actions and the future of peace in the Middle East it is essential that the current military action in Gaza be accompanied by a political process and the presentation of proposals to the Palestinian people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hainan pilot's US plane collision anniversary reminds of South China Sea risks Chinese netizens' praise of his heroism may be used to fuel nationalism, tensions against the Americans: expert By RFA Staff 2024.04.02 -- On the anniversary of the death of Wang Wei - the Chinese pilot whose fighter jet collided with an American aircraft over Hainan island in 2001 - China's internet sphere is filled with messages praising his heroism as well as condemning the United States. Wang's Shenyang J-8II, together with another Chinese fighter, were sent from Hainan's Lingshui airfield to intercept a U.S. Navy's EP-3 reconnaissance aircraft operating near the island in the South China Sea in the morning on April 1, 2001. Chinese and U.S. sides provided different accounts of events leading to the incident that took place at around 9:15 a.m. local time, when Wang's airplane collided with the EP-3 mid-air, causing him to eject into the sea. His body was never recovered. Wang was posthumously awarded the Medal of First-Class Hero and Model, as well as the honorary title of "Guardian of Territorial Airspace and Waters" of China. The incident resulted in a serious political dispute between Beijing and Washington then, and now, as the situation in the South China Sea remains precarious, analysts warn of the risks of further confrontation and conflict. Fueling nationalism The "heroic sacrifice" of Lt. Cmdr. Wang Wei surfaces again this year with bold messages on Chinese public channels against the U.S. "aggressors." On WeChat, a post by Housha from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province - Wang Wei's birthplace - was read 34,400 times and received 2,700 "thumb-ups". "It has been 23 years since Wang Wei left this world but the South China Sea is still rough and the waves are not quiet," Housha wrote. "The intention of the U.S. to invade China's territorial waters and airspace continues but it is now putting the Philippines in the firing line." "I have come to a profound understanding that the U.S. is not China's 'imaginary enemy', it is undoubtedly THE enemy." Housha added that "happiness and peace need to be defended with life and blood." Another post by 'Chilling' on the platform X, formerly Twitter, which is inaccessible inside China and therefore likely aimed at a foreign audience, reads: "He [Wang Wei] represents the blood and strength of the Chinese people and can help people see the true face of the United States!" Ian Chong, a political analyst from the National University of Singapore, said that the "nationalist reaction" may stem from the latest events in the South China Sea, where Beijing has been embroiled in escalating tensions with the Philippines, a treaty ally of the U.S. Another analyst, Carl Schuster, former director of operations at the U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center, said that the 2001 Hainan incident is being used by Beijing as fuel "to feed the tensions". "China's Communist Party always modified the facts and truth to fit its interests," Schuster told Radio Free Asia. "They will repeat that "hero" narrative as required to maintain the fiction that the PRC is the victim of aggression, not the perpetrator," the analyst said, referring to China by its official name the People's Republic of China . "I see that propaganda based on the incident as a tool to sustain Beijing's effort to sustain public support and justify its actions," he added. De-escalating the risks Since 2001, there have been several occasions when China blamed the U.S. for risking "another Hainan incident." In August 2014, a Chinese fighter jet intercepted a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine warfare aircraft at about 135 miles (217 kilometers) east of Hainan Island. The Chinese think tank South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative said in a report that the U.S. military's aerial close-in reconnaissance over the South China Sea increased in both frequency and intensity, with around 1,000 sorties in 2023 alone. The U.S. maintains that its ships and airplanes "will fly and sail anywhere international law allows" under the "freedom of navigation" principle of law of the sea. The risk of conflict between the two superpowers may become even greater, as "the conditions that allowed for de-escalation may be less available today than in 2001," according to NUS's Ian Chong. "There remain big questions about the People's Liberation Army's command and control and crisis de-escalation efforts," Chong said. The Chinese military has embarked on a major modernization masterplan and the Pentagon's 2023 Report concluded that "the PRC turned to the PLA as an increasingly capable instrument of statecraft." The U.S. National Security Strategy in 2022 also stated that the PRC "is the only competitor to the United States with the intent and, increasingly, the capacity to reshape the international order." In 2001, to end the dispute over Hainan incident and to secure freedom for the EP-3's 24 crew members detained by China, the U.S. sent a letter to Beijing saying that it was "very sorry" about the pilot's death and about the U.S. plane's landing on Hainan without China's permission. "The incident does tell us there are risks in China's behavior and some will argue we should back off," said Schuster, formerly from the U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center. "That's very similar to the 1930s when U.S. and European 'experts' urged the same approach to Hitler's aggression in the 30s. It did not deter him, it emboldened him," argued the retired navy captain turned analyst. The 2001 incident "does remind us of the risks but it does not justify retreat to avoid them," he said, adding that would risk something more serious and destructive. Edited by Elaine Chan and Taejun Kang 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China names 30 places in Indian-controlled Arunachal Pradesh India rejects Beijing's move, which seems aimed at bolstering its claims to disputed territory. By Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan 2024.04.02 -- Beijing has issued Chinese names for 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh to bolster its claims on the territory that is controlled by India, which quickly dismissed the move as meaningless. It was the fourth time since 2017 that China released place names for geographical locations in what it refers to as Zangnan and claims is part of southern Tibet, in Chinese territory. "If today, I change the name of your house, will it become mine?" asked India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of an event in the western state of Gujarat earlier this week. "Arunachal Pradesh is a state of India," he said. "It was, is, and will continue to remain a state of India. Changing the name of [various places] does not amount to anything." Tensions between India and China have escalated in recent weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh on March 9, prompting China to lodge a diplomatic protest. The list issued by China's Ministry of Civil Affairs includes standardized names for at least 11 residential areas, four rivers and 12 mountains among geographical locations in Arunachal Pradesh. "In accordance with the relevant regulations on place name management of the State Council, our Ministry, together with relevant departments, has standardized some place names in southern Tibet," the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs said in its official announcement. "The fourth batch of additional publicly used place names in southern Tibet is now officially announced." 'Cartographic aggression' Experts said China's attempts to rename places along its borders on all sides as well as in Tibet and other parts of China reflect its appetite for territorial acquisition and efforts to normalize its occupation of disputed territory. "A big part of China's cartographic aggression is renaming territories it sees as disputed," said Sriparna Pathak, associate professor of China studies at the O.P. Jindal Global University in Haryana, India, and a former consultant at India's foreign ministry. China released the first such list of standardized names for six places in 2017, followed by a second list in 2021 with new names for 15 places, and a third list in 2023 with a list of 11 places. China believes that it can continue to repeat that India's territory is its own by assigning names to every small village, hill and water body in the region, in Chinese characters and Pinyin, said Anushka Saxena, a research analyst in the Indo-Pacific Studies Program at Bengaluru, India-based Takshashila Institution. The move "is an exercise in rewriting history," Saxena said. "With continued reiterating, it hopes that the nomenclature will slowly seep into how countries and officials refer to these areas." Few Western leaders understand that the Chinese Communist Party is angling to expand China's borders on all sides - including in the South China Sea, said Michael Sobolik, senior fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the Washington-based American Foreign Policy Council. China's renaming of Tibet It is using the same strategy in Tibet, experts said. Last year, China replaced the use of the term "Tibet" with "Xizang" as the Romanized Chinese name on official diplomatic documents. Chinese media and the official account of the United Front Work Department's "United Front News" said in October 2023 that "there is no more Tibet in the official documents of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs." The commonly used name of Tibet by the international community encompassed not just Tibet alone, but also Tibetan-populated areas of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces, according to Chinese media reports. This geographical scope is consistent with the "Greater Tibet" defined by the 14th Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet. China started using the term 'Xizang' to normalize its narrative that Tibet was never independent and was always part of China, Pathak said. "The moment the term 'Xizang' gets normalized, what also gets normalized is India's Arunachal Pradesh as 'Zangnan' or Southern Tibet as China sees it," she said. In an interview with RFA Tibetan in October, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the elected political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India urged the international community to reject the Tibet name change and "not to compromise with the CCP's efforts to reshape history." Analysts also note the increasing frequency and speed of the issuing of such renaming of disputed territories. The 2017 notification followed the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal, while the 2021 announcement followed the border clashes in Tawang, a town in the state, Saxena added. The 2023 notification was issued in April that year after a series of negative developments in India-China relations, including a visa spat over Indian journalists staying in China and an announcement that India would surpass China as the most populous country, Saxena said. Additional reporting by Nyima Namseling, Nordon and Rigdhen Dolma. Edited by Malcolm Foster And Roseanne Gerin. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kyrgyz President Signs Controversial 'Foreign Representatives' Bill Into Law By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service April 02, 2024 BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed into law a controversial bill that allows authorities to register organizations as "foreign representatives," legislation critics say mirrors a repressive Russian law on "foreign agents." Japarov said in an April 2 post on Facebook that the law will "regulate" the activities of nongovernmental organizations receiving financial support from abroad and rejected multiple warnings by human rights groups and NGOs about the negative impact the new legislation will have on civil society. Japarov accused Kyrgyz NGOs of "deceiving" foreign organizations and groups that support them financially, claiming he could "prove" that NGOs in his country steal money from their donors. However, he gave no evidence to back up the assertion. According to Japarov, the law on "foreign representatives" will help to prevent possible fraudulent activities and the embezzlement of finances received by local NGOs from their foreign sponsors. "As the head of state, I guarantee there will be no persecution," Japarov said in his Facebook statement. Last week, more than 100 Kyrgyz NGOs urged Japarov not to sign the bill, saying it will negatively affect the operations of all such organizations in the Central Asian nation. They warned Japarov that, if the measure comes into force, organizations involved in assisting Kyrgyz citizens with obtaining medical equipment and medicine to treat numerous diseases, including cancer and HIV, as well as groups involved in educational programs, human rights, and anti-corruption activities, may have to stop their operations. Earlier statements by human rights groups regarding the controversial bill said that the legislation will negatively affect freedom of expression in the former Soviet republic. Since the law was first introduced last year, civil society activists have warned of the consequences of approving such legislation, especially given that similar regulations in Russia laid the groundwork for the systematic dismantling of civil society. According to the bill, noncommercial organizations and media outlets that receive foreign funding and are engaged in broadly defined "political" activities will be obliged to report their activities to the authorities. The legislation will also give authorities wide oversight powers and it introduces potential sanctions for undefined criminal offences. Since 2012, Russia has used its "foreign agents" law to label and punish critics of government policies, including the February 2022 full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine. The vague laws have been used to persecute organizations working in diverse fields such as education, culture, health care, environmental protection, human-rights activism, and especially independent media. Once called an "island of democracy" in the region, Kyrgyzstan stood out in Central Asia for many years thanks to the independent journalism, intrepid reporting, and media innovation that existed in the country. However, in Reporters Without Borders' most recent global ranking, Kyrgyzstan fell 50 places, sitting in 122nd place -- only 12 spots above its longtime authoritarian neighbor, Kazakhstan. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-foreign-representatives- agents-law-signed-japarov-president/32887665.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FCDO summons Israeli Ambassador over death of aid workers The Ambassador of the Israeli Embassy attended the summons following the deaths of aid workers working for World Central Kitchen in Gaza. 2 April 2024 Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said: Today, I summoned the Ambassador of the Israeli Embassy in London to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. I set out the government's unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of 7 World Central Kitchen aid workers, including 3 British nationals. I requested a quick and transparent investigation, shared with the international community, and full accountability. I reiterated the need for Israel to put in place an effective deconfliction mechanism immediately and urgently to scale up humanitarian access. We need to see an immediate humanitarian pause, to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK is deeply concerned about the potential for escalation in the Middle East and calls on all parties to reduce tensions: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the strike in Damascus. 2 April 2024 Thank you, President, and I congratulate Malta on assuming the presidency for the month of April and thank Japan for their successful presidency during the month of March. I also thank ASG Khiari for his briefing on Monday's strike in Damascus. We underline the importance of respect for the inviolability of diplomatic premises and protection of diplomatic and consular staff for the proper conduct of diplomatic relations. The safety and security of diplomatic premises and staff is a fundamental principle guiding diplomatic relations. President, we are clear that Iran's role in destabilising the region, through its military, financial and political support to groups which have been conducting and threatening attacks, is unacceptable. Amongst the groups which Iran has continued to support are Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, militias in Syria and Iraq, and the Houthis. As well as attacking Israel, these groups have been responsible for the attacks against international shipping, including the deaths of innocent mariners and attacks against international forces in Iraq and Syria. Our Foreign Secretary has raised repeatedly with his Iranian counterpart the need for this support to cease and for Iran to use its influence over the groups to prevent their attacks. President, the UK is deeply concerned about the potential for escalation in the region and calls on all parties to reduce tensions. We are committed to de-escalation in the Middle East. We have long been calling for an immediate humanitarian pause in Gaza leading to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life, as the fastest way to get hostages out and aid in. This Council sent a clear signal on this just last week when it passed resolution 2728. We stand ready to work with all members of this Council and the international community to promote and protect international peace and security in the region and throughout the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council 55: UK Statement for Interactive Dialogue on Haiti Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Haiti. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French. 2 April 2024 Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Let me begin by thanking Mr O'Neill for his comprehensive report. We strongly support the Haitian people's demands for security, stability, and justice, and we appreciate the continued cooperation of the Haitian authorities. The widespread human rights abuses detailed in the report are extremely alarming. Exploitation and abuse of children by criminal gangs, as well as the increasing use of sexual violence to spread fear, subjugate and punish communities are particularly concerning. The collective trauma suffered by the population will no doubt affect generations to come. The United Kingdom has introduced sanctions against perpetrators of human rights abuses in Haiti. We also co-sponsored the new sanctions designations in December by the Security Council. Moreover, we continue to support the Multinational Security Support Mission and its rapid deployment in 2024. We are also proud to support the renewal of the mandate of the human rights expert. Deputy High Commissioner, Which concrete measures can be taken to support communities that have been heavily destabilised by gang violence? Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 2 April 2024 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Syria/Iranian Premises All right, good afternoon. Sorry, let me get stuff in the right order here. This morning, you will all have seen that we issued a statement on the attack that happened yesterday in Damascus. And I can tell you that the Secretary-General condemns the attack on diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, as well as the reported casualties. He reaffirms that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law. Mr. Guterres also reminds all parties to respect all of their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable. The Secretary-General also repeats his calls on all concerned to avoid attacks that could harm civilians and damage civilian infrastructure. He further calls on all concerned to exercise utmost restraint and avoid any further escalation. He cautions that any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, in Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East. And this afternoon, as you will have seen, the Security Council will hold a briefing on these developments. At the request of the Council, Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, will brief Council members. And we will try to get you his remarks in advance. ** Syria Staying in Syria. We are alarmed by the impact of recent hostilities on civilians in the north-west of the country during the month of Ramadan. Yesterday, shelling struck residential neighbourhoods in Sarmin in Idlib, killing a 7-year-old girl and injuring nearly a dozen other people, including three women and three children. The shelling also damaged a school. On Sunday, a car bomb struck a popular market in Azaz, in northern Aleppo killing at least eight people, including children and a pregnant woman, and injuring many others. The Deputy Regional [Humanitarian] Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, David Carden, expressed his condolences to the families of those affected and underscored that civilians must never be a target. Since the start of the year, 11 people, including two girls, have been killed by hostilities in north-west Syria. Some 50 others have been injured, including 16 children that's what local authorities are telling us. ** General Assembly And I want to flag that, this afternoon, the Secretary-General will speak at the General Assembly session on human security. He will speak about his recent Ramadan solidarity visit to Egypt and Jordan and will reiterate the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages that are being held in Gaza. The Secretary-General will also talk about the need to ensure human security in the face of threats like climate change and the global cost-of-living crisis. ** World Central Kitchen Turning to Gaza, and the heartbreaking news from Deir Al-Balah yesterday, I can tell you that the Secretary-General extends his condolences to the staff of the World Central Kitchen following the killing of its staff members in Gaza who were on a humanitarian mission. The multiplicity of such events is the inevitable result of the way this war is currently being conducted. We reaffirm, yet again, the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Also, our Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, has just come out of Gaza. Yesterday, she met with World Central Kitchen team members who, just hours later, were tragically killed in an air strike by Israeli forces. Ms. Kaag is appalled by this attack and joins others in expressing her condolences to their families and loved ones. For his part, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, described the aid workers of the World Central Kitchen as heroes killed while trying to feed starving people. There was also a statement in a similar vein from Jamie McGoldrick, the Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. According to our humanitarian colleagues, at least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed since October in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which is one of the world's most dangerous and difficult places to work as a humanitarian. ** Gaza Meanwhile, just to update you on the situation in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, the World Health Organization said today that attempts to access Al-Shifa hospital remain ongoing. Over the past two weeks, five requests to evacuate patients and staff from the hospital were denied or delayed. The World Health Organization said that Al-Shifa once a cornerstone of Gaza's health-care system is now an empty shell. As we have said repeatedly, attacks on health care and the militarization of hospitals in Gaza are unacceptable. Health-care workers and facilities where they work must be protected so civilians can receive the health care they need. ** Lebanon And moving back north to Lebanon, I think we've seen some erroneous press reports which we need to correct, and I just want to state clearly that the peacekeepers from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, continue to carry out their mandated activities along the Blue Line. Despite increased tensions and last weekend's incident, in which three UN military observers serving with the mission and one national colleague who was a language assistant were wounded, peacekeepers continue to patrol and use the mission's liaison and coordination mechanisms in their effort to de-escalate and reduce tensions within their area of operations. We reiterate the urgent need for all parties to cease hostile actions and return to the cessation of hostilities under the framework of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). ** Haiti A humanitarian update from Haiti. We and our partners continue to provide emergency assistance to people impacted by the crisis in the capital city Port-au-Prince. Yesterday, the World Food Programme supplied more than 30,000 hot meals to displaced people in the capital that's the largest number of meals ever delivered by WFP in one day since the start of this current crisis. WFP also provided 79,000 school meals to students in the Gonaives area, in the north of Haiti, and cash transfers to about 1,200 people in Jeremie, which is in the south of Haiti. The ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince is also impacting people outside the capital, as air transportation and maritime services which are key to transport goods across Haiti are heavily impacted. But we have some good news: over the weekend, WFP and its partners were able to charter a boat from Port-au-Prince to Gonaives. The shipment contained medicines and medical supplies for more than 100 health partners in the northern region and food to replenish dozens of distribution centres in the north-west department, including in schools and in hospitals. Meanwhile, the continuing insecurity in the Port-au Prince area also is pushing people to leave the capital and find refuge in neighbouring areas. The International Organization for Migration tells us that between 8 and 27 March, more than 53,000 men, women and children left Port-au-Prince. The majority of them are heading towards the Grand Sud departments. Our humanitarian colleagues emphasized that these departments do not have the sufficient infrastructure and host communities do not have sufficient resources to cope with the large number of people fleeing Port-au-Prince. ** South Sudan And turning to South Sudan. Our peacekeeping colleagues there tell us that the recently established temporary base in Maper, in Lakes State, is now fully operational and peacekeepers are regularly patrolling across Rumbek north county. The UN Mission also notes that this is critical given a spike in cross-border communal tensions since last year between Lakes and Warrap states. As a reminder, the temporary base aims to boost our capacity to protect civilians, to facilitate also the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and create a secure environment to help address the root causes of long-standing grievances among bordering communities. The UN Mission Force Commander, Mohan Subramanian, recently visited the temporary base where he met with state and county authorities, South Sudanese uniformed personnel, as well as peacekeepers who are currently stationed in that temporary operating base. He stressed that the Mission is committed to protecting civilians and noted the need to collective efforts to address the root causes of conflict between neighbouring states, particularly as South Sudan approaches election dates. ** Ukraine Moving on to Ukraine. Our colleagues from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that, as hostilities and attacks on critical infrastructure continue, aid workers are providing support to people across the country including in frontline areas. Today we, along with our partners, delivered clean water, sanitation and hygiene kits to the Kurakhove Town in the Donetsk Region, that's in eastern Ukraine. Local partners will distribute the supplies from this inter-agency convoy to hundreds of families impacted by the war. We are determined to continue enhancing the capacity of local aid organizations. Last year, the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund allocated more than $180 million to about 50 different organizations in Ukraine. These grants ensured that aid workers were able to provide life-saving assistance to some 3.2 million people, including women and girls and people with disabilities. ** Senior Personnel Appointments A couple of senior personnel appointments then I will take your questions. Today, the Secretary-General, following consultations with the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, is appointing Astrid Schomaker of Germany as the Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Secretary-General extends his appreciation and gratitude to David Cooper of the United Kingdom, who will continue to serve as Acting Executive Secretary until Ms. Schomaker assumes her functions. Ms. Schomaker brings to the position extensive experience in international relations and negotiations. Since 2017, she has successively been the Director for Global Sustainable Development and for Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism at the European Commission's Environment Department. There's more online. And another appointment. The Secretary-General appointed today Ana Peyro Llopis of Spain as Acting Special Adviser and Head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL otherwise known as UNITAD. Ms. Peyro Llopis will succeed Christian Ritscher of Germany, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his service. Ms. Llopis will lead UNITAD during the final stage of its mandate, until its closure in 2024. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the required field. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Edie, then Gabriel. Question : Thank you, Steph. First, on the attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, the Secretary-General issued a statement today calling for restraint and de-escalation. Iran has promised a response. Is the Secretary-General making calls to leaders in the region to try and keep this incident from exploding into a regional? Spokesman : Yes. The Secretary-General received a phone call this morning from the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. And as you know, the Secretary-General tends to say the same thing publicly as he does privately. We will remain in touch with all other parties through different channels. We are very concerned about the potential major escalation beyond the escalations that we're already seeing. Gabriel? Question : Thank you, Steph. Do you have any more details about Ms. Kaag's visit to Gaza? Spokesman : If I'm not mistaken, it's her third visit to Gaza. It's part of the implementation of her mandate. She is the Senior Coordinator for Humanitarian and Reconstruction for Gaza. So, it's only normal that she goes there on a regular basis. Question : And I heard you correctly when you said she met with some of the victims? Spokesman : Yes. That's correct. Just hours before they were killed. Question : Do you know where, by any chance? Spokesman : She stayed mostly in the Rafah area. Question : Okay, so just hours before they were killed by the Israeli air strikes, she met with them as part of her duties? Spokesman : Yes. That's correct. You know, the World Central Kitchen is a partner of WFP's. It's also, as we know, very much involved in the maritime corridor. Question : And after this incident, how is the UN adjusting aid delivery, given that, or reassessing humanitarian aid, given this incident? Spokesman : As I said, we've had more than, I think, 180 humanitarian aid workers killed in Gaza. We have a deconfliction mechanism, which clearly, for our part, we had noted that it was not working properly. We keep delivering aid, as we said, on an opportunistic basis, which is no way to run a major aid operation. And this is why the Secretary-General and all of us, all of the senior leaders of the UN, continue to push for a humanitarian ceasefire so we can deliver aid in safety, not only for our own colleagues, but especially for those who are meant to receive the aid. Question : And do you feel any more urgency? Do you feel that UN humanitarians that are working and risking their lives are at more risk now given the fact that World Central Kitchen employees were killed in a vehicle that clearly identified who they were working for, and two of the vehicles were in on a road that's supposed to be a humanitarian safe road? Spokesman : Listen, the risks to humanitarian workers have been there for months. This is just a very clear and illustrative example of the deadly challenges that humanitarian workers face every day in Gaza, be they internationals, or as most of them are, Palestinians. Dezhi, and then Stefano. Question : Steph, bear with me several questions still on the topic of the World Central Kitchen worker's attack. The Secretary-General extends his condolences to those staff. Obviously, Israel has already recognized it as an unintentional strike. What does the Secretary-General have to say to the Israeli Government on this incident? Spokesman : The message is let humanitarian workers do their job, right? They need to be able to do it in safety. We've seen the statements come out of Israel saying that there's an investigation going on. It will be made public. We very much look forward to that. But we also remember that a number of our colleagues have also been killed in strikes on UNRWA premises, on locations that were deconflicted. There was UNRWA, UNDP, IOM, World Food Programme. They were also in places that were clearly deconflicted. Question : Exactly. That's what I want to ask you. How do you feel that this time because this is World Central Kitchen, the operation, so that Israel said it's recognized it as unintentional attack? But UNRWA, for those more than 150 staff, there's still even no recognition from the Israeli part that they did these attacks? Spokesman : I think it's a very interesting contrast. Stefano? Correspondent : Well, in part was this question, but I tried to change it a little bit. Spokesman : I'm sure you can find a different question, Stefano. Correspondent : Yes, exactly. Spokesman : I trust you and your question-creating abilities. Question : No, it's a follow-up on this because I see the reaction around several European capitals about this accident or intentional, not intentionally in Gaza, and words coming "shocking" and so on, and only in Europe, also here in the United States, because like you said just now, this is happening every day was happening. The humanitarians were dying. So, does the Secretary-General think that this is not fair, that when a European or US humanitarian dies, then it makes more, you know, it's more shocking than when instead it's a Palestinian or somebody else dying? Spokesman : Well, I'll throw it back to you. I think a lot of the responsibility is that whose deaths get covered is done by the media themselves and by journalists who gets the headlines. We are saddened by every civilian death that we have seen in this conflict, starting by the terror that happened on the 7th of October in Israel, the kidnappings of Israelis, the killings of thousands and thousands of civilians in Gaza. Every human being deserves to be respected and treated the same. I'm going to go to Abdelhamid and Michelle online, then I'll come back to the room. Question : Thank you, Stephane. I followed this statement by McGoldrick, Ms. Kaag, Lazzarini and Griffiths about the killing of the humanitarian workers, for they belong to the World Central Kitchen. I have two questions on the issue. First, the World Central Kitchen decided to withdraw from Gaza. Does that sound the alarm that the attack was intentional to make this group reach that decision to withdraw from Gaza? Spokesman : That's an analysis I leave to you. I can't speak to the motivation of people who have their fingers on the trigger and World Central Kitchen took the decision that it did. I didn't hear that they had chosen to withdraw. I heard that there was a suspension of their activities. But your question can best be answered by the Israeli authorities and World Central Kitchen. Question : Okay. My second question. In the four statements issued, the word "condemned" was missing. They all expressed their sadness and paid condolences to the families of the people. But the first, there was no calling for investigation the way Germany, for example, called for investigation. Why the UN did not call for investigation? And second, why the keyword, the golden word "condemned" was missing from all four statements? Spokesman : Look, I will let you analyse and take apart our statements. It is clear that we condemn all killings of humanitarian workers and your, sorry, and your first part of your question, because I have short-term memory issues. Question : About the investigation. Spokesman : Abdelhamid, I think, you know, we very often call for independent investigations and, of course, we want to see one in this case. But let's also be realistic. We're in the midst of a conflict. It would be hard to do one now. It doesn't mean one shouldn't be done. But most importantly, it is incumbent of those who are responsible for this to be held to account. Michelle? Question : Thanks, Steph. I just wanted to follow up on something you mentioned in the statement about World Central Kitchen, where you said such events are the inevitable result of the way this war is being conducted. Can you flesh that out for us a little bit? What do you mean? Spokesman : In many ways it's a disregard for international humanitarian law and a disregard for the protection of humanitarian workers. And I think the number of humanitarian workers that have been killed is a testament to that point. Question : And is that directed at both parties, one party? Could you spell that out for us? Spokesman : It's directed at all of them, all of the people who are involved in this conflict. Dezhi, well, let's go to Dennis first because he hasn't asked. Question : Hi, Steph. So earlier today, UAVs with NATO equipment attacked facilities in Tatarstan. Certain people were reportedly injured, including two [inaudible]. Do you have any comment on that? Spokesman : I mean, we stand against and call for a halt to all attacks on civilian infrastructure. Dezhi? Question : Okay, a quick question. Do you think this incident of World Central Kitchen, do you think this is an act against the Security Council resolution which asks for Ramadan ceasefire? Spokesman : Has there been a ceasefire since the resolution? I'm just asking. You can observe as well as I can, Dezhi. Question : So, yeah, I mean Spokesman : Right. So, I think the question is self-answered. Question : Yeah. Okay. So basically, we're talking about the binding, non-binding stuff. It seems like in reality, that the resolution is not binding. Spokesman : In reality, it doesn't look like this resolution is being implemented. As to the binding and non-binding, I think we've had an exhaustive discussion on that. And Farhan, as in many things in my life, is the ultimate authority. Question : So, Hamas accusing Israel conducted terrorism attack. What does the Secretary-General's comment on this? Spokesman : I'm not going to comment on every comment made by other parties to this conflict. We want to see an end to this conflict. We want to see a humanitarian ceasefire. We want to see the suffering of the civilians in Gaza end. We want to see the hostages released. Our message is sadly consistent at this point. Stefano? Correspondent : Thank you, Stephane. Follow me on this. Spokesman : I'm going to follow you, but not for a long and winding road, Stefano, so make it a short jog. Question : It's a serious one. This is, Guterres last December invoked the Article 99 for the UN Charter about the situation in Gaza and the Security Council address it. Now, I remember one of the first act of Guterres when he became Secretary-General was to invoke the responsibility to protect in Myanmar the population that was basically slaughtered and there was a genocide, that he was invoking genocide and so on. It did work because the Security Council acted, and they saved about 600,000 people. Now, isn't the situation in Gaza now starting to look very resembling? People escaping from one side to another, is all in one place. They cannot move. They even more than 1,200,000, I think. Shouldn't the Secretary-General ask the Security Council to act on the responsibility to protect from genocide the Palestinians? Spokesman : I think, Stefano, to put on the shoulders of the Secretary-General, the fact that there's not been an end to this conflict would be the wrong conclusion. Thank you. Oh, good grace, Gabriel, then Edie. Then I have to eat my sandwich. Question : Thank you, Steph. Reportedly, the UAE is suspending its involvement in the humanitarian corridor. Reportedly, World Central Kitchen has suspended their activities for obvious reasons. Can you just talk about the ramifications of the incident for the UN's role in distributing aid? Spokesman : It's a ramification not so much for the UN's role, the ramification for those civilians who depend on aid, whether that aid comes from the UN, whether it comes from the maritime corridor, from World Central Kitchen or others, it's making the situation worse. Edith? Question : On some more positive notes, does the Secretary-General have any comment on the inauguration of Senegal's youngest President after some turmoil ahead of the election? Spokesman : We very much welcome President Faye's inauguration. I think it is also a testament to the Senegalese people that they fought for their right to vote and that the institutions in Senegal enabled people to express their will through the ballot box. Question : And another, first, does the Secretary-General have any comment on Congo's selection of its first female Prime Minister? Spokesman : We very much welcome this appointment. It is a historic moment for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we wish the new Prime Minister all the best in trying to bring peace and prosperity to her country. On that note, I shall leave you. Thank you. No Monica today. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: Israeli strike on NGO aid team condemned as humanitarians renew access call 2 April 2024 - The killing of seven aid workers from the NGO World Central Kitchen in Israeli military airstrikes in central Gaza has been strongly condemned by senior UN humanitarian officials who on Tuesday reiterated repeated concerns that "there is no safe space left in Gaza". "This is not an isolated incident," said Jamie McGoldrick, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). "As of 20 March, at least 196 humanitarians had been killed in the OPT since October 2023. This is nearly three times the death toll recorded in any single conflict in a year." Mr. McGoldrick repeated appeals to "all parties to the conflict, including the Government of Israel", to respect international humanitarian law, which prohibits the targeting of humanitarian personnel. "The role of aid workers is to alleviate the suffering of people in crisis. Their safety, along with that of the civilians they serve, must be guaranteed," he said. The senior UN official's comments came after World Central Kitchen reported that an Israeli airstrike was responsible for the deaths of its aid workers in Deir Al-Balah. Following those reports and images of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) vehicle showing a large hole in its roof, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths expressed his outrage at the attack and described the victims are "heroes, killed while trying to feed starving people". From the UN World Health Organization (WHO), spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris maintained that the NGO mission had been agreed with the Israeli authorities ahead of time and that the organisation's car was "well marked, it was very clear: it was World Central Kitchen". "How many more lives will be lost until there is a ceasefire?", said UN health agency chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a tweet. He said WHO was outraged by the killing of humanitarian workers, and safety must be a basic requirement for all who do relief work. The key UN agency providing relief to Palestinians, UNRWA, tweeted that it was devastated by the killing of seven humanitarians, pointing out that 176 of its own workers have been killed since the violence erupted on 7 October In a video statement released on Tuesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the killing of the aid workers by an Israeli strike was unintended and tragic. Earlier, World Central Kitchen released a statement saying its convoy had been hit "despite coordinating movements" with the Israel military, after the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of food aid at its Deir-al-Balah warehouse brought to Gaza along its newly devised maritime route. Al-Shifa Hospital: Heart of healthcare 'ripped out' Turning to the destruction of Al-Shifa Hospital following a two-week siege by the Israeli military, Dr. Harris said that it had "ripped the heart out of healthcare" in the enclave. In a stark assessment of the closure of 750-bed Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, WHO maintained that aid teams had been waiting for "days and days" for Israeli permission to reach the stricken facility, where staff and patients endured "horrific levels of violence". "We've had contact with the staff; the (hospital) directors told us that Al-Shifa has gone, it's no longer able to function in any way, shape or form" as a medical centre, said Dr. Harris. Reduced to rubble Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Dr. Harris said that the facility was now "in ruins" and that at least 21 patients had died during the Israeli Defense Forces siege. As the situation deteriorated at Al-Shifa, medical staff had to move patients to an office space within the hospital grounds without toilets and where there was no water or food; "they were sharing one bottle of water between 15 people by the end," the WHO spokesperson continued. She noted that medical staff "had no means of looking after patients, many of whom were severely injured (or) intensive care-level patients" fitted with urinary catheters but lacking urinary bags. "You can imagine the horror that has been going on," Dr. Harris said. If permission is granted on Tuesday to reach Al-Shifa and northern Gaza's last few remaining health facilities, priorities for WHO teams include bringing medicines, fuel and food and assessing what other supplies are needed and how to provide relief to the most severely injured and sick. Access denied "We've been trying to go for days and days and days, and most of our missions have been rejected," Dr. Harris said. "We're not going to be able to provide the things that, say, a functioning hospital needs, but first of all, we need to do an assessment to understand what we can do. Secondlywho needs to be evacuatedwhere can they go and what can we do to save the lives of those patients (who are) remaining." To date, hundreds of healthcare workers have been killed "doing their job", the WHO official noted, along with 32,000 of civilians, 70 per cent of whom are women and children, amid constant Israeli bombardment launched after Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel on 7 October that left some 1,200 dead and more than 250 taken hostage. "We are struggling to understand the mortality numbers beyond the numbers that are reported of people who are killed in the bombardment because many people don't even get to hospital," the WHO spokesperson said. Too small to survive A UN health agency team also intends to visit Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza City where there are already dire concerns about the growing number of babies being born too underweight to survive. The facility is now admitting at least 15 malnourished children per day, and the needs are "getting ever more severe", Dr. Harris insisted in a renewed call for a ceasefire. "It's got to be taken seriously - the ceasefire, the UN resolution - the world has agreed a ceasefire must happen. It should have happened months ago, but it must happen now." Help for the most dangerously malnourished youngsters who are at the "highest risk of imminent death if not urgently treated" is available at two WHO-partnered specialised nutrition centres in Rafah and another in Kamal Adwan. Before conflict erupted, Gazans were self-sufficient in food production and only 0.8 per cent of children under the age of five were acutely malnourished. In the northern governorates today, that figure is between 12.4 and 16.5 per cent, WHO reported. "Different doctors particularly in the maternity hospitals are reporting that they're seeing a big rise in children born [with] low birth weight and just not surviving the neonatal period because they are born too small," Dr. Harris said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TOKYO, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - As Japan begins overtime regulations for drivers, popular bus tours are now being forced to reconsider their routes. The implementation of "overtime regulations," as a measure against the 2024 problem, commenced on April 1, causing Hato Bus to change tour destinations to areas closer to the city center like Saitama or Chiba, and reducing the number of stops to shorten day trips by about an hour to stay within a 9 hours limit. Hato Bus's Ito: "If we continue to operate the courses as they were, there's a possibility that it could exceed the drivers' maximum working hours in a day. We are trying to be more creative with the course content to ensure it is efficient and still provides satisfaction." This is part of the effort to address the looming 2024 problem. Meanwhile, the impact is also being felt by strawberry shipments, which are at their peak. Ooki Berry's Motoi Uehara, a strawberry farm in Fukuoka that ships 70% of its popular 'Amaou' brand strawberries to the Kanto and Kansai regions, is concerned that fresh strawberries may not be delivered in time. Ooki Berry's Representative Uehara: "I'm very worried whether we can maintain the brand value of 'Amaou.' I'm most concerned about the freshness as the delivery days extend. Even just one day can make a huge difference in taste." Previously, strawberries were delivered within 3 days after harvest to the Kanto region, but now there's a fear that it could take more than 3 days. Uehara: "We want to ensure that the value does not decrease due to logistics issues and continue to deliver delicious strawberries to our customers." With an estimated 30% shortfall in the transportation capacity of agricultural products, the challenge of maintaining quality amidst the 2024 problem persists. Industries continue to search for solutions. Source: TBS World News in Brief: Aid worker deaths 'inevitable result' of Gaza war tactics, 'waste trafficking' update, Malawi drought 2 April 2024 - The killing of seven humanitarians by an Israeli strike in Gaza on Tuesday - 196 overall since hostilities began last October - is "an inevitable result" of the way the war is being fought, said the UN chief. Antonio Guterres was addressing a UN General Assembly meeting on the topic of "human security", which he described as a useful framework that could promote "bold, decisive, collective action" amid growing turbulence worldwide. He said civilians in Gaza "have no security at all" in the face of relentless Israeli attacks, adding that Israelis themselves "feel a terrible absence of human security" as Hamas rocket attacks continue following the terror attack of 7 October. Nothing can justify such attacks, "but nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people of Gaza", he said, noting that more than 175 UN staffers have been killed under bombardment in the enclave so far. 'Unconscionable' killings "This is unconscionable, but it is an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted; it demonstrates yet again the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the expansion of humanitarian aid into Gaza" as the Security Council demanded last week, he said, calling for that resolution to be acted on "without delay". The global security challenges continue on many levels, he said, citing the climate emergency and cost of living crises which are combining to reverse sustainable development. "Deepening divisions and growing inequalities are leaving people with a heightened sense of anxiety and even fear," the Secretary-General said, noting that six out of seven people report feeling insecure. He said this was feeding a "global epidemic of mis- and disinformation", undermining public trust in institutions and adding to the cycle of instability. Southeast Asia still key destination for 'waste trafficking' A new UN report mapping so-called "waste trafficking" trends was published on Tuesday revealing that Southeast Asia remains a key destination for the illicit trade in garbage shipments from Europe and elsewhere. Produced by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the new research sheds light on how criminals exploit legal trade alongside regulatory and enforcement loopholes and explores the negative impact the trade has on the global economy. The report identified Europe, North America and Asia as the primary regions of origin. Common trafficking tactics include false declarations, a lack of or incorrect paperwork to get around regulations and avoid controls along with missing or inadequate licenses. Waste trafficking operates under the guise of legitimate transactions, making it difficult to combat. The European Commission estimates that illegal waste shipments within the European Union and to third countries, represent 15 to 30 per cent of the total EU waste trade and generate 9.5 billion in annual revenue. According to the World Bank, global waste is likely to increase by 70 per cent from current levels to 3.4 billion tonnes per year by 2050, driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and consumption habits. 'Increasingly pressing' "In today's globalized world, waste management has become an increasingly pressing concern in which production, consumption habits, waste crime, waste trafficking, corruption, organised crime, money laundering and the circular economy are intertwined," said Masood Karimipour, UNODC regional representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. "The crime of waste trafficking is taking away the value that legal, well-regulated waste trade brings to sustainable economies," he added. Despite regulatory and enforcement measures implemented by countries in which illegal waste ends up - such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam - waste trafficking continues to pose a major challenge in the region. "The environmental impacts of waste trafficking are contributing to the pollution crisis and need to be addressed," said Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Director of the law division at UNEP. "To do this, we must pursue good environmental governance and robust environmental rule of law. Projects such as Unwaste are critical in tackling issues through a multisector, multidisciplinary approach," she added. Waste most commonly trafficked includes plastic, e-waste, metal and paper, with mixed materials, textiles, vehicle parts, industrial and medical waste also frequently in the mix. Malawi drought threatens millions as WFP appeals for funding Aid teams in Malawi are appealing for an additional $70 million to those affected by serious drought conditions that have hit 23 out of 28 districts nationwide. Four in 10 people face going hungry in the southern African country where President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a state of disaster. Paul Turnbull from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that nearly two million farming households have been hit, along with 749,000 hectares of land, which represents just under half of all land available for cultivation. "The prices of maize in 2023 have doubled the prices of the previous year and will triple those of the five-year average. With over 80 per cent of the population relying on agriculture to cover their basic needs, the steep decline in staple crops will be devastating for millions of people." The dangers of drought are not restricted to Malawi and have already affected farmers in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola. WFP's Mr. Turnbull urged donors to provide funding "to avert a hunger catastrophe for the hardest-hit families" and to save lives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Situation Report #98 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 31 March-1 April 2024, is valid as of 01 April 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 2 Apr 2024 Key Points The Gaza Strip Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continued military operations across the Gaza Strip, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of houses and other civilian infrastructure. Airstrikes and bombardment continued in north Gaza, Khan Younis and Rafah where UNRWA estimates a total of 1.2 million people are now living, the vast majority in formal and informal shelters. WHO confirmed the destruction of Al-Shifa hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza and one of the oldest Palestinian health institutions. This followed a two-week military operation and siege by the Israeli Army, where according to WHP at least 21 patients died. Access impediments continue to severely compromise the ability of humanitarian organisations to reach people in need in the Gaza Strip. According to WHO, 1 aid teams have been waiting for days on end for Israeli authorities' permission to reach Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza city. According to OCHA, since 1 March, the Israeli authorities denied 30 per cent of humanitarian aid missions to northern Gaza . UNRWA is disproportionately impacted, with Israeli authorities continuing to deny UNRWA access to the north to deliver emergency food assistance and other basic supplies. Save the Children2 confirmed that so far 27 children have already been died due to starvation and disease and warned that children in Gaza are not getting the food and medical care they need to survive with food being blocked at every turn and the health system obliterated. According to UNICEF3, over 13,000 children have been reported killed in Gaza since 7 October. There has been no significant change in the volume of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza or improved access to the north. In March, adaily average of 161 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza per day. The highest this month was on 28 March, when 264 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 trucks per day. UNRWA is the largest humanitarian organisation in Gaza, in the month of March over half of all UN supplies delivered via Rafah and Kerem Shalom were UNRWA supplies. The UN Emergency Humanitarian Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said ""UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza. Any effort to distribute aid without them is simply doomed to fail." half The UN Emergency Humanitarian Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said ""UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza. Any effort to distribute aid without them is simply doomed to fail." Since 7 October, UNRWA has reached over 1.8 million people, or 85 per cent of the population, with flour. In addition, nearly 600,0004 people have received emergency food parcels and almost 3.6 million patient consultations have been provided at health centres and points. UNRWA continues to provide storage and distribution for other agencies' food commodities. As of 1 April, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities is 176, an increase of three. As of 1 April, 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 300,000 people. The ability of UNRWA to provide humanitarian support and updated data in these areas has been severely restricted. The ongoing hostilities, evacuation orders issued by 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary-General's remarks to the informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly on Human Security United Nations Secretary-General 02 April 2024 Mr. President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Distinguished guests, It is a pleasure to join you today for this discussion on Human Security - a framework for bold, decisive, collective action at a time of growing uncertainty and turbulence. I recently returned from my Ramadan solidarity visit to Egypt and Jordan. When I hear the words "human security", I think about the two million humans in Gaza who have no security at all, desperately seeking protection from hunger, disease, and relentless Israeli bombardment. And I think about Israelis who feel a terrible absence of human security, deeply traumatized by the terror attacks of 7 October and subjected to indiscriminate Hamas rockets. Nothing can ever justify those attacks. But nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza. The devastating Israeli airstrikes that killed World Central Kitchen personnel yesterday bring the number of aid workers killed in this conflict to 196 - including more than 175 members of our own UN staff. This is unconscionable - but it is an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted. It demonstrates yet again the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the expansion of humanitarian aid into Gaza - as the Security Council demanded in its resolution last week. The resolution must be implemented without delay. Excellencies, Our world faces very serious challenges. Conflicts, the climate emergency, and a global cost-of-living crisis are combining to reverse decades of development gains. Many countries are struggling to implement the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Deepening divisions and growing inequalities are leaving people with a heightened sense of anxiety and even fear. While global standards of living may be higher than ever, six out of seven people around the world report that they feel insecure. This is feeding a global epidemic of mis- and disinformation, which in turn is undermining trust in institutions and adding to instability. We need to shift the trajectory, rebuild trust, and bring people together around common solutions. At the global level, I have convened the Summit of the Future in September to update and strengthen our outdated multilateral frameworks so that they are aligned with today's realities and can deal with today's challenges. Our proposed changes to these global frameworks are aimed at boosting Human Security by reinvigorating the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, investing in prevention and resilience, safeguarding our climate and our planet, and rebuilding equity and trust through a renewed social contract. But global solutions on their own are not enough. The concept of Human Security, with its emphasis on people and prevention, has an important role to play in strengthening links at the local, national and regional levels, and creating momentum to tackle our shared challenges. I commissioned my fourth report on Human Security to foster this dynamic and contribute to a safer, more prosperous, more secure world for all. The report focuses on the practical and operational value of human security, building on the experiences of Member States, regional and intergovernmental organizations, and the United Nations at Headquarters and in the field. It showcases examples of the Human Security approach in action: supporting national peace and development objectives; strengthening regional cooperation; improving collaboration across the United Nations system and our partners. And it illustrates how Human Security can guide strategies, partnerships and tools to reduce risks, enhance trust, and prevent and mitigate the impacts of crises and shocks. Excellencies, The Sustainable Development Goals are in deep trouble. More than halfway to 2030, countries are lagging behind on more than half the targets. Some countries have gone into reverse on the most fundamental goals of eliminating acute poverty and hunger. The lesson of the repeated shocks of recent years is that we must future-proof development efforts. We need to safeguard development gains, and prevent them from being lost during crises - whether political, economic, health, or climate-related. The human security lens can help capture emerging risks across different sectors, creating a better understanding not only of insecurity, but of perceived insecurity - which can be just as dangerous. It promotes the systematic integration of prevention into development, climate action, and peacebuilding strategies. This means prioritizing investments in early warning, social protection, and other measures to maximize social cohesion and protect the security of every individual. These ideas are closely linked with our call for a renewed social contract, anchored in human rights and based on trust, justice, and inclusion. Human security can also enrich our analysis of the major challenges of our time, including climate change and biodiversity loss, digital transformation, and the spread of conflict and displacement. From Lebanon to Southeast Asia, human security projects have brought together stakeholders to address interlinked issues including food security, employment and social protection, and pandemic recovery. Human security approaches can highlight blind spots and gaps in our understanding of today's interconnected crises. They can provide a universal benchmark to assess the effectiveness of development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding efforts. And they can integrate the analysis of immediate risks with longer-term perspectives, prioritizing resilience and capacity-building to deal with future shocks. Excellencies, Human security has proven its value as a framework to focus on supporting people to live in dignity, free from want and fear. It can help accelerate progress towards Agenda 2030, prevent the emergence of future crises, and deliver the hope people need. I urge all countries to use the important tool of human security to address today's multilayered crises - and to integrate its insight into our efforts to prepare for future challenges. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World Central Kitchen says Israeli airstrike kills 7 of its staff in Gaza By VOA News April 02, 2024 The aid group World Central Kitchen said Tuesday an Israeli airstrike killed seven of its workers in Gaza and that the group is immediately pausing its humanitarian efforts in the region. The charity said in a statement that it had completed a delivery of 100 tons of food aid to a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, and that a convoy of two armored cars with the group's logo was leaving the site when it was struck. The World Central Kitchen said the group had coordinated its movements in advance with the Israeli military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the country's forces had carried out the "unintended strike ... on innocent people." "Unfortunately, in the past day there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence." The United States, Israel's chief ally in the nearly six-month Israel-Hamas war, condemned the attack, with White House national security spokesman John Kirby saying, "We were outraged to learn of an [Israel Defense Forces] strike that killed a number of civilian humanitarian workers." "What is clear, is that the IDF must do much more to improve deconfliction processes so that civilians and humanitarian aid workers are protected," Kirby said. He said the U.S. is expecting an Israeli investigation of the incident to be done "in a swift and comprehensive manner" and that there is "appropriate accountability." The United States urged a swift and impartial investigation into how the attack on the workers occurred, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. Those killed include a Palestinian, citizens of Australia, Poland, Britain and a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, the aid group said. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said it recovered the seven bodies Tuesday in a "challenging operation spanning several hours" and that they were taken to hospitals in preparation for being evacuated through the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza. World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore called the attack "unforgivable." "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," Gore said. WCK founder Jose Andres said on social media he was "heartbroken and grieving" after losing "several of our sister and brothers in an IDF strike in Gaza." "The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing," Andres said. "It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now." The group had begun using a maritime route to bring badly needed food to Gaza, where humanitarian groups have complained of shipments on trucks being held up by the Israeli military and a lack of safe access to areas where people are in need of help. The chief spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Tuesday he had spoken with Andres and expressed the military's "deepest condolences." Hagari said Israel is examining what happened and how it happened at the "highest levels." "For the last few months, the IDF has been working closely with the World Central Kitchen to assist them in fulfilling their noble mission of helping bring food and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza," Hagari said. "WCK also came to help Israelis after the massacre of October 7. They were one of the first NGOs here. The work of WCK is critical. They are the front lines of humanity." U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said Tuesday he is "outraged" by the attack and called the actions of those responsible "indefensible." "All this talk about cease-fires, and still this war steals the best of us," Griffiths said in a statement. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Tuesday the death of an Australian aid worker, Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, saying his government expects "full accountability." "This is a human tragedy that should never have occurred that is completely unacceptable," Albanese told reporters. Albanese said humanitarian workers and all innocent civilians "need to be provided with protection." Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on social media he asked Israel's ambassador to Poland for an urgent explanation. Sikorski also expressed condolences to the family of the Polish worker killed and to all civilian victims in the Gaza Strip. White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the United States is "heartbroken and deeply troubled" by the deadly strike. "Humanitarian aid workers must be protected as they deliver aid that is desperately needed, and we urge Israel to swiftly investigate what happened," Watson said on X. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Tuesday his country's government was working to verify reported deaths of British nationals in the strike. "These were people who were working to deliver life-saving aid to those who desperately need it," Cameron said in a statement. "It is essential that humanitarian workers are protected and able to carry out their work." European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the attack and called for an investigation. "Despite all the demands to protect civilians and humanitarian workers, we see new innocent casualties," Borrell said. Israel launched its campaign to eliminate Hamas after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 32,900 people, two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military says one-third of those killed have been militants. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blinken urges swift, impartial investigation into Israeli strike that killed aid workers in Gaza By Nike Ching April 02, 2024 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the United States has urged Israel to promptly investigate an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven humanitarian workers. Blinken reiterated the call for Israel to prioritize the protection of civilian lives. "We've spoken directly to the Israeli government about this particular incident. We've urged a swift, a thorough and impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened," Blinken said Tuesday during a press conference in Paris. Humanitarian workers "have to be protected," Blinken added. "We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk." Hours before Blinken's meeting with French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, the charity organization World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said that seven of its personnel were killed in the Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The organization declared an immediate halt to its operations in the region. Sejourne expressed strong condemnation of the airstrike during the joint press conference, saying the situation in Gaza "is disastrous and is worsening day after day. Nothing justifies such a tragedy." Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said his government will establish a joint situation room with international groups to facilitate the coordination of aid distribution in Gaza alongside Israeli military operations. On Monday, France introduced a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council aimed at exploring options for U.N. oversight of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and suggesting ways to help the Palestinian Authority in taking on responsibilities. Last month, the United States abstained from a vote that permitted the council's 15 members to demand an immediate cease-fire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ends next week. Ukraine Blinken also renewed calls for the U.S. Congress to release military aid for Ukraine. "We are at a critical moment where it is absolutely essential to get Ukrainians what they continue to need to defend themselves, particularly when it comes to munitions and air defenses," Blinken said during a visit to a defense facility in Paris with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Congress is yet to approve the Biden administration's supplementary budget request that would provide aid to resupply Ukraine's armed forces and help the country fend off Russian offensives. Biden has called on the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives to approve the military and financial aid package. House Republicans have delayed action on it for months, prioritizing domestic issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Ukrainian forces will have to retreat "step by step, in small steps," if Kyiv doesn't receive the U.S. military aid. French Foreign Minister Sejourne was in Beijing earlier this week. He said after a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that France expects China to convey "clear messages" to its close partner Russia regarding Moscow's actions in Ukraine. France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years. Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning a visit to France in May. During meetings in Paris in February, Wang told French President Emmanuel Macron that Beijing appreciated his country's "independent" stance. But Paris has also sought to press Beijing on its close ties with Moscow, which have only grown closer since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. U.S. and French officials said they are working closely to effectively prevent the transfer of weapons and materials to Russia from North Korea and China, which could fuel Moscow's defense industrial base. The top U.S. diplomat 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 United States and France have been among Ukraine's top supporters in the two years since Russia launched the invasion of its neighbor. The State Department said efforts to bring stability to Haiti would be another topic on the agenda for the meeting of U.S. and French officials. Blinken will travel from Paris 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 of 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 Armenia's 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 Blinken's stop in Belgium. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blinken urges swift, impartial investigation into Israeli strike that killed aid workers in Gaza By Ayaz Gul April 02, 2024 Russia said Tuesday that it is engaged in an "active dialogue" with Afghanistan's ruling Taliban and is working toward removing them from Moscow's list of terrorist organizations. "The fact is that this is our neighboring country. In one form or another, we maintain communication with them," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to Russian news agency TASS. "We have to resolve pressing issues, which also requires dialogue. In fact, we are in contact with them just like everyone else," Peskov stated. "They are actually the ones who are in power in Afghanistan." He did not elaborate, but his statement came just days after gunmen stormed a concert hall outside the Russian capital and killed at least 144 people, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in the country in two decades. Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for the bloodshed, with U.S. intelligence officials saying the terror group's Afghan branch, IS-Khorasan, was behind it. Russian President Vladimir Putin quickly tied the attack to Ukraine claims the neighboring country and the United States strongly rejected. "You have said yourself that the option is under consideration. Let's wait until this process ends," Peskov said when asked for his response to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement on Monday about possibly removing the Taliban from the terrorist blacklist. The Taliban condemned the Moscow attack as "a blatant violation of all human standards" and urged regional countries to take "a coordinated, clear and resolute position" against such incidents. "Daesh, which has targeted civilians in Afghanistan and other regions of the world as well, again clearly demonstrated through this incident that it is a group in the hands of intelligence agencies aimed at defaming Islam and posing a threat to the entire region," stated the Taliban Foreign Ministry, using a local acronym for IS-Khorasan. The Taliban reclaimed power in 2021 after the U.S.-led foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan, but they remain on a list of organizations Russia designates as terrorists. No foreign country has formally recognized the government in Kabul, citing a lack of political inclusiveness and sweeping restrictions on Afghan women's access to education and work. Zamir Kabulov, the Russian special presidential envoy for Afghanistan, told TASS earlier this week that Moscow had invited a Taliban delegation to take part in an international economic forum, called "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum," in the city of Kazan from May 14 to 19. Russia is among several regional and neighboring countries that have retained their diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. The U.S. and Western countries at large have since moved their Afghan diplomatic missions to Qatar. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More than 50,000 fled Haitian capital violence last month, UN says By VOA News April 02, 2024 More than 50,000 people fled the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince over the course of just three weeks last month, the United Nations said Tuesday. Due to gang violence, 53,125 people left the city between March 8 and March 27, according to the U.N.'s International Organizations for Migration, or IOM. That figure is on top of the 116,000 people who have already been displaced in Haiti in recent months. The majority of those fleeing cited violence and insecurity as the reason, according to the IOM report. Most of those who left the capital went south, the IOM said, which could mean trouble in the future since those provinces aren't prepared to host large numbers of displaced people. The mass displacement of Haitians from Port-au-Prince is a result of the instability that has rocked the country for months as gangs fight police for control of the Caribbean nation's capital. Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned on March 11 to give way to a governing transitional council, which has still not been formed. U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk decried the human rights crisis in Haiti in a video message to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday. "The scale of human rights abuses is unprecedented in modern Haitian history," Turk said. He pointed to the increase in killings and kidnappings, as well as widespread sexual violence. In the first three months of 2024, gang violence in Haiti has killed more than 1,500 people, the U.N. Human Rights Office said last week. "The escalation of violence has had a devastating impact on the population. All human rights are impacted," Turk said in his video message. Some information in this report came from Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Embracing China, new Cambodian PM approached by US By Sun Narin Colin Meyn April 02, 2024 Cambodia's first leadership change in almost four decades has given the United States an opportunity to reset its relationship with Phnom Penh, analysts and experts told VOA Khmer following a recent visit from an American diplomat. However, Cambodia's slide away from democracy along with claims that China is establishing an exclusive military presence at Cambodia's main naval base continues to pose a major impediment to warming relations, they said in recent interviews. Sebastian Strangio, the author of Hun Sen's Cambodia, said some voices in U.S. foreign policy circles were questioning the effectiveness of Washington's prevailing Cambodia policy even before former Prime Minister Hun Sen handed control to his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, in August ending the father's 38-year reign. "There has been discussion amongst people who pay attention to Southeast Asia that the very moralistic tone of American policy toward Cambodia, really since the early '90s, has failed to achieve its goals, while also opening up the space for China to step in as Hun Sen's benefactor and patron, and that some sort of change in emphasis was needed," he said during an interview with VOA Khmer on March 28. Strangio described tension between leading Hun Sen critics in Congress, who want human rights and democracy at the forefront of Cambodia policy, and more pragmatic figures in the State Department who are willing to sacrifice principles for more influence in Phnom Penh. The coming to power of Manet, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, "has given an opportunity for the country to take a new approach, or for people advocating a new approach to get more of a hearing," Strangio said. That shift was on full display after July's election. The U.S. initially froze $18 million in foreign aid to Cambodia in protest of the election, pointing to a "pattern of threats and harassment" against opposition politicians, journalists and civil society ahead of the vote. Two months later, after Hun Manet was sworn in, Victoria Nuland, the acting U.S. deputy secretary of state, met with the new prime minister in New York and informed him the U.S. would unfreeze the funds. Analysts say Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink's visit to Phnom Penh in late February showed the delicate balance the United States is pursuing, highlighting areas of agreement without entirely abandoning its stated priorities since helping broker peace in Cambodia 30 years ago. The U.S. envoy, in an online news conference March 7, said he raised "areas of difference related to issues such as human rights, trafficking in persons, and creating space for free and independent media," while also reiterating the U.S. commitment to "a more prosperous, democratic, and independent country." Kritenbrink praised Cambodia at the United Nations for cooperating with sanctions against North Korea and consistently condemning Russia's war in Ukraine. Astrid Noren-Nilsson, a senior lecturer at the Center for East and South-East Asian Studies at Sweden's Lund University, said the U.S. "commitment to Cambodia remains fundamentally geopolitical." She noted Hun Manet's government was sending some positive signals on the domestic front, despite the political repression. "The new government's focus on administrative reform, its discourse of meritocracy, and its technocratic approach to policy also allow Western governments to latch on to its policy agendas," she said. Kritenbrink said he and Hun Manet discussed the Ream Naval base, a pain point between the countries that has prompted U.S. sanctions against top military figures. The U.S. accuses Cambodia of allowing China to develop the base as an exclusive Chinese naval outpost. Cambodia denies any such deal and says China will not have any special access to the base. Paul Chambers, of the Center of ASEAN Community Studies at Naresuan University in Thailand, said Kritenbrink's visit was "meant to send a message to Cambodia that leading U.S. officials are worried about Cambodia's tilt to China.'' Chambers said the high level of Chinese military and economic involvement in Cambodia would remain a roadblock to expanding cooperation with Washington. "It will deeply worsen U.S.-Cambodia relations unless there is an offset Cambodia allows equal levels of U.S. security activity with Cambodia," he said in an email to VOA Khmer on March 13. Cambodia canceled its annual joint military drills with the United States in 2017. Sophal Ear, an associate professor at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University and a longtime Cambodia observer, was optimistic about a potential breakthrough in U.S.-Cambodia relations. "Timing is everything. Rapprochement may be on the menu," he said in an email last month. "Cambodia is strategically located in Southeast Asia and is crucial to regional dynamics," he added. "Engaging with Cambodia allows the U.S. to promote its governance, trade, and regional security interests." However, other analysts said the United States is likely unwilling to take steps that would significantly change the state of relations. Christopher Primiano, an assistant professor of political science at Huntingdon College in Alabama who studies China's role in Southeast Asia, said Washington is not interested in competing with China in military or economic support for Hun Manet's government. And though the tone from U.S. diplomats may have shifted to some extent, he told VOA in a phone call last week that criticism around democracy and human rights hasn't stopped. "This will always be a source of discontent for the leadership in Cambodia," he said. "If the U.S. government were very interested in Cambodia as a security partner, then we think that we would see less naming and shaming." Sim Chansamnang contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As Senegal's Faye takes office, France watches closely By Lisa Bryant April 02, 2024 He ran as the candidate with a platform of "rupture," championing greater sovereignty for his homeland including by leaving the CFA West African Franc currency union, created by France nearly a century ago. The shock victory of new Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been closely followed in Paris, as questions mount on what the results mean for France's relations with its former West African colony. Will a Faye presidency stoke simmering anti-French sentiment, or the rising influence of other foreign powers? Will it further shrink France's ebbing economic and military presence in West Africa a region where Paris has already pulled its troops from coup-hit countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger? Or as critics suggest does it underscore, yet again, that France's ties with its former colonies must be rethought and reset a process, some add, which is already well under way? The election of anti-establishment Faye "has been a wake-up call to Western countries like France, which are now in competition with many other powers," wrote France's influential Le Monde newspaper. Today, Paris and others, "must learn from the consequences of the current African context, which has increasingly come to resemble a new phase in the long history of decolonization." More win-win In both Paris and Dakar, the first official reactions were positive. President Emmanuel Macron's office said the French leader called Faye and "warmly" congratulated him after his election, saying France wants to "continue and intensify" bilateral ties. Faye maintains Senegal will remain a "certain and trustworthy ally," calling Dakar's partnership with Paris "correct," but something "which must be revisited." "We need to win more from it," Faye told France-Info radio in a recent interview, adding, "We've already said this for years, but we were unfortunately not listened to." The relationship between France and its former colony once its oldest in sub-Saharan Africa has historically been close, despite the occasional bumpy ride. The country's first president, writer and politician Leopold Sedar Senghor, studied in France. His second wife, Collette, was from Normandy. After leaving office, Senghor became the first Black member of the Academie Francaise France's celebrated literary body. Until recently, too, France was Senegal's leading economic partner, and Macron forged a good relationship with Faye's predecessor, Macky Sall. But like elsewhere in Francophone Africa, anti-French sentiment is rising, especially among the young. "France degage," or "French out," is a common slogan at demonstrations. On X, some rejoiced after reading fake news that Faye had asked France to leave the country. "Long live Senegal, free from France," wrote one commentator. Faye's influential opposition ally, Ousmane Sonko, counts among the critics of France's allegedly outsized influence in Senegal. While Sonko has softened his rhetoric in recent months, both men call for greater national sovereignty over resources like oil and fisheries. Not everyone is bashing France, however. In Paris, Senegalese trader Mamadou, who sells berets and Eiffel Tower keychains to tourists, is happy with the status quo. "We have a stable relationship," said Mamadou of the two countries. "Our ties go back a long way." Diminished presence While France is still a key investor in Senegal with French bakeries like Paul and supermarket chain Auchan dotting the capital Dakar its footprint has shrunk sharply in the decades following Senegal's 1960 independence. Other countries have moved in. Beijing is now Dakar's top trading partner. A Saudi firm built the capital's new airport which a largely Turkish-controlled company now manages. US, British and Australian companies are involved in Senegal's oil and gas extraction. European, Turkish and Chinese industrial vessels have sucked up the fish off its shores, pummeling its artisanal fishing industry and deepening hunger and migration. Meanwhile, non-francophone Nigeria, Angola and South Africa have become Paris' leading trading partners in sub-Saharan Africa. "It's easy to have a speech about Senegal's 'sovereignty,' but it is difficult to take measures against a French presence that isn't what it was at independence," Denis Castaing, former head of France's development agency in Senegal, wrote in France's Opinion.fr website. Some commentators also doubt Faye will usher in major upheaval at least not anytime soon. A Faye presidency would not be "a revolution which breaks everything in its path but a much more moderate stance," Burkina Faso's L'Observateur Paalga newspaper wrote in an editorial. Senegalese analyst Pape Ibrahim Kane similarly predicted it would take time for Faye, for example, to make good on promises to leave the CFA for a proposed West African currency called Eco. "Perhaps in a year, a year and a half, we'll have more clarity," he told France's RFI broadcaster. But change could come more quickly on another front. Reports suggest Macron wants to further cut France's already diminished military presence in West Africa, including in Senegal, where France has about 350 armed forces personnel. Calling on Paris to shutter its last two bases in Senegal might be an easy win for the new Faye government, Kane says. "From a symbolic point of view, I think it would show how [Dakar] is reassuming Senegalese sovereignty without many consequences," said Senegalese analyst Kane. "The French themselves are already rethinking their military presence on the continent so it could happen very quickly." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Six ministers of Peru's government resign amid probe of President Dina Boularte By VOA News April 02, 2024 The South American nation of Peru is in the grips of another political crisis after six members of President Dina Boularte's cabinet abruptly resigned Monday after a police raid of her home. Boularte is under investigation for allegedly acquiring a set of luxury watches without disclosing them as part of her assets. Police raided the president's home and office last Friday to search for the luxury watches. Boularte has denied she illicitly obtained the watches. Interior Minister Victor Torres was the first to resign Monday, followed by the ministers of education and women's issues. The ministers of production, foreign trade and agriculture stepped down hours later. Torres' portfolio included overseeing the national police, which conducted the raid on Boularte's home and office. Boularte swore in replacements for the six departed ministers Monday night. The chaos comes ahead of a parliamentary vote to approve Bolarte's choice for prime minister. The Associated Press is reporting that lawmakers have circulated a resolution to remove her from office on the grounds of "permanent moral incapacity." Bolarte is a former vice president who ascended to the top job in December 2022 after former President Pedro Castillo was forced from office and arrested on allegations of corruption and rebellion. She is Peru's sixth president in six years. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KYOTO, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - Residents of Japan's oldest student dormitory, self-managed for over 100 years, are digging in as Kyoto University attempts to evict them from the premises. Despite being a recognizable part of the Kyoto University Yoshida Campus, the dormitory's name is conspicuously absent from the university's guide signs, indicating a lack of recognition from the university. Students have been fighting against the university's pressures, holding a fundamental belief in self-governance, opposing top-down decisions, and valuing the bottom-up approach to managing their affairs. Located in Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, Yoshida Dormitory does not employ any administrators or staff; it is entirely operated by its residents, without any official caretaker. The dormitory houses around 120 students across its various rooms, including living quarters, game rooms, and mahjong rooms. It offers a unique blend of community and autonomy, fostering relationships among students from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and ages. Yoshida Dormitory has faced multiple challenges from Kyoto University, including a notable dispute in the 1980s when the university attempted to tighten its control over the dormitory, leading to student protests and negotiations. Despite these conflicts, the dormitory has persisted, with students continuing to engage in discussions with the university regarding their living conditions. In 2017, citing concerns about the dormitory's aging infrastructure, the university demanded the residents to vacate. This led to legal action against some students, further straining relations between the dormitory's residents and the university. The Kyoto District Court eventually ruled that the majority of the residents did not need to leave, a decision that has been appealed by the university, prolonging the legal battle. The university maintains that the safety of the dormitory's residents is a paramount concern and has stated that there is no room for negotiation regarding their living conditions. Despite these challenges, students of Yoshida Dormitory continue to value their autonomy and the right to self-governance, cherishing the experiences and lessons learned from living in this unique community. Source: ABCTVnews Kyrgyzstan president signs Russian-style 'foreign agents' proposal into law By VOA News April 02, 2024 Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov on Tuesday signed a controversial law modeled on Russia's "foreign agents law" over objections of nonprofit groups who say it will stigmatize them and create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The law says that any organization receiving foreign funding must register as a "foreign representative." Another provision gives the Ministry of Justice, which would implement the law, the authority to conduct unscheduled inspections and audits of such organizations. "You have been working with foreign donors for 30 years and no one has prosecuted you for taking money. Are we going to start doing that now? As the Head of State, I guarantee there will be no persecution," Japarov said in his April 2 social media statement. "Our state has no secrets to hide from you and your donors," he said. "All our information is in the public domain. If you can, get billions, not millions. It will only benefit our country." While Japarov argues that this is a key step to ensure transparency, critics say Kyrgyzstan already has necessary laws in place. Additionally, foreign funding typically comes with strict conditions for openness and accountability. The nation's Parliament approved the legislation on March 14 after 64 of the 90 deputies put their signatures to the draft bill. Witnesses said the passage occurred without debate and took just seven minutes. The move comes amid international concern that authorities in Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country of 7 million people, have been curtailing citizens' freedoms and taking increasingly harsh measures against political dissent. In October 2022, authorities jailed 27 civil society activists on charges of fomenting unrest after they opposed a controversial border deal with Uzbekistan. In 2023, the Kyrgyz government closed several independent media outlets, arrested several journalists and bloggers, and also jailed Adahan Madumarov, a member of Parliament and a prominent government critic. The U.S. State Department issued a statement on Tuesday expressing deep concern regarding the law, which it said puts at risk the work of NGOs, "essential to a more democratic and inclusive Kyrgyz Republic." "This is the latest in a series of Kyrgyz government actions that have undermined democratic governance and civil society," said spokesperson Matthew Miller. Freedom House, in its 2023 report on the state of democracy titled Nations in Transit, categorized Kyrgyzstan as a "consolidated authoritarian regime." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 02 April 2024 - Day 769 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that it is likely that as a result of continued successful Ukrainian strikes on military locations, Russia has been forced to implement a number of decoy and deception techniques in an attempt to obfuscate Ukrainian targeting efforts. At Kirovskoe Airfield on occupied Crimea there are decoy Russian fighter aircraft painted on the concrete. Such paintings have also been observed across at least 12 more Russian air bases, demonstrating the extent of Russian concern of future Ukrainian strikes and their ability to repel them. However, Russian helicopters still regularly land on the painted decoy fighter silhouettes, completely undermining the deception attempt. This also reveals the true order of battle or aircraft strength at these airbases, which Russia is likely trying to mask from Ukraine's intelligence picture. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of April 2, there were 62x tactical engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 2x missile and 43x air strikes, 39x MLRS attacks on positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the russian areas bordering Ukraine. Russia conducts subversion, continues shelling of Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the concentration of mining operations along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Volfyne and Oleksandrivka (Sumy oblast), Lyptsi (Kharkiv oblast). Around 20x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Buda-Vorob'ivs'ka, Klyusy (Chernihiv oblast), Chernats'ke, Stara Huta, Oleksiivka, Dmytrivka (Sumy oblast), Veterynarne, Hatyshche, Pletenivka, Lyptsi (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 1x attack in the vicinity of Syn'kivka (Kharkiv oblast), where Russian forces, using air attacks, made an attempt to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Ivanivka, Stepova Novoselivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 8x assaults in the vicinity of Terny (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Bilohorivka, Nevs'ke and Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Yampolivka, Tors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: Russian forces conducted no offensive operations. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Kalynivka, Andriivka, Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 10x attacks in the vicinities of Berdychi, Umans'ke, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian occupiers, using air attacks, made attempts to dislodge Ukrainian forces from their positions. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Novobakhmutivka, Semenivka and Karlivka (Donetsk oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Berdychi, Umans'ke, Netailove, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Novopavlivka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to block Russian forces near Novomykhailivka and Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian invaders made 18x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, Oleksandropil', Vodyane and Vuhledar (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Novomykhailivka, Kostyantynivka, Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast). Orikhiv axis: Russian forces conducted 2x attacks on positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinity of Robotyne and northwest of Verbove (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including Chervone, Huliaipilske, Novodanylivka, Mali Shcherbaky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), were under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: Russian forces executed 1x assault on positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinity of Krynky (Kherson oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Tokarivka, Veletens'ke, Mykhailivka (Kherson oblast). During the day of April 2, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 1x anti-aircraft missile system, 13x concentrations of Russian troops. The Ukrainian Missile Forces hit 6x concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 8x artillery systems, 1x anti-tank system, 1x MLRS of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces repelled two attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 95th Air Assault Brigade near Terny (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 20 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one Anklav-N electronic warfare station, as well as one AFU field ammunition depot. ?In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 28th mechanised, 79th air assault, 5th, 92nd assault, 46th, 81st airmobile brigades near Belogorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Andreyevka, Antonovka, Krasnogorovka, and Chasov Yar (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, two counterattacks of AFU 31st and 67th mechanised brigades were repelled close to Novomikhailovka and Bogdanovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were more than 250 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, three armoured fighting vehicles, and 16 motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops hit one U.S.-made 155-mm M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, three 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 and one UK-made 105-mm L118 guns, and one Nota electronic warfare station. In Avdeyevka direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have improved the situation along the front line, inflicted fire damage on AFU units, and repelled 11 counterattacks launched by assault units of AFU 25th airborne, 68th infantry, 24th, 47th mechanised brigades close to Novgorodskoye, Tonenkoye, Pervomayskoye, Leninskoye, and Berdychi (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to more than 300 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces' units improved the tactical situation, and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 58th motorised infantry and 1st tank brigades near Urozhaynoye and Makarovka (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, one counterattack launched by assault groups of the AFU 128th Territorial Defence Brigade was repelled close to Nikolskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to more than 140 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, and four motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer were eliminated. In Kherson direction, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on AFU 141st infantry and 118th mechanised brigades' units close to Novoandreyevka and Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses were up to 40 Ukrainian troops, two pick-up trucks, and one 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system. Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Russian Federation have engaged one aviation ordnance depot, one workshop for manufacturing and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as clusters of AFU manpower and hardware in 152 areas. Air defence systems shot down 195 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and 41 HIMARS and Vampire MLRS projectiles during the day. In total, 581 airplanes and 270 helicopters, 18,374 unmanned aerial vehicles, 495 air defence missile systems, 15,680 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,261 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,629 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 20,530 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 1, 2024 By Matthew Olay , DOD News Joint Effort to Clear Baltimore Bridge Debris Launches Over Weekend Multiple Defense Department assets teamed with state, federal and private sector agencies in Baltimore Harbor Saturday to begin removing wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. "The [Defense Department] continues to support the whole-of-government response in Baltimore. Through the Unified Command, the U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating this effort in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Navy and many others," Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters during a meeting today. Crews of highly trained demolition experts began cutting into the top portion of the collapsed bridge's north side on Saturday, and the Army Corps of Engineers completed a required underwater survey a both necessary steps prior to removal of debris, Singh said. Meanwhile, Naval Sea Systems Command is aiding Unified Command's efforts to clear out debris and reopen the harbor by contracting out the 1,000-ton lift capacity derrick barge Chesapeake, the 200-ton lift capacity revolving crane barge Ferrell and the 150-ton lift capacity crane barge Oyster Bay. All are on scene in Baltimore Harbor. An additional, 400-ton lift capacity barge is scheduled to arrive next week, according to a news release distributed this afternoon by Navy public affairs. On Sunday, Coast Guard Capt. David O'Connell, the federal on-scene coordinator for Key Bridge Response 2024, announced preparations for the establishment of 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," according to a Key Bridge Response 2024 press release. "This will mark an important first step along the road to reopening the Port of Baltimore," O'Connell said. In addition to over 1,000 engineering, construction, contracting and operations specialists with the Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard-led Unified Command's additional components include assets from the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Transportation Authority, the Maryland State Police and a private sector crisis and emergency management consulting firm. "[DOD stands] ready to assist in further efforts to provide immediate response, reopen the port, rebuild the bridge and support the people of Baltimore," Singh said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Forty-One Individuals Charged in Massive Poly-Drug Indictment Linked to Cartel Monday, April 1, 2024 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs A total of 23 people were taken into custody following the return of a 50-count indictment alleging cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and meth trafficking and related crimes in the Houston and Galveston areas. The indictment alleges they all operated under the overall control of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). From Dec. 28, 2018, to April 22, 2020, the conspirators allegedly operated and distributed drugs smuggled into the United States from Mexico. The leader of one of these groups, Roque Zamudio-Mendoza, 52, of Mexico, was the main source of drugs smuggled into the United States, according to the charges. Other co-conspirators allegedly distributed the narcotics in the Houston and Galveston, Texas, areas to other locations throughout the United States, including New Orleans; Pensacola, Florida; Atlanta; Nashville, Tennessee; and Chicago. "Countless American lives have been lost because of the Jalisco and Sinaloa Cartels," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Over the past three years, the Justice Department has zeroed in on these cartels, and with these arrests of dozens of Jalisco Cartel associates, we are taking yet another step in our fight to dismantle these deadly organizations." "The fentanyl threat to America constitutes a public health, public safety, and national security threat, and it's primarily fueled by Mexican drug trafficking organizations, including the prominent and deadly Jalisco cartel," said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. "The charges and arrests announced today target every element of the Jalisco cartel's trafficking network, reflecting the Justice Department's urgent and relentless battle, along with our Mexican partners, to dismantle all aspects of the illicit fentanyl supply chain." "DEA's number one operational priority is to save lives by defeating the Mexican drug cartels responsible for the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced. The Jalisco Cartel's drugs and violence threaten the health and safety of Americans everywhere," said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). "The DEA will continue to target and defeat the cartels' U.S. distributors, like the Zamudio-Mendoza organization, which fuel drug poisonings and violent crimes across our communities. This DEA-led investigation has saved lives in Texas, and across the country, by disrupting their operations and seizing their deadly drugs, cash and assets." "I want to commend our U.S. Marshal Service personnel and partners for their roles in this vital operation to dismantle a network that supplied dangerous drugs to communities in south Texas on behalf of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel," said U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Director Ronald L. Davis. "This is just one example of the significant work we can accomplish together to confront one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico." "CJNG is known as one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico, characterized by a business model that involves extreme violence and trafficking in the most deadly of substances a cocaine, heroin, meth, and fentanyl," said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. "This massive indictment demonstrates our tireless efforts to protect our communities against this cartel's ruthless pursuit of profit which has come at the cost of countless young lives." During the law enforcement operation that spanned multiple jurisdictions to include the Houston, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Brownsville and McAllen areas in Texas as well as Louisiana, Colorado, Washington, and California, authorities arrested a total of 20 people. They join three individuals who were previously in custody. Two are now deceased. Zamudio-Mendoza, who is believed to be in Mexico, and 15 others are still at large, and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests. The indictment, returned Dec. 14, 2023, also seeks forfeiture of any illegal proceeds of the alleged crimes, estimated at $10 million. To date, records indicate authorities have seized approximately 550 kilograms of meth, 249 kilograms of cocaine, 34 kilograms of heroin, five kilograms of pentobarbital, and 22,600 fentanyl-laced pills. As part of the arrests, they also allegedly found nine firearms and several luxury Rolex watches and large amounts of U.S. currency to include $190,000 seized during a traffic stop in Porter. All are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and meth and face up to life in prison. Each is also charged in varying counts to include conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, laundering of monetary instruments, possession with intent to distribute meth, heroin, fentanyl, and/or cocaine. Some of the defendants have already made their appearances in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison. Others are set for April 2 at 10 a.m. in Galveston or April 3 at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m in Houston. DEA and USMS investigated the case, with assistance from the Houston Police Department, Galveston Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Cusick and Rick Hanes for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. The arrests are the culmination of a 63-month Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation (OCDETF) dubbed Operation Rainmaker that began in 2019. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Justice Department's OCDETF webpage. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topic: Drug Trafficking Components: Office of the Attorney General Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office of the Deputy Attorney General U.S. Marshals Service Press Release Number: 24-377 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Schools in North Korean province remain closed amid respiratory outbreak The move comes amid a spread of coronavirus-like infections. By Kim Jieun for RFA Korean 2024.04.02 -- A resurgence of a respiratory illness believed to be caused by coronavirus has caused some elementary schools and childcare facilities in North Korea to remain closed past April 1, which should have been the starting date of the new school year, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia. RFA reported that in early March, at least five children in the northern province of Ryanggang had died of a respiratory disease that had symptoms similar to COVID-19. The province shuttered all daycares and schools and returned to an emergency quarantine posture that had been in place nationwide during the worst of the pandemic. While middle and high schools will start as scheduled, for elementary schools and daycares, the lockdown - which was supposed to have lasted for only 10 days - is continuing into April. When April 1 was drawing near, authorities decided to postpone the school year, a resident of the province told RFA Korean on condition of anonymity for security reasons. "The main cause of infection circulating these days is called mycoplasma which is similar to coronavirus and is known to be fatal to children," he said. Mycoplasma is a form of bacteria that can cause a type of mild pneumonia that has symptoms like sore throat, cough and fever, and can be treated with antibiotics. Though mycoplasma infections have symptoms that overlap with COVID-19, the latter is caused by a virus, and cannot be treated with antibiotics. U.N. medicine Furthermore, the resident said that North Korean medicine is ineffective and the disease must be treated with medicines supplied by the United Nations, which the government sells for profit. "The U.N. medicines are so expensive that ordinary residents cannot even think of buying them," he said. "Even if your child has a high fever and is sick, you can't buy the U.N. medicines in the pharmacy, so you will end up letting your child go." According to the source, an antipyretic injection to reduce fever costs 15,000 won (US$1.76) - a huge sum for most North Koreans. The resident said that for residents, it is maddening that the government is not taking a more active role in trying to cure those who have fallen ill, and have only postponed the school year. "Since children have died because of their high fevers, the residents are raising their voices against the authorities urging them to treat infected patients with the U.N. medicine instead of selling it," he said. In 2020, North Korea waited until June 1 to start the school year due to the pandemic, then declared an early vacation in July as conditions worsened. There is no telling when the daycare centers and elementary schools will reopen this year, another Ryanggang resident said on condition of anonymity to speak freely. "Today is supposed to be the first day of the new school year for students enrolling in school or entering a new grade," she said. "Young students who graduated from kindergarten this year and should be entering elementary school for the first time are really disappointed." She said that many parents are shocked by the delay, and many think that the number of students affected by COVID-19 and mycoplasma must be high if they are taking such measures. Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greetings to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus. April 2, 2024 09:00 The message reads, in part: "Despite challenging international circumstances, significant progress has been made recently in developing the multifaceted ties between Russia and Belarus, and in bolstering the institutions of the Union State. Good results have stemmed from coordinated efforts in foreign policy, defence, and security. The effective execution of jointly agreed-upon Union programmes has facilitated the harmonisation of legislation in critical sectors between Russia and Belarus, laying the groundwork for unified macroeconomic and monetary policies, as well as the establishment of a common socioeconomic space. At the January session of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, a new set of measures aimed at fostering integration processes was adopted. I firmly believe that the steadfast execution of these measures aligns with the core interests of both Russians and Belarusians and contributes to strengthening stability and security in the Eurasian space." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belarus warned against aggressive statements Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2024.03.29 Updated: 2024.04.02 On March 29, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania summoned the chargA d'affaires ad interim of Belarus Yaroslav Khmyl and handed him a diplomatic note expressing a solid protest over Aliaksandr Lukashenko's unreasonable criticism expressed during conversations with commanders of the Belarusian Armed Forces of alleged military threats to Belarus rising from Lithuania, the insinuation of the Suwalki Corridor's indefensibility, and ordering the Belarusian army to prepare for a possible confrontation with the Baltic states and Poland. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, such statements can be understood as a further escalation of the aggressive foreign policy pursued by the Belarusian authorities and are entirely unacceptable. The Foreign Ministry also demanded that Belarus immediately explain Lukashenko's statements officially. In addition, Lithuania's Foreign Ministry reiterates that Lithuania will take all possible measures to ensure the country's security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Minister Blair and Minister Petitpas Taylor on the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force National Defence Statement April 1, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, and the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, issued the following statement: "Today, we celebrate 100 years since the founding of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1924. This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to highlight the RCAF's outstanding work in defending Canada's sovereignty and contributing to global peace and security. "Members of the RCAF have served in harsh and challenging conditions during some of Canada's most pivotal moments. RCAF members made enormous sacrifices to defend democracy during the Second World War. Following the conflict, they again deployed overseas to support United Nations forces fighting in Korea, and to protect our NATO allies during the Cold War. "For decades, Canadian aviators have helped protect North America through the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). More recently, on expeditionary operations in the conflict in the Gulf, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq, our air force worked alongside our allies to actively defend peace and security around the world. A Our aviators also contributed to peacekeeping efforts in places like the Middle East, Central America, East Timor, Haiti, South Sudan and Mali.A "In the past few years, RCAF members have been hard at work to deliver approximately 16 million pounds of Ukraine-bound military aid. They have been there to assist Canadians during natural disasters here at home and during international crises, all while carrying out their Search and Rescue role to help people in need. "None of this work would happen without thousands of dedicated Canadians who make the RCAF's missions possible. We thank and express our deepest admiration to all those who support missions in Canada and around the world: the engineers, avionics technicians, intelligence operators, control tower officers, chaplains, cooks, image techs and other service members, as well as the civilian staff working behind the scenes to support their efforts. "Our Air Force has a proud history, and we are confident that it will also have a bright future. To ensure Canada's ability to defend itself from new and emerging threats, we are making historic investments in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Over the last few years, we have invested approximately $44 billion and signed agreements for approximately 140 new or refurbished aircraft for the RCAF. This includes new fleets of F-35 fighter jets, P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Strategic Tanker Transport Aircraft, and more. "In addition, in June 2022, we announced a generational investment of $38.6 billion to modernize NORAD. This is the most significant upgrade to Canada's NORAD capabilities in almost four decades and will enhance our ability to detect threats and better position us to protect North America. "Today, we offer our sincere congratulations to all current and former RCAF members on this historic milestone. To RCAF members past and present: thank you for your commitment to keeping Canada safe and to global peace and security. "The legacy of the RCAF, the collective spirit of its people, and its bright future demonstrate that the RCAF remains strong and ready to adapt to modern challenges." "Sic itur ad astra." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Prime Minister on the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau April 1, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force: "Today, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), I join Canadians to pay tribute to the generations of Air Force members who have dedicated their lives to defending our peace, freedom, and prosperity. "In times of war and peace, members of the RCAF have shown unwavering courage. The Second World War marked the first significant challenge for the RCAF, with over 200,000 Canadians joining the Air Force to fight against tyranny and fascism. Since then, generation after generation of Canadians have served - from Afghanistan to the Arctic. The RCAF's contributions to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Canadian Space Program, and United Nations peacekeeping operations demonstrate its enduring commitment to service. Here at home, the RCAF has supported Canadians by delivering disaster relief, including during last year's devastating wildfire season. "As we continue to face threats to global stability, the RCAF is more important than ever. That is why the Government of Canada has invested $44 billion over the past 16 months to provide the RCAF with 138 new or refurbished aircraft - from a new fleet of fighter jets to new multi-mission aircraft. This strategic investment is the largest recapitalization of the RCAF in a generation, and it will ensure that the RCAF is well positioned to contribute to operations at home and abroad for decades to come. "In February 2023, the RCAF launched the Royal Canadian Air Force Strategy to help build a more agile, integrated, and inclusive air and space force that can face tomorrow's challenges. By investing in the professional and personal growth of RCAF members, we are giving them the tools they need to achieve excellence at home and abroad. Our people are our number one priority and are the foundation upon which we build the RCAF. "On this centennial occasion, I invite Canadians to learn more about the RCAF's many achievements and to take part in activities celebrating this milestone anniversary. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the families who have stood behind RCAF members over the last century, sharing in their sacrifices and triumphs. To all Royal Canadian Air Force personnel, past and present: thank you for your service. Your dedication, courage, and selflessness have kept - and continue to keep - our country safe. "Sic itur ad astra." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 1, 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2024-04-01 20:21 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 China's considerations on inviting the foreign ministers of Laos, Viet Nam and Timor-Leste to visit China? What are China's expectations for the visits? Wang Wenbin: Southeast Asian countries are China's 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. What's China's comment?aa 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 Kong's electoral system and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The US discredited Hong Kong's 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 China's 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 dAmarches 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 China's 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 Kong's 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 China's Hong Kong and Hong Kong's affairs are purely China's 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 Kong's 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 China's sovereignty and the rule of law in the HKSAR, and stop interfering in Hong Kong's 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 China's 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 China's 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. What's China's response?a 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 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.a 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, China's 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 whoever's 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: It's reported that Mayor London Breed of San Francisco, California, the US, announced her upcoming visit to China. What's China's comment?aa Wang Wenbin: We welcome Mayor London Breed's visit to China. We wish her a fruitful visit and hope the visit will further increase San Francisco's 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.a 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. What's China's 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.a 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 China's 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. What's your comment? Wang Wenbin: Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao, has always been China's territory. The scope of Philippine territory is defined by several international treaties. China's 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 China's sovereignty and kept provoking China. This is the only viable explanation for the Philippines' string of false accusations against China. The truth on the Ren'ai 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 Ren'ai 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 Ren'ai 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. Ren'ai 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 Ren'ai Jiao. The Philippines has also repeatedly sent people to step on China's 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 China's 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TOKYO, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - With Japan's Nikkei hovering close to the 40,000 mark, market experts point out that the increasing trend of "stock splits" in recent years is supporting these higher stock prices. Monex Securities' Chief Strategist, Takashi Hiroki: "It becomes easier for people who don't have a lot of money to buy shares. Naturally, the share prices of companies that undergo stock splits tend to rise. The biggest incentive for companies to split their stocks is the introduction of the new NISA system. There is an expectation and anticipation among companies that a lot of individual investors will start buying individual stocks because of this." For instance, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which underwent a 10-for-1 stock split on April 1st, saw its minimum investment amount drop from 1.35 million yen to 140,000 yen. Furthermore, over the past decade since fiscal year 2012, companies that have split their stocks have seen an average increase of 6% in the number of shareholders in the following period. Hiroki: "Especially considering the influx of funds through NISA, the benefits for companies are significant. Therefore, I believe we will see a significant increase in companies opting for stock splits moving forward." Source: ANN Has China's Xi succeeded in assuring US execs of economic prospects? Hardly, as the Chinese leader reportedly said China will continue to centralize its economy: report. By RFA Staff and Ray Chung for RFA Cantonese 2024.04.01 -- 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, China's rich are scrambling to dump assets and leave the country in an apparent vote of no confidence. While China's 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 China's 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 hasn't 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 don't want to do the pro-market reforms that have been suggested; they don't 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 Xi's policy of advancing state enterprises and a retreat of the private sector. Foreign businesses have been spooked by China's 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 "China's 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 China's political system will not change, with China's 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 "China's economy is really not in good shape, and China's foreign capital outflow is really serious." But Chen doesn't believe the meeting will reverse the trend of Beijing restricting free trade and free information. Which means that foreign investors aren't likely to invest in China, he added. Translated by RFA Staff. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China bans 'former good friend' from talking about Hong Kong Stephen Roach says he was prohibited from raising worries about the city's future at a high-level forum. By Kwong Wing for RFA Cantonese 2024.04.02 -- China's former "good friend" economist and ex-chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia Stephen Roach said he was prohibited from discussing Hong Kong in his speech while attending the China Development Forum in Beijing last week. Roach was invited to speak at this year's forum in his capacity as senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, where he had hoped to raise his concerns about Hong Kong's future. But he told Radio Free Asia that he was stopped, as organizers made it clear before, during and after the forum that they did not want to hear sharp questions, only "views constructive to China." "I've written a few articles that raised serious concerns about the future of Hong Kong and those touch on sensitivities in Beijing, and largely for that reason, they asked me not to speak about that at the China Development Forum." In addition, he criticized Hong Kong academic and business representatives at the forum for not truthfully reporting Hong Kong's situation to Beijing. He cited, as an example, his discussions on China's financial market policies with a 20-year acquaintance and current chairman of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Laura Cha, on a separate occasion on the sidelines of the forum. Roach said he had raised three points: Hong Kong and China's economies are interdependent on each other, concerns about the negative impact of the U.S.-China political conflict on Hong Kong trade, and worries of Hong Kong's autonomy especially after the enactment of the second national security law, commonly known as Article 23. "So I said all three of those will spell trouble for Hong Kong in the years ahead, and Laura Cha agreed with two of my three points - the Chinese economy, the adverse impact of the U.S.-China conflict," Roach said. "But she did not agree with my point on Hong Kong's political autonomy being compromised by either Beijing or its own," he said, adding that his argument stemmed from an economic consideration and not politics, which almost no one has disputed. Roach stated that "Hong Kong is over" in a February commentary published in the Financial Times, attributing the demise of the city, an international financial center, to its domestic politics, China's structural problems and the worsening U.S.-China tensions. He also then claimed the turning point of Hong Kong's decline was when former Chief Executive Carrie Lam introduced the extradition bill that triggered large-scale democratic demonstrations in 2019. He described Beijing's subsequent imposition of the national security law in 2020 to have "shredded any remaining semblance of local political autonomy." Last month, the Hong Kong government swiftly passed Article 23, which expanded the scope of what constitutes a breach of national security by creating new offenses and increased punishment for offenders. A transformed platform The first China Development Forum was opened in 2000 by then Premier Wen Jiabao. But it was conceived by Wen's predecessor, the reformist premier Zhu Rongji, as a platform for Chinese leaders to debate and discuss policies and issues in the presence and participation of foreign experts. In previous years, the forum also featured a closed-door discussion with foreign chief executives where China's number two in power, the Chinese premier who has traditionally held the economic portfolio, entertained questions from foreign investors. The premier's meeting was canceled this year. Roach has attended the forum for 24 consecutive years, since the first edition in 2000. He said in the Zhu era, issues could be discussed freely and openly, recalling a session at the 2001 forum in which Zhu sat in and participants openly debated on issues. "I urge current Chinese and Hong Kong leaders to do likewise. Debate on issues and not based on personal political agendas." Roach's recent "Hong Kong is over" theory has incited fury among the establishment, including former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and Executive Councilor Regina Ip. Still, he vowed to continue to speak out for the benefit of Hong Kong and China. When asked whether he would be worried about not being able to return to Hong Kong after Article 23 was passed, the economist paused before responding. "If constructive criticism causes uncomfortable reactions from politicians and business people, they need to look at themselves," he said. Should he be unwelcomed to return, he stressed that he will continue to write and speak to tell the truth, as "debate is more important than personal pressure." According to Roach, foreign investors are seriously assessing the risks of doing business in Hong Kong, amid the uncertainty of how Article 23 will be enforced and interpreted, which has cast a shadow on the city's autonomy under the one county, two systems principle. Compounded by the U.S.-China spat, capital outflows may intensify, he warned. Since the beginning of 2020, the U.S. has announced three rounds of sanctions, sanctioning a total of 18 Beijing and Hong Kong government officials, including Chief Executive John Lee, Chief Secretary Eric Chan, Security Secretary Chris Tang, and Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Secretary Erick Tsang. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced last Friday his intention to impose entry restrictions on more Hong Kong government officials. This year's China Development Forum was attended by more than 200 delegates, including eight representatives from Hong Kong. Business leaders apart from Laura Cha included Johnson Cha, chairman of C.M. Capital Advisors, Jacob Kam, chief executive officer of MTR Corporation, Vincent Lo, chairman of Shui On Group, and Richard Li, chairman of Pacific Century Group. From academia, there were Lawrence Lau, economist and former vice-chancellor the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Zheng Yongnian, founding director of the Institute for International Affairs at CUHK Shenzhen, who is regarded as one of Chinese President Xi Jinping's "national mentors", and Li Cheng, a political scientist at the University of Hong Kong. Translated with additional reporting by RFA Staff. Edited by Taejun Kang 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi and Biden hold first phone call in nearly 2 years The call comes ahead of trips to Beijing by the US secretaries of Treasury and State. By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.04.02 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping spoke in a rare phone call on Tuesday morning, according to the White House, which described the talks as a "check-in" on bilateral ties. Among other issues, the pair discussed China's "destabilizing actions" against U.S. ally the Philippines in the South China Sea, its support for Russia in the war in Ukraine, a new security law in Hong Kong and Taiwan's upcoming presidential inauguration, a U.S. official said. It was the first call between the two leaders in nearly two years. It came ahead of visits to Beijing by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen "in the coming days" and by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken "in the coming weeks," according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the call. It also took place amid the first cracks in a budding diplomatic truce declared late last year between the United States and China, with the Washington and Beijing feuding over trade policy and American authorities accusing China of a massive cyber-espionage program. During the call, the two leaders discussed military ties, including China's recent "destabilizing actions" against U.S. ally the Philippines near the Second Thomas Shoal and Beijing's ongoing support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the White House official said. Biden also used the call "to reiterate the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, especially given the upcoming major presidential inauguration in Taiwan," the official said, and the pair did not shy away from other "tough issues" that strain relations. They discussed "the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy" after the passage of Article 23, which increased punishment for offenders convicted of breaching state secrets and granted the government sweeping new powers to crack down on all forms of dissent. Biden brought up U.S. claims of a massive state-run Chinese hacking program, but the two leaders also hit on "areas of cooperation where our interests align," including counternarcotics and climate change. "This is what responsible management of the relationship looks like," the official said. "I would take this phone call as a 'check-in.'" Communication is key The White House official said there would be few "new outcomes" in ties between China and the United States following the call. But, the official added, it was important for occasional leader-level "check-ins" between the pair given the singular power now wielded by Xi in China's authoritarian political system. In the background, senior U.S. and Chinese officials have for months been meeting in efforts to stabilize ties between the world's two major powers, which last year appeared to have veered far off course. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met in Bangkok in January, while Wang and Blinken met in Munich in February. Both of those meetings followed Biden and Xi's high-profile Nov. 15 in-person talks just outside San Francisco. During that meeting, which ended more than a year of tense U.S.-China ties, the leaders agreed to reinstate talks between their militaries, cooperate on regulation of artificial intelligence and to stem the flow of precursors for the opioid fentanyl out of China. Since then, there has been a marked absence of near accidents between the militaries in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait that punctuated 2023, and American and Chinese officials have ramped up cooperation to stop fentanyl making its way into the United States. U.S. diplomats last month also backed a Chinese push at the United Nations to create global norms governing artificial intelligence, showing progress on the three main deals made in San Francisco. Still, Biden and Xi had not spoken on the phone since July 2022, when Xi warned Biden against "playing with fire" over Taiwan, a democratic island claimed as territory by Beijing, ahead of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip there that led to a breakdown in U.S.-China ties. "Looking back between the last two [Biden-Xi] summits - November 2022 and November 2023 - we did not have a leader-level call," the White House official said. "Both sides realized that it's important to do that to really manage relationships in a more responsible fashion." Phoning it in Planning for the call had been taking place since Sullivan and Wang met in January, but it was hard to nail down a time that worked. Sullivan and Wang agreed on the need for a direct call during the first three months of the year during their Bangkok meeting, the senior official said, "but the 12 hour time difference" between Washington and Beijing "does not make for easy scheduling, I can tell you." Yet, in the end, the call at a fortuitous time, with the coming weeks to see a whirlwind of meetings that will impact U.S.-China relations. Biden is set to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House on April 11. It will be the first trilateral meeting between leaders of the three countries, and comes amid the growing tensions between Manila and Beijing over the Second Thomas Shoal. Yellen, the U.S. Treasury secretary, also heads to China later this week, with meetings planned in Guangzhou and Beijing. The planned visit to Beijing "in the coming weeks" by Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, has not yet been announced by the State Department. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden tells China's Xi to stay out of US elections By Patsy Widakuswara April 02, 2024 President Joe Biden again warned Chinese President Xi Jinping against meddling in the November U.S. presidential election during the two leaders' phone call Tuesday. The call is part of U.S. efforts to maintain "open lines of communication to responsibly manage competition and prevent unintended conflict," the White House said. In various engagements, the U.S. has raised its "continual reinforcement of concern" against Chinese election interference, a senior administration official told reporters in a Monday briefing previewing the call. Biden last raised the issue in his meeting with Xi in Woodside, California, last November. Beijing has repeatedly said it has no interest in meddling in U.S. internal affairs. "I don't think we ever really take the Chinese at their word when they say they will or will not do something," the senior administration official said. "It is about verifying." A declassified U.S. intelligence threat assessment released in February warned of Beijing's "higher degree of sophistication in its influence activity," including by using generative AI. The report warned of "growing efforts to actively exploit perceived U.S. societal divisions" online. "Spamouflage, a persistent China-linked influence operation, has weaponized U.S. political, economic, and cultural wedge issues in its campaigns," said Max Lesser, a senior analyst of Emerging Threats at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Spamouflage leverages specific issues to target Biden, Lesser told VOA. For example, a post sharing an article from Fox news covering a Pro-Palestinian protest was shared by a Spamouflage account with the added commentary "Biden's defeat is a foregone conclusion." Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said in a statement sent to VOA that China is "committed to the principle of non-interference" and that claims about Beijing influencing U.S. presidential elections are "completely fabricated." The leaders also reviewed progress on key issues discussed at the Woodside Summit, including counter-narcotics cooperation to curb fentanyl trafficking and the recently re-established military-to-military communication, addressing AI-related risks, and efforts on climate change and people-to-people exchanges, the White House said in its readout of the call. US-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit The Biden-Xi call came as the White House prepares for a trilateral summit where Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. next week. The first-ever "minilateral" gathering is set to unveil a series of initiatives including increasing maritime cooperation to counter China's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, overlapping claims of the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. Washington is concerned over the latest flare-up with China stepping up its use of water cannons against Philippine vessels to block a resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal. Since 1999, Philippine soldiers have guarded a wrecked ship left on the shoal to maintain the country's sovereignty claims over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The goal is to make clear to Xi that the U.S. "will not stand idly by if this gray zone coercion continues to escalate and potentially leads to the loss of lives of Filipino sailors," Gregory Polling told VOA during a Center for Strategic and International Studies briefing Tuesday. Polling directs CSIS' Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. Grey zone tactics refer to activities and actions between peace and war that fall below the threshold of armed conflict. China's firing of water cannons is an example of a grey zone action as it falls short of triggering the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. As Taiwan prepares to inaugurate its new president next month, Biden "emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," said the White House. Beijing considers the self-governed island its wayward province, and cross-strait issues have been one of the sharpest sources of tension in U.S.-China rivalry. Chinese malicious cyber activity is another key concern. Last month, the U.S. sanctioned China-linked hackers for targeting U.S. critical infrastructure. Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, Limited or Wuhan XRZ is a front company for China's Ministry of State Security that has "served as cover for multiple malicious cyber operations," the administration said. The official highlighted continued diplomatic engagement including a visit to China by U.S. Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen in the coming days and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the coming weeks. The U.S. and China are also set to hold a dialogue on AI risk management in coming weeks. The leaders also discussed other regional and global issues, with Biden raising concerns over Bejing's "support for Russia's defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security," the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and human rights protection in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Paris Huang contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China tightens restrictions during Ramadan By Ke Lin April 02, 2024 For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time for fasting, praying, charity work and providing community assistance. In China, as Muslims mark the holiday from March 10 to April 9, restrictions in some areas where large populations of Hui Muslims live have triggered heated discussions. Hui Muslims are China's second-largest Muslim population following the Turkic-speaking Uyghurs, with more than 10 million people. A day after the religious holiday began, the Yuxi Municipal Government in southwestern Yunnan Province issued an emergency notice. According to the notice, party committees, governments and education departments at all levels were required to comprehensively investigate and strictly prohibit Muslim members of the Communist Party of China (CCP) and minors from participating in religious activities such as fasting. Although the document states that fasting is one of the religious practices of Islam, it adds that to maintain political discipline, CCP members should be firm Marxist atheists and are not allowed to participate in religious activities. The document emphasizes the principle of separation of education and religion, noting that schools and training institutions are strictly prohibited from providing services for minors to participate in religious activities. It also says individuals or organizations that violate the restrictions will be severely punished. "Children are not allowed to fast in schools now, and Yuxi has begun to implement the requirements of this notice," a Muslim whose last name is Na told VOA Mandarin. Na did not give his full name because of security concerns. "I went to Tonghai two days ago and talked with the locals. The mosque hadn't been investigated," Na said. "Only schools had told children not to fast and what punishment they would face if they did. They were also asked to monitor who in their families was fasting." Yuxi's public primary schools also conducted a questionnaire for lower-grade students, asking whether anyone in the family fasted or prayed. A Muslim member of the CCP in Yunnan, whose last name is Wang, said the local government has tightened its grip since Ramadan started. In the previous party meetings he attended, leaders emphasized that CCP members shouldn't pray. Ruslan Yusupov, a Society for the Humanities fellow at Cornell University who studies Islam in China, told VOA Mandarin that the notice is related to a previous national document issued by the Islamic Association of China. It also indicates that the Chinese government will move forward with further restrictions on religious freedom across the country. "Before Xi Jinping's tenure, fasting was seen as an ethnic custom and was allowed with some freedom," he said. "Even among CCP members and officials, many fasted. Under Xi, it's deemed a religious activity and is increasingly restricted, showing the government's control and suppression of religions using unofficial measures." Mohammed Alsudairi, an Islamic studies scholar at the Australian National University, worries the implementation of the notice may lead to greater oppression and exclusion of Muslim communities, aggravate social tensions and be detrimental to the harmony and stability of Chinese society. "The notice emphasizes that members of the CCP must firm their atheistic stance and are strictly prohibited from participating in religious activities," Alsudairi said. "This shows that the Chinese government is trying to bring religious management into the scope of political control and strengthen the politicized management of religion." The Yuxi government's move is not an isolated incident. Zhoukou, Luoyang, Zhumadian, Jiaozuo and other places in Henan Province have all received notices that minors are prohibited from entering mosques. Some mosques have posted signs prohibiting minors from entering at the door. A Muslim government worker in Gansu Province said mosques there have recently been restricted and are required to retain only half of their existing students. The remaining students are asked to return home. "The rule that CCP members are not allowed to enter mosques to attend prayers has been in place for many years," the worker said. "Gansu Province has not issued relevant documents requiring CCP members not to fast. In sharp contrast, I heard that in Xinjiang, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, lunch is provided to ensure Muslims can eat under supervision." Last November, Human Rights Watch reported that after damaging or destroying two-thirds of the mosques in Xinjiang where Uyghur and other Turkic Muslims live, Chinese authorities moved to significantly reduce the number of mosques in provinces such as Ningxia and Gansu, where large populations of Hui Muslims live. Ai Yundong, chief of the Ethnic Section of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau of Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, told VOA Mandarin that the main purpose of the document is to ensure that religious activities are carried out within the legal framework and do not affect social stability and educational order. "The purpose of this document is to maintain the political discipline of CCP members and minors, strictly implement national policies and regulations on religious affairs, and ensure religious activities are carried out within the legal framework and do not affect social stability and educational order," Ai said. He said fasting, as an Islamic religious activity, falls within the scope of freedom of religious belief, but in public places, strict political neutrality must be maintained and minors must not be forced or facilitated to participate in religious activities. He said the document aims to strengthen the education and guidance of CCP members and minors, safeguard their political stance, protect minors' legitimate rights and interests, and prevent them from being adversely affected or infiltrated by religious extremism. VOA reached out to the Islamic Association of Yunnan Province for comment and was told by a staff member there that he was not aware of the notice. VOA also reached out to the Islamic Association of Yuxi City several times, but no one answered the phone. Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China launches Southeast Asia outreach amid tensions with Philippines By William Yang April 02, 2024 China launched a fresh round of diplomatic outreach to Southeast Asia this week, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto Monday and foreign ministers from Laos, Vietnam and East Timor began to arrive in Beijing Tuesday. The diplomatic charm offensive comes amid territorial disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, and efforts by the U.S. and its allies to strengthen maritime cooperation in the region. In his meeting with Prabowo on Monday, Xi promised to "deepen all-round strategic cooperation with Indonesia," including joint efforts on maritime affairs. Prabowo said he hoped Beijing and Jakarta could strengthen cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade, and poverty alleviation. During the three-day visit by as many foreign ministers, Beijing hopes to "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," said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson. Next week, the U.S. will hold a high-profile summit with Japan and the Philippines. Leaders from the three countries are expected to discuss contentious regional security issues, including the territorial dispute between Beijing and Manila. Some analysts say the string of high-level visits to Beijing by Southeast Asian officials follows a "tried and tested" pattern of Chinese diplomatic behavior. "With Timor-Leste, China has spent a long time trying to cultivate relations," said Ja Ian Chong, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at the National University of Singapore. "And with Vietnam, Beijing is eager not to see Hanoi and Manila draw closer together." In the case of Indonesia, Chong said China hopes to encourage Prabowo to "take a position that is more amenable to its interest." "Beijing realizes that there are some tensions [in the region] so it needs to get down to work," he told VOA by phone. While Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, some experts say these countries are still keen to ensure these differences won't overshadow their overall relationships with Beijing. China and Indonesia both "don't want to dwell too much on territorial disputes in the South China Sea," said Ngeow Chow-Bing, an associate professor in China studies at the University of Malaya. He said most Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries, except the Philippines, believe that if they clearly express their concerns about territorial disputes to Beijing and ensure their interests are not violated, they can still try to collaborate with China on other issues. "Most ASEAN countries and China are sticking to the normal conduct of relationships while searching for more opportunities to collaborate," he told VOA. At the same time, some ASEAN countries are building closer relations with the United States and its allies. Since last year, Vietnam has elevated bilateral ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia. In response, Beijing has said bloc confrontation goes against "the common aspiration of regional countries." Before his trip to China, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son met U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, where they talked about issues including the peace and stability of the South China Sea. Ngeow in Malaysia said many Southeast Asian countries are trying to play a balancing act between Beijing and democratic countries led by the U.S. "These countries all want to diversify their foreign relations but the expansion of relationships is not necessarily targeting China," he told VOA. However, Chong in Singapore said whether countries can "seek opportunities from all sides" remains questionable. "The intention will be to maximize benefits but there is the risk that these bets may not materialize unless they coordinate with each other," he told VOA. For its part, Beijing will focus on rolling out more projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) a its flagship infrastructure project a that benefit relations with Southeast Asian nations and align with its interests. "China will focus a lot of the 'small and beautiful projects' from the BRI in Southeast Asia, especially in terms of digital infrastructure," Chong told VOA. A new survey released by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute shows that when asked whether their country should align itself with the United States or China, 50.5% out of 1,994 respondents across 10 ASEAN countries chose China while 49.5% preferred the U.S. Still, territorial disputes with the Philippines and other nations are likely to persist, and some observers say China may try to "score some rhetorical points" on the issue during its meetings with foreign ministers from the three Southeast Asian countries. "China has done similar things in 2016, when it gathered representatives of Brunei, Cambodia, and Laos to issue an agreement, saying that territorial dispute in the South China Sea shouldn't affect relations between China and ASEAN," said Hunter Marston, an adjunct research fellow at La Trobe University in Australia. While it remains unclear how China may address the South China Sea disputes, Marston said initiating a diplomatic charm offensive "certainly helps." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Background Press Call on the Bilateral Relationship with the People's Republic of China April 02, 2024 National Security Council Via Teleconference 6:07 P.M. EDT MODERATOR: Thank you all for joining us this evening for a call on the United States' bilateral engagement with the People's Republic of China. Just a couple of quick ground rules. For awareness but not for reporting, joining us on the call this evening is [senior administration official]. The call is going to be held under embargo until noon tomorrow a that's April 2nd, noon Eastern Time. And with that, I won't hold us up any further and I will turn the call over to [senior administration official]. She can be attributed on background as a senior administration official. Thanks. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks so much. And, folks, thanks for joining us on a Monday evening. Tomorrow, on April 2nd, in the morning, President Biden will hold a phone call with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China. Ahead of that, we thought it would be useful to give some context on the expected shape of that call and what we plan to raise. As many of you are tracking, the two leaders met face-to-face in Bali in November 2022 and then held a summit meeting in Woodside, California, in November 2023. At Woodside, the two leaders agreed to maintain regular open lines of communication to responsibly manage competition and prevent unintended conflict. And this phone call really is just part of that ongoing effort. I will note just for folks' awareness, the last call between the two leaders was July 2022. So it's been a bit since we've done a telephone call between President Xi and President Biden. This call, of course, builds on the in-depth meetings between National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and CCP Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bangkok on January 26th, 27th of this year, and Secretary Blinken's meeting with Wang Yi in Munich in February. On the call tomorrow, we anticipate President Biden and President Xi will discuss the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, the continued importance of strengthening lines of communication and managing competition responsibly, and a range of regional and global issues. I should note as well, of course: We have not changed our approach to the PRC, which remains one focused on the framework of invest, align, and compete. Intense competition requires intense diplomacy to manage tensions, address misperceptions, and prevent unintended conflict. And this call is one way to do that. There are also, of course, areas of cooperation where our interests align, and it is important to work together to deliver on issues that matter to the American people. These areas include counternarcotics, risk and safety issues related to AI, resumption of mil-mil communication channels, and climate issues. We expect the leaders will discuss progress on each of these issues since the Woodside Summit. On the upcoming call, we expect President Biden to emphasize the need for continued progress and substantive action on counternarcotics to address the scourge of illicit narcotics trafficking. Since Woodside Summit, we have seen the PRC implement some initial measures to restrict and disrupt the flow of certain precursor chemicals used to produce illicit synthetic drugs. But, of course, the drug trade is continually evolving and changing. And in order to ensure that we are disrupting this trade flow, we, the U.S. and China, need to maintain close consultations, both law enforcement to law enforcement, at the technical level and otherwise, to really drive that substantive law enforcement action. We also urge the PRC to follow through by scheduling chemicals agreed upon by the international community at the recent U.N. Commission on Narcotic Drugs. On mil-mil communication, another outcome of the summit, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Brown, held a virtual meeting with his counterpart in December. The Defense Policy Coordination talks took place in early January. This week in Honolulu, operator-level Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings, the MMCA a it just rolls right off your tongue a will take place. The goal of that is really to talk at the operator level about how to avoid and better understand the actions of the other party. We also expect communications at the minister-secretary level and between theater commanders in the coming months. All of these interactions from the operator up to the very top, SecDef level, are important to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations. President Biden has made clear that this mil-mil communication is critical at all times but especially during times of heightened tensions. Another outcome from the summit: On AI, we are working towards a U.S.-China dialogue in the coming weeks aimed at managing the risk and safety challenges posed by advanced forms of AI. I will note as well: On March 21, the PRC supported a landmark resolution on AI at the United Nations as a co-sponsor, along with more than 120 countries, including the United States. We think it is critical for the U.S. and China to better understand respective views and approaches to managing the risks associated with AI applications and to communicate about particular areas of concern. That's just what this AI dialogue will do in the coming weeks. We're also continuing discussion in key channels on climate and economic issues, and seeking to strengthen ties between the people of the two countries, including by expanding educational and other exchanges. The call will also be an opportunity, as I mentioned, for the President to raise issues outside of bilateral issues. We expect him to touch on a number of those. This call will be an opportunity for the President to reaffirm the U.S. One China policy and reiterate the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, especially given the upcoming May presidential inauguration in Taiwan. The President may also express concern over destabilizing PRC actions in the South China Sea, including the dangerous recent action of the PRC coast guard against routine Philippine maritime operations near Second Thomas Shoal. He will likely also raise concern about the PRC's support for Russia's war against Ukraine and its efforts to help Russia reconstitute its defense industrial base. We're increasingly concerned that this action will impact longer-term European security. And I think you heard many of these same concerns voiced by the French foreign minister in Beijing over the weekend. We also expect the two leaders to cover a range of other regional and global issues including efforts to advance the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. On economic and trade issues, President Biden will likely reiterate concerns about the PRC's unfair economic practices and convey that the U.S. will continue to take actions to protect our economic and national security interests. This includes, among other things, ensuring a fair and level playing field for American workers, as well as preventing advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine our national security. And all of this is focused on de-risking, not decoupling, and the President will make clear that is the direction we continue to follow. In his many conversations with President Xi, President Biden has consistently underscored the critical importance of respect for human rights. And I expect the President will again raise concerns regarding the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and PRC human rights abuses, including in Xinjiang and Tibet. I also expect the President will repeat his call for China to release U.S. citizens wrongfully detained or under exit bans. There is no substitute, of course, for regular communication at the leader level to effectively manage this complex and often tense bilateral relationship. Following the leaders call, we will continue to advance our interests through cabinet-level diplomacy, including visits to the PRC by Secretary of the Treasury Yellen in the coming days and Secretary of State Blinken in the coming weeks. We also expect a SecDef-Minister of Defense call soon. And of course, paired with this is travel by PRC officials here to the United States as well. I've gone on for a bit, so I'll leave it there for now. And I welcome any questions you all may have. MODERATOR: With that, we'll begin to take your questions. Our first question will go to MJ Lee with CNN. Q Hey. Thank you so much for doing this call. I had two questions for you. First, before the summit in Woodside last year, it was clear that U.S. and Chinese officials had done the legwork ahead of time so that coming out of the summit the two leaders could announce the restoration of the military (inaudible) and also the announcement on curbing fentanyl. Are there specific, sort of, gettables that the Biden administration has been working towards that are likely to be announced after their phone call tomorrow? And second, do you expect President Biden to follow up on Xi telling him in their last meeting that China doesn't want to interfere in the 2024 U.S. election? And did the President sort of take him at his word on that? And how do you expect the President to sort of talk to President Xi about Chinese hackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure? SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks so much for the questions. On the first one, on any announcements or outcomes from the call, you know, we approach calls a little bit differently than we do summits. You know, summits generally once a year. Really a lot of effort to go in to lay the groundwork through secretary level and other engagements to drive towards outcomes. I would take a phone call more as a check-in, so checking in on the three outcomes from the summit, trying to drive progress in that area. But don't anticipate new outcomes from this. Really, this is kind of what the responsible management of the relationship looks like. In between those top-level, senior-level meetings that can occur about once a year, really finding a chance for the two leaders to talk through the tough issues and ensure that we're responsibly managing the competition between the two countries. But as I mentioned before, I do expect a discussion of those outcomes from Woodside and, again, a goal of trying to drive additional efforts in each of those baskets. On your question regarding election influence or interference, you know, this has been a topic at, I would say, nearly every, if not every, senior-level engagement, ensuring that we are being crystal clear about our concerns that any country interfere or influence our elections. We have undertaken a whole-of-government effort to protect our elections against these foreign attempts to interfere or influence. And I would say, like with any message we deliver to China or to other countries, it is one of continual reinforcement of concern. And I don't think we ever really take the Chinese at their word when they say they will or will not do something. It is about verifying what the president says, verifying the results we see, the actions we see, and then continuing to underscore and press home what our concerns are. On cyber-related issues, another longstanding concern the U.S. has had with China, of course: We've been clear both publicly and privately that we will take actions to address threats to our national security for malicious cyber activity. We've done that through attribution. We've done that through work with multilateral partners. And we've done that through other unilateral means. We'll continue to convey to the PRC these concerns about accesses on U.S. critical infrastructure, on hacking. And again, this is another issue I see as a longstanding one we're going to have to continue to message at and take action on. MODERATOR: Next, we'll go to Ed Wong with the New York Times. Q Hi. Thanks. A couple of questions related to America's partners in the Asia Pacific region. I was just in Taipei and I heard concerns from Taiwanese officials who insist that China has been ramping up its gray zone activity, whether it's incursions across the median line using fighter jets, or ship activities around the offshore islands. And also, we've seen, as you mentioned, the very active measures taken by Chinese ships towards the Philippine military ships around the Second Thomas Shoal. The U.S. has rhetorically pushed back on all of these, but China continues these activities. What else can Biden be doing or saying to Xi to try and get China to limit these activities? Second, obviously, China has great concerns about the ramping up of military ties between the U.S. and its partners and the upcoming Three Leaders Summit this month between the presidents of the U.S. and the Philippines and the prime minister of Japan. So, will Biden mention this to Xi or try and placate any anxiety Xi about this? Thanks. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks for the questions, Ed. On the first one, on gray zone activity, you know, I think this has been a longstanding PRC practice to (inaudible) slowly, or sometimes more quickly ramp up pressure (inaudible). Sometimes it's through military activities, sometimes it's through economic tools, some through diplomatic pressure. So I don't see anything particularly new here with PRC behavior in the Cross-Strait or South China Sea. Our toolkit with which we respond is similarly, I think, a wide range of different tools, whether it's diplomatic messaging. You mentioned the Japan-Philippines-U.S. trilat and the bilat engagements later this month. Certainly, South China Sea and what we're seeing in that space will be a topic of discussion. Similarly, you've seen it come out in statements. G7 and otherwise are concerned about coercive activity in the South China Sea and Cross-Strait. So, messaging is a piece of that. Of course, we have economics, (inaudible). This is just, unfortunately, business as usual. And I think pushing back on that gray zone coercion is both about U.S. actions but also working closely with allies and partners, (inaudible) doing with the trilat later this month. We've been clear, both from the President but all the way on down to Secretary of State and at high level as well, that U.S. alliances and partnerships are not about China. They're about the partnership. They're about the affirmative engagement. But oftentimes, Chinese action motivates a lot -much of what we talk about. But that is a you know, that is something certainly well within China's control, what it says and does, and the impact it has on U.S. partners and allies throughout the region. But certainly, I would expect at the upcoming meetings China to be a topic of conversation. Over. MODERATOR: Next, we'll go to Selina Wang with ABC. Q Hi. Thanks for doing this. I have a few questions. So, on the first one, how did the call come about? Which side initiated this call? Secondly, is the President going to use this call to pressure China to use its closeness with Iran to influence the Israel-Hamas war? And just lastly, any reaction from the administration on, you know, a group of CEOs, including American CEOs, that recently met with Xi Jinping? SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Great. Thanks so much, Selina. On the first one, on the call, you know the diplomatic dance that usually precedes scheduling up a call like this. You know, at Woodside, just to take it back to that meeting last November, both President Biden and President Xi agreed that they would try to pick up the phone a bit more; use that tool as a means of responsibly managing the relationship, of being in closer touch at the leader level, which is so very critical in the Chinese system, on a more regular basis. So, you know, looking back between the last two summits, November 2022 and November 2023, we did not have a leader-level call. And I think both sides realized that it's important to do that to really manage the relationship in a more responsible fashion. So, after that agreement in Woodside last year, National Security Advisor Sullivan saw Director Wang Yi in Bangkok in January, discussed trying to do something in the first quarter of the year. And then it was, of course, a trade-back of dates and times. That 12-hour time difference does not make for easy scheduling, I can tell you. From a granular working level, not an easy thing to do. But landed on this week as a good chance to do it in almost the first quarter of 2024. On your second question, on Middle East: This, of course, has come up at a most recently, Secretary Blinken, before that National Security Advisor Sullivan, both with Director Wang Yi, and of course, back in Woodside as well. We've been pretty clear in these high-level engagements of the role that the PRC should play in using its leverage with Iran, particularly to bring an end to Houthi attacks against civilian ships in the Red Sea. These are exacerbating regional tensions, instability, and of course, impacting trade flows. China should have a very direct interest in trying to limit that fallout. So I suspect that, of course, could come up in conversation again. You asked about the U.S. CEOs meeting in Beijing. Of course, saw the reports. I think it's pretty standard for U.S. CEOs to meet with Chinese leadership when they go back to China for the CDF, the China Development Forum. I think it's often a two-way conversation. Of course, they're raising their concerns about the business environment as well. But encourage you to reach out to them for more detail on that. I don't have any additional information. MODERATOR: Great. Next, we will go to Demetri with the Financial Times. Q Thank you. Good evening. Two questions. The first is: There appear to have been no, quote, unquote, "risky and coercive" intercepts by Chinese fighter jets since San Francisco. I'm just wondering, why has China shifted course there? Was it something that was agreed between the two sides, or was that a unilateral move by China? And then separately, is there anything that the U.S. should be doing differently around the Second Thomas Shoal to make sure that that flashpoint doesn't erupt even more? SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks for the questions, Demetri. On the unsafe intercepts, you know, this has certainly been a feature of mil-mil communication going way back, just raising these areas of a raising the chances that an unsafe intercept could very quickly lead to loss of a ship, loss of an aircraft; it could lead to loss of life. Just incredibly risky behavior that could spin up into conflict, (inaudible) a but could spin us into unanticipated consequences quite quickly. It certainly has been discussed in track two channels. It's been discussed in Secretary Blinken's meetings, National Security Advisor Sullivan, and it did come up at Woodside as well. I would not say there was an agreement to stop doing this, but we have consistently raised our concerns about the behavior and how irresponsible it is in a relationship between a one like between the United States and China. I don't know what motivated China to pull back from that. I'd encourage you to reach out to them and see if there's any additional detail there. But we have seen a reduction in that kind of activity, which is a welcome sign and a welcome signal of more responsible behavior in some aspects. Right? I would hasten to note, of course, we have not seen a reduction in some of the unsafe behavior around Second Thomas Shoal and around some of our other partners' engagements with China, whether it's Japan or Australia, in different areas in the Pacific. So a good sign, and hope that we will see additional pullback from some of that unsafe or risky behavior. You asked about a second question, which I foolishly did not write down. Q Yeah. Should the U.S. be doing something differently with the Philippines around the Second Thomas Shoal to reduce the chances of that flashpoint erupting in a serious way? SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Are you asking me if our policy is incorrect in any way, Demetri? (Laughs.) Q I'm asking you if it's perfect. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: (Laughs.) Look, I think this is an area a again, another one of longstanding discussion between the United States and China going back years, going back since the grounding of the Sierra Madre. It's come up in every high-level engagement I've recently been in. We are increasingly concerned that PRC's behavior in this space could lead us closer to, really, unintended consequences, both with our Philippine partners. But of course, we've talked about the mutual defense treaty as well. We've made clear we remain committed to promoting freedom of navigation and overflight, respect for international law, peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea, and close coordination with our allies and partners. But I think it's fair to say just increasingly risky behavior in that space has us quite concerned and that I expect this will be a topic of conversation between Japan, Philippines, and the U.S. when the three leaders meet later this month both trilaterally and bilaterally. MODERATOR: Our next question will go to Zeke Miller with the AP. Q Thanks so much for doing this. Just a technical question in terms of the timing of the call. When this call comes off embargo, will the President have already had that conversation, or will it take place in the future? Just so we can describe it accurately in our reporting. And then, will there be any further discussion of a potential a yet another summit this year? Obviously, it's an election year, but some other face-to-face meeting between the two leaders at the leader-to-leader level this year. Thank you. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'll take the first, which is: The call will have occurred by the time the embargo lifts. And just another logistical flag for this group: It is likely that we will move up the lifting of the embargo. So please be looking out for outreach from me on that front. And I will hand the second question over to [senior administration official]. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks so much. And thanks for the question, Zeke. You know, I think both sides recognize the value in more regular touch points between the leaders. We're doing that now via calls. I would anticipate, you know, depending what happens in the coming year, there would be a we would hope there would be a chance for another in-person meeting, but don't have anything even to speculate on when that might be. But certainly, value in that in-person meeting and the calls in the interim. MODERATOR: And our last question is going to go to Aurelia End with the AFP. Q Thanks for taking my question. I was just going to follow up. How hard do you expect the President to put pressure on President Xi regarding the PRC's links with Iran and Russia? And another one that's not about the call itself but somehow related to the issues in the region. According to the Yonhap News Agency, North Korea just fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan. And I was wondering whether you could confirm that and also comment maybe. Thank you so much. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks for that, Aurelia. On the first question, Iran/Russia, certainly expect the topic to be raised on the call. You know, on Russia in particular, this has been a part of our diplomatic conversations with the PRC since the start of Russia's war on Ukraine. Started out talking about lethal assistance and concerns around that, use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia in Ukraine. Both of those issues, I think thanks in part to the diplomacy not just by the United States with China but European partners as well, we saw more positive action from China on. But as time has gone on, we've really seen the PRC start to help to rebuild Russia's defense industrial base, essentially backfilling the trade from European partners, helping provide the components that get us slowly towards increasing Russia's capabilities in Ukraine. And that has, of course, longer-term impacts on European security as well, as, again, you heard from the French foreign minister in Beijing over the weekend. So, quite a bit of concern around this. China, of course, is a sovereign country; it will make its own decisions about its relationships. But quite concerned about the direction of travel on this one, and I'm certain it will come up. You asked as well, sorry, on the missile launch. I don't have a comment on that. Will perhaps refer you to [senior administration official] to come back on the DPRK missile launch. But certainly growing concern about DPRK's provocations and the risks of its growing economic, military, and technological partnership with Russia. You know, we certainly continue to underscore these concerns to China while also reiterating our readiness to conduct diplomacy with North Korea and our determination to take steps to deter further provocations by the DPRK. MODERATOR: And with that, we're going to conclude this evening's call. Thank you all for joining us. We anticipate that we will issue a transcript of the call following the call. And just as a final reminder, the embargo is currently set to noon Eastern Time on April 2nd. Thank you. 6:35 P.M. EDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China April 02, 2024 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The call follows the two leaders' meeting in Woodside, California in November 2023. The two leaders held a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including areas of cooperation and areas of difference. They reviewed and encouraged progress on key issues discussed at the Woodside Summit, including counternarcotics cooperation, ongoing military-to-military communication, talks to address AI-related risks, and continuing efforts on climate change and people-to-people exchanges. President Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. He raised concerns over the PRC's support for Russia's defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security, and he emphasized the United States' enduring commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. President Biden also raised continued concerns about the PRC's unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices, which harm American workers and families. The President emphasized that the United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment. The two leaders welcomed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication and responsibly manage the relationship through high-level diplomacy and working-level consultations in the weeks and months ahead, including during upcoming visits by Secretary Yellen and Secretary Blinken. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's veto on North Korea sanctions watchdog sparks international criticism The move also shows Moscow fears exposure of its own U.N. sanction violations, say experts. By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.04.01 -- 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 Korea's 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 Thursday's 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 panel's mandate for one year each March by passing a resolution. Its mandate expires at the end of April. Russia's 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 panel's report, released in March, detailed, with photographs, Russia's 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 Korea's foreign ministry on Friday slamming the move as an "irresponsible decision." Ukraine's 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 Russia's 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. Russia's 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. Copyright 1998-2016, 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPRK: Statement by the Spokesperson on the launch of a ballistic missile European External Action Service (EEAS) 02.04.2024 EEAS Press Team The European Union strongly condemns the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) launch of a ballistic missile on 2 April, which is another violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The EU reiterates its call on the DPRK to cease all illegal actions that threaten regional and international peace and security. We urge the DPRK to accept the offers of dialogue by relevant parties and to comply with its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. The EU is ready to work with all partners in promoting a meaningful diplomatic process aimed at the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TOKYO, Apr 04 (News On Japan) - The Ashinaga Scholarship Foundation, known for supporting students who have lost their parents, is experiencing its lowest scholarship acceptance rate ever. Last month, Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance donated approximately 15.7 million yen to the foundation, raised through various events. Atsushi Nakamura, Vice President of Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance, expressed his hopes for the donation: "We hope to contribute to improving access to education and supporting the dreams of young people." The Ashinaga Scholarship Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that supports children from families where a parent has passed away or cannot work due to illness or disability, mainly through scholarships. Much of its funding comes from donations, and during the award ceremony, the acting president expressed gratitude. However, he also highlighted the challenging circumstances facing the scholars. Acting President Haruji Murata spoke on the issue: "In many ways, disparities and poverty are becoming more severe. We had 1,800 applicants for the high school scholarship program for the 2024 academic year but regrettably, we could only accept 800." Despite receiving a record 1,800 applications this year, the foundation could offer scholarships to less than half due to a lack of funds. Officials suggest that the increase in applicants seeking support is due to rising prices and reduced household incomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The foundation is intensifying its efforts to solicit donations to prevent an increase in non-acceptance. However, there's a perception that Japan lacks a culture of donation. Posts on social media reflect this sentiment, stating, "In Japan, making a donation is often criticized as self-promotion or hypocrisy" and "Because the spirit of charity is weak among Japanese, actions are dismissed as hypocritical." Source: ANN Following North Korea's ballistic missile launch on Tuesday 2 April, an FCDO spokesperson gave a statement. 2 April 2024 An FCDO spokesperson said: North Korea's ballistic missile launch on 2 April is a breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Unlawful ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula. The UK strongly urges North Korea to refrain from further provocations, return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation. US turns to allies to monitor North Korea sanctions By Christy Lee April 02, 2024 The U.S. and like-minded countries must find new ways to monitor the enforcement of sanctions on North Korea after the mandate of a U.N. expert group expires this month, say former U.S. officials with deep experience in North Korea sanctions. The U.N. Panel of Experts has been tasked with investigating whether member states are enforcing sanctions on North Korea for the past 15 years. But at a Security Council meeting on March 28, Russia vetoed a resolution calling for the panel's annual extension, and the panel will be disbanded after April 30. This is the first time the Security Council has failed to extend the panel's mandate for another year. But Russia has grown closer to North Korea since Pyongyang began supplying weapons for Moscow's war in Ukraine in violation of the sanctions. The panel, consisting of eight experts and created in 2009, produced an in-depth report published twice a year describing cases that pointed to violations of the sanctions by U.N. member states and their entities and nationals. Those sanctions will remain in effect. Once the panel is no longer active, the U.S. and other countries that supported its work a such as the U.K., France, Japan and South Korea a will have to rely on other ways to monitor and enforce the sanctions. Potential alternatives include the use of new or existing coalition groups, which can be "far more powerful than relying on the U.N. Panel of Experts," said Joshua Stanton, an attorney based in Washington who helped draft the Sanctions and Policy Enforcement Act in 2016. Stanton said via email to VOA on Friday that Washington should see Moscow's veto "as an opportunity to break free of Russian and Chinese obstructionism, to build a better coalition, and to give sanctions investigation and enforcement the vigor the U.N. system always denied." The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), led by the U.S. and consisting of more than 100 countries, aims to curb the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including through interdiction. It was created by former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2003 in response to a failed attempt by the U.S. and Spain to confiscate the cargo of a North Korean ship carrying ballistic missiles to Yemen in 2002. PSI member states can rely on their national laws to authorize an interdiction, said Stanton. Another international coalition is the Egmont Group, which aims to counter money-laundering and terrorism financing. Created in 1995, it is comprises financial intelligence units from 174 member states that share information and collaborate to counter illicit financial activities. The U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is a founding member. The U.S. is establishing another coalition with South Korea. On March 26, Washington announced it held the inaugural meeting of the Enhanced Disruption Task Force with Seoul aimed at blocking North Korea from procuring refined petroleum in violation of U.N. sanctions. Anthony Ruggiero worked in the U.S. government for more than 19 years, focusing on targeted financial sanctions and proliferation issues, including those involving North Korea. He told VOA in a telephone interview on Monday that these multilateral groups, like PSI, are "always a benefit" to monitoring and enforcing sanctions. "We need those groups to say which authorities can take actions, whether through sanctions or enforcement actions or other mechanisms to stop these activities," added Ruggiero, who is now a senior director of the nonproliferation and biodefense program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He also said that "U.S. sanctions are more robust than U.N. sanctions" and the question is whether Washington is willing to enforce them fully, for example, by targeting Chinese and Russian companies, individuals and banks that hire North Korean workers in violation of sanctions. China has been accused of employing North Korean laborers to process seafood products and false eyelashes. Expanding cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has spurred concerns that North Korean workers will flock to Russia for wages they remit to the state. Aaron Arnold, a former member of the U.N. Panel of Experts who is currently a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute based in London, said there will be opposition to sanctions monitoring outside the U.N. Arnold told VOA via email on Friday, "While Western governments will, of course, step in to provide intelligence and information about North Korea's sanctions evasion activities, the stark reality is that these efforts will be viewed with a great deal of suspicion by non-Western countries." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence exports touch record Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, an increase of 32.5% over last fiscal; Private sector contributes 60%, DPSUs - 40% India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Number of export authorisations rise to 1,507 in FY 2023-24 from 1,414 in FY 2022-23 Posted On: 01 APR 2024 5:27PM by PIB Delhi Defence exports have touched a record Rs 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 Rs 15,920 crore. The recent figures indicate that the defence exports have grown by 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14. The defence Industry, including the private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), have made tremendous efforts in achieving the highest-ever defence exports. The private sector and the DPSUs have contributed about 60% and 40% respectively. In addition, there has been a rise in the number of export authorisations issued to the defence exporters during FY 2023-24. From 1,414 export authorisations in FY 2022-23, the number jumped to 1,507 in FY 2023-24. A comparative data of two decades i.e. 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, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated all stakeholders on crossing the new milestone in defence exports. **** ABB/Savvy/KB/SS (Release ID: 2016818) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Repression Of Baha'is Amounts To 'Crime Against Humanity,' Says Rights Watchdog By RFE/RL April 01, 2024 Iran's "decades-long systematic repression" of the Baha'i community "amounts to the crime against humanity of persecution," Human Rights Watch said in a new report issued on April 1. "Iranian authorities have intentionally and severely deprived Baha'is of their fundamental rights. Authorities have denied Baha'is their rights to freedom of religion and political representation. They have arbitrarily arrested and prosecuted members of the Baha'i community due to their faith. Authorities routinely trample on Baha'is' rights to education, employment, property, and dignified burial," the New York-based rights monitor said. Baha'is, Iran's largest non-Muslim minority, face systematic persecution in Iran, where their faith is not recognized in the constitution. In recent years, as Iranian authorities have repressed widespread protests demanding political, economic, and social change in the country, the authorities have also targeted Baha'is. Authorities have raided Baha'i homes, arrested dozens of Baha'i citizens and community leaders, and confiscated property owned by Baha'is, Human Rights Watch noted. In its report, Human Rights Watch argues that the persecution faced by the Baha'is fell within the scope of the International Criminal Court (ICC) whose statute defines persecution as the intentional and severe deprivation of fundamental rights contrary to international law on national, religious or ethnic grounds. HRW said that, while the intensity of violations against Bahai's "has varied over time," the persecution of the community has remained constant, "impacting virtually every aspect of Bahai's' private and public lives." It said the Islamic republic holds "extreme animus against adherents of the Baha'i faith" and repression of the minority was enshrined in Iranian law and is official government policy. "Iranian authorities deprive Bahai's of their fundamental rights in every aspect of their lives, not due to their actions, but simply for belonging to a faith group," said Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "It is critically important to increase international pressure on Iran to end this crime against humanity." With reporting by AF Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-bahai-persecution- crime-against-humanity-rights-watch/32886099.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Strongly Condemns the Attack on the Consular Section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan strongly condemns the attack on the Consular Section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria. We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people and the Government of Iran. The attack is an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of Syria and undermines its stability and security. It is a violation of international law and the UN Charter. Attacks against diplomats or diplomatic facilities are also illegal under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. The irresponsible act of the Israeli forces is a major escalation in an already volatile region. We call on the UN Security Council to prevent Israel from its adventurism in the region and its illegal acts attacking its neighbours and targeting foreign diplomatic facilities. Islamabad 02 April 2024 55/2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran Vows Revenge For Damascus Embassy Attack It Blames On Israel By RFE/RL's Radio Farda April 02, 2024 Tehran has vowed revenge after several people, including a senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), were killed in an air strike on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus over the weekend that has been attributed to Israel. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on April 2 that Israel will be made to "regret" the strike at the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus, which killed Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, and six others believed to be IRGC members. Israel has not said it carried out the attack, though it has ramped up its campaign of air strikes on targets associated with Iran since a war against Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, broke out in the Gaza Strip in October. Hamas is supported by Tehran. The attack on a building adjacent to the main Iranian Embassy building in Damascus on April 1 has raised concerns that the conflict in Gaza may spread across the region. Military sources said Israeli missiles were fired from the occupied Golan Heights and that the Syrian air defense system intercepted a number of them, though some hit their target, leading to the "total destruction of the building" and the killing and wounding of "everyone inside." Iran said, however, that the consulate annex was hit by six missiles fired by F35 fighter jets. Israel -- as per its usual policy -- has not commented on the strike, but the Reuters news agency quoted a senior Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, as saying those hit had "been behind many attacks on Israeli and American assets and had plans for additional attacks." The White House said it was aware of the reports. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at a daily news briefing that Washington was "concerned about anything that would be escalatory or cause an increase in conflict in the region." Iran's ambassador to Damascus, Hossein Akbar, said he and his family were unhurt, but he vowed that Iran's response would be "harsh." Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad, in a phone call that his government holds Israel responsible for the attack and labeled it "a breach of all international conventions," according to Iranian state TV. Ali Shamkhani, a political adviser to Khamenei, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the United States "remains directly responsible whether or not it was aware of the intention to carry out this attack." Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been a close ally of Iran and Russia, relying on their support to remain in power despite major opposition and a civil war in the country. Tehran has maintained a heavy military presence in Syria, while Israel has periodically carried out attacks against Iranian-linked sites in the country, often targeting IRGC commanders. The Quds Force is the elite foreign arm of the IRGC and has been declared a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-damascus- embassy-attack-revenge-israel/32887899.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address With Its Deterrence Strategy Weakened, Iran Faces Pressure To Hit Israel By Kian Sharifi April 02, 2024 Iran's strategy of deterrence against Israel has suffered greatly since the outbreak of the Gaza war -- particularly after the brazen attack on its consulate in the Syrian capital on April 1. Eighteen members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), including key generals, have been killed in Syria in suspected Israeli strikes since early December. But Iran has refrained from directly responding to Israel, instead opting to increase its support for the "Axis of Resistance" -- its network of allies and proxies in the region -- to take the fight to Israel. But the deadly strike on its consulate in Damascus may compel Iran to take direct action, experts say. Nestled between the Iranian and Canadian embassies, the building housing Iran's consulate and the ambassador's residence were reportedly struck by six missiles and demolished. Seven members of the IRGC, including top Quds Force General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, were killed. Iranian officials, as they normally do, have vowed vengeance, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowing on April 2 that Israel would be "punished by our courageous men." Though the threats by Tehran are usually idle, analysts say this time Iranians might have to make good on their pledge. "Iran doesn't have many good options, but [the April 1] attack could force its hand," said Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute. First 'Israeli' Attack On Iranian Diplomatic Premises Past attacks on Iranian interests in Syria allegedly carried out by Israel have targeted military installations used by the IRGC and its affiliates. The April 1 strike was the first on an Iranian diplomatic compound. Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari told state television after the attack that three of those killed had diplomatic credentials. Iran has accused Israel of contravening international law and has demanded global condemnation. It has also requested a UN Security Council meeting. Israel has long practiced a policy of not commenting on air strikes in Syria. Raz Zimmt, a senior researcher at the Israeli-based Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), said the building hit was used by the Quds Force, the expeditionary wing of the IRGC that has been designated a terrorist entity by the United States. He said the attack was part of Israel's strategy of "escalating matters with Iran in an attempt to put pressure on the head of the snake, as Israel sees it." Israel launched its deadly offensive in Gaza after Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union, attacked several communities in Israel on October 7 that killed nearly 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The Iran-led Axis of Resistance has been targeting Israel since it attacked the Palestinian enclave, and even tried to impose a naval blockade using Yemen's Huthi rebels, which in recent months have targeted commercial ships heading to Israeli ports. Israel has responded by hitting the proxy groups that make up the Axis of Resistance but has particularly ramped up its attacks on IRGC positions since December. "The Israeli strike on the Iranian diplomatic facility in Syriaamay have been an effort by Israel to impose a higher cost on Iran for the Axis of Resistance pressure campaign," said Sabet. 'Strategic Patience' Not Cutting It Despite losing more than a dozen officers of varying ranks since the Gaza war began, the Islamic republic has not directly gone after Israel -- because a war with Israel would inevitably turn into a war with the United States. Instead, Tehran has exercised what is widely dubbed as "strategic patience" -- avoiding direct conflict in the hope that its allies were already sufficiently engaging Israel to ensure deterrence. "The consulate attack demonstrated the fallacy of this calculation," said Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. Azizi argued that by gradually escalating its attacks on the IRGC, Israel has forced Iran to a juncture where it must either "risk direct confrontation or continue to see its deterrence and regional credibility erode." Commenting on Khamenei's threatening message, Azizi said, "It appears that there's a realization among Iranian policymakers that the strategy of 'strategic patience' and sole reliance on proxy warfare has its limits." Calls For Reciprocal Action The Islamic republic's hard-line base of support has been demanding retaliation and has been critical of the lack of a firm response to previous deadly attacks on the IRGC. "It will be very difficult this time for Iran to do nothing," said Zimmt, a veteran Iran watcher with the Israel Defense Forces. "The question remains what exactly Iran can do in order to rehabilitate its deterrence but at the same time not drag itself into a direct military confrontation with Israel [that would be] supported by the United States." Sabet speculated that Iran would likely continue to respond indirectly, such as striking targets in Iraqi Kurdistan that it claims are used by Israeli operatives. But the devastating attack on the consulate could change things. At the risk of damaging relations with host countries, Sabet said, Iran might go after Israeli diplomatic missions. That certainly seems to be a popular option with hard-liners in Iran. Hamid Rasaei, an ultraconservative cleric and lawmaker-elect from Tehran, has described the consulate strike as "an attack on our country's soil" and demanded reciprocity. But Zimmt said an attack on Israeli missions, though possible, might take a long time to plan. He recalled Iran's history of targeting dissidents abroad, including in Western countries, and argued that tarnishing relations with other countries is unlikely to deter the Islamic republic from hitting Israeli embassies or consulates. Whether Iran opts for a direct or indirect response, "any retaliation is expected to be calibrated and limited to prevent unintended consequences," Azizi said. "Though there is no guarantee for this." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-israel-pressure- retaliation-damascus-irgc/32888301.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran calls for UN Security Council meeting after Israeli airstrike destroys Iranian consulate in Syria By Jeff Seldin April 02, 2024 Iran says it will seek revenge for an Israeli airstrike that destroyed the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, and killed at least seven members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including three top-level commanders. Speaking out Tuesday, a day after the strike, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi chastised Israel for the attack and said it would not go unanswered. "The whole world knows that the Zionist regime does not adhere to any of the human principles, basic rights, international covenants and contracts," Raisi said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. Israel has not formally claimed responsibility for the strike, which set off alarms in Washington and prompted calls from the Pentagon to Tehran. "We've made it very clear in private channels to Iran that we were not responsible for the strike that happened in Damascus," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Tuesday. "Tensions being high in the region, we wanted to make it very clear in private channels that the U.S. had no involvement," she said, declining to share additional details of the conversations. Singh did say, however, that the U.S. believes Israel was responsible for the attack, adding that an initial, independent U.S. assessment concluded "a few top IRGC leaders" were killed. As for the building that was targeted in the strike, Singh said she did not have many details but that as a rule, "we don't support attacks on diplomatic facilities." Both the Pentagon and the White House said the U.S. had no warning from Israel about the strike and that Washington remains focused on ensuring the safety of some 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 more in Syria. The troops are tasked with helping prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State terror group. The U.S. has accused Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria of carrying out almost 170 drone and rocket attacks on U.S. forces dating from October of last year, though there have been no attacks over the past month. "We will always take whatever we need to do to protect our forces," Singh said. Iran earlier asked the U.N. Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the airstrike consulate in Damascus. Iran was not persuaded. "The United States is responsible for all crimes committed by the Israeli regime," said Iran's deputy U.N. Ambassador Zahra Ershadi, accusing the U.S. of trying to destabilize Syria and the region. "We will not hesitate to defend our personnel," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood responded, "and repeat our prior warnings to Iran and its proxies not to take advantage of the situation a again, an attack in which we had no involvement or advanced knowledge a to resume their attacks on U.S. personnel." During the Security Council meeting, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the U.N.'s call for a humanitarian cease-fire. "When I hear the words 'human security,' I think about the 2 million humans in Gaza who have no security at all, desperately seeking protection from hunger, disease, and relentless Israeli bombardment," Guterres said. Israel has carried out several hundred strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years. But the number has escalated since the beginning of the nearly six-month Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza and periodic clashes between Israel's military and Hezbollah fighters along the Lebanon-Israel border. An Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighborhood 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. VOA's Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some material came from The Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel: Statement by the Spokesperson on the new foreign media legislation European External Action Service (EEAS) 02.04.2024 EEAS Press Team The European Union is concerned by newly adopted legislation giving temporary powers to the Israeli Government to prevent foreign media networks from operating in Israel. Press freedom has to be guaranteed everywhere including in war contexts, where the work of journalists and media workers is essential in providing the public with accurate and timely information. Too many journalists have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured since the beginning of the Gaza conflict on 7 October. We firmly condemn journalists' killings and recall the need to ensure their access, safety and protection at all times. The EU remains committed to supporting independent journalists and media workers everywhere in the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dozens of Rohingya killed in 5 months of renewed fighting in western Myanmar The attacks have left an already traumatized community in constant fear for their lives. By RFA Burmese 2024.04.01 -- Junta airstrikes and artillery bombardments in western Myanmar's 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 Minbya's Thar Dar village killed 22 Rohingya and injured 29, according to residents. In January, junta artillery strikes on Buthidaung's Hpon Nyo Leik village killed 12 and injured 32, sources in the region told RFA. 'We're 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] don't want to take over the country and we aren't attacking [the military]," he said, adding that the Rohingya simply want to live their lives in peace. "We're just victims of conflict [between two other groups]." Restrictions on the Rohingya's 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 Kyauktaw's Let Saung Kauk village, where junta bombardment killed six people in February, called the military's 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 don't 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." Myanmar's 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 RFA's findings went unanswered Monday. RFA's 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. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SHIZOUKA, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - A speech by Shizuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu to new employees on Monday, April 1, was broadcast in full, stirring controversy with remarks that could be construed as attributing a hierarchy to professions. During the induction speech to the new employees on Tuesday, April 2, Governor Kawakatsu remarked, "Unlike those who sell vegetables or take care of cows, all of you possess a higher intelligence." These comments have sparked a debate, as they seem to imply a ranking of occupations. Governor Kawakatsu described the prefectural office as a "think tank," contrasting its work with selling vegetables, caring for cows, or manufacturing. "Essentially, you are people of high intellectual and mental capacity," he said in front of the prefecture's new hires, potentially setting the stage for controversy by seemingly assigning superiority to certain professions. Previously, Governor Kawakatsu faced criticism in the prefectural assembly for comments that could be interpreted as disregarding single-parent families and looking down on the citizens of Hamamatsu City during a visit from the SSU Bonita, a top-division team in the women's Nadeshiko League. Source: ANN Police, soldiers injure 17 following Myanmar prison riot Fighting began when two inmates attempted to escape, locals said. By RFA Burmese 2024.04.01 -- Police and prison guards injured at least 17 inmates in western Myanmar after a prison riot broke out, an advocacy group told Radio Free Asia on Monday. Fighting between prison staff and inmates, including political prisoners charged with opposing Myanmar's regime, started on Sunday night in Ayeyarwady division's Pyapon Prison, one Pyapon city resident said. "I heard that two inmates tried to break out of the prison that night," he said, declining to be named for security reasons. "However, they were captured by prison guards. The authorities buried the news." According to sources close to Pyapon Prison and Myanmar's Political Prisoners Network, a dispute between prisoners and prison guards caused the riot, but RFA has not been able to independently verify the claim. Prison authorities accused the inmates of attacking guards, claiming the guards controlled the situation by bringing in junta-affiliated police and soldiers, according to a statement by the Political Prisoners Network. Seventeen inmates are receiving treatment at the prison hospital, along with one guard, said Thaik Tun Oo, a member of the leading committee for the Political Prisoners Network. "Currently, we know that some political prisoners are among the 17 injured," he said. "Others are criminal prisoners. I think the number of injured people might be more than 17." Authorities locked down Pyapon Prison on Monday following the riots, he added. RFA contacted Naing Win, deputy director general of the junta's Prisons Department, and Ayeyarwady's junta spokesperson Khin Maung Kyi for comment on the riot, but neither picked up the phone. Junta soldiers and police have increased security in Pyapon town to prevent unrest spreading, locals said. Prisoners in Ayeyarwady's capital of Pathein staged a protest in January 2023 after guards tortured an inmate who was caught with a cell phone, and again one week later when the prison planned to execute a teacher sentenced to death. In response, guards killed eight people and injured 60 in a shooting meant to quash the riot. Following the country's 2021 coup, over 26,000 political prisoners have been arrested in Myanmar for speaking against the country's military junta, funding rebel groups and other charges. Over 20,000 are still in prison, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar junta hosts China's envoy for border issue talks The talks come after a week of conflict between the junta and a rebel army on the Chinese border. By RFA Burmese 2024.04.02 -- A Chinese official met with junta leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing to discuss cooperation between Myanmar and China, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar, a junta-backed newspaper. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing hosted China Ministry of Foreign Affairs special envoy Deng Xijun in Naypyidaw on Monday to discuss the issues complicating China and Myanmar's border relationship. Deng Xijun came to Naypyidaw because border gates have still not reopened due to increased fighting, political and military analysts told Radio Free Asia. Since China brokered a ceasefire between allied rebel groups called the Three Brotherhood Alliance on Jan. 11, other anti-junta groups have increased their efforts to seize junta-controlled territory. The Kachin Independence Army, which is not part of the alliance, captured nearly 60 junta camps in March and gained control of a partial border trading route and another major highway in Myanmar's northern Kachin state. A former military officer who did not want to be named for security reasons said re-opening these gates in northern Shan state is vitally important to both the junta and China, as is preventing the Kachin Independence Army from getting closer with the U.S. "Of course, they want to re-open the border gates. Yunnan's exports are mainly to Myanmar, but it is very difficult to reach an agreement," he said. "Another point is that both governments have to prevent [the Kachin Independence Army] from being close to the U.S. So they often meet and discuss this." On Thursday, American foreign policy director Derek Chollet announced on social media that he met several armed group leaders, including representatives from the Kachin Independence Army. Border Stability Fighting between the Kachin Independence Army and junta has raged since Wednesday, when the rebel group began attacking junta camps and highways near Lwegel, a Kachin town directly on the Chinese border. Three hundred junta soldiers, administrative staff and families of both trapped by fighting attempted to seek refuge in China on Friday, but were refused by Chinese border officials, said Lwegel residents. RFA contacted Yangon's Chinese Embassy to verify this case, but the office did not respond by the time of publication. Further to the south in Shan state, casinos notorious for trafficking Chinese citizens into forced labor have sprung up in border areas like Muse. Eliminating these scam centers is one of the few common interests of the junta and rebel groups, which have deported a combined total of over 50,000 Chinese nationals between October 2023 and March 2024 for illegal activity. However, political commentator Than Soe Naing told RFA it would be difficult for Deng Xijun and junta forces in Naypyidaw to attempt to end the conflict in Kachin state. "China's pressure will have some effect on the [Kachin Independence Army] because their base is on the border. But they are not following everything China says," Than Soe Naing said. "So I think that it will not be very easy if they agree to the peace process like the rest of the armed groups." The Chinese military will conduct a two-day live-fire exercise on Tuesday and Wednesday near its border with Myanmar, Dehong Dai and Jingpo prefectures in Yunnan announced on Monday. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister of Russia Sergei Shoigu announces Russian Presidential decree on new appointments during teleconference with the leadership of Russian Armed Forces 02.04.2024 During a teleconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces, Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu announced the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation on the appointment of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Konstantin Kabantsov as Commander of the Northern Fleet, and Vice Admiral Sergei Pinchuk as Commander of the Black Sea Fleet. 'Colleagues, congratulations! You realise the enormous responsibility that rests on you. And I hope that you will cope with the tasks set by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation and, of course, the country,' General of the Army Sergei Shoigu said. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister holds teleconference with leadership of Armed Forces 02.04.2024 Today, Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu held a teleconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces at the Situation Centre. When opening the session, the Minister outlined the situation in the special military operation zone. 'Having failed the counter-offensive, the enemy attempted to gain a foothold on certain lines and positions, but has not achieved any of its objectives in any direction. Thanks to the courage and professionalism of our military personnel, the following settlements have been liberated over the past month: Nevelskoye, Orlovka, Tonenkoye, Krasnoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region). Since early 2024, in total, 403 square kilometres of the territory of the new regions of the Russian Federation have come under our control. Since January, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost more than 80,000 servicemen, 14,000 units of various weapons, including over 1,200 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles. Despite the lack of results on the line of contact, Kiev is still trying to convince its Western sponsors of its ability to counter the Russian Armed Forces. To that end, the Kiev regime is trying to transfer hostilities to the territory of the Russian Federation and resorts to terrorism and shelling civilians. The Russian Armed Forces are responding asymmetrically to such crimes committed by Ukrainian militants. In March, high-precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles carried out 190 group and two massive strikes against Ukraine. The strikes engaged military facilities and energy infrastructure. Russian troops continue to push the enemy out of the occupied lines and reduce its combat capabilities,' the Russian Defence Minister stated. He then discussed the progress of the spring conscription campaign, which has started on 1 April. , , . A total of 2,646 call-up commissions have been formed in all regions of the country. In accordance with the Presidential Decree, 150,000 people are to be subject to compulsory military service. Most of them will receive a military specialisation in training formations and military units and only then will they go to their places of service. Sergei Shoigu stressed that conscripts would not be involved in the special military operation. In turn, servicemen who have completed their compulsory military service are to be timely dismissed and sent to their places of residence in an organised manner. The Minister drew the attention of the officials to this. Sergei Shoigu then proposed to review the progress of the construction of small missile and patrol ships. 'To enhance the combat potential of the Navy, it is being supplied with carriers of long-range high-precision weapons. In particular, Karakurt-class small missile ships. The flagship of this series, the Tsiklon, has joined the Black Sea Fleet and successfully perform tasks. By the end of the year, the Zelenodolsk Shipyard must transfer three more such ships to the sailors. The enterprise is carrying out serial manufacturing of the Project 22160 patrol ships. The construction of the fifth of them, Viktor Velikiy, is in its final stages. It is intended to enter the service with the Black Sea Fleet. Russian Minister of Defence General of the Army Sergei Shoigu on developing a network of training grounds for the Armed Forces and providing training equipment for troops: 'This is an area of activity,' Sergei Shoigu said, 'is one of our priorities. While in 2012 we had no more than 100 training grounds, today there are 240 of them. They make it possible to carry out all the tasks of combat training, including those of groups of forces in the areas of the special military operation. In particular, two training grounds have been completed in Lugansk and Donetsk people's republics. Five more are planned to be established before the end of the year'. Sergei Shoigu pointed out that the new facilities have significantly improved the equipment and conditions for accommodation and operation of personnel. 'We also continue to improve the technical basis for combat training,' Sergei Shoigu stated. In 2023, about 600 units modern training equipment were delivered to the troops. This year, we are going to expand the range of training tools. The training system will receive about 200 simulators for the BMP-2M crews with the Berezhok combat module, as well as the Terminator and T-90M tank support fighting vehicle'. The Minister further proposed to the meeting to identify additional measures to improve the quality of troop training. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Suspected Israeli Air Strike 'Flattens' Iranian Consulate In Damascus, Kills Top Quds Commander By RFE/RL's Radio Farda April 01, 2024 Multiple people were killed, including a commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), in an Israeli air strike on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus on April 1, according to Syrian and Iranian officials, media, and opposition groups, prompting angry threats of retaliation by Iranian officials. "Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, was martyred in an attack by Zionist regime fighters on the Islamic Republic of Iran's consulate building in Damascus," Iranian state TV reported. Some reports identified Zahedi, 63, as a former commander of the Quds Force, but full details were not immediately available. A military source told the official Syrian news agency that Israeli missiles were fired from the occupied Golan Heights and that the Syrian air defense system intercepted a number of them, but that some hit the target, leading to "total destruction of the building" and the killing and wounding of "everyone inside." Iran said, however, that the consulate annex was hit by six missiles fired by F35 fighter jets. An Israeli military spokesperson did not comment specifically, saying only, "We do not comment on reports in the foreign media." The White House said it was aware of the reports. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at a daily news briefing that Washington was "concerned about anything that would be escalatory or cause an increase in conflict in the region." Iran's ambassador to Damascus, Hossein Akbar, told Syrian TV that five to seven people were killed in the attack. The ambassador said he and his family were unhurt, but he vowed that Iran's response would be "harsh." Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad, in a phone call that his government holds Israel responsible for the attack and labeled it "a breach of all international conventions," according to Iranian state TV. Amir-Abdollahian "stressed the need for a serious response by the international community to such criminal actions," the report said. The IRGC later said seven of its members had been killed, including Zahedi and his deputy, Hadi Haji Rahimi. The Syrian Defense Ministry said in a statement that Israel attacked the consulate building and that "all those present in the building have been killed or injured." It said rescue crews were evacuating the wounded. "We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack" that resulted in "the martyrdom of a number of innocent people," Mekdad said. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been a close ally of Iran and Russia, relying on their support to remain in power despite major opposition and a civil war in the country. Tehran has maintained a heavy military presence in Syria, while Israeli has periodically carried out attacks against Iranian-linked sites in the country, often targeting IRGC commanders. The Iranian state TV report said the Israeli strike was a targeted "assassination" attack on the Quds commander in what is sure to raise tensions in the already tense Middle East region. The Quds Force is the elite foreign arm of the IRGC and has been declared a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. The Iranian state TV report also said that several Iranian diplomats had been killed in the attack. Saudi broadcaster Al-Arabiya reported that "a senior Iranian figure" was the target of the strike. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that "Israeli missiles" had destroyed an annex building of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and that eight people had been killed. According to reporters from Reuters at the scene, smoke was rising from the ruins of a building that had been "flattened." The reporters said an Iranian flag was seen on a pole in front of the rubble and that Syrian and Iranian officials were at the scene. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syria-iranian-commader- killed-damascus-israeli-strike/32886686.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN calls for restraint following Iran consulate attack in Syria 2 April 2024 - A senior UN official on Tuesday urged the Security Council to work to avert further escalation in the Middle East following the deadly airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria's capital, Damascus. Briefing ambassadors a day after the attack, Assistant-Secretary-General Khaled Khiari stressed the need for restraint. "We appeal to the Council today, as we do every month, to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security," he said. Respect diplomatic premises UN Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres has condemned the attack, his Spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases. The UN chief reminded all parties to respect all their obligations under international law, and urged all concerned to avoid attacks that could harm civilians and damage civilian infrastructure. Mr. Khiari said Iran sent identical letters to the Secretary-General and the Security Council on Monday stating that Israel had attacked its diplomatic premises in Damascus, killing at least five personnel, including senior military advisors, and injuring others. Subsequent media reports indicate that the death toll has risen to 13 - seven Iranian personnel and six Syrian citizens, he added, before reiterating the Secretary-General's condemnation. Uphold territorial integrity "The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States must be respected in accordance with international law," said Mr. Khiari, whose portfolio straddles political and peacebuilding affairs as well as peace operations. "The rules-based international order is essential for international peace and security, which this Council is mandated to maintain." He recalled that the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has kept the Council apprised of the unrelenting violence in the country, which recently marked 13 years of war. Six foreign armies are operating on Syrian territory impacting the lives of civilians and putting a peaceful resolution of the conflict farther out of reach. Increase in attacks "Among them, increasingly lethal attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria have been attributed to Israel, especially since the current conflict with Hamas in Gaza began on 7 October. Open sources have reported at least a dozen such attacks since the beginning of this year," he said. "While Israel has rarely claimed responsibility for any of these incidents, its officials have repeatedly acknowledged its military operations in Syria and have suggested that more such operations will occur in the future," he added, underlining the need for the Council's continued engagement. Mr. Khiari concluded by underscoring the Secretary-General's appeal for restraint. "Any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East," he said. Mr. Pedersen, the UN Envoy for Syria, also warned against the dangers of miscalculation in a statement on Tuesday condemning the attack. "At a time of heightened violence and dangers in the region, instead of escalations, actors should be strictly respecting their obligations under international law. It is vital that all concerned exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Hears Briefing on Situation Following Attack against Iranian Diplomatic Premises in Syria Meetings Coverage Security Council 9593rd Meeting (PM) SC/15650 2 April 2024 (Note: A Due to the financial liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations and the resulting time constraints, the full press release will be published at a later date.) Briefing KHALED KHIARI, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations , noted that Iran transmitted a letter to the Secretary-General and the Security Council stating that Israel has attacked its diplomatic premises in Damascus by missile strikes, killing at least five Iranian personnel, including senior military advisors and injuring others.A According to media reports, the death toll has risen to 13 a seven Iranian personnel and six Syrian citizens. A Reiterating the Secretary-General's condemnation of the attack, he declared that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States must be respected under international law. "The rules-based international order is essential for international peace and security, which this Council is mandated to maintain," he said, noting that A Geir O. Pedersen, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, has kept the Council apprised of the unrelenting violence on the ground, where six foreign armies are operating on its territory, impacting the lives of civilians and moving a peaceful resolution of the conflict farther out of reach.A Lethal attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria have been increasingly attributed to Israel, especially since the current conflict with Hamas in Gaza began on 7A October.A While Israel has rarely claimed responsibility for any of these incidents, its officials have repeatedly acknowledged its military operations in Syria and have suggested that more such operations will occur in the future.A He then appealed to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation, reiterating the Secretary-General's calls on all concerned parties to exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation.A "Any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East," he warned. Statements The representative of the Russian Federation condemned the incessant missile and bomb attacks by the Israeli Defense Forces targeting various sides in Syria, against the backdrop of the unprecedented scale of casualties brought about by the military operation in Gaza.A He also sounded alarm over the blatant disregard of the Council's legally binding decisions by the Israeli authorities, with Washington, D.C.,'s connivance.A On 1A April, the Israeli air forces struck Iran's consulate in Damascus, levelling the building to the ground.A Any attack on diplomatic and consular premises violates the 1961 and 1963 Vienna Convention, he asserted, drawing particular attention to the fact that "this is not the first attack carried out by Israel in the densely populated area of Damascus".A In the past few months alone, Israeli aircraft have attacked the international airports in Damascus and Aleppo a the main gateways for the entry of humanitarian aid into Syria a several times.A He further condemned the ongoing raids on the sovereign territory of Syria, noting that such aggressive actions are designed to further fuel the conflict and might have extremely dangerous consequences for the entire region.A Calling on the international community to condemn Israel's reckless actions, he said: A "If we don't reaffirm this position of solidarity, next time, the diplomatic mission by any State can be targeted by an air raid." The representative of China described an airstrike on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria as "a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law" and "a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran".A Recalling that 25 years ago, China's Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was bombed by a United States-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) airstrike, resulting in personnel casualties and damage to the Embassy, he expressed sympathy and condolences to the Government of Iran and its people. A In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and the universally recognized basic norms governing international relations, the safety and security of diplomatic missions is inviolable.A "The red line of international law and the basic norms of international relations has been breached time and again," he said, adding that the moral bottom line of human conscience has also been crushed time and again. A Such a situation must stop immediately. The representative of France said that yesterday's strikes in Damascus have taken place in the context of heightened tensions in Syria and the region.A Since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7A October, Iran and its regional partners have born heavy responsibility for this escalation.A The international community must do everything possible to ease tensions, he said, calling on all actors to show restraint and prevent regional spillover.A Turning to the disturbing situation in the Red Sea, he condemned the destabilizing actions carried out by the Houthis.A In Syria, he called for the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) and voiced regret over the refusal of the Syrian Government to commit to a credible political process. The representative of Algeria said that such a grave breach of international obligation by the Israeli occupying Power cannot be justified or tolerated, warning that this could lead to escalating tensions and wider regional consequences. A The timing of these attacks a in the face of international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza through Council resolution 2728 (2024) a indicates a deliberate disregard for the international community's call for a cessation of hostilities.A The Council must respond firmly and decisively to these threats to fundamental principles of State sovereignty, diplomatic sanctity and respect for territorial integrity.A "The integrity of our international order hangs in the balance," he said, adding that the choice is either to uphold the principle of the UN Charter or risk plunging into chaos and regional spillover. The representative of Slovenia condemned all attacks on diplomatic premises.A Concerned about the escalation and spillover across the region, he underscored that the current devastating situation in Gaza has already had a strong impact on the situation along the Blue Line and in the Red Sea. A "We continue to see other extremely concerning incidents in the region, including the one in Damascus yesterday," he observed, appealing to all parties to show restraint.A "It should be in no one's interest to have further dangerous escalation in the Middle East," he said, adding that the "people of the region have suffered enough", and this includes Palestine, Israel, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Iran.A The representative of Switzerland condemned the airstrike against the Iranian consulate in Damascus, stating that the spiral of escalation must stop immediately. A All channels of communication must be used to avoid any misunderstandings, as a single miscalculation can have disastrous consequences. A A further deterioration in the situation must be avoided, and any use of force must strictly comply with international law.A Given the current climate, the proper conduct of diplomatic activity is of utmost importance, he said, stressing that diplomatic buildings must not be targeted. The representative of the Republic of Korea said that, amid the high tensions and the lack of implementation of resolution 2728 (2024), seeing another incident in a neighbouring country is "very concerning". A He also warned that such incidents have the potential to spill over into Lebanon. A It is also deeply appalling that the attack took place on consular premises, contrary to international law and global norms. A "History tells us that an unexpected event could expand into irrecoverable tragedies," he cautioned, expressing concern that additional violent flashpoints could escalate into new tragedies in the region. The representative of Sierra Leone said that the missile attack on diplomatic premises implicates breaches of the UN Charter, the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. A Sierra Leone strongly condemns the use of force in violation of the UN Charter and relevant international law, he said. A The targeting of diplomatic missions undermines global peace and security. A Fundamental protections, including the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, must be upheld to ensure the safety of all diplomats and consular agents and promote peaceful and friendly relations among States, he stressed. The representative of Japan said that, although facts on the ground are yet to be confirmed, her country is monitoring with deep concern the situation following the reported air strikes against Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus that allegedly killed at least seven people, including Iranian officials.A The current volatile situation in the Middle East, in which any additional conflicts could lead to a wider escalation and confrontation, is worrisome, she stressed, calling on all relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint and not to engage in any further destabilizing actions.A The representative of the United Kingdom underlined the importance of respect for the inviolability of diplomatic premises and protection of diplomatic and consular staff for the proper conduct of diplomatic relations. A Iran's role in destabilizing the region is unacceptable.A Among the groups which Iran has continued to support are Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hizbullah, militias in Syria and Iraq and the Houthis. A In addition to attacking Israel, these groups have been responsible for the attacks against international shipping, including the deaths of innocent mariners, and attacks against international forces in Iraq and Syria. A Iran must cease its support to these groups and use its influence to prevent their attacks.A "We are committed to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East," he said, adding that his country stands ready to work with all members of the Council and the international community. A The representative of Guyana underscored that any attack against a diplomatic facility is unacceptable and contravenes the fundamental safeguards established in international law.A Reaffirming the prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, as enshrined in the UN Charter, she called on all States to fully comply with these obligations.A She further called for a thorough and swift investigation to determine the circumstances of this incident and restraint by all parties to avoid any further escalation of tensions in the region that could lead to even more tragic consequences.A A The representative of the United States said that his country had no involvement in the reported strike in Syria, nor did it know about it ahead of time.A However, one thing is clear: A Iran and its proxy and partner groups need to avoid escalating tensions in the region.A Indeed, since the 7A October terrorist attack on Israel, the United States has repeatedly warned Iran not to take advantage of the situation to escalate its longstanding proxy war against Israel and other actors.A Iran has ignored that warning. A Washington, D.C., does not have confirmation of the status of the building that was struck in Damascus, he said, adding that any confirmed attack on a diplomatic facility would be of concern to the United States.A Turning to reports of an Israeli airstrike on the World Central Kitchen Convoy, he said that Israel needs to do much more to protect humanitarian personnel and facilities in Gaza. A "It is unacceptable and inexplicable that nearly six months into this conflict, Israeli military deconfliction mechanisms are not functioning appropriately," he said. The representative of Ecuador condemned all attacks carried out against diplomatic and consular missions and representatives.A Rejecting these acts of violence, regardless of origin, he said that the attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises runs counter to principles enshrined in international law, has cost the lives of civilians and has destroyed civilian infrastructure.A "Nothing justifies these types of attacks," he said, calling on all States to respect the inviolability of diplomatic and consular offices.A These acts must be duly investigated and perpetrators brough to justice, he added. The representative of Mozambique emphasized that all parties involved, especially Israel, must strictly adhere to international legal norms and agreements. A Upholding these fundamental principles is essential to prevent further military confrontation and maintain stability. A The Council must closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further escalation of hostilities resulting from this attack. A He reiterated his country's consistent appeal to Council members to redouble efforts towards a sustainable solution to the Middle East conflict, in line with relevant Council and General Assembly resolutions. The representative of Malta observed that the Middle East continues to be in a state of turmoil, calling the situation "completely untenable". A The airstrikes carried out against the Iranian consulate in Damascus yesterday are just the latest episode of a long string of deeply troubling events.A Such strikes only exacerbate tensions and increase the risk of regional conflict, she stressed, noting that they risk worsening the already dire humanitarian plight of the Syrian population. A Accordingly, she said, maximum restraint must be exercised by all actors in the region at this extremely delicate moment: A "This starts with the implementation of resolution 2728 (2024)".A "From Damascus, to Gaza, the Red Sea to the Blue Line, all our diplomatic expertise and collective leverage must be brought to bear to quell the flames of war before they are fanned out of control," she underlined, adding: A "Cool heads must prevail, or the consequences will be catastrophic." Taking the floor a second time, the representative of the Russian Federation criticized the Western troika in the Council for its cynicism and double standards. A The representative of France said everything except for a single word of condemnation for yet another violation of international law by Israel. A The United States always possesses information on any topic firsthand thanks to its intelligence capabilities.A But surprisingly, Washington, D.C., has no confirmation regarding the attack against the consulate of Iran, he said. A The United Kingdom and the United States almost directly accused Iran and Syria for the Israeli strikes on the consulate.A The representative of Iran reported that seven missile airstrikes from the occupied Golan Heights intentionally targeted the diplomatic premises of Iran, including the consular section building and the Ambassador's residence. A Tragically, these heinous attacks resulted in the martyrdom of seven Iranian personnel, including senior military advisers, and some others were injured. A Alongside the complete destruction of the consular building, the Embassy's administrative parts also suffered significant damage due to the explosions. A The final and accurate death toll remains uncertain.A He went on to say that the representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom once again tried to deny their responsibility for the current situation in Syria and the broader region by falsely blaming Iran.A Tehran has never sought to contribute to the spillover of the conflict in the region nor does it seek to escalate or spread the tension to the entire region.A The United States is responsible for all crimes committed by the Israeli regime, he stressed.A The savage and genocidal acts in Gaza could not have happened without explicit consent, and comprehensive political, financial, and military support from the United States. A The United Kingdom should face up to its mistakes and rectify its detrimental policies that have adversely affected the region's people, he said, adding that the longstanding suffering of the Palestinian people, persisting for over seven decades, can be traced back directly to that country's colonial policies. The representative of Syria said that, in a string of Israeli attacks against his country, yesterday, in broad daylight, the Israeli occupation forces launched a barbaric rocket aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan.A This led to the destruction of the entire premises and injury of all those inside, including Syrians and Iranians.A The targeted Iranian consulate building a located in a densely populated area, full of civilians a is just a few meters away from the headquarters of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP).A "This vital area is crossed by thousands of civilians daily," he said, noting that some suffered injuries. A Such grave violations of international conventions and norms that guarantee the protection of diplomatic premises and personnel and the prohibition of any attacks against them constitutes "a dangerous precedent". Over the past few days, Israel's "hysterical" attacks have also affected civilian buildings and installations in rural Damascus, resulting in injuries of civilians and military personnel, he continued. A The Israeli attacks coincided with attacks carried out by Da'esh in the eastern part of the country.A This reaffirms "the ongoing coordination between Israel and its terrorist proxies", he asserted.A He further pointed out that the Israeli occupation authorities would not have carried out this aggression against protected diplomatic headquarters had it not been for Washington, D.C.,'s blind support. A Against this backdrop, he called on the UN to shoulder its primary responsibility to condemn repeated Israeli attacks, prevent their recurrence, and hold their perpetrators accountable.A NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Kurds say US presence important to regional stability By Sirwan Kajjo April 02, 2024 Thirteen years after the start of Syria's conflict, countless woes remain for millions of Syrians. For people in the Kurdish-majority northeast, one concern tops all else: whether neighboring Turkey will carry out another ground invasion that could put an end to their semiautonomous region, carved out in the wake of the civil war. "People here have been accustomed to shortages of electricity and water, lack of basic services and bad infrastructure, but one thing that they will never like is a Turkish military operation in their region," said Mahir Qerno, a senior editor at Arta FM, a local radio station that broadcasts in Kurdish, Arabic and Syrian. Arta FM's headquarters is in the town of Amuda, about 2 kilometers (just over 1 mile) from the Turkish border. Amuda is one of many Syrian border towns that have been under the control of U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The SDF has been a major U.S. partner in the fight against the Islamic State terror group, also known by its Arabic acronym, Daesh. The Kurdish-led military alliance is viewed by Turkey as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, an insurgent group that has been fighting for greater Kurdish rights in Turkey. Ankara and Washington regard the PKK as a terrorist organization, but the U.S. makes a clear distinction between the SDF and PKK. In recent years, the Turkish military has carried out several campaigns in northern Syria, dislodging Kurdish forces from areas such as Afrin, Ras al-Ayn and Tel Abyad. Turkish leaders have threatened to wage another ground invasion in northeast Syria. "After those invasions in Afrin and Ras al-Ayn, people certainly don't want to see Turkish tanks rolling from over there," said Qerno, pointing toward the Turkish border as he stood in his office. One glimmer of hope for Kurdish residents in northeast Syria is the presence of several hundred U.S. soldiers stationed at seven facilities across the region. The U.S. says it has about 900 troops in the area as part of a global coalition to defeat Islamic State terrorists. The U.S.-Kurdish partnership in Syria has led to the physical defeat of IS's so-called caliphate. Kurdish officials say nearly a decade of close partnership has created trust between the Americans and Kurdish forces. "This trust should not be squandered," said Salih Muslim, co-chair of the Democratic Union Party, the de facto ruling party in northeast Syria. "Unlike other U.S. deployments elsewhere, the U.S. military engagement in Syria has been cost-effective," he told VOA. "With a minimal military presence, the U.S. has been able to achieve major successes here. That's because our partnership is so unique in that our forces do the actual fight, while the Americans provide advice and assistance." Muslim said Americans have assured them that they will keep troops in Syria until a political settlement for the war-torn country has been reached. The Kurdish leader also said that he recognizes the U.S. relationship with Turkey, a NATO ally. But he still believes that any Turkish invasion into northeast Syria could disrupt U.S. anti-terror efforts in the region, especially as IS militants in recent months have stepped up attacks against SDF forces. "The Americans are concerned that if a ground Turkish operation against us starts, it will force us to withdraw our forces from elsewhere to fight the Turks," Muslim said. "This means our southern flank will be exposed to Daesh attacks. And Americans don't want to see that." U.S. officials have in the past expressed concerns about military escalations in northern Syria, particularly about the impact on civilian populations and the effect it could have on anti-IS efforts. Turkey has periodically carried out drone and air strikes against Kurdish forces in Syria. Turkish officials say such attacks aim to destroy the organizational infrastructure and sources of income for "terrorist organizations," referring to Kurdish forces. Nicholas Heras, senior director of strategy and innovation at the New Lines Institute, said the U.S. military presence in northeast Syria is sufficient to maintain often-threatened stability for the local population. "But [it is] insufficient to provide the security conditions for sustainable rehabilitation and reconstruction of that U.S.-backed region," he told VOA. Heras, who has extensively researched Syria, said the U.S. strategy in the country emphasizes keeping a low profile on the ground while having a high impact on the calculations of adversaries such as Russia and Iran, two staunch allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "This approach is useful for Washington because it keeps northeast Syria out of sight, and out of mind ... to the average American voter," he said. "But it is a tenuous policy that creates enough ambiguity regarding American intentions that multiple actors such as Turkey, Russia and Iran are constantly testing U.S. resolve in northeast Syria, often to the detriment of local Syrian partners." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 1, 2024 ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/04/01 1. Dateis 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Sunday to Monday, Mar. 31-Apr. 1 2. PLA activitiesis 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed Navy vessels and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. 3. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entering Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ during this timeframe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Council of Europe Congress: Local elections in TArkiye overall well organised and respecting the will of the voters Council of Europe congress of local and regional authorities strasbourg 1 april 2024 Despite certain deficiencies observed in the electoral campaign, local elections in TArkiye were overall well organised and respected the will of the people - these were the preliminary findings of the election observation mission of the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. At the invitation of the authorities of TArkiye, the Congress deployed a mission to observe the local elections held on 31 March 2024 throughout the country. The Congress mission was led by Mr David ERAY (Switzerland, EPP/CCE) and involved 26 Congress observers including 19 Congress members, one expert and five members of the Secretariat, from overall 16 countries. The deployment on the ground on election day was preceded by preparatory meetings online on 7-8 March and in Ankara on 29-30 March, with the Supreme Electoral Council and representatives of the ministries of interior and of the Environment, urbanisation and climate change. The Congress delegation further met media and NGO representatives, as well as candidates and representatives of various political parties. On Election Day, 11 Congress teams were deployed to different districts across the country. "Election Day was overall calm and organised in a professional manner, with a high turnout showing a strong commitment of citizens to democratic processes. We acknowledge the logistical organisation that made it possible to handle the large number of voters in a smooth process," stated David ERAY, at the press conference in Ankara on 1 April. "The election results showed that the alternation in power between political parties is possible through the expression of the will of the people and their commitment to local representative democracy," stated Vladimir PREBILIC (Slovenia, SOC/G/PD), Deputy Head of the delegation. The Congress draft report and recommendation will be submitted for adoption at the 47th Congress session in October 2024. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TOKYO, Apr 04 (News On Japan) - The Imperial Household Agency has announced that Princess Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family, is scheduled to visit Greece in late May to promote international goodwill. This year marks the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Greece, and Greece has officially invited Princess Kako to visit. During her visit, expected to last about a week, Princess Kako will attend commemorative ceremonies in Athens and is also arranging a courtesy visit to Greek President Sakellaropoulou. Plans for visits to cities beyond Athens are currently being considered. This will be Princess Kako's first visit to Greece and her third solo overseas trip for international goodwill purposes. Princess Kako previously made her first official visits to Austria and Hungary in September 2019, commemorating the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and visited Peru in November 2023, also marking the 150th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Source: TBS Ukraine Claims Russia Targeted Kyiv With 5 Hypersonic Missiles This Year By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 01, 2024 Russia has used five hypersonic Zircon missiles to attack Kyiv since the start of the year, the city's military administration said on April 1. It added that Moscow had in total launched 180 weapons of various types, including missiles and drones, at the Ukrainian capital in the first three months of the year. The news comes as Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent days, causing significant damage in several regions. On March 22, Moscow's troops carried out what was described as the largest strike on grid infrastructure in the two-year-old full-scale invasion, causing major damage and resulting in massive power outages. It continued targeting Ukraine's thermal and hydropower plants last week. In the latest attacks, the Ukrainian Air Force shot down two out of three Russia-launched Shahed drones overnight, the Ukrainian military said on April 1. The General Staff did not provide additional details on the attack in its report. It was unclear whether the drone that was not intercepted reached its target. Elsewhere, Ukrainian border guards repelled an attack by what were described as Russian saboteurs in the Sumy region, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on April 1. On the diplomatic front, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on April 1 that Paris expects China to send "clear messages" to its close partner Russia over its war in Ukraine, after meetings with his counterpart in Beijing. Sejourne said France is determined to maintain a close dialogue with China to contribute toward finding a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine. 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 close ties with Moscow, which have only grown closer since the invasion of Ukraine. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russian-zircon- hypersonic-missiles-kyiv-targeted/32886367.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address This year raises a number of fundamental questions about NATO-Ukraine relations - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 1 April 2024 - 19:29 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! A brief report for today. I had a rather long and thorough discussion with the military and government officials about drones, all their necessary types - from FPV to our attack drones, which are showing remarkable results in destroying Russia's military potential in the rear. Today we talked about the nuances of production, support and financing, contracts, and the necessary flexibility in setting priorities. Our defense industry must produce precisely what the war requires in the amount that is necessary and as timely as needed. Obviously, drones will be one of the decisive factors for victory in this war, and it should be a Ukrainian factor, Ukrainian drones, Ukrainian victory, which means we need more and more efficient Ukrainian drones. We can ensure this. Today's meeting also focused on electronic warfare systems. We now have a significant number of Ukrainian products, and we have a great determination of our manufacturers to strengthen our defense with electronic warfare. We are providing the state resources to the maximum extent necessary and are working on comprehensive solutions. Solutions that will provide the necessary cover for the entire front. Everyone in the government of Ukraine, everyone in the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine who is responsible for the drone program, knows their tasks clearly. Time and efficiency in fulfilling the tasks will be crucial. And I commend everyone who works one hundred percent efficiently in this area. Second. NATO. Today I held a special meeting on our work with the Alliance on interoperability and prospects for this year. It was attended by all our international relations officials, the Minister of Defense, and the international cooperation team of the ministry. This year raises several fundamental questions about Ukraine-NATO relations. In particular, this concerns the summit in Washington and many other aspects of cooperation. Only with Ukraine in the Alliance can we count on real security in Europe. Third. Today, in the White Hall of Heroes of Ukraine in the Mariyinsky Palace, I presented the Golden Star Orders to our warriors and the families of the fallen Heroes. The best of our warriors who have distinguished themselves in battles in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv regions and the south of our country - wherever Ukraine is fighting for its life and independence. Wherever our people show the best qualities of Ukrainians. I am proud of each and every one of our warriors! I am proud of all our people who are defending Ukraine and doing everything to make normal life possible despite the Russian terror. From Kharkiv to Chernihiv region, from positions in Donetsk region to Odesa. I thank everyone who has dedicated their life to serving Ukraine. We must definitely win. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Every story of our warriors who were conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine is the pride of our state - President at the presentation of the Golden Star Orders to the warriors President of Ukraine 1 April 2024 - 17:40 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Orders of the Golden Star to the defenders who were conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine and to the families of the fallen warriors who were posthumously conferred this title. The ceremony took place in the White Hall of Heroes of Ukraine at the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv. The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine continues the tradition of gratitude to its best warriors, those who distinguished themselves with the greatest courage and heroism in the battles for the sake of Ukraine. "Every story of our warriors who were conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine is the pride of our state. And it will always be so. These are people who have shown the power of their own will to preserve Ukraine's freedom," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The President emphasized that such brave warriors are an honor for the state. He thanked the parents of Ukrainian Heroes for raising such children. "I thank you all for Ukraine's independence. We must always honor the courage of our people who gave their lives for the sake of our country and people. May their memory always be blessed," the Head of State emphasized. The attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of all those who died for the freedom and independence of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine to Captain Oleksandr Nastenko, whose unit carried out offensive operations in Donetsk region. During the battles in November 2023, the captain was the first to reach the enemy's positions and destroyed the enemy. Thanks to the skillful actions of Oleksandr Nastenko, his unit took over enemy positions. Captain Eduard Sabanin was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and the Golden Star Order. Between March and October 2023, the unit under his command destroyed and neutralized 52 tanks and other armored vehicles of the occupiers. During the battles in Luhansk region, the captain was seriously wounded, but despite this, he evacuated his brothers-in-arms from under fire and provided first aid to a wounded warrior. The President awarded the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine to Sergeant Oleh Fedorov, who took part in the battles in Kherson region as part of an armored group. As a result of coordinated actions, the Russian occupiers were driven out of the village of Sadky. In November 2022, a combat vehicle under the command of Oleh Fedorov captured a position on the bank of the Dnipro River near the village of Kozatske, cutting off the occupiers' safe escape routes. The President also handed over the Order of the Golden Star to the father of the fallen Hero of Ukraine, Lieutenant Oleh Buyalo, who defended Ukraine in Donetsk region. Thanks to the competent and decisive actions of Oleh Buyalo, the village of Novodonetske was liberated from the occupiers. On June 13, 2023, the enemy launched a massive artillery attack on the positions of his unit, as a result of which Oleh Buyalo was killed. The Golden Star was awarded to the family of Junior Sergeant Vitalii Derekh, who was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. In May 2022, the crew of the Skif (Stugna-P) ATGM under the command of the Junior Sergeant destroyed 15 units of Russian invaders' vehicles. As a result of an enemy attack on May 28, 2022, Vitalii Derekh was killed in a combat position. The Head of State handed over the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine to the family of Captain Bohdan Dobrobabenko. In 2022, the unit under his command took over the enemy's advanced positions in Kherson region and ensured the advance of other units. Thanks to his skillful actions, the settlements of Ivanivka and Tryfonivka were de-occupied. In October 2022, during the liberation of Pyatykhatky in Kherson region, the Captain destroyed an enemy armored vehicle and a group of Russian infantry, but in the battle the Captain came under massive artillery fire and died heroically. The Order was presented by the President to the family of the Hero of Ukraine Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Kavun, who participated in the liberation of Kupyansk in Kharkiv region, as well as Stelmakhivka and Novoselivske in Luhansk region. On May 13, 2023, during a massive enemy assault, the Junior Sergeant came to the aid of the units that were fighting, and despite heavy shelling, helped clear the rubble and provide first aid to the wounded. Oleksandr Kavun sustained a concussion and shrapnel wound, but refused to be evacuated and continued to perform his combat mission. As a result of an artillery mine explosion, the Junior Sergeant sustained a fatal injury. The President handed over the Golden Star to the family of the fallen Hero of Ukraine, Captain Bohdan Kalahurskyi, who fought for Ukraine from the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. In August 2022, the commander of a mechanized company held back an enemy assault on Ukrainian positions in Mykolaiv region, where he was fatally wounded. The family of Captain Serhiy Korol, who was awarded the highest title posthumously, also received the Golden Star. In 2023, the rifle company commander participated in repelling an assault in Kharkiv region. In a battle that lasted almost six hours, the captain was wounded and died heroically. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Order to the family of the fallen Hero of Ukraine, Captain Ivan Krymskyi, who had been defending the country since 2020. In May 2022, in Donetsk region, the Captain and his unit engaged in a battle with an enemy subversive reconnaissance group that surrounded a Ukrainian position, pushed the enemy back and managed to evacuate the wounded. Unfortunately, on the same day, the assault group came under enemy mortar fire, as a result of which Ivan Krymskyi was mortally wounded. The President also presented the Order to the family of the fallen Hero of Ukraine, Staff Petty Officer Mykhailo Maksiyan, who repeatedly participated in repelling enemy attacks, as well as in delivering aid to the defenders of Mariupol and liberating the occupied Ukrainian territories. The Staff Petty Officer was killed in January 2023 while performing a combat mission in Zaporizhzhia region. The Order of the Golden Star was awarded to the family of the Hero of Ukraine, Junior Sergeant Oleksii Myrshavyi, who was conferred this title posthumously. In November 2022, during an offensive in Luhansk region, he was wounded, but continued to fight and ensured the withdrawal of the Ukrainian group. The Junior Sergeant kept firing at the Russian invaders until he ran out of ammunition, and at the cost of his own life he prevented the enemy from breaking through. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the highest state award to the family of the fallen Hero of Ukraine, Captain Vitalii Nevinskyi, who had been defending Ukraine since 2017. The Captain repeatedly destroyed the manpower and equipment of the Russian occupiers, but in December 2022, during hostilities, he was mortally wounded. The President also handed over the Order of the Golden Star to the family of tactical aviation pilot Colonel Vladyslav Rykov, who was posthumously conferred the highest title. Since the beginning of Russia's armed aggression, he has flown 385 combat missions, destroyed more than 80 Russian tanks and 65 armored vehicles, 18 command posts and more than 1,300 Russian military. The colonel was killed in February 2024 in Donetsk region as a result of an enemy missile striking his aircraft. The family of Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Romanov received the Golden Star from the President. In 2022, in Kharkiv region, a group under his command unblocked one of the units of the National Guard of Ukraine, but was unable to withdraw in time due to the enemy's superior forces. The Junior Sergeant was wounded, but stayed to cover the group's retreat until his last bullet and breath. The family of the fallen Hero of Ukraine, Lieutenant Denys Samofal, who since mid-March 2022 took part in hostilities in Donbas and Kherson region, successfully destroyed the occupiers' manpower and equipment, also received the Order from the President. In April, during the defense of Kreminna, he was wounded in the leg, but already in October he was involved in a successful offensive in Kherson region, leading a unit during the assault on enemy positions. He was killed on October 15, 2022, near Nova Kamyanka during a Russian tank attack. The Head of State presented the Golden Star to the family members of Senior Soldier Dmytro Shpak, who fell in battle for Ukraine in June 2022 and took an active part in the defense of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, Luhansk region. Later, he bravely performed special combat missions in Zaporizhzhia region. He repeatedly participated in fire raids on boats in the waters of the Kakhovka Reservoir on the enemy's coastal positions risking his life. In November 2022, during one of these operations, the group engaged in combat with superior enemy forces. While providing fire cover for the group's retreat, Dmytro Shpak sustained a fatal gunshot wound. The Golden Star was also awarded to the parents of Junior Sergeant Artem Saukh, who in the fall of 2022, as part of an assault unit, successfully performed combat missions in Mayorske, Donetsk region, and since December has courageously participated in the defense of Bakhmut. In March 2023, while rescuing a seriously wounded brother-in-arms under heavy enemy mortar fire, he sustained a fatal shrapnel wound. National Guard Colonel Andriy Pryimachenko, who in April 2022 distinguished himself with courageous and heroic actions in fierce battles in Izyum sector, has been posthumously conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine. Last year, he fought in Avdiivka, near the village of Vesele in Donetsk region and near Vuhledar. In October, a group led by Andriy Pryimachenko destroyed two Russian armored vehicles with their crews, but the Colonel was killed during an enemy artillery attack. The family of National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Ihor Demchuk, who was posthumously conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine, also received the Golden Star. At the end of March 2022, he participated in the liberation of the village of Yahidne in Chernihiv region. The group under his leadership captured two enemy T-72 tanks, which were later handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Lieutenant Colonel also fought in the area of Severodonetsk, Vuhledar, and Urozhayne, destroying many enemy vehicles and soldiers. In August 2023, during a battle, the Russian invaders opened artillery fire on the positions of the National Guard, combined with an aerial strike. Ihor Demchuk was killed by an enemy aerial bomb. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary General delivers keynote speech at the Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage for Ukraine in The Hague Council of Europe Secretary General The Hague 2 april 2024 "The world has just marked two years since the liberation of Irpin and Bucha, where terrible crimes were committed against civilians. This tragic milestone is a further reminder of what is at stake and how important it is that we do everything we can to support Ukraine and its people as the Russian Federation's appalling war of aggression continues. I have witnessed first-hand in Kyiv (at the opening of the Register's office in Ukraine) last month where we sheltered from a heavy missile attack that hit Ukraine's critical infrastructure. These attacks - all attacks - must end. There must instead be peace, a sustainable peace, which requires justice, and our collective commitment to help deliver it. The Register of Damage for Ukraine is vital to achieving that", emphasised Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric in her keynote speech at the 4th meeting of the Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage for Ukraine in The Hague, held as part of the Ministerial Conference "Restoring Justice for Ukraine", co-hosted by the Netherlands, Ukraine and the European Commission. The Council of Europe Register of Damage for Ukraine opens today the claims submission process for compensation of damage, loss or injury caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The initial launch focuses on one critical category, namely damage or destruction of residential property. The destruction of homes in war has an immense impact on people's lives. Between 300,000 and 600,000 claims are expected in this category. "Today the Register will receive its first claims. This amounts to the first, substantial and necessary step towards a future international compensation mechanism in which the Council of Europe also stands ready to play a role, as we seek, ultimately, to ensure accountability for the crimes that Russia is committing", underlined Marija Pejcinovic Buric. Meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Hanke Bruins Slot and with Attorney General of the United Kingdom, Victoria Prentis were also part of Secretary General's agenda. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Cabinet decides on Latvia's involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine, Chernihiv region in particular Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02.04.2024 On 2 April 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved an informative report and a draft order on Latvia's involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine in 2024. This year, Latvia will participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine for a total amount of EUR 5,337,753 (EUR 3 337 753 goes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EUR 2,000,000 - to the Ministry of Economics). The approved documents also provide for EUR 4,300,000 to be paid as a contribution to the European Peace Facility in support of the Ukrainian armed forces. In 2024, Latvia will retain its focus on the Chernihiv region in the following areas: reconstruction of social infrastructure facilities; providing psychological support to women; the digitalisation sectors and the transfer of expertise to Ukrainian specialists on EU matters, spatial planning, and others. From 2024 onwards, the implementation of reconstruction projects will be co-ordinated by the Central Finance and Contracts Agency in its capacity of the Latvian Development Cooperation Agency. Latvia has been involved in the reconstruction of the Chernihiv region since mid-2022, by restoring social infrastructure facilities and housing, rendering psychological support to women, as well as providing expert opinions in the field of spatial planning. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Missiles Hit Ukraine's Dnipro After Drone Attack On Industrial Targets Deep Inside Russia By RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service April 02, 2024 Russian forces launched a missile attack on the city of Dnipro that injured at least 18 people on April 2, hours after drones reportedly targeted industrial sites, including drone-production facilities, in Russia's Tatarstan region. Serhiy Lysak, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration, said 12 people were hospitalized, including five children. He said he visited the children in the hospital, and they are expected to fully recover. The attack damaged a school in Dnipro, which is about 500 kilometers southeast of Kyiv. The State Emergency Service said the attack destroyed a kindergarten, a college, and a business. A fire at the business was extinguished by rescuers. The earlier drone attack against the Tatarstan region injured seven people, local officials said, in what appears to be the deepest such strike inside Russia. "This morning, the republic's industrial enterprises in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk were attacked by drones. There is no serious damage, the technological process of the enterprises was not disrupted," Rustam Minnikhanov, the leader of Russia's autonomous republic of Tatarstan, said in a post on his Telegram channel. The Yelabuga district is designated as a special economic zone -- called Alabuga -- hosting more than 20 industrial enterprises, including chemical, mechanical engineering, and metal treatment factories. It is also reported to be producing drones. Nizhnekamsk is home to a large oil refinery. According to an analysis by Reuters of images showing the impact of the attack in Nizhnekamsk, a drone struck the primary oil refining unit (CDU-7) at Russia's Taneco oil refinery, one of the country's biggest. The press service of Alabuga said that one of its dormitories was damaged in the attack and two people were wounded, Russian state-controlled media outlet RIA Novosti reported. There has been no official claim of responsibility. The sites are more than 1,200 kilometers from the Ukraine-Russia border. Ukrainian military expert Oleh Zhdanov said Ukraine was likely targeting a new drone production facility at the Alabuga site, predicting such deep strikes inside Russia could become more common given the capabilities of the drones now being produced by Kyiv. "And now there is talk in open sources that it is quite possible that there will be drones [with a range] of up to 3,000 kilometers. Technology doesn't stand still," Zhdanov told RFE/RL's Idel.Realities. Sources inside the Ukrainian government told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that the attack on the Taneco oil refinery was a joint operation between the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) and Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). RBK media group had earlier cited sources as saying that the attack on the drone factory in Alabuga was organized by the HUR. The Washington Post reported in August 2023, citing leaked documents, that Russia was establishing a production line in Tatarstan to build 6,000 attack drones by the summer of 2025. The manufacturing plans entailed an expansion in the scale of production of a Russian version of Iranian Shahed drones, which would improve on "Iran's dated manufacturing techniques." The documents revealed that the production facilities were at the Alabuga special economic zone, the same location as the suspected drone strike on April 2. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and The Kyiv Independent Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukrainian- drone-attack-tartarstan-alabuga-economic-zone/32887624.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kyiv Tells War Crimes Conference That Ukrainians 'Want To See Justice Delivered' By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 02, 2024 Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has announced that Ukrainians can now file claims for damages suffered in Russia's invasion at a newly established register based in The Hague. Kuleba made the comment on April 2 in the Dutch city as Western officials gathered there to discuss efforts to prosecute alleged war crimes committed by Russia during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The international conference, Restoring Justice For Ukraine, is being organized by the Netherlands, Ukraine, and the European Commission, the top executive body of the EU. Speaking at the start of the conference, Kuleba said the register will initially focus on damage to real estate. He added, however, that it should be expanded to also include other kinds of damage, including material damages. "The people of Ukraine, they want to see justice delivered," Kuleba said. As she opened the conference, Kuleba's Dutch counterpart, Hanke Bruins Slot, agreed, saying that the war has left tens of thousands dead while also injuring and displacing displaced millions. "And it's resulted in a long and well-documented list of international crimes. Over 100,000 and counting," she said. "That number not only underscores the gravity of this aggression, but also the need to support Ukraine. Because if we don't, the country's justice system will eventually collapse under the weight of these atrocities." Foreign and justice ministers, along with officials from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the EU judicial authority Eurojust are expected to discuss the fight against impunity as well as compensation for victims. Ukrainian authorities say they are investigating more than 120,000 alleged war crimes tied to the full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. The United Nations estimates that more than 30,000 civilians have been killed or wounded The Russian military has been accused of war crimes in previous conflicts, including wars in its breakaway republic of Chechnya and in supporting the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The Kremlin denies any role or responsibility for all the alleged crimes. UN-backed human rights experts said on March 15 that they have gathered new evidence of the "horrific" torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war by their Russian jailers, saying such practices could amount to war crimes. The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said human rights violations have been widespread since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade the country more than two years ago, and that civilian suffering from the war continues to mount. "New evidence strengthens the commission's previous findings that torture used by Russian authorities in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation has been widespread and systematic," the commission said in its latest report, citing "horrific treatment" of POWs at several sites in Russia. In July 2023, the Associated Press reported that thousands of Ukrainian civilians were being held in Russian prisons and subjected to systematic torture and slave labor. The AP report also cited a Russian government document from January 2023 outlining Moscow's plans to create dozens of new prison colonies and detention centers in occupied Ukraine through 2026. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing the Russian leader of being responsible for the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine, which constitutes a war crime. Another Russian official, Maria Lvova-Belova, was also included in that warrant in March 2023. With reporting by AP and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russian-war-crimes- conference-hague/32887438.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Genocide Scholar: 'I Do Think That Russia's Violence In Ukraine Is Genocidal' By Dragan Stavljanin April 02, 2024 Western officials gathered in The Hague on April 2 to discuss efforts to prosecute Russia for alleged atrocities committed by its forces in Ukraine. According to UN estimates, over 30,000 civilians have been killed or injured since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. And the Ukrainian authorities have said they are investigating 120,000 alleged war crimes. RFE/RL's Balkan Service spoke to Ernesto Verdeja, a New York professor and the executive director of the Institute for the Study of Genocide, about mass killings, the destruction of identity, and whether what Russia is doing in Ukraine is genocide. RFE/RL: The Russian authorities have declared that the aim of their "special operation" in Ukraine, as they call it, is the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, which dehumanizes the Ukrainian people and essentially justifies the destruction of Ukraine as an internationally recognized state within its current borders, as well as the Ukrainian nation. Does that also constitute the incitement to genocide or genocidal intent? Because some international lawyers object [to that description], saying that there is not yet enough evidence of genocide. Ernesto Verdeja: I think it's a very difficult question to untangle or to disentangle. But it's also important to start off with a clear understanding of what exactly is meant by genocide. And one of the biggest challenges is the fact that the term genocide is used by many people in different contexts, and it has different meanings depending on the way in which it's used. So, there's a legal definition according to international law that has very specific criteria. There is a way of understanding it or a kind of definition that's used broadly by policymakers, policy analysts, people involved in human rights practice, etc. It's more capacious, a little bit wider. There's the way that most scholars use it, which is a little bit different from the way it's used in international law because the international legal definition is very narrow, and it has an odd set of thresholds that have to be met. And then there's this popular way in which it's used to denote something that is truly evil and horrific and something that is of an enormous scale. So, I mentioned all of this as a beginning point because often what we see is that the argument over whether, for instance, what Russia is doing in Ukraine is genocide or not revolves or pivots around these different interpretations or understanding of what is meant by genocide. But the point is that the definition itself has very specific parameters to it, very specific contours. And the key thing is that genocide in international law refers to the intentional destruction of groups, in whole or in part. So, it's not about the amount of violence that's carried out, it's not a proportion of civilians killed, it's not a number of civilians killed, there's not a threshold. It's about violence that is intended to destroy the group in whole or in part, the civilian group. Having said all of that, one of the things that we often find is that states that carry out genocide, they rarely say they're carrying it out because they seek to destroy the group as such. They say that they are doing it for a variety of different reasons. One of the most common reasons is the claim to security. That is the argument that some other civilian population represents an existential threat or some kind of fundamental threat to the perpetrator state's aims and goals. The idea of a "special operation," to use the Russian Federation's language, is premised on the idea that Ukraine represents a particular kind of far right, fascistic threat to the integrity and survival of the Russian state. That's one argument. And therefore, any kind of threat has to be completely eliminated. So, what I'm getting at here, is there's a difference between whether the violence is being carried out with the intention to destroy the group versus the reason or justification. There can be many different justifications or motives that are given by perpetrators. The real key point is whether it's intentional violence, the intention to destroy the group as such. This argument that Russia [makes] that it's carrying out a "special operation" and that that's the only thing it's doing is incredibly misleading, one. And two, it actually doesn't say anything about whether the violence is intended to bring about the destruction of the Ukrainian population in whole or in part. The two things are compatible because there are two different kinds of arguments. One is about the intention of what you're doing. Are you doing it on purpose, [and it's] intended to bring about the destruction of the group? The second is the motivation or the reason why you're doing it. So, you can do something intentionally. There can be a number of different reasons why you may be attempting to do it. And they give a bunch of different justifications or reasons. One of them is this idea of "denazification." The other one is [the] threat of NATO. The other one, as we saw with [former Russian President and Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry] Medvedev, the argument that Ukraine is really part of Russia, it should come home. That's a different kind of argument, all compatible with genocidal violence -- if the violence is intended to bring about the destruction of the civilian population. RFE/RL: Statements by the Russian authorities denying the existence of Ukraine have been accompanied by the murder, torture, ill-treatment, and persecution of Ukrainians, the Russification of Ukrainian children, and the large-scale destruction of Ukraine's vital infrastructure. There's also a lot of evidence about the destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage and the Russification carried out through bans on Ukrainian books and language in the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. Could this be interpreted as a kind of genocidal intent? Verdeja: I think that's absolutely right. So, there are the actions that Russia is carrying out: the targeting of civilian infrastructure, the targeting of civilians. Just completely wholesale attacks on civilian areas, regardless of military, so-called military necessitya. There's the violence that's carried out and there's also all of the policies that have been put into place to undermine any sense of cohesive Ukrainian identity. And that's precisely because Russia -- the Russian government, I should say -- denies any sense that there are Ukrainians as such. That's really key for the genocidal point, right? Because what it shows is that Russia is trying to destroy any kind of collective identity of Ukrainian-ness. They're effectively trying to force Ukrainians to be Russians. So again, it's not just about the targeting and the actual violence that's carried out. That's extremely important. But there's also all the language that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, Medvedev, and others have used that points to the idea that there's no such thing in their minds as Ukrainians as such, that these are Russians who need to be brought back into the fold. The other point I would make, tooa[to emphasize that] it's not just killings but also identity destruction, is the massive deportation of Ukrainian civilians, especially children, to Russiaain order to be raised as Russians. That again points to this idea of the destruction of any kind of collective Ukrainian identity. So, to me, I think we can make a pretty plausible argument that we can infer intention to destroy the group from not only the actions of the Russian leaders but also what they say. They themselves have talked about how there's no such thing as Ukrainians. RFE/RL: How to translate it in legal terms as a possible indictment and then possible verdict: first, denying the existence of Ukraine as a state and Ukrainian nation and then using it as the justification for the invasion and destruction. Verdeja: I think there's a couple of different ways to think of this, and there are different types of legal venues. One is the International Court of Justice and the other is the International Criminal Court. These are just two examples. The International Criminal Court, the ICC, is established in order to hold individuals accountable for crimes that they have committed. It's about focusing on particular people. The International Court of Justice deals with states, disputes between states, so it doesn't deal with individuals. In addition to that, when it comes to proving intentionality, especially if you're looking at individuals in the International Criminal Court, for the purposes of law one has to prove that the alleged perpetrator not only did bad things, they not only did things that may look genocidal -- they carry out mass killing, massacres, they attack civilians, they destroy infrastructure, they do all those things -- but that they did it with the specific intention to bring about the destruction of the civilian group. That's one of the reasons why so many scholars are skeptical of the convention -- the legal [definition of genocide] -- because the convention has a very narrow understanding of intentionality. So this is a challenge. This is also why in many international courts, including the ICC, it is much easier to try to convince someone of war crimes and crimes against humanity where you don't have to have that proof of intentionality in the narrow sense. Having said all that, we have the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which deals with disputes between states. We saw some decisions that the ICJ put out recently in January of this year on Ukraine-Russia and that's basically the ICJ has said that it can look at the allegation [made by Russia]athat Ukraine has carried out genocide in occupied territories in earlier years and the court has said, we have jurisdiction to investigate that. I personally think that's a good thing, because it'll once and for all show that Ukraine has not carried out genocidal violence, but it'll go through the court process, and I suspect that'll be the decision. I think that's important because Russia has argued for a long time that Ukraine is doing exactly what Russia is actually doing. It's accused Ukraine of carrying out genocidal violence. The International Criminal Court -- which has brought a series of charges against Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, who's the Russian commissioner for children's rights, as well as two military commanders in Russia, Sergei Kobylash and Viktor Sokolov -- the International Criminal Court is investigating them for specific crimes. The chances of getting real decisions on any of these in the near term is very, very low. This stuff is going to take years. This is one of the frustrations with international courts in international law. They work extremely slowly. In addition to that, both the ICC and the International Court of Justice don't have an enforcement mechanism. Others are skeptical about the utility of something like this because Putin is probably never going to go to the International Criminal Court. So, I don't envision seeing -- at least right now -- anything like a Nuremberg [trials against defeated Nazi Germany] or an ICTY, which is the former Yugoslavia UN court. I don't see those types of tribunals necessarily being set up in the short term. RFE/RL: It means that the chance of seeing justice is pretty unlikely, and that all people who are responsible for crimes in Ukraine will get away with impunity. Verdeja: I think if one looks historically at cases and one looks at this particular case, it's impossible to know what Russia will look like five years from now or four years from now. We don't know. There's a good guess that Putin will still be in power. Looking at the way Russia looks right now, my sense is, first of all, Putin is not going to end up before the International Criminal Court. That doesn't mean that those cases are unimportant. I think they should be pursued because the courts at least can gather an enormous amount of evidence and collect all this evidence for the purposes of understanding what happened. But I think the very high-level leaders, especially someone like Vladimir Putin, are unlikely to end up before one of these courts unless there's some radical transformation inside Russia where effectively he's handed over -- again, like [late Serbian President Slobodan] Milosevic. RFE/RL: When you mentioned genocide, we have in mind first and foremost the Holocaust. But as the British chief prosecutor at Nuremberg, Sir Hartley Shawcross, said, genocide could take many forms. The method the Nazis applied to the Polish intelligentsia, he noted, was "outright annihilation." In the German-occupied Soviet Union, the technique was death by starvation. In Bohemia and Moravia, the Nazis embarked on a policy of forced Germanization. We know what happened later in Srebrenica or in Rwanda. So, it is actually difficult to distinguish, to track down genocidal intent from the very beginning. Because only at the end, when the [magnitude of the crime is known], are we aware of it. But we are not seeing from the very beginning that it's coming. Verdeja: You're absolutely right. Genocide can look very different across many cases. You gave some examples just now. We could talk about the American treatment of indigenous peoples for a long period of time. All of these cases look very different from one another. What they have in common is that there's violence with the focus or the intention of bringing about the destruction of the group. But the patterns, the techniques, the strategies that are used can look very different across cases. So, it doesn't have to be extermination camps, it doesn't have to be the Einsatzgruppen (paramilitary death squads) that the Nazis used, etc. There's a lot of different methods to get to the same result. I agree with you, it's extremely hard sometimes, especially in the early stages, to know whether what one is witnessing is from a legal perspective genocide or not because the threshold of proving intentionality is relatively high. You have to show that the perpetrators are not only doing these terrible things, but they're doing it with the specific intent. That is, that's the language that's used in the law, specific intent to bring about this group destruction. It's rare that you have political leaders say explicitly, "I am going to destroy this civilian group." Usually what you see is that states and other genocidal actors, they tend over time to focus on genocide because they feel that earlier actions have been unsatisfactory for their aims. RFE/RL: Since the invasion started two years ago, is there enough evidence to think in terms of genocidal intention when it comes to Ukraine? Verdeja: Yes, I do think so. I do think that Russia's violence is genocidal. Absolutely. And I say that again, because it's not only the actions it's carried out, which includes a lot of violence against civilians. They're not just simply attacking areas of military importance. They're terrorizing and attacking civilian populations. They're dropping massive bombs and rocket attacks and all these things in civilian areas. It's not just the actions that point to a lack of discrimination between Ukrainian combatants and Ukrainian civilians. It's the fact that the Russian leadership, starting from Putin down, has consistently talked about how Ukrainians as such don't exist. So, there's the language of denying the existence of a Ukrainian national identity. And that is genocidal because it effectively denies the identity of a civilian population. RFE/RL: And then using this as a justification to commit massive crimes. Verdeja: Absolutely. RFE/RL: Indiscriminately. Verdeja: Indiscriminately. And again, those harms can also qualify as war crimes in international law, crimes against humanity. These are categories that overlap sometimes in terms of the actions that you might see, but they're constructed differently in international law, the overall crime, the understanding of the crime. But as far as I see it, and I think many people would agree, many scholars of genocide, what Russia is doing is effectively carrying out a genocidal campaign, because there's a denial from the leadership, and it's been very explicit, there's a denial of anything like a Ukrainian identity. They're basically saying these people are Russians and they need to forcibly be brought back into Russian identity. And we're going to do whatever it takes and kill as many people as it takes in order to force them to be Russian again. That's essentially genocidal. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-genocide- ukraine-scholar-war-crimes-prosecution-hague/32888386.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council 55: UK Statement on OHCHR report on Ukraine UK Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the findings of OHCHR report on the situation of human rights in Ukraine. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to WTO and UN. 2 April 2024 Thank you, Mr Vice President and good morning, Deputy High Commissioner. As your Office's latest report highlights, we continue to see consistent violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by the Russian Federation in Ukrainian territory. Many Ukrainians living under Russian control have endured violence, Russification, and the suppression of their own identity. It is clear from the Commission of Inquiry that Russia's war on Ukraine has been underpinned by the systematic and widespread use of torture against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians. Your Office's latest report documents horrific sexual violence both inside and outside of detention. In parallel, in areas Russia has seized, the very foundations of Ukrainian society have been replaced by Russian systems which seek to quash rather than protect the rights of Ukrainian civilians. Ukrainians have been completely denied their own culture. Language, history, and even nationalities are being rewritten to reflect a distorted version of reality. Russia cultivates a climate of fear and surveillance as it can only rule through subjugation and control. But the Ukrainian people will continue to resist, and these communities will rebuild. Putin will not win. Ukraine will prevail. Russia must pay for the crimes it has committed. And the United Kingdom will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Every potential aggressor should know what awaits him if he ruins peace - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the participants of the conference "Restoring Justice for Ukraine" in The Hague President of Ukraine 2 April 2024 - 13:32 Dear friends! Thank you for your unchanging faith in justice. Justice is the very line from which the movement towards secure peace may begin. Weapons give physical protection, but it is justice that restores the sense of security to life that was protected with the strength of weapons. And justice also brings back the sense of predictability to all global relations. Every potential aggressor should know what awaits him if he ruins peace. It is justice that can ensure this. Two days ago I was in Bucha. In a city that became a symbol of Russian evil for the entire world. All of you remember how the streets of Bucha looked like when Russian occupiers were thrown out from there. You remember how many bodies of murdered people were there and how it all happened. You remember what was revealed when we began to discover the mass burials of tortured Ukrainians. Two years have passed since then and even until now we have not yet identified the names of everyone killed by Russian soldiers - there are still unknown graves in Bucha. It is the same in many other our communities, liberated from Russian occupation. Although various cities and villages are gradually being restored, each of them has a specific feeling - the same for all of them - a feeling that there is still a lot of work ahead - the work precisely for the sake of justice. So that evil finally loses both physically, in reality, at the battlefield, and so that people feel it convincing in their hearts. Just for everyone who comes to power in Russia after Putin to know that justice is stronger than the Kremlin's walls. Only our common work can ensure this. Dear friends!A We all together have created a real network of accountability. We appreciate very much the leadership of the Netherlands in promoting the idea of a Special Tribunal for the crime of Russia's aggression. I am grateful to all countries and state leaders, international organizations, public leaders, representatives of the legal community who support the global work on investigating Russian war crimes and bringing those guilty to responsibility, bringing everyone who is guilty - from political and military leadership of Russia to ordinary perpetrators. I am confident that the activity of the International Criminal Court that has issued an arrest warrant for Putin and is working on restoring full justice to all those affected by this war - both adults and children - is important for the entire world. Also, we are creating very concrete systematic tools to compensate for the damages caused by this war. Together with many countries and leaders we cooperate on confiscating Russian assets and profits from them. All this should work for the people whom Putin tried to destroy with this war. Likewise, the Register of Damages also begins operating and it is crucially important that already this year the claims commission and the compensation fund are established as the key elements of the planned compensation mechanism. I urge all of you not to deviate from our common line - the line of justice. And I ask you not to slow down the pace. We have to do everything possible for the strength of justice so that justice provides real strength to our common security - security from aggressions and terror.A Let the real peace be restored faster. And let everyone who destroys peace be truly afraid of facing trial in The Hague.A Thank you for your attention.A Thank you all for your support! NNN! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The air defense systems available in the world cannot just gather dust somewhere in depots when they can save thousands of lives from Russian terror - address by the President President of Ukraine 2 April 2024 - 19:55 Dear Ukrainians! Rescue operation is underway in Dnipro following a Russian missile strike. The buildings of a college and a kindergarten were damaged. All services are on the scene. I am grateful to everyone who is responding, who is arriving at the sites of the attacks to help people as soon as possible. This is the most important thing. It is equally important that Russian terrorists are getting responses to their strikes. Each time, they are getting more and more far-reaching responses. I am grateful to each of our warriors, to all Ukrainians who ensure this. The Russian war system, everyone involved in this aggression - all of them must truly feel that they will not get away with this aggression. Evil must lose. And it will lose. I emphasize this again: For Ukraine, air defense is about protecting lives, it is something that has to be in use. The air defense systems available in the world cannot just gather dust somewhere in depots when they can save thousands of lives from Russian terror. The second point for today. A conference on justice for Ukraine, that is, on holding all Russian murderers and terrorists accountable, is underway in The Hague, in the Netherlands. Justice will be inevitably ensured. I thank everyone who helps. I thank the Netherlands for their leadership. I thank the entire team of the International Criminal Court. I thank all the countries working with us under the relevant clause of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. And, of course, I want to thank all Ukrainian police officers, all investigators, all detectives, all prosecutors, all experts, everyone involved in the investigation of Russian war crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice. I thank everyone who records evidence and helps the victims. This is a tremendous job. As of today, investigators of the National Police of Ukraine alone have registered more than 114,000 crimes related to Russia's aggression. Justice must be established in each case. People need to feel it, and Russia must be held legally accountable. We are also actively working with our partners on the assets of the terrorist state and its associates. All frozen Russian assets - in different jurisdictions - must be used for defense against Russian aggression and restoration of normal life in our country after the Russian terror. This is an absolute must. And this year, real progress is needed on the relevant, completely fair decisions, primarily in American and European jurisdictions. And a few other things that are important to note. I held a meeting with the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the State Special Communications Service, and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council on the situation with online casinos. The reports were informative. We are preparing appropriate steps that will provide the necessary control over the industry and help protect the interests of society properly. Today, I continued the tradition of our state's respect for Ukrainian diversity. Ukraine's strength is that we have many different communities among our people, and we value and honor each of them. This is the way it should be. I met with representatives of Protestant churches and the Catholic Church - these are millions of our people who celebrated Easter this Sunday. I greeted them. I thanked them for supporting Ukrainians, for being here in our country, in different parts of Ukraine, including the frontline areas. It is also important for our Christian communities and churches to develop the institute of military chaplaincy. This is a real support on the frontline: there must be those who help the human spirit find the necessary support. And, of course, we appreciate the efforts of churches in communicating with Christians around the world so that people everywhere know the truth about the war here, about Russian evil, about the crimes committed by the occupiers. This dialogue between churches and communities - the dialogue of truth - is effective. When light exposes evil, the war will sooner be ended fairly for Ukraine. I thank everyone who helps Ukraine! I thank everyone who protects life, our state, our independence! I thank our warriors! Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, Pervomayske, Tonenke, Klishchiivka, Terny, Bilohorivka and all other places of fierce battles - battles for the sake of Ukraine. I thank everyone who holds their ground and destroys the occupier. We must win. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian and Swiss sides coordinated preparations for the Global Peace Summit President of Ukraine 2 April 2024 - 20:20 Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a video call with Head of the International Security Division at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Gabriel LAchinger. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Foreign Minister Mykola Tochytskyi, Advisors to the Head of the Presidential Office Dariia Zarivna and Oleksandr Bevz. The parties discussed preparations for the first inaugural Global Peace Summit to be hosted by Switzerland. They emphasized the importance of involving as many countries as possible with the broadest possible representation from all continents. Andriy Yermak thanked the Swiss side for its comprehensive support of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and preparations for the Peace Summit, as the work on a joint plan to achieve a just peace in Ukraine will begin there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strikes in Dnipro Injure Civilians and Families Fleeing Violence UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINE DENISE BROWN DEPLORES AN ATTACK IN DNIPRO, IMPACTING CIVILIANS, INCLUDING CHILDREN AND DISPLACED PEOPLE This evening, a dozen civilians, including children, were injured in Dnipro City in eastern Ukraine by a strike. Education facilities, a collective centre and houses were also damaged. Among the affected are people who had fled violence and sought shelter in Dnipro City. I am outraged that, once again, attacks shattered the lives of families. And once again, children and schools were affected. I am appalled by the apparent pattern of attacks from the Russian Federation. International humanitarian law must be respected. Kyiv, 2 April 2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN accuses Russia of human rights violations against Ukraine By Lisa Schlein April 02, 2024 The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights accuses Russia of serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws in its war against Ukraine. A new report by the OHCHR warns Russia's armed attack and occupation of Ukrainian territory will have long-lasting consequences for Ukraine and its population at a time when global attention on the critical situation appears to be waning. "Despite harrowing stories of human suffering unfolding every day in Ukraine, I fear that the world has grown numb to this crisis," Volker TuIrk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, said Tuesday. In a bleak assessment of the situation, TuIrk told the U.N. Human Rights Council, "It is now over two years since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale armed attack on the country. Two years of immense suffering, bloodshed, loss and grief. Countless families have been separated." He noted more than 10,500 civilians have been reported killed and more than 20,000 injured. "The actual figures are likely significantly higher," he said. The report, which covers the period from December 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, says the war continues to cause devastating civilian harm in large-scale attacks through "missiles and loitering munitions launched by Russian armed forces across Ukraine." It says this is causing a spike in civilian casualties, "reversing the otherwise general downward trend in civilian casualties throughout 2023." This year marks 10 years since Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula, a period during which people in Crimea have been "charged and convicted a for acts that are not crimes under Ukrainian law," according to the report. "Russian Federation citizenship has been broadly imposed," TuIrk said. "Russian authorities have conscripted male residents of Crimea into the Russian armed forces, eventually forcing them to fight against their own country." He said Ukrainian children have been deprived of an education in their own language and people have been denied the right to freely express their opinion. "The violations we documented in occupied Crimea foreshadowed what we now see evolving in Ukrainian territory occupied by the Russian Federation following its full-scale armed attack," said the human rights commissioner. "In the last two years, Russian armed forces have committed widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention," he said, adding that these violations have occurred with impunity. "There has been nowhere to seek justice, nowhere to turn for an effective remedy," he said. "The cumulative effect of these actions has been to create a pervasive climate of fear, which has allowed the Russian Federation to solidify its control." In the reporting period, OHCHR officials interviewed 60 Ukrainian prisoners of war who recently had been released from Russian captivity during a POW exchange. They said the POWs provided credible, detailed accounts of having been tortured, subjected to beatings, electric shocks, threats of execution, sexual violence and other harsh treatment. The OHCHR recorded 12 cases of executions of at least 32 captured Ukrainian POWs. It has verified three of these incidents in which Russian service members executed seven Ukrainian service members. "In this same period, my office interviewed 44 Russian POWs in Ukrainian captivity," said TuIrk. "While they did not complain about the treatment and conditions in established places of detention, several of them described instances of torture and ill-treatment in transit places after they were evacuated from the battlefield." The high commissioner said the tragedy in Ukraine has gone on for too long and called on the Russian Federation to cease its armed attacks. "The violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by the Russian armed forces and administrative officials in occupied territory must stop at once," he said. Russia boycotted the meeting and informed the council president that it "did not wish to take the floor as a concerned country." Ukraine's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva had no such misgivings. Filipenko Yevheniia sharply criticized Russia and its "systematic deprivation of fundamental rights and freedoms in Crimea and occupied parts of Donbas and other Ukrainian territories." "By inflicting significant demographic changes through forced displacement and deliberate replacement of the population, Russia is purposely altering the fabric of the society to cement its occupation in gross violation of international humanitarian law," she said. "By torturing, arbitrarily detaining civilians, by abducting and indoctrinating Ukrainian children, Russia openly and shamefully commits war crimes and crimes against humanity." The Ukrainian ambassador called on U.N. member states "to condemn Russian terrorist attacks" and to send a clear message to the Kremlin "that the international community is not turning a blind eye to the invasion of a sovereign state, the killing of civilians and the destruction of critical infrastructure." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release Paris, April 3, 2024 Convening to the Combined Shareholders Meeting of April 25, 2024 Danone informs its Shareholders that its Combined Shareholders Meeting will take place on Thursday April 25, 2024, at 2:30 pm (Paris time), at Salle Pleyel, 252 rue Faubourg-Saint-Honore, 75008 Paris, France. The preliminary notice to the meeting and the notice of meeting were published in the French Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires on February 28 and April 3, 2024 respectively. Pursuant to applicable legal and regulatory provisions, the information and documents related to this Shareholders Meeting are available to Shareholders and may be consulted on Danones website (www.danone.com), section Investors / Shareholders / Shareholders' Meeting / 2024. This includes notably the brochure of the meeting, which comprises the draft resolutions presented at the Shareholders Meeting, the Board of Directors' report on those resolutions and information regarding the formalities to participate and to vote at the Shareholders Meeting, as well as the annual report of the Mission Committee to the Shareholders Meeting. About Danone ( www.danone.com ) Danone is a leading global food and beverage company operating in three health-focused, fast-growing and on-trend Categories: Essential Dairy & Plant-Based products, Waters and Specialized Nutrition. With a long-standing mission of bringing health through food to as many people as possible, Danone aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices while committing to achieve measurable nutritional, social, societal and environment impact. Danone has defined its Renew strategy to restore growth, competitiveness, and value creation for the long-term. With almost 90,000 employees, and products sold in over 120 markets, Danone generated 27.6 billion in sales in 2023. Danones portfolio includes leading international brands (Actimel, Activia, Alpro, Aptamil, Danette, Danio, Danonino, evian, Nutricia, Nutrilon, Volvic, among others) as well as strong local and regional brands (including AQUA, Bledina, Bonafont, Cow & Gate, Mizone, Oikos and Silk). Listed on Euronext Paris and present on the OTCQX platform via an ADR (American Depositary Receipt) program, Danone is a component stock of leading sustainability indexes including the ones managed by Moodys and Sustainalytics, as well as MSCI ESG Indexes, FTSE4Good Index Series, Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and Access to Nutrition Index. Danones ambition is to be B CorpTM certified at global level in 2025. Attachment Dubai, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VAP Group is proud to announce the launch of the Global Blockchain Awards, honoring the brightest minds and boldest innovators in the Web3 space. Set against the backdrop of the esteemed Global Blockchain Show, this exclusive awards ceremony will take place on April 15, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, preceding the main event scheduled for April 16th and 17th. As a highlight of Dubai's bustling blockchain scene, the Global Blockchain Awards promise to be an unforgettable night celebrating the outstanding contributions of global Web3 leaders. Entrepreneurs, organizations, startups, and Web3 experts who have championed disruptive ideas are invited to nominate themselves for these prestigious accolades. With 20 categories and award titles, including "Best Blockchain Game of the Year," "Best Crypto Media Award," "Blockchain Visionary Award," and most intriguing Metaverse Marvel Award," there's ample opportunity for all Web3 enthusiasts to showcase their innovations. Vishal Parmar, organizer of the awards show, invites Web3 Mavericks to join in this celebration of innovation. Parmar remarks, "Honoring the Web3 changemakers not only recognizes their achievements but also fosters global dissemination of ideas and innovations through the Global Blockchain Awards ceremony." Online voting for each category will close on April 7, 2024. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony, attended by hundreds of industry professionals, and covered by over 100 media publications across the region and internationally. We are proud to announce that the Global Blockchain Awards are sponsored by VAP Group, a leading consulting firm in the blockchain ecosystem. Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic event at the Global Blockchain Show 2024, our inaugural blockchain event. About VAP Group VAP Group, an industry leader with over a decade of expertise in Web3 and Blockchain solutions, continues to revolutionize the landscape of digital innovation. Established in 2013, VAP Group has consistently delivered premium services including public relations, advertising, recruitment, content development, media, and management. Led by Mr. Vishal Parmar, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VAP Group stands at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of blockchain technology. Under his mentorship, the company has focused on pioneering strategies in PR marketing, influencer marketing, bounty campaigns, conferences, and campaigns, setting new benchmarks in the industry. What truly sets VAP Group apart is its dedication to creativity, uniqueness, and holistic solutions. By adopting an innovative and forward-thinking approach, VAP Group has distinguished itself as a beacon of innovation amidst the competitive landscape of blockchain consultancy. VAP Group is the organizer of Global Blockchain Show and Global AI Show, extraordinary platforms poised to redefine the landscape of blockchain and AI technology respectively, offering dynamic gatherings where the brightest minds converge to unlock the potential of these transformative technologies. Dublin, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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/6yy1dh About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Automated Liquid Handling Systems Market - Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global automated liquid handling systems market is expected to reach $2.56 billion by 2029 from $1.46 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 9.82% from 2023 to 2029 The global automated liquid handling systems market has witnessed highly competitive rivalry among players. Globally, the presence of leading, rapidly growing, and emerging market players impacts the market landscape. Several market players showed continuous dominance, and some companies are trying to achieve more market penetration and share. Based on the vast competitive landscape, leading companies accepted and implemented several business strategies focusing on expanding market share and presence. North America holds the most prominent share of the global automated liquid handling systems market, accounting for over 33% in 2023. In North America, the demand for ALH systems is significantly high due to the increasing preferences for lab automation tools, high-tech infrastructure of laboratories, increasing investment in laboratories, presence of pharma & biotech companies, and high expenditure on diagnosis. On the other hand, the development of healthcare industries and the growth of associated clinical laboratories with high-tech equipment integration and smart and digital infrastructure are some factors that accelerate the market growth in the region. MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES Integration of AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud Services Globally, research and diagnostics laboratories are becoming automated, delivering future opportunities to enhance research. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML,) and automation into automated liquid handling systems are emerging trends the market is witnessing globally. AI has improved lab automation significantly in the past few years. Most laboratory efforts aim to achieve high-quality research and boost efficiency in the shortage of skilled laboratory professionals. Technology Advancements in Automated Liquid Handling Systems The automated liquid handling systems industry is witnessing huge research & development (R&D) in advanced technologies for contactless liquid handling functions. The technology advancement in the industry encouraging and attracting huge consumers. Most automated liquid handler systems are used in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies due to the rapid development in these industries. Where technologically advanced tools are welcomed. For instance, Formulatix- a market player- introduces two automated liquid handling systems with advanced liquid handlers such as Flow Axial Seal Tip (F.A.S.T.) and FLO i8 - these technologies offer significant benefits. Increasing Adoption of Lab Automation Solutions Lab automation enhances R&D procedures in the fast-paced scientific and research landscape. By automating streamlined workflows and repetitive tasks, laboratories achieve higher accuracy and efficiency in regular operations. In recent years, the laboratory field has constantly evolved with automation. Increasing Research & Development in Life Sciences & Drug Discoveries The life science, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors have witnessed continuous research & development activities, which pose a high-cost burden, workforce shortage and lack of expertise, wastage of chemical material, and many more. The rising expenditure and investment in life sciences industries are accelerating the demand for most specialized laboratory equipment that reduces human error and increases possibilities of clear screening and effective result delivery. These factors accelerate demand for the most reliable automated liquid handling lab equipment proven for screening molecules. Complexity in Lab Procedures and Demand for Miniaturization Miniaturized analytical equipment is an advanced lab solution that allows a laboratory to expand the number of smaller samples that can be analyzed daily. Miniaturized technology can adjust more instruments in the same infrastructure. It can lead to fast and robust result analysis. SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS The global automated liquid handling systems market by instrument type is segmented into workstations and standalone instruments. Workstations are the ALH systems, consisting of several tools that deliver several facilities in one ALH system. This reduces the extra cost of several other liquid handling systems and saves the lab space. Pharmaceutical and biotech research and manufacturing company labs are going through highly stringent regulations that demand high-tech solutions where workstation systems are proven effective. The drug discovery and development application segment dominated the global automated liquid handling systems market 2023. ALH systems have become the most crucial automated lab equipment for clinical studies across the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, specifically in screening millions of tests and compound analyses. Pharma and biotech companies invest billions of dollars in clinical studies where human or lab equipment errors can lead to significant cost burdens and failure of new drugs. It fuels the demand for automated liquid handling systems in drug discovery and development procedures. The global automated liquid handling systems market by end-users is segmented into pharma & biotech companies, academic & research laboratories/centers, clinical diagnostics laboratories, and others. The demand for ALH systems is high by pharma and biotech companies due to continued engagement in clinical studies and R&D activities where ALH systems have proven effective. In 2023, the pharmaceutical and biotech companies segment had the highest segmental market share. But apart from that, academic research institutes that run publicly or privately highly demand types of ALH systems for research and academic purposes and contribute to market growth. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 280 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.46 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $2.56 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.8% Regions Covered Global Market Opportunities & Trends Integration of AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud Services Technology Advances in Automated Liquid Handling Systems Recent Industrial Merger & Acquisitions, Collaborations, and Partnerships Market Growth Enablers Increasing Adoption of Lab Automation Solutions Increasing Research and Development Activities in Life Sciences and Pharma/Biotech Industries Complexity in Lab Procedures & Demand for Miniaturization Market Restraints Challenges Associated to Automated Liquid Handling Systems Error Possibilities with Automated Liquid Handling Systems Cost Burden Associated with Component Integration, Maintenance, and Errors Key Company Profiles Agilent Technologies Beckman Coulter Eppendorf Hamilton Company Thermo Fisher Scientific Other Prominent Vendors Aurora Biomed AUTOGEN Art Robbins Instruments Bio-Rad Laboratories BIOTEC INTEGRA Biosciences Ingersoll Rand (TriContinent Scientific) FORMULATRIX Gilson Incorporated Hudson Robotics METTLER TOLEDO PerkinElmer, Inc. Sartorius SPT Labtech Tecan Trading AG Promega Corporation Waters Corporation Flow Robotics Opentrons Biotage BRANDTECH Scientific HighRes Biosolutions Haier Biomedical Molecular Devices Metrohm AG Novacyt (Primerdesign) Shimadzu Corporation SARSTEDT AG Xi'an Tianlong Science & Technology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8kaf9o 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 PHOENIX, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH) announced today the first four homebuilders for the launch of Teravalis, the companys new 37,000-acre community in the Phoenix West Valley. Lennar, Brightland Homes, KB Home, and Courtland Communities will build the initial homes in Floreo, the first village being developed in Teravalis, that is expected to deliver the communitys first 5,000 homes to the market over the next decade. We are pleased to begin residential development in Teravalis as we build this innovative new community that will help meet the ongoing market demand for homes in the Phoenix West Valley, said David OReilly, Chief Executive Officer of Howard Hughes. Howard Hughes sells more lots to homebuilders than any other developer in the country, and we are pleased to announce our partnerships with acclaimed homebuilders at Teravalis who share our track record for building expertly planned communities designed for long-term, sustainable growth. Lennar With a history dating back to 1954, Lennar has built over one million new homes for families across America. As one of the nations leading homebuilders, Lennar builds homes across the homebuying spectrum, catering to all lifestyles and family dynamics. Addressing the demand for multigenerational family housing, Lennars Next Gen offering aligns closely with the Teravalis vision to provide housing options that meet todays demand and provides flexibility for how people want to live. Having partnered with Howard Hughes in their Summerlin development in Las Vegas, we know their track record of excellence in creating and executing bold visions for what a development can be, and Lennar is pleased to be one of the first to sign on with Teravalis, said Alan Jones, Division President at Lennar. The pioneering, future-focused nature of Teravalis is exciting for us and we are eager to break ground on our models and showcase what Lennar can bring to this beautiful High Sonoran Desert setting. Brightland Homes Brightland Homes has more than three decades of expertise building homes across the country, notably in Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, and Florida. With accolades such as Builder of the Year, Best Product Design, and ENERGY STAR Market Leader, Brightland Homes has built a reputation of excellence by providing an array of floor plans and styles to respond to the market demand and consumer needs in the various environments in which they build. Brightland Homes is thrilled to join as one of the initial partners in Teravalis, said Mark Moskal, Phoenix Division President, Brightland Homes. With a history of successful partnerships with Howard Hughes in various submarkets, Brightland Homes has witnessed their unwavering commitment to excellence in realizing visionary developments. We are excited to help shape this new community in one of the fastest-growing cities in the US and look forward to bringing our consumer-inspired floor plans and innovative environmental designs to the West Valley. KB Home KB Home is one of the largest and most trusted homebuilders in the U.S. The company has built over 680,000 quality homes in its more than 65-year history and is the top customer-ranked national homebuilder based on third-party buyer surveys. What sets KB Home apart is its focus on building strong, personal relationships with every customer and creating an exceptional experience that offers homebuyers the ability to personalize their home based on what they value at a price they can afford. As the industry leader in sustainability, KB Home has achieved one of the highest residential energy-efficiency ratings and delivered more ENERGY STAR certified homes than any other builder, helping to lower the total cost of homeownership. We are proud to be one of the first homebuilders at Teravalis and to bring our personalized, new homes to this beautiful new master plan, said Kevin McAndrews, President of KB Homes Phoenix division. We have enjoyed tremendous success in partnering with Howard Hughes in the Las Vegas market, and this opportunity will strengthen our position here in Phoenix as we believe that our customers will be drawn to this highly anticipated new community. Courtland Communities Courtland Communities has been building homes in the Metro Phoenix area for many years. Being Arizona-owned and operated, Courtland Communities focuses on delivering high-quality homes for the best possible price. To achieve this, they use quality materials, focus on local partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors, pay attention to details, and value customer satisfaction. Courtland Communities is excited to be partnering with Howard Hughes in this groundbreaking master planned community of Teravalis. Its a chance to collaborate with a renowned developer and contribute to an innovative and well-designed community, said Jill Ebding, Marketing Director for Courtland Communities. The grand opening of Floreo is currently slated for 2025, with additional homebuilders to be announced in the upcoming months. For more information on Teravalis and for development updates, please visit teravalis.com. About Teravalis Encompassing nearly 37,000 acres in the Phoenix West Valley, one of the nations fastest-growing metro regions, Teravalis is anticipated to become one of the leading master planned communities in the country, with 100,000 homes, 300,000 residents and 55 million square feet of commercial development. Translating to land of the valley, Teravalis is situated between the White Tank and Belmont Mountain ranges and is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the High Sonoran Desert. Utilizing innovative technology and sustainable planning, Teravalis is designed to meet the ongoing demand for quality housing and commercial real estate in support of Arizonas booming economic growth, featuring unparalleled amenities and wide-open spaces. Teravalis is a community of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc., whose national portfolio of award-winning communities are known for providing an exceptional quality of life and opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth. About Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. owns, manages, and develops commercial, residential, and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. Its award-winning assets include the countrys preeminent portfolio of master planned communities, as well as operating properties and development opportunities including: the Seaport in New York City; Downtown Columbia in Maryland; The Woodlands, Bridgeland and The Woodlands Hills in the Greater Houston, Texas area; Summerlin in Las Vegas; Ward Village in Honolulu, Hawaii; and Teravalis in the Greater Phoenix, Arizona area. The Howard Hughes portfolio is strategically positioned to meet and accelerate development based on market demand, resulting in one of the strongest real estate platforms in the country. Dedicated to innovative placemaking, the company is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHH. For additional information visit www.howardhughes.com. Safe Harbor Statement Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements accompanied by words such as will, believe, expect, enables, realize, plan, intend, assume, transform and other words of similar expression, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on managements expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections as of the date of this release and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are set forth as risk factors in Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly and Annual Reports. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release. Media Contact Cristina Carlson, 646-822-6910 SVP, Head of Corporate Communications cristina.carlson@howardhughes.com Investor Relations Contact Eric Holcomb, 281-475-2144 SVP, Investor Relations eric.holcomb@howardhughes.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06954a79-6854-4cbf-a15f-59c3e65da6b1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32b9c98c-66ec-4a58-a0a8-68ec6c053ec1 Dublin, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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/gj0cqn 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 NEW YORK, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veteran public relations and public affairs executive Chet Dalzell, senior vice president of operations and participant engagement of Digital Advertising Alliance the home of the AdChoices program, is named new president of Marketing Club of New York (MCNY), the Board of Directors has announced. The Board also named its officers for the current one-year term, while also announcing that membership in the club will be free for professionals, enabling access to all Greater New York marketing professionals to join, effective immediately. In tandem, corporations in the marketing community will serve as sponsors for the club, enabling support for the non-profit organizations programming, networking, awards recognition and marketing education activities. Photo: Incoming Marketing Club of New York 2024 President Chet Dalzell of Digital Advertising Alliance MCNY provides Greater New York area marketing professionals a great place to connect and keep abreast of top marketing trends, said Dalzell, who has held public relations and corporate communications positions at Digital Advertising Alliance, Harte-Hanks, Direct Marketing Association and the State of Connecticut Senate and is a University of Connecticut alumnus. Since my first days in New York, originally in the direct and data-driven marketing ranks, Ive built a network of industry relationships and friends, many of them club members, spanning all disciplines in our field. What we have in common we all care about integrity, ethics, and results, while bringing along the next generation of marketing professionals. As we approach the clubs centennial in 2026, we aim to grow our membership base by focusing on career development, having fun and offering superb programming and information. Joining Dalzell as 2024 MCNY Board officers are: Immediate Past President: Alicia Wiedemann, co-founder and head of strategy, Summer Friday; Treasurer: Charlie Swift, executive vice president, head of marketing and account management, Adstra; Secretary: Meg Ugenti, corporate director of marketing, Focus USA; and, Vice President, Growth, and Club Manager: Barry Blumenfield, owner of Blumenfield Consulting LLC. The club also announced a new board member in Peilin Corbanese, vice president of analytics, EXL, who will join other current Board members including additional representatives from Alliant, CBSi, Epsilon, Savvy Financial, Stirista and Wiland. Mentorship matters, Dalzell said. 2024 will be the 40th anniversary of our Silver Apples awards program honoring New York City-and-beyond marketings best, providing blueprints for career paths and raising money for student scholarships. We are also slated to have plenty of networking this year -- with our Comedy and Cocktails event, New York Yankees outing, among other meetups and ongoing career and marketing practice focused programming. We opened 2024 for the 18th year with our popular, insight-laden Annual Outlook event with Bruce Biegel of Winterberry Group. There is $570 billion to spend in U.S. marketing this year how we will do so responsibly and efficiently focused on business results? Suffice to say, its a great time to be in marketing, be in New York, and be a part of MCNY. The Marketing Club of New York's mission is to educate and connect new and established marketers and their companies to build their professional network and stay ahead of today's marketing trends. We invite companies to help us in our mission this year and serve as a sponsor as we engage a new generation of marketers, Dalzell said. We are taking the club to exciting places. About Marketing Club of New York The Marketing Club of New York (marketingclubny.org) has served the direct marketing field since the clubs founding in 1926 and today encompasses all facets of integrated, data-driven marketing across all media categories. Serving the Greater New York region through its luncheons, networking and online resources, Marketing Club of New York is a leading source of current education and information in the field of measurable marketing. Marketing Club of New York also provides financial support in the form of scholarships to several New York City colleges and universities marketing programs. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e76ab0ea-7fc1-4867-9b6d-46bcd1ccead0 CAPTION: Thousands come together for Jack Ride to support programs equipping youth with vital mental health education TORONTO, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the intensifying youth mental health emergency unfolding across the country, Jack.org and presenting sponsor Bank of America are calling on people from coast-to-coast-to-coast to join Jack Ride, Canadas Ride for Youth Mental Health. The funds raised at Jack Ride support critical mental health education programs for young people across Canada, teaching them how to recognize the signs of mental health struggle, have supportive conversations with their peers, and when and where to seek professional support. Mental health is health, but Canada ranks among the bottom third of wealthy nations when it comes to youth mental health outcomes and has one of the highest rates of adolescent suicide.1 While one out of every five young people will experience a mental health disorder, many of them lack the mental health education that would help them get the support they need. Jack Ride exists to change that by supporting programs that give young people the knowledge and skills they need to navigate struggle and build resilience. In the past 15 years, Jack Riders have raised over $10 million dollars to support young peoples mental health. This year, Jack Ride aims to raise $1.5 million to continue its work to build a future where young people have the skills and support they need to thrive. Cyclists of all levels and families are welcome at Ride, with three event options to choose from: Caledon, Ontario: Flagship Ride, May 25th, 2024 Canmore, Alberta: Volunteer-run Ride, July 13th, 2024 Virtually: Ride on your own time, anywhere you like to cycle Young peoples mental health has been in a state of emergency for far too long, says Rowena Pinto, Jack.org President and CEO. We know that early intervention and education saves lives and improves quality of life. We need to invest in building programs that are setting our young people up for healthy futures and increasing our reach across Canada. Im grateful to our partners and community advocates for their commitment to building a better world with us. As a nurse, I work with a lot of people who are going through the hardest period of their lives, says Dee Mackintosh, a three time Jack Ride participant. Jack.orgs work is so important because it empowers people to talk about what theyre dealing with and makes sure that they know when and where to reach out for the support they need. Be part of the change Jack.org is making in young peoples lives by joining Jack Ride today at jack.org/ride . Jack Ride is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Bank of America, as well as Accenture, Avanade, BMO, CIBC, Zeifmans, Ardene and others. About Jack.org Jack.org is a Canadian charity that works in partnership with young people to build communities and systems that support youth mental health. Through its programs, young people gain access to the knowledge, skills, and platform they need to build their mental health literacy, support their peers, build networks of belonging, and influence systems that are meant to support their wellbeing. Its goal is to build a world where young people are mentally healthy, and where distress becomes a thing of the past. For media inquiries, please contact: Danielle Kinahan Senior Manager, Communications and Media media@jack.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a9b4c81-65f8-4ba0-aad6-c3fc9f7599ff Boston, Massachusetts, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HYCU, Inc., a leader in data protection as a service and one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, has been recognized by CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, with a prestigious 5-Star Award in its 2024 Partner Program Guide. This annual guide provides essential information to solution providers exploring technology vendor partner programs that offer high value and align with their business needs and goals. The breadth and depth of support and resources technology vendors offer through their partner programs is a critical consideration for solution providers assessing which IT vendors, service providers, and distributors to team with in building world-class technology solutions. Program elements such as financial incentives, sales and marketing assistance, training and certification, technical support and more can set vendors apart and play a key role in boosting their partners long-term growth. The 5-Star rating is awarded to the companies that have built their partner programs to go above and beyond in their commitment to nurturing strong, profitable, and successful channel partnerships. For the 2024 Partner Program Guide, CRN evaluated vendors based on program requirements and offerings such as partner training and education, pre- and post-sales support, marketing programs and resources, technical support, and communication. This is the fourth consecutive year that the HYCU Global Partner Program was awarded 5-star status. The HYCU Global Partner Program was enhanced with the introduction of R-Cloud, and R-Graph, a first of its kind tool that provides partners with a new revenue stream to visualize their customers entire data estate across on-prem, cloud, and SaaS applications. Additionally, HYCU delivered specific certification and training to help partners with their go-to-market efforts to meet their customers ongoing data protection and recovery challenges. HYCU is 100% focused on delivering innovative solutions to help our partners protect their customers data regardless of location or platform, said Simon Taylor, Founder and CEO, HYCU, Inc. With the growing adoption of SaaS solutions across organizations and with more than 50% of SaaS application use contributing to the success of ransomware attacks, the need to protect and be able to recover SaaS application data has never been greater. The enhancements we introduced with our Global Partner Program over the past year like R-Graph was extremely well received. Achieving 5-Star status for the fourth consecutive year is a testament to the work and focus everyone at HYCU has with our partner community. Thank you again to the editors and judges who evaluated our partner program, we are proud and excited at yet another illustrious industry accolade. Recognition on this list reflects the value of the spotlighted vendor partner programs and their commitment to evolving with solution providers and supporting IT channel success, said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. This recognition empowers solution providers to discover vendors that keep pace with the evolving requirements of their business and their clients. With CRNs 2024 Partner Program Guide, solution providers can access deep insights into the unique strengths of each partner program and vendors who demonstrate dedication to their partner community. The 2024 Partner Program Guide will be featured in the April 2024 issue of CRN and online at www.CRN.com/PPG. All of us at HYCU work diligently to help our partners tap into net new recurring revenue streams by delivering new capabilities to secure, protect and manage more data sources than any other vendor across all platforms, said Angela Heindl-Schober, SVP Global Marketing, HYCU. Our focus in 2024 is around partner enablement, recruiting new strategic partners for cloud, on-prem, and SaaS environments, and continuing to support being the only SaaS Data Protection Service available across all three Public Cloud Marketplaces, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. We will also advance the successful programs created in 2023 for specific SaaS partners Atlassian and Okta for their partners to create net new revenue opportunities. For more information on the HYCU Global Partner Program, visit: Become a HYCU Partner, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. ### About HYCU HYCU is the fastest-growing leader in the multi-cloud and SaaS data protection as a service industry. By bringing true SaaS-based data backup and recovery to on-premises, cloud-native and SaaS environments, the company provides unparalleled data protection, migration, disaster recovery, and ransomware protection to thousands of companies worldwide. As an award-winning and recognized visionary in the industry, HYCU solutions eliminate complexity, risk, and the high cost of legacy-based solutions, providing data protection simplicity to make the world safer. With an industry leading NPS score of 91, customers experience frictionless, cost-effective data protection, anywhere, everywhere. HYCU has raised $140M in VC funding to date and is based in Boston, Mass. Learn more at www.hycu.com. About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by nearly 40 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. 2024 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Attachment Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands , April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The inaugural Queens Gala, a landmark event hosted by Girl Power Limited, spotlighted the empowerment and achievements of young women in an evening filled with inspiration and community spirit. Girl Power Ltd is a local non-for-profit that is responsible for Miss World Cayman, Miss Supranational Cayman and Girl Power Cayman, which is a free training and mentoring program for young ladies. Pamela Ebanks-Small, founder of Girl Power Limited and former Miss Cayman Islands 1992, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this successful gala, reflecting her dedication to nurturing and empowering the next generation of women. Follow: Miss World Cayman Islands on Instagram Miss Cayman Islands Queens (left to right): Kelsie Bodden Chisholm - Miss World Cayman Islands 2018 Nicosia Lawson - Miss Cayman Islands 2008 Wendy Daykin Moore - Miss Cayman Islands 1978 Monyque Brooks - Miss Cayman Islands 2016 Patricia Jackson Patino-Langfitt - Miss Cayman Islands 1977 Jaci Patrick - Miss World Cayman Islands 2019 Melissa Bridgemohan - Miss Supranational 2023 Pamela Ebanks-Small - Miss Cayman Islands 1992 Cindy Breakspeare - Miss World 1976 Michele Aubert - Miss Cayman Islands 1989 Leanni Tibbetts - Miss World Cayman Islands 2022 Tonie Chisholm - Miss Cayman Islands 2015 Thora Crighton Bodden - Miss Cayman Islands 1984 Nichelle Welcome Scott - Miss Cayman Islands 2003 Donna Myrie - Miss Cayman Islands 1981 The event was a collaboration of efforts from government officials, past queens, supporters, and sponsors, all coming together to support the noble cause of uplifting young women. Ebanks-Small, in her address, shared her deep appreciation for the overwhelming support that made the gala not just a possibility but a resounding success. Girl Power Limited, although in its infancy, carries a robust mission of inspiring, nurturing, and empowering young women to succeed in a competitive world. The gala underscored the organization's commitment to this mission, showcasing the positive impact of pageantry on confidence, resilience, and leadership among young women. The support from entities such as the Ministry of Tourism, Cayman Airways, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Border Control, Labour and Culture and various local businesses has been instrumental in propelling Girl Power Limited's initiatives forward. This collaboration highlights the community's dedication to fostering an environment where young women can thrive. The evening was also graced by the presence of Cindy Breakspeare, Miss World 1976, from Jamacia, whose keynote address added depth and inspiration to the gala. Her story, along with those of past queens, illuminated the transformative power of pageantry and its role in empowering women to become leaders and role models in their communities. In reflecting on the gala, Pamela Ebanks-Small expressed her elation and gratitude: "We are overjoyed with the results of our first Queens' Gala. It was a long-term dream of mine to be able to bring a past Miss World to Cayman as well as to have a formal gala. I could not have asked for a better night, nor could I have imagined it! The concept of the Queens' Gala is to shine a light on what our young women and titleholders have done in their careers and life since they were Miss Cayman Islands or Miss World Cayman Islands and represented the country internationally. Each table was assigned a queen which gave the attendees a chance to meet past/present titleholders and mingle with them. The Gala highlighted Women's Empowerment and what our Caymanian women have achieved, which was the whole point of the gala, what pageantry does for young ladies, for their lives and career, it makes them more of a role model. And I think we were able to communicate that. That is all I wanted. I am happy with the success of the gala, and I am grateful to those who sponsored the gala." The success of the inaugural Queens Gala sets a precedent for future events, with plans already in motion for the next gala. Girl Power Limited and Pamela Ebanks-Small and her committee, extend their heartfelt thanks to the Cayman community for their trust, support, and contributions to this empowering cause. For further information about Girl Power Limited and upcoming events, please contact girlpowercayman@gmail.com or missworldcayman@gmail.com Media Contact: CaymanStory.com Cayman Story is a PR and personal branding company led by Jaci Patrick, former Miss World Cayman Islands 2019. Publicist: Qamar Zaman T: 1-345-327-7206 Attachment NEW YORK, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of JBS S.A. (OTC: JBSAY) resulting from allegations that JBS may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased JBS securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On February 28, 2024, Reuters published an article entitled New York sues meatpacking giant JBS over climate claims. The article stated, in pertinent part, that JBS, the worlds largest beef producer, was sued on Wednesday by New York states attorney general, which accused it of misleading the public about its impact on the environment in order to boost sales. Attorney General Letitia James said JBS USA Food Co, the Brazilian companys American-based unit, has no viable plan to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, making its stated commitment to achieving that goal false and misleading. On this news, JBS American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) fell $0.22 per ADR, or 2.4%, to close at $9.02 per ADR on February 28, 2024. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com HOUSTON, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paving the path for a Sustainable Green Economy; Splitwaters , a Houstonbased electrolyzer manufacturer and EPC firm has signed an agreement with Akna Energy, LLC for a 20 MW Green Hydrogen Plant to be built & in operation in late 2025. This plant will be the first of many Green Hydrogen plants that Akna plans to build with Splitwaters in and around the United States. The facility will produce more than 3 million kilograms of green hydrogen per year and will be operational in late 2025. Splitwaters will provide a complete turnkey solution for the green hydrogen plant, will supply the electrolyzers, and will be responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the plant. Zentech Inc. of Houston, Texas with its over 40 years of engineering and project management experience is the engineering partner for Splitwaters. The engineering design is well underway to meet the project deadlines. Splitwaters was selected for their rich expertise in Green Hydrogen generation, their modular approach, compact design, lower initial Capex, and speed of delivery. The engineering designs and equipment fabrication for this plant are well underway. We are very excited to have our first plant delivered within budget and in a record timeline. This will be the first of many green hydrogen plants we plan to build with Splitwaters, said Mr. Paul Hudson, CEO of Akna Energy. We are very excited to work with Mr. Paul Hudson and Akna Energy, a highly motivated team to partner with, to build zerocarbon fuels facilities for the mobility market as well as industrial markets to meet the netzero goals. We have always dedicated ourselves to our strong culture of putting our customers first and providing them with innovative engineering solutions to cut down costs and deliver in record time. We plan to build multiple green hydrogen plants of varying capacities based on clients requirements around the globe. We see a bright future for both of our companies because Clean energy is the future and the future is now!, said Deepak Bawa, CEO of Splitwaters. Our strategic partnership with Splitwaters will enable the capture of our rich fourplus decades of innovative engineering capabilities much needed for the Green Hydrogen plants, said Ramesh Maini, CEO of Zentech, Inc. Akna Energy is at the forefront of revolutionizing the hydrogen industry with its commitment to catalyzing global hydrogen system growth. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders, Akna Energy is shaping the landscape of the hydrogen industry and setting new standards for sustainable energy practices. By investing in innovative solutions and fostering collaboration across industries, Akna Energy is not just pioneering change it's driving progress towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. Zentech Inc. is a Houstonbased design and consulting engineering firm with offices in India, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Apart from the projects related to Green Hydrogen and the Oil and Gas industries, Zentech has been involved in several other unique projects in the renewables sector and has pioneered and introduced advanced digital technologies utilizing extended reality. Splitwaters is a Houston, Texasbased electrolyzer manufacturer and engineering , procurement, construction, and commissioning firm specializing in lowcost Green Hydrogen generation plants. Splitwaters is working to create a cleaner, greener, safer world by building smallcap to largecap projects, improving the resiliency of the world's infrastructure; getting us closer to net zero; tackling critical environmental challenges; and accelerating progress to make the world a cleaner, greener, safer place. Media Contact: Media Contact Name: Tanvi Anand Media Contact Company: Splitwaters Media Contact Number: 832-614-7783 Media Contact Website: https://www.splitwaters.com/ Media Contact Email: tanand@splitwaters.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e065b92-c9b5-456c-bce4-62bae22aade5 Charleston, SC, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An immigration story to remember, new memoir by cancer biologist Gozde Yucel Kismet traverses from the challenges of settling in a new country to the depths of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. Kismet takes readers on a fantastic voyage that spans from the Turkish suburbs to the crowded, busy street of New York. With a special empowering message of embracing your own worth, Kismet whisks readers through an emotional rollercoaster that defies borders. Gozde tells her story with authenticity that will resonate across cultures. Raised in the Turkish Suburbs, Gozde traveled to the United States for graduate school and encountered all the challenges that face immigrants seeking a new life. As her upbringing crashes against the traditions of her new home, Gozde expands her story into love and loss as she undergoes a divorce. On a journey of self-discovery, Gozde demonstrates enduring resilience as she rises in her scientific profession. New twists and unexpected turns emerge, keeping readers on their toes to the final pages of Kismet. Kismet offers a story of surprising love and inner strength that will touch the hearts of immigrants and the divorced. Kismet aims to provide readers with a triumphant story about accepting self-love on the path to personal transformation. Kismet is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. For more information about the author, please visit any of her social media platforms. Facebook: Gozde Yucel Official Instagram: @gozdeyucel.official About the Author: Born in Turkey, Gozde Yucel immigrated to the United States when she was 24. She graduated from NYU with her PhD in Developmental Genetics and did post-doctoral studies in skin stem cell biology at Stanford University. She works as a cancer biologist and has published numerous articles, won awards, and held several patents. She lives in California with her three sons and works both professionally and personally to inspire and support others. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadas largest federal financial cooperative and Certified B Corporation, Coast Capital , has launched its new Elevate Chequing Account * , designed to help unlock financial opportunities for people in Canada. The launch comes as Canadians continue to struggle financially. Nearly half (47%) of Canadians indicate they are living pay cheque-to-pay cheque1 and nearly a third (33%) report not making enough money each month to cover their bills and debt repayments2. An Omnibus commissioned by Coast Capital further demonstrates the seemingly impossible financial situation many are facing. The study found: 72 per cent of Canadians do not believe that better budgeting or increased savings alone would improve their situation. 48 per cent believe that obtaining additional education or skills training would help them increase their current income. Recognizing these realities, Coast Capital has reimagined everyday banking with an account that gives its members the power to elevate their earning potential through access to education and skills training. The Elevate Chequing Account has banking features like free Interac e-Transfers and identity theft monitoring, plus it comes with free access to Coursera 's global online learning platform. With Coursera, Coast Capital members can access more than 11,000 world-class courses and job-ready professional certificates across sectors and industries from the world's top universities and companies, including The University of Alberta, McMaster University, Yale, Princeton, Google, Microsoft and Intuit. A proven platform, 77 per cent of Coursera learners report career benefits, such as getting a new job, earning a promotion, gaining applicable career skills and more, while 30 per cent of unemployed learners were employed after completing their most recent course or program on Coursera3. Weve been told that if we just budget more effectively or skip our morning coffee run, we can get ahead financially, explains Catherine Wood, Chief Strategy, Product & Marketing Officer, Coast Capital. Budgeting and saving are important but in many cases these strategies are no longer enough. With more and more people unable to keep up with the rising cost of living, its clear that Canadians need to earn more to improve their financial reality. At Coast Capital, we believe that starts with access to education and training that empowers people to begin, advance, or even change their careers. The Coast Capital study also revealed that while 38 per cent of Canadians have been considering pursuing additional education or training with the aim of increasing their current income, 86 per cent of those considering pursuing additional training feel that there are significant barriers. The most common roadblocks among Canadians is the cost of education (52 per cent), available time (46 per cent) and lack of motivation or confidence (24 per cent). "With the Elevate Chequing Account, individuals and entrepreneurs can learn in-demand skills and earn industry micro-credentials on Coursera to boost their earning potential for no added cost, said Leah Belsky, Chief Revenue Officer at Coursera. Were excited to partner with Coast Capital to provide more value to their members, offer scholarships to underserved populations, and create more pathways to economic opportunity for Canadians across the country." Extending the impact of the partnership with Coursera and within the wider community, Coast Capital is providing more than 7,000 free Coursera subscriptions to community partners, equity-deserving groups, and underserved communities across Canada, including organizations such as the Construction Foundation, Indspire, and DIVERSEcity. Maureen Young, Vice President, Social Purpose, Coast Capital, added, There is a tremendous alignment in values between Coast Capital and Coursera, with our respective missions and purpose going hand-in-hand. Through this multifaceted partnership, we can offer our members, employees, and communities access to Coursera's extensive online catalogue, driving our social purpose of building better futures together. The Elevate Chequing Account is part of Coast Capitals new full suite of chequing accounts. Visit coastcapitalsavings.com to find out more about the accounts and the limited-time offer where new Coast Capital members can also get up to $600* when they join and open select new accounts. *Conditions apply. Learn more at coastcapitalsavings.com/elevate . ABOUT THIS SURVEY These are the findings of a survey conducted by Coast Capital from March 14th to March 18th, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,501 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. ABOUT COAST CAPITAL At Coast Capital, were not dreaming about a better future, were building one. Were a member-owned financial cooperative with an 80-year legacy of unlocking financial opportunities that positively impact people and communities. We believe that every Canadian deserves a financial partner who actually cares how things turn out. Driven by our social purpose, we look at everything we do through the lens of how we can help nearly 600,000 members, our employees, and communities. Ranked in the platinum category of the 2022 Corporate Knights Social Purpose Ranking and a proud Certified B Corporation, were part of a global movement building a more inclusive, equitable and regenerative economic system. Each year, we invest 10% of our budgeted bottom line into our communities, which totals more than $100M since 2000. Were deeply committed to making our financial cooperative a great place to work as demonstrated by some of our accolades. Coast Capital is a platinum member of Canadas Best Managed Companies and one of Canadas Most Admired Corporate Cultures. To learn more, visit us online at coastcapitalsavings.com. ABOUT COURSERA Coursera was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 142 million registered learners as of December 31, 2023. Coursera partners with over 325 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Guided Projects, and bachelors and masters degrees. Institutions around the world use Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in fields such as data science, technology, and business. Coursera became a Delaware public benefit corporation and a B Corp in February 2021. Media Contact Olivia Lazazzera Citizen Relations (on behalf of Coast Capital) Olivia.lazazzera@citizenrelations.com Connect with Coast Capital Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn _______________________ 1 Leger , 2023 2 TransUnion , 2024 3 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report , 2023 *Limitations apply. Learn more at coastcapitalsavings.com/elevate A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d4bd7c8-07be-40e1-8df8-12db8572dc3a CORAL GABLES, Fla., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As a student at the University of Miami in the 1960s, Jayne Baron Sherman loved film and theatre. Her first career, however, was in the marketing and public relations sphere, where she rose to the level of vice president of a multinational company by the time she was 30 years old. There came a time when I felt I needed something else, Sherman recalled. Friends she met through her nonprofit volunteer work encouraged her to pivot to film and theatrical production. There was part of me that was an artist and part of me that was a businessperson, and I discovered that producing [allowed me] to put the two of them together instead of them battling each other, she said. As Sherman related, she had the necessary skill set and was in the right place at the right time. The result has been a hugely successful second career. Shermans Broadway hits include Tony Award-winning productions of Kinky Boots, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and The Normal Heart. In addition to her extensive theatrical work, she has produced films and television shows, several of which are streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+, and Hulu. Thanks to a generous gift from Shermans late father, their family name graces the Alvin Sherman Family Stage in the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, and she is now looking to cement her theatrical legacy at the University. She has made a $3 million gift to the Department of Theatre Arts to support productions, programming, and technology maintenance and upgrades for the Ring Theatre and the black box theatre in the new theatre arts building, currently under construction on the Coral Gables Campus. Shermans gift is part of the Universitys Ever Brighter: The Campaign for Our Next Century. The most ambitious in the institutions history, the $2.5 billion campaign is set to conclude in 2025, when the University will celebrate its centennial. Our theatre arts program gives students who seek professional careers in the theater the foundational training and exposure they need to succeed, said Leonidas G. Bachas, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Jayne Shermans generous gift will strengthen the program and help ensure the continuation of high-quality, leading-edge productions for years to come. For Sherman, the essence of a producers job is, as she put it, the love of the workand a good head for business. If I dont love a particular piece, I cant do it, but I also have to believe its commercially viable, she said. Commercial success, in theater especially, brings another layer of challenges. If a show fails, you close out your books, and people lick their wounds, she explained. If you have a successful show, you have to maintain freshness. You have to make sure that youre still connecting with audiences and getting, as we say in the business, butts in seats. And its about maximizing the benefit to your investors, cast, staff, and crew. The other side to this equationlove of the storyshines through when Sherman speaks about her work. The stories she has produced span a wide range of subjects, from the lives of the women who worked as British spies during World War II (A Call to Spy) to a portrait of commitment in the face of adversity, as experienced by an older same-sex couple (Love is Strange). In a 2022 interview with the College of Arts and Sciences, Sherman noted: If you look at my body of work, it all has a pattern. I dont do fluff. Whether its a play or a musical or a series, theyre all about human emotionsacceptance, change, inclusionor looking at things a little differently. Sherman gains the greatest satisfaction in seeing her and her colleagues efforts come to life on stage or film. She wants future generations of theatre students to experience this feeling, and she believes that the University of Miami is well-positioned to achieve this aim. I think the University of Miami is a wonderful school, and the theatre arts are well recognized, Sherman said. When she heard about the new theatre arts buildingand what it would mean for students and facultyshe was inspired to make her gift. Sherman is particularly interested in the black box theatre in the new building. As she explained it, a black box theatre is a developmental space where directors, performers, and crew can workshop new pieces. It tends to foster smaller dramatic productions and more experimental work, she said. The new black box theatre will give students the opportunity to do more in terms of theatre arts. In addition to her generosity to theatre arts, Sherman is a steadfast supporter of the Universitys LGBTQ+ Student Center. Last year, she and her wife established an endowed fund that provides stipends to students with financial need who are involved in, or have an affinity for, the LGBTQ community. Its part of her proud 30-plus-year history as an LGBTQ+ activist and advocate. She marvels at how far the University and society have progressed in her lifetime, but she remains vigilant. There are many reasons why Miami was wonderful for me, but it was a very different world [back then], and the notion of being outed was dramatic, she recalled. You worried about losing your family, your place in school, your job. There are still people living with that, and I dont forget that for a moment. Sherman sees her work, which regularly includes characters and themes related to a range of social justice issues, as an opportunity to influence peoples perceptions. Theater and film help change lives and minds in the very simplest waywe hear this all the time, she said. Good theater and good film are always more universal than the actual story. Attachment PRESS RELEASE AB SCIENCE ANNOUNCES THAT HEALTH CANADA HAS GRANTED ELIGIBILITY FOR RECONSIDERATION REQUEST FOR MASITINIB IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS Paris, 3 April, 2024, 6pm CET AB Science SA (Euronext - FR0010557264 - AB) today announces that Health Canada has granted eligibility for reconsideration request for masitinib in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The reconsideration process will re-examine, with new assessors, the decision based on information that was included in the original submission. A Notice of Deficiency-Withdrawal (NOD/w) was issued on February 19, 2024 by Health Canada regarding the New Drug Submission (NDS) for masitinib in the treatment of ALS. The intention to submit a reconsideration request was based on the arguments summarized in the press release dated 26 February 2024. Health Canada and AB Science have held a meeting to discuss the reconsideration process. AB Science is working closely with the agency to facilitate the review of masitinib conditional approval in ALS. AB Science has 45 days to file the reconsideration request. The pivotal argument is on the treatment of missing data. Various sensitivity analyses show that study AB10015 was successful at week 48 when masitinib missing data are imputed as a placebo, which is recognized as a highly conservative methodology for missing data imputation (i.e., jump-to-reference). Rerandomization calculation, which ignores whether the data distribution is linear or not, was also successful. Furthermore, the Combined Assessment of Function and Survival (CAFS) analysis showed a p-value of 0.078, even though study AB10015 was not powered for this endpoint. A related time-to-event endpoint, Progression Free Survival (PFS), did show significant improvement in favor of masitinib. Additionally, in the subgroup of patients with ALS prior to any loss of function, a logically defined cohort based on masitinibs mechanism of action, a long-term median overall survival (OS) benefit of +22 months (p=0.0192) was observed. Professor Albert Ludolph, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the Neurology Department of at the University of Ulm, and principal investor of masitinib confirmatory study in ALS commented that, The recent failure of numerous phase 2 or 3 programs, including registered drugs such as AMX0035 (Amylyx) and oral edaravone (Ferrer), as well as investigational drugs such as TUDCA (the TUDCA-ALS consortium), reldesemtiv (Cytokinetics) and the RIPK1 inhibitor SAR443820 (Sanofi), have dashed the community's hopes of benefiting from new therapeutic advances and have effectively set us back with riluzole being the only treatment with a proven modest effect in the overall ALS population. We should learn from theses failures. First, that demonstration of efficacy over a 24-week period is not predictive of efficacy over a 48-week period, which is the adequate duration to demonstrate a disease modifying effect in ALS. Second, that a 48-week study inevitably generates a large number of missing data. This situation is not unique to masitinib. It is a real challenge in the evaluation of efficacy and we are at risk of overlooking promising compounds. Masitinib has published results over a 48-week period, positive when appropriate methodology to treat missing data is applied, and it deserves careful consideration. About AB Science Founded in 2001, AB Science is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and commercialization of protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs), a class of targeted proteins whose action are key in signaling pathways within cells. Our programs target only diseases with high unmet medical needs, often lethal with short term survival or rare or refractory to previous line of treatment. AB Science has developed a proprietary portfolio of molecules and the Companys lead compound, masitinib, has already been registered for veterinary medicine and is developed in human medicine in oncology, neurological diseases, inflammatory diseases and viral diseases. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: AB). Further information is available on AB Sciences website: www.ab-science.com. Forward-looking Statements - AB Science This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates as well as the assumptions on which they are based, statements based on projects, objectives, intentions and expectations regarding financial results, events, operations, future services, product development and their potential or future performance. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the words "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate" or "plan" as well as other similar terms. While AB Science believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of AB Science and which may imply that results and actual events significantly differ from those expressed, induced or anticipated in the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include the uncertainties related to product development of the Company which may not be successful or to the marketing authorizations granted by competent authorities or, more generally, any factors that may affect marketing capacity of the products developed by AB Science, as well as those developed or identified in the public documents published by AB Science. AB Science disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update the forward-looking information and statements, subject to the applicable regulations, in particular articles 223-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulations. For additional information, please contact: AB Science Financial Communication & Media Relations investors@ab-science.com Attachment Petaluma, CA, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On April 3, American Ratings Corporation (ARC) began mailing the 2024 Diamond Certified Directory to more than 820,000 homeowners, select local business owners, property and apartment managers, and insurance and real estate agents throughout the Greater Bay Area. There are nine different versions: Sonoma County, Marin County, San Francisco, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Solano/Napa Counties, and Monterey/San Benito/Santa Cruz Counties. Each Diamond Certified company is represented with a full-page profile that includes a researched article and business philosophy, a capabilities table with key information, graphical depictions of actual rating results, and verbatim survey responses from real customers. Only companies that score Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise earn Diamond Certified and are profiled within this directory. What really separates Diamond Certified ratings from all others is that a large, random sample of each companys customers are surveyed by phone to get the most accurate ratings and verify only real customers are responding. By surveying from a companys entire customer base, ARC ensures that each companys research results truly represent its customer satisfaction level. And each Diamond Certified company is backed by mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. As part of their always-free membership, 180,000+ Diamond Certified Preferred Members get immediate access to the 2024 Diamond Certified Directory in their home county as well as two additional counties. Diamond Certified Preferred Membership also includes a member hotline, a double Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, exclusive digital downloads and more. In recent years, the increase in online reviews has given rise to cherry-picked and fake reviews. Anyone can post a review on sites like Yelp even if they were never a customer, which inflates the companys star rating and creates a false sense of security for consumers. Thats why the Diamond Certified Directory has become such an important resource over the last two decades. Its designed for those who care about quality work done by companies that prioritize customer satisfaction. ARC Founder Jim Stein credits much of the Diamond Certified Directorys success to its physical presence in an increasingly digital world. People love our directories because they can hold them in their hands, turn pages and find local companies that are a pleasure to do business with, he says. The striking, gold-embossed Diamond Certified seal on the cover is a powerful signal of the quality companies that are presented inside. Many Diamond Certified companies see an immediate increase in calling activity when the Diamond Certified Directory is released each year, which translates to more business transactions. Whenever we receive a phone call from a new customer, we ask them how they learned about our company, and when they say, I saw you in the Diamond Certified Directory, we know thats a differentiator, says Stanley Costa, owner of SonoMarin Cleaning Services, Inc. It has worked really well for us. ARC recently produced four videos that are currently rotating on YouTube and social media outlets. These 30-second videos feature helpful information about using both the Diamond Certified Resource website and Google to search for local companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise. Its easy to find top rated Bay Area companies on the Diamond Certified website. Alameda County Contra Costa County Marin County Monterey County Napa County San Benito County San Francisco San Joaquin County San Mateo County Santa Clara County Santa Cruz County Solano County Sonoma County About American Ratings Corporation American Ratings Corporation (ARC), creator of Diamond Certified Resource, has pioneered the development of the most accurate customer satisfaction ratings of local companies. All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed. Diamond Certified is only awarded to local companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise in statistically rigorous ongoing research studies performed by ARC. Local consumers access updated ratings information and capability profiles at diamondcertified.org and benefit from the added assurance of the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. A full-color Diamond Certified Directory is published annually and more than 800,000 copies are mailed free to homeowners and companies each April. Attachment A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. SANDY, Utah, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Credit Union recently celebrated being recognized among USA Todays Top Workplaces of 2024. Selected exclusively on employee feedback collected through the Energage employee engagement survey, Mountain America emerged in the top five among employers with over 2,500 employees. The Top Workplaces awards spotlight workplace excellence. Mountain Americas top standing showcases its dedication to a positive, fulfilling employee environment. Our employees are the heartbeat of Mountain America, and we celebrate this accomplishment, said Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America Credit Union. Our team members commitment to excellence is a driving force behind our success. This recognition not only reaffirms Mountain Americas dedication to its employees but also underscores its commitment to delivering exceptional service to its members. Highlights of the 2024 Energage survey included: 93% of employees vouched for Mountain Americas high ethical standards, along with top-tier ratings for its benefits. As the only credit union featured in the top five, Mountain America continues a long-standing reputation for excellence within the financial services industry. At the core of Mountain America's culture is our Team Member Experience Blueprint. This keeps us laser-focused on the experiences that drive an engaging and productive team member journey, explained Trent Savage, chief human resources officer at Mountain America Credit Union. This award is a validation of our unwavering commitment to a workplace centered around growth, appreciation, and well-being. This approach not only attracts but retains amazing individuals who, in turn, provide exceptional experiences for our members. In 2023, Mountain America received several Top Workplace awards, including recognition as a top workplace for professional development, employee appreciation, and employee well-being. The credit union was also honored as a Top Workplace in Utah as well as in Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. These awards highlight our commitment to creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. For more information about Mountain America and its commitment to employee satisfaction and member service, visit macu.com. New York, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Save 15% AND Earn Double Reward Points Thank you for your continued interest and support for Yamazaki Home, and welcome to our 5-day 10 Year Anniversary Sale! Whether youre creating the entryway of your dreams or streamlining the kitchen for easier meal-prep, enjoy 15% off our entire catalog from 4/17-4/21, and earn double points towards your next purchase. You can even unlock exclusive benefits by achieving Dreamer, Decorater, or Designer status through our Room for Rewards program! Creating New Standards for Everyday Life Yamazaki Home started as an ironing board manufacturer in Japan over a century ago. Since then, weve grown into an international home organization brand offering 600+ products designed to optimize every part of the home. Our goal is to be a leader in the home organization industry; to raise the standards of how we think about the spaces we live in, and bring joy to even the smallest of everyday moments. Over the last ten years, we've been continuously blown away by the positive response from both our customers and our media partners, and are elated to have won 10+ Awards for some of our most notable designs. Take advantage of this opportunity to save on notable designs, including our Leaning Storage Ladder which was just awarded "Best Leading Ladder Coat Rack" by CNN Underscored ($66 reduced to $56.10). Discover other award-winners like our TOSCA Bread Box ($128 reduced to $108.80), or make a big organizational impact with our new TOWER Storage Rack ($178 reduced to $151.30) and TOWER Sliding Drawer Seasoning Rack ($125 reduced to $106.25). Inspired by Japanese life and designed in Nara, Japan, our products are rooted in Japanese aesthetics. Renowned for their minimalistic beauty, space-saving capabilities, and functionality, our products bring ease, function, and joy to everyday moments. Starting in May 2024, we will be releasing 5-10 new products every month. We hope you enjoy our anniversary sale, and stay tuned for more upcoming exciting new offerings and products as we begin a new chapter! Pricing and Availability: Enjoy 15% off our entire catalog at theyamazakihome.com. About Yamazaki Home Established over a hundred years ago, Yamazaki Home is a household name in Japan, with a rapidly growing fanbase in the U.S. and EU. Yamazaki looks to challenge industry standards, offering unique solutions to minimalist, modern home designs inspired by life in Japan. Find us on Instagram (@yamazakihome), Facebook (Yamazaki Home), X (@yamazakihome), and TikTok (@yamazakihome). To get in touch with a member of staff about interviews, articles, or product samples, contact our Media Partnership Coordinator, Zachary Blackwell, at zachary.blackwell@theyamazakihome.com Contact: Zack Blackwell Yamazaki Home zachary.blackwell@theyamazakihome.com Attachment Boise, Idaho, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Idaho Copper Corporation (OTC:COPR), (ICC or the Company), a U.S. based company focused the exploration and development of its copper-molybdenum-silver deposit in Idaho, known as the CuMo project, announces that it has recently hired three world-class mining consulting and engineering firms to commence comprehensive core scanning and ore sorting programs designed to result in an updated preliminary economic assessment (PEA). ICC has recently signed agreements with three companies, including: MineSense (www.minesense.com) in Vancouver, BC Canada for bucket-level ore sorting testing, Veracio (www.veracio.com) from Salt Lake City, Utah for core scanning, and SGS Bateman of Tucson, Arizona (www.sgs.com) to complete metallurgical testing and to be the lead author on the PEA report update. We are pleased to continue technical work for the CuMo project, and our goal is to have updated results to share with the public within 6 to 9 months of commencing this work, commented Steven Rudofsky, Chief Executive Officer of Idaho Copper Corporation. Ore-sorting, which separates mined waste from ore, has changed rapidly over the last decade, and is a proven technology in use at numerous large mines globally. ICC anticipates that the application and testing of the MineSense bucket level technology for material from the CuMo project will produce enhanced waste separation and allow the company to design a much smaller concentrator at a greatly reduced initial capital cost and operating cost, compared to the numbers released in our last PEA in May of 2020, said Andrew Brodkey, Chief Operating Officer of Idaho Copper Corporation. I should also note that prices for all of our major metals (copper, molybdenum and silver) were approximately 30% lower in 2020 and we will be able to incorporate todays prices into the updated PEA valuation. About Idaho Copper Corporation Idaho Copper Corporation is a mineral exploration and development company focused on exploring and developing a massive copper-molybdenum-silver deposit in Idaho (United States), (the CuMo project). The CuMo project currently consists of one hundred and twenty-six (126) federal unpatented lode mining claims, and six (6) patented mining claims. In total, the project comprises approximately 2,640 acres. The unpatented lode mining claims and patented claims are situated in an unorganized mining district in Boise County, Idaho. For more information, visit: www.idaho-copper.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Companys current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as may, will, could, would, should, anticipate, predict, potential, continue, expect, intend, plan, project, believe, estimate, and other similar or related expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. Stockholders and potential investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements in this report are reasonable, the Company cannot assure stockholders and potential investors that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Companys control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, the Company has no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on March 10, 2023, and the Companys other periodic and quarterly filings with the SEC. For further information, please contact: info@idaho-copper.com NEW YORK, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following Litigation Report is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP: Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. Litigation Report Case Introduction Adamo v. Nextdoor Holdings, Inc., et al 4:24-cv-01213-KAW On February 28, 2024, investors sued Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. f/k/a Khosla Ventures Acquisition Co. II (Nextdoor or the Company) in United States District Court, Northern District of California. Plaintiffs in the federal securities class action allege that they acquired Nextdoor stock at artificially inflated prices between July 6, 2021 and November 8, 2022 (the Class Period). They are now seeking compensation for financial losses incurred upon public revelation of the Companys alleged misconduct during that time. To learn whether you may be eligible for a recovery under this class action, go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/nextdoor-holdings-inc-f-k-a-khosla-ventures-acquisition-co-ii-lawsuit-submission-form?wire=32 Summary of the Allegations Company Background Nextdoor (NYSE:KIND) Nextdoor engages in the operation of a hyperlocal online social networking platform. According to the Company, its platform connects neighbors, public agencies, and businesses through the internet. Nextdoor supposedly facilitate this online community through different features such as a news feed where neighbors, or users, can see posts, and engage in discussions. They can also see pictures posted by other neighbors, along with notifications, comments, and groups. In summary, the platform allows users to share information, goods and services. By the end of last year, the Company says, its platform was available in 11 countries and had more than 41 million weekly active users. Nextdoor also says its platform was in use in 1 in 3 U.S. households at that time. The Company has been trading publicly since the completion of a merger between Nextdoor, Inc. (Nextdoor Private) and a blank check company or SPAC called Khosla Ventures Acquisition Co. II (KV Acquisition Co.) in 2021. Summary of Facts The Company, and is founder and five of its former senior officers (the Individual Defendants) are now accused of deceiving investors by lying and withholding important information about Nextdoors business practices and financial condition during the Class Period. In particular, they are accused of omitting truthful information about the Companys growth, total addressable market, and U.S. market, from SEC filings and related material. By knowingly or recklessly doing so, they allegedly caused Nextdoor stock to trade at artificially inflated prices during the time in question. The truth came out in a series of events that culminated on November 8, 2022. Thats when the Company filed a quarterly report with the SEC announcing the Companys financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. In this context, Nextdoor reported that its revenues during that time declined sequentially by $1 million to $54 million, representing just 2% year-over-year growth, and that the Companys quarterly ARPU growth was increasingly negative, contracting by 12% compared to the prior year quarter. In an ensuing conference call held the same day the Companys then-CFO (an Individual Defendant) reported that Nextdoor was reducing revenue guidance again by an additional $12 million, warning investors that Nextdoor now expected fiscal 2022 revenues of just $210.5 million at the midpoint far below the up to $256 million figure provided to investors during the Class Period. A closer look As alleged, the Company and/or Individual Defendants repeatedly made false and misleading public statements throughout the Class Period. In a Financial Times news article filed on a form with the SEC at the beginning of the Class Period, for example, the Companys then-CEO (an Individual Defendant) was quoted as stating pertinent part: We think were a company that can maintain hyper growth over multiple years. Then, on a form filed with the SEC on July 9, 2021 containing a transcript of an interview Nextdoors then-CEO did with Australia Start Up Daily quoted her as stating in pertinent part: [Y]es so today were in 11 countries. [W]hat we see in the U.S. is Nextdoor is truly network business. [T]he more people that join the platform, the richer the content. more engaged members are and so growth bigats [sic] growth. Finally, during a November 10, 2021 conference call with analysts and investors, the Companys then-CEO stated in pertinent part: Our total addressable market is large and global. In the third quarter, international WAUs represented 18% of total, an increase from 15% in the prior year quarter. Actions You May Take If you have purchased the Companys stock during the Class Period, you may join the class action as a lead plaintiff, remain a passive class member, or opt out of this litigation and pursue individual claims that may not be available to the class as a whole. To learn more about your options, go to: https://zlk.com/pslra-1/nextdoor-holdings-inc-f-k-a-khosla-ventures-acquisition-co-ii-lawsuit-submission-form?wire=32 NOTE: The deadline to file for lead plaintiff in this class action is April 29, 2024. You must file an application to be appointed lead plaintiff prior to this deadline in order to be considered by the Court. CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Joseph E. Levi, Esq. Ed Korsinsky, Esq. 33 Whitehall Street, 17th Floor New York, NY 10004 jlevi@levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com BALTIMORE, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Thursday, April 4, 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, will travel to Baltimore, Md., to highlight federal resources available to help businesses withstand the economic impact of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse as part of the Biden-Harris Administrations whole-of-government approach to the recovery process. Administrator Guzman will first host a closed-press roundtable alongside U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Mayor Brandon Scott to meet with small business owners affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and hear the challenges they are facing. Senator Cardin, Rep. Mfume, and Mayor Scott will then join Administrator Guzman for a tour of an SBA Business Recovery Center and media availability. In the afternoon, Administrator Guzman will join a press conference with Governor Wes Moore to provide an update on the SBAs economic recovery efforts. In the wake of the bridge collapse, the SBA has made low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) available to affected business owners to help them overcome temporary loss of revenue. The SBA also moved swiftly to open two Business Recovery Centers (BRC) on April 1 to assist business owners in completing their disaster loan applications, accept documents for existing applications, and provide status on loan applications. Thursday, April 4 Tour of Business Recovery Center and Media Availability WHO: SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman U.S. Senator Ben Cardin U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott WHEN: 12:15 p.m. ET. Media arrival by 12:00 p.m. ET. WHERE: Baltimore, MD. Location details sent upon RSVP to rebecca.galanti@sba.gov. Press Conference with Governor Wes Moore WHO: SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman Maryland Governor Wes Moore Other participants to be announced WHEN: 3:00 p.m. ET WHERE: Maryland Transportation Authority Police Headquarters 4330 Broening Highway Dundalk, MD 21222 ### 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. PERRYSBURG, Ohio, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI) has scheduled its first quarter 2024 conference call and webcast for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 8 a.m. EDT. The Companys news release for the first quarter 2024 earnings will be issued after the market closes on Tuesday, April 30. What: O-I Conference Call and Webcast Earnings presentation materials will also be posted on the O-I website, www.o-i.com/investors, when the earnings news release is issued. When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 8 a.m. EDT Where: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/107915242 or at www.o-i.com/investors, Events and Presentations page The webcast will be archived at www.o-i.com/investors until May 2025. ABOUT O-I GLASS At O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI), we love glass, and we are proud to be one of the leading producers of glass bottles and jars around the globe. Glass is not only beautiful, it is also pure, healthy, and completely recyclable, making it the most sustainable rigid packaging material. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio (USA), O-I is the preferred partner for many of the worlds leading food and beverage brands. We innovate in line with customers needs to create iconic packaging that builds brands around the world. Led by our diverse team of approximately 23,000 people across 68 plants in 19 countries, O-I achieved revenues of $7.1 billion in 2023. Learn more about us: o-i.com / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn contact: SASHA SEKPEH Investor Relations Coordinator alexandra.sekpeh@o-i.com 567.336.5128 Attachment ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS) will release its first quarter 2024 financial results on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. A teleconference and webcast will be held the same day at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will discuss the Corporation's first quarter financial results. Shareholders, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties are invited to listen to the teleconference via the live webcast on the Corporation's website, https://www.fortisinc.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations . Those members of the financial community in North America wishing to ask questions during the call are invited to participate toll free by calling 1.800.717.1738 while those outside of North America can participate by calling 1.289.514.5100. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No passcode is required. A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be available on the Corporation's website, www.fortisinc.com . A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until June 1, 2024. Please call 1.888.660.6264 or 1.289.819.1325 and enter passcode 46112#. Fortis will hold its 2024 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern), 10:30 a.m. (Newfoundland), in-person and online. Shareholders can attend the meeting in person at the Fortis Energy Centre, 5 Springdale Street, 4th floor, St. John's, NL. A link to the virtual platform and how to participate will be available on the Corporation's website, www.fortisinc.com/investor-relations/2024-annual-meeting/ . Participants will be able to submit questions for management during the Q&A portion of the webcast. About Fortis Fortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2023 revenue of $12 billion and total assets of $66 billion as at December 31, 2023. The Corporation's 9,600 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com , www.sedarplus.ca , or www.sec.gov . A .pdf version of this press release is available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9378f817-dd9e-4907-b29d-749bc81800c3 For further information contact REDMOND, Wash., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pattern Computer, Inc. (Pattern or the Company) today announced that Mark R. Anderson, Chairman and CEO, Matt Keener, CTO, and Nidhi Singh, Ph.D., Managing Director, Product Strategy/Sales will participate in the Life Science Innovation Northwest (LSINW) 2024 Conference, being held April 17 18, 2024 at the Seattle Convention Center. Hosted by Life Science Washington, LSINW is the Pacific Northwests largest annual life science conference, bringing together the life sciences community to discuss and feature some of the most compelling life science breakthroughs of our time. The conference features CEOs, investors, public and private life science organizations, research institutions, scientists, entrepreneurs, and the global health community. Matt Keener will lead Patterns presentation showcasing the Companys business and clinical development strategy, recent corporate achievements, and anticipated milestones. The presentation is scheduled for the Biotechnology Session Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 1:00-3:30 PM PT. In addition, Nidhi Singh will present a poster entitled Empowering Biomedical Innovation through AI-Powered Pattern Discovery, which will be held in the poster presentation area (spot #11). The Company will also sponsor an exhibitors table (Table Number 206), and meetings will be available for qualified institutional, private equity and venture capital investors. For additional information or to meet with the Company during the conference, please contact Patterns Executive Vice President of Special Projects, Denyse Hudson, at denyse@patterncomputer.com. 2024 is a transformative year for Pattern, commented Mark Anderson. Since its founding, Pattern has been on a strategic path with a roadmap largely focused on building our Pattern Discovery Engine and using it to generate high-value assets, which we are now at an inflection point to commercialize. These assets include and are not limited to: combination cancer drug discoveries and diagnostic advances against the worlds top five cancers, in which we are looking to partner with firms to bring these drugs into clinical trials; the Pattern Discovery Engine; ProSpectral, a game-changing medical diagnostic tool and research instrument; and TrueXAI. About Pattern Pattern Computer, Inc. uses its Pattern Discovery Engine to solve the most important and intractable problems in business and medicine. These proprietary mathematical techniques in advanced AI can find complex patterns in very-high-order data that have eluded detection by much larger systems. As the Company applies its computational platform to the challenging fields of drug discovery and diagnostics, it is also making major Pattern Discoveries for partners in other sectors, including biotech, materials science, aerospace manufacturing, veterinary medicine, air traffic operations, and energy services. See www.patterncomputer.com. CONTACT: Laura Guerrant-Oiye (808) 960-2642 laura@patterncomputer.com The foregoing contains statements about Pattern Computers future that are not statements of historical fact. These statements are forward looking statements for purposes of applicable securities laws and are based on current information and/or managements good faith belief as to future events. The words believe, expect, anticipate, project, should, could, will, and similar expressions signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risk and uncertainties, which change over time, and actual performance could differ materially from that anticipated by any forward-looking statements. Pattern Computer undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Copyright 2024 Pattern Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pattern Computer, Inc., Pattern Discovery Engine, PatternBio, TrueXAI, and ProSpectral are trademarks of Pattern Computer Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners. DIMOFONTOS, CYPRUS, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a groundbreaking move within the cryptocurrency mining industry, F2Hash has announced the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its solar-powered mining operations. This strategic innovation positions F2Hash as among the pioneers in sustainable crypto mining practices. F2Hash, renowned for its cloud mining services , operates extensive solar-powered data centers that are home to thousands of ASIC miners. The company's commitment to environmental stewardship is now further solidified by harnessing AI to optimize energy consumption and operational efficiency. AI: A Game-Changer for Solar-Powered Crypto Mining The adoption of AI technology allows F2Hash to predict solar energy availability with unprecedented accuracy, ensuring that mining operations are powered by the cleanest energy at the most opportune times. This not only maximizes the use of renewable resources but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the mining process. Moreover, AI-driven algorithms are deployed to enhance the performance of mining hardware. By analyzing vast amounts of operational data, these algorithms can make real-time adjustments to the mining rigs, reducing wear and tear and extending their lifespan. Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Operations F2Hash's AI integration also leads to substantial cost savings. The predictive capabilities of AI minimize the need for energy storage solutions, which are often a significant expense in solar-powered systems. Additionally, the optimized performance of mining equipment translates to lower maintenance costs and higher profitability. A Bright Future for Blockchain Technology F2Hash's initiative is a testament to the potential of AI in revolutionizing the blockchain industry. By setting a new standard for eco-friendly and efficient crypto mining, F2Hash is not only contributing to the sustainability of the industry but also encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources on a global scale. About F2Hash F2Hash is a titan in the crypto mining sector, offering hashpower rental services to clients worldwide. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, F2Hash operates state-of-the-art solar-powered data centers equipped with the latest ASIC technology. The company's mission is to make cryptocurrency mining accessible, profitable, and environmentally responsible. For more information about F2Hash and its services, visit their website at f2hash.com or email info@f2hash.com Media Contact: Full Name: Nikolai Terskikih Job Position: Operations Director, F2Hash Email: nikolai@f2hash.com 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. Toronto, April 2, 2024 - Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: SBMIF) ("Lode Gold " or the "Company" and formerly Stratabound Minerals) is pleased to announce that it has recently acquired 100% ownership of two more claims covering 13.96 km(1,396 hectares) at the core of its McIntyre Brook Project in New Brunswick. This increases the 100%-owned ground from 1,461 hectares to 2,858 hectares. The Company intends to continue to earn in on the remaining options and expand holdings when opportunities arise.Also, the Company announces that it is making the second year option payments on seven arms-length option agreements covering 19 claims comprising 58.41 km(5,841 hectares) located adjacent to and east of the Company's existing McIntyre Brook Claims. For more information see the Company's April 14, 2022 news release. The total payments due on the second year anniversary dates of these seven agreements total $209,000, which the Company will satisfy by payments of $77,000 in cash and $132,000 by the issuance of 4,400,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.03 per share, premium to 30-day VWAP. Of note, certain property optionors chose to take all or part of their payments in shares, in a show of support and belief in the Company's new management team and its restructuring and growth strategic plans. Wendy T. Chan, CEO and Director, commented, "We have highly prospective ground - located on the Appalachian Gold Trend (hosts New Found Gold's Queensway Project, Calibre's Valentine Lake Project, St. Barbara's Touquoy Mine); and, we are looking forward to initiating our exploration in the near future." Shares issued as above will be subject to trading restrictions of 4 months and a day from the date of issuance. ABOUT LODE GOLD Lode Gold is a Canadian exploration and development company with grassroots and advanced exploration properties in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions. Its Golden Culvert and Win Projects, Yukon, covering 99.5 km2 across a 27-km strike length, are situated in a district-scale, high-grade-gold-mineralized trend within the southern portion of the Tombstone Gold Belt. Gold deposits and occurrences within the Belt include Fort Knox, Pogo, Brewery Creek and Dublin Gulch, and Snowline Gold's Valley target on its Rogue property in the Selwyn Basin. Its McIntyre Brook Project, New Brunswick, covering 120 km2 and a 17-km strike length in the emerging Triple Fault Gold Belt, is surrounded by Puma Exploration's Williams Brook Project (5.55 g/t Au over 50m) and is hosted by orogenic rocks of similar age and structure as New Found Gold's Queensway Project. The Company is also advancing its Fremont Gold development project in the historic Mother Lode Gold Belt of California where 50,000,000 oz of gold has been produced. Fremont, located ~500km north of Equinox Gold's Castle Mountain and Mesquite mines, has a PEA with an after-tax NPV(5%) of USD $217MM, a 21% IRR, 11-year LOM, averaging 118k ounces per annum at USD $1,750 gold. A sensitivity to the March 31, 2023 PEA at USD $2,000/oz gold gives an after-tax NPV(5%) of USD $370MM and a 31% IRR over an 11-year LOM. The project hosts an NI 43-101 resource of 1.16 Moz at 1.90 g/t Au within 19.0 MT Indicated, and 2.02 Moz at 2.22 g/t Au within 28.3 MT Inferred. The MRE evaluates only 1.4 km of the 4 km strike length of the Fremont property that features 4 gold-mineralized zones. Significantly, three step-out holes at depth hit structure, typical of orogenic deposits that often occur at depth. Fremont is located on private land in Mariposa, the original gold rush county and is 1.5 hours from Fresno, California. The property has year-round road access and is close to airports and rail. Please refer to the Fremont Gold project PEA dated March 31, 2023 under NI 43-101 guidelines. The technical report has been reviewed and approved by independent "Qualified Persons" Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, and Andrew Bradfield, P.Eng. both of P&E, and Travis Manning, P.E. of KCA. The Company also holds a pipeline of early-stage exploration projects including the critical mineral Captain Cobalt-Copper-Gold Deposit in New Brunswick and the Dingman Gold Project, Ontario. QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, Director, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology - UCT), FAusIMM, and who is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.stratabound.com or contact: Gary Nassif Senior Vice President, Director info@stratabound.com +1 (416) 915-4157 Kevin Shum Investor Relations kevin@jeminicapital.com +1 (647) 725-3888 ext. 702 Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. WARNING: The Company relies upon litigation protection for "forward-looking" statements. The information in this release may contain forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, changes in laws or regulations, failure to obtain regulatory, exchange or shareholder approval, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this forward-looking information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Shareholders holding well over 50% of the outstanding Mayfair shares express support for Muddy Waters AUSTIN, April 2, 2024 - Muddy Waters Capital LLC ("Muddy Waters") confirms today it has requisitioned a meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of Mayfair Gold Corp. ("Mayfair" or the "Company") (TSXV: MFG) (OTCQB: MFGCF), to be held no later than June 5, 2024, for the purpose of reconstituting the board of directors of Mayfair (the "Board") by removing each of Messrs. Harry Pokrandt, Patrick Evans, Douglas Cater and Christopher Reynolds and electing four new independent directors (the "Shareholder Nominees"). Muddy Waters also releases a letter to Mayfair shareholders, the text of which is set out below. April 2, 2024 To Shareholders, Since our initial March 19, 2024 press release, we have received support from shareholders who, combined with our holdings, exceed 50% of the shares in Mayfair. With this development, we gave the Board additional time hoping to resolve this quickly. Instead, they have further dug in and so we are now calling for the removal of all directors. In our view, fighting against a voting majority of shareholders is the highest form of entrenchment. We are undeterred by the recent actions of directors and we remain confident as ever in both the future of the Company, as well as the exceptional quality of Mayfair's Fenn-Gib project. Contrary to what the Board may believe, the rocks in the ground will withstand their departure. Initially, we requested that only one member of the Board step down, and to appoint a Muddy Waters representative as Chairman. We also asked to appoint a second individual who could help Mayfair with immediate technical needs. Our trust in the Board had deteriorated over the previous four months. We were unimpressed when they depleted the options pool of the Company after only two years of being public. We understand that numerous other large shareholders voiced similar frustration. After we had shared our concerns, the Board responded defiantly and pointed the finger back at us suggesting our complaints would compel them to increase pay for the directors and management. They had performed an internal compensation review, and argued that contrary to shareholders' beliefs, they were actually underpaid and now required raises. Amidst a backdrop of rising tensions, Mayfair informed us a founder of the Company exercised a nomination right he held to join the Board, but they planned to deny him a seat. Increasingly, the Board's actions appeared to be motivated by fear of oversight. Our patience ran out, and the Chairman's seat needed to be occupied by somebody whom shareholders trusted. The Board has attempted to justify its actions and criticize ours. There is no way to justify how, after a majority of shareholders gave us their support, directors have chosen to lock themselves in the boardroom rather than listen. Among the shareholders who have expressed support for our actions are some who founded the Company and who welcomed current directors into their roles. Others include ones who repeatedly financed Mayfair at rising prices through non-brokered placements, while also buying stock in the market. These shareholders are independently aware of the actions taken by current directors. They are placing their trust in us. After all, it is difficult to trust a Board who this past Wednesday attempted to bury the resignation of one of the founding and largest individual shareholders in the fourth and final paragraph of a press release titled, "Mayfair Gold Initiates Pre-Feasibility Study for Fenn-Gib Gold Project". This is why shareholders have votes. They are meant to be heard. To the Board of Mayfair, you have lost your way. Sincerely, Darren McLean Information Concerning the Nominees As set out in the requisition filed with the Company, the Shareholder Nominees are Carson Block, Freddy Brick, Anthony Jew and Darren McLean. A brief biography for each of the Shareholder Nominees is set out below: Carson C. Block: Mr. Block is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Muddy Waters. Mr. Block began his career in investment banking and equity research prior to moving to Shanghai, China to work as an attorney with the international law firm Jones Day. While at Jones Day, he focused on mergers and acquisitions and foreign direct investment. He subsequently started what is believed to be the first self storage business in Mainland China. Mr. Block started the predecessor activist investment firm to Muddy Waters in 2010. Bloomberg BusinessWeek named Mr. Block "One of the 50 Most Influential in Global Finance" in 2011. He obtained his Juris Doctorate with high honors from the Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California Freddy Brick: Mr. Brick is a partner at Muddy Waters. Mr. Brick began at Muddy Waters in 2014 and has led Muddy Waters' investments in resource-related issuers since 2017. Prior to joining Muddy Waters, Mr. Brick was an Asian equity analyst at Oasis Investments Ltd., an event-driven fund based in Hong Kong. Mr. Brick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance, Accounting and Management from the University of Nottingham. Anthony Jew: Mr. Jew is the current General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Muddy Waters Capital LLC with significant experience in private equity, securities and corporate governance matters. Prior to his time at Muddy Waters, Mr. Jew served as Fund Counsel of Strategic Value Partners LLC and Executive Director & Assistant General Counsel of JPMorgan Chase & Co. He was also an associate lawyer at Seward & Kissel LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Mr. Jew obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego. Darren McLean: Mr. McLean is the Director of Research of Dfridge Capital Corp. ("Dfridge") and acts as a consultant to Muddy Waters. Mr. McLean has over ten years of experience in the mining and natural resources space. Prior to founding DFridge, Mr. McLean was a vice president at K2 & Associates ("K2"), a Canadian investment manager, from 2014 to 2023, where he focused on public and private investments in K2's mining portfolio. Before K2, Mr. McLean was an analyst at Boswell Capital Corporation, where he specialized in project analysis, corporate advisory, and investment opportunities in the mining sector. Additional information concerning the Shareholder Nominees can be found in an information document (the "Information Document") voluntarily filed by Muddy Waters under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca containing the disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102") in respect of the Shareholder Nominees. Shareholders are strongly encouraged to review the Information Document. As of the date of this news release, Muddy Waters, on behalf of certain investment funds managed by it, exercises control and direction over an aggregate of 14,724,819 Mayfair shares that, together with 592,174 shares held by Freddy Brick and 1,503,232 shares over which Darren McLean exercises control and direction, represents approximately 16.77% of the issued and outstanding shares of Mayfair. Additional Information The information contained in this press release does not and is not meant to constitute a solicitation of a proxy within the meaning of applicable corporate and securities laws. Although Muddy Waters has requisitioned a meeting of shareholders, there is currently no record or meeting date set, and shareholders are not being asked at this time to execute a proxy in favour of the Shareholder Nominees or any other resolution set forth in the requisition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Muddy Waters is voluntarily providing the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 and as noted above, has filed the Information Document under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca containing the disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of the Shareholder Nominees in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. This press release and any solicitation made by Muddy Waters in advance of the Meeting is, or will be, as applicable, made by Muddy Waters, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. In connection with the Meeting, Muddy Waters may file an information circular in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. Muddy Waters is not soliciting proxies in connection with the Meeting at this time, and shareholders are not being asked at this time to execute proxies in favour of the Shareholder Nominees (in respect of the Meeting) or any other resolution that is set forth in the requisition. Proxies may be solicited by Muddy Waters pursuant to an information circular sent to shareholders of the Company after which solicitations may be made by or on behalf of Muddy Waters, by mail, telephone, fax, email or other electronic means, and in person by Muddy Waters or its directors, officers, partners, employees and consultants, as applicable, or any proxy advisor that Muddy Waters may retain or by Shareholder Nominees. Muddy Waters may also solicit proxies in reliance upon the public broadcast exemption to the solicitation requirements under applicable corporate and securities laws, convey by way of public broadcast, including through press releases, speeches or publications, and by any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws. All costs incurred for any solicitation will be borne by Muddy Waters. Muddy Waters is not requesting that shareholders submit a proxy at this time. Once Muddy Waters has commenced a formal solicitation of proxies in connection with the Meeting, a registered shareholder that gives a proxy may revoke it by: (i) executing a proxy bearing a later date or by executing a valid notice of revocation, either of the foregoing to be executed by the registered shareholder or the registered shareholder's authorized attorney in writing, or, if the shareholder is a corporation, under its corporate seal by an officer or duly authorized attorney, and by delivering the proxy bearing a later date to the registered office of the Company, at any time up to and including the last business day that precedes the day of the Meeting or, if the Meeting is adjourned, the last business day that precedes any reconvening thereof, or to the chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any reconvening thereof, or in any other manner provided by law, (ii) personally attending the Meeting and voting the registered shareholder's shares, or (iii) in any other manner permitted by law and the articles of the Company. Non-registered shareholders should contact their broker for assistance in ensuring that forms of proxies or voting instructions previously given to an intermediary are properly revoked. None of Muddy Waters or, to its knowledge, any of its associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter proposed to be acted on at the Meeting, other than the election of directors to the Board. Mayfair's registered office address is 700-1199 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3T5. A copy of this press release and the Information Document may be obtained on Mayfair's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Disclaimer The information contained or referenced herein is for information purposes only in order to provide the views of Muddy Waters and the matters which Muddy Waters believes to be of concern to shareholders described herein. The information is not tailored to specific investment objections, the financial situations, suitability, or particular need of any specific person(s) who may receive the information, and should not be taken as advice in considering the merits of any investment decision. The views expressed herein represent the views and opinions of Muddy Waters, whose opinions may change at any time and which are based on analyses of Muddy Waters. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In general, forward-looking information refers to disclosure about future conditions, courses of action, and events. Forward-looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to, statements of Muddy Waters regarding (i) the Meeting, including the intention of Muddy Waters to solicit proxies in connection therewith, (ii) the proposed reconstitution of the Board, (iii) the future of the Company and (iv) matters relating to the Company, including its business, operations and financial condition. All statements contained in this press release that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forwardlooking, and the use of any of the words "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "intends", "plans", "will", "would", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of Muddy Waters and currently available information. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Muddy Waters undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. SOURCE Muddy Waters Capital LLC Vancouver, April 2, 2024 - Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) ("Medaro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved a consolidation (the "Consolidation") of the common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") on a ten-to-one basis. The Company has 94,514,572 Common Shares outstanding and, if completed, the proposed Consolidation would reduce the issued and outstanding Common Shares to approximately 9,451,457 Common Shares. The Company will issue a subsequent news release, following its filing of all necessary documentation with the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") in respect of the proposed Consolidation, announcing the effective date of the proposed Consolidation, the new CUSIP and ISIN for the consolidated Common Shares and any other relevant details regarding the proposed Consolidation. No fractional Common Shares will be issued as a result of the proposed Consolidation. Any fractional Common Shares resulting from the proposed Consolidation will be rounded up, in the case of a fractional interest that is 0.5 or greater, or rounded down, in the case of a fractional interest that is less than 0.5, to the nearest whole number of Common Shares, and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional Common Shares rounded down to the nearest whole Common Share. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Michael Mulberry, CEO and Director About the Company Medaro Mining Corp. is a lithium exploration company based in Vancouver, BC, which owns or holds options over the Superb Lake, Lac La Motte, Darlin, Rapide, Pontax and Cyr lithium properties located in Quebec and the Yurchison uranium property located in Northern Saskatchewan. The Company is also involved in the development and commercialization of a new process to extract lithium from spodumene concentrate through its Global Lithium Extraction Technologies joint venture. For more detailed information, please consult the Company's filings, available at www.sedarplus.ca. Contact Information Investor Relations Email: info@medaromining.com Phone: 604-602-0001 Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the proposed Consolidation, including the proposed consolidation ratio, the anticipated effective date of the Consolidation and the anticipated effect of the Consolidation on trading in the Common Shares. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, the assumption that the Canadian Securities Exchange will not object to the proposed Consolidation and that the Consolidation will be completed as currently anticipated and on the timeline currently anticipated. Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, that the Canadian Securities Exchange may object to the proposed Consolidation and use its discretion to prohibit the proposed Consolidation; that the Consolidation may not be completed by the Company on the timeline anticipated, or at all; and that the board of directors of the Company retains discretion over the terms and implementation of the Consolidation. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. Rio Tinto will manage the Ranger Rehabilitation Project in Australia's Northern Territory on behalf of Energy Resources of Australia Ltd. (ERA), under a new Management Services Agreement (MSA) signed today. The MSA will build on ERA's existing rehabilitation work with Rio Tinto's technical expertise in designing, scoping and executing closure projects. Transition to Rio Tinto management of the project will start immediately and is expected to take about three months. The agreement follows an approach to Rio Tinto from ERA's Independent Board Committee (IBC) to submit a proposal to provide services and advice to progress the project. Rio Tinto owns 86.3% of ERA's shares. Under the MSA, Rio Tinto and ERA aim to complete the Ranger Rehabilitation Project in the safest and most efficient way, and to a standard that will establish an environment similar to the adjacent Kakadu National Park and that is consistent with the wishes of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Mirarr people. Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker said "With the signing of this agreement, we are pleased to be able to directly provide more closure and project delivery experience and know-how to this critical task. "So far, ERA has made progress in key areas, including water, tailings treatment and management and pit rehabilitation. "We are aligned with ERA in wanting to build on this work using Rio Tinto's expertise in closure projects and our commitment to strong stakeholder relationships. "We look forward to working in partnership with the Mirarr Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to complete the project. ERA CEO Brad Welsh said "The ERA team has worked incredibly hard and made good progress rehabilitating Ranger. "However, as the project moves into a new phase it will benefit from Rio Tinto's global expertise in mine closure. "We look forward to working with and supporting Rio Tinto on the safe and efficient delivery of this important project." Rio Tinto plans to build on the expertise and relationships existing within the ERA team to finalise required studies and execute the necessary rehabilitation activities. Management of ERA matters outside the Ranger Rehabilitation Project, including corporate matters, financial affairs, assets and governance will remain the responsibility of ERA. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402054899/en/ Contact Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com Media Relations, Australia Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739 Jesse Riseborough M +61 436 653 412 Alyesha Anderson M +61 434 868 118 Michelle Lee M +61 458 609 322 riotinto.com Vancouver - April 2nd, 2024 - Arbor Metals Corp. ("Arbor" or the "Company") (TSXV: ABR, FWB: 432) announce the details of its Phase 2 ground survey for its wholly owned Jarnet Lithium project in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James territory, Nord du Quebec region. Following the successful completion of Phase 1, the Company is poised to embark on an extensive exploration program aimed at further delineating lithium mineralization targets within the project area. The Phase 2 survey will encompass detailed prospecting of surface outcrops and extensive soil sampling, with depths penetrating to the C-layer, to assess for lithium presence above buried pegmatites. The program will extend to previously unexplored blocks, including Firebird, adjacent to Patriot Battery Metals project to the south, and the recently acquired Corvette Lake claims, situated on the eastern edge of Corvette Lake. Mark Ferguson, CEO of Arbor, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming exploration efforts, stating, "We are excited to advance to the next phase of exploration at our Jarnet Lithium project. The Phase 2 program represents a significant step towards unlocking the project's potential and furthering our understanding of lithium mineralization in the region." Arbor remains committed to employing industry best practices to ensure environmentally sound exploration activities. The Company places high importance on working collaboratively with local communities and indigenous groups, respecting their perspectives and incorporating their input into the exploration process. The Phase 2 exploration program is scheduled to commence in June 2024, with the highest priority targets earmarked for diamond drilling in the Fall of 2024. Further updates on the Company's progress and exploration results will be provided as details are determined. In related industry news, recent announcements highlighting positive developments in the lithium sector underscore the significance of Arbor's exploration endeavors. The increasing demand for lithium, particularly in the context of the growing electric vehicle market, bodes well for the Company's strategic initiatives. About Arbor Metals Corp. Arbor Metals Corp. is a mining exploration company focused on developing high-value, geographically significant mineral projects worldwide. Arbor is paving the way for advanced mineral exploration as it oversees world-class mining projects. The Company is confident that combining quality projects with proven strategies and a dedicated team will yield exceptional outcomes. The Jarnet, Corvette Lake and St. Pierre lithium projects, located in the James Bay region of Quebec, comprises 83 map-designated claims, covering an area of approximately 5,606 hectares. The projects are contiguous to the Corvette-FCI property, where diamond drilling has confirmed significant lithium mineralization representing one of the highest-profile lithium exploration projects in the sector. Click Image To View Full Size For further information, contact Mark Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer, at info@arbormetalscorp.com, or 403.852.4869, or visit the Company's website at www.arbormetalscorp.com. On behalf of the Board, Arbor Metals Corp. Mark Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release 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. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the development of the Jarnet Lithium Project, potential exploration of the Corvette Lake and St. Pierre properties and other factors 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. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, April 3, 2024 - Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX: TMQ) (NYSE American: TMQ) ("Trilogy Metals" or "the Company") announces its financial results for the first quarter ended February 29, 2024. Details of the Company's financial results are contained in the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis which will be available on the Company's website at www.trilogymetals.com, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated. Selected Results The following selected financial information is prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. in thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts Three months ended Selected expenses February 29, 2024 $ February 28, 2023 $ General and administrative 415 408 Investor relations 12 30 Professional fees 200 570 Salaries 191 237 Salaries and directors expense - stock-based compensation 1,999 2,362 Total expenses 2,820 3,606 Share of loss on equity investment 793 1,485 Comprehensive loss for the period (3,601) (5,072) Basic and diluted loss per common share (0.02) (0.03) For the three-month period ended February 29, 2024, we reported a net loss of $3.6 million compared to a net loss of $5.1 million for the three-month period ended February 28, 2023. The decrease in comprehensive loss in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter in 2023 is due to the decrease in our share of loss of Ambler Metals LLC ("Ambler Metals"), professional fees and corporate personnel expenses. The decrease in our share of losses of Ambler Metals is mainly due to a reduction in wages and mineral property expenses at the joint venture. The primary driver for the decrease in mineral property expenses compared with the quarter in the prior year is a decrease in activity by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority ("AIDEA") at the Ambler Access Project (as defined below) of which Ambler Metals assists with funding. Corporate and Project Activities The Company has a 2024 fiscal year cash budget totaling $2.8 million. During the quarter ended February 29, 2024, we were on budget with cash expenditures of $0.8 million for personnel costs, professional fees, insurance, regulatory and office expenses. Our current office lease expires at the end of June 2024 and we have signed a new office lease starting July 1, 2024 for four years. Ambler Metals LLC The Board of Ambler Metals approved a 2024 fiscal year budget totaling $5.5 million to support external and community affairs, to maintain the State of Alaska mineral claims in good standing and for the maintenance of physical assets. During the quarter ended February 29, 2024, Ambler Metals expended $1.2 million on salaries and wages, professional fees and mineral property expenses in engineering and project support costs compared with the budget of $1.4 million for the quarter. Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project ("Ambler Access Project") In December 2023, the Board of Ambler Metals approved a 2024 fiscal year budget of $2.5 million for the Ambler Access Project to assist AIDEA with funding costs related to the final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement ("SEIS") and completion of cultural resource studies and engineering studies related to bridge crossings along the road route. For the quarter ended February 29, 2024, Ambler Metals expended $0.4 million to AIDEA compared with the budget of $0.6 million for the quarter. On March 18, 2024, the United States Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") filed its 11th status report with the Courts stating that it posted the draft SEIS on its ePlanning website on October 13, 2023 and published notice of availability of the draft SEIS in the Federal Register on October 20, 2023. The public comment period ended on December 22, 2023. The BLM conducted several public meetings concerning the draft SEIS, and conducted associated ANILCA Section 810 hearings on subsistence use in communities affected by the project. The BLM had previously reported that it anticipated publishing a final SEIS in the first quarter of calendar year 2024, but now anticipates publishing a final SEIS in the second quarter of calendar year 2024. The BLM continues to anticipate publishing a Record of Decision within the second quarter of calendar year 2024. Liquidity and Capital Resources We expended $0.6 million on operating activities during the three-month period ending February 29, 2024 with the majority of cash spent on professional fees and American and Canadian securities commission fees related to our annual regulatory filings, annual fees paid to the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American Exchange, and corporate salaries. As at February 29, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.0 million and working capital of $1.7 million. Management continues with cash preservation strategies to reduce cash expenditures where feasible, including but not limited to reductions in marketing, investor conferences and office expenses. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors have agreed to take all of their fees in deferred share units in an effort to preserve cash. The Company's senior management team is also taking a portion of their base salaries in shares of the Company to preserve cash. All project-related costs are funded by Ambler Metals. Amber Metals is well funded to advance the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects ("UKMP") with $61.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $61.1 million in working capital as at February 29, 2024. There are sufficient funds at Ambler Metals to fund this fiscal year's budget for the UKMP and the Ambler Access Project. Trilogy does not anticipate having to fund the activities of Ambler Metals until the current cash and cash equivalent balance of $61.3 million is expended. Future cash requirements may vary materially from current expectations. The Company will need to raise additional funds in the future to support its operations and administration expenses. Future sources of liquidity are likely in the form of an equity financing but may include debt financing, convertible debts, exercise of options, or other means. The continued operations of the Company are dependent on its ability to obtain additional financing or to generate future cash flows. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain such financings or obtain them on favourable terms. These material uncertainties raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Qualified Persons Richard Gosse, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration for Trilogy Metals Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Gosse has reviewed the technical information in this news release and approves the disclosure contained herein. About Trilogy Metals Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metal exploration and development company holding a 50 percent interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which has a 100 percent interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in northwestern Alaska. On December 19, 2019, South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, exercised its option to form a 50/50 joint venture with Trilogy. The UKMP is located within the Ambler Mining District which is one of the richest and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") deposits that contain copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, and carbonate replacement deposits which have been found to host high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the Ambler Mining District - the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. Both deposits are located within a land package that spans approximately 190,929 hectares. Ambler Metals has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for the exploration and potential development of the Ambler Mining District in cooperation with local communities. Trilogy's vision is to develop the Ambler Mining District into a premier North American copper producer while protecting and respecting subsistence livelihoods. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, perceived merit of properties, expectations regarding the willingness of the Company's director and executives to receive their compensation in equity, the Company's plans to look for opportunities to reduce its cash spend for the year, Management's expectations regarding the effects of cash conservation efforts and the sufficiency of cash for the next twelve months, the completion of cultural resource studies and engineering studies, the anticipated timing of publishing the final SEIS and publishing of a Record of Decision, and the benefits of the Ambler Access Project and the Company's plans to provide further updates and the timing thereof are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve various 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 uncertainties involving our assumptions with respect to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), whether the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority will build the Ambler Access Project, the results of the SEIS and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2023 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trilogy-metals-reports-first-quarter-fiscal-2024-financial-results-302106438.html SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc. TORONTO, April 3, 2024 - Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce that it has incorporated a U.S. based subsidiary, Aclara Technologies Inc. ("Aclara Technologies"), to develop its rare earths separation capabilities in the United States. This development will allow Aclara to better position itself to carry out all of the stages leading up to the production of metal and alloys for high performance permanent magnets, following the recent announcement that the Company has entered into a joint venture with CAP to develop metal and alloys capabilities. As a result, Aclara is positioned to become the first vertically integrated heavy rare earths company outside of Asia. Aclara CEO, Ramon Barua, commented: "This strategic decision is only possible because of Aclara's unique feed of clean heavy rare earths, particularly Dysprosium and Terbium, which is expected to be sourced from two stable and investment friendly countries in the Americas. This competitive advantage distinguishes Aclara from other players in the industry. By going further in the vertical integration of rare earths production, we improve our ability to commercialize our product while retaining the economic margins of this important stage in the value chain. Consequently, end users will benefit from a more cost competitive product built with traceable, fully ESG compliant materials, resulting in a stable long-term supply of heavy rare earths. We understand the importance of building a geopolitically independent supply chain for critical materials and we aspire to become a leader in that effort." Aclara's Vertical Integration Strategy The decision to integrate vertically responds to the need for creating a geopolitically independent supply chain for permanent magnets, a much-needed performance enhancer for the motors of electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics and other applications associated with the decarbonization of our planet. Aclara Technologies is expected to source high purity mixed rare earths carbonates from Aclara's extraction modules in Chile and Brazil. These carbonates will be then converted into individual rare earths oxides in the separation facility. For this purpose, Aclara Technologies has awarded a contract to the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") to develop a production flowsheet specially designed for its premium carbonate, and to Hatch Ltd. ("Hatch") to work on the engineering of the proposed separation facility. Under the terms of the agreement, SRC will develop a conceptual Solvent Extraction ("SX") separation process, which will serve as the basis for Hatch to conduct a Class 5-AACE CAPEX and OPEX estimation for the rare earth separation facility. The aim of this conceptual analysis is to design a plant capable of processing Aclara's mixed rare earth carbonates into separated neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide (with a purity of 99.0-99.9% by weight) and dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) oxides (with a purity of 99.5-99.99% by weight). The engineering study is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024. The Company notes that the final decision to build the separation facility will depend on the completion of a thorough analysis of costs, logistics and time to permitting. Alternative locations currently under consideration include Brazil and Chile. Aclara COO, Barry Murphy, commented: "This study represents the starting point of our strategic intent to vertically integrate our future mining operations into the production of separated rare earth oxides, and to position Aclara as a key player in the future supply of heavy rare earth oxides. Both SRC and Hatch possess the requisite expertise and experience to undertake this important work and we are therefore thrilled to be collaborating with these two highly reputable companies in the execution of the separation study." The following senior engineers from SRC and Hatch will lead the separation engineering study: SRC: Baodong Zhao (PhD, P.Eng) has more than 25 years of experience in the metallurgical engineering and project management, especially in rare earth mineral processing and hydrometallurgy. He was previously an independent metallurgical consultant at REE Metallurgical Consulting and the Vice President of Metallurgy at Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. Over the past eight years, Baodong has worked on many rare earth projects by leading and participating in all aspects of laboratory and pilot plant test work, as well as preliminary economic assessments covering sample preparation, mineralogical characterization, beneficiation, hydrometallurgy and rare earth element separation using solvent extraction technology. Baodong is a reviewer for the Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. HATCH: Rob Fraser has more than 30 years hydrometallurgical experience including operations, design, study management, commissioning, and technology commercialization. He obtained operations experience at Cawse Nickel (HPAL, SX, EW) and within Nyrstar at the Hobart and Cockle Creek Smelters. Major projects have included Voiseys Bay nickel in Canada, where a hydrometallurgical demonstration plant (POX, SX, EW) was built before the commercial plant was taken to feasibility level and Goro Nickel Project, where he provided metallurgical support at the Yabulu refinery. Rob held roles, from Technical Manager and Deputy Project Manager on the commercial plant feasibility study, through to Lead Process, Module Construction Manager and Process Commissioning Lead on the demonstration plant. Rob is Hatchs Global Hydrometallurgy Lead. In parallel, Aclara will start to develop its metals and alloys capabilities through REE Alloys SpA, its recently established joint venture company with CAP S.A. (further details regarding the joint venture can be found in the Company's press release issued on March 13, 2024). Aclara's goal is to be able to connect all aspects of the production of clean rare earths up to the point where they are able to be received by a permanent magnet manufacturer. We expect that by approaching this effort under one company we will be able to capture synergies, reduce costs and expedite time to market. Aclara's patented extraction of heavy rare earths is quite unique, considering its low carbon footprint, very high levels of water recirculation (>95%) and circular economy principles. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and it does not generate any solid or liquid residues, thus eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer, ammonium sulfate. Further, harmful levels of radionuclides, typical of hard rock rare earth deposits, are not concentrated within the Aclara flowsheet. Finally, the Company aims to revegetate all impacted areas. About Aclara Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX:ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral resources hosted in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The Company currently has two projects under development: the Penco Module in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile, and the Carina Module in the State of Goias, Brazil. Aclara's rare earth extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and therefore does not generate tailings, thus eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The extraction process developed by Aclara minimizes water consumption through high levels of water recirculation made possible by the inclusion of a water treatment facility within its patented process design. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer, ammonium sulfate. Further, harmful levels of radionuclides, typical of hard rock rare earth deposits, are not concentrated within the Aclara flowsheet. Simultaneously, alongside the development of the Carina and Penco projects, the Company intends to identify and evaluate further opportunities to increase future production of heavy rare earths. This will involve greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional projects within the Company's concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to the Company's corporate strategy; expectations as to activities conducted in connection with the Carina Module and Penco Module, timelines for completion and the success, effect or outcomes resulting therefrom; the development of a separation facility and the related contracts and studies in relation thereto; the development and success of the Company's vertical integration strategy; and plans as to expenditures, investments, and use of capital and financial resources in the near and long term. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated as of March 22, 2024 filed on the Company's SEDAR profile. Actual results and timing could differ materially from those projected herein. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. For further information, please contact: Ramon Barua Chief Executive Officer investorrelations@aclara-re.com SOURCE: Aclara Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, April 3, 2024 - Loyalist Exploration Ltd. ("Loyalist" or the "Company") (CSE: PNGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Errol Farr, CPA, CMA as President and CEO. Mr. Farr is a seasoned financial and mining professional with over 35 years of experience in financial management, operations, business optimization and strategy development. He is the former CFO of MagIndustries Inc., where he led its finance department and the development of its 68,000-hectare forestry operation. He is the former CEO of Adex Mining Inc., where he led the exploration and development plans at the Mount Pleasant, tin, indium, zinc, tungsten and molybdenum project, including the prefeasibility studies and metallurgical work. He is the former CFO of Anaconda Mining Inc., a gold producer in Newfoundland, Canada, which successfully operated an open pit mining operation during his 5 year tenure. He is currently Corporate Secretary of Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. , a mining exploration company with projects in Oregon and Newfoundland. John O'Donnell will move from Interim CEO to Chairman of the Board of Directors. Errol Farr stated that "I am pleased to receive this vote of confidence from the Board and key shareholders, I look forward to some exciting things to come". Commenting on the appointment, Steve Balch said "Errol will play a pivotal role in the restructuring of Loyalist as we look to secure an anchor property to move the Company forward". Commenting on the appointment, John O'Donnell said " I have had the opportunity of working with Errol over the last few years, and have confidence that his extensive experience will be extremely beneficial to the Company as we move towards the next phase of our development". About Loyalist Exploration Limited Loyalist Exploration Ltd. is a mineral exploration company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing quality mineral properties in Canada. The Company's core values are respect for the Community, the Landowners, the environment and operating a safe workplace. The Company is also committed to best practice standards of Corporate Governance. For further information please visit the Company's website at loyalistexp.ca or contact: Loyalist Exploration Ltd. Errol Farr, President and CEO Email: efarr001@icloud.com Tel: 647-296-1270 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "propose", "project", "outlook", "foresee" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook and include statements regarding the Company's future plans and Errol Farr's role in those plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company's securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. (TSXV-VG) ("Volcanic" or the "Company") and joint venture partner Radius Gold Inc. are pleased to present a further update on the ongoing drilling campaign at the Motagua Norte Project. As previously reported, drilling to date has confirmed that the broad area of boulder float with abundant bonanza grade assay results discovered by Company geologists is underlain by a serpentinite package, and that all of the colluvial boulders of quartz and schists bearing the high-grade gold values have likely moved downslope from a major structural corridor that we have named the Veta Madre Fault Zone. To date two drill holes cutting across the broad Veta Madre Fault Zone have been completed. Both holes have cut wide zones of quartz veining and quartz stockwork at the fault contact between serpentinite in the hanging wall to the north, and schistose rock in the footwall to the south. The wide stockwork zones with associated intense silica-sericite alteration of the host rock appear to be best developed in the footwall schist, although stockwork veining has been recognized on both sides of the vein. Hole MIDD-24-004 targeted the Veta Madre above the central part of the colluvial field, drilling through 98 m of serpentinite before reaching the fault zone at a depth of approximately 120 m below surface. The hole remained in veining and stockwork schists for 63 m before entering unaltered schistose rocks at 161 m. The hole was drilled at an inclination of -45 degrees; true width of the mineralized zone is yet to be confirmed as the dip of the fault, while thought to be steep, is as yet unknown. Hole MIDD-24-005 was drilled 100 m along strike to the west of MIDD-24-004, collared closer to the fault zone so that it intersected the fault at a slightly shallower depth of approximately 80 m below surface. This hole passed through 73 m of serpentinite before entering the targeted structure. A wide zone, some 39 m of altered rock with strong stockwork quartz veining, was intersected before passing into unaltered schistose rock at 112 m drill depth. This hole was also drilled at an inclination of -45 degrees, and again, true width of the zone is at present unknown. Click Image To View Full Size Map showing the extent of the colluvial fan of bonanza-grade gold mineralized quartz boulders at the foot of a broken section of the Veta Madre Fault Zone. Drill pads (black circles) indicate location and trace of holes MIDD-004 and 005 which targetted the Veta Madre fault. Half-core samples from both drill holes have been sent for analysis at ALS Laboratory, Vancouver and assay results are expected in early May. The present plan is to test the Veta Madre Fault Zone with a panel of holes, cutting the structure on 50 m horizontal and vertical grid spacing to a depth of up to 200 m below surface. Drilling will initially concentrate on a 250 m strike length immediately uphill of the thickest and most extensive concentration of gold-bearing colluvium. Drilling through the boulder colluvium is technically challenging. Two attempts to drill into the structure at a shallower depth to test the weathered zone have been abandoned due to the rods getting stuck in the thicker colluvium pile adjacent to the fault zone (drillholes MIDD-006 and 007). In order to avoid these problems, the remainder of this drilling program will be restricted to fresh rock well below the colluvium, targeting mineralization 50 m or more below surface. Simon Ridgway, Volcanic Gold Mines President and CEO, commented: "The drilling of the Veta Madre at the Motagua Norte project has intersected a broad zone of quartz veins, vein breccia and micro stockwork in two drill holes, located 100 m apart. Two other holes were lost by setting up too close to the fault zone, intersecting thick piles of colluvium before entering the stockwork veining. Future holes will be set up further back from the fault zone. Above the Veta Madre fault zone, veining carrying visible gold had been mapped in the Schistose bedrock between the Veta Madre and a second large structure, named Veta Padre. These gold-bearing veins appear to dip to the south so drill holes orientated south to north are planned later in the program to test this area. Drilling has now re-commenced following the break for Semana Santa. A good working relationship has been developed with the local communities. Meetings are held on a regular basis updating the leaders of the communities on the Company's plans and we are assisting where possible with community projects." About the Motagua Norte project The Motagua Norte project is a gold system hosted by schists of the Motagua suture zone, an east-west striking belt of metamorphic rocks that outcrops at the line of collision between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Volcanic Gold Mines has an option agreement with Radius Gold Inc. to earn a 60% interest in the Cirilo I exploration licence and other licences under applications and negotiation within the Motagua Norte project, as well as the Holly Project where the J/V has established a high-grade epithermal gold resource 60km north of the Cerro Blanco Gold Deposit. (See news release Sept. 18, 2023). Technical Information Luc English PhD, who is a Chartered Geologist and Fellow of the Geological Society of London, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr English has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. About Volcanic Volcanic brings together an experienced and successful mining, exploration and capital markets team focused on building multi-million-ounce gold and silver resources in underexplored countries. Through the strategic acquisition of mineral properties with demonstrated potential for hosting gold and silver resources, and by undertaking effective exploration and drill programs, Volcanic intends to become a leading gold-silver company. For further information, visit our website at www.volgold.com. Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. Simon Ridgway, President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward- looking statements and include, without limitation, statements about the Company's plans for its property interests in Guatemala. Often, but not always, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, the uncertainties inherent in the mineral resource estimates; whether the Company's planned exploration work will be proceed as intended; whether the Company's plan for its property interests in Guatemala will proceed as intended; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Company's stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. , (TSXV: NTH) (OTCQB: CCWOF) (Frankfurt: 4T9B) (the "Company" or "Nord" or "Nord Precious Metals"), is pleased to announce it is in development of a process to manufacture silver paste, a critical component for the solar cell sector and various high-tech applications. This innovative advancement underscores Nord Precious Metals' commitment to driving technological innovation in the materials and manufacturing sectors. Nord Precious Metals is currently engaged in discussions with leading cell producers across Canada to explore collaborative opportunities. The Company eagerly anticipates the specifications required for production, poised to leverage its analytical lab capabilities and research hub infrastructure to expedite the commercialization process. "Our focus on advancing analytical capabilities and research facilities (Temiskaming Testing Laboratories) aligns with our vision to become a premier destination for advanced materials and manufacturing research in Canada," stated Matthew Halliday, P.Geo., COO of Nord Precious Metals. "Our team, led by world-class experts including chemical engineer Dr. Anthony Dapaah, PhD, C. Chem, and metallurgical specialist Frank Basa, P. Eng, Ontario, is well-equipped to lead the charge in pioneering value-added products like silver paste." Nord Precious Metals has a proven track record of innovation, having achieved a remarkable 22.6% cobalt sulfate production on spec in 2018. Leveraging this expertise, the Company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for critical metals and high-tech materials. "We are excited to embark on this journey towards commercialization," remarked Dr. Anthony Dapaah, PhD C. Chem., Temiskaming Testing Laboratories' esteemed analytical chemist. "Our lab is fully prepared to undertake the production process, and we are eager to collaborate with Mr. Halliday in developing a robust business plan for widespread commercial applications." As Nord Precious Metals continues to pioneer advancements in materials science, the company remains committed to exploring non-dilutive funding opportunities to support its transition towards cash flow. Moreover, Nord Precious Metals is actively engaged in discussions regarding the new recovery permit for tailings in Ontario, further reinforcing its dedication to sustainable resource management and monetization strategies. By developing the process to produce silver paste now, we can be ready to produce value-added product once we are permitted to extract tailings and eventually mining at the Castle System. "We firmly believe that our Cobalt facility and Coleman location are well-suited for the production of this value-added product," added Matthew Halliday. "With the support of government initiatives and strategic partnerships, we are confident in our ability to help drive economic growth and establish Canada as a global hub for critical metals and advanced manufacturing." Interested investors can access information about Nord Precious Metals at its website, NordPreciousMetals.com and its social media channels at X(Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube for which links are available on the Company's website. About Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. (formerly Canada Silver Cobalt Works Inc.) recently discovered a major high-grade silver vein system at Castle East located 1.5 km from its 100%-owned, past-producing Castle Mine near Gowganda in the prolific and world-class silver-cobalt mining district of Northern Ontario. The Company has completed a 60,000 m drill program aimed at expanding the size of the deposit with an update to the resource estimate underway. In May 2020, based on a small initial drill program, the Company published the region's first 43-101 resource estimate that contained a total of 7.56 million ounces of silver in Inferred resources, comprising very high-grade silver (8,582 grams per tonne un-cut or 250.2 oz/ton) in 27,400 tonnes of material from two sections (1A and 1B) of the Castle East Robinson Zone, beginning at a vertical depth of approximately 400 meters. Note that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Please refer to the Nord Precious Metals (previously Canada Silver Cobalt Works) Press Release May 28, 2020, for the resource estimate. Report reference: Rachidi, M. 2020, NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimate for Castle East, Robinson Zone, Ontario, Canada, with an effective date of May 28, 2020, and a signature date of July 13, 2020. The Company also has: (1) 14 battery metals properties in Northern Quebec where it has recently completed a nearly 16,000-metre drill program on the Graal property, which is now part of Coniagas Battery Metals; (2) the prospective 1,000-hectare Eby-Otto gold property close to Agnico Eagle's high-grade Macassa Mine near Kirkland Lake, Ontario where it is exploring; and (3) St. Denis-Sangster lithium project - 260 square kilometers of greenfield exploration ground with numerous pegmatites focussed along a significant volcanic sedimentary rock - Archean granite contact near Cochrane, Ontario contiguous to Power Metals' Case Lake Lithium properties. Nord Precious Metals' flagship silver-cobalt Castle mine and 78 sq. km Castle property feature strong exploration upside for silver, cobalt, nickel, gold, and copper. With underground access at the fully owned Castle Mine, an exceptional high-grade silver discovery at Castle East, a pilot plant to produce cobalt-rich gravity concentrates, a processing facility (TTL Laboratories) in the town of Cobalt, and a proprietary hydrometallurgical process known as Re-2Ox (for the creation of technical-grade cobalt sulphate as well as nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) formulations), Nord Precious Metals is strategically positioned to become a Canadian leader in the silver-cobalt space. More information is available at www.nordpreciousmetals.com. "Frank J. Basa" Frank J. Basa, P. Eng. Ontario Chief Executive Officer For further information, contact: Frank J. Basa, P.Eng. Ontario Chief Executive Officer 416-625-2342 or: Wayne Cheveldayoff, Corporate Communications P: 416-710-2410 E: waynecheveldayoff@gmail.com Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information in this news release or other communications unless required by law. MONTREAL, April 03, 2024 - Falco Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: FPC) ("Falco" or the "Corporation") announces that the Board of Directors approved the grant of incentive stock options to key employees, officers and directors to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,440,000 common shares in the capital stock of the Corporation. Grants are subject to a three-year vesting period and a five-year term. The options were granted at an exercise price of $0.36 per share being the closing price of the common shares of the Corporation on the TSX Venture Exchange on April 2, 2024. About Falco Falco Resources Ltd. is one of the largest mineral claim holders in the Province of Quebec, with extensive land holdings in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Falco owns approximately 67,000 hectares of land in the Noranda Mining Camp, which represents 67% of the entire camp and includes 13 former gold and base metal mine sites. Falco's principal asset is the Horne 5 Project located under the former Horne mine that was operated by Noranda from 1927 to 1976 and produced 11.6 million ounces of gold and 2.5 billion pounds of copper. Osisko Development Corp. is Falco's largest shareholder owning a 17.3% interest in the Corporation. For further information, please contact: Luc Lessard President and Chief Executive Officer 514 261-3336 info@falcores.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements are based on information currently available to the Corporation and the Corporation provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. The occurrence of such events or the realization of such statements is subject to a number of risk factors, including the risk factors identified in Falco's Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis and other continuous disclosure documents available at www.sedarplus.com. Although Falco believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, Falco disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. VANCOUVER, April 03, 2024 - Rio Silver or the "Company", TSX.V: RYO, is pleased to announce it is finalizing an access agreement with the local community for its 100% owned Jorimina project "Jormaina", Department of Ayacucho, Peru. This agreement facilitates a diamond drill program planned to commence later this year. Jormina is located within the Ninobamba Project which covers an area of 4205 hectares. The Main Ninobamba zone is located 7 kilometres to east of Jormina where a significant Au-Ag high sulphidation is present. Joramina was extensively explored by Newmont Mining Corp. "Newmont" from 2009 to 2011. The Company acquired the area from Newmont in 2016 along with an extensive database including surface and drill results and reports from an exploration program encompassing four prospective precious metal targets. The exploration programs identified extensive alteration zones believed to also be part of an extensive high-sulphidation silver-gold system identified at the Company's adjacent Ninobamba zone. The Company is extremely pleased to have achieved this important milestone. Jorimina was recognized by Newmont as having all the necessary elements to be capable of hosting a precious metal epithermal resource. Newmont completed thirteen diamond drill holes totaling 4377 metres at Jorimina. Drill highlights from the historic reports available showing hole JOR-001 returning 72.3 metres of 1.19 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au starting at 53 metre depth. Historic drill holes were widely spaced in an area covering 100 hectares with drill holes spaced over 150 metres apart. Results are historic in nature and should not be relied on. Rio Silver initially plans to confirm the historic surface results and drill results and to determine the shape and the orientation of the precious metal mineralization. The Company is scheduled to receive all necessary permits by Q3, 2024 necessary to initiate a small drill program to confirm the Au-Ag mineralization. The surface rights of the Company's Main Ninobamba Zone located east is controlled by a different community. The Company plans to initiate a new dialogue in 2024 to obtain a permit for surface drilling in 2025. Historical diamond drilling results conducted by Anglogold on the "Main Zone" in 2001 reported assay results at DDH-2 of 87 g/t silver over an interval of 130 metres starting from a depth of nine metres, and DDH-4, reporting 54 g/t silver over a drilled interval of 96 metres starting from 23 metres. Highlights from the trenching program conducted by the Company in 2012 at the Ninobamba "Main Zone" discovered a new gold-silver mineralized zone which included 56 metres of 1.03 g/t Au and 98.9 g/t Ag in trench TR-01 and 21.77 metres of 1.32 g/t Au and 102.46 g/t Ag in TR-04 ending in mineralization (see Rio Silver News Release of January 14, 2013). These results show that the main zone on the Ninobamba property has a strong gold component, and further exploration is required to determine the precious metal zonation, alteration patterns and widths. The trenches were cut approximately perpendicular to the mineralized structure, and the true width of mineralization cannot be determined at this time. Jeffrey Reeder, P.Geo., Advisor and a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Rio Silver Inc. Rio Silver is a resource development company that has been selectively identifying and acquiring precious metal assets that afford the best possible leverage and returns in anticipation of an increasingly more favorable precious metals bull market. Our Peruvian precious metal assets are wholly owned with no royalty obligations. The Ninobamba area Au/Ag targets are economically attractive as the mineralization suggests near surface, bulk mineable open pit targets. Rio Silver is pleased with our host country as the Government continues to support mining policies ensuring continued growth and opportunity throughout Peru. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Rio Silver Inc. "Chris Verrico" Christopher Verrico 604-762-4448 Chris.verrico@riosilverinc.com Director, President and Chief Executive Officer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable laws. Global Energy Metals Corp. TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1 ("Global Energy Metals", the "Company" and/or "GEMC"), a multi-jurisdictional, multi-commodity critical mineral exploration, development and project generating company focused on growth-oriented projects supporting the global transition to clean energy announces that, further to the Company's news release dated January 30, 2024, the Company has mutually agreed with Fulcrum Metals Plc. ("Fulcrum") to terminate the royalty purchase and option agreement entered into in January 2024 pursuant to which Global agreed to acquire an immediate 0.5% royalty on net smelter returns (the "NSR") in Fulcrum's Charlot-Neely, Fontaine Lake, Snowbird and South Pendleton uranium projects (collectively the "Projects") located in Saskatchewan, Canada. GEMC will also terminate the option to acquire a 19.9% interest in the Projects. The Company is pleased to announce that it, in collaboration with Fulcrum, was instrumental in attracting a new strategic partner and as a result the entering of an agreement between Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. ("Terra") and Fulcrum, whereby Terra intends to acquire 100% interest in the Fulcrum uranium projects through an Option Agreement (the "Option Agreement"). Details of this Option Agreement can be found in announcements made by both Terra and Fulcrum. As consideration for terminating the existing prior agreement between Fulcrum and Global Energy, Global Energy will be compensated with the equivalent of C$150,000 in shares in Terra on closing of the Option Agreement and granted a 0.5% NSR over the Saskatchewan based project portfolio collectively encompassing 596.71 km2 of highly prospective ground for a uranium discovery. Highlights: Exposure to uranium, a new commodity to Global Energy's existing project, equity and royalty portfolio; Strategic equity position in Terra Balcanica, a publicly listed multi-commodity company with a new focus on uranium exploration in the Athabasca Basin ("Basin"); Historical work at the Projects has demonstrated evidence of uranium mineralization along favourable structural trends with prospective target horizons based on electromagnetic conductors; Proximal to northern and southeastern edges of the Basin in northern Saskatchewan, a premium mining district and leading global source of high-grade uranium; Charlot-Neely is located within the emerging Uranium City district on the northwestern margin of the Basin; Exploration expenditures by Terra totalling $3,250,000 prior to the fourth anniversary of the Option Agreement will aim to determine the resource potential for the Projects. Mitchell Smith, CEO & Director comments: "We are excited to have attracted such a strong operational partner in Terra Balcanica to apply their technical and jurisdictional expertise to advance these North American uranium projects at such a pivotal time in this new nuclear era. Through this arrangement, we're excited to maintain exposure to these high-quality uranium assets through both the equity position in Terra and the NSR royalty over the portfolio. This will bolster Global Energy's existing project, royalty and equity portfolio to now include uranium and further demonstrates the Company's ability to monetize assets for the benefit of shareholders." Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1. Regional map of northern Saskatchewan, Canada which is one of the world's leading sources of high-grade uranium and supplies about 20% of the world's uranium. The yellow symbols illustrate locations of the four optioned exploration properties totalling 596 km2 in the context of the world-famous Athabasca Basin. Portfolio Overview and Discovery Opportunity The project portfolio totals 596.71km2 targeting major NE-SW trending structures along strike from historic uranium mines and projects that have attracted significant investment. Discoveries such as the Arrow discovery (4.3m tonnes at 0.83% U308 https://www.nexgenenergy.ca/exploration/overview/) and Triple R discovery (2.7m tonnes at 1.94% U308 https://fissionuranium.com/projects/triple-r-deposit/project-overview/) have proved the concept of exploring along structure outside of the Athabasca basin. This potential has been confirmed through initial exploration and evaluation by Fulcrum in 2023. A significant number of high-grade uranium showings occur within the Projects in addition to historical small-scale uranium mining. Future exploration through the undertaking of a modern systematic geologic evaluation to determine the resource potential will be a top-priority for Terra. Terra Balcanica Resources Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic exploration company that up until the agreement with Fulcrum has been targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 100% of the Kaludra and Ceovishte mineral exploration licences in southern Serbia. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management. Fulcrum Metals Plc Fulcrum Metals PLC (LON: FMET) is an AIM quoted exploration company which finances and manages exploration projects focused on Canada, widely recognised as a top mining jurisdiction. Fulcrum currently holds a beneficial 100% interest in highly prospective gold and base metals projects in Ontario and uranium projects in Saskatchewan. Fulcrum's strategy is to focus on discovery and commercialisation of its Projects through targeted exploration programmes. The primary focus is to make an economic discovery on the flagship Schreiber-Hemlo Properties and to establish the prospectivity of its wider Ontario and Saskatchewan portfolio with a view to securing potential joint venture and/or acquisition interest. While highly prospective, Fulcrum's mining assets are in the exploration phase, so Fulcrum stands to be able to add significantly to the inherent value through exploration success. Fulcrum will continually review opportunities with potential and with a view to increasing shareholder value. It is the Board's intention to deliver medium and long-term growth and to establish the Group as a significant exploration company. Qualified Person Mr. Paul Sarjeant, P. Geo., is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He is a shareholder and Director of the Company. For Further Information: Global Energy Metals Corp. #1501-128 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, V6B 1R8 Email: info@globalenergymetals.com t. + 1 (604) 688-4219 www.globalenergymetals.com Twitter: @EnergyMetals | @USBatteryMetals | @ElementMinerals Global Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1) Global Energy Metals Corp. offers investment exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineral assets. Global Energy Metals recognizes that the proliferation and growth of the electrified economy in the coming decades is underpinned by the availability of battery metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and other raw materials. To be part of the solution and respond to this electrification movement, Global Energy Metals has taken a 'consolidate, partner and invest' approach and in doing so have assembled and are advancing a portfolio of strategically significant investments in battery metal resources. As demonstrated with the Company's current copper, nickel and cobalt projects in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United States, GEMC is investing-in, exploring and developing prospective, scaleable assets in established mining and processing jurisdictions in close proximity to end-use markets. Global Energy Metals is targeting projects with low logistics and processing risks, so that they can be fast tracked to enter the supply chain in this cycle. The Company is also collaborating with industry peers to strengthen its exposure to these critical commodities and the associated technologies required for a cleaner future. Securing exposure to these critical minerals powering the eMobility revolution is a generational investment opportunity. Global Energy Metals believes Now is the Time to be part of this electrification movement. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information: Certain information in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks associated with regulatory approvals and timelines. Although Global Energy Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. GEMC's operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations. For more information on Global Energy and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review the filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. We seek safe harbour. VANCOUVER, April 03, 2024 - Ultra Lithium Inc. (TSXV: ULT OTCQB: ULTXF Frankfurt: QFB) ("Ultra Lithium" or the "Company") is providing this bi-weekly default status report in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). On March 4, 2024, the Company announced that effective February 29, 2024 it has been granted a voluntary management cease trade order in accordance with NP 12-203 due to it not being able to file its annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended October 31, 2023, and the related CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the "Annual Filings") on SEDAR within 120 days of its financial year-end. The management cease trade order has been granted by the Company's principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission. The Company was not able to complete the year-end audit within the time periods required by National Instrument 51-102 due to the delay in commencing the audit owning to insufficient funds. As a result, the Company requires additional time to file the Annual Filings. The Company has obtained a loan financing and has commenced the annual audit. The Company expects to file its Annual Filings as soon as they are available, but in any event no later than April 29, 2024, and will issue a news release once they have been filed. Pursuant to NP 12-203, the Company must file bi-weekly default status reports in the form of further news releases during the period of the MCTO. The Company reports that it is working diligently with its auditors to complete the audit in a timely manner and since its news release of March 4, 2024, there have been no material changes regarding the information contained in that news release. The Company confirms there have been no failures by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203, and there has not been, nor is there anticipated to be, any specified default subsequent to the default announced in the Company's news release of March 4, 2024. The Company also confirms that there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed as of the date of this news release. About Ultra Lithium Inc. Ultra Lithium Inc. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the acquisition and development of lithium, gold, and copper assets. The Company holds a brine lithium property in Argentina, hard rock spodumene type lithium properties at the Georgia Lake / Forgan Lake area in northwestern Ontario, Canada, and a brine lithium property in the Big Smoky Valley, Nevada, USA. The Company also holds other gold and base metals properties in Argentina. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Kiki Smith" Kiki Smith, CFO, Director For further information, please contact the Company at: Attention: Kiki Smith Telephone: 778 968-1176 Email: kiki@ultralithium.com Website: www.ultralithium.com or view the Company's filings at www.SEDARPLUS.ca. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "is expected", "potential", "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ and may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, April 3, 2024 - " Element79 Gold Corp. " (OTC:ELMGF), (CSE:ELEM), (FSE:7YS0, a mining company focused on the exploration for and production of gold and silver (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has been invited to present at the Emerging Growth Conference on April 3, 2024 The next Emerging Growth Conference is presenting today, April 3, 2024. This live, interactive online event will give existing shareholders and the investment community the opportunity to interact with the Company's CEO and Director, James C. Tworek in real time. Mr. Tworek will perform a presentation and may subsequently open the floor for questions. Please submit your questions in advance to Questions@EmergingGrowth.com or ask your questions during the event and will do his best to get through as many of them as possible. Element79 Gold Corp. will be presenting at 1:10PM Eastern time for approximately 30 minutes. Please register here: (https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1658200&tp_key=df67ccfa7e&sti=elmgf) to ensure you are able to attend the conference and receive any updates that are released. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available on EmergingGrowth.com and on the Emerging Growth YouTube Channel, http://www.YouTube.com/EmergingGrowthConference. We will release a link to that after the event. About the Emerging Growth Conference The Emerging Growth conference is an effective way for public companies to present and communicate their new products, services and other major announcements to the investment community from the convenience of their office, in a time efficient manner. The Conference focus and coverage includes companies in a wide range of growth sectors, with strong management teams, innovative products & services, focused strategy, execution, and the overall potential for long term growth. Its audience includes potentially tens of thousands of Individual and Institutional investors, as well as Investment advisors and analysts. All sessions will be conducted through video webcasts and will take place in the Eastern time zone. About Element79 Gold Corp Element79 Gold Corp. is a gold and silver mining company committed to maximizing shareholder value through responsible mining practices and sustainable development of its projects. Element79 Gold's core focus is on developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to restart production in 2024. The Company also holds a portfolio of 5 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, with the Clover and West Whistler projects believed to have significant potential for near-term resource development. Three properties in the Battle Mountain Portfolio are under contract for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with an anticipated closing date in the first half of 2024. The Company has also signed an Option Agreement to sell the Maverick Springs project, an advanced-stage exploratory property with an Inferred Resource of 3.71MMoz AuEq (1.37MMoz Au and 175MMoz Ag) (see 43-101 technical report titled: Amended Technical Report on the Maverick Springs Project, Nevada, USA, by Allan Armitage, PhD., P.Geo, and Rohan Millar, B.Sc. P.Geo., dated October 7, 2022, available on SEDAR) and anticipates completing this sale on or before July 21, 2024. In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent and funded a drilling program to acquire a private company that holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James. The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, and has recently announced that it has transferred this project to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp, and is advancing through the Plan of Arrangement spin-out process. For more information about the company please visit our official website at www.element79.gold Contact Information For corporate matters, please contact: James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer and Director E-mail: jt@element79.gold For investor relations inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Department Phone: +1.613.879.9387 E-mail: investors@element79.gold Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward?looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward?looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This article originally appeared in Eating New York, a weekly newsletter for subscribers featuring food news and advice straight from our critics mouths. Sign up here. Ramros menu pulls inspiration from Nepal and the Philipines. Photo: Ramro While booming in its own right, Astorias restaurant scene remains more or less insulated from the check-bloating trends of Manhattan and Brooklyn. In Astoria, a great slice of pizza still costs $3, and caviar is more likely to refer to taramosalata than Osetra on top of a mozzarella stick. There are really good bars that only charge like $13 a cocktail, says Ravi Thapa, who grew up in Astoria after his family emigrated from Nepal in 2000 and who got his start in front-of-house work at local bar Mars in 2015. Knowing this, Thapa wanted to be careful about debuting a tasting menu at Ramro, his Nepalese Filipino New American restaurant. We know not everyone wants to do the tasting, he says, referring to the six-course $99 menu that debuted early this year, so thats why its only available at the bar, by which he means just four seats. In addition to the very limited seating, Ramros tasting menu is available only on Saturday nights. This past weekend, it started with a trio of bites including a tiny puri puff with shrimp mousse. The crudo was snapper with kosho and vinegar that chef Raymund Embarquez made with dalandan, the lemony-orange citrus fruit, which his fiancees mother sends from her backyard tree in California. A monkfish course was served with a stock that had been seasoned with fermented black bean. That was followed by duck with annatto oil and achara, a pickled-papaya condiment, and the meal finished with Basque cheesecake and butternut-squash cream. Ramro is a far cry from Thapas previous restaurant, Foodstruck, a late-night dive that gained a following with its cheddar chopped cheese on garlic bread, pork-belly sandwiches, and loco-moco bowls until the pandemic forced it to cease operations. Around this time, Thapa signed a lease for the location that would become Ramro, working on it for two and a half years just to get the gas turned on, while he went back to managing elsewhere to pay the bills. After a false start last summer reopening as Foodstruck only to find that demand had waned Thapa enlisted Embarquez, and they opened Ramro in the same space just in time for New Years Eve dinner, naming it after a Nepali word that means beautiful or Its all good, Thapa says. Its similar to the shaka sign. On the a la carte menu, the Nepalese influence shows up in the form of pani puri and momos filled with confit duck thigh. The menu also includes a Pithiviers filled with pork, chicken, and bone marrow, a nod to Embarquezs previous job in the kitchen at Claud, and for dessert there is silvanas, fluffy coffee meringue layered with buttercream and pistachios. A homemade cheddar ice cream, meanwhile, is stealthily Filipino-inspired. Thapa explains that it evolved from a version made with Eden, a popular processed cheese in the Philippines: It always throws people off even though cheesecake is a thing. Thapa is happy with the response he has seen to the restaurant in the few months it has been open, though hes sticking to the Friday-through-Sunday schedule since the staff is so small, with Thapa and his wife, Gloria Xu, doing most of the hosting and serving at this point. Astoria has a lot of really amazing restaurants. I dont think theres one currently that does a tasting like were doing, Thapa says. The cost tends to be really high, but we dont wanna price it outside of Astoria. Guam Community College joins community colleges nationwide in recognizing April as Community College Month. Public community colleges are a uniquely American educational model that was designed to guarantee access to affordable, high-quality higher education for all people. Throughout April, GCC will feature campaigns that highlight the many ways the it contributes to the island, the many relevant and in-demand skills that can be learned at GCC, and spotlighting Guamanians who graduated from GCC and are now contributing to the islands successes. Over the last several years, we have seen a shift in the perception people have toward community colleges, from a fallback option to four-year colleges to now being an effective and efficient pathway to learn in-demand skills that lead to careers that pay very well, GCC President Mary A.Y. Okada said in a press release. Community College Month is an opportunity to celebrate the importance and value of our college to our island community and to demonstrate how we are cultivating skills for the future. A national, month-long educational campaign is coordinated by the Association of Community College Trustees, ACCT. The awareness campaign can be found online using the social media hashtag #CCMonth. The primary goals of #CCmonth are to improve awareness of the economic, academic and equity advantages of attending community colleges, and to bust longtime stigmas wrongly associated with public two-year colleges. Public community colleges are the primary educators of life-saving nursing and other healthcare professionals, among many others. They also serve as an onramp to bachelors, masters, and higher-level degrees for many students, and particularly for the most demographically and socioeconomically diverse students. They guarantee fair admissions for all students. They offer support for adult students who have to work to support their families. Without community colleges, many American students would not be able to access higher education at all. In short, community colleges were created to serve the needs of their communities, and GCC said it can proudly say that it has done it exceptionally well. Despite some ongoing stigma about community colleges, research from New Americas annual Varying Degrees study and other sources reveals that most American people hold community colleges in the highest regard among all higher education institutions with respect to being worth the cost of attendance, whether tax dollars should support them, and whether they spend their resources wisely and run efficiently. The city of New Orleans is making a serious splash in the culinary world in 2024. In January, 10 New Orleans-area chefs and restaurants were announced as semifinalists in the prestigious James Beard awards. Now, it has been announced that three local favorites have progressed to the next round. See the full list of 2024 finalists here. Winners will be announced at a Chicago ceremony on Monday, June 10. Best New Restaurant Dakar NOLA Address: 3814 Magazine St. At Dakar NOLA, the meal is part oration. The restaurant is one of several brick-and-mortars in New Orleans that originated as a pop-up. But now, Senegalese chef Serigne Mbaye can tell his story his own way. At the start of each dinner served promptly at 7 p.m., family style Mbaye addresses the dining room. He explains the origins of the pescatarian tasting menu, inspired by the journey West African slaves endured to reach Louisiana, and the lasting impacts on the citys foodscape. Recent specials include Yassa, a dish made with red snapper, oyster mushroom and herb oil, as well as freshly-caught halibut, layered over sweet potatoes with a burnt-orange onion mustard sauce. Outstanding Bar Jewel of the South Address: 1026 St. Louis St. This upscale French Quarter bar serves drinks so pretty, youll almost feel bad taking a sip. Seasonal cocktails include the Crimson Minx, made with mezcal, strawberry Ceylon tea and rhubarb, and the savory Pouves-Vous Poulet, stirred with duck and chicken fat-washed rum. Best Chef South Arvinder Vilkhu, of Saffron Address: 4128 Magazine St. Youve never tasted Indian food quite like this. Saffron began as a supper club and catering company before setting down roots as an upscale restaurant on Magazine Street in 2017. The restaurant became a semifinalist for the James Beard Awards Best New Restaurant only one year later. Chef Arvinder Vilkhu leads the multigenerational family restaurant alongside his wife Pardeep Vilkhu. Current menu items include the Crab Pudha, with lentil pancakes, local crab and date-tamarind chutney, and kyber lamb chops marinated in dark rum. Haiti - FLASH : Gangs take control of the General Hospital Monday April 1st, 2024, the General Hospital of Port-au-Prince, the largest hospital center in Haiti, fell under the control of armed individuals led by former police officer Jimmy Cherizier, alias "Barbecue". This infrastructure now occupied by armed men, without faith or law, serves as their General Quarters and as a base for attacking the National Palace, now within firing range... The Police try to repel them, but the task is complex given the strategic position that the bandits occupy in relation to the Presidential Palace. According to available information, several areas of the hospital were looted and vandalized. This occupation of the General Hospital prevents medical assistance from reaching citizens in need, leaving thousands of patients without care... SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Insecurity : The Association of Industries of Haiti calls for awareness In a note dated April 2nd, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) appeals to all consistent citizens of the country to become aware. ADIH note : "Lets give the country a chance !" Haiti, the country we all love, must be built ! Let's stop destroying it ! Stop breaking, burning, kidnapping, raping, hurting, killing ! After hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, schools, businesses of all kinds, houses, faculties, universities, churches, peristyles, etc., the last criminal act of smashing, fire which took place on Friday March 29, 2024, in the Industrial Park de DIGNERON, in Croix-des-Bouquets https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-42016-icihaititextile-the-digneron-industrial-park-looted-vandalized-and-burned.html pushes the ADIH to ask all consistent citizens of the country to become aware. These acts of destruction are additional misery that they will bring to ALL of us and to the youth who will be left to their own devices. The association would like to recall that 2,000 workers worked in Digneron in 2022, before it stopped due to the situation of confusion and violence created by armed men in the area. Thus, between 10,000 and 20,000 brothers and sisters, children and adults, who benefited directly or indirectly from the work in Digneron, have just been left with nothing What we see here cannot be called Living Together, my friends ! Let's unite to end all acts of violence in all its forms in the country. Stop causing trouble, stop burning schools and universities; youth is the future of the country. Let's stop destroying ! Let's stop all dishonest acts. Instead, let's stay together to build." See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-42016-icihaiti-textile-the-digneron-industrial-park-looted-vandalized-and-burned.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Violent clashes in Port-au-Prince Tuesday, April 2nd, violent clashes continued between the police and armed individuals in downtown Port-au-Prince, mainly in the Champ de Mars area. Heavy weapon fire continues to ring out in other neighborhoods of the capital, 90% controlled by gangs. Petion-ville : 4 bandits killed 4 bandits were fatally injured Monday in exchanges of fire with the Police in Meyotte (Petion-ville). Weapons and ammunition were seized by the PNH who received the support of the population of the area. 53,000 people fled the metropolitan region in 19 days Tuesday April 2, 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that more than 53,000 people fled the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince between March 8 and 27, 2024 to seek shelter from the indiscriminate violence of armed gangs. More than 60% of people displaced by insecurity have reached the Great South. Digneron : At least 5 million losses Dominique Saint Eloi, the General Coordinator of the National Central of Haitian Workers (CNOHA) condemns the acts of looting, vandalism and fire perpetrated on March 29 against the Digneron industrial park, in Croix-des-Bouquets https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-42016-icihaititextile-the-digneron-industrial-park-looted-vandalized-and-burned.html . A provisional assessment estimates the losses at more than 5 million US dollars... Panama Embassy closed The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama informs of the temporary closure of its Embassy in Haiti since Friday March 29, 2024, due to the instability of the country. To provide consular attention to our compatriots, you can contact: Whatsapp : +509 31685064 Email : francisco.torres@mire.gob.pa Gonaives : Humanitarian cargo has arrived "Over the past weekend the World Food Program (WFP) was able to ship humanitarian cargo by sea from Port-au-Prince to Gonaives. We transported 18 trucks and light vehicles belonging to our partners. The shipment included medical supplies destined for the North of the country," informed Jean-Martin Bauer, WFP Representative in Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre On March 26, the World Food Prize Foundation convened a wide array of global food security stakeholders for the inaugural meeting in its new DialogueNEXT discussion series. The meeting, held at the headquarters of the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington D.C., focused on women driving growth and innovation in agriculture. Heifer International representatives attended, eager to share forward-thinking ideas, learn from diverse perspectives and underscore a truth long championed by our organization: when women prosper, so does humanity. Womens Role in Global Agriculture Chief Operating Officer of the World Food Prize Foundation Mashal Husain speaks at the DialogueNEXT event in Washington, D.C. Photo by Heifer International. The conference opened with a speech from Mashal Husain, chief operating officer of the World Food Prize Foundation, who focused on advancing discussions in global agriculture, with a particular emphasis on the indispensable role of women in the sector. Today, we continue our legacy by amplifying the voices of women in agriculture and driving positive change in our global food systems, she said. After all, agriculture offers one of the most promising roots for promoting understanding and building linkages across national, political, religious and ethnic differences. Jose W. Fernandez, undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment at the U.S. Department of State, built on this momentum by emphasizing Americas pledge to promote a food-secure future. He presented U.S. endeavors to increase agricultural innovation and back initiatives such as the dedication of the International Year of the Woman Farmer at the United Nations, which will aim to strengthen womens involvement and influence in agriculture. But we need to do more, he said. We also need to call attention to the imperative for sweeping reforms in food systems to support a burgeoning global populace, noting that our food systems demand massive change to feed a global population of more than 10 billion people by 2050. By then, he said, we will need as much as 50 percent more food than we grow today. Womens lack of access [to tools and inputs] undermines global food security. So, achieving a food-secure future for all requires investments in healthy soils, resilient seeds and agricultural technology especially for women farmers, he added. International Year of the Woman Farmer Initially proposed by Jennifer Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the initiative for the International Year of the Woman Farmer marks the first time in history the U.S. Mission to the United Nations is sponsoring an international year of this nature. Efforts are currently underway to pass a resolution at the U.N. General Assembly to officially recognize 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Jennifer Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announces plans for the declaration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer at DialogueNEXT. Photo by Heifer International. If adopted, the 2026 launch date aims to provide ample time to build momentum and allow key stakeholders including the Food and Agriculture Organization, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector and U.N. member states to craft practical objectives surrounding the observance. [International Year of the Woman Farmer] isnt just about elevating the role of women farmers but also developing concrete deliverables that we can act on collectively, Moffitt said, advocating for a strategy that moves beyond recognition of women farmers to include actionable steps that improve womens access to resources, education and technology in agriculture. Moffitt noted that for this initiative to have real-world results, it will require solid data to help countries set specific goals. Additionally, to bring about widespread transformation, the initiative will need clear policies that consider gender equality throughout the entire food system. A Unified Approach to Achieve Real Change Subsequent panelists reaffirmed a similar consensus that supporting women in agriculture is not just a matter of fairness but a necessity for combating global hunger and achieving food security, as well as many other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speakers called for broadened access to resources and education for women as well as improved policies and programming to dismantle gender biases impeding womens progress within agrifood systems. Dina Esposito, assistant to the administrator for the Bureau for Resilience, Environment and Food Security at USAID and Feed the Future deputy coordinator for development, center, poses for a photo next to fellow panelists at the DialogueNEXT event in Washington D.C. Photo by Heifer International. Forty-five million fewer people would not be hungry if women had just the same access to resources as men in the agrifood system, said Dina Esposito, assistant to the administrator for the Bureau for Resilience, Environment and Food Security at USAID and Feed the Future deputy coordinator for development. If youre not designing with women, for women, you risk promoting technologies that are either irrelevant or unprofitable, and you risk increasing the gender productivity gap between men and women, she said. Heifer Internationals long-standing mission echoes through these discussions, demonstrating that gender equality in agriculture results in profound community benefits. As we strive toward a sustainable future, we recognize that a multisector approach is nonnegotiable for a world where gender equality transcends aspiration and becomes reality. A significant 39% of businesses surveyed indicated that the wave of political strikes expected in 2024 could diminish their ability to offer employment opportunities. The business climate in the Helsinki region remains bleak, with companies predicting poor performance in terms of revenue, profitability, and employment over the next three months, according to the latest Economic Pulse survey conducted by the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce. This somber outlook persists from December, showing no signs of improvement. This comes at a time when the region's companies already face negative forecasts across all key metrics - revenue, profitability, employment prospects, and overall economic outlook. "Prospects are almost as dim as they were in December during the last Economic Pulse measurement. However, a silver lining is that employment outlooks have not deteriorated as much as one might expect given the current economic climate," stated Markku Lahtinen, Director of Advocacy at the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce. The survey revealed that while 39% of businesses fear political strikes will limit their job offerings, 47% expect their recruitment levels to remain unchanged, and a mere 4% believe strikes could potentially increase their employment capabilities. Ten percent of respondents were unsure of the strikes' impact. "It appears that without the political strikes, there would be at least moderate conditions for an increase in labor demand. Political strikes, combined with rising labor costs and the expectations loaded into the autumn's labor market negotiations, are forcing companies to exercise caution and postpone recruitment and investment decisions," Lahtinen added. In open responses, CEOs from the region expressed concern over the long-term deterioration of their employment capabilities. Many view political strikes as a significant obstacle, with some calling for their complete prohibition. The Economic Pulse survey of the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce garnered responses from 346 CEOs of member companies, conducted between March 18 and March 25, 2024. The Chamber boasts around 7,000 members and covers 21 municipalities in the Uusimaa region. The balance figure, calculated by subtracting the percentage of negative responses from positive ones, can range from +100 to -100, indicating either an optimistic or pessimistic outlook on the economy, respectively. Conducted thrice yearly, the next Economic Pulse survey is scheduled for publication in August, following the most recent release on April 3, 2024, at 7:00 AM, available at www.helsinki.chamber.fi. HT In the wake of the tragedy, over 500 conversations took place in the Apuu-chat service for children, a significant increase from the usual 100 daily interactions. Following a school shooting in Vantaa on April 2, 2024, there has been an overwhelming increase in the number of children and parents reaching out for emotional support. Discussion forums specifically designed for children and their parents have been swamped with requests for assistance as they try to navigate their fears and uncertainties. The majority of these discussions were with elementary school-aged children, expressing concerns about the possibility of a similar incident occurring at their own schools. Despite efforts to bolster responder availability, nearly 800 children sought help, with a response rate of 66%. The Sekasin-chat, another support service, also saw nearly 200 conversations related to the shooting, highlighting the pervasive fear among children of attending school in the aftermath of such events. Many expressed worries about threats previously made to their schools coming to fruition, the condition of the victims and the perpetrator, and the ease of access to firearms. In two instances, the situation necessitated contact with emergency services due to threats against schools discussed in the Apuu-chat. Johanna Virtanen, a digital support head at SOS Children's Villages, emphasized the potential for news of violent incidents to spur imitation, urging the media to exercise caution in reporting details of such events. Parents, too, sought guidance on how to talk to their children about the shooting, with a record number of discussions taking place in the Parental Support chat. Virtanen stressed the importance of addressing the incident with children rather than avoiding the topic, to help them process what happened and dispel rumors circulating on social media. In response to the heightened need for support, SOS Children's Villages immediately increased the number of available responders, anticipating a continued need for discussion in the following days. Furthermore, the Finnish Red Cross has been actively involved in providing support at Viertola School in Vantaa, where the shooting occurred. Their psychologists and trained volunteers have been offering support to affected families and individuals, including on-site assistance for students and relatives directly impacted by the incident. The Red Cross has also expanded its presence in community spaces such as youth centers and libraries to offer support, with volunteers greeting students at schools the morning after the shooting. This effort is part of a broader initiative to provide crisis support to those affected by the shooting, with services available through the Red Cross's Youth Shelters and the coordinated Sekasin-chat, offering anonymous conversation support for young people aged 12 to 29. HT Finland's Refugee Assistance and Home Care Service Mehilainen have embarked on a pioneering partnership aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for immigrants, thereby facilitating their integration into Finnish society. This collaborative effort kicks off with a pilot project designed to match immigrants with personal assistant roles within Mehilainen, utilizing the Refugee Assistance's Sauma employment coaching program as a recruitment platform. Throughout the spring of 2024, Mehilainen plans to hire individuals from the Sauma program, which supports immigrants in their job search. This initiative not only seeks to create pathways into the workforce for immigrants but also aims to promote their social integration and foster interactions between diverse demographic groups. Initially, Mehilainen will offer ten temporary positions for the summer season, with prospects for permanent employment thereafter. Personal assistants play a crucial role in supporting disabled individuals in various aspects of daily life, including work, study, hobbies, and civic engagement. This pilot phase is intended to lay the groundwork for expanding the program and recruiting more individuals in the future. As Finland faces a growing need for new workers, especially with an aging population, and immigrants often encounter significant barriers to employment, this collaboration offers a promising avenue into the healthcare and social service sectors. Reetta-Maija Koskinen, Recruitment Manager at Home Care Service Mehilainen, expresses the organization's commitment to facilitating the integration of immigrants into Finnish society through employment. She highlights the value of multiculturalism in enriching workplace environments and underscores the importance of actions to combat discrimination in the workforce. Joonas Rentola, Head of the Work and Livelihood Unit at Finland's Refugee Assistance, notes the critical role of personal support in aiding immigrants' entry into the labor market. The partnership with Mehilainen not only enhances employment prospects for individuals but also contributes to meaningful social interactions and cultural exchange. Rentola calls on employers across various sectors to explore ways to engage more actively in promoting workforce diversity, emphasizing the untapped potential among immigrants eager to contribute to Finnish society. This initiative reflects a broader effort to leverage employment as a key tool for social integration and community cohesion, encouraging a more inclusive approach to workforce development in Finland. HT During this visit, President Stubb, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , inked a pivotal 10-year agreement aimed at bolstering security cooperation and offering sustained support to Ukraine. In a significant move underscoring Finlands unwavering support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict, Finnish President Alexander Stubb embarked on a landmark visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 3, 2024. The visit, marked by key discussions and agreements, symbolizes a deepened commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and stability in the face of Russian aggression. This comprehensive pact, which spans political backing, defense, security enhancement, and reconstructive efforts, affirms Finlands long-term dedication to aiding Ukraines resilience and reformative endeavors. The discussions between the presidents revolved around the current state of the war initiated by Russia over two years ago, Finland's assistance to Ukraine, and the latter's quest for a just and lasting peace. This visit not only reinforces Finland's stance on supporting Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity but also aligns with the collective Nordic commitment to Ukraine's security, as affirmed in the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and subsequent Nordic statements. Highlighting Finlands tangible support, President Stubb announced the dispatch of Finland's 23rd package of defense materiel to Ukraine, valued at EUR 188 million. This gesture is part of Finland's ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities amidst the conflict. The visit also had an emotional component, with President Stubb honoring the memories of Ukrainian soldiers who have fallen in the conflict and meeting with soldiers at Hostomel airport, a site of significant combat success for Ukraine. With Finland becoming the eighth country to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, this visit underscores a significant step in international solidarity and support for Ukraine. It sets a precedent for comprehensive assistance, spanning military aid, economic and humanitarian support, and shared commitments towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration, reflecting a collective endeavor to uphold the principles of sovereignty, peace, and international law. HT 3 things to know about China's Global Civilization Initiative Xinhua) 08:01, April 03, 2024 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in March 2023, following the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. Here are three things to know about this major global initiative. RESPECT FOR CIVILIZATION DIVERSITY Xi proposed the GCI at a dialogue between the Communist Party of China and other global political parties held via video link. The initiative, as Xi pointed out in his speech, advocates respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, as well as robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. In contrast to the Western claims of "superiority of certain civilizations and clash of civilizations," China has called for upholding the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations. It emphasizes the importance of cultural exchanges transcending estrangement, mutual learning transcending clashes, and coexistence transcending feelings of superiority. Chinese culture itself is very diverse, so the "GCI is a very rightly promoted idea because, through the experience of the country's vast cultural landscape, it knows that unity in diversity is the most beautiful thing, and can inculcate the spirit of respecting other people's cultures, which is the only way forward for world peace," former Pakistani Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah told Xinhua in a recent interview. The GCI, along with the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, has won international support as an important public good China has provided to the world. "These global initiatives reflect China's vision and foreign policy toward the world to achieve development, prosperity, security and stability in the entire world, and define the path that China has set to deal with others," said Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, assistant secretary general of the Arab League. China and Zambia, for example, have agreed to take the lead in implementing the GCI by enhancing civilizational exchanges and amity between their peoples. Members of a delegation of high school students from the U.S. state of Washington pose for a photo at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, March 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) FLOURISHING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES A group of high school students from the U.S. state of Washington were in China from March 17 to 27. During this trip, they visited Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, and engaged in martial arts and fan painting alongside their Chinese peers. This delegation was part of an initiative to invite 50,000 American youths to China for exchanges and study purposes, announced by Xi during his visit to the United States in November last year. The history of China-U.S. relations is one of friendly exchanges between the two peoples. Its existing chapters are written by the people, and the future will of course be shaped by the people, Xi said in his recent meeting with representatives from the U.S. business, strategic and academic communities. As the Kazakhstan tourism year in China in 2024 was launched last week, Xi noted that in recent years, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have been on the rise, as evidenced by the entry into force of the agreement on mutual visa exemption, the signing of the agreement on the establishment of cultural centers in each other's countries, the operation of the Luban Workshop, and frequent youth exchanges. Chinese tourists pose for a group photo at Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan, Thailand, March 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Teng) With the mutual visa exemption policy between China and Thailand coming into effect in March, the number of countries with such an entry policy with China has increased to 23, including Singapore, the Maldives, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, China has adopted a visa-free policy for countries including France, Italy and Germany. The implementation of the new policy has greatly streamlined travel planning for nationals of the relevant countries. EXPLORING PATHS TOWARD MODERNIZATION "All civilizations created by human society are splendid. They are where each country's modernization drive draws its strength and where its unique feature comes from," Xi had said, calling on countries to explore diversified paths toward modernization. Chinese modernization is one of a huge population, of common prosperity for all, of material and cultural-ethical advancement, of harmony between humanity and nature, and of peaceful development, according to Xi. In advancing modernization, China will neither tread the old path of colonization and plunder, nor the crooked path taken by some countries to seek hegemony once they grow strong. What China pursues is the right course of peaceful development, he said. "Whilst modernization is a global process and a universal aspiration, it can take and assume radically different forms," argued Keith Bennett, an international relations consultant based in London. Chinese modernization "represents something fundamentally new," something that will come to be seen as a modernization that is actually comprehensive, equitable and sustainable, Bennett said. "The Chinese path to modernization has become quite attractive to the developing countries," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Live-in relationships are in the spotlight with Uttarakhands proposed laws about the registration of live-in couples. This article does not try to evaluate whether these laws are good or bad. Instead, I delve into what our literary texts can tell us about how ancient Indian society treated unions of all kinds. Raja Ravi Varmas painting of King Dushyanta proposing marriage to Shakuntala. The story of Dushyant and Shakuntala is a tale of the pitfalls of the gandharva vivaha. (Wellcome Library, London/Wikimedia commons) In the Sanskrit Mahabharata, Pandu tells Kunti that until recently (that is, until shortly before their own time), women were not confined to their homes; instead, they used to go about and followed their own inclinations, without being dependent on husbands or other relatives. It was then the norm for marriages to be open. This custom had social sanction, and so married women were not thought of poorly even if they had partners other than their husbands (Adi Parva, chapter 122). Husbands were not supposed to show jealousy if this happened. Wives would sometimes leave temporarily with another partner, but they would usually come back. All this changed, according to Pandu, due to a boy named Shvetaketu. Upset at seeing his mother walk away hand in hand with a strange man, the boy complained to his father, who explained that there was nothing to be upset about as this was the prevailing custom. Shvetaketu was not pacified, and when he grew up he did his best to impose a rather asymmetric social reform, which specified that married women should remain monogamous (without imposing any restriction, however, on married men). Pandu goes on to add that even in their times, it was customary for marriages to be open in certain places, like Uttar Kuru. (Interestingly enough, some scholars, like Michael Witzel, a Harvard professor, identify Uttar Kuru with modern Uttarakhand). Of course, it is debatable whether open marriages were the norm across different geographical regions. For instance, a reading of the Ramayana would suggest that marriages in Ayodhya were entered into on definitely conservative lines. However, open marriages were common enough so that there were provisions for children who might be born as a result of an affair. First, the mother had to identify the childs father whether this was her husband, or another partner. Then, the alleged father would bear the responsibility of raising the child. For instance, Tara, the wife of Brihaspati (the guru of the devas) went away to live with Chandra for some time. When she returned, she was pregnant. As she identified Chandra as the father of her child, he had to raise the child. On the other hand, if the mother claimed that the child was her husbands, he had to take responsibility for it. We see this in a story in the Mahabharata (Adi Parva, chapter 5) about Bhrigu, one of our most eminent sages, and his wife, Puloma. Puloma, one of Bhrigus wives, returned home after going away with a lover, someone to whom she had been engaged before her marriage to Bhrigu. However, Bhrigu took care of her child, as he was its biological father. The Mahabharata also features an amazing variety of marriages. There were contract marriages where one party gave up any rights on future children. This was the case in Arjunas marriage with Chitrangada, the princess of Manipur. Though this was a love marriage, when Arjuna asked Chitrangadas father, the king of Manipur, for permission to marry her, the king agreed only on condition that Arjuna give up rights on any children he might have with Chitrangada (Adi Parva, chapter 217). (The result of this was, that their son Babhruvahana became the crown prince of his mothers kingdom, Manipur, and was not asked to fight in the Kurukshetra war. In sharp contrast, the Pandavas asked all the other sons they fathered to fight in the war. This included even sons with whose mothers they had stayed for an extremely short time.) A Raja Ravi Varma painting of Arjun and Subadhra. While these types of gandharva unions began in secret, there were other types (discussed by Manu in the Manusmriti) in which the woman would ask the man to elope with her, usually because otherwise, her family would pressure her to marry someone else. The Mahabharata contains several such examples. Some prominent ones included the marriage of Arjuna and Subhadra (they elope from Dwaraka, as one of Subhadras brothers, Balaram, wanted her to marry Duryodhan). (Wikimedia Commons) A striking example of a case where the mother gave up rights to her future children is the story of Madhavi (Udyog Parva, chapters 114-117). An impoverished Chandravanshi dynasty princess, Madhavi helps a student, Galav, to acquire eight hundred white horses with black ears as guru dakshina for his teacher, Vishwamitra. In the process, she enters temporary contract unions with three kings in sequence. Each time the terms of the contract were the same. Madhavi would stay with the king until she bore him a son. However, she would then depart and make no claim on the child. As a bride-price for agreeing to this type of marriage, the king would pay a shulka (bride-price) of two hundred special white horses with black ears. In a moving finale to the story, Madhavis sons each of whom grew up to be extraordinarily good came together as adults to find their mother. They did find her, and treated her with utmost honour and love. Finally, the Mahabharata also very clearly deals with polyandry, another relatively unusual type of marriage. Of course, the most famous marriage of the main characters the Pandavas, with Draupadi is a polyandrous one. In addition, as Yudhishthir discusses with Draupadis family in Adi Parva, chapter 168, there were other examples of polyandry in even older times (he mentions the marriage of Jatila, who came from the Gotama family of sages, with seven brothers, among other examples). READ MORE: Fun facts about board games in ancient India Ancient texts also discuss issues of divorce. One such text was written by Chanakya (also known as Kautilya), the mentor of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote the Arthashastra, a famous manual on political science and law. The Arthashastra (Book 3, chapter 3) allows divorce when both spouses feel a mutual enmity, paraspara dveshat-moksha (literally, for freedom from mutual enmity). It was more conservative regarding issues of unilateral separation or remarriage. Normally, it did not allow unilateral divorce for either sex. However, it maintained that women could abandon their husbands if the husbands turned out to be of bad character, if they were absent for a long time (particularly without any explanations), or if they lost their virility, among other reasons. Men could remarry if their wives had no children, but needed to wait a large number of years to do so. If they remarried before this period (say, 12 years) they not only needed to compensate their wives financially, but also had to pay a fine to the State (Book 3, chapter 2). Women could also remarry if their husbands were absent for a long time (say, 10 months without any news), and so could widows (Book 3, chapters 2 to 4). In fact, even the Rig Veda mentions widow remarriage in its famous burial hymn (RV 10.18). Another ancient text, the Kamasutra, also discusses widow remarriage in detail (Book 4, chapter 2) saying that in the authors opinion, a widow should be free to marry anyone she likes, and that she thinks will suit her. In spite of all this emphasis on marriage in our ancient texts, getting married was not essential. In fact, many women and men were respected greatly despite never marrying. In Haritas Dharmasutra, he mentions that women either become sadya vadhus or brahmavadinis. While the first category married and lived the typical householder life, brahmavadinis pursued intellectual lives as scholars and (usually, but not always) did not marry. An early Grihya-sutra by Ashwalayana contains a list of highly revered teachers who must be invoked before someone undertakes any course of self-study. There were several female teachers on this list, including Gargi, Sulabha, and Vadava Pratitheyi. As Gargi is mentioned in the Upanishads, and Sulabha in the Mahabharata, we know that they were single. In later times, Lilavati, the daughter of the famous mathematician Bhaskara II, also remained single (she used her knowledge of mathematics to support herself). Ancient texts also tell us about some single fathers. The most famous of these is probably Ved Vyas himself, the author of the Mahabharata. Many Puranas recount how Ved Vyas raised his son Suka on his own, and never married. Dronas father, who was from the Bharadwaj clan, was also unmarried. Pururavas and Urvashi in a chromolithograph by Raja Ravi Varma (Wikimedia Commons) We now come to the gandharva vivaha. This is mentioned in a host of ancient law books (various Dharmasutras and Grihyasutras) as one of eight commonly accepted forms of marriage. While some of these forms of marriage had rituals or ceremonies attached to them, a gandharva union did not require any ceremonies, witnesses, or parental consent. It was simply a union entered into on the basis of mutual feelings. Baudhayana, in his Dharmasutra, discusses the forms of marriage and comments (Book 1, chapter 11.20.16) gandharvamapyeke prashansanti sarvesham snehanugatvat meaning that the gandharva marriage is praised for everyone because it is based on mutual affection. Vatsyayana also has good things to say about gandharva marriages in the Kamasutra, saying that as theyre based on previous love, they have a greater chance of happiness. Sanskrit literature is full of accounts of such unions; they involved romance, but also some elements of uncertainty and danger. For instance, in Kalidasas famous play Abhigyana Shakuntalam, Shakuntala enters into a gandharva union with Dushyanta. However, Dushyanta has to leave soon, and when a pregnant Shakuntala later goes to see him, he publicly denies that he knows her. Gandharva unions also feature prominently in the Brihatkatha (a huge collection of stories within stories), in some plays by the dramatist Bhasa (such as the Avimaraka) and in Dandins novel Dashakumaracarita (The Story of Ten Young Men). In most of these situations, the union occurs between a princess, who had the opportunity to live together with her chosen partner, someone of lower status whom her family would not have approved of. She would hide him in her apartments with the knowledge and cooperation of her attendants. Obstacles come up when the girls parents somehow find out. They would be reluctant to accept the marriage. Sometimes (as in Avimaraka, where the princess partner was a shepherd) they would look for someone else whom they considered suitable. These crises were always resolved happily, usually by the male partner doing something that would prove his worth in the eyes of the womans parents. An actual real life instance of such an occurrence is about an eleventh century Kashmiri poet, Bilhana. While he was the court poet of a king, Bilhana and the kings daughter entered into a gandharva union. The king was furious with this secret romance and initially wanted to execute Bilhana. However, Bilhana then composed and recited a beautiful series of poems called the Caurapancasika (Fifty Verses of a Love Thief) about his romance with the princess. Impressed with the quality of the poetry, the king forgave him and officially got him married to the princess. While these types of gandharva unions began in secret, there were other types (discussed by Manu in the Manusmriti) in which the woman would ask the man to elope with her, usually because otherwise, her family would pressure her to marry someone else. The Mahabharata contains several such examples. Some prominent ones included the marriage of Krishna and Rukmini (Rukmini writes to Krishna to elope with her, as her family was pressuring her to marry Shishupal), and that of Arjuna and Subhadra (they elope together from Dwaraka, as one of Subhadras brothers, Balaram, wanted her to marry Duryodhan). A famous historical example of such a marriage was the one between King Prithviraj Chauhan and the princess Samyukta. Prithviraj was deliberately excluded from Samyuktas swayamvar, so that she did not have the option to marry him. However, he still appeared, hidden, and the two eloped. It is interesting that all the law-givers (the composers of the Dharmasutras) recognized gandharva unions, though they happened without parental consent. Even Manu, who is popularly regarded as being ultra-conservative, said in the Manusmriti (9.90-91) that if girls are old enough, they could choose their own husbands, and no blame would attach either to girls who did so, or to the husbands they chose. Rigvedic hymns also make it clear that romantic relationships between unmarried girls and young men existed in Vedic society. Ancient texts also discuss issues of divorce. One such text was written by Chanakya (also known as Kautilya), the mentor of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote the Arthashastra, a famous manual on political science and law. The Arthashastra (Book 3, chapter 3) allows divorce when both spouses feel a mutual enmity, paraspara dveshat-moksha (literally, for freedom from mutual enmity). (Amazon) In the Kamasutra, Vatsyayana dedicates an entire book (Book 3) to counsel people (both men and women) who want a love marriage. He advises them, if they go in for gandharva unions, on how to subsequently obtain their parents consent. He advises the couple to procure some kusha grass, light a fire, and walk around it. Even without a priest, or any human witnesses, this would then be considered a marriage whose validity the couples parents would not be in a position to deny later as fire would have been the witness (in all Hindu marriages, it is imperative for fire to be the principal witness). In the context of the present debate, we could think of live-in relationships as gandharva unions. The law that prescribes registration might be akin to a step towards formal recognition and validity the role played by the fire and kusha grass. While ancient society allowed for a truly impressive complexity of unions, children were sometimes in a vulnerable position in some of these. For instance, fathers in gandharva unions could deny paternity, as Dushyanta did. There were also many stories of children born to apsaras on missions to distract sages from their penances. If their biological fathers refused to take care of them, they were essentially left to the mercy of kind strangers, as apsaras would also not want to raise them. (Shakuntala herself was abandoned by both her biological parents, but luckily, was adopted by Sage Kanva). There were also children born as a result of rape, whom, again, neither parent might want to raise. Society at the time dictated that the rapist raise any children born due to the rape, but this was not always followed in practice. For example, Brihaspati raped a female relative and a child, Bharadwaj was born as a result. Brihaspati then refused to take care of the child. The rape victim also refused, as did her husband. Very fortunately, the babys maternal grandparents stepped forward and raised him. He grew up to be a famous sage. Ancient law-givers seem to have been sensitive to this plight, and so many law-books explicitly recognized two forms of marriage based on force or fraud. These were rakshasa marriages in which a woman was kidnapped, and pishacha ones where the man used intoxicants or drugs on her (similar to date rape in more modern times). Though the authors of the Dharmasutras never approved of these, their purpose in recognizing these as forms of marriage was to provide some legal protection to children born as a result, to legitimize them, and to improve the position of the abducted woman, so that she also had rights. Obviously, there were still loopholes and it was an imperfect system. Interestingly, some provisions of the proposed live-in laws in current times are meant to protect the rights of women and children. For instance, if live-in couples register, any children born would be considered legitimate, and in this case, the woman would also be able to legally claim maintenance from her male live-in partner. One could say that we have come full circle as a society. In ancient times, our society was obviously very fluid, with different people making very different decisions with regard to their personal lives. An amazing variety of marriages and other unions dealt with this situation. Similarly, it did entail a lot of complex problems, and law-makers and thinkers had to deal with these (for instance, the Arthashastra makes an attempt to safeguard the inheritance rights of children born to a mother who subsequently remarries and who may bear other children afterwards). At some point, society became much more rigid, conservative and homogeneous in these matters. However, now we are again at a point where different people have different lifestyles and beliefs. Not surprisingly, our laws have to adapt to account for the complexity inherent in such variety. Brishti Guha has a PhD in economics from Princeton and is currently an associate professor at the School of International Studies, JNU. Forbes released its annual list of the world's billionaires which showed 141 more billionaires in the world than last year, with 2,781 in total. The combined worth of all billionaires is $14.2 trillion which is up by $2 trillion in 2023. There are also 26 new billionaires on the list and their combined net worth up by $1.1 trillion. Forbes world's billionaires list: Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of Twitter, gestures as he attends the Viva Technology conference.(Reuters) What Forbes world's billionaires list shows on top 20? The top 20 on the list gained the most and added $700 billion to their combined worth since 2023. Which country has the most billionaires? US has a record 813 billionaires the most of any country while China has 473 billionaires and India has 200. Who's most rich as per Forbes list? Bernard Arnault and his family are at number one with a net worth of $233 billion. Bernard Arnault is head of LVMH and is followed by Elon Musk with a net worth of $195 billion. Coming in at No. 3 is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has a net worth of $195 billion followed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who is worth $177 billion. Other famous names on the list include: Fox News founder Rupert Murdoch and his family worth $19.5 billion Dallas Cowboys General Manager and President Jerry Jones worth $13.9 billion Jay-Z, worth $2.5 billion Kim Kardashian worth $1.7 billion Taylor Swift worth $1.1 billion Who is the wealthiest woman on the list? Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of the founder of L'Oreal is the richest woman in the world and is worth $99.5 billion. She is followed by Alice Walton, Walmart founder Sam Walton's daughter, who is worth $72.3 billion; Julia Koch and her three children, who are worth $64.3 billion; Jacqueline Mars who is worth $38.5 billion and MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, who is worth $35.6 billion. Vistara was forced to cancel over 100 flights due to the unavailability of pilots this week as a significant number of pilots took sick leave in mass following the announcement of new salary rules. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that in view of the various flight disruptions of Vistara, it has asked the airline to submit daily information and details on the flights that are being cancelled and delayed. (PTI FILE) DGCA's submit daily reports directive to Vistara The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) asked Vistara Airlines to submit daily reports about flight operations and follow Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR). In view of the various flight disruptions of M/s Vistara due to various reasons, including crew unavailability, DGCA has asked the airline to submit daily information and details on the flights that are being cancelled and delayed, it said, adding, "The airline has also been asked to ensure that the relevant provisions of CAR Section-3, Series M, Part-IV on "Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights" are complied with, like advance information, an option of refund, compensation (if applicable), etc. to the passengers." What has Vistara said on disruptions and delays? Vistara said in a statement, We have had a significant number of flight cancellations and delays in the past few days due to various reasons including crew unavailability. We acknowledge and are deeply concerned about the inconvenience this has caused to our customers. We have decided to temporarily reduce the number of flights we operate, to ensure adequate connectivity across our network. After Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) extended their support to Congress, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Wednesday said that the Congress party has an "appeasement policy", hence, an "anti-national party" like SDPI is supporting them. Union home minister Amit Shah (File Photo) "Congress has never contributed to a cohesive environment in the country. Be it Atal Bihari Vajpayee's or PM Modi's tenure, the country has been in more peace than Congress' tenure. Major riots in the country have happened in Congress' tenure. They never want unity between Hindu-Muslim. Congress party has an appeasement policy, hence, an anti-national party like SDPI is supporting them," he said. Also Read - Staff union demands BMTC to revoke suspension of Bengaluru bus conductor who slapped woman passenger Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of taking support from the Social Democratic Party of India, the political outfit of the banned Popular Front and asked if the people of Karnataka could remain safe under the Congress government. SDPI is widely considered to be the political outfit of the banned terrorist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI). BJP Kerala President K Surendran has asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to explain his position on the declaration by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) to extend unconditional support to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Lok Sabha elections The Union Home Ministry had in September 2022 declared the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates an 'Unlawful Association'. It had said that PFI and its associates, affiliates or fronts have been found to be involved in serious offences, including terrorism and its financing, targeted gruesome killings, disregarding the constitutional set-up of the country, disturbing public order, etc., which are prejudicial to the integrity, security and sovereignty of the country. Karnataka will have elections in two phases on April 26 and May 7 for 28 constituencies. Karnataka has 28 Lok Sabha constituencies, including five seats reserved for SC candidates and two for ST candidates. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 25 seats with a vote share of 51.7 per cent, while the Congress won 1 seat with a 32.1 per cent vote share, and JD(S) and Independent won one seat each in Karnataka. 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. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that Congress will register victory on more than 20 seats in the state in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. DK Shivakumar (PTI) "Congress party will win more than 20 seats in Karnataka. We will form a coordination committee of all INDIA bloc parties for better coordination. All alliance partners have given us a written letter of support," Shivakumar said. READ | Karnataka's Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh to join BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls "We are discussing the support of about 10 parties of the INDIA bloc in Karnataka. It is not important how many votes they bring to the table but we are more keen on the people who follow their ideology," he added. Shivakumar further said that the BJP is not giving a clear response in the election bonds case. READ | There can be no comparison between PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi: Amit Shah "Union government is casting unnecessary allegations on Opposition leaders. We condemn these actions in one voice. BJP is not giving a clear response in the election bonds case. They have given a notice to the Left parties for 11 crores. Prime Minister Modi has to answer the people of the country on these things. Amit Shah who never came to the state for drought relief, has now come to the State for elections," he said. Earlier last month, the Election Commission published the complete electoral bond data submitted by the State Bank of India on the orders of the Supreme Court. READ | 'PM Modi-led govt only way forward for Karnataka's development': Tejasvi Surya at Vijaya Sankalpa Samavesha The fresh data includes alpha-numeric numbers that can help match the purchasers of the bonds with the political parties that encashed them. The data also includes bond numbers that would enable donors to be matched with the political parties they donated to."In compliance with the Supreme Court's directions, SBI has provided data pertaining to electoral bonds to ECI today i.e. March 21, 2024. The ECI has uploaded it on its website as received from SBI on an 'as is where is basis'," the poll panel said. A man reportedly slit his throat and attempted to die by suicide inside Karnataka high court when Chief Justice Nilay Vipinchandra Anjara was present in the court hall. He was immediately rushed to the hospital and is currently being treated by doctors. Man slits his own throat in front of chief justice in Karnataka high court Also Read - Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje files nomination for LS polls in Bengaluru According to a report by news agency PTI, Srinivas, a resident of Mysuru entered the high court and handed over a file to security staff at Court Hall One. Immediately, he took a knife out of his pocket and slit his throat in the presence of the chief justice. The security staff was immediately alerted and rushed him to the Bowring Hospital. A police officer told PTI, We do not know why he took such an extreme step in front of the chief justice. He is currently under treatment, and we can only take his statement once he is physically fit. Chief Justice Nilay Vipin Chandra Anjara expressed concern about the security inside the high court premises and questioned about allowing such a sharp object into the court. He also ordered police to collect evidence from the spot and record findings. However, it is still unknown about the contents of a file that he gave to the security staff before slitting his throat. The court cannot check the contents of the file as the advocate did not present it. The police are waiting to find out why Srinivas attempted to die by suicide once he is medically stable. (With PTI inputs) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that there can never be a comparison between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been serving the nation for the last 23 years without taking a single leave, while Rahul Gandhi goes on a vacation at the onset of every summer. Union home minister Amit Shah (File) While addressing Shakti Kendra Pramukh Sammelan in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Amit Shah hit out at the opposition coalition, the INDI alliance, calling it a 'gang of corrupt leaders'. READ | 'PM Modi-led govt only way forward for Karnataka's development': Tejasvi Surya at Vijaya Sankalpa Samavesha Shah claimed that the opposition could not accuse PM Modi of indulging in corruption due to his transparent way of working. "On one side, we are fighting elections under the splendid and strong leadership of PM Modi. On the other side, there is the INDI alliance, a gang of corrupt leaders that has no goals or visions except looting the country. Modi Ji has been serving the country with the utmost dedication and transparency as Chief Minister and Prime Minister for over 23 years. In these 23 years, the opposition has not been able to accuse PM Modi of corruption worth even 23 paise. PM Modi has set an example by working with transparency," the Home Minister said. READ | Shah asks Eshwarappa to withdraw candidature, rebel BJP leader says not changing mind Shah further said that there can be no comparison between PM Modi and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. "In these 23 years, as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, Modi ji served the people of India without taking a single leave. On the other hand, there is Rahul Baba, who goes abroad as soon as summer comes and the entire Congress keeps searching for him for 6 months. There's no comparison at all between the two!" Shah said. "Rahul Baba used to say in Parliament, Do not remove Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, will result in huge bloodshed. On August 5, 2019, Modi ji removed Article 370. Rahul Baba, this is the Modi government, leave the bloodshed, no one even dared to throw a pebble," the Home Minister added. READ | Amit Shah blames Siddaramaiah for delay in drought relief funds to Karnataka The Home Minister further accused the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government under the leadership of Congress leader Manmohan Singh of 'looting' around 12 lakh crore. "The Congress Party ate away 12 lakh crore during ten years of the Sonia-Manmohan rule. PM Modi works with utmost dedication and transparency. What couldn't be achieved during the 70 years of Congress rule has been achieved during the 10 years of the Modi government. The entire country has a clear option - PM Narendra Modi," he said. Shah also thanked the people of Karnataka for their support during the previous general elections in 2014 and 2019 and appealed to extend the support in the upcoming elections also. "I would like to thank the people of Karnataka for their love and support during the previous two elections. In 2014, the BJP won 17 seats, fetching 43 per cent votes in Karnataka. In 2019, the BJP won 25 seats, fetching 51 per cent votes in Karnataka," he said. "This time, I request the people of Karnataka to bless us with all the 28 seats in Karnataka," Shah added. Karnataka has 28 Lok Sabha constituencies, including five seats reserved for SC candidates and two for ST candidates. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 25 seats with a vote share of 51.7 per cent, while the Congress won 1 seat with a 32.1 per cent vote share, and JD(S) and Independent won one seat each in Karnataka. 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. A probationary sub inspector of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Deepak Sharma, who was injured in a shootout with gangsters in Kathua on Tuesday night, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Pathankot on Wednesday, officials said. Jammu and Kashmir Police probationary sub inspector Deepak Sharma, who was injured in a shootout with gangsters in Kathua on Tuesday night, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. (File photo) A gangster was shot dead in the shootout on the premises of the Government Medical College in Kathua. The gangsters had driven into the campus to escape the police team on their chase. Also read: Lok Sabha elections: Former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest polls from Anantnag A firing incident occurred between police and gangsters near GMC, Kathua, at 10.35pm on Tuesday. As a result, sub inspector Deepak Sharma, who was posted at the police station at Ramgarh, received head injuries and special police officer Anil Kumar was injured. A gangster was shot dead in the shootout, a police spokesperson said. The injured police officer was shifted from GMC Kathua to a private hospital at Pathankot for treatment. PSI Deepak Sharma succumbed to his injuries during treatment. His body has been shifted to GMC, Kathua, he said. The official said that gangsters led by Shunu group head Vasudev, a key accused in a murder case, were being chased by police from Ramgarh on Tuesday night. While being chased, the gangsters drove their vehicle into the premises of the Government Medical College at Kathua, where an exchange of fire took place. Gangster Vasudev was shot dead but police officials Deepak Sharma and Anil Kumar were injured. Another gangster with Vasudev was injured in the shootout. He is undergoing treatment at GMC, Kathua. Soon after the incident, Kathua SSP Shivdeep Singh Jamwal arrived at the GMC Kathua to take stock of the situation. In his condolence message, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said, I salute the valour and indomitable courage of PSI Deepak Sharma, who made the supreme sacrifice while valiantly fighting and neutralising a most wanted gangster in Kathua. His supreme sacrifice will remain etched in our hearts. Deepest condolences to his family. Only three hours after a child went missing in the Gudama area of the city while playing, the prompt action of the Gudamba police led to finding the seven-year-old, who was on vacation in Lucknow from Lakhimpur. The missing boy reunited with his family within three hours (HT Photo) The familys joy knew no bounds when they saw their child with a police officer on his bike. A video capturing the heartwarming moment was shared by the Lucknow polices X handle, garnering praise from the public. The boy went missing while playing near Canara Bank main road in Sector J in Jankipuram, said SHO Gudamba, Nitish Srivastava. Multiple teams were deployed, utilising both two-wheelers and four-wheelers to scour the roads. The search was supplemented by CCTV cameras positioned at various points, leading to the childs discovery near Vishal Hospital in Sector G, the SHO added. Srivastava further informed that the child hailed from Lakhimpur district and was visiting his grandparents house. Once the police team located the child, he was promptly reunited with his family, he further said. LUCKNOW: Union home minister Amit Shah, credited with tapping Modi wave to usher in BJPs spectacular revival in Uttar Pradesh since 2014, set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign from Muzaffarnagar in west UP on Wednesday. He sounded opposition alliance that there would be no letup in action against the corrupt under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a public meeting ahead of Lok Sabha polls, in Shahpur, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday (PTI) Accusing the opposition alliance against BJP as ghamandiya gathbandhan (haughty alliance), the BJPs top strategist said the alliance collectively was guilty of corruption worth 12 lakh crore. His remarks had their own significance, particularly following the recent arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi liquor scam, followed by a joint rally by many opposition parties, demanding Kejriwals release and accusing the BJP of engaging in vendetta politics. On the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Meerut to celebrate the Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh, the same day, this alliance held a bhrastachari bacaho (save corrupt) rally. They spoke of sheltering the corrupt. But I want to tell the people that in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the corrupt would be behind bars, and in 2024 too, we are saying the same thing, he said. Engaging with the audience on the subject, he asked, Tell me, should those who engage in corruption be behind bars or not? The audience responded with a loud yes and Shah then went on to target the opposition with the dynastic rule jibe. To set the BJPs 400 paar (over 400 seats) national agenda, Shah targeted the Samajwadi Party as he tweaked the palayan (exodus) issue to pitch the BJP as the only party capable of keeping the criminals on a tight leash. After the breakup with RLD, the SP has now teamed up with Congress in a bid to unsettle the BJP in the west, where the seven-phased polls would begin on April 19. The BJP, powered by the support of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party primarily of Jats, a key OBC caste in the Jat land in west UP, is exuding an air of confidence. The palayan issue has good recall value in west UP. In June 2016, the then BJP stalwart from the region, the late Hukum Singh, had flagged the issue of Hindu exodus from the region. This concern arose soon after the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, which further polarised the Jat belt and emerged as a key election issue in the 2017 UP polls. Since then, it has been consistently highlighted in subsequent elections. On Wednesday, Shah began his speech by invoking former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, a popular political figure in the region and grandfather of RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary. He recalled how, in his initial days in UP in 2013-2014, he had witnessed the issue of palayan under the then Samajwadi Party rule. Back then, I remember that as the BJP in-charge, how the people of the region were plagued by palayan (exodus) in Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, and Saharanpur. None were safe, but in 2017, the Yogi Adityanath government checked the exodus and ensured peoples safety. That wasnt all. Now, instead of commoners, the palayan has shifted to criminals, on the run and fleeing out of the state, he said. Tell me, will you defeat the Samajwadi Party in all the seats? he asked the audience, who waved back at him. Despite a sore throat, Shah, powered by the enthusiastic response from the audience, also touched upon two key aspects of BJPs agenda that have been accomplished the scrapping of Article 370 and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. I want to ask you, is Kashmir ours? he asked the audience, who appreciated the query with a resounding haan (yes). He asked: Then tell me, why didnt the Congress scrap Article 370 all these 70 years? It was only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power that this could be done to ensure Kashmir became an inseparable part of India. He also engaged with the audience on the Ram temple issue. Tell me, should a Ram temple in Ayodhya have been constructed or not? he asked, and as the audience roared back with an expected yes, Shah said the Congress party kept on stalling the issue, which gained fruition with Modi inaugurating the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 of this year. The area where Shah was speaking is largely an agrarian region known mostly for sugarcane farming and from where the opposition has been flagging the issue of a law guaranteeing MSP on farmers produce. However, Shah positioned the BJP as the party that had made the maximum purchases from farmers under MSP (minimum support price), assuring farmers of selling their crops at a certain price. Shah also referred to the issue of sugar mill closures during the BSP-SP governments, another sensitive issue in the region. During the BSPs tenure, 11 sugar mills were closed, and during the SPs tenure, 10. In contrast, the BJP ensured that 20 sugar mills were reopened, and five new ones are now functional, Shah said, aiming to connect with Jat sugarcane farmers who dominate the region. He also highlighted the governments policy of producing ethanol from sugarcane and mentioned that as of now, 156 crore litres of ethanol have been produced to assist sugarcane farmers. MUMBAI: A special court on Wednesday directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to verify the health condition of BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a prime accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, considering that she had remained absent on several occasions hampering the court proceedings. BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (PTI) On September 29, 2008, six people were killed and over 100 were injured after an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle, purportedly owned by Thakur, went off near a mosque in Malegaon, about 200 km from Mumbai. ALSO READ- Lok Sabha elections 2024: These 4 controversial MPs missing from BJP's first list Advocate representing Singh on Wednesday sought exemption for Thakurs appearance, stating that she was seeking medical treatment in her home in Bhopal and further narrated that her physical condition was unforeseen and beyond her control, praying that considering her medical and physical condition sufficient time be granted to recover from the said ailment. The certificate annexed to the exemption application stated that the accused was suffering from cervical spondylitis and migraine and hence, was advised to take complete bed rest by her doctor. A special public prosecutor, representing NIA, replied that the accuseds plea had been considered on several occasions, however, the cause cannot be verified as she was not in the city. ALSO READ- Smriti Irani becomes a voter in Amethi After hearing the rival submissions, while granting exemption to the accused for the day, special judge AK Lahoti noted that to overcome the difficulty of residents of other states in getting tickets at the eleventh hour, dates had been provided to all the accused well in advance. The accused (Thakur) has been absent for long except on 22/03/2024. On 22/03/2024, the accused appeared before the court and considering her physical and mental condition, she was allowed to leave the court. Thereafter, before departing to Bhopal, she did not turn back in the court to record her statement, the court said, adding her absence was hampering the court proceedings. ALSO READ- Sadhvi Pragya Thakur accuses media of distorting her remarks after BJP denied ticket in 1st list The court called the verification report from NIA Bhopal regarding her health condition, stating that the Mumbai agency unit can correspond with their unit at Bhopal and submit the report to the court on or before April 8. The NIA court is currently recording statements of the accused under section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Mumbai: The Congress expelled former MP Sanjay Nirupam from the party on Wednesday. An order to this effect was issued by party general secretary KC Venugopal. Taking note of the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party statements, the Congress president has approved the expulsion of Sanjay Nirupam from the party for a period of six years with immediate effect, says the order. The Congress expelled former MP Sanjay Nirupam from the party on Wednesday (Satyabrata Tripathy/HT Photo) The party had earlier removed him from the list of star campaigners. It seems he has taken a contract to speak against the party, the way he has been making remarks, said Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole. The former Congress MP had been sidelined in the party. He was peeved that he was not given the Mumbai North West seat to contest. Nirupam blamed the Congress leadership for allowing the Shiv Sena (UBT) to contest from there. Despite Congress insistence, Uddhav Thackeray had declared Amol Kirtikar as their candidate for the seat. Nirupam has been saying that the Congress had allowed itself to be arm-twisted by the Shiv Sena (UBT). Congress is going against a particular religion because it is following too much secularism, he told Marathi news channel ABP Majha. The issue was discussed in the Congress campaign committee meeting held on Wednesday where leaders demanded action against him. Sources say that Patole had assured that action will be taken. ALSO READ- Sanjay Nirupam's stationery dig at Congress over disciplinary action: Don't waste energy On his part, Nirupam had been hinting that he is planning to leave the Congress. He hinted the same in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Congress should not waste their energy and stationery on me. Instead, they should use the same to save the party. Anyway, it is going through a severe financial crisis. The ultimatum of a week given by me is completed today and tomorrow I will take a decision on my own, he said in a post. Sources say that Nirupam had been in touch with the Shiv Sena led by chief minister Eknath Shinde. That party had apparently conducted a survey regarding him in the Mumbai North West but the straw poll was not in his favour. Shiv Sena is yet to declare its candidate. Nirupam remains an option for Shindes Shiv Sena but the party is worried that Marathi voters may not vote for him. The party had recently inducted Bollywood actor Govinda Ahuja and made him star campaigner. He may be given the ticket too. Nirupam has been in touch with top BJP leaders who are ready to welcome him into the party but cant give any assurance regarding the ticket. A journalist-turned-politician, Sanjay Nirupam came into the limelight first by aggressively defending Shiv Sena as editor of the partys Hindi mouthpiece Dopahar Ka Saamana. Party chief Balasaheb Thackeray made him Rajya Sabha MP. ALSO READ- 'Speaking BJP's language..': Shiv Sena (UBT) leader on Sanjay Nirupam's remarks Nirupam left the Sena to join the Congress in May 2005. He was the party MP from Mumbai North constituency between 2009 and 2014. He also headed the Mumbai Congress unit for a period of four years. During this period, the party badly lost the Mumbai civic elections. He was blamed for the lowest ever tally of the party in the civic polls and was subsequently removed from the post. He was one of the few Congress leaders who were critical of the partys decision to join hands with Uddhav Thackeray to form the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi that formed the government with Uddhav as chief minister. A man and two women from Kerala allegedly died by suicide in a hotel in Arunachal Pradeshs Lower Subansiri district, police said on Wednesday. Police said the bodies have been sent to a government hospital for postmortem. (Representative Image) The deceased have been identified by police as a husband and wife, both aged 39, who are residents of Keralas Kottayam district, and a family friend of theirs, aged 29, who is a resident of Thiruvananthapuram. Police said that they have also recovered some hair on a plate, black bracelets and a suicide note signed by the three of them with the contact number of a family member mentioned in it. According to the hotel staff, the trio came to Guwahati on March 27 and moved to Ziro town of Lower Subansiri on March 28. They had checked in the hotel on March 28 and roamed around the next day, but they had not been seen outside their rooms since Monday. On suspicion, the employees checked the room on Tuesday and found that the room was locked from inside. The hotel staff broke the door after the manager asked them to, and found them dead. We called police, and they recovered them in an unconscious state, later the officials told us that all of them are dead, said a hotel staff. Superintendent of police (SP) of Lower Subansiri district, Keni Bagra on Wednesday told HT, There was no sign of struggle as the things inside the room were in place, one mattress was there on the floor where the body of a lady was lying. There were some hairs, black coloured bracelets and some other stuff, the SP said. He said that after identifying the persons they contacted the Kerala police and according to them a missing report had been lodged by the father of the 29-year-old woman in Thiruvananthapuram a few days ago. She was to get married soon and her family members were preparing for it. As per police records, the husband and wife were Ayurveda doctors and used to practise in Kottayam. The SP said that police have registered three cases, and the Kerala police will support them in the investigation. We have already started the investigation and received some information from our counterpart in Kerala. Police and the family members of the deceased persons have been asked to come here. Once the family members reach here, well interrogate them to collect more inputs, the SP said. The bodies have been sent to a government hospital for postmortem. After the initial investigation and postmortem process, we will hand over the bodies to the family members. However, the investigation will continue further, and well submit the report before the court soon, the SP added. If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick off his Lok Sabha poll campaign in Bihar on Thursday with a rally at Jamui, where BJP ally Chirag Paswan has fielded his brother-in-law Arun Bharti as his party LJP(R) candidate. BJP MP Ravishankar Prasad addresses a press conference in Patna on Wednesday. (HT photo) In the 2019 LS polls too, Modi had launched his campaign from Jamui, which was won by Chirag Paswan for a second time. It is a matter of pride for Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and the people of Jamui that the Prime Minister has agreed to launch his campaign in Bihar from the constituency. We are committed to helping him achieve the target of 400 plus seats for NDA, including all the 40 in Bihar, said Paswan. Modi will address another rally on April 7 at Nawada. PM Modi will address a rally at Nawada on April 7 before noon, said BJPs Nawada candidate Vivek Thakur, who is the son of senior BJP leader and former union minister C P Thakur. On the same day, union home minister Amit Shah would also address a rally at Aurangabad, said a senior BJP office-bearer. Of the four seats going to vote in the first phase on April 19, BJP is contesting on two Aurangabad and Nawada. Former chief minister and HAM-S founder Jitan Ram Manjhi is in the fray from Gaya from the NDA. Of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state, BJP and JD (U) are contesting on 17 and 16 seats, respectively, while LJP (R) is contesting on five, HAM-S and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on one each. The Nawada Lok Sabha seat was with the other faction of LJP led by Pashupati Paras. PM Modi had addressed a rally at Aurangabad a week before the Election Commission announced the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, RJD took a swipe at the BJP, wondering if the PM would also speak on dynastic politics in Jamui and Nawada. We would wait if he speaks on dynastic politics, said RJD leader Shakti Yadav. Former deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, Be it the Prime Minister or any other leader, they will be on the campaign trail during polls. But the people of Bihar want to know what have they got in return for the enormous support they gave to NDA five years ago. In the last Lok Sabha polls, 39 out of the 40 seats in Bihar went to the NDA. But now the people feel they have been taken for a ride, alleged Yadav. However, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit back, saying, In his speech in Jamui tomorrow, the PM will enlist his achievements and share his vision for the future. On the other hand, the opposition has nothing to offer so it is busy heaping insults on Modi. Karnataka PUC 2 Result Date 2024: The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) will not announce the result of the 2nd Pre-University Examination (2nd PUC 2024) today, as reported by some news outlets. Karnataka 2nd PUC result 2024 date: PUC 2 result not today A local newspaper quoted the board's President as saying that claims about Karnataka PUC 2 result 2024 being announced on April 3 are fake. A fake press statement issued in the name of the board has created confusion among the public, he said. The evaluation work of answer sheets is currently underway. Once the process is completed, a date and time will be fixed for the declaration of Karnataka 2nd PUC result, the board President added. Students and parents are advised not to fall for such misleading and unauthorized information on social media. For authentic information about the Karnataka 2nd PUC result date and other details related to the examination, they should visit the board's official website at kseab.karnataka.gov.in. When declared, Karnataka PUC 2 results will be available on karresults.nic.in, and students can check it using their registration number and subject combination/stream. According to HT Kannada, the exam was held from March 1 to 23 at 1,124 centres, where around 7 lakh students appeared. The evaluation work started on March 25. The result of the 1st PUC examination has been announced. The KSEAB conducted it from February 12 to February 27, 2024 and scores were announced on March 30. When released, students can check Karnataka PUC 2 result 2024 by following these steps: How to check Karnataka 2nd PUC result 2024 on karresults.nic.in As someone who was homeschooled and then determinedly chose not to pursue higher studies after IIT, Ive always been curious about the role of education in a childs life. Not every child will grow up to start their own company. Many will become employees or be self-employed or venture into creative fields. (HT Archive) This feeling has intensified for me in the last few years both as the founder of a learn-tech start-up and a parent of a pre-teen! Most of us have written so many exams, we can probably be woken up in our sleep and recite formulae wed be hard-pressed to apply, or even explain adequately. Differentiation is a process of determining the rate of change in a quantity with respect to another quantity. We mugged it up and regurgitated it in exams dutifully, but how about putting it to practice? Nope. We aced our third and fourth language exams in school, but can we watch a movie in those languages without subtitles? Nope. We also know that school success does not always translate to life success. In his New York Times bestseller, Barking Up The Wrong Tree, author Eric Barker (based on an analysis of research on the subject) writes, Valedictorians arent likely to be the futures visionaries, says Arnold. They typically settle into the system instead of shaking it up Self-discipline, conscientiousness and the ability to comply with rules are great in school, but dont lead to disruption and breakthroughs School has very clear rules but life doesnt. Life is messy. The question then becomes, in an era of global uncertainty with political unrest, climate change, and rampant fear of AI, where change is the only constant what role does education really play? Research is repeatedly telling us that 85% of the jobs of 2030 havent even been invented yet. Can traditional education with systems that have privileged note-taking and rote learning at the cost of creativity rise to the challenge of raising a new workforce? I strongly believe that this uncertainty is a clarion call for innovation. And that the BIG questions that humanity will face in the future will not be answered by a cohort that excels only at standardised tests For that, we need a generation of entrepreneurs. Allow me to explain. I dont mean youngsters who want to become the next Facebook, or the Uber of sustainability. I mean children armed with an entrepreneurial mindset. According to world-renowned educational researcher and professor, Dr Yong Zhao, cultivating entrepreneurial talents requires A paradigm shift from employee to entrepreneur-oriented education, from prescribing childrens education to supporting their learning, and from reducing human diversity to a few employable skills to enhancing individual talents. There are obvious benefits to such a mindset, like goal-setting, recognising opportunities, communication skills, or early lessons in financial literacy which will stand children in good stead throughout life. But the entrepreneurial mindset goes beyond that. It is a blend of curiosity, creativity, resilience, and innovation. And it makes children anti-fragile as in, they are able to adapt to change and not be overwhelmed by it. Doesnt matter where and how they choose to use their skills. Boyan Slat turned a diving expedition into a high-school project about ocean pollution. By the time he was 19, he dropped out of his aerospace engineering degree to start his non-profit The Ocean Cleanup, which later devised The Interceptor to stop plastic from polluted rivers draining into the seas. But it isnt even about solving the Big Problems. Not every child will grow up to start their own company. Many will become employees or be self-employed or venture into creative fields. But a child with an entrepreneurial mindset has a powerful tool against unpredictability: the capacity to constantly learn and improve, and think on their feet. This will mean happier, more creative, and more satisfied people in the workforce. Who doesnt want that? Encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset in our children also helps them deal with the smaller vagaries of life. It allows them to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. It teaches them to be resourceful and adaptable, and crucially, lets them know that they have the permission to fail. That last bit alone is enough to inspire confidence and inculcate problem-solving skills among children. However, the path to instilling an entrepreneurial attitude among our children is not going to be easy. It means that the groundwork for raising tomorrows entrepreneurs must start today. And it needs to start in our minds first. In a country like India, these challenges are at multiple levels socio-economic contexts, caste, and gender. Children from resource-constrained environments often develop remarkable ingenuity, as they are compelled to innovate with limited resources. Every year we are amazed by stories of kids from rural India who innovate to solve very local, community problems they grapple with daily. Take for example 14-year-old Remya Jose from a small village in Kerala. She won a National Innovation Foundation award for her washing-cum-exercise machine for substituting electric parts with mechanical ones while maintaining the functions of a washing machine. Are you surprised that class-topping Remya was in charge of doing her familys laundry? How do we ensure this necessity-driven entrepreneurship reaches its full potential? I believe as parents, we can make a big difference here. Encourage your children to participate in activities that challenge them. Weave ideas around entrepreneurship into family conversations. Watch carefully for signs of lateral thinking when you see them solving problems nurture them, instead of insisting on being correct. And if possible, enrol them in classes that will encourage entrepreneurial thinking. If theyve tried their hand at entrepreneurship at an early age, they will be less daunted by it as adults. Help them set goals and targets, but resist the temptation to intervene if they look like theyre going to miss the mark. The hardest part will be to stay out of their way, and prevent them from making mistakes. Try and remember your own learning curve, and how much failure contributed to your own growth. If you are a parent to a girl in India, remember that they have it the toughest, with every societal system designed to keep their imaginations in check. They face the highest barriers to entry in any field. Consider these sobering figures: Women make up just about 14% of entrepreneurs in India, and we rank 70 (out of 77) on the Global Entrepreneurship & Development Institutes Female Entrepreneurship Index. Encouraging young girls to pursue their entrepreneurial interests is not just about setting them up for success but about challenging patriarchal norms and fostering equity. I dont have all the answers, but what I do know is when we nurture the entrepreneurial spirit within our children, we are not just preparing them for the jobs of the future; we are empowering them to create a future where they are not mere participants, but drivers of change. Armed with these skills, I am confident that kids will be alright. Also Read: Centre set to launch National Curriculum, Framework for early childhood care & education, here's what experts think (Authored by Ravi Bhushan, Founder & CEO, BrightCHAMPS. Views are personal) Amity University, Noida is hosting the grand finale of NCIIPC-AICTE Pentathon 2024, the countrys first national Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). Navin Kumar Singh, IPS, DG, NCIIPC addressing the gathering. As per a press release issued by the institution, the 48-hour-long Pentathon is an initiative of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) in partnership with AICTE at Amity University, Noida. A total of 8000 students participated in the first round, wherein only top teams and individuals had been shortlisted. In the 48 hours, shortlisted participants from various technical colleges and universities across India will engage in real-world cybersecurity challenges, simulating the complexities of protecting critical information infrastructure entities, the press release informed. Also read: Nurturing entrepreneurial spirit in kids for the jobs of the future The winners and other talented participants will not only be rewarded through prizes but also recognized for real-world VAPT, provided they meet the criteria. Navin Kumar Singh, the director general of NCIIPC, during his inaugural address, stressed the need to protect the Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) by Indias young talent, in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He further stated that his long-term vision is to build startups and Indian companies that can export cybersecurity services to the world. Also read: CTET July 2024 last date to apply extended, submit forms on ctet.nic.in Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman AICTE, shared four key insights with the participants firstly, the Penthathon provides learning skills to participants by making them problem solvers to the given solutions, which cannot be learned in their colleges. Secondly, It teaches them to work in a team and crack problems including time management. It also enables participants to contribute to the national development where companies and the government will come to them for solutions. Lastly, finalists and winners can take the opportunity to add it to their resume, thereby enhancing their career prospects. Also read: BSEB Bihar board 10th Scrutiny, Compartment exam registration from today Dr. Balvinder Shukla, the Vice Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, expressed delight to be hosting the Pentathon 2024. He said that the participants have embarked on a journey of learning, building new networks, and becoming part of important critical problems at the national level and finding their solutions. Since this is a 48-hour long event, Amity will also hold a Yoga Session at 6 am and a Cultural Programme to de-stress the coders and provide them a comfortable stay and joyful experience, Shukla said. The grand finale will culminate with a final valedictory ceremony on April 4, 2024, where outstanding performers will be felicitated. TANCET Result 2024: Anna University will release scorecards of the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test or TANCET 2024 along with the scorecards of the Common Engineering Entrance Test and Admission (CEETA PG) today, April 3. Candidates can download it from tancet.annauniv.edu up to May 3. TANCET 2024 scorecards releasing today The result of these entrance tests was announced on March 28, and now, the university will issue the scorecards containing details of their marks. The TANCET and CEETA PG scorecards will be required for counselling/admission. After announcing the results, the university gave a final opportunity to candidates to make corrections in their particulars. The window has now closed. It is observed that many students are approaching for minor corrections (Initials in Name, Spelling in Name, DOB, Gender, Community, Nativity) Hence, the students are informed to utilize the final opportunity given now to change/modify profile data by submitting the PROPER EVIDENCE to tanceeta@gmail.com. No more corrections will be carried out after 2nd April, 2024, reads a message displayed on the examination website. TANCET 2024: Important points Exam date: March 9 Result was announced on: March 28 Official website: tancet.annauniv.edu Login details to check marks sheet/result: email address and password TANCET, for admission to the MCA course, was held in the morning shift on March 9. A total of 9,206 candidates had registered for it. The MBA entrance exam was held in a single shift on that day and 24,814 candidates had registered for it. The CEETA PG for postgraduate engineering, architecture and planning (ME/MTech/MArch/MPlan) programmes was held for 5,281 candidates on March 10. How to download TANCET/CREETA PG 2024 scorecards Open tancet.annauniv.edu. Go to the TANCET/CEETA PG 2024 scorecard download page. On the login window, enter your email address and password. Log in to check your marks. After releasing the scorecard, the university will issue the schedule for common counselling for admission to MBA, MCA and other PG courses through TANCET and CEETA PG. Candidates should keep checking the official website for further details. Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt have made a permanent place in the hearts of fans across the globe with not only their films but also their fashion choices. Even in Pakistan, the actors seem to have gained quite a following. During an interview on Hasna Mana Hai with Tabish Hashmi, Pakistani fashion designer Nomi Ansari revealed how women in Pakistan want to look like Deepika and Alia. Also read: Alia Bhatt calls Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone her inspiration Nomi Ansari said women in Pakistan want to look like Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt. 'Everyone wants to look like Alia or Deepika' When asked if clients come to him with requests, Nomi, who is known for his modern-meets-traditional designs, said, "Everyone comes with a lot of hope and requests. But to make their hope a reality also you need something to start with. Everyone wants to look like Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone. But they do not have the body structure or the lifestyle or the audience to achieve the desired look." When asked what he does with such clients, the designer joked, Unka hum Mahesh Bhatt bana sakte hain (I can make them look like Alia's father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt). Alia Bhatt attended Met Gala 2023 in New York. ( File Photo/ PTI) Deepika, Alia are regulars on international red carpets Following in the trajectory set by Bollywood stars such as Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, in 2023, Alia Bhatt made her Met Gala debut in a stunning white princess gown. In December 2023, at the Red Sea International Film festival in Jeddah, Alia was spotted in two stylish outfits. Deepika Padukone was seen in a black gown at Oscars 2023. (File Photo/ AP) Meanwhile, from Oscars and Met Gala to Cannes Film Festival, Deepika's rocked many international red carpets over the years. Be it her classic black gown at Oscars 2023, her Barbie-like pink look at Met Gala 2019 or her sarees at Cannes Film Festival, the actor has created memorable fashion moments in each of her international red carpet appearances. She was also spotted in a saree at the Baftas earlier this year. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place In the recent episode of the genealogy series "Finding Your Roots, it was revealed to an astounded Hollywood veteran, Michael Douglas, that his Marvel co-star Scarlett Johansson is his DNA cousin, sharing identical stretches of DNA on four different chromosomes. Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., the episode aired on Tuesday, unveiling the familial connection between the Marvel characters. Michael Douglas was last seen in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.(Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) What was Doughlas's reaction to receiving the news? Douglass reaction was palpable upon receiving the news; visibly surprised, he exclaimed, "Are you kidding? Oh, thats amazing. Alright, this is cool. This is so cool. Thats incredible." The veteran actor's excitement was evident as he processed the unexpected revelation of this familial tie with the 39-year-old Black Widow actress. Gates explained further, detailing that the shared DNA branches between Douglas and Johansson trace back to Scarletts maternal lines, which have roots in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. The actors shred the screen in the monumental superhero film "Avengers: Endgame," with Douglas portraying Hank Pym and Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. Douglas expressed his anticipation of informing Johansson of their newfound connection, stating, "Well, I look forward to seeing Scarlett next time!" How does Douglas caution his children against fame? Amidst the excitement of this revelation, Douglas also shared his perspective on the challenges of fame within the industry. Despite his own success, he revealed a cautious approach towards his children's potential interest in acting, warning them away from pursuing careers in Hollywood due to the perceived difficulties of succeeding with famous parents. Catherine Zeta-Jones (regarding their children's interest in acting): Douglas warned their kids away from acting as he believes it is harder to succeed with famous parents." Lena Dunham's reaction to being related to the other LD That's not it! In addition to Douglas and Johansson's revelation, the episode of Finding Your Roots featured Lena Dunham as well, who discovered her own familiar connection. Gates disclosed that Dunham shares a distant ancestor with acclaimed filmmaker Larry David, prompting an enthusiastic response from the actress, "Its Larry Davidthe other LD! This is the hottest information I could have ever gotten." Just days after multiple dating controversies surrounding actors Han So Hee-Ryu Jun Yeol and aespa's Karina-Lee Jae Wook died down, a new one has touched the horizon. This one involves idols Le Sserafim's Kazuha and &TEAM's K. Both their K-pop groups are signed under the overarching banner of HYBE Corporation. Le Sserafim Kazuha and &TEAM K's dating rumours debunked. HYBE affiliate Source Music - managing the girl group Le Sserafim - promptly released a statement, debunking the rumours initially incited by the Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun. An official from the management agency stated, The dating rumours, specifically those involving Kazuha and K, are unfounded. However, the source confirmed that they shared a meal together as friends. HYBE - the company managing both artists - also firmly asserted, It is not true that the two are in a relationship. Also read | BTS' Jungkook makes history at iHeartRadio Music Awards 2024; V and J-Hope also score a sea of firsts How did Kazuha and K's dating rumours come to light? Shukan Bunshun released a report, claiming the pair had been friends for a year before commencing their relationship in Summer 2022. The publication remarked that Kazuha left her hotel to visit a luxury Japanese yakiniku restaurant after her recent offline event in Japan. During this time, she allegedly met a man, notably 6 years her senior and 186 cm tall. They spent approximately two hours together before the man left the place alone. The Japanese media source identified this person as K, a member of &TEAM (a Japanese boy band based in Japan and South Korea), signed under HYBE Labels Japan. The report also stated that the duo went their separate ways in the Summer, only to rekindle their relationship in the fall. Kazuha and K seemingly also reunited for a cautious tryst at a bulgogi restaurant in Ginza on March 17. In other news, Le Sserafim members are listed in the 2024 Coachella performing lineup. They will take the stage on April 13 and 20. Shannen Doherty has opened up about what she is doing to make for an easier transition for her mother, Rosa, when she dies. The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum has stage 4 breast cancer. Cancer-stricken Shannen Doherty is letting go of her properties to prepare for death and make easier transition for her mom (theshando/Instagram) My priority at the moment is my mom, Doherty said during Mondays episode of her Lets Be Clear podcast. I know its going to be hard on her if I pass away before her. Because its going to be so hard on her, I want other things to be a lot easier. I dont want her to have a bunch of stuff to deal with. I dont want her to have four storage units filled with furniture, she added. It was really hard and really emotional The 52-year-old said that she began checking her belongings to sell or donate them, including antiques and other items she has been collecting, just in case anything happened to her. Recently she travelled to her Tennessee home to pack up her belongings. So we were in Tennessee and I was packing up one of the places there,Doherty said. It was really hard and really emotional because to a certain extent I felt like I was giving up on this dream of building this property out, and putting a house for me and a house for my mom and then extending the barn. Doherty has decided to build a sanctuary for horses who were abandoned by their owners because they are too old or broken down. That was one of my dreams, she said. I was packing up and I started crying I felt like I was giving up on a dream and what did that mean for me? Did it mean that I was giving up on life? Did it mean that I was throwing in the towel? Doherty added. And my mom was there and she was like, Dont get rid of this place, its fine. You dont have to and you can keep going. I said, Yeah, absolutely I can.' Dohery later returned to her home to pack all her belongings in a U-haul so she could bring them back to California. She believes letting go was the right thing to do. I can still live my dream of helping horses, Doherty said. I can still live that dream by really participating in rescues that are far more capable of me doing it. She explained that letting go of these properties helps leave behind a cleaner, easier transition for her family. It allows me to take more trips because Im making money, Im selling it, she continued. Then I get to build different memories and I build memories with the people that I love. She added, I get to take my mom on vacations because I have all this extra play money lying around and Im not digging into the money thats in my estate thats going to make sure that everybody in my life is taken care of once Im dead. Tamil actor Visheshwara Rao, who was 64 years old, died at a hospital in Chennai after battling cancer. As per Indian Express, Visheshwara died at a private hospital in Chennai on April 2 following complications from cancer. Visheshwara Rao is known for playing supporting roles in Tamil films. Reportedly, he was undergoing treatment for the disease for the last few years. His final rites will take place later on Wednesday. Visheshwara started his career at the age of six. He acted in about 300 films in his long career. Visheshwara is known for playing supporting roles in Tamil films. The late actor became well known for playing the role of Lailas father in Suriyas Pithamagan, written and directed by Bala. He is also known for his brief role as the annoying shop owner in Madhavans Evano Oruvan. Visheshwara also played a comedian in several Telugu films. He was also part of television serials in supporting roles. Bhakta Potana, Potti Pleader, Sisindri Chittibabu and Andala Ramudu, are some of the films that he was a part of. As per News18, many celebrities from the Telugu film industry, such as Chiranjeevi, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Pawan Kalyan, and Jr NTR, paid their last respects to the late actor. Chiranjeevi placed a garland on the casket of the late actor. Pawan Kalyan paid respects with folded hands. Jr NTR was also seen paying him condolences. Visweswara Rao was part of several films with actors including Nageswara Rao, NT Rama Rao, MG Ramachandran, Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Chiranjeevi, and Pawan Kalyan. He also acted acting alongside late chief ministers--MGR, NTR, and J Jayalalithaa. The Delhi High Court granted divorce to celebrity chef Kunal Kapur on Tuesday on the ground of cruelty meted out to him by his estranged wife, saying the woman's conduct towards him was devoid of dignity and empathy. The high court allowed Kapur's appeal challenging a family court's order denying him divorce and said it is a settled position of law that making reckless, defamatory, humiliating and unsubstantiated allegations against a spouse in public amounts to cruelty. (Also Read G20 summit: Kunal Kapur gives twist to recipe from world's oldest cookbook) Chef Kunal Kapur granted divorce by Delhi High Court "In the light of the aforenoted facts of the present case, we find that the conduct of the respondent (wife) towards the appellant (husband) has been such that it is devoid of dignity and empathy towards him. When such is the nature of one spouse towards the other, it brings disgrace to the very essence of marriage and there exists no possible reason as to why he should be compelled to live while enduring the agony of living together," a bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna said. The estranged couple got married in April 2008 and a son was born to them in 2012. In his plea, Kapur, who was a judge in television show MasterChef India, accused his wife of never respecting his parents and humiliating him. On the other hand, the woman accused him of making false allegations to mislead the court and said she always tried to communicate with her husband like a loving spouse and was loyal towards him. However, he kept her in the dark and concocted fabricated stories to obtain divorce, she had alleged. The court said though discords are an inevitable part of every marriage, when such conflicts take the form of disrespect and inconsideration towards a spouse, the marriage itself loses its sanctity. "It is relevant to mention here that within two years of marriage, the appellant has established himself as a celebrity chef, which is a reflection of his hard work and determination. Considering the aforesaid facts, it is only prudent to observe that these are mere allegations made by the respondent to disrepute the appellant in the eyes of the court and such unsubstantiated claims have the effect on one's reputation and therefore, amounts to cruelty," the bench said. Dakota Fanning and Andrew Scott will be seen together for the first time in Netflix's upcoming series Ripley. In a new interview with Coming Soon.net, Dakota spoke about going head to head with Andrew's character on the show. Dakota Fanning and Andrew Scott lock horns in Ripley. Anti-chemistry with Andrew Scott When asked about their anti-chemistry, Dakota said, That's a good way to put it. Yeah, you can only we could only create the anti chemistry because we had real chemistry as friends So it made it fun to do. I was super excited by getting to do those scenes with Andrew and to get to play a character that kind of sees Tom Ripley for who he really is, and doesn't trust him and is able to explore that dynamic, I was very excited by just not to have to play somebody who was totally duped by him the whole time to actually be able to go toe to toe and like you said, have all of that tension. And you know, the pleasantries where, you know, you're saying something with a smile, but the intention behind it is like, I hope I never see you again. Best person to work with They have a very frenemy relationship. And I loved it, I loved it. And I love Andrew and I loved working with him. And we went down this road together. And it was a long journey. And it was challenging, and fun and hard. And all the things it was everything and it was just couldn't have asked for a better person to get to work with, she said. Ripley is the Netflix adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel and arrives on Netflix on April 4. "In the series, Tom Ripley, a grifter scraping by in early 1960s New York, is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy to try to convince his vagabond son Dickie Greenleaf to return home," reads the show's synopsis. "Toms acceptance of the job is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud, and murder. Meanwhile, Marge Sherwood, an American living in Italy, suspects darker motives underlie Toms affability." Ten Maoists were killed in a fierce gunbattle with security forces of both the CRPF and the Chhattisgarh Police in Bijapur district on Tuesday morning, taking the number of insurgents killed thus far this year to 47, up from 22 in all of 2023, and indicting a significant surge in aggression from both state forces and the Maoists. Two CRPF personnel were hurt in the encounter. (ANI) This is the second significant encounter in the district in a week after six Maoists were killed on March 27. Senior police officers said search and sanitisation operations at the encounter spot continued late into the night; while none of the dead rebels have thus far been identified, that process will start once security personnel are safely back in their camps. Two CRPF personnel were hurt. One, Rajendra Kumar, was injured in an IED blast as security forces returned and another, Sandeep Kumar, sustained a bullet injury. The deaths are the biggest blow for the Maoists in Chhattisgarh after July 2019 when seven insurgents were killed in an operation near the Odisha border in Bastar districts Nagarnar area. Government records also show that cadre of the banned CPI (Maoist) have killed 19 civilians since January 2024, with 42 civilians killed in the 12 months of 2023. Senior police officers said that the encounter began at 6am on the forests of Kendra and Karcholi, 45 kilometres from the Bijapur district headquarters, and 10 kilometres from the block headquarters of Gangaloor even a few years ago considered a citadel of the Maoists. Officers said that they received intelligence of a gathering of Maoist cadre on Monday, and in the cover of the darkness, personnel from multiple agencies the Chhattisgarh Polices District Reserve Guard and Special Task Force, the Central Reserve Police Force and its elite guerilla unit Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) were deployed from the Gangaloor, Cherpal, Basaguda, Palnar, Pusnar and Mudvendi camps in the district. Ten bodies of Maoists have been recovered. Search operations are still underway, and we will know more about their identities tomorrow. Prima facie, however, it seems that they are members of the PLGA (Peoples Liberation Guerilla Army) company number 2, said Sunderaj P, Inspector General of Police (Bastar) range. The IG confirmed that one light machine gun (LMG), one .303 rifle, one 12 bore gun, a large number of under barrel grenade launchers and other arms and ammunition have already been recovered from the spot. Officials aware of the matter said that there were intermittent exchanges of fire between security forces and Maoists that continued till 5pm. The information we had was of a congregation of Maoists, including influential Maoist commander Papa Rao, in the forests between Kendra and Karcholi. The firing began at 6am but then spread to different parts because the Maoists fanned out. After an initial burst of fire, there was another exchange around noon. The last round of firing kept taking place at intervals between 2 and 5pm. We think there could be more Maoist casualties. We have recovered a large cache of medicines where the bodies were found and we believe they were a group of at least 100 cadre present, the official said. Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, who is in charge of the home department, confirmed the encounter and said that the recovery of a light machine gun was worrying. For them to have a weapon like an LMG is a matter of concern. We need to find out how they are getting them, where it is coming from, and what they want to achieve. Senior officials based in Bastar and part of the security apparatus have said that the new aggression by integrated teams of the forces have been aided by an infrastructural push that has seen the creation of 17 new forward camps since December 2023. Camps do several things they establish a security presence in hostile areas, help bring back a sense of civilian normalcy, but crucially, cut down the time needed to operate on intelligence inputs, and catch Maoists more unaware than before. For several years, without these camps, we would come under fire on the way from Maoists who would either lay IEDs or prepare an ambush. This is how we lost personnel. But for the past few months, the focus has been to establish new camps in forward areas, a senior officer said. Officers also believe that the number of Maoists killed thus far this year is higher than 47, which is only the number of bodies that they have recovered thus far. Even in this encounter, at some point we retreated to ensure we lost no men. There could be more Maoist deaths, but they take away their bodies, a Bijapur based police officer said. But the aggression on the ground has also had repercussions both in terms of Maoists killing people they believe are informers, or attacking police personnel that they can isolate. In February, a small team of Maoists attacked a Chhattisgarh Armed Police Force jawan with sharp weapons in Bijapur town, the district headquarters that has itself seen little aggression over the past decade. The Maoists have also carried out hits on political targets three of the 19 civilians killed were local leaders of the BJP. The advances by the security forces have also brought with them allegations of fake encounters, all of which the police have dismissed as part of an established Maoist policy of obfuscation. Family members of three people killed in February in Kanker have alleged that they were not Maoists at all, and the CPI(Maoist) alleged in a press note that an encounter in Bijapur the same month where four Maoists were killed was fake. Another press release earlier this week did not deny that the six Maoists killed in Bijapur on March 27 were cadre, but said there was no exchange of fire and they were captured and killed. The police however have categorically denied all these claims. Senior BJP leaders said that these successes were the result of a concerted anti-naxal operations in core areas that the Congress avoided in their five years in power between December 2018 and 2023. This shows that the forces are now moving freely in once core areas and the Maoists are rattled. I congratulate the police force for the success and more strategic operations will follow, said Sachidanand Upasane, senior BJP leader and spokesperson. RP Singh, senior Congress spokesperson claimed that the BJP is only reaping the benefits of a foundation laid down by the Congress during its tenure in government. During the BJP rule before 2018, Maoist violence was at its peak. In 2022, the government even congratulated the state government for reducing Maoist violence. Things like this take a concerted long-term approach and they are only following the Congresss policy, he said. Experts believe that the sheer regularity of these security operations that are attacking Maoists in their core bastions will have an adverse effect on their morale, but crucially, their recruitment and supply chains. This continuous movement in these areas shows that no base is safe for the Maoists. This onslaught will shake confidence, affect their ability to move cadre and supplies, and ultimately erode peoples support. These are good signs, said RK Vij, former special director general, Chhattisgarh police. Every year, students from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) look forward to the placement season December and post-February with an eye on big-ticket jobs. However, in IIT-Bombay this year, 712 of around 2,000 students registered for the 2024 placements about 36% are yet to secure jobs. The placement season will officially end by May. Of the 2,209 registered students in IIT Bombay in 2023, 1,485 were placed (HT Photo) This was revealed in data on IIT placements shared by the institutes alumnus and founder of Global IIT Alumni Support Group Dheeraj Singh, who has also been mentoring students over two years. This year, when 35.8% students remained without placement, saw an increase of 2.8 percentage points over the corresponding figure last session. Of the 2,209 registered students in IIT Bombay in 2023, 1,485 were placed, which means 32.8% remained unplaced last session as well, raising concerns over the relatively low number of students recruited via campus placements. An officials from IIT-Bombays placement cell said it was a struggle to invite companies to the campus compared to last year due to the global economic meltdown. Most companies were unable to accept salary packages pre-decided by the institute. It took many rounds of negotiations before they agreed to come over, he said. A large chunk of the 380 companies that arrived to shop for talent were from the domestic market. Traditionally, international players are known to outnumber Indian companies. For the first time, registered students from the computer science and engineering branch, which are most in demand, have not seen 100% placement among those registered, the officer added. According to data shared by Singh, which is available with the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), 1,485 students were placed, of 2,209 registered. The institute is focused on big packages to maintain the high mark of average salary packages. However, it is not focusing on the salary bagged by an average student this has created a system where despite getting offer letters, most students reject them later and choose other ways to seek employment, said a professor from the institute. Pointing to the focus on propaganda of placements, the professor underscored an error created by the placement cell this academic year. When only 22 IIT-Bombay students received more than 1 crore in Phase-I of placements held in December, the institute announced that 85 candidates were offered over 1 crore. Later, it issued a note correcting the oversight. A majority of students are expressing concern about rising stress levels, especially post-pandemic, regarding job placements. They are declining campus offers that are not on a par with offers received by students from private colleges for similar positions, the professor elaborated. Singh pointed to the need to create a support system for unplaced students who have high levels of anxiety and stress staring at the bleak job scenario. He said, the institute hardly has any placement support for approximately 700-750 students left unplaced in phase two. This is a disheartening state of affairs in IIT-Bombay, which is ranked the third engineering college in India (as per NIRF). The administration should inform unplaced students how they are going to help them find a job, said Singh. A final-year student, who was part of the placement drive, spoke about the anxiety he experienced during the interview. I prepared hard but was unable to tackle real-time pressure and failed to get a job. Some company representatives informed us they cut down hirings by 50% compared to last year, said the student. Despite several attempts by HT to get a response on the matter, IIT-Bombay officials remained unavailable for a comment. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will observe a 'Samuhik Upwas' (community fasting) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on April 7 to protest against the arrest of chief minister and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, who was sent to judicial custody by Rouse Avenue Court till April 15, announced Delhi minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday. Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal at the Rouse Avenue court in New Delhi.(PTI) Follow Live Updates He also urged the people that all those who are against the arrest can also observe the fast at their homes, villages, blocks. ""All AAP Ministers, MLAs, MPs and party leaders will observe a 'Samuhik Upwas' at Jantar Mantar on April 7 to protest against the arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal. We also appeal to people that all those who are against the arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal and want to save democracy and love this country, they can also do' Samuhik Upwas' at their homes, villages, blocks..." Rai said while addressing a press conference. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in a money laundering case linked with Delhi's liquor excise policy case. The ED called Kejriwal 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 court sent him to judicial custody on April 1 till April 15 to Tihar Jail after extending his ED custody twice. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court will hear the AAP convenor's petition challenging his arrest. The plea is listed for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. Earlier on March 27, the high court had refused to grant interim relief to Kejriwal, stating the matter raised important issues that cannot be summarily decided without seeking the agency's stand and had asked the ED to file its reply to the challenge to his arrest and the subsequent remand to the ED's custody. Read here: Arvind Kejriwal's health at risk, lost 4.5 kg since arrest by ED: Atishi The Delhi CM, who is lodged in Jail Number 2 of the high-security jail, was given an isolation room and was provided with a table and a chair to keep three books, as per the court's order. "Kejriwal slept on his own bed, which was different from the regular one provided by the jail authority. Since the area was small, he could have faced difficulty but didn't complain about it," the sources in the Tihar jail said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Atishi has claimed Kejriwal, being a severe diabetic patient, has rapidly lost weight ever since he got arrested. She wrote on X that Arvind Kejriwal has lost 4.5 kg since he was arrested on March 21, which is very worrying. She said Arvind Kejriwal is severely diabetic and still works 24 hours for the country. However, the Tihar jail officials have said that Kejriwal is absolutely healthy and jail doctors have not expressed any such concerns. (With inputs from agencies) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers, lawmakers, and councillors will sit on a fast at New Delhis Jantar Mantar on Sunday as part of protests against chief minister Arvind Kejriwals arrest. AAP leader Gopal Rai addressing a press conference in New Delhi. (PTI) Delhi minister Gopal Rai asked people across the country to fast as well and upload their pictures on the website kejriwalkoashirwad.com to be launched for registering protest. If anyone wants to join the protest against this dictatorship, they can fast at homes, villages, block and district headquarters and capitals of their states. If anyone wants to join this struggle, they should take part in this community fasting. This is open for all student organisations, social organisation, and farmer bodies. He added that the fast will begin with community prayers. We also appeal to people that all those who are against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal and want to save democracy and love this country can also do samuhik upwas at their homes, villages, and blocks. People can upload the pictures on Kejriwalkoashirwad.com. This is not a personal battle of Arvind Kejriwal. We are struggling to save the constitution and democracy, Rai said. He added that the protest is open to all irrespective of political affiliations. Kejriwals wife, Sunita, last week launched the Kejriwal ko Ashirwad campaign and a WhatsApp number for people to send their messages of solidarity. Rai said the number crashed after two days due to which a website is now being created under this campaign. He added Supreme Courts order granting bail to AAP leader Sanjay Singh makes it clear that the allegations made against the party leaders are baseless. ...allegations were made without any evidence. Without any basis, our leaders were arrested. All this truth came to light in the Supreme Court. This is a loss to the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party]s conspiracy and dictatorship, he said. Rai said the BJP argued for two years that bail was not being granted to AAP leaders because they were dishonest. ...now that the bail has been granted, they are claiming that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is unbiased. Shashi Tharoor, Congress candidate from Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala, on Wednesday said the alternative to Narendra Modi as prime minister in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is a group of experienced, capable and diverse Indian leaders who, according to him, will be responsive to peoples problems. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.(PTI) Shashi Tharoor's X (formally Twitter) post comes days after the Congress leader accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of hijacking democracy and urged other political parties to fight together to defeat it in the coming general election. He also argued that the BJP cannot repeat the same performance as in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when it won 303 seats and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by it, won 353 seats. On Wednesday, Tharoor said a journalist asked him to identify an individual who is the alternative to Mr Modi. According to Tharoor, the question was irrelevant in the Parliamentary system. We are not electing an individual (as In a presidential system), but a party, or coalition of parties, that represents a set of principles and convictions that are invaluable to preserve Indias diversity, pluralism and inclusive growth, he said. The alternative to Mr Modi is a group of experienced, capable and diverse Indian leaders who will be responsive to peoples problems and not driven by individual ego, Tharoor added. The Congress MP said which specific person they will choose to be prime minister is a secondary consideration. Protecting our democracy and diversity comes first, he said. Earlier, in an interview to news agenc PTI, Tharoor stood by dynasty politics in parties in the country, saying it's part of India's culture and suggested it's a common practice, not something unusual. "It's a relatively common thing that in India, much more than in the West, a father expects his son to follow his profession, and so it tends to go. So it's not at all surprising that there is a certain level of 'parivar vaad' in all parties," Tharoor was quoted as saying. Ridiculing the anti-dynasty campaign of Modi during his Lok Sabha election rallies, Tharoor claimed that except for the top few leaders, all the ministers and MPs in the BJP are sons or daughters of other senior BJP officials. "I honestly don't see any particular consistency in Mr Modi attacking 'parivar vaad' in other parties but encouraging parivar in his own party. His party is full of MPs, ministers, and others who are all sons or daughters of other senior BJP officials," the Congress Working Committee (CWC) member alleged. The Thiruvananthapuram MP defended the fact that most of the leaders of the INDIA bloc are part of the dynasty. Tharoor also said that he was not a contender for the post of prime minister and hoped that either Mallikarjun Kharge or Rahul Gandhi would become prime minister if the INDIA bloc wins the Lok Sabha elections. New Delhi Any liquid containing alcohol not fit for human consumption but meant for industrial use will fall within the regulation regime of the Centre, Attorney general (AG) R Venkataramani told the Supreme Court on Wednesday amid a Centre vs states battle on the power to tax production of industrial alcohol being heard by a bench of nine judges. There has been an ongoing battle between the Centre and states on the power to tax production of industrial alcohol. (Hindustan Times) In his written submissions submitted to the top court, Venkataramani stated that there exist several national and public interests in the Constitution assigning federal control to Centre with regard to non-potable alcohol to ensure equitable distribution, fair prices, and utility of products of industry for serving the interests of all the states. He is expected to make his arguments in the matter on Thursday. ALSO READ- Mix, rebottle, supply: The big liquor swindle in NCR The countrys top law officer further submitted that since Section 18G of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 held the field in this regard, and there is no scope for states to legislate on this subject. Since the 1951 Act has enacted in respect of the entire spectrum of control and regulation and also the details of their working, for instance, as spelt out in Section 18G of the said Act, there is no unoccupied field at all available to the States... As a result, the subject matter of the fermentation industry as a whole or otherwise stands within the scope of the 1951 Act and within the details of Section 18G, the AG said. A bench headed by chief justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud heard arguments by states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Kerala claiming that the power to tax industrial alcohol will lie with the states. The note given by AG said, For the purposes of exclusion of competence of states from entering into any one of the above matters, it is sufficient that the 1951 Act has touched upon the areas and nature of control and regulation vis-a-vis the scheduled industry. Senior advocate Arvind Datar, appearing for Uttar Pradesh along with advocate Samar Vijay Singh, said, Section 18G is an empowering section and enables the Central Government to provide for regulating supply and distribution thereof and the trade and commerce. For the field to be occupied, a further step of a notified order is necessary. The legislative power of any State will be denuded to subjects the notified order provides. The states have sought a reconsideration of a 1990 Supreme Court decision in Synthetics & Chemicals Limited v State of UP that took away states power in relation to industrial alcohol under Entry 33 of the Concurrent List. This entry provides for trade and commerce in production, supply and distribution of certain industrial products. It was submitted by the UP government that the 1990 judgment held that denatured spirit is industrial alcohol and its regulation will fall outside the legislative jurisdiction of the states to regulate sale of intoxicating liquor under Entry 8 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution. Datar pointed out that if the 1990 judgment is allowed to hold the field it will have a deleterious effect on the state funds. The bench, also comprising justices Hrishikesh Roy, AS Oka, BV Nagarathna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Ujjal Bhuyan, SC Sharma and AG Masih asked the attorney general: According to you Entry 8 of List II relating to sale of intoxicating liquor is only for potable (consumable) liquor and not industrial alcohol? The AG replied in the affirmative. His submissions to the court said, The litmus test of Entry 8 is from the point of view of human factors, namely human consumption. The word intoxicating must be seen only with reference to the impact owing to human consumption. That which is not consumable by humans will not fall within the meaning of intoxicating. Several national and public interests are perceived to be served by federal control, including subserving the common good, equitable distribution, fair prices, utility of products of industry for serving the interests of all the states, he added. The long history of definitions of liquor includes liquids with alcohol content, and it cannot be canvassed that the human consumption part can be kept aside, his submissions stated. While there is no specific entry regarding industrial alcohol in any of the lists under the Seventh Schedule, the AG stated, It is immaterial that there is no entry in the VII Schedule specifically designated as industrial alcohol. All uses of liquids containing alcohol, other than meant for human consumption, would all fall under one heading of non-potable alcohol. The nine-judge bench is hearing a batch of 30 appeals referred to it by a five-judge bench in December 2010 doubting the correctness of the 1990 judgment. The lead petition by the UP government challenged a decision of the Allahabad high court of 2004 which directed the state to refund all fees collected under industrial alcohol from distillery units along with a 10% annual interest payable to the business units. ALSO READ- SC transfers case linked to Mundra port drug haul from Punjab to Gujarat court Datar told the court that the 1990 decision failed to note that intoxicating liquor under Entry 8 of List II would include even denatured spirit. Intoxicating liquor is genus and it has primarily two species or sub-divisions alcohol meant for human consumption and alcohol for industrial purposes. Since the base in both cases is ethyl alcohol and the bifurcation takes place only on denaturing, the alcohol industry will be within the states control till the time it is made unfit for human consumption, he said. However, Kerala government represented by senior advocate V Giri differed with Datar that denatured spirit cannot be considered part of intoxicating liquor. Arguments by other states will continue on Thursday. New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday said that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals health was at risk and he has rapidly lost weight since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in Delhi excise policy case (File Photo) AAP leader and Delhi cabinet minister Atishi in a press conference on Wednesday said that the chief ministers sugar level had dropped three times while he was in EDs custody, which could prove fatal. He has lost 4.5 kgs in weight during the last 12 days. It is quite dangerous for a diabetic patient to lose so much weight in such a short period. Kejriwal is a severe diabetic patient, and his blood sugar level is checked several times a day. According to the changes in blood sugar levels, he has to take medicines and insulin injections, the minister said. Also Read: AAP to observe samhuik upwas on April 7 against Arvind Kejriwals arrest AAP has stated that the chief minister weighed 69.5 kgs before the ED custody, and his weight has now dropped to 65 kgs. Atishi said that if the blood sugar level of a diabetic patient falls below 50, it can pose severe health risks, and in the EDs custody, Kejriwals blood sugar had come down to 46. There is a big risk of falling blood sugar levels called hyperglycaemia. If the blood sugar level of a patient suffering from severe diabetes falls below 50, then his life may also be in danger. Arvind Kejriwal is a serious diabetic patient, the minister said. Atishi said that diabetes affects a persons heart, kidneys, eyes and entire nervous system. Despite suffering from severe diabetes, he has never allowed his health to become an obstacle. But now, after the arrest by the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party]-ruled central government, there is a threat to the health of the chief minister, Atishi said. Also Read: MLAs meet Delhi CMs wife; say he must not resign She said that the BJP could go to any extent to crush Kejriwal and the AAP. ...I am warning the BJP that today, the entire country is keeping an eye on them and if anything happens to his health in custody, then this country will not forgive them. Several AAP leaders also slammed the BJP for posing a risk to Kejriwals health by keeping him in jail. Dilip Pandey, AAP MLA from Timarpur, in another press conference, reiterated the allegations. We do not know what kind of physical and mental pressure the chief minister is going through. His weight has dropped rapidly and the sugar levels have seen severe fluctuations. His blood sugar level once reached 46 which could have been a severe health risk, he said. The administration of Tihar jail, where Kejriwal is lodged till April 15 under judicial custody, denied the claims made by AAP. A senior Tihar jail official said Kejriwals vitals are normal. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 and he was later sent on a 15-day judicial custody till April 15 by the Rouse Avenue court. The administration said that on his arrival on April 1, Kejriwal was examined by two doctors and all vitals were normal. His weight is constant at 65 kg, since arrival to jail and till date. Home cooked food is being provided as per the court order and his vital statistics is normal, the statement adds. Delhi BJP Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that it is surprising that Kejriwal appeared in the best of health on every court appearance and despite objections by the court, gave a long statement. But once in jail within a day, the AAP is claiming loss of weight and sugar level issues and all these health claims are nothing but melodramas to remain in the news to create sympathy, he said. Jail is a department of the Delhi government and therefore its the responsibility of the concerned jail minister to ensure CM Kejriwal gets adequate health care like other undertrial prisoners, added Kapoor. Sanjay Singh bail news highlights: AAP MP speaking at the party headquarters in Delhi after walking out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday. Sanjay Singh bail news highlights: Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, who was arrested by the ED in October last year, walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday evening following his bail granted by the Supreme Court the previous day in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is currently lodged in the Tihar Jail in the national capital till April 15. The Rouse Avenue court in Delhi extended his judicial custody on April 1. The Delhi High Court is set to hear the Delhi CM's plea challenging his arrest. The court has also sought the response of the Enforcement Directorate in the matter today....Read More On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate told the Delhi High Court bench that Arvind Kejriwal was the kingpin and the key conspirator of the excise scam and there were reasons to believe based on material in its possession that he was guilty of the offence of money laundering. Latest highlights - In connection with the liquor policy scam, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who was arrested by the ED in October last year, walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday after being granted bail by the Supreme Court the day before. - On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court heard Arvind Kejriwal's petition contesting his arrest in the Delhi excise policy case. The plea was presented before a bench presided over by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. - Senior advocate AM Singhvi represented Delhi CM Kejriwal, while Additional Solicitor General of India SV Raju appeared for the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Singhvi argued that the timing of the arrest suggested unconstitutional actions, with no supporting material under Section 50 of the PMLA. - Later, the Delhi High Court reserved its decision on the petition filed by Arvind Kejriwal, contesting his arrest and the remand granted by the trial court. - Arvind Kejriwal was taken into custody by the ED on March 21, marking the fourth arrest of an Aam Aadmi Party leader in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. - In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to AAP leader Sanjay Singh in a money laundering case related to the irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. The court followed the ED's decision not to contest Sanjay Singh's bail application. Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Wednesday claimed that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was rapidly losing weight ever since he got arrested in the Delhi excise policy case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The AAP leader slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party for posing a risk to Arvind Kejriwal's health by keeping him in jail. Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi (ANI)(ANI) Atishi wrote on X that Arvind Kejriwal has lost 4.5 kg since he was arrested on March 21, which is very worrying. She said Arvind Kejriwal is severely diabetic and still works 24 hours for the country. Arvind Kejriwal is a severe diabetic. Despite health problems, he used to work 24 hours a day to serve the country. Since his arrest, Arvind Kejriwal has lost 4.5 kg of weight. This is very worrying. Today, the BJP is putting his health at risk by putting him in jail, Atishi said. If something happens to Arvind Kejriwal, forget about the entire country, even God will not forgive them said the AAP leader, asserting that Kejriwal's drastic weight loss happened over the last 12 days. Atishi said, BJP can go to any extent to ruin Arvind Kejriwal and AAP and hence I am warning BJP that the entire nation is watching you. However, the administration of Tihar jail, where Kejriwal is lodged till April 15, has denied the claims. A senior Tihar jail official said Kejriwal's vitals are normal. Permission has been granted to Kejriwal to keep his diabetes medication with him in Tihar Jail, as well as toffees in case his sugar levels fluctuate. The Delhi chief minister has been allowed to have home-cooked food in Tihar jail. On Tuesday morning, Kejriwal's sugar level was low. He was under the watch of Tihar jail doctors as his sugar level kept fluctuating, officials told PTI. However, his condition was later stable. Big relief for Sanjay Singh Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, who was arrested by the ED in the Delhi excise policy case, was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Tuesday after the ED said it had no objections. Including Sanjay Singh and Arvind Kejriwal, four Aam Aadmi Party leaders have been arrested in the Delhi liquor policy case till now. Singh was arrested by the Ed on October 4, 2023, while Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 this year. Soon after Singh got the relief from the apex court, AAP leaders on Tuesday called it a "big day for democracy" and hoped its other leaders would also be out of jail and the "mountain of lies" created by the BJP will collapse in the coming days. The Delhi BJP on Wednesday said it sent Delhi minister Atishi a legal notice over her claim that the BJP approached her and told her to join the party or face jail. "This time we won't let her escape. She has to answer and provide evidence for what she is claiming. We asked her to apologise by the evening (Tuesday). She didn't and so we have sent her a legal notice to which she will have to reply within 15 days," Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said. Atishi said she was the next target of the ED along with Saurabh Bharadwaj, Durgesh Pathak and Raghav Chadha. (PTI) Atishi on Tuesday made an explosive claim that after Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, the ED was now closing in on her, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Durgesh Pathak and Raghav Chadha. Atishi said she was approached by a BJP person, very close to her, who told her that she and the other AAP leaders would be arrested if they didn't join the BJP. The BJP leaders outrightly refuted the statement and said Atishi should reveal the name of the person. Accusing Atishi of telling lies, the BJP said the party did not have any vacancy for a leader like Atishi. After sending the legal notice, Delhi BJP said if Atishi did not reply to the notice within the stipulated time, there would be legal actions against her. "There is no vacancy in our party for a political activist like Atishi. There is a yuva leader (Rahul Gandhi) who said that a BJP worker has said that after getting 400 seats, we will destroy the constitution. No one has given such a statement. I don't think any worker of the BJP will go to Atishi and say such a thing at a time when the whole party is stuck in a liquor scam. Do we need to have a headache by getting them into our party?" Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. Atishi has not yet commented on any legal notice. While Arvind Kejriwal remains in Tihar till April 15, in a major boost to the Aam Aadmi Party, Sanjay Singh has been granted bail in the same liquor policy case though the Supreme Court said Sanjay Singh's bail can't be cited as precedence in any other related case. As the Delhi high court on Wednesday began hearing chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea against the arrest by ED in the liquor policy case, advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court that the timing of the arrest reeked of a democracy issue as the petitioner (Kejriwal) would not be able to participate in the election process. The arrest was a bid to demolish the party (Aam Aadmi Party) even before the first vote is cast, Singhvi said beginning the argument. The Delhi high court on Wednesday heard Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest by the ED on March 21 in Delhi liquor probe. (Hindustan Times) Questioning the urgency of Kejriwal's arrest, Singhvi said: "Level playing field is not just a phrase or word but has three components- it is part of free and fair elections which, in turn, is part of democracy and basic structure. It (the arrest) reeks of the timing issue to not participate in the election and to try and demolish the political party before the first vote is cast. The timing reeks of basic structure, democracy issue, free and fair elections issueThe timing reeks of basic structure issue, free and fair election issue and democracy issue. What is this urgency or necessity? Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea hearing in Delhi high court: Follow LIVE updates Singhvi argued that between October 30, 2023 (the date of the first summons) and March 16 (the date of the 9th summons), the ED found no material supporting Section 50 of the PMLA. The ED remand application said they wanted to find out the role of the chief minister which can't be the grounds for the arrest, Kejriwal's lawyer said. On April 1, Kejriwal was sent to 15-day judicial custody by the Rouse Avenue court. The high court is hearing a plea moved by the Delhi chief minister challenging his arrest. While Kejriwal continued to remain the chief minister even after being sent to Tihar, AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday got bail in the same case. But Sanjay Singh's bail could not be cited as precedent in any other case, the Supreme Court stipulated. The ED argued that Kejriwal could not take the bogey of elections because the elections have come now; the ED has not become active now. Scam beyond doubt: ED The ED counsel said it is beyond doubt that there is a scam. "Howsoever you make hue and cry today but it is clear that there was a scam and the exchequer and public have been deprived of the money. The fact that there was a scam running into 100 crore was not at the time of the elections. They cannot take a bogey of elections. The elections have come now. Its not as if ED has become active now," ED counsel said. ED's lawyer S Raju said the money was not found because the money was used in the Goa election campaign. "Money can be sent abroad as well. And when the ED asks you where the money is, you say you don't know," he said. Bastar: Three more bodies of Maoists were found on Wednesday morning in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district, where a gunfight had taken place between security forces and the ultras a day ago, police said. With this, the number of Maoists killed in the gunfight on Tuesday has risen to 13, said police. The CRPF and the Chhattisgarh Police on Tuesday gunned down 10 Maoists in the Bijapur district (File Photo) The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Chhattisgarh Police on Tuesday gunned down 10 Maoists in the Bijapur district, taking the number of insurgents killed thus far this year to 47, up from 22 in all of 2023. The fierce gunfight started near the Kendra-Korcholi jungles under the Gangaloor police station a Communist Party of India (Maoist) controlled area around 6am when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-naxal operation, according to officials. Officials said that acting on specific inputs, the operation was launched on Monday evening from four security camps. Officials said that they received intelligence of a gathering of Maoist cadre on Monday following which around 3000 security personnel from multiple agencies the Chhattisgarh Polices District Reserve Guard and Special Task Force, the Central Reserve Police Force and its elite guerilla unit Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) were deployed from the Gangaloor, Cherpal, Basaguda, Palnar, Pusnar and Mudvendi camps in the district. Also Read: Chhattisgarh: Maoists allege Bijapur encounter fake, police deny allegation The incident is the biggest blow for Maoists since 2019 when seven Maoists were gunned down by security forces in the forest close to the Odisha border in the Bastar district. In Tuesdays operation, the police also recovered one Light Machine Gun (LMG), one .303 rifle, one 12-bore gun, and a large number of barrel grenade launchers. Several arms and ammunition were also seized from the spot, according to officials. So far, 47 Maoists have been killed since December 2023 in separate gunfights with security forces in the Maoist-dominated Bastar region, comprising seven districts including Bijapur, according to police. New Delhi: The threat posed by UN-sanctioned terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the need to give up double standards in countering support for cross-border terrorism were highlighted by National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval at a regional meeting on Wednesday. National security adviser Ajit Doval. (File photo.) Addressing a gathering of senior security officials of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the Kazakhstan capital of Astana, Doval condemned the barbaric terror attack in Moscow last month and conveyed Indias solidarity with Russia in tackling terrorism to his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev. India has often used such regional security meetings to call for concerted action against cross-border terrorism, especially the threat posed by Pakistan-based groups such as LeT and JeM and other networks active on Afghan soil. Doval raised the continued threat posed by various terror groups in the SCO region, including those sanctioned by the UN Security Council, such as LeT, JeM, al-Qaeda and its affiliates, and Islamic State and its affiliates. Without directly naming Pakistan, he highlighted the need to shun double standards and hold accountable those who are sponsors, financiers and facilitators of terrorism. Also Read: NSA Doval visited Israel to promote peace and stability in West Asia: MEA He pointed out that any act of terror, including cross-border terrorism, committed by whomsoever, wherever and for whatever motives is not justified. Perpetrators of terrorism should be effectively and expeditiously dealt with, including those involved in cross-border terrorism, Doval said in the presence of a senior official from Pakistans National Security Division. While strongly condemning the barbaric terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22, Doval conveyed condolences to families who lost their kin. He also conveyed to Patrushev Indias solidarity with the government and people of Russia in addressing the threat posed by all forms of terrorism. More than 144 people were killed and hundreds more injured in the terror attack that was claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province, which is largely based in Afghanistan and has made inroads in recruiting from parts of Central Asia. Doval expressed deep concern at the security situation in Afghanistan, including the continued presence of terrorist networks. He said India, as a contiguous neighbour of Afghanistan, has legitimate security and economic interests in that country. The SCOs immediate priorities in Afghanistan, Doval said, include providing humanitarian aid, ensuring the formation of a truly inclusive and representative government, combating terror and drug trafficking, and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities. He told the gathering that India has invested $3 billion in Afghanistan and supplied 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 250 tonnes of medical aid, and 40,000 litres of the pesticide Malathion to fight the menace of locusts. Doval emphasised the need to counter the use of technology by terrorists, including using drones for cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs. India backs the creation of a mechanism for effective cooperation within SCOs Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) to counter terror financing and also supports further strengthening of this body, he said. He pointed out that Indias relationship with SCO member countries goes back several centuries and New Delhi is committed to further deepening these ties. India is also committed to enhancing transit trade and connectivity. However, in an apparent reference to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that is opposed by India, Doval said that such initiatives must be fully respectful of sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO member states. During a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev along with the other senior security officials, Doval said India will back Kazakh initiatives within SCO and also conveyed his wishes for a successful presidency of the bloc for this year. India is committed to deepening its relationship with SCO and the member states in a proactive and constructive manner, and security is Indias priority within SCO, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in keeping with his vision of SECURE (security, economic cooperation, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environment protection). Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was the kingpin and the key conspirator of the excise scam and there were reasons to believe based on material in its possession that he was guilty of the offence of money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate told the Delhi high court on Tuesday. The ED submitted the lengthy reply in response to Arvind Kejriwal's petition challenging his arrest by the agency in the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. Enforcement Directorate team leaves with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal from ED office to Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on April 1, 2024. (Arvind Yadav/ Hindustan Times) On Wednesday, April 3, the Delhi high court will hear the Aam Aadmi Party national convenor's petition challenging his arrest. The plea is listed for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. Top updates on Arvind Kejriwal's hearing in Delhi high court: 1. In its reply, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told the Delhi high court that the AAP, which was the major beneficiary of the proceeds of the crime, has committed the offence through Arvind Kejriwal. 2. Sh Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi, is the kingpin and key conspirator of the Delhi Excise Scam in collusion with Ministers of Delhi Govt, AAP leaders and other persons.. Sh Arvind Kejriwal was directly involved in the formulation of the Excise Policy 2021-22, the ED said. 3. "This policy was being drafted considering the favours to be granted to the South Group and was formed in collusion with Sh Vijay Nair, Sh Manish Sisodia and members representatives of the South Group," said the probe agency said in response. 4. The ED added that the AAP has committed the offence of money laundering through Arvind Kejriwal and the offences thus are covered by section 70, PMLA 2002. 5. "The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the Delhi Liquor Scam. Sh Arvind Kejriwal was and is not only the brain behind the AAP but also controls its major activities, he was also one of the founding members and was also involved in the decision making of the policy as evident from the statements of the witnesses," the federal probe agency claimed. 6. On March 27, the high court had refused to grant interim relief to Arvind Kejriwal, stating the matter raised important issues that cannot be summarily decided without seeking the agency's stand and had asked the ED to file its reply to the challenge to his arrest and the subsequent remand to the ED's custody. 7. The probe agency said the Delhi chief minister cannot be released as an interim measure in the present proceedings when the arrest as well as the remand was according to the procedural requirements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as well the Constitution of India. The grounds for his arrest were informed and furnished to Arvind Kejriwal in writing, the ED added. 8. Responding to statements given by MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and co-accused-turned-approvers Raghav Magunta and Sarath Reddy, the ED alleged that the AAP leader "demanded kickbacks from the South Group in exchange for awarding favours to them in the formulation and implementation of the Excise Policy 2021-22". 9. Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 21, has sought his release on the ground that the arrest was illegal. 10. The case pertains to the alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 which was later scrapped. (With inputs from PTI) Patna: Sushila Devi, 72, is a widow. She lives with her only son in Patna and does not keep well. Her one son died during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her husband Yogendra Narayan, a Botany teacher in Magadh University College, passed away in 2008. Pension is the only source of sustenance for her. But that money not reached her since January. The Bihar Raj Bhawan. (File photo.) Bishwanath Agrawal, 90, lives with his wife. He retired as professor and head of the Political Science department in at a college in 1994. At this age, I survive on care and medicines and everything requires money, but for January, February and March there has been no pension payment. When I tried to find out, I was surprised to know that even salary has not been paid in colleges and universities, he said. These cases are not isolated. There are thousands of teachers and retired employees of universities and colleges across the state who have not been paid their dues. This is so when the overall strength of working teachers has shrunk to around 35% of the sanctioned number due to lack of timely appointment. Also Read: In Bihar, a silent battle is being waged between the Raj Bhavan and the education department The anarchy is being encouraged in all the universities and the teachers and employees are being denied their salary, pension and arrears due to a war of attrition between the department of education and the Raj Bhavan, while chief minister Nitish Kumar maintains a strange silence. This seems to be an attempt to kill public universities and all this will have an impact in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, said Professor A Kumar, general secretary of the All India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation (AIFUCTO). But non-payment of salaries and pensions in higher educational institutions is not the only factor threatening to snowball Into a major poll issue in Bihar this time. Several issues are simmering in the school education system, and pose a formidable challenge for the state government and political parties on election eve. Some of the issues include old teachers service condition, school timings, credit war over recruitments, leak of question papers, and termination of guest teachers have often brought the government and the Opposition face to face over the last six months. Also Read: Bihar education department sounds alert after detecting 20 lakh ghost students On Monday, guest teachers teaching at secondary and higher secondary schools faced a police baton charge while protesting against the education departments order terminating their services from March 31 due to adequate available strength after recent recruitments. Just a day later, college and university teachers body on Tuesday demanded immediate intervention of the CM to resolve the standoff between the Raj Bhavan and the department. The problems of the universities have been confounded due to the arbitrary actions of the department of education. The department has gone against the established norms and its jurisdiction to freeze accounts of the universities despite the Raj Bhavan quashing the earlier order. Even for important festivals like Holi and Eid, salary and pension remain held up for three months and nobody seems bothered and yet they talk about quality education, said KB Sinha, working president, Federation of University Teachers Association of Bihar (FUTAB). The Rashtriya Janata Dal is already trying to take credit for the recruitment of over 1.5-lakh school teachers through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC); the issue of nearly four lakh teachers appointed through urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions is already a big challenge for the government. On Tuesday, the Patna High court order came as another big shot in the arm of the teachers, who were opposing the competency test due to the termination clause after having put in 15-20 years of service and having cleared such tests earlier. Soon after, the government, which was hitherto silent on the termination clause despite protests by teachers, issued a statement that it was never for termination of teachers. The department also issued a communique, maintaining that the court had upheld the competency test. It is a fact that the educational Issues and autocratic style of functioning of ACS (education) KK Pathak have been a major cause of concern for the youth and the government will have to face the consequences. The teachers and students are a strong community spread across every ward. They not only suffer, their families also suffer. The people have also realised that whimsical bureaucratic orders have caused more damage to education, but they continue. GA government took TRE-1 & 2 and everything was smooth, but TRE-3 question leaked during NDA government and the exam had to be cancelled, said CPI-ML legislator Sandip Sourav, who is the GA Lok Sabha candidate from Nalanda. Sourav, who has been vocal on education issues, said that the government would not be able to convince the masses why schools, colleges and universities have all suffered, and why salaries and pensions are not being paid and why lakhs of fake enrolments are detected every few years in schools. Actions like opening schools for teachers during summer vacations, threat to terminate services, stopping budgets of universities et al are sending wrong signals. Removal of thousands of guest teachers and increasing focus on centralised outsourcing are not creating right vibes and we will raise them. Even caste survey data showed just 6% youth able to complete graduation, he added. Neeraj Kumar, JD-U spokesperson, said the people of Bihar were aware of who took the state forward and who pushed it behind. RJD cannot take credit for anything good in the state. Nitish Kumar had to spend a lot of time and energy undoing the wrongs of the RJD regime. The change in the educational sector with growing enrolments, gender parity and better institutions were unheard of earlier, he added. However, the stand off in higher education ahead of election has now started taking its toll. The registrars of Magadh University (Bodh Gaya) and LN Mithila University (Darbhanga) wrote to the principal secretary to the Governor, apprising him of the sudden decision of the department to call off the meeting scheduled on March 28-29 without any prior information. In a separate letter to the Raj Bhavan, the MU registrar has written that as per the provisions in the Act, the government has the power to approve the university budget prepared in consultation with the VC. The estimated demand on the higher education head is provisioned through the Bihar Appropriation Bill, which is passed by both the Houses and upon approval by the Governor it is notified in the gazette as an Act. No education department official is empowered to slash that grant approved through an Act, the MU registrar wrote. He wrote that the order to freeze all accounts of the universities is an attempt to cripple universities and is beyond the jurisdiction of any official. The Supreme a court has also clearly laid down that any action of an officer beyond jurisdiction is automatically void. Besides, righ to dignified living is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The SC has also categorically observed that salary and pension are fundamental rights of employees and they cannot be denied through an executive order, he wrote. Maintaining that due to the unwarranted freeze order of the department, the universities could not even carry out income tax deductions and deposit employees contribution for provident fund in March, he wrote the universities might have to face financial penalty due to this. Besides, all examination-related work, viz. purchase of answer books through GEM portal, printing of question papers etc. have also come to a grinding half, which could further affect the academic sessions, he wrote. The registrar has also written that despite request to the department to withdraw the freeze order, there has been no response. Instead, the department has deputed auditors to ensure compliance of its freeze order. Therefore, the Chancellor is requested to use his powers to direct banks to allow operation of university bank accounts, he added. But for the likes of Sushila Devi and Bishwanath Agrawal, the wait continues with myriad emotions as they prepare to vote for one more time. As a teacher who taught for nearly four decades, the slide is painful. Elections will come and go, but the slide must stop, else generations will be lost, said Agrawal. KOLKATA: The All India Matua Mahasangha has asked the Centre to amend the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) so that recognised religious organisations can certify the authenticity of applicants given the difficulties faced by a large number of refugees from Bangladesh who dont have official identity documents from that country, Matua community leaders said. Matua community people celebrated after the central government notified the rules for implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. (PTI) It has been proposed (to the Centre) that recognised religious organisations having followers be given the authority to certify the authenticity of applicants who do not have documents issued by the Bangladesh government, a Mahasangha member said on condition of anonymity. The same rules should apply to Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, Parsi and Sikh organisations as long as they are recognised and have followers. Priests or monks heading a place of worship, such as a temple, cannot issue such certificates, he added. A religious sect formed by social reformer Sri Harichand Thakur (1812-1878) who is worshipped in temples as an incarnate of Vishnu, Matuas are a part of the large Namasudra community that has been living in fear and anticipation, depending on who they listen to, ever since the Centre notified the CAA rules and launched a portal on March 11. Hindus account for 70.54 % of Bengals population of 91.3 million, according to the last decadal census held in 2011. Most of the Hindus who came as refugees from East Pakistan after 1947 and from Bangladesh after the 1971 Liberation War are Dalits and Namasudras, studies have shown. West Bengals SC population stood at 21.4 million, or 23.51 % of the total population in 2011. A large section of the Dalit and Namasudra voters helped the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) win several Lok Sabha seats in 2019 because the party promised to enforce CAA. But the saffron camps vote share came down in the 2021 assembly polls, prompting some to link the decline to the delay in enforcing the Act. The rules notified by the Centre require applicants to provide official documentation to establish that they were indeed citizens of the neighbouring country that was covered under the law. On March 20, BJP legislator and CAA activist Asim Sarkar, who hails from a family of refugees, told HT that Matuas were being told not to apply for citizenship till the Lok Sabha polls were over. Let the polls be over. Some modifications must be made in the CAA Rules in regard to the paperwork. Also, there are many who entered India after December 31, 2014, the cut-off date, Sarkar, who is contesting the Burdwan East Lok Sabha seat, said. Passed by Parliament in 2019, CAA offers citizenship to non-Muslims who entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh before 2015 to escape religious persecution. Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson and chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been a sharp critic of the law because it links citizenship to religion, has alleged that filing a request for citizenship under the law will imply that the applicant is an illegal immigrant. In her election rallies, Banerjee says that by filling up the form on the CAA portal, people will voluntarily declare themselves to be illegal immigrants and be liable for action. The portal seeks signed affidavits from applicants along with documents issued by the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan or Bangladesh. These include an education certificate, a copy of passport, land and tenancy records and birth certificates of parents, grandparents or great-grandparents. Applicants get options to choose from a list of nine foreign and 20 Indian documents to prove their background. The format of the affidavit is also uploaded on the portal. The last line says: I am aware that it is an offence under the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make a false representation or concealment of any material fact and that if it is found later that wrong information has been furnished by me in this Affidavit and/ or in the Eligibility Certificate, I shall be deprived of my Indian citizenship abinitio. Union minister of state for shipping, Shantanu Thakur, who heads the All India Matua Mahasangha, urged members of the organisation on Wednesday to apply for citizenship without fear. You wont have to upload any document right now. Keep those spaces blank. We will take care of these at the time of physical verification. This is a law that grants citizenship. It doesnt take away citizenship. I will apply too although I am a citizen, he said at Thakurnagar, the Mahasanghas headquarters in North 24 Parganas districts Bongaon. Thakur won the Bongaon Lok Sabha seat for BJP in 2019. Among the seats with pockets of Dalit-Namasudra population that BJP won in 2019 are Bongaon, Hooghly, Cooch Behar, Malda North, Ranaghat, Burdwan-Durgapur, Jalpaiguri and Raiganj. Similar seats that TMC won are Basirhat, Joynagar, Barasat, Mathurapur, Serampore, Arambagh, Tamluk, Contai, Burdwan East and Krishnanagar. TMC and Congress leaders accused Thakur and the BJP of using CAA to hoodwink Dalit and Namasudra voters. False promises on CAA dont impress voters any more. Nobody can hoodwink them. It seems Thakur has lost his head because of the heat wave, TMC spokesperson Santanu Sen said. Congress spokesperson Saumya Aich Roy said, Thakur is saying for the second time that he will apply for citizenship. Does that mean we have a Union minister who is not even an Indian citizen? Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday announced to independently contest elections on the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, thus putting an an end of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc on cards in the valley. It's Omar Abdullah versus Mehbooba Mufti in J&K While blaming the National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abduallh for non-cooperation over the seat division, Mufti said that the INDIA bloc partner left the PDP with no other option other than to contest election. While addressing a press conference, Mufti said, "They (NC) have left no option for us other than to field candidates and contest the elections. The partys Parliamentary Board would take a final call on the candidates." The announcement came days after the NC announced that it would field its candidates on all the three seats of Kashmir. The NC left two seats in Jammu for the Congress as part of the INDIA bloc's seat-sharing agreement. The PDP chief claimed that the need of the hour was to remain united after the Centre revoked the erstwhile state's special status in 2019, but the attitude of the NC leadership was disappointing and hurtful. "When the INDI alliance's meeting took place in Mumbai, I said there that since (NC president) Farooq Abdullah is our senior leader, he will take a decision (on seat sharing) and will do justice. I had hoped he would keep the party interests aside. But the NC took the decision to contest all three seats in Kashmir unilaterally," PTI quoted Mufti as saying. "The way Omar spoke was very disappointing, that was an insult not to me, but to my workers. So, how can I tell my workers to support NC? It is not easy. We will field candidates and leave it up to the people. The people are the better judge to see which voices they want in the Parliament, the PDP president added. While reacting to PDP's decision, NC's vice president Omar Abduallh said that if Mufti is fielding her own candidates, then perhaps she does not want any kind of alliance. "...If she (PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti) has announced to field candidates on all 5 seats, it is her choice. We have fielded candidates on 3 seats in Kashmir based on her formula...If she is fielding her own candidates then perhaps she does not want any kind of alliance even for the assembly elections. We kept the door open, now if she has closed the door then it is not our fault..." news agency ANI quoted Abdullah as saying. He further stated that party president and sitting MP from Srinagar Farooq Abduallh, however, won't be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls due to his ailing health. Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who quit the Congress recently, announced to contest from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in the upcoming polls. Elections 2024: The Lok Sabha polls in the union territory will be held in the first five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar) and May 20 (Baramulla). The counting of votes will be done on June 4. The Lok Sabha polls will continue until June 1 and will be held in seven phases. (With inputs from agencies) Former Bihar deputy chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Wednesday said he has been suffering from cancer for the last six months and will be unable to campaign in the April-June national elections. Former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi. (PTI) I think this is the right time to disclose it as I will not be able to take part in the BJPs Lok Sabha poll campaign. I have informed Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] also, Sushil Modi, 72, said in a post on X. Sushil Modi was named as one of the BJPs star campaigners in Bihar and a member of its election manifesto committee. Bihar deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha expressed his shock over the news. I pray for his speedy recovery so that he gets fully active to benefit the party workers like me with his profound political and social understanding and rich experience, he wrote on X. BJPs Bihar in-charge Vinod Tawde said peoples prayers would help him recover fast. I hope you will soon join us in our work. You have always worked for the people, he wrote. Janata Dal (United) spokesman Neeraj Kumar said that the news stunned him. He called Sushil Kumar Modi a man who never compromised with his principles and always strived to give his best through organisational skills and a comprehensive approach. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi wrote Sushil Kumar Modis ideals will continue to inspire, encourage and energise every worker. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav wished Sushil Kumar Modi a speedy recovery. It was shocking to know about Sushil Modi jis illness. I pray for his speedy recovery, said Yadav. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the first PM outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to complete 10 years, or two full terms, in office, will finish a remarkable political innings in the Rajya Sabha spanning 33 years on Wednesday. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being escorted after casting his vote for the presidential election, at Parliament House, in New Delhi,on July 18, 2022 (HT File) The architect of Indias economic liberalisation and the force behind the 2008 Indo-US nuclear agreement, Singh headed a government that transformed the social welfare framework with a bouquet of rights-based legislation and ushered in a slew of reforms including Direct Benefit Transfer and launched Aadhaar. Singh, 91, was the third PM from the Rajya Sabha after Indira Gandhi (in her first term) and Inder Kumar Gujral. On a personal level, Indias only Sikh PM was known as an epitome of grace and politeness. When the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was formed, defence minister Pranab Mukherjee had to force Singh to stop addressing him as sir -- an old habit since Singh was the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor when Mukherjee was the Union finance minister. Singh entered the Upper House in October 1991, four months after he became the Union finance minister in June 1991. He represented Assam for five terms in the Upper House and shifted to Rajasthan in 2019. Proficient in Urdu and English, Singh remained one of the best parliamentary speakers in the recent past. No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come. I suggest to this august House that the emergence of India as a major economic power in the world happens to be one such idea, Singh said as he presented his first budget in 1991. He didnt shy away from saying I bow my head in shame in the Upper House on the 1984 Anti-Sikh massacre. And when late Sushma Swaraj resorted to an Urdu shayari to question the PM, Singhan ardent fan of poet Iqbalfloored everyone saying: Maana ki teri deed ke kabil nahi hoon main, tu mera shauq dekh mera intizaar dekh (Agreed I am not worthy of your sight, behold my zeal and see how I wait). We live in times that are largely shaped by you. The economic prosperity and stability that we enjoy today is built on the foundations laid by you along with our former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao. The current set of leaders who have reaped the benefits of your work are reluctant to credit you due to political biases, said Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge In a glowing tribute. The Congress chief argued that the work initiated by Singhs government to ensure direct transfer of benefits to individual beneficiaries by creating zero balance accounts and unique identification of the beneficiary through Aadhaar was hijacked by the succeeding government without giving Singh any credit. Hailing Singh as a hero of the middle class, Kharge said, The nation misses the quiet yet strong dignity that you brought to the office of the Prime Minister. Parliament will now miss your wisdom and experience. Your dignified, measured, soft spoken yet statesman like words are in contrast to the loud voices filled with lies that signify the current politics. Old timers in the Rajya Sabha shared many memories of Singh, who was a regular at the Parliament library to scan magazines for articles on economics. Once, he drank lassi at the milk departments stall outside the Central Hall and started digging in his pockets for money. The milkman repeatedly requested him to not pay, but a determined Singh gathered coins from different pockets and paid 6. Singhs last intervention in Parliament was against demonetisation. The former PM called it an an organised loot and legalised plunder. Former Union minister P Chidambaram, who was the commerce minister when Singh was the finance minister, told HT, Dr Manmohan Singh entered politics 33 years ago like a lamb. As he leaves the Rajya Sabha tomorrow, his work and his accomplishments will resonate for many years as the roar of a lion. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life that I had an opportunity to work with Dr Singh for many years. Kapil Sibal, who was the education and law minister under Singh, paid a glowing tribute. In 10 years as PM, he never called me to say that please do this or do that. When I tried to push the educational reforms, he told me that there was opposition to this. It was like warning me and he never said dont go ahead. On the Akash tablet and on RTI, I got my way, he would warn me about opposition within the party (On RTI). He never interfered or foisted his opinion on me. In his 10 years, Singh ran a fragile coalition. The Left parties withdrew support over the nuclear deal in 2008. But when CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury went to meet him with a delegation in 2009, Singh told him, I am missing your counsel. I entered Parliament when Singh was the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He is extremely well-read and his arguments were based on facts and knowledge. I spoke before him on demonetisation. He had said notebandi would result in 2 percentage points reduction in GDP. His prophecy always came true, said Yechury. BHUBANESWAR: Security forces on Wednesday seized a large quantity of explosives from an underground dump suspected to have been set up by Maoists in south Odishas Malkangiri district near the Andhra Pradesh border, police said. The seizure was made by the Malkangiris District Voluntary Force in Dayaltung village (Odisha Police) The seizure was made by the Malkangiris District Voluntary Force in Dayaltung village under Kalimela police station. Among the seized items are 190 gelatin sticks and several improvised explosive devices including one weighing 20kg, a senior Malkangiri police officer said. It is suspected that these articles were made to target civilians and security forces. This is seen as a major jolt to the subversive and anti-national design of Maoists in this area, the officer said. Police suspect that the explosives dump was connected to the Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) of the banned CPI (Maoists). This is the second explosive dump of the Maoists to have been unearthed in Malkangiri since February this year when Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, who are deployed in the region, found three pressure cookers, 20 metres of Cordex, 24 gelatine sticks and 2 bundles of electric wire. The district, once a hotbed of Maoist activities, has not reported any significant incidents over the last three years. Currently, Maoist activities are being reported from the districts of Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kalahandi and Boudh where the Maoists move in very small groups. Wednesdays discovery comes weeks ahead of Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. In 2019, 15 of the 540 polling booths in Malkangiri reported zero polling due to Maoist threats due to fear of retaliation by Maoists. Sanjukta Digal, a Gram Rozagar Sevak serving as a polling supervisor was also shot dead by Maoists in Kandhamal. For the upcoming elections, at least 11 BSF companies, seven companies of the Central Reserve Police Force, 15 platoons of the state police force and some units of the Special Operations Group will be stationed in the Kandhamal, the highest deployment of security forces for any district in the state. It is 10 am in late March, the sun beginning to sear the skin. In a tattered vest, 31-year-old Jageshwar Korram whistles loudly as he washes his clothes at a government handpump. Around him are scattered homes, far apart as they often are in the forests of Bastar, and evidence of calm domesticity. A few metres away from Korram, children titter as they play hide and seek, weaving past a woman who has set off on her Atlas bicycle for the closest bazaar. Residents in Kanker in southern Chhattisgarh. Korram is content. But this contentment comes not from development or any real sense of upward mobility the village of Mohla has 25 tribal and six Other Backward Classes (OBC) families, nearly all of them still living off the subsistence their small land holdings provide for them. In Mohla, calm domesticity is hard earned. Even the luxury of electoral choice, one of the most fundamental tenets of Indian democracy, did not exist 15 years ago. In Maoist-hit Bastar, an upsurge in aggression from both sides Receding Maoists For close to four decades, Bastar in southern Chhattisgarh has become one of the primary arenas of a deadly battle between government security agencies and the banned Left Wing Extremist (LWE) outfit CPI(Maoists) once called Indias gravest internal security challenge by then prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2006. Yet, even as it has grown to be synonymous with violence, the term Bastar is often misleading. Bastar is, at once, a village, a district, and, most importantly, a range that comprises seven different districts spanning 39,117 square kilometres, bigger than several Indian states. For reference, Kerala is 38,863 square kilometres. Kanker is one of the districts from where the violence has gradually dissipated the result of a combination of creeping markets, road infrastructure, and a paramilitary push. These seven districts Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur are all categorised as LWE affected. But over the years, even as violence has continued incessantly, areas under Maoist control have shrunk, now predominantly in the three south Bastar districts of Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur, or Abujhmaad, 4,000 square kilometres of land yet unmapped by the government, literally translated from Gondi as the mountains of the unknown. In some of these, the first three months of the year have seen a climax of sorts, with the state launching a concerted push into once Maoist-dominated areas in the interiors, and the cornered insurgents fighting hard. The human toll tells the story in three months, 47 Maoists, six security personnel, and 16 civilians have lost their lives in the action. But Kanker is a different story. Closest to Chhattisgarhs capital Raipur and only around 140 kilometres away, it is one of the districts from where the violence has gradually dissipated the result of a combination of creeping markets, road infrastructure, and a paramilitary push. State government officials say that 70% of Kanker, barring the parts that fall under Abujhmaad, are Maoist-free. Ten years ago, this whole area (which Mohala falls under) of Pakhanjur, Partapur, Koylibeda and Bande were Maoist strongholds but things have changed because of the opening of camps and roads, said Lakshman Kewat, station house officer of Pakhanjur police station. Sunderraj P, inspector general of police, Bastar range, said that even in the last two years, the advance of the security forces continued apace. We have established critical camps in Bastar, including Chilparas, Pandidobir, Kadmeta and Katgaon in Kanker district. These camps, which are game changers, were established in erstwhile Maoist strongholds, and this was done facing considerable risks, including the threat of IEDs, ambushes and UBGL (under barrel grenade launcher) attacks. The fight against LWE has reached its final and decisive phase, he said. For Lalit Kumar Patel, this receding of Maoism reflects Mohlas lived reality. Even 10 years ago, nobody dared enter Mohla. But things are different now, Patel, a villager, said. One of those changes is immediate. We had never thought that there would be enough normalcy that the entire village would get to vote for the Lok Sabha elections. Advancing democracy As his hands beat the dirt out of the clothes under the gentle flow of the hand pump, Korram called out to his four-year-old son, one of the children playing under his watchful eye. There was a time when Korram was young, that he believed neither he nor his children (if he had any) would return to the village. In 2010, armed Maoists had descended on Mohla, and executed three people on suspicion of being police informers, threatening to kill more. Within days, the village emptied. We all moved to the small town of Pakhanjur, 20 km away, Korram said. Even in the years before that, nobody had dared to vote for fear of the Maoists. But slowly, from their makeshift huts on the outskirts of Pakhanjur, the villagers watched as the situation began to ease. The same year as the Mohla massacre, the first Border Security Force (BSF) camp opened in Partapur, 16 kilometres away. In 2017, another camp was established, less than a kilometre from Mohla. By late 2019, the government had cajoled the villagers to return home. The homes they left behind were mud and thatch, and had not survived the nine-year hiatus. Every single one of the 30 families had to rebuild. But after the establishment of the camp, the influence of the Maoists has become negligible. The first time we voted was in the assembly elections last year. Now we will vote in the Lok Sabha elections, said Sumila Komre (41), returning from the forests after collecting mahua. Much has changed in the five years since the villagers have returned. There is now electricity, and a stable mobile phone network. And among the residents, much like anywhere else, political conversations are about which government will bring the village the most development. Now, we want the Nal-Jal Yojana and roads inside the village. The path from the main Pakhanjur-Koylibeda road is unpaved and becomes difficult to traverse in the rainy season. Our vote will be for development, said Manik Ram Komre. Komre is testament to Mohlas aspiration, and upward mobility. He is 19 years old and readying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree in the district headquarters at Kanker. I think (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi is a great leader, Ram smiled. Standing next to him, under a tamarind tree, Sankai Gawande scoffed dismissively. He shaked his phone violently and said, What has Modi done for us? All he does is appear on mobile phones and television screens. I have yet to decide who to vote for. But Gawade knows that even the conversation he is in the middle of, the luxury of choice, is battle-earned. Now at least we can talk about it, and can vote. Fifteen years ago, nobody voted for anyone. Those were difficult days. Now there is no interference and no fear, he said. Tribal politics Experts believe that elections in Bastar have always been a reliable barometer for the strength of the Maoists in the region. Every election is fraught with danger; littered with examples of attacks. In April 2019, on the last day of campaigning, BJP MP Bhima Mandavi was killed after an IED targeted his convoy; four others died with him. But overall, experts say, there is increasing evidence of a reduction in Maoist influence and the spread of election processes. Despite the usual call of election boycott by the CPI(Maoist), more and more people, and more and more regions are voting. Some of these, like in 2023, were even in the so-called base areas of the Maoists where their janatana sarkaar operates. All attempts to disrupt elections are being thwarted by the security forces and recently, only stray violence has been reported, said former special director general of police RK Vij. Experts also said that over the past six months, the progress made by security forces in developing new camps have aimed a psychological blow at the Maoists. For instance, the establishment of a security camp in Puvarti, the native village of Maoist operative Hidma, who has controlled most operations in south Bastar for the past decade, is one such blow. These new camps, including in Kanker district, have certainly restricted the movement of large military formations by the Maoists, Vij added. In Kanker, this opening up of new avenues also means navigating methods of political communication not associated with Bastar. The BJPs Kanker Lok Sabha candidate, former Antagarh MLA Bhojraj Nag, said party workers were now campaigning in several areas they had never set foot in before. But in sensitive areas, we are dependent on social media platforms and videos because people have access to mobile phones now. There are door to door workers, but in interior places, we try to spread our message through digital technology. In terms of the immediate electoral politics, Kanker is one of the two Lok Sabha seats in Bastar, and is currently held by the BJP. In 2019, while the BJP won the seat with a narrow 6,914 vote margin, they have moved to mitigate any anti-incumbency by removing sitting Member of Parliament Mohan Mandavi, replacing him with Nag. Last week, the Congress announced that Viresh Thakur, who contested in 2019, would battle for the seat again. Our election campaign is focused on Modi ki guarantee (PM Modis promises), and the development schemes launched by our government that are now both at the state and the central level. The programmes have made a huge difference to peoples lives and we are confident we are winning with a huge margin, Nag said. Thakur said the Congress has framed their campaign as a fight for the countrys soul. We will contest the elections for the very future of our country and are taking Rahul Gandhis guarantees to the people. People have benefitted from the five years that (Congresss) Bhupesh Baghel was in power and we are confident people will vote for us, Thakur said. In last years assembly polls, the Congress, under Baghel, lost to the BJP. The sparring means little to Korram. His vote is in four weeks and he is already planning for the day. As his son squirms in his arms, Korram beams widely. We will all reach the polling booth early. Every vote is important. Maybe I will take my son. Someday, he will vote too, he said. Who knew this day would be possible. This is the first in a series of election reports from the field that look at national and local issues through an electoral lens. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday called Janata Dal (Secular) candidate from Mandya HD Kumaraswamy as an outsiderof the Mandya seat. Dy CM D K Shivakumar attacked JD(S) of doing dynastic politics. (PTI) While campaigning in Mandya, the Karnataka pradesh Congress committee (KPCC) president said that the voters of Mandya have a staunch tradition of retaining political power within their own constituency and urged them to uphold their self-respect and pride by voting accordingly. He also accused Kumaraswamy of abandoning his constituents in Ramanagara and criticised the JD(S) for losing its identity through its alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He said, In a democracy, anyone can contest elections from anywhere, but Kumaraswamy has been hopping from one place to another. You gave power to Kumaraswamy, but he did not retain it. Now, he has joined hands with the same people who brought him down from power. Accusing the JD(S) of doing dynastic politics, Shivakumar said, It is a shame and mockery democracy that Deve Gowdas son and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy is contesting from Mandya. While Deve Gowdas grandson Prajwal Revanna, son of Kumaraswamys elder brother Prajwal Revanna, is the JDS candidate from Hassan and Deve Gowdas son-in-law CN Manjunath is contesting from Bengaluru Rural on BJP ticket and not from JDS. Three of the family are contesting elections. Are there no other leaders in JDS? They are just putting family over party, he said and ridiculed the JDS as a totally family party. None of the three family members will win this election. They have tied up with the BJP, but they will finish off the BJP party workers and leaders, he warned. Responding to Shivakumars allegations, Kumaraswamy said, As far as I understand Mandya is still part of Karnataka... I am from Karnataka and I contesting in Karnataka. But Congress should think about why Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Wayanad. Lok Sabha Election 2024 news LIVE: Campaigning for the upcoming general elections is in full swing as the political parties and the people have geared up for the elections. On Tuesday, PM Modi held public rallies in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur and Rajasthan's Kotputli. While launching a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi for his remark suggesting that there will be a "conflagration" in the country if he gets a third term and asked the people to wipe out the Congress from everywhere, the PM said he was being threatened and abused by the corrupt but there will be even bigger action against corruption after his re-election....Read More Several issues have been raked up including the Kachchatheevu island issue with the ruling BJP and the opposition slamming each other. Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK President MK Stalin slammed the BJP for raising the Kachchatheevu issue ahead of the the Lok Sabha polls and said that the issue has started to backfire now. Criticising PM Modi, Stalin questioned that why did PM did not ever spoke to Sri Lanka government to return back Kachchatheevu Island. Polling for the Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in seven phases, the first of which is on April 19. Besides voting for the 543 Lok Sabha seats, the Election Commission of India has also announced Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha, as well as assembly by-polls for 26 vacant seats. The counting of votes will be done on June 4. Support of at least 272 MPs in the Lok Sabha is required to form the government at the Centre. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Phase-wise schedule: Phase 1- April 19 Phase 2- April 26 Phase 3- May 7 Phase 4 - May 13 Phase 5 - May 20 Phase 6 - May 25 Phase 7 - June 1 The Congress on Wednesday initiated disciplinary action against former Mumbai unit chief Sanjay Nirupam over his remarks against the party leadership amid seat sharing talks with Maha Vikas Aghadi ally Shiv Sena (UBT) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said that the party has dropped the former MP from the list of star campaigners. "The party has dropped Nirupam's name from the list of star campaigners and disciplinary action has been initiated against him for his utterances against the party and the state unit leadership. A decision will be taken in a day or two," Patole was quoted by the PTI as saying. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha elections: Sanjay Nirupam's big advice to Congress over Sena alliance Nirupam had lashed out at the state Congress leadership after the Uddhav Thackeray-led party declared candidates on four out of six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, including the Mumbai North West seat, which he is eyeing. A file photo of Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam.(Pratham Gokhale/ Hindustan Times) Nirupam had said that the Congress leadership shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by Shiv Sena (UBT). He also said that accepting the Shiv Sena (UBT's) decision to unilaterally field candidates in Mumbai amounted to allowing the destruction of Congress. Shiv Sena (UBT) arm-twisted the Congress to take five of the six seats in Mumbai. But the Congress should not allow itself to be arm-twisted like this. This action is against the Congress and it's a ploy to finish off the party in the city, the former MP was quoted by PTI as saying. The Congress should not come under the threat of Shiv Sena (UBT) as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party is not capable of winning any seat without Congress support, Nirupam, who started his political career with the undivided Sena before switching over to the Congress, said. ALSO READ: Sanjay Nirupam's all options warning as trouble mounts for MVA after Sena list The Shiv Sena (UBT)'s move of declaring nominees for 21 seats in Maharashtra has triggered unease among the other two Maha Vikas Aghadi allies - Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) - as the three parties are yet to finalise the seat-sharing deal for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in five phases in Maharashtra starting April 19. (With PTI inputs) The Congress on Wednesday ruled out a friendly fight in Kerala and said that the party is fighting in all 20 constituencies of the southern state against the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), which happens to be its partner in the opposition INDIA alliance. There is huge enthusiasm even after 5 years... I don't know why the CPI or CPM is sending the candidate to contest against him (Rahul Gandhi). He is the sitting MP from Wayanad. We all the leaders of Kerala of the UDF not only the Congress demanded that he has to contest from here. There is no friendly fight in Kerala, in all constituencies, we are fighting against the CPM-led LDF. In some 2-3 seats, the BJP presence is there but they are irrelevant in Kerala politics, Kerala's leader of opposition V Satheesan told ANI. Satheesan's remark comes after Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Wayanad, a seat he currently represents in the Lok Sabha. This election is a fight for the soul of India; it is a fight to preserve our democracy from the forces of hatred, corruption, and injustice that seek to suppress the voice of Bharat Mata, the 53-year-old former Congress president said after filing his nomination. ALSO READ: He will meet same fate as Amethi: BJP's Wayanad candidate K Surendran jabs Rahul Gandhi Rahul Gandhi will be contesting against BJP state president K Surendran and CPI leader Annie Raja from Wayanad. In the 2019 elections, the Congress leader had defeated his nearest CPI rival PP Suneer by over 4.31 lakh vote. The ruling Left had objected to Gandhi contesting from the Kerala constituency, with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan openly attacking the Congress MP. Rahul Gandhi along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds a roadshow in Kerala's Wayanad ahead of filing his nomination from the Lok Sabha constituency.(AP) There is no immediate relief in sight for Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia. The two continue to be in judicial custody in what looks like a long legal battle. For Kejriwal, who has been shifted to Tihar Jail, running the Delhi government was expected to get more difficult. Tihar Jail authorities have pointed out that their jail manual does not have a provision for inmates to sign files or hold meetings. AAP leader Sanjay Singh. (PTI) Sanjay Singh gets bail Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha leader Sanjay Singhs bail against this backdrop comes as a major relief for the party. The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted Singh bail after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) decided against opposing it in the Delhi excise policy case. The development could have some impact on the continued incarceration in the same case of Sisodia, who has been in jail since February 2023, and Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 21. A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna, Dipankar Datta, and PB Varale ordered Singhs release subject to the terms and conditions of the concerned trial court. Singh, represented by senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, volunteered he would not make any political statement or other comments about his role in the excise case. Rahul Gandhi to file nomination today Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to file his nomination from Wayanad in Kerala on Wednesday. Gandhi won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in 2019. He also contested from Amethi but lost the seat to Union minister Smriti Irani. The suspense continues whether he will also be Congresss candidate from Amethi. The Congress has cleared the names of 13 candidates from Uttar Pradesh but is yet to decide on Amethi and Raebareli. Manmohan Singh retires from Rajya Sabha Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will retire from Rajya Sabha after 33 years on Wednesday. Singh, the first Congress Prime Minister outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to have two full terms in office, is known as the architect of Indias economic liberalisation. He was the force behind the 2008 Indo-US nuclear agreement. Singhs government transformed the social welfare framework with a bouquet of rights-based legislation. It ushered in a slew of reforms including Direct Benefit Transfer and launched Aadhaar. YS Sharmila to contest Lok Sabha polls YS Sharmila, the Congresss Andhra Pradesh chief and sister of chief minister Jaganmohan Reddy, the head of rival YSRCP, has been fielded from the Kadapa constituency, a seat her father, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), won four times. Sharmila, who joined the Congress on January 4 and became the state Congress chief, faces an uphill task in a state where, in 2019, the Congress failed to win any Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, the party won just two of 25 seats in Andhra Pradesh. A senior Congress leader Sharmilas candidature is also an attempt to reclaim YSRs legacy. The Congress also on Tuesday announced the candidature of Delhi University professor Munish Tamang from Darjeeling. Tamang was in the rival camp of Bimal Gurung, whose Gorka Janmukti Morcha was a pivotal force in Darjeeling for a long time. Tamang is also the former president of Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh. Azad to contest from Anantnag Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who ended his five-decade association with the Congress in 2022 and floated his Democratic Progressive Azad Party, will contest the Lok Sabha polls from Anantnag. This will be the first Lok Sabha election for Azad after he lost the Udhampur seat in 2014 to BJP leader Jitendra Singh. Azad, who also served as Union minister, resigned from the Congress in 2022. In an explosive five-page resignation letter to then interim Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, the 75-year-old leader said that the party has reached a situation of no return. ED files case against Mahua Moitra The ED on Tuesday registered a money laundering case against Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-query probe based on the Central Bureau of Investigations first information report against the expelled lawmaker. It comes days after the 49-year-old politician, who is one of the fiercest critics of the Bharatiya Janata Party, skipped EDs summons for questioning in its Delhi office. Businessman Darshan Hiranandani was also served summons for questioning in a Foreign Exchange Management Act contravention case. ECI files case against Karnataka chief ministers son The Election Commission of India on Tuesday filed a complaint against Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiahs son, Yathindra, for using abusive words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah. The ministry of home affairs has cancelled the foreign contribution registration act (FCRA) licences of five non-government organisations including Church of North India (CNI-SBSS) for alleged violation of the foreign funding law, people familiar with the development said on Wednesday. Earlier this year, the licence of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) was also cancelled. (Representative file photo) To be sure, the cancellation of CNI Synodical Board of Social Service (CNI-SBSS) FCRA licence had taken place a few weeks back. Other NGOs whose foreign funding licences have been revoked include Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS), Church Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), and Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFOI), said officials who didnt want to be named. Also Read:MHA warns states/UTs against caste-based discrimination in prisons The ministry has maintained the stance that any organisation found violating any provisions of the FCRA will face action. Earlier this year, the licence of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) was also cancelled. The Centre has tightened the FCRA since 2020 by making several amendments and even cancelling licences of various NGOs, including Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust (RGCT), and Centre for Policy Research (CPR), in the last few years accusing them of violating the law. The FCRA unit of the MHA carried out inspections or audits of at least 335 NGOs and associations registered or granted prior permission under FCRA between 2019 and 2022 to see if foreign funding rules were being followed by them. The FCRA Act, which was amended in September 2020, barred public servants from receiving foreign funding and made Aadhaar mandatory for every office-bearer of the NGOs. The amended law also bars organisations from using more than 20% of foreign funds for administrative purposes. The limit was hitherto 50%. Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday raked up the Ayodhya issue at a public rally in Muzaffarnagar saying Akhilesh Yadav was not in favour of the Ram temple and that the Congress too did not do anything about it during its rule. Seeking votes for BJP candidate Sanjeev Baliyan ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Shah said it was the Narendra Modi government that honoured people's sentiment and built the Ram temple in Ayodhya. (Also Read: Amit Shah asks Eshwarappa to withdraw candidature, rebel BJP leader says not changing mind) Union home minister Amit Shah (File) Shah's speech was punctuated with appeals for the electorate to support Modi's candidacy for a third term as prime minister, portraying the upcoming Lok Sabha election as a pivotal moment in India's trajectory. He also lauded PM Modi's initiatives aimed at socio-economic development. "This (Lok Sabha) election is to elect Narendra Modi as the PM for a third term. PM Modi has done a lot of work for the upliftment of poor and farmers. He formulated a national policy for sugarcane farmers, thereby bringing a lot of changes." (Read: There can be no comparison between PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi: Amit Shah Rallying support for the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a rare third term, Shah said the prime minister removed Article 370 and made Kashmir an integral part of India. Kashmir belongs to us. When you made PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister for the 2nd time, he removed Article 370 and made Kashmir an integral part of India. PM Narendra Modi did the job of ending terrorism in Kashmir... He has made the nation secure and prosperous, he said. Read: Amit Shah blames Siddaramaiah for delay in drought relief funds to Karnataka He also said that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has stopped the migration of people from western Uttar Pradesh and it is the criminals who are migrating now. Rashtriya Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, who accompanied Shah at the rally, hailed the government for conferring the Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh. Chaudhary said none of the INDIA bloc leaders have said a word on Chaudhary Charan Singh getting the Bharat Ratna. At a closed-door meeting of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who had gathered for the partys national executive in January last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the perils of complacency and over-confidence. Laying out the agenda for the Lok Sabha polls, he told his party colleagues that resting on laurels and relying too much on his popularity for winning elections would prove to be their undoing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI) The BJP, which has had a good run at the hustings since 2014 and tasted success in a bunch of state polls in the last decade, has had its share of losses as well. The most recent was in the Telangana assembly poll, which the party was confident of winning. In 2018, a spate of losses in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh and the by-poll in Uttar Pradeshs Gorakhpur, the bastion of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, sounded an alarm. These losses were attributed largely to the cadre dropping the ball after a resounding win in 2014. The party reclaimed these states in 2023, but the credit was given to Modis appeal among the people. He is the partys biggest campaigner and vote puller. Now as the party has set out to meet the target of winning 370 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, there is a clear instruction from the top leadership against complacency and over-confidence, especially in states where the partys past performance has been exemplary such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka. In 2019, the party won 62 of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 39 of the 40 in Bihar in alliance with the Janata Dal (United), 28 of 29 in Madhya Pradesh, 24 of 25 in Rajasthan, 11 of the 14 in Jharkhand, nine of 11 in Chhattisgarh and 25 of the 28 in Karnataka. While the opinion polls and the pollsters are predicting an easy win for the BJP and its allies, senior party leaders have been asked to ensure there is no slip-up in canvassing on the ground. A leader in Rajasthan said although the cadre is buoyed by the recent win in the state elections, and opinion polls such as the one by India TV-CNX, which shows that BJP is likely to repeat its 2019 performance in the state, there are constant reminders to the workers to not slack. Door-to-door campaigns, digital outreach, corner meetings in addition to road shows, programmes for professionals have been lined up as part of the election campaign. In Madhya Pradesh, where the recent win in the state polls exceeded expectations, the message to candidates and cadre is to keep pushing the narrative about Modi ki Guarantee instead of relying entirely on Modi ki rally. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election due to health concerns, his son Omar Abdullah announced on Wednesday. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah is a sitting MP from Srinagar. "He (Farooq Abdullah) has taken permission from (party's general secretary) (Ali Mohammad) Sagar and other party members to not contest the polls this time because of his health," Omar Abdullah was quoted by PTI as saying. The NC vice president said it is now the party's responsibility to field the best candidate from the constituency with the hope that the voters would help him succeed so that he becomes a voice of the people in Delhi. ALSO READ: End of INDIA bloc on cards in Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti's PDP to contest valley's 3 LS seats Abdullah is a sitting MP from Srinagar, which he won in 2019 by defeating his People's Democratic Party (PDP) rival Aga Syed Mohsin by over 70,000 votes. It was the fourth electoral win for the NC veteran. In his political career spanning more than four decades, Abdullah has lost an election only once. In 2014, the three-time chief minister of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir had lost to Tariq Hameed Karra of the PDP. He won in 2017 after Karra had resigned from the PDP and his seat in 2016. First elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980, Farooq Abdullah returned to state politics and succeeded his father Sheikh Abdullah as the chief minister after the latter's death in 1982. In the 2002 J&K assembly elections, Omar Abdullah was chosen to lead the NC, while the 86-year-old Farooq Abdullah shifted base to the Centre. ALSO READ: Elections in J&K will be held immediately after Lok Sabha polls, announces CEC Farooq Abdullah was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2002 from Jammu and Kashmir and then re-elected in 2009. He resigned from the Rajya Sabha in May 2009 and won a seat in the Lok Sabha from Srinagar. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the seats of J&K including Udhampur and Jammu will vote on April 19 and 26. Anantnag-Rajouri votes on May 7, Srinagar on May 13 and Baramulla on May 20. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. A nine-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud on Tuesday began hearing a batch of appeals on whether states have the legislative power to regulate sale and manufacture of industrial alcohol after a seven-judge constitution bench held against them in 1990. Opposing the states power to impose fees, the distilleries are also before the top court. (HT Archive) The bench, also comprising justices Hrishikesh Roy, AS Oka, BV Nagarathna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Ujjal Bhuyan, Satish Chandra Sharma and Augustine George Masih, heard arguments of Uttar Pradesh, which is the lead petitioner in a batch of 30 appeals being heard by the nine-judge bench. Senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government along with advocate Samar Vijay Singh, began arguments by highlighting the errors in the 1990 decision of Synthetics & Chemicals Ltd vs State of UP that took away the states power in relation to industrial alcohol even under Entry 33 of the Concurrent List. This entry provides for trade and commerce in production, supply and distribution of certain industrial products. The 1990 judgment held that denatured spirit is industrial alcohol and its regulation will fall outside the legislative jurisdiction of the states to regulate sale of intoxicating liquor under Entry 8 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, he said. The issue to be considered by the bench falls broadly within the scope whether states have legislative jurisdiction to deal with and regulate industrial alcohol, Dwivedi said. Excise, liquor and spirit have always been part of state jurisdiction, including industrial alcohol, and the Centre did not have any jurisdiction in this regard, the lawyer said. To this extent, he said that the 1990 judgment was wrongly decided. His arguments will continue on Wednesday. The matter was referred to the nine-judge bench in December 2010 after a five-judge bench doubted the correctness of the 1990 judgment. In the appeal argued by Dwivedi, the state had challenged a decision of the Allahabad high court of 2004, which directed it to refund all fees collected under industrial alcohol from distillery units along with a 10% annual interest payable to the business units. Opposing the states power to impose fees, the distilleries are also before the top court. They have argued that the subject matter of regulating industrial alcohol falls exclusively within the domain of the Centre under Section 18G of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951. The Centre is yet to file an affidavit in these proceedings and will be led by attorney general R Venkataramani. National security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday attended the meeting of NSAs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kazhakhastan's Astana, during which he said that India is committed to further deepening ties with the member states that goes back to several centuries. Doval said that New Delhi is committed to enhancing transit trade and connectivity which must be fully respectful of sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO member States. ALSO READ: NSA Doval visited Israel to promote peace and stability in West Asia: MEA National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the meeting of SCO countries' NSAs in Kazhakhastan's Astana. The NSA condemned the terror attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22 in which more than 140 people lost their lives. He conveyed to his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev, India's solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation to address the threat from terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Any act of terror including cross-border terrorism committed by whomsoever, wherever and for whatever motives is not justified. Perpetrators of terrorism should be effectively and expeditiously dealt with including those involved in cross-border terrorism, Doval said at the meeting. He also stressed on the need to shun double standards and hold accountable those who are sponsors, financiers and facilitators of terrorism. ALSO READ: Narendra Modis points man NSA Ajit Doval delivers, 8 ex-Navy officers freed by Qatar National Security Advisor Doval also raised the issue of continued threat by various terror groups in the SCO region, including those designated by the UN Security Council, including the al Qaeda and its affiliates, ISIS and affiliates along with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad. During the meeting, Doval also called for the need to counter the use of technology by the terrorists including drones for cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs. India supports creation of effective mechanism for cooperation within RATS SCO for countering terror financing and supports further strengthening of RATS SCO in this regard, he said. NSA calls for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan While expressing deep concern on the security situation in Afghanistan and the presence of terror networks in the land-locked country, Doval said that India has legitimate security and economic interests in the now-Taliban ruled nation. The SCOs immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance ensuring formation of truly inclusive and representative government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking and preserving rights of women, children and minorities, he said. India has invested $3 billion in Afghanistan and supplied 50,000 MT of wheat, 250 tons of medical aid and 40,000 litres of Malathion pesticide to fight locust menace in Afghanistan, he added. In the meeting of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with the secretaries of the security councils of the SCO member states Doval conveyed Indias support for Kazakh initiatives in SCO and for a successful Presidency. India is committed to further deepening its relationship with SCO and member states in a proactive and constructive manner. Security is Indias priority in SCO as promulgated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in line with his vision for a SECURE SCO. The acronym SECURE stands for Security, Economic Cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and Environment Protection, he added. Canada's Department of Citizenship and Immigration had issued a notice on March 30 stating that it would increase the permanent residence fees for international residents seeking permanent residency there. The permanent residence application process requires the submission of a specific fee. (File) The notice said, The permanent residence fees will increase at 9:00:00 a.m. Eastern daylight time on April 30, 2024, by the cumulative percentage increase to the Consumer Price Index for Canada, published by Statistics Canada, for the two previous years, rounded to the nearest five dollars. It added that the Right of Permanent Residence Fee will increase from CAD 515 to CAD 575, which means a hike of about 12 per cent. The permanent residence application process requires the submission of a specific fee. However, this financial obligation is waived for dependent children, providing relief for families seeking to establish permanent residency. The fee will also increase for Federal Skilled Workers, which several Indians apply for Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, and Atlantic Immigration Class from CAD 850 to CAD 950. The fee is also applicable for accompanying spouses or common-law partners. For an accompanying dependency child, it increased from CAD 230 to CAD 260. The fee for Business (federal and Quebec) rose from CAD 1,625 to CAD 1,810. Under the family reunification immigration programme, the sponsorship fee, which applies to sponsors bringing in spouses/partners, children, parents, grandparents, and other relatives, has been raised from CAD 75 to CAD 85. Additionally, the application fees for principal applicants in this stream have seen an increase, jumping from CAD 490 to CAD 545. As per CIC News, Canadian immigration news organisation, Canada issued 437,120 permanent residencies in 2022. India was the leading source country with 27 per cent of immigrants being from the country. A total of 118, 095 immigrants received permanent residency in Canada in 2022. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said recently that the Canadian government was trying to reduce temporary residents. He said, We need to ensure the number of temporary residents entering the country is at a sustainable level. Starting this fall for the first time, we will expand the immigration levels plan to include both temporary resident arrivals and permanent resident arrivals. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday affirmed his bond with the people of Wayanad as he filed nomination papers from his current Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi (R) files his nomination papers for the upcoming India's general elections, in Wayanad on April 3, 2024.(AFP) "Wayanad is my home, and the people of Wayanad are my family. From them, I have learned a great deal over the last five years and received an abundance of love and affection," Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post. It is with great pride and humility that I file my nomination for Lok Sabha 2024 once again from this beautiful land, he added. Read: Rahul Gandhi's papa of propaganda dig at PM Modi over BJP's 'war rukwa di' ad The former Congress president, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi and other senior party leaders, submitted his nomination papers to the Wayanad District Collector, who is also the Returning Officer. After submitting the papers, Gandhi read out the oath to uphold the Constitution which concluded the submission process. "This election is a fight for the soul of India; it is a fight to preserve our democracy from the forces of hatred, corruption, and injustice that seek to suppress the voice of Bharat Mata," Gandhi said. Gandhi pledged to mobilise every citizen across the country to strengthen the Union of States, a term he often uses to highlight how India is described in the Constitution. I, along with every member of INDIA, will not rest until this battle is won. We will bring together every citizen from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Manipur to Mumbai to strengthen our Union of States. Read: There can be no comparison between PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi: Amit Shah Earlier today, Gandhi held a roadshow from Kalpetta to Civil Station in Wayanad before reaching the District Collector's office to submit his nomination. Addressing the crowd gathered outside the DC office, Gandhi said he was always with the people of Wayanad on all issues, including the human-animal conflicts which have claimed many lives. Meanwhile, the BJP has hit out at Rahul Gandhi alleging he shifted base to Wayanad "because of heavy concentration of Muslims and Christians". Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, however, claimed that Rahul Gandhi is in for a tough fight there too. India deported Rajiv Gandhi assassination case ex-convicts Murugan, Robert and Jayakumar to Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The three ex-convicts were deported from Chennai airport after they got their passports and received a green signal from the Sri Lankan government, reported news agency ANI. In India, Murugan, Jayakumar and Robert were staying at the Trichy refugee camp. Sri Lankan nationals who were convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case address the media before leaving for Sri Lanka, at Chennai airport(PTI) Murugan's wife, Nalini, who was also a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, came to send him off, at the Chennai airport. Nalini and Murugan were released from jail following a Supreme Court order on November 12, 2022. ALSO READ| Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Released convict Santhan dies in hospital In March, Nalini filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking an order from the Central and State governments to permit her husband Murugan for an interview in the Sri Lankan Embassy in Chennai. She said that through the interview Murugan wanted to obtain a passport for travelling to the United Kingdom in order to settle with their daughter there. In the petition, she also requested the court to order the police to provide adequate security if required. Nalini mentioned that while the Supreme Court released all seven people, her husband Murugan had been kept in a special camp in Trichy district (Tamilnadu) as he is a citizen of Sri Lanka. Nalini revealed in the petition that she wanted to live with her daughter who lived in London. She also mentioned that both of them (Murugan and Nalini) had applied for passports that could permit travel to all countries and were called for an interview on January 30, 2024. She claimed that her interview formalities were done but her husband Murugan could not attend the interview when called by the Sri Lankan Consulate. Nalini claimed that two people died in a month due to bad conditions in the Trichy refugee camp. She urged the court that she wanted to join her daughter in London before anything happened to her husband. Facing disciplinary action for speaking against the Congress leadership over the seat-sharing pact with Shiv Sena (UBT), Sanjay Nirupam on Wednesday said the party should not waste "much energy and stationery" on him and rather use it to save itself, which is going through a severe financial crisis. Senior Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam(Hindustan Times file photo) Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole told reporters that the party has dropped Nirupam's name from the list of star campaigners and a decision about him will be taken in a day or two for his utterances against the party and the state unit leadership. His name (Sanjay Nirupam) was mentioned in the star campaigners, which has been cancelled. The kind of statements he has been making, action will be taken, Patole said after a meeting of the party's campaign committee at Tilak Bhavan in Mumbai. A defiant Sanjay Nirupam said on X, It should utilise the stationary and energy to save itself, as the party is experiencing a serious financial crisis. The time frame I had given to the party ends today. I will spell out my next course of action tomorrow. Nirupam had lashed out at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for declaring Amol Kirtikar as the candidate from Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency without a seat-sharing pact being finalised by the three parties of Mava Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He had also targeted Kirtikar over his name as an accused in the Khichdi scam of the BMC and questioned the announcement. He is an accused in Khichdi scam. He has taken bribes from Khichdi suppliers in cheques. The Khichdi scam was done during COVID-19 BMC decided to provide food to the migrant labourers in the city. Shiv Senas proposed candidate has taken commission from the supplier under the scheme initiated to feed the poor. Speaking about his future course of action, Nirpuam said, Now all options are open for me. I will wait for one week and take my decision. The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar to file an affidavit within 24 hours to demonstrate how his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has adhered to a previous order that mandated the inclusion of disclaimers in advertisements and public notices, specifying that the clock symbol allocated to his faction was subject to ongoing judicial scrutiny. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. (HT Photo) Simultaneously, a bench of justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan asked the senior Pawar to submit an affidavit before the hearing on Thursday for repelling his nephews accusation that the Sharad Pawar camp was projecting the courts interim order of March 19 as a final one. On March 19, the bench allowed the Ajit Pawar faction to keep using the clock symbol and the NCP name but with a caveat that it would issue a public notice in leading English, Marathi, and Hindi dailies informing the public that the allocation of clock symbol is subject to the outcome of the petition heard by the court. Such a declaration shall be incorporated in every pamphlet, advertisement, audio, or video clip issued by the Ajit Pawar faction, the bench added. On Wednesday, the matter was brought before the bench by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Sharad Pawar. Singhvi raised concerns about the non-compliance with the courts order and pointed out that instead of following the directive, the Ajit Pawar faction has filed an application seeking relaxation of the March 19 order. Not only have they not complied with the court order, but they have also filed an application saying relax it, which is an admission that they are not complying. Elections are on. Your Lordships will not entertain such a review. This is nothing but a blatant review. It is a reasoned order. This cannot be changed. We are in the middle of elections, Singhvi said. Responding, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Ajit Pawar faction, contested Singhvis assertions. Rohatgi took the bench through certain advertisements having the required disclaimers, adding his application is only asking for the modification in the last line of this order for the future so that not every pamphlet or release by the Ajit Pawar faction ought to include the disclaimer, regardless of whether it has anything to do with elections or not. At this, the bench asked Rohatgi to come back with instructions on Thursday as to how many advertisements were issued after the March 19 order. They are your leaders. If what the other side is saying is true, we might be required to take a view...nobody has a right to deliberately misconstrue our order. The order is not very complicated; it is in simple language. There is only one meaning and there is no question of double interpretation, remarked the court, asking Rohatgi to keep their affidavit ready before the hearing on Thursday. Mr Singhvi, you also keep an affidavit ready on the aspect that the Supreme Court has not finally decided the issue, it told the other side. The legal tussle stems from the split within the NCP in July 2023, following a rebellion led by the Ajit Pawar group. The Ajit Pawar faction is part of the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra. The dispute over the true identity of the NCP before the Election Commission of India (ECI) was decided in the favour of the Ajit Pawar faction which submitted affidavits of 57 MLAs in its support, compared to Sharad Pawars 28 affidavits. Based on the legislative majority, ECI recognised the faction led by Ajit Pawar as the real NCP. Sharad Pawar challenged this decision before the Supreme Court, which, on March 19, allowed the Ajit Pawar faction to use the partys clock symbol for the upcoming elections, subject to certain conditions. The court mandated the inclusion of disclaimers in all advertisements, audio, and video clips, specifying the allocation of the symbol was subject to the final decision of the Supreme Court. It also took on record an undertaking of the Maharashtra deputy chief minister that his faction will not use the name or picture of his uncle and NCP founder, Sharad Pawar, in the Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The Supreme Court on Tuesday released Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) parliamentarian Sanjay Singh on bail after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) decided not to oppose his plea in connection with the Delhi excise policy case a development that could have some impact on the continued incarceration in the same case of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who has been in jail since February 2023, and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by ED on March 21 this year. ED arrested Rajya Sabha MP Singh on October 4 last year. (PTI) The concession from ED came an hour after the court asked the agency why Singh should be kept behind bars after serving six months in jail, considering that there doesnt appear to be any concrete evidence against him, and no money has been recovered linking him to the alleged money laundering offence. A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna, Dipankar Datta and PB Varale ordered Singhs release subject to the terms and conditions to be set down by the trial court concerned. Singh, represented through senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, volunteered that he would not make any political statement or other comments about his role in the excise case. In view of the statement made by ED, we direct Sanjay Singh will be released on bail on terms and conditions to be imposed by the trial court. We clarify the concession given today will not be treated as a precedent, said the bench in the order, recording the statement of additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju, who appeared for the agency. To be sure, in criminal cases, each accused is treated on the merit of the evidence against them. The order noted that EDs concession in the case was made before the agency began arguments. We clarify that we have not commented on the merits of the case, it added. Still, the release will be a boost for the AAP, which has been bereft of senior leadership since Kejriwals arrest. Singh is one of the tallest leaders of the party, is an aggressive public orator, and has relationships across parties. The court, earlier in the proceedings, also hinted to the agency that if it decided in favour of Singh, it will have to record its observations under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act that he was prima facie not guilty and that will have ramifications on the trial. The Supreme Court is also set to review its 2022 judgment in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v Union of India, which upheld the constitutional validity of several stringent provisions of PMLA, including those related to power to issue summons, make arrests, search and seizure and the stringent conditions of bail. The Supreme Court in August 2022 agreed to review its earlier judgment, adding the reconsideration would be confined to two crucial aspects denies the accused access to a copy of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and shifts the onus of proving innocence from the prosecution to the accused. In March 2023, the top court agreed to examine the validity of Sections 50 and 63 of the PMLA and sought the governments reply. Section 50 empowers ED to summon an accused and record a statement that is admissible as evidence. Section 63 provides for punishment for giving false testimony. These cases are now expected to be heard by a special three-judge bench in July. Arrested six months ago ED arrested Rajya Sabha MP Singh on October 4 last year in relation to the controversial 2021-22 excise policy, which has since been withdrawn. His arrest was based on a statement made by Dinesh Arora, who claimed to have delivered a sum of 2 crore to Sarvesh Mishra, an alleged associate of the MP. These funds were delivered at Singhs official residence, Arora said in his statement recorded by the trial court, and the receipt of this was confirmed by Singh when they next met. Arora turned an approver in the case, seeking pardon. ED had filed supplementary complaints against Singh and other co-accused on December 2 and December 19 following which the trial court rejected grant of regular bail to Singh on December 22. Singhs petition in the top court challenged the February 7 order of the Delhi high court, rejecting his bail plea by relying on the statement of Arora. In the petition, Singh questioned the veracity of the claim made by approver Arora suggesting that he had given six different statements during investigation and was unreliable. On Tuesday, Singhvi cited the discrepancies in Aroras statements, adding there was neither any corroboration of the payment of 2 crore nor the recovery of this money. The senior counsel questioned the necessity of Singhs arrest based on a belated statement by Arora to implicate him sans any corroborative piece of evidence. Finding substance in Singhvis submissions, the bench turned to ASG Raju, questioning the agency on the necessity of continuing the incarceration of the AAP leader, who has already spent six months behind bars. He has been in for six months. Do you have any instructions whether you require him anymore? Please, keep in mind if we are with him, we will have to record under Section 45 (of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act) our satisfaction that he is prima facie not guilty and that will have its own ramifications on the trial, the bench told the ASG before the bench was to rise for a lunch break at 1pm. It said that the fact of the matter is that Arora did not implicate Singh in his initial statements, adding statements of an accomplice will have to be finally tested during the trial by way of cross-examination of witnesses. There has been no recovery either and thats another fact of the matter...You have kept him in custody for six months. Take instructions whether he has to be kept in further custody, it told Raju. When the hearing resumed at 2pm, the ASG said that although the agency has an arguable case, it will not come in the way of the grant of bail to Singh. Raju, however, said that he is not willing to make any concession in so far as Singhs challenge to the legality of his arrest is concerned. Responding, the bench said that EDs willingness to let him out on bail is good enough for now. It does not matter if you are not conceding on the matter of arrest. To him, its a matter of liberty and agreeing on bail is good enough, it remarked. The court then proceeded to order Singhs release on bail. Sanjay Singh, arrested six months ago in connection with the controversial Delhi excise policy case, has been under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the scandal that has embroiled several high-profile names, including Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia both presently incarcerated in the Capitals Tihar jail in the same case. Another AAP lawmaker Satyendar Jain is also lodged in Tihar jail over charges of money laundering in a different case. The case, which pertains to accusations of corruption, money laundering, and irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy, has seen the ED taking a stringent stance against the accused. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by ED, hours after the Delhi high court denied his request for interim protection from arrest a startling turn of events that left the Capitals politics in turmoil and pushed to new heights the ongoing conflict between the Union government and the AAP. The party has insisted that Kejriwal will continue as CM and he has issued two orders from jail, sparking condemnation from the BJP. ED has accused the CM of being the kingpin and key conspirator of the Delhi excise policy scam who acted in cahoots with ministers of his cabinet and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, while seeking to implicate AAP as the beneficiary of the alleged crime in the form of a company. Kejriwal was on Monday sent to Tihar jail following his 10-day custodial interrogation, during which, the agency claimed, the probe focussed on the role of Vijay Nair, a key figure in the case who allegedly played a significant role in facilitating allegedly illicit activities and connections within the liquor industry. NEW DELHI: The second batch of Indian military personnel responsible for operating an aviation platform in the Maldives will be withdrawn within April and the process of drawing down all such personnel will be completed by May 10, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has said. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu during official talks with the Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to China on January 10 (PTI FILE PHOTO) The remarks by the pro-China leader of the Indian Ocean archipelago at a public meeting on Tuesday came weeks after India replaced military personnel operating a helicopter with technical personnel early last month. He had earlier given an ultimatum for withdrawing some 80 Indian military personnel responsible for operating and maintaining two helicopters and an aircraft. Muizzu said the withdrawal process is underway in line with agreements reached by the two sides, state-run Public Service Media reported. The withdrawal of foreign troops is progressing as per the agreed timeline and troops stationed with the second aviation platform will be withdrawn within the current month, while those responsible for the third platform will be withdrawn by May 10. Reiterating his commitment to preserving Maldives independence, Muizzu said his government is dedicated to fulfilling this promise. The withdrawal of foreign troops from the Maldives is being pursued in accordance with diplomatic norms and principles, he contended. In an apparent reference to relations with India, Muizzu said his government is committed to giving priority to the interests and vision of the Maldivian people in Parliament to ensure that external agendas do not take precedence. He also said the objective of strengthening defence and security relations with friendly nations is to safeguard the sovereignty and independence of the Maldivian people. The Indian military personnel were stationed in the Maldives to operate two Advanced Light Helicopters and a Dornier aircraft provided by India that are mainly used for humanitarian assistance operations and medical evacuations. Muizzu has sought to move the Maldives away from dependence on India in crucial sectors such as food security and defence following his victory in last years presidential election. Besides finalising arrangements with Sri Lanka for medical evacuation services, Muizzus government has signed an agreement with Turkiye for drones to be used for maritime surveillance, and another with China for supply of non-lethal military equipment and training. He has also accused his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of operating on the orders of a foreign ambassador. Though Muizzu stopped short of naming any country, his remarks were widely perceived as a reference to India. Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday targeted Rahul Gandhi over the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) extending its support to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying if anyone tried to defame the nation, people would not tolerate or forgive them. Irani said that Congress was seeking support from terrorist organisations who opposed the abrogation of Article 370A and asked for proof of Balakot air strikes. (File) Speaking at a rally to support BJP candidate VD Sharma in Panna, Irani claimed that Congress was seeking support from terrorist organisations who opposed the abrogation of Article 370A and asked for proof of Balakot air strikes. "Today the kind of politics I am witnessing, I have heard that today he (Rahul Gandhi) is filing nomination from Wayanad. Against him, our Kerala unit is fighting the election. They (Congress) are now asking for support from terrorist organisations. They are these people who opposed the abrogation of Article 370A in the Parliament. These are the people who asked the soldiers to present proof of air strikes in Balakot. Today these people threaten the country for power. I want to say this to Rahul Gandhi that 'tumne agar desh ko kalankit karne ke liye dhamkaya toh yeh desh jhelta toh nhi, lekin agar chedha jaata hai toh yeh desh chordta bhi nhi (If you threaten to defame the country, it will not tolerate and won't forgive you)," Irani said. According to a PTI report, SDPI state president Muvattupuzha Ashraf Moulavi extended support to Congress and said, 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. The SDPI has long faced scrutiny over its alleged connections with the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), a group designated as a terrorist organisation by authorities. The Union home ministry declared the PFI and its associated outfits as "Unlawful Association", citing threats to national security and public order. While the SDPI has distanced itself from the PFI, concerns persist about potential ideological and operational overlaps between the two entities. Authorities remain vigilant, closely monitoring the activities of the SDPI and any potential remnants of the banned PFI network. Irani further said that Congress had a habit of running away due to the fear of losing. She said, I am from the region where a dynasty ruled for five decades, where having Tilak on the forehead and taking the name of Lord Ram was a kind of political curse. I am from the region 'Jahan Hath Ke Sath Cycle Bhi Chalti Thi, Hath Ko Saaf Kiya Gaya Cycle Puncture Kar Di Gyi'... Congress has a habit of running away out of fear of losing, ask this to the people of Amethi. Irani also congratulated BJP leaders in MP for the saffron party's significant support in the state. She said, Arrogance is exhibited by those who are born in political families and consider power their political birthright. It is also displayed by those who inherit power as a legacy. Today, as a party worker, I congratulate you (VD Sharma) and other party workers for your hard work and for making BJP a household name in Madhya Pradesh. Irani is likely to visit Wayanad to support NDA candidate K Surendran on Thursday, where he will file his nomination. Amit Shah slams Congress over SDPI support On Tuesday, during a roadshow in Karnataka's Ramanagara, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the public said, On one hand there are blasts in Bengaluru, on the other hand, I just got the news that SDPI has supported Congress. If this is true then can the people of Karnataka remain safe under the Congress government? Tesla, the worlds leading Indian electric vehicles (EV) manufacturer, has begun the process of producing right-hand drive cars for the Indian market in its Berlin factory and hopes to have them on Indian roads later this year, a person familiar with the companys plans said on Wednesday. Tesla is also sending a team in the third week of April to India to scout for locations to firm up its mega manufacturing plans to make vehicles in India for the wider developing world (Representative picture) Tesla is also sending a team in the third week of April to India to scout for locations to firm up its mega manufacturing plans to make vehicles in India for the wider developing world. ALSO READ- Despite ban, India allows onion export to five nations The person cited above confirmed that the company has got to work on both the export and manufacturing dimensions of its plans after the government of India announced its new EV policy last month. The new policy reduced custom duties on EVs, but linked it to a simultaneous manufacturing investment commitment above a certain threshold, within a specified time period, and with a strong localisation component. HT first reported, on January 13, that India was on the verge of announcing a new EV policy with an eye on attracting global majors such as Tesla, and getting a foothold in the EV and battery industry to meet its climate, economic and strategic objectives. The policy was released a day before the code of conduct kicked in for the elections, showing the importance the government attaches to the sector. On Wednesday, FT first reported that a Tesla team would travel this month to India to scout for manufacturing locations. The person familiar with the companys plans said that Tesla is considering Gujarat, Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu as the site for its plant, primarily because these are coastal states with ports. Tesla, the person confirmed, is looking to make what will possibly be the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in India. This may, tentatively, include a direct and immediate investment of $3 billion to produce a new small car from an Indian plant, a $10 billion commitment from other partners to support this manufacturing venture, and a cumulative $15 billion in the battery industry ecosystem. ALSO READ- India to be first non-European market for Tesla's proposed most affordable car: Report Simultaneously, Tesla has started production of a limited number of its standard brands to compete in the Indian market in its factory in Germany, a step that will also help the company build and test a charging ecosystem. Advocates of the project believe that Teslas investment is both a Suzuki moment for Indias EV industry as well as an Apple plus moment for Indias manufacturing aspirations. External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday targeted former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru over his stance on prioritising China over India while referring to India's stand when it was offered a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). S Jaishankar claimed that there was a time when the country's first prime minister said "India second, China first". Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses the gathering at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ahmedabad(PTI) Jaishankar added that the past mistakes of the former-PM led to problems including Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and occupation of some parts of the Indian territory by China. Read here: China renames 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh; Jaishankar says it means nothing While speaking at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ahmedabad, Jaishankar said, "In 1950, (then home minister) Sardar Patel had warned the then PM Nehru about China. Patel had told Nehru that today for the first time we are facing a situation on two fronts (Pakistan and China) which India had never faced earlier. Patel also told Nehru that he does not believe what the Chinese are saying as their intentions seem different and we should take precautions." "Nehru's stand was completely dissenting. He replied to Patel that you are unnecessarily suspicious of the Chinese... Also, it is impossible for anybody to attack us across the Himalayas... A few years later there was a debate about the UN, should India be given a UN seat at that time? So Nehru's position at that time was he said, we deserve a seat, but first we must ensure China gets a seat. So today we are talking of India first. There was a time when the PM of India talked about China first," he further said. However, praising the Narendra Modi-led central government, the Union minister said in the last 10 years, the centre has been successful in finding solutions to the issues that were inherited from the past. "Today when we talk about our boundaries, some say rewrite our boundaries. Our boundaries are still our boundaries, we should never ever doubt that. In the case of Kashmir we have a Parliament resolution (regarding POK) and everybody has to respect it," Jaishankar said, adding that it was important to seek answers about our position today, but it was also important to look at the mistakes of the past. Read here: Jaishankar on India's permanent seat in UNSC: We will definitely get it, but Earlier in Rajkot, Jaishankar expressed optimism about India getting a permanent seat at the UNSC saying diligent work is essential to secure the coveted position and the international momentum is now favouring India's bid for a permanent seat. He also called for heightened efforts in this regard. Earlier on Monday, Jaishankar hit out at China over its claims and renaming 30 more places in Arunachal Pradesh, saying "changing names does not have any effect". Jaishankar emphasised that "Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India". On Monday, China released a fourth list of 30 new names of various places in Arunachal Pradesh. China claims that Arunachal Pradesh is part of South Tibet and has named the state "Zangnan". (With inputs from agencies) Former civil servants, who have held the highest positions in the government service, are not amused with Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member and economist, Sanjeev Sanyal. Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member and economist, Sanjeev Sanyal(HT PHOTO) His statements were described variously as ignorant and ill-informed, with one of them quoting Thomas Gray's poem Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College (1742) saying: Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Sanyal said that five to eight years of preparation for the civil services exam by lakhs of students is a waste of youthful energy. As mentioned, it (is) perfectly fine to attempt the UPSC or other such exams, but only if the person wants to be an administrator. The problem is that lakhs of people are spending 5-8 years repeatedly doing this exam as a way of life. This is such a waste of youthful energy, he said in a series of social media posts. Former Union Finance Secretary Arvind Mayaram said that while Sanyal was welcome to his views, they were wide off the mark and smacked of gross ignorance. "I believe that there is no service in the world that offers the wide canvas of experience of public policy and governance that determines the lives of common people, he told this reporter. Adds Mayaram: ``If Sanyal wants to understand why certain policies work or do not work, why sometimes you have to take decisions that have to be taken, even if they are not the best under the circumstances, then he can go to Harvard or wherever he likes to go. But I can tell you that is the narrow part of his experience. Adding tongue firmly in cheek, the former Finance Secretary said that sometimes `ignorance is bliss. Another former IAS officer, MG Devasahayam, said that Sanyal has little knowledge of the civil services. ``He sees the civil services as a five-star way of existence. He does not know that young civil servants work in remote areas, where they acquire grassroot experience. Sanyal is seeing the IAS through the corporate prism and that is a mistake. According to Devasahayam, editor of a book Electoral Democracy: An Inquiry into the Fairness and Integrity of Elections in India, Sanyal needs to read the constitutional assembly debates and the views of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, who outlined that role of the civil service in a new independent country. ``The bureaucracy had the onerous responsibility of bringing out the country from dire poverty, maintaining law and order in the face of serious communal disturbances and maintaining the integrity of the nation. They have done a damn fine job there, despite some aberrations, he said. Devasahayam however, agrees with Sanyal that some of the time-tested pillars that held the civil service together, have been eroded over the years. "The politicians who have now come into public life are corrupt, venal, discriminatory and communal and they have managed to inject these viruses into the civil service as well. Brilliant and upright officers are thrown out and time servers are taken in because they do the bidding of politicians, he concluded. In a subsequent interview to a news outlet, Sanyal also said that he found the whole idea of people who have qualified for `other civil services like the IPS and IRS repeatedly taking the IAS as ``a waste of time". The economist and sometime historian spoke on the poverty of aspiration that India had suffered for decades and cited the examples of West Bengal and Bihar to illustrate his argument. Just like Bengal aspired to pseudo intellectuals and union leaders, Bihar aspired to small-time local goon politicians. In an environment where those are the role models, you can either become a local goon, if you don't want to become a local goon, your way out is to basically become a civil servant, he told journalists. Wajahat Habibullah, former chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities and a civil servant who was divisional commissioner of eight districts in Jammu and Kashmir, said that even though the civil services are out of tune, being basically a colonial service, the fact is that the civil services exam and the UPSC act as the role model for many youngsters. "Despite it having outlived its utility, there is no doubt that the civil service gives ample opportunity to youngsters to serve at the grassroot levels. They offer options like no other job in the world and it depends upon how people use these situations, he said. There are scores of examples where young officials have achieved so much that could not be done anywhere else. Of course the civil service needs reform. In the US, for example, the state department has its own cadres, who specialize in their respective fields, Habibullah said. After the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday claimed that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal lost 4.5 kg in jail and was not keeping well, the Tihar Jail authorities issued a statement countering the claim and said the chief minister's weight is unchanged at 65kg. While Tihar provided Kejriwal's weight since his arrival in the jail on April 1, AAP claimed that Kejriwal lost 4.5kgs since his arrest on March 21. "Arvind Kejriwal ji is a severe diabetic. Despite health issues, he remained engaged 24 hours a day in the service of the country. Since his arrest, Kejriwal's weight has decreased by 4.5 kg. This is very worrying. The BJP is putting his health at risk by putting him in jail," Atishi wrote in a post in X. If something happens to Arvind Kejriwal, not just the whole country, even God will not forgive them, she added. AAP on Wednesday claimed Arvind Kejriwal was not keeping well and has lost 4.5kg weight.(PTI) Arvind Kejriwal news: Follow LIVE updates Tihar's statement came an official clarification on their part that there has been no change in Kejriwal's weight in the last three days. "On arrival on 01.04.2024, Arvind Kejriwal was examined by two Doctors and all vitals were normal. Also, his weight is constant at 65 Kg, since arrival to jail and till date. Home-cooked food is being provided as per Court order. His vital statistics is normal," the jail authorities said. Atishi said the day ED took Kejriwal in custody, his weight was 69.5kg and now his weight is 65kg. Kejriwal at Tihar Jail No 2 On April 1, Kejriwal was sent to 15-day judicial custody in the liquor probe case. Following this, Kejriwal was sent to Tihar Jail No 2, which is a solitary barrack with 24/7 CCTV surveillance. Kejriwal was allowed home-cooked food and prescribed medicines and books. Kejriwal sought permission to carry the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and a book titled 'How Prime Minister Decided' by Neerja Chaudhary. In an earlier report, a prison official told news agency PTI that when Kejriwal was brought to Tihar jail at 4pm on Monday his sugar level was below 50. Medicines were given to him on the advice of the doctors. He was given tea in the afternoon and served home-cooked dinner on Monday. A mattress, blankets two pillows and a mosquito net were provided to him. On the first night at jail, Kejriwal was seen walking in his cell till late. A trial court on Wednesday asked Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lawmaker Sanjay Singh to provide a detailed itinerary of the places he travels to, share his mobile number, and always keep his GPS location on as it set the terms and conditions for his release from prison. AAP leader Sanjay Singh. (PTI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Singhs release from prison subject to the trial courts terms and conditions after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) did not oppose his bail plea in the Delhi excise policy case. The trial court directed Singh to surrender his passport, not leave the country without permission, and against tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses. It ordered him to provide his mobile phone number and to join the probe whenever needed. Special judge Kaveri Baweja asked Singh to deposit a personal bond of 2 lakh and one surety of the same amount. She noted the Supreme Courts condition for bail that Singh would not speak to the media about his role in the excise policy case. Singhs legal team volunteered the condition in the top court. The ED submitted the condition be imposed apart from that of the trial court. Advocate Rajat Bharadwaj and Kaustubh Khanna, appearing for Singh, submitted he is a member of Parliament and therefore not a flight risk. He submitted the court must also consider that the elections are around the corner and Singh would have to travel to campaign. ED arrested Singh on October 4 based on accused turned approver Dinesh Aroras statement. Arora claimed to have delivered 2 crore to Sarvesh Mishra, an alleged associate of Singh. New Delhi: While transferring of Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka with the tacit connivance of the then Tamil Nadu chief minister of DMK party in 1974 has now become a matter of political slanging match between BJP and Opposition, the fundamental question is was the transfer of this one-mile long island done on basis of personal equation between leaders or was it approved by Indira Gandhi cabinet. A view of Katchatheevu Island. The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement was signed in 1974 but entered into force on June 6, 2015, after the Union Cabinet under Narendra Modi Cabinet cleared the agreement and the Parliament cleared the 100th Constitutional Amendment Bill on May 7, 2015. The 1974 land boundary agreement signed between then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman was ratified 41 years later with a unanimous vote in both houses of Parliament. Although the matter of the transfer of Katchatheevu Island by then PM Indira Gandhi to then Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1974 and the surrendering of Indian fishing rights in 1976 is now before the Apex Court, there is no evidence yet that the transfer was approved by the Union Cabinet. Further, there was no approval from Parliament despite the matter involving the transfer of Indian sovereign territory to Sri Lanka. The said island has been described in MEA notes, made public as part of RTI, is one mile long and about 300 yards across. It is situated in the Palk Bay at a distance of 18 miles from Rameshwaram Island, 10.5 miles from Delft Island (Ceylon) and 20.1 miles from Mannar coast (Ceylon). Even though it was described as one rock island by then political leadership, the Katchatheevu Island extends the Indian waters as well the fishing rights of India. That the sovereign territory of India was given to Sri Lanka on a personal basis and to save the political career of Ms Bandaranaike without any overt or tangible returns for India arises suspicion. What is more damning is that DMK today blames the Modi government for fishing rights over Kachchathivu despite being party to the transfer in the very first place. This is akin to then PM Jawahar Lal Nehru recognizing the Chinese military occupation of Tibet in 1949 without any tangible returns for India or any assurances from then Peking towards Nehrus forward policy that ultimately led to the disastrous 1962 war. In contrast, India proposed demilitarization of the Siachen Glacier with Pakistan only after Indian military positions were mapped through six-digit grid references and the withdrawal of troops to specific points in reference to the terrain. Pakistan never agreed to the Indian proposal and the matter was put to rest. The peace proposal of removing boundaries from Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan through a joint mechanism was only discussed in the media as no paper ever reached the MEA or the PMO. While it is for the Apex Court to decide on the processes followed in transfer of Kachchathivu Islands to Sri Lanka, can the transfer of sovereign land be done on the basis of personal equations of leaders without Constitutional Amendment is the big point to ponder. New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor did not name any opposition leader when asked about who could take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and emphasised the importance of prioritising principles and convictions over individual personalities in Indias parliamentary system. Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor (File Photo) Tharoor said a journalist had asked him about the alternative to PM Modi. He said that the question of who could be an alternative to PM Modi is irrelevant in the parliamentary because we do not elect an individual, but a party or coalition of parties. Yet again a journalist has asked me to identify an individual who is the alternative to Mr Modi, he wrote on X. Tharoor said, unlike a presidential system, the Indian electorate is not electing an individual. Hence, the question is irrelevant. He added, We are not electing an individual (as In a presidential system), but a party, or coalition of parties, that represents a set of principles and convictions that are invaluable to preserve Indias diversity, pluralism and inclusive growth. Tharoor added that the alternative to Modi is not a single person but a group of experienced, capable, and diverse Indian leaders who prioritise the nations welfare over individual ego. Which specific person they will choose to be Prime Minister is a secondary consideration. Protecting our democracy and diversity comes first, he added. Tharoors post comes amidst ongoing discussions and speculation surrounding the upcoming general elections and the search for a viable alternative to the incumbent PM. The question If not Modi, then who, has been a rhetoric in the present political scenario. Like Tharoor, Indian actress Swara Bhaskar and Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra have also been very vocal in replying to this rhetoric. Bhaskars last year column in The Week said this question is the favourite quip when people want to end an uncomfortable discussion about the tragic trajectory Indian politics and society have taken under Narendra Modis New India. Moitra, earlier while speaking in favour of the no-confidence motion in the parliament had said, Anyone but Modi. Tharoors remarks shed light on the broader political landscape, urging a shift in focus towards overarching principles rather than individual candidates. Tharoor is a three-time member of parliament from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The Congress has fielded him in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Left Fronts Pannyan Ravindra. Tharoor will submit his nomination as the Congress candidate for Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency on Wednesday. In Punjab, you cant force your way. Any national party coming here should aim to win the hearts of the people and not the numbers, Sukhbir Singh Badal told Hindustan Times in his first comments since the breakdown of talks for re-stitching a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance which had ruptured in 2021 over the now-repealed three farm laws. Both parties have been allies since 1996. When Sukhbirs father, Parkash Singh Badal, who was at the helm of SAD in 1996, announced an unconditional alliance with the BJP, the move caught everyone by surprise. Badal senior (who passed away last year), was a contemporary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, the key movers in the saffron party at the time. The move by the Sikh-oriented party bewildered even the BJP leadership, but they welcomed the party one of the oldest in the country after the Congress as an ally. The move left the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) red-faced. The Kanshi Ram-run party was SADs ally at that time and he was furious that SAD did not take them into confidence before stitching ties with BJP. Badal Senior accompanied by Gurcharan Singh Tohra, the then head of the gurdwara body Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), addressed the press and called the alliance with BJP a symbol of Hindu-Sikh unity in Punjab, much needed as the state was emerging from dark days of terrorism at the time. A few months later that year, the SAD-BJP alliance managed a thumping victory in the 1997 state assembly polls winning 93 seats (75 to SAD and 18 to BJP). The two parties are ideologically different, but both parties derive political strength from their respective dominant religious identities: the BJP from Hinduism and SAD as the protector of Sikh ethos. Both parties complemented each other the BJP in urban areas and the Akalis in rural Punjab. Today, the differences seem too vast to bridge. SAD is seeking the release of Bandhi Singhs (Sikhs detenues) who have been in jail for about 28 years. Then there is the matter of Balwant Singh Rajoana who is on death row for assassinating Punjabs former CM Beant Singh in 1995. But the saffron party has a very clear stand against terrorism. Rajoana's execution was stayed in 2012 and his mercy petition has been pending for 12 years. The matter by raised in Parliament by Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur last December. The Union home minister Amit Shah said: Anyone who is not ready to repent his past actions has no right for mercy. SAD is also seeking that radical leader Amritpal Singh who is currently lodged in Assam jail be shifted to a jail near Punjab. Parkash Singh Badal with Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Lal Khurana in 1996. (HT Archive) When they were good, they were good For well over two decades, SAD and BJP enjoyed power in Punjab winning the assembly polls of 1997, 2007 and 2012. BJP MLAs became ministers in the coalition government in Punjab and Akali Dal got a share of the pie when the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government was formed at the Centre in 1998, 1999, 2014 and 2019, with cabinet berths going to SAD leaders like Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Sukhbir Singh Badal (Badal Junior) and Harsimrat Kaur (Badal Seniors daughter-in-law) got the cabinet berths (the last quit after the farmers protests over the three laws introduced by the government in 2020). The two parties are driven by religion but there is a stark contrast between them. The Akalis talk of states autonomy, but BJP advocates for a stronger Centre, said analyst Jagrup Singh Sekhon who headed the political science department of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Badal Senior called the alliance inseparable as nails from the flesh, and the Akalis and BJP leadership would often share the dais at events to showcase the power of the coalition such as the inauguration of Ranjit Sagar Dam in 2000 when Vajpayee was PM, and in 2019 opening of Kartarpur corridor, where PM Narendra Modi was present. The exit SADs exit from the NDA was abrupt but necessary. The Sikh party took the side of the farmers protesting against the farm laws that the government had passed, and which they repealed a full year later. What annoyed the BJP was that SAD had a chance to view the draft bills and analyse the possibilities of a backlash in Punjab, which has a predominantly agrarian population. However, SAD failed to sound the alert about the sharp reaction. They hold that the BJP government in the Centre had sprung a surprise by passing the bills without their knowledge. Later, much to the dismay of SAD, the BJP government in Haryana formed a separate gurdwara body, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. The Act governing the historic gurdwara in Nanded was amended to make provisions for the nomination of members by the Maharashtra government. Previously, the SGPC had control over all historic gurdwaras in Haryana and had members in the Nanded gurdwara management committee. With the change in law, the state government will nominate 12 members to the governing body. Earlier, the composition was a mix of elected and nominated members and four Sikh MPs. The speculation A few months ago, leaders of the two parties began talking at each other (but never sat on the discussion table to resolve issues) giving rise to speculation that there may be a reconciliation in the works. SAD demanded the release of Sikh detainees, particularly Balwant Singh Rajoana facing a death sentence for his role in the assassination of former CM Beant Singh and also sought the shifting of Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh to Punjab (he is currently lodged in Assam jail). They also demanded the withdrawal of cases against farmers who protested at the borders of the Capital in 2020-21 against the three farm laws. Most significantly, they asked that the SGPC be consulted before any decision in matters pertaining to Sikhs such as bifurcation of the SGPC. SAD is keen to stitch up the alliance, but after the polls were declared and the model code of conduct imposed, the Akalis sensed that no announcement was forthcoming over their demands. Last week the SADs core committee, which is their top decision-making body, passed a resolution hinting that the party might go alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The resolution stated that the party wanted to resolve the issues concerning Punjab and the Sikhs as a prerequisite for an alliance with the saffron party, hinting that no alliance was possible at this stage. Two days ago on Monday, BJP president JP Nadda spoke to SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, and made a last-ditch effort for an alliance but SAD repeated their demands which Nadda didnt agree to. On Tuesday, BJP announced it will contest solo in all the 13 parliament seats in Punjab and SAD, on the same day, announced that it would form a manifesto committee to write the partys agenda for the polls. Our pre-conditions for alliance didnt find favour with them, Sukhbir said, adding, Victory or no victory, for us, the prestige of Khalsa Panth and Punjab is more important than power. To be sure, the Akali Dal chief acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modis gestures towards the Sikh community in the last decade, in particular the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, waiver of GST on the community kitchen in Golden Temple and doing away with the so-called black list barring several expatriate Sikhs entry to India These were good gestures. But, meddling in the Sikh religious affairs is creating resentment in the community. This must stop forthwith, he said. Minorities are feeling insecure. It is a missed opportunity for Punjab, Akalis and also the BJP. The people of Punjab felt secure in the alliance, Amanpreet Singh, professor of the political science department at Khalsa College, Delhi, said. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that he is ready to resign if Union home minister Amit Shahs accussation on the government over the delay in drought relief to the state is proven right. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar during a road show in support of Congress candidate Sunil Bose ahead of Lok Sabha elections, on Wednesday. (PTI) Speaking to media in Mysuru, he challenged Shah and accused him of spreading falsehoods regarding states submission of a memorandum to the Centre for drought relief. Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the delay in releasing drought relief funds to Karnataka was due to the delay by the state government in submitting the proposal by three months. ALSO READ- 2008 Malegaon blast: Court seeks NIA report on Sadhvi Pragyas health condition Addressing party workers and leaders in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Shah had said, There is a drought in Karnataka, they (state government) were late by three months in sending a proposal to the Central government, and today the application for drought relief from the Centre is with the Election Commission. They (Congress government) are doing politics over it. Siddaramaiah vehemently denied Shahs claim and said that the state government had submitted its memorandum not once, but three times by October 2023, well before the Central teams visit to assess the situation on the ground. If this is false, I will resign, the CM said while asking Shah if he will submit his resignation if his claim proves to be untrue. ALSO READ- Modi govt built Ram temple in Ayodhya, Akhilesh Yadav was against it: Amit Shah in Muzaffarnagar Siddaramaiah further said In October 2023, we submitted three memorandums seeking drought relief funds. The Central team visited the state in October and submitted a report on October 20. I personally met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 19 and Union home minister Amit Shah on December 20 regarding this matter. Shah assured me of a meeting on December 23, but it has yet to happen. How can the Union home minister blatantly lie like this? What moral authority does he possess? Furthermore, he emphasised that all relevant records regarding the release of drought relief funds by the Centre have been submitted to the Supreme Court. If our claims were untrue, we would not have approached the apex court. According to the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, the Union government is obligated to release the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) during calamities such as droughts or floods. The NDRF fund belongs to the states. The delay in disbursing these funds is unjustified, and the Centre must fulfil its obligations. I urge people to express their discontent by refraining from voting for the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Siddaramaiah added. In March this year, the Karnataka government has approached the Supreme Court against the Centre, demanding release of drought relief under the NDRF. The state has pegged crop loss damage due to drought at 35,162.05 crores and sought 18,171 crore from the Centre under the NDRF. ALSO READ- Smriti Irani becomes a voter in Amethi Of this, 4,663.12 crore was towards crop loss input subsidy (which is provided regarding the cost of inputs like seeds and fertilisers), 12,577.9 crore towards gratuitous relief for families affected by drought, 566.78 crore for drinking water purposes and 363.68 towards cattle care. The BJP has refrained from making comments on Amit Shahs statement and the state governments counter. HT reached out to two BJP MLAs and a spokesperson, however, they refused to comment saying the state party will issue a statement on the matter. Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre and in the state would solve the D voters or doubtful citizenship issue, especially for Bengali-speaking Hindus in the next six months. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (Twitter/@himantabiswa) D voters, or doubtful voters in Assam are those who have been disenfranchised due to doubts about their citizenship. According to the state government, there are 96,987 D voters in the state as of February this year. Attending a public rally in Silchar, Sarma said, I never made this claim earlier but now I can say this because all the necessary discussions have been completed. I can assure you, all the problems faced by the Bengali Hindus, including D voters will be solved in the next six months. It can be mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2014 general election visited the Barak Valley and assured that no genuine Indian would suffer due to the D-voters issues if he came to power. Also Read: Only 3-6 lakh people may apply under CAA in Assam, not 1.5 crore: Himanta Biswa Sarma Earlier this year Sarma had said that over 96,000 people in the state have been marked as doubtful (D) voters and more than 159,000 have been declared as foreigners in the state so far. Sarma in an interview last month said that around 500,000 Bengali-speaking Hindus were excluded from the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and many of them have adequate documents, so they do not require Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to prove their identity. The Barak Valley part of Assam has around a population of 4.5 million and according to the election commissions records, a large part of the population is Bengali-speaking. Sarma on Wednesday said that their government has worked on protecting the rights of linguistic communities like Manipuri and they respect the Bengali language as well. The Bengali language has a rich legacy and we are committed to protecting the Bengali culture. Well solve all the issues faced by the Bengali Hindus, he added. After the Election Commissions delimitation process last year, the Silchar Lok Sabha seat in Barak Valley became reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and the Karimganj seat, which was SC reserved since independence and during delimitation, became an independent seat. Sarma on Wednesday said that delimitation has made BJPs way to win both the seats in Barak Valley easier and the margin of win will be larger than 2019 general elections. Also Read: CAA completely insignificant in Assam: Himanta The 2019 election was tough for us but our candidates in Barak Valley won. This years election is much easier because of Delimitation. Our candidate in Silchar will win by a margin of 2.5 lakhs while in Karimganj, well be ahead by one lakh votes, he said. Assam is going to polls in three phases, starting from April 19. The pollings in the two seats in Barak Valley are scheduled for April 26. Sarma said that many star campaigners would visit Assam and this part of the state in the upcoming weeks. Every party should bring their popular campaigners here because elections are a celebration of democracy. For us, Narendra Modis name and his works are the biggest campaigners. We will go to every household with Modis name, even to house former MP Sushmita Devs house, he said. Sarma said that he is sad because one of the most efficient ministers of his cabinet, Parimal Suklabaidya, is going to parliament but he is happy that such an honest man will be representing Assam in parliament. He praised Rajdeep Roy who won the 2019 election from Silchar beating Congress candidate Sushmita Dev. When the opposition brought a no-confidence motion and Modi was facing it, I saw Rajdeep taking the strongest stand. As a resident of Assam, I felt so proud of him, Sarma said. After the announcement of the CAA rules, Roy said that his family is a victim of partition and religious persecution in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and by nominating a member of such a family as an MP, the BJP showed its intention to protect the migrated Hindu Bengalis. When it comes to American politics and its impact on India, here are four seemingly contradictory features that are simultaneously true. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat on the final day of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi (PTI) One, the Joe Biden administration has done a competent, responsible and methodical job in the Indo-Pacific to constrain China. Yes, both Ukraine and Gaza have come in the way of what would otherwise have been a sharper focus on China. But Biden was smart in carrying forward the one important rupture from the Trump years of viewing China as an adversary and waking up to the limits of engagement. Under Biden, Quad assumed momentum; Japan began its military modernisation; the United States (US), Japan and South Korea struck a trilateral security pact; the US, Japan and the Philippines are about to have a trilateral summit; American presence in the Philippines increased; AUKUS was announced; the US woke up to the importance of South Pacific islands; White House hosted all ASEAN leaders in DC; a sensitive election in Taiwan was managed; American ties with Vietnam deepened; and the US instituted the strongest set of tech restrictions on China. Yes, it kept talking to Beijing to prevent conflict, but while the engagement is tactical, the competition appears instinctive, strategic, systemic and fundamental. India fits into this wider frame in four ways. Bidens team recognised Delhi was a valuable stakeholder in global conversations, supported its G20 presidency, and made India a key pillar in various mechanisms IMEC, I2U2, Quad, IPEF, Mineral Security Partnership, and Artemis Accords. It recognised that no global issue, from energy and food security to the climate crisis and pandemic management to sustainable development goals to supply chain diversification, could have a global solution without India on board. It recognised that building Indian capabilities, a desirable goal to help share the burden on security in the region and beyond and deter China, required creating trusted tech ecosystems (think Micron), co-production and co-development in defence (think GE) and American majors investing in manufacturing (think Apple). And Bidens team saw that India, because of its sheer size, neighbourhood, history, and self-identification as a civilisational State, will always have a unique set of interests which may align with the US, but wont be identical and sometimes may even diverge. And that was fine, for a friendly but relatively autonomous Delhi with credibility in the Global South was still better than Beijing. Two, the Democrats arent comfortable with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This is for three reasons. One, the Democratic Party has turned more diverse in recent years. This has been good for Indian Americans; it isnt a coincidence that all five desis in the US Congress are Democrats. But it also means that Democrats became the natural home of those who share the same convictions about the need for identity-based representation of minorities and inclusion and dislike majoritarianism and ethnic nationalism. The BJP is now widely seen on the other side of these values. Two, the influence of American Muslims and this includes Indian-American Muslims has increased in the Democratic fold, as Bidens troubles over Gaza in a swing state such as Michigan show. Three, the politics of Democrats against Trump rests on how he is a threat to democracy; this leads the party to be receptive to those who speak the language of human rights, a constituency that frames the BJP in the same category as other conservative extremists. The recent spat over the American comments on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or elections is a product of this strand. But Bidens team has found a way around it. Which is to raise these issues privately; occasionally comment in public if asked, but ambiguously, as a signal of solidarity to those lobbies within the US worried about India and the non-BJP spectrum in India; ensure that top decision makers separate the noise from the substance. The American commentary may be gratuitous and counterproductive but to see it as some deep state conspiracy to destabilise Indian politics is a complete misreading. Three, Donald Trumps areas of interest are narrow and they obviously dont include the state of religious minorities or the robustness of an electoral system, fidelity to liberal constitutionalism, the nature of a democracy or the absence of checks on executive authority in any other country. Neither does Trump believe in investing American capital in shaping other societies. All of this means that India will be spared even the limited political attention Democratic leadership pays to internal democracy except, perhaps on Christian rights, where Trump will be susceptible to evangelicals or when Trump wants to extract something from India on another front. Four, this doesnt mean Trump who retains an edge in the polls will be good for Indian strategic interests. To be sure, India was less affected than other countries during his erratic first term and not being a treaty ally helps since Delhi isnt dependent on the whims of the occupant of the White House. Trumps break with China helped India and Trumps administration offered support both during the crisis with Pakistan after Pulwama and with China after Galwan. But term two will see an even more transactional, more unpredictable, and more isolationist Trump. The optics of a weaker and divided America in political chaos that lets down allies (aka Europe and Ukraine) itself empowers adversaries. It isnt surprising that each of the USs rivals, and some of its friends who dont like the Democrats, want Trump to win. Take one example. Beijing is already re-cultivating American business and is allegedly pushing out a misinformation campaign to influence the elections to help Trump; dont rule out a Chinese offer on trade and investment to Trump in return for strategic accommodation of its interests. Trumps recent U-turn on ownership of TikTok, against his own earlier order, due to the influence of a donor-lobbyist, is a pointer. In any case, an America that sees its global obligations as an irritant suits Beijing just fine, for who else is best positioned to fill the ensuing vacuum in much of the world. Trump may or may not reverse course on China after all his signature foreign policy move was taking on Beijing. But his sheer unpredictability on the China question, penchant for fighting with allies both in Asia and Europe, hawkishness on trade and economy, and the promised war on American institutions, indicate that Trump 2.0 will leave the world even more turbulent and will demand far more from Indian diplomacy, a prospect that should worry Delhi. The views expressed are personal (Bloomberg) -- Jeff Bezos is expanding his real estate empire with a third mansion on South Floridas exclusive Indian Creek island. Jeff Bezos is expanding his real estate empire with a third mansion on South Floridas exclusive Indian Creek island. (AP) The Amazon.com Inc. founder agreed to pay about $90 million in an off-market transaction for a six-bedroom home in the Miami-area enclave, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Bezos plans to live there while he tears down the other houses he bought on the island, said one of the people. A representative for Bezos declined to comment. Property records show the house was last sold in 1998, for $2.5 million. Also Read: Why rich Indians are buying marquee properties in London Bezos, the worlds second-richest person worth $203.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, announced in November that he was moving to Miami from the Seattle region. He shelled out $147 million for two mansions in Indian Creek, a man-made barrier island thats so renowned for its wealth that its dubbed Billionaire Bunker. Other residents include Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady and Carl Icahn. Also Read: B&M billionaire sells luxury London mansion at 30% loss Since February, Bezos sold Amazon shares worth about $8.5 billion after not disposing from the company stock since 2021. Bezos, 60, hasnt disclosed plans for the proceeds. Also Read: Jeff Bezos splurges on $68 million home in Florida's Billionaire Bunker island for his bride-to-be Bezoss property holdings also include homes in Washington, a Maui estate and a Beverly Hills mansion he bought for $165 million in 2020. Also Read: Delhi-NCR's real estate market: Here's why rich Indians are lapping up luxury properties The owner of the mansion in his latest Florida deal, at 28 Indian Creek Island Road, is listed as former banker Javier Holtz. (Updates with net worth in fourth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2024 Bloomberg L.P. WhatsApp server down: Meta's instant messaging faced server issues on Thursday as users reported problems while sending or receiving messages on the application. WhatsApp down(AFP) Downdetector, a website that tracks outages, noted over 17,000 reports from Indian users flagging problems with WhatsApp platform. The issue surfaced around 11 pm. According to NetBlocks, another platform that tracks internet disruptions, Meta platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp are currently experiencing international outages, particularly affecting image and media uploads. The incidents are not related to country-level internet disruptions or filtering. WhatsApp affected globally The problem with Mark Zuckerberg's WhatsApp was global as over 67,000 users in the United Kingdom and 95,000 in Brazil reported problems with the platform. Users in the United States also faced issues with Instagram, according to Downdetector. What WhatsApp said? WhatsApp acknowledged the problem and said: We know some people are experiencing issues right now. We're working on getting things back to 100% for everyone as quickly as possible, it added in the statement. On the Meta Status service page, the parent company said, "We are currently experiencing an outage impacting service on Cloud API. This issue started at 04-03-2024 11:10 AM PST (11:40 pm IST). Our engineering teams are investigating the issue. We will provide another update within 4 hours or sooner if additional information is available." Memes float on X WhatsApp being down is the top trend in X, flooded with hilarious memes and messages. One user wrote, WhatsApp is down for everybody, go breathe some fresh air. Another quipped: Everyone: Whatsapp and Instagram are down (cry emoji) Me who uses Telegram and X (chill picture) Last month, a technical issue caused a Facebook and Instagram outage that lasted for more than two hours, affecting hundreds of thousands of users globally. This is a developing story. Please get back to check for updates. Numerous students across India prepare to crack the IIT-JEE examination in high school to gain a good education and to get excellent placements. However, as 36% of the latest batch of IIT Bombay students failed to get placed, it has raised concerns about unemployment in India. This year, 712 of around 2,000 students registered for the 2024 placements but about 36% are yet to find jobs. Many people shared about unemployment in India on X after seeing IIT Bombay placements this year. (HT PHOTO) The percentage of students without placement this year was 35.8%, which was 2.8 percentage points more than the number from the previous session. In 2023, IIT Bombay had 2,209 students enrolled, of which 1,485 secured jobs through campus placements. This left 32.8% of the students without placements, mirroring the concerns about the relatively low placement rate from the previous session as well. (Also Read: IIT-IIM grad on how the premier institute changed education for Kanpur, Indore, Jammu students) As the institute failed to find jobs for 36% of its students this year, many people took to X to express their thoughts about it. How did X users react to this? An official from the placement cell of IIT-Bombay told HT that it was a struggle "to invite companies to the campus compared to last year due to the global economic meltdown". The official also said, "Most companies were unable to accept salary packages pre-decided by the institute. It took many rounds of negotiations before they agreed to come over. For the first time, registered students from the computer science and engineering branch, which are most in demand, have not seen 100% placement among those registered." (Also Read: What are they teaching at the IITs?: Indian-origin startup CEO slams IIT Kharagpur candidate over false resume claims) Of the 380 companies seeking new talent, a significant portion hailed from the domestic market. Generally, international firms have been the majority over Indian companies. A professor from the institute told HT, "The institute is focused on big packages to maintain the high mark of average salary packages. However, it is not focusing on the salary bagged by an average student this has created a system where despite getting offer letters, most students reject them later and choose other ways to seek employment." Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal batted hard for the start-up ecosystem in Bengaluru, saying that cities like Mumbai and Delhi cannot beat the energy that entrepreneurs can get in the tech capital of India. Gaurav Munjal, co-founder and CEO of Unacademy, is based in Bengaluru. (HT Photo) I don't think you should be based out of Mumbai or Delhi. I think you should be based out of Bengaluru. Come to Bengaluru, increase your odds, Munjal said at TechSparks 2024 in Mumbai recently. Mumbai is a better city than Bengaluru. If I have to spend a weekend, I'll choose Mumbai. But if you are starting up, Bengaluru is slower paced than Mumbai. Bengaluru is a slower city than Mumbai but the odds of your success increases a lot," Munjal told Shradha Sharma, founder and CEO of YourStory. Munjal, who studied in Mumbai and is now based in Bengaluru, said that at coffee shops in Bengaluru, he has always come across at least one entrepreneur who is trying to build something big. The energy is very different. You can't beat these network effects in other cities, it's not going to happen, he said, joking that the goal of the TechSparks start-up event in Mumbai and Delhi should be to convert people to go to Bengaluru. If you are starting up, your goal should be how do I increase the probability of success in every move I do, and the eco-system in Bengaluru is next-level. Munjal's strong statements, quite predictably, stirred up several reactions among social media users. As users weighed in on which city is better for startup founders, Munjal responded with GIFs. Take a look at how Gaurav Munjal responded on X: Recently, Munjal had stressed on the importance of competitive exams such as the IIT-JEE and NEET when a user on X termed them as useless. A lot of students aspire to join IIT with the hope of securing good placements. However, what is the ground reality of employment opportunities at this prestigious institute? Recently, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Gaurav Garg took to X to share four significant points about placements in IITs. Snapshot of IFS officer Gaurav Garg who explained about IIT placements. (X/@IFS_GauravGarg) First, he mentioned that "Fresh IITians get a salary of around 6 lakh to 35 lakh. With higher packages offered to CSE, ECE graduates invariably." (Also Read: As 36% of students fail to get placed in IIT Bombay this year, people raise concerns over employment) Second, he said, "Figures of crores to IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras IIT Kanpur and other #IIT students are mostly from USA/Singapore/abroad based companies and in coding domains. Example - #Google, #Facebook, #Twitter etc." Then he said, "The salary packages include the ESOPs, leave encashment, staggered payments in 4-5 years etc. Sometimes, the in-hand salary is only 40-50% of #CTC quoted." In the end, he added, "Average salary package offered (except computer science ) is 10-12 Lacs per annum with core branches like mechanical, civil engineering getting placed on the lower side." (Also Read: IIT-IIM grad on how the premier institute changed education for Kanpur, Indore, Jammu students) This year, IIT Bombay has failed to find jobs for 36% of students. 2,209 students enrolled for placements, out of which only 1,485 secured jobs through campus. An official from the IIT-Bombay placement cell told HT that it was a struggle "to invite companies to the campus compared to last year due to the global economic meltdown". "Most companies were unable to accept salary packages pre-decided by the institute. It took many rounds of negotiations before they agreed to come over. For the first time, registered students from the computer science and engineering branch, which are most in demand, have not seen 100% placement among those registered," added the IIT official. A crossover of 2024 we didnt expect, this is what an Instagram user wrote while reacting to a video shared by Dolly Chaiwala. The clip, which surprised netizens, shows the tea seller conversing with another online celebrity, Vada Pav girl. The image shows Nagpurs Dolly Chaiwala with Delhis Vada Pav Girl. (Instagram/@dolly_ki_tapri_nagpur) Finally met with Viral Vada Pav didi. She is a very hardworking person. Please don't hate, and no trolling. Best wishes for future Di, Dolly Chaiwala wrote as he posted the video. In the clip, Dolly says he is happy to meet Chandrika Gera Dixit, known on social media as Vada Pav Girl. He also shares that they are proud of working hard to earn money. As for Dixit, she expresses her admiration for Dolly and explains how he inspires her. Take a look at this video of the surprising "crossover": Since being shared, the video has gone crazy viral. The share has accumulated more than 15 million views - and the numbers are only increasing. The clip had further collected tons of comments from people. Chandrika Gera Dixit reacted to the video and wrote, Thank you so much, Dolly Bhai, for your time. I am very thankful for this meeting. What did other Instagram users say about this viral video? "Collaboration of the year," wrote an Instagram user. "I absolutely love this video," added another. "Unexpected Collaboration of 2024, which no one could have imagined," commented a third. Dolly Chaiwala and Vada Pav Girl regularly share videos on their Instagram pages. The clips capture their unusual way of preparing food and their interactions with customers. Usually, their videos receive tons of comments and reactions from netizens. What are your thoughts on this viral video? Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, is rumoured to be dating Brazilian actor and model Larissa Bonesi. According to reports, the speculations of the two being a couple came to light after they were spotted together, and it is also said that they also follow each other on Instagram. However, neither Aryan Khan nor Larissa Bonesi have confirmed their relationship. Snapshot of Aryan Khan (left) and Larissa Bonesi (right). (Instagram) A man dropped off his wife, who was travelling to Mumbai, at the railway station in Vadodara. He helped her settle her luggage, unaware of the adventure that awaited him. As he was about to deboard the train, he found himself locked inside it. He immediately contacted the TC for assistance, but it was too late. A screengrab of the WhatsApp conversation between Gujarat man and his daughter after he came to drop off his wife at the railway station in Vadodara. (X/@imkosha) X user Kosha shared this incident on the microblogging platform. She wrote, When the train arrived, like every other Indian man, he took the luggage & settled it well near the seats so that mom can sit comfortably. Everything seemed perfectly fine until he found himself in a situation that was both distressing and adventurous. Thats when the automatic door started beeping, and before my dad could realise, he got locked inside the train, and the train started moving! He found the TC and asked to immediately stop the train to deboard, but the TC said its too late the train had already picked up the speed, Kosha added. She continued, So now both my mom and dad are travelling in Vande Bharat for the first time my mom till Mumbai and my dad till the next station which is Surat, looking for a return ticket to Vadodara in a night dress, with our car parked somewhere near Vadodara railway station. Kosha also attached a screenshot of her WhatsApp conversation with her father, where her father called this short trip with his wife a premium one. Take a look at the screenshot of the WhatsApp conversation here: The posts were shared on April 2. Since then, they have accumulated a plethora of likes and comments. Happened to someone I know and he was fined a hefty sum for ticketless travel, posted an individual. Another wrote, Must be a good time as a couple with laughter and little frustration. This is exactly the piece of news I want to come across from when I open Twitter while I have my coffee in the morning! shared a third. A fourth joined, This is so cute. Haha. These are the stories I want to remember! expressed a fifth. A sixth joined, The VandeBharat announces that doors will close and those dropping off passengers should alight the train. THE NEW YEAR began dreadfully in Japan. At around 4:10 pm on January 1st a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto peninsula on the northern side of Honshu, the countrys main island, killing at least 78 people. The earth shook even in Tokyo, some 300km (185 miles) away. The following day a Japan Airlines flight burst into flames after landing at Tokyos Haneda airport and colliding with a Japan Coast Guard plane that entered the same runway while on a mission to deliver supplies to the earthquake disaster zone. The disasters proved less catastrophic than was feared. In the wake of the quake, officials warned of an impending tsunami with five-metre waves. Broadcasters urged residents to evacuate, evoking a tremor in 2011 that triggered a vast tsunami and a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. Yet the major tsunami did not materialise; the highest waves reached 1.2m in Wajima port, near the epicentre. Though dire, the death toll is far from the roughly 20,000 people killed in 2011. Several nuclear plants are located near Noto but none experienced operational abnormalities, according to the Nuclear Regulation Authority, a body set up after Fukushimas meltdown. Dramatic video footage of the burning Japan Airlines plane spread on social media. The images made the chances of survival for passengers look slim. In the event, five of the six crew members on the coastguard flight were killed. But all 379 people aboard the civil aircraft made it out alive. The earthquake still caused severe damage. The recovery will be protracted. Some 97,000 people were initially ordered to evacuate their homes. More than 30,000 households lost power; water service ceased in dozens of towns and villages. Bullet-train service was halted. The runway at Notos main airport cracked. Many roads collapsed, complicating evacuation and rescue efforts. In light of the suffering this caused, Japans emperor and empress cancelled their traditional New Year appearance, planned for January 2nd. Japan sits in one of the worlds most seismically active areas. Major earthquakes have occurred regularly throughout its history, often causing political aftershocks. In 1923 a magnitude-7.9 quake struck near Tokyo, triggering a disaster in which at least 105,000 perished. The tragedy prompted the government to introduce seismic building codes and to support extensive research into plate tectonics. Japan is still dealing with the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, in particular the Fukushima meltdown, which led to the temporary closure of its nuclear plants. The current government has been pushing to revive nuclear power, and public opposition has softened in recent years. But each subsequent quake is a reminder that seismic risk is ever-present. Yet the earthquake in Noto also shows how resilience can be cultivated. The destruction would probably have been much worse were it not for Japans attention to disaster risk. The country invests heavily in prevention measures. Early-warning systems beam messages about big quakes to mobile phones and television screens; one alert for an aftershock on January 1st interrupted a live broadcast of an appearance by the prime minister. Local governments and businesses plan and train rigorously for disasters. Ishikawa prefecture, which includes the Noto peninsula, created a Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters almost as soon as the disaster hit. JR East, which operates trains in the regions closest to the quake, had its bullet-train lines running again by 3pm on January 2ndless than 24 hours after the quake. Similarly, those aboard the Japan Airlines flight survived largely thanks to thorough preparation and calm execution. The carrier is known as an industry leader in safety culture. Despite flames licking at the planes windows and smoke filling its cabin, a well-trained crew evacuated all 367 passengers, including eight infants, within 18 minutes. Flight attendants implored passengers to keep calm while they identified three safe exits and employed backup megaphones to communicate when the in-flight announcement system failed. Passengers in turn seem to have followed instructions not to take luggage during their escape. Together they slid to safety, turning a potential tragedy into an object lesson. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Toronto: A controversial motion moved by an Indo-Canadian MP from Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus ruling Liberal Party, targeting India, has been criticised for its potential to cause irreparable damage to relations between New Delhi and Ottawa. Indo-Canadian MP Sukh Dhaliwal who has brought the motion before the House of Commons, in Ottawa, Canada. (Credit: Sukh Dhaliwals Office) The private members motion was moved on February 12, by Sukh Dhaliwal, MP from the riding (as constituencies are called in Canada) of Surrey-Newton in the province of British Columbia, and seconded by several others, including six more Indo-Canadian MPs. The motions text stated it wants the House of recognise that recent events, including the credible allegations of a link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, at a place of worship on Canadian soil, are examples of rising forms of intimidation, threats, and interference from countries such as India, China, Russia, Iran, and others. Nijjar was killed on June 18 last year in Surrey, British Columbia. The principal organiser in the province for the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Nijjar was considered a terrorist in India though those allegations were not tested in a Canadian court. His killing impacted bilateral ties after Trudeau stated in the House on September 18 that there were credible allegations of a potential link between Indian agents and the murder. In a letter to Dhaiwal, the Board of Directors of the Canada India Foundation (CIF), the apex community group, said, This motion is a cynical attempt to target a particular country and the Hindu community using yet unproven and unverified allegations as a cover. This Motion if passed will be one more initiative in a lengthy list of provocations that will damage the Canada India relationship. As an organisation keen to see our bilateral issues resolved, we are concerned that the disproportionate influence exercised by a violent minority continues to cast a shadow on our domestic politics and foreign policy, CIF noted. Also opposing the motion by Liberal Party MP Chandra Arya. In a letter, he said, With no evidence presented and proven in our judicial system, the motion if passed, starts a dangerous precedent where mere allegations get legitimised by the Parliament of Canada. The motion M-112, if passed, will further encourage the well-organised and well-funded anti-India and anti-Hindu groups in Canada and will escalate the fear of Hindu-Canadians about the safety of their families, the letter added, as Arya called upon his fellow Liberal MPs not to support the motion. Arya was attacked for that stand, as in a joint statement, Moninder Singh, spokesperson of the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council and Amarjit Mann, spokesperson of the Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, called for his resignation. We would like to remind Mr Arya that he is an elected official for the Government of Canada and should behave accordingly rather than seeking to promote Indian interests within Canadian institutions, the statement said. Moninder Singh, a proponent of Khalistan, had most recently said he felt India or its actors were responsible for the firing at the residence of pro-Khalistan figure Simranjeet Singh on February 1. However, police later said there was no evidence of foreign interference in that case. Dhaliwal is a veteran politician, and also a member of the Canada-China Legislative Association as three other MPs who have seconded it. Other than him, six others Indo-Canadian Liberal MPs have seconded the motion. All the seconders, other than one Bloc Quebecois MP are from the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP). We have no quarrel with any legitimate inquiry by our government and will abide by its findings when and if published. However, using a yet-to-be proven allegation as a key point in Motion 112 is an attempt to further create divisions and hurt Canadas bilateral interests with India, the letter sent by CIF stressed. Finland on Wednesday signed a 10-year security pact with Ukraine and will send it a further 188 million euros ($203 million) in military aid, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said after meeting Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv. Finland's President Alexander Stubb, left, shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (AP) The accord covers security cooperation and long-term support including backing for Ukraine's defence and security against two-year-old Russia's invasion and for Ukrainian reforms and reconstruction, Stubb's office said. "The 10-year agreement is proof of Finland's long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine," it said in a statement. Finland will also provide another package of defence materials including air defence and heavy-calibre ammunition among other things, Stubb said at a joint press conference with Zelenskiy in the Ukrainian capital. He said the fresh aid package would take the total Finnish contribution to Ukraine's defence since 2022 to around 2 billion euros. "We are not giving this military support only for Ukraine to defend itself, we are giving this military support for Ukraine to win this war," Stubb said. Ukraine relies heavily on Western air defence systems against its militarily superior foe and has been long pressing its international partners for bigger weaponry to ward off increasing Russian strikes on its cities and energy grid. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday Kyiv's partners were not providing enough air defence to protect against Russian missile strikes even though they had more than 100 Patriot systems in their own arsenals. NATO foreign ministers were meeting in Brussels to address how to put military support for Ukraine on a more sustainable long-term footing to guard against any critical cut in U.S. support if Donald Trump returns to the White House. Finland is also preparing a four-year plan to support Ukraine with a budget for development and restoration of 290 million euros, Zelenskiy's office said in a statement. Finland shares a 1,340-km (830-mile) border with Russia and joined NATO last year, breaking with generations of military non-alignment to bolster its defences against any threat from its giant neighbour. A 12-year old suspected of shooting and killing a classmate and wounding two girls at a school in Finland said he had been motivated by bullying, police said Wednesday Candles and flowers are placed in front of the Viertola School to pay tribute to victims in Vantaa, in the north of the Finnish capital Helsinki. (AFP) Flags flew at half-mast as the northern European country observed a day of mourning a day after the boy had opened fire in a classroom at his school in the Finnish city of Vantaa. "The motive for the act has been identified as bullying," police said in a statement. "The suspect has told the police during interrogations that he has been the victim of bullying and this information has also been confirmed in the police's preliminary investigation." Police also said that the young suspect had only been a student at the school since the beginning of the year. They said their investigation had shown that he had threatened other students on their way to the school. According to Finnish broadcaster MTV Uutiset, the boy wore a mask and noise-cancelling headphones when he carried out the shooting. The child who was killed, a Finnish boy also aged 12, died at the scene, and the suspect had already fled the school by the time police arrived. The police opened an investigation into murder and attempted murder but said the suspect has been handed over to social services as he could not be held in police custody because of his age. The revolver-like gun used in the shooting belonged to a close relative of the boy, they said. Tel Aviv, The first batch of more than 60 workers from India have arrived in Israel under a government-to-government agreement to bolster the country's construction industry facing a huge shortage of trained hands. HT Image The G2G mechanism has been worked out to keep away middlemen and to make the process of hiring fair through the screening tests conducted by Israeli examiners, who visited India a few times and coordinated the process with the Indian government agencies. The first batch of Indian construction workers arrived in the country on Tuesday evening. "Today we had a farewell event from the first batch of 60 Indian construction workers going to Israel under the G2G agreement. This is an outcome of hard work of many, including @NSDCINDIA. Im sure that the workers become 'ambassadors of the great P2P relations between India and Israel," Israel's ambassador to India Naor Gilon posted on X on Tuesday. Earlier, a little over 900 construction workers had arrived from India during the last few months through the B2B route, involving manpower agencies in both countries. Construction industry sources expressed dismay at the slow pace saying that after three months during which over 20,000 foreign workers from India and Sri Lanka were approved for jobs in the construction sector through screening tests conducted by the Israeli Contractors Association , only about a 1,000 workers had arrived so far. They blamed the "bureaucratic procedures" that included obtaining various permits from the governments for the long delay. Most of the selected workers are said to have resigned from their jobs and are said to be waiting to receive a visa to work in Israel, they said. "The Israeli government has repeatedly reported its intention to speed up these procedures but has not done so," a source told PTI. All stakeholders in Israel are said to have proposed several plans to fast-track the process in their discussions with the government. "The task assigned to us by the government was carried out at a record pace. It has been weeks since we completed three rounds of selection of workers in which professional approval was given to employ over 20,000 workers, half of them in the government track and half in the business track," the Israel Contractors Association told PTI. "We call on the government to act immediately to bring here the workers who have already approved and to create a fast track for the approval and flight of the workers here. The delay in the arrival of the workers from India and Sri Lanka hurts all concerned," it said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in December last year had discussed advancing the arrival of Indian workers to Israel. The Israeli construction industry employs workers in specific fields where there is a lack of Israeli workers. The largest group of about 80,000 workers in the construction industry came from the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank and another 17,000 from the Gaza Strip, a huge majority of whom had their work permits revoked following Hamas' brutal attack on Israel in October. Another group of about 7,000 workers in the sector have come from China and some 6,000 from Eastern Europe. Israel's Minister of Economy Nir Barkat during his trip to India in April last year, had spoken to officials and his counterpart in New Delhi about hiring Indians in various sectors, including in the construction sector, much before the current escalation. The discussions had revolved around bringing in almost 160,000 people. About 18,000 Indians are working in Israel, mostly as caregivers. Most of them decided to stay back in Israel and did not leave the country during the war because "they felt quite secure" and "also because the salaries are quite attractive". Israel and India also inked an agreement in May last year during then Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's visit to New Delhi that will allow 42,000 Indian workers to work in the Jewish state in the fields of construction and nursing, a move that would address the rising cost of living and assist thousands of families waiting for nursing care. A statement released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry then said that 34,000 workers would be engaged in the construction field and another 8,000 for nursing needs. About 800 workers from India have also joined the agricultural sector in Israel during the past six months. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The Palestinians on Tuesday officially revived their bid for a full member state in the United Nations -- a process with an uncertain outcome but one they say is necessary in the face of Israel's offensive in Gaza. The Palestinians on Tuesday officially revived their bid for a full member state in the United Nations -- a process with an uncertain outcome but one they say is necessary in the face of Israel's offensive in Gaza.(AP) The Palestinians, who have had observer status at the world body since 2012, have lobbied for years to gain full membership, which would amount to recognition of Palestinian statehood. In a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, dated Tuesday and seen by AFP, UN envoy Riyad Mansour requested "upon instructions of the Palestinian leadership" that an application dating back to 2011 be reconsidered. ALSO READ| Who were the seven aid workers killed in Gaza during Israeli airstrike? The letter has been transmitted to the Security Council, and the Palestinians have asked that it be reviewed this month, according to the documents seen by AFP. Mansour has repeatedly said in recent months that given Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, a response to the October 7 attack by Hamas, UN membership is a priority for the Palestinians. "It was the international community that decided to create two states in Palestine since 1947," Mansour said in February. "It is the duty of the international community along with the Palestinian people to complete that exercise by admitting the state of Palestine to membership." Last month, he said the Palestinians would "start mobilizing the largest number of countries to support us" and expressed hope that the council would act in April, pointing to a council meeting set for April 18 on the situation in Gaza. Malta, which holds the rotating Security Council presidency, said Mansour's letter was "received and circulated" to council members, adding that talks would be held "on a way forward." The League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement sent a letter to Guterres on Tuesday, also seen by AFP, supporting the bid by the Palestinians. "We wish to bring to your attention that, as of this date, 140 Member States have recognized the state of Palestine," said the joint letter, which included a list of those countries. ALSO READ| Netanyahu admits Israel 'unintentionally' killed Gaza aid workers: 'It happens in war' - US veto? - The 2011 application, launched by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, never came before the Security Council for a vote, and the General Assembly voted to grant the Palestinians observer status in November 2012. Any request to become a UN member state must first be recommended by the council, then endorsed by a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly. Observers believe the Palestinian push for membership is unlikely to reach the assembly as the United States, Israel's closest ally, could use its Security Council veto power to derail the recommendation. "I find it very hard to see the US swallowing this proposal." Richard Gowan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, told AFP, noting that it took months for Washington to agree not to block a council resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire. "As far as Washington is concerned, forcing Palestinian statehood up the agenda is simply likely to make coaxing Israel into a ceasefire harder," Gowan said. To win the council's approval, the Palestinians would have to secure nine votes from the 15 members and no veto from any of the five permanent members: Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States. For now, Israel has clearly rejected a two-state solution, and its parliament voted overwhelmingly in February against any unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood. Several European countries -- Britain, France and Spain -- have raised the possibility of considering recognition. In February, French President Emmanuel Macron said such a move was no longer "taboo." A new draft Security Council resolution written by France -- now in the early stages of negotiations -- raises the idea of "intent to welcome the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations," according to a text seen by AFP. In November 1947, the UN General Assembly voted to divide the British Mandate for Palestine into two states -- one Jewish, one Arab. But only Israel was established on May 14, 1948, sparking a war between the new nation and several Arab countries. For Gowan, "the Palestinians know that they have a moment to push this issue now, which may fade away if there is a ceasefire and UN members focus on other issues." Prince Harry is concerned about a serious security risk ahead of his UK visit, a source has revealed. In May 2024, the Duke of Sussex will return to Britain to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The publication of the date and time of his appearance has now raised concerns. Prince Harry is concerned about a 'serious security risk' before his UK visit after sharing sensitive information in his memoir (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)(AP) Why does Prince Harry think he is at risk? According to a source, Harry thinks he is at risk after sharing sensitive information in his memoir, Spare. The prince is expected to return to the UK in May; however, Harrys team wanted the exact date of the appearance to be kept confidential for safety reasons, the source said, according to GB News. Notably, Harry admitted in the book that he had killed 25 Taliban fighters during his time as a soldier in Afghanistan. The source told the Daily Express, Thats why his team were so adamant about keeping his whereabouts on a need-to-know basis. Whenever hes appeared at events in the UK in the last few years, there have been last-minute announcements due to this very reason. "The fact that St. Pauls has published the exact time and date of an event he is due to attend on their official website weeks in advance is seen as a serious security risk, the insider added. It was reported that after the release of his book, Al Qaeda had ordered his death. This comes as Harry recently lost a High Court challenge against the Government over his safety and security in the UK. He was fighting a 2020 decision by the Executive Committee for Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he is required to get a different degree of protection in Britain. When Harry stepped down from the royal family in 2020, he was told he would not be given the same degree of protection he received earlier. Harry later claimed that he still faced threats when he visited the UK, and alleged that he had been treated unfairly. Harry is very adamant about appealing the courts decision, the source said. He wants to spend more time in the UK with his family and doesnt feel comfortable doing that until his security has been secured. Lets just say the leak of the date of the Invictus Games Anniversary Service has gone down like a lead balloon. Harry is already very concerned over his security in the United Kingdom, so this has just added extra anxiety to his fears. While there have been no announcements about the date of the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service, it is listed for May 8 on St. Pauls website. The schedules are always published about six weeks in advance, the source said. But the events are usually announced in a different section on the website that is more visible, and that hasnt been done yet. Despite all the glamorous surroundings, if anything, Prince Harry might feels more spare than ever after the public announcement of Kate Middleton's cancer, a royal author revealed. Royal experts reveals Prince Harrys true feelings over Kate Middleton's cancer announcement. AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool, File, Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) On March 22, The Princess of Wales publicised her diagnosis. And, it might be unknown to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as to whether she informed them of the announcement before. It has generated conjectures about how comfortable or uncomfortable Harry must be within the social set-up and how he may be more affected by her health crisis than others. Dr. Tessa Dunlop, a royal author, expressed her insights to the Mirror, stating, Harry is the self-identifying royal Spare. And in the wake of his sister-in-laws health revelations, I expect he feels more spare than ever. Amid a speech raised about the financial divide between the royal brothers, there will be chatter that Prince Harry can visit Prince William when he comes to the UK in May for his Invictus Games. ALSO READ| Prince Harry concerned about serious security risk before UK visit after sharing sensitive information in memoir Dr. Dunlop conveyed her empathy for Sussexxes, who traded their royal roles for a new life in California in 2020. No, they dont have cancer, and yes, they have been publicly critical of the British Royal Family. But in our own families, how many of us hold back our feelings on the off-chance a sibling or sister-in-law might get sick? She remarked. Giovanna Fletcher shares bonding with Kate Amid the Princess of Wales' cancer woes, Giovanna Fletcher, a podcast host and winner of Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! in 2020, shared her down-to-earth experiences with the wonderful human Kate Middleton. Recalling their interactions before the Princesss announcement: Shes just brilliant. From the first time I met her to now, Im still blown away by her ability to connect with everyone. We were talking about ni**le cream the last time we were together. Shes just brilliant. From the first time I met her to now, Im still blown away by her ability to connect with everyone. We were talking about nipple cream the last time we were together," she recounted. ALSO READ| Was Kate Middleton forced to release her cancer video? Report claims a leak was at the Palace's heels Middletons absence from this years Easter Sunday service, following her chemotherapy treatment post-abdominal surgery in January, had sparked weeks of speculation. The situation was exacerbated by mockery from several celebrities, who have since issued apologies. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday spoke with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to demand a probe into a strike that killed charity workers in Gaza, including British citizens, a Downing Street spokesperson said. Food supplies are airdropped by the UK Armed Forces to civilians, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the northern Gaza Strip (via REUTERS) The UK also summoned Israel's ambassador in London to hear its "unequivocal condemnation" of the killing of three British and four other staff at the World Central Kitchen charity. Sunak told Netanyahu that "he was appalled by the killing of aid workers", a spokesperson said in a statement. He also "demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened". The US-based World Central Kitchen charity has said that Israel's strike on Monday killed seven of its staff unloading food brought by sea to the war-torn Gaza Strip to help alleviate looming famine. Sunak told Netanyahu that the situation in Gaza was becoming "increasingly intolerable" and that the UK "expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid", the Downing Street statement said. The UK Prime Minister had earlier said called on Israel to "take immediate steps to protect aid workers". According to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Israeli ambassador attended the summons. Junior UK foreign minister Andrew Mitchell said after the summons that he had requested "a quick and transparent investigation, shared with the international community, and full accountability". "I reiterated the need for Israel to put in place an effective deconfliction mechanism immediately and urgently to scale up humanitarian access," Mitchell added. "We need to see an immediate humanitarian pause, to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire." The World Central Kitchen has said it was pausing operations after the "targeted Israeli strike" killed Australian, British, Palestinian, Polish and US-Canadian staff. Initial reports and statements said one Briton had died, but the charity and UK government subsequently confirmed three had lost their lives. The Israeli military has said it was "conducting a thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident". British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he had spoken on Tuesday with his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz to underline that the deaths were "completely unacceptable". "Israel must urgently explain how this happened (and) make major changes to ensure safety of aid workers on the ground," he added. Cameron, who was prime minister from 2010 to 2016 and returned to frontline politics last year as the UK's top diplomat, had earlier called news of the incident "deeply distressing". "These were people who were working to deliver life-saving aid to those who desperately need it," he said on social media. "It is essential that humanitarian workers are protected and able to carry out their work." Cameron has become increasingly critical of aspects of Israel's war in Gaza since Hamas's October 7 attack, repeatedly calling for more aid to be allowed into the territory. Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged on Tuesday that the surge in temporary immigrants to the country was beyond what it was able to absorb and said his government wanted to get those numbers down. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks on the day he makes a housing announcement in advance of the 2024 Federal Budget, at the Sunset Community Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on March 27. (REUTERS) Responding to questions at an unrelated event in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Trudeau said, Over the past few years, weve seen a massive spike in temporary immigration whether its temporary foreign workers or whether its international students, in particular, that have grown at a rate far beyond what Canada has been able to absorb. He said that in 2017, the percentage of the overall population comprising temporary immigrants was just 2, but it has ballooned to 7.5% presently. Thats something we need to get back under control, he said, adding his government wanted to get those numbers down and they caused so much pressure in our communities. The jump in immigration numbers has caused a housing affordability crisis in Canada, while also impacting services and infrastructure and has contributed to the plummeting political fortunes of Trudeau and the ruling Liberal Party. At the time Trudeau first came into office, in 2015, the number of international students totalled 219,035, of whom Indians with study permits were at 31,920. Both those numbers have surged since, with 684,385 study permits issued in 2023, with 278,860 Indians among them. Similarly for temporary foreign workers, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were just 1,955 in 2015, including 155 from India. In 2023, those numbers sharply escalated to 167,65 and 24,330 respectively. Under pressure, the government has attempted to temper the numbers. On March 21, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller announced the governments target to decrease in our temporary residents population to 5% over the next three years. In January, IRCC announced it will implement an intake cap on the number of applications accepted for study permits for international students which is expected to result in a reduction of 35 per cent in those numbers this year as compared to 2023. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023, IRCC noted in a release at the time. The Port of Baltimore partially reopened on Monday, creating a temporary channel to release some trapped tugs and barges following last week's tragic bridge collapse. Despite this progress the Dali crew has been stranded for a week now. According to a PTI report they are expected to be onboard until the probe complese. Journalists, members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and crew members of the Survey Vessel Catlett survey the damage done to the cargo ship Dali one week after it collided with and destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge on April 02, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Getty Images via AFP) When will Dali's Indian crew get off board? The report states, they are busy with their normal duties and will remain on board until the investigation into the accident is completed. At this time, we do not know how long the investigation process will take and until that process is complete, the crew will remain on board. Grace Ocean Pte and Synergy Marine Spokesperson told PTI. The investigators boarded the vessel on Wednesday and collected documents, voyage data recorder extracts, and other evidence as part of their investigation. The shipping channel has been obstructed since a fully loaded container ship lost power and collided with a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last Tuesday. The incident resulted in the deaths of six road workers and caused the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River. Also Read: The Crew members are healthy Challenges faced to clear the cargo vessel The immediate challenge facing the recovery team is freeing the cargo vessel Dali. The Dali is trapped under steel bridge debris with 4,000 containers and a 21-member crew stranded aboard since the accident. "We're talking about something that is almost the size of the Statue of Liberty. The scale of this project, to be clear, is enormous. And even the smallest tasks are huge," Governor Wes Moore emphasized Also Read: Baltimore bridge collapse a 'national economic catastrophe', says Maryland Governor The recovery efforts are more complex than initially anticipated. The twisted steel is obscured by murky waters darkened by the volume of debris. Officials have not provided an estimated timeline for clearing the harbour. Limited ship traffic resumed on Monday after recovery teams opened a temporary channel with a controlling depth of 11 feet (3.35 meters) on the northbound side of the wreckage. Governor Moore announced that a second temporary channel on the southbound side, with a depth of 15 to 16 feet (4.6 to 4.9 meters), would open "in the coming days." Also Read: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/temporary-channel-opened-in-baltimore-harbor-to-aid-bridge-response-101711998315836.html Governor Moore announced that a second temporary channel on the southbound side, with a depth of 15 to 16 feet (4.6 to 4.9 meters), would open "in the coming days." Once the debris is cleared, a third channel with a depth of 20 to 25 feet (6.1 to 7.6 meters) will allow almost all tug and barge traffic in and out of the port. U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Baltimore on Friday to assess the recovery efforts firsthand, according to White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre. The Biden administration has played an active role in the recovery, securing barges and a crane, providing early financial assistance, and working with Congress to ensure federal funding for the bridge reconstruction. Former US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against Wes Moss and Andy Litinsky, the co-founders of the social media platform Truth Social. Stock turmoil follows as Donald Trump sues Truth Social co-founders. Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP(Getty Images via AFP) The lawsuit alleges mismanagement by the executives, which Trump claims led to significant delays in the companys Initial Public Offering (IPO). Filed in a Florida state court, the suit by Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. seeks to have the co-founders shares in the company rescinded. Moss and Litinsky, who previously appeared as contestants on Trumps television show The Apprentice, proposed the idea of Truth Social to Trump after his ban from Twitter in the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. ALSO READ| Donald Trump's net worth plunges $1bn after Truth Social's $58mn loss and stock debacle Mismanagement at Truth Social evident in SEC filings The lawsuit states, This was a phenomenal opportunity for Moss and Litinsky, and asserting that Without President Trump, Truth Social would have been impossible. The suit also claims that the co-founders should drop all their shares for mismanaging the company. The Trump Media & Technology Group saw its value inflate on paper, but the reality proved less promising. A recent SEC filing disclosed that Truth Social generated only $4 million in revenue against losses of $58 million in 2023, casting doubt on the platforms profitability and investment viability. You don't need to be a business prodigal to understand how big of a flop Truth Social is. The legal complaint, first reported by Bloomberg, accuses Moss and Litinsky of failing to establish proper corporate governance and secure a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) to facilitate the companys public debut and provide necessary funding. The suit was filed on March 24, subsequent to the approval by shareholders of Digital World Acquisition Corp. to merge with Trump Media & Technology Group, now renamed Trump Media, where Trump is the principal shareholder. Trump probably diluted Truth Social's shares, co-founders sued the platform The legal battle between the parties escalated when Moss and Litinsky filed a lawsuit against Trumps company in Delaware Chancery Court in February. They allege that the former POTUS attempted to dilute their shares by proposing an increase in the total number of authorized shares from 120 million to 1 billion. ALSO READ| Donald Trump's niece spells doom for Truth Social, it's destined for failure, experts agree The public trading of Trump Media shares commenced on March 26, with the stock price initially soaring above $79. However, the value has since experienced a steep decline, closing at $51.60 on the following Tuesday. This downturn coincides with the companys financial report, which disclosed a net loss of $58.2 million against a revenue of $4.1 million for the year 2023. Why has Truth Social stock plummeted The stock of Truth Socialhas plummeted due to many factors: The social platform reported a significant loss of nearly $60 million last year, while generating only about $4 million in revenue. last year, while generating only about in revenue. This financial downturn has reduced the former presidents net worth by $1 billion. Truth Social is experiencing a loss of users and an increase in cash burn, which has raised concerns about its sustainability. The companys shares had previously surged in a manner similar to meme stocks, which are known for rapid increases due to social media hype despite weak business fundamentals. After the initial surge, experts had anticipated a market correction, warning that the stock was likely to fall. Trump Medias sole income comes from advertising on Truth Social, which has been affected by the platforms declining user base. These factors combined have led to a sharp decrease in the stock price, with shares dropping by $13.30 to $48.66 on Monday, although they remain up by nearly 200% for the year. How much has Trump lost after Truth Social listing Following the listing of Truth Social, Trumps financial stake in the company suffered a significant loss. On the first day of trading, the stocks surge increased the value of Trumps shares to over $5.2 billion. Last week, the stake was valued at approximately $4.88 billion. After Mondays market downturn, the value of his stake fell to about $3.83 billion. This clearly says that Trumps stake in the company has decreased by more than $1 billion since the listing of Truth Social. Former US President Donald Trump is again striving to disqualify the judge, who is to oversee his forthcoming criminal trial in New York, from the trial, having employed the arguments the pro-Democratic political consultants have a conflict of interest. As the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president nears, Donald Trump challenges the impartiality of the presiding judge. REUTERS/Brian Snyder(REUTERS) Just like Trump had requested Judge Juan Merchans recusal on similar grounds, but the motion was rejected when an ethics committee determined there was no substantial question regarding Merchans impartiality. Why the recusal? In the file, which is one page long and was added on 1 April, lawyers of Trump asked judge Merchan to give them permission to file the request of the court to recuse himself, arguing that the trial will benefit financially the daughters campaign firm, Authentic Campaigns. ALSO READ| Trump posts $175 million bond in civil fraud case; clears path for appeal and asset protection It can no longer be ignored that Authentics commercial interests are benefited by developments in this case, Trumps lawyers noted. With the opening of the trial on 15 April, the former US president would become the first ever criminal defendant of the American presidency. The former president has pleaded not guilty ten 34 charges of falsification of business accounts to conceal all the payoffs with the former lawyer Michael Cohen in the sum of $ 130,000 to the director of the adult movie Stormy Daniels aka Stephanie Clifford, to stay quiet about having sexual relations with Trump before the election of 2016. Trumps denial of any involvement with Daniels. Trump extended bar attacks on judge's family Yet on the flip side, a court in New York just before granted Trumps wish to be held back from making indecent attacks against his daughter, the ex-president shared a clip on Truth media or Truth Social where the Fox News host Brian Kilmeade has made nasty attacks on her just after hours of his own nasty attack. Loren Merchan, the head of a political consultancy with Democratic ties, has been targeted by Trump in his bid to remove her father, Judge Juan Merchan, from overseeing his New York hush-money case. ALSO READ| Donald Trump's net worth plunges $1bn after Truth Social's $58mn loss and stock debacle The shared clip includes attorney Jonathan Turley and Kilmeade on Fox & Friends, where they discuss Judge Merchans recent decision. This ruling extended the gag order against Trump, which initially only covered court personnel, prosecutors, and witnesses. The updated order now also prohibits Trump from making public attacks against the relatives of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Merchan. On Tuesday, former US President Donald Trump steered the conversation away from the contentious abortion issue, instead focusing on what he described as Stop Bidens border bloodbath during a speech in a pivotal county far removed from the southern frontier. Donald Trump refocuses campaign on immigration, declares Every town a border town(Photo by TANNEN MAURY and Brendan Smialowski / AFP)(AFP) There's never been a border like this, said the Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a prepared speech responding to President Joe Biden. Every town a border town The former Presidents visit to the swing county, located over a thousand miles from the US-Mexico border, marked his return to the campaign trail after a 24-day hiatus. During his speech in Michigan, Trump made a bold declaration, stating, every state a border state and every town a border town, thereby nationalizing the issue of border security. He then continued his campaign efforts with a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin. ALSO READ| Donald Trump accuses Truth Social co-founders of IPO delays and costly missteps in new lawsuit Grands Rapids witnessed Trump's roundtable dialogue comprising local and state policing authorities. In this fashion, Trump held a rally in Arizona against the backdrop of photos he claimed the migrants victims had captured. This campaigning raised the decibel level, rebuilding the image of an intrepid Trump choosing to reject a transpartisan border policy. It became contentious again when the air of the locality was broken due to booing from the crowd towards the question about abortion being asked by a reporter. Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, pleaded to the questions with the noticeable six-week abortion ban but informed the media that he is going to talk on the issue next week in place of today. Trump's Grand Rapids speech marks start of general election showdown The trip of Trump was occurring simultaneously with the massive criticism that emerged among the Democrats following a decision from the Florida state Supreme Court that validated a six-week abortion restriction. There already existed irreconcilable differences in the candidates stances on abortion and immigration, which may give a hint of the policy debates that will be in the forefront of the general election campaign. John Yob, a Republican strategist in Michigan, highlighted the significance of the days events, stating, In many ways, today is the kickoff of the general election. And Grand Rapids, Michigan, is ground zero in the national election, because if President Trump can over-perform relative to his 2016 and 2020 numbers in West Michigan, then that puts Michigan out of reach for President Biden, which means the country is out of reach for President Biden. ALSO READ| Donald Trump again seeks judges recusal in upcoming New York hush-money trial over alleged commercial interests Trumps choice of Grand Rapids for his immigration policy remarks was deliberate. His appearance followed the tragic death of 25-year-old Ruby Garcia, who was allegedly killed by an individual who had been deported to Mexico in 2020 and later re-entered the U.S. illegally. Grand Rapids is the center of Kent County, a key battleground that Trump won in 2016 but lost to Biden in 2020. You win Michigan, you win the election, Trump hailed. Donald Trump has called for a mandatory death sentence for cop killers in the aftermath of the murder of NYPD detective Jonathan Diller. Speaking at a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the former president urged Congress to pass legislation to ensure that people convicted of murdering police officers are given capital punishment. Donald Trump has called for mandatory death sentence for cop killers after Jonathan Diller's murder (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File, New York City Police Department via AP) I will ask Congress to send a bill to my desk ensuring that anyone who murders a police officer will receive immediately the death penalty, Trump told the crowd, drawing a standing ovation, according to New York Post. Were going to do that, and youll see the whole situation come to a halt. Diller, 31, was performing a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway when he was shot dead after a confrontation ensued involving an illegally-parked vehicle. The suspect, Guy Rivera, 34, was later arrested and charged with murder of a police officer, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Its hard to explain how beautiful it was Stephanie, the whole family, was so incredible, Trump said of Dillers wife and loved ones. The Diller family is so incredible. Its hard to explain how beautiful it was, Trump said of the wake. It was sad, horrible in so many ways, but the family so many police officers in the family Stephanie was incredible. Trump said that it was amazing to see the love and the respect for Diller, adding that thousands of policemen and women went up to that funeral parlor and that there were lined for blocks and blocks outside the site. Trump called Dillers one-year-old son, Ryan, the most beautiful baby ever. Describing Dillers murder as vicious, he said the detective was blown to pieces. After Dillers death, Trump reportedly visited his family and prayed the Lords Prayer with them. He travelled to Long Island after being personally invited by Dillers family. He offered his condolences to Stephanie and Ryan. Residents of a Florida house were in for a shock when a chunk of metal believed to be part of a discarded battery pallet from the International Space Station crashed into it. The object crashed through the roof and two stories of the house. NASA is now investigating the incident. A Florida resident described the moment a 'space debris' ripped through his home (@Alejandro0tero/X) The cylindrical slab reportedly weighs about 2lb. It is now being analysed by engineers for the American outer space exploration agency. It struck the home in Naples on March 8, in the afternoon. Something ripped through the house It was a tremendous sound. It almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all, the homeowner, Alejandro Otero, told WINK News. Something ripped through the house and then made a big hole on the floor and on the ceiling. Otero was not at home when the incident took place, and was away on vacation. According to the scientific journal Ars Technica, the object was most possibly from the space station (ISS). The re-entry of a piece of space debris over the Gulf of Mexico was recorded by the US space command just five minutes before the object hit Oteros home. It used to have a cylindrical shape, and you can tell by the shape of the top that it traveled in this direction through the atmosphere, Otero said. Josh Finch, a NASA spokesperson, told Ars Technica that an analysis of the object will take place as soon as possible to determine its origin. However, some space experts think they know the answer already. In March 2021, a 2.9-tonne pallet used for a battery upgrade on the ISS was jettisoned. At the time, NASA said that it was the largest object, considering the mass, ever ejected from the orbiting outpost. Sometime between March 7 and 9, 2024, it was scheduled to make an uncontrolled re-entry. Harvard-Smithsonian astronomer Jonathan McDowell posted on X, Reentry of the EP-9 battery pallet jettisoned from ISS in 2021 is currently predicted (by Space Force) between 1230 UTC Mar 8 and 0830 UTC Mar 9. It will not totally burn up on reentry - about half a tonne of fragments will likely hit the Earth's surface. Otero responded to the post with pictures of the damage. He wrote on X, Hello. Looks like one of those pieces missed Ft Myers and landed in my house in Naples. Tore through the roof and went thru 2 floors. Almost his my son. Can you please assist with getting NASA to connect with me? Ive left messages and emails without a response. According to Ars Technica, this issue will not be easy to resolve as the origin of the chunk remains unclear. It said that although NASA owned the batteries, they were attached to a pallet structure launched by Jaxa, the Japanese space agency. The European Space Agency (ESA), which monitored the pallet when it descended, said that while some parts may reach the ground, the casualty risk, the likelihood of a person being hit, is very low. Esa said that uncontrolled re-entries are not rare. A large space object re-enters the atmosphere in a natural way approximately once per week, with the majority of the associated fragments burning up before reaching the ground, it said. Most spacecraft, launch vehicles and operational hardware are designed to limit the risks associated with a re-entry. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, has revealed that she declined an offer to be Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s running mate in his independent presidential bid, as she told ABC News. FILE - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at an event where he announced his run for president on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, in Boston. (AP) "I met with Kennedy several times, and we have become good friends," Gabbard said in a statement. "He asked if I would be his running mate. After careful consideration, I respectfully declined." Gabbard did not elaborate on her reasons for turning down the offer. This development had not been previously reported. Kennedy had considered various individuals for the role, including former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and TV host Mike Rowe. He announced at a rally in Oakland, California, last week that he had selected Silicon Valley lawyer Nicole Shanahan due to her younger age and work in health and artificial intelligence. Kennedy and his campaign have not yet responded to Gabbard's statement. However, a person close to him told ABC News, "There were definitely meetings, but it didn't work out." This person added, "We talked to a bunch of people. Tulsi's a rock star no matter what." Some allies of former President Donald Trump have also suggested Gabbard as a potential vice-presidential pick. Gabbard ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019 before leaving the party three years later. She chronicles her departure in a book titled "For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind," set to be released this month. Gabbard criticized the Democratic Party upon announcing her departure, blaming "warmongers" in the party "who are driven by cowardly wokeness, who divide us by racializing every issue." She had also clashed with the party's mainstream on issues such as Florida's controversial ban on LGBTQ+ topics in public school classrooms, which she supported. During her 2019 White House run, Gabbard made history by becoming the first woman of color since 1972 to secure a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, was deployed twice to Iraq and Kuwait. She took a two-week absence from the presidential campaign trail in 2020 to report for active duty in Indonesia with the Hawaiian Army National Guard. According to a recent poll by the Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump has a lead over Joe Biden in six of the seven swing states. The survey, released Wednesday, found that the presumptive GOP nominee had a lead of between 2 and 8 percentage points among voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina. Donald Trump has an edge over Joe Biden in six of the seven swing states, new poll by WSJ finds(AFP) New poll finds Trump has edge over Biden in 6 of 7 swing states The journal added that the results were similar in a one-on-one matchup with the US president on the ballot that included third-party and independent candidates. Meanwhile, in the seventh state, Wisconsin, where Biden was already ahead by 3 points on a multiple-candidate ballot, the two rivals were tied in a head-to-head contest, per Reuters. The Biden re-election campaign is grappling with voter concerns about the US economy despite job growth, healthy spending and better-than-expected GDP increases, an issue that has vexed economists and Democratic political strategists, according to the outlet. In the poll, the negative views for Biden outweighed the positive ones by at least 16 percentage points and more than 20 points in four of the states. The outlet further added, Trump got an unfavourable job rating for his time in the White House in only one of the seven states - Arizona. Additionally, the poll results also saw that most of the viewers saw Trump as a better fit for the presidential role in lieu of having better mental and physical health. In contrast to the 28 percent favourable votes for Biden, Trump acquired 48 percent. The outlet further added that the survey of 4,200 votes - 600 in each of the seven states - was conducted March 17th-24th and had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5 percentage points for the full sample and 4 points for results in individual states. -With inputs from stories by wire agency. The G7 price cap on Russian oil shipments is cutting the revenue that Moscow has available to support its invasion of Ukraine, and the mechanism's effectiveness is helped by the recent actions of Indian refiners, U.S. officials will tell an event in New Delhi on Thursday, according to prepared remarks. India has been one of the top consumers of Russian oil.(MINT_PRINT) The U.S. Treasury officials, Eric Van Nostrand, assistant secretary for economic policy, and Anna Morris, acting assistant secretary for terrorist financing, will make the remarks at an event held by the Ananta Aspen Centre in New Delhi, the Treasury told Reuters on Wednesday. "We know that the Indian economy has much at stake in the Russian oil trade, and has much at stake from the global supply disruptions that the price cap is designed to avoid," the officials will say. India has been one of the top consumers of Russian oil since Western sanctions have shifted the market for the crude from Europe to Asia, imposing costs on Russia for relying on a "shadow fleet" of aging tankers to ship it further. New Delhi has traditionally had close economic and defense ties with Moscow and refrained from criticizing Russia over its war in Ukraine. But last week the foreign ministers of Ukraine and India said they had agreed to restore trade and cooperation to levels before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The price cap imposed by the G7 countries, the European Union and Australia bans the use of Western maritime services such as insurance, flagging and transportation when tankers carry Russian oil priced at or above $60 a barrel. The West imposed the mechanism after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. officials are in India this week meeting with government officials and business leaders to discuss cooperation on anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and implementation of the price cap. Since October, the U.S. has enforced the price cap with sanctions including designating in February Sovcomflot (SCF), Russia's state-owned shipping company. The actions on Russia are helped by moves by international refiners, including India's Reliance Industries, to not buy Russian oil loaded on SCF tankers, the officials will say. "Our efforts are bolstered by international support for these enforcement actions, like the recent decision from private and publicly owned refineries to halt imports on Sovcomflot ships," the Treasury officials will say. ALSO READ- India hikes windfall tax on petroleum crude Enforcement of the price cap on Russian oil has hit the price that Russia can get for its oil in global markets, reducing revenues for its war on Ukraine, the officials will say. The Treasury estimates that the discount of Russian Urals oil to the Brent international benchmark has widened from about $12-$13 a barrel before October to $18 in January and to about $17 to $18 in February, the last month with data available, the officials will say. "The United States, together with the rest of the (price cap) coalition, will need to remain vigilant and ensure that the policy, its implementation, and enforcement are deployed to inflict financial burden on Russia and keep global energy markets stable," the officials will say. An Israeli airstrike on an aid convoy in Gaza on Monday killed seven workers from the charity World Central Kitchen including citizens of Australia, Britain, Poland. An Israeli airstrike near the Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) Israeli said it mistakenly killed the aid workers and promised a full investigation. Here's what we know about those killed. Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, Palestine The 25-year-old Palestinian was buried in a ceremony attended by hundreds in his hometown of Rafah on Tuesday, according to BBC News. "He was happy to work with an organisation that provides humanitarian aid to the displaced, our hearts are broken by your death, Saif," the BBC reported his close friend Hassan saying. "You have hurt us with your passing, and we will not forget you." Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, Australia Known to her friends as "Zomi", the 43-year-old Lalzawmi Frankcom joined World Central Kitchen after an earlier career at the Commonwealth Bank. Social media posts show her in Pakistan and Bangladesh during floods in 2022 and on a motorbike convoy delivering aid into the Haitian highlands a year earlier. "For her it was the perfect job, she got to serve hot meals to people who were having maybe the lowest point of their lives," her friend Bryan Weaver told Reuters. "She made you feel like you were the only person in the room. In a statement her family said Zomi left behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love. Damian Sobol, Poland Sobol, a relief worker, lived in the city of Przemysl, in southeastern Poland, according to the city's mayor Wojciech Bakun. "There are no words to describe the feelings of people who knew this amazing young man right now," he wrote in a Facebook post. Sobol, aged 35, was pictured in videos shot months before his death, itemising aid supplies bound for Gaza, including water systems, kitchen equipment and meals. "(It is) everything (needed) to create a kitchen and feed people where needed," he said. John Chapman, James Kirby, James Henderson, UK Chapman, Kirby and Henderson were all part of WCK's security team, according to the NGO. British media reported that all three were former soldiers in the British military, and worked as private security contractors for UK-based firm Solace Global. Former special forces commando Chapman, a 57-year-old married father-of-two, had only been in Gaza for a few weeks before he was killed, according to newspaper The Sun. Henderson, aged 33, served for six years in the Royal Marines, an elite fighting force of the British navy, according to his LinkedIn page. The 47-year-old Kirby is also an Army veteran, according to The Sun and the Daily Mail. Solace Global did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jacob Flickinger, US and Canada The 33-year old dual citizen of the United States and Canada was part of the relief team killed on Monday. Those responsible for his and his colleague's deaths must be held accountable, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly said in a social media post that condemned the strikes. Dennis Bruce Hankins, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, has arrived in Haiti to begin his diplomatic tenure amid raging gang violence and an already collapsed government. Appointed by President Joe Biden, Hankins is taking on the role which has been vacant since 2021. Following the recent resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, Haskins will assist in the transition to a nine-member Transitional Presidential Council. "It is an honor to return to Haiti, a place I hold dear, as Ambassador. I understand that these are challenging times for the Haitian people. They deserve elected officials who are accountable to them," Ambassador Hankins expressed in a U.S. Embassy release. Now heading the American mission in Haiti, Hankins brings extensive experience with him, having served in various countries since 1984, including Haiti, reported Haitian Times. With no elected president and against a backdrop of extreme civil unrest in Port-au-Prince, Haskins is facing tough challenges amid escalating violence in the capital and the coordinated gang attacks targeting civilians, businesses, law enforcement, and state institutions. To solidify the transition to a nine-member Transitional Presidential Council, political parties had called for Henry's resignation, and after a month of negotiations led by the Regional Caribbean Community (Caricom), a list of council members has been confirmed and will soon govern the country. In a letter dated March 28, Caricom urged the outgoing government of Henry to facilitate the "immediate installation" of the Transitional Presidential Council. "Haiti deserves peace, security, and prosperity. I am dedicated to being a humble partner to the Haitian people during this time of crisis and as we journey towards a future of democracy, stability, prosperity, and peace," Hankins said, expressing his commitment to working with his team at the U.S. Embassy, colleagues in Washington, D.C., and Haitian stakeholders to address the nation's challenges. A lawsuit has been filed by the US Department of Justice against the state of Utah, alleging a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit claims that the state has engaged in discriminatory practices against a transgender inmate. A lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in federal court in Salt Lake City, alleging that Utah's Department of Corrections failed to offer adequate healthcare services to an inmate. The inmate had requested hormone therapy, housing changes, and access to female clothing items. The agency's denials allegedly resulted in the inmate causing harm to herself. Utah Prison Sued for Gender-Biased Treatment The trans woman's requests for reasonable accommodations, such as being able to purchase female clothing and makeup at the commissary, were not granted by state corrections officials, according to The Hill. In a recent ruling, a federal court recognized gender dysphoria as a protected disability under the ADA. Gender dysphoria is a medical condition that causes significant distress due to a mismatch between a person's gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. In June, the Supreme Court chose not to intervene, allowing the lower court ruling to remain in place. An investigation conducted by the DOJ into Utah's corrections department recently revealed that the woman's treatment for gender dysphoria had been needlessly delayed by prison officials. Additionally, the committee responsible for granting access to gender-affirming medical care included members who displayed clear bias against transgender individuals. According to federal investigators, the woman had been dealing with symptoms of gender dysphoria for a significant period of time before being taken into custody by the department in 2021. Utah Trans Woman Performs Self-Surgery After Requests Were Delayed Unfortunately, her psychological distress only intensified during her time in a men's prison. In May, a woman underwent a self-surgery to remove her own testicles after being denied access to gender-affirming health care for almost two years. The procedure was risky and led to her hospitalization, requiring further surgery. "The prison's refusal to grant me the chance to live as the woman I truly am, despite having lived this way for many years, has caused me immense mental distress," the woman expressed in her ADA complaint. She finally received hormone therapy in June, although it took 17 months since her initial request and more than six months after being formally diagnosed with gender dysphoria by the state corrections department's contract psychologist. In a press release, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division emphasized the importance of allowing individuals with gender dysphoria to access the same protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act as those with other disabilities. "Our top priority is to guarantee the well-being and medical needs of all individuals, including those with gender dysphoria, who are detained in our jails and prisons. We are dedicated to creating constitutional conditions within these facilities to ensure their safety." According to Clarke, it is also mandated by the US Constitution that individuals who are incarcerated receive the necessary medical care and treatment. The Department of Justice is urging the UDOC to implement a uniform policy of providing suitable treatment and therapy for all inmates, rather than having a distinct policy for individuals with gender dysphoria. On Tuesday, the Istanbul governor's office reported that at least 29 people have been killed after a fire broke out during daytime renovation work at a nightclub in central Istanbul. Several people, including managers of the club, were taken into custody for questioning. The city's governor's office also said that at least one person was being treated in a hospital. Istanbul Nightclub Fire Kills 29 People Firefighters and other emergency personnel swarmed the smoldering and burned entrance of the club, which takes up two floors beneath a sixteen-story apartment building in the city's Gayrettepe neighborhood. As a precaution, people living above the nightclub site were evacuated. The governor's administration declared that every worker on the site had died. However, they did not state whether they accounted for all the victims. A private NTV television reported that some of the victims died in hospitals where they were rushed in ambulances. Governor Davut Gul told reporters at the scene that the victims were believed to have been part of the renovation project. Ekrem Imamoglu, the newly re-elected mayor of Istanbul, said that inspectors were examining the structure to determine its level of safety. According to his office, eight people, including club managers and the person in charge of the renovations, were arrested by the authorities to be questioned. Imamoglu said the nightclub had no permission to undertake construction and renovations. "May God have mercy on our citizens who lost their lives, and I wish a speedy recovery to our injured," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spoke with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya over the phone and learned of the incident. According to NTV, the owners of the Masquerade nightclub were trying to finish the renovations in time for the Eid celebration next week, which falls after the month of fasting. For the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims, the nightclub was closed. The neighborhood's power and natural gas were turned off, and police cordoned off the area as a safety precaution. Furthermore, the website claimed that Masquerade can accommodate up to 4,000 guests and hosts DJ sets and stage events several times a week. Victims in Tears After Tragic Fire "I've lost four friends," local man Fikret Kaya told AFP as firefighters were leaving the scene, but could not say any more. A woman with her head in her hands and a black cap was sobbing not far from him. The location, "Club Masquerade," a well-known Gayrettepe nightclub, featured multiple stages and frequently hosted live performances. Gov. Gul said that the club's license was originally granted in 1987 and was renewed in 2018 after being "maintained and renovated." However, the local media stated it was earthquake-prone due to the removal of basement columns and the lack of emergency exits. Clothes and shoes that belonged to a young French child, who tragically passed away under puzzling circumstances in the Alps, were discovered approximately 500ft away from his partially damaged and injured skull, as per recent revelations. In a press conference on Tuesday, Jean-Luc Blachon, the Aix-en-Provence prosecutor, shared unsettling updates regarding the case of two-year-old Emile Soleil. Hiker Discovers Missing Emile Solei's Skull, Bones The discovery of his remains in a remote area near his family's isolated home, where he had disappeared in July of last year, confirmed his tragic death. During a press conference, Blachon revealed that the gendarmes had found Emile's clothes approximately 150 meters away. The items of clothing were found spread out over a few meters, rather than being collected in one place, according to the prosecutor in charge of the criminal investigation into Emile's death. Blachon mentioned that wild animals might have scattered Emile's remains and could have caused "small fractures" and "bite marks" on his skull, The Sun reported. Emile's skull may have been damaged due to a fall, but Blachon has not ruled out other possibilities such as murder or manslaughter. According to Blachon, the examination of the bones does not provide enough information to determine the cause of Emile's death. Additionally, it was noted that a tooth was missing. A woman who was hiking during the Easter weekend made a discovery in a very steep area, approximately a 25-minute walk from the hamlet of Haut-Vernet, near Grenoble. Emile was staying at his family's holiday home there, and was under the supervision of his grandfather, 58-year-old Philippe Vedovini, on the day of his disappearance, while his parents took a break. When questioned about whether the area where Emile's remains had been searched before, Blachon confirmed that it had, but without the use of drones or specialized dogs. Blachon stated that it is currently unclear if Emile's body was already in the area that was searched. It cannot be stated that a thorough search was conducted in every square meter, according to Mirror. The terrain in that area poses challenges due to its steep slopes, which can make observation and excavation quite challenging. A woman discovered the skull and bones while taking a stroll along a familiar path between noon and 2pm. She recalled having walked on the same path a month prior. Blanchon mentioned that the hiker was quite unsettled by the finding and decided to store the skull and bones in a plastic bag. After returning home, she promptly contacted the authorities. She accurately identified the precise location where she discovered the skull. Missing French Boy's Dad Under Investigation The family has not provided any comment regarding the discovery of Emile Solei's remains. The family attended an Easter Sunday mass when they received the news. Philippe Vedovini is a deeply committed Catholic who made the decision to leave his calling as a monk in order to marry his wife, Anne Vedovini. In recent weeks, it came to light that Vedovini was under investigation as part of an ongoing criminal inquiry into cases of historical child abuse. Philippe Vedovini, who strongly denies any wrongdoing, was pursuing a monastic path when he was employed at a school that has been associated with cases of sexual abuse, including rape, during the early 1990s. Mr. Vedovini, formerly known as Brother Philippe during his time at the school, was involved in the ongoing investigation as a "assisted witness." According to a source familiar with the ongoing investigation, he was interviewed by the police in April 2018 and acknowledged using physical discipline that could be considered "somewhat harsh." However, he maintained that he had never violated any laws. Police have also investigated the political background of the family, which leans towards the extreme right wing. In 2018, Emile's father was taken into custody for an incident involving individuals from other countries. However, he was later released after making a commitment to uphold peace. It was confirmed that a search was conducted at Emile's parents' home in the southern town of La Bouilladisse, near Marseille, back in July. Additionally, the homes of the grandparents, both nearby and in the Alps, were also raided. A US District Court in Kentucky has overturned the Biden administration's climate rule that required states to track and set reduction goals for greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on highways. District Court Judge Benjamin Beaton ordered the Federal Highway Administration late Monday (Apr. 1) to stand down on the rules, which the agency finalized in November. The ruling was a major victory for Kentucky and 21 other states that challenged the regulations, Fox News Digital reported. "President Biden's radical environmental agenda has lost touch with reality, and Kentucky families, farmers and workers are paying the price," Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman (R) said on Tuesday (Apr. 2). "Like all Americans, Kentuckians love our trucks, cars and vans. With this victory in court, we're slamming the brakes on the Biden administration's politics that make no sense in the commonwealth." The commonwealth state filed the lawsuit last December after the FHWA finalized the regulations. According to the lawsuit, the agency overstepped its legal authority in attempting to regulate vehicle emissions since it attempted to force states to implement federal regulations. Beaton agreed in his ruling, declaring that the regulations exceed the FHWA's statutory authority and are "arbitrary and capricious." Instead of granting plaintiff states' motion for preliminary injunction - which would have blocked the rule during litigation - he granted their motion for summary judgment, vacating the rule immediately. "If Congress did purport to give the Administrator authority to set state policy, that would raise a different and arguably bigger problem," Beaton wrote in his ruling. "Modern constitutional doctrine allows Congress to demand much from states, but it cannot commandeer or coerce the apparatus of state governments into mere administrative districts of the federal government." Beaton added that if federal authorities were allowed to "shove national greenhouse-gas policy into the mouths of uncooperative state Departments of Transportation," it would "corrupt" the separation of powers between state and federal governments and result in "administrative ventriloquism," which "[n]either the Constitution nor the Administrative Procedure Act authorizes." After FHWA finalized the rules on Nov. 22, the agency said the action supports President Biden's "whole-of-government approach" of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said at the time that the regulations provided states with the flexibility to set their own climate targets. However, the 22 states that challenged the action in court alongside industry groups such as the American Road & Transportation Builders Association argued that the regulations did the opposite, restricting state efforts and mandating that they conform with federal efforts. The Monday ruling came shortly after a federal court in Texas similarly struck down the regulations, where Texas filed a separate lawsuit as the sole plaintiff. "The Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration remain committed to supporting the Biden-Harris administration's climate goals of cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050," an FHWA spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "We are reviewing the court's decision and determining next steps." The actor, writer, and comedian Joe Flaherty, known for his roles on 'Freaks and Geeks,' 'Back to the Future II,' 'Happy Gilmore,' and the landmark Canadian series 'SCTV,' died at 82 on Monday. Flaherty's daughter, Gudrun, confirmed his father's death to Variety in a statement through the Comedic Artists Alliance, which had previously donated money to help Flaherty hire a 24-hour caregiver. Flaherty Dies at 82 Gudrun said in a statement issued through the Comedic Artists Alliance, a group that had previously assisted Second City in Toronto, that after a brief illness, his father died yesterday and shared that since then, he has been struggling to come to terms with this immense loss. "Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the 40s and 50s. In these last few months, as he faced health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many classic movies together." Martin Short, his co-star on 'SCTV,' was one of several comedians, mostly from Canada, who paid their respects to the versatile writer and comic. Short told Variety that in over 50 years of their friendship, there were very few people as wise or hilarious when it came to comedy, teaching improvisation, and the art of character work as Flaherty. He added that in 'SCTV,' they called him the anchor, and in life, he was simply the funniest man in the room, and he just adored him. Adam Sandler, Flaherty's 'Happy Gilmore' co-star, also paid tribute to the actor on Instagram. He wrote that he worshipped Flaherty growing up, and he and his brother always laughed at him. He called Flaherty a "genius of a comedian" and a "true sweetheart." The 'Freaks and Geeks' actor Paul Feig also expressed his devastation on X, formerly Twitter. Feig said he was sad to hear about Flaherty's death as he was his TV dad and a true comedy hero. Playing as his son on the show, John Francis Daley continued, saying, "My favorite days on set were the ones where we had scenes together. What a lovely guy." "Joe Flaherty made me crack up so hard it ruined takes." Read Also : Istanbul Nightclub Fire Kills 29 People; 8 Arrested for Questioning "Genius of a Comedian" Flaherty was a founding member of 'SCTV' a Canadian sketch show that co-starred with John Candy, Catherine O'Hara, and Martin Short. The program aired from 1976 to 1984 and included sketches from the made-up town of Melville that were shown as television programming on a network. The comedian gained fame for impersonating famous people, including Kirk Douglas, Alan Alda, Richard Nixon, and Art Garfunkel. In the cult classic Freaks and Geeks, Flaherty played the father of Linda Cardellini and John Francis Daley's characters, Harold Weir, the sporting goods shop owner, the role for which American viewers are most familiar with him. Flaherty also portrayed the scientist father, Fred Edison, in the American-Canadian sitcom Maniac Mansion, produced by his 'SCTV' colleague Eugene Levy, and the Western Union man in 'Back to the Future Part II.' He also portrayed Donald, the heckler in 'Happy Gilmore.' He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He began his comedic career at Second City in Chicago, sharing the stage with John Belushi, Harold Ramis, and Brian Doyle-Murray. In 1973, he relocated to Toronto to open a Canadian location of the flagship comedy theater. In 1976, he assisted in founding 'SCTV,' for which he was awarded two Emmys. An Israeli military leader claims that "misidentification" under difficult conditions led to the airstrikes in Gaza that killed relief workers. Former Royal Marines James Henderson, John Chapman, and James Kirby were among the victims of a drone strike that has triggered worldwide condemnation. The World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity was hit on Monday as they moved food from a warehouse to distribute to Gaza's starving population. Israel Accused of Targeting Aid in Gaza Herzi Halevi, the head of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), issued an apology for the deaths, claiming they were caused by a "misidentification" in difficult conditions. "The bombing'shouldn't have happened,'" he conceded, adding that a 'thorough probe' by an impartial commission will be finished in the next few days. Aid organizations have warned that the death of WCK staff may constitute a war crime, accusing Israel of purposefully targeting its knowledge and employees, including the UN special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism. In the coming days, Lt. Gen. Halevi disclosed that an inquiry into the incident has been initiated. He added that the findings of the independent investigation would be promptly put into practice and disseminated to WCK and other "relevant" international organizations. He has visited the new Humanitarian Command Center to improve the way aid distribution in Gaza and said he will continue taking immediate actions to ensure that more is done to protect humanitarian aid workers. World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated with the Israeli military over the movement of its cars. Three vehicles were hit in succession, leaving incinerated and mangled, indicating multiple targeted strikes. The strike has been defined as an "intelligence failure" by an Israeli military source. IDF drones had followed the food convoy, according to Israeli security officials who spoke to the daily Haaretz, and the army had reasons to think that a Hamas person was accompanying the group. The terror suspect had lingered behind as the truck departed its storage in Deir Al-Balah, The strikes on the charity's convoy highlighted what critics say is Israel's indiscriminate bombing and lack of regard for civilian casualties in Gaza. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that Israeli forces were to blame, saying the aid workers had been killed by an 'unintended strike'. Read Also: US 'Outraged' After Israel Confirms 'Unintentional' IDF Strike Killed Gaza Aid Workers: Kirby Protests in Israel Over Controversial WCK Worker Deaths Ben Saul, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counterterror, has warned that the killing of World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers could be a war crime. He argued that Israel has a 'wider duty' to ensure the safety of aid workers and their freedom of movement, and to coordinate with them so that such tragedies never happen. As the WCK personnel were leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where they had unloaded over 100 tons of humanitarian supplies that had been provided by boat to Gaza, an attack took place. The WCK said that it had coordinated in advance with the Israeli Defense Forces the movement of their squad in Gaza. Erin Gore, CEO of WCK, called it a "targeted attack" meant to intimidate relief organizations operating in Gaza, which has been under siege for months after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. The world condemned Israel, and countries including Poland, Australia, and Canada demanded that Israel provide an explanation for the murders of their nationals. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has called on Israel to take "full accountability" for the relief worker Lalzawmi Frankcom's murder during the convoy. US President Joe Biden's press secretary described him as "heartbroken." Protesters headed by anti-government organizations and relatives of Israeli captives marched on the PM's Jerusalem home last night. Although Netanyahu stated that authorities were "checking this thoroughly," he also said, "We will do everything so that this thing does not happen again." The IDF stated it was "reviewing the incident at the highest levels" and offered the families of the charity workers its "deepest condolences," Daily Mail reported. Most Americans agree that former President Donald Trump should remain on the presidential ballot in November, while also believing that he should not have immunity from being prosecuted for his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, a new poll indicates. The Marquette Law School found that 62% of Americans disagree with Trump's argument that Special Council Jack Smith's election subversion case against the former president should be dismissed because he was ostensibly acting within his role as the president. Pollsters conducted an experiment, however, where they specifically named Trump when speaking to half the respondents and simply said "former presidents" when speaking to the other half. When Trump was mentioned by name, support for his immunity claims rose by eight percentage points. "The striking finding is that Republicans reverse themselves when asked about Trump rather than 'former presidents,'" Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School poll, told CNN. "One implication is that Republicans are not paying enough attention to Trump's Supreme Court appeal to realize without prompting that the immunity case is about Trump," he told the outlet. "Only when the question directly says, 'This is about Trump' do they swing sharply, reversing what they would think about 'former presidents' in general. Regardless of their belief in the presumptive Republican candidate's legal woes, however, most Americans do think Trump should be on the ballot in November. Fifty-six percent of respondents agreed with the Supreme Court's decision that he should appear in Colorado's ballot, despite the argument that his actions on January 6 violate the 14th Amendment's ban on insurrectionists holding public office. The Supreme Court unanimously agreed to keep Trump on the ballot, though the reasoning for the decision differed between justices. Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts argued that the post-Civil War constitutional amendment would be unlikely to specifically give this power to the states and not to Congress. "Wouldn't that be the last place that you'd look for authorization for the states, including Confederate states, to ... enforce the presidential election process," he said during oral arguments. Liberal Justice Elena Kagan questioned the validity of giving so much power to one state, to determine election results for the entire country. "I think that the question that you have to confront is why a single state should decide who gets to be president of the United States," she said. "It seems quite extraordinary, doesn't it?" A Florida family thinks trash dumped from the International Space Station crashed through the roof of their home, nearly hitting a family member inside. Alejandro Otero says the object weighed about two pounds and crashed through the roof of his Naples home and went through two layers of the ceiling. "It was a tremendous sound. It almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all," Otero told WINK-TV. His first thought was that it was a meteorite but a closer inspection showed that it appeared to be a man-made cylindrical-shaped object. The crew of the space station had apparently jettisoned a pallet of used batteries. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell had been tracking the equipment pallet as it fell and confirmed it was reentering the atmosphere near Florida. One of the batteries didn't burn up upon reentry and is believed to have hit the home. NASA said it "collected an item in cooperation with the homeowner, and will analyze the object at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as soon as possible to determine its origin," in a statement to ABC News. Now Otero hopes to get help to pay for the damage. A report by Ars Technica said while the batteries were owned by NASA, they were launched by Japan's space agency and that could complicate liability claims, France 24 reported. "I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage," Alejandro said. "I'm super grateful that nobody got hurt." One of two women missing and considered endangered by Oklahoma authorities was reportedly involved in a bitter custody dispute, according to a report. 27-year-old Veronica Butler, and a preacher's wife, Jillian Kelley disappeared while they were traveling across state lines to pick up Butler's young children. The women, who police beleive were friends, were traveling 16 miles from Elkhart, Kansas to Eva, Oklahoma to pick up thre kids together before they disappeared 3 miles away from their destination. A person close to Butler said she was supposed to pick up her 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son to celebrate her daughter's birthday, according to KVII-TV. Their car was found abandoned Saturday near Highway 95 and Road L, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Court documents reviewed by the Christian Post allegedly showed that Butler, the father of her children as well as his family were involved in a bitter custody dispute. In a motion reportedly filed last November, the children's paternal grandmother opposed any adjustment in the supervised visitation arrangement Butler had with the children. She claimed that the children had been exposed to sexual abuse while under her care, according to the report. The Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) continues to investigate the case. Many questions remain unanswered, including the condition of the car when it was found, what was found inside, whether there are any suspects and the whereabouts of the children. Kelley is the wife of a pastor at Hugoton First Christian Church in Kansas. Heath Kelley recently agreed to serve as the new pastor of Willow Christian Church in Nebraska. Both churches have been holding prayer services for the missing women. On Wednesday, Cassandra Cales, the sister of Stacy Peterson, believes she has found her sister's remains after 17 years. Stacy Peterson had been married to Drew Peterson, 49, a former Bolingbrook Police Sergeant. Mr. Peterson was sentenced to 38 years for the killing of his third wife, Kathleen Savio in 2013. The disappearance of Stacy Peterson in 2007, as well as the prosecution of her husband Drew Peterson in the death of Savio, 23, captured public attention. Appearing on "Crime Nation" on the CW, Cales shared an underwater video of what she believes are the skeletal remains of her missing sister. The remains were found in a canal in Lockport, located 35 miles outside of Chicago. "News Nation" previously reported that Cassandra Cales submitted a tip to police about the remains four years ago. Officials say they searched the area, but no remains were found. "It literally sucks the life out of me because I know she's there," Cales said on "Crime Nation." "Where my sister's remains are in the canal - it's not accessible, but me and my team are recovering her." Cales said she and her team searched with sonar and were able to get live video of what seems to be a human skull turned upside-down, two eye sockets filled with silt, and a jaw bone that fell off. "It's somebody," Cales said. "Whether it's my sister or not, they need to be brought home." Just hours after the conservative commentator Charlie Kirk promoted fundamental changes to Nebraska's electoral map, both the state's governor and former President Donald Trump endorsed the plan - which could create a major obstacle for President Joe Biden's path to re-election if passed. Nebraska is one of just two states that doesn't allocate electoral votes through a winner-takes-all system. Rather, the Cornhusker State gives two of its electoral votes to whomever wins the state's presidential election, while allocating the other three based on which candidate wins in each Congressional district. Nebraska is a reliably red state but Omaha and its suburbs voted blue in 2008 and 2020. "California would never do this. New York would never do this. And as long as that's the case, neither should we," Kirk posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "Nebraskans should call their legislators and their governor to demand their state stop pointlessly giving strength to their political enemies." Many pundits believe that the Omaha suburbs could end up playing a crucial role in November - particularly if Biden loses in Arizona, Georgia and Nevada. State Senator Loren Lippincott first introduced legislation promoting a winner-takes-all system more than a year ago but it remains in committee. Shortly after Kirk's post, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen released a statement saying that he was "a strong supporter" of the proposed legislation. Trump backed Pillin's comments, describing them as "very smart" in a post on Truth Social. In spite of the high profile endorsements, Nebraska Democrats remain confident that the bill will not pass before the end of the legislative session in mid-April. In spite of Kirk's claims that blue states would not split electoral votes, there actually is a Democratic analogue. Maine also splits its electoral votes but could theoretically consolidate them in response to Nebraska altering its map. "The Nebraska Democratic Party is watching this bill closely and still believes we have the votes to stop the Republicans from removing a fair electoral system that represents voters," Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb told Semafor. "The only reason Gov. Pillen sent a release today is, the extremist Charlie Kirk sent a tweet that, of course, our governor jumped up to respond to." Former President Donald Trump spoke during a campaign stop in Michigan on Tuesday about the murder of Ruby Garcia using the tragedy to bolster his criticisms of President Biden's border policies. Authorities believe Ruby's murder was perpetrated by someone who entered the United States illegally. During the rally, Trump said that he spoke with the Garcia family but that is being refuted by the Ruby's sister, Mavi. "He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoken with us, and misinforming people on live TV," Mavi Garcia said. She told the media that "it was shocking" and she criticized Trump and other lawmakers who have made her sister's death political. "It's always been about illegal immigrants," she said."Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and it's kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that?" The former President tells a diffrent story. "She lit up that room, and I've heard that from so many people," said Trump, speaking in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the 25-year-old was shot last month. "I spoke to some of her family." During his speech, Trump blamed Biden for creating a "blood bath" at the border and called immigrants "animals." The former president also mentioned the killing of Laken Riley, the Georgia nursing student whose killing was allegedly carried out by a man who was in the United States illegally. Conservative attorney and longtime Donald Trump critic George Conway has contributed the maxium allowed for an individual $929,600 to President Joe Biden's campaign. Conway, former husband of top Trump White House aide Kelllyanne Conway, is also headlining a major upcoming campaign event for Biden. The "Reception with George Conway" in scheduled for April 24, in Washington, DC. The minimum ticket price for the event is $500, according to Axios, which was also the first to report Conway's contribution to the Biden Victory Fund. Conservative lawyer @gtconway3d will headline a fundraiser for President Biden in D.C. on April 24. The minimum gift for the event is $500. Conway wrote a check for $929,600 the max you can give to the Biden Victory Fund. https://t.co/YkEdfK5Y0V Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 3, 2024 Asked why he made the hefty donation to Biden, Conway told CNN: "This election is about nothing less than whether we'll continue to live in a democracy under the rule of law. That's priceless, so I consider my contribution to be a bargain." Conway frequently made headlines during the Trump administration for his vocal criticism of the president, even as his wife at the time served as White House senior counselor. Following his attacks, Trump characterized George Conway as a "stone cold LOSER & husband from hell" in one 2019 tweet. In a 2018 interview with the Washington Post, Kellyanne Conway called her then-husband's public criticism of Trump "disrespectful" and "a violation of basic decency, certainly, if not marital vows." The couple divorced a year ago, thought their relationship was rocky for some time before that. Sources close to Kellyanne Conway have said that she is considering an offer to join Trump's 2024 campaign, though Trump representatives denied that she was offered a position, Axios reported. Seven humanitarian aid workers with the World Central Kitchen were killed by Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza on Monday. Chef Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, emphasized in a guest essay for the New York Times that the organization has been providing meals to both Israelis and Palestinians since the beginning, with over 1.75 million hot meals having been served throughout Israel. Additionally, he criticized Israel's conduct during the conflict, claiming they are 'better' than what they're portraying to the international community. Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, John Chapman, Jacob Flickinger, Zomi Frankcom, James Henderson, James Kirby, and Damian Sobol put themselves at the forefront of a relentless war, risking their lives to share the necessity of food with starved Palestinians in besieged territory. They collectively shared the belief that food is a universal human right that should not be used as a weapon of war, regardless of the circumstances. Their one mission was to serve those in critical and dire need of aid. Their efforts also tended to families displaced by Hezbollah rockets in the north and grieving families from the south, as well as delivering meals to hospitals where hostages were reunited with their families. Andres revealed that his team communicated extensively with Israeli military and civilian offices, also working closely with community leaders in Gaza and Arab nations in the region, as there is no other way to bring a ship full of food to Gaza without a series of mediations. "We know Israelis. Israelis, in their heart of hearts, know that food is not a weapon of war," he expressed. "Israel is better than the way this war is being waged. It is better than blocking food and medicine for civilians. It is better than killing aid workers who had coordinated their movements with the Israel Defense Forces." The renowned chef offered up some advice to the Israeli government, suggesting the need to open more land routes for food and medicine and to stop killing civilians and aid workers. He believes it's time for Israel to "show up." You cannot save the hostages by bombing every building in Gaza, and you cannot win this war by starving an entire population, Andres continued. An investigation has allegedly been promised by the government to explain how and why members of the World Central Kitchen family were killed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chimed in on the IDF killings, remarking, "It happens in war." The aid workers were en route from a delivery of almost 400 tons of aid by sea, attempting to help the desperate condition Palestinians in Gaza currently live under. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification global initiative, half the population of Gaza - 1.1 million people - faces the imminent risk of famine. "It is not a sign of weakness to feed strangers; it is a sign of strength. The people of Israel need to remember, at this darkest hour, what strength truly looks like," the founder concluded. The family of an Oklahoma convicted killer set to be executed by lethal injection on Thursday is making a last-ditch effort to save his life. Michael Smith confessed to killing 40-year-old Janet Moore and 24-year-old store clerk Sharath Pulluru in separate instances in 2002. His lawyer argued that the confessions were coerced and that Smith has mental disabilities and wasn't fit to stand trial or be executed. The prosecutors said that Smith was a cold-blooded killer and said his confession was corroborated by evidence at both murder scenes. According to court records, Smith is a member of the Crips gang in Oklahoma City. In November 2000, three members of the gang attempted to rob a convenience store and the store owner shot and killed one of the robbers. The two other robbers were arrested and set for trial in February 2022. Two days before the trial, Smith went to the apartment of Janet Moore because he believed her son was a police informant. He ended up killing her. He then went to a convenience store, killed clerk Sharath Pulluru, took money from the register and set fire to Pulluru's body, the McAlester News-Capital reported. Smith's relatives were delivering a petition to Gov. Kevin Stitt's office on Wednesday, asking him to call off the execution. The family claims there is new evidence in the case. A private investigator claims a state witness who testified during the trial says she was coerced into her testimony, KOCO-TV reports. Last month, the parole board denied a clemency request by Smith. "I am pleased the Pardon and Parole Board denied clemency for the ruthless killer who took Janet Moore and Sharath Pulluru away from their families," Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a statement at the time. If the execution is carried out, it will be the first one carried out in the state this year. Police are urging family and friends of a missing Kansas mom and a preacher's wife to stay quiet while they continue their investigation into the women's mysterious disappearance. Veronica Butler, 27, and Jillian Kelley, 39, were traveling from their hometown of Hugoton, Kansas, to pick up Butler's kids in rural Oklahoma when they vanished. It's unclear when they left, but police found their abandoned vehicle on the side of the road in Elkhart, Kansas about 30 miles outside of Hugoton Saturday, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Authorities have revealed very little details surrounding the circumstances of the women's disappearance, but loved ones said they have been ordered to stay tight-lipped to protect the investigation. On Tuesday, an unidentified family member of one of the missing moms told NewsNation authorities instructed them to decline media interviews for the time being. That same source also said Kelley the wife of a pastor may have been accompanying Butler, who was reportedly in the middle of a custody battle with her ex, to act as a mediator when picking up her kids, according to the outlet. Butler's children may have been living with their paternal grandmother at the time. "As of right now, as the investigation continues and we were requested, we're unsure where these women are or what happened to them," OSBI spokesperson Hunter Mckee, previously told NewsNation. "That unknown is what has created it suspicious for us at this time." Meantime, the Yarborough School located in close proximity to where the women disappeared and also where Butler graduated from in 2015 began operating in lockdown mode Tuesday, due to "so many unanswered questions" involving the case, the superintendent wrote in a letter to parents, according to KSN-TV. Additional security will also patrol the campus as the investigation continues. The frantic search for missing teen Sebastian Rogers continues, as investigators promise they will leave "no stone unturned" more than a month after he mysteriously disappeared from his home. Sebastian, a 15-year-old boy with autism, was last seen the night of Feb. 25 when his mother said she put him to bed in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The next morning, he was gone, his mother told police, who issued an AMBER Alert. Authorities previously said there was no evidence of foul play. On Wednesday, the Sumner County Sheriff's Office announced they remain committed in their search for Sebastian as the investigation enters its sixth week. "Despite exhaustive efforts, there are no new leads or evidence to indicate the search will be immediately fruitful. However, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our mission to locate Sebastian and bring him home safely," they said on Facebook. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is also assisting in locating the missing teen, who was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and glasses. Sebastian is 5-foot-5-inches tall, 120 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Sumner County Sheriff's Office at 615-451-3838 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. An elderly American tourist was reportedly killed in a horrific elephant attack in Zambia that was captured on video. The elephant charged at the car the woman was in and flipped it over several times. She was part of a group of six staying at the Lufupa Camp in Kafue National Park, the Telegraph reported. Video of the incident shows the vehicle driving down the road with a bull elephant walking in the vegetation. It apparently spots the vehicle and then charges. Elephants attack, flip tourists vehicle in Kafue National Park. Hope all survived safely from the ordeal. (Posted as received; no further details at this point) pic.twitter.com/dElsDxBGNY Ndawana Youngson PhD. (@NdawanaY) April 1, 2024 The vehicle stops and the elephant flips it. The tourists can be heard panicking and screaming during the terrifying incident. The 80-year-old woman died at a hospital. Her name was not released. A second woman was injured and remained hospitalized. "Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide's route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm's way quickly enough," Wilderness Zambia's CEO said in a statement to local media. Kafue National Park is the largest game reserve in Africa. Zambia has been in crippling drought. The nation's president declared a national disaster after almost half of the country's "planted area" were destroyed. People in the South and Midwest will have a particularly noisy summer, as two dueling cicada broods emerge simultaneously for the first time since 1803. Cicadas are known for signature chirping noises - males will vibrate abdominal flaps, while their female counterparts respond by loudly flicking their wings. With the cicada mating season lasting until the end of July, people in the impacted regions can expect noisy evenings for the majority of the summer, Yale Environment 360 reported. While cicadas regularly emerge in 13-and-17-year cycles, it is rare that the two cycles happen concurrently - in fact, it's a once-in-every-other-lifetime phenomenon. "This is the first time these two broods are going to be emerging in the same year since Thomas Jefferson was in the White House," entomologist Floyd Shockley told Reuters. Though only Illinois will see the broods overlap, large swaths of the country will see - and hear - the emergence of new cicadas, as the warmer months begin. The broods in question, XIII and XIX, will emerge in the central and southern regions of the country. The Brood XIII cicadas were born in 2007 and spent 17 years growing underground, while the Brood XIX cicadas were born in 2011. "They don't often coincide in time, but to have them coincide in time and space is even more unusual," insect ecologist John Lill told Scientific American. "That's what's happening this year that's generating a lot of buzz-pun intended." Investigators are faced with a "huge obstacle" as they scramble to find a missing Kansas mom and a preacher's wife, according to experts. Authorities are searching for Veronica Butler, 27, and Jillian Kelley, 39, after their abandoned vehicle was found on the side of the road Saturday in Elkhart, Kansas about 15 miles away from their intended destination of Eva, Oklahoma. The pair were reportedly on their way to pick up Butler's children when they disappeared. Former FBI Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer said the difficult terrain where the women vanished will likely make law enforcement's job more challenging in tracking them down. "A huge obstacle for law enforcement is the ruralness," Coffindaffer told NewsNation Wednesday. "I grew up in Kansas," she added. "We always teased that the national tree was the telephone pole. There is nothing there. That's going to limit the capabilities of digital analysis of their cell phones." Coffindaffer, who spent 25 years with the FBI, also pointed out that the custody battle Butler was reportedly in the midst of with her ex, sends red flags. "Whenever I hear custody battle and see a mother go missing in this way, that is the number one action point I would begin at," she said. "It's very concerning" the area they went missing could be a place for a "random strike," Coffindaffer weighed in. "In other words, if these ladies were harmed in any way, it is likely going to be someone that they know and are familiar with." An unnamed source previously told the outlet Kelley a preacher's wife may have been accompanying Butler to act as a mediator when picking up her kids. Butler's children may have been living with their paternal grandmother at the time. Loved ones said law enforcement have instructed them not to speak with the media. Coffindaffer said it's likely detectives will change their mind as the investigation continues. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Minister for Local Government in the Government of National Unity, Badreddine al-Toumi, Wednesday monitored the progress of work and the implementation of the plan and projects of the National Programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises for the year 2024 IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the signing of voco Seoul Myeongdong in partnership with Gravity Asset Management's Seoul South Gate Hotel Operations Company and Hotel HDC Co., Ltd. The 576-room property will be rebranded as voco - IHG's fastest growing premium brand - ahead of welcoming guests by the middle of this year. It will be IHG's second voco property in South Korea, following the successful brand debut of voco Seoul Gangnam in 2022. Offering thoughtful, unstuffy and charming experiences inspired by the three voco brand hallmarks - 'come on in', 'me time', and 'voco life' - voco Seoul Myeongdong will follow many exciting openings for the upscale brand around the world, including voco Osaka Central, voco Ma Belle Danang, voco Xiong'An and voco Paris Porte De Clichy. Situated at the heart of Seoul's vibrant district of Myeongdong, voco Seoul Myeongdong will attract both business and leisure travellers, who will savour its proximity to the business district and convenient access to bustling attractions such as Deoksugung Palace, City Hall, Myeongdong shopping street and Namdaemun Market. Less than an hour's drive from Incheon International Airport, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, versatile meeting spaces of more than 140 square metres, an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, business centre and an exclusive voco hotels lounge. Since launching in 2018, voco has grown quickly around the world to reach 62 open hotels and 74 in the pipeline. It offers a premium experience to guests, combining the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a respected global brand. This signing of voco Seoul Myeongdong reinforces the brand's ambition of having 200 properties in leading urban and leisure locations by 2028. It continues to command high guest satisfaction scores thanks to its distinctive charming experiences. IHG is growing its estate across South Korea, where it has nine open hotels across four brands - InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express and voco hotels - and three properties in its pipeline. Hotel website Alongside esteemed collaborators including award-winning Chef Michael Mina, lifestyle entrepreneur Ayesha Curry, and Guerlain Spa, Regent Santa Monica Beach will herald a new era of refined luxury along the California Coast. Regent Santa Monica Beach, the premier destination resort located on the nation's most celebrated beach, is set to debut this summer. Steps from the legendary Santa Monica Pier, this highly anticipated opening will also represent the first destination in the Americas for the reimagined Regent Hotels & Resorts brand, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Set along the sought-after California coastline, Regent Santa Monica Beach will deliver inspired stays through a blend of timeless elegance and thoughtful luxury, capturing the unique allure of Santa Monica. Imparting the feeling of being worlds away while still offering close proximity to the excitement of the city, the resort will feature expansive and tranquil rooms and suites, a stunning beachfront pool deck, and a sprawling 10,000-square-foot wellness spa destination in collaboration with Guerlain. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort will also offer guests beach butler service and enticing chef-driven culinary destinations, among many other exceptional experiences. Combining the glamour of Beverly Hills with the unsurpassed serenity and splendour of the coast, Regent Santa Monica Beach is comprised of 24 beautifully appointed suites and 143 guest rooms. Setting a new standard for spaciousness in Southern California, guest rooms start at a generous 720 square feet with bathrooms that feature luxurious soaking bathtubs, rainfall showers, bidets in the water closet, and double vanities, creating a true oasis for guests. Boasting ocean-facing views, the resort will offer 2,180 square feet, two-story Atrium Suites located on the second and third floors, while the eighth floor will hold the largest room, The Santa Monica Presidential Suite which will be equipped with a game room, separate living room area, and four Juliet Balconies. Throughout the property, guests will discover design and style elements focused on privacy and high personalization to uplift their personal experience and preferences. The project, with a budget exceeding $150 million, features visionary designs by renowned firms such as AvroKO and Wimberly Interiors, and is a partnership between Andre Zotoff, Chief Executive Officer of ownership group Strategic Hotels & Resorts, which has owned the property for more than 20 years, and Regent Hotels & Resorts. The resort will provide exceptional epicurean experiences through inspired cuisine at its signature restaurant, Orla, a new concept in partnership with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina. The zest and charm of the Mediterranean will be brought to the shores of Santa Monica through Orla's vibrant hospitality and creative cuisine. Alongside Mina, the resort will partner with celebrity entrepreneur and philanthropist Ayesha Curry and her burgeoning lifestyle brand, Sweet July. Launched in 2019, Sweet July aims to uplift an inclusive and eclectic array of creators through the products sold and the stories shared. Resort guests and visitors will have access to a specially curated Sweet July experience, which will offer high-quality bespoke products produced by Black-owned and women-owned brands, as well as an all-new menu inspired by Curry's Jamaica roots, which will include cafe staples like Sweet July's signature coffee, tea, pastries, and desserts. While Curry has collaborated with Mina in the past, this will be her first collaboration with a resort and their first restaurant concept together for Curry's Sweet July brand which has its flagship location in Oakland, CA. Guests of the soon-to-open Regent Santa Monica Beach can expect to experience Regent's distinctive brand hallmarks, from inviting and generous personal havens throughout the resort to highly personalized selections for each guest including scent, music, literature, and more to enable uplifting experiences. Dedicated Regent Experience Agents will create curated stays for each guest based on their individual preferences, crafting an elevated experience beyond expectation. Following the successful and celebrated openings of Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, and Regent Hong Kong, the opening of Regent Santa Monica Beach will contribute to the new era for IHG Hotels & Resorts, marking an historic return of the Regent brand to Los Angeles. As Regent's flagship property in the Americas, the resort will pave the way for extraordinary moments and set a new standard of modern luxury in the hospitality industry. Hotel website Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announces the opening of Grand Hyatt Barcelona, the first urban Grand Hyatt hotel in Spain, located in one of the most visited cities in the world. Marking the fifth Grand Hyatt hotel operating in Europe, this expansion also reflects Hyatt's accelerated brand growth in Spain. Hyatt offers the fourth-largest hospitality portfolio in Spain by room count, spanning eight different brands and 50 properties in the country. Grand Hyatt Barcelona is poised to redefine the city experience, situated in the exclusive Alta Barcelona area. Just minutes from historical treasures like the Monastery of Pedralbes and iconic landmarks such as Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona, it serves as the ideal destination for exploration. With its array of gastronomic delights and a bespoke spa, Grand Hyatt Barcelona offers not just accommodation but a destination within the city - a haven for those in search of a unique escape or the perfect setting for conferences and meetings, located in one of the top twenty meeting and event destinations in the world. Hotel website On the edge of the majestic Austrian Alps, the new Rosewood Schloss Fuschl unfolds against the backdrop of centuries past, where the air is infused with the echoes of history. With the booking platform now open to the public, guests can experience the alpine escape once exclusively designed for Austrian nobility. This summer, the doors of this prestigious establishment will officially open July 1, 2024, extending a warm invitation to travelers seeking a unique blend of luxury and heritage in the heart of Austria, near Salzburg - a city celebrated for its culture and tradition. Originating in 1461 as a grand hunting lodge and summer residence for the Archbishop of Salzburg, the prestigious property has evolved into a premier resort destination, renowned for its refinement and serenity on the tranquil shores of Lake Fuschl. Hosting an illustrious array of guests, from iconic film stars, like Romy Schneider from the famed Sissi film trilogy produced in Schloss Fuschl, to esteemed foreign dignitaries, this alpine region has been enveloped in a rich tapestry of stories throughout its dynamic heritage. A new chapter beckons with the grand reopening of this enchanting property under the prestigious banner of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Representing the brand's second venture in Austria and the seventh in Europe with the opening of Rosewood Munich last October, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl stands as a testament to opulence and history. A Fusion of History and Modern Indulgence Situated on the picturesque banks of Lake Fuschl, this luxurious resort promises an exquisite blend of the old and the new, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the timeless charm of a castle that has witnessed the passage of centuries. The property's comprehensive renovation has reimagined the former Hotel Schloss Fuschl into new 98 elegantly furnished guestrooms including 42 suites and 6 chalets with world class dining venues, and Asaya, Rosewood's integrative spa, with indoor and outdoor swimming pool, 8 treatment rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. All-Season Alpine Experience With direct access to Lake Fuschl, summertime on property will unveil a paradise for those seeking serenity and adventure. Guests can relax by the resort's lakeside location that seamlessly blends tranquility with nature's embrace or walkthrough the living history landscape and surrounding mountains. Winter transforms the resort into a snowy wonderland, where guests can experience the charm of a winter getaway heightened by cozy evenings by the fireplace and breathtaking views of snow-covered terrain. At Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, each season will unfold with a tapestry of luxury and adventure, whether it's the blossoming beauty of spring, the serene ambiance of summer, the vibrant colors of autumn, or the snow-covered magic of winter. Tranquil Wellness Offerings Asaya at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl will transcend conventional notions of relaxation, offering a sanctuary where rejuvenation is an art form. With world renowned facilities, including a heated infinity outdoor pool and indoor pool, fitness center, and private outdoor lounge area, Asaya will provide a holistic retreat where guests can harmonize mind, body, and spirit in the lap of luxury. The spa's serene ambiance, coupled with breathtaking views of Lake Fuschl and the surrounding the Alps, enhances the overall sensory experience. Hotel website Juan Ayala brings a wealth of experience to his new role as national sales manager at The Omni Homestead Resort. His journey in the hospitality industry commenced humbly as a busboy at an Embassy Suites in Southern California. Alongside his hotel career, Juan pursued higher education, earning a business marketing degree from California State University, Fullerton. Throughout his career, Juan has held pivotal sales manager positions at esteemed establishments such as Hilton Irvine in California, Buttes Marriott in Tempe, Arizona, South Seas Island Resort in Captiva Island, Florida, and most recently at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts in Williamsburg, Virginia. Juan's extensive experience has endowed him with a profound understanding of sales strategies and his arrival promises to infuse the team at The Omni Homestead Resort with a dynamic blend of expertise, dedication, and passion, ensuring continued success for the resort. In a strategic move to bolster its marketing endeavors, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes Gaby Aiguesvives as the company's first Chief Marketing Officer. Gaby brings a wealth of marketing and strategic experience from her previous role at Saks/Hudson's Bay Company, where she led marketing strategy, analytics, personalization, loyalty, and insights functions. Prior to this role, she spearheaded growth and performance marketing for all of Hudson Bay Company's (HBC) brands, including Saks, OFF 5TH, Lord & Taylor, and The Bay. Gaby initially joined HBC as Director of Corporate Strategy in October 2014 and subsequently held various leadership roles. Prior to joining Malliouhana, Logan Miller held the position of General Manager at Nanuku Resort, Fiji, managed by the same executives as Malliouhana, Storey Hotel Management Group. He comes to Malliouhana with a wealth of knowledge in the hospitality industry and will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's day-to-day operations, management, training, and guest satisfaction. Miller worked his way to the top at Nanuku across the span of seven years, proving his motivation, hard work, and integrity - skills that translate well in his new role at Malliouhana. Miller also held various management roles throughout the industry at luxury properties including Four Seasons in Sydney, AMAN Resorts in Wyoming, and Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina in Fiji. As Malliouhana celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Miller looks forward to welcoming guests to an unforgettable Anguillan experience. Malliouhana Resort Meads Bay (BWI) Anguilla Website Albert is partner co-head of hospitality Spain of Cushman & Wakefield from 2019. With over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, he has worked in international companies such as Horwath or Mazars and hotels groups as Barcelo Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels Corporation with leadership positions and projects in over 25 countries. He founded his own company Magma Hospitality Consulting in 2004 and after 15 years co-leading his company, he joined Cushman & Wakefield as a Partner in the Hospitality department. Lynchburg, VA - The Craddock Terry Hotel, an award winning boutique hotel located in the heart of Lynchburg, is thrilled to announce that their signature restaurant, Shoemakers American Grille, has been honored with the esteemed DiRoNA Award of Excellence, further solidifying its reputation as one of Virginia's premier dining destinations. The DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award of Excellence is a testament to Shoemakers' unwavering commitment to providing an unparalleled culinary experience. DiRoNA seeks to recognize and celebrate fine dining establishments that deliver exceptional service, exquisite cuisine and an unforgettable journey for their guests. By proudly displaying the DiRoNA Achievement of Distinction in Dining Award, Shoemakers American Grill assures patrons of a truly exceptional dining experience. This prestigious accolade adds to Shoemakers' impressive list of honors, including recognition by Virginia Living as one of the best places for steak and seafood in the state. Additionally, the restaurant has been named by TripAdvisor as one of the Best Places to Dine in Lynchburg, further solidifying its status as a culinary gem in the region. Chef Scholly and Shoemakers American Grille Culinary Team Photo by Cornerstone Hospitality, LLC We are thrilled to be named a Distinguished Restaurant of North America and thank our staff for their knowledge and attentiveness to our guests. Our staff anticipates the needs of guests and goes above and beyond to meet those requests. By providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere to patrons, we are enhancing the culinary journey for our guests. Schuyler Clark, General Manager of the Craddock Terry Hotel Boasting an impressive menu that is a testament to the culinary expertise of its chef, the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and infuses seasonal flavors in every dish. From steaks cooked to perfection to seafood delicacies fresh from the ocean, patrons will leave with an elevated dining experience. Guests may complement their meal with a wide variety of wines and craft cocktails. Browse through a connoisseur-curated wine list that compliments the flavors of every dish or enjoy a signature cocktail from our skilled mixologists. Known for its unique blend of original brick warehouse architecture and chic modern style, Shoemakers American Grille is a harmonious blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort. The hotel and restaurants distinctiveness is a testament to the vision of Cornerstone Hospitality spearheaded by President and CEO Kimberly Christner. Their approach to breathe new life into historic spaces, while maintaining their original spirit has set a new benchmark for luxury accommodations within the Marriott Tribute Portfolio. Marriotts Tribute Portfolio brand is a collection of independent boutique hotels, each with its unique indie spirit. These hotels are bound together by their heart for connecting people and places. Tribute Portfolio hotels are distinguished by their striking design, bold use of color, and noteworthy art installations, all contributing to a hotel stay that's memorable and conversation-worthy. The brand focuses on creating spaces that encourage social interaction and foster a connection with the local community. This is achieved through vibrant social scenes and thoughtful details in service. Each hotel in the Tribute Portfolio is handpicked for its personality and character, offering guests a diverse range of experiences. The Tribute Portfolio brand represents a unique blend of characterful, independent hotels that provide guests with a distinctive, localized experience while maintaining the high-quality standards associated with Marriott. Shoemakers American Grille offers an intimate setting for a romantic dinner, celebration, or an evening to indulge. For more information or to make your reservation today, visit www.craddockterryhotel.com. About The Craddock Terry Hotel The Craddock Terry Hotel, located in Lynchburg, VA, is known for its blend of history, luxury, and hospitality. What was once a turn-of-the-century shoe factory has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel. Witness a unique blend of original brick warehouse architecture and chic modern style. About Cornerstone Hospitality Cornerstone Hospitality www.cornerstonehospitality.com is a leading hospitality management and development company known for managing branded hotels and developing distinctive boutique hotels with historical roots in unique destinations. The company's portfolio includes 15 hotels, nine food and beverage outlets, and banquet venues. Cornerstone Hospitality's success is built on a foundation of innovative hotel management and a commitment to preserving its properties' historical and cultural significance. Pamela Devaney Managing Director +1760 846 4640 Cornerstone Hospitality, LLC Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia has unveiled a stellar line up of speakers and an action-packed agenda with over 1,200 hotel investment decision makers expected to attend at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh from 29 April to 1 May 2024. Under the theme Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together, FHS Saudi Arabia will bring together the hospitality investment communitys industry leaders and decision-makers to discuss sustainable development, investment opportunities, industry entrepreneurship, and human capital, with insights on the continued growth of Saudi Arabias hospitality and tourism sectors. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS, said: Following the industry's enthusiastic feedback from last years FHS Saudi Arabia, we have dedicated even more effort to thoughtfully assemble the agenda this year. We are offering delegates opportunities to immerse themselves in the dynamic essence of Saudi Arabia's market. Our enriched program encompasses an array of engaging presentations, short-but-powerful '10X Talks', multifaceted panel discussions, fireside chats, case studies, and captivating site tours. Furthermore, the event is peppered with ample networking opportunities over the span of three days, all carefully curated to foster an environment of learning, dialogue, exploration, and meaningful connections. The first morning (29 April) is dedicated the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF). GRIF will tap into Riyadhs growing dining out scene with main stage presentations, case studies and panel discussions as well as F&B workshops, culinary & concept tours, and a dedicated networking dinner. Latest confirmed speakers include Martin Raymond, Co-founder The Future Laboratory and editor-in-chief of LS:N Global; Christopher Sanderson, Co-founder, The Future Laboratory; Mohammed Jawa, Founder and Chairman, MJS Holding; Faisal Shaker, Co-founder & CEO, Modern Food Company (MFC); Nawal AlKhalawi, Founder & CEO, Asfar Experience; Marcello Distefano, Managing Director, San Carlo Group, and Sinan Al Saady, Founder & CEO of Cool Inc. The FHS programme kicks off in the afternoon on 29 April with the FHS Intelligence Talks, moderated by Fritz Dickamp, Managing Director, Studio 49. Topics include The Future of Wellness New Data on Wellness Travel, moderated by Aradhana Khowala, CEO & Founder, Aptamind Partners, in conversation with Susie Ellis, Chair & CEO, Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit, and The Hotel of the Future by Turab Saleem, Partner Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory MENA, Knight Frank. Presented by Host Sponsor Al Khozama and taking place at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, the FHS Opening Reception on the Green with Maiz offers an unparalleled evening of elegance, sophistication, and opportunities to network with industry peers and partners. Day Two of FHS Saudi Arabia 2024, Tuesday 30 April, kicks off with welcome remarks by His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid Al Saud, Secretary General, King Faisal Foundation (KFF), Chairman of the Board of Directors, Al Khozama. Plenary sessions on 30 April will cover a wide range of topics including Hospitality Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia in Alignment with Vision 2030 presented by Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister, Destination Enablement, Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia; a panel discussion on A Blueprint for Successful Market Entry and Investment, moderated by Edie Rodriquez, Member of the Board of Directors, Saudi Tourism Authority with panelists Qusai Al-Fakhri, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Fund (TDF); Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, Chief Executive Officer, ASFAR; Guy Hutchinson, President Middle East & Africa, Hilton, and Haitham Mattar, Special Advisor, UN Tourism and Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts. In addition, there will be a case study on Public and Private Sector Collaboration to Accelerate Lifestyle Developments and Promote New Destinations, moderated by Mohammed Islam, Host & Founder, The Mo Show Podcast Saudi Arabia, as well as a panel on Maximising Financial Resilience Through Multi-asset Allocation moderated by Matthew Martin, Saudi Arabia Bureau Chief, Bloomberg. Sustainable hospitality investment and development will once again be at the forefront of the FHS programme. Richard Williamson, Chief Operating Officer, Considerate Group, will lead a panel titled Sustainable Horizons: Catalysing Change Through Green Investments in conversation with Glenn Mandziuk Chief Executive Officer Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Hotels & Resorts & Lakhraim Group, while Ali Manzoor, Head of Hotels & Tourism, CBRE MENA, will discuss the topic of Revolutionising Luxury Through Regenerative Tourism with Rosanna Chopra, Executive Director, Red Sea Global, and Sebastian Carre, Group Head of Hospitality, Red Sea Global. Technology will also be a key focus again this year, with industry leaders discussing the future of AI and the Metaverse in hospitality, the intersection of AI, IT and the human touch for guest experiences, as well as tech stack investment tips for owners and operators. New at FHS Saudi Arabia this year is Destination Tomorrow: Unveiling of Investment opportunities, an exclusive platform to showcase innovative and emerging destinations in Saudi Arabias hospitality and tourism sector, with the aim to connect project developers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries with investors and other key stakeholders. Also taking place for the first time is the Speakers Corner, a unique opportunity for attendees to share personal narratives of overcoming challenges and achieving success in the industry. The ever popular Startup Den is also back this year following its resounding success at FHS Saudi Arabia 2023. This years expert panel of judges includes His Highness Prince Saud Al Saud, Executive Director, TDF Grow; Salma Arafa, Innovation Expert, UN Tourism, and Maya Ayoub, Founder & CEO, District Twelve and Country Director, Saudi Arabia Women in Tech. Jonathan Worsley said: The Bench is passionate about supporting start-ups and providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their business to an expert panel of judges and investors. This year, 10 finalists will take to the stage to present their business concept in what is set to be another thrilling competition. The three-day event will also see several Leadership Spotlights, featuring distinguished leaders from some of the industrys most successful hospitality brands and companies including Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments; Henri Giscard DEstaing, President, Club Med, and Christoph Hoffmann, CEO and Partner, 25hours Hotels. FHS Saudi Arabia has a stronger female focus than ever before, as part of The Benchs commitment to supporting women in hospitality and recognising their importance to the sector. The Bench is offering Saudi national women leaders working in hospitality complimentary passes to this years event. Tanja Millner, Production Director at The Bench, said: We are delighted to introduce #FHSWomenPower, an initiative focused on facilitating and empowering Saudi national women working in the hospitality sector with complimentary tickets to FHS Saudi Arabia. Womens contribution to the workforce has been at the helm of the historic growth and development we witness today in the region. Our unique campaign seeks to inspire Saudi executive women, champion gender diversity in hospitality and highlight the pivotal role females play in this ever-growing sector. To learn more about this transformative initiative and register, please visit: www.futurehospitality.com/sa/saudi-women-in-hospitality For more information about the 2024 editions of the Future Hospitality Summit, please visit futurehospitality.com About The Bench The Benchhas established a legacy for delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these platforms has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way business connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meeting spaces for the industry. For over two decades - government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events for their respective objectives. These include AHIC, AHIF, FHS, AHF, IDEEA, AviaDev and RENEW where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right opportunities and knowledge. Learn more on thebench.com About FHS World Dates: 30 September 2 October 2024 Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE Sponsors: Jumeirah as Host Sponsor; Italia Hospitality, Maldives Fund Management Corporation, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development-SMIT and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as Country Pavilion Sponsors; Aseer Development Authority, Hilton, NEOM, New Murabba, Radisson Hotel Group and Taiba Investments as Platinum sponsors; Accor, Club Med, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Minor Hotels, Red Sea Global and Rotana Hotels and Resorts as Emerald Sponsors; Action Hotels, Adyen, Aleph Hospitality, ARC International Design Consultants, Ark People Solutions, AtkinsRealis, Barriere Group, CBRE, Colliers, Compass Project Consulting, Dusit International, Elaf Group, Emaar Hospitality Group, Enterprise Greece, HVS, Hyatt, IHCL, JLL, JT+Partners, Kearney, Knight Frank, LEVA Hotels, Livit Consulting & Design, Louvre Hotels Group, Prologic First, PwC, Quo, Rikas Hospitality Group, roboSculptor, Rove Hotels, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sommet Education, The Ascott Limited, TUI Hotels & Resorts, United Hospitality Management, Unox and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as Gold Sponsors; Aldar, Conran Business Group, COREcruitment, EHL, H World International, Shaza Hotels, STR, and Time Hotels as Silver Sponsors; SOHO Hospitality as Gold Sponsor - Restaurant Invest; Forsite Creative as Data Partner - Restaurant Invest; Lokalee as Start-up Exhibitor; Lock Stock & Barrel as After Party Host; BE WTR as Water Station Sponsor; Considerate Group, HAMA, Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, The Emirates Culinary Guild, UAE Restaurants Group, UN Tourism and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as Supporters. . Anne Bleeker In2 Consulting +971 56 603 0886 The Bench Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is inviting 200+ participants to its new HITEC Technology Investment Conference, an event designed to provide investors with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality technology landscape and the companies who contribute to it. Scheduled for June 2728 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the conference will be co-located with the 2024 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) where 325+ companies, from start-ups to established global brands, will present the latest innovative technology solutions to the hospitality industry. Bridging from this larger showcase, the investment conference will connect exhibiting company executives, investors, and M&A consultants for the opportunity to discuss potential partnerships. Attendance is by invitation-only, allowing HFTP to balance the make-up and interests of participants, and encourage effective outcomes. There are many excellent hospitality investment conferences like ALIS, Hunter, The Lodging Conference and NYU. While we are sensitive about not duplicating efforts and creating yet another industry investment conference, we think there is opportunity for this niche conference because none of these specifically address hospitality technology. Because of this, HFTP is introducing HITEC Technology IC. Attached to HITEC, this offers the ideal set-up for investors to review what technology is used and in development across the industry, and allows exhibitor executives to easily and economically participate since they are already present at HITEC. HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE HITEC-IC will commence on the final day of HITEC with an orientation and overview of hospitality technology for the attending investors presented by Floor Bleeker, group chief technology officer for ACCOR. The investors will then be led on escorted tours of the HITEC exhibit hall by some of the worlds most renowned hospitality technology experts. Upon the close of the exhibit hall, exhibiting company executives will be invited to join the investors for additional education and round-table discussion sessions centered on assigned technology topics, with programming continuing through the second day of the event. This is designed to provide investors with an informed and frank viewpoint of where hospitality technology is today and allows participants to engage in discussions on how to support the industrys technological direction. The event is widely supported by industry organizations through sponsorships at varying levels. Starting with Marketing sponsor ProVision Partners; Platinum sponsors HSMAI, AAHOA; Hospitality Upgrade and Wayfare VC; Bronze sponsors BLLA and ICHRIE; and Digital Media sponsor Hospitality Net. HITEC-IC is an invitation-only event and has limited attendance. Individuals interested in the event can register their interest. For questions, please send an email to [email protected]. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected]. HITEC North America will take place on June 2427 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. USA. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, HITEC is the world's largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. The 2024 event is expecting 5,000+ attendees and 300+ exhibiting companies. Registration for HITEC in Charlotte is now open. About HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an offices in the EU. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org. Eliza Selig Staff VP, Marketing and Communications +1 512 220 4026 HFTP Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle Hotel signing ceremony Accor announce the signing of a partnership agreement with EBU Estate Developers Private Limited for the development of a Sofitel hotel in India, the Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle. The new-build luxury hotel is scheduled to open its doors in 2028. Strategically located at Jaipurs Jawahar Circle, the hotel will feature 275 exquisitely designed and spacious rooms, each offering the utmost comfort for guests. Joining Sofitel, the only French luxury hotel brand with a truly international footprint, the hotel will be a great addition to support Jaipurs tourism expansion, bringing French joie de vivre and gastronomy, with four distinct restaurants and bars, where guests will savor a varied culinary experience tailored to their preferences. Furthermore, the hotel will offer over 5,000 square meters of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet venues, providing the perfect setting for exquisite weddings, grand events and outstanding gatherings. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is a jewel in India's tourism crown, attracting domestic and international tourists alike. As part of the renowned Golden Triangle tourist itinerary, which also includes the cities of Agra and Delhi, Jaipur offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and architectural wonders. "We are delighted to partner with EBU Estate Developers Private Limited to bring the Sofitel brand to Jaipur and to celebrate a new chapter in our journey in India. Accors offering is uniquely positioned to harness the power of Indian travelers and this new signing is a great illustration of our commitment to bring meaningful experiences, today with the well-known Sofitels French art de vivre. With our unparalleled portfolio of brands, Accor plans to open 30 new properties in the country in the next 3 to 5 years and will continue to strive for excellence, making a positive difference to our communities. said Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO Accor. The Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle will feature an array of facilities, including swimming pools, a spa, fitness center, kids' club, and ample car parking, ensuring a truly memorable stay for every guest. The hotel's extensive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, spanning over 5,000 square meters, will be designed to accommodate up to four large events simultaneously, further solidifying Jaipur's position as a premier destination for weddings, corporate gatherings and social events. We are committed to delivering a flagship Sofitel hotel that exceeds expectations and sets new standards of luxury in Jaipur" said Vikram Sukhani, Authorized Representative at EBU Estate Developers Private Limited. "This partnership marks the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with Accor, as we embark on a journey to develop multiple hotel assets in the premium, luxury, and ultra-luxury segments over the coming years." The Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle, which will join sister luxury hotels Fairmont Jaipur and Raffles Jaipur (opening mid 2024), represents a significant addition to Accor's portfolio in India and underscores the company's commitment to expanding its presence in key international leisure and MICE destinations. With its unparalleled luxury, impeccable service, and strategic location, the hotel is poised to become a beacon of hospitality excellence in North India. HFTP's New HITEC Technology Investment Conference Takes Shape, Co-located with HITEC 2024 The niche investment conference will connect technology company executives, investors, and M&A consultants for the opportunity to discuss potential partnerships. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is inviting 200+ participants to its new HITEC Technology Investment Conference, an event designed to provide investors with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality technology landscape and the companies who contribute to it. Scheduled for June 2728 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the conference will be co-located with the 2024 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) where 325+ companies, from start-ups to established global brands, will present the latest innovative technology solutions to the hospitality industry. Bridging from this larger showcase, the investment conference will connect exhibiting company executives, investors, and M&A consultants for the opportunity to discuss potential partnerships. Attendance is by invitation-only, allowing HFTP to balance the make-up and interests of participants, and encourage effective outcomes. There are many excellent hospitality investment conferences like ALIS, Hunter, The Lodging Conference and NYU, said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE. While we are sensitive about not duplicating efforts and creating yet another industry investment conference, we think there is opportunity for this niche conference because none of these specifically address hospitality technology. Because of this, HFTP is introducing HITEC Technology IC. Attached to HITEC, this offers the ideal set-up for investors to review what technology is used and in development across the industry, and allows exhibitor executives to easily and economically participate since they are already present at HITEC. HITEC-IC will commence on the final day of HITEC with an orientation and overview of hospitality technology for the attending investors presented by Floor Bleeker, group chief technology officer for ACCOR. The investors will then be led on escorted tours of the HITEC exhibit hall by some of the worlds most renowned hospitality technology experts. Upon the close of the exhibit hall, exhibiting company executives will be invited to join the investors for additional education and round-table discussion sessions centered on assigned technology topics, with programming continuing through the second day of the event. This is designed to provide investors with an informed and frank viewpoint of where hospitality technology is today and allows participants to engage in discussions on how to support the industrys technological direction. The event is widely supported by industry organizations through sponsorships at varying levels. Starting with Marketing sponsor ProVision Partners; Platinum sponsors HSMAI, AAHOA; Hospitality Upgrade and Wayfare VC; Bronze sponsors BLLA and ICHRIE; and Digital Media sponsor Hospitality Net. HITEC-IC is an invitation-only event and has limited attendance. Individuals interested in the event can register their interest. For questions, please send an email to hitec-ic@hftp.org. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact sales@hftp.org. HITEC North America will take place on June 2427 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. USA. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, HITEC is the world's largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. The 2024 event is expecting 5,000+ attendees and 300+ exhibiting companies. Registration for HITEC in Charlotte is now open. Embassy Suites Syracuse Destiny USA Hotel in Syracuse, NY Listed for Sale Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc. offers, on an exclusive basis, the fee simple interest in the 209-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Destiny USA. The full-service Hotel offers a relaxed and upscale environment that offers guests two-room suites, free cooked-to-order breakfast, and a complimentary evening reception featuring drinks and light bites every night. The Hotel offers a wide array of amenities including but not limited to 9,360 SF flexible event/meeting space, free parking, a business and fitness center, an indoor pool, a restaurant and cafe, and a free shuttle service. The Hotel was built in 2017 and is the top-performing hotel in the Syracuse market. The Hotel is ideally located adjacent to Destiny USA, the ninth-largest shopping center in America, which attracts over 15.9 million visitors every year. Additionally, the Hotel is two miles north of Downtown Syracuse, at the confluence of Interstate 81 and Interstate 690, giving it seamless access to the area's outer loop with direct access to Syracuses urban core. Furthermore, the Property is only two miles from the I-81 and I-90 interchange. Interstate 90, otherwise known as the New York State Thruway, runs across New York state and runs directly through Albany, Syracuse, and Buffalo. Greater Syracuse is also well served by Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), which is conveniently located four miles from the Hotel. Embassy Suites by Hilton Destiny USA offers investors the opportunity to acquire an upper upscale Hilton-branded hotel with strong in-place cash flow that benefits from a strategic location in the diverse Syracuse lodging market. Syracuse is comprised of a wide array of demand drivers such as education, healthcare, leisure, manufacturing, and technology. The Hotel is also positioned well for future growth with the announcement of Microns $100 billion computer chip manufacturing complex, which is estimated to create 50,000 jobs in the Syracuse Metropolitan Area. The Hotel is being offered unencumbered by management and at a significant discount to replacement cost in the high-barrier Northeast market. Investment highlights Strategic Syracuse Location Unmatched Location Adjacent to Destiny USA Access to Diverse Demand Drivers Recently-Built, All-Suite, Full-Service Hotel Leading Embassy Suites by Hilton Brand Affiliation Strong In-Place Cash Flows Operational Upside Assumable Tax Abatement (PILOT Program) Subdivision Plan Approved by City of Syracuse Discount to Replacement Cost, Attractive Basis in High-Barrier Market Diminishing Supply Unencumbered by Management For details visit here. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Lenox Library to Host Botanist Joan Edwards LENOX, Mass. Lenox Library will continue its Distinguished Lecture Series on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. with Dr. Joan Edwards, Samuel Fessenden Clarke Professor of Biology at Williams College, who will discuss "Conserving New England's Amazing Spring Flora." According to a press release: April brings a unique group of flowers to the New England landscape. Flowers including spring beauties, trilliums, hepaticas, violets, and Dutchman's breeches dot the forest floor taking advantage of the brief period when sunlight reaches the ground unimpeded by leaves of canopy trees. These ephemerals bloom early, set seed, and often disappear completely until the next spring. Globally, both flowers and their visitors face risk of extinction. Knowing how these flowers work is critical to preserving these gems in our landscape. In this talk, Joan Edwards will explore the natural history of spring ephemerals with a focus on floral design, how flowers interact with their spring insect visitors, and how they harness resiliency to deal with the uncertainty of changing climate. About the presenter: Joan Edwards is the Samuel Fessenden Clarke Professor of Biology at Williams College. She is a botanist with a special focus on ultrafast plant movements and the conservation of flowers and their insect visitors. Pittsfield and state can't come to terms on the reconstruction design and cost for Dan Casey Drive. The road's been one lane for some time because of flooding. Pittsfield and State Clash Over Causeway Project, Causing Delay PITTSFIELD, Mass. The city and the state Department of Transportation are clashing over logistics of the Dan Casey Memorial Drive reconstruction, halting its progress. The Public Works and Utilities subcommittee on Monday heard an update on the project per the request of resident Daniel Miraglia. The often flooded area is the subject of a more than million-dollar reconstruction that includes replacing the causeway's three existing culverts. Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales reported that the city is "in a sense kind of fighting with the state" about the design. It was supposed to go out to bid in 2022. "We recognize the need for the culverts and Dan Casey to be reconstructed. We have been working with the state through Chapter 85. It is a required process to have the state approve the design," he said. "At the moment, we have been through five iterations of the review with the state, the last one having received sometime in the fall last year, and we're in the process of regrouping." He explained that the comments received were "substantial" and the city doesn't have the funds for or agree with them. "The implications those comments have is what is worrisome and we simply do not have at this moment the capital nor do we think it is the adequate way to proceed," Morales said. The commissioner has a meeting scheduled with the District One state engineer this week and the city has $500,000 from the state's Small Bridge grant program. Chapter 85 governs the regulations and bylaws of ways of bridges. "We have requested multiple times the extension of that grant to the state and they have granted it," "They basically acknowledged that the city needs money. They acknowledged that process the state is going through, the Chapter 85, is part of the delays and so that's where we stand right now." Miraglia has concerns about public safety and culvert clogging. "My biggest concern over the years has been public safety and the condition of the road. I frequently visit and talk with the fishermen because I'm very active in the county with fishing programs and kids programs and stocking and when trout gets stocked on Onota Lake that place is just loaded with kids. So we got cars coming down, water coming over the road, the road collapsing," he said. "As you know, we have three culverts that are under the road. Two are collapsed the one is pretty much 90 percent clogged up and there's debris in front of that so you don't get the necessary capacity for the water coming through to the other side of the road so becomes problematic. All in all, if you do something to unclog the obstructions and you have that much more water going through that could actually possibly be dangerous also so you need to do something." Morales said the bridge has been made safe for transportation. Currently, it is reduced to one lane where the flooding occurs with concrete barriers. Wednesday 3 April 2024, 12:21 - Last updated: 5 April, 09:54 Weather - The North African anticyclone is about to return, bringing a wave of unusual heat from the upcoming weekend to Monday: temperatures will reach, and in some cases exceed, peaks of 26-28C. Yes, there will be a full taste of summer with highs of 25 in Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Florence. The African anticyclone returns After the last minor disturbance moving through the North-Central regions, at least for now, this long rainy phase that has especially affected the northern regions (while the South remains largely in a water deficit, severe in Sicily) comes to an end. This is confirmed by the meteorologist from 3bmeteo.com Edoardo Ferrara who explains: "In the coming days, the high African pressure will indeed return over the Mediterranean and Italy, but with a stint also in Central-West Europe where temperatures will reach exceptionally high values for the period. The peak expression of the anticyclone over Italy between the upcoming weekend and Monday, with predominantly stable and sunny weather, or at most slightly clouded by high passing clouds and some fog or mist banks during the night and early morning over the Po Valley and central valleys. Temperatures will reach late-spring or even summer values in some cases. Unusual heat and full summer peaks also on the Alps and Apennines Over Italy, as well as over much of Central-Western Europe, exceptionally warm air masses for the period will be pumped directly from North Africa" continues Ferrara from 3bmeteo.com "At about 1500m above sea level, in fact, the air temperature will be above average by 10-14C over much of Italy (slightly less in the extreme South), with peaks of even 16-18C above average on the Alps. Between France and Germany, the temperatures at altitude may show an exceptional anomaly of 20C, with the risk of new heat records. As mentioned, strong anomalies on the Alps, but also on the Apennines: the zero-degree level may indeed reach 4000m in altitude, as in full summer, while several locations at 1300-1500m may record afternoon peaks of 16-18C. Such a thermal spike may also maintain a high risk of avalanches on the Alps, where significant snow accumulations are present due to the exceptionally rainy period just ended. Which cities will be the hottest? Regarding the plains, Sunday will be the hottest day when maximums of 23/26C in the Po Valley, 24/27C in the central regions, 26/28C in the South with higher peaks not excluded in Sardinia. Among the hottest cities, we will find Florence (against an average of about 18C), Foggia and Matera with peaks of 27/28C, Catanzaro, Cosenza, and Oristano with 26/27C, Catania with 25C. But the climate will be quite warm elsewhere too, with highs of 23/25C in Rome (against an average of about 18C), 24/25C in Bologna, Verona and Milan (against an average of about 17C). If 24/26C doesn't seem too much, we remember that at this time the average highs should settle around 17-19C throughout most of the North-Central (taking for example Milan and Rome), conclude from 3bmeteo.com For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy God, this is a miserable play. For three and a half hours, the four members of the Tyrone family a morphine addict, two alcoholics and a consumptive shout and mope and recriminate, and director Jeremy Herrin really leans into the misery in his bleak, spare production of Eugene ONeills masterpiece. So why would anyone want to sit through 210 minutes of such sustained despair? Well, first theres the acting. Its one of those plays that needs a mighty pair in the lead roles of James and Mary Tyrone, he a once-famous actor who is now a whiskey-guzzling miser, she a bitter morphine addict. Lesley Manville and Jeremy Irons have done it, so have Charles Dance and Jessica Lange. This time its over to American movie star Patricia Clarkson and the beast that is Brian Cox as James, with Cox reminding us all, after the success of Succession, that the stage is his old stomping ground and its where he stomps best. Theres also the fact that, 85 years after it was written, Long Days Journey remains an incredibly astute account of addiction and of the impact it has on a family. Ive become such a liar, says Mary. I never lied about anything once upon a time. Now I have to lie, especially to myself. One day, long ago, I found I could no longer call my soul my own. Its such a big machine of a play that it takes a while for the wheels to start moving, but once the initial creaks and jerks are out of the way, its an unrelenting plummet. Its all there in the desolation of Lizzie Clachans set, three recessing rooms that get gloomier the further back you go. The few bits of furniture are all scrubbed to bare pale wood, the walls a washed-out grey, the lighting increasingly weak and white. With so little there, the production becomes a kind of specimen box, the Tyrone family like creatures under a microscope and we watch them drive themselves to despair. Herrin turns this into a showcase for Big Acting, with no distractions. Cox makes Tyrone a tyrant, barking and roaring, flaring into rage at the slightest provocation, simmering down just as quickly, and all the while his family dont pay him the slightest bit of notice. He rages, Lear-like, impotent, and just as quickly becomes a tender husband, staring with deep love into his wifes eyes. Clarkson, meanwhile, has an extraordinary ability to flitter in and out of reality, sometimes just with her eyes. One moment theyre piercing into the person shes talking to, fully lucid; the next theyre staring blankly as she loses herself in her memories. With just a faint smile, she becomes almost diaphanous, a drifting, spectral presence on stage. You cant keep your eyes off those two. open image in gallery Brian Cox, Daryl McCormack and Laurie Kynaston in Long Days Journey Into Night ( Johan Persson ) Laurie Kynaston and Daryl McCormack take on the roles of the sons, Edmund and Jamie one a morbid poet, the other a self-loathing alcoholic actor. The way they draw on threads of their parents is clever: Kynastons Edmund has some of the swagger of his dad, while McCormacks Jamie has the same inwardness as his mum. Meanwhile, Louisa Harland (Orla from Derry Girls) does brilliantly as the Irish maid Cathleen, tuning down some of the elements that can make her character a comic stereotype. By no means is this a perfect production. The stripped-back approach is really exposing, and there are moments when it doesnt bear up to the scrutiny, especially in the whiskey-heavy later scenes. You miss the heft, too, when neither Cox nor Clarkson is on stage less a criticism of the sons than a testament to the hypnotic skill of the parents and some scenes in the second half feel bum-numbingly long. And its not exactly an enjoyable night out at the theatre, either. What it is, though, is very impressive, often mesmerising, and when it hits right profoundly moving. Wyndhams, until 8 June For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hannah Waddingham has recalled a horrific experience on Game of Thrones that left her with lasting damage. Waddingham played Septa Unella in the HBO series, and shared the majority of her scenes with Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Jonathan Pryce (High Sparrow) and Icelandic strongman Hafor Julius Bjornsson (The Mountain). The Ted Lasso actor, who recently said she had no time for criticism of her Mission: Impossible co-star Tom Cruise, previously called the filming of a particular Thrones scene, in which her character is tortured, the worst day of my life. She has now opened up about the lasting damage this experience had on her, telling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Thrones gave me something I wasnt expecting from it. Waddingham, while revealing the lengths the shows production team had to go to in order to make the scenes look authentic, said the torture scene gave her chronic claustrophobia. Waddingham told Colbert that she was actually waterboarded for 10 hours and claimed she was not permitted to have a strap around her neck loosened as it would be too obvious it was loose to viewers watching at home. So Im strapped to a table with all these leather straps and I couldnt lift up my head because they said that was going to be too obvious its loose and I was like, Right, Id quite like it to be loose, she said, adding: I couldnt speak because The Mountain had his hand over my mouth while I was screaming and I had scratch marks everywhere like Id been attacked. However, Waddingham said the dire experience didnt matter if you were in Game of Thrones, because you just wanted to give the best, said that she had shared her thoughts with showrunners David Benioff and DB Weiss. I was like, Good job its for them, because it was horrific, she said. The actors previously told Collider: Lena was uncomfortable pouring liquid in my face for that long, and I was beside myself. But in those moments you have to think, do you serve the piece and get on with it or do you chicken out and go, No, this isnt what I signed up for, blah, blah, blah? Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Hannah Waddingham says she was actually waterboarded while filming Game of Thrones ( HBO ) I actually went and had a bit of a chat to somebody about it, she said, because its quite full-on being waterboarded for ten hours, and then only one minute and 30 seconds can be used on camera. The Independent has contacted HBO for comment. Waddingham will next be seen in The Fall Guy, a new action film starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Stephen Colbert grew emotional and seemed unable to speak following the death of his longtime Late Show executive assistant Amy Cole. She was 53. At the end of Monday (1 April) nights show a title card was displayed showing a photograph of Cole alongside the caption: Dedicated to our dear friend Amy Cole, 1970-2024. LateNighter reports that audience members who attended the taping said the upbeat show took a serious turn at the end of the night when Colbert asked them to hold their applause. The host, 59, looked lost for words before eventually saying a simple: Good night. Studio audience members, who were not shown the title card, were left confused as to why Colbert was visibly upset as he left the stage in silence Several Late Show with Stephen Colbert writers and staff members have paid tribute to Cole on social media, with some making reference to a recent cancer diagnosis. open image in gallery Stephen Colbert chokes up after death of longtime assistant Amy Cole ( CBS/YouTube ) On X/Twitter, writer Brian Stack said: Amy Cole was one of the warmest, loveliest people Ive ever been lucky enough to know and work with. Everyone here at our show loved her more than we can say and we always will. Writer and producer Opus Moreschi added: Amy Cole was a beacon of light and joy and calm in the swirling chaos of our workplace. I am absolutely gutted that shes gone. If you love somebody with cancer (or even if you dont) please consider giving to Amys favorite charity in her name. He provided a link to childrens hospital charity Radio Lollipop. Director and producer Jake Plunkett also provided a link to Radio Lollipop, writing: Words cannot measure how big a loss Amy Cole is to this world. Fuck cancer. One of Amys passions was helping children with cancer. So, I ask you to help spread the light that she gave to this world by donating to the link. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Last week, Colbert expressed regret for making jokes about Kate Middletons absence on his show. The presenter previously mocked the Princess of Wales disappearance and joined in with conspiracy theories surrounding her absence from public life before it was announced that the 42-year-old had been diagnosed with cancer. Colbert said that he was aware he had upset people even before the diagnosis was announced. A lot of my jokes have upset people in the past and Im sure some of my jokes will upset people in the future, he said. But there is a standard that I try to hold myself to, and that is, I do not make light of somebody elses tragedy. He went on to wish the Princess a swift recovery. Though Im sure they dont need it from me, I and everyone here at The Late Show would like to extend our well-wishes and heartfelt hope that her recovery is swift and thorough, he said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has caused widespread destruction acrossTaiwan, with its epicentre in the scenic beach town of Hualien. Seven people have been confirmed dead so far as the search and rescue mission continues after the tremors dangerously tilted buildings, caused landslides and brought air, train and road traffic to a standstill for hours. It was the most powerful earthquake to hit the island in 25 years with jolts felt across the east coast of mainland China, including Hong Kong, southern parts of Japan, and the Philippines. At least 736 people have been confirmed as injured and 77 remain stranded, government officials said. The quake and aftershocks also caused 24 landslides and damaged 35 roads, bridges and tunnels across the country. View more Rescue efforts are focused in Hualien city, from where most of the casualties and damage have been reported. With a population of around 300,000, according to a 2020 census, the beach town attracts tourists from around the country and across the world. open image in gallery Map provided by the US Geological Survey shows how the earthquake was felt on mainland China, and strongly impacted the capital Taipei to the north of Taiwan island ( USGS ) Three hours by train from the capital Taipei, the quiet region is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Taroko Gorge national park where three hikers have been reported dead. The earthquake prompted tsunami alerts and evacuations in Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines which were later cancelled. open image in gallery A red building is partially collapsed after a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan ( VCG via Getty Images ) In Taiwan, tsunami waves surged to nearly half a metre, equivalent to 1.5ft, in Chenggong, situated approximately 100km (62 miles) south of the earthquakes epicentre. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami wave of 30cm (about 1ft) was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. Smaller waves were measured in Ishigaki and Miyako islands. It was shortly after the agency warned tsunami waves of up to three metres in Okinawa region. open image in gallery An employee clears broken bottles on the floor of a supermarket in Yilan, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan ( CNA/AFP via Getty Images ) However, Japanese chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi suggested the danger is still not over as the second and third waves generated by the quake are expected to be bigger. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rescuers in Taiwan raced against time on Friday to find 18 people, including foreign nationals, still missing two days after the island was jolted by the strongest earthquake in 25 years. The death toll from Wednesdays 7.4-magnitude earthquake rose to 12, authorities said, with more than 1,000 people sustaining injuries. Taiwans Fire Department said searchers discovered two more bodies in the mountains, with the death toll expected to rise further. Authorities identified three of the missing individuals as Australian and Canadian nationals as rescuers continued to try and save hundreds of people still stranded after rocks and mud blocked the roads leading to their hotels, campgrounds or work sites in the eastern Hualien area. At least 50 aftershocks rattled the area overnight, some felt as far away as capital Taipei, after 400 tremors were initially recorded from Wednesday morning into Thursday night by the Central Weather Administration. Rescuers said about 400 people cut off in a luxury hotel in the Taroko Gorge national park were safe, with helicopters ferrying out the injured and bringing supplies. Rain increases the risks of rockfalls and landslides, which are currently the biggest challenges, Su Yu-ming, the leader of a search team helping the rescue effort, told Reuters. These factors are unpredictable, which means we cannot confirm the number of days required for the search and rescue operations. Some 700 people remained cut off, the vast majority of them employees and guests at a hotel in the national park. Authorities said they were safe and had food and water, and that work to repair the roads to the hotel was nearly finished. Another 10 workers from the same hotel were stranded elsewhere in the park, after most of the others in the group were rescued or managed to walk out. A relative hugs a man who was rescued from a remote area, following the earthquake, in Hualien ( Reuters ) A group of 50 workers, who were on their way to the hotel and had been trapped on roads, were later rescued. I am lucky to survive this disaster. We were terrified, especially when the earthquake first happened, we thought it was all over, all over, all over, because it was an earthquake, right? said David Chen, 63, a security manager at the hotel. As we were leaving, rocks were still falling. We had to navigate through the gaps between the falling rocks, with the search and rescue team upfront, he added. Premier Chen Chien-je visited a disaster response center in Hualien as the federal government announced the allocation of NT$300m (7.41m) for recovery efforts. Japan on Friday said the would provide $1m (791,750) in relief aid to Taiwan to support rescue activities and recovery. Some 200 residents of Hualien County near the epicentre were staying in temporary shelters when the aftershocks struck, and the main road linking the county to Taipei was still closed Thursday afternoon. The aftershocks were terrifying, said Yu, a 52-year-old woman from Hualien, who gave only her family name. Its non-stop. I do not dare to sleep in the house. Outside the city, a helicopter ferried to safety six miners trapped on a cliff in a dramatic rescue after the quake cut off the roads into Hualiens soaring mountains, in footage shown by the department. Two trapped workers of Taroko National Park have a physical examination after being rescued ( AP ) The Agriculture Ministry urged people to keep away from the mountains because of the risk of falling rocks and the formation of barrier lakes as water pools behind unstable debris. Rescue workers reached the a in Taroko Gorge, cut off by the quake, by helicopter and established that all 400 people there were safe. The fire department said work to reopen the road would continue in the morning. In the city, dozens of residents queued outside one badly damaged 10-storey building, waiting to go in and retrieve belongings. Clad in helmets and accompanied by government personnel, each was given 10 minutes to collect valuables in huge garbage bags, though some saved time by throwing items out of windows into the street below. People look on as workers carry out operations on a partially-collapsed building following the earthquake ( Reuters ) This building is no longer liveable, said Tian Liang-si, who had a home on the fifth floor, as she scrambled to gather her laptop, family photographs and other crucial items. She recalled the moment the quake struck, sending the building lurching and furniture sliding, while she rushed to save her four puppies. A relative hugs a man who was rescued from a remote area, following the earthquake, in Hualien, Taiwan ( Reuters ) Of the 12 dead, at least four were killed inside Taroko National Park, a tourist attraction famous for canyons and cliffs in mountainous Hualien about 90 miles from Taipei. One person was found dead in a damaged building and another was found in the Ho Ren Quarry. Rescuers also carried out the body of a man, who had severe wounds on his head, from a hiking trail on Thursday. Hualien was last struck by a deadly quake in 2018 which killed 17 people and brought down a historic hotel. Taiwans worst recent earthquake struck on 21 September 1999, a magnitude 7.7 temblor that caused 2,400 deaths, injured around 100,000 and destroyed thousands of buildings. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least nine people were killed and more than 900 injured when Taiwans biggest earthquake in 25 years rocked the island during the morning rush hour, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings. Massive landslides were triggered and buildings were left tilting at precarious angles after the 7.2 magnitude quake, which struck just offshore at about 8am local time. Videos showed people experiencing violent shaking across Taiwan and there appears to be extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Multiple buildings in Hualien, a relatively sparsely populated city popular with tourists, appeared heavily damaged, with photographs showing nine-storey buildings leaning at a 45-degree angle. open image in gallery A partially collapsed building in Hualien ( AP ) At least 77 people were trapped in buildings or under the debris of partially collapsed structures, the Taiwanese government said on Wednesday afternoon. A dozen people were rescued from a building in New Taipei City after its foundations sank deep into the ground. Today was the first time I was scared to tears by an earthquake, a Taipei resident, who was sleeping in her fifth-floor apartment, told the Associated Press. I was awakened by the earthquake. I had never felt such intense shaking before. Three hikers were killed by falling rocks on the Dekalun Trail in Taroko National Park in Hualien. A fourth victim has been identified as a truck driver, who died after rocks crushed his vehicle near a tunnel. View more The effects of the earthquake were felt in mainland China and as far away as Taiwanese-controlled islands off the coast of China, said Wu Chien-fu, the head of Taiwans earthquake monitoring bureau. Multiple aftershocks, one measuring 6.5 magnitude near Hualien, were also felt in the capital Taipei, the agency said. open image in gallery Rescuers work at a partially collapsed building ( VCG via Getty Images ) At least 87,000 households were left without electricity on the island due to a disruption in supply following the powerful jolts. Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines have issued tsunami warnings, with waves as high as three metres initially expected to hit the remote Japanese island group of Okinawa. Authorities in Taiwan issued warnings through text messages to remind people in coastal areas to be vigilant and take strict precautions and pay attention to the dangers caused by sudden surges in waves. open image in gallery A damaged apartment following the earthquake, in New Taipei City ( Reuters ) Japans Self Defence Force has sent planes to the area to gather information about the tsunami impact around the Okinawa region, and said it was preparing shelters for evacuation, if necessary. Japan later downgraded the tsunami advisory, reducing the height of waves expected to one metre. The first tsunami waves of at least 30 centimetres arrived at Yonaguni Island at 9.18am local time, authorities said. All tsunami warnings were eventually lifted. open image in gallery A building is partially collapsed after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan ( VCG via Getty Images ) All flight operations have been suspended at Naha airport in Okinawa following the tsunami warning. The Philippine government asked people in coastal areas to immediately evacuate to higher ground as the islands braced for high tsunami waves. Villagers in Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Isabela were asked not to return to their homes until the tsunami alert was lifted. High-speed rail services across Taiwans main island were suspended following the quake, as was the subway network in Taipei. But witnesses said things quickly returned to normal in the capital, with children going to school and the morning commute continuing. I wanted to run out but I wasnt dressed. That was so strong, Kelvin Hwang, a guest at a downtown hotel, told AFP. open image in gallery People gathering in the lobby of the Taipei 101 office building ( CNA/AFP via Getty Images ) The islands national legislature, based in a converted school built before the Second World War, had damage to walls and ceilings. Schools evacuated their students to sports fields, equipping them with yellow safety helmets. Some also covered themselves with textbooks to guard against falling objects as aftershocks continued. Traffic along the east coast was brought to a virtual standstill, with landslides and falling debris hitting tunnels and highways in the mountainous region. open image in gallery An employee clears broken bottles on the floor of a supermarket in Yilan ( CNA/AFP via Getty Images ) President Tsai Ing-wen has offered condolences and pressed soldiers into the rescue and recovery effort. The national army will provide support in response to the needs of local governments to ensure the safety of peoples lives and property, she said on Facebook. Taiwans president-elect Lai Ching-te rushed to Hualien to take stock of the situation, while the president oversaw operations from Taipei. open image in gallery Taiwans air force sent C-130 aircraft to carry out disaster relief operations ( Anadolu via Getty Images ) Japans prime minister Fumio Kishida said he was deeply saddened by the earthquake and offered to provide any assistance necessary. The quake is the largest to hit Taiwan since one in 1999 caused extensive damage and killed around 2,400 people. Taiwan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the worlds earthquakes occur. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rescuers in Taiwan raced against time on Friday to find 18 people, including foreign nationals, still missing two days after the island was jolted by the strongest earthquake in 25 years. The death toll from Wednesdays 7.4-magnitude earthquake rose to 12, authorities said, with more than 1,000 people sustaining injuries. Taiwans Fire Department said searchers discovered two more bodies in the mountains, with the death toll expected to rise further. Authorities identified three of the missing individuals as Australian and Canadian nationals as rescuers continued to try and save hundreds of people still stranded after rocks and mud blocked the roads leading to their hotels, campgrounds or work sites in the eastern Hualien area. At least 50 aftershocks rattled the area overnight, some felt as far away as capital Taipei, after 400 tremors were initially recorded from Wednesday morning into Thursday night by the Central Weather Administration. Rescuers said about 400 people cut off in a luxury hotel in the Taroko Gorge national park were safe, with helicopters ferrying out the injured and bringing supplies. Rain increases the risks of rockfalls and landslides, which are currently the biggest challenges, Su Yu-ming, the leader of a search team helping the rescue effort, told Reuters. These factors are unpredictable, which means we cannot confirm the number of days required for the search and rescue operations. Some 700 people remained cut off, the vast majority of them employees and guests at a hotel in the national park. Authorities said they were safe and had food and water, and that work to repair the roads to the hotel was nearly finished. Another 10 workers from the same hotel were stranded elsewhere in the park, after most of the others in the group were rescued or managed to walk out. open image in gallery A relative hugs a man who was rescued from a remote area, following the earthquake, in Hualien ( Reuters ) A group of 50 workers, who were on their way to the hotel and had been trapped on roads, were later rescued. I am lucky to survive this disaster. We were terrified, especially when the earthquake first happened, we thought it was all over, all over, all over, because it was an earthquake, right? said David Chen, 63, a security manager at the hotel. As we were leaving, rocks were still falling. We had to navigate through the gaps between the falling rocks, with the search and rescue team upfront, he added. Premier Chen Chien-je visited a disaster response center in Hualien as the federal government announced the allocation of NT$300m (7.41m) for recovery efforts. Japan on Friday said the would provide $1m (791,750) in relief aid to Taiwan to support rescue activities and recovery. Some 200 residents of Hualien County near the epicentre were staying in temporary shelters when the aftershocks struck, and the main road linking the county to Taipei was still closed Thursday afternoon. The aftershocks were terrifying, said Yu, a 52-year-old woman from Hualien, who gave only her family name. Its non-stop. I do not dare to sleep in the house. Outside the city, a helicopter ferried to safety six miners trapped on a cliff in a dramatic rescue after the quake cut off the roads into Hualiens soaring mountains, in footage shown by the department. open image in gallery Two trapped workers of Taroko National Park have a physical examination after being rescued ( AP ) The Agriculture Ministry urged people to keep away from the mountains because of the risk of falling rocks and the formation of barrier lakes as water pools behind unstable debris. Rescue workers reached the a in Taroko Gorge, cut off by the quake, by helicopter and established that all 400 people there were safe. The fire department said work to reopen the road would continue in the morning. In the city, dozens of residents queued outside one badly damaged 10-storey building, waiting to go in and retrieve belongings. Clad in helmets and accompanied by government personnel, each was given 10 minutes to collect valuables in huge garbage bags, though some saved time by throwing items out of windows into the street below. open image in gallery People look on as workers carry out operations on a partially-collapsed building following the earthquake ( Reuters ) This building is no longer liveable, said Tian Liang-si, who had a home on the fifth floor, as she scrambled to gather her laptop, family photographs and other crucial items. She recalled the moment the quake struck, sending the building lurching and furniture sliding, while she rushed to save her four puppies. open image in gallery A relative hugs a man who was rescued from a remote area, following the earthquake, in Hualien, Taiwan ( Reuters ) Of the 12 dead, at least four were killed inside Taroko National Park, a tourist attraction famous for canyons and cliffs in mountainous Hualien about 90 miles from Taipei. One person was found dead in a damaged building and another was found in the Ho Ren Quarry. Rescuers also carried out the body of a man, who had severe wounds on his head, from a hiking trail on Thursday. Hualien was last struck by a deadly quake in 2018 which killed 17 people and brought down a historic hotel. Taiwans worst recent earthquake struck on 21 September 1999, a magnitude 7.7 temblor that caused 2,400 deaths, injured around 100,000 and destroyed thousands of buildings. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Haldirams will trademark its name and logo after an Indian court affirmed that they had been associated with the popular food brand and eatery for over six decades. In a ruling on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court said Haldirams had been using its mark and its distinctive red oval logo since the 1960s. Founded in Indias Rajasthan in 1937, Haldirams is known for its bhujia, a crispy snack made from flour and spices, as well as a wide range of sweets, savouries and instant food equivalent of homecooked Indian meals and snacks. Haldirams claims to have outlets in over 80 countries, with significant presence in the US, UK and Singapore, and reported total revenue of $1.5bn (1.1bn) in 2023. Major Indian conglomerates, including the Tata Group, have tried to buy ownership stakes in the family business in the past, without much success. The company had moved the Delhi High Court in 2019, complaining that copycat sweet shops and eateries were deceptively using logos similar to its own, to the chains loss, and asked for trademark rights under the Indian trademark law. Justice Prathiba M Singh granted the request, noting that the family concern had acquired well-known status. The Plaintiff exports its products not just within Asia but to a large span of other countries. In this context, the claim for HALDIRAM to be recognised as a well-known mark throughout India, inclusive of West Bengal, is a testament to the plaintiffs cultural and commercial imprint, Bar & Bench reported the judge as ruling. Such dynamism aims to safeguard the goodwill and trust a mark commands among consumers, irrespective of territorial divisions. By granting such a declaration, the court is also aware of the present realities of consumer perception in relation to the average consumers in the food and snacks industry, the judge added. A bizarre row over events from 50 years ago is emerging as a major issue in Indias election campaign. With voting set to begin in just over two weeks time, prime minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have attacked the countrys main opposition for handing over a small, uninhabited island to Sri Lanka in 1974. Katchatheevu is surrounded by rich Indian Ocean fisheries, and it features a Catholic church, an annual pilgrimage to which attracts devotees from both India and Sri Lanka. It is otherwise unremarkable, and an unlikely flashpoint for parties to fight over in an election that will directly affect the lives of 1.4 billion Indians. India ceded its claim on the island to its southern neighbour under a maritime agreement signed by the government of Indira Gandhi in 1974. It was a pragmatic decision at the time, but the idea of giving up even a tiny sliver of sovereign Indian territory is now unthinkable to Modis right-wing nationalist base. The issue has come to the surface partly because of a spike in clashes between fishermen from the two countries. The fishing grounds around Katchatheevu which lies 21 miles from India, in the Palk Strait have historically served both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen. In recent years, disagreements over fishing rights have heightened tensions, and Sri Lankas navy seized more than 240 Indian fishermen last year alone. Modi and his party have focused on a Times of India report analysing the background to the Congress partys decision to give the island up. Government records, obtained by Tamil Nadus BJP chief K Annamalai, include comments attributed to Indias first prime minister, Congresss Jawaharlal Nehru, indicating his lack of regard for the islands importance. open image in gallery Congress party supporters at a rally in Bengaluru on Wednesday ( AFP via Getty ) It also implicates the local Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which is now in alliance with Congress and rules Tamil Nadu, the southern state closest to Katchatheevu. The Times report alleges that, in 1974, the DMK secretly consented to the agreement ceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka despite opposing it in public. It creates an opportunity for the BJP to go on the attack against both the national and regional opposition in Tamil Nadu, which is seen as a key battleground state and is among the first to vote in Indias seven-phase election, which begins on 19 April. Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this week that giving up Katchatheevu was a callous decision that had harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen. Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadus interests, Modi said. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMKs double standards totally. Congress and DMK are family units, Modi posted. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They dont care for anyone else. Modis comments led to a war of words between the BJP and Congress that continued through the week. You have suddenly woken up to the issues of territorial integrity and national security in your 10th year of misrule, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X. Perhaps, elections are the trigger. Your desperation is palpable. He reminded Modi that the BJP government had transferred 111 enclaves to Bangladesh as a friendly gesture under a land boundary deal signed in 2015. Modis foreign minister, S Jaishankar, criticised both the Congress and the DMK for the Katchatheevu deal, claiming that the transfer of the territory to Sri Lanka had over the years led to the seizure, detention or apprehension of Indian fishermen and fishing vessels by the island nation. In the last five years, the Katchatheevu issue and the fishermens issue have been repeatedly raised by various parties in parliament, he told reporters in Delhi on Monday. The Congress and the DMK have approached this matter as though they have no responsibility for it, he added. We now know not only who did it, but also who hid it. Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP leader, had previously claimed that the Modi government was taking steps to reclaim the territory. Jaishankar deflected a question about whether the Indian government intended to take the island back, saying the matter was in the hands of the Supreme Court. Sri Lanka has played down the issue, with infrastructure minister Jeevan Thondaman telling The Indian Express that Colombo had not received any communication on the Katchatheevu issue from New Delhi. open image in gallery Supporters of Narendra Modis BJP wearing masks of his face at an election rally in Meerut on Sunday ( Reuters ) As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, Katchatheevu island falls within the Sri Lankan line of control, he said. A DMK party spokesperson said: It is wrong to talk about an issue without studying its history. In 1974, the DMK held state-wide agitations and public meetings to oppose and condemn the ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. Senior DMK leader RS Bharathi waded into the debate: if Modi really cared about Katchatheevu, he could have laid claim to the island during his 10 years in office, he said. Why did not he take up the Katchatheevu issue? Bharathi asked. The DMK contends that the Gandhi government refused to consider its view before signing the 1974 deal, leading to protests by the party at the time. View more In the 50 years since the agreement was signed, successive Tamil Nadu governments have repeatedly raised concerns about it. They have highlighted its impact on the livelihoods of fishermen, the socioeconomic stability of coastal communities, and the regions cultural and social fabric. MK Stalin, the current DMK chief minister of Tamil Nadu, has also cast a spotlight on the growing number of arrests of fishermen and boat seizures by Sri Lankan authorities, and urged Modi to deal with the matter through diplomacy. The traditional fishing waters that Tamil fishermen have relied upon for generations are getting increasingly restricted, making it difficult to sustain their livelihood [and] impacting the economic stability of these communities, he said in a letter to Modi last year ahead of the visit of Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. This also threatens the cultural and social fabric of the region that revolves around the fishing industry. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy For $13 an hour, you can work in fast food. Or, you could engage in close-quarter combat with the countrys most catastrophic wildfires. This was the starting salary for federal wildland firefighters until two years ago, when the Biden administration allocated $600m from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to increase entry pay to $15 p/h. The funding was intended to be a bridge while lawmakers worked on long-term reform, President Biden said at the time. Yet a permanent fix remains elusive with Congress more bitterly divided than ever, and the House limping along in even basic tasks like funding the government. Wildland firefighting is a rare issue which draws wide bipartisan support, and lawmakers have been able to agree on temporary pay extensions. But the latest one, passed last month, is set to expire at the end of the fiscal year in September, meaning that without a bill being passed soon to create a permanent fix, pay could drop right in middle of the traditional fire season leaving firefighters in the lurch. If we cant get something done this year, then I dont feel so good that well get anything, said Riva Duncan, a former firefighter and vice president of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. The National Federation of Federal Employees, a labor union representing thousands of firefighters, pointed out the chaos that the continued uncertainty had already caused. For months, these selfless men and women have had to live with the possibility of their pay being cut in half overnight, said NFFE president Randy Erwin. Government agencies are working towards improve mental health services suicide, depression, anxiety disorder, alcohol issues and PTSD rates are higher among firefighters than the general population and better job classifications. But legislation that would provide long-term stability for the workforce has languished in both chambers. The gold standard Some 19,000 firefighters work for the US government, protecting more than a million square miles of land. Unlike municipal or state employees, they deploy to fires anywhere in the country with specialized crews like those who parachute into remote fires (the smokejumpers); tackle fires most challenging areas (hotshots), and rappel down into blazes from hovering helicopters (helitack). But for years many federal firefighters were classed as forestry technicians, and often lacked sufficient health care or housing on the job. open image in gallery A wildland firefighting crew assess a fire in Washington state in 2021 ( Courtesy of Ben McLane ) These issues have made recruiting adequate numbers more difficult at a time when the country faces an ongoing wildfire crisis, officials warned. Last July, the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act (WFPPA) was introduced by Arizonas Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema to create permanent salary increases; premium pay for those fighting fires that last longer than 36 hours; and cover additional rest and recuperation. In the House, Colorado Democrat Joe Neguse also introduced Tims Act, a bill described as the gold standard by wildland firefighters. It would raise starting wages to at least $20 p/h; provide health care to both temporary and permanent wildland firefighters; and create a national database to track chronic disease caused by on-the-job exposure. The bill also contains provisions for in-depth mental health support for firefighters and their families, and housing stipends for those on duty more than 50 miles from home. The legislation was named after Tim Hart, a smokejumper from Wyoming who was killed during the Eicks Fire in New Mexico in 2021. In Tims honor, his widow Michelle Hart courageously turned her grief into action and began advocating on behalf of her husband and other wildland firefighters, Rep. Neguse told The Independent in an email. open image in gallery Wildland firefighting involves physically demanding work digging trenches and cutting down trees to stop fire spreading. For this, some federal firefighters were being paid $13 an hour until two years ago ( Courtesy of Pete Dutchick ) The brave men and women in this workforce are subjected to grueling circumstances, from the physical and emotional toll to the lack of adequate housing and pay. Ultimately, they deserve to be compensated for the work they undertake on behalf of millions of Americans. It is the right thing to do. However, the bill appears to be a non-starter. There are certain legislators who think Tims Act is too big, and what that usually means is that its too costly, said Duncan from Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. The current and former firefighters who spoke to The Independent for this article belong to the nonprofit which advocates for better conditions in the profession. This story is part of Global Warning, a new series from The Independent, telling the stories of people on the front lines of the climate crisis across the US Jonathon Golden, a former firefighter and Grassroots legislative expert in Washington DC, agreed that Tims Act was likely too ambitious for Congress. He added that Senator Sinemas Pay Protection Act, with its narrower set of provisions, stands a better chance. The Senate bill passed the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on a 10-1 vote with only Kentucky Republican Rand Paul in opposition. The bill now needs to pass the House, an effort also being led by Rep. Neguse. While I wish that the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act would further support our firefighters, this bill is an important step in the right direction, he said. He noted that funding to extend pay in last months spending package opens the door for Congress to continue our bipartisan pursuit of a permanent fix for firefighter pay. open image in gallery President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Summit on Fire Prevention and Control in 2022. He raised federal firefighter entry pay to $15 p/h and urged Congress to take up the issue to make the raise permanent ( Getty Images ) In a statement, Senator Sinema also told The Independent that she would continue fighting for a permanent fix. For now, firefighters remain cautiously optimistic. However, if Congress doesnt pass legislation this year, the chance of meaningful change for wildland firefighters looked more remote, said Duncan, who retired in 2020 after 30 years with the US Forest Service. We try hard to be non-partisan at Grassroots because were trying to get everybodys support, she told The Independent. But typically Republicans dont like to spend more money, so if a Republican gets into the White House again, then I personally feel like were done for the next four years. A gut-wrenching decision The workforce is losing firefighters with decades of experience from key middle management roles - the glue that holds everything together, as former wildland firefighter Luke Mayfield told The Independent. Last June, US forest service deputy chief Jaelith Hall-Rivera estimated that 30-50 per cent of the firefighting workforce would leave the service and go elsewhere. The firefighters union has warned that members will leave their jobs in droves unless increased pay and improved benefits are secured. Some leave for the private sector but others have transferred to state and local crews, where pay can be double a federal job. People who are leaving for financial reasons are doing it under duress it is a gut-wrenching decision for them, Duncan said. This is a group of people who truly love what they do. Its not just a job, it becomes so much a part of your life. It is a brotherhood, a sisterhood. The climate crisis is also shifting the equation in an already dangerous job. Fire season now lasts year-round with more large blazes that behave in unpredictable ways. In February, Texas had its largest wildfire in state history and 10 new large fires were reported last week across the US. For those employed to fight fire, this means longer periods of time away from family and friends doing grueling work in conditions that take both a physical and mental toll. open image in gallery Colorado Democrat Joe Neguse with President Biden in Red Cliff, Colorado in 2022. Rep. Neguse has introduced legislation to improve the conditions for federal firefighters in the House ( Getty Images ) A growing body of research has revealed the devastating impact of these conditions. Dr Patricia OBrien, a psychologist and former hotshot, found significantly higher rates of probable depression, anxiety disorder and PTSD among firefighters than the rest of the population. Suicidal ideation, binge drinking, and smokeless tobacco use occur at 2-10 times the rates of the general public, and divorce rates are higher. In 2015, more firefighters died by suicide than in the line of duty. Sinemas office said that permanent pay rises for firefighters could be included in future National Defense Authorization Act legislation, that specifies what the US military spends its money on, and where members typically fit priorities that wouldnt otherwise pass. Duncan noted that, unfortunately, when large fires break out, it tended to help their cause. It reminds people that its always fire season somewhere, she said, highlighting the recent Texas blazes. Were seeing devastating losses out there. Maybe not a lot of houses, as we see in California, but livelihoods of ranchers, and thousands of livestock. Golden said that to get legislation onto a lawmakers radar, he tried to meet them where theyre at: If the climate crisis was unlikely to play with a conservative member, for example, then perhaps they might be concerned about national security. open image in gallery Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema, from Arizona, has championed legislation to improved firefighter pay. But it is unclear if the bill will pass before the end of the 2024 Congressional session ( Getty Images ) He pointed to the Department of Defenses climate strategy, which mentions the threat of wildfires, and that theTexas fires had briefly forced a nuclear weapons facility north of Amarillo to evacuate. Im trying to pull all the levers that I can think of to raise awareness, Golden told The Independent. But there is a very real risk that masses of federal firefighters will not wait around long enough for Congress to act. Last year, a bipartisan group of Senators urged Senate Leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell to avoid mass resignations within the ranks by ensuring prompt passage of the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. The Independent has asked Senate and House majority and minority leadership for comment on what actions they are taking to help pass the legislation. None had responded to emails seeking comment at the time of publication. I think a lot of our younger folks find it really frustrating because why wouldnt people support us in this? Duncan said. Whether its a fire in your backyard, youre breathing in smoke from Canada, or beef prices go up because we lose a bunch of cattle, everyone is going to be affected. So everyone should really be interested in this. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you are based in the UK and are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you If Britain were to suspend arms sales to Israel, it would be joining Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Spain and Belgium, who have already done so with broad overall public support. However, the value of UK arms exports to Israel is relatively low, amounting to 42m in 2022 out of global arms sales of 70.6bn for that year. Germany has stated that it will continue with weapons exports for the time being, but it is said to be reviewing an Israeli request for additional tank ammunition as it faces legal action from a citizens group whose family members are among the casualties in Gaza. Israel is heavily dependent on US military supplies all but one of its foreign-made aircraft are American but Britain supplies 15 per cent of the components of the US-made F-35 warplanes that have been used in Gaza. Campaign Against Arms Trade estimates that work on the 36 F-35s exported to Israel prior to 2023 has been worth at least 368m to the UK arms industry. Israels own arms firm, Elbit Systems, has long been targeted by protesters at its British facilities; the companys premises in Kent were temporarily closed in March after activists blockaded the entrance. Also last month, seven other activists received suspended prison sentences for damage done to the firms offices in Bristol during a previous protest. Elbit promotes the Hermes 450, thought to have been used in the deadly attack on a charity convoy, as the backbone of the IDF, saying it has flown 700,000 operational hours over the years. The company is producing two more advanced models, the Hermes 900 and the Hermes StarLiner, which it hopes will be bestsellers in the international arms market. Bezhalel Machlis, Elbits chief executive, said recently that he expects the companys revenue to grow by $500m (395m) a year: Its crucial to support the IDF. The war is not positive, but we received a lot of orders and we expect to get more. There is a growing demand for our technology around the world. An officer in the British armys Royal Artillery Regiment, which flies the Thales Watchkeeper drone, says the Watchkeeper WK450 is very much a spin-off from the Hermes 450, so there is obviously a degree of technology transfer involved. open image in gallery A protest sign in central London on Saturday is emblematic of the pressure on US president Joe Biden and British prime minister Rishi Sunak ( Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock ) Relations between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government have frayed significantly since the start of the war, with the US recently voting for a UN ceasefire resolution. Joe Biden has deplored the deadly strike on the aid convoy, saying he was outraged and heartbroken by what had happened. Israel had not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians, he said. Peter Ricketts, a former senior diplomat who chaired the Joint Intelligence Committee during the Blair government, is of the view that Washington may now reconsider its military links with Israel, saying: I think each time there is another of these horrors, they must be getting closer to the point where the Americans start putting some restrictions on their arms. This is not something that is apparent at present. On the same day that Biden condemned the Israeli attack, news broke that his administration was considering 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 (JDAM) kits, which turn dumb bombs into precision-guided weapons. On the previous day, it emerged that the US was moving forward with another arms package, including more than 1,800 MK-84 2,000lb bombs and 500 MK-82 500lb bombs. Washington stresses that these weapons are not necessarily for use in Gaza, but could be used against any of the enemies Israel faces including a well-armed Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as Iran and its proxy militias. But critics say the Netanyahu government has more than enough stocks to deal with these threats for now, and the additional arsenal is not imperative. Bidens administration and the Democrats face a difficult choice in this election year. The failure to curb Israeli aggression in Gaza has led to the erosion of support from Muslim Americans, the young, and some liberals risking the presidents chance of winning the key battleground state of Michigan, which may hold the key to the outcome of the election itself. There is no guarantee that halting arms supplies now would get that support back. There is, however, the very real possibility that a total embargo would lead to Netanyahu arriving in America to denounce the move. He followed a similar course of action in 2015 after falling out with Barack Obama, addressing a joint session of Congress on a Republican invitation. Mike Johnson, the current Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, has already indicated that he intends to invite Netanyahu again this year. The chances of America halting arms shipments, cutting off Israels main source of supply, looks highly unlikely, whichever course Britain decides to take on the matter. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Anya Taylor-Joy shared photos of her anatomically correct heart cakes from her secret first wedding ceremony. The 27-year-old Furiosa actor offered her Instagram followers a glimpse into her private New Orleans nuptials to musician Malcolm McRae, which she celebrated in April 2022 ahead of the couples second, star-studded wedding in Venice in October 2023. Two years ago, on April Fools, I secretly married my best friend in New Orleans. The magic of that day is ingrained in every cell of my being, forever, she wrote in the caption, celebrating her other half. Happy second ( first ) anniversary my loveyoure the coolest. Among a carousel of intimate photos and videos of the celebration taken by pals Cara Delevingne and Sebastian Faena, the actor showed off some unique wedding cakes in the shape of an anatomically correct heart. N.B yes, those are anatomically correct heart cakes, she added. Yes, I am the vampire Lestat. Taylor-Joy referred to two small heart-like cakes displayed on a white plate surrounded by pools of blood-red fruit syrup. The Queens Gambit star shared a clip on her Instagram story of her and her husband crossing arms with each other while they both took a bite of the bloody heart cakes. The Instagram carousel also included the Peaky Blinders actor donning her Dior wedding dress adorned with sweet flowers and birds and a gorgeous floor-length veil. Beautifully embroidered with our love story by @dior, she wrote of her bridal gown. In one clip, Taylor-Joy can be seen showing off her dress in the soft candlelight of the church. Her husband, 29, shared his own Instagram post for the couples wedding anniversary, writing in the caption: I love you now and somehow I always have and somehow it will never end. Happy two year anniversary (yesterday), beautiful. The caption accompanied a pair of wedding photos as well as a clip of himself and his wife loved up and enjoying each others company, kissing and talking to one another. Their secret first ceremony predated their much grander Venice nuptials at the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta in Venice. The star-studded event included guests such as Delevingne, Evan Ross, Miles Teller, Nicholas Hoult and Julia Garner. The couple reportedly capped off the weekend with an extravagant brunch at the St Regis Hotel, which boasted views of the Grand Canal. Sparks flew between the couple after they first met at the March 2021 premiere of Taylor-Joys critically lauded Netflix series The Queens Gambit. Only days after meeting the actor, McRae wrote an original song for the actor and posted clips on Instagram of him performing the song with his band More. I wrote this song for Anya two days after meeting her, McRae wrote at the time in the caption. Its called Really Want to See You Again. The rest is history with the pair making their red carpet debut in March 2022 at the CAA Pre-Oscar Party in Los Angeles, and Taylor-Joy opening up about her romance in an interview the following year with British Vogue. Ive finally found someone who will happily sit in silence with me reading, she gushed to the outlet. I said to my partner the other day that he was my hobby. I see reading as something that I have to do. He loved it because hes the same. Were basically 80 years old and seven at the same time, and it works really well. As of April Fools Day, the pair have been married for two years. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Chance The Rapper and his wife Kristen Corley have announced that they will parting ways. After undergoing a separation period, the long-time couple has decided to officially end their marriage after five years together. They shared the same statement on their Instagram Stories asking for privacy from fans throughout this tough time in their familys life. After a period of separation, the two of us have arrived at the decision to part ways, their statement said. We came to this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together. In light of the ending of their marriage, the pair - who share two daughters Kensli, eight, and Marli Grace, four - stressed that co-parenting remains their top priority and they will always put their family first. They added: God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters who we will continue to raise together. The statement concluded with a plea asking for privacy and respect as we navigate this transition. On the Fourth of July in 2018, the rapper - whose real name is Chancelor Johnathan Bennett - first announced their engagement in a social media post. The following year the couple tied the knot in March, but reportedly were already legally married through a civil ceremony in December 2018. That year, Bennett recounted the sweet story of how they first met in a thread shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, that including an old photo of her. It was 2003 and he was just nine years old when he saw Corley for the first time at the real estate office his mom worked at, performing Independent Women by Destinys Child with her friends. When they began to sing, he said he remembered locking eyes with the prettiest girl I ever seen in my almost-a-decade of life on earth. Although he was too shy to approach her at the time, the rapper felt as though it was fate. He noted: I knew I was gonna marry that girl and I aint wanna jump the gun. Last month was the couples fifth wedding anniversary on 9 March, however, neither celebrated the occasion on social media like they had in the past. Eagle-eyed fans have been speculating for the past year that the pairs relationship was on the rocks after footage leaked of the rapper dancing with another woman during his 30th birthday bash at Carnival in Jamaica. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Fast food fans are celebrating the fact Krispy Kreme and McDonald's are getting together. The doughnut chain and the fast food giant unveiled plans this week to offer Krispy Kreme products at McDonald's locations across the United States. A phased rollout is expected to start later this year, the companies said, with availability at participating restaurants nationwide expected by the end of 2026. McDonald's didn't specify how many of its 13,500 US locations 95% of which are franchised would be participating in the deal. Following the announcement of the McDonalds deal, shares of Krispy Kreme soared nearly 30% by late morning Tuesday. McDonalds stock was up about 0.08%. In a prepared statement, Krispy Kreme President and CEO Josh Charlesworth said the partnership would give customers unprecedented daily access to the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company's glazed, filled and frosted treats. By making Kreme Krispy accessible to fans nationwide through this partnership, we expect to more than double our points of access by the end of 2026," Charlesworth said. open image in gallery Krispy Kreme ( Krispy Kreme ) Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer for McDonalds USA, said the deal marked a chance to unlock new business opportunities in the Chicago-based chain's breakfast category and the sweet items it sells throughout the day. McDonald's plans to make three Krispy Kreme doughnut varieties original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles and a filled chocolate iced available individually and in boxes of six until daily supplies last. The partnership is hardly the first bringing major restaurant chains and popular food brands together. Taco Bell, for example, has long boasted Doritos-flavored tacos while Wendy's brought a Cinnabon pull-apart treat to its menu last month. Krispy Kreme has teamed up with other businesses before. Krispy Kreme doughnuts are sold at Walmart, Kroger and other grocery chains along with the chains own stores. In total, the company says it operates in 35 countries with more than 14,000 fresh points of access through its own shops, retail partnerships and e-commerce business. In an email to The Associated Press, a Krispy Kreme spokesperson said the company would not be disclosing any financial details about the deal, which is exclusive to the US through 2026. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A friend of mine recently revealed that she usually showers three times a day: once in the morning, once after work, once before bed. I felt amazed and ashamed in equal measure. Three times a day? Im lucky if its three times a week. I used to be more scrupulous, but then I used to go into an office full-time. Now I have three days a week working from home, its all too tempting to go full goblin mode defined as a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations by Oxford University Press. Showering feels less of a necessity and more like a nice to do. Its a bit like cooking an elaborate three-course meal when its just you eating it. Sure, its tasty, but is it really worth all the effort? The topic of to shower or not to shower was revived once more by Jonathan Ross after the chat show host and comedian admitted that he generally showers once a week or less. His wife, the scriptwriter Jane Goldman, also goes days at a time without showering. I resent the fact that I have to shower, he said, speaking to Josh Widdicombe on the Parenting Hell podcast. I sometimes go at least a week without showering at least. So does Jane sometimes. Were like a couple of hamsters in their own straw in that bed. Ross said hed only wash two days on the trot if he had done something to work up a sweat: Why bother doing it two days in a row, whats wrong with you? I didnt do any exercise. His record stint sans-shower stands at two weeks while they were holidaying in Florida, because its sunny and Im jumping in and out the swimming pool. Ross said he only bothered to wash once he discovered his armpits were smelling pretty potent the stench was so strong that soap wouldnt shift it, and Ross claims he ended up having to shave his armpit. While this example is on the extreme end, I felt secretly vindicated by the revelation that Ross doesnt give enough of a s*** about anything to bother spending any extra time on grooming whatsoever. Amid the proliferation of wellness culture, clean living and more lotions and potions than any of us could ever need, theres something refreshing about someone in the spotlight holding their hands up and saying that, hey, theyre happy to be just a little bit gross. open image in gallery Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have revealed theyre not everyday showerers ( AP ) And Ross isnt alone. According to data from YouGov, 3 per cent of Brits only shower once a week. Hes also not the only celeb to put his head over the parapet on this issue. Previous A-listers to go on record saying they take a lackadaisical approach to lathering include Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who caused a furore when they said they didnt feel the need to shower or wash with soap every day. The couple came clean (pun intended) on an episode of Dax Shepards Armchair Expert podcast, in which they said neither of them shower every day. Kutcher said he washes his armpits and my crotch daily and nothing else ever, and usually throw[s] some water on my face after a workout to get all the salts out, while Kunis said she washes her face twice a day. I didnt have hot water growing up as a child so I didnt shower very much anyway, Kunis said, adding that she rarely bathed her children when they were newborns. These days, they have a system for washing their kids: If you can see the dirt on them, clean them. Otherwise, theres no point. Were like a couple of hamsters in their own straw in that bed Jonathan Ross Jake Gyllenhaal also outed himself as a less-frequent bather, saying: Theres a whole world of not bathing thats helpful for skin maintenance, and we naturally clean ourselves. So are Ross et al onto something should we all be showering less? We are living in a society of over cleansers, Dr Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told The Independent. Bathing every day is not necessary, and in fact, in some cases can be damaging to the skin. While there are not specific rules on bathing, I generally tell my patients that visible soiling should be washed from the skin, he added. Areas like the face, underarms, and groin should be washed daily because they tend to accumulate more oil and sweat than other parts of the body, which can lead to overgrowth of microorganisms on the skin. open image in gallery Showering every day might not be necessary ( Getty ) Dr Zeichner recommended bathing after heavy sweating, working out, and if you are noticing any foul body odour. Other experts agree, with Professor Stephen Shumack, president of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, advising that you should only shower when you need to. Its only in the last 50 to 60 years [since the advent of bathrooms with showers] that the idea of a daily shower has become commonplace, he told the Sunday Morning Herald. The pressure to do that is actually social pressure rather than actual need. Its become popular because of the social need to smell good. But its only the glands in your armpit and groin that produce body odour. Theyre not all over the body. Shumack also warned that a daily hot shower could do more harm than good, saying: Overwashing causes defatting of the skin getting rid of the natural body oils we produce to protect the skin cells. This can cause actual damage, making them more permeable to bacteria or viruses, precipitating itchy skin, dryness, flakiness and worsening conditions like eczema. And what about the much-touted theory that if you stop washing your hair with shampoo it cleans itself? The jury seems to be out on that one. Bathing every day is not necessary, and in fact, in some cases can be damaging to the skin Dr Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology Imagine if you didnt wash your face or underarms for a week the same logic applies to your hair and scalp, Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist from the Philip Kingsley clinic in London, told the BBC. They are likely to become coated in dirt, smelly, greasy and flaky. Build-up of yeasts and bacteria will also occur, especially as they thrive in oily environments. Stylist Inanch Emir went one further, telling The Independent: It is basically a load of rubbish, its an old wives tale to avoid washing your hair every day. It isnt damaging, it is what we do after that damages hair. Washing regularly and air drying will look after the scalp and help hair to grow better. If your hair is getting polluted regularly, the pores on your scalp will be clogged up. Not washing your hair, for, say, 17 days, will allow layers of dirt to sit on your skin and scalp. This makes it thinner and more brittle, meaning it gets damaged more easily. While there are no hard and fast rules, it seems that showering less often provided you keep fundamentals clean (groin, face, underarms) wont do any harm and could even be beneficial. So why not press pause on the judgement, embrace your inner hamster and go full goblin mode? Becoming a member of the great unwashed never felt so on-trend. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Raven-Symone is clarifying a comment she made during a 2014 interview with Oprah Winfrey. On Tuesday 2 April the actor said in a recent Tea Time with Raven & Miranda episode with her wife, Miranda Pearman-Maday, that she was specifically referring to the line she told Winfrey that she is an American, Im not an African American. The Thats So Raven star said that the backlash she received on social media after making that comment came from people misunderstanding her and not clearly hearing it. I wanna talk about something that has haunted me since 2014, she began. When that aired, I felt like the entire internet exploded and threw my name in the garbage. There was so much backlash from my community and others that misunderstood, slash didnt hear the exact words that I said. And the exact words that I said is that Im an American, not an African American, she continued. A lot of people on the internet thought I said that I wasnt Black, and I never said that. Theres a difference between being Black and African. Her wife then asked her to clarify what exactly that difference meant to her. When I say that African American does not align with me, that label, it doesnt mean that Im negating my Blackness or Im not Black, she explained. It means I am from this country, I was born here, my mom, my dad, my great-great-great-great-great and thats what Im saying. The pure logistics of it. Raven-Symone went on Tea Time with Raven & Miranda with her wife, Miranda Pearman-Maday She didnt want to discount the work her ancestors have put in to be able to give her the life she lives now, noting, how much blood, sweat and tears theyve soaked into this earth in order to create the America that I live in today: free, happy, tax-paying, American citizen. The Ravens Home star added that when she visits other countries no one tends to make the claim, Look at that African American over there and they will usually say, Theres an American, plain and simple. After seeing the general publics reception to her comment the actor recalled that she felt attacked. I felt judged and not heard, she said, pointing out that she is not a first or second-generation American. Stop mislabelling us, she said. The actor also explained that more people seem to understand her point of view with younger generations starting to break down those barriers of labelling. During the time of the interview, Raven-Symones mom made the assumption that Winfrey had somehow set her up to receive backlash because of how quickly the talk show host had reacted to her comments instead of letting her finish her statement. She recalled walking off of the stage after the interview feeling like she said something thats bad, which contradicts who I am as a human. The actorherself doesnt specifically think she was set up but she did think the host shined a light on what she said for people to scrutinise more. Apparently, the interview was supposed to be Raven-Symones coming out interview but had quicked turned into an interview about labels instead. The Cheetah Girls alum also told Winfrey during the interview that she didnt want to be labelled gay. I want to be labelled a human who loves humans, she replied, before making her comments about being tired of being labelled. I said, Dont label me and it turned into that instead of my coming out, she said. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former single mother has recounted how she manifested her second marriage to a father at her childs school. Dorilee Lavin, who is now happily married, shared the the craziest thing she did to pursue the crush she had on her husband, Sean, in a 18 March TikTok. In the clip, the Vermont-based mother-of-three shared how, after spotting her ideal man walking his two daughters into school, she knew she needed the right opportunity to engage with him. Im not a shy person. I was looking for an opportunity to introduce myself, she admitted. Lavin did some research, eventually concluding that Sean too was a single parent. And though she was biding her time, the perfect moment to approach him never came. Instead, one of the employees at her childrens after-school program handed over her number. The school was like tired of hearing me talk about him to them, she confessed. On the last day of school, the same day the staff offered to pass her phone number along to Sean, they finally spoke. Lavin noted: It was total verbal diarrhea. Like no pickup lines, no nothing here. I actually thought I scared him. But she didnt. According to Lavin, it took no more than an hour for Sean to message her once the staff had given him her number. I later learned he had a dream of a woman with long dark curly hair and a captivating energy, she confessed. Then when he saw me, he was blown away because I was the woman from his dream. I didnt believe him when he first told me the story, then he showed me the texts. He had messaged his friends about the dream. The duo planned their first day on a Saturday in June 2023. They were married 111 days later. Speaking toToday, Lavin said shed written down her dream man just a few days before she spotted her now life partner. I manifested him hard, she proclaimed. Everything has been easy from day one. Lavin and Sean are both close with each others exes, having both previously been married. The TikToker describes their co-parenting to be good and positive. On the first time Sean and his two daughters slept over Lavins house, she noted: The next morning, my oldest comes over to me and is like: Mom, when are they leaving? My heart sank. I told him I wasnt sure and he was goes: Well, I was just wondering if theyre still here when its dark, can we play laser tag? The Independent has contacted Lavin for a comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Mexican government blamed a contractor Tuesday for a loose railway fitting that caused a train car to derail on the presidents pet project, a tourist rail route known as the Maya Train. The derailment on March 25 proved embarrassing for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who views the $20 billion railway as one of his signature building projects. No one was injured in the mishap. Critics have said the project, which runs in a loop around the Yucatan peninsula, is wasteful and has damaged the environment. But others have expressed concern about the haste with which it is being built. Lopez Obrador wants to finish it before he leaves office Sept. 30. Illustrating the problem, Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval said that the rail switch involved in the accident is eventually designed to be operated automatically. But because the automated system is not yet in place, but the president wanted part of the line running anyway, the switch which shunts train cars onto another track has to be manually loosened, moved and returned to its original position by hand. In one of those operations, someone apparently didn't tighten the fitting down again. Sandoval said this is what was found, that this clamp wasn't tightened down. He said that the company which made the trains, Alstom, and the company that built that stretch of the rail line, Azvindi, are analyzing and reviewing the amount of damage done in the mishap. Lopez Obrador ordered the project built through a stretch of jungle, despite warnings from activists about the damage that would do to the sensitive limestone caves on the Yucatan peninsula. The president promised to build an elevated platform for the rail line to avoid crushing the caves, but the concrete and steel pilings to support that were punched right into the caves. In March, activists published photos of those steel and cement pilings being driven directly through the roofs of the caves. The network of caves, sinkhole lakes and underground rivers along Mexicos Caribbean coast are both environmentally sensitive and have been found to hold some of the oldest human remains in North America. They provide the regions only fresh water source, because there are no surface rivers on the flat, limestone peninsula. Because the caves were dry some 10,000 years ago, humans and animals used them before they were mostly flooded at the end of the last Ice Age about 8,000 years ago, essentially preserving the relics from being disturbed. In December, Lopez Obrador inaugurated another, partly finished section of the train to the north and east, between Cancun and the colonial city of Campeche. The 950-mile line runs in a rough loop around the Yucatan peninsula and its meant to connect beach resorts and archaeological sites. The train was partly built by the Mexican army and will be run by the armed forces, to whom Lopez Obrador has entrusted more projects than any other president in at least a century. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A tugboat pushing a fuel barge was the first vessel to use an alternate channel to bypass the wreckage of Baltimores collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, which had blocked traffic along the vital ports main shipping channel. The barge supplying jet fuel to the Department of Defense left late Monday and was destined for Delaware's Dover Air Force Base, though officials have said the temporary channel is open primarily to vessels that are helping with the cleanup effort. Some barges and tugs that have been stuck in the Port of Baltimore since the collapse are also scheduled to pass through the channel. Officials said they're working on a second channel on the southwest side of the main channel that will allow for deeper draft vessels, but they didn't say when that might open. Gov. Wes Moore is set Tuesday to visit one of two centers that the Small Business Administration opened in the area to help companies get loans to assist them with losses caused by the disruption of the bridge collapse. Crews are undertaking the complicated work of removing steel and concrete at the site of the bridges deadly collapse after a container ship lost power and crashed into a supporting column. 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. Authorities believe six workers plunged to their deaths in the collapse, including two whose bodies were recovered last week. Two other workers survived. Moore, a Democrat, said at a Monday afternoon news conference that his top priority is recovering the four remaining bodies, followed by reopening shipping channels. He said that he understands the urgency but that the risks are significant. Crews have described the mangled steel girders of the fallen bridge as chaotic wreckage," he said. What were finding is it is more complicated than we hoped for initially, said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath. Meanwhile, the ship remains stationary, and its 21 crew members remain on board for now, officials said. President Joe Biden is expected to visit the collapse site Friday to meet with state and local officials and get at federal response efforts. The bridge fell as the cargo ship Dali lost power March 26 shortly after leaving Baltimore on its way to Sri Lanka. The ship issued a mayday alert, which allowed just enough time for police to stop traffic, but not enough to save a roadwork crew filling potholes on the bridge. The Dali is managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., both of Singapore. Danish shipping giant Maersk chartered the Dali. Synergy and Grace Ocean filed a court petition Monday seeking to limit their legal liability, a routine but important procedure for cases litigated under U.S. maritime law. A federal court in Maryland will ultimately decide who is responsible and how much they owe. The filing seeks to cap the companies liability at roughly $43.6 million. It estimates that the vessel itself is valued at up to $90 million and was owed over $1.1 million in income from freight. The estimate also deducts two major expenses: at least $28 million in repair costs and at least $19.5 million in salvage costs. Officials are trying to determine how to rebuild the major bridge, which was completed in 1977. It carried Interstate 695 around southeast Baltimore and became a symbol of the citys working-class roots and 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. ___ Contributing to this report were Associated Press journalists Tassanee Vegpongsa in Baltimore; Sarah Brumfield in Washington; Michael Kunzelman in College Park, Maryland; and Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A family has paid tribute to a much-loved mother and grandmother as a man was charged with her murder. Police have charged Anthony Hoey over the death of Frances Dwyer, aged 48, who was found dead at a property in Mulwych Road, Tile Cross, on Saturday 30 March. Her family, including her mum, two daughters and grandchildren, have paid tribute to her saying: My Fran you will be missed so much. We dont know how we will get on without you. A much loved daughter, mother, nan, sister, auntie, mother-in-law and friend. Heaven has gained the most beautiful angel. Youre missed by all your family and friends. Forever and always we love you. Other tributes poured in online for Ms Dwyer. Gail Walsh commented: So so sad, will always remember the fun and laughter Fran, thinking of you all. Hoey, 49, of Hall Road, Handsworth, was arrested on Saturday evening and was due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday. He has also been charged with theft, aggravated vehicle taking and driving a motor vehicle taken without the owners consent. A West Midlands police spokesperson said: Ms Dwyers family are being supported and kept updated. Our thoughts remain with them at this awful time. 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Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A brazen fugitive cheekily taunted a police force by saying no need to mention the hairline guys after it referred to his receding hairline in a wanted poster. Avon and Somerset Police want to speak to Daniel Kellaway about alleged driving offences, criminal damage and threatening behaviour. On Monday the force issued an appeal for information on Facebook, making reference to the wanted mans receding brown hair. Seemingly unfazed about his potential arrest, a person claiming to be Mr Kellaway responded to the force with a light-hearted quip. The wanted appeal poster shared by Avon and Somerset Police ( Avon and Somerset Police ) No need to mention the hairline guys, Im heading to Turkey to get it sorted then we will catch up, he wrote under the post. Mr Kellaway followed up with a second comment the next day, asking the force to change the age from 28 to 29 on its appeal because it was his birthday. His taunt received widespread attention and had people on Facebook in stitches, with one saying: I have not laughed this much in ages! In its wanted appeal, Avon and Somerset Police described Mr Kellaway as white, about 5ft 9ins tall and of average build. The force said he had links to Henstridge, Glastonbury, Milborne Port, Templecombe, Wincanton and North Dorset. Anyone who has information about Mr Kellaway is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police quoting reference number 5224065547. Members of the public have been warned not to approach him. Mick Neville, a retired detective, warned Mr Kellaway that he might not be laughing for much longer as police hunt him down. I have no doubt police will be combing the area looking for him. But Kellaway wont be laughing for long over this brush with the law the net will be drawing in. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The government has done a U-turn on blocking life-changing medicine for menopausal women but patients are still struggling to access the treatment. Menopausal women are experiencing suicidal thoughts and debilitating physical symptoms due to the government stopping the distribution of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) implants which are used to alleviate menopause symptoms, The Independent has learned. An estimated 13 million women are going through the menopause in the UK a substantial proportion of whom will be experiencing debilitating symptoms including heart palpitations, hot flushes, headaches, vaginal pain, anxiety and depression. Some menopausal women find other forms of HRT do not help their symptoms. The implants offer a more consistent delivery of medication. Diane Danzebrink, who runs the Menopause Support, told The Independent she has been inundated with messages from desperate women in the last month struggling to get hold of their usual HRT implant. It is a life-saving essential treatment. Life without it is unimaginable, said Ms Danzebrink, whose organisation supports tens of thousands of women going through the menopause. This is the only HRT that works for me. I have been in surgical menopause since I was 33. For me, HRT is not a choice. I am absolutely on the floor if I dont have it. It is like having somebody reliant on antidepressants because they are severely mentally ill. Victoria Hardy Ms Danzebrink warned the situation had been poorly handled by the UKs Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and patients had been left in the dark running in all directions to try and find some information. Julian Beach, of the government agency, told The Independent they had paused the import of Estra 25mg and 50mg pellets into the UK after some compliance issues were flagged to them. A review of the available information so far has found no evidence of harm caused by these implants, which have been used for over 10 years in the UK, the representative added. We are aware that these unlicensed medicines are critical for a specific group of patients and as suitable alternatives are currently unavailable, further imports of these medicines to the UK market will continue while we conclude a regulatory review. We will communicate our findings once this review has concluded. Ms Danzebrink said they had predominantly heard from young women going through surgical menopause who were struggling to get implants. These are often women who had their ovaries removed due to experiencing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or extreme endometriosis, she added. She said an inability to get hold of HRT implants can cause increased anxiety, mood changes, decreased confidence, heart palpitations, hot flushes, night sweats, achy joints and struggles with memory. I will feel very low and it is like I completely lose my lust for life, and I am anxious. That impacts my family. Victoria Hardy Victoria Hardy, a menstrual health campaigner, told The Independent she was devastated after her appointment to get her implant replaced was rescheduled from this month to mid-May. The 40-year-old said: This is the only HRT that works for me. I have been in surgical menopause since I was 33. For me, HRT is not a choice. I am absolutely on the floor if I dont have it. It is like having somebody reliant on antidepressants because they are severely mentally ill. She is already mentally struggling due to being at the end of her current implant, Ms Hardy added, saying she is experiencing brain fog and issues with memory. Ms Hardy said: If wait until May, I will feel very low and it is like I completely lose my lust for life, and I am anxious. That impacts my family. My ability to just function goes out the window, my brain gets scrambled. I get extreme fatigue because the implant is wearing off. Physically Ill start to ache and my joints will become quite painful. Quite quickly, insomnia then kicks in. I get the most horrendous hot flushes and night sweats which are relentless. I get more prone to allegories - my eyes get dry and itchy and swell and my face swells. Kathy Mackin, who lives just outside of Edinburgh, said she forked out almost 3,000 on flights and a hotel to travel to London to get her HRT implant fitted recently - adding she was told by her doctor from the next day they would stop being available. I had a complete panic attack, the 41-year-old said. I cried. This is my complete lifeline. Kathy Mackin ( Kathy Mackin ) Although they have lifted the block on implants, there is uncertainty about how quickly the supplies will arrive and some women she knows are well overdue being able to access them, Ms Mackin added. She said: Without the implant, I have suicidal ideation, chronic depression and anxiety. I wont leave the house and I have cognitive difficulties. You go from having a life to having that removed from you. The government did this quite sneakily. They wouldnt enter into dialogue with the consultants. The consultants were in the dark so couldnt tell any patients anything. It was appallingly handled. In a follow-up statement, Mr Beach said they "recognise that temporarily" halting the imports of the implants "caused concerns among patients who rely on these medicines", adding: Your safety is our top priority". He added: "Importers of these unlicensed medicines should inform prescribers about the availability of their products." If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit: https://988lifeline.org/to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} This is the last known sighting of a teenage girl who vanished a month ago after being seen holding a bunch of roses arm-in-arm with a mystery man. Police are asking for the man to come forward and provide details after the pair were caught shopping on CCTV in London Paddington station. Linh Hoang, who turned 18 on Tuesday, was last seen at 12.30pm on 2 March after she failed to return to her place of care in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. Wiltshire Police said the teenager left a note indicating her desire to leave her home. Ms Hoang vanished from her care setting on March 2 ( Wiltshire Police ) She is also thought to have links to the Gloucester area. Detective inspector Justin Downes said: We are increasingly concerned for the welfare of Linh. The fact that we have not heard anything from her for a month is deeply concerning and our priority is to ensure that this young woman is safe and well. We dont know anything about the man she was seen travelling with, and while it does not appear that she was coerced in any way, we would also like to know his identity and speak to him about Linh. Anyone who recognises her, or the man she appears to have travelled to London with, is urgently asked to contact us. Ms Hoang at a supermarket with a mystery man ( Wiltshire Police ) Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting log 54240024862. Alternatively, you can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two-thirds of social workers have witnessed children living in dangerous conditions with excessive levels of mould as they fear choices are being made between eating, paying rent or heating homes. In what the Social Workers Union (SWU) has called a national scandal amid a cost of living crisis that is far from over, 61 per cent of childrens social workers reported young people are living in these mouldy environments, according to the new research among the unions members. At a wider level, the 2024 survey found that almost three-quarters of adult, child and mental health social workers (71 per cent) saw the people they support stop turning on their heating to save money over the winter. This led to 55 per cent of the 716 respondents saying that many of the people social workers support are living in cold, damp homes. Scottish social workers reported the highest level of people living in these conditions (69 per cent), followed by those in northeast England (67 per cent), where almost all (94 per cent) of social workers surveyed also reported people they support had been forced to stop using their heating to save money. Mould in the kitchen of toddler Awaab Ishak, who died after prolonged exposure to mould in his home ( Greater Manchester Police) ) A social worker told the researchers: There has become a choice between eating, paying rent, or heating their homes. We are supporting more with food and energy support than ever before. Another said: Parents are having to choose between buying food for children and heating their homes. Energy bills are simply not affordable. Respiratory infections in children have increased due to living in cold, damp homes. Childrens sickness has impacted their school attendance. It comes after a coroner ruled that two-year-old Awaab Ishaks death in December 2020 was caused by prolonged exposure to mould in the flat where he lived with his mother Aisha Amin and father Faisal Abdullah in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. His parents had complained to the provider about mould multiple times. John McGowan, General Secretary of the SWU, said: While politicians try to kid themselves that the cost of living crisis is over, the reports from our members show just how dangerous this winter has been. All too often social workers are reporting seeing people living in substandard and dangerous housing. This happens in all parts of the country, but we know that people living in the private rented sector can be among the worst affected. John McGowan, General Secretary of the Social Workers Union ( Simon Hadley ) Children living in cold, damp, mouldy homes is a national scandal and we need to see drastic action being taken to fix Britains broken energy system. The UK government said there were around 1.5 million non-decent rented homes in England in 2022 1 million of which are private and 430,000 of which are social although this does mark a drop from the roughly 1.9 million that there were in 2015. Dr Cath Lowther, General Secretary of the Association of Educational Psychologists, said young people living in damp and cold conditions are facing adversity, plain and simple, unable to thrive and develop. She said: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are known to have a long-term negative impact on all aspects of peoples lives. This involves significantly increased risk to physical health as well as further risks to mental health and achievement in school. Nobody can concentrate on schoolwork when all they can think about is trying to keep warm. And how confident will a child or young person feel about inviting their friends over to such a home? If the government is serious about improving the lives of our children and young people, starting with safe, adequate housing needs to be a priority. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of social workers polled also reported that the people they work with who have a disability or health condition cannot afford to run medical equipment, while 15 per cent told of seeing disabled people whom they support unable to charge their mobility devices due to the high cost of energy. Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: The price households pay for their energy is still higher than in 2021 and levels of energy debt are soaring. Meanwhile, the wider cost of living crisis means people simply cant afford to keep the heating on when its needed most. What we need to see is a much faster rollout of programmes to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and bring down the cost of energy. The reality is though that there will also need to be a structured programme of financial support announced well in advance to help people through next winter. Warm This Winter campaign spokesperson Fiona Waters said: This is a heart-rending and all too familiar story where the most vulnerable are at risk because of our broken energy system and we need urgent change before even more children, the elderly and others become ill or worse. As a rich country, at the very least we should be giving our people warm, dry, healthy homes to live in. Thats why we need long term solutions such as expanding homegrown renewable energy and a mass programme of insulation to bring down bills once and for all so these appalling living conditions are banished to the past where they belong. A spokesperson for the UK government said: Everyone has the right to a warm, secure and decent home, and we expect landlords to meet our energy efficiency standards before letting properties. We are introducing a Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector for the first time and have also passed the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which will deliver significant changes across the sector to ensure landlords are held to account for their performance. Our landmark Renters Reform Bill is progressing through Parliament and will deliver a fairer private rented sector for both responsible tenants and good faith landlords. They added that the government published new damp and mould guidance for social and private rented landlords in September 2023. They said the government has allocated 20 billion for energy efficiency over this parliament and next, while support to households to help with the cost of living is worth 108 billion between 2022 and 2025. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The killing of seven aid workers in Gaza is a tipping point for Israels international reputation and Britain should reconsider whether the country is an ally, a former Tory foreign minister has said. Sir Alan Duncan, who served as a Conservative minister between 2010 and 2019, strongly condemned Israels killing of seven aid workers - three of whom were British - as merciless. And he said the country has now lost the support of the world through its deceit and callousness. Writing a hard-hitting piece for The Independent, Sir Alan said: By annexing the West Bank, breaking international law, and now appearing to want to destroy Gaza as a place fit for humans, it is betraying the enlightened principles of its founders, and is not in any way behaving as a democracy should. We should salute our aid heroes by devoting our efforts to securing a Palestinian state. In the meantime, all responsible governments must urgently assess whether they can any longer regard Israel as an ally. The aid workers were killed when their convoy was struck by an Israeli missile ( EPA ) Sir Alans intervention came amid a chorus of condemnation by world leaders outraged by the killings. Labour piled pressure on the government to publish legal advice on whether Israel has breached international law, saying Britain must suspend arms sales if it has. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said there must be serious consequences over the killings and warned that if the legal advice finds a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, it's time to suspend the sale of those arms. Rishi Sunak warned Benjamin Netanyahu that Israels war in Gaza is growing increasingly intolerable. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said the attack on aid workers is "absolutely unacceptable and called for full accountability. And US president Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the killings, accusing Israel of not doing enough to protect Palestinian civilians. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties, Mr Biden said. President Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the killings ( AP ) Speaking to The Sun, Mr Sunak added: I spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu last night and was very clear with him that the situation is increasingly intolerable and what we urgently need to see is a through transparent investigation into what has happened, but also a dramatic increase in the amount of aid getting into Gaza. Israels highest-ranking military officer apologised for making a "grave mistake" after the seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers were killed. British victims John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were part of the WCK security team. They died alongside American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Australian national Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, 43, who was the leader of the relief team, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25. Israel Palestinians ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In the Independent article, Sir Alan reaffirmed the right of Israel to exist and condemned the rise in anti-semitism in the wake of the 7 October Hamas terror attacks. But citing figures from the Hamas run health ministry, he added: As the death toll in Gaza has risen from 1,000 to 10,000 to 30,000, Israels justification for this excess feels ever less convincing. Through their deceit and callousness, Israel has now lost the support of the world. Nobody any longer believes their statements. He highlighted the obscenity of Britain having to build a pontoon to supply aid to Gaza to tackle famine being caused by Israel. And he joined growing calls for Britain to suspend arms exports to Israel. Sir Alan Duncan said Israel has lost the support of the world through its deceit and callousness ( Getty Images ) Sir Alan said that even before the atrocity of 7 October, Mr Netanyahu was mounting an attack on freedom and justice within his own country while the IDF oversaw ever more violent settler activity against Palestinians in the West Bank. Even then, and indeed for many decades of occupation, the claim that the IDF adheres to international law has been running very thin, he said. On Tuesday evening, Mr Sunak telephoned Benjamin Netanyahu to say that far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza. Rishi Sunak said the situation in Gaza is growing increasingly intolerable ( EPA ) The IDF attacked the aid convoy because officials believed an armed member of Hamas was travelling with the group, though no such person was travelling along with the aid workers, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports. An Israeli army source told the outlet that the strike wasnt a matter of poor coordination, but rather because every commander sets the rules for himself. The charity had just offloaded 100 tonnes of food aid from a barge which sailed from Cyprus when Israel attacked their vehicle convoy on Gazas coastal road in Deir al-Balah. WCK said on Tuesday it was pausing all work in the occupied Palestinian territory. WCK said its convoy of three vehicles was hit despite the charity coordinating its movements with the Israeli military, and the fact that two of the cars hit were clearly marked as aid vehicles. Foreign secretary David Cameron called on Israel to immediately investigate, adding that the government wanted a full, transparent explanation of what happened. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli air strike while delivering food to besieged Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with the charity World Central Kitchen. Three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, an American-Canadian dual citizen and a Palestinian died when the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they were killed by an unintended strike by Israeli forces. Here is what is known about the victims: John Chapman The 57-year-old from the UK was among the charitys security team and was said to be a former Royal Marine. The father-of-two, from Dorset, also reportedly served in the Special Boat Service, the special forces unit of the Royal Navy. In a statement released through the Foreign Office, Mr Chapmans family said he died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. The statement added: He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be missed dearly. James Henderson James Jim Henderson was from the UK and formed part of the relief teams security detail, World Central Kitchen said. According to his LinkedIn page, the 33-year-old was a former roofer from Cornwall who served for six years in the Royal Marines. He described himself as a highly disciplined, courteous and proactive individual who is mobile, offers flexibility and is willing to take on any further training necessary to offer the best service possible and said he takes the health and safety of others very seriously. He left the military in 2016 to pursue security jobs such as the one in Gaza, and wrote that his true vocation lies in security in a civilian position. He was due to leave Gaza on Monday, the Times reported. James Kirby The third British national among the victims, the 47-year-old also worked in the charitys security team and was a military veteran. In a statement to the BBC, his family described him as a genuine gentleman. They said: Alongside the other six individuals who tragically lost their lives, he will be remembered as a hero. James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British armed forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. Mr Kirbys cousin, Adam McGuire, told Sky News: Not only James but the six other individuals are like heroes to us. They went out there selflessly to help some of the most desperate people in the world. According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Kirby was a former sniper marksman and rifleman in the Army. The page reads: An experienced, SIA-licensed (Security Industry Authority) close protection officer with a background in executive protection, hostile and covert surveillance, security management and maritime security. Former member of the British armed forces, fully qualified in all aspects of close protection, with experience working with high-net-worth individuals, business leaders and their families and staff, globally. Willing and able to work on international assignments, and free to travel as required. He also described himself as someone who maintains a calm demeanour under extreme pressure, including life-threatening situations and said he was experienced in working in varied theatres across the globe, both on land and at sea, including hostile and austere locations. The Times said Mr Kirby was believed to be a former member of Britains special forces. Saifeddin Issam Abu Taha Saif Issam Abu Taha, 27, was identified by relatives and hospital workers as the Palestinian aid worker who was killed. His brother, Ahmed Abu Taha, said he had worked for World Central Kitchen as a driver since the start of the year. Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom The 43-year-old had worked for Washington-based World Central Kitchen for the last five years, which took her to the US, Thailand and her native Australia. She was born in Melbourne and earned a degree from the Swinburne University of Technology. She worked for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for eight years. Ms Frankcoms social media highlighted visits to help those in need in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Romania and Haiti. In a statement, Ms Frankcoms family described her as an outstanding human being who was killed doing the work she loves, delivering food to the people of Gaza. Damian Sobol The 36-year-old was from the south-eastern Polish city of Przemysl, where he was studying hospitality. Mr Sobol had been on aid missions in Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey and, for the past six months, Gaza. Jacob Flickinger A dual US-Canadian national, the 33-year-old was a member of the relief team, according to World Central Kitchen. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Johnny Mercer has said he is challenging an order to hand over the names of those who told him about alleged special forces murders in Afghanistan. Afghanistan Inquiry chairman Sir Charles Haddon-Cave gave the veterans minister until April 5 to hand over the names or face a potential prison sentence of up to two years. He had until today to appeal that instruction. During Mr Mercers evidence to the inquiry last month, the chairman said his decision to refuse to answer legitimate questions at a public inquiry were disappointing surprising and completely unacceptable. Johnny Mercer said the one thing you can hold on to is your integrity ( PA Wire ) It came after Mr Mercer repeatedly refused to hand over names of multiple officers who told him about allegations of murder and a cover-up during his time as a backbench MP. The Plymouth MP on Tuesday posted on X: I am aware of tomorrows deadline from the Afghan Inquiry order that requires me to name the whistleblowers who confided in me. I am submitting an application to challenge the order under section 21(4) of the Inquiries Act 2005 seeking to have the Section 21 notice set aside. It would not be appropriate to comment further. The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer Giving his reason for not disclosing the names, he told counsel to the inquiry Oliver Glasgow KC last month: The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals. The inquiry said Mr Mercer was served with a Section 21 notice on March 13, compelling him to hand over the names, which the inquiry has said will be treated in confidence. In the order, the chairman said the consequences of failing to comply without reasonable excuse would be a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine. The independent inquiry into allegations of unlawful killings by UK special forces in Afghanistan began on Monday (Andrew Matthews/PA) ( PA Archive ) Before giving him the order, Sir Charles had told the minister: You need to decide which side you are really on, Mr Mercer. He accused the minister, who served in the Special Boat Service (SBS) task force in Afghanistan between 2008 and 2009, of having a misguided understanding of the term integrity and an inappropriate sense of loyalty by refusing to name names. The inquiry is examining whether a special forces unit, known to the probe as UKSF1, had a policy of executing males of fighting age who posed no threat in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. Afghan families have accused UK special forces of conducting a campaign of murder against civilians, while senior officers and personnel at the Ministry of Defence have been accused of seeking to prevent adequate investigation. Two Royal Military Police investigations, codenamed Operation Northmoor and Operation Cestro, are set to be scrutinised by the inquiry. No charges were brought under Operation Northmoor a 10 million investigation which was set up in 2014 to examine allegations of executions by special forces, including those of children. Operation Cestro saw three soldiers referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority, but none of them were prosecuted. The inquiry continues. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The UK has signed an agreement with the US that will see the two countries AI Safety Institutes work together to test emerging AI models. The Memorandum of Understanding will see the two align their scientific approaches and exchange information and personnel, as well as carry out joint testing exercises on AI models. The announcement follows a commitment made at the AI Safety Summit, held at Bletchley Park last November, when major AI firms in attendance such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind, agreed to a voluntary scheme that would allow AI safety institutes to evaluate and test new AI models before they were released. This agreement represents a landmark moment, as the UK and the United States deepen our enduring special relationship to address the defining technology challenge of our generation Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said the new partnership with the US would take effect immediately, and that the collaboration would help governments keep pace with the emerging risks around AI as it continues to develop rapidly. DSIT said similar partnerships with other countries were also planned in the future. Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: This agreement represents a landmark moment, as the UK and the United States deepen our enduring special relationship to address the defining technology challenge of our generation. We have always been clear that ensuring the safe development of AI is a shared global issue. Only by working together can we address the technologys risks head-on and harness its enormous potential to help us all live easier and healthier lives. The work of our two nations in driving forward AI safety will strengthen the foundations we laid at Bletchley Park in November, and I have no doubt that our shared expertise will continue to pave the way for countries tapping into AIs enormous benefits safely and responsibly. Gina Raimondo, US secretary of commerce, said: AI is the defining technology of our generation. This partnership is going to accelerate both of our Institutes work across the full spectrum of risks, whether to our national security or to our broader society. Our partnership makes clear that we arent running away from these concerns were running at them. Because of our collaboration, our Institutes will gain a better understanding of AI systems, conduct more robust evaluations, and issue more rigorous guidance. By working together, we are furthering the long-lasting special relationship between the US and UK and laying the groundwork to ensure that were keeping AI safe both now and in the future. Speaking in November last year, Rishi Sunak said the AI Safety Summit would tip the balance in favour of humanity in reference to the agreement with AI firms to vet their new models. The Prime Minister said binding requirements would likely be needed to regulate the technology, but now is the time to move quickly without laws. Elon Musk, the owner of social media platform X, has also described AI as one of the biggest threats facing humanity. The Government announced in February that more than 100 million will be spent preparing the UK to regulate AI and use the technology safely, including helping to prepare and upskill regulators across different sectors. Ministers have chosen to use existing regulators to take on the role of monitoring AI use within their own sectors rather than creating a new, central regulator dedicated to the emerging technology. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Botswana has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany, escalating an ongoing row over the import of hunting trophies. The dispute began earlier this year when Germanys environment ministry, citing concerns about poaching, suggested imposing stricter limits on the import of hunting trophies. Germany is the EUs chief importer of African elephant trophies, according to a 2021 report by the Humane Society International. On Tuesday, Botswanas president Mokgweetsi Masisi told Bild that further restrictions on hunting would impoverish the African nation due to an explosion in the number of elephants. Germans should live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to, he told the German daily. This is not a joke, Mr Masisi added. Conservation has led to a boom in Botswanas elephant population but also increased man-animal conflict. The landlocked nation is home to 130,000 elephants, accounting for a third of the worlds tuskers. In recent years, the president said elephant herds have been trampling people and destroying homes and crops. Facing pressure from local communities to tackle the problem, Mr Masisis government in 2019 lifted the prohibition on trophy hunting imposed five years earlier. Botswana had previously offered to send 8,000 elephants to Angola and 500 to Mozambique to deal with the overpopulation. Mr Masisi said he would like to offer such a gift to Germany and not take no for an answer. He criticised the German government and particularly the environment ministry for seeking to ban the import of trophies. It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world, he said. We want our elephants to roam freely. The German weather is bad enough for them, he added. If you like them so much, then please accept this gift from us. The German environment ministry said Botswana had not yet contacted them on this matter, Politico reported. However, environment minister Steffi Lemke signalled that she will accept Botswanas invitation if an opportunity arises to inspect wildlife protection. In March, Botswana had threatened to send 10,000 elephants to Hyde Park in London in protest against a potential UK ban on safari hunters importing trophies. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Police arrested a Tennessee man who is suspected of opening fire during Easter brunch at a Nashville restaurant, killing one person and injuring five more. Anton Rucker was taken into custody Tuesday in Princeton, Kentucky, after Nashville police detectives located him at a residence there, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Rucker surrendered without incident and, on Wednesday, was being held in Kentucky's Caldwell County jail on a fugitive warrant. Someone answering the phone at the Princeton public defenders office declined to say whether it would be defending Rucker or to comment on the case. No phone number for Rucker is listed in an online database. The shooting took place around 3 p.m. on Easter Sunday at a crowded restaurant in Nashvilles Salemtown neighborhood after two men got into an argument that significantly escalated within moments, Nashville police spokesperson Don Aaron has said. The gunman was the only one who brandished a pistol," Aaron said after the shooting. This was not a shootout, if you will. This was one person who decided to pull a gun based on an altercation occurring with another man, and then he fired multiple shots. Allen Beachem, 33, was killed, and five other people were injured. Rucker was identified as a suspect from security video provided by the restaurant. San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks on March 7 during her annual State of the City address. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Mayor London Breed is hoping that approving shorter buildings will result in more housing and maybe less neighborhood backlash on the campaign trail. On Wednesday, Breed instructed city planners to scale back some tall heights that would be permitted under the citys proposal to allow denser housing in many neighborhoods, changes that are needed to meet a state mandate to build 82,000 homes over eight years. Breed instead wants planners to focus on spreading out housing in more modest six- and eight-story buildings. The new directive think more Paris and less Hong Kong is likely driven by both economics and politics. On the economics side, shorter buildings are cheaper and faster to construct because they can be wood frame, rather than steel or concrete. On the political front, Breed has faced backlash from some residents especially in the Marina, Telegraph Hill and Lakeside who fear their streets will be turned into sunless canyons of luxury high-rises. The issue is likely to be at the center of Novembers mayoral race. Current and expected candidates have said they are sympathetic to neighborhood concerns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Wednesday, Breed sent a letter to planning commissioners updating her year-old housing for all plan and asking them to prioritize rezoning for the type of housing that is most likely to be built by allowing more six- to eight-story mid-rise buildings on and near our transit and commercial corridors. This could mean adjusting heights down in some areas currently proposed for high-rise development while also increasing heights elsewhere to allow more mid-rise development along these corridors, Breed said. Planning Director Rich Hillis said the directive is not all about lower heights, but it is asking us to focus on corridors where we believe housing is more likely to be built. Hillis mentioned the Laguna Honda site, as well as the City Center intersection of Geary Boulevard and Masonic Avenue and the Potrero Yard. It reiterates our focus on busy commercial corridors, he said. In some corridors where 65-foot tall buildings are allowed, Breed asked the planning commissioners to look into keeping heights at their current levels but getting rid of density limits that restrict the number of housing units that can be built based on the size of the parcel. This will help to provide more smaller-scale housing where it makes sense without increasing height limits in our neighborhoods, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The move comes as the city has until 2026 to complete a rezoning that would add capacity for 37,000 units of housing to San Franciscos current pipeline, which has about 80,000 units approved. Most of the approved projects are on hold for economic reasons. At the same time, Breed said we should still allow for high-rise buildings on our widest and busiest streets, especially those that have large parcels and can accommodate larger housing developments. Throughout this process, I have heard diverse perspectives on what the City needs to do to accommodate new homes, she said. Some believe the current proposal doesnt go nearly far enough and that we need to significantly expand its scope others are concerned about what more height and density mean for their neighborhood and for the San Francisco that they know and love. Breed said she had heard feedback from the people who plan, finance, and build housing about the realities they are facing in our post-pandemic economy. Particularly, that construction becomes significantly more challenging once a building exceeds eight stories and needs to use different materials and design approaches, and that our current financial climate will result in less high-rise development over the next decade. The move could also be an effort to head off potential mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin, who has been building support among neighbors who object to the proposed height increases. Peskin said he welcomed Breeds new directive, but added that it is enough to give one whiplash. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last week she was vetoing legislation that was aimed at having rational planning policy and this week she seems to be embracing it, he said. I have long been saying we can grow San Francisco without ruining San Francisco, and Im pleased to see she seemed to be realizing that, even if it is only because she is worried about her reelection. Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell has also suggested hes listening to neighborhood worries. I support building housing in a smart and thoughtful way not blanket upzoning or one-size-fits-all approaches, he says on his website. My plan will meet our state-mandated goals while ensuring the character of our neighborhoods remains intact, and that we keep local control in place. Residents in several neighborhoods have told the Chronicle recently that they objected to the most recent rezoning plans. Lakeside resident Jim Herlihy called it a knee-jerk reaction to what is going on in Sacramento, a flawed process the consequences of which we are going to have to live with for decades. And Cow Hollow Association President Lori Brooke took issue with the current plan to allow 14-story buildings on stretches of Lombard Street. There is a lot of current capacity. Its not like we are maxed out, Brooke said. We have a lot of one stories, two stories, three stories and four stories. And all of a sudden, overnight they want to go to eight or 14. Breed said she thinks the gentler rezoning can still add enough units while still protecting the uniqueness of our diverse San Francisco neighborhoods. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This ambitious process is fundamentally about doing what is best for San Francisco and its residents while also addressing the reality that our City, as built today, cannot meet our current or future housing needs, she said. Laura Foote, executive director of YIMBY Action, said she also welcomed the new focus because it means we are going to be doing a better job of building in every neighborhood. There is a lot more feasibility in the Paris-style density, she said, adding that the current plan is problematic because so many of the proposed buildings were not feasible. Corey Smith, executive director of the Housing Action Coalition, agreed. This is a strong step in the right direction to ensure the rezoning is as effective as possible in delivering more housing, he said. Close Chad Daybell trial: Former friend testifies The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The man suspected of carrying out a shooting at an Easter brunch in Nashville, which left one dead and four injured, has surrendered to police. Anton Rucker, 46, handed himself in to authorities on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said on X. The suspect, who disappeared after the shooting at the Roasted coffee shop on Garfield St in the city, was located in Princeton, Kentucky. He came out and surrendered without incident, MNPD said in its post. Rucker is being jailed in KY on a fugitive from justice warrant. Metro Nashville Police officers had been searching for Anton Rucker since Easter Sunday ( MNPD ) The shooting happened at around 3pm in Nashvilles Salemtown neighbourhood on Easter Sunday, with Mr Rucker caught on security camera at the scene. One of the victims, Allen Beachem, 33, died from his wounds. 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, MNPD police spokesman Don Aaron said at a press conference shortly after. We dont have any indication that they knew each other at this point. 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. Mr Rucker is being held on a fugitive charge at the Caldwell County Jail in Kentucky. Close New video shows moment FBI breach Diddys home and handcuff sons The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sean Diddy Combs ex-girlfriend Misa Hylton shared security footage of the raid on the rappers Los Angeles home as she slammed federal agents for terrorising their sons. Ms Hylton is the mother of Diddys sons Justin Combs, 30, and his brother Christian King Combs, 26, who were both handcuffed by agents during the 25 March raid, carried out in connection to a federal sex trafficking investigation. On 2 April, she took to Instagram to post video of the raid and blasted the overzealous and overtly militarized force used that day. [The force] used against my sons Justin and Christian is deplorable. If these were the sons of a non-Black celebrity, they would not have been handled with the same aggression, she wrote. The attempt to humiliate and terrorize these innocent young BLACK MEN is despicable! Diddy has also described the actions of agents as a gross overuse of military-level force and insisted he is innocent of any wrongdoing, as he faces a growing number of lawsuits including for sexual abuse. This comes as a victim of the infamous 1999 Club New York shooting spoke out to reveal the extreme lengths she will go to prove Diddy was her attacker. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Law enforcement footage has revealed the shocking moment when a 15-year-old girl who was reported as a kidnapping victim was fatally shot in California. Newly released video captured the September 2022 incident when San Bernadino County Sheriffs Department deputies were trying to rescue Savannah Graziano, who instead nded up being shot and killed. The department had previously refused to release the video and claimed that they did not know if the teenager had been killed by shots fired by her father or deputies sent to find her. The 2022 search for Savannah began after deputies feared that she was abducted by her father Anthony Graziano after he fatally shot her mother the previous day in Fontana. Graziano was considered armed and dangerous as a result of the homicide and an Amber Alert was issued for Savannah. After a 45-minute pursuit with Graziano firing at pursuing officers, authorities were able to corner his vehicle on the side of a freeway in Hesperia, California. As the vehicle went offroad a firefight took place with deputies and as Savannah got out of the vehicle she was shot and killed. The department said at the time that an investigation had been launched into who killed her. Officials also said they did not initially realise it was the 15-year-old girl when she first emerged from the car. However, newly released footage obtained by The Guardian suggests that deputies stated it was a passenger who got out of the vehicle and appeared to be giving her instructions to come towards them. Audio reveals that a deputy told the passenger to come towards him ( San Bernadino County Sheriffs Department ) Footage from the incident was released after a series of requests from independent journalist Joey Scott, and law enforcement disclosed nearly a dozen video files, the Guardian reported. The Press-Enterprise also reported that the files were released by the sheriffs department after Southern California News Group filed a California Public Records Act request 18 months ago. In one clip taken from helicopter footage, it appears that at least one deputy shot at Savannah after instructions were shouted for her to move towards them. Accompanying audio to the footage shows that one of the deputies directed Savannah to come over to him before he shouted at other deputies to stop shooting at her. Come here! Come to me! Come come come come, walk walk walk walk, he shouts towards a passenger. Hey! Stop! Stop shooting her! Hes in the car! Stop! Shes OK. Hes in the car! Stop! the deputy shouts. The sheriffs statement describing that audio said: You can hear [a deputy] calling her over and telling other deputies that the person who exited the truck was the passenger and for them to stop firing, but it was too late. The footage, filmed by a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter, captured Graziano speeding through traffic. Deputies eventually get to him after he loses traction driving up an embankment. The audio also appears to remark that it was a girl who got out of the vehicle. The new footage shows the suspect vehicle getting stuck on a verge ( San Bernadino County Sheriffs Department ) As the person exited the vehicle, a CHP official on the radio can be heard saying: Girl is out, the girl is out, guys. Shes out on the passenger side. The helicopter footage shows Savannah appearing to crouch on the ground for a number of seconds, before approaching a group of deputies. The video blurs out Savannah while the CHP officer can be heard saying: Oh no. At the time of the shooting, officials said it appeared a subject wearing tactical gear got out of the passenger side of the vehicle and ran towards the deputies. That subject starts to run towards sheriffs deputies, and during the gunfire goes down, Sheriff Shannon Dicus said in 2022, adding that deputies rendered medical aid to the person in the tactical gear, who was Savannah. Savannah Graziano ( City of Fontana Police Department via AP ) She was taken to a local area hospital where she was pronounced dead; her father also died at the scene. Sheriff Dicus also told reporters that the passenger may have also been firing back at deputies, but the investigation was in the early stages, so he warned that was preliminary information. The video footage is not clear enough to see what Savannah was wearing, nor how many officers shot at her or how many bullets hit her. The new videos also do not make it clear who fired at police from inside Grazianos vehicle and the shooting remains under investigation by the California Department of Justice. The San Bernadino County Sheriffs Department released a statement on Tuesday regarding the lethal force encounter and the release of the critical incident footage. Mr Dicus said in the statement that following the incident, he shared preliminary information about the encounter, but the investigation was then turned over to the Department of Justice. As the investigation is ongoing, the sheriffs department are unable to release further details. He added that the DOJ requested materials and evidence from the department, but in April 2023 they encountered a ransomware attack, meaning they were delayed in providing information. By 29 March 2024, he said all requested information had been provided. My hope is that this video will be watched in its entirety and provide insight into the unfortunate events that unfolded that day, Mr Dicus said. There has been speculation and misrepresentations about this case, and I would ask the public to allow the DOJ to complete its independent investigation before reaching a conclusion, he added. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A pair of glasses found in the area where teenager Sebastian Rogers disappeared in Tennessee did not belong to him, investigators confirmed on Wednesday morning. A new search has begun in the area where the autistic 15-year-old disappeared more than five weeks ago. At a press briefing on Tuesday, Eric Craddock, chief deputy for the Sumner County Sheriffs Office (SCSO), confirmed that the glasses had been found, with an investigation underway. On Wednesday morning, SCSO issued an update, saying it wanted to clarify that the eyeglasses recently found are not related to Sebastian Rogers. The update came after the office announced its renewed search, with dozens of officers seen searching around a highway known as Long Hollow Pike, just north of Hendersonville. In a statement, SCSO said it and other agencies were conducting another thorough search of the area close to where the 15-year-old vanished on 25 February, Despite exhaustive efforts, there are no new leads or evidence to indicate the search will be immediately fruitful, SCSO said. However, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our mission to locate Sebastian and bring him home safely. Photos and video from the scene showed officers scouring the area on foot, including climbing through thickets alongside creeks, while rafts were also brought in. Its believed much of this area has been searched before, but at a press conference yesterday the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Susan Niland said they were planning to re-check leads. We are not done, Ms Niland said on Tuesday. Its gone back to what could be considered good old-fashioned police work. Interviewing individuals, reinterviewing individuals, checking leads, rechecking leads. In a separate update on Wednesday, TBI confirmed its agents were involved in the new search. The bureau also said that an altered version of Sebastians Amber Alert posted has been shared on social media. Please be aware that a lot of false information is being posted through multiple social media channels, the agency said, adding it was continuing to use the original poster shared more than a month ago. The 15-year-old has not been seen since he went to bed on 25 February at his mothers home in Hendersonville. When she went to get him up for school the next day, he was gone, with law enforcement repeatedly saying there is no evidence of foul play. On Tuesday, Ms Niland said that speculation around the case had been a distraction and urged people to only share credible tips with investigators using the tip line at 1-800-TBI-FIND or by email via TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A dual US-Canadian citizen was among the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in an IDF airstrike while trying to deliver much-needed food to people in Gaza. Jacob Flickinger, 33, died alongside his colleagues Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha of Palestine, Lalzawmi Frankcom of Australia, Damian Sobol of Poland and UK citizens John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby, on Tuesday when the convoy they were riding in was struck. WCK provides food for people living in disaster zones, including to those in Gaza amid Israels ongoing campaign. The organisation called the aid workers heroes and beautiful souls, saying they were killed as they were returning from a full days mission. Jacob Flickinger ( World Central Kitchen/WCK.org/PA Wire ) Heres what we know about Flickinger: Volunteer, partner and father Flickinger was a father of a one-year-old baby boy, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help his family with funeral arrangements, as he was the sole financial provider. He also leaves behind his partner Sandy. Flickinger had been volunteering in Gaza since early March, giving food to Palestinians, the page reads. Before going to Gaza, Flickinger also went to Mexico with World Central Kitchen. A tribute from Restaurantes en Acapulco on Facebook read: What sad news our friend Jacob passed away who helped us in the port of Acapulco carrying food everywhere and with whom we lived for several days. RIP he told me on one occasion that he came to help and not to distract himself in other things. Hug up to heaven. it said. The group also posted a touching video of Flickinger smiling while handing out bottles of water to and fist-bumping locals in Acapulco, Mexico. One photo of Flickinger, wearing a World Central Kitchen-emblazoned shirt, in Acapulco is dated November 2023. A photo of Jacob Flickinger in Acapulco, Mexico ( Jesus Espinosa ) His father John Flickinger wrote a touching message on Facebook paying tribute to his son. He died doing what he loved and serving others through his work with the World Central Kitchen, he said. Several other friends also spoke of his love of helping others. Jacob Flickinger posing while holding water bottles to distribute in Mexico ( Jonathan Duguay ) Ken Durham wrote on Facebook that he was saddened by the loss of an old friend in Gaza. Kened Sadiku, a spokesperson for the Canadian Department of National Defence, told The Independent in a statement that retired Master Corporal Flickinger served with the Canadian Army from 7 April 2008 to 16 October 2019. Jacob Flickinger helping people in Acapulco, Mexico get food ( Jesus Espinosa ) He joined as a reserve infantry member with Le Regiment de la Chaudiere. In 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan as a Rifleman. In 2012 he joined the regular force as Infantry with the Royal 22e Regiment in Quebec, QC, the statement said. We extend our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time. The GoFundMe had already raised more than C$22,000 by Wednesday afternoon. Jonathan Rusty Duguay, who co-organized the GoFundMe, told The Independent that he and Flickinger were brothers in arms in Afghanistan. He called Flickinger a problem solver, adding that he loved helping people and was passionate about the work we were doing at WCK. He was a family man, very dedicated to his partner and kid, Mr Duguay added. Mr Duguay joined WCK in September 2023 after an earthquake rampaged Morocco. He said he found a lot of purpose in the work I was doing and thought it would be good for him too. Months later, in November 2023, the two of them went to Acapulco, Mexico to help locals after the hurricane devastated the region. Jacob Flickinger hugging children in Acapulco while on a WCK mission ( Jonathan Duguay ) More recently, Mr Duguay said they worked together, but on two ends of the humanitarian mission in Gaza. While Mr Duguay was based in Cyprus, loading the ships, Flickinger was based in Gaza receiving and distributing the food. We spoke almost every day about our experiences, Mr Duguay recalled. Although this was a very tragic loss, Mr Duguay said, that doesnt and shouldnt take away from the very important work that WCK and its volunteers do. Mr Duguay said he and Flickingers family are staying positive. They still believe in the work he was doing, he added. Flickinger had been scheduled to leave Gaza soon John Flickinger, Jacobs father, told the Daily Beast that his son was planning on heading to Cairo, Egypt by the end of the week to reassess what their needs were and how theyre going to proceed. The situation was changing daily on the ground with Israel threatening to attack Rafah, Mr Flickinger told the outlet. That was the last text from him, that hes going to reassess at the end of the week in Cairo. But he loved to work with the World Central Kitchen. He believed in their mission. And when the opportunity came to Gaza, he was hesitant, but the need was so great, the father added. Mr Flickinger also described how his son had changed Jacob in many ways. He became very, very focused on raising his son and they moved to Costa Rica to start a new, kind of a new life there and kind of build a life in a nice tropical country, he said. Flickinger was the best friend anyone could ever have, his father told the outlet. Reactions to the strike on the aid workers World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore released a statement slamming the attack on the aid workers as unforgivable. 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. This is unforgivable, she said. In an op-ed in the New York Times, WCK founder and celebrity chef Jose Andres wrote that the aid workers risked everything for the most fundamentally human activity: to share our food with others. He called them the best of humanity. President Joe Biden also said in a statement that he was outraged and heartbroken by the news. I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday, he said. Seven victims of the strike ( World Central Kitchen/PA ) They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war. They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said at a Tuesday press conference that it is clear that the IDF must do much more to improve deconfliction processes so that civilians and humanitarian aid workers are protected. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly tweeted she was horrified to hear reports of the IDF strike and called for full accountability for these killings. Strikes on humanitarian personnel are absolutely unacceptable, she added. Unfortunately over the last day there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, promising that Israeli officials were thoroughly checking into the incident and that the countrys armed forces will do everything for this not to happen again. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A mayoral candidate has been killed just hours after she requested protection and started campaigning. A city council candidate who was wounded in the same attack on Monday also died, authorities said. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the killing of his own partys candidates hurts a lot, but he did not announce any increase in security for politicians. Bertha Gisela Gaytan Gutierrez was gunned down on a street in a town just outside the city of Celaya, in the north-central state of Guanajuato. She had just launched her campaign for Celaya mayor on Monday and acknowledged she had asked for protection. City council candidate Adrian Guerrero, wounded in the same attack, died on Tuesday. These events are very regrettable, because these are people are fighting to defend democracy, theyre out on the street, face to face, Lipez Obrador said at his daily news briefing. The killings was the latest in the increasingly bloody runup to Mexicos June 2 elections. At least 15 candidates have been killed since the start of 2024 and expressions of regret have become routine.No one immediately claimed responsibility for the killing but Mexicos drug cartels have often focused assassination attempts on mayors and mayoral candidates, in a bid to control local police or extort money from municipal governments. The slayings have prompted the government to provide bodyguards or bulletproof cars for some, but candidates for municipal positions while the most endangered are the last in line for security. On Monday, as Gaytin was walking down a street, shouting Morena!, gunshots rang out and she crumpled to the pavement, according to a video posted on social media. The footage then shows people running and falling down. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ( AP ) Guerrero was part of a small group that was walking with Gaytin. It wasnt immediately clear if anyone else was wounded.The people are with us, they watch out for us, but of course we are going to have security provisions, Gaytin had said shortly before she was killed, noting a request had been made through her Morena party. Lets see if we get some kind of answer today.The leadership of Lipez Obradors Morena party issued a statement, calling the killings cowardly, and calling for an investigation. Federal Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez said Tuesday the government has taken on the commitment to respond to protection requests within 72 hours. She said over 100 candidates nationwide have asked for protection. Guanajuato has for some time had the highest number of homicides of any state in Mexico, and Celaya is arguably the most dangerous place, per capita, to be a police officer in North America. At least 34 police officers have been killed in this city of 500,000 people in the last three years. In Guanajuato state, with its population just over 6 million, more police were shot to death in 2023 about 60 than in all of the United States.The state has been wracked for years by violent turf battles between the Jalisco drug cartel and the homegrown Santa Rosa de Lima gang. Violence against politicians is widespread in Mexico. Over the weekend, the mayor of Churumuco, a town in the neighboring state of Michoacan, was shot to death at a taco restaurant in the state capital, Morelia.In late February in another town in Michoacan, two mayoral hopefuls were shot to death within hours of each other. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} On Thursday evening, President Joe Biden said that he was outraged and heartbroken at the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza after Israel conducted airstrkes against the unarmed convoy. Specifically, as Independent White House reporter Andrew Feinberg said, Biden leveled what might be his biggest criticism of Israel in his 52 years of national politics, when he said attacks like the one that killed aid workers should not happen and added that Israel has not done enough to avoid them. The fact that the aid workers came from an organization headed up by celebrity Chef Jose Andres made matters worse, politically speaking: Andres runs many restaurants that Washingtons power players patronize (your reporter is partial to Jaleo). Hes a fixture on Washingtons party circuit and he became a hero to many Washington liberals when he pulled his restaurant out of Donald Trumps now-shuttered hotel. But even Andress elevated profile has not made Biden shift his policy on Israel. He wants to see an investigation thats swift, an investigation that's comprehensive, that brings accountability, and he wants to make sure that it is made public, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday. When a reporter asked what such an investigation might entail, Jean-Pierre would not elaborate. This renders Bidens critiques all but meaningless especially as he pushes for the House to pass a foreign aid package that would provide $14.1bn in aid to Israel and as multiple publications report that he is considering selling $18bn worth of fighter jets to the country. As my colleague Katie Hawkinson explained in Tuesdays Inside Washington, the president set the red line himself when he warned in February, If you harm an American, we will respond. Simply put, Biden has offered zero response or consequences for Israel. Meanwhile, in a video where he appeared to be smiling, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the killings a tragic instance of our forces unintentionally harming innocent people in the Gaza Strip, before adding, It happens in war. Biden has all but created the circumstances that allowed for the World Central Kitchen workers deaths. In the buildup to the passage of the foreign aid bill, 19 senators in the Democratic caucus including Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said they hoped to add an amendment that would have required countries who received US military assistance to comply with international law. But shortly after they did, the White House released a memo describing the conditions countries must meet to receive military aid, including credible and reliable written assurances that countries complied with international law and humanitarian standards. The senators said the memo served as enough for them to back down from the amendment. All but three of them approved the national security package without further action, even though the White House said there were no new standards in this memo, adding that it was not imposing new standards for military aid. That meant that the Senate surrendered its oversight authority. It gave the White House sole discretion to determine whether Israel complied with international standards itself. Former senator Patrick Leahy the namesake of the Leahy Law statutes that prevent the US government from sending aid to foreign governments when there is credible information of gross violations of human rights toldThe Independent last month that the United States was not following the law when it came to Israel. Elsewhere, Biden hoped to de-politicize aid to Ukraine, given widespread opposition by Republicans particularly in the US House of Representatives by demanding that aid to Israel after the October 7 attack by Hamas include aid to Ukraine. That enabled the Senate to pass the bill and finally get Ukraine aid through after much complication. But that also means that many Democrats even Democrats critical of the Israeli government will ultimately feel compelled to pass a bill providing Israel with further, unconditional military aid. Or if enough Democrats decide to vote against the bill now, aid to Ukraine will end up doomed at the same time. Lastly, the Biden administration actively cut off aid to Gazans. In April, the Biden administration and some allies abroad paused aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, known as UNRWA, which had been providing food and shelter to people in Gaza. The money was paused amid reports that a small number of its workers may have been involved in the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. The bipartisan spending bill that kept the government open until the end of September also specifically halted direct funding to UNRWA until 2025. This only makes the reality of the World Central Kitchen strikes even worse. Gaza will have fewer workers providing relief to hungry Palestinians than ever, as a famine gathers pace. But even as Biden ratchets up criticism of the Israeli government, he does not seem to show any willingness to take meaningful action. The Israeli government, in turn, will feel no need to exercise more caution in Gaza. No wonder Netanyahu is smiling. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers after Israeli airstrikes against their unarmed, marked aid convoy in the Gaza Strip. In a Tuesday evening statement containing what might be the strongest criticism of Israel expressed over his half-century in public life, Mr Biden said incidents like the strike on the convoy by Israeli Defence Forces should not happen and said Israel has not done enough to protect civilians or aid workers during the six-month-old war against Hamas. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians, he said. Israel has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into why the aid workers vehicles were hit by airstrikes. That investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public, he added. Mr Biden also noted that the US has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties and said the US would continue to do all we can to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, through all available means. He promised to continue to press Israel to do more to facilitate that aid. And we are pushing hard for an immediate ceasefire as part of a hostage deal and said there is a US team in Cairo for negotiations now. May God bless the humanitarian workers killed yesterday and comfort their families and loved ones in their grief, he said. The American president is the latest in a series of world leaders to condemn the attack on the defenceless aid workers, which took place as they were finishing a delivery of food that had been transported to Gaza by sea. The nongovernmental organisation, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said the following individuals died when the IDF struck their three-car convoy: Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha, 25, of Palestine; Lalzawmi Frankcom, 43, of Australia; Damian Sobol, 35, of Poland; Jacob Flickinger, 33, a US-Canadian dual citizen; along with UK citizens John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full days mission, WCK CEO Erin Gore said Tuesday in a statement. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. And we have countless memories of them giving their best selves to the world. We are reeling from our loss. The worlds loss. On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the airstrike and demanded a thorough and transparent investigation from Israel. Mr Sunak also telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say that far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and that the situation there is increasingly intolerable. For his part, Mr Netanyahu described the attack as a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip and promised that the countrys armed forces will do everything for this not to happen again. Joseph Roberts is seen during an appearance at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in September 2023 in Oakland. Roberts is accused of dismembering his girlfriend, Rachel Elizabeth Imani Buckner. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The dismembered body was labeled Jane Doe, the womans identity unknown. She would later be identified as Rachel Elizabeth Imani Buckner, 27. DNA offered a clue as to her suspected killer: her boyfriend, Joseph Roberts, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Courtney Burris laid out the details as Roberts trial began Wednesday. Roberts, 43, was charged in Alameda County Superior Court with murder after Buckners mutilated body was found in a black garbage bag wrapped in duct tape along an Alameda waterfront trail last July. Investigators believe Roberts used an electric saw to sever her body parts to conceal her identity. Roberts pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers argued Wednesday that there is no direct evidence linking Roberts to the crime. The case garnered widespread media attention not only because of the grisly details of the killing, but also Roberts past. In 2017, the Trump administration held up Roberts as a victim of an overzealous #MeToo movement after he claimed he was falsely accused of sexual harassment. Buckners torso her head, hands and feet were cut off was found a few days after Buckner and Roberts last exchanged messages, Burris said during opening statements at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland. Rachel Elizabeth Imani Buckner grew up in the Bay Area, graduated from Howard University and attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco where she worked toward becoming a lawyer. Prosecutors say she was killed by her boyfriend, Joseph Roberts. Courtesy of the Buckner family DNA found on the garbage bag and on a piece of duct tape matched Roberts DNA, Burris said, adding that cellphone records allegedly placed Roberts in the area on July 19, the day Buckners body was likely dumped. The same day, on July 19, searches on his cellphone referenced an article titled, Development of Fingerprint Impressions on Plastic Bags Over Time and Under Different Storage Temperatures, Burris said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roberts never reported Buckner missing, the prosecutor said. During a search of the couples apartment in Pleasanton, authorities found a human bone that lab testing determined was Buckners, Burris said. Authorities also discovered that the carpet in the apartment was removed, and that there was no record of a maintenance request with the apartment complex. In Roberts wallet they found Buckners bank cards, which were used during the time when her whereabouts were unknown, Burris said. Roberts also started using a dating app. He even told a woman his girlfriend was dead, before her death was revealed publicly, Burris said. Mr. Roberts essentially went on with his own life, Burris told the jury. Defense attorney Charles Woodson tried to cast doubt on Burris statements. He noted that the cause of Buckners death wasnt determined, and that the area where Buckners body was found is highly visible and heavily trafficked. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During an inspection months before Buckners death, the managers at the apartment complex where Buckner and Roberts lived determined the carpet needed to be replaced, Woodson said. He added that Buckners belongings were not destroyed or discarded. Theres no evidence that Mr. Roberts killed Imani Buckner, Woodson said. The defense attorney said the couple planned to go to South Africa, but there was no evidence Roberts planned to follow through with the trip after Buckners death. Buckner was a spoken-word poet who graduated from law school a few months before her death. She was a mother to a 3-year-old daughter. A Navy veteran, Roberts first received nationwide attention after he was expelled from Savannah State University in Georgia in 2013. He was touted as a victim of the #MeToo movement when the Trump administration rolled back reforms to Title IX, a law that prohibits sexual discrimination at universities that receive federal funds. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roberts and Buckner met at San Franciscos Golden Gate University School of Law. The couple dated and later moved into an apartment in Pleasanton. The first witness the prosecution called to the stand was Monica Zuranich, who found Buckners body on July 19. Zuranich, who works as a dog walker, said she was on a stroll with a dog named Axel. Just a few minutes into their walk, Axel pulled her toward a van in a parking lot near the Harbor Bay Club. He sniffed the van profusely. When she redirected him, he pulled her again, this time toward a bag near a tree. Axel sniffed the bag, then sat facing away. A foul odor filled the air, Zuranich said. She opened the bag, only to find another bag covered in blood. When she opened the second bag, she saw what looked like chopped up parts of an animal, Zuranich said. She poked at the parts in disbelief, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I couldnt feel a head, so I didnt think it was a (humans) body, a tearful Zuranich said. She didnt call police. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump showed off an empty lectern erected for Joe Biden, at a rally in Wisconsin, once again challenging the president to debate him any time, any place. We have an empty podium right here to my right. You know what that is? Thats for Joe Biden, he told the jeering crowds in Green Bay on Tuesday night. Im trying to get him to debate. Im calling on crooked Joe to debate anytime anyplace. Well do it any way you want, Joe, so that we can discuss in a friendly manner the real problems of our country of which there are many, instead of trying to have corrupt prosecutors fight your battles for you. Thats no good. Lets go have a good, solid, friendly debate. Last month, the former president took to his social media platform Truth Social, to challenge Mr Biden to debate. I am calling for Debates, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE! The Debates can be run by the Corrupt DNC, or their Subsidiary, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). I look forward to receiving a response. Thank you for your attention to this matter! he wrote. Mr Trumps insistence on debating with his old foe came after he consistently refused to appear onstage next to his previous Republican challengers during the primary election this cycle. Mr Trump has previously challenged Mr Biden to debate him any time, any place ( AP ) Instead, the former president held several parallel events, including rallies and a sit-down interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, much to the annoyance of the other presidential hopefuls. In the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, three debates between Mr Trump and Mr Biden were initially planned and scheduled. The first debate took place on 29 September 2020. The next was scheduled for 15 October but was later cancelled due to Mr Trump testing positive for Covid-19 and then refusing to appear remotely rather than in person. The final debate took place on 22 October. Mr Biden was seen to have won the first debate, despite the chaotic arguing between the pair. The event was described as a hot mess, inside a train wreck, inside a dumpster fire by CNNs Jake Tapper, and a s***show by his colleague Dana Bash. During the first debate, Mr Trump was also criticised for his remarks concerning the far-right Proud Boys group, which he told to stand back and stand by. The comment was interpreted by some members of the group, as well as others, as a call to arms and was later described as a mistake by commentators. In response to the interruptions during the first debate, the Commission on Presidential Debates decided that each candidates microphone would be muted during the others initial two-minute response to each question during the third and final debate. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A new poll of the US Senate race from the Baltimore Banner and Marylands Goucher College puts into clear view what seemed to be the dynamic from the get-go: the surprise candidacy of Larry Hogan is posing a familiar challenge for Democrats. The survey of voters in the state finds that Mr Hogan, a Republican former governor who won over enough Democrats in his deep-blue state to win a second term, slightly leads both of his potential Democratic challengers in hypothetical head-to-head matchups. Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman David Trone are running in the Democratic primary to replace retiring Senator Ben Cardin, also a Democrat. And the reason for Mr Hogans lead in the polls is obvious: He enjoys far greater name recognition than either of his two possible opponents. His favourable rating was roughly 20 per centage points higher than either Mr Trones or Ms Alsobrookss; meanwhile, the percentage of voters who did not have clear opinions of the two Democrats was much greater in comparison to the segment of voters without an opinion on Mr Hogan. His announcement of a candidacy for Senate in February came after months of the governor insisting that he would not run for the seat while stoking speculation about a White House bid. The latter scenario never materialised, and the former appears to have come about after conversations with Senate Republican leadership and the presumed conclusion among all parties involved that Mr Hogan is the only Republican with any reasonable chance of winning the seat. The former governor has already hit the campaign trail and was spotted posing for selfies with Orioles fans on opening day last week; the MLB American League East champions played before a sellout crowd on Thursday. Mr Hogans ability to maintain that dominance after the Democratic primary concludes remains in question. There are plenty of reasons why either of his two opponents both of whom trailed him by single digits, Mr Trone within the polls margin of error could overtake him. Chief among those reasons: the unified backing of the states Democratic Party machine, which offered lukewarm opposition to Mr Hogans re-election bid but has thrown its support wholeheartedly behind Ms Alsobrookss candidacy. With the states first-term Democratic governor, Wes Moore, enthusiastically backing her bid the Maryland Democratic machine looks to be readying for a fight it never gave Mr Hogan during his gubernatorial stint. And Mr Trone would not be without his own strengths as well. A millionaire who co-founded the Total Wine & More franchise, the congressman self-funded his bid for office in 2018 after failing two years earlier to win the seat now held by Jamie Raskin: those two races left plenty of sore feelings between Mr Trones camp and those of his various rivals, including Mr Raskin. He has continued to pour his own money into his bid for the Senate and has loaned his campaign millions as he pursues Mr Cardins seat. One other important area for Democrats in the poll: Mr Hogans unfavourable rating is low among independents, who also give the governor his highest favourable rating. If Democrats are going to keep this seat in their partys hands in November, they will need to drive turnout among their partys base, including progressives. And those Maryland Democrats who are already paying attention to the race told the polls administrators that preserving Democratic control of the Senate was highly important to them. Many eyes are on Marylands Senate race as a win by Republicans would sharply tilt the odds against Democrats maintaining control of the chamber next year. The state is also in the news in the aftermath of a stunning disaster in the states largest city, Baltimore, which saw its landmark Francis Scott Key Bridge destroyed last week when a cargo ship lost power and rammed a support structure. Mr Moore, the governor, has become the public face of the cleanup effort; he has long thought to be building his own national profile with future political ambitions in mind. The Banner/Goucher poll surveyed voters from 19-24 March and included 800 registered voters, including 408 registered Democrats to compensate for the states strong blue bent. The margin of error was 3.5 percentage points. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Peter Navarro, the jailed former trade adviser to Donald Trump, has called on US Supreme Court justice Neil Gorsuch to reconsider Chief Justice John Roberts decision to reject his plea to be allowed to remain out of prison while he appeals his contempt of Congress conviction. Navarro, 74, surrendered to authorities on 19 March to begin a four-month sentence at the low-security FCI Miami prison in Florida after he was convicted on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to provide testimony or documentary evidence when requested by the House select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. The bipartisan panel had wanted to hear from Navarro about the plot to prevent the certification of the 2020 election results at a joint session of Congress presided over by then-vice president Mike Pence, which took place on the day of the attack and was delayed by the rioters invasion of the legislative complex but ultimately not prevented. Navarro had referred to the plan as Green Bay Sweep in his book In Trump Time (2021) but refused to comply with a subpoena to discuss it with the committee, subsequently arguing, unsuccessfully, that Mr Trump had asserted executive privilege over his testimony and evidence relating to the failed insurrection. On 7 September last year, a jury found him guilty on both counts after fewer than four hours of deliberation following a two-day trial during which the ex-Trump aides defence team presented no witnesses of their own. Prior to entering prison last month, Navarro delivered a brief press conference in a parking lot in which he attempted to portray himself as a martyr to Democrat-led persecution in grandiose terms and, like Mr Trump, baselessly bemoaned the partisan weaponisation of our judicial system. He pledged to walk proudly into prison and told reporters: I will gather strength from this. But after just 15 days behind bars, his attorneys Stan Brand and Stanley Woodward submitted a long-shot filing with the DC Circuit trying to get him out, asking: We respectfully request your reconsideration of the Chief Justices denial. Supreme Court rules allow for parties whose emergency applications have been rejected by one justice to appeal to another, although they are seldom granted. The courts rules technically permit renewing an application with a second justice, legal analyst Steve Vladeck wrote on X in response to the filing. In reality, though, the court automatically refers such filings to the full court, and then denies them. This has a precisely 0.0 per cent chance of succeeding. Navarro had asked the Supreme Court to allow him to remain free while he appeals decisions by US district judge Amit Mehta and a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, both of whom had previously rejected his blanket assertions of executive privilege on the grounds that Mr Trump never communicated any such assertion to the committee or in federal court. In a brief opinion issued from his chambers on 18 March, Chief Justice Roberts the justice responsible for appeals from Washington, DC, federal courts said Navarro had not established that he was entitled to remain free under provisions of the Bail Reform Act while he continued to appeal his conviction on the grounds that he should have been permitted to argue that he was only following orders from the former president when he defied the subpoena in question. The Court of Appeals disposed of the proceeding on the ground that Navarro forfeited any argument in this release proceeding challenging the District Courts conclusion that executive privilege was not invoked, forfeited any challenge to the conclusion that relief would not be required in any event because of the qualified nature of executive privilege, and forfeited any challenge to the conclusion that apart from executive privilege, he was still obligated to appear before Congress and answer questions seeking information outside the scope of the asserted privilege, Chief Justice Roberts wrote. He added that he saw no basis to disagree with the determination that Navarro forfeited those arguments in the release proceeding, which is distinct from his pending appeal on the merits. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trumps latest effort to weaponise the death of an American against Joe Biden and his management of the situation at Americas southern border has enraged family members of his most recent target. After the former president and current presumed nominee for the 2024 Republican nomination told supporters in Grand Rapids, Michigan that he had spoken to relatives of Ruby Garcia, the murdered young womans family is speaking out. Mr Trump appeared at a rally in the state on Tuesday as he continues campaigning for the presidency and waxed poetic about Ms Garcia to attendees at the event. Now Rubys loved ones and community are left grieving for this incredible young woman, said the former president. They said she had the most contagious laughter and when she walked into a room she lit up that room. He added: Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family. Ms Garcias sister says the former presidents words were a complete lie: she told a local news outlet the day of the rally that the former president did not reach out to any member of her direct family nor did any member of his 2024 campaign team. She sat there in disbelief, she says, as Mr Trump described supposedly hearing accounts of her sister. It was shocking. I kind of stopped watching it. Id only seen up to that, after I heard a couple of misinformations he said, I just stopped watching it, said Mavi Garcia, who is also serving as her familys spokesperson in the wake of her murder. A 25-year-old man whom Ruby Garcia was dating has been arrested and confessed to her murder. The accused, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, is in the country illegally after being removed from the US once before. Mavi Garcia added in her statement to Target 8 News in Grand Rapids that Mr Trump was frequently seeking to demonise illegal immigrants, and said that she wished he would stop. Its always been about illegal immigrants, she told the news channel. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? Mr Trumps focus on immigration comes as the USs southern border with Mexico remains porous and the site of often thousands of illegal crossings per day. The former president and other Republicans have highlighted crimes including murders committed by people in the United States illegally as both he and Mr Biden agree publicly that the rate of illegal crossings is a threat to national security. But it also is taking place amid the latest failed effort by Congress to address that very issue. A bipartisan compromise on the issue of border security was voted down by Republicans and some progressives after weeks of negotiations between Democrats and a handful of their GOP rivals who were at the bargaining table with the blessing of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The legislation was denied after the Republican House majority made it clear that it was dead on arrival in the lower chamber. The former president had openly called on Republicans in Congress to walk away from the legislation, frustrating the bills GOP negotiators and other Republicans in both chambers who saw the ordeal as having sent a message to voters that lawmakers were not serious about addressing the issue. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has promised his Christian followers that election day on 5 November will serve as Christian Visibility Day, predicting it will be an occasion when Christians turn out in numbers that nobody has ever seen before to vote him back into the White House. The Republican presidential contender was speaking at a rally at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Tuesday evening when he made the remark, an allusion to the spurious outrage among Republicans caused by Trans Visibility Day happening to coincide with Easter Sunday this year. Properly known as International Transgender Day of Visibility but often shortened to Trans Visibility Day, the date to recognise members of Americas transgender community was founded by Michigan-based activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 and has taken place on 31 March every year since. In 2024, due to a quirk caused by the spring equinox, Easter Sunday fell on the same date. The coincidence was embraced by President Joe Biden, who said on Good Friday: On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honour the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our nations commitment to forming a more perfect union where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives. I am proud that my administration has stood for justice from the start, working to ensure that the LGBTQI+ community can live openly, in safety, with dignity and respect. The presidents gesture led Mr Trumps campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt to falsely accuse him of formally proclaiming the national day, actually celebrating its 15th anniversary, over the Easter weekend as a calculated insult to Christians, despite Mr Biden himself being a devout Roman Catholic and churchgoer with nothing to gain from doing so. It is appalling and insulting that Joe Bidens White House... formally proclaimed Easter Sunday as Trans Day of Visibility, she said. We call on Joe Bidens 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. Her nonsensical and disingenuous attack on Mr Biden was echoed on social media by prominent Trump supporters, including Republican senators Mike Lee and JD Vance, and picked up again by Mr Trump himself in Wisconsin, who insisted the coincidence showed such total disrespect to Christians. The Republican has recently been ramping up his efforts to secure the support of the evangelical community, even stooping to selling a patriotic edition of the Bible, which saw him justly ridiculed by the late-night hosts and on Saturday Night Live for his audacious hypocrisy. Mr Trumps return to the rally stage in Wisconsin, whose state primary he won later that evening, was otherwise dominated by his revival of vicious and decidedly un-Christian, anti-immigrant rhetoric. Im here tonight to declare that Joe Bidens border bloodbath remember they used the name bloodbath, I was talking about something entirely different but this is a border bloodbath ends the day I take the oath of office, he told his supporters in Green Bay. With your vote, I will seal the border. I will stop the invasion. I will end the carnage, bloodshed and killing and we will crush the human traffickers. He also scaremongered about illegal aliens breaking into peoples homes and pledged to deport them. Earlier in the afternoon, Mr Trump had also appeared in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where, flanked by law enforcement, he had raved that migrants had wrecked our country and referred to them as animals, warning that America could cease to exist if he loses at the ballot box in November. He also used that engagement to shamelessly exploit the death of a young Michigan woman, Ruby Garcia, 25, who was murdered by Brandon Ortiz-Vite, a man from Mexico with whom she was romantically involved, to warn of a wave of migrant crime making Americas streets unsafe. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former president Donald Trump has found new ways to push the envelope in criticising Judge Juan Merchans daughter and other elements of the New York criminal trial he deems unfair even after the gag order was extended in the case. On Monday, Judge Merchan expanded the gag order to include family members of the court staff after Mr Trump attacked the judges daughter Loren Merchan, who has worked on Democratic campaigns. The order now prevents Mr Trump from publicly commenting about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, jurors and now the family of court staff to prevent any harm to the trial which is slated to begin 15 April. But on social media, the former president has found ways to skirt the order by sharing his opinions in other ways: by re-posting clips of others criticising Ms Merchan and using vague language in his own posts. Just one day after the new gag order was imposed, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: I just was informed that another corrupt New York Judge, Juan Merchan, GAGGED me so that I can not talk about the corruption and conflicts taking place in his courtroom. The former president also posted a clip from Fox News where host Brian Kilmeade claimed Judge Merchans daughter is a[n] activist who works for Kamala Harris and purported that she may have posted a photo on a website of Mr Trump behind bars. Mr Kilmeade insinuated the connection could hurt the integrity of the case. He also called it outrageous that a prosecutor on the case knew President Joe Biden while working in the Department of Justice (DoJ). Mr Trumps legal team also hit out at Ms Merchan in a motion requesting Judge Merchan be recused from the case citing her job as a conflict of interest that would make it difficult for the judge to preside over the case impartially. Judge Juan Merchan could become the first judge ever to oversee a former U.S. presidents criminal trial ( AP ) It is unclear if re-posting the Fox News clip or using vague language about courtroom corruption violates the gag order, though Mr Trump did not make the comments himself. But using loopholes to discredit the people involved in a trial is a tactic Mr Trump has invoked before and will likely continue doing. During his New York civil fraud case, Mr Trump attacked the legal clerk of the judge overseeing the case leading to a gag order. The former president then violated that gag order by using vague language to attack the legal clerk on Truth Social. He referred to her as a person who is very partisan sitting alongside the judge. When confronted by the judge in the courtroom, Mr Trump claimed he was referring to his former lawyer Michael Cohen. The judge found that argument not credible and he was hit with a financial penalty. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Manhattan judge denied Donald Trumps efforts to have his criminal trial delayed on presidential immunity grounds, saying the former presidents filing was untimely. On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Juan Merchan submitted a six-page filing denying Mr Trumps last-ditch effort to delay the trial concerning alleged hush-money payments even further after Mr Trumps team successfully delayed the trial 30 days. Mr Trump submitted the motion on 7 March, asking Judge Merchan to delay the trial until after the US Supreme Court decides whether the presidential immunity defence applies to criminal charges against sitting or former presidents. The former presidents legal team argued that under presidential immunity, evidence related to correspondence Mr Trump made while president should be prohibited. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in that case on 25 April but will likely not issue a decision for days or weeks after arguments. Judge Merchan had already set the criminal trial date for 15 April. Judge Merchan said the former president had a myriad of opportunities to file his motion on presidential immunity but chose not to, claiming it was strategically done. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Grand Rapids, Mich., Tuesday, April 2, 2024. ( AP ) Mr Trump has invoked the presidential immunity defence in his upcoming criminal trials as a delay or dismissal tactic. Largely, the former president argues he should have absolute immunity from criminal prosecutions because his actions were done within his scope of official duties. However, in the New York criminal trial, Mr Trumps attorney argued that presidential immunity applied to evidence, rather than the prosecution as a whole. They claimed statements Mr Trump made on social media and to news networks about his former lawyer (who is a witness in the trial) Michael Cohen, were done as official communications under his official duties. But Judge Merchan, who has already delayed the trial, said their argument didnt matter because it was filed too late. The judge added that the court would not consider whether the doctrine of presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence of purported official presidential acts in a criminal proceeding, Last month, Judge Merchan delayed the trial by 30 days after a mishap over potential evidence. Mr Trumps lawyers complained that the district attorneys office was late in returning thousands of pages of documents related to Cohen. District Attorney Alvin Braggs office disputed the allegations, saying Mr Trumps legal team failed to request the documents promptly. After a contentious hearing, Judge Merchan ultimately delayed the trial but rejected the accusations from Mr Trumps legal team. Judge Juan Merchan could become the first judge ever to oversee a former U.S. presidents criminal trial ( AP ) The former president will face Judge Merchan and prosecutors this month in the first criminal trial against a sitting or former president. In this case, Mr Trump is being accused of falsifying 34 business records to cover up hush-money payments made to an adult film actress, Stormy Daniels, to suppress a negative story about an alleged sexual affair between the former president Ms Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Mr Trump denies the affair and allegations. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} On Wednesday morning, celebrity chef Jose Andres shared a heartwrenching message mourning the aid workers from his organization killed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). I wish I never founded [World Central Kitchen], Andres wrote of his non-profit humanitarian aid group. His post features a video of Zomi Frankcom, one of seven World Central Kitchen workers killed in a series of three missile strikes by the IDF. The airstrikes came even after the organisation coordinated their movements with the IDF and marked their cars with logos. Among those killed by the IDF included American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, a husband and father to a one-year-old boy. President Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths. Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers, Biden said. He called on Israel to conduct a thorough and swift investigation. Representatives for the White House and National Security Council also both told reporters on Wednesday the administration is waiting on the results of an investigation to respond further. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, similarly called for the strikes to be thoroughly investigated. Other leading Democrats have remained largely silent. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, has said nothing about the deaths on Twitter/X or on his official press page. Instead, the Democratic leader simply reposted a poll demonstrating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus unpopularity among Israelis. Senate Foreign Affairs Chairman Ben Cardin has also been silent on the deaths on both Twitter/X and on his official website. Jacob Flickinger, pictured, was killed in a missile strike by the IDF while providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians with World Central Kitchen ( WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN/AFP via Getty ) Biden isnt the only world leader calling for an investigation. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged Netanyahu to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation while ensuring future humanitarian workers can distribute aid into Gaza unhindered and unharmed. His statement came after World Central Kitchen said three of those killed were British citizens. But neither of these world leaders have gone into detail about what they want this investigation to look like. They also have not called for any sort of independent investigation. For many, allowing Israel alone to look into its own wrongdoings is not enough. A preliminary investigation has revealed the aid workers deaths were a mistake, IDF Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said on Wednesday. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened, he said in a video. He gave no details on the specific errors that led to the workers being targeted and no details on whether those responsible for such a mistake would be held accountable. In 2003, American citizen Rachel Corrie was in Gaza protesting the destruction of Palestinian property by the IDF. A 60-ton bulldozer operated by the IDF crushed her as she protested. She died some 20 minutes later. Corries parents told The Independent in a 2023 interview that they have fought for years to secure accountability for her death. Israeli officials rejected responsibility, and a judge cleared the driver of the IDF vehicle after he testified he could not see Corrie. An activist who witnessed Corries death said she was wearing a florescent jacket and was clearly visible. As the ground continued to move, Rachel went down on her knees. The bulldozer continued to move forward. Rachel began to become buried beneath the dirt. Still it did not stop, the activist, Greg Schnabel also an American said. All of this has to be recognized, and amongst all this violence now what I think were witnessing is the killing of hope, and hope is what you have thats the first thing you need to survive, Corries father, Craig, told The Independent last year. Twenty-one years since Rachels death, there have been no meaningful developments. Israel considers the case closed. World leaders vague demands for a thorough internal investigation into the World Central Kitchens deaths risk leading to the same non-outcome. It remains unclear what holding the IDF accountable looks like. Aid worker killed in Gaza speaks to The Independent's Bel Trew weeks before airstrike I think the most pressing thing for the families, for the survivors, is to not have that pain felt by another family, Craig Corrie said in 2023. Now, seven families face the same pain as they did and the world waits to see what the called-for investigations will entail. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The clothes of a French boy who disappeared nine months ago have been found several days after an Alpine hiker discovered his remains. Police said that some of the clothes Emile Soleil was wearing on the day he went missing were recovered along the Alpine path on Tuesday. Public prosecutor Jean-Luc Blanchon confirmed that the police had located Emiles T-shirt, pants, and shoes, which were not gathered in the same place, but scattered over a few metres. Emile, 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 search involving drones, sniffer dogs, and helicopters. Hikers in the Alps stumbled upon the remains of the toddler, including his skull, near the remote property on Saturday. Remy Avon, the lead prosecutor overseeing the investigation into his disappearance, said that they are exploring the possibilities of murder, kidnapping, or an accident. An unnamed woman found Emiles skull between noon and 2pm, during a walk on a path that she remembers having walked a month before, Jean-Luc Blanchon, the public prosecutor said. She was disturbed by this discovery and placed [the skull] in a plastic bag. She went home and called the police. She was able to pinpoint exactly where she found [the skull]. He continued: These bones by themselves do not allow us to say what the cause of Emiles death is. Between a fall, manslaughter or murder, no theory can be treated as more likely than another. Prosecutors in Aix-en-Provence released a statement on Sunday confirming that genetic analysis had confirmed that the bones belonged to Emile. However, police are continuing their investigation at the scene. Mr Blanchon said the skull had sustained small fractures and cracks after the boys death, and bite marks made by an animal. No trauma has been observed [on the skull] ante-mortem, he added. The mayor of Vernet, Francois Balique, told Le Figaro that the area in which Emiles bones were discovered was being excavated. It is a place where hunters and their dogs and residents pass daily and where forestry work was carried out in the autumn, he said. After the discovery of his remains, Emiles parents issued a statement: This heart-breaking news was feared, and the time has come for mourning, contemplation and prayer. Bruce Frankel, shown with wife Alice Frankel in their San Anselmo home, is suing local police, saying officers justified their use of force when he suffered a seizure by arresting him on fabricated charges. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle From the moment that the officer told me that I assaulted a police officer and I believed it, everything that went through my mind was that my life is basically ruined, Bruce Frankel said in an interview. I just bought everything they said to me, hook, line and sinker. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle In the early hours of Aug. 29, 2022, San Anselmo resident Alice Frankel awoke to strange noises coming from the man who was then her fiance and is now her husband. When she turned on a light, she said, Bruce Frankels arms were stiffly extended, his legs were shaking, his eyes were rolled back and his mouth foamed. She called 911, worried he was dying. A neurologist would later diagnose Bruce Frankel with epilepsy and say he had suffered a grand mal seizure. But instead of helping him, police officers who were dispatched to the home restrained him in his bedroom, shocked him with a Taser, and then justified their use of force by arresting him on fabricated charges, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Marin County Superior Court. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This video captures an encounter where a Central Marin Police Authority officer rushes to a home in San Anselmo and tries to restrain a 61-year-old man, Bruce Frankel, who was experiencing a seizure. The officer tases Frankel, who was ultimately handcuffed and hospitalized. Central Marin Police Authority The suit, which relies on a series of police body-camera videos, seeks unspecified damages from the Central Marin Police Authority. It states that after being hospitalized for several hours, Bruce Frankel was booked into the county jail in San Rafael and then released in the paper gown, pants, and no-slip socks hed been issued at the hospital forcing him to walk to a nearby gas station where a clerk helped him hail a taxi home. The Marin County district attorney later declined to prosecute Bruce Frankel over the incident, which raises questions about how police use force against people in distress. It also represents a new paradigm of law enforcement, in which every action taken by officers is carefully documented, in detail, by their own cameras. The videos are now the chief evidence in the civil case. We all hear about this concept of the thin blue line, Bruce Frankel, a 62-year-old financial planner, said in an interview. But until you actually experience it you cant really fathom (it). They all violated their oath. The lawsuit alleges excessive force and false arrest, among other causes of action, and also names five Central Marin Police Authority officers as defendants. Bruce Frankel, his attorneys wrote, is seeking compensation and punishment sufficient to ensure that no other person lives the nightmare that the CMPA and its officers put him through. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a statement Wednesday, CMPA Police Chief Michael Norton said the department could not comment on medical and personnel matters that are deemed confidential, but called the suit meritless and factually inaccurate and said he was confident the action of our officers will be vindicated. He said, Our core values continue to include compassion, integrity and responsibility, and we always will strive towards excellence in providing the highest level of public service to everyone in our community. Alison Berry Wilkinson, an attorney who represented several officers in the case in the departments internal review, said in a statement that the officers who responded to the medical call did an extraordinary job under very difficult circumstances. The allegations in the lawsuit bear no semblance to reality and are outrageous, she said. Mr. Frankel presented symptoms that mimicked someone under the influence and were confusing to his family. All the officers wanted to do was help make sure everyone was safe. But using incredible strength, Mr. Frankel fought the officers efforts long and hard. The lawsuit states that, on the evening before his seizure, Bruce Frankel feared he might be getting sick. Before going to bed, he felt a headache come on, and then cold sweats and hot flashes. But, thinking little of it, he took a Tylenol and went to sleep. It was 2:51 a.m. when Alice Frankel awoke. As Bruce Frankel began to convulse, she called a 911 dispatcher, who told her to count his breathing, according to audio of the call. Within moments, Bruce Frankel appeared to recover but remained incoherent and unresponsive, his wife said. Disoriented, he was determined to get out of bed and started to move around the room like a zombie. He stumbled into the bathroom and crashed into the sharp edge of a metal shower knob, cutting his back. Rushing after him, Alice Frankel struggled to hold him by the arm, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At 2:58 a.m., Kevin Sinnott, an officer for the Central Marin Police Authority which provides police services to Corte Madera, Larkspur and San Anselmo arrived, beating medics to the scene. Bruce Frankels then-16-year-old son let him in and directed him to the couples bedroom. Dispatchers had told Sinnott that the older man was in an altered state, but gave few details. Sinnotts camera footage shows that shortly after he entered the room, Bruce Frankel pulled one of his arms away from his wifes grasp but did not push or strike her. Sinnott grabbed Bruce Frankel, who was unsteady and nearly fell over, and attempted to restrain him. Bruce Frankel immediately resisted but he did not attack Sinnott, as police later claimed. He is unconscious, Alice Frankel pleaded in the video, as Sinnott commanded the man to stop resisting. Sinnott later wrote in his report: Based on me witnessing a possible domestic battery, that Bruce appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and that he was unable to control his body movements, which could cause further injury to himself or others, I attempted to detain Bruce into handcuffs behind his back for my safety, the safety of Bruce, and the safety of Alice Frankel. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The struggle went on for several minutes before the officer shocked Bruce Frankel twice with a Taser, the video shows. After more officers and emergency medical technicians arrived, and Bruce Frankel was finally handcuffed and taken away in an ambulance, he was bloodied and had injuries to both arms and a cut across his nose, his lawsuit states. The suit alleges that what came next amounted to a cover-up. At 3:26 a.m., Sinnott spoke to a fellow officer, Sean Fahy, about whether a crime occurred. After Fahy said, Theres nothing criminal here, Sinnott said, I dont think hes competent to commit a crime. But two minutes later, Sinnott spoke to officer Joel Heaps, a CMPA corporal who later identified himself as a supervising officer on the case. Heaps asked whether Bruce Frankel committed 243(b), a battery on a police officer. Sinnott said no. Seconds later, Heaps asked, Was there any 240? referring to an attempted assault, and Sinnott said yes. Three minutes later, Heaps said, I understand this is a medical, but at the point that he starts fighting our uniformed officers, theres a 240 or 243(b). Sinnott then said, I felt like I got battered. After the encounter, Central Marin Police Authority officers discuss the incident and whether or not a "240" (attempted assault) or a "243(b)" (battery on a police officer) occurred inside the home. Three minutes later, the officers agree that Frankel committed battery. Central Marin Police Authority In his police report, Sinnott said Bruce Frankel committed three offenses: not only resisting arrest and battery on a police officer but domestic violence on Alice Frankel. Sinnott wrote in his report that he witnessed Bruce Frankel push his wife and cause her to fall backwards an action that did not occur in the video footage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit names as defendants Sinnott and Heaps as well as three officers said to have made supervisorial decisions that day: Capt. Hamid Khalili, Lt. Michael Legan and Sgt. Vera Hicks. The video footage follows the police officers to MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae, where Bruce Frankel was admitted to the emergency room around 4 a.m. Videos show that officers told the hospitals medical staff to block Alice Frankel from entering the room. Because of this, Alice Frankel said, she was not able to relay to doctors what she had witnessed. Still, medical staff told Bruce Frankel within earshot of officers that they believed he had suffered a seizure, video shows. After a seizure, youre completely out of it, you dont know whats going on, one of the medical staffers told Bruce Frankel. It takes a while to come to. Its not your fault. Two minutes later, at 4:32 a.m., an officer told Bruce Frankel there was a pretty big scuffle and that he was under arrest. When officers started to handcuff him to the hospital bed, he panicked. We just dont want the same thing to happen again, said Heaps, as he and another officer put a cuff around Bruce Frankels wrist. For someone who didnt know what they were doing, that was just unconscious? Bruce Frankel said, incredulous. You know I didnt do it on purpose. Why are you doing this? You dont seem to know what you did, Heaps said. Five hours later, at about 9:30 a.m., Bruce Frankel was discharged from the hospital. An officer walked him out in handcuffs, assuring him, as they moved along the hospital floor and to the exit, Theyll never remember you. Then the officer drove him to jail. At 4:32 a.m., while at MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae, two Central Marin Police Authority officers tell Frankel he is under arrest and handcuff him to his bed. Later, a police officer escorts him out of the hospital and takes him to Marin County Jail. Central Marin Police Authority Upon arrival at the Marin County Jail, a weeping Bruce Frankel asked the officer there to tell the other police officers he was sorry, just moments before the jail doors closed behind him. He had been told he had attacked Sinnott, even though he had not. From the moment that the officer told me that I assaulted a police officer and I believed it, everything that went through my mind was that my life is basically ruined, Bruce Frankel said in an interview. I just bought everything they said to me, hook, line and sinker. Shortly after he was processed at the Marin County Jail, deputies told Bruce Frankel he could leave, according to the lawsuit. They let him make a phone call, but he couldnt remember any numbers and officers wouldnt help him contact Alice Frankel, the lawsuit states. It was after 10 a.m., an otherwise normal Tuesday morning for everyone else walking around the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. In his paper hospital clothing, Bruce Frankel walked several blocks with no money or cellphone to Northgate Gas, where an attendant helped him call a taxi home, he said. In the taxi home, he said, All I could think about was how and what I was going to tell my friends and colleagues. He and his wife both tearfully recounted how once Bruce Frankel walked through the door, the two of them fell into each others arms and sobbed. In the weeks after the incident, Alice Frankel said she often had nightmares, and still does. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night just screaming, she said, through tears. A few days after Bruce Frankel was booked at the jail, the Marin County District Attorneys Office called Alice Frankel to offer the agencys support to her as a victim of domestic violence. Thats how the couple found out police had added the alleged DV crime. In their lawsuit, the Frankels attorneys said they believed the allegation was tacked on because police recognized there was no credible claim or legal basis to detain Bruce Frankel, unless they could find something in the first few seconds of the video to justify the force that followed. Officials with the Marin County District Attorneys Office did not provide comment about the incident, saying only that they declined to pursue charges against Bruce Frankel. All police officers who work in California receive a workbook published by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training that states that indicators of a seizure may include disorientation, staggering or impaired gait, slurred speech and lack of response. This workbook urges officers who encounter seizure victims not to restrain them, stating that agitated behavior during an episode should not be perceived as deliberate hostility or resistance to the officer. The Central Marin Police Authoritys policy states that no person should be arrested for the behavioral manifestation of mental illness that is not criminal in nature, and that obtaining relevant information from witnesses at the scene can assist the officers in taking the appropriate action. Videos show that police were told in the immediate aftermath of the incident that Bruce Frankel had experienced a similar episode just a year before the seizure, in which his son found him stumbling around his house and mumbling incoherently. Less than a month after he was arrested, Bruce Frankel was diagnosed with epilepsy, medical records show. There is no known event that preceded symptom onset, wrote Dr. Ilkcan Cokgor, the neurologist to whom Frankel was referred. Cokgor, who viewed the police video, wrote that Alice Frankel witnessed the seizure during sleep. Called 911 and police came. Unfortunately they didnt understand he was seizing so they beat him up, tazered him, handcuffed him and he is now full of injuries and bruises. A chronic disorder that describes unprovoked electric surges in the brain, or seizures, epilepsy affects about 1% of the population. The disease typically strikes before the age of 5 or after the age of 60, said Kimford Meador, a professor of neurology at Stanford and the clinical director of its Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. During minor seizures, a person can appear to stare blankly or be otherwise unresponsive. But when a seizure spreads over the brain, he said, their body will convulse. One of the worst things a person can do to someone having a seizure is to restrain them, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, which says the priority should be keeping them safe. Most seizures last only minutes. But after the seizure subsides, the body enters the postictal state, which typically lasts five to 30 minutes and can include symptoms like confusion, frustration, drowsiness and an inability to respond, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Bruce Frankel was almost certainly in the postictal period when officers struggled to subdue him in his bedroom, said Meador, who reviewed the body-camera footage and called the incident atrocious. Meador said officers should have backed up to give Bruce Frankel space and focused on talking to him and keeping him safe. Watching the video is pure misery, he said. Its really an undue use of force in this setting. Its a failure by the police and they feel like they did a good job of subduing this agitated man. Its very sad. Its painful to watch. The Frankels still live in San Anselmo, but they said the incident and the epilepsy diagnosis have transformed their lives and the decisions they make. Bruce Frankel, who was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, said he has trouble trusting people in general, but especially law enforcement. The family members have a rule now: If theres a medical emergency, they will never, under any circumstances, call the police. They said the main goal of their lawsuit is to push the Central Marin Police Authority and other law enforcement agencies to invest in training programs that ensure situations like this dont happen again. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Finnish police said on Wednesday the motive behind a school shooting on the outskirts of Helsinki, in which one 12-year-old died, was bullying. The suspect has said during interrogations that he was the target of bullying, and this information has also been confirmed in the preliminary investigation by the police, police said in a statement. Flags flew half-mast and scores of people laid flowers as Finland marked a day of mourning over a rare school shooting by a 12-year-old boy wearing noise-cancelling headphones. The shooting, which killed a boy and wounded two girls, took place at the Viertola school in Vantaa, a suburb of capital Helsinki, on Tuesday. It has shocked the Nordic nation. The suspect, a 12-year-old, was a sixth-grade classmate of the victims, who were the same age. The suspect wore a mask and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones while he carried out the shooting with a handgun, reported Finnish TV channel MTV Uutiset. He fled the scene after the shooting but was detained by the police in a calm manner from the northern Siltamaki district of Helsinki less than an hour later. The suspect was still carrying the handgun, which was found licenced to a relative who was not immediately identified. Teachers, parents, and students lit candles and laid flowers in the snowy landscape as all public institutions and buildings lowered the blue and white finish flags to half-mast from 8am. Candles and flowers are placed in front of the Viertola School to pay tribute to the shooting victims in Vantaa ( AFP via Getty Images ) Police said the suspect admitted to the shooting but it was still unclear what had motivated him. "There is a lot of different, and partly incorrect, information about what happened in the different channels of social media. The police still want to remind you that spreading incorrect information on social media is a crime," police said in a statement. In Finland, the minimum age of criminal responsibility is 15, preventing suspects below this age from being formally arrested. Instead, those under 15 years of age can only be interrogated by the police before being transferred to child welfare authorities for further handling. Elina Pekkarinen, Finlands childrens rights ombudsman, said they had been pressuring the government for years that we need to take violence between children in society seriously, according to news agency STT. She said acts of violence, especially among children less than 15 years of age, have been on the rise in the last few years. Gun ownership is widespread in Finland and individuals aged 15 and above can get licenses to use firearms belonging to others. The country, with a population of 5.6 million, has more than 1.5 million licensed firearms and about 430,000 licence holders, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry. The shooting has sparked memories of two deadly similar incidents in 2007 and 2008 which prompted the Finnish government to tighten its gun legislation in 2010. The new laws raised the minimum age for firearms ownership and gave police greater powers to perform background checks on individuals applying for a gun licence. In 2007, Pekka-Eric Auvinen shot and killed six students, the school nurse, the principal and himself using a handgun at Jokela High School, near Helsinki. A year later, Matti Saari, another student, opened fire at a vocational school in Kauhajoki, located in northwest Finland. He killed nine students and one male staff member before turning the gun on himself. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} More than a fortnight before the deadly attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow killed nearly 150 people, the US warned Russia that the popular concert venue was a likely target, US officials have revealed. The claims are the latest in a string of revelations that cast fresh doubt on President Vladimir Putins suggestion that US warnings were too vague to help pre-empt the assault, as well as his refusal to blame Isis for the killings. The specifics of the warning, reported by The Washington Post, also raises questions about why Russia was not better prepared for the attack, which killed at least 144 people, according to the latest estimates - including six children. Vladimir Solovyov, Russias top propagandist, compared the attack to Al-Qaedas 9/11 attack on New York during an interview with American conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Previously, Washingtons National Security Council acknowledged sharing information with Moscow about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow, but did not mention Crocus City Hall specifically. Russia Shooting ( Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service ) However US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, now claim that on March 6, Washington told Moscow that the concert hall was a potential target. The information sharing is part of a duty to warn policy upheld by nations across the world, irrespective of their relationship. The private warning came a day before a public message from the US embassy announcing that it was monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts. The Kremlin did not comment on the latest claims but Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russias Foreign Intelligence Service, reiterated on Tuesday that the US warning had been too general to act upon. It did not allow us to fully identify those who committed this terrible crime, he said, according to comments quoted by the state-run Interfax news agency. Just three days before the deadly attack on March 22, Putin dismissed the US warnings as outright blackmail and attempts to intimidate and destabilise our society. After a 24-hour public absence following the attack, during which Isis Khorasan, an offshoot of the Isis terrorist group, claimed responsibility, Putin quickly blamed Ukraine without providing evidence. US, UK and French officials have since said they believe the Isis-K claims of responsibility are genuine. A group of ambassadors of foreign diplomatic missions attend a laying ceremony at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall Putin did belatedly admit that Isis terrorists were responsible for the attack but added that Russia was still looking for who was culpable, a thinly-veiled nod to Ukraine, who have denied any involvement. Analysts have warned that Putin is likely to use the attack as a pretext to ramp up his war on Ukraine and win further support for what he euphemistically calls his special military operation. He has regularly accused Ukraine of carrying out terrorist activity in Russia, a reference to Kyivs long-range drone attacks on oil refineries across the west of the country, as well as the sponsoring of anti-Putin militias who have crossed into the border regions of Belgorod and Kursk to carry out raids. Putin has also claimed, without providing evidence, that the four gunmen involved in the Crocus City Hall attack were detained on their way to Ukraine, however Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has also said that the suspects were initially heading for Kremlin-affiliated Belarus. On Wednesday, Russias defence ministry claimed that roughly 16,000 people had signed contracts with the military since the attack on the concert hall, many of whom indicated their desire to avenge those killed in the tragedy that occurred on 22 March. The Independent could not verify these numbers, nor can Russian MoD figures relating to military recruitment be taken at face value. However, the claims nonetheless align with suggestions that Putin will use the attack as a means to further his war in Ukraine, irrespective of who is responsible. Last week, Reuters reported that Iran, a key ally of Russia, also warned Moscow that Isis-K was planning an attack, citing several anonymous officials in Tehran. Close UK has fasttracked the production of laser energy and radio waves weaponry For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} German chancellor Olaf Scholz said he urged Chinese president Xi Jinping to press Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Mr Scholz told Mr Xi in a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday that Chinas word carries weight in Russia. I have therefore asked president Xi to influence Russia so that Putin finally calls off his senseless campaign, withdraw his troops and ends this terrible war, he wrote on social media platform X. Earlier, a Russian source said Moscow was ready to redeploy Wagner troops working in Africa to bolster its offensive in Ukraine. The source claimed Russian authorities are preparing to redeploy unspecified detachments of the Africa Corps from Africa to Belgorod, Ukraine, according to US think tank Institute for the Study of War. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukraine has annnounced it will lower the military conscription age in an effort to replenish its depleted ranks after more than two years of war. The new mobilization law, from 27 to 25 , came into force a day after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed it. Ukraines parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed it last year. It was not immediately clear why Zelenskyy took so long to sign the measure into law. He didnt make any public comment about it, and officials did not say how many new soldiers the country expected to gain or for which units. Conscription has been a sensitive matter in Ukraine for many months amid a growing shortage of infantry on top of a severe ammunition shortfall that has handed Russia the battlefield initiative. Russias own problems with manpower and planning have so far prevented it from taking full advantage of its edge. The average age of Ukrainian soldiers, like those on the Russian side, is around 40, military analysts say. Some Ukrainians worry that taking young adults out of the workforce will backfire by further harming the war-ravaged economy, but the problem reportedly has become acute as Kyiv girds for an expected summer offensive by the Kremlins forces. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky walking along trenches on the location of the 117th separate brigade of territorial defence in the Sumy region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine ( UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER ) Zelenskyy has rarely mentioned the mobilization issue, and parliament has held long and inconclusive debates about it in recent months. Last December, Zelenskyy said Ukraines military wanted to mobilize up to 500,000 more troops. But he said he had asked the top brass to spell out the details on what is a very sensitive matter before deciding whether to grant their wish. Such a major mobilization would cost Ukraine the equivalent of $13.4 billion, Zelenskyy said at the time. Other aspects to be considered include whether troops currently on the front would be rotated or allowed home leave, he said. The need for a broad mobilization to beef up the number of Ukrainian troops reportedly was one of the areas of disagreement between Zelenskyy and Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the popular commander in chief of Ukraines armed forces whom the president replaced in February. Ukrainian Defense Ministry statistics say the Ukrainian military had nearly 800,000 troops in October. That doesnt include National Guard or other units. In total, 1 million Ukrainians are in uniform. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Britain is accused of being complicit in Israels killing of seven aid workers in Gaza amid claims that weapons used in the attack were powered by UK-made engines. Israel struck a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy carrying charity workers, including three Britons, with a Hermes 450 drone, according to Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT). It said the weapon known as a Zik drone in Israel could have been powered by a British component. The three British citizens killed were named yesterday as John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. They were part of the security team. The remains of the vehicle in which employees from World Central Kitchen, including foreigners, were killed in Mondays Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip ( REUTERS ) The deaths, described by Benjamin Netanyahu as unintended, prompted an outpouring of anger as pressure grows on the British government to suspend arms transfers to Israel. Senior Tory Sir Alan Duncan, a former foreign minister, was among those to speak out against the attack, describing it in The Independent as a tipping point in Israels collapsing reputation and asking whether Britain should reconsider Israel as an ally. Victims: (clockwise, from top left) Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, Damian Sobol, James Kirby, Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, Jacob Flickinger, John Chapman and James Jim Henderson ( WCK/AFP/Getty ) Citing figures from the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, he said: As the death toll in Gaza has risen from 1,000 to 10,000 to 30,000, Israels justification for this excess feels ever less convincing ... Through its deceit and callousness, Israel has now lost the support of the world. Nobody any longer believes its statements. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy joined the calls for the arms trade to cease, accusing his ministerial counterpart David Cameron of going silent on the question of whether or not Israel is complying with international humanitarian law in relation to the sales. The law is clear, he said. British arms licences cannot be granted if there is a clear risk. Meanwhile: It emerged that more than 200 aid workers have been killed since 7 October, when Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people Nearly 33,000 Palestinians have died, according to Hamas-run authorities in Gaza, in the retaliatory bombing campaign by the Israeli military The UNs largest agency operating in Gaza, UNRWA, told The Independent that 176 of its staff have been killed since the war began, some of them while delivering vital aid Rishi Sunak warned Benjamin Netanyahu that Israels war in Gaza is growing increasingly intolerable Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said the attack on aid workers was absolutely unacceptable and called for full accountability US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US wants the investigation into the attack wrapped up as soon as possible As more details emerged about the bombing and its victims, CAAT accused the UK of being complicit in the murder of UK aid workers and said it must halt arms sales to Israel. The Independent has approached the Department of Business and Trade for comment. This government has had every opportunity to impose an arms embargo and has refused to do so. While our thoughts are with the families and friends of the aid workers killed, they are also with the families and friends of the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been killed by Israel, said spokesperson Emily Apple. She cited claims that the Foreign Office is hiding legal advice that Israel is breaching international humanitarian law, according to foreign affairs committee chair Alicia Kearns. Since 2015, the UK has licensed 487m worth of weapons to Israel, although this does not include equipment exported via open licences. Jose Andres, the celebrity chef who founded WCK, has described how the Israel strikes targeted his team systematically, car by car ( AP ) According to its own export licensing criteria, the UK must halt arms sales when there is a clear risk they could be used in humanitarian violations. Israel has admitted launching the deadly strike on the convoy, saying it was unintended and tragic. The military promised that an independent inquiry would be held. Military sources told Israels left-leaning Haaretz newspaper that the attack had involved Hermes 450 drones, and that the convoy had been pounded even though the vehicles were travelling in a deconfliction zone and the charity had coordinated its movements with the military. Military experts in Israel told The Independent they also believed that Hermes 450 drones had been used. The Independent has approached the IDF for comment. Jose Andres, the celebrity chef who founded WCK, said the strike had targeted his team systematically, car by car. The aid convoy was hit as it was leaving a warehouse in central Gaza after unloading more than 100 tonnes of food aid brought by sea. Mr Andres said WCK had established clear communication with the Israeli military, which knew his aid workers movements. This was not just a bad luck situation where Oops, we dropped the bomb in the wrong place, he continued. Even if we were not in coordination with the IDF, no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians. The three Britons died alongside American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Australian national Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, 43, who was the leader of the relief team, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25. The family of Mr Chapman, a former marine and a father of two from Dorset, said he will forever be a hero: He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. The family of Mr Kirby, a military veteran believed to be a former member of Britains special forces, added that he was a genuine gentleman who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. Labour MP Clive Betts said Israel was behaving completely irresponsibly and disproportionately in Gaza and that the UK should not facilitate this by providing any weapons that are killing women, children and now aid workers as well. You cant justify providing the arms that have been targeted at aid workers, and clearly, they are. It is bad enough what has happened in the last few months, but it is just getting worse every day. At some point, there have to be consequences for them doing things we have told them not to do. The Green Party renewed calls for a halt on arms exports to Israel, saying the deadly strike on the convoy showed again that the Israeli government is violating the terms of the licences under which arms are exported. Carne Ross, a former Middle East diplomat and the partys global solidarity spokesperson, said the claim that parts of the drone could have been produced in Britain only strengthens the case for an immediate embargo. He added: It is hugely disappointing, but sadly predictable, to hear calls to end arms exports coming only after Western lives have been lost. It comes too late for the thousands of Palestinian children slaughtered by Western-supplied bombs and bullets. Amnesty International spokesperson Oliver Feeley-Sprague said: The provenance of the engines in this drone is yet another question that ministers must urgently answer. Rishi Sunak has so far resisted calls to end arms sales to Israel. Speaking to a weekly politics show run by The Sun, he said: I think weve always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that well always follow, and I have been consistently clear with Prime Minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while, of course, we defend Israels right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and, sadly, too many civilians have already lost their lives. Israel has repeatedly denied breaking humanitarian law. A Downing Street spokesperson said: The UK operates one of the most robust and transparent export control regimes in the world. We continue to monitor the situation in Gaza. We welcome Israels commitment to a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into Mondays attack and we want to see that happen very quickly. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The United Arab Emirates joined several aid organisations in pausing humanitarian relief work in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers delivering food to Palestinians. The UAE said it would suspend its work on sea-borne aid through a maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza until Israel guaranteed the safety of aid workers and investigated Mondays attack on the workers of World Central Kitchen (WCK), an unnamed UAE official told Reuters. The "hero" workers were returning from coordinating an aid shipment in central Gaza when they were struck by Israeli forces, the charity said. Their killing drew widespread condemnation, including by Israels allies. The UAE was financing, and WCK organising, seaborne aid shipments to Gaza after Israel last month eased a 17-year naval blockade of the Palestinian enclave to allow desperately needed humanitarian aid from Cyprus to reach starving Palestinians. The wreckage of one of the WCK vehicles struck by Israeli military ( REUTERS ) The Gulf nations Foreign Ministry condemned the killing of the aid workers and demanded an "urgent, independent and transparent investigation". It reportedly held Israel responsible for the attack, which took place in the sixth month of its war on Gaza. The charity's three vehicles had just offloaded 100 tonnes of food aid from a barge arriving from Cyprus when Israel attacked their convoy on Gazas coastal road in Deir al-Balah. WCK said the convoy was hit despite the charity coordinating its movements with the Israeli military and the fact that two of the targeted cars were clearly marked as aid vehicles. The slain aid workers included British, Polish and Australian nationals, and a dual Canadian-American citizen. These countries have been key supporters of Israel's war on Gaza, which has killed over 32,900 Palestinians thus far. WCK said that it was pausing all work in the occupied Palestinian territory. Anera, a partner of WCK and Project HOPE, which provides humanitarian aid across the Middle East, also said on Tuesday that it would take the unprecedented step of pausing its work in Gaza. The group has provided an average of 150,000 meals daily in Gaza since the war began in October. The International Medical Corps, which runs a 140-bed field hospital in Rafah in southern Gaza, said it was rethinking our process, including plans to set up another field hospital in Deir al-Balah. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the countrys military had carried out the unintended strike ... on innocent people". He said officials were looking into the strike and would work to ensure it did not happen again. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant has reportedly launched an investigation and ordered for a joint situation room to enable coordination between the military and aid groups working in Gaza. The Israeli war on Gaza has killed more than 200 humanitarian aid workers, mostly Palestinians, according to an estimate by the UN, making this the deadliest ever crisis for humanitarian workers. Close Israel's highest-ranking officer claims strike that killed three Brits was 'grave mistake' For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The seven aid workers who were killed in an airstrike in Gaza on Tuesday have been identified. President Joe Biden said he was outraged and hearbroken after members of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) team including US-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger were killed by an IDF airstrike while were returning from coordinating an aid shipment. The charity has been supplying food to starving Palestinians who are on the brink of famine amid Israels total war on the besieged strip. The killings have prompted international condemnation. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly tweeted she was horrified to hear reports of the IDF strike and called for full accountability for these killings. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said that the aid workers were in a marked aid convoy when the strike hit, adding that that its clear that the IDF must do much more to improve deconfliction processes so that civilians and humanitarian aid workers are protected. Israel has pledged to conduct an independent investigation. Flickinger was killed alongside Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha of Palestine, Lalzawmi Frankcom of Australia, Damian Sobol of Poland and UK citizens John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken responsibility for the strike on a Gaza aid convoy which killed three British citizens but insisted the attack was unintended. Rishi Sunak has demanded that Israel urgently investigate the strikes, which killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on Monday night, including a Palestinian, an Australian, a Polish national, an American-Canadian dual citizen. The three Britons were named by the BBC as James Henderson, John Chapman and James Kirby on Tuesday night. With Australia, Spain and Poland also pressing for answers, and the White House warning it was deeply troubled by the fatal attack on the convoy of aid trucks, Mr Netanyahu said: Unfortunately over the last day there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip. People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah ( AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana ) This happens in wartime. We are thoroughly looking into it, are in contact with the governments [of the foreigners among the dead] and will do everything to ensure it does not happen again, Mr Netanyahu said in a video message. The convoy consisting of two armoured cars branded with the WCK logo and a soft-skin vehicle was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid taken to Gaza on the maritime route, the aid group said. The unforgivable attack came despite the charity coordinating on its movements with the Israeli military along approved routes, said WCK, which was founded by Spanish-American celebrity chef Jose Andres. He described the aid workers as angels and said he was heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends. The charity announced it has suspended its activities in the region. The bodies were taken to al-Aqsa hospital, some of them wearing protective gear with the logo of World Central Kitchen charity, The Independent understands. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said the operation to recover the seven bodies took several hours. One of the destroyed cars pictured along Al Rashid road ( EPA/MOHAMMED SABER ) The Israeli military hit the convoy three times with a drone as the aid workers tried to dive for cover between the vehicles and drive those wounded to safety, security sources told Haaretz. Expressing the deepest condolences to the aid workers bereaved families, the IDF insisted it was reviewing the incident at the highest levels and said it would be investigated in the Fact Finding and Assessment Mechanism: an independent, professional, and expert body. Last night, an incident took place in Gaza that resulted in the tragic death of World Central Kitchen employees as they fulfilled their vital mission of bringing food to people in need, an IDF spokesperson said. As a professional military committed to international law, we are committed to examining our operations thoroughly and transparently. I just spoke to WCK Founder, Chef Jose Anders, and expressed the deepest condolences of the Israel Defence Forces to the families and the entire World Central Kitchen family. We also express sincere sorrow to our allied nations who have been doing and continue to do so much to assist those in need. We will be opening a probe to examine this serious incident further. This will help us reduce the risk of such an event from occurring again. Australian national, Zomi Frankcom, 43, was the first of the seven to be named. Former WCK chief executive Nate Mook, who first hired Ms Frankcom, described her to The Independent as a shining star and gift to the world. Zomi Frankcom was described as a gift to the world ( The Independent ) Ms Frankcom was interviewed by this publication just three weeks before she was killed, from a Jordanian military base where she was coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid via airdrops. Polish citizen Damian Sobol, 35, has also been named as among the dead. He started volunteering with WCK at the outset of Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, to help feed refugees in the border town of Przemysl, before joining the charitys response to the earthquakes in Turkey and then in Gaza. Lord David Cameron said the UKs Foreign Office was working to verify reports that British nationals were among the aid workers killed, adding that the government wanted a full, transparent explanation of what happened. Senior Tory MP Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee, also demanded a thorough and swift investigation. She added: There is also still no explanation for the bombing of the Medical Aid for Palestine complex in a safe zone, which had also been deconflicted directly with the IDF in January, which four British doctors fortunately survived. Humanitarian agencies must be given the assurances they need that their people will be protected. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for international law to be upheld as he described the deaths as outrageous and unacceptable. We condemn this strike, he said. There must be a full investigation and those responsible must be held to account. Humanitarian workers put their lives in danger to serve others. Their deaths are outrageous and unacceptable and it is not the first time aid workers have come under fire in Israels campaign. David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee, said the organisation grieves with [WCK] at the senseless loss, adding: [Aid workers] protection is a legal and moral right for civilians and the aid workers there to help them. The war in Gaza has cost too many lives. We call not just for safety and aid flows but for a sustained ceasefire. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Britain is accused of being complicit in Israels killing of seven aid workers in Gaza amid claims that weapons used in the attack were powered by UK-made engines. Israel struck a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy carrying charity workers, including three Britons, with a Hermes 450 drone, according to Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT). It said the weapon known as a Zik drone in Israel could have been powered by a British component. The three British citizens killed were named yesterday as John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. They were part of the security team. The remains of the vehicle in which employees from World Central Kitchen, including foreigners, were killed in Mondays Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip ( REUTERS ) The deaths, described by Benjamin Netanyahu as unintended, prompted an outpouring of anger as pressure grows on the British government to suspend arms transfers to Israel. Senior Tory Sir Alan Duncan, a former foreign minister, was among those to speak out against the attack, describing it in The Independent as a tipping point in Israels collapsing reputation and asking whether Britain should reconsider Israel as an ally. Victims: (clockwise, from top left) Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, Damian Sobol, James Kirby, Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, Jacob Flickinger, John Chapman and James Jim Henderson ( WCK/AFP/Getty ) Citing figures from the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, he said: As the death toll in Gaza has risen from 1,000 to 10,000 to 30,000, Israels justification for this excess feels ever less convincing ... Through its deceit and callousness, Israel has now lost the support of the world. Nobody any longer believes its statements. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy joined the calls for the arms trade to cease, accusing his ministerial counterpart David Cameron of going silent on the question of whether or not Israel is complying with international humanitarian law in relation to the sales. The law is clear, he said. British arms licences cannot be granted if there is a clear risk. Meanwhile: It emerged that more than 200 aid workers have been killed since 7 October, when Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people Nearly 33,000 Palestinians have died, according to Hamas-run authorities in Gaza, in the retaliatory bombing campaign by the Israeli military The UNs largest agency operating in Gaza, UNRWA, told The Independent that 176 of its staff have been killed since the war began, some of them while delivering vital aid Rishi Sunak warned Benjamin Netanyahu that Israels war in Gaza is growing increasingly intolerable Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said the attack on aid workers was absolutely unacceptable and called for full accountability US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US wants the investigation into the attack wrapped up as soon as possible As more details emerged about the bombing and its victims, CAAT accused the UK of being complicit in the murder of UK aid workers and said it must halt arms sales to Israel. The Independent has approached the Department of Business and Trade for comment. This government has had every opportunity to impose an arms embargo and has refused to do so. While our thoughts are with the families and friends of the aid workers killed, they are also with the families and friends of the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been killed by Israel, said spokesperson Emily Apple. She cited claims that the Foreign Office is hiding legal advice that Israel is breaching international humanitarian law, according to foreign affairs committee chair Alicia Kearns. Since 2015, the UK has licensed 487m worth of weapons to Israel, although this does not include equipment exported via open licences. Jose Andres, the celebrity chef who founded WCK, has described how the Israel strikes targeted his team systematically, car by car ( AP ) According to its own export licensing criteria, the UK must halt arms sales when there is a clear risk they could be used in humanitarian violations. Israel has admitted launching the deadly strike on the convoy, saying it was unintended and tragic. The military promised that an independent inquiry would be held. Military sources told Israels left-leaning Haaretz newspaper that the attack had involved Hermes 450 drones, and that the convoy had been pounded even though the vehicles were travelling in a deconfliction zone and the charity had coordinated its movements with the military. Military experts in Israel told The Independent they also believed that Hermes 450 drones had been used. The Independent has approached the IDF for comment. Jose Andres, the celebrity chef who founded WCK, said the strike had targeted his team systematically, car by car. The aid convoy was hit as it was leaving a warehouse in central Gaza after unloading more than 100 tonnes of food aid brought by sea. Mr Andres said WCK had established clear communication with the Israeli military, which knew his aid workers movements. This was not just a bad luck situation where Oops, we dropped the bomb in the wrong place, he continued. Even if we were not in coordination with the IDF, no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians. The three Britons died alongside American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Australian national Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, 43, who was the leader of the relief team, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25. The family of Mr Chapman, a former marine and a father of two from Dorset, said he will forever be a hero: He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. The family of Mr Kirby, a military veteran believed to be a former member of Britains special forces, added that he was a genuine gentleman who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. Labour MP Clive Betts said Israel was behaving completely irresponsibly and disproportionately in Gaza and that the UK should not facilitate this by providing any weapons that are killing women, children and now aid workers as well. You cant justify providing the arms that have been targeted at aid workers, and clearly, they are. It is bad enough what has happened in the last few months, but it is just getting worse every day. At some point, there have to be consequences for them doing things we have told them not to do. The Green Party renewed calls for a halt on arms exports to Israel, saying the deadly strike on the convoy showed again that the Israeli government is violating the terms of the licences under which arms are exported. Carne Ross, a former Middle East diplomat and the partys global solidarity spokesperson, said the claim that parts of the drone could have been produced in Britain only strengthens the case for an immediate embargo. He added: It is hugely disappointing, but sadly predictable, to hear calls to end arms exports coming only after Western lives have been lost. It comes too late for the thousands of Palestinian children slaughtered by Western-supplied bombs and bullets. Amnesty International spokesperson Oliver Feeley-Sprague said: The provenance of the engines in this drone is yet another question that ministers must urgently answer. Rishi Sunak has so far resisted calls to end arms sales to Israel. Speaking to a weekly politics show run by The Sun, he said: I think weve always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that well always follow, and I have been consistently clear with Prime Minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while, of course, we defend Israels right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and, sadly, too many civilians have already lost their lives. Israel has repeatedly denied breaking humanitarian law. A Downing Street spokesperson said: The UK operates one of the most robust and transparent export control regimes in the world. We continue to monitor the situation in Gaza. We welcome Israels commitment to a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into Mondays attack and we want to see that happen very quickly. A man accused of swindling people out of money and valuables in a blessing scam was in possession of child pornography when he was arrested last month, police said. Rafe Swan/Getty Images A man accused of swindling people out of money and valuables in a blessing scam operation was in possession of child pornography when he was arrested last month, San Francisco police said Wednesday. Police spokespersons said they identified 68-year-old Chen Kun Lo as the perpetrator in at least two blessing scams that occurred in late January Police said Lo and at least two other suspects approached multiple women and persuaded them to gather their valuables to be blessed, only to find their belongings had been stolen. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The incidents occurred on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25, in the Excelsior and Outer Mission districts, respectively. The San Francisco Police Departments Special Victims Unit led the investigation, and identified Lo as one of the suspects. He was arrested on Feb. 26 in the Los Angeles area, where he was found in possession of items believed to be stolen from the blessing scam victims, as well as child pornography, police said. He was booked for felony charges of possession of stolen property and possession of child pornography, police said. San Francisco officials have previously issued warnings about blessing scams, which frequently target older Asian adults. Over the past year, at least four elderly San Francisco women who are immigrants from China fell victim to blessing scams that defrauded them of their life savings, San Francisco police said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The scammers approached women who were waiting or walking alone in San Francisco and told them that the only way to protect their families was to gather their most valuable possessions in a bag for a blessing ceremony, a ritual to bring prosperity and good fortune. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} World Central Kitchen founder and renowned chef Jose Andres accused Israel of targeting the seven aid workers who were killed by an IDF airstrike in Gaza, systematically, car by car. Mr Andres told Reuters that World Central Kitchen (WCK), a charity that provides food to people in disaster zones including Gaza, was transparent about its movements in the besieged strip. The seven staff were killed in Gaza in a marked convoy after unloading 100 tonnes of food aid from a barge. This was not just a bad luck situation where oops we dropped the bomb in the wrong place, Mr Andres said. Even if we were not in coordination with the (Israel Defense Forces), no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians. He also told the outlet that there may have been more than three strikes against the charitys convoy. WCK said on Tuesday it was pausing all work in the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr Andres told Reuters that the charity would look into the safety of returning to Gaza before starting up its work there again. The U.S. must do more to tell Prime Minister Netanyahu this war needs to end now, the charity founder said. He and President Joe Biden spoke on the phone after the tragedy. President Biden plans to speak with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, an administration official told The Independent. Mr Biden released a statement on Tuesday, saying he was outraged and heartbroken by the aid workers deaths. They were brave and selfless. While the US has said it doesnt have plans to conduct its own investigation into the incident, Israel has pledged to conduct one. Mr Biden called for the probe to be swift and said it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public. Mr Andres blame on the IDFs knowledge comes into sharp contrast to comments made by Mr Netanyahu. Mr Netanyahu called the incident an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip, and promised the countrys armed forces will do everything for this not to happen again. Early on Wednesday, Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib echoed Mr Andres tone in an Instagram post. She called the attack fully intentional. They bombed the convoy three times, she wrote. WCK gave Israel their coordinates, and they still were targeted and killed. Netanyahu wants Gaza to starve to death and using starvation as a weapon of war. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin also weighed in on Wednesday. Enough, he tweeted. The killing of the World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers makes it clear that Netanyahu cannot or will not protect the innocent people in Gaza. We need a ceasefire and release of all remaining hostages now, Sen Durbin wrote. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nasa is working to create a new standard of time for the Moon that will see clocks move faster than on Earth, according to a White House memo. The US Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) directed the US space agency to set up a moon-centric time reference system that accounts for its differing gravitational forces. In a memo on Tuesday, OSTP chief Arati Prabhakar noted that Earth-based clocks would appear to lose 58.7 microseconds per Earth-day as a result of these factors. Nasa has until 2026 to set up a unified time standard, which Ms Prabhakar referred to as Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). It will then be used by astronauts, spacecraft and satellites that require highly accurate timekeeping. An atomic clock on the moon will tick at a different rate than a clock on Earth, said Kevin Coggins, Nasas top communications and navigation official. It makes sense that when you go to another body, like the moon or Mars that each one gets its own heartbeat. Last year, the European Space Agency said Earth needs to come up with a unified time for the moon, where a day lasts 29.5 Earth days. The International Space Station, being in low Earth orbit, will continue to use coordinated universal time or UTC. But just where the new space time kicks in is something that Nasa has to figure out. Even Earths time speeds up and slows down, requiring leap seconds. Unlike on Earth, the moon will not have daylight saving time, Mr Coggins said. LTC should be in place by the time Nasa launches its first crewed missions to the Moon as part of its Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent human presence there before the end of the decade. Other countries have also announced plans to send people to the lunar surface, including China and India. The moon missions mean the lunar economy is predicted to be worth 120 billion by 2040, according to estimates from the European Space Agency. Private companies like SpaceX and Astrolab are expected to play a key role in developing this emerging sector, providing equipment and even potentially sending tourists to the Moon once bases are established. Additional reporting from agencies Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Many airline passengers say the worst part of any journey is the airport security check. Worldwide, an average of half a million people pass through airport security every hour. Travellers resent the limit on LAGs (liquids, aerosols and gels) in cabin baggage, as well as the obligation to extract electronics such as laptops and tablets from hand luggage. The liquids rules were introduced hastily worldwide in 2006 as a temporary measure to protect against explosives. Despite repeated promises they remain in place. In 2019 Boris Johnson vowed the rules would be eased at major UK airports by 2022, allowing larger quantities and eliminating the need to have liquids separately scanned. Rishi Sunaks government then extended that deadline to 1 June 2024. While new scanners are being installed at checkpoints at all the UKs main airports the work was not fast enough to meet the June deadline. The big four UK hubs Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted said several months ahead they would not be ready in time. The then-transport secretary, Mark Harper, granted airports an extension, but warned that they could be fined if they further delay the roll-out of smoother security. A week afterthe deadline, progress in aviation security actually went into reverse, with the Department for Transport (DfT) ordering airports with the new equipment to restore the old 100ml limit on LAGs. Simon Calder, former security officer at Gatwick airport and current Independent travel correspondent, explains more. Cabin baggage: what are the rules? The list of items that cannot be taken through an airport security checkpoints in carry-on bags has increased over the decades. Prohibitions have evolved in reaction to terrorist attacks successful and otherwise. All weapons, whether firearms, knives or explosives, are banned from hand luggage. But there are also strict rules about larger quantities of liquids, aerosols, gels, pastes, lotions and cosmetics, extending even to yoghurt, soft cheese and Creme Eggs. For passengers, the best plan is to assume that no container for any liquid, aerosol or gel can be above 100ml. At most airports LAGS must be carried within a resealable clear plastic bag with a maximum volume of one litre, and removed for the security check. But at seven UK airports with advanced equipment already installed, the liquids can be left in the passengers luggage. How did the liquids rule come about? In August 2006 the aviation industry and baffled passengers awoke to find security rules for passengers had tightened overnight. The government announced that it had uncovered a terror plot to blow up transatlantic jets from Heathrow to North America. The perpetrators aimed to take the ingredients for improvised explosive devices on board a number of aircraft. The ingredients, derived from hydrogen peroxide, were intended to be smuggled aboard in soft drink containers. The plotters aimed to assemble the bombs on board before detonating them and destroying the plane. They were later convicted of offences including conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to cause explosions. The bosses of Britains airlines were called in the early hours of 10 August 2006 to be told their passengers would be banned from carrying anything more than a purse or wallet into an aircraft cabin. Even pens were banned from transatlantic flights, on the grounds that the ink they contained was a liquid. One concession was made, for nursing mothers: they could take milk for their baby through the checkpoint, but only if they tasted it first in front of security staff to demonstrate it was the real thing. Baggage systems could not cope with two or three times the normal number of items, and Heathrow airport ground almost to a standstill. Flight networks elsewhere in the UK and Europe were also affected. Three months later, the rules were eased but with strict limits that prevail today at almost all UK and overseas airports. Were they always intended to be permanent? No. The limits were introduced as a temporary measure while airport security technology caught up. But progress has been painfully slow. Even a very modest relaxation of the rules to allow airport purchases of drinks to be taken through checkpoints in a sealed security tamper-evident bag (Steb) took years to be implemented. Many passengers are still being caught out, losing their expensive airport purchases, because duty-free drinks are not allowed through the airport where they change planes. Is there a technological solution? Yes. Modern scanners use computed tomography (CT) the same technology as medical scanners to analyse the molecular structure of the contents of a passengers bag. The machines can detect potential threats and present security officers with a three-dimensional image of the contents. They can also analyse whether laptops and other electronic equipment present a danger. At airports where the technology is installed, liquids and laptops no longer have to be removed. The aim is that security should be enhanced, with more sophisticated assessment of potential threats. The amount of staff time consumed in secondary searches should be reduced, allowing officers to spend more time assessing passenger behaviour. Travellers have a much easier experience: they no longer need deconstruct their cabin bags, and the whole airport process feels much smoother and less stressful. That sounds great so what are we waiting for? The new kit was first used in Europe at Shannon in the west of Ireland, where liquids, gels, pastes, lotions and cosmetics in containers of any size have been allowed through security since March 2022. To reduce stress for passengers and increase security, in 2019 the government told all major UK airports to have advanced CT scanners at security checkpoints by 1 December 2022. But the deadline was missed. During the Covid pandemic, airports faced catastrophic losses as passenger numbers collapsed. The obligation to make the multi-million pound investment required was lifted. In 2022, the then-transport secretary Mark Harper promised the airport experience would become easier from 1 June 2024: The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but thats all set to change. Im streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security. By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats. How did that turn out? Badly, with the vast majority of airports failing to meet the deadline. They include the UKs four biggest airports, which handle most of the nations passengers: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted. A spokesperson for Heathrow airport told The Independent: Heathrow has to replace 146 lanes, while some of the smaller airports have less than 10 to replace, this shows the magnitude of the work ongoing at Heathrow while we continue to ensure smooth security experiences for passengers. Gatwick expects to be fully ready in the first three months of 2025. A spokesperson for the Sussex airport said: We currently plan to have completed the major logistical operation required to install the remaining scanners in Q1 2025, after the busy summer peak period has concluded. Manchester Airports Group, which owns Stansted and East Midlands as well as Manchester, has the new scanners in place on a large number of our security lanes but the programme will not be completed until 2025. A senior aviation figure, Jonathan Hinkles, told Airliner World: For airports many still battling to repair their financial balance sheets after the pandemic the huge cost of this new equipment is an unwelcome burden. The government-imposed deadline date deprived them of any real ability to negotiate prices with suppliers of the new equipment, and much of the new kit is turning up late too. In April 2024, the government said: We recognise that installing the new security equipment at busy airports has been a logistical challenge, with some airports having to undertake significant construction work to allow the new, extremely heavy equipment to be fitted. In some cases, airports have been required to construct entirely new screening halls. Mr Harper said: Its important we give those airports yet to meet the deadline a second chance to get the job done. The then-transport secretary said aviation security law would be changed so non-compliant airports could be fined though that legislation was scuppered by the election being called. Some complied, though? Yes. Seven airports met the 1 June 2024 deadline: Aberdeen, Newcastle, Teesside, Leeds Bradford, Birmingham, Southend and London City. In addition, Bristol airport says it will have the new equipment fully in place by 14 June 2024. They saw having the kit in place as a competitive advantage, with the promise of an almost complete relaxation of the liquids rule with up to 2 litres being allowed through. But in a shock move, from 9 June 2024 they were ordered to restore the 100ml limit. It was not a complete reversal; passengers will still be able to leave liquids, aerosols, gels, etc, in their cabin baggage. They must, though, be in containers of 100ml or less. Why did that happen? It was not the airports choice. At London City and Teesside, for example, the new scanners have been working well for over a year. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: This temporary move is to enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint systems. Mr Harper later said: Weve reintroduced that rule while updates, changes are made to the scanning equipment at the airport to make sure we can continue delivering our world-leading levels of aviation security. The Independent understands the move has nothing to do with fears of weaker aviation security. Instead, it resulted from concerns about long queues at UK airports as the summer rush amplified by football fans departing for Euro 2024 in Germany. Ministers fear that delays at security checkpoints could build up because the new equipment is mis-identifying many innocuous items in passengers baggage as posing a threat. Sources have told The Independent that harmless liquids such as sunscreen have been misidentified as high-threat substances. While security has never been compromised, a number of airports using the new scanners have experienced long queues due to a higher-than-expected rejection rate, with security officers obliged to carry out hand searches of cabin baggage. On several occasions while passing through checkpoints at non-fully compliant airports with the new kit, I have witnessed the system snarling up due to the large number of bags required to undergo a hand search and gone from imagining I had plenty of time for a coffee before the flight to sprinting to the gate. If sunscreen shows up as a possible threat, why does the quantity matter? Because the 100ml limit was selected as a sufficiently low volume to avoid an on-board threat. Effectively, the airports with new scanners can pass bags that would otherwise be rejected. The aim is to speed up the process and reduce queues. When everyone is ready, will that be the end of problems? Not necessarily: passenger confusion is a constant problem for aviation security. It was difficult enough conveying the two sets of rules, old and new, for items carried in cabin baggage. Because of the publicity surrounding light-touch security at a handful of airports, there are fears that travellers may infer rules have changed everywhere. Worldwide, lack of conformity is a key issue for aviation security professionals and passengers. At many airports liquids are limited but can stay in the travellers bag. Laptops and tablets such as iPads must be removed in the UK and many other countries, but in some nations they need not be. The European Union (and wider Schengen Area) has also reverted to the old rules at all airports from 1 September 2024, following concerns about the new equipment installed at some airports. Olivier Jankovec, director general of the airports body ACI Europe, said: Those airports which have been early adopters of this new technology are being heavily penalised both operationally and financially. In Israel, procedures are entirely different. The authorities say: Passengers should arrive three hours prior to departure for the security check procedure. There is sometimes intense questioning by officials, and laptops must be removed. But liquids are permitted without restriction. The main issue: passengers should not expect aviation security to be the same worldwide or even UK-wide. At some small Scottish airports including Barra, Campbeltown and Tiree there have been no security checks since 2017. Is this going to cost me more? The airports that are collectively investing hundreds of millions of pounds will be seeking a return and that could include raising fees. But the long-term aim is that new tech should cut staff costs, representing savings for airports. Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (Iata) representing airlines worldwide said: Implementing this technology should not come with a big bill. In fact, simplified processes should deliver significant efficiencies. Speedy deployment should be possible. The technology has already been used successfully and for a long time at various airports across the world with measurable improvements to the passenger experience. Will aviation security remain a permanent pain? No. In 2019 Iata described the prevailing security situation as no longer sustainable. It has been working with airports for over a decade on a project called Smart Security. Ultimately walk-through metal detectors and security pat-down of many passengers should be eliminated, with technology assessing possible threats more effectively than humans watching screens. The passenger should be able to walk unchallenged along a corridor flanked by detectors, barely aware that they are being checked. Checkpoints will still be staffed, but security personnel will be freed up to do what people do best, which is to study the behaviour of passengers and identify persons of interest for further investigation. However, as the reversals at UK and EU airports show, there is a long way to go. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A cruise ship reportedly carrying 1,500 passengers was left stuck in the Spanish northeastern port of Barcelona due to the visa problems of a group of Bolivian passengers who were due to disembark, officials said on Wednesday. Authorities say 69 Bolivians are not being allowed to leave the ship because they lack valid documents to enter the European Unions border-free Schengen area. Spanish government officials in the city said they are in contact with Bolivian authorities and the MSC Cruises Company to resolve the situation. The ship had sailed from Brazil to cover a route in the Mediterranean Sea. Spanish state news agency Efe and other media said that some 1,500 passengers were meanwhile on board the MSC Armony hoping to continue the cruise to Croatia. A statement from the Bolivian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said the Bolivian Embassy in Spain and the countrys Consulate General in Barcelona are carrying out the pertinent steps to address this case, coordinating with Spanish authorities, as well as with the MSC Cruises Company. open image in gallery A view of the cruise ship MSC Armony moored in the port of Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) MSC Cruises said in a statement the Bolivians included families and children. It said the passengers appeared to have proper documentation upon boarding in Brazil. We have been informed by the authorities that the visas are not valid for entry into the Schengen area. As a result, passengers have not been able to disembark in Barcelona, which was their final destination. The company said the ship remained in port while it works with authorities to facilitate the process. The Schengen area is an ID-check-free travel zone comprising some 30 European Union countries. Earlier this week it was confirmed two countries have partially joined Europes ID-check-free travel zone, marking a new step in the two countries integration with the European Union. After years of negotiations by Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen area, there is now free access for travelers 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. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A British Airways flight came just 5ft from disaster after an illegally-flown drone came extremely close to the plane at almost 10,000 ft. The flight was due to join the holding stack near Sevenoaks before preparing to land when the incident occurred on 3 January. The plane was carrying around 180 passengers as it flew at 250mph towards London Heathrow when pilots became aware of the object flying nearby. The pilot stated that the object shot down our right-hand side and described it as extremely close. Were you on the flight? Email athena.stavrou@independent.co.uk The report added: They became aware of an object slightly to the right of the nose at same level on a constant bearing with closing distance. It was small but had the distinctive shape of a drone. UK Airprox Board, which assesses near aviation misses, classed the near miss as a Category A incident meaning there was a serious risk of collision. The legal height to fly a drone in the UK is just 400ft and there has been increased concern about the dangers they pose to flying. The drone in question was over 24 times the usual limit and the report details how it came just 5ft over the Airbus A321s wing and 30ft from the cockpit. It is not known if the operator of the drone was ever found, however one can be jailed for up to five years for endangering an aircraft. Drones can potentially cause catastrophic damage to planes by being sucked into a jet engine or breaking a windscreen. Analysis of the radar by Safety Investigations indicated that there were no primary or secondary contacts associated with the drone report visible on radar at the approximate time of the event. In the Boards opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were sufficient to indicate that it could have been a drone, the report added. A British Airways spokesperson told The Independent: We take such matters extremely seriously and our pilots report incidents so that the authorities can investigate and take appropriate action. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Airlines are cashing in on the next round of walk-outs on the railways, which begin on Friday. Many air fares between Scotland and London are 50 per cent or more higher on days when train drivers are striking. But flying from Edinburgh to London may still be cheaper than by train. Members of the Aslef union are staging rolling strikes on 5, 6 and 8 April. Among key long-distance operators, train drivers will walk out at Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry on Friday 5 April, with LNER and Great Western Railway (GWR) passengers hit on Saturday 6 April. Neither Avanti nor CrossCountry will run any trains on Friday, while on Saturday only very limited services will operate on LNER and GWR. From Glasgow to London Gatwick on Friday, the first easyJet flight of the day is selling at 106 compared with 69 on Thursday and 97 on Saturday. The normal Avanti West Coast off-peak fare is 125, though cheaper Advance tickets are usually available. On Saturday, when LNER is running only a skeleton service between Edinburgh and London, the difference is even greater. The first easyJet flight from the Scottish capital to Gatwick is selling for 69 on Friday but 148 on Saturday. The average fare for the Edinburgh-Gatwick route on easyJet is: Friday: 93 Saturday: 163 Sunday: 113 A spokesperson for Britain's biggest budget airline said: easyJets pricing is demand driven with fares starting low and increasing as fewer seats are available to book. We do not artificially increase fares. Yet flying may still be cheaper than taking the train. LNER is pricing most available trains on Saturday at the 200 Anytime fare. On British Airways, the highest fare from Edinburgh to London Heathrow on Friday is 336, while on Saturday the midday departure is selling at 1,147 or close to 20 for every minute spent in the air. Journeys normally covered by CrossCountry are also selling well for the airlines. Between Edinburgh and Bristol, easyJet has an average fare of 94 on Friday and 113 on Sunday, but 153 on Saturday, the strike day. GWR has cancelled all long-distance trains from the West of England and South Wales to London on Saturday. But from Newquay in Cornwall to Gatwick, tickets for Saturday are still available on Eastern Airways for 140 one-way compared with 200 on Friday. Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: As [rail minister] Huw Merriman told the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, it would have been much cheaper for everyone to have settled this dispute a long time ago. All fares researched direct from airline and rail websites on the morning of Wednesday 3 April. The Duchess of Sussex read to children at a hospital in Los Angeles in her first public appearance since the Princess of Waless cancer diagnosis was disclosed. Meghan, 42, who lives in the state with Prince Harry and their children, had youngsters laughing and singing as she got into character with every page she read, a statement from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles read. The duchess visited the hospital on 21 March to lead a Literally Healing session. It comes after Harry and Meghan issued a short statement of support to Kate, wishing her health and healing. Animal rights activists protest against SeaWorld, with two activists wearing only body paint standing on conveyor belts at San Diego International Airport The women, painted in black and white to resemble orcas, wore chains around their waists and held signs saying "Free Corky! Prisoner for 54 years", during the protest on 29 March. Corky is a captive female orca who has been at SeaWorld San Diego since 1987, but was originally captured as a calf in 1969. The group chants "boycott SeaWorld" and "free Corky", even continuing while the two painted activists are handcuffed by police. This is the moment armed police stormed a Starbucks to arrest a man with a knife who had threatened to kill his ex-partner. Officers rushed to the Orton Centre coffee shop on 12 January, after police received a 999 call stating Ryan Miller, 36, had a kitchen knife. It was reported to police that he made several phone calls to his ex-girlfriend and her new partner, making threats to stab them and petrol bomb the address. Miller then turned up at the address brandishing a kitchen knife and began kicking the front door. Miller later went to Starbucks where armed police arrested him. He appeared at Huntingdon Law Court on 28 March and was sentenced to nine months in prison. Lord David Cameron has described the killings of seven aid workers in Gaza as dreadful and said the UK should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers. The seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Monday. The humanitarian group were returning from coordinating an aid shipment in central Gaza when they were killed. As he arrived at a Nato meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (3 April), the foreign secretary said: The dreadful events of the last two days are a moment when we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers. A sexual assault case against William Monroe Tariq Palmer II, who has been serving on the Sheriffs Department Oversight Board and the Sentencing Commission, was dropped at the request of the San Francisco District Attorneys Office. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle A Superior Court judge on Tuesday granted a San Francisco District Attorneys Office motion to dismiss sexual assault charges against a city commissioner, citing a lack of evidence and unanswered questions surrounding the alleged victims credibility. The motion was granted by Judge Alexandra Gordon, according to the district attorneys office. William Monroe Tariq Palmer II was initially charged with assault with force, sexual battery by restraint, sodomy by use of force and false imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty to all of those charges last November. The charges followed an alleged incident last August when prosecutors initially said Palmer offered a ride to a woman who was walking to a BART station, took the woman back to his home, and assaulted her. The district attorneys office said prosecutors could refile charges against Palmer if new evidence in the case emerges. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At this time, we are taking a first dismissal in this case to allow for further investigation in light of new evidence that has very recently emerged, which we are still in the process of receiving, said a statement from the San Francisco District Attorneys Office. This action does not impact our ability to refile charges at a later time when the evidence has been received and assessed. The District Attorneys Office is committed to fair and ethical prosecutions, and we must ensure that we can prove each charge filed beyond a reasonable doubt to the jury. At a preliminary hearing last year, a police witness testified that Palmers DNA was not found on the womans body, Deputy Public Defender Sylvia Cediel said at the time. Cediel, who represented Palmer, said in a statement to the Chronicle on Wednesday: Mr. Palmer feels relieved and vindicated by the dismissal of all the charges for lack of evidence. He has denied all the allegations from the beginning and has maintained his innocence. He lost five months of his life due to the false allegations that were made. I am grateful that he finally gets to go home. Palmer has been serving on the Sheriffs Department Oversight Board and the district attorneys Sentencing Commission. It was not clear if Palmer had resigned from either post, but as of Wednesday, he still was listed as a member on both. In court on Tuesday, the San Francisco District Attorneys Office laid out the reasons the case couldnt go forward. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are not able to proceed at this time because we are lacking evidence related to a very recent incident related to the victim that occurred out of state on March 16 of this year, which we did not learn of until March 22, Assistant District Attorney Katherine Wells said in court Tuesday. However, this incident has the potential to bear significantly on the victims credibility at trial. Since we learned of that incident, we have diligently worked to procure the police report, body-worn camera footage, 911 calls, medical records, social media records, and statements of the victim related to that case. The DAs office said the new evidence that they are working to acquire will come from police, medical providers and an online platform. Wells said the DAs office did not request a continuance in the case because it wont receive the evidence from the social media platform for at least a month, and likely not for many months. Wells added that the dismissal of the case would not impact the ability of the DAs office to refile the charges, and did not mean that Palmer will not face prosecution. This dismissal should not be taken as a reflection or comment on Mr. Palmers conduct in this incident, Wells said. This decision does not negate the physical injuries to the victim, Mr. Palmers DNA on the victims neck, video of the victim running away from Mr. Palmer asking for help, her 911 call reporting the same, and Mr. Palmers changing statements, from which his statement to police can now only be considered a lie. Palmer was previously sentenced to life in prison for accosting an off-duty police officer and asking for money when he was 17 years old, the Chronicle previously reported. While he was incarcerated, he earned his GED, an associate degree, studied art and took an interest in painting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Adverts for Nationwide featuring actor Dominic West have been banned for misleading consumers into thinking that the bank unlike its rivals would not be closing its branches. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) investigated the TV, radio and press ads, in which West plays the boss of a fictional rival of Nationwide, following 282 complaints. One of those was from Santander, who understood that Nationwide had recently closed or reduced opening hours at a number of branches, and challenged whether the ads were misleading. In the television ad, West, who recently played Prince Charles in The Crown, jokes about a large expenses bill for a company lunch before going on to talk about cutbacks and closing the branch. An American tourist has died after a bull elephant charged a safari truck in Zimbabwe. Terrifying footage shows the elephant chase down the truck before flipping it over the terrifying attack. The 80-year-old woman who died was part of a six-person safari drive in Kafue National Park operated by Wilderness Safaris, according to The Telegraph. One woman was hospitalised for her injuries, while the other four guests were treated locally for minor injuries. Keith Vincent, the tour companys chief executive officer, told local media that the guides route became blocked so they were unable to move the vehicle to safety. This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died he said. The family of James Kirby, one of three British aid workers killed by an IDF airstrike, have spoken out on his tragic death. Adam Macguire said Mr Kirby was "more like a brother" than a cousin, and that he would go out of his way to help anybody - a reason why he went to work with World Central Kitchen in Gaza. Mr Macguire said: "He knew he had to go and help people, and that was James all over." He also said his cousin knew the dangers of an active zone, having served in Bosnia and Afghanistan, but went anyway. An aid workers car caught in an apparent Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Monday night (1 April) had the non-profits logo visible on it, footage shows. Video of the aftermath shows the World Central Kitchen (WCK) sign visible on the destroyed car. WCK said seven members of their team were killed in an IDF strike, despite coordinating movements with the Israeli military, as they travelled in a deconflicted zone. The organisation delivers food to people in Gaza. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari offered deepest condolences to WCK, insisting the military is professional and committed to international law. A Post Office counsel discusses plans to obstruct an MP investigation into the Horizon IT scandal in this secret recording. The recording, obtained by Channel 4 News, shows a conversation between Post Office company secretary Alwen Lyons and Post Office chief lawyer Susan Crichton and is taken on 22 May 2013. It suggests they knew there was an issue with the companys Fujitsu IT system two years before the last subpostmasters were jailed in 2015. Ms Crichton states: Its the need to somehow have a plan to close down this process. I mean, even to the extent of stopping MPs sending cases in now. Skygazers in California witnessed a fiery object re-entering from space and breaking up as it streaked across the night sky. Witnesses saw the object around 1:30am local time on 2 April. The spectacular light show followed a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch several hours earlier from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Sharing footage on social media, many eyewitnesses suggested the debris could also be from the Chinese Shenzhou 15 Orbital Module that was predicted to re-enter near Los Angeles at 1:45am local time. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Enough. It may seem wrong that, after more than 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza have perished, it took the deaths of just seven international aid workers to stir Western governments into a sense of outrage, but that is the reality. Israel has promised an inquiry but we need not wait for that to understand what happened. The known facts are not in dispute, and they speak for themselves. These were not Hamas militants. They were not illicitly transporting Hamas commanders. They were working for World Central Kitchen and the UN World Food Programme. Their vehicles were appropriately marked. They were taking a route approved for humanitarian aid transport. They died as a result of an Israeli drone attack. It is not a Hamas propaganda story. These seven beautiful souls, as their agency calls them, deserve to be named and memorialised: Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, of Palestine; Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, 43, of Australia; Damian Sobol, 35, of Poland; Jacob Flickinger, 33, a dual citizen of the US and Canada; and John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, all British. They may be added to the toll of close to 200 aid workers who have been killed. The seven have become symbolic of the lawless and reckless manner in which Benjamin Netanyahu has prosecuted this war. It is a tipping point. Global public opinion is moving further away from Israel, and many are left disappointed and bewildered by the indiscriminate ferocity of the Israeli war machine. Where once the world stood with Israel in its moment of anguish, it now stands more in opposition to it, and to the war. The Israeli government has abused the sympathy, support and military backing freely offered after Hamas committed, on 7 October last year, the worst antisemitic atrocities since the Holocaust, murdering 1,200 innocents. Israel has an inalienable right to defend itself; it does not have the right to do whatever it likes, or to ignore international law. That has been done too often, and too many civilians have been killed; too many families have been uprooted time and again, too many children have been orphaned, and too many babies have starved to death. As the occupying power, and as a nation that sees itself as a civilised democracy, Israel has a duty of care to protect the innocent. It has failed to do so. The goodwill offered to Israel has been squandered in a most arrogant fashion, and the result is that the world is turning on Israel. Already Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, an extraordinary state of affairs. America, the guarantor of Israeli security, lifted its veto at the United Nations Security Council and called for a ceasefire, much to Mr Netanyahus displeasure. The Israeli prime minister has shown a remarkable sense of entitlement; he seems to think the veto belongs to him, with the US ambassador acting as a mere proxy. Now there has been a further change in tone, and a shift in policy. Joe Biden declares himself outraged and heartbroken, and has issued his toughest criticism of Israel yet: Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen. Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians. The US has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties. Rishi Sunak has personally intervened with Mr Netanyahu, and pointedly told him that far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. Justin Trudeaus Canada has started to restrict arms sales to Israel, and more countries may well follow. So they ought. Such sanctions on Israel have been applied in the past, and have succeeded. A man as stubborn as Mr Netanyahu will not listen to a polite diplomatic request if it doesnt suit him. He has lost this war, but cannot begin to accept that he has failed, and thus he has a perverse incentive to extend the war in the pretence that victory is just around the corner. It is not. The hostages have not been freed. Hamas has not surrendered. Few of its commanders have been eliminated. Another generation of embittered, aggrieved Palestinians will be ready to make war on Israel, for Hamas or some other group. Israel has alienated those Arab governments that sought to establish or retain warmer diplomatic relations. Israel has lost the trust of Western friends. Mr Netanyahu is deeply unpopular at home blamed for the intelligence failures that resulted in the mass murder on 7 October, and for his subsequent mistakes. Israel is less secure than it was six months ago. Despite all that, Mr Netanyahu presses on, as if turning Rafah the last part of Gaza left standing into charred rubble constitutes winning, and he can then declare peace with honour, bring the troops home, and Israel will be safe. Plainly, that is a grotesque fantasy. Its time to stop. Even this Israeli administration must understand that its security crucially depends on international partnerships. And if those partners now choose to make their support more conditional, that is their right. That does not mean that Israel is just left abandoned, but it does mean that sufficient pressure is applied to make Israel pay attention to what its friends are asking for in return for what has been a series of blank cheques. It is not tolerable, for example, that British citizens should be at risk of being killed by British munitions. Nor, for that matter, is it tolerable that members of an innocent Palestinian family should become the victims of British arms sales to Israel. Support for Israel will always be there, but it cannot be completely and automatically unconditional. The least that can be asked is that Israel, as a member of the United Nations, complies with the resolutions of the security council and the instructions of the International Court of Justice. That means no more massacres of innocent civilians or aid workers; a ceasefire now; no ground or aerial assault on Rafah; and full assistance afforded to the shipments of humanitarian aid. Israel should also stop escalating its attacks on Iran, which are further destabilising the region, risking the lives of American service personnel in the Middle East, and nudging Tehran into an ever closer alliance with Russia, with all that implies for the fate of Ukraine and peace in Europe. The war in Gaza is not some internal Israeli affair it affects the world. The moment has come, therefore, to do whatever it takes to force the government of Israel to end its war of destruction and consider what the best, most secure, most internationally guaranteed future for the state of Israel actually looks like. Israels prime minister might usefully consider that the best way forward for his country is for someone else to give Israel fresh leadership, and the region new hope. Google must delete US records of incognito browsing after accusations of illegal surveillance Market confident company will ride decision as shares rise to leave parent firm Alphabet valued at $1.9trn Google has agreed to delete billions of records containing personal information. Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Michael Liedtke Wed 3 Apr 2024 at 03:30 Google has agreed to purge billions of records containing personal information collected from more than 136 million people in the US surfing the internet through its Chrome web browser. Sprawling country album with stellar rollcall including Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus tackles themes of racism and Jay-Zs infidelity but could do with a good edit Beyonce goes country. Thats the pithiest description of the Texan superstars eighth album, Cowboy Carter, but its only partially true. This aint a country album, she wrote to her 320 million followers on Instagram. Its a Beyonce album. A Beyonce album, as we have come to expect from 2013s self-titled fifth long-player onwards, is an expensively assembled, sprawling, ambitious, multi-genre statement of intent. In that regard, this one by far the lengthiest of her career is very much on point. There are plenty of country flourishes here as well as appearances from such icons as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson but the album embraces countless styles and genres. Rather than a country album, it might be more accurate to describe it as a roots collection. At 79 minutes and 27 tracks, Beyonce throws everything into the mix and, as is so often the case with such a maximalist approach, a significant portion could have been cut back to no ill effect. In fact, Cowboy Carter would have been a stronger, more cohesive album had she abandoned most of the fragmentary tracks and spoken-word interludes. Their presence seems solely to indicate to the world that this is A Very Important Album. The handful of covers are a mixed bag. Beyonce doesnt do anything particularly noteworthy with Partons original calling card, Jolene, but her version of the Beatles Blackbird is unfailing pretty, even if it sounds like the sort of ear candy she can knock out in her sleep. Several other household-name songs are interpolated in her compositions, including the Beach Boys Good Vibrations. Just as well that shes a fabulously wealthy star who can afford to pay all the royalties. Cowboy Carter by Beyonce The genesis of the album appears to be the racist abuse when she performed with the Chicks at the Country Music Awards in 2016. The opening track, Ameriican Requiem, alludes to the experience. And the uber-catchy Texas Hold Em finds her throwing down the gauntlet to the Nashville purists who doubt her. Rhiannon Giddens once of old-time string band Carolina Chocolate Drops, now resident in Limerick provides banjo and viola accompaniment. On 16 Carriages, Beyonce is in flinty form, ruminating on the ferocious work she put in as a teenager, pre-Destinys Child, to make it in music. Its something of a companion piece to Break My Soul, from 2022s Renaissance album. Beyonce considers this album to be Act II in a Renaissance trilogy, although, apparently this one was supposed to be released first. The horses on each cover drive home the connection. The artwork of Cowboy Carter is outstanding and the cover will come to be seen as a classic, but some tracks do not appear on the vinyl version, much to the irritation of those whove already stumped up. As weve come to expect with a cultural figure of Beyonces stature, theres a lengthy rollcall of guest musicians, producers and songwriters. Her collaboration with Miley Cyrus sparkles, but the contribution of Post Malone feels decidedly cobbled on. Theres plenty to appreciate amid the sprawl, but the album is not as good as Renaissance or its predecessor and Beyonces masterpiece, Lemonade. Intriguingly, the latter albums most talked-about line, Becky with the good hair, pops up on Cowboy Carter, courtesy of Dolly Parton in a short interlude called Dolly P. It was, as most modern pop observers are aware, about the infidelity of Jay-Z, Beyonces superstar rapper husband. Both stars in contemporary musics biggest power couple have explored the marital fissure in song and Dolly P ensures that neither will forget the indiscretion any time soon. Jordan Parker is a breaking news reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. He graduated from Sacramento State University in May 2022 with a degree in journalism. During his time there, he spent three years as a reporter and editor for the university's award-winning student newspaper, The State Hornet. He spent his senior year of college serving as The Hornet's first Black editor in chief, leading the organization to two Pacemaker awards and several other national honors from the Associated Collegiate Press. When he's not chasing down a story, he likes watching movies, traveling and trying new restaurants. Vanishing Triangle actor hopes role helps bring resolution to real-life abduction A lot of women went missing in the 1990s, I would have grown up knowing about that. It was quite prevalent in the media, and obviously the names. Brian plays Mark Bulger, the chief suspect in The Vanishing Trinagle Eugene Masterson Wed 3 Apr 2024 at 08:26 He plays a suspected woman abductor and possible serial killer in gripping new TV series The Vanishing Triangle, and actor Brian Moore hopes his portrayal may lead to the resolution of the real-life saga which inspired the drama. He was never the same man. It shattered his peace of mind 20 years after Padraig Nally shot dead trespasser at his home, ripples from case are still felt 1,600-an-hour lawyer drafted in to battle Sean Dunne appeal in US Supreme Court Legal costs of the Irish businessmans bankruptcy case already stand at 12m Sean Dunne and his ex-wife Gayle Killilea have challenged a US jury finding that he fraudulently transferred millions of euro in assets to her Shane Phelan Wed 3 Apr 2024 at 03:30 The bankruptcy trustee of Celtic Tiger-era property developer Sean Dunne has drafted in a new legal team, including a 1,660-an-hour lawyer, to fight against the businessmans United States Supreme Court appeal. Dublin woman (27) died after doctor told her she was having a panic attack and sent her home from hospital Katie Doyle was discharged from Beaumont Hospitals A&E with a bag which she was told to blow into if she had shortness of breath Katie Doyle Sean McCarthaigh Wed 3 Apr 2024 at 19:02 A verdict of medical misadventure has been recorded into the death of a young Dublin woman who collapsed at home with a pulmonary embolism three days after she was discharged from a hospital where she was diagnosed as only suffering from a panic attack. An investigation has been launched by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment into alleged breaches of UN and EU sanctions by an Irish company. The company, run by former members of the Irish Defence Forces, allegedly provided training to members of Field Marshall Khalifa Haftars forces in Libya. Following the death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Haftar rejected the authority of the new government and established the breakaway Libyan National Army. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Micheal Martin said the allegations are deeply shocking and could cause reputational damage to the country. "The alleged breaches of UN and EU sanctions in the manner outlined in this report are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces, a spokesperson for Mr Martin said. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach these sanctions, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces. The high level of training and proficiency gained by members of the Defence Forces should never be used in circumstances such as those found in eastern Libya, nor for supporting the forces of Khalifa Haftar. Today's News in 90 seconds - 4th April 2024 Since 2011, an arms embargo has been in place in Libya, prohibiting the sale, supply or transfer of arms or weaponry to Libya. The arms embargo was imposed by the UN Security Council and given further effect by restrictive measures from the EU. Also included in the arms embargo is a prohibition on technical assistance, training, and other assistance related to military activities. It also includes the provision, maintenance or use of arms and related materials, subject to certain limited exceptions. The spokesperson said Mr Martin has spoken with Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy and confirmed the Department of Enterprise has launched an investigation. "The Tanaiste has spoken with the Chief of Staff to outline his deep concern at the matters alleged in this report, which need to be examined further, the spokesperson said. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has confirmed it has now commenced an investigation into these allegations as the relevant competent authority. This investigation is at an early stage and all avenues will be pursued. The Tanaiste has also asked officials for consideration to be given to further legislation to strengthen safeguards in relation to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions. The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Libya by Irish citizens. Families of healthcare workers who died after catching Covid receive 1m in compensation from State Death-in-service payment of 100,000 given to 10 families Many healthcare workers contracted Covid while carrying out their duties. Photo: Getty Eilish O'Regan Wed 3 Apr 2024 at 03:30 Relatives of healthcare workers who died after catching Covid-19 in the workplace have been paid 1m in compensation by the State. JUSTICE Minister Helen McEntee will announce extra cell places today sufficient for an extra 670 prisoners in a keynote speech at the graduation of new prison officers. The pledge comes days ahead of a Simon Harris Ard Fheis speech that will stress a pledge to end the revolving-door in prisons by providing extra accommodation for inmates. Ms McEntee will outline that, despite concerns expressed by prison officers about overcrowding, she has secured additional capital funding of 93m for major on-site building projects. Preliminary work will begin this year on four key projects in Cloverhill, Castlerea, Midlands and Mountjoy prisons as part of accelerated capital construction. Many prison campuses have additional unused space, now targeted for Justice projects under the National Development Plan 2024-2026. Today's News in 90 seconds - 3rd April 2024 Ms McEntee says key priorities for a spend that will approach a billion euro in time include further increasing prison capacity, opening new Garda stations and delivering key technology projects for An Garda Siochana. She said last night: This funding is the very welcome result of extensive negotiations which have been ongoing for some time. It will now allow us to deliver on a number of very significant commitments across the Justice sector. The significant allocation for the Irish Prison Service will allow it to address current capacity issues within our prison system. This would ensure that it is fit-for-purpose for a growing population in the years to come, she said, building upon the increases in prison spaces already being delivered this year through a range of short term projects. An extra allocation for An Garda Siochana will allow it to expand upon the technological innovations, she added. This is important as it has been a priority of mine since becoming Minister for Justice to improve the tech available to Gardai, in order to better support them as they continue to protect and serve our communities. Just over half the 93m funding is being allocated to further increase cell capacity and address current capacity constraints in the Prison Estate. When completed, space for up to 670 prisoners will be created. The Irish Prison Service is meanwhile advancing some short-term projects that will provide an additional 95 spaces this year. Minister McEntee told the Irish Prison Service: We have a plan to grow the size of our prison estate for the first time in a decade. We will ensure that we have a prison estate big enough to hold those who cause damage and misery in our communities. Hundreds of new prison places are being created. It is important to review plan for additional capacity, given increasing populations in Ireland, she said together with the intended introduction of some higher maximum prison sentences. These higher terms will be imposed for assault causing harm and conspiracy to murder, which will have impacts on the amount of time people spend in prison, the minister said. It is also an announcement I am glad to be able to make on a day on which I will be welcoming a new class of prison officer graduates. This allocation sends the message to those new recruits, and to their colleagues across the IPS, that we value their contribution and are improving their working and living conditions. Minister McEntee said she had also secured additional funding for the roll-out of body worn cameras. They are key to protecting front line Gardai, she said, and to assisting them in gathering evidence for prosecutions. My priority is to see bodycams on Gardai in Dublin City Centre, in Waterford and in Limerick ahead of a full nationwide roll-out. I am working with the Commissioner to make sure that will become a reality before the Summer. There will be Garda station works in Slane, Co Meath and Abbeyleix, Co Laois and new Garda stations in Bailieborough, Co Cavan, Macroom Co Cork, Clonmel, Co Tipperary and Portlaoise, Co Laois. The construction of brand new state of the art Garda stations in Portlaoise, Clonmel, Macroom, Bailieborough are also strategic priorities, Ms McEntee said. The Irish Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the courts and has no control over the numbers committed to custody. In 2023, there were 7,946 people committed to prison - an increase of 13pc on the equivalent figure of 7,043 in 2022, and up 30pc on the 6,133 jailed in 2021. The overall daily average number of prisoners in custody in 2023 was 4,583 - an 11pc increase when compared to 2022, and 15.4pc higher than in pre-Covid times. Yesterday there were 4,914 people in prison 109pc of overall capacity. Over the course of 2023, a total of 3,271 were remanded in custody awaiting trial, a massive increase of 21pc on 2022. Where the number of prisoners exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, the Irish Prison Service says it makes every effort to address the issue through a combination of inter-prison transfers and the "judicious selection" of suitable candidates for Temporary Release. My wife and I are wondering why we came back Teachers four years work in Dubai not reflected in pay A chemistry teacher who spent four years working in Dubai has said he was heartbroken when he returned to Ireland and learned that his years teaching abroad would not be reflected in his salary. Richie Cosgrave (42), who now teaches in St Augustines College in Co Waterford, has said he is currently unable to get a mortgage. He believes teachers who choose to go abroad to work in private schools in the Middle East and Australia are being discriminated against. After spending five years studying in Ireland, Mr Cosgrave decided to move to Dubai for work because he was made an offer that was too good to turn down. The school which offered him a job agreed to pay for his flights and find him accommodation. In 2018, Mr Cosgrave decided to move back to Ireland with his wife, a primary school teacher originally from Canada. However, while his wifes years abroad were recognised, his four years teaching chemistry were not. When you get your first pay cheque, thats when you find out if your application for the incremental pay credit was successful, Mr Cosgrave said. I was devastated when I found out mine wasnt. Private secondary schools outside the EU are currently the only schools not recognised. Teacher Richie Cosgrave works at St Augustine's College in Dungarvan, Co Waterford The fact that every increment goes against what mortgage you can get I couldnt purchase the house I wanted and now were in a situation where we cant get a house at all. I will always be minus those four years I taught. I came from five years living as a student and paying 7,000 for my postgraduate in education, I had a debt that I had to repay. I was flown out to Dubai, picked up at the airport and brought to my accommodation. I worked out there for four years and had a chance to save money for a deposit for a house. You got paid once a month and there was no issue. The weather was fantastic. I would never have been able to repay my loan, let alone save for a house if I stayed in Ireland. Property prices have gone through the roof and my wife and I are looking at each other wondering what have we come back for. Mr Cosgrave has two children aged four and five. His family is currently renting. He said it is difficult when he compares his life with his friends who stayed teaching in the Middle East. They are still out there and they are not going to take the chance to come home, he said. They have absolute security with their jobs and housing. When you come back to Ireland, you just dont have that any more. Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) unanimously passed a motion at their conference in Wexford yesterday to demanding that all years of teaching service abroad in recognised second-level schools shall be included in the calculation of incremental credit. If incremental credit is granted, a teacher will be moved up the pay scale. Palestinians gather on a beach in the hope of getting aid air-dropped over Gaza in the southern Gaza Strip. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem/File Photo The CEO of ActionAid Ireland has said there is a concern that the killing of seven humanitarian workers in Gaza on Monday could lead to a chilling effect on aid in the area. It comes as Antonio Guterres, the UN General Secretary described the death of seven aid workers in Gaza as unconscionable. The workers, who were from the aid group World Central Kitchen, died after their convoy was attacked by Israeli airstrikes on Monday. As a result of the attack, World Central Kitchen has suspended its work in the area. Today's News in 90 seconds - 3rd April 2024 Irish aid organisation ActionAid Ireland has staff on the ground in Gaza and its chief executive Karol Balfe has said there could be a chilling effect in relation to aid workers in the conflict area. It is worrying in the wider context of aid at a time when food is so desperately needed in the Gaza Strip, Ms Balfe told RTEs Morning Ireland. We understand that World Central Kitchen has turned around a convoy that was due to land in Gaza and there is a worry of a wider chilling effect that aid operations working there, she added. A ship carrying 240 tonnes of undelivered aid bound for Gaza returned to Cyprus yesterday following the killing of the workers. Ms Balfe said that before the war, some 500 aid trucks would enter Gaza on a daily basis, compared to 159 trucks that crossed the border in March. US President Joe Biden also condemned the killing of the seven aid workers, saying he was "outraged and heartbroken" and accused Israel of not doing enough to protect aid workers in the Gaza strip. While Ms Balfe said it is right that there is outrage at what happened, she pointed to the military support the US has provided Israel. We completely condemned the attacks and there should be outrage about these attacks. But it is difficult to stomach when you know that this violence is happening because of the military campaign by Israel that is directly supported from the United States, Ms Balfe said. It could not have been conducted and continued for this long without the military support of the United States. And if people are serious about stopping the killing of humanitarian workers and also importantly stopping the killing of civilians, there has to be a ceasefire. You cannot distribute aid in a safe way when the bombs are falling in the way that they are, Ms Balfe added. Ms Balfe said that an attack like that on the World Central Kitchen convoy could result in humanitarian air drops. However, she said it was important that land access continued. There is a concern, of course, that something like this would lead to an increase in air drops, which has been the solution from some governments and air drops are not the answer, Ms Balfe said. We need land access on scale. Air drops are costly, they're ineffective, and they've been deadly. They've actually killed people when they've dropped or people have drowned trying to get into the sea to access them, she added. A week ago, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Ms Balfe said despite this, there has been no change in Israels behaviour which she described as unbelievable. It's just simply unbelievable, a week out of the UN Security Council resolution and the International Court of Justice calling a for additional provisional measures on Israel to allow aid in that we have not seen any change of behaviour from Israel, Ms Balfe said. In fact, the weekend was a weekend of absolute horror. There was the seven killed, there was the attacking and the complete burnout of Al Shifa Hospital and again more people killed in airstrikes, Ms Balfe said. Almost 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7. Ms Balfe said that the planned ground offensive in Rafah by Israel would be absolutely devastating. It is time for the world to wake up. We know that famine is on our doorstep. We know the plausible risk of genocide. And it's just again, unbelievable that the United States continues to provide military, political and economic support to a country that is plausibly carrying out genocide, Ms Balfe said. The chair of the junior doctor committee said their working life is 'grim'. Photo: Getty Images A majority of junior doctors have warned they are still having to work unsafe and illegal hours leaving them exhausted and a risk to patients. The survey from the Irish Medical Organisation said the grim conditions are continuing to push the trainee doctors to look for jobs abroad. Seventy-seven per cent of junior doctors said they were pressurised by their employer to work extra shifts often at short notice to cover gaps in rotas, said the survey, ahead of the annual conference of the Irish Medical Organisation later this week. The findings show that almost all of the junior doctors highlighted excessive hours, poor supports and challenging working conditions as the key driver for doctor emigration. And 75pc said they did not feel valued, respected or supported by their employer. Dr Rachel McNamara, chair of the junior doctor committee, said: The results of this survey are hugely disappointing but not surprising. She said the agreement on junior doctors, negotiated by the union with the HSE and Department of Health in December 2022, has not been fully implemented and conditions for the trainees have not meaningfully improved. The conditions are being exacerbated by the recruitment freeze putting more pressure on an already difficult working environment. She said many of the issues and recommendations raised in the taskforce report on junior doctors have been highlighted by the union for some time. What we need to see now is a fast-tracked implementation plan with associated funding. Doctors are voting with their feet and moving to systems that value them and enable non-consultant hospital doctors to have a work-life balance with appropriate rest and supports, she said. The current stark reality of working life for these doctors is very grim, and we need urgent action and a shift in the culture of how we treat them. The HSE and the Department of Health must now seriously commit to change, otherwise we will face another decade of struggling to make inroads into the ongoing crises of waiting times, overcrowding and workforce drain that persist in this country. Earlier this year Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said one of his priorities was to do all he could to ensure the health service becomes an attractive and desirable place to work for medical graduates. For some time, I have acknowledged that significant change is required to ensure that we improve the junior doctor experience and work-life balance through the development and implementation of modern and improved structures and supports on clinical sites, he said. Devin Fathi is supervising attorney for the CARE Court program with the the Bar Association of San Franciscos Justice and Diversity Center. The CARE Court program has received only 22 referrals in six months, nearly half of which have already been dismissed. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle When Californias new program to get people with severe psychotic disorders into treatment was proposed, San Francisco officials estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people in the city would be eligible. But six months in, San Franciscos CARE Court program has received only 22 referrals, nearly half of which have already been dismissed, according to the organizations representing participants. The low caseload in San Francisco and across the state underscores that the new law, like many of Gov. Gavin Newsoms signature behavioral health programs, is an incremental step in the face of a massive mental health crisis on California streets. The program requires counties across California to stand up specialized courts that connect people with voluntary treatment and services. As of the third week of March, 372 petitions had been filed in the eight counties that have launched the program. Newsoms office had estimated 7,000 to 12,000 people may eventually be eligible when all counties roll out the program by December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The initial low numbers for CARE Court come just a few months after a different effort to get people into court-ordered treatment in San Francisco failed. That program served just four people in the more than four years it was in effect. Supporters of CARE Court say that, despite the low numbers, some people are getting help through the program and argue that for CARE Court to work, the state must build more housing and treatment facilities. Proposition 1, which voters approved last month, will provide $6.4 billion in bond funding to build some of that infrastructure over the coming years. But even with additional facilities, the program is not guaranteed to work. Still, CARE Court provides family members, first responders, health professionals and others with a new avenue to get someone with severe mental illness into treatment. San Francisco was granted more than $4 million from the state to stand up the program, which involves the San Francisco Superior Court, Department of Public Health and the City Attorneys Office. The 22 petitions filed in San Francisco in the first six months is one of the lowest rates among counties when accounting for population. For comparison, Stanislaus County, which has a population about 30% smaller, reported 36 petitions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under the system, judges work with the individuals lawyer and the county behavioral health agency to establish a care plan and require the county to provide services to them. Those who agree to a plan should receive a status hearing every 60 days and may graduate from the program after a year. Newsom and his allies in the Legislature described the system as a new pathway to get people with schizophrenia and similar mental illnesses, most notably those languishing in the streets, into treatment. It was seen as a promising option by many families who had tried and failed for years to get their relatives into treatment. But in San Francisco, few petitions have been filed by family or community members. Some think thats merely because people arent aware how to go about it. I think people dont totally know how to refer or dont understand what the process is, said Laura Slade Chiera, executive director for Legal Assistance to the Elderly, which is representing people petitioned for CARE Court. The majority of San Franciscos initial petitions were filed by the Department of Public Health, according to Chiera. The department referred questions about more detailed data on the petitions to San Francisco Superior Court, which would only confirm the total number of petitions filed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other counties have much higher rates of family referrals. Nearly all of Los Angeles Countys 106 petitions have been filed by families, for example. Angelica Almeida of the Department of Public Health said that officials are working with law enforcement and a mental health nonprofit, NAMI SF, to spread the word but did not elaborate about specific outreach efforts. A San Francisco resident who has an adult child with severe mental illness said she doesnt understand how she would refer someone to CARE Court. There has been no outreach for families to be involved or to help a family member apply, said the woman, who asked that her name not be printed to protect her childs privacy. CARE Court in San Francisco In January, San Francisco adopted a new state law that expands who is eligible for mental health conservatorship in an effort to compel more people into treatment. Since then, the health department has stopped submitting petitions for CARE Court, a separate process from conservatorship. Four CARE Court petitions have been filed since the start of 2024 and none were from DPH. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Almeida declined to comment on the drop-off of referrals from the department, saying that the information was deemed protected by the courts, but said the agency works to find the most appropriate intervention for each individual. CARE Court is just one of many programs the city runs to help those struggling with mental illness as it spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually on behavioral health. San Francisco is the only county working to stand up both the new conservatorship law and CARE Court at once. In CARE Court, judges issue treatment plans but cant force people to follow them, though groups that advocate for civil liberty protections criticized it as a potential pathway into conservatorship, which can include involuntary confinement and treatment. Chiera said three people her organization is representing through CARE Court were also placed under a temporary conservatorship. Shes afraid people wont participate if they think it could lead to them being in conservatorship. California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said he would be concerned to see people going through the CARE Court process referred to conservatorship before public officials have put in some real dedicated work trying to go through the CARE Court process first. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For Chiera, its too early to tell what kind of impact CARE Court is having or will have in the future. CARE Court isnt a perfect solution and we have yet to see whether its going to be any kind of solution at all, Chiera said, but were hoping that for some people, it will be. Teresa Friend, director and managing attorney of the Bar Associations Homeless Advocacy Project, which also represents CARE Court participants, said most of the citys CARE Court referrals have been made for severely disabled homeless people who arent able to fully understand the services being offered or to decide whether they want to participate. Our position is that there is a population of folks for whom CARE Court could work really well but I dont think those are who most of the initial petitions have been filed for, she said. Friend said she thinks the program would be most effective for people at risk of losing their housing and becoming homeless because of their mental health issues, which was the situation for the organizations most successful participants up to this point. Patchwork from county to county Ghaly said he is really pleased with CARE Court so far. He pointed to a case in San Francisco where a person whose mental health conservatorship ended was referred to CARE Court. He said the person was able to stay in their housing, continue to work with the same medical team and stay on their medications. In contrast to San Francisco, the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health received 106 petitions from the court in the first four months, all but two of which were filed by families, said Jennifer Hunt, who helps lead implementation in the county. The city has a toll-free helpline and field response teams that help families file petitions to the court, Hunt said. Most of the petitions in Riverside County are from family members, said Marcus Cannon, who helps run CARE Court in the county. Riverside County did a public information campaign about CARE Court a year in advance of the launch, Cannon said. In Stanislaus County, roughly a third of petitions came from family or people who refer themselves to the program, according to county data. Although the program has often been discussed as a way to get people off the streets, in many counties the majority of people referred are not homeless. More than 60% of the people referred in L.A. County are housed, Hunt said. In Riverside, only about 20% of the petitions were for homeless people, Cannon said, and all have been offered housing since they were referred. Sen. Tom Umberg, a Santa Ana Democrat who authored the CARE Court law, said he has always viewed it as a program that would start out very narrowly but could be expanded in the future. He said San Franciscos number of petitions so far is low compared with Orange County, which he represents. But he noted its still very early. It doesnt surprise me, he said of San Franciscos relatively low initial number. But it is my hope and expectation that that number will grow as the project matures. Gardai search near the scene at Grange View Way. Photo: Collins A man who suffered serious injuries in an assault in west Dublin over the weekend has died in hospital. Two men, who are both Croatian nationals, were assaulted in Clondalkin on Saturday night. One of the men (31) suffered catastrophic head injuries and lost several teeth after being targeted in the Grange View Way area shortly after 10pm. The man had remained in a critical condition in Tallaght Hospital before he lost his fight for life yesterday. It is understood he was attacked just yards from where he had been living in Clondalkin. He has been named locally as Croatian national Josip Strok. It is understood that family members of Mr Stroks were in Tallaght Hospital yesterday when the life-support machine was turned off. Friends have been paying tribute to Mr Strok on social media. A garda spokesperson said: Gardai at Clondalkin continue to investigate a serious assault that took place in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on Saturday, March 30. A man in his 30s, who sustained serious injuries during the incident, was pronounced deceased at Tallaght Hospital earlier today, Wednesday, April 3. An incident room has been set up at Clondalkin garda station, with a senior investigating officer (SIO) overseeing the investigation. Gardai said no arrests have yet been made as they issued an appeal for information. Gardai are specifically urging passengers who travelled on the number 13 Dublin Bus from Clondalkin on Saturday, March 30, between 9pm and 10pm to come forward, especially those who disembarked at the bus stop on St Cuthberts Road and proceeded towards Grange View Road, added the spokesperson. Additionally, investigating gardai are seeking information from anyone who was in the Tower Road area of Clondalkin between 9.30pm and 10.15pm, or in the Grange View Way area between 10pm and 10.30pm. Individuals who possess camera footage (including dash cam) of these areas on the evening of the incident are urged to provide this footage to the investigating gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin garda station on 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station. It is believed the victims had been socialising in Dublin city centre on Saturday afternoon before returning to the Clondalkin area. It is thought they were involved in a verbal altercation with a group outside a store in the Tower Road area before getting on a bus and travelling to Grange View Way. Shortly after arriving in the housing estate they were set upon by a gang of four men and subjected to a vicious assault. Detectives had been investigating if the two men were followed to where the attack happened, or if another altercation near the scene led to them being targeted. A key meeting between Taoiseach-designate Simon Harris and Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney is being viewed as having been crucial in Mr Coveney resigning from the Cabinet before next weeks reshuffle. Mr Coveney dramatically announced yesterday that he is stepping down from the Cabinet, leaving his ministerial portfolio up for grabs. The two men met in Government Buildings after Cabinet last Wednesday. Fine Gael colleagues believe this conversation played a major role in Mr Coveneys decision to resign his portfolio. Several party ministers, TDs and senators, speaking privately to the Irish Independent, considered the meeting to be when Mr Harris lowered the axe on Mr Coveneys cabinet career. However, sources close to the two ministers rejected this assertion and said the two men have spoken a number of times in recent weeks. The Taoiseach-designate met all Fine Gael cabinet ministers last week and is understood to have told all of them that he has a tough task ahead in the reshuffle and that there were two vacancies his own Further and Higher Education role as well as Josepha Madigans position in the Department of Education. Mr Harris and Mr Coveney met on the same day as it began to emerge that Mr Coveneys media adviser, former Newstalk broadcaster Chris Donoghue, was going to work for Mr Harriss team as government press secretary. Simon Harris in Profile Ministers, TDs and senators all remarked how quickly and efficiently Mr Harris is carrying out his duties as he prepares to take up the office of taoiseach. While Mr Coveney was not seen to publicly back Mr Harris for leadership, it is understood he told Mr Harris he backed him when Leo Varadkar announced he was stepping down. However, some in Fine Gael pointed to Mr Harris backing Mr Coveneys leadership campaign in 2017, even when it became apparent that it would not be successful. Read more PR consultant Joanne Lonergan to become Simon Harriss joint chief of staff Mr Coveney is now the last remaining member of the 2011 cabinet and alongside Mr Varadkar, is one of the longest-serving Fine Gael cabinet ministers. I dont know whether he was going to ask me to be in Cabinet as part of that new team or not, the Enterprise Minister told RTEs Today with Claire Byrne. I know he was weighing that up. He said Fine Gael needs renewal and that the party needs to refresh itself as it hopes to go into government for the fourth time. He said the cabinet reshuffle will now be easier for the incoming taoiseach. Mr Coveney said he will make up his mind over the summer if he will run again to be a TD in Cork. He said he has been so focused and busy on his work that he has not yet thought about it. However, his party colleagues do not expect him to run again. It also emerged that Irish Examiner political correspondent Ciara Phelan would be joining Mr Harriss team as assistant government press secretary. Mr Harris paid tribute to Mr Coveney, saying he is a pivotal figure in the party. Mr Harriss adviser Sarah Bardon and Joanne Lonergan, who previously worked with the minister in the Department of Health, will be his co-chiefs of staff. Simon Coveney in Profile Meanwhile, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is to miss the Fine Gael ard fheis in Galway this weekend. The minister will be instead attending her daughters wedding in Monaghan and is on leave of absence this week. A spokesman for Ms Humphreys said she had previously notified Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that she would miss the ard fheis in Galway because her daughters wedding day was in the diary. She told him months ago that the wedding date clashed with the ard fheis, a spokesman said, adding that Mr Varadkar had fully understood and been very gracious in the matter. Meanwhile, Mr Harris met a number of Independent TDs ahead of next weeks Dail vote which will see him become taoiseach. Independent TD Sean Canney of Galway East predicted a move to the right last night after meeting with Mr Harris for an hour-and-a-half. But he said he was still undecided about backing the Fine Gael leader in the vote for taoiseach. Mr Harris also spoke yesterday with Sligo-Leitrim Independent Marc MacSharry, late of Fianna Fail, who had already indicated his support. Today and over the next few days Mr Harris intends to speak to TDs Noel Grealish, Cathal Berry and Denis Naughten. Police and legal experts have warned that identifying sex abuse victims can lead to fines and even prison. There have been several notices about the risks of speculation and online gossip after Jeffrey Donaldson was charged with multiple historical sex offences, including rape, on Friday. The Lagan Valley MP resigned as leader of the DUP following the charges and told party officers he would be strenuously contesting all of them. His wife Eleanor is also charged with aiding and abetting additional offences in relation to the same police investigation. Yesterday Northern Irelands Attorney General Brenda King issued a warning about the need for caution around commentary on active criminal proceedings. While not referring to the Donaldson case directly, her office said: The Attorney advises the public as well as media outlets to think about potential consequences before publishing, posting or sharing commentary, online or otherwise. The Attorney would remind the public and the media of the risk of any person publishing, posting or sharing material being found to be in contempt of court. Dr Colm Murphy is a lecturer in media law at Ulster University. He warned that theres fairly severe dangers, not only if you name the alleged victim of a sexual offence, but because two people have been charged now its case active and that means that there is a whole list of things members of the public and media cant say or post online. Any reference to any evidence in the case - even if it was untrue - apart from what is on the court order, means you can be held personally liable for contempt of court, he added. Complainants in sexual abuse cases, historical or otherwise, are granted lifelong anonymity, that stands regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings. This anonymity is guaranteed from the moment they make an allegation that they are the victim of a sexual offence. Meanwhile, contempt of court happens when someone risks unfairly influencing a court case. Dr Murphy said people can be prosecuted if they post any other material that has the potential to create prejudice in both directions - for example, if you had a protest outside a court in favour of a defendant - that can be seen as prejudicial. If you put anything online or take any actions that could be prejudicial to a jury, it would be contempt of court, and its an unlimited fine, so theres no cap on what you could have to pay, or you can face imprisonment. Social media organisations as well, if they dont act expeditiously [to remove such posts] can be done for contempt of court too, as can officers of the organisation. Posting anything which may lead to jigsaw identification of victims - including their place of work, schools they attended, or family relatives - is also against the law. Owen Beattie is a Belfast-based solicitor and has previously represented multiple survivors of historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland. He further warned that online speculation could lead to the collapse of trials. He said there have been recent welcomed developments in the anonymity afforded to both suspects and complainants regarding sexual assault cases. Social media commentary in this context must be closely scrutinised, he added. The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) states that a victim is guaranteed anonymity even when someone else accuses the defendant of the offence and that only the victims themselves can choose to waive their right to anonymity, without the consent of the court, so long as they are over 16. Mr Beattie added: Society must ensure that the rights of the complainant and those of the suspect are protected so that the state can discharge its obligations to investigate, prosecute and try suspects. Adverse social media content and the naming of complainants or suspects may have detrimental far-reaching implications on fair trial rights. Police investigations may be contaminated, criminal trials may collapse and the rights of the complainant and those of the suspect may be irretrievably infringed. The legal experts comments came after the PSNI said they are aware of ongoing commentary on social media platforms and in the mainstream media regarding the timeline of this investigation. We are reminding members of the public and media outlets that speculation is unhelpful, inaccurate and may ultimately have a negative impact on a criminal justice process, a police spokesperson continued. On March 29 2024, we confirmed that a 61-year-old man had been charged with non-recent sexual offences, alongside a 57-year-old woman who was charged with aiding and abetting additional offences. Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie told the BBCs Nolan Show that he believes police should do more to crack down on such online speculation. Just because this is high profile, it doesnt mean the victims are any less victims, said the Upper Bann MLA. If people get away with doing this now, they will do it again. I think the police absolutely do need to make an example of people, whether that's getting a hold of them and giving them a caution, I don't know; I'm not going to be prescriptive on what they should do, but I certainly do think they need to be doing more than putting out a statement. They need to cut this and they need to cut this pretty quickly. He emphasised that there should be a focus on the criminal process and the victims right across Northern Ireland - not just related to this case, but any case of this nature - who may be suffering from media speculation, and certainly social media speculation. The Irish Prison Service has said investigations are ongoing after footage online showed a drone dropping a package over Wheatfield prison. In the video, the drones control pad with a screen shows the drone hovering over an exercise area of the prison with the caption drone in the sky. The drones camera is seen hovering over the exercise area where a number of inmates are, and where a package is dropped. The Irish Prison Service said it is aware of the footage that has appeared on social media and it is now being investigated. In a statement, the service said it is committed to investing in new technology and other measures to help keep contraband out of prisons. Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. Our Canine Unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons, the prison service said in a statement. The prison service also said it works closely with the Gardai and the sharing of intelligence has led to targeted searches. The Irish Prison Service continues to engage with An Garda Siochana with regard to preventing contraband entering our prison and this happens at both local and national level. The Operational Support Group work closely with their colleagues in An Garda Siochana on a regular basis and the sharing of intelligence has led to target searches resulting in the seizure of contraband, the statement added. New Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has poached a special adviser from one of his Green Party Cabinet colleagues. Jack ODonnell, a special adviser to Minister of State Pippa Hackett, is to switch party allegiances and join the Taoiseach designates team in Government Buildings. Mr ODonnells decision to take up a post with Ms Hackett raised eyebrows at the time as he had previously served as an adviser to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. Despite his Fine Gael background, Mr ODonnell formed an integral part of the Green Partys Government organisation and deputised for the Greens deputy press secretary Aiden Corkery when he was on leave. The county Mayo man also supported Arts Minister Catherine Martin when her adviser Juno McEnroe was on leave. Today's News in 90 seconds - 3rd April 2024 Mr ODonnell began his political career working in 2013 as an assistant to Mr Kenny with a focus on building relationships in their native county. He was eventually promoted to assistant government press secretary where he was centrally involved with liaising with the media. After Enda Kenny resigned as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach, Mr ODonnell was hired by Mr Murphy as his special adviser. However, Mr Murphy stepped down from politics after the 2020 General Election. At this point, he joined the public relations company Q4 as a client director. Prior to working in Irish politics, Mr ODonnell worked as an intern for Senator John McCain in Washington D.C. He also worked as a campaign director for the European Peoples Party. He will join the Harris team who include former Irish Times journalist Sarah Bardon, former Newstalk presenter Chris Donoghue and former Examiner journalist Ciara Phelan. The team also includes Joanna Lonergan, Majella Fitzpatrick and Max Murphy TUI, INTO and ASTI conferences continue todayEducation Minister Norma Foley warns online abuse of teachers and students including the distribution of exploitative 'deep fake' images will not be tolerated with social media platforms that fail to protect people now liable for fines of more than 20mTikTok videos abusing teachers and students about their weight, race and sexuality were allegedly posted by pupils at a Dublin schoolPrimary teachers have condemned the continuing failure of the Department of Education to plan to supply enough teachers for primary and special schools Several social-media and tech companies did not attend child safety meeting with minister Norma Foley last month Education Minister Norma Foley has warned that the online abuse of teachers and students including the distribution of exploitative 'deep fake' images will not be tolerated with social media platforms that fail to protect people now liable for fines of more than 20m. It came as a teacher conference also heard of one case in which TikTok videos abusing teachers and students about their weight, race and sexuality were allegedly posted by pupils at a Dublin school. Ms Foley speaking at the TUI conference at which post-primary teachers have gathered in Killarney admitted she was "shocked and appalled" by some of the images involved. A number of Garda investigations have been launched into the creation and distribution of such images as Ms Foley said it was clear that the images had been aimed at abusing and manipulating those who were targeted. Students and teachers have been targeted in such 'deep fake' attacks whereby advanced software is used to depict the individual in a false, demeaning and, in cases, abusive image and context. The Kerry TD issued a direct appeal to parents to carefully consider the age at which they give their children access to a smartphone. She urged parents and guardians to consider delaying the provision of a smartphone for very young children. "I think we are very clear that we live now in a world of social media we live in a world that is very different from the world we lived in 20 or 25 years ago," she said. "This is an issue for the young people in our classrooms, it is an issue for our staff and it is an issue not just for education but for wider society. I have met with Coimisiun na Mean (CNM) about the work they are doing in respect of the code of practice, the regulation in this space." "It will never, ever be acceptable that either a child or a staff member or any individual is abused or manipulated by social media. "I think the regulation and code of practice that is being worked on by CNM will very much so put that in a space where it will not only be unacceptable but that there will be consequences for it. We are talking about fines for platforms of more than 20m should they fail to protect those that need to be protected." "I am very clear myself about the point of view of young people." She said that the department, teachers unions and educators were working hard to promote awareness of the potential dangers posed by social media and smartphones. "We know that children as young as six or seven years are accessing content that no parent or guardian would want them to see. We know that students and young people are being groomed it is shocking and appalling and we need to get that information out there. "We need to get the resources of support out there. From our point of view in the department we are working to provide that information for parents and we are asking parents to come together as a collective particularly in the area of smartphones for children. "We are saying to them: just delay the purchase of the smartphone. We are not saying to deny it permanently. Just delay it and be mindful of the challenges and the difficulties of young people, particularly those as young as six, seven or eight years, to navigate the world of the smartphone." Ms Foley said that teachers had played a critical role in responding to the challenge with both teachers and students entitled to feel safe online. "We are seeing great leadership in many schools around the country who are working with parents in this regard. Ultimately it is a parental responsibility a responsibility of guardians and we in education will provide whatever support and information is required by parents. TikTok video abuse TikTok videos abusing teachers and students about their weight, race and sexuality were allegedly posted by pupils at a Dublin school. The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) annual conference heard from teachers about their experiences of online abuse. More than 500 members are lobbying for stronger laws to prevent social media abuse and harassment of teachers and students. Delegate Sarah Cullen, of the Dublin South Central branch, said a school in her area recently had to report online abuse to gardai after students created a series of TikTok videos anonymously. Ms Cullen said the videos referenced peoples weight, race and sexuality. Management were unable to identify the students who created the content, and the students continued to upload videos taunting people, she said. Management then reported the matter to gardai. However, it is not illegal to harass people online like this. The guards informed staff that the only legislation is Cocos Law, which relates to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. It caused huge upset and distress among the school community. Staff and management felt powerless and useless. They had no recourse. How many careers and lives have to be destroyed before this changes? The Irish Independent previously reported how several social media and technology companies refused invitations to attend a roundtable discussion with Ms Foley about keeping children safe online. Speaking at the ASTI convention, Ms Foley criticised faceless bullies who set up social media accounts to abuse teachers. I have spoken to parents about the horrific impact that cyber-bullying has had on their children, she said. Teachers have front-line experience of the appalling impact that cyber-bullying can have on their students. But I know also that cyber-bullying is not just aimed at students. I am deeply concerned about reports of teachers receiving abusive emails or text messages or being the subject of abusive postings on websites. There is no place for such behaviour against teachers who are simply doing their job. Delegate Richard Bell, of the Galway branch, referenced a recent ASTI survey that found one in five members had experienced online abuse. It can lead to stress, anxiety and is driving talented teachers out of the profession he said. There is no quick fix for the individual who is trolled, libelled or worse. It is time the the largest spotlight ever invented is directed at these assailants. The motion was unanimously carried. Teacher shortages Primary teachers have condemned the continuing failure of the Department of Education to plan to supply enough teachers for primary and special schools. INTO delegates voted to pressure the Government to ensure schools are properly staffed. Deirdre Fleming, a teacher from Portlaoise, told the congress there were particular strains on staff who work in DEIS band one schools, gaelscoils, special schools and urban schools, located in rent pressure zones. My own school is a large DEIS band one school, with an excess of 70 teachers, Ms Fleming said. There has not been one school day this year, where we have had a full cohort of teaching staff. We have 11 teachers job sharing, four teachers on career break, seven teachers on maternity leave, two teachers on extended sick leave, in addition to the ordinary day-to-day absences experienced by every school. This situation is replicated in many other schools and some of the schools are in far more difficulty, with both permanent and no permanent positions going unfilled. Schools are depending on set teachers to keep their doors open. This is doing a total disservice to our children with the greatest needs. Ms Fleming said the INTO had successfully negotiated better terms for teachers, such as longer statutory leave - but this was now as an unintended consequence, impacting schools post the Russia-Ukraine war. No one could have foreseen the large number of teachers that are required to support our new students from Ukraine, Ms Fleming said. And a large number of teachers have emigrated since Covid in their droves. Attracted by the lure of sunshine, better wages and a desire to travel. My own daughter will be one of these this summer. How are we going to resolve this issue? I feel it can only be done by the Department and Teaching Council, as the regulator of the teaching profession, charged with promoting teaching in Ireland to enhance the attractiveness of teaching as a profession. Increase the number of teachers were training each year. We also need to attract those that have gone abroad. We need clear, concrete managers to come together to solve this issue. Ms Fleming called for a pathway to promotion for all young teachers to allow them to enhance their career, to offer positive working conditions including a work-life balance. We need to recruit teachers who reflect diversity. Former INTO president John Driscoll said: The INTO/IPPN survey last October provides a very revealing snapshot of the crisis. The concentration of vacancies in Dublin highlights the crisis in affordable housing, and also striking is the fact that DEIS, gaelscoileanna and special schools are disproportionately affected. The most vulnerable students are losing out on vital support. In dealing with staff shortages on an ongoing basis, the hard-pressed principal teachers are placed in the position requiring the wisdom of Solomon. INTO deputy general secretary Deirdre OConnor said: The INTO has continuously highlighted the large number of teacher vacancies across Ireland and condemns the continuing failure of the Department of Education to plan for an adequate supply of teachers for primary and special schools. Other countries are incentivising Irelands primary teachers to work overseas, and the Department of Education is failing to convince them that they are valued here. As a result, our most vulnerable pupils are losing out. Mr Driscoll said the Department had to heed our call to recognise the impact of teacher shortages. The INTO said there had been a downgrading of the profession between 2009 and 2013 when allowances for teachers were withdrawn and the heart was ripped from the promotional system has left a damning legacy. Members called on the department in consultation with the INTO ensure that teachers terms and conditions compare favourably with those available internationally to substantially increase the retention of teachers in the country and provide that teachers returning from working abroad have their experience recognised and adequately remunerated. Finland comparison Meanwhile, Foley has insisted the Government is doing everything possible to tackle the teacher recruitment crisis with "specific challenges" posed by Ireland's full employment status as other sectors including hospitality and healthcare also struggle to secure staff. She told the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) conference there were now more than 8,000 extra teachers in classrooms and the Government was examining measures to persuade skilled teachers to return to Ireland from overseas. Ms Foley also expressed concern at the recent surge in deaths on the roads and said careful consideration was being given to putting a greater emphasis on road safety in the classroom. The TUI warned that the education system has been severely underfunded over recent years, with investment in schools here just half the rate of that in Finland. TUI president David Waters urged the minister to urgently address the resources shortfall as schools are already stressed to breaking point. Mr Waters warned that teachers shouldn't continually be expected to overcome chronic underfunding to ensure Ireland remains one of the best education systems in Europe. "We are continually compared to Finland perceived as the paragon of educational virtues," he said. "Yet rarely is there a comparison between how the Finnish government resources education and how the Irish government resources education. "Finland invests just under 7pc of GDP into education each year. We dont even do half that and less than 1pc goes to post primary education. "Despite this chronic underfunding, Ireland continually punches well above its weight in all international metrics because of the quality of its teachers. The recent PISA scores confirmed that the department is getting remarkably good bang for its buck." Ms Foley said staffing issues were being taken very seriously by the Government. "We are a country at full employment so the issues that we face in the education sector are issues that are faced across a variety of other sectors such as hospitality and healthcare." she said. "We have been very proactive in this space of doing everything we can to find new initiatives." She stressed that teaching remained a very attractive and noble profession for young graduates. "The starting pay for a young teacher now will be around 46,000 and that will rise to 85,000 in terms of the pay scale." Education Minister Norma Foley heckled at TUI conference over Gaza "We have 8,000 more teachers in the system and working in the classroom now than we did in 2018. We have lifted a variety of restrictions on teachers that were on career breaks, retired teachers being allowed to come back and support the system. We have benefited enormously from the new pathway that we have provided for student teachers to support the system." She said the Government was working with the education sector in terms of recognition of teacher experience overseas within the context of Irish schools. However, the TUI boss stressed that changes to the school curriculum must be matched by greater investment. "If the aspirations of the new Senior Cycle are to be truly achieved, and we are to create a system that values students of all abilities, and fosters all the talents and skills they possess not just the academic ones then teachers need time to prepare and deliver it. This is what we expect to hear from you Minister, Mr Waters said. "Regardless of anyones lofty ambitions, reality will always win the day. Our pupil-teacher ratio is far too high and teachers class contact time is far too long." "Delivering a new specification, with new resources, through new methodologies, to the high standards we are accustomed to, is not possible when you have 30 students in an inclusive classroom. Perhaps we do need to follow our Finnish brethren and radically reduce class sizes and teachers timetables. Forty minutes of professional time was granted to teachers to resource reform of Junior Cycle." "It is only logical that extensive change at Senior Cycle will need far more than that to have any chance of success." Mr Waters said the workload being foisted on Irish teachers could not continue. "What is currently happening in schools is completely unsustainable. The union has abundant evidence from up and down the country of over-burdened teachers, including principal teachers, and rising rates of burn-out, he said. "We cannot keep making the profession unattractive, by adding swathes of needless bureaucracy and paperwork. We cannot continue to have our members at high and increasing risk for health issues, due to work overload in the education sector. We cannot continue to tear teachers away from their primary goal, teaching, he said. "It is important to state that we are not against change or good, new, innovative ideas, but we are against change for changes sake." Teachers have voted at their unions annual conference to establish a taskforce on faith schooling But during the debate at the INTO gathering in Derry, one teacher told delegates: Id not be a teacher but for the Christian Brothers. Teachers at the meeting had argued that Catholic patronage in the schooling system no longer represented a diverse Ireland. Teacher Ann Marie Collins (34), who was raised Catholic in a Traveller family from Navan, Co Meath, vowed she would support the motion, but said she could not help but admit she owed the Catholic church for helping her realise her dream of teaching. In an unplanned speech, Ms Collins faced the unions Central Executive Committee (CEC) as she said the the Church had indeed helped her, but the system had not. Ms Collins, looked close to tears, as she said: It wasnt my religion that was stopping me from being a teacher, it was the Teaching Council. It was the minimum requirements. I started out at 30-years-old. Id done my Leaving Cert. Id worked in education for years. I had a VTEC level five. I had a Trinity Access Programme level five. I had a degree in occupational therapy and I was told that I was not competent as a primary school teacher by the Teaching Council as I didnt have the Leaving Cert requirements. Thats whats stopping Travellers becoming primary school teachers. Thats whats stopping diversity in the classroom. Not the fact that Im a Catholic. Ms Collins, who is studying for a PhD at Trinity College Dublin, said she had been for the motion to examine the role of religion in schools. But she added: Im just so upset that thats what you actually think. Im so annoyed. I feel we need more time to talk about this. There are 10 Travellers that are teachers that I know of. Talk to them. Ask them about their journeys. Its not just about what religion you are. I would not have become a teacher only for the Christian Brothers in Marino funded me. Id not be a teacher but for the church gave me books to read. We got our money as children from our local parish. She said she would agree with the abolition of the requirement for teachers to hold a religious education certificate so they could teach in denominational schools But Ms Collins said: Right now, I know so many Travellers that want to be teachers. And theyre getting their money from their church, who are going, Yes, you should be a teacher. Delegates voted on a motion on faith formation and school patronage, resulting in the planned establishment of a union taskforce on the issue. While the INTO said it acknowledges the history and that infrastructure and leadership was formed by religious organisations within the education system, there had been a marked sea-change in Irish society. The union stated: Irelands population demographics have shifted. According to Census 2022 data, Roman Catholics accounted for 69pc of the population. This figure was 78.3pc in 2016 and 84.2pc in 2011. Despite this clear trend, only about 150 primary schools in this jurisdiction are multi-denominational. 90pc are Catholic. One teacher, Caroline Moore, took to the stage and diverted from the topic of religious patronage in a controversial moment met by jeers from the crowd. She told delegates the majority of the country was still Catholic, and while she was Presbyterian raised she had taught Catholic students and felt teachers needed to watch whats going on. This Easter, the most important day of the Christian calendar, got hijacked by trans rights, she said. Male and female teachers in the conference hall began to jeer, but she carried on speaking. We had Easter eggs, which became special gesture eggs. We need to be careful about identity politics, she warned. As a result of the motion, the INTO proposes to establish an INTO taskforce on school patronage and to conduct a survey among members on issues relating to religious patronage, including the role of schools in faith formation and their experiences with religious and secular patronage systems. The INTO said it will endeavour to conduct this survey within the next 12 months. The Central Executive Committee will set up a taskforce to examine the survey findings and make public the results with members at next years congress. The union said it would also engage with the primary school patrons and management bodies to remove the requirement for a religious education certificate in order to teach in denominational schools. Tomas OReilly, from the Roscommon north branch of INTO, said: It is the requirement to teach a faith in 94pc of our primary schools, whether you hold those beliefs or not or even whether that faith explicitly ignores or denigrates your personal identity, sexuality or religion. Teachers should have the opportunity to work in an environment that allows them to teach the curriculum and doesnt impose that they must teach faith formation religion, something which should be the duty of the family and the religious or non-religious community of their choice. INTO deputy general secretary Deirdre OConnor said: Teachers, pupils and parents now live in a diverse Ireland. Our schools should reflect the wider school community. Faith formation and religious practice is an understandably emotive and complex issue. Stressful events in middle age are associated with higher levels of beta-amyloid protein in the brain Stressful life events in middle age could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's, according to a study. Researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) assessed 1,290 volunteers who were all cognitively unimpaired at the time of the study but had a direct family history of Alzheimer's. Participants were interviewed by doctors about the number of stressful life events they had experienced, such as the death of a loved one or unemployment. Lumbar punctures and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were then performed to test different biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that the accumulation of stressful events during middle age was associated with higher levels of beta-amyloid protein in the brain, a key marker of Alzheimer's disease. Eleni Palpatzis, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study, said: "We know midlife is a period when Alzheimer's disease pathologies start to build up. It is possible that these years represent a vulnerable period where experiencing psychological stress may have a long-lasting impact on brain health." The team also found that higher levels of stressful experiences in childhood were associated with an increased risk of developing neuroinflammation later in life. According to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, dementia affects around 64,000 people here with the rate forecast to rise to 141,000 by 20250. Previous studies have found that chronic stress and depression could accelerate the onset of the disease. Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, ISGlobal researcher and last author of the study, said: Our results suggest that the mechanisms through which life stressors affect brain health in men and women are different: amyloid protein accumulation in men and brain atrophy in women. Our study reinforces the idea that stress could play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease and provides initial evidence regarding the mechanisms behind this effect, but additional research is needed to replicate and validate our initial findings. This is not your parents Europe. In France, the worlds top wine producer, millions have quit drinking the stuff, many in favour of beer. In Germany, renowned for its efficiency, trains are routinely late or cancelled. In the Netherlands, traditional bastion of moderation and tolerance, a candidate notorious for immoderation and intolerance won a shock election victory. Lee Hockstader Now the 27 nations of the European Union, which accounts for 450 million people and about one-sixth of the global economy, are faced with the prospect of more sweeping change. War, migration, post-pandemic recessions and farmers furious at climate change measures have turbo-charged an accelerating populist advance in much of the EU just as the bloc prepares to elect a new parliament this spring. Add an expected tsunami of deep fakes and disinformation orchestrated by the Kremlin and the stage is set for what might be Europes most disorienting political shift in decades. The underlying test is whether, amid turbulent headwinds, the centre can hold after decades of broad consensus. The EU balloting actually 27 separate elections in each member state to be held from June 6 to 9 will select more than 700 members of the alliances parliament for a five-year term. That body, despite limited powers, retains the ability to obstruct or derail laws and policies that shape lives across the continent. The outcome will determine whether ascendant fringe-right parties banking on a wave of protest votes can shake the EUs steadfast stands against climate change, Russian aggression and the creeping advance of authoritarianism on the continent and elsewhere. If those parties can crack the centrist grip on power, they could trigger seismic political disruptions even as the EUs closest ally, the US, shifts its strategic focus towards Asia. Polling ahead of the elections suggests the centres majority will survive, in diminished form, despite gains by hard-right groups that include Moscow-friendly parties. Those right-wing populists, who generally oppose the EUs integrationist policies and powers, are expected to win in France, Poland, Italy and six other states, according to a recent analysis by the European Council on Foreign Relations. Still, the hard right has over-performed repeatedly, notably in last autumns Dutch elections, in which few anticipated the victory of a long-marginalised anti-immigrant party. The elections are unlikely to impede Europes support for Ukraine, but Russian president Vladimir Putin is playing a long game in Europe. His aim is not just to subvert backing for Kyiv, but to leverage propaganda that inflames the continents neuralgic divisions. And in the EU, he has plenty of openings. In the past six months, French authorities uncovered two vast, Kremlin-directed projects to flood Europe with disinformation before the elections. One, called Portal Kombat, featured nearly 200 websites able to produce disinformation in English, German, French and Spanish. The other, dubbed Doppelganger by Brussels officials, involved more than 1,000 bots on X (formerly Twitter) linked to a Russian-directed network that propagates fake news through phony replicas of Western media sites. Germany, by far the biggest country by population and economic heft, offers a soft target. An unpopular, dysfunctional government has struggled to revive a stagnant economy. Lack of public investment has left infrastructure, including the train system, in tatters. Unhappy Germans, especially a swelling cohort of the elderly, are a key factor in the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Its support hovers at nearly 20pc more than any of the three parties in the governing coalition despite incendiary reports that some of its senior leaders had discussed deporting millions of foreign-born German citizens. The durability of the AfDs popularity, and of other European populist parties riding a wave of outrage over migration, suggests the EU parliament elected this spring will support much tougher measures towards asylum-seekers. That could spell long-term problems on a continent where birthrates are falling, sapping growth prospects for the labour force. A muscular EU raised a 928trn bailout fund to help keep member states solvent during the Covid pandemic. It has led a concerted, if inadequately robust, response to Putins aggression. Staying the course would serve the continents and the Wests best interests. Stevie Nicks sings during a Fleetwood Mac concert at SAP Center at San Jose on Nov. 21, 2018. Jim Gensheimer/Special to The Chronicle BottleRock Napa Valley has announced its daily lineup for this years festival, presenting a series of tough choices for attendees. The Memorial Day weekend event, scheduled for May 24-26 at the Napa Valley Expo, kicks off with its biggest dilemma: Revel in classic FM radio hits with Fleetwood Macs Stevie Nicks, or embrace a hot girl summer with Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Festival gates open daily at noon, with headliners taking the stage at approximately 8 p.m. each day. Megan Thee Stallion at the Outside Lands music festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 13. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle With the set times released on Tuesday, April 2, fans have ample opportunity to strategize their festival experience. More Information BottleRock Napa Valley 2024: 11:30 a.m. May 24-26. Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. www.bottlerocknapavalley.com The lineup for the concerts 11th anniversary in Northern Californias Wine Country also includes Dominic Fike, the Kid Laroi, St. Vincent, Norah Jones, the Offspring, My Morning Jacket, Nelly and T-Pain, among dozens of others. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Beyond the main performances, attendees will have to find time to explore side stages, VIP areas and late-night gigs, plus performances at the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage, which offers a unique blend of cooking demonstrations featuring famous chefs, musicians and celebrities. The BottleRock website and app provide a feature for ticket holders to curate their schedules, easing the challenge of overlapping set times. Dont back away from congestion charges, Eamon Ryan London proves that they work The same arguments that were used against Ken Livingstones schemes are being wheeled out in Ireland but they have been utterly disproven Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has said he does not want to price motorists off the road. Photos used in montage by Peter Macdiarmid/Gerry Mooney Christian Wolmar Wed 3 Apr 2024 at 03:30 It was going to be chaos. Roads would be jammed with traffic avoiding the centre of London. Protesters would set up roadblocks. The police would be overwhelmed. And poorer motorists would be driven to penury. It revolutionised how we travel the globe and brought air travel to the masses. However, Boeing - the world's largest aerospace company - is now trying to navigate a crisis. A number of high-profile accidents have led to major concerns about Boeing aircraft, and whether they are safe to fly on. The collapse in confidence has led passengers and employees to question whether the once-trusted aeroplane manufacturer has put profits ahead of safety. The Boeing 737 Max started flying in March 2017 for a range of airlines. In October 2018, a Boeing 737 Max came down in the Java Sea, shortly after leaving the Indonesian capital Jakarta. All 189 people on board Lion Air flight 610 were killed. Then, in March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crashed soon after take-off from Addis Ababa. The 157 passengers and crew died. The cause of both tragedies was the MCAS software system that effectively wrestled control from the pilots and defeated all their efforts to save the aircraft. It emerged that Boeing had not been transparent about the new software and its implications for pilot training. All Boeing 737 Max aircraft worldwide were grounded for almost two years while modifications were made and tested. Further concerns followed when a door fell off an Alaskan Airlines flight shortly after it took off from Portland, Oregon, in January of this year. This led to a temporary grounding of 737 Max aircraft in the United States. Following the incident, in which none of the passengers or crew were injured, both Alaska and United Airlines reported they had discovered loose parts on some of the aircraft. Today on the Indo Daily, Tabitha Monahan is joined by aviation analyst Alex Macheras, to look at a company that once soared as the greatest innovator in aviation, but now finds itself in freefall. The Pub of the Year award went to Levis Corner House in Ballydehob. Seventeen Cork restaurants and establishments have been named category winners in this years Irish Restaurant Awards Munster regional final. Almost 700 attended the celebration of food and hospitality in Munster on the night, which was held in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney. Jack McCarthy from McCarthy's of Kanturk won the Cork Local Food Hero award, while Rare 1784 in Kinsale received the Innovator of the Year award. Ballymaloe Hotel and Restaurant claimed Best Sustainable Practices, and Ichigo Ichie won Best World Cuisine. Greenwich in Cork scooped Best Cafe, while Da Mirco Osteria Italian Restaurant was honoured with Best Customer Service. The award for Best Wine Experience went to Arthur Maynes Pharmacy. Church Lane claimed Best Newcomer as The Garnish Restaurant at Eccles Hotel and Spa in Glengarriff won Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine. Best Gastropub went to Hamlets Bar and Kitchen in Kinsale, and Elbow Lane Brew and Smokehouse took home the Best Casual Dining award. The Pub of the Year award went to Levis Corner House in Ballydehob, west Cork. Gerard Roche from The Cove Restaurant at Fota Island Resort won the Employee Excellence Award. Terre Restaurant scooped Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant, while Helen Noonan from Bastion received Best Restaurant Manager. Aishling Moore from Goldie won the Best Chef award. Finally the award for Best Restaurant was bestowed upon Dede at the Custom House in Baltimore. Speaking at the event, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland 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. Regional winners across the country will meet again at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin 4, in May, for the prestigious All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner, where the national winners will be announced. Cork Business Association has announced Aaron Mansworth as the newly appointed President of Cork Business Association. Aaron Mansworth is the current Managing Director of Trigon Hotel Group, which operates two hotels in Cork, The Metropole Hotel in the city centre and Cork International Hotel at Cork Airport. He was unanimously elected at the 67th CBA Annual General Meeting, where he identified a number of priorities for his term in office. These include continuing to advocate for an events centre, more housing in the city and for initiatives that bring more tourists and business to the city. "As I step into this role, I am mindful of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and I am committed to ensuring Cork Business Association plays a pivotal role in our citys growth and progress, said Mr Mansworth. It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors, some exceptional business leaders, who have been serving this dynamic and vibrant business community for 67 years. Our new five-year strategy paves the way for exciting changes. Additionally, Dave O'Brien, a tax partner at Quintas, will step into the role of Vice President. Members of CBA extended sincere gratitude towards Kevin J Herlihy for his tenure as President of CBA over the past two years. Kevin's leadership was instrumental in guiding CBA through a comprehensive strategic review, paving the way for a new organisational structure and direction for the next five years, which Aaron will now spearhead, the CBA said. CBA says it supports businesses of all sizes in Cork and represents their interests with decision-making authorities at local and national level. Aaron Mansworths term as President of CBA will last until March 2025. Independent councillor for the Carrigaline Municipal District Marcia DAlton has announced that she will not be running in this years local elections which will take place on Friday, June 7. Ms DAlton who made the announcement on her Facebook account on Tuesday evening, April 2 admitted she had been putting off writing the post for a while. It's time now though, as candidates for the local elections are finalising their leaflets and starting to knock on doors. When the election comes in June, this time my name will not be on the ballot paper. Being your representative both to Cork County Council and as a member of Passage West Town Council has been the most extraordinary honour, she said. The experienced politician said the creativity required to serve as a public representative is varied and awesome. There'd be days when I would mentally stand back, look at the array of topics coming across my desk and literally gasp. I've painted buildings, planted bulbs, swept streets, created businesses, written countless submissions, innumerable funding applications, designed signage, stayed up nights for oral hearings and helped run festivals. With the right attitude, the creativity of this job is awesome. There have been deep and very meaningful insights into some of your lives; to have been allowed there has been an incredible privilege. For someone never interested in politics, I reluctantly gained an understanding of it that I never envisaged possible, she added. Ms DAlton admitted it is time to take a pause from her role as a councillor as her body needs sleep. I don't not want to run again but my gut screams loud that it's time to take a pause. I've given this job all I have and more. My body needs sleep. Although financially we've managed miraculously to date, cost of living has increased so violently that I have to help take the pressure off Rob. There are other reasons too that perhaps I'll have the courage to discuss in posts to come. For now, there is so much to squeeze into the two months that are left. I have no idea what life's path will bring next, admitted Ms DAlton. That's a worry too. The constant presence of this job will cease leaving an unfamiliar gaping void. Cllr DAlton concluded her address by thanking the general public. I am beyond thankful for your friendship, your smiles in the street, your waves when passing in the car, unplanned conversations in unexpected places, your words of encouragement and most of all, your confidence in me. You have buoyed me up when the going was rough and danced with me when the energy was high. That's the essence of community. I am so grateful. Thank you, she added. The figure has many relatives around Duhallow according to a local councillor A mural dedicated to a hugely influential figure in history who saved the lives of over 6,500 Jews during World War II is to be created in the village of Kiskeam A local committee headed by councillor Bernard Moynihan has put plans in place to commemorate the life of Kiskeams most famous son, Monsignor Hugh OFlaherty, who was born in the village in 1898, shortly before his family moved to Killarney. Monsignor OFlaherty was ordained a priest in Rome in 1925 and by the time the German army took control of Italy in 1943, he was running a safehouse and escape route operation for Jews which also served Allied soldiers. After World War II, Monsignor OFlaherty received several honours in recognition of his exploits and he became the first and only Irishman to be inducted by the Vatican into its special "Notary of the Holy Office". Following the war, Monsignor OFlaherty retired to live in Caherciveen in Kerry, where he died in 1963 at the age of 65. He was deemed such an interesting figure that he was played by actor Gregory Peck in the 1983 film The Scarlet and The Black, which depicted OFlahertys life and saw him duelling with the Nazi SS chief in Rome, Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Kappler, who was determined to shut down his operation. Cllr Moynihan told The Corkman that there has always been a desire amongst the people of Kiskeam and the wider Duhallow region to commemorate Monsignor OFlaherty, who has a huge amount of relatives in the north Cork area. He was a hugely influential figure in history as you know, saving over 6,500 lives in World War Two, and Id say thats a conservative estimate, Cllr Moynihan said. Amid such local interest, the Fianna Fail councillor said that the subcommittee and Kiskeam Development Association joined forces this year to get plans for a mural dedicated to the Monsignor over the line. Those involved in the push, including Niall Collins, who is a direct relative of Monsignor OFlaherty, applied to Cork County Council for funding and received 3,000 under the Heritage Fund and gathered another 1,500 through the contributions of locals. Although it is still being decided what form the final mural will take, Cllr Moynihan said that there will be an app developed alongside it to provide information to people who visit it. He said that it is hoped that the development of the mural will contribute to Monsignor OFlaherty, who is already commemorated in the form of a statue in Killarney, being associated with the village he was born in more often. Simon Coveney has been in Cabinet for 13 years and said his decision to step aside was influenced by Fine Gael's need for 'renewal' Fine Gael politicians in Cork have paid tribute to Simon Coveney who announced on Tuesday, April 2 that he is stepping aside as the Minister for Enterprise. The deputy Fine Gael leader informed taoiseach-designate Simon Harris that he does not want to be considered as part of the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle with Mr Harris due to announce his new Cabinet after the Easter recess. Mr Coveneys departure from Cabinet also possibly indicates he will not be running in the next general election, which would be surprising as the TD for Cork South Central recently said that he would be running. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details In a post on X, Mr Coveney said: I spoke to Simon Harris TD to inform him that I would not be making myself available to serve in Cabinet when the Dail resumes next week. Ill continue to work as a proud TD for Cork South Central and will of course actively support the Government in the Dail. The leader of the Fine Gael party grouping in Cork County Council, Cllr John Paul OShea led the political tributes to Mr Coveney. I was very saddened to hear Simon is stepping down from ministerial office. He has been a long standing government minister for many years. He has delivered in spades in many government departments he has led over the years for the benefit of this country. He has also delivered in his role as minister for Cork County and City. I wish him well for the future, he said. Fine Gael TD for Cork East David Stanton expressed his shock at the announcement by Mr Coveney. I was surprised. I think everyone was surprised. He has been at the top in this very intense position for a long time. I can understand his thinking. I served for four years in a Minister for State role and I know what that is like. It is really busy. There is a resetting now at the moment with Leo resigning from the top job. Simon took time over the last while. He seems to have rationalised it out and maybe he wants to look at other stuff, he said. Mr Stanton who announced last year that he will not run in the next general election said stepping down from a ministerial role or deciding not to seek re-election is a personal choice for politicians. I made a decision. It is not an easy decision because I love the job. Im of an age where I wouldnt give my best and I wouldnt have the same level of energy. It is really a personal decision for people to make. A lot of people move jobs. It is not just politicians so I think politicians should also have the right to do that. It is his own personal decision as to what he does along with his family, friends and supporters. He was a good colleague and a good listener, said Mr Stanton about his political colleague. In East Cork we got awful flooding last October and he was very supportive as were a lot of ministers. He was in charge of the business support scheme which was very successful. The reports I got back from people said they were very happy with the way they were treated by the Department and Minister Coveney. He got a lot more money from Cabinet to put into the scheme because the damage was horrific. It is always useful to have a minister in the locality because they know the area and they can maybe influence what decisions are made. If you work with people and you make a case rationally you can actually achieve a certain amount of success. East Cork is growing at a tremendous rate. We need roads upgraded. Coastal erosion is another real concern. You need people to listen to what is happening. Simon was a good listener from that point of view. I wish him well, he added. Ryanairs new service from Cork Airport to Brussels South Charleroi Airport began operating on Sunday, March 31, establishing a direct link between the Belgian capital and the County Capital. The service will operate three times weekly, on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The city of Brussels, along with the surrounding regions of Flanders and Wallonia, will provide additional choice for Irish holidaymakers seeking a weekend city break or an extended holiday. Equally, the route will act as an important link for business travel between both cities. The start of the new Ryanair service between Brussels Charleroi and Cork is very welcome and will undoubtedly make Cork a more attractive destination for business and leisure tourism. Access from the wider Benelux region is key, and our research shows that consumers in this market have a strong affinity and appetite for holidaying in Ireland, said Head of Visit Cork Seamus Heaney. Visit Cork will continue to work closely with Cork Airport and our tourism partners in promoting this service and all that Cork city and county has to offer, he added. Figures from Tourism Ireland show that over 380,000 visitors from Belgium and The Netherlands visited Ireland in 2019. Together with daily services from Amsterdam, the new route from Brussels Charleroi will offer direct air access for Belgian holidaymakers when visiting Ireland, providing an opportunity to explore all that Cork and the south of the country to offer. Last weekend Dunnes Stores marked the 80th anniversary of when the first store opened on March 31, 1944, in Cork city. The brand is Ireland's largest retailer providing fashion, food and homewares. Ben Dunne was born in 1908 in Rostrevor, County Down, and worked hard from a young age, picking berries and helping out in a local butchers. In 1926, he worked as an apprentice draper in Andersons of Drogheda and described this job as the turning point in his life. Dunne initially worked for three months without pay before earning just 50 shillings a week. He travelled the country learning the textiles trade, ending up in Roches Stores, Cork. It was there that he met his wife, Nora. They were to be married 44 years and had six children. While working as a senior buyer for Roches Stores, Dunne left to start to his own business when he was denied a pay rise. On March 31, 1944, Dunne used his savings to open the first-ever Dunnes Stores on Patrick Street in Cork. Word spread quickly through the city of the bargains on offer, with people flooding to the store to buy quality clothing at pre-war prices in what was termed a shopping frenzy. A window was even forced in, and the police had to be called to deal with the eager crowds. The words Better Value were emblazoned across the shop. Following its success, further stores opened around the country during the 1950s, and groceries were introduced in 1960. When the super-store opened on South Great Georges Street in Dublin in 1960, it offered shoppers a chance to browse through the items on racks before making a purchase, a completely new idea in Irish retailing. From the 1970s onwards, Dunnes Stores expanded all across Ireland. Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain and later into Scotland and England. In 1970, Ben Dunne was honoured overseas by the US National Retail Merchants Association as Most Outstanding World Retailer. He passed away on April 14, 1983, in Cork. Everyone who worked with him said he had an instinctive feel for what his customers wanted. Staff remembered him as a bit of a genius who was often tough but always fair. "Anyone could have done what I did but they didnt do it. Thats the only difference, said Ben Dunne. Dunnes Stores currently has 142 stores throughout Ireland, the UK and Spain, employing almost 15,000 people. A motion to roll out autism friendly parking spaces in Cork County is to be sent to the Roads Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) who will liaise with Autism Supporting Diversity Ireland (ASD Ireland) before initiating a planned programme. The motion was brought before a recent full council meeting by Fine Gael councillor Sinead Sheppard. Cllr Sheppard said she has been contacted by numerous parents who are hoping the local authority will implement a similar scheme to the age friendly scheme in Cork County. I feel that local authorities across the board should consider introducing parking spaces for people with hidden disabilities in public places. Simple everyday tasks should as shopping, attending appointments, going to parks or public amenities with kids can be really challenging for people with hidden disabilities like autism, she said. Cllr Sheppard highlighted the successful rollout of autism friendly parking spaces in Dungarvan as a model Cork County Council could replicate. I think that the provision of these hidden disability spaces is something I would like to see permanently introduced. They have introduced this in car parks in Dungarvan that are owned by the council and next to playgrounds that the council are taking care of. The council have been very forward in our age friendly parking and that has been fantastic across the county. I would love to see this autism friendly parking being introduced. It could be introduced as a pilot scheme in Cobh before moving it across the county, suggested Cllr Sheppard. We are trying to be an autism friendly town in Cobh. We are not talking about a huge amount of space. We are talking about one or two spaces within a town centre or next to a playground. In some areas they have done a big yellow sunflower and that would be the sign for a hidden disability. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn proposed sending the motion to the Roads SPC who would take a detailed look at it and come back with a planned programme. Fine Gael councillor John Paul OShea also supported Cllr Sheppards motion. I think the reference to send it off to the Roads SPC would be a good one. If it is being done on public roads or public car spaces there will be an involvement of Cork County Council. It would be good to pilot it in one area and see how it goes. That is what we did with age friendly and that worked out very well in a lot of our towns. Independent councillor Mary Lenihan Foley suggested including schools in the pilot programme. Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie OSullivan provided the councillors with an update. Cork County Council is in the driving seat when it comes to age friendly parking because we are the co-ordinators of age friendly activities for the whole of Cork County. We are not the co-ordinators or delivery mechanism either for the hidden disability type services. I have no problem with us piloting something like this but it would have to be in partnership with Autism Supporting Diversity Ireland because they would be the drivers. They would have to have the approval and partnership of ourselves doing it. We would be more than willing to look at it with them, but we wont be the drivers. If we can get them on board we would happily look at this and try and achieve it, she added. I am happy for it to go to the SPC, declared Cllr Sheppard. We will go from there. I have made contact with ASD Ireland and I will continue to make contact with them. Over the weekend, Green Day shared an AI-generated video of former U.S. presidents clamoring for tickets to their climate benefit concert at the Fillmore on Tuesday, April 2. Chris Pizzello/Associated Press Green Day fans scrambling to find a ticket to the East Bay punk rock trios intimate benefit concert in San Francisco arent alone. Even President Joe Biden couldnt snag tickets at least, according to a cheeky AI-generated video posted to the bands Instagram. Are you fing kidding me? I logged on right at noon and was 8,000 in the queue, Biden said in the video. Not even a chance. More Information Green Day Mini Global Climate Concert: 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2. $65. The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F. 415-346-3000. livenation.com Green Days Saviors tour: 5:30 p.m. Sept. 20. $93-$1,688. Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, S.F. 415-972-2000. www.ticketmaster.com The clip features deepfake versions of Biden and former U.S. presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama engaged in F-bomb-laced dialogue, bickering about scoring tickets to the event on Tuesday, April 2, at Fillmore in partnership with the United Nations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You better pray that I dont get tickets because Im making a beeline straight for you in the pit, Donnie boy, Biden says to Trump in the video, which was posted over the weekend to promote the show. You have no idea what a pit even is, Trump snaps back. Ive been seeing Green Day since 95. Breaking up the argument, Obama chimes in, pointing out that someones selling one on Craigslist for $1,000. The video concludes just after Trump identifies the culprit: George W. Bush, another former president who the band famously criticized throughout their 2004 album American Idiot. Tre Cool of Green Day Michaela Vatcheva/Special to The Chronicle Tickets for the sold-out concert, co-hosted by the Recording Academy, originally hit the market for $65. Proceeds benefit the United Nations human rights offices climate justice initiatives and a MusiCares climate fund that assists artists affected by climate change. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The facility will boost the number of people employed by the company in the area, according to a local councillor A Kanturk-Mallow councillor has welcomed a grant of conditional planning permission for a new processing facility that will be a major source of employment in Boherbue. Councillor Bernard Moynihan told The Corkman that he is delighted that Ingredient Solutions Ltd, a cheese manufacturer based in the locality, has received permission for the construction of a new industrial building for cheese portioning and packaging at a site in Gneeves, just west of Boherbue. This plant will involve an investment of 14 million euro and will be high-tech utilising the maximum amount of solar power, Cllr Moynihan said. The planning application was hugely helped by the fact that the existing sewer [in Boherbue] had been upgraded at a cost of five million euro, he said. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details According to the councillor, construction of the facility will begin in May and once it is operating it could employ many more people than the 80 to 100 full-time workers the company currently employs in the area. As part of the planning grant, permission has also been approved for ancillary office accommodation, plant and electrical substation rooms and a storm water network. A foul water network, staff carparking and bike stands, signage and a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance from the R577 has also been approved by the county council. The planning application proposing the development on behalf of Ingredients Solutions Ltd was received by Cork County Council on October 27 last year and the applicant responded to a request for further information on it on February 5 of this year. The proposed investment will cement a business within a rural setting where local employment is critical to the function and sustainability of local business within the town, it said in its initial application documents. County planners granted conditional permission for the development on April 2, with conditions for the developments construction yet to be published. According to its planning application, Ingredient Solutions Ltd was established in Boherbue in 2000 and was purchased in 2021 by company Rupp Cheese, the largest cheese manufacturing company in Austria which has plants across Europe and Asia. There is a crash on the M50 northbound in Dublin this morning which may cause delays. Its in the middle lane between Junction 13, Dundrum, and Junction 12, Firhouse. There is a seperate crash on the M50 northbound at the top of the slip road to Junction 4, Ballymun, heading to the 3108. Traffic is currently using the raised bicycle lane to pass and motorists are being advised to take caution of cyclists in the area. More to follow Today's News in 90 seconds - 3rd April 2024 Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.Alex Grassick, Kerry County Council, Climate Action Program. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and commerce are planning to be the first town in Ireland to provide community-wide energy monitoring, solar generation and benchmarking. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel. Bridget O'Keeffe, Chief Executive Killarney Chamber. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel. Chris Austin, INUA, Climate Action Program. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel. Aileen Deasy, Failte Ireland Climate Action Program. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel. Aidan McDonnell, Acutrace, Energy Measurement. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel, Louise Byrne, Sustainable Manager, Killarney Park Hotel, Kevin Leahy, The Black Sheep Hostel, UNESCO Biosphere Officer, Brendan Kirwan. Photo Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and commerce are planning to be the first town in Ireland to provide community-wide energy monitoring, solar generation and benchmarking. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel, Guest Speakers and committee members, were from left, Chris Austin, INUA, Ann Courtney, Chamber Sustainable Committee, Mike Stack, Tricel and Chair Sustainable Committee, Bridget O'Keeffe, Chief Executive, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Aileen Deacy, Failte Ireland, Marcus Treacy, Chamber Sustainable Committee, Aidan McDonnell, Acutrace, Alex Grassick, Kerry County Council, Tom Randles, Chamber Sustainable Committee. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and commerce are planning to be the first town in Ireland to provide community-wide energy monitoring, solar generation and benchmarking. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel, Paul O'Neill, ODR Hotels, Ann Courtney, Chamber Sustainable Committee, Mike Stack, Tricel and Chair Sustainable Committee. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.Mike Stack, Tricel, Killarney Chamber Sustainable Committee. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney town has been chosen to be the first hub for the new Climate Action Programme launched by Failte Ireland. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and commerce are planning to be the first town in Ireland to provide community-wide energy monitoring, solar generation and benchmarking. At an information evening at the Killarney Avenue Hotel, Kieran O'Donoghue, left, Conor O'Sullivan, Energitec, Pat O'Leary, Discover Kerry, Conor Hennigan, Tourism Consultant. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. Killarney won't be found sitting on its laurels when it comes to future proofing the tourist destination with the launch of its climate action programme this week. In light of the global threat the town is aiming to play their part in ensuring that they are ready for what lie ahead. Tricel managing director, Mike Stack, is spearheading a Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce sub-committee on sustainability which is aimed at trying to make Killarney the most sustainable town in Ireland with a number of projects already up and running. This is Kerry Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Kerry newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Mr Stack said his involvement with the Chamber is aimed at trying to make Killarney the most sustainable town in the country and there are a number of projects already underway. We are trying to build on the success of the wonderful coffee cups initiative which really showed what a town can do when people get together and decide to drive on and do something, the Tricel managing director said. Other issues being explored include the provision of more electric charging points in the town and addressing issues like food waste and an application for capital has been submitted to Kerry County Council to help all interested businesses to start the sustainability programme. Climate change is happening. Theres no more time to be waiting and saying Im going to do something this year or the year after we have to get at it straight away, Mr Stack said. A public meeting heard that there is a plan to make Killarney a sustainable destination by bringing about carbon and cost reductions. It is seeking to be the first town to provide community-wide energy monitoring, information and benchmarking and become Irelands most electric vehicle charge destination Kerry County Councils climate action coordinator, Alex Grassick, told the meeting that the local authority has adopted a five-year climate action plan which looks at a variety of actions that can be taken across the county to meet internal targets and to support external sectors. In 2020, the council had a target of 33 per cent improvement in energy efficiency and it exceeded that by 10 per cent. Mr Grassick said the most important action is to identify the areas to concentrate on in terms of energy savings as if its not measured then its not managed. On a global scale, every month from last June to February of this year has been the warmest month on record and in the last eight months weve had more rainfall in Ireland than weve ever had so there are changes there and we can all see them, he said. Failte Ireland unveiled its climate action programme at the meeting held in the Killarney Avenue Hotel which was attended by over 70 local business interests Mr Stack outlined how his family run business is reacting to the climate challenge and they opted to go down the solar route a few years back by installing 784kw of solar panels on the roof of the factory buildings and plant at Tiernaboul. He said this is a route many businesses could go follow as well. Failte Ireland, which is leading the initiative, will enhance its strategic supports under a new business resilience framework which will provide a tailored package of supports to businesses focused on building commercial and financial resilience. The three-step programme encourages businesses to evaluate where they are currently at and make a commitment to implementing a sustainability goal, develop a bespoke plan designed to reduce their carbon footprint and implement the plan by assigning roles and outlining clear priorities and actions. Every business that signs up to the sustainability plan is assigned an advisor by Failte Ireland who can provide reassuring and empowering advice and insights and the programme will be tailored and relevant to suit individual businesses regardless of where they are on the climate action journey. The meeting heard that tackling climate change is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing businesses with rising costs impacting the sector. Reducing carbon emissions is a smart way to save money and boost a reputation as a sustainable tourism business. Longford woman Sarah McNally was fatally stabbed in New York at the weekend Residents in Longford have told of their shock and dismay at news the former boyfriend of local woman Sarah McNally has been charged with her murder. Marcin Pieciak (36) was arrested and charged by New York detectives on Monday after Ms McNally was fatally stabbed inside the doors of The Ceili House pub, where she worked, in Maspeth, Queens, on Saturday evening. Survey is part of their work with County Louth Volunteering Framework Louth Volunteer Centre has launched a research survey as part of their work with County Louth Volunteering Framework, and are asking people to take part online. The County Louth Volunteering Framework, published in 2021, was informed by an in-depth consultation process involving over 350 people across Louth. This framework document is the first of its kind at the County level in Ireland and will help shape policy and resources in relation to volunteering in County Louth in the coming years. As part of the work being carried out by the implementation group for the framework Louth Volunteer Centre has commissioned a piece of research to be carried out focusing on the volunteer activity currently happening in Louth. The survey looks at recruitment of volunteers, barriers volunteers may face and supports that can help people get involved in volunteering. Minister Joe O'Brien with the County Louth Volunteering Framework, published in 2021. Across County Louth, volunteering plays an important part in active citizenship, strengthening our local communities through connection of friendship, often making a real difference in other people's lives. This research survey will be hugely beneficial in gathering feedback that will facilitate the work of Louth Volunteer Centre in supporting volunteer organisations and those who want to make a difference in their community through volunteering, says Richard Hanlon, Chair of the Board for Louth Volunteer Centre. We are very excited in Louth Volunteer Centre to be able to carry out this piece of research. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to get a better understanding of volunteering in Louth, particularly the barriers faced by people when it comes to getting involved in volunteering and what supports Louth Volunteer Centre can put in place to support local volunteer-involving organisations and people interested in volunteering to get involved says Olivia Conlon, Interim Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre. Louth Volunteer Centre would encourage everyone to complete the survey and have their say about volunteering in County Louth. You can take the survey now by visiting the website volunteerlouth.ie anyone who completes the survey can enter a draw for a chance to win a 100 One for All voucher. Dundalk councillor Emma Coffey has criticised Uisce Eireann for failing to answer her questions about alarms sounding at Dundalks Waste Water Treatment Plant at Soldiers Point. The Fianna Fail councillor had initially raised the issue at the March meeting of Louth County Council, saying that she had been notified of an alarm going off at the plant by a concerned resident. She had highlighted her frustration in attempting to get a response from Uisce Eireann, formerly Irish Water. She told the Dundalk Municipal District meeting on Tuesday night that she still hasnt received a response and that the response issued to the media hadnt addressed any of her concerns or queries. The company had said that it was investigating the complaints from residents and councillors and that the fire and intruder alarms at the plant are regularly serviced. It also added that there were no operational issues or compliance failures at the plant. However, Cllr Coffey said the response didnt address the issues she had raised. "It was a statement, but it didn't actually address the issues I raised, namely why an alarm was going off for the full weekend. It might have gone off for 15 minutes, it might have paused for five minutes - but then it restarted. "Nothing was done, she complained, adding that she still doesnt know if this was an intruder alarm, a fire alarm or an operational alarm. "They said there was no operational issue but I dont know if that is in reference to my grievance. She noted that Louth County Council has no legal obligations regarding the monitoring of the plant as thats the responsibility of Irish Water, If there was a failure at the plant it would have a big impact. She wanted to know who Uisce Eireann is accountable to, noting that the ESB is accountable to the Regulatory Commission. Senior Engineer Mark Johnson said that the Council no longer has any role in regards to the plant and has to go through the helpline same as the councillors. A number of Leitrim GAA fans who engaged in anti-social behaviour on the train home from last weekends league final in Croke Park were cautioned by Gardai. Gardai were called to the 7.19pm Dublin to Sligo train on Saturday evening, March 30, 2024 in Edgeworthstown in County Longford, due to a number of disturbances on the train. The train was delayed until 8.10pm to facilitate bringing supporters back home from the Leitrim GAA final against Laois in Croke Park. It is understood a group of Leitrim GAA fans onboard the train engaged in anti social behaviour and pulled the emergency stop which resulted in the train being forced to stop a number of times. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook There were also complaints off alcohol consumption and overcrowding on the train. When the train finally arrived into Sligo after 1am, it was almost two hours late as it had departed Edgeworthstown 109 minutes late. One passenger on the train told Ocean FM that they got off the train in Edgeworthstown because they did not feel safe onboard and had to get their mother to come from Sligo to take them home. They said what should have been a rare and enjoyable day for Leitrim fans turned out to be a nightmare for many people on the train. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana confirmed they attended the station in Edgeworthstown following reports of anti-social behaviour. "Gardai were alerted to reports of anti-social behaviour on a train and attended at Edgeworthstown station on Saturday night, March 30, 2024. A caution was administered to passengers on board. "No offences were disclosed. Iarnrod Eireann apologised to customers who were affected by the incident and the delay. A spokesperson explained, The 19:15 Connolly Sligo was deferred to facilitate those attending the Leitrim match at Croke Park until 20:10. The Gardai were called at Edgeworthstown as there was a group of people engaging in anti-social behaviour. "The Gardai arrived but my understanding is that it was difficult for them establish who were the perpetrators, so nobody was removed from the train It departed Edgeworthstown 109mins late. We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this delay caused and appeal to all customers not to engage in anti-social behaviour. A united Ireland is firmly on the table according to Sinn Fein councillor Arthur Gibbons who was addressing the partys annual Easter 1916 Commemoration at Sligo Cemetery on Easter Sunday. He said: Friends, seismic generational change is underway in Ireland. The old certainties are collapsing. A new chapter of Irish history is being written. The change is real, and is happening in real time. It must be grasped bravely with both hands. The achievement of a new Ireland can happen in our time. Ireland - united and free - finally taking its rightful place amongst the nations of the world. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details More and more people are now seriously considering the future and the shape of constitutional change and friends, the reunification of Ireland is firmly on the table. I believe that referendum on Irish Unity can take place before the end of this decade. But that means starting to prepare and plan now. There is no time for delay. The Irish government must establish a Citizens Assembly to plan for Irish Unity, an Assembly where everyone is welcome, everyone is included, and everyone gets to share their ideas, their hopes, and their ambitions. On February the 3rd , Michelle ONeill, vice president of Sinn Fein, a republican woman from Co. Tyrone took up the office of First Minister. The first Irish republican First Minister in the North, this is a huge significant milestone in the history of this island. The Executive now needs to work hard every day, for all the people of the North and to deliver on the issues affecting people from all communities. Its time now for political leaders - nationalist and unionist, working together - to grasp the opportunity to build peace, prosperity and reconciliation. The Executive faces real and fundamental challenges - not least the fact that the British Tory government continues to starve the North of the finances to deliver basic public services.This further demonstrates in the clearest way possible why we need to govern ourselves In the south, this appetite for change is all around us. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael - these parties have passed power between each other for over a century but their time is coming to an end. A new generation demanding change is stepping forward. This is a tired government, running out of road. And that was made clear last week, when Leo Varadkar said he was not up for the job and wanted out. Instead of going to the people, they are doing all they can to avoid an election. Simon Harris does not represent change. He has sat around the cabinet table for the past eight years while the biggest housing crisis the State has ever seen looms. The fact is that housing is out of reach because this government is out of touch. If they are confident in their record, put it to the people, and let the public decide who becomes Taoiseach. Call an election now. Sinn Fein wants to be in government. We want to lead government. A government that transforms our health service. A government that builds homes. A government that puts Irish reunification at the heart of its agenda. That is our ambition. This year Local and European elections will take place on June 7th if we want change you have to vote for it. Sinn Fein are running the biggest ever number of candidates in the local elections, here in Sligo along with myself contesting Sligo/Strandhill will be Pauline Donnelly, Sligo DrumcliffeCllr, Thomas Healy, Ballymote Tubbercurry District, Donal OConnor, Jason Gorman and Jennifer Van Aswegen. In the European elections we have first class candidates, Chris MacManus MEP & Michelle Gildernew just to mention Two who will stand up for Ireland in Europe; defend Irelands military neutrality; seek to end Ursula Von Der Leyens damaging leadership of the EU; and oppose the drift of the EU towards militarisation. As republicans who want change you have a role to play you need to get involved, work along with your local and European Candidates, if we truly want success there is a part for each and everyone of you to play, I am asking that over the next 10 weeks be part of promoting and achieving this vision. Cllr Gibbons also spoke about the situation in Gaza. Sinn Fein has stood unequivocally with the people of Gaza At home, and within the EU Institutions we have raised the obscenity of the Gaza genocide and called for the efforts of all political leaders to be directed towards an immediate ceasefire. Sinn Fein has called on the Irish Government to support South Africas case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. At the 73rd Labour Party conference held in Dublin the retiring Chairman of the Sligo-Leitrim Constituency Party, Hugh MacConville was awarded a long-service award by Labour Party leader, Ivana Bacik. Addressing conference ahead of the award Duncan Smith TD, Labours spokesperson on Disability, Transport and Communications spoke about how Hugh had been active in left-wing politics since the 1960s, particularly around the issues of housing, homelessness and evictions. Hugh commented: It is disturbing to think that the issues that brought me into politics six decades ago continue to plague this country and hold it back from achieving its potential. In the 60s, 70s and 80s Ireland was a poor country, and we were experiencing a war in the North. With membership of the European Common Market, and eventual peace and increased co-operation between North and South and the two Islands we have experienced fabulous prosperity. According to Keynesian economic theory, the period following the Financial Crash should have been used to ramp up house building and to train unemployed people to work in the trades. Government should have borrowed to spend. Instead, house building virtually ceased, training and work opportunities ground to a halt and we lost many of our most talented tradespeople. The two main parties who have dominated each Government since the foundation of the State, continue to direct economic policy and blindly follow a neo-liberal economic model which resulted in rapid order, a collapse in house prices, a loss of a skilled workforce, followed by housing shortages, record homelessness and an explosion in house prices. I was honoured to receive this long-service award from a political party which recognises the seriousness of this issue, and the centrality that housing policy plays in any civilised social democracy. Elena Kadvany has been a reporter on the Chronicles Food & Wine team since 2021. She covers the ins and outs of the Bay Area food industry, from breaking news about the latest restaurant openings to investigative stories into wage theft and workers rights. In 2024, her food writing portfolio won second place in the Society for Features Journalism Excellence-in-Features awards. Previously, she covered restaurants and education for the Palo Alto Weekly; her work has also been published in Bon Appetit and the Guardian, and her reporting has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association. She can be reached at Elena.Kadvany@sfchronicle.com. But Marian Harkin will not be backing the Fine Gael leader Sligo/Leitrim Independent TD Marc MacSharry has been outlining the reasons why he will be voting for Simon Harris as Taoiseach next Tuesday. Apart from Deputy Harriss positive attitude towards the recent merger of ATU Sligo and St Angelas College, the Minister for Further and Higher Education will bring a freshness to the challenging role, according to Deputy MacSharry. In confirming his support for Mr Harris, Deputy MacSharry told The Sligo Champion: I will be voting for him as basically over the course of the attempted amalgamation of St Angelas College with the ATU-the original trajectory of that was very much heading to NUIG and a solidifying of that relationship. I believed and a lot of the staff believed that was the wrong trajectory with a danger that NUIG would strip St Angelas of its academic prowess for its own good. So we started a process to change that direction and get St Angelas to merge with Sligo IT and ultimately with the ATU. Minister Harris was hugely receptive to us and over-ruled officials which very rarely happens nowadays and he worked closely with me and others in making it happen. That is the first basis of my support and secondly with two elections and a referendum imminent that is enough for this year and I believe that the Oireachtas and the government need to urgently focus on the misalignment of policy, on our housing emergency, on health, and on immigration which will come soon enough in the early spring of next year. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details When asked for an assessment of Simon Harris, Deputy MacSharry said he had originally come into Leinster House as a Parliamentary Assistant to then Minister Frances Fitzgerald. He was always a very courteous and focused individual. When I monitored him on the various trips to Sligo in the various ministerial posts that he has held, what has struck me is how pleasant and engaged he is when he is speaking to people no matter who that person is. I also found that if I was putting in a request to his department, or looking to speak with him or ask a question-while it might not be the answer I wanted, he was much more responsive than other ministers from any party. He added: There would be much that I would disagree with Minister Harris and there are quite a few matters between now and the General Election where I would have an alternative view to the government. But I have always taken the view that five year terms are enough in politics but an election every eighteen months is not good. Once an election is called no work will be done for six months I believe we will have an election early next spring. When asked what Minister Harris will bring to the job, Deputy MacSharry said: Well, when you see Simon Coveney stepping aside and others of a similar view, I think he is likely to bring a freshness when you consider the staleness in my own former home in Fianna Fail at national level. He will probably be able to make changes and I think that all parties need to embrace an element of change from time to time otherwise people at the top become institutionalised and I have seen that across the board. But the new Taoiseach faces a number of considerable challenges. Look, because of the tone deafness of the entire political system when it comes to a policy on immigration and how we are handling it raises questions. We have a housing crisis and our ambivalence towards it has yet to be determined and has led people to be totally distrusting of the political system and are moving away from political parties towards Independents. As things stand, I think Independents will be the big winners in the next General Election. However, Mr Harris now has a chance to freshen up Fine Gael as other established parties are suffering from staleness too and that includes Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein and Labour. Meanwhile Sligo/Leitrims other Independent TD Marian Harkin said she would not be voting for Simon Harris as Taoiseach as she believes there will be a General Election in October so his accession will make no difference to the country. Deputy Harkin said she had already called for a General Election in the Dail sooner rather than later. I wont be supporting Simon and no matter what happen. They are talking about a year to a General Election. At the latest the Dail has to be dissolved by February 19 and that is ten months. Everyone is saying that Mr Harris has a year until the Dail is dissolved. At present we will have local, European elections and a referendum already this year sot that is where all the energy will be. We are only back from that when we are into the summer break and then we are into the budget. Simon Harris has work to do with his own party and I understand that, but in my view that is not what the country needs. Is he going to change the programme for government and you hear a lot about Fine Gael going back to basics and that is fine but you dont do that on the peoples time. She added: If he is to be our new Taoiseach what is to be our direction and what is it? In my view there is no time for anything and now we see that Simon Coveney is not going to take a Ministers post so we will have ministers who will barely have their feet under the table. Marian Harkin. When it is suggested that Mr Harris is in an impossible situation Deputy Harkin said this was the making of his former leader Leo Varadker who stood down late last month. He walked and he left Simon Harris in that position but at a personal level I found him approachable and I worked with him on the merger between St Angelas and the ATU. And you could work with him but Fine Gael now need to go to the country. They have been in power now since 2011 and they need to stand on their record at this point in time and not going back to basics. Simon Harris is trying to stabilise the party but we what we need now in the country is a General Election in October. she said. A crowd attended a parade ceremony in New Ross in memory of Michael OHanrahan on Holy Thursday. Sinn Fein Local election candidate Kayley Goodison said the event was a celebration of a local hero. New Ross has been doing this for a long time. It went really well, with over 30 people attending. A parade was held on South Street, with a ceremony at Pearse Park, where Laurence Murray sang Grace and Aidan Murray read the Proclamation of the Republic. Goodison gave an outline of OHanrahans life, from being born in New Ross in 1877. The family moved to Carlow where Michael was educated. This is Wexford Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wexford newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Michael or Micheal O hAnnrachain as he preferred to be called moved to Dublin in 1903, working as a freelance journalist for various nationalist newspapers, including Sinn Fein and the Irish Volunteer. He also wrote two historical novels of some literary merit: Meanwhile, he was an active member of the Gaelic League, and joined Sinn Fein and was also sworn into the Irish Republican Brotherhood. He joined the Irish Volunteers on their formation in November 1913, later being employed as an administrator on the headquarters staff at 2 Dawson Street. He became quartermastergeneral of the 2nd Battalion of which Thomas MacDonagh was commandant. He and MacDonagh enjoyed a close friendship arising from their shared interest in writing and literature. In the Rising, OHanrahan served in Jacobs biscuit factory where he was third in command under MacDonagh and Major John MacBride. He was taken into custody following the surrender of the Jacobs garrison on Sunday, April 30. He was tried by court-martial and executed on May 4, 1916. His brother Henry, who was with him in Jacobs, was likewise sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Goodison described OHanrahans organisational skills and said he suggested the name Sinn Fein for a party free from British authority. At the ceremony the New Ross roll of honour of people killed during the conflict with the British was read by Erin Waters. Anya Taylor-Joy is best known for roles in films such as Last Night In Soho and Emma (Doug Peters/PA) Actress Anya Taylor-Joy has confirmed she secretly married her partner Malcolm McRae two years ago in a ceremony in New Orleans. The Queens Gambit star, 27, shared previously unseen photos from the big day in 2022, including anatomically correct cakes shaped like human hearts, complete with pools of blood. She wrote: Two years ago, on April Fools, I secretly married my best friend in New Orleans. The magic of that day is ingrained in every cell of my being, forever. Happy second ( first ) anniversary my love youre the coolest. N.B yes, those are anatomically correct heart cakes. Yes, I am the vampire Lestat. She added that her Dior wedding dress, embellished with hummingbirds and thistles, was beautifully embroidered with our love story. Model Cara Delevingne, who is currently starring in the West End production of Cabaret, was among the guests at the wedding, the photos reveal. A video shows the actress covering her face with her veil in front of a backdrop covered with candles. US musician McRae, frontman of the rock band More, shared his own photos from the day and wrote: I love you now and somehow I always have and somehow it will never end. Happy two year anniversary (yesterday), beautiful. It was rumoured the couple had tied the knot in October 2023, when photos emerged of a celebration in Italy, which was reported to be their wedding. Photos from their Italian event show Taylor-Joy apparently wearing the same dress seen in pictures from the New Orleans ceremony. Taylor-Joy, who was born in the US but moved to London at the age of six, where she went to school, is best known for her roles in films such as The Witch, Last Night In Soho and Emma. She will next be seen in Mad Max spin-off Furiosa. During the firms buoyant 2023, the companys cash funds increased from 338,424 to 461,661 while the amount owed to the firm by debtors rose from 787,636 to 1m. Accumulated profits at the media firm owned by Late Late Show host, Patrick Kielty surged last year to 1.37m (1.6m) - before the comedian got the plum RTE presenters job. The jump in accumulated profits at Kieltys Boxed Productions followed the firm recording post tax profits of 234,649 (274,004) for the 12 months to the end of March last - before the comedian and actor was unveiled as the Late Late Show host role in May. In accounts lodged with Companies House in the UK, they show that accumulated profits increased from 1.136m to 1.37m. The 234,649 profit for last year is almost a six fold increase on the 41,379 post tax profits recorded by Kieltys Boxed Productions Ltd in the 12 months to the end of March 2022. During the firms buoyant 2023, the companys cash funds increased from 338,424 to 461,661 while the amount owed to the firm by debtors rose from 787,636 to 1m. Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty was the grand marshal of the Dublin St Patrick's Day parade Numbers employed by the firm increased from two to three last year. As the firm is a small company, it is not required to disclose annual revenues, directors pay or staff costs. Kielty from Dundrum, Co Down is being paid 250,000 per the 30-show Late Late Show season after commencing the role last September. The contract allowed the 53-year old Kielty to submit his flight and accommodation expenses but he confirmed last June that he waived these costs. Kielty is only the fourth host to present the Late Late Show following on from Ryan Tubridy, Pat Kenny and the late Gay Byrne. Following the May announcement, Kielty said he was absolutely thrilled to be its next host and said it was a real honour to follow in the footsteps of former hosts Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Ryan Tubridy. He said: Im also genuinely humbled to become part of Friday nights for so many Irish people, at home and around the world." Kieltys first Late Late Toy Show was a record-breaking broadcast and was watched over 1.7m times, including catch-up viewing, making it the most-watched programme of 2023 here. The presenters much anticipated Late Late Show debut in September had an average of 830,000 people and had a further 158,000 streams on the RTE Player. Prior to securing the Late Late Show role, Kielty was a popular face on UK TV and has presented shows on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 including Fame Academy, Love Island and Stand Up for the Week. Kielty began stand up whilst studying psychology at Queen's University Belfast. LATEST | Killing of seven aid workers in Gaza airstrike condemned as Israel claims target misidentified US president Joe Biden expresses outrage at airstrike on convoy of workers who had been delivering food aid as famine sets in Photos issued by World Central Kitchen of its staff killed by Israeli airstrikes (top row left to right) Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, Australian national Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, Polish national Damian Sobol, American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger and Britons (bottom row left to right) John Chapman, James "Jim" Henderson and James Kirby. Image: PA Rhiannon James Wed 3 Apr 2024 at 09:05 Seven aid workers who were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza will be remembered as heroes, the charitys chief executive has said. Videos Twenty years on from the killing of John Frog Ward by farmer Padraig Nally the tragic events of that day still cast a shadow over the lives of many Botswana has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in an escalating row over the importation of hunting trophies. The dispute began earlier this year when Germany's Environment Ministry, citing concerns about poaching, suggested imposing stricter limits on the import of hunting trophies. Germany is the EUs chief importer of African elephant trophies, according to a 2021 report by the Humane Society International. A 12-year-old student suspected of fatally shooting a classmate and wounding two others in Finland told police that he was bullied at school, officials said, as a nation shocked by the attack held a day of mourning. The suspect, who attended the school in the city of Vantaa, just outside Helsinki, was apprehended less than an hour following the shooting on Tuesday morning. Emergency crews stand on the rubble after an Israeli airstrike destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus, Syria. Photo: AP The European Union on Wednesday condemned an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 1 that killed seven people and called on countries in the region to show restraint. Iran blamed Israel for the attack, which killed two of its generals and five military advisers at its embassy compound in Damascus. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike, one of the most significant yet on Iranian interests in Syria. Seaborne aid for the population of Gaza is returning to Cyprus following the killing of seven aid workers of World Central Kitchen, Cypriot officials said yesterday, after the US-based charity said it would pause work in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Students protest against banning critical race theory in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in 2022. Such bans could further limit education about immigrants. Leonard Ortiz/Orange County Register 2022 When it comes to immigration, this country is facing a dangerous and rapidly growing threat. However, the threat is not what is depicted in most media coverage. Its not related to jobs in this country, the safety of our citizens or even the caravans of people flooding the U.S.-Mexico border. Instead, this threat has humbler roots: its in our classrooms, and its causing us to view immigrants through a warped and distorted lens. Despite the integral roles they play in nearly every aspect of American life, immigrants are relegated to minimal coverage in kindergarten through 12-grade curriculum. Perhaps worse, the few instances that students do learn about immigrants, they are primarily depicted as a part of our past. From the moment children enter kindergarten until they graduate 13 years later, students will primarily learn about immigrants fleetingly in U.S. and world history. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The HistorySocial Science Content Standards for California Public Schools, for example, mentions immigration and immigrants only 21 times across the K-12 framework. A third of those instances show up in 11th grade U.S. history and include a focus on industrialization, the Immigration Act of 1965 and the expanding religious pluralism that resulted from large-scale immigration in the twentieth century. These are important topics, but alone, they paint a picture of immigration as something in our hazy yester-year rather than acknowledging a diverse present and future. Aside from being an inaccurate portrayal of current immigration trends, this curriculum causes harm. When students come to understand immigration as exclusively a topic in the past, immigrants become grossly misunderstood and seen as exceptions to American exceptionalism. Because immigrants are not treated as living, breathing humans in schools, it is easy to foment disdain toward them. Scholarship on immigrant youth experiences in schools demonstrates how feelings of exclusion are experienced by students during their K-12 schooling and persist the rest of their lives. It is little wonder, then, that the leading Democratic and Republican presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump have relied on xenophobic and dehumanizing language in recent weeks. Trump has made calling immigrants animals a cornerstone of his campaign. President Biden notably referred to an illegal during his State of the Union address. Biden has since expressed regret for the phase, but the language intentional or not demonstrates the lasting effects of learning to think of immigrants as inhuman in the present moment. Such bipartisan vagaries are made possible by a curriculum that renders immigrants either invisible or as unwelcome outsiders. Californias demographics highlight the mismatch between politicized xenophobia and the reality of immigrant life today. Recent data from the Public Policy Institute of California shows that nearly a third of Californias population is foreign born and that half of the states children have an immigrant parent. It takes simply looking at an elementary schools morning drop-off in the Bay Area to be reminded that immigrants are not a blip in Americas history. They are thriving and present. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Placing narratives of immigration solely in Americas past is only one way that schools mitigate understanding who immigrants are. If immigrants are given short shrift in social studies contexts, they are all but invisible in other subject areas. Further, many transnational youth come into this country speaking multiple languages. However, instead of celebrating the linguistic variety of our newcomer students, schools often frame multilingualism as a deficit. Placing the English learner label on these students can have deleterious effects on their long-term learning opportunities. At seemingly every turn in a childs education in this country, immigrants are cast to the dustbins of our history, framed as a linguistic inconvenience or ignored entirely. As a result, it is little wonder that our politicians are quick to cast immigrants in disparaging and dehumanizing light. Sure, California may offer some relief for immigrant hardship, like access to Medi-Cal. However, until we treat immigrants as an integral and active part of our society, our paltry policy solutions are inadequate Band-Aids for a festering social wound. Dehumanizing immigrants and erasing their present, positive contributions to this country can lead to violence and to cruel legislation. But there is a solution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 Just as this is a quagmire of educational origins, so too might we work toward new forms of learning and instruction. English classrooms, for example, could be the spaces for developing empathy. Students could explore the rich tapestry of literature woven from immigrant narratives. Additionally, the diversity of immigrant voices that shape schools right now including teachers, students and parents could be drawn in for storytelling, bringing to life the present lives of immigrants. These practices can build understanding and humanize the abundance of immigrant experiences present in school communities. Likewise, AB101 mandates the teaching of ethnic studies in all California high schools by 2025. Instructional efforts in English and ethnic studies alleviate the burden of immigration-related learning from just social studies. Image Credit: Schmucki via Pixabay New Delhi: India intends to set up its first privately operated strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) by 2029-30, allowing the operator the autonomy to trade the entire oil stock, media reports said. Reuters reported citing the CEO of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) that such an initiative is on the cards. The decision to permit a fully commercial SPR reflects the approach adopted by nations like Japan and South Korea, wherein private lessees, mainly oil majors, are authorised to trade the crude. So far, India has only permitted partial commercialisation for its three existing SPRs situated in southern India, boasting a combined capacity of 36.7 million barrels. India intends to construct two new SPRsthe first one being an 18.3 million barrels cavern located at Padur in southern Karnataka state, followed by a 29.3 million barrels SPR in eastern Odisha state. Private partners will be permitted to trade all of the oil domestically, the report said. According to L.R. Jain, the chief executive of ISPRL, the government will hold the first right to the oil in case of a shortage, the Reuters report said. Jain stated that ISPRL, responsible for managing India's SPRs, recently issued a tender to assess interest among local and global companies for the Padur SPR. "We hope to award the tender on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis by September and the SPR should be completed in 60 months from zero data," Jain told reporters at an industry event, according to the report. India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, is eager to enhance its SPR capacity to mitigate risks associated with global supply disruptions and price fluctuations. Increasing oil storage capacity would not only strengthen India's energy security but also facilitate its accession to the International Energy Agency (IEA), which mandates its members to maintain a minimum of 90 days' worth of oil consumption. According to the IEA's assessment in February, India's current oil stocks, inclusive of SPR volumes, are sufficient to cover approximately 66 days of consumption. The report quoted L.R. Jain as saying that SPRL estimates that the construction of the Padur SPR, along with the associated pipeline and oil import facility, would require about 55 billion rupees ($659 million) in investment. He further noted that the federal government is expected to contribute up to 60% of the total cost, the report added. Photo courtesy: UNI Bengaluru: Virgin Atlantic on Wednesday signalled its strong commitment to India by launching a new daily service to Bengaluru and announcing a second daily flight to Mumbai, starting this October. This marks the airline's fifth daily service to India. By 2025, Virgin Atlantic plans to offer over one million seats to India, reflecting a 350 percent capacity growth since 2019, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss told reporters here. "This growth underscores India's importance as a key strategic market for the airline," he added. The increased flights also benefit cargo operations, particularly in supporting the movement of goods from sectors such as fashion, pharmaceuticals, and technology, Weiss said. "Virgin Atlantic Cargo will offer over 40 million kg of space to and from India, representing a 336 percent increase in capacity compared to 2019," he said. Weiss said the new services will operate on Virgin Atlantic's modern aircraft, the 787-9 Dreamliner, offering various cabin options including Upper Class, Premium, and Economy. The aircraft also features the airline's signature Upper-Class social space, he said. Weiss said Virgin Atlantic offers seamless connectivity via London Heathrow to destinations throughout North America, including Seattle, San Francisco, and New York JFK, in partnership with Delta Air Lines. Additionally, the airline has a strategic partnership with IndiGo, allowing customers to connect seamlessly from other destinations in India to London Heathrow, he said. Through this partnership, customers have the convenience of booking a single ticket that enables seamless connections from various destinations in India, including Ahmedabad, Goa, and Hyderabad, to London Heathrow, Weiss said. "This partnership expands the reach for travellers by offering access to a total of 36 additional destinations beyond the direct services to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru," he said. Since its launch in September 2022, the partnership has successfully connected over 80,000 customers, providing them with enhanced travel options and convenience, Weiss said. He said Virgin Atlantic plans to quadruple the number of Indian-based cabin crew by partnering with InterGlobe Air Transport, aiming to provide a more personalized service to Indian customers. Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala and HM Deputy Trade Commissioner South Asia (Investment), expressed pride and enthusiasm in welcoming Virgin Atlantic to Bengaluru. He emphasized Virgin Atlantic's significance in enhancing the strong bond between the UK and India, contributing to what he referred to as the "living bridge" between the two nations. With the increasing number of Indian travellers, including business professionals, tourists, and students, choosing the UK as their destination, Iyer highlighted the significant benefits that Virgin Atlantic's addition to the air travel options would bring to the southern region of India. He extended a warm welcome to Virgin Atlantic on behalf of the British Deputy High Commission Bengaluru, signalling support and anticipation for the airline's positive impact on regional connectivity and bilateral relations. Photo Courtesy: Screengrab from viral video At least seven people died and 736 others were hurt as an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale hit Taiwan on Wednesday, the strongest experienced by the region in the past 25 years. The quake struck just off the coast of Hualien County at around 7:58am, triggering shock and tension across the area with videos and images of the destruction caused by it now circulating across social media platforms. Several buildings collapsed in Taiwan with several people believed to be trapped under rubble. Rescue operations are going on to rescue the trapped people. "The earthquake is close to land and it's shallow. It's felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands... It's the strongest in 25 years," Wu Chien Fu, the director of Taipei's Seismology Centre told BBC. The National Fire Agency told the British media that three have died at a trail around Taroko National Park, named after a landmark gorge just outside Hualien. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said disaster response is currently working to rescue the trapped individuals. "Disaster response is underway following this mornings 7.2 earthquake and aftershocks. Im deeply grateful for the messages of support we have received from around the world, and to our first responders for their life-saving work," the President posted on X. Ocean Tsai, who lives in Hualien, said the earthquake was initially not very intense. The shaking at first had not been too intense, he told the BBC. But then suddenly, in the middle and later stages, "it became violent", he said. "I was just getting out of bed when a clothes rack and a low cabinet fell over," he said. "It kept getting stronger, and I started worrying about our belongings at home. Fortunately, apart from the motorcycle tipping over, the damage was minimal," he said. Another local said the intensity of the quake was strong enough to leave him scared. "I was really scared, I felt my legs were not in my control anymore and could not walk out. Thanks to my colleagues, they dragged me so we could get out," Chiu-yueh Hs, who works as an office worker at a restaurant, told BBC. Tsunami advisory lifted for Japan's Okinawa islands Japan's weather agency on Wednesday lifted a tsunami advisory issued for islands of the southern Okinawa prefecture, with the prefecture's main Naha airport resuming operations, Xinhua reports. BREAKING NEWS from #Taiwan It's shocking incident happened in Taiwan ! See the Skyscraper condition! Japan#earthquake #Tsunami pic.twitter.com/k5LzsCF8mh Aliyana G (@Aliyana567) April 3, 2024 Operations at the Naha airport were resumed after the tsunami advisory was lifted, its operator said. The airport is located on the coast of the main island of the prefecture. China's authorities lift Tsunami warning issued after earthquakes hit off Taiwan The Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources lifted a tsunami warning on Wednesday that was issued after a series of powerful earthquakes hit the eastern coast of Taiwan, China Central Television (CCTV) reported. Earlier on Wednesday, the ministry issued a level 1 tsunami alert, or red alertthe highest of four levels in Chinafollowing the earthquakes off Taiwan, Xinhua reported. Strongest earthquake in 25 years In 1999, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan and left 2.400 people dead and 5,000 buildings damaged. Photo Courtesy: Saleem Iqbal Qadri/IBNS A probationary sub-inspector suffered critical injuries while one gangster was killed in a late evening shootout on Tuesday in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. The shootout as per police sources was reported when police team conducted raids some wanted criminals in a murder case. Police however, in a message said that firing incident took place at about 2235 hours between police and gangsters in Government Medical College Kathua. In shootout, they said that one PSI Deepak Sharma got injured and one gangster died. Further details awaited, police added. (With UNI Inputs) Photo courtesy: UNI Jammu/UNI: A Probationary Sub Inspector (PSI) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, who was critically injured in last evening's shootout with gangsters in Kathua district, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, police said on Wednesday. One special police officer is also hospitalised while one of the gangsters was killed in the incident. A police spokesman on Wednesday morning said that on Tuesday night at about 2235 hours, a firing incident occurred between police and gangsters near Government Medical College Kathua, in which one PSI Deepak Sharma, 32, presently posted at Police Station Ramgarh, received head injuries, and SPO Anil Kumar, 40, also posted at Ramgarh, district Samba, got injured during the firing incident. A gangster died in the shootout, the spokesman said, adding that the injured police officer who was shifted from GMC Kathua to Amandeep Hospital, Pathankot, succumbed to his injuries Wednesday morning during treatment, and his body was shifted to GMC Kathua. PSI Deepak Sharma was a resident of Sangoor in Udhampur district. The wreath laying ceremony of Sharma will be held at the District Police Lines Samba. Photo Courtesy: UNI Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday announced that the party will observe nationwide samuhik upwaas (collective fasting) on April 7 in protest against the arrest of its convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. All the party ministers, MPs, MLAs, councillors and workers will gather at Jantar Mantar on April 7 to observe a group fasting, AAPs Delhi State Coordinator Gopal Rai said here while addressing the media. He also appealed to citizens to observe fast collectively wherever they are to support Arvind Kejriwal and save the Constitution and democracy. Over the past two years, the Modi government has been conspiring to end the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal by orchestrating a fake liquor scam in Delhi, Rai said, adding that BJP led central government had used the ED and CBI as its tools and arrested Aam Aadmi Party leaders one by one on false charges. After Sanjay Singh was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, it became clear that all these arrests were made without any evidence, through intimidation, pressure, making people government witnesses, and by lodging false accusations. The truth has come out in the Supreme Court. This is the biggest defeat of BJP's conspiracy and tyranny, the AAP leader said. He further said that since the rally of the INDIA bloc held at Ramlila Maidan on March 31, BJP's countdown has started. The whole BJP is under pressure now because there is only one voice in the hearts of the people that the Modi government is now crossing all limits, Rai said. The fight against it will continue, and we will take this fight to the entire country, he said adding, For this, the Aam Aadmi Party has decided that on April 7, a nationwide samuhik fast (group fast) will be observed across the country to garner maximum support and blessings from the people for this fight. Those who are against the tyranny of the centre, and want to save the country's democracy and constitution, are urged to participate in the collective fasting at Jantar Mantar, Rai said. In this collective fasting program, students, youth, workers, farmers, businessmen, social organizations, and NGOs, including everyone, can participate. Everyone will arrive at Jantar Mantar in Delhi at 11 am on that day to observe collective fasting and perform prayer, Rai added. (With UNI inputs) Photo Courtesy: Unsplash The mastermind of paper leak of police constable recruitment examination-2023 conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) has been arrested by the Special Task Force from Greater Noida, a senior police officer said here on Wednesday. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said that the main accused and the mastermind of the paper leak Rajiv Nayan Mishra was arrested by the STF, which is probing the case, from Pari Chowk in Greater Noida in Gautam Buddha Nagar late on Tuesday evening. "He was wanted in the case lodged at Kankar Khera in Meerut in connection with a paper leak," he said. It may be noted that the recruitment examination was held on February 17 and 18. After the reports of paper leak an inquiry was ordered and cases were lodged in this connection. He said that on the basis of investigation and questioning of the accused arrested earlier, the name of the main accused and mastermind, Rajiv Nayan, a native of Prayagraj district currently residing in Bhopal, came to fore. An STF spokesman said that Rajiv (32) completed civil engineering from a college in Bhopal. "During his college days Rajiv came into contact with Subhash Prakash and Atul Vats and they started a gang of ensuring admission in various colleges in lieu of money. "Earlier, Rajiv was arrested in connection with paper leak of nursing staff recruitment under NHM in Bhopal and was sent to Gwalior jail," he said. He said that through Atul Vats Rajiv came into contact with Dr Sharad, who ran a paper leak gang, and was associated with Ravi Attri. "Rajiv along with Ravi Attri got the paper of the UP police constable recruitment examination leaked," he said. The spokesman said that Rajiv along with his gang members read out the paper to around 300 aspirants in Shiv Mahashakti resort in Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. "Similarly, Rajiv along with Ravi Attri, Vikram Pahal alias Hawaldar and other gang members read out the paper to around 500 aspirants in Green Valley resort in Gurugram in Haryana," he said. The ADG said that Rajiv had also been jailed in connection with leaking the paper of UP TET in the past. "Information about money trail in the crime has also been received. Evidence is being collected in this regard and the matter is being investigated thoroughly," he said. (With UNI inputs) Civil rights groups and homeless advocates submitted an amicus brief Tuesday urging the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain a ban on sweeps of encampment residents who have nowhere to go. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Civil rights groups and homeless advocates submitted an amicus brief Tuesday urging the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain a ban on sweeps of encampment residents who have nowhere to go. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Civil rights groups and advocates for homeless people asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to maintain a ban on encampment sweeps of people who have nowhere to go, and they accused leaders in California and San Francisco of using a court case to hide their own failings. The states failed housing policies have resulted in an extreme affordable housing shortage that has forced thousands of working Californians onto the street, groups led by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area said in a filing with the Supreme Court. San Francisco has cited, fined, and arrested hundreds of unhoused residents for the sole crime of having nowhere to sleep, the amicus brief said. And District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, the lawyers noted, has defended evictions at encampments by arguing that homeless people have to be made uncomfortable, as the Chronicle reported in December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The court will hear arguments April 22 on an appeal by Grants Pass, Ore., of a ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that prohibits a city, under the Constitutions ban on cruel and unusual punishment, from arresting or evicting homeless people from street camps or public property without offering them available shelter. A ruling is due by the end of June. In San Francisco, U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Ryu cited the 9th Circuit ruling in her December 2022 injunction prohibiting the city from sweeping homeless encampments without giving them somewhere else to live. City officials say police have evicted residents of the encampments, and seized their property, only after they rejected offers of shelter, but Ryu has found that San Franciscos public shelters are full and the waiting lists are closed. That was disputed Tuesday by Mayor London Breeds spokesperson, Jeff Cretan. San Francisco has the resources to offer people help, but there are some people who continue to refuse offers of shelter, he said by email. The Mayor will continue to do what is necessary to get people help but also to make it clear that when we have places for people to go and people refuse, we will enforce the law. Tuesdays filing, signed by dozens of organizations, said Ryu has found that the city is violating its own policies that allow encampment sweeps only when there are no safe alternatives. Instead of confronting their hypocrisy, City officials took direct and personal aim at the federal judge who told them to follow the citys own lawful policies, the lawyers said. They asked the court to uphold the Grants Pass ruling, which would leave Ryus injunction in effect. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Francisco has promised taxpayers for years that it was offering affordable housing. Its not, Zal Shroff, legal director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, said at a news conference Tuesday announcing the court filing. San Francisco has cited, fined and arrested thousands of homeless people to give the guise that it is addressing homelessness. Another participant in the news conference was Kaki Marshall, a formerly homeless woman who served as San Franciscos director of outreach and temporary shelter from October 2018 to August 2019. Sweeps were taking place without notice, Marshall told reporters. We were told to do sweeps without enough beds. She said she objected but I was no match for the chief of police or the Department of Public Works. I had to leave that job, join efforts to hold the city accountable. Other participants in the news conference included former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who is now executive director of the Criminal Law & Justice Center at UC Berkeley; Angela Chan, assistant chief attorney in the S.F. Public Defenders Office; and Brandon Greene, director of policy advocacy at the Western Center on Law and Poverty. Nine other groups submitted a separate brief in the case. Homelessness kills, housing saves lives, said Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, one of the nine. These protections are critical to forcing local government to solve the crisis, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A KK Super Mart store. Photo Courtesy: KK Super Mart Instagram Three stores belonging to a Malaysian minimart chain were targeted with Molotov cocktails recently after they allegedly sold socks carrying the word Allah. One of KK Super Marts stores in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, in Malaysian Borneo, was hit by a Molotov cocktail on Sunday, a day after a separate attack on a store in Pahang on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, reported The Guardian. Another store in Perak was targeted with a petrol bomb on March 26. No injury was reported in the incidents. Police have started investigating the case. The attacks were reported after pictures of socks which were bearing the word 'Allah' circulated on social media. The incident provoked outrage among Muslims community members who view the use of the word in association with feet to be offensive. Chai Kee Kan, the CEO of KK Super Mart, the countrys second-largest chain of convenience stores, and his wife, a company director, were charged with hurting religious feelings last week, while three officials from supplier Xin Jian Chang have been charged with abetting them, The Guardian. All five accused pleaded not guilty. Chai Kee Kan blamed the supplier, which the chain is suing, and said that only 14 pairs of Allah socks were found on the shelves at three KK Super Mart outlets, reported The Guardian. Both companies have reportedly apologised. The supplies said the socks were part of a larger shipment of 18,800 pairs ordered from China, the newspaper reported. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash At least six policemen were injured after unknown attackers attacked them in Township area of Pakistan's Bannu city on Tuesday. A police van carrying Quick Response Force personnel came under attack near Mohajir Camp locality, reported Dawn News. The law enforcers were going to Domel area to assist the police in actions against anti-social elements, an official told the newspaper. He said the miscreants ambushed the vehicle which left the six cops injured, Security forces reached the spot and launched an operation following the attack. Gaami OTT Release: The recent theatrical release, "Gaami," starring Vishwak Sen and Chandini Chowdhary, is now about to conquer the digital realm as it gears up for its OTT debut. The film, which hit theatres just days ago, has already left an indelible mark on audiences with its unique storyline, earning accolades for its exceptional craftsmanship and immersive visual effects. Gaami OTT Release: When And Where To Watch This Telugu Film Poster Of Telugu Movie Gaami/X Directed by Vidyadhar Kagita, "Gaami" marks a significant milestone in his directorial journey, boasting a multilingual release that has garnered widespread attention. The makers spared no effort in promoting the film, ensuring its presence across various platforms. When To Watch Gaami? Now, amid buzzing anticipation, reports suggest that "Gaami" is set to stream on April 12, 2024, marking a new chapter in its journey. An official statement confirming the release is expected imminently. Also read: South OTT Releases In April: From Premalu To Manjummel Boys, Here's All You Can Watch Where To Watch Gaami? The film will be available on the popular OTT platform, ZEE5. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Abhinaya, Mohammad Samad, Harika Pedada, Shanti Rao, Mayank Parak, and others, "Gaami" received crucial support from Karthik Sabareesh and enthusiastic crowd-funders. Are You Excited To Watch Gaami? Here Are Some Things To Know: When getting ready to watch "Gaami," it's crucial to approach it with a mindset ready for a departure from mainstream narrative conventions. Story Spoiler: The movie starts by showing us Shankar, played by Vishwak Sen, facing tough times in an Aghora ashram in Haridwar. The filmmakers pay a lot of attention to getting the details right in showing the Aghora world, thanks to the work of Pravalya Duddupudi, Vishwanath Reddy, and Rampy Nandigam. Shankar's main struggle is that he can't feel human touch, which is a big deal for him. Some Aghoras think it's a curse, making things even harder for him. As the story goes on, written by Vidyadhar and Pratyush Vatyam, we see Shankar's inner battles and his search for who he really is. Each new discovery about him makes the story more interesting and makes us think deeper. Also read: OTT Releases This Week (1st April-7th April): 7 Movies And Series On Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar & More Fans are eagerly waiting for "Gaami" to come out online. It's expected to be a big hit again, this time on digital platforms. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson's photo in which she is sitting on a cycle rickshaw in Delhi is going viral on social media. The picture has taken the internet by storm. But is it real? Fact check: Scarlett Johansson's viral photo sitting on rickshaw Scarlett Johansson is in Delhi ? pic.twitter.com/62N05YGvH8 Shubham2.0 (@bhav_paaji) April 3, 2024 The picture has caught fans' frenzy. Everyone's wondering why she is in Delhi. "Need all these mid terms cancelled rn," a user wrote. "One would go to Swarg for such Apsara beauty Indian temperature raised by few degrees," said another one. Turns out, the photo is a deepfake! The photo originally belongs to a German traveller who had visited India in 2023. She shared a series of pictures on her Instagram handle @/nilgulyoruk from her Delhi visit in Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat and Akshardham temple. Some of the X users were quick to guess it was fake. "If only you were obsessed bout her for years youd know that she does not have tattoos on her left hand or collarbone (i was told by a friend ofc)", one of them wrote. "This picture proves how serious and concerning the issues regarding AI/deepfakes are," said another one. Instagram Years ago, Scarlett Johansson had visited India. Scarlett, a longtime supporter of Oxfam, was deeply impressed by the organization's efforts to aid and rebuild lives after the 2004 Tsunami. Motivated by this, she joined Oxfam on a journey to gain firsthand insight into the challenges facing impoverished communities and how support from nations like the US can alleviate poverty. During her trip, Scarlett visited a school in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, funded by Oxfam, where thousands of underprivileged children from the Dalit caste receive basic education. She was quoted as saying, "I met a young girl, Gudiya, at a school for Dalit children, a community considered to be the lowest class. She was an amazing, bright young girl, full of ambition and attending the fifth grade. When asked what she wanted to be growing up, she said 'a government official'. Every morning she rises at three am to study and then completes the household chores before walking for half an hour to school. I asked her how she felt she would be able to raise her family and also hold a government position. She responded confidently, I can manage. Her self-pride and drive to succeed was an obvious outcome from her schooling." For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Laylat-al-Qadr 2024: The holy month of Ramadan is associated with spirituality. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and offer alms as compassion to the less fortunate and also return to the basics. This spirituality reaches unprecedented heights on Laylat Al-Qadr, which falls during the holy month's final 10 days. Laylat al-Qadr (Laylat-ul-Qadr) or Shab-e-Qadr is an Islamic observance that is rendered in English as the Night of Decree, Night of Destiny, Night of Power, and Night of Value, Night of Blessings. It is observed every year in the last 5 odd nights of the holy month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that during these nights whatever they wish for is granted through their prayers. This year, these nights will fall on five auspicious nights April 1, April 3, April 5, April 7, and April 9. Here's all you need to know about the Shab-e-Qadr 2024 Date, Time, Dua and significance. Laylatul Qadr 2024 Date | Shab-e-Qadr Date Nights Of Power Date Day 21st Night April 1 Monday 23rd Night April 3 Wednesday 25th Night April 5 Friday 27th Night April 7 Sunday 29th Night April 9 Tuesday As the holy month of Ramadan is coming to an end. And, to mark the end of the holy period, Muslims across the country will observe Shab-e-Qadr (Laylat ul-Qadr). This year, Laylat al-Qadr is expected to celebrate on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Shab-e-Qadr is deemed one of the holiest nights. The Holy month of Ramadan is associated with spirituality. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and offer alms as compassion to the less fortunate and also return to the basics. This spirituality reaches unprecedented heights on Laylat Al-Qadr, which falls during the Ramadan's final 10 days. Laylat al-Qadr (Laylat-ul-Qadr) or Shab-e-Qadr is an Islamic observance that is rendered in English as the Night of Decree, Night of Destiny, Night of Power, and Night of Value, Night of Blessings. While Qadr night can fall on any of the odd-number nights of the last ashra in Ramadan, most people believe that it is most likely to be on the 27th night and some believe that the 23rd night is possibly Laylatul Qadr. According to Islamic tradition, Laylat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr as the night when the Holy Quran was first sent down from Heaven to the earth and also the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad, founder of the world religion of Islam. Laylat al-Qadr is an Arabic term that translates to "The Night of Power" or "The Night of Decree". It is considered one of the most important and sacred nights in Islam. What Is The Significance of Laylat Al-Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr) in Islam Muslims around the world observe Laylat al-Qadr by performing special prayers and engaging in acts of worship and charity. Many believe that any good deeds performed on this night are multiplied in reward and that prayers and supplications made on this night are more likely to be accepted by Allah. It is considered a time of intense spiritual reflection and devotion. Shab-e-Qadr is celebrated widely by Muslim communities on distinct dates. In Islamic tradition, The occasion falls on an odd-numbered night in the last ten days of Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayers. To be precise, it is usually celebrated on the 27th of Ramazan. Shab-e-Qadr is considered a public holiday in several countries. As per Islam and the holy Quran, it is written that praying on the nights of Shab-e-Qadr is way better than a thousand months. Hence, the Muslim community across the globe, observes these nights with great religious zeal. During these auspicious nights, Muslims stay awake the whole night as they pray, recite the Quran, and seek forgiveness for their sins. Special Dua For Laylatul Qadr 2024 | Shab-e-Qadr Dua The last 10 odd nights of Ramadan is highly rewarding when the holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hence, one must know the right dua for these nights. Muslims believe that during these nights whatever they wish for is granted through their prayers. Laylatul Qadr dua: "Allahumma Innaka Aafuwon Tuhibu AlAaffwa FAafu Aanni" Meaning: Oh Allah! You are highly forgiving, and you love to forgive people, so please forgive me. Happy Laylat ul Qadr Mubarak wishes 2024 1. Pray to Allah the Almighty that this night brings good for everyone in the community and those who we deeply love. Laylat al-Qadr Mubarak. 2. On this special night, may Allah purify our intentions and accept us. May He put us in his book of those released from hellfire. Shab-e-Qadr 2024 Mubarak! 3. This is a night that is better than a thousand nights. This is the time when we got our exodus. It's the night God saved us from the craws of the evil one and purified for the heavenly welcome. Have a blessed night. Shab-e-Qadr 2024 Mubarak! 4. Today's the Night of Power when Allah will dine with us. I wish that he will be there for you. I wish that Allah will protect your family and give everyone what they have long in life. Laylat Al-Qadr 2024 Mubarak! 5. Shab-e-Qadr is a good time to review our hearts and repent of all our sins. Allah is there to listen to us and grant us forgiveness. Laylat Al-Qadr 2024 Mubarak! Laylat-al-Qadr 2024: Date & Time FAQs What date is Laylatul Qadr 2024? In many Muslim cultures, Laylat Al-Qadr or Shab-e-qadar 2024 is observed on the 27th night of Ramadan which fall on April 7, 2024, but some experts believe that if a Friday night coincides with an odd-numbered night, it is most likely one. This year, the 29th night fall is on April 9. When is Laylat Al-Qadr observed? As per Islamic tradition, Muslims are advised to look for it during the odd nights of the holy month's last 10 days. This means that in Islam, the holiest night may fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of the month. What is the meaning of Laylat Al-Qadr? Laylat al-Qadr is an Arabic term that translates to "The Night of Power" or "The Night of Decree". It is considered one of the most important and sacred nights in Islam. Is Laylatul Qadr 10 days? In Islamic tradition, The occasion falls on an odd-numbered night in the last ten days of Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayers. To be precise, it is usually celebrated on the 27th of Ramazan. Shab-e-Qadr is considered a public holiday in several countries. Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on general information. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Dozens of Air Vistara flights were cancelled on Wednesday as the crew protest forced the airline to cut down on its operations. A total of 52 Vistara flights were cancelled on Tuesday and a similar number is expected on Wednesday also. Pilots on sick leave Pilots have gone on mass sick leave, forcing the Tata Group SIA joint venture to scale down operations to the anger and discomfort of thousands of passengers. REUTERS The airline operates a little over 300 flights daily and has a fleet of 70 planes comprising A320-family aircraft and Boeing 787s. Why Vistara pilots are protesting The pilots have been on a warpath with the Vistara management over the terms of a new contract following the airline's decision to merge with Air India. Under the terms of the new contract, which came into effect in April, Vistara pilots will now be paid a fixed salary for 40 hours instead of the previous 70 hours. This change is in line with a standardised salary structure adopted across Tata Group Airlines. Many First Officers fear that this adjustment will negatively impact their earnings. REUTERS 15 Vistara pilots quit PTI on Tuesday reported that at least 15 senior first officers resigned from Vistara and joined a domestic budget carrier. The airline has around 800 pilots and the senior first officers who resigned had completed their conversion training that allowed them to operate wide-body Boeing 787 planes. However, they did not get the duty for flying the 787 aircraft. DGCA seeks daily report Meanwhile, aviation watchdog DGCA on Tuesday asked Vistara to submit a daily report on flight cancellations and delays. AFP The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in view of various flight disruptions of Vistara, it has asked the airline to submit daily information and details of flights that are being cancelled and delayed. The civil aviation ministry is also monitoring the situation of flight cancellations at Vistara. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Climate change is set to mess up how we measure time, as our planet is spinning faster, a new study has said. According to scientists, climate change is affecting Earth's rotation and delaying the need for history's first "negative leap second" by three years, a study published last week suggested. PIXABAY Negative leap second For the first time in history, world timekeepers may have to consider subtracting a second from our clocks in a few years because the planet is rotating a tad faster than it used to. Clocks may have to skip a second called a negative leap second around 2029, according to a study in the journal Nature. This is an unprecedented situation and a big deal, said study lead author Duncan Agnew, a geophysicist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. Unusual times Its not a huge change in the Earths rotation thats going to lead to some catastrophe or anything, but it is something notable. Its yet another indication that were in a very unusual time. Unsplash Why earth is spinning faster Ice melting at both of Earths poles has been counteracting the planet's burst of speed and is likely to have delayed this global second of reckoning by about three years, Agnew said. We are headed toward a negative leap second," said Dennis McCarthy, retired director of time for the U.S. Naval Observatory who wasnt part of the study. "Its a matter of when. Its a complicated situation that involves, physics, global power politics, climate change, technology and two types of time. What happens in a minute with only 59 seconds Experts fear that introducing a negative leap second -- a minute with only 59 seconds -- into standard time could cause havoc on computer systems across the world. Unsplash For most of history, time was measured by the rotation of the Earth. However in 1967, the world's timekeepers embraced atomic clocks -- which use the frequency of atoms as their tick-tock -- ushering in a more precise era of timekeeping. But sailors, who still relied on the Sun and stars for navigation, and others wanted to retain the connection between Earth's rotation and time. How time is measured There was a problem. Our planet is an unreliable clock, and had long been rotating slightly slower than atomic time, meaning the two measurements were out of sync. So a compromise was struck. Whenever the difference between the two measurements approached 0.9 of a second, a "leap second" was added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the internationally agreed standard by which the world sets its clocks. Though most people likely have not noticed, 27 leap seconds have been added to UTC since 1972, the last coming in 2016. But in recent years a new problem has emerged that few saw coming: Earth's rotation has been speeding up, overtaking atomic time. This means that to bring the two measurements in sync, timekeepers may have to introduce the first ever negative leap second. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. In recent weeks, Bengaluru, the startup hub of India, has been confronting a slew of challenges, including scorching temperatures and water scarcity. Who checked into OYO to save themselves from Bengaluru heat? Bengaluru man checked into OYO to take refuge from heat | Image: X Against this backdrop, a social media user, Rishabh Srivastava, took to X (formerly Twitter) to humorously highlight the city's transition from a "chill" to a "grill" climate. Srivastava's witty post read, "Looks like Bangalore weather decided to level up from chill to grill." Amidst the sweltering heat, Srivastava quipped about seeking refuge in an OYO hotel, underscoring the severity of the weather shift. What did the company react to this tweet? Bangalore, you had one job but now we're doing it https://t.co/ZRCSiJuqv5 OYO (@oyorooms) April 2, 2024 The company further emphasized its role in providing relief from the heat, stating, "Bangalore, you had one job. But now, we're doing it." Even OYO's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ritesh Agarwal, lent support to the company's official stance by resharing the post. How is Bengaluru's weather now? Amidst the heatwave gripping Bengaluru, a heartwarming video surfaced on social media featuring a man distributing water bottles to traffic police officers. Shared by Shree Ram Bishnoi, a Bangalore City Police traffic warden, the video showcased the man's regular efforts to assist constables in Hebbal cope with the soaring temperatures. Notably, Bengaluru recorded its highest maximum temperature for March in the past five years, soaring to 36.4 degrees Celsius on Friday. Meanwhile, in Karnataka's Kalaburagi, temperatures surpassed 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, signaling the onset of heatwave conditions. As the city grapples with rising temperatures and water scarcity, gestures of kindness and humor serve as small respites amidst the sweltering conditions. Check the viral post here. Looks like Bangalore weather decided to level up from chill to grill. Can't survive without AC anymore. Checked into @oyorooms as a refugee.@aajtak @BangaloreMirror @TOIBengaluru pic.twitter.com/3lmczj9gSL Rishabh Srivastava (@arre_rishabh) April 1, 2024 What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Plans to raise the Ferry Building as much as 7 feet to fortify it against sea level rise are being questioned by the buildings management company. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle An ambitious government plan to protect San Franciscos Ferry Building from flooding and sea level rise by lifting it up as much as 7 feet has at least one powerful skeptic: the developer thats set to operate the iconic building for another four decades. San Francisco and Army Corps of Engineers officials are considering raising the 126-year-old building as part of a $13.5 billion proposal intended to protect the citys waterfront in the coming decades. While the draft plan is complex, with an intricate set of proposed shoreline adaptations stretching from Fishermans Wharf south to the Bayview, the focus of public attention is likely to be the mile-long Embarcadero and the iconic landmark that serves as its centerpiece. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the Ferry Building, with its 245-foot clock tower, is more than a landmark its also a working building that would likely see its operations interrupted for years if the plan is executed as proposed, said Hudson Pacific Properties, which runs the Ferry Building under a long-term lease with the Port of San Francisco. In a letter submitted Friday, the developer called on the port and the Army Corps to, among other things, fully analyze the impacts that lifting the building in place would have on its operations. It also asks them to consider alternatives. While mitigating flood and seismic risks are important, without a more detailed technical study, it is impossible to weigh the risks posed against the cost of shutting down one of San Franciscos greatest treasures, quite possibly for many years, Hudson Pacific said. The developers letter was among over 100 comments that the port and Army Corps, which is involved in the larger planning effort, have received in response to their draft proposal for protecting the waterfront. A representative of the Army Corps has said previously that a final report will be available to the public in summer 2025. That final report will reflect responses to the comments provided by stakeholders like Hudson Pacific and members of the public, a spokesperson for the port confirmed Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An initial study on the possible long-range impacts of flooding along the ports 7.5-mile shoreline shows that the sea level could rise between 1 and 10 feet by 2140, and that, in the next six years, over 500 structures in the area could be vulnerable to flooding caused by an extreme storm. Assuming a high sea-level-change scenario, the coastal flood study found that average annual damage from infrequent high-water-level events, as well as from repetitive flooding in low-lying areas, could exceed $100 million by 2046. Per the draft plan, the goal is to complete the work to build a new seawall landward of the existing Embarcadero seawall, flood-proof buildings and raise much of the Embarcadero, including the Ferry Building, by 2040 if Congress approves the project in 2026. The federal government is expected to cover 65% of the larger projects costs. But many questions remain, including how the historic building would be raised and how the work would be carried out. The plan does not address whether thoughtful sequencing could avoid closures of the building by phasing partial improvement projects along the Embarcadero, Hudson Pacific said in its letter, adding that the recent experience of the Van Ness Corridor improvement project creates significant concern that a wholesale closure of the Embarcadero will cripple the waterfront for years to come. Hudson Pacific described the Ferry Building as a rare example of retail success and vitality in a city that is still struggling to recover from changes wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Four years after the pandemic began, more than a third of San Franciscos office space sits vacant as a result of remote work. Meanwhile, empty storefronts dot business corridors, particularly in downtown, as businesses continue to adjust to rising costs, economic uncertainty and people working from home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A spokesperson for Hudson Pacific confirmed Tuesday that the Ferry Building is now 98% leased. The Ferry Building, which has survived two major earthquakes and today serves as a gateway to the city and its Financial District, was extensively rehabilitated some 25 years ago, and reprogrammed into a food market thats home to some 50 local artisan food merchants and restaurants, as well as a transit hub and 190,000 square feet of office space. The Ferry Buildings outdoor plaza also hosts a large farmers market three days a week. That programming is at stake, according to Hudson Pacific, as raising the building will require closing it and swaths of the Embarcadero for several years. This means merchants will have to close their stores, office workers will have to find new offices, the ferries will need temporary docks, the farmers market will need to be relocated, and much, much more, the Hudson Pacific said in its letter. It would also require engineering studies to assess risks, such as potential movement of the young bay mud in which the piles that support the 25,000-ton building are driven, potentially imperiling the foundations of other structures along the Embarcadero and the seawall itself, Hudson Pacific said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Raising other concerns about preserving historic elements of the building and the impact of construction on surrounding infrastructure, like the BART tunnel that runs beneath the Ferry Building, Hudson Pacific concluded: A full and complete analysis of the environmental impacts of the proposed draft plan must be completed. Eric Young, the ports spokesperson, said that there is significant work ahead to determine the most effective way to protect against sea level rise across the entire waterfront, including the Ferry Building. Protecting the iconic Ferry Building is a key goal of the plan, and the strategy to raise it is intended to save the historic and beloved structure from flooding, Young said, adding that the timeline for that work is uncertain. Young said that the port met with Hudson Pacific several times as the impacts of coastal flooding were being studied, and will continue to engage the developer, as well as its other port tenants, as its efforts to build a resilient waterfront advance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The first-ever images of the human brain taken by the world's most powerful MRI scanner mark a significant milestone in the field of medical science, promising deeper insights into the complexities of our minds and the afflictions that affect them. And believe it or not, it all started with a winter squash! Where did it all begin? The machine first created scans of a pumpkin in 2021 | Credit: Unsplash/representational image The go-ahead from authorities came much later; the machine first created scans of a pumpkin in 2021 thanks to the collective effort of researchers at France's Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machinelocated in the Plateau de Saclay area south of Parishas already seen 20 healthy volunteers. Physicist Alexandre Vignaud, who is also working on the project, revealed, "We have seen a level of precision never reached before at CEA." What makes this machine so unique? The MRI machine uses a mammoth 11.7 teslas | Credit: AFP And Vignaud has plenty of reasons to be excited. For context, the power used by regular MRIs does not exceed three teslas. But in this case, this MRI machine, nicknamed Iseult, uses a mammoth 11.7 teslas, resulting in images of the human brain with reportedly 10 times more precision. "With this machine, we can see the tiny vessels which feed the cerebral cortex, or details of the cerebellum which were almost invisible until now," Vignaud said. How does the machine work? The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machinelocated in the Plateau de Saclay area south of Parishas already seen 20 healthy volunteers | Credit: Unsplash/representational image Within a cylindrical structure measuring five metres (equivalent to 16 feet) in both length and height, there resides a 132-ton magnet powered by a coil conducting a current of 1,500 amps. A three-foot opening lets humans in. According to AFP, 'the design is the result of two decades of research by a partnership between French and German engineers.' What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Fabricating details on a resume is a perilous path often trodden by job seekers, despite its inherent risks. Recently, a startup founder took to social media to shed light on an encounter with a candidate from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) who had embellished their qualifications while applying for a position at the founder's company. Who was the startup founder who allegedly exposed the IIT Kharagpur candidate? Angad Daryani, the founder, crossed paths with a candidate hailing from IIT Kharagpur | Image: Pexels During the interview process, Angad Daryani, the founder, crossed paths with a candidate hailing from IIT Kharagpur. The candidate boasted of possessing 'four offers' from various companies, all based on the purported mastery of '100 listed skills' on their resume. However, Daryani was taken aback when it became evident that the candidate was only proficient in a mere 5% of the claimed skills. What did he do? Expressing his frustration on social media platform X, Daryani recounted the incident, revealing the candidate's audacious attempt to secure a position. This incident prompted Daryani to question the quality of education imparted at IITs | Image: Pexels "A candidate from IIT Kharagpur who applied through our website listed 100 skills on their resume, but could only demonstrate proficiency in 5 of them. Despite this, they boasted of having received offers from 4 other companies based on these exaggerated claims," Daryani wrote. However, the tweet now stands deleted. This incident prompted Daryani to question the quality of education imparted at IITs, emphasizing the significance of integrity and character over technical prowess. "What are they teaching at the IITs?" he pondered, expressing disappointment over recent experiences tarnishing the institute's reputation. When has it happened before? Further recounting his encounters with IIT graduates, Daryani shared previous instances where candidates misrepresented their skills. One instance involved an IIT Guwahati PhD candidate lacking fundamental knowledge in chemical engineering, yet claiming expertise on their resume. Another case involved an IIT Bombay graduate who, despite being hired, swiftly departed for a competitor with a substantial pay increase, leaving Daryani disillusioned with the institute's alumni. Daryani's revelations underscore the importance of honesty and integrity in professional pursuits, urging job seekers to prioritize authenticity over embellishment. What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. In a bizarre incident that left locals shocked, a drunken foreigner was spotted sprinting shirtless on the streets of Chennai, attempting to bite passersby. Eyewitnesses reported the man, seemingly drunk, darting through traffic and causing chaos along the bustling roads of the city. Concerned citizens alerted authorities as the erratic behavior escalated, with the individual displaying signs of aggression towards anyone in his path. Police swiftly intervened, managing to restrain the man after a brief struggle. The incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many expressing astonishment and concern over the peculiar and potentially dangerous situation. While the motive behind the foreigner's actions remains unclear, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges authorities face in managing public safety, particularly in urban environments. What Did This Foreigner Do On Chennai Road? Shirtless drunk foreigner bites pedestrians on Chennai roads | Image: X In an alarming incident captured on camera in Chennai's Royapettah area, a foreign individual, visibly intoxicated and without a shirt, he attempted to bite a cyclist, prompting immediate intervention from both bystanders and law enforcement. The footage, widely circulated on social media, depicts the dramatic moment when the intoxicated individual aggressively lunged at the unsuspecting cyclist, targeting his neck. Shirtless drunk foreigner bites pedestrians on Chennai roads | Image: X Fortunately, swift action from police and onlookers prevented a potentially serious outcome, although the unsettling event left commuters and pedestrians shaken. As chaos ensued, a crowd quickly gathered around the scene, witnessing the perpetrator being subdued against an iron railing as police restrained him. Where Can You Watch The Viral Video? You can watch the viral video on X posted by @Ayesha86627087. How Did The Internet React? The video rapidly garnered numerous reactions from online users, with some drawing parallels between the foreigner's actions and those typically associated with zombies. Additionally, there were suspicions voiced by some individuals that the individual may have been under the influence of drugs, given the erratic and aggressive nature of his behaviour. The speculation and comparisons circulating online underscored the shock and disbelief felt by viewers witnessing the alarming scene unfolding in Chennai. Internet reacts to Shirtless drunk foreigner bites pedestrians on Chennai roads | Image: X Internet reacts to Shirtless drunk foreigner bites pedestrians on Chennai roads | Image: X What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. In the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, the quest for a suitable life partner often takes intriguing turns. Such is the case of a young woman navigating the intricate world of matrimony with particular criteria in mind. Armed with a salary package of 4 lakhs per annum, she sets her sights high, seeking a groom who not only surpasses her financial benchmarks but also holds prestigious professional credentials. In her pursuit of companionship, she unabashedly declares her preference for a partner earning a minimum of 1 crore annually, preferably within the esteemed realms of surgery or chartered accountancy. This juxtaposition of aspirations against realities in the realm of marriage mirrors the complexities and expectations that often characterize urban relationships. As societal norms and individual desires converge, her story sheds light on the intricate dance of love, ambition, and societal expectations within the vibrant tapestry of Mumbai's matrimonial landscape. What Did This Mumbai Women Wants In Her Future Husband? This Mumbai woman wants a guy with at least 1 crore in income, preferably a surgeon or CA | Image: X A viral sensation on social media involves a 37-year-old Mumbai woman in search of a spouse, drawing attention to her specific criteria. Shared on X by user Ambar, a snapshot of her expectations swiftly garnered widespread attention. Originally shared in Marathi, the woman outlined her desires: a partner residing in Mumbai with their residence and either a job or business in the city. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of an educated family background, expressing a preference for a spouse who is a surgeon or a chartered accountant. This Mumbai woman wants a guy with at least 1 crore in income, preferably a surgeon or CA | Image: X This viral post underscores the significance of individual preferences and societal expectations in the realm of marriage, sparking discussions on the dynamics of matrimonial searches in urban settings like Mumbai. The viral snapshot further unveiled the woman's expectation for her prospective spouse to have an annual income of at least one crore. This additional detail underscores the significance of financial stability in her criteria for a life partner, adding another layer to the discussion surrounding her matrimonial preferences. Where Can You See The Viral Post? You can see the viral post on X shared by @Ambar_SIFF_MRA. Expectation of groom by a 37 year old female earning 4,00,000 per year, translated from Marathi. This is next level delusion. pic.twitter.com/0ohyDboqpd Ambar (@Ambar_SIFF_MRA) April 2, 2024 How Did The Internet React? The post was uploaded on April 2 and has since accumulated more than 394,000 views. Additionally, it has garnered over 3K likes, with the numbers continuing to climb. Many individuals have also engaged in the comments section, expressing their reactions to the post. Internet reacts to this Mumbai woman wants a guy with at least 1 crore in income, preferably a surgeon or CA | Image: X Internet reacts to this Mumbai woman wants a guy with at least 1 crore in income, preferably a surgeon or CA | Image: X What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani are two businessmen that most of the country looks up to. Every little thing about them makes headlines. While the nation knows Mukesh Ambanis entire family, Adanis dont usually come under the spotlight. Did You Know Gautam Adanis Elder Broth Vinod Adani Is The Owner Of ACC And Ambuja Cements? news18 Vinod Adani, elder brother of Gautam Adani and based in Dubai, is the proprietor of ACC and Ambuja Cements. As per Forbes, Vinod Adani presently ranks as the 84th wealthiest individual globally, boasting a net worth of 24.2 billion dollars (approximately Rs 2 lakh crore). Through his investment firms, the Adani Group secured the position of India's second-largest cement producer in 2022, following the acquisition of Swiss firm Holcim's Indian assets for $10.5 billion. While Gautam Adani Rules The Indian Market, Vinod Adani Is Busy Conquering The International Market Vinod Adani commenced his career in 1976 in Mumbai, initially involved with power looms. He later expanded his horizons by establishing an office in Singapore to delve into commodity investments on the international market. Initially relocating to Singapore for trading purposes, he eventually settled in Dubai in 1994. Notably, by 2016, he acquired citizenship in Cyprus. gautam adani net worth/fortune Vinod Adanis Children And Their Role In The Family Businesses businesstoday Vinod Adani is married to Seema Adani, and together they have two children. Their son, Karan Adani, serves as the CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone. Meanwhile, their daughter, Riya Adani, holds the position of director at Adani Green Energy. Adani Green Energy Achieves Milestone: First in India to Surpass 10,000 MW in Renewable Energy; Gautam Adani Expresses Pride as 'Das Hazari' Pioneer BCCL Adani Green Energy, with an operating portfolio of 10,934 megawatts (MW), has achieved a significant milestone by becoming India's inaugural company to exceed 10,000 MW of renewable energy. Gautam Adani expressed his pride in AGEL's accomplishment, stating that it marks the first "das hazari" in India's renewable energy sector. He said, We are proud to be Indias first das hazari in the renewables space. In less than a decade, Adani Green Energy has not just envisioned a greener future but has actualised it, growing from a mere idea to explore clean energy to achieving a phenomenal 10,000 MW in installed capacity. This achievement is a demonstration of the rapidity and scale at which the Adani Group aims to facilitate India's transition to clean, reliable and affordable energy. In our drive towards 45,000 MW by 2030, we are building the world's largest renewable energy plant in Khavda a 30,000 MW project unparalleled on the global stage. AGEL is not just setting benchmarks for the world but redefining them, he added. The management of Air Peace has announced an increment of capacity on its Lagos to London route to meet surging demands by passengers. The aviation company made this known in a statement released on Wednesday. However, the airline disclosed that more seats have been available on the route in response to the overwhelming demand. Advertisement The company also thanked the Nigerians at home and in the United Kingdom for their support, promising that it would not relent in its efforts to make the country proud. READ MORE: Atiku Commends Gesture Of Air Peace To Airlift Nigerians From Sudan For Free The statement reads: Due to overwhelming demand and interest in our London route, we have decided to increase the capacity on the route. This means that more seats are now available. Air Peace would like to thank the Nigerian population, both in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom, for their support. We do not take it for granted, and we will be doing our best to continue to make the whole country proud. The Nigeria Police has explained why the Force cannot arrest crossdressers in the country. The police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated in a Tuesday interview on Channels TV that they cannot be taken into custody due to the complexity of the case. He demonstrated that cross-dressing is not yet a punishable violation in Nigeria. Advertisement He further noted that, while there may be charges that those who cross-dress are also members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, there is no concrete evidence to back it up, thus they cannot take them to court. There are some cases that are always very difficult to prove. Im not ruling out that we have many of them. Let us be reasonable, you cant have someone you want to prosecute without having credible evidences against them. I have not read anywhere where crossdressing is an offence in Nigeria. Some of them that are into crossdressing, the allegation is that they are into something else. Thats where the problem lies. We need to have enough proof, credible evidence to prove that they are actually into that. All those offences are natural offences in Nigeria and they are punishable under our laws. READ MORE: If You Speak Against Me, Ill Summon You Odumeje Warns Critics Adejobis statement is coming after several Nigerians criticise the moral attitude of crossdresser Bobrisky, who was recently crowned the finest female dressed at a movie premiere by Eniola Ajao. Ali Ciroma, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is dead. Ciroma passed away at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State capital. Advertisement Ibrahim Ciroma, a family member, who is also the Secretary of the Borno State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, announced his death in a statement on Tuesday evening. The statement reads, It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of Comrade Ali Ciroma, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress. READ ALSO: Gov. Abioduns Ex-Aide Dies In Auto Crash The sad event occurred this evening (Tuesday, April 2) at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The burial for the repose of the deceased will be held tomorrow Wednesday 4pm at the residence of the deceased No.7A along Galadima Road near Muhammadu Shuwa Memorial Hospital (Nursing Home), Maiduguri. The deceased served as the president of the NLC from 1984 to 1988 until he was ousted by the military administration of Gen Ibrahim Babangida, which disbanded the union. However, during the Abacha regime, he was reinstated into the realm of unionism, being appointed as the Sole Administrator of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers. The Federal Government has entered into talks with the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL), in a bid to extradite one of the Binance Holdings Limited executives, Nadeem Anjarwall, who escaped from detention in Nigeria last month. This is as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concludes plans to prosecute the executives of crypto-currency firm on Thursday. Anjarwalla was arrested in February alongside another Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, over alleged $35,400,000 money laundering, among other charges. Advertisement The two executives were detained in a supposed safe house in Abuja on the order of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, pending when they would be charged at the Federal High Court, Abuja.. But on March 22, Anjarwalla, a British citizen, slipped away from his guards following a Ramadan prayer service at a nearby Mosque. READ ALSO: Detained Binance Executive, Gambaryan, Sues NSA, EFCC However, the Nigerian government is said to be in advanced talks with the international police to finalize moves to extradite Anjarwalla to Nigeria to face the charges against him. Top government sources however, noted that Anjarwallas absence would not affect the arraignment of Binance and Gambaryan over the five-count money laundering charge. Mr Anjarwallas extradition process has begun. The Federal Government is working as did with INTERPOL to extradite the fugitive to Nigeria. Hes a fugitive that escaped from lawful custody, and his other partner is still in custody and would be arraigned on Thursday alongside their company, Binance. It is true that the Federal Government has commenced the process of extraditing Binance Anjarwalla in order to bring him back to Nigeria to answer to his money laundering case in court, among others. The arraignment of Binance and Gambaryan in court on Thursday will also aide Anjarwallas extradition, Punch reports, citing a government source. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, on Tuesday, announced that security agencies will pursue individuals with fake university certificates. This action follows the investigation into certificate racketeers by a committee appointed by the Federal Government after an expose by Daily Nigerian, revealed fraudulent degree mills in Benin Republic. Advertisement It detailed how a journalist obtained a degree in six weeks and completed mandatory youth service in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Religion Cant Divide Us Akpabio To Muslim Senators To this end, the Nigerian government banned accreditation and evaluation of degrees from Benin Republic and Togo. Meanwhile, the committee set up by the Federal Government was also tasked with investigating Nigerian private universities established in the last 15 years. Speaking at the first quarterly citizens engagement in Abuja, Mamman, said, On the issue of the fake degrees, we set up a committee and we expect them to submit their reports soon. Once the report is submitted, I can assure you that individuals with fake certificates will be apprehended. They will be tracked by security agencies. The city of San Francisco hired an independent firm to investigate financial concerns at HomeRise, a nonprofit that helps unhoused people find homes. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2022 One of San Franciscos largest providers of housing for formerly homeless people misused taxpayer funds, lacked key financial controls and engaged in other problematic practices that heightened the risk of fraud, according to a city report released Tuesday. (T)he breadth and magnitude of financial and compliance problems we found at HomeRise is concerning, wrote Sjoberg Evashenk Consulting Inc., an independent firm the city hired to audit the nonprofit. Janea Jackson, CEO of HomeRise, said Tuesday afternoon that the nonprofits leadership is 100% committed to resolving the issues noted in the audit. Jackson, who took over as head of the nonprofit in June 2023, said she has already addressed several of the concerns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Francisco nonprofits receive hundreds of millions of dollars to provide services to the citys most vulnerable residents whether unhoused or struggling with mental illness or substance abuse. But nonprofits have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years as local organizations have been accused of financial mismanagement, or worse. HomeRise was the subject of controversy last week after one of the nonprofits complexes in Mission Bay was criticized during a hearing at City Hall where residents complained it was contributing to violent and disturbing incidents in the neighborhood, a characterization the city rejected. HomeRise operates more than 1,500 units at 19 properties across the city, with an annual budget of about $34 million and some 250 employees. The citys current agreements with HomeRise total more than $240 million in loans, grants and subsidies. That includes $110 million in loans to develop or rehabilitate properties, $90 million for operations and maintenance, and more than $40 million in grants for support services. Auditors found unallowable, imprudent, or questionable spending by HomeRise that was inconsistent with the terms of its agreement, such as using city dollars for fundraising, paying staff bonuses, and providing lunches and gifts to its staff. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As of January 2023, the nonprofit had 118 active credit cards in use equivalent to roughly half of its workforce of which more than a third had credit limits of $10,000 or higher, according to the audit. HomeRise did not have sufficient controls on the credit cards to prevent risk of fraudulent expenses, waste or other abuse going undetected, the report found. Jackson said Tuesday that the organization has recently reduced its number of corporate credit cards to about 30 and that most now have a limit of $2,500. The audit also uncovered that the nonprofit gave out signing bonuses to employees who had been working for HomeRise for two to 13 years. Through job promotions, one HomeRise officials salary allegedly increased more than $87,000, or 74%, in the span of just nine months. More than $200,000 in bonuses were unplanned and unbudgeted, worsening cash flow problems, the report stated. The large raises and bonuses were handed out despite the nonprofit reportedly losing millions of dollars a year due to high vacancy rates in its buildings. In July 2023, more than 14% of units across the nonprofits properties were empty, the report found. Two of the nonprofits oldest buildings, the San Cristina at 1000 Market St. and the Senator Hotel at 519 Ellis St., had vacancy rates of 34.5% and 29.2% respectively. The audit stated that the vacancies not only reduce the nonprofits potential rental revenue, but, More importantly, vacant units represent missed opportunities to provide unhoused people with permanent, supportive housing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the same time, the nonprofit had questionable costs including more than $100,000 in temporary rental charges, $96,000 for salaries paid to tenant program services staff and $12,500 for a social event. The report criticized the lack of leadership and accountability at the organization, which was partly due to an alarming rate of turnover in key corporate positions, the document noted. The controllers office could not determine the total magnitude of HomeRises inappropriate spending or unallowable charges because, in most cases, there was no supporting documentation. After trying and failing to work with HomeRise to address growing concerns, the homelessness department and the Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development, or MOHCD, requested the audit in 2022. Formerly known as Community Housing Partnership, HomeRise was founded in 1990 as a partnership between the Coalition on Homelessness and a group of nonprofit housing developers called the Council of Community Housing Organizations. To this day, the coalition and council each get to appoint four members to the organizations board of directors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Six months after a city department issued a notice of default at one of HomeRises properties, the city controller placed HomeRise on elevated concern status due to its financial instability. HomeRise remains on that elevated concern status. City officials said the report makes clear that HomeRise will need to collaborate with MOHCD and the citys Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, or HSH, to remedy its financial practices. We are working to provide transparency and oversight with our contracting partners to better deliver services for our residents and City, Mayor London Breed said in a written statement, adding that city agencies identified many of the problems at HomeRise and have worked diligently to address them. Shireen McSpadden, executive director of HSH, said the audit was an example of the agency doing what it should have done in terms of monitoring and supporting its nonprofit contractors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We have a finite number of organizations that do the work and our job is really to figure out how we can continue to support those organizations but also hold them accountable, she said. Martins Vincent Otse, often called VeryDarkMan, an activist, has said he will become a crossdresser if transgender, Bobrisky is not arrested within a week. VeryDarkMan had previously called for Bobriskys arrest for cross-dressing, claiming that he was being protected by certain powerful officials who happen to be his gay lovers. Following calls to arrest crossdressers in the country, the Force Police Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had over the weekend, that the force cant arrest transvestites because crossdressing is not a crime in Nigeria. Advertisement In his statement, he said that there is no enough evidence to prosecute certain crossdressers for being gay, despite the fact that this is a natural crime. In response, VeryDarkMan, in a video message posted on his Instagram, threatened to crossdress and use the womens restroom if well-known crossdressers like Bobrisky are not detained Claiming that the crossdresser was being shielded by gay politicians, he stated that his recent detention was related to his demand for Bobriskys arrest. READ MORE: Phyna Criticises BBNaija For Starting New Season Despite Not Yet Receiving All Her Rewards, Prize Money For Winning 2022 Edition He said, When I came out of detention, I read somewhere that it was Tonto Dikeh who detained me. She can never detain me, I dont care about her connection. The truth is that I was detained for the video I made calling for Bobriskys arrest and my claims that he was being protected by gay lawmakers. My detention is just a little sacrifice. They will still arrest me for my subsequent videos. Since the police say crossdressing is legal, I wll soon start crossdressing. I will give them one week after I drop my petition against Bobrisky. If Bobrisky is not arrested, I will become a crossdresser and use the female restroom. Watch video below Nathaniel Bassey, a prominent gospel minister, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over claims that he fathered Mercy Chinwos son. Bassey sought the IGP to investigate and prosecute four individuals he accused of criminal defamation and cyberstalking. On April 1, 2024, the musician presented the appeal to the IGP through his lawyers, Peter Abraham, Uche Matthew, Gbenga Agunloye, and Anthony Abia. Advertisement Last week, four social media users claimed that Bassey fathered the son of another prominent gospel musician, an allegation that went viral on X. As a result, the lawyers requested the police to take immediate action against the four social media users named in the petition: Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and Dj Spoiltkid. Our client is a gospel music minister whose songs and ministrations have impacted the lives of so many from different walks of life across the globe, the petition partly read. On Friday, the 29th day of March 2024, Mercy Chinwo Blessed another popular gospel music minister, and her husband posted pictures of their son and themselves on different social media platforms. However, our client was disheartened, saddened, and grossly disturbed to find that the above-mentioned suspects, as mischief makers with a criminal intent to destroy the image and character of our client, had made different social media posts of defamatory matter, calling our client the father of minister Mercy Chinwo Blesseds son, a woman who is married to another man. The post by Mr. Okoronkwo Ejike has since gone viral on the platform. In reaction to the post, Mr. Kingsley Ibeh commented on Mr. Okoronkwos post with a picture of our client with the caption The real father of the baby. In a post on the platform X formerly known as Twitter, Dj SpoiltKid a verified X user, quoted the statement by Okoronkwo Ejike along with a screenshot of the post and added, When are we doing DNA test? In another post, Mr. Terrence Ekot, on the platform X made a post thus: Take a look at the stunning resemblance of mercy chinwos son and Nathaniel Bassey. Though duo has been working together on several projects in the past..what do you have to say? (sic) According to the lawyers, the four persons social media posts constituted a comprehensive assassination of Basseys reputation. These nefarious acts of these suspects, if not immediately dealt with, will continue to destroy our clients image, injure his reputation, assassinate his character, and cast aspersion on the good name built by our client over the years. The lawyers stated, the four peoples claimed activities violated Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.). The consequences of making such statements on social media have been known to tarnish the reputations of individuals, render marriages unstable, and many never recover from them. International reputation is an assetboth for the individual and for the nationand it takes time to acquire. Consequently, we urge you to use your good offices to, in the interest of justice, investigate this matter, arrest, and bring the suspect to justice, which will serve as a deterrent to others. As of press time, efforts to reach Police Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi for comments had been unsuccessful. There were also calls to Mercy Chinwos lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi. See the petition below Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a gathering with his Muslim colleagues in the National Assembly, reassured that religious differences would not divide them. Delivering a message of unity and solidarity at the breaking of fast (Iftar) ceremony attended by both Muslim and Christian senators, Akpabio underscored the significance of the simultaneous occurrence of Ramadan for Muslims and the Lenten period for Christians. Advertisement In a statement on Tuesday from his media office, Akpabio in his remarks, noted that though Muslims and Christians had different religions, they both had only one Supreme God. I want to congratulate all of us for breaking fast today and thank Almighty Allah for keeping us alive to see this day and pray that He will continue to protect us and continue to look after our health, look after our families through this Ramadan period and also use this opportunity to congratulate you on the Easter celebration. READ ALSO: Proposed Merger To Oust Tinubu Will Fail APC Chieftain It is not a coincidence that God is merging the fasting of Muslims and Christians. This is about the second or third time it is happening. The intention is to show that we may have different religions, but we have only one God and that God is the Supreme God that looks after all of us. So to the glory of God, the invitation was for those of us who are still around. Those who have not yet gone to Saudi Arabia particularly for these last 10 days of Ramadan, that we should meet and break the fast together. And of course, we also invited the Christian senators to come. For them, its a celebration of the Easter period. Coming together is all that we need. We need to continue to work together as brothers and sisters of the one Almighty God, for the benefit of our dear country. Religion cannot divide us. No matter the turmoil, no matter the political disagreement, even families do disagree. But we must bear one thing in mind: we are serving humanity through Almighty God, and one day, we shall leave this world to go and account for our deeds while we were on earth. I think that is the guiding principle, he said. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has alleged that some civil servants are aiding the illegal acquisition of land in Abuja by questionable characters. Wike added that some officials connived with land grabbers to work against the federal government on the issues of lands allocation in the FCT area. The former governor of Rivers State made this known during a press briefing with newsmen in his office in Abuja, on Tuesday. Advertisement He said that they were defrauding people and by buying land in large quantities and reselling to residents, after they might have told the government that the lands were for investments. READ MORE: Political Vampires Wike Slams Rivers PDP Leaders For Supporting Gov Fubara Wike said: They are conniving with the legal secretariat here. Do you know we can sack them? Sack the land administrator? Have you seen the court judgement? Go and read the court judgement and see whether the court says the land is their own? They went to tell the court to say tell FCTA to return our documents they are holding. I met these matters here. They were over 1000 cases on lands. As the court says FCTA release their documents, does that show that youre entitled to the land? There is no way they would go in there. It is our property! Do you know after they filed a suit against us, they made a deal with the law secretariat. They brought an external lawyer, and the external lawyer will agree with them, and the judgment will be served. Ive never seen how corrupt human beings can be. The point Im making is that all sentiments that Im revoking peoples lands (is) by law. Nobody has said you revoked the land because Im a Yoruba man. Nobody has said you revoke the land because Im a Hausa man. What has this gotten to do with Igbo? What kind of a crazy, childish sentiment is that? Matha Figaro, founder of ButACake, worked as pastry chef in fine dining for years before perfecting New Jersey's first-ever legal weed brownie. ButACake's PB&J Brownie will be releasing to New Jersey's legal cannabis market on April 16, 2024. Read more When Morristowns Matha Figaro began her career in fine dining as a pastry chef almost 15 years ago, she didnt have making history as the creator of New Jerseys first legal weed brownie on mind. On Tuesday, April 16, Figaros company ButACake will release a cannabis-infused peanut butter and jelly fudge brownie to New Jerseys adult-use and medicinal marijuana markets. Since cannabis was legalized in New Jersey in 2021, its been years in the making for the first true food-based weed edible to hit the dispensary shelves, as until now there have only been oral cannabis products like gummies, tinctures, capsules, and lozenges. But last September, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission voted to allow licensed recreational and permitted medicinal manufacturers to expand the categories of their edible products to a wider variety of shelf-stable products, like chocolates, gummies, baked goods, butters, jams, and jellies. The new rules also pave the way for cannabis-infused drinks, however the regulator board maintains no alcoholic weed beverages are allowed for the commercial market. Before the rule change, no edible cannabis product could resemble food, due to initial difficulties of regulating the commercial kitchens needed to safely process food-based cannabis edibles. The loosening of these regulations is a watershed moment for the industry, Figaro said, who went through a 6-month process since last September to be able to start serving weed brownies to the public. Figaro a first-generation Haitian-American whos been baking since her first Easy-Bake Oven at eight years old climbed the ladder of fine dining through Philadelphias James on 8th, South Beach Miamis LT Steak, and Roots Steakhouse in her hometown. She soon found that her butter cake recipe was something special and founded her own operation in 2016. Now, shes the first Black woman-owned edibles brand in the Delaware and New Jersey cannabis markets. ButACakes boot-strapped three-person team pour hours of time (Figaro is in at 8 a.m., out at 9 p.m. some days) into handcrafting each brownie in small batches, and while they are are a non-smoking treat for social use the team is driven foremost by meeting the needs of New Jerseys medical patients. After all, Figaros butter cakes and baked goodies only became cannabis-infused after customers who were medical patients needed an edible alternative to cannabis so many years ago. Many medical patients who are living through severe ailments frequently turn to non-smoking cannabis products for treatment, according to a University of Southern California Schaeffer study of more than 80,000 purchases in New Yorks medical market. When I first started ButACake, I wasnt making edibles just to make and sell them, I was making edibles to help people with specific needs, Figaro said. Theres an industry-wide issue that when adult-use becomes legal, medical gets shoved to the side. As an operator its important for me to continue to advocate for medical patients because thats how I started this in the first place. Thats why Figaro hand makes and packs every single brownie that leaves her kitchen, baking no more than 144 brownies at a time as any more than that and the brownies might as well be as dry as an Oreo, she said. With medical patients as a driving force behind the business, ButACakes mom-and-pop attitude branches out into its distribution as well, with the first dispensaries receiving the weed brownie being almost entirely local small businesses. Reporting from local cannabis journalist, Dan Ulloa, shows that a little more than one-third of New Jerseys cannabis dispensaries are owned by large multi-state operators. Im hoping that Im not the only one for long, Figaro said. I want the door that I just busted open to be followed by tons and tons and tons of operators similar to myself that have amazing products and want to bring them to the legal market. New Jerseys executive director of the cannabis regulator body, Jeff Brown, said of New Jerseys waivers to allow legal edibles, This expansion has allowed license-holders and partnering brands to bring new product offerings to New Jersey consumers, where edibles currently make up 14% of all sales, with their market share expected to grow. Where to buy legal weed brownies in New Jersey ButACakes peanut butter and jelly weed brownie is available in single serve packs containing 10mg THC per brownie, the suggested amount for a newcomer to edible weed. However, Figaro said she plans to advocate for regulations to allow higher dosage products, especially for medical patients experiencing severe pain that require more potent cannabis. ButACakes brownie is fast-acting with an onset of 20 minutes. Andre Gordon Jr. is escorted by officers as he arrives for his arraignment at the Magisterial District Courthouse in Fallsington on Wednesday. Read more Andre Gordon Jr., who police say killed three of his family members last month and threw a quiet Bucks County community into a panic, should face the death penalty if convicted, prosecutors said Wednesday. Gordon, 26, mumbled pray to God as he was led in handcuffs and shackles into the Falls Township courtroom of Magisterial District Judge John Galloway on Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement He was charged with three counts of first- and second-degree murder, as well as burglary, robbery, and related crimes for allegedly killing his stepmother, sister, and the mother of his children on March 16. He was denied bail. Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn asked Galloway to bar Gordon from contacting eight members of his family who witnessed the killings, including his daughters, 3 and 5, and his 14-year-old sister who Schorn said survived the attack by hiding under a pile of clothes in her closet. After the brief hearing, Schorn said her heart goes out to the family amid the horror of what occurred. These family members are remarkable people, she said. What they have endured is unimaginable, and theyre anxious to get this prosecution on the way. On the morning of March 16, authorities said, Gordon carjacked a woman in Trenton and drove to his fathers home in Falls Township armed with a rifle. There, they said, he forced his way into the home and fatally shot his stepmother, Kara Gordon, 52, and his 13-year-old sister, Kera. Moments later, he drove a few minutes away to the home of the mother of his children, Taylor Daniel, authorities said. Gordon then shot Daniel, 25, as she protected their two daughters, according to the criminal complaint for his arrest. Gordon later carjacked a second person, authorities said, and returned to Trenton, where he was arrested after an hours-long standoff with police. He was charged with carjacking and weapons offenses in New Jersey after his arrest, and had been held there until Wednesdays proceedings. He is scheduled to appear appear before Galloway for a preliminary hearing on the murder charges April 16. SEPTA's Route 47M bus passes Di Bruno Bros.' first store on Ninth Street in South Philadelphia on April 1, 2024. The brand now includes five stores, plus several smaller outlets and a catering company. Read more Di Bruno Bros., the popular gourmet-food emporiums, is getting a substantial investment from the regional grocery chain founded by Jeff Brown, who stepped aside when he ran for mayor last year. As the private transaction between the two families moves forward this week, the Di Bruno stores will be closed for the day on Thursday for what store signs describe as technology updates. Some will also be closed Friday. Advertisement An industry insider said that the Di Bruno name will remain, and that operations at Browns Super Stores, which include nine ShopRite and two Fresh Grocer supermarkets, should be unaffected. The changes should not be noticeable to Di Bruno customers, the source said. Owners Bill Mignucci Jr. and his cousins Billy and Emilio, all in their late 50s, will remain with Di Brunos, the source said. After taking over from their grandfather and uncle in 1990, they grew the brand out of South Philadelphia to include five stores, plus several smaller outlets and a catering company. In 2005, the cousins opened the first store outside South Philadelphia at 18th and Chestnut Streets, a two-story behemoth near Rittenhouse Square packed with assorted stations featuring a wide range of goods. Danny and Joe Di Bruno founded the business in 1939 in a storefront in the Ninth Street Italian Market, and expanded into cheeses in the mid-1960s. The source said the Brown investment would add technology to the new company. In a joint statement offering few specifics, Browns and Di Bruno acknowledged weeks of industry rumors that a Brown-controlled company would become a secured creditor of Di Bruno. The intention, the statement said, is to create a new entity that is financially resilient and builds upon the exceptional quality and customer experience for which the Di Bruno Bros. brand is known. Browns son Joshua is listed on corporate papers for two new companies, DB Gourmet Brands and DB Gourmet Markets. The companies declined to elaborate beyond the statement. Di Brunos employs about 250 workers, while about 2,300 people work at the Browns stores in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. The Browns stores are members of Wakefern Foods, the countrys largest retailer-owner cooperative. In 1988, Jeff Brown, the son of a grocer, bought his first store, the struggling ShopRite in Roxborough. Brown and his wife, Sandy, have won praise for opening stores in areas described as food deserts, giving shelf space to small businesses, and employing formerly incarcerated people. In the statement, Sandy Brown the chairwoman and executive vice president of Browns said her company was excited to take this unique brand and experience to the next level of retail excellence. Bill Mignucci, Di Brunos president, said in the statement that the family was confident that a like-minded family business will fuel the brands growth and more importantly preserve the legacy that Danny and Joe started 85 years ago. Virginia Lowe, a practicing doctor and a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice cases, discusses a CT scan of client Todd Gordon. It shows a mass that turned out to be wadded-up surgical gauze mistakenly left inside the patient during a routine biopsy. Read more When a surgeon accidentally leaves a surgical tool inside a patients body after a procedure, the harm can be severe. The patient can suffer from life-threatening infections, organ damage, and an additional surgery to remove the object. This type of medical error is extremely rare. But it does happen: Advertisement An Inquirer investigation identified 203 cases in which patients at 39 Philadelphia-area hospitals received treatment related to a surgical item accidentally left inside their bodies during a procedure, according to an analysis of Pennsylvania hospital billing records from 2017 through 2022. Patient safety experts say a single case is one too many. Government health regulators call these medical errors never events because they should never happen. Sponges used to sop up blood during surgery are the most common item erroneously left inside patients. Another frequently missed item is a broken catheter fragment, said Marcus Schabacker, president of ECRI, a national nonprofit organization aimed at improving patient safety in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Schabacker, an anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist, is not your typical patient. He prefers to stay awake under local anesthesia and watch to make sure surgical teams dont mistakenly leave catheter parts or other objects behind. If you are conscious, you can say, `Hey, did you remove the whole thing? Schabacker said. Most patients dont stay awake during surgery, but can still take steps to protect their own safety. For example, Schabacker recommends that patients familiarize themselves with safety measures that hospitals employ to prevent objects being left behind and talk to their surgeon before the procedure about which protocols will be followed. READ MORE: Surgical objects were mistakenly left in the bodies of more than 200 Philly-area patients over six years. The error is rare, but it can be catastrophic. The Inquirer spoke with Schabacker and Carl Sirio, chief medical officer at Temple Health, about some of those safety measures: Manual supply counts A designated operating room staffer, typically a nurse, counts all items. This includes a count of sponges and instruments before, during and after the procedure (but before closing the incision). Protocols include: Surgical instruments should be arranged carefully on trays, each in a designated spot where it must be returned after a surgeon uses it and hands it back. Surgical teams should have a time out before and after the procedure to confirm that counts are correct and that all items are accounted for. For all counts, one nurse should count aloud, as two other OR staffers watch. Typically, an operating room has a circulating nurse to help provide oversight. All used and counted items should ultimately be placed into a designated container. Staff should count supplies in bundles of 10 to reduce the likelihood of a miscount. Schabacker, however, noted that manual counts are time-consuming and more prone to mistakes, with an accuracy rate of 75 to 80%. Radio frequency ID tags Many hospitals use sponges, towels and other supplies with special tags that emit a radio frequency that can be detected with a special device, much like a security tag on clothing that will sound a security alarm if not removed at the register. Staff can use a handheld device to scan a patients body to check for these tagged surgical items. Its very, very effective, but its not cheap, Schabacker said. You need proprietary gauzes and sponges and other materials. Barcoding surgical items A cheaper alternative is a computer-assisted barcoding system. Every sponge, piece of gauze, or other surgical tool gets barcoded and scanned before its used. A nurse, using a handheld device, scans the barcoded object again when it is handed back. A computer tracks the count, which is displayed on a screen. The barcode scanner has about a 97% detection rate, according to Schabacker. X-ray detection If an item remains missing after other safety checks are completed, an X-ray should be taken while the patient remains on the table. A radiologist should read the X-ray immediately. The approach is more expensive, but has a high detection rate. An X-ray is a good option for high-risk surgeries, such as long procedures with multiple surgical teams, Schabacker said. Clear communication among OR staff Each hospital should have a universal protocol carried out in every room, every day, every case, said Sirio of Temple Health. Hospital administrators also should foster a culture in which nurses and other OR staff feel comfortable speaking up if a surgeon breaks protocol or tries to take a shortcut. Likewise, patients should be encouraged to advocate for themselves if something doesnt feel right after the procedure. Ronda Goldfein of Safehouse holds notes during a news conference on the announcement of the opening of a supervised-injection site in South Philadelphia in 2020. The site ultimately did not open. This week, Safehouse's bid to open a site based on a religious freedom argument was dismissed in federal court. Read more A federal judge on Wednesday rejected the latest legal bid from the nonprofit thats sought for years to open supervised drug consumption sites in Philadelphia, issuing a ruling that could deliver the terminal blow to its efforts. In a seven-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Gerald A. McHugh quickly dispatched with arguments from the backers of the organization, Safehouse, who had maintained they were compelled by their religious faiths to try to save lives and prevent overdoses by operating facilities for people with addiction to use illicit drugs under medical supervision. Advertisement They argued that federal laws barring supervised injection sites violated their religious freedom. But while McHugh acknowledged the noble intentions of Safehouse and its founders, he concluded that their Jewish and Christian beliefs did not give them license to skirt federal laws. The public health crisis they seek to address continues unabated, the judge wrote. But their religious inspiration does not provide a shield against prosecution for violations of a federal criminal statute barring its operation. READ MORE: How do sites for supervised drug use work? A primer. McHughs decision caps off a whipsaw legal battle that has drawn out over years and a heated public debate over the merits of Safehouses proposal amid an overdose crisis that killed a record 1,412 people in Philadelphia in 2022. The nonprofits vice president, Ronda B. Goldfein, said she was disappointed in the decision and that the organization was considering its options for an appeal. Amid this crisis, federal and local government have not taken the steps to provide relief, she said in a statement. In the five years since we were [first] sued, 6,500 people died of overdoses in Philadelphia. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia, which sued to block Safehouse from opening in 2019, declined comment on Wednesdays ruling. Under then-U. S. Attorney William M. McSwain, government lawyers argued that Safehouses proposed supervised consumption sites would violate a federal law, colloquially known as the crackhouse statute, that bans the operation of any space for people to use drugs. McHugh initially sided with Safehouse, but his decision was overturned in 2021 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which ruled that Congress has made it a crime to open a property for others to use drugs, and that is what Safehouse will do. Safehouse returned to court later that year with its argument that the crackhouse law violated its backers religious rights. And despite months of settlement talks with Justice Department lawyers, those discussions ultimately broke down last year. Meanwhile, City Council voted to override a veto from then-Mayor Jim Kenny to essentially ban any such site from operating in much of the city no matter what the court decided. In his ruling Wednesday, McHugh noted that despite the religious freedom claims Safehouse was asserting, its founding documents make no mention of any religious mission and its tax filings seeking nonprofit status from the IRS do not set forth any religious purpose for the organization. The organizers and leaders of Safehouse profess religious motivations, he wrote, but the work of Safehouse itself is in no respect religious. Still, Goldfein pointed to the success of two supervised consumption sites that have operated without interference from authorities in New York, where federal courts have not yet been asked to rule on their legality Those facilities, run by the nonprofit OnPoint NYC, have supervised drug use for more than 4,800 people and have prevented 1,400 overdoses since December 2021, according to the organization. They have connected people to treatment for substance use and mental and physical health needs and housing, Goldfein said. We could be doing the same in Philadelphia. Sunset view from the wraparound balcony of the Wildwood Crest condo unit that recently sold for a local record of $2.25 million. The unit is part of the Coastal Colors complex at 7701 Atlantic Ave. Read more Oh those Wildwood days cha ching! A Wildwood Crest condominium has sold for $2.25 million, setting the record for the highest purchase price of a condo in the Wildwoods, a less and less working class family area of the Jersey Shore , according to the real estate agents involved in the sale. Advertisement And the sale price was a relative steal compared to the units original asking price of $2.39 million. What does that kind of money get you in the Wildwoods in todays market? The fifth-floor condo comes in at over 3,400 square feet at the Coastal Colors complex at 7701 Atlantic Ave. One of six units on the complexs top floor, the condo has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and a wraparound deck with ocean views. That gives the unit 1,200 square feet of outdoor balcony space. The complexs amenities include a common pool, a gym, a game room, and library. The penthouse owners have a private lounge. In May 2022, another top-floor penthouse condo five bedrooms and five bathrooms in the 54-unit development sold for $1.48 million, according to Zillow. The condo which just sold had been purchased by its seller under a limited liability company in 2007 for about $1.73 million, plus another $150,000 for furniture, according to Joe Vallese of Chris Henderson Realty. Vallese, who represented the seller in the recent sale, said the unit was used mostly as a vacation property. It was one of our best rentals, Vallese said. Colleen Johnston of Long and Foster Real Estates Beach Homes Team said the current buyer, who she represented, is a developer who plans to use the condo primarily for his own family. The next highest Wildwoods condo sale price she said she could find was a unit at the Grand at Diamond Beach, which sold for $2.2 million in 2015. The current buyer and seller of the Wildwood Crest condo didnt want to be identified. Both Vallese and Johnston think prices will continue to rise in the Wildwoods, a Cape May County area whose communities include North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest.. Its gone up so high that property six and seven blocks from the beach can get $700,000, $800,000 for new construction, Vallese said. Some of that, he said, is the perceived stability of real estate as an investment. People are pulling money out of the stock market, and theyre buying real estate, Vallese said. They want something thats not going to disappear before their eyes. Johnston said some buyers who once would have sought Shore towns like Cape May, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City, and Avalon are increasingly looking to the Wildwoods. I think the Wildwoods was kind of like the best-kept secret for working families for a long time, Johnston said, but as people have been pushed out of other markets price-wise, the Wildwoods secret has really gotten out. And the Wildwoods certainly has its own charms. Said Vallese: We have the nicest beaches, I think, in all of South Jersey. A chilly low-pressure system will swing across Northern California on Thursday, resulting in a 24-hour temperature drop of 20 to 25 degrees in the Central Valley. Baron/Lynx UPDATED FORECAST: Bay Area storm could bring chance of thunderstorms, hail and record cold Though its April, an unusually cold air mass is barreling toward California, and the Bay Area will begin to feel its effects Wednesday. Northwest winds are expected to increase as a cold front swings across Northern California in the afternoon. These chilly winds could gust up to 35 mph at the coast, through the Golden Gate, near the delta and in the Livermore Valley in the afternoon and evening. Live storm map: See where rain is hitting California and Bay Area Advertisement Article continues below this ad Highs at the coast are forecast to drop a couple of degrees, to the upper 50s, but inland areas could be as much as 10 degrees cooler than Tuesday, in the lower to upper 60s. Overnight lows will crash as well, into the 40s in much of the region, but into the upper 30s in the interior North Bay. The real chill will be felt Thursday, when temperatures will be 10 to 15 degrees below normal. Some Bay Area cities could experience their coldest April day in years. Since records began at Concord Airport in 2000, only one April day has failed to surpass 55 degrees. The high temperature forecast Thursday in Concord is 56 degrees. If skies are mostly cloudy, most Bay Area cities will struggle to surpass the lower to mid-50s, but even a couple of hours of consecutive sunshine could ruin this forecast, pushing highs into the upper 50s. In the Central Valley, the temperature swing will be even more extreme: Highs could drop 20 degrees or more between Wednesday and Thursday. In Fresno, Wednesdays high is forecast to be 81, but Thursdays is predicted to top out at 58. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A bowling ball of cold air The weather feature that will be responsible for the sharp drop in temperatures is a very cold low-pressure system. On Thursday, the temperature 5,000 feet above Oakland is expected to be around 25 degrees, which would be nearly record cold for April. An unusually cold April air mass will result in high temperatures 10 to 15 degrees below normal in Northern and Central California on Thursday. Baron/Lynx The freezing level is expected to drop as low as 2,500 feet Thursday night, and snow flurries could fly as low as below 2,000 feet. While the system will be cold, its uncertain just how much precipitation the Bay Area will get Thursday and Friday. The system is coming from the north, where there is comparatively less moisture than during atmospheric river storms that come out of the southwest. However, the contrast between the frigid air mass and the relatively warm Pacific Ocean water can lead to enhanced storm and precipitation development near the coast. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Weather Prediction Center forecasts only a tenth to a quarter-inch of precipitation in the Bay Area from Thursday through Friday evening, but there is potential for local accumulations of a half-inch or more if heavy showers develop. Stay tuned to the forecast as details emerge about rain and snow chances in the coming days. Wednesday breakdown San Francisco: A summer-like fog and wind pattern is gradually returning to San Francisco, and Wednesday will have that taste. Patchy morning fog should gradually scatter for midday sunshine. West wind is expected to increase throughout the afternoon, gusting 25 to 35 mph, strongest near the Golden Gate and around Twin Peaks. Highs will be in the upper 50s in the Richmond and Sunset districts and lower 60s in Noe Valley, the Panhandle, the Mission District, SoMa and downtown. Overcast skies are expected overnight, with lows in the upper 40s. North Bay: Areas of fog are expected around Santa Rosa, Petaluma and coastal Marin County in the morning. Fog should gradually clear, but high clouds will increase throughout the day as a cold front approaches. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Highs will be in the upper 50s at the coast, lower 60s in Sausalito, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Vallejo and San Rafael, mid-60s in Santa Rosa, Napa and Petaluma and upper 60s in Fairfield and Vacaville. Westerly gusts of 20 to 35 mph are expected in the late afternoon and evening, strongest near the delta. Lows will be in the lower to mid-40s. East Bay: Patchy morning fog may reach Richmond, Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda and Hayward, but mostly sunny skies are expected by noon. Highs in the lower 60s will be reached about 3 p.m., and then west winds will increase and drop temperatures quickly to the 50s. Gusts of 20 to 30 mph are expected along the bay shoreline. The East Bay valleys are expected to be mostly sunny in the morning, with increasing high clouds in the afternoon. Highs will be near normal for early April in Concord and Walnut Creek, in the mid-60s and slightly below normal in Fremont and Livermore, in the lower 60s. Gusts up to 35 mph are possible in the Livermore Valley in the evening. Lows will be in the mid-40s. Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Fog is possible in Daly City, Pacifica and Half Moon Bay in the morning, but plenty of clearing is expected throughout the day. Despite the sunshine, cool winds will keep highs in the upper 50s. Gusts up to 30 mph are likely in the afternoon and evening. Lows will be in the upper 40s. On the Peninsula, highs will range from the upper 50s in South San Francisco and San Bruno, lower 60s in San Mateo and mid-60s in Redwood City and Menlo Park. Gusts up to 35 mph are possible along Highway 101 and Interstate 280 down the San Bruno Gap during the late afternoon and evening. High clouds will increase during the afternoon, becoming overcast overnight with lows in the mid- to upper 40s. Advertisement Article continues below this ad South Bay and Santa Cruz: While mostly sunny skies are expected in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, the cooldown will commence as cool northwest winds reach the area in the afternoon and evening. Two workers with safety jacks near the damaged railroad bridge over I-95 as seen from Luzerne near Richmond Street on Tuesday morning. Read more Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said Wednesday that Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials approved the route an oversize tractor-trailer was traveling when it struck a railroad bridge, causing the northbound lanes of I-95 in Port Richmond to close for days. Philadelphia police were escorting the truck as it hauled a mysterious (and massive) steel cylinder along the interstate Monday afternoon, Parker said, but she maintained the state transportation agency was responsible for making sure the vehicle could fit under bridges along its route. Advertisement To do this, police need to be in possession of a properly permitted and approved route plan that we get from PennDot, and I want to affirm that they were, Parker said, speaking after a bill-signing at City Hall. So what happened? Clearly, there was some type of discrepancy between the height of the truck and the clearance of the bridge But the PPD did their job. In turn, state transportation officials said it was the responsibility of the trucking company to ensure that its load could safely pass under bridges. The applicant is responsible for verifying the load parameters and adjusting their permit application based on those factors, wrote PennDot spokesperson Alexis Campbell by email. Pre-trip verifications driving the proposed route with an extended pole to measure clearances and escort services 1 to 3,000 feet in front of a load, again with an extended pole, while moving, are required for certain types of load, including the load that resulted in this bridge strike. The trucks cargo struck the underside of a Conrail bridge that carries tracks over I-95 about 1:30 p.m. Monday. A section of the roadway at Exit 26, near the Betsy Ross Bridge, has been shut since as the railroads contractors work to repair the bridge. PennDot has said that the structure should be repaired by the weekend, but officials acknowledge heavy rainstorms over the last two days could cause delays in finishing. A Conrail official has said the work could be completed as early as Thursday. State and city regulations require special route planning and permits for oversize cargo traveling through the city. Escort vehicles, usually law enforcement, must accompany vehicles of a certain size or sometimes with other risk factors such as hazardous cargo. It was not clear where the truck was headed, where it originated, or what exactly the cargo was. It resembled a gigantic, rusted, pasta tube. A PennDot spokesperson said the Philadelphia Police Departments Crash Investigation Division is handling the inquiry into the incident and city police have declined to provide even rudimentary information, such as the company that owned the carrier that struck the bridge. It was the second bridge strike in nine months on I-95 in Philadelphia. In June, a gasoline tanker truck crashed and burned under the interstate at Cottman Avenue, closing the highway for two weeks until a temporary bridge was put in place. Full reconstruction of a permanent bridge is scheduled for this year. An Inquirer analysis of PennDot crash data found that there are typically 600 to 700 crashes involving commercial vehicles each year in Philadelphia. This number has crept up since 2020 along with the increasing popularity of delivery services like Amazon. However, crashes involving commercial vehicles represent a tiny share of all crashes typically 6 to 7%. Incidents involving major infrastructure, like bridges, are much rarer, accounting for less than 10 incidents in any given year. Staff writer Aseem Shukla contributed to this article. Work crews attend to damaged railroad bridge over I-95 as seen from Luzerne near Richmond Street on Tuesday morning. Read more For at least a few more days, northbound motorists on I-95 will be forced to detour around a damaged railroad bridge in Port Richmond on a route that looks like the flight path of a drunken bee. A section of the interstate at Exit 26 near the Betsy Ross Bridge has been closed since a tractor-trailer hauling a mysterious (and massive) steel cylinder crashed into an overhead Conrail bridge Monday. Advertisement A Conrail representative said Tuesday afternoon that the companys repair plan aims to have the bridge repaired and open about 72 hours after the collision, which would be on Thursday. PennDots estimate was a bit more conservative. We are optimistic that Conrails contractors will complete the repairs efficiently and safely by the weekend, PennDot said in a statement. City regulations typically require special hauling permits and, sometimes, a police escort, for oversized cargo traveling on the highway. A representative of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop K said that Philadelphia police were handling escort duty, and referred a reporter to the city department. Philadelphia police declined to answer questions about the accident or to identify the trucking company involved. It is the second bridge strike in nine months on I-95 in Philadelphia. In June, a gasoline tanker truck crashed and burned under the interstate at Cottman Avenue, closing the highway for two weeks. READ MORE: The tale of I-95's rapid 12-day recovery frame-by-frame We hope to have everything fixed within 72 hours, while allowing for whatever might come up during repairs, said Steve Magourik, a legal project management specialist for Conrail. Magourik said he had no information on what the cylinder was, where it was headed, or where it originated. He said the bridge sustained damage when the cylinder struck it. Crews for the companys contractor were working on the underside and the top of the bridge Tuesday afternoon. Repairs began Monday night, PennDot said. They will be working 24 hours a day, nonstop, Magourik said. Contractors were inspecting the bridge within a few hours of the crash and drawing up the repair plan. NJ Transit has suspended its Atlantic City Rail Line service from 30th Street Station; it uses the bridge to cross into New Jersey. Passengers can board the Atlantic City train in Cherry Hill, the agency said. It was offering bus service from 30th Street. The bridge strike remains under investigation, PennDots statement said. The agency conducting that investigation was not clear. Meanwhile, detours are ahead, particularly as Wrestlemania is expected to draw about 200,000 people to the city over the weekend. Conrail is working with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, PennDot and NJ Transit. Inquirer staff writers Rob Tornoe and Beatrice Forman contributed to this article. Exterior of Raymond G. Perelman Center for Jewish Life at Drexel University on April 3. Read more Drexel University said Tuesday that police were investigating as a hate crime the vandalism of a sign outside the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Jewish Life. In a message to students and staff, Drexel president John Fry said several metal letters were removed from the brick marquee of the building by a group of masked people. The episode occurred at the end of spring break, he said. Students returned to campus on Monday. Advertisement The vandalism was discovered on Sunday and immediately reported to police, a university spokesperson said in an email. As I write, Drexel Public Safety and Philadelphia police are jointly investigating this incident, which was captured on video, as a hate crime, Fry said. He called the case an egregious act of vandalism and said that any form of vandalism, including graffiti, at the university does not constitute any legitimate form of protest. Fry said such acts are antisemitic in their intent to disrupt Jewish life and intimidate our Jewish communities, and have no place at Drexel or in our democratic society. The university will maintain police and security patrols, Fry said. I want to reassure all Jewish members of our community of our unwavering commitment to everyones safety and security, Fry said. In December, the U.S. Department of Education said it was investigating Drexel for the universitys handling of alleged discrimination and harassment on campus amid the war between Israel and Hamas that began in October and has roiled campus life across the country. The Education Department has nearly 100 open investigations into colleges including Temple University and K-12 schools for alleged discrimination involving shared ancestry, including antisemitism or Islamophobia. Liz Magill resigned late last year as president of the University of Pennsylvania after an uproar over her congressional testimony about the handling of antisemitism on campus. Kathie Jiang posts a flyer about the event before she participates in reading group gathered at Making Worlds Bookstore in West Philadelphia, Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024 to read and discuss the life and writings of James Baldwin. It is part of the citys Year of Baldwin with activities celebrating the year the writer would have turned 100 years old. Organizers at the Saturday Free School have called his work prophetic and revolutionary. Read more For Serafina Harris, the writings of James Baldwin, the novelist, essayist and playwright, are just as important and necessary today as the writings and speeches of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., or the scholar W.E.B. DuBois. Its about having a certain moral standard, said Harris, 24, an artist, and a member of the Philadelphia-based Saturday Free School for Philosophy and Black Liberation. Advertisement Reading Baldwin gives you a kind of lifeline or raft; like, when youre at sea and youre going to either sink or swim. He deals with the real responsibility of being an American in this particular historical moment. In February, the Saturday Free School launched the Year of James Baldwin: Gods Revolutionary Voice, to observe the 100th anniversary of Baldwins birth, on Aug. 2, 1924. Activities will include reading groups, panel discussions, symposia and every-other-week podcasts. On Thursday, the Year of Baldwin will mark the anniversary of Kings speech against the Vietnam War, Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence, that he gave at Riverside Church in New York City on April 4, 1967. The Americas Revolutionary Future and Martin Luthers Kings Vision for Peace program will include a screening of Kings speech, followed by a panel discussion at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. It is the same church where, in 1950, King, then a student at Crozer Theological Seminary in Delaware County, heard Howard University president Mordecai Johnson lecture about Mahatma Gandhis nonviolence principles. READ MORE: When Martin Luther King Came Out Against Vietnam War and peace Former Temple University professor Anthony Monteiro, who founded the Saturday Free School 12 years ago, said the Thursday program will compare Kings anti-war speech with the writings of James Baldwin, whom he called a prophetic voice. Baldwin, who was a gay Black man, born in Harlem, is known for his essays, semi-autobiographical novels, and plays that addressed issues of race, civil rights, politics, and sexuality. What Baldwin was establishing is that he had to make a choice to stand with the oppressed or accept this privileged position [of being a famous author], Monteiro said. A representative of Jewish Voice for Peace is scheduled to participate. If Baldwin were alive today, he would be against what is going on in Gaza, Monteiro said. April 4, is also the 56th anniversary of Kings assassination in Memphis in 1968. He had given the speech a year to the day before he was murdered. We must find new ways to speak for peace in Vietnam and justice throughout the developing world, a world that borders on our doors. If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time, reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality and strength without sight. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, from the speech, Beyond Vietnam, given April 4, 1967, Riverside Church, New York. Reading around the city Since the launch of the Year of Baldwin, small reading groups have started at bookstores and library branches to read and discuss Baldwins work. Emily Dong, 27, a labor union employee, is one of the leaders at the group that meets at the Central Branch Library, 1901 Vine St. on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Dong, who is Chinese American, learned about the Saturday Free School from a classmate when she was a student at Cornell. Her friend would visit Philadelphia to take part in the school. Currently, the group at the Central Branch is reading two essays of Baldwins, Take Me to the Water, and To Be Baptized. She said among the readers is a Black woman, a retired school teacher, and a young white man, a recent college graduate, who just moved to Philadelphia. One woman attended because she had heard Dong give an interview on the radio and was intrigued that a young Chinese American woman spoke so passionately about Baldwin. People think the Black freedom struggle was just for Black people, but we have to all learn from this history, Dong said. READ MORE: What do you know about W.E.B. DuBois and his connection to Philadelphia? Here's a primer for a 'Year of DuBois' Dong said readers are finding Baldwins works relevant today. For me, simply, McCarthy was a coward and a bully, with no claim to honor, nor any claim to honorable attention. For me, emphatically, there were not two sides to this dubious coin, and as to his baleful and dangerous effect, there could be no question at all. Yet , they spent hours debating whether or not McCarthy was an enemy of domestic liberties. I couldnt but wonder what conceivable further proof they were awaiting: I thought of German Jews sitting around debating whether or not Hitler was a threat to their lives until the debate was summarily resolved for them by a knocking at the door. James Baldwin, from Take Me to the Water, an essay in the book, No Name in the Street, 1972. In West Philadelphia, Kathie Jiang leads a group that meets every other Sunday at the Making Worlds Cooperative Bookstore, 210 S. 45th St. That group is reading the Baldwin essay The Artists Struggle for Integrity. At the very first session, people were very emotional and expressed gratitude to be able to come together and have this dialogue, said Jiang, who is 25, Chinese American, and also a Cornell graduate. People dont have the space to talk about whats really important, and to talk about the crises that are going on in society. Martin Luther Kings Vision for Peace, is on Thursday, April 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 19103. On Saturday, April 6, from noon to 6 p.m., a roundtable discussion, A Generation Prepared to Pay Its Dues to the Future, followed by cultural performances, will be held at Zion Baptist Church, 3600 N. Broad St., 19140. For more information, visit: Year of James Baldwin. Keisha Hudson, Chief Defender, shown here in her office at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Thursday, May 5, 2022. Read more Beneath the glamor and glitz of the Defenders Association of Philadelphias first gala to celebrate its 90th anniversary on Thursday is a serious matter: raising money to help the organizations newest lawyers with professional costs such as moving and bar exam fees. The fund is called the Building the Next Generation of Defenders Fund. Keisha Hudson, chief defender, says that indigent defense work pays some of the lowest attorney salaries in the legal field, leaving practitioners with high student loan debt and little money to deal with added expenses. Advertisement But for those who become public defenders, what the work lacks in salary it makes up for in mission a passion for ensuring those accused of a crime get a defense even when they cant afford to pay for one. The only person standing next to that client is the public defender. Chief Defender Keisha Hudson Since her own internship experiences while she was at Cornell Law School, Hudson decided to make a career in public defense despite the financial sacrifice. What I got from those experiences were public defenders were, in my view, heroes. Hudson said criminal defendants are faced with the arsenal of the criminal system to prove them guilty the police, the prosecutor, special state and federal agencies such as Homeland Security. The only person standing next to that client is the public defender. I wanted to be the person with my background and my experiences and my understanding be the one to stand next to them and advocate for them. To the defense By the end of the 1920s, seven out of 10 defendants were being tried in Philadelphia courtrooms without an attorney. When a judge decided a defendant did need an attorney, a lawyer was appointed on the spot from the courtroom. According to a history of the citys Defenders office, several attorneys launched the Voluntary Defender Association to provide free legal support in 1934. When the United States Supreme Court, in Gideon v. Wainwright in 1963, decided indigent defendants had a right to free criminal representation, the Voluntary Defender Association assumed the role of the citys public defender and its workload grew exponentially. In 1969, the association took on clients in the Juvenile Division of Family Court, two years after the Supreme Court said they, too, had the right to counsel. Today, City Council provides about 90% of the Defender Associations $62 million operating budget, making it the largest criminal legal defense organization in the state, and the fourth largest in the nation. With public defenders representing about 70% of those arrested in Philadelphia each year, also means a large volume and heavy caseloads The volume here in Philadelphia is incredibly immense and our caseloads are high. Theyre higher than the caseload the American Bar Association recommends, Hudson said. Retaining attorneys, especially after investing in their training, is critical. But first we dance While Philadelphia can counts itself one of states better supported public defender offices, starting salary for a new PD is only $64,000 which is $6,000 less than their counterparts at the District Attorney offices makes and a fraction of what a new attorney makes in private practice. The list of to-dos to further improve the public defenders office is long, but for one night there will be song, food, and celebration. The event will be held at the National Constitution Center and several honorees will be recognized including Speaker of the House and former public defender Rep. Joanna E. McClinton who joined the defenders office directly out of Villanova Law School and Rev. Michelle Anne Simmons, Founder and CEO of Why Not Prosper, a housing-first womens reentry program. And the next morning, the city public defenders will return to work. They chose to work here. They chose to come to the City of Philadelphia. We work with the citys most vulnerable and I am really proud to lead this organization and work with people who have decided this is how they want to fulfill their careers, Hudson said. I Todd Gordon underwent surgery at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. The surgeon biopsied a lymph node, but failed to remove gauze packing used to absorb the blood. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Greetings and good luck to those traveling north on I-95 this morning. Closures are expected for at least another day as crews repair the damage left by a tractor-trailer crash near the Betsy Ross Bridge/Aramingo Avenue Interchange. Watch out for flooding as you navigate the area. When surgical objects are left in patients bodies after they leave the operating table, theyre called never events because they are so preventable, they should never happen. Yet an Inquirer investigation found over 200 of these accidents recorded at Philadelphia-area hospitals in the past six years. Advertisement And Dungeons & Dragons fans are finding community at bar pop-up events across the region. Heres what you need to know today. Julie Zeglen (@juliezeglen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Sponges. Catheter fragments. Six feet of surgical gauze. All objects that have been found in patients bodies after surgery at Philadelphia-area hospitals. Over 200 of these never events have been recorded at 39 local hospitals in the past six years. While rare, these accidents can be catastrophic to patients health. Safeguards to prevent them, such as using X-rays or simply counting the number of items at hand before and after surgery, too often fail. I still have pain, anxiety, said a woman who was left with a surgical sponge in her abdomen after an emergency C-section. This shouldnt have happened. The Inquirers Wendy Ruderman, Sarah Gantz, and Dylan Purcell investigate why these events happen, how they can be avoided, and where patient safety law falls short. P.S. If you work in the health field, be sure to subscribe to Philly Health Insider. The Inquirers first newsletter dedicated to the regions eds and meds sector features accountability and data-driven journalism like this every Wednesday. What you should know today Looking for way to have a beer, meet new people, and boost your strategy skills all at the same time? We know a place. Novices and experts alike are flocking to Philly bars to play Dungeons & Dragons, the tabletop roleplaying game that turns 50 this year. Pop-up events hosted by Dungeons n Drafts are so popular, theyve expanded to six new cities. I play a lot of other board games, and theyre all ultra-competitive. Youre there to beat the person across the table from you, Dungeons n Drafts cofounder Thomas Solar said. With DnD, its okay to have a laugh and be friends. Doesnt sound like a bad way to pass a Wednesday night. Beatrice Forman goes deep into the lore. Trivia time How old is the Defender Association of Philadelphia, which connects those accused of a crime to free legal help? A) 10 years B) 50 years C) 90 years D) 150 years Think you know? Check your answer. What were... Donning: Our best wool sweaters for the Bob Dylan biopic filming in Cape May. Applauding: The local winners of Food & Wines Global Tastemakers Awards. Avoiding: Deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation in the 2024 presidential election. Unscramble the anagram Philly drag queen Sapphira Cristal has been snapping up wins on the latest season of this Emmy Award-winning reality competition show. Shes now in the top four. GUARDER SCAPULAR Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Carol Basile, who solved Tuesdays anagram: NextFab. Thats the Philly org offering digital hardware and software tools and of late, AI know-how to members at its makerspaces in Point Breeze and Kensington. Photo of the day Wishing you an easy Wednesday. See you back in your inbox tomorrow! By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. Maria Kefalas is a St. Josephs University sociology professor whose daughter, Calliope, died before she could receive a new treatment for her condition. If I couldnt save Cal, I was determined to save as many other children as possible, she writes. Read more Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first gene therapy to treat a fatal childhood inherited brain disease called metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). You might expect that I the mother of a child who died from MLD before this treatment became available would be bitter. Advertisement But you would be wrong. On July 5, 2012, a neurologist at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia told my husband and me that our 2-year-old daughter, Calliope, was dying. Genetic testing confirmed she had MLD, a rare neurological disorder that destroys the brains white matter. That day marked the beginning of my crash course in one of the worst diseases youve never heard of. If ALS (also known as Lou Gehrigs disease) and Alzheimers created an offspring that targeted toddlers, it would look something like MLD. Babies with MLD are born with a faulty gene that leaves them unable to produce an enzyme needed to break down fatty substances called sulfatides. The buildup of them eventually becomes toxic to nerves, leading to progressive loss of cognition and movement. By the time symptoms appear, it is already too late. Soon after developing symptoms, babies with MLD lose almost all function. In Cals case, it took her only two short months after her diagnosis to lose the ability to walk, speak, feed herself, or sit unaided. From there, the disease progresses quickly, causing children to lapse into a vegetative state. The diagnosis came with no hope. Not only was there no treatment for MLD, but we learned that Cal would suffer terribly as her neurons died. And she was unlikely to live past her 6th birthday. The only tangible thing our doctor could offer us was a Make-A-Wish vacation. We went to Marthas Vineyard; Cal loved the ocean. Just a few days short of the one-year anniversary of Cals diagnosis, a team of researchers in Milan announced that they had successfully treated three babies with MLD using a gene therapy. The doctors wiped out the babies immune systems, then infused them with stem cells that had been infected with a working copy of the faulty gene. Even as I watched my darling daughter slowly die, I found my purpose: I established a foundation in her honor and began raising money for MLD, one cupcake sale at a time. If I couldnt save Cal, I was determined to save as many other children as possible. Over nearly a decade, the Calliope Joy Foundation has sold 45,000 cupcakes and raised nearly $1 million. We used that money to send 20 children with MLD to Italy to receive the gene therapy. The first patient we sponsored is now a beautiful, healthy 10-year-old who has no idea she was supposed to become paralyzed, nonverbal, and dependent on a feeding tube. For me and other families of children who have MLD, the news of the FDAs approval of the new treatment, Lenmeldy, is cause for rejoicing. For the first time since this disease so cruelly reshaped my family, I can say these words aloud: There is an FDA-approved therapy for MLD. And what Lenmeldy does is nothing short of miraculous. In a trial of its effectiveness, all children who received Lenmeldy were alive at 6 years of age, relative to only half of those who didnt receive it. Most of the treated children could walk without any help and had normal language skills. And yet, while I celebrate with the families whose children have received this miraculous treatment, a hot coal of grief remains lodged in my throat: For my family, for my daughter, this happy news came too late. The FDA approval of Lenmeldy coincides almost precisely with the two-year anniversary of Cals death. If only she had been born just a little bit later, she would still be alive. If only she had been born just a little bit later, she would still be alive. At this strange juncture, I find myself overcome with a range of emotions. It seems odd that a grieving mother can hold so many paradoxical feelings. And yet, when you champion a cause because you have lost a child, you find solace in strangers miracles. Since losing Cal, I have dreamed of meeting a 14-year-old girl with curly brown hair and brown eyes. She adores Taylor Swift and wears Nike Air Jordans. She teases her older brother and sister and drives her mother crazy. She has a huge, exciting life ahead of her. I have accepted that this girl is not my daughter Cal. It is enough to know that this girl lives because of my Cal. Maria Kefalas is a professor at St. Josephs University in Philadelphia. She is the founder of the Calliope Joy Foundation and Cure MLD. Her latest book is a memoir titled Harnessing Grief. A couple of heavily armed New York National Guard members patrol Grand Central Terminal, Thursday, March 7, 2024, in New York City. Brian Pollitt argues that Pennsylvania should also deploy the National Guard to Philadelphia as a deterrent to violence. Read more When a bus shows signs of a mechanical problem, you call a mechanic. The goal is to do preventive maintenance, rather than waiting for a complete failure. But if buses and stations are plagued by a breakdown of civil society, who do you call? Every day, SEPTA employees see criminal acts, fare evasion, people experiencing mental illness, homelessness, or drug addiction. The union I lead, Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents 5,000 SEPTA workers, has been sounding the alarm that unless conditions improve, the very survival of the public transit system is at stake. Advertisement In response, we have been asked by image-conscious SEPTA managers and other public officials to tone things down and not draw too much attention to the transit agencys challenges. During a Philadelphia City Council hearing on SEPTA safety issues in November 2021, I pushed back against this head in the sand approach and accused state and city elected officials of leading from behind. In the 28 months that have passed since that City Council meeting, little has changed. Some of our city leaders recently showed up at a crime scene following four shootings in one week involving SEPTA buses. Standing near the site where eight students were sent to the hospital with gunshot wounds and a bus was riddled with bullets, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and District Attorney Larry Krasner promised to catch the criminals and protect the riders. This is reactive, not proactive. Similarly, Republican leaders in the state Senate introduced Act 40 last year, calling for a special prosecutor to pursue those who commit crimes on SEPTA or within 500 yards of SEPTA property. That act has now been signed by the governor, but there is no special prosecutor in place, and there probably wont be for a long time because Krasner has challenged the legality of Act 40 in court. From the vantage point of SEPTA workers, this recent attention by state and local leaders to safety threats is well-intentioned but misguided. Rather than focusing on prosecution and punishment after transit crimes are committed, the emphasis should be on doing the security equivalent of preventive maintenance, or deterrence. The goal should be to act before these violations occur, not after. Two years ago, our union called for the state to assist the thinly staffed and often overwhelmed SEPTA Transit Police Department with a show of force by sending in the National Guard to help patrol SEPTAs buses, trains, and trolleys. State leaders listened to our request at the time, and looked at us like we needed our heads examined. They were concerned about poor optics. We believe the temporary deployment of the National Guard can serve as a powerful deterrent, and buy time for the system to fully recover. Studies across the country show that as ridership goes up, crime and other societal problems go down. Deploying the National Guard can bring riders back and make SEPTA safe for everyone. Earlier this year in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams sent 1,000 police officers to the transit system, and not long after, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul assigned 750 National Guard members and 250 state troopers to the citys subways. Hochul also pledged an additional $20 million to increase the number of mental health teams working on the subways. SEPTA does similar outreach, but much more is needed. According to the Federal Transit Administration, the rate of assaults on transit operators nationwide started rising before the pandemic. Assaults on transit workers increased by 121% between 2008 and 2021, and thats probably an undercount. At the insistence of our union, SEPTA has now agreed to install protective shields around bus operators, keeping them safe from those seeking to do harm. Philadelphia isnt the first city to do this. London bus drivers work in an enclosed cockpit on new buses. Los Angeles also has added plexiglass shields to its Metro buses. These are only a few examples of deterrence being used by other public transit agencies. Theres much more that SEPTA can do. The same week when 15 people were shot over four days, I sent a letter to area law enforcement and political leaders outlining the plague of violence our union members are facing at SEPTA. My first words to our public officials were, Had enough yet? We who work at SEPTA have. Philadelphia must invest not only in pursuing those who threaten our transit system, but also put into place preventive measures to raise the confidence of workers and riders alike. Brian Pollitt is the president of Transport Workers Union Local 234, representing 5,000 workers employed by SEPTA. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pollitt started working at SEPTA as a bus operator in 1990. One of the most competitive primary election races in the Pennsylvania state House this year is a three-way rematch for a West Philadelphia-based seat. Democratic State Rep. Amen Brown, a former mayoral candidate, is being challenged by community organizers Cass Green and Sajda Purple Blackwell, who also both ran against him in 2022. And all of them are better prepared to put up a fight in the April 23 primary. Advertisement The primary race in the 10th state House District is the latest example of progressives effort in recent years to amass power in the state House by challenging more moderate Democrats in primary races. Brown held onto his seat by less than 200 votes two years ago against Green and Blackwell, but has faced criticism for aligning himself with Republican interests on some issues like school choice. Green is a progressive and community organizer who came close to beating Brown two years ago. Blackwell says she does not fit easily into the progressive or moderate camps, but broadly supports Democratic values. She has long been active in her neighborhood, and is a member of a politically prominent family. Brown and Green, who both have substantial financial backing, are considered the front-runners. But Blackwell especially with her familys name recognition has the opportunity to pull votes from either candidate. And shes attacking both Brown and Green, claiming they are both out of touch with the community. Amen Brown is seeking a third term with an independent streak Brown, 36, is a two-term incumbent with an independent streak including support of creating an attorney general-appointed special prosecutor for SEPTA and using public funds to send students to private schools, in addition to his support for traditional Democratic issues. For this, hes received support from some Republicans, including Jeff Yass, Pennsylvanias richest man. I pride myself on being a relationship builder in Harrisburg, whether its on the other side of the aisle with different industries, with different elected officials, different organizations, Brown said. Brown has also been subject to multiple attempts to remove him from the ballot for disregarding election laws including this year and has been repeatedly accused of legal and financial misconduct over the last decade that he said has been part of a smear campaign against him. In 2022, Brown won by 183 votes in a newly redrawn district, and he said hes confident hell win by a larger margin this year. I had very little time to win the hearts of the new people, Brown said of the last election. But if you go on any city street in my district and ask a random person who I am and have I impacted your life in a positive way? Theyll tell you Yes, he said. Brown maintains the support of top House Democrats, including House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D., Philadelphia) and Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery), despite facing criticism from others in his party, including during his unsuccessful mayoral run last year. Hes not a real Democrat, hes not this. Come on now. I work hard for my people, Brown said. Look at all these Democrats who support me ... If I was doing something wrong, trust and believe that none of those folks [would support me]. The state House has a one-seat Democratic majority, so every vote counts. Blackwell cited rumors that Brown would consider changing his party during a Tuesday meeting with The Inquirers Editorial Board. But Brown said he would not change his party. The West Philly native and gun violence survivor said he has unfinished business to complete, such as codifying an end to a $5 medical services co-pay for incarcerated people, which the Department of Corrections stopped charging in 2021 after Brown inquired about it. It is very unfortunate that people dont really understand what it takes to be a leader and to be an actual legislator, Brown told The Inquirer Editorial Board. In these last few years, Ive done a lot of growing up and learned a lot in my experiences. Green wants to see more progress in Harrisburg Green, 64, is a progressive Democrat who has the backing of District Attorney Larry Krasner, State Sen. Nikil Saval, and City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. She has been working as a community organizer and artist in Mill Creek and across the city on large-scale projects for 20 years, most recently in Krasners office on juvenile diversion and restorative justice projects. This work sealed the deal for her to run again, so she could fight at the state level for criminal justice reform, she said. She said increasing affordable housing and further investment in fixing the multi-generational issues in the criminal justice system are among her top priorities. Browns support for school vouchers or the creation of a special prosecutor role for crimes committed on SEPTA served as a motivator to challenge him, Green added. After coming so close to winning the district last time, she decided to try again. This is an important year for progress, Green said. Bringing coalition together can sometimes be messy, but the work is worth it, and there are solutions and great opportunities ahead of us. Green has received the endorsements of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the Working Families Party and the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council. Blackwell says I am the only one helping Blackwell, 47, is from the prominent Blackwell family that has held elected office and has been doing volunteer work in the West Philly community for decades. She and her husband Thomas Tommy Blackwell VI co-founded the Blackwell Culture Alliance Inc., which hosts biweekly food distributions. She also runs an active town watch group, and said she chose to run again after her neighbors asked her to. I am running because my people every other Saturday when Im out there on that corner are constantly needing resources, and I am the only one helping them without a seat, Blackwell said. And they know if I had a greater position, if I had the resources that a state representative could bring, I will be able to help all of my neighbors in the 10th District have a better quality of life. Blackwell is endorsed by former mayoral candidate Jeff Brown, Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, and author Jamila T. Davis. Blackwell wants to create new programs to fight poverty and gun violence in the district, such as requiring financial literacy classes in Pennsylvania schools. She also wants to help private schools advertise available scholarships, instead of using public funds to send students from poor areas to private schools. Food delivery app DoorDash is launching a pilot program that will help its gig workers pay for benefits in Pennsylvania, and it has Gov. Josh Shapiros support. The company says the initiative is the first of its kind, and touts it as a way for workers to get both the flexibility of gig work and the stability of a traditional job through portable benefits, which are attached to the worker, not the employer. The six-month Pennsylvania pilot program will last from April through September. Advertisement We believe that everyone deserves access, choice, and security when it comes to how they want to work, said Tony Xu, DoorDash CEO and co-founder. ... Instead of settling for the way it has always been done, we can continue to try new things and expand the safety net in ways that provide both flexibility and security. Those who earn at least $1,000 on DoorDash from April to June, excluding tips, are eligible for the payouts. The company will match 4% of participating delivery workers pre-tip earnings and deposit the money into a benefits account that can go toward retirement savings, paid time off, and health, dental, and vision insurance. DoorDashs delivery workers, known as Dashers, can also contribute money to the account themselves. Justice for App Workers, a group that advocates for gig workers, said that although this is a step in the right direction, the 4% pre-tip contributions amount to pennies, because tips make up a large portion of the what workers get paid. Justice for App Workers is fighting for fair wages, health care and mental health care, increased bathroom access, deactivations protections, safety, and the right to form a union, the group said in a statement. Anything less than that is a Band-Aid over the crisis delivery workers are facing. READ MORE: About 150 Uber and Lyft drivers went on strike at PHL on Valentines Day. Heres why. Shapiro, a Democrat, is serving as a cheerleader for the program. DoorDashs new pilot program for Pennsylvania Dashers is a positive step forward, as it can give Pennsylvania workers greater access to benefits, Shapiro said. My administration looks forward to seeing the results of this program, and we will continue working to protect and expand the rights of all workers in Pennsylvania. The contributions will come from DoorDash, and there are no public funds being used for the program, according to DoorDash spokesperson Eli Scheinholtz. Dashers spend an average of less than four hours a week making deliveries, and most are supplementing other sources of income that provide benefits, according to the company. READ MORE: North Philly is home to one of DoorDashs busiest pickup spots in the world The program will not impact DoorDash prices in Pennsylvania, Scheinholtz said. Minoru Kimura, director and managing executive officer for Nippon Life Insurance Group, added: We believe in the importance and future of life insurance in Australia, and MLC Life Insurance is an integral part of Nippon Life Insurances international growth strategy. We are delighted Ichiba-san will be able to bring his unique expertise and significant international experience to MLC Life Insurance at this important time, as part of this critical partnership. The move also comes on the heels of Ariel Res statement last year of its ambition to establish itself as an academy firm within the reinsurance sector, aimed at fostering and nurturing talent. The individuals recognized through these promotions include: RLL has long been managed by professionals with vast experience in the risk and property management spaces, he said. We are advocates for our clients and support them with the skills, technology, and problem-solving expertise necessary for success. In partnering with DOXA, we are pleased to take both our experience and product offerings to the next level. Projected to become the largest marine insurance claim ever recorded, Fitch noted that the incident is poised to eclipse the loss of approximately $1.5 billion from the Costa Concordia sinking in 2012. With estimated losses ranging between $2 billion and $4 billion, the final insured loss will hinge on the duration of the ports closure and the specifics of business interruption insurance policies. Wilkens career trajectory at Munich Re took him across the globe, including a significant tenure with Munich Re of Africa starting in 2000, before he returned to Munich to serve as senior underwriter, specializing in customized reinsurance solutions. by Kazi Anwarul Masud SERGEI PRIGIZHINS UNTIMELY DEATH It has been proved again and again that attempts to replace President Vladimir Putin are fraught with danger. Before Sergei Prigozhins untimely death, the founder and former head of the Wagner Group and apparently close to President Putin used to frequently one has to be very careful to put his name forward to be a successor to Putin. Frida Ghitis, a world affairs columnist and a regular contributor to CNN and The Washington Post, in a recent article wrote about the risks that one would take in forwarding his or her name as a possible successor lest the person so named meets the fate of Sergei Prigozhin. Putin feeds milk to a baby moose on June 5, 2010, during a visit to the Moose Island National Park in Moscow. RISE OF VLADIMIR PUTIN TO NATIONAL POWER Vladimir Putin, who cut his teeth in politics in St. Petersburg in the 1990s, after having spent decades working in the shadowy Soviet-era KGB. His spectacular rise to national power began in 1999 when then-President Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly named him prime minister. Yeltsin resigned months later, and the 46-year-old former spy became acting President. He promptly won the 2000 presidential election, his popularity propelled by the brutal military campaign he had already launched against Chechen separatists. BRIEF INTERLUDE WITH DMITRY MEDVEDEV AS PRIME MINISTER He has held the office ever since, with a brief interlude between 2008 and 2012 when he switched jobs with his then-prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, to offer a pretense of respect for constitutional term limits. In case anyone doubted that Putin has no intention of surrendering power, he more recently orchestrated a constitutional change that allows presidents to run for two consecutive six-year terms, but reset the clock to zero starting at the end of his current term. After a quarter of a century in power, he can now serve another 12 years. Barring a palace coup or a revolution, there are half a dozen people within Putins circle who are considered possible successors. The first name that emerges in those discussions is Medvedev, the former president who now serves as the deputy chairman of the Security Council. Medvedev was once viewed as more moderate than Putin and potentially even a reformer. But since Russias all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he has become a fire-breathing nationalist, hurling insults and threats at Ukraine and the West. Mostly, he seems desperate to demonstrate his loyalty to Putin. If the inner circle were looking for a successor, however, Medvedev would be doubly handicapped, tainted by both his former moderate image and his current nationalism. To the extent that there is a legal succession plan, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin would take over the top job if it became vacant, just as Putin did with Yeltsin. But Mishustin is not viewed as a particularly strong player in the inner circle, which may explain why Putin picked the former tax official for the job in 2020: He poses no threat. ONE POSSIBILITY FROM THE INNER CIRCLE COULD BE A POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR One member of the inner circle who is viewed as powerful and ruthless is Nikolai Patrushev, the head of the Security Council. Patrushev is a force in the regime and could conceivably become Putins successor. Anyone expecting a more moderate regime under Patrushev would likely be disappointed. He is virulently anti-Western and a fount of anti-Ukraine invective. Like Putin, Patrushev was born in Soviet-era Leningradnow St. Petersburgand came up in the KGBs successor agency, the Federal Security Service. PUTIN HAD NO DYNASTIC AMBITIONS Theres no sign that Putin intends to set up a dynastic system. Barring a palace coup or a revolution, there are half a dozen people within Putins circle who are considered possible successors. Then theres Alexei Dyumin. Despite his relatively low national profile, the governor of the Tula region has seen his stock rise in recent years. A former Putin bodyguard, Dyumin has become a top military official, having played a pivotal role in the successful capture of Crimea in 2014. That operation was conducted smoothly and efficiently, in contrast to the war in Ukraine since 2022, burning the image of those who participated. Dyumins name emerges frequently in discussions about a post-Putin succession. Speaking of invasions and wars, there is also Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who has served Putin in that capacity for more than a decade. Born in faraway Siberia, near the Mongolian border, Shoigu nevertheless managed to rise through the ranks and join Putins inner circle. UKRAINE WAR DESTROYED DEFENSE MINISTERS REPUTATION But his standing became tenuous as the war in Ukraine went disastrously wrong in its early stages. Before Sergei Prigozhins untimely death in August, the founder and former head of the Wagner Group used to frequentlyand very publiclylambaste the armys incompetence, eroding Shoigus reputation. Adding injury to those insults, Prigozhins short-lived mutiny against Putin in June 2023, during which Shoigu was curiously silent, also diminished his stock. If theres one political figure who might enjoy popular support after Putins departure, it is Sergei Sobyanin, the dapper and well-respected mayor of Moscow. Sobyanin has held the job since 2010, overseeing the modernization of the city and earning high marks from many residents. COULD CITY MAYORS POPULARITY BE HIS DEATH WISH AS WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SAID UNEASY LIES THE HEAD THAT WEARS A CROWN IN HENRY THE FOURTH PART TWO As one of the most popularand still livingpoliticians in Russia, he has become the object of what may be the unwanted embrace of Putins United Russia party. Thats perhaps an effort by Putin to tarnish Sobyanins luster in the capital, where many of the more liberal Russians are not fans of the party. Still, he has close ties to the president. He served under Putin, working as Kremlin chief of staff until 2008 and then as deputy prime minister when Putin became prime minister after switching jobs with Medvedev. These are some of the insiders whose names come up in discussions of a relatively orderly transition to replace Putin. But its worth noting that, despite Putins iron grip on power, there are strong undercurrents of discontent, even as Putins critics continue to die in mysterious circumstances. Theres no sign that Putin intends to set up a dynastic system. His daughtershis only known heirshave stayed out of politics. The future of power in Russia is impossible to predict. Kazi Anwarul Masud is a retired Bangladeshi diplomat. During his tenure, he worked in several countries as the ambassador of Bangladesh including Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Germany The owner, operator and charterer of the container ship that struck Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday are likely to face lawsuits over its collapse and the people killed or injured, but legal experts say U.S. maritime law could limit the companies liability. U.S. laws pertaining to open-water navigation and shipping, which are created through court decisions and by acts of Congress, could restrict the kinds of lawsuits filed against the registered owner of the Singapore-flagged ship, Grace Ocean Pte Ltd, its manager Synergy Marine Group and its charterer Maersk, and could limit the damages they would have to pay, three legal experts told Reuters. Representatives for Synergy and Maersk declined to comment on the potential for litigation. Efforts to reach a spokesperson for Grace Ocean were not successful. The economic damages suffered by the city of Baltimore from the closure of the port, the busiest port for car shipments in the U.S., or by businesses that rely on it and the now-collapsed bridge would not be recoverable through lawsuits, said Martin Davies, director of the Maritime Law Center at Tulane University School of Law. Thats because U.S. courts have interpreted a 1927 U.S. Supreme Court ruling to mean that any purely economic damages from maritime incidents cant be recovered from the ships owners and operators, Davies and other experts said. Instead, lawsuits would be limited to injuries, death and property damage or losses, such as claims from the people harmed by the collapse or claims over the damage to the bridge itself, likely brought by government entities. The lawsuits are likely to be filed in federal court, the experts said. The plaintiffs may also ask a federal judge to arrest the ship, and prevent it from leaving the jurisdiction while the litigation plays out, they said. Those with economic damages might be able to get compensation from insurance policies. Insurers could face billions of dollars in claims, analysts said, with one putting the cost at as much as $4 billion, which would make the tragedy a record shipping insurance loss. Traffic was stopped on Tuesday before the ship, named the Dali, struck the pylon that led to the bridges collapse, likely saving lives. But eight people fell into the river, where water temperatures were 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius). The remains of two of the six missing workers were recovered on Wednesday with the remaining four presumed dead. Two workers were rescued, one unharmed and one injured. The ships owner, its operator, charterer and even the ship itself could face claims for those injuries or deaths. Under maritime law, a victim can sue the ship itself, in contrast to laws pertaining to car crashes, and have it sold to satisfy their judgment, said Robert Anderson, a professor at the University of Arkansas School of Law. But an 1851 law limits the shipowners liability to the present value of the ship, which could be in tens of millions of dollars, said Anderson and Baltimore maritime plaintiffs attorney Charles Simmons Jr. Davies and Simmons said they expect the shipowners to petition a federal court for that limitation of liability, and Anderson said the shipowners will likely rely on liability insurance to pay any damages. But if evidence shows that the shipowners were somehow at fault for the crash, they could lose the ability to limit their liability, the experts said. Ship Owner in Bridge Collapse Seeks to Limit Its Liability Questions have arisen about the Dalis condition when it hit the pylon and problems identified during previous inspections, which could come into play as a court evaluates whether to limit the damages, said Simmons. If there was any indication that the ship had pre-existing issues, these guys are not going to get out on a limitation of liability, he said. An unusual feature of these claims is that any lawsuits filed on behalf of people injured or killed in the collapse will not be subjected to a Maryland law that caps non-economic damages in wrongful death cases to about $1.4 million, because it isnt recognized by maritime law, Simmons said. (Reporting by Diana Jones; Editing by Leigh Jones and Lisa Shumaker) Topics Lawsuits Liability The Vermont Legislature is advancing legislation requiring big fossil fuel companies pay a share of the damage caused by climate change after the state suffered catastrophic summer flooding and damage from other extreme weather. The state Senate is expected to give final approval this week to the proposal, which would create a program that fossil fuel companies would pay into for climate change adaption projects in Vermont. It will then be considered in the House. In order to remedy the problems created by washed out roads, downed electrical wires, damaged crops and repeated flooding, the largest fossil fuel entities that have contributed to climate change should also contribute to fixing the problem that they caused, Sen. Nader Hashim, a Democrat from Windham County, said to Senate colleagues on Friday. Maryland, Massachusetts and New York are considering similar measures, but Vermonts bill is moving quicker through the Legislature. Critics, including Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who is up against a veto-proof Democratic majority, warn that it could be a costly legal battle for the small state to go first. Of all the fossil fuel companies in the world, were a mosquito compared to a giant, said Republican state Sen. Randy Brock on Friday after he voted against it. We might win but the cost in doing so alone is huge. He referenced the fact that Exxonmobils annual sales are $344.6 billion, while Vermonts annual budget is about $8.5 billion, saying hed rather see New York or California or another state be first. Polluter-Pay Model Under the legislation, the Vermont state treasurer, in consultation with the Agency of Natural Resources, would provide a report by Jan. 15, 2026, on the total cost to Vermonters and the state from the emission of greenhouse gases from Jan. 1, 1995, to Dec. 31, 2024. The assessment would look at the affects on public health, natural resources, agriculture, economic development, housing and other areas. Its a polluter-pays model affecting companies engaged in the trade or business of extracting fossil fuel or refining crude oil attributable to more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during the time period. The funds could be used by the state for such things as upgrading stormwater drainage systems; upgrading roads, bridges and railroads; relocating, elevating or retrofitting sewage treatment plants and making energy efficient weatherization upgrades to public and private buildings. Exxonmobil did not immediately provide a comment. The American Petroleum Institute sent a letter to the state Senate last week opposing the bill, saying it believes its bad public policy and may be unconstitutional. The top lobbying group for the oil and gas industry said its extremely concerned the legislation retroactively imposes costs and liability on prior activities that were legal, violates equal protection and due process rights by holding companies responsible for the actions of society at large; and is preempted by federal law, the letter states. Additionally, the bill does not provide potentially impacted parties with notice as to the magnitude of potential fees that can result from its passage. Jennifer Rushlow, dean of the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment and a professor of law at the Vermont Law and Graduate School, said Monday that she thinks Vermont will face legal challenges if the bill becomes law but expects the state to win. Several environmental law clinics have offered to provide support, which could offset the costs, she said. Somebody has to go first. And I think the conditions for passage in Vermont are pretty optimal for depressing reasons because the costs weve incurred recently as a result of climate change are very significant and really top of mind and visible, she said. House Speaker Jill Krowinski said in a statement on Monday that she looks forward to reviewing the bill and assessing its impact toward the states climate change goals. She said shes eager for House committees to look at this and other climate change policies in the second half of the legislative session. Hashim, the Democratic senator from Windham County, said the reality is that severe weather patterns are here and will happen more frequently and become more damaging over time. Adapting and becoming more resilient costs money and Vermont has few options to pay for the damage. We can place the burden on Vermont taxpayers or we can keep our fingers crossed that the federal government will help us or we can have fossil fuel companies pay their fair share, he said. Top Photo: This image made from drone footage provided by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets shows flooding in Montpelier, Vt., Tuesday, July 11, 2023. (Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets via AP) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Energy Oil Gas Climate Change Vermont Taiwans strongest earthquake in a quarter century leveled dozens of buildings on the eastern side of the island, killing at least nine people and disrupting semiconductor production at some of the worlds leading chipmakers. The quake hit at 7:58 a.m. local time Wednesday and measured 7.4 in magnitude, according to the US Geological Survey, which pinned the epicenter near the eastern city of Hualien. Shocks were felt as far away as Japan and China. At least nine people were killed, 934 were injured and 56 remain trapped, according to Taiwans Central Emergency Operation Center. More than two dozen buildings collapsed. Taiwan weather authorities said it was the biggest seismic event by magnitude to hit Taiwan since 1999, when a 7.7-magnitude quake hit the center of island and killed more than 2,000 people. There have been several aftershocks, mostly clustered on the islands east coast. As the dominant producer of the worlds most advanced semiconductors, Taiwan is of paramount importance to the global economy. Any damage from the quake is being closely watched for potential effects on technology output, given the island accounts for more than half of the global market for laptops, motherboards, and network devices. Its flagship firm Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. the worlds largest contract chipmaker said following the quake that it had moved some staff out of its production centers. The company, a major supplier of chips to Apple Inc. and Nvidia Corp., is still assessing the impact. All of its staff are safe, a spokeswoman said. United Microelectronics Corp. said it evacuated some facilities in Hsinchu and Tainan, cities on the western side of Taiwan. The company halted operations of some chipmaking machines, and said it is working to get those machines online again. Acer Inc. Chairman and CEO Jason Chen said there was no material impact on operations. Market reaction to the quake was fairly muted Wednesday. The benchmark Taiex Index fell as much as 1% before paring declines, with losses tracking those of the broader MSCI Asia Pacific Index. Shares in TSMC and UMC dropped around 1% or more. The local dollar was stable, trading flat against the greenback. The quake hit just ahead of the start of a four-day holiday in Taiwan observing Qingming, during which families visit the tombs of their ancestors. Thousands of people normally travel to their hometowns over the period. Most of the fallout appeared to be concentrated in or near Hualien, a county home to some 300,000 people roughly 200 kilometers southeast of the capital Taipei. The main highway from Hualien to Yilan a county about halfway to Taipei was disrupted, the Ministry of Agriculture said, adding that it has begun offering aid to farmers due to the anticipated spike in shipment costs. Footage from local broadcaster TVBS showed partially collapsed buildings in Hualien City. Taiwans official Central News Agency reported that two houses had tilted and people were trapped in the area. Local authorities also announced plans to shut down offices and schools Wednesday. Aftershocks could also be felt in Taipei, causing buildings to shake. The capitals metro system resumed operation mid-morning after a brief suspension earlier. Nuclear power plant operations remained normal and power distribution has been stabilized, according to the islands power provider. The Civil Aviation Administration said no flights were impacted. Aftershocks of a magnitude greater than 6 are expected in the following weeks, according to Kuo-Fong Ma, distinguished research fellow at Academia Sinicas Institute of Earth Sciences in Taiwan. The impact of those shocks is expected to be moderate compared to the main event, she said. The initial quake prompted fears of surging waves in Taiwan and parts of China and Japan. Residents in Japans southwestern Okinawa prefecture were urged to evacuate from an expected tsunami as high as 3 meters, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Tsunami warnings were eventually wound back, with the one in Okinawa downgraded to an advisory. Disruptions were still felt in the area, though, with Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways redirecting flights bound for Okinawa. ANA said it canceled 13 flights affecting more than 2,600 passengers. The quake was felt in parts of China, including Shanghai and Guangdong, people on the Chinese social platform Weibo said. The worlds second-largest economy shut down some railway tracks in Fujian and Jiangxi provinces, state broadcaster China Central Television reported. The Chinese government office handling matters related to Taiwan also said it was highly concerned about the earthquake and was willing to offer disaster relief assistance. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory, though the island governs itself as a democracy. Contention over its status is a major geopolitical flashpoint between China and the US. Top photograph: The Taipei 101 building and other buildings in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo credit: I-Hwa Cheng/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Brera Partners, a Zurich-based private equity firm specializing in investments in the asset-light financial services sector, announced it has acquired 70% of the shares in Italian insurance broker GBSAPRI Group, with the strategy to drive consolidation in Italys fragmented insurance broking sector. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Rome with nine offices across Italy, GBSAPRI Group was established in 1951 to service small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), corporates and the public sector. With more than 130 full-time employees, the brokerage has grown its specialist expertise by acquiring local insurance intermediaries across different verticals and sectors, covering: marine, cargo, aviation, financial institutions, employee benefits and affinity groups, reinsurance, risk management and claims management. The companys brokered premium in 2023 exceeded 210 million. Brera said the acquisition will enable GBSAPRI Group to continue its aggregator business model and acquire a series of businesses currently in the pipeline to grow its presence on the Italian market. Our ambition is to become Italys premier insurance broker, and we are delighted to be able to work with Brera Partners to achieve that goal, said GBSAPRI Managing Director Carlo Maria Bassi who will transition to the CEO role. With Breras financial support and partnership, we will be able to significantly strengthen our position in the Italian insurance market, whilst guaranteeing the highest standards of work quality and customer satisfaction that we have maintained for the past 70 years. When we started this process, we never imagined meeting a company like Brera. Their partners Andrew Borda and Tin Radosevic have been instrumental in turning this ambitious project into a reality, added current CEO Guilio Spagnoli who will transition to chairman as part of the transaction. GBSAPRI now has the means to become a true insurance hub, with significant M&A ambitions, but will still maintain its values as a service-focussed broker managed by partners. Brera Partners is excited to support GBSAPRI and the management team on their growth journey to become the leading Italian insurance broker for businesses and the public sector, said Andrew Borda, Partner at Brera Partners. GBSAPRI has earned a reputation as a leader in several non-life insurance product lines and in recent years has successfully built its position through constant organic growth and M&A transactions, acquiring leading specialist brokers such as marine intermediary Poliass and corporate and industries expert Rodino & Partners. We look forward to supporting Carlo Bassi and Giulio Spagnoli in building GBSAPRI into the main aggregator broker in Italy. The GBSAPRI Group was assisted by financial advisers Kitra Advisory, KPMG, and by law firms Lener & Partners, Lexia, and &partners. Brera Partners was supported by Chiomenti on Legal DD and transaction documentation, by PWC on Financial and Tax DD and tax structuring, LEK Consulting on Commercial Due Diligence and Rosedge Capital as debt adviser. Eurazeo, advised by Ahsurst, provided the acquisition financing for the transaction. Brera Partners was backed by Headway Capital Partners with equity financing to facilitate the transaction. About Brera Partners Brera Partners is an investor in European asset light financial services with a focus on opportunities in western Europe with an enterprise value of 25 million-300 million. Focus sectors are financial product distribution, wealth management, trust and fiduciary services and insurance broking. Source: Brera Partners Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Howden, the London-based insurance intermediary group, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire OFRACAR, an independent brokerage group headquartered in Rouen, thereby expanding its geographical footprint and capabilities to clients in north-west France. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1964 by Jean-Pierre Lecomte, OFRACAR is a leading broker in Normandy, with specialisms in property/casualty, employee benefit, motor fleet and transport. With 84 staff in offices in Rouen, Rennes and Lyon, OFRACAR serves around 2000 clients across Normandy and France. With the acquisition of OFRACAR, Howden France, founded in February 2022, now employs 380 people in 13 offices across the country. This transaction follows Howden Frances recent acquisitions of financial lines specialist C.R.F. Conseils; motor fleet broker Theoreme; maritime specialist, Seasecure/Guian, and hospitality broker GTCA CFC Consultants. Howden said the acquisitions reflect its strategy to materially broaden its product offering and to deliver more choice for French clients. OFRACAR has been recognised as a market leader for several decades, and thanks to this new acquisition, we are welcoming a talented team and integrating new offerings to broaden our expertise, commented Nicolas Aubert, CEO of Howden France. Already present in Normandy with a team dedicated to the maritime sector, we are underlining our commitment to regional development by expanding our capabilities and accelerating the delivery of Howdens global specialty expertise into local markets for the benefit of local clients, Aubert added. We have become a scale operator in every major insurance market in Europe, and we continue to deliver our long-stated ambition to build the leading European broker for both clients and talent by partnering with the very best businesses, according to Luigi Sturani, CEO of Howden Europe. Our commitment to shaping the future of all our employees has led us to choose Howden as our next partner an international broker with an entrepreneurial ethos and ambitious growth plans in France, according to Stephane Lecomte, CEO of OFRACAR. I am thrilled to continue OFRACARs 60-year legacy with our colleagues in Howden France, who share our entrepreneurial spirit and People First culture. Our unified teams are now perfectly positioned to assist SMEs and mid-sized companies across the Normandy region, throughout France, and across Europe, Lecomte added. Founded in 1994, Howden operates in 55 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, employing 17,000 people and handling $38 billion of premium on behalf of clients. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A weekly central Kansas newspaper and its publisher filed a federal lawsuit Monday over police raids last summer of its offices and the publishers home, accusing local officials of trying to silence the paper and causing the death of the publishers 98-year-old mother. The lawsuit did not include a specific figure for potential damages. However, in a separate notice to local officials, the paper and its publisher said they believe they are due more than $10 million. The lawsuit from the Marion County Records parent company and Eric Meyer, its editor and publisher, accuses the city of Marion, the Marion County Commission and five current and former local officials of violating free press rights and the right to be free from unreasonable law enforcement searches guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit also notified the defendants that Meyer and the newspaper plan to add other claims, including that officials wrongly caused the death of Meyers mother the day after the raids, which the lawsuit attributes to a stress-induced heart attack. The raids put Marion, a town of about 1,900 people set among rolling prairie hills about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri, at the center of a national debate over press freedoms. It also highlighted the intense divisions over a newspaper known for its aggressive coverage of local issues and its strong criticism of some officials. The citys former police chief who later resigned amid the ongoing furor justified the Aug. 11 raids by saying he had probable cause to believe the newspaper and a reporter potentially committed identity theft and other computer crimes in obtaining and verifying information about a local business owners driving record. The lawsuit claims the paper and its reporters did nothing illegal, the search warrants were improper and officials had longstanding grudges against the newspaper. The last thing we want to do is 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, Meyer said in a statement. The city of Marions budget for 2023 was about $8.7 million, while the countys budget was about $35 million. Besides the city, defendants in the lawsuit include former Marion Mayor David Mayfield, who retired from office in January; former Police Chief Gideon Cody, who stepped down in October; and current Acting Police Chief Zach Hudlin, who as an officer participated in the raids. Marion County Sheriff Jeff Soyez, the county commission and a former deputy who helped draft the search warrants used in the raids are the other defendants named. The newspaper had investigated Codys background before the city hired him last year. The lawsuit alleges Soyez regularly said that he did not approve of Meyers negative attitude. The newspapers attorney, Bernie Rhodes, noted that when police raided the home that Meyer and his mother shared, she told the former police chief, Boy, are you going to be in trouble. My job is to make sure Joans promise is kept, Rhodes said in his own statement. Jennifer Hill, an attorney representing the city and former and current city officials, declined to comment. Jeffrey Kuhlman, an attorney representing the county commission, the sheriff and his former deputy, said he couldnt comment because he hasnt had time to review the lawsuit. The lawsuit from Meyer and the newspaper was the fourth filed in federal court in Kansas over the police raids, which also involved sheriffs deputies and even an officer from the state fire marshals office. Deb Gruver, now a former reporter, filed the first lawsuit less than three weeks after the raids, and a trial is set for September 2025. Current Record reporter Phyllis Zorn filed the second lawsuit in February, and the defendants want it dismissed. The third was filed last week by Cheri Bentz, the newspapers office manager. The latest lawsuit says it was filed to seek justice over intolerable violations of constitutional rights and to deter the next crazed cop from threatening democracy. While federal civil rights laws allowed Meyer and the newspaper to sue immediately, Kansas law requires parties intending to sue local governments to give them 120 days notice so that officials can pay the claim first. In a 10-page notice, Rhodes said Meyer is due reimbursement for his mothers funeral expenses; the newspaper, for harm to its accounting system; and both, for their legal expenses. The notice also says that Meyer and his mother suffered extreme and severe distress and that their estate is entitled to $4 million in damages for that. It also argues that the newspaper deserves $2 million for its damages and punitive damages should exceed $4 million. Many of those who perpetrated storm-trooper style bullying with a needlessly huge contingent of armed officers remain in office or have been promoted, Meyer said in his statement. Even newly elected officials have refused to disavow the tactics used. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement Kansas Public health groups sued US regulators a second time for failing to follow through on a plan to ban menthol-flavored tobacco products. The lawsuit filed Tuesday in a federal court in Northern California claims that the Food and Drug Administration has unreasonably and unlawfully delayed regulations that would save lives. The agency has repeatedly missed deadlines to take action on menthol, the latest of which came and went at the end of March. If past practice is any indication of future performance, theyre going to sit on their hands again, said Phillip Gardiner, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, one of the groups that is suing. More than 10 million Americans started smoking because of menthol cigarettes between 1980 and 2018, and around 378,000 people died prematurely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Menthol is especially popular among Black smokers due to tobacco companies aggressive marketing in Black neighborhoods and sponsorship of events like jazz concerts. Roughly 40% of excess deaths due to menthol cigarette smoking in the US were African Americans. Menthol helps to make nicotine addictive due to its cooling and throat-soothing effects. In 2021, sales of menthol-flavored cigarettes made up 37% of all cigarette sales in the US, according to the CDC. All cigarette flavors other than menthol were banned under a 2009 law that gave the FDA power to regulate tobacco products. The agency was instructed at the time to review whether menthol cigarettes were more of a health risk than regular cigarettes. That review was originally expected to take just a few years. Public health groups had previously sued the FDA in 2020 over its lack of action. The lawsuit was dismissed when the FDA announced two draft proposals in April 2022 to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The agency set a deadline for publishing its final ruling on menthol by August 2023. That was delayed in December and then rescheduled for March 2024. The FDA really has run out of procedural reasons not to pass a rule, said Kelsey Romeo-Stuppy, managing attorney with Action on Smoking and Health, another one of the groups that is suing. The lawsuit says the agencys lack of action on menthol fits a pattern of being slow to act even when public health is at risk, including in the opioid crisis and with contaminated baby formula. For Altria Group Inc., which sells Marlboro cigarettes in the US., a menthol ban would present a major risk to its earnings and dividend, Garrett Nelson, an analyst at CFRA Research, said in a note earlier this year. Cigarette companies globally are finding fewer places to sell menthol, which has been banned in the EU since 2020 and in Canada since 2017. California, Massachusetts and dozens of US counties have also imposed local bans. The case is African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council vs. US Department of Health and Human Services, 4:24-cv-01992, US District Court, Northern District of California. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits California Executive summary: Snow melt flooding is an imminent threat in the U.S., but there are steps insurance professionals can take to mitigate their clients risk, says Richard Coyle, U.S. commercial director at FloodFlash. Catastrophic flooding is a major problem in the US, where it kills more people every year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning combined. But these floods are not confined to the winter or summer months during the hurricane season. Spring also brings the risk of extreme snow melts that can affect not only the states experiencing hard winters but warmer regions, too. The question for businesses is whether they have the right property and business interruption coverages for this risk. Relying on the U.S. governments National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may be inadequate and remediation may be slow. Indeed, the protection gap for flood risk is very wide. (Editors Note: According to the NFIP, the programs homeowners and commercial policies cover direct physical loss from flood, including unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. Other limitations of NFIP coverage are described below.) Snow melt, unlike rainfall flooding, can be stored for months after falling, meaning extreme winters can lead to extreme spring snow melts. The frozen water can store in huge quantitiesthe Sierra snowpack last year could have flooded the entire state of California in five inches of waterwhich is unleashed when the weather gets warmed. Flooding occurs if there is more water than the ground can take or if rivers overflow. California once again faces a very real threat of flooding this year after a blizzard dumped more than 80 inches of snow on the mountains of northern and central California. In recent years, snow melt floods have also threatened Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. The Mississippi and Missouri rivers are prone to flooding, with the former coursing through 10 states, from snow-bound Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin down to Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana. Ice jams contribute to these floods as the melting snow runs into ice on rivers and creeks, lifting it and breaking so large chunks jam against bridges and other structures to form a dam. If the water suddenly breaks through, serious flash flooding happens downstream. In the U.S., floods have cost taxpayers more than $850 billion since 2000, accounting for two-thirds of the cost of all natural disasters, according to the U.S. non-profit organization Flood Defenders. The group adds that America has experienced an urban flooding event every two to three days for the past 25 years. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, in 2017, eight of the most significant floods of the 20th century were related to snow melt. Flood Insurance Misconceptions Despite the frequency and recurrence of these catastrophic events, flood is the No. 1 uninsured peril. A recent Chubb survey found that 85 percent of companies mistakenly believe their property insurance covers some, all or most types of flooding. Further, more than half of brokers (56 percent) said organizations they support do not purchase flood insurance because they assume it is already included in their commercial property policy, the Chubb study continued. One possible contributing factor for this misconception is that victims of snow melt flood often do not live in areas where the snow has fallen. Often, when the snow melts, it leads to flooding many miles downstream. Climate Extremes Climate change is intensifying extremes, leading to what is described as weather whiplashabrupt transitions from one weather event to another, such as from a frigid cold spell to anomalous warmth. These weather whiplash transitions are making flooding more difficult to predict as models and forecasts rely on historical data. The severity of snowmageddons is only expected to increase. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the frequency of extreme snowstorms in the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. doubled in the latter half of the 20th century compared to the first. Severe flooding resulting from snow melt is clearly a major issue for the insurance industry in the U.S. and a concern for businesses seeking adequate protection. Related: Here to Stay: Why Weather Whiplash Is a Growing Concern for Insurers NFIP, managed by FEMA, offers flood insurance to homeowners and businesses in participating communities and those in the NFIP-designated floodplains. However, these policies do not cover business interruption and there are caps on claims. The maximum for residential structures is $250,000 in building coverage and $100,000 in contents coverage. The maximum for businesses is $500,000in building coverage and $500,000 in contents coverage, which means that many businesses face a severe insurance coverage shortfall. Another challenge for businesses seeking protection against this flooding is that there is a shortage of insurance capacity due to the fact that growing numbers of private carriers have withdrawn from insuring this hard-to-place peril. While severe flooding resulting from snow melt is undoubtedly a growing problem, there are practical steps businesses can take to secure protection. The first thing that businesses concerned about their vulnerability to flood should do is to talk to their insurance broker. Brokers can advise businesses on their risk of flood, the level of protection they should buy, and also what preventative measures an organization might take to mitigate the risk. Affordable flood coverages can be found in various markets that are stepping up to help fill the flood insurance protection gapvia the alternative risk transfer market with parametric insurance policies, the excess and surplus lines market, and sometimes even in the traditional market. Brokers must find whats available to protect businesses from this risk. For risk managers, it is advisable to create a flood plan and have resiliency measures in place in readiness for spring flooding. That might be as simple as a flood emergency plan but can include physical resilience measures including property-level flood defenses, raising important stock or machinery, or changing the interior of a business to facilitate faster cleanup. Lobbying the government is always worthwhile, as flooding is part of the national political conversation. However, this rarely leads to short-term solutions. If the NFIP is not available or scarcity of cover is an issue, brokers can advise businesses on how to secure alternative protection in the private markets. Protection from flooding will continue to be a major challenge for businesses across the U.S., but the good news is that there are insurance solutions out there that can help. New forms of flood insurance are emerging to protect U.S. businesses, not least parametric insurance, which is often available when traditional insurers refuse to quote or is unaffordable. This article first was published in Insurance Journals sister publication, Carrier Management. Topics California Profit Loss Flood A Chinese-state intrusion last year of Microsoft Corp. technology that enabled hackers to gather US officials emails should never have occurred, according to a report released Tuesday from a government cyber review board. The Cyber Safety Review Board, a White House-mandated group designed to examine major cyberattacks, said Microsoft displayed corporate practices that deprioritized both enterprise security investments and rigorous risk management. The company security culture was inadequate and requires an overhaul, the report said. The review board examined the 2023 hack of Microsoft Exchange Online mailboxes, in which outsiders breached 22 organizations and hundreds of individuals. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo; the US ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns; and Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, were among those ensnared in the campaign. Microsoft Says Chinese Hackers Used Code Flaw to Steal Emails From US Agencies A hacking group associated with the Chinese government known as Storm-0558 was behind the effort, the report said. Microsoft still has yet to determine how attackers infiltrated the company, according to the report. Reviewers also determined that the company was slow to update misleading or inaccurate disclosures about the incident. In one case, Microsoft suggested in September 2023 that hackers had used a tool known as a digital certificate to steal emails. It wasnt until November that the firm acknowledged to the board that its September disclosure was inaccurate, according to the report. Microsoft said it would review the report for additional recommendations. While no organization is immune to cyberattack from well-resourced adversaries, we have mobilized our engineering teams to identify and mitigate legacy infrastructure, improve processes and enforce security benchmarks, a Microsoft spokesperson said. While Microsoft is primarily known for its software for corporations and consumers, the Redmond, Washington-based company has emerged as the biggest provider of cybersecurity products in recent years an area of the business thats grown to about $20 billion annually. US Senator Ron Wyden, who called for the probe, said that federal agencies share some of the blame for the breach for showering Microsoft with billions of dollars in government contracts, without demanding the company meet minimum cybersecurity standards. The governments dependence on Microsoft poses a serious national security threat, which requires strong action, the Democrat from Oregon said in a statement. The government must set strict, minimum cybersecurity standards for technology vendors, adherence to those standards must be verified through independent audits, and companies and their senior executives that violate those standards must be held accountable. Photograph: Computer code displayed on screens arranged in Danbury, UK, on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Photo credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics USA Cyber Cal-Maine Foods Inc., the biggest egg producer in the US, has culled roughly 3.6% of its flock after birds at a Texas facility tested positive for avian flu, adding to concerns over a widening outbreak. Nearly 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets were destroyed and production at the Parmer County plant has temporarily ceased, the company said in a statement. Shares of the producer plunged as much as 6.1%, the biggest intraday decline since October, before erasing declines. Thats the biggest bird flu casualty in the US since Dec. 7, when 2.6 million birds were killed at an egg farm in Ohio after the virus was found in the facility, according to data from the US Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Cal-Maine also reported an outbreak at a Kansas facility in December that affected 684,000 hens. The latest Cal-Maine infections come at a time when highly pathogenic flu is spreading in dairy cattle herds including in Texas raising concerns about the potential impact on the food chain. In 2022, the worst-ever global outbreak of the disease prompted more than 72 million birds to be killed in the US to slow the spread of the virus. This is the first significant outbreak of the spring migration season, and it shines a spotlight on the prospect of additional cases impacting broader industry production and tightening the egg supply, Stephens analysts Ben Bienvenu and Jack Hardin wrote in a note. The company said its working closely with authorities and industry groups to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks. It added that the virus cant be transmitted through safely handled and properly cooked eggs, and that no eggs have been recalled. Cal-Maine separately announced fiscal third-quarter earnings Tuesday that surpassed analyst estimates, with strong consumer demand pushing egg sales to a record by volume. Shares climbed by about 7% in after-hours trading. Eggs cost $2.47 a dozen last week, less than half the record high from December 2022, according to USDA data. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics USA Texas Maine Holcim Group Services Ltd / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Holcim proposes Catrin Hinkel as new independent member of its Board of Directors 03-Apr-2024 / 06:30 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Holcim proposes Catrin Hinkel, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Switzerland, for election to its Board of Directors. She will stand for election alongside nominee Michael H. McGarry at Holcims Annual General Meeting on 8 May 2024. All other members are standing for re-election. Jan Jenisch is proposed for re-election as Chairman of the Board. With the proposed nominations, the Holcim Board will comprise 11 members, 10 of whom are independent according to the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance and the criteria laid out by the DJSI. Holcim continually strengthens its Board to ensure it includes diverse backgrounds, experience and expertise in all key areas relevant to its business. Catrin Hinkel has served as CEO of Microsoft Switzerland since May 2021. With more than 25 years experience in the tech industry across a variety of organizations and diverse cultures, she previously held leadership roles at Accenture, most recently as Senior Managing Director, Europe Cloud First Strategy & Consulting Lead. Her other mandates include serving on the Executive Committee of Digital Switzerland, on the ASUT Industry Association Board and on the Supervisory Board of the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security. For her commitment to digital innovation, Catrin Hinkel has been named by Swiss magazine BILANZ as one of Switzerlands Digital Shapers 2022 and by Forbes DACH in its list of C-suite Women in Tech. A German national, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from the European Partnership of Business Schools (ESB), Reutlingen and London. About Holcim Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 27.0 billion in 2023. Driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet, our 63,448 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building, while improving living standards for all. We empower our customers across all regions to build better with less, with a broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact and ECOPlanet to our circular technology platform ECOCycle. Through innovative systems, from Elevate roofing to PRB insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are on the way to becoming a net-zero company with 1.5C targets validated by SBTi. Learn more about Holcim on www.holcim.com, and by following us on LinkedIn. Sign up for Holcim's Building Progress newsletter here and follow our journey to a net-zero future. Important disclaimer forward-looking statements: This document contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements do not constitute forecasts regarding results or any other performance indicator, but rather trends or targets, as the case may be, including with respect to plans, initiatives, events, products, solutions and services, their development and potential. Although Holcim believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions as at the time of publishing this document, investors are cautioned that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Holcim, including but not limited to the risks described in the Holcim's annual report available on its website (www.holcim.com) and uncertainties related to the market conditions and the implementation of our plans. Accordingly, we caution you against relying on forward-looking statements. Holcim does not undertake to provide updates of these forward-looking statements. End of Inside Information MIDLAND, Texas (AP) Multiple people were hurt Monday in a pileup involving as many as 30 vehicles at an intersection south of Midland, Texas, as high winds blew dust that made 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 4:50 p.m. 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. Northeast of Midland in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois, severe storms with possible tornadoes, hail and flooding rain were moving through on Monday evening. Tornado warnings were issued in multiple locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. 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. The National Weather Service was busy into the night issuing severe thunderstorm warnings throughout those states and Indiana. Northwest of Oklahoma City, a flash flood warning was issued for the cities of Kingfisher and Dover, where hail and up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain had fallen with up to 2 more inches (5 centimeters) expected. Some roads in Kingfisher were flooded, KOCO-TV reported. Heavy rainfall was falling Monday night across central Illinois. The National Weather Service posted a flash flood warning after 1.5 to 2.5 inches (3.8 to 6.4 centimeters) of rain fell in an area just south of Springfield and Decatur. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Texas Oklahoma Georgia lawmakers have approved two bills that could have a significant impact on windstorm and bad-faith claim losses for property insurers. First, the bad-faith reform legislation. Auto insurers have for years fought for changes to Georgias auto claims-handling statutes, after the famous Southern General Insurance Co. vs. Holt court decision in 1992. Under that and later rulings, plaintiffs attorneys in auto accident claims have been able to make overly complicated, time-limited demands, known as Holt demands, designed to trip up insurers and force judgments far above policy limits, carriers and insurance defense attorneys have said. Its unbelievable, said Mike Nelson, a New York attorney whose firm has help represent insurers in Georgia cases. You can be as reasonable as possible and it still wont work. The Georgia Senate last week, on the final day of the 2024 legislative session, overwhelmingly endorsed Senate Bill 83, which Nelson and others in the industry said could make a big difference in avoiding unfair and unnecessary bad-faith judgments and settlements. The bill, now awaiting Gov. Brian Kemps signature, could help clear up the current statute, particularly one section that gave plaintiffs some wiggle room on demands. The existing law notes that it applies to claimants settlement offers made prior to the filing of an answer. Some plaintiffs attorneys have used that to create confusion, insurance lawyers said, sometimes by submitting demands after other defendants but not the named insured and their insurers had filed an answer. That led to subsequent demands and bad-faith allegations. The new bill aims to clarify the wording: From the time a cause of action accrues until the filing of an answer by the named defendant, or if there are multiple named defendants, until the time that all named defendants have filed their initial answers or been found to be in default, whichever is applicable, any offer to settle a claim shall be in writing and must specify several material terms, the bill reads. The wording leaves little room for further demands later on. And plaintiffs would no longer be able claim an insurer failed to settle if the carrier agrees to the material terms and pays the policy limits or the amount of the demand, whichever is less, said Ron Jackson, Georgia vice president for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. The APCIA worked for the bill to address the abusive demands intended to subject an insurer to liability for failing to settle a claim, Jackson said. This is the third time Georgia lawmakers have attempted to clarify the law. Once in 2013 and again in 2021 the legislature addressed the issue. But attorneys still found some loopholes and courts did not disagree, Nelson said. The trickiness of Holt demands and bad-faith claims has boiled over in Georgia and other states in recent years. Last year, one Atlanta plaintiffs firm made headlines after forcing a $600,000 settlement well above Allstates policy limits due to a well-timed Holt demand, according to news reports. In 2017, a federal appeals court upheld an $8 million judgment against Nationwide Insurance in an auto fatality case. Nelson said that some claimants lawyers have gone so far as to demand that settlements be paid in cash on a certain date, in order to create a difficult obstacle for the insurer. In one case, now pending in federal court in Georgia, Root Property & Casualty Insurance Co. had a $25,000 check delivered via FedEx, per the terms of the Holt demand. The delivery driver photographed the envelope on the recipients front porch and logged the delivery time. The claimants attorney later said the check was never received, according to a complaint filed by Roots attorney last month. The lawyer indicated that a bad-faith suit was imminent and demanded $150,000. When confronted with the FedEx proof of delivery, the plaintiffs lawyer suggested that the check had been subsequently stolen by porch pirates. Root has disputed that, but stopped payment on the check and issued a new one. Florida insurers have also seen their share of bad-faith demands, and have blamed them for helping to jack up litigation expenses in the last decade. Florida lawmakers in 2022 and 2023 approved legislation that seeks to limit when plaintiffs can seek bad-faith claims. Plaintiffs attorneys have argued that bad-faith claims and time-limited demands became necessary because of foot-dragging and underhanded tactics by insurers on claims settlements. We have encountered insurance companies that attempt to trick claimants into accepting compromises that include terms or conditions not offered by the claimant or that exclude terms or conditions required by the claimant, reads the Holt demand letter by the Georgia plaintiffs lawyer in the Root Insurance case. Based on the past behavior of insurance companies, please be aware that we will not believe any claim that any failure to accept this offer of compromise unequivocally and without variance of any sort was accidental.' The Georgia wind-mitigation bill. The Georgia state Senate last week voted in favor of House Bill 279, which would require insurance carriers to provide premium discounts to homeowners and commercial properties that fortify against wind damage. The House of Representatives had endorsed the plan in February. If signed into law as expected the bill will require insurers to submit rating plans to the state insurance commissioner. The discounts should begin March 1, 2025, the bill notes. Unlike Florida and a number of other states, the measure does not appear to provide funding for property owners who retrofit structures. HB 279 now awaits the governors signature. In March, the Georgia General Assembly passed another bill that will give insurers a break. SB 426, if signed by the governor, would bar direct lawsuits against insurance companies after a truck accident, except when the trucking company involved has gone bankrupt or the company or the driver cant be found. Topics Florida Claims Georgia BOSTON (AP) Lawyers representing migrants flown to Marthas Vineyard nearly two years ago by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis can sue the charter flight company that transported them, according to a ruling Monday by a federal judge in Boston. The 50 Venezuelans were sent to Marthas Vineyard from San Antonio, Texas, and had been promised work and housing opportunities. Under Mondays ruling, the migrants can proceed with their suit against Florida-based Vertol Systems Co., which had agreed to fly them to the island for hundreds of thousands of dollars. An email to the company seeking comment after the afternoon release of the ruling was not immediately returned. Also named in the suit is DeSantis, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for president before dropping out in January. The U.S. District Court of Massachusetts said in its ruling that it does not have jurisdiction over DeSantis in this case. The court, however, found that the facts of the case taken together, support an inference that Vertol and the other Defendants specifically targeted Plaintiffs because they were Latinx immigrants. The DeSantis administration noted that the judges order dismissed the state defendants. As weve always stated, the flights were conducted lawfully and authorized by the Florida Legislature, Julia Friedland, the deputy press secretary for DeSantis, said in a statement. We look forward to Floridas next illegal immigrant relocation flight, and we are glad to bring national attention to the crisis at the southern border. The court also said that Unlike ICE agents legitimately enforcing the countrys immigration laws the Court sees no legitimate purpose for rounding up highly vulnerable individuals on false pretenses and publicly injecting them into a divisive national debate. Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of Lawyers for Civil Rights, called the 77-page ruling a major victory in the Marthas Vineyard case. He said in a statement that the ruling sends the message that private companies can be held accountable for helping rogue state actors violate the rights of vulnerable immigrants through what it characterized as illegal and fraudulent schemes. Vertol is a separate company from ARS Global, which also reportedly was paid to transport migrant workers to other parts of the country. Read more here. Photo: Immigrants prepare to leave St. Andrews in Edgartown, Mass., Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took the playbook of a fellow Republican, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, to a new level by catching officials flat-footed in Marthas Vineyard, with two planeloads of Venezuelan migrants. The migrants were being moved voluntarily to a military base on nearby Cape Cod, Mass. (Ron Schloerb/Cape Cod Times via AP) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Florida Aviation Wealthy Florida residents and developers are looking to raise at least $300 million for Vanderbilt University to build a sprawling campus in West Palm Beach. Billionaire developer Steve Ross hosted a reception at his Palm Beach mansion on Monday for Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. Roughly $100 million of the goal has been committed contingent on conditions being met including securing the land, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named citing private discussions. The Nashville university is exploring construction of a campus for graduate business and computing programs in West Palm Beach, an area transformed in recent years by an influx of wealthy residents and financial firms setting up outposts. Rosss Related Cos. has played a major role in developing the downtown with new office and residential towers, while the 83-year-old founder is a prominent booster of the region. Ross and Related declined to comment on the Vanderbilt effort. The nascent plan calls for the school, founded in 1873 by railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, to build on vacant public land where the University of Florida tried and failed to develop a campus. Diermeier also met this week with Palm Beach County officials, including Mayor Maria Sachs, to seek support. Right now, they are courting us, and well see if they are going to dance, Sachs said in an interview. I like the idea. Diermeier said in an interview that the school has been considering a second campus for about a year and he was approached by some alumni at a Vanderbilt football game to discuss the idea. Moving to Palm Beach would enable the university to capitalize on the migration of jobs to Florida, he said. It would focus on expanding the business school to double the size and add programs in computing-related fields. We would have a presence in a second high-growth market that is complementary to the strength we have in Nashville now, Diermeier said. Education has been a major sticking point for the wealthy and increasingly younger families moving to South Florida from New York, California and elsewhere. There arent enough elite private schools to educate the kids of high-earning workers migrating south with firms such as Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Blackstone Inc., and Ken Griffins Citadel. And the region lacks top-tier universities to build up the pool of talent to feed those firms over time. We have a need for additional investment in higher education, said Gregg Weiss, a Palm Beach County commissioner who met with Diermeier and supports ceding county land to Vanderbilt for the new campus. Were growing fast, and there is a need to have that pool of trained talent and prestige. The campaign to lure the Tennessee school to West Palm began last year after the University of Florida agreement collapsed. Ross and Cody Crowell, a Vanderbilt alumnus who works with the Palm Beach real estate investment firm Frisbie Group, had been advocating for more investment in education across the region and the need for a top-tier private university. People already want to be in West Palm Beach, Crowell said in an interview. But weve hit this plateau where we need to invest in education and do so in a way where we can create this sustainable ecosystem for growth in our state. Crowell declined to comment on fundraising and other specific efforts to bring Vanderbilt to the area. Vanderbilt is one of Americas richest universities, with an almost $10 billion endowment. It has more than 1,100 alumni in Palm Beach County and in the northern part of neighboring Broward County, according to the university. Several business leaders have ties to the school and South Florida. TPG CEO Jon Winkelried, who has a home in nearby Hobe Sound, is the parent of three alumni and is a Vanderbilt trustee. Charles Schwab has a house in Palm Beach and a daughter who graduated from the school. Michael Bickford, founder of Palm Beachs newest private club the Carriage House, is also a graduate. Vanderbilt still has a long way to go in the complex work of building a campus almost 900 miles (1,450 kilometers) south of Nashville. It has yet to submit a formal proposal or seek necessary approval for such a major expansion from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Florida USG Hires Chen as Associate Producer/Broker USG Insurance Services, Inc., headquartered in Tampa, Florida, hired Calvin Chen as an associate producer/broker in the companys Irvine, California, office. Chen has over 18 years of experience in client consulting, revenue/lead generation and sales. Chens experience collaborating with high-end clients, delivering impactful sales, service and leadership workshops and personal outreach. McFarland Retires as WCF SVP and CHRO; Christensen Appointed CHRO Kris McFarland retired as senior vice president and chief human resource officer of WCF Insurance, headquartered in Sandy, Utah. WCF appointed Jill Christensen to the role. McFarland joined WCF in 2011, bringing with him over 30 years in human resources in education, construction, insurance and tech. Christensen joined the WCF team since 2002, starting in the claims department before transitioning to human resources in 2013. She has an extensive background in talent development, recruiting, benefits and compensation. Topics Agencies Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners said it has bought a majority shareholding in Elgin Energy, best known in Ireland, Britain, and Australia for its solar energy and battery storage projects. It comes after the Governments Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (Isif) said earlier this week it had invested 200m in a flagship fund run by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. Four years on from the greatest remote work experiment we were all catapulted into thanks to a global pandemic, and we are still re-adjusting to post-covid idiosyncrasies in the workplace and attempting to find that sweet spot where employees, in a tight labour market, and employers can live in productive harmony. For many, working for traditionally inflexible employers, the opportunity to work remotely post-covid in a hybrid scenario was a revelation. Now, one could skip the mind-numbing commute, be more productive (statistically proven) and have a better work-life balance. As we settled into a hybrid model which seemed to suit most people and companies, it seemed for many, that they had won the work jackpot and that the covid cloud had at least one silver lining. However, many employers are now having second thoughts and are mandating a full return to the office. A recent survey from EmployFlex indicated that all things being equal, 92% of employees would move from their current role for more flexibility in another position. In a tight labour market, one would think that employers would be offering more flexibility in order to obtain and retain the best people, yet the reverse is true and an estimated 90% of companies globally (survey by Resume Builder) want bums back on seats onsite full time, citing productivity, collaboration and employee engagement as their main drivers. Karen O'Reilly: 'This is a chance for indigenous Irish SMEs to gain a competitive advantage and offer authentic flexible work and attract the best talent.' From an Equality Diversity and Inclusion perspective, companies who are prioritising outcomes over physical presence, have the potential to mitigate gender disparities in the workplace. Women, and particularly mothers grappling with the motherhood penalty, who may have previously faced barriers to advancement due to inflexible work arrangements and caregiving responsibilities now have greater opportunities to demonstrate their skills and contribute meaningfully to their organisations. It is worth noting that the motherhood penalty accounts for 80% of the gender pay gap in Ireland and globally. In one week recently, recruitment firm Employflex received 18 calls over two days from people who are being called back full-time into the office. In this instance, all of the callers were mothers who had been given the option to work in a hybrid model, now being forced back to work full-time onsite. While hybrid work has shattered the traditional 9-to-5 paradigm, allowing employees to blend their professional and personal lives, taking this away now may result in the biggest female brain drain we have seen from the workplace. People will eventually vote with their feet and opt for the more flexible employer, or leave the workplace altogether. I think this is a chance for indigenous Irish SMEs to gain a competitive advantage and offer authentic flexible work and attract the best talent. SMEs can use this opportunity to forge their culture of inclusivity by offering genuine flexible work now. Weve just celebrated International Womens Day and with all this corporate collective back-slapping and positive female cheerleading going on around IWD, one would think we are doing a wonderful job on Equality and Diversity. However, the fact is that in 2023, nearly nine out of every 10 companies in Ireland (87%) disclosed a gender pay gap in favour of males, with 71% of firms disclosing a pay gap above 5% and 48% having a gap above the 2019 average of 11.3%. Women, who were disproportionally affected by covid, are still scrambling to get back to pre-covid levels of participation in the workplace. The cost to women's possibilities has pushed gender equity into the future by a whole generation. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, the gender gap will not close for another 132 years. Women in positions of leadership are leaving at an unprecedented rate. According to the Women in the Workplace 2022 report from Lean In and McKinsey & Co, the reasons are due to companies failing to satisfy the expectations of female leaders. These standards include a workplace that prioritises flexibility, employee well-being, and diversity, equity and inclusion. We cannot fix the gender pay gap without addressing the reasons why women are leaving the workplace its not possible to helicopter women in at senior level to assuage gender quotas, if they simply are not there. If companies are serious about gender equality, they need to offer flexible work. The latest directive on the right to request flexible work, while very welcome, gives employers too much wiggle room to avoid it. Really, it doesnt matter what the company policies or the law says, the culture of an organisation will prevail and if employees can see people progressing because they are always working, always in the office, there is going to be a deep chasm of a gender divide. Karen OReilly is the founder of Employflex and Employmum Last week I had a serious case of FMA syndrome. Whats that, youre probably asking. My vet friend Eimer Mcgrath kindly diagnosed me over the phone and explained that FMA syndrome stands for February-March-April syndrome, which affects your means brains overall function during the months of spring. Apparently, very common among vets and farmers alike. If you remember, I mentioned last time that I was to attend a Hen in Kildare soon. I was sitting in a Cork City cafe having a catch-up with friends when the SOS went out for me all the way from Naas. I was wondering why I had three missed calls and a text saying, You know today is the hen?. Classic FMA syndrome; I was convinced it was on Sunday. If anyone else is a fellow sufferer, the complete cure is to get to the month of May, but the best form of supportive care is by talking with friends. Apart from this nuisance syndrome and the weather, spring is going smoothly overall on the farm. The volume of calf content on social media is now being replaced with lambs this easter time, and it is lovely to see lambs again leaping with joy in the fields. With high volumes of lambs born in sheds, it can lead to the dreaded watery mouth. It is a disease caused by pathogenic strains of e.coli in newborn lambs when they ingest the bacteria from faecal material in their environment. The main cause is an imbalance between the level of e.coli ingested and their naive immune systems that become overwhelmed. It occurs so early post-birth that the lambs are usually one to three days old, so the colostrum has not yet been fully absorbed, or delayed intake can, in turn, cause the immune system to be overwhelmed. The newborn lambs stomach has a neutral pH, which allows the perfect conditions for e.coli proliferation when ingested. When these e.coli multiply like this, they produce toxins, which causes the lamb to go into toxic shock. I will always remember my first case of watery mouth as a vet student whilst completing my lambing placement, coming from a dairy farm I was unaware of the disease. On arrival at the lambing shed, I was shocked to see a cold, collapsed ram lamb with a watery discharge around his mouth and a distended stomach. He was a triplet lamb born in the night who had not received enough colostrum to fight the infection. Treatment Due to the toxic shock suffered by lambs, treatment often goes unrewarding, none the less we always try and save them, which was the case for the little ram lamb I found that morning. Fluids are essential to combat the shock to prevent organ failure. A standard treatment protocol involves administering warm fluids spiked with glucose orally, a warm water enema to help with gut movement to excrete the toxins and system antibiotics prescribed by your vet. The old reliable heat lamb or the common scenario of the lamb brought in by the stove will help tackle the low temperature that the shock causes to their body. Prevention Good hygiene practices and colostrum management go hand in hand to prevent Watery mouth. The key aim is to prevent excessive E. Coli ingestion and maximise the lamb's immune system. Colostrum management Just like in calves, colostrum is liquid gold for lambs; they need 50-60ml/kg of good quality colostrum within two hours of birth. The 5 Qs of colostrum still remain the same for lambs: Quickly, Quantity, Quality and sQueaky clean. The cleanliness of the colostrum is very important for watery mouth prevention as Ecoli bacteria can be ingested under the disguise of the colostrum. It is important to particularly focus on triplets to ensure they intake enough colostrum and to have frozen stores available if possible for these situations. Hygiene Making sure the ewe's teats are clean is the first step in the hygiene chain to prevent watery mouth. Steps need to be taken to make sure the lamb is not ingesting excess amount of E.coli from the environment. The basics of the shed hygiene need to be put in place: lots of fresh straw, good drainage and lots of fresh air to reduce infection pressure. Feeding the lamb promptly can help reduce the lamb scavenging the environment for milk. Immune system Immunity-boosting products specifically aimed at E.coli in the newborn lamb are available on veterinary advice. The POM product Locatim is licenced in Switzerland for watery mouth prevention in lambs and licensed here in Ireland for calf scour prevention. It is an oral supplement of concentrated antibodies that is given at birth to work alongside colostrums naturally occurring antibodies. Speak to your vet about its use and the protocols recommended. Gut health As we know with human research gut health is the key to our overall health. Products such as 'Precision Microbes' at a rate of 6ml orally can be given to lambs at birth to encourage a healthy gut to aid protection against watery mouth. The historic use of antibiotics to prevent watery mouth no longer adheres to EU medicine regulations and the responsible use of antibiotics.. Discuss with your vet today a plan to prevent watery mouth in your flock this lambing season. This week, I really hope the weather gives us a little breathing space, and we see our old friend, the sun, again. My cows are fed up being inside, as am I with cleaning cubicles. I am going to see Sister Act at Cork Opera House on Sunday night with my friends, which will no doubt be a tonic for my 'FMA syndrome'. The licensing of 16-year-olds to drive powerful tractors for farming and other works probably needs to be examined from a safety perspective, the Dail was told. Deputy Martin Kenny, who raised the issue when seeking clarity on an upcoming European Union directive on driving licences, said the tractors many people grew up with include the 35 and the 165 models used on farms. But the tractors in use today are much larger and much more powerful and are often used to pull very heavy loads. There have been a lot of accidents involving some of these very heavy, powerful vehicles, he said. Deputy Kenny asked Transport Minister Eamon Ryan if he could provide an update on proposed changes to category W licences. He explained that these are licences for work vehicles, including tractors used in agriculture and forestry. The licensing authority stated recently that these licences could no longer be used on building sites or other environments where they are widely used. This issue must be dealt with immediately. The Government has said it will be another six months before it is dealt with, but we need to get clarity in respect of it now. A premature change announced on the website caused a lot of difficulties for many people, particularly for employers whose employees use W category licences for the work they carry out. The driver licence directive, which we expect to come into operation in September, will mean that changes will have to be made. What I want to know is whether the Government has considered what those changes will be and what impact they will have, he said. Deputy Kenny added: We must get our domestic regulations right and the Government must consider that in advance of the publication of the EU directive. W licences Minister Ryan said the Road Safety Authority and the department have no plans to change the rules in relation to driver licensing for tractors. The current licence category, W, will continue to be the licence category that covers work vehicles and land tractors. Agricultural vehicles are any power-driven vehicles running on wheels or tracks, having at least two axles, the principal function of which lies in their tractive power. These are specially designed to pull, push, carry or operate certain tools, machines or trailers used in connection with agricultural or forestry operations. Their use for carrying persons or goods by road is only a secondary function. Road traffic laws and the certificate of professional competence, or CPC, requirements apply only when vehicles are used on public roads, not on construction sites. Eamon Ryan's response My department and the RSA are aware that the EUs proposed fourth driving licence directive, which may be adopted by the end of 2024, could provide a revised definition of tractors. Once the new driving licence directive has been published, my department and the RSA will consult with stakeholders in advance of the introduction of any required changes to relevant national legislation. However, until the new driving licence directive is approved and enacted, the existing approach to tractor licensing will continue to be applied. The RSA website has been updated to reflect this, he said. Minister Ryan said he agreed with the deputy's comments on safety, which should be the first consideration in all these issues. Part of the problem here was that the RSA made an adjustment to the text regarding W licences on its website last year which recently garnered attention. It was an attempt to clarify an interpretation around this licence category, but it may have caused unintentional confusion. The RSA has removed the amended wording from its website. That may have been the source of some of the confusion here. Hopefully a lot of this will be helped by the passing of the new licence directive by the EU, expected later this year. That will provide us with the best opportunity to realign or modernise the W licence category in whatever way we want, he said. There was no announced change in Irish pig prices last Friday with farmers reporting quotes of at least 2.16-2.20 available from Irish processors. The average European price for a Grade-E carcass pig for week 12 was 2.18/kg (excluding Vat). It's still behind by 6.4% on prices for the same week last year, according to the Commission, but is up 3.1% on last months average price. The Standard pig price in UK as of March 23 was 2.11/kg (equivalent to 2.47 Vat inclusive). Throughput for the week ending March 31 was 67,489, of which 1,913 were sows. It was a special moment watching the doc on TV. says Sean OHagan about The Clock Comes Down the Stairs: The Story of Microdisney the music documentary about his first band, with his songwriting partner Cathal Coughlan, that recently aired on BBC Four. The documentary framed Microdisneys story by juxtaposing a lack of commercial success in the 1980s against the Cork bands triumphant reunion in 2018. The film ends emotionally with footage of Coughlan filmed shortly before his untimely passing in May 2022. After Microdisney broke up, OHagan formed The High Llamas, an enduring group who have just released Hey Panda, their 11th album. Over 30 years in existence, the bands longevity is without doubt one measure of success. While the Microdisney film looked at the past, Hey Panda looks to the future; its a contemporary-sounding pop music production. I normally dont get excited about record releases because theres been a few of them over the years. They dont really mean a lot in the great scheme of things, says OHagan. You become accustomed to it, so what you do is you set yourself up for disappointment. This is what anybody who works in a creative medium does, we set ourselves up constantly for disappointment. This time though, OHagan is optimistic about how Hey Panda will be received: Theres a very good feeling, and its a culmination of several things. Its been a while since the last record and also its just a very different sound for me. Im forcing myself into a departure and Im at the age and the stage where you do everything on your own terms and success is somebody getting in touch and saying, I love the new single, its wonderful. Thats success. It isnt anything to do with statistics or numbers. The roots of Hey Pandas modern sound go back to OHagans 2019 solo album. When I made Radum Calls Radum Calls, I really started playing with electronic music again. Id write ballads and then there would be electronic interruption in the ballads and it kind of made perfect sense to me, says OHagan. I think the most successful songs on the record were 'Battle Lull Bear' which is an instrumental and 'McCardle Brown', which Cathal sang. It was amazing actually to be writing the songs I wanted to write, bringing back that electronic production value and Cathals singing. This couldnt get better. Even though nobody heard the record and it didn't really have any kind of a profile, it certainly gave me a little bit of confidence. So, I thought that I could make another record as the High Llamas and not fear. A still from recent BBC documentary, The Story of Microdisney, with Sean O'Hagan on stage with the late Cathal Coughlan. In 2021 OHagan worked with Benjamin Garrett, better known as Fryars, and the experience proved enlightening. I met Ben Garrett, Fryars, and he asked me to make his record God Melodies. I made the record, did the arrangements and played. I learned so much from working with him, recalls OHagan. This guy works with Mark Ronson, Lily Allen, Skepta, Dave, all sorts of people. So his contemporary knowledge, abilities and participation are well documented. He taught me so much and I just relearned the whole programming thing and I learned an awful lot about R&B rhythm, and I loved it. I loved the music I was listening to: Khalid, Noname, Mount Kimbie, Tyler, Pivot, Daniel Caesar, Frank Ocean, all of those people. OHagans love of Tyler the Creator is reciprocated. In 2013 the superstar rapper and producer took to Twitter to praise the High Llamas song 'Dorothy Ashby' from their 2007 album Can Cladders. OHagans passion for new music is infectious. Theres new, really exciting pop music. I keep going around saying to people of my age to stop talking about the past as the Golden Age and to listen up because we might be in the Golden Age. So, I said with the next record Im definitely going to let go, and Im going to occupy this space. Fryars adds some production twists to Hey Panda. Rae Morris and Livvy OHagan provide backing vocals. I made Rae Morriss record, whos married to Fryars, and shes involved and Livvy, my daughter, was involved big time, says OHagan. Livvy used to play me so much new stuff. Id say, Whats that? And it was incredible. I feel very young with this music. The High Llamas - Hey Panda. Along with his new collaborators old friends also contribute to the record. Bonnie Prince Billy got involved and sent me two sets of lyrics and we were talking about gospel music. I said, OK, I'll write the tunes like gospel but Im going to tune my voice, and Im going to be putting the Subs in. He was like, Yes, Sean, I've always wanted to do that but never knew how to. At every stage it was just so joyful. I hope it doesnt feel embarrassing like an old 64-year-old guy making contemporary pop records. With age comes experience. Ill tell you one very funny thing, laughs OHagan. When I went into the studio Ben said, lets start playing stuff. I said, Ben, turn it down, mate. I cant hear. When you listen to things loud, its great fun, but you cant hear detail, turn it down, then you can hear the detail. He said. Okay. Hey Panda is out now on Drag City Records Five other Sean OHagan albums to listen to The High Llamas - Hawaii (1996): Recently featured in our Ireland in 50 Albums series, Hawaiis 29 songs play like one long 77-minute piece of symphonic pop. It sounded completely out of step with the prevailing sounds of the mid-90s. Turn On (1997): OHagan was a member of Stereolab for a number of years and Turn On is his collaboration with the avant-pop bands Tim Gane and Andy Ramsey. A thrilling experimental record. The High Llamas - Cold and Bouncy (1998): Where Hawaii was a very prepared album, a lot of Cold & Bouncy was done in the studio inspired by sounds of the late-90s particularly the German electronica of Mouse on Mars, Microstoria and Oval. The High Llamas - Here Come the Rattling Trees (2016): A soundtrack to the theatre production of the same name introducing us to six characters from Peckham. It speaks of buildings and change; of hopes, ambitions and disappointments. Sean O'Hagan Radum Calls, Radum Calls (2019): OHagans second solo album, his first since 1990s High Llamas. The Paykan (Lailis Song) is one of the highlights telling how one of the Shahs servants escaped Iran during the Islamic revolution. Cathal Coughlan provides lead vocals on two songs. New funding of some 1m to support secondary school students mental health and wellbeing has been announced amid rising anxiety levels since the covid-19 pandemic. Education Minister Norma Foley will publish a tender in the coming days to procure these new services in post-primary schools. The tender will invite suitable providers to work closely with the Department of Education over a two/three-year period to develop and deliver additional supports in post-primary schools for wellbeing and mental health. Ms Foley told journalists at the Teachers Union of Irelands annual congress in Killarney she was hopeful the new supports should be in place for the 2024/2025 school year. For the first time we will go to tender for additional supports and a service provider to provide additional supports in the area of wellbeing within our schools, Ms Foley said. We know that young people learn more effectively and have better academic outcomes if they are happy in their work and feel acknowledged and supported in school. The demand for responsive services to support the mental health of children and young people is increasing, particularly in the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic and reported associated heightened levels of anxiety. Ms Foley said the tender would invite services to support students, parents and school staff with additional, readily-accessible support. This will build on the good work already happening in schools to enhance wellbeing and mental health and will complement existing supports provided through the National Educational Psychological Service, Oide and other services and agencies, Ms Foley said. I would strongly encourage service providers with experience of delivering high-quality mental health supports on a national level to young people of school-going age to apply when this tender issues in the coming days. It is anticipated the tender will open in early April, with contract awarded and work commencing by July. Service providers will be asked to: Enhance schools capacity and policy in mental health and wellbeing; To provide learning opportunities to promote mental health and wellbeing; Provide psychoeducation to support parents mental health and wellbeing through workshops and e-learning; Enhance parent/carer involvement in school wellbeing initiatives; And to train staff in mental health awareness. It will be an investment for perhaps two to three years and it will augment, if you like, the excellent supports that are already provided by staff and it will support them to do even more in the space of health and wellbeing within our schools, Ms Foley said. We're expecting that we go to tender before the end of this month. Every school will know their own school best so they will make the judgment call on how best to utilise that support. Long before the term 'wellbeing' was ever coined, I believe it has always been at the absolute core of education. The department has also established the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot (CPS-P) to enhance support for wellbeing/mental health at primary school level. For the first time, the provision of direct counselling and wellbeing supports in almost 650 primary schools is available. The pilot includes two strands. Strand 1 is the provision of one-to-one counselling to support a small number of children in all primary schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary. Strand 2 of the pilot is the establishment of a new type of support to schools from Education Wellbeing Teams and the introduction of education wellbeing practitioners to support clusters of schools in Cork, Carlow, Dublin 7 and Dublin 16. The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) annual congress has called for capitation funding for primary and special schools to be brought in line with that paid to voluntary secondary schools. Deirdre Mooney, a Longford delegate, told how schools depend on parent kindness and support. Irish primary schools are under severe financial pressure and can no longer count on a bail-out from the bank of mum and dad. She said "chronic" underfunding was now at crisis level. Schools are living on a shoestring. Investment is now essential so that schools are not dependent on voluntary contributions from hard-pressed parents. "The 2023 OECD report on education highlights Irelands underfunding of primary education outlines that adequate funding is a precondition for providing high-quality education. Delegates also heard about the disparity between capitation at primary and post-primary level. From September 2024, primary school children will receive 200 in capitation while their post-primary counterparts will receive 344, the same capitation as 13 years ago. Prices have increased, speakers at the conference said, while capitation grants have not. Another delegate, Brendan Horan, said schools were starved of basic running costs "while our minister makes grand announcements about free school books". Parents run cake sales, cookery demonstration, raffles, bring and buys, just to cover running costs," he said. Boards, parents and staff all do their best to keep the show on the road. The union welcomed the additional 60m in cost-of-living supports for schools. However, very few of the costs the capitation grant was intended to cover have remained at the level that applied when the grant was last 200 per pupil 13 years ago. Principal Carmel Dillon said every pencil is counted in our schools". She described her school community as existing in an old building with a lot of heat loss. Her cost-of-living grant was wiped out by her gas bill, she said. We had to run a movie night, a raffle and a car wash to keep going. We needed to decide between having a caretaker, a cleaner and a secretary and for two months we cleaned our own school because the money simply wasnt in the account. March was wetter and warmer than usual with conditions particularly difficult for farmers according to Met Eireanns climate statement for the month. The national forecaster noted that the weather was wet and relatively mild overall and the heavy rainfall has led to farmers calling for help from the Government. Dublin Airports rainfall total was 115.4mm 219% above its long-term average (LTA) for March. It was the third highest March rainfall on record for the station, behind 2023 and 1947. The airport was also where the highest daily rainfall total was recorded last month, with 45.3mm of precipitation falling on March 1. Phoenix Park also recorded totals which went above the 200% mark, reaching 211% of its LTA Meanwhile, Valentia Observatory recorded its wettest March in more than 60 years. Across the 31 days, 239.8mm of rain fell at the Kerry station which was 194% of its LTA. By contrast, Finner in Co Donegals monthly rainfall total of 82.4mm was only 79% of its LTA the lowest for any station in the country. Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association president Sean McNamara said: 'Crops are not going in the ground and cattle cannot be put out to graze due to saturated ground conditions.' Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA The number of rainy days ranged from 20 at Belmullet, Co Mayo to 29 at both Shannon Airport, Co Clare and Ballyhaise, Co Cavan. The number of wet days ranged from 14 at Malin Head, Co Donegal to 26 at Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry. The number of very wet days ranged from one day at Dublin Airport to eight days at both Cork Airport and Valentia. Along with Dublin Airport, Phoenix Park also had its wettest March day on record on Thursday March 1 with 43.9mm, while Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon had its wettest March day on record on Thursday 14 with 33.6mm. That rainfall has done major damage to field conditions for farmers, with Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) president Sean McNamara saying that any hope of an early spring is well and truly dashed. "Crops are not going in the ground and cattle cannot be put out to graze due to saturated ground conditions," Mr McNamara said. All this is causing enormous stress and is putting serious financial pressure on farm families. On top of the issues with the rain, more than half of stations reported ground frost causing further issues for crop farmers. The number of days with ground frost ranged from zero days at a few stations to 18 days at Mullingar, Co Westmeath. All mean air temperatures across the country were above their long-term average for the month Mean temperatures for March ranged from 6.4C at Knock to 9.1C at Sherkin Island off the coast of Cork. All the months highest and lowest temperatures were recorded at Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon with both the lowest air and grass minimum temperatures reported on Friday 29. The minimum air temperature was -2.7C while the lowest grass minimum was -7.1C. The high maximum was reported on Sunday March 31 with a temperature of 16.3C. Mr McNamara added: We want to see real action in the form of initiatives that will offer immediate assistance to farmers. An Irish MEP has accused the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen of being silent on the genocide accusations facing Israel in a top UN court. Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews co-hosted a legal discussion in Brussels about South Africas case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Academics argued that the EU had not used every economic and diplomatic option available to them to reduce the number of Palestinian deaths and casualties, and emphasised the importance of third-party states enforcing the interim orders of the court. The ICJ has issued two interim orders for Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza and to ensure the unhindered delivery of food, water and medical supplies into the war-ravaged enclave. Israel stringently denies it is committing genocide and says its military campaign is self defence. It could be years before the case reaches a final judgment. At the panel discussion, academics said that the ICJ highlighting the plausibility of genocide through interim measures trigger, at the very least, obligations to prevent a genocide. In order for these to be triggered, you dont need a genocide to be ongoing, said Vaios Koutroulis, professor of public international law at the Universite libre de Bruxelles. The deputy head of Mission of the State of Palestine to the EU, Adel Atieh, asked about whether Israel was using EU tools available to it under trade programmes to conduct its military offensive, and whether there was any obligation on the EU to prevent genocide. The EU has some exclusive competences to elaborate policies, mainly in trade, in scientific cooperation, and Im referring mainly here to the participation of Israel to some scientific programmes and even to the Galileo programme, he said. It would be an excellent question to check whether Israel is using the telecommunication network to identify targets in Gaza, and how Israel might use technology to kill civilians. Dill Janiana, professor in Global Security and co-director of the Oxford Institute of Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict, said in reply that actions taken by the EU amounted to very, very little. Id really like to urge all policymakers and distinguished guests present today to think about the measures to be taken that are effective, ethical and legal, she said. I do not think that a military intervention, yet another belligerent using force on this tiny, exhausted strip of land, is the way forward But at the same time and I think this goes to the ambassadors last question, there is ample room for measures that are effective, legal and ethical to reign in Israels conduct in the Gaza Strip that have simply not been taken yet. So I would really urge policymakers to think about restraining Israels conduct through arms embargoes, through the withdrawal of diplomatic and financial support, and through diplomatic pressure because I think theres a huge space between what is, in principle, possible, legal and ethical and what has actually been done so far, which is very, very little. Mr Andrews said the issue of double standards from the EU on how they responded to ICJ issuing provisional measures for Ukraine compared to Gaza was well illustrated. I think the point about double standards has been really well illustrated About the way were approaching the Ukraine case and the European Union requiring that there would be compliance with provisional measures in the Ukraine case compared to silence in this one. He said that he wished to question the value of states like Ireland intervening in South Africas ICJ case, and how can we force the European Union to do more, though it is not a signatory to the Genocide Convention. Speaking after the event, Mr Andrews said: When international law applies to some but not to others, this is hypocrisy and double standards. The EU Commission and Ursula von der Leyen are staying silent on South Africas genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, despite supporting Ukraine in its proceedings before the same court in 2022. International law must be upheld in all circumstances. Ireland will intervene in the South Africa v Israel genocide case. When will other EU states join? For every new parent, bringing their newborn home from hospital is a special, milestone moment. Kerry couple Michelle and Joe Duggan had to wait 13 months after their son Jack was born to get their Christmas wish and bring him home to Tralee. And on the day, December 23, 2022, the Bumbleance, the national childrens ambulance service, was on hand to help. Jack had spent his whole life up to that point in various hospitals after he was born with severely complex needs. Michelle says the medical equipment they brought home from University Hospital Kerry would have required the equivalent of three cars to transport. The minute the Bumbleance came to pick us up we felt like we were entering into this big family, Michelle said. It might sound like a cliche but, like all dads, Joe really wanted to be carrying his baby out of hospital in one of those travel car seats. After 13 months, he got his photograph and we were able to enjoy the trip home with Jack. To have the Bumbleance take us home just before Christmas was really special. Michelle says the amount of medical equipment required for Jack can be overwhelming. Ill never forget the first time the Bumbleance took us home. The hospital gave us oxygen, suction machines, feeding pumps and all the containers for the feeds.... just an amount of stuff there that wouldnt have fitted in a car. Michelle recalls how the Christmas trip home was one they feared might never be possible. When Jack was five months, he got pulmonary stenosis in the heart and had to have surgery, she explained. Seeing them all working on him at his bedside to bring him back after he suffered a cardiac arrest was horrific. He was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit. Then, three days later he went into cardiac arrest again. They told us that a third one might take him. We werent sure if Jack was going to live at that stage so we organised to have him baptised. I can remember going out to the shop to buy a shawl and candle. Neither of us could even talk to each other because we were so overcome with heartbreak. It was just us, Jack, the chaplain, at the baptism which made it really intimate and lovely. In his short life, Jack has endured two cardiac arrests, seven surgeries, countless blood transfusions and sepsis. He requires 24/7 oxygen due to a chronic lung disease and has a PEJ, which is a special tube inserted through the skin that allows food and water bypass the stomach. He is one of hundreds of children availing of the Bumbleance on a regular basis. For these extremely ill children, the Bumbleance provides a comfortable and safe way to travel to and from hospital. For anxious parents, it removes the stress of car journeys and cuts down on fuel and parking costs. Caring for children with complex needs also brings with extra financial pressures for children. When Jack was just two months old and undergoing treatment in Dublin, the hotel bill alone set the Duggans back 3,500. Michelle Duggan and Jack outside the Bumbulance. Picture: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus Michelle explains that while free accommodation such as the Ronald McDonald House, which provides accommodation for the families of children in hospital, are valuable facilities they are not always accessible at very short notice. Last year the Bumbleance made 1,974 trips to hospitals from parts of Munster. The charity has been a source of comfort for Michelle and her family from the beginning. This is so badly needed because it takes all the stress out of travelling. Its much easier and such a comfort for Jack because were safe. The car seat puts pressure on his feeding tube but, in the Bumbleance, Jack is lying down. Because of the vesicostomy, Jacks nappies need to be changed more regularly to avoid infection. The fact that I am right next to Jack and have access to him if he needs me, means we are both much happier. He can watch movies on the television in the Bumbleance and enjoy a more playful and enjoyable journey. On the motorway well often need to pull in if he gets sick so the Bumbleance alleviates this worry too. We can also travel as a family. I havent been able to work since having Jack as his needs are so complex. This means there is only one wage coming into the house so it can be hard for Joe to take time off work. However, if needs be, I can also ask my mum or sister to come with me. She praised the drivers for their dedication to the service. They are a huge part of our lives. The drivers are always very comforting, kind and caring. There are times where I might not have slept the night before and am worried that I havent packed everything. They are always very reassuring and helpful and quick to double check everything. Michelle and her family have no idea what the future holds. Nonetheless, it is reassuring for them to know the Bumbleance will always be on standby. We know Jack has a rare syndrome but at the minute it is undiagnosed. We have been to see a geneticist but everything Jack has been tested for has come back negative. The geneticist said they will keep testing until we eventually find out what the name of the syndrome is. Whatever it is wont change Jack or how we feel about him but it might give us a window into the future. Bumbleance chief executive Brian Conlon said there is significant demand for the service. We would always have about 200 families on the books. That seems to be the way. Most of them would be regulars and about 60% of them would be undergoing chemotherapy. The hope is always that they will have the chance to ring the bell in Crumlin to mark the end of their cancer treatment. Sometimes the children ask the drivers to come in and ring the bell with them. The drivers are brilliant. They are the life and soul of the charity. They form such a bond with the families but the children in particular. "All the drivers all very experienced and have come from the ambulance service and fire brigade. They are always calm and never panic but most importantly the children love them. The feedback we get is that there are children sitting by their window waiting for the Bumbleance to arrive. The owner of a Cork city centre property which has lain derelict for almost 21 years has again been refused planning permission for its redevelopment. City council planners said while they would like to see development of the site in Blackpool, on the citys derelict sites register since 2003, the proposed four-storey building would represent overdevelopment and would be out of character with surrounding homes. The decision was made despite the building owners architect warning if planning was refused again this time, the property could continue to languish in dereliction. The mid-19th century former tenement fronting onto O'Mahony Square at Broad Lane, off Blackpools Great William OBrien Street, known locally as The Castle, would have housed up to 16 families before it was converted to a warehouse and eventually fell into dereliction. It was placed on the city councils derelict sites register in September 2003. Only four other properties have been on the derelict sites register longer. Owner Kieran OShea has tried unsuccessfully to secure planning for apartments on the site in 2008, 2010, 2016 and 2020, with planners raising concerns about the height and massing of the proposed new building, and its potential impact on neighbouring properties. An application for a four-storey apartment scheme was lodged in 2021, but when planning was granted in 2022, it included a condition the top floor be omitted a condition Mr OShea said rendered the entire project economically unviable. But just before Christmas, he lodged plans again for the demolition of the warehouse and for the construction of four apartments in a four-storey block, with a report arguing that in the current economic climate, with construction costs rising, even a four-unit development was on the cusp of economic sustainability and a failure to develop the current proposal now could see the site languish in dereliction. Planners said while this latest application was effectively a resubmission" of the proposal granted conditional planning in 2022, it warranted consideration under the policies and objectives of the new Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028. They said while the four-storey height was compliant with the building height range for Blackpool, and in principle, a four-storey building was considered acceptable, the proposed building was wholly out of proportion with the existing mostly two-storey terrace dwellings. They said the proposed residential density far exceeds the higher density target for Blackpool as set out in the city development plan and is considered excessive and inappropriate in regard to the prevailing character of the area. The design is effectively the same as what assessed in the 2021 application and no meaningful attempts have been made by the applicant to address the concerns raised previously, a planners report said. In conclusion, planners said by reason of its scale, design and bulk, the proposed development would represent overdevelopment of a small, restricted site, which would be out of character with the surrounding development, and planning was refused. Speculation is mounting that Simon Coveney could run in the upcoming European elections following his decision to step down from Cabinet next week. The Cork South Central TD confirmed on Tuesday that he would depart Cabinet when new Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is elected as Taoiseach next week. Mr Coveney said that he spoke with Mr Harris about his decision on Monday night, but confirmed he would remain in place as a TD. Mr Coveney told RTEs Today with Claire Byrne that after 13 years in Cabinet, he believed it was the right time to give Mr Harris the space to create a new opportunity for Fine Gael in Government. He said that it is an opportunity for the incoming Taoiseach to promote new talent within Fine Gael and that Mr Harris had a difficult decision to make when selecting his Cabinet. I think he'll want to bring forward new ideas and new energy in the party. And I think he'll want to bring a team with him, to do that," Mr Coveney said. "I don't know whether he was going to ask me to be in Cabinet as part of that team or not. I know he was weighing that up. We spoke about that both last week and again this week. But I think it makes life easier for him. And I think it's also, you know, a recognition by me, too, that Fine Gael needs renewal. However, when asked about whether he would be running in the next general election, Mr Coveney declined to answer saying that it was a question for another day. Ill put a bit of thought into that over the next few months, but Im not going to rush it, he said. It's not a yes or it's not a no. It's me just being honest about it. That's something I'm not going to rush. It's something, to be honest, I hadn't even thought about. However, senior sources within Fine Gael have now indicated that Mr Coveney could now seek to run for the party in the upcoming European elections. Party sources have also noted Mr Coveney mentioned councillors within his constituency of Cork South Central who have the capacity to be TDs in the future, citing this could be an indication that he may not run again for the Dail. Mr Coveney, who is a former MEP having served in Brussels between 2004 and 2007, was said to have enjoyed his time at the European Parliament and could potentially slot back into the role. There is a potential issue there, however, with the Fine Gael candidates for Ireland South having already been selected, with John Mullins on the ticket representing Cork. One Fine Gael source has indicated that Mr Mullins could be dropped from the ticket and instead be selected to run in Cork East at the next general election. This is possible as the sitting TD for the constituency, David Stanton, is due to stand down at the end of this Dail term. The Cork South Central TD said hat Fine Gael had gone through a political earthquake in recent weeks with the resignation of outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. However, he said that a process of renewal is now ongoing in Fine Gael following Mr Varadkars resignation. He said that while his initial reaction had been to steady the ship, he wanted to make it easier for Mr Harris to promote new faces from within Fine Gael. However, he rejected assertions that after 13 years in Government that Fine Gael was jaded, despite the high numbers of TDs retiring from politics at the end of the current Dail. Leo Varadkars recent decision to resign was mainly attributed to the failure of the referenda. Observing him, I wondered how a super successful person like him deals with failure. My best guess is he turns failures into exercises in problem-solving and fails forward. Given the waterboarding he got from the media before he resigned, he deals with negative feedback well. But then, he is male. Because, although fear of failure stems from a wide variety of causes including genetics, trauma, being a perfectionist, and a critical upbringing when too much was expected it appears there is a gender gap in fear of failure. Women may take negative feedback more personally than men and maybe even believe in themselves less. One study from the journal Science Advances analysing fear of failure in over half a million students from 72 countries found that female 15-year-olds express greater fear of failure than male students. The study included the sentence: When I am failing, I am afraid that I might not have enough talent. In 71 out of 72 countries, even when their performance in maths, reading, and sciences was equal, girls were more inclined to attribute their failures to a lack of talent than boys who were more likely to blame external factors. Sally Rooney speaking at a Hulu panel at the Winter TCA event in 2020. Many male writers seemed exceptionally challenged by her success. Picture: Erik Voake/Getty/Hulu Fifteen is an important age, when a person may make certain subject choices and begin to contemplate future careers. What stood out was that the differences were most pronounced among higher-achieving students in wealthier OECD countries with a greater gender balance. The curveball is that the idea that males are inherently more brilliant is most entrenched in the most egalitarian countries. Researchers call this the gender-equality paradox. One of the co-authors of the study, Paris School of Economics associate professor Thomas Breda said: We have no perfect explanation for the paradox. The study suggests that in more developed countries with greater freedom, gender norms dont simply disappear but reconfigure themselves with people resorting to old stereotypes. Successful women Although there is a rash of talented new female writers, in the world of literature, many male writers see themselves as organically more talented. Thomas Breda says: 'We have no perfect explanation for the [gender-quality] paradox'. Picture: Paris School of Economics When Sally Rooney burst onto the scene, it got up the noses of many older male writers who sniffed that they couldnt see what the fuss was about. They seemed exceptionally challenged by and dubious about her success. It was amusing to watch but also revelatory about some deep-seated beliefs they held about their natural place in the canon. 'Helpful' 'feedback' Just after I won a literary prize, a male writer who had been successful at one point but whose career tailed off, browbeat me into sending him a short story. I sent it on the condition that he not give me any feedback. To be clear, I didnt want his feedback predominantly because I didnt think it would be helpful. I didnt especially like his writing or at least considered that we had very different styles. He agreed to the condition but immediately sent me back comprehensive negative feedback, telling me at some length that I had failed to scale Joycean heights by communicating essential human truths, implying that he had. Of course, it may be the case that he does write brilliantly in private, but at the moment, his searing insights and linguistic pyrotechnics are not seeing the light of day. Yet he had zero doubt that he was supremely talented and had lessons to teach me. Politeness versus reality At the time, analysing the episode, I felt a sense of quiet rage at him, but most of all at me because I hadnt wanted to send the story. I should have followed my strong gut instinct which was no. But I was being polite because like a lot of women thats how I have been conditioned. I definitely should have followed up with an email after getting the unwanted feedback saying, what part of no did you not understand? and rejected his feedback. Maybe I should have advised him that although he could certainly form a sentence, he struck me as a one-trick pony and needed to expand his literary horizons. Instead, I fulminated and avoided him. Thomas Breda suggested that if we deconstruct the concept of talent and rather see success as coming from learning through trial and error, we also deconstruct the idea that girls are less naturally talented than boys. Fear of failure versus... Standing on the sidelines and taking fewer risks even where we have the skill set is problematic and you suspect is a particularly female tendency. I studiously avoided speaking in public until I was 40. I came up with endless excuses and dodges to avoid opening my gob even in a professional context. A psychiatrist I met in a social context told me it was a fear of failure related to making a fool of myself. Perfectionism erodes achievement. A career milestone came along which meant that I had no way out. Irish Examiner columnist and Communications Clinic chairman Terry Prone gave me some hugely helpful training. Since I overcame this irrational fear, Ive spoken on a stage in a packed theatre, interviewing people who are well-known or talented. Ive also been interviewed on live TV. Bottom line I wish Id sorted the problem out sooner and could tell my younger self not to be fearful of making a fool of herself. ...staggering overconfidence Of course, it would be a relief if negative feedback took a greater toll on somebody like Donald Trump. You suspect that there is a howling void at his centre, but it hasnt held him back which I suppose raises the possibility that women may not simply be underconfident rather that some men are staggeringly overconfident. So maybe its a balancing act. Harvard professor Claudia Goldin, who won the Nobel Prize for economics last year, found that female students may be underestimated in STEM because they are too concerned with grades. Male students who pursued economics degrees outnumbered women by almost three to one. Goldin discovered that women who achieved less than an A in introductory economics classes abandoned the subject whereas men who achieved a B ploughed on, with male C students four times as likely as women to stick with the degree. Seeing errors as opportunities What does that say? It says, I think, that we need to teach young women to respond better to competitive environments, to have more of a growth mindset, and not to see it as the end of the world when they get something wrong. Missteps or errors are an opportunity to think through problems creatively. To revert to me reluctantly sending the short story to the confident male writer, Edel Coffey recently wrote a great piece in the Irish Examiner about why she finds it hard to say no. I wrote last year about why we must move away from teaching girls to be good. To my mind, the two subjects are allied and may relate to the female fear of negative feedback. Overall, as women, we should forget about being good, say no where appropriate, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to possible success which paradoxically also means saying yes to opportunities. Because the most growth happens in spaces that make us feel uncomfortable when we have that feeling that our ass is hanging out the window. Mourners have gathered outside a school in southern Finland a day after a 12-year-old boy was killed and two girls of the same age were seriously wounded in a shooting. The young suspect, who attended the school, was apprehended less than an hour later. The attack shocked the Nordic nation, where Finnish blue-and-white flags were hoisted at half-mast and scores of people including parents, teachers and fellow students laid flowers and lit candles in the snowy landscape. Police said one of the wounded girls has a dual Finland-Kosovo citizenship. The suspect and the victims were all classmates. Police tape at the scene of the shooting in Finland (Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva via AP) On Tuesday, heavily armed police cordoned off the Viertola school, an 800-student secondary school in the city of Vantaa, just outside Helsinki. Police said the boy died instantly after being shot. The suspect was detained in the Helsinki area less than an hour after the shooting, with a handgun in his possession. The gun was licensed to a relative of the suspect who was not immediately identified. Police said he admitted to the shooting in an initial police hearing, but there was no immediate word of the motive. Candles and flowers left at the school (Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva via AP) The minimum age of criminal liability in Finland is 15 years, which means the suspect cannot be formally arrested. A suspect younger than 15 can only be questioned by the police before they are handed over to child welfare authorities. Finns often complain their country is portrayed as a gloomy northern outpost of Europe, where long, dark winters drive people to binge drinking, suicide or random outbursts of violence. Finland has witnessed two major deadly school shootings in 2007 and 2008. In their wake, the country tightened its gun laws, raising the minimum age for firearms ownership and giving police greater powers to perform background checks on individuals applying for a gun licence. The nation of 5.6 million has more than 1.5 million licensed firearms, and about 430,000 licence holders, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry. Hunting and gun-ownership are deeply rooted traditions in the sparsely populated country. South Africas parliament speaker has resigned and relinquished her seat in the legislature over allegations of corruption, a day after she lost a bid in court that would block her arrest. Prosecutors last week said they intend to charge Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula with corruption, accusing her of receiving about 135,000 dollars in bribes from a defence contractor during her three years as defence minister. She allegedly received the payments between December 2016 and July 2019, while another bribe, amounting to 105,000 dollars, was not paid. Ms Mapisa-Nqakula announced in a statement that she has tendered her resignation, but insisted she was innocent of the accusations against her. I have made this conscious decision in order to dedicate my time and focus to deal with the recently announced investigation against me by our countrys law enforcement agencies, she said. My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me. Media reports in South Africa allege that on one occasion in February 2019, she received more than 15,000 dollars and a wig at a meeting at the countrys main international airport. Ms Mapisa-Nqakulas party, the African National Congress, is set to fight a crucial elections this year against the backdrop of high unemployment, rising poverty and anger over various allegations of corruption against its leaders. Recent polls suggest the party could receive less than 50% of electoral support the lowest level since it came into power in the countrys first all-race vote at the end of apartheid in 1994. After Ms Mapisa-Nqakulas announcement, it remained unclear if she would be taken into custody or surrender to authorities on her own, after the North Gauteng High Court dismissed her motion to avoid arrest. Today A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Mostly sunny skies. Cooler. High 67F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Israels airstrikes Monday on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, which killed a senior general of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps and six other Iranian military advisers, as well as Syrians, is a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Israel itself has squawked when its embassies and embassy personnel have been targeted. In 1982, well after the government had decided to attack Lebanon, it trotted out an ex post facto justification that the Israeli ambassador in London had been shot. Among the dead at the Iranian embassy in Damascus, in addition were Brig. Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, was his deputy, Brig Gen Mohammad Hadi Haji-Rahimi. It seems likely that the Israeli government of Binyamin Netanyahu is attempting to draw Iran into a war. If Iran retaliated directly, the Biden administration would feel the necessity of coming to Israels aid. Provoking an Iranian assault is the best way for Netanyahu to outflank the increasingly critical US government. His freedom of action may be circumscribed if the chorus of criticism in the Democratic Party and the American public finally sways President Joe Biden to do more than mouth thoughts and prayers, as though the Israeli genocide in Gaza were a school shooting. Iran has exercised restraint in the face of the massive and brutal Israeli total war on the civilians of Gaza, as I argued recently at Tomdispatch.com . Tehran appears to have restrained the Iraqi Shiite militias that targeted US troops, killing 3 in Jordan. It has also advised Hezbollah in southern Lebanon not to risk an all-out war with Israel, though the Netanyahu government appears to be spoiling for one. The Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus could undo that restraint. Analysis: Why a missile strike on an Iranian embassy?NHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS Video with Professor Tanaka Koichiro. The influential editor of Kayhan newspaper, Husain Shariatmadar, who was appointed to the position by the countrys clerical august leader Ali Khamenei, urged an eye for an eye. He wrote, Contrary to the laws known in international law, the Zionist regime has launched a military attack on the Iranian consulate in a third country, therefore, based on the principle of retaliation, it is an absolute right to attack the embassies and consulates of the artificial Israeli regime in any other country. BBC Monitoring pointed out that some Iranians on social media singled out the Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan for attack. Azerbaijans willingness to cooperate with Israel against Iran has long rankled in Tehran. It says that some hard liners worry that if Iran takes the attack lying down, it undermines deterrence against Israeli aggression. Aside from possible Iranian retaliation against Israel embassies, it seems unlikely to me that even these brazen assassinations will change the Iranian calculus. They believe that slow and steady wins the race and that revenge is a dish best served cold. The Iranian leadership will not blithely put itself in a position where it has to try to take on Israel and US in a conventional war. It has been goaded but hasnt lost its common sense. So Netanyahus dream of a war with Iran that draws the US back in seems far-fetched. It is not out of the question, however, given Bidens knee-jerk support for the far right Likud Party. Committee on Academic Freedom | Middle East Studies Association | Letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott regarding Executive Order GA-44 2 April 2024 Governor Greg Abbott Office of the Texas Governor Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711-2428 Dear Governor Abbott: We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to express our grave concern about Executive Order No. GA-44, issued on 27 March 2024, which defines its purpose as addressing acts of antisemitism in institutions of higher education. While we share your avowed commitment to combating antisemitism, we are deeply concerned that this executive order may actually undermine that effort while suppressing both the constitutionally protected right of free speech and academic freedom. MESA was founded in 1966 to promote scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. The preeminent organization in the field, the Association publishes the prestigious International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2,800 members worldwide. MESA is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression, both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and outside of North America. We are fully aware of, and deeply troubled by, the rising tide of racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and Islamophobia in Texas as well as across the United States. Combatting antisemitism and all other forms of racism, bigotry and discrimination is an essential duty of our colleges and universities. However, we do not believe that this executive order furthers that goal. It is based on an unacceptable and dangerous conflation of advocacy for Palestinian rights, and criticism of Israel and the war it is currently waging in Gaza, on the one hand, with antisemitism on the other. It specifically targets two student groups the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine without offering any evidence that their criticism of Israel is rooted in antisemitism, and it also asserts again without evidence that the slogan From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free is inherently and self-evidently antisemitic. (For more complex and historically grounded perspectives on this phrase, see for example here here and here ). Texas is home to 38 public universities, of which the majority are members of one of the states seven university systems. By demanding that all these colleges and universities discipline students and student groups simply for using specific phrases or expressing opinions that you or others may find objectionable, this order constitutes a grave threat to free speech and academic freedom. We therefore call on you to revoke this executive order and refrain from any further use of executive orders to threaten, harass or sanction individuals or groups exercising their First Amendment rights, including the right to criticize any country, government or ideology and to advocate on behalf of any groups rights. This constitutional right is particularly critical for our institutions of higher education, where it should be accompanied by rigorous adherence to the standards and traditions of academic freedom, including freedom from the threat of politically motivated harassment or punishment for speaking out on issues of public concern. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Asl U. Bali MESA President Professor, Yale Law School Laurie Brand Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom Professor Emerita, University of Southern California HALIFAX, NS / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV:SLVR) (OTCQX:SLVTF) ("Silver Tiger" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Company's ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") drilling program on the Stockwork gold deposit on its El Tigre Project in Sonora, Mexico. Silver Tiger has completed 22,000 metres of a 25,000 metre drilling program focused on expanding the Mineral Resource, up-grading the classification, completing metallurgical testwork and geotechnical studies as it progresses from an exploration to a development project. The value-added PFS progress is on schedule for publication in H2-2024. Three main areas of the Stockwork mineralization are being targeted and show potential for expansion: a) the footwall, b) the hanging wall and c) bottom keel'. After releasing the first 40 drill holes of the program, the Company is pleased to announce conversion, expansion and derisking of the potential Starter Stockwork Zone' Silver Tiger's CEO, Glenn Jessome, stated, "We are pleased to announce that this new set of assay results continue to both confirm and expand the near-surface potential Starter Stockwork Zone. Of particular interest is the high-grade "Keel Zone" that is being delineated." Mr. Jessome further stated, "These promising assay results help to further de-risk the project in conjunction with the underway PFS-level geotechnical and metallurgical studies." The near-surface Stockwork Zone, and high-grade Keel Zone seen in below highlighted intercepts: Drill hole ET-23-497: 116.0 metres grading 0.68 g/t gold equivalent or 51.2 g/t silver equivalent from 37.0 to 153.0 metres, consisting of 0.40 g/t gold and 21.1 g/t silver INCLUDING 25.0 metres grading 0.99 g/t gold equivalent or 74.4 g/t silver equivalent from 107.0 to 132.0 metres consisting of 0.37 g/t gold and 46.8 g/t silver in the Stockwork Zone. or 51.2 g/t silver equivalent from 37.0 to 153.0 metres, consisting of 0.40 g/t gold and 21.1 g/t silver INCLUDING or 74.4 g/t silver equivalent from 107.0 to 132.0 metres consisting of 0.37 g/t gold and 46.8 g/t silver in the Stockwork Zone. Drill hole ET-23-504: 115.8 metres grading 0.61 g/t gold equivalent or 46.1 g/t silver equivalent from 37.2 to 153.0 metres, consisting of 0.49 g/t gold and 9.2 g/t silver INCLUDING 23.5 metres grading 1.09 g/t gold equivalent or 81.9 g/t silver equivalent from 37.2 to 60.7 metres consisting of 0.89 g/t gold and 15.2 g/t silver in the Stockwork Zone. or 46.1 g/t silver equivalent from 37.2 to 153.0 metres, consisting of 0.49 g/t gold and 9.2 g/t silver INCLUDING or 81.9 g/t silver equivalent from 37.2 to 60.7 metres consisting of 0.89 g/t gold and 15.2 g/t silver in the Stockwork Zone. Drill hole ET-23-506: 80.0 metres grading 1.09 g/t gold equivalent or 82.0 g/t silver equivalent from 6.0 to 86.0 metres, consisting of 0.75 g/t gold and 25.6 g/t silver INCLUDING 47.5 metres grading 1.55 g/t gold equivalent or 115.9 g/t silver equivalent from 34.5 to 82.0 metres consisting of 1.08 g/t gold and 34.7 g/t silver gold in the Stockwork Zone. or 82.0 g/t silver equivalent from 6.0 to 86.0 metres, consisting of 0.75 g/t gold and 25.6 g/t silver INCLUDING or 115.9 g/t silver equivalent from 34.5 to 82.0 metres consisting of 1.08 g/t gold and 34.7 g/t silver gold in the Stockwork Zone. Drill hole ET-23-514: 34.4 metres grading 1.76 g/t gold equivalent or 131.9 g/t silver equivalent from 167.0 to 201.4 metres, consisting of 0.72 g/t gold and 78.0 g/t silver INCLUDING 0.8 metres grading 30.17 g/t gold equivalent or 2,263.0 g/t silver equivalent from 188.6 to 189.4 metres consisting of 16.60 g/t gold and 1,018.0 g/t silver in the Keel Zone. Figure 1 : Stockwork Zone - Plan View Figure 2 : Stockwork Zone Cross Section 4100N Figure 3 : Stockwork Zone-Cross Section 4225N Highlights from the on-going Pre-Feasibility Study Drilling Program include the following: Expanding known mineralization by 10 to15%, to the footwall and hanging wall zones, as well as the higher-grade keel' at PEA pit bottom associated with the El Tigre and SK Veins; Converting first two to three years of mineralized material in the potential Starter Stockwork Zone' from Indicated Mineral Resource to Measured; Converting a significant portion of the 2 km strike length ultimate' PEA pit-constrained Inferred Mineral Resource to Indicated; Completion of enhanced PFS Metallurgical Drilling, with samples underway comminution and leach testing; and Completion of enhanced PFS Geotechnical Drilling, with samples undergoing testing. Mineral Resource Drilling P&E Mining Consultants Inc. ("P&E") of Brampton, Ontario completed the initial MRE in 2017. On Oct 27, 2023, P&E released an updated El Tigre Project NI 43-101 and NI 43-01 F1 compliant MRE technical report titled "Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate of the El Tigre Silver-Gold Project, Sonora, Mexico" authored by William Stone, Ph.D., P.Geo.,Yungang Wu, P.Geo., Fred H. Brown, P.Geo., Jarita Barry, P.Geo., David Burga, P.Geo., D. Grant Feasby, P.Eng., Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET and David Salari, P.Eng. The MRE has a pit-constrained Indicated Mineral Resource totaling 43.0 million tonnes containing 818 thousand ounces AuEq grading 0.59 g/t AuEq; and a pit-constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 11.5 million tonnes containing 267 thousand ounces AuEq grading 0.72 g/t AuEq (see update MRE press release dated September 12 th 2023). PEA-level bench optimization of the pit-constrained Mineral Resource highlighted the higher-grade (~0.80 gpt AuEq), low strip ratio (~0.3) potential Starter Stockwork Zone which contains 5.7 million tonnes of mineralized material (see PEA press release dated November 1 st , 2023). Recommendations of the PEA-level study included increasing Mineral Resource confidence in potential Starter Stockwork Zone' and additional exploratory drilling to target the 1) footwall, 2) hanging wall and 3) keel' areas of the Stockwork Zone. P&E were again retained to lead the current El Tigre PFS-level study with 21,000 metres of the program complete (Figure 1). Complete and final assay results from the nineteen (19) drill holes are listed in Table 1. Below, highlighted intersections are enumerated with reference to the three (3) zones targeted: Drill hole ET-23-497: Confirms higher-grade Tiger Vein area in starter pit, and Footwall' Zone 25 metres to east over 2023 MRE: Drill hole ET-23-504: Expands Hanging wall' and Footwall' Zones by 10 and 20 metres, respectively; Drill hole ET-23-506: Downhole intersection expands Footwall Zone' 25 metres to east over 2023 MRE (Fig. 2); and Drill hole ET-23-514: Confirms higher-grade SK Vein area in starter pit, and expands Hanging wall' and Keel' Zones (Fig. 1) Table 1-Mineral Resource Drill Hole Results AuEq Total (2) AgEq Total (2) Hole ID Comment From To Length (1) Gold Silver m m m g/t g/t g/t g/t ET-23-496 STOCKWORK ZONE 36.5 113.0 76.5 0.42 11.2 0.57 42.6 including 76.0 92.4 16.4 0.62 26.3 0.97 72.5 Mining VOID 102.0 104.0 2.0 * * * * STOCKWORK ZONE 104.0 113.0 9.0 0.56 8.9 0.68 51.0 ET-23-497 STOCKWORK ZONE 37.0 153.0 116.0 0.40 21.1 0.68 51.2 including 72.0 134.0 62.0 0.50 28.5 0.88 65.7 including 72.0 96.0 24.0 0.76 13.9 0.94 70.8 including 107.0 132.0 25.0 0.37 46.8 0.99 74.4 ET-23-498 STOCKWORK ZONE 24.0 89.0 65.0 0.54 10.4 0.68 51.2 including 60.0 66.0 6.0 0.71 27.0 1.07 80.6 including 79.0 88.0 9.0 0.79 17.2 1.02 76.4 Mining VOID 93.2 96.0 2.8 * * * * ET-23-499 STOCKWORK ZONE 21.0 43.0 22.0 0.38 4.2 0.43 32.5 STOCKWORK ZONE 3 74.0 108.0 34.0 0.52 0.5 0.81 60.8 including 74.0 82.0 8.0 0.72 49.9 1.39 104.2 Mining VOID 85.5 87.0 1.5 * * * * ET-23-500 STOCKWORK ZONE 10.0 17.0 7.0 0.31 4.7 0.37 27.7 STOCKWORK ZONE 46.0 61.0 15.0 0.46 3.3 0.50 37.5 ET-23-501 STOCKWORK ZONE 4 3.0 96.0 93.0 0.37 13.1 0.54 40.6 including 12.0 21.0 9.0 0.53 68.1 1.44 108.1 including 33.0 48.0 15.0 0.73 15.3 0.93 69.9 Mining VOID 65.5 67.8 2.3 * * * * STOCKWORK ZONE 78.0 87.0 9.0 0.59 3.2 0.63 47.3 ET-23-502 STOCKWORK ZONE 0.0 59.5 59.5 0.42 17.6 0.65 48.8 including 0.0 9.0 9.0 0.81 23.3 1.12 84.0 including 31.0 33.0 2.0 0.94 224.5 3.93 294.7 including 52.6 58.5 5.9 1.13 0.6 1.13 85.1 ET-23-503 STOCKWORK ZONE 5 7.0 53.0 46.0 0.91 44.2 1.50 112.8 Mining VOID 47.8 49.3 1.5 * * * * STOCKWORK ZONE 102.9 147.0 44.1 0.49 0.7 0.50 37.3 ET-23-504 STOCKWORK ZONE 4.0 11.1 7.1 0.72 1.8 0.75 56.2 STOCKWORK ZONE 37.2 153.0 115.8 0.49 9.2 0.61 46.1 including 37.2 60.7 23.5 0.89 15.2 1.09 81.9 ET-23-505 STOCKWORK ZONE 0.0 20.0 20.0 0.57 14.2 0.76 56.8 STOCKWORK ZONE 40.0 74.2 34.2 1.05 1.3 1.07 80.4 including 40.0 59.0 19.0 1.76 2.0 1.79 133.9 ET-23-506 STOCKWORK ZONE 6 6.0 86.0 80.0 0.75 25.6 1.09 82.0 including 6 34.5 82.0 47.5 1.08 34.7 1.55 115.9 Mining VOID 69.2 71.6 2.4 * * * * STOCKWORK ZONE 98.0 124.4 26.4 0.37 1.5 0.39 29.3 Mining VOID 124.4 127.9 3.5 * * * * ET-23-507 STOCKWORK ZONE 6.0 50.0 44.0 0.44 4.9 0.50 37.5 including 10.0 26.5 16.5 0.65 7.3 0.75 56.0 STOCKWORK ZONE 80.8 93.0 12.2 0.18 42.9 0.76 56.8 ET-23-508 STOCKWORK ZONE 27.8 121.5 93.7 0.58 7.7 0.68 51.0 including 34.0 78.0 44.0 0.74 12.2 0.90 67.6 including 97.5 121.5 24.0 0.73 6.0 0.81 60.4 ET-23-509 STOCKWORK ZONE 37.5 111.5 74.0 0.25 13.2 0.43 32.2 including 85.0 90.0 5.0 0.76 28.8 1.15 86.1 ET-23-510 STOCKWORK ZONE 7 41.3 107.3 63.0 0.55 1.9 0.58 43.5 Mining VOID 85.5 88.5 3.0 * * * * including 91.5 107.3 15.8 0.93 2.1 0.96 72.1 STOCKWORK ZONE 136.3 166.3 30.0 0.82 1.7 0.84 63.2 including 138.3 151.3 13.0 1.42 1.3 1.44 107.9 ET-23-511 STOCKWORK ZONE 0.0 7.0 7.0 0.78 25.9 1.12 84.3 STOCKWORK ZONE 28.0 130.5 102.5 0.63 2.5 0.66 49.4 including 37.5 72.0 34.5 0.92 3.7 0.97 72.6 and 142.0 147.0 5.0 1.37 1.0 1.38 103.5 ET-23-512 STOCKWORK ZONE 14.0 29.0 15.0 0.17 9.7 0.30 22.5 STOCKWORK ZONE 58.0 96.5 38.5 0.30 9.3 0.42 31.6 and 135.0 141.0 6.0 0.40 1.5 0.42 31.5 ET-23-514 STOCKWORK ZONE 69.0 74.0 5.0 0.34 1.9 0.36 27.2 STOCKWORK ZONE 102.0 126.0 24.0 0.46 4.9 0.52 39.2 including 115.0 124.0 9.0 0.91 3.1 0.95 71.1 El Tigre & SK Keel 167.0 201.4 34.4 0.72 78.0 1.76 131.9 El Tigre Keel 168.0 172.5 4.5 1.48 172.0 3.77 283.0 SK Keel 188.6 194.0 5.4 2.84 330.4 7.25 543.6 including 188.6 189.4 0.8 16.60 1,018.0 30.17 2,263.0 ET-23-515 STOCKWORK ZONE 121.0 173.0 51.0 0.58 1.9 0.61 45.6 STOCKWORK ZONE 197.5 237.3 39.8 0.95 11.9 1.11 83.3 Notes: Not true width. SilverEquivalent ("AgEq") ratiosare based on a silverto gold priceratio of 75:1 (Au:Ag). Excludes 1.50m mining VOID Excludes 2.30m mining VOID Excludes 1.50m mining VOID Excludes 2.40m mining VOID Excludes 3.00m mining VOID Table 2-DrillHole Locations Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Length ET-23-496 671,093.7 3,384,274.0 1965.8 90 -63 160.0 ET-23-497 671,090.6 3,384,026.4 1926.9 90 -50 182.0 ET-23-498 671,118.3 3,384,124.0 1969.1 90 -45 210.0 ET-23-499 671,107.6 3,384,295.0 1968.1 90 -66 144.0 ET-23-500 671,065.5 3,383,966.3 1878.8 90 -45 146.0 ET-23-501 671,160.2 3,384,322.3 1982.2 90 -45 105.0 ET-23-502 671,176.9 3,383,974.1 1900.7 90 -45 90.0 ET-23-503 671,147.0 3,384,180.4 1972.7 90 -45 147.0 ET-23-504 671,084.1 3,384,201.8 1931.9 90 -45 190.0 ET-23-505 671,189.5 3,383,991.4 1908.9 90 -45 90.0 ET-23-506 671,146.5 3,384,220.5 1966.5 90 -75 150.0 ET-23-507 671,137.6 3,383,890.4 1882.2 90 -45 120.0 ET-23-508 671,184.9 3,384,194.9 1993.0 90 -45 127.0 ET-23-509 671,127.9 3,384,078.1 1965.0 90 -45 185.5 ET-23-510 671,088.1 3,384,345.4 1990.3 90 -49 174.1 ET-23-511 671,177.0 3,384,163.9 1995.0 90 -45 158.0 ET-23-512 671,151.2 3,384,070.3 1963.9 90 -45 186.0 ET-23-513 671,135.9 3,384,353.3 1993.3 110 -45 242.7 ET-23-514 671,058.0 3,384,098.6 1946.4 90 -56 221.0 ET-23-515 671,035.4 3,384,344.4 1995.3 90 -46 257.0 Figure 3 : El Tigre - Conceptual Cross-Section Showing Mineralization Styles Figure 4 : El Tigre-Longitudinal Projection Showing Exploration Potential About Silver Tiger and the El Tigre Historic Mine District Silver Tiger Metals Inc. is a Canadian company whose management has more than 25 years' experience discovering, financing and building large hydrothermal silver projects in Mexico. Silver Tiger's 100% owned 28,414 hectare historic El Tigre Mining District is located in Sonora, Mexico. Principled environmental, social and governance practices are core priorities at Silver Tiger. The El Tigre historic mine district is located in Sonora, Mexico and lies at the northern end of the Sierra Madre silver and gold belt which hosts many epithermal silver and gold deposits, including Dolores, Santa Elena and Las Chispas at the northern end. In 1896, gold was first discovered on the Property in the Gold Hill area and mining started with the Brown Shaft in 1903. The focus soon changed to mining silver veins in the area with production coming from 3 parallel veins the El Tigre Vein, the Seitz Kelley Vein and the Sooy Vein. Underground mining on the middle El Tigre Vein extended 1,450 metres along strike and was mined on 14 levels to a depth of approximately 450 metres. The Seitz Kelley Vein was mined along strike for 1 kilometre to a depth of approximately 200 metres. The Sooy Vein was only mined along strike for 250 metres to a depth of approximately 150 metres. Mining abruptly stopped on all three of these veins when the price of silver collapsed to less than US20 per ounce with the onset of the Great Depression. By the time the mine closed in 1930, it is reported to have produced a total of 353,000 ounces of gold and 67.4 million ounces of silver from 1.87 million tons (Craig, 2012). The average grade mined during this period was over 2 kilograms silver equivalent per ton. The El Tigre silver and gold deposit is related to a series of epithermal veins controlled by a north-south trending structure cutting across the andesitic and rhyolitic tuffs of the Sierra Madre Volcanic Complex within a broad silver and gold mineralized prophylitic alteration zone developed in the El Tigre Formation that can be up to 150 metres wide. The veins dip steeply to the west and are typically 0.5 metre wide; however, locally can be up to 5 metres in width. The veins, structures and mineralized zones outcrop on surface and have been traced for 5.3 kilometres along strike in our brownfield exploration area. Historical mining and exploration activities focused on a 1.6-kilometre portion of the southern end of the deposits, principally on the El Tigre, Seitz Kelly and Sooy veins. The under explored Caleigh, Benjamin, Protectora and the Fundadora exposed veins continue north for more than 3 kilometres. Silver Tiger has delivered its updated NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate and PEA and is currently drilling to update its Mineral Resource Estimate and publish a PFS. VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation - Silver Tiger's El Tigre Project VRIFY is a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using 360 virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations. VRIFY can be accessed by website and with the VRIFY iOS and Android apps. Access the Silver Tiger Metals Inc. Company Profile on VRIFY at: https://vrify.com The VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation for Silver Tiger Metals Inc. can be viewed at: https://vrify.com/explore/decks/492 and on the Corporation's website at: www.silvertigermetals.com . Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full drill core is sawn with a diamond blade drill core saw with one half of the drill core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the drill core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work. The sealed and tagged drill core sample bags are transported to the Bureau Veritas facility in Hermosillo, Mexico. Bureau Veritas crushes the samples (Code PRP70-250) and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 200 mesh (Code PUL85). The pulps are assayed for gold using a 30-gram charge by fire assay (Code FA630) and over limits greater than 10 grams per tonne are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code FA530). Silver and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code MA200 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 100 grams per tonne silver are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code FA530). Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials (certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed Silver Tiger's QA/QC protocols. Qualified Person David R. Duncan, P. Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Corporation, is the Qualified Person for Silver Tiger as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Duncan has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. For further information, please contact: Glenn Jessome President and CEO 902 492 0298 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, the ability to convert Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources, the ability to complete future drilling programs and infill sampling, the ability to extend Mineral Resource blocks, the similarity of mineralization at El Tigre to Delores, Santa Elena and Chispas, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Silver Tiger, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "may", "is expected to", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "projection", "could", "vision", "goals", "objective" and "outlook" and other similar words. Although Silver Tiger believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, 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 Silver Tiger's expectations include risks and uncertainties related to exploration, development, operations, commodity prices and global financial volatility, risk and uncertainties of operating in a foreign jurisdiction as well as additional risks described from time to time in the filings made by Silver Tiger with securities regulators. La Romana tin mineralization is amenable to producing high-quality tin concentrate by conventional gravity separation High tin concentrate grades of 63.2% Sn at 58.1% recovery High-quality copper and tin concentrates offer potential to meaningfully enhance the project economics The excellent metallurgy results are an important de-risking milestone for advancing La Romana towards economic assessment VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Pan Global Resources Inc. ("Pan Global" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGZ) (OTCQX: PGZFF) (FSE: 2EU) is pleased to announce positive metallurgical test results for tin recovery at the La Romana copper-tin-silver discovery in the Escacena Project, southern Spain. Results indicate a premium high-grade tin concentrate is achievable using a conventional gravity separation flowsheet. The tin metallurgy results complement the recently reported copper metallurgy test results that showed saleable, high quality clean copper concentrates can be achieved by conventional froth flotation (see March 21, 2024 media release). "Results from the La Romana tin metallurgy program have exceeded expectations, confirming that the tin mineralization is well suited to conventional gravity separation to produce premium tin concentrates with grades above 60%. For context, modern tin mines typically produce concentrates grading 50-55% tin. Tin is a rare bi-product in the Iberian Pyrite Belt and we believe that the tin at La Romana has the potential to meaningfully enhance overall project economics. The outstanding copper and tin metallurgy test results are an important de-risking milestone for the Escacena Project," said Tim Moody, Pan Global's President & CEO. The metallurgical test program was conducted by Wardell Armstrong International (United Kingdom), under the coordination and management of Minepro Solutions SL (Spain). Results are summarized in table 1 below. Test result highlights The tin metallurgy program demonstrates the La Romana Cu-Sn-Ag mineralization is amenable to recovery of saleable tin concentrates. Comminution tests to determine the net energy requirements to grind the tin sample to the product size returned a Bond Ball Mill Work index (BBMWi) value of 13.1 kWh/t, classified as medium hardness. The results are typical/within the range expected for Iberian Pyrite Belt ores. The head grade assays for the tests were 0.27% Sn and 0.44% Cu. Mineralogical analyses confirm the tin mineralization is almost 100% cassiterite, which is the optimal mineral for recovery of tin. Particle size analysis to determine grind size indicates the cassiterite is most concentrated in the -106 to +53 micron, and -53 to +10 microns size fractions. Cassiterite liberation characteristics were also best in the finer fractions. The tin concentration flowsheet included initial flotation tests to remove sulfides and copper, followed by gravity separation of tin (cassiterite) from the flotation tailings, and a final flotation stage to recover tin not captured by the previous steps. The initial sulfide flotation was confirmed as effective for segregating copper and tin minerals, with most of the copper going to a rougher concentrate and the tin going to the tailings. Tailings from the initial flotation were de-slimed and screened to improve the response before undergoing a series of open circuit rougher and cleaner gravity separation steps, using a shaker table to concentrate the tin: Rougher stage gravity confirmed superior tin grades and recoveries for the -106 to +53 microns and -53 to +10 microns, size fractions, and from regrinding of the coarser fractions. The cleaner tests achieved saleable tin concentrate grades at this early stage. Flotation on residual tailings and finer fraction recovered minor additional tin. The projected closed-circuit results include high overall concentrate grades of 63.2% tin and 58.1% tin recovery , excellent for this style of mineralization. , excellent for this style of mineralization. Additional tests will aim to further verify the results and target further optimization to improve recovery and quality of the tin and copper concentrates, along with design and costing studies. Table 1 Tin Metallurgical Test Results Summary (MINEPRO, 2024) Assay (%) Overall recoveries (%) Open circuit Sn Cu Fe S Sn Cu Fe S Final Sn concentrate 63.19 0.12 5.89 3.12 9.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 Final middlings 1.19 0.07 18.09 1.24 49.4 1.4 11.1 3.8 Final tailings 0.11 0.52 16.16 3.53 41.1 98.6 88.9 96.2 Closed circuit Final Sn concentrate 63.2 0.10 5.9 3.1 58.1 11.2 18.9 13.0 Tin metallurgy program The tin mineralization at La Romana commonly grades between 0.05% to 0.5% Sn within the copper zone and occasionally exceeds 1% Sn over 1m intervals. Metal zonation is also recognized across the current 1.4km strike length for the deposit, from copper with low tin in the east to copper with increasing tin towards the west where the deposit remains open. A 96kg composite was collected for the metallurgy test work, comprised of sample intervals of drill core from three drill holes within an area of the La Romana deposit where the drilling indicates more continuous higher-grade tin mineralization. Sample locations for the tin metallurgy tests are shown in Figure 1. The steps undertaken to produce a saleable tin concentrate from the composite sample are provided in the flowsheet in Figure 2. All the tin metallurgy tests were conducted under open-circuit conditions, where a portion of the tin is potentially lost throughout the process as middlings or tailings. However, there is potential to recover additional tin from the middlings and tailings under closed-circuit conditions. Hence, a final projected closed circuit concentrate grade and recovery was calculated based on open-circuit results, and incorporating estimates of 90% tin recovery from middlings and 10% from tailings. About the Escacena Project The Escacena Project comprises a large, contiguous, 5,760-hectare land package controlled 100% by Pan Global in the east of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Escacena is located near the operating mine at Riotinto and is immediately adjacent to the former Aznalcollar and Los Frailes mines where Minera Los Frailes/Grupo Mexico is in the final permitting stage with construction anticipated to start in 2024. The Escacena Project hosts Pan Global's La Romana copper-tin-silver and Canada Honda copper-gold discoveries and a number of other prospective targets, including, Bravo, Barbacena, El Pozo, Romana Norte, San Pablo, Zarcita, Hornitos, La Jarosa, and Romana Deep. About Pan Global Resources Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively targeting copper-rich mineral deposits, given copper's compelling supply-demand fundamentals and outlook for strong long-term prices as a critical metal for global electrification and energy transition. The Company's flagship Escacena Project is located in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain, where a favourable permitting track record, excellent infrastructure, mining and professional expertise, and support for copper as a Strategic Raw Material by the European Commission collectively define a tier-one jurisdiction for mining investment. The Pan Global team comprises proven talent in exploration, discovery, development, and mine operations - all of which are committed to operating safely and with utmost respect for the environment and our partnered communities. The Company is a member, and operates under the principles, of the United Nations Global Compact. Qualified Persons Alvaro Merino, Vice President Exploration for Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information for this media release. Mr. Merino is not independent of the Company. Forward-looking statements Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this media release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental, and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products, and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission. The forward-looking information contained in this media release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this media release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information. 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2024) - American Pacific Mining Corp (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 15,000,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.30 per Warrant Share for a period of two (2) years from the date of distribution. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration and development on the Company's Palmer Project, Madison Project, other mineral exploration and development projects, and for general corporate purposes. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur as soon as practicable and may occur in one or more tranches. The Company may pay a finder's fee in connection with the Offering to eligible arm's length finders in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Eventus Capital Corp. has been appointed as a Finder in connection with the Offering. This Offering is being conducted under the listed issuer financing exemption as per Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions. As a result, the securities issued will not be subject to a hold period under the prevailing Canadian securities laws. An Offering Document related to this Offering is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on www.americanpacificmining.com. Potential investors are advised to thoroughly review this document prior to making any investment decisions. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About American Pacific Mining Corp. American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company has two flagship assets: the Palmer Project, a Volcanic Massive Sulphide-Sulphate (VMS) project in Alaska, under joint-venture partnership with Dowa Metals & Mining, owner of Japan's largest zinc smelter; and the Madison Project, a past-producing copper-gold project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Global Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Also, in American Pacific's asset portfolio are high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts in Nevada, USA, including the Ziggurat Gold project, partnered with Centerra Gold and the Tuscarora Gold-Silver project. The Company's mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition. On Behalf of American Pacific Mining Corp. Board of Directors: Warwick Smith, CEO & Director Corporate Office: Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada Investor relations contact: Kristina Pillon, High Tide Consulting Corp., 604.908.1695 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Media relations contact: Adam Bello, Primoris Group Inc., 416.489.0092 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the completion of the Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / BeMetals Corp. (TSXV:BMET) (OTCQB:BMTLF) (Frankfurt:1OI.F) (the "Company" or "BeMetals") is pleased to announce remaining drilling results from its 2023 exploration program at the Pangeni Copper Project in Zambia (the "Project" or the "Property"). A new phase of core drilling has recently commenced to identify additional zones of higher-grade copper and expand the footprint of the mineralization within the priority D-Prospect area. Highlights: D14-C1: Returned multiple zones of copper mineralization from a shallow, approximately 70 metres, vertical depth D14-C1: Interval 1: 69.41 metres grading 0.25 % copper ("Cu"), including: 12.91 metres grading 0.37% Cu, and Interval 2: including 12.64 metres grading 0.32% Cu with 7.64 metres grading 0.39% Cu The mineralization, and associated alteration discovered at the D-Prospect, currently traced over 1.5 kilometres along strike, shows many of the hallmarks of large-scale copper deposits mined in the Domes Region of the Zambian Copperbelt A follow up core drilling program is underway to test extensions and grade continuity of the hole D22-C1 (Interval 3: 18.10 metres grading 0.70% Cu) intercept reported in January 2024, and other drilled copper intersections at this Prospect, beneath the shallow Kalahari sand cover Note: Table 1 below provides details of these 2023 drilling program results and other intersections in drill hole D14-C1. John Wilton, President and CEO of BeMetals, stated "We are pleased with the analytical results indicating multiple, or stacked, zones of copper mineralization from drill hole D14-C1 that was drilled during last year's exploration program. These new D14-C1 and recently released D22-C1 drill hole results re-enforce the large-scale discovery potential of the priority D-Prospect at the Pangeni Project. In February, Dr. Richard Sillitoe completed a drill core review of the D-Prospect and concluded that the copper mineralization is closely similar in geological setting, style, and age to that exploited by Barrick Gold Corporation at their Lumwana Copper Mine, in the Zambian Copperbelt, and the current results motivate further drilling. The Company has recently commenced a planned 1,800 to 2,000 metre follow-up core drilling program and approximately 600 metres of this program have already been drilled with the first completed drill hole under sampling and dispatch to the laboratory. First results from the current drilling are expected during Q2, 2024. We are increasingly encouraged and excited by what we are seeing from our ongoing drilling of the D-Prospect at the Pangeni Project in Zambia. The Project is delivering compelling results, indicating significant scale potential of the copper mineralization beneath the Kalahari sand cover. These technical results are importantly enhanced by the pedigree of the Zambian Copperbelt, the backdrop of increasing copper mining and exploration investments into Zambia, and the strong fundamentals for the copper price." PANGENI COPPER PROJECT: D-PROSPECT Complete results have now been received from the 2023 drilling campaign at the D-Prospect which comprised 2,032 metres of shallow aircore drilling to test for additional bedrock copper anomalies below the Kalahari sand cover, and 787 metres of follow-up core drilling in three holes (D22-C1, D14-C1, D11-C1). These new results from drill hole D14-C1 further enhance the potential of the D-prospect, in context with the previously reported zones of mineralization from holes D22-C1 and D2-C1, including 18.10 metres grading 0.70% and 14.05 metres grading 0.37% copper respectively (see Figure 1). The D14-C1 results importantly include interval 1, a broad zone of 69.41 metres, from a vertical depth of approximately 70 metres, grading 0.25% copper that includes multiple higher-grade zones ranging from 3.5 to 12.91 metres width at copper grades from 0.35% to 0.48% copper (see Figure 2 and Table 1). This new data demonstrates that extensive zones of lower grade material envelop the multiple, or stacked, zones of higher-grade copper mineralization similar to what is seen at both the Sentinel and Lumwana copper mines in the Domes Region of Zambia, where cut-off grades of 0.13% (1) and 0.16% (2) copper are applied. Interval 2 includes additional zones of mineralization with 12.64 metres grading 0.32% copper that includes 7.64 metres grading 0.39% copper (see Figure 2 and Table 1). The copper mineralization in D14-C1 is dominantly chalcopyrite, and overall, a zonation with an increase in bornite, a higher tenor copper mineral, has been observed towards the southwest of the D-Prospect from drill holes D14-C1, D2-C1 and D22-C1. As noted by Dr. Richard Sillitoe, the D-Prospect mineralization is closely similar in geological setting, style, and age to that exploited by Barrick Gold Corporation at their Lumwana Copper Mine, farther east in the Domes region (see Figure 3). The Lumwana Mine with Mineral Reserves of 538.8 million tonnes grading 0.56% Cu (2)) and First Quantum Minerals Ltd.'s Sentinel Mine with Mineral Reserves of 792.4 million tonnes grading 0.46% Cu (1) (see locations in Figure 3) are also within the Domes Region of the Zambian Copperbelt. The deposits of these mines are sediment hosted copper style, generally shallowly dipping and/or plunging tabular bodies, with the alteration mineral kyanite associated with the copper mineralization, similar to our current observations and interpretation of the D-Prospect. At the Lumwana mine the thickness of the ore schist units at its Malundwe deposit is 15 metres (3), and the average thicknesses of the upper, central, and lower ore schist units at its Chimiwungo deposit are 10, 60 and 12 metres, respectively (3) generally the same to current widths of the mineralized zones at the Company's D-Prospect. Drill hole D11-C1 did not intersect any significant zones of copper mineralization and is currently interpreted to have been drilled into the footwall units below the main target zone as intersected in drill hole D22-C1. The Company has commenced a planned 1,800 to 2,000 metre, follow-up, phase of core drilling to test initially for extensions of the copper mineralization to the southwest of the 2023 drilling at the D-Prospect area of the Property. The Company will release new drilling results during Q2 and Q3 2024 as they become available. The Pangeni Project copper mineralization, is a westerly extension of the Zambian Copperbelt and is concealed under a relatively thin but extensive layer of Kalahari sand cover. The open pit Sentinel Copper Mine, operated by First Quantum Minerals, is located approximately 130 kilometres northeast of the Pangeni Project and currently represents the westernmost copper mine of the Domes Region within the prolific Zambian Copperbelt. The Pangeni Project is pro rata funded by BeMetals (72.2%) and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security ("JOGMEC") (27.8%). The Project team includes optionees Copper Cross Zambia Limited ("CCZ") and Pangeni Mineral Resources Limited ("PMRL") the licence holders and community relations managers. (1) First Quantum Minerals Ltd. website , Mineral Reserves - as at December 31, 2022, and reported based on a long-term $3.00/lb Cu price. The current depleted in-pit Mineral Reserve as at December 31, 2022 for Sentinel. (2) Barrick Gold Corporation website, Mineral Reserves - December 31, 2013, Technical Report on the Lumwana Mine, North-Western Province, Republic of Zambia, Barrick Gold Corporation, Report for NI 43-101, March 27, 2014 . (3) Bernau, R., Roberts, S., Richards, M., Nisbet, B., Boyce, A., Nowecki, J. (2013) The geology and geochemistry of the Lumwana Cu ( Co U) deposits, NW Zambia. Mineralium Deposita, 48:137-153. Figure 1: Pangeni Copper Project: D-Prospect: 2023 Drilling Program: D14-C1, D11-C1, and D22-C1 Results, Plan Map with Previous Core Drill Holes, and Combined Phases of Shallow Air Core Results Note: D14-C1, and D11-C1 results reported here (See Tables 1 & 2). Other drill hole results previously reported in BeMetals' news releases: BeMetals Delivers Significant Copper Intersection at Pangeni Project in Zambia and Announces Closing of $2 Million Convertible Debenture , dated January 9, 2024, BeMetals Reports Encouraging Core Drilling Results from Pangeni Copper Exploration Project in Zambia, dated October 16, 2019, BeMetals Returns Further Positive Drilling Results from Pangeni Copper Project, dated April 14, 2021, and BeMetals Intersects Further Encouraging Copper Results from Pangeni Exploration Project in Zambia, dated January 25, 2022. Figure 2: 2023 Drill Program: Simplified Cross Section Through Drill Hole D14-C1 (Looking East) Table 1: 2023 Drill Program: D-Prospect: D14-C1 Drill Hole Intersection Results Prospect, Borehole ID & Interval From (m) To (m) Core Interval (m) Cu % D-Prospect D14-C1: Interval 1 80.47 149.88 69.41* 0.25 Including: 91.34 94.84 3.50 0.35 Also including: 102.62 107.37 4.75 0.45 Also including: 120.60 126.49 5.89 0.38 Also including: 135.97 148.88 12.91 0.37 And including: 136.97 143.17 6.20 0.48 D14-C1: Interval 2 164.16 197.19 33.03* 0.23 Including: 172.01 174.01 2.00 0.41 Including: 184.55 197.19 12.64 0.32 Also including: 187.55 195.19 7.64 0.39 Table 1 Notes: Intertek Genalysis completed the analytical work with the core samples processed at their preparation facility in Kitwe, Zambia. All analytical procedures were conducted in an Intertek Genalysis laboratory in Perth, Australia. Reported widths are drilled core lengths as true widths are unknown at this time. Based upon current data it is estimated true widths range between 80 and 90% of the drilled intersections. A nominal cut-off grade of 0.25% Cu has been used to determine the boundaries of these intersections with no more than 3.0 metres of internal dilution of the intercepts. * A nominal cut-off grade of 0.1% Cu has been used to determine the boundaries of these intersections with no more than 9.20 metres of internal dilution of the intercept. PANGENI COPPER PROJECT: OTHER TARGETS In addition to the work conducted at the D-Prospect during the 2023 exploration program, 2,972 metres of shallow aircore, and 1,100 metres of core drilling were completed to test other exploration targets on the Property. These targets are located between 10 to 20 kilometres away from the priority D-Prospect. Figure 4 indicates the locations of these targets, the aircore lines completed and core drill hole collar positions. Results from these targets indicate and confirm that there are multiple zones and geological settings with a high degree of exploration potential within the Property. Target Q3 was outlined by three anomalous aircore holes (Q3-05A, Q3-05 and Q3-05B) completed during the 2022 exploration program that returned bedrock copper values of 859, 331 and 210 parts per million (ppm) copper respectively. The follow-up core hole Q3-C3 intersected a zone of 2.61 metres grading 0.49% copper (see Table 2). While a relatively narrow interval, its significance is increased by its host lithologies currently interpreted as Katangan units, and this target being located some 2 kilometres due east of the SW Target (see Figure 4). Future exploration in this area would include expanding of the aircore testing coverage at the Q3 Target. At the P4 Target, core hole P4-C1 returned an interval of 5.00 metres grading 0.40% copper including 2.39 metres grading 0.71% copper. The host lithologies appear to be basement units and copper oxide minerals were observed in these zones. Further interpretation will be completed to decide if further priority exploration is motivated in this target area. At the L and Q Targets, drill holes L4-C1, L4-C2 and Q5-C1 did not intersect any significant copper mineralization. Table 3 shows the drill hole ID, azimuth, dip, end of hole depth, collar coordinates and status of all the core drill holes from the 2023 program. Figure 3: Map Showing Selected Large Scale Copper Mines in Zambia and DRC with the Domes Region of Zambia Source: Modified after MacIntyre, T., Gysi, A., Hitzman, M., (2018). Geology and Geochemistry of the Kansanshi Cu-Au deposit, Zambia. Figure 4: Pangeni Copper Project: 2023 Drilling Program: L4-C1/C2, P4-C1, Q5-C1 and Q3-C3 Results, Plan Map with Core Drill Holes, and Shallow Air Core Line Locations Table 2: 2023 Drill Program: Q3-C3 and P4-C1 Drill Hole Intersection Results Borehole ID & Interval From (m) To (m) Core Interval (m) Cu % Q3-C3 224.47 227.08 2.61 0.49 P4-C1 62.00 67.00 5.00* 0.40 Including: 63.10 65.49 2.39 0.71 Table 2 Notes: Analytical work as above for Table 1, and reported widths are drilled core lengths as true widths are unknown at this time. Based upon current data it is estimated true widths range between 85 and 90% of the drilled intersections. A nominal cut-off grade of 0.1% Cu has been used to determine the boundaries of these intersections with no internal dilution of the intercepts. * Oxide copper observed. Table 3: Pangeni Project: 2023 Program: Drill Hole ID, Azimuth, Dip, End of Hole Depth and Collar Coordinates Drill Hole ID Azimuth degree Dip Degree End of hole Depth (m) Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Status D14-C1 000 -60 251.80 177,471 8,601,283 1321 Results Received D22-C1 300 -60 313.30 176,935 8,601,001 1326 Results Received D11-C1 300 -60 222.00 176,850 8,601,286 1330 Interpreted not to have intersected target zone Q3-C3 340 -60 273.00 172470 8585818 1214 Results Received P4-C1 320 -60 267.50 187502 8585289 1158 Results Received L4-C1 140 -60 149.80 190899 8602496 1215 Did not intersect mineralization L4-C2 140 -75 131.80 188262 8604476 1264 Did not intersect mineralization Q5-C1 330 -70 278.20 171401 8584131 1168 Did not intersect mineralization QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL The results reported here for this core drilling program were analyzed by Intertek Genalysis, an independent and accredited laboratory. Samples were prepared at their facility in Kitwe, Zambia and analytical work conducted in Perth, Australia. The results were determined using multi-acid, near total digest, and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma ("ICP") Optical (Atomic) Emission Spectrometry ("OES"). The core sampling was conducted with a robust sampling protocol that included the appropriate insertion of standard reference material, duplicates and blanks into the sample stream. Field operations and management have been provided by Remote Exploration Services ("RES") an independent geological consulting and contracting company. The core drilling was conducted by BluRock Mining (Drilling) Services of Kitwe, Zambia. KAZAN GOLD PROJECT: OPERATIONAL UPDATE In November 2023, the Company completed a very modest initial phase of drilling which included 449 metres of scout core drilling in two holes at the Todoroki Gold-Silver Project in Hokkaido, Japan ("Todoroki"). The results from this initial phase of Todoroki drilling have been received. Drill hole TK23-02 intersected three shallow, quartz and quartz-carbonate veins grading 0.08, 0.48 and 0.32 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold, associated with 26.9, 33.2 and 3.3 g/t silver respectively. Future drill targets at Todoroki will be designed to intersect at deeper levels within interpreted extensions of the historical Todoroki Mine vein system. The Company is also working on generating additional drill targets at its Kazan Gold portfolio of five gold projects in Japan. Table 4: Kazan Gold: Todoroki Gold Project: TK23-02 Drill Hole Results Drill hole and Interval From (m) To (m) Core Interval (m) Au g/t Ag g/t Comments TK23-02 40.95 42.16 1.21 0.08 26.9 Quartz vein hosted in andesite volcanic unit 183.52 185.32 1.80 0.48 33.2 Quartz and calcite veins hosted in andesite volcanic unit 187.12 188.12 1.00 0.32 3.3 Quartz and calcite veins hosted in andesite volcanic unit Table 4 Notes: Intertek Testing Services completed the analytical work with the core samples processed at their accredited laboratory in Manila, Philippines (See details in QA/QA section below). Reported widths are drilled core lengths as true widths are unknown at this time. Based upon current data it is estimated true widths range between 55 to 65% of the drilled intersections. For the mineralized intervals a nominal cut-off grade of 0.1 g/t Au has been used to determine the boundaries of the intersections with no internal dilution of the intercept. Table 5: Kazan Gold: Todoroki Project TK23-01 and TK23-02: Drill Hole ID, Azimuth, Dip, End of Hole Depth and Collar Coordinates Drill Hole ID Azimuth Degree Dip Degree End of hole Depth (m) Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Status TK23-01 350 -45 211.00 493428 4762561 475 No mineralization intersected TK23-02 330 -45 238.30 493560 4762646 496 Results received QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL The new results reported here for this core drilling program were analyzed by Intertek Testing Services, an independent and accredited laboratory. Samples were prepared and analytical work conducted in Manila, Philippines. The results were obtained using the following analytical methods as appropriate to determine the gold grades; FA50N/AA of 50g fire assay, with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry ("AAS") finish and FA50GR/GR of 50g fire assay with Gravimetric finish for over limit samples exceeding 10 g/t Au. The core sampling was conducted with a robust sampling protocol that included the appropriate insertion of standard reference material, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream. Field operations and management have been conducted by BeMetals' personnel. The core drilling was conducted by Energold Drilling. QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT The technical information in this news release for BeMetals has been reviewed and approved by John Wilton, CGeol FGS, CEO and President of BeMetals, and a "Qualified Person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF BEMETALS CORP. "John Wilton" John Wilton President, CEO and Director For further information about BeMetals please visit our website at bemetalscorp.com and sign-up to our email list to receive timely updates, or contact: Derek Iwanaka Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development Telephone: 604-928-2797 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (as defined under applicable securities laws), based on management's best estimates, assumptions and current expectations. Such statements include but are not limited to, statements with respect to future exploration, development and advancement of the Kazan Projects in Japan and the Pangeni Project in Zambia, and the acquisition of additional base and/or precious metal projects. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", "anticipates", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the actual results of exploration activities, the availability of financing and/or cash flow to fund the current and future plans and expenditures, the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions of the option agreement for the Pangeni Project, and changes in the world commodity markets or equity markets. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The forward-looking statements and forward looking information are made as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any forward-looking statements or forward looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as require by law. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. Please refer to the Company's most recent filings under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca for further information respecting the risks affecting the Company and its business. VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals" or the "Company"; (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Guy de Selliers de Moranville as a new director to the Board of Directors. The Company also announces the resignation of Dr. William H. Bird as a Director, who will remain as a rare earth elements industry advisor. Mr. de Selliers is a highly experienced finance professional with an illustrious career. He started his career at the World Bank in the mining division. He then joined Lehman Brothers in New York as Senior Vice President International Corporate Finance where among other assignments he covered the Canadian mining sector. In 1990 he was a key member of the senior executive team involved in the creation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Bank (EBRD). Following the EBRD he was CEO of MC-BBL, held an executive position with Robert Fleming and Co, advised the European Commission on a number of issue including co-Chairing with a joint Russian/European task force for strategic energy projects. He founded in 2003 an advisory firm HCF International Advisors which became the leading independent financial debt financial advisor to the metals and mining sector. Throughout his career, Mr. de Selliers has been a board member of numerous influential organizations including Solvay Group, Ageas Group, AG Insurance Belgium, Ivanhoe Mining, Advanced Metallurgical Group AMG, Norilsk Nickel, Wimm Bill Dann. He currently sits on the boards of I Pulse, a private high-tech company in France, The Cranemere Group Ltd., a privately held financial holding company in the UK, and Radix, a think-tank for the Radical Center (UK). With a Master's degree in engineering and a Master's degree in economics from Louvain University in Belgium, Mr. de Selliers is widely regarded for his diverse expertise across various sectors. His extensive knowledge and experience in the international business community make him a highly valuable asset to the Company's Board of Directors. Guy de Selliers, Director, stated: "Having reviewed the Wicheeda project and compared it to many others and engaging with the Defense Metals' team, I am confident that the Wicheeda REE project possesses the essential qualities needed to emerge as North America's next Rare Earth Mine. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the board and executives to further develop this strategic asset." Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, commented: "The entire Board and Management of Defense Metals are thrilled to welcome Guy, a seasoned business leader, as he helps steer us through the next phase of development at Wicheeda. With Guy on board, Defense Metals gains the expertise of and knowledge of an experienced executive with a proven track record in corporate governance, finance and project development. Additionally, on behalf of the entire Company, I extend sincere gratitude to Bill Bird for his substantial contributions over the past two years and look forward to continuing to work with him as an advisor." The Company also announces it has granted an aggregate of 800,000 stock options to certain directors and a consultant of the Company pursuant to the terms of the Company's stock option plan. The stock options are exercisable to acquire common shares at an exercise price of $0.24 per common share for a period of three years, vesting immediately. About Defense Metals Corp. and its Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project Defense Metals Corp. is focused on the development of its 100% owned, 8,301-hectare (~20,534-acre) Wicheeda REE Project that is located on the traditional territory of the McLeod Lake Indian Band in British Columbia, Canada. The Wicheeda REE Project, approximately 80 kilometres (~50 miles) northeast of the city of Prince George, is readily accessible by a paved highway and all-weather gravel roads and is close to infrastructure, including hydro power transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia. Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca. For further information, please visit www.defensemetals.com or contact: Alex Heath Vice President, Corporate Development Tel: 1 604-354-2491 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, the expectations and plans for the Wicheeda REE Project, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain or obtain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical, engineering and pricing assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, officers or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTCQX: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from four vertical, reverse circulation ("RC") holes and one vertical, PQ-diameter diamond core hole completed in the northern portion of the West Atlanta Graben Zone ("WAGZ") at its at its 5,166 hectares (51.6km2), 100% owned Atlanta Gold Mine Project, located in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend 264km northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Highlights: Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT23WS-23C.1*+ 226.2 312.5 86.3 4.51 50.7 Includes 256.3 299.2 43 7.77 25.1 Includes 256.3 261.3 5 18.34 1.9 AT23WS-58 213.4 297.2 83.8 0.75 5.4 AT23WS-61* 243.8 294.1 50.3 1.56 13.2 Table 1: Highlight holes released on section 22N-17N(2). Mineralization occurs along near-horizontal horizons with true mineralized thicknesses estimated to be 85% to 95% of reported drill intercept length. *Denotes hole bottoming in mineralization. +Denotes core hole. Core hole AT23WS-23C.1 intercepted 4.51 g/t Au over 86.3m including 7.77 g/t Au over 48.6m and was collared 6m north of RC hole AT23WS-23, which intercepted 2.45 g/t Au over 102.1m , (released June 6, 2023 ). AT23WS-23C.1 was planned to provide metallurgical material for the ongoing Phase II test work program, as well as to verify the RC drilling. and was collared north of RC hole AT23WS-23, which intercepted 2.45 g/t Au over , (released ). AT23WS-23C.1 was planned to provide metallurgical material for the ongoing Phase II test work program, as well as to verify the RC drilling. While core hole AT23WS-23C.1 shows a 60% increase in overall grade, a comparison of gold distribution in AT23WS-23C.1 with AT23WS-23 (see Table 4 below) reveals close lateral correlation. This is particularly evident when comparing elevations of the upper high-grade zones (highlighted in yellow in Table 4) and the lower high-grade zones (highlighted in magenta). The sub-horizontal geometry of these zones suggests higher grade mineralization along low-angle bedding features or breccia horizons. As shown below in Figure 1, the high-grade intercepts in AT23WS-23C.1 and adjacent AT23WS-23 also add definition to a developing, northwest-trending high-grade zone along the axis of the WAGZ that currently spans 200m long by 70m wide. Relative to the location of AT23WS-23C.1, other previously reported holes of note within this zone include: AT23WS-44 (11.64 g/t Au over 108.2m ) located 56m southeast; AT23WS-53 (2.72 g/t Au over 64m ) located 34m to south; AT23WS-62 (6.09 g/t Au over 41.5m ) located 41m southwest; AT23WS-34 (1.74 g/t Au over 114.3m ) located 82m to the southeast; and AT23WS-56 (1.55 g/t Au over 94.5m ) located 108m southeast. long by wide. Relative to the location of AT23WS-23C.1, other previously reported holes of note within this zone include: At least two high-grade feeder zones appear to be responsible for this well mineralized zone. Holes AT23WS-23C.1, AT23WS-44, AT23WS-34, and AT23WS-56 most likely share the same NW-trending basement structure, whereas AT23WS-62 probably tapped into a different structure with a different orientation. It is also important to note the high proportion of holes shown in Figure 1 that bottomed in mineralization and did not fully penetrate both of the high-grade horizons described above. The Company is currently re-drilling these holes along the NW trend connecting AT23WS-23C.1 and AT23WS-44 in order to obtain representative Au/Ag grade averages through the entire mineralized sequence. Holes AT23WS-58 and AT23WS-59 intercepted 0.75 g/t Au over 83.8m and 0.86 g/t Au over 61.7m , respectively, filling in a previously untested 45m -wide gap between the WAGZ and the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone (" AMFZ "). As shown in Figure 3, both holes extend the thick mineralization found in the centre of the WAGZ eastward to the West Atlanta Fault, thus building additional tonnage potential. , respectively, filling in a previously untested -wide gap between the WAGZ and the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone (" "). As shown in Figure 3, both holes extend the thick mineralization found in the centre of the WAGZ eastward to the West Atlanta Fault, thus building additional tonnage potential. AT23WS-61 ( 50.3m of 1.56 g/t Au) was lost just short of entering the lower high-grade zone (Figure 3), but the hole did demonstrate continuance of the thick mineralization seen in the middle of the WAGZ westward to the West Atlanta Fault #2 ("WAF2"), which bounds the western margin of the WAGZ. This is particularly important when taking into account the low-grade intercepts in two historical holes located only 32m west of AT23WS-61 but on the western side of the WAF2. Neither DHRI-11-15C ( 67.1m @ 0.28 g/t Au) nor DHRI-11-NRC01 ( 27.4m @ 0.42 g/t Au) indicated potential for the thick, much higher-grade mineralization encountered in AT23WS-61, much less in the centre of the WAGZ. Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, stated, "The Company's multiple structure model continues to lead to thick, high-grade mineralized zones. In addition to following high-angle structures that served as loci for higher grade Au-Ag mineralization, Nevada King's success at increasing both grade and thickness can also be attributed to achieving full penetration of the low-angle unconformity that hosts most of the mineralization at Atlanta. The occurrence of two separate, sub-horizontal high-grade horizons as illustrated in Table 4 is replicated throughout the Atlanta system but is most often observed in the WAFZ where the deeper high-grade occurs in the carbonate section at or directly above the unconformable basement contact, while the shallower high-grade is hosted in the volcanic sequence above the unconformity. Higher grade and thicker intercepts occur close to feeder structures controlling the mineralization, as seen in AT23WS-23C.1, while grades decrease and thin laterally away from the feeders as seen in AT23WS-23." Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT23WS-23C.1*+ 226.2 312.5 86.3 4.51 50.7 Includes 256.3 299.2 43 7.77 25.1 Includes 256.3 261.3 5 18.34 1.9 AT23WS-58 213.4 297.2 83.8 0.75 5.6 AT23WS-59 216.5 283.5 67.1 0.86 10.9 AT23WS-61* 243.9 294.2 50.3 1.56 13.2 AT23NS-149 175.3 193.6 18.3 0.45 10.3 Table 2. All holes released today on section 22-17N(2). Mineralization occurs along near-horizontal horizons with true mineralized thickness in vertical holes estimated to be 85% to 95% of reported drill intercept length. *Denotes holes that bottomed in mineralization. + Denotes core holes. Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT21-10* 150.9 152.4 1.5 0.24 0.7 AT21-11^ 15.2 21.3 6.1 0.45 10.9 AT22WS-1* 239.3 304.9 65.5 1.52 11.6 AT22WS-12*^ 204.3 259.1 54.9 0.21 1.2 AT23WS-15 213.4 248.5 35.1 0.50 8.4 AT22NS-26T+ 119.2 138.3 19.1 0.39 11.6 AT22NS-27 51.8 71.6 19.8 0.41 12.5 AT23WS-23 230.2 332.3 102.1 2.45 10.1 Includes 288.1 300.3 12.2 8.78 11.8 AT23WS-18 225.6 283.5 57.9 1.48 8.5 DHRI-11-NRC1* 310.9 338.3 27.4 0.42 5.93 DHRI-11-15C+ 266.7 333.8 67.1 0.28 8.4 Table 3. Previously released and historical holes used on section 22-17N (2). AT series holes drilled by Nevada King in 2021 and 2022. DHRI series holes drilled by Meadow Bay in 2011. *Denotes hole that bottomed in mineralization. +Denotes core hole. ^Denotes aggregate assay interval. AT23WS-23C.1 AT23WS-23 From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) 232.3 233.8 1.5 0.376 230.1 231.7 1.5 0.239 233.8 235.3 1.5 0.749 231.7 233.2 1.5 0.145 235.3 236.8 1.5 0.547 233.2 234.7 1.5 0.507 236.8 238.4 1.5 0.409 234.7 236.2 1.5 0.447 238.4 239.9 1.5 1.67 236.2 237.7 1.5 0.481 239.9 241.3 1.4 1.1 237.7 239.3 1.5 0.496 241.3 242.8 1.5 0.8 239.3 240.8 1.5 0.393 242.8 244.0 1.2 1.57 240.8 242.3 1.5 0.38 244.0 245.2 1.2 2.88 242.3 243.8 1.5 0.428 245.2 246.7 1.5 1.94 243.8 245.4 1.5 0.427 246.7 247.7 0.9 0.624 245.4 246.9 1.5 0.755 247.7 248.6 0.9 0.147 246.9 248.4 1.5 8.74 248.6 249.6 1.1 0.426 248.4 249.9 1.5 12.98 249.6 250.5 0.9 1.2 249.9 251.5 1.5 8.61 250.5 252.1 1.5 5.94 251.5 253.0 1.5 0.643 252.1 253.6 1.5 3.52 253.0 254.5 1.5 0.39 253.6 255.1 1.5 4.52 254.5 256.0 1.5 0.683 255.1 256.2 1.1 4.03 256.0 257.6 1.5 3.32 256.2 257.7 1.5 15.87 257.6 259.1 1.5 2.88 257.7 258.8 1.1 11.90 259.1 260.6 1.5 1.69 258.8 259.7 0.9 26.97 260.6 262.1 1.5 1.64 259.7 261.2 1.5 20.13 262.1 263.7 1.5 1.55 261.2 262.7 1.5 1.35 263.7 265.2 1.5 1.05 262.7 263.7 0.9 1.3 265.2 266.7 1.5 0.861 263.7 265.5 1.8 2.53 266.7 268.2 1.5 0.542 265.5 267.0 1.5 4.19 268.2 269.8 1.5 1.27 267.0 268.5 1.5 5.02 269.8 271.3 1.5 1.61 268.5 270.1 1.5 1.53 271.3 272.8 1.5 1.18 270.1 271.6 1.5 4.59 272.8 274.3 1.5 1.97 271.6 273.3 1.7 6.78 274.3 275.8 1.5 1.5 273.3 274.8 1.5 12.6 275.8 277.4 1.5 2.86 274.8 275.4 0.6 11.45 277.4 278.9 1.5 3.08 275.4 276.9 1.5 12.37 278.9 280.4 1.5 1.64 276.9 278.0 1.1 8.34 280.4 281.9 1.5 2.22 278.0 279.5 1.5 10.42 281.9 283.5 1.5 5.41 279.5 281.0 1.5 14.28 283.5 285.0 1.5 4.44 281.0 282.6 1.5 5.02 285.0 286.5 1.5 2.09 282.6 283.8 1.2 6.25 286.5 288.0 1.5 4.86 283.8 285.3 1.5 9.82 288.0 289.6 1.5 7.95 285.3 286.8 1.5 6.71 289.6 291.1 1.5 9.53 286.8 287.7 0.9 5.29 291.1 292.6 1.5 13.97 287.7 289.3 1.5 3.89 292.6 294.1 1.5 11.4 289.3 290.5 1.2 1.75 294.1 295.7 1.5 7.66 290.5 291.7 1.2 4.61 295.7 297.2 1.5 6.68 291.7 293.5 1.8 4.24 297.2 298.7 1.5 5.93 293.5 295.0 1.5 3.53 298.7 300.2 1.5 7.1 295.0 296.6 1.5 8.13 300.2 301.8 1.5 1.44 296.6 297.8 1.2 13.28 301.8 303.3 1.5 1.93 297.8 299.2 1.4 5.02 303.3 304.8 1.5 0.565 299.2 300.8 1.7 0.762 304.8 306.3 1.5 0.543 300.8 302.4 1.5 0.976 306.3 307.9 1.5 0.423 302.4 303.6 1.2 1.66 307.9 309.4 1.5 0.299 303.6 305.1 1.5 0.702 309.4 310.9 1.5 0.306 305.1 306.8 1.7 0.262 310.9 312.4 1.5 0.224 306.8 308.0 1.2 0.368 312.4 313.9 1.5 0.176 308.0 310.0 2.0 0.171 313.9 315.5 1.5 0.231 310.0 312.4 2.4 0.412 315.5 317.0 1.5 0.27 312.4 313.3 0.9 0.06 317.0 318.5 1.5 0.155 313.3 314.9 1.5 0.159 318.5 320.0 1.5 0.183 Table 4. Comparison of Au assays from core hole AT23WS-23C.1 and RC hole AT23WS-23 including drill depths and sample interval lengths. RC sampling is done on 1.5-metre intervals while core drilling varies in interval size with the ability to tighten or broaden sample size with relation to structure, contacts, and strong mineralization. Yellow highlighted intervals indicate the Upper High-Grade Zone, while magenta highlighted intervals denote the Lower High-Grade Zone. Both high grade zones often occur together throughout the Atlanta deposit. QAQC Protocols All RC samples from the Atlanta Project are split at the drill site and placed in cloth and plastic bags utilizing a nominal 2kg sample weight. CRF standards, blanks, and duplicates are inserted into the sample stream on-site on a one-in-twenty sample basis, meaning all three inserts are included in each 20-sample group. Samples are shipped by a local contractor in large sample shipping crates directly to American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada, with full custody being maintained at all times. At American Assay Lab, samples were weighed then crushed to 75% passing 2mm and pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns in order to produce a 300g pulverized split. Prepared samples are initially run using a four acid + boric acid digestion process and conventional multi-element ICP-OES analysis. Gold assays are initially run using 30-gram samples by lead fire assay with an OES finish to a 0.003 ppm detection limit, with samples greater than 10 ppm finished gravimetrically. Silver samples that run greater than 100ppm are also finished gravimetrically. Every sample is also run through a cyanide leach for gold with an ICP-OES finish. The QA/QC procedure involves regular submission of Certified Analytical Standards and property-specific duplicates. The PQ-diameter core was sampled in the Company's warehouse in Winnemucca, Nevada, with whole core samples being placed in heavy canvas bags and sent to American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada, in heavy shipping bags by a Company contractor with full custody being maintained at all times. CRF standards and coarse blanks were inserted into the sample stream on a one-in-twenty sample basis, meaning both inserts are included in each 20-sample group. At American Assay Lab, samples were weighted then completely crushed to -1 inch. The coarse-crushed sample was quarter-split and one quarter was reduced to 75% passing 2mm. A 300g split was subsequently pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. Prepared samples are initially run using a four acid + boric acid digestion process and conventional multi-element ICP-OES analysis. Gold assays are initially run using 30-gram samples by lead fire assay with an OES finish to a 0.003 ppm detection limit, with samples greater than 10 ppm finished gravimetrically. Every sample is also run through a cyanide leach for gold with an ICP-OES finish. The QA/QC procedure involves regular submission of Certified Analytical Standards and property-specific duplicates. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Nevada King Gold Corp. Nevada King is the third largest mineral claim holder in the State of Nevada, behind Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick/Newmont) and Kinross Gold. Starting in 2016, the Company has staked large project areas hosting significant historical exploration work along the Battle Mountain trend located close to current or former producing gold mines. These project areas were initially targeted based on their potential for hosting multi-million-ounce gold deposits and were subsequently staked following a detailed geological evaluation. District-scale projects in Nevada King's portfolio include (1) the 100% owned Atlanta Mine, located 100km southeast of Ely, (2) the Lewis and Horse Mountain-Mill Creek projects, both located between Nevada Gold Mines' large Phoenix and Pipeline mines, and (3) the Iron Point project, located 35km east of Winnemucca, Nevada. The Atlanta Mine is a historical gold-silver producer with a NI 43-101 compliant pit-constrained resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Resource Category Tonnes (000s) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au Oz Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag Oz Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000 Table 3. NI 43-101 Mineral Resources at the Atlanta Mine Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operations and activities of Nevada King, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans and the Company's ability to potentially expand mineral resources and the impact thereon. 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. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual 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 and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC) (OTCQB:TCVNF) (FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce the much awaited restart of drilling at its road accessible Pilar gold-silver project in the mine-friendly State of Sonora, Mexico. The Company has been busy reviewing all past data with an independent resource professional to determine the most effective use of drill meters for the upcoming campaign. Work completed has outlined 7,000 meters of drilling required within the Pilar concessions held along with minority partner, Colibri Resources. This includes, 4,000 meters of infill drilling within known areas of mineralization and 3,000 meters of step-out and exploration drilling on the peripherals of drilled mineralization and/or strong surface geochemistry indicating highly prospective targets. All proposed drilling is fully permitted. The outcome of the proposed drilling will go into the definition of a maiden resource estimate for the Pilar Main Zone, providing an important building block for the Company. The first drill hole will follow-up on JES-22-62, which returned 108.6m of 0.8 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag. The drill rig mobilized to site April 1st and began drilling hole JES-24-73 on April 2nd. The Company will update as drilling progresses. "We are excited to report the drill is back onsite and turning at Pilar." commented Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "It's been nearly two years since we last drilled at Pilar, with the previous drill program identifying new areas of mineralization to the east and southeast of Pilar's Main Zone. We now look to continue to expand the overall footprint while we build towards a maiden resource at Pilar. With gold prices hitting all time highs, we feel this is the right time to aggressively advance our projects." Photo 1. RC Drill Rig Mobilizing to the first drill pad for 2024 at the Pilar Project, Sonora, Mexico. Photo 2. Lining up drill hole JES-24-73. Photos 3 & 4. Pilar Project Drill and Geology Crew Preparing for Drill Start-Up Figure 1. Pilar Project Planview map showing the southern block made up of the Pilar Main Zone and several parallel trends untested with coinciding active placer mining developments. The largest placer mining development is 2km to the northeast of Pilar and has seen no systematic modern exploration. To the north, a large alteration zone that spans 3.3 km by 1.5 km (North Alteration Zone) has returned high-grade gold and silver values in the first few sampling programs across the newly acquired area. The initial phase of drilling for 2024 will focus on the Pilar Main Zone in which Tocvan has 51% majority interest. About the Pilar Property The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries. Pilar Drill Highlights: 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au Pilar Bulk Sample Summary: 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Extracted Grade Calculated at Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Additional Metallurgical Studies: Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth. About Tocvan Ventures Corp. Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 43 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Channel samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For more information, please contact: TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO 820-1130 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4 403-829-9877 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The Howard Group Jeff Walker VP Howard Group Inc. 403-221-0915 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - April 3, 2024: Headwater Gold Inc. (CSE: HWG) (OTCQB: HWAUF) (the "Company" or "Headwater") is pleased to announce the planned 2024 exploration activities on the Spring Peak and Lodestar projects under earn-in agreements (the Earn-In Agreements or Agreements) with Newmont Corporation (Newmont) (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) announced on August 16, 2022 and May 9, 2023. Highlights: Headwater and Newmont have agreed upon proposed 2024 exploration activities at the Spring Peak and Lodestar projects targeting high-grade gold mineralization in epithermal veins; Exploration activities are currently expected to include up to 7,000 metres of drilling at Spring Peak and up to 3,500 metres of drilling at Lodestar; Further exploration activities including geophysics, additional geological mapping and environmental baseline surveys are currently planned across both project areas; Drilling is estimated to commence at Spring Peak in early summer 2024 and at Lodestar in the fall of 2024; As the current operator, Headwater will earn a 10% management fee on earn-in exploration expenditures; and Discussions are underway regarding potential work plans across the remainder of the Newmont earn-in project portfolio. Caleb Stroup, the President and CEO of the Company, states: We are very excited to announce plans for another busy year of drilling funded by our earn-in partner, Newmont. The Company is pleased to see Newmonts commitment to further test our vision for Tier 1 potential at the Spring Peak and Lodestar gold projects. This years drilling will cover an expanded land position and footprint of exploration in the district. In addition to the ongoing step-out drilling at the Disco Zone high-grade discovery, we will be devoting a significant proportion of our proposed drilling activity to new areas, including targets on the recently acquired private lands at Spring Peak and an exciting first test of the Zodiac sinter target at Lodestar. Our understanding of this mineralized system has grown significantly over the last two years of drilling and our team is very excited to apply that knowledge at a district scale. Our partnership with Newmont offers shareholders a rare opportunity to gain exposure to a substantial amount of partner-funded greenfields exploration in a tier-one jurisdiction, in addition to pure upside from our 100% owned and operated exploration projects while minimizing dilution at the corporate level. About the Spring Peak Project The Spring Peak project is located in the Aurora Mining District in the Walker Lane belt, west-central Nevada, approximately 50 km southwest of the town of Hawthorne. The project adjoins Hecla Mining Companys (Hecla, NYSE: HL) past-producing Aurora Mine complex where existing infrastructure includes a 350 ton per day mill, several production water wells and high-voltage three-phase power. A multi-rig drill program totaling up to approximately 7,000 metres over 20 to 25 holes is scheduled to begin in early summer 2024. The primary objective of the drill program will be to test for extensions of mineralization along the Bear Fault corridor which hosts high-grade mineralization at the Disco Zone discovery. Targets along strike, down dip and in the hanging wall of the Bear Fault will be drill tested. The Disco Zone is a mineralized corridor which hosts a series of high-grade epithermal veins at depth discovered by Headwater in 2022 by drilling beneath a thick accumulation of silica sinter at surface. Drilling at the Disco Zone intercepted multiple discrete mineralized veins (Table 1). The highest-grade gold encountered to date at the Spring Peak project is in drill hole SP22-13 which intersected two individual veins assaying 15.92 g/t Au over 2.38 m and 10.43 g/t Au over 2.01 m. The highest individual assay returned 69.6 g/t Au over 0.34 m. These intervals are part of a broader zone which assayed 2.73 g/t Au over 34.72 m. A further objective of the 2024 drill program will be to test multiple new targets across the property package with initial scout drilling, including targets on newly acquired private lands which have no prior drilling. Drilling is authorized for 2024 under an existing drill permit and an expanded Plan of Operations permit has been submitted to the United States Forest Service which is projected to be approved for the 2025 drilling season. Table 1: Select Previously Released Results from Headwaters Spring Peak Drilling1 Hole ID Type From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Az Inc TD (m) Comments SP22-11 RC 105.16 117.35 12.19 1.15 3.79 330 -62 237.74 Disco Zone hanging wall including RC 111.25 112.78 1.53 6.58 18.44 and DD 185.38 226.01 40.63 1.86 18.63 Disco Zone. True thickness is estimated at 75% of downhole thickness including DD 197.39 198.18 0.79 7.37 55.81 including DD 208.33 208.91 0.58 43.70 351.00 SP22-13 DD 256.12 290.84 34.72 2.73 18.38 330 -72 315.47 Disco Zone. True thickness is estimated at 60%. Highest individual sample 69.6 g/t Au over 0.34 m from 275.90 m to 276.24 m including DD 262.46 264.47 2.01 10.43 55.35 including DD 275.26 277.64 2.38 15.92 90.83 SP23-17 RC 108.20 135.64 27.44 0.95 9.87 014 -73 376.52 Disco Zone hanging wall and DD 267.13 270.05 2.92 3.92 3.93 Disco Zone. True thickness is estimated at 50%. Highest individual sample 20.5 g/t Au over 0.42 m from 329.28 to 329.7 m including DD 267.74 268.53 0.79 9.10 6.38 and DD 310.59 331.01 20.42 2.59 15.16 including DD 312.12 313.33 1.21 13.0 105.4 including DD 327.90 331.01 3.11 9.0 43.2 SP23-31 DD 208.79 248.87 40.08 1.51 14.87 359 -63 253.0 Disco Zone. True thickness is estimated at 60%. Highest individual sample 17.60 g/t Au over 0.76 m from 234.39 to 235.15 m including DD 226.16 235.92 9.76 4.55 40.36 SP23-32 DD 182.27 222.08 39.81 1.93 19.65 354 -56 243.2 Disco Zone. True thickness is estimated at 70%. Highest individual sample 15.00 g/t Au over 0.77 m from 206.04 to 206.81 m including DD 206.04 217.47 11.43 4.60 37.94 1Reported grades were calculated using a 0.2 g/t cut-off grade for primary intervals and a 2 g/t cut-off grade for included intervals. Intervals correspond to downhole drilled thickness. Unless otherwise stated in the Comments section, insufficient information is available to determine true thickness of mineralized intervals. Headwater holds an option to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Spring Peak project from Orogen Royalties (TSXV: OGN), subject to retained royalties and subject to Newmonts option to acquire up to 75% of the project following certain expenditures and preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Study within a designated time frame. For more information on the Spring Peak project refer to the news release dated February 13, 2024. Figure 1: Map of Spring Peak and Lodestar land positions showing location of main target areas tested during the 2023 drill program. About the Lodestar Project The Lodestar project is located approximately 10 kilometres north of the Companys Spring Peak project in the Aurora Mining District in the Walker Lane belt, west-central Nevada and adjoins Heclas past-producing Aurora mine complex where existing infrastructure includes a 350 ton per day mill, several production water wells and high-voltage three-phase power. A multi-rig drill program totaling up to approximately 3,500 metres over 10 to15 holes is currently scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024. The primary objective of the drill program will be to test for high-grade precious metals in steeply dipping feeder structures under the Zodiac sinter target. The Zodiac target consists of a prominent silicified and brecciated ridgeline capped by a silica sinter similar in character to the sinter exposed above the Disco Zone discovery at the Companys Spring Peak project. Additional scout drill holes are planned to test under-cover geophysical targets adjacent to the Zodiac target, beneath a thin veneer of post-mineral basalt. A drilling permit application has been submitted to the United States Forest Service for the 2024 drill program. Authorization of drilling activities under this permit is anticipated in Q3 2024. Headwater holds an option to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Lodestar project from a private vendor, subject to retained royalties and Newmonts option to acquire up to 75% of the project following certain expenditures and preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Study within a designated time frame. For more information on the Lodestar project refer to the news release dated March 7, 2023. About Headwater Gold Headwater Gold Inc. (CSE: HWG, OTCQB: HWAUF) is a technically-driven mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and discovery of high-grade precious metal deposits in the Western USA. Headwater is aggressively exploring one of the most well-endowed and mining-friendly jurisdictions in the world with a goal of making world-class precious metal discoveries. Headwater has a large portfolio of epithermal vein exploration projects and a technical team of experienced geologists with diverse capital markets, junior and major mining company backgrounds. The Company is systematically drill testing several projects in Nevada and in August 2022 and May 2023 announced significant transactions with Newmont where it acquired a 9.9% strategic equity interest in the Company and entered into earn-in agreements on several of Headwaters projects. Headwater is part of the NewQuest Capital Group which is a discovery-driven investment enterprise that builds value through the incubation and financing of mineral projects and companies. Further information about NewQuest can be found on the company website at www.nqcapitalgroup.com. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.headwatergold.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Caleb Stroup President and CEO +1 (775) 409-3197 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For further information, please contact: Brennan Zerb Investor Relations Manager +1 (778) 867-5016 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Scott Close, P.Geo (158157), a Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, exploration activities and the specifications, targets, results, analyses, interpretations, benefits, costs and timing of them, Newmonts anticipated funding of the earn-in projects and the timing thereof, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as pro forma, plans, expects, may, should, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes, potential or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Companys exploration plans and the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, the risk that Newmont will not elect to obtain any additional interest in the earn-in projects in excess of the minimum commitment, the ability of the Company to obtain the required permits, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Companys limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys prospectus dated May 26, 2021 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Companys profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law. April 3, 2024 TheNewswire Vancouver, British Columbia Radius Gold Inc. (TSXV: RDU) (Radius) and joint venture partner, Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. (TSXV: VG) (Volcanic) are pleased to present a further update on the ongoing drilling campaign at the Motagua Norte Project. As previously reported, drilling to date has confirmed that the broad area of boulder float with abundant bonanza grade assay results discovered by Volcanic geologists is underlain by a serpentinite package, and that all of the colluvial boulders of quartz and schists bearing the high-grade gold values have likely moved downslope from a major structural corridor that has been named the Veta Madre Fault Zone. To date two drill holes cutting across the broad Veta Madre Fault zone have been completed. Both holes have cut wide zones of quartz veining and quartz stockwork at the fault contact between serpentinite in the hanging wall to the north, and schistose rock in the footwall to the south. The wide stockwork zones with associated intense silica-sericite alteration of the host rock appear to be best developed in the footwall schist, although stockwork veining has been recognized on both sides of the vein. Hole MIDD-24-004 targeted the Veta Madre above the central part of the colluvial field, drilling through 98 m of serpentinite before reaching the fault zone at a depth of approximately 120 m below surface. The hole remained in veining and stockwork schists for 63 m before entering unaltered schistose rocks at 161 m. The hole was drilled at an inclination of -45 degrees; true width of the mineralized zone is yet to be confirmed as the dip of the fault, while thought to be steep, is as yet unknown. Hole MIDD-24-005 was drilled 100 m along strike to the west of MIDD-24-004, collared closer to the fault zone so that it intersected the fault at a slightly shallower depth of approximately 80 m below surface. This hole passed through 73 m of serpentinite before entering the targeted structure. A wide zone, some 39 m of altered rock with strong stockwork quartz veining, was intersected before passing into unaltered schistose rock at 112 m drill depth. This hole was also drilled at an inclination of -45 degrees, and again, true width of the zone is at present unknown. Map showing the extent of the colluvial fan of bonanza-grade gold mineralized quartz boulders at the foot of a broken section of the Veta Madre Fault Zone. Drill pads (black circles) indicate location and trace of holes MIDD-004 and 005 which targetted the Veta Madre fault. Half-core samples from both drill holes have been sent for analysis at ALS Laboratory, Vancouver and assay results are expected in early May. The present plan is to test the Veta Madre Fault Zone with a panel of holes, cutting the structure on 50 m horizontal and vertical grid spacing to a depth of up to 200 m below surface. Drilling will initially concentrate on a 250 m strike length immediately uphill of the thickest and most extensive concentration of gold-bearing colluvium. Drilling through the boulder colluvium is technically challenging. Two attempts to drill into the structure at a shallower depth to test the weathered zone have been abandoned due to the rods getting stuck in the thicker colluvium pile adjacent to the fault zone (drillholes MIDD-006 and 007). In order to avoid these problems, the remainder of this drilling program will be restricted to fresh rock well below the colluvium, targeting mineralization 50 m or more below surface. Simon Ridgway, Volcanic Gold Mines President and CEO, commented: The drilling of the Veta Madre at the Motagua Norte project has intersected a broad zone of quartz veins, vein breccia and micro stockwork in two drill holes, located 100 m apart. Two other holes were lost by setting up too close to the fault zone, intersecting thick piles of colluvium before entering the stockwork veining. Future holes will be set up further back from the fault zone. Above the Veta Madre fault zone, veining carrying visible gold had been mapped in the Schistose bedrock between the Veta Madre and a second large structure, named Veta Padre. These gold-bearing veins appear to dip to the south so drill holes orientated south to north are planned later in the program to test this area. Drilling has now re-commenced following the break for Semana Santa. A good working relationship has been developed with the local communities. Meetings are held on a regular basis updating the leaders of the communities on our plans and we are assisting where possible with community projects. About the Motagua Norte project The Motagua Norte project is a gold system hosted by schists of the Motagua suture zone, an east-west striking belt of metamorphic rocks that outcrops at the line of collision between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Volcanic Gold Mines has an option agreement from Radius to earn a 60% interest in the Cirilo I exploration licence and other licences under applications and negotiation within the Motagua Norte project, as well as the Holly Project where the J/V has established a high-grade epithermal gold resource 60km north of the Cerro Blanco Gold Deposit. (See news release Sept. 18, 2023). Technical Information Bruce Smith, M.Sc. (Geology), a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, is Radiuss Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Smith has 30 years of mineral exploration experience and has prepared and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Radius Gold Inc. Radius has a portfolio of projects located in Mexico and Guatemala which it continues to advance, utilizing partnerships where appropriate to retain the Companys treasury. At the same time, management is seeking out additional investment and project acquisition opportunities across the globe. Radius is a member of the Gold Group of companies, led by Simon Ridgway. You may find more information on Radius Gold at www.radiusgold.com or www.sedarplus.ca. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Bruce Smith President and CEO Symbol: TSXV-RDU Contact: Bruce Smith 200 Burrard Street, Suite 650 Vancouver, BC V6C 3L6 Tel: 604-801-5432; Toll free 1-888-627-9378; Fax: 604-662-8829 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.radiusgold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward- looking statements and include, without limitation, statements about the Companys projects. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimate, estimates, estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, upgraded, offset, limited, contained, reflecting, containing, remaining, to be, periodically, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, whether planned exploration work at the Companys projects will proceed as intended; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Companys stated goals and the planned exploration and development activities at its properties will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSXV: BSK) (FSE: MAL2) (OTC: BKUCF), "Blue Sky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has filed the NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Report") supporting disclosure of the independent Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Ivana Deposit at the Company's 100% owned Amarillo Grande Uranium-Vanadium Project in Rio Negro Province, Argentina, as reported on February 22nd 2024. The updated PEA incorporates a new mineral resource estimate, in which approximately 80% of the resources are now in the Indicated category. The PEA demonstrates robust economics from a surficial mining operation, entailing 11 years of uranium and vanadium production. The Report, titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment Update for the Ivana Uranium-Vanadium Deposit, Amarillo Grande Project" with an effective date of December 31, 2023, is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and will be posted to the Company's website www.blueskyuranium.com. Qualified Persons Dr. David Terry, Ph.D., P.Geo. is a Director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. The contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Dr. Terry. About Blue Sky Uranium Corp. Blue Sky Uranium Corp. is a leader in uranium discovery in Argentina. The Company's objective is to deliver exceptional returns to shareholders by rapidly advancing a portfolio of surficial uranium deposits into low-cost producers, while respecting the environment, the communities, and the cultures in all the areas in which we work. Blue Sky has the exclusive right to properties in two provinces in Argentina. The Company's flagship Amarillo Grande Project was an in-house discovery of a new district that has the potential to be both a leading domestic supplier of uranium to the growing Argentine market and a new international market supplier. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993. For additional details on the project and properties, please see the Company's website: www.blueskyuranium.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Nikolaos Cacos" ______________________________________ Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. Highlights: The acquisition of the Beaufor and McKenzie Break properties continues the Companys strategic consolidation of gold resources and exploration potential surrounding its Novador development project, which hosts a current resource of 3,793,900 ounces M&I and 1,179,400 ounces Inferred along the Monique, Pascalis, and Courvan gold trend deposits. The Beaufor property currently hosts an historic, high-grade, measured and indicated gold resource of 219,200 ounces of gold at 5.3 g/t and inferred mineral resource of 122,500 ounces of gold at 4.7 g/t. This further consolidates the Courvan Gold Trend, which includes the Courvan, Senore and Beaufor deposits. The trend contains significant exploration upside, which will be the focus going forward in 2024 and 2025. The McKenzie Break Property is proximal to the Company's Novador Project and hosts an historic, high-grade indicated gold resource of 146,000 ounces of gold at 3.2 g/t, with an inferred mineral resource of 250,600 ounces of gold at 3.1 g/t. The property has significant exploration upside, and exploration programs are currently being planned. The acquisition costs of $11.50/oz are comparable to the Companys discovery costs at Novador of approximately $10/oz, and therefore represents a very accretive transaction. TORONTO, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PROBE GOLD INC. (TSX: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF) (Probe or the Company) is pleased to announce the completion of its previously announced agreement of purchase and sale (the Agreement) with Monarch Mining Corporation (Monarch) (see press release Probe Gold announces acquisition of the Beaufor and Mckenzie break properties in Val-dOr, Quebec). Pursuant to the Agreement, Probe acquired a 100% interest in the McKenzie Break and Beaufor properties (collectively, the Property) The Property acquisition extends the Companys land package adjacent and immediately to the north of the Companys Novador Project (Novador) (see figure 1) and increases Probes landholdings in Val-dOr to 685 square kilometres. Beaufor Deposit Source: Monarch NI 43-101Technical Report July 2021; McKenzie Break Deposit Source: Monarch NI 43-101Technical Report October 2021 Figure 1 Probe Gold Val-dOr properties with the McKenzie Break and Beaufor acquisition Transaction details Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the McKenzie Break and Beaufor properties, for aggregate consideration of $8.5 million, paid to Monarch as follows: (i) Probe issued 3,580,902 common shares (the Consideration Shares) for a total value of $5.4 million based on the 10-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) of Probes common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the period ending on April 1st, 2024, with the Consideration Shares being issued at a deemed price of $1.508 per Consideration Share; and (ii) a cash payment of $3.1 million. The Consideration Shares have a hold period of four months and one day from closing date of the Acquisition. About the Beaufor Property The Beaufor property is immediately adjacent to the Companys Novador project and consists of 23 claims covering 6.9 square kilometres. The Property hosts a current measured and indicated resource of 219,200 ounces of gold at 5.3 g/t and inferred mineral resource of 122,500 ounces of gold at 4.7 g/t (source: Monarch NI 43-101 Technical Report Beaufor Gold July 2021). The property is easily accessible via Highway 117 and a gravel road and is located approximately 25 km east of Val-dOr. It has surface mining rights and infrastructure, including underground developments descending to 900 metres below the surface. About the McKenzie Break Property The high-grade gold deposit at the McKenzie Break property is situated only 20 kilometres north of the Companys Novador Project. The property hosts a current, high-grade indicated gold resource of 146,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 3.2 g/t, with an inferred mineral resource of 250,600 ounces of gold at an average grade of 3.1 g/t (source: Monarch NI 43-101 Technical Report McKenzie Break October 2021). Spanning 183 mineral claims over 78.5 square kilometer, it has surface and underground infrastructure, including a ramp descending to 80 metres below the surface. Additionally, the property remains accessible year-round via Route 397 and a gravel road. Qualified Persons The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed, prepared, and approved by Mr. Marco Gagnon, P.Geo, Executive Vice President of the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). About Probe Gold: Probe Gold Inc. is a leading Canadian gold exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is well-funded and dedicated to exploring and developing high-quality gold projects. Notably, it owns 100% of its flagship asset, the multimillion-ounce Novador Gold Project in Quebec, as well as an early-stage Detour Gold Quebec project. Probe controls a large land package of approximately 1685-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Quebec. The Company's recent Novador PEA outlines a robust mining plan with an average annual gold production of 255,000 ounces over a 12.6-year mine life. On behalf of Probe Gold Inc., Dr. David Palmer, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information: Please visit our website at www.probegold.com or contact: Seema Sindwani Vice-President of Investor Relations This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +1-416-777-9467 Forward Looking Statements Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes certain forward-looking statements which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR+. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. BY JOE ARCE AND COREY CRABLE A local filmmaker is hoping to bring an international Hispanic flair to a local film. Santiago Vasquez is the co-writer, co-producer, and lead actor in the new film Ruta Fuera de las Fronteras (Out of the Plains). According to a synopsis, the film, The shooting of an immigrant on a small town highway in Kansas reverberates through the lives left in the wake. Both sides of the law must be walked in this modern-day western. Vasquez and the films director, the late Eric Atwood, shot nearly the entire film in Spanish, a powerful acknowledgment of the growing number of Hispanic and immigrant moviegoers interested in stories told from their perspective and in their native language. Now, Vasquezs film will be screened in April for local audiences as it makes the rounds for film festivals. As a native Venezuelan and a retired police officer with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, Vasquez says he was able to accurately tell the story from both sides of the action, both immigrant and law enforcement officer. After I became a citizen of the United States, I spent 27 years of my life as a police officer with a Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, and my goal was always to do my very best to assist the migrant, the Hispanic, or even the Spanish-speaking community that we have in Kansas City, Vasquez explains. And so we saw the struggle that our community had to get legalized, properly legalized, being in the United States. I saw that struggle. And so what we decided to do was to use these ideas that I had with my experience as an immigrant, as a now-retired police officer, and to use his ideas, too, because Eric is an extremely creative man. The story of the movie going from concept to execution actually begins several years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Vasquez recalls that to bring his and Atwoods vision to life, the two held an open casting call for native Spanish-speakers throughout the metro area. To their surprise, more than 700 people showed up. From there, we chose the people that were part of the movie and, basically the film is about 99 percent in Spanish. Its totally subtitled for the film festivals. The only people who speak English are actually the law enforcement officers, Vasquez says. This was a deliberate decision, he explains, in order to show not only the growing number of immigrants in the U.S., but also the power they wield in every facet of society. We are an economic power that we are ignored in so many ways, he says. We are making, we are moving forward every day. The two filmmakers compensated their cast however they could. True, they couldnt afford to pay the cast and crew, but they made sure everyone on set was well fed and their needs attended to at every turn. Principal photography moved along well, and everything was proceeding as it should until not one, but two tragedies struck. Eric unfortunately passed away two years ago. He went out for a walk, he was only 41 years old. He wasnt feeling well. And he suffered a massive heart attack and died, Vasquez says, his voice cracking with emotion. And the lead actress, Ivon Martinez, originally from Mexico. I dont know exactly what happened to her, but I know that she got very sick and she died. Following the deaths of two individuals who were key to the film, Vasquez and his crew were afraid the film was gone forever, brought to a tragic end by unimaginable loss. Thankfully, however, good fortune intervened. We couldnt get into Erics computer, Vasquez recalls. But one of our friends who helped produce the film was able to get into the computer and found a complete film. And bingo, we send the film to the film festivals. And the film festivals responded, welcoming the film into one lineup after another. Most recently, it was screened at the First City Film Festival in Leavenworth, Kansas, where it was nominated for five awards, including Best Feature Film and Best Local Actor (for Vasquez), and Best Local Screenplay. For Vasquez, who won Best Actor at the Kansas City International Film Festival for the film Kick Me, and whose work has been shown at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, his local accolades are the sweetest rewards of all. This means so much to me because I live in Kansas City, he says. Ruta Fuera de las Fronteras is dedicated to the memory of Atwood, Martinez, and supporting actors Esther Solis, Armando Cruz and Francisco Ervis. Vasquez says he hopes that anyone who watches the film will come away with a greater appreciation for Hispanics in the arts. We want them to understand that we have to reach out to the Hispanic community, that we can cast Hispanics in leading roles and these leading roles dont have to be stereotypical, he explains. We dont have to play the guy in the kitchen that is cooking. We dont have to play the guy that is mopping the floor. We are more than that. We are more than just the bandidos, the bandoleros that appear in the movies, we have to transcend those negative stereotypes that continue to play our lives or perpetuate it by the movies. We have to show that Hispanics can be the leading actor. As part of the Kansas City International Film Festival, Ruta Fuera de las Fronteras will play at 7:30 p.m. April 11 at AMC Ward Parkway 14 Theaters. For more information, visit https://kcfilmfest.org/. "Queen of Tears" is being criticized for THIS inaccurate depiction. On social media, international viewers expressed their disappointment. Keep on reading to know what happened. 'Queen of Tears' Accused of Inaccurate Portrayal tvN's "Queen of Tears," starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, is on a high rise today with its skyrocketing ratings and back-to-back achievements. However, as it enters its second half, it is unexpectedly receiving backlash. In the past years, K-dramas and Ki-films have frequently encountered issues related to dialogues or inaccurate depictions of other countries and territories outside South Korea. Among these countries, Africa is one of the targets often portrayed negatively in Korean movies and dramas. Now, "Queen of Tears" is facing a similar situation. In "Queen of Tears" Episode 3, Hong Soo Cheol (Kwak Dong Yeon) recalled his stay in Africa. He boldly declared Africa as a place full of "savagery and wilderness," while his father Hong Beom Jun (Jung Jin Young) recounted the story of Soo Cheol hiding in the hotel the whole day because he was afraid of mosquitoes. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE : 'Queen of Tears' Sparks Controversy for THIS Reason Despite Successful Debut Through this exchange, which is said to be blatantly distorting the diversity and culture of the continent, the drama began to receive criticism. Viewers Express Discontent Toward 'Queen of Tears' Screenwriter Some international viewers reposted the specific scene on the famous social media platform X, and expressed their disappointment and discontent toward the drama's screenwriter. "They always describe Africa as a place where aliens live, instead of a continent with normal living conditions like anywhere else." "Is the screenwriter really not good at geography?" "K-dramas and K-movies make international viewers feel like Koreans haven't studied geography in school." "It is already 2024, they can't continue doing this, they have to acknowledge their mistake and change the way they talk about Africa. Apologize soon, and let Africa be at peace!" "Another K-drama using names of different countries and territories, please screenwriters or producers, understand the significance and respect of other countries." The "Queen of Tears" team has not released any statement yet to address the issue. Before "Queen of Tears," other dramas such as "Kokdu: Season of Deity" and "Shooting Stars" were also heavily criticized for their inaccurate dialogues about Africa. Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won's K-drama airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 p.m. (KST) on tvN and Netflix. What can you say about the news? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai San Miguel wrote this. "Physical: 100 Season 2 - Underground" Episode 8 delivered an unexpected twist as the remaining participants battled it out for the whopping cash prize of 227,700 USD. As Netflix released the last two episodes, viewers got to see who this season's winner. What is 'Physical: 100'? First released in 2023, "Physical: 100" is a South Korean reality-competition show that tests the participants' agility, strength, endurance, and wit. The 100 participants need to survive the grueling challenges to claim the honor and a huge cash prize. "Physical: 100" cast includes individuals from different fields - from professional athletes, Olympians, celebrities, government officials, fitness enthusiasts, and more. 'Physical: 100' Season 2 Episode 8 Recap: Who Will Make the Cut? The episode, titled "Friend of Foe," introduced a shocking quest that will measure the team's tight-knit bond. "Physical: 100" Season 2 Episode 8 continued with Team Lee Jae Yoon and Team Kim Dong Hyun. The team's representatives, Jo Sung Bin and Ko Jung Hun, were the last two on the monkey bar challenge after Team Hong Beom Seok advanced to the next quest. During the mid-challenge, Ko Jung Hun fell down, which made Team Lee Jae Yoon confident that they would make it to the next round, but not until Jo Sung Bin lost his grip and fell down, leaving a sprained ankle. However, Jo Sung Bin managed to finish the race despite the injury. The teams advancing to the fourth quest were Hong Beom Seok, Lee Jae Hoon, Andre Jin, and Jung Ji Hyun. After the challenge, the surviving groups were greeted with a mouthful of delectable food. Here, a voiceover revealed Quest 4, which was an intra-team challenge. This meant that the five members would go up against one another. At this point, Jung Ji Hyun doubted if he made the right move by grouping the best of the best and becoming their competitor in the end. However, the majority of the surviving participants were saddened that they had to be each other's enemies, but at the end of the day, "Physical: 100" Season 2 is a game. The participants' strength and endurance would be tested as they had to carry heavy rollers from one side to the other. The last one to finish the race would be eliminated. Hong Beom Seok went up against Gibson in the final round and won the challenge. Joining him as Quest 4 winners were Andre Jin and Justin Harvey from Team Lee Jae Yoon As for team avengers, it was up against team leader Jung Ji Hyun and crossfitter Amotti. For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Flores Park Eun Bin is ready to play another challenging role in her next screen project. The award-winning star has been announced to headline "Hyper Knife," along with these brilliant actors. Want to know more about the actress' upcoming series? Then read on! 'Hyper Knife' Introduces Star-Studded Cast: Park Eun Bin, Sol Kyung Gu, More Gearing for a new project this 2024, Park Eun Bin is set to charm the audience with the soon-to-release series "Hyper Knife." On April 3, media outlets reported that Park Eun Bi will share the frame with veteran actors Sol Kyung Gu and Park Byung Eun, along with rising actor Yoon Chan Young. "Hyper Knife" is a medical-crime thriller that features the battle and growth of two crazy geniuses, when a promising doctor reunites with her teacher, who sent her into the abyss. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE : Park Eun Bin In Talks To Play As Genius Psychopath in New Drama Director Kim Jeong Hyeon is in charge of the series and is expected to express in depth the chilling tension unique to the work. Collaborating with him is screenwriter Kim Seon Hee, who has also penned the script for "Crazy Love." Joining forces with them is Vlad Studio, a production company led by director Kim Yong Hwa, who directed the movies "Along with the Gods" 1 and 2. Park Eun Bin, Sol Kyung Gu To Play as Medical Practitioners Veteran actor Sol Kyung Gu, who has shown a wide range of acting regardless of genre, will play the role of Deok Hee, the world's best neurosurgeon and former teacher of Se Ok, who permanently kicked out his student, with whom he had a bad relationship inside the operating room. Park Eun Bin, who has won the Daesang at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards for the hit drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" and established herself as a trustworthy actor, will immerse herself in the character of Se Ok, a promising and gifted doctor, who experiences a slump due to her former teacher. To earn a living, she works as a doctor at an illegal surgery center. #SolKyungGu #ParkEunBin #ParkByungEun and #YoonChanYoung officially confirmed to lead medical crime thriller drama <#HyperKnife>, depicts the contest and growth of two crazy geniuses, one is a promising genius doctor in the past Se-ok, another one is Se-ok teacher Deok-hee who pic.twitter.com/WEVkk00SkD K-Drama Casting (@kdramacasting) April 3, 2024 Park Byung Eun, on the other hand, portrays Han Hyun Ho, an anesthesiologist who regrets Se Ok's skills. Yoon Chan Young, who met the viewers through "All of Us Are Dead" is back with a new interesting role. He takes the role of Seo Young Joo, who guards Se Ok and is always there to cheer her up. "Hyper Knife," which introduces a talented cast and brings together the best writers, is expected to bring another interesting drama this 2024. This work is already raising expectations and is expected to deliver a beautiful sensation to viewers. The production team is said to begin filming anytime soon, with the goal of releasing the drama this 2024. What can you say about Park Eun Bin's upcoming medical drama? 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. Lee Dong Wook sent fans into a frenzy as netizens gushed over the actor's special treatment of his staff. Other than his amazing fan service, the South Korean top star is also known for his goofy personality, not just with his fellow actors but also with crew members. Lee Dong Wook's Unique Way of Reading Script Sparks Laughter The news comes after the behind-the-scenes video of the K-drama "The of the Nine-Tailed 1938" resurfaced online. In the short clip, Lee Dong Wook was spotted reading his script in between shots with co-star Ryu Kyungsoo. However, what the public noticed was the way the top star read his script, which was placed on the top of a staff member's head while both of them were standing. Lee Dong Wook, who stands 6 feet, seemed comfortable running through his lines while the much shorter staff served as his improvised reading stand and appeared to be unbothered by it. While the photo looked unusual, fans gushed over the actor's quirks to his staff. On X, formerly Twitter, netizens poked fun at Lee Dong Wook and explained the possible scenario in the photo. While it might look rude or strange to some, fans pointed out that Lee Dong Wook often makes fun of and plays around with his staff during shoots. Theres multiple videos of him holding it behind the scenes and reading. Hes just playing with his staff / teasing her in this pic. Hes close with them jay (@geiiist) April 2, 2024 lol they literally dont know who lee dong wook is. his relationship with his staffs is so fun. if you watch his vlive, his staffs are all like him sarcastically funny. https://t.co/3q8BZ3t6dL what?~~why aaaaaa~ (@1004_0410) April 3, 2024 Interestingly, the majority of the fans praised the actor for his unique relationship with the staff members and even joked about applying to be Lee Dong Wook's reading stand. How do I sign up Yes I have a job but I want that job! Im short, Im quiet and Ill stand perfectly still. Promise! https://t.co/Ss8Cq8zpOs pic.twitter.com/c1I97UO3CC RihMoo|Never Letting Go|Yejiapsa (@Rih_Moo) April 2, 2024 When I tell you I ADORE the close relationship he got with his staff btw I need to apply for this https://t.co/rwI5FKjxhH vinx (@vintquexx) April 2, 2024 As mentioned by netizens, the top star has a tight-knit relationship with his staff. In fact, in 2019, his agency, King Kong by Starship, uploaded a behind-the-scenes video while filming his drama "Touch Your Heart." At the time, they were filming in freezing weather when a staff member approached him for an interview. Instead of answering the question, he realized that the staff member seemed cold and told the person, "It seems like your hands are freezing. I have ordered some gloves for you." Apart from this, the actor also captured the hearts of netizens when he was spotted moving the film equipment and helping the crew clear the area. This was during the filming of "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938." What's Next for Lee Dong Wook? In 2024, the top star appeared in a back-to-back K-drama. Lee Dong Wook started the year with the premiere of his series "A Shop for Killers" with Kim Hye Joon. Interestingly, he is set to headline the rom-com K-drama "The Good Man" with Lee Sung Kyung. IN CASE YOU MISSED : Lee Dong Wook Reveals Honest Reason for Having Drastic Hairstyle Change For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Flores Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has warned Kenyans to prepare themselves to dig deeper into their pockets to afford sugar. This is after he announced the looming increase in sugar prices beginning this month. In a letter to the Treasury CS Njuguna Ndungu, Linturi asked the government to extend the importation of duty-free sugar to substitute for the local production shortage. He cited the need to extend the existing waiver which facilitates the importation of sugar from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). According to the CS, sugar prices are set to rise in April, as the current window on duty-free imports expires. "The purpose of this memo is, therefore, to brief you on the current status in the country and recommend your approval to extend the Gazette Notice 14093 dated October 13, 2023, and Gazette Notice No. 10358 dated 2024 to June 30, 2024, the letter by Linturi reads in part. Linturi further proposed a two-month extension on the waiver set to end on April 6, to cater to the countrys needs on one of the most consumed commodities. In the letter, Linturi notes that the country needs to secure an additional 720,000 tonnes of sugar for the period between January 2024 and August 2024, from both imports and local production. However, local production only caters to a certain percentage of the commodity required, leaving a deficit of 192,000 tonnes to imports. Previously, a three-month halt on local sugar production saw the prices rise to Ksh450 per 2kg bag. With the importation of duty-free sugar, the current prices stand at Ksh390 per 2kg bag of sugar. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, April 2, 2024 A farmer got his neighbour arrested for killing his fishes by pouring an insecticide in the pond. The fish farmer who described his neighbour as heartless, also attached a video of him getting the dead fishes out of the pond. The neighbour is now reportedly cooling off at the police station. Watch Tuesday, April 2, 2024 The police in Ghana have moved in to protect a 12-year-old girl and her mum after the child's wedding to a 63-year-old priest sparked outrage. The marriage ceremony took place on Saturday, March 30, in Nungua, Ghana, as the man, known as Gborbu Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, tied the knot with the child, reportedly called Naa Okromo. The priest selected her when she was just six-years-old. Now, according to the Ghana Police Service, the location of the 12-year-old girl has been identified and she is now under police protection alongside her mother. The Ghana Police Service is working with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare to provide her with the necessary support while the matter is being investigated, the Police explained in a statement. It comes as think tank African Education Watch, a host of celebrities and social media commentators called for the immediate arrest of Gborbu Wulomo for his decision to marry the child. Executive Director of the African Education Watch Kofi Asare said in a Facebook post: The law says it is illegal to marry a 12-year-old girl. He added: The excuse that she wont be performing conjugal duties is immaterial to the law. The cops must grab the Nungua Wulomo and cohorts now! Gborbu Wulomo serves as the Overlord of all Ga-Damgbe State. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Defence Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has sensationally claimed that a retired primary school teacher attempted to bribe him with 100 acres of prime land in Eldoret. Speaking on Tuesday, Duale claimed a son to the retired teacher, who is at the centre of a 3,500-acre land ownership dispute with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Recruits Training School, offered him the 100 acres in exchange for an undisclosed favour. There is a man called Chepsilonge, he is from Kapsabet. I want you to tell him, if the title he has is original, I want him to go to the National Land Commission (NLC) office yesterday (Tuesday) to tell them to verify the paper. "We are ready to present evidence that the document that the cartels, led by Chepsilonge, are carrying around is fake, said Duale. Duale who led a team of top national and county leaders to the land last week is said to have asked the retired teacher, Wilson Chepsilonge, 82, to keep off the property, terming him an inciter. The leaders who accompanied Duale include Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Eddyson Nyale, area Governor Jonathan Bii, Senator Jackson Mandago, and Turbo MP Janet Sitienei. The event was at the Nine Farms field in the Kiplombe area in Uasin Gishu county which is part of the land that is in ownership dispute pitting the local community and the KDF. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has announced the creation of a Multi-Agency Command Center for Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia, and Samburu as a new measure to tackle banditry. Koome announced the measures in a high-level meeting held in Kabarnet, Baringo County where he met with other heads of police in the affected areas. More measures will also feature the deployment of new specialized equipment within the regions. Additionally, the IG confirmed that there were new police units formed to beef up security in the banditry-prone areas. We have now established a multi-agency command centre for Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia, and Samburu, deployed additional new sophisticated equipment, and Formed Police Units in the affected areas including Loruk and Mukogodo to beef up the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, read the statement in part. Further, the IG expressed his faith in the new strategy noting that the previous creation of a multi-agency security team named the Chemolingot Multi-Agency Operation Centre had managed to quell the clashes in 2023. In February last year, the Government declared the security situation in six Counties namely Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu as a security emergency caused by rampant incidents of banditry, explained Koome. However, he cautioned the bandits noting that the government would not back down in the fight against banditry. Let me be clear, that whether the resurgence of these attacks is attributed to retaliations among members of communities, or collaboration among communities to attack members of other communities, or be they targeted attacks on security personnel and installations, expansionist tendencies or the commercialization of banditry as the case has been, my message to the bandits is one: stop or face the full force of the law, explained Koome. Koome has been missing in action in the war against banditry in Rift Valley and Kenyans were beginning to worry. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Benson Masubo alias Wazir Chacha has once again found himself in trouble after he impersonated First Lady Rachel Rutos lawyer. The court heard that Masubo falsely presented himself to be a person in public service namely a legal officer attached at the office of Her Excellency the First Lady on March 21. He used the fake title to instruct the Regional Criminal Investigation Officer (RCIO) Nairobi Peter Njeru Nthiga to make some arrests. He told the senior detective that there was a motor vehicle trailing him to harm him. This prompted Nthiga to dispatch a team of officers to commence investigations. It was in the course of the investigations that they were able to establish that the vehicle was not trailing him. The charge sheet says that the vehicle belonged to one Patrick Kahuhua, a former husband to his girlfriend. Masubo allegedly wanted to use police officers to intimidate and harass Kahuhua for personal scores. He denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina. The court will on Wednesday rule on whether it will release him on bail owing to his conduct of absconding court in another active criminal case. Masubo, better known as Wazir Chacha, shot into the limelight after he was linked to a romantic affair with several female MPs, among them Sabina Chege. He also leaked a bedroom photo with former Bomet Woman Rep Cecilia Ngetich, thrusting him into fame. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - The United States government has accused senior officials from President William Rutos government of demanding bribes from US investors who apply for tenders in Kenya. In a statement issued by U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, she noted that U.S. firms have had very limited success bidding on Kenyan government tenders, with corruption being a significant concern. Many of these tenders are challenged in the courts. Foreign firms, some without proven track records, have won government contracts when partnered with well-connected Kenyan firms or individuals, the report says. Tai says U.S. firms have expressed concerns about the Kenyan governments procurement system IFMIS, citing insufficient connectivity and technical capacity in county government offices. American companies have also described Kenyan county government officials as apathetic, adding that there are central control shutdowns and security gaps that render IFMIS vulnerable to manipulation and hacking. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - The United States government has expressed its reservation with the use of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS), saying the system is useless since public money is looted through it. IFMIS is run by the Treasury, but according to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, the system is being used by senior government officers to siphon money from the public Tai in protest about bureaucracy and corruption by senior government officials, said IFMIS is useless, adding that there are central control shutdowns and security gaps that render IFMIS vulnerable to manipulation and hacking. Corruption is widely reported to affect government procurements at the national and county levels. " Kenya has not effectively implemented its anti-corruption laws. "U.S. firms routinely report direct requests for bribes from all levels of the Kenyan Government, the U.S. Trade Representative notes The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, April 3, 2024 - The United States government has lambasted Kenyas Judiciary, terming it as corrupt, rotten and an embarrassment to Kenyans. In a statement issued by U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, the Joe Biden administration noted that most US investors in Kenya are harassed by corrupt Kenyan courts that sell justice to the highest bidders. At the same time, Tai said the Kenyan Judiciarys resolution of disputes over tariffs and taxation is subject to delays and uncertainty. While judicial reforms are moving forward, bribes, extortion, and political considerations continue to influence court cases. "As such, foreign and local investors risk lengthy and costly legal procedures, she said. Tai spoke even as a local newspaper reported that some foreign investors are even asked to part with Sh 20 million to win a tender in Kenya. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, April 2, 2024 A Ghanaian man has been captured on video publicly sharing his excitement as he welcomed his American girlfriend to Ghana. Upon spotting his girlfriend at the arrival section of the airport, he ran to her and gave her a warm embrace. The lady couldn't also hold back her excitement as they walked out of the airport. Watch the video below Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has been attacked by Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) for humiliating a job seeker while presiding over a function in his ministry. The interaction between the CS and the job seeker was captured on video by an anonymous person who then leaked it on the internet. While moving around what appears to be a lobby, shaking hands with the visitors, two gentlemen rose to shake Murkomen's hand, and one of them jumped on the opportunity to say he was on a job search. "Habari zenyu?" Murkomen says, hastily moving around. Two gentlemen then stood up with the taller one, dressed in a blue shirt, clasping his hands into those of the minister, appearing to make an impassioned but indecipherable plea. Towards the end, one can hear him say, "Unitafutie kazi Mheshimiwa..." The CS wastes no time in dismissing the individual - or even paying attention to his plight. Quickly, he shuts him down saying, "No, no... Hatupeani kazi hapa..." Kenyans have attacked the CS over his arrogance, reminding him that when he was campaigning, he was saying all hustlers will be accommodated in President William Rutos government. Here is the video of arrogant Murkomen humiliating a Kenyan job seeker. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, April 3, 2024 North Carolina State University has closed Poe Hall and launched an investigation into a cancer cluster of 150 people linked back to the campus Poe Hall building. Elevated levels of cancer-causing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were reportedly detected in the campus building. About 150 people including alumni are said to have developed various forms of cancer including lymphoma, thyroid, and breast cancer. In August 2023, an NC State employee reported health concerns about Poe Hall on the school's main campus to the schools environmental health and safety unit. In November the university conducted testing of building materials, Vice Chancellor Warwick Arden said in a webinar last week. "The concerns specifically mentioned PCBs, along with lead and asbestos," Arden said. The preliminary testing found that asbestos and heavy metals were within the acceptable limits, however, PCBs were detected in the building in October 2023 and November 2023. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PCBs are probable human carcinogens that can cause negative reproductive, neurological, immune and endocrine effects. It is not known if the cancer cases at NC State are indeed linked to the PCBs. After receiving analytical results from the laboratory in November that reported detections of PCBs in some dust and some bulk samples, NCSU closed Poe Hall and shut down the HVAC systems out of an abundance of caution, pending further investigation, a university report, published February 2024, states. The report also notes that Poe Hall was built in 1971, when PCBs were widely used in building materials, such as paint, caulk, and some mastics, across the United States before being banned in 1979. The investigation has now led to numerous alumni reporting health conditions that they claim may be linked to Poe Hall. Over 150 people have reported cases of cancer or other serious illnesses to WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina. The local outlet has been collecting health data from current and former students and employees since the universitys investigation was launched. NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson said that the university will not be commenting substantially on the investigation, however, they will be providing updates as appropriate. "I recognize that people are very eager for answers to their questions," he said. "This is very stressful, and I understand that. It's a particular concern to us that we move through this as quickly, but as thoroughly as we can." No agencies at this point have completed the work to understand if the building conditions could have contributed to health issues, Woodson continued. I want to stress that weve had no such evaluative outcome. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Joseph Onderi, a student at Pwani University, is battling depression after his girlfriend dumped him for another man. He took to his Facebook account and posted a distressing message, indicating that he was contemplating suicide. He said his girlfriend meant everything to him and accused her close friends of destroying their relationship. You dont know how much I cared for you although I wasnt providing for you financially, he wrote. He has tried to move on after their relationship ended six months ago but depression has taken a toll on him. He also left a message to his parents, thanking them for showering him with love and educating him amid challenges. However, he called out his siblings for disowning him. Check out his distressing Facebook post. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 The chances of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga becoming the next African Union Commission Chairperson are growing slimmer with each passing day. This is after the Executive Council Ministerial meeting decided to include the gender requirement in the election of AU leaders. In the concluded meeting, the council gave the Eastern wing of the union the power to appoint the chairperson. Subsequently, the Northern region will be tasked with producing the deputy chairperson while Western, Central, and Southern regions will submit candidates for the remaining posts of six commissioners. The council, however, decided that the two top positions should be occupied by two different genders meaning that if the elected chairperson is male, then his deputy must be female and vice versa. "The Eastern region shall submit candidates for the position of the chairperson. The Northern region shall submit candidates for the position of the deputy chairperson," the council directed. "Both regions can submit male and female candidates. The gender of the elected Chairperson will determine the gender of the Deputy Chairperson to be elected." The council had embarked on a high-level meeting in mid-March ahead of the February 2025 elections to consider the report on the preparation for the election of senior leadership. The ministers were expected to discuss the modalities of regional rotation and gender parity for fair distribution of the leadership. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had expressed his interest in ascending to the chairperson seat and subsequently kicked off a campaign for votes. So far, Raila's bid has received backing from international leaders including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his political foe President William Ruto, among other East African presidents. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, 3 April 2024 - Benson Masubo alias Wazir Chacha has found himself in the long arm of the law after he was charged with falsely presenting himself as the Legal officer of Kenyas First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto. He used that false position to instruct the Regional Criminal Investigation Officer Nairobi Peter Njeru Nthiga to make some arrests. Masibo reported to Nthiga that he is a legal officer attached to Racheal Ruto's office. He told Nthiga that there was a motor vehicle trailing him to harm him. This prompted Nthiga to dispatch a team of officers to commence investigations. But in the course of the investigations, they were able to establish that the vehicle was not trailing him. The charge sheet indicates that the vehicle belonged to one Patrick Kahuhua, a former husband to his girlfriend. He wanted to use police officers to intimidate and harass Kahuhua for personal scores. It is alleged that Wazir Chacha snatched Kahuhuas wife, Caroline Nguma. He has been parading her on social media. See photos. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - A report by Timely Kenya has revealed that nominated Members of Parliament affiliated with the Raila Odingas Azimio have emerged as top performers, surpassing their counterparts in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, particularly in the National Assembly, with a tie noted in the Senate. The findings of the survey, conducted between 2023 and March 2024, highlighted the performance of nominated opposition lawmakers, despite facing numerical disadvantages in both the National Assembly and the Senate. According to the report, Azimio MPs were rated at 61 per cent, while their Kenya Kwanza counterparts polled at 39 per cent in the National Assembly. However, the Senate saw a tie in performance ratings between nominated senators from the opposing sides. The report also sheds light on the notable bills sponsored by the nominated senators, underscoring their commitment to addressing critical issues affecting the nation. During the period under review, nominated MPs demonstrated their legislative prowess by presenting a total of 31 statements, 21 motions, 9 petitions, and 5 bills to the August House. Similarly, in the Senate nominated Senators exhibited their commitment to legislative responsibilities by presenting a staggering 287 statements, moving 88 motions, filing 19 petitions, and introducing 11 bills. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, has unveiled the man who should be the Kisii community spokesman. The Kisii community has been without a credible spokesman since the exit of former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiangi in 2022. But speaking over the weekend, Machogu threw his weight behind Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Health Facilities, Geoffrey Mosiria. Speaking at Kenyatta International Convention Centre(KICC), Machogu showered Mosiria with praise for organizing the event bringing together over 9,000 people from Gusii land living in Nairobi. "I have not had an opportunity to witness a great gathering of one community like this. "We have just started the journey; for the 40 years I have lived in Nairobi, I have not witnessed this. "Mosiria has opened the way for our community living in the county," Machogu said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, April 3, 2024 A 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, the strongest tremor to hit the island in at least 25 years, prompting mainland China, Japan, and the Philippines to issue tsunami warnings. Taiwans government said four people had died in the mountainous, sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien near where the epicentre was, with 711 injured. The fire department said 77 people remained trapped, some in collapsed buildings in Hualien. The 7.3 magnitude quake toppled at least 26 buildings and left others tilting, particularly close to the epicentre in the eastern county of Hualien. The earthquake was the strongest to hit Taiwan since 1999 when a 7.6 magnitude quake left 2,400 people dead and 50,000 buildings damaged. A small tsunami also hit southern Japanese islands following the earthquake. Japans chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said there has been no report of injury or damage in the country. He urged the residents in the Okinawa region to stay on high ground until all tsunami advisories are lifted. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the worlds biggest producer of advanced microchips, partially shut down its operations after Wednesdays earthquake. Three other semiconductor factories also temporarily halted parts of their operations. To ensure the safety of personnel, some fabs were evacuated according to company procedure. We are currently confirming the details of the impact, TCMP said. The self-governing island off the southern coast of China is the focus of geopolitical tension between Washington and Beijing, which wants Taiwan to reunify with the mainland. Following the earthquake, Taipei resident Hsien-hsuen Keng said: Earthquakes are a common occurrence, and Ive grown accustomed to them. But today was the first time I was scared to tears by an earthquake. I was awakened by the earthquake. I had never felt such intense shaking before. She said her fifth-floor apartment shook so hard that apart from earthquake drills in elementary school, this was the first time I had experienced such a situation. Wu Chien-fu, the head of Taiwans earthquake monitoring bureau, said effects were detected as far away as Kinmen, a Taiwanese-controlled island off the coast of China. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Former President Uhuru Kenyattas family has raised alarm over the grabbing of their land in Eastleigh, Nairobi County, sparking a plea for intervention and justice. According to the aggrieved family, the disputed land, situated in Eastleigh, was seized by unidentified developers shortly after President William Ruto became president in 2022. The grabbers erected a fence around the property, obstructing Kenyattas family's access to their rightful land. One family member expressed their distress: "When our father was alive, we were being compensated for our land. That building erected there, who are they paying?" Kamau Muigai, a relative of Uhuru, revealed that the family had confronted the developers upon the commencement of construction, only to be met with rejection and defiance. The developers purportedly urged them to seek legal recourse through the court system. In a bid for redress, the affected family has called upon Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Land Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to intervene and facilitate the return of their property. This dispute is emblematic of a broader issue highlighted by a Kenya Land Alliance report released in January 2023. The report unveiled alarming statistics, indicating over 200,000 land titles have been generated through illicit land grabs since the country's independence. The Kenya Land Alliance emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing data from the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), which estimates the magnitude of land-grabbing incidents. Drawing attention to the plight of the Kenyatta family, this latest development underscores the urgent need for robust measures to address land disputes and uphold the rights of rightful landowners. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, April 3, 2024 In a shocking turn of events, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ordered the police to terrorize an entire village for attacking the government. Speaking during a hospital visit to see the Juja OCS John Misoi who was shot with an arrow by villagers while leading a raid on the production of illicit brew in the Gachochoro area in Kiambu County, Gachagua ordered the police commander to reign on the village which attacked police officers. He termed the incident as an attack on the government, following the arrest of 53 people involved in the incident. The people need to know that you cannot attack police officers, and we will not allow it, he stated. Commander, you must move swiftly, and clean up that village, because this impunity is of the highest order, and not acceptable, Gachagua added. The second in command further highlighted reforms set to be implemented in July 2024, to support officers injured in the line of work. Offering his support, Gachagua also donated an undisclosed amount of money to the OCss wife to support the family while the husband was recuperating. Here is a card for you to get better, we have reforms that will be implemented from July, and we are even looking at the issues of insurance for officers injured in the line of duty, and to ensure officers risking their lives have their families protected, Gachagua noted. Explaining the intensity of the injuries sustained by the police boss, the surgeon in charge noted that the arrow damaged tendons in the knee cap. We received the patient with a severe knee injury having been shot with a missile which was an arrow, and we were able to stabilise him in time, the surgeon noted. The police boss was taken to Thika Level Five Hospital, before being transferred to a private health facility for surgery. The Kenyan DAILY POST GLOBALink | China's EVs showcased at Bangkok int'l motor show Pub Date:24-04-03 09:34 Source:Xinhua "China's EV makers play a key role against the backdrop of making Thailand a major EV hub in ASEAN." With high quality and innovative designs, China's electric vehicle (EV) brands gained much attention at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). Produced by Xinhua Global Service Editor: Related News China launches new remote sensing satellite China's economic powerhouse province vows ... Chinese brand tops Israel's electric car s... Freight increases on China-Europe railways The CDC is trying, desperately, it seems, to pound a square peg into a round hole, blaming COVID-19 for a surge in alcohol use and ignoring a glaring problem with the evidence. Thats not something you generally expect from scientists. However, I would argue the CDC is no longer controlled by scientists. While dedicated scientists still work there, the CDC is now controlled by politics. Founded as the Communicable Disease Center in 1946 to control malaria, it was expanded with an epidemic intelligence service in 1951. Probably not the best name, as intelligence service brings up shades of the CIA. Perhaps information service would have been better, but that ship has sailed. By 1957, it expanded from its malaria focus to include STDs and later tuberculosis, becoming the National Communicable Disease Center in 1967, and finally, the Center for Disease Control in 1970, becoming the principal operations agency of the Public Health Service. It became plural, Centers for Disease Control, in 1980, absorbing first the Centers for Infectious Diseases, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and Environmental Health and Injury Control, then later adding Prevention Services, Occupational Safety and Health, and Health Statistics. And Prevention was added in 1992, but the name was not changed. The first real controversy came in 1994 when the CDC was criticized for having sent samples of plague, Dengue fever, botulinum toxin, and West Nile virus to Iraq from 1984 to 1989. This was a completely unfair complaint, in my opinion. The U.S. was buddies with Iraq at that time. In fact, America had sent chemical weapons technology and provided weather reports so that thirty Iranian targets could be hit with chemical agents by Iraq from 1981 to 1988. So, Congress complaining about a few germs available from other sources worldwide is a bit rich. The next problem arose in 2014 when Dr. Kent Brantly became the first person known to have Ebola transported to the U.S. The CDC recommended that he be flown from Liberia, where he was doing medical missionary work, to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC was criticized for recommending this, but they saw it as an opportunity to engage their protocols and protections and save a humanitarian physician. Dr. Brantly recovered and is alive today. But things didnt end there. Mr. Thomas Duncan had flown from Liberia to Dallas with no symptoms but became ill and went to Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. There, he was treated in the isolation unit, but a nurse became infected. The first known transmission of Ebola within the United States, and the U.S. media did not take it well, drawing parallels with Stephen Kings The Stand and doing their best to panic the American public. The CDC magnificently stuck to evidence-based medicine, argued the facts, and handled the situation. Nurse Nina Pham survived the illness, and it did not spread. The next controversy is more relevant to our discussion. For a long time, the U.S. Justice Department had begged federal health agencies for a standard they could hold physicians to regarding the prescribing of opiates. They were not happy with what was commonly understood in the medical community, that although you can say what the average patient has needed in the past regarding opiate treatment dosing, that has almost no bearing at all on what the individual sitting in front of a physician needs. For reasons Ive discussed before, individual opiate dosing is extraordinarily variable. In the past, federal agencies like the CDC would point out that they were specifically forbidden by law from trying to influence the practice of medicine in the United States, but things had changed. Political pressure, spurred by pharmaceutical industry companies touting opiate alternatives, became extreme, and the CDC bowed, giving us the 2016 CDC guidelines. This rapidly had the desired effect. Doctors all over the United States, most never having heard of a morphine milligram equivalent until that time, opted out of treating pain as it was getting too complicated and was being vilified. A wise choice in retrospect for the individual physician but devastating for patient care and American medicine as a whole. As doctors gave up trying to treat pain under much more complicated conditions, some abrogated their duty to care for their patients, finding excuses to fire them. This is patient abandonment by any other name, but it is now spoken of gleefully by medical boards as proof that a doctor is on their game. We had a large, by rural state standards, general clinical practice, with me traveling to study pain management and addiction through Harvard, and another ER and general surgery experienced physician of impeccable character and skill handling urgent care and minor surgeries. We also had two ANPs and two counselors. As our practice grew, a disgruntled employee pretended to be a patient and complained about our clinic to an insurance company, claiming patients had died under my care. The company investigated, finding my medical actions reasonable, even identifying the employees deception, but still felt the need to notify the board. I will place here a quote from a letter I wrote to my states medical board when they asked for me to address the issue. It is noted that of the thousands of patients treated at my practice, eight of these were 65 years old or younger at the time of their death, and six of those had received prescriptions for pain. I am aware of these patients; many of them were suffering from cancer or other debilitating illnesses. There are several oncologists who have referred patients to my practice. I do not exclude patients who might die from my practice. I do not understand the relevance of the rankings listed by the amount earned or where I am compared to other general practice physicians. As most of these doctors choose to exclude the treatment of pain from their practice, the burden shifts to those who do not. Also, the identical patient does not walk through every doctors door. If oncologists rely on me to ease the suffering of their patients, then, of course, I will stand out. The letter also reports payments made and references the number of patients seen. I hope most of the patients I see will continue under my care. To ease the suffering of those who cannot be cured, I see as one of the most sacred duties of a physician. The DEA saw things otherwise. The CDC had granted them a number, a metric, and they would now hold that up to all physicians and lop off the outliers, using state PMPs and pharmacy records to brand physicians over the guidelines as pill mills and kick in their clinic doors. This was very effective, and patients were sent to the street in droves. The year this started was 2016, and this coincides with the CDCs noted increase in alcohol abuse. Why is this possibly their fault? Human beings do not tolerate severe pain for long and will do almost anything to escape it. They will also be naturally drawn to any experience or substance that gives them any small measure of relief. I have had more than one patient tell me that they started drinking heavily to blunt their pain when they could not find a doctor. Using alcohol to treat pain is not unusual. About 28 percent of chronic pain sufferers use alcohol for this purpose. For these patients, the agreement was that they had to go off the alcohol to be treated, blowing negative on a breathalyzer I purchased for our clinic; liver enzymes and alcohol metabolites were also tracked. This proved very effective, and I was able to get these patients onto a safer treatment for their pain, at least until they kicked my door in. The CDC has apparently not considered its own actions as a prime driver for the increase; instead, it blames it all on COVID-19. I would remind the astute researchers at the renowned CDC that the 19 after the COVID stands for the year the pandemic started. Annual deaths from excessive alcohol averaged 137,927 per year for the period 2016-2017, jumping to 145,253 in 2018-2019, an increase of 5.3 percent. Then, pain doctor prosecutions started. And panicked physicians cut tens of thousands of patients off of opiate treatment. During that period, the alcohol-related death rate jumped an incredible 22.8 percent over 2020-2021, averaging 178,307 for those years. Some of this can, of course, be attributed to COVID-related drinking, as lack of work and social contact would have worsened depression, etc., but how much was not? How much was related to people in pain? We may never be able to know exactly, and I couldnt find data for alcohol-related deaths from 2022-2023. But according to the CDC, again, alcohol-induced deaths, a stricter criterion, went from 39,000 in 2019 to 49,000 in 2020. An increase of 25 percent. 2021 should then, if COVID-19 lockdowns are the cause, have dropped. But it did not. Provisional data from 2021 shows a jump to 52,000, an even greater increase of 26 percent. That would mean the alcohol-related death tsunami continues unabated. As does the war on Americans who suffer from pain and the physicians who dare to treat them. L. Joseph Parker is a distinguished professional with a diverse and accomplished career spanning the fields of science, military service, and medical practice. He currently serves as the chief science officer and operations officer, Advanced Research Concepts LLC, a pioneering company dedicated to propelling humanity into the realms of space exploration. At Advanced Research Concepts LLC, Dr. Parker leads a team of experts committed to developing innovative solutions for the complex challenges of space travel, including space transportation, energy storage, radiation shielding, artificial gravity, and space-related medical issues. He can be reached on LinkedIn and YouTube. Last week, Forbes Africa released its list of richest African musicians. They ranked them with their net worth in 2021. The list that is mostly dominated by Nigerians saw Ugandas Bobi Wine named as the 16th richest musician in Africa but the richest in East Africa followed by Diamond Platnumz and Jose Chameleone in 18th place. In East Africa, Bobi Wine is named the richest artiste with a net worth of $7.2 Million (Shs25 Billion) and in second place came Tanzanian Bongo Flava artiste Diamond Plutnumz with $6.7 million (Shs 23 Billion) and in third place was Ugandas music doctor Jose Chameleon with a net worth of $6.2 million (Shs 21 Billion) This hasnt gone down well with Diamond Platnumz who questioned Forbes authenticity. The WCB boss has hit out at Forbes for ranking him in that position. Read more: https://www.sqoop.co.ug/202105/four-one-one/diamond-blasts-forbes-over-net-worth-ranking-bobi-wine-named-richest-east-african-musician.html?fbclid=IwAR0wQy4k1sfc3znaj9PquBzrwHJso1i63xF5VT-nOQcLpIL-tT2f32X-JGM The Constitutional Court has dismissed a consolidated petition challenging the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. Five justices of the Constitutional Court led by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera have ruled that the Anti-Homosexuality Act was enacted to protect children and vulnerable members of the society. We think that the section that prohibits gay people from accessing housing and medical care will subject them to mental health care, Justice Buteera ruled. The Court had however ruled that sections 3, 2(c) and 9,11(2) are in violation of their right to health and adequate standards of living enshrined in the constitutuon and ordered that they be struck out. The petition had sought among otherthings to strike out from the Constitution a law that criminalises what they called consensual sex among adults. The petitioners including West Budama MP Fox Odoi, Ugandas Ambassador to South Africa Kintu Nyango, Veteran Journalist Andrew Mwenda, Makerere University Law professors; Sylvia Tamale, Businye Kabumba and several society orgainstaions. The petitioners had further alleged that the Anti-Homosexuality law infringes on several articles of the Constitution that relate to personal freedoms and dignity as well as hampering the fight against HIV/AIDS. However, court ruled that the government of Uganda has been fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS and had registered massive success and that the law will not affect its spread in any way. Speaking to the media after the judgement, Andrew Mwenda said they will challenge the said judgement in the Supreme Court. We are going to the Supreme Court and I have full confidence that the Judges will stand above our cultural prejudices and protect rights of homosexuals to live their lives as they wish, said Mwenda. According to Mwenda, grounds like protecting the children from being recruited as gay are baseless, saying the state never provided any evidence to prove that such activities were happening in schools. The court has however ordered each party to bear its own costs. The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD) on International Womens Day signed a memorandum with various Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The MOU was part of MSLDs work with the Generating Growth Opportunity and Productivity for Women Enterprises (G.R.O.W) project. The GROW project aims to help women entrepreneurs around the country and it was launched in January 2023. World Bank funded the project with USD217 million and it partnered with MSLD, Private Sector Foundation Uganda. The project since its launch last year has been meeting different womens entrepreneurial groups around the country and with the MOU in place, the project is said to benefit more women this year with the help of different government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), which is one of the partners of the GROW project, was tasked with empowering 1,540 women in entrepreneurship by providing technical skills in production, garments, manufacturing, food production and value addition among others. During the signing of the MOU, there were already 500 women who had applied for the training and they are ready to benefit from the project. Hon Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, during the signing of the MOU mentioned Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) as the other partner which is also aiming to certify 500 products owned by female companies. This is to help enhance product quality and market competitiveness for women entrepreneurs and the GROW project is ready to help in covering costs of the certification processes. Other MDAs that will play a vital role in the GROW project include Uganda Registration Service Bureau, Makerere University Business School, Directorate of Industrial Training, and National Agricultural Research Organisation among others. The High Court in Kampala has scheduled April 9, 2024, for the hearing to decide on a bail application filed by Molly Katanga, 54, who stands accused of murdering her husband, Henry Katanga. Molly Katanga, who did not physically attend court proceedings but joined via video conference at Luzira Womens Prison, presented four sureties, including Health Minister in-charge of Primary Health Care Margret Muhanga. However, the prosecution rejected her two elderly sureties, Dr. Patrick Kaboya and General Emmanuel Burundi, due to their advanced age (70-77 years). Additionally, her third surety, Geoffrey Kamuntu, was objected to by the DPP because he was under police investigation for allegedly obstructing justice by placing SFC soldiers at Molly Katangas hospital bed at IHK to keep away investigators. The prosecutors, led by Jonathan Muwaganya and Samali Wakholi, then asked Justice Isaac Muwata to deny the bail application and proceed to trial on July 2, 2024, citing their main evidence, a ballistic DNA report which found gunpowder residue on Mollys hands and clothes. Molly was arrested and charged with her husbands murder on November 2, 2023, at their home on Cwa II Road in Mbuya, Nakawa division. The widow now awaits trial alongside her two daughters, Patrica Kakwanza and Martha Nkwazi, who are accused of destroying valuable evidence. The familys shamba boy, George Amanyire, and a nurse, Charles Otai, are charged with being accessories after the murder. The two daughters, Amanyire, and Otai were released on a Shs2 million cash bail last month. In her application, already presented by her lawyers Elison Karuhanga and Jet Tumwebaze, Molly mentions that she still requires specialized care and supervision from her doctors for the scalp injuries sustained on November 2, 2023, the day her husband was shot dead. She explains in her affidavit that she spent two months under the intensive care of IHK hospital and underwent five major scalp surgeries. However, before her full recovery, she was arraigned before the Nakawa Court on January 24, 2024, and remanded to Luzira Womens Prison. Molly now requests the court to grant her bail, emphasizing the importance of post-operative surgery for her to prove her innocence. She states that the treatment is not available at Luzira hospital, where she is currently detained, which might delay her recovery. Furthermore, Molly asserts that she has a fixed place of residence known to investigators and is gainfully employed. She pledges not to interfere with any state witnesses and assures the court of her willingness to abide by any terms set forth. The Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has advised leaders to avoid using the media to address conflicts. He made this statement during a courtesy visit to Bulange Mengo by leaders from Buddu County, led by Nyendo-Mukungwe legislator Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, and Busiro County, led by Busiro East Member of Parliament Medard Lubega Ssegona. The leaders purchased Kabaka birthday run kits worth Shs10 million combined.Both Buddu and Busiro counties purchased kits worth Shs5 million each. Mayiga emphasized the importance of private dialogue to resolve issues. He advised leaders to avoid making decisions when they are angry and instead focus on resolving problems constructively. Meanwhile, Mpuuga called upon the Buganda Kingdom to prioritize grooming leaders from the grassroots level, highlighting the need for more capable leaders. He commended His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for his efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS. The Kabaka birthday run will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Lubiri-Mengo in Kampala. Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament-elect Sarah Aguti has taken oath to replace Cecilia Ogwal who died on January 18, 2024, in India, where she had sought treatment for cancer. Aguti, a Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) member was on March 21, 2024, declared the winner of the hotly contested by-election. She obtained 23044 votes against NRMs Janet Adongo who garnerd 14001. Speaking to the media at the partys head offices in Kampala, the UPC spokesperson, Sharon Oyat, praised the people of Dokolo for trusting their candidate and assured them of better service. Oyat urged party members and leaders across the country to prepare for the forthcoming general elections. Youth have been urged to keep equipping themselves with several skills if they are to create the future they desire. Speaking at the launch of the 2024 National Social Security Fund/Daily Monitor Career Expo held at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Kampala, the Managing Director, Nation Media Group Uganda, Ms Susan Nsibirwa encouraged the students to prepare for the digital economy and traditional economy jobs. Look at the expo as an opportunity to equip yourselves to be able to navigate the complexity of the job market, said Ms Nsibirwa. NSSF Managing Director, Mr Patrick Ayota advised the students to have self-esteem if they are to find their purpose. On his part, the Managing Directior Absa Bank, Mumba Kalifungwa, also reiterated the call for youth to acquire more skills, saying There is no substitute for experience than experience itself. The expo themed Define your game, defy the odds will run till April 24, 2024. 1 of 1 : 314 , NOC 5 , khaskhabar.com : , 03 2024 5:54 PM Over 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nOg (local youth councils) across Ireland recently met in Dail Eireann to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic. Mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nOg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of the day, which they feel that the Government should do more to address. The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic OGorman has thanked the Ceann Comhairle and the Houses of the Oireachtas Citizen Engagement Team for working with his Department to make Dail na nOg 2024 happen. "I know that Minister Foley and her officials have engaged very positively with the outgoing National Executive on their topic of Relationships and Sexuality education," he said. "I am also grateful to Minister Butler for attending to hear directly about the mental health issue selected by all the Comhairli na nOg for debate by their delegates to Dail na nOg. "The incoming National Executive will work on this issue over their two year term, and the support of Minister Butler and officials in the Department of Health will be a critical element in the impact they can have." Dail na nOg, Irelands National Youth Parliament, now in its 22nd year, tackled a range of issues related to mental health, including body image, school stress, and mental health services. The biennial parliament, which provides a platform for young people to speak about and make recommendations on the issues that most affect them, was hosted by the Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, who chaired the Opening Session in the Dail Chamber. There were closing remarks in the chamber from Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler. Delegates from Comhairle na nOg - representing each of the 31 local authorities across Ireland filled the committee rooms in Leinster House where they took part in workshops to debate the three mental health topics. Discussions were held around how mental health affects the lives of young people in their communities and what changes need to be implemented to address these challenges and improve the experiences of young people in Ireland. Following a formal vote in the afternoon where delegates processed through the lobbies of the Dail, school stress was selected as the priority topic. This will inform the work of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executive 2024-2026, who are tasked with advocating for policy change in this area during their tenure. Dail na nOg is organised by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in association with members of Houses of the Oireachtas and Government. Dail na nOg is an initiative of the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and was first established in 2001. The topic of school stress voted on at Dail na nOg will form the basis of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executives formal workplan for the next two years. The National Executive is made up of one representative from each of the 31 Comhairli na nOg and follows up on the recommendations from Dail na nOg to make changes for young people in those areas. The National Executive has a term of office of two years and meets once a month, and is facilitated and supported by the National Participation Office and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who ensure that they get the opportunity to engage with appropriate Ministers, policy-makers, Oireachtas Committees and other decision-makers. Blocking access to spaces based on ethnicity has an ugly past and has no future in New Zealand. @AucklandUni and any others with segregated spaces owe an explanation to the Kiwis who pay their bills. pic.twitter.com/LcsK2COng2 ACT New Zealand (@actparty) March 26, 2024 This is a very interesting development. First how do they determine eligibility? Is it based on DNA or skin colour? What is someone is a Fijian Indian. Are they allowed in as they are Fijian or are they banned as they are Indian? Who are Maori and Pasifika lumped in together? Why are African students not allowed in, if it is about skin colour? Why do they assume all Pasifika would want to be lumped in together, rather than have separate study areas for say Tongan students and Samoan students? Note that this is different to students voluntarily forming clubs based on mutual interest, or gender, ethnicity and religion and being given a room for their use. This is about the university mandating certain study areas are reserved on the basis of ethnicity Incidentally the 2022 participation rates for tertiary education was 10.4% for Europeans, 15.7% for Maori, 15.5% for Pasifika and 11.5% for Asians. I wonder if the next logical step from having segregated study rooms is segregated tutorials and lectures? Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Voters cast their ballots for Columbia School Board, Columbia and Jefferson City Councils, a Columbia councilmember recall, a senior property tax, and much more. MBABANE The two men, who have been arrested for, among other offences, allegedly burning houses at Chief Justice (CJ) Bheki Maphalalas homestead, called themselves members of the solidarity forces. Percy Machocco Sithole of Mbulungwane and Xolani Simelane of Dzakasini, have been slapped with a total of 12 charges. They are facing six charges of attempted murder and six of contravening Section 5 (1) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008. Their arrest brings the number of those arrested and charged under this Act to 25. Sithole appears in only one of the 12 charges. It is alleged that they committed the offences acting jointly with the others who were first to be arrested, including the self-confessed commander of the solidarity forces, Thabo Kunene. The duo was arrested last Friday while at Mbulungwane and Dzakasini, respectively. Upon his arrest, Simelane is alleged to have pointed out 31 live rounds of ammunition buried in the yard at his parental homestead. Remanded The duo made their first court appearance at the High Court before Judge Mumcy Dlamini, who remanded them in custody until next Tuesday. It should be noted that the High Court is the court of first instance when it comes to matters touching on Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008. In a composite summary of evidence, the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lomvula Hlophe, narrated how the duo was allegedly implicated in the 12 counts. She submitted that on October 15, 2021, Sindzandlala government deport was burnt. According to Hlophe, the items which were burnt included a tipper truck, front loader grader, dump truck Bell. She said the total value of the heavy plant machinery was E1 696 105. Hlophe submitted that evidence showed that people from different places such as Mbelebeleni, Jerusalem and Dzakasini gathered at Mbulungwane Shopping Complex. The group, according to the DPP, started singing political songs like Zabalaza Umzabalazo, Asisiwo Emagwala , Phansi Ngahulumende Wetinkhundla Phansi and Sakha Live. She alleged that the group then started toyi- toying along the road and burnt some tyres on the same road. She said this resulted in motorists not being able to use the road as it was completely closed by the group. There is evidence the second accused (Simelane) was the one who was burning the tyres. The first accused (Sithole) joined the group, below Mbulungwane. When he joined the group he (second accused) was carrying a five-litre container filled with diesel. Along the way, the group demanded more tyres from a Mkhonta homestead and the Mkhonta family gave them, reads part of the composite summary of evidence. She alleged that the group then went to Sindzandlala government deport, under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and upon arrival, they burnt the government machinery. She averred that evidence allegedly showed that Simelane and others, who are still at large, were the ones who actually burnt the machinery. The matter was then reported to the police. Investigations The police had been conducting investigations ever since. The DPP highlighted that accused persons could not be arrested immediately after the commission of the offences. She stated that information gathered was that after committing the offences, the duo left the country to the Republic of South Africa. It was further her evidence that on November 5, 2022 at Dumako, the Dumako Police Post and RDA was allegedly attacked by Simelane who was in the company of others. She informed the court that during the attack, shots were fired which resulted in the death of Mfanasibili Gina, who was a tractor driver. A police officer who was in the company of another person were also shot. The police officer sustained injuries during the attack, submitted the DPP. She stated that cartridge cases were retrieved by the police from the scene of crime. Hlophe further related to the court that on November 21, 2022, Simelane and others allegedly arrived at Jerusalem at night. The DPP stated that accused persons fired gunshots and instructed everyone in the homestead to come out of their houses. They burnt five houses valued at E3.5million, shot five cows valued at E75 000., a calf valued at E7 000, one 5 000-litre tank with fittings valued at E10 000 and one 10 000-litre tank with fittings amounting to E15 000. They shouted that solidarity forces have arrived and instructed the people at the homestead to inform the chief justice to release Bacede and Mthandeni. The police were called and they arrived at the scene and cartridge cases were recovered at the scene of crime. The DPP stated that on March 29, 2024 the police received information through their intelligence that the Simelane was coming to Eswatini. Acting upon the information the police arrested Simelane while at Mbulungwane. Upon his arrest he pointed out 31 live rounds of ammunition buried in the yard at his parental homestead. On the same day, Sithole was also arrested at Dzakasini, reads part of the summary of evidence. She brought it to the courts attention that the names of witnesses were deliberately omitted due to safety reasons. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close By Lee Gyu-lee The thriller drama film A Normal Family, led by filmmaker Hur Jin-ho, known for leading the romance film One Fine Spring Day (2001), has been securing awards and accolades from international film festivals. According to the films distributor, Hive Media Corp, the movie picked up awards last month from Fantasporto, or Porto International Film Festival, and Mons International Film Festival, also known as Love International Film Festival Mons. At the 44th Fantasporto, held from March 1 to 9 in Porto, Portugal, the film won the Directors Week Best Screenplay Award. Mario Dorminsky, the founder and co-director of the festival, referred to Hur's film as "a great movie that deals with the dilemmas faced by families in modern society, inviting the film to its competition section. Founded in 1981, the international film festival specializes in horror, thriller and science fiction films. It is considered one of the top three fantasy genre film festivals in the world, along with the Sitges Film Festival in Spain and the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in Belgium. The film also notched the Scenario Prize at this years Mons, held from March 8 to 16 in Mons, Belgium. The way it blurs the boundary between good and evil, and utilizes the values of the two brothers' families was interesting, said Maxime Dieu, the general delegate of the festival. Launched in 1984, the festival is dedicated to recognizing films that express the theme of love in all forms on screen. A Normal Family, which is set to hit the local theaters later this year, is based on the Dutch author Herman Kochs bestselling novel The Dinner. It revolves around a successful lawyer, Jae-wan (Sul Kyung-gu) who takes on the case of a wealthy executives son, who purposely ran over and killed a man. Despite his client being a killer, his priority is in defending the client, especially since the case stands to become his biggest career accomplishment. On the other hand, his younger brother who is a pediatrician, Jae-kyu (Jang Dong-gun), is devoted to helping the health of his patients over money or reputation. The narrative tests the brothers' consciences as their teenage children become involved in unexpected circumstances. Since its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, the film has been invited to various film festivals around the world, including the Filmfest DC and the Miami Film Festival in the U.S. as well as Switzerlands Fribourg International Film Festival. It also has been invited to compete at the upcoming Udine Far East Film Festival, slated for April 24 through May 2 in Udine, Italy. By Choe Chong-dae Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan were relatively unfamiliar to me until the dismantlement of the Soviet Union in 1991. My fascination with these Central Asian countries, particularly Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, dates back to the early 1990s when I was deeply involved in the raw cotton business. The Korean Kabul Spinning Company, in collaboration with Kabul Uzbekistan and Kabul Tajikistan, was a prominent player in the textile sector of the countries. I supplied cotton to various companies. Additionally, I promoted the cotton of these nations to other countries through my head cotton merchant in Paris. I had the honor of visiting Uzbekistan and Tajikistan at the invitation of the Korean Kabul Spinning Company to attend the dedicatory ceremony of the Kabul Uzbekistan and Kabul Tajikistan Company in 1996. The trip comprised a Korean business delegation composed of leading textile experts, cotton merchants, financial groups and bankers, who were warmly welcomed by both nations. In particular, during our visit to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, the welcoming dinner was held by the then-vice prime minister of Tajikistan in honor of our business delegation. Although almost three decades have passed, I still cherish fond memories of the trip. Arranged just four years after gaining independence from the Soviet Union, the two countries still bore vestiges and influences of the Soviet era. The celebration dinner for International Nowruz, held on March 25 at a hotel in Seoul and hosted by Salohiddin Kirom, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Korea, was a remarkable occasion. Nowruz is a spring festival steeped in millennia of history, believed by many to trace its origins back to Jamshid-i Peshdadi, though evidence suggests its roots may be even older. The term Nowruz translates to "New Day," embodying the essence of nature's renewal and the commencement of a fresh year. Formally acknowledged by the government of Tajikistan in the late 1980s, Nowruz attained national holiday status, with March 21 designated as its official celebration. Following Tajikistan's independence in 1991, Nowruz flourished, its festivities expanding in scale and grandeur. The holiday's duration stretched to a week, granting ample time for individuals to fully engage in traditional customs. Nowruz's significance transcends Tajikistan's borders, leading to its global recognition. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz. Moreover, Nowruz was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, underscoring its shared importance across various nations. At its essence, Nowruz embodies the spirit of peace, tolerance and new beginnings. It unites people, irrespective of religious or social affiliations, in reverence for nature and aspirations for a prosperous future. Its advent heralds not only the arrival of spring's beauty but also the promise of a fresh start. Despite 21st-century advancements, Nowruz remains a cherished source of spiritual and social cohesion for Tajikistan and neighboring communities. With a legacy spanning six millennia, Navruz is deeply ingrained in Tajik collective consciousness, serving as a poignant reminder of cultural heritage and fostering profound intergenerational connections. These nations hold a significant place in my heart due to a poignant migration episode experienced by the Koreytsi a term coined here to denote Goryeoin, or Koreans who settled in the far-eastern part of Russia during the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. In 1937, Joseph Stalin initiated their deportation to Central Asia under the pretext of spying for Japan. Forced to resettle in barren lands, they endured harsh restrictions, including a ban on their language and travel. Tajikistan and Central Asia have a profound impact on me, weaving personal experiences with rich cultural insights. From business ventures to cultural celebrations and poignant migration stories, these lands offer a tapestry of resilience, heritage, and human connection. Let us embrace diversity, learn from one another and foster understanding across borders, honoring the past while shaping a more inclusive future. Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co. and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit Seunghyun, a prominent member of the rising K-Pop boy group Celest1a, has made a heartbreaking decision to suspend his activities due to sudden hearing loss. This unexpected news has left fans and followers in disbelief, highlighting the challenges faced by idols beyond their performances. Announcement of Seunghyun's Health Crisis The announcement of Seunghyun's health struggle came through a poignant statement from Celest1a's management. Thank you to everyone who has supported Celest1a. Member Yu Seunghyun has been diagnosed with a recurrence of sudden hearing loss, leading to a suspension of activities from today due to necessary rest and recovery. We are grateful to everyone who has supported Celest1a and Yu Seunghyun from the start, and we extend our thanks to all those who have always been there to help. We regret having to deliver the news in this manner. Since we received the report of Yu Seunghyun's sudden hearing loss recurrence, members and staff have been in discussions for several days. However, due to the severity of the condition and his strong determination, we anticipated a worsening of his health condition, leading to this decision. This is the result of several discussions with him, and we would appreciate your understanding. We sincerely ask for your continued support of Celest1a and Yu Seunghyun. - K-POP HOUSE It detailed the severity of Seunghyun's condition, which required immediate cessation of all activities to prioritize his well-being and recovery. The agency's statement conveyed deep regret for having to deliver such distressing news, recognizing the immense support Seunghyun and Celest1a have received from their loyal fanbase. The decision to halt Seunghyun's activities was not made lightly. It was a result of extensive discussions involving Seunghyun himself, fellow members, and staff, considering the gravity of his condition and the potential risks to his health if he continued performing. READ ALSO: MBC's 'Boy Fantasy' Contestant Lineup - Who Among the 54 Participants Will Form K-pop's Next Global Boy Group? Personal Message from Seunghyun In a personal message to fans, Seunghyun expressed his heartfelt apologies for not being able to share positive news. First, I am truly sorry for not being able to share good news. During the process of preparing for our new debut in both Korea and Japan, I experienced severe symptoms of dizziness and hearing loss in my right ear. Despite my efforts for the fans, the company staff, and my fellow members, the hearing tests confirmed a recurrence of sudden hearing loss in my right ear and a decrease in the clarity of low tones in my left ear. The dizziness that accompanied the dance practices led to the decision that I could no longer continue with the debut project. I am currently focusing on recovering my hearing through treatment. I thought it was necessary to recover my health before I could greet my beloved fans again. Once again, I want to apologize to the fans, members, and company officials. This is Yu Seunghyun. Thank you. it's his right ear again... this is really heartbreaking hope he focuses on recovering and that he... it obviously is sad oh my seunghyun ... https://t.co/4Tcl4UggdP ^^ (@seunghyunful) March 28, 2024 sudden hearing loss must be so scary hope he gets well soon https://t.co/vDP5lOyB5s March 28, 2024 i will literally donate my right ear to him please i hope he recovers from this seunghyun i love you so much https://t.co/9vwMewDE2J charlie (@odeslcvr) March 28, 2024 He recounted the severe symptoms he faced, including dizziness and hearing loss, which made it impossible for him to continue with Celest1a's debut preparations. Despite his dedication to fans, staff, and fellow members, the recurrence of sudden hearing loss in his right ear and clarity issues in his left ear forced him to prioritize his health and undergo treatment. Call for Continued Support Both the management and Seunghyun himself have appealed for understanding and continued support from fans and the K-Pop community during this challenging time. The focus remains on Seunghyun's recovery and well-being, with hopes for a future return to the stage once his health permits. YOU MIGHT BE ALSO INTERESTED IN: Kpop Survival Shows 2023 Lineup: 'Boys Planet,' 'I-Land 2,' 'Fantasy Boys,' MORE! For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Cassidy Jones. Recently, an online publication, View of the Arts, found itself embroiled in controversy following their response to GOT7's BamBam regarding the usage of photos from his concert at the O2 Islington Academy in London. The publication uploaded the images accompanied by a strict message, urging readers not to copy or repost without proper permission and crediting the photographer, Deja Fu. Twitter Error BamBam's Inquiry Sparks Debate BamBam, upon noticing the post, left a comment seeking clarification on whether he could share the photos himself. SOURCE However, the site's response, "Please credit the photographer and View of the Arts when posting. Thank you," stirred confusion among fans and netizens. Many found it peculiar that the publication requested credit from the subject of the photographs. READ MORE: GOT7 Bambam Reveals REAL Reason Mark Threw a MacBook at Him Criticism and Defense While some criticized View of the Arts for what they deemed an unreasonable demand, others defended the company, emphasizing the importance of respecting copyright laws. HERE ARE SOME OF THE NETIZENS' CRITICISMS: He is the person in pic. He didn't use for commercial just for his profile pic. I think you are too much. Are you serious? He is THE ARTIST! Did you even ask for permission to take photo of him? The person asking for permission is the person in the picture. Do I have to give credit? I'm confused. Is that too much? This is the strangest thing I've seen on the internet and I've seen some things by copyright laws they arent doing anything wrong... its just that copyright laws are messed up and don't even allow THE PERSON IN THE PICTURE their own rights to repost this happened a while back w ariana grande and she got sued or smth idr Taking to social media, BamBam shared his perspective on the matter. Twitter Error He stated, "I understand the importance of respecting copyright laws, and I have always made efforts to credit photographers and artists whenever I use their work. However, it was surprising to see such a response when I was the subject of the photographs. Nonetheless, I appreciate the reminder to give credit where it's due." His statement resonated with fans, who echoed his sentiments and expressed support for his stance on the issue. I guess something good's gonna happen. Nitny BB THANK YOU COME AGAIN (@nitny) April 3, 2024 Reflections and Implications The incident underscores the complexities surrounding intellectual property rights in the digital age. There is a watermark and even without the watermark, under the law, photographer owns copyright and we have usage rights that we pay for. Thank you. View of the Arts (@ViewoftheArts) April 3, 2024 It highlights the need for mutual respect and understanding between content creators and those who share their work. As discussions continue online, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the aftermath of this incident. Twitter Error It raises questions about potential changes in how content is shared and credited within the K-pop community and beyond. ALSO READ: GOT7 BAMBAM Breaks Silence on Group's Epic Comeback Plan: 'Were coming back, stronger than...' KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Cassidy Jones. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Microsoft will collaborate in developing new AI-based banking capabilities under a strategic business partnership that they said will lead to the launch of an AI Innovation Hub for financial services, a report said. The new AI Innovation Hub will focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer experience, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said. The hub will drive partnership under three main thematic areas for collaboration innovation through AI, driving global growth, and shaping the future of financial market ecosystems. The hub will accelerate the adoption of new innovations and AI technology into financial services to provide product enhancement, personalisation, unique AI risk models, new solutions, and other advances. The initiative extends FABs previous work in AI, including its long-standing partnership with G42. FAB recently joined forces with Core42 a G42 company and full-spectrum AI enablement solutions provider to accelerate the migration of FABs data centre and workload to Microsoft Azure, including access to the Azure platforms pioneering cloud and AI solutions. FAB has led significant advances in technology innovation for the banking sector, fully integrating its comprehensive suite of products and services into a market-leading, digitally driven service model. The bank is already incorporating advances in AI and blockchain into its platform, providing customers with a seamless, fully digital banking experience from account opening and onboarding, through to a full range of everyday service requests. Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer at FAB, said: The AI Innovation Hub marks another milestone for the bank in setting a bold agenda for innovation. In partnering with Microsoft, a recognised global leader in AI, we are demonstrating our ambition to accelerate advances in generative AI, intelligent automation, and machine learning. Naim Yazbeck, UAE General Manager at Microsoft Gulf, said: We are excited to partner with FAB on this strategic initiative that is a testimonial of FABs aspiration to leverage the power of generative AI as a platform for innovation and industry disruption. Together with FAB, we are set to build ground-breaking capabilities that will translate FABs leadership and vision as a market innovator and trendsetter both regionally and globally. The AI Innovation Hub will further enhance FABs competitive leadership as an innovative, AI-enabled, sustainable, and secure bank. It will allow FAB to use Microsofts Azure AI services, including Azure Generative AI capabilities, to cultivate novel, innovative capabilities to automate and revolutionise operations throughout the FAB Group. Potential areas of collaboration include Banking-as-a-Service and Risk-as-Service, which could be further categorised across digital services, lending, and payments within consumer, corporate, and investment banking. Railway freight lines connecting China to Europe via northeastern land ports recorded 1,443 inbound and outbound trips in the first quarter of the year a year-on-year increase of 7.6 percent according to China Railway Harbin Group. Trains that pass through Manzhouli Port in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and through Suifenhe Port and Tongjiang Port in Heilongjiang province moved 151,000 standard-sized shipping containers in the first quarter, a record high and up 6.9 percent year-on-year. The number of return freight trains through the three ports in the first quarter ranked first in China. Use of China-Europe freight train routes has grown substantially since the beginning of the year, with the monthly average volume passing through Tongjiang Port, for example, increasing by 166 percent year-on-year. There are currently 24 routes in use by China-Europe freight trains through the three ports, connecting more than 60 Chinese cities with European cities in 14 countries, including Russia, Germany, Poland and Belgium. The types of goods being transported have also expanded. Mainly electric products at first, they now encompass 12 major categories that also include daily necessities, general merchandise, mechanical equipment, metals, agricultural products and timber. "The goods transported through the Manzhouli Railway Port have evolved from daily necessities such as toothpaste and toothbrushes to large-scale machinery, high-end electronic products and domestically produced automobiles," said train driver Zhang Xiaojun. "I feel proud of having witnessed the rapid development of the country in international trade." On March 14, a China-Europe freight train loaded with 55 containers carrying 1,300 metric tons of amino acids left the Harbin International Container Center Station bound for Tilburg, in the Netherlands, launching the first China-Europe freight train route from Heilongjiang to the Netherlands. The route, covering 10,257 kilometers, passes through the Manzhouli Railway Port, and the train is expected to arrive in Tilburg soon. To ensure the successful operation of the freight train, China Railway Harbin Group and a local logistics company provided customers with convenient and efficient full-process services such as train booking, export customs declaration and train transportation. "Recently, we established warehouses in the Netherlands. Compared to maritime transportation, the China-Europe freight train saves two-thirds of the transportation time, which is beneficial for the company's future expansion into the European market," said Ha Wanjun, deputy general manager of Heilongjiang Yipin Biotechnology Co. In recent years, to ensure the smooth delivery of imports and exports, China Railway Harbin Group has promoted proactive measures, such as online services offered by the e-commerce website 95306.cn and special transportation plans for different enterprises. In the second quarter, renovation projects are expected to begin on the Harbin-Suifenhe Railway and the Xilingkou to Boketu section of the Harbin-Manzhouli Railway. The group said the projects aim to address issues such as steep gradients, tight curves and low train speeds on existing lines, with the goal of improving efficiency. The projects will be important in helping to guarantee the shipping performance of China-Europe freight trains, it said. The group added that it will make full use of the advantages of such channels, further strengthen transportation organization and strive to promote the high-quality and sustainable development of the China-Europe freight service. Enercap Holdings, a leading energy storage technology company founded in Dubai, has extended its applications to grid storage and EV charging infrastructure to add to its growing position in telecom and residential storage. Last year, the company achieved major breakthroughs in large scale systems with its first 20MWh order in Abu Dhabi, and a 2MWh storage solution for wind farm deployment in Turkey. It experienced significant expansion in telecoms where it crossed 30MWh of deployed capacity as well as in EV charging storage with 4MWh capacity in Saudi Arabia. The firm entered North American and European markets in utility scale and industrial products, and launched high-density ultra-fast charging storage for EVs with a leading brand in the US. Electrostatic energy storage The companys products are the first non-chemical alternative to Lithium Ion, based on electrostatic energy storage and are game-changers in the energy storage landscape delivering magnitudes better performance proven in all metrics with lower cost, longer lifetime, rapid charging, better safety and total recyclability. Waseem Ashraf Qureshi, who serves also as the Chairman of Enercap, spoke about the impact of the companys products in combating climate change. "Our brands represent a leap in energy storage performance delivering exceptional results using elements made from abundant materials and an insignificant environmental footprint. Our products demonstrate consistent performance over their considerable long life and in harsh operating conditions, and I can say with confidence that they will transform the way we store and use energy, thereby accelerating electrification and decarbonatisation to combat climate change. Saad Zaman, Chairman, Burj Capital and Executive Vice Chairman Enercap, said: "We are working together as a team to enable Enercap to commercially scale and fulfil the global potential of the technology as a leading energy storage brand. Qureshi said: We are launching our journey from Dubai to the world and we believe our products have a significant role to play in the transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy system. We are excited at the possibilities ahead as we make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change. Being based in the UAE has enabled us to access the human capital and infrastructure available in the UAE and provided the foundation for the continuous development of our technologies. With the UAE leaderships focus on renewable energy and efficiency, and combatting climate change, the environment is conducive for innovators and inventors like us to build solutions to the worlds complex energy problems, at par with global innovation hubs in the US, Europe and Asia. Supercapacitor energy storage Last year, Enercap Holdings successfully launched a series of cutting-edge supercapacitor energy storage products delivering degradation free, longer life and safer alternatives to chemical storage, that are more economical and sustainable, solidifying its position as a leader in energy storage. Its strategic alliances have expanded, including landmark collaborations with leading institutions in the UAE, US, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, which has been instrumental in advancing the companys growth. Enercap Holdings continues to develop in community initiatives, focusing on skill development in the energy sector, to foster a new generation of talent. Despite challenging economic conditions, the company has achieved a 300% increase in revenue, a testament to its robust business model and the trust of its customers and investors.--TradeArabia News Service PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 3: CodeSkin, a highly anticipated Indian skincare brand, is set to make an impactful entry into the industry with the unveiling of a complete range of seven revolutionary sunscreens. Curated by founder and skincare authority Oscar Pereira, one of the pioneers of the skincare industry in the country. Oscar's legacy is inked in the trailblazing success of Cheryl's Cosmeceuticals--proudly counted among the few Indian brands to have been acquired by beauty behemoth L'Oreal in 2013. Now, CodeSkin is poised to redefine skincare standards with its commitment to Safe, Effective and Clean beauty. Also Read | Xbox AI Chatbot: Microsoft Working on New Artificial Intelligence Assistant for Xbox To Help Players With Support Queries and Processing Game Refunds, Says Report. "Beauty begins with honesty." In an increasingly cluttered marketplace where ambiguous ingredients and unsubstantiated claims are peddled to unsuspecting masses, Pereira's clinical research-driven approach to developing effective skincare products appears rare. His search for a Safe, Effective and Clean sunscreen instead unveiled the alarming presence of toxic ingredients in generic skincare labels. Consumed by the belief that everyday skincare consumers deserve better, he set out to democratize the beauty landscape with CodeSkin. Also Read | Bee Attack in Uttar Pradesh: One Person Killed, 15 Injured After Swarm of Bees Attack Devotees Enroute Pilua Mahavir Temple in Etawah. To give the people a world-class product made in India. "Why choose between what works and what is good for your skin?" Years of uncompromising research and an unflinching commitment to perfection serve as the foundational stones of CodeSkin as its CodeSkin questions existing norms of safety, effectiveness and clean beauty with paradigm-shifting formulations. CodeSkin sunscreens are a debut range of an eventual comprehensive skincare brand. The sunscreens use world-class ingredients rated highest on safety, effectiveness and clean beauty. The formulations have been clinically tested for effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Each of the seven sunscreens caters to a different skin type and skin concern eg: oily, normal, dry, sensitive, as well as acne prone skin. Pereira says "CodeSkin has been developed at Effeza Labs, a state-of-the-art research and development center in Mumbai. Effeza Labs is equipped with the latest in formulation curation from sanitized, dust-free environments to advanced machines to manufacture lotions, creams, sprays and serums of the highest quality. In fact the FDA has awarded Effeza Labs with the prestigious GMP Certificate (Good Manufacturing Processes)" "I do not hesitate to go back to the drawing board because the CodeSkin consumer should expect nothing less from its formulations. Our mission is to empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty confidently, knowing that CodeSkin products are not only safe but also effective and clean." says Pereira. Sunscreens for every skin type and skin concern. * CodeSkin UltraLite Fluid SPF 50+: A lightweight, daily-use sunscreen for broad-spectrum protection for normal to dry skin. * CodeSkin UltraMatte Oil-free Fluid SPF 50+: Formulated for oily and combination skin, providing effective sun protection without adding shine. * CodeSkin Ultra Protect Fluid SPF 100+: Offers advanced defense of quadruple sun protection technology for those seeking maximum sun protection. This will help divers, swimmers, cyclists, trekkers, paragliders, etc. Useful in cases of hyperpigmentation and melasma. * CodeSkin UltraLite Body Spray SPF 50+: Convenient on-the-go body spray suitable for all skin types. * CodeSkin UltraSensitive Mineral SPF 50+: A gentle mineral sunscreen designed specifically for sensitive skin. Especially good for pregnant women and kids above 2 years. * CodeSkin UltraMatte Mineral Gel SPF 50+: Sun protection tailored for acne-prone skin without clogging pores. * CodeSkin Ultra Mineral Glo SPF 40+: Infused with special illuminating pigments, adds a radiant glow while ensuring sun protection. Also, works as a makeup highlighter. CodeSkin Mineral sunscreens have only zinc oxide, which is one of the safest natural sunscreen ingredients. "Not all chemical ingredients are bad and not all natural ingredients are good." Discerning the difference between the two is a task that can only be accomplished with the decades of proven expertise that Pereira has funnelled into the heart of CodeSkin. Going above and beyond industry norms, the sourcing process caters to clean beauty guidelines not just within India, but international markets like Europe and USA. Today, the CodeSkin Charter goes to extraordinary lengths to avoid over 1,600 ingredients in the restricted list of international organisations. Today, when CodeSkin promises 'safe formulas', it means safe for kids, safe for pregnancy and safe for usage around the eyes--a groundbreaking approach for ensuring that nobody ever has to make the binary choice between effective or safe skincare. CodeSkin has sourced the world's safest UVA and UVB sun protection filters. The CodeSkin charter of ingredient selection goes beyond the 1600 ingredients in the restricted list of international organizations. The amazing benefits of CodeSkin sunscreens include its safety even around the eyes and its lightweight fluid texture, leaves no white cast and is non-greasy. Formulated such that it is water-resistant and sweat-resistant, CodeSkin sunscreens keep your skin moisturized and offer maximum blue light protection. The sustainability and clean benefits include eco-friendly packaging, anti-pollution, reef-safe, fragrance-free and vegan features. "The future of clean beauty is born here." At EFFEZA LABS, the best scientists, skincare professionals, dermatologists and industry experts work tirelessly in pursuit of a common dream: to leverage science for decoding the mysteries of the human skin and place the most effective formulations in the hands of everyday skincare savants. The CodeSkin range of skincare products will create a new global benchmark for safety, effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Overhauling industry standards to pave the way for a new democratic landscape is not an overnight task but by constantly learning, experimenting and evolving, CodeSkin is proud to be scripting a brighter tomorrow in skincare. To shop & more information, visit: www.codeskin.in PRESS CONTACT: Nisha Shetty+91 98335 40664Consult Blanco: nishashetty@consultblanco.in Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2377302/CodeSkin_Sunscreens.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) SRV Media New Delhi [India], April 3: Vrikshit Foundation, in collaboration with DCB Bank, is tackling climate change head-on with a massive tree plantation drive spanning 25 cities across India. This initiative brings together DCB Bank employees and Vrikshit Foundation volunteers for a large-scale effort to increase green coverage and promote environmental sustainability. Also Read | Adani Group Becomes India's First 'Das Hazari' in Renewable Sector as AGEL Surpasses 10,000 Megawatts Portfolio. The program boasts a geographically diverse range, with plantations already completed in Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Delhi, Bikaner, Kanpur, Jaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, Mathura, Lucknow, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Mohali, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Jammu, Bhilwara, Jalandhar, and Gorakhpur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Pune, Mumbai, and Surat. Vrikshit Foundation goes beyond simply planting trees. The initiative incorporates unique elements that contribute significantly to the environment. In Gurugram, a barren land is being transformed into a vibrant park. Amritsar witnessed the conversion of a government school ground into a thriving plant cover. Patna's plantation drive supported the ambitious Namami Gange Project, while Mathura's efforts focused on the sacred Krishna Janmabhoomi Worship Area. Even Muzaffarpur saw a unique plantation within an Ethnol Factory. Also Read | HP Envy x360 14 Laptops With Advanced AI Features Launched in India; Know Price, Specifications and Features of New HP Models. With a goal to plant over 5000 trees, the Vrikshit Foundation understands that planting is just the first step. The program prioritises long-term sustainability by taking responsibility for the maintenance and care of the planted trees. Local citizens and civil societies are actively engaged in the initiative, fostering a sense of community ownership and ensuring the program's lasting impact. University students also joined the initiative in some cities, expanding the base of the impacts and awareness of the program. Vrikshit Foundation emphasizes the importance of afforestation, the establishment of forests on previously non-forested land, as a powerful tool in combating climate change. This collaborative effort by the Vrikshit Foundation and DCB Bank serves as a commendable example of environmental action and sets a precedent for large-scale, impactful change. Founder of Vrikshit, Shankar Singh said that the climate problem is very complex and there is no single solution. Tree plantation drives are a testament to the collective power of community action. By taking small steps together, we can create a significant impact on climate change. Vrikshit Foundation's commitment to environmental betterment is further reinforced by its impressive track record. This volunteer-driven organization, active in 32 Indian cities, has demonstrably improved the environment through waste collection exceeding 9 million kilograms, planting nearly 30,000 trees, beautifying over 200 kilometres of walls, and transforming 400 locations across the country. Their collaborations with prestigious organizations like HDFC, Zomato, the Delhi Government, and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Delhi stand as testaments to their impactful work. Vrikshit has more than 10,000 proud volunteers across India and it is arguably one of India's fastest-growing youth-run NGOs. Website: https://www.vrikshitfoundation.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vrikshitfoundation/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, April 3: Seven persons died of suffocation after a fire broke out in a tailoring shop in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city early Wednesday morning, a senior police official said. The incident took place at around 4 am in the shop located at Dana Bazar in Cantonment area. The tailoring shop and other commercial establishments were located on the ground floor of a building while people were residing on the upper floor, the official said. Maharashtra Fire Video: Blaze Erupts in Godown in Pune's Triveninagar Area, Multiple Fire Tender on Scene. "The shop suddenly caught fire at around 4 am. The police came to know about the incident at 4.15 am. Following the fire, smoke entered the first floor where a family was residing above the shop.Seven casualties have occurred due to suffocation," Police Commissioner Manoj Lohiya told reporters. Maharashtra Fire: Blaze Erupts in Firecracker Warehouse in Kolhapur, Fire Tenders Reach Spot (Watch Video). Maharashtra Fire Aftermath: #WATCH | Maharashtra: Manoj Lohiya Commissioner of Police, Aurangabad says, "At around 4 am, a fire broke out in a clothing shop in the cantonment area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The fire did not reach the second floor but after a preliminary investigation, we think seven https://t.co/yvCkdT5QYa pic.twitter.com/LeVIrlDDWE ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 The deceased included three women, two men and two children, he said. The exact cause of the fire would be known after an inquiry, he added. Pulse Hotels & Resorts has appointed a new Cluster Director of Sales for its destinations, Kandima Maldives in Dhaalu Atoll, a stylish island set-up, and Nova Maldives, an all-inclusive beach resort. Audra Arul has more than a decade of robust experience in the hospitality industry, and has established herself as a dynamic sales leader with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and fostering strong client relationships, the resort said. In her new role for Kandima and Nova, Arul said she is eager to leverage her strategic vision and market knowledge to elevate the sales performance and strengthen the resort's position as anything but ordinary and soulful lifestyle destinations in the Maldives. She said she is committed to driving innovation in sales strategies, forging strategic partnerships, and providing unparalleled service to clients, thereby contributing to the continued success of both the resorts. Althaf Mohamed Ali, COO, Pulse Hotels & Resorts, said: "Were delighted to welcome Audra to the Pulse family. With her proven track record and thorough industry insight, I am confident that Audra will make significant contributions to our sales initiatives, further enhancing our position as a leading hospitality organization in the Maldives." Arul said: "Its a privilege to join the dynamic team at Kandima and Nova as the Cluster Director of Sales. Im excited to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking resort group, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and success in this highly competitive hospitality arena." TradeArabia News Service Jamnagar (Gujarat) [India], April 3 (ANI): A day after Aam Aadmi Party leader Karshan Karmur and 16 other party leaders from Gujarat tendered their resignation, Karmur said, "They left the party because the party has failed to fulfil its commitments." Speaking to ANI, Karshan Karmur said, "I joined the party three years ago and everyone was running the party together. When there were assembly elections, the party committed to so many things, but they did not fulfil their commitment. So, I and my party members have resigned." Also Read | Bee Attack in Uttar Pradesh: One Person Killed, 15 Injured After Swarm of Bees Attack Devotees Enroute Pilua Mahavir Temple in Etawah. "We all left the party after they (the party) did not fulfil the commitment," he further told ANI. There are a total of 17 members, including Karshan Krmur, who resigned from AAP on Tuesday night and are likely to join the BJP on Wednesday. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Address NaMo Rally Through App To Connect With BJP Workers Across 10 Lok Sabha Constituencies. The members include Karshan Karmur, city president and Assembly candidate for north Jamnagar, Karshanbhai Parbatbhai Karamur; APP Jamnagar City President, Ashish Kumandas Kataria; General Secretary of the city, Ashishbhai Mojitra; City Vice President, Ashwinbhai Prajapati; City Vice President, Jayantibhai Savalia, Prabhatinh Jadeja, Mayurbhai Pedia, Hinaben H Pandya, Rekhaben Pandya, Sagar G Somaiya, Surubha Solanki, Nirmalaben Makwana, Savan Chodai, Rashikbhai Gohil, Mitenbhai Kanani, and Nirmalaben Mawana. Meanwhile, Gujarat BJP President CR Paatil expressed confidence in winning all 26 seats in Gujarat again ahead of the Lok Sabha election. "Today, the BJP has released another list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. In the list, the names of 15 candidates have been declared and the names of the remaining 11 candidates will be announced soon. We are working to win all 26 seats in Gujarat again and make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of the country," said BJP Gujarat president CR Paatil. The BJP whitewashed Congress in the 2014 and 2019 general elections by winning all 26 constituencies in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gujarat will vote for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in a single phase on May 7 across all the 26 parliamentary constituencies in the state. The counting of votes is slated for June 4. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won all 26 seats with a vote share of 63.1 per cent while the Congress party bagged 32.6 per cent vote share. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party registered victory in all 26 seats with a vote share of 60.1 per cent whereas Congress received 33.5 per cent of votes. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Apr 3 (PTI) The Congress on Wednesday said it has initiated disciplinary action against former MP Sanjay Nirupam for his recent remarks against the party leadership amid seat-sharing talks with ally Shiv Sena (UBT), and a decision about him will be taken in a day or two. The Congress has dropped Nirupam's name from the list of star campaigners, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole told reporters after attending a meeting of the party's campaign committee in Mumbai. Also Read | INDIA Bloc Alliance of Dynastic Parties; Half Its Leaders in Jail, Half out on Bail, Says BJP Chief JP Nadda. "The party has dropped Nirupam's name from the list of star campaigners and disciplinary action has been initiated against him for his utterances against the party and the state unit leadership. A decision will be taken in a day or two," Patole said. A former MP from Mumbai North, Nirupam had hit out at the state leadership of Congress after the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray declared its candidates for four out of six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, including the Mumbai North West seat, which Nirupam is eyeing. Also Read | Vijender Singh Quits Congress: Olympic Medalist Joins BJP Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections, Calls It 'Ghar Wapsi for Me'. Nirupam had said that the Congress leadership shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by Shiv Sena (UBT). He also said that accepting the Shiv Sena (UBT's) decision to unilaterally field candidates in Mumbai amounted to allowing the destruction of Congress. Meanwhile, speaking about the alleged dispute among Maha Vikas Aghadi allies in the sharing of seats, Patole said a meeting will be held in the evening to settle the issue. "Congress wants Sangli, Bhiwandi, and a couple of seats in Mumbai. We will work on getting them," he said when asked about the MVA meeting. Patole said Congress wants to contest constituencies based on the merit of respective candidates. In Wardha too, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) has roped in a Congressman to contest as Pawar's camp didn't find a suitable candidate, he said. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray rejected the demand of some leaders of Congress for "friendly fights" in constituencies under dispute and said, "Either be friends or fight". , Responding to Thackeray's pointed remarks, Patole said the MVA will resolve the issue of disputed seats today (in the meeting). He also said the Congress would launch a door-to-door campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. (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, April 3: The Congress on Wednesday expelled Maharashtra leader Sanjay Nirupam from the party for six years for indiscipline and making anti-party statements. The action against him came after the Maharashtra unit of the Congress initiated disciplinary action for his recent remarks targeting party ally and Maha Vikas Aghadi member Shiv Sena (UBT) in the state. "Taking note of complaints of indiscipline and anti-party statements, Congress president (Mallikarjun Kharge) has approved the expulsion of Sanjay Nirupam from the party for six years with immediate effect," an official communication from the party said. The Congress has dropped the name of Nirupam, a former MP, as a star campaigner. Congress Expels Sanjay Nirupam Over Indiscipline and Anti-Party Statements for Six Years The demand for action against Nirupam grew after he castigated the state leadership for "ceding" constituencies in Mumbai to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena during seat-sharing talks for the Lok Sabha elections. "The Congress has dropped Nirupam's name from the list of star campaigners and disciplinary action has been initiated against him for his utterances against the party and the state unit leadership," state party president Nana Patole told reporters after attending a meeting of the party's campaign committee in Mumbai. Making light of the party's action, Nirupam raised the "serious financial crisis" in the Congress, apparently alluding to the Income Tax Department's action for tax demand. "It (Congress) should utilise its energy to save itself, as the party is experiencing a serious financial crisis. The time-frame I had given to the party ends today. I will spell out my next course of action tomorrow," he said in a post on X. Lok Sabha Election 2024: Alliance With Shiv Sena UBT May Prove Self-Destructive for Congress, Says Sanjay Nirupam (Watch Video) The former MP from Mumbai North, Nirupam, had hit out at the state leadership of the Congress after the Shiv Sena (UBT) declared its candidates for four out of six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, including the Mumbai North West seat, which Nirupam was believed to be eyeing. He had also said the Congress leadership shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by the Shiv Sena (UBT). Accepting the Shiv Sena (UBT's) decision to unilaterally field candidates in Mumbai amounted to allowing the destruction of the Congress, the former Mumbai Congress president had claimed. Nirupam had quit the Shiv Sena in 2005. (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 3 (ANI): The Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has registered an FIR against directors and formers directors of KJS Cement (I) Limited including Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia along with his wife Indu Ahluwalia, Sanjeev Bhalla and others for cognizable offences of forgery, fraud, cheating and criminal breach of trust allegedly committed by the accused persons in collusion and connivance with each other. The FIR is registered based on complaint lodged by one Himangini Singh daughter of the deceased brother of Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia i.e. late KJS Ahluwalia. Also Read | 'Modi Ki Guarantee' Unsuccessful, Does Not Reach People, Alleges Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge. It is alleged that Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia along with his wife Indu Ahluwalia in collusion and connivance with his associates resorted to illegal and fraudulent means in a systematic manner to oust the family of his deceased brother Late KJS Ahluwalia from the management and control of KJS Cement (I) Limited in order to gain control of KJS Cement (I) Limited. The FIR noted that the complainant alleged that Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia created a forged and fabricated Gift deed dated March 10, 2017, for gift of unsecured loan of huge amount in favour of Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia allegedly by forging the signatures of Late KJS Ahluwalia. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Condoles Loss of Lives in massive Taiwan Earthquake. It is alleged that Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia misused the forged Gift Deed in an unauthorized manner to issue 15,000 unsecured Zero-Coupon Compulsory Convertible Debentures of Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand Only) each, amounting to a total sum of Rs. 15 crore to himself in collusion and connivance with each other and thereafter converted these debentures to 26,78,572 equity shares of KJS Cement (I) Ltd. and issued in favour of Accused No. 1 i.e. Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia thereby diluting the shareholding of Late KJS Ahluwalia from 26.52 per cent to 23.53 per cent. It is also alleged that the accused persons also got Late KJS Ahluwalia removed from the directorship of KJS Cement (I) Ltd. by fabricating a forged resignation letter dated June 8, 2017, by faking the signatures of Late KJS Ahluwalia. The complainant also alleged that Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia in collusion and connivance with other accused persons created a forged and fabricated Gift Deed dated September 27, 2017, to alienate the shares of Late KJS Ahluwalia in KJS Cement (I) Ltd to Indu Ahluwalia wife of Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia on the basis of Power of Attorney dated August 8, 2000, issued by Late KJS Ahluwalia. It was alleged that the company itself was acquired by Late KJS Ahluwalia in 2007 and the shares in question did not even exist in his favour on the date of the said Power of Attorney. It is also alleged that Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia as part of the criminal conspiracy has transferred the shares illegally issued on the basis of forged documents as above for the benefit of his family particularly his daughters whereby he has transferred bulk of the illegally obtained 26,78,572 equity shares of KJS to his two daughters: 10,57,000 equity shares to Medha Ahluwalia and 15,00,000 equity shares to Shivangi Ahluwalia. The complainant also alleged that Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia misused his position as Managing Director of KJS Cement (I) Limited and in collusion and connivance with other accused persons got separate, illegal and fraudulent resolution passed clandestinely by misusing dates of the Board Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company. The FIR has been filed under IPC Sections 406, 409, 420, 468, 471, 120B and other relevant provisions, alleging criminal breach of trust, cheating, fraud and forgery, and misuse of false documents and criminal conspiracy. The charges include wrongful loss and dishonest inducement, with potential severe legal consequences. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad, April 3: A 35-year-old farmer died after being attacked by a wild elephant in Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district of Telangana on Wednesday, the forest department said. The incident occurred on the outskirts of Burepalli village in Chinthalamanepally mandal of the district when the victim was working in an agricultural field, they said. "For the first time a wild elephant entered Telangana from Maharashtra... there are no wild elephants in Telangana. It seems a her of 70-75 elephants is moving along the other side of Pranahita river in Maharashtra. One of the elephants--a male tusker, strayed into Telangana by crossing Pranahita," a senior forest department official told PTI. Human-Animal Conflict in Kerala: Wild Elephant Kills 53-Year-Old Auto Driver in Pathanamthittas Thulappally "Our Maharashtra counterparts had informed us in advance about the movement (of elephants) and we have been monitoring. We had requested the villagers not to venture that side. In spite of our warning one person had gone to the field where he was attacked by the elephant and died," the official said. Elephant Attack in Karnataka: 65-Year-Old Farmer Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant on Outskirts of Bengaluru; BJP Demands Action The forest officials have cordoned off the entire area to make sure that elephant does not enter the village, he said. "... if the elephant does not go back by tonight, then tomorrow we will have to drive it away," the official added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gautam Buddha Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 3 (ANI): The grand finale of the 48-hour-long Pentathon 2024, an initiative of National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) in partnership with AICTE at Amity University, Noida, was inaugurated on Wednesday, an official release said. Navin Kumar Singh, IPS, Director General-NCIIPC, while delivering the inaugural address, laid out the objective of realising the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat of the Prime Minister wherein our Critical Information Infrastructure(CII) should be protected by our own young talent. Also Read | Indian Enterprises Leading Asia-Pacific Markets When It Comes to AI and Machine Learning Usage: Report. Expressing commitment to long-term skilling in cyber security and indigenizing the Indian cybersecurity landscape, Singh expressed that the long-term vision is to build start-ups and Indian companies that can export cybersecurity services to the world. Throughout this 48-hour period, shortlisted participants from various technical colleges and universities across India will engage in real-world cybersecurity challenges, simulating the complexities of protecting critical information infrastructure (CII) entities. Leveraging their technical acumen and ethical hacking skills, participants will strive to identify vulnerabilities and propose effective mitigation strategies. Also Read | 'Take Off Your Clothes, I Want to See Injury Marks on Your Body': Magistrate Asks Gang Rape Survivor to Strip in Rajasthan, Booked. Among the 8,000 students who participated in the first round, only the top teams and individuals have been shortlisted. The winners and other talented participants will not only be rewarded through prizes but also recognised for real-world Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), subject to them meeting the standards and after due vetting. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman of AICTE, thanked NCIIPC for conceptualising and driving the idea, Amrita University as a challenge platform provider and Amity as hosts for collaborating with AICTE. Sharing valuable four tips with the participants, Jere said, "Firstly, that this is a big opportunity to learn skills by being problem solvers to the given solutions, which is unprecedented and cannot be learnt in their colleges. Secondly, this is a big opportunity to learn how to work in a team and crack problems including time management. Thirdly, through these platforms, students can contribute to national development where companies and the government will come to the participants for solutions. Lastly, among the finalists, apart from winners, those recognised would find this a unique opportunity to add to their resume and help in career progression." Expressing pleasure in hosting the pentathon, Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, said, "It is a great pride for Amity to be the Nodal Centre for the prestigious competition wherein the top 2 per cent talent of the country is competing. Today, the journey of learning starts for participants--the journey of building new networks and, most importantly, becoming part of the important critical problems at the national level and finding solutions." "This competition has in a big way promoted innovation culture and created awareness and an opportunity to find solutions to given problems. Amity University will be providing its state-of-the-art infrastructure to the participants. Since this is a 48-hour long event, Amity will also hold a yoga session at 6 am and a cultural programme to de-stress the coders and provide them with a comfortable stay and joyful experience," he added. "The Grand Finale will culminate with a final valedictory ceremony on April 4 where outstanding performers will be felicitated, acknowledging their exceptional contributions towards enhancing India's cybersecurity resilience," Shukla said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, Apr 3 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday remarked that the remaining members of the Congress would also join the BJP if their leader, Rahul Gandhi, comes to the state for campaigning. "I want Rahul Gandhi to come and campaign in the state so that those still left in Congress will also join BJP," the chief minister said, referring to the recent trend of several leaders and members of the grand old party joining the saffron party. Also Read | Sanjay Singh Released From Tihar Jail: AAP Leader Walks Out of Jail, Says Not Time To Celebrate but Struggle (Watch Videos). Rahul came to Assam once (referring to the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in January) and after that so many Congress members joined the BJP, Sarma said. 'If he comes again, I will not have to make any effort and many more will join us', he said. "Congress is like an old note now which is of no use and there can be no comparison between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi," he said at a public rally in Silchar. Also Read | Sanjay Singh Walks out of Tihar Jail, To Go To Meet Arvind Kejriwal's Wife Sunita Kejriwal (Watch Videos). If people visit Rajiv Bhavan (state Congress headquarters) in Guwahati, they 'will be surprised to see that there is nobody there and it appears that there is curfew, a self-imposed curfew'. The people of the entire country are with the Prime Minister and 'we will have to ensure the win of the BJP candidates from Barak Valley as everybody wants Modi to become PM for the third successive term'. 'If Modi becomes the Prime Minister, India will become a Vishwaguru and nobody has any doubt on this', he added. The opposition has no issue and 'so I don't want to talk about them. It is Modi's guarantee along with some small guarantees of mine that will ensure Assam's development so that we live in peace, harmony and become a leading state in the country'. Modi's guarantee will be there in the manifesto and 'Mama' (as Sarma is referred to by youngsters in the state) will 'add some small warranty to it in Assam', he said. The chief minister assured the people of Barak Valley that the mini secretariat in Silchar and East-West corridor via Haflong will be completed by 2026, a large-scale industry will be set up at the defunct Cachar Paper Mill, the medical college at Ramkrishnanagar will be completed in three years and work for the new agriculture university at Patharkandi will also begin soon. The CM was on a day-long visit to the two Barak Valley constituencies of Silchar (SC) and Karimganj for the filing of nominations by the BJP candidates, Parimal Suklabaidya and Kripanath Mallah, respectively. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Haldwani (Uttarakhand) [India], April 3 (ANI): The Haldwani municipal corporation has formed a Booth Awareness Group, in which women of the Baini Sena who collect user charges from house to house, have been given the additional responsibility of making voters aware in every booth. "It has been observed in the past that the voting percentage in urban areas is a little less. In the past, a very good work was done in the Nagar Nigam Haldwani that they formed baini sena much before the elections, now we are taking their help, they are going door to door and making people take an oath, gathering the whole locality and motivating them to vote" Municipal Commissioner of Halwani, Vishal Mishra told ANI Also Read | Sanjay Singh Released From Tihar Jail: AAP Leader Meets Arvind Kejriwal's Wife Sunita Kejriwal After Coming Out of Prison (Watch Video). "We conducted a thorough data analysis during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2022 assembly elections, specifically focusing on the booths in the Haldwani area that underperformed. Initially, we identified 20 booths with the aim of elevating the bottom 70% to the top 10% and boosting those in the 85 to 95 percentile range. Our objective is to ensure that all booths are optimized before the upcoming voting scheduled for April 19. Our aim is to enhance the performance of booths that didn't fare well in the previous elections," he added. In this campaign, more than 100 women are going to every ward of Haldwani and making people aware and listening to their problems. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Man Strangles 40-Year-Old Sister to Death Over Drinking Habit, Buried Body in House; Arrested. "We have received orders from the corporation that we have to promote voting along with user charge collection. We have been told that we have to make everyone aware on utilizing their vote and fulfilling their rights completely", Ward President Varsha Uniyal said. "Our target is to reach 75% voting percentage, we have to complete it till the elections. We have 15 to 20 days left now, we are doing this work by coming out in the scorching heat" she mentioned. On talking to the people, we came to know how the team of Baini Sena came to their house and made them aware about voting in the elections "The team that had just come gave us a message and made us aware about the elections that we should vote, we get a chance after five years. Everyone should come out and vote in the elections" Janaki Joshi, localite said. Notably, the Uttarakhand government has declared a public holiday on April 19, i.e. the day of voting. The order was issued by the General Administration Department of the Uttarakhand governmentThe people of Uttarakhand will cast their votes in a single phase on April 19, according to the Election Commission of India. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, chief of the Royal Australian Navy received the Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns in Delhi on Wednesday. The Australian Navy officer received the honour in the presence of the Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar. Also Read | India-Israel Contract: First Batch Workers from India Under G2G Agreement Arrives in Israel to Boost Construction Industry (See Pics). In a move to bolster maritime cooperation between Australia and India, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy embarked a significant five-day visit to India on Tuesday. The visit comes amid increasing efforts from both nations to enhance naval ties and strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. Earlier in February, HMAS Warramunga, an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy on Sunday arrived in Visakhapatnam to take part in the multilateral naval exercise, 'MILAN 2024,' the Eastern Naval Command said. Also Read | Earthquake in Taiwan: Strongest Quake in Nearly 25 Years Damages Buildings, Leaving Four Dead in Pacific Island (Watch Videos). According to the Eastern Naval Command, the participation of the Australian warship is a reflection of the close maritime partnership between the two countries. India - Australia have shared a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since June 2020 and defence is a key pillar of this partnership. India and Australia's partnership is based on a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two democracies have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region, according to the Ministry of Defence old release. The two countries have a 2+2 mechanism at the Ministerial level. The 8th DPT reviewed the outcomes of the maiden 2+2 conducted in September 2021. Both sides agreed to early finalization of the hydrography agreement. The two sides also exchanged views on geo-political situation and regional and global issues of shared interest. Earlier on April 2, the 2nd edition of the high level virtual interaction MAHASAGAR was hosted by the Indian Navy. Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS interacted with Heads of Navies/ Maritime Agencies and Senior Leadership from IOR littorals, Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka & Tanzania. The Principals exchanged candid views on the ongoing situation in the Western IOR & need for information sharing towards collaborative mitigation of common maritime challenges. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): The Indian Navy said on Wednesday that its P8I aircraft have reached in Atsugi, Japan for bilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and subject matter expert exchange with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Further, the crew will plan and execute Maritime Reconnaissance and ASW operations along with JMSDF. Also Read | AI Creates Topless Photo of Woman: Washington's Lottery Removes Test Drive a Win App After User Claims Artificial Intelligence Created Pornographic Picture of Her. Sharing on social media X, the Indian Navy posted, "An #IndianNavy P8I arrived at Atsugi, Japan for Bilateral ASW & Subject Matter Expert exchange with #JMSDF. The crew will plan & execute Maritime Reconnaissance & ASW operations alongwith JMSDF. - #BridgesofFriendship." https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1775532756325507316?s=20 Also Read | Tesla Coming to India: Tesla Motors Team to Scout Locations in India for USD 2-3 Billion Electric Car Plant. Earlier in December last year, INS Kadmatt, on a long-range operational deployment to the North Pacific Ocean, entered Japan's Yokosuka for an Operational Turnaround (OTR), the Ministry of Defence said. The interactions with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) included cross-ship visits, a professional exchange of ideas, a Joint Yoga Camp, and a coordination meeting for the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX). The visit of INS Kadmatt to Japan was aimed at further bolstering maritime cooperation between India and Japan. India and Japan share 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership'. Friendship between the two countries has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties. India-Japan Defence and Security partnership forms an integral pillar of bilateral ties, the Ministry of External Affairs said. India-Japan defence exchanges have gained strength in recent years due to growing convergence on strategic matters and its significance is growing from the common outlook on issues of peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Apr 3 (AP) Houthi rebels in Yemen may be running through their supplies of drone swarms and anti-ship ballistic missiles as the pace of their attacks has slowed a bit, the top US Air Force commander for the Middle East said Wednesday. Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who heads US Air Forces Central, said that the persistent American retaliatory strikes on the Iran-backed militia group have certainly affected their behaviour. Their pace of operations is not what it was. Also Read | AI Creates Topless Photo of Woman: Washington's Lottery Removes Test Drive a Win App After User Claims Artificial Intelligence Created Pornographic Picture of Her. The Houthis have been conducting near daily attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, launching drones and missiles from rebel-held areas of Yemen. The attacks -- which are often unsuccessful but at times have struck the ships have disrupted a crucial shipping route. In response, the US and allies have been forced to increase their military ship presence along the waterway, and on several occasions have launched wider retaliatory strikes on ammunition, weapons and other facilities. US ships and fighter jets have also been routinely bombing Houthi drones and missiles that are in place and preparing to launch. Also Read | Iranian General Killed by Israel in Syria: President Ebrahim Raisi Promises Payback for Israel's Apparent Strike That Killed Top Generals. Grynkewich said it's difficult to know exactly how much the Houthis' weapons supplies have been eroded by the US strikes, because officials didn't have a detailed intelligence assessment of their capabilities before the attacks began. The challenge for us is understanding what the denominator was at the beginning. In other words, what did they have on hand to start with? We obviously know how much we have struck and we have assessments of how successful those strikes were. he said. The other complicating factor is Iranian resupply. He said the US believes the Houthis had dozens of anti-ship ballistic missiles when they started, and they've launched dozens. So understanding how much Iran is able to restock the group is key. The Houthis have defended their campaign as an effort to pressure Israel to end its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The ships they've targeted, however, have largely had little or no connection to Israel, the US or other nations involved in the war. Speaking to reporters, Grynkewich said the Houthis are more independent and more difficult for Iran to control than other Tehran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. Those groups have largely paused their attacks on US forces at based in Iraq and Syria since early February, when the US launched a massive retaliatory assault against the groups and sites connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. US officials have said they believe pressure from Iran was part of the reason for the pause. But Grynkewich said the Houthis are not quite as responsive to Iranian direction. He said that even if Iran tried to crack down on the Houthis or cut off weapons or other supplies, it would take time for that to have an effect. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lahore, Apr 3 (PTI) Pakistan's Punjab government on Wednesday told the Lahore High Court that seven cells instead of one have been allocated for convicted former prime minister Imran Khan in the Adiala jail for his security. The LHC was hearing a petition of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers forum president Afzaal Azeem Pahat about the security risks to the life of the party's founder Khan in the high-security Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, where he is currently incarcerated. Also Read | Tesla Coming to India: Tesla Motors Team to Scout Locations in India for USD 2-3 Billion Electric Car Plant. "Advocate General of Punjab (AGP) Khalid Ishaq told the court that an accommodation of six cells had been made for Imran Khan in addition to his cell to ensure proper security for him," a court official told PTI after the hearing. "One personnel is deployed on security of 10 inmates in Adiala jail, however, security of Mr Khan is given to 14 personnel," the official added. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Condoles Loss of Lives in massive Taiwan Earthquake. The court was also informed that the monthly expense for Khan's security in jail is PKR 1.2 million. Extra CCTV cameras have also been installed for the 71-year-old former premier's security. "The daily food for Imran Khan is cooked in a kitchen exclusively dedicated to him. It is not used for any other inmate," the AGP told the court. The petitioner said that due to security threats, the jail authorities have imposed restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder. Asserting that the former prime minister's life was at risk in jail, he said that an order should be issued to provide complete protection to Khan. Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan adjourned the matter till April 16. Khan has been in jail since August last year in several cases. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], April 3 (ANI): The ruling coalition on Tuesday swept the Senate elections for 19 seats while the polling was postponed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over a dispute in the swearing-in of Opposition members elected to reserved seats, Dawn reported. Of the 19 seats for which polling was held on Tuesday, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) bagged 6 seats, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won 11 while the Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) won a lone seat, Dawn reported citing unofficial figures. Also Read | 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Coast of Taiwan: Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, April 3, 2024. The PML-N's numbers in the 96-member House have now risen to 19 while the PPP's are now up to 24. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has 20 members in the Senate. In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the successful senators, saying the polls were a continuation of the democratic process. Also Read | Earthquake in Taiwan: Quake of Magnitude 7.4 Jolts Country's East Coast, Triggers Tsunami Warnings in Japan (Watch Video). "It is hoped that senators will play their role for the upliftment of the Constitution and the development of the country. Newly elected senators should participate in effective legislation for public welfare and national development and prosperity," the PM said. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz posted, "All PML-N senators elected. Congratulations to all."She expressed hope that the senators would work diligently for the development of the country and the promotion of democracy. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman also congratulated her party's winning candidates, saying there was a lot of work ahead. Elections were not held in Balochistan as the lawmakers were elected unopposed on 11 vacant seats last month. Adding to the list of winning members, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar won on a technocrat seat from Islamabad, garnering 222 votes while Sunni Ittehad Council's (SIC) Raja Ansar Mehmood came second with 81. Meanwhile, PPP's Rana Mehmoodul Hassan secured 224 votes to win the general seat in Islamabad while PTI's Farzand Hussain Shah garnered 79 votes. In Punjab, all seven candidates vying for the general seats in Punjab were elected unopposed at the end of March. The polling was held on two women and technocrat seats each, as well as one minority seat. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Musadiq Malik were successful on the two technocrat seats, garnering 128 and 121 votes, respectively. In Punjab, PML-N's Anusha Rehman and Bushra Anjum won two seats reserved for women, garnering 125 and 123 votes, respectively. PML-N's Khalil Tahir Sindhu recorded a win on a minority seat, Dawn reported. Speaking to reporters earlier upon his arrival at the Punjab Assembly, Aurangzeb, who was nominated by the PML-N for the technocrat seat, voiced "full optimism" of his success in the elections. Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan also expressed hope that the PML-N would win all the vacant seats from Punjab. He added that coalition partner PPP was supporting his party in the elections. In Sindh, the ruling PPP secured 10 of the 12 seats for which polling was held. The remaining two were won by the MQM-P and an independent candidate, Dawn reported. On general seats, PPP's Ashraf Ali Jatoi (22 votes), Dost Ali Jessar (21 votes), Kazim Ali Shah (21 votes), Masroor Ahsan (21 votes), Nadeem Bhutto (21 votes) posted victories. MQM-P's Amir Chishti (21 votes) and independent Faisal Vawda (21 votes) also won general seats. A day earlier, the PPP withdrew one of its candidates to support Vawda. On the technocrat seats, PPP's Zamir Ghumro (58 votes) and Sarmad Ali (57 votes) recorded wins. PPP's Rubina Saadat Qaimkhani (57 votes) and Quratulain Marri (58 votes) won two seats reserved for women. According to Dawn, the PPP's Poonjo Bheel (117 votes) also won a minority seat. Prior to the polls, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed hope that all PPP candidates would be elected to the Senate. Speaking to the media persons outside the Sindh Assembly, he said Sarfaraz Rajar withdrew his nomination papers on the party's directives. In an indirect reference to the PTI, CM Shah said those who made tall claims about springing surprises in the Senate elections eventually retreated and boycotted the polling in Sindh. Polling in the NA and the provincial assemblies in Sindh and Punjab started at 9 am and concluded at 4 pm. Ballot papers were printed in four different colours--white papers for general seats, green for technocrat seats, pink for women, and yellow for minority seats. The Senate was dissolved on March 11 following the retirement of 52 lawmakers. While the polling in KP did not begin at 9 am as scheduled, but about two hours later, it was deferred by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) "on account of delay of oaths of reserved seats". KP election commissioner Shamshad Khan reached the assembly and sought a list of the MPAs sworn in from the assembly staff. At the same time, the Opposition petitioned the ECP to postpone the Senate elections there. Subsequently, the ECP issued a notification of the deferment of polling, citing its March order wherein it had rejected a petition filed by the Sunni Ittehad Council -- the new face of the PTI -- seeking the allocation of reserved seats, Dawn reported. Recalling that the Peshawar High Court (PHC) upheld its decision, the ECP noted that "no arrangement for oath was made". It added that the RO for the Senate polls informed the electoral watchdog today that assembly speaker Babar Saleem Swati had still "not arranged oath". "The commission is of the considered view that the standards of honesty, justness and fairness of election as provided in Article 218(3) of the Constitution cannot be fulfilled due to non-administration of oath to elected members and which amounts to disenfranchisement of lawful voters and denial of level playing field to the voters," the ECP said. Stating that the electoral college was 'incomplete', the ECP deferred the elections till the administration of oaths to the MPAs-elect on reserved seats under Article 218(3) of the Constitution read with sections 4(1), 8(c) and 128 of the Elections Act, 2017. Last week, the ECP hinted at postponing the Senate elections for KP if Swati kept on delaying their oath-taking. The speaker had filed a review petition yesterday against the PHC order wherein it had directed him to administer oaths to 25 opposition MPAs elected to reserved seats. Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowed that he would not let 'illegal people' take oath--referring to the MPAs-elect belonging to the opposition parties -- and vowed to "go to the very end" for that. Speaking to media in Peshawar, he insisted the opposition was "violating the Constitution continuously". Lamenting that reserved seats were 'snatched' from the SIC, the PTI stalwart vowed that his party would "take back our right". Gandapur added that the PTI would summon its parliamentary meeting and pass a resolution on the matter. KP Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah Khan assailed Swati and CM Gandapur for becoming 'tigers' of former premier Imran Khan instead of fulfilling their duties. The PML-N leader termed it 'unfortunate' that Senate elections could not be held in KP saying the provincial government did not follow court orders, the ECP, the Constitution or the law but only the 'directives' given by Imran. Speaker Swati said the Opposition parties had not presented the 'correct facts' before the PHC, adding that they had said an assembly session had been summoned when it had not been. He reiterated that he could not administer the oaths as ordered by the PHC as a session of the House had not been summoned. Swati said his review petition sought "further directives and clarification" on the matter, adding that he would follow what the PHC orders. Later in the day, Opposition members filed a petition in the PHC seeking contempt of court proceedings against speaker Swati and KP Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi for not implementing its order of administering oaths to MPAs-elect on reserved seats. The petitioners included PPP's Shazia Tehmas Khan, Faiza Malik and PML-N's Shazia Jadoon and Amina Sardar. Filed through Advocate Amir Javed and Saqib Raza, the plea named Swati and Suraiya as respondents in the case, Dawn reported. It urged the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the two, hand them punishment under the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003 or any other law in the field and convict them under the same. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], April 3 (ANI): Swedish national Patricia Eriksson arrived in Nagpur on Wednesday, with the hope of finding her biological mother. The 41-year-old Swedish national, who was born to a 23-year-old unwed mother in Daga Hospital in Feb 1983, was adopted a year later from an orphanage by a Swedish couple. Also Read | Bomb Threat: Two Bomb Threats Cause Short Lockdown at Norwegian Parliament House. "The kids in school started to explain that they have their mother's hair and father's nose...That was a hard time. I wanted to look like someone (mom and dad). Then I realised I couldn't do the same...," Eriksson told ANI. Expressing how hard it was for her, she added, "From a child's perspective, you cannot compare yourself to your mother. You are just put in a place where you don't look like anyone. So that's why my thought (of searching for my biological mother) started in childhood. It's been a tough time...I hope this can lead to something more." Also Read | North Korea Confirms It Test Fired New Hypersonic Missile, Kim Jong Un Attended the Launch Ceremony. Earlier in 2022, Erikkson began her search. After a short, unsuccessful visit in 2022, Patricia, her elder sister and Pune-based social worker and 'roots search' expert, Anjali Pawar, have now returned to Nagpur to continue their mission. Advocate Anjali Pawar appealed to anyone who used to live in Shantinagar in 1983 and knows anything about her parents to come for help. "We are helping Patricia in her search. When we received this case in 2022, we first contacted Shradhanand Ashram and verified the documents. Anyone who used to live in Shantinagar in 1983 and knows her or knows about Shanta and Ramdas, we appeal to them to come forward and help us...Patricia wants to meet her mother once," Pawar said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Taipei [Taiwan], April 3 (ANI): Taiwan Defence Ministry detected 30 Chinese military aircraft and nine navy vessels operating around its nation between Tuesday 6 am and Wednesday 6 am, Taiwan Ministry of National Defence said. It added that 20 Chinese aircraft entered its northern middle line and Taiwan's southwest air defence identification zone (ADIZ). Also Read | Earthquake in Taiwan: One Dead, Over 50 Injured After Powerful Earthquake Jolts Taiwans East Coast, Tsunami Warning Downgraded to Advisory (Watch Videos). "30 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 20 of the aircraft entered Taiwan's northern, middle line, and SW ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and employed appropriate force to respond," Taiwan Ministry of National Defence posted on X. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1775342127184318906?s=20 Also Read | Denied Ticket, Sitting BJP MP from Jalgaon Unmesh Patil to Join Uddhav Thackeray-Led Shiv Sena: Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, April 3, 2024. Taiwan tracked seven Chinese naval vessels and six military aircraft around the nation amid escalating cross-strait tensions on Tuesday, Taiwan News reported. In an official post on 'X,' Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said, "6 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 am (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and employed appropriate forces to respond." Notably, in March, Taiwan tracked 359 Chinese military aircraft and 204 naval vessels, according to Taiwan News. Since September 2020, China has increased its use of gray zone tactics by incrementally increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating around Taiwan. Gray zone tactics are defined as "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force." Meanwhile, the Taiwanese military condemned the filming by drones by Chinese netizens on the outlying island of Erdan near Kinmen on March 31, Taiwan News reported. Some reports circulated online suggesting that unmanned aerial vehicles had captured footage of military movements on the Taiwanese-held island, within view of the Chinese city of Xiamen. The Kinmen Defence Command said local officers could take appropriate measures based on the threat level the drones posed. The military blamed some Chinese netizens for the provocative behaviour, which could easily escalate into a serious incident. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ankara, Apr 3 (AP) Turkiye's highest electoral authority on Wednesday restored the right of a newly elected mayor from a pro-Kurdish party to hold office, overturning an earlier decision by a lower body that had sparked widespread protests and led to dozens of arrests. The reversal was another boost for Turkiye's opposition following Sunday's local elections, which dealt a blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamic-oriented Justice and Development Party, or AKP, after their wins last year in the presidential and parliamentary elections. Also Read | Tesla Coming to India: Tesla Motors Team to Scout Locations in India for USD 2-3 Billion Electric Car Plant. The main opposition party retained its hold of Istanbul and the capital of Ankara and made significant gains elsewhere, while a pro-Kurdish party won several municipalities in Turkiye's mainly-Kurdish regions. On Tuesday, a regional election authority revoked the mandate of Abdullah Zeydan, a politician from the pro-Kurdish Equality and Democracy Party, or DEM, who had won the race for mayor in the eastern city of Van and replaced him by his runner-up, a candidate from Erdogan's ruling party. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Condoles Loss of Lives in massive Taiwan Earthquake. The authority cited a last-minute court decision that ruled that Zeydan, who spent time in prison, was not qualified to run for office. Zeydan had won 55 per cent of the votes in Sunday's balloting while Abdulahat Arvas, of Erdogan's AKP, garnered 27 per cent. That decision triggered protests in Van and other cities. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators and made several arrests. In Istanbul, police also broke up a demonstration by dozens of lawyers who marched to a courthouse to denounce the decision. The High Electoral Board on Wednesday considered an appeal by DEM and ruled to reinstate Zeydan, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The decision was taken by a majority of the board's members, the agency said. Over the past years, Erdogan's government had removed elected pro-Kurdish mayors from office for alleged links to Kurdish militants and replaced them with state-appointed trustees. The weekend balloting was mostly peaceful but clashes erupted Tuesday in thlected-pro-kurdish-mayors-right-to-hold-office-5867911.html&t=World+News+%7C+Turkey%27s+Top+Election+Authority+Restores+Newly+Elected+Pro-Kurdish+Mayor%27s+Right+to+Hold+Office', 900, 500);" href="javascript:void(0);"> Actor Yash-starrer's upcoming film Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups is set to start its shoot in Karnataka. For the same, the makers of the film have erected huge sets with technicians across the film industries of India. The film is helmed by Geetu Mohandas, known for Liar's Dice. Currently, the film is in pre-production. Although the shoot date is yet to be revealed, the first leg of the shoot will be flagged off in Karnataka. Toxic: KGF Star Yash Teams Up With Director Geetu Mohandas for Upcoming Film, Set To Hit Theatres on April 10, 2025 (Watch Video). The film's producers, in a statement, said: "Due to the lack of optimal facilities, all our big films end up being shot outside the state. Yash has long expressed that concern, and to change that, we at KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations are kickstarting the shooting of Toxic in Karnataka." "We have already erected massive sets, creating many job opportunities and avenues for people at ground level, technicians and budding talent in the state. We are working towards making a film of global potential," they said. Yash Expresses Gratitude for Upcoming Movie Toxic', Actor Drops Message for Fans Ahead of 38th Birthday; See Update!. Yash's Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups Begins Filming in Karnataka "As producers, we had options from various locations in India and abroad. The film has onboard actors and technicians from multiple industries, even international talent, and setting up a base there would have been more economical. However, Yash and KVN took the initiative to establish Toxic HQ in Karnataka before we shoot parts of the film in locations elsewhere and showcase the tremendous potential of our people," the statement added. The film is being co-produced by Venkat K. Narayanas KVN Productions and Yashs Monster Mind Creations. The film is scheduled to hit the screens on April 10, 2025. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2024 10:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Mumbai, April 3: March, April, and May are the months when campus placements occur across the country, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is no exception. Every year, students of IIT Bombay look forward to being placed during campus placement. However, this year, nearly 712 students of the 2,000 registered for campus placements at IIT Bombay have yet to secure jobs. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, 36 percent of the students who registered for the 2024 placements in IIT Bombay have not received big-ticket jobs as yet. The news comes at a time when the placement season will officially end by the month of May, which is roughly a month away. IIT Bombay Ranks in Top 150 QS World University Rankings List: Indian Institute Secures 149th Rank Globally, Climbing 23 Positions. Dheeraj Singh, an alumnus of IIT Bombay and founder of the Global IIT Alumni Support Group, confirmed the news. Singh said that 35.8 percent of IIT Bombay students remained without placement in the current placement season. As per the data shared by Singh, 1,485 students of the 2,209 who had registered for campus placements in 2023 secured jobs. This means 32.8 percent of students did not get placements last year. IIT Bombay's placement cell officials said they struggled to invite companies for placements due to the global economic meltdown. The officials also said that most companies that came to recruit students at IIT Bombay were from the domestic market. They also said that international companies are generally known to outnumber Indian companies for campus placements. The data, available with the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), also revealed that students from the computer science and engineering branch, who usually get placed easily, did not see 100 percent placement among the registered students. An IIT Bombay professor highlighted an error created by the placement cell. SC Asks IIT, Bombay to Adopt Humanitarian Approach and Allot Seat to Dalit Boy in 48 Hours. The professor said that when 22 students of IIT-Bombay received more than Rs 1 crore in Phase-I of campus placements held in December, the institute said that the number was 85. However, the engineering institute later issued a notice and corrected the number. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2024 04:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, April 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives in a massive earthquake that jolted Taiwan on Wednesday morning. Taking to X, PM Modi extended his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the natural disaster. He has also wished the injured a speedy recovery. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to earthquakes in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it," PM Modi wrote on X. Earthquake in Taiwan: Strongest Quake in 25 Years Rocks East Asia Country, Killing Nine People and Trapping 70 Workers in Quarries Earlier, a powerful earthquake, which was called as the biggest one to have hit the country in at least 25 years, killed nine persons and injured more than 900 people on Wednesday. People were alarmed and stunned to see images and videos of buildings tilted at precarious angles as a result of the massive 7.2 magnitude quake. The earthquake struck just offshore at around 8 a.m. Due to the quake, a nearly 40-year-old building in Hualien tilted severely. Multiple trapped residences have so far been rescued from there, according to reports. Earthquake in China: Quake of Magnitude 7.2 on Richter Scale Jolts Southern Xinjiang According to sources, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in touch with the foreign ministry in Taiwan. The ministry is seeking regular updates from Indian diplomats posted in Taipei. There are reports that at least 26 buildings have collapsed. Meanwhile, sources said that India is ready with all possible humanitarian help to the quake-hit country. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2024 09:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Jaipur, April 3: An FIR has been lodged against a magistrate in Hindaun city of Rajasthans Karauli district for allegedly asking a Dalit gang rape survivor to strip under the guise of examining her injuries. The case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The accused, who has not been named in the FIR, is facing serious allegations. According to a TOI report, the 18-year-old survivor was gang-raped on March 19. Following the incident, her family approached the court, and a case was registered at the Hindaun Sadar police station on March 27, as per the courts orders. It is alleged that the magistrate asked the survivor to undress even after she had undergone a medical examination by the police. The survivor had appeared in the magistrates court to record her statement on March 30. Rajasthan: Gang-Rape Victim Alleges Misbehaviour by Magistrate in Karauli District; FIR Registered. In the FIR filed on March 30, the survivor stated, After recording my statement, the magistrate asked me to take off my clothes. She further added, He said, I want to see the injury marks on your body. I replied: You are a man. I would have shown if there was a female magistrate instead. Despite this, the magistrate said, I want to see the injury marks on your body. HC on Gang Rape: Delhi High Court Acquits Four Men Accused of Raping Woman; Criticises Police for Shoddy Investigation and Trial Court for 'Getting Carried Away'. The case has sparked outrage and calls for strict action against the accused magistrate. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2024 01:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Minister Arias-Vasquez launches public consultation on audit threshold As announced by the Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, during the Gibraltar Society of Accountants Annual Dinner last month, His Majestys Government of Gibraltar is launching a public consultation on the audit threshold for companies in Gibraltar. The current audit threshold in Gibraltar stands at 1.5 million. The Government is now calling on all interested parties to submit their representations on what an appropriate audit threshold level would be for Gibraltar by emailing the Ministry for Business on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The consultation period will end on Friday 17th May 2024 and the Government says it expects to make an announcement in this regard during the course of the Budget debate later this year. The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: I am delighted to be launching a public consultation on the audit threshold. This is something which I know has been the subject of much conversation within the accounting industry and I look forward to receiving representations from individuals, businesses and other stakeholders on what an appropriate threshold for Gibraltar should be. Guanajuato mayoral candidate Bertha Gaytan of the Morena Party, which President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador belongs to, was shot to death on a street in a town outside the city of Celaya, just as she was starting her campaign for mayor. This is the latest in a string of election violence happening all over Mexico. Video of the attack against her surfaced and is currently being shared on social media in Mexico. In that video, a small procession of people shouting "Morena!" can be seen. However, this was interrupted as gunshots were heard, followed by people trying to run away, some of them tripping as they tried to escape the gunfire. Since 2024 began, 14 candidates have already been killed as election violence continues to plague Mexico. Experts predict that this would be the bloodiest election in the country's history, as more candidates and their followers are likely to be killed as the June 2 elections approach, according to the Associated Press. The likely candidates that often get attacked during the election are those running for local offices at the city or municipal level, most notably those running to be mayor. While national candidates like presidents get government security details, local candidates are on their own, even the ones running under the ruling party. The killing of the mayoral candidate also happened in Guanajuato, considered one of the bloodiest states in all of Mexico, as it has one of the highest homicide rates in the country. While it is still being investigated who attacked Gaytan, the state is home to several deadly groups like the Jalisco drug cartel and the homegrown Santa Rosa de Lima gang. Celaya city council candidate Adrian Guerrero, an ally of Gaytan in the upcoming election, was also reportedly killed in that same attack. However, Federal Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez only stated that he was missing. His fate is still unclear. READ MORE: Argentina President Javier Milei Feuding With Mexico's AMLO and Colombia's Gustavo Petro Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Reacts to Death of Morena Party Mayoral Candidate Following the news of Gaytan's death, Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador stated that it "hurts a lot." However, the Associated Press noted that he did not offer any changes to address the rising election violence happening all over the country. "These events are very regrettable because these are people who are fighting to defend democracy, they're out on the street, face to face," the president told journalists in his daily news briefing. However, he acknowledged that drug cartels often seek to determine who will serve as mayor by either running their own candidate or killing those who would clearly oppose them. Election Violence has Become a Theme in the Mexico Elections Just before the attack on Gaytan, Chumocho municipality Mayor Guillermo Torres, a mayor in the neighboring state of Michoacan, was shot to death while dining at a restaurant, according to Barrons. Before that, mayoral candidates from the states of Puebla, Jalisco, and Guerrero were also killed in separate attacks. The wave of organized crime impacting politics in Mexico has raised many concerns as the people now look to the big-ticket candidates in the presidential election to answer this escalating violence. READ MORE: Mexico Elections Primer: Who Are the Top 3 Candidates Vying to Replace AMLO? This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Mexico election campaign: Presidential candidates launch their bids - Al Jazeera English More than 53,000 individuals have evacuated Haiti's capital in a mere three weeks of March, seeking refuge from escalating conflict spurred by powerful armed gangs, Reuters reports. Amid the turmoil, the state's presence is notably lacking, leaving civilians in a state of vulnerability with no clear path toward resolution. United Nations data unveiled a significant exodus from Port-au-Prince's metropolitan area between March 8 and 27, a trend further exacerbated by renewed Haiti gang violence over the Easter weekend and into April. The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, underscored the dire situation, labeling it a human rights crisis of unparalleled magnitude in modern Haitian history. Instances of killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence are rampant, hindering the transport of vital goods and humanitarian aid into the Haiti capital. Notably, many displaced individuals are migrating towards the country's southern peninsula, still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating 2021 earthquake. A staggering seven out of ten departing individuals had previously been displaced due to related Haiti gang violence. Amid neighboring countries tightening maritime borders, a mere 4% of those departing expressed intentions to emigrate, predominantly towards the Dominican Republic. However, the Dominican government remains cautious, bolstering border security measures and adamantly rejecting the establishment of refugee camps on its soil, resulting in the deportation of tens of thousands across the border. READ NEXT: Gunfire Erupts Near Haiti's National Palace in Downtown Port-au-Prince Political Turmoil and Leadership Void The surge in Haiti gang violence compelled Prime Minister Ariel Henry to announce his resignation, contingent upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council, AP News noted. Henry's absence from Haiti locked out amid the escalating turmoil, underscores the administrative vacuum exacerbating the crisis. Despite his resignation on March 11, the formation of the transitional council, tasked with selecting a new prime minister and council of ministers, remains pending. The violence continues unabated, with widespread unrest and civilian displacement driving a sense of urgency for political reform. However, amid the chaos, individuals like Gary Dorval express a commitment to remain until a new government is instated, reflecting a desire for stability and positive change amid the turmoil. Escalating Conflict and Civilian Exodus Port-au-Prince grapples with escalating Haiti gang violence, surpassing previous levels of danger, according to CNN. Armed Haiti gangs target state institutions and law enforcement, prompting desperate measures from residents. Despite calls for international aid and reform, bureaucratic delays hinder progress. Haiti's National Police struggle amid overwhelming violence and lack of resources. Immediate priorities include restoring order, securing supply routes, and addressing humanitarian needs. Reopening vital ports hinges on reclaiming gang-controlled areas. A multinational security force offers hope, but concerns persist over its effectiveness without cohesive collaboration. International support and coordinated efforts are crucial to steer Haiti toward stability and recovery amid the brink of collapse. READ MORE: Canada Sends 70 Soldiers to Jamaica for Haiti Mission Training This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: Rare access to Haiti's brutal gang leader amid escalating violence - From MSNBC Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. argued on Monday that President Joe Biden represents a more significant danger to democracy than former President Donald Trump. RFK Jr.'s assertions, made during an appearance on CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront," revolved around his claims of being subjected to censorship on social media platforms during the Biden administration. He characterized this as an attempt to stifle political discourse and erode First Amendment rights. Kennedy highlighted his removal from social media platforms, which he attributed to pressure from the Biden administration, as evidence of the president's efforts to censor political speech. His Instagram account was suspended in 2021 for sharing what the platform deemed "debunked claims" about the coronavirus and vaccines. However, it was reinstated shortly after he announced his presidential campaign, with Meta citing his candidacy as the reason for the restoration. READ NEXT: RFK Jr. Reveals Vice Presidential Pick Challenges to Free Speech and Political Criticism RFK Jr.'s argument against Joe Biden's presidency centered on allegations of using federal agencies to suppress political dissent, according to the Independent. He referenced a recent lawsuit at the Supreme Court involving the Biden administration and several states disputing the government's request to social media companies to block or remove misinformation about COVID-19, vaccines, and the 2020 election. Despite his attempts to join the lawsuit, which stemmed from his own suspension from Instagram, Kennedy was blocked from participation. However, a similar case between Kennedy and the Biden administration is currently pending in lower courts. Kennedy portrays himself as a victim of government overreach, asserting that his social media suspension and denial of Secret Service protection were politically motivated. While acknowledging Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election as a threat to democracy, Kennedy maintains that Biden's actions pose a more significant danger. The Hurdles of an Independent Presidential Campaign Running as an independent candidate, Kennedy faces significant obstacles to secure a place on state ballots across the country, ABC News reports. His campaign must gather thousands of signatures to qualify, a process that varies in complexity and stringency from state to state. Public polling suggests Kennedy's candidacy is a long shot for the presidency, with limited support in early surveys. Despite this, his campaign has attracted attention, particularly as the 2024 election looms with a rematch anticipated between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Criticism from Democrats intensified as Kennedy was accused of potentially acting as a "spoiler" who could draw votes away from Biden, potentially aiding Trump's reelection bid. Kennedy refutes this accusation and denies allegations that his choice of running mate, Silicon Valley lawyer Nicole Shanahan, was solely based on her wealth and ability to finance his campaign. As RFK Jr.'s campaign navigates the process of securing ballot access, challenges emerge in various states. Issues such as failure to name a running mate in Nevada and objections to party qualification petitions in Hawaii underscore the complexities of running an independent presidential campaign. Despite these challenges, Kennedy's campaign remains determined to secure ballot access in multiple states, aiming to provide voters with an alternative in the upcoming election. READ MORE: Barack Obama Joins Forces with Joe Biden in Effort to Defeat Donald Trump This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: RFK Jr. says Biden is bigger threat to democracy than Trump - From CNN Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi gave his annual territorial address and revealed that the US territory's budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be the largest ever. It will be worth $14 billion and will be used for various projects across the island, including expanding solar power, which has so far worked in addressing the Puerto Rico energy crisis. Pierluisi stated that the new funds are meant to help the elderly population in the US Caribbean territory, as well as reduce violence, expand solar power programs, and address other issues around the island. He noted that after the Puerto Rican government filed for the biggest municipal bankruptcy in history, it had actually strengthened the territory's economy even though the state power company's massive $9 billion debt had not been restructured yet. In his territorial address, Pierluisi also addressed the reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017 and the series of powerful earthquakes in 2019. "We still have a lot to do. And I know that our people want and need more from their government and are still affected by everything we went through years ago. I understand it because the road has been hard," he admitted. Pierluisi said 6,000 homes had been repaired or rebuilt in the reconstruction effort, with another 3,000 still being built. He added that 169 projects related to the reconstruction of Puerto Rico's power grid are underway, with another 37 large-scale projects already in the advanced design phase. Many in Puerto Rico Still Blame the Trump Administration for the Delay in Reconstruction According to the Associated Press, the slow pace of Puerto Rico's reconstruction is partly blamed on the federal funds sent during the Trump Administration. This has "frustrated and angered many in Puerto Rico" as it has been years since Hurricane Maria hit the US territory, yet reconstruction is still not done. READ MORE: Puerto Rico Still Needs 'A Lot of Work' Over Its Hurricane and Earthquake Recovery, Says Federal Audit Members of the territory's main opposition party, the Popular Democratic Party, slammed Pierluisi, with Party President Jesus Manuel Ortiz saying, "The delay in reconstruction works is so shameful that instead of making announcements about the projects, they should be making announcements apologizing for the inaction of the work." Meanwhile, Pierluisi stated that the territorial government would be allocating $5 million annually for the next five years for the aging population of the island. This will come in the form of grants of up to $250,000 to senior care centers to expand their facilities. Puerto Rico Government Still Does Not Have Final Say on Its Budget Pierluisi then ended his address by demanding for the statehood of Puerto Rico, which his party has been fighting for years now. He added that because Puerto Rico is still only a territory and not a state, the island still faces "discrimination when it comes to Medicaid and Medicare, Supplemental Social Security and nutritional assistance." Despite his promises, however, Bowling Green Daily News pointed out that because of the state energy company's massive debt, the Puerto Rican government does not have the final say on the budget, but a federal control board that oversees and ensures that the territory pays its over $70 billion debt load. READ MORE: Puerto Rico's Wrestling Culture and Its Underrated Pro Wrestlers This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Puerto Rico's New Governor Pedro Pierluisi: 5 Fast Facts to Know | NBC New York Newly released video and audio unveil details of the tragic death of 15-year-old Savannah Graziano, fatally shot by San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies during a confrontation with her father, Anthony Graziano, on a Southern California highway, The Hill reports. The recordings, released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, depict the events leading up to the shooting and raise questions about the circumstances surrounding Savannah's death. As the pursuit of Graziano's pickup truck unfolded along Highway 15, deputies followed the vehicle for approximately 70 miles. Shots were reported both from the driver's and passenger's sides of the truck, although it remains unclear who was firing. The pursuit culminated in a standoff on the desert interstate in Hesperia, where Graziano had shot and killed the California teen's mother, Tracy Martinez, the day before. The newly released footage captures the moment Savannah exits the pickup truck and begins to approach a sheriff's deputy. Dressed in tactical gear and helmet, she follows the deputy's instructions, momentarily crouching before rising and advancing. However, as she moves towards the deputy, gunfire erupts from a higher elevation, tragically cutting short her attempt to surrender. The deputy can be heard screaming for the shooting to stop, indicating that the California father, Anthony Graziano, remained in the vehicle. READ NEXT: California Man Convicted of Road Rage Killing of 6-Year-Old Boy Investigations and Unanswered Queries The video's release prompts inquiries about the events' timeline and the conduct of both the deputies and the father from California. Despite the revelation that both Savannah Graziano and her father were struck by deputy rounds, autopsy reports for the victims have not been made public, and the deputies involved have not been identified. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department disclosed that multiple firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear were recovered from Graziano's truck, but the California teen herself was unarmed when she was shot. The investigation into the shooting, now in the hands of the California Department of Justice, aims to determine the circumstances surrounding Savannah's death and whether the deputies' actions were justified, AP News noted. Key details, such as the number of shots fired at Savannah and the exact events leading up to the shooting, remain unclear due to the limitations of the video footage. California Teen's Tragic Circumstances The tragic encounter unfolded against the backdrop of a troubled family situation, according to the Independent. Savannah Graziano had witnessed her mother's murder by her father the day before the shootout, during which Anthony Graziano opened fire near an elementary school, endangering the lives of students and parents. The incident prompted an Amber Alert for Savannah, although questions lingered about whether she had voluntarily accompanied her father. California father and her daughter had been living out of his pickup truck and hotels in the weeks leading up to the violence, following his separation from Tracy Martinez amid a divorce. Despite no prior reports of domestic violence or child abuse, the events of that fateful day culminated in a deadly confrontation on a California highway, leaving Savannah Graziano dead at just 15 years old. READ MORE: Orlando Commissioner Arrested for Alleged Misuse of Elderly Woman's Funds This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: New video raises questions about police killing of 15-year-old girl in 2022 - From CBS Evening News In his latest memoir, "The Successor: My Memories of Benedict XVI," Pope Francis revealed that "political maneuvers" were used to sway votes during the two most recent Papal Conclaves that elected him and his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. In that book, the Argentinian reflected on his relationship with the late conservative German pope and touched on his settling a score with his predecessor's aide. It was written as a conversation with the correspondent for Spain's ABC daily, Javier Martinez-Brocal, according to the Associated Press. The pope also revealed previously confidential details about the 2005 Papal conclave right after Pope John Paul II (now Saint John Paul II)'s passing. It elected the conservative Benedict into the Papacy. As for why he was allowed to reveal such details, Pope Francis noted that he was "allowed to deviate from the cardinals' oath of secrecy because he is pope." In the book, the pope acknowledged that he was "used" by cardinals who wanted to block the election of the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict. Those Cardinals managed to sway 40 out of 115 other cardinals to vote for the then-Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who would become Pope Francis. The pope elaborated that they did not necessarily want him to be the next pope but wanted to force a compromise candidate after knocking Ratzinger out of the running. They failed as the German would become Pope Benedict XVI. "They told me afterward that they didn't want a 'foreign' pope," - in other words, a non-Italian one," Pope Francis admitted. Despite being Argentinian, he is of Italian descent. Pope Francis also admitted that he voted for Ratzinger after this. READ MORE: Pope Benedict XVI: The Complex Legacy He Leaves Behind to Catholics Pope Francis Says Pope Benedict XVI's Top Aide Was Using the Late Pope Also in that book, Pope Benedict talked about the time when Pope Benedict XVI's own secretary was using his death to push a new book. The former Archbishop of Buenos Aires noted that Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the private secretary of the late German pope, published his book about Benedict on the day of the late pope's funeral. According to American Magazine, Pope Francis noted in the book that he "felt pain" that his predecessor and friend "was being used" in this way as the archbishop released excerpts from his book around the time of the German pope's death. Pope Francis added that the publication of the book at that time was "a lack of nobility and of humanity." Pope Francis Praises Pope Benedict XVI for Having the 'Courage to Resign' Pope Francis was all praise on his predecessor's resignation from the Papacy. "He was a man who had the courage to resign and, from that moment on, he continued to accompany the church and his successor," he said. "Benedict and I had a very deep relationship and I want it to be known, I want it to be known without intermediaries." The Argentinian pope acknowledged that he, a liberal, often had disagreements with Benedict. "Sometimes I would raise an issue; sometimes Benedict did. 'I am concerned about this problem,' one would say to the other," he said. The German's resignation led to the Papal Conclave that elected Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio into the Papacy. Their relationship was featured in the Netflix film "The Two Popes." READ NEXT: Pope Francis Offers Prayers to Victims of Massive Earthquake in Peru and Ecuador This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Pope Francis and Benedict XVI together in public for the last time | August 27th, 2022 - EWTN Taylor Swift, the renowned pop sensation, has debuted on the Forbes annual billionaires list with an estimated personal fortune of $1.1 billion, per Fox Business. Forbes unveiled this milestone on Tuesday, positioning Swift at No. 2,545 on the prestigious list. Swift's remarkable financial success stems primarily from her music career and highly lucrative concerts. According to Forbes, her international Eras Tour, which commenced in August, generated a staggering $190 million in earnings after taxes. READ NEXT: Taylor Swift Incident Enhancing Brazil's Readiness for Heat Waves Impact of Eras Tour The Eras Tour, which showcases Swift's extensive music catalog, has been a monumental success, further bolstering her financial standing. In December, Pollstar reported that the tour had grossed $1.04 billion over a 12-month period, with projections suggesting it could ultimately generate a total of $2.165 billion. Swift joins a select group of celebrities on the Forbes annual billionaires list, which has witnessed a surge in A-listers accumulating billion-dollar fortunes in recent years. Notable entertainers such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, Michael Jordan, and Oprah Winfrey have leveraged their brand and fame to achieve billionaire status, Deadline noted. Many of the celebrities on the billionaires list have diversified their revenue streams beyond their primary fields of expertise. For instance, Rihanna amassed her wealth through investments in successful ventures like Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. Similarly, Jay-Z's billion-dollar status is attributed to his stakes in alcohol companies and other strategic investments. Growing Wealth Disparities While the collective wealth of billionaires has soared to unprecedented levels, concerns about wealth inequality persist, according to The Guardian. "It's been an amazing year for the world's richest people, with more billionaires around the world than ever before," Chase Peterson-Withorn, Forbes' editor covering wealth, stated. "A record-breaking 14 centibillionaires [$100bn] have 12-figure fortunes. Even during times of financial uncertainty for many, the super-rich continue to thrive," he added. Despite economic challenges faced by many, the super-rich continue to amass immense fortunes, prompting calls for a more equitable distribution of wealth. Equality campaigners emphasize the urgent need to address the staggering wealth disparity and advocate for measures to ensure a fairer distribution of resources. Regulating the accumulation of wealth among a select few individuals is seen as essential to promoting greater economic justice and opportunity for all. Taylor Swift's inclusion on Forbes annual billionaires list underscores the remarkable success of her music career and entrepreneurial endeavors. At 34 years old, Swift's ascent to billionaire status serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs worldwide. As Taylor Swift celebrates her entry into the exclusive billionaire's club, the broader conversation about wealth distribution and economic equity continues to evolve. Swift's journey from aspiring musician to global icon exemplifies the power of talent, hard work, and strategic business acumen to achieve financial success on a monumental scale. READ MORE: Unreleased Marvin Gaye Music Found in Belgium for the First Time This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: Taylor Swift Makes Her First Appearance on Forbes' Billionaire List - From Entertainment Tonight Minister for Housing Engages with Alameda Tenants Association The Minister with responsibility for Housing convened with the Alameda Tenants Association to address pertinent matters concerning the estate. Led by Mr. Henry Pinna, Chairperson of the Tenants Association, alongside other committee members, discussions ensued regarding ongoing challenges with the community. Among the issues brought to light were concerns regarding the cleaning contract, the original plumbing infrastructure of the estate, beautification efforts, accessibility enhancements, and fire safety measures. Further, the association proposed the provision of additional motorcycle parking facilities in the vicinity. Expressing satisfaction with the proceedings, Chairperson of the Alameda Tenants Association, Mr. Pinna, remarked: The Minister demonstrated a keen interest in our concerns, and the meeting was productive. The Minister for Housing, the Hon Pat Orfila, stated: It is always a pleasure to meet with the Tenants Associations and to try and solve any problems they may have. It is our aim to ensure the well being and safety of all our people in all estates. UPDATE: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1:18 p.m. Wednesday reported the multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 78 East at Exit 71 (Route 33) had been cleared. CLEARED: Multi vehicle crash on I-78 eastbound at Exit 71 - PA 33 North/To US 22. 511PA Allentown (@511PAAllentown) April 3, 2024 ORIGINAL ARTICLE: An overturned tractor-trailer is causing traffic to back up along Route 33 in Lower Saucon Township, state police say. Nathan Branosky, public information officer for the Troop M barracks, told lehighvalleylive.com the accident happened just before 10 a.m. Wednesday in the eastbound lanes. The rig was hauling industrial rolls of paper, he said. Crews have since shut down the ramp from Route 33 South to Interstate 78 East. Motorists traveling along Route 33 South currently are being detoured onto I-78 west, Branosky said. The tractor-trailer driver was injured in the crash and taken to St. Lukes Hospital-Anderson in Bethlehem Township for treatment, he said. Pennsylvania State Police in Belfast currently are on scene and investigating. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A 47-year-old man was injured following a pedestrian crash Sunday evening, in which the driver fled the scene, Phillipsburg police said. The accident happened shortly after 7:20 p.m. Monday in the 200 block of Centre Street, near Sayre Avenue. The man was found by investigators lying face up on the ground in the parking lot of Jersey Strand & Cable, according to the police report obtained by lehighvalleylive.com through New Jerseys Open Public Records Act. The victim was taken to St. Lukes Hospital-Anderson campus in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania for treatment. Police then did not know the extent of the victims injuries. The police report indicates the victim was released from the hospital by Tuesday. A witness reported to investigators hearing the crash while in the second-floor bedroom of his home along Sayre Avenue. The witness reported looking out to the window and seeing a man standing next to the passenger side door of a pickup truck and hearing the yelling of Hey, hey, hey, hey by the man. The pickup truck then drove off, exiting the parking lot onto Center Street east and toward Green Street, according to police. The witness reported running out of the house to render aid to the victim and calling 911. The witness reported knowing the female pickup truck driver and stated the victim also knew her, according to the police report. Investigators observed video surveillance footage provided by the witness, but couldnt make out the driver or registration of the pickup truck, according to police. A sergeant who was at the scene with the victim reported him stating the womans name and she did not hit me (with the truck) or run me over, according to police. Police then matched the drivers identification to the vehicle, sending out a Be On the Look Out (BOLO) dispatch request for a 2005 Chevy Silverado. In an interview with the victim at the hospital, the 47-year-old allegedly told investigators he and the alleged driver are both homeless. Police said no charges have been filed in the case and the accident continues to remain under investigation. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A stretch of a major interstate highway will be closed for several days after a tractor-trailer carrying an oversize load struck a railroad bridge in Philadelphia. The truck crashed on I-95 northbound around 1:30 p.m. Monday in the citys Port Richmond section. No injuries were reported, but the northbound lanes in the area have been shuttered. Brad Rudolph, a spokesman for the state transportation department, said the truck was carrying a massive cylindrical object when it struck the Conrail bridge. The crash remains under investigation. Emergency Overhead Bridge Repair to Close I-95 North for Several Days Beginning Tonight in Northeast Philadelphiahttps://t.co/Cb4NlWk5Ea pic.twitter.com/B8Ta2eT9Qq 511PA Philadelphia (@511PAPhilly) April 2, 2024 The crash has disrupted rail service in the area. New Jersey Transit suspended its Atlantic City line in both directions between Philadelphias 30th Street Station and Cherry Hill since its trains use the tracks on the damaged overpass. Numerous ramp and road closures were causing major traffic delays. The repairs are expected to take several days. Work crews attend to a damaged railroad bridge over the Interstate 95 highway in Philadelphia, on Tuesday morning, April, 2, 2024. A truck collided with the bridge on Monday forcing the closure of I-95.Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. The periodical cicadas that are about to infest two parts of the United States arent just plentiful, theyre 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. This years periodical cicada emergence wont be a Lehigh Valley phenomenon, like the Brood X 17-year ones that emerged in spring 2021. The largest geographic brood in the nation called Brood XIX and coming out every 13 years is surfacing in Georgia and the rest of the Southeast. Soon after, cicada cousins that come out every 17 years will inundate Illinois. They are Brood XIII. The last time these two particular broods emerged together was in 1803, Gene Kritsky, a cicada expert and retired biology professor from Mount St. Joseph University in Ohio, told NJ Advance Media. PUMPS IN THE HEAD Inside trees are sugary, nutrient-heavy saps that flow through tissue called phloem. Most insects love the sap. But not cicadas they go for tissue called xylem, which carries mostly water and a bit of nutrients. And its not easy to get into the xylem, which doesnt just flow out when a bug taps into it because its 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 straw about the width of a hair with the pump sucking out the liquid, said Georgia Tech biophysics professor Saad Bhamla. They spend nearly their entire lives drinking, year after year. Its a hard way to make a living, Deans said. 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 couldnt 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 theyre actively chorusing on a hot sunny day. It feels like its raining, said University of Connecticut entomologist John Cooley. Thats their honeydew or waste product coming out the back end ... Its called cicada rain. 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. Theyre extraordinarily easy to capture for us and for their predators. ZOMBIE CICADAS Theres a deadly sexually transmitted disease, a fungus, that turns cicadas into zombies and causes their private parts to fall off, Cooley said. Its 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. 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. Theyre completely at the mercy of the fungus, Cooley said. Theyre walking dead. 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.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.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster 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.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster 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.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster A periodical cicada nymph extends a limb in Macon, Ga., on Wednesday, March 27, 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.AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster By SETH BORENSTEIN Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Laois had one of the highest literacy rates in the country in 1911 according to an analysis of historic census data. Then called Queens County, 93.4% of the population in the county aged over nine years old could read and write. This means Laois had the eight highest literacy rate in 1911, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Across the county 7% of the population over age 9 were recorded as being illiterate. At the time the population of Queens County was 54,629 and 43,538 said they could read and write in the census. 1,738 people recorded that they could only read and 9,353 said they could only write. Inishcaltra South in Co Clare and Lullymore in Co Kildare had the highest literacy rates in Ireland in 1911 with 100 per cent. Newly digitised tables from the Census of Ireland, 1911 also identified Dublin County (excluding the city centre) as the county with the highest literacy rate at the time (96.6 per cent). Lettermore DED in Galway was identified as the DED with one of the lowest literacy rates in 1911 with a literacy rate of 38.8%. In Queens County the areas that had the lowest literacy rates included Maryborough Rural DED, Mountmellick which had a literacy rate of 75.5% and Aghmacart DED, Abbeyleix Rural District which had a literary rate of 85.3%. The CSO's findings come in the second release in their Stories from Census 1911 Series. The first release in the series looked at valuation and population statistics, giving insights into wealth and poverty in the country at that time. Six young people from Laois travelled to Leinster House to take part in Dail na nOg, Irelands National Youth Parliament. Shauna Traynor, Dan Bergin, Lucy Doyle, Anna-Maria Sahaidac, Veniamin Sahaidac and Jack Marron were among 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nOg (local youth councils) across Ireland which met in Dail Eireann to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic. Mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nOg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of the day, which they feel that the Government should do more to address. Delegates from Comhairle na nOg - representing each of the 31 local authorities across Ireland filled the committee rooms in Leinster House where they took part in workshops to debate the three mental health topics. Chairing the debate, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, told those gathered: The young people gathered in the chamber are a powerful force for change. At a time when parts of the world are in turmoil with war, hunger and the devastation of climate change, it is you who hold the keys to your own future. Your discussions today on the themes of Mental Health, Body Image and School Stress will evoke thoughts and compassion for your peers and colleagues. If there is one thing I would encourage you to do in this Chamber today, it is to listen completely. When you listen you play one part of the conversation. The golden rule of being a good speaker is to be a good listener. In her closing remarks to delegates, Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People Mary Butler added: I was really pleased to listen and engage with 160 articulate young people across all 31 Comhairle na nOg. The voice of younger people must be heard and listened to, particularly on issues such as youth mental health. I want to thank each and every one of these young people for the valuable contributions they are making to society. As advocates representing young people across Ireland, I have heard your voices today and I share your vision for improvement and progress, especially in relation to signposting services that are available for young people to support their emotional wellbeing and to support positive mental health. I am familiar with the fantastic work that Comhairle na nOg do. Our young people are the future leaders and it is great to see them here in the Dail chamber today discussing such an important topic. Laois Sinn Fein held their annual Easter Commemoration in Killeshin on Sunday. Local Election candidate Aaron Kelly was the main speaker at this year's event. A parade to Killeshin Cemetery was led by a piper and colour party. It finished at the Padraig MacGamhna Memorial cross opposite Killeshin Church where speeches took place. There was a wreath laying ceremony on behalf of the MacGamhna (Gaffney) family, the local Cumann branch and Laois Sinn Fein while the Proclamation of Ireland and Roll of Honor was read by the party's local election candidates. The event was held in memory of Padraig MacGamhna who was one of Ireland's first TDs and an influential figure in the trade union. Speaking after the event Mr Kelly said: "It was an honour to be the main speaker at the Laois Sinn Fein Easter Commemoration in Killeshin yesterday. A big thank you to all who participated and came to support. "Let us honour the legacy of our forebearers, such as Padraig MacGamhna, by continuing to stand up for the Ireland that they dreamed of and the Ireland that we know is possible." A one way traffic system for Durrow and an urban speed limit for Arles are being considered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Both moves are under consideration by TII following consultation with officials from Laois County Council in relation to the national roads. Details of the proposals were included in a roads report presented by Director of Services Simon Walton at the latest meeting of Laois County Council. N80 Arles Village Traffic Management Scheme: Following various road safety concerns raised, it is agreed with TII to develop a Feasibility and Options. Report for the entire urban speed limit zone in Arles. A Topographical survey will be completed, to allow integrated design options to be generated, the report stated. In relation to Durrow, the report revealed there are two items under consideration by TII. N77 Durrow One-Way: Laois County Council has completed a Feasibility & Options Report. The Report supports the introduction of a one-way traffic management option for Durrow. Laois County Council awaits feedback from TII on the Report. N77 Pedestrian Crossing Kilkenny Road, Durrow: Feasibility & Options Report complete and submitted to TII. Laois County Council await TII direction. following their review of Feasibility & Options Report, the report stated. Last Month members of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District approved the introduction of time limited parking in the centre of Durrow. A rural Laois road is taking the hit from the lack of an N80 bypass road around Mountmellick. The local road in Nyra and Camira is "in bits" according to Fianna Fail Cllr Paddy Bracken, and it's not the only one. "It is in an awful state. The whole side of the road is gone. It is taking traffic, as the unofficial bypass of Mountmellick for heavy vehicles. "The whole road is in bits. The siding is gone. There will be a serious accident. We have inspected it. It needs filling at the side of the road to keep it from sliding into the ditch," he said. He tabled a motion asking for road repairs and safety work, to the March meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District. Cllr Seamus McDonald seconded the motion. "This is in my area. There is a lot of traffic bypassing the town. It needs attention immediately," he said. Laois County Council maintenance crews are to attend the road this April. A expert study commissioned by Laois County Council recommends two bypasses of Mountmellick, on both the south and north sides. However the bypasses which would be funded by the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, are not mentioned in the Government's National Development Plan for 2021 - 2030. Community activist and Stradbally social inclusion campaigner Donal OShea travelled to France recently where he received a global award for his efforts to advance inclusiveness in society. Donal was presented with Global Award for Social Impact at the UNESCO HQ in Paris by the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners at a conference in March. Donal was nominated for the award for his work with the Public Participation Network. He has been involved in the Laois PPN for several years and also plays his part in advancing PPN aims nationally. His efforts were recognised locally in 2019 when he was named the Unsung Hero at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards. He was also shortlisted by the Irish Centre for Diversity for a national leadership award this year. He reflects positively on his attendance at the Paris event and being recognised. It was an honour to attend with The Irish flag flying high, especially for the weekend that was in it, he said. Donal outlined the value of travelling to Paris. It was a unique opportunity to meet like-minded people from all over the world who are committed to reforming and advancing areas of policy and education to ensure that both are adequately inclusive and robust. As part of my commitments to social reforms and advancing social areas of policy, I will keep in touch with colleagues from IFIP, as I do with various European entities, to assist with the alignment and advancement of policies, he said. Donal is frequently impacted by a debilitating autoimmune condition called ankylosing spondylitis. He says he is one of more than 1 million people declare that they had one or more disability in the last census and 70% of these of a 'hidden nature'. I believe that successive Governments have been lackadaisical, in their approach under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Green paper by the Department of Social Protection on disabilities has not cut the mustard with the disability sector, as it is exclusively monetary. An important aspect, but the importance of human dignity can not be underestimated, as outlined by President Joe Biden when he addressed our joint houses of the Oireachtas in April on values, together with civil rights, duty of care, social Justice etc, all are important to people impacted by disability. This can only be achieved with all stakeholders working to agreed principles and processes. The recent Referendums is just one example which showed that there is a disconnect between mainstream politics and the people. As a nation, we place much emphasis on fairness, and I believe there will need to be careful consideration and reflection to ensure that any such referenda are adequately robust, transparent and fair to present to the people, he said. Donals experience led him to being appointed to an HSE Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme in 2022. There are only a limited number of conditions which are currently listed. He has made numerous contributions to advancing the cause of inclusiveness at several levels. He submitted to the review of the Criminal Justice strategy in August 2020, focusing on social inclusion, equality and minority groups. The Minister for Justice later announced radical reforms to family law. He has also worked on the reinforcement of the civil rights of the disability sector. Following successive submissions, he says the need for an additional policy objective is recommended for the Laois County Development Plan, to represent social inclusion. He has also made representation to the office of the director of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Training was subsequently undertaken to align policy from a social inclusion, mental well being, disability perspective among others. He also made representation to Sara Minkara, as the US special advisor on International Disability rights, in July of 2023. He said a submission by colleagues from the structural committee of the National Public Participation Network (PPN) secretariat has shared its findings and recommendations with Crowe consultants via the Department of Rural and Community development with a view to establishing an Independent national structure to assist with increased inputs on policy from 'grassroots' participation, improvements with the alignment of policy and oversight. More below picture. Donal said this is in keeping with the findings of the management company Mazars, who issued their own report on the PPNs. Donal says society and democracy benefit from including people. With democracy in crisis all over the world, this is a unique opportunity to advance our democracy, with a bottom up approach contributing to a much more robust, holistic and inclusive formation and delivery of policy. This is in keeping with the emphasis being placed on the move towards participative democracy at a European level. Many have drawn correlations with the phrase by the former chief medical officer (Tony Holohan) about "Flattening the Curve" only on this occasion in how our democracy is constructed and policy is delivered, he says. Donal concludes by pledging to continue his work to tackle exclusion. Ultimately, its my passion for advancing the cause of social inclusion and the people impacted, which continues to fuel my commitments, he says. Her Worship hosts Childline Mental Health Competition Awards Her Worship the Mayor, Ms Carmen Gomez GMD hosted a reception in honour of the Childline Mental Health Competition. The competition included 2 categories - both for song and poems. Certificates were presented to all winners and runner-ups, with awards presented to those who won in the categories. In her speech, Her Worship congratulated the entries on their efforts and beautiful pieces of work. Her Worship asked we all celebrate the work of Childline, and how it reaches out to young children to show their strengths and abilities. The guestlist was composed of winners and their families, and trustees from the Childline Charity. Her Worship then invited Caroline Carter, Chief Executive to say a few words and call out the winners, before handing them their prizes. April 2nd marks the official launch of The National Spring Clean 2024! To date there have been over 3,100 registrations nationally. In County Kildare, 145 clean-up events are registered to take place this spring, but registrations will remain open throughout the month of April for those still interested in participating in the campaign. Irelands largest anti-litter campaign, the National Spring Clean is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Local Authorities and supported by the Department of Environment, Communications and Climate Environment and Mars Wrigley Ireland. This year marks 25 years of the campaign, which has seen the removal of an estimated 47,500 tonnes of litter from Irish streets, parks, coastlines, thanks to over 12 million volunteer hours. A key focus of this years campaign will be highlighting the impact that a circular economy model can have on reducing waste and reducing our climate impact. Last year alone, 35% of all waste collected during the National Spring Clean was recycled, thanks to recyclable waste bags provided to registered groups and individuals. Minister of State at the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth TD, said: It is always fantastic to see the strong community spirit and ambition to make a positive contribution to the local environment, from the volunteers who participate in An Taisces National Spring Clean. The success of the campaign over the past 25 years has been remarkable, and I am optimistic that this year that will see people out in record numbers helping to make a positive impact in their local communities. National Spring Clean Manager, Emlyn Cullen, commented: This is an important year for An Taisce as we celebrate 25 years of the National Spring Clean. Were proud to say that over the past 25 years, almost 47,500 tonnes of litter has been collected, thanks to the enormous effort of our dedicated volunteers. As we mark our 25th anniversary, we hope this year will be our biggest yet. So far, the numbers of volunteers already registered is huge but theres still time for people to register online and get involved this year. Anne Sheeran Corporate Affairs Specialist at Mars added: Mars Wrigley Ireland is proud to support the 25th National Spring Clean, which inspires individuals to come together and make a positive impact on the biodiversity of their communities through collecting hundreds of tonnes of litter each year. We hope the 2024 campaign delivers another year of record success! To make sure that each community clean up can run as smoothly as possible the National Spring Clean has also provided various downloadable information packs on their website for their volunteers to read. The clean-up information pack containing details on how to organise an event, health and safety information, litter facts, useful contacts, media and publicity advice, a guide on how to recycle and information on litter and the law. Over 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nOg (local youth councils) across Ireland met in Dail Eireann to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic. Kildare's Aoibhe Toft, Ciara Costello, Rory Bermingham, Abby Lawless, Zoe Ella Shannon and Megan Keating were all in attendance. Mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nOg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of the day, which they feel that the Government should do more to address. Kerry Comhairle na nOg member Aoibhe Toft chaired the Closing Ceremony of Dail na nOg. The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic OGorman said, I thank the Ceann Comhairle and the Houses of the Oireachtas Citizen Engagement Team for working with my Department to make Dail na nOg 2024 happen. I know that Minister Foley and her officials have engaged very positively with the outgoing National Executive on their topic of Relationships and Sexuality education. I am also grateful to Minister Butler for attending to hear directly about the mental health issue selected by all the Comhairli na nOg for debate by their delegates to Dail na nOg. The incoming National Executive will work on this issue over their two year term, and the support of Minister Butler and officials in the Department of Health will be a critical element in the impact they can have. Dail na nOg, Irelands National Youth Parliament, now in its 22nd year, tackled a range of issues related to mental health, including body image, school stress, and mental health services. The biennial parliament, which provides a platform for young people to speak about and make recommendations on the issues that most affect them, was hosted by the Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, who chaired the Opening Session in the Dail Chamber. There were closing remarks in the chamber from Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler. Delegates from Comhairle na nOg - representing each of the 31 local authorities across Ireland filled the committee rooms in Leinster House where they took part in workshops to debate the three mental health topics. Discussions were held around how mental health affects the lives of young people in their communities and what changes need to be implemented to address these challenges and improve the experiences of young people in Ireland. Following a formal vote in the afternoon where delegates processed through the lobbies of the Dail, school stress was selected as the priority topic. This will inform the work of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executive 2024-2026, who are tasked with advocating for policy change in this area during their tenure. Turning debates into decisive actions Previous years themes have included equality, climate action, education, and transport. 2022s delegation voted for A more inclusive Relationships and Sexuality Education' as the priority topic. To progress this the National Executive 2022-2024 contributed their views to two National Council for Curriculum and Assessment submissions, attended round table discussions hosted by the NCCA on the content, and conducted surveys with Comhairle na nOg members. They have also invited and taken part in discussions with relevant experts in the field from the Department of Education, Dublin City University, the Health Promotion Research Centre and the World Health Organisation. They have made a proposal to the Department of Education who welcomed their work and committed to consider ways in which to implement their recommendations. Chairing the debate, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, said, The young people gathered in the chamber are a powerful force for change. At a time when parts of the world are in turmoil with war, hunger and the devastation of climate change, it is you who hold the keys to your own future. Your discussions today on the themes of Mental Health, Body Image and School Stress will evoke thoughts and compassion for your peers and colleagues. If there is one thing I would encourage you to do in this Chamber today, it is to listen completely. When you listen you play one part of the conversation. The golden rule of being a good speaker is to be a good listener. In her closing remarks to delegates, Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People Mary Butler said, I was really pleased to listen and engage with 160 articulate young people across all 31 Comhairle na nOg. The voice of younger people must be heard and listened to, particularly on issues such as youth mental health. I want to thank each and every one of these young people for the valuable contributions they are making to society. As advocates representing young people across Ireland, I have heard your voices today and I share your vision for improvement and progress, especially in relation to signposting services that are available for young people to support their emotional wellbeing and to support positive mental health. I am familiar with the fantastic work that Comhairle na nOg do. Our young people are the future leaders and it great to see them here in the Dail chamber today discussing such an important topic. Dail na nOg is organised by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in association with members of Houses of the Oireachtas and Government. Dail na nOg is an initiative of the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and was first established in 2001. The topic of school stress voted on at Dail na nOg will form the basis of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executives formal workplan for the next two years. The National Executive is made up of one representative from each of the 31 Comhairli na nOg and follows up on the recommendations from Dail na nOg to make changes for young people in those areas. The National Executive has a term of office of two years and meets once a month, and is facilitated and supported by the National Participation Office and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who ensure that they get the opportunity to engage with appropriate Ministers, policy-makers, Oireachtas Committees and other decision-makers. Ruth Cunningham, a delegate from Comhairle na nOg said, "It was so exciting and such an honour to be present in Leinster House. Dail na nOg is so important in giving a voice to young people in Ireland and I was very proud to represent my local Comhairle and help us play our part in shaping how members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and Government will look at youth mental health over the next two years. Minister OGorman further said, I am very pleased that Dail na nOg sat in the Dail chamber, with delegates from each of the 31 Comhairle na nOg local youth councils. This youth parliament convenes every two years and is an important way for members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and Government to hear directly from children and young people on the priority issues that need to be addressed. I have been very happy to support and promote the voice of children and young people in Government decision-making and applaud the young people who have come here today to advance this important work. April 2nd marks the official launch of The National Spring Clean 2024. To date, over 3,100 registrations have been made nationally. In Leitrim, almost 40 clean-up events are registered for this spring, but registration will remain open throughout April for those still interested in participating in the campaign. Irelands largest anti-litter campaign, the National Spring Clean, is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Local Authorities and supported by the Department of Environment, Communications and Climate Environment and Mars Wrigley Ireland. This year marks 25 years of the campaign, which has seen the removal of an estimated 47,500 tonnes of litter from Irish streets, parks, and coastlines, thanks to over 12 million volunteer hours. A key focus of this years campaign will be highlighting the impact a circular economy model can have on reducing waste and our climate impact. Last year alone, 35% of all waste collected during the National Spring Clean was recycled, thanks to recyclable waste bags provided to registered groups and individuals. Minister of State at the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth TD, said: It is always fantastic to see the strong community spirit and ambition to make a positive contribution to the local environment, from the volunteers who participate in An Taisces National Spring Clean. National Spring Clean Manager Emlyn Cullen commented: Were proud to say that over the past 25 years, almost 47,500 tonnes of litter has been collected, thanks to the enormous effort of our dedicated volunteers. As we mark our 25th anniversary, we hope this year will be our biggest yet. To ensure that each community clean-up runs smoothly, the National Spring Clean has also provided various downloadable information packs on its website for its volunteers to read. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns will visit Carrick-on-Shannon to meet with the local community and local elections Social Democrats candidate Lola Gonzalez-Farrell. The visit is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, and will be open to the public at the Market Yard at 3.15pm. The visit will allow them to directly connect with businesses and residents, listen to their perspectives, and discuss the issues that matter most to the community. The visit underscores the Social Democrats' commitment to engaging with local communities and understanding the unique needs and concerns of residents in the Leitrim and Roscommon region. Deputy Cairns has long been vocal about rural issues, particularly those impacting the region, including the strain on rural healthcare services and small business support for rural towns. She has called for serious investment in GP training, public dental services, and a salaried GP model to alleviate the burden on local general practitioners. Over the past several years, she has also called on the coalition to develop realistic support initiatives for young farmers that meet Ireland's sustainability goals. Ms Gonzalez-Farrell added, "As a candidate for local council elections, I am particularly concerned with improved housing accessibility, better local transport options, support for community initiatives, and initiatives to bolster small businesses in rural towns like Carrick-on-Shannon and the wider Leitrim area. "I look forward to sharing our local perspectives with Holly, which she can take back to the Social Democrats and the Dail to advocate for our region," she said. Deputy Cairns and Ms Gonzalez-Farrell will walk through the town, ending at the Market Yard. Musician Jeffrey "Skunk" Baxter to Receive the Hedy Lamarr Unsung Heroes in Science & Technology Award at EarthX Congress of Conferences DALLAS, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The AFS Hedy Lamarr Award, an honor recognizing outstanding contributions to science and technology, will be presented to Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at EarthX's Congress of Conferences at the Hilton Anatole on Monday, April 22, 2024, with the award to be presented by notable figures David Hamilton and Trammell Crow Jr. Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter is American Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist most known as the lead guitarist with The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and Spirit. Perhaps less known are his numerous contributions as a missile and national security expert working for decades with some or our nation's most advanced technical laboratories, national security agencies and military branches. His invaluable contributions to national security agencies and military branches have spanned decades, making him a perfect recipient for the Hedy Lamarr Award. The AFS Hedy Lamarr Unsung Heroes in Science & Technology Award acknowledges individuals who have worked behind the scenes or broken barriers to provide innovative solutions, inventions, and methodologies that enhance our daily lives and bolster our national security. This award shines a light on the unsung heroes who embody the spirit and legacy of Hedy Lamarr, herself a renowned actress and an inventor whose contributions to technology have left a lasting impact. Event Details: - Date: Monday, April 22, 2024 8:15pm - Location: Hilton Anatole - Chantilly East, Dallas, TX - Presentation By: David Hamilton & Trammell Crow Jr. - Recipient: Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter For additional information on the Hedy Lamarr Unsung Heroes in Science & Technology Award and the upcoming award ceremony, please visit https://www.americas-fs.org/copy-of-hedy-lamar-award. About EarthX: EarthX is a subsidiary brand of Earth Day Texas Inc., founded in 2011 as a 501(3) to support Earth Day celebrations in Dallas. Since then, EarthX has grown into an international nonprofit and global environmental organization with a mission dedicated to environmental awareness, education, and inspiring passion in people and organizations to take action towards a more sustainable future. EarthX Media Inc. operates EarthxTV, a 24/7 linear television network dedicated to engaging and informing audiences globally and is in over 60 million homes internationally. The company is headquartered in Dallas, TX. Visit EarthX.org or follow @earthxorg on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. For more information on the conference schedule, speakers, and registration, please visit www.earthx.org. SOURCE EarthX 2 april 2024 at 19:12 News published onand distributed by: Eirene, Canada's first and only online funeral services provider, launches operations in the U.S. after raising over $4 million in seed round to accelerate its growth TORONTO, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Eirene, Canada's first and only online funeral services provider, has launched operations in the U.S. after raising $4.1 million in seed funding. Relay Ventures led the round, with participation from Export Development Canada and Saint Elizabeth Healthcare. This funding will accelerate Eirene's path to scale, with a focus on expanding its operations in the U.S., building its brand, and growing its team. Eirene raises $4.1 million and launches in the U.S. as it continues to disrupt the funeral services industry This latest round brings Eirene's total funding to $5 million since it was founded in 2019 by Mallory Greene and Faisal Abid. Eirene's pre-seed round included investors Michael Katchen, co-founder of Wealthsimple, and Manica Blain of Top Knot Ventures. Eirene's technology platform provides families with online end-of-life solutions that are easy to use, simple to understand, and affordable. Eirene's platform is supported by a dedicated team committed to providing high-quality and compassionate funeral services to families. A leader in the Canadian funeral services industry, Eirene operates in five provinces and now in Florida, with its expansion into the U.S. market. According to industry experts, the U.S. funeral services industry is worth over US$20 billion, with the highest density of people living in coastal areas, including Florida. "With the ongoing support and confidence of our investors, and the launch of our business in Florida, we're thrilled to be able to serve more families in Canada and the U.S.. Today, over 75% of Canadians and over 60% of Americans are choosing cremation. However, there has been very little change in how the industry delivers its services in the past 100 years. We're filling a gap to provide a relevant and innovative solution for families," said Mallory Greene, Eirene's co-founder and CEO. Eirene's technology platform also provides a more consistent, transparent and streamlined customer experience, which includes its pricing. Eirene's cremation services cost less than half what traditional funeral homes charge, while still delivering the service and support that families are looking for. Another point of differentiation is its business model, which provides Eirene the ability to grow its business faster than traditional companies in this space. "We're excited to lead this round of funding for Eirene, and to be able to work with exceptional founders like Mallory and Faisal. Eirene is leveraging their technology-enabled platform to disrupt a traditional brick and mortar industry, which positions Eirene at the forefront of transforming the customer experience," said Kevin Talbot, co-founder and Managing Partner of Relay Ventures. "This investment will accelerate Eirene's ability to scale its operations across North America, expand its end-of-life services and further invest in its innovative technology platform to maintain its leadership position." "This funding comes at an exciting time for our business and demonstrates a shared vision with our partners," added Greene. About Eirene Eirene is a leading North American online funeral services provider, making cremation easier and more affordable for families. Founded in 2019, Eirene is Canada's first and only direct cremation technology platform with operations in the U.S.. Eirene provides end-to-end services from pick-up to cremation to delivery of the ashes, and is supported by a dedicated team committed to providing families with high-quality and compassionate funeral services. In Canada, Eirene operates in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. In the U.S., Eirene operates in Florida, with plans for further expansion. To learn more, please visit eirenecremations.com. SOURCE Eirene Cremation Inc. 3 april 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: NEVADA KING INTERCEPTS 4.51 G/T AU OVER 86.3M INCLUDING 7.77 G/T AU OVER 43M, FURTHER EXPANDS HIGH-GRADE ZONE 200M NORTH OF THE ATLANTA PIT VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTCQX: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from four vertical, reverse circulation ("RC") holes and one vertical, PQ-diameter diamond core hole completed in the northern portion of the West Atlanta Graben Zone ("WAGZ") at its at its 5,166 hectares (51.6km2), 100% owned Atlanta Gold Mine Project, located in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend 264km northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Highlights: Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT23WS-23C.1*+ 226.2 312.5 86.3 4.51 50.7 Includes 256.3 299.2 43 7.77 25.1 Includes 256.3 261.3 5 18.34 1.9 AT23WS-58 213.4 297.2 83.8 0.75 5.4 AT23WS-61* 243.8 294.1 50.3 1.56 13.2 Table 1: Highlight holes released on section 22N-17N(2). Mineralization occurs along near-horizontal horizons with true mineralized thicknesses estimated to be 85% to 95% of reported drill intercept length. *Denotes hole bottoming in mineralization. +Denotes core hole. Core hole AT23WS-23C.1 intercepted 4.51 g/t Au over 86.3m including 7.77 g/t Au over 48.6m and was collared 6m north of RC hole AT23WS-23, which intercepted 2.45 g/t Au over 102.1m , (released June 6, 2023 ). AT23WS-23C.1 was planned to provide metallurgical material for the ongoing Phase II test work program, as well as to verify the RC drilling. and was collared north of RC hole AT23WS-23, which intercepted 2.45 g/t Au over , (released ). AT23WS-23C.1 was planned to provide metallurgical material for the ongoing Phase II test work program, as well as to verify the RC drilling. While core hole AT23WS-23C.1 shows a 60% increase in overall grade, a comparison of gold distribution in AT23WS-23C.1 with AT23WS-23 (see Table 4 below) reveals close lateral correlation. This is particularly evident when comparing elevations of the upper high-grade zones (highlighted in yellow in Table 4) and the lower high-grade zones (highlighted in magenta). The sub-horizontal geometry of these zones suggests higher grade mineralization along low-angle bedding features or breccia horizons. As shown below in Figure 1, the high-grade intercepts in AT23WS-23C.1 and adjacent AT23WS-23 also add definition to a developing, northwest-trending high-grade zone along the axis of the WAGZ that currently spans 200m long by 70m wide. Relative to the location of AT23WS-23C.1, other previously reported holes of note within this zone include: AT23WS-44 (11.64 g/t Au over 108.2m ) located 56m southeast; AT23WS-53 (2.72 g/t Au over 64m ) located 34m to south; AT23WS-62 (6.09 g/t Au over 41.5m ) located 41m southwest; AT23WS-34 (1.74 g/t Au over 114.3m ) located 82m to the southeast; and AT23WS-56 (1.55 g/t Au over 94.5m ) located 108m southeast. long by wide. Relative to the location of AT23WS-23C.1, other previously reported holes of note within this zone include: At least two high-grade feeder zones appear to be responsible for this well mineralized zone. Holes AT23WS-23C.1, AT23WS-44, AT23WS-34, and AT23WS-56 most likely share the same NW-trending basement structure, whereas AT23WS-62 probably tapped into a different structure with a different orientation. It is also important to note the high proportion of holes shown in Figure 1 that bottomed in mineralization and did not fully penetrate both of the high-grade horizons described above. The Company is currently re-drilling these holes along the NW trend connecting AT23WS-23C.1 and AT23WS-44 in order to obtain representative Au/Ag grade averages through the entire mineralized sequence. Holes AT23WS-58 and AT23WS-59 intercepted 0.75 g/t Au over 83.8m and 0.86 g/t Au over 61.7m , respectively, filling in a previously untested 45m -wide gap between the WAGZ and the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone (" AMFZ "). As shown in Figure 3, both holes extend the thick mineralization found in the centre of the WAGZ eastward to the West Atlanta Fault, thus building additional tonnage potential. , respectively, filling in a previously untested -wide gap between the WAGZ and the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone (" "). As shown in Figure 3, both holes extend the thick mineralization found in the centre of the WAGZ eastward to the West Atlanta Fault, thus building additional tonnage potential. AT23WS-61 ( 50.3m of 1.56 g/t Au) was lost just short of entering the lower high-grade zone (Figure 3), but the hole did demonstrate continuance of the thick mineralization seen in the middle of the WAGZ westward to the West Atlanta Fault #2 ("WAF2"), which bounds the western margin of the WAGZ. This is particularly important when taking into account the low-grade intercepts in two historical holes located only 32m west of AT23WS-61 but on the western side of the WAF2. Neither DHRI-11-15C ( 67.1m @ 0.28 g/t Au) nor DHRI-11-NRC01 ( 27.4m @ 0.42 g/t Au) indicated potential for the thick, much higher-grade mineralization encountered in AT23WS-61, much less in the centre of the WAGZ. Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, stated, "The Company's multiple structure model continues to lead to thick, high-grade mineralized zones. In addition to following high-angle structures that served as loci for higher grade Au-Ag mineralization, Nevada King's success at increasing both grade and thickness can also be attributed to achieving full penetration of the low-angle unconformity that hosts most of the mineralization at Atlanta. The occurrence of two separate, sub-horizontal high-grade horizons as illustrated in Table 4 is replicated throughout the Atlanta system but is most often observed in the WAFZ where the deeper high-grade occurs in the carbonate section at or directly above the unconformable basement contact, while the shallower high-grade is hosted in the volcanic sequence above the unconformity. Higher grade and thicker intercepts occur close to feeder structures controlling the mineralization, as seen in AT23WS-23C.1, while grades decrease and thin laterally away from the feeders as seen in AT23WS-23." Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT23WS-23C.1*+ 226.2 312.5 86.3 4.51 50.7 Includes 256.3 299.2 43 7.77 25.1 Includes 256.3 261.3 5 18.34 1.9 AT23WS-58 213.4 297.2 83.8 0.75 5.6 AT23WS-59 216.5 283.5 67.1 0.86 10.9 AT23WS-61* 243.9 294.2 50.3 1.56 13.2 AT23NS-149 175.3 193.6 18.3 0.45 10.3 Table 2. All holes released today on section 22-17N(2). Mineralization occurs along near-horizontal horizons with true mineralized thickness in vertical holes estimated to be 85% to 95% of reported drill intercept length. *Denotes holes that bottomed in mineralization. + Denotes core holes. Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT21-10* 150.9 152.4 1.5 0.24 0.7 AT21-11^ 15.2 21.3 6.1 0.45 10.9 AT22WS-1* 239.3 304.9 65.5 1.52 11.6 AT22WS-12*^ 204.3 259.1 54.9 0.21 1.2 AT23WS-15 213.4 248.5 35.1 0.50 8.4 AT22NS-26T+ 119.2 138.3 19.1 0.39 11.6 AT22NS-27 51.8 71.6 19.8 0.41 12.5 AT23WS-23 230.2 332.3 102.1 2.45 10.1 Includes 288.1 300.3 12.2 8.78 11.8 AT23WS-18 225.6 283.5 57.9 1.48 8.5 DHRI-11-NRC1* 310.9 338.3 27.4 0.42 5.93 DHRI-11-15C+ 266.7 333.8 67.1 0.28 8.4 Table 3. Previously released and historical holes used on section 22-17N (2). AT series holes drilled by Nevada King in 2021 and 2022. DHRI series holes drilled by Meadow Bay in 2011. *Denotes hole that bottomed in mineralization. +Denotes core hole. ^Denotes aggregate assay interval. AT23WS-23C.1 AT23WS-23 From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) 232.3 233.8 1.5 0.376 230.1 231.7 1.5 0.239 233.8 235.3 1.5 0.749 231.7 233.2 1.5 0.145 235.3 236.8 1.5 0.547 233.2 234.7 1.5 0.507 236.8 238.4 1.5 0.409 234.7 236.2 1.5 0.447 238.4 239.9 1.5 1.67 236.2 237.7 1.5 0.481 239.9 241.3 1.4 1.1 237.7 239.3 1.5 0.496 241.3 242.8 1.5 0.8 239.3 240.8 1.5 0.393 242.8 244.0 1.2 1.57 240.8 242.3 1.5 0.38 244.0 245.2 1.2 2.88 242.3 243.8 1.5 0.428 245.2 246.7 1.5 1.94 243.8 245.4 1.5 0.427 246.7 247.7 0.9 0.624 245.4 246.9 1.5 0.755 247.7 248.6 0.9 0.147 246.9 248.4 1.5 8.74 248.6 249.6 1.1 0.426 248.4 249.9 1.5 12.98 249.6 250.5 0.9 1.2 249.9 251.5 1.5 8.61 250.5 252.1 1.5 5.94 251.5 253.0 1.5 0.643 252.1 253.6 1.5 3.52 253.0 254.5 1.5 0.39 253.6 255.1 1.5 4.52 254.5 256.0 1.5 0.683 255.1 256.2 1.1 4.03 256.0 257.6 1.5 3.32 256.2 257.7 1.5 15.87 257.6 259.1 1.5 2.88 257.7 258.8 1.1 11.90 259.1 260.6 1.5 1.69 258.8 259.7 0.9 26.97 260.6 262.1 1.5 1.64 259.7 261.2 1.5 20.13 262.1 263.7 1.5 1.55 261.2 262.7 1.5 1.35 263.7 265.2 1.5 1.05 262.7 263.7 0.9 1.3 265.2 266.7 1.5 0.861 263.7 265.5 1.8 2.53 266.7 268.2 1.5 0.542 265.5 267.0 1.5 4.19 268.2 269.8 1.5 1.27 267.0 268.5 1.5 5.02 269.8 271.3 1.5 1.61 268.5 270.1 1.5 1.53 271.3 272.8 1.5 1.18 270.1 271.6 1.5 4.59 272.8 274.3 1.5 1.97 271.6 273.3 1.7 6.78 274.3 275.8 1.5 1.5 273.3 274.8 1.5 12.6 275.8 277.4 1.5 2.86 274.8 275.4 0.6 11.45 277.4 278.9 1.5 3.08 275.4 276.9 1.5 12.37 278.9 280.4 1.5 1.64 276.9 278.0 1.1 8.34 280.4 281.9 1.5 2.22 278.0 279.5 1.5 10.42 281.9 283.5 1.5 5.41 279.5 281.0 1.5 14.28 283.5 285.0 1.5 4.44 281.0 282.6 1.5 5.02 285.0 286.5 1.5 2.09 282.6 283.8 1.2 6.25 286.5 288.0 1.5 4.86 283.8 285.3 1.5 9.82 288.0 289.6 1.5 7.95 285.3 286.8 1.5 6.71 289.6 291.1 1.5 9.53 286.8 287.7 0.9 5.29 291.1 292.6 1.5 13.97 287.7 289.3 1.5 3.89 292.6 294.1 1.5 11.4 289.3 290.5 1.2 1.75 294.1 295.7 1.5 7.66 290.5 291.7 1.2 4.61 295.7 297.2 1.5 6.68 291.7 293.5 1.8 4.24 297.2 298.7 1.5 5.93 293.5 295.0 1.5 3.53 298.7 300.2 1.5 7.1 295.0 296.6 1.5 8.13 300.2 301.8 1.5 1.44 296.6 297.8 1.2 13.28 301.8 303.3 1.5 1.93 297.8 299.2 1.4 5.02 303.3 304.8 1.5 0.565 299.2 300.8 1.7 0.762 304.8 306.3 1.5 0.543 300.8 302.4 1.5 0.976 306.3 307.9 1.5 0.423 302.4 303.6 1.2 1.66 307.9 309.4 1.5 0.299 303.6 305.1 1.5 0.702 309.4 310.9 1.5 0.306 305.1 306.8 1.7 0.262 310.9 312.4 1.5 0.224 306.8 308.0 1.2 0.368 312.4 313.9 1.5 0.176 308.0 310.0 2.0 0.171 313.9 315.5 1.5 0.231 310.0 312.4 2.4 0.412 315.5 317.0 1.5 0.27 312.4 313.3 0.9 0.06 317.0 318.5 1.5 0.155 313.3 314.9 1.5 0.159 318.5 320.0 1.5 0.183 Table 4. Comparison of Au assays from core hole AT23WS-23C.1 and RC hole AT23WS-23 including drill depths and sample interval lengths. RC sampling is done on 1.5-metre intervals while core drilling varies in interval size with the ability to tighten or broaden sample size with relation to structure, contacts, and strong mineralization. Yellow highlighted intervals indicate the Upper High-Grade Zone, while magenta highlighted intervals denote the Lower High-Grade Zone. Both high grade zones often occur together throughout the Atlanta deposit. QAQC Protocols All RC samples from the Atlanta Project are split at the drill site and placed in cloth and plastic bags utilizing a nominal 2kg sample weight. CRF standards, blanks, and duplicates are inserted into the sample stream on-site on a one-in-twenty sample basis, meaning all three inserts are included in each 20-sample group. Samples are shipped by a local contractor in large sample shipping crates directly to American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada, with full custody being maintained at all times. At American Assay Lab, samples were weighed then crushed to 75% passing 2mm and pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns in order to produce a 300g pulverized split. Prepared samples are initially run using a four acid + boric acid digestion process and conventional multi-element ICP-OES analysis. Gold assays are initially run using 30-gram samples by lead fire assay with an OES finish to a 0.003 ppm detection limit, with samples greater than 10 ppm finished gravimetrically. Silver samples that run greater than 100ppm are also finished gravimetrically. Every sample is also run through a cyanide leach for gold with an ICP-OES finish. The QA/QC procedure involves regular submission of Certified Analytical Standards and property-specific duplicates. The PQ-diameter core was sampled in the Company's warehouse in Winnemucca, Nevada, with whole core samples being placed in heavy canvas bags and sent to American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada, in heavy shipping bags by a Company contractor with full custody being maintained at all times. CRF standards and coarse blanks were inserted into the sample stream on a one-in-twenty sample basis, meaning both inserts are included in each 20-sample group. At American Assay Lab, samples were weighted then completely crushed to -1 inch. The coarse-crushed sample was quarter-split and one quarter was reduced to 75% passing 2mm. A 300g split was subsequently pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. Prepared samples are initially run using a four acid + boric acid digestion process and conventional multi-element ICP-OES analysis. Gold assays are initially run using 30-gram samples by lead fire assay with an OES finish to a 0.003 ppm detection limit, with samples greater than 10 ppm finished gravimetrically. Every sample is also run through a cyanide leach for gold with an ICP-OES finish. The QA/QC procedure involves regular submission of Certified Analytical Standards and property-specific duplicates. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Nevada King Gold Corp. Nevada King is the third largest mineral claim holder in the State of Nevada, behind Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick/Newmont) and Kinross Gold. Starting in 2016, the Company has staked large project areas hosting significant historical exploration work along the Battle Mountain trend located close to current or former producing gold mines. These project areas were initially targeted based on their potential for hosting multi-million-ounce gold deposits and were subsequently staked following a detailed geological evaluation. District-scale projects in Nevada King's portfolio include (1) the 100% owned Atlanta Mine, located 100km southeast of Ely, (2) the Lewis and Horse Mountain-Mill Creek projects, both located between Nevada Gold Mines' large Phoenix and Pipeline mines, and (3) the Iron Point project, located 35km east of Winnemucca, Nevada. The Atlanta Mine is a historical gold-silver producer with a NI 43-101 compliant pit-constrained resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Resource Category Tonnes (000s) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au Oz Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag Oz Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000 Table 3. NI 43-101 Mineral Resources at the Atlanta Mine Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operations and activities of Nevada King, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans and the Company's ability to potentially expand mineral resources and the impact thereon. 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. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual 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 and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Nevada King Gold Corp. 3 april 2024 at 07:30 News published onand distributed by: Terra Balcanica Executes Letter of Intent For Option Agreement To Acquire 100% Interest In Advanced Saskatchewan Uranium Portfolio Vancouver, British Columbia, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. ("Terra" or the "Company") (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1), a multi-jurisdictional exploration company focused on supporting the global transition to clean energy, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (the "Agreement") with a wholly owned subsidiary of Fulcrum Metals Plc., ("Fulcrum", AIM:FMET). Pursuant to the Agreement, Terra will have an option (the "Option Agreement") to acquire a 100% interest in Fulcrum's Charlot-Neely, Fontaine Lake, Snowbird and South Pendleton uranium licences (the "Licences") located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada and collectively encompassing 596.71 km2 of highly prospective ground for a uranium discovery. Highlights Proximal to northern and southeastern edges of the Athabasca Basin ("Basin") in northern Saskatchewan, a premium mining district and leading global source of high-grade uranium; Charlot-Neely is located within the emerging Uranium City district on the northwestern margin of the Basin Historical work at the projects has demonstrated evidence of uranium mineralization along favourable structural trends with prospective target horizons based on electromagnetic conductors; Future exploration requires the undertaking of a modern systematic geologic fieldwork to determine the uranium potential. Terra Balcanica CEO, Dr. Aleksandar Mi?kovi?, commented: "In our pursuit of high-quality assets worldwide, Terra Balcanica has secured an option to acquire a Canadian uranium portfolio covering close to 600 km2 with tremendous potential for discovery. In a world transitioning to green energy solutions, the acquisition of these assets provides a more robust and diverse exploration portfolio for Terra. Although there has been an increase in activity in the uranium sector, we are at the early stages of a commodity super-cycle and being able to acquire such a large, advanced uranium portfolio on favourable terms was a clear opportunity for our shareholders. It is the right time, jurisdiction, and commodity to augment our advanced Balkan portfolio and to further participate in the changing energy landscape. We look forward to working with Fulcrum to apply their technical and jurisdictional expertise to advance these Saskatchewan uranium projects, and we are excited by the addition of a strategic commodity to Terra's existing polymetallic portfolio." Portfolio Overview and Discovery Opportunity The licence portfolio totals 596.71 km2 targeting major NE-SW trending structures along strike from historic uranium mines and projects that have attracted significant investment. Discoveries such as the Arrow (4.3Mt at 0.83% U 3 O 8 ; https://www.nexgenenergy.ca/exploration/overview) and Triple R (2.7Mt at 1.94% U 3 O 8 https://fissionuranium.com/projects/triple-r-deposit/project-overview/) have proved the concept of exploring along structures outside of the Athabasca basin. Figure 1. Regional map of northern Saskatchewan, Canada which is one of the world's leading sources of high-grade uranium and supplies about 20% of the world's uranium. The blue symbols illustrate locations of the four optioned exploration properties totalling 596 km2 in the context of the world-famous Athabasca Basin, a Paleoproterozoic siliciclastic depo-centre (click here to view image). Key Terms of Agreement On closing of the transaction, Terra will have a four-year option to acquire 100% of Fulcrum's owned uranium licences. In consideration for the four-year option and at the time a definitive agreement is announced by way of news release and subject to a CSE approval, Terra shall pay Fulcrum C$7,500 for exclusivity on execution of signing of the Letter and pay Fulcrum C$25,000 less the C$7,500 exclusivity payment on execution of closing of the Option Agreement. Additionally, Terra shall pay Fulcrum cash according to the schedule below: C$50,000 on the first anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$75,000 on the second anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$75,000 on the third anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$75,000 on the fourth anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; and issue Fulcrum shares of TERA at the 10-Day Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") prior to the date of issuance as per the following schedule: C$250,000 on closing of the Option Agreement with the initial share payments capped at C$0.065/share, pre-consolidation; C$350,000 on the first anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$500,000 on the second anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$650,000 on the third anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; C$1,250,000 on the fourth anniversary of closing of the Option Agreement; Terra will also complete minimum work expenditures totalling $3,250,000 prior to the fourth anniversary of the Option Agreement and grant Fulcrum a 1.0% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") on all claims with buydown option of 0.5% NSR for C$1,000,000. As part of the Option Agreement and for terminating the existing prior agreement (the "Prior Agreement") between Fulcrum and Global Energy Metals Corp. ("Global Energy"), Global Energy will be compensated with C$150,000 in shares in TERA on closing of the Option Agreement and a 0.5% NSR on all claims. The transaction contemplated above is an "Arms' Length" in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The CSE has not passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Restructuring Board of Directors Mr. Steven Latimer, ICD.D, CFA, MBA, has stepped down as a director of the Company to focus on his other business interests but he will continue to act as a Strategic Advisor to the Company. Giulio T. Bonifacio, Terra's Non-Executive Chairman of the Board commented: "We are very thankful for Steve's involvement to date while looking forward to his future role and contributions as key strategic advisor and shareholder of the Company." Qualified Person Dr. Aleksandar Mi?kovi?, P.Geo, is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Dr. Mi?kovi? has reviewed and validated the information contained in this news release as factual and accurate. About the Company Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina and owns 100% of the Ceovishte mineral exploration licence in southern Serbia. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. "Aleksandar Mi?kovi?" Aleksandar Mi?kovi? President and CEO For the complete information on this news release, please contact Aleksandar Mi?kovi? at [email protected] , +1 (514) 796-7577, or visit www.terrabresources.com/en/news. Cautionary Statement This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. 3 april 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Data Advances Decarbonization in Connected Transportation: Geotab's Sustainability Report Reveals Progress, Recognizes Challenges Ahead "Trust. Transparency. Transformation.": Geotab's annual sustainability report examines the importance of data insights for managing and measuring sustainability goals TORONTO, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Geotab Inc. ("Geotab"), the global leader in connected transportation solutions, today released its 2023 Sustainability and Impact Report , "Trust. Transparency. Transformation." highlighting how data-driven insights are helping Geotab and global organizations better measure and achieve their climate goals. The report also delves into the tougher challenges of managing business and environmental impact, including increased business travel and much-needed transparency associated with Scope 3 emissions. "The climate crisis demands action. The transportation industry is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions with a tremendous opportunity in the near term to make a positive impact. As a close partner to that industry, we have a moral obligation to do our part in supporting carbon reduction ? not just for ourselves, but for our customers too. This has to be a collaborative approach. There are too many challenges to address and solve in isolation," said Neil Cawse, Founder and CEO of Geotab. Geotab's greatest impact is in supporting customers and partners to drive transformation through data-driven insights and AI, enabling informed decision-making as they report and track progress on all stages of the sustainability journey. In a recent survey by Geotab, 87% of U.S. fleet professionals expected their cost of business to rise in 2024, and 40% confirmed they use data intelligence to create a more sustainable fleet by flagging and improving fuel economy and idling. Data insights regarding fuel use, better routing, emissions management, better driving behavior such as reducing harsh braking, and the integration of EVs into fleets help address cost and improve the bottom line. As part of its commitment towards a more sustainable world, Geotab has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2040 ? a decade earlier than called for in the Paris Agreement ? and is aiming for a 50% reduction in emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2030. The progress made The latest report shows Geotab has made progress in reducing direct and indirect operational emissions over the past year: In Scope 1, which tracks emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by Geotab, the company saw a 41% reduction in GHG emissions in 2023 (from the 2019 baseline). In Scope 2, which tracks the indirect emissions resulting from electricity purchased by Geotab, the company saw a 35% reduction in GHG emissions in 2023 (from the 2019 baseline). Additional highlights from 2023 Partnerships to drive change ? Forming the Geotab Sustainability Alliance of 28+ partners offering integrated solutions to help fleets achieve their sustainability goals. of 28+ partners offering integrated solutions to help fleets achieve their sustainability goals. Vital R&D progress ? Opening the Geotab Automotive Innovation and Research Hub in High Wycombe, England , dedicated to advancing the data intelligence required to support the electrification of the transportation sector at scale. The company supports over 300 EV makes and models globally. , dedicated to advancing the data intelligence required to support the electrification of the transportation sector at scale. The company supports over globally. Enhanced waste diversion ? Expanding the GO Recycle Prrogram in Australia and New Zealand , ensuring that Geotab products are recycled securely and responsibly. and , ensuring that Geotab products are recycled securely and responsibly. Sustainability leadership and performance awards ? Receiving a Bronze medal from EcoVadis for sustainability performance, Bronze Stevie Awards for Sustainability Leadership and Sustainability Product of the Year , and recognition as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2023). The challenges we face Geotab's report identifies areas of improvement which reflect similar challenges experienced in the industry in general: For Scope 3, which tracks indirect emissions like supply chain activities, Geotab saw a 11% increase in 2023 (from the 2019 baseline) mainly due to higher purchases of goods and services and increased business travel and commuting by staff. Challenge in gathering accurate and reliable Scope 3 emissions data across the value chain, primarily due to varying data availability across different regions. This underscores the importance of further collaboration with supply chain partners and manufacturers to achieve comprehensive tracking, from raw materials to end-of-life, and greater use of data insights will also help provide more transparency and understanding in addressing challenges. "We are proud of the accomplishments we've made so far, but we know there is much further to go if we want to fulfill our journey to net zero, particularly in addressing Scope 3 emissions. We'll be accelerating our pace to tackle Scope 3 targets, and tapping into the power of data, to realize our ambitions and the ambitions of our customers," added Cawse. About the Geotab 2023 Sustainability and Impact Report The report was prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To spark industry conversation on data-driven sustainability strategies, Geotab's 2023 Sustainability and Impact Report includes a custom email so readers can provide feedback on their own challenges and solutions related to sustainability, supply chain and growth. To explore the full report, visit: geotab.com/about/corporate-sustainability/ About Geotab Geotab is a global leader in connected transportation solutions. We provide telematics ? vehicle and asset tracking ? solutions to over 50,000 customers in 160 countries. For more than 20 years, we have invested in ground-breaking data research and innovation to enable partners and customers, including Fortune 500 and public sector organizations, to transform their fleets and operations. With over 4 million subscriptions and processing more than 75 billion data points a day, we help customers make better decisions, increase productivity, have safer fleets, and achieve their sustainability goals. Geotab's open platform and Marketplace, offers hundreds of third-party solution options. Backed by a team of industry leading data scientists and AI experts, Geotab is unlocking the power of data to understand real-time and predictive analytics ? solving for today's challenges and tomorrow's world. To learn more, visit www.geotab.com , follow @GEOTAB on X and LinkedIn or visit the Geotab Blog. SOURCE Geotab Inc. 3 april 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Govt Announces In-Person Registration Dates for Elderly Travel Scheme (Andalucia, Southern Spain) On February 26, 2024, the Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry Nigel Feetham KC MP, announced in Parliament on behalf of HMGoG the introduction of the travel scheme for eligible elderly resident citizens intended to provide assistance in case of genuine emergency medical treatment being required. Govt has announced a face-to-face registration process to assist our elderly citizens who might not be able to use the online registration process already made available by HMGoG. If possible, HMGoG would ask eligible elderly citizens to continue to use the online registration process. You can register at any time if you are eligible and even eligible citizens who have not yet registered will still be covered by the scheme as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible citizens aged 60 to 90 are now advised that from Monday 8th April to Friday 19th April, between 9:00am and 2:30pm, they will be able to visit the John Mackintosh Hall to register for the travel scheme in person should they wish to do so. This event has been organised by the Ministry of Justice, Trade and Industry to assist those who find it challenging to submit their registration forms online. Citizens are advised to bring their ID and GHA card to the John Mackintosh Hall visit. Physical registration is not required if you submit or have submitted your registration form online. Citizens can continue to register online by visiting: https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/emergencymedicalscheme As previously advised, all that is required at the registration stage is to submit the registration form to the no-reply email address provided. HMGoG is reminding eligible elderly citizens that the Scheme does not exclude over 90s. This has been explained by Minister Feetham in Parliament and on GBC. Over 90s is bespoke under the terms and conditions of the Scheme. A form is available for over 90s online for this purpose and should be submitted for approval by email to the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. From enquiries received, Government has said it wishes to make it clear that there is no charge presently under the Scheme. Further, as previously explained, the annual income threshold is per eligible citizen and includes all income (subject to the terms and conditions). JDRF T1D Fund, a Leading Disease-Focused Venture Philanthropy Fund, Appoints Sylvia Tobe as Managing Director The JDRF T1D Fund, a venture philanthropy investment fund focused on curing type 1 diabetes (T1D), announced today that Sylvia Tobe, PhD had joined as a Managing Director based in Boston. Dr. Tobe will work alongside the T1D Fund's other Managing Directors and members of the investment team to advance and broaden the T1D Fund's investment activities and capabilities. Dr. Tobe has a decade of life sciences industry experience and joins from Omega Funds, where she served as a Principal on the investment team. In this role, she focused on early-stage investments and company creation across a diverse range of therapeutic areas, including neurology, immunology, and rare diseases. Prior to joining Omega Funds, Dr. Tobe spent seven years at Ra Pharmaceuticals, a peptide drug discovery company focused on rare diseases associated with complement dysregulation. During her tenure at Ra Pharmaceuticals, she was involved in the early development of the company's discovery platform, as well as developing preclinical and translational models for first-in-human studies of its lead product. Dr. Tobe also provided scientific leadership for multiple discovery programs within the company's internal pipeline and in collaboration with Merck. "Sylvia brings significant expertise in the autoimmune disease arena, and we are fortunate to welcome someone of her caliber to the Fund's leadership team," said Timothy Clark, Chair of the T1D Fund. "Her appointment underscores the Fund's continued growth and commitment to attracting top-tier talent who share our dedication to advancing our mission to expedite life-altering solutions and serve as a catalyst for significant investments aimed at curing, preventing, and treating T1D." "I have been deeply impressed with the innovative and mission-driven approach the T1D Fund is employing to catalyze needed private investments in potential cures for T1D," said Dr. Tobe. "I'm excited for the opportunity to help build on the Fund's important work and look forward to collaborating with this experienced team to advance the mission of bringing cures to the T1D population." Dr. Tobe earned her Ph.D in Biochemistry from the University Pierre-and-Marie-Curie in Paris, France, while being a full-time visiting fellow in the Department of Genetics at Harvard University where she worked in synthetic biology. She holds an M.S. from Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University in Paris, France and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Joseph-Fourier University in Grenoble, France About the JDRF T1D Fund The JDRF T1D Fund (www.t1dfund.org) is the largest single disease-focused venture philanthropy investment fund in the world. The T1D Fund invests in companies developing life-changing solutions to treat, prevent, and cure type 1 diabetes (T1D). Since its launch in 2016, the T1D Fund has invested in more than forty private and public companies with an emphasis on cure-oriented therapies. In nurturing a pipeline of next-generation novel opportunities in T1D, the T1D Fund works in partnership with private capital, including venture capital, public market investors, corporations and foundations. The T1D Fund invests in areas strategically aligned with JDRF and the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the leading global organizations funding T1D research and working to change the lives of those who affected by T1D. The T1D Fund is managed by a dedicated team of investment professional team, and all realized gains are re-deployed into new investments aligned with its mission to cure T1D. 3 april 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: Check to Power Wave's Expanded Payroll Offering Check, the leading payroll infrastructure company that pioneered the ability for platforms to embed payroll into their products, today announced its partnership with Wave, the one-stop money management platform for small business owners. Over 300,000 small businesses that use Wave will soon have access to best-in-class full-service payroll functionality across all 50 U.S. states. Payroll has long been a growth hurdle for small businesses due to its complexity. There are 11,000 U.S. payroll jurisdictions, and the administrative burdens that come with proper tax calculation, form filing, and remittance can be stifling for small business owners who are often wearing multiple hats across HR, marketing and more. Check's API abstracts the complexity required to both build and run payroll. Since its launch in 2021, Check has grown to support its partners paying hundreds of thousands of employees across tens of thousands of employers. "Our partnership with Check enables us to deliver a simplified, accurate and compliant payroll product that supports our shared goal of helping more small business owners start, survive and thrive," said David Axler, Chief Strategy Officer at Wave. "By simplifying something as critical yet complex as payroll, Check's API will enhance our offerings in all 50 states. Small businesses are critical to the communities they serve, and this partnership allows us to reduce administrative headaches for our customers while ensuring accuracy, speed and compliance in the process." Wave's comprehensive money management platform is purpose-built for small businesses, with accounting, invoicing, payments, bookkeeping, and payroll solutions. Leveraging Check's embedded payroll API, Wave has now expanded its payroll solution to include: Affordable, flat-rate pricing: Unlike other payroll platforms where individuals have to pay extra for a range of features, Wave can now offer all of the essential features that come with running payroll ? including state and tax filings, end of year reports, and more. Unlike other payroll platforms where individuals have to pay extra for a range of features, Wave can now offer all of the essential features that come with running payroll ? including state and tax filings, end of year reports, and more. Next day direct deposits: Employees can opt in to receive their paychecks the day after payroll is processed. Instead of needing the necessary payroll funds in advance, small business owners simply need to have funds available the day of payroll processing. Employees can opt in to receive their paychecks the day after payroll is processed. Instead of needing the necessary payroll funds in advance, small business owners simply need to have funds available the day of payroll processing. Single- and multi-state payroll: Automated state tax filings for small businesses that have employees in a single state, as well as in multiple states. Automated state tax filings for small businesses that have employees in a single state, as well as in multiple states. Human-powered customer service: Wave customers will have access to a range of resources to assist with payroll questions, including support from payroll experts. "At Check, we aim to make payroll easier for as many small businesses as possible, and we're thrilled to partner with Wave which shares in that mission," said Andrew Brown, co-founder and CEO of Check. "This partnership will allow us to grant even more small business owners with the tools they need to start running payroll easily, seamlessly, and compliantly, without having to grapple with the complicated web of rules and regulations that come with it. We're excited to see Check's embedded payroll help solidify Wave's position as a leading one-stop-shop for small business management needs." About Wave Wave Financial Inc. (waveapps.com) provides one-stop money management for small businesses through a suite of tools that work together to support them at every stage of the ownership journey?from starting to surviving to thriving. Over 300,000 small businesses use Wave's comprehensive platform which includes accounting, invoicing, payments and payroll software solutions, as well as advisory services. Wave has won awards for growth, innovation, and company culture, including KPMG Fintech 100, CB Insights Fintech 250, Canadian Innovation Awards (Financial Services), Canada's Best Workplaces and many more. Wave is a subsidiary of H&R Block. About Check Check is the leading payroll platform that pioneered the ability for companies to differentiate and open up new revenue streams by embedding payroll into their platforms. Historically, complex regulatory structures stagnated payroll innovation, making it harder for businesses to create their own payroll offerings. By building on Check's best in class infrastructure, flexible API, and deep expertise, platforms can launch profitable payroll businesses much faster, and with little overhead or administrative burden. Since Check's public launch in January 2021, leading vertical SaaS companies and large scale workforce management horizontal platforms have built successful payroll businesses on its infrastructure. Check's partners collectively serve tens of thousands of businesses and hundreds of thousands of employees, paying out billions of dollars in payroll funds. Check is backed by Stripe, Thrive Capital, Index Ventures, and Bedrock. 3 april 2024 at 08:10 News published onand distributed by: Espire Dental Partners with New Practice in Texas FRISCO, Texas, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Espire Dental, a fast-growing, elite, cosmetic and multi-specialty group practice, founded by dentists, is pleased to announce our partnership and acquisition of Gregory S. Hulings, DDS, practice located in Frisco, TX. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Espire Dental continues their mission to radically elevate the dental experience for both patients and team members. Their growing footprint of 29 practices is located throughout Colorado, California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and now Texas. The company is actively seeking dentists and practice teams that share a commitment to elevated patient experiences, high-quality clinical care, and employee fulfillment. The addition of this new dental practice strengthens Espire's positioning in the market by expanding to one of the largest domestic MSAs, expanding excellent dental care and cosmetic dentistry options to patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Tim Hill, CEO of Espire Dental, shares the cultural philosophy between Espire and Dr. Greg Hulings. "Dr. Hulings and his practice has a rich history of providing exceptional dental care to patients in Frisco." Espire will continue their family tradition and help advance the care that Dr. Hulings and his amazing team are delivering. Espire and Dr. Hulings cultural alignment is a great match and rooted in a similar philosophy. We are proud to be the solution for premier, private-practice dentists who would not typically join a DSO group and we are honored that Dr. Hulings chose us to be his partner." Dr. Greg Hulings has been providing excellent patient care in the Frisco community for over 21 years. Dr. Hulings said, "Finding a partner that believes in me, my team and our growth potential was the best possible outcome to take us to the next stage, as we had grown to the point where I was on an island at times. When I met the team at Espire, I knew that they were the best fit for our practice, and I insisted on being their first partner in Texas. We are proud to join Espire in growing our practice and elevating the entire dental industry." Espire Dental provides their practices with best-in-class business support services including practice operations, clinical training, human resources, marketing, and accounting. This allows Espire's dentists to focus on patient care, relationships and leading their valued team members. For Tim Hill, providing business support to practices while fostering hospitality-like dental experiences, is what makes Espire stand out from other group dental partners. He said, "We are proud of our unique culture and the way it seamlessly integrates with our outstanding support systems. This is how Espire differentiates itself in group dentistry; elevating the industry by setting new standards for patient care, and the quality of support and positive provider experiences that dental practices should expect from their partner." About Espire Dental Espire Dental is a group of practices founded by doctors with a vision to create something extraordinary: a dental group where excellence in dentistry meets inspired hospitality. Espire is pioneering a new practice category: an Integrated Dental Organization (IDO) instead of a DSO, to create a large, top quality and unique group practice operating under one single, trusted brand. With a focus on cosmetic dentistry, elevated clinical care, multi-specialty offerings, and creating exceptional experiences for patients and employees, Espire believes that we will turn the dental industry upside down. Espire is a fast-growing group of 29 practices, looking to expand and further build its presence in the United States. Learn more at www.espiredental.com. Contact Espire Dental Dentists interested in joining Espire Dental may complete an inquiry form: EspireDental.com/practice-transition SOURCE Espire Dental 3 april 2024 at 08:23 News published onand distributed by: March home sales growth off last month's pace, but supply still building in the Fraser Valley SURREY, British Columbia, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Home buyers in the Fraser Valley have more choice heading into the spring market with inventory levels for March at the highest they've been in the past five years. However, March sales were slower than anticipated with 1,395 transactions recorded on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board's Multiple Listings Service (MLS), a 13 per cent increase over February, but still 31 per cent below the 10-year average. Sales were the second lowest recorded for a March in a decade. Active listings were 6,197, up by 11 per cent over last month and by 37 per cent over March 2023. "With inventory building, buyers now have more opportunities in both the detached and attached markets compared to one year ago," said Jeff Chadha, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. "However, despite increased options, some buyers may still be waiting on the sidelines for the financing landscape to further settle before they feel comfortable getting back into the market." New listings increased 7 per cent in March, to 2,986 but remain 12 per cent below the 10-year average. With a sales-to-active listings ratio of 23 per cent, overall market conditions remain in seller's market territory. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent. "Despite slower than anticipated sales in March, sellers who draw on the knowledge and expertise of a professional REALTOR to help price their property appropriately, are, in some cases, getting multiple offers and are seeing their property move quickly," said FVREB CEO Baldev Gill. "That's why we always encourage buyers and sellers to work with their local REALTOR who understands the changing market conditions and can protect their interests." The average number of days homes are spending on the market continues to decline, with single-family detached homes spending 27 days on the market, down from 35 days in February, apartments spending 26 days on the market, down from 29 days in February and townhomes moving more quickly at 20 days, down from 28 days on the market in February. Overall Benchmark prices edged up again in March, by 1.4 per cent from February and up 4.6 per cent over March 2023. MLS HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,517,100, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 2.1 per cent compared to February 2024 and increased 8.8 per cent compared to March 2023. At $1,517,100, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 2.1 per cent compared to February 2024 and increased 8.8 per cent compared to March 2023. Townhomes: At $846,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.9 per cent compared to February 2024 and increased 7.2 per cent compared to March 2023. At $846,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.9 per cent compared to February 2024 and increased 7.2 per cent compared to March 2023. Apartments: At $555,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 1.6 per cent compared to February 2024 and increased 6.9 per cent compared to March 2023. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 5,160 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC communities of Abbotsford, Langley, Mission, North Delta, Surrey, and White Rock. Contact Nikki Hewitt, Senior Communications Specialist Fraser Valley Real Estate Board [email protected] Telephone: 604.930.7654 www.fvreb.bc.ca FVREB Stats A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0b38c78-0c6d-4572-b81e-88823a416099 3 april 2024 at 09:00 News published onand distributed by: Pachama Gets Backing from Shopify to Pioneer Groundbreaking Reforestation Initiative in Brazil's Atlantic Forest Climate tech startup Pachama today announced it has received a carbon removal credit purchase from commerce leader Shopify to spearhead a first-of-its-kind reforestation investment in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Getting Shopify's support marks a significant milestone in Pachama's journey to bring more high-quality reforestation projects to market. The Atlantic Forest, renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, has faced severe deforestation, with only 12% of its original expanse remaining. Recognizing the urgency, Shopify is paying Pachama $3.37 million through its Sustainability Fund to reforest approximately 200 hectares of land, which is expected to remove 45,000 tonnes of carbon over 17 years. This transformative project, called Aguas da Mata Atlantica, extends beyond carbon removal, offering substantial water benefits to a local community of 10 million people and creating dozens of employment opportunities. Furthermore, the initiative will establish a vital wildlife corridor between two remaining forest patches, fostering the unrestricted movement of native animal species. Shopify's decision to collaborate with Pachama underscores its commitment to supporting innovative climate ventures, including high quality nature-based solutions. The company joins Latin American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre, whose upfront investments in the same project funded the restoration of the first 170 hectares through their Regenera America program in 2022 and 2023. Stacy Kauk, Head of Sustainability at Shopify, emphasized the significance of this purchase, stating, "Shopify has only made a few carbon removal purchases in the reforestation space due to a lack of quality offerings in the market. However, this new project from Pachama is a real signal of what quality looks like, and we hope that by participating as a buyer, we'll help kickstart a new generation of reforestation projects. Supporting innovative climate companies such as Pachama in this way really matters if we're going to drive the levels of carbon removal our planet desperately needs." Diego Saez Gil, CEO and co-founder of Pachama, stressed the critical need for such investments: "Shopify has long been a leader in funding innovative solutions for carbon removal. We're delighted to receive their continued support to catalyze a new era in nature-based solutions, one that harnesses technology to bring the transparency and integrity that the market needs." By leveraging its resources and influence, Shopify continues to set a precedent for climate action. If more organizations follow Shopify's lead, Pachama can scale this project and others, to grow their impact and restore nature at scale. 3 april 2024 at 09:05 News published onand distributed by: Corkin Gallery celebrates legacy of Jean Paul Riopelle TORONTO, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Corkin Gallery presents Jean Paul Riopelle: Visual Exploration, opening Saturday, April 20, 2024. This focused survey offers the enduring oeuvre of the esteemed abstract master, Jean Paul Riopelle, spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s. It delves into his experimentation with gesture, form, and chromatic perception, featuring acclaimed paintings from the 1940s to the 1960s alongside a noteworthy selection of works on paper from the late 1940s to the 1990s. The exhibition brings together seminal works from the 1940s to the 1960s, many of which were first exhibited in France or America, and came from private collections. The exhibition commences with Abstraction #72, 1945, a Fauvist seascape with rhythmic strokes revealing his early trace into abstraction. The narrative then unfolds to encompass a series of ink and watercolour pieces from 1947 to 1948, inspired by his encounters with Surrealism. These works present a colourful background offset by bold applications of ink, creating a network of coloured spots connected by lines that appear to be thrown across the paper. Notably, his ink and watercolour works gained attention at the sixth International Exhibition of Surrealism organized by Andre Breton and Marcel Duchamp at Galerie Maeght in Paris in the summer of 1947, marking the last major Surrealist exhibition. The vibrant filaments streaking across its surface on Composition, 1949, was included in 1967 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Summer Loan Exhibition: Paintings from Private Collections, curated by Theodore Rousseau. The work subtly resonates with the famed drip paintings of Jackson Pollock, yet maintains a connection to the millennia-old tradition of easel painting. In the 1950s, Riopelle explored a new relationship between colour and form with his mosaic technique, expanding the potential of abstraction. Through the use of the palette knife, each dab of colour became a sculptural character. This development is evident in Couleur, 1955, which debuted at the 1955 exhibition Recent Paintings and Watercolours at Pierre Matisse Gallery, founded by the youngest child of the French Impressionist and Fauvist artist Henri Matisse. From the late 1960s onward, Riopelle found inspiration in his return to the wilderness of Quebec. He explained, 'Abstract: abstraction, pulling from, taking from... I take the opposite approach. I do not take from Nature; I go towards Nature'.1 His profound connection particularly with nocturnal birds and snow geese, is manifest in Sans Titre, 1968, where they had become recurring motifs in his later works. Celebrated among the second generation of postwar abstract painters, Riopelle has left an indelible mark in transition from Automatism to Abstract Expressionism in the post-war era. Emerging as one of the first Canadian artists to achieve international acclaim, his success culminated in recognition at the Venice Biennale in 1952, 1954, and 1962, an honourable mention for the Guggenheim International Award in 1958, UNESCO Prize in 1962, and a solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa in 1963. Major exhibitions of his works were held at the Kolnischer Kunstverein in Cologne in 1958, the Musee du Quebec in Quebec in 1967, and Galerie Maeght in Paris in 1972. As part of centennial celebration of his birth, the National Gallery of Canada opened a major retrospective exhibition from October 2023 to April 2024. His works are housed in public collections such as the National Gallery of Canada, Tate London, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, among others. The Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec has selected Montreal-based architecture firm Les Architectes FABG to design Espace Riopelle, a terraced pavilion dedicated to Jean Paul Riopelle which is set to open in late 2025. It will be the largest public collection in the world. 1.The artist quoted in: Y. Riopelle, Jean Paul Riopelle. Catalogue raisonne 1939-1953. Tome 1, Montreal, 1999. SOURCE Corkin Gallery 3 april 2024 at 09:07 News published onand distributed by: Empowering Change: AMCP Foundation partners with Moda Health and Novo Nordisk Inc., launching a Health Disparities Research Internship ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Intern alumni from Moda Health and Novo Nordisk Inc. join forces with the AMCP Foundation for a groundbreaking Health Disparities research internship, appointing Daria Sinclair, a PharmD Candidate at Howard University, College of Pharmacy, as the inaugural intern. Sinclair brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for health care research with a keen interest in addressing health disparities. The collaboration among AMCP Foundation and intern alumni Carly Rodriguez, PharmD, FAMCP VP & Chief Pharmacy Officer, Moda Health, and Courtney Walker, PharmD, RPh, Medical Account Director ? Employers West, Novo Nordisk Inc. represents a critical alliance in health disparities research, focusing on unveiling insights into medication adherence disparities. "We are extremely excited to explore the critical role health equity has in patient outcomes," Walker said. Sinclair's research, drawing upon diverse expertise and resources, is uniquely poised to provide a thorough understanding of the intricate interactions influencing healthcare outcomes. This strategic partnership exemplifies the synergy essential for impactful research, emphasizing a collective commitment to addressing health disparities. "We're very excited for this collaboration," said Rodriguez. "The connection of lived experiences on the whole health of a person is clear. This work will create a stronger understanding and help us as an industry deliver better, more personalized care." The outcomes of this collaboration have the potential to inform targeted interventions and policies, fostering a healthcare landscape that is more equitable and patient centric. In her unique role, Sinclair is at the forefront of research addressing health disparities related to GLP-1s, medications crucial in diabetes treatment. Her study comprehensively compares persistence rates across dimensions like race/ethnicity, geography, health conditions, and funding type (diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease). Culminating in a comprehensive analysis, including regression analysis, the study aims to unveil leading indicators and explore the intersection between health conditions and demographics, contributing to a thorough understanding of factors influencing medication persistence. Enhancing AMCP Foundation's extensive collection of immersive programs tailored for up-and-coming managed care professionals, this initiative builds on a legacy that spans over three decades and includes a nationwide network of more than 200 internship alumni. Ebony Clay, Assistant Director, Programs & Development, AMCP Foundation, expressed the significance of this partnership, stating, " Collaborating with intern alumni from Moda Health and Novo Nordisk Inc. highlights the enduring influence our programs have on career development in managed care and addressing relevant issues in health care. We appreciate the generosity of our partners and encourage others to contribute through sponsorships, grants, or other forms of funding to support our initiatives further." About AMCP Foundation Established in 1990, the 501(c)3 nonprofit AMCP Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP). It exists to advance collective knowledge and insights on major issues associated with the practice of pharmacy in managed care health care settings. By facilitating innovative research initiatives and providing educational opportunities to learn about managed care pharmacy, the AMCP Foundation invests in the future of managed care. Visit?www.amcpfoundation.org. About Moda Founded in 1955, Moda is a company committed to building healthier communities. In addition to its more than 1 million dental lives, Moda has over 400,000 members in its medical plans and more than 700,000 members in its stand-alone pharmacy segment. The Moda family of enterprises includes Moda Health, Delta Dental Plan of Oregon/Alaska, ODS Community Dental, Eastern Oregon Community Care Organization, Ardon Health, Emerging Health, BenefitHelp Solutions, Astra Practice Partners, Arrow Dental, and Summit Health. About Novo Nordisk in the U.S.: Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that has been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term, and do business in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible way. With U.S. headquarters in New Jersey and commercial, production and research facilities in seven states plus Washington DC, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 8,000 people throughout the country. For more information, visit novonordisk-us.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X. SOURCE AMCP Foundation 3 april 2024 at 10:32 News published onand distributed by: GG.BET and Esports Charts share the Copenhagen Major 2024 insights KYIV, Ukraine, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Esports analytics service Esports Charts have published exclusive gaming and betting stats for the first ever CS2 Major. The statistics reveal both players' and teams' achievements, as well as some more niche data and who viewers bet on the most. The data was gathered by GG.BET brand in collaboration with Esports Charts. Check out the charts to find out about all the most electrifying comebacks, who planted the most bombs, who got the most kills with a Zeus x27, and a whole host of other stats from this Major. You can also find out who GG.BET customers bet on the most to win, and which teams brought in the biggest winnings for the customers that bet on them. Before the start of the playoffs, the betting company shared Opening and Elimination stage highlights and results, and once the final was over, they published data summing up the whole tournament. GG.BET press office: "GG.BET and Esports Charts have a lot in common; we both dig deep into tournaments and track every movement on the screen. Our specialists track hundreds of statistics and regularly provide unexpected insights. We came up with this project alongside Esports Charts so that we could share all the information we'd uncovered with the entire esports community. We're confident that every reader will find something that fascinates them, especially considering that it concerns a tournament as important as the first ever CS2 Major." The Esports Charts portal is renowned for its analysis of esports streams. GG.BET is an international betting brand, and is one of the most popular among esports fans. By joining forces, the two companies were able to collect information that would normally be off the esports community's radar. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378551/GG_BET_Esports_Charts_Copenhagen_2024.jpg SOURCE GG.BET 3 april 2024 at 12:07 News published onand distributed by: Calgary RV Dealership Celebrates 65 Years of ?Refreshingly Different' Customer Service with Canada-first Award Win CALGARY, Alberta, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bucars RV Centre (Bucars), Calgary's longest-standing destination for recreational vehicles, is celebrating its 65th anniversary of serving the community. Since 1959, Bucars RV Centre has been a trusted name in the RV industry, providing exceptional service, quality products and unparalleled expertise to outdoor enthusiasts across Alberta and beyond. Bucars RV has one of the largest sales and service lots in western Canada with 16 acres and 16 full-service bays. They also have the largest RV parts department in the country. Bucars is home to a unique, best-in-class learning centre, making RV ownership more accessible to anyone. Since 2006, Bucars has been offering "Bucars U", with free seminars and sessions to help people learn about RV basics. For example, participants can learn everything from the basics of RVing and trailer towing to de-winterization or winterization, how to use RV solar power and dry camping best practices. According to Bucars Owner Jeff Redmond, the face of RV ownership is changing. "A lot of people developed an interest in RVing and camping during the pandemic, and that trend has stayed. Being able to escape the stresses of everyday life is so appealing to many. Today, more than 67 per cent of RV'ers are under the age of 55, and 15 per cent of Canadian households own an RV. We want people to enjoy their RV lifestyle with confidence and ease." Canadian RV owners and renters took an estimated 8.8 million RV trips in Canada in 2017, and that number continues to rise. To celebrate their 65th anniversary, Bucars is hosting a birthday party at their Balzac location. Details include: What: Fun for the entire family including spin-to-win prizes, more than $3,000 in giveaways, a $1,000 grand prize, face painting, balloon animals, marshmallow roasting, birthday cake and lots of other free food. When: Friday, April 5 from 8:30 a.m.? 5 p.m., Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m.? 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 from 11:00 a.m.? 4 p.m. Where: Bucars RV Centre is located at 262109 Balzac Blvd, Balzac, AB T4B 2T3 Who: Spokespeople from Bucars will be on-site during the event for media interviews and to talk about the upcoming RV season. In addition to their anniversary milestone, Bucars was also recently awarded the Diamond Service Award from Newmar , a leading RV manufacturer. Award recipients must achieve more than 95 per cent customer satisfaction from Newmar RV purchasers. Newmar currently has 89 dealers across North America selling their product. Bucars is the first and only Canadian dealership to be presented with the award. Says Owner Kyle Redmond, "We are continuously striving to improve our customer satisfaction. In addition to our recent Diamond Service Award, we have also been honored to receive the Top 50 Dealers Award for nine years and were only one in five Canadian dealerships to receive it in 2023 - a true testament to the exceptional care for those we serve." For more information on Bucars RV, visit www.bucarsrv.com About Bucars RV Centre: For 65 years, Bucars has been synonymous with reliability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As a family-owned business with 35 years and counting under its current ownership, Bucars has earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism and a genuine passion for the outdoors. Founded in 1959, Bucars RV Centre (Bucars) has been providing refreshingly different products and service to its customers. With more than 65 employees, the largest RV parts department in western Canada and the largest sales and service lot consisting of 16 acres and 16 full service bays, Bucars is a leader in the RV industry. For more information, visit: www.bucarsrv.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a9a665b-f97d-4677-b1f2-1a955080f4b1 3 april 2024 at 12:55 News published onand distributed by: iA Financial Group has published its 2023 Sustainability Report Significant achievements in sustainability QUEBEC CITY, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - iA Financial Group is pleased to present its Sustainability Report for the year 2023. Centred around the theme "Proven Values, Looking to the Future", it highlights the company's progress and achievements in the area of sustainability. A materiality assessment to consult with stakeholders iA Financial Group kicked off the year 2023 by conducting its first materiality assessment. The company's Sustainability team met with various stakeholders to gain a clear understanding of which sustainability issues iA is impacting and which will contribute to the company's sustainable growth in the years ahead. This insightful, relevant exercise has informed iA's new strategic plan and its new sustainability priorities. "With each passing year, we strive to honour the commitments we make so that the long-term performance of iA Financial Group also contributes in the transition towards a better world," says Marie-Annick Bonneau, Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations, Capital Management, Sustainability and Public Affairs. "That is why we aim to continually refer to sustainability principles to guide our decisions and fully incorporate sustainability into our future actions." New greenhouse gas ("GHG") reduction targets On the environmental front, the company updated its climate strategy, announcing two new, more precise targets for reducing its GHG. By 2035, iA Financial Group aims to reduce: the GHG emission intensity of its Canadian real estate holdings by 60% the carbon intensity of its public corporate bond portfolio by 40% (relative to its investments totalling $13.5 billion as of January 16, 2023 ). For the third consecutive year, iA Financial Group has published its 2023 TCFD Report. Initiatives to foster a culture of inclusion and diversity iA Financial Group also continued its efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. The company conducted a first voluntary self-identification survey of the majority of its employees in Canada, with the aim of getting to know them better in order to better equip them. It also revitalized its various employee resource groups and launched a new group for Indigenous communities. Furthermore, iA completed the first phase of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business's Progressive Aboriginal Relationstm (PAR) certification process. Finally, the company continued to pursue its philanthropic endeavours, with contributions totalling $9.4 million to various charitable organizations in Canada and the United States. Successful employee and client experiences iA Financial Group has also stayed the course when it comes to supporting the development of its employees, notably through its employee experience program. iA Financial Group has been ranked 48th best employer in Canada in 2024 by Forbes. For clients, the company has deployed its global client experience (CX) model to bring the organization into alignment with clients' needs and to help deliver a client experience that is even more streamlined and consistent, while meeting its growth targets. Sound, robust governance iA Financial Group has always placed a high priority on establishing and maintaining sound and prudent corporate governance, in the interest of its stakeholders. The company's performance was particularly noteworthy in the ranking published by The Globe and Mail (Board Games) in 2023, ranked 7th out of 219 Canadian companies, with a score of 94%. Click here to access the 2023 Sustainability Report. Our approach to sustainability To be a company that contributes to sustainable growth and the well-being of its clients, employees, partners, investors and communities, iA Financial Group makes sustainability a priority. Caution regarding forward-looking statements This press release may contain statements relating to strategies used by iA Financial Group or statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "may," "could," "should," "would," "suspect," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," and "continue" (or the negative thereof), as well as words such as "objective" or "goal" "guidance", "outlook" and "forecast", or other similar words or expressions. Such statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. In this document, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, information concerning iA Financial Group's strategies, initiatives and goals with regard to sustainability, governance, environmental matters, social engagement and climate change mitigation and adaptation, including the reduction of GHGs. These statements are not historical facts; they represent only expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events and are subject to change. Although iA Financial Group believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. In addition, certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from the predictions, forecasts, projections, objectives, expectations, conclusions and other forward-looking statements expressed or implied in such statements. Moreover, many of the assumptions, standards, metrics and measures used in preparing this report continue to evolve and are based on assumptions considered reasonable at the time of writing but their accuracy should not be considered guaranteed. Material factors and risks which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, many of which are beyond the control of iA Financial Group and the effects of which may be difficult to predict, include: the need for more and higher-quality climate data and for standardization in climate measurement methods, climate conditions and weather events, the need for the active and constant stakeholder participation (including governmental and non-governmental organizations, other financial institutions, businesses and individuals), technological advancements, changing consumer behaviour, variable decarbonization efforts across economies, the need for relevant climate policy on a global scale, challenges of balancing emissions with an orderly and inclusive transition, geopolitical factors that influence global energy needs, our ability to collect and verify data, our ability to implement various initiatives across the business within the set time limits, the risk of not completing the initiatives within the set time limits or at all, or without the results intended or anticipated by iA Financial Group, the compliance of third parties with our policies and procedures and their commitment to us, financial market conditions, our commercial activities, our financial results, our situation and goals, the legal and regulatory environment and regulatory compliance (which may expose us to legal proceedings and regulatory action, the consequences of which could include regulatory restrictions, penalties and fines), and strategic, reputational, legal and regulatory, systemic, competitive and other risks. About iA Financial Group iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada, with operations in the United States. Founded in 1892, it is one of the largest publicly traded companies in the country. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols IAG (common shares) and IAF (preferred shares). ia.ca iA Financial Group is a business name and trademark of iA Financial Corporation Inc. and Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. SOURCE iA Financial Group 3 april 2024 at 14:35 News published onand distributed by: St Joseph's Upper Primary visit Waterport Terraces The year 3 pupils of St. Joseph's Upper Primary School recently embarked on a meaningful educational journey to Waterport Terraces Day Centre, where they delved into the history of the evacuation of Gibraltarian citizens during World War II. This visit was a vital component of their History curriculum, which had been exploring various aspects of WWII, including the evacuation of Gibraltars citizens. The inspiration for this educational outing came from teacher Mrs. Crome-Garcia, who dedicated a week to gathering firsthand accounts at the Day Centre. Through interviews and video recordings, she captured the poignant testimonials of evacuees, aiming to enhance the pupils learning. Mrs. Crome-Garcia highlights the value of intergenerational learning, emphasising the significance of learning directly from those who experienced such challenging times. She said, "What could be more effective than learning about the Evacuation directly from those who experienced it? We must also seize the opportunity presented by those who have firsthand experience of these challenging times, still living and able to share their distinctive stories" The visit was thoughtfully arranged by the Year 3 teachers. It was held over two days to accommodate the entire year group. During their time at the Day Care Centre, the children were treated to a captivating history lesson delivered by the elderly residents. These individuals shared their personal experiences of evacuation and life in locations from London, Jamaica, Madeira, and Northern Ireland. The pupils also asked insightful questions, further deepening their understanding of this pivotal period in our history. As the visit concluded, both generations came together in a heartwarming moment, uniting their voices in the rendition of "Llevame adonde Naci" by Pepe Roman. Worldline North America celebrates third consecutive certification as a Great Place To Work VICTORIA, BC, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Worldline [Euronext: WLN], a global leader in payments services, is proud to announce that its Canadian office has been certified as a Great Place To Work for the third consecutive year, following a comprehensive, independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work Institute Canada. This certification is a result of direct feedback from employees, gathered through an extensive and confidential survey about their workplace experience. "We are thrilled to be certified as a Great Place To Work aonce again, as this recognition is completely based on employees providing feedback. This third consecutive certification highlights our dedication to supporting our team members in achieving fulfilling careers and highlights our employees continued desire to stay and grow with us," says Justin Passalaqua, Worldline North America Managing Director. "We have cultivated an empowering culture that prioritizes inclusivity and diversity, empowering unique and innovative work projects, extensive training opportunities, and the ability to make a real impact on society." Employees enjoy a competitive benefits package, including 100% employer paid health and dental coverage, parental leave top-up, a lifestyle spending account and healthy snacks and beverages in office. Additionally, our office amenities include regular in-person and online social events. According to Great Place To Work, CertifiedTM companies have better leadership, fairer paths to promotions, reduced burnout rates, and 93% more employees look forward to work. Nancy Fonseca, Senior Vice President of Great Place to Work Canada said "Our data shows that great workplaces benefit from reduced turnover and better customer satisfaction than their peers. What's more, work environments with trust at the foundation are ripe for innovation, agility, resilience, and efficiency," She added that a great workplace is about the level of trust that employees experience in their leaders, the level of pride they have in their jobs, and the extent to which they enjoy working with their colleagues. ABOUT WORLDLINE? Worldline [Euronext: WLN] helps businesses of all shapes and sizes to accelerate their growth journey ? quickly, simply, and securely. With advanced payments technology, local expertise and solutions customised for hundreds of markets and industries, Worldline powers the growth of over one million businesses around the world. Worldline generated a 4.4 billion euros revenue in 2022. Worldline.com In North America, Worldline is the technology partner of choice for software providers across over 60 industries. Services offered by Worldline in North America include online payment processing, full service or gateway processing, recurring billing, and access to a robust set of APIs. Worldline has 150+ employees across Canada and the USA. worldline.com. ABOUT GREAT PLACE TO WORK Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes Canada's Best Workplaces in a series of national lists including those published by The Globe & Mail (Canada) and Fortune magazine (USA). Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. Visit us at www.greatplacetowork.ca or find us on Twitter at @GPTW_Canada. Follow us Blog, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram SOURCE Worldline 3 april 2024 at 15:30 News published onand distributed by: Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Presents: DxPx U.S. at ADLM 2024 DxPx U.S. is an industry + investor partnering conference dedicated to Diagnostics, Digital Health, Precision Medicine, and Life Sciences Tools CHICAGO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment banking and financial advisory firm, is pleased to present DxPx U.S., the industry + investor partnering conference dedicated to Diagnostics, Digital Health, Precision Medicine, and Life Sciences Tools. DxPx U.S. takes place this year from July 30th to August 1st in Chicago, Illinois within the exposition hall of ADLM 2024 (formerly the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo), the premier global laboratory medicine meeting. DxPx U.S. offers a one-of-a-kind conference experience for all participants across the industry. To register for DxPx U.S. 2024, visit: https://bit.ly/bglDxPxUS24Registration Established in 2019 in Dusseldorf, Germany by Dr. Mirko Stange, a scientist and entrepreneur, DxPx was created to address the underrepresentation of diagnostics in partnering conferences compared to other life sciences fields. DxPx addresses this need in the market and facilitates connections between companies and investors in Diagnostics, Digital Health, Precision Medicine, and Life Sciences Tools. BGL joined DxPx as an organizing sponsor in its first year due to the firm's deep experience across the diagnostics, research tools, lab equipment, and medical devices landscape, bringing valuable expertise in life sciences capital formation, technology strategy, corporate ventures, and mergers & acquisitions to DxPx participants. DxPx EU is now established as an annual destination conference for the Diagnostics & Research Tools industry in Europe. In 2022, BGL and Stange brought DxPx to the United States in partnership with AACC, now known as the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM), making 2024 the third year of partnership between these organizations. With more than 900 exhibitors across more than 200 product categories, proximity to ADLM 2024 offers a unique networking opportunity for DxPx U.S. attendees and unparalleled brand exposure for DxPx sponsors, exhibitors, and presenters. DxPx U.S. offers a one-of-a-kind conference experience for all participants across the industry: Pre-Scheduled 1x1 Meetings offer the ability to maximize your time at DxPx & ADLM 2024, including the use of our private meeting rooms offer the ability to maximize your time at DxPx & ADLM 2024, including the use of our private meeting rooms Exclusive Networking Events connect startups, growth-stage companies, investors & accelerators and their portfolio companies, tech scouts, service providers, and others connect startups, growth-stage companies, investors & accelerators and their portfolio companies, tech scouts, service providers, and others Panel Presentations feature industry knowledge & market insights from leading healthcare industry experts and private equity investors feature industry knowledge & market insights from leading healthcare industry experts and private equity investors Startup City spotlights the most innovative HealthTech and MedTech startups within the ADLM 2024 Clinical Lab Expo spotlights the most innovative HealthTech and MedTech startups within the ADLM 2024 Clinical Lab Expo The 42PLUS1 Pitch Competition gives eight startups the chance to present their business plans and compete for up to $2 million in funding BGL's Healthcare & Life Sciences team has decades of experience advising companies across the diagnostics, research tools, lab equipment, and device landscape. We have provided capital formation, technology strategy, corporate ventures, and medical device M&A strategy for a wide range of companies. Additionally, we maintain active relationships with global industry participants and capital providers, and closely follow regulatory and reimbursement trends. Our sector involvement enables us to not only provide unique access to capital providers, but also identify and execute strategic opportunities for our investment banking clients. 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 3 april 2024 at 15:53 News published onand distributed by: A person looks at a vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike, in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip April 2, 2024. AHMED ZAKOT / REUTERS Seven members of the food aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli strike on Monday, April 1, in Gaza. A video of the aftermath of the strike shows two of the American NGO's vehicles destroyed, one with a large hole in its roof where the WCK logo once was. Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Tuesday that three missiles were fired one after the other at the convoy after it left a warehouse in Deir al-Balah. According to Haaretz's sources from the Israeli defense forces, after the first strike, some of the convoy's passengers were seen leaving the car for one of the other two. They continued driving but another missile hit them, with the wounded who survived this second strike moving to the third car, which was also eventually hit. Haaretz reports that the Israeli army's war unit responsible for security identified an armed man in one of the trucks before it arrived at the warehouse, but they did not see him leave the warehouse when the convoy left. On Wednesday, the chief of the General Staff of the Israeli army Herzi Halevi said that the army made "a grave mistake. It was an error that followed a mistaken identification at night, during a war, in very complex conditions. It shouldn't have happened," he said. The previous day, Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced an "investigation at the highest level" to clarify the circumstances of what he described as a "tragic accident." Coordinated with the IDF These kinds of strikes are validated by command rooms staffed by military and legal experts, who take into account the risk of collateral damage. Monday's deadly strike comes as Israel's compliance with the rules of law has been questioned in recent weeks before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The strike drew condemnation from the international community, rekindling fears among NGOs providing aid to Palestinians in the enclave. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed his military "unintentionally hit innocent people," which he said "can happen during a war." The "convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza on the maritime route," WCK said in a statement on its website. They said that they had coordinated their movements with the IDF so that the convoy would not be mistaken for a target. The three vehicles, two of which were armored, headed for WCK's logistics center in Rafah, on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, the CEO of Anera, the organization's main partner in the area, Sean Carroll told Le Monde by telephone from Amman, Jordan. You have 70.61% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. A billboard of President Faure Gnassingbe, presidential candidate of UNIR (Union for the Republic), is pictured on a street in Lome, Togo, February 19, 2020. LUC GNAGO / REUTERS Togo's government on Wednesday, April 3, postponed legislative elections due to be held on April 20 until an unspecified date, shortly after lawmakers approved highly contested constitutional reforms. The presidency said "consultations" were needed over the changes that triggered opposition claims the reforms passed in March aimed to keep President Faure Gnassingbe in power in the West African nation. In office since 2005 after succeeding his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who seized power in a coup 50 years ago, Gnassingbe has won every election, though the opposition has always claimed results were marred by irregularities. After a week of tensions over the reform, Gnassingbe sent the law back to the National Assembly for a second reading with the opposition claiming it was a power grab to keep him in office. "The National Assembly wished to have some days to engage in broad consultations with all stakeholders," said a presidency statement on the election delay. "Consequently, the government will conduct a slight rearrangement of the calendar of legislative and regional elections initially scheduled for April 20." No new date was given. Togo's parliament, dominated by Gnassingbe's UNIR party, adopted the law that would switch Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system, giving the assembly the power to elect the president for a single six-year term. Assembly members would elect the president "without debate", according to the new constitution. The law also creates the post of "president of the council of ministers" as a type of designated prime minister who will have power over the government. The post is also elected by lawmakers. Opposition fears Togo's opposition parties did not immediately react to Wednesday's decision, which was read out on state television as breaking news. Tensions have mounted over the constitutional reform, with police breaking up an opposition news conference last month, claiming it did not have authorization. Almost 100 university academics, intellectuals, artists, political figures, and civil society actors also signed an appeal calling on people to "mobilize" and reject what they called an abuse of power. The editor of a Togolese newspaper was also arrested as media watchdogs warned of a press clampdown ahead of the elections. Sources in Washington said that US officials have asked Gnassingbe to ensure that the situation is settled "peacefully and democratically". The Togo Bishops' Conference called on the president to delay promulgating the new constitution and start "an inclusive political dialogue". In 2019, members of parliament revised the constitution to limit presidential terms to two, but it did not apply retrospectively, leaving Gnassingbe free to stand for the next two elections. While all eyes are focused on Russia's illegal war against Ukraine, another major geopolitical shift is happening in Europe, this time in the South Caucasus. Despite a historic, economic, energy, and military dependence on Russia and the physical presence of thousands of Russian troops on its soil the Armenian government has made a bold and concerted effort to consolidate Armenia's democracy and build closer relations with the democratic West. Read more Subscribers only After Russia's 'betrayal,' Armenia seeks new allies to ensure its security This reorientation takes time, but it also requires the European Union to adopt a more ambitious strategy towards Armenia's democracy. This must start by ending the misguided idea that the European Union (EU) should be a neutral actor between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Europe should play a role in mediating negotiations towards a lasting peace agreement. But its approach must reflect the reality that Armenia has chosen the community of European democracies, while Azerbaijan sits in the camp of aggressive autocracies. A lack of European clarity and ambition could endanger Armenia's young democracy and jeopardize its geopolitical pivot. This new approach should start at the April 5 trilateral summit in Brussels, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will host Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Armenia has already frozen relations with the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, organized military exercises with the United States, and sought to expand its economic ties with democratic economies. However, following the 2023 attack by Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh along with the continued occupation of strategic heights within Armenia by Azeri forces, the security situation in Armenia is fragile. Western trajectory Russian propagandists have sought to undermine the legitimacy of the Armenian government, and the neutrality of the thousands of Russian troops currently stationed in Armenia is far from guaranteedparticularly after Russian "peacekeepers" stood by as Azerbaijan seized Nagorno-Karabakh. As Prime Minister Pashinyan seeks to consolidate Armenian democracy and diversify his country's foreign policy by looking west, Europe and its democratic partners should take concrete action to support his efforts. For the past year, I have been working with and advising the Armenian government on their efforts to strengthen their democracy and promote peace in the South Caucasus. This is something I believe deeply in. That is why I launched the independent Friends of Armenia Network a high-level group that includes former prime ministers, European commissioners, ministers, and sitting parliamentarians. In a report published on March 27, we proposed a detailed approach that the European Union should take to help make Armenia's Western, democratic trajectory irreversible. You have 53.45% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. The president of the Rassemblement National, Jordan Bardella, on the "Le Grand Rendez-Vous" program on Europe 1 and CNews, October 22, 2023. CNews is part of the Bollore group's media outlets. SCREENSHOT / CNEWS The Bollore group's media outlets have regularly been accused of taking their cues from Fox News. However, as the Breton billionaire Vincent Bollore buys up more and more TV and radio channels and newspapers, bringing their editorial teams to heel, the French media landscape has increasingly come to resemble that of a country much closer to home: Hungary. Since 2010 and his return to power in the central European country, nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has succeeded in bringing a large part of the media under his thumb, on the pretext of fighting against "left-wing" journalists. Using migration issues, "wokism" or the war in Ukraine as fronts, subjects that are treated in a non-journalistic way with the sole aim of scaremongering, the media have become Orban's best weapon for staying in power, notably by diverting attention from embarrassing corruption scandals. "Whoever controls a country's media decides who controls that country's ways of thinking and, therefore, who controls that country," summed up his current political director, the highly influential Balazs Orban (no relation to the prime minister), in an eloquent speech in early 2023. Using messages decided directly by the prime minister's office, the Hungarian government-aligned media outlets can attack political opponents, non-governmental organizations, or the European Union without ever bothering with the essential principles of journalistic ethics, such as asking the incriminated party for comment. Fake news is the daily fare for a large proportion of Hungarians, while the last remaining professional journalists trying to establish a common truth have found it increasingly difficult to make themselves heard. A dangerous idea Of course, France is not yet in such a situation, if only because the French far-right which so admires Orban is not yet in power here, and thus it cannot attack the independence of public broadcasters. However, the Hungarian leader's media strategy should alert all those who wish to avoid a political shift toward the far right. Indeed, it was between 2002 and 2010, when he was in opposition, that Orban began to establish control over the media landscape, with the help of a politically-aligned businessman. Read more Subscribers only A deep dive into the heart of Viktor Orban's propaganda machine When he was defeated in the 2002 parliamentary elections, he blamed it on "the liberal public thinking that dominates the media" and vowed to do everything in his power to prevent it from happening again. He enlisted the help of Lajos Simicska, a wealthy entrepreneur and long-time supporter of his Fidesz party who had already bought Magyar Nemzet, the country's leading conservative daily newspaper. In 2003, he financed the creation of a television channel, Hir TV, which was run by Orban's former spokesperson. At the same time, Orban organized demonstrations outside public television offices, calling for a referendum to "split it into two channels," with the ludicrous aim of enabling each of Hungary's two main parties to have its own television station. You have 46.92% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Historian Dr Tadhg Moloney shares the fascinating background to the decision to erect a turret clock on the docks in Limerick city, which now watches over a once-thriving port On July 21, 1880 the foundation stone of Limericks harbour turret clock was laid the first such clock in Ireland, a phial containing a record of the ceremony and the names of those attending being inserted in the stone. No representatives of the dock workers attended, though the clocks main purpose was to regulate their working hours in a period when dock labourers were poorly paid and in no position to buy watches. These workers had relied on the four-faced clock of Bannatynes Corn Stores, but when this was destroyed by fire in July 1878, the dock workers were left without a timepiece: they knew the hours for commencing and finishing work through the ringing of the Redemptorist Churchs Angelus bell, but had no means of knowing when to break for breakfast or dinner. In April 1880 the Harbour Board decided that Limerick dock needed its own public clock which would strike the hours, and advertised for tenders. As the clock would be too heavy to be built over the Harbour Masters office, a tower was be specially built for it, close to the dry docks. Designed in the Italian style, this tower was to be 60 feet high, surmounted by a 5-foot weather guage, and with four clock faces each just over 6 feet in diameter. By mid-June 1880, bids came from clockmakers in Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Cork, Dublin and Limerick itself. The Limerick bidders were Richard Wallace, Conrad Cromer, and L. E. Ryan, but Ryan sent his to the wrong official, it was disqualified. Ultimately, the lowest bid, that of Lund and Blockley of London, was accepted, despite objections that local firms could carry out repairs more conveniently and cheaply if problems arose after the twelve months warranty had expired. By mid-July 1881, the tower clock (still under warranty) was striking the hours and chiming the quarters, being distinctly heard from a great distance but after six months there were complaints that it was down two or three days a week. Lund and Blockley opposed any local clockmaker working on it, though eventually agreeing to H. L Stewart doing the repairs. By September 1882 the clock was again reported to be entirely defective and quite unfit for Harbour use with ongoing mutual accusations of breach of contract between the Harbour Board and Lund and Blockley. By mid-1884 Blockley, one of the firms partners, visited Limerick and undertook to honour the original contract. Thereafter, the clock continued to give satisfaction, despite suffering some surface damage in 1901 when someone for rifle target practice, pierced the south face dial with three or more holes from a distance of around 300 yards. Sixteen years after the installation of the new works the Harbour Board contracted with local clockmakers for the clocks ongoing upkeep and regulation - Michael Spring (1900), George Knight (1916), both at 5 per year, and A. W. Moorhead (1929) at 8 , rising to 10 within a year. A local contractor was also employed in 1908 and 1918 to re-enamel the four faces for 13. Also, the board had at some time in the past decided that the clock was such a valuable asset to the port that it insured it for 750 annually against fire, increasing this amount by 250 in 1931. However, by 1935 the clock was malfunctioning, the chimes being described as a monstrosity. Some repairs must have been carried out, but no details are available up to 1955 when damage (the nature of which is unclear) was caused to the clocks west face and its works. READ MORE: Then & Now: Its time to say goodbye Repairs proved difficult as the machinery was old and worn and as Lund and Blockley no longer operated in London, the clock was dismantled in 1957 and sent to John Smith and Sons of Derby who also repaired Taits clock and who now contracted to maintain the harbour clock for 9.10s per annum. They retained the contract until 1997 when, following their recommendation, it was converted to automatic operation. Despite proposals in the 1990s to move the clock to a new location either the centre of the Shannon Bridge roundabout or the site now occupied by the skate park, considerations of cost and safety prevailed and the Harbour Clock still stands as a lonely sentinel, towering over a once-thriving port. GARDAI have issued a warning after doors were stolen from a house under construction in Limerick. A front door and garage door were stolen from the house which is currently being built in Crecora. The doors had only just been fit and there was a lock on a gate at the entrance to the site but criminals cut the lock and left with the doors. READ MORE: Man assaulted with metal bar in Limerick Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer at Henry Street garda station said: "I have seen this type of crime happen and it is very upsetting for the homeowners. "If you are building a new home in a remote location, ask neighbours to keep an eye on it and to report any suspicious activity to local gardai. "These doors will probably be offered for sale, never buy property offered like this, it is very likely stolen property. Refuse and report the incident to gardai." COMMUNITIES across Limerick are being encouraged to tackle Ireland's litter problem in the 25th year of the National Spring Clean. Almost 60 clean-up events are registered to take place this spring in Limerick, but registrations will remain open throughout the month of April for those still interested in participating in the campaign. This year marks 25 years of the campaign, which has seen the removal of an estimated 47,500 tonnes of litter from Irish streets, parks, coastlines, thanks to over 12 million volunteer hours. A key focus of this years campaign will be highlighting the impact that a circular economy model can have on reducing waste and reducing our climate impact. Last year alone, 35% of all waste collected during the National Spring Clean was recycled, thanks to recyclable waste bags provided to registered groups and individuals. National Spring Clean Manager, Emlyn Cullen, commented: "This is an important year for An Taisce as we celebrate 25 years of the National Spring Clean. READ MORE: Communities across Limerick rally to aid Wexford native diagnosed with a life-altering condition "Were proud to say that over the past 25 years, almost 47,500 tonnes of litter has been collected, thanks to the enormous effort of our dedicated volunteers. "As we mark our 25th anniversary, we hope this year will be our biggest yet. So far, the numbers of volunteers already registered is huge but theres still time for people to register online and get involved this year." An Taisces National Spring Clean is inviting people to visit the website and register for a free clean-up kit. Irelands largest anti-litter campaign, the National Spring Clean is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership Local Authorities and supported by the Department of Environment, Communications and Climate Environment and Mars Wrigley Ireland. LIMERICK City TD Maurice Quinlivan is to run for Sinn Fein in the upcoming election for directly elected mayor. He made the announcement this Wednesday morning on Limerick Today's Live95FM. "I believe I am the strongest candidate in the field. I believe I am the person who is best known. With the people's support, I believe I can be the mayor of Limerick. Not just for myself. The important bit is I believe I can genuinely deliver the best for the people of Limerick, develop this role and enhance this role," he said. "I've thought about it extensively, I've discussed it with my family and friends. I think it's the right opportunity for me. More importantly, I think I can be the right person to deliver for Limerick. It's a role we can develop and enhance it going forward," Mr Quinlivan added. READ MORE: Poetry in motion for the month of April in Limerick The Sinn Fein TD, who lives on the city's northside, has been a councillor since 2009. In 2014, he topped the poll in City North to be re-elected to Limerick City and County Council. Two years later, he was elected to the Dail. Back in 2020, he was returned to the Oireachtas, where he topped the poll in Limerick City with more than 11,000 first preference votes. There are now 10 confirmed candidates to seek the role of Limerick's first directly elected mayor. Fellow City TD Brian Leddin is to run for the Green Party, while sitting councillor Elisa O'Donovan will fly the flag for the Social Democrats. Her campaign was launched in the city on Tuesday night. Elsewhere, People Before Profit will run housing activist Ruairi Fahy. Two Independents have declared - former secretary general at the Department of Finance John Moran, and Limerick Tidy Towns chairperson Helen O'Donnell. The former Limerick Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan is on the Fianna Fail ticket, while Rabharta will run Dr Laura Keyes. Sarah Beasley will run for Aontu, and this week, there was another fresh entry to the election this week in the shape of Gerben Uunk, who will run for the Party for Animal Welfare, which he co-founded. THE CHANCELLOR of University of Limerick has described as very serious a ruling by the council that an estate at the centre of a major controversy is unauthorised in terms of being used as student accommodation. Council refused retention planning permission for boundary and landscaping works at the development in Drominbeg, Rhebogue which is at the epicentre of a storm which has rocked the college. This news comes after it emerged that university bosses lost 5.2m paying inflated prices for the 20 homes in the estate. Despite the fact these homes in Rhebogue are now occupied, council has determined the site is considered unauthorised for student accommodation. The retention of works associated would facilitate this unauthorised [student accommodation] use and therefore the planning authority are not disposed to granting permission, the council said in a ruling rejecting the developer Silvergroves bid to make the changes. Silvergrove did not return a request for comment from the Limerick Leader as the newspaper went to press this Tuesday night. But agents acting for the developer have, in a written submission to council dated February 28 last, said they are not aware of any change of use occurring at Drominbeg. They said the applicant understands University of Limerick, which purchased the homes, had engaged directly with council after getting a warning letter. The use of the dwellings (contended or otherwise) is unrelated to the nature of this application, the agents added. The refusal to allow the cosmetic changes to the estate piles the pressure on the colleges executive. It comes after a week when college president Professor Kerstin Mey has gone on sick leave. READ MORE: PICTURES: Team Limerick Clean-up encapsulated by a community The issue of the planning permission was raised with chancellor Professor Brigid Laffan in a meeting attended by students and staff at University Concert Hall last Thursday. Declan Mills, an administrator in Kemmy Business School, and who volunteers as chair of the advisory board of the Post-Graduate Students Union described the refusal as worrying and frightening. Prof Laffan agreed, saying it is a very serious situation. A SCHOOL bus which is serving the Shannagolden and Foynes area is not big enough to carry all students looking for a ticket, according to a Limerick mother. The 33-seater school bus brings students in the west Limerick communities to and from Salesians Secondary College in Pallaskenry. The service was previously out of commission but has now been reinstated with the larger 33-seater bus now being used. The bus is currently bringing a number of eligible and concessionary students to and from the school. According to the Limerick mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, none of the concessionary students received tickets when the service was reinstated. However, Bus Eireann says this isn't the case and that the 33-seater bus is at full capacity. Bus Eireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department of Education. The school bus service to Salesian Secondary College is at full capacity, with no additional spaces available on this service, a spokesperson for Bus Eireann said. Approximately 37 students were seeking a bus ticket, meaning four students had to find other ways of accessing transport to the Pallaskenry school, which is a 20-minute drive from both communities. Bus Eireann says its aware that a number of additional concessionary students were seeking tickets at the beginning of the school year but these have now been refunded. According to the Limerick mother, commuting to and from the school every day is a big ask for parents when there should be a bus service in operation for all students. READ MORE: PICTURES: Team Limerick Clean-up encapsulated by a community The bus is back now, its bigger than the one previously so it can cater for more students, but it still cant cater for all the students, she said. Those people who didnt get a ticket werent looking for refunds, they would have much rather have their money in the system and be able to get a ticket and sit on the bus instead of now looking for a ticket on the school bus again, she added. Bus Eireann has stated that all students who did not receive a ticket for the rest of this school year are able to apply for a ticket for the coming school year. THE UNMISTAKABLE banjo riff that starts Beyonces Texas Hold Em and gives it its unmistakable country sound is thanks to a Limerick-based musician. Rhiannon Giddens (pictured below), a Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner, has made Castletroy her home for over a decade. Ms Giddens, a native of North Carolina, moved to Limerick after meeting her then partner Michael Laffan, also a musician. The 47-year-old vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and champion of 'Old Time' American music is an artist-in-residence in the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick. The university describes her as an extraordinary American musician, who is now a doyenne of the international folk scene. Texas Hold Em is the hit single from Beyonces record-breaking country album Cowboy Carter which was released last Friday. It became Spotifys most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far. Beyonce said its the best music she has ever made. "I wanted to go back to real instruments, and I used very old ones. I didnt want some layers of instruments like strings, especially guitars, and organs perfectly in tune. "I kept some songs raw and leaned into folk. All the sounds were so organic and human, everyday things like the wind, snaps and even the sound of birds and chickens, the sounds of nature," said Beyonce, which speaks to Ms Giddens' musical soul. READ MORE: PICTURES: Limerick students bring music of Elvis to life with musical On Monday, Ms Giddens posted on X, Whoof what a few weeks! Theres been so much to talk about but I have been too busy livin it to make many coherent posts - a tour, a special concert, a certain country album dropping that I had a wee contribution in... its been a time, wrote Ms Giddens. In an interview with the Irish Examiner in 2021, she said Limerick is a really nice place. Every time i pick up my banjo (made by Jim Hartel) I feel a lick or tune wanting to escape into the world. This is one of hundreds that come and go. I play this banjo, a replica of a banjo style from 1858, because it feels deeply cultural and spiritual to me. pic.twitter.com/XLbTIoC9A3 Rhiannon Giddens (@RhiannonGiddens) March 29, 2024 Ive seen in the last 10 years so many improvements in Limerick. All the effort thats gone into the art scene. Im a champion. I do what I can, said said. Only last month, Ms Giddens gave a lecture entitled, Banjos, Black String Bands, and Bursting Mythology of Early American Music. She has performed and conducted masterclasses across several Academy programmes. And after Ms Giddens masterclass collaboration with Beyonce, her passion for her proud heritage and musical talent will be shared with a new and even wider audience. A JUDGE has sentenced a 40-year old Clare man to four months in prison for sending a lewd image of himself to a Limerick woman. In the case at Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed three concurrent four month prison terms on the accused for sending lewd pictures of himself to three random females around the country in Dublin, Kerry and Limerick. Judge Gabbett also imposed a one month prison term on the accused after the man committed a solo sex act in public on the early Galway to Limerick train service in February 2023. Solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick said that his client last month in Dublin received a three year prison term with the final 18 months suspended. The accused received the prison term after engaging in sexually obscene video calls with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Judge Gabbett said that the sentences he is imposing are to be consecutive to the 18 month prison term. Mr Fitzpatrick told Judge Gabbett for someone who has never come before the courts, my client is serving a significant sentence that has had a profound effect. After reading victim impact statements in the case, Judge Gabbett said that the women who received the lewd images "were traumatised". Judge Gabbett said that the accused had transmitted explicit images to innocent victims. Judge Gabbett said that the images the man sent on were unwarranted and unsolicited and as one woman said arrived into her sitting room and destroyed her evening. One of the injured parties who witnessed the man masturbating on the 6.15am Galway to Limerick service on February 20th 2023 videoed the incident and handed over the recording to Gardai as evidence in the case. Judge Gabbett remarked that one of the women to receive a lewd image is a public figure. Judge Gabbett said a Probation Report handed into court confirmed that vigilantes have come upon the man". Judge Gabbett previously ruled due to "the vigilante behaviour and out of concern for the personal safety of the accused that reporting restrictions would continue in the case. Judge Gabbett remarked that the man has stated that the "vigilantes are after me. Judge Gabbett told the court previously that "the biggest concern I have here is the issue of the pattern of harmful exhibitionist behaviour. The judge said that the accused by his own admission "has this compulsion. The Probation Officer told Judge Gabbett that her report has recommended a therapeutic programme which deals with individuals who have sexual harmful behaviours. Mr Fitzpatrick said that his client has lost a lot. He said that his client lives in a rural area and is isolated. He said that his client no longer has a smartphone and that he has insight into his condition. Mr Fitzpatrick said that his client sourced the phone numbers of the three women he sent images to from Instagram. He said that his client has expressed a willingness to address his harmful behaviour. The offence on the train in February 2023 came only nine days before the man made his first appearance in court on March 1st 2023 concerning sending the lewd images of himself to females. In relation to the first offence, the man randomly selected a Co Kerry womans phone number before sending her a lewd image of himself on October 16th 2020. The man has also pleaded guilty that on May 1st 2021 of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature by sending an image of his erect penis via WhatsApp to a female living in Limerick in such a manner to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person. The man has also pleaded guilty to on May 4th 2021 of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature by sending an image of his erect penis via WhatsApp to another female living in Dublin in such a manner to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person. "PEOPLE who have a responsibility of running UL need to make themselves available to answer questions", Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald has said. Her comments come against the backdrop of a governance scandal at University of Limerick (UL), with college bosses set to face questions at the Public Accounts Committee next week after it emerged 5.2m was lost paying inflated prices for 20 homes in Rhebogue. College president Prof Kerstin Mey will not appear before the committee having declared herself "incapacitated". She went on sick leave last week. Ms McDonald, who is a graduate of UL said: "If she is unwell, I wish her a speedy recovery. I don't like to hear anybody is in ill health. But let me also say, as president of the university, the president needs to make themself available to the Public Accounts Committee. That's how this works." The Dublin TD was in Limerick this Wednesday following the announcement that local deputy Maurice Quinlivan is to bid to become Limerick's first directly elected mayor. READ MORE: Judgement on estate very serious, says UL chancellor The college's deal for student housing just months after it emerged the university had overpaid in the order of 1.5m for the former Dunnes Stores premises in the city centre. She added: "There are systemic issues which need to be identified and answered. People who have a responsibility of the running of the university need to make themselves available to answer questions. "I wish her a very speedy recovery, and look forward to her giving evidence and taking questions at the committee," said the Sinn Fein leader. Ms McDonald, who completed a post-graduate degree at UL, said she finds the latest news from the college "really sad and really disappointing". "It's a fantastic university. It's a hub of excellence, innovation and learning and to be caught again with questions of management oversight, the use of public money, is just really not acceptable," she said. Mc McDonald believes third level institutions across Ireland are not "properly and adequately supported". "But the bottom line is when you receive public money, you're accountable for it. I'm hugely disappointed as it's a great university, and I have a sense of deja-vu - here we go again," she concluded. As part of her visit, the Sinn Fein TD met union leaders representing staff of University Hospital Limerick, and also a number of other groups. On Mr Quinlivan's likely candidacy in the mayoral election, she said: "Nobody loves Limerick quite like Maurice Quinlivan." "I think he will bring a lot of experience, a huge amount of empathy and above all else, he beings a sense of ambition for the role," she added. Police have arrested 10 people as part of an initiative tackling business crime. Officers carried out a number of vehicle checkpoints and searches during the Safer Business Action Day operation on Friday. Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said: Officers across Northern Ireland conducted planned operations including high visibility patrols, proactive activity against offenders, and engaged with local businesses and the public. Working alongside our policing partners An Garda Siochana and Belfast Harbour Police we conducted 18 vehicle checkpoints, including in Newry and Belfast. We also arrested 10 people on suspicion of a number of offences including theft, conducted 14 searches, and issued three community resolution notices (CRNs). He added: This follows on from Thursdays seizure, when detectives from our Organised Crime Branch seized over 20,000 counterfeit Apple items, such as AirPods, Apple chargers and iPhones, in Portadown and Belfast. Safer Business Action Days are part of a national month of action to tackle retail crime launched by the National Business Crime Centre. They are an opportunity for us to work alongside our partners to highlight crime prevention initiatives, and increase engagement with local businesses and retail outlets and tackle some of the most prolific offenders. Mr Donaldson urged retailers to report offences to police and to reach out to their local neighbourhood and crime prevention officers. He said: We know under-reporting is an issue in all sectors of business crime. Please let us know if you have been a victim or you see something suspicious happening. Your report helps us target our resources, apprehend offenders and ultimately reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Working alongside our partners in the business community we will continue working to make sure that our towns and cities remain safe, attractive and prosperous places where business crime will not be tolerated. A 300-year old cottage in Co. Wicklow, a 1920s terraced house in Dublin and an eclectic self-build home in Co. Louth will all feature in the latest episode of RTE's Home of the Year which will be broadcast this Tuesday night. Viewers of the popular series will see the expert judges - architects Hugh Wallace and Amanda Bone and interior designer Sara Cosgrove - visit the three properties before selecting one which will make it through to the final. The national broadcaster has released some details about each of the properties which will feature in this Tuesday's episode Season 10, Episode 7: 300-year-old cottage in Wicklow Elaine Mackenzie-Smith and Kevin Coughlan live in a 300-year-old cottage overlooking a lake in Wicklow along with their three children. The original cottage (pictured below) was built in the 1700s and the couple purchased it in 2011 when it was the one and only house, they went to view. They lived in the original cottage with their first child until they extended it in 2016 and later renovated the home in 2021. They have created a modern family home that Kevin designed, and that Elaine finished, with colour and a sense of style that is beautiful but still comfortable for their kids to enjoy. Season 10, Episode 7: 1920s terraced house in Dublin Eugene McCarthy and his son Alex (both pictured below) live in a 1920s terraced house in Dublin. Eugene purchased this property in 2022 and completed extensive renovations both aesthetically and structurally. The house underwent a deep retrofit and rear extension with a view to transforming it into a contemporary A-rated home. Eugene says his main aim was to create a modern home which is sustainable, so he added solar panels and an electric car charging station in the driveway. He describes the interior of the home as contemporary and light filled, he sees it as the perfect home for him and his son, that meets all their needs. Season 10, Episode 7: Eclectic self-build home in Co. Louth Olivia and Peter Phillips live in an eclectic self-build in Co. Louth with their three girls and Paddy the cat! Olivia and Peter built their house on Olivias family land in 2004 and the family home (pictured below) has had quite a transformation over the years, starting off with a neutral palette but now having bright bold colours throughout. During lockdown Olivia sparked an interest in interior design and completed an online course and now Peter jokes he never knows what is going to have changed when he walks through the door! The family describes their style of home as eclectic, with a real mix of new and vintage, that feels welcoming and cosy and which is a true reflection of their personalities. Making the difficult decisions for the tenth series of Home of the Year are the judging panel of architects Hugh Wallace and Amanda Bone and interior designer Sara Cosgrove. Home of the Year is produced by ShinAwiL for RTE One and RTE Player and it broadcast at 8.30pm on Tuesdays. Toyota Motor is poised to introduce its inaugural car in the Indian market this year with the unveiling of the Urban Cruiser Taisor. Marking its foray into the compact SUV segment, the Japanese automaker's newest offering is derived from the Maruti Suzuki Fronx platform. Anticipation surrounds the imminent announcement of the Taisor SUV's pricing, scheduled for today, with bookings anticipated to commence simultaneously. Toyota has already provided a glimpse of the upcoming model through a teaser video, hinting at several modifications distinguishing it from its Maruti counterpart. The Urban Cruiser Taisor represents Toyota's fourth endeavor in rebadging Maruti models, following the adaptation of Baleno, Brezza, and Ertiga into Glanza, Urban Cruiser, and Rumion, respectively. While prior rebadged models underwent subtle alterations, the Taisor SUV is expected to undergo more pronounced changes. Initial glimpses from the teaser video suggest Toyota's intention to revamp the grille and headlight units of the Taisor. Departing from the tri-LED setup of the Fronx, the Taisor SUV will adopt a slimmer headlight design, accompanied by tweaked chrome accents surrounding the Toyota emblem. Additionally, a connected LED strip at the rear, revised bumpers, and redesigned alloy wheels are among the anticipated alterations. When it comes to interior features, only subtle changes are anticipated, primarily centered around updated upholstery. Enthusiasts can expect the continuation of amenities such as the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, driver display, 360-degree camera, and Head-Up Display (HUD) in the Taisor. Powering the Toyota Taisor SUV will likely be the same 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0-liter turbo petrol engines found in the Fronx. Toyota might also introduce a hybrid variant alongside the conventional engines, with speculation suggesting a potential CNG iteration in the future. Transmission duties are expected to be managed by a five-speed manual gearbox in addition to an automatic variant. Upon its release, the Urban Cruiser Taisor will join the competitive small SUV segment, vying against rivals such as the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. Positioned within a competitive price bracket, it is anticipated to challenge models like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter SUVs. Regarding pricing strategy, Toyota traditionally positions its rebadged Maruti models at a premium compared to their technical counterparts. For instance, the Glanza is priced approximately 20,000 higher than the Baleno. Chase is the latest company to bring its data to bear on behalf of advertisers. The JPMorgan Chase bank on Wednesday said a new unit called Chase Media Solutions will let marketers tempt Chase customers with targeted deals and discounts related to their spending history. Chase joins a variety of businesses from Best Buy to Uber that have begun selling ad space on their apps, websites and other properties, often targeting messages by using their shopper and user data to generate revenue outside of their core businesses. The company already offered customers less-targeted deals through a program called Chase Offers, which will continue to house the more-relevant offers brokered by the new media unit. Chase hopes the souped-up carousel of discounts on its app and website will add a little more shine to its credit card division as it looks to hold its position as Americas biggest credit card issuer. The new unit is born out of the companys 2022 acquisition of card-linked marketing platform Figg. Advertisers for years have sought ways to reduce waste by purchasing ads that will only be seen by consumers who are most likely to turn into customers. Digital marketing giants such as Facebook in the late 2000s and 2010s for a time provided that specific kind of targeting, but changes made in response to online privacy concerns have hampered the precision with which they could connect ads to relevant consumers. Customer acquisition costs on tried-and-true digital platforms have also increased. Enter: Almost everyone else. Worldwide spend on retail media networks, the catchall term for the advertising sales units of retailers and other companies, will account for 21.6% of all digital ad spending in 2024, up from 15.1% in 2019, according to forecasts from market research company Emarketer. Chases entry in the everything is an ad network" ecosystem doesnt involve selling advertising space in the traditional sense, like on TV screens around its branches. Instead advertisers in the Chase Offers section online and in its app will now be able to target different subsets of consumers such as new, lapsed or loyal shoppers, and only those the banks spending data predicts will be interested. Deals for a petcare company, for example, wouldnt be shown to people whose Chase transaction history suggests they arent pet owners. Unlike most retail media networks, Chases will only charge merchants a fee when a customer uses a deal to make a purchase. That means businesses will be able to attribute results to their spending with Chase, which the bank hopes will help interest marketers under pressure to prove their worth, said Rich Muhlstock, head of offers and e-commerce at Chase. We will be part of larger campaigns, because there are other things that are obviously always going to be important to building brands and awareness and things like that," Muhlstock said. But this fits in nicely with something that can truly drive sales." Customers will have to activate deals on the Chase app or website. Rather than relying on methods like discount codes, however, Chase will automatically apply cash back to customers cards after a purchase is made. JPMorgan Chase, which recently reported record annual profit of $49.55 billion, doesnt need an advertising network to propel the company into the black. But it is hoping to gain more control over the shopping and buying experience. In 2021, the company said it was buying The Infatuation, a restaurant review site that includes the Zagat brand, with plans to give some of its customers special access to its events and certain content on the site. Alexander Saeedy contributed to this article. Write to Katie Deighton at katie.deighton@wsj.com The government has rekindled discussions with public sector banks (PSBs) on offering stock options to eligible employees, reigniting hope for this long-standing demand of the lenders, according to a report by Economic Times. Quoting sources familiar with the development, the Economic Times reported that the proposal to introduce employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) has been on hold for some time, but it may gain momentum after the Lok Sabha elections. "There have been talks with the government last month on issues pertaining to PSBs, including ESOPs," a bank executive told ET, adding that lenders will soon present a framework to the government. Livemint could not independently verify the development. A government official, however, confirmed to ET that the discussions were preliminary, and any decision on the proposal would be taken after the polls. "Bankers informed us that they had appointed consultancy firm Deloitte to give them suggestions on this matter...We will wait for banks to come up with a structured framework and then discuss it further," the official further added, as quoted in the ET report. There are currently 12 strong PSBs catering to the nation's financial needs. These include the well-established State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda (BoB). Other prominent players are Bank of India (BoI), Central Bank of India (CBI), and Canara Bank. Rounding out the list are Union Bank of India (UBI), Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Punjab and Sind Bank (PSB), Indian Bank, UCO Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra (BoM). The framework would consider various factors impacting state-run banks, with employee ESOPs being a long-standing demand of PSBs. They believe that this initiative will help them attract and retain talent amid intense competition from private lenders, the report added. Experts suggest that stock options have proven their effectiveness in the private sector and could offer similar benefits to the public sector ecosystem. While the government held some discussions on the ESOP issue in 2020, the proposal did not gain traction. The 2020 Economic Survey also advocated giving ESOPs to PSB employees, stating that it would enable them to become owners of the banks and incentivize them to embrace risk-taking and innovation. India and Brazil are considering a slew of defence cooperation proposals ranging from collaboration on defence technology to sharing military information, top Brazilian defence official Rui Mesquita told Mint in an interview. Some areas of collaboration include proposals for the exchange of information and military technology, cooperation in capacity building and training, building partnerships in the development of defence systems and equipment, managing maintenance services, and strengthening the supply chain for our defence systems, said Mesquita, who currently serves as Brazils secretary for defence products. India has made a push to expand its footprint in Latin American defence markets, including through the sale of Tejas fighter aircraft to Argentina. Brazilian defence firms, including aviation major Embraer, have also ventured into the Indian defence market. Embraer and Mahindra Defence recently signed a memorandum of understanding to work on the Indian Air Forces requirement for a medium transport aircraft. Embraer is looking to offer its C-390 Millennium aircraft, which is being used by the Brazilian and Portuguese Air Force, for this purpose. Increased defence trade is a key priority for India as the government looks to boost Indias defence exports. This week, Indias defence minister Rajnath Singh announced that defence exports had reached 21,083 crore in 2023-24, a 32.5% growth over the previous fiscal year. In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would seek to export $5 billion in defence hardware by 2025. Mesquita stated that India and Brazil are also considering defence acquisitions. At the moment, there are moves toward acquisitions, joint ventures between our strategic defence companies, and the provision of services, he said. Mesquita was in India for talks as part of the India-Brazil Sub Group on Defence, during which he met with senior Indian officials from the ministry of defence. In his interview with Mint, Mesquita pointed out that closer defence industrial ties could help both countries diversify their sources of equipment and reduce dependence on traditional suppliers. Defence ties also featured in bilateral talks between Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in 2023. New Delhi: To increase the effectiveness of its marquee manufacturing incentive scheme, the Centre plans to review the performance of the scheme across sectors on a periodic basis and make necessary adjustments. The government is mulling restructuring the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme in sectors with slow progress, and even scrap it in sectors where investor interest is dim and not much progress has been made, According to two people aware of the matter. While PLI scheme will work in some sectors, it may not work in others. The ones that dont work could be restructured or replaced," the first person mentioned above said on condition of anonymity. However, whether the scheme is working in certain sectors can only be established over time and after thorough reviews. The focus, for now, is to strengthen and support the existing PLI schemes across 14 key sectors," the person added. So far, the progress of the scheme has been slow in sectors like IT hardware, textile products and specialty steel, medical devices, automobile and auto components, ACC batteries, and white goods. On the other hand, the PLI schemes in sectors like electronics, mobile phones, bulk drugs, pharmaceuticals, telecom, drones, and food processing have been doing well. A commerce ministry spokesperson didn't respond to emailed queries. The Centre announced the PLI scheme in 2020 under the aegis of the commerce ministry with an outlay of 1.97 trillion (over $26 billion) to support manufacturing growth in 14 sectors, especially those that help in import substitution such as specialty steel and drone components. The outlay was for a period of five years starting 2022. The scheme provides for an incentive of 4-6% to manufacturers on incremental sales of products manufactured in India over a five-year period. The idea behind the incentive scheme was to attract investments in manufacturing capacity, especially from foreign companies, and cutting-edge technology across these sectors, ensure efficiency, and bring economies of size and scale to make Indian manufacturing companies globally competitive. So far, investments to the tune of 1.03 trillion (till November 2023) is estimated to have come in since the scheme's inception, according to the commerce ministry. The 14 sectors covered in the scheme were mobile manufacturing and specified electronic components; critical key starting materials/drug intermediaries and active pharmaceutical ingredients; manufacturing of medical devices; automobiles and auto components; pharmaceuticals drugs; speciality steel; telecom and networking products; electronic/technology products; white goods (ACs and LEDs); food products; textile products: MMF segment and technical textiles; high-efficiency solar PV modules; advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery; and drones and drone components. Competitiveness is all about taking advantage of the economy of scale. However, my reading is that the capacities have been fragmented, with too many companies under certain sectors," said Biswajit Dhar, Professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University. "In sectors like pharma, which have been traditionally strong in exports, the main aim to reduce dependence on Chinese APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) hasn't really worked out," he added. So far, businesses have pledged about 1.07 trillion of investments under the PLI scheme to scale up domestic manufacturing, helping create job opportunities for over 700,000 people, according to the commerce ministry. Finance and corporate affairs minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in February that the PLI scheme has led to 3.4 trillion in exports and 8.7 trillion in production and sales, and 176 small businesses have been selected as direct beneficiaries of the scheme. According to industry estimates, while the Centre was hoping to see investments worth 49,682 crore in FY24 across sectors under the PLI scheme, the first nine months of the fiscal saw just over 30,695 crore (61.8% of the target) investments come in. Economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council (PM-EAC), recently told Mint that the purpose of the PLI scheme is to get Indian companies to scale up rapidly. One of the major problems Indian manufacturing had, historically, was that it was always sub-scale. This meant that we couldnt take advantage of big economies of scale and compete internationally," he said. The purpose of the PLI scheme is to allow India to get around its midget problem, which we had written about in the economic survey a few years ago," he added. As things stand, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the ministry of commerce and industry, has undertaken a third-party assessment of the PLI scheme in white goods (AC and LED lights) with the study being commissioned to the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM). The PLI scheme is expected to drive industrial capital expenditure (capex) of 3-3.5 trillion over its duration, rating agency CRISIL said in a recent report. It will constitute 8-10% of total capex in key industrial sectors over the next 3-4 years. The scheme will also offer incentives amounting to 1.8-1.9 lakh crore (trillion) and generate incremental revenue of about 30 lakh crore (trillion) over its lifespan," it added. Magma HDI General Insurance Company and Suryoday Small Finance Bank have partnered under a Corporate Agency Agreement to provide health insurance to Suryoday Banks Commercial Vehicle Loan customers. This strategic alliance aims to enhance access to health insurance by utilizing Suryoday Banks widespread presence in both urban and rural areas. Also Read: From premiums to claims process: Decoding key terms in insurance policies | 8 points Partnership to further health insurance The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Mumbai, with Rajive Kumaraswami, MD & CEO of Magma HDI General Insurance, Baskar Babu Ramachandran, MD & CEO of Suryoday Small Finance Bank, and other prominent figures from both organizations in attendance. Speaking on the occasion, Rajive Kumaraswami stated, Our partnership with Suryoday Small Finance Bank marks a significant milestone in the companys journey, strengthening our reach and distribution through the corporate agency. This strategic alliance reflects our commitment to expanding insurance penetration to a broader customer base. Leveraging our decade-long experience in general insurance, coupled with Suryoday Banks extensive reach, we aim to forge synergies that benefit the customers and contribute to the growth of both organizations. Also Read: The Top Benefits of Senior Citizens' Health Insurance Speaking on the occasion, Baskar Babu Ramachandran said, Our strategic partnership with Magma HDI integrates health insurance seamlessly into our existing financial offerings. With this partnership, we are poised to address the diverse financial needs of our commercial vehicle customers. This collaboration not only boosts our mission of social inclusiveness but also is a testament to our unwavering focus on prioritizing best-in-class financial customer-centric products and solutions. Also Read: Your Questions Answered: As a married couple, should we get separate health insurance or share a single one? The essence of buying health insurance In the current era, possessing a health insurance policy is essential. With the consistent rise in medical expenses, it's challenging to manage even fundamental treatments without insurance coverage. Health insurance assists in bearing these expenses, safeguarding you from financial strain in the event of unforeseen illness or injury. Through this partnership, customers of Suryoday Bank's Commercial Vehicle Loan will have access to tailored health insurance solutions, reflecting the bank's dedication to social inclusivity. New Delhi: Indias personal computers (PC) market of desktops and laptops, which experienced a lull last year due to a post-pandemic sales decline, could double in the next five years if the country's economic targets are met, said Ipsita Dasgupta, senior vice-president and managing director of HP India. Speaking about a dip in demand for PCs and the way forward for the upcoming year, Dasgupta said, The consumer market has been a bit up-and-down. But nobody discards their PCs, so the comeback on demand doesn't concern me. We are starting to see an uptick in consumer demand already, and demand should particularly pick up pace post-elections. The last two quarters of this financial year should be good for us, and well double the total addressable market (TAM) size in the next five years if our economic targets are on track. Dasgupta joined HP India in 2023, a year when PC shipments fell 6.6% year-on-year to 13.9 million units, including all laptop and desktop sales to consumers and enterprises, due to a post-pandemic lull since PCs are not refreshed as frequently as smartphones. HP retained the top PC brand in India, with a 31.5% market share, as per data published on 20 February by market researcher IDC. To continue growing, Dasgupta underlined the education sector as a key area that could fuel PC adoption across the country. Weve not done a great job as a tech and education sector, as well as a country, to think through the real value proposition at hand. The government and associated parties all agree that this needs to be figured out. But, we haven't really thought it through. Right now, were thinking about generating work, but if we talk about numbersin terms of the economy, SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses) and other industries growing, many of them are rethinking the way we do everything. The PC could be pivotal to all of this, she said. The lack of PCs in schools is also a key area that is currently flat in Indias education sector, Dasgupta said. Even today, students at top Indian schools spend hardly two hours a week with a PC in school. In the US, students have been spending all their studying hours with computers for decades now. With this, were creating a disadvantage for our students across all socio-economic strata. We have some of the highest quantitative capabilities in the world, but were not accessing technology that would make us more productive, she added. To do this, HP is in talks with government-backed skilling initiatives at state government levels, and is initiating pilots to increase PC adoption in schools. This could lead to considerable growth impetus for the brand, said Tarun Pathak, research director at market researcher Counterpoint India. The education sector and governments are a key market for HP to grow in India. They have a strong brand placement by virtue of their localization efforts, as well as being an established US brand working in India for years. This should help their overall businessat present, HP remains the top brand in the commercial segment as well, Pathak said. HPs commercial device shipments in India, as per IDC data, grew 33.6% y-o-y, thus becoming the fastest-growing single segment for HPs India business. Going forward, Dasgupta said that the company could achieve its business aims if India remains on track with its economic targets. Projections expect India to be a $6.7 trillion economy by 2031. Even if we miss this mark, well still be close to a $6 trillion economy. Devices that generate work will have to expand organically, and there will be multiple PCs in a single household in affluent societies. To enable this, were looking to tap unmet demand through accessibility and affordabilitywhich includes financing schemes, too. Well make announcements on this soon, she said. Oil prices continued their upward trajectory amid investor apprehensions regarding potential disruptions in supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions, on Wednesday. However, some of these concerns were mitigated by an unexpected increase in U.S. crude oil inventories. Brent crude futures climbed by 84 cents, representing a 0.9% increase, reaching $89.76 per barrel by 11:38 a.m. ET (1538 GMT). Similarly, U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures experienced a gain of 76 cents, or 0.9%, reaching $85.91 per barrel. During the session, both contracts experienced an increase of over one dollar each before the U.S. Energy Information Administration disclosed a 3.2 million barrel rise in crude stocks. Analysts surveyed by Reuters had anticipated a reduction of over 1.5 million barrels, aligning with the preliminary data released by the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday. What's weighing on crude oil prices? Brent and WTI futures have surged to their highest levels in over five months, maintaining this momentum for three straight sessions. This rally is driven by apprehensions regarding Ukraine's recent assaults on Russian refineries, alongside fears of a potential escalation of conflict in the Middle East, both of which could disrupt oil supplies. Iran has pledged retaliation against Israel following an assault on Monday that resulted in the death of senior military figures. As a significant supporter of the Hamas militia engaged in conflict with Israel in Gaza, Iran holds the position as the third-largest producer within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Also read: Mentha Oil Rate Today gains 0.11% on Apr 2 2024 3:50PM GConnect Logitech and Supply Chain made a decent debut on the bourses today, April 3, 2024. On BSE SME, GConnect Logitech and Supply Chain share price was listed at 42 per share, 5 percent higher than the issue price of 40. The initial public offering (IPO) was opened for subscription between March 26 and March 28 with a price of 40 per share. The IPO of GConnect Logitech was subscribed 57.38 times over a three-day issue period. The issue received bids worth 7.6 crore shares as against 13.26 lakh on offer. The public issue was subscribed 71.74 times in the retail category and 42.90 times in the 'others' category by March 28, 2024. Read here: Bharti Hexacom IPO opens today: GMP, review, other key details. Apply or not? About the IPO GConnect Logitech IPO is a fixed price issue of 5.60 crores. The issue is entirely a fresh issue of 14.01 lakh shares. The minimum lot size for an application was 3000 shares with a minimum investment required by retail investors at 1,20,000. Meanwhile, the minimum lot size investment for HNI is 2 lots (6,000 shares) amounting to 2,40,000. Fedex Securities Pvt Ltd is the book-running lead manager of the GConnect Logitech IPO, while Kfin Technologies is the IPO registrar. The company proposes to utilize the net issue proceeds for the purchase of vehicles; finance the website development and app designing; and for general corporate purposes. Read here: 13 IPOs listed in FY24 deliver multibagger returns in the range of 104%-325% About the firm GConnect Logitech and Supply Chain Ltd was incorporated in July 2022 and provides surface logistics services, including goods transport. Its service offerings include bulk loads, Full Truck Loads (FTL) service, and dedicated loads. It has an asset-light model and works with third parties to provide necessary assets, such as vehicles. Maruti Suzuki India Ltds ended FY24 on a good note within the passenger vehicle (PV) industry. The companys overall volume grew by 10% year-on-year last month to 187,196 vehicles even though exports units dropped. Here, domestic PV volumes rose by 15% year-on-year to 152,718. In comparison, the second largest peer Hyundai clocked about 5% growth in domestic volume to 53,001. Tata Motors also fared well, clocking 14% growth in domestic sales of PVs to 50,110 units. As such, Marutis volume growth last month can be attributed pretty much to the stellar show put up by the utility vehicle (UV) segment, highlighting the preference of consumers. Marutis UV volume soared as much as 58% last month to 58,437 units. Also read: Chart Beat: Passenger vehicle sales to rise in February Clearly, the companys UV model launches such as Brezza, Grand Vitara and Fronx have begun to pay off rich dividends. While Hyundais sales mix is dominated by Creta SUV contributing more than one fifth of total sales, Tata Motors is also riding the UV wave by launching new models like Punch CNG, its compact SUV. As such, the latest monthly sales data reinforces the linear growth story of the PV industry in the post covid era. For perspective, over FY21-24, the combined total sales volume of the three leading automakers (Maruti, Hyundai and Tata Motors) in the PV industry has seen a growth of about 16% on a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) basis. Sure, some are sceptical about the sustainability of high growth rates ahead. But what remains underappreciated is the growth lever available to the industry in the form of premium product mix. Car buyers are now ditching the entry level models and opting for new premium models. Notably, sales of Marutis entry level cars like Alto have dropped considerably in FY24. Accordingly, the industrys average sales realization (ASR) has expanded by 8-11% CAGR for the three companies over FY21-23, boosting the gross profit per vehicle. The ASR in India is still below 10 lakh per PV and has the potential to go up further in line with the countrys growing GDP. This should enable PV companies to boost their margins further. As such, investors looking to participate in the PV growth story in India do not have many options. Though Tata Motors has announced separate listing of the passenger car business and reported IPO plan of Hyundai, Maruti is the only listed pure play PV company currently. Marutis shares hit a lifetime high of 12,726.80 apiece last week. Investors are impressed with the companys smooth ride in terms of financial performance even as new competitors like Kia continue to enter the Indian market. Also Read: Government's EV policy fuels investment surge in Indian Auto Sector: Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, others to bring new electric models Maruti has so far maintained its market leadership without sacrificing the profit margin as its gross profit per car has reached an all-time high of 1,59,091 in FY23 from 1,33,863 in FY21. Some critics may point out a deceleration in the gross profit margin of the company from 27.7% in FY21 to 26.6% in FY23, but looking at profit margin percentages can be sometimes misleading as it is a mathematical function of numerator and denominator. Profit per car usually reveals a better picture as the selling price may increase or decline based on the fluctuation in raw material price. Hereon, Marutis ability to maintain the industry leading growth will be the key monitorable to justify the upward movement in its shares. Also, the performance of the upcoming product pipeline including the first electric vehicle launch of model EVX in Q4CY24 will be keenly watched. Authorities vowed on Tuesday to maintain a harsh clampdown on illegal angling along the Yangtze River and uproot the underground network that produces banned fishing gear and sells the unlawful catch. A decadelong moratorium on fishing was imposed on the country's longest river in 2021 with the aim of restoring its ecological health. After three years, the fish population in the river has recovered markedly, but the moratorium still faces constant threats from illegal fishing, which is becoming "more concealed" and harder to detect, Tang Renjian, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office in Beijing. In response, he said authorities will step up nighttime surveillance as well as patrols near river sections close to provincial borders, which are more susceptible to poaching because of jurisdictional vacuums. Scrutiny will also be increased over "unregistered, unlicensed and unregulated" trawlers and banned fishing practices such as electric shock fishing. "Relying on automated and intelligent monitoring methods, we are enhancing round-the-clock monitoring and supervision of critical water areas," Tang said. The State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a guideline last month on "steadfastly advancing" the ban, amid rumors that the moratorium has led to fish overpopulation in the Yangtze. Ma Youxiang, a vice-minister of agriculture and rural affairs, told the news conference that while it has increased by a quarter since 2021, the total fish population in the Yangtze is only slightly more than a third of the preindustrial level. He said restoring fish populations is a lengthy task, citing the examples of Qinghai Lake in China and the Rhine River in Western Europe, where decades of moratoriums have failed to substantially restore fish stocks. Tang described the ban as a long-term, complex and arduous historical task closely linked to the Chinese nation's sustainable development. The current state of the Yangtze can only be described as "in the early stages of recovery from a serious illness" after decades of overfishing and pollution, he said. Ministry of Public Security data show it has solved more than 20,000 cases involving violations of the ban since 2021.Over that period, illegal fishing in the main waterways of the Yangtze has decreased by almost a third, and less than 10 percent involves more destructive organized crimes. Tian Yonghao, who oversees the ministry's Public Security Bureau, told the news conference that his administration will step up patrols on sections susceptible to poaching and embrace information technology and use undercover investigations to combat-related crimes. He said it will collaborate closely with related departments "and strengthen control of prohibited fishing gear and the sale of illegal fishery products". The fishing ban on the Yangtze is part of a growing effort by China to restore the ecological health of its rivers and seas. Last month, the agriculture ministry said it would impose the strictest summertime fishing moratorium in the annual "Shining Sword" mission aimed at warding off illegal fishing on rivers and at sea. Collaboration will also be stepped up with maritime neighbors to fight illegitimate angling across borders during the moratorium, which usually lasts from May through September, officials said. The board of Som Distilleries and Breweries Ltd approved a stock split in the ratio of 5:2 on Wednesday. The stock split is likely to be completed within three months from the approval of company shareholders. According to the BSE filing, existing equity shares of the firm, with a face value of 5 each will be subdivided into equity shares of a face value of 2 each. The company is estimated to complete the stock split in three months from the approval of company shareholders. The Board considered and approved the SubDivision of share capital of the Company. The Board considered the Sub-Division of each of the Equity. Share Capital of face value of Rs.5/- each into equivalent Number of Equity Shares having a face value of Rs.2/- each, said the company in its BSE filing. The firm mentioned increasing retail investors participation and shares liquidity as the rationale behind the stock split. The stock split will be subject to shareholders' approval in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled on April 30, 2024, according to Som Distilleries BSE filling. Som Distilleries stock split history The company shares closed 1.65% lower at 286.70 per equity share on BSE on Wednesday. The company will undergo a stock split for the second time. Before this, Som Distillery had split its stock from 10 to 5 in October 2020. The stock split is usually done to raise the liquidity of a company's share in the stock market. The company investors owning company shares till the record date will receive the new shares in their demat accounts. The stock price will be adjusted according to the split ratio. Smid (small- and mid-cap) indices have recovered from their mid-March lows, after warnings of froth. The Nifty Midcap 150 hit a record 18,400 on Wednesday and the Nifty Smallcap 250 was just 2.8% shy of its 7 February record. Can this uptrend continue? Mint analyses. How have smids performed ? Broader market indices have outperformed large-caps, with the Nifty Smallcap 250 and Midcap 150 generating annualized returns of 21.36% and 22.2% over the past five years. This is significantly higher than Niftys annualized return of 13.93% over the same period. But the valuation picture is mixed. While the Nifty Midcap 150 traded at a price-to-earnings multiple (P-E) of 35.81 at end-FY24, above the historic 30.91 times median, the small-cap index traded at 26.38 times, below the historic 27.75x, thanks to recent regulatory advisories to mutual funds which resulted in small-cap stocks tumbling last month. What has driven up the indices? Relentless retail and HNI investor flows. Asset management companies (AMCs) small-cap funds attracted 73,718 crore and mid-cap funds 63,624 crore during FY20-FY24. Against this, MF large-cap funds garnered a modest 22,358 crore. This has driven up smid valuations. The increased flows are on the premise of future earnings growth. This is evident from earnings per share (EPS) five-year annualized growth of the small-cap, mid-cap indices at 18.6% and 19.29% each, lagging the Nifty EPS growth of 19.99%. Investors are betting that as Indias economy keeps growing at 7-8%, smids will outperform large-caps. Can the smids uptrend continue? Fund managers believe so, with the caveat that higher inflows into smids could draw regulatory glare again. Sebi told funds in February to run stress tests on smid portfolios to see how many days it would take them to redeem 25-50% of these in a downturn. The results in mid-March had no negative surprises. Funds will publish such stress tests by the 15th of each month. What could regulatory measures look like? AMCs could be directed to take a call on capping flows into their smid funds if they are unmanageable. Already seven AMCs, including Nippon India Smallcap Fund, Tata Smallcap Fund and SBI Smallcap Fund, have restricted investor flows into their small-cap funds. Some more of the 47 MFs could follow. This cautionary stance could itself result in pricking bubbles. Sebi recently asked MFs to disclose if they had sold retirement or small-cap funds with over three-year lock-ins to senior citizens. What should retail investors do? They should follow an asset allocation model, using systematic investment plan (SIP) if routing money through mutual funds or participate through SIPs offered by brokers if investing directly. Asset allocation involves putting money into multiple asset classesequity, fixed income, debt, cash, gold, etc. By investing in multiple asset classes, investors can reduce risk, lower the probability of losses and improve the possibility of earning better returns, according to brokerage ICICI Direct. The SEBI chairperson had cautioned about pockets of froth in the small and midcaps. How should an investor or a prospective investor approach and react to this? This is to provide guidance to investors on appropriate steps to be taken in this premise based on the investment objective and the phase of investment they are in. The recent drawdown in mid and smallcaps Nifty Midcap 150 index is down by 2.95% from 1st of March 24 to the 22nd March and the Nifty Smallcap 250 is down by 6.71% in the same period. This drawdown would mean if you have invested in a midcap or smallcap mutual fund your investments are impacted somewhere in line with this and could be the case if you own a basket of small and midcap stocks. One also needs to bear in mind that small and midcaps have had a great run in the last five years and the indices have delivered over 20% CAGR in the last 5 years. The top smallcap mutual funds have delivered a return of over 50% in the last 1 year and over 25% annualised returns in the last 3 years. Midcap funds also have delivered similar returns. After such a massive run, its quite natural and logical that small and midcap stocks will have to consolidate. The talks about valuations being stretched, coupled with the caution from the regulator, is pulling down the mid and smallcaps which has led to investors worrying about this. If you are an existing or a new investor in these segments of stocks or funds, how should you react to this. Also Read: FY24 Market Review: Nifty Midcap and Smallcap surged over 60%; check best-performing stocks Existing investors Does stretched valuations warrant a total exit from the small and midcap space. There is no straight answer to this as the answers are based on the investment phase the investor is in and based on his/her risk appetite and liquidity requirement. Before further extrapolating this, it needs to be borne in mind that proper asset allocation needs to be ensured and within the asset class also further diversification needs to be followed so that there is no undue concentration to any. Small and midcap stocks and funds are meant only for those with a high-risk appetite. If an investor has a longer investment horizon of about five years or more, it is advisable to stay invested and the mid and smallcap stocks would turn around after a consolidation to further compound your returns. The argument of moving completely to largecaps or any other asset class which is performing well deviating from your ideal asset allocation is never a smart move. This is simply because the purpose of asset allocation is to diversify not just the return generation engine but also to spread the risk. This purpose will be defeated if you become a fair-weather friend on the investment front concentrating on only the performing asset class of the moment and this can badly backfire. If you are an investor who needs liquidation in the near term of 3 to 6 months, then better to liquidate your equity investments not just small and midcaps, to the extent of the liquidity requirement and park in liquid or arbitrage funds, evenly withdrawing from all market cap stocks/funds without tampering the asset allocation proposition. Also read: Smallcap, Midcap indices: 4 reasons why J.P. Morgan sees 5%-10% further downside risk New and to-be investors If you are a new investor or a to-be investor in small and midcaps the ideal route will be mutual funds and that too through the Systematic Investment Plan. Before that a small and midcap stock or fund cannot be your first equity investment. Your first investment should be in a largecap or flexicap fund before stepping into mid and smallcap funds. As small and midcap stocks have very high risk associated, unless spread across many companies the potential downside can be high. Mutual funds address this very well in comparison to directly investing in these stocks, by spreading across a large number of companies across sectors. There are AMCs which have as high as 200 stocks across various sectors in their smallcap fund and rightly so to balance between returns and risk. If you have invested in an SIP of a smallcap fund, though the recent investment may be negative, dont miss the fact that your current investment will be bought cheap at a lower price and average your overall cost which is the advantage that comes with an SIP. So, continue your SIP investment and if possible, make additional purchases in a phased manner and not in a single shot. Also Read: This is the reason why midcaps and smallcaps may consolidate in medium-term Stress test of mutual funds and investment decisions SEBI has mandated mutual fund houses to come out with stress tests for small and midcap funds every fifteen days with the first one which was declared on 15th March. Basically, these tests are to inform investors in a situation of stress, if redemption pressure is high, what would be the number of days taken to liquidate 50% of the portfolio and 25% of the portfolio. The number of days fund houses have declared as the time to liquidate 50% ranges from 12 days to 60 days and half of that for liquidation of 25%. While this is a useful information, practically going by history we have hardly seen instances of investors liquidating 25% of the portfolio and that too not in the evolved phase post 2010. Size of funds have zoomed now with the largest smallcap fund Nippon Smallcap Fund holding an AUM of above 46000 cr with a much larger number of investors compared to earlier. Also, investors today are matured with better understanding about a correction and the potential for future growth, so that knee jerk redemptions would be relatively much lesser. In mutual fund parlance, the 101st company to 250th company by market cap is a midcap and the 101st company by marketcap is 74000 cr by size. Smallcaps are companies downwards of 250 by marketcap. The 251st company by marketcap is 25000 cr by size. So clearly many of the midcap and smallcap stocks are not that small in marketcap as most would presume, and its only the stocks which are relatively too small in market cap which may face liquidity challenges. Metrics to be watched in decision making Given this backdrop of reality, stress test results cannot be the sole reason for anyone to choose a fund but along with that its a combination of factors like long term performance of the fund, agility to market conditions, portfolio risk, portfolio diversification, expense ratio etc which are essential to choose the funds. For example - a fund which takes a lower number of days for liquidation but is poor in performance is not a combination to go for. So new investors and existing investors need to be cognizant about these factors and respond to the current scenario of the small and midcap universe accordingly. Prudence needs to be employed to make a decision and not mere fear without proper understanding, which can go grossly wrong for your wealth creation exercise. (Bloomberg) -- Australian gold producer Perseus Mining Ltd. hasnt ditched a long-term plan to mine in war-torn Sudan, even as it chases other deals across Africa to sustain its output. The third-biggest Australia-listed gold miner by market value has put on hold a final investment decision to build a mine in the North African nation wracked by a complex civil war. But Perseus is still eyeing a potential post-conflict future there, and is preparing to award a new drilling contract for its Meyas Sands asset, which is far from the fighting. Sudans not lost to our company by any stretch of the imagination, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Quartermaine said in an interview. Were going to develop this one, thats the plan. Perseus is among gold miners looking for new assets as their current ones expire, and as bullion prices hit record highs. It has nearly $1 billion in cash and undrawn debt to fund investments, according to its CEO. Its trying to acquire the Nyanzaga project in Tanzania via a bid for its owner OreCorp Ltd., and is considering whether to join the race for the Akyem mine in Ghana that Newmont Corp. has put for sale. Sudan is a much trickier proposition. The North African nation has been gripped by a full-blown battle for control between the army and a paramilitary group since last April. The United Nations has reported mass graves and gang rapes, 18 million people at risk of hunger, and almost 10 million displaced within the country in addition to the 1.8 million whove fled elsewhere. Read More: Whats Behind the Fighting in Sudan and What It Means: QuickTake The Australian miner is holding out hope that the political backdrop there will stabilize over the longer term. Persian Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are emerging as key diplomatic players in the Horn of Africa region, which has rich but largely untapped mineral resources. The rulers of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are prioritizing overseas investment in the mining sector. Perseus entered an agreement with Ajlan & Bros, a closely held Saudi conglomerate, last month to co-invest in exploration projects in Saudi Arabia and in northern African countries including Sudan, as well as Algeria, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Egypt. By having an influential Saudi company as our partner, that might provide us with a little bit more geopolitical stability, if you will, in the places where we look to explore, Quartermaine said. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's weight is constant at 65 kg from the day he was brought to Tihar jail, clarified management on Wednesday, after the Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi claimed that the AAP supremo lost 4.5 kg weight in three days. Arvind Kejriwal news LIVE Updates On arrival on 01.04.2024, Arvind Kejriwal was examined by two Doctors and all vitals were normal. Also, his weight has been constant at 65 Kg, since he arrived in jail and to date. Home-cooked food is being provided as per the Court order. His vital statistics are normal, said Tihar jail management in its statement on Wednesday. In her social media post, Atishi said Arvind Kejriwal is a severe diabetic and alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of putting his health at risk by putting him in jail. "Arvind Kejriwal ji is a severe diabetic. Despite health issues, he remained engaged 24 hours a day in the country's service. Since his arrest, Kejriwal's weight has decreased by 4.5 kg. This is very worrying. The BJP is putting his health at risk by putting him in jail," she alleged in a post on X in Hindi. The Delhi minister also presented the party's next course of action regarding Arvind Kejriwal's deteriorating health condition. While speaking at the press conference, Atishi said, The Delhi High Court will hear a plea challenging his arrest by ED today. After the court decides on it, we will seek legal help over his health situation. "The whole country is watching. For a severely diabetic patient, if their sugar levels fall below 50 mg/dL, it is extremely worrying. While he was in ED custody, his sugar levels fell thrice, including one time when it came down to 46 mg/dL," she said. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in excise policy-linked money laundering case The Enforcement Directorate arrested Arvind Kejriwal in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. On April 1, a Delhi Court sent him to judicial custody till April 15. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court began hearing Arvind Kejriwal's plea against ED arrest. During the first half of the hearing session, advocate AM Singhvi, representing Arvind Kejriwal, began his argument by underlining the importance of a level playing field. New Delhi: A new scheme for funding of political parties is in the works, after the erstwhile electoral bonds scheme was struck down by the Supreme Court as being unconstitutional. According to two people aware of discussions in the government, the Centre has already started work on a new scheme that will address the concerns the apex court expressed while striking down the electoral bonds scheme. The finance ministry is holding internal consultations on the new scheme, which is expected to be finalized after the national elections in April-June, one of the persons cited above said on condition of anonymity. The scheme will address the issues of transparency and extent of political financing by corporations, which were questioned by the apex court. Legislative changes that may be needed for the new scheme are not on the table yet, as discussions are at an early stage, said the person. Emailed queries sent on Friday to the spokespersons of the ministries of finance, corporate affairs and the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) remained unanswered till press time. On 15 February, the Supreme Court had struck down the electoral bonds scheme introduced in January 2018. The court said that some provisions of the scheme that were signed into law through the Finance Act of 2017 were unconstitutional on account of non-disclosure of information relating to political funding. The court held this violated the right to information of citizens. The apex court also held that the provision for unlimited funding of political parties by corporate entities was arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. The article guarantees that the state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws within the country. The court had examined the argument that unlimited contributions could put corporations in a position of getting into quid pro quo arrangements with political parties that may further the companies interests. Experts pointed out that political funding is a complex issue, but political parties could come together to frame a regime that is transparent and involves legitimate sources of funds. At the same time, the regime must not compromise the privacy of donors to the extent that it leads to mudslinging among political parties. The possibility of evolving a political funding regime that addresses the transparency requirements without causing embarrassment to parties and donors, through a consensus among parties, cannot be ruled out provided there is effort in that direction," said A.K. Verma, director of the Centre for Study of Society and Politics, an independent think tank. This can happen only after the national elections. The apex court should have given guidance on an alternative mechanism." Verma added that political parties require funds to contest elections and corporations do give funding, but if you relate every donation to one policy or the other, leading to allegations of someone or the other getting favoured, it would not help". With elections not being funded by the state, private donations to political parties including from corporations have existed in India for long. On 31 March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview to Thanthi TV that no scheme can be perfect and that shortcomings could be addressed. In its ruling, the apex court had red-flagged specific provisions in the Representation of the People Act, the Income Tax Act, and the Companies Act that enabled the electoral bond scheme. These provisions in effect allowed unlimited and anonymous political funding by corporations through electoral bonds. New Delhi: One giant gas grid led by India and spanning Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar may be a reality in the near future, transporting the clean-burning fuel across borders to homes, factories and industrial enterprises across South Asia. India will connect its north-east gas grid with the national grid in the next two months, and plans to extend and integrate it with the grids of the four neighbours, two people aware of the development said. Plans to connect Sri Lanka and Myanmar are also in the works. "The plan for gas grid interconnectivity is still in the works. If the plan takes a concrete shape, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan would be connected with India's national gas grid via the northeast gas grid," one of the two people said on condition of anonymity. Connecting the gas grids would broaden India's energy relations with the neighbours and speed up energy transition in the region, as India leverages cross-border energy trade as part of its neighbourhood-first policy. India currently has bilateral connectivity with Nepal and Bangladesh to supply petro-products; and another multi-product pipeline is in the works. As early as 2005-06, India had floated the idea of LNG connectivity with Myanmar and Bangladesh; however, in 2013, China and Myanmar agreed on a gas deal, after which India dropped its plan. Now, along with the revival of the plans, India is also looking at a larger regional connectivity across the South Asian countries except Pakistan. Harsh V. Pant, vice president, studies and foreign policy at Observer Research Foundation said: "Several concerns are being raised that South Asia is one of the least interconnected regions. In the past few years, India has taken up several initiatives to improve the connectivity as seen in the push for power grid connectivity with other South Asian countries. Gas grid connectivity across the region may be instrumental in bringing together the countries. Such an initiative serves India's interests at multiple levels," Pant said. Developing the natural gas ecosystem gains significance as gas is considered a cleaner fuel compared to crude oil and coal, and policy makers see it as a transition fuel in the move towards renewable energy. The use of gas in mobility and electricity is expected to continue in the intermediate period amid the longer-term transition towards renewable energy. Once the petroleum ministry finalizes the proposal, it would be taken up by the external affairs ministry, a second person said. Following that, the government will reach to the neighbouring countries. Queries mailed to spokespersons of the petroleum and external affairs ministries remained unanswered. Currently a gas pipeline network of around 23,500 km is under operation in India, and around 12,000 km pipeline is approved and under construction. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India's gas sector is expected to attract investments of $67 billion in the next 6-7 years. India and the other South Asian countries are primarily LNG importers. The gas network would help India to supply gas, whether imported or domestic, to the neighbouring countries. Further, Myanmar can be a significant source of natural gas for India. As of 2021, Myanmars reserves of natural gas stood at 22.5 trillion cubic feet. The plan comes in the backdrop of Chinas attempt to co-opt countries into its ambitious One Belt One Road initiative. On its part, India has been supplying power to Bangladesh and Nepal, and buying electricity from Bhutan; it has also been a champion of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) electricity grid minus Pakistan to meet electricity demand in the region. Riya Sinha, research associate, Centre for Social and Economic Progress, noted that given the strategic significance of such regional connectivity projects, India is mostly looking at developing the projects bilaterally and supporting the financing to the largest extent possible, without bringing in multilateral agencies. On 10 February, The Hindu BusinessLine reported that industry executives pressed for a "regional clean energy agenda between South and Southeast Asian nations via interconnected gas and electricity grids" at an international meeting of energy regulators in Goa. Consultations among industry participants for such an interconnectivity have been held in the past. Stressing that diplomatic talks and approval from the neighbours would be key, the first person mentioned above said: "Political consent of the concerned countries would be required." Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd (IGGL), the developer and operator of the north-east gas grid, has already tied up with state-run GAIL India to connect the northeastern grid with GAIL's Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline. On the progress of the northern grid, the first person said: "It is likely to be connected with the national grid in the next one and a half or two months." IGGL is a joint venture of Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, ONGC, GAIL and Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. According to data from the Global Energy Monitor, India and China are investing more than the rest of the world in developing gas pipelines. A Global Energy Monitor survey conducted at the end of 2022 showed that a total of 14,300 km were under construction in India, with an estimated cost of $20.7 billion. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu reportedly said on Tuesday that Indian troops "stationed on the second platform will be withdrawn within the current month". He said this while ensuring that "foreign troops stationed in Maldives will be withdrawn by May 10". According to Maldives' PSM News, Muizzu highlighted the presence of Indian troops on three platforms in Maldives. He said the troops on the third aviation platform will be withdrawn by May 10. He was quoted as saying that the withdrawal of foreign troops from Maldives is being "pursued in accordance with diplomatic norms and principles". ALSO READ: India slips to 6th rank on Maldives Tourism charts as President Mohamed Muizzu welcomes China While making the announcement, Muizzu reiterated his government's commitment "to prioritising the interests and visions of the Maldivian people in Parliament". He also said that the aim behind "strengthening defence and security relations with friendly nations" is to safeguard the sovereignty and independence of the Maldivian people. Muizzu's statement came days after the Maldives signed a defence agreement with China. He had reportedly informed that the Chinese government is ready to extend training to the Maldives army and provide non-lethal weaponry under a military grant. Soon after taking over as the Maldives President, Muizzu asked India to withdraw its military personnel from Maldives by May 10. According to reports, he declared that no Indian military personnel, including those in civilian attire, would be permitted in his country after May 10. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre for employing members of Hindutva groups to run 60 per cent of the new Sainik schools. The Thiruvananthapuram MP called the move a 'shocking disregard' for the standards of these schools. Tharoor was reacting to a Reporters' Collective report that said the Ministry of Defence had chosen Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliates, BJP leaders, and other Hindutva groups, such as Sadhvi Rithambara, to run 60 per cent of new Sainik Schools, to train children for Indias armed forces. Taking to Twitter, Tharoor slammed the Agniveer scheme, and termed it an "assault on professionalism" of the Indian Army. He then urged Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to withdraw the decision which "compromises Indias national security". "How on earth can this shameless government compromise Indias national security *and* its education system in this manner? The #Agniveer scheme is already an assault on the professionalism of our armed forces. Now this compounds the shocking disregard for the standards that have made our sainiks among the most respected in the world. Please withdraw this decision, @rajnathsingh ji!" the Congress MP wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Also read: Who is alternative to PM Modi? Congress MP Shashi Tharoor responds The report said that it has collated the information from the Centres press releases and Right to Information (RTI) replies which "show a concerning trend". The findings of the report reveal that of the 40 Sainik School agreements so far, at least 62 per cent were awarded to schools linked to RSS and its allied organisations, politicians of BJP, its political allies and friends, Hindutva organisations, individuals, and other Hindu religious organisations. US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had held a 'candid and constructive discussion' covering various topics, both cooperative and conflicting, according to the White House. This marked their first phone call since their summit in California in November 2023. The discussion lasted 105 minutes, focusing on cooperation and disparities. "President Biden spoke by phone today with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China. The purpose of the call was to build on the two leaders meeting in Woodside, California back in November of last year. Over about an hour and 45 minutes, the two leaders held a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including areas of cooperation and areas of differences, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby told reporters during a press conference. 1) Russia-Ukraine war During the discussion, Biden raised concerns over China's support for Russia's defence industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security."He raised concerns over the PRCs support for Russias defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security, and he emphasised the United States enduring commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," the White House reported. 2) TikTok divestment "If the United States insists on suppressing China's high-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, we will not sit idly by," Xi warned, according to Chinese state media. Biden also refused to back down on TikTok, the blockbuster Chinese-owned app that Congress is threatening to ban unless it changes hands, with Kirby saying Biden insisted he wanted to protect Americans' data security. Biden told Xi the US "will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment," according to the White House. Kirby said Biden broached U.S. concerns about popular social media app TikTok, which faces proposed U.S. legislation that would force its Chinese-owner ByteDance to divest over data security and disinformation concerns. "He made it clear to President Xi that this was not about a ban of the application, but rather our interest in divestiture so that the national security interests, and the data security of the American people can be protected," Kirby said. Also Read | Earthquake in Taiwan LIVE updates: 7.2 magnitude quake rocks Taipei, tsunami warnings issued 3) Taiwan The White House said President Biden emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. China has denounced Lai, a longtime supporter of a separate identity for the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing, but US officials have been cautiously optimistic that China's military moves ahead of the inauguration will not go beyond past practice. In the phone call, Xi told Biden that Taiwan remains an "uncrossable red line" for China, according to state media. 4) South China Sea The United States has voiced growing alarm over rising Chinese moves against the Philippines in the dispute-rife South China Sea. 5) Trade policies "Biden also raised continued concerns about Chinas unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices, which harm American workers and families," Kirby said. The leaders engaged in a nearly two-hour call, characterised by Kirby as "business-like," preceding upcoming meetings next week between Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos. This occurs as China demonstrates its military strength. In a surprise discovery, researchers found that cells from some types of cancers escaped destruction by the immune system by hiding inside other cancer cells. The finding, they suggested in an article published this month in the journal eLife, may explain why some cancers can be resistant to treatments that should have destroyed them. The research began when Yaron Carmi, an assistant professor at Tel Aviv University, and Amit Gutwillig, then a doctoral student studying in his lab, were studying which T cells of the immune system might be the most potent in killing cancers. They started with laboratory experiments that examined treatment-resistant melanoma and breast cancers in mice, studying why an attack by T cells that were engineered to destroy those tumors did not obliterate them. Every time, though, he saw some giant cells that remained after the T cells had done their job. I wasnt sure what it was, so I thought I would take a closer look, he said. The giant cells turned out to be cancer cells that were harboring other cancer cells, protecting them from destruction. Once the cancer cells escaped to their hiding places, T cells could not get to them, even if the immune system killed the cancer cells that were serving as cellular bunkers. It was like seeing the devil, Dr. Carmi said. Cancer cells, he added, can remain in hiding for weeks or months. More here. (Bloomberg) -- The former head of legal and compliance for the phony cryptocurrency OneCoin was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting she helped launder hundreds of millions of dollars in proceeds from the scam. Irina Dilkinska, 42, pleaded guilty in November to wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracy charges. US District Judge Edgardo Ramos on Wednesday declined her request to avoid prison and return home to Bulgaria to care for her two small children. Calling her a woman of great intelligence and a woman who ought to have known better, Ramos also ordered Dilkinska to pay $118.4 million in restitution. She faced as much as 10 years behind bars under federal sentencing guidelines. She had in her hands precisely what she needed to know about what she had involved herself in, Ramos said. I honestly do not understand what prevented her from leaving the scheme before the point when it was brought down. Dilkinska is the latest person to receive a prison term for her involvement in OneCoin, a $4 billion international Ponzi scheme that never had a functioning cryptocurrency. Instead, it offered commissions to members worldwide for recruiting others to buy worthless OneCoin packages. Ruja Ignatova, the so-called Cryptoqueen who allegedly orchestrated the fraud, disappeared in 2017 as her organization came under suspicion. She was added to the FBIs list of Ten Most Wanted fugitives in 2022. Karl Sebastian Greenwood, the co-founder and main promoter of OneCoin, was sentenced in September to 20 years. Hes appealing his conviction based on the claim that a government witness against him lied on the stand. Read More: Lawyer Gets 10 Years for Laundering $400 Million From Fraud Prosecutors claimed that, from 2014 through 2019, Dilkinska helped Mark Scott, OneCoins US-based lawyer, launder $400 million in OneCoin proceeds through a series of phony Cayman Islands investment funds. Scott is a former Locke Lord LLP partner who was convicted in 2019 of money laundering. He was sentenced in January to 10 years in prison. Dilkinskas bid for leniency cited the one year shes already spent in custody at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where shes been confined since being extradited from Bulgaria. Her lawyer, John P. Buza, argued that her career had gone off track and who fell under the spell of the con artists behind OneCoin. The MDC has been repeatedly criticized by judges, lawyers and critics for dirty conditions, frequent lockdowns, poor medical care, a lack of staff and other problems. Dilkinska asked for special consideration for the harsh circumstances of her jail time. In a hand-written letter to the judge, Dilkinska called the jail a crucible of hardship, a place that seems designed to erode human dignity and spirit. Ramos agreed that some measure of leniency in sentencing was appropriate for Dilkinskas time in the MDC. The case is US v. Dilkinska, 17-cr-00630, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). (Updates with judges comments.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Manhattan Supreme Court has awarded a compensation of $35 million (approximately 292 crore) to a former Morgan employee after a glass door of a building in New York Cityin which she was having a physical therapy appointment suddenly shattered on her in 2015, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the New York Post reported. The report said the ruling in favour of Meghan Brown, 36, followed a three weeks trial and the court was shown the shocking CCTV footage of the incidentnow viral on social mediain which the 7.5-foot-tall lobby door almost exploded on the JP Morgan employee while walking through it after a physical therapy appointment in the building. I do remember seeing glass, like, everywhere, in the lobby, near me, she told the Manhattan Supreme Court Brown said she didnt remember the moment the door shattered on her but could remember being inside and I was on the floor. At that point there were people helping me and glass strewn all around her. Also Read | 'Regulatory risk...the biggest risk': Nithin Kamath on RBI's currency derivative The harrowing incident at 271 Madison Avenue caused a traumatic brain injury to Brown leading to the end of her promising career in investment banking. Brown told the Manhattan Supreme Court that the injuries cost her job as a high-level analyst at JP Morgan, made her unable to carry out everyday tasks and even destroyed her love life. The incident not only cost her job but also affected her sense of smell and taste. Brown further added that she has completely forgotten how to understand Spanish, a language she was once fluent in. Also Read | Ex-PM Manmohan Singh's journey as Rajya Sabha member in 5 statements Well, one of the biggest problems I have with my brain is that I cant trust it, the New York Post quoted Brown as saying during her emotional testimony on March 12. Brown told the court that she was later diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), her executive functions have slowed down and her memory, focus and vocabulary all have suffered. Brown also told the court that the building had a history of issues with the glass door shattering on two prior occasions once in 2010 and again in 2014 and argued there was a crack in the door that led to the incident. Also Read | Vijender Singh on reposted Rahul Gandhi's tweet attacking PM A year after the incident, Brown returned to JP Morgan but her performance wasn't the same and she was ultimately fired in 2021, she worked for a cryptocurrency company for a while but was fired from that job too. (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden said Israel hadnt done enough to protect civilians after the death of seven aid workers, in some of his sternest criticism yet of the countrys conduct in the months since it launched a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed, Biden said in a statement released Tuesday night. This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen, Biden said. Biden has called out Israel before but the sharply worded statement was among the most critical since Israel launched its campaign in response to Hamass assault on Oct 7. It also highlighted growing US frustration with Israels prosecution of its war and the mounting civilian death toll. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen. Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians, the president added. Read More: World Central Kitchen Says Israel Strike on Gaza Kills Staff Bidens statement was among several issued by Western leaders who have condemned the air strike that killed seven workers from World Central Kitchen, a prominent disaster relief group founded by the chef Jose Andres. His remarks came as the administration raises the pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with Netanyahu Tuesday and said he was appalled by the aid workers deaths. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed anger and concern in a telephone call with Netanyahu. This is completely unacceptable, Albanese told reporters. The seven dead include three British citizens, one dual-citizen American and one Australian. Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths and called for a swift investigations. Israel has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into why the aid workers vehicles were hit by airstrikes. That investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public. Read More: Australias PM Expresses Anger to Netanyahu Over Gaza Death Biden said he would continue to press Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid, and that he is pushing hard for an immediate cease-fire as part of a hostage deal. Biden said he had spokes with Andres to express condolences. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com A Dutch woman aged 28 has decided to legally end her life due to her struggle with crippling depression, autism and personality disorder, said a report by the Free Press. Zoraya ter Beek, living in a small village in the Netherlands near the German border, is scheduled to be euthanised in May, the report added. The woman has been dealing with mental health issues throughout her life. Zoraya, who has a 40-year-old boyfriend and lives with two cats, once aspired to be a psychiatrist. According to the report, she decided to be euthanised after her psychiatrist told her that they had tried everything and theres nothing more we can do for you. Its never gonna get any better. ALSO READ: Govt plans life support withdrawal SOPs for terminally ill I was always very clear that if it doesnt get better, I cant do this anymore, the report quoted Zoraya as saying. According to the laws of the Dutch government, a doctor will administer a sedative, followed by a drug that will stop Zorayas heart. When shes dead, a euthanasia review panel will evaluate her death to ensure the doctor adhered to due care criteria, and the Dutch government will declare that the life of Zoraya ter Beek was lawfully ended. Zorayas plan is to be cremated after death. I did not want to burden my partner with having to keep the grave tidy, Zoraya said, as per the report. More people are deciding to end their lives while suffering from a slew of mental health problems like depression or anxiety amplified by economic uncertainty, climate change, social media and other issues, the Free Press reported. Im seeing euthanasia as some sort of acceptable option brought to the table by physicians, by psychiatrists, when previously it was the ultimate last resort, Stef Groenewoud, a health care ethicist at Theological University Kampen, in the Netherlands, told the Free Press. A 63-year-old traditional priest has caused controversy in Ghana by marrying a 12-year-old girl. Despite facing criticism, community leaders have defended the marriage, stating that outsiders fail to understand their customs and traditions. According to a report by BBC, the priest, named Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, conducted the marriage in a customary ceremony held on Saturday. In Ghana, the legal minimum age for marriage is 18, and while the prevalence of child marriage has decreased, it still occurs. Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, a leader within the local community, emphasized on Sunday that the girl's role as the priest's spouse is entirely rooted in tradition and custom. BBC reported that Frankwa II said that the girl started the rites to become the priest's wife six years ago, but the process did not interfere with her education. It is to be noted that Ghanaian law acknowledges customary marriages, it explicitly prohibits child marriages under the pretext of culture or tradition. According to the NGO Girls Not Brides, 19% of girls in the country are married before the age of 18, with 5% getting married before their 15th birthday. Videos of the marriage ceremony depict locals advising the girl to prepare for her duties as a wife and to utilize the perfumes they presented to enhance her attractiveness to her husband. Additionally, reports from local media indicate that the girl is anticipated to undergo a second customary ceremony to cleanse her for her new role as the high priest's wife. This ceremony will also prepare her for marital obligations such as childbirth. Who is Tsuru? BBC report informed that Tsuru holds the esteemed position of Gborbu Wulomo, which translates to the traditional high priest in the Nungua indigenous community located in the capital city of Accra. Shortly after Kate Middleton's brave video message about her cancer diagnosis was broadcast, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared a private message of support to the Prince and Princess of Wales, according to a report by the Independent. Royal author Dr Tessa Dunlop told the Mirror: Harry is the self-identifying royal 'spare'. And in the wake of his sister-in-law's health revelations, I expect he feels more spare than ever, as quoted by the Independent. Amid concerns of a growing rift, speculation has arisen about Harry's potential visit to his brother William when he returns to the UK this May to host an event for the Invictus games, as per the report. Dr Dunlop expressed compassion for the couple, who left their royal duties for a life in California in 2020. She added, No, they don't have cancer, and yes, they have been publicly critical of the British Royal Family. But in our own families, how many of us hold back our feelings on the off-chance a sibling or sister-in-law might get sick? as quoted by the Independent. Also Read | Conspiracy theories around Royal family abuzz on social media as BBC asked to be on standby Despite the public scrutiny and potential conspiracy theories, Harry's conflicted emotions seem to stem from his desire to support his sister-in-law while grappling with his self-proclaimed status as the "spare" heir. As the family navigates this challenging period, all eyes are on the dynamics between the brothers and their respective support systems, the report further added. Japan has started issuing eVisas for Indian tourists from April 1, doing away with the need to get physical stickers on the passports. Indians who want to visit Japan may now apply for the visas online via VFS Global's Japan Visa Application Centre. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, eVisa will be a single-entry short-term stay (up to 90 days) visa for the purpose of tourism. For other purposes, the travellers would still have to apply for visa on-paper at Japanese embassies and consulates. The ministry also said that if given an electronic visa, the passenger will not have a visa sticker in their passport. "When checking in at the airport, you will be asked to display a 'visa issuance notice' on your device (e.g. smartphone, tablet) to prove that you have a valid eVISA," it said. Also read: US visa news: H-1B, L-1 and EB-5 visa fees hiked; to come into effect from 1 April Which countries are eligible to apply for Japan eVisa? The facility is now available for nationals from Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Mangolia, the Republic of Korea and India. How to apply for Japan eVisa? The traveller will have to visit Japan eVisa website: https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index and fill in the details. The results of the visa application will be sent to your registered e-mail address. Now, if asked, pay the visa fees. It will not be demanded in all cases. You will be issued eVisa. Notably, during the application process, the applicant may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicants residence for an interview. (Bloomberg) -- After decades of empty threats, much of the world tunes out when North Korea vows to unleash destruction on its enemies. But in the past few months, some prominent analysts began warning that Kim Jong Un may actually be serious about preparing for war. Now in his 13th year running North Korea, Kim is more aggressively testing the boundaries of what his adversaries will tolerate. Backed by rapid progress in his nations nuclear capabilities and missile program, the 40-year-old dictator began 2024 by removing the goal of peaceful unification from North Koreas constitution and declaring he had the right to annihilate South Korea. While such bellicose rhetoric would normally be dismissed Kim could just be posturing ahead of South Korean elections on April 10 two prominent analysts set off a round of discussion among North Korea watchers with an article suggesting that this time Kim isnt bluffing. Like his grandfather in 1950, Kim Jong Un has made a strategic decision to go to war, former CIA officer Robert Carlin and nuclear scientist Siegfried Hecker wrote in early 2024 on the website 38 North, which focuses on North Korea. They didnt forecast how soon that could take place. Carlin and Heckers views are not universal: Most analysts argue that any full-scale attack would be a move of desperation or suicide, inviting a response from South Korea and the US that would end the Kim familys nearly eight-decade-long rule. But with multiple conflicts raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, its just the kind of war the world could stumble into with potentially devastating consequences for not just the Korean Peninsula, but the global economy and, particularly, the chip supply chain. Seouls response to all the speculation has been blunt: The Kim regime will meet its end if it pursues all-out war, South Koreas Defense Ministry said in January. Here are the potential scenarios if Kim Jong Un decides to make good on his threats to attack South Korea. How It Begins Back in 1950, North Korean troops invaded South Korea, catching the US off guard. The forces of Kim Il Sung Kim Jong Uns grandfather took over much of the peninsula before US and South Korean forces counterattacked. Chinas intervention led to a stalemate that resulted in a cease-fire but no formal peace treaty, and the Korean Peninsula has remained split at around the 38th parallel ever since. Kim Jong Un is unlikely to risk a similar invasion. But he has shown an appetite for smaller provocations that could spin out of control a trait shared by his father, Kim Jong Il. Read: Kim Jong Un Pledges to Advance His Atomic Ambitions in New Year One flashpoint is the Yellow Sea border islands that are part of South Korea but located in waters claimed by Pyongyang. In 2010, some two years before Kim Jong Un took power, Yeonpyeong Island was the scene of a deadly artillery bombardment that killed two South Korean soldiers and two civilians, while setting houses ablaze. About six months earlier, South Korea accused North Korea of torpedoing its warship Cheonan near the island, killing 46 sailors an allegation Pyongyang denied. South Korea has since pledged that another attack in the Yellow Sea would be met by an even stronger response, raising the chance for miscalculations on both sides that could quickly escalate. If North Korea makes a provocation, we will punish it multiple times over, conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol said in January after North Korea conducted artillery drills near a border island. The South Korean leader has taken a tough line with Kims regime and responded to its provocations with military drills, often enlisting the US in shows of force. Attack on Seoul Any peripheral attack that escalates would immediately turn the spotlight onto greater Seoul, home to about half of the countrys 51 million people. North Korea has spent decades stockpiling millions of rounds of artillery and thousands of rockets in the terrain north of the demilitarized zone, which sits some 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from South Koreas largest city. That border region is also home to about 70% of South Koreas $1.67 trillion economy, the base for some of the worlds top technology and manufacturing powerhouses, including Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics Inc. and Kia Corp. Even a brief conflict would reverberate throughout global supply chains, disrupting the global economy. In a display typical of his more aggressive stance, Kim watched his forces in March fire off the weapons that could be used in an attack on the South Korean capital. Just a one-minute artillery and rocket barrage against Seoul could result in nearly 15,000 casualties, according to a 2020 analysis by Rand. A one-hour barrage would see that number rise to more than 100,000. In either case, a larger conflict would be inevitable. Full Conflict If Kim goes all-in on a war, he would likely kick it off with an artillery barrage at key military, political and economic targets in Seoul. North Korea keeps its howitzers, mortars and rocket artillery in hardened positions and ready to fire on short notice for exactly this purpose. At the same time, an estimated 200,000 soldiers in Kims special operations units part of a 1.1 million-strong active-duty army would try to cross the border by land, sea, air and even tunnel, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry. One goal would be to target bridges on the Han River that flows through the center of Seoul, cutting the city in half and making it difficult for millions of people to flee to the less-populated southern end of the peninsula. Kim would also seek to impose huge economic costs as quickly as possible. The Rand war game analysis determined that a five-minute North Korean artillery strike on one LG-run factory in Paju, north of Seoul, would put an $8.9 billion investment at risk and cause thousands of casualties. But North Koreas advantages in striking first wouldnt last long. South Korea is also ready to fight: It has Patriot defense systems to intercept incoming missiles, 555,000 active-duty troops and a military budget thats larger than North Koreas entire sanctions-ravaged economy. And theres also 28,500 US troops based in South Korea, along with American spy satellites constantly monitoring the Korean Peninsula. Although North Korea has a manpower advantage, the bulk of its forces rely on increasingly obsolete equipment dating back to the days of the Soviet Union, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said in its 2023 review of the worlds militaries. North Koreas few Soviet-era fighters and its squadrons of single-propeller An-2 biplanes developed in the 1950s and with a top speed of about 160 miles per hour (260 kph) would be easy pickings for South Koreas surface-to-air missiles and modern F-35A jets, which can travel at speeds exceeding 1,200 mph. The United States and South Korea would essentially, instantly, from the very first moments of the war, have absolute air superiority in every way that could be imagined, said Michael Mazarr, a senior political scientist at Rand. Its the same when it comes to other weapons systems: Pyongyangs submarines are mostly small underwater clunkers that cant stray far from the coast because they are easily detected. Its tanks are Soviet-era, and easily destroyed by Javelin missile systems used in Ukraine to stop Russia. What South Korea doesnt strike in the first few waves would likely be subject to air and missile attacks in the days that follow, leaving North Koreas cities vulnerable to destruction as happened in the original Korean War. Inadequate availability of fuel and transportation assets, poor maintenance of ground lines of communication, and insufficient training all constrain North Koreas ability to sustain large-scale conventional offensive operations, the US Defense Intelligence Agency said in a recent report. Bloody Nose Strike Another possibility is a bloody nose strike against North Korea by the US and South Korea, an option discussed during the Trump administration. This scenario would only be on the table if the allies believed a large-scale North Korean attack was imminent, with the intent to show force and remind Kim that his antiquated military is no match for Americas might. But the move was always seen as risky, likely leading directly to a bigger conflict. Moreover, in recent years, many of North Koreas liquid-fuel rockets which take time to fire off have been replaced by solid-fuel versions that Kim can quickly shoot from train carriages, lake beds and launchers hidden in caves with little to no warning. If Kim misjudged and thought the US and South Korea were looking to end his regime instead of just deliver a message of deterrence he might preemptively use a nuclear weapon, said Duyeon Kim, an adjunct senior fellow in Seoul at the Center for a New American Security. A US National Intelligence Estimate that was declassified last year said Kim would probably only use his atomic arsenal if he believes he and his regime are in peril. Our analysis right now is, effectively, that he will engage in increasingly provocative behavior but not is not interested in escalating this into a full-on war and that there is a kind of a limit on this, US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told Congress in March. Read: North Korea Aims to Shake Up US, S. Korea Votes, Spy Agency Says If a broader North Korean attack looked likely, South Korea would aim to deploy new bunker-buster missiles and squadrons of fighter jets based south of Seoul. US bombers in Guam and ships and fighters based in Japan could also come to South Koreas aid. The South Korea-US alliance would use air superiority to target command centers, weapons storage sites, rocket launchers, radars, military bunkers, missile silos and nuclear storage facilities in hopes of wiping out as many of North Koreas assets as possible. Targeting Kim Also on the target list: North Koreas leaders, including Kim. Yoon has not been shy discussing his countrys so-called Three Axis plan that includes preemptive strikes, full-scale assaults and taking out Kim. Pyongyang propaganda apparatus has denounced South Korea for organizing decapitation units and pledged to destroy the puppet warmongers with a nuclear attack if they tried. The question of nuclear weapons is the most harrowing. Various estimates indicate North Korea may have 40 to 90 warheads. The Seoul-based Korea Institute for Defense Analyses said Kim seeks to have between 100 to 300 over the long term. A strike on the Seoul region with one of North Koreas more powerful bombs could cause about 400,000 fatalities and 1.5 million casualties, Rand estimated. North Korea could also strike out against US ally Japan, or target American facilities in Guam or even in North America, although opinion is divided on whether Kims regime has the ICBM technology to hit targets on the US mainland. North Korea has yet to demonstrate its capability to launch a nuclear attack against the United States, with questions lingering about its proficiency in reentry vehicle technology, said Lami Kim, a nonproliferation expert at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. In early April, Kim's regime tested a new missile that it said could deploy a nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle capable of striking US bases in Japan and Guam, saying it was ``an ultra-modern weapon'' for protecting the nation. North Korea has also sought to deploy lower yield tactical nuclear weapons for the battlefield, perhaps to slow down a US-led counterattack. But use of nuclear weapons would expose Kim to a far more powerful response, with the US being able to hit back quickly, and overwhelmingly. In that case, the death toll for an all-out strike could reach into the millions. A full-blown war could knock the global economy off the rails, leading to trillions in dollars of damage. And Kims regime would almost certainly be finished. We assess that through 2030, Kim Jong Un most likely will continue to pursue a strategy of coercion, potentially including non-nuclear lethal attacks, aimed at advancing the Norths goals of intimidating its neighbors, extracting concessions, and bolstering the regimes military credentials domestically, said the latest US National Intelligence Estimate report. Is Conflict Inevitable? The biggest questions now are whether the die has already been cast and what could prevent it. Most analysts say Kims more heated rhetoric is just amped-up saber-rattling, meant to influence South Koreas elections, unsettle the West or win more concessions. Kim has staged provocations ahead of every election held in South Korea during his time in power, and he has more of an incentive to deal Yoons conservative party a blow in the April 10 vote for parliament. The fundamental goal of the regime is regime preservation, said Rands Mazarr. Another variable to consider is China historically Pyongyangs closest partner, which came to the aid of Kims grandfather during the first Korean War. Read: Kim Jong Uns Russia Lifeline Gives Big Reason to Avoid War Beijing has every reason to prevent a conflict from starting or getting out of hand. A nuclear exchange on the peninsula, or a conventional war that results in North Koreas defeat, would go against Chinas long-term interests, potentially leaving American and South Korean troops near the Chinese border and the global economy in tatters. But Chinas influence over North Korea has long been limited, despite being the countrys most important trade partner. Even when Beijing was cooperating with the US on the UN Security Council to condemn North Korean nuclear developments during the Trump years, the measures failed to change Pyongyangs behavior. Kim is also working to diversify his economy away from China, selling some of his artillery stockpiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine. That economic windfall which could be in the low billions of dollars may be one factor that helps keep Kim in line, along with his own desire for self-preservation. The fact that hes selling millions of artillery shells to Russia may be another signal that Kim doesnt actually want a war, given he would risk running short of arms to defend himself. Moreover, there is now a chance that Donald Trump, who met Kim three times and generally sought better relations with North Korea, will again win the US presidency. Either way, Kim has already shown he has a long-term plan for his family to continue to rule the nation his grandfather founded in 1948, signaling that his daughter could take the reins of power decades from now. Kim wouldve already invaded South Korea if he was actually preparing for war, according to Daniel Pinkston, an international relations lecturer at Troy University in Seoul and a former Korean linguist with the US Air Force. A simpler explanation, he said, is that North Korea is deterred from doing so. The North Korea leadership is waiting for a restructuring of the world order and the collapse of the US-led alliance system in East Asia, said Pinkston. Unless that happens, I dont see a theory of victory for North Korea. (Adds details on latest weapons test in 39th paragraph. An earlier version of the story corrected the name of the anti-tank missile system in 25th paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump said his presidential campaign would give more details next week about his stance on abortion rights, amid mounting pressure to define his position on a decisive issue for voters. Well be making a statement next week on abortion, Trump said Tuesday as he left a campaign event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The debate over abortion access has been a political quagmire for Republicans, many of whom find their support for restrictions increasingly out-of-step with the public. The issue has divided the party, with the right-flank pushing for strict abortion bans, while some moderates have pushed for more exceptions. By announcing where he stands, Trump could spur Republicans to coalesce around a specific policy. The presumptive GOP nominee on Tuesday dodged questions about whether he supports Floridas six-week abortion ban, which the states Supreme Court is allowing to take effect. Former Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel warned fellow party members last month they needed to come up with a plan to address the topic. We cannot put our head in the sand and ignore abortion, she told a ballroom of RNC members in her farewell speech in March. Read More: Biden Team Touts Abortion Access as Florida Adds Ballot Measure Trump has previously hinted that he could support banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, telling a New York City radio show last month that people are agreeing on 15, and Im thinking in terms of that. Democratic National Committee spokesperson Aida Ross said in a statement that if Trump gets the chance, hes made it crystal clear that hell take his losing agenda of ripping away reproductive freedom even further. A 2022 US Supreme Court ruling overturning nationwide abortion rights mobilized swaths of voters that years midterm elections, after many Republican-run states restricted access, including with laws prohibiting the procedure six weeks after conception. Trump named three conservative justices to the bench, who sided with the majority repealing the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. President Joe Biden and his allies have repeatedly hammered Trump on abortion rights in stump speeches and television ads, hoping to harness voter outrage to propel his reelection bid. They have been buoyed by polls showing widespread support for reproductive rights and successful ballot initiatives protecting abortion access in red states, including Kansas, Kentucky and Ohio. Some states, including Florida, will again have ballot measures on abortion policy in Novembers election, which Democrats expect will help generate turnout. --With assistance from Nancy Cook. (Updates with DNC statement, in eighth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Two Indians have been reported missing after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake wrought havoc in Taiwan on Wednesday. At least nine people were reported dead while more than a thousand people were injured. Rescue operations remain underway with 143 individuals still trapped in the rubble. Fred Turner in the Los Angeles Review of Books: DID PORN KILL feminism? asked Amia Srinivasan in her widely read book The Right to Sex (2021). In the internet age, it sure can look that way. As Srinivasan pointed out, top commercial porn sites host billions of visitors every month. Todays college students grew up with those sites just a click away. Many had their first sexual experiences in front of a computer screen. When she talked with her own college students, she saw the consequences: Could it be that pornography doesnt merely depict the subordination of women, but actually makes it real, I asked? Yes, they said. Does porn silence women, making it harder for them to protest against unwanted sex, and harder for men to hear those protests? Yes, they said. Does porn bear responsibility for the objectification of women, for the marginalisation of women, for sexual violence against women? Yes, they said, yes to all of it. If thats true, then what should we make of the life of Candida Royalle? As Jane Kamenskys beautifully crafted new biography, Candida Royalle and the Sexual Revolution: A History from Below, reveals, Royalle, who died in 2015, was a porn star and a feminist. And so were many of her friends. As Srinivasan notes, it would be easy to blame porn and the sex wars of the 1980s for turning a womens liberation movement that exploded with such joyous fury in the 1960s into a fractured and worn thing today. But Kamenskys deft portrait of Royalle undercuts that explanation, and even the tale of feminisms decline. More here. (Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration has dismissed a deal with House Speaker Mike Johnson to tie Ukraine aid to lifting the Biden administrations pause of new liquefied natural gas export licenses. The president has been clear that House Republicans should pass the bipartisan national security agreement that already passed the Senate as soon as possible to get Ukraine the aid it urgently needs to defend itself from Russian tyranny, the White House said in a statement on Tuesday. The president supports the pause on pending, additional approvals of LNG export licenses to evaluate the economic and climate impacts on consumers and communities. Reuters reported earlier that US officials were open to perhaps lifting the pause on LNG export approvals that the administration implemented in late January, but wanted to see the entire proposal first. The White House said the report is not true. Johnson in recent weeks has expressed an interest in linking aid for Ukraine and Israel to a reversal of the pause and raised the issue with President Joe Biden in a one-on-one meeting late last month, according to a person familiar with the matter. Johnson, speaking on Fox News Sunday, hinted that he planned to bring a Ukraine aid package that could include language reversing the pause to the floor after the House returns from its spring recess April 9. We want to have natural gas exports that will help unfund Vladimir Putins war effort, Johnson said, referring to the Russian leader. Read More: Speaker Johnson Sees Ukraine Aid Bill Moving This Month: Fox It remains to be seen if Democrats, who Johnson would likely need to pass the measure in the face of opposition from hardline conservative Republicans, would go along with such a plan. The Senate passed a $95 billion bill in February giving assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delay. The Biden administration ordered the halt in approving new licenses to export LNG to European, Asian and other countries that are not US free-trade partners while the Energy Department scrutinizes how the shipments affect climate change, the economy and national security. The moratorium threatens to disrupt plans for multibillion-dollar export projects along the US Gulf Coast, including a massive export facility planned for Johnsons home state of Louisiana by Venture Global LNG Inc. known as CP2 that had drawn the ire of climate activists. Johnson raised the case of that project in his meeting with Biden, according to the New York Times, which earlier reported on the meeting. --With assistance from Akayla Gardner. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Who says Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has no influence? Her vision to mobilize a government Climate Corps to promote green politics is becoming a reality. President Biden wants to shrink the real Army, but his budget includes more than $8 billion for a domestic green political army. The political model is FDRs Civilian Conservation Corps, which paid Americans to work when nearly one in four were jobless. The U.S. now has a labor shortage, but the Biden Administration wants to mobilize more than 20,000 initially for the Climate Corpsand some 50,000 by 2031. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez and Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey want the Climate Corps to employ 1.5 million over five years. This is not summer camp for climate activists. Its a job-training program," says Trevor Dolan of Evergreen Action, a green nonprofit that has lobbied for the Climate Corps. He says participants will learn to install electric heat pumps, solar panels, EV charger and pollution-monitoring equipment, fight forest fires, do wellness checks on the elderly during heat waves and help communities develop disaster plans, among other tasks. The Sunrise Movement, another far-left outfit, says the Climate Corps can raise the bar for all employment" and allow us to use the government as a way of designing our own society and setting new norms for the workplace." Ah, yes, a childrens crusade to remake Americapaid for by your tax dollars. A Climate Corps memorandum of understanding signed in December by six federal agencies and AmeriCorps says that, to the extent permitted by law," the program will offer a range of compensation and benefits such as housing, transportation, health care, child care, educational credit, scholarships and student loan forgiveness, stipends, non-financial services and benefits that address barriers to employment and job retention, and other benefits as determined by specific program and participant needs." Not a bad gig if you dont want to contribute to the real economy. This is an income redistribution program to finance left-wing nonprofits and bureaucracies to employ and train a cadre of political activists. The MOU says the Climate Corps will promote the Administrations goal that 40% of overall federal climate-change investments should flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, overburdened by pollution, and experiencing disproportionate impacts of climate change." The perverse priority of this program is hard to believe when the President is racking up record budget deficits and shrinking the U.S. military despite rising global threats. The Climate Corps plan shows how much Mr. Biden remains in thrall to the Democratic left and its climate-change obsessions. In many ways, the recently concluded agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is mainly a confidence building measure for India in the run-up to trade agreements likely to be pursued after general elections with the EU and UK. In most cases, the I-EFTA pact will have limited impactIndias principal import from the four-nation group, gold, is not subject to pre-determined tariff reductions, while agricultural imports are excluded. On the Swiss side, most tariffs are fairly low, so additional trade gains will be limited, except possibly in areas like textiles. Also, gold imports will continue as inputs for our principal exports to Switzerland (and the world) of gold and diamond jewellery. So, enormous gains in commodity trade with EFTA are not the plan. However, the tariff reductions agreed will certainly impact our UK and EU talks. In services, some new ground may be expected, as there are hints of moving beyond the usual access bargaining for skilled Indian professionals, an area where some agreement seems to have been reached in pre-negotiations with the EU and UK. At this point of demographic change and ageing in most countries of the West, it is likely that such agreements will be swiftly signed with other countries as well; they need Indian professionals just as much as India needs to export surplus skilled labour. There is, however, a hint of the promotion of new aspects of trade in services, with a pact on establishing mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) in fields like nursing and education. How this proceeds is still to be seen, but if our history with Singapore is any guide, MRAs do not get too far until a prior agreement on a framework for the determination of MRAs is defined. Where the I-EFTA deal truly breaks new ground is in its investment agreement. For one, it promises (mostly from the Swiss, I would think) $100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) with about half of it coming in the next 15 years. Unlike foreign portfolio investment (FPI), which is fickle and can depart easily, FDI indicates a commitment to bringing in technology and production. Given the expertise of the Swiss in engineering goods made by small and medium manufacturers, such a commitment is good news for Indias beleaguered micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. It is empirically established that technology transfer takes place not through designs and drawings, but learning by doing. Indian companies learn by working in collaboration with (or in the same industry as) technology leaders. The dominance of small Swiss companies is well known in clocks and watches. Even more game-changing is the linking of investment commitments to Indias tariff reduction plan. If, after 15 years, EFTA investment commitments do not materialize, then India may reverse its tariff reductions. This is surely a first in any agreement between any sets of countries. Commentators often do not understand the close link between FDI and trade: they are two sides of the same coin. The transnational enterprises (TNEs) that bring in FDI actually bring in a combination of trade in commodities, services (managerial, etc) and technology (which may not be tangible). An almost one-to-one relationship between bilateral trade and FDI flows has been identified. Empirical work also shows that FDI and exports are complimentary in that over time, the foreign subsidiary adds to the host countrys exports (FDI in India: History, Policy and the Asian Perspective, by Manoj Pant with Deepika Srivastava). Intuitively, about 80% of world trade (UNCTAD data) takes place between subsidiaries of TNEs. We call this supply chain trade. The main point is that large FDI flows from countries like Switzerland can boost the export efforts of MSMEs, particularly by raising the quality of engineering goods. The recognition accorded to this FDI-trade link by the EFTA agreement marks significant trade policy progress. However, as always, the devil lies in the details. For one, no FDI takes place till an investment agreement is in place. Some method of dispute settlement, definition of investment, etc, must be in place. There are few takers for the model agreement that India has been peddling. Work on this must begin afresh. Second, how will the volume of FDI be measured? Under current practice, the retained earnings of foreign subsidiaries (in proportion to the parent companys equity share) is also part of FDI flows. Will the Reserve Bank of Indias measure of FDI be accepted ? Third, the condition of reversal of tariff cuts is surely in jest. Can we expect that after 15 years of trade with insufficient FDI, we will suddenly raise import tariffs on EFTA exports? One has rarely seen this happen. However, given the FDI-trade link, I doubt it will ever be needed. Its introduction was probably to ensure political acceptability. With this I-EFTA pact, we may see a shift whereby European capital begins to use India as an export base as supply chains move out of China. Hopefully, these baby steps will be carried forward in the India-EU agreement. With technology inflows by means of FDI meeting Indias large labour base, a shift of some Chinese trade with Europe to India could well become a reality. WASHINGTONThe Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza is the latest example of a persistent political problem for President Biden: his approach to the Israel-Hamas war has left him squeezed on both sides. The deadly attack late Monday on World Central Kitchen workers, which Israel called an accident, sparked an outcry from progressive Democrats in Congress, who have renewed calls for a cease-fire and to suspend U.S. aid to Israel. It also cast a cloud over Bidens planned event at the White House on Tuesday, when he was slated to commemorate the holy month of Ramadan with Muslim and Arab-American leaders. The event was expected to be tense. One attendee told The Wall Street Journal that the deadly strike added to concerns several invitees already had about going. Some felt pressure to forgo the invite and others viewed it as a rare direct audience with the president, this person said. Some Muslim leaders declined invitations to attend, citing their continuing frustration with the Biden administrations unconditional aid to Israel. Some activists were calling on others to boycott the event and planned a protest outside the White House. Our organization did not feel that its appropriate to break bread while theres a famine in Palestine enabled with [U.S.] support," Wael Alzayat, the chief executive of Emgage, a group that seeks to turn out Muslim voters, said of his decision to turn down an invite. While we welcome engagement, we need the community to select its own qualified representatives rather than just the White House determining who it wants to invite." On the flip side, Biden in recent months has grown more publicly critical of Israels operations in Gaza. The American president called for a temporary cease-fire to let more aid into Gazaand to free hostages still being held by Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks that Israel says killed 1,200 people. He has also warned that Israels plans to invade Rafah, where roughly 1.6 million Palestinians are sheltering, would cross a red line." And the U.S. abstained from a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, clearing the measures approval and prompting Israel to withdraw from coming high-level meetings with the Biden administration. The presidents tougher rhetoric toward Israel risks alienating Jewish Americans who support Israels offensive and believe the president is acquiescing to political pressure from within his own party. Polarization on these issues between these communities is getting deeper," said Jeremy Ben-Ami, the president of J Street, a liberal Jewish lobby organization. Both sides deserve to have their rights and security and ultimately their freedomthats what the administration is trying to dobuild a path towards that, and thats not easy." Last week, one prominent Jewish organization voiced concern in a meeting with White House and NSC officials that the administrations rhetoric criticizing Israel was endangering Jewish people in America, according to a person familiar. Administration officials pushed back by noting that the level of civilian casualties stemming from Israels offensive wasnt helping matters, this person said. Some senior aides to the president have become increasingly worried that his support for Israels war effort will cost him votes in November. A Wall Street Journal poll conducted in late February found that 60% of voters disapprove of Bidens handling of the war, 8 points more than in December, with 31% approving of Bidens actions. Alzayat, of the Muslim-voter outreach group, was one of just five people to attend an October meeting between Biden and Muslim leaders. He was discouraged by recent reports that the Biden administration was continuing to authorize the transfer of bombs and other weapons to Israel, as well as Israels raid on Gazas largest hospital and Mondays strike on aid workers. White House press secretary Karine-Jean Pierre said the president would first host a meeting with Muslim leaders to discuss issues facing the community, and then break fast with senior Muslim administration officials. She said the plans had been made after community leaders requested a policy discussion in lieu of a meal, out of respect for Palestinians facing starvation in Gaza. The first White House Iftar dinner has been traced back to Thomas Jefferson and the occasion became a regular event during the Clinton administration. It continued under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obamaoften attended by prominent Muslims from across the country. Former President Donald Trump, who often promoted anti-Muslim rhetoric and proposals, didnt host the event in his first year in office but held smaller Iftar dinners with cabinet officials and ambassadors from Muslim-majority countries in 2018 and 2019. Under Biden, the White House shifted toward holding larger receptions for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, that in the past two years were attended by hundreds of people. But this year, members of the Muslim and Arab-American communities have been far less willing to engage with the Biden administration as the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 32,000, according to Palestinian authorities. Some of those expected to attend the meeting with Biden on Tuesday said they ultimately decided it was a rare opportunity to confront the president directly. We must have our voices heard," said Salima Suswell, a senior adviser at Emgage who said she is attending in her personal capacity as leader of the Black Muslim Leadership Council. The president needs to understand that Black Muslims and Black Americans are devastated by the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, the loss of so many lives, and the administrations support of the onslaught," Suswell said, adding that voters will judge him on the issue this fall. Administration officials said they consulted with their Israeli counterparts, who quickly told them that the attack was a mistake and that the aid convoy had attempted to deconflict their activity with the Israel Defense Forces. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the White House was outraged when it learned of the strike and called for a swift Israeli investigation. The strike that hit workers with World Central Kitchena group founded by celebrity chef Jose Andresdrew condemnation from around the globe and put more pressure on the country to lower the civilian toll of its campaign. At least two leading aid groups, American Near East Refugee Aid and Project HOPE, said they were halting operations in Gaza. Their pullback will undercut attempts to deliver aid to the besieged enclave where more than one million people are estimated to be starving. Anera has been serving displaced Palestinians with food, medicine and other critical supplies amid the war. Something needs to be a turning point," said Anera chief executive Sean Carroll. Were going further into the depths of depravity and inhumanity." Annie Linskey contributed to this article. Write to Sabrina Siddiqui at sabrina.siddiqui@wsj.com and Vivian Salama at vivian.salama@wsj.com BRUSSELSNATO, fresh from a bruising fight over Swedens accession, turns 75 on Thursday amid a new spat over who should next lead the military alliance. The dispute casts a shadow over what was meant as a celebratory gathering of the top diplomats from the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations 32 members this week. It pits early members against ones that joined after the Cold War, widening a rift that emerged with Russias invasion of Ukraine. To mark NATOs anniversary, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith is hosting all the diplomats on Wednesday, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other dignitaries at her official residence outside Brussels, Truman Hall, named for President Harry S. Truman, who oversaw the alliances creation in 1949. President Biden in July will host a summit of all NATO leaders in Washington, where the founding treaty was signed. The pact aimed to defend members against hostility from Moscowa task the alliance is assuming once again. NATO leaders had hoped this week to resolve the question of who will succeed Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg when his term ends on Sept. 30. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, has led the alliance since 2014 and has had his initial four-year term extended four times. Arguments over who should next lead NATO highlight a characteristic of the group that has proved both a strength and a weakness: It has very few written rules and operates by consensus, usually meaning unanimous decisions. That has often provided flexibility, but occasionally allowed one member to block action. When NATO was created as a loose military alliance among the U.S., Canada and 10 Western European allies still recovering from World War II, consensus usually meant agreeing with Washingtons wishes. Over the past quarter-century, NATO has grown to include 15 countries that during the Cold War opposed it from across the Iron Curtain. The diversity of views that expansion brought has complicated many decisions. Political shifts in other members, especially Turkey, have decreased their willingness to toe the U.S. line. Adding to complexity, NATOs selection process has become much more public than in the past, when the alliance had fewer members, drew less attention and didnt figure as largely into international politics as now. Greater scrutiny has heightened internal tensions, officials say. Ambassador Smith said in February, before a meeting of defense ministers, that members aimed to select a new secretary-general probably in the first quarter of this calendar year, to the extent that thats possible." On Tuesday she added, Certainly, we want to reach some resolution on this sooner rather than later." The issue is now gaining urgency because alliance leaders want the succession question resolved before the European Union starts choosing its next leadership team following European Parliament elections in early June. NATOs chief has traditionally been a European, and a fear on both sides of the Atlantic is that if the post isnt filled soon, it will become an unofficial chit in negotiations over EU top jobs. An unwritten rule of European politics is that when a countrys national is selected for a prominent position, that country is eliminated from the running for other high-level slots. Of NATOs 32 members, 23 are in the EU, so if the leadership competitions coincide, they are likely to influence each other. Allies over recent years had also hoped to fill the top postwhich has always been held by a manwith a woman of high political stature. Names publicly discussed included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is a former German defense minister, and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Kallas also drew support among eastern members previously under Moscows sway, which have felt the greatest impact of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Politicians and analysts from Poland and the Baltic States have gained in stature within the alliance in recent years for having presciently warned that Russia posed a grave threat to Europes security and economic stability. Central Europeans have expressed growing resentment in recent years that they have largely been overlooked for senior NATO positions, even though they spend proportionally more on defense than most West European members. All secretaries-general have come from Western Europe. Current Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana is Romanian, the most senior official so far from the region. Officials from early members fill all eight positions in the next rank beneath that. Last summer, when a woman with sufficient gravitas couldnt be agreed on as secretary-general, members tacitly relaxed their criteria. In October, departing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Ruttea widely respected longtime national leaderput himself in the running after previously denying interest. He was immediately considered the front-runner. In a surprising twist early this year, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis indicated his interest in the post. Almost immediately, the U.S., U.K., Germany and France voiced support for Rutte. Iohannis publicly declared his desire for the NATO job in March, saying his region needed more representation. The moves timing irked many alliance diplomats. Hungary around the same time publicly opposed Rutte, but didnt express support for Iohannis. Hungary was the last country to ratify Swedens accession last month. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has opposed NATO support for Ukraine and routinely spars with other EU members over a range of issues. Only a handful of members havent voiced support for Rutte, say diplomats. One unknown in the race is where Turkey stands on Rutte. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delayed Swedens entry into NATO for more than a year because of dissatisfaction with Stockholms policies toward Turkey and Kurdish separatists against which Ankara is fighting. The two leaders spoke by phone on Sunday, both countries said, though neither sides statement clarified whether Erdogan would support Ruttes bid. The call went well for Rutte, according to a person familiar with the discussion. Turkish support for Rutte is likely and could bring with it backing from other fence-sitters, said another person familiar with deliberations. NATO officials now hope the leadership question can be resolved at or before an informal meeting of alliance foreign ministers in late May, in Prague. That gathering is seen as the last chance to settle the issue before the EU election. If that isnt possible, members want to settle the issue before the July summit, to avoid it consuming their attention. The ultimate deadline for a decision is the end of September. Write to Daniel Michaels at Dan.Michaels@wsj.com The People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC), both part of the INDIA bloc in Jammu and Kashmir, will compete against each other in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections for the three seats in the Kashmir valley. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on April 3, Wednesday, said that the PDP is engaged in discussions with its leaders and workers about contesting the three Lok Sabha seats of the Kashmir Valley. Mufti's statement comes after the NC announced the candidature of senior party leader Mian Altaf Ahmed Lahrvi from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat of Jammu and Kashmir, virtually ending chances of an alliance with the PDP in the Valley. Pertinently, NC chief Farooq Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti attended the INDIA bloc's show-of-strength Loktantra Bachao rally in New Delhi on March 31. PDP has accused NC vice president Omar Abdullah of leaving them "no option". Abdullah, however, hit back saying the PDP was going back on the understanding reached between the constituents of People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) for the District Development Council (DDC) elections in 2020. "They (NC) have left no option for us other than to field candidates and contest the elections," Mufti told reporters on Wednesday. The party's parliamentary board would take a final call on the candidates, she added. While holding talks with the Congress on seat-sharing in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC had made it clear that they will be contesting the three valley seats as they had won these in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The three seats were won by the NC in 2019. The party left two seats in Jammu - Udhampur and Jammu - for the Congress as part of the INDIA bloc's seat-sharing agreement. Mufti, who lost the Anantnag seat in 2019, said the attitude of the NC leadership was disappointing and hurtful. "When the INDI alliance's meeting took place in Mumbai, I said there that since (NC president) Farooq Abdullah is our senior leader, he will take a decision (on seat-sharing) and will do justice. I had hoped he would keep the party interests aside," she said. But the NC took the decision to contest all the three seats in Kashmir unilaterally, she added. Omar Abdullah, in the meanwhile, blamed the PDP of going back on the understanding reached for the DDC polls where the parties having won the seats would field their candidates. "What can I say about this? It is their own will. How can I stop them? We announced candidates for the three seats of Kashmir based on their own formula," the former chief minister of the erstwhile state said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government revoked Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated it into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, on August 5, 2019. The voting in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in five phases beginning April 19 and the counting of the votes will take place on June 4. Assembly Polls to the erstwhile state, administered by the Centre-appointed Lieutenant Governor since 2018, are likely to be held later this year. The intensifying clampdown on opposition parties in India suggests that the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in ill health, with worrying implications' for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024, an opinion by the Editorial Board of Financial Times, has said. Titled The mother of democracy is not in good shape, the British daily business newspaper says that the gap between pro-democratic rhetoric and reality is widening in India. The newspaper says Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often called India the Mother of Democracy. The newspaper further states that a squeeze on free expression and opposition has been a feature of PM Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule, especially since its second win in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The piece refers to the recent arrest of opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, by the Enforcement Directorate and the bank account freezing allegation by the Congress, the principal opposition party. Harassment, often by tax or legal authorities, has become common for government critics, be they independent media, academics, think tanks or civil society groups. The BJPs muscular Hindu nationalism has eroded Indias tradition of secular democracy, reads the piece. The Financial Times piece comes amid opposition charges of misuse of investigation agencies against the PM Modi-led government. The opposition has, for this reason, called the BJP a washing machine, referring to the increasing phenomenon of opposition politicians accused of corruption not facing any probe after switching over to the BJP. The charge has been rejected by the government. An Indian Express report on April 3 said that at least 23 of 25 opposition leaders accused of corruption since 2014 have got reprieve after joining the BJP. The FT piece also refers to the March 31 Loktantra Bachao Maharally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, in which key opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc came together in solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal to protest the larger concern of misuse of central agencies by PM Modi-led Union government. Rahul Gandhi accused Modi of match-fixing in the run-up to the election. The BJP denies the allegation that Modi and his party have used state agencies and authorities to stifle opponents or affect the election, the piece reads. It further says that it is puzzling that the ruling party would even see a need to squeeze the opposition at a time when opinion polls suggest the BJP is winning a third term in power in the 2024 elections. The newspaper says that since India is one of the worlds largest and most vibrant economies today, it has to manage its democracy according to its own culture and traditions. But there is an ever-wider gap between Modis pro-democratic rhetoric and the reality. This matters not just for the rights and freedoms of its people. Indias attractiveness for investment and as a geopolitical partner for countries wary of an increasingly authoritarian China, relies in large part on its image as a democratic, law-based state, it reads. The newspaper also refers to concerns expressed by the United States after New Delhi summoned the top US diplomat to protest Washington's criticism of Arvind Kejriwals arrest. Congress member of parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination papers in Wayanad for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 today on April 3. The Congress leader will also hold a roadshow in the constituency that he won in 2019 Lok Sabha elections with a margin of over four lakh votes. Rahul will arrive by helicopter at Muppainad village, and will travel by road till Kalpetta, the Congress party said. He will then hold a roadshow from Kalpetta. Rahul will be accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretaries KC Venugopal and Deepa Das, among other Congress leaders, in the road show, newswire PTI reported. AICC in-charge of the National Students' Union of India Kanhaiya Kumar as well as Leader of Opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan and KPCC acting president MM Hassan, will also accompany Rahul in the road show that will end near the Civil Station. After the roadshow, Rahul will submit his nomination papers to the District Collector, the PTI report said. Voting in Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls 2024 this year will be held in the second phase on April 26. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded K Surendran, its Kerala state president against the Congress leader and incumbent member of parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has fielded senior Communist Party of India leader Annie Raja from Wayanad. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad after polling 7,06,367 votes out of a total of 10,92,197 with his closest rival --CPI's P P Suneer - receiving only 2,74,597 votes. He however lost from the then-Congress stronghold Amethi in Uttar Pradesh to BJP leader Smriti Irani. The Congress party is yet to nominate its candidate for Amethi amid uncertainty whether or not Rahul Gandhi will contest from the Uttar Pradesh seat, too. Candidate for Rae Bareli also has not been announced yet. The seat is represented by Rahul's mother Sonia Gandhi who has now opted to be a Rajya Sabha MP. Speculations suggest that Priyanka Gandhi may contest from Rae Bareli in the upcoming polls. The Congress has filed a complaint against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the BJP for violating Model Code of Conduct. The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee contended that the the saffron party had flouted rules regarding the involvement of children in election-related activities. It sought "immediate and decisive action" against Gadkari and the BJP. Despite clear directives from the Election Commission regarding the prohibition of involving children in election-related activities, BJP and Nitin Gadkari have been using school children for the purpose of their personal campaign, the letter to the Chief Electoral Officer said. The Congress missive indicated that pupils from the NSVM Fulvari school were "used by the BJP and its candidate" for a campaign rally on April 1. It also attached videos and photographs from the event to underscore its complaint. Earlier in February the Election Commission had issued directions against the use of children in political campaigns. It reminded parties and candidates of the relevant laws dealing with child labour and asked them to ensure strict compliance. The poll body had also directed election officials and poll machinery to refrain from involving children in any capacity during election-related work or activities. The Election Commission directive underscored its "zero tolerance" policy towards the use of children in any manner during the electoral process by parties and candidates. The list of curbs included holding a child in their arms, carrying a child in a vehicle or in rallies. "This prohibition extends to the use of children to create the semblance of a political campaign in any manner including use through poem, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of political party or candidate...," EC said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will trailblaze the NDA's Lok Sabha poll campaign in Bihar on Thursday when he is set to address a rally, his first in the state since the announcement of the elections, at Jamui. PM Modi, who is running for a third consecutive term in office, is scheduled to address the rally around noon. BJP ally Chirag Paswan, who has handed over the mantle to brother-in-law Arun Bharti after having represented Jamui, a reserved seat, two times on the trot, has been effusive in his praise for the prime minister for the gesture. "It is a matter of pride for Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and the people of Jamui that the prime minister has agreed to launch his campaign in Bihar from the constituency. We are committed to helping him achieve the target of 400 plus seats for NDA, including all the 40 in Bihar," said Paswan. Predictably, the Opposition wants the prime minister, the NDA's main crowd puller, to be held accountable for the alleged failures of his government, especially with respect to Bihar. Former Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "Be it the prime minister or any other leader, they will be on the campaign trail during polls. But the people of Bihar want to know what have they got in return for the enormous support they gave to NDA five years ago." "In the last Lok Sabha polls, 39 out of the 40 seats in Bihar went to the NDA. But now the people feel they have been taken for a ride," alleged Yadav. However, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit back, saying, "In his speech in Jamui tomorrow, the PM will enlist his achievements and share his vision for the future. On the other hand, the opposition has nothing to offer so it is busy heaping insults on Modi." Notably, Jamui is among four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, the other three being Aurangabad, Gaya and Nawada, which go to polls in the first phase on April 19. Of these, the BJP is contesting Aurangabad, where Modi had addressed a rally a week before the Election Commission announced Lok Sabha polls, and Nawada, where he is scheduled to address a rally on Sunday. Gaya, which is also a reserved constituency, is being fought by former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, the founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha. The NDA in Bihar also includes Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), which is contesting 16 seats, one less than the BJP, and former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha, which will fight Katakat. In a direct jibe at Rahul Gandhi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his desire for the Congress leader to campaign in the state for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s benefit. "I want Rahul Gandhi to come to Assam and campaign. This will benefit the BJP and hundreds of Congressmen will leave the party," said Assam CM and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma while campaigning for Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Assam's Karimganj and Silchar on Wednesday. During the campaign, he targeted the Waynad MP and claimed that the remaining members of Congress would also join the BJP if he came to the state for campaigning. BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have been at loggerheads even during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, where the two leaders traded insults on several occasions. Mentioning Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra which passed through Assam as well, CM Sarma said, 'If he comes again, I will not have to make any effort and many more will join us. 'Congress like an old note' Continuing his attack against the Congress, Himanta Biswa Sarma compared Congress with an old note and declared the grand old party of no use. "Congress is like an old note now which is of no use and there can be no comparison between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi," he said at a public rally in Silchar. In another attack at the party, he claimed that Congress headquarters in Guwahati always wore a deserted look with no one at the party office. He said that visiting Rajiv Bhavan in Guwahati will leave people "surprised as nobody there and it appears that there is a curfew, a self-imposed curfew''. During the rally, Himanta Sarma claimed that the people of the entire country are with PM Modi and asserted that people will ensure the win of the BJP candidates from Barak Valley as everybody wants Modi to become PM for the third successive term. Total Solar Eclipse on April 8: North America is set to witness a total solar eclipse next week on Monday (April 8). The cosmic event will start along Mexico's Pacific coast, journeying through Texas and 14 other US states before heading out over Canada, as per an AP report. A solar eclipse was last visible over North America in 2017. So what is the significance of this solar eclipse? For one, this eclipse will last nearly twice as long and attract a larger audience compared to the one that crossed the entire United States in August 2017. During the event, the moon will block the sun for approximately 4 minutes and 28 seconds. The rare sight, usually seen in remote areas, will this time pass over major cities such as Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland. An estimated 44 million people reside within the path of totality, with several hundred million more within 200 miles (320 kilometers), making it the largest eclipse audience ever in the continent. Almost everyone in North America will experience a partial eclipse, and for those unable to view it in person, NASA is providing live streaming online from various cities along the path of totality. The moon's shadow is set to traverse North America diagonally, from the southwest to the northeast, casting communities along its path into momentary darkness. Totality will commence at Mazatlan, Mexico, and conclude at Newfoundland in Canada. Along the way, 15 US states, stretching from Texas to Maine, will witness totality, with glimpses of the phenomenon also visible in parts of Tennessee and Michigan. However, the visibility of the phenomenon will depend on the weather conditions. The National Weather Service is issuing daily updates on cloud cover forecasts along the eclipse's path. During the total eclipse, watchers may catch sight of a comet along with four planets. Jupiter will appear to the left of the sun, while Venus will be on the right. Saturn and Mars will be positioned to the right of Venus, albeit less visible. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is currently passing by Earth, a phenomenon that occurs approximately every 71 years. Although faint, it will be situated close to Jupiter during the eclipse. After Monday's eclipse, the next total solar eclipse is not expected until 2026. However, it will only graze the northern regions of the world, touching Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. In 2027, another eclipse will traverse Spain and northern Africa, with totality lasting an impressive 6 1/2 minutes. North Americans will have to wait until 2033 for the next total solar eclipse, which will be visible only in Alaska. In 2044, Western Canada, Montana, and North Dakota will enjoy prime viewing locations. Finally, in 2045, the United States will once again witness a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse. When will solar eclipse be visible in India? Cosmic lovers in India will not be able to view this event. Fans all over the world are headed to the US to witness the astronomical spectacle from the air. Notably, in 2031, the Annular Solar Eclipse on May 21 will cover around 28.87 percent of the Sun and be visible across several Indian cities. This "ring of fire" eclipse will grace the skies of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The cities of Kochi, Alappuzha, Chalakudy, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, Painavu, Gudalur (Theni), Theni, Madurai, Ilaiyangudi, Karaikudi, and Vedaranyam, will witness the 2031 solar eclipse. Amid a large number of countries suffering from severe water crisis leading to around 4 billion people almost two-thirds of the worlds population experiencing water scarcity for at least one month every year, the quest for finding more sources of the life-saving compound has led the researchers from Northwestern University, Illinois (the US) to discover a gigantic reservoir of water that is three times the size of Earth's oceans combined, 700 km beneath the planet's surface in a rock known as ringwoodite. The findings were first published in the Science magazine in 2014 titled 'Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle'. The study also presented the unique properties of ringwoodite. The researchers are of the view that this hidden ocean beneath the surface, concealed within a blue rock known as ringwoodite, is probably the primary source of water on Earths surface. The size of this subterranean ocean is triple the volume of all the planets surface oceans combined. Also Read | CTET July 2024: CBSE extends registration date, apply at ctet.nic.in. Check new dates, other details here This is substantial evidence that water on Earth came from within, the Science magazine quoted Steven Jacobsen, a researcher at Northwestern University in Illinois and the lead author of the study as saying. "The ringwoodite is like a sponge, soaking up water, there is something very special about the crystal structure of ringwoodite that allows it to attract hydrogen and trap water," the geophysicist had said in the study paper. "I think we are finally seeing evidence for a whole-Earth water cycle, which may help explain the vast amount of liquid water on the surface of our habitable planet. Scientists have been looking for this missing deep water for decades," he further said. Also Read | Solar Eclipse on April 8: What is significant about the cosmic event this year? To uncover this underground ocean, researchers used an array of 2000 seismographs across the United States, analysing seismic waves from over 500 earthquakes. Waves which travel through Earths inner layers, including its core, slow down when passing through wet rock, allowing scientists to assume the presence of this vast water deposit. "The high water storage capacity of minerals in Earth's mantle transition zone (410- to 660-kilometer depth) implies the possibility of a deep H2O reservoir, which could cause dehydration melting of vertically flowing mantle. We examined the effects of downwelling from the transition zone into the lower mantle with high-pressure laboratory experiments, numerical modelling, and seismic P-to-S conversions," said the scientists. In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its pre-IPO regulatory framework, the Knightsbridge Group has embarked on an ambitious acquisition spree. Having already secured an agreement for a significant stake in the Hong Kong Licensed China Digital Fund, the group is now actively acquiring or establishing licensed entities across multiple sectors and geographic regions. The expansion efforts encompass key markets including the UK, Europe, China, Thailand, and beyond. Each entity will operate under regulatory compliance tailored to its respective jurisdiction, ensuring adherence to local laws and regulations. An important step in this regulatory drive has been the opening of a new headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. The nerve core for managing and supervising the varied array of licensed businesses housed under the Knightsbridge brand will be this central hub. This strong regulatory campaign has a complex strategic justification. Knightsbridge hopes to reduce regulatory risks and boost investor trust in advance of its planned initial public offering (IPO) by proactively addressing regulatory requirements and getting essential licenses. Furthermore, creating a strong regulatory framework sets the organization poised for long-term growth and market expansion. The procurement of licenced businesses in a range of industries demonstrates Knightsbridges dedication to resilience and diversification. The organization aims to reduce sector-specific risks and maximize returns by operating in a variety of industries and geographical areas. Knightsbridges pre-IPO regulatory push signifies a strategic pivot towards ensuring compliance, transparency, and resilience in anticipation of its public listing. Through the acquisition and establishment of licensed entities across key markets and sectors, coupled with the inauguration of a new headquarters in Bangkok, the group is positioning itself for sustainable growth and value creation in the dynamic global landscape. Buy KDA Shayne Heffernan MOSCOW Bryan Kohbergers attorneys will argue in a Thursday court hearing that the judge should allow them to survey prospective jurors about the case. The defense, led by Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor, wants to ask prospective jurors in Latah County what they know about the case from the press. This is in preparation for Kohbergers coming motion to change the venue of the trial. Kohbergers team has hired Bryan Edelman, owner of Trial Innovations, who has experience in statistical surveys. In previous hearings, Taylor expressed concerns about how the media attention surrounding the case will affect the partiality of Latah County jurors. BOISE After leaving for a long Easter weekend, the Idaho Legislature returned Tuesday to pass a flurry of bills on a long day, although lawmakers left without a major budget bill needed to adjourn for the session. The House, which has finished most of its business, passed a resolution to return today, then recess Thursday through next Tuesday. Action on Tuesday included fixes to the school facilities bill, legislation targeting gender and pronouns, the Medicaid budget, judicial salaries but notably not the Idaho Transportation Department budget before finishing business around 8 p.m. MDT. The House will return from its recess April 10, after Gov. Brad Little has a chance to consider signing or rejecting the legislation that hits his desk. The recess gives lawmakers a chance to return and try to override any potential veto before adjourning sine die, which would officially mark the end of the 2024 session. Idaho Transportation Department A major hurdle to adjournment is the Idaho Transportation Department budget. The budget approved by the budget-writing committee included language that would go back on a planned sale of the ITD campus on State Street. The original budget passed the House by one vote, was at first removed from the Senate reading calendar before a vote because of opposition to the language, then returned to the Senate floor unchanged. Last week, senators voted 19-16 to kill the $592 million budget bill because of the language tanking the sale. Lawmakers cannot adjourn without passing all the state budgets. But on Tuesday the budget writers on the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee voted along party lines to approve the same budget with the same language. The three Democrats on the joint committee voted against the motion. There was no discussion during the afternoon JFAC meeting. The Senate did not take up the ITD budget again during its long floor sessions Tuesday. Senators had also previously rejected a budget for the Department of Administration, which would oversee the sale, that included similar language backing out of the transaction. Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon on Tuesday night asked unanimous consent to return this budget to the Senate Finance Committee, as it was still on the Senates third reading calendar due to a clerical error, he said. JFAC is expected to take up the administration department budget this morning. MEDICAID Both chambers Tuesday also took action to pass the Medicaid budget, which totals $4.7 billion of state general, dedicated and federal funds from the maintenance and enhancements budgets. The budget included $64 million in state general funds. The Senate debated for about 40 minutes before voting 24-11 to pass SB 1456, which was the enhancement budget for the states Division of Medicaid. A baseline maintenance budget had been passed previously, and the enhancement included new spending and nondiscretionary funds. The budget included 24.5 new full-time positions to help administer Medicaid, oversee compliance, look into cost containment and oversee vendors. These positions will cost $1.5 million in state general funds and $1.6 in federal funds. The agency had originally requested 60 new positions. The budget also includes increases in the reimbursement rate for developmental disability services providers and an increase in the rate paid to residential providers licensed as Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Those who argued against it said the Medicaid budget had been growing over the past several years, and the only way to stop it was to reject the budget. The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday steered clear of Washington states redistricting battle. Without comment, the high court refused to block use of new legislative district boundaries intended to give Latino voters in the Yakima Valley a better chance of electing the candidate of their choosing. Tuesdays decision clears the way for use of the controversial redrawing of the 15th Legislative District and a dozen other affected districts for this years elections. Opponents, including state Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, sought an emergency stay of U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasniks March 15 ruling that put the new map in place. They went to the Supreme Court after a three-judge federal appeals court also declined to intercede. The underlying lawsuit before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is still alive. The two sides will spar before that court in two months. Thats when briefs in the case are due. A decision could now only affect maps from 2026 onward. All this was touched off by a lawsuit filed by Latino voters who argued the map crafted by the bipartisan Washington State Redistricting Commission and approved by state lawmakers in early 2022 violated federal law by impairing the ability of Latino voters to participate equally in elections. Lasnik agreed, ruling last summer that the configuration diluted the Latino vote and must be redrawn in time for the 2024 elections. The new map cements last years historic ruling and is a huge win for Latino voters in the Yakima Valley and for fair representation, said attorney Simone Leeper of the Campaign Legal Center, which led the legal team that brought the suit. The redrawn district at the center of the controversy will encompass communities from East Yakima to Pasco and include Wapato, Toppenish, Grainger, Sunnyside and nearly all of the historic lands of the Yakama Nation Reservation. Lasnik also approved renumbering the 15th district as 14th. That means the districts legislative positions, including the state Senate seat, will be on ballots in presidential election years starting this year. Plaintiffs argued that the Latino community will have a better chance to elect a candidate of their choosing in these years because that is when turnout of Latino voters is historically higher. A school admin pattern Lewis-Clark State College President Cynthia Pemberton recently appeared before the Idaho House and Senate Education and Joint Finance and Appropriations Committees (Tribune, March 1). She was asking for funds for deferred maintenance on the campus, certainly, her job if the institution needs money. Its also her job to see that facility maintenance is done when needed. Pembertons move is a pattern in school administrations. Administrators defer facility maintenance ... . After a few years, the refrain is: the buildings ... have outlived their useful lives. Even with a declining student population, Clarkston is assembling task forces to put yet another new school bond in front of voters. Despite the communitys pride in Lewistons beautiful (and expensive) new school, the old facilities would have been perfectly functional if they had been maintained. The unwritten slogan of Wear it out and convince the taxpayers you need new stuff has seemingly become a successful strategy (tactic) for school administrators. This writer once spent time with a young German man, here to see how America does things. A school bond was being floated and we talked about how the proponents were saying the school was nearly beyond its useful life, at nearly 90 years. Laughing out loud, he said he lived in a 400-year-old house, and the schools he had attended were more than a hundred years older. Moreover, these structures were expected to last twice that long. The reason? They had been built to last, and maintained. This seems simple, doesnt it? Rick Rogers Clarkston With good timing and purpose, I started packin in 23. My piece rides shotgun on the passenger seat of my truck so its handy when needed. I use it frequentlynot to defend myself but to advocate for a critical freedom in Idaho the right to vote in a fair election. To date, I have notched 156 signatures on the pieces of my Open Primary Initiative petitions. I wont stop until the April 30 deadline because there are Constitutionalist, Republican, Libertarian and Democratic parties, as well as independents who still want to sign. Hundreds of volunteers have canvassed the state to amass 72,000 supportive signatures so the initiative will have a secure spot on the November ballot. With my loaded petitions in hand, I have enjoyed amazing conversations, small-world connections and political perspectives. Every voter has a stake in Idahos future and every signature has a story: the beekeeper, waitress, artist, smokejumper, the doctors, teachers, construction workers, students, clerks, business owners, foresters, lawyers, veterans and retirees. The petition is an olive branch to unite our common desire for a better Idaho and an inclusive government. Republicans are red, Democrats are blue and other affiliations have colors, too. The OPI surges with grassroots energy to restore voter rights for all Idahoans. What makes this citizen initiative so popular? The increasing awareness that a one-party system is not a democracy. During the closed Republican primary, 415,000 of us from disqualified teams sit on the bench twiddling our discontent while a tiny percentage of Republicans determine the general election candidates. Fair play or a gaming violation? The closed primary has the appearance of a rigged contest, Years ago, a dad was teaching his 6-year-old daughter to play chess. He claimed she never lost a game so I invited myself to watch this prodigy in action. The match began with concentration and deft moves. When her pieces became trapped, she swept her arm across the board. Game over. Competition removed. Compare this winning strategy to the Republican concept of a closed primary election. To assure dominance and maintain power, just change the rules and restrict the players. Longfords Andy Clancy, a collector of rare vintage tractors, has a unique tractor in his collection, the Massey Ferguson 133 Westland. He has it 18 years himself and on March 25, 2024, it celebrated its 50th anniversary. It was bought originally in Booth's Garage, Mohill, County Leitrim, by a Mr. Turbett, where Centra is now. It was first registered in Carrick-on-Shannon on March 25, 1974, with Leitrim County Council. This MF 133 Westland Tractor came from the Massey Ferguson (Export) Limited, Factory in Banner Lane Coventry, Britain, which is now no more. They made five thousand as a special order, which was never listed having come from Banner Coventry, as it was just a small order, Andy has confirmation of it with documents. There is a continental 133 version, but they are different to those that were specifically made for the west of Ireland customers, the continental had 35x engines and an 8 speed gear box, the Westland only 6. The Westland has an engine identical to the 135 which is a 47 Horsepower and unique to the Westland out of Coventry is the straight bar axle. The original cost was 1,210. It was made for a budget price. It was 280 punts cheaper than the 135, same engine, same dash, but without stabilisers and a quality cab and live drive clutch; the cab which was not with this when Andy bought it, they were made with cheap materials. Many Westlands were bought, but over time many people changed them to a 135 Massey Ferguson, changing the dead drive to a live drive clutch, which was detrimental to the original character of the 133. Its main job was drawing milk to creameries in Leitrim and or turf as well, short journeys mainly and nothing too taxing. The mudguards and roll bar are the only things not original on Andy's 133 MF Westland. By Michael Croghan and Andy Clancy Two Longford teachers - Irene Brady and Carmel Browne - led the calls for an end to chronic underfunding of primary schools at the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) Annual Congress today in Derry. INTO members have called for capitation funding for primary and special schools to be brought in line with that paid to voluntary secondary schools. Prior to the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis, schools were already struggling to meet basic expenditure. In Budget 2024, the INTO called for a 20% increase in the school capitation grant to better fund schools and reduce the burden on parents who currently provide additional financial support. Following the release of the budget in October 2024, the INTO acknowledged the restoration of the primary capitation grant to 2011 levels as from next September they will rise from 183 to 200 per pupil per annum. The union also welcomed the additional 60 million in cost of living supports for schools. However, very few of the costs that the capitation grant is intended to cover have remained at the level that applied when the grant was last 200 per pupil thirteen years ago. Teachers speaking at the conference deplored the difficult financial state that schools find themselves in as a result of inadequate funding. Also read: Longford family raising funds to assist with care of boy (3) diagnosed with brain tumour Throughout the INTOs lengthy and intensive campaign to have capitation rates restored the union has also been highlighting the significant differential between the level of capitation in primary and post-primary. From next September a child attending a primary school will be funded to the level of 200 whereas a child at post-primary will accrue 345. In that regard, the INTO wrote to the Secretary General Bernie Mc Nally in January 2024 seeking a root and branch review of the funding of primary and special education. Irene Brady, Longford Branch said, To help cover the day-to-day administration and running expenses of primary schools, the Department of Education and Skills provides capitation grants each year. "These grants are used for various purposes such as heating, cleaning, lighting, maintaining school premises, and providing teaching and learning resources. However, the current standard rate of capitation grant is 183 per pupil at Primary level and 316 for secondary schools. This funding disparity is grossly unfair. Also read: Carmel Browne will be first Longford teacher to take up role as INTO President INTO Vice-President Carmel Browne, will be installed as President later today, Wednesday, April 3, said: Members of school communities are acutely aware that without fundraising undertaken locally by Boards of Management and contributions made by parents and staff members very few schools would ever make ends meet. Schools must not be expected to fundraise to meet basic expenses and parents must not be relied upon to keep schools afloat. "The current level of primary school funding places intolerable burdens on school principals, teachers and parents and further disadvantages pupils in DEIS schools. "We remain deeply concerned about the precarious nature of school finances. It is clear that a major review of the approach to funding has to be conducted. Funding must reflect the real operating costs of primary schools. The INTO also believes that as part of any review consideration needs to be given to the timing of capitation payments as the current approach of two moieties per annum may no longer be suitable. "The union believes that every child has the right to attend a school that is comfortable, bright, adequately heated and ventilated with appropriate furniture and technology. "We will continue to advocate for higher investment in primary and special education. Until the Irish government gets serious about investment in primary education, which is languishing 10% below the OECD average our children will continue to be short-changed during their primary schooling. Also read: Longford Garda Station welcomes two new recruits this week Crime By Chris Boyle Published: April 03 2024 Jessica Bader allegedly omitted that her teaching certificate was suspended for four years after she engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a student in 2005. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that the former principal of James H. Vernon School in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District was arraigned today on charges she submitted falsified employment applications to the school district and the Online Application System for Educators (OLAS) omitting the prior suspension of her teaching certificate for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student in 2005. Jessica Bader, previously known as Jessica Zimbler, 52, of Nesconset, was arraigned before Judge Jaclene Agazarian on charges of three counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (an E felony) and three counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor). The defendant was released on her own recognizance. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 1-1/3 to 4 years in prison. She is due back in court on April 11, 2024. After engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student at East Meadow High School, this defendant was given a second chance and the option to return to the teaching profession in the future, said DA Donnelly. Bader squandered that chance and again exercised poor judgement when she allegedly concealed her certificate suspension on applications for two high-level positions in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District. Parents across Nassau County entrust their children to the care of educators and administrators every day. These professionals must be held to the highest standards of honesty and integrity. DA Donnelly said, according to the charges, in March 2022, the defendant applied for a position as the Director of Humanities at the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District (OBENCSD) and was hired two months later. Bader later applied and was hired for the principal position at James H. Vernon School in July 2023. For both positions within the school district, the defendant submitted online applications with OLAS which inquired if an applicant was ever required to resign from a position, resigned from a position as an alternative to facing charges or termination, and whether an applicant had ever had a professional certificate suspended by a government agency. The defendant allegedly falsely answered no to these questions on the OLAS online application, which she submitted on two occasions for each job she held in the OBENCSD. The defendant also filed a separate electronic application directly to the school district for the Director of Humanities position in which she allegedly falsely answered in the negative to a question asking if the applicant had ever been asked to resign rather than be discharged or denied tenure. The defendant also allegedly omitted her previous employment at East Meadow High School, where she was the subject of disciplinary action, from her applications. Bader was previously known as Jessica Zimbler and had been an English teacher at East Meadow High School from 1999 to 2005. In June 2005, the defendant was asked to resign or face disciplinary action for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student. Bader resigned and the allegations were referred to the New York State Department of Education for a disciplinary hearing. The Department of Education suspended Baders teaching certificate for a period of four years on December 17, 2007. After her teaching certificate was reinstated, Bader worked at schools in Brooklyn and Queens, and held an assistant principal position at a Queens middle school. Bader resigned from her position as principal at James H. Vernon School in September 2023. The defendant surrendered to NCDA Detective Investigators on April 1, 2024. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Investigative Counsel Jennifer Boyle of the Public Corruption Bureau. The defendant is represented by Joseph Carbone, Esq. Music, Movies & Entertainment By Chris Boyle Published: April 03 2024 The Cinema Arts Centre will host a five-day celebration of Jewish Cinema and culture, with films that include thoughtful documentaries, captivating dramas, and historically significant films. This May, the Long Island Jewish Film Festival will return to Huntingtons Cinema Arts Centre for the festivals second year. The second season of the Long Island Jewish Film Festival will span five days, May 3rd May 7th, and will include screenings of films at the forefront of Jewish cultural storytelling. The festival will feature films that include innovative documentaries, riveting dramas, and rarely seen pieces of film history, all curated by David Schwartz, Curator at Large at the Museum of the Moving Image, who will also host and lead audience discussions after many of the festivals screenings. The Long Island Jewish Film Festival was organized to help celebrate the rich cultural traditions and history of the Jewish community in America and abroad. The films highlighted in the festival represent the apex of both historic and modern Jewish cinema, featuring films from over a 100 years ago, through today. The Long Island Jewish Film Festival will begin on Friday, May 3rd with a screening of powerful historical drama Kidnapped. The second day of the festival will feature screenings of three films: the enthralling dramas The Other Widow & The Goldman Case, as well as the acclaimed new documentary How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer. Sunday, the third day of the festival, will include a screening of the historic 1923 silent film The Ancient Law, with a live score performed by pianist Donald Sosin & klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals, a screening of the 1980 documentary Brighton Beach, featuring a discussion with director Susan Wittenberg in-person, as well as an encore screening of the film Kidnapped for those that observe shabbat and couldnt attend the Friday screening. The remaining days of the festival will also feature encore screenings of the films The Goldman Case, and The Other Widow. The screenings of The Other Widow and How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer will feature pre-record Q&As with the films directors and our host and curator David Schwartz. Public tickets are $16 per screening with the exception of the film The Ancient Law, for which public tickets will cost $18. The Films: Kidnapped Friday, May 3rd at 7 PM & Sunday, May 5th at 7 PM $16 Public | $10 Members The great Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio, now 84, has made one of the most stylish and operatic films of his career. Kidnapped depicts the scandalous true story of Edgardo Mortara, a six-year-old Jewish boy who, in 1858, was baptized by his caretaker, and abducted from his family by order of the Pope, to be raised as a Catholic. Edgardo became the center of an international firestorm as his parents fought to retrieve their child from the clutches of a ruthless theocratic government; the case led to historical change. (2023, 134 mins) The Other Widow Saturday, May 4th at 2 PM & Tuesday, May 7th at 7 PM Featuring a pre-recorded Q&A with director Maayan Rypp $16 Public | $10 Members Nominated for 9 Ophir awards (the Israeli Oscars) including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress, this wonderfully observed comedic drama follows Ella (Dana Ivgy) a costume designer who is in a long-term affair with Assaf, a married playwright. When Assaf dies unexpectedly, Ella decides to attend Shiva while keeping her identity under wraps, diving into a world once forbidden to her. Through intimate encounters with his family, she examines her place in his life and eventually demands her legitimate right to mourn. (2022, 83 mins) The Goldman Case Saturday, May 4th at 4 PM & Monday, May 6th at 7 PM $16 Public | $10 Members This gripping courtroom drama delves into the sensational and widely followed 1976 trial of Pierre Goldman, a Jewish activist defending himself against multiple charges, including murder. Goldman steadfastly maintained his innocence, while the facts of his case became a flash point for a generation, raising questions of antisemitism and political ideology. Directed with verite realism and pinpoint historical precision, The Goldman Case is both subdued and electrifying, communicating so much about the complexity of Jewish identity in recent European history. It was the opening night film in the Directors Fortnight section at Cannes. (2023, 115 mins) How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer Saturday, May 4th at 7 PM Featuring a pre-recorded Q&A with director Jeff Zimbalist $16 Public | $10 Members Norman Mailer, a towering figure in American literature, had a life that was certainly stranger than fiction. From his formative years in Brooklyn, through his career as a preeminent cultural voice, we follow Mailers life through 6 marriages, 9 children, 11 bestselling books and 2 Pulitzer Prizes as he solidifies his place in the literary pantheon. With access to Mailers family and never before seen footage, this biography details the life and times of an American icon. (2023,100 mins) The Ancient Law Sunday, May 5th at 2 PM With live score performed by Donald Sosin and Alicia Svigals $18 Public | $12 Members This rarely seen silent film from Weimar Era Germany tells the dramatic story of Baruch, a young shtetl Jew and the son of a Rabbi, who leaves his family and community, seeking a secular career as a stage actor. Featuring wonderful scenes depicting shtetl life, the film paints a complex portrait of the tension between tradition and modernity. Like so many other Jewish artists of the era, director E.A. Dupont and star Ernst Deutsch were both forced to flee their homelands as the Nazis rose to power. (1923, 128 mins) Brighton Beach Sunday, May 5th at 5 PM With director Susan Wittenberg in-person $16 Public | $10 Members Set against the iconic Coney Island boardwalk, Brighton Beach is a neighborhood in constant re-formation. This 1980 documentary offers a genuine portrait of the immigrant communities that changed the Brooklyn neighborhoodmostly Soviet Jews and Puerto Ricansas they mingle on the boardwalk with long-time residents, eye one another, and coexist around a shared sense of uprootedness. From directors Susan Wittenberg and Carol Stein, Brighton Beach is an unposed, seductively shot, color film about lifes simple pleasures and the creating of a community. (2080, 55 mins) Location: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington, NY 11743 You can purchase tickets or find more information about these and other events on the Cinema Arts Centre website: www.cinemaartscentre.org. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 05 2024 AG James Urges New Yorkers to Ensure Their Solar Eclipse Glasses Are Properly Certified and Encourages Consumers to Report Anyone Selling Fake Glasses. New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert ahead of the total solar eclipse urging New Yorkers to ensure any solar viewing glasses they purchase are properly certified. Large parts of New York state, including Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and Central New York, will be within the total eclipse path on April 8, and other regions, including the Hudson Valley and the New York City metro area, will experience a partial solar eclipse. Legitimate solar eclipse glasses should have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification on the frame. It is important for everyone viewing the eclipse to wear protective solar viewing glasses for their safety. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has received complaints of last-minute cancellations by hotels for reservations made months prior. Attorney General James encourages anyone experiencing similar last-minute hotel cancellations to contact her office. On April 8, millions of New Yorkers and visitors will have the opportunity to view a magnificent solar eclipse and they should do so safely by using properly certified glasses, said Attorney General James. There are serious risks associated with not using proper eyewear when looking directly at an eclipse, which is why everyone should follow guidance to ensure their solar eclipse glasses are legitimate and safe to use. Some areas of New York will see an influx of visitors, and I encourage any consumer who has experienced a last-minute hotel cancellation, price gouging, or any other service disruption to contact my office." The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recommends that anyone viewing the eclipse use certified solar viewing glasses because of the powerful energy emitted by the sun. Only legitimate solar eclipse glasses have special-purpose filters to protect your eyes. Attorney General James urges New Yorkers planning to view the solar eclipse to take the following steps to ensure the solar eclipse glasses they are using are legitimate to protect themselves: Make sure the solar eclipse glasses you purchase are registered as a Solar Viewer Brand with the American Astronomical Society Test the solar eclipse glasses ahead of time. The American Astronomical Society says that when wearing legitimate solar eclipse glasses indoors, objects should be hardly visible, and when worn outdoors, objects except the suns reflection on shiny surfaces should still be hard to see. Be sure your glasses are marked with the international safety standard certification number ISO 12312-2. This number will be on the glasses frame. If you already own glasses marked with the international safety standard certification, inspect them to make sure the filters arent scratched, torn, loose in the frame, or damaged in any way. If any of these conditions are present, replace the glasses with a new, certified pair. Read information on how to safely use handheld viewers on the American Astronomical Societys website Ordinary sunglasses cannot be used as a replacement for eclipse viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers. If viewing the eclipse through a camera or telescope, be sure your lens has a solar filter. Follow tips provided by NASA on how to safely photograph the solar eclipse. Attorney General James encourages New Yorkers to report any seller selling fake or solar eclipse glasses to her office by filing a complaint online. New York state is giving away free I LOVE NY solar eclipse glasses that meet ISO certification standards at over 30 locations across the state while supplies last. A full list of locations distributing I LOVE NY glasses, as well as other sources for eclipse glasses, are available here. For more health and safety information, including tips for individual safety for those venturing out to view the eclipse, please visit 2024 Solar Eclipse Safety in New York State. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 03 2024 Sheriffs Office Joins NHTSA Campaign to Remind Drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportations National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the national Put the Phone Away or Pay high-visibility enforcement effort. From April 4-8, 2024, the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office will be joining law enforcement agencies across New York State to conduct enhanced enforcement of texting and distracted-driving laws. According to NHTSA, nearly 32,483 people died in distraction-affected crashes over the ten-year period from 2011 to 2020. In 2022, there were 3,308 deaths linked to driver distraction and an additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted driving. Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our countys roads, and most of this distraction is attributed to texting while driving, said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. Beginning this week, our Deputy Sheriffs will be further increasing efforts to stop drivers from distracted driving. If you text and drive in Suffolk County, we will pull you over and you will be fined. Violating New Yorks distracted-driving laws can be costly. A first-time violation of this law is a traffic infraction with a fine between 50 and 200 dollars as well as 5 points on your license. Upon conviction of a second violation, both within 18 months, the fine is between 50 and 250 dollars as well as 5 points. Upon conviction of a third violation, all within an 18-month period, the fine is between 50 and 450 dollars as well as 5 points. Many drivers are guilty of a double standard when it comes to distracted driving. In its 2022 Traffic Safety Culture Index, the AAA Foundation reported that while nearly 93% of drivers believed it was very or extremely dangerous to read a text or email while driving, nearly 40% drivers admitted to doing so within the previous 30 days. Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience: If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text. Ask your passenger to be your designated texter. Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages. Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phones Do Not Disturb feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination. IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, held a meeting in the Northern Command with the Commanding Officer of the Northern Command and members of the General Staff, in which he approved plans for the continuation of the fighting and held a situational assessment on April 1. (IDF) On April 2, Israels Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said we are currently in a multi-front war we see evidence of this every day, during a meeting with the Israel Knessets Security and Foreign Affairs Committee. The comments came a day after a senior Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander was killed in an airstrike in Damascus and two days after an Israeli naval base in the southern city of Eilat was damaged by a drone flown from Iraq by Iranian-backed militias. Israel now faces challenges on a number of fronts. Although Israel did not take responsibility for the airstrike in Damascus, Iran has blamed Israel for the attack and vowed to avenge it. The attack has also raised eyebrows around the region because it took place at a building adjoining the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Russia, countries in the Gulf and other states have condemned the airstrike. Gallant said in his comments on April 2 that we operate everywhere, every day, in order to prevent our enemies from gaining strength and in order to make it clear to anyone who threatens us all over the Middle East that the price for such action will be a big one. His comments underscore the defense ministrys current posture and how the IDF has prepared for a multi-front war for years. However, the October 7 attack forced Israel to rethink some of its strategy and assumptions. Iran took advantage of the attack by Hamas and prodded its proxies and partners in the region to carry out attacks. This began with Hezbollah attacking Israel on October 8, followed by the Houthis joining the war via attacks directed at Eilat. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria have also targeted US forces and Israel. Six months into the war in Gaza, Israel faces a number of challenges on these fronts. The Iraqi militias targeting Eilat with a drone shows that long-range kamikaze drones can pose a significant threat. Iran has exported drones across the region, including its Shahed 136 which was seen in Yemen in early 2021. Iran then exported the drone to Russia for Moscows war in Ukraine. Iranian-backed militias have used various types of drones in attacks against Israel and US forces over the last several years. Israel is investigating the latest incident in which a drone penetrated Israeli airspace and flew toward the port city of Eilat from the east. Hamas has ceased to function as a military organization in most parts of the Gaza strip. Their commanders are hiding in tunnels, they have lost command and control capabilities, the battalion frameworks in most parts of the strip have ceased to function. The Hamas brigade in Rafah however, is still standing, with its four battalions. We will address this soon, Gallant said. In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike on April 1 struck three vehicles, killing seven people working for World Central Kitchen while delivering humanitarian aid. WCK has played a key role in the maritime corridor from Cyprus. Israels IDF spokesperson said he spoke with WCK Founder, Chef Jose Andres and expressed the deepest condolences of the Israel Defense Forces to the families and the entire World Central Kitchen family. Israel is now investigating the incident, but this has already cast a shadow over humanitarian operations in central and northern Gaza. This could also be a setback for future operations in Rafah because in addition to WCK, other humanitarian operations and other countries like the UAE have been impacted by the airstrike. Meanwhile in southern Lebanon, an Israeli warplane struck the terrorist cell in the area of Wadi Hamoul that fired launches toward the Western Galilee area, the IDF said. In the West Bank, unrest has spread to Tulkarm and other cities in the northern West Bank where armed groups, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas, are increasingly confronting the Palestinian Authority security forces. Iranian media has said that the armed groups in the West Bank, which it labels resistance factions to show that Iran backs them, have warned the Palestinian Authority. This highlights the Islamic Republics interest in the chaos unfolding in the West Bank, and it potentially presents another challenge for Israel if the clashes grow and spread. Almost six months into the war and despite a number of successes, Israel faces challenges from Iraqi drones, humanitarian challenges in Gaza and chaos in the West Bank. 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). A new fast-causal restaurant in Boston that specializes in making homemade pasta is expected to serve food that tastes like it came straight out of a European kitchen, but in 2-3 minutes. Were raised with parents who ran restaurants and they always had the mentality that if its not good enough to bring home to your family, its not good enough for your customers, Eva Axiotis, who co-owns BE Pasta Bar with her husband, Billy Axiotis, told MassLive. I think that was really important to us that if were going to open something, were going to open something that were proud to serve and something that we know is good high-quality food, Axiotis continued. BE Pasta Bar, which officially opened Wednesday, April 3, allows guests to build their own pasta cups made with ingredients and equipment imported from Greece and Italy. Guests start by choosing from one of five pastas Campanelli, Fusilli, Rigatoni, Macaroni and Spaghetti and then a sauce like tomato, Pesto, Alfredo, vodka or garlic cream. From there, guests can pick their toppings before heading out with their cup of pasta. BE Pasta Bar will feature a special sauce on a rotating basis as well, Axiotis said. Most of the ingredients are sourced from Europe with olive oil from Axiotis family farm in Corinth, Greece and tomato sauce from Italy. Some other ingredients, including cold cuts, are locally sourced. Meanwhile all the pasta is made from scratch daily and with machines imported from Italy, Axiotis said. Producing high quality food is definitely the center of what we wanted to do here. And bringing this concept to Boston, we really wanted to do it because we wanted to focus on high quality food on the go, she said. The restaurant is the first joint venture between Eva and Billy, who both grew up in the restaurant industry. Eva helped with her familys pizza business while growing up in New Hampshire. Billy used to work in, and now runs, his familys pizza restaurant in Boston. Both Eva and Billy come from Greek families, which Eva said inspired the couple to open a restaurant. However the concept for BE Pasta Bar came during the couples trip to Greece and Italy after they got married in 2022. We were always walking around and touring and looking at things, and one of the things that we loved was this on-the-go pasta idea because people were getting such great quality food and just walking around with it, Axiotis said. We just kept looking at each other and saying, I wish Boston had more of these options, where youre getting something thats great quality and fresh, but you can take it quickly with you. With this in mind, the couple wanted the shop to be in a high foot traffic area that was close to students and working professionals, Axiotis said. They eventually landed on a space at 1026 Commonwealth Ave., which is on the Boston/Brookline line, close to the Agganis Arena, and part of Boston Universitys campus. Now that the shop is open, the couple is excited to give people a little taste of their heritage to others. We feel really confident with the recipes we have now and thankfully we have a really great prep team and staff trained and ready to go for opening day, Axiotis said. BE Pasta Bar opens at 11 a.m. daily. Updates on the restaurant can be found by following BE Pasta Bar on Instagram or by visiting the shops website. A ramen chain based in New York City is looking to bring its expert Japanese cuisine to Massachusetts for the first time with a new location in the Boston area. Kyuramen, which opened its first store in 2014, has more than 126 locations and counting. Among the chains newest locations will be one at 1008 Beacon St. in Brookline, according to Kyuramens website. All of our ramen are carefully developed by our ramen masters, Kyuramens website reads. The founder of Kyuramen studied and absorbed the essence of the Japanese ramen, to create the most unique and rich Ramen dish. Kyuramens menu goes beyond just ramen. The restaurant also serves Omurice, rice and ramen burgers, desserts and drinks. MassLive has reached out for more information on the new Brookline location. The Governors Council unanimously approved Gov. Maura Healeys mass pardon Wednesday that grants official forgiveness to anyone convicted of simple cannabis possession in Massachusetts. The courts must still work to identify people to whom the pardon applies and update their records, which one councilor called an enormous task that could require a shot of funding from the Legislature. At an informational hearing prior to the vote, councilors spoke of the massive clemency act as historic on a national scale, and two supporting witnesses -- a state representative and a prosecutor -- said it was about equity. Massachusetts changed state laws around marijuana possession and this proposal is based on the simple premise of fairness and equity that a person should not bear the mark of conviction for an offense that is no longer a state crime, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden told the council, referring to the 2016 ballot initiative that legalized adult-use cannabis. Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, co-chair of the Legislatures Public Safety Committee, said removing collateral consequences is an act of equity and justice and that the mega-pardon can uplift individuals, particularly those in Springfield and my communities which have been burdened by past convictions. The hearing was partly intended to address some lingering questions -- not all of which received a crystal clear answer. When Healey announced the pardon March 13, she described the action as applying to hundreds of thousands of people, and said the approximate figure was extrapolated from data. Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll again referred to hundreds of thousands of people at the council assembly. Councilor Terrence Kennedy of Lynnfield asked Hayden about the actual number of pardon recipients covered under the blanket action, noting that he heard the number between 69,000 and 100,000 tossed around, and that Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi Brieger referred in a letter this week to approximately 22,000 adult cases contained in electronic records. Dont you think we should be making more of an effort to find those other people, and who they are? Most people that have a marijuana conviction dont know whats going on in this room today, and never will, Kennedy said. ... Theyre not going to get on a portal and fill out a form to get a pardon document. Theyre not going to be writing on a job application that theyve been pardoned. Because theyre never going to know it unless we reach out somehow. Dont you think we should be doing more? We should be doing as much as possible, I think, Hayden replied. And I dont mean to be glib, but thankfully thats a problem I dont have to worry about. Thats for the governor and probation office to worry about. ... We expressed this concern at the time that the issue was raised. It should be as automatic as possible. Healey and Driscoll have been clear that no action is needed on the part of recipients to receive their pardon, though they may apply for an optional pardon certificate if they wish to. The exciting thing is, no one is required to take any additional action, Driscoll said after the assembly. They are pardoned, effective at the Governors Council vote. In Briegers letter, she told Healeys chief legal counsel, Paige Scott Reed, that [f]or the past several weeks, we have been planning for the potential need to update court records and reported productive collaboration between the Trial Court, the state Probation Service, and the governors office. The Trial Court chief justice also outlined her understanding of the process moving forward, while telling Scott Reed that she respectfully decline[d] to testify in person. Normally, a pardon recipient initiates the process for themselves by applying for clemency. In this extraordinary case, the government will attempt to identify who, exactly, was pardoned on Wednesday. The Trial Court will generate a list of cases that may be eligible for the Governors pardon, Brieger wrote in the letter, which was read aloud by Driscoll at the outset of the hearing. She added that updates will be undertaken at a deliberate pace in the ordinary course upon request from the Governor. The Governors Office will use the list in two ways: (1) to review individual cases and make eligibility determinations for pardons; and (2) to verify information submitted to the Governors Office by individuals requesting a pardon certificate. In both instances, the Governors Office will provide to the Trial Court and [Massachusetts Probation Service], on a reasonably-paced and ongoing basis, the information pertaining to the individuals the Governors Office has determined are eligible for a pardon. MPS and Trial Court Clerks will update their records accordingly, Brieger wrote. Brieger said she believed the Trial Court and MPS can take the necessary next steps to effectuate the pardon on our respective records without undue burden. Kennedy struck a different tone about the newly-created administrative burden. He told the News Service that he think[s] its going to take some money to accomplish. I think the Legislatures going to have to allocate some money for that, he said, describing the task laying ahead of court clerks offices as an enormous burden. And Ive actually talked to some of them about that. Theyre very, very concerned about the workload. They have a pretty heavy workload now. And its going to be a heavy burden on the clerk magistrates office. They have to figure out who these people are. They have to make sure the records reflect the pardon. Its going to be an enormous task, Kennedy said. Some councilors underscored that a pardon alone does not remove the cannabis possession conviction from a persons criminal record, though would note on the record that it had been forgiven. Councilor Tara Jacobs said she recently learned the distinction between a pardon and expungement, a process which individuals would need to apply for that scrubs the record clean. As far as really trying to get it really off peoples records, Kennedy told Gonzalez it could be an area for future legislation. And I think you should take it back to the House and ... consider with your colleagues seeking some legislation, Kennedy said, adding that would take the umbrella forgiveness of marijuana possession convictions to the next step. Gonzalez told him he thought thats a discussion thats already on the table. In addition to Hayden and Gonzalez, the councilors also heard supportive testimony from advocate Daniel Vazquez, attorney Pauline Quirion, Newton Police Chief John Carmichael Jr., and Ron Iacobucci of the MassHire South Shore Career Centers. Carmichael, who spoke at Healeys pardon press conference in March where he announced the support of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, tempered that support Wednesday by saying it didnt come without controversy and was not a unanimous decision -- but still we feel its the right thing to do. Iacobucci joined the hearing remotely from Carver, where he said he was with Healey on a workforce development matter. I want to underscore the importance of workforce development in what were doing here, he said. I oversee the publicly-funded workforce system in the South Shore, and I know the impact that this has on the lives of many people who come through our doors. We have job-seekers, we have employers, and this criminal record is something that really makes a big difference. James Borghesani was in the hearing room Wednesday in his capacity as chief of communications for the Suffolk DAs office. But he was also an architect of the successful 2016 ballot initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis. Initially bashful to speak personally, but given the green light to talk by the district attorney, Borghesani said the mega-pardon is a major step and good for Massachusetts. Im proud of Massachusetts voters, of what they did in 2016, the former communications director for Yes on 4 said. I think they led the way for states east of the Mississippi -- we were the first ones that did it. And I think that Im proud of Gov. Healey for taking this step today, because shes looking at what voters have done in Massachusetts and shes deciding that we have to retroactively make our laws reflect how voters say cannabis should be treated now. Healey said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that Massachusetts made history today, adding her thanks to the council and to President Joseph Biden for his leadership on this issue. Lockdowns were lifted at two Boston-area schools after police investigated a nearby street for a man reported to be carrying a rifle. Police converged onto the 200 block of Leyden Street at around 2:30 p.m., Sgt. John Boyle confirmed to MassLive. Two schools in the area, Curtis Guild Elementary School and Manassah E. Bradley School were both placed on safe mode for about 30 minutes, a Boston Public Schools spokesperson confirmed. The spokesperson added that the district emailed a letter to families about the situation and kept them up-to-date about it. The U.S. Coast Guard has halted its search for Worcester native Samuel Wanjiru a 26-year-old Marine who was swept away by a rip current in Puerto Rico last week and has been missing since. Wanjiru went missing while visiting Luquillo as part of a vacation with his family. On the afternoon of March 27, he entered the water at a nearby beach and came into distress, the Coast Guard said previously. Helicopters and other aircrafts were sent to search for Wanjiru that same day, but search efforts last week and throughout the weekend came up empty. The Coast Guard suspended search efforts to locate Wanjiru on Sunday, it said in a press release. The initiative concluded after Coast Guard air and surface units had completed 14 air searches and one surface search that together covered 264 square nautical miles of ocean. These units worked alongside the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau who served as the lead agency during the search multiple emergency management offices, Puerto Rico Police and other local emergency services agencies, the Coast Guard said. We keep Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru and his family in our prayers, hoping they find strength and closure during this most difficult time, Coast Guard Capt. Jose Diaz said in the release. During the month of March, the Coast Guards San Juan sector coordinated 10 search and rescue efforts, saving 12 people and losing six others to drownings, it said. Read more: Search efforts continue in Puerto Rico for missing Worcester Marine The loss of life in Puerto Rico beaches during March has been quite surreal, including the loss of two service members. 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, Diaz said in the release. Wanjiru was a reserve Marine assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, in Chicopee, the 4th wing previously confirmed in a statement. At the time of his disappearance, he was not in an active-duty status or conducting military operations. High surf and rip current conditions have persisted in Puerto Rico, according to the Coast Guard. Anyone planning to boat, swim or otherwise enter the water there should closely monitor National Weather Service advisories and take appropriate action to minimize risks. Diaz advised staying out of the water when necessary. Unfortunately, we continue to face similar marine conditions, and its imperative we remain ready, Diaz said in the release. The latest weather service information for Puerto Rico can be found here: https://www.weather.gov/sju/. A GoFundMe set up to help the family of a United States Marine who went missing in Puerto Rico continues to get closer to its goal of $10,000. Samuel Wanjiru, 26, of Worcester, went missing on the afternoon of March 27 after going into the water in the beach area of La Pared in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement. Wanjiru was a reserve Marine assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, in Chicopee, the 4th wing previously confirmed in a statement. At the time of his disappearance, he was not in an active-duty status or conducting military operations. The fundraiser, set up on Monday, received 72 donations as of 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, receiving a total of $6,360. This includes two $1,000 donations, two $250 and $200 donations each, and 13 $100 donations. Wanjirus partner Natasha Castillo-Vargas is the GoFundMes beneficiary. Also a Worcester resident, Castillo said she and Wanjiru have been together for five years. Samuels mother and I are trying to get as much resources and help as we can because we will not give up hope in finding our Samuel, Castillo-Vargas wrote in the fundraisers description. Please, anything anyone can help with would be most appreciated. This would help with stay expenses in [Puerto Rico,] transportation expenses, bill expenses, and food expenses. We ask that people send prayers and love during this devastating and heart-aching time. We are firm believers in God as Samuel is too and we have faith that he will be found. Thank you for your support! On the afternoon of March 27, he entered the water at a nearby beach and came into distress, the Coast Guard said previously. Helicopters and other aircraft were sent to search for Wanjiru that same day, but search efforts last week and throughout the weekend came up empty. The Coast Guard suspended search efforts to locate Wanjiru on Sunday, it said in a press release. The initiative concluded after Coast Guard air and surface units had completed 14 air searches and one surface search that together covered 264 square nautical miles of ocean. We keep Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru and his family in our prayers, hoping they find strength and closure during this most difficult time, Coast Guard Capt. Jose Diaz said in the release. During the month of March, the Coast Guards San Juan sector coordinated 10 search and rescue efforts, saving 12 people and losing six others to drownings, it said. A 34-year-old man accused of threatening to blow up Tufts Medical Center and making numerous ongoing racial remarks to hospital staff after he was discharged will return to court Wednesday, prosecutors said. Graham Abraham, of Hanover, is charged with bomb/hijack threat with serious public alarm in connection with the incident at Tufts, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said in a statement. Abraham is also charged with threat to commit a crime and assault and disorderly conduct tied to two separate incidents at Boston Medical Center. During his arraignment on the bomb threat charge, Abraham was held on $5,000 bail and he was ordered to stay away from the hospital if he is released. A court clinician also recommended mental health services for the man, according to the statement. On Feb, 2 around 1:30 p.m., a Tufts Medical Center staff member reported to public safety officers at the hospital that a former patient, who prosecutors say was Abraham, called the hospital and made racist remarks and complained about his experience, according to the statement. About half-hour later, around 2 p.m., another staff member took a call from Abraham and reported he said, everybody is going to die. Police who reviewed audio from the recorded phone line reported hearing Abraham make threats and racial slurs. Abraham is accused of saying, [Inaudible] ready to bomb and blow up your hospital. Got guns and knives kill all [expletive]. All [expletive] must die. [Expletive] roaches and scum of the earth. All [expletive] must be slaughtered and killed, according to the statement. Abraham is accused of making numerous calls to the hospital with similar threats between Jan. 15 and Feb. 2, officials said. Other police departments, including Transit and Amtrak police, are familiar with Abraham and his frequent calls, according to prosecutors. Amtrak reported receiving 78 calls from Abraham in January where he made disturbing statements and bomb threats. As a result, Abraham is banned from all Amtrak facilities. Abraham has also been flagged by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and cannot legally purchase a gun, Haydens office said. Hayden said prosecutors weighed Abrahams mental health needs when deciding whether or not to pursue criminal charges. We must take all forms of threats seriously, he said. This defendant has made numerous threats and disturbing statements to individuals and institutions that have helped or tried to help him in some way. Were moving forward with criminal action here because it is clearly necessary to prevent potential public harm. A Brockton man accused of fatally shooting his brother over the weekend was arrested in Maine, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office announced. Jeremiah Abreu, 20, faces a murder charge after United States Marshals in Maine and Maine State Police arrested him leaving a home in Lewiston at around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a statement from Cruzs office. The murder charge stems from a shooting in Brockton on March 31. Police received a 2:17 a.m. 911 call about a shooting inside a home at 36 Hoover Ave., Cruzs office said. First responders found a man who was shot in the chest. After he was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, the man died from his injuries. The man was identified as Sedrick Abreu, 27. Following the shooting Sunday, police searched the home and arrested Sirick Amado, 24, and Antonio Dejesus, 26. Amado and Dejesus were both charged with accessory to the homicide and pleaded not guilty in Brockton District Court on Monday, Cruzs office said. Jeremiah Abreu will be arraigned in Brockton District Court at a future date. A Rockland man will go to prison after he was found guilty of distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced. U.S. District Court Judge Patti Saris sentenced Donald Caruso, 42, to six years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, Levys office said in a statement on Wednesday. Caruso pleaded not guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography in November 2023. He used an online encrypted communication platform to send links depicting child sex abuse material to an undercover agent in early November 2022, Levys office said. On Nov. 7, investigators took a laptop from Carusos home, while his cell phone was taken off of his person. Between the two devices, investigators found hundreds of images and over 3,000 videos on them, Levys office said. Children depicted in these images and videos ranged in age from less than 1 year old to around 11 years old. Caruso admitted to investigators to using online applications to send, receive and download child sex abuse material using his cell phone and laptop, Levys office said. Investigators also found several chat conversations between Caruso and others, including a user said to be 15 years old. These chats were sexual in nature and talked about exchanging child sex abuse material, Levys office added. Investigators identified 217 children in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., used a Senate subcommittee field hearing at the State House on Wednesday to roll out a new plan to protect patients from the impacts of private equity transactions in health care. The plans unveiling came as the Markey-chaired Senate panel delved into the financial woes of Steward Health Care and its management under current CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre. The discussion draft proposal would require private equity companies to set aside funding to safeguard access to patient care, provide a bigger voice for health care workers and patients to review and block potential deals, and require for-profit companies to disclose their financial information and staffing levels, among other components, Markey said, according to State House News Service. Greedy corporate executives like Steward Health Care CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre are failing in their responsibility to providers, patients, and communities, Markey said in a statement. In Massachusetts and across the country, they are deploying promises for profit, which is why I launched my agenda to put health care over wealth care. Markey will accept public comment on the draft proposal through May 3. Markey also rolled out his new "State Based Universal Health Care Act which is intended as a preface to Medicare for All. As its currently written the bill would allow states to obtain a super waiver from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services to provide comprehensive, universal health coverage to all residents, the Bay State Democrat said. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is backing the Senate version of the bill. U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., is backing the proposal in the House. On Tuesday, Markey sharply criticized de la Torre for what he said was the healthcare executives decision to twice decline invitations to appear before the Senate panel. Markey chairs the Senate Health Committees primary health and retirement security subcommittee. On Wednesday, an empty chair marked for the executive was placed next to other invited health care leaders who detailed the dangers of private equity on patient care, State House News Service reported. Warren joined Markey at the hearing and accused de la Torre of hiding from the panel, State House News Service reported. Shame on Dr. de la Torre, Warren said, according to State House News Service. He owes the residents of Massachusetts an explanation for his part in looting Steward hospitals. The hearing lasted less than two hours and no one from Steward Health Care testified. On Tuesday, Steward officially shut down New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton, as it seeks to head off a financial bleed that threatens its other properties across the commonwealth. The shutdown, announced last year, means the loss of 39 rehabilitation service beds, 119 chronic care beds, and all ambulatory care at the hospital, according to a filing the struggling health care company made with state regulators in January. In February, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey called on Steward, which owes some $50 million in back rent, to wind down its operations in Massachusetts after the company failed to fully comply with her offices request to turn over key financial documents, MassLive previously reported. The companys refusal to provide basic levels of transparency has hindered the states ability to take preventive steps to protect access to care, Healeys office said in a statement at the time. On March 7, Markey and Warren sent a letter of their own requesting an array of financial information, including executive compensation. The Boston Globe reported last week that the company had reached an agreement to sell its physicians network to a unit of health insurance titan UnitedHealth. WASHINGTON (AP) Last year, President Joe Biden hadnt even spoken a word at the White House celebration of Ramadan before someone shouted out we love you. Hundreds of Muslims were there to mark the end of the holy month that requires fasting from sunrise to sunset. There are no such joyous scenes during this Ramadan. With many Muslim Americans outraged over Bidens support for Israels siege of Gaza, the White House chose to hold a smaller iftar dinner on Tuesday evening. The only attendees were people who work for his administration. Were just in a different world, said Wael Alzayat, who leads Emgage, a Muslim advocacy organization. Its completely surreal. And its sad. Alzayat attended last years event, but he declined an invitation to break his fast with Biden this year, saying, Its inappropriate to do such a celebration while theres a famine going on in Gaza. After rejections from Alzayat and others, he said the White House adjusted its plans Monday, telling community leaders that it wanted to host a meeting focused on administration policy. Alzayat still said no, believing that one day was not enough time to prepare for an opportunity to sway Bidens mind on the conflict. I dont think the format will lend itself to a serious policy discussion, he said Tuesday afternoon. The refusal to break bread or even share a room with the president is fresh evidence of how fractured the relationship between Biden and the Muslim community has become six months after Israel and Hamas began their current war. When the Democratic president took office three years ago, many Muslim leaders were eager to turn the page on Donald Trumps bigotry, including his campaign pledge to implement a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States. But now Democrats fear that Bidens loss of support among Muslims could help clear a path for his Republican predecessor to return to the White House. This years election will likely hinge on a handful of battleground states, including Michigan with its significant Muslim population. There are real differences between the two, Alzayat said. But emotionally, there may be no differences for some folks. And thats the danger. He added, Its not good enough to tell people Donald Trump is going to be worse. Several Muslim leaders attended Tuesdays meeting with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Muslim government officials and national security leaders. The White House would not name them. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said community leaders expressed the preference of having a working group meeting, which she described as an opportunity to get feedback from them. As far as the iftar, Jean-Pierre said that the president is going to continue his tradition of honoring the Muslim community during Ramadan. No journalists were allowed to capture either the iftar or the meeting with community leaders, a change from previous years. Neither was listed on the presidents public schedule. Some people who had attended events in previous years, such as Mayor Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn, Michigan, were not invited. Outside the White House, activists gathered in the rain for their own iftar on Tuesday evening in Lafayette Park. Organizers distributed dates, a traditional food for Ramadan, for people to break their fasts at sundown. The boycotting of Bidens invitation is reminiscent of a trip that White House officials took to Detroit earlier this year. They faced an icy reception from Muslim American community leaders in the swing state, where more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters cast protest votes for uncommitted as part of an organized showing of disapproval for Bidens approach to the war. A similar campaign was underway in Wisconsin, another political battleground. Organizers encouraged residents to vote uninstructed, the equivalent of uncommitted, in Tuesdays Democratic primary. The fighting began on Oct. 7 when Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis in a surprise attack. In response, Israel has killed roughly 33,000 Palestinians. The number comes from Gazas Health Ministry. Its unclear how many are combatants, which Israel accuses of operating in civilian areas, but the ministry said two-thirds of the deaths are women and children. The Biden administration has continued to approve weapon sales to Israel even as the president urges Israeli leaders to be more careful about civilian deaths and encourages them to allow more humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations, said he encouraged other Muslim leaders to decline invitations to the White House if they received them. The message, he said, should be unless he calls for a cease-fire, there will be no meeting with him or his representatives. I believe that the president is the only person in the world who can stop this, Awad said. He can pick up the phone and literally tell Benjamin Netanyahu, no more weapons, just stop it, and Benjamin Netanyahu will have no choice but to do so. Awad has previously clashed with the White House over his comments on the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. Gaza has spent years under an effective blockade by Israel with help from Egypt and Awad said he was happy to see people breaking the siege so they could walk free into their land that they were not allowed to walk in. After the comments were circulated by a Middle East research organization founded by Israeli analysts, the White House issued a statement saying we condemn these shocking, antisemitic statements in the strongest terms. Awad called it a fabricated controversy and said he had criticized the targeting of Israeli citizens in his same speech. An April snowstorm was expected to bring up to 12 inches of snow to the northern Berkshires and up to 6 inches to the northern Worcester Hills overnight Tuesday. While the storm hasnt wreaked too much havoc yet, the National Weather Service is predicting snowfall in parts Western and Central Massachusetts through Friday, and some schools are already preparing for the worst. The first winter storm warning in Massachusetts will go into effect Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. and last through 6 a.m. on Friday. The warning is just for the northern Berkshires at elevations above 1,500 feet, according to the weather service. Heavy mixed precipitation expected, and snow totals are predicted to be between 5 and 10 inches. A tenth of an inch of ice may also accumulate amid snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour, according to the weather service. This could make travel very difficult during the evening commute. Another winter storm warning will go into effect in Massachusetts at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and last through 2 a.m. Friday. This warning only applies to western Hampshire and Franklin Counties, according to the weather service. Snow totals of 6 to 12 inches are expected during this time, and could make travel during the morning and evening commutes treacherous. Strong winds are also expected during the storm, and a few times this winter, such strong winds have caused school closings through power outages. Winds gusts up to 50 and 60 mph are expected in much of Massachusetts later today, according to the weather service. High wind warnings have been issued for the eastern coast of Massachusetts from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 2 p.m. Thursday and for the northern Berkshires from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday. During this time, widespread power outages are expected. The following school districts have announced delays or closings for Wednesday, April 3. This list is continuously updated. To refresh this list, click here. *Note that schools and districts are listed alphabetically by name.* (*This story was updated at 2:44 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, to reflect the demands of Smith College students.) Smith Colleges main building remains occupied by students who are demanding that the school divest from weapons manufacturers that supply arms to Israel, according to the group, Smiths Students for Justice in Palestine, or SJP. About 50 students are taking part in the protest and occupation of College Hall, with no arrests or student conduct charges yet made, Inside Higher Ed wrote on Tuesday. Signs demanding divestment and Palestinian flags were seen hanging outside the college building on SJPs Instagram page. This protest began on March 27 after the colleges Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility rejected a divestment proposal because its aerospace investments were negligible and indirect, according to Inside Higher Ed. Three days later, SJP members in College Hall met with Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton and Dean Alexandra Keller, according to an SJP Instagram post. SJP told them that the protest will continue until Willie-LeBreton and Keller call for an emergency meeting to address the groups demands. Demands include complete divestment from Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, L3Harris, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman and Hexcel; and full immunity from investigation or punishment by the [College] Conduct Board for all occupants of College Hall. Speaking to MassLive in December, a Smith spokesperson said requests for divestment in any business or fund goes through a formal process through the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility (ACIR), a subcommittee of the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees. The website provides the detailed steps that students can pursue to put forward a divestment request. The AICR will consider the request and make a recommendation, the spokesperson said. The student activists also want administrators to acknowledge and investigate what they claimed as the assault of a student by Jim Gray, associate vice president for facilities and operations, on March 27, with severe consequences for Jim Gray, the group said on Instagram. A resolution was not reached, prompting the release of a petition on March 31 that repeated these demands. The group said on Instagram that, as of Tuesday, they have so far garnered 1,802 signatures. The focus on Gray stems from a video SJP shared on Instagram that shows an individual, who SJP said was Gray, grabbing and pulling at a protester who brought food inside College Hall through a window. An SJP member noted during the groups meeting with Willie-LeBreton that the president said the incident was under investigation. The protest and occupation is one of several global protests against the war in Gaza. Since the war began following the attack on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas on Oct. 7, 1,139 Israelis have been killed while 33,432 Palestinians have been killed, according to Al Jazeera. SJP shared letters from Smith College alumni that showed solidarity with the groups demands. The letters demanded that the university stop its support for, what alumni called, a genocide in Gaza. So, when Smith College invests even 1% of its money in firms that support Israel and supply Israel [with] technology and weapons, Smith is funding this genocide, 1995 alumnus Mahbina Waheed said in a letter shared on SJPs Instagram on Tuesday. It is the donations of Smith alums that is being used by Smith to kill Palestinian children, women and men in the most brutal manner. You all are choosing to assist in this genocide of Palestinian people. The fact that there are manufacturers of weapons in the Smith endowment is unacceptable and morally wrong, 2017 alumnus Claire Horne wrote in another letter. The United States has been supplying these weapons to Israel, and they are being used to commit heinous attacks on Palestinian lives. Over 32,000 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7, 2023, and many thousands have been wounded, disabled, displaced and traumatized. Investing in the companies that are profiting from war crimes and genocide cannot be excused, and should not be part of business as usual at Smith College. State officials said Tuesday that the $4.1 billion housing bond bill proposed by Gov. Maura Healey was imperative not just to address Massachusetts housing crisis, but to ensure its continued economic viability. At a hearing before the Legislatures Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said she thinks of the bond bill, known as the Affordable Homes Act, as not just a housing proposal, but a jobs bill as well. The capital investments this bill proposes meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents, Driscoll said. They support a strong and growing middle class workforce, and they would unlock economic mobility for our residents and the economic growth our state needs and relies on. ... This legislation is an economic winner for our state. The bill, filed last October, includes funding for new and existing programs aimed at spurring the production of new housing and the preservation of existing homes. It also includes 28 policy proposals, including giving cities and towns the option to implement a real estate transfer fee on high-value property sales, legalizing accessory dwelling units, often referred to as in-law apartments, across the state and lowering the vote threshold needed to implement local inclusionary zoning regulations. A study by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute released in January estimated that if its passed, the bill could create almost 30,000 jobs, and bring in around $1 billion in state and local tax revenue over five years. Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz explained that while the $4.1 billion price tag sounds high, the bond authorizations are not guaranteed to be spent. They simply allow the state to spend where it needs to without waiting on authorization further down the line. We, as an administration, will only ever borrow as much as we can afford. ... At any given moment, the number and value of authorizations on the books far exceed the amount the state is able to borrow and fund, Gorzkowicz, the Healey administrations budget czar, said. Instead, legislation like the Affordable Homes Act gives the administration flexibility to issue and then spend bonds when we determine them appropriate and consistent with our administrative goals, he said. Speakers at the hearing overwhelmingly supported the bill, with many repeating that housing was the top challenge facing the state and its residents. Many also emphasized the importance of the $1.6 billion for public housing, the largest portion of the proposal, which would include programs to rehabilitate, modernize and decarbonize the states approximately 43,000 public housing units. For far too long our public housing system has been underfunded, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus said. Every resident of public housing deserves to live in healthy, safe, and dignified homes. From left, Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll testify in support of Gov. Maura Healey's $4.1 billion housing bond bill at a hearing of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. (Trea Lavery, MassLive)Trea Lavery/MassLive Last month, the Legislatures Joint Committee on Housing gave the bill a favorable report as written, despite some measures, like the transfer fee, getting loud criticism from voices in the real estate industry. House Speaker Ron Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, said late last month that he was open to the idea of the transfer fee. However, at Tuesdays hearing, some called for additions to the bill that would make it go even further. One panel of speakers gave testimony requesting the addition of funds for lead abatements in owner-occupied properties, while some members of the committee pushed for more funding to the Commonwealth Builder program, which funds the construction of affordable homeownership units. Healeys proposal would provide $100 million to the program. But Rep. Russell Holmes, D-6th Suffolk, said he would like to see three times that amount, pointing out that it can cost between $500,000 and $600,000 to build a house in Boston. Our neighborhoods are saying, We dont want to be raked over the coals and just have affordable rents. We want to own some of those homes, Holmes said. While most at the hearing supported the bond bill, it has not been without its detractors. The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, a conservative think tank, called the bill 100% off the mark in a statement Tuesday, specifically calling out the transfer fee, and saying Healey should instead consider changing the states right-to-shelter law to free up more housing. This bill will not bring down the cost of housing in our state and will only exacerbate the decline in economic competitiveness weve seen in the last several years which is causing a massive flood of people and wealth out of our state, spokesperson Paul Craney said. OAKLAND, Calif. Manager Alex Cora told a fun story about one of his first experiences interacting with then-Red Sox team president and CEO Larry Lucchino. Lucchino died Tuesday at 78 years old. He, principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner purchased the Red Sox in 2002. He was instrumental in helping the franchise break its 86-year World Series drought in 2004. He then helped lead Boston to two more World Series titles (2007, 13). Cora remembers being part of a roundtable meeting with Lucchino not long after being traded from Cleveland to Boston in 2005. Cora was then a 29-year-old veteran infielder in his eighth season in the majors. He was asking for ideas on how to improve the clubhouse, the family room, Cora recalled. The first thing he would say is, This meeting is for the home clubhouse. We dont care about the visiting clubhouse. Just keep it like that. So he was all about the Red Sox. It was all about the home team. Lucchino served as team president and CEO from 2002-15. He then went on to become a part owner of the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. He moved the franchise to Worcester in 2021 after not securing funding for a replacement ballpark for Pawtuckets McCoy Stadium. He was great, Cora said. Its a sad day for all of us. But when you think about it, the impact he had in this organization, in this game, he should be considered to the Hall of Fame to be honest with you. To me, hes a Hall of Famer. Lucchino, a cancer survivor who battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma, also served as chairman of the Jimmy Fund. Before Boston, he served as president of the Orioles and Padres. He was an amazing individual, Cora said. A visionary. He made sure the fan experience was second to none. He wanted to win. He was a winner. Its a sad day for all of us and he will be missed. A gray and dreary day has evolved into a wet afternoon on Wednesday as Massachusetts braces for a noreaster. While rain has fallen over much of the state going into the afternoon, heavy wet snow has already been reported at higher elevations like the Berkshires and Worcester Hills, the National Weather Service said. Rain should refreeze into sleet as temperatures continue to hover in the low to mid-40s, while temperatures stay in the low to mid-30s at higher elevations. The most severe winter weather impacts are expected at higher elevations, the weather service said on X, formerly known as Twitter. [Updated Storm Briefing] A late season Nor'easter will bring heavy rain/river flooding as well as sleet and snow into Thu. The main winter weather impacts will be in the higher terrain and near the NH border. Strong to damaging winds along with coastal flooding are also expected. pic.twitter.com/jzaCah4OLI NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) April 3, 2024 Given the weight of more wet snow, forecasters warned of potential outages and downed trees. These wetter conditions should change into snow in the hours between 3 and 5 p.m., forecasters said. Snow totals should vary across the state and will depend on elevation. The northern Berkshires could see between 6 and 12 inches of snow, while the southern Berkshires could take longer to cool below freezing, accumulating between 3 and 6 inches of snow. However, the northern Worcester Hills could see between 4 and 8 inches with the potential for 12 inches in localized areas, forecasters said. Conditions along the eastern Massachusetts coast remain unclear, forecasters said. While colder temperatures are expected, the weather service has held off on issuing any winter weather advisories as models suggest a less than 50% chance of minor winter weather impacts. Boston, for example, could see little to no snow accumulation, the weather service said. Overall, precipitation should remain as mostly rainfall with snow confined to higher elevations, forecasters said. Precipitation continues on through Thursday, though forecasters do not expect any major accumulations across lower elevations, anticipating at least a half inch at higher elevations. In the afternoon, winds should diminish, though gusts between 15 and 25 mph are still possible. Light snow showers could linger into Friday morning as the center of the low slowly pulls away, forecasters said. Winds continue to diminish and overnight lows drop near or below freezing. Warnings and watches The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Berkshires and Worcester Hills areas affecting parts of several counties, including western Franklin, western Hampshire, northern Worcester and northern Middlesex counties. The storm warning for the Berkshires will stay in effect until 2 p.m. on Friday, while the Worcester Hills storm warning will be in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday until 8 p.m. on Friday, forecasters said. The weather service also issued a high-wind warning for several parts of the state that could see 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. One warning covers eastern Norfolk, Suffolk, eastern Essex, Barnstable and eastern Plymouth counties, while the other covers Dukes, Nantucket, southern Bristol and southern Plymouth counties. The former will be in effect until 2 p.m., the latter until 5 a.m. Courtesy of the National Weather Service.National Weather Service Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines, the warning said. Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Flooding could also be a concern. Forecasters warned that the Charles River at Dover could see minor flooding in Middlesex and Norfolk counties. Drivers should avoid flooded areas and not go past barricades. THE spring equinox is bringing us brighter evenings, International Sky Week is upon us, and the Mayo Dark Sky Park at Wild Nephin National Park are holding its annual series of free events taking place this week. Today, Wednesday, April 3, people are invited to attend Astronomy for Beginners / Realteolaiocht do Thosaitheoiri. This show, delivered in a mix of Irish and English, will demonstrate how to find famous objects in the sky. Tomorrow night, Thursday, Hotel Newport will host The Amazing Swift Reversing the Decline a talk by Lynda Huxley of Swift Conservation Mayo at 8pm. The Swift population in Ireland has seen a dramatic decline in last 30 years. However, voluntary group Swift Conservation Mayo has been establishing nest box projects throughout the county for 12 years, and we are now seeing an increase in our breeding population. On Saturday, April 6, Ronan Newman will present a talk, Visual Astronomy Under Dark Skies, at the Ballycroy Visitor Centre Wild Nephin National Park at 8pm. Newman is the founder of Irish Astronomy Week and a passionate astronomer. Based in Co Mayo he is a regular observer of the night skies and brings buckets of knowledge and enthusiasm to share with all budding astronomers, stargazers and moon watchers. Later in the month sees the return of the Women in Dark Skies online series returns, when Dr Bridgette Farnworth from New Zealand will give a talk by Zoom at 7pm (Irish time) on Wednesday, April 24. Dr Farnworth will discuss her research with a broad range of New Zealand native species, which includes the foraging behaviour of rodents, how wild rats respond to changes in light at night, and how nocturnal lighting affects invertebrate behaviour. For more, see www.mayodarkskypark.ie. MAYO County Council has come under fire for not setting any targets for delivery of affordable houses in the coming year. Tom Gilligan, Mayo County Councils Director of Services for Housing, hit back, saying it was totally disingenuous of the members to say were not focused on affordable housing MAYO County Council has been accused of giving two fingers to people looking for affordable housing in Mayo. The council came under fire for not setting any targets for delivery of affordable houses in the coming year. Mayo County Councils draft services delivery plan for 2024 promises to develop modern methods of construction and affordable housing schemes for the county. The local authority also aims to deliver 154 new-build social housing units under targets set by the Department of Housing. Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn said he was extremely disappointed that the local authority had set no target for affordable housing. Cllr Flynn accused the council of giving two fingers to those who wanted to purchase affordable housing by not setting clear targets for affordable houses. To have a service delivery plan produced without one reference to any sort of affordable housing target or an aspiration to deliver any affordable housing or any affordable sites is unforgivable, he said at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council. Honestly, it just speaks volumes about where the head of our housing unit is and where the housing section is generally in terms of looking to provide for people who are in work; the people who we talk about who are struggling to find accommodation, be it rental or otherwise. Mayo County Council is currently progressing the delivery of affordable housing units at two sites in Westport and has applied to the government for affordable housing schemes in Castlebar and Ballina. Cllr Donna Sheridan described the lack of delivery of affordable housing by Mayo County Council as absolutely disgraceful. I think our focus in the last two years has been on housing International Protection Applicants and Ukrainians. They need help, they need support, but we also need to focus on the people who live here and need a home, the Fine Gael councillor said. Cllr Flynn and Cllr Christy Hyland (Independent) said that local authorities in other counties were already delivering affordable housing. Addressing Mayo County Councils Chief Executive, Kevin Kelly, Cllr Hyland said not one affordable house had been built during his tenure. Youre the gaffer. Youre the boss. Every councillor in our municipal district is crying out for affordable schemes. Wheres your leadership? said Cllr Hyland, who subsequently withdrew his remarks about Mr Kelly. Mr Kelly noted that Mayo County Council was not given a target for affordable housing under the governments Housing For All plan. The local authority was required to make proposals to the government for affordable housing schemes in Westport, Castlebar and Ballina. The schemes Castlebar and Ballina have not yet obtained approval from the Department of Housing. We need approval to progress these schemes. Its not about me not having leadership or holding things up, its a matter of the policy thats in place, said Mr Kelly. Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne echoed his colleagues concerns and proposed that the services delivery plan be amended to include a target for affordable housing. Cllr Mark Duffy (Independent) said it was disgraceful that local authorities had to apply for affordable housing schemes in the midst of a housing crisis. Tom Gilligan, Mayo County Councils Director of Services for Housing, said it was totally disingenuous of the members to say were not focused on affordable housing. Mr Kelly said that a paragraph on affordable housing could be included in the services delivery plan. He added that the council could not set a target for affordable housing units without knowing if they will have the support of the Department of Housing. On his 100th birthday, Ye Minghan, a renowned physicist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, donated 3 million yuan ($415,000) from his personal savings to the Education Foundation of the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to support young researchers in the field of high-energy physics. On Tuesday, dozens of physicists, including several academicians, gathered at CAS' Institute of High Energy Physics to cut a cake, offer blessings, sing birthday songs and celebrate Ye's birthday. Ye is one of the pioneers in high-energy physics research in China. Around the time of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, inspired by Qian Sanqiang's encouragement that "China must develop its own nuclear physics", Ye enrolled in the graduate school of Tsinghua University and conducted research in nuclear physics under the guidance of Qian. Academician Wang Yifang, director of the institute, said that in the 1950s, during a time of extreme poverty, Ye participated in the development of China's first and second electrostatic particle accelerators, which are crucial foundations for high-energy physics. Starting in the 1980s, during the construction of the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider, Ye was responsible for the design and construction of the Beijing Spectrometer, and as the institute's second director, he led the development of the collider. The Beijing Electron-Positron Collider is one of the world's eight major high-energy accelerator centers, the first high-energy accelerator in China, and a significant piece of scientific and technological infrastructure for high-energy physics research. "He led the entire institute in arduous struggle and bold exploration, and according to plan, completed China's first major scientific device the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider and the Beijing Spectrometer and achieved many world-class physics results," Wang said. "As China's first large-scale cooperative experiment, over the course of more than 30 years, the international collaboration group of the Beijing Spectrometer has grown from an initial 10 units from China and the United States, with less than 100 people, to more than 600 scientists from 89 units in 16 countries. "China's high-energy physics research has gained a place in the world's high-tech field, and a large number of important research achievements continue to emerge. These achievements are inseparable from Ye's outstanding contributions." Ye's close friend, Nobel laureate Li Zhengdao, recalled the decadeslong research journey he and Ye walked together. "Eighty years ago, we were classmates at Southwest Associated University, exploring the mysteries of physics together, and seeking paths to serve our motherland," he said. "Today, we walk side by side, heading toward a hundred years. Through more than 80 years of wind and rain, our genuine friendship endures, a rare treasure in the world." In 1994, at Li's invitation, Ye, at the age of 69, took on the role of academic director of the China Center of Advanced Science and Technology. Over the past 30 years, Ye has established an important platform for communication between domestic and foreign research institutions and scientists, organizing international academic seminars and implementing programs for young overseas scholars to return to China, in order to encourage and assist Chinese scientists in producing world-class research results domestically. "Ye has cultivated numerous outstanding graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to the cause of science in our country," Li said. Zheng Zhipeng, a former director of the institute, said: "Ye pays great attention to the training of scientific and technological personnel, assigning tasks according to their expertise, regularly checking on the progress of their work, providing specific guidance and assistance when problems arise, and nurturing them through his words and deeds." Ye's daughter, Ye Ruyin, expressed her family's hope that her father's scientific spirit, achievements and the donation made on his birthday will continue to contribute to the development of the country's physics research. Subaward/Grants Senior Manager, DRC Based in: Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Reports to the Finance & Admin Director Who we are. PSI is a network of locally rooted, globally connected organizations working to achieve consumer-powered healthcare people-centered health systems that ensure quality, affordable care wherever and whenever it is needed. Our origins in sexual and reproductive health have grown into a broader mission. Today, we work with the public and private sectors as well as local communities, prioritizing peoples voice and choice and developing solutions to meet their essential health needs. Over the past five decades, we have helped push boundaries, break taboos, set trends, and develop innovative solutions to complex global health challenges. Join us! PSI seeks a Subaward/Grants Senior Manager to join our team for the USAID-funded DRC Rural and Peri-Urban Sanitation Activity. The Activity will implement high impact interventions that strengthen sanitation markets to increase sustained access to and use of basic sanitation services. The Activity will also build sanitation markets through interventions in the areas of sector governance, demand creation, finance, and supply side strengthening. Finally, the Activity will prioritize local capacity building, including a transition of implementation responsibilities to local entities. This ambitious project seeks equally ambitious staff who bring creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit to their work. The Subaward/Grants Senior Manager will be responsible for the overall management and monitoring of PSI DRCs subaward portfolio, including ensuring financial, programmatic, and operational compliance of subawardees. The Subaward/Grants Senior Manager will design and implement a proactive, rigorous, risk-based, and effective subawardee monitoring system and approach, and provide guidance and mentoring to build subrecipient's capacity. Your contributions Oversee all subaward management and monitoring activities throughout each phase of the subaward life cycle. Oversee the completion of PSIs required subaward management tools including monitoring plans, site visit reports, financial report review checklists, invoice testing forms, management letters, site visit reports, pre-closeout letters, closeout checklists, and closeout amendments. Support DCOP and COP in actively managing and monitoring subawardees to ensure the quality of reporting is maintained and contract deliverables are met in a timely manner. Lead and coordinate on supporting capacity building activities and provide technical assistance to subrecipients to ensure operational excellence. Support and facilitate the eventual transition of implementation responsibilities to local entities. Support development of subaward management trainings for PSI DRC finance, operations, and program staff on the use of subaward management tools. Lead the monitoring of subawardee activities and their expenditures against budgets, ceilings, and obligated amounts, and review and approve budget realignments and obligation increases. Liaise with Global Services departments, including the Global Operations Program Management Team, to confirm reconciliation of subrecipient actual expenditures compared with advance payments and clearing of cash balances. Oversee reporting processes, ensuring that costs incurred are in line with the progress on delivery and implementation, and budget variances explanations are provided. Ensure complete and up to date records for subawardees ensuring easy access to required supporting documentation for authorized staff in a secure and centralized location. Conduct regular subaward site visits to verify adherence to subagreement terms and gauge internal control systems to obtain confidence in the reports submitted to PSI. Prepare responses to audit requests and specific reporting requirements for subawards. Oversee subaward closeout in accordance with PSI global policies and procedures. What are we looking for? Masters degree in finance, Nonprofit Management, Business, or a related field of study, preferred. At least 8-10 years of progressive professional experience in Subaward/Grants Management in similar sized organizations. Good understanding of USAID projects and sub-granting requirements and best practices. Demonstrated knowledge of the subaward life cycle, including selection, assessment, monitoring, capacity building, and close-out. Attention to detail and problem-solving capacity. Proficiency in MS Excel and other MS Office products. Fluency in English and French. Good personal organizational skills including the ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure. Leadership skills. Strong performance management skills. Superb written and verbal communication skills. Must have work authorization for DRC; PSI will not sponsor work permits. STATUS Full time The candidate we hire will embody PSIs corporate values: Measurement: You use hard evidence to make decisions and guide your work. You set clear goalposts in advance and explain clearly if you need to move them. Pragmatism: Youll strive to deliver the best possible result with the resources available. You wont be paralyzed by a need to make things perfect. Honesty: You own your mistakes and are open about your shortcomings its the only way youll learn and improve. Collaboration: Youll quickly establish a mental map of whom you can rely on for what, on your team, at headquarters, and in our country offices if you try to do it all yourself, you wont succeed. Trust: You accept limits to your sphere of control and give colleagues the benefit of the doubt. Commitment: You are in it for the long-haul and want to grow with the organization, just like PSI serves its consumers and partners with host-country governments through thick and thin. References will be required. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background check. PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of actual or perceived race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, family status or responsibilities, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or breastfeeding, genetic information, amnesty, veteran, special disabled veteran or uniform service member status or employment status. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and current Curriculum Vitae via email at psidrchr@psi.org by April 19, 2024 with the subject: DRC Subaward/Grants Senior Manager. ------ VERSION FRANCAISE Gestionnaire principal des subventions, RDC Base a : Goma, Republique Democratique du Congo (RDC) Releve du Directeur Administratif et Financier Qui nous sommes PSI est un reseau dorganisations locales et connectees a lechelle mondiale qui uvrent pour des soins de sante axes sur le consommateur des systemes de sante centres sur la personne qui garantissent des soins de qualite et abordables partout et a tout moment. Nos origines en matiere de sante sexuelle et reproductive se sont transformees en une mission plus large. Aujourd'hui, nous travaillons avec les secteurs public et prive ainsi qu'avec les communautes locales, en donnant la priorite a la voix et aux choix des citoyens et en developpant des solutions pour repondre a leurs besoins essentiels en matiere de sante. Au cours des cinq dernieres decennies, nous avons contribue a repousser les limites, a briser les tabous, a definir des tendances et a developper des solutions innovantes pour relever des defis complexes en matiere de sante mondiale. Rejoignez-nous ! PSI recherche un Gestionnaire principal des subventions pour rejoindre notre equipe pour l'activite d'assainissement rural et periurbain en RDC financee par l'USAID. Lactivite mettra en uvre des interventions a fort impact qui renforcent les marches de lassainissement afin daccroitre lacces et lutilisation durables des services dassainissement de base. L'activite renforcera egalement les marches de l'assainissement grace a des interventions dans les domaines de la gouvernance sectorielle, de la creation de la demande, du financement et du renforcement de l'offre. Enfin, l'activite donnera la priorite au renforcement des capacites locales, y compris un transfert des responsabilites de mise en uvre vers les entites locales. Ce projet ambitieux recherche du personnel tout aussi ambitieux qui apporte creativite, energie et esprit d'entreprise a son travail. Le Gestionnaire principal des subventions sera responsable de la gestion et du suivi global du portefeuille de sous- recipiendaires de PSI RDC, notamment en garantissant la conformite financiere, programmatique et operationnelle des sous- recipiendaires. Le Gestionnaire principal des subventions des sous-recipiendaires concevra et mettra en uvre un systeme et une approche proactifs, rigoureux, bases sur les risques et efficaces, et fournira des conseils et un mentorat pour renforcer les capacites des sous-beneficiaires. Votre contribution Superviser toutes les activites de gestion et de suivi des sous-recipiendaires tout au long de chaque phase du cycle de vie des sous-subventions. Superviser l'achevement des outils de gestion des sous-recipiendaires requis par PSI, y compris les plans de surveillance, les rapports de visite sur site, les listes de controle d'examen des rapports financiers, les formulaires de test des factures, les lettres de gestion, les rapports de visite sur site, les lettres prealables a la cloture, les listes de controle de cloture et les modifications de cloture. Soutenir les responsables du projet dans la gestion et le suivi actifs des s sous-recipiendaires pour garantir que la qualite des rapports est maintenue et que les livrables du contrat sont respectes en temps opportun. Diriger et coordonner les activites de renforcement des capacites et fournir une assistance technique aux sous-recipiendaires pour garantir l'excellence operationnelle. Soutenir et faciliter la transition eventuelle des responsabilites de mise en uvre vers les entites locales. Soutenir le developpement de formations en gestion de sous-recipiendaires pour le personnel des finances, des operations et des programmes de PSI RDC sur l'utilisation des outils de gestion des sous-subventions. Diriger le suivi des activites des sous-recipiendaires et de leurs depenses par rapport aux budgets, aux plafonds et aux montants engages, et examiner et approuver les realignements budgetaires et les augmentations des obligations. Assurer la liaison avec les departements des services globaux, y compris l'equipe de gestion du programme des operations globales, pour confirmer le rapprochement des depenses reelles des sous-recipiendaires par rapport aux paiements anticipes et a l'apurement des soldes de tresorerie. Superviser les processus de reporting, en veillant a ce que les couts engages soient conformes aux progres de la livraison et de la mise en uvre, et que des explications sur les ecarts budgetaires soient fournies. Garantir des dossiers complets et a jour pour les sous-recipiendaires, en garantissant un acces facile aux pieces justificatives requises pour le personnel autorise dans un endroit securise et centralise. Effectuer des visites regulieres sur les sites des sous-recipiendaires pour verifier le respect des termes des sous-accords et evaluer les systemes de controle interne afin d'obtenir la confiance dans les rapports soumis a PSI. Preparer les reponses aux demandes d'audit et aux exigences specifiques en matiere de rapports pour les sous-recipiendaires. Superviser la cloture des sous-subventions conformement aux politiques et procedures mondiales de PSI. Que cherchons-nous? Maitrise en finance, gestion des ONG, commerce ou dans un domaine d'etudes connexe, de preference. Au moins 8 a 10 ans d'experience professionnelle progressive dans la gestion des sous-subventions dans des organisations de taille similaire. Bonne comprehension des projets de l'USAID, des exigences et des meilleures pratiques en matiere de subventions secondaires. Connaissance demontree du cycle de vie des sous-subventions, y compris la selection, l'evaluation, le suivi, le renforcement des capacites et la cloture. Souci du detail et capacite de resolution de problemes. Maitrise de MS Excel et d'autres produits MS Office. Maitrise de l'anglais et du francais. Bonnes competences organisationnelles personnelles, y compris la capacite de respecter les delais et de bien travailler sous pression. Competences en leadership. Solides competences en gestion des performances. Superbes competences en communication ecrite et verbale. Doit avoir une autorisation de travail pour la RDC ; PSI ne sponsorisera pas les permis de travail. STATUT A temps plein Le candidat que nous embauchons incarnera les valeurs dentreprise du PSI : La mesure : Vous utilisez des preuves concretes pour prendre des decisions et guider votre travail. Vous fixez des objectifs clairs a lavance et expliquez clairement si vous devez les deplacer. Pragmatisme : vous vous efforcerez de fournir le meilleur resultat possible avec les ressources disponibles. Vous ne serez pas paralyse par le besoin de rendre les choses parfaites. Honnetete : Vous etes proprietaire de vos erreurs et etes ouvert sur vos lacunes c'est la seule facon d'apprendre et de vous ameliorer. Collaboration : Vous etablirez rapidement une carte mentale sur qui vous pouvez compter pour quoi, dans votre equipe, au siege et dans nos bureaux nationaux si vous essayez de tout faire vous-meme, vous n'y arriverez pas. Confiance : Vous acceptez les limites de votre sphere de controle et accordez a vos collegues le benefice du doute. Engagement : Vous etes la pour le long terme et souhaitez evoluer avec l'organisation, tout comme PSI sert ses consommateurs et ses partenaires avec les gouvernements des pays hotes contre vents et marees. Des references seront requises. Le candidat retenu devra passer une verification de ses antecedents. PSI est un employeur garantissant l'egalite des chances et encourage les candidatures de personnes qualifiees, quels que soient leur race, leur religion, leur couleur, leur sexe, leur age, leur origine nationale, leur handicap, leur orientation sexuelle, leur etat civil, leur apparence personnelle, leur inscription, leur affiliation politique, leur situation familiale ou leurs responsabilites. , identite ou expression de genre, grossesse, accouchement, conditions medicales connexes ou allaitement, informations genetiques, amnistie, ancien combattant, ancien combattant handicape special ou statut de militaire en uniforme ou statut d'emploi. Les candidats interesses doivent soumettre une lettre de motivation et un curriculum vitae actuel par courrier electronique a psidrchr@psi.org avant le 19 avril 2024 avec pour sujet : Gestionnaire principal des subventions, RDC. by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, April 3, 2024 Tumor rhymes with humor, but there is nothing funny about the suffering of the patients seen on TLCs new real-life medical series Take My Tumor. Comedic? Of course not. Nevertheless, the title does remind me of the old Henny Youngman joke, Take my wife please! I am glad no one titled this show in the same way, Take My Tumor Please!, because it would not be appropriate in reference to patients like Arlin (no last name provided), seen in the photo above with a serious growth on the back of his head and neck. The enormous mass on the back of Arlins neck and head constantly oozes fluid, but surgery may prove to be too challenging, says a logline for the episode scheduled to air May 8 titled The Man With the Spicy Tumor. advertisement advertisement The meaning of the word spicy in this context eludes me, but perhaps it is explained in the episode. In the photo, Arlin is seen in consultation with Ryan F. Osborne M.D., director of Head and Neck Surgery at the Osborne Head and Neck Institute in Los Angeles. Dr. Osborne is one of three surgeons on the show. The others are Kimberly Moore Dalal M.D., a surgical oncologist in Burlingame, California, and Jason Cohen M.D., surgical oncologist and general surgeon in Beverly Hills. Over the years, writing about these kinds of shows has been challenging. They are not my cup of tea, you might say, but TLC has put them on, one after the other, for many years. It stands to reason that the shows must be achieving the goals in viewership and ad revenue that TLC has set out for them. Otherwise, they wouldnt continue making them, right? Take My Tumor is produced for TLC by Ping Pong Productions, which also produces another TLC show that shares some similarities with it, Dr. Pimple Popper. The star of that show is a dermatologist, Sandra Lee M.D., who does a lot more than pop pimples. Like the doctors on Take My Tumor, she is most often seen dealing with very serious, extensive skin conditions such as rashes and extremely large growths. These shows can be difficult to watch. No offense to the patients suffering in the spotlight, but seeing people with bloated, life-threatening appendages attached to them is not for everybody. Neither is the surgery that the doctors perform to remove them. One show that has long trafficked in graphic depictions of surgery is TLCSs My 600-lb Life, where morbidly obese patients undergo bariatric surgery. On Wednesday, My 600-lb Life will serve as a lead-in to Take My Tumor, making for three hours of prime time that is uniquely TLC. In the premiere of Take My Tumor, we will meet a woman, Trinidadian Charmaine, who suffers from one of the most extreme cases of neurofibromatosis ever recorded, says TLC. Tumors cover every inch of her body and obstruct her ability to breathe and swallow. Without surgery, these growing tumors threaten her life. Future episodes of Take My Tumor include The Woman with A Tumor Half Her Height, The Man with the Hanging Face Tumor and The Woman with a Tumor for a Stomach. Take My Tumor premieres Wednesday, April 3, at 10 p.m. Eastern on TLC. by Les Luchter , April 3, 2024 Trace Like a Motherf.r, shouts a new billboard from Ritual, the subscription D2C marketer of womens vitamins and supplements, with the missing letters obscured by a pill capsule. Capsules also block out letters in other out-of-home (OOH) ads proclaim, We obsess over every ingredient, like a mother. One ad touts vitamin D from f*****g Nottingham, UK, another Omega-3s from f*****g Saskatoon, Canada. A :45 video spot that has its own share of bleeped-out and blocked-out words as a busy working mom explains that I take my sweet time researching, because if its not the best, it doesnt go in this walking hot bod.Thats why I love Ritual. They spell out where all their ingredients come from and why theyre there. Both moms and Ritual have a traceability obsession, the companys chief executive officer and founder Kat Schneider explains to Marketing Daily. advertisement advertisement For moms, she says, traceability is the deep care and attention to detail that they put into finding safe and effective products for themselves and their families. For Ritual, it means such practices as scouring the globe for the right ingredients, prioritizing clinical studies and scientific research, and pursuing certifications like one from the Clean Label Project. The Trace Like a Mother campaign, breaking April 2 and running through June, uses not only OOHG and the video, but other creative on Meta, YouTube and connected TV. Well also be leveraging the campaign on podcast, TikTok, influencer, email and on Ritual.com to tell a comprehensive story, Schneider says. Created with the Giant Spoon agency, the campaign designed to reach new households and lift brand awareness -- marks the largest media spend in Rituals eight-year-old history. It's also Rituals first national campaign, although the OOH is only running in Los Angeles and Dallas. Schneider calls Trace Like a Mother a rallying cry to our community to embrace their obsession over better health and higher quality ingredients. The supplement industry has exploded to 90,000+ supplements, she says, leaving consumers drowning in a sea of misinformation and more confused than ever before. Its up to them to research everything which often amounts to added emotional stress. This is especially true for moms who are shouldering unequal loads of invisible labor every day. by Danielle Oster , April 3, 2024 American consumers are snacking more, but theyre also trying to eat healthier. Danone is trying to convince them it has the answer. According to a 2023 Statista study, Snacking Consumption among Adults in the United States: A Scoping Review, 90% of consumers said they snack one to three times per day, while nearly half of consumers say they're trying to eat healthy. Both data points are cited by Danone North America in an announcement about its new Remix line of mix-in varieties, which it claims checks both boxes. Rafael Acevedo, president/GM at Danone North America told Marketing Daily, We have seen an increasing number of consumers moving into snacking, compared to the past. We wanted to deliver more value to consumers [for that occasion in particular] by launching an innovation that delivered something new for what they need. advertisement advertisement In the yogurt category there are mix-ins, but they tend to be very indulgent, he added. When we talked to consumers, we found there is a segment of consumers interested in snacking options, but looking for better-for-you options. Spanning several of its brands, Remix is an attempt to increase Danone brands snacking appeal with flavorful mix-ins to brands continuing to tout their health benefits. Remix launches in major grocery retailers including Albertsons, Hannaford, Kroger, Meijer, Stop and Shop, and Wakefern, as well as Target this month and Publix in June. The Remix line will encompass Oikos Remix in Coco Almond Chocolate, Smores, and Salted Caramel varieties; Light + Fit Remix across Strawberry Cheesecake, Key Lime, and Brownie Sundae varieties; and Too Good & Co. Remix in Strawberry Dark Chocolate Almond, Banana Dark Chocolate Honey, and Blueberry Almond Oat Crisp varieties. The varieties can also be combined across brands at point-of-sale with a Remix Your Snack bundle. The power and benefits of brands will continue to be very important, Acevedo said, citing Oikos as a brand that goes beyond the benefits of functional protein and connects with consumers at an emotional level. Each brands nutritional benefits alongside the new flavors is also very important, according to Acevedo, who said research showed a significant number of consumers look for options with less sugar. Oikos Remix contains 11 grams of protein in a 4.5 ounce cup, which the brand claims sets it apart from competitors; Light + Fits Remix varieties have 120 grams of calories or less; and Too Good & Co.s Remix varieties contain only six grams of sugar. Acevedo said the Remix lines primary consumer target is millennials and Gen Zs who over-index on snacking. Each brand also has its own appeal to a specific core consumer: Oikos is focused on a healthy go-getter; Too Good & Co. is for those interested in simple, clean health; and Light + Fit leans into dessert-inspired flavor options with low calories. Danone invited consumers to co-develop some of the flavors which it ultimately brought to market. We wanted to make sure that we could move fast but get the right consumer feedback, Acevedo explained. From a consumer perspective, this was a different approach, more like co-creation sessions where they were able to interact with our teams. Its something we learned a lot from, and want to do more of." To support the launch of Remix, Danone is investing in a marketing campaign centered around online video executions for each of the three brands, as well as digital and social components. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 3, 2024 A California appellate court confirmed this week that Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak can attempt to proceed with a lawsuit against YouTube over videos that used his image as part of a cryptocurrency fraud. In a revised opinion issued Tuesday, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected YouTube's argument that it was completely protected from lawsuits by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. That law broadly immunizes web companies from lawsuits over illegal material posted by third parties. The appellate judges said that while Section 230 broadly protects YouTube from liability for frauds committed by third parties, the law doesn't immunize YouTube for allegedly providing verification badges to channels that were hijacked by scammers. The ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by Wozniak in 2020, when he alleged that YouTube featured scam videos and promotions that wrongly used his image and videos in order to cheat YouTube users. advertisement advertisement He alleged that fraudsters used his likeness to persuade YouTube users that he was hosting a bitcoin giveaway, and that people who sent in bitcoin would receive twice as much in return. Instead, when people transferred their cryptocurrency, they received nothing, according to the complaint. His original complaint listed a host of claims, including that YouTube negligently failed to prevent the channel hijackings. A trial judge dismissed the entire complaint, ruling that YouTube was protected by Section 230. Last month, the California appellate court upheld the bulk of that ruling, but allowed Wozniak to attempt to proceed against YouTube for allegedly verifying the scam accounts. The allegations regarding verification centered on YouTube's own statements, as opposed to content posted by fraudsters, the court ruled. Unlike the scam videos themselves, the third-party scammers did not create or develop the verification badges -- defendants allegedly did, the judges said. At the same time, the appellate court said Wozniak's allegations would have to be fleshed out before he could move forward with the case. For instance, the judges wrote, the complaint didn't make clear whether YouTube issued the verifications before or after the channel hijackings. The court sent the matter back to the trial judge with directions to allow Wozniak to beef up the allegations and bring them again. YouTube then petitioned the appellate court for a new hearing. On Tuesday, that court tweaked some of the language in its original opinion, but left in place the part of the decision allowing Wozniak to attempt to sue over the alleged verifications. That portion of the ruling could also affect X Corp. (formerly Twitter), Santa Clara law professor Eric Goldman suggests in a blog post about the decision. Though YouTube is the defendant in this case, this ruling is of high interest to Twitter, which is well-known for having issued blue-check verified accounts to pretenders and interlopers, Goldman wrote. by Colin Kirkland , April 3, 2024 As X owner Elon Musk battles Media Matters over a brand-safety report that led to major advertisers leaving the platform, the social media company has announced two new hires to its Safety team. Long-time Twitter/X employee Kylie McRoberts will take on the role of Xs Head of Safety, while Yale Cohen, a former Publicis Media executive and contributor to MediaPost, will become Xs new Head of Brand Safety and Advertiser Solutions. Kylie will oversee the global Safety team, which is responsible for developing new products, tools, and features to protect our platform and community, maintaining our Safety policies, and enhancing our enforcement methodology and operations, the social media company wrote in a post on its platform. advertisement advertisement McRoberts, who worked in privacy and cybersecurity roles at Google and has spent almost four years at X, will also take on the responsibility of helping build out a new safety hub in Austin, Texas, that X CEO Linda Yaccarino announced in January. Under Musks leadership, X's previous Heads of Trust and Safety (Musk recently cut Trust from the job title, calling trust a euphemism for censorship) have not fared well. McRoberts is taking on the role nine months after Xs previous Trust and Safety chief Ella Irwin resigned due to a disagreement she had with Musk over a controversial documentary called What is a Woman that aired on the platform. After resigning, Irwin stated publicly that working for Musk had been the hardest experience that Ive gone through in my career. Prior to Irwin, Yoel Roth held the position of head of Trust and Safety at X but resigned weeks after Musk took over the app and then faced a barrage of pointed public attacks from the new X owner and his followers. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see whether McRoberts is able to work with Musks erratic decision-making behavior, crumbling Safety team (after his Twitter takeover, Musk fired 80% of the team's engineers and dissolved the company's Trust and Safety Council), and freedom of speech, not reach content moderation approach, which has led to the loss of major advertisers and ongoing lawsuits. McRoberts will have the help of Yale Cohen, who is joining the X's Safety team after serving as executive vice president of global digital standards at marketing firm Publicis Media. Cohen will be responsible for facilitating a safe environment for brands on X, which is still in disarray after losing the business of major brands because of a rise in antisemitic content and hate speech on the platform. In January, Yaccarino told a Senate committee that X had around 2,300 people working on trust and safety and content moderation, but it is still unclear how many of these employees are full-time. Proactive, widespread awareness among the populace regarding preventive measures is crucial in mitigating the severe impact of heat waves. #summer #heatwaves Establishing a Central Database to Combat Heat Waves Against the backdrop of escalating temperatures across multiple regions of India, the Health Ministry convened a review meeting to assess the nations readiness in addressing heat-related illnesses within the public health domain ."Continuous efforts towards generating awareness for people for better management of heatwaves is necessary as effective addressing leads to effective management," said Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, who chaired the meeting, said.Pointing out the lack of accurate data from the ground, he called for "creating a central database with input from states to share field level data on heat waves, including deaths and cases". Mansukh Mandaviya also stressed timely action as soon as weather alerts are received in the states by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).Highlighting thethe Health Minister advised senior officials to meet the states officials for better coordination and understanding.Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, also called for equipping the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with water coolers, ice packs and other basic necessities.Source-IANS Today is a great occasion for NATO. We have two reasons to celebrate. The first is the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO, an alliance that has contributed positively throughout the ages to security around the globe and to the establishment of peace and prosperity. We also have Sweden's accession. I was happy to see the Swedish flag at NATO headquarters. I think it is a historic moment for NATO. Greece has been supportive in the first instance, and we are very happy that in the last twenty years, NATO has essentially doubled its members. This is a very positive sign for peace and security in the world. We are going to address the issue of Russian aggression against Ukraine. We are very concerned with the current situation. We need to establish sustainable formulas to support Ukraine further against Russian aggression. We also need to address issues concerning the Southern Neighbourhood. As you can see, there are continuous aggressions in the Southern Neighbourhood. We have to see how the situation goes with Gaza, especially its spillover effects in Syria, Lebanon, and the Red Sea, which are of huge importance to the world. Of course, there are issues concerning modern types of security, such as cyber security and protection from misinformation and disinformation. NATO has a key role to play. In Greece's mind, it is important to further enhance the relationship between NATO and Europe. Transatlantic cooperation is of utmost importance in order to preserve global values such as democracy, the rule of law, international law and obviously human dignity and humanitarian law. Thank you. The USS Boxer, the heart of the next Marine-carrying task force, has finally deployed from San Diego after months of delays and mechanical issues that were driven, at least in part, by poor leadership aboard the ship. A Navy official confirmed to Military.com that the Boxer set sail for her deployment on Monday. The official also confirmed that the ship would not leave the San Diego area before taking on a complement of MV-22B Osprey aircraft. The Ospreys were grounded for months following a deadly November crash of an Air Force aircraft that claimed the lives of eight airmen. The flight hold was lifted in March, and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit began training to integrate the aircraft with the ship nearly two weeks ago. Read Next: New Cold-Assignment Incentive Pay Coming for Airmen and Guardians at 7 Bases The deployment, first reported by USNI News, will also be the first operational outing of the Marine Corps' new amphibious combat vehicles, or ACVs, which replaced the aging amphibious assault vehicles, called AAVs. The USS Somerset, which is part of the amphibious ready group that the Boxer commands, as well as more of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are currently in the waters off India. In the latter part of 2023, Navy officials were adamant that the ship was getting ready to deploy despite the fact that it had sat in port for more than a year after having completed a $200 million, two-year overhaul. A pair of command investigations into engineering issues on the Boxer revealed that during the early part of 2023 the Navy not only struggled to correctly repair the aging ship, but her engineering department was poorly led and dealing with issues that ranged from inexperience to allegations of assault among the crew. When the ship finally did go to sea in August 2023, video posted online by San Diego Web Cam, a social media account that monitors the harbor, showed smoke billowing from its superstructure as it moved across the water just outside San Diego Harbor. Despite the fact that local observers recorded radio traffic describing the event as an "engineering casualty," Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson, a spokesman for the Naval Surface Force, at the time said that the incident was connected to system tests. Abrahamson claimed that there was "no current impact to the mission, and Boxer remains focused on executing its sea trials." However, a defense official told Military.com earlier this month that the Boxer was originally supposed to deploy late last year. The ship's strike group commander noted in a letter accepting one of the investigations that "every level of senior engineering leadership failed to provide a safe, professional and procedurally compliant work environment in engineering department," and he stressed that "these failures had direct, measurable impacts on USS Boxer's upcoming deployment and impeded the overall accomplishment of the strike group's mission." The ship was investigated for at least three different engineering breakdowns that, according to the Boxer's strike group commander, were "caused by a lack of procedural compliance, substandard supervisory oversight, and general complacency by the crew." The ship's current commander, Capt. Brian Holmes, was issued a "letter of instruction" for his part in the failures with the ship as its then-executive officer and, according to the strike group commander, "must continue to lead the ship and engineering department in their efforts to ensure procedural compliance and sound engineering watchstanding practices." Related: At Least 3 Engineering Incidents and Poor Leadership Kept USS Boxer from Deploying, Investigations Reveal Air Force officials have submitted a legislative proposal to Congress that would sidestep governors in seven states and move Air National Guard units with space missions into the Space Force, angering National Guard supporters. The National Guard Association of the United States, a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying organization that goes by NGAUS, said in a statement to Military.com that draft legislation approved March 15 by Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall seeks to "bypass the long-standing requirement in federal law for the Pentagon to obtain a governor's consent before transferring a National Guard unit to another branch of the military." Any proposed legislation would ultimately need to be approved by Congress. The Air Force did not directly comment on the proposal prior to publication. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 Air National Guardsmen across 14 units operating space-related missions in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New York and Ohio, according to the association. Read Next: Newly Approved Rapid Blood Test for Traumatic Brain Injury Could Speed Up Treatment for Troops The draft legislative proposal submitted to Congress, which was reviewed by Military.com, is titled "Transfer To The Space Force of covered space functions of the Air National Guard of the United States" would "change the status of the unit from a unit of the Air National Guard of the United States to a unit of the United States Space Force; deactivate the unit; or assign the unit a new Federal mission," the text reads. National Guard Association officials said the new proposal was submitted to Congress with the hopes of it being included in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which will be crafted by the House and Senate in the coming months. The proposal seeks to waive section 104 of Title 32, as well as section 18238 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code. Those laws state, respectively, that "no change in the branch, organization or allotment of a unit located entirely within a state may be made without the approval of its governor" and that National Guard units may "not be relocated or withdrawn under this chapter without the consent of the governor of the state." "This proposal completely ignores the fact that these people took an oath to serve in that state under that governor until mobilized into federal service," retired Maj. Gen. Francis McGinn, NGAUS president, told Military.com in an interview Wednesday. "It bypasses the [say] of the governors. To me, that's pretty telling what they're trying to do." Since the creation of the Space Force in 2019, National Guard Association lobbyists and Department of the Air Force officials have been at odds on what to do with the part-time Air National Guardsmen who have performed space missions for nearly three decades. State governors and National Guard Association officials have advocated for the creation of a Space National Guard. Officials with the Department of the Air Force, which includes the Space Force, and the White House have argued against it. They want to include those Air National Guardsmen in the Space Force's new part-time active-duty service model, which was approved in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. On Wednesday, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis publicized a letter he wrote to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticizing the proposed Air Force plan. "I will continue to oppose any involuntary removals of Colorado Air National Guard space units and personnel as well as any reductions to the Colorado National Guard's force structure," Polis wrote. "This direct override of gubernatorial authority to exercise control over the units that are permanently based or removed from their respective states flies in the face of over 120 years of military tradition, organizational structure and efficacy, and precedent." Department of the Air Force officials as well as a spokesman for Kendall did not provide a statement on the proposal or the Guard association's position by publication time. In December, the new Space Force Personnel Management Act was passed as part of the annual defense policy bill, and it offered active-duty Guardians and Air Force reservists, not Air National Guardsmen, working on space-related missions the option to serve either full time or part time. Military.com reported last week that Gen. Chance Saltzman, the chief of space operations for the Space Force, told Guardians in a memo that he hopes to start transferring over full-time reservists as soon as this summer but noted the "sheer amount of work" still required for the part-time service model. Maj. Tanya Downsworth, a Department of the Air Force spokesperson, told Military.com on Wednesday that the Space Force Personnel Management Act does not cover the issue of Air National Guard space units. "The Space Force Personnel Management Act will allow us to integrate active-duty Guardians and Air Force reservists in space-related career fields; the Air National Guard is not included in the SFPMA," Downsworth said in an emailed statement Wednesday. The issue of what will be done with the Air National Guard space units was not addressed in that legislation. But within the 2024 defense authorization act, Congress asked the Pentagon to finish a report by Feb.1, 2025, that will "assess the feasibility and advisability of moving all units, personnel billets, equipment and resources performing core space functions" in the Air National Guard to the "operational control of the Space Force." Meanwhile, NGAUS officials have estimated that creating a Space National Guard would cost only $250,000, saying it would be as simple as replacing uniform tapes, unit flags and base signage. The White House Office of Management and Budget said in a 2021 statement that it opposed efforts to create a new Space National Guard component, estimating it would increase costs each year by up to $500 million. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., introduced the Space National Guard Establishment Act of 2024 in late January -- an effort he has pushed for the last two years. It currently has 13 bipartisan co-sponsors and NGAUS said it "picked up two co-sponsors within the last month." National Guard Association officials say the prospect of moving those state units into the Space Force would be costly and unpopular with the rank and file. In a poll of Air National Guardsmen performing the space mission in those seven states, many wished to stay put, McGinn told Military.com. "Guardsmen usually stay put," McGinn said. "So, they don't want to uproot. They don't want to leave; they don't want to leave their families. There's a reason they joined the Guard." Related: Space Force's Leader Warns of 'Sheer Amount of Work' Needed to Start New Part-Time Service Model 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... The Food and Drug Administration has approved a blood test to detect concussion that produces results in minutes rather than hours -- a breakthrough that could help expedite treatment for service members with traumatic brain injuries, according to the U.S. Army and Abbott Laboratories, the diagnostic's developer. The i-STAT mild traumatic brain injury cartridge is designed to detect the existence of biomarkers that signal brain damage within 12 hours of an injury to determine whether a patient requires a follow-on CT scan. Given that roughly 1,600 service members experience a head injury each month as the result of training, accidents or military operations, and more than 5 million Americans visit an emergency room each year for possible head injury, the rapid test could be a game changer in treatment and response, officials say. Read Next: New Cold-Assignment Incentive Pay Coming for Airmen and Guardians at 7 Bases "This can help get the most severely injured service members to neurosurgeons faster and ultimately save lives," Lt. Col. Bradley Dengler, neurosurgical consultant to the U.S. Army Office of the Surgeon General, said in a release. The test was developed by Abbott with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity, part of U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command. It measures the levels of two head injury biomarkers -- glial fibrillary acidic protein and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase -- in a blood sample, with results produced bedside within 15 minutes. The test previously was approved only for use with blood plasma or serum, with samples shipped to a lab and results available in about 24 hours. Dr. Geoffrey Manley, chief of neurosurgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, said that assessment for traumatic brain injury has been highly subjective for decades, with physicians making initial determinations based on a coma scale and using CT scans to detect brain damage. "Emergency departments can be a busy place. It's important to be able to triage patients quickly," Manley said in a release from Abbott. "With the help of this whole blood test, we can quickly and objectively determine whether or not a patient needs a CT scan or additional evaluation, right at the point of care. It's an incredibly helpful tool that advances the treatment of traumatic brain injury." The Department of Defense has worked with Abbott for more than a decade to develop portable blood tests to evaluate concussions. In 2019, it awarded the company $35.2 million to develop a test that would detect TBI biomarkers. The FDA formally cleared the test for marketing on March 27. Army officials said development of a test for early detection and evaluation of TBI has been a priority for two decades, and the service believes the test will not only help troops but improve case management in the field. "Given the large numbers of expected casualties with all severities of traumatic brain injury in future large-scale combat operations, this test can help maintain combat power far forward by helping to eliminate unnecessary evacuations," Dengler said. Abbott said the approval will allow its product to be used to test patients in health care settings beyond emergency rooms, such as advanced urgent care clinics. Officials also described it as an important step toward testing outside health care settings, "such as on the sidelines of sporting events," according to a release. Related: Risk of Brain Cancer Higher in Troops with Moderate to Severe Brain Injuries, Large Study Shows SEOUL, South Korea North Korea said Wednesday it had tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile powered with solid propellants, extending a run of weapons tests thats deepening a nuclear standoff with neighbors and the United States. With the supposed success of the demonstration, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared his country had acquired the ability to build solid-fuel, nuclear-capable missiles of all ranges as he pursues an arsenal that can credibly threaten rivals in Asia and the United States. But the South Korean military said the North is exaggerating the success of the test and its overall missile prowess. The report by North Korean state media came a day after the South Korean and Japanese militaries detected a missile launched from near the North's capital toward its eastern sea. State media said the test was supervised by Kim, who described the Hwasong-16B missile as a key piece of his nuclear deterrent he vowed to further build up to counter his enemies, a reference to the United States, South Korea and Japan. In recent years, North Korea has been developing more missiles with built-in solid propellants. Such weapons are easier to move and hide, and can be launched quicker than liquid-propellant missiles, which need to be fueled before launch and cannot stay fueled for long periods of time. North Korea tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time last year, adding to its arsenal of long-range weapons targeting the U.S. mainland. The country also has an extensive lineup of short-range and mid-range solid-fuel missiles that can be fired from land vehicles, ships and submarines and are potentially capable of hitting targets throughout South Korea and Japan. In recent months, the North demonstrated some of these missiles in drills it described as simulated nuclear strikes. Since 2021, it's also been testing hypersonic weapons designed to fly at more than five times the speed of sound. If perfected, such systems could potentially pose a challenge to regional missile defense systems because of their speed and maneuverability. However, its unclear whether these missiles are consistently flying at the speeds the North claims. North Korean official media KCNA claimed that during the Tuesday test, the missiles hypersonic glide warhead reached a peak altitude of 101 kilometers (62 miles) and flew about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) after separating from the launch rocket, and performed various maneuvers before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday maintained its assessment that the missile flew about 600 kilometers (372 miles) and accused North Korea of exaggerating the missiles flight performance, although acknowledging that the Norths technologies were improving. The previous day, Japan reported a similar flight distance, although its Defense Ministry reported a maximum height close to that claimed by the North. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it remains unclear whether the North has perfected the technologies to ensure that the warheads of its hypersonic solid-fuel missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles survive the harsh conditions of atmospheric re-entry. Hypersonic missiles are weapons systems that are still being developed by advanced nations (the United States, China and Russia etc.) and they require highly difficult technologies, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a text message to reporters. Its difficult to predict when they will be deployed operationally, but its expected to take a considerable amount of time. The North also tested a purported hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile in January, years after it flight-tested liquid-fuel IRBMs. Experts say such weapons if perfected is potentially capable of reaching remote U.S. targets in the Pacific. North Koreas development of hypersonic IRBMs targets Guam, which hosts U.S. military bases, and even Alaska, said Chang Young-keun, a missile expert at South Koreas Research Institute for National Strategy. Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the missile tested on Tuesday was likely different from the system tested in January, which state media didn't name but was likely the Hwasong-16A. North Korea in previous tests have unveiled two different types of hypersonic vehicles a conical one and a wedge-shaped one. State media images show that the January launch involved a conical warhead while the wedge-shaped design was used for Tuesdays launch. Tensions in the region have risen since 2022 as Kim used Russias invasion of Ukraine as a distraction to accelerate his testing of missiles and other weapons. The United States and South Korea have responded by expanding their combined training and trilateral drills involving Japan and sharpening their deterrence strategies built around strategic U.S. assets. Hours after the launch, Seouls Defense Ministry announced that South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted a combined aerial exercise above waters near South Koreas Jeju island that involved at least one nuclear-capable U.S. B-52 bomber. AP writer Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report. ANN ARBOR, MI Police are investigating links between three incidents in a week of a man pulling a knife on someone in public locations in Ann Arbor. A woman, 25, was slashed across the chest around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, while on an Ann Arbor Transportation Authority bus near the 2200 block of Fuller Road, police said. CHARLOTTE, MI -- A jury took only two hours Monday to convict 63-year-old Beverly McCallum of second-degree murder in connection with the 2002 death of her husband, Roberto Caraballo. According to the Associated Press, McCallum was arrested in Italy in 2020 before being extradited to Michigan two years later. Prosecutors say Caraballo, 37, was beaten and suffocated in the basement of his Charlotte home in 2002, before his burned remains were discarded in a metal locker near a blueberry field in Ottawa County. The remains were found as part of the investigation, but were not identified until 2015. McCallums attorney, Timothy Havis, argued that his client was not involved in the murder, but was lured into going along for the ride in getting rid of Caraballos remains. However, Christopher McMillan, who was convicted in 2020 of second-degree murder for killing Caraballo says differently. McMillian testified that McCallum and her daughter Dineane Ducharme attacked Caraballo. Ducharme, 43, was convicted in 2021 of first-degree murder for Caraballos death and is serving a life sentence. ANN ARBOR, MI - The time and format of Ann Arbor Public Schools community input meetings to discuss how to cut $25 million from its 2024-25 budget is changing to accommodate those who want to watch the historic solar eclipse. The three in-person sessions scheduled throughout the day on April 8 have shifted into a single virtual town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 15. ANN ARBOR, MI - President Santa Ono has heard four types of criticism on a drafted policy on disruptive protests at the University of Michigan, he relayed in a Tuesday night email to the campus community. The concerns include how much can the university regulate protests, how to ensure safety at protests, how can free speech be expressed equitably across beliefs and how much time can the community provide feedback. After some found the policy chilling and an attack on free speech, Ono emailed the university community on April 2 to communicate that leaders will not rush to implement the embattled, drafted policy change. We are listening, Ono wrote in the email. As a university committed to free speech and diversity of perspective, we welcome dissent and the expression of the broadest array of ideaseven those perspectives that could be unpopular, upsetting, or critical of the university. Read more: Chilling proposal threatens free speech at University of Michigan, students say The drafted policy, found here, addresses disruptive activity that either impairs the universitys ability to engage in university operations or prevents others from participating in them. Violations could lead to dismissal of students or termination of employees, pending university appeal processes to disciplinary decisions. The policy came days after Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the March 24 Honors Convocation congratulating high-performing students. The protesters yelled chants such as: You are funding genocide. Ono called the disruption unacceptable in a Tuesday, March 26 message to the Ann Arbor campus. He reiterated the message in his April 2 email. No one is entitled to disrupt the lawful activities or speech of others, he wrote. Because the university is a public institution, not only are we prohibited from interfering with lawful speech, we are required to intervene when we become aware that others are interfering with or disrupting lawful speech on our campus. There is a survey that seeks input on the drafted policy change, which is open to students, faculty and staff until 11:59 p.m., April 3. It can be accessed here. Please know this will not be your last opportunity to participate, Ono wrote. We will be engaging with key stakeholders and subject matter experts in the coming weeks and months. Read more: Free speech or disruption? University of Michigan drafts protest policy Some students, including those from the pro-Palestinian Tahrir Coalition, said the policy stifles free speech. Faculty is more split on the issue, said Faculty Senate Chair Tom Braun, adding he thinks the March 24 disruption was not peaceful nor respectful. However, Braun and other members of the Faculty Senate expressed concerns about there was no effort from Ono or university leaders to consider their input on the policy before releasing it to the community last week. Meanwhile, the American Association of University Professors union at the Ann Arbor university found the drafted policy deeply problematic on multiple fronts, according to a statement sent to MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Concerns from the union included the university needing to define certain terms more clearly, such as disruption and University Operations. The union also expressed concern that a single hearing officer would be able to expel a student, rather than a committee of students, faculty and administrators. The administration could weaponize this policy against any form of speech that challenges the administration, the union states. Ono wrote that feedback like this is valued and that the university will not rush to ratify the drafted policy. We will ensure all voices have an opportunity to be heard; and we will carefully review all the comments we receive, he wrote. Our goal is to make policies clearer, ensure key terms are well defined, incorporate pathways for restorative action, and support respectful discussion of divergent viewpoints. If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. FLINT, MI An Alabama man accused of sexually assaulting an underage girl and getting her pregnant has pleaded guilty to 31 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to prosecutors. Tyrone Anthony Jones, a 53-year-old resident of Scottsboro, Alabama, and former Flint resident, sexually assaulted the victim dozens of times while she was living in Flint with Jones and his wife between 2002 and 2003, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said in a Tuesday, April 2, news release. OAKLAND COUNTY, MI Months prior to being arrested in connection with the shooting death of his father, Timothy John Kildee -- the nephew of U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee -- was charged in Oakland County with the physical and sexual assaults of two hospital employees. Timothy John Kildee, who is accused of killing Timothy Edward Kildee in the early-morning hours of March 19 in Vienna Township, is charged with 16 counts including felony murder in Genesee County District Court. The homicide came less than two months after the defendant was charged with misdemeanor assault or assault and battery and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from a Jan. 25 incident, when he allegedly attacked two hospital staff members while ostensibly trying to escape custody at an Oakland County hospital. I asked (one hospital staff member and witness of the incidents) if she was in fear of her life during this incident to which she stated she was just trying not to die, one officer wrote in a Oakland County Sheriffs Office police report obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal via the Freedom Of Information Act. Something bad is going to happen Timothy John Kildee was taken to McLaren Oakland Hospital after being spotted driving recklessly and crashing into several vehicles in Oakland County, according to police. Deputies assigned to the countys downtown Pontiac patrol were called to McLaren on Jan. 25 after security reported one guard being attacked by a patient, according to Oakland County police reports. The victim told deputies he was assaulted by Timothy John Kildee and that he wanted to press charges. Deputies wrote in their report that the victim said he was trying to secure Kildee in four-point restraints when the assault occurred. Kildee was being transferred from his emergency room bed to another room and was told nurses would need him in restraints. While trying to secure Kildee, the victim told investigators, he saw Kildee leap forward and grab his wrist. The suspect then was able to get out of bed and put his hands around the victims shirt collar. When more hospital staff entered the room, Kildee apparently stopped. Deputies wrote that they interviewed Kildee, but his story changed with each interview. Related: Homicide of Michigan congressmans brother: What police say happened at 3 crime scenes The following day, deputies were once again called back to the hospital after Kildee had reportedly sexually assaulted a female staff member. The victim told deputies she was on the phone when she saw Kildee in the hallway, running after escaping his room. Hospital staff were trying to de-escalate the situation, the police report reads, and Kildee eventually calmed down. But before returning to his room, he ran. Kildee was followed down the stairs by two nurses, according to the police report. Kildee grabbed one of the nurses hands, squeezing it to the point where they became discolored hours after the incident. Kildee then let go of the womans hand and began running around the fourth-floor cafeteria, according to the report. Eventually, Kildee made his way to the second floor and began fighting a group of security guards and nurses, according to the report. As one nurse got Kildee to apparently trust her again, she walked him back to his room. As Kildee got closer to his room, the report reads, he began resisting and had to be dragged back into the hospital room. During this time, he allegedly groped the woman. (The victim) just kept thinking to herself, Oh my gosh, something bad is going to happen, officers wrote in their report after interviewing the woman. When Kildee let go of the woman, he allegedly grabbed her tightly around the waist before being secured in a hospital bed. Nurses told deputies they were unsure why Kildee was unsecured and allowed to escape his room, the report reads. One nurses statement to police indicated Kildee had been getting more and more worked up during his stay at the hospital. He was eventually transferred to a different hospital. Also: Congressman Dan Kildees nephew arraigned in fathers killing While charged, Kildee has yet to be arraigned in the Oakland County incidents. The Oakland County Prosecutors Office didnt return a message seeking comment for this story. Kildees Genesee County homicide case remains pending at the district court level. His court-ordered attorney, David Campbell, declined comment on Tuesday, April 2. The homicide was prefaced by a domestic incident in Burton, according to Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. In that incident, police said, Kildee allegedly tried kicking in the door of his sisters home and threatened to shoot her dog. Kildee was being driven to his fathers home by his mother when he exited the vehicle, causing the parents to search for him. Eventually, police said, the defendant was found and went to his fathers home. A witness said they heard an argument followed by a single gunshot. Seven minutes away, driving at a high rate of speed in the victims stolen vehicle, Kildee crashed into a pickup truck. The two occupants of the vehicle sustained minor injuries. Kildee was seriously injured and had to undergo surgery, delaying his arraignment. Timothy Edward Kildee was a 1982 Flint Southwestern High School graduate and lived in the Mt. Morris area for the past 36 years, according to his obituary. Kildee had worked as a journeyman millwright and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, collecting guns and being outdoors. Police are still investigating the potential motive behind the fatal shooting. A probable cause conference is scheduled before District Judge G. David Guinn on Thursday, April 4. Timothy John Kildee remains in the custody of the sheriffs office at a local hospital. JACKSON COUNTY, MI Very soon, partial darkness will occur in the sky as the moon passes between the sun and Earth. A solar eclipse is happening Monday, April 8. Because most of Michigan lies outside the eclipses path of totality, people can experience a partial eclipse for a few minutes around 3 p.m. that day. Related: Solar eclipse viewing: Where historically is your best chance for clear skies to see the eclipse In Jackson, the eclipse is expected to begin around 1:56 p.m., with maximum coverage occurring around 3:12 p.m. and conclusion at 4:25 p.m. This will be the last total solar eclipse to be visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044. Related: The best Michigan state parks for watching Aprils total solar eclipse To celebrate this historic event, places in and around Jackson County are hosting viewing parties. Heres where they are. Jackson College Jackson College is hosting a viewing event at 1:45 p.m. Monday April 8, at the colleges Astronomical Observatory on its main campus at 2111 Emmons Road. Eclipse glasses and a solar telescope are available to safely view the eclipse, according to Jackson Colleges website. Prior to this, the college will also host a presentation about the solar eclipse at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in James McDivitt Hall, Room 216, also located on the main campus. Guests can learn all about the celestial event and get a sneak peek into the colleges new Astronomical Observatory, according to Jackson Colleges Facebook page. Sandhill Crane Vineyards Enjoy drinks while watching this rare event during viewing party from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, April 8, at Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Road. Customers will receive a free pair of glasses with the purchase of a glass of wine, while supplies last, according to the restaurants Facebook page. While the cafe will be closed, cheese plates and snacks will be available. More information can be found on Sandhill Crane Vineyards website. Albion Malleable Brewing Co. Albion Malleable Brewing Co. is hosting an Eclipse Patio Watch Party at 2 p.m. Monday, April 8, at 420 S. Superior St. The event will help the brewery kick off its patio season, which begins the weekend of Saturday, April 6, according a Facebook post. The first 50 customers, with a purchase, will receive free viewing glasses, officials said. More information can be found on the Albion Malleable Brewing Co. website. Albion College Albion College is hosting a viewing party for the eclipse starting at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, on the campus Quadrangle, 611 E. Porter St., according to the colleges website. Free solar eclipse glasses and pinhole projector rentals will be offered. After the eclipse, the college will collect the glasses and donate them to Astronomers Without Borders, officials said. Albions Palenske Observatory and telescope inside the Albion College Science Complex will also be open to the public during this time, officials said. This event will not take place if clouds block the view of the sun, though. Parking is available on the street or in a parking lot on the corner of Cass and Oswego streets. More information can be found on the Physics Department Observation page, officials said. Leila Arboretum Those who dont mind driving a little outside the county can visit Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek for its solar eclipse viewing event from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 8, in the arboretums Fantasy Forest, 175 Limit St. The free event will allow participants a chance to explore the relationship between the Earth, moon and sun through hands-on art and science activities, according to the events Facebook page. More information about Leila Arboretum can be found on its website. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. CALHOUN COUNTY, MI -- Testing of an animal shot and killed in Calhoun County reveals it was a gray wolf, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A Michigan hunter reported that he harvested a large animal in Calhoun County in January during a legal coyote hunt, according to the DNR, and genetic tests by the agency revealed the animal was a gray wolf. Michigans known wolf population is located in the Upper Peninsula, the DNR said in a Wednesday, April 3, news release. The department has found only a few signs of wolf presence in Michigans Lower Peninsula since Michigans wolf population became reestablished in the 1980s, the agency said in a news release. A hunter, who was engaged in legal coyote hunting and accompanied by a guide, told DNR officials he encountered what was initially believed to be a large coyote, the agency said. The hunter harvested the wolf, which weighed 84 pounds, the DNR said. Eastern coyotes typically weigh between 25 pounds and 40 pounds. Genetic tests on the animal confirmed it was a gray wolf, a species the DNR estimates was not sighted in that part of Michigan since the early part of the 20th century. Though once present throughout Michigan, wolves are now confined almost exclusively to the Upper Peninsula, the DNR said. The DNR is investigating the presence of the wolf in Calhoun County. The department does not suspect the animal was part of an established population in southern Michigan, the DNR said. The public does not need to be concerned about broader wolf presence in the county or the Lower Peninsula, the DNR said in a news release. Michigans Upper Peninsula is home to more than 600 gray wolves spread across 136 organized packs, according to data reported in 2023. Data collected on collared wolves in Michigan have shown the animals can travel thousands of miles, officials said, in some cases far beyond their known range. This is an unusual case, and the DNR is actively delving into the matter to learn more about this particular animals origin, said Brian Roell, large carnivore specialist for the DNR. While rare, instances of wolves traversing vast distances have been documented, including signs of wolves in recent decades in Michigans Lower Peninsula, Roell said. A taxidermy gray wolf at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge temporary visitor center in Michigans Upper Peninsula, May 17, 2022. (Garret Ellison | MLive) The DNR highlighted several previous instances of wolf presence in the northern Lower Peninsula: In October 2004, a wolf originally collared in the eastern Upper Peninsula was captured and killed by a coyote trapper in Presque Isle County. During winter track surveys in 2011 and 2015, track evidence consistent with wolflike animals was observed in Cheboygan and Emmet counties. In 2014, biologists from the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians captured a wolf on a trail camera during an eagle survey. DNA analysis of scat collected at the site confirmed the animal as a wolf. Winter track surveys in the northern Lower Peninsula in 2019 yielded no evidence of wolves in this part of Michigan, the DNR said. The department is planning another targeted track survey in 2025 with help from residents. Wolves in Michigan are currently an endangered species by federal court order. Wolves can be killed only if they are a direct and immediate threat to human life, the DNR said. Livestock owners affected by wolf depredation can receive compensation for their losses. Related: 4 U.P. wolves taken to Michigans Isle Royale, 1 found dead days later Hunting wolves while they are on the endangered species list is prohibited, the DNR said. Due to the ongoing investigation, the DNR at this time is not sharing photos of the specific wolf found in Calhoun County. The DNR did not respond to a question Wednesday inquiring whether the hunter would face any punishment. A gray wolf is seen in a photo included on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website.Gary Kramer, USFWS For more information on Michigans wolf population, visit Michigan.gov/Wolves . Read more: Donkeys guard livestock in battle with gray wolves Collared wolf from Michigans U.P. roamed thousands of miles before it was killed Hunting still an option in Michigans updated gray wolf plan if species de-listed again Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - Are you looking for something filling to get you through the work or school day? The Muskegon area has got you covered. Whether youre eager for a filling burrito wrapped in a fresh tortilla or served deconstructed in a bowl with all the fixings, MLive/Muskegon Chronicle has got you covered with five great places to curb those hearty cravings. Note: We know this list is not exhaustive, and there are plenty of other delicious burritos in the area. You can let us know what other great local spots were missing by emailing sjewell-hammie@mlive.com. 1. Los Amigos Tequila Bar & Grill Los Amigos Tequila Bar & Grill at 1848 E. Sherman Blvd. Suite M. specializes in homemade Mexican dishes bursting with flavor. On each visit, were happy to Welcome you into our home, and our passion ensures you have a great experience every time: extraordinary flavor, impeccable service and memorable experiences at an everyday value, as stated on the businesss website. The most popular burrito order is the Burrito Gigante for $16.62. It comes with an extra-large burrito with rice, beans and a choice of shredded chicken or ground beef covered with cheese sauce, lettuce, pico de Gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese. Customers can upgrade to steak, pork or grilled chicken for $1.99 extra. See the full menu and order online here. 2. El Tapatio Restaurant El Tapatio at 677 W. Laketon Ave. is known for offering some of the best authentic Mexican food in Muskegon, according to their website. When it comes to burritos, El Tapatio has plenty of options to choose from. A popular order is the Two Flling Burritos dish for $6.50. It comes with refried brands, chicken, ground beef, and cheese. If thats not enough there is the Burrito Alambre for $17, which consists of a large tortilla filled with refried beans, rice and a mix of marinated chicken, shrimp, steak, and chorizo cooked with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cheese. View the full menu here. 3. El Burrito Loco El Burrito Loco at 5916 Harvey St. B is known for offering authentic Mexican dishes to the Muskegon community for over a decade. The long-running restaurant specializes in comfort foods like the classic wet burrito, tacos, fajitas, and quesadillas. A top favorite on the menu is the Mucho Grande for $13.99. It consists of a 12oz flour tortilla rolled with lettuce, tomatoes, rice, cheese, ranchero sauce and a choice of chicken, steak, pork, or chorizo. If thats too much for you, there is the staple La Superior for $11.99, which comes with two beef burritos and an order of rice and beans. See the full menu here. 4. Kaylas Tacos Offering savory tacos, burritos, tamales, and authentic Mexican drinks, Kaylas Tacos is a popular spot to visit in Muskegon. The eatery started as a food truck in 2017 but has since been transformed into a business front at 1084 S. Getty St. for about three years. Although the name might not say it, Kaylas Tacos offers savory burritos for just $8.25 each. Customers can choose from steak, ground beef, chicken or marinated pork. Toppings include rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese. Call the restaurant at (231) 563-6655 to place an order for pickup. 5. Lefty & Romos Bar & Grill With a classic bar setting, Lefty and Romos Bar and Grill specializes in fresh ingredients from local businesses, captivating regulars with its variety of food and drink options since opening in 2009. Located at 1985 Holton Rd in Muskegon, the spot is known for hearty classics like homemade beef stew, hot beef sandwiches and hareback steak coined as the Ugly Steak. But what seems to keep regulars coming back is the wet burrito for $12.99 for a half and $15.99 for a full order. Customers can choose from beef, chicken, or black beans and rice. The burrito is stuffed with refried brands, cheese and a choice of meat topped with homemade sauce, more cheese, lettuce, tomato, black olives, and scallions. Tortilla chips are served on the side. See the full menu here. Want more Muskegon area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. Read more: Light a campfire and a joint: Muskegon dispensary opens cannabis campsite Distinguished Tree Cities of the World designation bestowed on Grand Haven We cant be targets or tokens. Black GVSU students demand better support at town hall Downtown Grand Rapids wine bar and restaurant to close, rebrand with new concept BRIDGEPORT TWP, MI Prosecutors have ruled police were justified when they killed a fugitive in a Bridgeport Township gunfight that left one of their own wounded. The injured Michigan State Police trooper, meanwhile, continues to heal at home. This office has reviewed the witness statements, video, and audio recordings of the incident, as well as other available evidence, stated Saginaw County prosecutors on Tuesday, April 2. We conclude that the use of deadly force in these circumstances was justified. Deon W. Watson, 51, had been wanted on two felony warrants out of Wayne and Saginaw counties when law enforcement were tipped off to his whereabouts at Millers Motel, 4853 Dixie Highway, on Dec. 13. All 14 charges between the two warrants involved guns, including several from a Nov. 9 incident in which Watson allegedly twice shot a man at his Saginaw home. An acquaintance of Watson told police he had said he would not go back to jail, displayed a firearm, and threatened to shoot any officers who tried to arrest him, Saginaw County prosecutors said. The afternoon of Dec. 13, the U.S. Marshal Service Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team and the MSP Third District Fugitive Team were surveilling the motel when they saw Watson enter Magic Party Store, 4806 Dixie Highway. They planned to arrest him upon his exit. Deon W. WatsonCole Waterman Watson emerged at 3:27 p.m. Troopers announced themselves and told him to show his hands, only for Watson to briefly crouch, then run south with his right hand in his pocket, prosecutors said. Watson tossed several items from his pockets as troopers and marshals ran after him. Watson eventually turned west and jumped a fence into a vacant lot. He then drew a semiautomatic pistol and opened fire on pursuing officers, prosecutors said. Several officers returned fire, striking Watson who collapsed with mortal wounds. Trooper Brent Haag then indicated he had been shot. He was taken to Ascension St. Marys Hospital in Saginaw and underwent emergency surgery for two bullet wounds. Officials pronounced Watson deceased at the scene. Investigators recovered the pistol and additional ammunition cartridges. On backtracking his path, police also found a .380 revolver he had apparently discarded in his flight. A later analysis of Watsons cellphone revealed dozens of photos of guns matching those seized at the scene. Haag has not returned to duty but is expected to in the following months, according to MSP Lt. Eric Wilber. Haag is a Saginaw County native and graduated from the 127th Trooper Recruit School in 2014. Thereafter, he was assigned to the Mount Pleasant Post. In this capacity, he received the Corporal Samuel A. Mapes Criminal Patrol and Investigation Award in January 2017. At the time, the MSP stated he and fellow troopers received the distinction for looking past the traffic stop to excel in proactive criminal patrol and criminal investigations closed by felony arrests. Watson in April 2023 was arraigned in Wayne County District Court on five felony charges two counts of felony firearm and single counts of felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and carrying a concealed weapon. Watsons bond was set at $500, which a relative posted on his behalf. Watson failed to appear for a May 8 court hearing, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest. On June 12, Watsons bond was forfeited. Watson moved north to Saginaw, where around 12:50 p.m. on Nov. 9 he allegedly shot a 69-year-old man in the 2200 block of Glenwood Avenue. Watson confronted the older man at his home, provoked an argument, and pulled a pistol. He shot the man in his hand and hip, then quickly fled in a Chevrolet Impala, police said. This shooting prompted Saginaw County prosecutors on Nov. 15 to charge Watson with assault with intent to do great bodily harm, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and four counts of felony firearm. Since 1995, Watson had been convicted of seven offenses in Saginaw County. As such he was prohibited from legally possessing firearms. BAY CITY, MI In December, a woman crashed her vehicle on an Iosco County road. Her friend who gave her the vehicle arrived at the scene and began questioning police, their interaction quickly becoming tense and argumentative. Within a few minutes, police took the man to the ground, shocked him with a Taser, and put him in two sets of handcuffs. Requiring surgery for injuries he sustained, the man has now filed a federal lawsuit against two Michigan State Police troopers who arrested him. This is just a good Samaritan trying to help out who had his constitutional rights violated by these police officers, said attorney Jonathan R. Marko. Its mindboggling these officers who supposed to serve and protect instead used this as an opportunity to abuse and neglect. Robert C. Bigger is arrested by Michigan State Police troopers at the scene of a Dec. 4, 2023, crash in Iosco County.Cole Waterman Attorney Michael L. Jones of Markos firm on April 2 filed the suit on behalf of Robert C. Bigger, 47, in U.S. District Court, naming MSP Troopers Kyle Grubbs and Justin R. Henderson. The suit alleges the troopers used excessive force against Bigger, violating his Fourth and 14th Amendments. About 5:10 p.m. on Dec. 4, troopers responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash on Vaughn Road near Hale in Plainfield Township. The woman driver was uninjured and troopers issued her a citation. Bigger and his wife look out for the woman, who struggles financially and cares her two adult children, according to the lawsuit. They had given her the car she crashed, and she called Biggers wife immediately after the collision, the suit states. Bigger, wearing camouflage vest with hunters orange, arrived on scene and began talking to troopers through the drivers side window of their patrol vehicle. According to troopers reports, they initially suspected he was a volunteer firefighter. The arrest Troopers body-worn cameras captured footage of the interaction. Sir, can you go back to your car? a trooper asks Bigger as he leans in the open window. This is America. Ill be where I wanna be, Bigger replies. The troopers step from their vehicle to speak with Bigger, who says vehicles regularly spin out and have crashes on that strip of road, even while going the speed limit. He repeatedly asks the troopers why they wrote the woman a citation. They reply because the woman caused a crash. As Bigger asks for more answers, the troopers ask him why hes so angry, what concern the crash is of his, and what his connection is the woman driver. They also repeatedly tell him to walk away from the crash scene. Bigger walks a few feet from the road and states This is the Huron National Forest and that he had given the woman the vehicle she crashed. He says he wants answers and not to be buffaloed. The troopers and Bigger continue arguing, their voices overlapping. Grubbs and Henderson repeatedly tell Bigger to return to his vehicle or hell be arrested for obstruction. Obstructing is a physical act, Bigger replies. Bigger starts walking after his wife toward a vehicle. You better get him back to his car cause if he continues Grubbs tells Biggers wife. She better not do nothing, first of all, Bigger says, turning toward him. OK, you know what, youre under arrest, Grubbs says, grabbing Bigger. Grubbs and Henderson grapple with Bigger and take him to the snowy ground. They tell him to put his hands behind his back as he shouts that hes not fighting or resisting. Please dont tase him! Hes not doing anything! Biggers wife shouts. He has bad shoulders, guys! Troopers stun Bigger with a Taser and, once hes on the ground, handcuff him with two sets of cuffs. Troopers lift Bigger to his feet and lead him to a patrol vehicle. One of the troopers asks his colleagues if they all had their body cameras on during the incident. They reply they had. A trooper then asks Bigger if he had been drinking alcohol that day. Negative, Bigger says. I dont answer questions. Talking, this is what talking gets you in America. Bigger stands outside the patrol vehicles for a few minutes before troopers load him in. Incident was entirely avoidable In their reports, troopers wrote they asked Bigger about 13 times to return to his vehicle. They wrote Bigger engaged in active resistance as they arrested him on charges of obstruction and obscene conduct by a disorderly person. Bigger ended up pleading guilty to disturbing the peace in Iosco County District Court, for which he was ordered to pay $400. He received credit for two days served in jail. They use these charges as a one-size-fits-all, Marko said. Its a misdemeanor version of impeding traffic. Bigger now needs surgery to address tears in his shoulders rotator cuffs, Marko said. This guy is the neighbor any of us would want to have, Marko said. This whole incident was entirely avoidable by the police officers just using a modicum of professionalism and patience and courtesy. The suit doesnt specify a dollar amount Bigger is seeking, but does state he is looking for compensatory and punitive damages and reasonable attorneys fees. First and foremost, my client hopes to make a change so this doesnt happen to any other innocent people, Marko said. He hopes through this lawsuit that those who violated his constitutional rights will be held accountable, and that this will deter and prevent these types of things from happening to other people. A storm system covering the western half of the Great Lakes region has a raging snowstorm on the west side of it. This system will gradually lose its winter strength after it dumps more heavy snow on the U.P. Heres a look at the various parts of this storm and how it will affect each corner of Michigan. The severe winter weather with this storm is confined to the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. An area around Marquette is under a blizzard warning through today into this evening. Most of the rest of the U.P. has a winter storm warning. The eastern U.P. weather advisories give you a good feel for where the winter weather ends. Current winter weather warnings as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024NOAA Northern Lower Michigan is warm enough for any snow not to create a travel problem. The National Weather Service is advising no travel in the blizzard warning area. Winds are gusting to 45 mph today with heavy snow. Wind gusts will drop below blizzard level criteria by Thursday morning. One U.P. county near the Wisconsin border issued this travel warning last night as the winds ramped up: Menominee County 911 is reporting extreme weather and road conditions. Please stay off the roadways. Don not travel unless absolutely necessary. There are several trees down and vehicles are becoming stuck in the roadway or going into the ditch. Road conditions are extremely dangerous. If you lose power or have a non life threatening emergency with power outages, please contact your power company direct. Stay inside and stay safe. .NOAA Heres a good look at the progression of the precipitation from today through Friday morning. The storm center will move east across Lower Michigan and eventually drag somewhat colder air in from the north. We can expect to see occasional snow showers anywhere in Lower Michigan tonight, Thursday, Thursday night and even early Friday morning. Radar forecast from 9 a.m. today to 8 a.m. Friday.NOAA Additional snowfall will be very heavy across the U.P. Lower Michigan could have brief spots that get an inch of snow. Temperatures will be above freezing during the daylight hours each day so snow wont stay on the ground in Lower Michigan. Total additional snowfall forecasted from Wednesday morning, April 3 through Friday morning, April 5.NOAA If you want to drive across the Upper Peninsula, wait until at earliest the middle of the day Thursday. Friday would even be better as roads should be clear by then. Driving around the southern end of Lake Michigan will eventually lead you into a snowy mess also in northern Illinois and most of Wisconsin. Driving there Thursday will be much safer. China is ready to work with African countries to promote digital cooperation and achieve win-win and pragmatic results in the sector, officials and representatives from both sides said on Tuesday. They made the remarks at the China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum held in the coastal city of Xiamen, Fujian province. The two-day event, from Tuesday to Wednesday, is being attended by around 400 representatives from China and 20 African countries. It is hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Fujian provincial government. Zhuang Rongwen, the head of the Cyberspace Administration of China, said China and African countries have deepened cooperation in the digital economy, digital technology, cyberspace security and online media, which has injected new impetus into building a community with a shared future for China and Africa. China is willing to promote upgraded digital cooperation with African countries on the basis of equal communication, mutual development and win-win results, and write a new chapter in the sector, he said. Zhuang suggested the two sides should stick to mutually beneficial cooperation and share the development opportunity brought by the information revolution. They should also help each other safeguard the safety and security of the online space, adhere to openness and inclusiveness to promote mutual learning in online civilization, and conform to justice and reason to improve the global internet governance system, he said. Zhou Zuyi, Party secretary of Fujian province, said Fujian is the birthplace for the notion of building a digital China. The province has close interaction with Africa and cooperation between the two sides has deepened in recent years, he said. Fujian will expand its cooperation with Africa in the internet sector, promote the building of information infrastructure and the digital economy, and increase the level of digital public services. It will also work with African countries to safeguard online security, share development opportunities and achieve win-win results in the digital era, to make greater contributions to the development of Sino-Africa relations, he added. Representatives from Africa said China is a strategic partner in the digital sector. They hope the two sides will advance mutually beneficial cooperation, promote digital infrastructure in Africa, facilitate the development of digital entrepreneurship, innovation and commerce, strengthen international digital cooperation and promote the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future in cyberspace. Apart from the main forum, there are four sub-forums focusing on sharing development opportunities in the digital economy, expanding online media cooperation between China and Africa, strengthening online security, and the development and governance of artificial intelligence. The sub-forum on expanding China-Africa online media cooperation is hosted by the China Daily website, which aims to tell the stories of friendship between the two sides through online media platforms, offer new solutions for cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Election wrap: Boxer Vijender Singh ditches Congress for BJP, Rahul files nomination papers and more India Elections 2024 Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, virtually addressing BJP workers in West Bengal, highlighted that the key challenge during elections in the state is the prevalence of violence. He urged party members to conduct door-to-door visits to instill confidence in people to vote without fear. PM Modi expressed confidence in the BJP's potential to augment its presence in West Bengal and noted the Election Commission's efforts in ensuring the security and well-being of citizens during the Lok Sabha elections. Early today, National Conference President and incumbent MP from Srinagar, Farooq Abdullah, will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due to health reasons, as stated by the party today, reported PTI. His son and NC vice president, Omar Abdullah, announced this during a party event in the Rawalpora area of the city. On the other hand, Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has opted to go alone in the Lok Sabha constituencies in Kashmir, hitting another jolt to the INDIA Bloc. Mufti declared that her party will contest for the three seats in the Kashmir Valley and will soon decide its stance on the two parliamentary seats in Jammu. Meanwhile, in Wayanad, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi held a rally after filing his nomination for the Lok Sabha Elections early today. Beginning April 19, there will be seven stages to the 18th Lok Sabha Elections for 543 Lok Sabha seats. The counting will take place on June 4. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why Wayanad will be a tightrope walk, and not a cakewalk, for Rahul this time You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Blackstone open to sale of controlling stake in PGP Glass OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Byju's vs investors: NCLT members differ on interim order, refer case to president OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Govt waives duty on export of 1,000 tonnes of kalanamak rice Rachita Prasad heads Moneycontrols coverage of conventional and new energy, and infrastructure sectors. Rachita is passionate about energy transition and the global efforts against climate change, with special focus on India. Before joining Moneycontrol, she was an Assistant Editor at The Economic Times, where she wrote for the paper for over a decade and was a host on their podcast. Contact: rachita.prasad@nw18.com OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Bharti Hexacom raises Rs 1,924 crore from anchor investors before IPO opens on April 3 Follow us on: Bourses ask brokers to ensure compliance with RBI directive on currency derivatives' trading Follow us on: Sensex slips for second straight day; analysts see Nifty at 23,400 in coming weeks Follow us on: MOIL jumps 5% on recording best ever production in a fiscal since inception Ashwin Mohan is Editor (Deals) at Moneycontrol and leads the M&A, private equity and equity capital market transactions coverage. He anchors the video show 'Deal Central ' and tweets at @ashwinmohansays. He has previously worked with ET NOW, CNBC TV-18 and The Times of India. Follow us on: Vodafone Idea could launch FPO in 1-2 weeks, talking to investors for fund raise: Report Your Money The KYC Mutual Fund mess, and how to come out of it The run-up to March 31, 2024 was fraught with confusion for many mutual fund (MF) investors. The reason those who did not meet certain conditions were being asked to re-do the KYC (know your customer) for their MF investments or be blocked from all transactions from April 1, 2024. Read more Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All UltraTech Cement trades 2% higher on Rs 32,000-cr capex, plants going on stream Follow us on: Attempt to insult and disable me before polls, Kejriwal tells HC on ED arrest OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Fees for Canada's permanent residency programmes set to rise from April 30: Report Sohil Sehran is a journalist with 10 years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital media. He covers politics and national affairs at Moneycontrol. He tweets @SohilSehran In today's edition of Pro Panorama: Life beyond TCS Q2, outlook for Indian stocks, what tied up RBI's hand and much more The Nifty Metals index has been making new highs and metals bulls are pinning their hopes on a Chinese revival, with its stimulus measures having an impact. These hopes have been fanned by the countrys Purchasing Managers index. The Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI for March came in at 51.1, its highest level since February last year. As if on cue, the Bloomberg Industrial Metals index has started to move up -- with China being the industrial USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Javier Blas is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. He previously was commodities editor at the Financial Times and is the coauthor of "The World for Sale: Money, Power, and the Traders Who Barter the Earths Resources." Marc Champion writes editorials on international affairs. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Manufacturing pickup is good news for the world economy Follow us on: AAP leaders to go on fast against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest Follow us on: BJP leader Sushil Modi battling cancer for past 6 months, says he won't be part of Lok Sabha election Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Meghna Mittal MEGHNA MITTAL is Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Parliamentary election 2024: What's the vote-from-home facility? Know eligibility and procedure Follow us on: Not a time to celebrate but struggle, says AAP's Sanjay Singh Out of the over 2,740 GCCs present in India till 2023, a little over 215, or about 8 percent, have been established in Tier II cities Despite a push to buy into the idea for Tier II cities, companies continue to favour Tier I cities for establishing their very first Global Capability Center (GCCs). This trend persists due to the robust information technology ecosystem and an established infrastructure offered by Tier I cities, experts said. Out of the over 2,740 GCC units present in India till 2023, a little over 215, or about 8 percent, have been established in Tier II cities, according to Follow us on: Amazons 'Just Walk Out' tech was actually powered by low-paid Indian workers: report Best cities to find a job in the US Unacademy's Gaurav Munjal says Bengaluru is better than Mumbai, Delhi for startups: 'Odds of your success...' Follow us on: 9 pirates caught off Somalia coast by Navy brought to India; placed under arrest by Mumbai police Follow us on: Joe Biden and Donald Trump win presidential primaries in four more states Joe Biden criticises Israel for death of 7 aid workers in Gaza strike, says not enough done to protect civilians Follow us on: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping clash but seek to manage tensions as US officials head to China OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All North Korea says it test-fired new solid-fuel hypersonic missile OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All OPEC+ unlikely to change output policy at panel meeting China's mega-market to bring enormous opportunities to world: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 08:08, April 03, 2024 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The good start of China's economy this year is a bright spot for the global economy. China is opening wider and wider to the world, and China's mega-market will bring enormous opportunities to the world, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. The latest increase in China's manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) and non-manufacturing PMI attracted wide attention from international media. They see these figures as evidence that China's economy has found new drivers for growth. In response to a related query, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily news briefing that China's manufacturing PMI, non-manufacturing PMI and composite PMI numbers for March have received wide international attention. The simultaneous rise of the three major indexes and the fact that they are all in the expansion zone are evidence that China's economy continues to enjoy a good momentum, its internal driving force is strengthening, public expectations are improving, and China's high-quality development is making solid progress. In addition to PMI numbers, China's imports and exports, power generation, passenger and cargo volume, consumption during the Spring Festival all showed positive signs of economic rebound, which have heightened the world's expectation for the Chinese economy in 2024, he added. "The good start of China's economy this year is a bright spot for the global economy," Wang said, adding that over 100 multinational business executives have recently gathered in China. The China Development Forum 2024 and the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 both had a full house of guests. Many of the business leaders present expressed full confidence in the resilience and outlook of China's economy. They believe the Chinese market remains irreplaceable for multinationals and said they will continue to invest in China. Noting that China's development is open to the world, Wang said various Chinese departments have recently unveiled key steps to expand high-standard opening up, covering cross-border trade in services, cross-border data flows and opening up in the financial sector. From the Canton Fair to the China International Import Expo, China International Fair for Trade in Services, the Global Digital Trade Expo, the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo, China is opening wider and wider to the world, and China's mega-market will bring enormous opportunities to the world, he said. "Our message to businesses around the world: invest in China, flourish in China and succeed in China," Wang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) BEIJING -- Beijing has commenced the construction of a robotics industrial park in the Future Science City located in the northern Changping district. In 2023, the municipal government unveiled a plan to build "dual robot industrial parks," with the second one situated in Yizhuang, in southern Beijing. The industrial park in the city's northern region will focus on building public service platforms and promoting robotics innovation enterprises to support the development of the relevant industry in Beijing, according to the Changping district government. The economy and information technology bureau of Changping stated that the district is home to 41 colleges and universities, which can offer solid talent and intellectual support for the advancement of the robotics industry. According to the bureau, two sites of the robotics industrial park are currently under construction, covering a total area of about 56,000 square meters. They are expected to be completed in the first half of 2026 and will serve as standardized factories for enterprises. FILE PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gives an address to the Leaders Plenary during the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Australia, March 6, 2024. For over a century, it has been in the public domain that the Ndebele monarch, King Lobengula disappeared soon after crossing the Shangani River. However, there is new information that he went on to live in neighbouring Zambia among King Mpezenis people in Chipata and was entombed at Sanjika Cave in line with Ndebele customs. King Lobengula was last seen on December 4, 1893, when he rested under a Mutswiri (Leadwood) tree soon after the famous Pupu Battle during which King Lobengulas Imbizo Regiment under General Mtshane Khumalo killed settler forces commander Major Allan Wilson and his fighters. Despite their superior weaponry comprising Maxim guns and cannons, Major Wilson and his forces were killed by King Lobengulas brave warriors. The epic battle that was fought on the shores of the Shangani River, symbolised the beginning of a protracted resistance against the settler colonial regime. Until recently, a tapering stone pillar with names of a 34-soldier unit of the British South African Company (BSAC) that was ambushed and annihilated by more than 3 000 Ndebele warriors, was the only structure erected as a landmark by the Rhodesian government. The obelisk has 34 names of Major Wilsons patrol inscribed on it. In telling the story of the Battle of Pupu, the colonialists deliberately overlooked the Ndebele perspective. The Government has taken a bold step to correct a one-sided narrative of the famous Battle of Pupu, which for many years deliberately overlooked the African perspective. Under President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has made an undertaking to correctly portray and promote the countrys rich history and cultural heritage. For 130 years, it has been on public record that King Lobengula disappeared after the Battle of Pupu. There was, however, a narrative that the king later crossed over to Zambia. Renowned historian, Mr Pathisa Nyathi recently led a delegation comprising the Khumalo family and Government officials to the neighbouring country on a fact-finding mission. President Mnangagwa funded the trip. The delegation established that upon his arrival in Zambia, King Lobengula lived among the Ngoni people under Chief Mpezeni. From the latest information gathered, it emerged that it took the Ndebele monarch four months to reach Zambia after the Battle of Pupu, where he settled among King Mpezenis people in Chitapa, about 100km from that countrys border with Malawi. His escape is said to have been aided by the then Chief Pashu Sianganza, who helped him cross the mighty Zambezi River. They then decoyed the colonialists, by killing General Magwegwe Fuyana and placed King Lobengulas artifacts on his purported grave to trick the enemy into believing that he was dead. Mr Nyathi on March 22, accompanied by King Lobengulas descendent, Mr Midard Khumalo, National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe researcher, Dr Senzeni Khumalo, and Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet in Charge of Social Service, Reverend Paul Damasane embarked on the fact-finding mission to Zambia. Zimbabwes Ambassador to Zambia, Ms Charity Charamba, and her counterpart representing the country in Malawi, Dr Nancy Saungweme facilitated the delegation to meet King Mpezeni who confirmed that King Lobengula lived with them, and was buried among them. Beyond Pupu, what happened to the King? that is the question that we need to answer, said Mr Nyathi, as he chronicled how King Lobengula, sought refuge among the Ngoni people. The King never disappeared, but crossed the Zambezi River and settled in Chipata after four months and he lived with the Ngoni people for four years. So, when we arrived they confirmed they knew King Lobengula. They told us they were disappointed because we came too late, when the people who actually saw him had already passed on. King Lobengula died in 1897. Mr Nyathi said they established King Lobengula was laid to rest at Sanjika Cave. He said King Mpezenis people also showed them the site where King Lobengula was buried in line with the Ndebele traditions. But even when he died, the exact spot was kept a closely guarded secret but to some of us that is not a problem. Some cultures will use archaeology, others will use geo-physical surveys and Africans do these things their own way, said Mr Nyathi. Mr Nyathi said it was critical to engage the Government considering that King Lobengula was also a Head of a State who died in a foreign land. The President availed the resources after he was briefed by Rev Damasane because he understands our culture, he supports us. It is not the end, and commissioning of the Pupu Battlefield Memorial Site has since been done, he said. Mr Nyathi said from their trip, they also gathered that King Lobengula became an advisor to King Mpezeni given that they were in the same predicament of colonial oppression. He said King Mpezenis people also narrated how the whites looted their cattle. They looted Ngoni cattle and the people who were telling us said those cattle were auctioned in Salisbury, and we also know that this is what they did with Ndebele cattle. Thousands of them were confiscated, said Mr Nyathi. Narrators of historical events of how King Lobengula arrived in Chipata Zambia and resided in the area near Ekuphendukeni where King Mpezeni resided. Upon his death, King Lobengulas grave was kept a closely guarded secret. King Lobengulas descendent, Ms Senzeni Khumalo said they are excited about the discovery. She said the trip was important as it provided a link to how King Lobengula moved from the Mutswiri tree where he was last seen to Zambia where he died. Our Pupu Battlefield story ends at the Mutswiri tree and what happened after that is the research that we are doing, starting from the Mutswiri tree to Zambia where the paramount King Mpezeni is, she said. We were welcomed by the paramount chief and the Ngoni people and they showed us where King Lobengula was laid to rest. We didnt go there directly to the cave, but we stood at a distance probably about 800 metres away. Our aim was to conduct research and get information from King Mpezeni and his people. We got the narrations from the local community. We are going to publish a book about our trip. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News A Gokwe traditional healer pulled a shocker and told a Midlands magistrate that he would soon be reunited with his two deadly cobra snakes impounded by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) in Kwekwe. The healer who appeared before Kwekwe Magistrates Mildred Matuvi said he would be reunited with the snakes back home in Gokwe. Self-styled sangoma, Polite Ncube of Gono Village, Chief Mkoka in Gokwe was caught carrying the snakes in a satchel in Kwekwe CBD at around 3 am last Monday. Ncube who appeared in court charged with contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act pleaded with the magistrate for a non-custodial sentence because he should not be separated from the snakes. He said he got the snakes from his grandfather four years ago. Magistrate Matuvi fined him US$200 or four months in prison. He was caught by Police officers on patrol. Ncube pleaded guilty to the offence. He said the snakes are his source of powers as they give him leads on herbs in his dreams. He told the court that Zimparks officials who impounded his snakes were getting spiritual attacks from his grandfather who appears to them at night. Mirror. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Green berets are reportedly now present on the Taiwanese island of Kinmen a mere three miles off the coast of mainland China, and tensions continue to increase between Beijing and Taipei. The US is possibly downgrading its attempt to isolate Russia (opting instead for containment) and turning its full attention towards China. There have been think tank missives arguing for this for years, at least some have read the departure of Project Ukraine leader Toria Nuland from the State Department and the installation of more China hawks as evidence that this shift is finally underway. Judging from Washington think tank world, the plan for China is essentially a rehash of the effort to isolate Russia. Goad China into a US proxy war over Taiwan and/or the South China Sea, and then enact the isolation efforts. The fact this strategy failed against Russia did not work does not seem to be causing any serious rethink in Washington. In fact, the Ukraine fiasco is presented as the first step in the coming conflict with China. A team of analysts from the influential Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) mention this in a recent piece for Foreign Affairs: A U.S. containment strategy toward Russia would pay additional dividends in Asia. Russias unprovoked war has been a quagmire. Washingtons continued support of Ukraine impedes Russias military ambitions and dilutes its potential to support Chinese aggression in the future. Translated, terms like unprovoked war and aggression simply mean the ability to withstand Western pressure, but we can see the Washington hive mind at work here. Maybe it would have made sense to knock off Russia first, thereby eliminating a key supplier of fossil fuels and raw materials to China and allowing the West to push into Central Asia disrupting Chinas land supply chains and hypothetically blockade it on all sides. The idea of isolating China is so far-fetched it is perhaps understandable that the West would undertake the gambit to defeat Russia and extend its control there and into central Asia. The problem is it not only didnt work, but the opposite happened. It isolated Russia from Europe, but forced Moscow to forge stronger ties with the rest of the world, especially China. And if it didnt work against Russia, how should it be expected to work against a much larger and globally interconnected economy like China? The answer from CSIS: Still, the United States and its allies have leverage with China. Whereas Chinese-Russian trade stood at $240 billion in 2023, Chinas trade with the EU amounted to about $800 billion, and Chinas trade with the United States was more than $660 billion. China has more at stake in its economic relationships with the United States and the EU than it does with Russia. Yes, but what do the US and EU have at stake? Just to mention the obvious, an attempt to isolate China would mean circles of hell pain in the West, which could shatter their economies and societies. As the Chinese President Xi Jinping said in the April 2 phone call with Biden, Beijing is not going to sit back and watch is the US keeps pushing. If the preferred method of warfare from the US is a proxy war coupled with an economic war, the contest is an attritional one to see whose system cracks first. And we can see that so far, the European vassals are the biggest losers. (Although I cant help but think the Ursulas and company of the EU see this as an opportunity to grab more power while capital gets to feast on the underfunded and collapsing welfare states). Who knows, maybe the West believes it can destabilize China before its own structures crumble. Either way, the aristocrats appear doomed to try. And their strategy is only getting more difficult as China gets to watch and learn from the Wests efforts to isolate Russia. Chinas Preparations in Central Asia China has already broken the US chip blockade. It now prepares to do the same with whatever other efforts emerge from the West. The same CSIS arguing for the US to take on China also admits the following: Chinas defense industrial base is operating on a wartime footing, while the U.S. defense industrial base is largely operating on a peacetime footing. Overall, the U.S. defense industrial ecosystem lacks the capacity, responsiveness, flexibility, and surge capability to meet the U.S. militarys production and warfighting needs. Unless there are urgent changes, the United States risks weakening deterrence and undermining its warfighting capabilities. China is heavily investing in munitions and acquiring high-end weapons systems and equipment five to six times faster than the United States. China is also the worlds largest shipbuilder and has a shipbuilding capacity that is roughly 230 times larger than the United States. One of Chinas large shipyards, such as Jiangnan Shipyard, has more capacity than all U.S. shipyards combined. Lets take a look at energy. Foreign Policy Research Institute notes that for China a war over Taiwan would cause a severe economic disruption for Beijing, and the country would need to turn to Central Asia for energy and to keep important supply chains open. Well, that is exactly what Beijing is doing well in advance. Russian energy supplies to China have gone through the roof. Russia is now Chinas top oil supplier, sending a record 107.02 million metric tons of crude oil to China in 2023, far more than other major oil exporters such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Gas through the Power of Siberia pipeline reached roughly 22 billion cubic meters (bcm) last year and is likely to hit its capacity of 38 bcm/year next year. The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline has hit a snag as China tries to take advantage of its dominant buyer position and Russias limited seller options. Still, according to the China Natural Gas Development Report 2023 published by the National Energy Administration, pipeline gas imports from Russia saw a remarkable 54 percent increase in 2022. Last year, China began to speed up the building of the final leg of the Central Asia-China pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Central Asian countries primarily Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan into China. Turkmenistan is already Chinas top supplier, and the Central Asia Gas PipelineChina is the biggest supplier of Chinas imported gas. Total capacity through the pipelines once line D is completed will be 85 bcm the equivalent of nearly two Nordstreams. The Central Asian nations have in recent years been forced to reduce exports to meet surging domestic demand, however, especially during the winter. In response, Beijing is considering Russias plan to supply gas to Central Asian countries to meet domestic demand, leaving them with enough to supply China and even carry Russian gas to China. Russia and China are also both working to solidify friendly governments in Central Asia, thereby securing and rapidly expanding land supply chains through the region. This includes Afghanistan. From Indian Punchline: Moscow estimated that Taliban rule has stabilised the Afghan situation significantly and it is in Russian interests to help the Kabul administration to effectively counter the extremist elements in the country (especially the Islamic State, which is known to be a legacy of the US occupation of Afghanistan.) Russia leveraged its influence with the Central Asian states to ensure that western-backed anti-Taliban resistance forces did not get sanctuaries. Of course, the strategic objective is that the western intelligence will not be able to manipulate free-wheeling Afghan elements to destabilise the Central Asian region or the Caucasus all over again. Taliban has been most receptive to the Russian overtures aimed at strengthening the Afghan statehood. Recently, Taliban went to the extent of boycotting a UN-sponsored conference on Afghanistan on February 18-19 in Qatar, which was, in reality, an invidious attempt by the US to re-engage the Taliban on the pretext of promoting intra-Afghan dialogue (which essentially meant the return of the Wests Afghan proxies living in exile in Europe and America.) Should that development continue, it could become a key piece of the Eurasia rail network. Beijing, too, hopes that its incoming aid, including the building of a wide range of infrastructure, will help stabilize Afghanistan and the region. Russia, China, and Kazakhstan also just announced an initiative to improve their transport and logistics infrastructure, including a direct transport link connecting Xian with Moscow. The Southern Transport Corridor is an example of a plan to hedge against any efforts of deterrence by the West. The route, which will connect Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China via the Caspian Sea, could be viewed as a contingency plan in case the shorter Kazakhstan connection is disrupted. Chinas trade with the Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan) hit $89.4 billion in 2023, a 27 percent increase over 2022. That puts the central Asian states collectively in 10th place on the list of Chinas top trading partners and has them poised to overtake the Netherlands and Germany, with whom trade is rapidly declining. China is also working towards fortifying sanction-proof supply chains in Africa. But the threat of sea trade issues stemming from western isolation efforts remains. Reuters reports recently how oil tankers from the Middle East crossing the Indian Ocean, as well as other shipments headed to China from Africa and Brazil, would lack protection in a naval theatre dominated by the U.S. How dominant the US really is in that theater is a question, but more from Reuters:: A dozen military attaches and scholars say that vulnerability is now being scrutinised as Western military and academic strategists discreetly game scenarios about how a conflict with China over Taiwan, or elsewhere in East Asia, could evolve or escalate. In a major war, Chinese oil tankers in the Indian Ocean would find themselves very vulnerable, said David Brewster, a security scholar at the Australian National UniversityFour envoys and eight analysts familiar with discussions in Western and Asian capitals, some speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic, said this enduring weakness gives Chinas adversaries a ladder of escalatory options, especially in a drawn-out conflict, like Russias war on Ukraine. These scenarios range from harassment and interdiction operations against Chinese shipping that could divert Chinese naval vessels to the region, up to a blockade and beyond. If telegraphing such plans whether an attempt in the high seas or at the Strait of Malacca and providing a case study with the efforts to isolate Russia werent enough to prepare China, the West added even more incentive with the Red Sea fiasco. Yemens blockade due to the Wests backing of Israel forced China to increase its attention to Central Asia even more. With commercial shipping forced companies to circumnavigate Africa to preserve trade links between Asia and Europe, it highlighted the importance of Central Asia as a secondary route between China and Europe. In response, Beijing recently committed to expediting the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway project. According to the Foreign Policy Research Institute, immediately after Russia started its war on Ukraine, the incidence of Chinese cargo trains opting to bypass Russia by going through Kazakhstan (then to Azerbaijan via ferry on the Caspian Sea) increased six times. Those routes continue to develop and increase transit levels. While not as attractive as sea routes, a 2021 report from China Railway describes such routes as important emergency measures should unexpected events affect sea-based trade. Of course, all of these links with Central Asia go through Chinas westernmost province of Xinjiang. Without getting into the weeds on the particulars of the debate over Xinjiang, its probably safe to say that the West would like nothing more than to use the province as a destabilizing force inside China while Beijing is eager to not see that happen. From Chinas perspective, building up its sanction- and blockade-proof supply chains is killing two birds with one stone. Not only does it help ensure the free flow of goods in case of difficulties with maritime routes, but it is also an effort to stabilize Xinjiang province (should the economic benefits flow to the regions Uyghurs). Xinjiang Efforts Beijing is working rapidly to link Central Asian economies into a China-centered trading network that runs through Xinjiang and are turning the US-sanctioned region into an export gateway to Central Asia with free-trade hubs revealed late last year. There will be more support to Xinjiang in undertaking what used to be the countrys eastern regions focus in exports, especially labour-intensive industries, a statement from the state council said. Electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar cells have replaced electromechanical products, apparel, shoes and hats as Xinjiangs main exports in recent years, and Beijings added focus on Xinjiang will likely only accelerate that trend. Beijing is also planning to increasingly use the yuan for cross-border trade between Xinjiang and Central Asia. Chinas policies in Xinjiang and how they are viewed in Central Asia, plays a role in Beijings ability to sustain ties. While elites in Central Asia are likely to follow the money, the wider populations might be more likely to express sympathy with Xinjiang uyghurs if they feel they are being mistreated by Beijing. Put simply, China cannot have an ethnic rebellion in its west while facing potential supply chain issues on the seas from a conflict with the US/NATO. What the US is Doing in Central Asia The US, of course, realizes the importance of Central Asia as well, but what can the Americans really offer? Even RAND admits that the United States is unlikely to outspend China or even Russia in Central Asia. Case in point: last year Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and announced that the Biden administration would add $20 million to the Economic Resilience Initiative in Central Asia (ERICEN). That brought the total funding up to $50 million since it was launched in September 2022. [1] The total value for Chinese projects in Central Asia is more than $63 billion. Russia, too, plays a major role in the Central Asian economies, including the construction of nuclear power plants, thermal and hydropower plants, as well as the export of oil, gas, electricity, and wheat. Western analysts seem to think they can emphasize Moscows alleged imperial ambitions and stir up fear in Central Asia that Russia will soon turn its attention to regaining its Soviet territory to its south, but does anyone outside the West buy this? Similarly, the US will likely point to the threat an increasingly powerful China poses, but what does that mean aside from Beijing driving a hard bargain on, say, the price its willing to pay for imported natural gas from Turkmenistan? Any elected official in Central Asia looking out for their countrys best interest is going to try to maintain strong economic ties with Russia and China, as well as a good relationship with the US for whatever benefits that could provide. The trouble is, as always, the US with-us-or-against-us stance in such cases. And impatience typically leads to Washingtons preferred military solutions. RAND notes that another avenue where the United States can provide greater assistance is counterterrorism. Deploying large numbers of U.S. forces could antagonize Russia or China. To what end? Notes [1] RAND claims the US private sector has invested over $31 billion in commercial ventures throughout the region but doesnt provide adequate sourcing. If that number is accurate, much of it is likely made up of ExxonMobil and Chevron operations in Kazakhstan and their status as the largest shareholders in the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which carries oil from Kazakhstan to the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and onto the global market. Moscow briefly shut down the CPC terminal in 2022. The majority of the CPC exports go to Europe and have historically provided about six percent of the EUs total crude imports. Yves here. John Helmer continues to describe how the Russian prosecution of the conflict, and in particular its focus on degrading and selectively destroying electrical supply, is central to what comes soon. As we show in the upcoming Links for today, and YouTubers like Dima at Military Summary, Alexander Mercouris and Alex Christoforu have described in their latest programs, civilians are fleeing Kharkiv, Ukraines second-biggest city, due to the lack of power and doubt the lights will go back on any time soon. As Helmer pointed out in a post we ran yesterday, the West is not prepared for this approach. They are still thinking in terms of Ukraine potentially building fortified lines, which will become irrelevant with Russia already striking all over Ukraine, and the lack of power making military operations well-nigh impossible. How do recharge communications devices? Or operate radars? How about hospitals for treating the wounded? My understanding is most commercial gas stations rely on electricity; only a small proportion have backup generators, which are good only as long as they have fuel to keep them going. I would assume a similar picture exists for military fuel supplies (with presumably more prevalent and bigger generators). Helmer goes on to say that Russia will keep pushing civilian populations westward with its de-electrification, which would simplify capturing major cities (fewer civilians = more freedom of operation). The resulting movement of refugees into western Ukraine and potentially bordering states will be destabilizing. The Russians see that as a feature, not a bug. By John Helmer, the longest continuously serving foreign correspondent in Russia, and the only western journalist to direct his own bureau independent of single national or commercial ties. Helmer has also been a professor of political science, and an advisor to government heads in Greece, the United States, and Asia. He is the first and only member of a US presidential administration (Jimmy Carter) to establish himself in Russia. Originally published at Dances with Bears Go West, young man that American slogan of the mid-19th century is not an idea the Ukrainian men of Odessa, Kharkov, Dniepropetrovsk, Poltava and Sumy can contemplate today as long as the danger of press ganging into the army in Kiev and Lvov is a higher risk to their lives than staying put in the eastern cities as they collapse. They must calculate that they are better off trying to do without electricity in the east, and wait for the Kremlin to suspend the campaign as it did during 2023 or for the Russian General Staff to pressure the Novorussian cities to surrender to Russian control, when the Ukrainian men will be filtered but keep their lives. The women and children, however, are evacuating from Sumy and Kharkov.* The displacement of these easterners to the west, from Kiev to Lvov, is not yet being reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which publishes its Ukrainian population movement data in the third week of each month. At the end of December, the total number of internal refugees or internally displaced persons (IDP) in the bureaucratic records, was 3.7 million. This number is increasing sharply now, but the UNCHR reports are lagging by four weeks, and there are no reliable real-time figures available. The Polish Border Guard, however, is reporting every two days the movement of Ukrainians into Poland and their reverse movement from Poland into the Ukraine. A surge out of the Ukraine, like that of the first months of the Special Military Operation in 2022, is not yet visible in the Polish data. In the Border Guard twitter reports for the month of March, there were big surges on March 1-3, March 8-10, March 18-19, March 22-24, and March 29-April 1. The timing reflects the weekends, and the flows out of the Ukraine into Poland were equally balanced by the numbers returning. That is, until March 22-24 when the electric war began in earnest, and 82,000 Ukrainians crossed into Poland, while only 72,900 returned. Over the Catholic Easter weekend of March 29-April 1, 108,000 moved into Poland; only 82,100 came back. The difference of 26,000 were not Easter pilgrims or holidaymakers. This the largest recorded at the Polish-Ukrainian border since 2022 it is the beginning of a new Ukrainian surge out of the country into Europe. Sources in Warsaw say there is attention fatigue towards the refugees on the part of the Poles. There is nothing new in the local media on the flows of Ukrainians. No longer topic of interest. The new Polish government plans allegedly to tighten financial rules for Ukrainian refugees in order to cut welfare costs and combat the pathologies that currently exist. The Polish press reported late last week that the most important change concerns the financing of refugees stay. The government intends to abolish the system that currently subsidizes the stay of refugees from Ukraine (PLN 40 [$10] per day per person) in small guesthouses where up to ten people live. Revolutionary changes for newcomers from Ukraine, especially those who benefit from free food and accommodation, are to be included in the draft amendment to the special act, which came into force two years ago. Moscow sources believe the operational plan of the General Staff, agreed by the Kremlin since last months election, is to depopulate Kharkov and the surrounding region north to Sumy, and press equally hard in the centre (Dniepropetrovsk) and the south (Odessa). For maps of the campaign so far, click. According to a Moscow source, debate over operational priorities in the political and military strategy is muted. This time round, the source believes, the General Staff aims not to suspend the attacks, not to relieve the pace, so that the Ukrainian utilities cannot repair or restore power supplies no repeat of the first phase of the electric war which stopped at the end of 2022. For the first phase of the electric war in 2022, read this. A western military source thinks the impact in the west, especially in the western region of Galicia around Lvov which is the historic centre of Ukrainian fascism, will be chaotic and violent between the established, well-off westerners and the incoming poorer easterners. Another mass in-migration to Kiev and west wont go over well when rent extortion meets fuel shortages high power tariffs, fuel shortages, outrageous grocery prices, then even wilder power tariffs in the midst of outages. This is when the master race will forget all their European civilization slogans, and start killing each other over a litre of gasoline. Is Russian intelligence factoring this into their strategy? Sure. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCR) publishes regular data updates on the movement of Ukrainians within the country, moving westward from the line of contact, and the exodus of Ukrainians across the Polish, Slovakian, Moldovan, and Romanian borders. UKRAINIAN POPULATION MOVEMENT, CROSS-BORDER & INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT, TOTALS As of last month, the Ukrainian refugee flows over the borders look like this, with Russia topping the list of destination countries, followed by Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Moldova. Source: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine -- flash updates are published monthly at the mid-month Charting the Ukrainian population movements over time, this is the picture, with UNCHR commentary. Source: https://data.unhcr.org/ According to data published by EUROSTAT, between January and December 2023, over 1,032,000 Ukrainians were granted Temporary Protection (TP) in the European Union area. While this number was lower than in 2022, decisions granting temporary protection were l averaging more than 87,000 per month in the European states through the end of 2023, although on a decreasing trend. The shift of Russian operational priorities and tactics on the five main directions along the line of contact (Kupyansk, Donetsk, Avdeyevka, South Donetsk, and Kherson), the Battle of Bakhmut, and the clearing of the four new Donbass regions (Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye), relieved the pressure on the electricity-generating plants and the power grid during 2023. This in turn cut the internal and cross-border population flows. In real time the best indicator of Ukrainian population movements is the daily Twitter stream of the Polish Border Guard (Straz Graniczna, SG). Here is the tabulation of SG reports for the month of March. The surge over the Easter weekend reveals the largest gap between outgoing and incoming movements since the first phase of the electric war in October 2022. UKRAINIAN MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE POLISH BORDER, MARCH 2024 Source https://twitter.com/Straz_Graniczna An unofficial Moscow source comments: For the time being, the campaign is likely to leave enough lights on in Lvov to lure the displaced easterners there, and generate all sorts of communal friction. The westward process will repeat itself until Lvov and other border areas are huge refugee camps facing a bunch of nervous Poles, Romanians, Moldovans, etc. Well see what happens to Euro solidarity then. Yves here. This post by Nick Turse tells the very sorry tale of how US pretenses at counterterrorism in the Sahel not only made matters a lot worse but are now getting US forces run out of the region, now out of Niger. That also means Niger takes over our pricey base. I wonder if we will wind up not being able to extract all our kit. My impression is that the Brits in their heyday were able to exert much more influence with less deployment of manpower, materiel, and infrastructure. Of course, part of how the UK did it was Oxford and Cambridge. Niall Ferguson remarks that England was very successful at exporting what we would now call talent to act as colonial bureaucrats. For the at least moderately clever from not all that monied backgrounds, a long-term posting in a colony was a great deal: status, usually nice housing and servants, meaning a lifestyle better than they would enjoy at home, and nearly alway better, or at least sunnier, weather. . By contrast, when I would lunch sometimes with a PWC partner in Sydney (this in the early 2000s) he said only 15% of the US partners had passports. So is US provincialism one of the reasons we arent very good at the imperialism game? By Nick Turse. Originally published at TomDispatch Dressed in green military fatigues and a blue garrison cap, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for Nigers ruling junta, took to local television last month to criticize the United States and sever the long-standing military partnership between the two countries. The government of Niger, taking into account the aspirations and interests of its people, revokes, with immediate effect, the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian Defense Department employees, he said, insisting that their 12-year-old security pact violated Nigers constitution. Another sometime Nigerien spokesperson, Insa Garba Saidou, put it in blunter terms: The American bases and civilian personnel cannot stay on Nigerien soil any longer. The announcements came as terrorism in the West African Sahel has spiked and in the wake of a visit to Niger by a high-level American delegation, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and General Michael Langley, chief of U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM. Nigers repudiation of its ally is just the latest blow to Washingtons sputtering counterterrorism efforts in the region. In recent years, longstanding U.S. military partnerships with Burkina Faso and Mali have also been curtailed following coups by U.S.-trained officers. Niger was, in fact, the last major bastion of American military influence in the West African Sahel. Such setbacks there are just the latest in a series of stalemates, fiascos, or outright defeats that have come to typify Americas Global War on Terror. During 20-plus years of armed interventions, U.S. military missions have been repeatedly upended across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, including a sputtering stalemate in Somalia, an intervention-turned-blowback-engine in Libya, and outright implosions in Afghanistan and Iraq. This maelstrom of U.S. defeat and retreat has left at least 4.5 million people dead, including an estimated 940,000 from direct violence, more than 432,000 of them civilians, according to Brown Universitys Costs of War Project. As many as 60 million people have also been displaced due to the violence stoked by Americas forever wars. President Biden has both claimed that hes ended those wars and that the United States will continue to fight them for the foreseeable future possibly forever to protect the people and interests of the United States. The toll has been devastating, particularly in the Sahel, but Washington has largely ignored the costs borne by the people most affected by its failing counterterrorism efforts. Reducing Terrorism Leads to a 50,000% Increase in Yes! Terrorism Roughly 1,000 U.S. military personnel and civilian contractors are deployed to Niger, most of them near the town of Agadez at Air Base 201 on the southern edge of the Sahara desert. Known to locals as Base Americaine, that outpost has been the cornerstone of an archipelago of U.S. military bases in the region and is the key to Americas military power projection and surveillance efforts in North and West Africa. Since the 2010s, the U.S. has sunk roughly a quarter-billion dollars into that outpost alone. Washington has been focused on Niger and its neighbors since the opening days of the Global War on Terror, pouring military aid into the nations of West Africa through dozens of security cooperation efforts, among them the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership, a program designed to counter and prevent violent extremism in the region. Training and assistance to local militaries offered through that partnership has alone cost America more than $1 billion. Just prior to his recent visit to Niger, AFRICOMs General Langley went before the Senate Armed Services Committee to rebuke Americas longtime West African partners. During the past three years, national defense forces turned their guns against their own elected governments in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger, he said. These juntas avoid accountability to the peoples they claim to serve. Langley did not mention, however, that at least 15 officers who benefited from American security cooperation have been involved in 12 coups in West Africa and the greater Sahel during the Global War on Terror. They include the very nations he named: Burkina Faso (2014, 2015, and twice in 2022); Guinea (2021); Mali (2012, 2020, and 2021); and Niger (2023). In fact, at least five leaders of a July coup in Niger received U.S. assistance, according to an American official. When they overthrew that countrys democratically elected president, they, in turn, appointed five U.S.-trained members of the Nigerien security forces to serve as governors. Langley went on to lament that, while coup leaders invariably promise to defeat terrorist threats, they fail to do so and then turn to partners who lack restrictions in dealing with coup governments particularly Russia. But he also failed to lay out Americas direct responsibility for the security freefall in the Sahel, despite more than a decade of expensive efforts to remedy the situation. We came, we saw, he died, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joked after a U.S.-led NATO air campaign helped overthrow Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi, the longtime Libyan dictator, in 2011. President Barack Obama hailed the intervention as a success, even as Libya began to slip into near-failed-state status. Obama would later admit that failing to plan for the day after Qaddafis defeat was the worst mistake of his presidency. As the Libyan leader fell, Tuareg fighters in his service looted his regimes weapons caches, returned to their native Mali, and began to take over the northern part of that nation. Anger in Malis armed forces over the governments ineffective response resulted in a 2012 military coup led by Amadou Sanogo, an officer who learned English in Texas, and underwent infantry-officer basic training in Georgia, military-intelligence instruction in Arizona, and mentorship by Marines in Virginia. Having overthrown Malis democratic government, Sanogo proved hapless in battling local militants who had also benefitted from the arms flowing out of Libya. With Mali in chaos, those Tuareg fighters declared their own independent state, only to be pushed aside by heavily armed Islamist militants who instituted a harsh brand of Shariah law, causing a humanitarian crisis. A joint French, American, and African mission prevented Malis complete collapse but pushed the Islamists to the borders of both Burkina Faso and Niger, spreading terror and chaos to those countries. Since then, the nations of the West African Sahel have been plagued by terrorist groups that have evolved, splintered, and reconstituted themselves. Under the black banners of jihadist militancy, men on motorcycles armed with Kalashnikov rifles regularly roar into villages to impose zakat (an Islamic tax) and terrorize and kill civilians. Relentless attacks by such armed groups have not only destabilized Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, prompting coups and political instability, but have spread south to countries along the Gulf of Guinea. Violence has, for example, spiked in Togo (633%) and Benin (718%), according to Pentagon statistics. American officials have often turned a blind eye to the carnage. Asked about the devolving situation in Niger, for instance, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel recently insisted that security partnerships in West Africa are mutually beneficial and are intended to achieve what we believe to be shared goals of detecting, deterring, and reducing terrorist violence. His pronouncement is either an outright lie or a total fantasy. After 20 years, its clear that Americas Sahelian partnerships arent reducing terrorist violence at all. Even the Pentagon tacitly admits this. Despite U.S. troop strength in Niger growing by more than 900% in the last decade and American commandos training local counterparts, while fighting and even dying there; despite hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into Burkina Faso in the form of training as well as equipment like armored personnel carriers, body armor, communications gear, machine guns, night-vision equipment, and rifles; and despite U.S. security assistance pouring into Mali and its military officers receiving training from the United States, terrorist violence in the Sahel has in no way been reduced. In 2002 and 2003, according to State Department statistics, terrorists caused 23 casualties in all of Africa. Last year, according to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, a Pentagon research institution, attacks by Islamist militants in the Sahel alone resulted in 11,643 deaths an increase of more than 50,000%. Pack Up Your War In January 2021, President Biden entered the White House promising to end his countrys forever wars. He quickly claimed to have kept his pledge. I stand here today for the first time in 20 years with the United States not at war, Biden announced months later. Weve turned the page. Late last year, however, in one of his periodic war powers missives to Congress, detailing publicly acknowledged U.S. military operations around the world, Biden said just the opposite. In fact, he left open the possibility that Americas forever wars might, indeed, go on forever. It is not possible, he wrote, to know at this time the precise scope or the duration of the deployments of United States Armed Forces that are or will be necessary to counter terrorist threats to the United States. Nigers U.S.-trained junta has made it clear that it wants Americas forever war there to end. That would assumedly mean the closing of Air Base 201 and the withdrawal of about 1,000 American military personnel and contractors. So far, however, Washington shows no signs of acceding to their wishes. We are aware of the March 16th statement announcing an end to the status of forces agreement between Niger and the United States, said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. We are working through diplomatic channels to seek clarification I dont have a timeframe of any withdrawal of forces. The U.S. military is in Niger at the request of the Government of Niger, said AFRICOM spokesperson Kelly Cahalan last year. Now that the junta has told AFRICOM to leave, the command has little to say. Email return receipts show that TomDispatchs questions about developments in Niger sent to AFRICOMs press office were read by a raft of personnel including Cahalan, Zack Frank, Joshua Frey, Yvonne Levardi, Rebekah Clark Mattes, Christopher Meade, Takisha Miller, Alvin Phillips, Robert Dixon, Lennea Montandon, and Courtney Dock, AFRICOMs deputy director of public affairs, but none of them answered any of the questions posed. Cahalan instead referred TomDispatch to the State Department. The State Department, in turn, directed TomDispatch to the transcript of a press conference dealing primarily with U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Philippines. USAFRICOM needs to stay in West Africa to limit the spread of terrorism across the region and beyond, General Langley told the Senate Armed Services Committee in March. But Nigers junta insists that AFRICOM needs to go and U.S. failures to limit the spread of terrorism in Niger and beyond are a key reason why. This security cooperation did not live up to the expectations of Nigeriens all the massacres committed by the jihadists were carried out while the Americans were here, said a Nigerien security analyst who has worked with U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Americas forever wars, including the battle for the Sahel, have ground on through the presidencies of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden with failure the defining storyline and catastrophic results the norm. From the Islamic State routing the U.S.-trained Iraqi army in 2014 to the Talibans victory in Afghanistan in 2021, from the forever stalemate in Somalia to the 2011 destabilization of Libya that plunged the Sahel into chaos and now threatens the littoral states along the Gulf of Guinea, the Global War on Terror has been responsible for the deaths, wounding, or displacement of tens of millions of people. Carnage, stalemate, and failure seem to have had remarkably little effect on Washingtons desire to continue funding and fighting such wars, but facts on the ground like the Talibans triumph in Afghanistan have sometimes forced Washingtons hand. Nigers junta is pursuing another such path, attempting to end an American forever war in one small corner of the world doing what President Biden pledged but failed to do. Still, the question remains: Will the Biden administration reverse a course that the U.S. has been on since the early 2000s? Will it agree to set a date for withdrawal? Will Washington finally pack up its disastrous war and go home? Copyright 2024 Nick Turse Companies that made, distributed or sold opioid painkillers faced lawsuits that led to a $26 billion settlement. In 2022, local governments across the country including in Tennessee signed on to the settlement agreement, and now its up to the affected communities to decide how they will best mitigate the damage those companies caused. In 2023, more than 700 Nashvillians died from a drug overdose. In March of this year, the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council announced $81 million in grant awards statewide, with millions set to hit Nashville organizations bank accounts starting in July. There are a few common threads in the program strategies. Medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine and methadone curbs opioid cravings. It is used to treat opioid use disorder (shortened to OUD) and substance use disorder (SUD), a broader term. Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can reverse an overdose, but not if xylazine, an adulterant often found in illicit drugs, is involved. Many organizations will operate under the harm-reduction ethos, which acknowledges that people will not typically be ready to quit using drugs altogether, but when provided with clean syringes, wound care and naloxone, they can more likely live to one day access treatment. Below, find more details on how Nashvilles top five awardees plan to spend the opioid-abatement money. Vanderbilt University Medical Center: $2.8 million VUMCs funding will focus on treatment for mothers with substance use disorder and their babies, bolstering the organizations 2011-founded Firefly program. Theyll use the opioid-abatement money to expand services to rural areas. Patients travel to VUMC representing 26 different counties, says Jessica Young, medical director for Firefly. The organizations goal is to get pregnant mothers into treatment so Firefly can minimize the effect on the fetus, provide specialized anesthesia during birth and continue to support patients postpartum. The opioid-abatement money will also be used to employ more peer recovery specialists with the hope of growing the profession, Young says. We have found adding peer recovery specialists to our team has really increased engagement, Young says. We have fewer people who are disengaged from care. For people who do relapse, I think it makes it easier for them to re-engage. +3 Nashvilles Co-Response Programs Round Out REACH pilot program releases Q3 results, Partners in Care to expand to all police precincts Mental Health Coop: $2.3 million Mental Health Coop, with 12 locations statewide, currently has a small grant that allows them to serve a handful of uninsured individuals per month. With the additional funding, the organization will be able to serve more of them in medication-assisted treatment, outpatient treatment and detox offerings. Detox offerings are difficult to find in the region, and are a barrier to other forms of treatment. To make sure people are prepared to have outpatient treatment means sometimes they need to go through detox first, says chief operating officer Andrea Westerfield. Not many of those services exist across the state, and our goal would be to use our 24/7 crisis services here in Davidson County to be able to also complete detox on site and have a safe place to do that. Meharry Medical College: $2.6 million Dr. Lyle Cooper, director of the Meharry Addiction Clinic, finds that very few people with substance use disorder actually come into the clinic. Because of this, much of the organizations opioid-abatement money will go toward establishing a mobile clinic in Memphis, to mirror the one in Nashville. HOPE Clinic (Helping Our People Effectively) started as a mobile syringe exchange program, and thanks to the funding, will now include fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, naloxone, wound treatment, HIV and hepatitis-C testing and treatment, plus prescriptions for medication-assisted treatment. Though the smallest subset of the cash (just over $429,000) is going to research called Tennessee Harm Reduction Efforts for Advanced Data (THREAD), its the part Cooper is possibly most excited about. THREAD will include a point-in-time survey, and create an advisory board to allow people with substance use disorder to participate in research studies. We know how many people go to treatment every year, Cooper says. We have some idea of what the outcomes are in treatment and how many people overdose, and we know some things about those folks whether its fatal, or its nonfatal. The space where we just dont know much of anything is people who are actively using drugs. Belmont University: $2.9 million Belmont University is entering the opioid landscape for the first time with a harm-reduction program called BU Trains. The program is twofold, offering training for students and current physicians, as well as a mobile unit that will provide care similar to Meharrys model, along existing routes for the citys outreach workers. With Belmonts medical college set to welcome students this fall, the timing is ripe. BU Trains will also serve as a teaching opportunity for the students. We dont want to reinvent the wheel, thats for sure, says Tracy Frame, an associate professor of pharmacy and medicine at Belmonts future medical college. We want to partner with organizations and really help everyone flourish. Were growing, says pharmacology professor Amy Henneman. Theres a sense of Where can we be helpful to Nashville? We want to be an integral part of the community. Metro Nashville Public Health Department: $2.1 million Metro Nashville Public Health Department will use the money to expand its opioid pilot program, for which it is set to announce the awardee in May, once approved by the Metro Council. The program will implement an opioid care process that employs a care coordinator to guide the person through treatment, including housing and transportation resources where needed. Referrals will come from the citys REACH program, the emergency room and incarceration reentry, as well as self-referrals from the departments clinics. Do you want to dine like a Dutch Queen, imbibe like an Icelandic President, or graze like General Dwight D. Eisenhower? To discover the Alliance's top culinary secrets, dive deeper into the history of 'The Best of Taste': NATO's first cookbook, which was published in 1957. A gem of culinary diplomacy during the Cold War, it offers a glimpse into the national cuisines of NATO members at the time, highlighting the diverse flavours of the transatlantic Alliance. Dont judge a book by its cover but The Best of Taste had a very fitting one! In colours of red and blue, it pictured a naval chef standing astride North America and Europe, representing the transatlantic bond and the SACLANTs role in guarding Allied sea lanes. To protect the book from cooking grease and dirt, the hardcover was water-resistant and easily cleanable. Spilling the beans: uncovering the most popular Allied recipes As the saying goes, the way to someones heart is through their stomach. The wives of officers at the headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT), one of NATOs former strategic commands, knew it well. Each month, one of them hosted a luncheon where she served traditional dishes from her country, helping to foster diplomatic ties and informal friendships between the then-15 members of the Alliance. When NATO was looking for effective ways to increase public awareness about the Organization, the SACLANT Officers Wives Club came up with the idea to publish a collection of tasty recipes from each Allied country. The project started in 1955 and was led by the newly founded SACLANT NATO Cookbook Committee. The Committee gathered the wives of officers from eight NATO countries. Phyllis Wright, the wife of the second SACLANT, Admiral Jerauld Wright, spearheaded the efforts. Through memoranda with bolded labels instructing officers to PLEASE TAKE THIS MEMO HOME TO YOUR WIFE, the Committee requested superior recipes, which are geared to modern living, unusual and tasty from their countries of origin. Selling like hot cakes: the cookbook publication On 26 November 1957 in Washington, D.C., the SACLANT Officers Wives Club formally introduced The Best of Taste: The finest food of fifteen nations for the very first time. With 244 pages full of mouth-watering recipes from 15 NATO countries Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Turkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States and a sale price of USD 4.00, the cookbook offered instructions on making dishes fit for a king and queen quite literally. While drafting the cookbook, the wives not only contributed their own recipes, but also solicited recipes from others, including King Paul of Greece, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, and Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg. Even the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General (and, by that time, President of the United States) Dwight D. Eisenhower, contributed to the cookbook with his favourite recipe (see below). Eisenhower admitted that he found the subject matter an intriguing one somewhat to the despair of my doctors who cannot understand why I always want to eat just what they dont want me to have. Besides being an effective and tasty diplomatic tool, The Best of Taste proved itself to be a sweet deal for young people interested in NATO. All royalties from its sale were donated to the NATO Fellowship and Scholarship Fund, which was instituted in 1955 and offered scholarships for students researching topics related to NATO and the North Atlantic Area. Mrs Wright presents NATO Secretary General Paul-Henri Spaak with a copy of The Best of Taste and the first royalties cheque for the NATO Fellowship and Scholarship Fund at NATO Headquarters in Paris, France, 1958. The NATO cookbook in a nutshell The cookbook has several sections, including appetizers, soups, seafood, meats, fowl and game, salads and vegetable dishes, breads, casserole dishes, and desserts. It offers tips for food to serve during luncheons and outdoor picnics, instructs prospective cooks on sauces, relishes and jams, as well as traditional dishes for specific holidays like Easter. Moreover, the introduction contains essays on wines and other liquors from NATO countries to aid hosts in choosing and serving the right beverage for each dish. Under the Featured section, titled Heads of State, the cookbook lists recipes vouched for by Allied leaders: Foreign Ministers are gathering at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday (3 April 2024) for a two-day meeting to mark NATOs 75th anniversary and to prepare for the upcoming Washington Summit in July. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underscored that the Alliance was founded on a single, solemn promise: an attack on one Ally is an attack on all. The Secretary General welcomed Allies continued efforts to provide major deliveries of weapons, ammunition, and equipment to Ukraine, warning that any delay in support has consequences on the battlefield. He called on Allies to ensure assistance for Ukraine for the long haul. Ministers will discuss how NATO could assume more responsibility for coordinating military equipment and training, as well as ensure a multi-year financial commitment for Ukraine, he said. On Thursday, ministers will address Ukraines current and future needs at the NATO-Ukraine Council and will meet with Indo-Pacific partners and the European Union. The Secretary General stressed that the war in Ukraine illustrates our security is not regional it is global. Ministers will also address instability in NATOs southern neighborhood and agree a new policy on Women, Peace and Security because our societies are stronger and safer when we draw on the contributions of all our people, said Mr Stoltenberg. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (3 April 2024), at the start of a two-day meeting of Foreign Ministers. The Secretary General thanked Mr Blinken for his leadership and the United States commitment to NATO, as well as the US vital support to Ukraine. Mr Stoltenberg noted that ministers will address several issues, including the importance of working with Indo-Pacific partners; defence spending; and preparations for the Washington Summit in July. (As delivered) Good afternoon. We have just concluded a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers The first ever with Sweden as a full member of the Alliance. Together, we addressed preparations for the Washington Summit in July. Starting with Ukraine. This is a critical moment. The people of Ukraine continue to defend their country with skill and bravery. The Ukrainians have shown time and time again that they are capable. Ukraine has recaptured half of the territory that Russia initially seized. In the Black Sea, Ukraine has pushed back the Russian fleet, enabling the continued export of grain to world markets. The Ukrainians are not running out of courage, they are running out of ammunition. We need to step up now to ensure our support is built to last. So in our meeting today, we discussed how to put our support on a firmer and more enduring basis for the future. All Allies agree on the need to support Ukraine in this critical moment. There is a unity of purpose. Today Allies have agreed to move forward with planning for a greater NATO role in coordinating security assistance and training. The details will take shape in the weeks to come. But make no mistake. Ukraine can rely on NATO support now, and for a long haul. Tomorrow we will meet with Minister Kuleba in the NATO-Ukraine Council. Together we will discuss Ukraines current and longer-term needs. Today, Ministers also addressed security challenges in our Southern neigbourhood. Including the enduring threat of terrorism. Last October, I appointed an independent Group of Experts to review NATOs approach to our Southern neighbours. Ministers have discussed the Groups findings. And Heads of State and Government will consider concrete proposals at the Summit in Washington. Tomorrow I will chair a meeting of Foreign Ministers with our Indo-Pacific partners Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, together with the European Union. We will discuss how to enhance our practical cooperation, as well as the global implications of the war against Ukraine. Russia is receiving support for its war of aggression from China, North Korea and Iran. As authoritarian powers increasingly align, it is important that like-minded nations around the world stand together. To defend a global order ruled by law, not by force. Tomorrow marks NATOs 75th anniversary. As we face a more dangerous world, the bond between Europe and North America has never been more important. As we prepare for an historic Summit in Washington, NATO will continue to support Ukraine. We will continue to strengthen our Alliance. And we will continue to work with our partners across the globe for peace and security. With that, I am ready to take your questions. NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah: We'll start with Radio Free Europe, please. Olena Abramovych (Radio Free Europe): Olena Abramovych, Radio Free Europe. Thank you for giving the floor, Ukrainian Service and Current Time TV. I have a question regarding this proposal of long term support for Ukraine, especially this 100 billion dollars for five years. Have you discussed it already with the partners and what was their reaction? And do you think that this amount of 100 billion is the one you're going to reach? Thank you. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: I cannot go into the details of the proposals. I have seen that you have been extensively briefed, but not by me. And I will not share the details because we are now in the process of developing a more robust and enduring, institutionalised framework for support to Ukraine. What I can say is that of course yes, we have discussed it with Ukraine. I have discussed it with President Zelenskyy, I've discussed it recently with Minister Kuleba, and we will also discuss it tomorrow. There are different ways of ensuring that our support is less dependent on voluntary short term offers and more on long term NATO commitments, and that we have a stronger organisation that creates a more robust framework for our support. And this includes security assistance but also training, and also financing. So yes, we are in dialogue with Ukraine on this because this is actually something that we should do together. It matters for Ukraines security, it matters for our security. Economic support to Ukraine is not charity, it's an investment in our own security. And then, today we didn't take any final decisions exactly on what format we will establish. But we agreed to initiate planning. And that's the way we do things in NATO: we ask for the military authorities to provide the plans, the details, and then we will take the final decisions made based on those proposals and plans that the military authorities will now start to develop for us. NATO Spokesperson: Thank you. Over to the BBC, Jonathan Beale. Jonathan Beale (BBC): Thanks very much. Secretary General, I know your focus has been on Ukraine but I do want to ask you about the Middle East. I know David Cameron, Lord Cameron, wanted to raise what's happened in Gaza. I mean, can you give us your reaction to the killing of a number of aid workers in what appears to be an Israeli air strike, the humanitarian crisis that exists there? And are you worried that a NATO member seems willing and able to provide ammunition and weapons to Israel, but seems unable to do the same for Ukraine? Do you think America has its priorities right? Thank you. NATO Secretary General: So what we see now in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe. We see suffering, we see that civilians are killed, and we also saw the strike against aid workers. And I condemn the strike. I also welcome the fact that Israel has made clear that they will investigate what happened. It demonstrates that the war which is now going on has very serious consequences for innocent people: the people living in Gaza, but also aid workers. And therefore I welcome the efforts by the United Kingdom, by the United States and by many other Allies to facilitate some kind of ceasefire and a political solution to this conflict. NATO as an Alliance does not play a direct role, but I welcome the efforts of NATO Allies. Every day of delay in the decision in the United States on providing more support to Ukraine has consequences on the battlefield. That's one of the reasons why the Ukrainians now have to ration ammunition and why they are struggling to keep up with the Russians who are now able to outgun them with more weapons and more ammunition than the Ukrainians have. So we have a responsibility as NATO Allies to take the decisions and to ensure that the Ukrainians get the ammunition they must have to be able to continue to push back the Russian invaders. So it is urgent that the United States make a decision and that the US Congress actually is able to turn the majority in the US public, but also in the US Congress, into a concrete decision. Because every time I meet representatives from the US Congress, I met many of them over the last weeks, they assured me that there is a majority in the US and also in the US Congress for support. But so far they haven't been able to turn that majority into a decision and that's exactly what we all now are waiting for, and it is urgent. NATO Spokesperson: Thank you. Thomas from FAZ. Thomas Gutschker (FAZ): Thanks a lot. Thomas Gutschker, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Secretary General, on the ammunition question. We heard from the Czech Foreign Minister today that they still lack funding for their initiative to provide Ukraine on a short term basis with 1.55 artillery ammunition. Have there been any signals today in the room that Allies are willing to step up their short term commitments or have there been concrete commitments towards that? And the second question, President Zelenskyy last week has warned that if they don't get US support, they might have to retreat. How big do you assess the risk of a Russian breakthrough in the next months? Thank you. NATO Secretary General: Support from NATO Allies and support from the United States to Ukraine is something which benefits our own security interests. It is therefore in the security interests of the United States to make a decision and provide Ukraine with ammunition. Because by allocating a fraction of our defence budgets we have enabled the Ukrainians to destroy significant parts of the Russian combat capability without putting any NATO soldier, any US soldier, in harms way. So this is really something that is in our interest to continue to do. And not only continue to do, but to do more, to step up, and to ensure that we do it in a predictable, robust way for the long haul. That's exactly also why we are now discussing how can we establish a more robust and institutional NATO framework around this support to make it more predictable, more long term and also to ensure fair burden sharing. But while we are of course discussing this as NATO and I expect a decision by the Summit, I welcome the fact that we have now agreed to start planning of course, we need also immediate support. And therefore I urge Allies to continue and to step up to make national contributions. And recently we have had the German announcement of 576 million euros to support the Czech initiative for more ammunition. Sweden, our newest Ally, have just announced support to the Czech initiative to deliver 800,000 extra artillery shells. And also other Allies have announced more support for the Czech initiative. So there are constant new announcements by different NATO Allies. NATO Spokesperson: Thank you. Over to Iryna, Interfax Ukraine. Iryna Somer (Interfax Ukraine): Thank you, Farah. Secretary General, news agency Interfax Ukraine, Iryna Somer. Talking about expectation from upcoming summit in Washington. Ukrainian side speaks about some kind of invitation, like in the case of the European Union, where Ukraine is a candidate country but not a member yet. Is it possible in the case of NATO? Can actually NATO invite Ukraine and then over the time when all criteria will be met and Ukraine will be a member of NATO? Thank you. NATO Secretary General: All Allies agree that Ukraine will become a member. All Allies agree that we need to continue to move Ukraine closer to NATO membership. We made important decisions last year, we are implementing those now with the removal of the Membership Action Plan, we should not introduce something that is similar to a kind of second or two step process. I think it's very important to maintain the one step process for Ukraine to become a member removing the requirement for Membership Action Plan and then ensuring that when an invitation is issued then that's the same as becoming a member as it is in NATO. That's the difference between NATO and the European Union. In the European Union, of course, when you're invited, it can take years from an invitation to membership. While in NATO, when you're invited, it's something that happens soon after. So we should just avoid creating again, a kind of two step process towards membership. But regardless of the technicalities, there is a clear commitment for Ukraine to become a member. There's a clear commitment to help to move Ukraine closer to membership. And I think we also need to realise that when this war ends, and everyone realises that there has to be some kind of guarantees that this is really the end, that there's not only a pause, where Russia reconstitutes its forces, rests and then regroup and then attack again. Because we saw a similar pattern back in 2014. They annexed Crimea. We all condemned that. And then after a few months, they went into Eastern Ukraine, or Eastern Donbas, and then we had Minsk I, that was violated, they pushed the line further west. Weve had Minsk II, a new ceasefire, and then they waited for almost eight years, and then they had the full-fledged invasion. So of course, when this war ends, we have to be absolutely sure that this is really the end, that it stops here. And therefore, we need to help Ukraine build their own defences to deter any further Russian aggression. But there will always be a need for security guarantees and of course, the ultimate security guarantee will be Article Five and NATO membership. NATO Spokesperson: Thank you. We'll give a final question to Radio Kordon, Vladyslav. Vladyslav Chikin (Radio Kordon): Thank you. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has publicly said that Hungary will not support any initiative, that quote, would transform it into an offensive Alliance. He was talking about NATO engaging more in coordination of military support for Ukraine. What's your take on that? And do you think your proposals will eventually be adopted at the Washington Summit? Thank you. NATO Secretary General: NATO is and will remain a defensive Alliance. And NATO is, and will remain, not a party to the conflict in Ukraine. We need to remember what this is. This is war or aggression by Russia invading another country, violating international law. And then Ukraine has the right, according to international law, to defend itself. And we as friends of Ukraine, we have the right to support Ukraine in upholding the right for self-defence, also based on international law. That doesn't make us party to the conflict. And a more robust NATO framework to coordinate security assistance training will not to change that. NATO Allies will fundamentally do the same as they do today on a more bilateral basis or in other frameworks, the EU, the Ramstein format and through the multilateral capability coalitions. So by creating a stronger NATO framework, what we will ensure is more transparency, more burden sharing, and more predictability and a more robust commitment, which is important to help the Ukrainians to plan, but also sends a message to President Putin that he cannot outwait us on the battlefield. He has to sit down and negotiate some kind of agreement where Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation. So the paradox is that if you want a peace, if you want an end to this war, the best way of achieving that is to ensure that Ukraine has the military strength to convince Putin that he cannot win on the battlefield. He has to sit down and negotiate. Then what we are discussing is not a NATO combat presence in Ukraine, we are discussing how we can coordinate and deliver support from outside Ukraine to Ukraine, as NATO Allies do. So I have good dialogue with Peter Szijjarto. I also have spoken with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban twice over the last week. And now when we initiate planning, I'm certain that we can also address the concerns that Hungary has raised and find a way where we can then have consensus within weeks. NATO Spokesperson: Thank you, everyone. That's all we have time for. Thank you. Thank you, Secretary General. NATO Secretary General: Thank you. Actions speak louder than words: Biden sends fighter jets and thousands of bombs to Israel despite calling for ceasefire in Gaza In recent days, the United States has given the green light for the transfer of significant military assets to Israel This move, disclosed by sources who spoke with media outlets on Friday, March 29, includes thousands of different kinds of bombs and $2.5 billion worth of fighter jets. The newly authorized arms packages comprise more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs. This assistance is part of the annual $3.8 billion in military aid that the U.S. provides to Israel, which it considers its most important ally in the Middle East. These transfers occur amidst mounting international criticism of Israel's ongoing military actions, particularly its airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza. Some members of President Joe Biden's Democratic Party have urged him to reconsider U.S. military aid to Israel. While the U.S. has expedited the delivery of air defenses and munitions to Israel, criticism persists within certain circles, including among Democrats and Arab Americans. They argue that the unwavering support from the Biden administration fosters a sense of impunity for Israel. Acknowledging the concerns expressed by these groups, Biden addressed the issue by remarking that his administration is committed to backing Israel's military operations. His remarks came amidst protests during his visit to New York, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside a fundraising event he attended with former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. During the event, which was also interrupted by protesters, Biden reiterated his endorsement of a "two-state solution" to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This is despite a growing public spat between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is opposed to a two-state solution. Nevertheless, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Biden is sending a conflicting message According to Marc Owen Jones, associate professor of Middle East studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, the Biden administration is sending a conflicting message. Furthermore, experts argue that these mixed signals are what gave Israel the room to announce its intention to launch a ground invasion of Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip, bordering Egypt, where as many as 1.5 million Palestinians were forcibly displaced by relentless Israeli assaults. (Related: Despite "bloodbath" warning, Israel inches closer to annihilating Rafah: Population 1.3 MILLION.) On Saturday, March 30, Palestine's Foreign Affairs Ministry criticized the U.S., stating that demanding Netanyahu to stop killing civilians while simultaneously providing weapons represents a significant moral contradiction. The ministry expressed disappointment at the ongoing failure of both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations Security Council to compel Israel to adhere to their directives. Many nations and human rights organizations have demanded Israel to comply with the ICJ ruling and facilitate the unimpeded delivery of aid to Gaza, where famine looms. In neighboring Jordan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi urged the international community to halt all weapons shipments to Israel, citing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza being exacerbated by Western arms and ammunition. Opposition against Biden is also coming from within the government, with senators led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) calling on Biden to suspend military aid to Israel until it ensures humanitarian access to Gaza. Sanders condemned the move to send more bombs and warplanes to Israel as "obscene," emphasizing the inconsistency of pleading with Netanyahu to halt civilian bombings one day and then supplying thousands of 2,000-pound bombs the next. Watch this clip of Biden declaring that his government will not support an Israeli operation in Rafah. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Humanitarian catastrophe looms as Israel wages mass assault on Rafah; tens of thousands of casualties expected. Netanyahu goes rogue, says IDF will invade Rafah safe zone despite presence of one million refugees sheltering there. While Americans were distracted by the Super Bowl, Israel conducted a MASS BOMBING of Rafah in southern Gaza. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com Cargo ship that hit Baltimore Bridge was also involved in Belgium collision in 2016 Maritime incident archives from Vessel Finder and Shipwrecklog reveal that the cargo ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was also involved in a collision in Antwerp, Belgium in 2016 The Singapore-registered container ship Dali, chartered by Maersk and operated by Synergy Marine Group, is a massive vessel measuring approximately 948 feet long and capable of carrying 10,000 containers. According to authorities in Antwerp, on July 11, 2016, Dali's bow veered off course and collided with a quay as it attempted to depart the North Sea container terminal. the collision caused substantial damage to several meters of the container ship's hull due to structural issues that impaired its seaworthiness. The ship moored in nearby Deurganckdok before it was detained by Belgian officials for repairs and further investigation. "As a general rule, these accidents are investigated and ships are only allowed to leave after experts have determined it is safe for them to do so," said a spokesperson for the Antwerp. Reuters confirmed that the ship seen in footage of the Antwerp incident matches visuals of the vessel involved in the Baltimore Bridge collapse. Meanwhile, on March 26, that same ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and several cars to plummet into the Patapsco River below. The accident affected those vehicles that crossed the bridge and fell 55 meters into the water. Six out of eight construction workers repairing potholes on the bridge also went missing; two workers were pulled from the water and the other one is currently in critical condition. Sonar has detected vehicles in the water, but the casualties remain uncertain. (Related: Baltimore bridge collapse due to ship strike will have sweeping economic repercussions.) 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. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at 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. Local authorities detected cars in the water hours after bridge collapse According to several reports, Dali lost power even before colliding with a section of the support column of the Baltimore Bridge. "As the vessel struck the bridge in the middle of the night, it caused a din that could be heard ashore and immediately toppled an essential mid-Atlantic thoroughfare into the frigid waters," the Baltimore Sun reported. "Several cars were knocked into the Patapsco River and as of Tuesday around 11 a.m., authorities were searching for six construction workers who had been repairing potholes on the bridge. Two others were rescued one who was briefly hospitalized and another who declined to go to a hospital. Extensive rescue efforts were ongoing." Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, both Democrats, immediately declared a state of emergency after the incident. The Maryland Transportation Authority Police prevented cars from driving onto the bridge moments before the collapse and after receiving a call from the container ship. A few hours after the accident, Baltimore Fire Department Chief James Wallace reported that the use of sonar devices which can penetrate as deep as 50 feet underwater and underwater drones detected the presence of vehicles in the water. At least 20 vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. It is unclear how many plummeted into the water. Visit Disaster.news for more stories about accidents and disasters all over the world. Watch Dave Walsh explains why the bridge collapse in Baltimore will affect the port and economy. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Top 5 reasons the BALTIMORE BRIDGE destruction was likely an INSIDE JOB rather than an "accident" or "cyber attack." Baltimore bridge ship crash fatalities: 2 confirmed dead, 4 still missing. Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse an "absolutely brilliant strategic attack," say multiple intel sources. Gen. Flynn calls Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse "a black swan event." MORE DETAILS, mysteries surrounding the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Sources include: GreatGameIndia.com Reuters.com BaltimoreSun.com Brighteon.com Elon Musk accuses Democrats of importing voters Tesla CEO Elon Musk has accused the US Democratic Party of opening up the countrys borders in order to import voters. Earlier this week, Politico reported that President Joe Biden was considering offering permanent residency to millions of illegal immigrants. (Article republished from RT.com) Commenting on the report, Musk declared on his X platform that The Dem Party goal is to import voters. According to Politicos sources, Biden is considering expanding access to the so-called Cancelation of Removal Program for illegal immigrants who have lived in the US for more than ten years and whose removal would negatively impact their citizen or resident friends and relatives. The program is currently available to lawful residents who have been ordered to leave the US for various reasons, and for some illegal immigrants. A successful cancellation can take years to make its way through the legal system, and around 4,000 cancellations of removal are issued every year, according to the US Justice Department. There are thought to be around 10.5 million illegal immigrants living in the US, according to data compiled by Pew Research in 2021. However, at least 6.3 million more have entered the US in the years since, according to figures from the Department of Homeland Security, potentially bringing the total to almost 18 million. An earlier Pew study found that approximately two thirds of illegal immigrants in the US had been there more than a decade. Counting only those immigrants present in the country in 2021, the removal program reportedly mulled by Biden could result in around six million of them being made permanent residents. Only US citizens can vote in federal elections. However, permanent residents can apply for citizenship after five years, or three years if married to a US citizen. Bidens first actions as US president included signing a raft of executive orders repealing almost all of former President Donald Trumps immigration restrictions. He has since unsuccessfully lobbied Congress to pass a bill offering a path to citizenship for more than 10 million illegal immigrants, and sued the state of Texas for attempting to enforce federal immigration law. Bidens strategy is very simple, Musk tweeted in February. 1. Get as many illegals in the country as possible. 2. Legalize them to create a permanent majority a one-party state. That is why they are encouraging so much illegal immigration. Simple, yet effective. In the US, racial minorities typically vote Democrat. Aside from potentially creating future voters, illegal immigration can give certain states greater representation in Congress, as the number of seats assigned to a state in the House of Representatives is determined by its overall population, which includes those present illegally. Read more at: RT.com Israel gears up for massive ground operation in Rafah despite growing global opposition The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops are proceeding with preparations for a massive ground operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah , where over a million Palestinians have been herded into for refuge following months of indiscriminate Israeli attacks all over the Gaza Strip. Israel claims that Rafah holds strategic significance to Hamas as its remaining stronghold in Gaza. The IDF alleges that Rafah serves as a base for militants and, thanks to its location near the border with Egypt, a hub for weapons smuggling. Despite diplomatic efforts and calls for restraint from various quarters, Israeli officials have signaled their determination to proceed with a ground operation in Rafah. Reports from Egyptian sources, in contact with IDF officials indicate that preparations for the operation are underway, with a tentative time suggesting the beginning of an offensive against Rafah at the conclusion of Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic holiday marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of the holy month of Ramada, or around April 12. Other reports suggest the operation may commence as late as early May, with the IDF being forced to delay due to considerations to broader regional dynamics and international sensitivities. Concerns raised over massive number of civilians in Rafah Once the offensive in Rafah begins, Israel claims it has a multifaceted strategy aimed at eradicating much of the remaining infrastructure supporting Hamas while minimizing civilian casualties. (Related: Israel declares major LAND GRAB in West Bank.) 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. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at 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. Israeli authorities have hinted at a prolonged campaign, potentially lasting between four to eight weeks. Tel Aviv further claims that one of the key components of its operation is allowing the evacuation of the civilians in Rafah to safer areas within the Gaza Strip. This requires a massive logistical undertaking that aims to mitigate humanitarian concerns and prevent collateral damage amid the military offensive. Coordination with Egyptian authorities and international organizations is expected to facilitate this evacuation process. Israel is hoping being transparent about its intentions regarding the Rafah operation can de-escalate tensions and avert a wider regional conflagration. However, despite these efforts, the situation remains volatile, with recent IDF strikes deep into Lebanese territory targeting alleged Hezbollah positions eliciting retaliatory rocket fire into northern Israel. The potential for further escalation looms large, with each development adding fuel to an already combustible situation. (Related: Israeli strikes target emergency health centers in southern Lebanon, killing paramedics.) Furthermore, the international community continues to state its opposition to an Israeli ground operation in Rafah, regardless of how many safeguards are being put in place to protect civilian casualties. "American officials assert their reluctance to support such an operation," reported Al Jazeera's Hamdah Salhut, highlighting the divergence in views between Israel and the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Austria, emphasized the necessity for Israel to present a clear and actionable plan for Rafah, ensuring the safety of civilians. Similarly, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Slot reiterated calls for Israel to refrain from launching the offensive, emphasizing the potential humanitarian catastrophe it could precipitate and advocating for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The United Nations had previously cautioned Israel about the consequences of a ground invasion, with concerns raised over the potential for a significant loss of life in Gaza. UN aid chief Martin Griffiths emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, warning of the imminent collapse of healthcare facilities and the exacerbation of suffering among Gaza's civilian population. Jagan Chapagain, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, echoed these concerns, describing the plight of civilians in Gaza as unprecedented and calling attention to the near collapse of healthcare services. Watch this video of Israel's latest bombing spree in Rafah. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel accused of targeting aid workers and deliberately provoking famine in Gaza. Israel massacres civilians in Rafah while advertising its victimhood during Super Bowl. Israel unleashing Hannibal Directive on entire Gaza Strip, INTENTIONALLY KILLING Israeli hostages. Sources include: SHTFPlan.com AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com The plot to RIG the 2024 election by instantly legalizing MILLIONS of illegals who invaded America With the clock ticking for the 2024 election, many Democrats in the Senate are urgently calling on President Joe Biden to allow millions of illegal aliens currently living in the United States to become citizens straightaway, that way they can all legally vote this fall. All illegals with no criminal history besides breaking into the country, of course should be immediately granted amnesty, 20 U.S. senators claim, because these illegals have a lot to contribute to the country, including casting their votes for Democrats. Listed among the 20 senators are usual suspects like Sens. John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The 20 senators crafted a joint letter to Biden explaining all the economic contributions that these millions of illegals will supposedly make once granted citizenship at warp speed. The letter also contains numerous recommendations for Biden to follow, one of which involves signing an executive order (EO) to allow illegal spouses of U.S. citizens to work during their green card application process, as well as creating a more streamlined process for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients to gain non-immigrant status. "Deporting all such individuals as former President Donald Trump has threatened to do if reelected would devastate the American economy and destroy American families," the senators further wrote in their letter. (Related: According to government insiders, Donald Trump cared a lot about trade but "Biden doesn't.") 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. They're already here, so Democrats want to legalize them According to the senators, illegals contributed nearly $10 billion in federal and state taxes in 2019 alone, as well as more than $11 billion in social security contributions. "Over 1.1 million U.S. citizens are married to an undocumented immigrant, and roughly 4.9 million U.S. citizen children have at least one undocumented parent," the letter further states. According to the senators, legalizing all these millions of illegals is a great way to "protect and unify American families," especially in cases where an illegal lives with or is married to someone who is legal. "The more than 1.1 million undocumented spouses married to a U.S. citizen have lived in the U.S. on average 16 years, and many have been married to their U.S. citizen spouses for at least a decade," the letter reads. "Yet, these families live in fear that they may be separated from their loved one due to deportation, and often forgo much needed health care and decline to report crimes due to their immigration status. The fear of deportation has also been associated with psychological stress linked to an increased risk of chronic disease for children with an undocumented family member." In no uncertain terms, the letter declares that America's immigration system as it currently exists is "outdated." It needs to be updated, they say, in order to allow illegals to stay rather than be deported back to their home countries. "We appreciate your careful consideration of these recommendations and all available options to provide much needed relief for undocumented immigrants and the American businesses, families and communities that rely upon them," the letter concludes in petition of Biden's full and immediate support. The other signatories of the letter include: Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hi.) Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) Sen. Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-Ore.) Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) The latest news about Trump's third run for the presidency in 2024 can be found at Trump.news. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com Bennet.Senate.gov NaturalNews.com Russian forces strike intelligence facilities in Kyiv as Zelensky warns of Ukrainian retreats without more U.S. aid Russian attacks in Ukraine have intensified in recent days, with a notable focus on critical infrastructure targets such as energy facilities. These assaults mark a significant escalation not witnessed since the first half of 2023. The precision strikes carried out by Moscow's artillery underline a deliberate effort to cripple essential services, further exacerbating the already dire situation in the region. Of particular concern was the devastating attack on March 25, which saw the headquarters of Ukrainian intelligence in Kyiv the Security Service of Ukraine obliterated by Russian missiles. This assault not only caused substantial physical damage but also served as a symbolic declaration of a new phase in the conflict. The destruction of such a pivotal facility underscores Moscow's strategic shift towards targeting key command and control centers, aiming to disrupt Ukrainian military operations and intelligence-gathering capabilities. (Related: Russian governor predicts Ukrainian military to falter by spring or summer of 2024.) The rationale behind this escalation is largely framed as a response to what the Kremlin perceives as Ukrainian terrorism. Russian officials point to repeated incursions into their territory, particularly in border regions like the Belgorod oblast, where Kyiv's aggressive tactics have resulted in civilian casualties and widespread destruction. In the eyes of Moscow, these actions represent clear violations of red lines and justify the resumption of high-intensity bombings against critical infrastructure targets. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. While Russia has historically shown restraint in targeting Ukrainian infrastructure to minimize civilian harm, recent provocations Ukrainian incursions into internationally-recognized Russian territory have left little room for leniency and compelled Moscow to retaliate forcefully to deter future aggression against Russia's borders. The decision to strike critical infrastructure targets, though regrettable, is viewed as a necessary measure to cripple the enemy's war machine and protect Russian interests. Despite the strategic necessity of targeting infrastructure, Moscow remains mindful of the collateral damage inflicted on innocent civilians. The deliberate efforts to avoid civilian casualties demonstrate a degree of restraint on Russia's part, distinguishing their military objectives from wanton acts of aggression. However, the relentless nature of Ukrainian attacks has left Russian forces with little choice but to prioritize national security over humanitarian concerns. Moreover, the recent wave of attacks extends beyond mere infrastructure destruction, with Moscow actively targeting command facilities and decision-making centers. The bombing of Ukrainian intelligence agencies' headquarters in Kyiv represents a calculated move to disrupt enemy operations and undermine their ability to coordinate offensive actions. The use of advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, underscores Russia's technological prowess and determination to assert dominance on the battlefield. The timing of these attacks, particularly in the aftermath of the Crocus City Hall terrorist incident, raises suspicions of Ukrainian involvement. While investigations are ongoing, Russian authorities are quick to point fingers at Kyiv, citing a pattern of aggression and hostility towards their nation. The destruction of Ukrainian decision-making centers serves as a stark warning to those who would dare challenge Russian sovereignty, signaling Moscow's unwavering commitment to defending its borders and maintaining regional stability. Zelensky warns of Ukrainian retreats without more military aid Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a dire warning, emphasizing that without the prompt arrival of military aid from the United States, Ukrainian forces may be compelled to relinquish additional territory to Russia. Zelensky's urgent appeal to Congress comes amid ongoing challenges in passing a $95 billion international aid package, of which $60 billion is earmarked for Ukraine. Despite being approved by the Senate over a month ago, the package faces obstacles in the House of Representatives. Highlighting the critical nature of the situation, Zelensky emphasized that the absence of aid poses a grave risk to Ukraine's major cities. In a recent interview, he outlined the indispensable elements lacking without U.S. support, including air defense systems, Patriot missiles, electronic warfare jammers, and artillery rounds. Zelensky cautioned that without these vital resources, Ukraine would be forced to adopt a defensive stance, potentially retreating incrementally and compromising its defense capabilities. Watch this video discussing how Russian ballistic missiles were able to destroy a top-secret North Atlantic Treaty Organization military site in the city of Rivne in western Ukraine. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russian forces seize control of Avdeevka as Ukrainians retreat Russia primarily wants Ukraine out of NATO but the West prefers to spend BILLIONS on PROXY WAR Russia making progress toward goal of MASS PRODUCING combat drones to rival Ukraines Western-supplied drone fleet Sources include: GlobalResearch.ca Edition.CNN.com Brighteon.com 60 Minutes now claims Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) are real, not conspiracy, because Russia is supposedly using them against us For years, the mainstream media establishment in the United States has scoffed at all speculation about the existence of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) that the government is using to spark "wildfires" and attack entire towns, i.e., Lahaina, Maui, calling DEWs a "conspiracy theory." Well, suddenly DEWs are real, according to 60 Minutes but only because Russia is the new alleged boogeyman. In the following video clip, 60 Minutes investigative reporter Christo Grozev expresses his belief that a top-secret Russian intelligence unit called 29155 is behind "mysterious health incidents reported by U.S. officials" have a look: Investigative reporter Christo Grozev believes a top-secret Russian intelligence unit, known as unit 29155, could be behind mysterious health incidents reported by U.S. officials. pic.twitter.com/xWPpw4YZX0 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 1, 2024 Now, have a look at this video in which Grozev explains how he "literally had tears" in his eyes after uncovering alleged evidence possibly linking Russia's top-secret 29155 unit to DEWs: "When I saw it, I literally had tears in my eyes, because it was spelling out what they had been doing," says Grozev. He says he found a document that may link 29155 to a directed energy weapon. https://t.co/mT6X1Z1nEz 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 1, 2024 There is obviously an agenda here, and one that we continue to see over and over again every time another U.S. government plot is exposed as real rather than a conspiracy theory: just blame Russia. (Related: Be sure to check out our earlier coverage about how all things blue, including blue cars, umbrellas and rooftops, were protected in the recent DEW-induced fires in Lahaina.) When outed, just blame Russia Newsweek and other corporate-controlled media outlets are already running with the new narrative, blaming Russia for the "mysterious and debilitating condition that struck U.S. personnel in Cuba," which is now being referred to as "Havana Syndrome." "Unexplained anomalous health incidents, also known as Havana Syndrome, may have their origin in the use of directed energy weapons" used by Russia's foreign military intelligence agency, known as GRU, reported Newsweek, citing a joint investigation between 60 Minutes, The Insider (Russia) and Der Spiegel (Germany). 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. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at 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. This is the modus operandi (MO) of Western media, by the way: deny the existence of some horrific thing like DEWs, chemtrails or what have you until denial is no longer possible because the world knows about it. Then, just proceed to blame Russia for whatever the horrible thing is. Town Hall claimed recently to have debunked the foreign adversary myth concerning the Havana Syndrome, citing "years of investigating" that shows it "cannot be tied to the actions of a foreign adversary." The CIA and six other intelligence agencies are cited as having reviewed the approximately 1,000 cases of career diplomats succumbing to strange symptoms tied to Havana Syndrome. It was determined that all such cases were "very unlikely" to have been caused by foreign adversaries. "'Russia, Russia, Russia!' for the past decade no one believes you anymore," wrote one person on X about the bogus 60 Minutes report. "Everything the politicians and media say Russia is doing turns out to be what our own government is doing." "This is so embarrassing for Democrat women who will be the only ones who believe it," joked another. "I always knew there were secret spy units out there, but causing mysterious health incidents? Sounds like something straight out of a James Bond movie!" said another. Others pointed out that the government, working through its media puppets like 60 Minutes, is so obviously desperate right now that it is throwing everything it has left at Russia. "The aliens story was much more believable," joked one of them. The latest news about media deception can be found at Propaganda.news. Sources for this article include: Twitter.com NaturalNews.com TownHall.com CERN, the Vatican and the upcoming X-marks-the-spot Great American eclipse In an emergency weekend broadcast that he does not normally do, Mike Adams of the "Health Ranger Report" discussed some of the latest revelations about strange and spooky things that are scheduled to occur during the April 8 solar eclipse across the United States. In addition to creating an X-marks-the-spot crossover with the last Great American Eclipse that occurred on Aug. 21, 2017, that crossover occurring smack-dead-center over the epicenter of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, the April 8 eclipse will also coincide with some strange government events that bear ominous implications. One of the things Adams discussed in the video below be sure to watch is the fact that TxDMV announced a travel ban prohibiting size and weight permitted travel on eclipse day across 80 Texas counties. In short, TxDMV is prohibiting basically all commercial trucks from traveling on April 8 in 80 Texas counties "from Anderson to Zavala," or from A to Z. "Have you ever heard of a solar eclipse resulting in state officials banning commercial trucks?" Adams asked, perplexed. What the travel ban means is that all commercial trucks carrying things like gravel, diesel, sections of bridges, tractors and other agricultural equipment, cattle and groceries to grocery stores, and bulk food supplies to restaurants will have to stop delivering on April 8. "On April 8, no stores are going to get supplies and you know that just-in-time delivery is a very real thing," Adams warns. "It's almost like Texas is causing a supply chain crisis on purpose on April 8 ... Something is weird about this. Something is odd about the government's overreaction, and I don't yet know what it is." 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. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at 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. NASA to launch three sounding rockets at "moon's shadow" during eclipse Another even stranger development is NASA's announcement on March 25, which took many by surprise, about a series of rocket launches that are scheduled to occur on April 8. NASA is planning to launch not one, not two, but three sounding rockets "into the moon's shadow" during the solar eclipse, supposedly to study "the disturbances in the ionosphere created when the moon eclipses the sun." According to the Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path (APEP), the rocket launches will occur at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Back in October 2023, there was actually another eclipse that traversed the United States, lesser known than the 2017 and 2024 ones. That eclipse, by the way, along with the 2017 and 2024 eclipses, creates a giant Hebrew Tav over America. (Related: Another important question to ask is why is the National Guard being deployed across the U.S. on April 8?) CERN to fire up Satanic particle accelerator on April 8 Another creepy event scheduled for April 8 is the activation of CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which has been out of commission for two years now. Described as the "world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator," CERN's LHC is scheduled to "smash protons together" on April 8 in an effort to "search for invisible particles secretly powering our universe." For the past two years, those behind CERN were busy spending upwards of $4 billion ensuring the machine is in proper working condition for this momentous event that directly coincides with the April 8 eclipse. "Scientists began preliminary tests by sending billions of protons around LHC's ring of superconducting magnets to boost their energy," reported the Daily Mail Online (United Kingdom). "And next month, CERN will shoot them down a 17-mile-long tunnel at nearly the speed of light to recreate conditions a second after the Big Bang." The LHC is located 300 feet underground at a hidden facility located on the border of France and Switzerland. It first went live on Sept. 10, 2008, one day before the seven-year anniversary of the 9/11 false flag attack on the World Trade Center (WTC). "CERN is believed by some people to be attempting to open a portal to alternate dimensions in order to let, essentially, interdimensional demons come through," Adams explained. "That's why Shiva the statue, the destroyer of worlds, is out in front of CERN. And that's why all these countries are funding this because they're trying to open a portal, essentially, to hell." The Vatican, by the way, which is ground zero for the Roman Catholicism religion, partnered with CERN back in 2012 to create "an informal exchange of scientists," allowing Vatican Observatory scientists to presumably work on the LHC. Is hell about to be unleashed on earth? There is also speculation that April 8 or perhaps 40 days after, if this particular eclipse is the final "sign of Jonah" for the wicked United States heralds the unleashing of hell on earth, or what Christians recognize as the Great Tribulation or Time of Jacob's Trouble described in Jeremiah 30:7. All of the mysterious and ominous things scheduled to occur on April 8 would seem to point directly to this changing of the ages from the church age to the tribulation age, hence why the National Guard is being deployed; commercial travel is being paused; NASA is shooting rockets at the moon; and CERN is attempting to open the gates of hell and allow everything therein to be released upon the earth. Adams speculates that the plans the powers that be have for April 8 point towards something very ugly and ominous for humanity, including by harvesting the energy of stars for the purpose of opening up portals to the dark underworld. "On April 8, everything changes!" one of our readers and viewers speculated about what he thinks will happen. "The skies have NEVER looked like this before and never will again!" Another noted that, for those who have been saved by Jesus Christ, there is no need to fear what appears to be on the verge of happening, as marked by this eclipse. "No weapon formed against us will prosper," this person added, quoting Isaiah 54:17. "Now more than ever, we need more of Jesus in our lives. He's the only way to overcome all of this." Are things about to change in a major way with the April 8 eclipse, heralding the prophetic changing of the ages long foretold? Find out more at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: Brighteon.com KCENTV.com NASA.gov EclipseWitness.com NaturalNews.com DailyMail.co.uk ArchBalt.org BlueLetterBible.org (1) BlueLetterBible.org (2) Final written words of Malcolm X were on zionism inextricably linked to wider European colonialism. Malcolm X was assassinated in New York on February the 21st 1965. Just prior to his murder he had been sent a series of nine questions about his life, faith, and hope for the future by the Director General of the Islamic Centre of Geneva. Malcolm responded with incisive and candid written responses and his answer to the final question posed was typed up on the morning of February 21, 1965, hours before his death. (Article by Patricia Harrity republished from Expose-News.com) It is, to the best of my knowledge, the final document written by Malcolm X; writes lecturer, Ali Hammoud a doctoral candidate from Western Sydney University, where his research interests are broadly centred around Islamic intellectual history and according to Ali, Malcom X had visited Gaza in 1964, a trip that was to inspire his written piece on Zionism and also demonstrated his view that Zionism was not only a threat to Palestine but to the wider Third World, Malcolm X According to the official website of Malcolm X, he was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. The murder of his father in 1931, followed by the deterioration of his mothers mental health led Malcolm and his siblings to go into foster care which was to later see him become involved in Bostons criminal underworld and entrenched in the Black mecca lifestyle of New York Citys Harlem. He was eventually arrested and convicted on burglary charges, sentenced to 10 years in prison but paroled after seven years that were utilised in furthering his education. (source) 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. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at 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. Malcolm X had become intrigued in a religious organisation the Nation of Islam (NOI) where the leader of the organisation Elijah Muhammad taught him that white society actively worked to keep African-Americans from empowering themselves and achieving political, economic and social success. When paroled in 1952, Malcolm ditched the subanem Little considering it a slave name and chose to use his new surname X instead to signify his lost tribal name and due to his intelligence the articulate Malcolm X was appointed minister and national spokesman for the NOI and utilised newspaper columns, radio and television to communicate the NOIs message across the United States. (source) Malcolm X was to find himself surrounded by crowds and controversy, at a time where racial tensions ran increasingly high he became a media magnet and also featured in a week-long television special in 1959, called The Hate That Hate Produced . By now he had also captured the governments attention, subsequently, FBI agents infiltrated the organisation (one even acted as Malcolms bodyguard) and secretly placed bugs, wiretaps, cameras and other surveillance equipment to monitor the groups activities. (source) A pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia proved life altering for him as for the first time, Malcolm shared his thoughts and beliefs with different cultures, and found the response to be overwhelmingly positive. On his return he said he had met blonde-haired, blued-eyed men I could call my brothers. He returned to the United States with a new outlook on integration and a new hope for the future. This time when Malcolm spoke, instead of just preaching to African-Americans, he had a message for all races. Undercover FBI informants working in the NOI warned officials that Malcolm had been marked for assassination and according to his biography, one undercover officer had even been ordered to help plant a bomb in Malcolms car. Due to repeated attempts on his life, he rarely traveled anywhere without bodyguards. (source) On February 14, 1965, the home where Malcolm, wife Betty and their four daughters lived in East Elmhurst, New York was firebombed. Luckily, the family escaped physical injury, that time, but only one week later, his enemies' attempts to kill him were successful when at an engagement in the Manhattans Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965 three gunmen rushed Malcolm onstage shooting him 15 times at close range. He was pronounced dead on arrival at New Yorks Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Assassinated at only 39 years old. (source) Neither Malcom Xs autobiography, or esteemed biographies written about him have mentioned that his last written words were on the subject of Zionism, according to Ali Hammoud. His article on the subject follows below. Malcolm Xs final written words were about Zionism. Here is what he said. by Ali Hammoud For Malcolm X, Zionism was inextricably linked to wider European colonialism. In a little known passage written just before his assassination, he made it clear he saw Zionism as not just a threat to Palestine, but to the entire Third World. The ongoing genocide in Gaza, coupled with the recent martyrdom anniversary of Malcolm X, has sparked interest in what the renowned activist thought and wrote about Palestine. But a reader of The Autobiography of Malcolm X would learn little; indeed, there is no mention of Malcolms 1964 trip to Gaza, or of his scathing article titled, Zionist Logic. Even acclaimed biographies of Malcolm X, such as Les Paynes The Dead Are Arising and Manning Marables A Life of Reinvention, either ignore or brush over the details of Malcolms visit and writings on Palestine. Marable goes as far as to claim that Malcolms perspective on Palestine was merely political opportunism; a stunt aimed at garnering the support of Egyptian president Jamal Abdul Nasser. It is the dismissal and neglect of this crucial part of Malcolms life that blunts both his burgeoning internationalist perspective and the threat he perceived of Zionism to not only Palestine but the entire Third World. On September 5, 1964, Malcolm X traveled to Gaza then under the control of Egypt where he spent two days. He visited the Khan Younis refugee camp and a local hospital and mingled with locals and luminaries alike. Amongst these interactions in Gaza, perhaps the most influential was his unplanned encounter with the renowned Palestinian poet Harun Hashim Rashid. Malcolm was visibly moved by the latters horrific experience and recounting of the Suez Crisis nearly a decade earlier, in which hundreds of Palestinians were murdered by the IDF. Moreover, Malcolms diary notes indicate his admiration for Rashids poetry, as he hastily scribbled one of his poems titled We Must Return: We must return No boundaries should exist No obstacles can stop us Cry out refugees: We shall return Tell the Mts: We shall return Tell the alley: We shall return We are going back to our youth Palestine calls us to arm ourselves And we are armed and are going to fight We must return After his meeting with Rashid, Malcolm met with religious leaders and prayed the congregational night prayer. He noted in his diary that the spirit of Allah was strong in Gaza. The visit to Gaza inspired Malcolms most famous written piece on Zionism. Published in The Egyptian Gazette on September 17, 1964, Zionist Logic mounted a scathing critique of Zionism and demonstrated Malcolms view that it was not only a threat to Palestine but to the wider Third World. In his essay, he writes: The Israeli Zionists are convinced they have successfully camouflaged their new kind of colonialism. Their colonialism appears to be more benevolent, more philanthropic, a system with which they rule simply by getting their potential victims to accept their friendly offers of economic aid, and other tempting gifts, that they dangle in front of the newly-independent African nations, whose economies are experiencing great difficultiesThus, the power and influence of Zionist Israel in many of the newly independent African nations has fast-become even more unshakeable than that of the 18th century European colonialistsand this new kind of Zionist colonialism differs only in form and method, but never in motive or objective. Here, Malcolm draws parallels with European colonialism and the destruction that it wrought across the Third World in the preceding centuries. For Malcolm, Zionism is inextricably linked to wider European colonialism; the latest iteration designed to subdue the Third World. To confront this wider colonial endeavor, Malcolm beseeches the leaders and people of the Third World to unite together and reject the false overtures of colonial powers. What I have written above has received some degree of public coverage, but there is a crucial document found in the appendix of The Dead Are Arising that has yet to receive the attention it deserves. The Director General of the Islamic Centre of Geneva had sent Malcolm X nine questions about his life, faith, and hope for the future, to which Malcolm wrote incisive and candid responses. The answer to the final question was typed up on the morning of February 21, 1965. It is, to the best of my knowledge, the final document written by Malcolm X and testifies to his burgeoning internationalist perspective and the threat of Zionism not only to Palestine but to the entire Third World. It is reproduced here below: Question: Africa seems to have captured most of your attention and eager concern. Why? And now that you have visited almost every part of it, where do you think Islam actually stands? And what, in your opinion, could be done to save it from both the brainlessness of many or rather most of those who are considered to be the champions of its cause and from the malicious, resourceful alliance of Zionism, atheism and religious fanaticism against Islam? Answer: I regard Africa as my Fatherland. I am primarily interested in seeing it become completely free of outside political and economic influence that has dominated and exploited it. Africa, because of its strategic position, faces a real crisis. The colonial vultures have no intention of giving it up without a fight. Their chief weapon is still divide and conquer. In East Africa there is a strong anti-Asian feeling being nurished [sic] among the Africans. In West Africa there is a strong anti-Arab feeling. Where there are Arabs or Asians there is a strong anti-Muslim feeling. These hostilities are not initiated by the above-mentioned people who are involved. They have nothing to benefit from fighting among themselves at this point. Those who benefit most are the former colonial masters who have now supplanted the hated colonialism and imperialism with Zionism. The Zionists have outstripped all other interest-groups in the present struggle for our Mother Continent. They use such a benevolent, philanthropic approach that it is quite difficult for their victims to see through their schemes. Zionism is even more dangerous than communism because it is made more acceptable and is thus more destructively effective. Since the Arab image is almost inseparable from the Image of Islam, the Arab World has a multiple responsibility that it must live up to. Since Islam is a religion of Brotherhood and Unity those who take the lead in expounding this religion are duty-bound to set the highest example of the Brotherhood and Unity. It is imperative that Cairo and Mecca (The Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and the Muslim World League) have a religious summit conference and show a greater degree of concern and responsibility for the present plight of the Muslim World or other forces will rise up in this present generation of young forward-thinking Muslims and the Power Centres will be taken from the hands of those that they are now in and placed elsewhere. ALLAH CAN EASILY DO THIS. Hours after typing this response, Malcolm X was assassinated at the Audobon Ballroom in New York. He was 39 years old. You can read the essay Zionis Logic by Malcolm X below. Zionist Logic BY MALCOLM X The Zionist armies that now occupy Palestine claim their ancient Jewish prophets predicted that in the last days of this world their own God would raise them up a messiah who would lead them to their promised land, and they would set up their own divine government in this newly-gained land, this divine government would enable them to rule all other nations with a rod of iron. If the Israeli Zionists believe their present occupation of Arab Palestine is the fulfillment of predictions made by their Jewish prophets, then they also religiously believe that Israel must fulfill its divine mission to rule all other nations with a rod of irons, which only means a different form of iron-like rule, more firmly entrenched even, than that of the former European Colonial Powers. These Israeli Zionists religiously believe their Jewish God has chosen them to replace the outdated European colonialism with a new form of colonialism, so well disguised that it will enable them to deceive the African masses into submitting willingly to their divine authority and guidance, without the African masses being aware that they are still colonized. Camouflage The Israeli Zionists are convinced they have successfully camouflaged their new kind of colonialism. Their colonialism appears to be more benevolent, more philanthropic, a system with which they rule simply by getting their potential victims to accept their friendly offers of economic aid, and other tempting gifts, that they dangle in front of the newly-independent African nations, whose economies are experiencing great difficulties. During the 19th century, when the masses here in Africa were largely illiterate it was easy for European imperialists to rule them with force and fear, but in this present era of enlightenment the African masses are awakening, and it is impossible to hold them in check now with the antiquated methods of the 19th century. The imperialists, therefore, have been compelled to devise new methods. Since they can no longer force or frighten the masses into submission, they must devise modern methods that will enable them to maneuver the African masses into willing submission. The modern 20th century weapon of neo-imperialism is dollarism. The Zionists have mastered the science of dollarism: the ability to come posing as a friend and benefactor, bearing gifts and all other forms of economic aid and offers of technical assistance. Thus, the power and influence of Zionist Israel in many of the newly independent African nations has fast-become even more unshakeable than that of the 18th century European colonialistsand this new kind of Zionist colonialism differs only in form and method, but never in motive or objective. At the close of the 19th century when European imperialists wisely foresaw that the awakening masses of Africa would not submit to their old method of ruling through force and fears, these ever-scheming imperialists had to create a new weapon, and to find a new base for that weapon. Dollarism The number one weapon of 20th century imperialism is Zionist dollarism, and one of the main bases for this weapon is Zionist Israel. The ever-scheming European imperialists wisely placed Israel where she could geographically divide the Arab world, infiltrate and sow the seed of dissension among African leaders and also divide the Africans against the Asians. Zionist Israels occupation of Arab Palestine has forced the Arab world to waste billions of precious dollars on armaments, making it impossible for these newly independent Arab nations to concentrate on strengthening the economies of their countries and elevate the living standard of their people. And the continued low standard of living in the Arab world has been skillfully used by the Zionist propagandists to make it appear to the Africans that the Arab leaders are not intellectually or technically qualified to lift the living standard of their peoplethus, indirectly inducing Africans to turn away from the Arabs and towards the Israelis for teachers and technical assistance. They cripple the birds wing, and then condemn it for not flying as fast as they. The imperialists always make themselves look good, but it is only because they are competing against economically crippled newly independent countries whose economies are actually crippled by the Zionist-capitalist conspiracy. They cant stand against fair competition, thus they dread Gamal Abdul Nassers call for African-Arab Unity under Socialism. Messiah? If the religious claim of the Zionists is true that they were to be led to the promised land by their messiah, and Israels present occupation of Arab Palestine is the fulfillment of that prophesy: where is their messiah whom their prophets said would get the credit for leading them there? It was [United Nations mediator] Ralph Bunche who negotiated the Zionists into possession of Occupied Palestine! Is Ralph Bunche the messiah of Zionism? If Ralph Bunche is not their messiah, and their messiah has not yet come, then what are they doing in Palestine ahead of their messiah? Did the Zionists have the legal or moral right to invade Arab Palestine, uproot its Arab citizens from their homes and seize all Arab property for themselves just based on the religious claim that their forefathers lived there thousands of years ago? Only a thousand years ago the Moors lived in Spain. Would this give the Moors of today the legal and moral right to invade the Iberian Peninsula, drive out its Spanish citizens, and then set up a new Moroccan nationwhere Spain used to be, as the European Zionists have done to our Arab brothers and sisters in Palestine? In short the Zionist argument to justify Israels present occupation of Arab Palestine has no intelligent or legal basis in historynot even in their own religion. Where is their Messiah? Read more at: Expose-News.com Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov describes Russia-Ukraine chaos as one part of wider conflict with the West Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has characterized the conflict between Russia and Ukraine as just one element of the West's broader strategy aimed at dealing a "strategic defeat" to Russia . Lavrov emphasized that the ongoing war represents merely the surface of a larger agenda. Lavrov highlighted the so-called "proxy war" between Russia and the West, noting Moscow's repeated warnings to countries supplying weapons and military assistance to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Western nations continue to deny direct involvement in the conflict. In an interview with the Russian daily newspaper Izvestia, Lavrov pointed to the events following the Western-backed coup in Kyiv in 2014, which led to what he described as "a war against the majority Russian-speaking peoples of the Donbas region by Ukrainian authorities." He noted that the Minsk agreements, aimed at granting special status to the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts within Ukraine, temporarily halted hostilities. However, Lavrov noted that Ukrainian leaders did not retreat from imposing strict measures targeting Russian-descended Ukrainians, the Russian language and other aspects of Russian culture, all of which are contrary to Ukraine's constitution. Despite Moscow's calls for condemnation of Ukraine's discriminatory policies, Lavrov lamented the lack of public condemnation from Western countries, suggesting a broader agenda against Russia. (Related: Russia says it is prepared to use nuclear weapons if threatened by the West.) Lavrov suggested that Ukraine serves as a symbolic "tip of the iceberg" in the West's efforts to undermine Russia strategically. He criticized the West for allowing support for Nazism as part of this mission. 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. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed similar sentiments, stating that the conflict could have been avoided had the West considered Moscow's security interests. However, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) expansion toward Russia's borders disregarded these interests, according to Putin. Pope Francis joins calls for peace in Ukraine Early this month, the Kremlin acknowledged Pope Francis's call for negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine as "quite understandable," while NATO's secretary-general cautioned against discussing "surrender" at this time. In a recorded interview from February, the head of the more than one billion members of the Catholic Church urged Ukraine to have "the courage of the white flag" and pursue negotiations to end the conflict as it enters its third year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was understandable for the pope to advocate for negotiations. He emphasized that Putin had consistently expressed openness to peace talks. However, Peskov lamented that recent statements, including those from the pope and other parties, had faced firm rejection. Peskov dismissed Western aspirations for a "strategic defeat" of Russia, asserting that developments on the battlefield contradict such notions. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg asserted that negotiations aimed at preserving Ukraine's sovereignty and independence would only materialize once Putin acknowledged that victory on the battlefield was unattainable. Stoltenberg emphasized the need for military support to Ukraine to facilitate a negotiated solution. Regarding Pope Francis' suggestion of a white flag, Stoltenberg cautioned against interpreting it as a call for Ukrainian surrender, warning of dire consequences for both Ukraine and the international community if Moscow perceived military aggression as a successful tactic. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Pope Francis's mediation efforts as "virtual" and emphasized the importance of support from religious figures within Ukraine. Zelensky reiterated his stance against talks with Putin and affirmed that Russia would not be invited to an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland. Watch this video discussing how Russia and NATO are inching ever closer to open conflict as Russian troops get stationed at the Finnish border. This video is from the Diane Sosen channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russia primarily wants Ukraine out of NATO but the West prefers to spend BILLIONS on PROXY WAR. Russia destroys Ukrainian Patriot air defense missile launchers. Russia accuses Ukraine of using American-made chemical weapons. Sources include: SHTFPlan.com AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com FACT CHECK: Most U.S. slave owners, 78%, were JEWISH When most people think about slavery, their minds instantly rush to images of wealthy white landowners beating black people on plantations. The reality, though, is that the vast majority of slave owners in American history were Jewish At the height of slavery in the United States, a whopping 78 percent of slave owners came from Jewish ancestry, not white (i.e., Caucasian and non-Jewish European). Even so, most Americans today have no idea about this because the establishment has been pumping out anti-white propaganda for many decades, blaming non-Jewish white people for what primarily Jewish people were doing. "Imagine the Chutzpah of blaming someone else for that which you do yourself," tweeted the Mads Palsvig (@Palsvig) X account, which says it is run by a "Former executive from Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and Barclays turned Whistleblower," and "Chairman of The Prosperity Party in Denmark." "There is a clinical term for that: Psychopathy." The same account goes on to explain the origins of the anti-white hatred that has swept the U.S., especially in the last several decades. "It is all part of the non-stop Frankfurt School aka Cultural Marxist ideology that has been instrumental in destroying Christianity, the family unit, our culture and our traditions." To put the slavery issue into perspective, consider the fact that at the height of slavery in the U.S., only 1.6 percent of the total population actually owned slaves. Of that, Jews made up 3.125 percent of the total population, meaning 40 percent of all Jews in the U.S. owned slaves. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Conversely, just 0.35 percent of the non-Jewish white population owned slaves at the height of slavery. As for the ships upon which slaves were brought to the U.S., take note that the following ships all had Jewish owners: Abigail, owned by Aaron Lopez, Moses Levy and Jacob Franks Crown, owned by Isaac Levy and Nathan Simpson Nassau, owned by Moses Levy Four Sisters, owned by Moses Levy Anne & Eliza, owned by Justus Bosch and John Abrams Prudent Betty, owned by Henry Cruger and Jacob Phoenix Hester, owned by Mordecai and David Gomez Elizabeth, owned by Mordecai and David Gomez Antigua, owned by Nathan Marston and Abram Lyell Betsy, owned by Wm. De Woolf Polly, owned by James De Woolf White Horse, owned by Jan de Sweevts Expedition, owned by John and Jacob Roosevelt Charlotte, owned by Moses and Sam Levy and Jacob Franks Caracoa, owned by Moses and Sam Levy (Related: If you declare Christ as King, you are engaging in "antisemitism," according to The Daily Wire's Andrew Klavan.) Hollywood's role in fomenting racial hatred between blacks and whites Interestingly, a lot of the propaganda claiming that white people are responsible for slavery in the U.S. comes from Hollywood and the education system at large, which the Mads Palsvig X account says is about 85 percent controlled by Jewish interests. "The 85%(?) Jewish controlled educational system and Hollywood spend a lot of time and focus on fomenting racial hatred between black and non-Jewish white people," it explains. Haaretz actually ran a story about this very subject in 2021, though it states that "Southern Jews owned slaves in comparable numbers to their white non-Jewish neighbors," with some of them being "active slave traders." Haaretz claims that "antisemites" are known to create "widely exaggerated" versions of "such facts," but that it is "among the uncomfortable truths of Southern Jewish history" that many Jews did, in fact, own slaves. Since Jews comprised just a small percentage of the overall southern U.S. population at the time, the "comparable numbers" claim fits within the claims made by Mads Palsvig on X that, proportionally speaking, Jews in the U.S. were far more likely to be slave owners than non-Jewish whites. Why, then, do whites always take all the heat for ancestry, including white people who have no family history of being slave owners? What is worse, what about all the white people who, for all intents and purposes, have been living as slaves themselves and have no wealth, let alone slave ownership, and yet receive the same blame for slavery just because of the color of their skin? Another thing worth considering is the slavery just about everyone is currently under in the U.S., which is controlled by a usurious system of fake money-printing that benefits a select few at the expense of everyone else. "Money printing, issuing more paper money than they had gold in security, basically fraud," wrote someone on X, adding to Mads Palsvig's revelations about Jewish slave owners. "They have done these sorts of crimes for hundreds of years, and still do. They still control most central banks in the world." Another made reference to the New Testament account of Jesus Christ going into the temple and overturning the tables of the "money changers," which would have been Jews operating for-profit endeavors inside the holy temple. The latest news about the anti-white agenda can be found at Deception.news. Sources for this article include: Twitter.com NaturalNews.com Haaretz.com Republican congressman calls for NUCLEAR obliteration of Russia and Gaza Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg, a Republican, does not believe that innocent civilians in Gaza and Ukraine deserve any more aid. Instead, Walberg would rather the money go towards bombing Russia and Gaza with nuclear weapons. Walberg says that dropping atomic bombs on Russia and Gaza would result in "quick" victories for he and others who desire such outcomes against the two regions. These dastardly remarks were made by Walberg at a recent meeting with members of the public in Dundee, Mich. You can hear Walberg speak them to a small group of people in the following video: Walberg made these statements on March 25 while criticizing President Biden for suggesting any kind of aid for Gaza. To help those innocents would be to defy Israel, Walberg maintained, calling Israel Washington's "greatest ally, arguably, anywhere in the world." "We shouldn't be spending a dime on humanitarian aid," Walberg scoffed. "It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Get it over quick." "The same should be in Ukraine," Walberg continued. "Defeat Putin quick. Instead of 80 percent in Ukraine being used for humanitarian purposes, it should be 80 to 100 percent to wipe out Russian forces." (Related: Russia has condemned the Israeli genocide in Gaza, stating that "innocent people are being killed indiscriminately.") Cold and callous heartlessness Walberg and others like him have become so callous and heartless when it comes to human life which is ironic considering their "pro-life" stance that it is difficult to even listen to them speak these kinds of things. 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. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at 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. Are these people really so seared in their consciences that the only thing that matters is a Zionist victory for Israel, a nation that essentially forced itself back into existence through genocide and ethnic cleansing? After Walberg's statements went viral, he tried to backtrack on them, accusing people of misreporting and misrepresenting what he was actually saying, which was supposedly "metaphorical." "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 harm's way," Walberg wrote in a carefully concocted statement posted to X. "The use of this metaphor, along with the removal of context, distorted my message, but I fully stand by these beliefs and stand by our allies," he added, noting that the sooner his side of the war is victorious, the "fewer innocent lives will be caught in the crossfire." In the comments, someone wrote that the U.S. at large, which is run by Walberg and his ilk, really needs "a healthy reminder that they do not live in a distant galaxy." "Perceived insularity feeds the illusion of impunity," this person wrote, adding that the "U.S. regime thinks it is immune and protected." "As part of the reminder, let them feel and learn that one of the dangers comes from the ocean. The very ocean that was to protect them will now do that literally, with entire states becoming the ocean bed." Another wrote that to call for another Nagasaki and Hiroshima is something "no sound mind would ever propose as a resolution" to these current conflicts. "Honest metaphors or not, peace through strength, never through war," this person said. "A key question here is how could such a lowly character (Walberg) be voted in as a representative of the people." "This is the general caliber of U.S. politicians, although most aren't stupid enough to say it out loud," wrote another. "The U.S. government reflects the stupidity of Americans in general. After all, who elects these morons but other morons." The latest news about what Israel is doing to Gaza can be found at Genocide.news. Sources for this article include: RT.com YouTube.com NaturalNews.com UN youth climate adviser calls for White people to be relieved of power in revolutionary fights A United Nations youth climate adviser has come under fire after old posts uncovered on her social media talked about how she wanted the end of capitalism and claimed that "terrorism" is a slur used by the West to justify imperialism. Her posts also called for attacks on White people for supposedly pushing humanity's destruction through the so-called climate crisis. Pakistani-American Ayisha Siddiqa was personally appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in 2023 to be one of his advisers and to help "accelerate the implementation of his climate action agenda." The Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change gives realistic advice and actual recommendations to expedite the implementation of the UN's climate action agenda. Siddiqa was selected for the two-year assignment based on her "demonstrated commitment to the UN's values." Nevertheless, Siddiqa's social media posts show radical leftist beliefs beyond environmentalism. Her old activity showed that she endorses the abolition of the police, support for anti-capitalist ideals like Marxism and socialism and repeated racism against White people. Siddiqa's climate activism does not come from a desire to protect the environment, but to challenge the West for its wars and Middle Eastern involvement, which she claims is linked to oil, as stated in a May 2020 post on her account on X, formerly Twitter. "You want to know why I got into climate activism; it wasn't because I wanted to protect the environment I became involved [because] the West slaughtered, bombed and starved my people to death in the name of oil. And no one talks about it," Siddiqa wrote. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. 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. Siddiqa also charged the West with "organized terrorism" in connection with the climate crisis and questioned the term "terrorism" when employed by the West to describe actions by Islamist groups. Siddiqa, in a post about Hamas launching rockets into Israeli civilian areas in May 2021, cited Marxist thinkers Franz Fanon and Angela Davis, who backed violence as a means of liberation. UN youth climate adviser blames White people for climate change Siddiqa blames White people for climate change, stating in a March 2021 post, "The white man has brought life as we know it, to the verge of extinction." She also believes White people in the climate movement should be stripped of power, saying: "We're allowing White people to have too much space White people have absolutely no prerogative or authority to lead the movement." (Related: WHITE PEOPLE: The only race you can legally discriminate against in the USA.) Siddiqa denounced the United States and Western foreign policy, calling President Joe Biden a "war criminal" and tagging the British Royal family as "inequality, capitalism & White supremacy personified" in 2020. Following the George Floyd riots of 2020, Siddiqa said in a post, "America you looted every inch of this planet, raped and [pillaged] its Brown and Black people and now you are angry that your citizens are doing it to you." Apart from supporting the abolition of the police, Siddiqa also believes the Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrations were ideal for climate activists of what it looks like to be "a credible threat to power." "When you are a credible threat to power, you don't get to attain permits & permission to take to the streets When you are really threatening systems of oppression you have to hide your identity, like many BLM protestors & BIPOC climate activists have had to do. Revolutionary fights are battles born out of sheer necessity," Siddiqa said. The UN youth climate adviser also expects the destruction of capitalism for allegedly continuing "evils." Siddiqa thinks capitalism is "the manifestation of racism" and its abolition is essential to her climate agenda. "Capitalism and a livable planet are incompatible," Siddiqa stated, claiming humanity had seven years to turn the tables. "Working within capitalism is what will eventually kill us." She also added that capitalism "devours everything, from protest to rebellion." Watch the video below about Tucker Carlson and Alex Jones talking about the anti-White media campaign. This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com. More related articles: Capitalism is 'breaking down before our eyes,' says prominent hedge fund manager Ken Griffin. How the cult of woke is being used to transform America into a marxist totalitarian state, destroying everything good our country once stood for while crushing the American people. Whistleblower confirms that University of Washington discriminates against whites, Asians. Biden, Dems, left-wing media keep repeating lie about 'white supremacy' being biggest threat: Here's why. Climate change is being exploited by "mega billionaires" to tyrannize the planet, warns RFK Jr. Sources include: YourNews.com MSN.com Brighteon.com Unconstitutional infant DNA database in New Jersey faces legal scrutiny A controversial database containing DNA samples collected from newborn babies in New Jersey is facing legal scrutiny after it was found state law enforcement agencies kept backdoor access to the information. For decades, the state has gathered and saved these DNA samples without specifically informing parents, thus accumulating a considerable database of genetic material. Two New Jersey mothers have started a federal class-action lawsuit opposing the collection and access of personal infant data without appropriate consent, indicating increasing public concerns about intrusive uses of baby blood samples for confidential purposes. (Related: New Jersey SUED for secretly HARVESTING blood from newborns without consent from parents.) Expectant parents usually invite doctors and nurses into the delivery room, not police officers. However, law enforcement agencies have backdoor access in New Jersey. The alleged intrusion begins within 48 hours after a child's birth, when maternity ward workers make a tiny puncture in an infant's heel to obtain blood for laboratory testing. This screening allows for early identification of rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. All American states do this, but what makes New Jersey different is that most other states later destroy the paper cards they employ to gather the dried bloodspots of infants. New Jersey keeps the blood. New Jersey has kept samples from each baby born since the 1970s Without informing the parents, the state has kept samples from each baby born since the 1970s, making a covert database with millions of entries. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Blood samples remain on file for 23 years while the DNA data could last longer on third-party servers. New Jersey does not mention exactly what happens to the data, but the state provides itself permission to share the genetic markers it gathers with anybody it wants for any reason, including law enforcement agencies. The risk of New Jersey abusing this data is not speculative, as the state has already delivered a blood sample to police agencies without a warrant on multiple occasions, leading to arrests. Parents can technically drop out of the screening if they object on religious reasons. But hospitals in the state aid the government by concealing that this option is available to families, with many recounting being threatened with having their child taken away by Child Protective Services if they refuse to allow the hospital to store their child's DNA. A half-page brochure distributed by the New Jersey Department of Health even claims that all infants are "required by law" to provide blood to the state. The brochure does not say anything about long-term storage. Erica Jedynak, a mother from Boonton, was shocked on her delivery day. Jedynak did not find out until later that the state kept her son's blood on file for unexplained purposes. "There is something morally not right that the government would be tracking him or almost assuming the guilt of babies. I have to protect him from what appears to be a very creepy database," Jedynak said. The covert scheme also worries Hannah Lovaglio, a mother from Cranbury. "It is a little off-putting to think that my childs blood is sitting in some state facility in New Jersey. I try to keep track of all of my kids things, but that is just totally out of my control and unsettling," Lovaglio said. Both mothers have filed a class-action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, with the public interest law firm the Interest for Justice representing them in the case. The case relies on previous lawsuits that prohibit intrusive uses of baby's blood samples without parental consent. One such case from Texas found people guilty for delivering DNA data to the Department of Defense for a national registry. Another case from Michigan and Minnesota found people guilty for selling newborn blood for research. Follow Twisted.news for more stories about insane instances of government overreach. Watch the video below to learn more about the Department of Justice suing police departments for the use of DNA databases. This video is from the Economy Lady channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: China harvesting DNA from pregnant women, babies in "New Axis" program. DNA testing technology can be abused by the government to turn the U.S. into a SURVEILLANCE STATE. Hackers steal personal data of 6.9 million 23andMe customers, including DNA info. DNA testing technology can be abused by the government to turn the U.S. into a SURVEILLANCE STATE. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com TheDailyBeast.com Brighteon.com TOTAL ANNIHILATION: U.S. president only has 6 minutes to decide whether to unleash Armageddon An expert has issued a chilling warning about the looming specter of nuclear war, asserting that regardless of its origin, the catastrophic outcome remains the same: total annihilation Annie Jacobsen, renowned for her insightful books on America's military, including explorations of the secretive DARPA research lab and the enigmatic Area 51, has sounded the alarm on the harrowing reality of nuclear brinkmanship. In a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, she painted a grim picture of the razor-thin margin between survival and devastation, highlighting the critical six-minute window that confronts the U.S. president in the event of detecting a Russian or Chinese missile launch. Under the current U.S. doctrine of "launch on warning," there is scant time for deliberation or assessment of the situation. The moment an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is detected, the United States is poised to retaliate preemptively, ensuring that the devastating cycle of destruction is set in motion without hesitation. Jacobsen elucidates the grim mechanics behind this policy, underscoring the vigilant surveillance conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense's early warning system, particularly the SBIRS satellite constellation tasked with monitoring potential threats. This constant vigilance is a grim reminder of the perilous reality of nuclear deterrence, where any perceived threat triggers an irreversible cascade of destruction. Moreover, Jacobsen exposes the fallibility inherent in the system, recounting past instances where the decision to launch nuclear strikes was later revealed to be based on erroneous information. The stakes are immeasurable, and the margin for error is perilously slim. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Even former President Ronald Reagan expressed skepticism about the rationality of unleashing Armageddon based on a fleeting blip on a radar screen. His sentiments echo the sentiments of many, who question the sanity of entrusting such grave decisions to the whims of technological detection. Jacobsen shatters any illusions of control or reversal once the launch sequence is initiated. Contrary to cinematic portrayals, nuclear missiles cannot be recalled or diverted once set in motion, condemning millions to a fate beyond comprehension. The horrors of a nuclear detonation are beyond imagination, with the resulting mushroom cloud engulfing entire cities in a maelstrom of destruction. (Related: NUCLEAR WAR: Radioactive fallout from attacks on U.S. ICBM silos could kill 300 million Americans.) Jacobsen paints a grim tableau of unimaginable suffering, where the speed and ferocity of nuclear warfare defy human comprehension. In her extensive research, Jacobsen encountered a unanimous consensus among political and military figures: nuclear war is sheer madness. The grim calculus of mutually assured destruction renders any notions of victory or triumph hollow and delusional. What happens after a nuclear detonation? A groundbreaking study, published two years ago, sheds light on the chilling repercussions of modern nuclear detonations and their catastrophic impact on the world as we know it. Led by Cheryl Harrison, an assistant professor in the LSU Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, the study, co-authored by a team of experts, conducted multiple computer simulations to assess the consequences of regional and large-scale nuclear warfare in today's context. The simulations painted a grim picture: in all scenarios, nuclear firestorms would unleash soot and smoke into the upper atmosphere, effectively blotting out the Sun and triggering global crop failures. Within the first month post-detonation, average global temperatures would plummet by approximately 13 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing even the temperature drop of the last Ice Age. Furthermore, the abrupt cooling of ocean temperatures would lead to the expansion of sea ice, obstructing major ports and impeding shipping routes across the Northern Hemisphere. This disruption would severely hamper the distribution of essential goods, exacerbating food shortages in densely populated areas such as Shanghai. The repercussions extend far beyond the surface, with marine ecosystems facing decimation as plummeting light levels disrupt the delicate balance of marine algae, the foundation of the marine food web. This catastrophic disruption would result in widespread famine in the oceans, crippling fishing industries and aquaculture worldwide. Head over to NuclearWar.news for more similar stories. Watch this interview with General Michael Flynn as he discusses among other things the risk of a nuclear war with Russia. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Medical preparedness: Supplies to stock up on when preparing for nuclear war. Former Pentagon official warns via NATO website: West should prepare for NUCLEAR WAR. America's globalist leaders are psychologically programming the public for World War III, nuclear Armageddon and climate LOCKDOWNS. Sources include: DailyStar.co.uk Brighteon.com Weather experts said that a storm packing tornadoes and hail are expected to strike Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. They warned that the risk of severe weather would continue on Tuesday and Wednesday as the threat of the storm will shift farther to the eastern portion of the United States. Based on the forecast, the severe weather threat from Tuesday to Tuesday evening will extend from the northern parts of Indiana and Ohio and western Pennsylvania, southward to near the central Gulf coast and eastward to the Chesapeake Bay region and part of the Delmarva Peninsula. Meteorologists said that storms in the broad zone will pack strong wind gusts, hail and localized flash flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) said a highly impactful, major spring storm would produce numerous hazards in the next few days as it strengthens over the Southern Plains on Monday night and pushes northeastward Tuesday across the Mid Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley and into the Lower Lakes. This is forecasted to become nearly stationary over the Lower Lakes on Wednesday. Severe weather is likely to develop across portions of the Southern to Central Plains late Monday afternoon or evening and spread northeastward quickly across the Lower Missouri Valley, Mid Mississippi Valley Monday night into early Tuesday. Meteorologists warned that this severe weather threat would then spread into portions of the Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley and Southeast on Tuesday. On the other hand, large hail, high winds and tornadoes are all possible with the severe weather in the next two days. Read Also: Central US Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain to Trigger Potential Localized Flooding This Week Flood Watches In addition to the severe weather threat, heavy rains and flash floods will also be possible late Monday into Tuesday from the Lower Missouri Valley, across the Mid Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley and into the Central Appalachians. So far, flood watches currently stretch from central Illinois, across large portions of Indiana, Ohio, northeast Kentucky, much of West Virginia, far southwest Pennsylvania and far western Maryland. Further, much above average temperatures will continue across the South on Tuesday ahead of a strong cold front forecast to be pushing eastward from the Southern Plains on Tuesday and into the Southeast by Wednesday. Weather forecast has shown that record high overnight low temperatures are possible ahead of this strong front Tuesday morning from the Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, Southern Appalachians and Southeast and again Wednesday morning across the Southeast and most of Florida. In the wake of this front pushing eastward across the South, much cooler temperatures are forecast across the South on Wednesday and the Southeast by Thursday. Meanwhile, the greatest threat of tornadoes will extend from central Tennessee to part of southeastern Indiana, central Ohio and western West Virginia. These areas will also include much of central and eastern Kentucky. Multiple tornadoes could be spawned in this rather heavily-populated zone. However, any severe thunderstorm outside of this area has the potential to produce a brief tornado. The major cities of Nashville, Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia, are among the metro areas at risk for violent storms on Tuesday. Related Article: Michigan, Wisconsin Weather Forecast: Heavy Snow to Bring Hazardous Commutes Midweek Experts said that the number of monkeypox cases has doubled among the unvaccinated and unvaccinated in the United States. Monkeypox Cases Doubled In US Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that more than 570 monkeypox cases had been recorded in the US as of March this year. This figure was an increase from the 298 cases reported in 2023. The latest data have shown that monkeypox is still circulating, with experts saying that there is still a need for people who are at risk of infection to get vaccinated for their own protection. Most of the cases that the US is currently seeing are either those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, meaning they either never received a vaccine or they only got one dose of it, according to Dr. Jenni McQuiston, deputy director of the CDC's High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology division. The CDC noted that since May 2022, the US has seen more than 30,000 cases of monkeypox, most of which occurred in that year. Meanwhile, by the start of 2023, infection rates had slowed down with the country having been recorded 298 cases between January 1 and March 23, 2023. Read Also: Monkeypox Cases Detected in Animals Might be Impossible to Control, Scientists Warn Viral Illness And Its Symptoms The World Health Organization (WHO) said that monkeypox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. According to WHO, two different clades exist: clade I and clade II. The common symptoms of monkeypox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last for two to four weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Experts said that monkeypox could be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals. Meanwhile, laboratory confirmation of monkeypox is done by testing skin lesion material by PCR while the disease is treated with supportive care. To recall, the monkeypox virus was discovered in Denmark in 1958 among monkeys kept for research and the first reported human case of monkeypox was a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, 1970). The illness can spread from person to person or occasionally from animals to people. Following eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the end of smallpox vaccination worldwide, monkeypox steadily emerged in central, east and west Africa. Vaccines and therapeutics developed for smallpox and approved for use in some countries can be used for monkeypox in some circumstances. From 2022 to 2023, a global outbreak of monkeypox was caused by a strain known as clade IIb. This can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with someone who has the illness. Moreover, vaccination can help prevent infection for people at risk. Experts said that JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine developed to protect against mponkeypox and smallpox infections. People need to get both doses of the vaccine for the best protection against the disease. They said that the second dose should be given four weeks after the first dose. Related Article: WHO Declares Current Monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern Poison ivy, the ubiquitous plant known for its itchy and blistering rash, has been a subject of cautionary tales and avoidance strategies for generations. The common wisdom of "leaves of three, let it be" has guided outdoor enthusiasts in their efforts to steer clear of this noxious plant. However, recent research has unveiled a startling truth: the identification of poison ivy is not as straightforward as once believed, leading to a reevaluation of our approach to this green menace. The Challenge of Identification A study spearheaded by Virginia Tech researchers has brought to light the extensive variability in poison ivy leaf shapes, presenting a significant challenge to the plant's identification. Utilizing a dataset of around 2,000 images from iNaturalist.org, the team discovered that poison ivy does not adhere to a uniform appearance, displaying a wide range of leaf shapes across the United States. This finding is particularly concerning as it undermines the effectiveness of traditional identification methods, potentially increasing the risk of unintended contact with the plant. The research, published in the journal Plants, People, Planet, indicates that the variability in leaf shapes is so pronounced that it can easily lead to confusion with other harmless three-leaf plants, such as the American hog peanut. This poses a dilemma for public health, as the inability to reliably identify poison ivy could result in a higher incidence of skin rashes and associated healthcare costs. Public Health Implications and the Way Forward The implications of this variability extend beyond individual discomfort and enter the realm of public health. With an estimated 30-50 million cases of poison ivy-induced rashes reported annually, the need for accurate identification and effective prevention strategies is more pressing than ever. The study's findings suggest that relying solely on visual identification may not be sufficient to prevent contact with poison ivy. In light of these revelations, there is a growing advocacy for the development of prophylactic medical procedures that can offer protection against poison ivy rashes without depending on the uncertain process of plant identification. Such advancements could revolutionize the way we approach poison ivy prevention, shifting the focus from avoidance to proactive protection. Also Read: Upstate New York Vineyards Brace for Impact of Cold Snap, Late-Spring Frost Beyond the Leaves: Effective Strategies for Poison Ivy Avoidance Given the unreliability of leaf shape as a sole identification method, the researchers recommend a multi-pronged approach to avoiding poison ivy. Here are some key takeaways: Protective Clothing: When venturing into areas where poison ivy is prevalent, wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes. This will create a physical barrier between your skin and the plant. Skin Washing: If you suspect you may have brushed up against poison ivy, thoroughly wash the exposed area with soap and water as soon as possible. This can help remove any urushiol oil, the substance in poison ivy that causes the rash. Seek Medical Attention: If you develop a rash after coming into contact with a suspected poison ivy plant, consult a doctor. They can recommend appropriate treatment options to alleviate your symptoms. By following these tips and adopting a healthy dose of caution around unidentified plants, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering the wrath of poison ivy. Remember, when in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and leave the plant alone. Conclusion: Rethinking Our Relationship with Poison Ivy The research conducted by Virginia Tech serves as a wake-up call to reconsider our relationship with poison ivy. It highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to prevention, combining education, awareness, and medical innovation. As we continue to explore the complexities of poison ivy identification, it is crucial to develop new strategies that can safeguard the public from this deceptive plant's hidden hazards. Related article: Dozens of Goats Set Free in New York Park to Munch Invasive Weed Species Seagrass meadows are underwater forests that carpet the ocean floor, playing a vital role in marine ecosystems. Often overshadowed by their flashier coral reef counterparts, seagrasses provide a critical habitat for a multitude of marine creatures and act as a natural defense against coastal erosion. But these underwater havens are facing an existential threat: climate change. A Vital Ecosystem Under Pressure Seagrasses are not only flowering plants, but they're the only group of flowering plants that live entirely underwater. Imagine a vast underwater field swaying gently in the current, teeming with life. These underwater meadows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some seagrasses have long, ribbon-like leaves that dance in the current, while others have short, bushy leaves that provide a haven for small creatures. Seagrasses reproduce through seeds and rhizomes, which are underground stems that creep and sprout, forming new plants that expand the meadow. These meadows provide a nursery ground for various fish species. Imagine a young seahorse clinging to a blade of seagrass, safe from predators. Shrimp, crabs, and other invertebrates use the complex structure of the seagrass meadows for shelter, breeding, and feeding. Seagrass meadows also act as a natural filter, removing pollutants from the water column, improving water quality and clarity. One of their most critical functions is their role in sequestering carbon dioxide. Unlike their terrestrial counterparts that release oxygen through their leaves, seagrasses capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store it in the sediment beneath the meadows. This vast store of carbon can be hundreds of times greater than the amount stored in the surrounding water. Effectively, seagrasses act as a blue carbon sink, mitigating climate change. However, seagrass meadows are under immense pressure from various anthropogenic activities. Rising water temperatures, caused by climate change, disrupt the delicate balance within these ecosystems. Imagine a once-vibrant meadow turning pale and sickly as the water temperature rises beyond what the seagrasses can tolerate. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and typhoons, can damage or destroy seagrass meadows with their powerful waves and storm surge. Pollution from fertilizers, agricultural runoff, and sewage can smother seagrasses, blocking sunlight and hindering their growth. Additionally, coastal development activities like dredging and reclamation can physically destroy these meadows. The loss of seagrass meadows has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts the food chain, leading to population declines in fish and other marine life. Eroded coastlines become more vulnerable to storms and flooding, threatening coastal communities. The capacity of the ocean to store carbon is diminished, accelerating climate change. Also Read: Seagrass Could Save Us as Oceans Gradually Eats Land Masses Hope for the Future: Protecting our Underwater Forests The situation is critical, but there is still hope. Marine conservationists and scientists are working on various strategies to protect seagrass meadows. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is paramount to curbing rising water temperatures. Imagine a world powered by renewable energy sources, where the ocean temperatures stabilize and the seagrasses can thrive once more. Implementing stricter regulations on coastal development and enforcing pollution control measures can help to minimize human impact. Marine protected areas can provide a safe haven for seagrasses to recover, allowing them to flourish without the constant threat of human interference. Efforts are also underway to develop techniques for restoring degraded seagrass meadows. Techniques like transplanting seagrass shoots and creating favorable conditions for natural regeneration offer a glimmer of hope for restoring these underwater ecosystems. By taking decisive action, we can ensure the survival of these underwater forests. Protecting seagrass meadows is not just about safeguarding the ocean's biodiversity; it's about protecting the health of our planet. Seagrasses are silent sentinels of the ocean, playing a vital role in the health of our marine ecosystems and the fight against climate change. Let us act now to ensure their survival for generations to come. Related article: Seagrasses Found to Continue Releasing Methane Even After Death The Thai government has directed officials to strictly monitor livestock along Thailand's border with Laos, following reports that more individuals had contracted anthrax in the neighboring country. Thailand Alarmed by Anthrax Outbreak Thailand has received reports that 54 people in Laos have contracted the diseases, according to Thai government spokesperson Chai Watcharong. He stated that Thailand's Department of Disease Control is working with local authorities, particularly around the border, to keep a close eye on the issue. Laotian media reported earlier this month that cattle had died and that individuals had contracted the sickness in the southern province of Champasak, which borders Thailand. There are currently no reports of human deaths. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed officials to actively monitor the sickness and "protect the public." The government also advised people to notify authorities if they saw any anomalies in animals and quarantine animals from Laos. "If your cows or buffaloes die suspiciously, please notify the authorities," the statement read. The authorities also urged individuals who had come into contact with "sick animals" to seek medical attention immediately. Since 2001, Thailand has seen no reports of human anthrax cases. The most it has ever reported in a single year is 102, in 1995, according to the ministry of public health. Aside from Thailand, the Philippines is also closely monitoring the development in other nations where anthrax cases have been recorded in greater numbers than usual. However, the government downplayed the possibility that the disease would spread throughout the country. Based on the Philippine Health Department's data, just 82 suspected anthrax infections were reported throughout the last seven years, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2023. There were no known anthrax health occurrences between 2019 and 2021. Read Also: North Dakota Faces Cattle Anthrax Outbreak With 25 Confirmed Cases What Is Anthrax? Anthrax is a deadly infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria. It occurs naturally in soil and affects both domestic and wild animals all over the world. People become infected with anthrax when spores enter the body. When anthrax spores enter the body, they become "activated." The bacteria then multiply, move throughout the body, create toxins, and cause serious sickness. This can occur when people inhale spores, eat food or drink water infected with spores, or obtain spores from a wound or scrape on their skin. Certain actions can also raise a person's risk of becoming sick. One of its symptoms is a raised, itchy lump that resembles an insect bite and swiftly grows into a painless sore with a dark center. A gastrointestinal anthrax infection is caused by consuming undercooked meat from an infected animal. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a swollen neck. Meanwhile, inhalation anthrax is the most lethal type of the disease and is frequently fatal, even when treated. Its symptoms include coughing up blood, painful swallowing, a high fever, shock, and meningitis. Anthrax is especially prevalent in agricultural areas of Central and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southwestern Asia, Southern and Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. Anthrax is rare in the United States, however, occasional epidemics do occur in both wild and domestic grazing animals, such as cattle and deer. Anthrax is more common in countries without routine anti-anthrax vaccination regimens. In the United States, veterinarians suggest that livestock be vaccinated once a year in places where anthrax has already occurred. Related Article: African Swine Fever Threat in US: Simulation Study Reveals the Challenges and Costs of Containing an Outbreak The latest study discovered that artificial intelligence (AI), with the use of a new machine-learning forecast, can help improve the South Asian Moonsoon prediction of rainfall 10 to 30 days in advance. Heavy rainfall can have a devastating impact on low-lying or flood-prone areas, with a risk of the following: flooding landslides mudslides flash floods It can cause damage to infrastructure and life, particularly in poor areas. In a recent Nature World News (NWN) report, experts warned of climate change due to extreme weather events, including storms. Communities can likely experience frequent flooding and rainfall, which is challenging for low-lying areas. Effective and improved rainfall prediction is essential to predicting the changing global climate amidst the threats of climate change. Better predictions mean that areas can prepare for disastrous storms. As a result, researchers tried to improve the rainfall prediction for the South Asian monsoon. The study looked into the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The study's insights can help the city anticipate flooding threats. A New Machine-Learning Rainfall Forecast for the South Asian Moonsoon In a 2022 report, the South Asia moonsoon became more extreme and challenging, bringing unprecedented impacts on vulnerable areas in the Indian subcontinent. The research findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study emphasizes the need for predicting the spatial and temporal patterns of the said moonsoon, which can cause flooding risks and affect the importance of water sources for agriculture. To improve the forecast, the researchers utilized the monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO) high resolution atmospheric model, improving the forecasting of the South Asian moonsoon in India. Understanding the rainfall can anticipate the dry and rain patterns, which are crucial for drought-stricken areas. It can increase the yield or harvest of farmers, significantly mitigating the risk of flooding. According to the study, the new machine learning can predict the rainfall from the moonsoon 10 to 30 days in advance. "There is a lot of concern about how climate change will affect the monsoon and other weather events like hurricanes, heat waves, and so on. Improving predictions on shorter timescales is an important part of responding to climate change because we need to be able to improve preparedness for these events, Eviatar Bach,a Foster and Coco Stanback Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in Environmental Science and Engineering, said, as quoted in the report. Also Read: Deadly Flooding in Brazil: Severe Storm Kills 20 People, Forces Thousands to Evacuate Importance of Climate and Moonsoon Predictions The report shows that it is not easy to predict the said moonsoon. As a result, the researchers noted that machine learning and AI can be helpful for weather prediction, and providing accurate results. It can allow communities to evacuate when the moon brings challenges to extreme weather, mitigating potential deaths and economic damage. Related Article: Addressing Iraq Prolonged Drought: Water-Saving Irrigation System, Sprinklers Help Revive Crops For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News. Brown hare population in Germany is bouncing back after experiencing a significant decline for 40 years. Since the 1980s, the European country's brown hares have decreased in numbers due to a number of anthropogenic factors or human activities, including agricultural expansion, hunting, and farming practices. In addition, habitat loss due to road and housing constructions has contributed to the population decline. Brown hares are found across Germany and are the original inhabitants of the steppes. They are native to Europe and some parts of Asia. According to wildlife experts, the brown hare species (Lepus europaeus), also called the European hare, originated in the grasslands of Central Asia but were introduced into Great Britain during the ancient Roman Empire. Unlike rabbits, brown hares are larger and have long ears. Germany Brown Hares Bounce Back Germany's brown hare population has reached its all-time high in 2023, several decades after the small mammal's population declined. The local population increase of L. europaeus was announced by the German Hunting Association (DJV) during a press release in March 2024. While the exact number of hares in the country remains inconclusive, it was recorded there was an average of 19 brown hares per square kilometer last year. According to DJV, it counted an average of 16 brown hares per square kilometer in 2022. This means that the number of the said animals is relatively higher in 2023. However, experts say this could not become consistent in the long-term future. In Germany, brown hares are widespread countrywide as mentioned earlier; the highest density of their population can be found in northwest lowlands and the lowest in the northeast lowlands. The 2023 Germany brown hare population was determined using a "spotlight" method and conducted in more than 400 reference across the country. The method was developed to streamline the recording of game populations, particularly for brown hare, according to reports. The animals were counted by hunters as part of wildlife monitoring efforts during spring and fall seasons. The species L. europaeus belongs to the family Leporidae and they are known for being solitary, nocturnal, and herbivore animals. Also Read: Rabbit Rescue: Volunteers Saved Hundred of Bunnies From Floodwaters in California Brown Hare Conservation Status Globally, the brown hare conservation status is designated by wildlife authorities as least concern, which means that outside Germany the population of the European hare is abundant, according to The Mammal Society, a UK-based charity organization. Brown hares are generally found in grassland and arable land habitats, and they have an average lifespan of 3 to 4 years. Beyond this, adult hares rarely live much longer. Aside from anthropogenic factors, brown hares are vulnerable due to natural predation and their very exposed habitats, according to the organization. Moreover, European hares have "little legal protection," The Mammal Society says, as they are considered as a game or quarry, which is any wild animal hunted for their products, for recreation, or for trophies. Yet, there are also restrictions when it comes to legally hunting game animals. Related Article: Pet Owners Ordered to Get Rid of 400 Rabbits After Neighbors Complained Imagine a pristine alpine lake, untouched by civilization. Beneath the shimmering surface, however, lurks a silent invasion. Microscopic creatures, long trapped beneath layers of ice, are being released by melting glaciers, hitching a ride on the icy currents flowing into unsuspecting ecosystems. This is the chilling reality highlighted by a recent study published in the journal Neobiota. The research echoes a growing concern - melting glaciers due to climate change are acting as unintentional transporters of invasive species, forever altering the delicate balance of freshwater environments around the world. Hidden Passengers Revealed: A Voyage Through Time For millennia, glaciers have acted as natural freezers, entombing a treasure trove of microscopic organisms within their icy depths. These ancient passengers include bacteria, algae, and even tiny invertebrates, trapped in a state of suspended animation since their icy tombs were formed. The Earth's rising temperatures, however, are causing these glaciers to melt at an alarming rate. The meltwater, laden with these hidden hitchhikers, is then released into lakes and rivers downstream, introducing a surge of alien species into pristine ecosystems. The aforementioned study focused on Patagonian glaciers, uncovering a diverse community of microbes previously unknown to science. While the full ecological impact of these newfound species remains unknown, scientists fear they could disrupt the delicate food web and nutrient cycles of these freshwater ecosystems. In some cases, invasive species may outcompete native organisms for resources, leading to population decline or even extinction. The concern extends far beyond Patagonia. Melting glaciers worldwide are poised to unleash a wave of biological invasions, potentially impacting everything from fish populations to the health of recreational waters. The consequences for human health are yet another cause for concern, as some invasive species may carry harmful pathogens. A Race Against Time: Confronting the Unforeseen The scientific community is scrambling to understand the potential ecological fallout from glacier meltwater. Researchers are meticulously cataloging the newly discovered species and assessing their potential impact. Developing strategies to mitigate the spread of invasive species and protect vulnerable ecosystems is an urgent priority. The situation underscores the urgency of addressing climate change. By curbing greenhouse gas emissions, we can slow the rate of glacial melt and buy time to understand and potentially mitigate the ecological disruptions caused by these unforeseen passengers. The fate of countless freshwater ecosystems may hinge on our ability to act swiftly and decisively. Also Read: Collapse of Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier' Could Trigger Deadly Tsunamis and Swallow Islands Beyond Microbes: A Wider Threat The issue of invasive species in glacial meltwater extends beyond microscopic hitchhikers. A recent study focused on the impact of glacial retreat on South Georgia, a remote island in the South Atlantic. The study revealed that melting glaciers are creating new landscapes at an alarming rate, providing a window of opportunity for invasive plants and animals to establish themselves. These non-native invaders pose a significant threat to the island's delicate ecosystem, which has evolved in isolation for millennia. The particular concern is that invasive species, with their well-honed ability to adapt and exploit new environments, can colonize these newly exposed areas much faster than native species. This can lead to a competitive advantage, enabling them to outcompete native plants and animals for resources, potentially leading to population decline or even extinction. Two invasive plant species, Cerastium fontanum and Poa annua, were found to be particularly successful colonizers of recently deglaciated areas on South Georgia. These fast-growing plants were observed to be more abundant in recently exposed areas compared to older sites, highlighting their ability to thrive in these disturbed environments. The study suggests that these invasive species are outpacing the natural recolonization of native plants following glacial retreat, raising concerns about the long-term health of the island's ecosystem. The findings from South Georgia serve as a stark warning of the potential ecological disruptions caused by invasive species transported in glacial meltwater. These concerns extend to mountain ranges around the world, where melting glaciers are creating new habitats susceptible to invasion by non-native plants and animals. The Human Dimension The consequences of invasive species in glacial meltwater extend beyond ecological disruption. Some invasive species can carry harmful pathogens that pose a threat to human health. For example, microscopic organisms like bacteria and protozoa can contaminate water supplies, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Additionally, invasive plants can trigger allergic reactions in humans, while some invasive animals may carry diseases transmissible to humans. The potential impact on human health underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of invasive species in glacial meltwater. By mitigating the spread of invasive species, we can help protect ourselves and future generations from the health risks they may pose. Related article: Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier' May Be Melting Faster Than We Thought Situation is increasingly intolerable: Rishi Sunak to Netanyahu, demands investigation in strike on aid workers I n a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed his deep concern regarding an Israeli strike on an aid convoy in Gaza, CNN reported. The attack resulted in the loss of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen, including three British nationals. In an official statement from Downing Street, Sunak emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident. "The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable," the statement said. "The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks," it added. Taking a firm stance, the UK earlier in the day summoned the Israeli ambassador to London for a decisive discussion, CNN reported. British Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, summoned the Israel's ambassador to set out the government's "unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British Nationals," he said in a Foreign Office press release. "I requested a quick and transparent investigation, shared with the international community, and full accountability," Mitchell said, adding, "I reiterated the need for Israel to put in place an effective deconfliction mechanism immediately and urgently to scale up humanitarian access. We need to see an immediate humanitarian pause, to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire," as reported by CNN. Earlier reports revealed that seven members of the World Central Kitchen team were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza, prompting the organisation to halt its operations in the region with immediate effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that the military "unintentionally struck innocent people." The Israel Defence Forces have pledged to conduct an investigation "at the highest levels" in response to the tragic event. A US-Canadian dual citizen was among the casualties of the strike, confirmed by a US official, adding to the international outcry over the loss of life, according to CNN. Situation is increasingly intolerable: Rishi Sunak to Netanyahu, demands investigation in strike on aid workers Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Akshay Oberoi turns terrorist in Jackie Shroff-starrer espionage thriller 'Two Zero One Four' A ctor Akshay Oberoi, who was last seen in 'Fighter', will be seen in the upcoming spy thriller 'Two Zero One Four' starring Jackie Shroff. In the film, he will portray a terrorist on screen. Directed by Shravan Tiwari, the film promises to be an enthralling Indian spy thriller, shot in locations including Mumbai, Kutch, and Russia. Akshay said: "Playing a terrorist in 'Two Zero One Four' is a thrilling opportunity. It is a departure from my previous roles and presents a new challenge that I eagerly embrace." Joining Akshay in the cast is veteran actor Jackie Shroff, who will portray the role of an army officer. Akshay Oberoi turns terrorist in Jackie Shroff-starrer espionage thriller 'Two Zero One Four' Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Eva Mendes pays tribute to older brother Carlos Mendez who died 8 years ago A ctor Eva Mendes paid tribute to her late brother Carlos Mendez who passed away in 2016 at the age of 53, following a battle with cancer, reported People. Eva, 50, posted a touching Instagram post on the anniversary of what would have been Carlos' 61st birth anniversary. "My mood today... captured by the coolest, Teri Garr. I post her because it's my brother's heavenly birthday today and he LOVED her. You can tell a lot by a person on who they crush on, looking back I didn't appreciate it, he was my annoying older brother, but now I realize he was cooler than I thought. It was me who didn't get it..." Mendes wrote. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RJq-5uBYb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Their younger brother, Carlo Mendez, 46, commented on the post, "I still can't believe it, it's gonna be 8 years since he passed. Unreal." The mom of two shared that she has a "complicated relationship" with the month of April. "Oh April... I have such a complicated relationship with you," wrote Mendes. "Tomorrow would have been my brother's birthday.....in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him...but then, at the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more," wrote Mendes on Instagram on Tuesday. Mendes previously spoke with People about the timing of her brother's death and the delivery of her second baby, describing it as a "tough" circumstance. "It's so tough," she said in November 2019. "Thank God I had my baby; it was a week after he passed. So there was something to move forward. There was poetry to it all." She expressed that one of her "favourite memories" with her brother included spending time together during the holidays. "My favorite memories are when he used to, at Thanksgiving or a big dinner or Christmas dinner, roast everybody -- but roast you hard. Of course, I miss him incredibly, and that's an understatement, but I'm holding on to that tradition," said Mendes. "I'm so happy that he gave me that," she continued. "I don't think I could carry it on the way he did, but those are some fun memories because he would really get raw," reported People. Eva Mendes pays tribute to older brother Carlos Mendez who died 8 years ago Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! CHANGCHUN -- The populations of wild tigers and leopards in northeastern China have seen steady growth, with over 35 cubs born in the past year, according to the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park administration on Tuesday. The administration has monitored the birth of more than 20 Siberian tiger cubs and more than 15 Amur leopard cubs in the past year. Their activity area exceeds 1.1 million hectares, accounting for about 78 percent of the park's total area. Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, mainly live in Russia's Far East and Northeast China. One of the world's most endangered species, about 500 Siberian tigers are believed to be living in the wild. Amur leopards, also known as the Far Eastern leopards, are also among the most endangered felines in the world. In October 2021, China officially designated the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, which spans an area of over 1.4 million hectares in the northeastern provinces of Jilin and Heilongjiang. The park has implemented a series of measures to protect wildlife, such as removing factories and mines and restoring forest vegetation. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Two of the six Chanute Air Force alumni died after their bombing runs in the Air Force's attack on Tokyo, author Alan Mesches writes. We must continue to remember and honor those Doolittle Raiders who served in the daring mission, including Sgt. Donald E. Fitzmaurice and Cpl. Leland D. Faktor. Scientists at Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, have conducted a study to explore the association between vitamin D serum level and allergen sensitization and their impact on the risk of atopic dermatitis in early childhood. The study is published in the World Allergy Organization Journal. Study: Vitamin D level is inversely related to allergen sensitization for risking atopic dermatitis in early childhood. Image Credit: alexeisido / Shutterstock Background Vitamin D is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is crucial in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses. Serum levels of this vitamin are associated with many allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis. Existing evidence indicates that the risk of atopic dermatitis is inversely associated with the serum level of vitamin D. However, insufficient evidence is available to understand this association across various age groups during early childhood. Sensitization to allergens is a strong trigger for atopic dermatitis. While food allergen sensitization typically occurs in infancy, aeroallergen sensitization occurs more commonly in childhood. Serum vitamin D levels exhibit an inverse association with specific allergen sensitization and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in early childhood. In this study, scientists have explored the association between serum vitamin D levels and childhood atopic dermatitis across different age groups. Moreover, they have explored the impact of vitamin D on allergen sensitization and atopic dermatitis during early childhood. Study design Children with clinically confirmed atopic dermatitis and age-matched healthy children without atopic dermatitis or other allergic diseases were separately enrolled for the study at 0.5, 2, and 4 years of age. Among children aged 0.5 years, 59 had atopic dermatitis, and 36 were healthy controls. Among children aged two years, 37 had atopic dermatitis, and 29 were healthy controls. Among children aged four, 32 had atopic dermatitis, and 29 were healthy controls. Serum samples collected from the participants were analyzed for vitamin D, total IgE levels, and allergen-specific IgE levels. Important observations The enrolled children were subdivided into three groups based on their serum vitamin D levels. In the 0.5-year and 4-year age categories, children with a vitamin D level of less than 20 ng/ml showed a significantly higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and maternal atopy than those with a vitamin D level of more than 30 ng/ml. Children with atopic dermatitis had significantly lower vitamin D levels at 2 and 4 years of age compared to healthy controls. However, a significantly higher vitamin D supplementation was observed in children with atopic dermatitis at 0.5 years of age compared to healthy controls. The prevalence of food allergen sensitization was significantly higher in children with atopic dermatitis at 0.5 and 4 years of age. The prevalence of mite and IgE sensitization was significantly higher in children with atopic dermatitis at 2 and 4 years of age. Association between vitamin D level and allergen sensitization Children with less than 20 ng/ml of vitamin D showed a higher prevalence of food allergen sensitization at 0.5 years of age and mite allergen sensitization at 2 years of age compared to those with more than 30 ng/ml of vitamin D. In contrast, a significantly higher prevalence of mite and IgE sensitization was observed only in children with less than 20 ng/ml of vitamin D at four years of age. Atopic dermatitis and allergen sensitization risk factors Food allergen sensitization and maternal atopy were identified as significant risk factors for the development of atopic dermatitis in children at 0.5 years of age. However, for children at 2 and 4 years of age, the strongest risk factors for atopic dermatitis were serum vitamin D levels and mite allergen sensitization. Specifically, serum vitamin D level was identified as a significant risk factor for food allergen sensitization at two years of age and for mite allergen sensitization at both two and four years of age. Study significance The study finds a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and atopic dermatitis risk and a higher prevalence of allergen sensitization during early childhood. As hypothesized by the researchers, vitamin D deficiency may alter immune reactions to allergens, which may contribute to atopic dermatitis development in early childhood. In a report published on March 21, 2024 in EMBO Molecular Medicine (A replication competent Plasmodium falciparum parasite completely attenuated by dual gene deletion) investigators at Seattle Children's Research Institute and Sanaria Inc. describe the development of a whole malaria parasite vaccine strain that infects the liver, develops to the late liver stage, and then gets completely stuck and cannot burst out of the liver to cause symptomatic blood infection. The creation of this strain called LARC2 (Late liver-stage Arresting, Replication Competent) was accomplished by deletion of only two parasite genes out of the approximately 5,000 in the Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasite genome, This incapacitated parasite strain will be the sole immunogen in Sanaria's third generation vaccine, Sanaria PfSPZ LARC2 Vaccine. The study was led by Dr. Debashree Goswami and Dr. Hardik Patel working in the laboratory of Dr. Stefan Kappe at Seattle Children's Research Institute and a team at Sanaria led by Dr. B. Kim Lee Sim. Mosquitoes inoculate malaria parasites called sporozoites (SPZ), which rapidly infect liver cells within which each individual parasite can multiply to produce up to 50,000 parasites over 6-7 days. This first phase of infection goes completely unnoticed and doesn't cause any symptoms. When the parasites burst out of the liver they infect tens of thousands of red blood cells, causing deadly malaria disease. The Kappe team, in collaboration with Dr. Ashley Vaughan at Seattle Children's Research Institute, constructed the LARC2 strain by deleting two critical genes without which the parasites multiply in the liver almost to maturity but then disintegrate, which prevents new parasites from getting into the blood stream. In this way, LARC2 parasites stimulate a very strong immune response in the liver, which protects against future malaria infections. By assessing aseptic, purified, cryopreserved PfSPZ-LARC2 produced at Sanaria in humanized mice with human liver cells and human red blood cells, the study team was able to show that the mature, late liver stages of the malaria parasite life cycle were completely compromised. "These weakened parasite strains can check in but they can't check out," says Kappe, who is also a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington. Sanaria founder and CEO, Stephen L. Hoffman, MD said, "Sanaria's PfSPZ-LARC2 Vaccine has the potential to save millions of lives and eliminate malaria from defined geographic areas when administered in mass vaccination programs. We are planning to assess PfSPZ-LARC2 Vaccine in clinical trials in 2024 in the US, Germany, and Burkina Faso. Previous generations of PfSPZ vaccines either do not meet WHO requirements for 90% protection against infection or have potential for breakthrough infections into the blood stream. We are therefore eagerly anticipating taking this novel, genetically engineered vaccine strain into clinical studies." To protect against and eliminate malaria the WHO has recognized the need for vaccines that prevent human blood-stage infection in individuals that have >90% vaccine efficacy for at least 12 months against infection with naturally transmitted Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which is responsible for >98% of the 625,000 deaths from malaria. Only Sanaria's P. falciparum sporozoite vaccines have achieved >90% vaccine efficacy against controlled human malaria infections and shown sustained protection without boosting against natural transmission in Africa. PfSPZ-LARC2 parasites are predicted to induce strong cellular immune responses in the liver that will be highly protective against infection. In their publication the study team demonstrated that LARC2 vaccination completely protects against infection in mouse models of malaria. It took us nearly 20 years to get to the PfSPZ-LARC2 Vaccine. Finding the right genes that, when removed from the parasite genome, stop the parasite right when it wants to get out of the liver, was an enormous task. Our results provide a clear indication that safe, complete developmental attenuation of malaria parasites is possible and we are excited to see the outcome of the first clinical trials with this vaccine." Dr. Stefan Kappe at Seattle Children's Research Institute "We are enthusiastic about the potential for PfSPZ-LARC2 Vaccine to prevent malaria in travelers to endemic regions, and in pregnant women and children in areas with malaria, and eventually to eliminate malaria from entire regions," said Professor Peter Kremsner, Director of the Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tubingen in Germany, and President of the Centre de Recherches Medicales de Lambarene (CERMEL) in Gabon. A new study found that during the pandemic pediatric emergency departments (EDs) saw more children and adolescents who needed a psychiatric admission, as well as an increase in severe conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance use disorders. The higher demand for a psychiatric inpatient bed often exceeded availability, resulting in over 12-hour stays in the ED awaiting admission for nearly 20 percent of children with mental health emergencies in 2022, up from 7 percent before the pandemic. Findings were published in Academic Emergency Medicine. Our data shows that pediatric emergency departments saw more severe mental health presentations during the pandemic, even while the actual number of visits decreased in 2022. The dramatic increase in prolonged ED stays attests to the strain on the system and difficulties finding appropriate psychiatric care for children, whether in the hospital or in the community." Jennifer Hoffmann, MD, MS, lead author, emergency medicine physician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Dr. Hoffmann and colleagues retrospectively studied mental health ED visits by children aged 5 to less than 18 years at nine U.S. hospitals participating in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Registry from 2017 to 2022. They described these visits by period pre-pandemic (January 2017-February 2020), early pandemic (March 2020-December 2020), mid pandemic (2021) and late pandemic (2022). In addition to the increased severity of mental health emergencies, they found that during the mid and late pandemic, mental health ED visits increased beyond expected rates among girls, but not among boys. "We observed a unique vulnerability for girls during the pandemic, which indicates that girls' mental health requires more attention," said Dr. Hoffmann, who also is the Children's Research Fund Junior Board Research Scholar at Lurie Children's. 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 couldn't 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. State Assembly member 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 shouldn't 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 Al'ai Alvarez, an ER doctor and clinical associate professor at Stanford University's Department of Emergency Medicine. Many hospital staffers don't fill out workplace violence reports because they don't 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." 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. "It's 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 wouldn't deter attacks and would unfairly target certain patients. "There's 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 doesn't 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 it's 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 it's not necessary. As "a parent, it is still my worst fear" that she'll 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, it's the same as if you punch me on the street," she said. If lawmakers don't act, she warned, there won't be enough workers for the patients who need them. "It's hard to keep those human resources accessible when it just seems like you're showing up to get beat up every day," Jensen said. "The emergency department is taking it on the chin, literally and figuratively." This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. In a recent study published in the journal BMJ, a team of French researchers investigated the association between progestogen use and the risk of benign central nervous system tumors such as intracranial meningioma among women. Study: Use of progestogens and the risk of intracranial meningioma: national case-control study. Image Credit: vitahima / Shutterstock Background Meningiomas occur every 9.5 per hundred-thousand-person years in the United States and account for 40% of the central nervous system-associated primary tumors. Although histologically benign and slow-growing, they can cause problems by exerting pressure on adjacent tissue in the brain, requiring surgical intervention to decompress the area. Age is one of the factors that significantly increases the risk of meningiomas, especially after 65 years. Female sex, neurofibromatosis type 2, and ionizing radiation exposure to the intracranial region are other known risk factors for meningiomas, apart from age. Recent research has also indicated that the long-term use of three progestogens chlormadinone acetate, nomegestrol acetate, and cyproterone acetate at high doses can also increase the risk of intracranial meningiomas. Studies have also found meningioma volumes to increase during pregnancy and subsequently decrease in the postpartum phase. Furthermore, the significant presence of progesterone receptors in meningiomas indicates a biological link between meningioma risk and female sexual hormones, highlighting the need for robust studies on progestogen use and meningioma risk. About the study In the present study, the researchers investigated the intracranial meningioma risk associated with numerous progestogens and various administration routes of these progestogens. The progestogen exposures included intravaginal, percutaneous, and oral progesterone, dydrogesterone by itself or with estrogen, hydroxyprogesterone, promegestone, medrogestone, the injectable contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate, dienogest by itself or with estrogen, and intrauterine systems of levonorgestrel. The study also aimed to characterize factors such as age, location of meningioma, and tumor grade for the women included in the case group and determine how many of the meningiomas that were surgically treated could be attributed to the use of one of the progestogens. The data for this case-control study was obtained from France's national health data system. The study included women of all ages who lived in France and had undergone surgical treatment for intracranial meningioma between 2009 and 2018. The control group included women who matched in the area of residence and birth year with the case group participants. The World Health Organization's anatomical, therapeutic, and chemical classification was used to define progestogen exposure. The various administration routes assessed in the study were percutaneous, oral, intramuscular, intravaginal, and intrauterine. For progestogens administered via the intravaginal, oral, intramuscular, or percutaneous routes, one dispensation in the year preceding the index date was considered as an exposure, whereas for intrauterine progestogens and levonorgestrel intrauterine systems, an exposure was one dispensation in three or five years preceding the index date, respectively. The researchers analyzed three modes of exposure to progestogens. The first was exposure to the progestogen of concern. The second was exposure to a high dose of one of the three progestogens already associated with increased meningioma risk (nomegestrol acetate, chlormadinone acetate, and cyproterone acetate) in the three years leading up to the index date. The third mode was the absence of exposure to any of the progestogens. The analysis also included a wide range of medical and sociodemographic factors as covariates. Results The results showed that long-term use of promegestone, medrogestone, and the injectable contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate was associated with a higher risk of intracranial meningioma. However, short-term use spanning less than a year of any of these progestogens was not found to increase the meningioma risk. Furthermore, the use of intravaginal, percutaneous, and oral progesterone, dydrogesterone by itself or with estrogen, shortor long-term use of spironolactone, or levonorgestrel intrauterine systems was not associated with any increase in intracranial meningioma risk. The use of promegestone, medrogestone, and medroxyprogesterone acetate was not found to be linked to the incidence of malignant meningiomas, and the number of cases of intracranial meningiomas that needed surgical treatment that was associated with promegestone, medrogestone, and medroxyprogesterone acetate was significantly fewer than those associated with nomegestrol acetate, chlormadinone acetate, and cyproterone acetate. Conclusions To conclude, the findings reported that long-term use of three progestogens promegestone, medrogestone, and the injectable contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate was found to increase the intracranial meningioma risk in women. However, these progestogens did not increase the risk of malignant meningiomas, and the use of these progestogens for less than a year was not found to increase the intracranial meningioma risk. Additionally, other progestogens such as spironolactone, dydrogesterone, progesterone, or hormonal intrauterine systems were not linked to increased risk of meningiomas. In February, Norma Brambila's teenage daughter wrote her a letter she now carries in her purse. It is a drawing of a rose, and a note encouraging Brambila to "keep fighting" her sickness and reminding her she'd someday join her family in heaven. Brambila, a community organizer who emigrated from Mexico a quarter-century ago, had only a sinus infection, but her children had never seen her so ill. "I was in bed for four days," she said. Lacking insurance, Brambila had avoided seeking care, hoping garlic and cinnamon would do the trick. But when she felt she could no longer breathe, she went to an emergency room. The $365 bill enough to cover a week of groceries for her family was more than she could afford, pushing her into debt. It also affected another decision she'd been weighing: whether to go to Mexico for surgery to remove the growth in her abdomen that she said is as big as a papaya. Brambila lives in a southwestern Denver neighborhood called Westwood, a largely Hispanic, low-income community where many residents are immigrants. Westwood is also in a ZIP code, 80219, with some of the highest levels of medical debt in Colorado. More than 1 in 5 adults there have historically had unpaid medical bills on their credit reports, more in line with West Virginia than the rest of Colorado, according to 2022 credit data analyzed by the nonprofit Urban Institute. The area's struggles reflect a paradox about Colorado. The state's overall medical debt burden is lower than most. But racial and ethnic disparities are wider. The gap between the debt burden in ZIP codes where residents are primarily Hispanic and/or non-white and ZIP codes that are primarily non-Hispanic white is twice what it is nationally. (Hispanics can be of any race or combination of races.) Medical debt in Colorado is also concentrated in ZIP codes with relatively high shares of immigrants, many of whom are from Mexico. The Urban Institute found that 19% of adults in these places had medical debt on their credit reports, compared with 11% in communities with fewer immigrants. Nationwide, about 100 million people have some form of health care debt, according to a KFF Health News-NPR investigation. This includes not only unpaid bills that end up in collections, but also those being paid off through installment plans, credit cards, or other loans. Racial and ethnic gaps in medical debt exist nearly everywhere, data shows. But Colorado's divide on par with South Carolina's, according to the Urban Institute data exists even though the state has some of the most extensive medical debt protections in the country. The gap threatens to deepen long-standing inequalities, say patient and consumer advocates. And it underscores the need for more action to address medical debt. "It exacerbates racial wealth gaps," said Berneta Haynes, a senior attorney with the nonprofit National Consumer Law Center who co-authored a report on medical debt and racial disparities. Haynes said too many Colorado residents, especially residents of color, are still caught in a vicious cycle in which they forgo medical care to avoid bills, leading to worse health and more debt. Brambila said she has seen this cycle all too often around Westwood in her work as a community organizer. "I really would love to help people to pay their medical bills," she said. Health or debt? Roxana Burciaga, who grew up in Westwood and works at Mi Casa Resource Center there, said she hears questions at least once a week about how to pay for medical care. Medical debt is a "big, big, big topic in our community," she said. People don't understand what their insurance actually covers or can't get appointments for preventive care that suit their work schedules, she said. Many, like Brambila, skip preventive care to avoid the bills and end up in the emergency room. Doctors and nurses say they see the strains, as well. Amber Koch-Laking, a family physician at Denver Health's Westwood Family Health Center, part of the city's public health system, said finances often come up in conversations with patients. Many patients try to get telehealth appointments to avoid the cost of going in person. Adding to the crunch is Medicaid "unwinding", the process of states reexamining post-pandemic eligibility for health coverage for low-income people, Koch-Laking said. "They say, 'Oh, I'm losing my Medicaid in three weeks, can you take care of these seven things without a visit?' Or like, 'Can we just do it over the portal, because I can't afford it?'" Looking for the right fix Colorado has taken steps to protect patients from medical debt, including expanding Medicaid coverage through the 2010 Affordable Care Act. More recently, state leaders required hospitals to expand financial assistance for low-income patients and barred all medical debts from consumers' credit reports. But the complexities of many assistance programs remain a major barrier for immigrants and others with limited English, said Julissa Soto, a Denver-based health equity consultant focused on Latino Coloradans. Many patients, for example, may not know they can seek help with medical bills from the state or community nonprofits. "The health care system is a puzzle. You better learn how to play with puzzles," said Soto, who said she was sent to collections for medical bills when she first immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico. "Many hospitals also have funding to help out with your debt. You just have to get to the right person, because it seems that nobody wants to let us know that those programs exist." She said simplifying bills would go a long way to helping many patients. Several states, including Oregon, Maryland, and Illinois, have tried to make it easier for people to access hospital financial aid by requiring hospitals to proactively screen patients. Patient and consumer advocates say Colorado could also further restrict aggressive debt collection, such as lawsuits, which remain common in the state. New York, for example, banned wage garnishment after finding that the practice disproportionately affected low-income communities. Research there also showed that medical debt burden was falling about twice as hard on communities of color as it was on non-Hispanic white communities. Elisabeth Benjamin, a lawyer with the Community Service Society of New York, said hospitals were garnishing the wages of people working at Walmart and Taco Bell. Maryland enacted limits on debt collection lawsuits after advocates found that patients living in predominantly minority neighborhoods were being disproportionately targeted. Even in wealthy counties, "the pockets that are being pursued are majority Latino neighborhoods," said Marceline White, executive director of the advocacy group Economic Action Maryland. White's group helped pass a law requiring hospitals to pay back low-income patients and avoid the scenario she was seeing, in which hospitals were "suing patients who should have gotten free care." Exacting a heavy toll In Colorado, lawmakers are considering a measure to improve patients' access to financial aid: a modification to the state's Hospital Discounted Care program that would make hospitals presumptive eligibility sites for Medicaid. Meanwhile, some consumer advocates say existing protections aren't working well enough. State data shows patients who received financial assistance were primarily white. And, though it's unclear why, 42% of patients who may have been eligible were not fully screened by hospitals for financial assistance. "What is clear is that a lot of people are not making it through," said Bethany Pray, deputy director of the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, a Denver-based legal aid group that pushed for the discounted care legislation. Within the state's immigrant communities, medical debt and the fear of debt continues to take a heavy toll. "What we've heard from our constituents is that medical debt sometimes is the difference between them being housed and them being unhoused," said Denver City Council member Shontel Lewis. Her district includes the 80216 ZIP code, another place north of the city center that is saddled with widespread medical debt. Paola Becerra is an immigrant living in the U.S. without legal permission who was pregnant when she was bused to Denver from a Texas shelter a few months ago. She said she has skipped prenatal care visits because she couldn't afford the $50 copays. She has emergency health coverage through Medicaid, but it doesn't cover preventive visits, and she has already racked up about $1,600 in bills. "I didn't know that I was going to arrive pregnant," said Becerra, who thought she could no longer conceive when she left Colombia. "You have to give up your health. Either I pay the rent, or I pay the hospital." For Rocio Leal, a community organizer in Boulder, medical debt has become a defining feature of her life. Despite the health insurance she had through her job, Leal ended up with high-interest payday loans to pay for healthy births, wage garnishment, prenatal appointments she missed to save money, and a "ruined" credit score, which limited her housing options. Leal recalled times she thought they'd be evicted and other times the electricity was cut off. "It's not like we're avoiding and don't want to pay. It's just sometimes we don't have an option to pay," she said. Leal said the worst times are behind her now. She's in a home she loves, where neighbors bring cakes over to thank her son for shoveling the snow off their driveway. Her children are doing well. One daughter got a perfect GPA for the second semester in a row. Another is playing violin in the school orchestra. Her third daughter attends art club. And her son was recently accepted to college for biomedical engineering. They are covered by Medicaid, which has removed the uncertainty around big medical bills. But medical debt still haunts Leal, who has Type 2 diabetes. When she was referred to Boulder Medical Center to get her eyes checked after the diabetes diagnosis, she said she was told there was a red flag by her name. The last time she'd interacted with the medical center was about a dozen years earlier, when she'd been unable to pay pediatrician bills. "I was in the process of moving and then my wages were garnished," she recalled. "I just was like, 'What else do I owe?'" Heart pounding, she hung up the phone. KFF Health News senior correspondent Noam N. Levey contributed to this report. On both April 3 and April 4, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, commuters traveling on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway should brace themselves for a brief traffic disruption. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has set the installation of a gantry at the 93/900 kilometer mark on the expressway, facilitated by the Highway Traffic Management System on both the Pune and Mumbai lanes, as reported by Pune Pulse. To ensure the smooth installation of the gantry, traffic flow in both directions, encompassing light and heavy vehicles, will come to a halt on the expressway. Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes during this period. For those heading from Pune to Mumbai in light vehicles, the recommended detour is through the Mumbai canal and National Highway no. 48, following the good old Pune-Mumbai route. All vehicle types will be rerouted via the Kiwale bridge through the Old Pune Mumbai Highway. Vehicles traveling from Mumbai to Pune will be redirected to Kusgaon toll naka 55.000 kms (Lonavala exit) towards the Old Pune Mumbai Highway, heading to Pune. These diversions have been put in place to ensure the safety and efficiency of the gantry installation process. Commuters are urged to plan their journeys accordingly to minimize inconvenience. Job creation in South Asian economies is not keeping pace with the rise in the working-age population, putting the region on a path that risks squandering its demographic dividend, the World Bank said on Tuesday. The danger is the demographic dividend is missed. Its squandered, Franziska Ohnsorge, World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia told Reuters. If only they can be employed. Its a fantastic opportunity to grow but until recently employment ratios have been falling. During the period between 2000-23, employment grew 1.7% a year while the working-age population expanded 1.9% a year, data included in the report showed. In absolute terms, the region created an average of 10 million jobs a year when the working-age population was growing by an average of 19 million a year. The World Bank expects output growth in South Asia at 6-6.1% in the financial year ending March 31, 2025, largely due to strong growth in India where the economy is seen expanding at 6.6%. Indias central bank forecasts stronger growth of 7% during this period. In India, growth has rebounded strongly after the pandemic, driven by government spending and more recently the construction industry but private investment in Asias third-largest economy has remained weak, hurting job creation. Over 2000-22, the employment ratio in India declined more than any other South Asian country except Nepal, but preliminary data suggests a rebound in 2023 that partially reversed the earlier decline, according to the World Bank. Overall, during 200023, employment growth was well below the average working-age population growth and the employment ratio declined. The World Bank, in its report, said South Asian nations need to address several policy weaknesses to accelerate job creation. These include policies that encourage productive firms to hire workers, streamline labour and land market regulations and greater openness to international trade. In a bid to offer relief to around 3.5 lakh niyojit (employed) contractual teachers, appointed by the Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies, the Patna High Court on Tuesday rejected the provisions in the latest service rules. The rejected provision suggested that the teachers who have failed to clear the competency tests would be removed from their services. The bench of Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Harish Kumar disposed of a series of petitions. During the verdict, the bench stated, Those who qualify in the test (competency test) would have better service conditions, which is only in recognition of their competence and those who fail to qualify and even refuse to attempt the tests, would still be continued in their employment. As per reports, there are around 3.5 lakh contractual teachers in the state who have been recruited in different government schools for several years. Meanwhile, the Nitish Kumar-led-Bihar governments recent decision to impose Exclusive Teachers Rules-2023 emphasises the competency examinations. These examinations are undertaken for the teachers to obtain government employee status. Following the decision, a wave of anger and disapproval was witnessed amongst such contractual teachers as they claimed that the government was trying to retrench the employed teachers from their jobs. After this, many niyojit teachers filed a petition in the High Court against the new rules. According to reports, the new set of rules brought by the Bihar government grants the teacher a total of five attempts including three online and two offline to clear the tests. On clearing it, the contractual teacher will be able to get the status of a government employee. It allows the securing teachers to get the facilities provided by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). Only about 70 per cent of the employed teachers in Bihar had applied for the competency test and the results of it have also been declared. Out of the total, 1,48,845 teachers appeared in the test for classes 1 to 5, and 1,39,010 cleared it. On the other hand, 23,873 teachers appeared in the competency test for classes 6 to 8, out of which 22,941 could clear the examination. The Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) has now decided that the Open-Book Examinations (OBE) will be conducted only for classes 9 and 11 instead of classes 10 and 12, which have board exams. The pilot run for the same will be carried out in select schools during the year-end exams, the boards secretary Himanshu Gupta said in an interview with News18. The decision to conduct OBEs was taken by the Board in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) that envisaged assessing students on the actual knowledge that they have gained during the course of an academic year, which was released by the union Ministry of Education (MoE) last August. According to the CBSE secretary, the modalities for the open-book examinations are being finalised at present. The pilot study will be conducted during the final exams that take place at the end of the academic year in February-March. The open-book exam format will be conducted only for classes 9 and 11 and not for classes 10 and 12 boards exams, which was the case earlier. A pilot will be done first in select CBSE schools during year-end exams that are held in February-March, said Gupta. While the design for the pilot is still being worked out, as to how many schools will it be conducted in, he said, We are yet to finalise how many schools will be there in the exercise, but it will most likely be more than 20-25 schools. ALSO READ | CBSE Releases Syllabus For Classes 10, 12 For Academic Year 2024-25 Previously, the Board during its Governing Body (GB) meeting held in December 2023 had decided on OBE for classes 9 to 12. The minutes of the meeting stated that a pilot run for the study would be conducted soon. During the meeting, it was decided to create the format of an open-book exam for all these classes for various subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Biology. OBE format is being considered for senior classes to assess students higher-order thinking skills acquired over the year such as the ability to analyse and apply concepts as well as the understanding of a subject and problem-solving rather than just making it a test of their memory. What is an Open- Book Exam? Has it been tested previously? An open-book exam format allows students to take their notes, and study material along with them to the exam centre and refer to them while writing the exam. This method of assessment has also been used by many Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) during the semester exams, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many higher education institutions to use the format for assessing students in view of a disrupted academic calendar. During the pandemic, in August 2020, Delhi University carried out an online open-book examination for its final-year undergraduate (UG) and post-graduate (PG) students despite opposition from various stakeholders to this mode of assessment. An open book exam could be more difficult than a regular exam, as it tests your skills and understanding instead of your memory, which students largely rely upon. Prior to this, the CBSE had experimented with a similar format - Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) for the year-end exams of classes 9 and 11 from the academic year 2014-15 to 2016-17. However, it was scrapped following negative feedback from stakeholders. The Board while deciding on OBE had also said that once a pilot is done and evaluated, all stakeholders will be consulted before it is adopted as a mode of assessment for students performance. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was held by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22. A Delhi Court has sent the CM to judicial custody till April 15. A graduate of IIT Kharagpur and UPSC qualifier, Kejriwal has been allowed to carry three books in jail Bhagavad Geeta, Ramayan, and a book How Prime Ministers Decide. Lets take a look at the CMs illustrious past. Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE Arvind Kejriwal Education Born in 1968, he studied at Campus School in Hisar and Holy Child School in Sonipat. Thereafter, he cleared the IIT JEE in 1985 with a rank of 563. He got admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur from where he studied BTech in mechanical engineering. He completed his graduation in 1989. Arvind Kejriwal As A UPSC Servant Before entering politics in 2012, Kejriwal was an Indian Revenue Service. The 55-year-old had qualified for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1995 and joined the Indian Revenue Service as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax. He had also worked at Tata Steel. He was serving as the Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in New Delhi in 2006 when he resigned from the services. Arvind Kejriwals Political Journey Arvind Kejriwal became famous after the Jan Lokpal Bill with activist Anna Hazare. In 2012, Kejriwal started the Aam Aadmi Party and became the partys national convenor. The seventh Chief Minister of Delhi has been in office since 2015. During the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP won with a historic majority, obtaining 67 out of 70 assembly seats. He was also the CM of Delhi for 49 days from December 2013 to February 2014. He met his wife Sunita Kejriwal, also a former Indian Revenue Officer, during a training in Bhopal. An IRS officer of the 1994 batch, Sunita Kejriwal served in the Income Tax department for 22 years. In 2016, she opted for voluntary retirement from the IT dept. Her final assignment was as a commissioner of IT at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in Delhi. She holds a masters degree in Zoology. Their daughter Harshita Kejriwal cracked JEE Advanced when her father was lodged in Tihar Jail in 2014. She had secured rank 3322. She completed her graduation from IIT Delhi. She had scored 96 per cent in her board exams. While their son Pulkit Kejriwal completed CBSE with 96.4 per cent and is also an IIT graduate. As many as 35.8 per cent of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay students registered for this years placements have yet to secure any jobs. Around 712 out of the 2000 registered students are yet to get any placements this season; reported Hindustan Times. Global IIT Alumni Support Group Dheeraj Singh has shared the data. The placement season is underway and will continue till May. Officials told the news agency that for the first time, students from the computer science and engineering branch which usually sees a 100 per cent placement, have not been able to achieve the target this year. It is the most in-demand course at the institute. As per the report, last year 32.8 per cent of the students were unable to secure any job. This year saw an increase of 2.8 per cent in students who have been unable to get placed yet. In 2023, out of the 2,209 registered students, 1,485 students were able to secure jobs. Officials from IIT-Bombays placement cell had said that due to the global economic meltdown, it had been difficult to invite companies for the placement season, the report added. ALSO READ | In a Tight Placement Season, IITs Explore Opportunities with PSUs, Start-Ups for Second Phase In the recent placement season, several IITs have seen a slight downward trend in the number and kind of recruiters coming down to hire students amid a global economic slowdown.PPOs are being made but not many international firms have come out so far, as they are cautious of over-hiring and may come in towards the end of the season. Some of the firms based in the US and UK are not investing as much in long-term projects outside of the home and hence are not coming down as of yet, a faculty member associated with the placement cell at one of the newer IITs told News18. It is a competitive month for aspirants preparing to take competitive exams in India with several exams scheduled in April. Many central and state government organisations conduct their college entrance and recruitment exams around this time. This includes JEE Main Session 2, Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services (UPSC CDS), and Union Public Service Commission National Defence Academy (UPSC NDA). Here is the list of important exams scheduled to be held in April 2024: JEE Main The JEE Main exam will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for students enrolled in different Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs). According to the schedule, the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main Session 2 exams will be held between April 1 and April 15 across several centresread more UPSC CDS The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will be conducting the session 1 examination for Combined Defence Services (CDS) on April 21 to fill a total of 457 vacancies in various courses across the country. The written examination will cover subjects such as general English, general knowledge, and elementary mathematics. Candidates who pass the written exam will have to appear for the SSB interviewread more UPSC NDA Those interested in joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force should mark their calendars, as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam on April 21. According to the official notification, the examination will be conducted in two stages. The first stage comprises a written test, which is scheduled to take place at various exam centres, while the second stage will be an SSB interviewread more Jamia Millia Islamia Other than these exams, the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) will hold the entrance tests for admission to various undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses on April 25. Upon selection, shortlisted candidates for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at JMI will be admitted based on their merit obtained in the entrance testread more The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier cancelled the UP Police Constable Recruitment Examination-2023 following reports of a paper leak case surfaced. The Uttar Pradesh Polices Special Task Force (STF) has now arrested the mastermind behind the paper leaks. The accused, Rajeev Nayan Mishra was arrested by Noida STF. He has had previous involvement in similar cases. Over 48 lakh aspirants had appeared for the UP Police Recruitment Exam this year which also included almost 16 lakh women candidates. It was held on February 17 and 18. The exam was conducted at 2,385 centres in four shifts across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Through the recruitment drive, the UP govt aims to fill 60,244 positions in the state police force. UP police had earlier arrested or detained as many as 244 people from across the state on February 18 for allegedly plotting to adopt unfair means in the police constable recruitment exam. Later in March, UP STF arrested seven more people from Meerut and Delhi for their alleged involvement in the police recruitment exam paper leak case. As per officials, the accused were allegedly members of a gang involved in the question paper leak case. Deepak, Bittu, Praveen, Rohit, Naveen, and Sahil, all residents of Meerut were arrested from a house in Kanker Kheda Police station. A Gautam Buddha Nagar resident Pramod Pathak was also arrested. While announcing the exam cancellation, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government also gave instructions to conduct a re-examination within six months. There can be no compromise with the sanctity of examinations. Those who play with the hard work of the youth will not be spared under any circumstances. Strictest action is certain to be taken against such unruly elements, CM Adityanath said in a post on X. The exams were cancelled after several aspirants conducted protests against the leaking of question papers. Hundreds of candidates who had appeared for the exam had demanded a re-examination. According to the protesting candidates, the sanctity of the examination was compromised after a question paper went viral on social media hours before the paper started. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination requires a lot of preparation. While studying the prescribed syllabus for the UPSC examination is crucial, teaching the same becomes more difficult. At times, even college professors fail to successfully teach aspirants. You will be shocked to hear that one seven-year-old boy from Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) is doing the unthinkable. He has been garnering major attention, for not only being able to study the subjects of UPSC but also to teach as many as 14 subjects to the aspirants. Guru Upadhyay, popularly known as Google Guru is a resident of Gora Nagar Colony of Vrindavan. Since the mere age of five, Guru has been teaching 14 crucial subjects to the UPSC and engineering aspirants. The kid has amassed major attention and the title of Google Guru along with entering into the India Book of Records for his extraordinary talent. Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the president of Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, blessed the extraordinary boy recently. He presented Guru with the certificate of India Book of Records. Mahant Nritya Gopal Das also called Guru the youngest lecturer in the country. Gurus father Arvind Kumar Upadhyay mentioned in an interview that Guru has been teaching these 14 subjects in both online and offline mode to the aspirants. His students are the ones who have been preparing for the competitive examination including engineering and UPSC. As per Arvind Upadhyay, Guru can memorise things soon. His father also said that when Guru was an infant, he could easily identify the flags of 60 countries by just listening to his parents preparing for the UPSC examination. He was also able to recognise the names of the capitals of those countries. Apart from getting his name into the India Book of Records, Guru has already registered many other records in his name. He has also been called a guest lecturer at several places across the country and abroad. Given the extraordinary talent of sharpness, Guru dreams to become a scientist as he is crucially inspired by APJ Abdul Kalam. Over 300 people suffered injuries and at least five individuals lost their lives in a violent storm that left the northern West Bengal district of Jalpaiguri in disarray on Sunday. The natural calamity caused devastation, especially in locations like Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga, and Saptibari. To highlight the gravity of the situation, reports surfaced in the aftermath indicating that 42 people were admitted to hospitals, two of whom are in critical condition. The storms impact spread beyond Jalpaiguri, as surrounding areas such as Mainaguri were also damaged, with houses destroyed and trees uprooted by the powerful gusts. Since natural disasters like cyclones serve as frequent reminders of the power of nature, everyoneespecially schoolchildrenmust be well-prepared and knowledgeable about safety precautions. The most recent cyclone in Jalpaiguri serves as an intense reminder of this. So here are some essential safety measures that students should follow in the event of such natural disasters. Practice Safety Drills: Mock drills should be conducted by schools regularly to familiarise students with emergency procedures and boost their confidence in responding efficiently during real-life emergencies that could affect the region that they live in. Mock drills should be conducted by schools regularly to familiarise students with emergency procedures and boost their confidence in responding efficiently during real-life emergencies that could affect the region that they live in. Look for Shelter on Higher Levels: In regions that are prone to flooding, looking for protection on higher floors or elevated terrains can save several lives. It is important to teach kids to evacuate to higher ground in the event of flooding and cyclones. In regions that are prone to flooding, looking for protection on higher floors or elevated terrains can save several lives. It is important to teach kids to evacuate to higher ground in the event of flooding and cyclones. Remain Informed about natural calamities: In times of such emergencies, knowledge is key. Students should be taught about cyclones in school, as well as the appropriate safety precautions to take in case of one. Students need to be informed about cyclone warnings through local news channels, radio shows, and weather applications. In times of such emergencies, knowledge is key. Students should be taught about cyclones in school, as well as the appropriate safety precautions to take in case of one. Students need to be informed about cyclone warnings through local news channels, radio shows, and weather applications. Stay Clear of Flooded Areas: Students must be taught to stay away from flooded roads, rivers, and streams. Rapidly moving floodwaters can be exceedingly dangerous, and students must maintain caution while navigating themselves during or after the calamity. Students must be taught to stay away from flooded roads, rivers, and streams. Rapidly moving floodwaters can be exceedingly dangerous, and students must maintain caution while navigating themselves during or after the calamity. Create an Emergency Plan: In the event of an evacuation order, students should be aware of the safest routes out of the school and where to seek cover inside the building. In the event of an evacuation order, students should be aware of the safest routes out of the school and where to seek cover inside the building. Seek Shelter: Students should seek cover in solid structures away from windows, doors, and external walls during the cyclones. If they were trapped outside, they should choose low-lying areas to protect themselves. In conclusion, schoolchildren can successfully reduce risks and guarantee their safety during natural disasters like cyclones and floods by following these precautions. The National Disaster Response Force, in the meantime, moved quickly to address the situation and deployed personnel to provide support and help to individuals affected by the Jalpaiguri cyclone. To assess the situation in the impacted area, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to visit Jalpaiguri, the location of the storm, on April 7. The Congress has blamed the BJP and the RSS for filing 18 politically motivated cases against Rahul Gandhi and said that in many cases, the charges have not been framed by courts. Congress has also termed Rahul Gandhi as a leader with a long and distinguished political and electoral track record. News18 has accessed a five-page affidavit filed by the Congress regarding Rahul Gandhis nomination from Wayanad as the party candidate. Every party, as per guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI), has to list out cases and give reasons why it has given a particular candidate a ticket if he or she faces criminal cases. The affidavit filed by the Congress party lists out 18 cases against Rahul Gandhi, and says he has been convicted in one of these cases for criminal defamation in a Gujarat court last year in April. Rahul had to lose his Lok Sabha membership due to being convicted for a two-year term in this case before his sentence was stayed by the Supreme Court last August and he was re-instated as an MP. The cases filed (against Rahul Gandhi) are politically motivated cases by BJP/RSS members where, in the vast majority, even charges have not been framed, the Congress affidavit says. Justifying a ticket to Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad, the party has said that he has a long and distinguished political and electoral track record. He has in the past served as a consecutive four term MP from two different states and as General Secretary, Vice President and later President of the Indian National Congress. The candidate has deep organisational, political and electoral experience. Moreover as a senior party leader (former National President) with wide and deep experience no other individuals with commensurate experience could be identified, the party has said, justifying why no other candidate could be out up from Wayanad. Among the cases pending against Rahul Gandhi are a case under POCSO for revealing the identity of a minor victim, and various other cases in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Assam, Delhi, Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The party has listed out the status of all 18 cases, saying that in most cases the trial has been stayed by courts or the same has been challenged by Rahul Gandhi. National Conference president and sitting MP from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah would not contest the Lok Sabha polls owing to his heath, the party said on Wednesday. The announcement was made by his son and NC vice president Omar Abdullah at a party function in Rawalpora on the outskirts of the city here. He (Farooq Abdullah) has taken permission from (partys general secretary) (Ali Mohammad) Sagar and other party members to not contest the polls this time because of his health, Omar Abdullah said. He said it is now the partys responsibility to field the best candidate from the constituency. He hoped that the voters would help the NC candidate succeed so that he/she becomes a voice of the people of Srinagar in Delhi. In the 2002 Legislative Assembly elections, Omar Abdullah was chosen to lead the NC, while the 86-year-old Farooq Abdullah shifted base to the Centre. Farooq Abdullah was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2002 from Jammu and Kashmir and then re-elected in 2009. He resigned from the Rajya Sabha in May 2009 and won a seat in the Lok Sabha from Srinagar. Abdullah joined the United Progressive Alliance government as a Cabinet Minister of New and Renewable Energy. Abdullah contested the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat again in the 2014 elections but was defeated by the Peoples Democratic Party candidate Tariq Hameed Karra. However, Karra resigned from Lok Sabha in 2017 leading to a by-election for the Srinagar parliamentary seat which Abdullah won defeating the PDP candidate Nazir Ahmed Khan. He won the polls again in 2019. Omar Abdullah said the upcoming Parliamentary election was very different from the past polls. For the last 30 years, the elections have been affected in one way or the other due to which the people did not participate in the polls be it because of the gun or boycott calls. Our politics in Srinagar had been limited. Few areas used to come out to vote and our politics used to run on that. This time, the atmosphere will be different. We will not see any boycott calls, and the impact of guns will be far less. This time, the people of Srinagar have to decide whether they want to participate in politics here or not. They have to decide whether they want to raise their voice or not, whether they want to choose their representative or not, the NC vice president said. West Bengals Cooch Behar will vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections and BJP candidate Nisith Pramanik, who is also MoS Home, is busy with his election campaign to woo voters. Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Pramanik said the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will not take away anybodys citizenship as he accused chief minister Mamata Banerjee of not cooperating with the MHA for border fencing to keep Rohingyas out. Edited Excerpts: Hows the josh on the ground? A lot of meetings are taking place. When I see people blessing me, this josh increases. What has changed in Pramanik in the last five years? Last time you decided to ditch the TMC. I was a newcomer when I went to Parliament. I learnt various things. When PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah gave me an opportunity to work, I went to the home ministry. Shah is a Yogi Purush. No institution can make me learn as much as I have learnt from Shah. Why should people vote for you? People know that if they come to me with their problems, there will be some solution. People have blessed me. The love of people will give me an opportunity to win again. Its not that I sat in an AC room after I became minister. I worked for people from morning till night. I meet people as an ordinary party worker. Will CAA have any effect in your constituency? Mamata Banerjee has said that those applying for CAA will become foreigners. Matua, Rajbangshi, and all other communities are happy with CAA. This is a law which gives rights instead of snatching them. Mamata Banerjee can say anything she wants. CAA has become a law. If anybody opposes it, then its clear that the person is deshdrohi. A lot of people raised a hue and cry when Article 370 was scrapped in J&K. Even during the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, some people tried to rake up a row. Banerjee is trying to instigate people but nobody believes her. She is misguiding people for her own benefit. What about the minorities? Through CAA, people who have been tortured in other countries will get justice. This time, TMC has also fielded a Rajbangshi candidate. Do you think the vote will be divided? Not at all. People know what I did. They will definitely vote for us. Will Ram Mandir will have any effect on voting? What about the Ram Mandir in Cooch Behar that you got constructed? Ram Mandir has no relation with votes. It is linked to peoples emotions as we waited for 500 years to get it. In Cooch Behar, people wanted a Ram Mandir and I made it as I am Hindu and proud of my religion. If another religion comes and requests me to make a Masjid, I will do that also. Violence has been a big factor in Cooch Behar. What is your view? TMCs second name is violence. The way fish cannot stay without water, TMC cannot stay without violence. Thats the reason TMC has been rejected by people. I am telling you that this time we will get more than 30 seats. Will you demand more CAPF in the state? We definitely want more central force. You must be careful too as you can be attacked by TMC. How confident are you and what will you do if you win? People will definitely elect me here. Earlier, all projects would be inaugurated from Delhi. Now, national projects are inaugurated from Cooch Behar. The four-lane and six-lane roads are all made by the Narendra Modi government. Modi-ji wanted a Khelo India center everywhere and we have achieved it. We also wanted to fence the unfenced land but Banerjee did not agree. Why is she allowing such infiltration? Whom does she want to invite? The MHA had asked for land but Bengal has not yet given it. More than 350 kilometres is unfenced here. POlicMehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said INDIA bloc partner National Conference has left the PDP with no other option other than to contest the election on the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir. The NC recently announced it would field its candidates on all three seats. The NC left two seats in Jammu for the Congress as part of the INDIA blocs seat-sharing agreement. They (NC) have left no option for us other than to field candidates and contest the elections, Mufti, the chief of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), told reporters here. The partys Parliamentary Board would take a final call on the candidates, she added. Mufti said the need of the hour for the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir was to remain united after the Centre revoked the erstwhile states special status in August 2019. Youth are in jails, we cannot raise our voices, even the family members of employees cannot say anything. There is an atmosphere of oppression here. So, in such an atmosphere, it is imperative for us to stand united, she said. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, however, said the attitude of the NC leadership was disappointing and hurtful. When the INDI alliances meeting took place in Mumbai, I said there that since (NC president) Farooq Abdullah is our senior leader, he will take a decision (on seat sharing) and will do justice. I had hoped he would keep the party interests aside, she said. But the NC took the decision to contest all three seats in Kashmir unilaterally, she added. Mufti said if the NC had approached her and consulted the PDP before announcing the decision, her party could have decided not to field candidates in the larger interests of Kashmir. If they had to take the same decision, if they thought that they had a better voice than the PDP to raise the issues of the people of Kashmir, then they should have told me two months ago that they wanted to contest themselves and told me not to field candidates, then perhaps for the larger interests, we would not have contested, she said. But, the way (NC vice president) Omar (Abdullah) announced the decision without taking us into confidence, and by saying that PDP has no workers or support so they will not get a single seat, it hurt my workers and broke their hearts, she added. She was referring to Omar Abdullahs March 8 press conference in which he announced that the NC would contest from all three seats in the valley and not leave any for its INDIA bloc partner the PDP. The way Omar spoke was very disappointing, that was an insult not to me, but to my workers. So, how can I tell my workers to support NC? It is not easy. We will field candidates and leave it up to the people. The people are the better judge to see which voices they want in the Parliament, the PDP president said. She said consultations within the party were on and the PDPs parliamentary board will take a decision in a few days. . Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has assets worth Rs 20 crore with an annual income of more than Rs 1 crore, as per his nomination papers filed for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency on Wednesday. He is pitted against the Lefts Annie Raja, whose papers showed that her total assets are worth only Rs 72 lakh. While contesting from Wayanad, Gandhi had declared assets worth Rs 16 crore in the 2019 general elections. Five years on, in his latest affidavit, he has cited the market value of his immovable assets as of today. Annie has declared only Rs 10,000 cash in hand, bank deposits worth Rs 62,000, jewellery worth Rs 25,000 and an inherited property worth Rs 71 lakh. Gandhi has declared Rs 55,000 cash, bank deposits of Rs 26.25 lakh and investments in mutual funds, bonds, shares and debentures worth Rs 8.5 crore. He also has savings in the public provident fund (PPF) with the State Bank of India worth Rs 61.5 lakh. He has also declared jewellery worth Rs 4.2 lakh and agricultural land, owned jointly with Priyanka Gandhi in Delhis Mehrauli, along with office space in Gurugram valued at Rs 11 crore. In 2019, Gandhi had declared a lower amount of cash at Rs 40,000 and bank deposits on the lower side at Rs 17.93 lakh. His investment in shares was also lower at Rs 5.19 crore while his PPF account balance in the SBI stood at about Rs 40 lakh. Jewellery was worth Rs 2.91 lakh and he had owned the same land and properties, then valued at Rs 10 crore. Last time, the Congress MP also owed a personal loan of Rs 5 lakh from his mother Sonia Gandhi but that is not mentioned in his latest nomination. He has not declared ownership of any motor vehicle. When it comes to criminal record, Gandhi has declared that he is facing 18 cases, including a defamation case in which he was convicted by the trial court last year and the same was stayed by the Supreme Court. In a separate affidavit, the Congress has blamed the BJP and RSS for filing 18 politically motivated cases against him and said, in many cases, the charges have not been framed by courts. The party has also called Gandhi a leader with a long and distinguished political and electoral track record. January 22, the day of Ram Lalla pran pratishtha by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya, saw one more Ram Temple inauguration in West Bengals Coochbehar. It was by Nisith Pramanik, Minister of State (Home) and the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) candidate from the constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The temple was one of the many planned by Pramanik. Speaking to News18, he said, We represent the Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was peoples demand for 500 years. Modiji has fulfilled it. Coochbehar is full of Ram bhakts and people here wanted to carry out pujos. I plan to build 100 Ram Mandirs. I have inaugurated one, while the others are in process. Even people from other religions request me to build masjids. Ram Mandir has nothing to do with votes. Ram is an emotion. AT RAJARHAT RAM MANDIR IN COOCHBEHAR News18 travelled to Coochbehars Ram Mandir located in Rajarhat, where many seemed excited about the development. Bela Burman, a local resident, told News18: We dont know whether we can go to see Ayodhya, but Modiji has made our dream come true. Pramanik has given us this Ram Mandir here. We are happy. The temple sees crowd every morning, with devotees lining up to offer prayers. Revathi Burman, an elderly visitor, said, Bringing Ram back in Ayodhya was our need. I feel people of India should thank Modi. I am a fan of Modi because he built the Ram Mandir. I am sure it will have an impact on the elections. Not just seniors, even youngsters were seen at the temple. Koyel De, a 20-something, told News18: On January 22, we got our Ram Mandir here. This time, people will vote for the BJP. Modiji has given us Ram Mandir, there is Ram wave. Another senior citizen Sarada Burman echoed similar sentiment. I think the BJP will be back as Modiji paid heed to a 500-year-old demand. Prabhakar Dutta, another local, said, Ram is a factor, but people also see how much work Modiji has done for us. Trinamool Congress (TMC) minister Udayan Guha said, The BJP trying to show all this. Votes and religion are not the same. Sita and Laxman will be seeking votes for Ram in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Actors Deepika Chikhlia and Sunil Lahri, who played the characters of Sita and Laxman, in Ramanand Sagars Ramayan, will campaign in Meerut for BJP candidate Arun Govil, who played Ram in the legendary television serial. Chikhlia and Lahri, along with other characters from the show, have confirmed that they will be seeking votes for Govil. On Tuesday, he filed his nomination amid the presence of BJP leaders from the Uttar Pradesh unit. BJP leaders, including deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, and regional president Satendra Sisodia. Our best wishes are with him. We have a long association, even recently during the pran pratishtha we were together. Definitely, we will be canvassing for Govil, who is a good friend of ours, Chikhlia said. Other than the onscreen Sita, Lahri, too, has assured complete support for his fellow actor and said he does not mind seeking votes for Govil, who shares a strong bond with him. I wont mind seeking votes for my dear friend, said the onscreen Laxman. Meerut Lok Sabha constituency at a glance Other characters from the serial, too, have given their consent to canvas for Govil. This is expected to recreate a Ramayan-like scene in the poll battle. The constituency will be voting on April 26. Other prominent candidates include Atul Pradhan from the Samajwadi Party and Devvrat Tyagi from the BSP. In the 2019 general elections, Meerut witnessed a fierce contest in which the voter turnout was 61.45 per cent. Rajendra Agarwal of the BJP won the election with a victory of 4,729 votes, securing a total of 5,86,184 votes. He defeated Haji Mohammad Yaqoob of the BSP, who got 5,81,455 votes. External affairs minister S Jaishankar has shown confidence in India securing the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which comprises five permanent members. Jaishankar had said the five permanent members China, France, Russia, UK and US have kept their control, and you have to ask for their consent for a change. A few agree, a few others put forward their position with honesty, while others do something from behind. But now, there is a feeling across the world that this should change, and India should get a permanent seat. I see this feeling increasing every year. We will definitely get it, he stressed during an interaction with intellectuals at an event in Rajkot in Gujarat yesterday. Lets understand why UNSC is one of the most prestigious and powerful organisations of the world. The UN was formed about 80 years ago with the primarily goal to maintain international peace and security, and cooperate in solving international matters and promoting human rights. Structurally, the Security Council has remained unchanged since its formation in 1946, stirring debate for the need for reforms. Some members interests have also questioned the UNSCs ability to act during the major events in the world such the Covid-19 pandemic, Russias annexation of Crimea and the war in Ukraine, and the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. While other organs of the UN make recommendations to member states, only the Security Council has the power to make decisions that member states are then obligated to implement under the Charter. It held its first session on January 17, 1946 at Church House in Westminster, London. Since then, the UN has headquartered in New York, US. A representative of each member should be present at all times at UN Headquarters so that the Security Council can meet anytime should the need arises. UNSC Structure and Power The five permanent members China, US, UK, Russia and Franceare collectively called P5. They have the power to veto any decision or proposal. Their privilege lies in laying the foundation of the UNSC after the World War II. The non-permanent members, however, dont enjoy that power. Since the time Soviet Union held the seat, Russia has been the most frequent user of the veto power. US, however, has used veto only 90 times. Most recently, the US vetoed the ceasefire resolution on December 8, 2023 during the Israel-Hamas war. China has used the veto more frequently in recent years, but fewer times than the US and Russia. France and the UK have, however, not exercised their veto power since 1989 and have called for other P5 members to use it less. Security Council Presidency The job rotates on a monthly basis, setting agenda for its non-permanent members, which are elected by a two-thirds vote of the United Nations General Assembly. The main eligibility for securing the membership is the countrys contribution towards maintaining international peace and security or troop contributions to peacekeeping operations or leadership on matters of security. Another criterion is the equitable geographical distribution used since 1965, which gives African Group three seats, Asia Pacific two, the Eastern European group one, the Latin American and Caribbean Group two and the Western European and Other Groups (WEOG) two. An Arab seat, however, alternates between the African and Asian blocs by informal agreement. Turkey and Israel, which has never served on the Security Council, caucus with WEOG. Conflict Management and Sanctions Chapter VI of the UN Charter authorises the Security Council to call on parties to seek solutions via negotiation, arbitration or peaceful means. Failing which, Chapter VII empowers the Security Council to take strict actions such as imposing sanctions or use of force to maintain international peace and security. In 2024, the UNSC oversaw 11 peacekeeping operations across three continents, involving 90,000 personnel. During the Cold War, UNSC authorised 17 peacekeeping missions, and two operations in Central African Republic and Haiti since 2014. Countries in the South Asia, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, followed by Rwanda, provide the maximum number of personnel for the peacekeeping operations. The US, however, supplies fewer personnel compared to other advanced economies for the missions. The UNSC faced hiccups during the Syrian conflict that involved Russia and sometimes China, which used the veto to block the resolution on holding Bashar al-Assad regime responsible for atrocities reported by the UN. In the Ukraine war, Russia has vetoed several Security Council resolutions condemning the conflict. Sometimes regional organisations have played a bigger and more important role in peacekeeping and conflict management. For example, the Security Council authorised the use of force in Libya in 2011 after the Arab League called for no-fly zone, which the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) then removed. Even African Unions have partnered with the UN in carrying out operations in Somalia and Sudans Darfur region. During the 2020 Covid pandemic, the Security Council passed Resolution 2532, which directed the nations to implement a 90-day humanitarian pause in armed conflicts worldwide. And how does Security Council impose sanctions? According to the provision in Article 41, the UNSC first imposed trade embargo in 1966 against Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and an arms sanction against South Africa in 1977. Since early 1990s, the Security Council started making sanctions a regular affair, starting with Iraq, the former Yugoslavia, and Haiti. There are currently 15 sanction regimes against more than 1,000 individuals and entities in place. Smart sanctions were introduced in mid-1990s by the Security Council during the term of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Iraq following the Gulf War. The sanctions targeted political and economic issues such as travel ban, asset freeze, import and export ban to maintain international security. Criticism over the Years Many countries have called the current structure of the Security Council redundant to the current geopolitical realities of the world. It was only in 1965 and 1971 when the membership was expanded from six elected members to 10, and inclusion of China as the permanent member, respectively. Since then, the form and structure of the Council has remained unchanged. Brazil, India, Germany, Japan and Nigeria have sought permanent seats in the Security Council, and enlarge the role of the organisation. Many have also called for France to relinquish its permanent seat to the European Union in the wake of Brexit. Recently, the UN has faced scrutiny over its ability to provide aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, with critics saying delays have rendered its response woefully insufficient. Reforms include amending the UN Charter that requires an affirmative vote and domestic ratification by two-thirds of UN member states. Some proposal also includes expanding the permanent membership, and a new class of elected seats that can be renewed with time. Smaller states have proposed procedural changes, including more transparency and closer consultations with countries dispatching their troops in UN missions. Indias Chances Forecast by experts predict India has the strongest chance of securing permanent membership in the UNSC. According to a survey by think-tank Atlantic Council, India will be one of the beneficiaries if new seats are added to the Security Council in the next few years. It said India has a 26% chance of getting a UNSC permanent seat followed by Japan (11%) and Brazil (9%). However, 64% of the respondents expect no new permanent seats to be added to the UNs most powerful body by 2033. UK has called for expansion of the permanent membership to include India, Brazil, Germany and Japan as well as Africa. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it is for the members and not him to decide on Indias UNSC membership. But he also made a strong pitch for immediate reforms to the UNSC, saying our multilateral institutions reflect a bygone age. Last year, a joint statement from India and the US after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden had said, Continuing to share the view that global governance must be more inclusive and representative, President Biden reaffirmed his support for a reformed UN Security Council with India as a permanent member, and, in this context, welcomed once again Indias candidature for the UNSC non-permanent seat in 2028-29. Around 6am on April 2, a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), and Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) encountered alleged Communist Party of India (Maoist) cadres at Lendra village in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district. The exchange of fire in the Kendra-Korcholi jungles went on for hours, killing 13 Naxals including top commanders of the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) 2nd company. The encounter was one of the various operations that joint forces from state police and central armed forces have launched in the past few weeks. 46 Naxals have been killed in the first 100 days of 2024, as per numbers provided by Chhattisgarh police and corroborated by CRPF. In all of 2023, the figure stood at 22, as per official data. The number of casualties suffered by the forces is also far less. In January this year, an encounter at the operationalisation of the Tekalguda camp saw the CRPF losing three of its men but the facility was not shut down. Bastars inspector general of police P Sundarraj said at least six Naxals were gunned down and area domination efforts did not suffer a setback. Better Centre-state coordination A senior officer of the security grid involved in the anti-Naxal operations told CNN-News18 that a factor in the recent success of the exercises is also the unambiguous messaging from both the state and the central political leadership. Double engine ki sarkar in Chhattisgarh and Delhi has definitely changed things in the last few months. The home ministers push was clear. But now with the change in government in the state, the forces are feeling confident that they will be backed in the face of challenges, the officer said. He added that this has brought about better coordination among central and state forces. We have got the upper hand now but we are also taking all precautions before launching any operation. Seamless coordination and better planning are yielding results, he said. CNN News18 has learnt that a committee has been set up to review anti naxal operations periodically and also formulate plans for the near future. Sources said the committee was formed with DG CRPF and DG Chhattisgarh and representatives from all other stakeholders, including other paramilitary forces and the intelligence bureau. A weekly review mechanism has been put in place at the state level with the DGP heading it, as per officials. The union home secretary too has reviewed the anti-Naxal operations recently, they said. Specific target setting, assigning of responsibilities, coordination between various stakeholders, and planning are yielding results, a source said. New camps 20 camps have been set up by central forces between December 2023 and April 2024. This, officials said, has reduced operational risks for parties that often travel on foot and get targeted by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and snipers. The camps opening in Naxal territory means that the distance of operations has come down significantly. About 20 kilometres less travel on foot is now needed. This makes launching of operations swifter and less risky, a police officer in Raipur explained. Official assessments suggest that the Maoist domination in Bastar is now limited to a 20 km X 20 km area spanning southern Bijapur and western Sukma. Camps in hardcore areas like Puvarti and Elmagunda have not only reduced the operational area of Naxals but also cut off their traditional escape routes, officials said. Puvarti is the village of dreaded Naxal commander Hidma of Battalion 1. Union home minister Amit Shah has said that 2024 will be a decisive year in the battle against Naxalism. State and central government officials who spoke to CNN-News18 said that the target is to enter the core Naxal territory by the end of 2024. The villages and forests in the core area have remained cut off from government presence since Independence. Civilian support Other than the camps, the support from locals has also become a game changer for the forces. The establishment of camps has brought schools, ration shops, and dispensaries in interior Sukma. News18 spoke to a teacher in Dabbakonta who said the camp across the road gave him the confidence to start teaching the kids in the area. I live near Sukma district headquarters. Coming so deep inside was out of the question a few months ago. When I was posted to Dabbakonta I thought I would resign, he said. But a CRPF camp across the road protects this village. En route also it feels safe. At the Puvarti camp, the state government claimed Hidmas mother is also a beneficiary of the PDS facilities that have now reached here. There is a fatigue with the Naxal ideology and violence now. People are aspirational and can see that their resources, jungle arent being plundered as was alleged. The villagers are now willing to give the government a chance, a CRPF officer said. Any act of terror, including cross-border terrorism committed by whomsoever, wherever and for whatever motives, is not justified, said National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Kazakhstans Astana on Wednesday. Perpetrators of terrorism should be effectively and expeditiously dealt with, including those involved in cross-border terrorism, said the NSA, as he highlighted the need to shun double standards and hold accountable sponsors, financiers and facilitators of terrorism. Doval condemned the barbaric terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22 and expressed condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. He conveyed to Russian NSA Patrushev, Indias solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation to address the threat from terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He raised the issue of continued threat posed by various terror groups in the SCO region, including those designated by the UNSC, including Al Qaeda and its affiliates, ISIS & its affiliates, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad. The NSA emphasised the need to counter the use of technology by the terrorists, including drones for cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs. India supports creation of effective mechanism for cooperation within Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) SCO for countering terror financing and supports further strengthening of RATS SCO, he said. The NSA expressed deep concern on the security situation in Afghanistan, including continued presence of terrorist networks. The NSA mentioned that as a contiguous neighbour of Afghanistan, India has legitimate security and economic interests in Afghanistan. Doval conveyed that SCOs immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance ensuring formation of truly inclusive and representative government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking and preserving rights of women, children and minorities. He informed that India has invested $3 billion in Afghanistan and supplied 50000 MT of wheat, 250 tonnes of medical aid, 40,000 litres of Malathion pesticide to fight locust menace in Afghanistan. India is committed to enhancing transit trade and connectivity, while being fully respectful of sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO countries. Indias relationship with SCO countries goes back several centuries and it is committed to further deepening it, said Doval. In the meeting of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with the secretaries of the security councils of the SCO member states, Doval conveyed Indias support for Kazakh initiatives in SCO and for a successful Presidency. India is committed to further deepening its relationship with SCO and member states in a proactive and constructive manner. Security is Indias priority in SCO as promulgated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in line with his vision for a SECURE SCO, he said. The acronym SECURE stands for Security, Economic Cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and Environment Protection. The Goa Police have filed a chargesheet in a court here against Suchana Seth, the CEO of an AI start-up, accused of killing her four-year-old son at an apartment in the coastal state, a senior official said. Seth (39) was arrested from Chitradurga in neighbouring Karnataka on January 7 while she was travelling in a taxi with her sons body stuffed in a bag. She left Goa on January 6 night after allegedly killing her child at an apartment in Candolim area of the state. The Calangute police earlier this week filed a 642-page chargesheet against Seth in the Goa Childrens Court, the official said on Tuesday. The chargesheet mentioned that the child died as a result of shock and respiratory asphyxia caused by strangulation. Seth has been booked under Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of office) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 8 of the Goa Childrens Act, according to the chargesheet. The Goa Police have named 59 witnesses in the case and also recorded the statement of the accuseds husband, who has said that despite orders from a family court in Bengaluru, Seth did not allow him to meet their son. The Goa Childrens Court will hear the case on June 14, 2024, when charges would be framed against the accused, who is currently in judicial custody in the coastal state. The police have also attached with the chargesheet a scribbled note written on a tissue paper using an eyeliner by the accused. They have also attached the confirmation from handwriting experts who identified it as Seths handwriting. Devi, one among the three who committed suicide in a hotel room in Arunachal Pradesh, is the daughter of renowned wildlife photographer Balan Madhavan. The mysterious death of three Malayalis Devi, her husband Naveen Thomas and their teacher friend Arya B Nair in a hotel in the hills of the northeast has raised speculations that black magic may be the cause behind their deaths. While the renowned photographer was shattered by the news of his daughters sudden death, he stated that both Devi and her husband led a happy life and had no marital issues. I dont know what to do and what to say, he said. Naveen and Devi got married in Keralas Thiruvananthapuram in 2011. Naveen and Devi were Ayurvedic doctors, while Arya was a school teacher and a resident of Thiruvananthapuram. Devi used to live in Naveens house in Kottayam. Only rarely did she visit Thiruvananthapuram. I am not in a condition to speak more on that. More than anyone I must find it out. Devi was very interested in the German language. After learning the language, she worked at Chempaka School for some time before the pandemic, Balan Madhavan was quoted by Kerala Kaumudi. Meanwhile, the couples neighbours and relatives have described Naveen as a person who used to not talk much and was in his own world. The report published in Kaumudi also revealed that Devi used to teach German in a private school where she met Arya, another teacher. The two then became very close friends. The Cryptic Note According to a Malayalam website Mathrubhumi, Arunachal Pradesh Police said that they have recovered a suicide note from the room in which the couple were found dead along with their friend. The suicide note left police suspicious that if the couple fell prey to black magic. We have no debts. We dont have any problems. We will go to the place where we should be, the suicide note read, adding, Lived Happily for all these years and now going. Kerala Couple, Their Friend Found Dead Inside Arunachal Hotel Room Prima facie, the three appeared to have bled to death from cuts on their wrists, the police said. Several reports stated that the police suspected the couple fell prey to black magic due to the message written in the suicide note. Meanwhile, the Kerala police on Tuesday said it will be sending a team to Arunachal Pradesh in connection with the death of three persons hailing from the state. Thiruvananthapuram city police Commissioner C Nagaraju said there appears to be something abnormal in the behaviour of the three a married couple and a woman but nothing can be said conclusively till their mobiles and other electronic devices are examined, NDTV reported. Indian fishermen continue to be arrested by Sri Lankan authorities because India had surrendered fishing rights near Katchatheevu Island in 1974 itself beyond doubt and a further agreement in 1976 only further put this out explicitly, shows a Sri Lankan document of 2008 that News18 has accessed. This document is the reply of Sri Lankas then Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in the Sri Lankan Parliament in September 2008. The Sri Lankan minister cited Article 6 of the 1974 India-Sri Lanka agreement to say that by this article, only navigational rights of the vessels of both Sri Lanka and India over each others waters have been preserved and said provisions of Article 5 and 6 taken together do not confer any fishing rights on the Indian fishermen or vessels to engage in fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The minister said all that Indian fishermen could do post-1974 in terms of rights of access to Katchatheevu was to dry their nets and catch. Bogollagama said an agreement between both countries in 1976 further clarified the position established by the 1974 agreement. In the 1976 agreement, it was mentioned that each party shall respect rights of navigation through the territorial sea and exclusive economic zone. The Sri Lankan minister said that the 1974 and 1976 agreements taken together with the Letters of Exchange signed between the foreign secretaries of both sides has put the question of fishing rights beyond doubt and clearly rules out any fishing rightsit clearly prohibits fishing vessels and fishermen of one country fishing in the others waters. Bogollagama cited Paragraph 1 of the Exchange of Letters which clearly said Fishing Vessels and fishermen of India shall not engage in fishing in the historic waters, the territorial sea and the EEZ of Sri Lanka Why This is Important DMK has been arguing now that its chief M Karunanidhi had never consented to the 1976 agreement which took away Indian fishermens rights to fish around Katchatheevu, as he was not in power then. The RTI document revealed by the Ministry of External Affairs of India has brought forth the minutes of a meeting between Indias then foreign secretary and then Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi in 1974, in which Karunanidhi gave his approval for re-drawing of the India-Sri Lanka maritime boundary that would leave Katchatheevu on the Sri Lankan side. The agreement with Sri Lanka was signed on June 26-28, 1974, within a week of the meeting of Karunanidhi and the Indian foreign secretary on June 19, 1974. DMK now argues that it was the 1976 agreement which surrendered Indias fishing rights in Katchatheevu and hence, Karunanidhi was opposed to it. However, the Sri Lankan document with News18 now shows that India had surrendered the fishing rights in Katchatheevu in 1974 itself, within days of getting Karunanidhi on board. In that meeting with Karunanidhi, the Centre told him that the new boundary line would cross 1-2 miles west of Katchatheevu and the ostensible reason for the lines would be to ensure the maintenance of traditional fishing and other rights enjoyed by Indian nationals on and around the island, which would fall on the Sri Lanka side of the line. Because of our strong stand, they (Sri Lanka) finally agreed that Indian fishermen and pilgrims will enjoy access to the Katchatheevu island as hitherto. However, as the Sri Lankan document revealed by News18 now shows, Sri Lanka never bestowed Indian fishermen the right to fish in waters around Katchatheevu since 1974. Fishermens Plight The Sri Lankan document of 2008 says several personalities in Tamil Nadu have raised the issue of Katchatheevu, making proposals based on their own perceptions without any apparent valid legal basis, pertaining to the rights of Indian fishermen. In fact, there has been a case filed by the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Jayalalithaa at the Indian Supreme Court. However, a decision given by a court outside the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka would not be binding on Sri Lanka. Any such court order or judgement will not alter or have any impact on a bilateral treaty concluded between two sovereign states, the Sri Lankan minister said. The Indian establishment is watching the new Nepal regime very carefully and will support it fully but will expect a committed relationship, top government sources told CNN-News18 on Wednesday. Nepals Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda last month reshuffled the cabinet after terminating a nearly 15-month partnership with the Nepali Congress due to major differences between the top leadership of the two parties, and he stitched up a new alliance dominated by Left parties with former premier KP Sharma Olis party UML. A wrong narrative is spread that India supports corrupt politics in Nepal. This is absolutely wrong and India will try to regain faith in Nepal at the earliest, an Indian government official said. There is growing integration between South Asian countries and the increasing interest of China, the USA, and Europe is a major cause of concern for India, officials said. So far South Asia has not seen much competition economically and geopolitically but with increasing US and China interest, certain parties are trying hard to create an unfavourable environment for India in the region, they added. India is committed to all-out development in Nepal, said officials, including financial assistance, line of credit, and development cooperation. China has made many infrastructure blunders in Nepal recently but despite that Oli will be closer to Beijing for various reasons, they said. With this new regime in power, said the sources, China will push to get Nepals consent on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). They added that recent intelligence reports also suggest Nepal will soon sign the BRI implementation plan with China. India doesnt want Nepal to move forward with any such pact and it had been successful to a large extent thus far, officials said. In 2017, Nepal signed the BRI framework agreement and work on 35 projects started, but due to India continuously discouraging Nepal, the number was reduced to just nine, they said. The major concern for India, said officials, is the attempted Chinese debt trap in Nepal after Sri Lanka. India told Nepal to ask for soft, concessional loans, and grants from China, and not commercial loans that are a debt trap, they said. Also, officials said the Indian side has to work very hard to fight the deep penetration of China into Nepalese society. They are running a huge number of FM stations, their cyber syndicates are working from Nepal targeting India and taking the Nepalese to China to lure them, said an official. The Indian side is working hard to bring stability to the region and understands that Oli has also come with a positive frame of mind towards India, as we have Beti and roti ka rishta. At least seven people were killed after a massive fire broke out in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) during the early hours of Wednesday. Three women and two children were among those killed in the blaze, police informed. The fire started in a clothing shop around 4 am, creating panic in the neighbourhood. At around 4 am, a fire broke out in a clothing shop in the cantonment area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The fire did not reach the second floor but after a preliminary investigation, we think seven people died due to suffocating, Manoj Lohiya, Commissioner of Police, Aurangabad was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Maharashtra: A massive fire broke out in a clothing shop in the cantonment area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aurangabad. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/Uokb80upnP ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 Soon after receiving information about the blaze, firefighters rushed to the scene and took the situation under control. The deceased have been identified as Asim Shaikh (3), Pari Shaikh (2), Wasim Shaikh (30), Tanveer Shaikh (23), Hamida Begum (50), Shaikh Sohail (35) and Reshma Shaikh (22), an official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The reason behind the fire is yet not clear. Further investigation is underway. A total of nine Somali pirates who were among the 35 detained last month by the Indian Navy when they rescued a Pakistani vessel in the Indian Ocean Region, have been arrested by the Mumbai Police. The Indian Navy has said it has handed over the nine pirates to the Mumbai Police. The pirates were arrested based on complaints by those onboard the vessel and the Indian Navy. An FIR was registered and subsequently, the pirates were brought to Mumbai. They were arrested at the Yellow Gate police station on Wednesday morning. This came a day after a special court on Tuesday directed the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to initiate an inquiry to ascertain the age of seven out of the 35 pirates, as they claim to be minors. All 35 pirates were produced before special judge BD Shelke at the end of their initial police remand on Tuesday. During the hearing, seven accused, through their lawyers, submitted documents such as birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc to claim that they are minors. However, special public prosecutor Iqbal Solkar, appearing for the police, raised an objection about the veracity of the documents, and said it should be verified. The ossification tests done at a state-run hospital revealed that these seven accused are above 20 years of age, he added. Taking note of the contradictory views, the court asked the JJB to launch an inquiry to ascertain their age. The seven accused, for now, have been sent to a childrens home at Dongri in South Mumbai. Among the other remaining accused, one has been remanded in police custody till April 8, while the rest have been sent to a 14-day judicial custody. In an operation lasting over 40 hours that commenced in the early hours of March 15, INS Kolkata intercepted Pirate Ship ex-MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea based on inputs received by Indian Navys Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region from UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations). INS Kolkata, with the 35 apprehended pirates, returned to Mumbai on March 23. The pirates were handed over to the police for further legal action in accordance with Indian laws. The exercise was undertaken as part of the ongoing Operation Sankalp, wherein Indian Navy ships are deployed in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden for the safety of seafarers and mercantile trade passing through the region. (With agency inputs) At least three people, including two women, were injured on Wednesday by a leopard who was found in Central Kashmirs Gandarbal. The locals alerted the officials about the animal roaming in the area, prompting a large-scale search operation. In the now-viral video, the wild cat was seen attacking a wildlife official who was trying to capture the animal. The video first captures the animal and the official, both of them maintaining a safe distance, when the official bent down to take a stick to control the wild cat. Suddenly, the leopard pounced on the official and attacked his hand. Soon locals with wood and sticks, attacked the animal from behind so that the official could take his injured hand out of the animals mouth. Caught on camera: leopard attacks wildlife official while they attempt to capture him at Fatehpora area of central Kashmirs Gandarbal. Two women and a wildlife official were injured in the attack. pic.twitter.com/vsFM6MWDPX Ieshan Wani (@Ieshan_W) April 3, 2024 With the help of locals, the official was successfully rescued and the animal was also captured alive. The injured people were taken to nearby hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, in Rajasthans Ranthambore National Park, an encounter with tiger turned into a heart-stopping moment when the animal unexpectedly attacked a cow. Park officials along with the tourists present captured the entire incident on camera. In the video, tourists can be seen enjoying the safari, capturing pictures and admiring the parks scenic beauty from their safari jeep. Suddenly, when the cow was trying to cross the path, a tiger emerged from the bushes and jumped on the cow, leaving tourists shocked. Fortunately, the cow managed to escape before the tiger could harm it further. A special court here on Wednesday observed that BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakurs absence in the September 2008 Malegaon blast case trial was hampering the proceedings, and asked the NIA to submit a report on her health. The court passed the order after the Member of Parliament from Bhopal, a prime accused in the case, sought another exemption from appearance citing health problems. A K Lahoti, special judge for National Investigation Agency cases, asked the central agency to verify her health condition and submit a report by April 8. The court had on March 11 issued a bailable warrant against the Bhopal MP for failing to attend the proceedings despite being specifically directed. The warrant was cancelled on March 22 after Thakur appeared before the court. But she failed to appear after that. While granting her exemption on March 28, the court had directed Thakur to appear on April 3, warning that a non-bailable warrant would be issued against her otherwise. On Wednesday, her lawyer again sought exemption, claiming that the nature of her ailments was severe. Her physical condition was beyond her control and she was seeking treatment at her home in Bhopal on doctors advice, the application said. A doctor, after examining her, advised her bed rest and a certificate has been provided with the application, it said. The NIA, however, told the court that as Thakur was not in Mumbai, it could not verify her claims. The directions which were given from time to time are well within the knowledge of advocates appearing on behalf of Thakur and the delay is caused due to absence of the accused. Hence, considering the aforesaid aspects, a necessary order be passed, the NIA submitted. The court noted that statement of the accused was being recorded under section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (where an accused can explain, in person, any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him or her). She has been absent since long except on 22/03/2024. On 22/03/2024, accused no 1 (Thakur) appeared before the court and considering her physical and medical condition, she was allowed to leave the court, it said.The accuseds presence was necessary to record her statement and her absence was hampering the court proceedings, the judge added. The certificate produced by her lawyer states that Thakur is suffering from cervical-spondylitis and migraine, but prescription, treatment papers and test papers have not been submitted, and therefore, verification of the health condition is required, the court said.NIA, Mumbai, can make correspondence with their unit at Bhopal and verify the health condition and submit the report accordingly on or before April 8, the order said while exempting Thakur from appearance for the day. Six people were killed and more than 100 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a communally sensitive town about 200 km from Mumbai in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. The case was initially probed by the Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra police before it was transferred to the NIA. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh, who was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, walked out of Tihar jail on Wednesday after six months of his arrest in a case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The AAP Rajya Sabha member addressed his supporters outside the jail and went to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals wife, Sunita, soon after. #WATCH | AAP workers & Sanjay Singh supporters shower flower petals on party MPs father Dinesh Singh.AAP MP Sanjay Singh was released from Tihar Jail. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court yesterday in the Delhi excise policy case. pic.twitter.com/CTEZ2cJmBT ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 Addressing supporters outside the Tihar Jail, the AAP leader said, Jashn manane ka waqt nahi aya hai, sangharsh ka waqt hai (it is not a time for celebration, but time for struggle)Our partys senior leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia are being kept behind bars. I have confidence that the locks of the jail will break and they will come out. #WATCH | AAP MP Sanjay Singh walks out of Delhis Tihar Jail after being granted bail in Delhi excise policy case pic.twitter.com/ESizmHdAcV ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 While granting bail, the Supreme Court said that the trial court (Delhis Rouse Avenue court) would decide his bail terms. The Rouse Avenue court has said Singh wouldnt comment on his role in the Delhi excise policy case. The court also fixed a few other rules for the leader. #WATCH | As soon as AAP MP Sanjay Singh walks out of Tihar Jail on bail, he says, Jashn manane ka waqt nahi aya hai, sangharsh ka waqt haiOur partys senior leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia are being kept behind bars. I have confidence that the pic.twitter.com/bIYrJzUC5i ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 Advocate Rajat Bharadwaj, representing Singh, told Special Judge Kaveri Baweja that the AAP leader was not at flight risk. He mentioned that barring one bail condition, the rest of the bail conditions had to be fixed by the trial court. Here are the conditions fixed by the court: The accused would surrender his passport He would not tamper with evidence He would join the investigation and provide his phone number to the investigating officer He would follow the conditions imposed by the Supreme Court Earlier, the court said that there was a condition that would not allow Singh to leave NCR could be imposed. Following this, Singhs counsel requested the court that since election campaigning was underway, the MP would have to campaign at various places. This was followed by a request to set the condition that Singh would not be allowed to leave the country. Allowing the AAP leader to move around, the judge said if Singh left Delhi-NCR, he must share a detailed itinerary with the investigating officer and keep his phone location on at all times. Singh was arrested by the financial probe agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 4, 2023, in the Delhi excise policy case on the charge that Rs 2 crore illegal cash changed hands at his Delhi residence. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday targeted Jawaharlal Nehru and claimed that past mistakes were responsible for the problems such as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and occupation of some parts of the Indian territory by China. Referring to Indias stand when it was offered a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, he claimed there was a time when Nehru, the countrys first prime minister, said India second, China first. Speaking at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry here, Jaishankar was replying to the question whether India should reconcile itself to the status of POK and Indian territories occupied by China, or work to get them back. Notably, in the last few days, BJP leaders have also been targeting past Congress governments under Nehru and Indira Gandhi over the ceding of the island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. In 1950, (then home minister) Sardar Patel had warned Nehru about China. Patel had told Nehru that today for the first time we are facing a situation on two fronts (Pakistan and China) which India had never faced earlier. Patel also told Nehru that he does not believe what the Chinese are saying as their intentions seem different and we should take precautions, the minister said. Nehru replied to Patel that you are unnecessarily suspicious of the Chinese. Nehru also said it is impossible for anybody to attack us from the Himalayas. Nehru was totally dismissive (about Chinese threat), Jaishankar said, adding that everyone knows what happened subsequently. Not only that, when the debate of a permanent seat of the UN (Security Council) came and it was being offered to us, Nehrus position was we deserve the seat but first China should get it. We at present are following India first policy, but there was a time when Nehru said India second, China first, he said. Patel was not in favour of taking the Kashmir issue to the UN as he knew the mentality of a judge there, Jaishankar further said. If you know that the judge is partial, would you go to seek justice from him? But thats what happened, the issue was taken to the UN and immediately a lot of pressure came to stop the military exercise (to reclaim POK), he said, adding today we have ended up in these situations due to mistakes of the past. Today when we talk about our boundaries, some say rewrite our boundaries. Our boundaries are still our boundaries, we should never ever doubt that, the External Affairs Minister said. In the last ten years, the Union government has tried to deal with many issues inherited from the past, he said, adding that it has been successful in finding solutions to some of them while some issues will take more time. In the case of Kashmir we have a Parliament resolution (regarding POK) and everybody has to respect it, Jaishankar said, adding that it was important to seek answers about our position today, but it was also important to look at the mistakes of the past. Earlier, giving a lecture at GCCI on `International policy, catalyst of Viksit Bharat, Jaishankar said for the development of any economy, five factors are crucial: production, consumption, technology, logistics and demography. Foreign policy can play a crucial role in taking domestic industries to other countries, getting crucial technology, creating logistics and connectivity for business, he said. Some of the takeaways of Prime Minister Narendra Modis last visit to the US were that after almost 40 years the US agreed to give India a jet engine technology, and three firms making semiconductor chips agreed to establish plants in India, Jaishankar noted. It was when the prime minister put these things forward to US President Joe Biden, it could materialize, he said. India was working with friendly countries to create new business corridors and the proposed India, UAE, Saudi Arabia to Europe corridor is one of them, the minister said. Indias top priority was exports and Indian businesspersons can take help from the countrys embassies in foreign countries to increase exports, he said. The minister also said that the Indian diaspora is the countrys greatest asset. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, born on February 19, 1630 in Pune to Jijabai and Shahji Bhonsle, was a legendary figure in Indian history. From a very young age, he received military training and in 1674, he established the Maratha Empire in Western India. Historians remember him as a progressive and kind ruler who cared for his people and his motherland. He passed away on 3 April 1680, after suffering from a severe fever and dysentery. On his 344th death anniversary, lets take a look at some intriguing facts about this brave Maratha ruler. 10 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW While many believe Lord Shiva gave Chhatrapati Shivajis name, scholars suggest he was named after Shivai, a local deity. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj strongly supported womens rights. He established the Ashta Pradhan Mandal, a council of eight officials offering guidance on political and other matters. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs first naval expedition of Maratha Navy took place in 1665. He revived Hindu court, encouraged Marathi and Sanskrit over Persian text. Skilled in guerrilla warfare, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj earned the name mountain rat for his tactics. Shivaji welcomed Muslims into his navy, including Daulat Khan and Ibrahim Khan. A small council was responsible for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs education, who taught him reading, writing, horse riding, martial arts and religious studies. A special instructor was provided for military training. His knowledge about guerrilla tactics enabled him to quickly capture forts and expand his territory despite leading a small army. Shivaji learned war skills from Dadaji Kondadev. He was administrator of the Pune jaagir. INSPIRING QUOTES Triptii Dimris recent trip to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, is sparking some serious wanderlust vibes. The actress shared a video of her adventure on Instagram. Get ready to be charmed by Triptiis journey through the tranquil beauty of Rishikesh in her latest video post. In the clip, Triptii is seen enjoying her delightful time in Rishikesh, showing us how she connects with nature. One can see her taking a stroll through green forests and sitting by the river Ganga, enjoying the view of the hills and the sky. She even dips her feet in the water for a refreshing moment and encounters a friendly bird along the way. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Triptii Dimri (@tripti_dimri) If youre longing for a tranquil getaway like Triptiis, consider adding Rishikesh to your travel plans. Heres some essential information about this majestic destination. Read on to discover what makes Rishikesh so special and what exciting activities await you there. Heaven For Yoga Lovers Rishikesh, dubbed the Yoga Capital of the world, is home to ashrams and meditation centers scattered throughout its scenic surroundings where you can unwind and refresh your spirit. With its spiritual vibe, Rishikesh is the perfect place to discover inner peace. Top Tourist Attractions Dont miss out on the top attractions in Rishikesh, such as Rajaji National Park, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and the Beatles Ashram. You can also rent a bike to explore winding mountain roads, uncover hidden pathways, and enjoy waterfalls peacefully. Experience Devotional Aartis Its truly a must-do for anyone visiting Rishikesh. These mesmerising and serene aartis take place right by the banks of the Ganga. The atmosphere is so uplifting, with the chants and the flickering lamps adding to the magic. Its an experience youll cherish forever. Attention Adventure Lovers! If you believe Rishikesh is only about yoga and spirituality, youre mistaken! This place is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. From thrilling river rafting to heart-pounding bungee jumping, theres no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities here. And did you know? Rishikesh has the highest bungee jumping spot in India! Enjoy Various Cuisines As a sacred town, Rishikesh is not known for serving eggs, meat, or alcohol. However, you can still indulge in vegetarian treats like lassi, kadai milk, and turmeric tea. Dont miss out on the delicious momos and comforting thukpas either! With all these exciting reasons, its time to pack your bags and head to Rishikesh, just like Triptii Dimri did! Aamir Khans daughter, Ira Khan, married her longtime beau Nupur Shikhare in January of this year. They began by formally registering their marriage in an intimate ceremony in Mumbai, followed by grand celebrations in Udaipur with close friends and family in attendance. The festivities culminated with a glamorous, star-studded reception in Mumbai. Today, as they celebrate three months of marital bliss, a video of the couple has surfaced on social media. Pritam Shikhare, Ira Khans mother-in-law, took to her Instagram to share a heartwarming video of her son Nupur Shikhare and daughter-in-law. The video captures a sweet moment where Ira hugs her husband. Pritam captioned the post: Happy 3 months. Last week, Ira took to Instagram to share some memories from her wedding festivities in January. She posted a series of photos showing her mother, Reena Dutta, and others meticulously creating her wedding cake at the Taj Aravali Resort & Spa in Udaipur, where the festivities took place. Her mother was seen whipping up the cream and later icing the cake. The carousel ended with a photo of the final cake presented during the event, which had a rustic look with blue and white flowers. In the caption, Ira fondly wrote, The OG crew + Cherise. No one else could have baked our wedding cake. As Popeye was feeding me or after (cant remember), I look at Mama and shes mouthing at me, Is it dry? Aamir Khan had hosted a grand reception to celebrate Iras wedding and some of the biggest stars attended the bash. Having taken place at NMACC in Mumbai, it was attended by stars such as Jaya Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Naga Chaitanya, Rekha, Hema Malini, Dharmendra and more. Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan also joined Aamir Khans family. Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani were also among the attendees. Former Bigg Boss OTT contestant Sonu Gowda was arrested recently on the charges of illegal adoption. The actress good friend, actor Rakesh Adiga visited her in jail, where she is being kept under judicial custody, serving a fourteen-day jail time. Rakesh spoke about his visit in a recent media interaction. Rakesh Adiga revealed that Sonu is in a lot of pain and confused. He stated, She said she was very confused as she did not know exactly she had done wrong. The actor added that he had provided her with assurance as much as he could. But no matter the courage they gave to her, a place like that makes the person suffer mentally which is unavoidable, Rakesh stated further. He also mentioned the Instagram reel made by Sonu, where she said that she would adopt the child, which led to her arrest. Speaking further, Rakesh revealed that he spoke to the childs parents who told him that no discussions regarding any adoption took place between them and Sonu. He found out about the arrest through the news, initially thinking it was not a serious issue. Then after a discussion with his friends, he discovered such a case could be solved with a fine. He spoke, Whatever people say, I know Sonu Gowda closely and Sonu Gowda has not done anything wrong. Sonu Gowda landed in legal trouble after she took to her social media to announce that she had adopted an 8-year-old girl from North Karnataka. As per more reports, she was accused by the authorities of not following the adoption protocols and doing it as a publicity stunt to gain popularity. Reportedly, the arrest was made after the Child Protection Office and local Bengaluru police organised a joint operation. On March 21, a case was registered against the actress. Actress Anupama Parameswaran has displayed her exemplary acting skills in Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil films. She is one of the artists who never misses to shell out major ethnic fashion goals. Recently, she treated her fans with stunning pictures and gave a glimpse of her richly-infused wardrobe. Anupama Parameswaran was seen wearing a gorgeous green saree, which she paired with a red blouse and we cannot deny she looked mesmerising. Complementing her look with necklaces and earrings, she went with a glowy makeup look. It would not be wrong to say that the 28-year-old melts the hearts of her fans every time she dresses to give some major festive outfit inspiration. Anupama ante?, she wrote in the caption and added the song Nuvvena to the picture. Anupamas colleagues and fans showered the pictures with compliments. Actresses Komalee Prasad and Mrunal Thakur loved the photos and appreciated them. Her fans dropped heart emoticons in the comment section displaying their love for her. Anupama is also a foot forward on the professional front as well ,which can be seen in her recently released film Tillu Square, directed by Mallik Ram. She played the role of Lilly Josef in this film headlined by actor Siddu Jonnalagadda, which was released at the cinema halls on March 29. It has earned positive reviews from the critics and the audience. The Local 18 Telugu recently conducted a review of this film at the Devi Theatre, Pragathi Nagar, Nizamabad, Telangana. The audience loved the movie and some of them opined that Siddu ticked all the boxes correctly when it came to entertaining the viewers. According to some of the viewers, Tillu Square is one of the cases of the sequel being better than the first film DJ Tillu, which was directed by Vimal Krishna. The youth comprised a major section of the audience and rooted for Tillu Square for its comic scenes, dialogues, and action sequences. The audience loved every sequence of the film and said that there was no loophole in any segment. The highly anticipated heist comedy Crew, starring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon, hit theaters on March 29 and has been warmly welcomed since its debut. This Bollywood heist film, led by women, had an impressive opening, grossing Rs 10.28 crores in India on its first day, making it the highest opening-day grosser for any female-led film in India. To honour this achievement, many celebrities have been congratulating the cast and crew, including Shaheen Bhatt, sister of Ala Bhatt. Shaheens Shoutout On IG Story Shaheen shared a photo of the films Spotify album poster, featuring Kriti Sanon, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu, displayed prominently in Times Square. The image shows the three actresses dressed as flight attendants in their uniforms. Shaheen expressed her excitement by writing, RE. PRE. SENT. Look what I ran into all the way across the world, on her Instagram story, tagging the leading actresses, along with producers Rhea and Ekta Kapoor. The films success has not only been limited to India but also gained global recognition, making its mark in Times Square and emerging as the biggest opening Hindi film in North America this year, as claimed by the films production house Balaji Motion Pictures. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Balaji Motion Pictures (@balajimotionpictures) Amuls Humour-Filled Post Additionally, brands and celebrities have been toasting the films success. Leading dairy brand Amul, known for its witty and humourous takes on various national and international issues, also gave a fun-filled shout-out to the film. In an official post on their Instagram handle, Amul shared a doodled image featuring cartoon versions of Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Tabu in their air hostess uniforms, holding bread pieces. The text on the image humourously reads, Please fasten your eat belts, with the caption below reading, Amul Crew Ka Cut. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amul The Taste of India (@amul_india) The film is a heist comedy drama about three women and has been appreciated for its humour set against the struggling airline industry. The trio finds themselves in unexpected situations, entangled in a web of lies. In the film, Tabu, Kareena and Kriti play the roles of air hostesses, engaging in antics like stealing peanut boxes and planning to earn a fortune, all while maintaining their glamorous looks. Crew, produced by Balaji Telefilms and Anil Kapoor Film & Communications Network, is directed by Rajesh A Krishnan and features cameo appearances by Diljit Dosanjh and Kapil Sharma. Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani didnt hold back when discussing the lack of unity in Bollywood during a recent chat. He said that instead of working together, people are busy competing with each other. Advani, who has been in the industry for over 25 years, rued that the collaborative efforts of past legends like Yash Chopra and Yash Johar, comparing it with the present scenario where such teamwork is missing among many. The Hindi film industry has no unity. Being a kid and seeing what people like Yash Chopra and Yash Johar used to do You hear stories of these people and how they used to work, we dont have that. We are busy competing with each other. We dont celebrate each other. The first thing we have to do is come together and say we are one. We dont agree on anything, Advani said in an interview with Film Companion. The filmmaker said that industry agreements, like avoiding paid media and limiting marketing, are often ignored. He also said that he is frustrated by disagreements on release timing and distribution. Speaking of the South Indian film industries, he said that they not only produce audience-friendly films but also have effective release strategies. There is no agreement on windows (from theatrical to OTT) or distribution model. Each one is for themselves. Vidhu Vinod Chopra will try and do something, be some kind of a rebel, everyone will say wow and then say, paagal hai, he said. Last year, Vidhu Vinod Chopra took everyone by surprise when he released his film 12th Fail starring Vikrant Massey. In a time dominated by big event films, the filmmaker opted for minimal promotions, banking on simply word of mouth. Despite this, 12th Fail became a huge success, grossing over Rs 70 crore worldwide and winning several awards. Global icon Priyanka Chopra recently returned to the US with her husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie Jonas after spending quality time with her family. Without wasting any time, the Bajirao Mastani star has plunged back into her work, producing various projects through her production banner, Purple Pebble Pictures. Her latest endeavour is an intriguing documentary titled Born Hungry. In a recent Instagram update, Priyanka Chopra announced her collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Barry Avrich, known for works like Prosecuting Evil, Madness of Method and Oscar Peterson: Black + White. The documentary tells the inspiring true story of a young individual from India who runs away and is adopted by a Canadian family, eventually becoming the chef-owner of one of Torontos trendiest restaurants. Sharing the post, the actress wrote, Aligning with stories and filmmakers that have the ability to move the audience by having a unique point of view is what we always look for at Purple Pebble Pictures. Barry Avrichs new feature documentary, Born Hungry is exactly that. I was so moved by Sashs incredible story of resilience and determination and also that it is an amazing rendition of an extremely sensitive story, it was a no-brainer for us to collaborate. We cannot wait to share this story with you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra) Talking about the documentary Born Hungry, Priyanka Chopra in an interview with Deadline stated that she was deeply fascinated by Sashs story. She saw it as a wonderful chance not only to highlight India but also to document the journey and his strong desire to reunite with his family and discover his true self. Further, Priyanka highlighted that her production house is committed to using cinema to share stories from around the world that can change how people see things. Meanwhile, the director Barry Avrich, also expressed his admiration for the rich storytelling tradition of India, as well as the vibrant nature of Bollywood. He shared that upon discovering Sashs story, he was instantly moved by the intense emotions and depth of the story. Born Hungry made its debut at the prestigious 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival and is scheduled to be screened at the Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto on April 26. Other than producing Born Hungry, Priyanka Chopra is also backing numerous documentary films such as Disneynatures film Tiger, To Kill A Tiger and Women Of My Billion. Nepal is witnessing yet another round of political acrobatics with its prime minister shifting allegiance from the Nepal Congress to the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist), headed by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. This has resulted in the formation of a new coalition government dominated by major Left parties. This move indicates a deeper trend of opportunism and self-interest among political elites, where individual gains consistently override ideological principles. The political landscape, marred by revolving alliances and shifting allegiances, reflects a stark reality where governance takes a back seat to personal ambitions. Past alliances between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) and the Nepal Congress, as well as the CPN (UML), highlight the transactional nature of Nepali politics, undermining the credibility of democratic processes. As Nepal embarks on another phase under a new coalition, the potential impacts on governance, stability, and socio-economic progress remain uncertain, raising questions about whether this government will prioritise the needs of the people or perpetuate the cycle of political instability and governance failure. Domestic Impacts of the New Left Alliance In the intricate dance of democracy in Nepalese politics, the recent manoeuvres surrounding Prime Minister Prachandas shifting alliances reveal a disturbing pattern of self-interest and political expediency. From cosying up to the Nepal Congress during the elections to seeking refuge in KP Sharma Olis party CMN (UML) for his premiership, Prachandas allegiances have been nothing short of opportunistic. The backdoor negotiations for key positions like the president and speaker, marred by Olis authoritative interference, highlight the fragility of political alliances in Nepal. Prachandas sudden departure from the alliance with Nepal Congress, followed by a swift reunion with Oli, wasnt as unexpected given the tumultuous nature of Nepal politics, where personal ambitions supersede democratic principles. The rift between Prachanda and Nepal Congress, aggravated due to disagreements over the post of national assembly chairman, further exposes the hollowness of promises of cooperation and integrity made by the political elite. Ultimately, Prachandas victory in securing the coveted position with Olis support not only highlights the erosion of democratic values but also raises serious concerns about the future of accountability and checks and balances in Nepals fledgling democracy. While coalition politics is a familiar terrain in Nepals democratic landscape, the recent pattern of shifting alliances underscores a disregard for democratic principles and the will of the people. Despite the clear mandate favouring the Nepal Congress, Prachandas reliance on coalition partners for political survival raises questions about the integrity of Nepals democratic institutions. The Nepal Congress, in a bid to uphold democratic stability, has repeatedly extended support to Prachandas leadership, even at the expense of its own electoral mandate. However, Prachandas willingness to abandon alliances for short-term gains threatens to erode public trust and could prove to be a costly gamble in the upcoming elections. This brazen disregard for the electorates preferences not only undermines the democratic process but also jeopardises the long-term stability and credibility of Nepals political system. The aspiration to unite several parties under a single ideological banner has been an idealistic goal for numerous Leftist thinkers both within and outside Nepal. In pursuit of this objective, the two primary communist factions, CPN (Maoists) and CPN (UML) attempted to amalgamate in 2018. However, this endeavour faltered due to internal challenges and the legal impediment posed by the Supreme Courts ruling against the merger. The new coalition government in Nepal faces significant challenges, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment, as around 2000 Nepali youth are known to be seeking employment opportunities abroad daily. Additionally, careful navigation of foreign policy is a challenge, especially in light of recent developments such as the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Cooperation Pact with the US. Despite the potential benefits of receiving a $500 million grant for infrastructure and job creation, delays in executing the agreement due to frequent political transitions, have inflicted a substantial economic toll on Nepal. The dissatisfaction stemming from this delay has contributed to public disillusionment with the Prachanda government. With Olis return to the political forefront and his pro-China stance, there are concerns that US-led development initiatives may encounter obstacles, further complicating Nepals efforts to address its developmental challenges. China Factor in the New Alliance The resurgence of the Communist alliance in Nepal undoubtedly brings satisfaction to China, aligning with its longstanding desire for a dominant communist presence in the country, as previously attempted in 2018 through various means. However, the failure of these efforts was attributed to Nepals internal democratic dynamics. With Olis reinstatement in Nepals political echelons, China sees an opportunity to advance its strategic interests in the region. Foremost among its objectives is to sow discord between Nepal and India, thereby gaining leverage in the Himalayan region. Olis anti-India rhetoric conveniently serves Chinas agenda, allowing it to peddle its influence in Nepal to its advantage. This calibrated approach poses significant challenges to regional stability and Nepals sovereignty, as it risks becoming a pawn in Chinas geopolitical manoeuvres. Chinas desire to leverage the unity among communist parties in Nepal poses significant concerns, particularly regarding the potential signing of an extradition treaty. Such an agreement could prove disastrous for Tibetan refugees sheltering in Nepal, granting China unchecked authority to apprehend and extradite them. Moreover, while Nepal has joined the Belt and Road Initiative, this decision has not been ratified by the parliament, raising questions about transparency and accountability. The lack of public disclosure regarding treaty texts further underlines the opacity surrounding China-Nepal relations. With Olis return to power, there is a growing risk that Nepals strategic autonomy may be compromised, potentially undermining its cooperative relationships with India and the US. Past instances of Chinese embassy interference in Nepali politics serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of undue influence. The current Nepalese regime would be wise to avoid repeating such instances, as succumbing to Chinese pressure could jeopardise the countrys sovereignty and regional stability. The Way Ahead While China may have welcomed the revival of the Communist alliance in Nepal, Indias muted response suggests a recognition of the democratic norms underlying coalition changes. However, it is imperative for Kathmandus new coalition to safeguard its strategic autonomy and foster cooperation with like-minded democracies. The Communist alliance must also adapt to the evolving political landscape within the state, with the recent rise of centre-right parties like the Rashtriya Swatantra Party prompting concerns about the need for effective governance rather than ideological squabbles. Additionally, the uncertainty regarding the sustenance of the alliance between these political heavyweights casts doubt on its longevity, especially if one goes by recent political history. Nepals political stakeholders, civil society, and the international community must vigilantly monitor political developments to prevent the exploitation of Nepal by authoritarian regimes like China, which thrive on instability. 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. What does a powerful country need to ward off threats from external and internal aggressors? For starters, it is always good to have a robust economy that is performing well on major parameters. This provides the foundation upon which a country builds its global image. India is today the worlds fastest growing major economy, and the strides it is taking in expanding its economic output are gaining global admiration. In the next five years, it will become the worlds third largest economy. More importantly, though, it is critical for a country with soaring ambitions to have a defence-industrial complex that can meet not just domestic needs, but also emerge as a global player by supplying weapon systems to a host of other countries. Bharat has emerged as just that, and its defence exports grew 32.5 per cent in the last fiscal, crossing the Rs 21,000-crore mark. In 2022-23, Indias defence exports stood at Rs 15,920 crore. The ascendance is, therefore, hard to miss and reflects what a country of Indias size and scale can achieve when it puts its mind to a goal, cuts down on unnecessary red-tapism and sets higher ambitions. Particularly remarkable has been the synergy seen between the private and public sectors in defence manufacturing, both of which contributed 60 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively, to total exports in 2023-24. The right intent and an unhindered focus on delivery of goals can prove to be a crucial factor in ensuring that policymaking has the desired impact. Perhaps this is why total defence exports between 2004-05 and 2013-14 stood only at Rs 4,312 crore, while in the last 10 years, they have gone up to Rs 88,319 crore a staggering 21 times rise. Simultaneously, defence imports have witnessed a drop in light of the countrys spirited push for self-reliance, or aatmanirbharta. Record defence exports: What does it mean? Beyond mere numbers, one must understand what Indias record defence exports mean. For starters, India is fast emerging as a big player in the global security arena. This also means that it can play the role of an equaliser in a global environment fraught with decades-old hegemonies. India now shares the stage with countries that not just make weapons for their own use but also export them to like-minded nations around the world. At present, India is exporting weapons and military equipment to 85 countries, facilitated by approximately 100 companies engaged in this trade. The exports encompass a range of items such as missiles, artillery, rockets, armoured vehicles, offshore patrol vessels, protective gear, radar systems, surveillance equipment and ammunition. It remains to be seen whether India achieves its stated goal of exporting military equipment worth Rs 35,000 crore in the current fiscal. Having said that, we now know for a fact that the countrys defence exports are growing by leaps and bounds. Global community torn by Ukraine, Gaza conflicts This also comes at a crucial time for the global community, which is being torn apart by two full-blown conflicts one in Europe and the other in West Asia. Russias ability to supply weapons to other countries has been severely curtailed due to the war in Ukraine. In better times, Moscow had carved a lucrative market for itself in Africa, Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific. India has itself been a major recipient of Russian weapons and equipment. But, that is fast changing. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Indias arms imports from Russia have declined drastically, from 76 per cent in 2009-13 to 36 per cent in 2019-23. Effectively, this is the first time that less than half of Indias arms imports come from Russia. A vacuum appears to have emerged in global markets, and India is stepping in to fill the void. While Russias war in Ukraine has limited its ability to export weapons, the US and the broader coalition of its western partners find their own defence production lines stretched to the limit. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have already taken a heavy toll on Americas inventories. This is among the leading causes why Ukraine is no longer being supplied with the weapons it needs to fight Russia. READ MORE: Opinion | India in Indo-Pacific: The Emergence of a Vocal, More Assertive Bulwark Against China Israel, another major military exporter, finds itself bogged down by the war in Gaza. This is a war with no foreseeable end in sight, and the situation in the Gulf could very well get much worse before it starts getting better. Therefore, Israel cannot be expected to export weapons at a scale it used to before. China, meanwhile, is gaining international disrepute for being an expansionist entity that has ulterior and nefarious motives in all its global transactions, especially those that are strategic in nature. Pakistan alone accounts for 61 per cent of Chinas arms exports, and that is quite a revealing statistic. In fact, 78 per cent of all of Chinas arms exports go to just three countries Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand. Indias window of opportunity It is not surprising that in such a scenario, India sees a window of opportunity for itself. India supplies weapons and equipment to a diverse basket of countries, including Italy, the Maldives, Russia, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Egypt, Israel, Spain and Chile. The US, UK and France are buying defence electronics from India, while Mauritius, Seychelles and the Maldives have procured fast interceptor boats. READ MORE: Straight Talk | Bharat Has Arrived: Indian Navys Daring Operations Are a Message to the World Defence ministry data shows India supplies bulletproof jackets to 34 countries, including Australia, Japan, Israel and Brazil. About 10 countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Indonesia and Thailand purchase ammunition from India. The worlds interest in advanced Indian weapon systems is growing as well. It is not just the Philippines that is set to buy Indias BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are also keen to clinch deals with New Delhi for these powerful missiles. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), meanwhile, is in talks with six countries to export the indigenous light combat aircraft, Tejas. These include Argentina, the Philippines, Botswana, Egypt and Nigeria. Defence push in the Global South Indias defence push among countries of the Global South is hard to miss. The geopolitical climate is ripe for India to tap into this emerging market, and that is what New Delhi is doing. The Global South knows better than to put all its eggs in one basket. There is a global consensus now that any country that either outsources its defence or depends disproportionately on military imports from one or two sources stands at a natural disadvantage. This becomes most pronounced during times of conflict, as traditional players who dominate the arms market tend to attach a litany of terms and conditions on weapons sales. Therefore, Indias emergence as a defence exporter can provide much relief to countries in the Global South. India is seen by many as a natural ally, one which does not attach unnecessary strings to military deals. Coupled with the Indian Navys proactive operations in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden, it does not take a genius to figure out that Bharat is fast emerging as a major player in the global security realm. And this, by the way, is just the beginning. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Let me stop you right there! thundered Irfan Ali, the President of Guyana, at BBC interviewer Stephen Sackur. The Hard Talk host had tried to lecture President Ali on carbon emissions from Guyanas newfound oil reserves worth $150 billion in the next decade or two. Stating that his country does more than enough forest conservation for which it is not paid or given credit while the developed world enjoyed the fruits of energy since the industrial revolution, he asked the BBC interviewer point blank: Are you in the pockets of those who damaged the environment? This interview instantly went viral. From every corner of the world, praise poured in for Ali, who embodied the voice of the Global South. But more strident than the support was the sheer anger and disgust towards the BBCs hypocrisy, its chastising coloniser tone, and what seemed to be its advocacy for the globalist elite and invested interests. In a multipolar world, the BBC as also a handful of Western media outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Financial Times, or Deutsche Welle has squarely sided with powerful Left-leaning, globalist networks which want to weaken every government unwilling to do their bidding. By its over-bias, the BBC violates the first premise of Britains Royal Charter which defines its Public Purposes: To provide impartial news and information to help people understand and engage with the world around them: the BBC should provide duly accurate and impartial news, current affairs and factual programming to build peoples understanding of all parts of the United Kingdom and of the wider world. The BBC has long failed to convince the world that it is spending British taxpayers money to provide impartial news and information. The Conservative Party of the UK has long called out its strong pro-Labour, pro-Left leaning. Tory MP Peter Bruinvels famously called it the Bolshevik Broadcasting Corporation. Then PM Margaret Thatcher said: I have fought three elections against the BBC and dont want to fight another against it. Indarjit Singh, the chief of Britains Network of Sikh Organisations, said: Stations like BBC Asian Network do little to encourage integration and social cohesion because they allow communities to ghettoise themselves. In October 2019, Singh quit Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4, exposing BBCs misplaced sense of political correctness. The BBC stopped the broadcast of a show commemorating Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, who had been beheaded for opposing the forced conversion of Hindus to Islam in India in the 17th century, because it might offend Muslims. Russia banned the BBC in 2022 accusing it of circulating fake news on the war against Ukraine. China has banned the BBC too. The Beeb has been accused of deep-seated bias against Israel in its coverage of the Palestinian conflict. In India, the BBCs list of transgressions is long. It has always been seen as pro-Pakistan, a stand consistent with Labours. Recently, the BBC was found guilty of tax evasion. After initially trying to make it seem like vengeance by the Indian government, the BBC admitted that it underreported Rs 40 crore ($4.8 million) of income in its tax returns. It followed a suspiciously timed documentary in the run-up to the 2024 elections called India: The Modi Question. The documentary, through a slew of opinions and innuendo, raked up the 2002 Gujarat riots and tried to implicate then Gujarat CM and now PM Narendra Modi, whom courts had exonerated a decade ago. This is politics at play by people who do not have the courage to come into the political field. They want to have that Teflon cover saying that I am an NGO, media organisation etc. They are playing politics, said Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar about the film. Look who the cheerleaders are. What is happening is, just like I told you this drip, drip, drip how do you shape a very extremist image of India, of the government, of the BJP, of the Prime Minister? This has been going on for a decade. Whether it is the anti-CAA protests or farmers agitation, abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir or Ram Mandir pran pratistha, Leicester riots or the hijab-in-schools controversy, the BBC has consistently taken anti-India, anti-Hindu positions. All this begs the question: is the BBC doing the once-Great Britain a great disservice? The answer is pretty clear. The BBC undermines the UKs economy, security, law and order, and demographic destiny by consistently taking a Left-tainted, pro-immigrant stance. It pussyfoots on Islamic radicalisation and terror. But more importantly, it is damaging Britains image in a multipolar world by pissing off potential allies and coming across as the UKs entitled and sanctimonious attack dog. The BBC cannot claim to be independent of Britain nor can Britain shake off the BBC baggage in foreign relations, especially when there is no wall of solid, impartial journalism to separate the two. Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Aam Aadmi Partys Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh walked out of Delhis Tihar Jail on Wednesday evening, a day after getting bail in the liquor scam case. The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh bail in a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy scam after the Enforcement Directorate said it had no objections. On Tuesday, Singh was admitted to the hospital for a liver-related issue and was discharged today. Addressing his supporters outside the Tihar Jail, the AAP leader said, Jashn manane ka waqt nahi aya hai, sangharsh ka waqt haiOur partys senior leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia are being kept behind bars. I have confidence that the locks of the jail will break and they will come out #WATCH | Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh addresses party workers as he walks out of Tihar Jail. pic.twitter.com/sfpeZNa9JX ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 After the release, Singh also went to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwals residence to meet his wife Sunita Kejriwal. The Delhi CM is lodged at Tihar Jail in connection with now-scrapped excise policy case. The AAP leaders father Dinesh Singh called sons release from the jail a special moment. Me, my family, party workers & the party see this as a special moment, he said. Sanjay Singh further said that the AAP was born out of a movement and it is not afraid of anyone. Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain were sent to jail, why? What is their crime? Their crime is that they want to give good education to 2 crore people of Delhi, want to send the elderly on pilgrimage, want to give free water. Every worker, every leader, every minister and MLA of AAP is standing with their leader Arvind Kejriwal. Sanjay Singh Released From Tihar Jail: What Are the AAP Leaders Bail Conditions Fixed By Court? The AAP leader was arrested on October 4, 2023 after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided his premises in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. The ED had claimed that Singh is a key conspirator in the alleged scam and received Rs 2 crore proceeds of crime, and he was closely associated with a number of accused or suspects in this case, businessmen Dinesh Arora and Amit Arora. The central probe agency further claimed that the AAP leader has gained illegal money or kickbacks which are proceeds of crime generated from the liquor policy (2021-22) scam and that he has also played a role in conspiracy with others. Truth Has Triumphed: AAP AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said, Sanjay Singh has just come out of the jail and thousands of party workers welcomed himHe (Sanjay Singh) said that this is not the time to celebrate but struggle. Three of our top leaders- Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia & Satyendar Jain are still in jail. Until & unless they are released we will not celebrate we will keep on struggling Delhi Minister Atishi said that the truth has triumphed. For the last two years, they have been investigating this fake liquor policy case. ED conducted several raids but still, they could not find corruption money from AAP leaders, she added. AAP leader Jasmine Shah said Singhs release proves that there is no money trail as alleged by the ED in the case. Sanjay Singh is AAPs lionBJP put him behind bars in a false case & no money trail was found. Supreme Court said that this is a false case & a plan to finish AAP. Sanjay Singh being released proves that there is no money trailThe struggle will continue, he said. (With inputs from agencies) The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) founder Vaiko on Wednesday slammed the Congress party over the Katchatheevu issue saying it has always betrayed Tamil Nadu. MDMK is an ally of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, which is a part of the Congress-led INDIA bloc. Congress betrayed Tamil Nadu on every front at the time Vaiko said. ALSO READ: Pressure from Sri Lanka; Weak Case: RTI Reply Shows How India Rushed to Hand Over Katchatheevu | Exclusive #WATCH | On the Katchatheevu issue, MDMK founder Vaiko says Congress betrayed Tamil Nadu on every front at the time pic.twitter.com/fIfweuyPvG ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to a media report that detailed what transpired in New Delhis power corridors in the build-up to the controversial handing over of the disputed Katchatheevu island by Indira Gandhis government to present-day Sri Lanka in 1974 and said the Congress party weakened Indias unity, integrity and interests. According to a TOI report, the documents were obtained by K Annamalai, Tamil Nadus BJP chief, through a Right to Information (RTI) application. Eye-opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu, PM Modi said. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in peoples minds- we cant ever trust Congress! he added in the same post, sharing a link to the article that pointed to indecision on the Centres part leading to the handover of the 1.9-square-kilometre island about 20km from Indian shore. Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu has 39 Lok Sabha seats, including 32 unreserved and seven reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates. In the 2019 elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance emerged victorious, winning 38 out of the 39 seats. Tamil Nadu will go to polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19. Arvind Kejriwal News: Updates On Delhi CM's & K Kavitha Bail Plea Hearing Our Live Coverage On Court Hearing On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Bail Plea Has Moved Here. Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Seeks Permission to Meet Kejriwal in Jail, Say Sources Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann has sought permission from Tihar Jail administration to meet Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, sources said. The Punjab CM Office has written to the Tihar Jail administration asking for permission, sources added. Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE: Money Trail Found, Says ED Money trail has been foundIf others (accused) are found, why wont we name them (as accused), said, ASG SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate in the Delhi liquor policy case. Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE: Delhi High Court Reserves Order on Delhi CM's Plea Challenging Arrest Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved the order on the petition moved by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest and ED remand granted by the trial court. Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE: Election Bogey To Divert Court's Attention, Says ASG Raju ASG Raju said, Election is just the bogey to divert the attention of the court from the main issue, from the scam that runs into 100s of crores. Large number of mobile phones in crores of values have been destroyed you act through the middleman and when things come to you, you say I dont know anything, I didnt do anything, Raju added. Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE: ASG Refers To Mahadev Liquor Arm Twisting ASG Raju referred to the arm twisting done to Mahadev Liquor. He said the complainant who made a complaint against Indo Spirits was forced to take his complaint back. They increased the profit margins from 5-12 per cent to use the 7 per cent as kickbacks and bribe, Raju said. It is beyond doubt today that there was a liquor scam and hundreds of crores of ruppes were involved and the public exchequer was deprived of legitimate funds, the ASG told the High Court. Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: Vijay Nair Working From Kailash Gahlot's Bungalow ASG Raju said that excise policy case accused Vijay Nair was working from the bungalow of AAP minister Kailash Gahlot, adding that the person could actually jump a wall and enter the camp office. Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: ASG Refers To SC's Judgment On Manish Sisodia ASG Raju referred to the Supreme Courts judgment on AAP leader Manish Sisodia and said, There is material evidenceClear cut finding that there is money laundering at a large scale which is running into crores. Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: ASG Cites Judgments Over Court Taking Cognisance of Chargesheet ASG Raju reads orders where various prosecution complaints (chargesheet) filed by the ED were taken cognisance of by the court. The cognisance indicates that an offence of money laundering has occurred, Raju said as he cited certain judgments. The magistrate has taken a cognisance five times, ASG Raju, adding that, Large number of accused in this case have been refused bail Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: Sanjay Singh Back In His Tihar Cell; Jail Authorities Yet To Receive Bail Order AAP MP Sanjay Singh has reached back in his barrack in Tihars jail number 5 after being discharged from the ILBS hospital. However, the jail authorities are yet to receive his bail orders from the court. Once they receive the order, it will take another couple hours before the AAP leader is released. (inputs from Anshul Singh) Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: Petition To Avoid Rigors Of Section 45 PMLA, Says ASG Raju ASG Raju told the court that this petition is nothing but a bail application disguised as a challenge to arrest just to avoid the rigors of Section 45 of PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act). The ED said that investigation with regards to Kejriwal is at a nascent stage. Raju further said that arguements have been made as if the investigation has been complete & chargesheet has been filed. Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: If We Do They'll Say Elections Time, If Not They'll Ask For Proof, Says ASG Raju ASG Raju said that if ED attaches AAPs properties then they will allege that we did so during election time. If we dont do that then they will say kahan hain proof (where is proof)? So I am in a bit of a dilemma. We are thus in a catch 22 situation, Raju said. Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: They're Playing Hot & Cold, Says ASG Raju ASG Raju, during his submissions on behalf of the ED, said, No remand order has been challengedIm not even sure if he can challenge these orders when he says that I am conceding the remand. Theyre playing hot and cold at the same time. You cant ride two horses at the same time. You cant challenge the remand on one hand and say I accept the remand on other, Raju added. Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: Writ Petition Argued As Bail Petition, Says ASG Raju As HC Resumes Hearing CM's Plea What is filed is a writ petition challenging an arrest but has been argued that as it is a quashing or bail petiton, said ASG SV Raju. He said that they are waiting for some properties of the Aam Aadmi Part to be attached. When well do it, theyll say election ke time pe kiya (Theyll say we did during election time), Raju added. Arvind Kejriwal Hearing LIVE: HC Hearing Of CM's Plea Against Arrest Resumes Delhi High Court resumes hearing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals plea against his arrest in the liquor scam case. ASG SV Raju begins his submissions on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate. Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE: Tihar Jail Authorities Provide Delhi CM's Vitals For all the reports of Honble CM not being well. These are his vitals as provided by the Prison Authorities, Tihar Jail said. Arvind Kejriwal Latest News: Sanjay Singh Discharged From ILBS Hospital AAP MP Sanjay Singh was discharged from ILBS hospital on Wednesday, hospital officials were cited as saying by PTI. Singh was admitted to the hospital for a liver-related issue. He was at the hospital for 24 hours, a hospital official said. Arvind Kejriwal Latest News: He Might Come Out By 6-7 PM, Says Sanjay Singh's Daughter AAP leader Sanjay Singhs daughter Eshita told news agency ANI said, We are all very happy. We will be able to celebrate when the rest of his friends also come out. We are awaiting their bail too. We hope they too get justice like my father did. We will go to Tihar jail now with the bail order He might come out by 6-7 pmIt was a difficult time but it made us stronger and we were able to reach here. My father has been a very strong leader of the Opposition, she added. Arvind Kejriwal Latest News: Hearing of Delhi CM's Plea Against Arrest To Resume Post Lunch A debate around the Katchatheevu issue has bubbled up in Tamil Nadus and Indias politics just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lashed out at the Congress over the Indira Gandhi government handing over the disputed island to Sri Lanka in 1974. In an exclusive and exhaustive interview with CNN-News18 on Wednesday, union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, a former diplomat who was also posted in Sri Lanka, explained the history, context, and politics behind the controversy. Edited excerpts: What is your understanding of this issue of Katchatheevu? Some of the members in the opposition are saying why raise a 20-30-year-old issue. This is actually a 50-year-old issueLakshmi (wife) and I served in Sri Lanka during an eventful phase when former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had worked out the India-Sri Lanka agreement with President JayewardeneI remember this issue and I have done some reading on it, because the event relates to 1974, and that was the year I joined the Indian Foreign Service. So I recall at that point of timeof asking how, why, with whose approval. I think weve forgotten about itThe issue boils down in my view to the nature of decision-making 50 years ago. You had the DMK in power in Tamil Nadu and the Congress at the CentreThe party in office in Tamil Nadu in 1974, point a; point b, 2024, the DMK is in power in Tamil Nadu. The DMK issued its manifesto on 20th of Marchparagraph 27 says reclamation of KatchatheevuApproximately 200km from Katchatheevu, the Kulasekarapattinam rocket launch site is located. Measures will be takento reclaim Katchatheevu to ensure Indias security and protect the welfare of fishermenBasically, they want to go into the elections due shortly with the plank of taking back Katchatheevu. So the question arises, what was their attitude in 1974? I will read out to you two short paragraphs from the record of discussions of the then foreign secretary Shri Kewal Singh with the then chief minister of Tamil Nadu Shri M Karunanidhi, whose son MK Stalin is today the chief ministerHe says, on the substance of the proposal, the chief minister indicated that he was inclined to accept the suggested solution and we will come to the suggested solution in a while. His difficulty was, however, that he could not take the opposition into confidence without sharing with them the knowledge about the oil strike and convincing them about the need to accept a compromise. We are not going into whether the compromise is good or bad. Thats not the issue. He wanted to know whether the Prime Minister had sounded the opposition. Foreign secretary said that to his knowledge, the proposal was known only to one or two senior cabinet ministers and that probably Prime Minister would like to have the views of chief minister of Tamil Nadu before discussing it with the other opposition leaders. So, we have a classic situation here. A civil servant who was a foreign secretary goes as emissary of the Prime Minister, the late Smt. Indira Gandhi ji, to Chennai, then Madras, and tells the chief minister, here we have a proposal that involves a compromise. I can go into the substance of it if you like. The result of which is that the international maritime boundary will be looked at in such a way that the Katchatheevu island will fall into the Sri Lankan waters, number one. Number two, now he says the 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. In 1974, you didnt take a public stand on it. Today you are in your manifesto saying that you want to take it back. This is the short point. They agreed to something that the central government led by the Congress party by the late Shrimati Indira Gandhi suggested to them, and then they go to para 15 to say something even better. The chief minister, however, assured the foreign secretary that he would help keep the reaction low-key and would not allow it to be played up. What does it mean? It means in essence that the DMK was a party to the decision. We are not going in the good or bad of it, but it was a party to the decision. It collaborated with a central government in order to try and retain and subdue the public reaction, which was going to come. This is the crux of the point. And the central government played along. This is just Katachatheevu. In 1956, the government of Ceylon headed by a Prime Minister called SWRD Bandaranaike, passed the Sinhala Only Act, the starting point of all the problems of Tamils in Sri Lanka. There are two kinds of Tamils. The Plantation Tamils or Indian Tamils there, and the Jaffna Tamils. They started immediatelyit affected their languagethey became second-class citizens. But what happened in India? If you were such great champions of Tamils, you should have done something to pursue their interest. But Pandit ji, and I am not blaming him, Im merely saying that because of his lack of full understanding, he welcomed the Sinhala Only Act. When we served in Colombo, and Im talking about the year 1984 December to 1988, when I was there, I was a political counsellor, very often at the high commissioners residence, Shrimati Bandaranaike in response to questions asked by different Indian diplomats or the pressthat was a time when Sri Lankan ethnic crisis, problems of Tamils was at a high. There were Colombo riots in 1983. There were other problems, when the LTTE began operating and became very large, and other Tamil groups were also thereand very often her answer would be, which is also recorded in booksShe would say if this would happen in my time, I would call my sister, that being Indira ji, and tell her to look the other way while I sorted out the problem. All Im saying is lets not bring in subterfuge in this. No, we gave up this and that, we did this in 76, there were fishing rights, etc. This is not about fishing. But whether it helps you or not, we are not going into the substance of the discussion, but we are saying that there is at the very least a misrepresentation of facts here because the then DMK government leader actively collaborated with this decision to hand over Katchatheevu. This has come out as a result of the RTI and I read out to you the paragraph 15 and 16, which means then they were saying something, and today theyre saying they want Katchatheevu back. Have they today acknowledged that they were a party to this before? We are getting into the deliberate creation of a false narrative in order to mislead people, and I have my learned and many of my retired senior colleagues who are not even serious students of history One of the explanations given, and would you agreeMr Chidambaram is saying that the exchange of six lakh Indian Tamils happened, so that settlement came through. The other part is the DMK says that yes, we may have agreed, but in principle, we were promised by the Congress that the fishing rights will not go away. The fishermen would continue to be able to tread those waters. Please tell DMK that you work out your internal dynamics. What did you agree to in public? When did you link these twoproduce the document on what was supposed to come. Then we can ask the question to the Congress. But you know you cant make private deals on something like this. My question is in 74 when I was in the foreign service was simply this: my understanding of the Indian constitution is that if you want to do something on territory, you have to seek Parliaments permission. Is that correct or not? Now whose permission, if the then foreign secretary is saying that the prime minister has not even consulted more than one or two ministers and the leader in Tamil Nadu is saying that he cannot publicly take or bring the opposition in, so they were trying to do something. Now the extentIve been around too long, Im too oldIndia is a strong country and can defend itself. We are merely talking about what I think is a highly regrettable stage in our relations with a South Asian country where whatever you did, right or wrong, Im not even getting into2015 RTI replieshow does it saythis was not in the public domainToday, its in the public domainWe are talking here about the limited point about the Katchatheevu decision. But what does it do today? Why bring it up now? Yes, these documents have become public. The question being asked is has it been structured with a political intent because 25th of March or 6th of March he applies for it, within six or seven days, the RTI is automatically answered. Why is this being done and whats the point of this? Tamil Nadu politics is one issue. If somebody has got these facts and wants to bring it out, that the individual or a party can say. I am personally welcoming the facts coming out. At least now we can have a balanced and more comprehensive understanding of what happened. Are we going any further than this. All Im saying is stop producing a false narrative. The man is reacting to paragraph 27 of the DMK manifesto issued as late as 20th March. So when did he go on the RTI? Tell me that. Whenever he went, 20th March, they have put this in there in their manifesto. The question of what we want to do is not relevant. You ask the DMK that you wanted to give it away back then, but now you want to take it back. Thats a question that should be asked to them. They are turning it around on the central governmentthe central government had nothing to do with this. This central government, the BJP government led by the honourable Prime Minister, has on a number of occasions bent over backwards to help that country. I am associated with the ministry petroleum and natural gas. Do you want to know how much we helped them during this energy crisis? I cant remember, I think $4 billionHere we are doing this. Its not as if we are picking on a small country. We bailed them out when other things were not falling into place. I dont want to go into the geopolitics, how much does the Chinese influence plays the role? What happened to Hambantota, the Colombo port, etc? This is a narrative correction. Tamil Nadu which is such an important state. PM is one of the most active and strong supporters of Tamil linguistic and culturalYou know all this Tamil Sangam, Kashi, and Saurashtrathat is a matter of pride. With Sri Lanka they desire to have good relations, that is one thing. What is this false narrative that is being introduced here and what was the motivation of this? Come on, own up! But the question is will this resonate on the ground? Whether it resonates on the ground, somebody has taken it up. I mean I have dealt with my Tamil friends both in Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa in Sri Lanka and with them here. These are very very proud people. Let them know the facts. So you believe that raising the issue of Katchatheevu at this point only exposes the hypocrisy of the DMK and the Congress? Absolutely, I think this discussion is confined to that Former prime minister Manmohan Singh ended his 33-year-long parliamentary innings in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. As many as nine union ministers and 44 others end their Upper House tenure with the veteran Congress leader. Singhs exit comes at a time when the former party chief Sonia Gandhi will enter the Rajya Sabha for the first time. She will fill the vacant Rajya Sabha seat after the tenure completion of the former PM. Known for his bold economic reforms, 91-year-old Singh first became a member of the Upper House in October 1991. He first served as the finance minister in the Narasimha Rao government (1991-1996) and then as Indias prime minister (2004-2014). Earlier in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi bid farewell to the retiring Rajya Sabha MPs and praised former PM and Congress stalwart Manmohan Singh for his contribution to the democracy. I want to remember Dr Manmohan Singh today, his contribution has been immense. For such a long time, the way he guided this House and the country, he will always be remembered for it. He also hailed Dr Manmohan Singh for coming to the Parliament in a wheelchair to cast his vote, saying that he set an example for other MPs to perform their duties. I remember in the other House, during the voting, it was known that the treasury bench would win but Dr Manmohan Singh came in his wheelchair and cast his vote. This an example of a member being alert of his duties, PM Modi said. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will complete their tenure on Wednesday. Meanwhile, seven other union ministers ended their tenure in the Upper House on Tuesday. They are: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Purshottam Rupala Information Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Narayan Rane MoS Information and Broadcasting L Murugan All of the nine Union ministers, except Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, are contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and therefore have not been given another Rajya Sabha term. Notably, Vaishnaw and L Murugan have been given another term in the Upper House. As many 49 members retired on Tuesday, while the rest five retired on Wednesday. Others who retired from the Rajya Sabha include Samajwadi Partys Jaya Bachchan, Rashtriya Janata Dals Manoj Kumar Jha, Congress Naseer Hussain and Abhishek Singhvi, BJPs national media-in-charge Anil Baduni, BJP ledaer Prakash Javadekar, Sushil Kumar Modi, Anil Jain and Saroj Pandey. Bachchan, Jha and Hussain have been renominated for another term, while Singhvi will be absent from the House as he lost the election from Himachal Pradesh. BJPs Anil Baduni is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Uttarakhands Garhwal seat and so is Saroj Pandey from Chhattisgarh. Javadekar, Kumar Modi and Jain have not been nominated for another term. (With PTI inputs) The Congress on Wednesday expelled its leader Sanjay Nirupam from the party for six years with immediate effect after taking note of the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party statements amid seat-sharing talks with ally Shiv Sena (UBT). Earlier in the day, the grand-old party dropped Nirupams name from the list of star campaigners, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said after attending a meeting of the partys campaign committee in Mumbai. Nirupam, however, remained defiant and said he would declare his stand on Thursday. Taking a dig, he asked Congress not to waste stationery as it is facing a financial crisis. It should utilise the stationery and energy to save itself, as the party is experiencing a serious financial crisis. The time frame I had given to the party ends today. I will spell out my next course of action tomorrow, he tweeted. - , Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) April 3, 2024 Speaking to reporters after attending the meeting, Patole said the party has dropped Nirupams name from the list of star campaigners and disciplinary action has been initiated against him for his utterances against the party and the state unit leadership. A decision will be taken in a day or two, he added. A former MP from Mumbai North, Nirupam had hit out at the state leadership of Congress after the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray declared its candidates for four out of six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, including the Mumbai North West seat, which Nirupam is eyeing. He had also said the Congress leadership shouldnt allow itself to be arm-twisted by Shiv Sena (UBT). Accepting the Shiv Sena (UBTs) decision to unilaterally field candidates in Mumbai amounted to allowing the destruction of Congress, the former Mumbai Congress president had claimed. Meanwhile, speaking about the alleged dispute among Maha Vikas Aghadi allies in the sharing of seats, Patole said a meeting will be held in the evening to settle the issue. Congress wants Sangli, Bhiwandi, and a couple of seats in Mumbai. We will work on getting them, he said when asked about the MVA meeting. Patole said Congress wants to contest constituencies based on the merit of respective candidates. In Wardha too, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) has roped in a Congressman to contest as Pawars camp didnt find a suitable candidate, he said. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray rejected the demand of some leaders of Congress for friendly fights in constituencies under dispute and said, Either be friends or fight. , Responding to Thackerays pointed remarks, Patole said the MVA will resolve the issue of disputed seats today (in the meeting). He also said the Congress would launch a door-to-door campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. (With PTI inputs) Actress-turned-politician Sumalatha Ambareesh, who is an Independent sitting MP from Karnatakas Mandya, on Wednesday said she would not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections but join the BJP on April 6 and continue to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She also mentioned Congress lack of respect for her. The Independent MP addressed her supporters on Wednesday, days after being denied a BJP ticket. In her emotional speech, Ambareesh thanked her supporters for helping her secure a historical victory from Mandya in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and said she had decided not to contest in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but support the BJP, a party that supported her in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. She also supported the BJP in the 2023 assembly election. If the country is doing good then the state will do good. And if the state is doing good, then our district will eventually be in a good place. I am not selfish. Many leaders when they are denied tickets, will quit the party, but Sumalatha Ambareesh will leave the MP seat and support the BJP today, said Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh. Sumalatha was denied a ticket from Mandya because the BJP and JD(S) alliance decided to field former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy for the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls as an NDA candidate. Sumalatha had won the 2019 Lok Sabha election defeating former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowdas grandson and Kumaraswamys son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy. BJP then supported her to secure the victory. Sumalatha, in an emotional speech, also took a dig at Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and asked her supporters to not ask her to contest from Congress Party, a party that doesnt respect her. He (DK Shivakumar) said they dont need me in their party. I, too, am in no need of anyone. My husband Ambareesh was never hungry for politics and me, too, said Sumalatha. She further asked the Mandya voters whether they wanted her to join the party that did not respect their daughter-in-law. Her supporters replied no in unanimously. Sumalathas husband, Ambareesh, joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1994 and left the party in 1996 after the party denied him a ticket for state assembly elections, but he rejoined in 1999 and contested five elections since. Ambareesh served as minister of state for Information and Broadcasting in the 14th Lok Sabha but resigned over his dissatisfaction with the Cauvery Dispute Tribunal award. After the demise of Ambareesh in 2018, Sumalatha Ambareesh entered full-fledged politics. She also told her supporters that the BJP did offer her Bengaluru (Rural), Mysuru, and Chikkaballapur seats, but she denied it all as she was firm about her decision that if provided a ticket then she would want to contest from Mandya only. However, the BJP high command had asked her not to take any step that would affect the party in the upcoming polls, but she has a bright future and the party will provide her with more opportunities. With Sumalatha withdrawing herself from the race, Mandya is ready to witness a direct contest between the Congress and the JD(S), a Vokkaliga heartland and bastion for both Congress and JD(S). As Karnataka grapples with temperatures beyond the 40-degree Celsius mark, Bengaluru, known as Indias startup capital, finds itself confronting a set of challenges. As the city battles with both rising mercury levels and acute water shortage, an individual sought refuge in an OYO hotel to escape the sweltering heat. Sharing on social media platform X (Formerly Twitter), Rishabh Srivastava wittingly remarked on the transition of Bengaluru weather from chill to grill. He humorously added his inability to survive without an air conditioner anymore. To cope with the scorching heat, he playfully stated that he checked into an OYO hotel as a refugee. Looks like Bengaluru weather decided to level up from chill to grill. Cant survive without AC anymore. Checked into oyo rooms as a refugee, Rishabh shared on X. See the post here: Looks like Bangalore weather decided to level up from chill to grill. Cant survive without AC anymore. Checked into @oyorooms as a refugee.@aajtak @BangaloreMirror @TOIBengaluru pic.twitter.com/3lmczj9gSL Rishabh Srivastava (@arre_rishabh) April 1, 2024 As soon as Rishabh shared his witty remark about the citys weather, OYO Rooms promptly joined in the conversation. Reposting Rishabhs tweet, OYO added its own humorous twist, remarking, Bengaluru, you had one job. But now, were doing it. See the reply here: Bangalore, you had one jobbut now were doing it https://t.co/ZRCSiJuqv5 OYO (@oyorooms) April 2, 2024 The playful exchange between the two was also shared by Ritesh Agarwal, the Founder of OYO Rooms. Amidst the striking heat challenges for Bengaluru, earlier, a heartwarming video surfaced online. It depicted an elderly man riding a scooter, who stopped as soon as he spotted traffic police officers. From his bag, he distributed the water bottles to them. The traffic police officers expressed their gratitude to the man for his kind gesture. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 157,000 views and garnering praise from the online users. Watch the video here: I dont know the name of this uncle driving an Activa but I know his job. It is his daily duty to give water to the traffic police personnel on duty. I really salute him. @hebbaltrafficps @DCPTrNorthBCP @blrcitytraffic @jointcptraffic @3rdEyeDude @alokkumar6994 pic.twitter.com/fQssQoQqWc Shree ram Bishnoi (@ShreeRA43002214) March 31, 2024 The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that soaring temperatures and heatwave conditions will persist in the southern state. Additionally, the weather department has issued a heat wave alert, stating, This is likely to continue to exceed 95th percentile of climatological value over extended areas of the state on April 2. Heat index in isolated pockets of Coastal and North Interior Karnataka is in the range of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. According to the reports, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced a 10 percent cut in supply to those who use water between 40 lakh and 2 crore litres per day from April 10, 2024. Earlier, the BWSSB had announced a 20 percent water supply cut for 38 bulk users, who consume over two crore litres of water every day. With the decision, the board began saving nearly 10 million litres per Day (MLD) daily. Researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, discovered a vast reservoir of water hidden beneath the Earths surface. This subterranean water source is estimated to be three times the size of all the oceans on the planet combined. Located approximately 700 kilometres below the Earths surface, this research opens up new ways for perceiving the planets geology and water cycle. This was founded while investigating the origins of Earths water. Researchers have uncovered a concealed ocean hidden within a mineral called ringwoodite. This discovery challenges the way we perceive the origins of Earths water. The subterranean ocean surpasses the combined volume of all surface oceans threefold. This discovery is significant and proposes a new theory about the Earths water cycle. While some scientists believed water originated from comet impacts, this finding hints that Earths oceans may have emerged from deep within the planet, gradually seeping out from its core. Steven Jacobsen, a scientist from Northwestern University in Illinois who headed the research, said in an interview, This shows strong proof that Earths water came from inside the planet. Researchers have found an ocean using 2000 seismographs placed all over the United States. They looked at seismic waves from 500 earthquakes. When these waves travelled through the inside of the Earth, like the core, they slowed down. This shows that there is water in the rocks below. The concept that water could be in the Earths mantle and move through the rock grains might change the way we understand Earths water cycle. Jacobsen highlighted the significance of this reservoir. He explained that without this water, all the water on Earth would be on the surface, and we might only view mountain peaks. Scientists followed up with gathering additional seismic data from various regions worldwide. Their goal is to determine the frequency of mantle melting events. The outcomes of their research have the potential to revolutionise the comprehension of the Earths water cycle, offering insights into one of the planets fundamental processes. Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez Mora, certified in 2022 by Guinness World Records as the oldest man in the world, died on Tuesday at the age of 114, officials and relatives said. Juan Vicente Perez Mora has transcended into eternity at 114 years of age, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on social media platform X. Perez was officially confirmed as the oldest man alive on February 4, 2022, when he was 112 years and 253 days old, according to Guinness. A father of 11, as of 2022 he had 41 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. The farmer known as Tio Vicente was born in the town of El Cobre, in the Andean state of Tachira on May 27, 1909, and was the ninth of 10 children. At the age of five years old, he started working with his dad and brothers in agriculture and assisted with sugar cane and coffee harvesting, a Guinness statement from 2022 said. Perez went on to become a sheriff and was responsible for resolving land and family disputes, while still working in agriculture. Earlier, Maria Branyas Morera celebrated her 117th birthday and with this, she added her name to the Guinness World Records (GWR) list. Born in 1907, she is now the worlds oldest living person who has survived World War I, World War II, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Also Read: Meet Worlds Oldest Woman, Who Survived World Wars, Spanish Flu and COVID-19 Pandemic Sharing the birthday wish for Maria Branyas Morera on Instagram, Guinness World Records wrote, Happy birthday to Maria Branyas Morera who celebrates her 117th birthday today. She was verified as the worlds oldest person back in January 2023. Maria was born on 4 March 1907 in San Francisco, USA, but returned to Spain with her family when she was eight to settle in Catalonia. Shes lived in the region ever since and has resided in the same nursing home for the past 23 years. In the comments section of the post, Guinness World Records stated that she became the oldest person on Earth in January 2023, following the death of 118-year-old Lucile Randon (France). (With AFP inputs) India stands in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath of the earthquake, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday as he expressed grief over the loss of lives in the calamity. This message of solidarity comes a few hours after at least nine people were killed and more than 1000 injured Wednesday by a powerful earthquake in Taiwan that damaged dozens of buildings and prompted tsunami warnings. Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to earthquakes in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it, PM Modi said in a post on X. Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to earthquakes in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2024 Grateful for your kind words Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen responded to PM Modis message and said, We are deeply grateful for your kind words and support, @narendramodi, at this challenging time. Your solidarity means a great deal to the people of Taiwan as we all work toward a swift recovery. Other world leaders including Japans Fumio Kishida and Philippines Bongbong Marcos also expressed solidarity with the leader of the democratic island. Dozens of people were believed safe but unreachable in areas cut off by massive landslides triggered by the quake many in tunnels that cut through the mountains that bisect the island from north to south. Officials said the quake was the strongest to shake the island in decades, and warned of more tremors in the days ahead. Strict building regulations and widespread public disaster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the earthquake-prone island, which lies near the junction of two tectonic plates. Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipeis Central Weather Administrations Seismology Center, said the quake was the strongest since one of 7.6-magnitude struck in September 1999, killing around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disaster in the islands history. Wednesdays magnitude-7.4 quake hit just before 8:00 am local time, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) putting the epicentre 18 kilometres south of Taiwans Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometres. Three people among a group of seven on an early-morning hike through the hills that surround the city were crushed to death by boulders loosened by the earthquake, officials said. The National Fire Agency did not immediately offer details on the other deaths but said all the fatalities had been in Hualien county, adding that 946 people had been injured without specifying how seriously. Dramatic images were shown on local TV of multi-storey structures in Hualien and elsewhere tilting after the quake ended, while a printing warehouse in New Taipei City crumbled. The main roads leading to the city pass through an extensive series of strongly built tunnels and officials said dozens of people could be trapped in vehicles inside. Dozens of miners were also out of reach at a quarry in Hualien. Engineers were also working to repair the main railway track that runs south from the capital down the eastern seaboard, which had been cut off in several places. (With agency inputs) The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) chief Herzi Halevi apologised for the strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza. The deaths prompted a chorus of international outrage with global leaders condemning Israel for the strike. Halevi said the strike was grave mistake. This incident was a grave mistake. It shouldnt have happened. (There was a) misidentification. We are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK, Halevi was quoted as saying. US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Australian and Polish governments stepped up their criticism of Israel following the death of the aid workers. News agency AFP said that the convoy, emblazoned with WCKs logo, lied in the location where it was struck with a punctured roof among the mangled wreck of other vehicles. The WCK has been involved in feeding displaced Gazans since the start of the war in October and spearheading the delivery of food aid arriving by sea. The organisation said that the workers killed on Monday had just unloaded 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza on the maritime route. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full days mission, WCK CEO Erin Gore said. Her organisation earlier accused Israelis of intentionally targeting the aid workers. This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the direst of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war, Gore said in an earlier statement. Meanwhile, the Biden administration, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Polish government, the Australian PM Anthony Albanese and the international community slammed the Netanyahu government for the strikes even after Netanyahu ordered a probe. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military had unintentionally killed the aid workers, calling it a tragic case that would be investigated right to the end. Outraged. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen, US President Joe Biden said. The world leader almost explicitly blamed Israel for the strikes. Three hits on three cars in a row is not an accident. We arent stupid, an US official was quoted as saying by news outlet Politico. The official claimed that the strikes were intentional. UK PM Rishi Sunak phoned Netanyahu and said that the situation is increasingly intolerable and demanded a probe. The 10 Downing Street officials said Sunak demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into the deaths. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed his countrys anger and concern to Prime Minister Netanyahu in a lengthy phone call, emphasizing the need for a thorough explanation. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski similarly called for an independent investigation from Israeli counterpart Israel Katz. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau demanded full accountability, deeming it unacceptable for aid workers to be killed by the IDF. At least six students were killed and 14 injured Tuesday when a truck ploughed into them on their way out of school in Iraqs southern province of Basra, authorities said. Police in Basra arrested the truck driver who ran over six students, killing them and injuring 14 others in the Al-Hartha region, interior ministry spokesperson Miqdad Miri said. According to initial information, the driver lost control of the truck when the brakes failed, he added in a statement. In 2022, road accidents in Iraq claimed the lives of more than 4,900 people, an average of 13 per day, according to health ministry figures. Conflict, neglect and endemic corruption have left oil-rich Iraqs infrastructure, including roads and bridges, in disrepair. Officials often blame crashes on drivers ignoring the speed limit, using mobile phones behind the wheel, and drug and alcohol consumption. WASHINGTON: Jill Biden has new guidance for the nations top teachers. When they visit the White House later this year, they will be the guests of honor at a state dinner, the first time that the diplomatic nicety typically used to woo foreign heads of state or government will honor educators, according to the first lady, a teacher herself. Biden made the announcement Wednesday during a nationally televised appearance in which she surprised Missy Testerman of Tennessee, the newly named National Teacher of the Year. Im a teacher, as you well know, and Ive been teaching over 30 years, just like Missy has, and I always say teachers are our heroes and I wanted to be here today to celebrate Missy as I love celebrating teachers and I have a special announcement, Missy, Biden said. When you come to the White House, we are going to have a state dinner for the teachers, Biden said on the set of CBS Mornings. Youll have to pick your dress. So its the first time ever. Testerman said that would be absolutely amazing. Im incredibly touched, she told Biden. I know how devoted you are to teaching, continuing to teach, even when youre the first lady of the United States, first one ever to do that, and I know that we share the joy that there is to be found in education. She said the other state teachers of the year will be so incredibly excited to hear, to hear this news. Thank you for doing this for us. Biden, who teaches English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, said hosting the nations top teachers is one of my favorite events at the White House. She did not announce a date for the teachers dinner, but its likely to be held May 1, when the teachers come to Washington, a White House official said. A black-tie state dinner typically recognizes the head of state or government of a close U.S. ally, showcasing ties between the two nations. President Joe Biden and the first lady will host two state dinners soon, for Japan on April 10 and Kenya on May 23. A state dinner for teachers will be new, but the overall concept isnt unique. As first lady, Michelle Obama, whose signature initiative focused on improving childrens health and nutrition, hosted the first of several kids state dinners in 2012. President Barack Obama held a state dinner for African leaders whom he invited to a Washington summit in 2014. The Council of Chief State School Officers chooses the state teachers of the year and the national teacher of the year. Testerman and teachers from Alaska, Georgia and New Jersey were finalists for the 2024 national award. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Taiwan Earthquake Live: 77 Trapped In Buildings, Tunnels A Reuters report said that 77 people remain trapped in buildings and tunnels that collapsed during the earthquake. However, it should be noted that strict building regulations and widespread public disaster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the earthquake-prone island. Taiwan Earthquake Live: Tumbling Boulders Kill Truck, Car Drivers Boulders tumbling downhill following the earthquake in eastern Taiwan killed a truck driver and a car driver. Another person died inside a mine. Taiwan Earthquake Live: Three Crushed To Death By Boulders Three people among a group of seven on an early-morning hike through the hills that surround the city were crushed to death by boulders loosened by the earthquake, officials told news agency AFP. Taiwan Earthquake Live: President Thanks Japan For Messages Of Support Taiwan President Tsai has also posted her first message on X since the quake struck and its a specific message of gratitude to Japan, and written in Japanese. Taiwan Earthquake Live: Naha Airport In Japan Lifts Flight Suspensions After Tsunami Warning After an intense morning in Japan due to an initial tsunami warning, Naha airport has now lifted flight suspensions, according to BBC. However, resuming operations may take some time for airlines, as stranded passengers wait for their flights amidst the aftermath. Taiwan Earthquake Live: Over 100 Hongkongers Feel Tremors After 7.3 Magnitude Quake More than 100 Hongkongers reported being shaken by tremors after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwans southeast coast on Wednesday morning. The Hong Kong Observatory said the quake hit at 7.58am about 15km southeast of the Taiwanese county of Hualien and had an epicentre 10km deep, according to South China Morning Post. Taiwan Earthquake Live: Tally Of Injured Rises To 736 Over 736 people have been injured in the Taiwan earthquake. Taiwan Earthquake Live: Death Toll Rises To Seven The death toll from the major earthquake in Taiwan rose to seven. Was Catastrophe Averted? A report by AFP highlighted that Taiwan may have averted a major catastrophe due to its strict building regulations and disaster awareness. Taiwan, Japan and adjoining areas are regularly hit by earthquakes. Taiwan Earthquake: India Taipei Association Sets Up Emergency Helpline The India Taipei Association has set up a helpline for Indians in Taiwan. Those affected can call 0905247906 or send an email to ad.ita@mea.gov.in In view of the earthquake, the following emergency helpline has been setup by India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan: Mobile: 0905247906 Email: ad.ita@mea.gov.in: India Taipei Association#EarthquakeTaiwan pic.twitter.com/lg0EpBKGn0 DD News (@DDNewslive) April 3, 2024 Taiwan Earthquake: Taiwan Says Four People Died In Earthquake Taiwan government said that four people have died from the earthquake. One Dead, 50 Injured In Taiwan Earthquake One person has died and fifty people were injured in the strongest earthquake that struck Taiwan, news agency Reuters said, citing Taiwanese fire department officials. People Trapped In Collapsed Buildings: Taiwans Hualien City Fire Dept The Hualien City fire department of Taiwanese city Hualien City said some people are trapped in two buildings that collapsed in Hualien City. The city is the epicentre of the 7.7 earthquake that struck Taiwan. Philippines Warns Of High Tsunami Waves The Filipino weatherman warned of high tsunami and said coastal areas in the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Isabela are expected to experience high tsunami waves based on tsunami wave models. Taipei City Records 25 Aftershocks Taiwans central weather administration recorded 25 aftershocks following the earthquake. Tremors Felt In Chinas Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Ningde The Chinese state-run news outlets said tremors were felt in Chinas Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Ningde cities. China Earthquake Networks Center recorded five aftershocks of around 5 magnitude in Taiwan within an hour after the initial quake. Tsunami Threat from Taiwan Earthquake Largely Passed: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center declared on Wednesday that the threat of a tsunami resulting from the significant earthquake in Taiwan has subsided. TSMC Says 'Operating Without Impact' Operations remained unaffected at the Southern Taiwan Science Park, home to major semiconductor manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC). Despite the earthquake, companies within the park reported no disruptions to their activities, a Reuters report said. Tsunami Warning for Remote Japanese Islands Following Earthquake Downgraded The Japan Meteorological Agency earlier issued a warning of tsunami waves as high as three meters (10 feet) for remote Japanese islands, including Miyakojima island. They later downgraded its tsunami warning for Japans southern islands to a tsunami advisory Norways parliament received a bomb threat on Wednesday and police tightened security around the building, blocking off nearby streets. The public audience attending deliberations inside the building were asked to leave, while members of parliament continued their normal business, including a ministers question time, a parliament spokesperson said. A police spokesperson said: We are on the scene with several patrols to secure the parliament and prevent potential incidents. We have no information so far that there is a threat to third parties. Armed police in riot gear were erecting metal barriers to block access to the building in central Oslo, where security is normally more discreet. Police in Norway do not generally carry guns. A Dutch woman has decided to legally end her life citing her struggles with crippling depression and autism, according to a report. Zoraya ter Beek, a 28-year-old physically healthy, who lives in a small village in the Netherlands near the German border, is slated to be euthanised in May, according to the New York Post (NYP). Euthanisation refers to the act of intentionally ending the life of a person or animal to relieve suffering, typically in the context of terminal illness or severe injury. It is often performed by administering drugs or other means to induce a painless death. Ter Beek, who does not have much family, has grappled with mental health challenges throughout her lifetime. She has decided to end her life, despite being in love with her 40-year-old boyfriend and living with two cats. The Dutch woman said she decided to be euthanised after her doctors told her nothing more could be done to improve her condition. I was always very clear that if it doesnt get better, I cant do this anymore, NYP quoted ter Beek as saying. Ter Beek, who earlier aimed to become a psychiatrist, is just one of the growing number of people in the West who have decided to die rather than continue living in pain. Contentious Issue Several countries have legalised euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide in some form, but the issue remains contentious and is debated by both legal and philosophical luminaries. Some of these nations include the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Colombia, Switzerland, Germany, and parts of the US. Notably, the Netherlands was the first country to legalise assisted suicide in 2001. Fast forward to 2022, Dutch media reported 8,720 euthanasia deaths, around 5 percent of all deaths, up from 4 percent the previous year. In February, former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife died together by euthanasia. Ter Beek plans to be cremated after shes euthanised on the couch in her living room. Reports said a doctor will first give her a sedative, followed by a drug that will stop her heart. Ter Beeks boyfriend will be at her side until the end but there will not be a funeral. The doctor really takes her time. It is not that they walk in and say, Lay down, please! Most of the time it is first a cup of coffee to settle the nerves and create a soft atmosphere, she said. Then she asks if I am ready. I will take my place on the couch. She will once again ask if I am sure, and she will start up the procedure and wish me a good journey. Or, in my case, a nice nap, because I hate it if people say, Safe journey. Im not going anywhere. Ter Beek said her boyfriend will scatter her ashes in a nice spot in the woods that they have picked out. Im a little afraid of dying, because its the ultimate unknown, she said. We dont really know whats next, or is there nothing? Thats the scary part. Critics say that people like Ter Beek have been encouraged to kill themselves by the law, with many likening the suicide surge to a contagion, according to the Free Press. Nine people died in the major 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Taiwan on Wednesday morning. Over 1000 people have been injured in the earthquake which was the strongest to strike the self-ruled island in 25 years, prompting tsunami warnings for the self-ruled island as well as parts of southern Japan and the Philippines. A report by TaiwanPlusNews said that the person who died was crushed under the landslide, citing fire department officials. The quake hit just before 8:00am local time, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) putting the epicentre 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Taiwans Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 km. A separate report by Reuters said twenty people are trapped in the 26 buildings that have collapsed, which are more than half in Hualien. Rescue work continues in those affected areas. Residents of Taipei said aftershocks could still be felt in the self-ruled islands capital. Taiwans central weather administration said 25 aftershocks have been recorded so far. Taiwan television stations showed footage of buildings at precarious angles in Hualien, where the quake as people were going to work and school. The quake had a depth of 15.5km (9.6 miles), according to Taiwans Central Weather Administration. The Japanese weather agency said several small tsunami waves reached parts of the southern prefecture of Okinawa. The weatherman later downgraded the earlier tsunami warning to an advisory and said the earthquakes magnitude was 7.7 in the Richter Scale. The Philippines Seismology Agency also issued a warning for residents in coastal areas of several provinces, urging them to evacuate to higher ground. Taiwan also issued a tsunami warning, but reported no damage from that, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii later said the risk of damaging tsunami waves had now largely passed. The earthquake was also felt in the Chinese cities of Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou and Ningde. I wanted to run out, but I wasnt dressed. That was so strong, said Kelvin Hwang, a guest at a hotel in the capital, Taipei, while speaking to news agency AFP, who sought shelter in the lift lobby on the ninth floor. Strict building regulations and disaster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the island, which is regularly hit by earthquakes as it lies near the junction of two tectonic plates. Nearby Japan, which lies in a high seismic region, experiences around 1,500 jolts every year. The Japanese weatherman earlier issued a warning for tsunami waves as high as three metres for the southern Japanese islands, including the Miyakojima island. A non-resident Indian (NRI) and her daughter died in a car accident in the US city of Portland. The incident involving two vehicles occurred on a highway in the state of Oregon while the Indian family was en route to the Tulip festival on the womans birthday. Kamatham Gitanjali, who hailed from Andhra Pradesh, was pronounced brain-dead after the accident on Sunday. Gitanjali reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign while driving southbound on South Meridian Road, according to US authorities. Her car collided with another vehicle. Gitanjalis daughter Hanika, 5, died at the scene. Gitanjali, who was initially critically injured, was airlifted to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Her husband Naresh and son Braman were also injured and are undergoing treatment at the hospital in Portland. Braman sustained a broken leg and is undergoing surgery. We come to you with heavy hearts to rally support for Naresh Kamathams family. On Saturday, March 30th, tragedy struck as our dear friend Naresh Babu Kamatham and his family faced a devastating car accident, read the GoFundMe page started by a family friend. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any inquiries or concerns. Your continued support and comforting thoughts mean the world to us during this incredibly challenging period, it added. Geetanjali and her husband, both software engineers, had been residing in the US for about 10 years. A fundraiser, initiated after the accident, aimed to alleviate the financial strain on the Andhra family. It has so far received donations worth over USD 1,50,000. We are now making arrangements to transport her remains to India, allowing their family the opportunity to bid her farewell and perform the necessary rituals, the GoFundMe page read. PETER Dube, a suspected fugitive murderer, had eluded authorities for nearly three years. However, his run came to an end when he was apprehended and deported from Ireland to Mozambique. From there, he was further deported to Zimbabwe, where he was arrested upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed this significant development. Dubes deportation from Mozambique was due to his possession of fake identity and travel documents. The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the arrest of murder and attempted murder suspect, Peter Dube who has been deported from Mozambique because of possessing fake national identity and passport documents. A team of police detectives apprehended him at 1405 hours at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport upon arrival, said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi. Dube, who was a Gweru-based businessman, was wanted in connection with three counts of suspected murder, one attempted murder case and violation of immigration laws. Dube, according to reports, allegedly shot his second wife, her suspected lover and a female friend in Gweru in 2021 before fleeing. Dube fled to South Africa before moving to Eswatini where he acquired fake identity documents and travel documents after assuming the name Xolile Mtsali. He used the fake documents to relocate to Ireland, where he applied for asylum. After being apprehended in Ireland, he was subsequently deported to Mozambique, said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi. While in Ireland, Dube was convicted of violating immigration laws before being deported to Mozambique after he claimed to be a citizen of that country and had assumed another alias; Armando Quenete Muchanga. He is understood to have fraudulently acquired a passport wherein he claimed to have been born on June 21, 1985. He is set to appear in court soon to answer to two fatal shootings and an attempted murder case in Gweru on April 23, 2021. Dube had been in the custody of Mozambican authorities pending investigations into how he acquired the passport that saw him assuming the new identity. He was using a passport with the name Armando Quenete Muchanga with date of birth as June 21, 1985, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said. The Southern African Development Community has a protocol on extradition of suspects among member states. According to Article 2 of the protocol titled Obligation to Extradite, each state party agrees to extradite to the other, in accordance with the provisions of this protocol and their respective domestic law, any person within its jurisdiction who is wanted for prosecution or the imposition or enforcement of a sentence in the Requesting State for an extraditable offence. On April 23, 2021, Dube, who was a car dealer, approached his second wife, Nyasha Nharingo, and her suspected lover, Shelton Chinhango also a car dealer who was seated in a minibus parked outside a flat in Gwerus central business district, where she lived. He then allegedly fatally shot Shelton at close range before turning the gun on his second wifes best friend, Gamuchirai Mudungwe, whom he also shot in the chest, killing her instantly. Dube allegedly went on to shoot Nyasha and her sister Nyaradzo, who were later rushed to hospital. He was arrested in Ireland on June 14 this year at a refugee facility in Dublin, before being convicted by the Dublin District Court for violating that countrys immigration laws. Chronicle The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), a major domestic funding source for basic research and frontier exploration, financed over 52,000 programs in 2023, with a total investment of more than 31.8 billion yuan (about $4.40 billion). The data was released during a recent meeting of the foundation's committee. Dou Xiankang, head of the NSFC, said the foundation's focus in 2024 will be on fostering originality and unrestricted exploration. Efforts will be made to continuously enhance the talent funding system, strengthen the management of applied basic research funding, and establish an international research funding department, said Dou. He added that the foundation will allocate scientific and technological resources toward the most innovative and dynamic frontline researchers. New Ziana) -An inmate already serving time at the Mutare Farm Prison for an unspecified crime, has been slapped with an additional 16 years behind bars for two sexual-related offences committed while in jail. In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said sometime in November last year, the accused person was sharing the same cell with other inmates at the Mutare Farm Prison. On the night in question, one of the inmates woke up to find the accused person caressing his buttocks. The complainant was shocked to discover that the man had pulled down both his trousers and underwear. The accused person was arrested following a similar incident on January 3 this year when he sodomised another inmate without his consent. For sodomising the inmate, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison and for the other offence, he was slapped with a one-year jail term to make them 16 years. John Sinclair, a poet, music producer, and counterculture figure whose lengthy prison sentence after a series of small-time pot busts inspired a John Lennon song and a star-studded 1971 concert to free him, has died. He was 82. Sinclair died Tuesday morning at Detroit Receiving Hospital of congestive heart failure following an illness, his publicist Matt Lee said. Sinclair drew a 9 1/2-to-10-year prison sentence in 1969 from Detroit Recorder's Court Judge Robert Colombo for giving two joints to undercover officers. It was his third offense. He served 29 months but was released a few days after Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger, and others performed in front of 15,000 attendees at the University of Michigan's Crisler Arena, the AP reports. "They gave him 10 for two/What else can Judge Colombo do/We gotta set him free," Lennon sang in "John Sinclair," a song the ex-Beatle wrote that immortalized its subject. At the time of Sinclair's arrest, possession of marijuana was a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. He was arrested in Detroit while living as a poet and activist who co-founded the anti-racist White Panther Party. He received the maximum sentence. The day before the concert, the Michigan Legislature voted to reduce to a misdemeanor the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana, punishable by up to a year in prison. Because he already had served 2 years, Sinclair was released from prison three days after the concert. Sinclair continued his advocacy for marijuana, helping to usher in Ann Arbor's token $5 fine for pot possession and celebrating when his home state legalized recreational cannabis in 2018. "I'm the pioneer. I was the first one in Michigan who said marijuana should be legal, and they said I was totally nuts," he told the Detroit Free Press in 2019. "I'm proud to have played a part in this. I spent nearly three years in prison because of marijuana." Sinclair was born in Flint in 1941. He grew up in nearby Davison and graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint in 1964 with a degree in English Literature. Over the next six-plus decades, Sinclair did a bit of everythingdabbling in performance art, journalism, cultural and political activism. And, of course, poetry. "You got to/live it not just/say it or/play it that's what this is/all/about," Sinclair wrote in a 1965 poem. Sinclair often kept a toehold in the world of music, managing for a time Mitch Ryder and perhaps most notably MC5, a Detroit-based quintet known for "Kick Out the Jams" and as a hard-rocking forerunner to the punk movement. Sinclair proudly and aggressively fought for progressive policies as part of the burgeoning "New Left" movement. "In those times, we considered ourselves revolutionaries," he said in 2013. "We wanted equal distribution of wealth. We didn't want 1% of the rich running everything. Of course, we lost." Sinclair also promoted concerts and festivals and helped to establish the Detroit Artists Workshop and Detroit Jazz Center. He taught blues history at Wayne State University and hosted radio programs in Detroit, New Orleans, and and Amsterdam (More obituary stories.) Tennessee's new bill banning the release of airborne chemicals, which will become law July 1 if the governor signs it, does not mention "chemtrails" by name but is said to be inspired by the chemtrail conspiracy theory, in which toxic chemicals are said to be spread by airplanes. (The theory has been debunked multiple times.) Outlets including the BBC are, as such, referring to it as the "chemtrail" bill. What the bill actually bans: The "intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances" into the air, plus anything "affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight." The "intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances" into the air, plus anything "affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight." What people are saying it's meant to ban: As the Guardian explains, the decades-old chemtrails conspiracy theory claims the cloudy white trails sometimes left behind by planes are actually chemicals being released into the atmosphere by (in some tellings) the government or (in other versions) private organizations. The goal? It also varies depending who you're talking to, but it could be anything from mind control to weather modification. The idea is that, without saying as much, Tennessee is looking to ban chemtrails (which don't actually exist). Donald Trump wants to cut the two former Apprentice contestants who co-founded Truth Social out of their shares in the companybut it's not as simple as saying, "You're fired." Trump has filed a lawsuit in Florida against Andy Litinsky and Wes Moss, saying they bungled their task of setting up Trump Media and Technology Group and don't deserve their 8.6% stake, NBC News reports. The lawsuit claims that Litinsky and Moss failed to set up a correct corporate governance structure and find an "appropriate merger partner," causing delays that hurt the company, reports Bloomberg . "Moss and Litinsky failed spectacularly at every turn," the lawsuit states, per CNN. It accuses them of making "reckless and wasteful" decisions. The pair sold Trump on the idea of setting up his own social media platform when he was banned from what was then Twitter after the Capitol riot, NBC reports. The lawsuit claims that Truth Social was a "phenomenal opportunity" for Moss and Litinsky, who were "riding President Trump's coattails." Trump Media went public last week after merging with a holding company. Its stock price initially soared. It fell sharply in the following days but Moss and Litinsky's stake is still worth around $444 million. The Trump lawsuit argues that they should be stripped of their shares for violating agreements. Moss and Litinsky sued the company in Delaware in February, arguing that Trump was trying to dilute their stake. At a hearing Monday, the judge in the Delaware case said he was " gobsmacked" to learn that Trump had filed a lawsuit in Florida instead of filing a countersuit in Delaware, Bloomberg reports. (More Truth Social stories.) Muslim leaders met Tuesday evening with President Biden and Vice President Harris, but it wasn't the event that the White House had originally planned. The Washington Post reports that a half-dozen or so representatives from the Muslim community were originally invited for an iftar dinner, the meal that Muslims eat during the holy month of Ramadan to break their fast. However, those leaders declined that invite, saying they couldn't in good conscience partake while so many people are suffering and dying in Gaza as a result of Israel's war against Hamaswith the United States supporting Israel. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that the dinner was nixed after the Muslim leaders "expressed the preference" of a policy meeting instead. Salima Suswell of the Black Muslim Leadership Council says she initially considered boycotting the White House invite altogether, but ultimately decided it was more important for her voice to be heard, noting, "I have been consistent in my position that engagement is very important right now." The White House still held a small iftar meal after the policy meeting, for Muslim senior staffers in the administration only, reports ABC News. Meanwhile, the policy meeting itself, Biden's first with Muslim leaders in about five months, was marked by "high tensions, anger, and concern," including one Palestinian-American doctor who felt compelled to exit early, reports CNN. "I said it was disappointing I'm the only Palestinian here, and out of respect for my community, I'm going to leave," emergency doctor Thaer Ahmad says he told Biden, noting he handed the president a letter from an orphaned 8-year-old girl in Rafah who begged, "I beg you, President Biden, stop them from entering Rafah." story continues below In a statement, a White House official acknowledged that "this is a deeply painful moment for many in the Muslim and Arab communities," and that Biden "made clear that he mourns the loss of every innocent life in this conflict" and would keep working "to secure an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to free the hostages and significantly increase humanitarian aid into Gaza." The Post notes that the meeting "underscores the significant challenges Biden faces with the Arab American and Muslim communities seven months before the presidential election." More here on the tense meeting. (More Israel-Hamas war stories.) More questions are being raised about Russia's response to its worst terrorist attack in decades as US officials now say they not only warned Russia of a possible attack in advance, but named the very concert venue. Hours after Sergei Naryshkin, director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (FSB), claimed Tuesday that the warning of a possible attack was too general to prevent it , the Washington Post published a report citing US officials who said the warningreportedly delivered March 6, a day before the US Embassy's public announcement included mention of the Crocus City Hall concert venue outside Moscow as a potential target. "The high degree of specificity ... directly contradicts Moscow's claims that the US warnings were too general to help preempt the assault," per the Post. It also raises questions about why authorities weren't able to prevent gunmen from entering the venue and unleashing horrors before setting the building aflame, killing more than 140 people. "At the time of the attack, no additional security measures were in place at the venue," the New York Times reports. "Russian media has reported that specialized police units did not arrive until more than an hour after the shooting started, and then waited more than 30 minutes before entering the building, by which point the assailants had already escaped," per the Post. The outlet notes it was "unusual" for the US to share such specific information with an adversary because it might've exposed US intelligence sources. This only "underscores Washington's confidence that the Islamic State was preparing an attack that threatened large numbers of civilians." Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed warnings from "a number of official Western structures" three days before the attack, calling them "outright blackmail" meant to "intimidate and destabilize our society." He also emphasized the FSB was focused on Russia's war in Ukraine and Kyiv's "terrorist tactics." He has since claimed Ukraine was linked to the March 22 attack, which has been claimed by ISIS-Khorasan. story continues below On Tuesday, Naryshkin said the US information was "too general and did not allow us to fully identify those who committed this terrible crime," per the Post. Still, he claimed Russia "took appropriate measures to prevent" an attack. A teenage employee of the concert hall said staff were informed about the possiblity of an attack shortly after March 7, "instructed in what to do and where to take people." He also said security checks were implemented. US officials suggest the Russians let their guard down when no attack surfaced in the immediate aftermath, per the Post. The US warning was not precise on timing, per the Times. (Iran warned Russia, too.) Less than 48 hours after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed seven aid workers tied to Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen charity, Andres is making a simple plea: "Let people eat." In an op-ed for the New York Times, the 54-year-old celebrity chef honors the dead, whom he calls "the best of humanity ... [who] risked everything for the most fundamentally human activity: to share our food with others." Andres notes that "food is a universal human right" and "not conditional on being good or bad, rich or poor, left or right." "We do not ask what religion you belong to," he writes. "We just ask how many meals you need." He also takes Benjamin Netanyahu to task for the fatal strike, scoffing at the Israeli prime minister's resigned assertion that "it happens in war." "It was a direct attack on clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known by the Israel Defense Forces," Andres bluntly states. Three and a half decades ago, British physicist John Latham raised the wild idea of injecting droplets of seawater into clouds to brighten them, increasing their reflection of solar radiation and thereby cooling the planet. He suggested 1,000 unmanned vessels could sail the oceans, spraying water into the air. "If we can increase the reflectivity by about 3%, the cooling will balance the global warming caused by increased C02 in the atmosphere," the late Latham said in 2007. For a long time, the response to this and other solar geoengineering ideas has been cool . But interest and funding opportunities have increased along with temperatures, per the Economist . And on Tuesday, the idea was put to the test as part of a research project from the University of Washington and nonprofit SRI International, per the New York Times . Until recently, efforts to reduce pollution from ship exhaust using particles from that pollution brightened clouds enough to offset 5% of climate warming from greenhouse gases, atmospheric scientist Sarah Doherty, who manages the university's marine cloud brightening program, tells the Times. She adds the time is ripe to explore marine cloud brightening with sea salt aerosols, rather than pollution. She agrees with critics who say the process could alter climactic patterns in unknown ways, but she adds that's why it's important to study the effects now, before cloud brightening becomes a necessity. Indeed, it could take a decade of testing before scientists are "in a position to potentially use marine cloud brightening at the scale required to cool the Earth," per the Times. Scientists need to figure out whether this could work in the real world, the right size of aerosols neededtoo small particles are useless, too big reduce cloud reflectivityand the right number to expel, among other factors. In the Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) experiment launched Tuesday with $10 million in funding over three years, researchers pushed water and highly pressurized air through a series of nozzles in an effort to create salt particles of less than a micron (1/25,000 of an inch), which appears about right in terms of effectiveness. Researchers hope the aerosols stay the desired size while moving through the air under varying wind and humidity conditions. Separately, a team from Australia's Southern Cross University has tested how clouds respond to aerosols sprayed from a ship, though the results haven't been released. (More geoengineering stories.) UPDATE Apr 4, 2024 5:03 AM CDT Celebrity chef Jose Andres, founder of the World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid nonprofit, says the seven WCK aid workers who were killed in Gaza Monday night were targeted "systematically, car by car." In what Reuters describes as an emotional interview, Andres claimed that the Israeli military knew about the movement of WCK aid workers thanks to very clear communication between the group and the military, and also that it should have been obvious the military was targeting an aid convoy. "This was not just a bad luck situation where 'oops' we dropped the bomb in the wrong place," he said, adding that he does not accept Israel's claim that the strike was unintentional. "This was over a 1.5, 1.8 kilometers, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, in the roof, a very colorful logo," he said, adding that aid workers also tried to communicate who they were as the cars were attacked one by one. Apr 3, 2024 11:30 AM CDT Israel has provided an initial explanation for why it killed seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen in Gaza in a Monday night strike: misidentification. The Israeli military says its first look into the deaths indicated the aid workers' three vehicles were mistakenly identified as hostile targets. The Wall Street Journal has this quote from Israeli military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi: "I want to be very clearthe strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers. It was a mistake that followed a misidentificationat night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn't have happened." More: Emailing an employee during their time off could become punishable by law in California, the first state in the US weighing employees' " right to disconnect ." Such laws are already on the books in 13 countries and just over the US-Canada border in Ontario. California could potentially become the first US state to join them. California State Assembly member Matt Haney, a Democrat, on Tuesday introduced bill AB2751; it would require employers to specify an employee's "compensated" hours and refrain from contacting them outside of those hours. There are exemptions, including for emergencies, last-minute scheduling, and collective bargaining, per NBC News . Otherwise, labor authorities could investigate companies reported for contacting employees during personal hours and issue fines. The bill is a "necessary adaptation" in response to "an epidemic of burnout," Amira Barger, a professor of management at California State University, East Bay, tells NBC. But the California Chamber of Commerce argues the state already has strict labor laws that discourage work outside scheduled hours. It adds the bill doesn't allow for different working arrangements and "will effectively subject all employees to a rigid working schedule," per the San Francisco Chronicle. There's also opposition from the technology sector. As the Chronicle notes, "in the startup world, being online or available all the time is part of surviving as a company." Haney, who represents the 17th district covering part of San Francisco, counters that "workers shouldn't be punished for not being available 24/7 if they're not being paid for 24 hours of work." Indeed, since "California created many of these technologies that allow people to be available 24/7, we should also lead the way in making sure we can make them sustainable for work-life balance," he says. The bill, which Haney hopes will boost the state's competitiveness for workers, has been referred to the Assembly Labor Committee, per USA Today. (More California stories.) He "underscored New Zealand's steadfast support for both Ukraines self-defence and ongoing efforts to build global support for a just peace", a post on his official X page said. "I met with New Zealand's Foreign Minister @Winston Peters and expressed gratitude for all of the support provided since the start of the full-scale war," Kuleba said in a separate statement. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, something many Western countries have been helping Kyiv to counter through the supply of weapons and aid. Ukraine was given another $7 million in humanitarian assistance from New Zealand in February. Before the meeting with Kuleba, Peters also met with EU MPs and the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Peters also held talks with Poland Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski in Warsaw earlier this week. "The two ministers also discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, exchanged views on current security challenges in Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, as well as opportunities for economic cooperation," Peters' office said of the Poland visit. "Poland is one of our closest partners in central and eastern Europe, with whom we share many values and strategic interests," added Peters. An 80-year-old American tourist has been killed by a bull elephant when it charged at the safari group she was part of. Another female tour guest was also injured in the incident which took place in the Kafue National Park in Zambia. The group of six guests and a guide had been on a safari from Lufupa Camp when their vehicle was "unexpectedly charged" by the animal, according to a report from Sky News UK. Video of the incident has emerged online, which shows the elephant charging at the vehicle, before tipping it over. A voice, believed to be the tour guide, can be heard yelling "hey, hey, hey!". TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, lauded the achievements of the Economic Recovery Plan and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. Looking ahead, HRH Prince Salman expressed optimism for Bahrain Economic Vision 2050, aimed at charting a brighter future for the Kingdom, under leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister was speaking as he hosted yesterday evening Ramadan Majlis leaders at an iftar banquet, held at Riffa Palace. During the gathering, His Royal Highness highlighted Bahrains remarkable achievements since the inception of the Kingdoms national development under the leadership of HM King Hamad. Notably, HRH Prince Salman underscored the significance of the silver jubilee of His Majestys accession to the throne as a moment to celebrate the nations accomplishments thus far. Acknowledging the economic and investment model prioritising citizens, HRH Prince Salman emphasised Bahrains steadfast commitment to advancing comprehensive development initiatives. He commended Team Bahrains collective efforts across executive, legislative, private sector, and civil society spheres, which have contributed to the Kingdoms progress in various sectors. HRH Prince Salman expressed pride in Bahrains skilled national workforce and its consistent delivery of high-quality projects. Reflecting on the values of tolerance and compassion inherent in Ramadan, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister emphasised the importance of majlises in fostering national cohesion and preserving Bahrains societal fabric. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Report by Ashen Tharakan Bahrains honey industry is abuzz with excitement as the nations first honey factory takes shape. However, behind the sweet success lies a call for increased government assistance to fuel further growth and combat counterfeit honey flooding the market. Meeting Abbas Hamada: A Day in the Life of a Beekeeper Venturing into the heart of Bahrains beekeeping scene led us to Abbas Hamada, a dedicated beekeeper in Budaiya. Netanyahu apologises for deaths of seven Gaza aid workers Netanyahu apologises for deaths of seven Gaza aid workers AFP | Jerusalem The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted yesterday that Israels military had unintentionally killed seven aid workers with a US charity in an air strike in Gaza. World Central Kitchen had earlier said a targeted attack by Israeli forces on Monday had killed the group, which included Australian, British, Palestinian, Polish and US-Canadian employees. Netanyahu said it was a tragic case that would be investigated right to the end. It happens in war... we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again, Netanyahu said. AFPTV footage showed the roof of a vehicle emblazoned with the groups logo had been punctured, alongside the mangled wreck of other vehicles. Israeli strikes continued throughout the territory with the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza saying 71 people were killed between Monday and yesterday. The Israeli military on Monday ended a two-week operation around Gazas largest hospital, Al-Shifa, which left the complex in ruins and killed hundreds. Apologies Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologised yesterday for the death of the aid workers in Gaza. Herzog said he spoke to Jose Andres, the US-based celebrity chef who heads the aid group World Central Kitchen, to express his deep sorrow and sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life. The charity, which has been delivering food aid to Gazas starving population, said its convoy was clearly marked and it had coordinated with the Israeli military to avoid any danger. Since Hamass October 7 attack, Gaza has been under a near-complete siege, with the United Nations accusing Israel of preventing deliveries of humanitarian assistance to the 2.4 million Palestinians. AFP | Beijing, China The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Russia yesterday named a new head of its troubled Black Sea Fleet following a spate of Ukrainian attacks on its military ships. Kyiv claims to have destroyed a third of Russias vessels in the Black Sea since Moscow launched its offensive over two years ago, a major embarrassment and setback for Russias military even as its troops advance on the ground. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said President Vladimir Putin had issued a decree appointing vice-admiral Sergei Pinchuk as commander of the Black Sea Fleet. The appointment comes as part of a wider shakeup of Russias navy, including the appointment of a new overall commander-in-chief, admiral Alexander Moiseyev. On one hand, I congratulate you, on the other I hope you understand the enormous responsibility that lies on your shoulders, and I hope that you will deal with the tasks which will be put before you, Shoigu told the new fleet chiefs in a video message published by the defence ministry. Tehran and its Lebanon-based proxy blame Israel for attack in Damascus that killed Quds force leaders. The airstrike in Syria killed Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who led the Quds force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Lebanon and Syria until 2016. It also killed Zahedis deputy, Gen. Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, and five other officers. Faced with ongoing attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Shiite militias throughout the Middle East in the wake of Hamass brutal October 7 massacre, which sparked the war in Gaza, Israel has escalated its strikes on Iran-linked terror targets in Syria, killing numerous IRGC operatives, as well as members of Hezbollah and other Iranian proxy groups. The Quds Force is a branch of Irans military that supports Hezbollah, Syrian militias, Hamas, PLO and the Houthis in Yemen. It is Irans foreign terrorist militia operations. The Quds Force trains and equips foreign Islamic revolutionary groups around the Middle East. Iran creates and uses proxy militia forces to attack across the middle east. A Bergen County man was charged with attempted murder after attacking a woman with a razor blade, authorities announced on Tuesday. Ernesto Lara-Rojo, 49, of West New York, was also charged with second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, according to a news release from the Bergen County Prosecutors Office. Cliffside Park Police were called at about 4:58 p.m. on Monday on a report of a domestic violence situation, authorities said. Lara-Rojo had cut the victims throat with a razor blade, according to the news release, and she was taken to HMH Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen with life-threatening injuries. Lara-Rojo was scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or X @DeionRJohhnson The man captured in New Jersey following a triple murder in Pennsylvania last month is returning to the commonwealth to face charges in the homicide, court officials said Wednesday. An extradition hearing for 26-year-old Andre Gordon Jr. was waived Wednesday morning, with the man accused of killing his mother, sister and mother of his two children consented to return to Pennsylvania. An arraignment hearing in Pennsylvania Superior Court before Judge John T. Galloway was scheduled for shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday. He is then scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 16, court dockets show. Attorney information for Gordon in the Pennsylvania case was not available. Gordon was released into Bucks County jail custody Wednesday. He will be held without bail, records show. Galloway also ordered him to not have contact with the victims families, Bucks County officials said. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in Pennsylvania, a state that mandates a life sentence for the crime if convicted. He also faces related offenses, including burglary and terroristic threats, court records state. Gordon is also charged in New Jersey with multiple weapons offenses and carjacking. New Jersey court officials said the judiciary is planning to coordinate virtual appearance for Gordon in that case while he is jailed in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty in the case, the Bucks County Courier Times reported. Gordon in mid-March shot to death his 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, his 13-year-old sister Kera Gordon and Taylor Daniel, 25, the mother of his two children, police previously said. To get to Pennsylvania, Gordon carjacked a woman on Southard Street near the Donnelly Homes complex in Trenton, police reports state. His familys house was his first target. While there, both Gordon and his father, according to an affidavit of probable cause, got into a confrontation. Gordon then broke through a glass panel in the front door, began firing a rifle, striking his mother and sister. Afterward, Gordon went to Daniels house armed. Witnesses said Daniel confronted Gordon before being shot, according to the affidavit. Her mother also tried fighting off the gunman using an ax handle, with Gordon retaliating, striking her in the head with his rifle. Gordon returned to New Jersey by carjacking another person outside of a Dollar Tree on Bristol Pike in Falls Township. That vehicle was later found on Miller Street in Trenton. Police secured an area around a home in Trenton on Phillips Avenue believed to be where Gordon was keeping hostages while hiding from police. He was later seen on foot near the home and arrested. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. New Jerseys attorneys argued Wednesday that federal and Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials did it backwards by approving an environmental assessment of New Yorks congestion pricing plan before the MTA approved the final toll rates last week to charge drivers $15 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. Randy Mastro, an attorney for the state, argued in federal court in Newark that the MTA should have conducted a more comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement study. That study is required by environmental law, he said. It also is warranted by the MTAs own findings that congestion pricing could create more traffic and air pollution in Bergen County when drivers detour on the George Washington Bridge to skirt the congestion zone in Manhattans central business district. This is the first congestion pricing program of its kind in national history. Shouldnt it have undergone a full Environmental Impact Statement? Mastro asked. This was done backwards. The agency must do it over. A 30-year-old Burlington County man died Tuesday after his car struck a tree in Ocean County, according to police. Stafford Township police were called to an area near milepost 11 on Route 539 around 9 a.m. after the car, a Toyota sedan, ran off the roadway, police said on Tuesday. The driver, Gogi Jailava, of Browns Mills, was driving southbound when his car veered off the road, police said. Jailava was taken to Southern Ocean Medical Center on Route 72 in Stafford Township but later died from his injuries. It was unclear Wednesday if police determined a cause for the crash but said it remained under investigation. Witnesses who may have information about the crash are asked to contact police at 609-597-1189. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. President Joe Bidens campaign may have seen some recent good signs in polls that have shown positive shifts for the incumbent against former President Donald Trump after many unsettling numbers over a long period of time. But a recent survey shows more signs the Democratic Partys traditional base could be slipping away because of immigration. 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. 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 AP-NORC poll conducted in March. 73% of Hispanics.https://t.co/VXSPI8l7EP Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) April 2, 2024 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. 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 Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. A federal appeals panel on Wednesday refused to halt a judges order to block New Jerseys controversial county line ballot design in this years Democratic primary pending an appeal of that decision, amid a rapidly approaching deadline for ballots to begin printing. The three-judge panel offered no explanation for the decision but set a fast-track schedule for filing briefs in the contested case, with oral arguments scheduled for April 12 at the federal courthouse in Philadelphia. The decision marked the latest development in a high-profile lawsuit U.S. Rep. Andy Kim filed to abolish the century-old ballot design as he runs for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Kim, like others, argues the system the only of its kind in the nation and a cornerstone of Garden State politics is unconstitutional, unfair, and gives power to party bosses. U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi last week granted Kims request for an emergency injunction preventing the design in which candidates endorsed by county parties are given preferential placement on ballots in the June 4 Democratic primary. Instead, county clerks will be required to group candidates together by office, as other states do. A majority of the states 21 county clerks challenged the injunction before the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the judge to stay, or halt, his ruling during the appeals process because, they argue, redesigning the ballot so quickly is unfeasible. Quraishi declined, and the clerks then asked the 3rd Circuit to step in. Lawyers for Kim urged the appellate court to deny the stay, as well. In their filing, they said if the judges ruled in favor of the clerks, New Jersey voters will be forced to vote yet again using a ballot that violates multiple provisions of the U.S. Constitution, including the right to vote, equal protection, freedom of association, and the Elections Clause. They will be forced to vote on a primary ballot that a federal court has deemed to be unconstitutional, and which the New Jersey Attorney General has separately found to be unconstitutional and advancing no state interest. But attorneys for the clerk in Essex County and other counties who joined in the litigation argued the ballot process had already begun. New Jerseys election law requires the appellant county clerks to send completed ballots to the printer this Friday, April 5, and voters will begin submitting mail-in ballots on April 20, they wrote. That timing now requires the clerks to design and print separate ballots for the Republican and Democratic primary elections, which was not even a consideration until the district courts subsequent clarification of its own Order, and to coordinate that ballot design and printing with complex election technology that is not in the clerks custody or control. They said the court must stay the district courts imposition of its eleventh-hour mandatory injunction that abruptly altered the seventy-year status quo. Wednesdays decision and the courts timeline means it appears the injunction will remain in place as the deadline for ballots to go to the printer arrives Friday. In the wake of Wednesdays decision, several county clerks of the original 17 who were defendants in the case dropped out of the appeal in quick succession. Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon, in a statement Wednesday afternoon, said her office will continue working as fast as possible to come up with the best solution. Morris and Warren counties soon followed. Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin said he is opting out, as well. The county clerks were disputing the timing of filing of the case being during the election process, Durkin said. The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals did not grant the stay, so the election goes on as prescribed by federal Judge Quraishis order. But Durkin said the appeal will go on, with at least Camden County pursuing. Kim celebrated on social media after the appeals court declined the stay. Good news! Our effort to bring fair ballots to NJ continues! the congressman wrote. Yael Bromberg, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said we are another step closer to ensuring constitutional, fair primaries without the county line. The case has been the center of New Jerseys political universe the last two weeks. The judges injunction is seen as a sign he might ultimately side with Kim and rule the design is unconstitutional in his final decision. The disappearance of the line would create a massive shift in how the states often-machine-driven politics are conducted. Under the design, Democratic and Republican parties endorse candidates in all races and then bracket them together in a line on primary ballots, with opponents listed to the side. Critics say the arrangement used in 19 of New Jerseys 21 counties allows the endorsed candidates to appear more prominent on ballots and makes it easier for voters simply to vote down the line. Primary ballots in New Jersey versus other states.File photos Research shows candidates that receive the line are greatly favored to win their partys nomination in the primary. In other states, primary candidates are grouped together simply by the offices they are seeking, known as office block ballots. Opponents say the line imbues party bosses with immense leverage, helping them control the outcome of elections and demand fealty from candidates. Supporters of the system say it helps voters better see the candidates that party leaders prefer and create stronger nominees for general elections. County clerks and others argued that upheaving the setup so close to the primary could force errors and confuse voters. Quraishi this past weekend clarified the ruling applies only to this years Democratic primary, saying the arguments Kim and his fellow Democratic plaintiffs made were limited to that race because Republicans werent involved in the change. That means while Democrats will have to use a new design, Republicans will still be allowed to use the line on their ballots this year though the judge noted nothing prevents Republicans from dropping the system, as well. At least one Republican group, America First Republicans of New Jersey, said it will join Kims suit. The goal, the pro-Donald Trump organization said, is to ensure the county-line system is not unjustly imposed on Republican voters this primary. The basis of our Republic is equality under the law, Mike Crispi, a podcast host and the groups co-chair, said in a statement. If a federal court can protect the rights of Democrat voters, it must protect our rights, too. Read the appellate order on the stay: NJ Advance Media staff writer Susan K. Livio contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TedShermanSL. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @johnsb01. The conservative website the Daily Caller retracted a story this week that claimed President Joe Biden banned religious-themed Easter eggs from a contest at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. But not before it was widely shared by right-wing former President Donald Trump supporters and politicos. RETRACTED: White House Bans Religious Easter Eggs From Art Contest, the Daily Caller posted on its website. Following the publication of this article, the Daily Caller became aware of additional context that undercut the central assertion of this article and its newsworthiness, the disclaimer read. The problem for the Daily Caller was the restrictions at the annual event were long-standing rules that have applied for decades including when Trump was in the White House. The ban of religious symbolism on eggs as part of the White House Easter egg activities has been longstanding, dating back decades, and the Biden administration did not make any modifications to this rule. While the Caller did not explicitly state at any point that the rule was new, this additional context rendered the main thrust of the article misleading to readers, who could reasonably have come to the conclusion that the rule was new, the Daily Caller wrote. With that additional context included, the news value of the article was significantly diminished, leading the senior leadership at the Caller to the decision to retract. We sincerely regret the error and are taking the necessary steps to ensure similar mistakes can be avoided in the future. The original article is still available here. Former White House Director of Strategic Communications and assistant to Trump, Alyssa Farah Griffin, said in response to the story Republicans are going to push moderates into Democrats arms if they dont stop getting angry over the dumbest things. Republicans are going to push moderates into Democrats arms if they dont stop getting angry over the dumbest things. Alyssa Farah Griffin (@Alyssafarah) April 2, 2024 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. The hits keep coming for President Joe Biden. The latest polling from The Wall Street Journal of more than a half-dozen swing states shows that if the election were held today, former President Donald Trump would likely win and return to the Oval Office. According to the headline, Trump Leads Biden in Six of Seven Swing States, WSJ Poll Finds. Trump is up 8 percentage points in North Carolina, 5 points in Arizona, 4 points in Nevada, 3 points in Pennsylvania, 2 points in Georgia, and 2 points in Michigan. Biden only leads Trump in Wisconsin, where hes up by 3 percentage points. Small margins in key critical states are expected to decide the election results. Biden won Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin in 2020, and there had been recent polls that indicated he was closing the gap on Trump in swing states. According to The Wall Street Journal report: In every state in the survey, negative views of the presidents job performance outweigh positive views by 16 percentage points or more, with the gap topping 20 points in four states. By contrast, Trump earns an unfavorable job review for his time in the White House in only a single stateArizonawhere negative marks outweigh positive ones by 1 percentage point. WSJ POLL: Swing States - Trust more to handle The Economy Trump 54% (+20) Biden 34% . Border Security Trump 52% (+20) Biden 32% . Protecting Democracy Biden 43% (+1) Trump 42% . Abortion Biden 45% (+12) Trump 33% . Inflation and Rising Costs Trump https://t.co/WTnXaWFHh4 pic.twitter.com/GlqiWaEDiP InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) April 3, 2024 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. Former President Donald Trump has already clinched the GOP primary and is the presumptive nominee, so as the Republican primary chugs along there shouldnt be much in the way of surprises. Voters in four states weighed in Tuesday on their parties presidential nominees in a largely symbolic vote for both President Joe Biden and Trump. Biden and Trump easily won primaries in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and Wisconsin. Trump dominated in the Wisconsin primary, but the tallies there, which will be a pivotal November battleground, gave hints about a share of Republicans who still arent on board with Trump. Wisconsin GOP primary results.Associated Press There were ~ 76k votes for Nikki Haley last night in WI. Biden won WI by ~ 20k votes in 2020. Republican voters against Trump matter, conservative never-Trumper Bill Kristol posted to X, formerly Twitter. Thus our Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP). But a little more outreach from Team Biden to those voters might not be a bad idea. There were ~ 76k votes for Nikki Haley last night in WI. Biden won WI by ~ 20k votes in 2020. Republican voters against Trump matter. Thus our Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP). But a little more outreach from Team Biden to those voters might not be a bad idea. Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) April 3, 2024 Haley dropped out of the primary in early March. Shes yet to endorse Trump, but shes still racking up some support in the voting booths. Trump losing 20 percent is a YUGE deal. Hes gonna crumble. https://t.co/r8odeO8UJH Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) (@AdamKinzinger) April 3, 2024 The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. ALSO: Live N.J. power outage tracker: Strong winds cut power to thousands of homes Its been raining on and off mostly on in New Jersey since early Monday with seemingly no end in sight. But, the rain will eventually push away from our area even though well probably have to wait until Thursday night to start to fully dry out. The rest of Wednesday will miserable both wet and windy. While Thursday will be better, its still going to rain for a portion of the day as a second round of lighter precipitation moves through. We'll have a brief lull in the heaviest rain early this afternoon, before another round of showers and thunderstorms moves in later this afternoon continuing into early this evening. Unfortunately, there is a risk for severe thunderstorms, especially over portions of Delmarva. pic.twitter.com/aLo5mi1Fq0 NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) April 3, 2024 There is a silver lining on the horizon, though, as Friday looks like a mainly dry day with the the sun finally returning. Looking ahead, the weekend should be pretty decent with sunshine expected both days and temperatures in the 50s. In the meantime, the devil will be in the details. No, its not going to rain non-stop in New Jersey until Friday. But, after a few hours of precipitation-free conditions on Thursday morning, more rain will return in the afternoon before tapering off at night. Tomorrows rain is more scattered, WeatherWorks meteorologist Mike Priante said Wednesday. A lot of the system will exit from southwest to northeast from midnight to 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. Then theres going to be a window from right around sunrise until noon or 1 p.m (Thursday) with not a whole lot going on. And then the back side of the system while its not going to be as heavy or as bad as what we have today there will be pop-up showers that could be briefly heavy, he said. One to 3 inches of additional rain are expected in New Jersey on Wednesday with urban and poor drainage flooding.National Weather Service The National Weather Service is in general agreement on when the lull in rain will take place on Thursday. Only about two-hundredths of an inch of rain is expected in Trenton from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, the weather service said. Atlantic City should also receive little to no rain from about 3 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday. Further north, Newark should enjoy a stretch of dry conditions from no later than 8 a.m. until about 2 p.m., when rain is expected to resume. It will push away again late Thursday night and through the overnight hours into Friday. In the majority of the state, the rain is over in the evening, though a shower or two could linger until midnight, Priante said. Forecasters from the National Weather Services New York office, which covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union and Passaic counties, are calling for 2 to 2 inches of rain from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning. Most of the rain will fall from this afternoon through the evening, with lighter precipitation expected overnight, the weather service said. Most areas of Central Jersey can also expect 2 to 3 inches of rain by Thursday, with lesser amounts of up to 1 inch in South Jersey. AccuWeather.com didnt specifically discuss New Jersey, though the private weather forecasting company noted, the bulk of travel problems associated with the heaviest rain in New York City will be from Wednesday to Wednesday night. Coastal flood warnings are in effect for Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and southeast Burlington counties until 10 a.m. Thursday. Those are also among the counties where the strongest winds are expected 30 to 40 mph with gusts reaching as high as 55 to 60 mph. A high wind warning is in effect in Monmouth County from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, and a high wind warning is active in Hudson County from 11 a.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday. Current weather radar Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 48F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Cloudy. Low 34F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. The launch of major projects marks the build-up of momentum for significant development. In the second batch of major projects launched in 2024 across Anhui province, various regions are continuously exerting efforts in multiple industry sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, public welfare, and new materials, driving the implementation and establishment of new productive forces. In Hefei, the second batch of projects initiated includes 41 items with a total investment of 38.32 billion yuan. Among these, there are 7 projects with an investment of over 1 billion yuan each, totaling 23.68 billion yuan. Wuhu city has commenced work on 34 focused projects with a combined investment of 32.3 billion yuan, including 12 new energy projects. Once these projects are completed and operational, they will further enhance the core competitiveness of the local new energy and intelligent connected vehicle industries. In Fuyang, the second batch of projects started in 2024 comprises 30 items with a total investment of 20.29 billion yuan. These projects span areas such as new energy vehicles, advanced photovoltaics and novel energy storage, and high-end equipment manufacturing. Huangshan has commenced work on 10 focused projects, covering cultural tourism, green food, and infrastructure, with a total investment of 5.34 billion yuan. Anqing city's second batch of initiated projects includes 32 items with a total investment of 28.97 billion yuan, spanning high-end equipment manufacturing, environmental new materials, automotive parts, and other areas. These projects are not only large in scale but also innovative in business model, exhibiting a strong demonstrative and stimulating effect. Focusing on new productive forces, this round of provincial project launches in Anhui features higher quality, tighter integration with industries, and a more concentrated allocation of essential resources. Among these, sixty percent of the projects originate from emerging industrial fields. Source: anhuinews.com CROWN POINT An 18-year-old Crown Point man faces a criminal charge following a fight and shooting that occurred Tuesday night while he was attempting to sell a pair of tennis shoes, police said. "When the male entered (Nicholas) Tuckers vehicle, a struggle ensued, causing the vehicle to crash," according to Crown Point police. "A physical altercation between the two men followed and a handgun was discharged." Gary police officer injured in head-on collision; 3 sent to hospital, department says Police said they received a call shortly after 9:30 a.m. that a white SUV was driving recklessly eastbound on Fifth Avenue from Burr Street. Tucker drove off alone and after being located by police, was checked at Franciscan Health Crown Point for injuries from the crash, police said. He faces a misdemeanor charge of failure of duty for leaving the scene. Police had initially sought the public's help during their investigation and asked for any surveillance video footage of the incident. The department then provided an update Wednesday afternoon saying officers responded shortly after 6:45 p.m. Tuesday to the 11000 block of Tennessee Street in the Edgewater neighborhood for a vehicle crash with shots fired. Porter County man sentenced for neglect in injuring toddler in ORV crash The accused admitted to have been drinking alcohol and was found to have a blood-alcohol level of 0.088, which exceeds the legal limit for driving of 0.08, police said. "A witness told police he observed a black SUV drive into the woods near Vermont Circle and East 111th Place," police said. "After, two men exited the vehicle and began fighting on the ground before one of the men brandished a handgun and fired a shot." Police said they found neither a weapon nor shell casings at the scene. One of the men, later determined to be Tucker, was seen reentering the vehicle and fleeing the scene, according to police. The other male was seen fleeing on foot. Truck strikes, damages railroad bridge fouling highway traffic, cops say "Two lanes of traffic on U.S. 20 near Beam Street were closed so the bridge could be inspected and repaired," according to police. The other male, described as young and wearing a gray hoodie and light blue jeans, remains at large, police said. "Witnesses said they had not seen the man before and reported he was pacing back and forth while talking on the phone in the neighborhood park," according to police. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is asked to contact Crown Point police Detective Larry Scott at 219-663-2131, extension 171. Anonymous tips can be made at 219-663-2131, extension 265. "We are at a crucial moment in our history. Last year, production was stagnant and, although a recovery is expected in 2024, we are working to ensure a strong and sustainable momentum," Adrianzen said. "This largely depends on the well-being of citizens, through the effects that growth has on the creation of quality employment and the reduction of poverty," he added. The Cabinet chief noted that the Government is committed to maintaining healthy public finances in harmony with the recovery of the economy which is an essential condition to gain the confidence of investors and continuously comply with the country's future goals. "In 2023, the fiscal deficit was equivalent to 2.8% of GDP, above the commitment assumed. For this reason, it will be gradually reduced to comply with medium-term fiscal targets (1% of GDP) again," the Prime Minister indicated. "This reduction in the fiscal deficit must be accompanied by measures to recover tax revenues and to make public spending more efficient," he added. Tax collection Adrianzen stressed the need to improve tax collection in order to restore fiscal sustainability in the medium and long term, adding that this will be achieved through a combination of administration and tax policy measures. "In this regard, measures will be implemented to regulate taxation of new business models based on digital economy, without discouraging or affecting the normal development of these businesses and in line with the best international practices," he explained. "Likewise, I request Congress to approve Bill No. 6768 to achieve the reform of simplified tax regimes and combat tax avoidance and evasion schemes," the Cabinet chief said. (END) CAN/RMB/MVB State education officials are looking to reduce the types of high school diplomas as they seek to put an emphasis on post-secondary readiness. Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner introduced the proposed changes during last week's State Board of Education meeting. Under the proposal, the state would offer two types of diplomas, the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed, or GPS, Diploma, and the Indiana GPS Diploma Plus. Currently, Indiana has four types of diplomas: general diploma, Core 40 diploma, academic honors diploma and technical honors diploma. The state will stop offering these diplomas after 2028. If approved, the new diplomas would first be offered to students in the class of 2029 who are currently in seventh grade. Indiana will also continue to offer the federally required alternate diploma for students with significant learning disabilities. The new diplomas, if approved, would be aligned with the state's graduation pathways and five Indiana GPS characteristics: academic mastery; career and postsecondary readiness; communication and collaboration; work ethic; and civic, financial and digital literacy. Under the proposed changes, all students, regardless of which diploma they're working towards, would be working to fulfill foundational courses and competencies required in ninth and 10th grades. This would include taking required English and math courses and other classes that are aligned with the GPS characteristics. In addition, students would have to take part in experiences in and out of school to show competencies in each characteristic. For example, in order to show competency in career and postsecondary readiness, a student would have to do a combination of taking a career aptitude test, participating in job shadowing, attending a college/job fair, or taking one dual credit course. Students working towards the Indiana GPS diploma, which is comparable to the Core 40 diploma, would spend their 11th and 12th grade years focusing on completing a minimum of 20 additional "points," which would be earned through courses and experiences. These would include traditional classes as well as Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, work-based learning experiences such as internships, JROTC or a career technical education concentration. The type of classes and experiences a student takes part in would depend on their post-secondary plans, whether it would be entering the workforce, enrolling in college or serving in the armed forces. At least two points would have to come from math courses and four from English-related courses. Students pursuing the Indiana GPS Diploma Plus would have to take part in a work-based learning experience such as a capstone course or an apprenticeship as well as earn a credential of value or complete the Indiana College Core a set of college-level courses equal to 30 credit hours that can be transferred to any in-state public college or university. A finalized plan for the new diploma is expected to take around four months to complete before being voted on by the state Board of Education. House Enrolled Act 1002 (2023), mandates new high school diploma requirements be adopted by the end of December. Two rounds of public comment will take place in the spring and summer to gather feedback on the proposed diplomas. The public can provide their feedback on the proposal through an online form. As fewer students seek teaching degrees, universities close undergraduate programs As fewer students seek teaching degrees, universities close undergraduate programs Education degrees make up a small share of all bachelor's degrees As the federal Representative for Indianas First Congressional District, I believe Northwest Indiana is well positioned to continue to make transformational investments and connect our regional economy to Chicago and Michigan. We have recently witnessed population growth, and with our skilled workforce, strong organized labor, and collaboration with all levels of government, non-profit organizations, private sector, and academic institutions, I know we can continue to leverage our assets of today for the benefit of current and future generations. In assessing our strengths, we must note that Northwest Indiana leads the nation in steel production. As the Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I am proud to advocate for our domestic steel industry. Every community in our area benefits when our integrated steel manufacturers along the Lake Michigan shoreline are operating at full capacity. Due to the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act, and the strongest Buy American provisions in our nations history, there is expected growth in the industry. Today, we have evidence that the City of Gary is home to a nearly $15 billion steel company, and we must redouble our efforts and build on this momentum that is drawing new workers and families to Northwest Indiana. Our past success to implement transformational investments has only been possible through collaboration, and we must use this model for future successes and to cement our leadership role in the nation. It was my predecessor, Congressman Pete Visclosky, who challenged leaders to collaborate to extend and expand the South Shore Rail Line, and our region met the challenge. We are nearing the completion of the single largest investment in our public transportation infrastructure since the creation of the Borman Expressway. With the completion of the Double Track and West Lake projects, it is anticipated that the private sector investment from transit-oriented development will exceed the public funds used to expand the corridor from Michigan City to Gary, and complete the Hammond Gateway Station that will allow travelers to access Dyer, Chicago, and South Bend. This is the collaborative and cost-effective model that we must replicate for continued success in Northwest Indiana. As a Member of Congress, I have applied this principle in my efforts to secure federal Community Project Funding requests for the First Congressional District. Specifically, I worked with like-minded municipalities, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions, who partnered to make significant investments in our economic and transportation infrastructure, public safety, invaluable social service programs, and career readiness. Notably, I am proud of our collaborative efforts at the federal, state, and local level to successfully support enhanced operations at the Gary/Chicago International Airport. Our actions to provide emergency preparedness equipment and fund an apron expansion project empowers the Gary Airport to attract more economic activity, including the recent acquisition of the Griffith Airport, additional cargo, and increased interest from passenger airlines. I also am pleased to work with municipalities to secure federal funding in the House Appropriations Committee to support public safety and local law enforcement agencies, including for Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Michigan City, Munster, Porter County, and Whiting. These federal funds will ensure our brave men and women first responders have much needed resources to do their job as safely and effectively as possible. Further, throughout my career as an elected official, I have strived to keep in mind and support individuals with developmental disabilities and those who are in times of need. That is why I am proud to have been able to support the efforts of Paladin in Michigan City and Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso, which provide essential support services for such individuals. As we reflect on the strength of our region, let us highlight the vibrant, dedicated, hard-working individuals and supporters of these organizations who are meeting and excelling in providing exemplary programs and care. Our region also is fortunate to include stellar academic institutions of higher education that are preparing students with needed skills for new careers in a growing economy. For example, I welcomed the opportunity to request projects for Valparaiso University and the University of St. Francis to help students excel in healthcare, and also supported Ivy Tech with a program to expand educational access and ensure academic success for non-traditional students. I also am grateful for the tremendous steel-manufacturing research occurring at Purdue Northwests Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation. Under the direction of Dr. Chenn Zhou, I have been proud to support their applications for federal grants under the Department of Energy to develop innovative domestic manufacturing technologies with commercial applications. Their success is demonstrated by their ability to attract talented faculty, staff, and students who have gone on to successfully complete more than 410 research projects. After our people, our next greatest resource is our environment. We possess 40 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, three river corridors, and the natural wonders in the Indiana Dunes National Park. In order to attract population, industries, and improve our quality of space, it is imperative that we address the environmental legacy costs associated from previous generations. Recently, I was honored to host the EPA in Gary to highlight the Grand Calumet River restoration and that the remaining polluted reaches of the waterway will be fully restored by the end of the decade. This will lead to the continued return of flora and fauna and prove to not only benefit our environment, but also our regional economy. Partnership of public, private, and non-profit organizations was also required to secure a Clean Hydrogen Hub designation by the Department of Energy in Whiting. This thrilling, intergenerational project will leap our region and workforce into the next chapter of manufacturing prowess. As we look to the future, the development of hydrogen energy will ensure our region continues to lead the nation in steel production, will provide a cleaner energy source that benefits consumers, and drive further innovation and manufacturing jobs in Northwest Indiana. These highlighted transformational investments demonstrate what is possible when we work collaboratively, and I look forward to building on these successes. The U.S. warning to Russia ahead of a terrorist attack near Moscow was highly specific: Crocus City Hall was a potential target of the Islamic State, according to U.S. officials. The warning had the right venue but imprecise timing, suggesting that the attack could come within days. Indeed, the public warning by the United States Embassy on March 7 warned of potential terrorist attacks in the next two days. Gunmen stormed the hall on March 22, killing 144 people, the deadliest attack in Russia in nearly 20 years. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, and Russia charged four men from Tajikistan, accusing them of carrying out the massacre. But President Vladimir V. Putin and other top officials have continued to claim, without evidence, that Ukraine could have played a role in the attack, a statement that American officials have repeatedly said was baseless. Taiwans earthquake preparedness has evolved over the past few decades in response to some of the islands largest and most destructive quakes. In the years after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in 1999, the authorities established an urban search-and-rescue team and opened several emergency medical operation centers, among other measures. And in 2018, after a quake in the eastern coastal city of Hualien killed 17 people and caused several buildings to partially collapse, the government ordered a wave of building inspections. Taiwan has also been improving its early warning system for earthquakes since the 1980s. And two years ago, it rolled out new building codes that, among other things, require owners of vulnerable buildings to install ad-hoc structural reinforcements. So how well prepared was Taiwan when a 7.4 magnitude quake struck near Hualien on Wednesday morning, killing at least seven people and injuring hundreds more? Across the island, one building collapsed entirely, 15 others were in a state of partial collapse and another 67 were damaged, the islands fire department said on Wednesday afternoon. Structural engineers could not immediately be reached for comment to assess that damage, or the extent to which building codes and other regulations might have either contributed to it or prevented worse destruction. As for search-and-rescue preparedness, Taiwan is generally in very good shape, said Steve Glassey, an expert in disaster response who lives in New Zealand. The skill sets, the capabilities, the equipment, the training is second to none, said Dr. Glassey, who worked with Taipeis urban search-and-rescue team during the response to a devastating 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. Theyre a very sharp operation. Image Relief workers from Taiwan in Christchurch, New Zealand, after an earthquake in 2011. Credit... Pool photo by Mark Baker But even the best urban search-and-rescue team will be stretched thin if an earthquake causes multiple buildings to collapse, Dr. Glassey said. Taiwan has options for requesting international help with search-and-rescue efforts. It could directly ask another country, or countries, to send personnel. And if multiple teams were to get involved, it could ask the United Nations to help coordinate them, as it did after the 1999 earthquake. Pierre Peron, a spokesman for the United Nations, said on Wednesday afternoon that no such request had yet been made as a result of the latest earthquake. Meaghan Tobin contributed reporting. President Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the killing of seven humanitarian aid workers in a strike by Israeli forces, strongly condemning the attack just hours after Israels top military commander acknowledged its military had made a grave mistake. Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi made a rare admission of fault by Israel in the six-month-old war in the Gaza Strip as he accepted responsibility for the deaths of the aid workers. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification, at night, during the war, in a very complex condition, he said, adding, It shouldnt have happened. General Halevis mea culpa was a change in tone from that of Israels military, which throughout the war has largely rejected criticism of its conduct by arguing that it was doing what was necessary to defeat Hamas. It came as many of Israels closest allies voiced indignation and demanded explanations for the attack. The seven workers, traveling in a convoy, were with World Central Kitchen, a charity that was helping to feed hungry Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. In a sharply worded statement, Mr. Biden said that Israel had not done enough to protect civilians and noted that the deaths were not a stand-alone incident. He said the conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. World Central Kitchen, the charity group that paused its operations in Gaza this week after seven of its workers were killed in an Israeli strike, sent three ships with hundreds of tons of food meant for Gazans back to port in Cyprus. It was the most tangible sign yet that the attack, which Israel called a mistake, has set back efforts to address severe hunger that experts say is approaching famine. At least one other aid group also announced it was suspending its operations in the enclave, and the U.N.s World Food Program stopped its overnight work while it evaluated security. The halting of the maritime aid organized by World Central Kitchen will probably be felt most in northern Gaza, where food shortages are most dire. The ships were intended to supplement the roughly 117 aid trucks that enter Gaza each day a tally that is less than half what the U.N. estimates is needed to meet basic food needs. Before the strike, the World Central Kitchen team had spent the day getting 100 tons of supplies off the groups ship at a rudimentary jetty, which had been built in six days from the rubble of bombed buildings, and to their warehouse. Here is an account of the strike and its aftermath. Israeli strikes killed 7 aid workers in Gaza Israeli strikes on a marked World Central Kitchen aid convoy in the Gaza Strip killed seven aid workers, fanning international outrage and underscoring the risks to humanitarian workers trying to fend off famine. The workers were hit despite having coordinated their movements with the Israeli military, the charity said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a message on X that Israel deeply regrets the tragic incident and promised a swift and transparent investigation. Governments from around the world condemned the killings. As of March 20, at least 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the fighting began on Oct. 7, according to the U.N. Israeli strikes have hit aid distribution centers, schools and shelters run by aid groups. World Central Kitchen said that it was suspending operations in the territory, as did American Near East Refugee Aid, or Anera. Other aid groups said they were assessing their options. In 2016, Michael McGregor was in his early 30s, living in Mexico City and hanging out with a group of local architects and musicians, when he began to paint. Inspired by the citys vibrancy, the budding artist an expat from Brooklyn, where hed spent a decade making a living as a writer and D.J. began to depict birds, flowers and other everyday objects in colorful still lifes that helped him hone his artistic style. At the same time, he started making sojourns to far-flung locales, using Mexico City as his base. I had set an Airfarewatchdog tracker for flights to Tokyo for under 500 bucks round trip, Mr. McGregor, 40, recalled last month during an interview at his studio in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. I went to Japan for a month. I went to Korea for a month. I was traveling all over Mexico, to L.A., to New York. Megayachts wrestling for space in the French fishing port of St.-Tropez would find size to be of little concern in Mahon, on the Spanish island of Minorca. Six kilometers (3.7 miles) long and as much as 30 meters (98 feet) deep, Mahons port is one of the worlds largest and deepest natural harbors. Captured by the British in 1708, it became a crucial military base during almost a century of occupation of the island (which, along with Ibiza, Mallorca and Formentera, compose the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, off Spains eastern coast). On Minorca, military history is hard to miss. Its landscape is dotted with castles, defensive forts, storage towers and Georgian-era townhouses. In 1817, James Parkinson expressed a hope about the disease that is named after him. He thought that at some point there would be a discovery and the progress of the disease may be stopped. Now, nearly 200 years since Parkinson expressed his hope, and after four decades of unsuccessful clinical trials, a group of French researchers reports the first glimmer of success a modest slowing of the disease in a one-year study. And the drug they used? A so-called GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to the wildly popular drugs Ozempic, for diabetes, and Wegovy, for obesity. As many as half a million Americans have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, a degenerative brain illness second only to Alzheimers in prevalence. is expected to last around three hours. Afterwards, Congress Chairman Alejandro Soto initiated the debate, which At the end of the debate, Gustavo Adrianzen will be given the floor to answer the questions made by legislators. To that end, the Cabinet chief will have an unlimited but reasonable period of time. For their part, State ministers shall answer the questions of legislators using the time granted by the Congress Board, including interruptions of no more than two minutes, with the authorization of the Board. To approve the confidence motion, a vote in favor of half plus one of the legal number of Congress members is required, that is, 66 votes. (END) MCA/CVC/RMB/MVB At a Parliament plenary session, legislators have begun a debate on whether to grant the vote of confidence to Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen , following his presentation, in compliance with article 130 of the Political Constitution.Published: 4/3/2024 I pulled up the indictment and the statement of facts on my iPhone. At the center of the case is the accusation that Trump took part in a scheme to turn The National Enquirer and its sister publications into an arm of his 2016 presidential campaign. The documents detailed three hush money payments made to a series of individuals to guarantee their silence about potentially damaging stories in the months before the election. Because this was done with the goal of helping his election chances, the case implied, these payments amounted to a form of illegal, undisclosed campaign spending. And, Bragg argued, because Trump created paperwork to make the payments seem like regular legal expenses, that amounted to a criminal effort at a coverup. Trump has denied the charges against him. The documents rattled off a number of seedy stories that would have been right at home in a venerable supermarket tabloid, had they actually been published. The subjects were anonymized but recognizable to anyone who had followed the story of Trumps entanglement with The Enquirer. His affair with the porn star Stormy Daniels, of course, was the heart of it. There was also Karen McDougal, the Playboy Playmate of the Year in 1998, whose affair with Trump was similarly made to disappear, the payments for the rights to her story made to look like fees for writing a fitness column and appearing on magazine covers. (Trump has denied involvement with both women.) There were others that were lesser known, too, like Dino Sajudin, a former Trump World Tower doorman who claimed that Trump had a love child with one of the buildings employees; the story was never published, and Sajudin was paid $30,000 to keep quiet about it. The judge overseeing Donald J. Trumps criminal case in Manhattan rejected his last-ditch bid to delay a trial beyond April 15, removing on Wednesday one of the final obstacles to the first prosecution of a former American president. Mr. Trump, who is accused of covering up a sex scandal surrounding the 2016 presidential campaign, had asked the judge to delay the trial until after the Supreme Court rules on whether he is immune from prosecution over official acts he took while president. That issue arose in another of his criminal cases, and the Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments this month, but might not rule until June. The judge in the Manhattan case, Juan M. Merchan, ruled that his trial did not need to wait for the Supreme Court. He denied Mr. Trumps effort as untimely, ruling that he had failed to request the delay by a legal deadline. The judge said the requests timing just weeks before the trial was set to start also raised real questions about the sincerity and actual purpose of the motion. As you may have noticed, sex is out, and sex assigned at birth is in. Instead of asking for a persons sex, some medical and camp forms these days ask for sex assigned at birth or assigned sex (often in addition to gender identity). The American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association endorse this terminology; its use has also exploded in academic articles. The Cleveland Clinics online glossary of diseases and conditions tells us that the inability to achieve or maintain an erection is a symptom of sexual dysfunction, not in males, but in people assigned male at birth. This trend began around a decade ago, part of an increasing emphasis in society on emotional comfort and insulation from offense what some have called safetyism. Sex is now often seen as a biased or insensitive word because it may fail to reflect how people identify themselves. One reason for the adoption of assigned sex, therefore, is that it supplies respectful euphemisms, softening what to some nonbinary and transgender people, among others, can feel like a harsh biological reality. Saying that someone was assigned female at birth is taken to be an indirect and more polite way of communicating that the person is biologically female. The terminology can also function to signal solidarity with trans and nonbinary people, as well as convey the radical idea that our traditional understanding of sex is outdated. The shift to sex assigned at birth may be well intentioned, but it is not progress. We are not against politeness or expressions of solidarity, but sex assigned at birth can confuse people and creates doubt about a biological fact when there shouldnt be any. Nor is the phrase called for because our traditional understanding of sex needs correcting it doesnt. This matters because sex matters. Sex is a fundamental biological feature with significant consequences for our species, so there are costs to encouraging misconceptions about it. Recently, the Supreme Court justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett spoke together publicly about how members of the court speak civilly to one another while disagreeing, sometimes vigorously, about the law. Considerable disagreements on professional matters among the Supreme Court justices, important as they are, remain professional, not personal. The members of the court can and do get along well personally. That matters. In my tenure, this meant that we could listen to one another, which increased the chances of agreement or compromise. It means that the court will work better for the nation that it serves. And I wonder: If justices who disagree so profoundly can do so respectfully, perhaps it is possible for our politically divided country to do the same. Sandra Day OConnor was the first woman appointed to the court; Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second. I remember being slightly surprised when, during a visit to meet with several European judges, they suddenly disappeared. Where had they gone? It seems they went off together to look for suitable womens collars for their robes. They found some, and Justice Ginsburg wore them ever after. At about the same time, Justice OConnor reminded me that our chief justice, William Rehnquist, had decided that he, too, needed something distinctive on his black robe. Inspired by Gilbert and Sullivans Iolanthe, he decided to enliven it with a few gold stripes on the sleeves. Justice OConnor found at a European bookstall a picture of Lorenzo de Medici wearing similar stripes. She suggested that we send it to him with a special message from her. It would be great if Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had a copy of The Portable Karl Marx with her on her trip to China this week. She could quote from it to the Chinese leaders, whose amended constitution promises to follow the guidance of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Marx, who sought and predicted a dictatorship of the proletariat, would see little to like in China, whose living standards are far lower than its gross domestic product per capita warrants. A working paper released by the International Monetary Fund in 2018 concluded that Chinese households consumption would more than double if they consumed as much of their incomes as households in Brazil, which at the time had a similar output per capita in purchasing power terms. Inequality has also worsened, and the government is doing little to fix it. In fact, the tax system taken as a whole is probably regressive, meaning that it makes inequality worse by taxing the poor at a higher rate than (most of) the rich. China was among the most unequal countries in the world in 2018, another I.M.F. working paper released that year said. While Xi Jinping name-checks Marx, its clear from his behavior that what he really pursues is national greatness under the direction of the Chinese Communist Party. Thats more in line with Lenin, who believed that a vanguard party would lead the proletariat, than with Marx or Engels. Say the words animal self-recognition, and many scientists will think of chimpanzees, crows and elephants. For the first time, researchers employing an innovative twist on the mirror test have found evidence that garter snakes can distinguish themselves from others, using not sight but scent. Reptiles are massively understudied, said Noam Miller, a comparative psychologist at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, and an author of the paper, published on Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Theres a bias out there that theyre these boring, not very cognitive animals, and thats completely wrong. Thats one of the reasons why we got very interested in studying them and showing the complex cognitive things they can do. One traditional sign of animal cognition has generally been the mirror test, Dr. Miller said, or whether an animal can learn to recognize itself in a reflective surface, a trait thought to be a proxy for more sophisticated intelligence. Pioneered by primate researchers in the 1970s, the test typically involves marking an animal with paint somewhere that is visible only in the mirror and waiting to see if it investigates the change. My husband is an experienced Realtor. Like many, he has stories of friends who choose not to use him in their real estate transactions. Their excuse is usually that they dont want to mix business with friendship. (This suggests to me that they dont believe the friendship is strong enough to weather the experience or that my husband isnt professional enough to provide top-notch service.) He has lost friends who promised to use him and then didnt and others who didnt even give him a chance to make his case. They have caused him personal and financial pain. One good friend listed her home recently without even telling him. My husband is a sensitive soul, and it angers me to see him hurt by thoughtless friends. Advice? HUSBAND Feeling protective of our loved ones is a great quality until it tips into one-sidedness. Here, I applaud your sensitivity to your husbands distress, but you dont seem to acknowledge the larger context: For most of us, buying or selling a home is the biggest transaction of our lives, and choosing a real estate agent who we believe will create the best outcome for us ranks higher than giving a buddy a job. Now, we real estate civilians may be mistaken in our assessment of the best broker for the job. (Its still our call, though!) And I have had both good and horrendous experiences speaking to broker friends after I decided not to hire them. So, I understand the difficulty on both sides. THE ARTIST PAUL Cadmus was flipping through Modern Maturity, the AARPs official magazine, in 1991 when he saw something that made him angry. A disgruntled reader had written a letter to the editor slamming the publication for reproducing the Italian Renaissance artist Masaccios famous painting of Adam and Eve without including the fig leaves that church officials later added to cover their genitals. In response, Cadmus, then 87, created a drawing, titled Shame!, which was recently on view at New Yorks DC Moore Gallery as part of the first major solo exhibition of the artist, who died in 1999, in more than 20 years. It shows a lithe white man, woman and child standing tall and naked, arms intertwined. At their feet, a cluster of grotesque, clothed figures, including a hooknosed priest and a mother covering her childs eyes, writhe in disgust. Cadmus, who is best known for homoerotic images that relish the male form, later wrote that the letters author had provided a profound definition of the word pornography: a naked man and woman. In an ironic twist that surely would have provoked the artists ire, its impossible to access a reproduction of Shame online today without clicking a N.S.F.W. button. Image Paul Cadmuss Shame! (1992). Credit... Paul Cadmus, courtesy of the DC Moore Gallery Nudes are one of the oldest and most stubbornly provocative tropes in Western art. Today, anyone with an internet connection can see a naked body at a moments notice (even if they have to press an extra button to do so). But the world in general, and the art world in particular, has remained largely conservative about what kinds of bodies it chooses to depict, celebrate and immortalize. In an age when Instagram polices nipples even as television shows like Euphoria traffic in erotic drama, a new generation of artists are mining this irony and working to broaden the aperture, breaking away from the idealized (usually white and thin) forms that have pervaded art for most of its documented existence. Instead, they are conjuring nudes that reflect a more fluid, more inclusive and fuller understanding of the body. At the same time, scholars and collectors are taking a new look at artists who were previously excluded from the canon because of the naturalistic, warts-and-all approach they took to the nude. Pickpocketing Chekhov for dramatic capital is almost a rite of passage among playwrights, but only Christopher Durang invested the loot in beefcake. In his play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Vanya and Sonia are more-or-less familiar transplants from the Russian hinterlands to Bucks County, Pa., dithering so much about the purpose of life that they neglect to have one. Masha, though a movie star, is a Chekhov type, too: endlessly fascinating, especially to herself. But you will not find Spike anywhere in the canon; a jovial, amoral, ab-tastic himbo, he is apparently unfamiliar with the function of clothes. They keep coming off. The son of a politician from the Dominican Republic was fatally shot outside a gas station in Houston on Monday night in what the police said they believed was a targeted drive-by shooting. The Houston Police Department on Wednesday identified the man who was killed as Luis Alfredo Pacheco Rojas, 34, son of Alfredo Pacheco, the president of the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic. Another 29-year-old man who was injured by gunfire in the attack had not yet been publicly identified. The incident began around 7 p.m. on Monday, when Mr. Pacheco and three men in a black Cadillac Escalade stopped at a gas station in southeast Houston, according to the Police Department. The four men went inside the gas station, and immediately afterward they returned to the Escalade. Assistant Chief Adrian Rodriguez of the Police Department initially said at a news conference on Monday that at that point four other men who were armed with what the police called long guns arrived in two vehicles a silver Dodge Charger and a silver Mercedes-Benz and began shooting at the Escalade. Among those asking Missouris governor to spare the life of Brian Dorsey, who was convicted of two murders and is set to be executed on Tuesday, were Roman Catholic bishops, law professors and national mental health groups. There was also a less expected cohort seeking clemency: more than 70 current and former prison workers who got to know Mr. Dorsey behind bars. That level of public support from correctional workers is rare in death penalty cases, though it remains to be seen whether it persuades Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, to commute Mr. Dorseys sentence to life in prison. Mr. Dorsey, 52, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2006 deaths of his cousin Sarah Bonnie and her husband, Ben Bonnie. His request for clemency made no claim of innocence. Instead, it argued that he had received inadequate representation from court-appointed lawyers and that he had turned his life around in prison, where he had a spotless record of behavior and worked for years as a barber for correctional employees. When the White House invited Muslim community leaders for a dinner this week celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, the responses started coming in fast: Decline. Decline. Decline. Many of the invitees, distressed over President Bidens support for Israels war in Gaza, said they would not attend an iftar meal with the president on Tuesday evening while so many Palestinians were under siege. How can we talk to you about famine and starvation over bread and steak? said Dr. Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian American doctor who was in Gaza in January. The moment epitomized just how problematic the war in Gaza has become for Mr. Biden, who is increasingly critical of Israel but still resisting calls from within his party to set conditions on weapons sales to the country. One of the strongest voices inside the White House urging an end to civilian casualties in Gaza is the person closest to the president: Jill Biden. At a meeting with Muslim community members at the White House on Tuesday evening, one guest told President Biden that his wife had disapproved of him coming to the meeting because of Mr. Bidens support for Israel in its war against Hamas. Mr. Biden replied that he understood. The first lady, he said, had been urging him to Stop it, stop it now, according to an attendee who heard his remarks. Salima Suswell, the founder of the Black Muslim Leadership Council, recounted the scene in an interview, adding that she had scribbled down the presidents statements because it was so striking to hear that the first lady felt strongly about the conflict. As lawmakers in a nearby hearing room debated last month whether to support her legislation to expand Medicaid, Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas dared the states Republican House speaker to hold a vote. If he thinks he can kill it, bring it, Ms. Kelly, a soft-spoken moderate Democrat, said in an interview in her sprawling office suite at the State Capitol in Topeka. The next morning, in his own office off the House floor, Speaker Dan Hawkins showed no sign of yielding. He described Medicaid expansion as almost like the greatest Ponzi scheme ever devised. The same day, a House committee voted against sending Ms. Kellys bill to the floor, derailing the proposal at least for now. The standoff between Ms. Kelly and Mr. Hawkins represented one fight in a fierce political battle playing out in several state capitals over the future of Medicaid, the health insurance program for the poor. In Kansas and in a handful of Republican-controlled states in the South, supporters of expanding the program under the Affordable Care Act have renewed their efforts to overcome longstanding Republican opposition, generating a sense of headway. A renewed push by Nebraska Republicans to move to a winner-take-all system in presidential elections has raised the prospect that the 2024 contest could end in an electoral college tie with the House of Representatives deciding the winner. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that divide their electoral votes according to the presidential winners of congressional districts. In 2020, Joseph R. Biden Jr. won the eastern district around Omaha and its one vote. On Tuesday, Gov. Jim Pillen of Nebraska, a Republican, threw his support behind a G.O.P.-led bill languishing in the states unicameral legislature that would end the practice. It would bring Nebraska in line with 48 of our fellow states, better reflect the founders intent, and ensure our state speaks with one unified voice in presidential elections, Mr. Pillen wrote in a statement. The resurrection of the state bill was sparked this week by Charlie Kirk, the chief executive of Turning Point USA, a pro-Trump conservative advocacy group, who pressed the state legislature to move forward on social media. When Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen traveled to Beijing last summer, her mission was to re-establish a dialogue between the worlds largest economies and stabilize a relationship that appeared to have reached rock bottom. The United States and China created formal economic working groups to keep the conversation going. Months later, Ms. Yellen met with her Chinese counterparts in San Francisco and Morocco. And the Treasury secretarys consumption of a dish made with psychedelic magic mushrooms at a Yunnan-style restaurant in Beijing sparked something of a culinary craze in China, where Ms. Yellen is popular for being an acclaimed economist. But despite those signs of progress, thorny economic issues continue to divide China and the United States. When Ms. Yellen arrives on Thursday for four days of meetings in Guangzhou and Beijing, the two sides are expected to exchange views on the state of the global economy, the Biden administrations concerns about Chinas wave of green energy technology exports and Beijings frustrations about mounting barriers to Chinese investment in the United States. We dont want to decouple our economies, Ms. Yellen said on Wednesday during a stop in Alaska on her way to China. We want to continue, and we think we both benefit from trade and investment, but it needs to be on a level playing field. A silver sport utility vehicle, driving at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, led the police on a 15-mile chase over the weekend near the U.S. border with Mexico in an area that has long been popular with migrant smugglers. The scene ended on Sunday afternoon as many such pursuits do, with a migrant fleeing on foot and a driver captured, forced to stop by spikes that the police had stretched across the highway. But while the circumstances were familiar, the identity of the driver was much more unusual: He was a member of the Texas Army National Guard. The arrest marked at least the second time in less than a year that soldiers had been caught trying to transport migrants from the border in Texas. Last June, two soldiers, including one from the Louisiana National Guard, were arrested and charged with trying to smuggle migrants through the same area of rural ranch land in Kinney County. Anxious ahead of a big job interview? Worried about giving a speech? First date nerves? The solution, some digital start-ups suggest, is a beta blocker, a type of medication that can slow heart rate and lower blood pressure masking some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Typically a trip to the doctors office would be necessary to get a prescription, but a number of companies are now connecting patients with doctors for quick virtual visits and shipping the medication to peoples homes. No more Shaky and Sweaty, one online ad promised. Easy fast 15 minute intake. That worries Dr. Yvette I. Sheline, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. The first question is: What is going on with this person? Dr. Sheline said. Are they depressed in addition to anxious? Do they have chronic anxiety or is it just a temporary case of stage fright? You dont want to end up prescribing the wrong thing, she added. The lawmaker who resigned as the leader of South Africas top house of Parliament this week was arrested on Thursday on charges that she had taken bribes in her earlier role as defense minister. The arrest of the lawmaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, followed a tense, weekslong standoff with law enforcement officials over a corruption case that has dealt a blow to the governing African National Congress two months before a critical national election. The A.N.C. faces the threat of losing its absolute majority in the national government for the first time since the end of apartheid 30 years ago when voters go to the polls on May 29. Ms. Mapisa-Nqakulas arrest exposes the party to one of its greatest vulnerabilities charges of corruption. Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula, 67, was charged in court on Thursday with 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. She was accused of soliciting about 4.5 million rand, or $241,000, in bribes, and receiving 2.1 million rand, from a defense contractor in exchange for awarding contracts between 2016 and 2019. She was released on bail of 50,000 rand. #PonlePunchePeru ???? | Ahora el presidente del Consejo de Ministros, Gustavo Adrianzen, brinda su discurso de investidura ante el pleno del @CongresoPeru. ?? Sigue su presentacion aqui: https://t.co/CZWvSjbt9U pic.twitter.com/7YgtPYL0cR A top-secret intelligence report drafted a week before Canadas 2021 general election warned about ongoing attempts by the Chinese government to meddle in specific races, saying that Beijing had identified Canadian politicians considered to be opponents of China. Those politicians had become the targets of a shadowy media campaign, with suspected links to the Chinese government, that spread false narratives about them and encouraged Canadians to vote against them. The intelligence about possible interference in Canadas last general election was included in documents released on Wednesday at a public hearing before a commission investigating foreign interference. Their release followed Canadian news reports over the past year outlining the Chinese governments actions and raised concerns about the vulnerability of Canadas democratic institutions. Canadian politicians believed to have been targeted by Beijing also testified at the hearing on Wednesday, saying that they had drawn the ire of the Chinese government by criticizing its record on human rights, among other issues. A powerful earthquake of at least 7.4 magnitude struck Taiwan shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday. The quake, the strongest to strike Taiwan in a quarter century, caused buildings in Taipei, the capital, to shake for a minute or more. In Hualien County, on the east coast and close to the epicenter, dozens of buildings were damaged, officials said. At least nine deaths and more than 1,000 injuries were reported. As of Thursday, 93 people were stranded in Hualien County, including dozens of cement factory workers in two rock quarries, according to officials. Tremors were reported in mainland China, as far away as Hangzhou, Xiamen and Shanghai, and officials warned of more potentially strong aftershocks in the coming days. Here are photos from the aftermath of the earthquake. Thursday Ukraine lowered the draft age President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law lowering the draft age from 27 to 25 and eliminated some medical exemptions in an effort to replenish Ukraines exhausted army. He also created an electronic database of men, starting at age 17, to crack down on draft dodgers. Parliament passed the legislation last May, but Zelensky delayed signing it in the hope that he wouldnt need it. Most men who wanted to volunteer had already done so, and small anti-draft protests had broken out before the new laws were passed. But, as a lawmaker in the opposition put it, Zelensky has no choice. Russias assault is unrelenting, and Ukrainian generals have warned of a broader attack in the spring or summer. Ukraines army is running low on ammunition, and many of its soldiers have been on continual combat duty for two years. Whats next: Ukraine is expected, at best, to hold the existing front lines this year but only if an influx of U.S. weapons arrives, analysts say. A pile of flowers blanketed a small memorial in the center of the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius after the death of the Russian opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny last month. Putin Is a Murderer, read a placard in Russian. The impromptu tribute at the memorial, an unassuming pyramid commemorating victims of Soviet repression, has highlighted Vilniuss growing status as the center of Russian political opposition. Hundreds of dissidents who fled Russia after the invasion of Ukraine found a sympathetic ally in their struggle against President Vladimir V. Putin: the Lithuanian government, which has long viewed the Russian leaders foreign interventions as an existential threat. In Vilnius, exiled Russian journalists have set up studios to broadcast news to millions of compatriots back home on YouTube. Russian activists have rented offices to catalog the Kremlins human rights abuses, and exiled Russian musicians have recorded new albums for the audience back home. The arrival of the Russian dissidents in Vilnius has added to a larger wave of Russian-speaking refugees and migrants from Belarus and Ukraine over the past four years. Fleeing war or repression, together these migrants have reshaped the economy and cultural makeup of this slow-paced medieval city of 600,000, bolstering Lithuanias image as an unlikely bastion of democracy. Zomi Frankcom and Damian Sobol arrived in Gaza on a mission to feed Palestinians, documenting their efforts in social media videos like these. Then on April 1, they were killed by Israeli airstrikes, along with five other colleagues, bringing the work of the World Central Kitchen in Gaza to a halt. The charitys videos offer a rare window into the challenges of food distribution in Gaza, a territory on the brink of famine thats been cut off from the outside world. Celebrity chef Jose Andres started World Central Kitchen in 2010 in response to the earthquake in Haiti. The organization brings meals to areas impacted by natural disasters or conflict, including communities displaced inside Israel after the Oct. 7 attacks. Since October, the group said it delivered more than 43 million meals to Palestinians through community kitchens, truck convoys and airdrops. In mid-March, they were the first to deliver aid by sea with a ship carrying nearly 200 tons of food from Cyprus. The Israeli military released footage of the coordination behind that effort, which brought food to northern Gaza, where the U.N. says people are facing catastrophic levels of hunger. Im very hopeful that we can be bringing millions and millions of meals daily. We may fail, but the biggest failure will be not trying. A second maritime delivery arrived just hours before the attack. In a video statement, the Israeli military called the attack a grave mistake. Since Oct. 7, nearly 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, according to the U.N. And for now, the World Central Kitchen has suspended its operations there. A buried explosive device was the source of a blast that injured U.N. military observers in Lebanon over the weekend as they were patrolling the border with Israel, Israels military said Wednesday. Three observers and a Lebanese translator were wounded in the blast, on Saturday morning near the town of Rmeish. Two senior Lebanese security officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, had attributed the blast to Israel, without providing evidence. The Israeli military denied striking in the area. In a statement on social media, a spokesman for the Israeli military, Avichay Adraee, said that the blast was caused by an explosive previously installed there by Hezbollah. Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militia and political movement, did not immediately comment on the claim. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, and other militant groups have been trading fire with Israeli forces across the border for months. The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, had not completed its investigation into the incident, Andrea Tenenti, a spokesman for the mission, said, but a preliminary report showed that the explosion was not caused by direct or indirect fire. He did not provide further details. UNIFIL said that the wounded peacekeepers were an Australian, a Norwegian and a Chilean. The peacekeeping mission was established to observe Israels withdrawal from Lebanon in the late 1970s. Since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, it has monitored and reported on violations of the subsequent cross-border truce. Euan Ward contributed reporting. Spring is here, people! Time to move on from the dark, dreary winter into the bright, cheery march toward this summers presidential nominating conventions. Yeah, yeah, I know. But lets see whether you were paying attention to politics when it was cold: Blonde chocolate has yet to reach the popularity of milk, dark, and white chocolate, but it is already recognized as one of the most ingenious variations of white chocolate ever created. The history of blonde chocolate can be traced back to the year 2004 when French pastry chef Frederic Bau was busy showing off his skills during an exhibition in Japan. He apparently got so carried away during the show that he left his white chocolate melting in a bain-marie for four days. When he finally got back to it, the chocolate had become a pale brown and had a very distinct smell and flavor. Apart from its caramel-like color, this new confection had the milky smoothness of white chocolate, but also butterscotch, toffee, and shortbread-tasting notes, as well as a distinct aftertaste of roasted coffee. Frederic Bau quickly recognized the potential of his discovery, and blonde chocolate was born. By chance, by magic it became blond! This chocolate appeared with an incredible color and smell, Bau recently told Agence France Presse. Frederic Bau knew he was on to something the moment he tasted blonde chocolate for the first time, but because the treat was technically the result of an accident, a mistake, there was no way to reproduce the result, at least not immediately. The French pastry chef spent the next seven years experimenting and perfecting the process, to ensure he produced the best blonde chocolate every time. Blonde chocolate was created when white chocolate left in a bain-marie for too long underwent a chemical process known as the Maillard reaction. It is similar to caramelization, only it also impacts amino acids, not just sugars. Both are forms of non-enzymatic browning. Since 2012, blonde chocolate has been sold by French chocolatier Vlrhona under the name Dulcey, but even though it has made quite an impression among connoisseurs in the years since, blonde chocolate is still not a mainstream dessert. That is partly because French lawmakers refuse to recognize the sweet treat as a fourth type of chocolate, instead deeming it a variation of white chocolate. Blonde chocolate shares a similar story with another unique confection, Ruby chocolate, the naturally pink chocolate made with Ruby cocoa beans. In 2017, it was dubbed the biggest innovation in chocolate in 80 years, but it is still not officially recognized as chocolate. (L to R) Daniel Finnegan, Jennifer Klausner & Michael Lasky Public relations firms are increasingly occupying an important seat at the table when their clients confront a crisis of one type or another. The 24-hour news cycle and the constant availability of trending information on social media have only exacerbated the need for effective strategic communications. Crisis work regularly involves legal issues and legal advice these matters range from regulatory or compliance matters, to sensitive employment issues, to claims or litigations, corporate restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions. PR firms need to be mindful of ways their work product may be protected by the attorney-client privilege whenever working with a clients internal legal team or its external legal counsel. The attorney-client privilege protects communications between clients and their attorneys which relate to the provision of legal advice. Ordinarily, the presence of a third party other than the attorney and client (such as a PR firm) on a communication will break or waive the privilege. This means that the communication may be subject to production to an opposing party in a litigation, or in response to a subpoena. There are, however, three exceptions that may apply to protect the privilege when a PR firm is assisting an attorney with the provision of legal advice on behalf of a client. These are: 1. The exception for aiding in legal strategy, which applies when a PR firm is needed to help provide legal advice or achieve a circumscribed legal or litigation goal; 2. The functional equivalent exception, which applies when the employees of the PR firm are considered by a court to be the functional equivalent of employees of the client; or 3. The translator exception, which applies when the PR firm is necessary to facilitate or interpret communications between an attorney and the client. A recent court decision illustrates how these rules are applied to potentially extend the attorney-client privilege to PR professionals. In In re Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans retained legal counsel to represent the Archdiocese in advance of a bankruptcy filing. Before the Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy, the bankruptcy counsel retained a PR firm. The engagement letter was entered into between the law firm and the PR firm presumably in an attempt to shield the work product of the PR firm and communications with the PR firm from disclosure in the bankruptcy proceeding. The engagement letter stated that the PR firms purpose was to be the sole provider of public relations and crisis communication counsel for the Archdiocese regarding its potential restructuring. In the litigation following the bankruptcy filing, a dispute emerged over whether certain communications involving the PR firm were privileged, or whether those communications had to be produced in the litigation. The Archdiocese took the position that these communications were covered by both the functional equivalent and translator exceptions, and thus argued that the communications were protected by the attorney-client privilege. The court disagreed and ordered the communications with the PR firm to be produced in the litigation. The court reached this conclusion because it found that the PR firm was working solely to craft responses to media inquiries, and not to aid legal counsel with the legal advice it provided to the Archdioceses. In particular, the court noted that there were no bankruptcy lawyers included on any of the most relevant communications, and that the ultimate purpose of the PR advice was solely to benefit the Archdioceses reputational and business/mission goals. The court further held that the PR firm employees exercised no independent decision-making authority and were not the Archdioceses sole representative to the media. Steps That a Proactive PR Firm Can Take to Protect the Attorney-Client Privilege The Archdiocese of New Orleans decision illustrates that courts will strictly scrutinize claims of attorney-client privilege involving PR firms. This means that everyone involved in a crisis situation or a legal matter the PR firm, the lawyers, and the client need to take proactive steps to protect the attorney-client privilege. It is usually an uphill battle to keep communications involving a PR firm privileged because courts tend to narrowly construe the exceptions to attorney-client privilege waiver. Therefore, it is important to take each one of the steps outlined below. Even failing to follow one of these steps can be enough for a court to find that the privilege has been waived. Here are the six key steps to follow: 1. PR Firms Should Contract Directly with the Attorney: PR firms should be engaged directly by the clients attorney, not the client. The PR firm should send its invoices to the attorney, even if the fees are ultimately passed on to their joint client. The invoices should specifically describe how the PR firms work helps the attorney to provide legal advice. 2. Describe the Engagement as Legal in Nature: The engagement agreement should describe the PR firms work as aiding in legal strategy and services. The more a PR firms work can be tied to legal strategy, the stronger the argument for retaining the privilege. 3. Always Copy Attorneys: PR firms should copy their clients legal counsel on all communications involving potential legal matters. The fact that the bankruptcy attorneys were not included on the relevant communications in the Archdiocese of New Orleans decision was an important fact relied upon by the court in denying protection of the privilege. 4. Clearly Mark Communications: Legal communications should be clearly marked as protected by the attorney-client privilege. This can be accomplished by simply writing Attorney-Client Privileged Communication at the top of the relevant communication. 5. Always Keep Communications Confidential: The PR firm should keep communications involving legal matters confidential. In particular, the PR firm should never share these communications with any third parties. 6. Always Keep Legal Work Separate: The PR firm should keep legal-related PR work separate from any other PR work it performs for the client. If the legal-related work is intermingled with non-legal work, a court is more likely to find that none of the work is legal. When a PR firm is contacted to assist with a potential legal matter, the firm should promptly raise the issue of attorney-client privilege and discuss the best steps to protect the privilege. Raising this issue proactively will also demonstrate a PR firms experience, expertise and value. *** Michael Lasky is founder and chair of the Davis+Gilbert's Public Relations Law Practice and co-chair of its Litigation + Dispute Resolution Practice ([email protected]). Jennifer Klausner is a partner in the Davis+Gilbert's Litigation + Dispute Resolution Practice ([email protected]). Daniel Finnegan is an associate in the Davis+Gilbert's Litigation + Dispute Resolution Practice ([email protected]). BMF has checked in as public agency of record for New Yorks The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel; the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point, CA; and The Ritz Carlton, San Francisco. For The Carlyle (home of Cafe Carlyle and Bemelmans Bar) BMF will execute a PR, influencer and partnership campaign with plans to produce out-of-the-box experiences for press and talent. For the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, BMF will conduct a comprehensive press push among top media outlets covering travel and hospitality. On behalf of The Ritz Carlton, the agency will spearhead an annual communications plan to drive high-value earned media. we cant wait to build fresh buzz around these iconic hotels, said BMF CEO and founder partner Bruce Starr. Kiterocket is selected as AOR by Flux, a global provider of decentralized cloud infrastructure. The company joins Kiterockets technology practice portfolio, which specializes in emerging technologies. "Weve recognized the paramount importance of engaging a top-tier public relations agency and the importance of partnering with an agency possessing unparalleled expertise and analytical rigor to not only enhance our brand visibility but also strengthen our initiatives in thought leadership, said Flux CEO and co-founder, Daniel Keller. As the realms of Web3 and global communications converge, Kiterockets experience will be invaluable. BizCom Associates adds computer science, coding and robotics franchise iCode to its client roster. The agency will focus on increasing national awareness and recognition for the STEM school, which offers programs to K-12 students that teach subjects including video game design and website development. iCode currently has 53 campuses nationwide and is on track to expand its footprint to 100 campuses by the end of the year. iCode also offers the iSports gaming league where students compete against one another within the national iCode network. YEREVAN, 2 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. China, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Iraq, North Macedonia.. These are just a few of the many countries where Shtigen Group has already participated in international forums, exhibitions and events held this year. Shtigen Group is an honorary partner of Neta According to the Shtigen Group, Neta Auto gathered its international partners under one roof at the beginning of this year to discuss the development strategy of the automotive concern. This meeting, with the participation of Neta brand representatives from different countries, took place at the renowned Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center complex, a center with an ecological environment and an advanced information network system. The Shtigen Group was also present at the event, led by its founding director, Hayk Shekyan. Simultaneously in Shanghai a closed demonstration of the new model from the Neta brand, along with a test drive was held. Andron Company, a part of the Shtigen Group, serves as the official and exclusive representative of Neta in Armenia. Stable Partner Shtigen participated in the most startup event of the year, the Seaside Startup Summit (SSS) in Ras al Khaimah in February, as always as a "Sustainable Partner". From sunrise to sunset, Shtigen was following many success stories beginning in this Emirati beach town. SSS was first and foremost a learning journey. Petros Hergnyan and Arman Shekyan from Shtigen also participated in all important milestones of this event, from acceleration and incubation programs to mentorship, from individual meetings to conversations around the campfire. Since 2019, Shtigen Group has been supporting the advancement of startups by sponsoring gatherings organized by SSS in various years and locations. Business meetings in Iraq In Baghdad, one of the largest cities in the Arab world, Armenian businessmen met with representatives from the private and public sectors in February to discuss Armenian-Iraqi business ties. Hayk Shekyan, the founding director of Shtigen Group, was one of the participants in the business forum. He traveled to Iraq as part of the state delegation of the Republic of Armenia. Hayk Shekyan also participated in a meeting with businessmen from Iraqi Kurdistan in Erbil, where the prospects of cooperation in the energy sector between the two countries were discussed. Shtigen Group, a participant of the Energy Transition Expo KEY 2024 hosted delegations from around 60 countries in March at the complex of the same name in the Italian city of Rimini. The goal of this international exhibition, Energy Transition Expo, which is being held for the second time already, was the presentation of technologies, services, and innovative solutions in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Shtigen Group was the sole representative of the Armenian delegation in the field of renewable energy. Ashkhen Grigoryan, the company's business internationalization manager, acquainted herself with international companies, industry leaders, over 800 exhibition brands, and innovative technologies in Rimini. She also discussed the prospects for the development of the energy sector with international partners. The Energy Transition Expo in Italy and the Mediterranean Basin is one of the key European events dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and services. It highlights the significance of the growth of the energy sector and maintains the relevance of finding practical ways to tackle climate change. Shtigen Group, a participant in the regional dialogue The founding director of Shtigen Group also participated in the regional dialogue with Eastern Europe and Central Asia organized by the Green Climate Fund in March. During the forum held in Skopje, Hayk Shekyan discussed the possibility and mechanisms of implementing joint projects with interested parties. This event had two main goals: to familiarize the participants with the fund's new strategies and financing tools, and also to hear from the attendees about their planned projects and how they intend to cooperate with the Green Climate Fund. According to Hayk Shekyan, such dialogues not only serve as platforms for exchanging experience and knowledge with representatives from different countries but also provide opportunities to become acquainted with new strategic tools. This is a dialogue aimed at making cross-border cooperation more effective. In recent years, our company has significantly expanded its range of activities. As a result, participation in such forums has become more targeted and promising. This time, in particular, we represented Shtigen Ventures with the expectation of finding partners, said Hayk Shekyan. Shtigen Group hosted representatives of world-renowned companies Shtigen not only visited other locations but also hosted its international colleagues. Representatives of the world-renowned C&D company arrived in Armenia in March at the invitation of Shtigen Group. This company, which has created about 60,000 jobs worldwide, is one of the major investors in the field of renewable energy and represents a number of famous brands. Our foreign colleagues toured Shtigen's offices and got acquainted with the working teams of the group of companies. A representative from the Solis company conducted training for the employees of Shtigen Group's design and technical departments. THOUGH funding for Offaly roads has more than doubled in five years, potholes are a growing problem, a meeting of the County Council heard recently. Back in 2019 12 million was made available for roads but this year the total will be 27.5 million, a combination of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), National Transport Authority (NTA), Department of Transport and County Council funding. The TII monies amount to 5.9 million and while it covers roads such as the N62, it now also includes the greenways and 3.94 million will be used to complete the main line of the Grand Canal Greenway from Turraun to Shannon Harbour. The proposal for a new road between Tullamore and Kilbeggan, the N52 link, has not been included in the 2024 funding. We have made submissions for it but it has not been granted. We do have a road safety scheme for Durrow, said Tom Shanahan, director of services. Department of Transport funding amounts to 15.75 million for 2024 and it includes the R400 Peat Pilot Scheme, an examination of the road between Rhode and Rochfortbridge, which is said to be one of Offaly's worst routes. The Department of Transport is also paying for the inner relief road works in Edenderry and the Birr distributor roads. Mr Shanahan told councillors that it is not financially viable to excavate the peat from under the R400 road, as had been done on the N62 from Cloghan to Ferbane. The excavation of peat under our non national roads is so expensive it's unlikely to be feasible any time soon, said Mr Shanahan. Offaly has now been asked to find ways of rehabilitating roads without excavating the peat and he said geotextiles or membranes will probably be put under the R400 instead. It won't last as long, he conceded. Challenged by Cllr Eamon Dooley, Fianna Fail, on the finding that it will not be feasible to replicate the work done on the N62 on the smaller roads, Mr Shanahan said: There's a cost benefit here. Obviously the N62 is carrying much more traffic and was a TII funded project. Mr Shanahan said it is hoped the geotextile or membrane solution will last longer than conventional methods and added that when the pilot fund money is combined with money resulting from wind farm developments the overall budget for the R400 is doubled. Cllr Dooley said he was also disappointed that while the peat roads issue had been pushed over the years in the Birr area, the money went to the Edenderry area. There are 2,000km of roads in Offaly, 1,000km of them are in the Municipal District of Birr. I'm not sure how the money is divided up. Referring to the N62 work he remarked: It may be costly, but you're finished with it. Cllr Dooley also noted that the peat industry had been in Offaly for 80 years and indicated that Bord na Mona could have a role to play with the council on maintaining roads. Now we can't somehow work with Bord na Mona and have something better than bad roads and wind farms. He claimed the road near Cloghan to the new wind farm north of the defunct briquette factory had been destroyed by hundreds of trucks drawing stone to the project. The councillor, who is not seeking re-election in June, said he had been 30 years canvassing and the roads issue had not changed. Potholes, road conditions, trying to explain to people about LIS (Local Improvement Scheme), CIR (Community Involvement in Roads), TII, Active Travel, they're not a bit interested in that. All they're interested in is my road and the crater that's down there. Cllr Sean O'Brien, Independent, concurred about the potholes. All sorts of phrases are being used. You could live in them, you could lie in them, he said. Referring to some of the back roads in Durrow, Cllr O'Brien remarked: There's some of them practically impassable. Cllr Mark Hackett, Green Party, said weather was a factor in the poor road conditions. From August last year to now is the highest rainfall recorded ever in Ireland. We all know that roads and water don't mix. Cllr Liam Quinn, Fine Gael, told Cllr Dooley that Birr and Tullamore were getting 25 million in TII funding which Edenderry was not getting. Cllr Quinn also said that in 15 years in local government he hadn't dealt with as many issues as had arisen with the R400 and sometimes people are at their wits end because of damage to vehicles. When a lad does harm to a car or something we're the first person he rings. We have to go back and try and get a solution, said Cllr Quinn. The council aren't short on compassion, we're short of money. He said one issue was that the smaller second and third class roads were getting the smallest increases in funding and he also felt more money could have been allocated under the climate adaptation category. Cllr Quinn further pointed out that the council was getting funding from wind farms, mainly in the Edenderry Electoral Area, which he calculated had 98 of the 130 turbines granted permission in Offaly. Good work was being done in many places but in the public eye it was all torpedoed by one bad road. His Fine Gael colleague, Cllr Noel Cribbin, said more staff needed to be appointed while Cllr John Leahy, Independent, praised the new Velocity road patching machines. While they represented a massive investment the return was fantastic. Cllr Leahy joined with Cllr Dooley is calling for investment to be shared across the county given the amount of roads in the Birr Electoral Area. Replying, Cllr Neil Feighery, Fine Gael, said there were plenty of bog roads in the Tullamore area too. If you want me to list them out, I can, remarked Cllr Feighery. Cllr Quinn responded: We'll share the funding when you share the turbines. Concluding the discussion, Mr Shanahan said the wet weather had a cumulative effect on road quality and the ability to carry out repairs. He said the purchase of two Velocity patchers had been very worthwhile. A third one had been hired in advance of its purchase. As the weather improves we will make progress much quicker, said the council director. The patchers will not sort everything but he said: By and large they will speed up the process of getting roads back and I expect in two or three weeks we'll see a very big improvement. Each Velocity patching unit truck costs up to 300,000. Our top book of the week is inspired by real events from history Fiction 1. The Household by Stacey Halls is published in hardback by Manilla Press, priced 16.99 (ebook 12.99). Available April 11 Absolutely THRILLED to announce my fourth novel, THE HOUSEHOLD, will be published in the spring. Preorders open now, and please consider preordering from your local indie! https://t.co/ylAOm7rfRb pic.twitter.com/FTxrmrtCes Stacey Halls is away (@stacey_halls) July 20, 2023 A cast of women, plucked from poverty and lives of crime are brought together under one roof in The Household, the latest offering from Stacey Halls. The residents, told to keep their past lives a secret, are offered a second chance but when the reality of life in the isolated cottage sets in, not all are so sure its what they want. After the success of previous novels The Familiars, The Foundling and Mrs England, Halls is again inspired by real historical events. This time, the author focuses her attentions on Urania Cottage a scheme set up in 1846 by author Charles Dickens and millionaire Angela Burdett-Coutts to offer refuge to fallen women. The historical facts alone are interesting enough, but the past is brought to life by Halls as she expertly weaves together the individual stories of all the women involved. 9/10 (Review by Eleanor Barlow) 2. The Last Murder At The End Of The World by Stuart Turton is published in hardback by Raven Books, priced 20 (ebook 14). Available now I wrote another book! Three in five years. I'm on fire! It's called The Last Murder at the End of the World and it's a utopian/dystopian murder mystery set on an island that holds the last 122 human beings. I very much hope you enjoy it! pic.twitter.com/YfXn4eKDxG Stu Turton (@stu_turton) August 17, 2023 Fans of Stuart Turtons high-concept fiction will be familiar with his unique, carefully constructed mysteries, and this rollercoaster of a sci-fi/detective tale might be the best one yet. On a peaceful Greek island, untouched by an apocalypse-causing fog, three scientists and a huddle of villagers uphold whats left of humanity. But a shocking murder triggers a nail-biting countdown to save this haven from obliteration. Emory is tasked with unmasking the killer, battling to unlock motives in time to reveal the culprit. Turtons ability to build an alluring world of detailed ideas is astounding. Youll feel the warm breeze as youre swept along by the pacey plot to a showstopping conclusion. Setting this colourful, cross-genre novel apart is the eccentric, sympathetic cast of characters and some profound questions. What are our responsibilities as humans, and can we learn to deny the temptation to play God? 9/10 (Review by Amanda Willard) 3. Memory Piece by Lisa Ko is published by Dialogue Books, priced 18.99 (ebook 11.49). Available now Three lifelong friends striving to build satisfying lives in a world that is radically different from what they were promised. 'A glorious writer' Jacqueline Woodson'Remarkable' Rumaan Alam'To spend time with these characters is a gift' C Pam Zhang MEMORY PIECE IS OUT NOW pic.twitter.com/et5u1Befp2 Dialogue Publishing (@dialoguepub) March 21, 2024 Memory Piece starts in the early 1980s with Giselle Chin an Asian American teenager who feels out of place in New Jersey and wants more out of life. Thats a common thread throughout this moving book of three parts first we spend time with Giselle, through her growing up and eventually becoming a performance artist, then we visit her friend Jackie in the Nineties, as a coder in an ever-changing world. Finally comes the third friend, Ellen, as an elderly woman in the mid-21st century still holding on to her cooperative living despite the dystopian disaster around her. While the third part does feel like a bit of an extreme departure and could be a short story in its own right, Lisa Ko has crafted a touching story of three womens lives, exploring themes of belonging, creativity, tech and more. Like her previous book, The Leavers, its sure to become a modern classic. 8/10 (Review by Prudence Wade) Non-fiction 4. The Chain: The Relationships That Break Us, The Women Who Rebuild Us by Chimene Suleyman is published in hardback by W&N, priced 18.99 (ebook 11.49). Available now The story of The Chain is shocking, made even worse in being a real story. Chimene Suleymans memoir centres around a failed relationship with an ex, which culminated with her getting an abortion and him brutally leaving her alone at the clinic. As the story unfolds, it turns out he was a pathological liar and manipulator, and had treated scores more women in similarly horrific ways. These women find each other through social media, and as more details emerge of this unnamed mans behaviour, the victims form a chain and find themselves bound together. Suleymans writing is personal and raw, but once the initial bombshell settles, theres not much direction to the book. Its a searing look at misogyny and the treatment of women, but with a meandering and somewhat jumbled through-line, it perhaps would have been better as an essay. 7/10 (Review by Prudence Wade) Childrens book of the week 5. When I Feel Brave by Britta Teckentrup is published in hardback by Prestel, priced 12.99 (no ebook). Available now When I Feel Brave is an inspiring read, brilliantly illustrated with rhyming throughout to help young readers digest the words and the meaning behind them. Brave begins with a young girl experiencing feelings of fear and self doubt she walks through a forest and meets a bear that initially seems scary. Most of us experience worry and distressing thoughts when were growing up, but how does one deal with them in a healthy way? Brave acknowledges the real struggle some children may feel and gently urges them to face their darkest troubles. When the child does this with courage, things begin to look brighter and the clouds start to clear, making the world seem a much kinder place to live in. A beautiful read for any youngster that is fearful or anxious. Hopefully it will help every reader overcome their concerns head on. 9/10 (Review by Karen Shield) BOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 30 HARDBACK (FICTION) 1. The Last Murder At The End Of The World By Stuart Turton 2. The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas 3. Carrie (50th anniversary edition) by Stephen King 4. Medea by Rosie Hewlett 5. A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen 6. Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez 7. Dune by Frank Herbert 8. House Of Flame And Shadow by Sarah Maas 9. Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner 10. The List Of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey (Compiled by Waterstones) HARDBACK (NON-FICTION) 1. Easy Wins by Anna Jones 2. The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson 3. A Very Private School by Charles Spencer 4. Bored Of Lunch Healthy Slow Cooker: Even Easier by Nathan Anthony 5. Blossomise by Simon Armitage 6. The Diary Of A CEO by Steven Barlett 7. Crypt by Alice Roberts 8. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 9. The Eastern Front by Nick Lloyd 10. The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl by Becky Lynch: (Compiled by Waterstones) AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NON-FICTION) 1. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu and Ken Liu 2. Ghost Stories: Stephen Frys Definitive Collection, by Stephen Fry 3. Prima Facie by Suzie Miller 4. Atomic Habits by James Clear 5. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell 6. The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu and Joel Martinsen 7. Unruly by David Mitchell 8. The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey 9. The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson 10. The Templars by Dan Jones (Compiled by Audible) Ireland is set to endure a rough 10 days on the weather front with a potential storm and a deluge of rain expected to hit the country. Weather models are suggesting a storm, which has the potential to be named Storm Kathleen, will hit Ireland on Saturday, bringing with it strong winds and plenty of rain. Met Eireann and its weather forecasting partners have not yet named the storm but weather experts are already warning of the impacts, including heavy rain and flooding. Weather Alerts Ireland predicts "an awful lot of rain is expected in the next 10 days." "The ECMWF model is forecasting over 200mm on higher ground and over 100mm on lower ground in the South and South West of the country. More flooding can be expected," they added. Meanwhile, Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather is on storm watch too. He said: "This morning's weather models continue to show nasty looking storm for Saturday with strong gusts and heavy showers hitting Ireland. Some differences on weather models but all show it hitting Ireland and packing a punch." This mornings weather models continue to show nasty looking storm for Saturday with strong gusts and heavy showers hitting Ireland. Some differences on weather models but all show it hitting Ireland and packing a punch. pic.twitter.com/zinTDsXrFE Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) April 3, 2024 Met Eireann's forecast for the next few days is rather unsettled with plenty of rain and wind. "Any patches of mist or drizzle will clear early [on Thursday] to leave sunny spells and a few showers. During the afternoon, rain will spread across Munster, extending nationwide during the evening and turning heavy in places. Maximum temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees but a little cooler in north Ulster. Fresh and gusty southeast winds will develop during the course of the day," their latest forecast says. Thursday night will be "breezy, with outbreaks of rain clearing northwards to scattered showers. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees with fresh to strong southerly winds." The forecast continues: "Mild and windy on Friday with sunny spells and widespread showers, some possibly heavy and thundery. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in strong and gusty southerly winds. "Rain and showers with some heavy downpours possible bringing the chance of spot flooding [on Friday night]. Temperatures not falling below 10 to 12 degrees in fresh to strong southerly winds. "Very windy with rain pushing northeastwards over Ireland followed by sunny spells and showers [on Saturday]. Maximum temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in strong and gusty southerly winds. "Bright and blustery [on Sunday] with sunshine and scattered showers. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in strong southwest winds." They conclude: "Current indications suggest Monday will be a wet day with outbreaks of rain spreading northwards. Strong southerly winds becoming variable later in the day, with highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees." Irish consumers and companies have raged online about a recent uptick of online orders being left on doorsteps, leaving them at risk of weather damage or theft. In a thread on Twitter, Irish shoppers and suppliers alike voiced their concerns and experiences with couriers leaving postal deliveries outside the doors of the intended address. Irish clothing company Hairy Baby was one of many to discuss their experience with courier issues, saying it is a practice 'we have seen with most courier companies'. As an online retailer this is a practice we have seen with most courier companies (and we've used loads of them over the years) and are powerless to prevent it, even with a signed for service. The target demands courier companies place on drivers to deliver is a major factor. Hairy Baby Irish T-Shirts (@HairyBabyTees) April 2, 2024 Many customers had concerns with Fastway couriers, with Brian Hogan, a digital marketing manager, saying that he has 'started asking suppliers at work to stop using Fastway as they often don't even arrive on site if you don't answer their drivers call in advance, and then you get an attempted delivery email which is untrue.' Another reply said that Fastway 'are notorious for it around these parts. Usually fired over the fence or left on the gate pillar, often dumped at the wrong address. Will sometimes say they attempted to deliver even though somebody might have been home all day waiting for it.' An Post seemed to avoid heavy scrutiny in the thread, as the problem seems to lie largely with private couriers and companies. According to An Post, in instances where the recipient is not at home or able to take the delivery, they will usually leave a notice to the customer to inform them what has happened and give them options including redelivery, or collection in the local mail office. Yes, this is sadly becoming more of a common practice. This Amazon parcel left a few days ago in the pouring rain, completely unattended on a busy street. Companies do not hold their delivery drivers accountable. Ive lost several items in this way. No buyer protection. pic.twitter.com/sGlrEgRcIT Rosita Apaza Machaca (@SumacQoyllur) April 3, 2024 Amazon seemed to be one of many companies under the spotlight of shoppers, as an unhappy customer said that the company leaving packages unattended at doorsteps is 'sadly becoming more of a common practice'. Another stated that they 'ring the doorbell and drive off all the time'. Fastway couriers have been contacted for comment on this story. YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. Taiwan was rocked Wednesday morning by the islandsstrongest earthquake in 25 years, a magnitude 7.4 tremor that killed at least nine people, injured more than 800 others and trapped dozens of people, The New York Times reports. Theheaviest damagewas in Hualien County on the islands east coast Officials in Taiwan warned residents to not visit their relatives' tombs, especially in the mountains, this weekend during the holiday, known as Ching Ming, meant to honor them, the report adds. There have already been 100 aftershocks and the forecast called for rain, which could make travel conditions on damaged roads more treacherous. Crews are working to reach people trapped on blocked roads. As of 1 p.m. local time, roads were impassable due to damage and fallen rock in 19 places, according to the Ministry of Transportation. At least 77 people remain trapped. Taiwan's official central news agency said the quake was the biggest to hit the island since 1999 when a 7.6 magnitude tremor killed around 2,400 people and destroyed or damaged 50,000 buildings in one of Taiwan's worst-recorded quakes. YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. The annual international Doing Digital Forum 2024, organized by the SPRING PR company started in Yerevan on April 3. This forum entitled Embracing Opportunities being organized for the second year aims to present the latest approaches to digital transformation in finance and various business sectors, examine opportunities and the specifics of their localization, and position Armenia as a growing hub for digital transformation within the global technological and business community, thus enhancing the country's competitiveness. Tatevik Simonyan, the founder of the Doing Digital Forum and co-founder of the SPRING PR company, deemed the forum successful during a briefing with journalists. "Responding to the global agenda, we have brought top personalities and speakers from around the world to Armenia. We have united various companies that have made significant progress in digitalization processes in our country, including those in financial technologies, as well as the Armenian government and the Central Bank," she said. Tatevik Simonyan noted that since the forum was being held for the second year, it indicated that they had indeed brought an international format to Armenia. Referring to the importance of the digitization process for Armenia, the speaker noted that there is a clear consensus. International structures and local organizations, as well as the global community, discuss digitalization as a necessary condition not only for competitiveness but also as the only guarantee of existence. The Governor of theCentral Bankof Armenia, Martin Galstyan wished success to the forum and then referred to the vision of the digital future, expressing his opinion that it is promising and full of opportunities. However, he also emphasized the importance of perceiving and managing the challenges that may arise in the future. Armine Ghazaryan, Member of the Management Board, Chief People and Services Officer at Ameriabank, the fintech partner of Doing Digital Forum 2024, emphasized that technology alone cannot reach the finish line. Digital transformation is about people who act as catalysts for change and transformation, shaping the future. Ghazaryan proudly stated that Ameriabank is a brilliant example of building a positive future. According to her, their mission in this regard is to make Armenia a new regional technological and innovation center. Doing Digital Forum keynote speaker Brett King, renowned futurist, author of a new concept of banking, and several bestsellers,presented how economies, banks and businesses should adapt to the digital future. The forum hosted more than 20 speakers from different corners of the world, including the Government of Armenia, the Central Bank and Information Systems Agency of Armenia, Singapore University of Social Sciences, American University of Armenia, Visa, Deloitte, ICDT Global, Moven, Just Better, People Growth Organization, SPRING PR, Ameriabank, ArCa, Ucom, Balchug Capital, Apricot Capital, Fastex, Ucraft and Hoory companies. As in the previous year, this year's forum is supported by Ameriabank, which is the fintech partner of DDF24. The innovative partner of the forum is the international company Visa, the investment partner is Apricot Capital and the blockchain partner is Fastex. The partners of the DDF24 are Ucraft and Hoory. Armenpress news agency is one of the forum's information partners. YEREVAN, 3 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 3 April, USD exchange rate down by 1.27 drams to 389.72 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.24 drams to 419.96 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 4.23 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.21 drams to 490.19 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 537.95 drams to 28373.70 drams. Silver price up by 12.91 drams to 321.39 drams. Ukraine contemplates an online gambling ban for armed forces to safeguard society's interests and address security concerns. In a significant move, Ukraine edges closer to imposing an online gambling ban for military personnel, driven by a petition and the government's commitment to societal protection. A Call for Restriction In an unprecedented move, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 2, 2024, the consideration of a proposal to limit online gambling access for the country's armed forces. The decision, aimed at "tightening control" over the online gambling sector, is a response to a petition initiated by a Ukrainian soldier on March 29. The petition swiftly garnered 26,041 signatures, surpassing the 25,000 mark required for presidential review. The Petition's Plea Pavlo Petrychenko, a soldier from the 59th brigade, launched the petition to address the detrimental effects of gambling on the Ukrainian army and society. He advocated for a ban on gambling and online casinos for military personnel during martial law, citing the quick descent into dopamine addiction and loss of self-control among vulnerable soldiers. Targeting Vulnerabilities The petition also highlights how gambling entities have exploited the situation by targeting military personnel with specific marketing strategies, including using armed forces symbols and "whitewashing" their image through minor charitable contributions. Furthermore, it raises concerns about Russian online casinos aiming to access the personal data of military personnel and exploit soldiers' debts as leverage. Legislative and Regulatory Measures President Zelensky has directed Ukrainian authorities to formulate a solution, emphasizing the importance of collecting analytics on online gambling's impact. Despite online gambling's prohibition since 2009 and its re-regulation in July 2020, the government continues to battle illegal gambling activities, with significant tax contributions from the gambling sector reported in recent years. Addressing Illegal Gambling Efforts to clamp down on illegal gambling have intensified, with recent actions taken against a leading gambling operator over tax evasion. Investigations have revealed unlicensed online gambling activities and the operation of "mirror" sites, prompting new laws and proposals to enhance inspections and prevent financial services to self-excluded consumers. The Path Forward As Ukraine contemplates this landmark proposal, the potential ban on online gambling for military personnel reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding society and addressing the nuanced challenges posed by the digital gambling landscape. The initiative aims to protect the well-being of military personnel and secure the nation's economic interests and data security amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday Israel mistakenly killed seven people working for the aid charity World Central Kitchen in a Gaza airstrike, and the US and other allies called for explanations amid widespread condemnation. Israel's military voiced "sincere sorrow" over the incident, which ratcheted up international pressure for steps to ease the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza nearly six months into Israel's siege and invasion of the Palestinian enclave. The strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy killed citizens of Australia, Britain and Poland as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. WCK, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff were travelling in two armoured cars emblazoned with the charity's logo and another vehicle, and had coordinated their movements with the Israeli military. "Unfortunately in the past day there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence." The Israeli military pledged an investigation by "an independent, professional and expert body". At least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the United Nations, and Hamas has previously accused Israel of targeting aid distribution sites. A vehicle was damaged in an Israeli airstrike in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza. Photo: Reuters In a call on Tuesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu that Britain was appalled by the deaths, which included three Britons, and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation, Sunak's office said. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed "anger and concern" to Netanyahu in a separate call. The United States, Israel's closest ally, said that there was no evidence Israel deliberately targeted the aid workers but that it was outraged by their deaths and that Israel had an obligation to ensure aid workers in Gaza were not harmed. US President Joe Biden called WCK founder Andres to express condolences. Washington will press Israel to do more to protect aid workers, the White House said. "These people are heroes, they run into the fire, not away from it," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said of the seven aid workers, speaking to reporters in Paris. "We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk." The United Nations, which has warned of a looming famine in Gaza, again called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Israel has long denied accusations that it is hindering the distribution of urgently needed food aid in Gaza, which it has besieged in a war since October, saying the problem is caused by international aid groups' inability to get it to those in need. The aid convoy was hit as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse after unloading more than 100 tons of food aid brought to Gaza by sea, WCK said. "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. "This is unforgivable." The US-based charity said it would pause its work in Gaza, and the United Arab Emirates, which has financed the seaborne food deliveries to Gaza that WCK distributed, said it was putting the shipments on hold pending safety guarantees from Israel and a full investigation. Anera, a US-based aid group that works in part with WCK, said on Tuesday it too was pausing operations in Gaza because of safety concerns. Soldiers in uniforms round up civilians at gunpoint. They separate the men from the women and children. The men are stripped naked and blindfolded, then taken into a room by the soldiers, gunshots are heard, and finally only the soldiers emerge from the room. The scene, panic, terror and brutality remind us of the Nazi abuse of Jews in the holocaust. But, this time it is the Jews who are killing and abusing, having learned nothing of humanity from their past suffering. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) entered Al Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza city on March 18 and have claimed to have made 500 arrests. Doctors and nurses are made to be guides to the 500 IDF invading soldiers as they search the hospital and torture their victims. Patients, their families and medical staff have been forced to stand outside the hospital as human shields, protecting the IDF from resistance to the occupation of the hospital, while 250 people have been killed by the IDF since entering the hospital. Although most of those arrested were males, in some cases they did arrest mothers and their children. When the women and children became unnecessary to the IDF goals, they forced them to walk long distances to the south without and water or food for days. When they finally arrived in the south, some were near death from dehydration and the children starving. Al Shifa is the largest medical complex in Gaza. It began as a British Army barracks, and over the decades of use as a hospital, areas were added on and in the 1980s Israel constructed underground bunkers, which included a tunnel system. The hospital was first attacked and raided on November 15, 2023, with the UN, WHO and other humanitarian organizations condemning the attack that caused the deaths of patients and premature babies. The IDF claimed the Al Shifa hospital was being used by Hamas as a command center, and pointed to the Israeli-built tunnels under the hospital as having supported Hamas and its resistance fighters. Despite the IDF's incessant accusation, the Washington Post and Amnesty International both said there was no credible evidence to support the IDF's claim. Since then, the hospital has been under intermittent attack by the IDF, culminating in the recent invasion and occupation of the hospital, which has resulted in mass arrests, executions, sexual abuse, humiliation of innocent civilians, deprivation of both water and food, and the attack on civilian homes near the hospital. The IDF goal was to justify their claim that Al Shifa served as a Hamas asset. If they couldn't find the evidence they needed, they could manufacture the proof they sought. The IDF needed to arrest hundreds of men and claim they were Hamas resistance fighters, or their allies. The hospital was sheltering 30,000 people, and many were men accompanied by their families. But, the IDF needed more men, so they began attacking the homes surrounding the hospital, and then invading the homes and removing the males found to add to their list of fighters they were creating. One family in a nearby house hunkered down and tried to survive by hiding in a small room, while the father of the large family would crawl to the kitchen to find anything to feed his children. Then the house began to fall apart after days of shelling, which allowed the IDF to invade the home and remove the man, blindfolded and naked. This was repeated among the neighborhood. Gaza is a conservative society, and men and women wear clothes to cover themselves up as a sign of respect of themselves, their family and their society. Whereas in the West, going shirtless and in very short shorts might be acceptable, in Gaza it is not. The IDF stripped arrested men to their under pants alone and sent them to the neighboring houses near Al Shifa to warn residents they had 30 minutes to evacuate or die in the bombing. The eyewitness accounts are coming out of Gaza about severe sexual abuse by the IDF. Females have reported being raped by IDF soldiers in a gang rape scene, as well as alone in front of their fathers, brothers or husband. In the religious and conservative society of Gaza, these crimes will be hushed up, swept under the rug, in an effort by male members of the family to preserve the honor and dignity of the victim. However, this leaves the victim to deal with the trauma of sexual abuse alone, and without a support system that gets the facts into the light of day. The abuse and trauma are magnified because she can't talk about it. But, many women and girls are defying the taboos and telling their story to humanitarian workers. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "We recognize that our staff, particularly our teachers, are the cornerstone of our schools and our most valuable asset." --Citizens of the World Charter School Failed congressional candidate Nick Melvoin promoting Citizens of the World on his LAUSD website (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA Charter schools not only receive funds from the same sources as LAUSD schools, but they also have access to funding sources that our public schools do not have. For example, during the pandemic, Congress created the Payroll Protection Program as a way to help small businesses get through the crisis but then allowed charter schools to receive this money. While public schools could not take advantage of this program, Citizens of the World Charter Schools received $2,000,000. Many charter schools also have access to donor networks of people who want to do everything possible to ensure that these publicly funded private schools "win" the competition against public schools. If these schools can attract the right benefactors they can provide programs to draw students away from their neighborhood schools. This is especially advantageous when the charter takes space on the public school's campus, creating a culture of the haves and the have-nots and providing a way to recruit students from their "host". The Citizens of the World (CWC) chain of charter schools has proven adept at drawing support from the education privatization movement, particularly from Hollywood. A gala was held last year on the Paramount Studios lot to support these private schools with a guestlist that included actress Kristen Bell and producer Mark Gordon. At one point Bell served on their governing board. However, according to a teacher at one of the chain's franchises, CWC is "not meeting [its] fundraising goals" and "has been undergoing financial strain for many years". This is unsurprising as the chain has been rocked by a series of scandals almost since its founding. This reached a crescendo last year when first-grade teachers at the East San Fernando Valley campus went beyond advocating for innocent citizens in Gaza and made "the disturbing suggestion that Jews should leave the region". Melvoin wrote a letter to Trump's Education Secretary backing additional funding for Citizens of the World (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA Short on funding, the chain has been balancing the budget on the backs of teachers. According to the employee referenced above, "veteran teachers [at CWC] have been quietly absorbing lower and lower pay compared to other... teachers in LA". The chain's management even admits that a "market analysis showed that [its] teachers, on average, are paid at the 23rd percentile when compared to... competitors." Under the previous pay scale the most experienced teachers stopped getting any increases after ten years of teaching. Under a new scale approved by the chain's board, more tenured teachers will continue receiving raises until their 13th year of teaching. However, this will come at a cost to teachers who have sought to expand their skills. The school will transition "away from a compensation model based on ongoing education credits", a system that was "largely based on LAUSD's". Teachers speaking out against the new pay scale risk their continued employment. Like most charter schools in Los Angeles, employees at Citizens of the World are not unionized, which is why they are so popular with the billionaire class that floods elections with cash in support of candidates who will not put their operations under the microscope of regulators. Considering the charter chain's past actions to silence opposition, firing a meddling teacher seems like a plausible step. Facing a paycheck that does not represent the cost and time of their academic accomplishments, it is likely that these teachers will look for employment at a school where their diplomas are appreciated. This will leave CWC's students with less-educated teachers who have not learned about cutting-edge methods for ensuring academic success. Even before this adjustment in how CWC pays its teachers, the charter chain already showed signs of distress. In the 2022-23 school year none of its franchises achieved the enrollment predicted in their charters with the Mar Vista site having almost half of what was specified. The last time the LAUSD updated the public on overdue PROP-39 overallocation fees, the chain had a past-due balance of $156,453. If using less-prepared teachers further reduces enrollment, these problems will multiply. Is the Charter School Division paying attention or will they once again ignore their responsibility of oversight? Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. Article Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their articles after publishing them. To see if the article was renamed or re-published, please click here. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator 16 Lebanese have died from Israeli airstrikes on the south of Lebanon since March 27. The first strike was on Hebbarieh, where seven young paramedic volunteers died, in the second attack five died at Tair Harfa, of which three were Hezbollah paramedics, and then an attack on Naqoura killed four, of which two were paramedics from the Amal Movement. Seven young medical volunteers were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Hebbarieh. The Islamic Emergency and Relief Corps operate a medical center in the Sunni village of 2,000 inhabitants that has never before been targeted by Israel. There had been ten persons earlier at the center, and after some left, the center was hit in a massive airstrike that residents recalled as being similar to an earthquake. The volunteer medical crew were all young, with the oldest of the dead just 25 yrs. The center was run by the Jamaa Islamiya (Islamic Group), a Sunni Muslim group affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood that had been established as a Lebanese political party over 50 years ago. Sheikh Mohammed Takkoush, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Group, said coordination with Hezbollah, the Shiite resistance organization, is vital to fight Israel. The Muslim Brotherhood is a global organization with a very heavy presence in America and Great Britain. US President Barak Obama was particularly closely affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and elevated the group to an ally status when he used their armed fighters as foot-soldiers in his project to overthrow the Syrian government. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has brought forward several legislative bills aimed at outlawing the Muslim Brotherhood in the US, but he has not had support from the US Congress. Usually, Israel strikes Hezbollah and Shiite targets in Lebanon, but this marks a first for Hebbarieh. The village elder reported at least ten houses had been destroyed in the attack, along with numerous cars that were burnt. The south of Lebanon is home to Christians, Sunnis, Druze and Shiites. During the Israeli occupation of Lebanon, 1985-2000, all the various religious communities suffered equally under the brutal Israeli military regime, which saw even women and children imprisoned at al-Haim prison. After the Israelis left in 2000, the prison was opened as a museum and memorial to the torture and suffering the Lebanese endured for decades. In the summer 2006 Israeli war on Lebanon, the prison was completely destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in an effort to erase the evidence of crimes against humanity committed there. Hezbollah released a statement condemning Israel's heinous criminal aggression, and pointed out that the center targeted was a medical center serving families in the village. Other health centers in the south are operated by Hezbollah's Islamic Health Society, and the Amal Movement's Risala Scouts, whose medical teams have carried out the majority of rescue missions since the war broke out in southern Lebanon in October. Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, condemned the Israeli airstrike on the medical volunteers in Hebbarieh calling it a heinous crime. Jumblatt called the attack a massacre that goes against all international laws, and called for an urgent complaint to the UN Security Council. Jumblatt is well known for his close relationship with America. Wael Abou Faour, Member of Parliament representing the PSP, described the attack as a "mass crime" against humanitarian workers. The Amal Movement referred to it as a massacre, and a war crime committed by Israel. The movement also said that the international community could no longer remain silent or turn a blind eye to what the Israeli war machine is committing in Palestine and Lebanon, considering these acts to be tantamount to crimes against humanity. Nabieh Berri, the leader of the Amal Movement, has held the office of Speaker of the Parliament for decades. He is an American citizen of Lebanese birth, having lived in the US previously. His movement is allied strategically with Hezbollah, which is also a political party which won through open elections seats in the Lebanese Parliament. The American media paints Lebanon as a country under the domination of an armed group, Hezbollah. However, Lebanon is home to many resistance groups, who may be from different religions, or political parties, but all hold the same passionate view towards Israel: that the occupation of Palestine must end, and Israel must end the occupation of Lebanese territory in Shebaa Farms. The armed resistance to occupation is guaranteed to all peoples by the Geneva convention. Tair Harfa attack Israel bombed Tair Harfa after sunset on March 27, killing five, three of whom were Islamic Health Society paramedics. The president of the Tair Harfa municipal council, Qassem Haidar, said that the Israeli airstrike targeted a house in the village, completely destroying it. Naqoura massacre Naqoura is a small city in southern Lebanon. Since March 23, 1978, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been headquartered in Naqoura. Israel bombed Naqoura shortly after the Tair Harfa attack. Two paramedics from the Risala Scouts were killed along with three others at a cafe' as they were about to break their fast in the Holy month of Ramadan. The Amal Movement announced the death of two of its members: Ali Ahmad Mahdi, and first responder Hussein Ahmad Hojeir. Both men were from Naqoura and were killed in the Israeli attack. Nearly 240 Hezbollah resistance fighters and about 40 civilians have died in Lebanon, while the cross-border exchanges of fire have killed nine civilians and 11 soldiers in Israel. Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon had already killed more than half a dozen medical personnel and rescue workers, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Other Israeli strikes on Lebanon Israeli artillery shelling targeted the outskirts of the town of Mais al-Jabal and shelled the town of Blida in the Marjayoun district. Heavy Israeli artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Adaisseh, with two Israeli artillery shells falling east of the village of Taybeh, and the Israeli army fired with machine guns at residential neighborhoods in the village of Kfar Kila and the outskirts of Odaisseh, also an Israeli drone fired a missile on a House in Dhaira, Sour district, but the explosive failed to detonate. Hezbollah strikes back In response to the recent deadly attacks on southern Lebanon, Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets at the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona and the military base of the Israeli 769th Brigade in the Kiryat Shmona barracks, which killed one person. Hezbollah also said they fired on surveillance equipment at the Israeli site of Miskav Am, opposite the Lebanese village of Adaisseh. More than 32,000 people have been killed in Gaza and 74,000 wounded, women and children make up two-thirds of the dead. Hezbollah, and many other resistance groups, are standing in solidarity with the suffering Palestinian people. Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator When Israel struck and destroyed the Iranian Consulate in Damascus on April 1, their partners, the terrorists following Radical Islam, were coordinating attacks on the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). This is not the first time that Israel has coordinated and partnered with terrorists in Syria. In the latest incident, Israel attacked Damascus with an airstrike which hit the Iranian Consulate, while Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) attacked the SAA in the outskirts of Idlib in north west Syria, east of Latakia and west of Aleppo. The terrorists used suicide bombers as well as armed terrorists to carry out the attack which claimed the lives of SAA soldiers. On March 31, Israel attacked the Jamraya Research Center in Damascus, and at the same time HTS was attacking near Jebel al Zawaya, and the SAA positions south of Idlib. The SAA pushed back against the terrorists by using massive gun power, supported by the Russian air force, and killing and injuring foreign terrorists, including Uyghurs from the East Turkmenistan Islamic Party (TIP). On March 29, Israel targeted Aleppo with airstrikes, which killed civilians, while at the same time HTS coordinated attacks on the SAA positions near Aleppo utilizing foreign terrorists including those from Tajikistan, the same country of origin as the so-called IS terrorists who attacked the Crocus Center in Moscow recently. In this attack, the HTS utilized drones, and suicide bombers. Many, if not most, of the foreign terrorists were killed. After the attack, the HTS media claimed they had taken over SAA positions in west Aleppo, which the SAA quickly proved was a false claim, and showed video evidence refuting the claim which showed the dead terrorists. On March 28, Israel targeted a residential building in Damascus killing civilians, and the HTS coordinated attack in suburbs of Idlib, used 1,900 armed terrorists as they targeted the SAA. The majority of the terrorists were foreigners, such as: Chechens, Tajiks, Uyghurs, Uzbeks and Turkmen. The SAA responded to the attack by using air force, missiles, tanks and Russian military support. The majority of the terrorists were killed or injured, and the HTS media reported the Idlib hospitals are full of their fighters, and several big leaders have died. The HTS did not gain any territory in these attacks, even though they used a massive amount of weapons and fighters. Since the outset of the March 2011 US-NATO attack on Syria for regime change, Israel has been an active partner with the US, and has supplied weapons to the terrorists attempting to change Syria from a secular government into a Muslim Brotherhood led government, which would be US-friendly. Under President Obama, and his VP Biden, they elevated the Muslim Brotherhood to ally status. The Muslim Brotherhood is a global terrorist organization, but despite Senator Ted Cruz bringing a bill to Congress several times, he could not find the votes to outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood in the US, which finds support among Democrats and Republicans alike. Obama saw the opportunity to overthrow the Syrian government without having to use American soldiers, by using the terrorists following Radical Islam as his foot soldiers, to fight the SAA, which is a national conscripted army made up of only Syrian males over 18 who are not enrolled in university. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume trilateral talks, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "We believe that it is high time we reinstated the regular work of the Russia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral mechanisms," she said at a news conference, Tass reports. "We urge our partners to show political will, to resume communication that proved its effectiveness in the formats which helped, with Russia's assistance, start the search for effective solutions to the most difficult issues, including border delimitation, unblocking of transportation and logistics routes in the region, and the development of a peace treaty," Tass quoted Zakharova as saying. According to the diplomat, all territorial disputes and claims between Baku and Yerevan should be settled exclusively by political and diplomatic methods within the bilateral commission on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. "We are ready on our part to do all we can to help this along," she said. "Unlike the European Union and the US, which are engaged in wringing concessions from one side and making threats against the other, we have always advocated for a comprehensive, compromise-based settlement of existing differences in the interests of establishing lasting peace and prosperity across the modern-day Caucasus. Our proposal remains on the negotiating table," Zakharova said asquotedbyTASS. Christchurch, New Zealand UFO Sighting of Giant Blue Glowing disc March 29, 2011, Photos. (Image by DragonRal from flickr) Details DMCA By Bob Gaydos "They're not out there." The little green men. The flying saucers. The UAPs. The UFOs. The whatever-they-are that-move-faster-than possible. Trust us. It's one big game of phone tag encouraged by movies, TV and conspiracy theorists. Nothing happening. Nothing covered up. Nothing being reverse engineered. Get on with your day. That is all. The above is the gist of a 67-page report issued recently by the Defense Department's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office, entitled "Report on the Historical Record of U.S. Government Involvement with Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena." To wit: Nothing out there. Nothing in some desert in New Mexico. The AARO, given full funding by Congress to do its job, concluded that most sitings were simply "misidentification" and, contrary to recent whistleblower claims, it "found no empirical evidence for claims that the USG and private companies have been reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology." Well " not so fast. I'm not a UFO fanatic or a conspiracy theorist, but I do believe the odds favor some form of life elsewhere in the universe and I know it's risky business blindly accepting a report by a government agency summarily dismissing allegations against other segments of the same department. Also, I know that there were no weapons of mass destruction buried in Iraq, the U.S. did secretly buy weapons from Iran to arm Nicaraguan rebels and it's still a bit sketchy on whether North Vietnamese ships really attacked U.S. Navy warships in the Gulf of Tonkin, thrusting the U.S. fully into the war in Vietnam. The point? The Defense Department investigating the Defense Department on a matter of wide public interest and controversy is probably not the best way to resolve long-standing questions. The mere fact that the government stopped referring to UFOs as UFOs and started calling them UAPs, unidentified aerial phenomena, suggests an effort to distance from easier public understanding of the topic. Give it a serious sounding name, suggesting all the other UFO stuff is just Hollywood making money. Most of the world will probably still refer to the balloons, satellites and other objects as UFOs, regardless. The report was requested by Congress after numerous reports by Navy pilots and other military personnel regarding the sighting of strange objects in the sky and reports from former Defense Department employees of some technology, not of this planet, being secretly reverse-engineered by the government and private companies. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Attention all travelers: Ms. Sampa Ghosh, also known as Ritikia Ghosh or Sumpa Ghosh Debnath, (Phone no. 9064**5360 ; Email: ritikag**sh6890@gmail.com; the entire contact details not shared to protect individual's privacy) operating under North Winds Tour and Travel, is engaging in deceitful tourism practices. She makes false promises, misappropriates funds, and has a history of mistreating tourists. In a recent incident involving senior citizens, Ms. Ghosh abruptly canceled a tourism trip just one The chief executive of the Tillamook County Creamery Association, which produces Tillamook brand cheese and dairy products, will step down this year. Patrick Criteser, who has led the dairy cooperative since 2012, said in a statement Tuesday hed achieved what hed set out to in its top job by raising Tillamooks profile and dramatically expanding its distribution beyond the West Coast. The cooperative found his replacement in David Booth, its executive vice president of brand growth and commercialization. A Tillamook executive since 2015, he previously worked for 18 years at ConAgra Brands, one of the nations largest food companies. Booth has been named the companys president and will also assume the title of CEO when Criteser leaves. Shannon Lourenzo, chair of the creamery associations board, credited Criteser with growing Tillamook into a $1.3 billion business. (The privately held cooperative does not regularly disclose financial information.) David is a very talented leader and is someone who is well-equipped to continue the cooperatives growth, Lourenzo said in a statement, which will further strengthen our farmer-owners, create more jobs and advancement opportunities for our employees, and enable us to continue to positively impact the communities where we live and work. Tillamook, founded in 1909 by farmers in the county for which its named, employs more than 1,100, most in Tillamook, Portland and Boardman. It reported in 2021 that its owners include 65 farming families, though much of the milk used in its products comes from outside suppliers. The company continues to win accolades for its products, earning a first-place award for its extra sharp cheddar at last years American Cheese Competition. As its grown, though, its also faced criticism for the industrial-scale dairy operations that supply much of its milk and allegations that its marketing seeks to obscure its dependence on such suppliers. -- Elliot Njus edits business news. Contact him at enjus@oregonian.com. Calling it his No. 1 goal before leaving Congress, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer on Wednesday pushed for lawmakers to close a trade loophole that allows millions of packages into the U.S. without inspection or tariffs many believed to contain fentanyl and fentanyl-making chemicals from China. The international mail floods the country under whats known as the de minimis rule of the Tariff Act of 1930 that says individual packages can be shipped directly to American consumers if the contents are worth $800 or less. The mail faces virtually no inspection, documentation and is free of duties, taxes or fees. Clark County sheriffs deputies arrested a man Tuesday for allegedly killing a man with a bow and arrow, officials said. Richard Vanderhoek, of Vancouver, faces a likely charge of murder in the second degree, according to jail records. Sheriffs deputies responded at about 6:44 a.m. Tuesday to a house near the 3200 block of Northeast Petticoat Lane in Vancouver after a man told a 911 dispatcher he had shot another man with a bow and arrow after an altercation, according to the Clark County Sheriffs Office. The deputies found a man dead in the driveway of a home with an arrow in his chest, according to the sheriffs office. Vanderhoek allegedly told deputies the first name of the victim and described him as an acquaintance. Officials have not released the name of the victim. According to sheriffs officials, at around 6:05 a.m. a witness saw Vanderhoek and the victim fighting in front of the house where the victim was later found dead. The witness said one of the men walked away and the other followed him in a car, sheriffs officials said in a statement. Both men soon returned to the driveway of the house, where a second altercation ensued, ending with the victim being shot by the bow and arrow, according to sheriffs officials. Deputies took Vanderhoek to an area hospital for minor injuries, the sheriffs office said. Court records show that a 46-year-old man named Richard Cole Vanderhoek of Vancouver, has past convictions for possession of a stolen vehicle, methamphetamine possession with intention to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm. Vanderhoek is being held in jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Tanner Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com, or 503-221-4313. Bigs Chicken didnt start in Beaverton. But after a fire destroyed the Northeast Portland original, the smoked chicken shacks big, TV-filled Central Beaverton space did technically become its oldest outpost. Now, six years after Bigs Chicken paved the way for the dozens of new restaurants, cafes and beer bars crowding around Southwest Watson Avenue, the former pop-up has served its last smoked chicken sandwiches, wings and smash burgers. In a few weeks, the former Peddlers Pack building will reopen as Ate Oh Ate, a Hawaiian restaurant from the same family as Bigs, Your Neighborhood Restaurant Group, which also runs Laurelhurst Market, Reverends BBQ and Sandy Os sandwich shop. At Bigs Chicken original pop-up in Laurelhurst Markets parking lot, chef Ben Bettinger and his team served Five Napkin Chicken sandwiches slathered in two sauces a Fresno chile and a mayo-based Alabama white. The original brick-and-mortar opened in the North Tabor neighborhood in 2017, but its building, and the restaurants roadhouse decor, were destroyed in a July fire. Two years and a Beaverton opening later, the restaurant returned to Northeast Glisan Street 10 blocks west of the original. That location, at 46060 N.E. Glisan St., remains open. Fans are predictably upset about the switch up, pointing out that while Beaverton already has plenty of Hawaiian restaurants, but nothing quite like Bigs. Lots of good Hawaiian food out here already, but only one Bigs, writer Emily Hemenway commented, this is not ideal. Ate Oh Ate hopes its teriyaki chicken plates, katsu sandwiches, burgers topped with crispy pork belly and butter mochi can inspire its own loyal fans. When it opens later this month, the Hawaiian restaurant with locations at 2454 E. Burnside St. and 5200 S.E. Woodstock Blvd. will become the latest Portland restaurant to expand to Central Beaverton. That collection of mini chains already includes nearby locations of Afuri, Loyal Legion, Top Burmese, Burnside Brewing, Ranch Pizza, K-Town Korean BBQ, Pho Oregon, Sizzle Pie, The Whole Bowl, Magna Kubo, Pips Original Donuts & Chai as well as Bamboo Sushi and Salt & Straw outposts at Cedar Hills Crossing mall. Ate Oh Ate hopes to open in a few weeks in the former Bigs Chicken building, 4570 S.W. Watson Ave., ate-oh-ate.com Further reading: Bigs Chicken smokes up the sandwich of the summer Bigs Chicken goes to Beaverton, gets bigger, adds burger The ultimate guide to Central Beavertons 30 best restaurants Beaverton booming: Meet the new and upcoming restaurants bringing heat to Portlands best dining suburb How Beaverton became a food and drink destination (Beat Check podcast) Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com Several notable chefs and restaurants in Portland, McMinnville and Ashland were among the finalists announced Wednesday for the 2024 James Beard Awards, an event that aims to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts. Though Portland has won plenty of regional best chef awards over the years Greg Higgins, Andy Ricker, Naomi Pomeroy, to name a few the city hasnt often fared well in the national categories, which have historically been won by restaurants in New York and other large cities with higher concentrations of voters. A massive tri-county heat mapping project has confirmed that summer temperatures vary widely across the metro region with the hottest temperatures experienced by people living in suburban areas near highways. The new data, unveiled Wednesday by Multnomah County health officials, shows how the built environment the amount of pavement, proximity to highways and number of trees can increase or decrease the temperature in a neighborhood during the summer, potentially leading to different health outcomes. The mapping the most precise and wide-ranging to date will help Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties and community organizations better prepare for extreme heat events and reduce risks among the most vulnerable residents, public health officials said. Heat waves are especially dangerous to older people, low-income people, people with disabilities and people of color, health officials say. One stark finding: Across the three-county area, there was a 17-degree difference between the hottest and coolest places on the afternoon of July 22, 2023, the day that volunteers collected readings. The highest temperature was recorded in Tualatin, at 92.1 degrees, while the lowest was in Portlands Forest Park, at 77.6 degrees. The high that day, according to the National Weather Service, was 89 at Portland International Airport. The hottest areas had fewer trees, more hard surfaces like roads, rooftops and parking lots and sprawling development patterns, said Brendon Haggerty, a manager with the Multnomah County Health Department. The coolest areas were parks and rural forested areas. For some people that can be the difference between life and death or going to the emergency room, or feeling safe and cool enough in your home, Haggerty said. According to the collected data, Multnomah Countys hottest cities are Wood Village, Maywood Park and Fairview. Portlands hottest areas are near Lents, Mall 205 and industrial areas near Portland International Airport. Washington Countys hottest areas include parts of Sherwood, Tualatin and Cornelius. And Clackamas Countys hottest cities are Molalla, Canby and Wilsonville. The heat mapping campaign aimed to identify heat-related risks on the heels of the 2021 heat dome, which killed dozens of people in Multnomah County and sent hundreds to the emergency room with heat-related illnesses. The project builds on previous efforts to understand how extreme heat varies by neighborhood in the metro area. Its part of a nationwide effort to map urban heat islands areas that experience the most harmful health effects of rising temperatures. More than 100 volunteers drove predetermined routes three times a day across the three counties on July 22, collecting temperature and other readings via a special sensor affixed to their cars. They collected more than 269,000 temperature readings, covering over 400 square miles. The data was then crunched and a map created by CAPA Strategies LLC, a Portland-based climate consulting firm that partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to map heat islands around the U.S. and the world. Portland had the highest range between coolest and hottest places of all of the cities, a 14.1-degree difference. Its lowest temperature recorded was 77.6 degrees on the northern edge of Forest Park and the highest 91.7 degrees in the Hazelwood neighborhood, off Northeast 102nd Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street. Previous heat mapping efforts in Multnomah County relied on satellite remote sensing to map land surface temperatures and estimate community risk. The heat mapping campaign, on the other hand, recorded ground-level temperature, which is a lot more precise, Haggerty said. The mapping campaigns results will inform actions by the three counties on emergency management, land use planning, tree planting, housing and transportation, among others, he said. The new data will be used to update Multnomah Countys Heat Vulnerability Index, an interactive tool that displays how heat vulnerability, sensitivity and exposure affect peoples ability to adapt to extreme heat by census tract or specific address. Clackamas County and Washington County will use the new data to inform their Climate Adaptation plans and emergency response plans. County officials said healthcare and outreach workers can use the new heat map to prioritize people who are most at risk during extreme heat and alert residents to make plans for hot summer days. Translated versions of the hottest areas identified in the project will be available in the coming weeks. In the future, the counties also can add other data layers, including the type and age of buildings, the number of trees in a neighborhood and estimates that a home has an air conditioner all in the effort to identify which populations and neighborhoods are at greatest risk from extreme heat and in need of more help. Gosia Wozniacka covers environmental justice, climate change, the clean energy transition and other environmental issues. Reach her at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154. I read with interest the letter on moving students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms, (Readers respond: Special ed school integration long delayed, March 27). In 1990, as a first grader, my daughter was placed in our neighborhood school as one of the first students moved into a new PPS full inclusion program. I had been involved in schools long enough to know educational changes often go in cycles. The 1990 cycle of full inclusion lasted only a few years. My daughter did benefit from being educated along with her peers. The peers also benefited from being with her; its my guess it affected their lifelong ability to relate to those with disabilities. By the time she was in fourth grade, there was a transition back to self-contained Special Ed classrooms combined with an occasional pullout to a regular ed class. Few, if any, explanations were given for the change. I am not aware of any organized effort by parents to protest the reversal. I knew full inclusion would come around again, but I didnt think it would take 30 years! I am glad to hear it is back. To help avoid another sudden reversal, I encourage parents to be supportive partners with the school. Keep communication lines open, ask what you can do to be of assistance, volunteer if there are district planning committees and build a relationship with all levels of the school educators and administration. I am hopeful that with positive parental and community involvement, the inclusion of Special Ed students will stick permanently this time. Pam Groves, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. The Clackamas County Democrats Black Caucus endorsed state Rep. Janelle Bynum for Oregons 5th Congressional District on Monday, giving the Black Happy Valley Democrat their stamp of approval weeks after endorsing her white opponent. The move comes after the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported on Monday that the caucus failed to allow Bynum to compete for an endorsement. Cris Waller, chair of the Clackamas County Democrats, and caucus member Kate Greenfield say that wasnt intentional. They say that caucus chair Mary-Elizabeth Harper had an email glitch that caused her not to see Bynums request for an endorsement for nearly a month, and that caucus members only learned about the issue in the last week, after Bynum called Harper. Its much to do about nothing, Greenfield said. But it is very damaging to the Bynum campaign and Im really, overall, just sick about it. Harper did not respond to messages seeking comment and instead asked Waller to speak to The Oregonian/OregonLive on her behalf. Waller, though she leads the county party, is not a caucus member. Emails show that Harper sent a message to Clackamas Democrats on Feb. 27, asking them to reply if they wanted to compete for an endorsement from the countys Black Caucus. Blakely Wall, Bynums campaign manager, replied to the email the next day and followed up twice more in March, emails show. But Harper never saw those emails from Wall, Waller and Greenfield say. Caucus members were confused why Bynum wouldnt seek the Black Caucus nomination, Greenfield said. However, its not unusual for candidates to ignore the caucus email, and the caucus does not follow up with candidates, she said. Greenfield recommended that Harper not make an exception to that practice by following up with only Bynum to see if she intended to apply for endorsement, she said. By March 13, the caucus had voted to approve endorsements for other candidates. Jamie McLeod-Skinner, Bynums opponent, touted her support from the caucus on Twitter the next day. Bynum called Harper on March 26, Waller said, and that was the first that the caucus learned that Bynum had tried several times to seek their endorsement, she said. After that call, the Black Caucus sent Bynum an endorsement questionnaire and called a meeting to consider her endorsement, Waller said. The caucus voted to endorse her on Monday. The caucus has endorsed both McLeod-Skinner and Bynum, Waller said. The Clackamas County Democrats have also endorsed both candidates for the race. Waller said that Bynums campaign knows her and could have contacted her to ask about any issues with the caucus questionnaire. However, Harpers first email to candidates says that the Black caucus functions independently from the county party when considering its nominations. It also did not list a deadline for candidates to respond. Waller and the Black Caucus are still investigating why Harper did not receive emails from the Bynum campaign. Harper has been having issues with her email account, Waller said. The caucus has not heard from any other candidates that their endorsement emails went unanswered, Waller said, and it has set up a new mailbox that can be accessed by multiple people for communicating with candidates in the future. We realize that there was an error here, but the error was not deliberate, Waller said. ... We did our best to clear it up as soon as we found out about it. Were taking steps to make sure it doesnt happen again. Waller personally supports Jamie McLeod-Skinner for the race and has filmed a video for the candidate, but she says that she is neutral in her official capacity as party chair. Though Bynum is now endorsed by the caucus, the endorsement cames too late for Bynum to include it among her accolades in the Voters Pamphlet for the May primary. Rep. Bynum remains grateful for the work of the Clackamas County Black Caucus, Wall said in a statement on Tuesday. (She) hopes to work together moving forward to fulfill our shared goal: elevating the voices of underrepresented communities across Oregon, and achieving the progress our families deserve in the halls of power. Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430. By Hue Pham and Sheena Shirani New Canadian Media Canadas escalating housing crisis and surging immigration rates are pushing a growing number of refugee women into an ill-suited and sometimes unsafe shelter system that was primarily designed for the chronically homeless, advocates say. This often chaotic environment compounds the profound challenges these women face, including fleeing gender-based violence, securing necessary support for legal documentation, and accessing resources to find employment and earn an income. Mwajuma, a 33-year-old refugee from Tanzania with a background in law and a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM), arrived in Canada with hopes of living authentically as a lesbian, but found unexpected challenges while seeking refuge in a foreign land. On the first day I arrived at the shelter, I was so confused. I saw drug addicts and those with mental disabilities outside. I even questioned if I was in the right place, Mwajuma recalled, prompting her to reach out to Central Intake, the service handling shelter placements in Toronto. Mwajuma expressed concern about cramped rooms, lack of ventilation, and insufficient personal space, exacerbated by the need to share accommodations with up to four other individuals. She shared her distress over frequently changing roommates. A mentally ill person came to my room at midnight, and the air changed. Like I had to sneeze the whole night because they had no air circulation. And that woman had a bad smell. And she didnt wash. They didnt tell her to wash herself, Mwajuma said. Drawing attention to the disparate treatment between refugees and Canadians, she noted that African refugees are required to undergo strict hygiene protocols upon arrival, including washing all their clothes and showering, while Canadians face no such obligations. They tell us we bring diseases from Africa, said Mwajuma. She also shared challenges with shelter staff and said, they frown. Their body language is bad. You are scared to ask something from them, especially the front desk. The others can also be rude but thats not really important. But the front desk, its like you have to beg them to provide you with a service. Mwajuma noted that refugees in the shelter often miss out on opportunities intended for them because immigration officials fail to recognize their status. She emphasized the oversight occurs because they reside in a homeless shelter that caters to all categories of homeless individuals, not specifically refugees. Our counselor had to contact immigration and request work permits for us as well. They didnt know we existed, she said. She also pointed out cultural differences among residents, such as discomfort with undressing in front of others and using public toilets, especially given the presence of drug-addiction. Some residents are comfortable taking all their clothes off in front of another person. The other person thinks, why is she taking her clothes off here? she said. During Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, Mwajuma lacked provisional support. While she had food for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before she starts her fast, she had no iftar, the evening meal to break her fast. Instead, shed have to drink hot water. Despite her challenges, Mwajuma remains hopeful for a better future and advocates for dedicated shelters for refugees, where their specific needs and cultural differences are taken into account. There should be shelters specifically for refugees, where our needs are understood. Everyone should have privacy, she asserted. Prentiss Dantzler, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Toronto, highlighted the challenges faced by those facing the rental market, noting vulnerable factors include being a newcomer, single income household, a minority, and a woman. Consequently, newcomer women of colour with dependents have some of the toughest hurdles navigating the housing market. Renting spaces is really wild. Its a lot harder for newcomers to get into the rental market, Dantzler explained, emphasizing the obstacles these women encounter. Youll typically need to have all your documents already approved before you even go see a unit. He elaborated on the rigorous demands placed on renters including income verification, background and credit checks, as well as working with real estate agents, all of which require considerable time and money which can overwhelm any individual let alone refugee women. Consequently, many refugee women resort to the shelter system. While the federal government recently rolled out new funding for shelters across the country, Arthur Durieux, director of Montreals Le Pont shelter for refugee claimants, is worried about how the funds will be applied. If it comes with strict or inhumane conditions, I will not take it, Durieux said. Durieux said that funding requirements often mean they would have to push people out of shelters as soon as possible, which is not reflective of the lived experience of people his shelter works with. Le Pont specializes in the needs of vulnerable women, single mothers and refugee families. Two weeks to get social welfare, get the papers, cure their trauma and everything theyve been through, find an apartment, learn French and good luck with everything and this is not realistic, said Durieux. He said some women arrive pregnant, so its not practical to have them stay for only a few weeks when they need specialized care. Often he will allow women to determine their own stay. Siu Mee Cheng, executive director of Street Haven womens shelter in Toronto, said refugee women used to make up around 30% of their clientele yearly. But in the last year and a half, they represent around 80% of clients. Since June of last year, weve turned over 600 women at our door. And thats actually more women than we ever served in any- like, in a year, Cheng revealed. In recent years, the City of Toronto has witnessed a staggering increase in the number of refugee claimants seeking shelter, with figures soaring by 440% from September 2021 to May 2023, surging from 537 to 2,900 individuals. While specific gender breakdowns are not provided, statistics from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal that in 2019 and recent years, approximately 47% of overall resettled refugees were female, compared to 53% who were male. Cheng emphasized that refugee women, while often highly motivated and eager for independence compared to the chronically homeless, find themselves compelled to stay in shelters for extended periods due to the ongoing housing crisis. She said Street Haven has plans for expansion in response to these persistent trends. Deputations have been sent to the City of Toronto seeking additional funding to enhance their housing services to meet womens needs, acknowledging the harsh reality of the situation. We cannot get rid of shelters, thats just not rational given what is happening with the influx of refugees and we did also see patterns of migration exponentially increasing and so we cannot not have shelters, Cheng said. Cheng said shes seen many refugee women go on to build successful and fulfilling lives in Canada, provided they receive the necessary support to do so. The minute they arrive and land in Toronto and they get off their plane, they should be greeted by a welcome center that immediately connects them to legal support and healthcare support, she said. This article was produced as part of the following series: "https://www.newcanadianmedia.ca/inclusive-journalism-microcredential-coh..." \t "_blank" Inclusive Journalism Microcredential offered by New Canadian Media and Seneca Polytechnic. Gov. Tina Kotek on Wednesday signed into law a bill that will limit the amount of money that individuals and groups can contribute to Oregon political campaigns starting in 2027. The law is historic for Oregon, which has seen increasingly large sums of money poured into campaigns. Kotek and lawmakers of both parties praised each other for achieving compromise on the bill during this years legislative session. The bill cleared the Legislature with overwhelming support from both parties and support from good government groups, labor unions and business groups, which negotiated the details of the bill. The passage of the bill represents the best of whats possible when people with different viewpoints and who have a common goal can thoughtfully come together and provide the leadership that Oregonians so want to see, Kotek said. The law restricts contributions from individuals and corporations to political campaigns to $3,300 per election and establishes limits on how much money political parties, caucus committees and other politically-affiliated groups can accept from various groups. It also requires so-called dark money groups that spend independently on candidate campaigns to disclose their significant donors. Due to Oregons permissive campaign contribution rules, more than 20 entities and individuals have dropped $1 million or more at a time into Oregon political campaigns since 2007, when electronic record keeping began. Notably, Nike co-founder Phil Knight has spent $1 million or more to support a candidate or cause seven times. Right behind him is the Oregon teachers union, which has done so six times and been bolstered by its national affiliate, which did so three times. This bill will finally meaningfully limit campaign contributions in Oregon, said newly-elected House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene. It will level the playing field between everyday Oregonians and the billionaires who have been pouring money into Oregon campaigns in recent years. The bill came together midway through this years legislative session in response to two competing ballot measures that would have asked voters to set limits on campaign contributions. One of those measures, drafted by the good government groups, would have set stricter limits than the other measure, backed by a coalition of labor unions. Labor unions and business lobbying group Oregon Business & Industry successfully encouraged Fahey to introduce a campaign finance proposal during the five-week session to avoid a fight at the ballot. Fahey and House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich then nudged those groups to negotiate with good government groups on the details of the bill. After the bill passed the Legislature, the good government groups and the labor union coalition both agreed to drop their proposed ballot measures. Helfrich said the bill is a strong example of Republicans and Democrats setting aside their differences for progress. He said he would like to see similar compromise and agreement in future legislative sessions. I want the people of Oregon to know that Republicans hear you, and that is why I helped negotiate this bill, Helfrich said. Everyone deserves the chance to participate in our democracy. It is not an exercise only for the rich and powerful. Lawmakers and the groups that negotiated the bill also agree that it will require fine-tuning in future sessions to ensure it increases transparency and limits spending in Oregon politics as intended. There will inevitably come a time when someone somewhere looks to manipulate what weve done on (this bill) for their own political benefit and we cannot let that happen, said Angela Wilhelms, president and CEO of Oregon Business & Industry, at Wednesdays bill signing. We have to remember the spirit of compromise that got us here today. Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com. An Oregon group has decided to table until 2028 its proposed ballot measure to empower an independent commission instead of elected politicians to redraw boundaries of the states congressional and legislative districts. The group cited a drawn-out legal challenge from labor unions and a lack of financial support as primary reasons for the delay. Leaders of People Not Politicians, the group behind the proposed measure, decided to pause the campaign due to a lack of funding for advertising and signature gathering, its leaders said. As of Tuesday, the group had collected less than half of the 156,231 signatures required to get the measure on this years ballot, according to executive director Norman Turrill. Some of Israels closest allies, including the United States, on Tuesday condemned the deaths of seven aid workers who were killed by airstrikes in Gaza a loss that prompted multiple charities to suspend food deliveries to Palestinians on the brink of starvation. The deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers threatened to set back efforts by the U.S. and other countries to open a maritime corridor for aid from Cyprus to help ease the desperate conditions in northern Gaza. A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment. Humanitarian groups are considering pausing efforts in Gaza over safety concerns after an airstrike carried out by the Israeli military killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers on Monday. This comes amid an impending famine. World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres in 2010, provides fresh meals for people impacted by conflict or natural disasters. A team based in Gaza served millions of people ravaged by the war that broke out in October between Israel and Hamas, killing more than 32,000 people before operations were halted after the airstrike. Andres said on social media that he was heartbroken and grieving for the deaths of his team members. The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing, he said on Monday. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now. Mondays deadly airstrike is one of many attacks that has resulted in a record number of deaths to humanitarian aid workers. Nearly 200 aid workers have been killed since October, about three times higher than any other conflict, according to the United Nations. This has caused many organizations to reconsider operations in Gaza. The nonprofit American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) announced that it is taking the unprecedented step of pausing its humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza following the attack. The organization said the bombings come less than a month after the still-unexplained killing of one of their staff members. This and the loss of other aid workers and their families led Anera to decide that delivering aid safely was no longer feasible. While we understand the severe consequences this suspension will have on the Palestinian population, the escalating risks associated with aid delivery leave us with no choice but to halt operations until our staff regain confidence that they can do their work without undue risk, the organization said in a statement. The organization stressed the gravity of the decision, noting that conditions for the first time in six months have become intolerable with disregard for international law. This is the first time in more than 50 years that Anera has stopped operations in the Palestinian territories. Project HOPE, a nonprofit humanitarian aid group, paused their programming in the region for the next three days in solidarity with the killed aid workers and to reassess security for their staff. The organization denounced the bombings in a statement on Tuesday and called for an immediate ceasefire and accountability in an international criminal court. Project HOPE also lost a colleague in the war and said this was the most dangerous place in the world to be a humanitarian worker. On Monday, two armored cars with the WCK logo and another vehicle were hit after the team unloaded about 100 tons of food in Deir al-Balah. The attack happened despite coordinating travel with the Israel Defense Forces, WCK said in a statement. 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. This is unforgivable, said WCK CEO Erin Gore. The seven people killed were from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada and Palestine. WCK released their identities on Tuesday. The organization said it would be making decisions about the future of their work soon. The airstrike drew immediate criticism in the U.S. and around the world, prompting concerns that already difficult efforts to increase humanitarian aid to the starving region will be met with more hostilities. Some Palestinian rights groups went further and accused Israel of intentionally planning the attack, knowing the world would allow them to continue to starve Gaza with impunity. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council on Monday posted that they are heartbroken and deeply troubled by the strike and reiterated that humanitarian workers must be protected. On Tuesday night, President Joe Biden said he was outraged in what analysts consider the harshest rebuke by the White House against Israels actions in the war. Biden said this is not a stand-alone incident. Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. Incidents like (that) simply should not happen, Biden said. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties. Biden said he is pushing hard for an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to release hostages held by Hamas. Some Republicans and GOP groups also expressed dismay about the airstrike. The John McCain institute said in a statement that it supports Israels right to defend itself, but the country needs to do it in a way that is militarily more precise. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike was an unintended consequence of wartime and said they will ensure it does not happen again. The IDF said in a statement that it is investigating the circumstances of the attack. Organizations pausing aid in Gaza comes after the U.S. decided in its fiscal appropriations bill to stop funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) at least until March next year. The U.S. has historically provided the majority of UNRWAs funding, but that changed early this year amid claims by Israel of UNRWA staff involvement in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The U.N. has cast doubt on those claims over a lack of evidence, but at least 16 nations put their funding on hold. As of Tuesday, the European Commission, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Finland and most recently Japan have lifted their pauses on UNRWA aid, according to Al Jazeera. Commentary By Sylvain Charlebois Poutine, that deliciously indulgent combination of cheese curds, fries, and gravy, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. While many attribute its creation to Jean-Claude Roy in Drummondville in 1964, the true origins of poutine can be traced back to Fernand Lachance and his wife Germaine in Warwick, Quebec. It was at their restaurant, LIdeal (later Le Lutin qui Rit), where the word poutine first appeared on a menu in 1957. At that time, Quebec was under the influence of Maurice Duplessis (premier from 1936 until his death in 1959, except for the war years of 194044) and the Catholic Church. Interestingly, the original poutine didnt include gravy, as Fernand wasnt a fan. It wasnt until around 1962 that Germaine added her sauce as a side dish, completing the iconic trio of ingredients. However, in 1964, Roy, a professional saucier, was the first to combine all three main ingredients: cheese curds, gravy, and fries. This historical account is detailed in my book Poutine Nation, released in 2021. The dishs popularity grew rapidly, with chip trucks spreading it across rural Quebec. In 1972, Ashton Leblond, the founder of the Ashton restaurants, further popularized poutine in the Quebec City region, emphasizing the importance of Quebecs cheese curds in the dish. Today, poutine can be found on menus worldwide, from Washington to Shanghai, forever associated with Quebec and Canadian cuisine. Despite its global popularity, poutine has yet to receive the recognition it deserves on the international stage. UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, has been declaring intangible cultural heritage since 2003, including dishes like Neapolitan pizza, French baguette, and Chinese traditional tea. Canada, however, has not signed this convention, meaning no Canadian dish is currently on UNESCOs list. Canada has the opportunity to change this by becoming a signatory to the convention and nominating poutine as the first Canadian dish to be declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Poutines journey from a humble rural Quebec dish to a global culinary icon is a testament to its cultural significance, deserving of recognition on the world stage. Poutines success story is one of resilience and adaptation. It has evolved over the years, with variations that include toppings like pulled pork, foie gras, and even lobster. Despite these modern twists, the core elements of poutine remain unchanged, a testament to its enduring appeal. Part of what makes poutine so special is its ability to bring people together. Whether youre enjoying it at a roadside chip truck in rural Quebec or a trendy restaurant in a cosmopolitan city, poutine has a way of creating a sense of shared experience. Its a dish that transcends borders and cultures, bringing a little piece of Quebec and Canada wherever it goes. Yes, it may be disgustingly unhealthy, but it is indeed iconic. In addition to its cultural significance, poutine is also economically important. It has become a symbol of Canadian identity, attracting tourists from around the world who want to experience this iconic dish firsthand. In Quebec, poutine is not just a dish; its an industry supporting cheese curd producers, potato farmers, and restaurateurs across the province. As we celebrate poutines 60th anniversary, lets not just enjoy this delicious dish but also reflect on its cultural and economic impact. Lets recognize poutine for what it is: a true Canadian success story and a culinary masterpiece that deserves its place among the worlds most beloved dishes. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. Blantyre, Malawi (PANA) - Aid teams in Malawi are appealing for an additional $70 million to those affected by serious drought conditions that have hit 23 out of 28 districts nationwide On Monday, the Florida Supreme Court made a significant ruling, indicating that the State Constitution's privacy protections do not cover abortion, effectively permitting Florida to enforce a ban on the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy. Florida's six-week abortion ban is upheld. Simultaneously, the court allowed Florida voters to determine this fall whether to enhance abortion access. Florida's Supreme Court Decision The justices voted 4 to 3 in favor of a proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure the right to abortion "before viability," typically around 24 weeks, to appear on the November ballot. The court's decision, with a 6-1 majority, deemed a 15-week abortion ban enacted in 2022 constitutional. This ruling, a response to a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, and several abortion providers, enables a six-week ban enacted last year to become effective by May 1. Justice Jamie R. Grosshans, in the majority opinion, explained, "Based on our analysis finding no clear right to abortion embodied within the Privacy Clause, Planned Parenthood cannot overcome the presumption of constitutionality and is unable to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the 15-week ban is unconstitutional." This decision solidifies Florida's shift from a state once sought out by women seeking abortions in the American South to one with restrictive policies similar to surrounding states. The rulings on this single day in one state epitomize the nation's struggle with the abortion issue since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision recognizing federal abortion rights in 1973. Governor DeSantis, assuming office in 2019, has appointed five of the Florida Supreme Court's seven justices. Republican House Speaker Paul Renner expressed support for the six-week abortion ban, citing its alignment with Florida's values and highlighting its exceptions for cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, and maternal life-saving situations. "It is a compromise that addresses where I think many Floridians are," Renner stated, acknowledging the diverse perspectives within the state. National Debate for Reproductive Rights Intensifies Conversely, the court's ruling dismayed abortion rights advocates, with Democratic Representative Anna Eskamani expressing concern about the erosion of personal freedoms in Florida. "This decision demonstrates how precarious our personal freedoms are in this state," said Eskamani, highlighting the potential impact on individuals seeking abortion care. The Florida Access Network, recognizing the challenges posed by the ban, plans to shift its focus from finding local abortion care to assisting individuals in covering travel expenses to out-of-state providers. Stephanie Loraine Pineiro, the network's executive director, voiced concerns about the financial and logistical burdens facing individuals unable to access abortion locally. "People who can't afford to travel, can't afford to lose their jobs because they have to travel for abortion care, these are the people who are going to be forced to remain pregnant," Pineiro emphasized, highlighting the broader consequences of restricted abortion access. Despite these challenges, abortion advocates remain resolute. Lauren Brenzel, director of the Yes on 4 campaign advocating for expanded abortion access, hailed the court's decision to allow a ballot measure on the issue as a historic milestone. "This is a historic day in the fight for abortion access in Florida," Brenzel remarked, underscoring the importance of involving voters directly in decisions regarding reproductive rights. The ballot measure presents an opportunity for supporters of abortion rights to engage in a national campaign to safeguard access to the procedure, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in other states like Ohio and Michigan. The landscape of abortion regulations varies widely across states, with fourteen, including nearby Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy with limited exceptions. States like Georgia and South Carolina impose restrictions once cardiac activity is detectable, typically around six weeks into pregnancy. These diverse approaches reflect the ongoing legal and ethical debates surrounding abortion rights in the United States. As reported by the police, three 12-year-old children were shot at a school near Finland's capital on Tuesday, leading to the unfortunate death of one victim. A 12-year-old classmate believed to be responsible for the attack has been arrested. Three 12-Year-Old Children Fall Victims in Finland School Shooting The wounded casualties were transferred to the hospital, as verified by a police spokesperson. At the school, one building was quarantined by the police, while parents were collecting their children from another building. The arrest took place peacefully in Siltamaki, a suburb away from the school. Both the suspect and the weapon are now in police custody, with no other suspects identified at present. During primary questioning, the suspect admitted to carrying out the shooting. A video circulating on social media, not verified by Reuters, illustrated two police officers kneeling beside the suspected gunner, who was lying face down on a sidewalk. Information concerning the identities of the children and the condition of the surviving casualties was not immediately revealed. The gunfire happened at Viertola school in Vantaa, a suburb of Helsinki, which has roughly 800 pupils from first to ninth grade and a staff of 90, according to the municipality. Anja Hietamies, the mom of an 11-year-old pupil, recounted receiving a message from her daughter after the gunfire, conveying fear as she and her classmates were in a locked, dark classroom. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen described the day's events as "horrifying," expressing empathy for affected families. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also expressed shock at the circumstances, offering condolences to the casualties and their families. Read Also: 2 Teens Fatally Shot at Hermitage Flats Apartment Complex Finland Prompt Examination of the Country's Gun Policy Previous school shootings in Finland have a timely inspection of the nation's gun policy. In 2007, Pekka-Eric Auvinen badly shot six students, the school nurse, the principal, and himself at Jokela High School. A year later, in 2008, Matti Saari opened fire at a vocational school in Kauhajoki, murdering nine students and a male staff member before taking his own life. Finland strong its gun laws in 2010, establishing an aptitude test for all firearms license applicants and raising the age limit from 18 to 20. The country boasts more than 1.5 million licensed firearms and roughly 430,000 license holders in a population of 5.6 million, where hunting and targeting gunfire are popular activities. Viertola school accommodates students aged seven to 15, with a total of 800 students and 90 staff members across two campuses, Liljatie and Jokiranta. The circumstances reportedly happened at the Jokiranta campus. The school's principal, Sari Laasila, assured that the immediate danger was over. Parents gathered at the school where their children had returned after the Easter weekend. Police urged bystanders to stay away from the area and remain indoors, intensifying vigilance. Primarily, it was believed that three minors were wounded, but it was later verified that one child had passed away and two were in critical condition. Groups supporting the inclusion of reproductive rights in Arizona's state constitution affirm that they have surpassed the necessary signature beginning to introduce a constitutional amendment on abortion to the state's ballot in November. Organizations Advocating for Reproductive Rights Collected Enough Signatures Arizona for Abortion Access, an association of reproductive rights organizations such as the ACLU of Arizona and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, declared that it had collected 506,892 petition signatures as of the past weekend. With over three months remaining until the July 3 deadline to submit the signatures to Arizona's secretary of state, the organization is confident that it will be able to meet the deadline. The beginning for placing a measure on the ballot is 383,923 signatures, and although some signatures commonly get void during the confirmation process, it seems that the amendment is on course to be presented to voters this autumn. Cheryl Bruce, the campaign manager for Arizona for Abortion Access, emphasized the public's eagerness to see the issue on the ballot, noting that people are actively seeking out volunteers to sign the petition, highlighting their desire to restore access to abortion in Arizona. Placing this issue on the ballot alongside President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in the fall will bring attention to a key component of the Democratic platform in a significant battleground state. The 2022 Dobbs resolution by the Supreme Court, which overturned Roe v. Wade and delegated abortion policy to the states, has been a focus of Democratic campaigns. Arizona, where Biden won by a margin of 0.3 percentage points four years ago, is the closest swing state from the 2020 election likely to feature an abortion ballot measure this fall. Additionally, on Monday, Florida's state Supreme Court certified a related November ballot measure while upholding the state's present abortion restrictions. Trump won Florida by 3.4 points in 2020. Proposed Constitutional Amendment Allow Abortion Care Until Fetal Development The proposed constitutional amendment by Arizona for Abortion Access would build a "fundamental right" to get abortion care up until fetal growth, or roughly the 24th week of pregnancy, with ommissions afterward if deemed required by a healthcare professional to secure the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant women. Opponents of the measure have raised concerns about the possibly broad application of the mental health omission, debating that it could make it too easy to stop viable pregnancies. Currently, abortion is legal in Arizona up until the 15th week of gestation, with omissions afterward only to save the mother's life and no omissions for rape or incest. The debate over the abortion ballot measure is further complicated by a pending state Supreme Court decision regarding an 1864 abortion ban still in effect. Although this law hasn't been enforced since before Roe v. Wade, it classified performing or assisting in obtaining abortion care as a felony punishable by two to five years in prison. The uncertainty surrounding abortion rights in the state has spurred an increase in volunteers supporting Arizona for Abortion Access to gather signatures. Chris Love, a spokeswoman for the campaign, reports that the group has recruited over 3,000 volunteers. One such volunteer, Toby Urvater, a retiree, became a notary specifically for this cause, citing her lifelong familiarity with Roe v. Wade and her desire to uphold reproductive rights. Deborah Nye, another volunteer, shared her personal experience of having an illegal abortion before Roe v. Wade, emphasizing her motivation to prevent her daughter from facing similar challenges. While Arizona for Abortion Access aims to collect even more signatures, opponents of abortion rights have lawyers prepared to scrutinize each signature the organization submits. Despite this opposition, Cheryl Bruce remains confident, expressing the organization's goal to gather 800,000 signatures, ensuring preparedness to withstand any legal challenges. Dr. Kweku Arthur-Annobil, Strategy Lead & Business Manager (BCB) at Stanbic Bank, has urged regulators and business leaders in the financial sector to support female entrepreneurs to grow and expand their businesses. He made this statement at the 2024 Women in Business Dialogue series, held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. Speaking at the event, Dr. Arthur-Annobil underscored the importance of financial institutions providing innovative solutions to empower women in business in both the formal and informal sector. Traditional banks need to extend their services into the informal sector and develop innovative lending solutions tailored to its needs. While there are existing initiatives in place, there remains untapped potential for further support. For instance, how can individuals without formal bookkeeping access funding? With the rise of digital technologies, tracking business transactions has become easier, presenting an opportunity for banks to leverage this data for lending purposes. It's imperative to explore creative approaches to push support for these sectors. When we talk about growth for female business owners and SMEs we are looking at how they can expand their operations and reach a wider market with their products. Recognizing an opportunity for growth is one thing, but being fully equipped to seize it is another. Many women remain stagnant in their businesses due to a lack of empowerment and resources. Empowering them to expand requires partnerships and financial assistance. That is where we as financial institutions must step in. Having a lending partner becomes crucial at this juncture to facilitate expansion efforts. We need to put the right structures in place and design relevant products and services to support their growth, he added. Dr. Arthur-Annobil also highlighted some initiatives Stanbic Bank has put together to support female-led businesses in Ghana. He said, At Stanbic Bank, we say Ghana is our home, we drive her growth. This is why we are deeply committed to supporting our female entrepreneurs, whose businesses play a significant role in driving the Ghanaian economy forward. Through initiatives like the SB Incubator, we have already empowered and supported over 3000 businesses. Our Trade Club provides a platform for networking, connecting entrepreneurs with valuable customers and suppliers, to expand their reach and opportunities. Additionally, we have forged a strategic partnership with ICBC, one of the world's largest banks. This partnership enables us to assist our clients in accessing markets, facilitating the buying and selling of their products on an international scale. The inaugural Women in Business dialogue series was organized by the Business and Financial Times to bolster support for female entrepreneurs and their businesses. Held under the theme, Investing in Women-Owned Businesses for Ghanas Transformation Agenda: A Call for Action, the event served as a platform to advocate for increased investment in women-led enterprises as a catalyst for Ghana's socio-economic transformation. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Elizabeth Amoaa's journey is one of triumph over personal trauma, emerging as a renowned advocate for impactful change. Born with a rare congenital abnormality known as uterus didelphys (two wombs, two cervixes and two vagina canals), along with other reproductive health disorders like stage 4 endometriosis and fibroids, Elizabeth used her experiences to advocate for women facing similar challenges. She penned "The Unspoken Identity - The Woman with Two Vaginas," a book narrating her journey and shedding light on reproductive health issues. The book has been approved by The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) in Ghana to be used as supplementary educational material in Senior High Schools. The book is currently available in over 500 libraries and universities worldwide, including esteemed institutions like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, British Library, Los Angeles County Library, Askews and Holts Library Services Ltd (UK), Bournemouth University Library (UK), Padmore Research Library (Ghana Library Authority), University of Surrey Library (UK), Universitat Marburg Universitats bibliothek (Germany), Norwich University Kreitzberg Library (USA), Montclair State University Harry A. Sprague Library (USA), American University of Sharjah Library (United Arab Emirates), Bucknell University Bertrand Library, West Virginia University at Parkersburg (USA), Botswana International University of Science & Technology (Botswana), Koninklijke Bibliotheek (Netherlands) and many more. Beyond her advocacy, Elizabeth has over 20 years of diverse professional experience, spanning banking, legal, recruitment, NGOs, advocacy and the British Forces. Her accolades, including awards from prestigious bodies in Ghana, Ethiopia and the UK, underscore her impact and dedication. In 2017, Elizabeth founded "Speciallady Awareness," an NGO in Ghana aimed at raising awareness about reproductive health disorders and providing support to those in need. The NGO has made a tangible difference in communities across Ghana. The NGO has generously donated medical supplies valued at 120,000 to healthcare units. Additionally, Speciallady Awareness has provided sanitary products to over twenty-five thousand school girls in various communities in Ghana Elizabeth's legacy is one of resilience and empowerment, inspiring others to overcome adversity. Her advocacy work continues to break down barriers and challenge societal norms, reminding us of the transformative power within each individual. The Unspoken Identity - The Woman with Two Vaginas" book, aims to fulfill its essential purpose by offering invaluable insights and support to a wide spectrum of readers, including students and researchers. This book will serve as a vital resource for education and awareness, fostering empathy and understanding among readers. Its in-depth exploration of medical nuances and personal narratives will not only empower individuals facing similar challenges but also equip researchers with valuable perspectives to inform their studies and contribute to advancements in the field of reproductive health. This book has the power to spark important conversations, foster inclusivity, and increase access to healthcare and support for individuals impacted by reproductive health disorders by highlighting often marginalised perspectives. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Guest Commentary By Shawn Whatley An Ipsos poll for Global News revealed recently that 42 percent of Canadians would personally pay to travel to the United States for health care if necessary. This is a 10 percentage point increase from 2023. Federal Health Minister Mark Holland promptly scolded the 42 percent. Going and paying your way out of your circumstances creates a terrible malady for our system. Because what it means is that private carriers will take the cases that are the most profitable ones, leaving the public system eviscerated, Holland said at a media conference. And that is a circumstance we cannot allow. Holland asked Canadians to be patient. He said we will get through these health workforce issues. How workforce issues explain why 6.5 million Canadians cannot find a family physician is unclear. Leaving Hollands woolly thinking aside, his comments seem heartless and cruel. Canadians do not seek care outside Canada on a lark. Theyre desperate. Canadians are underinsured. Canadian governments nationalized medical insurance companies between 1968 and 1972. With nowhere else to go, patients must moulder in queues with a median wait of 27.7 weeks to see a specialist. Having nationalized private medical insurance companies and then putting people into waiting lines, politicians berate the desperate few who step out of line and flee south for care. Holland echoes what elites have been saying for decades. In the 1990s, the associate deputy minister of health in B.C. was asked how she felt about patients on waiting lists looking for care in the U.S. She said, If we could stop them at the border, we would. The hypocrisy becomes especially rank when we consider how many of our elected elites have been escaping Canada for care for themselves for decades. Robert Bourassa, then premier of Quebec, had melanoma surgery in Bethesda, Md., in 1993. Danny Williams, then premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, had heart surgery in Miami, Fla., in 2010. Former Liberal member of Parliament Belinda Stronach had breast cancer surgery in California. The late Sen. Ed Lawson, former Canadian trade unionist, also had surgery in the U.S. Former prime minister Jean Chretien used government aircraft to fly to the Mayo Clinic. The list of elite medical refugees who flee Canada is long and includes many of the same people who refuse to change the medicare status quo. Speaking in Hamilton, Ont. Sean Simpson of Ipsos suggested that Canadian interest in cross-border care simply reflected a post-pandemic world in which we began to see that Medicare was threadbare. But Canadians were fleeing Canada to find healthcare long before the pandemic. In 2019, the Second Street think-tank used Statistics Canada data to determine that more than 217,500 Canadians had left the country for care in 2017. Hospitals in the U.S. advertise to Canadians, eager to meet the growing Canadian demand. Patients can buy books to guide them on their quest for surgery abroad. But so what? Tasteless comments and elite hypocrisy make us angry, but if wait times are unavoidable, all we can do is stick together and weather the storm, right? Wait times are not like natural disasters. They are not random. Wait times are created by professional managers. Dr. Charles Wright, former vice-president at Vancouver General Hospital and waitlist consultant to the B.C. Ministry of Health, said, Administrators maintain waiting lists the way airlines overbook. As for urgent patients in pain, the public system will decide when their pain requires care. These are societal decisions. The individual is not able to decide rationally. Or as a former deputy minister of health of Ontario puts it, We have waiting lists for some procedures as a means of better organizing our system. In other words, if elites chose otherwise, patients would not need to wait. Hollands comments betray a deep distrust of patients and their ability to make decisions for themselves. Patients should be patient. They should stand in line and wait for care. But as Canadas foremost healthcare economist, Bob Evans, has explained, the rational consumer is a highly dubious assumption. Canada is changing. The Ipsos poll also found that 63 percent support private healthcare options. Medicare must reform; the status quo is crumbling. While we wait for healthcare reform, lets stop berating desperate patients who consider leaving Canada for care when wait times grow too long. Shawn Whatley is a physician, past president of the Ontario Medical Association, and a Munk senior fellow at Macdonald-Laurier Institute. The Ga-Dangme Lawyers Association has strongly condemned the alleged marriage between Gborbu Wulomo, a priest of the Nungua Traditoonal Council, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, and a 12-year-old girl, which took place on Saturday, March 30, 2024. The traditional ceremony has sparked serious outrage among Ghanaians and has led to calls for the arrest of the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, who claims that the girl will not be expected to fulfil marital duties until she turns 18. In a statement dated April 1, 2024, a group of lawyers called the Ga-Dangme Lawyers Association emphasized that the marriage violates the childs fundamental human rights as enshrined under Chapter Five of Ghanas 1992 Constitution. They highlighted that the Childrens Act provides that the minimum age of marriage shall be 18 years, and since the girl is below the age of consent, she is unable to legally consent to the marriage. The group of lawyers also noted that Ghanas ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 commits the country to prioritizing the protection of childrens rights, hence the need to call out the alleged traditional marriage. They argued that the best interest of the 12-year-old girl has not been made a priority in this case, as required by the Childrens Act. The Ga-Dangme Lawyers Association has called for an immediate end to this practice and urged the community to prioritize the well-being and rights of children. In addition, they called on the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Lariba Zuweira Abudu, and child rights organizations to intervene in the matter. The Ga-Dangme Lawyers Association expresses its strong disapproval of the recent marriage between the Gborbu Wulomor of Nungua, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, aged 63, and a 12-year-old girl, which took place on Saturday, March 30th, 2024. Despite claims that the marriage was by customary rights and she will not engage in any marital duties until she turns 18, this does not negate the fact that her fundamental human rights as enshrined under Chapter five of the Constitution of Ghana, 1992, have not been upheld. The Ga-Dangme Lawyers Association calls for an immediate end to this practice and urges the community to prioritize the well-being and rights of children. We call on the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Lariba Zuweira Abudu and child rights organizations to intervene. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has reiterated Ghanas quest for more gas supply to support power generation. This, he says, remains his top priority and as part of efforts of ensuring power stability for industrial and residential use for Ghanaians. Dr. Prempeh emphasized the need for more gas supply, hence the need for operational efficacy of the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP). He made these assertions during a meeting of the Committee of Ministers (CoM) of the West Africa Gas Pipeline on Tuesday, 2nd April, 2024 in Lome, Togo. The CoM meeting is a gathering of the Energy Ministers of Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo to discuss the technical, commercial and regulatory issues pertaining to the operations of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). The Minister used the opportunity to hold meetings with key stakeholders on Ghanas quest for more gas for power generation. Dr Prempeh urged gas suppliers to improve their services to recipient countries. The Ministers call was backed by his colleague Ministers from Togo and Benin whose countries equally depend on Nigerias gas supply for electricity generation. He stated that the current cost of liquid fuel alternatives are unaffordable and plunges the WAGP countries into debt whenever gas supply is curtailed. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Office of the Gborbu Wulomo Shitse of Nungua, in an attempt to fight off claims that it is involved in acts of illegality after the purported marriage of an alleged 12-year-old girl on Saturday, March 30, has addressed the general public. The Traditional Authority, at a news briefing on Tuesday, April 2, insisted the child in question is a 16-year-old and not a 12-year-old, as has been alleged in the media. The traditional authorities added that the child will only be responsible for various customary rites and not conjugal activities. The wolomei, woyeii, and Asafoatsemei clad in their traditional apparel, graced the occasion, seeking to clarify issues surrounding the purported marriage between their overlord and Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, whose actual age they say is 16. Nii Nor Osikan Kpenetey, Osu Klotey Wulomo, explained that she is 16 years old; we know she is underage, but she is not married to the Wulomo but to the deity. The purported marriage ceremony, which took place on Saturday, has been heavily criticized. The office of the Gborbu Wulomo Shitse admits there were some excesses, particularly in the comments made by some individuals who had the opportunity to address the gathering. The office maintains there will be no carnal knowledge of the young girl as the Wulomo has no intention of disrespecting the laws of Ghana. We want to send this message to the general public and all media houses both home and abroad that Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse will, for no reason, attempt to violate the constitution of Ghana. She has been preserved in maintaining her virginity till now to assume her role as Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, which she began six (6) years ago, Nii Tetse Borketey Frankwa, the Nungua Mankralo, explained. Director of Administration, office of the Gborgbu Wulomo Shitse, Rev. D.N. Gyasi Ankrah, however, sent a word of caution to the police regarding the handling of their queen, whom they say is under their protection. He explained that the people of Nungua practice tradition and not culture, and they will deal with anyone who tries to denigrate their tradition. Naa Yemoade, according to the wulomie, was in her mothers womb for 2 years before her birth, and it was also after two years before she started walking, so they believe she is a young spiritual mystery being. Being a Boi Ekaa Yoo, Naa Yoomo Ayemuede aids the Gborbu Priest in performing special rites for the Gborbu deity, including: Dudo mli Nu Woo which she performs three times a year to usher in the Kplejoo Homowo celebrations. Jenten nihoom which is to feed all deities at the cardinals of the Meridian Rock, which is at the center of the world and its situated in Nungua. "She is the mother of all the priests and priestesses in Nungua. She is responsible for carrying the corn wine to the Town Square (Festival grounds/Ablokor Jaanor) for Praises and thanksgiving to God Almighty. Responsible for cleaning and ablution of the Gborbu Temple during the annual Kplejoo Homowo Festival and responsible for the Aywemoede deity and Shade deity, which is purely performed by a virgin, he explained. The 16-year-old, Naa Yoomo Ayemuede and the mother have since been under police protection. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama, Member of Parliament (MP) for Yendi and Chairman of the Muslim Caucus of Parliament said Muslims must always see themselves as one in humanity and wish for its neighbors and fellow citizens all the good things they wish for themselves. Allah tells us in the Holy Quran that he has created us all out of a single soul. The Prophet Mohammed also teaches us in his Hadith that our practice of Islam will not be complete until we love our brothers how much we love ourselves. He said it was compelling that the Muslim brotherhood established for us by our Prophet is more stronger than party colours and ethnicity as the Prophet described our brotherhood as a building where the bricks depend on one another. Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama said the description of the Muslim brotherhood was what defines the Muslim Caucus of Parliament and their relationship with one another from different political parties and as Citizens of Ghana working together. We sometimes disagree on how to govern, but always accept our differences and forge ahead together in the interest of our country Ghana. He made the remarks at the 13th Annual Night of Power organised by the Muslim Caucus of Parliament in collaboration with the Parliamentary Service at the Parliament House in Accra. The Night of Power is sacrosanct to every believing Muslim. It was the Night in which our Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had his first spiritual encounter with the Arch Angel Gabriel where the first six verses of the Holy Quran were revealed and eventually culminated to the establishment of Islam. Islam means peace and submission to the Sovereign Will of Allah, and for us to become successful in this life and the hereafter, we must first of all make peace with Allah, peace with ourselves and peace with other creations of Allah. This year's Night of Power is on the theme: Peace, Unity and Tolerance: The Road-Map to Prosperous Ghana. The MP said no nation in the world can prosper without peace and that it was important for us to know and understand that Peace is a bio-product of justice that is base on equity, equality, tolerance, honesty and respect for human dignity. Even as we desire in our various political parties to run the affairs of our country, we should carry out our campaigns with respect, dignity and liberties of one another without insults and false accusations against one another as Muslims. He urged Muslims in Ghana to be proud of their Members of Parliament as they continue to truly serve their interest in Parliament. As Ghanaian Muslim MPs, we have over the years worked hard to protect the interest of Muslims in the legislative process in the Parliament of Ghana and always stand united on matters affecting the lives of Muslim without taking our party affiliation into consideration. The Muslim Caucus Chairman revealed that in order to ameliorate the extreme poverty of Muslims in Ghana, the Caucus collaborated with the National Chief Imam and other Imams to establish an Independent Zakat and Sadaqa Institution which is being managed by credible Board of Trustees currently under the Chairmanship of Chief Alhassan Andani, a renowned Banker and Traditional Chief. The Fund now have Branches in Tamale, Kumasi and Takoradi and is in the Process of acquiring Lands for future developmental purposes and it is our hope that the Trustees will work hard to open offices in the remaining Regions of the Country. He said the Controller and Accountant General had provided the fund with two different Codes since its establishment in 2010 to enable Civil servants pay their annual Zakat and Sadaqa from their salaries, whilst the Ghana Police Service has now taken the lead from Parliament as the leading institution in the payment of Zakat and Sadaqa to help the needy. We express our profound gratitude to the former IGP, Mr. Ahmed Alhassan for ensuring that all muslim Police Officers during his tenure signed up to the Zakat Fund. We also urged Muslims in other Public and Civil Service to emulate the shining example of the Police Service by taking advantage of the Code provided by the Accountant General to meet their Zakat and Sadaqa obligations. The Fund Trustees has also opened accounts in about 11 different Banks who have branches across the country. This is to enable Muslim operating in the private sector to pay from their annual salaries by Standing Orders and also as their Corporate Social Responsibility support into the Fund. Today, many Muslims are in our various Universities, some of which obtain scholarship every year to study in Malaysia under a collaborative programme between the Fund and Al-Bukhari University of Malaysia and many stranded Muslims and non-Muslims at our various hospitals across the country benefit from the support of the Fund. Also many poor people have been supported to raise capital to start small scale businesses out of the economic empowerment programme of the Fund. Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama urged Muslims to take advantage of the SMS Code provided to donate at least One Cedi a month into the Fund. He mentioned that the Muslim Caucus again collaborated with the National Chief Imam and the national Imams of the four main Muslim sects to establish the National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG), which objective is to be the official mouthpiece of the Muslim Community in their dealings with three main arms of Government. As a matter of fact, the NMCG has even become proactive by submitting the needs of the Muslim communities to political parties to be captured in their Manifestoes in order for them to secure our votes. The Yendi Legislator recognizes and gives gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Bagbin for his continuous support to the Muslim Caucus and the former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye for being the first speaker to give approval to enable the Parliamentary Service Board to adopt the full budget of the observance of the Night of Power. He thanked the Muslim Staff of Parliament for their untiring support to the activities of the Muslim Caucus, the Diplomatic community, muslim chiefs and other muslim organizations for helping the Caucus in diverse ways. We also thanked the media, especially the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for its faithfulness to the Muslim Caucus by bringing our programmes live to the homes of Ghanaians across the country since 2011. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip, did not mince words as he criticized Independent Presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen for his recent comment. Alan Kyerematen had suggested that Ghana, with a Christian majority, should elect a Christian leader as president in 2024. Alan Kyerematen, while speaking at the Church of Pentecosts Easter Sunday Convention at the Dr. Thomas Wyatt Assembly, said: As a predominantly Christian nation, as Christians, it is our responsibility that we elect a Christian leader who is also Christlike, he stated while touting himself as the man to transform the country." He added, If God touches your heart and you vote for Alan Kyerematen, the transformative leader, then I can assure you, as our Lord Jesus did on the cross, promise that ye shall be in paradise with him; you shall also be in paradise when I come into power. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, took to his X platform, and criticized Alan's statement, describing it as "backward, terrible, and ugly." The NPP has truly'suffered in bearing & tolerating you over the years. Show me one country globally that has succeeded by using your theory. Alan is clearly not relevant in our'modern body politics!..bow in shame!. This is backwards, terrible & and ugly, to say the least. The NPP has truly 'suffered' in bearing & tolerating you over the years. Show me one country globally who has succeeded by using your theory. Alan is clearly not relevant in our 'modern' body politics!..bow in shame!. pic.twitter.com/yQrJfb3Fhz Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (@FAnnohDompreh) April 2, 2024 Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Bassirou Diomaye Faye was sworn in on Tuesday, April 2, as Senegals youngest president after sweeping to a first-round victory on a pledge of radical reform 10 days after he was released from prison. The 44-year-old had never before held an elected office before he won the ruling party to emerge president. Several African leaders attended the ceremony in the new town of Diamniadio, near the capital Dakar. Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfil the office of President of the Republic of Senegal, Faye said before the gathered officials. He also vowed to scrupulously observe the provisions of the Constitution and the laws and to defend the integrity of the territory and national independence, and to spare no effort to achieve African unity. The formal handover of power with outgoing President Macky Sall will take place at the presidential palace in Dakar. Faye was among a group of political opponents freed from prison 10 days before the March 24 presidential ballot under an amnesty announced by Sall, who had tried to delay the vote. Fayes campaign was launched while he was still in detention. The former tax inspector becomes the West African states fifth president since independence from France in 1960 and the first to openly admit to a polygamous marriage. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former US first lady, Michelle Obama will lose to Donald Trump if the pair were to contest for US president today, a new poll by Daily Mail claims. Michelle Obama has never expressed any interest in running for president and this month her office made clear that was fully behind Joe Biden's run for reelection. Yet the idea that the former first lady could be an alternative to the 81-year-old president is supported by a lot of Democratic party members. An exclusive DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll shows she would not be better than Trump in a hypothetical match-up. The poll of 1000 likely voters found that she would lose to the former US leader by three points in a hypothetical match-up. 'Some have been touting an emergency parachute for Biden for some time: draft Michelle Obama,' said pollster James Johnson, cofounder of J.L. Partners. 'But it turns out voters are no more keen to vote for Michelle over Trump than they are for Biden, with Trump beating her overall and even with Independents. 'It was never very realistic, but this poll puts paid to the idea she can be any kind of saving force for the Democrats.' J.L. Partners polled 1000 likely voters from March 20 to 24 via landline, cellphone, SMS and apps. The results carry a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Nana Akomea, Vice Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Partys campaign team, says the party has no option but to remain in power if the Electoral Commission does not declare another party as the winner of the upcoming December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. Speaking on the 'Kokrokoo' Morning Show on Tuesday, April 2, the CEO of the Inter City State Transport Coorperation, Nana Akomea, mentioned that the desire to remain in power ceases when another party is declared the winner. Nana Akomea commented on Bryan Acheampongs comments on the NPP not giving power to the NDC in the upcoming December elections. The Abetifi lawmaker had mentioned that the ruling party will not hand over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Addressing some party supporters in the Eastern region, Bryan said, "Last year I stood here in Mpraeso and said that whether the NDC likes it or not, they will never win the 2024 polls. If you dont win an elections, will power be handed over to you? We will not hand it over to them today or tomorrow. However, Nana Akomea has cautioned all NPP supporters and communicators over what he describes as statements that come up in "silly seasons" when elections are forthcoming. "We have to be careful with our utterances. I heard Bryan said something. But I dont think Bryan meant to say that NPP will not hand over power to NDC if the Electoral Commission declares them winners. We dont have that option. In fact, that option does not exist. If we go to the polls and the electoral commission declares the opposition party as winners, the ruling government does not have the option of saying that you will not vacate your post. It is not possible. With what authority will you be sitting?" Nana Akomea quizzed. "Let us be mindful of the things we say in the upcoming elections. I am confident the NPP will win because the candidate we are presenting is a very solid candidate. Let us not do anything that will mar the victory that awaits us in the December 2024 polls," he added. He added that, if former President Mahama was the choice, Ghanaians would not have sacked him from power. According to Nana Akomea, John Dramani Mahama was rejected by Ghanaians when he sought a second term in 2020, adding that all previous presidents have had two successful terms, with the exception of the former president, Mahama, who was overwhelmingly rejected by Ghanaians. "There is nothing new Mahama can bring to the table. The choice before Ghanaians is one, and that is Bawumia." "NPP is winning the elections, so we don't have to do anything to destroy our chances. It is the NDC who knows they will lose so they can go ahead to misbehave," he said. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has outlined his intentions to implement import restrictions on specific essential commodities should he be given the nod as the President of Ghana in the upcoming general elections. Former President Mahama stated that the available data indicates that imports of goods and services currently contribute approximately 40 percent to the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In a stakeholder engagement with members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in Accra, former President John Mahama stressed the necessity of enacting laws that will bolster support for local businesses. He outlined plans to revamp strategic industries such as the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), focusing on the downstream aluminium sector. The former president asserted that by augmenting local production capacities for these items and others, his administration would implement restrictions on unchecked imports of these goods. He said, We work to revamp and reignite strategic industries such as Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) because of the downstream aluminium sector while boosting the production of rice, sugar, tomato, fish, poultry, meat and meat products, vegetable cooking oil, and pharmaceutical products." Once local capacity in the production of these and many other products is increased and boosted, we shall place restrictions on the unbridled importation of these items. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Member of Parliament for Yendi and Chairman of the Muslim Caucus in Parliament, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama has urged Muslims and all Ghanaians to continue to embrace the nation's peace and unity. Speaking at the 13th Annual Night of Power organized annually by the Muslim Caucus of Parliament during the last 10 days of Ramadan to pray for the nation, Farouk Aliu Mahama said Ghanaians are one people regardless of religious and political affiliations and urged his fellow Muslims to treat their neighbors well and also join forces with others to preserve the peace and unity of Ghana. "We must always see ourselves as one in humanity and wish for our neighbors and fellow citizens all the good things we wish for ourselves", Farouk Aliu Mahama said. He added; "For Allah tells us in the Quran that he has created us all out a single soul. The Prophet Mohammed teaches us in the Hadith that our Islam will not be complete until we love our brothers how much we love ourselves. Focusing on the nation, Farouk advised that political differences should not disrupt the nation's peace and unity, especially as Ghana prepares for general elections this year. "There is no doubt that a nation that is divided cannot stand. Let us all continue to remain united in our resolve to run the affairs of our country in a democratic manner. We should not allow our differences in our opinions and choices to become stronger than our desire to hold our country together. "No nation in the world can prosper without peace. It is however important for us to know and understand that peace is a bio-product of justice that is based on equity, equality, tolerance, honesty and respect for human dignity." "Even as we desire our various parties to run the affairs of our country, we should carry out campaign with respect for the dignity and liberties of one another. We should not insult or even make false accusations against one another, he stressed. Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia graced the 13th edition of the annual Night of Power together with other dignitaries including members of the diplomatic corps. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Botswana is home to more than a third of the world's population of elephants (AFP via Getty Images) Botswanas president has threatened to send thousands of elephants to Germany in a dispute about trophy hunting. Mokgweetsi Masisi is currently embroiled in spat with Germanys environment ministry, which has called for a ban on the import of hunting trophies. Botswana is home to around 130,000 elephants, more than a third of the worlds population. Mr Masisi and other local officials complain that there are too many of the animals for the southern African country to cope with. They have sent 8,000 to Angola and, on Tuesday, said they would send 20,000 to Germany. Mr Masisi told the German tabloid BILD this was no joke as he believes a ban on trophy hunting would worsen poverty for his people. He said: It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world. We want our elephants to roam freely. The German weather is bad enough for them. If you like them so much, then please accept this gift from us. Just a few weeks ago, Botswanas wildlife minister Dumezweni Mthimkhulu made a similar threat to the UK, offering to send 10,000 elephants to Hyde Park in London. He said: I want Britons to have a taste of living alongside elephants, which are overwhelming my country. In some areas, there are more of these beasts than people. They are killing children who get in their path. They trample and eat farmers crops leaving Africans hungry. They steal the water from pipes that are flowing to the people. They have lost their fear of humans. Elephant numbers, just like those of Scottish stags, have to be controlled. Hunters in the Highlands pay to shoot deer and put their antlers on their walls. So why is Britain trying to stop Africa from doing the same? Botswana is the most successful country in the world at looking after elephants, buffalo, and lions. We dont want colonial interference from Britain. Officials argue that trophy hunting revenue is a means of income for locals who make a living in tourism. They also use the money for conservation projects, especially those which target poachers. Animal rights organisation PETA challenged this, telling POLITICO: The horrendous sums that amateur hunters spend on a hunting trip do not end up with the poor population or with a national park administration, but almost exclusively in the pockets of tour operators and hunting farm owners. They went on to urge Botswana to focus its efforts on making money with photo tourism. NPP Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah has described the founder and leader of the Movement for Change, Mr. Alan Kyeremanten comments as a nation-wrecking moment. According to Mr Ahiagbah, the party must unite against such reckless comments. We must unite to reject this nation-wrecking comment. Such dangerous rhetoric must not be tolerated and we must denounce it whenever it rears its ugly head. He urged Ghanaians to ignore such comments stressing let us remember that we are one people. We do not have a Christian Ghana or a Muslim Ghana, just one united Ghana. Together, we have been working towards building a better future for our nation in this Fourth Republic, and we must keep it that way. Independent presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen has courted criticism after saying Ghana needs a Christian President because of its Christian majority. Alan Kyerematen said it was the responsibility of Christians to elect a Christian President. Alan Kyerematen made the call while speaking at the Church of Pentecost's Easter Sunday Convention at the Dr Thomas Wyatt Assembly. He said Ghanaians should elect a Christ-like leader because of the countrys Christian majority. "It is our responsibility to ensure that we elect a Christian leader who is also a Christ-like leader." Mr. Kyerematen stressed that he could be a transformative leader and said he could provide a paradise for Ghanaians much like the promise from Jesus Christ. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Majority caucus in Parliament has defended the Ministry of foreign affairs recent decision to increase passport fees. According to the group, the subsidy of passport fees by 400 Ghana Cedis should not solely benefit the 20% of Ghanaians who require passports for travel, as it is not equitable. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced the hike in passport fees, effective from Monday, April 1, which has sparked widespread public disapproval and condemnation of the action. Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Andy Appiah Kubi, MP for Asante Akim North, shared his opinion, suggesting that the move by the government through the ministry of Foreign Affairs is justified. According to Lawyer Andy Appaih Kubi, it is confirmed that the number of Ghanaians who need passport to travel outside the country is less than the number who do not need it to travel; hence, the increment is necessary. He said, We agree that it is only about 20% of Ghanaians that need passports to travel out of the country. And therefore, looking at it from that context, the passports then become a privilege, not a right or need. So, if it is a privilege, who should bear the cost of passports? To be honest with you, within the sub-region, passports in Ghana are the cheapest and indeed, it is incomparable with anywhere else. The most immediate cost element is from Liberia, and they are charging GH499.50, which is the equivalent of $50 for passports that span for five years... Indeed, how fair will it be for only 20% of us to surcharge all of us, the 80% for what they want for their purpose of travelling? It is not fair. His defense comes on the heel of a recent announcement for the new prices of passport fees being charged by the ministry of Foreign Affairs. Per the new charges posted on the passport application website of the foreign affairs ministry, an expedited application of a 48-page booklet will now cost Ghc 800, whereas expedited application of a 32-page booklet will cost Ghc 700. In addition to the information regarding the application, persons applying for standard 32-page passport booklet is required to pay Ghc 500, whereas those opting for the 48-pages are required to pay Ghc 644. This communique attracted several backlashes, but the majority caucus in parliament opines that it is a reasonable charge being implemented by the ministry. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video FALLSINGTON, Pa. (AP) A man charged in the fatal shooting of three family members in suburban Philadelphia and related carjacking and weapons counts in New Jersey has been transferred to Pennsylvania, officials said Wednesday. Andre Gordon Jr., 26, waived an extradition hearing in New Jersey on Wednesday and has been transferred to officials in Bucks County, Pa., according to prosecutors and the New Jersey courts spokesperson. He is set to be arraigned before a Bucks County magistrate judge later on Wednesday. Authorities have said Gordon carjacked a vehicle in Trenton, N.J., on March 16 before driving to Levittown in Falls Township, Pa. There he killed his stepmother and sister, the Bucks County district attorney said. He then drove to a second home in Levittown and killed the mother of his two children, authorities said. He is also accused of injuring his childrens grandmother by bludgeoning her with a rifle. The dead included Gordons 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon; his 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon; and 25-year-old Taylor Daniel, the mother of his two children, the district attorney said. Authorities have said Gordons children were present when he shot their mother. FILE - Police surround a home in Trenton, N.J., Saturday, March 16, 2024, where a suspect was holding hostages after shooting three people to death in suburban Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)AP Gordon then carjacked a second vehicle in Morrisville and returned to Trenton, authorities said. Police surrounded a home for hours in the belief that he was there, but Gordon apparently slipped out before a cordon went up. He was arrested, unarmed, when he was spotted walking down a street a few blocks away. Its unclear who Gordons attorney is. A message seeking comment on his behalf was left with the Bucks County public defenders office. The mayhem forced the cancellation of a St. Patricks Day parade in Pennsylvanias Bucks County, the closure of Sesame Place and a number of other businesses. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for several hours. Officials have not released a possible motive for the attacks. Grace Bettwy plans to keep her laptop close at hand on April 10. Shes hoping she will be one of the lucky education majors to win what amounts to a jackpot for student teachers hoping to launch their careers in Pennsylvania this fall. Applications for a new student teacher stipend program will be available to download by April 11, according to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, which is tasked with administering the program. Stipends will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Chris Cross, the musician who shot to fame as the bassist for the band Ultravox, has died at age 71. Bandmate Midge Ure announced the news in an Instagram post and referred to his fellow bandmate and friend as the glue that held the band together. We worked together, we played together, made music and directed videos together. We were instant friends as well as Ultravox comrades, the post read, which was shared from the bands Instagram account. Even after years apart, we managed to pick up where we left off like the years in between never existed. You were the glue that held the band together. You were the logic in the madness and the madness in our lives. It was great to know and grow with you. You are loved and missed old friend. Fans on both Instagram and Twitter also paid tribute to the late musician. As a devoted fan of Ultravox this is truly sad news, one user wrote in the comments section of Ures Instagram post. Such sad news about the passing of Chris Cross, artist James Tansley said in a tweet posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. He was an integral part of both incarnations of Ultravox and a great musician who will be sadly missed. Cross, who was born Chris Allen, died on March 25, but the news wasnt made public until this week. The band was first formed in London in 1974 and was initially performing under the name Tiger Lily. Through their success, they achieved multiple Top 10 albums and scored 17 hit singles between 1980 and 1986. From their fantastic run, this includes their 1981 No. 2 single Vienna from the album of the same name, The Independent reported. King Crimson is coming back. Sort of. According to multiple reports, King Crimson members Adrian Belew and Tony Levin are reuniting alongside Tool drummer Danny Carey, and guitarist Steve Vai to perform as BEAT to celebrate the work of King Crimson in a North American tour this fall. That tour will include a couple of stops in Pennsylvania Oct. 6 at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Oct. 22 at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg and Oct. 23 at the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading. The tour is slated to begin on Sept. 12 According to reports, BEAT will reinterpret three of King Crimsons 80s albums Discipline, Beat and Three of a Perfect Pair. The 1981 through 1984 King Crimson created a music all of its own, Belew said in a release. Timeless. Beautiful. Complex. Fierce. For the fans who lived through it then, and the ones who never got to witness it , our aim is to bring it to life again. A monumental task but were going for it! There are not enough exclamation points to express my excitement! Vai called the opportunity an extraordinary privilege. This music resonates deeply with me, he said. I can assure the fans of KC that we will be putting our best foot forward to respect this great music with the care and intensity it deserves. Robert Fripp, who founded King Crimson, which last performed in 2021, also chimed in on Facebook with his blessing. This is the project that Adrian Belew called me about last Autumn, a project which I support and fully encourage, and discussed with Steve Vai recently at McCabes in Santa Monica, he said. Even, I suggested the name. Citing an emotional process, Shannen Doherty recently revealed that she is giving away her possessions while preparing for the worst. On Mondays episode of Dohertys Lets Be Clear podcast, the 52-year-old Beverly Hills: 90210 alum who has stage 4 cancer was almost brought to tears while discussing how her priorities have shifted due to her illness. It doesnt matter if you have a terminal disease or whatever, I believe, yes, obviously, you should live life to its fullest and embrace life while youre alive, the actress said, before getting choked up. But I guess its the cancer, for me, that has really made me take stock of my life and shift my priorities, and my priority at the moment is my mom. I know its going to be hard on her if I pass away before her, but ugh, Im so sorry, this is going to be a hard one for me, Doherty said. Because its going to be so hard on her, I want other things to be a lot easier. I dont want her to have a bunch of stuff to deal with. I dont want her to have four storage units filled with furniture. None of us really need all the stuff that we have, she continued. And we can all do with a little bit of downsizing and not be a hoarder, which I was becoming with all of my furniture. The Charmed star shared that she cried while packing items to sell and donate in one of her properties in Tennessee. She said the mere action made her feel as though she was giving up on [her] dream which is starting a horse rescue for abandoned and abused horses on the property, which she planned to run with her mother. It was really hard and really emotional because to a certain extent, I felt like I was giving up on this dream of building this property out, and putting a house for me and a house for my mom [there] and then extending the barn, Doherty said. Did [this] mean I was giving up on life? Did it mean I was throwing in the towel? Doherty asked herself aloud, before adding that she feels its the right thing to do. You know that its going to give you a sense of peace and a sense of calm because youre helping the people that you leave behind [to have] a cleaner, easier transition, she said. Even though her mother encouraged her to keep the property, Doherty revealed she decided to downsize. Shes also selling her things, including a number of antiques collected through the years. Shes hoping to use the money to travel with her mother and make new memories. She said she also wants to make sure her loved ones are taken care of in the event of her death. I dont need this, it doesnt really bring me any great joy, but what does bring me a lot of joy is taking my mom to the places that shes always wanted to go to and building those memories with her, Doherty said. Last year, the actress announced on social media that her cancer had spread to her bones and even her brain. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and then went into remission in 2017. But unfortunately, the cancer came back in 2020. From Kecksburg to that aliens versus Bigfoot battle in the seventies, Pennsylvania is no stranger to the paranormal. Neither, honestly, is California, although that doesnt make what was spotted in the skies early Tuesday morning any less weird. KTLA 5 reports how people from all over the southern part of the state from Santa Barbara County to Anaheim called in sightings of several very bright lights that were seen streaking across the skies at around 2 a.m. Space debris, meteors, aliens? reads a post of the report published to the KTLA 5 X page. Mysterious lights streak over Southern California. Indeed, these fireballs aroused the curiosity of many, with people speculating they were aliens at long last coming to say Hi in person as well as a cluster of meets meteorite and, according to Fox News, space debris. Alas, it was the latter, more practical, and least fun answer (although perhaps the least terrifying, too) which was the case: Space.com confirms that the lights were, in fact, remnants of Chinas Shenzhou 15 spacecraft, which made its way to the stars in November 2022. The same Space.com report adds that this isnt the first time a huge piece of Chinese space junk has crashed to Earth as, for whatever reason, theyre not designed to come back to Earth safely at the end of its mission. This, states Space.com, is apparently something the Chinese have been chastised for before, but to no avail, it would appear. Where this particular Chinese space junk landed remains unconfirmed as of the publishing of this report. By MAKIYA SEMINERA, The Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) One person was hospitalized after reports of a shooting at a residence hall at North Carolina Central University, police said. Police were called to Lawson Street Residence Complex at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release from the university in Durham. The school was placed on lockdown, and a campus alert was issued warning those in the area of an armed and dangerous person. Officers closed two blocks of Lawson Street for approximately two hours while investigating, according to the Durham Police Department. While responding to an unrelated medical call nearby, Durham EMS arrived to the complex to aid one person who was shot at least once, the university said. The person was sent to Duke University Hospital. The university did not provide further identifying information on who was shot. The shooting is being treated as a criminal investigation, NCCU Police Chief Damon Williams told reporters at a news conference, but no details on potential suspects were provided. North Carolina Central University and the Durham Police Department did not immediately respond to The Associated Press request for comment. The lockdown was lifted at about 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday. There is no present danger on campus, per the university. The university will provide counseling for students who need support in the aftermath of the shooting, starting Wednesday. The historically Black university has an enrollment of approximately 8,000 students. Lawson Street Residential Complex can home more than 450 students, according to the universitys website. Its located on the western side of NCCUs campus near the McDougald-McLendon Arena and Student Health Building. Eight cruise passengers were left stranded in the African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe and then spent days trying to catch up to the Norwegian Cruise Line ship as it sailed up the western coast of Africa. The cruise was traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Barcelona, Spain. In a statement sent to CNN affiliate WPDE, Norwegian Cruise Line said the passengers were late getting back to the ship on March 27. Eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. local time, the statement said. 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 ships intercom, in the daily communication, and posted just before exiting the vessel. Norwegian also said that the guests passports were given to local port agents for them to collect. Since they were on a private tour and missed the mandatory time to come back aboard, they were responsible for the cost of getting to the next available port of call to get back on the ship. The cruise line also added that it was working with local authorities and has been in communication with the marooned passengers. But stranded South Carolina couple Jill and Jay Campbell told a different and exhausting tale, as the two were in their first week of a three-week voyage when they stopped just off the coast of West Africa. As the couple and others toured the nearby island of Sao Tome and Principe that afternoon, the tour ran late and they told the guide they were running out of time. We were like, Our time is getting short, Jay Campbell said to WPDE, and he said the guide told them, No problem we can get you back in an hour. When they got back, the passengers said cruise officials refused to let them aboard the ship, even as the local Coast Guard had ferried the group to the anchored ship. The harbormaster tried to call the ship. The captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL the customer service emergency number, Jay Campbell said to WPDE. They said the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is via email. Theyre not responding to our emails. As a result, the Campbells were left stranded with four other Americans and two Australians. Among the group which was mostly elderly was a paraplegic, one person with a heart condition, and a pregnant passenger. Some of the stranded members didnt have their credit cards or medication, as they were still on the ship. The Campbells ended up spending thousands on their Visa card for lodging and essentials for the group. One member of the group even spent five days without his medication and fell ill. Cruise expert Stewart Chiron, who is known as The Cruise Guy, chimed in with his own thoughts on the tense circumstances. The bottom line was, they were hours late, the ship was ready to go, Chiron told ABC News. More than likely that the anchor was already up, and the ship was already possibly moving. Any operation at that point to get these passengers back on the ship would have caused tremendous delays, and safety would have been a major concern, he added. The group of eight stranded passengers spent 15 hours traveling through six countries in an attempt to get back onto the ship on Sunday in Banjul, Gambia. But another issue arose because the ship couldnt dock due to low tide, so they were tasked with getting to Senegal, where the ship was meant to dock on Tuesday. Unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority, a Norwegian spokesperson said to ABC News. The spokesperson said the cruise line contacted guests regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024. It also added that due to the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, the Norwegian Cruise Line will be reimbursing the eight guests for their travel costs. The spokesperson also mentioned that the cruise line is still in communication with the guests to provide additional information as it becomes available. The website CruiseMapper.com shows that the cruise ship had arrived early Tuesday at port in Dakar, Segal, where the Campbells and other stranded passengers were able to board the ship. 'People dont come prepared to be in a small town and dont book somewhere to stay so ask to camp on people's lawns'. A simple, yet divisive sign has caused considerable backlash among both locals and tourists after it was erected on the edge of a property on the side of the road and shared online. The controversial sign in Denmark, Western Australia reads "Hometown not tourist town!" and has since been removed according to the Shire of Denmark council. While the sign may no longer be up, the debate is still raging on due to the recent steep rise in tourism in the area which, according to one local, has been climbing since the pandemic despite a lack of accommodation and "infrastructure" to support the popularity. The sign reading 'not tourist town' has been removed by the council. Source: Facebook/Supplied Debate over rise in tourists in small town Shared on Facebook on Saturday, a debate quickly ignited with hundreds reacting and many condemning the "attitude" from the sign's owner. "As a Denmark local I am embarrassed by this sign. Please come to our beautiful town and enjoy its beauty and hospitality and support our local businesses. Please ignore the ignorant few," one local said. "Love people who think their town would be so much better without tourists in it, when the only reason the town survives is that tourist cash," another responded. Others agreed with the sign's sentiment though, arguing that locals of the small town in southwest WA just want to live "peacefully". "Many people are not interested in tourism dollars thats why they live in isolated places. [We] just want to live without drama, simply living peacefully," a person said. "There should be a cap on how many tourists are allowed in," a local argued. Lack of 'infrastructure' to support post-COVID 'influx' of tourists One Denmark local and business owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Yahoo News Australia the "distance" of the town from Perth about a five-hour drive "put off" a lot of potential visitors in previous years. But since COVID and the rising cost of living, people began travelling around their own country more, things have changed. "All of a sudden Denmark was discovered and we've had a huge influx of people," they said. This Easter long weekend was no different with the local revealing visitors began arriving on Thursday and it was "continuous" all weekend many not even booking accommodation before arriving. "People dont come prepared to be in a small town and dont book somewhere to stay so ask to camp on [people's] lawns," they said. "We just don't have the infrastructure to cater for the huge volume of people," they said. While infrastructure to support the rise in popularity still needs work, the local says "you can't stop progress" and tourism is "good for the town" and "the economy". Denmark's local council told Yahoo "Denmark is a beautiful place to visit" and has large increases of tourists over holiday periods. The Council have also announced draft plans to develop "Tourism Precincts". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- A Dearborn Heights, Michigan, man was killed on Tuesday when a tire flew across the median and collapsed the roof of the car he was driving. A 38-year-old Jackson man was driving west on I-94 around 4 p.m. when the front drivers side tire detached from the vehicle, Michigan State Police said in a release on Wednesday. The tire went over the median wall and struck a car traveling east on I-94 in the area of State Street in Ann Arbor Township. The impact of the tire, which struck the drivers side windshield and roof, caused the roof to cave in and strike the driver in the head, police reported. The man, a 49-year-old, was declared dead on scene, police said. The investigation is ongoing, police said. Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be a factor in the crash. By JOSH FUNK, The Associated Press The aftermath of last years fiery train derailment in eastern Ohio doesnt qualify as a public health emergency because widespread health problems and ongoing chemical exposures havent been documented, federal officials said. The Environmental Protection Agency never approved that designation after the February 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment even though the disaster forced the evacuation of half the town of East Palestine and generated many fears about potential long-term health consequences of the chemicals that spilled and burned. The contamination concerns were exacerbated by the decision to blow open five tank cars filled with vinyl chloride and burn that toxic chemical three days after the derailment. FILE - A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)AP The topic of a public health emergency came up in emails obtained by the Government Accountability Project watchdog group through a public records request. But EPA Response Coordinator Mark Durno said the label, which the agency has only used once before in Libby, Montana where hundreds of people died and thousands were sickened from widespread asbestos exposure doesnt fit East Palestine even though some residents still complain about respiratory problems and unexplained rashes. Officials also believed the agency had enough authority to respond to the derailment without declaring an emergency. Durno said the reason a public health emergency isnt being considered is that we have not had any environmental data about ongoing chemical exposures in the extensive air, water and soil testing program. The EPA said in a statement that the order it did issue telling Norfolk Southern it was responsible for the damage declared that the conditions at the derailment site may constitute an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or welfare or the environment. So the agency said it didnt see a need for a public health emergency because it had the legal authority it needed to respond. But area residents like Jami Wallace see plenty of evidence that their hometown has become a disaster every time they open Facebook and see posts about their friends kids covered with rashes or struggling with chronic nosebleeds. Other posts talk about the smell of chemicals returning after heavy rains. They keep saying its a coincidence, but if this was your family, wouldnt you get tired of it being a coincidence? Wallace said. Lesley Pacey, who is an environmental investigator with the watchdog group, said she wants to make sure that East Palestine residents get the help that they need to recover from the derailment. I talk to residents all the time and theyre having new seizures pop up, cancers. I mean, a lot of the damage has already been done to these people, Pacey said. Federal and state officials continue monitoring for additional problems in the small community near the Pennsylvania border, according to Durno. The EPA also keeps testing the air and water in the area as it oversees the railroads work to clean up the mess. He reiterated that none of the agencys more than 100 million tests of air, water and soil ever showed concerning levels of chemicals apart from the soil immediately around the derailment that was dug up and disposed of last year. In the recently disclosed emails, an EPA lawyer tells one of its PR people it was best not to get into this when he was asked whether a document explaining the agencys order telling Norfolk Southern to clean up the contamination from the derailment should include anything about medical benefits. That kind of aid, which could include Medicare coverage, is only available if EPA declares a public health emergency. But again there was no data suggesting that that was necessary. And to this date, there is no data that suggests that thats necessary, Durno said The railroad has already spent more than $1.1 billion on its response to the derailment, including more than $104 million in direct aid to East Palestine and its residents. Partly because Norfolk Southern is paying for the cleanup, President Joe Biden has never declared a disaster in East Palestine, which is a sore point for many residents. The railroad has promised to create a fund to help pay for the long-term health needs of the community, but that hasnt happened yet. An EPA community center was set up in downtown East Palestine to answer any questions from residents. Clean up continues one year after the East Palestine train derailment that caused a massive toxic fire. According to the EPA, 53 train cars derailed, some carrying toxic chemicals which caught fire. (Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com, file)Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com The emails also provide a reminder that the EPA was aware of the potential dangers of releasing and burning the vinyl chloride. But that was already made clear when the EPA advised officials on scene that phosgene which was used as a chemical weapon in World War I and hydrogen chloride would likely be created when vinyl chloride is burned and warned the public about that possibility. The officials who made the decision to release the vinyl chloride Ohios governor and the local fire chief leading the response decided that releasing and burning it was safer than risking a tank car or more exploding. Ultimately, Durno said the EPA found only low levels of hydrogen chloride in the plume of thick black smoke and no phosgene. And he said the agency took extensive samples throughout the area to monitor for those chemicals during the burn and evacuation even though weather conditions kept its specialized plane with additional testing equipment grounded on the day of the burn. The head of the National Transportation Safety Board said recently that her agencys investigation showed that the vent and burn of the vinyl chloride was unnecessary because the company that produced that chemical was sure no dangerous chemical reaction was happening inside the tank cars. But the officials who made the decision have said they were never told that. The NTSBs full investigation into the cause of the derailment wont be complete until June, though that agency has said that an overheating wheel bearing on one of the railcars that wasnt detected in time by a trackside sensor likely caused the crash. The EPA has said the cleanup in East Palestine is expected to be complete sometime later this year. By JAKE OFFENHARTZ and CLAUDIA LAUER, The Associated Press In the moments before the cargo ship Dali rammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and sent it crumbling into the water, a flurry of urgent warnings crackled over radios and enabled police to block traffic from getting on the span, likely saving lives. But those warnings didnt seem reach the six construction workers who were killed in last weeks collapse of the Baltimore bridge. Their deaths have raised questions about whether the construction company took proper precautions, including keeping a safety boat nearby that might have been able to warn them at least a few seconds before impact. Federal regulations require construction companies to keep such boats, commonly known as skiffs, on hand whenever crews are working over waterways, safety experts told The Associated Press. There is no indication that the construction company, Brawner Builders, had a rescue boat on the water or ready to be launched as the bridge fell. If youre working over a bridge like that, the standard interpretation doesnt give you an option, said Janine McCartney, a safety engineer for HHC Safety Engineering Services Inc. The skiff is required, period. Coast Guard representatives and other officials said they were unaware of any Brawner boat in the water at the time of the March 26 collapse. And satellite images from around the time of the collapse appeared to show no skiff in the river near the bridge. Even if the workers had been warned that the giant ship was about to hit, its unclear if they would have had enough time to scramble to safety. The archived recordings of the bridges maintenance radio channel from early that morning include only one minor exchange between two maintenance workers about the approaching ship, though its unclear if either was on or near the span at the time. In the exchange, a man with a muffled voice seemed to ask what was going on, and the other replied, Theyre just holding traffic because a ship lost its steering, thats all. The bridge collapsed less than 30 seconds later. But if a safety boat were present, experts said, it might have been able to use a marine radio and required walkie-talkies to warn the construction workers about the Dalis distress calls, possibly giving them a chance to act. Authorities say a construction inspector was able to run to a section of the bridge that didnt collapse, though its unknown what warning, if any, he received. A Coast Guard coastal buoy tender passes by as wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rests on the container ship Dali, Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, file)AP A Brawner representative declined to comment for this story, saying the company is focused on taking care of the families of the workers, who were filling potholes on the bridge when it collapsed. Brawner has used safety skiffs for work on bridges in the past, according to a deposition of a company executive that was part of a 2011 lawsuit. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations say construction companies performing work over waterways must have at least one safety boat available. OSHA officials have said in rule interpretations over the years that the required boat can ensure prompt rescue of employees that fall into the water, regardless of other precautions taken to prevent this from occurring. An OSHA spokesperson didnt respond to repeated requests for clarification on that regulation. Some states have rules clarifying that the boats arent required under certain conditions, such as when the work being done is contained within the guardrails of a bridge. But Maryland isnt among them and does require that a safety skiff be present when workers are over or near water. A spokesperson for the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, which oversees compliance with federal labor regulations, declined to comment on the Key Bridge collapse or Brawners safety record, citing the open investigation into the tragedy. Dennis OBryan, a maritime lawyer, said he believes the skiff requirement remains in effect even when there is little risk of drowning unless the company secures an exemption from the state. If there was a skiff there, it would have heard the mayday call and radioed the workers to get off the bridge, OBryan said. There needs to be an investigation into whether the skiff was there and, if not, why it wasnt. OBryan isnt representing any of the families of the workers who were on the Key Bridge when it collapsed. But in 2011, he represented a Brawner employee who was injured while operating a safety boat meant to monitor workers on a bridge. The lawsuit accused the company of not properly staffing the boat. It was settled for an undisclosed sum. The AP requested a copy of the safety plan that Brawner submitted for the Key Bridge project, which was among more than 25 contracts worth a total of over $120 million that the state awarded the company in the past five years. The request was still being processed as of Tuesday. In this photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, salvage operations on the Francis Scott Key Bridge take place, Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Baltimore. Salvage teams used an exothermic cutting torch to systematically separate sections of the steel bridge, which will be taken to a disposal site. (Petty Officer 3rd Class Kimberly Reaves/U.S. Coast Guard via AP, file)AP Brawner has been cited three times for seven safety violations since 2018, including four citations for failing to provide proper fall protections, OSHAs online enforcement records show. The company was fined close to $11,000 in informal OSHA settlements. Several project foremen interviewed by the AP said that despite OSHAs strict interpretations, it is not uncommon for construction companies to forgo the use of a safety skiff on jobs that dont pose an imminent risk of drowning, and its unclear when the regulation is enforced. In the past decade, there has been just one violation issued in Maryland during a bridge construction project for failure to provide a life-saving skiff, according to a review of available online OSHA records. Ryan Papariello, a safety and health specialist with the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America, said that in safety plans for work on bridges, companies should think about including flotation devices and clear communication with the Coast Guard or anyone thats patrolling the water. He also said future plans might include the use of specific loud noises that signal workers to evacuate. Obviously this wasnt a foreseeable incident, Papariello said. A lot of the contractors that we see and Im not blaming the contractor they just dont have a valid rescue plan in place. By Dillon Mullan, The Baltimore Sun (TNS) Divers surveying tangled and mangled steel have found the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sinking into the bottom of Patapsco River. Above the surface, cold rain and lightning have slowed an increasingly complicated removal process a week after a massive container ship that had just departed the Port of Baltimore lost power early in the morning of March 26 and hit a support column at 9 mph, toppling the bridge. Surveys are indicating the wreckage on the bottom of the 50-foot channel is far more extensive than we could have imagined, Army Corps of Engineers Col. Estee Pinchasin said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Its not just sitting on the seabed, its actually below the mud line. That makes it very difficult to know where to cut and how to cut, and how to rig and lift. Rescue divers did not search for the four missing bodies Tuesday due to dangerous conditions caused by debris, the current and low visibility, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, said. Meanwhile divers have continued to survey underwater to create models of the scene for engineers to study to plan removal of the bridge. Pinchasin said multiple dive teams are operating 3D, multibeam, side-scan survey systems. Were getting a much better understanding of what were dealing with, Pinchasin said. This is something that the salvage community knows how to do. While the cranes might not be moving, I cant tell you how much is going on behind the scenes with our engineers. After a 200-ton section of the bridge was removed Sunday using cranes, the Key Bridge Response Unified Command which includes the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland State Police, and officials representing the cargo ships owner and manager had planned a similar operation for Monday that was postponed because of lightning. Yesterday we had a planned lift of one of those sections, the weather has delayed that lift. We havent yet completed it, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said Tuesday. We just cant do that lift in lightning. It is unsafe to operate those cranes when you have lightning in the area. The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of severe thunderstorms around the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor on Tuesday night and Wednesday. While some progress has been slowed, strides have been made to establish temporary channels for smaller vessels to pass by the crash site. On Monday two vessels, fuel and scrap barges, passed through a temporary channel on the northeast side of the bridge with a depth of 11 feet, and Tuesday afternoon around 1:15 p.m., crews opened a second channel with a depth of 14 feet, Moore said. For reference, the center of the Key Bridge is 50 feet deep and large cargo ships carrying vehicles typically require depths of at least 35 feet, Moore explained. Gilreath said the Unified Command eventually hopes to open a third, hopefully deeper, temporary channel. The third channel will depend on when we can complete the removal of the bridge obstructions in that section, Gilreath said. After that is completed we will complete a survey and we will mark that channel as well. In Annapolis on Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade, or PORT, Act sponsored in that body by President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore City Democrat, and Johnny Ray Salling, a Republican representing Dundalk in Baltimore County. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore gestures at a rendering of the bridge collapse while explaining the depth of two temporary channels opened to get smaller vessels around the bridge collapse at a news conference on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Dundalk, Maryland. (Dan Belson/Baltimore Sun/TNS)TNS The legislation would create temporary relief funds for workers and small businesses that will be displaced by the closure of the port. Moore said 57 businesses have applied for relief, along with dozens more that are in the process, and he has proposed a permanent scholarship program for families of transportation workers who die on the job as part of the PORT Act. Following spring break and a holiday weekend, roadways around Baltimore were especially congested and dangerous Tuesday, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said. About 15,000 more vehicles have been passing through the Fort McHenry Tunnel each day while around 7,000 additional vehicles each day are passing through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Wiedefeld said. (Baltimore Sun reporters Dan Belson, Lia Russell and Hannah Gaskill contributed to this article.) 2024 The Baltimore Sun. Visit at baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick raised more than $6 million in the first quarter of 2024, which, like the previous quarters haul, included $1 million of his own money. Pennsylvanians from across the commonwealth are joining the movement to elect Dave McCormick, a 7th-generation Pennsylvanian, combat veteran and PA job creator who will bring new leadership and fresh ideas to the Senate, said McCormick campaign communications director Elizabeth Gregory in a statement. Im a committed supporter of the State of Israel. However, in this time of challenge, its people need to determine that if they want to absorb the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and Gaza into its country, they also need to absorb the Palestinians who live there. America is a successful land of multiculturalism. Can our example be shared? Bruce Gruenwald, Cleona, Pa. By Curt Schroder, Nicole Stallings, and Martin Raniowski During 2022, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed important legal reforms thatfor the past 20 yearshave protected access to health care. Now, the commonwealth is headed toward a health care access crisis that threatens to dissuade physicians from practicing here, worsen maternity care deserts, and reduce vital services, particularly in rural communities. Instead of filing medical liability cases only where the alleged medical injury occurred, as the previous rule required, attorneys are now permitted to file cases where they have the best odds of winning and where juries routinely award verdicts of more than $10 million, also known as nuclear verdicts. To be clear, patients and families affected by medical injuries deserve respect and a fair hearing to litigate liability claimsand the legal structure in place for the past two decades allowed that to happen. But a lopsided playing field that allows trial lawyers to shop for nuclear verdicts puts all Pennsylvanians health care at risk. Massive verdicts can wipe out specialty practices, will cause liability premiums to increase, and take resources away from providing care. Should this trend continue, physicians and hospitals will no longer be able to offer certain specialty care because of the high risk and, in the midst of a workforce crisis, it will become even more challenging to attract and keep physicians in the commonwealth. It is already exceptionally difficult to recruit specialty providers to rural communities. Adding another barrier to access means that patients in many communities will have to wait longer and travel farther for the care they need. Access to pre- and post-natal birthing care is vital to the health of mothers and infants, yet obstetrics is among the specialties most at risk. Accessing maternity care is already a challenge in many rural areas and soaring liability costs are making it even harder for the commonwealth to attract OB-GYNs and for hospitals to sustain labor and delivery services. According to the March of Dimes, 12 percent of Pennsylvania womenand 47 percent of women in rural countieslive more than 30 minutes from a birthing hospital. As a result of the rule change, 2023 court data to date shows many more cases being filed in Philadelphia, which has a national reputation as a venue where non-nuclear verdicts are quickly becoming the exception. During 2023, 544 cases were filed, averaging 45 cases per month. That is nearly double the number (275) filed in 2022 and well above the pre-pandemic status quo in the very low 400 range. The Philadelphia courts awarded 11 nuclear verdicts in 2023, ranging from $10 million to nearly $1 billion, four of them related to medical liability. Of those cases filed in 2023, 41 percent had causes of action arising outside of Philadelphia and could not have been filed in Philadelphia prior to the venue rule change. Make no mistake, the venue rule change is responsible for this increase. Doctors and hospitals from as far away from Philadelphia as Lancaster, Reading, and the Lehigh Valley are now being dragged into the Philadelphia court system. Lawyers in and around Philadelphia take full advantage of the situation. Nuclear verdicts give them a nearly unlimited budget to erect massive billboards along highways. Data shows that some plaintiffs attorney firms spend $100 million a year just on advertising and promotion. Despite the bleak outlook, the Supreme Court will have the opportunity to correct this mistake because the new venue rule mandates a review of the impact of forum shopping at the two-year mark. At some point later this year, or early in 2025, the Civil Procedural Rules Committee of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will conduct this review; however, many questions remain unanswered. The 14-member, all-volunteer committeecomprised of attorneys, judges, and court administratorslacks the ability to conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, or engage in other fact-finding. Further, there is no mechanism for the rules committee to obtain information from hospitals, physicians, insurance carriers, and others on the impact of the new venue rule. It is incumbent upon the Supreme Court to establish a fair and transparent process for this important review. The court needs to let all parties know what data and information it needs to review to properly analyze how the rule change affects Pennsylvanians health care. The Civil Procedural Rules Committee simply cannot rubber stamp this mistake that will quickly erode health care access for patients and communities throughout the commonwealth. Curt Schroder is Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) Nicole Stallings is President and CEO of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) Martin Raniowski is CEO of the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) Half of a country music powerhouse couple will receive an honor during the 2024 CMT Music Awards on Sunday, April 7. Trisha Yearwood, whose husband is megastar Garth Brooks, will receive the inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award for her kind heart and good deeds. Yearwood also will perform her new song, Put It In a Song from her upcoming album. It will be her first performance on the awards show since 2019. HOW TO WATCH WITH A FREE LIVE STREAM: Fans can watch CBS without cable on Fans can watch CBS without cable on fuboTV (free trial), Paramount+ (free trial) and DirecTV Stream (free trial) CMT said the award, inspired by June Carter Cash, recognizes an artist, duo/group or industry veteran who demonstrates an exceptional dedication to the community and their fellow artists as Cash did. We are thrilled to honor the incomparable Trisha Yearwood with the inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award at this years show, said CMT Music Awards Executive Producers in a statement. Trisha has a unique ability to rally a community, whether that may be families in need with Habitat for Humanity or uplifting her fellow artists and entertainers trying to carve a path in the industry. She embodies the bold strength of June, who tirelessly devoted herself to service and community, and the namesake for this award. Both multi-hyphenate trailblazers eloquently crafted a script for others to model, letting their hearts and authenticity guide their personal, professional and public lives. Yearwoods philanthropic work includes her decades-long dedication to Habitat for Humanity. She and her husband, Garth Brooks, were named Habitat Humanitarian in 2016. In addition, Yearwood founded Dotties Yard to help animal rescues and supports Stanford Womens Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, Humane Society, Grammy Foundation MusiCares, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, Starkey Hearing Foundation, Susan B. Komen Foundation and more. Kelsea Ballerini will host the CMT Music Awards at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 7, from Austin, Texas, on CBS. Also performing will be Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson, both with wins on the recent iHeartRadio Music Awards; along with Ballerini, Bailey Zimmerman, Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Jordan Davis, Little Big Town, Megan Moroney, NEEDTOBREATHE, Old Dominion, Parker McCollum, Sugarland and Sam Hunt. Ballerini, Wilson and Jelly Roll are part of a five-way tie for leading nominee at the fan-voted awards show alongside Cody Johnson and Megan Moroney. Each artist is up for three awards at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. An updated tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 9:57 p.m. in effect until Wednesday at 2 a.m. for Allegheny, Beaver, Greene and Washington counties. Tornado watch vs. Tornado warning: Know the difference When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let's break it down: Tornado watch: Be prepared! A Tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to tornado formation. It's your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room. While it doesn't indicate an imminent tornado, it's a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states. Tornado warning: Take action! A Tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. This is the real deal there's an immediate threat to life and property. Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or by trained spotters and law enforcement. Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms. Prepare for a tornado Be weather-ready: Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings Sign up for alerts: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes. Create a communication plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, such as a church or family member. Choose a secure shelter: Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Practice your plan: Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don't forget about your pets if time permits. Secure your home: Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Help your neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt. Staying safe during a tornado: Quick actions to take When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Stay informed: Stay vigilant and stay informed by tuning in to local news broadcasts or using a NOAA Weather Radio to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings. At home: If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits. At work or school: If you are at your workplace or school, adhere to tornado drill procedures. Move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter, avoiding large open areas like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and steer clear of windows. Outdoors: When you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate refuge inside a sturdy building. Remember that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe options. If there is sufficient time, make your way to a secure structure. In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best option is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Remember, acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Driving can tire even the best of us and for one man it proved too much as he fell asleep at the wheel after stopping at a red traffic light, with a search now underway after he evaded police who attended the scene. The Mercedes driver as well as his passenger fell asleep at the traffic lights for 20 minutes on a busy road in Melbourne's southeast on Monday afternoon, causing congestion to build up. Fellow motorists contacted the police who arrived at Belgrave-Hallam Road alongside an ambulance crew. The man was asleep at the traffic lights on a busy road in Melbourne's southeast for 20 minutes. Source: 7News Victoria Police told Yahoo News paramedics woke the driver and he was urged to turn off his engine and get out of the car, however, he did not follow instructions. A video from 7 News shows a police officer shouting, "Turn it off! Do not... Get out the car!", before the vehicle sped off. It is understood no one thought to block the car and the driver managed to get away from police officers, paramedics and fellow motorists who stood nearby. An investigation is now underway to find the driver. Man evaded police twice in same day Victoria Police told Yahoo News the same vehicle had evaded police earlier in the day, however, no further details were shared. Police are now encouraging any witnesses to come forward or anyone that captured footage via their dashcam or CCTV footage to urgently contact Crime Stoppers. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The plane was forced to circle Gold Coast Airport for an hour to burn fuel to minimise the risk of combusting on landing. A plane has made a miraculous landing at Gold Coast Airport overnight after its landing gear failed during approach, resulting in a fiery touchdown that sent sparks and flames soaring into the air. The aircraft's two pilots reported an issue with the landing gear the principal support of the plane during landing at 8pm on Tuesday. They carefully circled the airport for an hour to burn off fuel, to minimise the risk of combusting, eventually touching down in what's known as a "dark landing". The plane, a Beechcraft 58 Baron, can seat up to six people, though only the two pilots were on board at the time. It's understood the men on board are "incredibly accomplished" flyers and have extensive piloting experience. A plane with two people on board was forced to make an emergency landing at Gold Coast Airport overnight, touching down without functioning landing gear. Source: 9 News Emergency crews 'prepared for the worst' Emergency crews were deployed to the airport to meet the plane on arrival. Thanks to the pilots' efforts, each escaped unharmed, despite the aircraft sustaining some damage. You prepare for the worst and hope for the best with those sort of incidents, Queensland Ambulance officer Mitch Ware said on Today. The plane circled the airport for an hour to burn off fuel, to minimise the risk of combusting, eventually touching down in what's known as a "dark landing". Source: Flightradar24 A spokesperson for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said "there is always a concern with these events" because "there is fuel that is obviously flammable". A Gold Coast Airport spokeswoman said there aren't any ongoing impacts to operations. No ongoing impact to airport's operations "A light aircraft experienced a technical issue with its landing gear upon approach to Gold Coast Airport last night," a spokesperson said. #BREAKING: A plane has made a fiery landing on the Gold Coast after a failure with its landing gear. #9Today pic.twitter.com/BrUtRxC7Go The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) April 2, 2024 "The experienced pilots on board landed the aircraft safely with the landing gear retracted. There are no ongoing impacts to airport operations." The two pilots, aged in their 40s and 60s, were assessed on scene by paramedics and later released. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Asian Poker Tour Gears Up For the Massive APT Jeju 2024 Festival Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link Live poker is booming in Asia right now, and we have the Asian Poker Tour (APT) to thank for that. Coming off the back of the largest and richest poker series to take place in Taiwan, the Natural8-sponsored Asian Poker Tour heads to the beautiful South Korean island of Jeju for the APT Jeju, South Korea 2024 festival. The APT Jeju, South Korea 2024 festival will take place over ten days between April 26 and May 5. It boasts 90 events and satellites. The top-tier Landing Hotel & Casino will be packed to the rafters throughout the series, as players from far and wide attempt to win a winner's trophy and a bankroll-boosting cash prize. The APT has seriously pushed the boat out regarding guarantees, with over KRW 5 billion waiting to be won; that huge figure translates to approximately $3.76 million, in case you were interested. A significant chunk of those combined guarantees stems from the APT Main Event, which will be massive; mark our words. Featuring four flights, each costing KRW 2,500,000 ($1,903) to enter, the APT Jeju, South Korea 2024 Main Event boasts a KRW 2 billion ($1.5 million) guarantee on its prize pool. That represents an increase of over 20 times compared to the last APT Jeju Main Event, which took place in 2017! August 2023 was the last time the APT dropped anchor in South Korea, although the festival ran at the Paradise Hotel & Resort in Incheon. Its Main Event saw 563 unique players purchase 367 re-entries (930 entrants), each paying KRW 2,300,000 and creating a KRW 1,867,347,000 ($1,410,415) prize pool. Japan's Shoichiro Tamaki came out on top and returned home with the equivalent of $205,025 after a three-handed deal with runner-up Tsz Wan ($159,520) and third-place finisher Chokejindachai Napat of Thailand ($167,829). Expect even larger payouts this time around. APT Jeju, South Korea 2024 Schedule Date Time Event Buy-in (KRW) Approx Buy-in (USD) Fri 26 Apr 11:00 a.m. #1: Korea National Cup Flight A 800,000 $609 2:00 p.m. #2: Satellite to Korea National Cup 160,000 $122 3:30 p.m. #3: PL Omaha High 600,000 $457 4:00 p.m. #4: Single Day High Roller Freezeout 3,000,000 $2,283 6:00 p.m. #1: Korea National Cup Flight B 800,000 $609 8:00 p.m. #5: Turbo NL Omaha 400,000 $304 9:30 p.m. #6: Hyper Turbo 700,000 $533 11:00 p.m. #7: Super Hyper Turbo 300,000 $228 Sat 27 Apr 11:00 a.m. #8: Mystery Bounty Hunter Flight A 1,000,000 $761 11:15 p.m. #1: Korea National Cup Final Day 11:15 a.m. #9: APT Super High Roller Day 1 13,500,000 $10,274 11:30 a.m. #10: PL Omaha Hi-Lo 5 Card (Big O) 600,000 $457 11:45 a.m. #11: NL Hold'em Freezeout 2,000,000 $1,522 2:00 p.m. #12: Limit Triple Draw Mix 600,000 $457 6:00 p.m. #8: Mystery Bounty Hunter Flight B 1,000,000 $761 7:00 p.m. #13: Turbo high Roller 1,100,000 $837 7:30 p.m. #14: Turbo NL Omaha Hi-Lo 5 Card (Big O) 400,000 $304 9:45 p.m. #15: Hyper Turbo NL Single Draw 2-7 300,000 $228 11:00 p.m. #16: Super Hyper Turbo Win the Button 300,000 $228 Sun 28 Apr 11:00 a.m. #17: Sunday Super Stack 1,100,000 $837 11:15 a.m. #8: Mystery Bounty Hunter Final Day 11:15 a.m. #9: APT Super High Roller Final Day 11:15 a.m. #18: Single Day High Roller 4,000,000 $3,044 11:30 a.m. #19: PL Omaha High 5-card 600,000 $457 2:00 p.m. #20: Limit ROSE 600,000 $457 4:00 p.m. #21: NL Hold'em Teams Event 600,000 $457 7:00 p.m. #22: Turbo PL Omaha High 400,000 $304 8:00 p.m. #23: Satellite to KRW 2.5 Million 500,000 $381 9:30 p.m. #24: Hyper Turbo NL ROSE 300,000 $228 10:00 p.m. #25: Tick Tock BOOM 500,000 $381 Mon 29 Apr 11:00 a.m. #26: APT Main Event Flight A 2,500,000 $1,903 11:15 a.m. #27: Superstar Challenge Day 1 30,000,000 $22,831 11:30 a.m. #28: Omaha Masters PL Omaha Hiigh 1,500,000 $1,142 11:45 a.m. #29: Single Day High Roller Mystery Bounty 4,500,000 $3,425 12:00 p.m. #30: NL Hold'em Freezeout 1,000,000 $761 6:00 p.m. #31: Satellite to KRW 2.5 Million 500,000 $381 7:15 p.m. #32: Turbo High Roller 1,100,000 $837 7:30 p.m. #33: Turbo NL Omaha High Double Board 400,000 $304 9:30 p.m. #34: Hyper Turbo 500,000 $381 9:45 p.m. #35: Hyper Turbo NL 8-Game 300,000 $228 11:00 p.m. #36: Super Hyper Turbo Super Hold'em 300,000 $228 Tue 30 Apr 11:00 a.m. #26: APT Main Event Flight B 2,500,000 $1,903 11:15 a.m. #27: Superstar Challenge Final Day 11:15 a.m. #37: Single Day High Roller 4,000,000 $3,044 11:30 a.m. #38: Mix Game Masters 9-Game 1,500,000 $1,142 11:45 a.m. #39: NL Hold'em Single Re-Entry 1,000,000 $761 3:00 p.m. #40: Women's Event 600,000 $457 6:00 p.m. #41: Satellite to KRW 2.5 Million 500,000 $381 7:30 p.m. #42: Turbo PL Omaha High-Low 5-card (Big O) 400,000 $304 8:00 p.m. #43: Turbo 700,000 $533 9:45 p.m. #44: Hyper Turbo NL Single Draw Mix 300,000 $228 11:00 p.m. #45: Super Hyper Turbo Bomb Pot 300,000 $228 Wed 1 May 11:00 a.m. #26: APT Main Event Flight C 2,500,000 $1,903 11:15 a.m. #46: Single Day High Roller 3,500,000 $2,664 11:30 a.m. #47: PL Omaha High/Hi-Lo Mix 5-card 600,000 $457 11:45 a.m. #48: NL Hold'em Bounty 1,000,000 $761 2:00 p.m. #49: Limit Triple Draw Lowball mix 600,000 $457 4:00 p.m. #50: Women's Event 300,000 $228 6:00 p.m. #26: APT Main Event Flight D 2,500,00) $1,903 7:15 p.m. #51: Turbo 900,000 $685 7:30 p.m. #52: Turbo NL Omaha High Lazy Rivers 400,000 $304 9:30 p.m. #53: Hyper Turbo Double Stack 300,000 $228 11:00 p.m. #55: Super Hyper Turbo 300,000 $228 Thu 2 May 11:00 a.m. #26: APT Main Event Day 2 2,500,000 $1,903 11:00 p.m. #56: PL Omaha High Lazy Rivers 600,000 $457 2:00 p.m. #57: NL Hold'em Freezeout 800,000 $609 4:00 p.m. #58: Single Day High Roller Big Bounty 4,000,000 $3,044 7:00 p.m. #59: Zodiac Classic Day 1 3,000,000 $2,283 9:00 p.m. #60: Tick Tock BOOM! 500,000 $381 10:00 p.m. #61: Hyper Turbo NL ROSE 300,000 $228 11:00 p.m. #62: Super Hyper Turbo Crazy Pineaple 300,000 $228 Fri 3 May 11:00 a.m. #63: Double Stack Flight A 1,000,000 $761 11:15 a.m. #26: APT Main Event Day 3 11:15 a.m. #59: Zodiac Classic Final Day 3,000,000 $2,283 11:15 a.m. #64: Baby Superstar Challenge 10,000,000 $7,610 11:30 a.m. #65: PL Omaha High 5-Card 600,000 $457 11:45 a.m. #66: NL Hold'em heads-Up (32 Cap) 800,000 $609 2:00 p.m. #67: Limit Triple Stud 600,00 $457 6:00 p.m. #63: Double Stack Flight B 1,000,000 $761 7:00 p.m. #68: Satellite to APT High Roller 1,100,000 $837 7:15 p.m. #69: Turbo 600,000 $457 8:00 p.m. #70: Turbo PL Omaha High 5-Card 400,000 $304 9:30 p.m. #71: Hyper Turbo 500,000 $381 9:45 p.m. #72: Hyper Turbo NL Single Draw Mix 300,000 $228 11:00 a.m. #73: Super Hyper Turbo 300,000 $228 Sat 4 May 11:00 a.m. #74: Mini Main Event Flight A 800,000 $609 11:15 a.m. #26: APT Main Event Final Day 11:15 a.m. #63: Double Stack Final Day 11:15 a.m. #75: PL Omaha Hi-Lo 5-Card (Big O) 600,000 $457 11:15 a.m. #76: APT High Roller 7,000,000 $5,327 11:30 a.m. #77: NL Hold'em Freezeout 1,500,000 $1,142 2:00 p.m. #78: Dealer's Choice (19 Games) 600,000 $457 6:00 p.m. #74: Mini Main Event Flight B 800,000 $609 7:30 p.m. #79: Turbo PL Omaha Hi-Lo 5-Card (Big O) 400,000 $304 9:00 p.m. #81: Hyper Turbo Double Stack 600,000 $457 9:45 p.m. #81: Hyper Turbo NL 8-Game 300,000 $228 11:00 p.m. #82: Super Hyper Turbo 300,000 $228 Sun 5 May 11:00 a.m. #83: Micro Main Event 400,000 $304 11:15 a.m. #74: Mini Main Event Final Day 11:15 a.m. #76: APT High Roller Final Day 11:15 a.m. #84: Omaholic (Omaha Hi PL Pre/NL Post) 600,000 $457 11:30 a.m. #85: Last Chance High Roller 3,000,000 2,283 3:00 p.m. #86: Turbo 700,000 $533 4:30 p.m. #87: Turbo PL Omaha High Win the Button 400,000 $304 5:30 p.m. #88: Hyper Turbo 400,000 $304 6:00 p.m. #89: Hyper Turbo High Roller 1,500,000 $1,142 7:30 p.m. #90: Super Hyper Turbo 300,000 $228 The APT Jeju, South Korea 2024 schedule is brimming with events and satellites, as you can see from the above table. Although No-Limit Hold'em dominates proceedings, as it does on almost every live and online poker festival's schedule, there are dozens of non-hold'em events for players to get their teeth into. Several Pot-Limit Omaha variants, including "Big O," feature. As do Stud, Single and Triple Draw games, while a Dealer's Choice that has 19 possible games to choose from, will keep mixed game players on their toes. Bertrand \"ElkY\" Gropellier won the Superstar Challenge in Taiwan Those who love to see poker's biggest names in action should be delighted to learn that a Superstar Challenge is scheduled in Jeju. While the event does not guarantee its prize pool, the fact that it costs KRW 30,000,000 ($22,831) to enter means it will naturally attract some of the world's greatest players to the Landing Hotel & Casino. The Superstar Challenge, held in Taiwan, saw luminaries such as Steve O'Dwyer, Isaac Haxton, Espen Jorstad, Danny Tang, Biao Ding, and Roman Hrabec compete. French superstar Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier came away with the top honors, banking the equivalent of $367,770 after defeating Lester Edoc heads-up. Stay tuned to PokerNews over the coming days as we bring you a guide about everything you need to know about the APT Jeju, South Korea 2024, followed by a detailed recap of all the juiciest results from the bustling schedule. Share this article Video Showing Police Detaining Poker Player, Gambler Mikki Mase Surfaces Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link Mikki Mase, a poker player who claims he can beat baccarat, was detained by Los Angeles police on Sunday, apparently after guns were drawn on him and three others. The incident took place in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. No arrests were made and the four individuals questioned by police were released. KeyNews.TV released a five-minute video on YouTube showing what transpired. Why Was Poker Player Detained? The video begins with Mase, who has appeared a number of times on Hustler Casino Live, approaching the camera and explaining, "yeah, man, I just came out here trying to get back shots of the ghost of Charles Manson. Next thing you know, me and my buddies , we see fireworks going off celebrating, we're thinking it's a good time and the cops get mad about it." Mase, who was sporting a Hustler Casino Live hoodie at the time of the incident, then walked past a police car with three others before being approached by multiple officers who put him and the three other men in handcuffs during questioning. Mikki Mase Mase told the Los Angeles Times We were not on private property. I saw a firework fired earlier in the night and thought it was weird, but thought if I lived out here I might do the same thing. But he didn't specify why he was in the area on Sunday in the first place. Although the edited video doesn't show it, Mase said police officers pointed their guns at him and the three others before they were detained. Nick Vertucci, co-owner of Hustler Casino Live, made light of the incident on X, joking that his show was to blame due to Mase's HCL hoodie appearing in the LA Times article cover photo. Neighbors in Chatsworth reported gunshots to police, but it isn't clear if they were confused by the sound of fireworks. It appears the investigation has concluded and no arrests will be made. Mase is a polarizing figure in poker and even more so gambling. He claims he can beat the seemingly unbeatable baccarat game and has over 460,000 Instagram followers. The high stakes gambler has over $900,000 in losses in nine appearances on Hustler Casino Live, his latest on Aug. 11, 2023, according to TrackingPoker.com. *Image courtesy of KeyNews.TV YouTube. Share this article The trustee in a Charleston home improvement firm's bankruptcy case is asking a judge to approve a request that could potentially force the company's customers to battle a bank to retrieve thousands of dollars' worth of building supplies they've already paid for. Materials including bathtubs, kitchen fixtures, cabinets and other products have been locked up in a warehouse since On The Level Construction LLC filed for liquidation earlier this year. Michelle Vieira, the court-appointed trustee, asked this week for the goods to be excluded from On The Level's bankruptcy because numerous competing claims for the property are "burdensome to the estate" a legal term that essentially means the property is more trouble than it's worth. A trustee "can look at property and decide that its not worth it," according to the American Bankruptcy Institute. "Selling the property wont yield enough money for creditors, or its simply too much hassle." A hearing will be held May 2 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in downtown Charleston should any of the company's creditors object to the abandonment request. Vieira said her filing "simply informs the court that the inventory has no value to the bankruptcy estate and requests that it is abandoned." She added that it "does not alter the rights of any party to make a claim to the property." BayFirst Financial Corp., a publicly traded bank based in St. Petersburg, Fla., has a secured claim against all of On The Level's assets, including the warehoused building materials. Its lien totaling about $277,823 exceeds the value of the goods, according to court filings, which means the lender could have the right to seize all of the collateral to recoup some of its money. COLUMBIA Richland County residents are experiencing severe pains from a lack of affordable housing in South Carolina. While Columbias mayor favors building up dense, vertical growth over large-tract single-family home neighborhoods, developers face challenges in both lanes. The problem is that multifamily housing can only get the city so far in making a meaningful dent in housing demand and affordability, since multifamily housing, like apartments, is a small piece of the market. More people are looking to move into single-family homes. And those developments, which typically entail large-tract subdivisions, need land. But as developers eye open land in the unincorporated portions of Richland County, they also see challenges. Richland County Council, unlike neighboring Lexington, has not passed a slate of ordinances aimed at slowing housing projects. Instead, the challenges in Richland come down to infrastructure and a school districts reputation. From 2000 to 2019, typical housing costs for renters and homeowners alike have grown far faster than earnings, with median rents increasing more than 80 percent and the value of a typical single-family home increasing nearly 90 percent, a 2021 S.C. Housing report found. From 2015 to 2019, nearly 18,000 Richland County residents were considered severely cost-burdened by their rents, meaning more than 30 percent of take-home pay is spent on housing costs. And the average home value in the county has climbed from around $133,000 in 2015 to $240,000 today, according to Zillow. Thats an 80 percent increase. Building up Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann is a big fan of dense, vertical growth to ease housing demand, and he laments the citys history of prioritizing sprawl over density. There seems to be an increasing need for such development Baby Boomers downsizing, young professionals who want to be able to walk to work and single mothers, Rickenmann said. Thanks to brand new technology developed out of Australia, exploring shipwrecks is about become a whole lot easier. Despite all our advancements in modern technology, just five per cent of the sea has so far been explored and charted by humans. With a total scale of around 360 million square kilometres, what truly lies at the darkest depths of the ocean is, for the most part, a total mystery. With an estimated three million shipwrecks currently scattered across the seabed, many may never be discovered. Though some, thanks to brand new technology developed out of Australia, are now much more easily accessible and for the first time, able to be uncovered for a fraction of the usual price. This week, Global AI and robotics company Advanced Navigation announced it had discovered a 100-year-old shipwreck in the treacherous seas of the "Rottnest ship graveyard", located in the Indian Ocean off of WA. Global AI and robotics company Advanced Navigation has discovered a 100-year-old shipwreck in the treacherous seas of the Rottnest Island in WA. Source: Supplied Using the underwater drone Hydrus, a "revolution in robotic technology", the 64-metre wreck was found in January laying across the seafloor off of Rottnest Island, spanning more than twice the size of a blue whale. Underwater drone slashes costs associated with shipwreck exploring by 75 per cent Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Peter Baker, Subsea Product Manager at Advanced Navigation said the discovery marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in underwater drone technology. He explained how using Hydrus, costs associated with exploring underwater shipwrecks are slashed by a staggering 75 per cent. "The coast off of Western Australia is actually nicknamed 'the shipwreck coast' because there are so many," he told Yahoo. "It's quite a complicated piece of coastline to navigate, so historically there have been a lot of ships that have been wrecked there." Barker said his team had "found ourselves in a bit of a unique situation" in that "we've built this amazing underwater data capture device". Being located in Perth, the team has access to WA Maritime Museum, who he said are "the custodians of a lot of information about shipwrecks" in the area. Using Hydrus, an underwater drone (pictured), costs associated with exploring underwater shipwrecks are slashed by a staggering 75 per cent. Source: Supplied "And we also have another organisation at Curtin University called the HIVE, who are basically the world leaders in visualisation of underwater data, so thought we're in a unique scenario and decided to collaborate," he added. Just the start of exciting new chapter Baker said that his team were "given some approximate locations" of where it was thought that "there were some shipwrecks". "We went out there and investigated one of the sites and we managed to locate the shipwreck on our first first voyage so we analysed that data, and then we did a really detailed acquisition on the second trip, which took about five hours to capture, which was really impressive," he explained. "From there, we gave some of the data Curtin and they were able to produce some stunning 3D models of the shipwreck. "The reason we're excited about those is, they're able to go out and then share that information in a way that's easily digestible and understood by people who aren't necessarily familiar with looking at underwater data. "That data was then shared with the Maritime Museum, who are now actively working to identify and classify what exactly which ship that is." Budget-friendly technology to benefit researchers Most researchers have a fixed budget when it comes to collecting underwater data, Baker said, so by drastically lowering the cost with Hydrus "they can go out and, instead of doing a trip once a year, they can go four times a year". "Some researchers who couldn't get funding to go and do something, are now able to go and do that," he said. "There's a lot of challenges facing the ocean today and what we need to do collectively is, have more information to make some better data driven decisions around that. And Hydrus is really a tool that enables that." A 64-metre wreck was found in January by Hydrus, laying across the seafloor off of Rottnest Island. Source: Supplied Baker said the team "intend to go out and continue to investigate areas of interest" on the seafloor and hope to discover even more shipwrecks. Preliminary investigations suggest the Rottnest wreckage was more than 100 years old and had been a coal hulk from Fremantle Port. In this image we see an actual photo of the shipwreck taken by Hydrus. Source: Supplied It took humans 73 years to find the wreck of the Titanic, thant sunk in 1912 and was finally located in 1985 and, the remains of MH370 which most accepted theories suggest plunged to its final resting place somewhere in the Indian Ocean has never been found. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Four South Carolina chefs and restaurateurs were named finalists for the 2024 James Beard Foundation's Restaurant and Chef Awards on April 3. Considered the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards finalist announcement came just over two months after 11 South Carolina nominees were named semifinalists on Jan. 24. Finalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards which recognize exceptional talent and a commitment to equity, community and sustainability are nominated across 22 categories, including Outstanding Restaurateur, Emerging Chef, Outstanding Bar and Best Chefs (by region). Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura in Charleston was among the five chefs named as a finalist in the Emerging Chef category. It's been a fast rise for the Filipino chef, who immigrated to the United States in 2011 and didn't become a full-time cook until 2014. In 2019, Cagalanan launched his Mansuetas pop-up, a concept that paved the way for the opening of his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Kultura, in July 2023. "It's unbelievable. I don't believe that we're in this position right now," Cagalanan said, crediting his staff and fiance Paula Kramer for helping him get to this point. "It's us, the restaurant is. It's all the staff we have." James London, whose restaurant Chubby Fish is located just a few blocks away from Kultura in Charleston, was named a finalist in the Best Chef: Southeast category an award previously won by FIG's Mike Lata and Lowland's Jason Stanhope. The honor comes one day after Chubby Fish, which London owns with his wife Yoanna "YoYo" London, was named one of Food & Wine magazine's top 20 restaurants in the country. The Edisto Blackwater Boogie Festival (EBB) returns for its fifth annual celebration from Oct. 18-20 at Givhans Ferry State Park in Dorchester County. This festival, renowned for its lineup of folk, blues, R&B, country and more, embraces the essence of "roots" music, which honors the sou Read moreTickets now available for Edisto Blackwater Boogie SUMMERVILLE A video making rounds on social media of police forcefully arresting a 13-year-old selling palmetto roses at a Walmart has sparked a greater conversation about the "overcriminalization of African American youth." Summerville Police Department officer Dante Ghi is seen in a video originally shared on Facebook that thousands of people engaged with. In the video, Ghi is pushing a young teens neck into the ground, causing his head to hit the concrete, while arresting him. Body camera footage of the incident has not yet been released. Today's Top Headlines Story continues below Police approached two juvenile African American boys on April 1 after receiving complaints from business owners about people loitering and selling Palmetto roses, according to an April 2 statement from Summerville Police Chief Douglas Wright. But Ghi's approach was aggressive and did not attempt to de-escalate the situation, State Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, who is representing the minor in the video, alleged in an April 3 press conference in front of the police department. This was an overreaction. This was an escalation. There was no attempt to try to deescalate the event from the time that they approached him, Pendarvis said. The 13-year-old sells the rose-shaped flowers made with palmetto palm fronds quite often, though it was his first time selling them at the Walmart along Summervilles North Main Street, according to Pendarvis. He is on spring break this week. He was spending his time off from school trying to make an honest buck, in the spirit of entrepreneurism, Pendarvis said. Its not uncommon, whether its Girl Scouts or church groups or little league groups, to gather in front of storefronts, selling cookies, selling lemonade, selling whatever, to make an honest buck, to raise money for particular situations, Pendarvis said. FLORENCE John McCullough sat on an upside-down bucket with a cigar in his left hand and a fishing rod in his right hand. He said its rare to come by places that are still natural by nature in 2024. McCullough had heard Francis Marion University had opened its trails and lake at the Freshwater Ecology Complex to the public. He gathered his equipment and decided to check out the lake. Fishing is therapeutic for McCullough because it lets him wind down from the hustle and bustle of the week. McCullough wasnt at the complex long before deciding that he liked how quiet and peaceful the lake was. As well as how no machinery was able to get to the lake. Nature is the only thing that can change it. If the wind knocks down a tree, its because of nature and not man, he said. The Freshwater Ecology Complex started teaching classes in spring 2022. It was charged with the mission of researching freshwater issues in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. It focuses mainly on fisheries and water quality, Freshwater Ecology Center Director Jeffrey Steinmetz said. The complex focuses on three main pillars: teaching, research and service, Assistant Professor of Fisheries Jason Doll said. The complex meets its goal of service by hosting outreach programs every year and now by opening its trails and lake facilities to the public. FMU students can take part in many research projects and upper-level labs at the complex. Students get hands-on experience they wouldnt get if it werent for the facility and equipment provided. Through the education and equipment theyre providing at the complex, theyre training the next generation of environmental professionals, Steinmetz said. Steinmetz also said students have access to an Electrofishing boat, one of the main tools used by the Department of Natural Resources to conduct fish sampling, as well as access to the same equipment that the Department of Health and Environmental Control uses. COLUMBIA In a tense, drama-filled hearing into $1.8 billion of unaccounted state funds, a key state senator accused South Carolinas treasurer of having lost control of the states coffers and breached the public trust charges the elected official vehemently rejected. Yet, even after the combative hearing, which ran about six hours April 2, the public appears no closer to figuring out where the $1.8 billion came from or where in the branches of state government it belongs. But Treasurer Curtis Loftis job does seem to be on the line. It is apparent that Mr. Loftis has lost control of the state Treasury, Sen. Larry Grooms, a Bonneau Republican leading the investigation into the accounting errors, said at the end of the hearing. Mr. Loftis has abrogated his responsibility as state treasurer, Grooms added. He has breached the public trust. Grooms and the other senators accused Loftis and his office of having committed the error that led to the $1.8 billion sitting on the books, knowing about it for seven years and pointing the finger at the comptroller general when questioned about it. They also leveled a series of other serious allegations of mismanagement at Loftis. Loftis, a fourth-term Republican last reelected in 2022, pushed back adamantly on those allegations, saying he and his office are the only ones doing anything to find out to whom the money belongs with little help from Comptroller General Brian Gaines. He is responsible for determining the ownership of the money, Loftis said. Thats patently false. False. False. False, he shouted, pounding his hand on the lectern as Grooms shouted back accusations at one point late in the hearing. Loftis said that 15 to 18 staff in his office have been working thousands of uncompensated hours sifting through the states financial records on evenings, weekends and the Saturday before Easter trying to determine to whom the money belongs. SPARTANBURG State transportation officials will revise plans to reshape a Spartanburg intersection after residents expressed concerns. In its current state, the project would reshape the intersection of Reidville, Anderson Mill and Oak Grove roads by removing all left turns from the main intersection at Reidville and Anderson Mill. Vehicles would use a new public roadway that would connect Reidville and Oak Grove. The new road would be a converted private commercial road. The new roads intersection with Reidville and Oak Grove roads would also have two new signals and pedestrian facilities. These changes aim to increase safety and improve operational efficiency. These plans might be changing because of complaints about the new design, according to South Carolina Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Hannah Robinson. SCDOT has begun revising the design based on those concerns and will present a revised design for public comment again, Robinson said in an email. Robinson did not say when a new design would be unveiled but said it will be posted to the projects website . On March 18, residents spoke against the project at a Spartanburg County Council meeting. Hal Carson, who has lived in the West Forest subdivision for 46 years and is the president of its homeowners association, prefaced his comments by saying he is not a traffic engineer but that the project will profoundly impact the subdivision. To date, I have not heard positive comments on the project. I have heard a fair number of worries, Carson said. Im not looking forward to having 112 families complaining. Charles Bennett, who also lives near the intersection, said he thinks DOTs plan would only create more traffic, if left unchanged. When you eliminate left-hand turn lanes from a busy intersection, you create more frustrations for drivers, Bennett said. County Councilwoman Jessica Coker said at the meeting she had spoken to Bennett about the project. She is a CPA during tax season and was not immediately available for comment. The first concert in a new Skaneateles music series will feature a piano trio with a pair of local performers. Rintaro and Ritsuko Wada, who last year opened a music school at 80 E. Genesee St. in Auburn, will be joined by violinist Edgar Tumajyan for the first concert in the Lake District Chamber Music Series. The concert will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. With Rintaro Wada on cello and Ritsuko Wada on piano, the trio will perform Gabriel Faure's Trio in D Minor, Opus 120, as well as Antonin Dvorak's Trio in E Minor, Opus 90 ("Dumky"). "The concert will showcase the enchanting melodies of Faure's trio, evoking the gentle flow of spring thaw, as well as the passionate melodies of Dvorak's renowned 'Dumky' trio, which incorporates Ukrainian folk themes," the Wadas said in a news release. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. For more information, call the church at (315) 685-5048. PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 13:01:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1031 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce that it has incorporated a U.S. based subsidiary, Aclara Technologies Inc. ("Aclara Technologies"), to develop its rare earths separation capabilities in the United States. This development will allow Aclara to better position itself to carry out all of the stages leading up to the production of metal and alloys for high performance permanent magnets, following the recent announcement that the Company has entered into a joint venture with CAP to develop metal and alloys capabilities. As a result, Aclara is positioned to become the first vertically integrated heavy rare earths company outside of Asia.Aclara CEO, Ramon Barua, commented:"This strategic decision is only possible because of Aclara's unique feed of clean heavy rare earths, particularly Dysprosium and Terbium, which is expected to be sourced from two stable and investment friendly countries in the Americas. This competitive advantage distinguishes Aclara from other players in the industry. By going further in the vertical integration of rare earths production, we improve our ability to commercialize our product while retaining the economic margins of this important stage in the value chain. Consequently, end users will benefit from a more cost competitive product built with traceable, fully ESG compliant materials, resulting in a stable long-term supply of heavy rare earths. We understand the importance of building a geopolitically independent supply chain for critical materials and we aspire to become a leader in that effort." Aclara's Vertical Integration StrategyThe decision to integrate vertically responds to the need for creating a geopolitically independent supply chain for permanent magnets, a much-needed performance enhancer for the motors of electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics and other applications associated with the decarbonization of our planet.Aclara Technologies is expected to source high purity mixed rare earths carbonates from Aclara's extraction modules in Chile and Brazil. These carbonates will be then converted into individual rare earths oxides in the separation facility. For this purpose, Aclara Technologies has awarded a contract to the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") to develop a production flowsheet specially designed for its premium carbonate, and to Hatch Ltd. ("Hatch") to work on the engineering of the proposed separation facility. Under the terms of the agreement, SRC will develop a conceptual Solvent Extraction ("SX") separation process, which will serve as the basis for Hatch to conduct a Class 5-AACE CAPEX and OPEX estimation for the rare earth separation facility. The aim of this conceptual analysis is to design a plant capable of processing Aclara's mixed rare earth carbonates into separated neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide (with a purity of 99.0-99.9% by weight) and dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) oxides (with a purity of 99.5-99.99% by weight). The engineering study is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024.The Company notes that the final decision to build the separation facility will depend on the completion of a thorough analysis of costs, logistics and time to permitting. Alternative locations currently under consideration include Brazil and Chile.Aclara COO, Barry Murphy, commented:"This study represents the starting point of our strategic intent to vertically integrate our future mining operations into the production of separated rare earth oxides, and to position Aclara as a key player in the future supply of heavy rare earth oxides. Both SRC and Hatch possess the requisite expertise and experience to undertake this important work and we are therefore thrilled to be collaborating with these two highly reputable companies in the execution of the separation study." The following senior engineers from SRC and Hatch will lead the separation engineering study:SRC: Baodong Zhao (PhD, P.Eng) has more than 25 years of experience in the metallurgical engineering and project management, especially in rare earth mineral processing and hydrometallurgy. He was previously an independent metallurgical consultant at REE Metallurgical Consulting and the Vice President of Metallurgy at Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. Over the past eight years, Baodong has worked on many rare earth projects by leading and participating in all aspects of laboratory and pilot plant test work, as well as preliminary economic assessments covering sample preparation, mineralogical characterization, beneficiation, hydrometallurgy and rare earth element separation using solvent extraction technology. Baodong is a reviewer for the Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly.HATCH: Rob Fraser has more than 30 years hydrometallurgical experience including operations, design, study management, commissioning, and technology commercialization. He obtained operations experience at Cawse Nickel (HPAL, SX, EW) and within Nyrstar at the Hobart and Cockle Creek Smelters. Major projects have included Voiseys Bay nickel in Canada, where a hydrometallurgical demonstration plant (POX, SX, EW) was built before the commercial plant was taken to feasibility level and Goro Nickel Project, where he provided metallurgical support at the Yabulu refinery. Rob held roles, from Technical Manager and Deputy Project Manager on the commercial plant feasibility study, through to Lead Process, Module Construction Manager and Process Commissioning Lead on the demonstration plant. Rob is Hatchs Global Hydrometallurgy Lead.In parallel, Aclara will start to develop its metals and alloys capabilities through REE Alloys SpA, its recently established joint venture company with CAP S.A. (further details regarding the joint venture can be found in the Company's press release issued on March 13, 2024). Aclara's goal is to be able to connect all aspects of the production of clean rare earths up to the point where they are able to be received by a permanent magnet manufacturer. We expect that by approaching this effort under one company we will be able to capture synergies, reduce costs and expedite time to market.Aclara's patented extraction of heavy rare earths is quite unique, considering its low carbon footprint, very high levels of water recirculation (>95%) and circular economy principles. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and it does not generate any solid or liquid residues, thus eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer, ammonium sulfate. Further, harmful levels of radionuclides, typical of hard rock rare earth deposits, are not concentrated within PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 17:16:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 779 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The Leading Company for Securing Access Between Workloads Recognized for the Aembit Workload IAM PlatformSILVER SPRING, MD / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Aembit, the Workload Identity and Access Management (IAM) Company, has been named one of the Top 10 Finalists for the RSA Conference 2024 Innovation Sandbox contest for its platform that manages and secures access between critical software resources, like applications and services. Aembit will present its technology to a panel of renowned industry judges and a live in-person audience on May 6 at RSA Conference 2024 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.Since 2005, the RSAC Innovation Sandbox contest has served as a platform for the most promising young cybersecurity companies to showcase their groundbreaking technologies and compete for the title of "Most Innovative Startup." The competition is widely recognized as a catapult for success as the Top 10 Finalists have collectively celebrated more than 80 acquisitions and received $13.5 billion in investments over the last 18 years. Aembit will have three minutes to pitch the panel of judges before a question-and-answer round."The submissions for this year's RSA Conference Innovation Sandbox contest were both dynamic and inspiring. Along with the rest of our entrepreneurial audience, I am excited to see these ideas come to life on stage," said Linda Gray Martin, senior vice president of RSA Conference. "The evolution of global cyber threats is constant and there's no better place to look for solutions and to help solve these challenges than in our own community." With the rapid expansion of automated software, cloud services, and APIs, enterprises are being met with an exploding number of workloads across their IT environments. Reflect on the now-outdated practice of jotting down user credentials on sticky notes. Similarly, the current method of securing interactions between workloads typically involves the use of static, long-lived credentials, which are prone to theft and often embedded directly within code.This approach not only introduces security vulnerabilities but also complicates management and impedes prompt response during security incidents and compliance audits. Aembit shifts the model so enterprises can focus on managing access, instead of managing secrets."Aembit automates and secures the entire workload-to-workload access workflow, from discovery, to enforcement, to audit - at scale," said David Goldschlag, co-founder and CEO of Aembit. "Instead of building another dashboard showing you problems due to secrets and keys, we proactively fix the root cause of these challenges by systematically improving the way workloads are authorized access to your most sensitive resources, without code changes. You can think of us as Okta (or Azure AD), but between workloads instead of between users and services. The RSA Conference presents the ideal platform for us to demonstrate the significance and impact of our solution to the global security community." The RSAC Innovation Sandbox contest kicks off at 10:50 a.m. PT on May 6, and winners will be announced at approximately 1:30 p.m. the same day. The panel of renowned expert judges includes Asheem Chandna, partner at Greylock; Dorit Dor, chief technology officer at Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Howe, senior operating partner at Energy Impact Partners; Paul Kocher, independent researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO at Verizon. Hugh Thompson, RSAC executive chairman and program committee chair of RSA Conference, will return to host the contest.For more information regarding RSA Conference 2024, taking place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from May 6 to 9, users can visit https://www.rsaconference.com/usa To learn more about the Aembit Workload IAM Platform, watch this demo video.About AembitAembit is the Workload Identity and Access Management platform that secures access between workloads across clouds, SaaS, and data centers. With Aembit's identity control plane, DevSecOps can fully automate secretless, policy-based, and Zero Trust workload access. For more information, visit www.aembit.io and follow us on LinkedIn.About RSA ConferenceRSA Conference is the premier series of global events and year-round learning for the cybersecurity community. RSAC is where the security industry converges to discuss current and future concerns and have access to the experts, unbiased content, and ideas that help enable individuals and companies advance their cybersecurity posture and build stronger and smarter teams. Both in-person and online, RSAC brings the cybersecurity industry together and empowers the collective "we" to stand against cyberthreats around the world. RSAC is the ultimate marketplace for the latest technologies and hands-on educational opportunities that help industry professionals discover how to make their companies more secure while showcasing the most enterprising, influential, and thought-provoking thinkers and leaders in cybersecurity today. For the most up-to-date news pertaining to the cybersecurity industry visit www.rsaconference.com . Where the world talks security.Contact:CMOApurva DaveAembit apurva@ aembit.io SOURCE: Aembit PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 13:31:02 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 857 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Avant Brands Inc. (TSX:AVNT)(OTCQX:AVTBF)(FRA:1BU0) ("Avant" or the "Company"), a leading producer of innovative and award-winning cannabis products, today welcomes the addition of Ms. Sukhie Chahal as Vice President of Revenue Strategy, who previously served as Revenue Management & Sales Strategy at Canopy Growth Corp.Norton Singhavon, Founder and CEO commented: "Sukhie's proven track record in sales and operational planning, honed at a leading global cannabis company, perfectly aligns with Avant's strategic growth goals. Her expertise will be instrumental in both optimizing our domestic adult-use channels and accelerating our international expansion. We're thrilled to welcome Sukhie to the team as we embark on this exciting new chapter." Sukhie Chahal, VP Revenue Strategy commented: "The dedication and focus on innovation I've witnessed from Avant's team is truly inspiring, especially considering their success in both the established Canadian market and on the global stage. The Team's ability to make such a strong impact speaks volumes about their capabilities. I'm excited to join forces with this talented group and contribute my experience to optimize and increase revenue streams for Avant, both domestically and internationally." Ms. Chahal is a seasoned professional with more than 10 years' experience in the cannabis and beverage alcohol industries spanning 3 continents; focused on driving incremental revenue growth, implementing innovative pricing strategies, and spearheading market initiatives. Previously, Ms. Chahal held a pivotal role at Canopy Growth, where she served as an integral part of the Revenue Management and Sales Strategy team. Her focus on optimizing revenue growth across various channels and products showcased her ability to navigate the intricate landscape of the cannabis industry with precision and foresight. With her deep understanding of the complexities of the cannabis industry and her strategic vision, Ms. Chahal is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the growth and success of Avant Brands Inc. in this dynamic and rapidly evolving market.About Avant Brands Inc.Avant is an innovative, market-leading premium cannabis company. Avant has multiple operational production facilities across Canada, which produce high-quality, handcrafted cannabis products based on unique and exceptional cultivars.Avant offers a comprehensive product portfolio catering to recreational, medical, and export markets. Our renowned consumer brands, including BLK MKT, Tenzo, Cognoscente, flowr and Treehugger, are available in key recreational markets across Canada. Avant's products are distributed globally to Australia, Israel and Germany, with its flagship brand BLK MKT currently being sold in Israel. Additionally, Avant's medical cannabis brand, GreenTec, serves qualified patients nationwide through its GreenTec Medical portal and trusted medical cannabis partners.Avant is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:AVNT) and accessible to international investors through the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX:AVTBF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA:1BU0). Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Avant operates in strategic locations including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.For more information about Avant, including access to investor presentations and details about its consumer brands, please visit www.avantbrands.ca For further inquiries, please contact:Investor Relations at Avant Brands Inc.1-800-351-6358 ir@ avantbrands.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as 'may', 'will', 'should', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'could', 'intend', 'target', 'project', 'estimate', 'believe', 'predict', 'potential', 'plan', 'objective', 'contemplate', 'seek', 'aim', 'continue', 'budget', 'forecast', 'projections', 'outlook', 'strategy', 'priority', 'goal', 'aim', 'pursue', 'on track', 'initiative', 'expand', 'maintain', 'monitor' and similar expressions or their negatives. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated benefits of Sukhie Chahal's appointment as Vice President of Revenue Strategy and the Company's expectations regarding her contributions to revenue growth and strategic expansion, the Company's strategic shift towards accelerating international revenue growth and the decision to streamline operations, the Company's business strategies, objectives, and plans for future operations, expectations regarding market trends, consumer preferences, and product demand, anticipated growth opportunities and the Company's ability to capitalize on them, future performance, financial condition, and prospects of the CompanyForward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Readers should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.SOURCE: Avant Brands Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 13:31:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 994 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / BeMetals Corp. (TSXV:BMET)(OTCQB:BMTLF)(Frankfurt:1 OI.F) (the "Company" or "BeMetals") is pleased to announce remaining drilling results from its 2023 exploration program at the Pangeni Copper Project in Zambia (the "Project" or the "Property"). A new phase of core drilling has recently commenced to identify additional zones of higher-grade copper and expand the footprint of the mineralization within the priority D-Prospect area.Highlights:D14-C1: Returned multiple zones of copper mineralization from a shallow, approximately 70 metres, vertical depth D14-C1: Interval 1: 69.41 metres grading 0.25 % copper ("Cu"), including: 12.91 metres grading 0.37% Cu, and Interval 2: including 12.64 metres grading 0.32% Cu with 7.64 metres grading 0.39% Cu The mineralization, and associated alteration discovered at the D-Prospect, currently traced over 1.5 kilometres along strike, shows many of the hallmarks of large-scale copper deposits mined in the Domes Region of the Zambian Copperbelt A follow up core drilling program is underway to test extensions and grade continuity of the hole D22-C1 (Interval 3: 18.10 metres grading 0.70% Cu) intercept reported in January 2024, and other drilled copper intersections at this Prospect, beneath the shallow Kalahari sand coverNote: Table 1 below provides details of these 2023 drilling program results and other intersections in drill hole D14-C1.John Wilton, President and CEO of BeMetals, stated "We are pleased with the analytical results indicating multiple, or stacked, zones of copper mineralization from drill hole D14-C1 that was drilled during last year's exploration program. These new D14-C1 and recently released D22-C1 drill hole results re-enforce the large-scale discovery potential of the priority D-Prospect at the Pangeni Project. In February, Dr. Richard Sillitoe completed a drill core review of the D-Prospect and concluded that the copper mineralization is closely similar in geological setting, style, and age to that exploited by Barrick Gold Corporation at their Lumwana Copper Mine, in the Zambian Copperbelt, and the current results motivate further drilling.The Company has recently commenced a planned 1,800 to 2,000 metre follow-up core drilling program and approximately 600 metres of this program have already been drilled with the first completed drill hole under sampling and dispatch to the laboratory. First results from the current drilling are expected during Q2, 2024.We are increasingly encouraged and excited by what we are seeing from our ongoing drilling of the D-Prospect at the Pangeni Project in Zambia. The Project is delivering compelling results, indicating significant scale potential of the copper mineralization beneath the Kalahari sand cover. These technical results are importantly enhanced by the pedigree of the Zambian Copperbelt, the backdrop of increasing copper mining and exploration investments into Zambia, and the strong fundamentals for the copper price." PANGENI COPPER PROJECT: D-PROSPECTComplete results have now been received from the 2023 drilling campaign at the D-Prospect which comprised 2,032 metres of shallow aircore drilling to test for additional bedrock copper anomalies below the Kalahari sand cover, and 787 metres of follow-up core drilling in three holes (D22-C1, D14-C1, D11-C1).These new results from drill hole D14-C1 further enhance the potential of the D-prospect, in context with the previously reported zones of mineralization from holes D22-C1 and D2-C1, including 18.10 metres grading 0.70% and 14.05 metres grading 0.37% copper respectively (see Figure 1).The D14-C1 results importantly include interval 1, a broad zone of 69.41 metres, from a vertical depth of approximately 70 metres, grading 0.25% copper that includes multiple higher-grade zones ranging from 3.5 to 12.91 metres width at copper grades from 0.35% to 0.48% copper (see Figure 2 and Table 1). This new data demonstrates that extensive zones of lower grade material envelop the multiple, or stacked, zones of higher-grade copper mineralization similar to what is seen at both the Sentinel and Lumwana copper mines in the Domes Region of Zambia, where cut-off grades of 0.13%(1) and 0.16%(2) copper are applied.Interval 2 includes additional zones of mineralization with 12.64 metres grading 0.32% copper that includes 7.64 metres grading 0.39% copper (see Figure 2 and Table 1). The copper mineralization in D14-C1 is dominantly chalcopyrite, and overall, a zonation with an increase in bornite, a higher tenor copper mineral, has been observed towards the southwest of the D-Prospect from drill holes D14-C1, D2-C1 and D22-C1.As noted by Dr. Richard Sillitoe, the D-Prospect mineralization is closely similar in geological setting, style, and age to that exploited by Barrick Gold Corporation at their Lumwana Copper Mine, farther east in the Domes region (see Figure 3). The Lumwana Mine with Mineral Reserves of 538.8 million tonnes grading 0.56% Cu(2) ) and First Quantum Minerals Ltd.'s Sentinel Mine with Mineral Reserves of 792.4 million tonnes grading 0.46% Cu(1)(see locations in Figure 3) are also within the Domes Region of the Zambian Copperbelt. The deposits of these mines are sediment hosted copper style, generally shallowly dipping and/or plunging tabular bodies, with the alteration mineral kyanite associated with the copper mineralization, similar to our current observations and interpretation of the D-Prospect. At the Lumwana mine the thickness of the ore schist units at its Malundwe deposit is 15 metres(3) , and the average thicknesses of the upper, central, and lower ore schist units at its Chimiwungo deposit are 10, 60 and 12 metres, respectively(3)generally the same to current widths of the mineralized zones at the Company's D-Prospect.Drill hole D11-C1 did not intersect any significant zones of copper mineralization and is currently interpreted to have been drilled into the footwall units below the main target zone as intersected in drill hole D22-C1.The Company has commenced a planned 1,800 to 2,000 metre, follow-up, phase of core drilling to test initially for extensions of the copper mineralization to the southwest of the 2023 drilling at the D-Prospect area of the Property. The Company will release new drilling results during Q2 and Q3 2024 as they become available.The Pangeni Project copper mineralization, is a westerly extension of the Zambian Copperbelt and is concealed under a relatively thin but extensive layer of Kalahari sand cover. The open pit Sentinel Copper Mine, operated by First Quantum Minerals, is located approximately 130 kilometres northeast of the Pangeni Project and currently represents the westernmost copper mine o PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 18:14:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 497 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ROCK HILL, SC / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / As the tax deadline looms on April 15, 2024, taxpayers across the nation may find themselves in need of extra time to organize their financial affairs. For those in this situation, filing an IRS tax extension throughExpressExtension , a leading e-file provider, offers a convenient solution that is both swift and reliable.A Practical Solution for Avoiding IRS Penalties - Form 4868Obtaining an extension for personal tax returns provides a practical option for individuals and tax professionals who require additional time to complete Form 1040. Despite concerns that linger among taxpayers regarding the extension process, it's crucial to dispel the misconception that filing for an extension carries penalties from the IRS.Quite the contrary, submitting aForm 4868extension is an automatic procedure, devoid of any necessity for justification. By accuratelyfiling Form 4868 , taxpayers are granted a generous extension of 6 months to finalize their personal tax returns. It should be noted that the deadline for online submission of Form 4868 coincides with that of Form 1040, namely, April 15, 2024.The Benefits of Choosing ExpressExtension, the Industry-LeaderBacked by over a decade of expertise in the e-filing domain and fortified by the robust security measures upheld under SOC 2 Certification, ExpressExtension delivers a seamless avenue for individuals toFile Form 4868 online .By choosing ExpressExtension toe-file Form 4868for personal tax returns, taxpayers can breeze through the entire process within minutes, all for the nominal fee of $12.95. Moreover, ExpressExtension extends tailored benefits to tax professionals, enabling them to effortlessly upload bulk filing data for their clients while enjoying discounted rates based on volume.Setting itself apart as the sole provider of IRS tax extensions to offer anExpressGuarantee , ExpressExtension refunds filing fees automatically in the event of an IRS rejection of the 4868 filing as a duplicate return.In addition to federal extensions, certain states mandate the submission of separate extension forms for state income tax returns. ExpressExtension streamlines this process by furnishing individuals with the necessary forms for select states.When asked about the impending Tax Day', CEO and Co-founder of SPAN Enterprises, the parent company of ExpressExtension, Agie Sundaram stated, "As Tax Day approaches, we at ExpressExtension are fully prepared to meet the needs of our clients and ensure a smooth e-filing experience. Our dedicated team is committed to providing top-notch support, ensuring that both our clients and their deadlines are expertly taken care of." Visitexpressextension.comtoe-file 4868in minutes and get instant approval from the IRS.About ExpressExtensionExpressExtension is an IRS-authorized, SOC 2 Certified e-file provider that offers straightforward e-filing solutions for IRS tax extensions. This includes Form 7004 for business tax extensions, Form 4868 for personal tax extensions, Form 8809 for information returns, and Form 8868 for tax-exempt returns.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 TaxBandits, Tax990, ACAwise, ExpressExtension, 123PayStubs, and TruckLogics.For any media inquiries, please reach out to Stephanie Glanville, Content Writer atstephanie@ spanenterprises.com ###SOURCE: ExpressExtension PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 20:32:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 501 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 131-Year-Old Crop Insurance Company Expands for Specialty Crop FarmersWEST DES MOINES, IA / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa (FMH) today announced the acquisition of Global Ag Insurance Services from commercial and specialty insurer AXA XL.FMH Logo Global Ag is a leading crop insurance provider headquartered in the western U.S. that offers crop insurance solutions through the USDA multi-peril crop insurance program as well as specialty private and named peril products designed to meet the unique needs of crop producers and growers.Shannon Rutledge, FMH President and CEO, commented, "I am excited about this partnership and the impact it will have as we continue to expand and diversify our national footprint. The regional expertise, knowledge, and accomplishments that the Global Ag team brings with them will contribute to our long-term strategy of strengthening and enhancing our core crop insurance business." Rutledge added how this move supports FMH's vision of being a leading provider of Complete Farm Insurance Solutions for America's farmers as the company will continue to expand and grow the relationships Global Ag has developed with specialty crop producers and agents."We're thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to working closely with the FMH team in their commitment to delivering risk management solutions to all farmers and producers," said Jordan Roach, CEO of Global Ag. "This partnership couldn't come at a better time as we continue to see year-over-year growth and increased demand for specialty crop risk management solutions. FMH's impressive track record and long-standing dedication to crop insurance will serve our customers well." About Farmers Mutual HailHeadquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, FMH has served America's farmers since 1893 with a combination of financial strength, personal service, and family values. A leader in the crop insurance industry, the company has been managed by the same family for over 130 years and has a reputation for building lasting relationships that benefit its employees, business partners, and customers. FMH provides comprehensive risk management solutions, including private and federal crop insurance, reinsurance, and brokerage services. The company leads the industry in utilizing the speed and accuracy of precision data for crop insurance processes with FMH Precision Crop Insurance Solutions. Learn more at www.fmh.com About Global Ag InsuranceBased in Fresno, California, Global Ag has offered tailored crop insurance solutions since 2012, primarily to western specialty crop producers and agents. Previously, Global Ag was a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA XL, a commercial lines P&C insurance company. Learn more at www.globalag.com About AXA XLAXA XL provides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals, and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com Contact InformationDave DeCappFMH Senior Vice President & National Marketing Managerdavid.decapp@fmh.com 800-247-5248SOURCE: Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of IowaView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 14:02:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 653 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LISBON, PORTUGAL / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / In the current market environment, the diversification of investments highlights the importance of liquidity and the essential role of market makers. These entities are pivotal in maintaining the value of projects amid market changes, providing the liquidity necessary for the smooth execution of trades. This is particularly crucial for new projects seeking to establish themselves in a competitive arena.The presence of market makers becomes increasingly significant as they provide theliquidity needed for the seamless execution of trades, ensuring that investors can buy and sell tokens without causing a significant price impact. This is particularly vital for newer projects, which may struggle to establish their presence in a competitive landscape, without sufficient liquidity. By providing continuous buy and sell quotes for assets, market makers ensure that investors can execute their trades efficiently and at fair prices, serving as the linchpin for smooth market operations.Kairon Labs is reaffirming its dedication to supporting clients through the changing economic cycle. Kairon Labs provide the liquidity needed for the seamless execution of trades, ensuring that investors can buy and sell tokens without causing a significant price impact.Kairon Labs'CTO and Co-Founder Mathias Beke comments, "The demand for swift and reliable transaction execution escalates during bull markets are instrumental in moderating market volatility," underscoring the critical role market makers play in bridging the gap and ensuring that trades are finalized without undue delays or price discrepancies.By supplying a continuous flow of buy and sell orders, they contribute to price stability, thereby enabling investors to adjust their positions without significantly impacting market prices. "Our algorithms are meticulously crafted to handle large trades and strategically distribute them over time to minimize their market impact,"Mathias Bekecomments, demonstrating how their advanced strategies are designed to temper volatility.Market makers also promote market efficiency by facilitating transactions that might otherwise be hindered by the absence of immediate counterparties. This continuous flow of transactions ensures that prices accurately reflect current market conditions, thereby enhancing market efficiency.The presence of competent market makers is vital for bolstering investor confidence, particularly in bull markets where the fear of missing out and market euphoria can precipitate irrational trading behaviors. The assurance that liquidity and price stabilization mechanisms are in place encourages more active participation from both retail and institutional investors. "Instilling confidence is paramount under any market condition. Our goal is to foster a secure trading environment where investors can confidently execute their strategies," remarks Mathias.As financial landscapes evolve, the indispensability of skilled market makers in ensuring liquidity, mitigating volatility, enhancing efficiency, and nurturing confidence becomes unequivocally clear."I believe that the key to sustaining a healthy digital asset market is the establishment of transparent reporting, and ensuring consistent maintenance of market conditions such as spreads and depth" Mathias comments, emphasizing that this is the perfect time to look for ethical market-making solutions that you can trust, thus avoiding malpractices such as wash trading and token price manipulation, as these could harm your token in the long run.The vitality of reliable market makers in today's digital asset market cannot be overstated. Their role in ensuring liquidity, reducing volatility, and promoting market efficiency is crucial for the health and stability of financial markets. The presence of skilled market makers is more important than ever. Their commitment to ethical practices and transparency not only enhances market integrity but also ensures that the financial system remains a fair and efficient arena for all participants.About Kairon Labs:Kairon Labs provides upscale and ethical market-making services for digital asset issuers and token projects, leveraging cutting-edge algorithmic trading software integrated into over 100+ exchanges with 24/7 global market coverage.Relevant Links:Kairon Labs Site: https://kaironlabs.com/Twitter:https://twitter.com/KaironLabs Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kairon-labs Contact Person:Name: Carla Ramos Designation: Marketing Email: socials@ kaironlabs.comCity & Country: Lisbon, Portugal SOURCE: Kairon Labs PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 14:31:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 718 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 In 2016, Michael Youssef's father lost a ten-year battle with cancer. While the family grieved their loss, they also had to make a crucial family decision - to keep his accounting business going or ignore his dream of passing it on to one of his children.SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 /HY Accounting was begun by Michael's father, Harry 20 years ago. His wife, Randa, Michael's mother, joined the business shortly after. The business was growing. It was doing good work. Then, ten years later, tragedy struck. That was when Michael's father became ill with cancer. He fought it for about ten years until he passed away in 2016.Michael gave the decision of the business' future to his mother. "To be honest, the business probably wasn't saleable," Youssef admits. "As you can expect, Dad had been focusing on his health. Our realistic options were to invest back into the business or close it. Mum wanted to keep it. Dad's dream was to have one of his kids take it over." Michael had studied biotechnology and accounting at uni. He was working as a financial planner when his father passed away. He quit his job and joined his mother, upholding his dad's dream. The company has now grown to support 1000 individuals and businesses.That's not to say it has been easy. "When I took over, we invested into tech and people. In that one year, we made a six-figure loss. In the first couple of years, I worked a 60-hour week. Then we finally returned a profit." "During those anxiety days', I often felt ill-equipped because I wasn't a technical accountant. But one of my mentors said to me, The smartest thing you can be is the dumbest person in the team'. For a while, I never really understood it, but now I do, because the only way the business could have grown the way it has was if I wasn't the main person responsible for the work. So now, I can say that I could step away from the business' operations and it would still work, which is pretty exciting." "The greatest piece of knowledge I acquired through growing the company," he adds, "is that good accounting is not so much the debits, credits and tax. It's what it means for people and businesses. Good accounting is the language, the cornerstone of business. When you have an accountant who doesn't understand you or your industry, you don't understand them when they speak to you. The business can't grow. In my experience that's where almost every business comes unstuck." With this knowledge in Michael's arsenal, his mission became helping businesses tell a better story. Despite knowing the alarming statistics on how many small businesses fail, he was determined to beat the odds. These two things gave birth to the idea of helping people start up a business. He wrote an ebook called "From Idea to Execution" about his conversations empowering companies to success and and the feedback was remarkable. That gave him the confidence to launch The Summit to Success Program."We're seeing more and more businesses drop off, so I believe programs like this are extremely important. It's not just about saving a business, it's about saving people's financial wherewithal, their future and, of course, also their dream," he says."Most businesses fail for lack of cashflow, bad marketing, bad management or lack of planning. It's not rocket science, but people are complicated and juggling four business imperatives takes knowledge, confidence and skill," Youssef notes. "The course provides everything I needed when I took over my dad's business. All the things I had to learn by making mistakes and incorporating the advice of hand-picked mentors. It really is the secrets of my success." Today, HY Accounting stands as a premier accounting firm in Western Sydney, distinguished by its proprietary client engagement model forged over decades of expertise. Specialising in safeguarding clients' businesses and assets through proactive counsel and meticulous planning, the company excels in optimising tax strategies and providing strategic business advice. Its commitment to nurturing business growth and enhancing wealth is underscored by the application of battle-tested strategies.For more information contact:Michael Youssefmichael@ hyaccounting.com.au +612 9837 6148SOURCE: HY Accounting PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 16:05:47 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 497 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Cybersecurity experts say that blocking certain websites lowers the risk of cyberattacks and removes distractionsNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / According to data collected by the cybersecurity company NordLayer, a significant portion of employers (72%) block malicious and adult websites. Malicious websites can pose severe security threats by spreading malware, while adult websites are often restricted due to concerns over inappropriate content and potential productivity loss. Gambling sites are blocked by 43% of employers, likely due to concerns over addiction and productivity loss.Research shows that the Domain Name System (DNS) filtering feature is also used for blocking phishing, cryptojacking, illegal, and DDoS as a Service (DaaS) websites. This way, employers try to protect their networks and systems from cyber threats and illegal activities."In today's threat landscape, where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, DNS filtering plays a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining regulatory compliance, and preserving the integrity of organizational networks," says Carlos Salas, a cybersecurity expert at NordLayer.Employers seek to maintain a professional work environmentBesides just blocking adult websites, many managers take a step further to maintain a professional work environment. For example, 30% block dating sites, 28% do not allow access to sex education websites, and about 12% of employers even block lingerie sites.Information or sales related to drugs websites are blocked by 37% of IT managers. Interestingly, 21% of employers block VPN websites, likely to prevent employees from circumventing network restrictions and accessing blocked content, which could pose security risks or productivity concerns."To lower distractions from work and promote productivity, 19% of IT managers restrict access to gaming websites because they can be time-consuming and embedded with ads and hyperlinks to other malicious websites. Additionally, celebrity news websites and social media are blocked by 8% and 7% of employers, respectively," adds Salas.U.S. employers are less restrictive compared to global dataIn the United States, employers tend to adopt a more lenient approach towards restricting employee internet access at work compared to global averages. While malicious websites pose significant security risks, only 62% of U.S. employers block them, which is lower than the global average of 72%.Similarly, adult websites are restricted by 57% of IT managers in the U.S., which is also lower than the global average. Gambling websites are disabled by 35% of U.S. employers. When it comes to potential distractions, gaming websites are restricted in only 16% of U.S. employers' workplaces.Additionally, celebrity news websites are blocked by only 7% of U.S. employers, aligning with the global average, while social media is inaccessible in just 5% of U.S. businesses.Compared to the United States, Canadian businesses are less restrictive on gambling, because only 28% have blocked access to online casinos. Interestingly, while Canadian employers are more strict on adult content (60%), they are less likely to block dating sites (20%, while in the U.S. - 24%), sex education (4%, U.S. - 20%), and lingerie (4%, U.S. - 14%).Contact InformationVilius KardelisPR managervilius@ nordsec.com SOURCE: NordLayerView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 16:04:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 510 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 With Outvio Desk, eCommerce can finally manage the complete customer journey, from before to after the purchase, on one single platform with unparalleled control and efficiency.TALLINN, ESTONIA / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 /Outvio, the leading post-purchase platform for eCommerce, has just released Outvio Desk, a groundbreaking AI-powered customer support platform designed for online shops, set to transform customer support for the whole eCommerce industry.Outvio Desk Product Outvio Desk product Image with chat and desktop appOutvio Desk boasts multiple innovative and unique features that set it apart from existing customer support solutions. Unlike other support tools, Outvio Desk was purposely built for online stores and natively collects all data related to online orders, customers, deliveries, and returns/exchanges.With built-in AI-guided automation, repetitive, often time-consuming, delivery and other issues are solved on auto-pilot, something unique in the industry.Outvio Desk is fully integrated with other Outvio suite products, creating the first holistic e-commerce customer journey solution. On top of traditional email and chat, Outvio Desk also integrates social media channels as standard. Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp engagement can be managed without ever leaving Outvio Desk, enabling customer communication in completely new ways throughout the shopping and delivery process.The innovation continues with pricing. There are no extra charges to add agents or to process tickets. Outvio offers unlimited agents and tickets in a single plan with all the functionality eCommerce brands need."Customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of a successful eCommerce business," Juan Borras, CEO of Outvio. "With Outvio Desk, we've taken customer support to the next level, providing eCommerce businesses a centralized single point of truth with tools needed to provide exceptional service, resolve issues quickly, and build lasting customer relationships." Impact on eCommerce BusinessesOutvio Desk is already being adopted by leading eCommerce brands in Europe and the U.S. with outstanding results.An average decrease of 38% in the number of agents needed to offer the same or better customer support experience has been reported thanks to AI-driven automation, not having to multi-home between applications and self-service support for end customers.Early adopters also reported an increase in operational efficiency, claiming a reduction of up to 40% in the time needed to solve customer queries, due to the unified nature of Outvio Desk and other post-purchase tools included in the Outvio suite. Reduced workload for warehouse, marketing and business development teams was also revealed.Other improvements included a boost in customer satisfaction and retention, enhanced brand reputation and increased sales due to the cumulative effect of providing superior support and shopping experiences being a major driver of additional sales and referrals."Outvio Desk is a game-changer for eCommerce businesses and a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize eCommerce," added Juan Borras. "With the addition of this innovative product to the Outvio suite, businesses can transform their customer support from a cost center to a strategic key asset that drives customer satisfaction, retention, and revenue growth." Contact InformationKaidi TiitsonCMOkaidi@ outvio.com +37253068731SOURCE: OutvioView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 23:02:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 761 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 /Perk Labs Inc. (CSE:PERK)(OTC PINK:PKLBF)(FRA:PKLB) ("Perk" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that on March 20, 2024, Laugh Lounge comedy club selected Perk's subsidiary Getit Technologies Inc. ("Getit") as their ticketing, merchandise, and food and beverage payment processing provider.Laugh Lounge is an Ottawa comedy club with a classy atmosphere, serving high-end cocktails and spirits. Laugh Lounge is the first and only comedy club in the ByWard market and is a fantastic use-case of a complex purchase environment that will benefit from Getit's custom payment solution and technology.Getit will facilitate all of Laugh Lounge's ticket and merchandise sales through a custom-branded web app. Getit's interface will provide a more streamlined ordering process for customers, and a more flexible solution with lower fees for Laugh Lounge. Following the web app implementation for ticketing and events, Getit will roll out QR code in-seat ordering for food and beverages for the comedy club."Getit's solution will empower us to save big on ticketing fees versus other ticketing software providers. The in-seat ordering feature means customers can seamlessly order our delicious craft cocktails to their table while enjoying our comedy acts and events," said Nick Burden, Owner and Operator of Laugh Lounge. "We're also looking forward to increased operational efficiency, more volume, and a better understanding of our guests utilizing Getit's solution." All ticketing, merchandise, food, and beverage purchasing will be available under one unified mobile interface that seamlessly offers omni-transaction purchasing for the club's guests. The custom-branded web app will utilize Laugh Lounge's imagery, logos, and colours to create an interface that matches Laugh Lounge's classy, speak-easy feel."Customers value the ease and convenience of a technology interface that's simple to use and improves service flow," said Ben Lacroix, Chief Development Officer. "The Getit team looks forward to creating a frictionless purchasing experience with a web app that matches Laugh Lounge's vibrant atmosphere and offering." About Perk Labs Inc.Perk Labs Inc., (CSE:PERK)(OTC PINK:PKLBF)(FKT:PKLB), the owner of Getit Technologies Inc. and Perk Hero Software Inc. ("Perk Labs"), provides innovative mobile ordering and payment systems, allowing customers the ability to scan a QR code or NFC sticker to order and pay for their purchases directly from their phone. Perk Labs specializes in providing a single unified payment interface for complex purchase environments - environments that have multiple retailers processing an array of different transactions, including food and beverage purchases, merchandise sales, ticketing, registrations, donations, parking fees, and service payments. Perk Labs provides a custom-branded solution that is ideal for multi-transaction brands such as stadiums and arenas, university and college campuses, conference centers, hotels and resorts, festivals and events, and professional service companies.For more information, contact:Ryan HardyCEO(833) 338-0299 investors@ perklabs.io Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "may", "believe", "thinks", "expect", "exploring", "expand", "could", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "pursue", "potentially", "projected", "should", "will" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. These forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to, among other things, the discussion of the Company's business strategies and its expectations concerning future operations, and expectations of future revenues for the Company. Although the Company considers these forward-looking statements to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking information, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur.SOURCE: Perk Labs Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 23:30:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 645 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SHENZHEN, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Foxwell has announced the introduction of new diagnostic tools aimed at enhancing the precision of vehicle maintenance and repair. This development reflects the company's focus on addressing the complexities of modern vehicle electronic systems through innovative diagnostics solutions.The Evolution of Automotive DiagnosticsIn the past few decades, automotive technology has made leaps and bounds, transitioning from simple mechanical systems to complex electronic marvels. This evolution has brought about a significant shift in vehicle maintenance and repair, making diagnostic scanners not just helpful, but essential tools. Gone are the days when a standard set of tools was enough; today, understanding a vehicle's intricate electronic system requires advanced diagnostics.The Unparalleled Quality of FoxwellFoxwell stands out in the automotive diagnostic tools industry for its commitment to quality and reliability. Renowned among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, Foxwell products are celebrated for their precision engineering and robust performance. The company's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction has cemented its reputation as a trusted name in automotive diagnostics.Foxwell NT809: The Diagnostic PowerhouseComprehensive DiagnosticsTheFoxwell NT809scanner represents a significant advancement in diagnostic technology, offering full-system diagnostics capabilities. It supports over 30 reset services, making it an indispensable tool for thorough vehicle maintenance. This device exemplifies how Foxwell continues to push the boundaries of what diagnostic tools can achieve, offering unparalleled coverage and depth in vehicle diagnostics.User-Friendly DesignWith its 7-inch touch screen and intuitive Android OS, the Foxwell NT809 is designed for efficiency and ease of use. Its user-friendly interface allows for quick navigation and operation, making complex diagnostics accessible to professionals and novices alike.Foxwell NT710: Precision Meets VersatilityUpgraded PerformanceAs an enhanced version of its predecessors, theFoxwell NT710stands out for its upgraded hardware and software. This model demonstrates Foxwell's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, offering faster, more accurate diagnostics.Cost-Effective SolutionThe NT710's inclusion of one free vehicle manufacturer software makes it a versatile and cost-effective solution for specialized diagnostics. This feature exemplifies Foxwell's understanding of its customers' needs, providing value without compromising on quality or performance.Foxwell BT780: The Battery SpecialistAdvanced Battery TestingSpecializing in advanced battery testing, theFoxwell BT780is equipped to handle a wide range of battery types, including those used in start-stop systems. This capability is essential for diagnosing and maintaining modern vehicles, making the BT780 a critical tool in any automotive professional's arsenal.On-the-Go ConvenienceThe built-in thermal printer of the Foxwell BT780 enhances its utility in professional settings, allowing for immediate printing of test results. This feature adds a layer of convenience and professionalism, enabling technicians to provide instant feedback and documentation to clients.Foxwell NT809TS: A Dual-Threat Diagnostic and TPMS ToolDual FunctionalityTheFoxwell NT809TSoffers a unique two-in-one solution, combining diagnostic capabilities with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) functionality. This dual approach ensures comprehensive vehicle care, addressing both general diagnostic needs and the specific requirements of TPMS maintenance.Extra ValueIncluding 4 PCS T10 TPMS sensors, the Foxwell NT809TS package adds significant value and utility. This inclusion underscores Foxwell's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that meet the wide-ranging needs of automotive professionals and enthusiasts.Recommendations for Foxwell Social MediaFoxwell provides added value to followers by regularly updating automotive trends and maintenance tips on social media such asFacebook ,Instagram , etc. You can subscribe and follow them.Conclusion: Foxwell's Place in the Automotive IndustryFoxwell's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a leader in the automotive diagnostic tools industry. The company's range of products, from the NT809's comprehensive diagnostics to the specialized capabilities of the BT780, demonstrates a deep understanding of the automotive maintenance landscape. For those in need of reliable, high-performance diagnostic tools, Foxwell offers compelling options that combine advanced technology with user-friendly design.Media InfoCompany: FoxwellEmail: support@ foxwelldiag.com Website: https://www.foxwelldiag.com SOURCE: Foxwell PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 15:02:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 717 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Safer and greener alternative to banner towing takes flight, forges new pathways for aviation professionals looking to enter emerging aviationMIAMI, FL and PANAMA CITY, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 /Sustainable Skylines , the aerial drone advertising and data analytics company, andUSI , an aviation company focused on building aerospace skill sets necessary for professional, safe, and ethical aircraft operations, have partnered to create a training and certification program enabling aviators to operate within the Sustainable Skylines' infrastructure.Sustainable Skylines is the first drone banner towing company in the U.S. to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for commercial operations. Their Section 44807 exemption approval, combined with a banner towing authorization, will allow Sustainable Skylines to launch full-size banner advertisements towed by a drone along Miami Beach in 2024.Aerial drone advertising offers a number of advantages over traditional aircraft towing. Beyond providing safer and greener operations, drones boost greater maneuverability, operate at slower speeds and lower altitudes, and don't need a runway as they are capable of a vertical take-off and landing. Furthermore, drones introduce precise attention analytics to banner advertising, which removes a significant barrier to widespread brand adoption."As we continue to refine our drone technology, we've also been diligently building the infrastructure needed for scalable drone advertising operations. This effort extends to partnering with USI so we can train pilots and flight staff to safely operate our drones," said Jacob Stonecipher, the founder and CEO of Sustainable Skylines. "While we are launching operations in Miami Beach, we are poised for rapid expansion to new locations as we partner with new brands and showcase the advantages of aerial banner towing." Utilizing decades of experience in aviation, commercial drones, and Department of Defense operations, USI has developed a structured training program to develop aviators that is specific to remotely piloted technology and equivalent to traditional aviation training standards under FAR Part 141. Now, this same process will be available to pilots and flight staff looking to join the Sustainable Skylines team and become a certified-aerial drone advertising operator."Sustainable Skylines has pioneered a novel application for uncrewed aircraft systems, paving the way for yet another high-skill, high-wage career field that doesn't necessitate a commercial pilot license," explained Joshua Olds, CEO, president, and co-founder of USI. "We look forward to collaborating with those who already have a private pilot license, as well as aspiring aviators through our partnerships with secondary and post-secondary academic institutions." To learn more about the training and certification program or explore careers with Sustainable Skylines, please visit: https://www.sustainableskylines.com/about/join-our-team/ About Sustainable SkylinesSustainable Skylines is the first to market full-size drone advertising banner towing company, driving innovation around antiquated aerial advertising practices using sustainable drone technology and in-depth data analytics. Aggregating data from cellular, geospatial, and real-time footage from flight operations, Sustainable Skylines leverages the latest advances in computer vision, big data, and artificial intelligence to create actionable insights for our clients. Building the drone, pilot, and fleet management infrastructure alongside partners and the FAA, Sustainable Skylines will drive innovation and sustainability across the country. Sustainable Skylines was founded in 2020 and headquartered in Miami, FL. For further information visit www.sustainableskylines.com About USIUnmanned Safety Institute (USI) is the industry's most widely recognized leader in flight safety solutions for individuals, academia and organizations focused on integrating and operating UAS for civil or commercial purposes. USI provides UAS flight safety training and certification to operational standards based on the adoption and modification of time-honored aviation safety practices.With more than 300 instructors and over 20,000 USI Certifications awarded around the world, USI works with large commercial enterprises and nearly 500 schools in all 50 states. USI is the global leader in commercial and academic UAS training and certification, delivering the most highly regarded training program of its kind. USI offers Primary, Advanced and Complex training and certification programs that are applicable to VLOS, BVLOS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.USI's training and certification programs are endorsed by major aviation insurance providers and implemented nationwide as a workforce pathway program from secondary or post-secondary to the career field to align skill sets to industry pay scales.Discover more at www.FlyUSI.org Media ContactsLauren McNamaraEscalate PR for Sustainable Skylinessustainableskylines@ escalatepr.com Stephanie HollandUSIStephanie.Holland@FlyUSI.org SOURCE: Sustainable Skylines PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 21:05:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 570 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Governor Issues Proclamation, Talk it Out NC Provides Interactive Toolkit to Prevent Underage DrinkingRALEIGH, NC / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, and Talk It Out NC, the North Carolina initiative to prevent underage drinking, is proud to provide resources for parents, community members, and stakeholders with itsLend Your Voice - Share Your Story - Start the Conversationcampaign. Talk it Out NC aims to elevate the conversation around underage drinking prevention with a new toolkit of resources, including:Webinar Tips to Start the Conversation with teens An exciting sober experience giveaway, and more.Governor Roy Copper has also declared April 2024 as Alcohol Awareness Month in North Carolina. This official declaration and the curated resources from Talk it Out NC encourage communities across the state to engage in open dialogue about the dangers associated with underage drinking. In addition, the statewide team of Talk it Out NC Ambassadors will be attending local in-person events during the month of April to share the initiative's mission and resources."Studies show that almost half of high school students have tried alcohol," said Rodney Poole, Talk it Out NC Ambassador for the North Carolina ABC Commission. "With our interactive toolkit, events, and educational resources, starting the conversation has never been easier for parents and teens. We encourage everyone to lend your voice, share your story, and start the conversation during Alcohol Awareness Month to prevent underage drinking." Talk It Out NC Alcohol Awareness Month Toolkit: Developed to highlight specific issues, challenges, and concerns about underage drinking, the following resources will assist communities during this crucial month of awareness:Webinar to Share Impactful Information: Alcohol Awareness Are You Aware?Tuesday, April 23, 2024 6-7 p.m.Registration Link The #TiONCSweepstakes: Fostering family fun and important conversations, North Carolinians have the chance to win a day at one of North Carolina's top amusement parks and a gift basket full of conversation-starting items for relevant and timely discussions about making safe and sober choices. Families can enter to win on the Talk it Out NC website.New Conversation Cards: To make conversations about alcohol more approachable, Talk it Out NC developed a set of thought-provoking conversation starter cards for parents and teens. Each card contains a question and QR Code for additional information to start the conversation and guide the discussion. Download and print the cards. About Alcohol Awareness Month:Alcohol Awareness Month has been observed nationally since 1987 as a means to raise awareness about the causes and effects of alcohol misuse, provide education on ways to prevent alcohol dependency, and reduce the stigma around alcohol use disorders.For more information about Alcohol Awareness Month activities, the #TiONCSweepstakes, and to access the underage drinking prevention toolkit, visit the Talk it Out NC website.###About Talk it Out NC:The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission launched the Talk it Out NC campaign in 2014. The goal of the multimedia awareness and engagement campaign is to reduce underage drinking by encouraging conversations between responsible adults and young people. Talk it Out NC offers resources for parents and others who need guidance in talking to their children about the dangers of underage drinking. This aligns with the ABC Commission's mission of working to strengthen the public health, wellness, and safety of communities across North Carolina.Visit www.TalkitOutNC.org to get the conversation started.Media Contact: Rachael Purl (919) 459-8161rpurl@919 marketing.com SOURCE: Talk it Out NC PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 15:32:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 569 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Top Five Conveyor Car Wash Company Celebrates Major Milestone with Brand-New Opening in Company's Home StateTHOMASTON, GA / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the nation's fastest-growing express car wash companies, expanded their footprint to 250 locations this week with the opening of their newest location in Statesboro, GA. This grand opening marks a major milestone for the company and is their 27th opening this year."Opening our 250th location, especially in our beloved home state of Georgia, is a momentous occasion for Tidal Wave Auto Spa," said CEO and Founder Scott Blackstock. "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our loyal customers and dedicated employees who have been instrumental in our success since the very beginning. Together, we've built something truly remarkable, and we're looking forward to continuing to deliver an exceptional car wash experience as we grow and expand further." To celebrate this milestone opening for the company, Tidal Wave's brand-new Statesboro location at 24187 Hwy 80 E is offering eight days of free car washes from April 3-April 10. This limited-time promotion provides an opportunity for car owners to experience Tidal Wave's premium wash option, Graph-X4, at no cost. Additionally, any new customer that joins a Clean Club unlimited wash membership plan during grand opening week will enjoy their first month of unlimited washes for only $9.97 - saving up to $40.New Statesboro, GA, Location: 24187 Hwy 80 E, Statesboro, GA 30461Nearby Locations: Statesboro, GA - Grady Johnson RoadTidal Wave Auto Spa was founded in Thomaston, GA by Scott and Hope Blackstock in 1999. In the years since, the company has grown from a local express car wash into the fourth largest car wash company in the country with 250 locations in 27 states across the Southern, Midwest, and Northern United States. Tidal Wave is committed to providing every customer with an exceptional car wash experience through industry-leading car care technology, clean and attractive locations, and friendly customer service at every location.Stop by for a single wash or join Tidal Wave's Clean Club for the ultimate car wash experience. Members can wash every day of the month for one convenient monthly payment and save time with exclusive club member wash lanes - plus, memberships can be used at any Tidal Wave location. For customers needing to wash multiple cars, Tidal Wave offers discounted monthly family plans and fleet plans for businesses with five or more vehicles.For additional information, including upcoming locations, fundraising, fleet plans, and more, please visit: https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com About Tidal Wave Auto SpaTidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car care technology and exceptional customer service at each of their 250 locations sprawling 27 states across the South, Midwest, and Northern United States. In 2020, Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth across the country. Tidal Wave is one of the top five conveyor car wash companies in the country and has been included in the Inc. 5000 list for America's Fastest Growing Companies since 2020. The company was recognized as a 2023 Champion of Charity Honoree by Professional Carwashing & Detailing and has raised over $3 million dollars for organizations in their communities.Contact InformationHeather ColemanMarketing Managermedia@ tidalwaveautospa.com Andrea TraylorSenior Director of Digital Marketingandrea.traylor@tidalwaveautospa.com 2058212220SOURCE: Tidal Wave Auto SpaView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 14:31:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1055 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce the much awaited restart of drilling at its road accessible Pilar gold-silver project in the mine-friendly State of Sonora, Mexico. The Company has been busy reviewing all past data with an independent resource professional to determine the most effective use of drill meters for the upcoming campaign. Work completed has outlined 7,000 meters of drilling required within the Pilar concessions held along with minority partner, Colibri Resources. This includes, 4,000 meters of infill drilling within known areas of mineralization and 3,000 meters of step-out and exploration drilling on the peripherals of drilled mineralization and/or strong surface geochemistry indicating highly prospective targets. All proposed drilling is fully permitted. The outcome of the proposed drilling will go into the definition of a maiden resource estimate for the Pilar Main Zone, providing an important building block for the Company. The first drill hole will follow-up on JES-22-62, which returned 108.6m of 0.8 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag. The drill rig mobilized to site April 1st and began drilling hole JES-24-73 on April 2nd. The Company will update as drilling progresses."We are excited to report the drill is back onsite and turning at Pilar." commented Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "It's been nearly two years since we last drilled at Pilar, with the previous drill program identifying new areas of mineralization to the east and southeast of Pilar's Main Zone. We now look to continue to expand the overall footprint while we build towards a maiden resource at Pilar. With gold prices hitting all time highs, we feel this is the right time to aggressively advance our projects." Photo 1. RC Drill Rig Mobilizing to the first drill pad for 2024 at the Pilar Project, Sonora, Mexico.Photo 2. Lining up drill hole JES-24-73.Photos 3 & 4. Pilar Project Drill and Geology Crew Preparing for Drill Start-UpFigure 1. Pilar Project Planview map showing the southern block made up of the Pilar Main Zone and several parallel trends untested with coinciding active placer mining developments. The largest placer mining development is 2km to the northeast of Pilar and has seen no systematic modern exploration. To the north, a large alteration zone that spans 3.3 km by 1.5 km (North Alteration Zone) has returned high-grade gold and silver values in the first few sampling programs across the newly acquired area. The initial phase of drilling for 2024 will focus on the Pilar Main Zone in which Tocvan has 51% majority interest.About the Pilar Property The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries.Pilar Drill Highlights:2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t AuPilar Bulk Sample Summary:62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching PeriodHead Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t AgBulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention TimeAdditional Metallurgical Studies:Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of SilverIncludes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth.About Tocvan Ventures Corp.Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 43 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value.Quality Assurance / Quality Control Channel samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was an PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 15:02:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 417 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 JOENSUU, FINLAND / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Valamis, a Core Leader on the Fosway 9-Grid for Learning Systems, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new brand identity. This update marks a significant leap forward in the company's journey, aligning with a new product vision, refined strategy, and commitment to enhancing the impact of L&D across industries.Valamis fresh brand identity Since its last major rebranding in 2018, the company has not only expanded its platform with thousands of updates but also evolved from a bespoken software development model to a comprehensive SaaS business approach. This progression underpins Valamis' commitment to innovation, customer success, and a data-driven product philosophy.Connecting the Dots: A new chapter in L&D At the heart of the brand refresh is the concept of "connecting the dots," which embodies Valamis' mission to bridge the gap between current business needs and future success for organizations through data-driven insights and effective learning and development. Recognizing the pressing need to substantiate L&D impact among stakeholders, Valamis positioned this focus prominently in response to customers' needs for data-driven solutions. The new brand's revamped visuals emphasize the connection between learning initiatives and tangible business outcomes.A fresh look for a forward-thinking vision The refreshed brand features vibrant graphics and a more approachable tone of voice, designed to resonate deeply with Valamis' unique company culture and forward-thinking strategy. "Our new brand identity is more than just a visual makeover. It's a reflection of our ambition, innovative spirit, and dedication to simplifying L&D to amplify its impact," says Jussi Hurskainen, CEO and founder of Valamis. The rebranding initiative was born out of self-reflection and a series of fundamental questions aimed at highlighting the company's differentiators, such as its non-hierarchical work culture and customer-centric approach.Empowering continuous learning and development Valamis is setting a bold vision for the future, where continuous learning is integral to organizational success in an ever-changing work environment. "We are committed to demonstrating the business value of L&D initiatives, turning data into knowledge, and showcasing smarter ways to learn," added Jussi Hurskainen. This vision aligns with Valamis' dedication to helping companies place L&D at the core of their strategy for sustained growth and competitive advantage.For more information about Valamis and the new brand identity, please visit www.valamis.com Contact Information Jussi HurskainenChief Executive Officerjussi.hurskainen@valamis.com Milla IkonenChief Marketing Officermilla.ikonen@valamis.com Related Filesone-platform-full-ssbSOURCE: ValamisView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-03 14:10:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 652 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / XOffer , a leading provider in the Web3 ecosystem, today announced the launch of its innovative affiliate and referral marketing platform, designed to cater specifically to the unique needs of blockchain and Web3 projects. The platform aims to simplify the process of creating and managing referral programs, making it possible for projects of all sizes to connect with a network of top partners, including communities, influencers, key opinion leaders (KOLs), key opinion consumers (KOCs), and publishers, within minutes.With global advertising spending reaching $874.5 billion in 2023 and the affiliate marketing industry set to grow to approximately $15.7 billion by 2024 according to theAffiliate Marketing Benchmark Reportby Influencer Marketing Hub, the need for innovative solutions that cater to the unique dynamics of the Web3 space is more critical than ever. xOffer addresses this need by providing a decentralized affiliate network that emphasizes saving, special offers, and efficient mar-tech solutions.The platform facilitates the quick launch of referral programs, enabling brands to instantly create affiliate profiles and leverage a powerful network to support their projects. With over 500 affiliates and a network reach exceeding 1 million, xOffer has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing project visibility and driving additional revenue, which has already surpassed $300,000 for participating projects.One of the key features of xOffer is its incentivized sharing mechanism, which rewards efficient link sharing with X points that can be converted into xOffer tokens. This approach not only motivates affiliates to spread the word about projects but also introduces a novel layer of engagement through layered analytics. This feature provides granular insights into referral map distribution, click ratios, influencer engagement, and more, offering a comprehensive view of campaign performance.Furthermore, xOffer's platform is managed by smart contracts, ensuring a seamless and automated experience for users. Once a SmartLink is created, the built-in smart contracts handle everything from filtering out invalid clicks to calculating and distributing individual rewards. This automation extends to multi-chain support, with xOffer currently live on Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Binance Smart Chain, Base, all EVM chains, Solana, and Goerli testnet.For businesses and individuals looking to leverage the power of referral marketing in the Web3 space, xOffer presents a straightforward process. Users can create a project, share their affiliate sign-up page, invite others through referral links, and manage payouts in a single click via the platform's dashboard. Optional SDK integration further simplifies the inclusion of xOffer's capabilities into existing websites.The platform's effectiveness is underscored by the significant market potential and growing interest in affiliate marketing, which saw a more than 264% increase between 2020 and 2022. However, despite the evident success of word-of-mouth marketing, which influences over 50% of consumer purchasing decisions, traditional models often fail to adequately reward those sharing their experiences. xOffer addresses this gap by providing a transparent, efficient, and rewarding system for all parties involved.As the Web3 space continues to grow, platforms like xOffer are essential in bridging the gap between innovative blockchain projects and the vast potential of affiliate marketing. By providing a comprehensive, easy-to-use solution, xOffer is poised to support the next generation of Web3 applications in achieving viral growth and market penetration.About xOfferxOffer is a comprehensive affiliate and referral marketing solution designed specifically for the blockchain and Web3 sectors. The platform facilitates the easy setup of referral programs, connecting projects with a vast network of partners, including web3 communities, influencers, KOLs/KOCs, and publishers. With a focus on innovation, transparency, and efficiency, xOffer is committed to helping projects leverage the power of affiliate marketing to achieve growth and success in the Web3 ecosystem.Relevant Links:Website: https://www.xoffer.io/Twitter:https://twitter.com/xOfferNetworkTelegram:https://t.me/xofferioLitepaper:https://xoffer.gitbook.io/xoffer-litepaper/Launch app: https://www.app.xoffer.io/login Media Contact:Name: Bao Quoc Le Email: kwok.lee@xoffer.ioCompany: XOFFER TECHNOLOGY JOINT STOCK COMPANY Location: Vietnam Address: 256-258 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ward 14, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamSOURCE: xOffer Dangote Refinery commenced the supply of petroleum products to the local market on Tuesday, Reuters reported, quoting the Executive Director of the Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin. The development was also confirmed by leaders of some petroleum marketers associations. We have substantial quantities. Products are being evacuated both by sea and road. Ships are lining up one after another to load diesel and aviation jet fuel. Ships load a minimum of 26 million litres, though we try to push for 37 million litres vessels, for ease of operations, Mr Edwin was quoted by Reuters as saying. Speaking on the sale of diesel into the local market, Abubakar Maigandi, the president of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said the local oil marketers agreed on a price of 1,225 naira ($0.96) per litre of diesel following a bulk purchase agreement, before putting their mark-up. He added that the associations members control about 150,000 retail stations across Nigeria. Meanwhile, smaller depots and petroleum marketers are said to be seeking letters of credit to buy petroleum products from Dangote. Our members are discussing with banks and these talks have reached advanced stages, when we have our letters of credit, we will begin lifting products, Femi Adewole, the associations executive secretary, was quoted as saying. 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 Dangote Petroleum Refinery had earlier in January commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel. Announcing the commencement in a statement, the company said the refinery had received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore. The first crude delivery was done on 12 December 2023, and the 6th cargo was delivered on 8 January. The first cargo that arrived at the plant was from Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), one of the largest trading companies in Nigeria and globally, trading over 8 million barrels of crude oil daily. The company made a further move towards the commencement of the production of refined petroleum products with the receipt of an additional one million barrels of bonny light crude supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd). The fresh one million barrels of crude from the Shell terminal via the MT Otis owned by Trafigural is the second consignment to be delivered to the Dangote facility out of the six million barrels of crude being expected by the worlds largest single-train refinery. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, has stated the Nigerian polices stance on specific moral issues and cross-dressing in the country. Mr Adejobi, in an interview on Channels TVs Politics Today Tuesday, suggested that crossdressing is not an offence in Nigeria. In April 2022, The House of Representatives introduced a bill prohibiting cross-dressing with an amendment to the Same-Sex (Prohibition) Act. The amendment, sponsored by Muda Umar (APC, Bauchi), sought to amend sections 4 and 5 of the principal act. This proposed bill, if passed into law, could affect popular crossdressers like Bobrisky and James Brown. Mr Adejobis remarks come amidst increasing concerns about the proliferation of crossdressers in Nigeria and Bobriskys infamous Best Dressed Female award at the Ajakaju movie premiere, which generated numerous controversies. There are some cases that are always very difficult to prove. Im not ruling out that we have many of them, but if, for instance, you want to prove the case of rape, it has points to prove, and if any of these points are missing, you may lose your case in court. Let us be reasonable; you cant prosecute someone without credible evidence against them. I dont think crossdressing is a crime in Nigeria because I have not read anywhere where cross-dressing is an offence in Nigeria, Mr Adejobi told the shows host, Seun Okinbaloye. 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 He, however, said there were allegations against certain crossdressers regarding their involvement in punishable offences he tagged unnatural offences. He, however, emphasised that individuals who engaged in criminal activities in the name of cross-dressing would be prosecuted. Thats where the problem lies, and we need evidence that theyre actually into all those offences, which are unnatural in Nigeria and are punishable under the law, Mr Adejobi said. VeryDarkMan During the interview, the police spokesperson also touched on the social critic Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, who was recently detained for more than 24 hours over cyberbullying allegations. He was, however, released on Sunday. Mr Akinjobi confirmed a court order for VeryDarkMans detention, saying, We dont detain people unreasonably. Any action we take in the police is legal. If he had been arrested, it must be on a court order. We only detain people with legal backing for up to twenty-four or forty-eight hours. He is on bail, and that doesnt mean the case is over. To release someone on bail is not the end of the case; it is just to have your liberty to move around. Cybercrime Furthermore, Mr Adejobi urged Nigerians to exercise caution in their social media posts about others. He stressed that many Nigerians are unaware of existing laws concerning cyber-related issues such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking and others. One thing I want Nigerians to know is that many of us were not aware that we have laws concerning cybercrime-related issues, cyberbullying, and the like. I will always emphasise it: Nigerians should be aware of Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 is in effect, and we will enforce the law, the Police spokesperson stated. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print For April, Netflix says it has all the drama and action, and it is fun-packed just for you, so get ready for an eventful month. For an interesting April, check out titles like Strained, Sherlock: Series 1, Files of the Unexplained, The Grimm Variations, and many more. Dont miss Strained, available on the 27th. Here, when Eberes estranged mother comes to help out with her infant son, their strained relationship has an unexpected chance at rebirth. Before then, check out Sherlock: Series 1-4, available on 1st March . This modern-day reboot has Arthur Conan Doyles deductive genius moving through London as the tech-adept consultant to Detective Inspector Lestrade. On 3 April, step into eerie encounters, bizarre disappearances, haunting events, and more perplexing phenomena with the docuseries Files of the Unexplained. Check out Parasyte: The Grey on the 5th. The series sees humanity rise to combat unidentified parasites, violently taking over human hosts and gaining power. On that same day, viewers can catch up on The Antisocial Network: Memes to Mayhem, a documentary exploring how an anonymous website evolved into a hub for real-world chaos. 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 Dont miss Midsummer Night on the 11th. In the series, Carina brings her family together for a traditional Swedish midsummer, but the happy occasion goes awry when long-held secrets start to come to light. That same day, check out the Crow Flies: Season 3. This season sees old alliances broken, new relationships formed, and the cards of broadcast news reshuffled as a familiar face steps in front of the camera. Netflix will release Love, Divided on the 12th, making you fall in love with rom-coms again. Here, Valentina, a young pianist, is starting over. Her neighbour, David, is an inventor who hates noise. And a paper-thin wall is about to become their matchmaker. Watch Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer if you want a good chuckle. With Jimmy Carr, the idea that you cant joke about anything these days holds no water. Dont miss his edgy takes on gun control, religion, cancel culture and consent on the 16th. On the 17th, watch The Grimm Variations. Inspired by the classic Brothers Grimm stories, this anthology features six fairy tales with a dark twist, exposing the shadowy side of human desire. On the 19th, Rebel Moon returns with Part Two: The Caregiver, which launches on Netflix. In this part, the rebel warriors gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge a and legends are made. On the 22nd, CoComelon Lane: Season 2 debuts, and kids join the fun. Adire, Merry Men 3: Nemesis, AnAkAlApA: Rise of the Spectre, A Taste of Sin and Dinner are just a few of the many local titles currently showing on Netflix and coming later in March is Afamefuna : An Nwa Boi Story, dont miss these titles. AnAkAlApA: Rise of the Spectre tells the story of traveller Saro, who returns to the Oyo Kingdom with orders to complete a nearly impossible task in a race against time to avoid a dismal fate. A Taste of Sin sees Two pastors, poles apart, navigate their temptations a one tempted by money and the other by desire. Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, where the police question a prominent man after his friend is found dead, is another excellent title on the platform this April. In Merry Men 3: Nemesis, a group of affluent men seek vengeance against the ones they believe are responsible following a tragic death. Adire sees a sex worker-turned-entrepreneur move to a small town and launch her own lingerie business, only to draw the ire of a preachers wife. In Dinner, two old friends and their partners gather for a celebratory meal, where a fifth guest stirs up secrets that threaten to bring down both relationships. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Abdulwahab Matepo became a person with disability following a road accident in 2000 in which he sustained a spinal cord injury. His newfound reality inspired him to begin advocacy for the government to pass the Disability Rights Law, which he believed would alleviate the plight of Persons Living With Disability (PWDs) in Nigeria. After two decades of relentless advocacy by a growing number of disability rights groups and activists, Mr Matepos dream finally came to pass. On 23 January 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. I felt elated because the disability community got the legal backing to drive its advocacy and rights claim, Mr Matepo told PREMIUM TIMES. The Act, among other provisions, sought to eliminate employment discrimination, provide access to public buildings within five years, foster inclusive education, and guarantee employment by reserving five per cent of employment quota for PwDs in all public organisations, among others. The Act imposes sanctions in the form of fines and imprisonment for defaulters. The Act also established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to oversee the prevention of discrimination against persons with disabilities and to ensure disability inclusion across all sectors. It has been five years since the Disability Act came into existence, but for Nigerias about 29 million PwD population, the legislation has had little impact across the country. An official explained that the Act stipulates a five-year transitional period for public buildings and structures to become accessible and usable for PwDs, which means that the law cannot be reasonably enforced within this period and the enforcement was only expected to start in January 2024. However, the situation is not any different in a state like Lagos, whose Lagos State Special Peoples Law was enacted as far back as 2011, about eight years before the federal legislation came into force. 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 Discrimination-a daily pill for PwDs For Debola Daniel, facing discrimination because of his disability is nothing new. But the event of 27 March 2024 is one he will not forget in a hurry. In a post on his X account, Mr Daniel, the son of a former Nigerian governor, shared what he described as the worst sort of public humiliation he had ever experienced. In a series of tweets which went viral, Mr Daniel explained that a manager of a KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos loudly declared that wheelchairs and wheelchair users were not allowed within the premises of the outlet. The manager proceeded to order his travel companions and himself to leave the outlet. Mr Daniel, who advocates the rights of PwDs, explained that the managers action made him feel less than human, like a guard dog not allowed into the house. Lonely and isolated. However, he insists: I will continue to escalate this exponentially until I get a reasonable resolution and theres no stopping me. You cannot treat people this way. There are approximately 27 million Nigerians living with some form of disability. Thats over 13% of the country. 1 in 6 people on the planet are disabled. You MUST NOT treat people this way. The series of tweets detailing the public humiliation and the public reactions it garnered attracted the attention of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which ordered the KFC outlet to shut down its operations. Although KFC has since apologised to Mr Daniel, the ordeals of many PwDs like him often go unnoticed. The reported incident at KFC Nigeria runs contrary to section 1 of the the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which states that a person with disability shall not be discriminated against on the grounds of his disability by any person or institution in any manner or circumstance. The penalty for contravening this law is a fine of N1 million for corporate institutions and N100,000 for individuals or six months imprisonment or both. Public transportation not easily accessible But discrimination against PWDs appears in other less dramatic manners too. Kehinde Adeyingbo was only four years old when she got infected with the deadly poliomyelitis (polio) disease which sometimes leads to irreversible paralysis. Ms Adeyingbos inability to walk meant she was confined to a wheelchair and now lives with a disability. Her primary and secondary school education was delayed and she depended on the kindheartedness of others to survive. According to the story I heard from my parents, they said it was polio. The hospital gave me an injection that paralysed all my body. If not for God, it could have been worse than this, she recalled. Now 49 years old, Ms Adeyingbo makes a living as a bus conductor. Every day, she commutes from Ikorodu, a suburb in Lagos, to Stadium in Surulere where she begins her daily route. But reaching there is a daily struggle. From my house, I need to board two (connecting) tricycles before I can board the major bus that will take me to the stadium. The tricycle owners will not allow me to put my wheelchair on top of their roof because it spoils it and for safety reasons if there is galloping, the wheelchair might fall. I always pay for two seats which cost me a lot. If they charge one seat for N200, I will have to pay N400 because of my wheelchair, she explained. According to Ms Adeyingbo, the real challenge in her daily commute is boarding the Lagos Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), a public/private partnership arrangement under the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). She says because the ramps in the BRT do not work, she has to be carried onto the bus by kind-hearted passengers. The ramps in the BRT are not like the ones used abroad. Its always embarrassing when they want to carry me onto the bus. Sometimes when they carry me, they damage my wheelchair, she explained. She said workers at the BRT stations often instructed her to sit in the middle of the bus in her wheelchair without a safety strap. Despite all the lectures given to the bus pilot and the conductors, they allow able-bodied passengers to occupy the seats allotted to PWDs. Ms Adeyingbos experiences contradict Section 10 (1) of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act which stipulates that Government transport services providers shall make provisions for lifts, ramps and other accessibility aids to enhance the accessibility of their vehicles, parks and bus stop to persons with disabilities including those on wheelchairs. Under subsection (2), the law stipulates that Lifts, ramps and all other accessibility equipment in or for vehicles, and at parks or bus stops shall be maintained in operational condition. Unfortunately, the Act neither criminalises nor spells out penalties for individuals and organisations that contravene this section of the law. E-hailing cabs, a solution, but costly On 29 May 2014, Austin Egeonu, 32, was involved in a car crash. He became paralysed and was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury. Due to the nature of his injury, Mr Egeonu depends heavily on e-hailing cabs to commute from one place to another, a situation he says has put extra pressure on his finances. In a financial sense, it has really cost me a lot. As a wheelchair user, I use Taxify or an Uber. Sometimes, I go out and Im charged like 15 to 20 thousand naira just to navigate from my area to probably the Mainland or the Island. So, it has really cost me a lot. But another person in a wheelchair or a younger person in a wheelchair who does not have a job or business is going to be isolated and locked in because its not easy to move around, Mr Egeonu said. Many public buildings, pedestrian bridges inaccessible Besides the high cost of e-hailing cabs, PwDs also struggle to access pedestrian bridges, pedestrian crossings and walkways. They also have difficulty finding disability-friendly housing and accessing public buildings. Mr Matepo, the president of Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), said that due to the sensitive nature of his disability, he avoids using the few pedestrian bridges that have ramps. He, however, said that the majority of our pedestrian bridges are not accessible for wheelchair users. Sidewalks in our cities are usually taken over by street traders and shop owners who see the sidewalks as extensions of their shops. Except a wheelchair user like me insists on using the sidewalks, most members of the disability community are forced to use the traffic lanes where we struggle with vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles, he added. Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act stipulate that A person with disability has the right to access the physical environment and buildings on an equal basis with others. A public building shall be constructed with the necessary accessibility aids such as lifts (where necessary), ramps and any other facility that shall make them accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. Road sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and all other special facilities as set out in the First Schedule made for public use shall be made accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities including those on wheelchairs and the visually impaired. Again, the Act neither criminalises nor spells out the penalty for individuals and organisations who contravene this section of the law. Employment discrimination thrives Despite their disabilities, many PWDs have acquired skills and tertiary education, which should ordinarily make them employable. Sadly, this is often not the case. According to the World Bank, unemployment rates among persons with disabilities are almost double that of the general population, owing to attitudinal, mobility-related, technological and physical barriers. Susan Obi, a Lagos-based teacher with albinism, shared her employment discrimination experience with PREMIUM TIMES. After her Ordinary National Diploma (OND), Mrs Obi visited a state-owned television station to apply for a media internship where she said she faced discrimination. There were a lot of side talks in Yoruba language wondering if I could see. I kept quiet and pretended as if I could not understand the local language. At the end of the day, they refused to give me the internship because of my albinism. After my internship in the South-east, I sought employment at Voice of Nigeria and other media houses but couldnt land a job. I felt very bad and wondered why I bothered to study mass communication, she recalled. Mrs Obis tenacity helped her land a teaching job in a private school but she said she also faces employment discrimination in the education sector. Section 28 (1) of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act should have protected Mrs Obi. It stipulates that a person with a disability has the right to work on an equal basis with others and this includes the right to an opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open. Also, section 29 of the Act stipulates that all employers of labour in public organisations shall, as much as possible, have persons with disabilities constituting at least five per cent of their employment. According to the Act, a person who contravenes subsection (1), commits an offence and is liable on conviction to nominal damages of a minimum of N250,000 payable to the affected person with disability. Where a company contravenes subsection (1) (a) the company commits an offence and is liable to nominal damages of a minimum of N500,000 payable to the affected person with disability; and (b) any principal officer of the company involved in the violation is liable to N50,00 ages payable to the affected person with disability. 29. All employers of labour in public organisations shall, as much as possible, have persons with disabilities constituting at least 5% of their employment, the Act adds. Inclusive education is another uphill task Studies show that education is inaccessible for many persons with disabilities due to the lack of adapted learning materials, inadequately trained teachers, school shortages, inaccessible school environments, and inaccessible communication systems. These exclude persons with disabilities from important discussions and decision-making processes. Oluwakemi Odusanya was a teenager when she lost her sight to retina detachment. After an unsuccessful surgery, she resigned to fate and attended the Pacelli School for the blind to get rehabilitated. But it is at the University of Lagos where she obtained her bachelors and masters degrees, that Ms Odusanya would experience non-inclusion. She said lecturers would make deriding references to blind students as Omo Pacelli and would question their ability to learn and adapt with others. They dont see us as a person that can be included with every other person. Writing in class was a challenge, I had to record and before you can record you have to take permission. I had to make sure that I go to class early so that I can sit in front, she said. Despite her unique learning situation, Ms Odusanya said some lecturers made visually impaired students buy textbooks that are not disability friendly, which made bagging her bachelors and masters degrees almost unachievable. When it comes to textbooks, lecturers will make it compulsory regardless of your impairment to buy it even if you dont need it. When I buy such textbooks, lets say for N1000, I have to convert them to braille. One print material of a textbook is four pages in braille, so Im going to spend three times the normal amount to convert to braille form. So, it was really challenging. if I wasnt self-willed, I would have left education, she said. Section 18 (1) of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act demands that all public schools, whether primary, secondary or tertiary, shall be run to be inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. Accordingly, every school shall have (a) at least a trained personnel to cater for the educational development of persons with disabilities; and (b) special facilities for the effective education of persons with disabilities. The Act does not prescribe a penalty for a violation of the provision. Access Denied! In Nigeria, PwDs also face non-inclusion in the financial sector. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in 2018, revealed in a study that PwDs enjoy a high level of financial inclusion in mobile banking, currency distinction, telephone support services and bank media service access. However, access to services such as financial service communication, ATM design and operation, assistive technology, online banking and in-branch banking in Nigeria is low. Despite years of advocacy, in-branch banking for wheelchair users is still a hassle. Aside from the lack of ramps and lifts in many multi-storied banks, the revolving security doors installed to prevent armed robbery remain a major barrier. Mr Matepo said bank officials attend to him outside the banking halls. The practice is to take wheelchair users and those using crutches through a back door, depending on the nature of what a disabled person came for. I have been attended to many times under the canopies when I went to apply for a new chequebook, renew my debit cards or to lodge complaints on failed POS transactions, he said. For Mr Matepo, the unwholesome practice is discriminatory. Attending to me outside is a discriminatory act and an infringement on my privacy. Its also a security risk as members of the public can listen to my conversation unlike the one-to-one discussion over the counter if I was in the banking hall, he added. Speaking further, Mr Matepo decried the low rate of accessible buildings in Nigeria and the attitude of the public towards the needs of persons living with disabilities. Accessible public buildings are rare. Most owners of public buildings take accessibility to mean putting a ramp at the entrance. To us, accessibility means not only gaining access to the building but also being able to enter and exit all enclosures within the building without limitations. Most often, offices, and especially restrooms are fitted with doors that are less than two feet wide. This makes it impossible for wheelers to enter. Those restrooms with wider doors have the wash hand basins behind the doors, thus making it impossible to completely open the door for the wheelchair to enter, he explained. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act clearly states that a person with disability has the right to access the physical environment and buildings on an equal basis with others. It further stated that a public building shall be constructed with the necessary accessibility aids such as lifts (where necessary), ramps and any other facility that shall make them accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. A PwD who is unable to access a building or environment where he or she has a right or duty to access is empowered by the Act to seek redress in court. According to the Act, failure to remove the barrier and make the environment accessible to the person with a disability after a notice is liable on conviction, if it is- (a) a corporate body, N10,000 damages payable to the affected person for each day of default; or (b) an individual, N5,000 damages payable to the affected person each day of default or six months imprisonment or both. Checks by PREMIUM TIMES show that there has been no record of prosecution despite the widespread violation of the provision across the country. Data showing accessibility levels for PwDs in Nigerian banks This reporter visited 75 branches of different banks to observe if the buildings were easily accessible to PWDs, particularly people using wheelchairs. Findings show that most of them were not. Key observations from the 75 bank branches visited in this report Only branches of First Bank visited in this survey have accessible security doors for wheelchair users. The ramps in most banks are ineffectual as the revolving security doors prevent access for wheelchair users. Many of the ramps are not constructed using the standard design for access. The appropriate steepness, length and width are often not considered. Lagos State lags, fails to fully implement disability law Studies by the International Centre for Evidence in Disability indicate that of the 36 states in Nigeria, only 10 have put in place disability-inclusive legislation to cater for the needs of persons with disabilities. Lagos State is one of them. In 2011, the state government passed the Lagos State Special Peoples Law. However, implementation of this legislation has been a challenge as demonstrated in the experience of Mr Daniel at the KFC outlet. All PwDs who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES in this report, live and work in Lagos State, and expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), the agency saddled with the responsibility of upholding, enforcing and implementing the states disability law. When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES, the General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, declined all requests for an interview. The agency also did not respond to a Freedom of Information Act request sent to it. Disability Commission promises speedy implementation The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), James Lalu, admitted weak implementation of the Act in the last five years in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. He, however, explained that this was expected in the five-year transitional period stipulated by the Act for public buildings and structures to become accessible and usable for PwDs. Within those five years, you are not in a position to enforce the provisions of the Act because its a window that the law has given to the Nigerian society. So, the impact within those five years will only be minimal. This is not the fault of the commission, but that is the provision of the law, he stated. With the five-year time lag now over since January, Mr Lalu said the commission was putting systems in place to ensure that the disability community reaps the benefits of the Act. The Commission has developed the Minimum Accessibility Standard Regulation, which is in line with the Building Code, which has equally devised specifications and standard models for modification of buildings and other infrastructural developments in order to enhance enforcement of the provisions of the Act. The regulation is in circulation now. Now the Commission has started issuing Permanent Disability Certificates. The Permanent Disability Certificate is provided under Section 22 of the Act to the extent that it is the legal identity of any person with disability. The Commission has opened an online registration portal at ncpwd.gov.ng for persons with disabilities to register, he noted. Speaking on the commissions effort to help PWDs seek legal redress, Mr Lalu noted that so far, all petitions received by the commission are civil cases, but the law says we can support an individual to seek that. And so far, no individual person with a disability has approached the court in the implementation or in the pursuit of his or her personal rights. Mr Lalu also said the commission was working with the banking sector to resolve the problem of access for PWDs. Some of them have the defence of security. Because of widespread insecurity in the country, they may not be able to install doors that will allow wheelchairs to pass through easily. And then, due to our advocacy, some banks open other doors, other private doors to allow persons in wheelchairs to access the building. We are working with the Central Bank to make the banking sector more accessible to persons with disabilities, he noted. Ignorance, not bliss Aside from poor implementation, a lack of awareness and understanding of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act is another major challenge. The Act mandates the Federal Ministry of Information to create awareness regarding the rights of PwDs, but civil society organisations say more needs to be done. In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), David Anyaele, said relevant authorities must scale up their awareness campaigns. The most important issue is awareness creation. Even state actors do not understand the correlation between disability issues and the work they do, as such they are confused in terms of their roles and responsibilities in ensuring implementation of the law, he said. While the awareness rate of the Act may be low, the law clearly outlines consequences for individuals or organisations who contravene the law. The sanctions range from fines to imprisonment. Except for a few differences, the Lagos State Special Peoples Law and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act share similar provisions and penalties. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief Judge of Niger State, Halima Abdulmalik, on Tuesday, declined the requests for pardon by some inmates incarcerated for violent crimes at the Suleja Medium Custodial Centre. Mrs Abdulmalik declined the inmates request during a visit to the centre in the exercise of her statutory duty of prerogative of mercy. The chief judge, who was accompanied by senior magistrates and other principal officials of the states Ministry of Justice, reviewed a total of 61 cases bordering on murder, kidnap, and armed robbery among others. But four inmates at the detention facility were granted bail while one regained his freedom, a statement from the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, said on Tuesday. The released inmate, Abubakar Umar, expressed gratitude to the authorities for his freedom. Mr Duza did not provide details of the alleged offences committed by the inmates who were granted bail. The event was conducted by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Controller of Corrections, Francis John, who represented the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa. 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 statement quoted the CJ as saying that custodial centre visits are statutory to ensure that justice is served. Mrs Abdulmalik pledged to ensure that judges embrace the non-custodial service measures in the state as well as ensuring speedy access to justice. She advised the released inmates to stay off crime. The CJ lauded the Nigerian Correctional Service for their support in providing security and ensuring adequate coordination of the inmates in the custodial centres during the exercise. Prisons controller advocates non-custodial measure Mr John commended Mrs Abdulmalik for her timely intervention in reviewing inmates status at the facility. He urged magistrates and judges in the state to adopt non-custodial sentencing. He said such a measure would reduce the number of inmates going into the custodial centres, many of whom are being tried or convicted for minor offences. Mr John also admonished the released inmates to be of good behaviour, adding that they ensure they are gainfully engaged with a choice trade, to avoid reoffending. READ ALSO: Gunmen kidnap nine students in Delta Many inmates in Nigerian prisons are awaiting trial, prompting the need to decongest the prisons. Last December, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Nigeria has over 50,000 prison inmates awaiting trial. The Nigerian Correctional Service said no fewer than 53,836 inmates in the 253 correctional centres nationwide were awaiting trial as of 18 December. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nollywood actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus has made history as the first black recipient of the Lennox K. Black Prize For Excellence in Medicine. The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work. This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award. The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements. Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine. The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning womens health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence. Accolades The award organisers say she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize. 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 On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good. She said: This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa. Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.' Ms Aldunge added that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care. She said: The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jeffersons values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond. Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health. Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world. Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie Dry, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, led by the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, on Monday, stormed the hills and thick bushes of Apo-resettlement and its environments, to enforce some security measures in the area perceived to be the hideout of kidnappers and criminals. The spokesperson for the command, Josephine Adeh, a superintendent of police, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. She said the police in the clearance operation, combed the surrounding thick bushes of Zone A and B of Apo-resettlement, burning illegal structures and bushes around the area to expose it to sanity. This was followed by the deployment of police officers for surveillance patrol in the area. This, according to the statement, is to embrace effective security in the FCT areas and ensure all forms of criminality are checkmated by the police. The CP said the criminal activities will be met with police decisive action henceforth. The CP wishes to reiterate that it is no longer business as usual, noting that criminals who intend to disrupt the peace being enjoyed by the residents of FCT will be met with decisive action from the police, the statement said. 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 Read full statement here Date: 3rd April, 2024. SECURITY IN FCT: FCT POLICE TAKES PROACTIVE MEASURES, CLEARS APO-RESETTLEMENTS CRIMINAL HIDEOUTS/SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS ROUTES. As CP promises to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of residents. The operatives of the FCT Police Command, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh psc, mni, himself, stormed the hills and thick bushes surrounding Zone A and B of Apo-resettlement and its environs, on 1st April 2024, at about 11 am, to emplace some security measures in the area, as it is perceived to be kidnappers routes and criminal hideouts. The clearance operation involved the burning of illegal structures and bushes surrounding the hills and the proactive deployment of police operatives for surveillance patrol, as the entry and exit routes to the hills have been adequately manned. The CP wishes to reiterate that it is no longer business as usual, noting that criminals who intend to disrupt the peace being enjoyed by the residents of FCT will be met with decisive action from the police. Residents are enjoined to be vigilant and take advantage of the Police emergency lines to report suspicious activities through: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192 SP Josephine Adeh, Anipr, Police Public Relations Officer, For: The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Jigawa State say they have apprehended 10 suspects for alleged vandalism in various parts of the state. This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Dutse, the state capital, by Shiisu Adams, the spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command. Mr Adams, a deputy superintendent of police, explained that three suspects were arrested in Yalleman, when the command was investigating the vandalism of a transformer belonging to Gajo Farm Yard. He said two of the suspects were residents of Yalleman town, Kaugama Local Government Area while the third was from Hadin village also in the same locality. He added that another suspect was arrested at Mechanic village in Dutse town, in possession of reasonable quantity of burnt copper wires. The wires were strongly suspected to be stolen and on interrogation, the suspect confessed to have bought them at the sum of N30,000.00 from another suspect who is at large. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the principal suspect, he said. 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 police spokesperson further said that a four-man syndicate was also intercepted along Kazaure to Roni axis, with armored cable wire suspected to have been vandalised. He said the suspects, who ran away and left the cables behind on sighting security operatives, were later apprehended;. Mr Adams disclosed that one of the suspects was discovered to be an ex-staff member of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). When interrogated, the suspects confessed to have vandalised the cable that connected Roni and Gwiwa areas with power supply, he said. He disclosed that another suspect was arrested in Jahun, in possession of a burnt armored cable wire, suspected to have been vandalised. The suspect, according to him, confessed to have bought the cable wires from another suspect, 18 year-old of Miga quarters in Jahun local government, who was also arrested. The duo in an interrogation, confessed to have dug out the wires from the Jahun Education Department, he said. Mr Shiisu said that all the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Enugu State, South-east Nigeria, say they have rescued some kidnap victims in the state. The police spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Wednesday, said the victims were kidnapped on Sunday at about 4:55 p.m. along Eke-Ebe Road in Udi Local Government Area of the state. Mr Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police, said the victims were rescued by operatives serving in Ezinze Police Division in collaboration with a Neighbourhood Watch Group. The rescue occurred later on the same day after the kidnap of the victims, he said. The police spokesperson said the combined team rescued the victims after a shootout with the abductors which prompted them to abandon the victims and fled. The immediate rescue is due to the teams swift response upon receipt of information alleging that the victims, who were plying the road in two Mercedes Benz 4Matic Jeeps, were attacked and abducted into the forest, he said. Mr Ndukwe did not mention the number of victims that were rescued by the combined team. 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 But a photograph uploaded on the official X handle of the police in the state showed about eight people. However, further operations to hunt down the abductors are ongoing, the spokesperson said. Viral video Meanwhile, a video clip which surfaced shortly after the victims were reported kidnapped has gone viral on social media. In the clip, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, an unidentified man was heard accusing police operatives of refusing to enter a nearby forest where the abductors reportedly fled into with the victims to rescue them. The man, who claimed that his uncle was among the victims, filmed some armed police operatives standing at the scene of the attack. Reacting, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Kanayo Uzuegbu, condemned the viral video clip and described it as an unfortunate act of mischief against police operatives, Mr Ndukwe said. Mr Uzuegbu said the clip was also aimed at maligning and detracting the police from fighting criminals in the state. The police commissioner said the operatives in the viral clip were among another police team that responded to the incident. He explained the operatives did not immediately enter the forest to rescue the victims because they had no clear knowledge of the location of the first responding team. This is even when the operatives had only arrived at the scene and were awaiting necessary intelligence-guidance before proceeding into the forest to avoid any form of collateral damage, he said. The police chief stressed that the video clip was clearly a gimmick intended to misinform and mislead the public. He, however, said the police in Enugu State will not be distracted in their quest to rid the state of unrepentant criminals and their activities. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Deputy Governor of Edo, State, Philip Shaibu, on Wednesday, prayed the seven-member investigative panel on his planned impeachment to halt its sitting in obedience to an interlocutory injunction of the Federal High Court, Abuja. At its maiden sitting on Wednesday in Benin City, the state capital, Mr Shaibu, through his lawyer, Oladoyin Awoyale, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and professor, said the panels sitting would foist a fait accompli (helplessness) on the court. He argued that there was a subsisting order of interlocutory injunction granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja. He said the court had adjourned further hearing until April 8. Mr Awoyale argued that with the courts order, all parties must obey the ruling. However, counsel for the House of Assembly and Deputy Clerk, Legal Department, Joe Oaifi, argued that the panels sitting was supported by section 188 (10) of the constitution which foreclosed any court from preventing the House of Assembly and the panel from discharging its constitutional responsibilities. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief Judge of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, constituted a panel headed by a retired judge, S. A. Omonuwa. The panel has the mandate to investigate the allegation of misconduct levelled against the deputy governor by the Edo State House of Assembly.(NAN) 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 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, granted an interim order sought by the State Security Service (SSS) to detain Emmanuel Osase, a Nigerian suspected to be a member of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for 60 days. The judge Inyang Ekwo gave the order after counsel for the SSS, A.A. Ugee, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect. When the matter was called on Wednesday, Mr Ugee informed the court of the application. He said the motion ex-parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/409/2024 was brought pursuant to Section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. He prayed the court for an order enabling the security outfit to detain Mr Osase for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigations. Mr Ekwo granted the application. 3 then adjourned until the end of the 60 days period on 3 June for report 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SSS arrested Mr Osase on 11 March for propagating the messages of the terrorist group, opposing democratic system of government in Nigeria and calling for terrorists attacks on Nigeria and it symbols of sovereignty. In an affidavit dated 27 March and deposed to by Ahmad Abubakar, an operative attached to the Legal Service Department at the National Headquarters of SSS, Abuja, he averred that the release of the suspect could jeopardise investigation. He said that Mr Osase was arrested by a team of SSS for alleged membership and propagation of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist messages, including opposition to democratic system of Government and the call for staging terrorists attacks against Nigeria State and its symbols of sovereignty. Mr Abubakar added that Mr Osase was jailed five years for terrorism-related offences in France and was deported after the completion of his sentence. He said that from the services preliminary investigation, Mr Osase, who is an ex-convict, still engaged in terrorist activities which previously led to his conviction in France. He said Mr Osase appeared not to have renounced his terrorist ideologies, as he continues to engage with the proscribed pro-ISIS online media group known as al-Alawn Media Foundation, whose main objectives is the creation and dissemination of terrorist content and the promotion of terrorist attacks against democratic systems of government such as Nigeria and the western governments, including their interests across the globe. He said the suspect, who was born in the Federal Capital Territory, left Nigeria for France and never returned to Nigeria until his deportation after completion of five years jail term for acts of terrorism and attempt to join the Islamic State (IS) linked terrorist group, Friqat Al-Ghuraba (Group of Foreigners) in Syria. Mr Abubakar said his activities constituted a potent threat to national security and corporate existence of Nigeria. He said there was a need for a thorough investigation of the suspect to ensure that he did not pose any security threat to Nigeria or the world at large. According to him, the respondent is helping with vital Information that will lead to the arrest of other members who are still at large. He said it would be in the interest of justice and national security to grant the application.(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A civil society organisation- Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF), has called on the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to defend a pregnant mother of three, Chioma Okoli, who is facing trial over her review of a tomato puree online. Mrs Okoli is being prosecuted for allegedly breaching Nigerias cybercrime laws following her post on Facebook in September 2023 claiming the Nagiko tomato paste manufactured by Erisco is sugary. In a statement on Tuesday AFF asked Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye to facilitate a solution-driven dialogue between the CEO of Erisco Foods, Eric Umeofia, and Mrs Okoli, to settle the matter out of court and bring the rather unfortunate incidence to a conclusion. The statement reads in part: AFF is deeply troubled by the unfolding events and its apparent effect on the well-being of the pregnant Chioma Okolie and her unborn child, who have been in the vortex of the storm for expressing an opinion on her social media platform in September 2023. From what has been evident in media profiles, the past seven months would no doubt have been highly traumatic for Mrs Chioma Okoli and her family. AFF said as a non-profit civil society organisation it is dedicated to addressing social injustice, gender-based violence, and corruption in Nigeria through innovative technologies and communication strategies. Cybercrime allegation According to the group, Mrs Okolis product review, whether positive or negative, cannot be misconstrued as a cybercrime, noting that the actions taken by Mr Umeofia and the Nigerian Police are a violation of her rights as a consumer, and citizen. 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 It explained that Mrs Okoli has not in any form contravened the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015, particularly its Section 24, in the context of her review of Erisco Foods product. The group also expressed concern that Mr Umeofia is being indulged in using the instrumentality of the state (the Nigerian Police) as a tool for redress against a helpless pregnant woman, who might have been dissatisfied with her experience of a product in the market. Unfortunately, having made up his mind, while acting as both accuser and judge beyond the verdict of the law and extra-judicially that Mrs Chioma Okoli must be punished for expressing an opinion that he felt uncomfortable with, Mr Umeofia is documented as having gone on national television to state that there are spaces in prison for pregnant women and their children, it noted. This is most disturbing as it reveals a desperation for vengeance that transcends whatever might be the judicial pronouncement, and the determination to use his power and influence to extract a pound of flesh. We do not believe that a product review should be the reason why a pregnant woman and her unborn child should have a place in prison. Demands from minister The Foundation urged Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye to urgently intervene in the matter by facilitating a solution-driven dialogue between Mr Umeofia and Mrs Okoli. We urge you to leverage this case to show Nigerians and the world once again that you are not only concerned about issues affecting women but have earned a well-deserved place as a worker in the vineyard of peace in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the group noted. The Akin Fadeyi Foundation stands ready to support your efforts in the best possible way, and we look forward to a swift and just resolution to this matter. Outrage A week after her post on Facebook went viral, Mrs Okoli was arrested by police operatives in Lagos State and transferred to Force Headquarters in Abuja. She was later released on bail on the second day. Following these developments, Nigerians criticised the company and the police for their action. A coalition, comprising Enough is Enough Nigeria, Purple Women Foundation, and Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre (WARDC) on 12 March, also held a solidarity walk, tagged, #IStandWithChiomaOkoli. What seemed like a harmless comment at the time had since got her embroiled in a legal tango with the manufacturer of the tomato paste brand, Erisco Foods. Since then, Chioma has been arrested, not once but twice, for exercising her right to freedom of speech and opinion as granted by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Chioma is a married, pregnant mother of three. In the words of the late Rev Desmond Tutu, if an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality. No Nigerian is more Nigerian than any Nigerian, Aisha Yesufu, a leader of one of the organising groups, said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered the immediate upward review of electricity tariffs from Wednesday, 3 April. The NERC Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, disclosed this while speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Oseni explained that only electricity customers in Band A would be affected by the increase. He noted that the increase would not affect Bands B, C, D and E while noting that the number of customers previously on Band A has been reduced. Band A customers are offered an average daily electricity supply of 20 hours, although many complain they do not get up to that. The official said the Band A consumers represent 15 per cent of the population but consume 40 per cent of the nations electricity. Accordingly, he said, power distribution companies (DisCos) will be allowed to raise electricity prices to N225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from N68. 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 Hide quoted text We currently have 800 feeders that are categorised as Band A feeders, but upon reviewing those feeders performance, the commission has now reduced it to under 500. This means that 17 per cent now qualify as Band A feeders. Those are the feeders that are currently meeting the average 20 hours average. So we have just 17 per cent of the total feeders of the distribution companies now qualify as Band A feeders. That is, when you look at where those feeders are critically, it is estimated that under 15 per cent of customers are currently connected to those feeders. So based on that, feeders are not meeting the 24-hour supply and have been asked to be downgraded immediately, with strict compliance and strong enforcement action, he said. He added that the commission now sets its review for that application by the distribution companies and has decided that only the 17 per cent feeders, that is, the 15 per cent customers, will be affected by any increase that the commission will approve for this distribution company. And in that order, the commission has approved a rate review of N225 per kilowatt hour for just under 15 per cent of the customer population. So that means less than 15 per cent of the customers will be affected. The commission has issued an order which is titled April Supplementary Order taking effect from today, Mr Oseni said. NERC had in January said the Nigerian government will pay as much as N1.6 trillion to subsidise electricity in the year 2024. Unveiling a new electricity tariff plan payable by electricity consumers in the country at the time, the Chairperson of the NERC, Sanusi Garba, said the order states appropriate tariffs that consumers should pay for investors to recover their operating costs. Mr Garba explained that the order contains the federal governments policy on ensuring that due to the cost-of-living crisis, consumers will not be made to pay higher than the previous rates. The order seeks that prices charged by DisCos are fair to customers and are sufficient to allow DisCos to fully recover the efficient cost of operation, including a reasonable return on the capital invested in the business in accordance with section 116 of the Electricity Act 2023, Mr Garba said. He added that the tariff order contains the appropriate tariff that DisCos should be charging if they are to remain in business while noting that the rates are very clear. Constraints In February, the Nigerian government said it had become very difficult to sustain subsidies on electricity in the country. Nigerias Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who disclosed this at a press conference, explained that the indebtedness of the countrys power sector to electricity-generating companies (GenCos) and the gas companies (GasCos) had risen to over N3 trillion. Today, we are owing a total of N1.3 trillion to the power generating companies, out of which 60 per cent is owed to gas suppliers. Today we have a legacy debt, prior to 2014, to the gas companies of $1.3 billion; at todays rate, that is close to N2 trillion. Now, if you add N2 trillion legacy debt owed to gas companies and the N1.3 trillion being owed to GenCos, we have an inherited debt of over N3 trillion in this sector. How will the sector move forward? Nigerians deserve the right to know this, Mr Adelabu said at the time. Speaking on electricity subsidy, he said countries like Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic pay much more than Nigeria for electricity while noting that the government might not be able to continue funding electricity subsidies. What we have made provision for in the 2024 budget for subsidy is N450 billion and we will require N2.9 trillion for subsidy. So can we afford it? We must be realistic. Can we afford it? he noted. On Monday, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the establishment of the 2024 Domestic Base Price (DBP) and applicable wholesale price of natural gas for the strategic sectors. Announcing the establishment of the 2024 DBP, the agency in a letter signed by its Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, set the gas-to-power (Power sector) base price to $2.42 per Million British Thermal Unit (MMBTU) and $2.92 MMBTU for the commercial sector. In recent years, the power sector has experienced many challenges ranging from electricity policy enforcement to regulatory uncertainty, gas supply, transmission system constraints, and significant power sector planning shortfalls. In November 2013, the federal government privatised all generation and 11 distribution companies, with the federal government retaining 100 per cent ownership of the transmission company. This was to improve efficiency in the sector. Despite years of public investment, the country has the lowest access to electricity globally, with about 92 million persons out of the countrys 200 million population lacking access to power, according to the Energy Progress Report 2022 released by Tracking SDG 7. Similarly, millions of households have yet to be metered, despite repeated assurances by regulators and industry players over the years. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ogun State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says four persons died while 40 others were injured in 11 road crashes during the Easter celebration in the state. Anthony Uga, the State Sector Commander of the corps, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ota at the end of a four-day Special Patrol organised for the Easter celebration. Mr Uga said that the FRSC was able to reduce accidents to the barest minimum through the special patrol, which began on March 29 and ended April 2. The massive deployment of our personnel, both Regular and Special Marshals, during the Easter period helped to reduce cases of accidents. Our personnel were able to check the excesses of drivers who were fond of flouting traffic rules and regulations, which sometimes resulted in crashes, he said. The sector commander appealed to motorists to continue to adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations, not only during festive periods but at all times. He reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to continue to collaborate with other sister agencies to make the nations highways safer for the motoring public. 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 (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election scheduled for 25 April 2024, one of the governorship aspirants, Olamide Ohunyeye, has picked his expression of interest and nomination forms of the party. According to the party, the expression of interest form costs N10 million while the nomination form costs N40 million. Mr Ohunyeye, a retired brigadier general, disclosed the purchase of the forms in a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday. The aspirant, who once served as the director of finance of the Nigerian Defence Academy, said: I am glad to announce that I have obtained my expression of interest and nomination forms at the national headquarters of our party in Abuja today. I outlined my intention and plans to transform Ondo State to an industrial hub using our resources. I also called on the party leadership to provide a level playing ground for all aspirants as we approach the date of the primary, he said. Mr Ohunyeye noted that purchase of the forms was a major step in restating his commitment to the liberation of the people and his determination to govern the state with purpose and fear of God. 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 He added that what sets him apart from the other aspirants is his experience and passion for the Ondo people. In an earlier interview with this newspaper, Mr Ohunyeye had declared that the leader of the party, President Bola Tinubu, would not impose any aspirant on the party. Mr Tinubu has yet to make any categorical endorsement, even as the aspirants continue to lobby him through proxies and associates, seeking his open support for their aspiration. However, Mr Ohunyeye is not the only aspirant who has picked his forms ahead of the primary election. Other aspirants who have also purchased their forms include the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Olusola Oke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; the immediate past commissioner for finance, Wale Akinterinwa, and former special adviser to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on health, Dayo Faduyile. Mayowa Akinfolarin, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives and ex-deputy speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South in the 10th Senate, and the incumbent member representing Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Jimi Odimayo have also got their forms. The immediate past national commissioner representing the South-west on the board of the National Population Commission, Diran Iyantan, the son of a former senator, Soji Ehinlanwo; a former chairperson of OSOPADEC, Gbenga Edema; the South-west chairperson of the APC, Isaac Kekemeke, and the only female aspirant, Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, have also purchased their forms. Mrs Waheed-Adekojo only paid N10m for the expression of interest form, as she was exempted from paying for the nomination form pegged at N40m based on an existing rule of the party, which exempts women and people living with disabilities from buying the nomination forms to promote inclusion. Aspirants yet to buy forms Findings by this newspaper indicate that Collins Olagundoye, a media consultant, has yet to buy his forms, though he has repeatedly mentioned that he would purchase the necessary forms to show his readiness to participate in the primaries and win the ticket. Clement Akintola-Arikawe, a lawyer and in-law to Bisi Akande, a former national chairperson of the APC, has not also picked his forms despite making a grand announcement of his intention to vie for the ticket. Barring any extension of the date of sale of forms, the National Secretariat of the party had fixed 3 April as the closing date. Rumbling over endorsement of Aiyedatiwa by aborigines of the party Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the party is currently enmeshed in another round of rumbling over the endorsement of Governor Aiyedatiwa by some leaders of the party who called themselves the party aborigines The leaders, led by a former ambassador to Togo, Sola Iji, had recently endorsed Mr Aiyedatiwa among the aspirants jostling for the ticket. The endorsement, Mr Iji said, followed a sequence of events, which included a screening of the aspirants by a committee set up by the aborigines after which the group decided on Mr Aiyedatiwa. The group reportedly said Governor Aiyedatiwa came tops of the screening with Paul Akintelure, who unfortunately died before picking his forms last month, coming second while Mr Akinterinwa came third. The endorsement, much as it has attracted applause from the governors quarters, has also attracted criticisms from those who are opposed to him within the party. Two aspirants, Messrs Akinterinwa and Oke, through the spokespersons of their campaign organisations, have condemned the endorsement, describing it as laughable. The duo remarked that the aborigines have always been open supporters of Governor Aiyedatiwa. Besides the aborigines, 14 members of the APC caucus in the state House of Assembly have also endorsed the governor, though the action of the lawmakers also generated a mixed bag of condemnation and commendation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Cross River State Government has reiterated that the government treasury was empty when Governor Bassey Otu assumed office on 29 May last year. The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in the state, Ankpo Edet, stated this while briefing reporters in Calabar on Wednesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. Mr Edet, however, said that the administration has achieved a lot in its pursuit of urban renewal, especially in Calabar metropolis and environs, despite the financial challenges. He said some new roads, apart from road rehabilitation, had been constructed, while several others would begin soon. The level of infrastructure decay we met on ground was such that I was confused as a commissioner when I went around Calabar upon resumption. I am happy to announce that we have done a lot in rehabilitating most of these roads in spite of the Senator Bassey Otu-led administration meeting empty treasury. Just like we had in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, so were there several unmotorable roads in Cross River North and Cross River Central, he said. 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 commissioner said since the government was a continuum, the present administration would not abandon any of the road projects inherited from previous administrations. These projects are being carried out with taxpayers money and so, we will work on them and also not abandon any of those we are working on now. You will see the serious work on the parliamentary extension road. We are using this road as our super highway since the one embarked upon by the immediate past administration didnt see the light of the day, he stated. The commissioner further said the government adopted concrete pavement in state road construction. He said local contractors primarily handled the road projects for economic purposes. We dont like capital flight, and these local contractors are doing tremendous jobs on these projects, he said. The commissioner said the ongoing Obudu airport project would be completed by May. Not the first time This is not the first time a government official would accuse the previous administration of Governor Ben Ayade of mismanaging the states resources. In July last year, Emmanuel Ogbeche, a media aide to Governor Otu, said the state was badly rundown by Mr Ayade. Otu inherited a rundown state. It was badly rundown There is no record of anything; approvals were given on WhatsApp messages. It will require a lot to turn the state around, and thank God we have a capable and listening governor ready to provide the needed leadership, Mr Ogbeche told members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Calabar. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. Xiaomi EV delivers SU7 vehicles to first-batch users On April 3, the delivery ceremony of the Xiaomi SU7 took place at Xiaomi EV's factory in Beijing. Xiaomi's founder, chairman, and CEO, Lei Jun, attended the ceremony and personally handing over the cars to the first batch of owners. Simultaneously, deliveries also began at 28 delivery centers nationwide. Photo credit: Xiaomi EV BMW Group discloses product lineup for Auto China 2024 On April 3, BMW Group officially announced that at the upcoming Auto China 2024, the group will present numerous models, including the BMW Neue Klasse concept, the new BMW 4 Series family, the new BMW M4, MINIs first all-electric crossover, the MINI ACEMAN, and the BMW iX5 hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. XPENG newly builds 23 charging stations in March XPENG announced that in March, the company added 23 self-operated charging stations to its charging network, along with 27 free third-party stations, in 28 cities across China. 2024 AVATR 12 hits market, offering new entry-level variant at 265,800 yuan AVATR, the premium new energy vehicle brand jointly developed by Changan Automobile, Huawei, and CATL, recently put the 2024 version of the AVATR 12 onto the market, offering four trims with prices ranging from 265,800 yuan to 400,800 yuan. WeRide launches unmanned sanitation vehicle Robosweeper S1 WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, unveiled its second smart sanitation product, the unmanned Robosweeper S1, achieving a signing frenzy with nearly ten million dollars in orders received on its launch day. ZongMu Technology applies for listing on Hong Kong Stock Exchange On March 28, Chinese autonomous driving solution developer ZongMu Technology officially submitted its listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, intending to go public on the main board. GAC AION announces foray into Indonesian market GAC AION, the new energy vehicle subsidiary of GAC Group, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Indonesia's INDOMOBIL Group on April 2, marking its official entry into Southeast Asia's largest automobile market. Chery Holdings monthly sales jump 45.3% YoY in March 2024 Chery Holding sold 181,585 vehicles in March 2024, marking a 45.3% year-on-year surge, according to the companys announcement on April 2. NIO Energy, Ji Yue team up on EV charging network interconnection On April 3, Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy") and Wuhan Jidu Automobile Service Co., Ltd., the entity behind Baidu and Geely's cooperative Robocar brand Ji Yue, formally announced the cooperation on interconnecting their charging networks in Wuhan city, Hubei province. Great Wall Motor posts 2-digit YoY growth in NEV, overseas sales in Mar. 2024 In March 2024, Great Wall Motor ("GWM") showcased an impressive performance, with sales reaching 100,276 units, marking an 11.02% year-on-year increase. These figures contributed to a year-to-date sales volume of 275,333 units, which jumped 25.11% from a year earlier. It is a failure of governments to prioritise palliatives over the welfare of the people. Doing so is akin to abdicating their constitutional responsibility. Nigerians are demanding permanent solutions to this food crisis. Moreover, queuing for food is not elegant; it dehumanises, more so in peace time and when everything, ideally, should be available and affordable or at least commensurate with earnings. The sharing of palliatives to cushion the effect of extreme deprivation and hunger is the Nigerian governments answer to its self-created hardships engendered by subsidy removal, devaluation of the naira and the effect of existential security challenges. However, in place of food and other essentials, death and the maiming of citizens have trailed the exercise. Palliative sharing is not sustainable; it is ad hoc and a stop-gap measure that can never replace the permanent needs of individuals three square meals and other essential provisions. The bureaucracy and logistics involved in buying, stocking, planning, and arranging such palliatives alone are herculean. Yet, sharing foodstuff in an environment of desperation, misery, impatience, and organisational deficit, is not only tragic but also leaves potential beneficiaries with the hard choice between death and hunger. It all began in Lagos. As part of the governments knee-jerk reaction to the reality of hunger in the land, the Nigerian Customs Service was directed last month to distribute 20,000 seized bags of rice and other grains to the public. Individuals were required to show their NINs and purchase a 25 kilogramme bag of rice each for N10,000, whereas previously a 50 kilogramme bag of rice sold for N70,000. However, due to the lack of proper planning and structural support, a stampede occurred, resulting in the loss of seven lives. With regard to palliatives being shared by governments at all levels, which is becoming a jamboree, there should be other means of reducing burdens than queuing to collect food that cannot even last a week for a modest family. And if it must, governments should have formal structures to be applied, such as the random picking of numbers to be spread over days. The dust was yet to settle on the Lagos incident when news filtered in that two students lost their lives, again while struggling to get palliatives at the Nasarawa State University in Keffi, penultimate week. Governor Abdullah Sule initiated the distribution of a 7.5 kilogramme bag of rice and N5,000 to each student in what ordinarily would have been a good gesture. However, the chaos and stampede that accompanied the distribution led to deaths and injuries to at least 23 others. Elsewhere in Bauchi State, during the distribution of Zakat of N10,000 by a philanthropist during the Ramadan, seven people also died. Palliative sharing is clearly not working and not enough to stem the tide of massive deprivation in the country. There is something wrong with our society when it comes to the sharing and distribution of anything. We simply lack decorum and orderliness, and either out of desperation or the need to outsmart others, confusion often arises from such efforts, no matter how noble. With regard to palliatives being shared by governments at all levels, which is becoming a jamboree, there should be other means of reducing burdens than queuing to collect food that cannot even last a week for a modest family. And if it must, governments should have formal structures to be applied, such as the random picking of numbers to be spread over days. Once you bring a mass of people together, it is human to witness confusion and chaos. Without rules and regulations and systematic planning, any gathering for food in this difficult time is a disaster waiting to happen. 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 Palliatives are supposed to be temporary measures, so how did they become a national policy that governors are falling heads over heels to show the biggest pyramids of grain palliatives? How sustainable are they as panacea for food insecurity occasioned by banditry, abduction, farmers deserting their farms and governments insensitive anti-people policies? Meanwhile, we need to interrogate how we got to a situation requiring the distribution of palliatives. How are these the answer to food insecurity and hunger? How can a hungry man patiently queue for food without losing his head over the slightest provocation? What are these nonsense called palliatives anyway? How are they substitutes for the provision or availability of food? Palliatives are supposed to be temporary measures, so how did they become a national policy that governors are falling heads over heels to show the biggest pyramids of grain palliatives? How sustainable are they as panacea for food insecurity occasioned by banditry, abduction, farmers deserting their farms and governments insensitive anti-people policies? While we should self-regulate and learn lessons in patience and orderliness, governments need to implement the right policies to make palliatives unnecessary. Eight years ago, a bag of rice was N7,500 and eight months ago, it was between N30,000 and N40,000. At between N70,000 and N80,000 now, why wont people scramble, fight, and kill one another to get it 70 per cent cheaper? It is a failure of governments to prioritise palliatives over the welfare of the people. Doing so is akin to abdicating their constitutional responsibility. Nigerians are demanding permanent solutions to this food crisis. Moreover, queuing for food is not elegant; it dehumanises, more so in peace time and when everything, ideally, should be available and affordable or at least commensurate with earnings. Another aspect of this palliative issue is the sheer size, volume, and red tape involved. Billions will end up in the hands of contractors in this poorly handled tokenism, which is what palliative is all about. It will serve as another sad reminder of Sadiya Farouqs era as Humanitarian Affairs Minister, during which millions of naira were spent on school feeding during the COVID lockdown. Specific examples are spending N500 million on school feeding for children in Ogun, Lagos and FCT during the COVID lockdown and over N2 billion expended by the federal government in Adamawa under the National Home-grown School Feeding Programme. Ambivalence Over State Police While we hope more states will support and submit their report promptly, one sticky part of that stagnancy is state police: to be or not to be? The concentration of everything in Abuja means that even the remotest part of this country will have to look unto Abuja when it comes under attack, as we have seen in recent time in Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto states etc. This is no longer feasible. Considering the high level of security threats everywhere in the country, it is safe to say that state police is an idea whose time has come. In over 25 years of civil rule since 1999, it has been a routine for every National Assembly to review the constitution under the Deputy Senate President as chairman of the committee, to which billions have gone down the drain. According to The Guardian, endless reviews and amendments have cost the National Assembly N1 billion every year for 30 alterations at a cumulative cost of N24.8 billion in 24 years, yet each of these sessions was met with comprehensive failure because our constitution is yet to change significantly. Altering the Nigerian constitution requires the imprimatur of at least 24 out of the 36 states. However, in the current attempt, only 16 states have submitted reports on the issue as revealed during the last NEC meeting presided over by VP Kashim Shettima. While we hope more states will support and submit their report promptly, one sticky part of that stagnancy is state police: to be or not to be? The concentration of everything in Abuja means that even the remotest part of this country will have to look unto Abuja when it comes under attack, as we have seen in recent time in Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto states etc. This is no longer feasible. Although state police is one of two key issues being considered for amendment this time, with the reluctance of some state governors to support the idea, it appears we may once again run into hitches. Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris, revealed recently that state police would be a burden on governors. Pray, what is leadership without burdens? With this mindset, there is a risk that the state police issue will become another lofty amendment to the constitution that never materialises, despite consuming billions of naira. Zainab Suleiman Okino is a syndicated columnist. She can be reached via zainabsule@yahoo.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Professor Muhammad Pate convened the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) to deliberate on advancing Nigerias primary healthcare delivery through SWAp. The assessment of the BHCPF revealed the need for reforms in its programmatic, operational, and fiduciary aspects. Nigeria has always been told it owes Africa and, by extension, the world talent necessary for continuous development. The yardstick is usually the nations human capital a population of over 200 million. Truth be told, even as a country, we have not squarely harnessed this potential. The reasons for the untapped potential are not far-fetched. At the top of the chart remains the poor health indices of the populace. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, spoke to this effect in November 2023 during his speech at the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) Annual Lecture and Award in Abuja. In his presentation titled, Nigerias Greatest Asset Its Human Capital, he said despite having a large, youthful population, Nigerias human capital development outcomes are unfortunately amongst the worst in the world. In terms of health, the country is, on average, among the bottom five performers in the world, with women dying at childbirth (maternal mortality), children less than one year dying (infant mortality), children under five dying (child mortality), and a reducing life expectancy. He said: We are also among the bottom ten performers in the world in terms of child stunting (malnutrition). Moreover, we have a double burden of disease, meaning in addition to infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and others, we have a fast-growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancers, and mental ill-health. At the same time, we are also ageing, with at least five per cent of the population considered aged. The more people in a country are healthy, educated, and productive, the more likely it is to experience long-term, equitable social and economic growth health remaining an independent variable to education and productivity. Over time, the government has contributed its quota to improving the health of Nigerians, but Professor Pate and his team are serving as a beacon of progress in the countrys health sector. Upon assuming office, improving population health for economic development occupied the top position on their to-do list. They are apparently working the talk. According to the National Agency for Food and Drug and Administration Control (NAFDAC), they have so far successfully increased the number of local pharmaceutical manufacturers by 12 per cent. Twenty newly registered local drug manufacturers have invested over $2 billion in the building of WHO-compliant facilities that manufacture quality pharmaceuticals and essential medicines for Nigerians. This is a game changer, one must say. 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 Under his watch, Nigeria also unveiled four drugs manufactured by the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA). The drugs are Namdune (200mg), meant as an anti-aging; Namdasan (200mg), an anti-sickling; Aberecin (200mg), an anti-diabetes; and Nanobere. Fights against counterfeit drugs have also been taken to another level with the introduction of Greenbook, an application to verify registered drugs in the country. With a robust database, patients, medical practitioners, and health providers will not live in fear of administering or consuming fake drugs. This is quite impressive! In August 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) revealed a survey that ranked Nigeria as the country with the second-highest malnutrition rate globally. Hence, the National Council on Nutritions (NCN) inauguration one month later was nothing but apt, as a healthy nation isnt just a happier one; its also safer. This is commendable. The rollout of the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer, which claims the lives of 8,000 women, can not be over-extended. It is a lifesaver. The inauguration of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC), the commissioning of the Noma Treatment Centre, and the revision of operational guidelines for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) are very significant attainments. All these, which should catalyse innovation, investment attraction, and collaboration in the health sector, will not mean much if we do not acknowledge the initiative aimed at increasing Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) from 8,300 to 17,600 nationwide and the training of 120,000 frontline health workers to reach the grassroots, who are the majority and most vulnerable. Most recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a comprehensive approach to revitalising PHCs through a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and the Health Sector Renewal Programme (NHSRIP) to ensure quality healthcare is a reality for all Nigerians. At the heart of this transformation is the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) reform. Recognising the need for a more robust governance structure and clearer guidelines to make healthcare more accessible to vulnerable groups. To prevent disruptions in service provision while BHCPF 2.0 is being developed, the release of N25 billion to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIS) has been approved. The redesign of the BHCPF aims to align public and development partner resources towards improving population health outcomes, focusing on maternal and child health as key priorities. The revised guidelines will prioritise vulnerable groups, such as the poorest women and children, displaced populations, and others, aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates and out-of-pocket payments. They will also standardise the quality of care measures across primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that resources are allocated in a tiered manner to address health inequities. Professor Muhammad Pate convened the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) to deliberate on advancing Nigerias primary healthcare delivery through SWAp. The assessment of the BHCPF revealed the need for reforms in its programmatic, operational, and fiduciary aspects. All 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have committed to rectifying these flaws through a remediation plan and a signed compact with the federal government, while citizens and civil society organisations will have to monitor the use of BHCPF resources, ensuring they are utilised for their intended purposes. In the spirit of transparency, the ministry also provided a dedicated email address and phone line for reporting the potential misuse of the funds. The ministerial oversight team and relevant institutions like EFCC, ICPC, and DSS will also monitor and investigate credible reports to ensure the proper use of resources for primary care services. Continuing on this trajectory by the minister and his team might just be the right instrument required to forge a transformed healthcare system in Nigeria for citizens to contribute significantly to development even across her geographical boundaries. Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja. Email: dahirulawal90@gmail.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Telecommunication industry players have been unequivocal about the key benefit of the NIN-SIM linkage being the protection of subscribers and prevention of crimes, such as that exemplified above. For instance, on account of the huge amount involved, the POS operators may have documented details of whatever identity provided by the criminal. As a matter of fact, the truth may have been readily revealed in the course of such documentation. Rights and responsibilities are the twin words that best describe the inception and the increasing impact of digital technology, a major strand of which is dynamic contemporary telecommunication services. Even before the imminent internet of things (IOT), a lot has been playing out for human civilisational processes, throwing up existential challenges for citizens and duly requiring governmental interventions to cope with. If only to safeguard innocent citizens from the antics of criminals, government is often quick at fashioning laws and penalties for violations. The most far-reaching legal intervention in this context is the Cybercrimes Prohibitions Act of 2015, with its most significant component being the Cybercrime Advisory Council. Incidentally, this Council is considered as being rather exclusionary by media and allied rights advocates. The said deficit of the Cybercrime Advisory Council is a pointer to the fact that in climes such as ours, not much attention is often given by government to social needs, specifically in this case, Media and Information Literacy (MIL), which has already been over hyped by informed stakeholders. Unfortunately, some undiscerning members of the society keep falling falling victim of related laws. Please follow this pathetic story, the audio of which I keep till date: Muhammad is a private school principal in Nyanya, an Abuja, suburb. As a side hustle, he runs a Point of Service (POS) business for payments. Then came a criminal one day, who had just robbed and killed his victim. Using the victims card, he requested two transfers of N500,000 each. The criminal made several other purchases and also went to some other operators of POS. Eventually he was found out and law enforcers had to track all the transactions he had carried out with the victims card. Muhammad of Nyanya thus became a suspect and was promptly arrested. Thus began endless investigations. Muhammed ended up being detained for months in a prison. You can imagine the psychological torture, not only for Muhammad but his immediate family, employers and others who love him. He learnt his lesson in the bitterest way, yet his ordeals could have been averted by sufficient exposure to the basics of MIL. But life goes on. Indeed, it must be business as usual Otherwise how do we explain the cacophony playing out after the expiration of the deadline of 29 March for NIN-SIM linkage? The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed that it would not be reviewing its deadline to bar owners of more than four SIM cards whose SIM registration data fails to match their National Identity Number (NIN) data. 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 Commission explained that its position is hinged on the objective to clean the countrys SIM ownership database, and ensure that criminals could not take advantage of having multiple unlinked SIMs to carry out their nefarious activities. The Commissions resolve is hinged on the need to close in on the chaos of the untoward ownership of multiple SIM cards with unverified NIN details. According to the Commission, we have instances where a single individual has over 10,000 lines linked to his NIN. In some cases, we have seen a single person with 1,000 lines, some 3,000 plus lines. What are they doing with these lines? The NCC has also provided Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) an extension till 31 July, within which they are expected to verify all NINs submitted by subscribers with four or less SIMs, as well as bar those whose NINs fail the verification with NIMC. The Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators, Gbenga Adebayo, further confirmed that members of his association would comply with the latest directive. However, just the next day or so after the deadline expired, I sighted no fewer than three reports announcing the extension of the deadline, one of them stating specifically to 31 July, and referring to some reliable inside source. Whats all the fuss about really? This NIN-SIM linkage is a simple exercise that only requires a subscriber to submit his or her NIN to the service provider to enable the provider match details of the subscriber taken at the time of the initial SIM registration process. This could be done through assorted windows, and physically by visiting designated points. For techno-literate persons, they are merely expected to use short, universal codes for both submission and retrieval for those who may want to verify their own compliance as the media kept repeating deadlines. The reality today is that barely literate persons and even illiterates now use telephones, given its increasing centrality to a lot of human activities. This is the basis of this writers advocacy for an earlier generalist nomenclatural label suggestion of Digital Culture in place of Digital Economy preferred by Minister Ali Pantami when he chose to rename the ministry he was asked to superintend over. Telecommunication industry players have been unequivocal about the key benefit of the NIN-SIM linkage being the protection of subscribers and prevention of crimes, such as that exemplified above. For instance, on account of the huge amount involved, the POS operators may have documented details of whatever identity provided by the criminal. As a matter of fact, the truth may have been readily revealed in the course of such documentation. But the information literacy knowledge could only have been deployed on the basis of certain pre-existing conditions, such as the NIN-SIM linkage offers an example. Still on crime, another major advantage that may derive from the NIN-SIM linkage is the ease with which law enforcers may trace and tackle criminals through their registered lines. After all, no one may be allowed to own any line, except you are ready to play by the set rules. Furthermore, this linkage will automatically ease economic transactions electronically, since identities will be easily verifiable for concerned parties such as it pans out, with regard to debit cards and similar devices. NIN-SIM linkage is therefore the way to go and the exercise has to run with a good measure of discipline, especially with the spectacular existing anomaly of thousands of SIMs connected to some individuals. At this stage, the campaigns executed so far need be audited to make for genuine inclusivity with regards to social, geographical and other possible lines. For instance, this task now requires a well designed stakeholder mapping. The mapping must ultimately reveal spots of irregularities and areas, as well as interests deserving more attention. Given that all media genres had been previously deployed perhaps for conventional announcements, how about aligning subsequent dissemination that is more enriched via regular media contents? How about being more scientific, relativising media use depending on audience preference and possible perception? In reality this could translate to devolving dissemination more to the grassroots by enlisting the emerging broadcasters, namely community broadcasters and campus broadcasters. Beyond liberalising the media to be used, campaigns must also be made to align with credible programmes having obvious trendy touch of management, such as may ensure their global reach and enduring availability, as may be made possible by platforms like Youtube and Spotify. With affiliation to champions of multi-stakeholder philosophy like the UNs annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF), for the management of telecommunication facilities, need NCC be reminded of the importance of a democratised governance culture? It is most certain that the involvement of the relatively cheaper (not necessarily technologically inferior) community and campus broadcasters will help to boost the NIN-SIM linkage campaigns and indeed others that may arise in future. It will as not be out of place for NCC to support the campaigns for the popularisation of media and information literacy. This will certainly help to resolve a lot of digital divide inspired issues. With the concern demonstrated in this exercise so far, NCC has demonstrated that it now has an improved corporate governance culture as advocated by IGF. It can however do better and even excel. Tunde Akanni is an associate professor of media and development at the Lagos State University. Follow him on X via @AkintundeAkanni Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print This visit followed a recent courtesy call on the Minister and the Vice President by Olam Agris top management, where the company expressed interest in expanding its partnership with the Federal Government to enhance agricultural productivity. The Minister, who visited the Olam Agri Rice Farm, accompanied by Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Akabe and a team of technical experts, used the occasion to flag off Olam Agris dry season rice harvest. He expressed his satisfaction with the business innovative approach to raising agricultural productivity, saying I was particularly impressed by Olams commitment to leveraging mechanisation and technology-driven farming methods across their 13,500-hectare fully integrated rice farming operations. With a paddy milling capacity of 210,000 metric tons, they have demonstrated significant strides in agricultural productivity. Over 4,000 hectares have been cultivated, yielding an impressive 4.3 tonnes of rice per hectare. The Minister further commended Olam Agris commitment to corporate social responsibility, citing their engagement with over 35,000 out-growers, investment in scholarships for youths, provision of learning infrastructure, hiring of qualified teachers to deliver academic excellence across the communities and their paid flood response and support for at least 3,523 residents from 10 different communities. As part of its impressive social investment, the company also provided solar lights for six host communities Rukubi, Achepe, Obendo, Olegokpa, Ijiwo, and Ondori. It constructed and rehabilitated access roads to the villages. One of the roads constructed and rehabilitated by the business is the 9 km Olegokpa Achepe Obendo Road. Speaking about the facility tour, Country Head & Managing Director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, Anil Nair thanked the Minister and his team of experts. He said, We are thrilled by the Honourable Ministers visit to our Rice Farm and mill. This visit has reinforced our support for the Nigerian governments renewed hope agenda and our readiness to engage with critical agricultural stakeholders to keep driving productivity and sustainable growth. 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 As a business, we prioritise captive supply through large-scale farming practices. In the rice value chain, for instance, we continue to invest in R&D to scale the introduction of germplasm as part of a breeding programme targeted at improving the yield potential of the current seed varieties while developing new varieties which adapted well to local soil and weather conditions and can withstand major environmental threats. We maintain stringent quality control while fostering an out-growers model that provides preferential access to seeds, training, and rates for many farmers while benefiting households, communities, cooperatives, and women. This visit will further deepen our partnership with the federal government and impact the investment landscape, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have killed five persons it described as violent extremists, foiled a kidnapping attempt and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in Taraba State. This was disclosed in an unsigned statement posted on the Army Official X account on Tuesday. According to the statement, the troops acted decisively on intelligence on the plan of the extremists to kidnap some church members returning from church programme in Wukari along Tor Tse and Takum road. It also said troops of the 93 Battalion deployed in Wukari swiftly swung into action and tactically lay in wait for the extremists and the insurgents In the early hours of Tuesday. The troops, the statement further said, made contact with the extremists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle leading to the killing of four of them and recovery of two AK 47 Rifles, one Pump Action Rifle and two AK 47 magazines. The army also said on 27 March, troops while on patrol around Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area, came in contact with some suspected violent extremists. It said the troops responded with superior firepower leading to the killing of one extremist and the recovery of one locally fabricated FN pistol, two rounds of 9MM ammunition and one mobile phone belonging to the criminals. 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 This successful operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of 6 Brigade to protecting the lives and properties of the citizens, the statement said. Read full statement below TROOPS NEUTRALIZE 5 EXTREMISTS, FOIL KIDNAP ATTEMPTS, RECOVER CACHE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION IN TARABA In a significant operation aimed at maintaining peace and security in Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army have neutralized 5 violent extremists, foiled kidnapping attempts and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. The troops while acting on actionable intelligence on the plan of the extremists to kidnap some church members returning from church program in Wukari along Tor Tse and Takum road acted decisively. Troops of 93 Battalion deployed in Wukari swiftly swung into action and tactically lied in wait for the violent extremists and the Insurgents In the early hours of today 2 April 2024. The troops made contact with the extremists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle leading to the neutralisation of 4 extremists and recovery of 2 AK 47 Rifles, 1 Pump Action Rifle and 2 AK 47 magazines. Similarly, on 27 March 2024 troops while on Patrol around Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area came in contact with suspected violent extremists. Troops responded with superior fire power leading to the neutralization of 1 extremist and recovery of 1 Locally fabricated FN Pistol, 2 rounds of 9MM ammunition and 1 mobile phone belonging to the criminal. This successful Operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of 6 Brigade to protecting the lives and property of the citizens, while making the state and environ a safer place for businesses to strive. We implore members of the public to continue supporting the military by providing timely and credible information on any suspicious movement or activities of criminals within the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Borno State confirmed the arrest of eight suspects in connection to the alleged murder of Kamar Abdulkadir, a lecturer of the Department of Physical Health Education at the University of Maiduguri. Mr Abdulkadir was murdered in his office on campus on Sunday by unknown attackers. The attackers had sneaked into his office unnoticed. The victim was found on Monday with several injuries inflicted on his body by his killers. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahun Daso, told journalists that the attackers also carted away the lecturers vehicle, phone and laptop. We reviewed the CCTV Camera and saw them going out of the University with the deceaseds vehicle. However, the quality of the video was very poor so we could not see the number of people that were inside the car, he said. He explained that investigation was still ongoing into the matter. Reacting, Danjuma Gambo, a professor and the Director of Radio and Public Relations, who spoke on behalf of the vice Chancellor of the University, Abdullahi Shugaba, a professor, said the police and other security agencies have already launched an investigation with a view to unraveling the circumstances surrounding his death. 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 In view of the gravity of the matter, management advises all staff and students to remain calm and go about their normal, legitimate businesses because the University is working closely with relevant security agencies to get to the root of the matter. Management also wishes to assure parents, guardians and other stakeholders that the University campus remains safe and secure for teaching, learning and community service. Management appreciates the numerous messages of sympathy and support from all its stakeholders in this moment of grief, Mr Gambo said.(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, said contrary to criticisms by lawyers and activists,the militarys declaration was not illegal. PREMIUM TIMES reported that suspected residents of Okuama Community in Delta State, on 14 March, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers. Read also: warring communities ambush nigerian troops kill 16 official The troops were attacked while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the southern Nigerian state, the military said. In response, the Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, declared eight suspects wanted over the murder of the army personnel. Some Nigerian lawyers faulted the declaration and noted that the police, not the army, ought to have made the declaration. The lawyers added that even the police have no right to declare anyone wanted without obtaining such power from the court, pointing out that Martial Law only applies to those in the military, not civilians. Chief of Defence staff speaks But reacting, Mr Musa, an army general, argued that the declaration and prosecution of the suspects were legal because the action is being jointly carried out by combined security agencies, including the police and the military. 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 chief of defence staff spoke on Wednesday when he appeared as a guest on Arise TVs The Morning Show. What we have is a Joint Task Force. Joint Task Force involves members of the armed forces. Thats the army, the navy, the air force, the police, the SSS, the National Intelligence Agency and every other security agency. So when we have arrests, we have a joint investigation team. So it is not like the army is taking laws into their hands. So we have a police component (in the joint task force). So even when they (the slain soldiers) were with us, the police were still there doing their own job, Mr Musa added. He did not say if the joint task force obtained a court order before declaring the eight suspects wanted. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Angolan Embassy has promised to continue to harness the various economic potentials in Nigeria as it opened a visa collection centre in Port Harcourt. The embassy said the measure was part of efforts to strengthen business ties with Nigeria. Jose Zan, Angolan ambassador to Nigeria, gave the assurance while inaugurating the centre in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. According to him, there are lots of hurdles experienced by both countries (Nigeria and Angola) in terms of accessing the Angola visa from Port Harcourt, hence, the need for the centre. The envoy noted that the centre was expected to satisfy the travel needs of the Angolan community resident in South-south and South-east Nigeria. I have been on duty in Nigeria for less than a year during which Im ensuring a better business approach between Nigeria and Angola. One of my targets is to enhance travel experience for the Angolan and Nigerian communities and one of the ways to achieve this is to ensure an easy facilitation in terms of visa procurement. 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 These communities have suffered lots of hurdles shuttling both countries from Port Harcourt; sometimes, when they have to fly to Abuja to procure their visas, they end up missing business appointments and spending extra cost on hotels. Thats why we are here in Port Harcourt, to enhance speedy procurement of Angolan visas which is easy and also possible within 24 hours. Onyemaechi Ejindu, CEO, Akwahelms Ltd, also a partner in the centre, said it was poised to ensure professional strategies that would enhance the travel experience to Angola. He said that the advantage of having the collection centre in Port Harcourt was to help address the difficulties of travelling to Lagos or Abuja to facilitate visa allocations. Now that the Angolan Embassy has brought a visa centre closer to the south and eastern states, we also look forward to collaborating with other airlines that will be linked to the Angolan national airline in terms of connectivity. As we speak, its surprising the number of Nigerian/Angolan community that shuttle between Angola and Port Harcourt for various types of businesses. This is why we made efforts to establish this centre in order to reach out to those who are into trading and other businesses, he said. Mr Ejindu said that Angola, like Nigeria, has lots of attractions and that both countries were beginning to appreciate their similarities and also exploiting economic relationships. According to him, just like Nigeria, Angola is richly endowed with crude oil and other natural deposits like gold, diamond and many others. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has said monarchs in Okuama and other neighbouring communities in Delta State must have played a role in the murder of 17 soldiers in the state. Suspected residents of the Okuama Community, on 14 March, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers. The troops were attacked while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the southern Nigerian state, the military said. In response, the Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, declared eight suspects wanted over the murder of the military personnel. The traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Clement Ikolo, was among those declared wanted. Mr Ikolo has since surrendered himself to the police in the state from where he was whisked to the Nigerian army headquarters in Abuja for questioning. The monarch was still in army custody at the time of this report. 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 Meanwhile, members of the Traditional Rulers Council of Chiefs in Ewu-Urhobo, Delta State, in a statement on Saturday, called for the immediate release of Mr Ikolo. The monarchs argued that they and their detained colleague were not connected to the communal crisis that led to the murder of the 17 soldiers. His Majesty (Ikolo) is in no way associated with the ongoing feud between Okoloba and Okuama Communities, let alone the tragic killing of army personnel, the monarchs said in the statement. They cant deny their involvment But reacting when he appeared as a guest on Arise TVs The Morning Show on Wednesday, Mr Musa, an army general, insisted that the monarchs from the Urhobo ethnic group within the warring communities were complicit in the murder. I have heard the Urhobo leaders talking. I have very serious respect for elders. But I would also like elders to speak from a position of strength. They (Urhobo monarchs) cannot say that they do not know what is going on there. I am sure that you know that since they murdered the soldiers, there are a lot of human sacrifices ongoing in those areas and it was just part of them showing a way of saying they have strength and that was why they were able to kill the soldiers, he said. We know that a lot of people knew what was going on and kept quiet and that makes them complicit. Maybe he (Ikolo) did not take part directly, but he will not tell us he does not have the knowledge or understanding of what was going on (in Okuama). So, those (residents of the) communities (within the Urhobo ethnic group) know these criminals. Some of them benefit from this act of criminality. But investigations will unravel most of these things, Mr Musa stated. Bodies of slain soldiers were dismembered, private parts removed Mr Musa said the bodies of the slain soldiers were dismembered, with their private parts removed by the hoodlums who murdered them. He said the slain commanding officer went to Okuama unarmed because it was a peacekeeping mission and he had thought he could restore peace between the warring communities. When he (the commanding officer) tried to talk to them (the community members), they (the soldiers) were rounded up and shot. And not only shot, their body parts were cut, and their hands and private parts were removed. I think thats what all Nigerians should stand up against, he said. Real reason the hoodlums murdered the soldiers Mr Musa said the hoodlums murdered the soldiers because they were angry that the commanding officer and his team had been destroying illegal refineries to end crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. The attack (against the soldiers) was premeditated just because the group of criminals, cultists and militants that make a lot of money from crude oil theft, believe they are above board. They murdered the soldiers deliberately just because the commanding officer and his team were ensuring that any acts of pipeline vandalisation, crude oil theft, and illegal refineries were completely eradicated from that region, he said. The army chief alleged that the hoodlums had been benefitting from the illegal crude oil theft. He said they used the proceeds to procure arms and ammunition for their criminal activities. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Shanghai (Gasgoo)- GAC AION, the new energy vehicle subsidiary of GAC Group, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Indonesia's INDOMOBIL Group on April 2, marking its official entry into Southeast Asia's largest automobile market. GAC AION said this collaboration not only reinforces GAC AION's strategic layout of "Thailand + Indonesia" dual-factory strategy, but also brings more new energy vehicle options to users of the Southeast Asian market. Photo credit: GAC AION Indonesia, as the most populous country and the largest automobile market in Southeast Asia, boasts abundant nickel ore resources, providing many favorable policies and resources for the automotive industry. As a large conglomerate with business covering various fields from vehicle manufacturing to automotive finance, INDOMOBIL Group, whose parent company is Salim Group, one of the top three consortiums in Indonesia, will provide strong support for GAC AION's development in the country. According to the the plan, GAC AION will engage in comprehensive strategic cooperation with INDOMOBIL Group in areas such as vehicle manufacturing, automotive sales and services, finance, energy ecosystem, mobility markets, and upstream and downstream of the industrial chain, to offer Indonesian consumers more high-quality, reliable, and technologically advanced new energy vehicle products. GAC AION's globalization strategy is rapidly unfolding, with significant headway achieved in Southeast Asian markets including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Notably, the establishment of its inaugural overseas manufacturing hub in Thailand underscores its commitment to regional expansion. Looking ahead, GAC AION is poised to accelerate its global business expansion, establishing production and distribution hubs across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and beyond. Abia govt to introduce new pension scheme for civil servants The Abia State Government has expressed its resolve to begin a pension contributory scheme for civil servants. The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, made this known on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting at the Government House, Umuahia. He said: The state government has concluded plans to introduce a contributory pension scheme for Abia civil Servants. The plans for establishing the scheme have gone very far and very soon we would start the cutover to a contributory pension scheme. Mr Kanu expressed the readiness of the state government to introduce measures that would make the payment of pensions seamless and give pensioners a sense of belonging. He said that the government had given a directive for all pensioners to be paid on the 28th of every month just like the civil servants in the state. 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 Mr Kanu added that the government directed that going forward, pensioners would be paid their monthly pension in full, as against half of the amount which used to be the case in the past. He said that the government recently paid pensioners their pension arrears and noted that the government was aware that some pensioners were not captured in the payment. Mr Kanu said that the Ministry of Finance had set up a help desk to address issues arising from the pension arrears payment such as persons whose names were skipped, among others. According to him, the whole idea is to ensure that the process is smooth and successful. Road construction Mr Kanu also said that the government has approved the reconstruction of the 3.5-kilometre Ekeakpara Road which stretches from Osisioma Junction to Ekeakpara Market. He said the road would be rehabilitated with a concrete drainage system to enhance the aesthetics and increase its lifespan. Mr Kanu disclosed that the state government was preparing for the upcoming Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas medical mission in the state. He said that there had been a massive registration by prospective patients seeking to get medical attention during the exercise. The Ministry of Health and ANPA (Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas) have slated to have about 200 patients undergo surgery. That number has now increased to about 350 patients because of the massive interest people have shown. The number of patients that are registered shows that it is going to be a very hectic period for those involved. This means that they will be carrying out surgeries on about 25 patients per day; thats very huge by any stretch of imagination, Mr Kanu said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 3, Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy") and Wuhan Jidu Automobile Service Co., Ltd., the entity behind Baidu and Geely's cooperative Robocar brand Ji Yue, formally announced the cooperation on interconnecting their charging networks in Wuhan city, Hubei province. Photo credit: NIO The collaboration will entail Ji Yue gradually integrating into NIO Energy's nationwide network of open charging stations, spanning across various high-traffic scenarios such as expressways, business districts, office districts, residential compounds, scenic spots, and hotels. Subsequently, Ji Yues users will be able to access real-time information about NIO's charging piles, including their locations, prices, and current statuses, through the Ji Yue's APP, Robocar mini-program, and energy mini-program. They can efficiently carry out operations such as charging and payment by scanning QR code. As the automobile brand in China with the largest number of charging piles, NIO currently operates 3,747 charging stations and 21,800 charging piles across 312 cities across the country. Among them, 364 ultra-charging stations and 1,422 ultra-charging piles are deployed along expressways, making NIO the brand with the most ultra-charging spots at expressway service areas nationwide. NIOs charging piles are open to all new energy vehicle users, with 80% of the electricity serving users of electric vehicle brands other than NIO. In addition to actively expanding its charging network, NIO also stands as the world's largest intelligent electric vehicle battery swap network operator. As of April 3, NIO has deployed 2,397 battery swap stations nationwide, including 789 on expressways, establishing a comprehensive network across 11 major city clusters. The collaboration between the two parties will further promote the openness and sharing of new energy vehicle charging networks, enhancing users' charging experiences, said NIO. In the future, NIO and Ji Yue will explore more innovative cooperation in areas such as battery swapping and charging station operations, complementing each other's strengths to provide users with a more convenient and efficient energy replenishment experience. BRESCIA, Italy, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the completion of the work of the Selecting Commission, tasked with examining the applications received, the list of cars accepted for the 2024 edition of the 1000 Miglia is now officially made public. 33 nations will be represented, but Italy will still be the country with the largest number of competitors, and there will be 71 cars that took part in the historic 1000 Miglia race. 1000 Miglia race Line-ups like those of Alfa Romeos and Bugattis will be unparalleled, worthy of the Most Beautiful Race in the World. 50 Alfa Romeos, including a rare block of 6C 1750s and three 8Cs, 31 Porsches, 27 Jaguars, 25 Mercedes Benz, 21 Ferraris and 17 Bugattis will start from Brescia on 11 June and return on Saturday 15, after covering the more than 2000 km of the route, which will have its usual half-way point in Rome on the evening of Thursday 13. Contending for victory with Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli in search of their fourth consecutive title, the fifth for Vesco who also triumphed in 2020 alongside his father Roberto, the Argentinean pair Juan Tonconogy and Barbara Ruffini, the last foreign crew on the race's roll of honour with their 2018 victory, will return to the Viale Venezia platform. Belometti-Ricca, Fontanella-Covelli, Sisti-Gualandi and Turelli-Turelli lead the group of podium candidates. The five-leg format has been confirmed, and the race will repeat the anti-clockwise direction as in 2021. Turin, Viareggio, Rome and Bologna will be the leg finishes before returning to Brescia. Also this year, the historic cars of the Red Arrow will be preceded by the 1000 Miglia Green and the Ferrari Tribute 1000 Miglia. Also returning will be the 1000 Miglia Experience, the event reserved for modern supercars and hyper-cars, now in its third year. The cars accepted for the 1000 Miglia 2024, as a guarantee of excellence and authenticity, are all registered in accordance with the regulations of the Registro 1000 Miglia. The list is available on the official website 1000miglia.it. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378704/1000_Miglia_race.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378703/Mille_Miglia_Logo.jpg SOURCE Mille Miglia COLTON to be first master-planned community in Todd Mission, TX area HOUSTON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AIRIA Development Company announced today its newest development, COLTON, a sprawling 5,700-acre master-planned community within the ETJ of Todd Mission. This new community straddles both sides of a four-mile stretch of SH 249 Aggie Expressway and is the largest development the area has seen with a build out value estimated at $9.9 billion. The name COLTON denotes the community location as the midway destination point between College Station and Houston. Construction has begun on Phase 1, which is located .2 miles from SH249 off FM 1486, in Montgomery County, TX. Over the next 20 years, the community will bring many single-family homes and expand development into Waller and Grimes counties. The overall master plan includes approximately 500 acres of mixed-use parcels planned for multi-family, retail, medical, etc., which will bring a variety of employment and business opportunities. AIRIA Development Company announced its newest development, COLTON, a sprawling 5,700-acre master-planned community. Post this "COLTON embodies quintessential Texas living with a distinct design inspired by the state's historical, cultural and architectural influences," said Travis Stone, President of AIRIA Development Company. "It will represent a reimagined master-planned community grounded by a unique and friendly Texas spirit." Located about 45 miles north of downtown Houston, students living in the first phase of COLTON will attend Magnolia ISD, and the community will be designed to include proposed future on-site schools. With the improvements and expansion of SH249, residents of COLTON will have ease of access to employment and education corridors throughout Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe, College Station and beyond. COLTON is the third and largest community for AIRIA Development, whose other projects include award-winning developments Aliana in Richmond, TX, and ARTAVIA in the Montgomery County/Conroe, TX area. Known for promoting a sense of community where residents can live, work and play, AIRIA will deliver the same care and detail to this master-plan design to the residents of COLTON. Construction on model homes is slated to begin in Fall of 2024 with plans for homebuilders to begin sales in 2025. For updates, visit AIRIADEVCO.com. SOURCE AIRIA Development Company PORTLAND, Ore., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampere Industrial Security, renowned for its expertise in industrial security, announces its rebranding to Ampyx Cyber, marking a new chapter in its global presence with offices in Portland, OR, USA, and a new European base in Tallinn, Estonia. This strategic change represents an expanded commitment to providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions across continents. Ampyx Cyber Patrick Miller, CEO, states, "As we transition to Ampyx Cyber, we're not only redefining our brand but also expanding our global footprint. Our presence in Portland and the opening of our new office in Tallinn are testaments to our growing international reach and dedication to serving diverse industrial sectors with unparalleled cybersecurity expertise." The rebranding involves a focused transformation of the company's identity, reflecting its evolution and global aspirations. Ampyx Cyber's new brand is designed to resonate with its international clientele as a recognizable name to carry forward our reputation of trust and excellence in cybersecurity services, respected across industrial markets worldwide. "Ampyx Cyber stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. With our roots firmly planted in Portland and our branches extending to Tallinn, we are more equipped than ever to offer our clients adaptive, cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions," adds Patrick Miller. "Our expansion into Europe with our Tallinn office signifies our commitment to being a global leader in protecting industrial control systems and critical infrastructure." For more information about Ampyx Cyber and its services, please visit www.ampyxcyber.com. About Ampyx Cyber: Ampyx Cyber, formerly known as Ampere Industrial Security, is a global pioneer in industrial cybersecurity. With North American headquarters in Portland, OR, and new European operations in Tallinn, Estonia, Ampyx Cyber is poised to deliver exceptional cybersecurity solutions worldwide, protecting critical industrial operations. Contact Information: Ampyx Cyber 1631 NE Broadway St. 752, Portland, OR 97232 Ahtri TN 12, Tallinn, Estonia, 15551 [email protected] +1.503.272.1414 SOURCE Ampyx Cyber Agreement Marks First Time an International Airport Will Work with ARPA-E on Energy Technologies to Decarbonize the Aviation Sector SAN ANTONIO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the City of San Antonio Aviation Department and City Public Service Board (CPS Energy), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining collective efforts to develop and promote technologies that include, but are not limited to, sustainable aviation, battery technologies and innovative battery storage solutions, enhanced electric vehicle (EV) charging, and power demand management technologies. Ampaire's Electric EEL Arrives at Stinson-Mission Municipal Airport in San Antonio, Texas, to support the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ARPA-e, the San Antonio International Airport, the University of Texas, and CPS Energy This agreement marks the first time an international airport will work together with ARPA-EDOE's innovation armto accelerate the development and deployment of new energy technologies to decarbonize the aviation sector. ARPA-E Director Evelyn Wang, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, UTSA President Dr. Taylor Eighmy, and CPS Energy Vice President of Customer Value Karma Nilsson were all present for the signing hosted at Stinson Municipal Airport in San Antonio. "We are excited at this opportunity to collaborate and showcase innovative energy technologies that could transform the future of aviation," said ARPA-E Director Evelyn N. Wang. "Today's MOU signing is a step in the right direction to ensuring that these innovative technologies are developed, built, and integrated in America. Our hope is that this partnership will lay the groundwork to enable future electrified airports." "We are proud to be a part of this innovative initiative that will ultimately benefit the San Antonio community," said Rudy D. Garza, President and CEO of CPS Energy. "CPS Energy continues to look for ways to participate in electrification projects, especially for critical public infrastructure like the San Antonio International Airport. Projects like these furthers our commitment to finding new and sustainable technologies to enable our growing community and we are excited about the opportunity to work with our community partners to do so." "This is an important agreement with the potential to shape the aviation industry of the future," said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "Researching the decarbonization of aviation and finding new sustainable energy models is important work, and I am proud San Antonio will be playing a leading role in this cutting-edge research." "This is a unique partnership designed to promote transformative energy technologies and it propels the City of San Antonio's Aviation Department to the center of innovation," said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, City of San Antonio Aviation Department. "This is an exciting time to be part of the Aviation Team and planning for the future of aviation and our airports." "This collaborative effort is an incredible opportunity for UTSA to partner with strategic industry leaders in evaluating electric aircraft, advanced energy storage and micro-grid systems to advance the adoption of sustainable multi-modal transportation technologies," said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. "Together, this collective will accelerate discoveries that will positively impact the local and regional economies while advancing technologies that change the world." To mark this historic milestone, the following ARPA-E-funded project teams were also present to showcase their technologies and share how their innovations could be integrated into future electrified airports: Ampaire, who is setting new standards for sustainable air travel and eco-friendly transportation solutions, flew its cutting-edge hybrid electric EEL aircraft and watch video of the aircraft here; who is setting new standards for sustainable air travel and eco-friendly transportation solutions, flew its cutting-edge hybrid electric EEL aircraft and watch video of the aircraft here; Imagen Energy showcased ultrafast, compact electric vehicle chargers delivering efficient and cost-effective power solutions; showcased ultrafast, compact electric vehicle chargers delivering efficient and cost-effective power solutions; Natron Energy featured sodium-ion batteries that can safely store energy and efficiently deliver power on demand; featured sodium-ion batteries that can safely store energy and efficiently deliver power on demand; AutoGrid discussed a distributed energy resource management system that can help grid operators manage energy supply and demand fluctuations; discussed a distributed energy resource management system that can help grid operators manage energy supply and demand fluctuations; Quidnet Energy brought a wellhead to illustrate a modular geomechanical pumped storage systems that can utilize existing natural resources to store renewable energy over long durations; and brought a wellhead to illustrate a modular geomechanical pumped storage systems that can utilize existing natural resources to store renewable energy over long durations; and Texas A&M University Research Team presented 3D-printed models of a motor and shared concepts for advancing efficiency in electric transportation. UTSA and CPS Energy also presented research to leverage a city-scale grid digital twin to evaluate operational efficacy, ensure seamless interoperability, fortify cybersecurity protocols, and assess performance metrics of electric/hybrid aircrafts. The MOU signed today will enable collaboration to identify research, development, demonstration, and deployment opportunities that will promote sustainable aviation technologies. CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Ampaire, Inc. ARLINGTON, Va., April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Aurora Institute, a national education innovation nonprofit organization, announced that it has welcomed two new board members: Anpao Duta Flying Earth, Executive Director of the NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN), and Rebecca Midles, Vice President of Learning Design at Getting Smart. Flying Earth and Midles both join the board with decades of experience in the education innovation space, and will bring tremendous knowledge, wisdom, and leadership to the organization. Before serving in his role as Executive Director at NISN, Anpao Duta Flying Earth served as Executive Director of the Native American Community Academy (NACA), a charter school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Duta assisted in the creation of the charter school and network, and has been instrumental in representing NACA as a premiere example of Indigenous education nationwide that combines academic preparation for higher learning, grounding in culture and identity, and holistic wellness together for community transformation for young people. The Aurora Institute welcomes Anpao Duta Flying Earth and Rebecca Midles to its Board of Directors. Post this As Vice President of Learning at Getting Smart, Rebecca Midles supports and advises schools, districts, and learning organizations on the path forward for education. Known for guiding district level transformation as a leader and a consultant, she has led education innovation in four statesencompassing charter, rural, suburban, and urban contextsand through multiple perspectives: as a teacher, site leader, district leader, and board member. "Duta and Rebecca each bring incredible wisdom, equity-centered hearts, and deep experience in the education innovation space, and will be tremendous assets to our Board," said Virgel Hammonds, CEO of the Aurora Institute. "We feel so humbled and honored to have them guiding and leading the organization at this time." "We could not be more thrilled to be welcoming Duta and Rebecca to the Aurora Institute Board," said Tom Rooney, board chair of the Aurora Institute. "Duta and Rebecca each bring unmatched vision around education innovation. We are ecstatic to have them on board." SOURCE Aurora Institute Filings claim law firm's conflict of interest and negligence caused irreparable damage and SEC action TRENTON, N.J., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bell Rock Capital, LLC and its CEO Cassandra Toroian recently filed a multi-count lawsuit against New Jersey law firm Stark & Stark, accusing it of legal malpractice, negligence, and intentional interference with prospective business relationships. Bell Rock Capital is a Delaware corporation and was an SEC-registered investment adviser until August of 2023. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (Case 3:24-cv-00252-RK-JBD), states that the law firm's incompetent representation led to irreparable damage and SEC action. Bell Rock Capital is represented by Gallucci & Profy LLC. At the heart of the dispute is the claim that Stark & Stark's alleged professional lapses have cost Bell Rock Capital and Toroian dearly, to the tune of almost $1.3 million in disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and penalties. This financial hit was the culmination of a four-year ordeal, sparked by a civil action from the SEC, which, according to the plaintiffs, could have been avoided or mitigated had Stark & Stark not failed in its duties. Beyond the immediate financial repercussions, the lawsuit outlines additional damages suffered by the plaintiffs, including significant legal fees paid to Stark & Stark ahead of the SEC action, a marked decrease in Bell Rock Capital's value, and a detrimental impact on Toroian's future earning capacity. Stark & Stark, which on its website promotes its expertise to Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) on regulatory and compliance issues, was retained by Bell Rock Capital to provide general advice and assistance with securities law compliance, annual regulatory filings, and specifically, issues related to block trade account allocations. However, the lawsuit alleges that Stark & Stark failed to provide adequate warnings, advice, or reviews of Bell Rock Capital's policies and procedures. This lack of professional guidance is said to have left Bell Rock Capital and Toroian exposed to enforcement actions by the SEC. Adding to the controversy is the allegation that Stark & Stark simultaneously represented brokerage firm Schwab & Co. Inc. during its tenure with Bell Rock Capital, including periods when Schwab was under SEC investigation. Stark & Stark's failure to disclose this dual representation or to reassess Bell Rock Capital's compliance policies in light of this relationship is cited as a glaring omission by the plaintiffs. The lawsuit states that from 2011 to 2019, Stark & Stark's alleged neglect of its professional responsibilities and its failure to protect and advise the plaintiffs on regulatory compliance led directly to government investigations and the consequential SEC action. The lawsuit states that Bell Rock Capital's primary reason for retaining Stark & Stark was to avoid such "costly damaging investigations by the government," a safeguard the firm failed to provide, according to the plaintiffs. Following the public disclosure of the consent order, Stark & Stark also reportedly failed to update Bell Rock Capital on necessary language changes to its compliance manual or on policies regarding block trades. The plaintiffs faced almost $2 million in defense costs and attorney's fees due to the SEC action, a situation they contend could have been prevented but for Stark & Stark's alleged malpractice and negligence. The lawsuit states that "Stark & Stark's incompetent representation of plaintiffs exposed and failed to protect them. In particular Stark & Stark failed to provide full, complete, competent, and timely advice needed for Toroian and Bell Rock Capital to protect themselves and comply with SEC laws, rules, and regulations. Instead, because it did not wish to offend its client Schwaba much larger and more financially important client than the plaintiffsit failed to properly advise and protect them." The plaintiffs argue that the law firm's actions not only resulted in significant monetary losses and damage to their reputation but also lost business opportunities. The lawsuit further states: "But for Stark & Stark's wrongdoing, breach of duty, negligence, and conflict of interest, there would have been no basis for the SEC action." Bell Rock Capital and Cassandra Toroian are seeking damages for the losses incurred due to Stark & Stark's purported failures. Download a copy of the legal filings here and at LawsuitPressRelease.com. Contact: John P. David [email protected] | 888-859-6637 SOURCE Bell Rock Capital Beijing (Gasgoo)- AVATR, the premium new energy vehicle brand jointly developed by Changan Automobile, Huawei, and CATL, recently put the 2024 version of the AVATR 12 onto the market, offering four trims with prices ranging from 265,800 yuan to 400,800 yuan. Photo credit: AVATR Compared to the previous AVATR 12 lineup, a new entry-level model has been added, further lowering the starting price. In terms of appearance, the new AVATR 12 inherits the design of the original model. The dimensions of the new car are 5,020mm in length, 1,999mm in width, and 1,460(1,450)mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,020mm. Photo credit: AVATR Regarding the interior, the new car comes standard with a 15.6-inch central control screen paired with an LCD instrument panel and built-in HarmonyOS system from Huawei. The front seats are zero-gravity seats, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and other functions. In terms of configuration, the high-spec model will be upgraded to electronic external rearview mirrors. In terms of power, the new car offers a single-motor version with a maximum power of 230kW and a peak torque of 370Nm. The dual-motor version has a comprehensive power of 425kW and a comprehensive torque of 650Nm. The new car offers two CLTC-rated range options, 650km and 700km. In March, AVATR delivered 5,016 vehicles, doubling compared to both the previous month and year. As of the first quarter of 2024, AVATR has delivered a total of 14,532 new vehicles. Since the AVATR 12 hit the market on November 10 last year, its cumulative delivery volume has exceeded 10,000 units in just four months, with total fixed orders surpassing 40,000 units. NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A Brookdale Senior Living leader has been recognized by McKnight's as a "Women of Distinction" honoree in the senior living industry. The program, in its sixth year, recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the senior living, skilled nursing or home care fields. Karen Peck, Vice President of Clinical Services-East, has been inducted into the Hall of Honor. Hall of Honor inductees are senior-level professionals at a level equivalent to vice president or higher. Peck is a registered nurse with 35 years of experience in a variety of clinical and healthcare management settings. Her experience includes long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, dementia care, and geriatric care management. Peck oversees health care services and quality for 348 Brookdale communities in 26 states. "I am truly honored and blessed to be working for such a great company that is so committed to enhancing the lives of those we serve. This is my passion," said Karen Peck. She joined Brookdale in 2011. McKnight's Women of Distinction awards are a joint program of McKnight's Long-Term Care News, McKnight's Senior Living and McKnight's Home Care. Nominations were judged by an external panel of industry experts. All winners will be honored at an in-person celebration on May 14 in Chicago. For more information on Brookdale's winner, visit news.brookdale.com. About Brookdale Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the nation's premier operator of senior living communities. The Company is committed to its mission of enriching the lives of the people it serves with compassion, respect, excellence, and integrity. The Company, through its affiliates, operates independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities. Through its comprehensive network, Brookdale helps to provide seniors with care, connection, and services in an environment that feels like home. The Company's expertise in healthcare, hospitality, and real estate provides residents with opportunities to improve wellness, pursue passions, make new friends, and stay connected with loved ones. Brookdale, through its affiliates, operates and manages 652 communities in 41 states as of December 31, 2023, with the ability to serve approximately 59,000 residents. Brookdale's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BKD. For more information, visit brookdale.com or connect with Brookdale on Facebook or YouTube. Contact: Media Relations, (615) 564-8666, [email protected] SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living MEDIA PARIS, April 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bold move to protect the sanctity of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, renowned environmentalist Captain Paul Watson, alongside the dedicated crew of Neptune's Pirates, is set to embark on a crucial mission to thwart Japan's resumption of whaling activities at the end of this year. Japan's recent announcement of the completion of the Kangei Maru, a massive 9,300-ton factory ship spanning 112 meters, signals a concerning escalation in their pursuit of commercial whaling in the Southern Ocean. Captain Watson and his team have intercepted this threat with the acquisition of a fast, long-range vessel, which will allow them to disrupt any attempts at whaling. CAPTAIN PAUL WATSON TO LEAD EFFORT TO HALT JAPANESE WHALING IN SOUTHERN OCEAN SANCTUARY Post this "The Japanese whalers are planning to target endangered Fin whales, and we intend to stop them," states Captain Watson. Kyodo Senpaku President Hideki Tokoro told a press conference: "It's important to protect marine resources, and we are the ones responsible for that I believe that continuing [whaling] will benefit both Japan and the world." The act of hunting endangered whales in the name of conservation defies logic and violates international law. With a global moratorium on commercial whaling imposed by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) since 1986, Japan's actions are both unlawful and unethical. Captain Watson's unwavering commitment to marine conservation spans over five decades, and this upcoming endeavour marks a renewed effort to confront the exploitation of the ocean. With a team of courageous activists by his side, Captain Watson is prepared to face the challenge head-on, echoing his historic confrontations with Japanese whalers a decade prior. MEDIA ABOUT CAPTAIN PAUL WATSON FOUNDATION: The Captain Paul Foundation, founded in 2022 by esteemed environmental and conservation activist Paul Watson, co-founder of Greenpeace and founder of Sea Shepherd, alongside tech entrepreneur Omar Todd, is a non-profit dedicated to marine conservation. Committed to halting habitat destruction and wildlife slaughter in the world's oceans, the foundation aims to safeguard marine ecosystems and species and uses innovative direct-action tactics to expose and confront illegal activities at sea. Visit www.paulwatsonfoundation.org for more information. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact Mia Music at [email protected] SOURCE The Captain Paul Watson Foundation Meaningful next step in in Catalyst's digestion of the Plutonic Gold Belt Key Points Catalyst has repaid the first ( $9.075 million ) tranche of a convertible note inherited following completion of the takeover of Vango Mining Limited Repayment funded by drawing on its existing revolving working capital gold loan provided by Catalyst's existing financier, Auramet International Inc This repayment of Tranche 1 of the convertible note is the next meaningful step in Catalyst's consolidation and simplification of the Plutonic Belt PERTH, Australia, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Catalyst Metals Limited ("Catalyst" or the "Company") (ASX: CYL) is pleased to announce that it has repaid a A$9.075m tranche of a convertible note issued to the Collins St Value Fund ("CSVF"). In March 2023, Catalyst completed the off-market takeover of Vango Mining Limited ("Vango"). As part of the acquisition, Catalyst inherited a A$12.1m convertible note liability to CSVF. The convertible note matures in two tranches the first tranche of $9.075m on 31 March 2024 and the second tranche of $3.025m on 17 June 2024. Catalyst has now repaid the first tranche. When Catalyst consolidated the Plutonic Belt through the acquisition of Superior Gold Inc and Vango, it inherited various challenging issues it needed to overcome including the turnaround of underperforming operations, settling of multiple legal disputes, normalisation of creditor positions and a suboptimal capital structure. The repayment of the first tranche of the convertible note is a further step in the consolidation and simplification of the companies Catalyst acquired and their underlying assets. The working capital gold loan is for A$8m or 2,680oz and has a maturity date of 15 June 2024. This revolving facility allows Catalyst to repay and draw down on the loan at any time up to a maximum of A$8m without incurring any penalties up until the maturity date. Interest and other financing costs associated with the loan are all embedded with the gold ounce repayments. This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Directors of Catalyst Metals Limited. About Auramet Auramet is one of the largest physical precious metals merchants in the world with over US$20 billion in annual revenues and provides a full range of services to all participants in the precious metals supply chain. Auramet's business consists of three main activities: physical metals trading, metals merchant banking (including direct lending, equity and royalty investments) and project finance advisory services. Catalyst Metals Catalyst Metals controls three highly prospective gold belts. It has a multi asset strategy. It owns the 40km long Plutonic Gold Belt in Western Australia hosting the Plutonic gold mine and neighbouring underexplored, high-grade resources. It also owns and operates the high-grade Henty Gold Mine in Tasmania which lies within the 25km Henty gold belt. Production to date is 1.4Moz @ 8.9 g/t. Catalyst also controls +75km of strike length immediately north of the +22Moz Bendigo goldfield and home to high-grade, greenfield resources at Four Eagles. Capital Structure Shares o/s: 220m Options: 3.4m Rights: 3.5m Board Members David Jones AM Non-Executive Chairman James Champion de Crespigny Managing Director & CEO Robin Scrimgeour Non-Executive Director Bruce Kay Non-Executive Director Corporate Details ASX: CYL E: [email protected] W: catalystmetals.com.au Level 1, 30 Richardson Street, West Perth Western Australia 6005 SOURCE Catalyst Metals LTD. OKLAHOMA CITY, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SandRidge Energy, Inc. (the "Company" or "SandRidge") (NYSE: SD) today announced that Dean Parrish has been appointed to serve as the Company's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective April 1, 2024. Mr. Parrish, age 36, has worked at the Company since January 2012 starting as a Senior Production Engineer until June 2015. Mr. Parrish served as the Company's Operating Manager in February 2020 and became the Vice President of Operations in March 2021. On March 13, 2022, Mr. Parrish was promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining the Company in January 2012, Mr. Parrish was employed at EXCO Resources, Inc. as a Production Engineer. Mr. Parrish earned his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Jonathan Frates, Chairman of the Company's Board, commented "We are extremely pleased to appoint Dean as our Chief Operating Officer. He will bring his experience and knowledge to his new role and will help us maximize shareholder value at SandRidge." About SandRidge Energy, Inc. SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SD) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development, acquisition, and production of oil and gas assets. Its primary area of operations is the Mid-Continent region in Oklahoma and Kansas. Further information can be found at www.sandridgeenergy.com. Contact Information Investor Relations SandRidge Energy, Inc. 1 E. Sheridan Ave., Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 [email protected] SOURCE SANDRIDGE ENERGY, INC. NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloudforce, a Maryland-based trailblazer in Cloud and AI technology, today announces its title sponsorship as co-host of the 10th annual Bitcamp hackathon, set to take place at the University of Maryland (UMD) from April 19th to the 21st. This distinguished event, renowned for being the largest collegiate hackathon on the East Coast with over 1,500 registered hackers this year, invites students from various backgrounds, disciplines, and educational institutions to engage in a weekend of creativity, coding, and collaboration. Bitcamp creates a unique platform where students can push the boundaries of innovation over an immersive 36-hour period. This year, Cloudforce, in collaboration with strategic partner Microsoft, is set to deliver multiple talks and workshops on the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Highlighting the industry's leading AI and ML services, including the cutting-edge Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365, this initiative underscores Cloudforce's dedication to fostering the next wave of cloud pioneers by providing hands-on mentorship at the forefront of AI technology. "We are so thrilled to be co-hosting Bitcamp at UMD, a hackathon that not only attracts exceptional talent from all over the country to our hometown, but also aligns with our mission of leveraging the power of the cloud to make lives better," remarked Husein Sharaf, Founder and CEO of Cloudforce. "Our collaboration with Microsoft to mentor students on enterprise-grade platforms aims to expose young people to the AI and cloud technologies used by most major employers they'll want to work with and for in the future, which we believe is crucial to their career success." Bitcamp stands out for its inclusive and dynamic environment, welcoming students from all walks of life to explore the potential of technology in addressing real-world challenges. Cloudforce and Microsoft's involvement will elevate the hackathon experience, offering students unparalleled access to Subject Matter Experts, field-tested resources, and the tools necessary to bring their visionary projects to life. In addition to the spotlight on AI services within the Machine Learning Track, Bitcamp offers an array of diverse learning paths, catering to a wide range of interests and abilities. Participants can delve into the next frontier of computing in the Quantum Track; and new to this year's lineup are the Cybersecurity and App Development Tracks, designed to address the growing demand for secure digital ecosystems and innovative approaches to the software development lifecycle. These tracks ensure that every participant, regardless of their passion or proficiency level, finds a domain where they can unleash their creativity and technical skills. "For the past ten years, Bitcamp has been the focal point of cultivating creativity and innovation in the next generation of technologists, harboring nearly a thousand or more students year-in and year-out." said Bitcamp Marketing Director Amrit Magesh. "With Cloudforce and Microsoft's support, we're set to offer an unprecedented experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all participants." About Cloudforce: Based in Prince George's County, Maryland, Cloudforce is a nationally acclaimed consultancy specializing in cloud infrastructure deployment, management, and security. With an exclusive focus on the Microsoft ecosystem, and a commitment to giving back to the community, Cloudforce stands as a leader in navigating the complexities of cloud and AI technologies, serving some of the world's most recognized brands and the nation's most notable educational institutions. For more information or to register for Bitcamp, please visit https://bit.camp For more information on Cloudforce, please visit https://www.gocloudforce.com Media Contact: Leslie Bucher, Brand Strategy and Communications Manager, Cloudforce [email protected] (202) 803-6500 SOURCE Cloudforce Bold flavors and new styles bring more variety to the dairy aisle MINNEAPOLIS, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Farms Dairy Co. is introducing 10 new items in the cheese aisle. With a focus on bold flavors like Ghost Pepper, unique shredded blends like Perfect Grilled Cheese and nutritious, on-the-go snacks like Gouda Snack Cubes, the Midwest-based company is providing consumers more unique options to add to their cheese drawer. The lineup includes new premium processed cheese slices, Deluxe Melts, available in Classic, Smoky & Peppered, Ghost Pepper and White American flavors. Deluxe Melts are perfect for burgers, sandwiches and more. Crystal Farms is also expanding its snack line by introducing new Snack Cubes available in Gouda, White Cheddar, Pepper Jack and Marble Jack flavors. Snack Cubes are made for quick snacking at work, school or entertaining with minimal prep. Also hitting shelves are two new shredded blends. Perfect Grilled Cheese, formulated to help consumers level up the classic staple grilled cheese sandwich and flavorful enough to be used in any favorite recipe, is a blend of Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. The Triple Cheddar shredded blend, a mix of White Sharp Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar and Mild Cheddar cheeses, brings more versatility to one of America's most beloved cheese flavors. "We surveyed and listened to our consumers who wanted bold, spicy flavors and unique items in the cheese aisle," says Associate Director of Marketing Andrew Cannon. "We believe this new lineup of products will appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers seeking flavor exploration and convenience in their meals and snacks." Sourcing a majority of its dairy from the Midwest each year, Crystal Farms is committed to supporting the heartland and investing in the future of farming. Along with its sourcing commitment, Crystal Farms' philanthropic initiative, Midwest Farms Forever , includes a partnership with FFA 's national, Minnesota and Wisconsin chapters which aims to positively impact students' lives with the resources and opportunities needed to navigate the changing landscape of farming in America. "We believe the best dairy comes from our region, and we're excited about how these new products will continue to bring attention to the hard work of heartland farmers while providing new varieties to consumers," says President Tim Bratland. "Through our sourcing priorities and our partnership with FFA, we demonstrate our commitment to the success of Midwest agriculture every day." These new items will be available at Midwest grocers like Cub, Piggly Wiggly, Woodman's, Festival and more this spring. Product images are available here . About Crystal Farms: Founded in 1926, Crystal Farms is a longstanding supplier of dairy from the heart of dairy country: the Midwest. Their dairy is sourced from farmers and co-ops within the region, ensuring premium quality products and supporting farms and families. Crystal Farms is a subsidiary of Post Holdings, Inc. For more information, visit https://crystalfarmscheese.com . About Post Holdings, Inc.: Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms. Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the North American ready-to-eat cereal and pet food categories and also markets Peter Pan peanut butter. Weetabix is home to the United Kingdom's number one selling ready-to-eat cereal brand, Weetabix. Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms are leaders in refrigerated foods, delivering innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato side dish products to the foodservice and retail channels. Post participates in the private brand food category through its ownership interest in 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com . Media Contact: Colette Peterson Phone Number: 612-351-8443 Email: [email protected] Website: crystalfarmscheese.com SOURCE Crystal Farms Dairy Company ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Intern alumni from Moda Health and Novo Nordisk Inc. join forces with the AMCP Foundation for a groundbreaking Health Disparities research internship, appointing Daria Sinclair, a PharmD Candidate at Howard University, College of Pharmacy, as the inaugural intern. Sinclair brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for health care research with a keen interest in addressing health disparities. The collaboration among AMCP Foundation and intern alumni Carly Rodriguez, PharmD, FAMCP VP & Chief Pharmacy Officer, Moda Health, and Courtney Walker, PharmD, RPh, Medical Account Director Employers West, Novo Nordisk Inc. represents a critical alliance in health disparities research, focusing on unveiling insights into medication adherence disparities. "We are extremely excited to explore the critical role health equity has in patient outcomes," Walker said. Sinclair's research, drawing upon diverse expertise and resources, is uniquely poised to provide a thorough understanding of the intricate interactions influencing healthcare outcomes. This strategic partnership exemplifies the synergy essential for impactful research, emphasizing a collective commitment to addressing health disparities. "We're very excited for this collaboration," said Rodriguez. "The connection of lived experiences on the whole health of a person is clear. This work will create a stronger understanding and help us as an industry deliver better, more personalized care." The outcomes of this collaboration have the potential to inform targeted interventions and policies, fostering a healthcare landscape that is more equitable and patient centric. In her unique role, Sinclair is at the forefront of research addressing health disparities related to GLP-1s, medications crucial in diabetes treatment. Her study comprehensively compares persistence rates across dimensions like race/ethnicity, geography, health conditions, and funding type (diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease). Culminating in a comprehensive analysis, including regression analysis, the study aims to unveil leading indicators and explore the intersection between health conditions and demographics, contributing to a thorough understanding of factors influencing medication persistence. Enhancing AMCP Foundation's extensive collection of immersive programs tailored for up-and-coming managed care professionals, this initiative builds on a legacy that spans over three decades and includes a nationwide network of more than 200 internship alumni. Ebony Clay, Assistant Director, Programs & Development, AMCP Foundation, expressed the significance of this partnership, stating, " Collaborating with intern alumni from Moda Health and Novo Nordisk Inc. highlights the enduring influence our programs have on career development in managed care and addressing relevant issues in health care. We appreciate the generosity of our partners and encourage others to contribute through sponsorships, grants, or other forms of funding to support our initiatives further." About AMCP Foundation Established in 1990, the 501(c)3 nonprofit AMCP Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP). It exists to advance collective knowledge and insights on major issues associated with the practice of pharmacy in managed care health care settings. By facilitating innovative research initiatives and providing educational opportunities to learn about managed care pharmacy, the AMCP Foundation invests in the future of managed care. Visit www.amcpfoundation.org. About Moda Founded in 1955, Moda is a company committed to building healthier communities. In addition to its more than 1 million dental lives, Moda has over 400,000 members in its medical plans and more than 700,000 members in its stand-alone pharmacy segment. The Moda family of enterprises includes Moda Health, Delta Dental Plan of Oregon/Alaska, ODS Community Dental, Eastern Oregon Community Care Organization, Ardon Health, Emerging Health, BenefitHelp Solutions, Astra Practice Partners, Arrow Dental, and Summit Health. About Novo Nordisk in the U.S.: Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that has been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term, and do business in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible way. With U.S. headquarters in New Jersey and commercial, production and research facilities in seven states plus Washington DC, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 8,000 people throughout the country. For more information, visit novonordisk-us.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X. SOURCE AMCP Foundation SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Evive Brands, a leading name in the health and home services sector, announced today a significant expansion in the first quarter of 2024, signing 25 new franchise agreements across its portfolio. The community of premier franchise brands includes Assisted Living Locators, Grasons, The Brothers that just do Gutters, and Executive Home Care, collectively representing over 600 franchise locations across the United States. Ryan Parsons, CEO of Evive Brands, expressed his enthusiasm for the company's growth, stating, "Our robust expansion in the first quarter underscores the demand for our comprehensive services in the health and home sectors. We are excited to welcome our new franchise partners and are committed to supporting their success as they contribute to the well-being of their communities." Assisted Living Locators, a leading senior care placement and referral service, added six new franchisees in diverse locations such as South Orange County, Chicagoland Southwest, Temecula, CA, Rochester, NY, Saginaw, MN, and Santa Ana, CA. Grasons, a respected estate sale and liquidation company, expanded with ten new franchisees in regions including James River, VA, Johns Creek, GA, Central Phoenix, AZ, Surprise, AZ, Gilbert, AZ, West Palm Beach, FL, Reno, NV, and Boulder, Arvada and Aurora, CO. The Brothers that just do Gutters, a full-service gutter company and recent addition to Evive Brands, welcomed nine new franchisees in areas like Asheville, NC, Sioux Falls, SD, Bethesda-Gaithersburg, MD, San Ramon, CA, Wichita, KS, Smithtown, NY, Tampa, FL, Boise, ID, and Lexington, KY. Executive Home Care, a leader in providing in-home care services, continues to maintain its strong presence in key regions. Parsons added, "The recognition of The Brothers that just do Gutters in the Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and Fastest Growing Franchise List is a testament to our brands' excellence and the promising opportunities ahead. Evive Brands is poised for continued growth, with plans for future acquisitions and partnerships to enhance our portfolio and make quality care and services readily available throughout the United States." Evive Brands remains dedicated to its mission of enhancing the well-being of clients and their families through a comprehensive suite of services that cater to various aspects of home and health. For more information about Evive Brands, visit www.evivebrands.com. Contact: Rhonda Grundemann, 602-739-8810, [email protected] SOURCE Evive Brands Following the positive outcomes of the first program in 2023, the grant is set to back more fellows in 2024 WASHINGTON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Walton Family Foundation today announced a second grant to the Tribal Water Media Fellowship Program. The program supports the development of the next set of Indigenous storytellers. Students awarded fellowships will research, create and present media projects related to water and its impacts on Indigenous communities. "The students in our first cohort demonstrated amazing creativity in exploring the issues affecting Indigenous communities and unpacking complex topics to broad audiences," said Kaitlin Mattos, interim director of the center and an assistant professor of environment and sustainability at FLC. "We're very thankful for the Walton Family Foundation's partnership in this program and thrilled about the impactful projects to come." The Tribal Water Media Fellowship is a joint effort between Fort Lewis College, KSUT Public Radio and Rocky Mountain PBS. It is housed at the Four Corners Water Center at Fort Lewis College. The grant will help fund the program's 2024 fellows as they engage in a two-week summer intensive. Students from a variety of backgrounds and areas of study will learn about crucial tribal water topics. The fellowship will focus on sharing powerful stories using media. The program launched in 2023 with a cohort of 12. The fellows produced audio, video, and print projects for the first Tribal Water Media Showcase. The Durango Independent Film Festival selected two student projects this year. More are being considered for distribution by public radio stations. "Climate change is impacting our water resources. And who better to tell that story than young people exploring the realities of the crisis," said Moira Mcdonald, Environment Program Director at the Walton Family Foundation. "Fort Lewis College, KSUT and Rocky Mountain PBS are dedicated to showcasing stories of resilience through a water lens to communities." Multiple organizations receive assistance for environmental journalism from the foundation, including: PBS Newshour NPR Climate Desk The Associated Press Society of Environmental Journalists Planet Forward The University of Missouri Reasons to be Cheerful All journalism grantees retain complete editorial control of their work. About Fort Lewis College Fort Lewis College is the Southwest's leading undergraduate research institution with its low student-to-faculty ratio and one-on-one, affordable instruction. The experience students gain here is responsive to industry demand and the ever-shifting landscape of higher education. FLC is a Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution offering an equity-focused educational approach. About 40% of FLC's student body is Indigenous, representing more than 100 tribes and Alaska Native villages. With more than 55 majors to choose from, students become industry professionals, community leaders, and cutting-edge academics. About the Fellowship The Tribal Water Media Fellowship is a Walton Family Foundation-funded collaboration between Fort Lewis College, KSUT and Rocky Mountain PBS that gives students the opportunity to research, create, and present multimedia projects centering on water, water usage and desert communities. Student applicants to the fellowship can be from a variety of academic backgrounds, including, but not limited to; journalism, media, science and/or cultural studies. About the Walton Family Foundation The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of our founders, Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. We work in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta. To learn more, visit www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org. SOURCE Walton Family Foundation Event To Highlight Street Outreach Work with Theme, 'There's No Place Like Home' WASHINGTON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Friendship Place, the leading nonprofit dedicated to eradicating homelessness in the Washington, DC region, proudly announces its 10th annual Friendship Place Walk will take place on April 27, 2024 on the National Mall . This year's event, themed "There's no Place Like Home" aims to raise awareness and crucial resources for combating the crisis of homelessness, with a specific emphasis on the organization's Street Outreach efforts. All are invited to attend Friendship Place Walk. To register, donate, or learn more, visit friendshipplacewalk.org. Friendship Place Walk to End Homelessness "While shelters are often seen as the answer to homelessness, our message for this year's Friendship Place Walk is clear: 'There's no Place Like Home,'" says Friendship Place President & CEO Jean-Michel Giraud. "Housing is the solution to homelessness, and we are committed to providing individuals with the stability of a place they can call 'home.'" Friendship Place Walk will commence at the Lincoln Memorial, featuring DJ EZ Street and a gathering of hundreds of supporters engaging in entertaining and informative activities. Attendees will hear from impactful speakers, including political figures, street outreach workers, and individuals with lived experiences of homelessness. Following the kickoff, participants will embark on a walk around the National Mall, demonstrating solidarity in the fight to end homelessness. Friendship Place traces its roots back to 1991, originating from its street outreach efforts in the NW DC region. Despite initial skepticism from residents, volunteers discovered over 100 individuals experiencing homelessness during a nighttime street count, leading to the establishment of Friendship Place's first facility, the 'Little Blue House' on Wisconsin Avenue, now known as the Welcome Center. Today, Friendship Place has a force of nearly 200 dedicated staff members, operates seven facilities, and serves 5,000 individuals including families with children, youth, and veterans, through a partnership with the Veterans Affair. The organization provides homelessness prevention assistance, rehousing, medical services, and more, while also playing a pivotal role in Homeward DC, a comprehensive plan to "make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring" developed by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. The Street Outreach team at Friendship Place serves some of the hardest-to-reach individuals, including those who have been homeless for years or even decades. "We meet vulnerable people where they are, on their turf," says Friendship Place Outreach Specialist Liza Poris. "We provide resources to address immediate needs such as food, clothing, medical assistance, and access to vital documents. Ultimately, our goal is to build relationships and trust so we can work alongside them to remove barriers and navigate a path towards long-term housing and stability." About Friendship Place Walk and Friendship Place Proceeds from the Friendship Place Walk will directly support Friendship Place's innovative programs aimed at empowering participants to rebuild their lives. With effective, nationally recognized, and award-winning services, Friendship Place is the DC-region-wide leader in the movement to end homelessness. Media Contact Yimka Odebode Media, Marketing & Communications Director Friendship Place [email protected] 202-306-1958 SOURCE Friendship Place Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Honda Motor announced this week its retail sales in Chinese amounted to 206,907 vehicles for the first quarter of 2024, declining 6.1% over the previous year. Although the Japanese automaker didn't unveil the monthly data in March, based on the figures given for the first two months, it can be learnt that Honda Motor retailed 60,449 vehicles in the world's largest auto market last month, representing a 26.3% decrease year-over-year. All-new CR-V; photo credit: Dongfeng Honda Breaking down the sales numbers by specific joint ventures, GAC Honda recorded a retail sales volume of 108,361 units for the first three months of this year, a year-on-year drop of 8.1%, while Dongfeng Honda's Jan.-Mar. sales shrank 3.8% from the previous year to 98,546 units. In March 2024 alone, GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda sold 30,118 and 30,331 vehicles, indicating a year-on-year drop of 28% and 24.6%, respectively. As for fresh moves related to Honda Motor, on March 6, Dongfeng Honda officially launched its "Creating the Future 2030" strategy. With a steadfast commitment to the electric vehicle revolution, the company aims to continuously innovate in its brand and products, emphasizing a core value proposition of "Customer First, Quality Foremost." At the brand level, Dongfeng Honda introduced the all-new new energy vehicle brand "Lingxi," consolidating its position in electrification transformation alongside its hybrid technology e:PHEV brand and the e:NS pure electric brand, thus reshaping its identity in the electric vehicle market. On the product front, Dongfeng Honda has launched over 10 new models since 2023, including the all-new Inspire, the all-new CR-V, and the Honda HR-V, covering a diverse range of powertrains such as oil-fueled, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and pure electric, across SUV, sedan, and MPV sectors. As a vital part of Dongfeng Honda's advanced technology-enabled efficient production system, the new energy intelligent factory will commence operations this year. The highly anticipated e:NS2, Lingxi L, and H-brand SUVs will hit the market successively, marking the beginning of Dongfeng Honda's "Electric Era." NEW YORK, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gabriel & Co. , the most trusted leader of the bridal and fashion fine jewelry world, announces their exclusive Designer Spotlight Series interview with Lebanese Designer Elie Saab. Elie Saab captivated audiences globally with his ethereal designs that effortlessly blend Western silhouettes with a Middle Eastern flair for ornamentation and embellishment. His creations have graced red carpets, royal events, and bridal ceremonies, adorning icons such as Queen Rania of Jordan, Halle Berry, Beyonce, Celine Dion, and many more. Gabriel & Co. Taps Elie Sab for Exclusive Interview in Latest Designer Spotlight Series Gabriel & Co. Taps Elie Sab for Exclusive Interview in Latest Designer Spotlight Series The Designer Spotlight Series not only celebrates the artistry of Elie Saab but also underscores the enduring connection between haute couture and fine jewelry. Through this collaboration, Gabriel & Co. and Elie Saab invite audiences to discover the beauty of craftsmanship, the power of individual expression, and the timeless allure of elegance. Elie Saab's fusion of sophistication, cultural richness, and technological innovation mirrors Gabriel & Co.'s own dedication to timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. "I never get tired of making clients feel special and look wonderful. I design clothes for occasions when a woman wants to be memorable," remarks Saab. His vision resonates deeply with Gabriel & Co.'s ethos of celebrating life's unforgettable moments through exquisite jewelry. "I want to make pieces that are timeless but have distinction, offering classics with an edge by adding sexiness to sophistication. A perfect example is the variations of Cuban links we've crafted into necklaces and bracelets. It's a shape both familiar and dramatic," said Dominick Gabriel, Chief Design Officer and Co-Founder, Gabriel & Co. For the photoshoot, Hal Rubenstein, Gabriel & Co.'s Global Style Director, decided that "since most women don't get to go to the Oscars or Couture Week, we focused our lens and accessorized with our newest sparkling additions on Saab's more accessible but still sensual and alluring Resort Collection. The result? "The photo shoot is beautiful," says the designer. The women look simply wonderful." The Gabriel & Co. DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Series shines a light on renowned bridal and fashion designers through exclusive interviews and collaborative photoshoots that showcase the designers work paired with Gabriel & Co.'s jewelry. The series offers insights into inspiration, design processes, and the innovative vision behind each designer's creations and celebrates the intersection of fashion and fine jewelry. Past designers include Nicole Miller, Elie Saab, Norma Kamali, Rebecca Minkoff, Tommy Hilfiger, Naeem Kahn, Donna Karan, and Oscar de la Renta. PRESS CONTACT: Courtney Mongulla [email protected] 646.863.3923 About Gabriel & Co.: Gabriel & Co. is a jewelry design house founded in 1989 by brothers Jack and Dominick Gabriel. Family owned and operated, the company began in New York City and has since evolved into one of the most prolific fine jewelry brands in the U.S. sold nationwide. The story of Gabriel & Co. is one of passion, integrity, service, and trust. By infusing human passion into natural elements, Gabriel creates jewelry that enhances and celebrates beauty and personal achievements. Each piece, engraved with a serial number, is as unique as the woman who wears it. Gabriel & Co. has consistently been recognized for being one of the most innovative and best performing brands in the jewelry industry, winning awards for fine jewelry designs in trade publications such as JCK, Instore and Jewelers of America. SOURCE Gabriel & Co. OMAHA, Neb., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- gWorks , the leading provider of an all-in-one software solution designed specifically for small and medium sized local governments, special districts, and rural utility agencies, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Freedom Systems, a long-established software company serving clients in Pennsylvania. Completing the Freedom Systems acquisition marks a significant milestone in gWorks' strategic initiatives aimed to strengthen gWorks' position in the market as the preferred provider of software solutions built to empower public services. The acquisition, effective March 27, 2024, brings together two industry leaders with a shared commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions and exceptional customer service. This marks the seventh acquisition in the last ten years for gWorks, with four of those acquisitions occurring in the last two years in partnership with BV Investment Partners. gWorks Expands Reach and Strengthens Position in Pennsylvania with Acquisition of Freedom Systems Post this "We are thrilled to welcome Freedom Systems to the gWorks community of civic leaders. This strategic acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to empower local governments with efficient, user-friendly solutions that integrate seamlessly. By combining our strengths, we can provide an enhanced experience for our customers, offering a broader range of features and services. Together, we are well-positioned to drive innovation and set new standards in the industry." - Joseph Heieck, President & CEO of gWorks "Joining forces with gWorks represents a fantastic opportunity for our team and, more importantly, our valued customers. gWorks' commitment to excellence and track record in local government software innovation have made them our ideal partner. We are excited about the potential for growth and the expanded support we can provide our customers as part of the gWorks community." - Tom O'Donnell, CEO of Freedom Systems The acquisition will be effective immediately, and both companies are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for existing Freedom System customers. In the coming months, customers will receive further details about the integration process, product updates, and customer support initiatives. For media inquiries or more information about this acquisition, please contact: Laura Guntren Vice President, Marketing Email: [email protected] Phone: (402) 402-527-1076 About gWorks. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, gWorks empowers small, local governments to serve communities better and run their government efficiently with an easy-to-use, all-in-one, and cloud-native software platform that provides fund accounting, budgeting, payroll management, GIS mapping, operations & work management, asset management, utility billing, citizen engagement, and more. Providing solutions to governments since 1978, gWorks serves over 2,500 local governments throughout the United States. gWorks is backed by BV Investment Partners, a middle-market private equity firm based in Boston. Since its founding in 1983, the firm has invested approximately $5.1 billion, actively targeting investments in the tech-enabled business services, software, and IT services industries. For more information about gWorks, please visit www.gworks.com . About Freedom Systems, Inc. Headquartered in Eagleville, PA, Freedom Systems is a leading technology provider of tax and utility billing, work order and asset management, human resources and payroll management software for small local governments throughout Pennsylvania since 1986. Contact Information: gWorks Laura Guntren (402) 402-527-1076 [email protected] SOURCE gWorks CHICAGO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hireology , the top-rated applicant tracking system (ATS) trusted by 1 in 4 automotive dealerships in the U.S., announced today a new partnership with WrenchWay , the only platform designed to connect technicians, service advisors, students, and instructors with top shops. The goal of the partnership is to help dealerships combat today's technician talent shortage through technology and education. Hiring technicians today has never been more challenging as Baby Boomers age out of the industry and enrollment in tech schools continues to drop. In fact, the TechForce Foundation estimates that the industry will need roughly 1 million new technicians to meet demand in the next five years. Together, Hireology and WrenchWay will offer industry-specific content, educational workshops, and technology designed to help dealers find creative and effective ways to connect with top automotive talent. "Few organizations understand the technician talent landscape more than WrenchWhy," said Adam Robinson, CEO of Hireology. "And at Hireology we bring more than a decade of retail automotive hiring expertise to the table. By joining forces, Hireology and WrenchWay form a powerhouse of knowledge and solutions that help leading dealers transform their processes and gain a competitive advantage in a really tough market." The partnership will also provide Hireology users with a direct connection to WrenchWay's community of experienced technicians as well as instructors and students at 750+ high schools and post-secondary institutions nationwide. Hireology's platform already makes it easy for dealerships to connect with top talent across multiple channels via both active and passive recruiting strategies. The WrenchWay integration offers Hireology users yet another channel for reaching top technicians and students while leveraging the platform's best-in-class applicant tracking system to hire the best candidates fast. "WrenchWay's mission is to promote and improve technician careers. To accomplish this we need to make it easy for technicians and students to find the best places to work." said Mark Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO of WrenchWay. "Hireology's cutting edge tools like recruitment automation, campaign management, and employee referrals align perfectly with our mission." To learn more about Hireology's partnership and integration with WrenchWay, visit https://hireology.com/integrations/wrenchway/ today. ABOUT HIREOLOGY Hireology is the leading provider of hiring software for multi-location businesses. The platform equips HR and business leaders with the support and tools they need to attract better-quality talent, fill open roles faster, and make data-driven hiring decisions. Hireology was rated number eight on G2's 2023 list of 50 Best HR Products. ABOUT WRENCHWAY WrenchWay's mission is to promote and improve automotive and diesel careers. Our software solutions help highlight top shops for technicians to work at, educate shops on how to become better employers, and help schools improve their programs and attract the next generation of technicians. To learn more, visit https://wrenchway.com . SOURCE Hireology The leading personal lines comparative rater for independent agencies is first to quote, bind and issue policies all within a single platform DENVER, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertafore, the leader in modern insurance technology, today announced it has launched the industry's first bind capability within a personal lines rater. Agencies using PL Rating, the independent insurance channels' top personal lines rating and quoting solution, can quickly find and bind the right coverage for their clientsall within a single platform. New bind capabilities in PL Rating advances insurance distribution. Post this Introducing the bind workflow in PL Rating. Independent agents have long relied on PL Rating for accurate, real-time coverage quotes for their clients. In 2023 the platform processed 150 million rating transactions, connecting agencies and carriers in real time. Now, with participating carriers, agents can bind and issue policies directly in PL Rating. Agents will select a participating carrier to generate a verified, real-time rateincluding additional report ordering and underwriting editsand then issue the policy, providing down payment via the carrier's payment processing method of choice. For agencies, Vertafore's latest innovation translates into a simplified and faster workflow for quoting coverage, empowering them to close more business faster while delivering a great client experience. Participating carriers will be able to meet their agency partners where they are working while accelerating delivery of their insurance products to the marketplace. New bind capabilities in PL Rating advances insurance distribution "For an independent agent, the ability to close a sale in real-time and within a single system, is crucial," said Keith Savino, Principal, Managing Partner, PCF Insurance Services. "I'm thrilled to see Vertafore's unwavering determination to bring this to life so agents can save time while getting their clients the coverage they need through PL Rating. There have been a lot of people involved in this effort, and I'm ecstatic to see this all-in-one dream become a reality, ushering in a new era of digital advancements for the insurance industry." Vertafore launched PL Rating's bind capabilities with Acuity Insurance, a top P&C carrier that partners with nearly 1,000 independent agencies around the U.S. Acuity Insurance served as a design partner for the project, working alongside Vertafore's insurance experts to deliver functionality built by people who know and understand the needs of agencies and carriers. "Acuity understands how important it is to make it easy for agents to do business with us by seamlessly connecting our digital capabilities with systems agents already depend on. Our latest integration with Vertafore demonstrates our commitment to supporting agency connectivity and maximizing efficiency for our agency partners," said Melissa Winter, Acuity President. "In the current hard market conditions, carriers and independent agencies rely on PL Rating more than ever to connect with one another," said Jess Butler, VP of product management at Vertafore. "The bind capabilities in PL Rating further strengthen that connection, making it faster and simpler for agencies and carriers to place risks, grow their businesses and serve the needs of their personal-lines clients." Vertafore announced and demonstrated PL Rating's bind feature at Vertafore's user conference, happening now through April 4, 2024, in New Orleans. Accelerate, powered by NetVU, is the industry's first and longest running InsurTech conference, bringing together thousands of insurance professionals, technology experts, industry leaders. About Vertafore As North America's InsurTech leader for 55 years, Vertafore is modernizing and simplifying the insurance life cycle so that our customers can focus on what matters most. Vertafore's solutions provide end-to-end connectivity across the distribution channel, improve the client and agent experience, unlock the power of data, and streamline essential workflows to drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability for independent agencies, MGAs and carriers. For more information about Vertafore, visit www.vertafore.com. 2024 Vertafore and the Vertafore logo are registered trademarks of Vertafore. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MEDIA CONTACT: INK Communications [email protected] SOURCE Vertafore, Inc. In this new role, she will focus on developing a forum for meaningful commentary from diverse perspectives. WASHINGTON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in empowering informed decisions through news, rankings and advice, today announced that Indira Lakshmanan has joined the company to start an Ideas & Opinions platform. In this newly created role, Lakshmanan will be responsible for developing and overseeing content that provides perspective, insight and thought leadership around current issues and events. An award-winning editor, columnist and correspondent in Washington, D.C. for the last 16 years, Lakshmanan's career has taken her to more than 80 countries across six continents, where she has reported for print, digital and broadcast media. As an international and Washington correspondent for The Boston Globe and Bloomberg News, she traveled with presidents and secretaries of state, interviewing and profiling newsmakers from Hillary Clinton to Fidel Castro. She has covered pivotal world events, from the fall of the Taliban and the SARS epidemic in China to the Iran nuclear talks, and her reporting has shined a light on human rights and environmental injustices across Asia and Latin America. She's also been a Washington columnist for the The Boston Globe and the International Herald Tribune. Most recently, Lakshmanan led the global enterprise team at the Associated Press, overseeing special projects. Previously, she was National Geographic's senior executive editor and vice president for news and features. And as executive editor at the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, she partnered with newsrooms and freelancers to support high-quality, award-winning journalism around the world. Lakshmanan began her career on NPR's foreign desk and is currently and will remain a part-time host for the WAMU and NPR current events show, "1A". "Throughout our 90-year history, people have always turned to U.S. News for news and thought leadership," said U.S. News Executive Chairman & CEO Eric Gertler. "Especially in this election year, it is critical that we expand upon our content offerings to bring helpful commentary to our readers. U.S. News is the right platform to share insightful ideas and opinions, and Indira is the perfect person to lead this effort." "Along with our independent reporting, rankings and advice, publishing dynamic ideas and opinion content across a variety of topics and perspectives is an important part of carrying out U.S. News' mission to help consumers, business leaders and policymakers make informed decisions," said Dafna Linzer, U.S. News' editorial director and executive vice president. "Indira brings a deep understanding of issues that shape our world as well as the journalistic expertise and leadership skills to advance an engaging forum for intelligent and meaningful commentary." "I am thrilled to join U.S. News' talented news team to create a startup ideas and opinion platform within a respected legacy media brand," Lakshmanan said. "U.S. News is trusted for its explanatory journalism based on unbiased reporting and data. I'm excited to expand that platform to feature thought leaders who will bring fresh ideas and perspectives to local, national and global conversations." About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C. SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P. "We are delighted to be acknowledged by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies in the Asia-Pacific region. This recognition is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and our commitment to providing our customers with state-of-the-art mobile technology. In 2024, we introduced the flagship gaming concept, empowering professional gamers to realize their dreams in the esports scene. Just last month, we also launched the Infinix NOTE 40 Series, aiming to deliver the best smartphone experience and be a leader in fast charging technology. All of these achievements are a result of listening to consumer feedback and striving to meet their demands," said Tony Zhao, General Manager of Infinix. Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies is a highly regarded franchise and one of the most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. The editors and writers at Fast Company identified the companies driving progress worldwide and across various industries, assessing thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a comprehensive guide to today's innovation landscape, encompassing early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. "Despite the global slowdown in the growth of startups and large technology companies last year, these ten companies not only provided solutions for regional challenges in the Asia-Pacific region but also expanded their presence across borders," stated Fast Company. Hot off the press Infinix's innovative approach has secured its sixth position in Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024, Asia-Pacific Sector. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its groundbreaking 260W fast-charging technologies, which have set new standards for charging speeds. Furthermore, Infinix's integration of AI-powered noise reduction technologies and the Folax virtual assistant enhances user interactions and convenience. The recent launch of Infinix's NOTE 40 Series has significantly contributed to its recognition for innovation. The NOTE 40 Series showcases the latest advancements in charging technology, including the All-Round FastCharge 2.0 powered by the revolutionary Cheetah X1 chip. This technology enables fast and efficient charging, providing users with a seamless charging experience. Investing in the future Infinix's innovative spirit extends to its marketing strategies, with a focus on supporting STEM programs and coding camps. Collaborations with UNESCO and Google highlight the company's commitment to driving positive change. With a track record of delivering cutting-edge products and a dedication to innovation, Infinix continues to lead the way in the globe, including the Asia-Pacific tech industry. In addition to its product innovations, Infinix is making strides in corporate social responsibility (CSR) through its UNESCO CogLabs program. This initiative aims to empower young minds through technology by providing access to educational resources and opportunities. By supporting initiatives like UNESCO CogLabs, Infinix demonstrates its commitment to driving positive change in the communities it serves. For more information about Infinix and its innovative products and initiatives, visit www.infinixmobility.com About Infinix: Innix Mobility is a rapidly emerging technology brand that designs, manufactures and markets an expanding portfolio of smart devices worldwide under the Innix brand, which was founded in 2013. Targeting today's youth with rst in class technology, Innix creates trendy, powerful and attainably priced smart devices that bring the latest technology on the market to users around the world at a time when they need it at a price that they want it. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ SOURCE Infinix WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED LAS VEGAS, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Integra Consumer Lending, a leading financial service organization under Yes& Companies, proudly announces the strategic acquisition of Aztec Pawn, a well-established pawn business with two locations in Arizona. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in Integra's ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint within the pawn industry. Over the past three years, Integra Consumer Lending has demonstrated its dedication to growth through strategic acquisitions and the establishment of new pawn locations. In Utah alone, Integra acquired four pawn locations, including Pawn Plus and Half Off Title Loan. Additionally, the company successfully launched two new pawn shops, TNT Pawn, in Nevada last year. Aztec Pawn, founded in 2010, has built an unparalleled reputation for excellence in service, reliability, and community engagement. Beyond being a successful pawn business, Aztec Pawn has become an integral part of the Phoenix community, creating lasting connections and relationships with their customers. The acquisition of Aztec Pawn is a testament to Integra Consumer Lending's dedication to providing exceptional financial services while maintaining a strong community focus. Under the leadership of Shandry Lozano, Vice President of Operations at Integra Consumer Lending, the integration of Aztec Pawn into the Yes& Companies family is set to usher in a new era of innovation and elevated pawn experiences. With a total of ten locations now under the Integra Consumer Lending umbrella, the company is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of customers while expanding its footprint in the Southwest. Aztec Pawn's long-standing brand recognition and positive community impact align seamlessly with Integra Consumer Lending's values. The acquisition not only strengthens Integra's position in the pawn industry but also reflects its commitment to preserving and enhancing the legacy of respected pawn shops like Aztec Pawn. "We are thrilled to welcome Aztec Pawn into the Integra Consumer Lending family," said Shandry Lozano. "This strategic acquisition aligns with our vision to provide unparalleled service and strengthen our ties with the communities we serve. We look forward to building on Aztec Pawn's legacy while introducing solutions to enhance the pawn experience for our customers." As Integra Consumer Lending continues its expansion and growth in the financial services sector, the acquisition of Aztec Pawn stands as a testament to the company's dedication to excellence, community engagement, and the continued evolution of the pawn industry. About Integra Consumer Lending: Integra Consumer Lending is a leading financial services company with a diverse portfolio of services, offering customers myriad options and flexibility through their financial lending products in Nevada, Arizona and Utah locations. Integra is committed to serving communities with integrity and excellence. SOURCE Yes& Companies MANASQUAN, N.J., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Mike's Subs and customers across the country rallied to raise over $25 million to help more than 200 local charities during the company's 14th Annual Month of Giving in March. Jersey Mike's locations nationwide accepted donations throughout the month, building to the company's Day of Giving on March 27, when more than 2,700 restaurants donated 100 percent of sales, not just profits, to local charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more. (View/download b-roll) Jersey Mike's raised over $25 million for more than 200 local charities during the 14th Annual Month of Giving. Post this Jersey Mikes Founder and CEO Peter Cancro (c) celebrates Jersey Mikes 14th Annual Day of Giving on March 27, 2024, in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ where it all began. He is joined by the Jersey Mikes team as well as Bunny Flanders (kneeling right) and Leah DelPiano (standing, left) from local New Jersey charity partner, The Valerie Fund. "It's incredibly heart-warming to see our customers rally to support their local charities by showing up to buy subs," said Caroline Jones, Senior Vice President, Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, Inc., and daughter of Founder Peter Cancro. "Day of Giving is our busiest day, and we look forward to it all year. Thank you to our customers, franchise owners, team members and charity partners for making a difference!" This fundraising total exceeds the $21 million raised during last year's campaign. With this year's donation, Jersey Mike's has surpassed the $100 million mark, raising $113 million for local charities since Month of Giving began in 2011. "Givingmaking a difference in someone's life" has been the mission of Jersey Mike's from the beginning. For totals raised on behalf of more than 200 charities nationwide, please visit our listing of charities by state. About Jersey Mike's Jersey Mike's Subs, with more than 3,000 locations open and in development, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike's local communities is reflected in its mission statement "Givingmaking a difference in someone's life." For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), TikTok (tiktok.com/@jerseymikes) and X (formerly Twitter) (twitter.com/jerseymikes). Join in the conversation at #JerseyMikesGives. Contact: Kyle Potvin, [email protected], 917-838-4500 SOURCE Jersey Mikes Subs MIAMI, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Klika Tech, a global technology solutions and consulting leader delivering innovative Cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), and embedded systems solutions, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Seeed Studio, a leading AI and IoT hardware company. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the IoT sector by delivering advanced, integrated solutions that enhance user experiences and drive technological progress across various industries. Klika Tech \ The partnership will address the complexities and challenges businesses face in the IoT Sector. By combining Klika Tech's expertise in cloud integration and IoT solution development with Seeed Studio's innovative hardware, the collaboration promises to unlock new innovations that will address key challenges in smart cities, healthcare, industrial automation, and environmental monitoring, among others. Gennadiy M Borisov, President and Co-CEO of Klika Tech, stated, "Our partnership with Seeed Studio is offering businesses an unprecedented level of flexibility and scalability in building custom tailored IoT solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers." Eric Pan, Founder and CEO of Seeed Studio, commented on the collaboration, saying, "We are thrilled to partner with Klika Tech to push the boundaries of custom IoT solutions. Our joint asset tracking platform demo at Embedded World 2024 will not only showcase the technical synergy between our companies but also highlight our commitment to driving innovation in the IoT space." Joint Demo at Embedded World 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of Asset Tracking At the upcoming Embedded World Exhibition & Conference, Klika Tech and Seeed will present a joint demonstration of ASTRA - Asset Tracking and Intelligence Platform at Seeed's Booth 4-551. This demo will highlight the seamless integration of Seeed's SenseCAP T1000 tracker devices with Klika Tech's ASTRA platform, powered by AWS, to showcase an open and scalable system for asset tracking and intelligence. The demo will demonstrate how organizations can overcome the common challenges of connecting remote sensors and smart devices to the cloud securely and cost-effectively. By utilizing LoRaWAN, and CoAP technologies, the joint solution ensures consistent and reliable connectivity, even in remote locations, optimizing asset tracking efficiency and ROI. Attendees will learn how to make data-driven decisions in real time, reduce costs, and eliminate vendor lock-in, showcasing the true potential of a fully integrated asset tracking ecosystem. About Seeed Studio Seeed Studio is your IoT hardware partner for digital transformation. Since 2008, they have been working closely with global technology ecosystems to provide modules, devices, solutions, and services to digital innovators. They integrate the latest technology into open-source modules so innovators can innovate interdependently. With their professional and industrial expertise in smart sensing, networking, edge computing, their ready-to-deploy products are increasingly accelerating myriads of emerging digital solutions in the real world for vertical industries especially energy, field operation, agriculture, and scientific research. For more information, visit www.seeedstudio.com or email us at [email protected]. About Klika Tech Klika Tech is a global technology solutions and consulting company that specializes in delivering cutting-edge Cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), and embedded systems solutions. Headquartered in the U.S. with locations across North and South America, Europe, and Central Asia, Klika Tech co-creates end-to-end hardware, embedded, and software solutions for wearables, smart home/building/city platforms, connected healthcare, smart manufacturing, smart retail, connected agriculture, asset tracking, automotive, and smart mobility. We are an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, AWS IoT, AWS Advertising and Marketing Technology, Smart City, and DevOps Competency Partner with multiple AWS Service validations. For more information, visit www.klika-tech.com or email us at [email protected]. Media Contact: Anne-Marie Rouse [email protected] 561-635-8292 SOURCE Klika Tech Kuori attending Oslo event to showcase its advanced digital payment kiosks and solutions for the EV charging operators and more. ESPOO, Finland, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A global leader in enterprise display technology and digital payment kiosk solutions across more than 30 countries, Kuori is proud to showcase its innovative payment and display devices at Nordic EV Summit 2024 (https://nordicevs.no), including a focus on success cases and solutions for today's growing and evolving EV charging industry. Working closely with partners daily, Kuori has gained an open view into their businesses, enabling them to optimise and monetise the entire consumer experience. Along with its customers, Kuori considers purchase flows that include engaging digital signage and easy payment solutions, from arrival and parking to in-store interaction, all to the delight of end consumers. While Kuori payment kiosks are readily available in touchscreen sizes ranging from 15.6 inches to 55 inches, their modular design and mass customisation means device screens can be custom-tailored for larger or smaller displays. These customisations integrate seamlessly into the changing needs of today's EV charging locations, from the outside drive-up station display solutions to countertop POS inside a busy retail location to for consumers to interact with. Kuori payment solutions are powered by today's leading operating systems, featuring the latest Windows and Enterprise-certified Android, assuring a range of versatile and customisable integration possibilities, including the speed and efficiency of remote device management. In 2023, Kuori even became the world's first Google EDLA-certified outdoor display manufacturer, ensuring device compatibility with the latest Android updates and features. "Our modular design and unmatched expertise in developing solutions for harsh environments have been received well across the retail industry. Both the retail and venue businesses are undergoing a massive digital revolution and Kuori displays are at the centre of the main user interface." Juha Rytkonen, Vice President of Business Development at Kuori Patently designed with waterproof + dustproof technologies and their durable IP66 rating, Kuori payment kiosks are robust enough to withstand any outdoor conditions, from the high humidity, intense summer heat and driving rain storms for Kuori's southern-most customers to the frigid, icy and blizzard conditions of the company's Nordic-based customers. Rooted in Finland, Kuori's digital solutions and payment kiosks are the results of Nordic design quality, elevating the brand's products from the competition. In addition to their sustainable and eco-friendly design, Kuori payment kiosks offer a more effortless user experience that today's customers and end users have come to expect. Meet the Kuori team of experts at Nordic EV SUmmit 2024 from April 4 through April 5 to learn more about the Finnish brand's digital display technologies and how its digital payment kiosk solutions are rapidly impacting global customers in the fast-food retail industry and beyond. Kuori at Nordic EV SUmmit 2024: April 4-5, 2024 Nova Spektrum Oslo, Norway Booth B02-27 More information: www.kuori.tech Juha Rytkonen VIce President, Business Development +358 40 922 9128 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/kuori/r/kuori-to-present-its-durable---customisable-payment-solutions-at-nordic-ev-summit-2024,c3955704 SOURCE Kuori Read the full article on Motorious It's a great restomod. In a striking fusion of classic design and contemporary performance, a fully customized 1957 Chevrolet Nomad emerges as a masterpiece of automotive engineering and aesthetic beauty. This unique Nomad, bearing VIN 57S190478, has been meticulously transformed to blend the iconic style of the '50s with today's cutting-edge technology and power. At the heart of this modern classic is an LS2 engine, delivering a robust 485 horsepower, coupled with a smooth-shifting 4L60 E automatic transmission. Fuel injection by LS Classics, complemented by a Holley wiring and ECM setup, ensures optimal performance, while a March serpentine belt system enhances efficiency and reliability. The vehicle's exhaust system, a 2.5" fully polished stainless masterpiece, adds to the car's allure, producing a sound that is as pleasing to the ear as it is powerful. ADVERTISEMENT The Nomad's chassis, engineered by Hardcore Chassis, features power rack and pinion steering, a 9" Posi Track rear end with coil overs, and formidable 14" Wildwood 6 piston brakes, providing an unmatched driving experience. Custom-built inner fender panels by Goolsby's Customs and a PPG paint job elevate the vehicle's visual appeal, with carbon fiber grill inserts and driving lights trim adding a touch of modern sophistication. Lighting plays a significant role in the Nomad's design, with LED headlights and taillights ensuring visibility and safety. The vehicle rolls on 18x8 and 20x10 Billet (Rat Tail) wheels, wrapped in Diamond Back Classic redline tires, striking a perfect balance between vintage charm and modern performance. Inside, the Nomad doesn't disappoint, featuring Lexus power seats, custom 3D panels with lighting, a Bluetooth stereo, Dakota Digital VHX gauges, and custom-made cargo area chrome strips. The integration of carbon fiber trim pieces throughout the interior further enhances the blend of tradition and innovation. Story continues This 1957 Chevrolet Nomad is more than just a car; it's a testament to the possibilities that arise when classic styling meets modern technology, creating a vehicle that stands out not only for its beauty but also for its performance and craftsmanship. The Annual Big Boy Toy Auction will start at 9 a.m. ET on April 27th. The sale takes place online and live in Clayton, Indiana. With many great classic cars and trucks, and a great collection of automobilia, you do not want to miss this auction. If you need assistance registering for online bidding, please email info@freijeauctioneers.com Please note that you can use our auction platform at a lower cost or Proxibid. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Alongside a Lineup of Fintech Executives and Influencers, Gabriel Money's Upcoming Forum Underscores the Importance of Responsible Innovation to Drive Financial Empowerment ATLANTA, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gabriel Money, an award-winning fintech startup, is on a mission to bring financial innovative tools to the Latino Community to promote their financial freedom. With the support of top brands and influencers in the banking and fintech space, Gabriel Money will host the first-ever Innovation for Financial Empowerment Forum on April 11, 2024, at Atlanta Tech Village. Gabriel Money With an increased 17% of Latino entrepreneurs in the U.S., and Latino purchasing power at approximately $3.4 trillion, the forum will consist of two discussion tracks; the first will discuss real-life stories of financial empowerment challenges, and the second will facilitate conversations about how tech innovation can lead to greater financial confidence and empowerment. This event will feature thought leaders from powerhouse companies like MasterCard, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Georgia FinTech Academy and more, and it offers a unique opportunity to understand the potential that tech initiatives have on leading the future of financial development products. "Responsible innovation driven by fintechs is key to promoting financial mobility and empowerment," said Rodrigo Dantas e Silva, co-founder and CEO of Gabriel Money. "Fintechs can solve real problems with flexible approaches while still being sound and responsible, and we want to shed some light on this angle and fuel the transformation of sound ideas into actions," he added. Event Details: Date: April 11, 2024; Panels 4-6 p.m. Cocktail reception 6-7:30 p.m. Venue: Atlanta Tech Village Master of Ceremonies: Robert Edward Daniels (RED) FinTech Catalyst at ATDC Panel 1: Discussing the Problem: Real-life stories and how individuals and businesses are solving their financial needs. Moderated by: Glen Sarvady Managing Principal at 154 Advisors Panelists: Marc Jackson - Vice President, Center for Inclusive Growth at MasterCard Jady Mejia Growth Operations Associate at Gabriel Money Ivan Solis Owner at Recuerdos Cafe and HYPE Marketing Chair Scott Thompson Founding President of FinTech Organization at GSU Panel 2: How FinTechs are Solving the Problem: Tech Innovation for Financial Empowerment Moderated by: Laura Gibson-Lamothe Executive Director at Georgia FinTech Academy Panelists: David Gonzalez Co-founder & CEO at Arbol Donald Hawkings Founder & CEO at Kinly (acquired by Greenwood) Jessica Washington Assistant Vice President, Retail Payments Risk Forum Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Luis Andino Founder & CEO at Ditch Rodrigo Dantas e Silva Co-founder & CEO at Gabriel Money Hosted at Atlanta Tech Village, Gabriel Money is proud to bring together venture capital professionals and the top voices in the financial mobility space to this event. Among the community and industry groups also lending support to this forum are ATDC, Hispanic Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE), Georgia Fintech Academy and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Following the event panel sessions, there will be a cocktail reception for attendees to network and join Gabriel Money in celebrating its company launch. To register for the first-ever Innovation for Financial Empowerment Forum, please visit the event website. Admission is free. For more information about Gabriel Money, please visit the company's website at gabriel.money or contact Joanne Sanders at [email protected]. ABOUT GABRIEL MONEY Gabriel Money is a fintech company that provides access to financial resources and products specifically designed to provide financial mobility to underrepresented groups including Latinos. The company launched in January 2024 and has since developed an app and secured card to help Latinos build credit history and better navigate U.S. banking processes free of complex practices. Gabriel Money has quickly been recognized by prestigious programs and awards for innovation in the U.S. Most notably, Gabriel Money is a member of the Village Capital Impact program, a Signature Startup Company with ATDC of Georgia Tech, and a recipient of Atlanta Inno's 2024 Startups to Watch award by Atlanta Business Chronicle. For more information about Gabriel Money, please visit gabriel.money. Press Contact: Joanne Sanders [email protected] (404)-644-2779 SOURCE Gabriel Money J&J has been given a new chance to contest the scientific claims that their talc-based baby powder is responsible for ovarian cancer in its users which now threatens the entire class of suits. NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay, The Pre Settlement Funding Company, announced today that Johnson & Johnson has just scored a win in their efforts to delay and/or outright avoid payouts on the 60,000+ lawsuits they are facing. A federal judge has just ruled that J&J will be given a new chance to argue the scientific evidence previously put forth that has shown a link between usage of their talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Despite a previous $8.9 billion settlement offer, J&J has always maintained that their product is safe, and this latest effort to "revisit the science" suggests that the company will explore every avenue it can to prove it. However, several studies dating back to the 1970s have already concluded that talc particles increase a person's chances of developing serious medical issues. Worse, according to plaintiffs, evidence suggests that the pharmaceutical giant has been intentionally concealing the results for decades. And it should be noted that J&J halted sales of talc-based powder last year in favor of a newly-formulated corn starch version instead. J&J has lost some major jury verdict cases already, but they continue to defend liability and fight the onslaught of cases now in the court system. Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay commented, "This latest legal maneuver by Johnson & Johnson is another attempt to defend their claims that their generational baby powder product was safe and avoid paying out over $10 billion in damages. The litigation has gone on for eight years now and there seems to be no end in sight. Amazingly, if J&J were to win on this case, it could throw all of the sixty thousand lawsuits into question." Legal-Bay continues to closely monitor the litigation and is evaluating all cases on a case by case basis based on this breaking news. To apply for a cash advance lawsuit loan from your anticipated Johnson & Johnson talc baby powder lawsuit settlement, please visit the company's website HERE or call 877.571.0405. Legal-Bay's experts close to the case believe the final settlement figure for the talc litigation will be close to $15 billion, or about $250K average settlement value per case. However, the 8-year litigation could take at least another 2 to 3 years for plaintiffs to get any funds. Tragic, considering that due to the nature of the damages, many of the plaintiffs are in rapidly declining health or have already passed away. Legal-Bay is one of the few legal funding companies who are providing some financial relief to victims and their families with risk-free, non-recourse cash advance settlement loans. They are one of the best lawsuit loan companies when it comes to mass tort litigations, and is currently the #1 talc funding company in the loan settlement industry. They also offer lawsuit funding for other class action cases such as Round Up, Essure, Juul e-Cigarettes, Hernia Mesh, IVC Filters, and Exactech hip and knee recalls. If you're a lawyer or plaintiff involved in an active lawsuit of any kind and need an immediate cash advance against an impending lawsuit settlement, please visit Legal-Bay HERE or call toll-free at 877.571.0405. Legal-Bay's loan for settlement funding programs are designed to provide immediate cash in advance of a plaintiff's anticipated monetary award. While it's common to refer to these legal funding requests as settlement loans, loans for settlements, law suit loans, loans for lawsuits, etc., the "lawsuit loan" funds are, in fact, non-recourse. That means there's no risk when it comes to loans in lawsuit settlements because there is no obligation to repay the money if the recipient loses their case. Therefore, terms like settlement loan, loans for lawsuit, loans on settlement, or lawsuit loan funds don't necessarily apply, as the "loan on lawsuit" isn't really a loan at all, but rather a stress-free cash advance. Legal-Bay is known to many as the best lawsuit funding provider in the industry for their helpful and knowledgeable staff, and one of the best lawsuit loan companies overall for their low rates and quick turnaround, sometimes within 24-48 hours once all documents have been received. To apply right now for a loan settlement program, please visit the company's website HERE or call toll-free at: 877.571.0405 where agents are standing by to answer any questions. SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC AUSTIN, Texas, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LEVY DYKEMA continues to expand through the recent addition of Cotera+Reed Architects into the firm. Recognized for its prolific portfolio of work and lasting impact in central Texas, the Cotera+Reed team will now operate under the LEVY DYKEMA brand at its Congress Avenue offices in downtown Austin, Texas. "We are excited to have the legacy of Cotera+Reed Architects become a part of LEVY DYKEMA," said Stephen V. Levy, president of LEVY DYKEMA. "I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to work with Juan Cotera FAIA, Phillip Reed FAIA, and Matt Catterall, who are all highly respected architects and visionary leaders," added Levy. LEVY DYKEMA, with offices in Austin and Corpus Christi, expands value and benefits to their clients through the addition of Cotera+Reed's experience in civic, municipal, institutional, lower education, and higher education projects. "By joining LEVY DYKEMA, the future of our firm is limitless," said Juan Cotera, founder of Cotera+Reed. "We are also proud of our shared core values and continued commitment of giving back to our community," added Cotera. "The merger provides the potential to make a greater impact in the communities we serve. As part of LEVY DYKEMA, we can help build strong communities and engage in forward thinking sustainable design, but at a much larger scale," said Phillip Reed, FAIA. "It's creating more opportunities for the things that interest me most about architecture today." "Our two firms have a shared understanding of the practice of architecture and design as a way of serving our communities and clients alike, as well as a drive to create a beautiful and sustainable built environment. This is an exciting opportunity to join LEVY DYKEMA's talented and experienced team and we want to work together to expand the reach of our architecture," said Matt Catterall. Founded by Stephen V. Levy, Bibiana Bright Dykema, and John Dykema, LEVY DYKEMA is recognized for its Texas Contemporary TM brand of architecture and is one of the leading design firms in the Southwest. About COTERA+REED ARCHITECTS Cotera+Reed is an award-winning architectural practice based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2003 by Juan Cotera, FAIA, and Phillip A. Reed, FAIA. The firm enjoys a long history with a focused interest on the public sector as well as broad experience in the private sector. With a concern for the built and unbuilt environments, social consciousness and resource stewardship, direct the firm architecturally. Cotera+Reed is proud to have contributed to cultural, educational, and infrastructure projects that have shaped the City of Austin. A local leader in sustainability, with in-house LEED accredited sustainability officers, Cotera+Reed's work on the City of Austin City Hall project received a LEED Gold rating. About LEVY DYKEMA Recognized for its Texas Contemporary brand of architecture and design, LEVY DYKEMA is one of the leading firms in the Southwest providing a full range of services including architecture, interior design, and purchasing. The firm offers a collaborative and personalized process in achieving the client's vision, goals, and desired value. Signature work includes a wide range of categories including civic, office, retail, student housing, hospitality, educational, ranches, residential, and more. Headquartered in Austin, TX., LEVY DYKEMA has an office in Corpus Christi and continues to expand their footprint through new client projects and acquisitions. To learn more, visit LEVY DYKEMA and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. SOURCE LEVY DYKEMA LG Energy Solution invites Arizona state government and local community officials for a construction progress update on its second U.S. stand-alone facility state government and local community officials for a construction progress update on its second U.S. stand-alone facility Completion and start of production expected in about two years, with full-scale hiring for thousands of new jobs to begin in the second-half of 2025 The company to further strengthen market competitiveness in the U.S. underpinned by product and technology leadership SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The construction of a major battery manufacturing complex in Arizona, announced by LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) last year, is on track to be completed in two years with the first round of hiring expected to begin at the end of this year. The company provided progress updates on its USD 5.5 billion (KRW 7.2 trillion) stand-alone facility during a stakeholder meeting on April 3 at Combs High School in San Tan Valley near the town of Queen Creek where the complex is located. The attendees included Brian Oh, Head of Mobility & IT Battery Division at LG Energy Solution; Hyung Kim, Head of ESS Battery Division at LG Energy Solution; Richard Ra, President of LG Energy Solution Arizona; Gov. Katie Hobbs of Arizona; Sandra Watson, President and CEO of Arizona Commerce Authority; Mike Goodman, Supervisor and Chairman of Pinal County; Julia Wheatley, Mayor of Queen Creek, and other members of state government and local community officials. The complex consists of two manufacturing facilities which are the company's first stand-alone cylindrical and ESS battery plants in North America. The cylindrical battery plant, called LG Energy Solution Arizona, will produce 46-Series batteries for electric vehicles (EV). A crucial part of the company's innovative product portfolio, 46-Series cylindrical batteries demonstrate LG Energy Solution's advanced technological leadership throughout various applications for EVs. As the company plans the first mass production of 46-Series batteries at its Ochang plant in Korea in the second half of this year, which is the earliest among major global battery manufacturers, LG Energy Solution Arizona is expected to continue the momentum and reinforce the manufacturing capability. The ESS battery manufacturing facility, called LG Energy Solution Arizona ESS, will produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pouch-type batteries for energy storage systems (ESS). It is one of the first ESS-exclusive battery production facilities in the world. By situating its stand-alone ESS battery facility in North America, the world's biggest ESS market, LG Energy Solution aims for a timely response to the fast-growing needs for locally manufactured batteries on the back of the U.S. clean energy policies, providing ESS batteries with enhanced competitiveness in cost, battery life, and safety. When fully operational, the complex's average annual production capacity is expected to reach 53GWh (cylindrical batteries 36GWh, LFP ESS batteries 17GWh). During the construction progress updates and site tour, Richard Ra, President of LG Energy Solution Arizona, said the project has been well underway since the groundbreaking last November, with initial land preparations completed and steel beams now being placed at the site. With the construction going as planned, the manufacturing facility for cylindrical EV batteries is expected to be completed in late 2025, and the facility for LFP pouch-type ESS batteries in the following year. Once the construction is complete, both facilities are expected to start production in 2026. To secure high-quality workforce that will operate the state-of-the-art manufacturing complex, the company will also commit to hiring and fostering the next-generation battery professionals in the area, creating several thousand new quality jobs. "We expect the recruitment of our [launch team] members to begin late this year, and a full-scale recruitment to follow from the second half of 2025," said Ra. "Of many other sites, this Arizona facility has a special meaning to us. This is the second stand-alone facility to be built in the U.S. And it is also the first manufacturing facility to produce cylindrical batteries in the U.S. Right here, is where we can build quality cylindrical batteries, which will be used to power millions of EVs," said Brian Oh, Head of Mobility & IT Battery Division at LG Energy Solution. "It gives me a great pleasure, knowing that this landmark project, here in Queen Creek will create thousands of new, quality-jobs that will contribute to building green economy." "ESS plays a vital role in green energy infrastructure as it utilizes power supply in a flexible manner," said Hyung Kim, Head of ESS Battery Division. "There is no better place to build the source of our sustainable energy here in Arizona, where the abundant solar energy surrounds the region. Quality batteries, made right here in the Copper State, will reach every corner of America to provide power." "This transformative investment will have a lasting impact not only in Arizona, but across the country and moves us one step closer toward our clean energy goals," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "These are the jobs of the future - and the State of Arizona is committed to being an active partner in ensuring Arizonans have the skills to fill these jobs." LG Energy Solution has another stand-alone facility in Michigan, which was built a decade ago and is currently undergoing expansion that would quintuple its average annual production capacity. The company also has five other joint venture facilities in the U.S. with major automakers, including General Motors, Honda, and Hyundai Motors Group, representing its full-fledged efforts to provide IRA-compliant batteries that will expedite the clean energy transition in the country. With the Arizona complex, the company has now secured the most diverse and competitive product portfolio, which encompasses pouch-type and cylindrical batteries for EVs and LFP batteries for ESS, in North America. "By further expanding our product portfolio and offering diverse options to our customers, we will continue to strengthen our market competitiveness," said David Kim, CEO of LG Energy Solution. "We also expect to keep growing in the global market by maximizing customer value through unmatched technology leadership." About LG Energy Solution LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com . SOURCE LG Energy Solution Revolutionary POWERsave Systems Provide Three Key Benefits: Back-Up Power, Minimized Energy Costs and Integration of Renewable Clean Energy AMERICAN FORK, Utah, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lion Energy, a leader in safe, silent and eco-friendly power solutions that help individuals, families and organizations become energy independent, today announced the launch of its POWERsave Energy Storage Solutions (ESS), comprised of the POWERsave Container Series and POWERsave Cabinet Series. POWERsave offers companies custom, large-scale energy solutions including back-up power, energy time shift, renewable energy integration, load management and power system recovery. "Companies cannot afford to be offline due to electrical grid failures as it risks alienating customers, lowering employee productivity and losing revenue," said Tyler Hortin, president of Lion Energy. "The POWERsave Energy Storage Solutions are economical and eco-friendly solutions that not only create energy independence from electrical grid outages but also minimizes a company's energy costs." Lion Energy's POWERsave solutions stores energy using high-grade, extremely safe lithium phosphate battery storage technology. Lion Energy's USA-based team designed these solutions to be scalable, fireproof and resistant to corrosion, which enables them to meet the demands of projects large and small and to adapt to various environmental conditions. Both the POWERsave Cabinet and Container Series are custom solutions where multiple units can be combined for increased capacity applications. The POWERsave Cabinet Series for indoor and outdoor C/I energy storage systems helps reduce peak energy costs from equipment and operations. Its power and capacity ranges from 30kW/50kWh to 90kW/180kWh. This solution is modular and expandable to meet larger energy storage requirements. The POWERsave Container Series is an outdoor containerized energy storage system for utility grid tie or C/I behind the meter applications. The Container Series offers two enclosure model configurations (PS20, PS30) which have been configured to meet each customer's specific power(kW) and capacity storage(kWh) requirements from 675kw/1032 to 1.7MW/3.44MWh per container. The containers are available in 20ft configurations and multiple units can be combined for even more capacity. For more information about Lion Energy's POWERsave Cabinet and Container Systems, please visit: http://www.lionenergy.com/ https://lionenergy.com/pages/powersave CONTAINER SERIES SPECIFICATIONS MODEL PS20 Power: 430kW-675kW Capacity: 1032kWh- 2064kWh Weight: 47,000 lbs. Dimensions inches (LxWxH): L: 238.5" (605.79cm) W: 96.0" (243.8cm) H: 114.0" (289.57cm) Type: LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Cell/Module/Pack: M: 280Ah/153.6VDC/1P48S/43kWh R: 1P8S/1228.8VDC/344KWh S: 3-6P1S/1228.8VDC EMS (Energy Management System): LionESS / APP platform Cycle Life: 6,000 (based on 80% depth of discharge) Communication: RS485, CAN, Ethernet, DNP3, Modbus TCP/IP Safety Systems: Fire Protection, HVAC MODEL PS30 Power: 675kW-1.7MW Capacity: 2.064MWh-3.440MWh Weight: 67,000 lbs. Dimensions inches (LxWxH): L: 238.5" (605.8cm) W: 96.0" (243.8cm) H: 114.0" (289.57cm) Type: LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Cell/Module/Pack: M: 280Ah/153.6VDC/1P48S/43kWh R: 1P8S/1228.8VDC/344KWh S: 6-10P1S/1228.8VDC EMS (Energy Management System): LionESS / APP platform Cycle Life: 6,000 (based on 80% depth of discharge) Communication: RS485, CAN, Ethernet, DNP3, Modbus TCP/IP Safety Systems: Fire Protection, HVAC CABINET SERIES SPECIFICATIONS MODEL PS2 Power Capacity: kW Power: 30-90kW Power KWh: 100-185kWh Dimensions (LxWxH): L: 94.5" (300cm) W: 63" (150cm) H: 88.5" (225cm) Weight (lbs.): 7,070 lbs. MAX Type: LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Cell/Module/Pack/Rack: M: 280Ah/51.2VDC/1P16S/14.3kWh R: 1P7-13s/358.4-665.6VDC/100-185.9kWh EMS (Energy Management System): LionESS / APP platform Cycle Life: 6,000 (based on 80% depth of discharge) Communication: RS485, CAN, Ethernet, DNP3, Modbus TCP/IP ABOUT LION ENERGY Lion Energy is a leading manufacturer of safe, silent and eco-friendly power solutions for everyday needs. The road to energy independence affects all aspects of life including how everyone lives and interacts with one another at home, at work or at play. Regardless of where they are on this path, Lion Energy has an U.S.-designed and engineered power solution, based in American Fork, Utah, that can be used indoors or outdoors. Leading the way with innovative Lithium energy smart storage technologies known as LionESS and through rigorous testing, Lion Energy provides the broadest and most innovative suite of energy storage solutions on the market today, from hand-held portable device charging to portable solar generators to home, commercial and industrial battery systems. For more information, visit www.lionenergy.com. SOURCE Lion Energy MEGA METAL STRENGTHENS EUROPEAN MARKET WITH WIRE FAIR ISTANBUL, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mega Metal, one of the important players of value added copper wire industry of the world, attends Wire Fair, one of the most important events of wire and cable industry worldwide. Dominating more than 70 percent of the market as the Europe's biggest and strongest fine and superfine copper wire manufacturer, Mega Metal aims to maintain its strong market position thanks to the fairs where it presents its innovative products. Mega Metal Kayseri Fabrika (PRNewsfoto/Mega Metal) Mega Metal, one of the most important players of European and Turkish market in the copper wire industry, will attend Wire Fair between 15-19 April in Dusseldorf Germany. The innovations for a wide range of needs of industry and commerce will be presented in the fair which is one of the most important events of the wire and cable industry worldwide. Also conferences, forums, High Potential Days with ecoMetals will be organized at the fair where all stakeholders in the process chain from raw materials to the latest machines for wire production and processing, new products to innovations obtained from research will attend. "We are the first-line brand when it comes to superfine conductive wire in Europe" Mega Metal, which meets the copper wire demand of Turkiye and Europe with its innovative products, will be at Hall 10 stand A70 in the fair. Mega Metal Board Chairman Cuneyt Ali Turgut evaluated the fair and stated that production of copper conductive wire with high added value is their priority as Mega Metal, and underlined that the markets leading the technology in this segment are Europe and America. Turgut stated that Mega Metal is the first-line brand when it comes to superfine conductive wire especially in European market and added that "We, as Mega Metal, dominate more than 70 percent of the market as the biggest and strongest fine and superfine copper wire producer of Europe. We aim to maintain our strong market position here and the fairs we attend serve this goal. We will continue to attend international fairs which will make major contributions to us to make new business connections, create networks, promote our products at the international arena and keep informed of new developments in our industry". "We have sustainability in our agenda" Cuneyt Ali Turgut stated that the focus of the investments in 2024 is sustainability, and added that "We have installed a solar power plant on the roof of our factory in Kayseri. We have electricity production capacity of 6 MW here. We have also started to work to install two solar power plants of total 57 MW in Kutahya, Bilecik and Tunceli. When all our power plants are deployed in the first quarter of 2025, we plan to start to meet 85 percent of our company's electricity consumption from renewable energy". About Mega Metal Starting its production activities in Kayseri in 2005, Mega Metal currently employs more than 700 persons in 75 thousand sqm open area and 45 thousand sqm indoor area. Mega Metal, which produces super-fine oxygen-free electrolytic copper wire products with high technology and quality, dominates 75 percent of the European market. The wires produced by Mega Metal are used in a wide range of areas, from renewable energy plants to the automotive industry, from space crafts to high-tech medical devices and robots; and the company exports to more than 30 countries around the world, especially the European Union countries. For detailed information: Feveran Iletisim / Safak Tan / 0541 245 41 27 / [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2375238/Mega_Metal_Kayseri_Fabrika.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2375244/4622107/MegaMetalLogo_Logo.jpg SOURCE Mega Metal ALPINE, Utah, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MotivHealth, a health insurance company defying traditional boundaries, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with AZOVA Health, a pioneer in digital health technology. This collaboration brings Birth Doula Support Memberships directly to Motiv members, potentially marking the first health plan to offer this valuable benefit in Utah. "Motiv is committed to constantly evolving and offering innovative solutions that prioritize the well-being of our members," says Dave Hall, CEO of MotivHealth. "The integration of Birth Doula Support Memberships aligns perfectly with this vision, providing crucial support for mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum." Placing expecting mothers at the center of their care, this program offers continuous support from highly qualified doulas, fostering positive birth experiences and unlocking significant health benefits. Studies have shown that doula presence can significantly improve several key areas: Reduced NICU cases by 25% Reduced Cesarean Sections by 39% Increased Spontaneous Vaginal Births by 12.6% Decreased Instrumental Vaginal Deliveries by 44% Lowered Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders by 54% Birth doulas offer more than just numbers. Their emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy and childbirth can lead to shorter labors, fewer interventions, and a more positive experience. Doulas also empower partners and improve bonding for moms and babies, including breastfeeding support. Their impact continues after birth, reducing postpartum stress and potentially shortening hospital stays. Cheryl Lee Eberting, M.D., CEO and Founder of AZOVA Health adds, "We are thrilled to partner with MotivHealth in bringing this unique program to life. By leveraging technology to connect mothers with expert doulas, we aim to empower women throughout their birthing journey." Kristi Ridd-Young, Senior Vice President of Maternal Care at AZOVA, emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of the program, "Beyond providing assistance during labor, MotivHealth's Birth Doula Support Membership offers transformative support that recognizes birth as more than just another day. Ensuring that birthing families feel genuinely cared for, comforted, and heard during this pivotal experience results in profound, lifelong impacts. Whether choosing unmedicated birth or needing intervention, a positive birth experience emphasizing shared decision-making boosts self-esteem and confidence, fostering a deep sense of accomplishment. I can't think of a better way to transition into parenthood than with lasting memories of empowerment and fulfillment." MotivHealth and AZOVA's initiative ignites positive change by showcasing doula support, inspiring broader prioritization of maternal care and family well-being. SOURCE AZOVA Health New mortgage brokerage franchise in Sugar Land invites the community for an evening of refreshments, music, and networking in celebration of its grand opening SUGAR LAND, Texas, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, the first-and-only national mortgage brokerage franchise brand in the United States focused on transparency and compliance, has a new office in Sugar Land, Texas. Motto Mortgage Triumph is now open and serving the greater Houston area and all markets throughout the Lone Star State. Motto Mortgage Triumph will hold a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 6 8 p.m. at its new office located at 14905 Southwest Freeway. Guests in attendance will enjoy complimentary food and refreshments, music, and the opportunity to get to know the Motto Mortgage Triumph team. All in the community are welcome to attend. Motto Mortgage Triumph is a customer-first, full-service mortgage brokerage established by Linh Kieu Lu, who will also serve as the loan originator for the office. Linh brings a decade of experience in the financial services industry to the brokerage. Her mission is to foster trust with clients through open communication, knowledge-based guidance, and transparency at every step through the transaction. "We are thrilled to be open for business and we are looking forward to personally introducing ourselves to the community at our grand opening event. Motto Mortgage Triumph offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Sugar Land," said Linh Kieu Lu. "We provide the scope, scale and support of a large retail lender, while offering the flexibility, autonomy and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker that knows how to navigate the intricacies of the home buying process in your market." Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loans from various wholesale lenders and work hard to give homebuyers choices because no loan is one-size-fits-all. A digital mortgage experience is available for borrowers who would prefer to conduct business remotely. For more information about the grand opening celebration, please contact Motto Mortgage Triumph at 346-237-5301. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed. About Motto Mortgage Triumph: Motto Mortgage Triumph (NMLS #2585498) is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all of Texas, located at 14905 Southwest Freeway, Suite 110, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. To learn more, please visit www.MottoMortgageTriumph.com or call 346-237-5301. Linh Kieu Lu, NMLS #2486194 SOURCE Motto Mortgage DALLAS, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The AFS Hedy Lamarr Award, an honor recognizing outstanding contributions to science and technology, will be presented to Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at EarthX's Congress of Conferences at the Hilton Anatole on Monday, April 22, 2024, with the award to be presented by notable figures David Hamilton and Trammell Crow Jr. Skunk Baxter Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter is American Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist most known as the lead guitarist with The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and Spirit. Perhaps less known are his numerous contributions as a missile and national security expert working for decades with some or our nation's most advanced technical laboratories, national security agencies and military branches. His invaluable contributions to national security agencies and military branches have spanned decades, making him a perfect recipient for the Hedy Lamarr Award. The AFS Hedy Lamarr Unsung Heroes in Science & Technology Award acknowledges individuals who have worked behind the scenes or broken barriers to provide innovative solutions, inventions, and methodologies that enhance our daily lives and bolster our national security. This award shines a light on the unsung heroes who embody the spirit and legacy of Hedy Lamarr, herself a renowned actress and an inventor whose contributions to technology have left a lasting impact. Event Details: - Date: Monday, April 22, 2024 8:15pm - Location: Hilton Anatole - Chantilly East, Dallas, TX - Presentation By: David Hamilton & Trammell Crow Jr. - Recipient: Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter For additional information on the Hedy Lamarr Unsung Heroes in Science & Technology Award and the upcoming award ceremony, please visit https://www.americas-fs.org/copy-of-hedy-lamar-award. About EarthX: EarthX is a subsidiary brand of Earth Day Texas Inc., founded in 2011 as a 501(3) to support Earth Day celebrations in Dallas. Since then, EarthX has grown into an international nonprofit and global environmental organization with a mission dedicated to environmental awareness, education, and inspiring passion in people and organizations to take action towards a more sustainable future. EarthX Media Inc. operates EarthxTV, a 24/7 linear television network dedicated to engaging and informing audiences globally and is in over 60 million homes internationally. The company is headquartered in Dallas, TX. Visit EarthX.org or follow @earthxorg on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. For more information on the conference schedule, speakers, and registration, please visit www.earthx.org. SOURCE EarthX VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTCQX: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from four vertical, reverse circulation ("RC") holes and one vertical, PQ-diameter diamond core hole completed in the northern portion of the West Atlanta Graben Zone ("WAGZ") at its at its 5,166 hectares (51.6km2), 100% owned Atlanta Gold Mine Project, located in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend 264km northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Highlights: Figure 1. Detailed plot of historical and Nevada King drill holes in the northern end of the WAFZ. A northwest-trending core zone of higher-grade and thicker mineralization formed at the intersection of the westerly-trending North Fault with the northerly trending West Atlanta #1 and West Atlanta #2 Faults. Stars denote holes that did not fully penetrate both the upper and lower high-grade projected zones or suffered serious sample loss within these zones. (CNW Group/Nevada King Gold Corp.) Figure 2. Location map for holes reported in this news release along drill Section22-17N(2) relative to the perimeter of historical Atlanta Pit and footprint of the Gustavson 2020 NI 43-101 resource. Shallow drillholes on the mine dumps have been removed from the plot for clarity. (CNW Group/Nevada King Gold Corp.) Figure 3. Cross section 22-17N(2) looking north across the northern ends of the WAGZ and AMFZ. High-angle, northerly trending faults channeled shallow sub-volcanic intrusions and Au/Ag bearing fluids up into a highly receptive horizon developed at the erosional surface (unconformity) separating Paleozoic dolomite from overlying Tertiary-age volcanics. (CNW Group/Nevada King Gold Corp.) Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT23WS-23C.1*+ 226.2 312.5 86.3 4.51 50.7 Includes 256.3 299.2 43 7.77 25.1 Includes 256.3 261.3 5 18.34 1.9 AT23WS-58 213.4 297.2 83.8 0.75 5.4 AT23WS-61* 243.8 294.1 50.3 1.56 13.2 Table 1: Highlight holes released on section 22N-17N(2). Mineralization occurs along near-horizontal horizons with true mineralized thicknesses estimated to be 85% to 95% of reported drill intercept length. *Denotes hole bottoming in mineralization. +Denotes core hole. Core hole AT23WS-23C.1 intercepted 4.51 g/t Au over 86.3m including 7.77 g/t Au over 48.6m and was collared 6m north of RC hole AT23WS-23, which intercepted 2.45 g/t Au over 102.1m , (released June 6, 2023 ). AT23WS-23C.1 was planned to provide metallurgical material for the ongoing Phase II test work program, as well as to verify the RC drilling. and was collared north of RC hole AT23WS-23, which intercepted 2.45 g/t Au over , (released ). AT23WS-23C.1 was planned to provide metallurgical material for the ongoing Phase II test work program, as well as to verify the RC drilling. While core hole AT23WS-23C.1 shows a 60% increase in overall grade, a comparison of gold distribution in AT23WS-23C.1 with AT23WS-23 (see Table 4 below) reveals close lateral correlation. This is particularly evident when comparing elevations of the upper high-grade zones (highlighted in yellow in Table 4) and the lower high-grade zones (highlighted in magenta). The sub-horizontal geometry of these zones suggests higher grade mineralization along low-angle bedding features or breccia horizons. As shown below in Figure 1, the high-grade intercepts in AT23WS-23C.1 and adjacent AT23WS-23 also add definition to a developing, northwest-trending high-grade zone along the axis of the WAGZ that currently spans 200m long by 70m wide. Relative to the location of AT23WS-23C.1, other previously reported holes of note within this zone include: AT23WS-44 (11.64 g/t Au over 108.2m ) located 56m southeast; AT23WS-53 (2.72 g/t Au over 64m ) located 34m to south; AT23WS-62 (6.09 g/t Au over 41.5m ) located 41m southwest; AT23WS-34 (1.74 g/t Au over 114.3m ) located 82m to the southeast; and AT23WS-56 (1.55 g/t Au over 94.5m ) located 108m southeast. long by wide. Relative to the location of AT23WS-23C.1, other previously reported holes of note within this zone include: At least two high-grade feeder zones appear to be responsible for this well mineralized zone. Holes AT23WS-23C.1, AT23WS-44, AT23WS-34, and AT23WS-56 most likely share the same NW-trending basement structure, whereas AT23WS-62 probably tapped into a different structure with a different orientation. It is also important to note the high proportion of holes shown in Figure 1 that bottomed in mineralization and did not fully penetrate both of the high-grade horizons described above. The Company is currently re-drilling these holes along the NW trend connecting AT23WS-23C.1 and AT23WS-44 in order to obtain representative Au/Ag grade averages through the entire mineralized sequence. Holes AT23WS-58 and AT23WS-59 intercepted 0.75 g/t Au over 83.8m and 0.86 g/t Au over 61.7m , respectively, filling in a previously untested 45m -wide gap between the WAGZ and the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone (" AMFZ "). As shown in Figure 3, both holes extend the thick mineralization found in the centre of the WAGZ eastward to the West Atlanta Fault, thus building additional tonnage potential. , respectively, filling in a previously untested -wide gap between the WAGZ and the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone (" "). As shown in Figure 3, both holes extend the thick mineralization found in the centre of the WAGZ eastward to the West Atlanta Fault, thus building additional tonnage potential. AT23WS-61 ( 50.3m of 1.56 g/t Au) was lost just short of entering the lower high-grade zone (Figure 3), but the hole did demonstrate continuance of the thick mineralization seen in the middle of the WAGZ westward to the West Atlanta Fault #2 ("WAF2"), which bounds the western margin of the WAGZ. This is particularly important when taking into account the low-grade intercepts in two historical holes located only 32m west of AT23WS-61 but on the western side of the WAF2. Neither DHRI-11-15C ( 67.1m @ 0.28 g/t Au) nor DHRI-11-NRC01 ( 27.4m @ 0.42 g/t Au) indicated potential for the thick, much higher-grade mineralization encountered in AT23WS-61, much less in the centre of the WAGZ. Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, stated, "The Company's multiple structure model continues to lead to thick, high-grade mineralized zones. In addition to following high-angle structures that served as loci for higher grade Au-Ag mineralization, Nevada King's success at increasing both grade and thickness can also be attributed to achieving full penetration of the low-angle unconformity that hosts most of the mineralization at Atlanta. The occurrence of two separate, sub-horizontal high-grade horizons as illustrated in Table 4 is replicated throughout the Atlanta system but is most often observed in the WAFZ where the deeper high-grade occurs in the carbonate section at or directly above the unconformable basement contact, while the shallower high-grade is hosted in the volcanic sequence above the unconformity. Higher grade and thicker intercepts occur close to feeder structures controlling the mineralization, as seen in AT23WS-23C.1, while grades decrease and thin laterally away from the feeders as seen in AT23WS-23." Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT23WS-23C.1*+ 226.2 312.5 86.3 4.51 50.7 Includes 256.3 299.2 43 7.77 25.1 Includes 256.3 261.3 5 18.34 1.9 AT23WS-58 213.4 297.2 83.8 0.75 5.6 AT23WS-59 216.5 283.5 67.1 0.86 10.9 AT23WS-61* 243.9 294.2 50.3 1.56 13.2 AT23NS-149 175.3 193.6 18.3 0.45 10.3 Table 2. All holes released today on section 22-17N(2). Mineralization occurs along near-horizontal horizons with true mineralized thickness in vertical holes estimated to be 85% to 95% of reported drill intercept length. *Denotes holes that bottomed in mineralization. + Denotes core holes. Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AT21-10* 150.9 152.4 1.5 0.24 0.7 AT21-11^ 15.2 21.3 6.1 0.45 10.9 AT22WS-1* 239.3 304.9 65.5 1.52 11.6 AT22WS-12*^ 204.3 259.1 54.9 0.21 1.2 AT23WS-15 213.4 248.5 35.1 0.50 8.4 AT22NS-26T+ 119.2 138.3 19.1 0.39 11.6 AT22NS-27 51.8 71.6 19.8 0.41 12.5 AT23WS-23 230.2 332.3 102.1 2.45 10.1 Includes 288.1 300.3 12.2 8.78 11.8 AT23WS-18 225.6 283.5 57.9 1.48 8.5 DHRI-11-NRC1* 310.9 338.3 27.4 0.42 5.93 DHRI-11-15C+ 266.7 333.8 67.1 0.28 8.4 Table 3. Previously released and historical holes used on section 22-17N (2). AT series holes drilled by Nevada King in 2021 and 2022. DHRI series holes drilled by Meadow Bay in 2011. *Denotes hole that bottomed in mineralization. +Denotes core hole. ^Denotes aggregate assay interval. AT23WS-23C.1 AT23WS-23 From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) 232.3 233.8 1.5 0.376 230.1 231.7 1.5 0.239 233.8 235.3 1.5 0.749 231.7 233.2 1.5 0.145 235.3 236.8 1.5 0.547 233.2 234.7 1.5 0.507 236.8 238.4 1.5 0.409 234.7 236.2 1.5 0.447 238.4 239.9 1.5 1.67 236.2 237.7 1.5 0.481 239.9 241.3 1.4 1.1 237.7 239.3 1.5 0.496 241.3 242.8 1.5 0.8 239.3 240.8 1.5 0.393 242.8 244.0 1.2 1.57 240.8 242.3 1.5 0.38 244.0 245.2 1.2 2.88 242.3 243.8 1.5 0.428 245.2 246.7 1.5 1.94 243.8 245.4 1.5 0.427 246.7 247.7 0.9 0.624 245.4 246.9 1.5 0.755 247.7 248.6 0.9 0.147 246.9 248.4 1.5 8.74 248.6 249.6 1.1 0.426 248.4 249.9 1.5 12.98 249.6 250.5 0.9 1.2 249.9 251.5 1.5 8.61 250.5 252.1 1.5 5.94 251.5 253.0 1.5 0.643 252.1 253.6 1.5 3.52 253.0 254.5 1.5 0.39 253.6 255.1 1.5 4.52 254.5 256.0 1.5 0.683 255.1 256.2 1.1 4.03 256.0 257.6 1.5 3.32 256.2 257.7 1.5 15.87 257.6 259.1 1.5 2.88 257.7 258.8 1.1 11.90 259.1 260.6 1.5 1.69 258.8 259.7 0.9 26.97 260.6 262.1 1.5 1.64 259.7 261.2 1.5 20.13 262.1 263.7 1.5 1.55 261.2 262.7 1.5 1.35 263.7 265.2 1.5 1.05 262.7 263.7 0.9 1.3 265.2 266.7 1.5 0.861 263.7 265.5 1.8 2.53 266.7 268.2 1.5 0.542 265.5 267.0 1.5 4.19 268.2 269.8 1.5 1.27 267.0 268.5 1.5 5.02 269.8 271.3 1.5 1.61 268.5 270.1 1.5 1.53 271.3 272.8 1.5 1.18 270.1 271.6 1.5 4.59 272.8 274.3 1.5 1.97 271.6 273.3 1.7 6.78 274.3 275.8 1.5 1.5 273.3 274.8 1.5 12.6 275.8 277.4 1.5 2.86 274.8 275.4 0.6 11.45 277.4 278.9 1.5 3.08 275.4 276.9 1.5 12.37 278.9 280.4 1.5 1.64 276.9 278.0 1.1 8.34 280.4 281.9 1.5 2.22 278.0 279.5 1.5 10.42 281.9 283.5 1.5 5.41 279.5 281.0 1.5 14.28 283.5 285.0 1.5 4.44 281.0 282.6 1.5 5.02 285.0 286.5 1.5 2.09 282.6 283.8 1.2 6.25 286.5 288.0 1.5 4.86 283.8 285.3 1.5 9.82 288.0 289.6 1.5 7.95 285.3 286.8 1.5 6.71 289.6 291.1 1.5 9.53 286.8 287.7 0.9 5.29 291.1 292.6 1.5 13.97 287.7 289.3 1.5 3.89 292.6 294.1 1.5 11.4 289.3 290.5 1.2 1.75 294.1 295.7 1.5 7.66 290.5 291.7 1.2 4.61 295.7 297.2 1.5 6.68 291.7 293.5 1.8 4.24 297.2 298.7 1.5 5.93 293.5 295.0 1.5 3.53 298.7 300.2 1.5 7.1 295.0 296.6 1.5 8.13 300.2 301.8 1.5 1.44 296.6 297.8 1.2 13.28 301.8 303.3 1.5 1.93 297.8 299.2 1.4 5.02 303.3 304.8 1.5 0.565 299.2 300.8 1.7 0.762 304.8 306.3 1.5 0.543 300.8 302.4 1.5 0.976 306.3 307.9 1.5 0.423 302.4 303.6 1.2 1.66 307.9 309.4 1.5 0.299 303.6 305.1 1.5 0.702 309.4 310.9 1.5 0.306 305.1 306.8 1.7 0.262 310.9 312.4 1.5 0.224 306.8 308.0 1.2 0.368 312.4 313.9 1.5 0.176 308.0 310.0 2.0 0.171 313.9 315.5 1.5 0.231 310.0 312.4 2.4 0.412 315.5 317.0 1.5 0.27 312.4 313.3 0.9 0.06 317.0 318.5 1.5 0.155 313.3 314.9 1.5 0.159 318.5 320.0 1.5 0.183 Table 4. Comparison of Au assays from core hole AT23WS-23C.1 and RC hole AT23WS-23 including drill depths and sample interval lengths. RC sampling is done on 1.5-metre intervals while core drilling varies in interval size with the ability to tighten or broaden sample size with relation to structure, contacts, and strong mineralization. Yellow highlighted intervals indicate the Upper High-Grade Zone, while magenta highlighted intervals denote the Lower High-Grade Zone. Both high grade zones often occur together throughout the Atlanta deposit. QAQC Protocols All RC samples from the Atlanta Project are split at the drill site and placed in cloth and plastic bags utilizing a nominal 2kg sample weight. CRF standards, blanks, and duplicates are inserted into the sample stream on-site on a one-in-twenty sample basis, meaning all three inserts are included in each 20-sample group. Samples are shipped by a local contractor in large sample shipping crates directly to American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada, with full custody being maintained at all times. At American Assay Lab, samples were weighed then crushed to 75% passing 2mm and pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns in order to produce a 300g pulverized split. Prepared samples are initially run using a four acid + boric acid digestion process and conventional multi-element ICP-OES analysis. Gold assays are initially run using 30-gram samples by lead fire assay with an OES finish to a 0.003 ppm detection limit, with samples greater than 10 ppm finished gravimetrically. Silver samples that run greater than 100ppm are also finished gravimetrically. Every sample is also run through a cyanide leach for gold with an ICP-OES finish. The QA/QC procedure involves regular submission of Certified Analytical Standards and property-specific duplicates. The PQ-diameter core was sampled in the Company's warehouse in Winnemucca, Nevada, with whole core samples being placed in heavy canvas bags and sent to American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada, in heavy shipping bags by a Company contractor with full custody being maintained at all times. CRF standards and coarse blanks were inserted into the sample stream on a one-in-twenty sample basis, meaning both inserts are included in each 20-sample group. At American Assay Lab, samples were weighted then completely crushed to -1 inch. The coarse-crushed sample was quarter-split and one quarter was reduced to 75% passing 2mm. A 300g split was subsequently pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. Prepared samples are initially run using a four acid + boric acid digestion process and conventional multi-element ICP-OES analysis. Gold assays are initially run using 30-gram samples by lead fire assay with an OES finish to a 0.003 ppm detection limit, with samples greater than 10 ppm finished gravimetrically. Every sample is also run through a cyanide leach for gold with an ICP-OES finish. The QA/QC procedure involves regular submission of Certified Analytical Standards and property-specific duplicates. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Nevada King Gold Corp. Nevada King is the third largest mineral claim holder in the State of Nevada, behind Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick/Newmont) and Kinross Gold. Starting in 2016, the Company has staked large project areas hosting significant historical exploration work along the Battle Mountain trend located close to current or former producing gold mines. These project areas were initially targeted based on their potential for hosting multi-million-ounce gold deposits and were subsequently staked following a detailed geological evaluation. District-scale projects in Nevada King's portfolio include (1) the 100% owned Atlanta Mine, located 100km southeast of Ely, (2) the Lewis and Horse Mountain-Mill Creek projects, both located between Nevada Gold Mines' large Phoenix and Pipeline mines, and (3) the Iron Point project, located 35km east of Winnemucca, Nevada. The Atlanta Mine is a historical gold-silver producer with a NI 43-101 compliant pit-constrained resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Resource Category Tonnes (000s) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au Oz Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag Oz Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000 Table 3. NI 43-101 Mineral Resources at the Atlanta Mine Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operations and activities of Nevada King, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans and the Company's ability to potentially expand mineral resources and the impact thereon. 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. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual 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 and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Nevada King Gold Corp. Screen grab: Wrestling Observer Radio CM Punks interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour on Monday sent waves throughout the pro wrestling industry. But while most of the WWE superstars ire was seemingly directed toward AEW owner and president Tony Khan, he also took a not-so-subtle shot at one of the industrys most prominent reporters, Dave Meltzer. If youre more happy with some goof saying that you had a five-star match and the building is a quarter full, then were not in the same business, Punk said in reference to AEW, where he wrestled from 2021-2023. Punks comment was seemingly a thinly veiled if that dig at Meltzers five-star match scale, which has been very kind to AEW since the promotions inception in 2019. Discussing Punks interview on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, the longtime wrestling journalist addressed the comment, noting that the Chicago native hasnt been shy to seek his opinion in the not-too-distant past. The whole thing of the goof with the five-stars and everything, that was a cool shot, Meltzer said. But you know, he contacted me plenty of times and I wasnt such a goof talking TV ratings when he came in [to AEW] and just goes, Youve got to explain TV ratings to me because its not something that Ive learned, so youve got to explain it. And I tried and all that. But whatever, none of that really matters today. Punk wouldnt be the first pro wrestler to criticize Meltzer publicly while speaking to him privately, as the Wrestling Observer Newsletter publisher has long been a lightning rod in the industry. And while Punks criticism of AEWs focus on critical success at the expense of financial success could certainly be debated, its curious that he would refer to Meltzer as a goof while also seeking his input behind the scenes. Perhaps something happened in the time since he reached out to Meltzer regarding ratings that shifted the 45-year-olds opinion of the longtime wrestling journalist. But regardless of the reasoning for his comments, all of this adds just yet another layer to Punks messy relationship with his former employer. [Wrestling Observer Radio] SilverLining announces the launch of MCB Program field research to improve understanding of the influence of aerosols on clouds and climate ALAMEDA, Calif. , April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) Program , an open collaboration of atmospheric scientists and other experts to study how clouds respond to particles also called aerosols in the atmosphere, initiated new climate studies and launched the Coastal Atmospheric Aerosol Research and Engagement (CAARE) facility at the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate located in Alameda, California. The MCB Program's intent is to serve as a model for open, public-interest research & field studies of clouds & aerosols. Post this Jessica Medrado, MCB's engineering lead at the Coastal Atmospheric Aerosol Research and Engagement (CAARE) facility. The spraying machine designed for the MCB Program at the Coastal Atmospheric Aerosol Research and Engagement (CAARE) facility. This research aims to further our understanding of how interactions between aerosols and clouds impact our climate system, and to investigate the feasibility and potential impacts of reducing climate warming by intentionally increasing the reflection of sunlight from marine clouds. An overarching goal of the research is to provide open, objective scientific information to help improve society's ability to understand the climate system and to address near-term climate risks. Led by the University of Washington , the MCB Program is a collaboration of over 40 interdisciplinary experts from the UW, SRI , Pacific Northwest National Laboratory , University of Victoria , SilverLining , and other institutions to study these topics and engage openly on the research and its findings. Aerosol particles in the atmosphere from both natural sources (such as dust, biological emissions and sea spray) and human activities (such as combustion engines and fossil fuel power plants) mix into low clouds causing a cooling effect on the Earth's climate, offsetting between 10% and 40% of global warming from greenhouse gases. Air quality-related declines in these aerosols may cause even more climate warming. In recent decades, scientists have proposed using sea-salt particles to brighten marine clouds to produce a cleaner version of this effect, derived from nature. Atmospheric scientists are still not certain just how much pollution aerosols are cooling the climate. The uncertainty in this number leads to uncertainty about how much warming to expect in the coming decades, one of the largest and most important uncertainties in climate change. These landmark studies and CAARE facility are a groundbreaking advance in society's ability to research, explore, and weigh critical aspects of addressing near-term climate risks. As humans consider changes to our aerosol emissions either reducing them via regulation and technology, or pursuing intentional marine cloud brightening as a climate intervention the world needs a stronger scientific understanding of these processes to inform decisions about them. The Program includes multiple, parallel research efforts in different areas to help achieve this, including global, regional and high-resolution modeling; analysis of observations; studies of sea-salt particle (aerosol) generation; and scientific studies of atmospheric processes using small-scale releases of particles to help inform model simulations of their effects at larger scales. In addition to advancing its scientific goals, the MCB Program's intent is to serve as an exemplary model for open, public-interest research and field studies of clouds and aerosols. To that end, the Program is launching a new facility for scientific research and public engagement, the Coastal Atmospheric Aerosol Research and Engagement (CAARE) facility. CAARE is designed to support scientific studies of aerosols in the marine atmosphere; to provide a facility for environmental studies for regulators; and to provide a means of direct engagement with the public and other stakeholders, including Global South communities, Indigenous Peoples, youth and historically underserved communities who are often the most vulnerable to climate change. "Improving our understanding of the influence of aerosols on clouds and climate is essential to understanding near-term climate risks, and whether and how marine cloud brightening could help reduce them," said atmospheric scientist and UW MCB Program Director Sarah Doherty. "If we don't improve our knowledge now, we'll be flying blind. The international community needs the best information it can get in order to chart a responsible course into a future with a rapidly changing climate." "The world needs to rapidly advance its understanding of the effects of aerosol particles on climate," said Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of SilverLining. "Ranked the top institution for atmospheric science in the world, and with a deep commitment to open science and a culture of humility, the University of Washington has developed an approach that integrates science with societal engagement, and can help society in essential steps toward advancing science, developing regulations, promoting equitable and effective decision-making, and building shared understanding in these areas. We are very honored to partner with them in these efforts." Recent stories in The New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. About SilverLining: SilverLining is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that society has sufficient options to protect the world's most vulnerable people and ecosystems from the impacts of near-term climate change. Like a medical foundation, SilverLining works to advance research, promote effective policies, and engage with the public in its efforts to ensure a safe climate. For more information, visit www.silverlining.ngo . About the University of Washington: Established in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the pre-eminent public higher education and research institutions in the world. With an enrollment of 60,000 students across more than 200 academic majors, the UW is dedicated to providing access to an excellent education for all students. The University is home to more than 100 members of the U.S. National Academies and elite programs in many fields, and is consistently among the nation's top five universities in receipt of federal research funding. Learn more at washington.edu . SOURCE SilverLining Provides Notice and Details of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders TORONTO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - New Gold Inc. ("New Gold" or the "Company") (TSX and NYSE American: NGD) is providing notice that it will release its first quarter 2024 operational and financial results after market close on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The Company will host its first quarter 2024 earnings conference call and webcast on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 8:30 am Eastern Time. First Quarter 2024 Conference Call and Webcast Participants may listen to the webcast by registering on our website at www.newgold.com or via the following link https://app.webinar.net/g2ZWDWpOq6Q Participants may also listen to the conference call by calling North American toll free 1-888-664-6383, or 1-416-764-8650 outside of the U.S. and Canada , passcode 48240748. , passcode 48240748. To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number at https://emportal.ink/49Ba0Hy to receive an instant automated call back. A recorded playback of the conference call will be available until June 1, 2024 by calling North American toll free 1-888-390-0541, or 1-416-764-8677 outside of the U.S. and Canada , passcode 240748. An archived webcast will also be available at www.newgold.com. 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders The Company will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:00 pm Eastern Time (the "Meeting"). The Meeting will not include a formal presentation by management. The Meeting will be conducted virtually to maximize shareholder accessibility to the meeting. Participants will be able to join via the following link https://web.lumiagm.com/426295035. A virtual Meeting affords all shareholders an equal ability to attend and participate in the Meeting, regardless of geographic location. At the virtual Meeting, registered shareholders, non-registered (or beneficial) shareholders and their duly appointed proxyholders will be able to participate, ask questions and vote in "real time" through an online portal. Non-registered shareholders must carefully follow the procedures set out in the management information circular (the "Circular") if they wish to appoint themselves as a proxyholder to vote at the Meeting and ask questions through the live webcast. Non-registered shareholders who do not follow the procedures set out in the Circular, along with other stakeholders who do not own common shares, will nonetheless be able to view a live webcast of the Meeting but will not be able to ask questions or vote. New Gold's Circular, as well as a virtual annual general meeting user guide, may be found on New Gold's website at https://newgold.com/news-events/annual-meeting-of-shareholders/default.aspx or under New Gold's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. About New Gold New Gold is a Canadian-focused intermediate mining company with a portfolio of two core producing assets in Canada, the Rainy River gold mine and the New Afton copper-gold mine. The Company also holds other Canadian-focused investments. New Gold's vision is to build a leading diversified intermediate gold company based in Canada that is committed to the environment and social responsibility. For further information on the Company, visit www.newgold.com . SOURCE New Gold Inc. WASHINGTON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- April is national Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Today, the nonprofit Population Institute released a report on harmful gender-based practices in the U.S., including female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), femicide, and child marriage. "Behind Closed Doors: Exposing and Addressing Harmful Gender-Based Practices in the United States," exposes abusive gender practices' prevalence and deep roots in American culture. They aren't "foreign" problems, but tragically embedded in American life. They occur "behind closed doors," but on a surprisingly large scale, and demand recognition and redress. For example: The U.S. positions itself as a leader in combatting FGM/C abroad, yet more than 500,000 women and girls in the U.S. are at risk or have already undergone FGM/C. Nine states and Washington D.C. still do not have any laws against FGM/C. Of those that do, many fail to fully protect the vulnerable. still do not have any laws against FGM/C. Of those that do, many fail to fully protect the vulnerable. The U.S. has one of the highest rates of femicide among high-income countries: 2.2 per 100,000 women. Women in the U.S. are 28 times more likely to be intentionally murdered by guns than women in peer countries. A pending decision from the U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Rahimi stands to greatly exacerbate femicide risks by loosening a loophole that would allow people under domestic violence restraining orders to obtain guns. stands to greatly exacerbate femicide risks by loosening a loophole that would allow people under domestic violence restraining orders to obtain guns. An estimated 300,000 minors in the U.S. were married between 2000 and 2018, the vast majority underage girls. The Washington state and Virginia state legislatures just passed laws setting the minimum marriage age to 18 (though it's unclear whether Governor Youngkin will sign Virginia's law). They are only the 11 th and 12 th states to pass such laws. No states have laws against virginity testing, despite reports of U.S. physicians receiving requests for virginity tests, including before forced marriage. and state legislatures just passed laws setting the minimum marriage age to 18 (though it's unclear whether Governor Youngkin will sign law). They are only the 11 and 12 states to pass such laws. No states have laws against virginity testing, despite reports of U.S. physicians receiving requests for virginity tests, including before forced marriage. Studies show gender-based harms disproportionately impact the LGBTQI+ community. In 2023 at least 510 anti-LGBTQI+ bills were introduced across the U.S. in 2023 which would make the problem even worse. "To cast these gender-based harms as outside problems only is rooted in misguided American exceptionalism," says report author, Population Institute's Maniza Habib. "This is a major disservice. 'Behind Closed Doors' is a wake-up call urging us to confront the uncomfortable truth that harmful gender-based practices are a problem that involves us and our communities." Habib and other experts are available for interviews. Source: www.populationinstitute.org Contact: Stephen Kent, [email protected], 914-589-5988 SOURCE Population Institute "When you combine storybook prints and warm tropical aesthetics with fine design elements, you create a beautiful collection like this one," said Austin Hodges, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Nuna Baby. "We're excited to be part of this exclusive partnership with Liberty London to offer families another fashionable option that still meets our high standards for our children's products." "Liberty London has celebrated contemporary design and craftsmanship since its inception. It's only natural that we partner with a brand that shares our values of championing iconic design and premium materials," said Esther Saint, Director of Trade Marketing at Nuna. The Fantasy Land collection marks the exciting debut of the Nuna BRYN highchair featuring hand-selected maple wood accents and constructed of high-quality materials that are BPA- and DEHP-free. The limited edition chair, retailing for $450, has no visible hardware or screws and showcases the clean and smart functionality of Dutch design. It blends seamlessly into any home aesthetic and can be used when a child can sit up unaided, approximately 6-months, up to 60lbs. Adding to the collection is the Nuna CUDL clik carrier, designed to fit ergonomically to baby's body for maximum comfort. It offers four positions with a buckled waistband and removable wristlet pouch. Priced at $250, the cudl clik carrier grows with the baby through their toddler years. Completing the Fantasy Collection lineup is the Nuna TRIV next, an award-winning compact full-feature stroller that is ideal for on-the-go lifestyles. It's priced at $700. For more information about the Fantasy Land collection, please click here to access the press kit and visit Nunababy.com/usa/collections/fantasy-land . ABOUT LIBERTY Born in 1875 from the adventurous and disruptive spirit of Arthur Lasenby Liberty, the brand has remained true to its heritage and is famed for its print, fabrics, and design. Liberty continues to be associated with the world of arts and culture, building on its founder's legacy to seek out the new and the beautiful. Today, Liberty is recognised as an artistic movement, known for its cultural collaborations, inspiring curation, and directional design. LibertyLondon.com, @LibertyLondon. ABOUT NUNA Nuna, the global brand inspired by the clean lines and ingenuity of Dutch design, has been focusing on creating smart, helpful and bold baby gear since 2007. First-hand experiences in parenthood show that practicality and beauty are the perfect balance when it comes to Nuna's clever solutions that span across car seat, stroller, and in-home categories. Nuna products are as easy, secure, and as flexible as new parents need it to be. With thoughtful design put into every detail, Nuna designs around your life. Find out more at nunababy.com/usa . SOURCE Nuna Baby WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED Teamsters Applaud State Legislature and Gov. Tina Kotek for Protecting Warehouse Workers' Rights, Improving Safety Standards SALEM, Ore., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Teamsters applaud Gov. Tina Kotek for signing into law HB 4127, a bill that will improve worker safety in the e-commerce and warehouse industries by ensuring that workplace quotas do not interfere with workers' rights and safety standards. "Oregon warehouse workers have long been subjected to unsafe working conditions due to secretive and unrealistic production quotas generated using arbitrary computer algorithms," said Mark Davison, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and President of Joint Council 37. "Governor Tina Kotek's signing of HB 4127 is a significant stride toward ensuring the safety and well-being of workers, and it addresses the exploitative quota systems used by profit-driven companies like Amazon." "This law is a big step forward for workers in our state," said Austin DePaolo, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 223. "It will improve workers' rights by providing workers with transparency and holding companies that utilize arbitrary quotas accountable. I thank the state legislature and Governor Kotek for protecting working people and improving safety standards." "By establishing the expectations of workers' employment and eliminating arbitrary quota systems, we are prioritizing the safety and rights of workers in our state," said Steve Konopa, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 305 and Joint Council 37 Legislative Director. "I want to thank Governor Tina Kotek, House Speaker Dan Rayfield, Rep. Ricki Ruiz, and Senators Wlnsvey Campos, Chris Gorsek, James Manning, and Kathleen Taylor for their support in prioritizing this important piece of legislation." Nationwide, Teamsters are advocating for laws that protect the rights of warehouse workers and address unrealistic quotas and hazardous safety conditions. California, Connecticut, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and other states have passed similar legislation. Teamsters Joint Council 37 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Oregon. For more information, go to https://www.jcteamsters37.com/. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 37 TILLSON, N.Y., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Overdose , a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing overdose events and deaths, is pleased to announce its partnership with Pear Suite , a healthcare company working to empower community health workers (CHWs) to better address social determinants of health (SDOH). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in training individuals, providers and communities to prevent overdose events. The partnership between Zero Overdose and Pear Suite comes as a response to the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the growing behavioral health needs being cared for by community providers. Pear Suite CEO Colby Takeda shared his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing "Community health workers are on the frontlines, tirelessly working with clients to bridge the gap between health and social challenges. This partnership will equip thousands of community health workers in our network with invaluable resources and knowledge, empowering them to combat the overdose epidemic and save lives." Zero Overdose and Pear Suite will combine their expertise to provide training to thousands of community health workers and other HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) providers across the country. The primary objectives are to enhance motivational interviewing and counseling skills, improve job satisfaction, and expand access to important health information. Training topics include de-escalation, suicide safer care, overdose safety planning and harm reduction. Tom McCary, Co-founder of Zero Overdose, "This is exactly the kind of partnership Zero Overdose is designed for, bringing skills and tools to individuals on the front lines." Together, Zero Overdose and Pear Suite are committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals affected by substance abuse and overdose. About Pear Suite: Pear Suite is a digital health company that empowers community health workers with its social care navigation platform. With the Pear Suite platform, health plans, providers, and community-based organizations can boost client engagement, improve health outcomes, and reduce the cost of care in a person-centered, culturally, and linguistically sensitive way. Pear Suite has supported dozens of organizations and impacted more than 25,000 lives. For more information, please visit pearsuite.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter . About Zero Overdose: Zero Overdose is a nonprofit organization committed to preventing overdose events and deaths through use of overdose safety planning, advocacy, education, and community outreach initiatives. For more information visit www.ZeroOverdose.org CONTACT: Lauren Burke, [email protected] SOURCE Zero Overdose CHICAGO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Penetration Testing Market's future will be determined by the adoption of DevSecOps methods, automation and artificial intelligence integration, and specialised testing for sophisticated technologies like cloud computing and the Internet of Things. In addition to worldwide expansion and possible service provider consolidation, other factors that will propel market evolution include red team testing, regulatory changes, and improved reporting with threat intelligence integration. The global Penetration Testing Market is proliferating, valued at USD 1.7 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 3.9 billion by 2029, with a significant % growth rate of 17.1%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The remarkable growth is attributed to several factors, such as cyber threats, which are constantly evolving, becoming more complex, and posing ongoing challenges. Organizations are placing a greater emphasis on cybersecurity, actively fortifying their defenses against various tactics employed by cybercriminals. The rise of remote work and interconnected systems underscores the need for robust penetration testing measures. Stricter regulations like GDPR mandate the adoption of advanced cybersecurity solutions. In this dynamic cybersecurity landscape, penetration testing plays a pivotal role. It simulates real-world cyberattacks, helping organizations identify and address system vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them. By proactively identifying weaknesses, penetration testing enhances cyber resilience, strengthening organizations' overall security posture. The growing demand for robust cybersecurity measures, combined with the evolving threat landscape, is propelling the significant growth of the Penetration Testing Market. Browse in-depth TOC on "Penetration Testing Market" 374 - Tables 48 - Figures 329 - Pages Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=13422019 Scope of the Report Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2019-2029 Base year considered 2023 Forecast period 2024-2029 Forecast units Value (USD) Million/Billion Segments Covered By offering, type, deployment mode, organization size, type, vertical and region Region covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Rapid7(US), Secureworks(US), Synopsys(US), Crowdstrike(US), IBM(US), Coalfire Labs(US), Indium Software(US), Cigniti Technologies(US), Trustwave(US), Cisco Systems(US), Fortinet(US), Bugcrowd(US), Invicti(US), Hackerone(US),Raxis(US), Rsi Security(US), Rhino Security Labs(US), Sciencesoft(US), Portswigger(US), Netraguard(US), Software Secured(Canada), Vumentric Cybersecurity(Canada), Netitude(UK), Zimperium(US), Nowsecure(US), Security Metrics(US), NetSpi(US), Covertswarm(UK), Holm Security(Sweden), Intruder Systems(UK), Breachlock(US), Isecurion(India), Redbot Security(US). By deployment mode, the cloud segment is expected to demonstrate the highest growth rate in the Penetration Testing Market during the forecast period. Growth in the cloud-based Penetration Testing Market is driven by businesses' swift adoption of cloud services for flexibility, cost-efficiency, and remote work capabilities. This shift expands the potential targets for cyber threats, necessitating robust security measures. Cloud environments pose unique security challenges compared to traditional setups, demanding specialized testing methods. Cybercriminals increasingly target cloud platforms, intensifying the need for advanced testing approaches. Cloud-based penetration testing offers scalability, cost savings, automation, and remote access advantages, boosting appeal. Cloud solutions simplify compliance with regulations and address the shortage of skilled testers. The overall growth reflects the escalating reliance on cloud technologies and the crucial need for security. Request Sample Pages@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=13422019 Based on organization size, the SMEs segment is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are becoming more aware of cyber threats and their potential impact, prompting them to invest in cybersecurity measures. Penetration testing service providers offer cost-effective solutions tailored to SMEs' needs, making cybersecurity more accessible. Regulatory mandates and limited in-house expertise further drive SMEs towards penetration testing services. Factors like rapid digitalization, evolving cyber threats, and the availability of managed security service providers are also contributing to the high growth rate in this segment, addressing SMEs' increasing vulnerability and the need for robust cybersecurity solutions. Asia Pacific is anticipated to experience substantial growth in the Penetration Testing Market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is poised to witness significant expansion in the Penetration Testing Market during the forecast period, driven by escalating cybersecurity concerns, stringent regulatory requirements, and the rapid adoption of digital technologies across industries. With the proliferation of cyber threats and the increasing sophistication of attacks, organizations are prioritizing proactive measures to identify and address vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure and applications. Penetration testing, a vital component of cybersecurity strategies, enables businesses to assess their security posture, uncover potential weaknesses, and implement effective remediation measures. As governments and regulatory bodies in the region impose stricter data protection regulations, the demand for penetration testing services is expected to surge, further fueling market growth. The continued digital transformation initiatives and the growing reliance on cloud services contribute to the heightened need for robust security testing solutions, positioning the Asia Pacific Penetration Testing Market for substantial expansion in the coming years. Top Key Companies in Penetration Testing Market: The major players in the Penetration Testing Market are Rapid7(US), Secureworks(US), Synopsys(US), Crowdstrike(US), IBM(US), Coalfire Labs(US), Indium Software(US), Cigniti Technologies(US), Trustwave(US), Cisco Systems(US), Fortinet(US), Bugcrowd(US), Invicti(US), Hackerone(US),Raxis(US), Rsi Security(US), Rhino Security Labs(US), Sciencesoft(US), Portswigger(US), Netraguard(US), Software Secured(Canada), Vumentric Cybersecurity(Canada), Netitude(UK), Zimperium(US), Nowsecure(US), Security Metrics(US), NetSpi(US), Covertswarm(UK), Holm Security(Sweden), Intruder Systems(UK), Breachlock(US), Isecurion(India), Redbot Security(US). Recent Developments Oct 2023 - Rapid7's recent acquisition of Penumbra Security bolsters its security offerings by integrating Penumbra's Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) platform. This strategic move enhances Rapid7's penetration testing capabilities by amalgamating traditional vulnerability assessments with real-world attack simulations. By leveraging Penumbra's BAS platform, Rapid7 aims to provide customers with a more holistic and proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling them to identify and address potential vulnerabilities more effectively while simulating realistic attack scenarios to fortify their defenses. - Rapid7's recent acquisition of Penumbra Security bolsters its security offerings by integrating Penumbra's Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) platform. This strategic move enhances Rapid7's penetration testing capabilities by amalgamating traditional vulnerability assessments with real-world attack simulations. By leveraging Penumbra's BAS platform, Rapid7 aims to provide customers with a more holistic and proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling them to identify and address potential vulnerabilities more effectively while simulating realistic attack scenarios to fortify their defenses. Sep 2023 Tenable has unveiled a pioneering cloud-native penetration testing solution tailored for cloud environments, marking a significant advancement in cybersecurity. This innovative platform responds to the escalating need to fortify cloud infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. Tenable's solution offers organizations comprehensive protection and peace of mind by focusing on cloud-specific security challenges. With the increasing migration to cloud computing, this initiative underscores Tenable's commitment to providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that effectively safeguard digital assets in today's dynamic threat landscape. Tenable has unveiled a pioneering cloud-native penetration testing solution tailored for cloud environments, marking a significant advancement in cybersecurity. This innovative platform responds to the escalating need to fortify cloud infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. Tenable's solution offers organizations comprehensive protection and peace of mind by focusing on cloud-specific security challenges. With the increasing migration to cloud computing, this initiative underscores Tenable's commitment to providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that effectively safeguard digital assets in today's dynamic threat landscape. Aug 2023 - The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released the latest iteration of its Penetration Testing Standard (ISO/IEC 29119:2023), offering a structured framework for conducting penetration testing exercises. This comprehensive standard sets guidelines and best practices, promoting consistency and efficiency across the industry. Organizations can ensure thorough assessments of their security posture by providing a clear roadmap for penetration testing engagements. ISO's initiative underscores the importance of standardized approaches in enhancing cybersecurity and mitigating risks in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. - The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released the latest iteration of its Penetration Testing Standard (ISO/IEC 29119:2023), offering a structured framework for conducting penetration testing exercises. This comprehensive standard sets guidelines and best practices, promoting consistency and efficiency across the industry. Organizations can ensure thorough assessments of their security posture by providing a clear roadmap for penetration testing engagements. ISO's initiative underscores the importance of standardized approaches in enhancing cybersecurity and mitigating risks in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. Jul 2023 - The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled its latest Cybersecurity Strategy, highlighting the critical role of proactive measures such as penetration testing in strengthening the nation's cybersecurity posture. Emphasizing prevention over reaction, the strategy underscores the significance of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. The DHS aims to enhance resilience against cyber threats by prioritizing proactive approaches like penetration testing and safeguarding vital national infrastructure and assets from potential attacks. - The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled its latest Cybersecurity Strategy, highlighting the critical role of proactive measures such as penetration testing in strengthening the nation's cybersecurity posture. Emphasizing prevention over reaction, the strategy underscores the significance of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. The DHS aims to enhance resilience against cyber threats by prioritizing proactive approaches like penetration testing and safeguarding vital national infrastructure and assets from potential attacks. Jun 2023 - The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has issued a report focusing on penetration testing in cloud environments, shedding light on the increasing demand for methodologies explicitly tailored to cloud infrastructure. Stressing the significance of embedding security measures throughout the software development lifecycle, the report underscores the necessity for proactive approaches to address evolving cyber threats effectively. ENISA aims to promote a comprehensive security framework that safeguards cloud-based systems against potential vulnerabilities by highlighting the importance of cloud-specific penetration testing methodologies. Inquire Before Buying@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=13422019 Penetration Testing Market Advantages: Penetration testing assists in finding weaknesses in the system before actual attackers may take use of them. By taking a proactive stance, organisations can increase their security posture and address issues. Penetration testing gives organisations the ability to efficiently prioritise and eliminate risks by identifying vulnerabilities and flaws in systems. As a result, there is a decreased chance of cyberattacks being effective and their possible effects on company operations. Penetration testing increases stakeholders' and employees' knowledge of possible security risks and the value of upholding a safe workplace. This promotes an organisational culture that is security-conscious. Organisations can assess their incident response capabilities and preparedness to successfully handle security incidents through penetration testing. As a result, they may improve their response processes and lessen the effect of cyberattacks. Organisations may preserve the trust of stakeholders, partners, and consumers by proactively detecting and resolving security issues. This is especially important for sectors where data security and privacy are critical. Although penetration testing is an upfront expense, organisations can save money in the long run by avoiding expensive data breaches, monetary losses, fines from the government, and reputational harm from cyberattacks. Organisations can gain a competitive advantage by regularly conducting penetration tests to show their dedication to security and to reassure partners and customers about the safety of their assets and data. Report Objectives To describe and forecast the global Penetration Testing Market by offering, type, deployment mode, organization size, vertical, and region To forecast the market size of five central regions: North America , Europe , Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America , , (APAC), and (MEA), and To analyze the subsegments of the market concerning individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall market To provide detailed information related to significant factors (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges) influencing the growth of the market To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide the competitive landscape details of major players To profile the key players of the Penetration Testing Market and comprehensively analyze their market shares and core competencies To track and analyze competitive developments, such as Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), new product developments, and partnerships and collaborations in the market To track and analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the Penetration Testing Market Browse Adjacent Market: Information Security Market Research Reports & Consulting Browse Other Reports: Exposure Management Market - Global Forecast to 2029 Identity Verification Market - Global Forecast to 2028 SASE Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Edge Security Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Encryption Software Market - Global Forecast to 2026 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/penetration-testing-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/penetration-testing.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets May 17 - 19, 2024 PENSACOLA, Fla., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pensacola proudly announces its inaugural Pensacola Navy Days celebration, scheduled for May 17-19 in Downtown Pensacola. This three-day event aims to honor the valor of past and present military personnel stationed at Naval Aviation Station Pensacola and surrounding military installations. Navy Days hopes to reinforce the unbreakable bond between the Pensacola community and our nation's military heroes. As the cradle of Naval Aviation, Pensacola and its residents hold a deep respect for the military, making this event a cornerstone of local and national pride. "Pensacola has long stood as a beacon of military pride, tracing back to the founding of the Pensacola Navy Yard by the U.S. Navy in 1825," said Retired Navy Capt. Tim Kinsella, Chairman of Navy Days. "Navy Days serves as a poignant testament to the deep-seated reverence our community holds for its military service members, their families, and our esteemed veterans." Event Highlights: Gallery Night - Friday, May 17 , 5 - 9 p.m. Downtown Pensacola's popular Gallery Night will be themed for Navy Days/Military Appreciation to honor the men and women serving our country. Wear red, white and blue and join in the festivities. Downtown Pensacola's popular Gallery Night will be themed for Navy Days/Military Appreciation to honor the men and women serving our country. Wear red, white and blue and join in the festivities. Navy Days "Night at The Museum" Gala - Friday, May 17 , 6:30 - 10 p.m. The National Naval Aviation Museum plays host to this black tie/service mess dress affair featuring special guest speaker Admiral Harry Harris USN (Ret.). Tickets are now available for purchase. The National Naval Aviation Museum plays host to this black tie/service mess dress affair featuring special guest speaker Admiral Harry Harris USN (Ret.). Tickets are now available for purchase. Navy Days 4K Run/Walk - Saturday, May 18 , 8 a.m. This unique 4K (2.4 miles) race starts at Community Maritime Park and loops through Downtown to Veterans Memorial Park and back. Come for the race and stay for the parade! Registration is now open. This unique (2.4 miles) race starts at Community Maritime Park and loops through Downtown to Veterans Memorial Park and back. Come for the race and stay for the parade! Registration is now open. Navy Days Parade - Saturday, May 18 , 9:30 a.m. Gather along Pensacola's waterfront for this exciting parade featuring military equipment, squadrons, Sailors of the Year, bands and drill teams, with the support of many of Pensacola's best Mardi Gras Krewes. The parade starts at Veterans Memorial Park and ends at Community Maritime Park. Gather along waterfront for this exciting parade featuring military equipment, squadrons, Sailors of the Year, bands and drill teams, with the support of many of best Mardi Gras Krewes. The parade starts at Veterans Memorial Park and ends at Community Maritime Park. Navy Days At Community Maritime Park - Saturday, May 18 , 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The celebration continues with a day filled with activities for the whole family including a Kids Fun Zone with free activities, food trucks, military vehicles on display, tours of Navy vessels, ROTC demonstrations and a military/veterans' fair. The celebration continues with a day filled with activities for the whole family including a Kids Fun Zone with free activities, food trucks, military vehicles on display, tours of Navy vessels, ROTC demonstrations and a military/veterans' fair. Blues on the Bay Concert - Sunday, May 19 , 6 - 8 p.m. Pack a cooler and blanket and join us at the Community Maritime Park Amphitheater for a free concert featuring the Modern Eldorados. "I extend a heartfelt invitation to our military community, residents, and visitors alike, to join us in this new tradition. Let us unite in celebration, honoring the legacy of our military and the resilient spirit of our beloved community," Kinsella furthered. Navy Days is open to the public, with lodging specials for out-of-town visitors. For more information on event schedules, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorship, please visit pensacolanavydays.com. Pensacola Navy Days is not just an event; it's a powerful expression of gratitude, a historical homage, and a vibrant celebration of unity. Mark your calendars for May 17-19, 2024, and be a part of history in the making. About Pensacola Navy Days Pensacola Navy Days was created to foster a mutually positive and lasting relationship between the local and military communities, celebrate and publicize the rich military heritage of the Greater Pensacola Area, and highlight Pensacola as the premier military-friendly community in the Southeastern United States for veterans and service members alike. SOURCE Pensacola Navy Days What: First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps featuring 16 photographs made by the esteemed artist and environmentalist. The first-day-of-issue event for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps is free and open to all visitors of Yosemite National Park. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #AnselAdamsStamps. Who: The Hon. Daniel Tangherlini, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, will serve as the dedicating official. Matthew Adams, grandson of Ansel Adams Cicely Muldoon, superintendent, Yosemite National Park Scott Gediman, public affairs officer, Yosemite National Park Shelton Johnson, park ranger, Yosemite National Park Alan Ross, photographer When: May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. PDT Where: The Ansel Adams Gallery 9031 Village Drive Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 RSVP: Ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/anseladamsstamps. Background: Experience the wonder of the American West through the lens of one of America's most iconic photographers, Ansel Adams (1902-1984). This pane of 16 stamps features some of Adams' most famous images in his signature "straight photography" style, an approach defined by its precision and directness. The first row of stamps, left to right, features "Half Dome, Merced River, Winter, Yosemite National Park, California" (1938); "Oak Tree, Sunset City, Sierra Foothills, California" (1962); "Thundercloud, Ellery Lake, High Sierra, Sierra Nevada, California" (1934); and "Denali and Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska" (1947). The second row, left to right, features "The Golden Gate and Bridge from Baker Beach, San Francisco, California" (c.1953); "Road and Fog, Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach, California" (1964); "Rock and Grass, Moraine Lake, Sequoia National Park, California" (1936); and "Leaves, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington" (c.1942). The third row, left to right, features "Monument Valley, Arizona" (1958); "Tetons and Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming" (1942); "Jeffrey Pine, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park, California" (1940); and "Mirror Lake, Mount Watkins, Spring, Yosemite National Park, California" (1935). The fourth row, left to right, features "Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado" (1951); "Aspens, Dawn, Autumn, Dolores River Canyon, Colorado" (1937); "Road After Rain, Northern California" (1960); and "Dunes, Oceano, California" (1963). As evidenced by the striking images in this collection, Adams devoted much of his career to the advancement of photography as a fine art. Derry Noyes, an art director with USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs. Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com. National contact: David P. Coleman Cell: 202-425-1476 [email protected] Local contact: Meiko Patton [email protected] usps.com/news SOURCE U.S. Postal Service PhenoScope can cut drug development time and costs significantly, while delivering safer & more effective therapy for cancer patients It can provide more precise patient dosing to reduce side effects, increase efficiency and reduce wastage CHICAGO & PALO ALTO, Calif., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SimBioSys, a leading innovator in precision oncology, and General Inception ("GI"), a global company Igniter, today announce a strategic partnership that aims to significantly reduce oncology drug development times and cut development costs by using AI and biophysical modeling to better understand unique tumor spatial biophysical characteristics. PhenoScope, SimBioSys' powerful proprietary technology and service, can analyze vast fields of multi-modal data seamlessly, generating novel insights, including unique spatial biophysical insights in 4-dimension space, for cancer drug discovery and development which are not apparent by looking at one type of data alone. Drawing on SimBioSys' data of more than 12,000 individual cancer patient profiles in 33 solid cancers, and a virtual tumor bank of more than 20,000 spatially resolved tumors, equivalent to more than 100 terabytes of proprietary data, PhenoScope can be used in drug development to predict personalized patient response over time, including drug binding and metabolic response, as well as dosing capabilities across every scenario and delivery. GI, founded in 2020, is a venture studio with a portfolio of over 40 companies, 10 of which are therapeutics, to which it expects to add up to eight new therapeutics every year for the next five years. PhenoScope will enable a deep phenotyping of tumor biology and identification of sets of biomarkers with high predictive value, providing a varied toolkit that is useful across the whole spectrum of drug development, from spotting novel biomarkers for new drugs, to identifying the patients most likely to benefit, guiding on indication selection and combination selection, to identifying the likely optimal therapeutic dose before a clinical trial starts known as 'precision dosing'. Better patient dosing will not only increase efficacy but most importantly reduce unwanted side effects that impact that patient significantly and adds cost to the healthcare system. The growing importance of this is reflected in the US Food and Drug Administration's Oncology Center of Excellence's Project Optimus, an initiative to reform dose optimization and dose selection paradigm in oncology drug development. Drug development in oncology is at high levels, with more than 2,000 products currently under development and drug trial starts up 22% in 2022 from 2018. Emerging biopharma companies account for 71% of this pipeline. Spending on cancer medicines is expected to reach $375Bn globally by 2027, up from $196Bn in 2022.[1] Venkat Reddy, Chief Scientific Officer of General Inception, said: "This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of more effective, personalized cancer therapies, as all new oncology drug incubations under General Inception will be able to use SimBioSys' state-of-the-art PhenoScope platform and drug development services. More efficient target identification, credentialing, and clinical positioning will significantly reduce the time it takes to get to the clinic and improve efficacy through patient stratification, precision medicine approaches, and other means. Under this agreement, General Inception's incubated companies will have the ability to accelerate their pipelines thanks to these advanced capabilities." Tushar Pandey, Chief Executive Officer of SimBioSys, said: "Together, we are committed to introducing much-needed precision to the drug development process. By partnering with General Inception, we can cut their oncology drug development time and costs significantly. Not only will that reduce program costs but also increase efficacy and reduce patient side effects through better dosing. This strategic relationship not only underscores our commitment to innovation in the fight against cancer but also promises to deliver groundbreaking precision oncology drugs to patients faster than ever before." About SimBioSys, Inc. SimBioSys is a pioneering TechBio company harnessing the power of spatial biophysics with artificial intelligence and biophysical modeling to redefine precision medicine, revolutionize patient care and defeat cancer. By seeing cancer more completely, SimBioSys aims to empower clinicians, patients, and researchers with a more informed understanding of a patient's tumor to optimally assess all available options and deliver on the promise of truly individualized patient care. To learn more, visit us at https://www.simbiosys.com/. About PhenoScope PhenoScope is SimBioSys' innovative cancer research solution. The platform enables multi-model data integration, includes a comprehensive virtual tumor bank and utilizes SimBioSys' proprietary 4D Tumor Response Prediction Engine to generate novel insights for discovery and clinical development. It allows for multi-scale data alignment (e.g. multi-omics, digital pathology, imaging) to uncover insights otherwise not apparent at single scales. The 3D tumor bank has a vast collection of spatially resolved tumor models, including AI-segmented imaging, digital pathology, sequencing and real-world outcomes data. It can perform deep phenotyping of tumor biology and physics to develop pathway activity insights and project tumor response to therapy over time. To learn more about PhenoScope, visit https://simbiosys.com/phenoscope/. About General Inception General Inception (GI) is pioneering company creation as an Igniter company. General Inception partners with extraordinary scientific founders at the inception of their journey to efficiently translate their groundbreaking innovations into transformational companies that address humanity's grand challenges. As a business co-founder, GI brings together domain and functional expertise, executive talent, infrastructure and development resources, and capital to ignite, nurture and scale the company journey. GI is backed by leading venture capital firms Genoa Ventures, Hughes Ventures, Northpond Ventures, OMX Ventures, Paladin Capital Group, and Vertical Venture Partners. For more information, please visit https://www.generalinception.com/. [1] Source: Global Oncology Trends 2023 - IQVIA SOURCE SimBioSys RIAC will offer extremely rare and historic firearms previously owned by Presidents Roosevelt and Ford, among 2,100 other lots, during its May Premier Auction BEDFORD, Texas, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC) will offer a historic and rare selection of firearms once owned by Presidents Roosevelt and Ford at its May Premier Auction, scheduled for Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 in Bedford, TX. The impressive array will feature a percussion rifle from President Theodore Roosevelt's collection and five remarkable sporting arms owned by President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. President Gerald Ford's Sporting Arms Up for Auction at RIAC's May Premier Auction in Bedford, TX "Presidential arms have historically performed extremely well," says Kevin Hogan, President of Rock Island Auction Company. "With their legacy tied to such an important office, most presidential owned firearms are institutionalized. The select few offered for private sale are immensely rare and rank among the most sought-after objects in the fine arms field." President Gerald Ford's Sporting Arms Serving as president during the bicentennial year of 1976, President Gerald R. Ford Jr. was presented five fine, engraved sporting arms from Winchester, Browning and Ruger that will be available in three separate lots at the May Premier Auction. The first, a gold inlaid Winchester Model 21 bicentennial double-barrel shotgun, stands as a pinnacle in American firearm craftsmanship, having been built and personally engraved for President Ford. A large gold presidential seal is inlaid beneath the shotgun, which comes with an extra barrel set in a bespoke case with gold text that reads "President Gerald R. Ford, United States of America." The Model 21, with its rich historical significance, is expected to have a pre-auction value of $125,000 $250,000. President Ford was also presented with a factory-engraved game scene pair of Browning Model 1885 single-shot rifles. The pair exhibits stunning engraving as well as depicting bald eagles and bison in gold relief, strong symbols for a bicentennial presentation. They carry a pre-auction estimate of $75,000 - $125,000. The bicentennial presentations also included a pair of Ruger No. 1 single-shot rifles engraved and gold inlaid by master James Meek. With semi-relief gold animals on each side, the pair also bears numerous presentation markings. Even the leather-bound case is marked on its lid, "Presented to President Gerald R. Ford by the Republican national Committee." The Ruger No. 1s are expected to have a pre-auction value of $40,000 $60,000. President Theodore Roosevelt's Rifle From President Theodore Roosevelt's personal collection comes a documented and historic, half-stock percussion rifle. Roosevelt received this Hawken rifle just prior to a friend's death in 1893, who also indicated that he had personally seen the rifle used by American frontier legend, Kit Carson. The rifle, made by one of the most well-known early American gunsmiths, is likely the largest of its type and would've been used for target shooting and bison. The rifle remained in Roosevelt's collection until 1907 when the then-sitting president eventually loaned the historic rifle to the Boone & Crockett Club, a conservation organization he had helped found. The gun has also been displayed at Sagamore Hill, which served as Roosevelt's home for more than three decades and now serves as a museum and historic site. The tie to Kit Carson, Roosevelt's ownership, the revered makers, and its placement in collections both private and institutional, all make this rifle a supremely valuable prospect for fine arms collectors. The rifle's pre-auction estimate is $55,000-$85,000. These presidential firearms are just a glimpse into the 2,100 lots featured at RIAC's May Premier Auction. After the grand opening of RIAC's Bedford facility in December of 2023, the world's number one firearms auction house is pleased to host its first premier auction of 2024. For additional information on Rock Island Auction Company and other highlights of the May event, visit: www.rockislandauction.com. About Rock Island Auction Company: Rock Island Auction Company is the world's no. 1 auction company for firearms, bladed weapons and militaria. Founded in 1993 by its current CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC continues to lead the industry with record sales numbers and its extensive and well-crafted marketing efforts. The company's 150,000 square-foot Illinois campus consists of two buildings and serves as the company's hub for catalog and content production. The 90,000 square-foot Bedford facility opened in December 2023 and will host six of the company's 18+ auctions each year. RIAC actively seeks consignments, be it a single weapon or a collection of hundreds, an item valued at $1,000 or $1 million. Media Contact: Mattie Van Gundy (713) 409-1835 [email protected] SOURCE Rock Island Auction Company MARLBOROUGH, Mass., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantiphi , an AI-first digital engineering company, has announced The Business Intelligence Group has awarded its transformational generative AI platform, baioniq , with the prestigious, Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards 2024 in the "Generative AI product" category, which recognizes organizations, products or individuals who leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real-world challenges. baioniq , is an enterprise-ready generative AI platform that empowers organizations to supercharge the productivity of their workforce across industries by applying generative AI to their tasks. baioniq automates workflows, manages data and revolutionizes core business operations through generative AI , enabling organizations to overcome prior limitations, increase productivity and access latent potential stored within their data to drive quantifiable business improvements. Quantiphi Co-Founder Asif Hasan said he's proud of Quantiphi and the baioniq team for the tireless work that has taken the generative AI platform from a mere idea on paper to an award-winning tool that provides enterprises with a significant competitive advantage. "This award marks a major win for baioniq and for our many customers who have leveraged the power of generative AI," Hasan said. "It speaks volumes about the robustness and market resonance of baioniq and Quantiphi 's reputation as an AI leader helping our customers unlock enterprise value through generative AI." "As Artificial Intelligence continues to play a pivotal role in shaping our lives, we are delighted to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of companies like Quantiphi and their revolutionary product baioniq," Business Intelligence Group Chief Nominations Officer Maria Jimenez said. "Their dedication to excellence and groundbreaking AI applications have earned them this esteemed recognition." About Quantiphi: Quantiphi is an award-winning AI-first digital engineering company driven by the desire to reimagine and realize transformational opportunities at the heart of the business. Since its inception in 2013, Quantiphi has solved the toughest and most complex business problems by combining deep industry experience, disciplined cloud and data-engineering practices, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence research to achieve accelerated and quantifiable business results. Learn more at www.quantiphi.com and follow us on Linkedin , X, formerly Twitter and Instagram . About Business Intelligence Group: The Business Intelligence Group aims to recognize true talent and superior performance in the business world. Their award programs are judged by experienced business executives and reward companies whose achievements stand out in their respective domains. Media Contact: Hadley Mayes Quantiphi [email protected] SOURCE Quantiphi WOBURN, Mass., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific Systems, a leader and pioneer in advanced artificial intelligence for defense applications, today announced that retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Andy "Bucket" Loiselle has joined the company as a strategic advisor. Admiral Loiselle's primary role will be to offer critical guidance on programmatics and the acquisition cycle across the Department of Defense, while also developing a foundation for new Naval autonomous combat platforms. Admiral Loiselle served for 35 years in the Navy across five different command tours. He has led an F/A-18C squadron, an amphibious assault ship, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and two different aircraft carrier strike groups. In his final Navy position, he served as the Director of Air Warfare, the principal assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations for all matters concerning Naval Aviation. "During his decorated career with the United States Navy, Admiral Loiselle has acquired valuable experience that we can leverage to develop the next generation of advanced autonomy technology to empower the warfighter," said Kunal Mehra, president of Scientific Systems. "We excited to add Admiral Loiselle to our growing team and leverage the relationships he has developed across the Joint Forces during the significant time he has spent at the Pentagon over his two tours on the Joint Staff. Additionally, he is an expert on the Navy's acquisition cycle, and we look forward to working with him to develop new autonomous capabilities that can enhance the effectiveness of Naval operations." "For decades, Scientific Systems has been a trusted partner of the United States Armed Forces to address a new generation of evolving battlefield threats with disruptive technologies," said Admiral Loiselle. "I am excited to join the Scientific Systems team at a time when they are developing new autonomous capabilities that can give our warfighters an advantage by increasing battlefield situational awareness." Loiselle is a native of Cranston, Rhode Island, and a 1988 graduate of Assumption College with a degree in mathematics. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Holy Cross. He earned his Wings of Gold in January 1991. He earned an Executive Master of Business Administration through the Naval Postgraduate School with a Financial Management subspecialty in 2004 and graduated from the Navy's nuclear power school with honors in 2007. About Scientific Systems Company, Inc. Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) focuses on the creation of Autonomy and AI/ML-enabled capabilities to command, control, communicate with, and manage composable collections of intelligent agents, smart sensors, and autonomous platforms across the domains of space, air, land, and sea. Founded in 1990, the company invents disruptive technologies, develops revolutionary solutions, and builds trusted products for our customers' most challenging missions. To learn more, visit ssci.com Media Contact: Jeff Ostaszewski [email protected] SOURCE Scientific Systems Inc. NEW YORK, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) resulting from allegations that Santander may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Santander securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22671 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On February 5, 2024, the Financial Times published an article entitled "Iran used Lloyds and Santander accounts to evade sanctions." This article stated, in part that "Santander UK provided accounts to British front companies secretly owned by a sanctioned Iranian petrochemicals company based near Buckingham Palace, according to documents seen by the Financial Times." On this news, Santander's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") fell $0.24 per ADS, or 5.7%, to close at $3.94 per ADS on February 5, 2024. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. To build advanced packaging facility for next-generation HBM, while collaborating with Purdue University for R&D Selects Indiana for strong support provided by the state and local government, infrastructure for manufacturing, and talent at Purdue . Industry's first investment in advanced packaging for AI products on American soil, strengthens supply-chain resilience SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SK hynix Inc. (or "the company", www.skhynix.com), the world's leading producer of High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chips, announced today that it will invest an estimated $3.87 billion in West Lafayette, Indiana to build an advanced packaging fabrication and R&D facility for AI products. The project, the first of its kind in the United States, is expected to drive innovation in the nation's AI supply chain, while bringing more than a thousand new jobs to the region. The company held an investment agreement ceremony with officials from Indiana State, Purdue University, and the U.S. government at Purdue University in West Lafayette on the 3rd and officially announced the plan. At the event, officials from each party including Governor of Indiana Eric Holcomb, Senator Todd Young, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Arati Prabhakar, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Arun Venkataraman, Secretary of Commerce State of Indiana David Rosenberg, Purdue University President Mung Chiang, Chairman of Purdue Research Foundation Mitch Daniels, Mayor of city of West Lafayette Erin Easter, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States Hyundong Cho, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago Junghan Kim, SK vice chairman Jeong Joon Yu, SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung and SK hynix Head of Package & Test Choi Woojin, participated. Leveraging its dominant position in the HBM market, SK hynix's new facility will be home to an advanced semiconductor production line that will mass-produce next-generation HBM, the highest-performing Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) chips, which are the critical components of graphic processing units that train AI systems such as ChatGPT. * HBM (High Bandwidth Memory): A high-value, high-performance memory that vertically interconnects multiple DRAM chips and dramatically increases data processing speed in comparison with conventional DRAM products. HBM4 is the sixth generation of its kind, following HBM, HBM2, HBM2E, HBM3 and HBM3E. The company plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2028, while the new facility will also develop future generations of chips and house an advanced packaging R&D line. The site was selected due to Indiana's resilient manufacturing infrastructure and R&D ecosystem, expert intellectuals in the semiconductor field and the talent pipeline at Purdue University, and the strong support provided by the state and local government. Innovation in memory chips continues to drive lower-power operations and performance enhancements in computing. As tech shrinkage and other hardware improvements have hit limits, SK hynix's new chiplet packaging technology has emerged as a promising way to continue enhancing density and performance. As this heterogeneous integration technology becomes more and more important to the future of the semiconductor industry, the company's new initiative in Indiana will help establish the region as a Silicon Heartland: a new semiconductor cluster centered in the Midwest Triangle that will become a magnet for next-generation computing in the AI era. "Indiana is a global leader in innovating and producing the products that will power our future economy, and today's news is proof positive to that fact," said Governor Eric Holcomb. "I'm so proud to officially welcome SK hynix to Indiana, and we're confident this new partnership will enhance the Lafayette-West Lafayette region, Purdue University and the state of Indiana for the long term. This new semiconductor innovation and packaging plant not only reaffirms the state's role in the hard tech sector, but is also another tremendous step forward in advancing U.S. innovation and national security, putting Hoosiers at the forefront of national and global advancements." U.S. Senator Todd Young, a key advocate for the project, said, "SK hynix will soon be a household name in Indiana. This incredible investment demonstrates their confidence in Hoosier workers, and I'm excited to welcome them to our state." Adding, "The CHIPS and Science Act opened a door that Indiana has been able to sprint through, and companies like SK hynix are helping to build our high-tech future." "SK hynix is the global pioneer and dominant market leader in memory chips for AI," Purdue University President Mung Chiang said. "This transformational investment reflects our state and university's tremendous strength in semiconductors, hardware AI, and hard tech corridor. It is also a monumental moment for completing the supply chain of digital economy in our country through chips advanced packaging. Located at Purdue Research Park, the largest facility of its kind at a U.S. university will grow and succeed through innovation." "We are excited to become the first in the industry to build a state-of-the-art advanced packaging facility for AI products in the United States that will help strengthen supply-chain resilience and develop a local semiconductor ecosystem," said SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung. "With this new facility, we hope to advance our goal of providing AI memory chips with unmatched capabilities, serving the needs of our customers." "We are grateful for the support from the Government of Indiana, Purdue University, and the broader community involved, and we look forward to expanding our partnership in the long run." As a technology leader, integrator, and enabler in memory solutions, SK hynix is collaborating with Purdue University, one of the leading research institutions in the U.S., on plans for future R&D projects. These projects include work on advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration with Purdue's Birck Nanotechnology Center and other research institutes and industry partners. They also hope to collaborate on a project related to memory-centric solutions and architecture for the generative AI era, specifically system-level memory design and in/near-memory computing. The company also plans to collaborate with Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College to develop training programs and interdisciplinary degree curricula that will cultivate a high-tech workforce and build a reliable pipeline of new talent. Meanwhile, SK hynix plans to support the work of Purdue Research Foundation and other local non-profits and charities by building partnerships that provide community development, growth opportunities, and leadership training. Separately, SK hynix will also proceed with Korean domestic investments as planned. The company has been working to prepare the site for the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster where it will invest 120 trillion won to build production facilities. The company plans to break ground on the first fab in March of 2025, with plans for completion in early 2027. It will also build a mini fab, a facility with equipment for 300mm wafer processing, to test semiconductor materials, components and equipment. About SK hynix Inc. SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM"), flash memory chips ("NAND flash") and CMOS Image Sensors ("CIS") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com. SOURCE SK hynix Inc. NEW YORK, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 24, 2024, the Province of La Rioja failed to make timely payment of US$26.3mm of principal and interest due under its internationally issued Green Bonds. In so doing, the Province became the only province in Argentina to default on its international debt since the restructuring period of 2020-21. While every other province with internationally-issued debt has made principal amortization payments and serviced its debt promptly, La Rioja stands out for its failure to respect its contractual obligations. This failure is particularly egregious in light of the fact that the proceeds of the Green Bonds were used to construct a series of wind parks, one of which was subsequently sold for US$171mm to Pampa Energia S.A. It is self-evident the Province indeed had the means to service its debt but chose not to. Following its default, the Province publicly commented it would pay the interest (but not the principal) due on February 24 as a "sign of good faith". Whilst good faith implies fulfilling contractual obligations in full (particularly in a case where bondholders' money has generated a valuable return for the Province), to date bondholders have only received partial payment of the interest due. Furthermore, the Province has failed to engage in any manner with bondholders since its default and has provided no response to a proposal for remedying the default provided by the Ad Hoc Group (the "AHG"). As a consequence, the AHG, via its counsel Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has sent today a reservation of rights letter to the Province. The letter called on the Province to pay the balance of amounts that the Province was obliged to pay on February 24 within 14 days. The AHG has reserved all of its rights, including to declare the entire principal amount of the Green Bonds immediately due and payable or take other actions, should the Province continue its current stance. Media Contacts: Keely Gispan [email protected] 203-992-1230 Kylie Souder [email protected] 203-992-1230 SOURCE Ad Hoc Committee of Province of La Rioja Bondholders TAIPEI, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SYNPET, a subsidiary brand of SYNBIO TECH, a leading lactobacillus manufacturer based in Taiwan, is proud to announce its participation at the upcoming Petfood Forum 2024. This premier event for pet food and pet treat manufacturers and industry suppliers will take place from April 29 to May 1 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. SYNPET Showcases Cutting-Edge Postbiotic Solutions at Petfood Forum 2024 With a focus on advancing pet nutrition and well-being, SYNPET specializes in probiotics and postbiotics solutions for pet food and nutritional supplements. As a top probiotic supplier in Asia, SYNPET's parent company, SYNBIO TECH, boasts the largest commercial lactic acid bacterial strain gene collection in Taiwan, as well as a microbiome research center with scientists from multiple biological domains, serving customers in more than 30 countries and holding numerous patents worldwide. SYNPET's integrated technologies, otherwise known as SYNTEK thorough, includes various manufacturing technologies such as strain screening, specialized fermentation, coating, and freeze-drying, enabling the production of effective, stable, and safe probiotics. Leveraging advanced microbiome Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis and scientific trials, SYNPET develops functional probiotics tailored to enhance bone and muscle strength, immunity, weight management, and kidney functions in pets. At Petfood Forum 2024, SYNPET will showcase its headlining product: GABA 20: A postbiotic designed for pets to boost immunity, reduce stress and aggressive behavior. Produced through lactic acid bacteria fermentation, SYNPET's GABA has high bioavailability and boasts a purity over 20%, offering stability for easy processing into various formats such as capsules, powder, and pet food formulations. "We are thrilled to participate in Petfood Forum 2024 and introduce our innovative probiotic solutions to the pet food industry," said Tammy Chang, Vice President of SYNBIO TECH. "Our products are backed by years of research and development, aimed at improving the health and well-being of pets worldwide. We look forward to engaging with industry professionals and exploring opportunities for collaboration and growth." SYNPET welcomes all pet food industry experts to visit its booth #1344 at the Kansas City Convention Center to learn more about its innovative probiotic solutions and advance pet nutrition and well-being together. For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with SYNPET representatives at Petfood Forum 2024, please contact: Lea Wang Multimedia Designer SYNBIO TECH INC. Email: [email protected] For more information about SYNPET and its products, visit www.synbiotech.com/EN/ SOURCE SYNBIO TECH Trend and customers reap benefits of strategic intelligence-first approach DALLAS, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today released comprehensive threat intelligence findings in the wake of the law enforcement-led disruption of the LockBit ransomware group. The unprecedented operation, known as Operation Cronos, marks a significant step forward in the global fight against cyber threats, impacting an entity responsible for an estimated quarter of all ransomware attacks worldwide. To read a copy of the report, Unveiling the Fallout: Operation Cronos' Impact on LockBit Following Landmark Disruption, please visit: https://research.trendmicro.com/LockBitDisruptionAftermath Operation Cronos marks a significant step forward in the global fight against cyber threats. Post this Robert McArdle, head of forward-looking threat research at Trend: "We are immensely supportive of the excellent disruptive work done by international Law Enforcement against the Lockbit group, and our ability to provide support with analysis of their planned upcoming version. Getting ahead of these threat actors not only allowed us to pass on intelligence to law enforcement, but also bolstered the defense of our global customer base. As we dissect the aftermath of this takedown, our commitment to enhancing security defense through global threat intelligence is yielding tangible results." Operation Cronos was different in several ways from many of the typical law enforcement takedowns of criminal groups. More than a mere setback for threat actors, it was a decisive strike that crippled their infrastructure, undercut their financial mechanisms, exposed affiliates, and fractured the trust within their own illicit networks. This cumulative effort has helped to tarnish LockBit's reputation among its networks and the cybercrime community in general, making it inept in its attempts to regroup. Ringleader "Lockbitsupp" has also been banned from two popular underground forums: XSS and Exploit. The group has been trying to rebuild New Onion leak sites launched a week after the operation, and Lockbitsupp is actively seeking brokers selling access to .gov, .edu, and .org TLDsin what appears to be a reprisal for Cronos. However, these efforts appear to be failing. Trend's telemetry reveals limited cases of successful attack since the disruption. Although scores of victims have been posted to the new LockBit leak site, the vast majority were reuploaded from previous campaigns or are victims of other threat groups like ALPHV. The group has also been developing a new version of ransomware, Lockbit-NG-Dev, which Trend has been monitoring closely and provided advanced protections to customers. Key Achievements of Operation Cronos: Reputational Damage to LockBit: Given its tarnished reputation, LockBit faces significant challenges in rebuilding its operations and affiliate networks. Given its tarnished reputation, LockBit faces significant challenges in rebuilding its operations and affiliate networks. Strategic Disruption of Infrastructure: The operation's in-depth approach has made LockBit's rebuilding and regrouping process difficult and time-consuming, delaying any potential resurgence. The operation's in-depth approach has made LockBit's rebuilding and regrouping process difficult and time-consuming, delaying any potential resurgence. Effective Deterrence: The insight into affiliate activities and the subsequent warnings have likely dismantled any of LockBit's affiliate programs, further weakening its operational capacity. The insight into affiliate activities and the subsequent warnings have likely dismantled any of LockBit's affiliate programs, further weakening its operational capacity. Enhanced Business Security: Trend customers stand to benefit from the operation's outcome and a reduced risk of being targeted by a significant player in the ransomware market. This disruption underscores Trend's relentless pursuit of anticipating threats and shielding organizations worldwide from the evolving dangers of the cyber landscape. The best way to disrupt common adversaries is by sharing intelligence promptly and efficiently. About Trend Micro Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro's cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com. SOURCE Trend Micro Incorporated VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX: TMQ) (NYSE American: TMQ) ("Trilogy Metals" or "the Company") announces its financial results for the first quarter ended February 29, 2024. Details of the Company's financial results are contained in the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis which will be available on the Company's website at www.trilogymetals.com, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated. Selected Results The following selected financial information is prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. in thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts Three months ended Selected expenses February 29, 2024 $ February 28, 2023 $ General and administrative 415 408 Investor relations 12 30 Professional fees 200 570 Salaries 191 237 Salaries and directors expense stock-based compensation 1,999 2,362 Total expenses 2,820 3,606 Share of loss on equity investment 793 1,485 Comprehensive loss for the period (3,601) (5,072) Basic and diluted loss per common share (0.02) (0.03) For the three-month period ended February 29, 2024, we reported a net loss of $3.6 million compared to a net loss of $5.1 million for the three-month period ended February 28, 2023. The decrease in comprehensive loss in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter in 2023 is due to the decrease in our share of loss of Ambler Metals LLC ("Ambler Metals"), professional fees and corporate personnel expenses. The decrease in our share of losses of Ambler Metals is mainly due to a reduction in wages and mineral property expenses at the joint venture. The primary driver for the decrease in mineral property expenses compared with the quarter in the prior year is a decrease in activity by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority ("AIDEA") at the Ambler Access Project (as defined below) of which Ambler Metals assists with funding. Corporate and Project Activities The Company has a 2024 fiscal year cash budget totaling $2.8 million. During the quarter ended February 29, 2024, we were on budget with cash expenditures of $0.8 million for personnel costs, professional fees, insurance, regulatory and office expenses. Our current office lease expires at the end of June 2024 and we have signed a new office lease starting July 1, 2024 for four years. Ambler Metals LLC The Board of Ambler Metals approved a 2024 fiscal year budget totaling $5.5 million to support external and community affairs, to maintain the State of Alaska mineral claims in good standing and for the maintenance of physical assets. During the quarter ended February 29, 2024, Ambler Metals expended $1.2 million on salaries and wages, professional fees and mineral property expenses in engineering and project support costs compared with the budget of $1.4 million for the quarter. Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project ("Ambler Access Project") In December 2023, the Board of Ambler Metals approved a 2024 fiscal year budget of $2.5 million for the Ambler Access Project to assist AIDEA with funding costs related to the final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement ("SEIS") and completion of cultural resource studies and engineering studies related to bridge crossings along the road route. For the quarter ended February 29, 2024, Ambler Metals expended $0.4 million to AIDEA compared with the budget of $0.6 million for the quarter. On March 18, 2024, the United States Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") filed its 11th status report with the Courts stating that it posted the draft SEIS on its ePlanning website on October 13, 2023 and published notice of availability of the draft SEIS in the Federal Register on October 20, 2023. The public comment period ended on December 22, 2023. The BLM conducted several public meetings concerning the draft SEIS, and conducted associated ANILCA Section 810 hearings on subsistence use in communities affected by the project. The BLM had previously reported that it anticipated publishing a final SEIS in the first quarter of calendar year 2024, but now anticipates publishing a final SEIS in the second quarter of calendar year 2024. The BLM continues to anticipate publishing a Record of Decision within the second quarter of calendar year 2024. Liquidity and Capital Resources We expended $0.6 million on operating activities during the three-month period ending February 29, 2024 with the majority of cash spent on professional fees and American and Canadian securities commission fees related to our annual regulatory filings, annual fees paid to the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American Exchange, and corporate salaries. As at February 29, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.0 million and working capital of $1.7 million. Management continues with cash preservation strategies to reduce cash expenditures where feasible, including but not limited to reductions in marketing, investor conferences and office expenses. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors have agreed to take all of their fees in deferred share units in an effort to preserve cash. The Company's senior management team is also taking a portion of their base salaries in shares of the Company to preserve cash. All project-related costs are funded by Ambler Metals. Amber Metals is well funded to advance the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects ("UKMP") with $61.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $61.1 million in working capital as at February 29, 2024. There are sufficient funds at Ambler Metals to fund this fiscal year's budget for the UKMP and the Ambler Access Project. Trilogy does not anticipate having to fund the activities of Ambler Metals until the current cash and cash equivalent balance of $61.3 million is expended. Future cash requirements may vary materially from current expectations. The Company will need to raise additional funds in the future to support its operations and administration expenses. Future sources of liquidity are likely in the form of an equity financing but may include debt financing, convertible debts, exercise of options, or other means. The continued operations of the Company are dependent on its ability to obtain additional financing or to generate future cash flows. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain such financings or obtain them on favourable terms. These material uncertainties raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Qualified Persons Richard Gosse, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration for Trilogy Metals Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Gosse has reviewed the technical information in this news release and approves the disclosure contained herein. About Trilogy Metals Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metal exploration and development company holding a 50 percent interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which has a 100 percent interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in northwestern Alaska. On December 19, 2019, South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, exercised its option to form a 50/50 joint venture with Trilogy. The UKMP is located within the Ambler Mining District which is one of the richest and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") deposits that contain copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, and carbonate replacement deposits which have been found to host high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the Ambler Mining District the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. Both deposits are located within a land package that spans approximately 190,929 hectares. Ambler Metals has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for the exploration and potential development of the Ambler Mining District in cooperation with local communities. Trilogy's vision is to develop the Ambler Mining District into a premier North American copper producer while protecting and respecting subsistence livelihoods. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, perceived merit of properties, expectations regarding the willingness of the Company's director and executives to receive their compensation in equity, the Company's plans to look for opportunities to reduce its cash spend for the year, Management's expectations regarding the effects of cash conservation efforts and the sufficiency of cash for the next twelve months, the completion of cultural resource studies and engineering studies, the anticipated timing of publishing the final SEIS and publishing of a Record of Decision, and the benefits of the Ambler Access Project and the Company's plans to provide further updates and the timing thereof are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve various 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 uncertainties involving our assumptions with respect to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), whether the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority will build the Ambler Access Project, the results of the SEIS and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2023 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc. SAN DIEGO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent Sesquicentennial Celebration commemorating the 150th birthday of Robert Frost, organized by the Robert Frost Society in collaboration with the Library Foundation SD, has drawn to a close. The event, held in San Diego from March 20 - 24, left attendees with a legacy of poetic inspiration and cultural enrichment. This five-day event marked a once in a lifetime gathering of poets, scholars, and enthusiasts from around the world. With a focus on celebrating Frost's enduring legacy and exploring the art of poetry, the event fostered collaboration and provided profound insights into one of America's most iconic poets. "We are pleased with the turnout and the positive feedback received throughout the Robert Frost Sesquicentennial Celebration," remarked Robert Bernard Hass, Executive Director of The Robert Frost Society. "The event provided a platform for meaningful discourse and reflection on Frost's enduring influence on literature." Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a myriad of activities, including captivating readings and discussions led by esteemed poets such as Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy K. Smith and Ruth Lilly Prize Winner Allison Joseph. Additionally, participants immersed themselves in workshops, lectures, and roundtable discussions, delving into Frost's literary genius and the intricacies of poetic expression. The event also provided a platform for renowned and notable local San Diego talents to shine, showcasing the vibrant literary landscape of Greater San Diego. With the conclusion of the event, the Robert Frost Society would like to invite individuals passionate about literature and poetry to explore their mission and consider joining as members. Membership offers an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and support initiatives that promote the humanities and a love of poetry. For more information about The Robert Frost Society and membership inquiries, please visit www.robertfrostsociety.org. About The Robert Frost Society: The Robert Frost Society is all about keeping Robert Frost's memory alive and sharing the joy of poetry with everyone. Through fun events, learning opportunities, and community spirit, they're making sure Frost's words continue to inspire us today. SOURCE The Robert Frost Society Five daily flights to India reinforces Virgin Atlantic's commitment to its third largest market behind UK and US. Airline will launch second daily direct service from London Heathrow to Mumbai from October 2024 for both customer and cargo operations, providing greater connectivity to India for US customers. New service will complement Virgin Atlantic's existing flying to Delhi , Mumbai and newly-launched Bengaluru. Codeshare with IndiGo provides 36 onward connections from key hubs. ATLANTA, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Virgin Atlantic launched flights to the start-up capital of India, Bengaluru, a key destination for US customers connecting onwards via London Heathrow from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Seattle, and more. With average connection times of one to two hours, the route promises optimal connectivity for those traveling for business or enjoying a vibrant city stay in India's third most populous city. In addition, the airline is delighted to add a second daily flight to Mumbai, signaling its continued commitment to the region. The new flight is the airline's fifth daily service to India and complements its double daily services to Delhi and daily flights to Bengaluru. Virgin Atlantic will launch second daily direct service from London to Mumbai, providing greater connectivity for US. Post this From 2025, Virgin Atlantic will offer more than one million seats to the country, a 350% capacity growth since 2019, cementing India's position as a key strategic market for the airline and marking its largest area of growth outside the United States. Alongside customer options, the increase in flying to Mumbai is also a huge boost for cargo operations, as the airline is set to carry an additional 25,000 tons of cargo from the fashion, pharmaceuticals, and tech sectors. With five daily services, Virgin Atlantic Cargo will offer 42.1million kg of space available to and from India which is a 336% increase in capacity versus 2019. Beginning October 27, 2024 and on sale from April 6, 2024, the second daily Mumbai services will operate on the airline's state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000, offering Upper Class, Premium and Economy Delight, Classic and Light cabins as well as the airline's signature Upper Class social space. It will also offer seamless connectivity and a premium long-haul experience for those customers connecting via London Heathrow from key gateways throughout the United States including San Francisco, New York JFK, Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, and Los Angeles, with Virgin Atlantic and transatlantic joint venture partner, Delta Air Lines. In addition to offering seamless connectivity for US customers to three destinations in India, Virgin Atlantic has a strategic partnership with IndiGo, India's leading airline. Customers can book one ticket which allows them to connect onwards to popular destinations in India such as Ahmedabad, Goa and Hyderabad through Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. In total the partnership offers 36 additional destinations and has connected more than 80,000 customers to date. Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented: "There is a huge opportunity for us in India, it has a dynamic, fast-growing economy and we're anticipating a huge growth in demand for international travel to and from the region. We know both our customers and people love traveling to India and we have a rich history in the destination. Next year marks 25 years of operations and the first time that we'll offer more than one million seats to India via London Heathrow with optimal connectivity for our US customers from key tech hubs including San Francisco and Seattle. The launch of Bengaluru and doubling of our Mumbai services reaffirms our strong commitment and will allow our customers to travel seamlessly throughout India and beyond, flying on one of the youngest fleets in the skies, with our signature personalized service, delivered by our amazing people." New flight to Mumbai (subject to Government approval) Flight Number Launch Date Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Aircraft VS358 27-Oct-24 LHR 11:15 BOM2 01:55* A350-1000 leisure VS359 28-Oct-24 BOM2 04:10 LHR 08:55 A350-1000 leisure Existing India schedule Flight Number Route Timing Aircraft VS316 LHR - BLR 12:45 / 02:45 Boeing 787-9 VS317 BLR-LHR 04:35 / 10:45 Boeing 787-9 VS354 LHR BOM1 19:00 / 08:55 Boeing 787-9 VS355 BOM1 LHR 10:45 / 16:05 Boeing 787-9 VS300 LHR DEL1 20:30 / 09:30* Boeing 787-9 VS301 DEL1 LHR 11:20 / 16:35 Boeing 787-9 VS302 LHR DEL2 10:30 / 23:55 Boeing 787-9 VS303 DEL2 LHR 02:05 / 07:20 Boeing 797-9 US to India Connection Times US Gateway Connection Timing through LHR ATL-DEL 3:20 ATL-BOM 1:05 ATL-BLR 1:10 BOS-DEL 1:25 BOS-BOM 2:15 LAX-DEL 1:50 LAX-BOM 2:15 JFK-DEL 1:30 JFK-BOM 1:10 JFK-BLR 3:20 SFO-DEL 3:20 SFO-BOM 2:00 SFO-BLR 1:10 SEA-DEL 1:20 SEA-BOM 1:45 SEA-BLR 2:00 For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic press office at [email protected]. About Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain's only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the seventh year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs more than 8,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 30 destinations across four continents throughout the year. Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance's first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance's transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport. Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years. In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed the first of 16 A330-900neos to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world's first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is an industry imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialization ahead of 2030. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic. SOURCE Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd BENGALURU, India, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vodex, a pioneering Gen AI company, today announced that it has raised $2 million in a seed round from Unicorn India Ventures, and Pentathlon Ventures. Vodex was previously backed by 100X.VC and has achieved a remarkable $1 million ARR in less than a year. Vodex raises $2 million in Seed Funding Generative AI powered virtual sales agent Since 2022, Vodex has been helping businesses in the USA and Canada with their outbound calling needs using their in-house Gen AI-powered solution. Co-founded by Anshul Shrivastava (CEO) and Kumar Saurav (CTO), Vodex's technology creates natural-sounding voice conversations that feel just like talking to a real person. This helps businesses connect with customers better, making operations smoother and customer engagement stronger. Commenting on the capital infusion, the founders Anshul & Kumar stated that, "This investment is a game-changer. It validates the power of Generative AI to transform sales and the confidence investors have in Vodex's ability to lead that charge. Our solution empowers businesses to close deals faster, at scale, and all while providing a natural, engaging experience for customers. We can't wait for the next chapter of Vodex!" Vodex will deploy the funds towards product and global expansion initiatives. The company plans to scale their business in the next one year with its sights set on the launch of Vodex 3.0 version in a few months. Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says, "We see disruptive capabilities in Vodex to emerge as a formidable player by applying the power of Gen AI and SaaS to help enterprises manage their CRM engagements more efficiently." Vodex's journey has been marked by perseverance and a commitment to innovation. The company has overcome industry wide challenges and emerged as a leader in the Gen AI-powered sales space. Managing Partner of Pentathlon Ventures, Mr Saurabh said, "We are super excited to be working with Kumar and Anshul. They are onto something big by making AI sales agents a reality. Their speed and agility in the fast-evolving AI landscape will keep them ahead and help them emerge as winners!" Powered with technological advancements and continuous fusion of new AI based changes Vodex continues to be the leader in their in-house Gen AI technology, ensuring its AI salesperson is even more sophisticated, impactful, and future ready. About Vodex Vodex aims to develop Generative AI-powered virtual sales agents for natural, human-like conversations and automated sales processes. Their technology allows businesses to engage customers through authentic phone conversations, enhancing sales and customer interaction. About Unicorn India Ventures: Started in 2016 by Bhaskar Majumdar and Anil Joshi, Unicorn India Ventures is a technology focused early-stage venture fund that invests capital in emerging and visionary startups. About Pentathlon Ventures: Pentathlon Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund, specializes in the dynamic B2B SaaS segment within the Indian startup ecosystem. By harnessing the region's innovation, talent, and cost-effectiveness, Pentathlon Ventures aims to develop globally competitive products. Links https://vodex.ai/book-meeting/sales/ https://vodex.ai/ https://pentathlon.vc/ https://www.unicornivc.com/ Contact our team at [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378643/Vodex_raises_2_million_dollars.jpg Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2378644/Vodex_Launch_Video.mp4 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276184/4629754/Vodex_Logo.jpg SOURCE Vodex Weather Engineers, Inc. celebrates its 61st year in business in 2024 with the opening of a new office in Atlantic Beach, FL, following a merger with Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air. JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Weather Engineers, Inc., a trusted name in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services, proudly announces its 61st year in business in 2024. With over six decades of excellence in providing top-tier HVAC solutions, Weather Engineers continues to expand its footprint and uphold its commitment to customer satisfaction and community engagement. As part of its anniversary celebration, Weather Engineers, Inc. is thrilled to announce the opening of a new office in Atlantic Beach, FL. This expansion comes as a result of the recent merger with Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air, further solidifying Weather Engineers' position as a leader in the HVAC industry in the Northeast Florida region. "We are excited to commemorate 61 years of service to our valued customers," said the Owner of Weather Engineers, Inc. "This milestone not only reflects our longstanding dedication to quality and innovation but also marks a new chapter of growth and expansion with the addition of our Atlantic Beach office." The Jacksonville, FL AC repair company proudly offers internships through esteemed organizations such as the North Florida Builders Association, North Florida Contractors Association, and Builders Association of North Central Florida. In 2023 alone, the company contributed over $35,000 to local charities, supporting various initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the communities it serves. From sponsoring local events to participating in charitable drives, Weather Engineers continues to make a positive impact beyond the realm of HVAC services. As part of its anniversary celebration, Weather Engineers is offering exclusive promotions and discounts on its wide range of HVAC products and services. Customers can visit the company's website at https://weatherengineers.com/ to explore these special offers and learn more about how Weather Engineers can meet their HVAC needs. For over six decades, Weather Engineers, Inc. has set the standard for excellence in HVAC services, delivering superior solutions with a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. With the opening of its new office in Atlantic Beach, FL, and a continued commitment to community engagement and philanthropy, Weather Engineers looks forward to serving its customers and communities for many more years to come. About Weather Engineers, Inc.: Weather Engineers, Inc. has been a trusted provider of HVAC solutions for over six decades. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Weather Engineers offers a wide range of HVAC services, including installation, maintenance, and repair, to residential and commercial clients in Northeast Florida. If you're tired of searching for Jacksonville, FL hvac near me or Jacksonville, FL air conditioner repair near me , contact Weather Engineers today! Contact Info: Name: Danny Towers Organization: Weather Engineers, Inc. Address: 1000 Edison Ave. Jacksonville, Florida 32204 Phone: 904-593-3721 Website: https://weatherengineers.com/ SOURCE Weather Engineers, Inc. America's first fast-food hamburger restaurant is leaning into its Night Castle roots, staying open late to satisfy customers' cravings at any hour COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- White Castle, home of the Original Slider, is doubling down on its commitment to value, and at a time when consumers need it most. The iconic restaurant is launching the $5 Bacon Bundle! This news is so fresh you can hear it sizzling and smell the unmistakable scent of perfectly cooked bacon. The $5 Bacon Bundle ($6 in Arizona) comes with a choice of two Bacon Sliders choose from the Bacon Cheese Slider, the 1921 Bacon Cheese Slider or the new Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider and a small order of fries. The bundle pricing is not available in Florida. White Castle is doubling down on its commitment to value with the launch of the $5 Bacon Bundle! Post this The $5 Bacon Bundle ($6 in Arizona) comes with a choice of two Bacon Sliders choose from the Bacon Cheese Slider, the 1921 Bacon Cheese Slider or the new Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider and a small order of fries. The 1921 Bacon Cheese Slider features hickory-smoked bacon, smoked cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and caramelized grilled onions. The Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider is the perfect combination of our Chicken Slider, topped with crispy hickory-smoked bacon and Hidden Valley Ranch sauce. "White Castle is offering a deal that is sizzlin' for savings and great taste," said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. "There's a simple answer to the question 'how can you top the perfection that is a White Castle Slider?' One word bacon! The Bacon Bundle delivers both incredible value and a crave quotient that's off the charts." Night Castle Shines Bright Long before the QSR industry began catering to after-hours customers, White Castle was celebrated as Night Castle, a late-night oasis where customers can order any menu favorite, anytime. Today, more than two-thirds of White Castles are open 24/7 and others past midnight, providing customers delicious menu offerings and value no matter the time cravings' hit. Cravers can enjoy their Night Castle in the restaurants, through the drive-thru, or through mobile pickup or delivery via a few clicks on the Craver Nation app. Cravers looking to show off their love for all things Night Castle can visit House of Crave, White Castle's official online store, to find shirts, hats, sweatshirts and other Night Castle-themed swag. About White Castle White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates about 340 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time" (2014, The Original Slider) and Thrillist's "Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger" (2019, Impossible Slider). In 2021, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the "10 Most Innovative Dining Companies." White Castle received the Great Place to Work Certification in 2021, 2022 and 2023 the only fast-food restaurant to earn this distinction three years in a row and is known for the legendary engagement of its team members, more than 1 in 4 of whom have worked for the business for at least 10 years. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans ("Cravers"), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the Craver Nation loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. They can also have their orders delivered using one of White Castle's delivery partners. For more information on White Castle, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle CHONGQING, China, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From March 29th to 30th, Yongchuan, Chongqing, played host to the climax of the First Manufacturing Intelligence Solution Innovation Contest, which included both the finals and an accompanying Innovation Conference. Following a rigorous three-month competition period, four teams emerged victorious, each securing the first prize for outstanding solutions within their respective categories. The competition was segmented into four principal tracks: enhancement of basic manufacturing capabilities, optimization of key production processes, assurance of core element resources, and innovation in intelligent detection technology. The theme of the contest was "Exploring New Productive Forces to Promote New IndustrializationInnovation-Driven, Empowering Intelligent Manufacturing." During the finals held on March 29th, after tense live roadshows and debates, the judging panel, composed of technical experts and industry experts, selected four first-place, eight second-place, twelve third-place, sixteen honorable mentions, and thirty-eight excellence awards from an initial pool of 80 solutions that excelled in the preliminary rounds. These awards highlighted a collection of innovative, leading, and scalable solutions that are poised to significantly boost the supply capacity of intelligent manufacturing solutions and further the high-quality advancement of China's manufacturing sector. The contest venue, Yongchuan District in Chongqing, is strategically positioned along the principal economic corridor linking Chengdu and Chongqing, the two economic powerhouses of Western China. This area is explicitly designated by the national government as a modern manufacturing hub and a cornerstone for vocational education across the region. Hosting the event, Yongchuan District is at the forefront of embracing digital transformation, with an ambitious goal to emerge as a beacon of digital and innovative development within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic axis. SOURCE Xinhua Finance If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here New Delhi, April 3 : Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (91) will retire from Rajya Sabha on Wednesday after an over three-decade-long, nearly continuous stint. The Congress leader was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam in October 1991, after being appointed the Finance Minister in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government. He was re-elected in 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013. He also unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi in 1999. Manmohan Singh, who served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 1998-2004, chose to remain a member of the Upper House during his stint as the Prime Minister (2004-14) His tenure as a Rajya Sabha member from Assam ended on June 14, 2019, but he was re-elected to the Upper House from Rajasthan on August 19, 2019, in a by-election, following the death of sitting BJP member Madan Lal Saini. Seoul, April 4 : North Korea on Wednesday claimed it has successfully test-fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) tipped with a hypersonic warhead, saying that all missiles the country has developed are now solid-fuel and nuclear-capable with warhead control capability. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided the testing of the Hwasong-16 missile on Tuesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The latest launch came about three months after North Korea test-fired an intermediate-range hypersonic missile on January 14. Last month, North Korea conducted a ground jet test of a solid-fuel engine for a new IRBM loaded with a hypersonic warhead, Yonhap news agency reported. Kim described the Hwasong-16 missile as a "powerful, strategic offensive weapon". He said the country has perfected the project for "putting all the tactical, operational and strategic missiles with various ranges on solid-fueled, warhead-controlled and nuclear warhead-carrying basis", according to the KCNA. A hypersonic missile is usually hard to intercept with existing missile defence shields. It travels at a speed of at least Mach 5 -- five times the speed of sound -- and is designed to be manoeuvrable on unpredictable flight paths and fly at low altitudes. The KCNA said during Tuesday's test, the hypersonic glide warhead reached its first peak at a height of 101.1 km and the second at 72.3 km while making a 1,000-km-long flight as planned to accurately hit waters in the East Sea. Citing military confrontational acts and war drills by North Korea's enemies, Kim said, "It is the most urgent task at present for our state to develop the overwhelming power capable of containing and controlling the enemies." North Korea has been ramping up weapons tests this year, including the launches of cruise missiles from sea and land and firing drills involving super-large multiple rocket launchers. The South Korean military is closely monitoring North Korea's preparations for further possible provocations ahead of the April 10 parliamentary elections in South Korea and major political events in Pyongyang this month. North Korea will celebrate the birthday of late founder Kim Il-sung on April 15 and mark the founding anniversary of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army on April 25. Jammu, April 3 : An alleged gangster was killed and a police officer injured in a shootout in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua on Tuesday night. Police sources on Wednesday said that a gangster was killed and a police officer injured in a shootout in government medical college premises in Kathua. "The shootout took place around 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday. The injured police sub-inspector, Deepak Sharma has been shifted to hospital for treatment," the sources said. The exact details of the incident are being ascertained, they added. Shoot for 'Toxic' starring Yash to start in Karnataka; scale of production build as first for state. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, April 3 : Actor Yash-starrer upcoming film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups' is set to start its shoot in Karnataka. For the same, the makers of the film have erected huge sets with technicians across the film industries of India. Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Actor Yash-starrer upcoming film aToxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Upsa is set to start its shoot in Karnataka. For the same, the makers of the film have erected huge sets with technicians across the film industries of India. The film is helmed by Geetu Mohandas who is known for aLiar's Dicea. Currently, the film is in post-production. Although the shoot date is yet to be revealed, the first leg of the shoot will be flagged off in Karnataka. The film's producers in a statement said: "Due to the lack of optimal facilities, all our big films end up being shot outside the state. Yash has long expressed that concern, and to change that, we at KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations are kickstarting the shooting of aToxica in Karnataka." "We have already erected massive sets, creating many job opportunities and avenues for people at ground level, technicians and budding talent in the state. We are working towards making a film of global potential," they said. "As producers, we had options from various locations in India and abroad. The film has onboard actors and technicians from multiple industries, even international talent, and setting up a base there would have been more economical. However, Yash and KVN took the initiative to establish aToxica HQ in Karnataka before we shoot parts of the film in locations elsewhere, and showcase the tremendous potential of our people," the statement added. The film is being co-produced by Venkat K. Narayanaas KVN Productions and Yashas Monster Mind Creations. The film is scheduled to hit the screens on April 10, 2025. Lucknow, April 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually address a 'NaMo' rally through the NaMo App to connect with booth-level cadres of the Bharatiya Janata Party across 10 Lok Sabha constituencies on Wednesday. PM Modi will also interact with some booth-level presidents, said the party's state General Secretary Sanjay Rai. The constituencies where PM Modi will connect with booth-level cadres include Sambhal, Badaun, Bareilly, Aonla, Etah, Hathras, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, and Mainpuri -- all scheduled for polls in the third phase on May 7. "At 1 p.m., Prime Minister Narendra Modi will connect with the workers through the NaMo App at 22,648 booths of all these Lok Sabha seats," Rai said. "He will address both booth-level committee members and 'panna pramukh' in-charges through the NaMo rally," he said. He further stated that the BJP leaders would also join this NaMo rally by visiting their respective booths. Sanjay Rai added that PM Modi would engage in discussions with some booth presidents about party activities. London, April 3 : Jarrod Bowen's sensational season continued as his assist for Kurt Zouma helped West Ham United secure a 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening at London Stadium. London, April 3 (IANS) Jarrod Bowenas sensational season continued as his assist for Kurt Zouma helped West Ham United secure a 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening at London Stadium. With a draw, Tottenham missed the chance to move level with Aston Villa in the top-four race. Spurs remain fifth with 57 points. West Ham, who are winless in their last four matches, stay seventh on 45 points. Brennan Johnson fired Spurs in front on five minutes, but Zoumaas equaliser soon after ultimately proved enough to earn the Hammers a point. Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min went close to doubling Spursa lead, but the visitors were pegged back in the 19th minute as Jarrod Bowenas corner went in off Zouma's back as he attempted a header, Premier League reports. West Ham began the second half strongly as they looked to complete the turnaround, with Guglielmo Vicario producing reflex saves to deny Michail Antonio and Konstantinos Mavropanos. Michail Antonio then squandered a marvellous opportunity on the hour. Having outmuscled Micky van de Ven to latch onto a long ball, the Jamaica international fired straight at Vicario. Lukasz Fabianski was grateful to see Destiny Udogieas strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time sail into his grasp in an end-to-end finale, as both sides had to settle for a point. Seoul, April 3 : Samsung on Wednesday unveiled its latest lineup of home appliance innovations with the global launch of its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered products in a bid to offer synchronising consumer experiences worldwide. At a press conference in Seoul, the tech giant unveiled its latest aBESPOKE AIa home appliance lineup, including washer-dryer combos, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners, all equipped with advanced AI capabilities and seamless connectivity. It said the corresponding events will also take place in Paris and New York later on the same day, respectively, showcasing new kitchen and living appliances for each distinct market, reports Yonhap news agency. "We hold these media events in Paris and New York later today," Samsung Electronics CEO and Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee said at the event. "All our products are released simultaneously across the world. It will have a bigger impact on the global market." Samsung said these new appliances are equipped with interactive big screens, offering accessibility in 40 languages and serving as centralised control hubs for other SmartThings-connected devices. Furthermore, its market-tailored approach ensures that each region receives products tailored to its unique needs. In the upcoming Paris event, the new energy-efficient, extra wide fridge-freezer and the washer lineup will be introduced as Europe requires an extra focus on sustainability and energy saving. The US market will see the introduction of the Bespoke Slide-in Range with AI Home, a multi-functional induction range designed to meet American consumers' diverse needs. New Delhi, April 3 : The Indian economy is projected to grow at 7.5 per cent in 2024, the World Bank has said, revising its earlier projections for the same period by 1.2 per cent. The World Bank has raised India's economic growth forecast by 1.2 per cent to 7.5 per cent for 2023-24, on the back of robust activity in services and industry in its latest update for South Asia. The increase in the projected growth rate for the Indian economy comes following the surprise 8.4 per cent surge in the countryas GDP during the Oct-Dec quarter. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has stated that the economy is on track to post an 8 per cent growth rate in the Jan-March quarter. However, the World Bank expects the growth rate to moderate to 6.6 in 2025. The expected slowdown mainly reflects a deceleration in investment from its elevated pace in the previous year. Over the medium term, fiscal deficit and government debt in India are projected to decline, supported by strong GDP growth and consolidation efforts by the Central government. In its latest South Asia Development Update, released on April 2, the World Bank predicts a healthy growth for the region, which is primarily attributed to India's strong performance. The report indicates that South Asia is poised to remain the world's fastest-growing region for the next two years, with a projected growth rate of 6.1 per cent in 2025. Bangladesh is expected to see a rise in output by 5.7 per cent in 2024-25, while Pakistan's economy is projected to grow by 2.3 per cent and Sri Lanka's GDP growth is expected to increase by 2.5 per cent during this period. Ahmedabad, April 3 : In a first for the country, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) on Wednesday said it has surpassed 10,000 megawatts (MW) of operational portfolio, delivering reliable, affordable and clean power to the national grid. AGEL's 10,934 MW operational portfolio will power more than 5.8 million homes and help avoid about 21 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. "We are proud to be India's first 'das hazari' in the renewables space," said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. "In less than a decade, Adani Green Energy has not just envisioned a greener future but has actualised it, growing from a mere idea to explore clean energy to achieving a phenomenal 10,000 MW in installed capacity," added Adani Group's Founder and Chairman. AGEL's operational portfolio consists of 7,393 MW solar, 1,401 MW wind and 2,140 MW wind-solar hybrid capacity. The milestone is a testament to AGEL, India's largest and one of the world's leading renewable energy (RE) companies, and its development partners firmly moving towards the goal of 45,000 GW of renewable energy by 2030. "This achievement is a demonstration of the rapidity and scale, at which the Adani Group aims to facilitate India's transition to clean, reliable and affordable energy," Gautam Adani said. AGEL's operating portfolio is certified 'single-use plastic free', 'zero waste to landfill' and 'water positive for plants with more than 200 MW capacity'. The company is developing the world's largest renewable energy project of 30,000 MW on barren land at Khavda in Kutch, Gujarat. Built across 538 sq km, it is five times the size of Paris and almost as large as Mumbai city. Mumbai, April 3 : Actor Akshay Oberoi, who was last seen in 'Fighter', will be seen in the upcoming spy thriller 'Two Zero One Four' starring Jackie Shroff. In the film, he will portray a terrorist on screen. Directed by Shravan Tiwari, the film promises to be an enthralling Indian spy thriller, shot in locations including Mumbai, Kutch, and Russia. Akshay said: "Playing a terrorist in 'Two Zero One Four' is a thrilling opportunity. It is a departure from my previous roles and presents a new challenge that I eagerly embrace." Joining Akshay in the cast is veteran actor Jackie Shroff, who will portray the role of an army officer. Surat, April 3 : Gujarat Income Tax Department has auctioned off the immovable property of Sash Nagji Davara located at 63 Ajmaldham Society, Akar Club Road in Varachha Road, Surat, to recover a certificate debt of approximately Rs 21.21 crore. This amount was owed for the assessment years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, as per the certificates dated September 8, 2014, and February 21, 2018. The auction, conducted on March 28, 2024, at the Income Tax office in Surat, aimed to recover the outstanding debt, which included recovery costs, charges, and accrued interest under section 220(2) of the Income Tax Act from March 1, 2024, until the auction date. A Surat Tax Collection Officer told IANS that the land was sold and the department has successfully recovered Rs 2.86 crore, amounting to 25 per cent of the total dues. "We anticipate recovering the remaining amount in due course," he said. The reserve price of the land was Rs 15.03 lakh, with an earnest money deposit set at Rs 1.50 lakh. The auction process was governed by the Second Schedule of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and the Income Tax (Certificate Proceedings) Rules, 1962, ensuring a transparent and lawful recovery of the outstanding tax debt. The public auction saw the sale of a piece of agricultural land measuring 7,300 square meters, located at R.S. No./Block No. 78/3, Village Anada, Taluka Ankleshwar, District Bharuch. Interested bidders were informed of the auction details by Mukesh Kumar Singh, Income Tax Inspector, while more information was made available on the Income Tax Department's official website. New Delhi, April 3 : The BJP's Delhi unit has sent a legal notice to AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi over her claims that she was approached to join the party. The notice was sent to her on Wednesday by Delhi BJP Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor through Advocate Satya Ranjan Swain. "....you are requested to immediately withdraw the said speech and telecast your apology prominently on your television and social media failing which my client shall be constrained to initiate, both civil and criminal, proceedings against you," the notice stated. Addressing a press conference here, Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva said, "On Tuesday Atishi claimed that pressure was being exerted on her through a close acquaintance. Additionally, she attempted to mislead by mentioning the possible arrests of her own, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Raghav Chadha, and Durgesh Pathak." Sachdeva said that these were baseless allegations habitually made by Atishi, and on Tuesday also a false and self-fabricated statement was given by her. "There was no concrete or accurate information provided by Atishi. If the person who contacted was a close acquaintance, who was he and on whose instructions the conversation took place, is also not disclosed," said Sachdeva. The Delhi BJP chief further said that whenever Atishi or her party were cornered in political circumstances, they narrated stories of breaking laws or arrests of leaders. "This has been done twice recently, but no evidence has been provided. Such allegations as levelled by Atishi tarnish the political and social image of the BJP, its leadership and its workers. Therefore, last night, we issued a defamation notice to Atishi, urging her to retract the accusations publicly," said Sachdeva. Montreal, April 3 : United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Astrid Schomaker of Germany as the next Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). She brings extensive experience in international relations and negotiations, deep knowledge of the global sustainable development agenda and multilateral environment agreements, and policymaking on global environmental issues. In the official announcement on Tuesday, the Secretary-General extended his appreciation and gratitude to David Cooper of the United Kingdom, who will continue to serve as Acting Executive Secretary until Schomaker assumes her functions. Cooper, who has led the CBD Secretariat since February 2023, congratulated Schomaker on her appointment. "We are excited for the future and welcome her in her new role in this crucial moment of implementing the Biodiversity Plan," he wrote. At the helm of the Secretariat of the world's foremost Multilateral Environmental Agreement on biodiversity, the newly appointed Executive Secretary will work with the Parties to the CBD to translate the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (the Biodiversity Plan), adopted in December 2022, into action at all levels. Protect and restore, prosper with nature, share benefits fairly and invest and collaborate -- the four goals of the Biodiversity Plan -- will shape the new UN Biodiversity chiefas priorities. Awaiting the freshly appointed Executive Secretary is the 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP 16), which will take place from October 21 to November 1 in Cali, Colombia. By the time they meet in Cali, Parties to the convention are expected to submit revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) that are aligned with the Biodiversity Plan. Yami Gautam wishes sister Surilie on her b'day: 'Only person who can drag me for fake nails'. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, April 3 : Yami Gautam Dhar has penned a sweet birthday note for her younger sister and actress Surilie Gautam, expressing how much she loves her. Surilie, who has turned 34, made her TV debut in 2008 with 'Meet Mila De Rabba'. She is also known for Punjabi movies like 'Power Cut', 'Shava Ni Girdhari Lal', and 'Posti'. Taking to Instagram, Yami shared a throwback picture with her "little one". The snap shows the birthday girl wearing a one-shoulder red top and golden palazzos. Yami is resting her head on her sister's shoulder. She is wearing a black top and red pants. The post is captioned: "It's Surilie Day, today & everyday!!!! Happy birthday my little one!!! We love you so much." Yami, who was most recently seen in 'Article 370', took to the Stories section and shared a childhood throwback picture of the two, wherein the sisters are sitting on a table and have black sunglasses on. She wrote: "Happy birthday to the OG RajaBabu of our family....P.S.our love for these fake sunglasses was another level." In another post, Yami wrote: "The only person who can convince/push/drag me for fake nails with the brightest nail paint. Happy birthday." Surilie is married to Jasraj Singh Bhatti, son of late Indian comedian Jaspal Bhatti. Meanwhile, in the political action thriller 'Article 370', Yami plays the spirited intelligence officer Zooni Haksar. The movie is set against the backdrop of the abrogation of the Constitutional provision that assured a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Set against the backdrop of true events, the film offers audiences a gripping narrative with political intrigue, national security threats and pulse-pounding action sequences woven in. Directed by Aaditya Suhas Jambhale, 'Article 370' has a stellar ensemble cast that includes Priyamani, Arun Govil and Vaibhav Tatwawadi. Patna, April 3 : Senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister of Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi, on Wednesday said that he is battling cancer and hence won't be able to campaign for the party in the Lok Sabha elections. In a post on X, Sushil Modi said: "I have been suffering from cancer for the past 6 months and the time has come to make it public. I won't be able to do anything for my party in the Lok Sabha election. I have already informed PM Narendra Modi about my disease. I am thankful and dedicated to my country, Bihar and my party." Sushil Modi is one of the prominent leaders of the BJP in Bihar. During the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi government, he was the most vocal voice of BJP in Bihar. He has played a key role in strengthening the party in Bihar. He also shares a special rapport with CM Nitish Kumar. Sushil Modi joined active politics in 1990 and won the seat from Patna central assembly constituency (Now Kumhrar). He was re-elected in 1995 and 2000. He won the Lok Sabha seat from Bhagalpur in 2004. In 2005, NDA came to power in Bihar and Sushil Modi resigned from the Lok Sabha. He became the deputy chief minister of Bihar in the Nitish Kumar government. When NDA again won the Bihar assembly election in 2010, he retained his post of deputy chief minister. At present, he is a Rajya Sabha MP of BJP. Srinagar, April 3 : Former J&K Chief Minister and President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti said on Wednesday that her party will field candidates on all the three Lok Sabha seats in the Valley. "We are deeply hurt by the manner in which Omar Abdullah dismissed PDP as the tail runner in the elections. Omar Sahab ridiculed my workers by saying that the NC would field candidates for all three Lok Sabha seats in the Valley as according to him, the PDP existed nowhere," Mehbooba Mufti told media persons. She said that most of the senior PDP leaders were lured away by the BJP and all she is left with are her "poor" party workers who have stood by her through thick and thin. "How can I take the insult inflected on them by Omar Abdullah lightly and go by his diktat that the PDP should not field any candidate in the Valley," she asked. She said that as the head of the alliance and as the most senior leader, PDP trusted Farooq Abdullah to make a just and reasonable decision on fielding candidates for the Lok Sabha seats. "Omar Abdullah even said that the NC would watch the behaviour of the PDP and then decide whether to form an electoral alliance with us for the assembly elections. "In this background, am I left with any other option? We, according to the NC, are a finished political force and thus we have decided to field candidates for all the 3 Lok Sabha seats in the Valley and leave the decision with the voter as to who is number one or number 5," she said. Boats navigate Baiyangdian Lake in Hebei province on Oct 4. SONG YU/FOR CHINA DAILY When Feng Erwei was a boy, he recalls people drinking water directly from Baiyangdian Lake in Hebei province. Diving into northern China's largest freshwater lake with his friends, he said he could keep his eyes open underwater and see all the fish and shrimp swimming around. The 42-year-old from Xidi village has spent the last 20 years captaining a passenger boat on the lake, and has seen firsthand the ebb and flow of its fate. The fortunes and health of Baiyangdian began to sour in parts during the previous century as China quickly industrialized. In some parts of the lake, it became so polluted that even the locals would go out of their way to avoid it. "The foul smell from the lake forced people who lived near it to keep their windows closed, and nobody swam in it any longer," he said. However, since a plan was announced on April 1, 2017, to establish the Xiong'an New Area, which encompasses Baiyangdian, significant improvements have been made to the environment. The plan for Xiong'an New Area calls for the development of a green, low-carbon and innovative city that can take on many of Beijing's non-capital functions. Situated approximately 100 kilometers southwest of the capital, the new area consists of Anxin, Xiongxian and Rongcheng counties. President Xi Jinping has attached great importance to the construction of Xiong'an. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has been personally involved in making decisions and plans to develop the new area, and since 2017, he has visited the area three times. In his latest tour in May, Xi stressed that the development of Xiong'an is a national project of millennial significance and should be pushed forward with concrete actions and sustained efforts. At a convention center, Xi was briefed about the progress of the overall design and development of Xiong'an and the efforts made to restore and conserve the ecological environment of Baiyangdian. Tourists admire a pond of lotus flowers at Baiyangdian Lake in July. HE LUQI/FOR CHINA DAILY An environmentally friendly tourist boat plies its trade on Baiyangdian Lake in April last year. CHINA DAILY Pollution control As the area surrounding Baiyangdian industrialized, its water resources were strained and the lake suffered from drought and pollution caused by industrial runoff. Chemicals carried by sewage poisoned the water and lake beds, decimating the aquatic life. According to Xiong'an's department of ecology and environment, the quality of water in the lake was below Grade V, the worst in the country's five-tier quality system for surface water, in 2017. Thanks to a series of measures that have been taken since the establishment of Xiong'an, the quality of water in the lake reached Grade III in 2021, and has stayed at that level for the past two years. Yang Shan, an official with the department, said the improvement has occurred thanks to efforts to control the sources of pollution and intercept pollutants before rolling out measures for ecological remediation. As a low-lying lake, Baiyangdian receives water from many small watercourses. This means that some pollutants may be carried into the lake from outside Xiong'an, especially during the rainy season. As part of the efforts to address the problem, Yang said two constructed wetlands were built so that water from outside Xiong'an could be purified before flowing into Baiyangdian. The official listed a series of measures Xiong'an authorities have taken to prevent wastewater generated inside the new area from entering Baiyangdian. Currently, there are 7 sewage treatment plants in Xiong'an, the total daily capacity of which is 249,000 metric tons. The quality of treated wastewater from these plants, which have been upgraded or built following high standards, can all reach Grade III, he added. Water with a quality of Grade III is good enough for most aquatic organisms to survive. To enhance rain and sewage diversion, 79 km of pipes were upgraded in urban areas in Anxin, Xiongxian and Rongcheng, Yang said. In rural Xiong'an, all sewage disposal facilities have been upgraded. But as the aquatic environment in Baiyangdian keeps improving, these small facilities may not be enough to treat wastewater to the quality of water in the lake, he said. To solve the problem, the treated wastewater from these small facilities is being diverted into ponds in 10 newly built rural parks, instead of being directly discharged into Baiyangdian, he said. To further improve the ecological environment of the lake, 741 fish farms were cleared in 2018, Yang said. Following that, dredging has taken place from 2019 to last year, removing more than 11.9 million cubic meters of mud from the lake. "Currently, both pollution control and ecological remediation programs are being conducted in Baiyangdian. But there have been increasingly fewer projects on pollution control, and this means that the pollution treatment work in the lake has almost been completed," he said. In another move to help bring Baiyangdian back to life, a water replenishment program was launched in 2018, according to the Xiong'an government. Over 5.9 billion cubic meters of water have been diverted into the lake, of which the South-to-North Water Diversion Project contributed 574 million tons. Tian Yuan, an official with Xiong'an's department of construction and traffic management, said Baiyangdian is being supplemented by reclaimed water from sewage treatment plants. Such reclaimed water is being discharged into water bodies that empty into Baiyangdian at a speed of 2 cubic meters per second, she said. A Baer's pochard skims the water at Baiyangdian Lake in Hebei province in July. ZHANG XUENONG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE Richer biodiversity As water quality in Baiyangdian continues to improve, more species have chosen the lake as their habitat. According to Xiong'an authorities, the lake now has 276 species of wild birds, 70 more than in 2016, and 48 species of wild fish, 21 more than in 2016. Tian Yongchang, who works at the natural resources bureau of Anxin county, said that nine avian habitats have been designated in the wetland. A mode of management that incorporates government departments, nongovernmental associations and volunteers has also been adopted to mobilize more people to participate in bird protection, he said. In 2018, Aythya baeri, or Baer's pochard, which is categorized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and is under level-one State protection, was spotted in Baiyangdian. The birds were observed brooding at the lake for the first time in July 2022, meaning Baiyangdian has become a breeding area for the species, which was more commonly known to breed in Russia and Northeast China. "The birds at Baiyangdian are not only increasing in terms of population but also in terms of species. The appearance of rare birds signifies that the diversity and stability of Baiyangdian's ecosystem have improved significantly," Tian noted. With a lot of his passengers birders, Feng, the boat captain, is keenly aware of the increasingly greater biodiversity in Baiyangdian. "Now, it's easy for me to help birders find rare birds under level-one and level-two State protection," he said. When the temperature gets even warmer, it won't be strange to see flocks of birds so big that they can blot out the sun in Baiyangdian, he continued. The boatman has seen a boom in business following the environmental improvement. He now ferries up to 200 tourists a day in the peak tourist season and has seen his income improve. Moreover, as the water quality gets better, he can enjoy some of his favorite local food from his childhood made from edible aquatic plants. Because of the heavy pollution, locals didn't collect these plants for a long time, he said. "The Baiyangdian of my childhood is coming back," he smiled. New Delhi, April 3 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a door-to-door campaign in the capital, with an aim to reach out to crores of households across the country with its '5 Nyay and 25 guarantees'. New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a door-to-door campaign in the capital, with an aim to reach out to crores of households across the country with its a5 Nyay and 25 guaranteesa. Kharge launched the programme from Kaithwada in the Northeast Delhi LS constituency and also distributed pamphlets featuring its a5 Nyay and 25 guaranteesa. Congress president, at the recent aSave Democracya rally of the INDIA bloc, had also spoken about the partyas 5 aNyaya guarantees promised during Rahul Gandhias Bharat Jodo Yatra. As part of the ambitious campaign, the Congress' aguarantee cardsa will be distributed to more than 8 crore families across the country, printed in 14 different languages to build instant connect with the masses. The aguarantee cardsa sum up the promises and pledges by the Congress party during the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to the people of the country. The staggering list of Congress partyas 25 guarantees has been categorised under 5 Nyay schemes. Under Yuva Nyay, the party has vowed to implement afirst job guaranteea for youth, where every educated youth will be given an apprenticeship of Rs 1 lakh per year. It also promised Rs 30 lakh new government jobs and better social security for gig workers. For emancipation for women, the party has pledged to roll Mahalakshmi yojana, under which Rs 1 lakh per year will be given to women in every poor family. Higher salary has been promised for ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Under Kisan Nyay, the party has pledged a legal guarantee of MSP, as per the Swaminathan Commission report and also guaranteed insurance payment into bank accounts within a month of crop loss. For workers, the party has set out a plan to implement a Rs 400/day minimum wage under MNREGA and also accident insurance for workers in unorganised sectors. Congress aghar-ghar guaranteea programme also promises to impose a 50 per cent cap on SC/ST/OBC reservations through a constitutional amendment to ensure full rights to reservation for these communities. -- IANS mr/uk New Delhi, April 3 : Samsung India's head of digital appliances, Saurabh Baishakhia, on Wednesday said that the company expects Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Bespoke appliances to contribute 70 per cent to its sales in the country by 2025. This comes after Samsung showcased Bespoke home appliances featuring AI capabilities and enhanced connectivity in the country. "Through enhanced connectivity and AI capabilities, these appliances take the consumer experience to the next level by revolutionising the smart home experience," said Baishakhia. "With AI appliances, our objective is to further strengthen our premium portfolio and increase our share in the premium appliances segment," he added. Samsung's Bespoke appliances in India include -- refrigerator, air conditioner, microwave and washing machine -- all now powered by AI. With AI-powered home appliances, the company said that it aims at exceeding customers' expectations in the fast-growing premium appliances market. With inbuilt Wi-Fi, internal cameras and AI chips, Samsung's latest appliances featuring Bespoke AI seamlessly connect and provide convenient home management with easy-to-access controls through the SmartThings Application. According to the company, Samsung's Bespoke AI appliances additionally feature Bixby AI Voice Assistant. Users can manage their Family Hub refrigerator by simply saying "Hi Bixby! Show me what's inside the refrigerator" or just say "Hi Bixby! Turn on the WindFree mode in the air conditioner", the company explained. Chandigarh, April 3 : The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition seeking to set aside the Election Commission of India's notification dated March 16 announcing the bypoll to the Karnal Assembly seat, which was vacated by two-time former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Chandigarh, April 3 (IANS) The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition seeking to set aside the Election Commission of Indiaas notification dated March 16 announcing the bypoll to the Karnal Assembly seat, which was vacated by two-time former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Khattar will contest the general elections from the Karnal Lok Sabha constituency. On Tuesday, a division bench comprising Justices Sudhir Singh and Harsh Bunger had reserved its verdict on the plea. The BJP has fielded Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the MP from Kurukshetra in the outgoing Lok Sabha, for the bypoll to the Karnal Assembly seat. The bypoll is slated to be held on May 25 along with the polling to the 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state. New Delhi, April 3 : Two wanted sharpshooters of the Jitender Gogi-Kapil Maan gang were arrested while they were planning to kill the witnesses in a case against the gang members, an official from Delhi Police's Special Cell said on Wednesday. Two semi-automatic sophisticated pistols of .32 bore with eight bullets were also recovered from them. The accused were identified as Himanshu (23) and Abhimanyu aka Abhi (22) -- both residents of Jhajjar district in Haryana. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Manoj C said that on the intervening night of March 30-31, specific information was received about the movement of Himanshu and Abhimanyu in nearby areas of Jahangirpuri and Rohini. "Acting swiftly on the information, a trap was laid near Kailash Farm Road, Shamshan Ghat Mod, Alipur. Both the alleged persons were intercepted riding on a motorcycle without a number plate and were successfully overpowered," said the DCP. During interrogation, it was revealed that Himanshu along with his friends Sumit, Harsh and Sagar had killed two persons in his village Asaudha in 2021. "He remained in jail for 2 years where he came in contact with Abhimanyu. After coming out of jail, Himanshu got married to his girlfriend in Arya Samaj Mandir against the wish of the girl's family," said the DCP. However, the girl remained at her father's house despite marriage and did not come to Himanshu's house, for which he threatened the girl that if she did not come to his house, he would kill her as well as each member of her family. "Consequently, an FIR was lodged against him in Rohtak, Haryana. Then, he came in contact with Kapil Maan aka Kallu, one of the main members of the Gogi gang and presently lodged in Tihar jail through a common contact," said the DCP. Maan arranged illegal weapons for him through his sources to kill a witness in his case. "After accomplishing the task given by Maan, Himanshu was also planning to kill his father-in-law," said the DCP. Jaipur, April 3 : RLP leader and INDIA bloc candidate Hanuman Beniwal climbed onto a cart, yoked to a pair of colourfully caparisoned white bullocks, and rode it across a village in the Nagaur Lok Sabha constituency while campaigning on Wednesday. "The villagers of Idana have been showering their blessing on me in every election. Even today, they brought this bullock cart for me and asked me to campaign riding on it. In fact, in the last Lok Sabha polls too, I campaigned riding this bullock cart," Beniwal told IANS. He was accompanied on his bullock cart odyssey by Nagaur MLA Harendra Mirdha, who is the uncle of his BJP rival, Jyoti Mirdha. Jyoti Mirdha, who had left the Congress before last year's Assembly polls, had been fielded by the BJP from the Nagaur Assembly seat but lost to Harendra Mirdha by over 14,000 votes. Beniwal's RLP has allied with the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, but, left it over the issue of the three farm laws. He had recently allied with the INDIA bloc and was allotted the Nagaur seat. Ahmedabad, April 3 : A crucial meeting was convened in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, with 10 to 12 leaders of the Kshatriya community, including the Rajputs, to discuss the ongoing political tensions due to Union Minister Parshottam Rupala's remarks that sparked massive protests in Gujarat. The committee is demanding the cancellation of BJP leader Parshottam Rupala's electoral ticket from Rajkot, asserted prominent leader Karansinh Chavda. The Gota Rajput Bhavan in Ahmedabad is set to host these community leaders and Gujarat BJP chief, CR Patil for a significant meeting on Wednesday. Even though Parshottam Rupala extended an apology to the Kshatriya community, urging calm and reconciliation and acknowledged the community's long-standing support for the BJP, the demand for his ticket cancellation persists. CR Patil emphasised the necessity of forgiveness in light of Parshottam Rupalaas apologies and confirmed that BJP leaders would engage directly with Kshatriya representatives to resolve the matter. Earlier, key political figures, including Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, CR Patil, and other notable Kshatriya leaders from the BJP, held a three-hour-long meeting to address the uproar caused by Kshatriya organisations. This meeting took place at the residence of CR Patil in Gandhinagar. Hyderabad, April 3 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Wednesday sent legal notices to Telangana minister Konda Surekha, MLA Yennam Srinivas Reddy and another Congress leader K. Mahender Reddy for defamation after they made allegations against him in a phone tapping case. The former minister has also sent legal notices to some media organisations and YouTube channels. KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, has given one week to them to apologise, failing which he threatened to initiate defamation proceedings. He earlier made it clear that he would not leave those making baseless allegations against him and warned that he would not hesitate to take legal action against even Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Environment and Forest Minister Konda Surekha has been served legal notice for making "false, slanderous and libelous statements" that KTR is involved in alleged phone tapping issue, the BRS leader said. The notice states that the allegations reeks of her malafide intention to tarnish the reputation, image and goodwill of the BRS MLA. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Konda Surekha alleged that KTR indulged in phone tapping and threatened film actresses. She also stated that KTR, his father, former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, would very soon be arrested for the scam, in the way his sister Kavitha was sent to jail in the liquor scam. The minister has been accused of indulging in vendetta politics and misuse of power to deceive the general public. KTR made clear that he is not involved in any offense. Through the legal notice, KTRas counsel has asked the minister to withdraw the statement, to tender an unconditional apology to him for tarnishing his reputation by malicious and defamatory acts. She has also been asked to refrain from engaging in any further malicious or frivolous defamatory acts. The minister has been told that if failed to comply with his demands in seven days, he will be constrained to initiate necessary and appropriate legal action against her while reserving his right to seek appropriate damages. Similar notices were issued to Mahabubnagar MLA Yennam Srinivas Reddy and Congress leader from Sircilla, K. Mahender Reddy. They had met Hyderabad Police Commissioner K. Sreenivasa Reddy seeking a probe into KTR's alleged role in phone tapping. MLA Srinivas Reddy had also lodged a complaint with the DGP Ravi Gupta about the tapping of his phones ahead of the polls. He claimed that this was done on the orders of a former BRS minister. Mahender Reddy stated that based on phone tapping, senior political leaders threatened him not to encourage BRS corporators of Rajanna Sircilla district from joining the Congress. Chennai, April 3 : The Madras High Court has allowed a revision petition filed by the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court Bar Association (MMBA) seeking to restore the rights of the court's Madurai bench to hear Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to the entire state, not just the 13 districts under its jurisdiction. The bench of Chief Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala and Justice R. Hemalatha recalled a particular paragraph from an order passed by the bench headed by then-Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee on March 4, 2021. Justice Banerjee, while disposing of a PIL petition to safeguard the interests of temples all over the state, had said: "While it is appropriate to institute PILs pertaining to the districts covered by the Madurai Bench, when pan-state matters are the subject matter of any litigation, including PILs, they should be carried to the principal seat of the court." Senior counsel M. Ajmal Khan, appearing for the MMBA, argued that it would not be appropriate to say that PILs relating to matters concerning pan-Tamil Nadu must be heard only at the main seat of the High Court. The division bench of Chief Justice Gangapurwala and Justice Hemalatha, agreeing with the points raised by the senior counsel, said that the presidential notification issued in 2004 for the constitution of the Madurai Bench had not imposed any such restriction. Allowing the review petition, it said: "To restrict the pan-state matters only at the principal seat would not be appropriate in view of the notification constituting the Bench at Madurai." However, the bench also said: "If the Chief Justice feels that a particular case, instead of being heard at Madurai, is to be heard at Chennai, the same can be transferred at any point of time. However, a blanket order that when pan-state matters are the subject matter of litigation, the same should be filed only at principal seat would not be appropriate for the functioning of the Bench at Madurai." Mumbai, April 3 : The makers of the upcoming Aayush Sharma-starrer action-thriller film 'Ruslaan' have joined forces with the NH Studioz for the film's worldwide release. Aayush spoke about the partnership and said how much the distribution strategy is instrumental in the filmmaking journey. NH Studioz is known for its stellar track record, and has been associated with some of the most celebrated films like 'Pink,' 'Shivaay,' 'October,' 'Tubelight,' and 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'. Aayush Sharma said: "Finding the right collaborators is crucial in the filmmaking journey, and partnering with NH Studioz is important to us. We have a shared vision for Ruslaan. Their track record of delivering impactful cinema resonates deeply with me, and I am thrilled to have them on board. Together, we aim to bring Ruslaan to audiences worldwide, ensuring that our film reaches every corner of the globe." Apart from being part of the distribution business, NH Studioz boasts of an impressive portfolio as producers, with projects like 'Freddy' and 'Omerta' under their belt. Narendra Hirawat of NH Studioz shared: "We are thrilled to join hands with K K Radhamohan of Sri Sathya Sai Arts for Ruslaan. We have released a number of Hindi films for the worldwide market successfully in the past and we will ensure that Ruslaan gets a theatrical release worldwide so that Hindi film lovers who enjoy an entertaining action film will get to see it." Producer K K Radhamohan said: "I am elated that NH Studioz has joined us in presenting Ruslaan to audiences worldwide. Their dedication to bringing entertaining cinema to every corner of the globe is unparalleled. Together, we look forward to sharing our vision with audiences far and wide, knowing that our film Ruslaan will resonate with viewers wherever they may be." 'Ruslaan' also stars Sushrii Mishraa, Jagapathi Babu and Vidya Malvade. Directed by Karan L Butani and produced by K K Radhamohan of Sri Sathya Sai Arts, the film is all set to release on April 26. Taipei, April 3 : At least nine people were killed and 800 others injured after a 7.3-magnitude quake jolted Taiwan on Wednesday morning, according to the local emergency operation centre. Data from the centre showed that about 821 people were injured following the earthquake that hit the sea area near Hualien County, Taiwan, Xinhua news agency reported. Due to the earthquake, a nearly 40-year-old building in Hualien has tilted severely. Multiple trapped residents have been rescued, but one woman remains missing. According to an official from Taiwan transportation authorities, the railway linking Yilan County and Hualien has been severely disrupted, with multiple collapses and falling rocks reported. Ongoing aftershocks in Hualien have hindered repair personnel from accessing affected areas, the official said. The official stated that the current priority is to restore the Taiwan railway service, saying dual-track travel on the rail line section connecting Yilan and Hualien is expected to be restored by Thursday noon. The earthquake was strongly felt in many parts of Taiwan. In Taipei, the earthquake caused damage to some school buildings. According to statistics from the Taipei education authorities, as of Wednesday noon, 201 schools and kindergartens reported that they had sustained damages, with six schools announcing class suspensions. Taichung City, located near Hualien, also experienced severe shaking. The earthquake led to two incidents where falling rocks struck cars, resulting in 2 injuries. Additionally, the earthquake temporarily caused power outages for over 14,000 households in Taichung. Taiwan's meteorological agency called the earthquake the strongest one to hit the island in 25 years since a deadly quake struck on Sept. 21, 1999. A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said that the mainland is highly concerned about the situation and extends sincere sympathy to the Taiwan compatriots affected by the disaster. Following the earthquake, the Ministry of Natural Resources warning center issued tsunami alerts, which have been lifted as of press time. The quake triggered a local tsunami near the epicenter, causing a disastrous impact on parts of Taiwan's coastal areas, the warning center said, adding that the tsunami disaster process had ended. According to Taiwan's meteorological agency, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 25 km south-southeast of Hualien. The maximum intensity recorded was 6 magnitude in Hualien County. Local authorities have announced the suspension of work and school classes in Hualien. Multiple residential buildings partially collapsed in Hualien, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Falling rocks were also reported in hilly areas. A rubber factory building in New Taipei City collapsed due to the quake. Subways in multiple counties and cities on the island have been temporarily suspended. In Taipei, intense shaking lasting at least one minute led to the suspension of metro operations for 40 to 60 minutes. Multiple aftershocks measuring above 5.0 magnitude hit Hualien and nearby areas. Taiwan's meteorological agency also predicted earthquakes measuring magnitude 7 might happen in the next three days. Istanbul, April 3 : At least nine suspects have been arrested in connection with a fire here that killed 29 people at a night club in Istanbul, Turkey. Among the detained individuals are a nightclub's managers and several individuals responsible for renovation works, the office noted. It emphasized that a comprehensive investigation into the incident is currently underway, the Istanbul governor's office told Xinhua on Wednesday. The fire erupted on Tuesday during renovation activities at a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. Preliminary findings by firefighters suggested that the fire started when fiber materials ignited during welding, and those inside were trapped by intense flames and smoke, unable to find a way out. The NTV broadcaster reported that the venue had only one exit, and the majority of casualties were caused by smoke inhalation. Kazim Beceren, head of the Fire Protection and Education Foundation of Turkey, told the state-run Anadolu Agency that the incident underscores a failure to implement necessary precautions during the renovation phase, particularly concerning fire safety measures. Beceren said such renovation works should have been conducted under the guidance of occupational safety experts and engineers. Fire safety expert Levent Yasa said the fire's magnitude was considerable, exacerbated by an abundance of flammable material inside, which tragically resulted in numerous fatalities. Meanwhile, the Besiktas district municipality emphasized in a statement that "no application had been submitted to the municipality regarding the renovation process and no permission had been provided." Istanbul's incumbent mayor Ekrem Imamoglu inspected the scene on Tuesday and said municipal teams have been examining the static safety of the building. "Accordingly, we will support the evacuation of neighbors if necessary. The building is an old structure," he told reporters, speaking of the damage caused by the fire. Bengaluru, April 3 : In a shocking incident, a man tried to commit suicide in the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday by slashing his throat with a surgical knife, police said. He has been shifted to a hospital and is being operated on. The incident took place at the court hall number 1 located close to the bench of the Chief Justice. The man was identified as Chinnam Srinivas, 55, from Mysuru. According to police, Srinivas had slit his throat with a small surgical knife after submitting a petition in the court. The blood vessels located close to the oesophagus have been damaged and he was shifted to the Bowring Hospital immediately by the authorities. Srinivas had come with his wife to the court to file a petition before the Chief Justice, according to sources. Preliminary investigation revealed that he had entered into an agreement with Sridhar Rao and others for building an apartment and sharing the income, but alleged that he was cheated of Rs 93 lakh. He had lodged a case of cheating and being threatened at the Vijayanagar police station in Mysuru. A single judge of the High Court had directed the parties to settle the matter in the civil court. He had come to the court to submit a petition in this regard. Further details are yet to emerge regarding the case and police are yet to make an official statement regarding the incident. Kolkata, April 3 : The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday upheld an earlier order passed by a single-judge bench of the same court directing for an NIA probe into the killings of two former students of Darivit High School -- Tapas Burman and Rajesh Sarkar -- inside the school compound in North Dinajpur district on September 20, 2018. The division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya also upheld the order passed by the single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha to pay compensation to the family members of the victims. Accordingly, the bench directed the West Bengal government to pay the compensation amount to the victims' families within the next seven days. On March 15, Justice Mantha issued a "contempt of court" notice against Chief Secretary B.P. Gopalika, Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, and the Additional DG of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), R. Rajasekaran, for non-compliance with the order issued by his bench in May 2023 for the handover of the investigation to the NIA, and paying compensation to the family members of the victims. On March 19, the state government approached the division bench of Justice Sivagnanam against the contempt of court notice issued by Justice Mantha. When the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, the division bench refused to accept the state government's plea seeking a stay on the contempt notice. Instead, the bench directed the state government to adhere to the single-judge bench's order passed in May last year, and also submit a report on the handover of charge to the NIA at the earliest. In September 2018, a group of students, their guardians, and former students of Darivit High School staged a protest against the school authority's decision to appoint Urdu and Sanskrit teachers by ignoring the vacancies of teachers for crucial subjects like science and mathematics. Those opposed to the protest clashed with the agitators which soon turned the school compound into a virtual battlefield, leading to the death of two former students. The families of the deceased have alleged that the duo died in police firing. Kolkata, April 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told the BJP booth heads in West Bengal to reach out to the women and youth voters in their respective booths, and explain to them how the ruling Trinamool Congress is depriving them of the benefits of the different Centrally-sponsored schemes. PM Modi also directed the booth heads to convince the people that the amount of Rs 3,000 crore confiscated by the central agencies in connection with different cases of financial scams will be ultimately returned to those who have lost their money. "Assure the voters that I will not backtrack from my promise of my fight against corruption. You also need to explain to the people that the different constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc who are claiming to be fighting against each other in West Bengal are actually united at the national level against the BJP, and their sole intention is to ensure the practice of ancestral politics and corruption continues," the Prime Minister said during an online interaction with the booth heads in different Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal. On Wednesday, he mainly interacted with the booth heads from the Lok Sabha constituencies, where the polling process will be completed in the first three phases between April 19 and May 7. Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi stressed that the booth heads should concentrate on strengthening the booth-level party organisation and ensuring that the dedicated voters reach the polling booths early to cast their votes. Speaking to the booth heads, PM Modi stressed on the increasing use of technology in reaching out to the youth and updating them on the different development schemes introduced by the state government specially dedicated to the youth population in the country. Stressing that the women voters will be playing an important role in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, PM Modi also directed the booth heads to involve the women party activists in the campaign process at the earliest. Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi also lauded the manner in which BJP 'karyakartas' (workers) in West Bengal are working tirelessly to serve the people of the state. The Prime Minister said that the party workers in West Bengal are shining examples for the BJP cadres across the country. New Delhi, April 3 : The Indian Navy has conducted a maritime security exercise called 'Sagar Kavach' in the strategically important Lakshadweep Island. The Navy said that the two-day exercise involved the assets of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries, and Customs while other security agencies were also engaged in the exercise. "The exercise which was concluded on April 2, validated the effectiveness of coastal security mechanism while dealing with asymmetric threat emanating from the sea," the Navy said. The exercise witnessed enhanced preparedness, response mechanism, surveillance capabilities and coordination between the coastal security stake holders. New Delhi, April 3 : Global technology brand OnePlus on Wednesday launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) Eraser image editing feature for its smartphones. Starting this month, the feature will be rolled out gradually to OnePlus devices including the OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus 11, OnePlus Open, and OnePlus Nord CE 4, the company said. "As OnePlus' first feature based on generative AI technology, AI Eraser represents the first step in our vision to liberate user creativity through AI and revolutionise the future of photo editing, empowering users to create remarkable photos with just a few touches," Kinder Liu, President and COO of OnePlus, said in a statement. He also mentioned that the company plans to introduce more AI features this year. With AI Eraser users will be able to select and remove unwanted objects within images from the Photo Gallery. After the user highlights certain objects, such as pedestrians, trash, or imperfections in the image, the underlying AI analyses the selected area and automatically generates a replacement background that blends into the surrounding environment while suiting the overall style of the image, the company explained. "All OnePlus AI features are built from genuine user needs, and we will continue to invest heavily in developing more revolutionary AI-based features that move us closer to our vision for a more convenient future for all," said Nicole Zhang, General Manager of AI Product at OnePlus. Gurugram, April 3 : A 30-year-old German man suffering from refractory post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dyscognitive epilepsy was successfully treated by the doctors here via a rare keyhole surgery. Refractory PTSD with dyscognitive epilepsy refers to a complex medical condition where an individual experiences both PTSD and epilepsy characterised by memory intrusions, inability to focus, avoiding situations and contacts that remind of traumatic experiences, isolation, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining relations. "Refractive PTSD is termed when a patient suffering from regular PTSD doesn't respond to any medication. This leads to a complex syndrome in which the patient has uncontrollable, continuous intrusions in the form of PTSD and develops other associated disorders. In this case, the patient developed dyscognitive epilepsy as a result of refractory PTSD," Dr Himanshu Champaneri, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS. The man endured multiple traumatic experiences from childhood till his teenage due to domestic abuse. As a result, he started experiencing PTSD symptoms from the age of 17. Later, he also developed dyscognitive epilepsy due to which he had sudden episodes of blankness when he would lose the ability to respond to his surroundings, questions, or any dangers. Such episodes would occur anytime when he was travelling, standing at the subway station, in class, or even alone, and affected his daily life as he was unable to pursue any growth in his education/profession. "When someone has both refractory PTSD and dyscognitive epilepsy, it can pose significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The presence of one condition can exacerbate the symptoms of the other, leading to a complex clinical picture," Champaneri told IANS. The patient had sought medical therapies before coming to India, which helped him for a certain time, but the symptoms recurred. He even attempted suicide two times. At Marengo Asia, the doctors asked him to revisit his traumatic memories, and his functional MRI showed active signals in the right amygdala, which is expected in cases of severe refractory post-traumatic stress disorder. The keyhole surgery was performed using stereotactic radiofrequency ablation. "Managing this condition typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including mental health professionals, neurologists, and other specialists, to address both the psychiatric and neurological aspects of the disorder. The treatment may involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and possibly other interventions such as neuromodulation or lifestyle modifications," Champaneri said. "After the surgery, the patient remained in a very relaxed and happy state and was able to focus on tasks that had not been possible before. He did not have any episodes of dyscognitive seizures after the surgery and had complete relief from the post-traumatic stress disorder," the doctor said. Hyderabad, April 3 : A Hyderabad court on Wednesday sent former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Task Force, Radha Kishan Rao to police custody for seven days in the phone tapping case. After hearing the police petition, the Nampally court sent him to police custody from April 4 to 10. The investigators will question him during the period to gather more information about the alleged phone tapping carried out during the rule of the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. Kishan Rao has been named as the fourth accused in the case, which came to light last month, causing a stir in political circles. Working as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Task Force following his retirement, he was arrested on March 28. The next day, the Nampally court sent him to judicial custody for 14 days. There are allegations that a Special Operations Team was created in the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) 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, who was the first police officer to be arrested in the case last month. According to the remand report, the Task Force seized Rs 70 lakh belonging to Anand Prasad, the TDP candidate from Serilingampally constituency during the December 2018 elections after SOT shared information with Kishan Rao. 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 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. Two other police officers, N. Bhujanga Rao and M. Tirupatanna, were Tuesday sent to judicial custody till April 6. The two officers were produced in the court after their five-day police custody came to an end on Tuesday. Bhujanga Rao, Additional Superintendent of Police in Bhupalpally district and Tirupathanna, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, City Security Wing, Hyderabad City Police were arrested on March 23. They had earlier served in SIB. Prabhakar Rao, considered close to then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, resigned as SIB chief after the Congress came to power. Police have issued a lookout notice for Prabhakar Rao, who is said to be abroad. Shillong, April 3 : A police vehicle was set afire in Shillong city by unidentified assailants early on Wednesday, police said. The incident happened at the Mawlai Police Station, but no one was injured. A senior police official said that a police vehicle parked inside the police station was torched in the attack around 2 a.m. "Two unidentified men arrived on a two-wheeler and threw a petrol bomb at the vehicle," the official said. A case under the relevant sections of the law was registered and an investigation has been launched. "We have launched a search operation to nab the culprits," the official said. The motive behind the attack is still unknown. New Delhi, April 3 : The Axis Bank said on Wednesday that all the required regulatory approvals for the proposed subscription of shares in Max Life Insurance have been received. On August 9, 2023, Axis Bank informed about the proposed infusion of Rs 1,612 crore by the private lender in Max Life Insurance Company Limited, subject to regulatory approvals. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has, vide its letter dated April 2, 2024, intimated that the CCI, at its meeting held on April 2, 2024, considered the proposed combination and approved the subscription to 14,25,79,161 equity shares of Max Life by the Bank under Subsection (1) of Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002. Approval for the aforesaid transaction from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) was received by Max Life through the letters dated February 6, 2024, and November 10, 2023, respectively, Axis Bank said. aWith this, all the required regulatory approvals for the proposed subscription have been received," it added. Chennai, April 3 : The police in Tamil Nadu's Sathyamangalam have registered a case against Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L. Murugan, who is also the BJP candidate from Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency, on charges of violating the Model Code of Conduct. According to the police, the case was registered against L. Murugan based on a complaint filed by the assistant returning officer of the Bhavanisagar Assembly constituency, R. Uma Shankar. The poll official alleged that Murugan held a meeting inside a private school on March 26 along with his party cadres. A case has also been registered against the management of the school located on the Sathyamangalam-Bannari road under the Bhavanisagar Assembly constituency. The police said that an inquiry was conducted following which a case was registered against L. Murugan and 100 party cadres for violation of the Model Code of Conduct. L. Murugan is involved in a three-cornered battle in the Nilgiris (SC seat) against former Union Minister and sitting MP A. Raja of the DMK, and D. Lokesh Tamil Selvan of the AIADMK. New Delhi, April 3 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is headed for a landslide victory with close to 400 seats while the Congress-led INDIA bloc is seen getting restricted within the 100 mark, found the INDIA TV in its survey conducted along with CNX agency. INDIA TV-CNX Opinion Poll sought to gauge public opinion, days before the first phase of the Parliamentary election kicks off from April 19. According to the survey findings, the BJP is set to fetch its biggest-ever tally on its own, at 342 seats, and together with allies, it may touch the 400 mark, an ambitious goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per the Opinion Poll, the INDIA bloc is likely to fare poorly with all constituents striving to achieve double-digit figures. Congress, the biggest Opposition party is projected to win just 38 seats while Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the DMK are likely to register victory in 19, 3 and 18 seats respectively. Others including Independents are expected to win close to 90 seats. BJP is expected to make a clean sweep and turn some states asaffrona by claiming victory in all constituencies. They include Gujarat (26 seats), Madhya Pradesh (29), Rajasthan (25), Haryana (10), Delhi (7), Uttarakhand (5) and Himachal Pradesh (4 seats). BJP is also seen striking big in two biggest states of Hindi heartland - Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In Uttar Pradesh, the party is likely to win 77 out of 80 seats (BJP-73, Apna Dal and RLD 2 seats each). Congress and BSP are seen drawing a blank in the state. In Bihar too, the alliance partners are likely to sweep the state with 38 seats a" with BJP claiming victory on 17 and JD on 14 seats and rest by smaller allies. Other states where BJP is likely to get a lionas share of seats include Jharkhand (12 out of 14), Assam (11 out of 14), Bengal (22 out of 42 ), Karnataka (22 out of 28) and Maharashtra (27 of 48 seats). The regional satraps are also seen getting swayed away under the BJP wave as they are unlikely to affect the ruling partyas victory march. TMC and DMK, both staunch NDA opponents are seen losing ground in their own states. TMC is seen fetching 19 seats, 3 less than 2019 polls while DMKas numbers are also seen taking a hit, at 18 seats. Other satraps like YSRCP, TDP, and Biju Janata Dal are likely to win 10, 12 and 11 seats respectively. INDIA TV-CNX carried out the survey in all 543 constituencies and gathered views of close to 1.80 lakh people, from March 1-March 30 to reach this conclusion, it said. Patiala, April 3 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Wednesday appealed to Punjabis to support the party to save Punjab from the "onslaught of outsiders", asserting Delhi-based parties did not want to win hearts but subjugate the state. Patiala, April 3 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Wednesday appealed to Punjabis to support the party to save Punjab from the "onslaught of outsiders", asserting Delhi-based parties did not want to win hearts but subjugate the state. Asserting that SAD believed in 'sarbat da bhala' and had always practised what it preached, the SAD President, who got a warm welcome both in Sanaur and Ghanur constituencies during his ongoing Punjab Bachao Yatra, appealed to Punjabis to strengthen the regional party to save Punjab. "On one side is your own party which has always taken the 'gareeb, kisan, mazdoor' and traders along with it in the path to progress, while on the other are centrist forces who want to weaken Punjab and take over its resources." Badal said: "Both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have looted you. Both these parties have used the resources of Punjab for their national goals. They have failed to carry out any development or even establish one big infrastructure project. They have persecuted the youth who are asking for jobs and presided over the collapse of law and order and flight of capital from Punjab to other states. The time has come to rid the state of all centrist parties." Senior leader Prem Singh Chandumajra, N.K. Sharma, Harinderpal Singh Chandumajra, and Bhupinder Singh Sheikhupur accompanied the SAD President. Badal also questioned the slogan of 'badlav' which had been propounded by both the Congress and AAP. He said Punjabis should introspect on what change had occurred in Punjab during the last seven years except for the collapse of its economy and denial of social welfare benefits to the poorest of the poor. He also questioned the hypocrisy of both the Congress and AAP, saying, "While both these parties have formed an alliance at the national level, they are doing a drama of opposing each other in Punjab." New Delhi, April 3 : Amid the soaring heat levels in various parts of India, the Health Ministry on Wednesday held a review meeting on public health preparedness for heat-related illnesses in the country. "Continuous efforts towards generating awareness for people for better management of heatwaves is necessary as effective addressing leads to effective management," Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, who chaired the meeting, said. Pointing out the lack of accurate data from the ground, he called for "creating a central database with input from states to share field level data on heat waves, including deaths and cases". Mansukh Mandaviya also stressed timely action as soon as weather alerts are received in the states by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "Timely, advance and wide awareness among people on preventive measures will hugely support in reducing the severe impact of such heat waves," he said. Highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in efficient management of heat-related illnesses, the Health Minister advised senior officials to meet the states' officials for better coordination and understanding. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, also called for equipping the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with water coolers, ice packs and other basic necessities. Hyderabad, April 3 : Five employees of a pharmaceutical company were killed in an explosion in Telangana's Sangareddy district on Wednesday, police said. The incident occurred at SB Organics Ltd at Chandapur village in Hatnoora mandal of the district. A fire broke out at the factory after a chemical reactor exploded. One of the structures at the industrial complex also collapsed under the impact of the explosion. The companyas manager is reported to be among those killed. Four deceased workers were said to be from Bihar. The death toll is feared to go up. Ten others were injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Fire tenders rushed to the scene and were trying to douse the fire. Sangareddy Superintendent of Police Rupesh and other officials visited the spot. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has expressed grief over the accident at the chemical plant. He directed Director General Fire Service Nagi Reddy to rush to the spot and supervise rescue and relief operations. He also asked the district Collector and SP to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. Bhopal, April 3 : The Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara seem to have become a direct contest between veteran Congress leader Kamal Nath's family and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Nath family, which won over a dozen elections from Chhindwara in the last over 40 years, is making all efforts to retain its bastion, while a determined BJP is leaving no stone unturned to wrest this constituency from the Congress. Bordering Maharashtra, Chhindwara is the largest district in Madhya Pradesh where the contest is between Kamal Nath's son and sitting Congress MP Nakul Nath, and the BJP's Vivek Kumar 'Banti Sahu'. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, who won nine Lok Sabha elections from the seat, and was elected as a member of the state Assembly from there in 2023, is probably facing the toughest contest in his bastion this time. This is because the BJP has broken his several loyalists, including those considered close to Kamal Nath and his son Nakul Nath. The biggest jolt came after former state minister Deepak Saxena, considered close to the veteran Congress leader, started distancing himself from the Nath family ahead of the elections. Saxena's son Ajay Saxena joined the BJP in March, and since then several politicians from the close circles of Kamal Nath, including Chhindwara Mayor Vikram Ahake and sitting MLA (Amarwara) Kamlesh Shah, have shifted loyalties. The 'pain' of Nath family came to the fore when Kamal Nath's daughter-in-law Priya Nath said, "When I see my father-in-law, I can sense his pain. Those he considered as family members have betrayed him at a crucial juncture." Like her father-in-law (Kamal Nath) and husband (Nakul Nath), Priya Nath is also leading the poll campaign in Chhindwara, especially among women. During her rallies, Priya Nath keeps reminding the people that Chhindwara has seen progress only because of the Nath family. While senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, who was appointed the cluster in-charge for the Mahakaushal region of which Chhindwara is a part, is attempting to rejuvenate the party workers there, top BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, are frequently visiting the constituency to boost BJP's prospects. Also, BJP President J.P. Nadda's visit to Jabalpur ahead of the first phase of elections has given a push to the party cadres. Notably, the BJP has managed to win the Chhindwara seat just once -- in 1997 (bypoll). Even in the previous two general elections, the BJP almost made a clean sweep in Madhya Pradesh but it failed to script a success story in Chhindwara. Six Lok Sabha constituencies in the state, including Chhindwara and Jabalpur, will go to the polls on April 19. Hyderabad, April 3 : Andhra Pradesh unit Congress president Y.S. Sharmila Reddy said on Wednesday that there is a need for political experts, journalists, and writers, to present political narratives, backgrounds, and the actual happenings in a more analytical and objective fashion. She was speaking after releasing the book, "Resonance of Democracy a" Unravelling the Tapestry of Telangana Elections 2023", authored by Hyderabad's political observer and PR professional Palwai Raghavendra Reddy. The book presents an analytical journey through the course of the recently held Telangana Assembly elections. Sharmila Reddy stated that there was a serious dearth of objective analysis of political developments, which was leading to people being misguided and influenced. In the wake of this, these books could have a positive impact, and inspire more writers to take to recording the history for the sake of future generations. Explaining his work briefly, Raghavendra Reddy said the idea of 'Resonance of Democracy' germinated in his mind, when he, for the first time, felt that the elections presented unique equations and peculiar conundrums for political parties, all that made them excitingly unpredictable. From the buildup with pre-poll developments, through individual chapters dedicated to high-profile political captains, the book amply captures the essence of the 2023 election. New Delhi, April 3 : AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh walked out of the Tihar Jail on Wednesday evening, after getting bail in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The AAP leader is likely to first go and meet Sunita Kejriwal, wife of jailed CM Arvind Kejriwal. The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to him after noting that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has no objection to his release on bail. It also said that he will be released on such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the trial court, making it clear that he will not make any public comment or speech concerning his role in the pending case. Special judge Kaveri Baweja had also directed Singh to surrender his passport, not leave the country without permission, and not make any attempt to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. Further, he has been ordered to execute a personal bond of Rs. 2 lakh and one surety of the same amount. He was also asked to share his mobile number with the agency and join the probe as and when required. Kolkata, April 3 : The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday gave Chief Secretary B.P. Gopalika a final deadline for submitting a report specifying by when the Trinamool Congress government will accord its approval for the beginning of the trial against state government employees allegedly involved in the multi-crore cash-for-school jobs scam. The division bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Gaurang Kanth directed the Chief Secretary to submit the report to the court by April 9, failing which he will have to personally appear before the bench. When the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, the bench took offence over the delay on the part of the state government in approving the trial, as it directed the Chief Secretary to be physically present in the court during the extended hearing in the second half of the day. However, when the matter came up for hearing in the second half, the state government requested the bench to spare the Chief Secretary for the day because of his busy schedule in connection with the upcoming Lok Sabha Sabha polls. After that, the bench softened its stand and directed Gopalika to submit the report by April 9. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been complaining to the Calcutta High Court over the delay on the state government's part in approving the trial process against the state government employees booked in the school jobs case. The CBI counsels have also said that despite charge sheets being filed in the case, the trial process could not be started because of the lack of approval from the state government. In the past too, the state government faced the ire of the court over the delay. Mumbai, April 3 : Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who recently joined the BJP and was elected to the Rajya Sabha, faces an acid test on his home turf Nanded. Although he is not a BJP nominee this time, Chavan must bank on his clout to ensure victory for the party candidate and sitting MP Pratap Chikhalikar. This is because Nanded is expected to witness a multi-cornered contest with the entry of the Congress and the possibility of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and the AIMIM also fielding their candidates. The Congress has already announced former legislator Vasant Chavan as the party candidate from Nanded. The BJP, however, hopes to retain the seat with Chavan on its side now. The party is also confident that Chavan, who had lost the 2019 elections to Chikhalikar, will use all his skills to lure his traditional Congress vote bank in support of the BJP nominee. After becoming a Rajya Sabha member, Chavan slowly but steadily launched an exercise to get his close associates and elected representatives into the BJP fold, and thereby consolidate his grip and the partyas presence in Nanded. What has come to his aid is the election of RSS worker Ajit Gopchede from Nanded to the Rajya Saha. Gopchede can tap the RSS and BJP networks in addition to Chavan's supporters from Congress to ensure Chikhaliakr's victory. However, a section of BJP workers feels that Chavan will have to quickly acclimatise to the BJPas style of functioning, especially by building his rapport with the booth-level workers for an effective poll management plan. Chavan will also have to woo the voters from the minority and backward classes so that Chikhaliakras margin increases. Of the six Assembly seats under the Nanded Lok Sabha constituency, Nanded South and Deglur are held by the Congress, while the Bhokar seat fell vacant after Ashok Chavan resigned as the MLA. On the other hand, Naigaon and Mukhed are represented by the BJP, while the Nanded North seat is held by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. A close associate of Ashok Chavan said, "The real challenge here is to bring the voters to the polling stations, especially when they seem to be divided over the protests seeking Maratha and OBC reservations. Chavan along with the BJP and Shiv Sena will have to carefully approach the voters from these communities by assuring them that the state government and the Centre will protect their respective quotas." Further, Chavan and the BJP will also have to pay more attention to avoid a division of votes after the possible entry of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. In the 2014 elections in Nanded, Chavan weathered the Narendra Modi wave as he won by securing 4,93,075 votes against BJP's Digambar Patil's 4,11,620 votes. Traditionally, Nanded has been a Congress bastion since 1952 as the party was represented by stalwarts like Shankarrao Chavan, Vyankatesh Terodekar, Ashok Chavan, and Bhaskarrao Khatgaonkar. The opposition also held the Nanded seat -- in 1997, when Peasants and Workers Party leader Keshavrao Dhondge won; in 1989 when Janata Dal nominee Vyankatesh Kabde secured victory; in 2004 when BJP nominee D.B. Patil won; and in 2019 when BJP candidate Pratap Chikhalikar emerged as the winner. Vijayapura : , April 3 (IANS) In a tragic incident, a two-year-old toddler in Karnataka's Vijayapura district fell into a newly drilled open bore well while playing in a field on Wednesday evening. The child was identified as Satwik Mujagonda, the son of Shankarappa Mujagonda and Pooja Mujagonda and a resident of Lachchana village in Indi taluk of Vijayapura. According to the police, the bore well was drilled on Tuesday in the agricultural land of his parents to provide water for sugarcane and lemon crops but its opening remained unclosed. While playing and wandering on the land, the toddler fell into the bore well around 6 p.m. The bore well was drilled to a depth of 400 feet and authorities suspect that the boy is stuck 15 to 20 feet down it. Authorities have rushed to the spot and a joint rescue operation has been launched by the fire force and emergency services, police, and taluk officials. Oxygen is being provided into the bore well. A large number of people gathered at the spot upon hearing the news. Large and Medium Industries Minister and district in-charge Minister M.B. Patil expressed shock over the incident and directed the district authorities to take up rescue operations swiftly and update him regularly. He also spoke to the District Commissioner and Superintendent of the Police over the phone and gave directions to monitor the rescue operation. Bengaluru, April 3 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday penned an emotional note recollecting the contributions of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the latter retired from Rajya Sabha. "As Dr. Manmohan Singh bids adieu to the Rajya Sabha, marking the end of an era, it's imperative to reflect on the indelible mark he has left on India's history, both as an economist par excellence and a statesman of rare calibre. "Dr. Singh's tenure is a testament to the power of quiet determination and the profound impact of visionary leadership. At the heart of Dr. Singh's legacy lies his revolutionary economic policy. As the architect of India's economic liberalisation in 1991, he ushered in reforms that propelled the nation onto the global stage, fostering unprecedented growth and development," the Karnataka Chief Minister wrote in the note. Siddaramaiah said that Manmohan Singh's policies were not just transformative but were a beacon of hope for a country on the brink of financial uncertainty, illustrating his deep understanding of the complex global economic landscape. "Dr. Singh's mode of communication marked a significant shift from typical political discourse. Avoiding theatrics in favour of substance, he conveyed his messages with clear and meaningful depth, striking a chord with both colleagues and the broader public. His speeches were rich in insight, showcasing his deep understanding of the matters at hand. "This straightforward approach, free from extravagance, highlighted a leader who placed governance above showmanship. Facing the media, Dr. Singh was the epitome of grace and respect. Even when confronted with challenging questions, he exhibited a composure that was both serene and confident, a rare quality in the often chaotic world of politics. His interactions were marked by an unwavering respect for the fourth estate, recognising its pivotal role in a vibrant democracy," Siddaramaiah said. The Karnataka Chief Minister further said that on the international front, former PM Manmohan Singh's tenure was characterised by a nuanced foreign policy that navigated the complexities of global diplomacy with adept skill. "His leadership played a key role in bolstering India's ties with major international partners, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration. Dr. Singh's career was characterised by an absence of controversy, a testament to his integrity and dedication. "A hard worker and an intellectual giant, he never sought the limelight, allowing his work to speak for itself. His approach was underpinned by a commitment to clean governance, visionary planning, and democratic values, setting a benchmark for future generations. Among his notable contributions was the landmark civil nuclear deal with the US, which not only marked a turning point in India-US relations but also opened new avenues for India's energy security and technological advancement. "His tenure serves as a beacon for future leaders, embodying the ethos of service, integrity, and dedication to the nation's progress. We wish him a healthy and happy retirement life," the note concluded. Meanwhile, BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has described Manmohan Singh as the "weakest" and "remote-controlled" PM. "Dr Manmohan Singh had been a remote controlled PM and took orders from Sonia Gandhi. Even Rahul Gandhi never respected Dr Singh," Bommai said. New Delhi, April 3 : After the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government approved a new electric vehicle (EV) policy to attract investments in the EV space by global manufacturers, Tesla is reportedly sending a team this month to search for locations in the country for a $2-3 billion plant. According to a report in The Financial Times on Wednesday, citing sources, the Elon Musk-run company "would send a team from the US by late April to study sites for the plant". The team would reportedly focus on states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu which has EV infrastructure in place as well as ports which makes it easier for the company "to export cars". Tesla did not comment on the report. In the new EV policy, the government has reduced the customs duty to 15 per cent, with certain riders. This now paves the way for Musk to enter the Indian market. Last year, PM Modi met Musk in the US and appreciated his efforts at making technology accessible and affordable in various sectors. The Prime Minister invited Musk to explore opportunities in India for investments in electric mobility and the rapidly expanding commercial space sector. In the new EV scheme, the government mentioned that a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore (about $500 million) will be needed to set up manufacturing facilities and production started within three years and reach 25 per cent DVA (domestic value addition) by three years and 50 per cent DVA within 5 years at the maximum. New Delhi, April 3 : After the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government approved a new electric vehicle (EV) policy to attract investments in the EV space by global manufacturers, Tesla is reportedly sending a team this month to search for locations in the country for a $2-3 billion plant. According to a report in The Financial Times on Wednesday, citing sources, the Elon Musk-run company "would send a team from the US by late April to study sites for the plant". The team would reportedly focus on states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu which have EV infrastructure in place as well as ports which makes it easier for the company "to export cars". Tesla did not comment on the report. In the new EV policy, the government has reduced the customs duty to 15 per cent, with certain riders. This now paves the way for Musk to enter the Indian market. Last year, PM Modi met Musk in the US and appreciated his efforts at making technology accessible and affordable in various sectors. The Prime Minister invited Musk to explore opportunities in India for investments in electric mobility and the rapidly expanding commercial space sector. In the new EV scheme, the government mentioned that a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore (about $500 million) will be needed to set up manufacturing facilities and production started within three years and reach 25 per cent DVA (domestic value addition) by three years and 50 per cent DVA within 5 years at the maximum. Mumbai, April 3 : The Union Power Ministry has constituted an independent Thermal Project Monitoring Group (TPMG) for the monitoring and execution of thermal power projects that are under implementation. Headed by the Central Electricity Authorityas (CEA) Member (Thermal), the group comprises the CEA chief engineer or above level official and six retired senior officials of CEA/NTPC/DVC. Two deputy director-level officials of the CEA will assist the group. The Ministryas move comes against the backdrop of its ambitious plan of installation of 93,380 MW of new coal-based thermal power generation capacity by 2031-32, as announced recently. Of the 93,380 MW, 26,380 MW is already under construction, 11,960 MW has been bid out and 19,050 MW is under clearance. According to the Power Ministry, 31,000 MW is at an advanced implementation stage and the construction of 17,000 MW is expected to commence soon. At present, the countryas total installed capacity is 428299.27 MW. The group will undertake site visits of all the thermal power projects of the Central and state sectors as well as independent power producers, which are under implementation. The members would conduct the site inspection of the project areas to oversee the first-hand progress made by the project proponents and based on their assessment, they would submit a progress report to the TPMG. The group would compare the progress report with the progress being reported by the project proponents directly to the CEA. Based on these reports, the CEA will submit a realistic position about the progress of the projects under implementation. The TPMG would identify any challenges or obstacles encountered during the implementation phase and evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation strategies employed by the project proponents. The members are also expected to submit a progress review report within seven working days after a site visit, and thereafter the TPMG after every visit would apprise the progress and timelines of the site of the thermal power projects under implementation to the Power Ministry. Mumbai, April 3 : Maharashtra's opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will meet to discuss and resolve the tug-of-war between the Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT over at least three Lok Sabha seats and the fallout on the poll campaign, party sources said here on Wednesday. The MVA top leaders including Nationalist Congress Party (SP)as state President Jayant Patil will sit across the table to sort out the contentious Sangli, Mumbai North West, and Mumbai South seats, which the Congress is claiming the three seats but the Shiv Sena-UBT has already announced candidates a" Arvind Sawant (Mumbai South), Amol G. Kirtikar (Mumbai North West) and Chandrahar Patil (Sangli). Hoping to avoid a divide in the MVA, some leaders have proposed a "friendly contest" in these three constituencies, but the Shiv Sena-UBT rejected the suggestion. However, the party is experiencing an alarming fallout of its decision a" Congress workers are reportedly boycotting the polls campaign of its candidates in several seats including Sangli, Bhiwandi, Mumbai and other constituencies. The meeting is expected to sort out the issues of the three seats as well as win over the Congress workers to campaign for the Shiv Sena-UBT candidates in various constituencies where they are purportedly keeping off the poll trail. Congress state President Nana Patole said on Wednesday that the party is still insistent on taking Bhiwandi, Sangli, and Mumbai seats "and we will evolve an amicable solution through negotiations only", as a very conducive atmosphere has developed for the MVA and INDIA bloc. He said that it is imperative for the MVA partners to work unitedly for the common goal of ousting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from power at the Centre in the interest of democracy and protecting the Constitution. Agartala, April 3 : The opposition INDIA bloc in Tripura on Wednesday termed the BJP a "burden of the society" and claimed that people's response to the campaigns ahead of the Lok Sabha elections suggests that the NDA will be rejected in the entire country in the upcoming polls. Agartala, April 3 (IANS) The opposition INDIA bloc in Tripura on Wednesday termed the BJP a "burden of the society" and claimed that people's response to the campaigns ahead of the Lok Sabha elections suggests that the NDA will be rejected in the entire country in the upcoming polls. Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and Tripura INDIA bloc co-convener, Sudip Roy Barman, said, "The response we have been receiving so far from the people is beyond our imagination. People want change in both the Lok Sabha constituencies in Tripura, along with the rest of the country, as they are dejected with this government." Roy Barman, a seven-time MLA who had a brief stint as the Health Minister in the BJP government led by former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb before returning to the Congress, also said that the BJP should disclose a progress report of their achievements as well as their visions for the future. "Instead, they are diverting the attention of the masses, resorting to terror tactics by burning opposition's campaign materials, assaulting opposition party workers, jailing opposition party leaders, freezing Congress' bank accounts, and misusing the central agencies like the CBI, ED, Income Tax etc.," he alleged. Roy Barman also said that democracy and the Constitution are in danger under BJP's rule, as he appealed to the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections so that the people can exercise their mandate without any trouble. Responding to the allegations levelled by the BJP against the Left-Congress alliance despite their bitter rivalry in the past, INDIA bloc co-convener Jitendra Chaudhury said: "When the Left was in power or when the Congress-led coalition governments were in power in Tripura, some clashes occurred and some people died which were unfortunate. "They (BJP) are questioning how we are fighting together despite our past political rivalry. People, including Congress and CPI-M workers, were murdered in the past and we apologise for that. But they (BJP) are murdering democracy itself. Generations would be murdered if democracy is killed in the country." Chaudhury, currently the opposition leader in Tripura, also alleged that all the criminals of the past are in the BJP now. The Left leader also said that the ideology of the CPI-M and the Congress are different, and will continue to be so. However, he also said the Communist party has "no fundamental difference" with the Congress on the national perspective. Chaudhury, who is also the CPI-M state Secretary, said that the Left parties and the Congress fought together for the country's Independence. "But the Constitution is under attack now, the agencies are being misused, while the judiciary is also being meddled with. In the name of nationalism, they (BJP) are trying to erase the history of our country," Chaudhury claimed. As per the seat-sharing arrangement, the Congress has fielded its state unit chief Ashish Kumar Saha from the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat, while the CPI-M has nominated its former MLA from the Tripura East seat. Mumbai, April 3 : The Congress on Wednesday expelled senior leader and former MP Sanjay Nirupam for six years for indiscipline and anti-party activities. A terse note from the AICC came hours after Maharashtra unit Congress President Nana Patole had indicated that the party would take action against Nirupam. Upset at not being nominated for the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat, the journalist-turned-politician had turned rebel and said he would announce his next course of action this week. Nirupam expressed his ire publicly after the Maha Vikas Aghadi ally Shiv Sena (UBT) had declared the candidature of Amol G. Kirtikar for the seat last week. He had given a severe tongue-lashing to the SS (UBT) and the Congress seat-sharing negotiators. Nirupam had also launched a vicious veiled attack -- without taking names -- at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, state chief Patole and Mumbai chief Varsha Gaikwad, for allegedly falling at the knees of the SS (UBT). Incidentally, Nirupam is a former two-time Rajya Sabha MP from (undivided) Shiv Sena and an ex-Mumbai North Lok Sabha MP of the Congress. Sensing his banner of revolt, the state Congress also dropped him from the LS state list of the party's star campaigners on Wednesday. "The MPCC has sent a proposal to the party high command to take disciplinary action against Nirupam. There will be no show-cause notice, it will be direct action," Patole had said earlier on Wednesday. An adamant Nirupam hit back, saying the Congress should not waste much energy on him. "Instead, they should use the remaining energy and stationery to save the party. Anyway, the party is going through a severe financial crisis. The period of one week that I had given has been completed today. Tomorrow (April 4), I will make the decision myself." Meanwhile, there has been speculation claiming Nirupam may join BJP or Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Gurugram, April 4 : The Gurugram police have arrested a rape accused who obtained bail from a Gurugram court by producing fake documents. A case under different sections of the IPC had already been registered at the Shivaji Nagar police station on February 26 based on an order of the Additional Session Judge, Rahul Bishnoi, of the district court. According to the police, in 2019, a rape case was registered against Suman Kumar Singh from Madhubani, Bihar. During the probe, the police nabbed the accused and sent him behind bars. To get bail in the case, Suman Kumar, in connivance with his lawyer Ajit Sheoran, prepared a fake surety of Akshay Dagar, a resident of Ballabhgarh, Faridabad, for which Suman paid Rs 30,000 to the lawyer. The fake surety was presented before the court on January 9, 2024, based on which the accused was granted bail. But after Kumar did not appear before the police on the fixed date after obtaining bail, he was declared a Proclaimed Offender (PO) by the court, the police said. When the court found that Kumar had obtained bail based on fake documents, it ordered to register a case against the three accused persons -- Suman, his lawyer, and Dagar, the police said. "Suman Kumar was re-arrested on Tuesday and sent to jail on Wednesday," the police said. New Delhi, April 4 : The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday directed the central agencies to ensure strict vigilance is maintained along the country's bordering areas with Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh. The EC has also directed Chief Secretaries and DGPs of all states and union territories and heads of central agencies to ensure peaceful and inducement-free general elections. The EC, earlier on Wednesday, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, held a crucial meeting with all states/UTs. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The EC reviewed support from the Indian Air force and state civil aviation departments for sorties to ferry polling teams in challenging regions of states like Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Directions were given for adequate security measures to safeguard political functionaries and candidates based on threat perception, particularly in Chhattisgarh and Jammu & Kashmir. The recent violence and turmoil in Manipur was also discussed, with the Commission urging swift action to assist Internally Displaced Persons and ensure their participation in the electoral process. The meeting was held to review and assess the law and order situation, prevention of illicit activities, seizures and strict vigil across inter-state and international borders. The general directions given by EC include setting up integrated check posts at international and inter-state borders for strict surveillance, and sharing of intelligence on criminals and anti-social elements between bordering districts. The EC also ordered sealing of inter-state borders to prevent bogus voting while suggesting regular inter-state coordination meetings of border districts, intensifying patrolling on inter-state border districts, seal inter-state border on polling day, among other measures. Besides, the EC has asked for expenditure monitoring. It has asked officials to plug in the inflow of illicit liquor, cash, drugs along inter-state and international borders while also strengthening monitoring at checkposts with CCTV installation. The EC also recommended joint checking and operations by police, excise, transport, GST and forest departments. It also ordered strict vigilance at helipads, airports, bus stations and railway stations. The Election Commission also underscored the importance of strict vigilance to curb the movement of contraband items, including narcotics, liquor, arms, and explosives across international borders. It directed identification of exit and entry points for movement of liquor and cash along the borders, curbing illegal ganja cultivation in some states. Guwahati, April 4 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the BJP-led Central and state governments will resolve doubtful voter (D-voter) issues faced by some people in the state within the next six months. Sarma was in the state's Barak Valley region on Wednesday to extend support to two candidates of BJP -- Parimal Suklabaidya and Kripanath Mallah, as they submitted their nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In Assam, voters who have been denied the right to vote because of doubts about their citizenship, are known as D-voters. As of February this year, 96,987 D-voters were registered in the state, according to the Assam government. The Chief Minister said: "People residing in Karimganj and Hailakandi districts have been facing the D-voter issue for a long time. Now, the Central government has implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the D-voter issue will be completely solved." In response to a query during the Assam Assembly's budget session earlier this year, Sarma said that more than 1.59 lakh people had been identified as "foreigners" in the state and that over 96,000 voters had been tagged as D-voters. Kolkata/Agartala, April 4 : In line with the countrywide trend, the BJP will do even better in West Bengal this time than the 2019 parliamentary elections, Tripura Chief Minister claimed after accompanying Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar who filed his nominations for the Balurghat Lok Sabha constituency in South Dinajpur district on Wednesday. The BJP won 18 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in 2019, marking a vast improvement from the two seats it had won in 2014. The West Bengal BJP chief is up against Trinamool Congress' Biplab Mitra in Balurghat. After participating in a rally, the Tripura Chief Minister said the BJP's electoral prospects in West Bengal look very good this time, as he predicted an excellent outcome for the party in line with the countrywide trend. Expressing optimism that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP will win 400 seats along with its allies this time, Saha emphasised the significance of West Bengal in shaping the national political landscape. "What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow," he told the media. Criticising the ruling Trinamool Congress and its predecessor, the CPI-M led Left Front, Saha accused them of fostering a culture of political violence in Bengal. Saha also attributed the poll violence in Bengal to the legacy of CPI-M's 34-year rule in the state, as he alleged that the Trinamool has only exacerbated the situation. He also called for a peaceful electoral process, drawing a contrast with the political environment in Tripura, where the "flags of the BJP, Congress, and CPI-M coexist peacefully". "Elections should be celebrated like a festival," Saha said, underscoring the need for a harmonious and inclusive democratic process. Bengaluru, April 4 : Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday said that the era of coalition government ended after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in the Centre, as the people decided to have one-party governance for the development and safety of the country. Speaking at an election rally, Bommai, who will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on a BJP ticket from Gadag-Haveri, said that PM Modi has been a focal point in the run-up to the upcoming polls. "It is very difficult to find a personality like PM Narendra Modi in the country. The political parties that haven't been able to contest 543 Lok Sabha seats were talking about ruling the nation. They have seen the small parties ruling Bharat, but the era of coalition government has ended after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister," he said. "It was good to have one part ruling in the interest of development and safety of the nation. It is being done by people," he added. The senior BJP leader further said: "Before Independence, the rulers had been their enemies, but in the post-Independence period it was poverty and the population that were the prime enemies. The population was considered as the biggest curse, but PM Modi utilised the young population for the nation's development. This shows the strength of PM Modi." New Delhi, April 4 : Claiming that Union Home Minister Amit Shah refused to meet him in the national capital, rebel BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, K.S. Eshwarappa, said on Wednesday night that he has not decided to withdraw his decision to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as an Independent candidate. Speaking to reporters here, Eshwarappa said, "I was not able to meet the Home Minister. Also, I have not decided to withdraw my decision to contest as an Independent candidate." "The Home Minister had asked me to come to Delhi. That's why I came here. However, after reaching Delhi, I got a call from his office informing me that Amit Shah was not available for a meeting. This means there are no qualms with me consenting as an Independent candidate. This also means that B.Y. Raghavendra, the BJP candidate from Shivamogga, should get defeated." Raghavendra is the son of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. "The latest developments indicate that I should go ahead and contest the elections against Raghavendra. I will contest the elections against the BJP. And with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, I will win the polls," Eshwarappa claimed. Eshwarappa is reportedly miffed with the party's decision to deny a ticket to his son K.E. Kanthesh to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Shivamogga. Earlier, the party had also denied a ticket to Eshwarappa to contest the Assembly polls in Karnataka held last year. Eshwarappa has also vowed to get B.Y. Vijayendra removed from the post of state BJP chief. Both Vijayendra and Raghavendra are Yediyurappa's sons. Eshwarappa is the senior-most BJP leader in the state who built the party from scratch in Karnataka along with Yediyurappa and others. Bengaluru, April 4 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on his home turf Mysuru and Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha seats is leaving no stone unturned to lure voters, as delivering a clear victory on these seats is a prestige battle for the Congress leader. Siddaramaiah has been camping in Mysuru for the last four days to campaign for Congress candidate M. Lakshman and has even resorted to playing the Vokkaliga card to slam the BJP. Meanwhile, BJP candidate for the Mysuru-Kodagu seat Yaduveer Wadiyar, the titular head of the Mysore royal family, filed his nomination on Wednesday and held a huge roadshow in Mysuru, during which state BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra, and former CM and state JD-S chief H.D. Kumaraswamy accompanied him. With the region being a strong base of the JD-S, Siddaramaiah seems to be under more pressure. Siddaramaiah claimed that the BJP had denied the ticket to a Vokkaliga leader, two-time BJP MP Pratap Simha and snubbed him politically. Siddaramaiah's close confidante Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh even said that former Prime Minister and JD-S leader H.D. Deve Gowda had ensured that Pratap Simha did not get the ticket. However, sitting BJP MP from Mysuru-Kodagu Pratap Simha on Wednesday refuted these claims, saying Deve Gowda never tramples any leader. Simha said that former PM Deve Gowda had spoken to Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah regarding his ticket. "Minister Venkatesh should also remember that it is Deve Gowda who helped him to grow politically," he added. Addressing a public meeting in Mysuru recently, Siddaramaiah also said that if the Congress candidate does not win with a significant margin, he (CM) would land in trouble. He even asked the crowd whether they wanted him in power or not. However, Siddaramaiah later clarified that the statements were made to make an effective appeal to voters and nothing should be surmised about it. When asked about the caste card being played by Siddaramaiah, BJP candidate Wadiyar said that the voters of the Mysuru-Kodagu seat are already standing with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We have to cast our votes as Indians. Nation first has been the philosophy on which election is contested. The country, Bharat is important," he added. In another setback for Siddaramaiah, rebel BJP MLC H. Vishwanath announced his support to Wadiyar after state BJP president Vijayendra along with Wadiyar met him at his residence and sought support. Vishwanath had been attacking BJP and state leadership and praising CM Siddaramaiah until recently. Siddaramaiah is also in a fix to play the social justice card, as the Mysuru rulers were the first in the country to introduce reservation in government jobs in pre-independent India. The Dalits, poor and oppressed classes revere the Mysuru royal family. Even landlords in the region revere Mysuru kings for building the Krishna Raja Sagar water reservoir. CM Siddaramaiah has even instructed Congress leaders not to criticise Yaduveer as it would adversely impact them. Congress candidate Lakshman, a close associate of CM Siddaramaiah, is projecting himself as a Vokkaliga leader. On the Chamarajanagar reserve constituency, the Congress has gained the upper hand by pulling more than 30 prominent leaders from the BJP and JD-S. Notably, the family members of sitting BJP MP Srinivas Prasad, a tall Dalit leader from Mysuru region, have also joined the Congress. Sunil Bose, son of Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, is the Congress candidate from the Chamarajanagar seat while the BJP has fielded S. Balaraj, a close associate of former CM B.S. Yediyurappa and former MLA. BJP leaders claim that they will win the seat easily as Sunil Bose is facing outrage from Congress leaders of Chamarajanagar. Jerusalem, April 4 : Israel's military has announced that it is reinforcing its aerial defence system with reserve soldiers amid escalating tensions with Iran. In a statement on Wednesday, the military said, "It was decided to increase manpower and draft reserve soldiers to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Aerial Defense Array", adding the move followed a situational assessment. On Tuesday, Iran vowed retaliation against the "Israeli airstrike" on the Iranian embassy in Syria on Monday night. Seven Iranians, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria, and his deputy, were killed in the attack, Xinhua news agency reported. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, which stoked further escalation in the Middle East. Above, U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, who is presiding over the Trump classified documents trial in Florida and taking partisan heat for it. By Julie Kelly, RealClearInvestigations April 3, 2024 The residents of Fort Pierce, Florida, are not accustomed to seeing dark SUVs and flashing motorcycles speed down the towns main thoroughfare bordering the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Part beach getaway, part working class community, the city is located about 60 miles north of the luxurious Palm Beach estate of the most famous and frequent criminal defendant in recent history: Donald J. Trump. To many, Donald Trump's classified documents mishandling is similar ... ... to Joe Biden's, a point that hasn't gone unnoticed by Judge Cannon. The former president has become a regular visitor to the federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, more specifically, the courtroom of U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, who is presiding over the so-called classified documents trial. When Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a sprawling indictment against Trump that included 32 counts of violating the Espionage Act for allegedly taking national defense records when he left office, he not only put the 43-year-old judge in the spotlight he also put her in the crosshairs. Since being assigned the case in June 2023, Cannon has been widely attacked by Trumps critics, who demand that she recuse herself from the case for a variety of reasons, including a perceived conflict based on the fact she was appointed by Trump in 2020, and on her inexperience on the bench. A few days after Cannon received the case, Barbara McQuade, an Obama-appointed assistant U.S. attorney and cable news legal analyst, told the Washington Post, Judge Cannon could delay the case at the request of Trump, either to provide time to adequately prepare for trial or to avoid interfering with his presidential campaign. She really has the ability to wreak havoc. That same week, Obamas Attorney General, Eric Holder, told MSNBC, I don't have confidence in her abilities to be fair or to be seen as fair. Michael Bromowich, one of the lawyers who represented Brett Kavanaugh accuser Christine Blasey Ford, tweeted that Cannon was not experienced, smart, [or] impartial enough to handle the history-making case. If she has any self-awareness, she should recuse herself. On the right, critics assail Judge Tanya S. Chutkan for anti-Trump bias while presiding over Jan. 6 cases. On the left, critics assail Judge Maryellen Noreika's rejection of a sweetheart plea deal for Hunter Biden. Since then, the drumbeat for her recusal has intensified. Like another Trump appointee, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who rejected the sweetheart plea deal prosecutors offered Hunter Biden in Delaware, Cannon has rankled critics by expressing a strong skepticism of the Department of Justice, which has been tarnished by the Russiagate collusion hoax and other scandals. The demands for Cannons removal find echoes on the other side of the political spectrum, from Trumps lawyers. They argued that Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, who is handling Smiths other case against Trump in Washington, D.C., should recuse herself for repeatedly expressing anti-Trump bias while presiding over Jan. 6 Capitol protest cases. Chutkan denied that motion last year. (With rare exceptions, judges ultimately decide for themselves whether to step down from a case.) The attacks on Cannon and other judges reflect how partisanship increasingly colors the understanding of the rule of law. Court watchers say that politics has always influenced Americas courts, but the nations growing political divide, in which different people seem to embrace different sets of truths, has many people finding nefarious motives in rulings they do not like. Since being assigned the case, Cannon has issued a series of decisions unfavorable to the Department of Justice. During a March 14 hearing, she pointedly forced the government to admit that no former president or vice president has ever been prosecuted under the Espionage Act. In so doing, the judge hinted at what many perceive to be a double standard toward Trump, days after Special Counsel Robert Hur testified before Congress on why he did not bring similar charges against President Biden, Trumps political foe. Judge Cannon is considering the Trump defenses motion to dismiss the case as a selective and vindictive prosecution by Special Counsel Jack Smith, above. The Trump defense's argument appeared bolstered by the report of Special Counsel Robert Hur, above, who declined to prosecute Joe Biden. Judge Cannon has chastised Smiths team for making unnecessary redactions to court documents; for failing to produce discovery material to the defense on time; and for not creating a secure facility for the defense to review sensitive files. She has also accused the prosecution of abusing the grand jury process by conducting nearly all of its investigation in DOJ-friendly D.C. rather than southern Florida, the more logical jurisdiction, and for attempting to remove one of the defense attorneys in the case for an alleged conflict of interest. She recently asked both parties for draft versions of jury instructions that appeared to favor Trumps argument that he was entitled under the Presidential Records Act to designate certain files as personal. Although her order on jury instructions came early in the process, it appears Cannon is attempting to flesh out the governments case given the nebulous language in the Espionage Act and untested nature of the PRA. The order prompted more heated calls for her recusal. (Update, April 3: The prosecution sharply objects in writing.) Contrary to what her critics claim, Cannon has issued some pretrial rulings that went against Trump and his co-defendants. She quickly dismissed Trumps argument that the vagueness of the Espionage Act warranted a dismissal of the case. She also suggested that she is inclined to deny another pending motion to dismiss based on protections of the Presidential Records Act. Nevertheless, outspoken Trump critic George Conway declared last month on Twitter, Okay, I've seen enough. Not only should Aileen Cannon not be sitting on this case, but she should not be sitting on the federal bench at all. This is utterly nuts. Trumps critics seem especially concerned that unlike Chutkan who has rushed proceedings in Washington, where she set a rare seven-month timetable between indictment and trial Cannon might delay the trial past the fall election. She is preparing to announce a new trial date; her original date of May 20 was rendered unworkable given conflicts presented by Trumps other criminal trials. She recently informed prosecutors that the governments request for a July trial was unrealistic considering Trumps other court obligations in New York, Georgia, and Washington. Those who question Cannons legal acumen and fairness point to a ruling she made almost a year before Smiths indictment. Following the FBIs armed raid of Mar-a-Lago in August 2022, Trump immediately filed a lawsuit seeking a so-called special master to replace government investigators in reviewing the roughly 13,000 pieces of evidence seized by the FBI, a move the DOJ opposed. Citing factors including the FBI's Mar-a-Lago raid, Cannon named a "special master," only to be shot down on appeal. Cannon received the case. Citing numerous factors, including the mishandling of privileged and personal records during the initial stage of the governments investigation, Cannon granted Trumps request. [The] Court takes into account the undeniably unprecedented nature of the search of a former Presidents residence; [Trumps] inability to examine the seized materials to date; the power imbalance between the parties; the importance of maintaining institutional trust; and the interest in ensuring the integrity of an orderly process amidst swirling allegations of bias and media leaks, Cannon wrote in her September 5, 2022 order. Noting how information related to the raid was appearing in the media, Cannon also warned the government about irreparable harm to Trump if investigators continued to leak details to reporters, something Cannon forced one of the lead prosecutors to admit during a hearing on the lawsuit. A special master retired judge Raymond Dearie subsequently was appointed. But in December 2022, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta vacated her order and instructed Cannon to dismiss Trumps lawsuit. The appellate judges also rebuked Cannon for going beyond her courts jurisdiction. Critics point to the decision by the appellate panel as proof of Cannons incompetence and bias. The public onslaught comes with serious threats to Cannons safety. Last November, 50-year-old Tiffani Shea Gish pleaded guilty to making death threats against Cannon. In one voice mail, Gish warned that she already ordered snipers and a bomb to your f______ house." In another she said, Donald Trump has been disqualified long ago, and he's marked for assassination. You're helping him, ma'am. Gish was sentenced to three years in prison. (In August, another middle-aged Texas woman was arrested for leaving voicemails threatening Judge Chutkan. Abigail Jo Shry, 43, is charged with vowing to "kill anyone who went after former President Trump. The threats, including racist invective, continued, You are in our sights, we want to kill you. You will be targeted personally, publicly, your family, all of it.) The external noise does not appear to have any effect on Cannons conduct in court. Aileen Cannon, during her remote 2020 Senate nomination hearing. Unlike most former federal prosecutors, she expresses skepticism toward the government an approach some attribute to her family history escaping Communism. Often arriving wearing glasses and her hair pulled back with no noticeable trace of makeup, Cannon seems unfazed by the presence of both the former president and special counsel seated on opposite sides of her courtroom directly in front of her. She often speaks in a low monotone voice, taking her time to read files and notes contained in a three-ring binder she carries into court before posing questions to prosecutors and defense counsel. Her temperament in the historic case, according to a 2023 profile in the New York Times, does not surprise those closest to her. New York Times political writer Robert Draper interviewed friends and former colleagues who portrayed Cannon as a diligent conservative achiever who seemed destined for success but perhaps ill-equipped for the notoriety that has now overtaken her. Born in Colombia in 1981 to a mother who had fled communist Cuba as a child, Cannon excelled at private high school in Miami, undergraduate school at Duke University, and University of Michigan law school where she graduated magna cum laude. She went on to pass the California, Washington, D.C., and Florida bar exams. Cannon kept her maiden name after marrying Florida restaurateur Josh Lorence in 2008. They have two children. Despite spending seven years in the U.S. attorneys office in southern Florida, Cannon, unlike most former federal prosecutors, expresses a heavy dose of skepticism toward the government an approach some observers attribute to her family history escaping Communism. Several in the Florida legal community who know Judge Cannon have taken exception to assertions that she is a dunce, a Trump stealth warrior or both, Draper wrote. Former high school classmate Alejandro Miyar, a partner in a Miami law firm specializing in corporate litigation, told Draper that Cannon is far from an attention-seeker. I cant think of any world in which she would want to make this case about her, Miyar said. Trump's defense in Florida takes aim at coordination between the White House and Fani Willis, above, Trump's prosecutorial antagonist in Georgia. Much of media, however, has different plans as Cannon deliberates crucial defense motions that could determine the outcome of the trial or the basis for her to dismiss the indictment, or most of it, altogether. Trumps attorneys, Todd Blanche and Christopher Kise, in January filed a motion asking Cannon to consider several entities, including the Biden White House, as part of the prosecution team, which would require those parties to produce discovery material in the case. New evidence reveals that politically motivated operatives in the Biden Administration and the National Archives and Records Administration began this crusade against President Trump in 2021, the pair wrote in a 68-page motion to compel release of the evidence. These revelations are disturbing but not surprising. Bidens White House general counsel, the National Archives, the intelligence community, the Secret Service, and the counterintelligence division of the FBI were named as participants in the defenses overall investigation. Defense counsel also identified coordination between the White House and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who charged Trump and several others in a broad RICO indictment last summer. Trumps lawyers further asked Cannon to permit the unsealing of large swaths of evidence including the names of potential witnesses a request the DOJ vehemently opposed but Cannon signaled she would allow. The parties are reminded of the strong presumption of public access in criminal proceedings, Cannon wrote in a Feb. 9 order peppered with criticism of the special counsels attempts at secrecy. Although substantiated witness safety and intimidation concerns can form a valid basis for overriding the strong presumption in favor of public access, the Special Counsels sparse and undifferentiated response fails to provide the Court with the necessary factual basis to justify sealing. She placed her order on temporary hold pending more motions and perhaps an evidentiary hearing. But if she moves forward, explosive revelations about how top federal agencies conspired to take down Donald Trump could be made public and contradict claims that the DOJ worked independently of the White House. Jay Bratt, prosecutor: Pressed by Judge Cannon over "arbitrary enforcement" of the Espionage Act. Cannon also continues to consider the defenses motion in February to dismiss the case as a selective and vindictive prosecution. The motion was seemingly bolstered by the report issued by Special Counsel Robert Hur in his investigation into Bidens retention of classified records including national defense papers. Hur declined to prosecute Biden for keeping the materials at numerous locations at his homes, Penn Biden Center in Washington, and University of Delaware, the repository of his Senate records. During a March 14 hearing in Fort Pierce, Cannon and the defense repeatedly raised the question of arbitrary enforcement of the Espionage Act. [It] is uncontested, of course, that no former executive or former vice president had ever been had ever been been faced with or exposed to criminal liability for retaining personal or presidential records, Cannon said to Jay Bratt, one of Smiths lead prosecutors. None has been charged, Bratt affirmed. Cannon wondered aloud about Trumps thinking and how he could have expected the same treatment. Cannon asked Bratt if it was reasonably foreseeable for Trump to expect to avoid prosecution given the statutes history and his purview as the original classification authority over presidential papers. Bratt further clarified that the alleged crime took place the moment Trump left office, prompting Cannon to again suggest different treatment between Trump and Biden. [Then] wouldn't that have been applicable to other officials who, I think, it's undisputed have possessed classified information post-presidency, and done so through willful actions? Its unclear when Cannon will issue a decision on the outstanding motions. The Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the CCP, headed by Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), released a report on how the U.S. can combat the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) economic aggression and strengthen Americas interests geopolitically. The takeaway we must reduce our economic dependence on China by rebuilding our domestic supply chains and preventing intellectual property (IP) theft by the CCP and other adversaries. To do so though, its essential to understand how we got here and how the CCP used our own economic philosophy against us. In 1972, the American people glued their eyes to the television to witness history. President Richard Nixon flew to China and shook hands with Chairman Mao Zedong, leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to mark the opening of diplomatic relations between the United States and China after decades of sanctions. President Nixon felt that by opening relations with China, the U.S. could weaken our Cold War rival, the Soviet Union. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Western leaders believed communism failed, and that the world would inevitably embrace liberal democracy. The United States naively believed that open economic relations would westernize China and that assumption is largely responsible for allowing China to enter the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. Instead of Westernizing and embracing democratic values, China exponentially grew its economic and military power while undermining the very system that allowed it to prosper. The CCP subsidized its own industry and flooded our markets with cheap goods while limiting their imports domestically. Not only was the CCP undermining our economy, but at the same time, they were executing the most extensive theft of IP in history, stealing our government and industries most treasured technological secrets. Now, the CCP wields that economic power to oppress its own people and attempt to intimidate the U.S. and its allies while undercutting the U.S. economy and American jobs. Over the years, Congress has armed multiple American government agencies with tools to combat economic aggressions from the CCP and other geopolitical adversaries. However the select committees report points to a specific weakness that must be fixed Section 337. Section 337 of the SmootHawley Tariff Act allows the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) to issue an exclusion order a blanket ban of any imported good they determine violates patent law. Foreign companies, specifically patent trolls and non-practicing entities (NPEs) that acquire patents just to profit from legal settlements, have weaponized the ITC and have flooded the commission, which was created to protect American companies from foreign ones, with cases AGAINST American companies. On average a case can cost an American company more than $5 million, wasting resources on litigation and hindering innovation. These costly cases have broad implications for the U.S. economy, American jobs and national security, which former Senator Patrick Leahy wrote about in the Boston Herald. Point blank, the ITC - through its overly broad Section 337 determinations - has allowed foreign companies to weaponize this critical trade enforcement tool against American companies to gain market share in the U.S., extort American companies for millions- and sometimes billion-dollar settlements, and in select cases, actively remove innovations from U.S. consumers. On top of that, there exists no statute of limitations at the ITC. Therefore, malicious companies can wait years before bringing a case, or look deep into the past for products potentially in violation of patent law. The report makes it clear American economic and geopolitical security is at stake and Congress must act to update Section 337 and reform the ITC to protect U.S. interests from foreign adversaries like the CCP. U.S. taxpayer dollars should not be going to an agency that is being weaponized against the domestic companies it was established to protect. There is already legislation in Congress to do just that the Advancing American Interests Act (AAIA). This bipartisan bill, introduced by Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), would reform the ITC to prevent foreign adversaries, like the CCP, from wrongfully targeting American industry. For decades the U.S. unknowingly gave the CCP the playbook it needed to become our most powerful economic adversary. Today, we know exactly how the CCP wields and manipulates its economic power and it is now time for lawmakers in Congress to do everything they can, including pass AAIA, to ensure the CCP cannot continue to use our own economic policy against us. Matt Mowers served as a Senior White House Advisor at the U.S. Department of State, where he advised the Secretary of State and was engaged on issues including North Korea, immigration reform, and The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. As student employees of the University of Georgia, C.L.A.S.S. Advocates work day and night to make sure the few Black residents in their dorms feel seen, heard and represented. Come fall 2024, this position will no longer exist, prompting criticism and concern from housing employees, UGA community members and the Black students that the position means so much to. The Red & Black is a nonprofit, independent news organization that serves the Athens and University of Georgia communities as well as trains college students for careers in the news business. Support Our Newsroom Oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd head Mukesh Ambani continues to be the richest Indian and has now broken into the world's top 10 wealthiest persons in the latest Forbes 2024 Billionaire List. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives Ambani, 66, is ranked 9th on the list with a wealth of $116 billion, up from $83.4 billion in the 2023 ranking, according to Forbes. Gautam Adani is the second richest Indian and is ranked at No.17 on the global list. He is worth $84 billion, up from $47.2 billion in 2023 when his apples-to-airport conglomerate was rocked by a damning report by US short-seller Hindenburg Research. Adani group has denied all allegations in the report. Adani, 61, was worth $90 billion in 2022 ranking. The Forbes 2024 Billionaires List features 2,781 individuals, an increase of 141 names from last year's list. The billionaires, according to the list, are richer than ever, worth $14.2 trillion in aggregate, up by $2 trillion from 2023 and $1.1 trillion above the previous record, also set in 2021. Two-thirds of the list's members are worth more than a year ago; only one-fourth are poorer. Fashion and cosmetics giant LVMH's Bernard Arnault is at the top of the list with $233 billion wealth, followed by Elon Musk with $195 billion and Amazon's Jeff Bezos with $194 billion. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg comes next in the list with a net worth of $177 billion. The US has a record 813 billionaires followed by China with 473 billionaires. India added 31 billionaires to the list compared to last year with the number now reaching 200. "To calculate net worths, we used stock prices and exchange rates from March 8, 2024," Forbes said. Other Indians on the list include IT pioneer and HCL co-founder Shiv Nadar at No.39 with $36.9 billion wealth, Jindal group's Savitri Jindal and family at No.46 with $33.5 billion, Sun Pharma's Dilip Shanghvi at No.69 with $26.7 billion, vaccine maker Cyrus Poonawalla at No 90 with $21.3 billion, property baron Kushal Pal Singh at No 92 with $20.9 billion, and commodities king Kumar Bila at No 98 with $19.7 billion. Breeders and importers of exotic dogs worried; animal rights activists say the industry needs to be tamed. IMAGE: People for Animals volunteers at an event in Bhubaneswar, October 30, 2022, to spread awareness over the abuse of stray dogs. Photograph: ANI Photo As the debate on animal welfare and public safety intensifies, dog breeders find themselves at the receiving end of regulatory intervention. The government's decision to prohibit the import, sale and breeding of 25 dog breeds, including pitbulls, Rottweilers, American bulldogs and wolf dogs, due to their perceived aggressiveness and potential risk to human safety, has dealt a blow to their business. "The ban not only threatens the breeders' livelihood, but also raises concerns about the welfare of these dogs," said a breeder from Kerala, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We will eventually be forced to abandon these breeds on the streets." The ban, he said, may also lead to the market getting saturated with alternative breeds, such as golden retrievers, labradors, and pugs, as breeders seek viable options to sustain their business. Although there is still demand for puppies of the banned breeds, many breeders claim to have halted sales due to the inability to obtain regulatory approval. A dog reseller from Bengaluru, who preferred to remain anonymous, lamented the challenges faced by breeders in obtaining the necessary Kennel Club of India (KCI) certification for selling these breeds. "A friend of mine invested around Rs 50 lakh for importing such breeds to India, but managed to recover only about Rs 10 lakh," he said. KCI is a registry of purebred, pedigree dogs. Some breeders are now resorting to selling banned canines within their inner circles, circumventing formal channels. Registered sellers appear to be the hardest hit. "Among the plethora of online breeders, only around 10 per cent are registered. They are the ones who will suffer maximum losses," the reseller said. The starting price for many of these exotic breeds is Rs 1 lakh. "The registered breeders will have to give them away for Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000," he lamented. While banned breeds form a small segment of the pet business in India, breeders aren't happy about the much-in-demand rottweiler being included in the prohibited list. "Breeders spend Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh to bring these dogs from Siberia or parts of Europe, for which they even draw a bank loan. The ban will really affect them," said a breeder from Kerala. IMAGE: Children take part in an awareness campaign in Kolkata on protecting stray dogs from colours during Holi celebrations which affect its skin and might change them blind. Photograph: ANI Photo Despite the ban's impact, breeders focusing on non-prohibited canines continue operations unabated. "Demand for breeds like beagles and shih tzus remains strong," said a breeder. Meanwhile, the ban has again turned the spotlight on the breeder industry, which is time and again accused of cruel practices. "Instead of buying imported dogs, people should focus on getting Indian breeds, which are easy to maintain," said Bhavesh Jain, founder, Animal Rescue and Shelter Foundation, Thane, Mumbai. "They should prioritise pet ownership over specific breeds." Jain, who has rescued over 100 dogs in the last 2 years, also drew attention to unethical breeding practices, such as forced mating and resulting health issues in dogs, and emphasised the importance of responsible pet ownership. The government's action is the result of an increase in dog bite cases. While many bite incidents involve stray dogs, there have also been reports of pet dogs attacking people. Just two weeks ago, a pit bull attacked a seven-year-old girl while she was playing outside her home in Shahdara, New Delhi. A month ago, a one-and-a-half-year-old girl sustained severe injuries, including multiple leg fractures, after being bitten by a pit bull in Delhi's Burari area. Last November, a man was reportedly charged for instigating his pit bull to attack a neighbour in Swaroop Nagar, Delhi. While the government has allowed existing owners of banned breeds to retain their pets, it has directed them to sterilise the dogs to prevent further breeding. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Equity fundraising through initial public offerings (IPOs) rose 20 per cent during the financial year 2023-24 (FY24). During the period, 76 Indian corporates raised Rs 61,915 crore through main board IPOs, compared to Rs 52,116 crore mobilised by 37 IPOs in 2022-23, as disclosed by PRIME Database. However, if one excludes the mega Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) IPO, which came out in 2022-23, IPO mobilisation increased by 58 per cent from last year. The Rs 21,008-crore IPO of LIC came in May 2022. Among the mainboard IPOs, Mankind Pharma was the largest with Rs 4,326 crore, followed by JSW Infrastructure at Rs 2,800 crore. The smallest IPO was that of Plaza Wires, which raised Rs 71 crore. The average deal size reduced significantly from Rs 1,409 crore in FY23 to Rs 815 crore in FY24. Overall, equity fundraising jumped 2.4 times to Rs 1.86 trillion in FY24 from Rs 76,911 crore in the previous financial year. The sharp rise was underpinned by the rally in stock prices across the board. Companies from multiple sectors were able to tap the IPO market in FY24. The traditionally dominant financial sector, however, demonstrated restrained activity, raising Rs 9,655 crore, which accounted for less than a fifth of the total capital raised. New-age technology firms were also few, with just three IPOs hitting the market. Pranav Haldea, managing director of PRIME Database Group said there was an enthusiastic response to most of the IPOs. Of the 75 IPOs for which response data is available, 54 IPOs were subscribed more than 10 times, out of which 22 IPOs were subscribed more than 50 times while 11 IPOs were subscribed more than three times. The other 10 IPOs were oversubscribed between 1 to 3 times. The response of retail investors was also higher compared to the previous financial year. The average number of retail applications rose to 1.3 million from about 0.6 million in the previous financial year. The highest number of retail applications was for the Tata Technologies IPO (5.2 million), followed by DOMS Industries (4.1 million) and INOX India (3.7 million). The response was due to strong post-listing performance. The average listing gains rose to 29 per cent in FY24 against 9 per cent in the previous financial year. Of the 75 IPOs, 48 gave a return of over 10 per cent. Vibhor Steel delivered the biggest day-one pop of 193 per cent, followed by BLS E-Services (175 per cent) and Tata Technologies (163 per cent). Over 50 of the 75 IPOs are currently trading above the issue price with an average return of 65 per cent. In FY24, 96 companies filed their offer documents with the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), up from 75 in the previous financial year. However, 37 companies planning to raise Rs 59,000 crore let their approval lapse, while two looking to raise Rs 1,000 crore withdrew their documents. Sebi returned the offer documents of five looking to raise Rs 2,500 crore. At present, 19 companies planning to raise Rs 25,000 crore have obtained Sebi nod. Another 37 companies looking to raise Rs 45,000 crore are awaiting the regulators approval. Despite the upcoming general elections, the next couple of months should see a few IPOs launched, said Haldea. 'Every hospital now tracks length of stay closely.' 'More efficiency is brought into the system now.' Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: L Anantha Krishnan/ANI Photo Sutapa Ghosh, 74, was discharged from a Mumbai hospital on the fourth day of her knee-joint replacement surgery for both knees. The patient was mobilised (made to walk) a day after her surgical procedure. Now a month later, Ghosh is able to walk without a stick, and is taking a flight of stairs. "Getting to eat home-cooked food so soon was such a relief," said Ghosh, sporting a smile. "Pain management is much better than what I had expected," she said. She was delaying her surgery for fear of pain. Many patients like Ghosh are getting discharged sooner than ever from hospitals. Dr Bishnu Panigrahi, group head, medical strategy and operations, Fortis Healthcare, said: "Every hospital tracks the length of stay closely. We cannot keep on increasing critical care beds. The number of patients coming for treatment across health care chains is increasing by the day. Insurance penetration and affordability are increasing. More efficiency is thus brought into the system now." "Pain relief is taken care of in a manner that some hospitals are mobilising patients on the evening of the surgery. Early mobilisation helps in pain management and early discharge," Dr Panigrahi added. The 'average length of stay' (ALOS) for Fortis Healthcare stood at 4.32 days in Q3FY24, down from the 4.42 days in Q3FY23. ALOS is often used as an indicator of efficiency. A shorter length of stay will reduce the cost per discharge, and shift care from in-patient to less expensive and more patient-friendly environments such as home care or step-down units, say hospitals. Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, group medical director, Max Healthcare, and senior director, Institute of Internal Medicine, said: "Max Healthcare has consistently focused on reducing the ALOS without compromising the clinical care." Max Healthcare, he stated, had the most efficient ALOS at 3.87 days, comparable to the best standards globally. If one analyses the investor presentations of Max Healthcare, it shows a steady decline in ALOS across its network -- from 5.2 days in FY21 to 4.3 days in FY23 and further down to 4.2 days in Q3FY24. Max Healthcare has long-term contracts with certain societies that own and operate hospitals. These hospitals are treated as partners in health care. Max Healthcare discloses its numbers for the entire network. Dr Budhiraja said Max had achieved an efficient ALOS by using standardised care pathways for many surgical and clinical conditions; early and immediate assessment of patients for prompt diagnosis and interventions; and using technology such as minimally invasive surgeries. "We carry out pre-anaesthesia check-ups, diagnostic tests and work up of patients in the pre admission phase for most elective procedures and surgeries," he said, adding that the hospital gave importance to high compliance with hygiene, cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation and use of personal protective measures by staff to reduce the risk of infection in patients. Dr Budhiraja said reduced ALOS had helped with better turnaround time, more bed utlisation, and making more beds available to a larger patient base as beds are freed up. "The incremental revenue is also a byproduct," he added. Shortage of ICU beds is always a challenge and stepping down the patients early helps with freeing up beds for other critically ill patients, he said. ICUs were 10 per cent of hospital beds earlier, said Dr Panigrahi. With health care becoming more advanced and more complex procedures happening, ICU beds kept on going up. Now in major hospitals, 30 to 35 per cent of the beds are ICU beds, he added. "The turnaround time has improved 40 to 50 per cent at industry level in the past few decades," Dr Panigrahi said. Manipal Hospitals, the country's second-largest hospital chain, has seen its length of stay come down from 4.2 days to three over the past few years. Dilip Jose, managing director and CEO of Manipal Health Enterprises, said clinicians' skills in minimally invasive procedures, advancements in medical technology, improvement in early diagnosis and the coming of age in fields like interventional radiology were contributing to reducing the ALOS. Analysts say reducing ALOS was boosting revenues and also aiding margins. Mythri Macherla, assistant vice-president and sector head, ICRA, told Business Standard because of the use of latest technological equipment, which reduced the time for critical procedures and efforts being put into streamlining their operations and increasing patient throughput, ALOS was reducing. This in a way is increasing their revenue and also supporting margin improvement, she added. Some industry insiders, however, say reducing ALOS was not a business or capacity management strategy. Ankit Thakker, CEO, Jupiter Life Line Hospitals, said: "ALOS is coming down globally, especially for surgical and interventional procedures, due to advances in technology and treatment protocols. This is independent of bed availability. Reducing ALOS is not a business or capacity management strategy. It is a result of clinical advancement." Benefits of shorter inpatient stays Reduced costs and wasteful processes Enhanced patient experience Prevention of hospital acquired infections Standardised care and better clinical outcomes Increased turnover of beds by proper utilisation of beds Better productivity of resources Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Which entrepreneur would willingly part with her or his hard-earned money for grasping, self-serving politicians? asks Debashis Basu. The State Bank of India has disclosed the data on now defunct electoral bonds in two sets. Purchasing these bonds was voluntary; however, which entrepreneur would willingly part with her or his hard-earned money for grasping, self-serving politicians? Entrepreneurs do so under coercion or incentives. Hence, voluntary donation is rather small, as is evident from the large number of companies absent from the list. Today, most large companies of corporate India are listed on the stock markets. And yet, only about 100 listed companies across a few sectors have contributed to political parties through electoral bonds. Very few large companies (Nifty 200 stocks) feature on the list. While there are Vedanta (over Rs 400 crore/Rs 4 billion), Bharti Airtel (Rs 198 crore/Rs 1.98 billion), Torrent Power (Rs 106 crore/Rs 1.06 billion), and United Phosphorus (Rs 60 crore/Rs 600 million), most others have donated small sums relative to their profits. Sun Pharmaceuticals, which made over Rs 8,900 crore (Rs 89 billion) in net profit last year, donated Rs 31.50 crore (Rs 315 million), barely 0.3 per cent. Mahindra and Mahindra donated a similar amount (Rs 25 crore/Rs 250 million), and so did Bajaj Finance (Rs 20 crore/Rs 200 million), Bajaj Auto (Rs 18 crore/Rs 180 million), Hero Motors (Rs 20 crore), TVS Motor (Rs 26 crore/Rs 260 million), UltraTech (Rs 35 crore/Rs 350 million), Maruti Suzuki (Rs 20 crore), and Piramal Enterprises (Rs 48 crore/Rs 480 million). More interesting is the fact that a large number of big listed companies did not donate through electoral bonds at all: Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Titan. All the software giants like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCL Technologies, and Wipro are missing. There are no multinationals on the list, nor is construction giant Larsen & Toubro, even though many other donors were from the construction sector. For those who have donated, the question is: Where are the disclosures to shareholders? At a time when the market regulator and stock exchanges are insisting on extreme transparency, it is obvious that companies that have donated money to political parties should mandatorily disclose these to shareholders with an explanation. A quick check of some of 2022-2023 annual reports of large listed companies like Mahindra and Mahindra, Cipla, Bharti Airtel, and Piramal Enterprises shows no mention of electoral bonds. Vedanta discloses donations under 'other expenses' with a footnote identifying that it was for electoral bonds. This disclosure is even more necessary for those who donated while facing charges or, perhaps, other forms of scrutiny or coercion. While many large listed companies do not figure as donors, it is interesting that all large listed pharmaceutical companies and many unlisted ones have donated. Several of them have been facing government action (some genuine, some allegedly trumped up) for tax evasion, poor quality of drugs, or for overcharging. Apart from Sun Pharma, among the big donors through electoral bonds are Divi's Laboratories (Rs 55 crore/Rs 550 million), Cipla (Rs 39.20 crore/Rs 392 million), Alkem Laboratories (Rs 15 crore/Rs 150 million), Dr Reddy's (Rs 84 crore/Rs 840 million), and Mankind Pharma (Rs 24 crore/Rs 240 million). None of them has significant disclosures to offer regarding electoral bonds. A close analysis of the electoral bonds makes it clear that companies are either donating out of fear or for incentives -- quid pro quo for contracts, projects or orders. Of course, the line between incentive and coercion often blurs in the messy negotiations between political parties and businesses. In any case, shareholders and citizens remain in the dark in both situations. Take, for example, the massive capital expenditure by the central government on roads, bridges, sanitation, drinking water, railway modernisation, and energy. Winning bids for these projects is based on objective criteria, but it is not always so in practice. These businesses also spend large sums in cash. Pamireddy Pitchi Reddy's four companies, led by Megha Engineering (Rs 966 crore/Rs 9.66 billion), have emerged the second-biggest donor (Rs 1,200 crore/Rs 12 billion) on the list. Megha reportedly purchased electoral bonds, on several occasions, just before it secured major projects. BG Shirke Construction (Rs 117 crore/Rs 1.17 billion), the other major construction company on the list, bagged a huge affordable housing project and other deals in Maharashtra. So what can be done about disclosures, at least for listed companies? IFB Agro's annual report of 2022-2023 provides a rare and only example of explicit disclosure: 'The business continues to face issues as reported earlier and in order to maintain the continuity of the business and to protect the interest of all the stakeholders, the Company paid Rs 18.30 Crs towards subscription of the Electoral Bonds during the year. 'The Company has further paid Rs 15 Crores towards subscription of Electoral Bonds in the Month of April 2023.' In all, IFB Agro paid over Rs 92 crore (Rs 920 million_ through electoral bonds since 2021. In West Bengal, where IFB Agro operates, politically powerful 'syndicates' dictate business activities, including hiring staff, contractors, and suppliers, and collect regular payments. On June 26, 2020, and again on December 22, 2020, IFB Agro disclosed to the stock exchanges that its distillery in South 24 Parganas was attacked by 150 armed goons. They forced the distillery to close, beat up employees, and held them hostage. Despite complaints to the police, nothing happened. It also said its alcohol business was suffering because it was 'singled out by certain excise officials for not succumbing to their illegal demands'. Since its complaints came to nothing, IFB Agro chose to publicly disclose its reasons for donation. Why can't other listed companies display the same courage as IFB Agro? If listed companies do not want to disclose their reasons, they have another choice: Follow the example of Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. She controls two listed companies (Synegene and Biocon), neither of which was a donor. But she decided to donate Rs 6 crore (Rs 60 million) from her personal account. Given the tens of crores of salaries promoter-managers pay themselves, they can certainly do this rather than spending shareholders' money -- and keeping them in the dark. Disclaimer: These are Debashis Basu's personal views. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com 'The moment a new election comes, new guarantees are announced.' 'The BJP is adept at diverting people's attention.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi being felicitated by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary during the launch, inauguration and foundation stone-laying of development projects in Bettiah, Bihar. Photograph: ANI Photo The seating at the entrance of former Congress MP, ex-governor of Nagaland and Kerala and retired Indian Police Service officer, Nikhil Kumar's home on Patna's Boring Road is occupied with party workers and staff. One can overhear talk about the seat sharing arrangement between the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal which form the INDIA alliance along with the Left in Bihar. The Congress is contesting 9 of Bihar's 40 seats. Mr Nikhil Kumar, nearly 81, had won from Aurangabad in 2004. The constituency was represented by his father and later Bihar chief minister Satyendra Narain Sinha seven times in Parliament -- and once by his wife, Shyama Singh. Mr Kumar was very keen to contest from the seat, but the seat has gone to the RJD in the seat sharing arrangement among the INDIA alliance partners. In an interview to Rediff.com's Archana Masih, Nikhil Kumar expressed a dignified disappointment at not getting a ticket, his thoughts on how the INDIA alliance was thought as a formidable coalition when it was forged, but unfortunately that did not happen in Bihar and Mr Modi's unfulfilled declarations which are fashionable called 'guarantees'. Were you given the indication that the Congress would pitch for the Aurangabad seat, and that you would be the likely candidate? Who in the party gave you that impression? It is a traditional Congress seat which has stayed with the Congress ever since elections began. My father represented the seat 7 times. He was also a member of the provisional parliament -- after him my wife and I represented the seat. It is a widely acknowledged fact that Aurangabad is a Congress seat. There is no need to stress the fact because it is accepted that this is a Congress seat. So how did this seat then go to the RJD instead of the Congress? Since we are in a coalition with the RJD, representatives of the Congress and RJD met and this decision was taken by the committee. You have expressed your disappointment about not getting the ticket. Do you think the RJD has given the Congress a raw deal in the seat arrangement in Bihar? Numerically we have been given nine seats which is the same as what we had asked for. It is not just the question of the number of seats, but which seats did we ask for? The seats we asked for were not given to us. Aurangabad is one of those seats. Considering the RJD did not win a single seat in 2019, do you feel its estimate of winning 26 seats is overplaced? I can only say that the situation this year is absolutely similar to that in 2019. The NDA won 39 of 40 seats, the only seat it did not win was a Congress seat, Kishanganj. If that is some kind of indication then I can't say, but I hope not and that and we are able to win more seats. IMAGE: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses the Bharat Jodo Nyay Manzil - INDIA Rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo Do you think the Congress leadership gave into the RJD due to political realism, because it knew it had a chance of only winning those seats? Our Congress state president was in the negotiations and tried his best to convince the RJD about Aurangabad, but he couldn't. Our party was unable to convince our coalition partner, but the system is that the coalition partners meet and reach a certain conclusion and the announcement is made through a press conference, but that did not happen this time. The RJD went ahead and allotted its party symbols to its candidates which took us entirely by surprise and Aurangabad was one of those seats. Once you allot a symbol then the possibility of a rethink is almost nil. It is not that it hasn't happened in the past, but if it happens in the case of one seat, then it becomes very difficult. Do you feel that perhaps your party did not want to endanger the INDIA alliance and hence decided to adopt this coalition dharma because the INDIA alliance is already under attack from the ruling party? When the INDIA alliance was forged it was thought it would make a formidable coalition on an all-India scale, but unfortunately that did not happen, especially in Bihar. The Congress party was always willing to see that the alliance was a success and is very serious about ensuring that the alliance will succeed. It didn't happen because there was a consensus on 9 seats, but this consensus came about with the Congress party conceding ground which is an indication of its intention that the INDIA alliance succeeds. IMAGE: INDIA bloc leaders during alliance rally at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, March 31, 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo What is your realistic assessment of how the INDIA alliance will fare in Bihar? It will depend on the candidates contesting the seats, so I can't tell you off hand as to what will be the result. But I can tell you with a great deal of assurance that I would have won the Aurangabad seat. If you go there, you will see there was a dominant favourable atmosphere towards me. It is a direct fight between the INDIA alliance and NDA, so let us see what happens. This alliance would have worked and its candidates would have won if the selection of candidates and constituencies had been better managed. Do you feel Rahul and Sonia Gandhi are too fond of Lalu Yadav which somehow blinds their political decisions? Our leaders know best. Their feeling is that our alliance with the RJD is good and should be retained. Do you think the alliance would have fared better if Nitish Kumar had been part of the alliance? At present the INDIA alliance consists of the Congress, RJD and Left and has control over a certain block of votes. If Nitish Kumar had been in the alliance, there would have been four parties -- arithmetically, it would have been better. Do you think the time taken to decide the seat sharing arrangement was the reason for Nitish Kumar's exit from INDIA and the Congress not getting what it asked for? We had to consider all the 40 seats which would require a great deal of discussion on each of those seats. But, yes, we could have organised the seat sharing arrangement earlier. Once that was finalised, we could have chosen our candidates, but that did not happen. What have you thought about yourself now that you are no longer in the fray from Aurangabad? Nothing. I was very keen to contest the Aurangabad seat, but that is not to be. IMAGE: Supporters attend the INDIA alliance rally in New Delhi, March 31, 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo Do you feel the BJP will win all 40 seats in Bihar? What makes it a formidable force in Bihar? Every election is fought on people's perception of the political parties concerned and their candidates. Every political party wants to appeal to the electorate in a manner that the electorate vote for it. In 2014, Mr Modi made some declarations which are now fashionably called guarantees. Those guarantees appealed to the people because they would have liked 15 lakh rupees to come into their bank accounts, doubling of farmer's income by 2022 -- such announcements were made by Mr Modi during his campaign which appealed to voters and they voted for the BJP. People were attracted to the BJP because of these guarantees. What people forget is that those promises were not honoured. Rather demonetisation almost wiped our whole economy. What happens is that the electorate is not allowed to think about these things, the moment a new election comes, new guarantees are announced. The BJP is adept at diverting people's attention. Part 2 of the Interview: 'As long as one is friendly with the BJP...' Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com The Mumbai police arrested nine pirates who were brought to India on Wednesday, days after the Navy caught them for hijacking an Iranian fishing vessel with 23 Pakistani crew members on board off the Somalia coast, an official said. IMAGE: The Indian Navy captures 9 armed pirates and rescues 23 Pakistani nationals from them during a daring 12-hour-long operation in the Arabian Sea, March 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The Indian Navy rescued the hijacked Iranian fishing vessel 'Al-Kambar 786' and its crew after more than 12 hours of intense coercive tactical measures as part of an anti-piracy operation on March 29. At the time of the incident, the vessel was approximately 90 nm southwest of Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean. The operation involved INS Sumedha and guided missile frigate INS Trishul. "After the successful operation of the Indian Navy team, the pirates surrendered and the crew members were rescued. The pirates were then taken into custody by the Navy and after six days of journey, the pirates were brought to Mumbai," the official said. During questioning of the crew members of the fishing vessel, it came to light Somalian pirates were carrying AK-47 rifles, hand grenades and rocket launchers. The pirates threatened to kill crew members if they made any movement, he said. After rescuing the crew members and detaining the pirates, Indian Navy commandos inspected the fishing vessel and recovered 728 live rounds of AK-47 rifle, a GPS (global positioning system) device and eight mobile phones, he said. The sea robbers had thrown their weapons into the sea after warning from the Indian Navy commandos, according to the official. The Navy later handed over the pirates to the Mumbai police who placed them arrest, he added. The Mumbai police registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, the Passports Act and the Foreigners Act against the pirates and placed them under arrest, the official said. The arrested pirates were identified as Gelie Jama Farah (50), Ahmed Bashir Omar (42), Abdikarin Mohmmad Shire (34), Adan Hasan Warmase (44), Mohammed Abdi Ahmed (34), Abdikadir Mohmmad Ali (28), Aydid Mohmud Jimale (30), Said Yasin Adan (25) and Jama Said Elmi (18), the police said. The pirates were able to speak only in their native Somali language and help of translators will be taken to communicate with them during questioning, the official said. The arrested Somalian pirates will be produced before a Mumbai court on Thursday, he said. The latest action comes two weeks after the Navy rescued another vessel, freed 17 hostages, and captured 35 armed pirates in a nearly 40-hour dramatic mid-sea operation off the Somalia coast. These 35 pirates were also brought to Mumbai and placed under arrest by the police. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has said that Indian military personnel manning the second aviation platform would be withdrawn within the current month and reiterated that the entire process would be completed by May 10, a media report said in Male on Wednesday. IMAGE: Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai. Photograph: ANI Photo Muizzu's statement comes three weeks after the first batch of approximately 25 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives manning a helicopter gifted by India departed from the island nation after handing over the operations of the chopper to an Indian civilian crew as agreed ahead of the March 10 deadline. Eighty-eight Indian military personnel were operating two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft which were providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services in this archipelagic nation. Following a high-level meeting in New Delhi on February 2 between the two sides, India agreed to replace its military personnel operating the three aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10. The first batch left the island nation well before March 10. State-owned Public Service Media reported that Muizzu made the fresh statement during a public meeting. He also reiterated his commitment to preserving Maldives' independence, emphasising that his government is dedicated to fulfilling this promise. The President elaborated that, in line with agreements reached between parties, the withdrawal process of Indian military personnel is already underway. He said that the troops stationed on the second platform will be withdrawn within the current month, while those on the third platform will be withdrawn by May 10, psmnews.mv reported. Muizzu, seen as a pro-China leader, has repeatedly affirmed that no Indian military personnel, not even those in civilian clothing, would be present inside his country after May 10. Last year, Muizzu rode to power on an anti-India stance and within hours of taking oath, demanded India to remove its personnel from the strategically located island nation in the Indian Ocean. Since assuming office as the President in November, Muizzu has travelled to Beijing in January and met China's top leadership to cement the Male-Beijing relationship. Muizzu's government has also signed a defence agreement with the Chinese military under which the People's Liberation Army will assist the Maldivian security and defence forces. Last week, the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone under the State Trading Organisation and China Harbour Engineering Company Limited signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an Agriculture Economic Zone in the Maldives by reclaiming land from Uthuru Thila Falhu for sustainable agriculture purposes. As Congress expelled Sanjay Nirupam late on Wednesday evening, the former MP from Mumbai who incurred the party's wrath over his remarks targeting the ally Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray said he would announce his next decision on Thursday. IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai with Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad, party leader Sanjay Nirupam (third from right) being garlanded by party members during the North Indian Socio-Cultural Conference organised in Mumbai, November 22, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Taking note of complaints of indiscipline and anti-party statements, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approved Nirupam's expulsion from the party for six years with immediate effect, an official communication from the party said. Earlier in the day, Congress dropped Nirupam's name as a star campaigner, indicating that the crisis was escalating. Nirupam then launched a sharp attack, saying as the party was experiencing a "serious financial crisis", it should utilise the stationery and energy to save itself. The demand for action against Nirupam grew after he castigated the Maharashtra Congress leadership for "ceding" constituencies in Mumbai to the Uddhav Thackeray-led party during seat-sharing talks of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance for Lok Sabha elections. "The Congress has dropped Nirupam's name from the list of star campaigners and disciplinary action has been initiated against him for his utterances against the party and the state unit leadership," state unit president Nana Patole had told reporters after attending a meeting of the party's campaign committee in Mumbai. Making light of the party's action, Nirupam raised the "serious financial crisis" in Congress, apparently alluding to the Income Tax Department's action for tax demand. "It (Congress) should utilise the stationery and energy to save itself, as the party is experiencing a serious financial crisis. The time frame I had given to the party ends today. I will spell out my next course of action tomorrow (Thursday)," he tweeted. A former MP from Mumbai North, Nirupam had hit out at the state leadership of Congress after the Shiv Sena-UBT led by Uddhav Thackeray declared its candidates for four out of six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, including the Mumbai North West seat, which Nirupam is eyeing. He had also said the Congress leadership shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by Shiv Sena-UBT. Accepting the Shiv Sena-UBT's decision to unilaterally field candidates in Mumbai amounted to allowing the destruction of Congress, the former Mumbai Congress president had claimed. A former Shiv Sainik, Nirupam quit Shiv Sena in 2005. He took up the cause of north Indian hawkers and subsequently made his way into Congress. In 2009, he successfully contested from Mumbai North seat. Nirupam lost the 2014 elections from the same constituency against BJP's Gopal Shetty. The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the deletion of advocate Bansuri Swaraj's name from its order of granting bail to AAP leader Sanjay Singh after the Enforcement Directorate said her name got added to the list due to an "inadvertent error". IMAGE: Bansuri Swaraj speaks to the media after being fielded as party's candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, March 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna said, "Ok, we will correct the order." Advocate Zoheb Hussain, appearing for the ED, said Swaraj did not appear in the case nor did she represent the agency in the matter. "Due to some inadvertent error her name is reflected in the appearance slip," Hussain said. Bansuri Swaraj is a BJP candidate from the New Delhi parliamentary constituency. On Tuesday, the top court granted Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh bail in a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy scam after the Enforcement Directorate said it had no objections. Singh, who has been in jail for six months, was ordered to be released by a bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice P B Varale. 'One Sandeshkhali won't turn around women's perception of Mamata Banerjee in this state' IMAGE: Actor-politician Saayoni Ghosh is contesting on a TMC ticket from Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat. Photograph: @sayani06/X The blue-ash cotton saree with bright red border carefully draped by actor-politician Saayoni Ghosh appeared in particular contrast to the signature blue-bordered white saree of her leader-cum-mentor Mamata Banerjee who she sought to defend on one of West Bengal's most pressing issues of the upcoming general elections: Sandeshkhali. Even as the 31-year-old youth leader of the Trinamool Congress pinched herself at her apartment in the tony neighbourhood of Jodhpur Park in south Kolkata to believe that the party has actually given her a ticket from Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat which, she maintained, felt like a homecoming, Ghosh sounded confident that the Sandeshkhali damage was well controlled. One Sandeshkhali won't turn around women's perception of Mamata Banerjee in this state, Saayoni told PTI in an interview, The very fact that she is the country's only woman CM itself goes to show how Bengal reposes faith in a woman to run a government. Saayoni's confidence appeared to stem from her belief that Banerjee handled Sandeshkhali incredibly, and could contain the situation well in time before the Bharatiya Janata Party could turn a controversy into a conspiracy and convert that into a Nandigram or a Singur by blowing it out of proportions. The CM took all necessary and decisive actions. She set up grievance redress camps, sent political delegations to placate people's anger, started the process of returning land parcels via DMs and block offices and made all arrests, she listed. Ghosh wouldn't touch suspended TMC leader and Sandeshkhali prime accused Shajahan Sheikh or his cohorts with a barge pole. But maintaining a safe distance from the tainted leaders did not stop her from lauding state police actions in the region. The Bengal police delivered where the ED and the CBI failed. Shajahan's arrest could have happened sooner if there hadn't been a judgment anomaly in the high court. The central agencies never brought that up. So, what stopped them from arresting Sheikh? she argued. What happened in Sandeshkhali is very unfortunate. I am not trying to defend it in any way. But it is an isolated development and the impact is well contained, Saayoni maintained. For someone who joined politics as recently as in February 2021, barely a couple of months ahead of her TMC ticket for the Asansol-South segment in the state polls which she narrowly lost, the rise and rise of the Tollywood actor within her party seems remarkable. Within a month of her state election disappointment, Saayoni found herself on the chair of president of the Trinamool youth wing, a position previously held by the party's perceived second-in-command Abhishek Banerjee. She likes to call acting her first love and politics her last affection, with the former clearly taking a backseat for now. I have done three feature films and nearly 350 public meetings in the last three years. I have crisscrossed the state and never gave people the impression that I am just another armchair politician, she said, clearly ecstatic about her nomination from Jadavpur, a seat that bears the legacy of Mamata Banerjee's historic victory over Communist Party of India-Marxist heavyweight Somnath Chatterjee back in 1984. Saayoni confessed that contesting from Jadavpur wasn't in her distant dreams and that she was prepared for any other constituency but Jadavpur. It's a great feeling coming back to the place I live. The way Didi and Abhishek made me work throughout the state, I never thought they would bring me back home, she said. But that ecstasy seemingly remains laced with anxiety of failure in a seat which the party has kept winning for the past three terms in a row. This is a prestigious constituency, the seat of Mamata Banerjee, the giant killer. She has put a lot of faith in me in awarding this seat. Losing here is not an option. I won't leave any stone unturned to romp home with a victory, Saayoni, who takes on BJP's state think tank member Anirban Ganguly and CPI-M's young turk Srijan Bhattacharya, said. That motivation notwithstanding, Ghosh seems to be struggling with a legacy she would much rather tuck underneath the carpet that of her predecessor and a member of the acting fraternity Mimi Chakraborty, who resigned from the party only days before TMC announced its candidates and returned to her acting career. I am not carrying Mimi's legacy, Saayoni defends, People have seen how I have worked all over the state. Commitment to my party remains my priority. Irrespective of her relative inexperience in politics, Saayoni, an actor since the age of 16, claims she finds her position vis-a-vis her predecessor an advantage. The people of Jadavpur are happy to finally find an active political candidate in their midst after a while, Saayoni's characteristic boldness was difficult to miss. They know I can talk on behalf of the party with reason. Three years ago, my answers to their questions would have been superficial. Not anymore, they are now factual. I can handle people's grievances and go out of my way to fulfil their expectations, she added. So, what role does Saayoni perceive for herself in Parliament, should she taste success in electoral politics? I think it would be one of balance. Didi and Abhishek know that I am vocal. If I can speak in meetings and have no problems interacting with people, I should be able to carry the same kind of confidence when I challenge the system, inside Parliament or outside, she said, adding with a smile, But it would also be one of wait and watch. And learn. A special court in Mumbai on Wednesday observed that Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pragya Singh Thakur's absence in the September 2008 Malegaon blast case trial was hampering the proceedings, and asked the National Investigation Agency to submit a report on her health. IMAGE: BJP's Lok Sabha member Pragya Singh Thakur at the Parliament House during the Budget Session, in New Delhi, February 7, 2024. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo The court passed the order after the Member of Parliament from Bhopal, a prime accused in the case, sought another exemption from appearance citing health problems. AK Lahoti, special judge for National Investigation Agency cases, asked the central agency to verify her health condition and submit a report by April 8. The court had on March 11 issued a bailable warrant against the Bhopal MP for failing to attend the proceedings despite being specifically directed. The warrant was cancelled on March 22 after Thakur appeared before the court. But she failed to appear after that. While granting her exemption on March 28, the court had directed Thakur to appear on April 3, warning that a non-bailable warrant would be issued against her otherwise. On Wednesday, her lawyer again sought exemption, claiming that the nature of her ailments was severe. Her physical condition was beyond her control and she was seeking treatment at her home in Bhopal on doctors' advice, the application said. A doctor, after examining her, advised her to bed rest and a certificate has been provided with the application, it said. The NIA, however, told the court that as Thakur was not in Mumbai, it could not verify her claims. "The directions which were given from time to time are well within the knowledge of advocates appearing on behalf of Thakur and the delay is caused due to absence of the accused. Hence, considering the aforesaid aspects, a necessary order be passed," the NIA submitted. The court noted that the statement of the accused was being recorded under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (where an accused can explain, in person, any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him or her). "She has been absent since long except on 22/03/2024. On 22/03/2024, accused no 1 (Thakur) appeared before the court and considering her physical and medical condition, she was allowed to leave the court," it said. The accused's presence was necessary to record her statement and her absence was hampering the court proceedings, the judge added. The certificate produced by her lawyer states that Thakur is suffering from cervical-spondylitis and migraine, but prescription, treatment papers and test papers have not been submitted, and therefore, "verification of the health condition is required," the court said. "NIA, Mumbai, can make correspondence with their unit at Bhopal and verify the health condition and submit the report accordingly on or before April 8," the order said while exempting Thakur from appearance for the day. Six people were killed and more than 100 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a communally sensitive town about 200 km from Mumbai in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. The case was initially probed by the Anti Terrorism Squad of Maharashtra police before it was transferred to the NIA. Residents of a village in Kapu assembly segment of Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency have decided to boycott the upcoming election, in protest against the poor civic amenities there. IMAGE: Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar addressing a public meeting ahead of Karnataka assembly elections, at Mudigere, in Chikkamagaluru, May 5, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The villagers were aggrieved that Kattingeri grapples with a dearth of essential amenities such as roads, bridges, and functional public transport connectivity. They lamented the lack of progress despite previous engagements with authorities, including a visit by the deputy commissioners in the past, which failed to yield tangible solutions. Former President of Belle Gram Panchayat Shivaji S Suvarna highlighted the significant voter base in Kattingeri, estimating around a thousand eligible voters with substantial participation in past elections. However, the absence of basic infrastructure remains a glaring issue, particularly the absence of roads and bridges, impeding access to vital services for the past six years, he said. Former Taluk Panchayat President Devdas Hebbar underscored the unwavering resolve of the villagers, noting previous instances where boycotts were rescinded due to assurances from elected representatives. However, this time, the villagers have stood firm against external pressures and enticements, and have committed to the decisions made at the meeting. Ranjani Hegde, former President of Belle Gram Panchayat, informed PTI of the non-negotiable stance of the villagers that they would vote in the elections only if roadworks are completed and bus services to Kattingeri are resumed. Expressing disillusionment with the local MLAs and MPs due to their apparent disregard for the village, Hegde said efforts were being made to garner attention to their problems, especially through correspondence with the District Election Officer and the State Election Commission about the boycott. Former MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who recently joined the Congress, on Wednesday seemed adamant about throwing his hat in the ring for Bihar's Purnea Lok Sabha seat, where ally Rashtriya Janata Dal's candidate Bima Bharti filed her nomination papers. IMAGE: Jan Adhikar Party president Pappu Yadav (middle) with his son Sarthak (left) during the press conference as he merges his party with Congress ahead of Lok Sabha elections, in New Delhi, April 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Bharti, who joined RJD less than a month ago, was accompanied by Tejashwi Yadav, former deputy chief minister and heir apparent of Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad. Tejashwi Yadav also addressed a rally at Purnea, urging people to vote for Bharti, a former minister and sitting MLA who recently quit the Janata Dal-United headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Pappu Yadav has been asserting that he will contest the seat he had won thrice in the 1990s, with the claim of "assurances" from Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. He wrote on X that he will file nomination papers on Thursday, the last date for seats going to polls in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, and declared "those who have humiliated me will be punished by mother (maa) Purnea on April 26 (date of voting). They will lose their deposit". A party hopper, Pappu Yadav is married to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ranjit Ranjan. He joined the party a fortnight ago, along with his son Sarthak, merging the Jan Adhikar Party founded in 2015, which boasted of an army of stormtroopers but never achieved electoral success. Notably, JAP was floated a year after Yadav won Madhepura Lok Sabha seat on an RJD ticket, only to break up with the party. Mindful of the fact that his induction into Congress may be frowned upon by Lalu Prasad, Yadav had sought the ailing septuagenarian's blessings before joining the national party. However, the wily RJD supremo struck back, claiming for his party not just Purnea and Madhepura but also Supaul, which Ranjit Ranjan formerly represented, thereby thwarting Yadav's chances of fighting as a Congress candidate from any of the seats where he had a fair chance of winning. Yadav appeared to be hoping against hope when he, a few days ago, expressed the wish for a "friendly fight" in Purnea, citing the example of Wayanad in Kerala where Rahul Gandhi's re-election is being challenged by Annie Raja of Communist Party of India, despite the party being an INDIA bloc ally like the Congress. The Congress' Bihar unit, however, seems reluctant for any type of fight with RJD, on which it has become heavily dependent over the years, having itself become a spent force in the state. BRATTLEBORO For all music lovers interested in the lyrical and technical aspects of jazz and improvised music: Together we will hear six brilliant pianists perform and discuss their musical passions and the development of their personal styles. The VJC invites you to participate in a festival that showcases artists who have invested their lives in the pursuit of creativity using the piano as their medium. Headliners are Hey Rim Jeon, Aaron Parks, Alfredo Rodriguez, Jacky Terrasson and emerging artists are Yujin Han and Mathew Mueller. The Vermont Jazz Center celebrates the vital impact that the piano has played in the history of jazz by hosting its 8th annual Solo Jazz Piano Festival on April 19 and 20. The artists headlining this years festival are Hey Rim Jeon, Aaron Parks, Alfredo Rodriguez, and Jacky Terrasson; emerging artists are Yujin Han and Mathew Mueller. On the evenings of April 19 and 20, starting at 7:30 p.m., two headlining pianists will present back-to-back solo sets. April 19 will include performances by Hey Rim Jeon and Aaron Parks, and on April 20 we will hear Alfredo Rodriguez and Jacky Terrasson. April 20 is a full day of educational and concert programming. The day begins at 10 a.m. with a sequence of workshops led by all four of the headlining musicians. These presentations are designed to be accessible to all music lovers, not just pianists. Saturday will also include short sets from the two emerging artists as well as a round-table discussion with all six artists, moderated by VJC Director Eugene Uman. The Solo Jazz Piano Festival, now in its eighth year, is one of the cornerstones of the VJCs programming. The festival has presented some of the worlds top pianists and most important musical innovators of this generation, including NEA Jazz Masters Toshiko Akiyoshi and Joanne Brackeen, acknowledged luminaries Stanley Cowell, Benny Green, Sullivan Fortner, Kenny Werner, and many others. The Solo Jazz Piano Festival continues to be an opportunity for audiences to communicate directly with the artists as they share their spiritual and historical sources of inspiration, and offer tips on their methods of learning, teaching and practice routines. The VJC is honored to continue this important tradition in Brattleboro. The structure of this solo piano festival is geared toward community-building and garnering knowledge using the piano as a catalyst. Each of this years headliners is highly regarded by jazz lovers around the world. They are all virtuosic in their abilities and have released numerous celebrated recordings as leaders and side people. But what sets this group of four apart is how each artist conveys a completely distinct approach to the instrument, demonstrating an instantly recognizable stylistic, rhythmic, and harmonic palette. It is this diversity, combined with the artists rich depth of knowledge and ability to connect with the audiences, that will assure a fascinating show. Listeners are encouraged to check out each of the performers to enjoy the full spectrum of their approaches. Here is a brief introduction to the artists musical styles: Hey Rim Jeons style is characterized by rhythmical precision, graceful melodic lines and adroit technical facility. Ms. Jeon also embraces long-form improvisation. She teaches courses in piano technique and the solo improvisations of Keith Jarrett at Berklee College of Music; the depth of her ability in both of these skill sets shines through in her solo performing. Aaron Parks creations are reflections of his search for beauty. Whether theyre original compositions or swinging standards, his approach is all about heart. He conveys emotion without being saccharine by using expressive phrasing and captivating arrangements that encourage spaciousness. He is also a master of timekeeping (he speaks of developing ones own inner drummer by feeling rhythm in his body and playing games with a metronome), and of creating reharmonized renditions of tunes from the Great American Songbook on the fly. Alfredo Rodriguez brings a vast knowledge of the Latin American piano tradition, replete with the virtuosic ability necessary to convey that style. His Cuban roots saturate his sound, which is also strongly influenced by classical music. Rodriguez began studying classical music seriously at the age of seven years and realized at the age of twelve that playing the piano would be his lifelong endeavor. He feels that the message of music is about expressing unity and about being together, knowing where we are coming from, and trying to help each other. Jacky Terrasson is yet another virtuosic player. A major presence in the vibrant New York jazz scene during the early 1990s, he chose to reside in his native France, where his star continues to rise. Terrasson plays in the tradition, and he loves to swing hard with lots of dynamic emphasis, emulating players like Ahmad Jamal. He also has a knack for folding unexpected pop tunes (like those of Michael Jackson) into a jazz set. Emerging artists Yujin Han: South Korean-born pianist, composer and arranger Yujin Han is a Presidential Scholar who has been studying with Danilo Perez and Kris Davis at Berklee college of music in both the Global Jazz Institute and Jazz and Gender Justice Institute programs. Through her studies at Berklee, Ms. Han has developed her own compositional voice and explored creative harmonic approaches of playing. She performs in the Boston area. Mathew Mueller: Mathew is a senior at Amherst College. He grew up in the New Haven, Connecticut region, playing piano and singing in his Russian church choir. At Amherst he has been studying jazz piano, music theory and composition. He will be presenting his senior music thesis, titled The Lowly Inchworm is My Hero, on April 5th. The piece is built using voice messages and spoken-word recordings as compositional tools. Mueller co-leads and plays in Interstellar Mediums, a sextet comprised of alto sax, trumpet, bass, drums, piano, and vocals. The VJCs Solo Jazz Piano Festival is a tribute to Mike McKenzie who, for the last 27 years has provided artists performing at the VJC with the finest pianos possible, including the beautiful Steinway D Concert Grand upon which this festival was founded. VJC is especially grateful to two members of the VJC Summer Jazz Workshop community and to Katy Oz for their generous sponsorship. VJC also thanks the Thompson Trust, the Windham Foundation, the Vermont Arts Council, the Vermont Humanities Council, and the New England Foundation of the Arts for their steadfast support. The VJC is also appreciative of the excellent, pro-bono work by piano technician William Ballard and the exquisite care offered by piano technician Crystal Fielding. In-person tickets for the Solo Jazz Piano Festival are offered on a sliding fee scale from $85 to $130 for the entire event; single concert options are also available. Visit the VJC website at vtjazz.org to purchase. Contact Eugene for educational group discounts eugene@vtjazz.org. Reservations can be made by calling Vermont Jazz Center ticket line at 802-254-9088, ext. 1. Handicapped access for the in-person event is available by emailing elsavjc@gmail.com. The online streaming of this concert will be offered free of charge, but donations are welcomed and just a click away. Please give generously and support live music. Access to the on-line event can be found online at vtjazz.org. Note: there will be no Facebook access to these concerts. On April 12, at 5 p.m., A Literary Cocktail Hour will host New York Times bestselling author Cat Bohannon discussing her book "Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution," a finalist for the 2024 Womens Prize for Non-Fiction. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Cloudy with showers. High 51F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low around 35F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Wellington-based company CyberCure has appointed former Te Whatu Ora cybersecurity czar Steve McCabe as its chief strategy officer and a director. McCabe brings over 27 years of experience in the cybersecurity industry, having served in various roles including head of security for British Gas in the UK before joining PwC NZ as a partner in 2014. Since 2020 he has been an independent adviser working across corporate, technology and government sectors and was the initiating programme director for the National Cyber Security Uplift at Te Whatu Ora / Health NZ. His wealth of experience and strategic vision will be instrumental as we navigate through this exciting phase of expansion, said Tessa Anton, co-founder and CEO of CyberCure, which was launched in 2022. Were at a stage where we need to ensure that we grow sustainably and continue to offer our clients high-value, real-world solutions to the cyber problems of today and tomorrow. McCabe, who is rejoining some of his former PwC colleagues at CyberCure, described the role as a fantastic opportunity. Tensions between China and Taiwan have flared following the death of two Chinese fishermen near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Island in early February. In the wake of that incident, Chinese-language media outlets claimed that China ignores Taiwanese boundaries around the island, and that Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered Taiwans prohibited waters, closer to the island, during Feb. 25 drills. However, a study of open-source intelligence that tracks ship movements showed that the coast guard vessels in fact mostly avoided crossing into prohibited waters, briefly doing so only twice between Feb. 25 and March 7. Two zones Kinmen, which is just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from mainland China, is surrounded by two zones of ocean that Taiwan has barred mainland Chinese vessels from entering. The zones are identical on Kinmens west and north coast, closer to mainland China, but they are split into two zones on the south and east side: an outer zone called restricted waters and an inner zone closer to the island called prohibited waters. The latter line marking is considered a de facto sea border with China. Riyue Tantian a subsidiary social media account of China Central Television, or CCTV posted a video on Weibo on Feb 26, claiming that its live footage shows China Coast Guard vessels entering Taiwans prohibited waters around Kinmen during drills conducted the day before. Parts of both the video and accompanying text were taken from two separate coast guard press releases earlier that day. Several Taiwanese news outlets have also made similar claims about the purported intrusion from Chinese vessels, with one political talk show even claiming that China has deployed paramilitary operations against Kinmen. But the claims are misleading. Below is what AFCL found. Methodology To pinpoint Chinese ships exact location around Kinmen, AFCL sourced real-time location data for these ships from Marine Traffic an open-source platform regularly cited by mainstream news outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. The platform only displays data for ships that broadcast their location using radio signals, which are typically relayed via satellites, also known as an open Automatic Identification System, or AIS. While its common for most ships to emit these signals, there are instances where these signals are deliberately deactivated, often by military ships to maintain operational secrecy. AFCLs analysis focuses on Chinese vessels whose AIS was recorded by Marine Traffic around Kinmen. After taking screenshots of vessel movements, AFCL then manually added lines over screenshots, illustrating the locations of the relevant Chinese ships as well as restricted and prohibited waters around Kinmen based on official public data from Taiwan. What happened on Feb. 25? Seven Chinese Coast Guard, or CCG, vessels are recorded as patrolling around Kinmen on Feb. 25, according to the Marine Traffic data. They include two large former military ships (CCG 2202 and CCG 2203) and five normal patrol ships (CCG 14608, CCG 14609, CCG 14513, CCG 14515 and CMS 8027). CMS, or China Marine Surveillance, was originally under Chinas Ministry of Land and Resources, but later was integrated into the CCG. Among them, CCG 2202 crossed into Kinmens restricted waters a little after 2:00 a.m. while sailing from the southeast towards the southwest. Marine Traffic uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is 8 hours behind Taiwan time and 4 hours ahead of Washington time. CCG 2202 entered restricted waters around Kinmen on the morning of Feb. 25. In this and all screenshots below, the purple line marks the shared restricted and prohibited waters along the west and north of Kinmen. Where the zones split along the islands south and east sides, the blue line marks restricted waters and the red line prohibited waters. (Screenshot/ Marine Traffic) At around the same time, CCG 2203 briefly crossed into and made a single pass within the restricted waters alongside the south of Kinmen as the graphic below shows. CCG 2203 approached restricted waters around Kinmen from the south at the same time CCG 2202 was sailing from the north on Feb. 25. (Screenshot/Marine Traffic) Both ships approached but never crossed into Kinmens prohibited waters, coming within less than 4 nautical miles of Kinmen at one point before veering off into open water at around 4:00 a.m. and continuing their patrols throughout the rest of the day at a distance. Four of the five other Chinese vessels on patrol near Kinmen on Feb. 25 only entered the islands restricted waters briefly. CMS 8027, however, entered Kinmens prohibited waters a little before 1:00 a.m. on Feb. 25, the sole Chinese vessel that AFCL observed to have done so that day. Amongst five other official ships patrolling around Kinmen on Feb. 25, one of them - CMS 8027, marked in indigo above - crossed into Kinmens prohibited waters. (Screenshot/Marine Traffic) Huang Chung-ting, an associate research fellow at the Taiwanese military think tank Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said while the intrusion of CMS patrol ships into Kinmens prohibited waters is certainly a provocation towards Taiwan, it is not as strong a challenge as sending former navy vessels such as CCG 2202 and CCG 2203 into these waters. Compared to regular law enforcement vessels such as CCG 2202 and 2203, the surveillance ships [such as a CMS] have the nature of general administrative purpose only, he explained. In contrast, the CCG is still now a branch of Chinas armed forces directed by the countrys Central Military Commission, which has led U.S. officials to previously state that they may treat the CCG as a part of the Chinese Navy, Huang added. Huang said activities of CCG ships are likely to be concentrated in Kinmens south because the separate borders of the restricted and prohibited waters in that area allow China to perform more calculated escalatory naval movements compared to the northwest and west of the island, where the overlapping restricted and prohibited water limit such provocations. After Feb. 25 While China did launch regular patrols in the waters near Kinmen following Feb. 25, six of the vessels checked in this article (2202, 2203, 14608, 14609, 14513, and 14515) only crossed slightly over into Kinmens restricted waters or sailed a short distance away from it. Marine Traffic data show that CCG 2202 sailed into Kinmens restricted waters again on Feb. 27. In the following week, the ship repeated a similar daily patrol straddling Kinmens restricted waters while gradually shifting the main course of its daily routes farther and farther towards the open sea southeast of the island. CCG 2202 crossed through Kinmens restricted waters several times between Feb. 26 to March 6. The straight line running through the middle of Kinmen indicates that the AIS signal disappeared for a time between 8:54 a.m. and 10:02 p.m. on Feb. 29. (Screenshot/Marine Traffic) CCG 2203s course mirrored CCG 2202 during the same timeframe, entering Kinmens restricted waters on Feb. 27 while gradually shifting the main course of its daily patrols further away from Kinmen to the southeast. CCG 2203 also sailed through Kinmens restricted waters several times from Feb. 26 to March 6. (Screenshot/Marine Traffic) While CMS 8027 sailed through Kinmens prohibited waters again on both Feb. 26 and 27, there was overall very little change in the trajectory of CCG vessels on duty near Kinmen between Feb. 25 and March 7. CMS 8027 sailed through Kinmens prohibited waters between Feb. 26 to March 6. (Screenshot/ Marine Traffic) Talk tough and tread carefully Huang from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research told AFCL that he does not believe that the situation represents a reversal of the long-term status quo surrounding Kinmen, pointing to Chinas decision to avoid sending multiple CCG vessels deep into Kinmens prohibited waters as evidence. Huang pointed out that the specific language used in official CCG statements regarding maritime disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea and with Japan over the Diaoyu Islands highlights a nuanced difference in Chinas strategy towards Kinmen. For instance, the CCG emphasizes that it is conducting patrols within the range of Chinas jurisdictional waters in the South China Sea, but its statement concerning Kinmen only mentions the waters around the island, a sign of the Chinese governments often used talk tough and tread carefully approach towards Taiwan, according to Huang. The CCG statement about Kinmen only declares that the dispute is occurring in the waters around Kinmen and Xiamen, while a statement from the organization concerning a dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea specifically calls the disputed area Chinas Nansha Islands. (Screenshot/ CCG Official Weibo) The variance in terminology and tone suggests that China adopts distinct diplomatic and tactical approaches in its maritime interactions with different neighbors, reflecting tailored strategies based on the unique geopolitical contexts of each dispute. Translated by Shen Ke. Edited by Taejun Kang and Malcolm Foster. Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) was established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. We publish fact-checks, media-watches and in-depth reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of current affairs and public issues. If you like our content, you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. A claim emerged in Chinese-language social media posts that American pop star Taylor Swift had recently stated on a talk show that the United States lacked the ability to prevent an invasion of Taiwan. The posts cited several screenshots purportedly taken from the episode of the show. But the claim is false. Screenshots were taken from an interview with Swift on Late Night with Seth Meyers aired in 2021. During the show, she made no mention of the U.S., Taiwan or an invasion. The claim was shared on the popular Chinese social media platform Weibo on March 25. It shared multiple screenshots of an X post uploaded a day before. Taylor Swift recently revealed her concern about our ability to deter an invasion of Taiwan on Late Night, the post reads in part. A Weibo influencer claiming that Taylor Swift said the U.S. was incapable of protecting Taiwan on Late Night with Seth Meyers attached screenshots from the purported episode. (Screenshot/ Official Youtube account of Late Night with Seth Meyers) A reverse image search found the screenshots were taken from Swifts 2021 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. A review of the interview found Swift made no mention of the U.S., Taiwan or an invasion. Keyword searches also found no credible reports to show that Swift ever stated the U.S. lacked the ability to prevent an invasion of Taiwan. Clips taken from this same interview had previously been used as material for a widely spread AI produced video of Swift speaking Mandarin. Translated by Shen Ke. Edited by Taejun Kang and Malcolm Foster. Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) was established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. We publish fact-checks, media-watches and in-depth reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of current affairs and public issues. If you like our content, you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. The Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) John Warner (SSN 785) is moved to Newport News Shipbuilding's floating dry dock in preparation for a christening August 31, 2014 in Newport News, VA. The United States will find a way to provide the nuclear-powered submarines promised to Australia as part of the AUKUS security pact despite the massive backlogs plaguing American shipbuilding yards, Deputy U.S. Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Wednesday. Campbell, who recently departed a role as President Joe Bidens Asia czar to become the second-most senior U.S. diplomat, said it was fair to say American submarine production is hampered, but added that there was already a substantial focus on the issue at the Pentagon. Supply-chain issues have hamstrung production at American shipyards, but the billions of dollars of investments made by Canberra in the shipbuilding industry was helping fix that, he explained. As is always the case, more money helps, Campbell said at an event at the Center for a New American Security held to mark a year since the AUKUS submarine deal was unveiled. AUKUS, in many respects, is a game changer. It is basically finding the way forward. National Security Council Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to examine his nomination to be Deputy Secretary of State on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Washington. (Mariam Zuhaib/AP) Campbell acknowledged the injection of Australian funds though very generous would not be enough on its own, and that new investments and new capabilities would be needed to increase our ability both to service and also produce submarines. Backlogs and bottlenecks have plagued a number of programs, he said. There is a very serious endeavor underway to see what steps can be taken to not only to assist a program like AUKUS but, frankly, certain munitions which are central to American military purpose. Australia has earmarked a total of AU$368 billion, or about US$245 billion, over the next 30 years as part of the AUKUS pact, which is aimed at countering Chinas expansionism in the Indo-Pacific. AUKUS pact Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States unveiled the deal in March last year for the latter two nations to arm Australia with nuclear submarines over the coming decades under AUKUS. As part of that, the United States committed to selling between three and five Virginia-class nuclear submarines, which use conventional weapons, to Canberra over the next decade in exchange for some US$3 billion of Australian investment in American shipyards. But concerns have emerged in Australia that the United States may not be able to provide the submarines due to backlogs. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers, such as Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, have pondered if the United States has submarines to spare. Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, right, meets with US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, left, at Point Loma naval base in San Diego, March 13, 2023, as part of Aukus, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US. (Stefan Rousseau/AP) A U.S. defense spending bill signed last month also cut funding for production of a Virginia-class sub, with Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democrat from Connecticut who co-chairs the AUKUS Working Group, saying the move could undercut plans to provide submarines to Australia. One of the big questions with AUKUS was: Will it provide enough submarines to keep the US fleet at an adequate level and will it produce enough submarines to satisfy the three boats that we agreed to sell? the lawmaker told Australias Sydney Morning Herald. Australian and U.S. officials, though, have maintained the submarines will be provided by the early 2030s, by which time Australia expects to begin producing its own submarines with British help. Multilateralism During Wednesdays event, Campbell also flagged the possibility of Japan and the Philippines joining AUKUS in some capacity, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. visiting the White House on April 11. It is true that there are other countries that have expressed an interest to participate, under the right circumstances, he said. I think you'll hear that we have something to say about that next week. The No. 2 American diplomat said it was all part of a push by the United States to shift its Indo-Pacific alliances in a more multilateral direction, and away from a series of bilateral relationships. It used to be that we had this hub and spoke set of relationships between the United States and allies and partners, Campbell said. Now we're creating a lattice-fence arrangement, with lots of intertwined, overlapping, interlocking engagements. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Eight Chinese nationals have drowned off the Mexican coast in a 'migration situation,' local officials say. China has called on Mexico to "speed up" its investigation of the deaths of eight of its nationals in a boat capsize, highlighting the dangers faced by tens of thousands of Chinese people who have traveled to the Mexico-U.S. border to seek political asylum in recent years. "The Chinese Embassy in Mexico ... has requested the Mexican side to speed up the investigation into the incident and sent a working group to the site of the incident," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, adding that China is paying "close attention" to the incident. Eight Chinese nationals were found dead following a "migration situation" off the coast of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Attorney General's Office of the Mexican state of Oaxaca said in a statement on its website dated March 30. "The Oaxaca Prosecutor's Office ... established that they were people from China, seven women and one man," the statement said, quoting a survivor as saying that the victims had been traveling aboard a boat from Tapachula in Chiapas state on March 29, when it overturned. The eight bodies were found near Playa Vicente beach on the isthmus, it said, adding that local authorities are working with officials from the Chinese embassy to identify the victims. Wang said the embassy "is in close touch with the Mexican side to further verify the information of the deceased and provide assistance to the surviving Chinese national." In the 12 months to Sept. 30, 2023, more than 24,000 Chinese nationals followed one of several arduous and sometimes dangerous people-smuggling routes through South and Central America to cross the border from Mexico and apply for political asylum in the United States. The routes sometimes include a hazardous trip across the sea in a small boat. "Ill never forget it as long as I live," migrant Li Kai told RFA Mandarin in a recent interview about the sea passage he took with his family. "It was very dangerous." "The boat was small, made of fiberglass, which made it especially vulnerable to the unpredictable sea conditions and weather of the Caribbean," Li said. "I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt for putting my kids in such danger because I had gotten into trouble in China." Li's account also suggested that the Oaxaca deaths weren't the first among Chinese migrants making the journey to the United States. "I heard that one of these boats had capsized and people had drowned," Li said in an interview recorded weeks before the March 29 tragedy. 'Run' movement Known in China as the "run" movement, using a Chinese character that sounds similar to the English word run, the migration wave has its roots in widespread dissatisfaction with political totalitarianism and economic stagnation under ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. It took off following the relaxation of the grueling lockdowns, mass incarceration in quarantine camps and compulsory testing of the three-year-long zero-COVID policy in December 2022. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin speaking during a news briefing in Beijing on April 2, 2024. (Image from Danni Zhu video/AFPTV/AFP) A former migrant who took the route through Mexico, known in Chinese as "walking the line," said the route is known for its hazards. "It has always been dangerous," he said, likening the wave of migration from China to the fleeing of animals before a major earthquake. "Before a major earthquake, there are always signs, like all of the animals running away," he said, suggesting China will endure a future of economic and political upheaval. "Right now, a big earthquake is coming, that's the only way I can explain it." Likely evasion route California-based China Democracy Party activist Jie Lijian, who regularly assists Chinese asylum-seekers after they arrive in the United States, said the latest accident wasn't on a well-known "line" into the United States, and that the route had likely been taken to evade maritime patrols on better-known routes. "They will take routes across wider stretches of sea with bigger waves as a shortcut for the land route," Jie told RFA in a recent interview. "The sea may be dangerous and unpredictable, but if you go that way, you can avoid a lot of border inspections, the threat of deportation, high fees and private robbery gangs [who prey on migrants]," Jie said. Migrants from China search for law enforcement in order to surrender after being smuggled across the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico, in Fronton, Texas, April 5, 2023. (Reuters) The numbers of Chinese seeking the route to the U.S. border have likely been boosted by promotions from people smugglers who extol the benefits of life in the United States, he said. Last year, the video platform Tik Tok saw the emergence of hashtags and videos teaching Chinese citizens fleeing the country how to navigate through Latin America, as well as helping with the bureaucratic intricacies of getting settled in the United States while making a political asylum claim. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. A teacher takes the body temperature of a schoolgirl to help curb the spread of the coronavirus before entering Kim Song Ju Primary School in Central District in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Oct. 13, 2021. A resurgence of a respiratory illness believed to be caused by coronavirus has caused some elementary schools and childcare facilities in North Korea to remain closed past April 1, which should have been the starting date of the new school year, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia. RFA reported that in early March, at least five children in the northern province of Ryanggang had died of a respiratory disease that had symptoms similar to COVID-19. The province shuttered all daycares and schools and returned to an emergency quarantine posture that had been in place nationwide during the worst of the pandemic. While middle and high schools will start as scheduled, for elementary schools and daycares, the lockdown which was supposed to have lasted for only 10 days is continuing into April. When April 1 was drawing near, authorities decided to postpone the school year, a resident of the province told RFA Korean on condition of anonymity for security reasons. The main cause of infection circulating these days is called mycoplasma which is similar to coronavirus and is known to be fatal to children, he said. Mycoplasma is a form of bacteria that can cause a type of mild pneumonia that has symptoms like sore throat, cough and fever, and can be treated with antibiotics. Though mycoplasma infections have symptoms that overlap with COVID-19, the latter is caused by a virus, and cannot be treated with antibiotics. U.N. medicine Furthermore, the resident said that North Korean medicine is ineffective and the disease must be treated with medicines supplied by the United Nations, which the government sells for profit. The U.N. medicines are so expensive that ordinary residents cannot even think of buying them, he said. Even if your child has a high fever and is sick, you cant buy the U.N. medicines in the pharmacy, so you will end up letting your child go. Staff of the Pyongyang Primary School No. 4 clean stairwells in Pyongyang, North Korea June 30, 2021. (Cha Song Ho/AP) According to the source, an antipyretic injection to reduce fever costs 15,000 won (US$1.76) a huge sum for most North Koreans. The resident said that for residents, it is maddening that the government is not taking a more active role in trying to cure those who have fallen ill, and have only postponed the school year. Since children have died because of their high fevers, the residents are raising their voices against the authorities urging them to treat infected patients with the U.N. medicine instead of selling it, he said. In 2020, North Korea waited until June 1 to start the school year due to the pandemic, then declared an early vacation in July as conditions worsened. There is no telling when the daycare centers and elementary schools will reopen this year, another Ryanggang resident said on condition of anonymity to speak freely. Today is supposed to be the first day of the new school year for students enrolling in school or entering a new grade, she said. Young students who graduated from kindergarten this year and should be entering elementary school for the first time are really disappointed. She said that many parents are shocked by the delay, and many think that the number of students affected by COVID-19 and mycoplasma must be high if they are taking such measures. Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. With a shortage in raw materials, valuable paper must be recycled and its on students to provide it for book printing. North Korea is offering free textbooks to school children for the first time since the 1990s, but only on the condition that they provide the raw materials for the books in the form of scrap paper that is good enough to recycle, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia. The students were instructed to bring 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of high-quality scrap paper to school on April 1, the first day of the new school year. Those who brought less than 2 kilograms did not receive all the textbooks, a resident of the northwestern province of North Pyongan told RFA Korean on condition of anonymity for security reasons. For students who cannot afford even 1 kilo of high-quality scrap paper, they will only receive three textbooks about the revolutionary activities (of members of the Kim Dynasty,) she said. They will only receive the remaining textbooks if they complete the scrap paper assignment. The last time the country offered free textbooks to students was when it was still being propped up by Soviet aid. The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and aid from Moscow dried up, and North Koreas centrally planned economy tanked, resulting in the 1994-1998 famine that killed hundreds of thousands of people, or as many as 2.2 million about 10% of the population by some estimates. Students attend a class at the Kang Pan Sok revolutionary school outside Pyongyang, June 15, 2018. (Ed Jones/AFP) But the government in recent years has recognized the disparity of educational opportunities between the capital Pyongyang and the provinces. The national budget has therefore been amended to include textbook production. Valuable commodity The problem is that North Korea does not have adequate raw materials to make enough textbooks out of new paper, and scrap paper good enough to recycle into textbooks is itself a valuable commodity. A kilogram of high quality paper is worth 5,000 won (58 U.S. cents) in the local marketplace, whereas low quality paper can get 2,000 won (23 cents) which is still expensive for most North Koreans. Failure to bring enough paper will mean that the students will not receive the textbooks for English, math, information technology and physics, among other subjects that are key for a scientific education. Parents have to buy the high-quality scrap paper at the marketplace, the resident said. But if the textbooks are only provided in exchange for the scrap paper, are they really free? In South Pyongan province, the quota was given to entire schools, and if the student body did not meet their quota then none of the students in their school would get all the books, a resident there told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely. Starting March 25, textbooks for each grade were supplied to educational institutions in each city and county, but schools that did not meet the scrap paper assignment did not receive some textbooks, he said. According to the South Pyongan resident, parents there complained that the revolutionary activities of the Kim Dynasty were propaganda, and therefore less important than math and science, but the authorities consider these to be important to instill loyalty into young people. The authorities defined the revolutionary activities as basic subjects, because they only care about ideological education, he said. Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. Three separate attacks across the countrys west injured more, residents said. An airstrike by Myanmars junta destroyed houses in Minbya townships Myit Nar village in Rakhine state on April 3, 2024. Multiple junta attacks killed six civilians and injured 16 others over a two-day period, residents who experienced the ambush told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday. Junta troops conducted aerial assaults and shelled villages across three townships in Myanmars western state of Rakhine. The area has experienced several months of indiscriminate violence toward civilians following the end of a year-long ceasefire between the anti junta Arakan Army and the military in November 2023. Since then, the Arakan Army has seized eight townships across Rakhine state and recently set eyes on a ninth. In Minbya township, under Arakan Army control since Feb. 6, airstrikes by the juntas air force killed three women and injured seven more people on Wednesday, said a resident from Myit Nar village who declined to be named for security reasons. "Two bombs were dropped into the village around 4:00 a.m., they said. One of the injured is a healthcare worker. [The junta] dropped bombs when we were all sleeping. In Myebon township, which is not under Arakan Army control, airstrikes in Kan Htaunt Gyi village killed three residents and injured three more on Tuesday. Later that day, junta forces also shelled Pauktaw township's Maw Htoke Gyi village, injuring six. The Arakan Army seized Pauktaw township on Jan. 24. RFA attempted to contact Rakhine states junta spokesperson Hla Thein for a response to allegations that junta air strikes have targeted civilians, but he did not respond by the time of publication. According to data compiled by RFA, fighting between the Arakan Army and junta forces has killed nearly 200 civilians and injured more than 500 since fighting began again on Nov. 13. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn. Their families only learned of their deaths after they sought international help. Updated April 5, 2024, 10:53 a.m. ET. Authorities at Myanmars notorious Insein Prison shot seven political prisoners dead under murky circumstances on Valentines Day last year, sources with ties to the victims families and prisoner watchdog groups told RFA Burmese on Wednesday. The Feb. 14, 2023, killings, which were confirmed by the families on Monday after they sought international help, shed light on the fates of hundreds who have died in detention for opposing junta rule in the more than three years since the militarys 2021 coup detat. The seven men were arrested on Feb. 7, 2023, for allegedly killing 11 people, including veteran soldiers, local administrative officers and civilians, as part of the anti-coup movement, the junta said. The mens names were Aung Khant Phyo (also known as Moe Tain), Pyae Phyo Nyein and Nyi Nyi Htwe three men in their 20s and Chit Ko, Aung Zaw Lin, Tin Soe and Aye Thein four men in their 50s, according to relatives and groups monitoring political prisoners. After their arrest, family members were unable to speak with the men for months and were given no update on their status, despite multiple requests to prison officials, they told RFA. An aerial view of Myanmar's Insein Prison on the outskirts of Yangon, shown in a file photo. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) However, on Monday, they learned that within a week of their arrest and detention at Yangons Insein Prison, the seven men were taken out of the facility to lead authorities to a hidden cache of weapons and shot dead as they tried to escape, a source close to the family of one of the victims told RFA, citing a junta explanation of the incident. They couldnt be contacted for about a year, said the source who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. They were confirmed to have been killed in the same month of their arrest. We only found out about their deaths on Monday. The military regime has released no statement on the incident and attempts by RFA to contact junta Deputy Director General Naing Win went unanswered Wednesday. Officials at Insein Prison failed to provide specific answers about the circumstances surrounding the deaths when contacted by RFA. Murder in prison Tun Kyi, a former political prisoner who monitors cases of detention under the junta, told RFA that the details of the case only came to light after family members of the victims sought international assistance to verify their whereabouts. "We have not received direct information about the killing of these prisoners, but their family members have confirmed the incident, he said. According to former inmates who have since been released from Insein Prison, none of the seven victims were known to have been tried in court and the charges they faced were never made public. In response to an emailed inquiry about their case, a spokesperson for the International Committee for the Red Cross, or ICRC, told RFA that the group was unable to comment. Our preferred way of working is to engage bilaterally and confidentially with all relevant actors to facilitate open and honest discussions, whether with the relevant authorities or with family members or a community, the spokesperson said. Therefore, we cannot publicly disclose or comment on the ICRC's findings, recommendations and discussions. Aung Kyaw Moe, a Rohingya humanitarian worker, in his office in Yangon, Aug. 15, 2018. (Ye Aung Thu/AFP) Aung Kyaw Moe, deputy minister of human rights for the shadow National Unity Government, said the killings amounted to a murder in prison, and vowed to hold the junta accountable according to international law. This incident involved the killing of many victims, instead of just one or two, he said. It is a grave violation of human rights. Political imprisonment under junta Since the 2021 coup, Thailands Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has documented more than 25,000 political prisoners jailed by Myanmars military regime, which it says is the largest number in the countrys long history of political turmoil. According to the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar, 34 political prisoners died in prisons nationwide in 2023, 18 of whom were killed and 16 of whom died after being denied access to adequate medical treatment. The International Federation for Human Rights said in February that several hundred political prisoners have died in junta custody due to torture, summary executions, restrictions on access to medical treatment, and harsh detention conditions. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Editor's note: The story has been updated to protect the source of the information included in it. Blocs leaning shifted to China in just one year but members Vietnam and the Philippines still prefer the U.S. ASEAN leaders hold hands for a family photo before the start of the ASEAN-China Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, September 6, 2023. For the first time in five years, Southeast Asian grouping ASEAN, collectively, is tilting more towards China than the United States, a new survey by a Singapore think tank has found. The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute has been compiling the annual survey report State of Southeast Asia since 2020 and every year before, the U.S. was the blocs preferred world power. This year, however, when asked if being forced to align with one of the strategic rivals, which should they choose, 50.5% respondents chose China while 49.5% picked the U.S. The preferences last year were 38.9% for China and 61.1% for the U.S. ASEAN consists of ten countries. Seven of them Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand polled in favor of China with a higher rate than last year. Malaysia and Laos saw the biggest changes 20.3% and 29.5%, respectively. The U.S., however, remains the superpower of choice for Singapore (61.5%), Vietnam (79%) and the Philippines (83.3%). The latter two, especially Manila, have seen Beijings increased aggression in the South China Sea, where there are conflicting claims by different countries but Chinas claim is by far the most expansive. Hanoi has just upgraded its relationship with Washington to the highest level of comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting a new mutual trust and cooperation. Decreased U.S. engagement The survey said the U.S. maintains its status as the regions advocate for maintaining a rules-based order and upholding international law. However, when asked about the U.S.s policy towards Southeast Asia, 38.2% said that the level of U.S. engagement with Southeast Asia has decreased under the administration of President Joe Biden, with 25.2% saying it has increased. Only 34.9% of regional respondents say the U.S. is a reliable security partner, a big drop from 47.2% last year. Meanwhile, the majority of regional respondents still maintain a sense of unease and worry about Chinas economic and political and strategic influence, according to Sharon Seah, the lead author of the survey. Perceptions of China as the most influential economic power in Southeast Asia remain high with 59.5% of regional respondents sharing this view, the survey found. China, thanks to its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, has increased economic and political engagement in Southeast Asian countries. That led to a majority of respondents worried about Chinas growing regional economic influence in the region (67.4%). Only 32.6% said they welcomed Chinas strengthened foothold in their economies. A ship (top) of the Chinese Coast Guard is seen near a ship of the Vietnam Marine Guard in the South China Sea, about 210 km (130 miles) off shore of Vietnam, May 14, 2014. (Nguyen Minh/Reuters) Perhaps the tide of sentiment has shifted toward China as the more consequential relationship for the region, Seah wrote in the Yusof Ishak Institutes site Fulcrum. But it remains to be seen whether the recent trend of diminishing regard for the U.S.s strategic partnership will mark a sea change in regional geopolitics. The survey was conducted by the institutes ASEAN Studies Centre between January and February this year, with 1,994 people taking part. Singapore has the highest number of respondents (273 or 13.7%), followed by Indonesia (265 or 13.3%) and Malaysia (225 or 11.3%). A 10% weighting average was applied to each countrys responses to calculate the average figures for ASEAN as a whole. The largest affiliation group of respondents is from the private sector (33.7%), followed by government (24.5%), and academia, think-tanks or research institutions (23.6%). Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.: A CBS News investigation into Havana Syndrome said embassy officials and advance team members were affected in 2021. Tourists ride classic convertible cars on the Malecon beside the United States Embassy in Havana, Cuba, Oct. 3, 2017. Close to a dozen U.S. officials suffered from unexplained symptoms just before Vice President Kamala Harris visit to Hanoi in 2021, according to a CBS News investigation into a string of incidents around the world thats become known as Havana Syndrome. The 60 Minutes report found evidence that suggests Russia is behind numerous anomalous health incidents that have left dozens of American diplomats with prolonged injuries following sudden head pressure, dizziness or head or ear pain. The incidents date back to 2016, when officials working at the U.S. Embassy in Havana began reporting the symptoms. The March 31 report said there were two separate incidents in Hanoi that affected 11 American officials two U.S. Embassy officials and nine members of a U.S. Department of Defense advance team ahead of Harris Aug. 24-26, 2021, visit. The CBS report suggested that either Russian officials or Vietnamese officials were involved, and that Russia provided Vietnam with equipment that uses directed, pulsed radio frequency to injure its targets. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris leaves her plane, as she arrives at the airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Aug., 24, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/AFP) Another possibility, according to the report, was that Vietnamese officials werent aware of the dangerous effect of the Russian equipment and believed it was only for surveillance. The report provides evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the provision to Vietnams security services of Long Range Acoustic Device, or LARD, emitters and short wave equipment for human body scanning technology. Hanoi wouldnt dare to do this Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the Australian Defence Force Academy, told Radio Free Asia that its unlikely that Vietnamese officials would have motive to harm American officials. While Vietnams security services had every incentive to eavesdrop on American officials prior to and during Vice President Harris visit to Hanoi, they did not have an incentive to cause deliberate physical harm to U.S. officials, he said. Vu Minh Tri, a former Vietnamese military intelligence officer, agreed, saying in a message to RFA that Vietnamese officials wouldnt do something so ignorantly unjustifiable. Hanoi wouldnt dare to do this, he said. Vietnam would use LARD to suppress the people in the country, but wouldnt do this to the United States. Flight delayed Harris flight into Hanoi from Singapore was delayed for several hours because one U.S. diplomat was being medevaced out of Vietnam, according to the CBS report. She was the first U.S. vice president to travel to Vietnam since the unification of the country under the Communist North in 1975. Her two-day visit came a month after U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was in Hanoi for meetings with Vietnamese officials. Harris spoke with Vietnams leaders about shared efforts to counter bullying by China in the South China Sea. She announced during her trip that the United States would donate another 1 million doses of Pfizers COVID vaccine following an earlier donation of 5 million doses. She also launched the new Southeast Asia regional office of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Hanoi. In its 2024 threat assessment issued in February, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence found that it was unlikely that a foreign adversary was behind the incidents. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday that it has been the broad conclusion of the intelligence community since March 2023 that is unlikely a foreign adversary is responsible for the incidents. RFA sent an email to a Vietnamese government spokesperson seeking comment on the CBS News report, but there was no immediate response. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. SARAJEVO -- War veterans in Bosnia-Herzegovinas predominantly Serbian region are waging a new battle nearly three decades after weapons fell silent there, this time over a ninth-grade history textbook that they say downplays Serbian suffering. And the regions separatist-minded Serbian authorities are listening: Republika Srpskas government, led by longtime secessionist Milorad Dodik and his Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) party, is preparing new history textbooks based on requests not from historians but from the veterans group. Republika Srpksas Education Ministry and the Pedagogical Institute that helps choose textbooks have held multiple meetings with the Veterans Organization of Republika Srpska, which claims to be the regions largest nonprofit and among the largest NGOs in the entire country, since it complained of the perceived bias. The Veterans Organization insists that ninth-graders get insufficient information about the defensive-patriotic war -- potentially loaded language that suggests Bosniaks and Croats were the aggressors and the overwhelmingly Serbian forces of the former Yugoslavia were the protectors -- and it says central Bosnian authorities tendentially teach students about the war by presenting Serbs exclusively as aggressors. Its very ugly that children there learn that, Milovan Gagic, president of the Veterans Organization, told RFE/RLs Balkan Service in reference to the mostly Bosniak and Croat federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina that, along with Republika Srpska, composes Bosnia. Do our children learn history as it happened and not from some tendentious stories? The wars of the 1990s still bitterly divide much of the former Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. The fighting killed more than 100,000 people, including more than 8,000 men and boys in one of the 20th centurys grimmest chapters: the 1995 mass killing perpetrated by Serbian troops and militia against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica, in what is now Republika Srpska. The massacre has been labeled genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Bare Bones History Following the end of the war in 1995, the two Bosnian entities fostered separate national education plans and curriculums for the countrys Bosniak, Croat, and Serbian populations. Fears of reigniting ethnic tensions, however, prompted the Council of Europe in 2000 to recommend that Bosnian schools exclude the war from school curriculums until historians from all communities could develop a common approach. As a result, teachers and textbooks only mentioned the barest details about the war. That changed, however, in 2018, when the Sarajevo regions Education Ministry abandoned the Council of Europe's recommendation. Other parts of the country eventually followed suit, and textbooks used across Bosnia began to provide more detail about the war -- often with significant ethnic bias. The textbook that the Veterans Organization is challenging was published in 2016 by the Institute for Textbooks and Teaching Aids in East Sarajevo, in Republika Srpska. Its treatment of Bosnian Serb war criminals Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic -- in the chapter Civil War In Bosnia And Herzegovina: The Creation Of Republika Srpska -- highlights the way educators have frequently skirted substantive aspects of the Bosnian War. Karadzic, Republika Srpskas wartime president who was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity by a Hague tribunal in 2016 and is still in a U.K. prison, is described as having an extremely important role in the creation of Republika Srpska, but nowhere does it list any of his crimes. Students learn that Mladic, who commanded Bosnian Serb troops at Srebrenica, played an important role in the defense of the Serbs in Croatia in 1991, but the actions behind his Hague conviction for genocide, crimes against humanity, and other crimes are never mentioned. The textbook describes the 1995 mass killings as the capture of Srebrenica and [the nearby city of] Zepa by the Republika Srpska Army. Many Serb nationalists in Bosnia and neighboring countries still regard Karadzic, Mladic, and other wartime leaders as heroes -- a stubborn problem that prompted the UN-backed international civilian overseer in Bosnia to use his so-called Bonn powers in 2021 to demand that Republika Srpska withdraw official honors for convicted war criminals. Those looking for signs of healing and reckoning in Bosnian society have warned that the consequences of a flawed approach to education are difficult to repair. Teaching something that is politicized, falsified, and maliciouswill lead society toward self-destruction, Branko Todorovic, president of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Republika Srpska, an NGO founded in 1996, told RFE/RLs Balkan Service. Well become more and more closed, and we wont be able to conduct any kind of social dialogue. Todorovic said the priority in Bosnia -- which just entered EU membership talks despite Dodik and his SNSD allies ongoing independence threats and awkward, ethnic-based voting and institutions -- should be reconciliation, tolerance, and accountability for crimes committed during the war years. Instead, the existing system passes hatred and the glorification of war crimes on to new generations. Its so unfair that political leaders with short memories and evil intentions shift the burden of the past to the youth, who wont be able to resolve it if they incorrectly learn history, Todorovic said. 'Patriotic' Aim Of Education There has been no announcement from Republika Srpskas government or other officials on what elements might be added to the textbook in question or when they expect to finish the job. The entity's Pedagogical Institute confirmed to RFE/RL that its representatives have met on multiple occasions with officials from the Education Ministry to discuss modern national history since the Veterans Organizations initiative. Asked whether veterans should be involved in the creation of textbooks, the institute said it would respect justified requests as it worked to define content. The goal is to strengthen patriotism and national identity, the Pedagogical Institute said, and to provide students with objective, science-based historical facts about events from the '90s of the last century to today. In response to an RFE/RL query, the Education Ministry said the initiative is aimed at an improved understanding of Republika Srpskas history. It added that it is a result of discussions not only with the Veterans Organization but also with the professional public, which believes that it is necessary for students to study the historical circumstances in Bosnia-Herzegovina from that period so that, in a well-founded and critical manner, from this distance, they can become acquainted with the history of their people. The current generation of primary- and secondary-school students in Republika Srpska was born at least a decade after the 1995 Dayton agreement that ended the war and established Bosnias ethnic-based administration. But reminders of the war are ever present, from searches in Bosnia and elsewhere for the remains of thousands of missing Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats; to schoolchildren taking part in military anniversaries and commemorations; to ever-present landmarks from a violent and relatively recent past. Successive Bosnian Education Ministries have adopted guidelines issued in 2006 by the Council of Europe on the writing and evaluation of history textbooks for primary and secondary schools. A follow-up manual in 2008 says that such materials should be objective, based on science, and aimed at fostering understanding and reconciliation among Bosnias various communities. Melisa Foric, an educator at the University of Sarajevo who is active in the Bosnian branch of EuroClio, the European Association of History Educators, has written about problems in education such as the selective presentation of facts, raising the profile of victims from one group while minimizing or ignoring victims from other groups, and avoidance of blaming members of ones own group. She said the key problem is that, even on an academic and historiographical level, there is no consensus on major aspects of the Bosnian War. A solution to biased interpretations in curriculums and textbooks, Foric said, lies in the extensive documentation of the Balkan wars of the 1990s, including in materials from the ICTY in The Hague. On this path -- of an exclusive, selective approach in which you are served interpretations according to the wishes of those who bring educational content -- we wont get far, Foric said. In the northern Bosnian city of Doboj, in Republika Srpska, adult residents told RFE/RLs Balkan Service that the debate around educating children about the wars of the 1990s is among the most complicated issues the country faces. For a long time, there wont be any common history here thats accepted by all sides, said Cvijetin, who asked that we dont publish his full name. Its better to let time run its course than to heat up the situation. Another local, Dino, said that differing interpretations are a recipe for trouble and even suggested they go against the spirit of the Dayton accords. Keep it simple, he said: On one page, in general, about when the war started, when it ended -- that is, when the armistice was signed. Anything else will cause problems. Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by RFE/RL Balkan Service correspondent Marija Augustinovic Recent reporting has suggested that a mysterious spate of illnesses suffered by U.S. diplomatic staff is the result of sonic weaponry being used by a shadowy Russian intelligence unit. If such claims are accurate, it would be the latest in a long line of improbable devices designed by Moscow and the CIA to kill, wound, or monitor adversaries. Dr. Andrew Hammond, a historian and curator at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., told RFE/RL that the suspected use of directed energy weapons on Americans stationed abroad first emerged during the Cold War. We have historical evidence that this issue has been discussed in the past at the highest level, he said. In 1967, U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk raised suspicions that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was being targeted with an electromagnetic signal. The energy beam later became known as the Moscow signal, and anti-radiation coatings were eventually placed on the embassy's windows. The U.S. Defense Department later replicated the energy beam and tested it on monkeys. Plans were drawn up to test the directed energy device on unwitting human subjects before the project was scrapped. Hammond says it is impossible to know what a modern device more powerful than the Cold War-era instrument would look like. Essentially, we dont know what we dont know," he said. "If we knew what they were, wed be able to understand the effect they may or may not be having, how powerful they are, how much theyd cost to manufacture, etc. At the moment, we are in the dark. The following devices are known to have been used or developed for use by spies during the Cold War. Lipstick Pistol An example of the KGB-issued, single-shot device was discovered at a U.S. checkpoint in West Berlin in 1965. The opening of the barrel could presumably be concealed with a wedge of real lipstick. The weapon was dubbed the kiss of death. Eyeglasses With Concealed Cyanide Pill The CIA issued some spies with these glasses featuring a small cyanide pill. Captured U.S. agents could potentially commit suicide in full view of their captors by casually chewing on the end of their glasses. Arsenal Of Nikolai Khokhlov Weapons, including poison bullet projectors disguised to look like cigarette cases, were part of a cache of assassination devices handed to West German authorities by KGB agent Nikolai Khokhlov. The Soviet spy defected in 1954 after being tasked with overseeing the assassination of an anti-communist activist in Frankfurt. As well as the intricate cigarette case weapons, the arsenal also featured two triple-barreled electric pistols that fired cyanide-tipped bullets as quietly as the snap of fingers. 'Heart-Attack Gun' This CIA weapon fired a dart of frozen shellfish toxin that dissipated almost without a trace within the targeted persons body, leading to death symptomatic of a heart attack. The gun, seen in the photo above during a 1975 Senate hearing into American intelligence service abuses, fired nearly silently and was effective up to 100 meters. T-1151 'Dog Doo' Transmitter The poo-shaped exterior of the T-1151, developed in the late 1960s, concealed a homing device that could be dropped onto the ground and activated by Americans in need of rescue or extraction. The devices were designed to mimic the excrement of a medium-sized dog or other animal but were quickly dubbed monkey turds. Insectothopter The bug-carrying bug was developed by the CIA in the 1970s to deliver miniature listening devices to locations where they could transmit conversations. The CIA claims flight tests for the hand-painted insectothopter were impressive, but the tiny UAV was hard to control in the wind and the intricate device was never deployed in the field. One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history. In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group. Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war. RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack? Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences. There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings. Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good. RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis? Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months. RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices? Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term." So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire. Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home? One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective. RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families? Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular. At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families. Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen. RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas? Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk. It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005. RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future? Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent. I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term. 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 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 Araghchi 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 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 WASHINGTON -- After months of delays that have sapped the strength of Ukraines fight against the Russian invasion, a multibillion-dollar aid bill may soon be headed toward passage by the U.S. Congress, albeit with substantial challenges still in its path. Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, told Fox News on March 31 that he wants new Ukraine aid approved right now and suggested he would propose a package soon after Congress returns from recess on April 9. Johnson said the proposal would include important innovations, indicating it would differ substantially from the bill that was passed by the Senate in February following months of wrangling and the rejection by Republicans of a package that President Joe Biden requested in October. The bill passed by the Senate authorizes about $60 billion in support for Ukraine, most of it for weapons and other military aid. Johnson did not describe plans for his version of the bill in detail, but he suggested lawmakers would consider at least three potential elements: providing aid in the form of loans; using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine; and ramping up U.S. natural-gas exports to squeeze Russias budget revenue. Heres a look at what the proposal might contain and how it could fare in Congress. Loans A vocal group of right-wing Republicans in the House has raised concern about aid to Ukraine, financial support in particular, highlighting the countrys long-standing reputation for corruption. They also say that money is better spent at home. While most of the proposed $60 billion consists of weapons and military services, such as training and intelligence sharing, a portion consists of financial aid. Ukraines economy has been battered by Russias full-scale invasion, now in its third year, and Kyiv needs foreign aid to help pay soldiers salaries and keep the lights on amid intense attacks on energy infrastructure. Former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican Party nominee to face Biden in the election in November and has enormous influence over the party, has expressed reservations about aid to Ukraine but said he would support loans to the embattled country, an idea Johnson has seized on. Even President Trump has talked about the loan concept, wherewere 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 told Fox News. He did not say whether he wants all of the aid in the bill to be subject to repayment or only the financial support, though some experts have said it is likely to be just the latter. Utah Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican who backed the Senate bill, called the idea of loaning money to Ukraine a fig leaf, saying Kyiv would not be able to pay it back due to the devastation caused by the war. International financial institutions have put the cost of rebuilding Ukraine in the hundreds of billions of dollars. REPO Act Some in the United States want to make Russia finance reconstruction in Ukraine by seizing its central bank reserves held in the West and using them to support Kyiv, a controversial move as experts say it could undermine trust in the U.S. dollar. Senators last year introduced Rebuilding, Economic Prosperity, and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act (REPO), which would give the U.S. president the authority to seize the assets and transfer them to Ukraine. However, most of the Central Bank reserves are held in the European Union, requiring Brussels to be on board. The EU is studying the idea of seizing only the interest income from the principal, which stands at around $300 billion. The Russian central bank reserves are generating a few billion dollars a year in interest. In his comments to Fox News, Johnson said that using seized Russian assets to help Ukraine fight Russia would be pure poetry. LNG Exports The United States and the European Union have sought to undermine Russias ability to fund its war on Ukraine by sanctioning its energy exports, which generate more than 30 percent of federal budget revenues. While oil exports account for the lions share of that, natural gas exports are a significant source of revenue for Russia. The United States, the worlds largest natural-gas producer, has the resources to export greater volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and thereby decrease Russias market share. However, it does not have sufficient infrastructure to do so, specifically LNG export terminals. Earlier this year, Biden paused the issuance of new LNG export terminal licenses following protests from environmentalists, who are a key constituency for Democrats, and voiced concerns that building new facilities would exacerbate the pollution that contributes to climate change. Trump and other Republicans favor fewer restrictions on energy production. Republican attorneys general from 16 states -- led by Louisiana, Johnsons home state -- sued the Biden administration over its decision. In his comments to Fox News, Johnson said he wants to have natural-gas exports that will help unfund Vladimir Putins war effort. Congressional Reaction Johnsons plan to submit a bill that potentially differs significantly from the Senate bill has caused concern among Ukraine backers on both sides of the political spectrum in the upper chamber of Congress. California Senator Laphonza Butler, a Democrat, said some of Johnsons potential changes to the Ukraine aid bill, such as ending the moratorium on new LNG terminal licenses, could trigger a lengthy debate, warning that time is not on Ukraines side at the moment. I think opening up new cans at this point is probably one of the things thats going to take the most time and, to me, opening up avenues like that is another delay, she told reporters on April 1. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island who co-authored the REPO Act, said he could accept most potential changes but expressed opposition to ending the LNG moratorium. Im glad it looks like Ukraine aid will move. Im glad my REPO bill is part of the package. I dont mind a loan if the president can waive it. But its just plain gross that Republicans need extraneous tribute for their fossil fuel donors. Yuck, he said in an April 2 tweet. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who is the leader of Republicans in the Senate and played a crucial role in getting the Ukraine aid bill through the upper chamber in February, has expressed frustration with Johnsons plan to submit his own bill, saying, Were running out of time. The Republicans have a razor-thin 218-213 majority in the House of Representatives at the moment. However, some right-wing Republicans in the lower chamber are outright opponents of aid to Ukraine, requiring Johnson to win support from Democratic lawmakers. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican-Georgia), who is one of the most vocal critics of aid to Ukraine in the House, filed a resolution last month to oust Johnson from the post of speaker. In an unprecedented move, right-wing Republicans helped topple fellow party member Kevin McCarthy from the speakership in October after cooperating with Democrats to pass a spending bill that avoided a government shutdown. Republican Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, another vocal opponent of aid to Ukraine, said he wants the new bill to include spending cuts amid a ballooning budget deficit. If there were no offsets, wed be disappointed. I think we need to not deficit-spend to fund Ukraine. I also think we need to have our own border prioritized, Gaetz told CNN. It is unclear whether Johnson and his colleagues will seek to include funding for changes on the U.S. border with Mexico, the subject of a dispute that has been a major factor in bitter debates and the blockage of new aid to Ukraine since last year. Discharge Petition Should Johnson refuse to bring a bill to the House floor amid fear of his ouster by hard-liners, there would still be a chance that aid for Ukraine could be approved. Ukraine supporters in the House are advancing an initiative known as a discharge petition, which would permit the lower chamber to vote on the Senate bill, overriding Johnsons authority. Experts say that there is sufficient support among Democrats and Republicans in the House to complete this process and pass the bill in its current form. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Formal charges have been filed against a Burke County man following a pursuit and crash on U.S. Highway 83 that sent a McLean County deputy to the hospital with minor injuries. Meanwhile, officials in McLean County say they're still committed to using a new system that is supposed to more safely stop fleeing drivers. Colton Lauer, 20, of Lignite, is charged in McLean County with one count each of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer-2nd offense and driving while his license is under suspension or revoked. If convicted of the most serious charge of fleeing, Lauer could be sentenced to five years in prison and fined up to $10,000. Court records indicate Lauer is in custody at the McLean County Jail in Washburn on a $10,000 cash bond. Those records do not indicate an attorney representing him. Additional charges in Burleigh County were filed Wednesday -- three felonies and three misdemeanors. The charges include fleeing a peace officer, reckless endangerment, refusal to halt and possession of drug paraphernalia. Maximum sentences range from five years in prison to 30 days in jail. A judge set bond on the Burleigh County charges at $50,000 cash. Charges against Lauer come following a pursuit early Monday that the North Dakota Highway Patrol said began in McLean County and ended in Burleigh County roughly 8 miles north of Bismarck city limits. A Patrol description of the incident reports that the pursuit began after Lauer, driving a Chevy Tahoe, fled from McLean County Cpl. Raymond Copeland, of Wilton. Copeland was traveling southbound on U.S. 83 and pulled to the shoulder because Lauer would not pass. Once past Copeland's vehicle, Lauer allegedly fled at a high speed, and Copeland activated his emergency lights and began pursuit. After roughly 10 miles Copeland deployed the Grappler system mounted on his patrol vehicle. The Grappler is relatively new technology that allows a law officer to effectively snare a fleeing vehicle's rear tire via a net and tether strap, from inside his or her patrol vehicle. Once a suspect vehicle's tire is snared, the officer slows down, effectively dragging a fleeing vehicle to a stop. The McLean County Sheriff's Department is the first agency in North Dakota to deploy the Grappler. Copeland's use of the device is the first official "Grapple" since the system went into service in late February, according to McLean County Sheriff J.R. Kerzmann. Once a tire on Lauer's vehicle was snagged, he quickly applied his brakes in what is described in an affidavit as a deliberate attempt to cause Copeland to crash. "It was an unforeseen set of circumstances," Kerzmann said of Lauer's allegedly self-described attempt to crash the pursuing deputy's vehicle. "It's almost hard to swallow." Both vehicles left the highway and entered a ditch. Copeland's vehicle rolled, coming to rest on its roof. The vehicles became disconnected when the Grappler tether strap released, according to the Patrol. Lauer's vehicle did not roll but did come to a stop in the ditch, and Lauer attempted to escape on foot but was captured a short time later, authorities said. Copeland was transported to Sanford Hospital in Bismarck. Kerzmann told the Tribune that Copeland was released from the hospital later Monday with what the sheriff described as very minor injuries, and has returned to work. One of the department's K-9s was in Copeland's vehicle, according to Kerzmann. He said the dog was taken to a vet, examined, and cleared to return to duty with no injuries. The Patrol continues to investigate the crash. At the time of his arrest, Lauer was wanted on outstanding felony warrants from Ward County, according to court records. One of those warrants is for another case in which he allegedly fled from law enforcement. Another is for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Lauer's next court appearance in McLean County is a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 15. He could enter pleas at that time. A trial is scheduled for late August. In Burleigh County, a preliminary hearing is set for May 6, and a trial for July 24. Defending Grappler Kerzmann said that despite the incident he and his deputies will continue to use the Grappler as circumstances warrant. "Knowledge is power," he said. Kerzmann said the department has learned a lot already about successfully deploying the technology designed to be an alternative to spike strips and PIT maneuvers more commonly used to disable vehicles whose drivers are fleeing law enforcement. A PIT maneuver involves a law enforcement vehicle pushing a suspect vehicle into a skid. "It (Grappler) gives us a big tactical advantage in pursuits," Kerzmann said. Members of the McLean County Commission still support the system, according to Kerzmann. He said he's spoken to two of the three since Monday's incident. "First, they were concerned about the deputy," Kerzmann said. "Second, they were concerned we caught the guy, and third, they asked about the patrol vehicle. We can replace a car, but we can't replace a deputy." "We'll take a lot away from this," Kerzmann continued, speaking about the department's review of Monday's incident. "And we'll continue to use it." Kerzmann's sentiment is echoed by McLean County Commissioner Steve Lee. "I think it's a great tool for our law enforcement," Lee said of the Grappler. "Nothing's 100%, and it might not work in every situation, but overall, I'm very supportive of continuing to use it. If nothing else, this incident might indicate the need for continued training." The Grappler bumper was invented in Arizona and is used by a number of state and federal law enforcement agencies there as well as in New Mexico, Colorado and in the Kansas City, Missouri, area. Grappler inventor Leonard Stock reports agencies using the system have successfully and safely stopped hundreds of fleeing motorists. Roscommon Community College Transition Year students secured three awards at the schools' All-Ireland Drama Finals in the Cork Opera House recently. The students authentic performance of scenes from John B. Keanes acclaimed play Sive impressed the adjudicators, yielding RCC the school to win the most awards on the day: Best Acting Duo, Best Set Design and Overall Drama Performance, 2nd place. "Such success stems from a vibrant culture of creativity and excellence within the school where students talents and artistic expression thrive. This year marks the second year in which the schools Transition Year students have participated in this prestigious competition, following the success of last years cast receiving the Briery Gap Perpetual Cup for Best Newcomer Award. "The school community is immensely proud of the cast and crew for their outstanding accomplishments in drama," said the school. TY drama students pictured with their All-Ireland awards. Cast: Aine Madden (Sive), Donata Leyden Roberto (Mena), Caileann Sheridan (Mike), James Lunt (Thomasheen Sean Rua), Hazel OLeary (Nanna), Tommy Monaghan (Sean Dota), Kayla Joyce (Liam), Joelah Okambawa (Pats Bocock), Erika Ogawa (Carthlawn). Additionally, understudies and backstage crew played a significant role in the production, under the guidance of teachers Ms Doyle, Ms Cleary and Ms Finan, and caretaker Mr Kelly. Congratulations to all involved in bringing scenes from John B. Keanes Irish classic to the stage, culminating in such remarkable success. Taiwan Earthquake Today: One feared dead, dozens injured as Taiwan sees powerful quake in 25 years Earthquake and series of strong aftershocks are being considered the most powerful in decades. Taiwan Earthquake Today: In a shocking development, at least one person was feared dead while nearly 60 were injured Wednesday due to a powerful earthquake in Taiwan that caused damage to dozens of buildings and even prompted tsunami warnings, extended to Japan and the Philippines before being lifted. As per the officials, the earthquake and series of strong aftershocks are being considered the most powerful in decades. Advertisement "The earthquake is close to land and it's shallow. It's felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands," said Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei's Central Weather Administration's Seismology Center. The island is regularly hit by earthquakes as it is reportedly located near the junction of two tectonic plates. Wu Chien Flu also said the quake was the strongest since one of the 7.6-magnitude strikes in September 1999 in which around 2,400 people were killed. Wednesday's earthquake's magnitude was 7.4 which emerged just before 8:00 am local time, with the United States Geological Survey putting the epicenter 18 kilometers south of Taiwan's Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometers. Advertisement (For more news apart from Taiwan Earthquake Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Oil extended gains on Wednesday amid concerns around crude and fuel supplies. Benchmark Brent crude futures rose 0.3 percent to $89.19 a barrel, after having climbed to over five-month high in the previous session. WTI crude futures were up 0.3 percent at $85.38. Supply risks intensified after Ukrainian drones attacked one of Russia's biggest oil refineries and a drone factory in the Russian province of Tatarstan, in what appeared to be Kyiv's deepest strike inside Russian territory since the war began more than two years ago. Elsewhere, it is feared that Israel's airstrike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria could escalate hostilities in the region and prompt retaliatory strikes against Israel and its American ally. Meanwhile, an OPEC+ ministerial panel is unlikely to recommend any oil output policy changes at a meeting later today. The inventory report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration is also awaited after industry data pointed to a drawdown in U.S. crude inventories. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Amarin Corporation plc (AMRN) announced it received a Decision to Grant from the European Patent Office for a new patent covering VAZKEPA that will extend VAZKEPA exclusivity eight additional years into 2039. Also, the company recently achieved success defending a separate European VAZKEPA patent from third-party opposition within the EPO. Patrick Holt, President & CEO, Amarin, said: "Moving forward, we will continue to rigorously defend our IP rights and explore any possibilities to strengthen Amarin's patents and patent families around the world." For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Hospitality company Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (HLT) announced Wednesday that it has acquired a majority controlling interest in Sydell Group, a creator of unique lifestyle hotels. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. With the deal, the company intends to expand the NoMad Hotels brand from its existing London flagship location to high-end around the world. The company noted that Sydell will be responsible for design, branding and management of the NoMad brand while Hilton will lead all development. The NoMad brand will be fully integrated into Hilton's commercial platforms, including Hilton Honors. All NoMad properties will remain independently owned. Hilton projects that as many as 100 NoMad properties will be developed globally over time, with around 10 already in advanced stages of discussion with Sydell. Meanwhile, NoMad Las Vegas is excluded from the transaction and will rebrand to a new flag in the coming months. Hilton said the addition of NoMad to its brand portfolio marks its entry into the fast-growing luxury lifestyle hotel market. NoMad will participate in Hilton Honors, its guest loyalty program for the company's portfolio of more than 7,500 properties worldwide. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen will travel to China Wednesday for bilateral meetings and other engagements. Secretary Yellen's week-long visit to China will build on the intensive diplomacy she has engaged in to responsibly manage the bilateral economic relationship and advance American interests, the Treasury said in a press release. Following initial meetings with China's new economic team last July in Beijing, Secretary Yellen met with her counterpart Vice Premier He Lifeng in San Francisco, California, in advance of President Biden's meeting with President Xi. At Yellen and Lifeng's direction, both sides jointly launched Economic and Financial Working Groups, which report to the Secretary and Vice Premier, and which have met three times. During her engagements in China, Secretary Yellen will advocate for American workers and businesses to ensure they are treated fairly, including by pressing Chinese counterparts on unfair trade practices and underscoring the global economic consequences of Chinese industrial overcapacity. Yellen will also work to expand bilateral cooperation on countering illicit finance, which can drive important progress on shared efforts against criminal activity such as drug trafficking and fraud. In China, the Secretary will also engage her counterparts on critical work that benefits both the United States and China, as well as the world, including work to bolster financial stability, address climate change, and resolve debt distress among developing nations. Yellen will arrive in China's southern port city of Guangzhou on Thursday. On Friday, she will hold a roundtable discussion with economic experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in China's . The Secretary will then meet with Guangdong Governor Wang Weizhong. In the afternoon, she will participate in an event with leading representatives of the American community in China, hosted by AmCham China, and deliver remarks on the bilateral economic relationship. In the late afternoon, Secretary Yellen will begin extended bilateral meetings with Vice Premier He Lifeng. On Saturday, Yellen will continue and then conclude a series of bilateral meetings with Vice Premier Lifeng. On Sunday, she will participate in a bilateral meeting with Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. Later, Yellen will meet with Beijing Mayor Yin Yong. In the afternoon, she will meet with students and professors at Peking University. In the evening, she will participate in a bilateral meeting with Finance Minister Lan Foan. While in Beijing, Yellen will also meet with leading Chinese economists. On Monday, Yellen will meet with former Vice Premier Liu He and People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng. The Treasury Secretary will conclude her China visit with a press conference later in the day. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News The U.S. Defense Department has released the first Commercial Space Integration Strategy, which outlines the department's efforts to effectively integrate commercial space solutions into national security space architectures. The commercial space integration strategy is in line with the National Defense Strategy and builds on the realization that the private sector is driving innovation and agility in the of space. While in the past, the U.S. government was the only entity big enough to shoulder the risk of space flight and space products, private firms now handle an increasing amount of space business. There are hundreds of firms specializing in launches, building space capabilities, setting up space networks and much more. The strategy is a clear indication that the department wants to work with commercial firms across the spectrum of space. "This strategy aligns efforts from across the Pentagon to overcome legacy practices and harness the ingenuity of the commercial space sector," Plumb said. "Doing so will both enhance resilience and strengthen deterrence," John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy said at a press briefing at the Pentagon. Service members depend on space-based equipment for finding locations, targeting enemies, surveilling areas, watching the weather and much, much more. Our competitors understand the United States' reliance on space, and they have developed antisatellite weapons to negate America's advantage in space. Integrating commercial space solutions will help improve the resilience of the national security space architecture and contribute to a safe, secure, stable and sustainable space domain, defense officials said speaking on background. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Both of North Dakota's sitting U.S. senators have endorsed their Republican colleague Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota's sole U.S. representative, in the race to succeed outgoing Gov. Doug Burgum as the state's chief executive. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., endorsed Armstrong in a statement on Tuesday, and Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who is up for reelection this year, backed the gubernatorial candidate while calling in to an Armstrong interview Wednesday on "Whats On Your Mind" with host Scott Hennen. They're two of the most high-profile endorsements in a race between a candidate with a track record of winning statewide elections and a candidate backed by Burgum himself. Both Hoeven and Cramer cited Armstrong's experience as a legislator and party leader, as well as their time collaborating with him in Washington, as factors in their endorsement decisions. It is humbling to receive Senator Hoeven and Senator Cramers endorsement to be the next governor, Armstrong said in a statement to the Tribune. They are both individuals who I deeply admire and respect. I look forward to continuing to work with them to further advance North Dakota businesses, farmers and ranchers, and communities. Armstrong is up against Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller in this year's June primary, with each candidate taking a different route to seek the Republican nomination. Armstrong will go through the party endorsement process this weekend at the state GOP convention in Fargo, whereas Miller is collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot. Burgum appointed Miller to be his lieutenant governor after her predecessor, Brent Sanford, stepped down in January 2023 to return to the private sector. She had previously been the chief operating officer for Burgum's administration. Burgum in February announced that he would back her campaign, and he has continued to underscore his connections to Miller as the campaign has progressed. When asked for a response to Hoeven and Cramer's endorsements, the Miller campaign touted Burgum's endorsement and Miller's time as lieutenant governor, saying in a statement that Miller wants to "build on those successes and take our state to the next level, not bring Washington, D.C., policies and politics to North Dakota." Neither campaign has announced a potential running mate. The state party is set to endorse a candidate for lieutenant governor alongside a gubernatorial candidate, according to the event agenda. Candidates pursuing the petition process submit signatures for governor and lieutenant governor as a block. No matter which qualification route candidates take, they must name their lieutenant governors in their ballot filings. The filing deadline is April 8, which is Monday. Hoeven on Wednesday also endorsed Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak in her bid to replace Armstrong in the U.S. House. Former Bismarck state Rep. Rick Becker, who is one of Fedorchak's opponents in the Republican primary, has been endorsed by multiple members of Congress, including members of the House Freedom Caucus, as well as former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The rare amulet-seal is at least 2,800 years old (First Temple period), according to a team of experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority and the University of Fribourg. The scarab, made of a semi-precious stone called carnelian, depicts either a mythical griffin creature or a galloping winged horse, said Professor Othmar Keel, an archaeologist with the University of Fribourg. Similar scarabs have been dated to the 8th century BCE. The beautiful scarab was found at the foot of Tel Rekhesh, one of the most important tells in Galilee. The site has been identified as Anaharat, a town within the territory of the tribe of Issachar (Joshua 19:19). This is one of the most important finds from Tel Rekhesh, dated to the Iron Age (7th-6th centuries BCE), added Dr. Itzik Paz, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority. At that time, a large fortress stood on the tell which was apparently under Assyrian control, the empire that was responsible for the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It is therefore quite possible that the scarab, discovered at the foot of the tell, testifies to the presence of Assyrian (or possibly Babylonian) administration at the site. The griffin motif on the seal is a known artistic motif in ancient Near Eastern art, and it is common on Iron Age seals. If indeed the seal can be dated, it may be possible to link it with the Assyrian presence in the Tel Rekhesh fortress, a discovery of great significance. The scarab is a type of seal whose use was widespread throughout the ancient world from the 4th millennium BCE onwards, the researchers explained. Scarab seals were shaped like dung beetles, hence their name. The Egyptian name derives from the verb to become or to be created, as the Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of the creator god. Scarabs were made from a wide variety of stones, including semi-precious stones, such as amethyst and carnelian, but most scarabs were made of steatite, a grayish-white, soft talc stone, which was usually coated with a blue-green glaze. Since the glaze only survived in dry climates, such as Egypt, scarabs found in Israel rarely retain traces of the glaze; in this context, the deep orange color of this scarab is both rare and striking. The Assyrian scarab-shaped seal was found by Erez Avrahamov, 45-year-old resident of Peduel. I had two days off from IDF reserves service, and I decided to take advantage of the sunny days to hike, Avrahamov said. While walking, I saw something shiny on the ground, and at first, I thought it was a bead or an orange stone. When I picked it up, I noticed that it was engraved like a scarab or beetle. I called the Israel Antiquities Authority and reported the amazing find. Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have captured a spectacular image of I Zwicky 18 (I Zw 18 for short), the archetypal extremely metal-poor, star-forming, blue compact dwarf galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major. I Zw 18 is located approximately 59 million light-years away in the constellation of Ursa Major. Also known as Mrk 116, LEDA 27182 or UGCA 166, the galaxy was discovered by the Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in the 1930s. It has a diameter of only 3,000 light-years and is much smaller than our own Milky Way Galaxy. I Zw 18 has gone through several sudden bursts of star formation, and hosts two major starburst regions in its center. The wispy brown filaments surrounding the central starburst region are bubbles of gas that have been heated by stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation unleashed by hot, young stars. Metal-poor star-forming dwarf galaxies in the local Universe represent accessible analogs to those at high redshift, said Dr. Alec Hirschauer from the Space Telescope Science Institute and colleagues. As the enrichment history for a given system traces the build up of heavy elements from successive generations of stellar nucleosynthesis, a low-abundance galaxy mimics the astrophysical conditions common in the early Universe, including the universal epoch of peak star formation, at which point a majority of the Universes star formation and chemical enrichment is expected to have taken place. At the very lowest metallicities, we may therefore approximate the star-forming environments of the time period shortly after the Big Bang. I Zw 18 is among the most extremely metal-poor systems known, with a measured gas-phase oxygen abundance of only approximately 3% solar, they added. At a distance of 59 million light-years and with global star-formation rate values measured at 0.13-0.17 solar masses per year, it is an ideal laboratory for study of both the young and evolved star demographics in an environment analogous to that found in the very early Universe. Dr. Hirschauer and co-authors used Webb to study the life cycle of dust in I Zw 18. Although previously believed to have only just recently begun forming its first generation of stars, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope found fainter, older red stars contained within the galaxy, suggesting its star formation started at least one billion years ago and possibly as much as 10 billion years ago, they said. The galaxy, therefore, may have formed at the same time as most other galaxies. The new observations from Webb reveal the detection of a set of candidate dusty evolved stars. It also provides details about Zw 18s two dominant star-forming regions. Webbs new data suggest that the dominant bursts of star formation in these regions occurred at different times. The strongest starburst activity is now believed to have happened more recently in the northwest lobe as compared to the galaxys southeast lobe. This is based on the relative populations of younger versus older stars found in each of the lobes. The findings will be published in the Astronomical Journal. _____ Alec S. Hirschauer et al. 2024. Imaging of I Zw 18 by JWST: I. Strategy and First Results of Dusty Stellar Populations. AJ, in press; arXiv: 2403.06980 Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have captured a new image of the central starburst region of Messier 82 (M82, NGC 3034 or the Cigar Galaxy), a starburst irregular galaxy located 12 million light-years away in the constellation of Ursa Major. Messier 82 is located about 12 million light-years away. It appears high in the northern spring sky in the direction of the northern constellation Ursa Major. First discovered by the German astronomer Johann Elert Bode in 1774, the galaxy is approximately 40,000 light-years across. Messier 82 is also called the Cigar Galaxy because of the elongated elliptical shape produced by the tilt of its starry disk relative to our line of sight. The galaxy is famous for its extraordinary speed in making new stars, with stars being born 10 times faster than in our Milky Way Galaxy. University of Maryland astronomer Alberto Bolatto and his colleagues directed Webbs NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) instrument toward the center of Messier 82, obtaining a closer look at the physical conditions that foster the formation of new stars. Messier 82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy, Dr. Bolatto said. Both Spitzer and Hubble space telescopes have observed this target. With Webbs size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail. Star formation continues to maintain a sense of mystery because it is shrouded by curtains of dust and gas, creating an obstacle to observing this process. Fortunately, Webbs ability to peer in the infrared is an asset in navigating these murky conditions. Additionally, these NIRCam images of the very center of the starburst were obtained using an instrument mode that prevented the very bright source from overwhelming the detector. While dark brown tendrils of dust are threaded throughout Messier 82s glowing white core even in this infrared view, Webbs NIRCam has revealed a level of detail that has historically been obscured. Looking closer toward the center, small specks depicted in green denote concentrated areas of iron, most of which are supernova remnants. Small patches that appear red signify regions where molecular hydrogen is being lit up by the radiation from a nearby young star. This image shows the power of Webb, said Dr. Rebecca Levy, an astronomer at the University of Arizona. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy. Looking at Messier 82 in slightly longer infrared wavelengths, clumpy tendrils represented in red can be seen extending above and below the plane of the galaxy. These gaseous streamers are a galactic wind rushing out from the core of the starburst. One area of focus for this research team was understanding how this galactic wind, which is caused by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, is being launched and influencing its surrounding environment. By resolving the central region of Messier 82, the astronomers were able to examine where the wind originates, and gain insight into how hot and cold components interact within the wind. Webbs NIRCam instrument was well suited to tracing the structure of the galactic wind via emission from sooty chemical molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs can be considered as very small dust grains that survive in cooler temperatures but are destroyed in hot conditions. Much to the teams surprise, Webbs view of the PAH emission highlights the galactic winds fine structure an aspect previously unknown. Depicted as red filaments, the emission extends away from the central region where the heart of star formation is located. Another unanticipated find was the similarity between the structure of the PAH emission and that of the hot, ionized gas. It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionized gas, Dr. Bolatto said. PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required. The teams paper will be published in the Astrophysical Journal. _____ Alberto D. Bolatto et al. 2024. JWST Observations of Starbursts: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emission at the Base of the M 82 Galactic Wind. ApJ, in press; arXiv: 2401.16648 In new research, a team of paleontologists examined the tooth structure of Feredocodon chowi, a new species of shuotheriid mammaliaform that lived in what is now China during the Jurassic period, to gain a better understanding of their phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary paths. Our study questions current theories and offers a new viewpoint on the evolutionary history of mammaliaforms, said Professor Patricia Vickers-Rich, a researcher at Monash University and Museums Victoria. We provide vital insights into the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary trajectories of shuotheriids, little known until recent discoveries in China, by explaining the intricate tooth shapes and occlusal patterns. Shuotheriids, mammal-like animals from the Jurassic period, have perplexed scientists because of their unique dental characteristics. These creatures had what are termed pseudotribosphenic teeth, with a pseudotalonid (a basin-like structure) located in front of the trigonid in the lower molars, unlike the tribosphenic pattern seen in current therian mammals where the taloned is located behind the trigonid. This unique tooth pattern has hindered our comprehension of shuotheriid relationships and the first steps in the evolution of mammaliaform species, Professor Vickers-Rich said. Professor Vickers-Rich and her colleagues examined pseudotribosphenic teeth of a new Jurassic shuotheriid, Feredocodon chowi, represented by two skeletal specimens. They were able to more fully analyze the dental structures using a variety of analysis, which suggested that shuotheriid dental structures appear to be very similar to those of docodontans. The study suggests that shuotheriids do not have a genuine trigonid in their bottom teeth, indicating a closer relationship to docodontans than previously thought. This reassessment of tooth architecture not only resolves unresolved interpretations but also triggers a reconsideration of the evolutionary connections within mammaliaforms. In 1982, a single Jurassic small lower jaw with four teeth was placed at one point on the mammalian family tree, said Dr. Thomas Rich, also from Monash University and Museums Victoria. Now two virtually complete specimens, analyzed in a different way, places all of them in a quite different place on the mammalian family tree. Additional specimens and different methods suggest different interpretations. This is how science often works. Based on the new data, shuotheriids appear to be in a different clade named Docodontiformes, separate from ausktribosphenids, and thus grouped with docodontans. This discovery highlights the significance of pseudotribosphenic characteristics in elucidating the first diversification of mammaliaforms. The study emphasizes the presence of a significant variety of tooth morphology in early mammaliaforms, indicating unique ecomorphological adaptations throughout the evolutionary development within mammals, Professor Vickers-Rich said. The dental modifications such as transverse broadening of posterior teeth, cusp rearrangement and even rotation indicate the many ecological niches early mammaliaforms inhabited. The findings appear today in the journal Nature. _____ F. Mao et al. Jurassic shuotheriids show earliest dental diversification of mammaliaforms. Nature, published online April 3, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07258-7 The North Dakota Public Service Commission on Wednesday denied an attempt by multiple lawyers representing Burleigh County and individual landowners to reschedule hearings for Summit Carbon Solutions' carbon dioxide pipeline route application. The state agency will instead seek to add an extra opportunity in the form of a "technical hearing" -- likely online -- for legal counsel who cannot attend the hearings scheduled for the week of April 22. That would enable attorneys to cross-examine Summit's witnesses and provide their own witnesses for cross-examination. Hearings are set for that week in Mandan as well as May 24 in Wahpeton and June 4 in Linton for landowners to express how route changes may impact them. The PSC will seek to host the extra hearing sometime in May prior to the hearing in Wahpeton, but left the possibility of a later date on the table. The PSC in August rejected Summit's application for the North Dakota route of its multistate CO2 pipeline, but the commission later granted Summit its petition for reconsideration. Summit since then has made multiple changes to its application. Many are technical dealing with issues the PSC felt were not fully addressed before, but they also include a number of route adjustments. Some of these are smaller, but one moves the line farther north of Bismarck -- from a distances of 2 miles to 5 miles of the city's extraterritorial area, at its closest point. That was in response to concerns about safety and property values where the city is growing. The line has also recently expanded its intended CO2 suppliers, from around three dozen ethanol plants to 51 in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota. The CO2 is to be moved through a 2,000-mile pipeline system to western North Dakota's Oliver County for storage underground. Officials in the past few months have been dealing with the issue of whether the potential PSC approval of the line automatically overrides local ordinances. Burleigh and Emmons counties last year placed restrictions on pipelines carrying hazardous materials within their borders. Summit said those rules should be automatically preempted by PSC authority -- an argument the commission ultimately agreed with. When scheduling the new hearings on the route permit state regulators had indicated that the April hearings were for the bulk of the changes in the case, while the latter two were to gather extra information. The attorneys seeking the changes did not attempt to get the May or June hearings moved. Lawyers for Burleigh County wrote in filings to the PSC last week that they both had "unmovable conflicts" with the April hearings. Randy Bakke, serving as Burleigh County's special assistant state's attorney, said he needs the week to prepare for a jury trial beginning the following week. Meanwhile, Burleigh County State's Attorney Julie Lawyer "will be handling a major criminal trial," the filing said. Burleigh County's move was supported by lawyers representing multiple landowners across the project route. They too have conflicts the week of April 22. The filings say one of the attorneys, Brian Jorde, will be unavailable April 22-23; meanwhile another attorney, Steve Leibel, will be unavailable April 22-24. Attorney David Knoll -- part of Leibel's firm -- has a conflict on April 22 and has not appeared before the PSC in this case. The conflicts for the lawyers are due to prior commitments in other cases, the filing says. Summit's legal counsel filed against allowing the request, calling the move an attempt to delay the case which is over a year old. Summit argued that other lawyers from the private firms and Burleigh County could attend in place of those with conflicts. It also argued Burleigh County's attorneys did not have "good cause" to delay the hearing since the county's intervention was focused on the local ordinance issue. That is now a decided issue in favor of Summit, though Emmons County has challenged the PSC's decision in state court. Later filings by Bakke and Burleigh County argue that the lead attorneys for all parties should be present. Bakke also notes the conflicts were already in place prior to the PSC's scheduling decision, and that Burleigh County being granted intervention was not limited to the local ordinance issue, highlighting the large route changes there. Leibel and Jorde's filing said that, "Summit had more lawyers at the last public hearing than there are total lawyers in both (Jorde and Leibel's) law firms combined." Leibel's firm is based out of Bismarck; Jorde's is based out of Nebraska. Both have three attorneys listed on their websites. The website for Bakke's firm lists five lawyers on staff. The Burleigh County State's Attorney's Office has a staff of 12 attorneys including Lawyer. The firm that filed for Summit is Fredrikson and Byron. Its website's staff page lists hundreds of lawyers. PSC Chair Randy Christmann at the Wednesday meeting said he was not suggesting that the intervenors were seeking to indefinitely delay the hearings -- noting that they had not filed a similar attempt throughout the case's long history -- but he did not want to possibly allow any party to "draw things out forever." He said that while his preference was to hear the arguments from intervenors in May, that could take place later if necessary. Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart said she would take intervenors "at their word" that the intention of the filings was not to indefinitely delay anything. The three-member commission voted unanimously to reject the rescheduling request and open up the possibility for a technical hearing. A document with an official order was not immediately available Wednesday afternoon. Neither Summit nor the other attorneys involved provided immediate comment. South Korea's very own nuclear fusion reactor was able to achieve a record-breaking feat of sustaining temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds. South Korea's Artificial Sun Breaks Previous World Record The artificial sun, or the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), broke its earlier world record of 31 seconds, which it also set in 2021. While the breakthrough may appear small, it is, nonetheless, a remarkable step towards the long journey to a source of clean energy that is close to unlimited. Scientists behind the KSTAR aim to enable the reactor to sustain such record temperatures for up to 300 seconds in 2026. ALSO READ: Korea's Artificial Sun KSTAR Receives Upgrade to Withstand Temperature 6 Times Hotter Than Center of the Sun Harnessing Nuclear Fusion Power For over 70 years, scientists have been trying to find ways to harness nuclear fusion power. Through hydrogen atoms fusing to make helium in extremely high temperatures and pressures, the main-sequence stars end up turning matter into light and heat. This leads to the generation of enormous energy amounts without long-lasting radioactive waste or greenhouse gas production. However, it is not easy to replicate the conditions present within the hearts of fiery stars. The most common fusion reactor design operates through plasma superheating and trapping this matter within a donut-shaped reactor chamber with strong magnetic fields. However, the process of keeping the superheated and turbulent plasma coils in place for sufficient periods for nuclear fusion to happen has been quite painstaking. While the first tokamak was designed by Natan Yavlinksky, a Soviet scientist, in 1958, nobody has ever been able to make a reactor that can release more energy than what it takes in. One of the biggest challenges comes with handling plasma that is sufficient enough for fusing. Since they need to work in lower pressures compared to the conditions where fusion naturally happens in star cores, fusion reactors need extremely high temperatures. In fact, the temperature requirements should be many times hotter compared to the Sun. Though it has been relatively easy to superheat plasma in such temperatures, it has been tricky to find ways to corral it so that it would not burn through the reactor without breaking the process of fusion. This is typically done with magnetic fields or lasers. In the case of KSTAR, the scientists wanted to extend the burning time of their plasma to exceed the reactor's previous record. To do so, they tweaked certain aspects of the design, such as replacing carbon for tungsten to boost the efficiency of the "divertors," which extract ash and heat from the fusion reactor. Si-Woon Yoon, the director at the KSTAR Research Center, says that, though this is the first experiment conducted with the new tungsten divertor environment, thorough campaign preparation and hardware testing allowed them to see results that surpass the previous record of the KSTAR in a brief period. RELATED ARTICLE: What Is Korea's Artificial Sun 'KSTAR' and What Is It Up To? Check out more news and information on Energy in Science Times. If your business is reasonably successful, you may come up with many reasons why an effective website isnt all that relevant for you. Sure, you understand the need to have some web presence, but you might not believe that an effective website is going to make that big of a difference for your particular business especially if youre already plenty profitable. What do you think? Do you need a website to run a successful business? This article discusses reasons why having a business website is a wise investment and why you sometimes dont need a website. Does My Business Need a Website? Many business owners ask, Since I have a small business with a small workforce, and since we dont sell anything online, do I need a website? The answer is YES! If you have a business, you should have a website to avoid losing business to competitors that already have one. Furthermore, are you sure you cant sell your product online? COVID-19 has altered the retail landscape, with millions of shoppers online looking for everything from books to clips to houses to natural gas and more. So while you dither, your competitor has likely seen how effective a website can be for their business. You definitely dont want to be left behind. But you might ask, Doesnt my Facebook page count? Do I Need a Website if I Have a Facebook Page? Its common for businesses to rely on Facebook or other social media platforms as their main advertisement channel. And these channels offer advantages. For example, they help build a larger audience and even help you carry out market research. However, a Facebook page should not replace your business website. Here are some reasons why. 1. You Dont Own Your Facebook Page What happens if, one morning, Facebook decides that it wont support businesses anymore? If your Facebook page were your sole online presence, all the clients and followers you built would likely disappear. In fact, not too long ago, Facebook was down globally, causing moments of frenzy. And while its doubtful Facebook will stop supporting businesses, you dont have any say in the changes Facebook chooses to implement. However, with your website, you have total control over your websites appearance and features. 2. Facebook Has SEO Limitations Think about it. Where do you go when looking for a business locally? Facebook or Google? The 3.5 billion daily queries on Google show that most people turn to search engines over social networks to find information. A business website allows you to position yourself so people will find you when they make search queries concerning the products you sell or the services you provide. Even if you can easily compete with larger websites, you can optimize your site for local searches to attract an audience in your area. 3. A Website is More Credible A business website is a badge of trust, and people only buy from businesses they know, like, and trust. So while it might be quicker to create a Facebook page, you would be able to command more authority and trust with a business website. 4. Attention is Fleeting on Facebook Facebook is massively competitive. Having your business listed on Facebook means that youre constantly fighting off competition from several other companies. Whats more, you have to compete with your potential clients Facebook friends. Many people find advertisements annoying, especially when they want to interact with friends, making them ignore your business posts or ads. On the other hand, a business website ensures that you have a potential clients full attention. So while you might do some legwork to get them over to your website, once theyre on your website, the chances of patronage are higher. Now, we arent saying you shouldnt have a Facebook page for your business. But, instead, your Facebook page and other social media should support your websitenot replace it. Importance of Having a Website Having a website boosts your credibility, increases your visibility, and improves lead generation. Its your property; therefore, you have absolute freedom about how you want it to look and what you want to promote. Its an excellent place to highlight positive reviews and answer any questions potential customers might have about your business. Benefits of a Website Whether youre a small or big business, a business website offers plenty of advantages. Here are the most significant benefits of having a business website. 1. A Business Website Makes You Look Professional Anyone can create a company page on Facebook; its free and can be done in a jiffy. This low barrier to entry takes away much of the credibility of a business social media page. Customers dont know whos behind a Facebook page, where they are, and whether its all a scam. On the other hand, creating a business website is not free and indicates that youre relatively serious about your business. Therefore, a business website makes you look more professional and credible. 2. Its an Essential Step in Your Customers Journey An effective website is where you want your audience from different channels to end up. Its on the website that youll inspire action from your potential clients. Your website is like a physical shoppeople walk by it until they come in to look at what you offer. So even if they dont buy something the first time they walk in, they might buy something on subsequent visits. On a similar vein, customers come across your business via different channels like social media feeds. If the social feed ad is interesting, theyll expect to visit your website to find out more about the business. If there isnt a website, they might not take the next logical step in the customer journey. 3. A Website Increases Your Visibility There are over 4.5 billion active internet users worldwide, and over 90% of them accessed the Internet via mobile devices. Without a website, your business is virtually invisible to these people. With COVID-19 pushing the global market even more digital, your business will become invisible to those that matter unless you invest in a website. 4. Its Essential For Local Businesses Many small business owners dont see the need to invest in an effective business website. However, theyre currently missing out on an incredible source of revenue. The following statistics show how important a website is for a local business: 46% of search on Google include local intent 97% of users use search to find local businesses 28% of users purchased an item after a local search 70% of users will visit a store because of what they found online A business website will help you capture all of this potential and make your business even more profitable. 5. It Offers Social Proof What your customers say about your business can determine whether others patronize you or not. So while review websites like Yelp are good, your website is the best place for people to get more information about your business. Displaying your best testimonials on your website is an effective way to establish trust and social proof. What is more, publishing your best reviews on your website ensures that third-party review sites dont minimize the good things people say about your business. 6. A Business Website Gives Lasting Value One of the best things about investing in a business website is how it continues to generate value for you even years after youve created it. When you pay for ads on social media, your potential clients only see your ads for as long as you run them. If they dont see it, youll have to pay again to run the ad campaign. On the other hand, a business website will give you ROI over time. Even if it doesnt give you returns in the first year, you have time to tweak things until you get returns. 7. Creating a Business Website is Easier and Cheaper Than You Think Many business owners refuse to create a website because they believe its difficult and expensive to create an effective website. However, thats not true. There has never been an easier and cheaper time to create high-quality websites. There are affordable, easy-to-use website builders available to you. Creating a website and hosting a website is pretty straightforward. 8. A Business Website Lets You Sell Online Ecommerce sales are exploding and are projected to hit over $5.4 trillion in 2022. Surely, none of these sales happen with businesses that dont own websites. Even if you arent a traditional ecommerce business, having an online storefront can help you attract new customers and help you continue selling even when your physical store is closed. 9. You Have Complete Control Over Your Website Since your website is your property, you get absolute design freedom unlike with social media platforms. You can share user reviews, videos, images, and whatever else you desire. Also, you dont have to follow the constantly updated rules of social platforms. And if theres a social media blackout, like when Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp all disappeared for several hours, your website and its content remain safe. 10. A Business Website is Easy to Manage Managing websites used to be daunting. However, with a content management system (CMS) like Content Hub or WordPress, its now easier than ever to manage a website. In addition, you dont need any technical skills to keep your website up to date. 11. Websites Improve Customer Service An effective website will contain plenty of important information your customers need. Therefore, theres no need for them to call about location, hours of operation, and other simple questions. By helping customers, a website improves the overall customer experience. Furthermore, since simple questions from customers dont bog down your workforce, they can focus on other vital processes that increase company productivity. 12. A Website Helps You Edge Out The Competition Even as a small business, an effective website allows you to compete with your industrys big boys. If you play your cards right and properly optimize your website, its possible to outrank bigger websites, and get quality leads organically from search engines. But even with the many benefits a website provides, is it still possible that you dont need one for your business? Yes, and here are some reasons why. 5 Reasons Why Your Business Doesnt Need a Website Here are some reasons why your business might not need a website. 1. Youre Not Looking to Grow One of the primary reasons for having a working, effective website is to increase the number of clients you have and grow your revenues. If youre not looking to grow your business significantly, theres probably little reason to try and find more clients or increase your revenues. 2. You Have Enough Leads Many businesses do a great job of getting referral customers and tapping their existing network for new business. If this is you, then perhaps a website is not that important. This assumes, of course, that your Rolodex will continue to be an effective mechanism for you to get all the new business you need. 3. Youre Not Hiring Any Time Soon If you are looking to increase staff, the chances are that your prospective hires will likely want to learn more about you. And theyll probably turn to your website. With all other things being equal, potential recruits will pick a company with a vibrant website over one with a brochure on the web. Small businesses would be well served by a website, as they dont have the resources that can help attract exceptional people outside of their immediate network. A website can help with that. But if youre not looking to hire top talent, then you can do without a business website. 4. Youre Operating in a Virtual Monopoly If you have the luxury of running a business for which theres very little (if any) competition, and youve got an offering that people must have, a website is probably not crucial. Your clients need what you have, and theres nowhere else to go. Congratulations! Though a shiny new website might impress your spouse and colleagues, you probably dont need one to improve your business. 5. You Dont Expect to Sell the Company Any Time Soon For more and more types of businesses, the website is an important asset that factors into valuation discussions. This is particularly true if you have a startup business, a hi-tech business, or one that scales well (i.e., adding new customers does not increase costs proportionately). The reason is quite simple. If you have an effective website and can demonstrate that it is successful at helping you get new clients, you have a better business than someone who doesnt. The Internet is an excellent way for many companies to have a low customer acquisition cost. The other nice thing about the Internet as a vehicle for marketing and sales is that it can be more easily measured. Imagine if you are selling your business and showing the acquirer a chart of your web traffic (and how its grown over time) and precise data on how that traffic translates into revenues you will likely find that the two are highly correlated. If I were on the buying side, Id sit up and take notice. Final Thoughts The decision to either create a website for your business or not is ultimately yours to make. However, if part of your business goals is to improve lead generation, visibility, social proof, and authority, then creating a website is an excellent place to start. Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2006 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. Noteworthy salutes Southern California authors whose books made an impact in 2023 The Orange County Register, April 2, 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning-journalist-turned-bestselling author Hector Tobar is known for writing impactful prose. In 2023, Tobar, now a professor of English and Chicano/Latino Studies at the University of California, Irvine, came out with the powerful nonfiction release, Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of Latino. The work expertly blends memoir, reportage, and cultural criticism to explore the essence of Latino identity. Critics raved: It won the Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction, was named one of Notable Books of 2023 by both Time and the New York Times, and was a Top 10 Book of 2023 at Chicago Public Library. The book begins with a prologue addressed to his students at UCI. Technology Spotlight Reddits successful IPO could usher in a boom, experts say Courtney Crow/NYSE Reddit CEO Steve Huffman celebrates the companys first day of trading at the New York Stock Exchange on March 21. If a rush of companies ends up going public in coming months, they might want to thank Reddit for helping pave the path. The market for initial public offerings has been all but closed to tech companies over the last two years. Prior to Reddits IPO last month, many investment experts were pessimistic about how it would be received on Wall Street and dubious that the San Francisco social-media companys offering would play much of a role in opening the door for other tech startups. But many such experts are revising their thoughts now. Reddit ended up pricing its shares at the top of its predicted range, and its stock price more than doubled within three days before selling off a bit. Meanwhile, another recently public company Santa Clara chipmaker Astera Labs also saw its stock price soar in its debut. I think people were a bit wary of Reddit before its IPO, said Avery Marquez, an assistant portfolio manager at Renaissance Capital, a financial firm that closely tracks the IPO market. But the success of its IPO and Asteras, in particular, are likely to spur other companies to go public, she said. Those offerings flash a green light for pre-IPO tech companies, she said. That would be good news for San Francisco and Bay Area investors, founders and startup workers. In 2021, 126 tech companies nationwide went public in IPOs, 12 of them based in The City, according to data from Renaissance and University of Florida finance professor Jay Ritter. In the following two years combined, just 15 tech startups nationwide and only one based in San Francisco, Instacart completed IPOs. Thats left a big backlog of companies waiting in the wings to go public. There are 715 venture-backed private companies worth $1 billion or more around the nation, and 155 in San Francisco, according to PitchBook, an industry research firm. Those are the highest tallies of such companies ever. Those so-called unicorns are often considered to be the startups most ready for Wall Street from a development standpoint. Among them are some that appear to be especially primed for the public markets. In San Francisco, there are 32 late-stage startups with a valuation of $2 billion or more that havent raised a venture round in more than a year, according to PitchBook. We do have a backlog now of companies that made a lot of progress the last couple years and are ready to go public, said Robert Hendershott, an assistant professor of finance at Santa Clara University. The success of Reddits IPO, along with Asteras debut, has made that more likely to happen, market experts say. In the wake of those offerings, another tech company Denver based digital-promotions startup Ibotta has already filed for an IPO, Marquez noted. South San Francisco-based Stripe and San Francisco-based Databricks, which are valued at $50 billion and $43 billion, respectively, appear to be prime candidates to head to Wall Street in the near future, Hendershott said. You will absolutely see a pick-up in companies trying to get out, said Robert Siegel, a lecturer in management at Stanford Graduate School of Business. No doubt about it. Many market experts have been expecting the pace to pick up this year. Kristin Roth DeClark, global head of technology investment banking at financial giant Barclays, told The Examiner earlier this month she expected about 20 tech companies nationwide to go public this year. In a streamed conversation with The Information last week, Diana Doyle, Morgan Stanleys head of technology and equity-linked capital markets in the Americas, put the number at about 15 to 20. There are some logistical reasons that the number likely wont be much higher than that, no matter how much excitement there might be about Reddit and the other recent IPOs. It takes about six months to prepare for an offering, including filing paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and meeting with investors, Doyle noted. So if a company hasnt yet filed its paperwork, it wont be ready until around October at the earliest. Around then, the country will likely be focused on the presidential election, DeClark said. Depending on how things stand, that could lead to a lot of volatility in the markets that might dissuade companies from going public. After that, there are the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, which usually arent a good time for new offerings, within only a short window in between. We just have a shorter year, she said. Even so, the pace of IPOs could pick up in the coming months before the election, DeClark said. And Doyle told The Information she expects next year to be super busy. Indeed, there are up to 200 tech companies nationwide that could go public in the next two years, although many of them will likely merge with other businesses or be acquired instead, DeClark said. Hendershott said the companies most likely to head to the public markets are the so-called decacorns those valued at $10 billion or more. With tech company valuations having risen markedly in recent years, a $1 billion valuation is no longer an important signal of future success, and relatively few of the smaller unicorns are likely to go public, he said. For her part, DeClark said she doesnt think a company necessarily needs to be a decacorn to go public. Astera, for example, was only valued at $3 billion before its IPO. Whats more important is that the company has reached a decent scale, being on track to reach $250 million to $300 million in revenue. Also important: that the company is growing and is at least on a path to profitability, she said. If its not yet profitable, its sales need to be growing at 20% to 30% annually. If its growth is in the high single-digit to low double-digit percentage range, it needs to already be highly profitable, she said. The Astera and Reddit IPOs also indicate that the tech companies that will likely have successful IPOs in the near term are those that either are participating in a segment of the industry thats likely to grow significantly in coming years, or those that price their offerings attractively, DeClark said. Astera, which makes chips that speed data transmission in data centers, is benefitting from the AI boom. Meanwhile, Reddit priced its IPO at a discount, valuation-wise, to Pinterest, considered to be one of its closest comparable companies in the public market. Theres two ways you can get a company public in this environment, successfully. One is have something that has ... [a] great end market such as AI or cyber security, DeClark said. Or, two, make it cheap. AI is likely to be a big theme in coming offerings, as companies try to take advantage of the hype and investors try to get in early on the trend, the market experts said. The markets also likely to be receptive to companies such as Reddit that have well-known brands, said Siegel. Add up the companies that meet such criteria, and were likely to see a surge in IPOs over the next year or two, market watchers say. Usually an IPO winter is followed by a spring, Hendershott said. I definitely expect it to pick up. The United States has played a key role in fueling the wars in both Israel-Palestine and Ukraine. The US government has sought to prevent peace in Gaza, vetoing resolutions in the UN Security Council that call for a ceasefire, while sending weapons to Israel to help it bomb densely populated civilian areas, contributing to the killing of more than 15,000 Palestinians, approximately 70% of whom are women and children. Since 2022, Washington has done exactly the same in Ukraine, torpedoing peace proposals that Russia had supported. This has been confirmed by numerous sources, including the former leader of Germany and a top Ukrainian official, as well as Israels ex prime minister. Germanys former leader says US sabotaged Russia-Ukraine peace talks This October, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder explained in an interview how he had tried to negotiate peace between Ukraine and Russia in 2022. Ukraines overtly anti-Russian newspaper Ukrainska Pravda reported on his bombshell remarks. Moscow had a concrete peace plan laid out, according to Schroder. It was based on five points: Ukraines rejection of NATO membership, two official languages in Ukraine, Donbas autonomy, security guarantees for Ukraine, and negotiations on the status of Crimea, Ukrainska Pravda wrote. But the former German leader said the United States sabotaged the peace talks. The only people who could resolve the war over Ukraine are the Americans, Schroder emphasized. During the peace talks in March 2022 in Istanbul with [Ukraines Defense Minister] Rustem Umierov, Ukrainians did not agree to peace because they were not allowed to. They had to coordinate everything they talked about with the Americans first, he recalled. However, nothing eventually happened. My impression is that nothing could happen because everything else was decided in Washington. It was fatal, Schroder added. The former German head of state likewise warned that Russia will never accept NATO expansion into Ukraine and Georgia. Regardless of who is in power, there is a belief in Russia that the West wants to expand further with NATO, namely into the post-Soviet area. Keywords: Georgia and Ukraine. No one at the head of Russia will allow this to happen. This danger analysis may be emotional, but it is real for Russia. The West must understand this and compromise accordingly; otherwise, peace will be tough to achieve, Schroder stressed, in the comments quoted by Ukrainska Pravda.. Top Ukrainian official says West opposed peace deal with Russia The former German chancellors observations were further bolstered by the remarks of a top Ukrainian official. In November, Davyd Arakhamia sat down for an interview with Ukraines TV channel 1+1. Arakhamia is the parliamentary faction leader of the political party of Ukraines Western-backed President Volydmyr Zelensky. This interview was also reported on by Ukraines vehemently anti-Russian newspaper Ukrainska Pravda. Arakhamia represented Ukraine in the peace talks with Russia in Turkiye in March 2022. At those negotiations, Arakhamia admitted that Russia did indeed want peace, and neutrality was the most important thing for them. They [the Russians] were prepared to end the war if we agreed to as Finland once did neutrality, and committed that we would not join NATO, the top Ukrainian official said, according to a translation by Ukrainska Pravda. They really hoped almost to the last moment that they would force us to sign such an agreement so that we would take neutrality, he added. But Ukraines Western sponsors were adamantly opposed to the peace proposal. When we returned from Istanbul, [British Prime Minister] Boris Johnson came to Kyiv and said that we would not sign anything with them at all, and lets just fight, Arakhamia recalled. Israels ex PM says US killed Ukraine peace deal These important testimonies from Germanys former leader and a top Ukrainian official both echo an admission made by Israels former prime minister. Israels ex Prime Minister Naftali Bennett explained in a February 2023 interview how he had been a mediator between Ukraine and Russia the year before. Anything I did was coordinated down to the last detail with the US, Germany, and France, Bennett said. And there was a legitimate decision by the West to keep striking Putin. Referring to the NATO blocs response to the peace proposal, the interviewer asked, So they blocked it? Bennett replied, Basically, yes. They blocked it, and I thought theyre wrong. A bond issued by Thames Waters parent company has fallen to record lows as the embattled company scrambles to secure its future, and the government signalled it is ready to step in if necessary. The 400m bond, issued by the water suppliers parent company, Kemble, has slumped to only 14.4p after shareholders indicated that they were unwilling to inject further funds into the heavily indebted utility company. Guardian Adverts featuring the actor Dominic West as a sneering bank manager will be pulled from TV in their current form after the advertising watchdog ruled they were misleading because they wrongly suggest that the building society had not closed branches. The Advertising Standards Authority (Asa) received 281 complaints, including one from rival lender Santander, about the advert, which ran in October and November. The Nationwide campaign took a swipe at high street banks that have been closing branches. Guardian Taxpayers are to pay hundreds of millions of pounds to cover the cost of dismantling some of Shells dirtiest oil rigs in the North Sea. It comes after the energy giant was ordered to strip thousands of tonnes of waste from decommissioned oil platforms despite the companys attempts to keep them in place. Shell has spent the past decade lobbying for an exemption from removing toxic sludge from three platforms located in its Brent oil and gas field over claims it could risk workers lives and hurt the taxpayer. Telegraph The value of second-hand electric cars has tumbled since the start of the year as Chinese manufacturers flood Britain with cheap new models. The average price of the 20 most popular used electric and hybrid vehicles fell 12pc in the three months to March compared with a year ago, according to research by the AA. Telegraph Microsoft will sell Teams, its online meeting service, separately from its Office software suite after coming under scrutiny from competition regulators. The technology group separated Teams and Office six months ago in Europe in an attempt to avoid a fine from the European Commission and now it will take the same approach worldwide. The Times Almost everyone has heard of Dragnet, the classic L.A.-based TV cop show that debuted in the 1950s and ran on-and-off for decades, but probably just a precious few recall He Walked by Night, the low-budget movie that inspired the hard-boiled series. And thats too bad, because director Alfred Werkers taut, no-nonsense film noir is a lot more artistic, affecting, atmospheric, and memorable than any of Dragnets formulaic episodes. By combining terse storytelling with a couple of dazzling set pieces and a host of fine performances, He Walked by Night holds our attention from start to finish as it methodically chronicles how the LAPD hunts down an elusive and diabolically clever lone-wolf killer. That killer is Roy Morgan (Richard Basehart), a quiet, unassuming, well-dressed man who matter-of-factly shoots an off-duty police officer at point-blank range after hes spotted trying to break into an electronics store. The murder sparks an intense LAPD investigation led by Captain Breen (Roy Roberts), who assigns two detectives, Sgt. Marty Brennan (Scott Brady) and Sgt. Chuck Jones (James Caldwell), to work the case. As they tirelessly track down leads, the reclusive - and elusive - Roy hides out in his secluded Hollywood bungalow with his trusty watchdog and continues to commit a string of robberies to throw the cops off his scent. A couple of close encounters with the police ensue, but Roy, who hasnt been the same since he returned from service in World War II, always escapes the scuffles, often disappearing into the labyrinthian network of underground storm drains that snake beneath the streets of L.A. Like a nocturnal animal, Roy only leaves his nest after the sun goes down, making it harder for Breen and his crew to nab him. Along with Call Northside 777, The Naked City, and T-Men, He Walked by Night ushered in a new era of noir by examining the rough realities of urban streets and the ruthless thugs who prowl them. Yet instead of focusing on the suspects criminal deeds and off-kilter personality, this police procedural presents the narrative from the laws perspective, allowing us to get an insiders view of the investigation. Like a job shadower, we tag along with the detectives as they pound the pavement looking for clues, confer with a forensics expert on shell casings, and process the input of various witnesses to create a composite sketch. No superfluous romance or subplots clutter the canvas; He Walked by Night is all business all the time over the course of its brisk 79 minutes. Heightening the films semi-documentary aura is the narratives true-life roots. Right up front, a prologue states the story is based on the most difficult homicide case the LAPD has ever had to tackle (before Charles Manson, of course). Though Roy Morgan is not portrayed as a serial killer, he still closely resembles Erwin Machine Gun Walker, whose murderous rampage a couple of years before put him on death row and was most likely attributable to some kind of post-traumatic stress brought on by his combat tenure in World War II. Because PTSD was a hush-hush topic - and not even identified as a common affliction - in those days, the John C. Higgins-Crane Wilbur screenplay only vaguely alludes to Roys war record, planting a seed that never gets the chance to germinate. Yet the mere hint that the war could be complicit in Roys crimes - quite an innuendo for 1948 - adds an extra layer of intrigue to the movie. (Learning so little about Roy personally and never discovering what compels him to repeatedly commit crimes are perhaps the films biggest faults.) Of course, most film noirs worth their salt are distinguished by stunning cinematography, and He Walked by Night is no exception. The great John Alton constructs a number of striking shots and sequences, the most notable of which is the thrilling climax that largely transpires in the underground sewers of Los Angeles. Beautifully employing low-level light against the cold concrete tunnels, shimmering streams, and murky puddles, Alton immerses us in a dank, creepy netherworld teeming with cinematic possibilities. Alton worked with director Anthony Mann on T-Men the previous year, and though no solid proof exists, theres a general consensus among classic film experts that Mann directed the famous sewer scene as well as other isolated sequences in He Walked by Night. No one seems to know why Mann was asked to participate and why or if Werker was removed from the picture, but many sources list Mann as an uncredited director on the film. The arresting visuals and artistic construction of the climax (which interestingly predates a similar and far more renowned sewer scene in Carol Reeds The Third Man) suit Mann far more than the workmanlike Werker, making the connection seem very plausible indeed. Basehart, in only his third motion picture, brings the cold and aloof Roy to brilliant life. With restraint and a quiet resolve, he showcases the enigmatic, duplicitous qualities that make this mysterious sociopath such a fascinating figure. Brady also makes a strong impression in only his fourth film, balancing the stereotypical square-jawed toughness of a movie cop with just enough affable charm to humanize his character. Plenty of unheralded supporting actors populate the proceedings as well, and Jack Webb, who identified the lasting appeal of He Walked by Night and parlayed it into a starring role in Dragnet a few years later, asserts himself well as a forensics expert. He Walked by Night is another underground noir thats been unearthed, restored, and elevated to its proper place in film history. When viewed in tandem with T-Men, this beautifully shot and constructed movie reminds us great independent films arent just a recent phenomenon. We just have to work harder to rescue and preserve these Golden Age gems so they can be fully appreciated by current and future generations. He Walked by Night always will be classified as a B movie, but it gets a strong A for artistry, and for this police procedural, thats a significant badge of honor. Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray The KLSC edition of He Walked by Night arrives on Blu-ray packaged in a standard case with reversible cover art inside a sleeve. Video codec is 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and audio is DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. Once the disc is inserted into the player, the static menu with music immediately pops up; no previews or promos precede it. In a landmark achievement for India's cybersecurity sector, TAC Security, the trailblazing firm in the field, has witnessed an extraordinary response to its Initial Public Offering (IPO), with subscription bids soaring to an astounding $1 billion. Commencing its IPO journey on March 27 and concluding today, April 02, 2024, TAC Security experienced an overwhelming demand from investors across all categories, setting a remarkable milestone in the nation's financial landscape. The Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) segment witnessed a staggering oversubscription of 142 times, while the Non-Institutional Investor (NII) portion saw an unprecedented 769 times oversubscription. Retail individual investors (RIIs) also displayed remarkable enthusiasm, subscribing at a remarkable rate of 434 times their allocated quota, contributing to the overall subscription reaching an impressive 422 times. With an aim to raise Rs 29.99 crore, the IPO featured a price band of Rs 100-106 per Equity Share, each with a face value of Rs 10. The offering comprised a fresh issue of 28.29 lakh Equity Shares through the book-building route, with a minimum lot size of 1,200 Equity Shares. TAC Security is poised to be listed on NSE Emerge, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The sole Book Running Lead Manager for the IPO was Beeline Capital Advisors Private Limited, while SpreadX Securities Private Limited acted as the market maker, facilitating the process with expertise and precision. TAC Security intends to channel the net proceeds from the IPO into strategic areas, primarily focusing on investments in human resources and product development. This includes bolstering organic growth in India and hiring skilled personnel to fuel expansion outside India through its subsidiary, TAC Security INC. (Delaware, USA). The remaining capital will be directed towards general corporate purposes, ensuring sustained growth and innovation. Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Trishneet Arora, aged 30, has been instrumental in shaping the company's trajectory, leveraging his extensive expertise in cybersecurity and vulnerability management. Founded by the visionary entrepreneur Trishneet Arora, TAC Security offers cutting-edge risk-based vulnerability management and assessment solutions, cybersecurity quantification, and penetration testing through amodel. Trishneet Arora, aged 30, has been instrumental in shaping the company's trajectory, leveraging his extensive expertise in cybersecurity and vulnerability management. Trishneet Arora's leadership has garnered widespread recognition, with accolades including being named one of GQ's Top 50 Most Influential Young Indians in 2017 and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020. He has also been honored twice with the Leaders of Tomorrow award by the St. Gallen Symposium, Switzerland, in 2018 and 2022. Additionally, he has been featured on prestigious lists such as Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2018 and Fortune India's 40 Under 40 in 2018 and 2021, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the global cybersecurity landscape. India's premier cement manufacturer, UltraTech Cement, has unveiled its ambitious investment plan, earmarking a staggering Rs 32,400 crore over the next three years to fortify its expansion endeavors. This move aligns with the company's strategic vision to elevate its cement manufacturing capacity to nearly 200 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), a testament to its unwavering commitment to meeting the nation's burgeoning infrastructure needs. With the Indian economy witnessing a surge in expenditure on infrastructure projects and a consistent uptick in housing demand, bolstered by government initiatives, the cement sector is experiencing a robust surge in sales. Projections indicate that the demand trajectory is poised to sustain its formidable growth rate of approximately 8 per cent in the current fiscal year. In response to this buoyant demand, cement majors like UltraTech are devising meticulous capacity expansion plans to solidify their market presence. As part of its ongoing expansion strategy, UltraTech has recently operationalized two new greenfield capacities, adding 5.4 mtpa in the states of Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu. This achievement propels UltraTech's total capacity to an impressive 151.6 mtpa. Notably, K M Birla, the Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, emphasized that this milestone mirrors India's ascendancy on the global stage and underscores the dynamism and scale of Indian enterprises. He affirmed that UltraTech's expanded scale will aptly cater to India's surging cement demand landscape. UltraTech's expansion blueprint encompasses the commissioning of additional capacities across 16 locations, envisaging an augmentation of 35.5 mtpa to its existing 151 mtpa capacity. Moreover, the company is on the verge of sealing the acquisition deal for Kesoram Cement, boasting a capacity of 10.75 mtpa. The amalgamation of expansion initiatives and acquisitions is poised to materialize into a colossal investment of Rs 32,400 crore over the next triennium. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- You might want to take a closer look at your spare change: A Wisconsin state quarter issued in 2004 could be worth at least $30 and maybe much more, collectors have noted. Some pieces that contain a few tell-tale errors have even sold for as much as $2,530. All of the quarters from that series show a cow, a wheel of cheese and an ear of corn on the back, gobankingrates.com reported. If you have one, pay close attention to the corn especially the leaf on it. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand declared her intent to codify the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, which has already forgiven $63 million worth of student loans for New Yorkers, according to a written statement. The SAVE Plan was presented by President Joe Biden, and has been in effect since August 2023, the written statement said. Upwards of 7.7 million people who took out federal student loans to pay for college tuition are currently registered with the plan. So far, 150,000 people have had their loans dismissed entirely because of the plan. As stated in the written statement, Under the SAVE Plan, borrowers with undergraduate loans are getting their payments reduced from 10% to 5% of their discretionary income, and those earning under 225% of the federal poverty line have had their monthly payments lowered to $0. Her legislation, entitled the Codifying SAVE Plan Act, would enshrine the SAVE Plan so that it could not be peeled back by upcoming administrationsshould it pass. The written statement said the act is cosponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). BILLIONS OF DEBT RELIEF APPROVED FOR 78,000 BORROWERS Approximately $5.8 billion in student loan debt has been forgiven for 78,000 borrowers in the United States, many of whom work in public service careers, according to a recent announcement by the federal government, as reported by the Advance / SILive.com. If youre employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF program, which forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after youve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan, and while working full-time for an eligible employer. In New York state, that includes 67,100 borrowers with processed PSLF discharges. Total relief nationwide with PSLF is currently at $62.5 billion for 871,000 borrowers since October 2021. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. On Monday, April 8, New York will be in the path of a solar eclipse the likes of which we havent seen in a century, and city residents looking skyward will be able to view a very rare treat. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The path of totality stretches from Texas to Maine in the United States, where people will see a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely covers the sun. Outside the path of totality, people across the contiguous United States will have a chance to see a partial solar eclipse, when the moon covers part of the sun. The path of totality will cross over several cities in New York state encompassing the western and northern parts from 3:15 to 3:30 p.m. New York City residents wont see a full eclipse. In the five boroughs, we can expect to see about 90% of the sun blocked. When that happens, the sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk, according to NASA. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the suns corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun. HOW DOES WEATHER AFFECT ECLIPSE? What you can see during a total solar eclipse depends largely on the weather. If its going to rain or be cloudy, youre not going to see it, said Harold Kozak, a NASA solar system ambassador and a retired astronomy professor at Wagner College who has lectured around the world on astronomy. The one thing we cant control is the weather. The eerie daytime darkness associated with eclipses is still noticeable with cloud cover, NASA stated on its website, so all wont be lost on a cloudy day. Weather reports so far predict good weather on April 8, although that is always subject to change. If we have a bright, sunny day, the sky will darken dramatically, as if it were dawn or dusk, according to Kozak. Itll look like were heading into sunset, but only for about 15 minutes,' he said. If you go out a little after 2 p.m., looking at the sun through the filter (of special glasses or a viewer), youll be able to see that as time goes on, closer to 3 p.m., you re going to see more and more of the surface of the sun blocked by the moon,' said Kozak, a Great Kills resident. When you get closer to 3:20, youll see most of it blocked. After that, as you get closer to 4 p.m., youll see more and more of the sun exposed. We wont see total darkness, he said. It will look like its getting darker and darker out,' Kozak said. Youll notice a difference between a sunny day at 3:15 in the day. In any weather, eclipse glasses are required for the entire duration of the eclipse when viewing from outside the path of totality, NASA astronomers warned. New York City falls into this category. Staten Island residents can get free eclipse viewing glasses from any New York Public Library branch. In addition, Gov. Kathy Hochul launched a statewide effort to protect New Yorkers through a distribution of limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses at 30 locations. The campaign will also remind stargazers to be wary of scams, fake merchandise and phony accommodation listings. You can view the full list of locations at www.iloveny.com. In New York City, glasses are available at the Moynihan Train Hall, at the MTA Long Island Rail Road Ticket Windows located at 421 Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. It will be operational daily, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. If you cant get free glasses, the following ISO-certified glasses are now available via Amazon: There are several distinct stages of a total solar eclipse that observers along the path of totality will see. In New York City, we have only the slightest chance of seeing these stages, Kozak said. Its a very small possibility,' he said. The more of the suns surface that is blocked, the better chance youre going to have of seeing any external features. Itll be hit or miss for us here. Despite New York Citys crowded streets and tall buildings, there are many ideal places for viewing the eclipse, especially on Staten Island. Below are the stages of the eclipse, which may be visible in New York City: PARTIAL ECLIPSE As the moon passes between the sun and Earth, it does not completely cover the sun at first. The sun will appear to have a crescent shape. For most locations, the partial eclipse phase will last between 70 and 80 minutes. It is very important to have glasses on during this phase. SHADOW BANDS Shadow bands are rapidly moving, long, dark bands separated by white spaces that will appear on the sides of buildings or the ground just before and after totality, according to NASA. Earths upper atmosphere contains turbulent cells of air that distort the sharp-edged light from the solar surface. This is exactly the way it causes stars to twinkle. BAILYS BEADS As the moon moves across the sun, several points of light shine around the moons edges. Known as Bailys Beads, these are light rays from the sun streaming through the valleys along the moons horizon. Bailys Beads are very short-lived, and are very difficult to notice. DIAMOND RING Bailys Beads will begin to disappear until eventually only a single bright spot will remain along the edge of the moons shadow. This bright spot resembles the diamond in a giant diamond ring. It is formed by the rest of the suns atmosphere. This occurs when totality is almost present. TOTALITY Once that diamond ring disappears and there is no longer any direct sunlight, totality has occurred. Here in NYC, well nearly see totality. The moment of totality is also called second contact. Totality may last only a minute or two in some locations. During totality, take a few seconds to observe the world around you. You may be able to see a 360-degree sunset, or you may see bright stars or planets in the darkened sky. The air temperature will drop and there may be an eerie silence all around you, according to NASA. NASA also stated it may be worthwhile to take a peek at the people around you -- many have a deep emotional response when the sun goes into totality. BRIGHTENING REAPPEARS As the moon continues to move across the face of the sun, you will begin to see brightening on the opposite side from where you saw the diamond ring at the beginning, according to NASA. This is the lower atmosphere of the sun beginning to peek out from behind the moon. This moment is called third contact. ONCE AGAIN With your eyes still protected, you may continue to watch the final stages of the eclipse as the end process is a mirror image of the beginning, according to NASA. You will again see the diamond ring, Bailys Beads, and shadow bands before the entire sun is visible once again. The moment that none of the sun is covered by the moons shadow any more is called fourth contact. At this time, the eclipse is completely over. Mining giant Rio Tinto will take control of the rehabilitation of the closed Ranger uranium mine in the Northern Territory, which has been beset by major delays and more than $1.7 billion in budget blowouts. Rio Tintos majority-owned Energy Resources of Australia (ERA), once a prominent producer of uranium oxide, ceased operations at Ranger near the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park in 2021, with an initial plan to complete the sites clean-up and rehabilitation by 2026 at an estimated cost of about $500 million. The Ranger uranium mine in Kakadu National Park. Credit: Glenn Campbell Following a series of cost blowouts, however, ERA warned investors in September that the cost was now on track to materially exceed $2.2 billion, and the targeted completion date would be delayed until after 2028. Rio Tinto, which owns 86.3 per cent of ERA, said on Wednesday it had reached an agreement with ERA to take over management of the program. The Swiss Attorney Generals Office ignored all the facts which did not correspond to its thesis, contrary to what the law requires and so our client therefore strongly contests the facts as they emerge from the indictment and he will defend his rights before the Federal Criminal Court. Saudi connections? Obaid founded oil exploration company Petrosaudi in 2005 with his acquaintance Prince Turki Bin Abdullah al Saud, determined to capitalise on the connections that royal name could enable. It began with a meeting on a yacht off the coast of Cannes in the summer of 2009. Credit: Reuters But even with that woven into the companys pitch, the ambitious 30-year-old still needed cash. He had secured a modest loan through Patrick Mahony, a former classmate from private school in Geneva, who would become Petrosaudis unofficial chief investment officer in 2009, according to the indictment. But he needed more, prosecutors say, and turned to Low. Communicating only through encrypted BlackBerry messages and private email accounts, the three men got to work on the company. But according to the indictment, their strategy had little to do with oil exploration. Prosecutors highlighted emails among the three men to drive home their argument that Petrosaudi didnt control the assets it purported to have, nor did it have the Saudi monarchs blessing. According to one sent in mid-September 2009 before an introductory call with a 1MDB executive, it was imperative to hint that PSI is indirectly owned by King Abdullah. Turki, the seventh son of the late King Abdullah, isnt accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Petrosaudi, and didnt exercise any operational role within the company, according to prosecutors. Turki was one of several princes detained in November 2017 by Saudi Arabias defacto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, and his current whereabouts are unclear. Turkmeni oil Following the Cannes meeting, Obaid proposed that 1MDB and Petrosaudi create a joint venture to exploit Petrosaudis stake in a Turkmeni oilfield. Obaid laid out in writing, according to prosecutors, that Petrosaudi would bring $US2 billion worth of its assets in the energy sector into the joint-venture company. There was one problem: Petrosaudi didnt own the oilfield or the rights to it, but was rather in stalled negotiations with a firm that had paid $US10 million to buy up the rights. But those paper rights were essentially worthless as the oilfield lay in waters whose ownership was disputed by Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Loading So Obaid turned to an oil consultant and old family friend to value the oilfield. Nine days later, he produced a report that put the fair net present value of the assets at between $US2.98 billion and $US4.06 billion. With that hefty valuation in writing and the Saudi royal familys backing established in the minds of 1MDB executives, the board of directors signed off on September 26, 2009, and two days later authorised the transfer of $US1 billion to bank accounts held by the new joint venture, 1MDB PetroSaudi. Three hundred million of that went to an account controlled by Obaid, according to prosecutors. The remaining $US700 million went to GoodStar, which was falsely presented as a unit of PetroSaudi but was in fact a Seychelles-based entity controlled by Low. On October 5, the businessman wired $US85 million of that to an account held in Obaids name. Obaid, in turn, wired $US33 million to Mahony on October 21. Our way The following year, prosecutors allege that the pair set about extracting additional money from 1MDB. Obaid had persuaded the fund to turn the joint venture into a loan facility and he drew down $US500 million, ostensibly to invest in French oil company GDF Suez. Newly flush, the pair appeared keen to distribute the funds quickly, emails show. Right now we are in a good situation because we have this money in a clean and proper legal way so there is nothing anybody can do to us, Mahony wrote to Obaid in September 2010. The next day, he transferred $US300 million into Obaids personal account and the remaining $US200 million to Petrosaudi accounts he controlled, according to prosecutors. Then in 2011, Obaid drew down again, this time for $US330 million, prosecutors allege. To pressure the Malaysians to accept, he reminded them of how King Abdullah helped evacuate Malaysian Muslims during the Arab Spring protests, and how he had increased the quota of Malaysian Muslims able to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Between 2009 and the end of 2011, prosecutors say that the men took a total of $US1.83 billion from 1MDB, with Obaid personally pocketing $US580 million, and Mahony, $US37 million. Huge sums of money were stolen from Malaysias sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. Credit: AP Bangkok prison Obaid and Mahonys 2023 indictment was based in part on the testimony of Xavier Justo, the third employee at Petrosaudi. After just a year at the company, Justo left and was arrested in Thailand in June 2015. Convicted of attempted blackmail in what he says was a conspiracy to silence him, the Swiss national spent nearly 18 months in prison before his countrys government intervened to help get him released. Documents Justo shared with The Sarawak Report, a blog focused on corruption in Malaysia, led to the first expose of the Petrosaudi pair in 2015. He published a book last year, co-written with his wife, chronicling his experience with the two men. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission flagged its own arrest warrants for Obaid and Mahony to Interpol in early 2020. Its unclear if they were ever detained and Swiss prosecutors declined to say whether they ordered their arrest. Years on, Justo says he hopes that the Swiss justice system will now do the right thing. This is the perfect opportunity for Switzerland to show the world that it is serious about fighting financial crime and that it is prepared to punish those who perpetrate it, he said. Bloomberg Credit: Beth is the level-headed, practical one in a family of bohemians and creatives, though she has a soft spot for her grandma Elise. When Beth buys a lottery ticket to prove she can be spontaneous, she wins a tidy sum, and decides to use it to treat Elise to her hearts desire. She wasnt expecting to unleash a globetrotting queer romance. Elises first love, Gerry, was a woman, the relationship undone by the homophobia of the day, and Elise wants to go to her. Cue a trip to London, where Beth finds her own whirlwind romance amid her grandmas quest to rekindle an old flame. Rhianna Kings Birds of a Feather is an offbeat romcom that repays persistence. The narrative is notably slow off the mark for genre fiction, but the characters grow on you, and King delivers some sweet and funny moments in this romantic intergenerational adventure. NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK Why We Die Venki Ramakrishnan, Hodder Press, $34.99 Credit: Deaths at the bottom of everything, says a character in The Third Man. Leave death to the professionals. Nobel Prize-winning scientist Venki Ramakrishnan isnt an undertaker, but he is certainly a professional and his observations of ageing and death are highly informed. Animals may fear danger and mourn their dead, but only humans, he says, are aware of the inevitability of it. He traces this back through the centuries and the emergence of different plans from pyramids to the immortal soul to beat death. But he also delves into the nitty-gritty of just what happens when a body dies, why some age more slowly than others, and the ethics of employing science to create a kind of immortality (if youve got the money), among many other things. Oh, and he says some good things about red wine. Accessible, and strangely entertaining. Just Friends Gyan Yankovich, Ultimo Press, $34.99 Credit: In the grand literary scheme of things, love rules. Gyan Yankovich, Lifestyle editor of this masthead, maintains in her extended meditation on friendship that the volume of love and romance tales means that the vocabulary we need to define the varying shades of friendship is limited. And yet friendships can be more important and long-lasting. In one of her case studies, two friends buck the trend and celebrate their friendship by throwing a friend marriage. Woven into the anecdotal observations, are historical ones, such as the way industrialisation occasioned the triumph of love and the rise of the nuclear family at the expense of deep friendships that had quite possibly been more important than pre-industrial marriages - which were often pragmatic and economic. So, you might have friends, but are they just friends? George Orwells Elephant & Other Essays Subhash Jaireth, Gazebo Books, $29.99 Credit: They promise to kill the germs on our hands and in our homes, but researchers have found that almost one in three antibacterial products sold in Australian supermarkets and chemists contain ingredients linked to drug-resistant infections. Monash University researchers have for the first time investigated hundreds of common products and discovered that additives responsible for antimicrobial resistance or superbugs are widely used. Dr Francesca Short has been researching how the products sold in our supermarkets and pharmacies are fuelling antimicrobial resistance. Credit: Wayne Taylor They show up in hand sanitiser, eye drops, throat lozenges, mouthwash, soaps, handwash, disinfectants, toilet cleaners, wet wipes and laundry sanitiser. Now the researchers are calling for the pharmaceutical watchdog, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), to start regulating antibacterial products for their potential to create superbugs. The company behind the massive Bulimba Barracks redevelopment has submitted detailed plans for public space spanning more than 500 metres along the Brisbane riverfront. In documents filed with Brisbane City Council, the Shayher Group has proposed a network of walkways and cycleways, a shipyard-themed playground, covered picnic areas, a viewing deck, and grass fields for the site. The Shayher Group has submitted plans for a riverside park as part of its Bulimba Barracks redevelopment in Brisbane. An existing boat ramp would be retained council plans to refurbish the adjacent Apollo Road ferry terminal and established trees made into a feature, including a Tree of Knowledge by the water. The proposed park would feature lighting intended to resemble hanging candles. While the public art has yet to be specified, the developers plan a Candle Maker Square, with covered open-air seating, to acknowledge the former candle factory in the area. The Shayher Group purchased the site from the Department of Defence for $63 million, and has an approved masterplan for more than 800 homes some in buildings of up to five storeys in a mixed-use development. It is opposite Northshore Hamilton, and the future athletes village for the 2032 Games, and would continue the urban renewal that has transformed former industrial areas along that stretch of the river. However, some, including the Greens, have raised concern over the scale of the development, and the need for extensive fill to mitigate the risk of flooding. The Shayher Group has been contacted for comment. 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 He is the 28-year-old former federal Liberal staffer who alleges his reputation was torn to shreds when Brittany Higgins publicly accused a then-unnamed former colleague of raping her in Parliament House in 2019. Bruce Lehrmann was catapulted into the public consciousness from the comfortable obscurity of his former roles in government and at British American Tobacco when he was named in August 2021 as the man accused of raping Higgins, a claim he has consistently denied. Bruce Lehrmann outside the Federal Court in Sydney in December last year. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone He has not been employed since June 2021 but has said he is studying law. Here is a guide to the criminal trial and hydra-headed lawsuits that have transpired since then. What was Lehrmann accused of? On February 15, 2021, Higgins appeared in twin interviews on News Corps online news site, news.com.au, and on Network Tens flagship current affairs program, The Project, to allege she had been raped by a former colleague in Parliament House in March 2019. Advertisement Brittany Higgins outside the Federal Court in November last year. Credit: Kate Geraghty She said her assailant was a colleague and they were both working as advisers at the time to the then Liberal defence industry minister Linda Reynolds. Lehrmann was not named in either interview. What was the outcome of Lehrmanns criminal trial involving Higgins? Six months later, on August 7, 2021, Lehrmann was publicly identified as the man accused of raping Higgins when he was charged with one count of sexual assault. His ACT Supreme Court criminal trial for Higgins sexual assault started on October 4, 2022. Lehrmann maintains his innocence and exercised his right to silence at the trial. As is common in sexual assault trials, Higgins was the key prosecution witness. Bruce Lehrmann (second left) departs the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra on October 25, 2022. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The trial ran for 12 days and the jury deliberated for five days. But on October 27 the trial was aborted after it emerged a juror had brought a research paper into the jury room. Advertisement The subject matter of the paper is sexual assault, Chief Justice Lucy McCallum said in a judgment at the time. Loading Specifically, it is a discussion of the unhelpfulness of attempting to quantify the prevalence of false complaints of sexual assault and a deeper, research-based analysis of the reasons for both false complaints and scepticism in the face of true complaints. McCallum said the unfairness to both parties is manifest. During the course of the trial, on my calculation, the jury must have been given at least 17, and possibly more, warnings or directions as to the prohibition on undertaking any research or inquiries of their own, she said. The trial was aborted owing to juror misconduct. Why is Lehrmann suing Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson? Advertisement The ACT Director of Public Prosecutions announced in December 2022 that Lehrmann would not stand trial for a second time owing to concerns about Higgins mental health. Two months later, on February 7, 2023, Lehrmann launched Federal Court defamation proceedings against Ten and Lisa Wilkinson, a former co-host of The Project who helmed the networks interview with Higgins. He accused the network and its former star presenter of defaming him by alleging he was guilty of sexually assaulting Higgins. Lisa Wilkinson arriving at the Federal Court in December last year with her barrister, Sue Chrysanthou, SC. Credit: Steven Siewert The Federal Court trial spanned a month and had concluded in December last year, before Ten was allowed to reopen its case on Tuesday to call fresh evidence from a former Seven producer about that networks alleged dealings with Lehrmann before he inked an exclusive interview deal with its Spotlight program last year. Justice Michael Lee will hear that evidence on Thursday. He has delayed the delivery of his judgment to consider this evidence and has yet to set a new date to hand down his decision. A threshold issue in the case is whether The Project identified Lehrmann even though he wasnt named. If the court finds he was identified, it will consider the media parties defences of truth and qualified privilege. Why did Lehrmann sue News Corp and the ABC? Advertisement The lawsuit against Ten and Wilkinson is not the only legal action brought by Lehrmann. In 2023, he also launched, and settled, Federal Court defamation cases against News Corp and the ABC. He accused News Corps news.com.au and its political editor Samantha Maiden of defaming him by running an interview with Higgins on February 15, 2021, the same day as The Project interview. He was not named in that interview. He settled those proceedings in May. The story remains online with the addition of an editors note stating that News.com.au notes that a criminal charge of sexual assault was brought against Mr Lehrmann and later dropped. News.com.au does not suggest that he was guilty of that charge. No damages were paid, but News Corp said it made a contribution to his legal costs. The figure was later revealed to be $295,000. His case against the ABC related to its broadcast of a National Press Club address in 2022 by Grace Tame and Higgins. That case was also settled on the eve of what would have been a joint trial with the Ten parties starting in November last year. The broadcaster paid $150,000 under a deed of settlement, which included $143,000 as a contribution to Lehrmanns legal costs. Lehrmann alleged in all three lawsuits that the media outlets defamed him by suggesting he was guilty of rape. Advertisement In train driver John Kennedys final moments, as his passenger locomotive careered through a turnout at speed, he rushed to apply the emergency brakes. This, magistrate Brett Sonnet said, prevented an even greater tragedy than the one that unfolded when the train was ultimately derailed at Wallan, 45 kilometres north of Melbourne, in February 2020. The scene of the crash at Wallan. Credit: Paul Jeffers For that lifesaving action, Sonnet said, Kennedy should be forever remembered. There is no doubt Johns actions diverted an even greater tragedy that day, Sonnet said. One-third of secondary school students do not read at all during their free time, while 13 per cent of students in year 4 never or almost never borrow books from a library. As Australias childhood literacy rates continue to decline, two studies show reading could be falling out of favour as a childhood leisure pursuit. Librarian Tim Cuthell with readers Evie, 5, and Sylvie, 3. Credit: Wayne Taylor A study of more than 13,000 11 to 18-year-olds led by Deakin University shows 29 per cent dont read at all outside school work, 17 per cent read less than once a week and only 15 per cent read daily. And its not just books. In a video statement, Netanyahu said: Unfortunately in the past day there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip. This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence. Israeli newspaper Haaretz quoted army sources as saying the attack stemmed from poor discipline among field commanders, not a lack of co-ordination between the army and aid organisations. A source in the intelligence branch of the IDF told the newspaper the command knows exactly what the cause of the attack was in Gaza, everyone does as he pleases. Speaking on Wednesday morning, Albanese said Netanyahu had accepted responsibility on behalf of the IDF for the tragedy. There was no equivocation there, Albanese said. But I think that Australians will look at this and be deeply, deeply concerned. That someone going about their work, providing aid in an exercise of humanity, could lose their life in this way is completely unacceptable. Albanese added: I conveyed to Prime Minister Netanyahu in very clear terms that Australians were outraged by the death of this fine Australian. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Israel could not simply dismiss the attack as an accident that happens in war. The death of any aid worker is outrageous and unacceptable, she told Sky News. I dont want Israel to be under any illusions about how outraged we are at the death of an Australian citizen in these circumstances. While saying that Australia could not force Israel to change the way it is conducting the war in Gaza, Wong said Israels international reputation was paying a heavy price as a result of the conflict. I believe Israel is losing support as a consequence of the actions, of the course, it is taking, she said. And I think Australians see that. Don Rothwell, professor of international law at the Australian National University, said the fact the aid workers were killed in a direct, targeted missile strike raised the possibility the attack was a war crime. Everything is pointing to this being a breach of international humanitarian law, Rothwell said. He said war crimes charges against the soldiers involved in the attack or their commanders could potentially be brought in the Israeli military justice system, the Australian criminal system or the International Criminal Court (ICC). But he said the ICC was likely to believe the attack, while grave, was not of sufficient scale to warrant a prosecution. It would be a dramatic move for Australia to charge Israeli troops in the Australian legal system under the principle of universal jurisdiction and the government would want to see the result of the full Israeli investigation, he said. As for the prospect of a trial under Israeli law, he said: Israel has a chequered history of prosecuting members of the IDF for war crimes. Rothwell added that there had to be a very live prospect of Australia imposing autonomous sanctions on Israel in response to the attack. Wong said on Wednesday that she did not comment on possible sanctions before they are announced. Australia Palestine Advocacy Network President Nasser Mashni said: This is not a tragedy, this is a crime, and governments like ours are continuing to offer Israel the impunity to commit these crimes every time they respond using weak language ... Israel is a rogue state and must be treated as such it is clear that it will continue to perpetrate these crimes as long as it knows that there are no consequences for these murders and mass killings. Alex Ryvchin, co-chair of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, welcomed the Israeli governments apology for the deaths, labelling Frankcom and her colleagues heroes for volunteering in a war zone. We support the governments call for a thorough and transparent investigation to determine how this happened and ensure it doesnt happen again, he said. Casualties caused by accidental fire are a grim reality of war especially one involving a ruthless terrorist force that uses unlawful and sinister tactics intended to ensnare the civilian population in the fighting and inflict maximum suffering on non-combatants. As several aid organisations suspended operations in Gaza, the family added: Zomi would be heartbroken if this incident, as tragic as it is, prevented aid from being given to those in need by organisations such as WCK [World Central Kitchen]. Loading They all need to be protected and championed. Aid organisations including Caritas Australia, Oxfam Australia, Save the Children and Plan International Australia united to condemn the rising death toll of aid workers in Gaza and called for the Albanese government to use all diplomatic levers to ensure Israel is complying with international law. At its most basic level, international humanitarian law demands rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, freedom of movement for humanitarian workers, and the protection of civilians including medical and aid workers, the coalition of aid groups said in a statement. In his first public comments since Frankcoms death, Israels top representative in Australia said the Israeli military does and will continue to do everything in its power to prevent harm to civilians. Israel will thoroughly investigate this tragedy to guarantee the safety and security of aid workers in Gaza, Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon said in a tweet posted on X. As of Wednesday afternoon, Maimon had not taken up the governments request for him to meet with Department of Foreign Affairs officials in Canberra, citing poor health. Israels deputy ambassador instead met DFAT officials to discuss the fatal strike. Describing Frankcoms death as a tragic circumstance, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton put the onus on militant group Hamas to release hostages taken captive on October 7 to allow for a ceasefire to take place in Gaza. Herzi Halevi, the chief-of-staff of the Israel Defence Forces, said: It was a mistake that followed a misidentification, at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened. Netanyahu said in a video statement: Unfortunately in the past day, there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip. Zomi Frankcom at a World Central Kitchen site in Gaza at the end of March. This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence. Israeli newspaper Haaretz, quoting army sources, said the World Central Kitchen convoy had been targeted because of a suspicion that an armed terrorist was travelling with the group. Photos of the cars show the roofs and sides clearly marked with the World Central Kitchen logo, and they were travelling along a route approved by and co-ordinated with the Israel Defence Forces. Army sources told Haaretz the attack had stemmed from poor discipline among field commanders, not a lack of co-ordination between the army and aid organisations. Albanese said that Netanyahu had accepted responsibility on behalf of the army for the tragedy. There was no equivocation there, Albanese told reporters. But I think that Australians will look at this and be deeply, deeply concerned that someone going about their work, providing aid in an exercise of humanity, could lose their life in this way [that] is completely unacceptable. Albanese added: I conveyed to Prime Minister Netanyahu in very clear terms that Australians were outraged by the death of this fine Australian. Loading Declaring that Israels international reputation was suffering, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: I dont want Israel to be under any illusions about how outraged we are at the death of an Australian citizen in these circumstances. Don Rothwell, professor of international law at the Australian National University, said the fact the aid workers were killed in a direct, targeted strike raised the possibility the attack was a war crime. Everything is pointing to this being a breach of international humanitarian law, he said. Rothwell added there had to be a very live prospect of Australia imposing autonomous sanctions on Israel in response to the attack. University of Sydney international law professor Ben Saul, who was last year appointed the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, said there were several ways in which the attack could be considered a war crime under international law. Loading These include whether the Israel Defence Forces had behaved recklessly by failing to take enough care to distinguish between civilian and military targets, or if soldiers had deliberately targeted aid workers. Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court could potentially use the strike on World Central Kitchen workers as an emblematic example of a pattern in which Israel had failed to take enough care in its selection of military targets, he said. Zomi was born on December 4, 1980. Zomis mum, Rini, was from a small city in north-eastern India called Aizawl in Mizoram. Her dad, Paul, met her mum while he was travelling. Zomi grew up as a child in Narwee in Sydney, in the arms of a loving and joyful extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. As the oldest of the cousins, she was always a leader deriving much satisfaction from helping to organise plays and concerts for her beloved grandparents. She suffered a terrible loss when her mother died from breast cancer in 2001. She was always particularly close to her beloved brother Mal and her grandmother, Bippi. Rewind almost 30 years, and a politically naive NSW Labor leader wanted to ban teens from wearing their baseball caps backwards. Clearly, Bob Carr insisted from opposition, such a choice of headwear linked a youth to a criminal gang. At the time, youth crime often involving knife attacks in Sydneys outer suburbs was dominating talkback radio and tabloid media. And so was born a law-and-order auction that would define Carrs premiership and NSW politics for the next decade. At its election campaign launch in 1995, Labor promised to be tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime. And it was. Premier Chris Minns in Moree on Wednesday, when he went to the town to run a youth clinic with NRL chiefs and South Sydney Rabbitohs players Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Tyrone Munro, alongside NSW police Credit: NRL imagery Now, three decades on, NSW Labor under the leadership of Chris Minns is adopting a similar tough-on-crime approach. There is a real sense of back to the future. Youth crime is again a problem. In the 1990s, it was Middle Eastern gangs in south-western Sydney. Now crimes are being committed by desperately disadvantaged Indigenous teens in the bush. Prep students should not be slapped with suspensions for misbehaving in schools, Queenslands Human Rights Commissioner has argued. Education Minister Di Farmer has introduced a bill that would create new appeal rights for a student given a short suspension, with the proposal being reviewed by a parliamentary committee. More than 600 Prep students were suspended in 2022 in Queensland. Credit: Shutterstock But the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC), led by Commissioner Scott McDougall, has argued that given the significant detrimental impacts suspension and expulsion from school can have on long-term life outcomes, prep students should not be included in the school disciplinary absences (SDA) regime. In 2022, 684 short suspensions were handed out to prep students in Queensland, compared with more than 72,000 short suspensions for all year levels. Theres an island in Europe that changes nationality every six months. Pheasant Island in the Bidossoa River, which for much of its length forms the border between France and Spain. In 1659, the Franco-Spanish War ended here, with the Treaty of the Pyrenees kicking off the agreement that the two countries share the island. Formal control switches hands in February and August each year. Easter Islands longitude Easter Island, all on its lonesome in the South Pacific, is considerably further east than Las Vegas. Credit: Google Maps In many peoples mental maps, North and South America line up in a roughly straight line. But South America is much further east than most of us imagine, and North America much further west. So much so that Easter Island, all on its lonesome in the South Pacific, is considerably further east than Las Vegas. The respective longitudes are 109.35 W and 115.14 W, if you must know. Loading Similarly, Santiago in Chile is east of Boston, and the Galapagos Islands are east of Houston. Soul Buoy Africa is the only continent that is in the northern, southern, western and eastern hemispheres. But there is no piece of land in all four hemispheres. Unless, of course, you count Null Island in the Gulf of Guinea. This island doesnt actually exist, but is used in computing and mapping databases as the point where the Equator and Greenwich Meridian cross. There is, however, a weather buoy at the exact point, called Soul Buoy. The French border Brazil has the longest land border with France, thanks to French Guiana. Credit: iStock One question guaranteed to start fights at a pub quiz is: Which country has the longest land border with France? Most people will start guesstimating the length of the French border with Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain. But the correct answer, with a 730km-long border is Brazil. Thats because French Guiana in South America is regarded as an integral part of France, in the same way that Corsica, Normandy and Paris are. The Pacific antipodes An antipode is the opposite point on the Earths surface, if you drew an imaginary straight line through the Earth. The antipode of Sydney, for example, is in Portugals Azores Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean is so massive, however, that it is opposite itself. Some parts of the Pacific off South America have antipodes in the Pacific off South East Asia. Canada v California Canadas southernmost point, Middle Island in Lake Erie, is further south than the northernmost point of California. Credit: Google Maps That you can drive south from the US (Detroit) into Canada (Windsor, Ontario) is a fairly well-known piece of trivia. Whats perhaps more astonishing is just how far south Canada goes. Its southernmost point is on Middle Island in Lake Erie, at 41.40 N. Thats further south than the northernmost point of California, which is at 42.00 N. Middle Island is also on almost exactly the same latitude as Madrid in Spain. Crossing the Amazon The 6400km Amazon River is too jungly to have a single bridge across it. Credit: iStock The Amazon River is 6400km long, and theres not a single bridge across it. This is because the areas where a bridge could feasibly be built are so remote and jungly that theres no point. Itd also get flooded out in the wet season. The parts of the Amazon River where you might want a bridge, meanwhile, are too wide. The width of the Amazon estuary clocks in at around 380 kilometres. The Port of Duluth-Superior The Minnesota port is on the coast of Lake Superior, and is surprisingly far inland. Credit: iStock Washington: The White House directed NASA to establish a unified standard of time for the moon and other celestial bodies, as the United States aims to set international norms in space amid a growing lunar race among nations and private companies. The head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, according to a memo seen by Reuters, instructed the space agency to work with other parts of the US government to devise a plan by the end of 2026 for setting what it called a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). NASA wants to come up with an out-of-this-world way to keep track of time, putting the moon on its own souped-up clock. Credit: AP The differing gravitational force, and potentially other factors, on the moon and on other celestial bodies change how time unfolds relative to how it is perceived on Earth. Among other things, the LTC would provide a time-keeping benchmark for lunar spacecraft and satellites that require extreme precision for their missions. The same clock that we have on Earth would move at a different rate on the moon, Kevin Coggins, NASAs space communications and navigation chief, said in an interview. PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication of St. Maarten (TEATT) hereby invites interested parties to submit proposals for the provision of legislative services related to improving the entrepreneurial climate in Sint Maarten. The aforementioned concerns the agreements made between Sint Maarten and the Netherlands in the form of the country packages (measure E6) and the associated implementation plans. To implement the reform measure, a report on the current situation was made to (re)assess the problems, solutions, coherence, and desired approach. This report titled Spurring Entrepreneurship in Sint Maarten, State of Play, Policy Options and Implementation Plans was authored by SEO Amsterdam Economics in 2022 and forms part of the Request for Proposals (RFP). A copy of the RFP can be obtained via the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . All bids should be submitted digitally as a single PDF file to the aforementioned email address and should be addressed to: The Minister of TEATT, A. Lambriex, c/o Ms. Valya Pantophlet, Department Head, Department of ETT, Ministry of TEATT The tender period ends on April 20, 2024, at 17.00 hours, ECT. Bids received after this deadline will be deemed inadmissible. PHILIPSBURG:--- Victim Support Services (VSS) in Sint Maarten is eager to announce its official opening and new logo unveiling on April 2, 2024. The VSS is on its journey to support victims of crime and trauma in the community of St. Maarten. Led by Director Cassandra Richardson and Board President Edna Evans, the VSS has secured its first official office on A TH. Illidge Road. The opening event, which strategically coincided with the global recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Day, symbolizes the commitment of VSS to provide support to victims experiencing trauma due to crimes or severe traffic accidents. VSS extends its services not only to victims but also to indirect victims, including family members and those affected by abuse, altercations, or robbery. The VSS Board, consisting of three (3) appointed members, is supported by various judicial institutions, including The Police Force of Sint Maarten, The Public Prosecutor's office, SJIB, and the Ministry of Justice. Victims Support Services featured a lineup of speakers during the opening program, including the President of the Victims Support Services board, Edna Evans, and the Director, Cassandra Richardson. The event began with an introduction by the Head of the Womens Desk, Chantale George-Groeneveldt, whose commitment to empowering survivors has also been instrumental in and aligns with the VSS mission. During her heartwarming speech, the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna E. Richardson, reaffirmed her commitment to VSS's success, acknowledging her team's dedication and perseverance in realizing this goal. When I came into office in 2020, the Prosecution Services took the time to explain the void of not having VSS in place. They shared how strenuous it was having to focus on prosecuting on one end while also providing support and guidance to victims and their families on the other end. On that day, I made a commitment to have VSS established and in-service, further strengthening the Justice chain and supporting the community of St. Maarten, and thats where our mission began, concluded Minister Anna E. Richardson. Victim Support Services is already actively working with clients and engaging with the community to provide much-needed assistance and support. NASA's Artemis program is an effort to place astronauts on the lunar surface and develop an ongoing presence there. NASA successfully launched Artemis 1 at 01:47 a.m. EST (0647 GMT) on November 16, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It concluded a 25.5-day lunar mission with a successful splashdown off the coast of Mexico's Baja Peninsula at 12:40 p.m. EST on Dec. 11, 2022. The program's name is derived from Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon and twin sister to Apollo, whose namesake program first brought astronauts to our natural satellite on July 20, 1969. Related: NASA's Artemis 1 moon mission explained in photos The Artemis program is a renaming of several earlier activities NASA was already undertaking to return humans to the moon . These were mandated by President Trump's Space Policy Directive 1, which tasked the agency with focusing on missions to the moon. In 2019, vice president Mike Pence set an ambitious deadline to land humans at the lunar south pole by 2024. Perhaps the most ambitious of the Artemis mission's objectives involves using the moon as a stepping stone for a mission to Mars . Robots have done all the detective work on Mars so far, but NASA now aims to send astronauts there by the 2030s. With a future target set on the Red Planet, the return to the moon will be used to provide us with the knowledge and tools to better navigate our solar system . But how can the moon help prepare us for a mission to Mars, an entirely different and more unpredictable mission? Three-time NASA astronaut Steven Swanson who has logged over 195 days in space during three missions to the International Space Station (aboard Space Shuttle flights STS-117 and STS-119 and Soyuz flight TMA-12M) spoke about the significance of Artemis with Space.com's sister publication How It Works magazine. "The real goal is Mars. And we will use the moon as a testbed because Mars is a very difficult mission," Swanson said in the November 2020 issue. "It's going to take almost three years, and you can't come home early on a Mars mission. It's a seven or eight-month journey to get there and you have to wait 15 months there for the planets to align correctly again before you return." "As well as Mars, we can also use the moon as a testbed for other things to see how we can actually gather materials from the moon itself and maybe use that to make our fuel." On May 14, 2019, the mission's goals were given the new moniker Artemis. Jim Bridenstine, the space agency's administrator, told reporters on the day of the announcement that the name represents the program's goal of inclusion, referencing the fact that NASA intends to land the first woman on the moon under its current plans. "I have a daughter who is 11 years old, and I want her to be able to see herself in the same role as the next women [who] go to the moon see themselves in today," Bridenstine said. First woman on the moon NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch on the International Space Station. (Image credit: NASA) Between 1969 and 1972, six missions took place in which 12 people walked on the surface of the moon all of them men. For such a high-risk mission, the most experienced astronauts were required, and at the time there were no women at NASA who had suitable test flight experience. For a long time, space was viewed as an industry primarily for men, and it wasn't until 1978 that NASA selected its first female astronauts. As of March 2022, 75 women have been to space, and the Artemis moon landing will serve as a reminder of changing times. While it's currently undecided who will be chosen, it will likely be one of NASA's astronauts who has already worked aboard the ISS. In December 2020, NASA announced the Artemis team of astronauts , which included nine women (Kayla Barron, Christina H. Koch, Nicole A. Mann, Anne McClain, Jessica Meir, Jasmin Moghbeli, Kate Rubins, Jessica Watkins and Stephanie Wilson) and nine men (Joseph Acaba, Raja Chari, Matthew Dominick, Victor Glover, Warren Hoburg, Jonny Kim, Kjell Lindgren, Frank Rubio and Scott Tingle). In August 2022, chief astronaut Reid Wiseman announced that all active NASA astronauts are eligible for Artemis missions, with crew selections to be determined at a later date. Artemis' three-part plan At the center of the Artemis program are NASA's new megarocket, the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft. The SLS is a 322-foot-tall (98 meters) rocket consisting of a core stage, upper stage and twin five-segment solid rocket boosters to launch a payload into space. For crewed Artemis missions, the rocket will launch the Orion spacecraft to the moon. Orion is a space capsule larger than the Apollo command modules that are designed to carry four astronauts on missions to the moon. 2022: Artemis 1 NASA successfully launched Artemis 1 at 01:47 a.m. EST (0647 GMT) on November 16, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The first mission was uncrewed to test the safety of the SLS rocket, and the Orion capsule's ability to reach the moon, perform in lunar orbit and return to Earth for an ocean splashdown. The SLS rocket carried 10 cubesats into space to perform experiments and technology demonstrations. The Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California on Dec. 11, bringing a successful end to NASA's historic Artemis 1 moon mission after a 1.4 million-mile (2.3 million kilometers) flight. 2024: Artemis 2 Carrying the first four Artemis astronauts, the Orion capsule will take the crew farther from Earth than humans have ever traveled before. Over the approximately 10-day mission, the crew will complete a lunar flyby and return to Earth, evaluating the spacecraft's systems while carrying humans. 2025: Artemis 3 This will see the next man and first woman step onto the lunar surface. Providing previous missions have been successful, the astronauts will shoot towards the moon, using the lunar lander to lower two people to the moon's south polar region. They will remain on the moon for around a week. Earth to moon What the Artemis project includes Under Artemis' umbrella are several components. First is the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway , a station around the moon that would extend humanity's presence in space and provide a platform for scientific experiments and jaunts to the lunar surface. The Gateway would be carried into lunar orbit by the agency's SLS rocket ) , a gigantic new rocket NASA is developing. Four-person crews would access the station using the Orion deep-space capsule and remain for 30 to 90 day stints. Part of the Trump administration's push towards the moon includes an enlarged role for private aerospace firms, which are intended to develop hardware and potentially kick-start a lunar economy. NASA has awarded $45.5 million to 11 U.S. companies, including Elon Musk 's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin , to develop landers that can take astronauts to the moon's surface. SpaceX was selected to provide the Artemis 3 crew lander based on that company's huge Starship vehicle. Nine smaller businesses have also been contracted to deliver robotic spacecraft to our natural satellite in order to collect data and conduct research there. Some have taken an interest in mining lunar resources such as water, which can be split into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen and converted into rocket fuel. While astronauts have undergone multiple spacewalks since the Apollo missions, these have not required them to walk on the surface of a celestial body. The next astronaut to walk on the moon will do so in a brand-new, updated spacesuit. NASA has unveiled Artemis generation spacesuits designed especially for the mission: one for the launch and landing, worn inside the spacecraft, and one to protect the bodies of those venturing outside the protection of the Orion capsule. The suits will be custom fit to their bodies, with the aim of improving upon the comfort and practicality of previous versions. Reflecting on the five spacewalks he undertook during his career, Swanson said, "the biggest difference (in the new suits) is in the shoulders. You get the ability to really reach around and have more movement, like you would without a suit on." "They also have better mobility on the legs. On the ISS, you didn't really use your legs much for anything, so it didn't matter how much mobility you had in your lower body. Now it's going to matter tremendously on the moon." Tech check The launch rocket is responsible for the all-important task of firing the capsule and crew into space. The Space Launch System is NASA's new rocket designed for human space travel beyond Earth orbit. Having to travel almost 1,000 times farther than those headed for the ISS, it's designed to reach speeds of 25,000 miles (40,000 kilometers) per hour. Approximately eight minutes after launch, the core stage falls away and the astronauts continue with their journey to the moon. Where is Artemis going? For the initial Artemis moon missions, the selected astronauts will likely fly to the moons south pole. This area has great potential as it is believed to be home to the highest abundance of water ice. If we can extract this water, it could be used to sustain human exploration farther into space, whether that's as a human hydration source, rocket fuel resource, or cooling system for equipment. Shackleton crater is a huge 12-mile (19-kilometer) depression in the moon's surface and a feature definitely worth visiting. With a permanent shadow cast in the dips of the crater, the low temperatures make it a promising location for ice to form. In fact, these permanently lightless areas maintain some of the coldest temperatures in the entire solar system. Although it's possible that water can be found even on the moon's lit surfaces, an area likely to have the highest abundance of water is the best spot to start looking for further natural resources. How much will Artemis cost? How many of these impressive plans will actually see fruition is difficult to tell at this point. Cost estimates are still being refined and the overall price tag of Artemis remains unknown. The Apollo program's budget ended up being a total of $23.6 billion in 1973 dollars, according to NASA, the equivalent of more than $136 billion today. That means each Apollo moon landing cost around $22.6 billion dollars. For Artemis, NASA's spending is projected to reach $93 billion by 2025 with each SLS/Orion launch costing $4.1 billion. Additional resources At their website, you can learn more about NASA's moon to Mars plan. Additionally, you can read about NASA's first moon missions under the Apollo program. Bibliography " The Artemis Team ". NASA (2022). " Around the Moon with NASAs First Launch of SLS with Orion ". NASA (2021). " NASAs First Flight With Crew Important Step on Long-term Return to the Moon, Missions to Mars ". NASA (2021). " NASA Human Exploration and Operations Overview ". NASA Advisory Council. " Space Launch System ". NASA (2022). " Inside NASA's Artemis mission ". Royal Museums Greenwich. " A Next Generation Spacesuit for the Artemis Generation of Astronauts ". NASA (2019). Israel army implicates Hezbollah in UN peacekeepers' wounding Jerusalem, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 Israel's military said Wednesday it had obtained information that indicated a Hezbollah explosive charge caused the blast that wounded UN peacekeepers in Lebanon last week. The UN peacekeeping force said three military observers and a translator were wounded in Saturday's blast in south Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah militants trade frequent cross-border fire. "According to information available to the (army), the explosion that occurred on March 30... occurred after a UNIFIL patrol passed over a charge that had been previously placed by Hezbollah in the area," army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X. After the blast, the army told AFP: "We did not strike in the area." The military observers, from Australia, Chile and Norway, and a Lebanese language assistant were on patrol near the so-called Blue Line -- the UN-demarcated border between Israel and Lebanon. 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. 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. NATO chief urges 'reliable' Ukraine support as 100-bn-euro fund floated Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that alliance members must guarantee long-term weapon deliveries for Ukraine, as ministers discussed a proposal for a 100-billion-euro, five-year fund. "Ukraine has urgent needs," Stoltenberg said as NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels. "Any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield as we speak. So we need to shift the dynamics of our support." "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul so that we rely less on the voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges." Diplomats and officials have said that Stoltenberg has proposed creating a 100-billion-euro ($108 billion) fund to help arm Ukraine in its fight with Russia. "Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out," Stoltenberg said, without giving details of his proposal. Foreign ministers were to hold preliminary talks on the five-year plan during a two-day meeting as NATO pushes to forge a package of support for Ukraine by a July summit in Washington. Diplomats caution that there are many questions on where financing would come from and that the proposal could change dramatically by the summit. The plan from Stoltenberg would also see NATO taking more control of coordinating arms supplies to Kyiv from a US-led grouping that currently helps oversee support. Officials say that could help insulate the flow of weaponry to Ukraine from a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House in November. The move would mark a major shift for the Western military alliance which has so far refused as an organisation to send weapons to Ukraine for fear it would drag NATO closer to a conflict with Russia. Latvian foreign minister Krisjanis Karins called the 100-billion-euro fund "a very good proposal". "This is the direction that we need to think of, how we can pool our common resources to be more effective in aiding Ukraine," he said. But Hungary -- one of the friendliest countries to Russia in NATO -- said it would not support any proposal that might "draw the alliance closer to war". Stoltenberg's proposal comes as Ukraine's outgunned forces are struggling to hold back Russia in the face of dwindling supplies from Kyiv's Western backers. A $60-billion US funding package is currently stalled in Congress but there are hopes lawmakers could move to pass it in the coming weeks. NATO urged to ensure Ukraine arms flow as 100-bn-euro fund floated Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 NATO foreign ministers on Wednesday debated the creation of a 100-billion-euro, five-year fund for Ukraine, as the alliance's chief urged them to guarantee long-term arms supplies for Kyiv's outgunned forces. "Ukraine has urgent needs," Jens Stoltenberg said as the ministers met in Brussels. "Any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield as we speak. So we need to shift the dynamics of our support." "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul so that we rely less on the voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges," he said. Officials said NATO's secretary general has proposed creating a 100-billion-euro ($108 billion) fund to help arm Ukraine in its fight with Russia over five years. That could help insulate the flow of weaponry to Ukraine following a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House after US elections in November. "Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out," Stoltenberg said, without giving details of his proposal. - Major shift - The plan has support from Ukraine's staunchest supporters such as Poland and the Baltic states. But others caution there are many questions on where financing would come from and the plan could change dramatically by the time NATO holds its next summit in Washington in July. Belgium's foreign minister, Hadja Lahbib, said the meeting would discuss the "feasibility" of the proposal that envisions NATO members contributing according to the size of their economy. "But it is dangerous to make promises that we cannot keep," she said. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock backed setting up "long-term structures" to support Ukraine, but warned against "juggling in the air" vague figures. The plan from Stoltenberg would also see a NATO mission take more control of coordinating arms supplies to Kyiv from a US-led grouping that currently helps oversee support. The move would mark a major shift for the Western military alliance, which has so far refused as an organisation to send weapons to Ukraine for fear it would drag NATO closer to a conflict with Russia. Hungary -- the friendliest country towards Russia in NATO -- said it would not support any proposal that might "draw the alliance closer to war". - 'Vital that Ukraine wins' - Stoltenberg's pitch comes as Ukraine's forces are struggling to hold back Russia in the face of dwindling supplies from Kyiv's Western backers. A $60-billion US funding package is currently stalled in Congress but there are hopes lawmakers could move to pass it in the coming weeks. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba arrived in Brussels more focused on the short-term need for air defence in the face of a surge in Russian missile bombardments. "Ukraine is currently the only country in the world that defends itself against ballistic missile attacks almost every day," he wrote on the X social media platform after meeting his Polish counterpart. "This means that all Patriot batteries available around the world that can be provided to Ukraine must be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible. There is no more important place for them." The meeting in Brussels comes as NATO readies to mark on Thursday its 75-year anniversary since it was founded in the wake of World War II to face off against the threat of the Soviet Union. "As we celebrate NATO's achievements, we do not rest upon them," Stoltenberg said. "Europe now faces war on a scale we thought was resigned to history." On the sidelines of the meeting, NATO foreign ministers were also expected to discuss the race to replace Stoltenberg, whose decade-long tenure ends in October. The frontrunner to succeed him is Dutch premier Mark Rutte, though Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has launched a surprise challenge against him. Diplomats said Rutte has the support of some 90 percent of NATO countries, but Hungary and Turkey remain holdouts blocking a swift nomination ahead of the summit. Toll rises to 16 in Israeli strike on Iran's Damascus consulate: monitor Beirut, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Wednesday that the death toll from an Israeli air strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus this week had risen to 16. The raid destroyed the consular annex of the embassy, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard saying two of its high-level commanders were among seven of its personnel killed. "The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Iranian embassy annex has risen to 16," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the British-based Observatory, which had previously given a toll of 14. He said the dead included eight Iranians, five Syrians and one member of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group -- all of them fighters. Two civilians, a woman and her son, were also killed, the Observatory added. The Observatory said one of the dead, named as Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, had served as leader of the Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force for Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. The Damascus strike was the fifth in a week to hit Syria, whose President Bashar al-Assad is supported by Iran, Israel's long-time arch-foe. Hezbollah fighters have long been deployed in Syria in support of Assad's forces in his country's civil war. The Damascus raid came after another Israeli raid last Friday killed 53 people in Syria, including 38 soldiers and seven Hezbollah members, according to the Observatory. It was the highest Syrian army toll in Israeli strikes since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began on October 7, according to the monitor. UK govt under pressure to suspend Israeli arms export licenses London, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 The UK government faced growing pressure Wednesday to suspend arms export licenses to Israel, after an Israeli strike killed three Britons and four others all working for a food charity in Gaza. Britain's strategic licensing criteria states that weapons should not be exported when there is a "clear risk" they could be used in international humanitarian law violations. London has approved over pound487 million ($614 million) of weapon sales to Israel since 2015 in so-called single issue licences, while companies export more under open licences, according to arms control groups. That includes contributing key equipment worth tens of millions of pounds for F-35 fighter jets made in the United States and sold to Israel, they say. On Wednesday, two days after the Israeli strike killed the seven staff of US-based food charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), two UK opposition parties and various individual lawmakers renewed demands the government suspend the exports. They included former UK national security adviser Peter Ricketts, who now sits in Britain's unelected upper chamber, the House of Lords. "I think the time has come to send that signal," he told BBC radio. Ricketts said there was "abundant evidence now that Israel hasn't been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians". The Scottish National Party, which has 43 MPs in the House of Commons, even urged parliament to be recalled from its Easter break to debate and vote on the issue. But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears unswayed by the demands, telling The Sun tabloid Wednesday that London has a "careful export licensing regime". "There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that we'll always follow," he said, without providing further detail about how it had been applied against Israel's recent conduct. Foreign Secretary David Cameron has faced repeated calls to publish internal legal advice from within his ministry about the arms exports. But the Foreign Office has so far declined to do so. If it decided there was now a clear risk the arms might be used by Israel in "a serious violation of international humanitarian law", Cameron would recommend the Department for Business and Trade suspend the licences. The main Labour opposition -- widely predicted to regain power for the first time since 2010 at an election expected later this year -- has urged the government to publish the internal legal advice. Netanyahu response to aid worker deaths 'insufficient': Spain PM Doha, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday the response of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to an air strike that killed seven aid workers was "insufficient" and "unacceptable". "We are waiting for a much more detailed clarification of what the causes have been, bearing in mind that the Israeli government knew about the actions and the itinerary of this NGO on the ground in Gaza," Sanchez told a Doha news conference at the end of a three-nation tour of the Middle East. "It seems to me absolutely unacceptable, insufficient," he added when asked about Netanyahu's statements about the tragedy. US-based World Central Kitchen -- founded by Spanish-American celebrity chef Jose Andres -- said a "targeted attack" by Israeli forces on Monday had killed the seven aid workers, a group that included Australian, British, Palestinian, Polish and US-Canadian employees. Netanyahu later admitted Israel's military had "unintentionally" killed them in an air strike. He said it was a "tragic case" that would be investigated "right to the end" but stopped short of apologising for the deaths. The Israeli army said Tuesday it would hold an investigation into the air strike and pledged to "share our findings transparently". French, Russian defence ministers hold telephone talks: Paris Paris, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 The defence ministers of France and Russia on Wednesday held rare phone talks, their first such contact since October 2022, discussing the attack in Moscow claimed by Islamic State and Russia's war against Ukraine, Paris said. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu told Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu that France had always been ready to face down "terrorism" and was prepared for "increased exchanges with the aim of fighting this threat as effectively as possible," a French defence ministry statement said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that "radical Islamists" conducted the bloody assault on the concert venue in Moscow that left at least 144 people dead, but suggested they were linked to Ukraine. Lecornu said that France had no information to establish a link to Ukraine, calling on Moscow "to stop all instrumentalisation" of the attack, the defence ministry said. "The minister also unreservedly condemned the war of aggression that Russia has launched in Ukraine," the statement said. "France will continue to support Ukraine as long and as intensely as necessary in its fight for freedom and sovereignty, in order to bring peace and security to the European continent," the statement added. French President Emmanuel Macron said in March Paris had offered Russian security services "increased cooperation" -- adding that there would be contact on a "technical and ministerial level" rather than direct talks with Putin. The French leader tried in a series of phone calls in 2022 to warn Putin against invading Ukraine and travelled to Moscow early that year. He kept up phone contact with Putin even after the invasion began but talks have now ceased, with the last phone call between the presidents dating back to September 2022. Macron has in the last months further toughened his line against Russia, refusing to rule out putting troops on the ground in Ukraine. Lecornu and Shoigu last held phone talks in October 2022. Netanyahu response to aid worker deaths 'insufficient': Spain PM Doha, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday the response of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to an air strike that killed seven aid workers was "insufficient" and "unacceptable". "We are waiting for a much more detailed clarification of what the causes have been, bearing in mind that the Israeli government knew about the actions and the itinerary of this NGO on the ground in Gaza," Sanchez told a Doha news conference at the end of a three-nation tour of the Middle East. "It seems to me absolutely unacceptable, insufficient," he added when asked about Netanyahu's statements about the tragedy. US-based food aid organisation World Central Kitchen -- founded by Spanish-American celebrity chef Jose Andres -- said it was pausing its operations in Gaza after the "targeted Israeli strike" on Monday killed Australian, British, Palestinian, Polish and US-Canadian staff. Netanyahu later admitted Israel's military had "unintentionally" killed them in an air strike. He said it was a "tragic case" that would be investigated "right to the end" but stopped short of apologising for the deaths. The Israeli army said Tuesday it would hold an investigation into the air strike and pledged to "share our findings transparently". Sanchez has been one of the most critical voices in Europe over the way Israel has conducted its military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's October 7 attacks. He has repeatedly said the only solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the recognition of two states, Israel and Palestine. Sanchez said Wednesday that Spain would recognise Palestinian statehood "as soon as possible, when the conditions are right and in such a way that this decision will have the most positive impact possible". While he did not give a timeline, Spanish media reported Tuesday that he told journalists accompanying him on his Middle East trip that he wants to take this step during the first half of this year. At the same time, Sanchez called for "the recognition of Israel by its Arab neighbours", saying "mutual recognition is the key to achieving a lasting solution to this conflict". Sanchez began his Middle East tour in Jordan on Monday, before travelling to Saudi Arabia then Qatar. Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar do not have official ties with Israel. Iran supreme leader says Israel will 'be slapped' for consulate strike Tehran, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that Israel would "be slapped" after an air strike on the Iranian consular annex in Damascus killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals. "The defeat of the Zionist regime in Gaza will continue and this regime will be close to decline and dissolution," Khamenei said in a speech to the country's officials in Tehran. "Desperate efforts like the one they committed in Syria will not save them from defeat. Of course, they will also be slapped for that action," he added. Iranian state media said 13 people were killed in the strike in which, according to Tehran's ambassador, Israeli F-35 jets fired six missiles that levelled the five-storey consular building adjacent to the embassy. Iran said the strike killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including two commanders of the Quds Force -- the Guards' foreign operations arm -- Brigadier Generals Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi. Zahedi, 63, had held a succession of commands in the force in a Guards career spanning more than four decades. Iran's official media said the funeral ceremony of the IRGC members would be held on Friday, coinciding with the annual Quds Day, which will see Iranian people march in support of Palestinians and against Israel. Iran's supreme leader, who has the final say in major state policies, urged people to take to the streets for this year's event. "If in previous years, Quds Day was celebrated only in Islamic countries, this year, most likely, Quds Day will also be celebrated in non-Islamic countries." He also said he hoped for a day that "the Muslim world can celebrate the destruction of Israel." Israel has long fought a shadow war of assassinations and sabotage against Iran and its armed allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah and other militant groups. Regional tensions have soared since the Gaza war erupted with Hamas's October 7 attack that resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. The Palestinian militant group is backed by Tehran, although Iran has denied any direct involvement in the attack. Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 32,975 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. * FIRST NAME * LAST NAME * EMAIL Your email address * PASSWORD Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Show * YEAR OF BIRTH You must be at least 18 years old to create an account 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 * Required fields I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice CREATE ACCOUNT I'LL TRY LATER Already have an account? SIGN IN By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. During the 2020 election, Trump seized on the allegations of Russian interference to argue with crazy logic that he was owed a third term because the Democrats had spied on his 2016 campaign. We are going to win four more years, he said at a rally in Wisconsin. And then after that, well go for another four years because they spied on my campaign. We should get a redo of four years. After his galling defeat by Biden, Trump went on to advance the novel theory that the stolen election also entitled him to two more presidential terms. Joking or not, he keeps returning to the subject like a dog to a bone. Is something up? Will we be stuck with Trump forever? Two downtown restaurant owners are collaborating on a new coffee and lunch spot at Fountain Plaza to open later this spring. Prova @ The Plaza will open in the former Flint Buffalo space at 40-50 Fountain Plaza, behind Rotary Rink. Marble + Rye owner Michael Dimmer and Fresh Catch Poke Co. owner Michael Tobin are teaming up to run the restaurant, which is currently undergoing renovations, according to building owner Ciminelli Real Estate. Prova @ The Plaza will have coffee, Butter Block pastries, breakfast and fresh lunch options, such as grain bowls, seafood and Sicilian pizza. It will also offer grab-and-go foods and self-checkout. The new restaurant will include "familiar faces" from Flint, according to Ciminelli. Marble + Rye (112 Genesee St.) is known for its Detroit-style pizza, craft cocktails and happy hour specials. Fresh Catch Poke Co. has two locations in downtown Buffalo and Williamsville and is popular for its nutrient-dense poke bowls. Flint Buffalo closed alongside its sibling coffee shop Remedy House in February. Remedy House is reopening this spring under new ownership. "After the abrupt closure of Flint, we took quick action," Kyle Ciminelli, president of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, said in a press release. "Bringing back valued staff was a priority, as was providing a quality food option for our tenants and neighbors." People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah on the Gaza Strip. (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) He said an Israeli investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability and its findings must be made public. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen. Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians. Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians, he said. US President Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths and said he had spoken to WCK founder Jose Andres. He said officials will do everything for this not to happen again. Mr Netanyahu said in a statement: Unfortunately, over the last day, there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip. Labour repeats our call for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and full humanitarian access into Gaza. This war must stop now. Far too many innocent people have died in this conflict and more than a million are facing starvation. International law must be upheld and humanitarian workers must be protected so that they can deliver the aid that is so desperately needed. Humanitarian workers put their lives in danger to serve others. Their deaths are outrageous and unacceptable and it is not the first time aid workers have come under fire in Israels campaign. We condemn this strike. There must be a full investigation and those responsible must be held to account. The Labour leader said the deaths were horrifying and his thoughts were with the families of those killed. Sir Keir Starmer has called for international law to be upheld as he described the deaths as outrageous and unacceptable. They need to be allowed to do that work unhindered and it is incumbent on Israel to make sure they can do that. They should be praised and commended for what they are doing. They are doing fantastic work bringing alleviation to the suffering that many are experiencing in Gaza, he said. They need to be allowed to do that work unhindered and it is incumbent on Israel to make sure they can do that He said his thoughts were with the friends and family of those killed and Israel should ensure aid workers could carry out their work unhindered. Earlier on Tuesday, during a visit to the north east of England, Mr Sunak told broadcasters Israel was being asked to to investigate the incident urgently. The Foreign Secretary is attending a Nato foreign ministers meeting on Wednesday, where he is expected to encourage allies to step up and spend more on defence. Israel must urgently explain how this happened & make major changes to ensure safety of aid workers on the ground. Lord Cameron said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: I spoke with Israeli FM @Israel_Katz to underline that the deaths of @WCKitchen aid workers in Gaza, including three British Nationals, are completely unacceptable. The Prime Minister reiterated that Israels rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. He said he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. A Downing Street spokesperson said: The Prime Minister spoke to Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the killings were completely unacceptable as he pressed Israel for major changes to ensure the safety of aid workers. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had confirmed Israeli forces were behind the unintended strike earlier on Tuesday. He added that an independent body would conduct a thorough investigation which is to be completed in the coming days. Announcing the results of a preliminary investigation early Wednesday, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said: It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened. During a phone call with Israels prime minister, Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by the killings and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation. WCK immediately suspended operations in the region. The World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid taken to Gaza on the maritime route, the charity said. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. And we have countless memories of them giving their best selves to the world. We are reeling from our loss. The worlds loss. These seven beautiful souls were killed by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) in a strike as they were returning from a full days mission. The charitys chief executive Erin Gore said: These are the heroes of World Central Kitchen. They died alongside American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Australian national Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, 43, who was the leader of the relief team, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25. British victims John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were part of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) security team. Seven aid workers, including three Britons, who were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza will be remembered as heroes, the charitys chief executive has said. I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice . 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Thank you for registering Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in So I would really urge policymakers to think about restraining Israels conduct through arms embargoes, through the withdrawal of diplomatic and financial support, and through diplomatic pressure because I think theres a huge space between what is, in principle, possible, legal and ethical and what has actually been done so far, which is very, very little. Mr Kirbys cousin Adam McGuire told Sky News: Not only James but the six other individuals are like heroes to us. They went out there selflessly to help some of the most desperate people in the world. So, were here today to say that we are deeply alarmed by the catastrophic threat to the right to health and the right to life in Gaza as a result of Israels military attacks. Were here to say as we have been saying for over a year now that we dont want Palantir in the NHS. It also means that its drivers are trained in London knowledge, which is a plus for those worried about relying on the occasional weirdness of GPS. As black cabs are often bigger than conventional ride-share apps, you can usually travel with up to six people. A St Georges Day event will be hosted in Trafalgar Square on Sunday, April 21. From 12pm until 6pm, a number of performers will take to the stage, including Harleymoon Kemp, Folk Dance Remixed, The Snottledogs, West End Kids, Twist and Pulse and She's Got Brass. Guests will also be invited to learn how to Morris dance, compose a sea shanty, dress up in medieval costumes, and enjoy a carousel ride. There will also be beer, Pimms, gin, and food on offer. CAAT said: Israel is using UK arms exports in a genocide against the Palestinian people. The UK Government is complicit in these crimes not just by supplying these weapons for decades, but by repeatedly inciting Israel to commit war crimes against Palestinian civilians with impunity, in retaliation for Hamas horrific killings and abductions of Israelis including civilians. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code The president of the European Council, Charles Michel on Wednesday congratulated Klaus Iohannis for Romania's partial accession to the European free movement area. Charles Michel held a joint press conference with the Romanian head of state in which he congratulated president Iohannis for the important steps taken regarding accession to the Schengen Area. On March 31, Romania and Bulgaria entered the air and maritime Schengen area. The president of the European Council voiced conviction that Romania would take additional steps in this regard. European Council President Charles Michel was welcomed on Wednesday at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace by President Klaus Iohannis, and the two officials will hold a working meeting dedicated to the preparation of the future Strategic Agenda of the European Union. Prior to this meeting, which will also be attended by the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Hungary and Croatia, President Klaus Iohannis and the president of the European Council will have face-to-face talks and will then make joint press statements. Afterwards, the working meeting dedicated to the preparation of the future Strategic Agenda of the European Union will take place together with Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban and Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic. "The consultations held in Bucharest are part of a broader process of defining the European Union's priorities for the period 2024-2029, which started at the informal European Council meeting in Granada on 6 October 2023, when the discussions of the leaders of the EU member states revealed the interest in placing security and defence, global engagement and enlargement of the Union at the top of the European agenda, and strengthening the Union's resilience and competitiveness. On the basis of the coordinates established in Granada, the discussions during the meeting at the Cotroceni Palace will be an opportunity to deepen these elements and to analyse the lines of action at the level of the European Union in order to achieve the common objectives of strengthening the EU's profile at international level, ensuring prosperity and promoting and protecting democracy and European values," the Presidential Administration informed on Tuesday. Discussions preparing the Strategic Agenda for the next institutional cycle will continue at EU leaders' level, so the European Council can adopt it at its meeting scheduled for the end of June this year. Romania's history in NATO is an odyssey spanning several decades and the country has a vocation for playing a multiregional part inside the North Atlantic Alliance, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana recently said in an interview with AGERPRES. He recalls having participated in all stages of preparation for Romania's accession to NATO and talks about Romania's weaknesses and strengths before accession, two decades ago. "Our dictatorship was more brutal and protracted, the transition was much more difficult to make, the miners storming Bucharest City, reputation problems, all this made Romania have a slightly slower start, but Romania knew how to catch up," he says. Geoana also talks about steps Romania should take in order to evolve within the Alliance. He mentions investment in defence and the allocation of at least 2% of GDP for defence spending. "Many countries in our region - Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria - have private defence companies that are currently growing exponentially. I think we still have to build and recover precious time that we did not use well, but it is not a strictly Romanian thing. There are many Western European countries that thought they could collect peace dividends and that only America should invest in security and that in Europe you can neglect national security. That illusion is over and all allies plan to have at least 2% of GDP for defence spending, if not now, at least in the nearest time horizon." He adds that Romania has a vocation for playing a multiregional part inside the North Atlantic Alliance. AGERPRES: When Romania joined NATO, you were its foreign minister. Can you tell the inside story, because the story of Romania's accession to NATO came a few years after the wars in the former Yugoslavia and came at a time when the eastern flank was gaining more interest from the Allies? How did you see that moment then? Mircea Geoana: I have the privilege to be, I believe, the only Romanian leader who participated in all stages of preparation for Romania's accession, accession and affirmation in NATO, as is the case today. The journey to NATO obviously began via Washington, where, as a young ambassador, I made this mission my main mission. After the failure to accept Romania in the first wave of enlargement, we managed to convince today's American ally to launch the Romanian American Strategic Partnership. We, those of my generation at least, remember President Clinton's visit to Bucharest, the University Square, the launch of the Strategic Partnership, which becomes more robust and diversified as the years went by. As a foreign minister, I also had the chance of the Romanian Chairmanship of the OSCE. It was, if you will, a test of Romania's capability, as a diplomat, as an international actor, to play complex parts. And I think that successful presidency dispelled the last doubts or concerns about Romania's ability to behave as a presumptive and capable NATO ally. I do not want to underestimate the role of the Romanian military, of the Romanian intelligence services, of the men and women who showed that in Iraq, in Bosnia, and in Afghanistan. Speaking of Afghanistan, September 11 clearly changed the global paradigm. It was a massive shock for America. We activated, for the first time in NATO's history, Article 5 in support of the American ally. And if today we see at Mihail Kogalniceanu a first-rate Romanian military base - which will obviously also be used by NATO - it is in a logic of the fact that Romania's geostrategic position became so valuable, a multiregional role that Romania, I am convinced, will also play in the future. In short, an odyssey spanning several decades. I think that reflecting on what happened to Romania 20 years on, I would say that it was an absolutely historic event for us. Never in the history of the Romanian nation national security was as protected as it is now by the strongest alliance in the world. The entire West is our ally, but, as we can see, the international situation remains very complicated - war in Ukraine triggered by Russia, increasing instability in the Middle East, China is becoming more offensive and active, not only in Asia and the Pacific, but internationally, technological evolution changes the paradigm in the economic area, but also in the military area. I can say, in summary, thank God that we are in NATO, because I would not want to think about what would have happened to our country in this extremely complicated, extremely dangerous, extremely intense geopolitical moment, if we had not been part of NATO and the EU - because if we had not joined NATO, certainly, at least at that time, I do not think that the European Union would have ventured into more exposed geographies, as is the case of Romania, Bulgaria or the Baltic countries that were part of the same wave of enlargement as Romania. AGERPRES: Because you took part in all these stages that led to Romania's accession to NATO, what was the greatest reluctance on the part of the allies related to Romania's accession to NATO and what were Romania's strengths? Mircea Geoana: I think the general reluctance came for two reasons: the fact that the transition from communism to post-communism in Romania was somewhat more hesitant compared to the countries of Central Europe - [Lech] Walesa, Vaclav Havel, very, very important leaders. Our dictatorship was more brutal and protracted, the transition was much more difficult to make, the miners storming Bucharest City, reputation problems, all this made Romania have a slightly slower start, but Romania knew how to catch up. And when the entire political class and the entire Romanian people united behind the idea of joining NATO and the EU, Romania was able to sprint and I can say today and I am, if you will, the direct reflection of Romania's influence and respect in the Alliance. I am holding such an important position at the top of the North Atlantic Alliance. Romania had a more hesitant start, but I think it's proof that when Romanian leaders - and on these issues they were all united - regardless of political differences, regardless of the personalities of successive presidents, of successive governments - and there were few - this guideline towards the West, Euro-Atlantic integration remained a constant and I am convinced that it will remain a constant for many decades and, why not, centuries. Because Romania needs peace and stability for a long, long time to come, because we have to rebuild and build in Romania a stronger economy, a better democracy, with less poverty, less corruption. And these things cannot be achieved if you do not have a sound foundation, and the foundation is NATO and national security. AGERPRES: Can you talk about how Romania's role has grown at NATO level, between accession and now, when Romania itself has a border war? How did Romania gain credibility? How did it win this role, including the role of the eastern Flank, which is becoming increasingly important? Mircea Geoana: The entire modern history of Romania is marked by geopolitical earthquakes: the Crimean War of 1853-1856, World War I, World War II, the fall of communism. Each time, Romania was directly affected and knew how to take advantage of these geopolitical earthquakes every time. That is why we can say that the wars in the former Yugoslavia showed the need for a Romania - the largest and most stable country in the region - September 11, we talked about it, now the war in Ukraine. In a way, its geostrategic location made Romania very important to the West. There were also domestic efforts, we must say so. Coming back to our military, to our veterans in war zones. They did exceptional work for us. And when you show not only that you are valuable as strategic real estate, as a strategic location, but you are also able and willing to make an effort alongside your allies, then obviously your reputation grows. Where what was supposed to be done has not happened and we are only now trying to catch up in Romania and in many countries in Europe is this chronic under-investment in our armed forces and in our defence capabilities - post-Soviet equipment, working conditions and remuneration for our soldiers. And even if a little more is invested now, we still see the need to continue investing and I hope that through these investment in national defence, along with NATO's defence and deterrence plans, we will also see a renaissance of the military industry in Romania. Many countries in our region - Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria - have private defence companies that are currently growing exponentially. I think we still have to build and recover precious time that we did not use well, but it is not a strictly Romanian thing. There are many Western European countries that thought they could collect peace dividends and that only America should invest in security and that in Europe you can neglect national security. That illusion is over and all allies plan to have at least 2% of GDP for defence, if not now, at least as soon as possible. GERPRES: In previous interviews you talked about the need to increase Romania's NATO profile. What do you think Romania should do to be even more present at NATO level? Mircea Geoana: In NATO, Romania enjoys respect and influence. That is obvious. I see here, from the NATO leadership, how many Romanian women and men make an extremely good impression, either as our employees of NATO, or in military uniform, or in the intelligence services. Our diplomats are highly praised. At NATO, Romania is doing well. I hope that in other areas, in the EU, in the OECD, at the UN - where, unfortunately, it has not been on the Security Council for 20 years, as a non-permanent member - we can evolve. What Romania does very well at NATO, where I would make a personal observation: I think Romania has a multiregional vocation. Obviously, the Black Sea remains a subject of concern and an extremely complex strategic vector. For that reason, NATO considers the Black Sea area, as well as the Western Balkans, areas of strategic importance to NATO. But I think Romania has a vocation for playing a multiregional part, beyond the Black Sea, in Central Europe, on the eastern flank, so much modified by the accession of Sweden and Finland, in the Middle East because protection, stability, and also economic might is needed, with areas that can be useful. If I were to make a strategic recommendation to Romania: invest in what we want to do well, invest in the Romanian armed forces, in the Romanian diplomacy, in the Romanian economy. Because if you don't have, after all, economic strength, you have 2.5% of GDP out of a small GDP. If you have a GDP that is let's say double, that 2.5% is suddenly more money. My recommendation is to strengthen ourselves internally and to be able to play the natural role that Romania has. It is a big country, it is a consistent country, it is a coherent country, from the point of view of foreign policy, and that is why I think the next, more ambitious stage is to take on role of 360 degrees, if you will, on all azimuths around the geography so valuable that Romania has and that it makes available to NATO. AGERPRES: Today, a NATO ministerial meeting started. Will there be an anniversary moment related to the celebration of 20 years of several countries joining NATO? What are the priorities of this ministerial meeting related to Romania? Mircea Geoana: The main ceremony will be related to the 75th anniversary of NATO, on April 4. Tomorrow we will have an official moment. There will also be a few moments when the secretary general, I, our military commanders will mark the moment. All the foreign ministers, with the secretary general, with the US secretary of state Tony Blinken, with all the ministers, including Minister Luminita Odobescu, will have an absolutely historic moment, an absolutely epochal moment. Obviously, each of the allies that celebrated 15 years, 25 years, 20 years, 10 years, now the Balkans, each has a specific moment, as is the case of Romania - 20 years. At the ministerial meeting, we will focus on our big anniversary, and the foreign ministers will prepare the anniversary summit in Washington on July 9-11. We have a lot, a lot of work to do in continuing to support Ukraine at a complex moment in the war, in terms of supporting our vulnerable partners - the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, Bosnia, the Western Balkans - our policy of partnerships with the European Union and with our partners in the Indo-Pacific area- we will have the foreign ministers of these partners with us - and obviously, Directorate South. We were talking about 360 degrees for Romania. And NATO thinks 360 degrees logically. It's very, very important. From a security point of view, which is central to NATO's defence and deterrence mission, we will continue to implement defence and deterrence plans. This is also good for Romania and for the Black Sea area, because we have a complex situation in the Black Sea area and I hope that, also from the point of view of our societal resilience, economic, cyber security, hybrid war, the fight against disinformation that we have to face from Russia and other actors in a very electoral year for many NATO countries or NATO partners - they will also be on the agenda of our ministers. We will celebrate this formidable 75th anniversary of the most successful alliance in human history. That's no small feat. I am extremely proud to be at the top of NATO in these moments, and as a Romanian, I think this element of pride and respect is also a kind of recognition of the fact that if you do not have your security assured, you cannot build anything. That is why NATO is here to remain as vigilant, as strong, as determined, not just for 75 years, but for many decades to come. The minister of Internal Affairs, Catalin Predoiu, said on Wednesday that the challenges of public order maintenance institutions, in the long term, will be even more complex, and it is the duty of the government and citizens to support these bodies. "If we are talking about the long term and not only the present, the challenges will be even more complex. And yes, you cannot face them alone. Because you need the Government, the Parliament, the citizens with you, who all understand that in the coming years, we, as a society, must invest more in those who deal with and have as their mission the preservation of public order, public safety, the defense of legality, the rights and freedoms of citizens. Precisely due to these internal challenges and the external context tense, which will last a period", Predoiu said on the occasion of the event celebrating 174 years since the establishment of the Romanian Gendarmerie. He reminded the gendarmes that at the present time there are many signs of recrudescence of criminality, and many challenges related to the objectives of our country will be achieved in the coming period, with reference to the Schengen file, which requires a higher level of alert not only at the border, but also inside. The minister of the Interior stated that this will not happen "from today to tomorrow", but in the future. He drew attention to the fact that society is no longer what it was 5-10 years ago and that we are entering an era in which we will face things previously unknown: the explosion of information, artificial intelligence, new generations that have been formed in this type of culture, the spread of weapons among citizens, the circulation of drugs, globalization - things that will put more and more pressure on national institutions. "That is why European cooperation is important, that is why it is important to activate, not only formally, but also, as we have seen, substantially, in all the networks, from EUROGENDFOR to ATLAS or the Network of European and Mediterranean Gendarmeries with a Military Character, to maintain these links, let's exchange experience, cooperate and constantly surpass ourselves", the minister of the Interior also declared. He voiced confidence that the state institutions would face these new types of challenges. On the occasion of the celebration of 174 years since the establishment of the Romanian Gendarmerie, messages were sent from the French, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Lithuanian gendarmerie and the Government of Romania. President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday that he does not intend to withdraw from the race for NATO secretary general, considering that his chances are "reasonable." "I have no intention of withdrawing or negotiating something else. (...) Moreover, I consider that my chances are reasonable," Iohannis said at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace after meeting European Council President Charles Michel. The Ministry of Education will start a joint project with UNICEF in the coming months, in which schools will be supported in promoting students' well-being, socio-emotional development and responsible use of technology, Education Minister Ligia Deca said on Wednesday. According to the minister, UNICEF has been supporting the Education Ministry's efforts of school desegregation for over a year. "UNICEF is an old and important partner for the Ministry of Education. We discussed with Mrs. Anna Riatti, UNICEF representative in Romania, the results of the projects carried out so far together and future plans. The UNICEF team has been supporting the Ministry's efforts to desegregate schools for more than a year, together we have been working on the creation of a unique mechanism in Europe for monitoring and intervening in situations of school segregation . Also, in the coming months we will start a new joint project, in which schools will be supported in their efforts to promote students' well-being, socio-emotional development and responsible use of technology," Ligia Deca wrote on Facebook. The minister of Education said that UNICEF remains a "valuable" partner for the inclusion of Ukrainian children in the Romanian education system. President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday said Romania is deeply committed to advancing all the European Union's priorities for the period 2024-2029 and that the country can contribute significantly to this process. President Klaus Iohannis and European Council President Charles Michel will hold a working meeting on Wednesday at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace dedicated to the preparation of the future Strategic Agenda of the European Union, which will be attended by the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Hungary and Croatia. "We will start the discussion along the lines set out together in the Granada Declaration of October 2023, which marked the start of the process of defining our strategic orientations and priorities for 2024-2029 and identified security and defence, enlargement, the EU's global engagement, resilience and competitiveness, energy and migration among the priority themes. Romania is deeply committed, every day, to advancing all these priorities of the Union and we can contribute significantly to this process, including on the basis of our experience as a state that joined more recently and is in the immediate vicinity of the war in Ukraine," said the head of state, after the meeting with European Council President Charles Michel. He stressed that, from Romania's perspective, in the coming years, the European Union needs to focus on "strengthening the European construction," referring in particular to security and defence. "It is our main priority and the perspective from which we look at Bucharest and the EU enlargement process: as a long-term strategic investment in our common security," said Iohannis. President Iohannis said that, in terms of connectivity, Romania wants a Europe that is well anchored in global supply chains, and that the Black Sea has a strategic role to play in this regard. "At the same time, it is important to see connectivity also as a vector for deepening integration within the Union," the president added. With regard to the Single Market, he pointed out that it remains a fundamental pillar of the European project and the best instrument to strengthen growth and resilience, including to face external shocks. "I will plead for boosting competitiveness, maintaining cohesion within the Internal Market and fair competition within the Union and in relation to external partners," Iohannis added. The Romanian president said that the discussions on the EU Strategic Agenda will highlight the unity and common commitment of member states to find solutions to priority problems for citizens and to strengthen the Union at a key moment of its existence. "Major challenges lie ahead, but we also have the lessons learnt from the last five extremely difficult years, in which the Union has proved that it is resilient, adaptable and capable of protecting its citizens," the head of state added. Shannon Campbell may have just been made to play Clio in Xanadu, a musical coming to Stray Dog Theatre based on a 1980 film. The film is about a roller skating Greek muse named Clio who comes to Earth after being freed from a painting. She finds a struggling artist and inspires him to build a roller disco with a clarinetist. The movie, an Olivia Newton-John vehicle that also starred dancing-great Gene Kelly, doesnt make a lot of sense and actually inspired the creation of the Golden Raspberry Awards, which honor the worst in movies. The movie had ... all these great things going on, but what it really kind of needed was a focus. It became an idea of something, and what the musical does is focus that down and creates a full plot to really be the driver for all of the music to happen, Campbell explains. The musical keeps the films popular soundtrack, the main premise and, of course, all of the roller skating, which is why Clio is the perfect role for Campbell. I have put on my resume for years and years that I know how to roller skate, and Id love to do any kind of show with roller skating, Campbell explains. So she rushed to audition for Xanadu. I was honored when they asked me to play the main role. Ive spent years and years of my life singing to Olivia Newton-John. Staging a show with so much roller skating has required extra care, says Justin Been, associate artistic director for Stray Dog and director of Xanadu. There were a couple of rehearsals that were just skating rehearsals for people to try new things or ask questions because we had a skate consultant come in, Been says. Since then, people have been on skates, if required for the scene, for all of rehearsals. It created a lot of very interesting dynamics because you move differently on skates than you do when youre on your feet. It has become a whole new world over here. When Been and Gary Bell, artistic director for Stray Dog, first decided to stage Xanadu they asked a consultant to come in to see if skating was even possible or if it would damage the stage. They got the all clear, and decided to go ahead and do the show. The decision to stage Xanadu came last year when their production of Saturday Night Fever got a big response. We were looking at other shows that had this similar feeling about them in terms of time period and names that people might know or songs that people might know to help draw people in, Been says. While you might not have seen Xanadu before, youve definitely heard it. All Over the World is a staple of grocery-store aisles. Jeff Lynne of the rock band Electric Light Orchestra wrote much of the score along with John Farrar, and it was a smash hit. The musical keeps most of the songs, including Im Alive, Magic, and Suddenly, and adds other Electric Light Orchestra hits such as Evil Woman and Strange Magic. In the stage version, Clio, the muse, comes to Venice Beach, California, to inspire a frustrated artist to start a roller disco. But in this version the other muses have a major role. Jealous that Clio is head of the muses, despite being the youngest, her sisters make a plan to take her down by having her fall in love with the artist theyre helping, Sonny. Muses arent allowed to fall in love and if Zeus, the head of the gods, finds out Clio will be banished. In addition to having lots of nods to the film, Xanadu includes Easter eggs to other Olivia Newton-John films and other icons of the 80s. Plus, the musical takes camp to new heights with Spandex, leg warmers, sweat bands, boom boxes and playful wigs. It pokes fun both at the movie and at the trend of sort of jukebox musicals where people are taking properties that exist and turning them into a new thing, Been says. Its very smart in that aspect. Plus, the show is still as frothy as the film its based on. I would say its also surprisingly wholesome for a modern Broadway musical. Theres not really any bad language. Its a pretty fun story. A lot of times when we do shows, theres something about it thats heavy at the end of the day. This is just a nice little light, fun evening. And dont worry, no one should roller skate off the stage. We have some barriers erected to help prevent that, Been says. If you go What: "Xanadu" When: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sunday April 4-27 Where: Stray Dog Theatre, 2336 Tennessee Avenue How much: $30-$35 More info: straydogtheatre.org ST. CHARLES A developer has plans to build duplexes in St. Charles' New Town neighborhood. Creve Coeur-based TriStar Properties acquired land earlier this year in the southwestern area of New Town, a planned community north of Highway 370 and Elm Street, according to St. Charles County real estate records. The company plans to start construction on 40 duplexes this summer. The duplexes will be marketed for rent, said Principal Michael Towerman. New Town opened in 2005 and boasts shops, restaurants and parks. The community has narrow streets aimed at promoting walkability in a style known as "new urbanism." TriStar's duplexes won't be the first rental properties in New Town. Investors rent several single-family homes in the area, and the Promenade at New Town offers apartments for rent. Rick Campbell never volunteered for campaigns before. But something about Francis Howell School Districts board election this year inspired the 70-year-old Vietnam veteran to get involved. I feel like Im fighting for the soul of America, Campbell said. Outside a polling station Tuesday afternoon, Campbell greeted voters while holding a sign for Carolie Owens and Steven Blair. He said hed been there since 6 a.m. He also previously knocked on doors in an effort to prevent actions that have brought him dismay, not only for Francis Howell schools, but the Republican party at large. The party is not the same as the party he grew up with, said Campbell, a long-time Republican. Campbell pointed to recent actions by local and state Republicans, such as state Sen. Bill Eigel, a gubernatorial candidate who last fall said hed burn books he found objectionable on the lawn of the governors mansion. Francis Howell school boards move to revise Black studies courses also rubbed him the wrong way. Campbell felt the hard-right majority on the board and elsewhere wanted to ban any book that does not go along with their ideology. Thats not the America I want to live in, Campbell said. Nearly 19,000 people in Francis Howells boundaries felt the same way Tuesday. A progressive slate of candidates Blair and Owens trumped conservative ones vying for two open seats. The defeat marked a shift in the direction that Francis Howells school board elections have gone over the past two years. I believe love and hope won tonight, not hate and fear, Owens said Tuesday. Five of the boards seven members have been elected by conservative political action committee Francis Howell Families in the years since the pandemic. Since then, the board has voted to rescind an anti-racism resolution, edited curricula for Black studies courses, and considered a bathroom policy that would bar transgender students from using restrooms that match their gender identities. The proposal was tabled about a month after it was introduced. Supporters of Blair and Owens watched election results roll in with anticipation Tuesday night. Francis Howell Forward, a PAC formed last January to support progressive candidates, spent months of work and $16,000 this calendar year alone to support the two candidates. Before Tuesday, Forward supporters were cautiously optimistic that voters would side against candidates supported by the conservative PAC. They believed the majority of Francis Howells community were, like them, sick of the political rodeo for which the board has become notorious. It feels like more people are paying attention to them because of this, Francis Howell Forward Treasurer Amy Easterling said in an interview last week. At the OFallon Elks Lodge, a room of supporters erupted when unofficial election results rolled in. Not only had Blair and Owens won, but so did the other eight candidates supported by St. Charles County Families for Public Schools PAC across St. Charles County. People are drawn towards hope, and leadership that gives mutual respect, Blair said. I bet on the goodness of the voters. Supporters of the conservative Francis Howell candidates, Adriana Kuhn and Sam Young, had angled for a fully conservative board that would continue the work of the past two years. Daiana Schandler, a mother of six children in the district, said Tuesday afternoon she wanted candidates who would combat Critical Race Theory in schools. Teachers involved with writing curriculum have denied the presence of CRT, a once-obscure academic concept that loosely describes the pervasion of racism throughout society, but the board's majority has vowed to rid it from Francis Howell entirely. Schandler, who arrived at a polling place with two of her daughters both Francis Howell alums now in the Air Force reserves said she admired Kuhn and Youngs platforms on back-to-basics academics. I just dont want to feel like I have to police the teachers, Schandler said. I should be able to trust my kids to go to school. HAZELWOOD Legislation that backers hoped would finally resolve a long-running impasse between Hazelwood and the Robertson Fire Protection District has stalled in Jefferson City amid a dispute over a new labor contract with the district. The district is blaming the legislations stall on opposition from the union, Local 2665 of the Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri. But the union says it has stayed neutral on the bill and instead said opposition from one of the areas largest employers, Boeing, is actually why the legislation isnt moving forward. Hazelwood has warned for years it can no longer afford to pay Robertson for fire and EMS services in portions of the city that overlap with the fire district. The city, which still operates its own fire department, entered into the arrangement after it annexed new territory decades ago. Robertson and Hazelwood have been embroiled in a lawsuit over the issue since 2018 and are operating under an interim agreement in which the city pays $4.5 million a year to Robertson. A proposal in Jefferson City would have allowed the fire district to annex a largely industrial area of Hazelwood and shift payments from the city to the property owners. Some of those property owners already reimburse Hazelwood for its payments to Robertson, so they would not oppose making those payments via their taxes, said Matthew Zimmerman, Hazelwoods city manager. The move would reduce Hazelwoods payments to about $1.5 million annually, he said, versus the $5.7 million it would otherwise owe if the interim agreement were not in place. The legislative push comes amid big change in the Robertson district. A group of district critics, some with backing from Hazelwood officials, recalled Robertsons board and took over the district in late 2022. Jennifer Guyton, chairwoman of the fire district, has said for months she is hopeful that new legislation could partially resolve the issue and reduce Hazelwoods payments while adding more territory to Robertson that would be subject to fire district property taxes. All parties were in agreement on the bill as of September, said David Klarich, a lobbyist for the Robertson Fire District. Legislation was prefiled in December by the areas state senator, Brian Williams, and the bill was among the first to be referred to committee, Klarich said, with a hearing scheduled for Jan. 22. Then the unions flexed their muscle and called a halt to that hearing, Klarich said. But an official with the firefighters union denied that. If anything happened to that legislation that would have been on them and their lobbyist, said John Duffy, a business manager with Local 2665. The unions Robertson shop hired six lobbyists at the beginning of the year. Duffy said they have watched the legislation but have not lobbied against it. Cory Hogan, an executive vice president at Local 2665 who lobbies in Jefferson City, said the union did not kill the bill. Rather, he said Boeings opposition to the bill is what has stalled it. Boeing operates its own fire department, and language in the bill exempts a corporation with its own department from being subject to fire district taxes. Local 2665 didnt even have to weigh in, Hogan said. There are entities a lot more powerful than me opposed to this language. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Williams also did not respond to a request for comment. Either way, Hogan called the bill a Band-Aid rather than a fix. Merging the city of Hazelwoods fire department with the Robertson Fire Protection District would be a real solution, Hogan said, as would legislation slowly shifting the payment burden from Hazelwood to property owners within the Robertson Fire Protection District. But Hazelwood opposes losing control of its fire department, and the fire district does not support legislation that would raise taxes on residents, said Guyton, the Robertson chair. She contends an impasse over a new union contract specifically a clause that allows the contract to be extended if the two sides cant agree is why the bill has stalled. She said the district has offered 3.5% raises in their proposed contract but does not want to allow the contract to be extended indefinitely. It feels as if the taxpayers of the city of Hazelwood and the Robertson Fire Protection District are being extorted, Guyton said. Thirty-seven union firefighters have been put as more important than 25,000 people within the city of Hazelwood. But Hogan said Guyton tied the contract to the legislation when the fire district board extended the current contract to June, after the legislative session ends. Bargaining talks broke down because this legislation is more important to them than their firefighters are, Hogan said. If a change isnt enacted, the litigation that Hazelwood has with the district could ramp back up and potentially lower Hazelwoods payments to Robertson. If this doesnt happen, you hurt the city of Hazelwood, you hurt the Robertson Fire Protection District, you hurt the constituency of the area, you hurt the firefighters and therefore you hurt the union, Klarich, the Robertson district lobbyist, said. Nobody wins. While the lawsuit plays out, Hazelwood would have to continue making large payments that it says are not sustainable and may potentially have to pay more. Zimmerman, the city manager, said COVID relief money forestalled the citys budget issues, but those good days are gone now. Its pushed things down the road, he said. The inevitable is still the inevitable. The legislation is Senate Bill 764. JEFFERSON CITY A legislator from northern Missouri says annual testing requirements for school bus drivers when they turn 70 are contributing to the states driver shortage. State law requires school bus drivers to have a school bus endorsement, and drivers 70 and older are required to take an annual exam to maintain it. A measure moving in the Senate would raise the age for the annual exams to 77. Rep. Danny Busick, R-Newtown, said the profession, with crazy hours and low pay, attracts retired individuals supplementing their income. But instead of dealing with the annual test, when they reach 70, many of those drivers decide to end their careers, Busick told a Senate committee on Wednesday. Were losing many of our good bus drivers because of this and its making a shortage even worse for our schools, he said. Busick said he understood concerns over deteriorating cognitive ability in older adults, but I believe this is something that can be determined very easily by the school and should be determined by the school. The schools see those drivers every day, he told the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. They know when their cognitive abilities are deteriorating. The Senate committee took no action on the plan Wednesday. Busicks legislation cleared the House in February on a 114-29 vote, with all opposition coming from Democrats. Rep. Ron Copeland, R-Salem, voted present. We do have a challenge with hiring and keeping bus drivers, said Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, during House debate. I dont think that this is the way to fix the problem of a bus driver shortage. Merideth said pay is usually the No. 1 way to make sure there are enough workers, and treating them well, ensuring positive working conditions, thats how we make sure we have enough drivers. He said the annual tests were a safety issue and that instead of raising the age, I would say we should just have all of our drivers tested each year and make sure that theyre still capable of driving. The legislation is House Bill 1626. JEFFERSON CITY Fearing Missouri voters could legalize abortion through a ballot question, Republicans in the Missouri House moved Wednesday to make it harder to amend the state constitution. But, the prospects of the legislation moving in the Senate are on shaky ground after the Legislatures upper chamber earlier approved a vastly pared-down version after hours of debate and negotiations. Under the proposal, voters would be asked to approve language requiring a majority of voters and a majority of congressional districts to approve of a citizen-led initiative petition in order for it to pass. It also includes a provision stripped out of the Senate version that says only citizens can vote, even though U.S. citizenship is already listed as a qualification to vote in Missouri. Rep. John Black, R-Marshfield, who sponsored the measure, said the legislation would protect the stability of the constitution.Black said voters in a small number of populous counties can make state policy over the objections of people in rural areas. The resolution was approved on a 106-49 vote. House Majority Leader Jon Patterson, R-Lees Summit, was the lone Republican casting a no vote. The push comes as the campaign Missourians for Constitutional Freedom collects signatures for a ballot question to overturn Missouris near-total abortion ban. If Missourians for Constitutional Freedom makes the ballot, a higher threshold in November would make it more difficult for abortion-rights proponents to enact the constitutional protections. Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City, said the measure is an attempt by politicians to dampen the power of voters. I trust voters. I respect the process, Nurrenbern said. I know voters are going to see through this. Rep. Joe Adams, D-University City, said the concept of concurrent majority is rooted in the debate over slavery as a way to limit the power of voters. Why dont you be intellectually honest about what youre trying to do? Adams said. You want a minority to be able to block a majority. The legislation is House Joint Resolution 86. After a concerning encounter with a bat in her house last summer, a Charlottesville woman is trying to get answers about why the rabies shots recommended for her cost more than $30,000. Jocelyn Diaz says shes been getting increasingly stern letters from Martha Jefferson Hospitals parent company, Sentara Health, telling her to pay her portion. I got this invoice and called Sentara and said, Im sure you made a mistake, Diaz told The Daily Progress. Theres no way this could be this extraordinary amount. Its not the first time Sentara has been accused of overcharging patients. Five years ago, Charlottesville residents learned the company had been charging them the highest health insurance rates in the country. Since then, the Department of Justice has been poring over the companys financial records, reporting late last year that a Sentara subsidiary known as Optima Health may have unfairly pocketed $665 million by exploiting the monopoly Sentara held in Virginia for two years. Sentara, Diaz says, told her there was no mistake with her bills, and a Sentara representative directed The Daily Progress to an online price list that appears to confirm the prices which Diaz was charged. As the North Downtown resident tells the story, she was watching a movie with friends one evening last July when she suddenly saw a bat flying around her living room. She was able to shoo the winged mammal from the dwelling without touching it, but the next day her qualms caused her to seek guidance. The department of health said, The odds are that you didnt get bitten while you slept, but if you did get bitten while you slept, the bite marks are really, really small and you wouldnt have seen them, she said. But if you did get bitten while you slept and its rabid, its fatal; so you need to go get a vaccine. While only two Virginians have contracted the fatal disease since 2009, according to the Blue Ridge Health Department, Diaz took the advice to get the shots. She would need five in all, and while the health department could handle the last three, the first two must be administered in an emergency room, so she drove to Martha Jefferson Hospital. One shot in one leg and one in the other, she said. I was in and out within 30 minutes. As it turned out, this initial emergency room visit was the most expensive part of her treatment. One of those two shots was a special type of human blood plasma called rabies immunoglobulin which provides a super dose of antibodies for protection after possible rabies exposure. The cost for that single item was $23,000. Immunoglobulin is expensive, Costi Sifri, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Virginia, told The Daily Progress. It is astronomical. Sifri said that harvesting the plasma requires human subjects. You have to find individuals who have a robust immune response to the rabies vaccine a high amount of antibodies in their blood and package it up, so its a costly medical product, he said. Then theres the rabies vaccine itself. Although its essentially the same thing that dogs routinely receive for about $35, the providers of vaccines for humans routinely charge more. A Charlottesville-area Walgreens said that pharmacy charges can run an uninsured person about $1,500 for a nonemergency i.e., no immunoglobulin rabies regimen. Martha Jefferson charges more. In addition to the immunoglobulin charge, Martha Jefferson sent Diaz bills totaling more than $4,900 for two shots of the vaccine. Emergency room service fees for her two visits moved the total up another $1,600. When you set foot into an emergency room, you have no idea what youll end up owing, Sue Null, a professional patient advocate, told The Daily Progress. What matters, said Null, who runs New York-based medical billing advocacy firm Systemedic, is what the contracted rate is with the insurance company. And you dont know that when you walk in. Diazs invoices show her insurer, Anthem, was able to secure more than $7,000 in price reductions and then made nearly $16,000 in payments to Sentara on her behalf. That still left over $7,000 that Diaz owed. Her portion is more than the total treatment cost estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2019, when it last updated its guidance, the CDC estimated that the vaccination series Diaz received should range from $1,200 to $6,500, with an average of $3,800. By contrast, the cost of Diazs regimen was $30,321, eight times higher. How could it be this much? asked Diaz. It just feels extraordinarily expensive. Diaz remembers going over her bills with a representative from Anthem. He found massive discrepancies between what is typically charged and what was charged by Sentara, said Diaz. And yet a reporters inquiry with Charlottesvilles other major hospital, the University of Virginia Medical Center, found similar pricing although its impossible to precisely compare totals without learning the exact dosage of immunoglobulin administered. Diaz said her Anthem representative let her stay on the telephone line while he called the Sentara billing office to make sure there were no mistakes. Everything checked out. He said, Weve already paid our portion, said Diaz. That leaves Diaz looking at an out-of-pocket bill of more than $7,400, according to invoices she showed to The Daily Progress. One bright note for her is that the local health department administered two of her shots and charged just $368 each, with no facility or other fees, and that cost was fully covered by Anthem. Im feeling like this is really worrisome, said Diaz. I kept thinking this bankrupts a family. Commercial aircraft flying in the Middle East and northern Europe have been victims of a growing number of GPS spoofing incidents that disrupt GNSS, or Global Navigation Satellite Systems. When this happens the onboard navigation systems become unreliable and pose an increasing risk to air travel. Fortunately, commercial airline pilots are trained and equipped to deal with a large number of emergency situations using other options like PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) services across Eastern Europe and the Middle East. There are also IRS (Inertia Reference Systems) that functions even when there is a lot of GPS jamming. Pilots can also rely on older systems like the ground based radio navigation system VOR/DME. These systems are available to pilots but are only useful in an emergency if pilots have some experience in using VOR/DME. There is also a need for systems to warn pilots that GPS jamming or spoofing is present. In late August 2023, pilots operating in the Middle East reported instances of their onboard navigation systems being overtaken by fake GPS signals. This corrupted navigation systems and indicated to pilots that the aircraft was hundreds of kilometers from where they were supposed to be. This often led to a complete loss of navigational capability, which sometimes forced pilots to rely on verbal directions from air traffic controllers and following recognizable indicators in the ground like rivers or major highway systems. All types of commercial aircraft were victims of these navigational problems, especially GPS spoofing. The first reported incidents of the spoofing were in Iraqi airspace close to the Iranian border that is regularly used by flights traveling between Europe and Persian Gulf states. The pilot of a business jet traveling to Dubai reported that the plane almost flew into Iranian airspace, without authorization, due to the spoofing of the navigation system. Jamming GPS signals is common in war zones and near sensitive military sites. The jamming is sometimes an effort to deflect UAV or missile strikes. Pilots are warned of regional instances of frequent spoofing and switch to more reliable navigation aids. Spoofing is more a greater problem than jamming because pilots may immediately realize there is a problem with jamming, while spoofing makes subtle but ultimately dangerous changes to the accuracy of aircraft navigation systems. In mid- 2023, a new form of GPS spoofing was reported to pilots, where the signal was powerful enough to make the aircraft navigation system useless and pilots must rely on visual information to navigate. American low-earth-orbit satellite systems made it possible to track one instance of spoofing signals to Tehran, the capital of Iran. It was not possible to identify any individuals responsible for the spoofing. The recent outbreak of spoofing was traced to a location near the Iranian capital, Tehran. It was not possible to discover who was responsible for the false signals, but one source was apparently Israel where the October 2023 war in Gaza led the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in northern Israel to use it to thwart Hezbollah guided missile attacks. The IDF advised that GPS signals along Israels northern border with Lebanon were disrupted because it is where Hezbollah launches its guided missiles from. Countries in northern Europe have been victims of some GPS spoofing since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. The GPS spoofing also took place in the Baltic States, which border Russia, and northern Europe in general. The source of the jamming was nearby Russian territory where the jamming and spoofing was meant to disrupt navigation systems on Ukrainian UAVs and military aircraft. While the spoofing and jamming began in early 2022, it did not become a major problem until late 2023. This meant military and commercial pilots in the region had to be alert to subtle failures of their navigation systems and be ready to switch to visual navigation. Russia is the source of most jamming and spoofing in the Middle East and Europe, and this is an effort to protect Russian bases in Russia and Syria from UAV attacks. NATO believes that Russia may also be using all this jamming and spoofing to measure the ability of NATO countries to deal with it. Russia wants to be ready if they go to war with NATO nations in the future. This would explain the Russian electronic warfare activities in the Baltic Sea, off the northern Norwegian coast and along the border with Finland. The United States developed and established the GPS system in the 1990s. China, Russia and Europe followed with their own systems, but GPS was the most commonly used. The Americans maintain the number of GPS satellites needed to keep GPS going. The U.S. also upgrades GPS satellites, but it takes a while for enough upgraded GPS satellites to be in orbit for the upgrades to have an impact on earth. A basic problem with GPS is that the signals emitted by a network of GPS satellites are weak and easily overpowered by activities on the ground. This was a known vulnerability, but GPS was so useful to so many people that the risk is seen as reasonable. The vulnerability can be exploited by ground based jammers and spoofers, who are difficult to detect, identify, arrest, and prosecute. This is especially true in a war zone. Civilians carrying out spoofing and jamming activities became more common over the last twenty years. This meant various rebel and Islamic terrorist groups worldwide had access to jamming and spoofing technology, and increasingly used it. Civilians in Western nations who did this and got caught claimed it was only a harmless prank. It wasnt because any nearby aircraft can have their navigation disrupted and, if this happens gradually, it is often not noticed until it becomes a major problem, like when the aircraft attempts to land. Pilots of smaller non-commercial aircraft are another matter. The pilots of these aircraft often have a lot of military or civilian flight experience and are able to handle spoofing and jamming. Eventually a landing accident by a small private aircraft will be traced to spoofing and jamming. The incident will be in the news for a short while and then disappear, as minor issues like that do. China rejects U.S. accusation of "non-market" trade policies, practices Xinhua) 08:14, April 03, 2024 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday firmly rejected the United States' accusation of implementing "non-market" trade policies and practices, as well as setting barriers in areas such as agricultural products and data policies. A spokesperson with China's Ministry of Commerce made the remarks when responding to a media inquiry about the United States' "2024 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers," which was released Friday. China believes that whether a country's trade policies create barriers should be determined under the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, while the U.S. report has failed to provide any evidence that China's relevant policies and practices have violated such rules, the spokesperson said. As the largest developing member of the WTO, China has always firmly supported the multilateral trading system and continued to expand high-standard opening-up. On the other hand, the United States has disregarded the multilateral trade rules and set up numerous trade barriers to impede fair competition, the spokesperson said. China and other WTO members are greatly concerned about this matter, said the spokesperson, who urged the United States to cease its baseless accusations against other countries, adhere to WTO rules, and join efforts to maintain a fair and just international trade order. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A view shows a gravity-based platform for natural gas liquefaction at the Novatek-Murmansk's Offshore Superfacility Construction Center in Murmansk Region By America Hernandez, Marwa Rashad, Pietro Lombardi and Nerijus Adomaitis (Reuters) - Western European governments have sought to reduce their energy dependence on Russia since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, but when it comes to gas, they have increasingly substituted the country's pipeline supplies with its liquefied natural gas (LNG). A Reuters analysis of data found more than a tenth of the Russian gas formerly shipped by pipeline to the European Union has been replaced by LNG delivered into EU ports. The rise is partly the result of discounts, industry and trading sources say. Private Russian producer Novatek last year sold cut-rate cargoes into the EU rejected by buyers in other parts of the world, while state-owned Gazprom increased exports from its new Portovaya LNG project, offseting its falling pipeline deliveries westward. Home to the EU's largest fleet of import terminals, Spain, which did not previously import piped Russian gas, has become the top re-exporter of seaborne Russian supply. EU statistics and Reuters calculations show the rise in LNG has pushed the share of Russian gas in EU supply back up to around 15% after pipeline imports from Gazprom had plunged since the war to 8.7% from 37% of EU gas supply. Russia sent more than 15.6 million metric tons (mt) of Russian LNG to EU ports last year, according to data analytics firm Kpler, a slight increase from 2022 and a 37.7% jump compared to 2021. The rise does not breach EU law. Western European governments imposed sanctions on oil following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022, but they have not done the same for natural gas. Instead the European Commission has called for a voluntary phaseout of all Russian fuel imports by 2027. The switch from pipeline to LNG imports has, however, a significant environmental cost, as energy is required to gasify, ship and re-liquefy the fuel - a trend at odds with the EU goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Story continues ULTIMATE ORIGIN BECOMES INVISIBLE Delivery records only show cargoes' previous destinations, rather than the ultimate origin. That means LNG landing in Belgium, France Spain and the Netherlands sheds its Russian label - which can deter buyers - before being piped inland or reloaded onto other ships. In late 2023, independent traders sold Russian volumes on the Spanish market at a discount of 1 euro ($1.07) per megawatt-hour (MWh) cheaper than the European benchmark price TTF, industry and trading sources told Reuters. That equates to savings of roughly 920,000 euros on a typical cargo worth 41 million euros at spot prices, Reuters calculations showed. This year, a discount of between 30-50 eurocents has applied, the sources said. Sales data is private, but ship-tracking satellites showed four Swiss trading firms bought and sold 1.3 mt of Russian LNG in Spain last year: Gunvor, MET, ENET and DXT. That included a cargo initially destined for Argentina, before concerns over sanctions on financial transactions with Russia stopped the sale. Gunvor diverted the rejected tanker to Spain. Gunvor and MET declined comment on their Russian trading. ENET and DXT did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. Large Spanish energy companies, including Repsol, Cepsa, Endesa and Iberdrola said they do not buy Russian gas directly. However, Endesa CEO Jose Bogas did not rule out that it found its way into volumes bought from third parties. Spain's Naturgy, France's TotalEnergies and Britain's Shell, have stopped additional spot purchases, but say they are obliged to pay for the minimum amount of gas on their long-term contracts whether they take it or not. The Russian imports have reshaped Spain's and the EU's energy profile. In 2023 the 5.08 mt imported from Russia slightly exceeded the total volume of gas Spain exported to 21 countries around the world, including some members of the EU. REVERSAL OF FLOWS Until February 2022, the bulk of the gas Russia supplied to Europe arrived through the Nord Stream pipeline to Germany. Now, it lands on Europe's western periphery and makes its way inland, reversing the previous east-to-west flow. France's 3.6 mt of Russian LNG imports last year represented 41% of its net exports. When adding in the volumes sent eastward by Portugal and Spain, all the gas France piped to Belgium and Germany and nearly half what was sent to Switzerland and Italy could be attributed to Russian LNG, data from grid operators show. Belgium imported some 4.8 mt of Russian LNG - almost double the volume it piped to the Netherlands. About 0.7 mt came in through Dutch terminals. Those calculations exclude transhipments, when LNG switches ships in an EU port before sailing on. Germany - which no longer directly imports Russian gas - is the ultimate destination. Last year, Germany imported 48.6% of its gas via pipeline from Belgium, France and the Netherlands, according to the federal network regulator Bundesnetzagentur. As much as 13.7% of gas in the German grid could be Russian, in a scenario where those countries passed on as much Novatek LNG as possible. The reality is probably less when accounting for national consumption and supply mixes. "Physically, it is conceivable that Russian gas molecules could come to Germany," a Bundesnetzagentur spokesperson said. "We do not know whether German importers buy Russian LNG quantities directly. It would not be prohibited," the spokesperson added. STRUGGLE TO REDUCE RELIANCE As the share of Russian LNG grows, the impact particularly stands out in Greece. It cut gas consumption and reduced its pipeline Russian imports by 20%. But because Gazprom LNG deliveries more than quadrupled, the share of Russian gas in Greece's supply reached 47% last year, up from 36% in 2022, according to grid operator DEFSA. Greece's state-controlled DEPA has since filed for arbitration against Gazprom, partly based on data showing those LNG sales to Greek competitors were at a steep discount to DEPA's pipeline gas contract price. Beginning in April, EU countries can legally ban Russian firms from booking their infrastructure capacity to deliver LNG. Major importers Spain and Belgium, however, said they probably will not do so. "If I ban it unilaterally and it comes to France?" Spanish Energy Minister Teresa Ribera said. "We need a common position." ($1 = 0.9305 euros) (Reporting by America Hernandez in Paris, Marwa Rashad in London, Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo, Pietro Lombardi in Madrid and Kate Abnett in Brussels; additional reporting by Christoph Steitz and Vera Eckert in Frankfurt, Julia Payne in Brussels, Francesca Landini in Milan, Nora Buli in Oslo; Andrius Sytas in Vilnius, Angeliki Koutanto in Athens, and Sergio Goncalves in Lisbon. Editing by Dmitry Zhdannikov and Barbara Lewis) By Francois Murphy and Balazs Koranyi VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria's central bank chief said there was a "tail risk" in a plan by Raiffeisen Bank International to buy a stake in Austrian building company Strabag with funds currently tied up in Russia and only Raiffeisen can judge if such a risk is worth taking. Governor Robert Holzmann of the Austrian National Bank (ONB), which polices compliance with financial sanctions, told Reuters in an interview that the ONB believes the planned deal involving the biggest Western bank in Russia complies with sanctions. However, he added: "Both the U.S. and Europe or Austria, the Austrian National Bank, we can't provide a blank cheque. We can't say 'Go ahead, you have the all-clear'. There's a tail risk which remains." He declined to say what he meant specifically by a tail risk. RBI has long been looking at selling or spinning off its business in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. It announced in December it planned to buy a stake in Strabag from Rasperia, a company controlled at the time by Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska, who is under U.S. and EU sanctions. RBI says the deal complies with all sanctions. Rasperia and that stake, now around 24% of Strabag, have since been sold to another company, Iliadis JSC, which RBI says is "an unsanctioned investor". Reuters reported in March that Washington was pressing RBI to drop the planned 1.1 billion euro ($1.2 billion) deal. "As the risk is there, it's a decision for Raiffeisen to say, given that there's a tail risk, is it worthwhile for us to do it or not?" Holzmann said. In a statement on Tuesday RBI repeated that the planned deal complies with all sanctions requirements. "Rasperia's new ownership structure should provide RBI comfort that no sanctioned individuals or entities will benefit directly or indirectly from RBI's announced acquisition of the Strabag SE shares, nor from any related payments for these shares." ($1 = 0.9291 euros) (Writing by Francois Murphy; Additional reporting by Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich; editing by Costas Pitas) Ont-International-Students 20240126 By Riley Donovan From 2021 to 2022, the number of international students in Canada grew 116 per cent. In 2023, it rose another 60 per cent, to roughly 900,000. In 2000, Canada had just 122,665 international students. We now have seven times that number. Part of the problem is a rush in applications after pandemic restrictions were lifted. But Ottawa predicts the growth in applications will continue reaching 1.4 million in 2027. If so, foreign students will continue to be a significant element in Canadas record population growth and in the attendant pressure on housing, infrastructure and health care. What was supposed to be an education vehicle is now seen by many as an alternate work visa program and a path to Canadian citizenship. From 2000-2019, the number of international students with T4 earnings increased from 22,000 to 354,000. Over the same period, their labour force participation rate increased from 18 to 50 per cent. The shift in focus toward employment was intensified by the federal governments decision in 2022 to allow some students to work 40 hours per week double the previous limit. Set to expire at the end of 2023, that policy was extended to April 30th. When allowable work hours were extended in 2022, then-Immigration Minister Sean Fraser justified the move as alleviating domestic labour shortages. And in a startlingly honest moment last November, his successor, Marc Miller, defended high international student numbers by explaining that industry and low-skilled labour are looking for cheap labour. Applicants increasingly see a study permit as a springboard to permanent residency in Canada. According to a 2021 survey, 60 per cent of international students intend to apply for permanent residence in Canada a strategy made much easier by the Trudeau governments 2016 restoration of the rule, scrapped by the Harper government, that time spent on a study permit can count toward the physical residency requirement for permanent residency. Story continues But now, after eight years of dramatic increases, the Trudeau government is finally capping international student numbers though so far only for two years. In 2024, 360,000 undergraduate study permits will be approved, 35 per cent fewer than in 2023, while the number for 2025 will be determined at the end of this year. Each province and territory is getting a cap based on its population, which Ottawa hopes will spur provincial crackdowns on diploma mills. Though certainly an improvement, a temporary cap does not address the underlying problems with the international student program. Its numbers did not soar to 900,000 because of the worlds sudden affection for double-doubles or snow drifts. What brings people here in such numbers is the opportunity to work and obtain permanent residency. We need to reverse the Trudeau governments shift of the international student programs focus toward employment and citizenship. A complete prohibition on working off-campus would remove the employment attraction entirely and set a clear precedent for future governments that the international student program is not merely a supplementary foreign worker program. It would also send a clear message to prospective applicants: the student program is an educational vehicle, not a backdoor to immigration. No longer allowing time spent as a foreign student to count towards citizenship would remove the second big non-academic attraction. But doesnt Canada benefit when skilled foreign graduates becoming citizens? If they can find places to live, yes, almost certainly. But their home countries probably need their educated selves far more. Contributing to the Global Souths brain drain hardly fits with Canadas humanitarian aspirations. If reforms along these lines were enacted, we would be left with a smaller number of international students, each more eager to contribute to cultural exchange in Canadian universities, study hard and then return home with fond associations for this country, as well as the expertise needed to build up their home countries. With political will, a program that has become a backdoor to immigration could become a worthy educational vehicle once more. Financial Post Riley Donovan is a B.C. journalist and columnist. Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Dont miss the business news you need to know add financialpost.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. Finland school shooting: Boy, 12, accused of killing classmate and wounding two says he was bullied A 12-year-old student suspected of killing a classmate and wounding two others in a school shooting in Finland has told police that he was bullied. The suspect, who was in the sixth grade at the school in the city of Vantaa, just outside Helsinki, was apprehended less than an hour following the shooting on Tuesday morning. The shooter and the victims were all classmates, police said. "The motive for the act has been found to be bullying," the Eastern Uusimaa Police Department, which is in charge of the investigation, said in a statement. "The suspect has said during interrogations that he was the target of bullying, and this information has also been confirmed in the preliminary investigation by the police. The suspect had transferred to Viertola school at the beginning of this year." The minimum age of criminal liability in Finland is 15 years, which means the suspect cannot be formally arrested. A suspect younger than 15 can only be questioned by the police before they are handed over to child welfare authorities. On Wednesday, Finnish blue-and-white flags were hoisted at half-staff and scores of people including parents, teachers and fellow students laid flowers and lit candles in the snowy landscape near the school building where the shooting occurred. Police said one of the wounded girls has dual Finland-Kosovo citizenship. The deceased boy died instantly after being shot, police said. The suspect was detained in the Helsinki area less than an hour after the shooting with a "revolver-like handgun" in his possession. The gun was licensed to a relative of the suspect who was not immediately identified. Police said he admitted to the shooting in an initial police hearing. Finland has witnessed two major deadly school shootings in 2007 and 2008. In their wake, the country tightened its gun laws, raising the minimum age for firearms ownership and giving police greater powers to perform background checks on individuals applying for a gun license. The nation of 5.6 million has more than 1.5 million licensed firearms, and about 430,000 license holders, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry. Hunting and gun ownership are deeply rooted traditions in this sparsely-populated northern European country, where target practice is also a widespread hobby. Fireballs may appear during solar eclipse in parts of US. NASA says its for research As if the sun disappearing midday wasnt spooky enough, NASA intends to add multiple streaks of fire to parts of the East Coast sky during the April 8 solar eclipse. Three sounding rockets will launch before, during, and after the peak local eclipse to study how Earths upper atmosphere is affected when sunlight momentarily dims over a portion of the planet, NASA said in a news release. For those in the mid-Atlantic region, weather permitting, the launches may be visible. NASAs alert included a warning that viewers should not remove special solar eclipse glasses to check out the rockets. The three rockets will originate at Virginias Wallops Flight Facility. NASA predicted they may be visible from Pennsylvania south to North Carolina, and as far west as eastern Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. One will launch 45 minutes before the eclipse, one during the eclipse and one 45 minutes after the peak, NASA said. Theyll reach a maximum altitude of 260 miles too high for science balloons and too low for satellites. Among the things scientists are investigating is how the eclipse might interfere with our communications. As the eclipse shadow races through the atmosphere, it creates a rapid, localized sunset that triggers large-scale atmospheric waves and small-scale disturbances, or perturbations, NASA said. These perturbations affect different radio communication frequencies. Gathering the data on these perturbations will help scientists validate and improve current models that help predict potential disturbances to our communications, especially high frequency communication. The eclipse offers researchers a unique opportunity, because scientists will know exactly when and where to fire their rockets to get the best readings, NASA said. Forecasters say the eclipse will cross Mexicos Pacific coast starting at 11:07 a.m. PDT, then enter the United States where the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. States directly in the path of the eclipse include: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, NASA said. The contiguous U.S. wont see another total solar eclipse until 2044, scientists said. Mysterious sparklers appear before solar flares, NASA says. What do they mean? Black hole seen violently shredding hapless star and devouring it, astronomers say Planet survives catastrophic end of its solar system. How did it escape destruction? The queen is dead a queen, actually, a large invasive hornet captured last month on South Carolinas doorstep. It was found in Jasper County on March 14, the second of the yellow-legged hornet to be found in South Carolina. The first was collected Nov. 9, 2023, after Clemson Universitys Department of Plant Industry Apiary Inspection Program and Clemson Cooperative Extension Apiculture and Pollinator Program set traps in the Lowcountry. The problem with these abnormally large insects is they attack honeybees, which have enough problems with pesticides, drought, habitat destruction, nutrition deficit, air pollution and global warming. They can also disrupt the pollination of crops., the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. The hornet doesnt normally attack people unless someone disturbs their nest. Their egg-shaped paper nests sometimes large enough to hold 6,000 hornets are above ground and often in trees and on structures such as barns, garages and sheds. The fact that we captured a queen is significant, Steven Long, assistant director, Clemson Department of Plant Industry, said in a news release. It means that we have prevented a yellow-legged hornet nest from establishing in South Carolina. The yellow-legged hornet comes from Southeast Asia and has gotten their footing across the Middle East and Europe. The first in the United States was found last August in Savannah, where the Georgia Department of Agriculture is battling the pest. The yellow-legged hornet looks a lot like several native insects, including the cicada killer wasp, the bald-faced hornet, paper wasps, queen yellowjackets, wood wasps and robber flies. The way to tell if its the invasive species is they are larger than the other stinging insects. Clemson is asking for people to report sighting of any large hornets and hornet nests. www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/plant-industry/invasive/ylh.html. In the meantime, Plant Industry scientists are trapping year-round and will eradicate any nests they find. The yellow-legged hornet is a predatory insect that has been reported to attack western honeybee colonies and has become a serious pest of beekeeping operations where it has been introduced, said Ben Powell, who directs Clemson Cooperative Extensions Apiary and Pollinator program. Establishment of this exotic pest in the U.S. would pose a significant threat to our already embattled beekeeping enterprises. Johnny Mercer has said he is challenging an order to hand over the names of those who told him about alleged special forces murders in Afghanistan. Afghanistan Inquiry chairman Sir Charles Haddon-Cave gave the veterans minister until April 5 to hand over the names or face a potential prison sentence of up to two years. He had until today to appeal that instruction. During Mr Mercers evidence to the inquiry last month, the chairman said his decision to refuse to answer legitimate questions at a public inquiry were disappointing surprising and completely unacceptable. Johnny Mercer said the one thing you can hold on to is your integrity (PA Wire) It came after Mr Mercer repeatedly refused to hand over names of multiple officers who told him about allegations of murder and a cover-up during his time as a backbench MP. I am aware of tomorrows deadline from the Afghan Inquiry order that requires me to name the whistleblowers who confided in me. I am submitting an application to challenge the order under section 21(4) of the Inquiries Act 2005 seeking to have the Section 21 notice set aside. Rt Hon Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) April 2, 2024 The Plymouth MP on Tuesday posted on X: I am aware of tomorrows deadline from the Afghan Inquiry order that requires me to name the whistleblowers who confided in me. I am submitting an application to challenge the order under section 21(4) of the Inquiries Act 2005 seeking to have the Section 21 notice set aside. It would not be appropriate to comment further. The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer Giving his reason for not disclosing the names, he told counsel to the inquiry Oliver Glasgow KC last month: The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals. The inquiry said Mr Mercer was served with a Section 21 notice on March 13, compelling him to hand over the names, which the inquiry has said will be treated in confidence. In the order, the chairman said the consequences of failing to comply without reasonable excuse would be a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine. The independent inquiry into allegations of unlawful killings by UK special forces in Afghanistan began on Monday (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Archive) Before giving him the order, Sir Charles had told the minister: You need to decide which side you are really on, Mr Mercer. He accused the minister, who served in the Special Boat Service (SBS) task force in Afghanistan between 2008 and 2009, of having a misguided understanding of the term integrity and an inappropriate sense of loyalty by refusing to name names. The inquiry is examining whether a special forces unit, known to the probe as UKSF1, had a policy of executing males of fighting age who posed no threat in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. Afghan families have accused UK special forces of conducting a campaign of murder against civilians, while senior officers and personnel at the Ministry of Defence have been accused of seeking to prevent adequate investigation. Two Royal Military Police investigations, codenamed Operation Northmoor and Operation Cestro, are set to be scrutinised by the inquiry. No charges were brought under Operation Northmoor a 10 million investigation which was set up in 2014 to examine allegations of executions by special forces, including those of children. Operation Cestro saw three soldiers referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority, but none of them were prosecuted. The inquiry continues. Last June, Education Minister Bill Hogan changed Policy 713 to make it mandatory to get parental consent before school staff use a child's chosen name and pronoun, if the child is under 16. (Jacques Poitras/CBC - image credit) New Brunswick's new school policy on gender identity has not applied uniformly across the province. In fact, the majority of school districts still have their own policies, despite letters of warning from the minister. Education Minister Bill Hogan's mandate for parental consent before staff can use certain children's pronouns got pushback from school psychologists, child advocates and district education councils. Months later, the battle continues. Hogan recently threatened to remove Anglophone East's policy from its own website. Opponents of the review of Policy 713 demostrate outside the New Brunswick legislature. Opponents of the review of Policy 713 demonstrated outside the New Brunswick legislature last summer. (Radio-Canada) Last June, Hogan changed Policy 713 to make it mandatory to get parental consent before school staff use a child's chosen name and pronoun, if the child is under 16. This new policy was called potentially discriminatory and dangerous by medical professionals, school psychologists, children's rights advocates and civil liberty groups. It is currently the subject of a lawsuit and grievances from the unions representing school psychologists and teachers. Hogan and Premier Blaine Higgs said this policy is meant to protect the parents' right to be involved in their children's lives. District education councils, made up of elected members of the community who are usually parents, have the power to make policies that are "consistent with, or more comprehensive than" Policy 713, according to the policy itself. All councils, except Anglophone North, created their own policies at the beginning of this school year. The districts emphasized prioritizing the well-being of the student. All added some leeway, where teachers would be allowed to use a child's chosen pronoun verbally in the classroom if parental involvement is in the works or not possible. Premier Blaine Higgs met with pro-LGBT policy protesters who showed up outside a Progressive Conservative Party fundraising event Wednesday. Premier Blaine Higgs met with pro-LGBT policy protesters who showed up outside a Progressive Conservative Party fundraising event last September. (Ed Hunter/CBC) In October, Hogan sent strongly worded letters to six councils, saying their policies are contravened the Education Act, and were inconsistent with his policy. He asked they remove their policies and gave them a deadline. Anglophone South and West changed their policies by Hogan's deadline. Anglophone East refused. All three francophone districts worked together to create a uniform policy they all follow. Their policy is modelled after the one suggested by child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock, where teachers are to respect all students' pronouns from Grade 6 and up. For students younger than Grade 6, the decision is made on a case-by-case basis. Anglophone East's policy says staff must respect students' chosen names and pronouns in "daily interactions." "This respect for the student's wishes will be extended while efforts to 'obtain consent to talk to the parent' are being made," the policy says. "School personnel may not withhold use of the student's preferred name and/or pronouns as a means of 'obtaining consent to talk to the parent.'" 'I will, as Minister, take the corrective actions' In letters to Hogan, the Anglophone East council said its policy is, in fact, not breaking any rules, because Policy 713 never explicitly says what should happen while the child is attempting to speak to their parents. The council said its policy can also be considered "more comprehensive" than the provincial policy. Hogan's letters to Anglophone East became more insistent in February. In that letter, he maintained that the district is contravening the Education Act and gave a deadline of March 28 to make changes. "If the DEC fails to comply with these requests in the time specified, I will, as Minister, take the corrective actions of repealing the district policy and having all copies removed from DEC website," Hogan wrote. In reply, Anglophone East said it will not be changing their policy. The council asked for a meeting with Hogan instead. According to the Education Department, officials did meet with the Anglophone East council on March 27. "To respect the process, details of the discussions between the two parties will not be disclosed," the department said. The department did not answer questions about other districts that have "inconsistent" policies, and what action the minister plans to take. Anglophone East did not respond to requests for comment on this issue. The district's policy is still on its website on Tuesday. West, South rework policies To appease Hogan's demands in September, Anglophone South rescinded a motion that said staff should respect all students' pronouns. Instead, the district's policy reads: "The district shall ensure all staff respect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, New Brunswick Human Rights Act, Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Positive Learning Environment Policy." Anglophone West removed parts of its policy that said staff should respect students' pronouns while parental consent is being sought. The policy emphasizes the Charter, the Human Rights Act and the section of Policy 713 that says "All members of the school environment have the right to self-identify and express themselves without fear of consequences and with an expectation of dignity, privacy, and confidentiality." Police hunting female thug who attacked women with bricks in Hackney enclave Police are hunting a female suspect who lashed out at other women with bricks in north London. Two victims were attacked and left bloodied within about 30 minutes by the attacker who hid her weapon in a bag during Tuesday mornings rush hour. Metropolitan Police officers said the first incident happened on Stoke Newington Church Street just after 7.50am when a woman was hit with an item, possibly a brick in a bag. At roughly 8.25am, a second call was received by a female describing a similar attack near a parade of upmarket shops and cafes on Southgate Road, in Hackneys De Beauvoir Town enclave. A police spokesman added: Officers attended the scenes but the suspect had left the area on both occasions. The victims, both women, were treated for minor injuries. The De Beauvoir Deli shop was tagged in a post about the incident on social media. An Instagram user urged caution writing: Police just told me theres a woman going around with a bag full of bricks smashing other women in the face. When contacted by the Standard, a member of staff confirmed employees at the deli-cafe and grocer had heard about the attacks. But she had no further details regarding possible victims. Scotland Yard said: Police are investigating two separate incidents on Tuesday April 2 involving members of the public who reported being attacked by a woman in the street. The first call was made to police at 7.53am after a woman was hit with an item, possibly a brick in a bag. This took place in Stoke Newington Church Street, N16. The second call was made at 8.24am where the caller described a similar attack in Southgate Road, N1. Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD1493/2APR and CAD1365/2APR. 'Time for this project to move on': Charlottetown apartments near approval after years of delays A design illustration by developer APM group shows what its proposed Port House Development apartment building might look like in downtown Charlottetown. (Submitted by APM - image credit) The developer behind a new apartment building for Charlottetown's downtown is happy to see the project finally moving forward. After three years of delays, including a challenge to the Island Regulatory Appeals Commission (IRAC), Charlottetown City Council is close to granting final approval for the Port House Development. The developer won its IRAC appeal, and council unanimously approved an exemption to the city's zoning bylaw for how high a building can be at the project's planned location. Final approval could come on April 9, when the motion has its second reading. The CEO of the APM group, Tim Banks, said it's unfortunate many city projects are held up by what he called "frivolous appeals or so-called NIMBYs," he told CBC News, referring to the popular acronym for "not-in-my-back-yard" reactions to developments. "It's time for this project to move on." Banks said construction will hopefully begin this fall on the Port House Development, which will be built on what is now a parking lot for the Polyclinic Professional Centre. "I'm pleased that City Council and the planning department worked with us to get us where we are today," Banks said. "And I'm hoping that things will go a little more smoothly now." The area where a 158-unit apartment building is proposed in downtown Charlottetown is currently a parking lot. The area where a 158-unit apartment building is proposed in downtown Charlottetown is currently a parking lot. (Laura Meader/CBC) Building includes affordable units The project was originally proposed as a six-storey building, but Banks said due to rising costs APM decided to increase its planned height to become more financially viable. He said 32 of the project's 158 units roughly one-in-five will be rented at affordable rates below $1,000 monthly for mostly one-bedroom units. Once completed, the building at 199 Grafton St. would offer a mix of micro-suites, one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as a large parking area; the first two levels and an underground level will be dedicated to parking. The cost of the project is estimated to be around $35 million, and is expected to take several years to complete. APM is working for Morris Holdings, owned by Charlottetown businessman Pat Morris. Downtown development needed Tim Banks said too many buildings are being built outside Charlottetown's downtown, something he described as out of line with what's happening in the rest of Canada. He said architects have worked hard to create a design that works with the proposed site. Banks added the new building will revitalize the surrounding area, which he said needs to adapt. "I think it has to evolve," he said. "Heritage has to work with new design." He said restrictions in place meant to protect historic parts of Charlottetown's downtown have in some cases led to areas stagnating. "There is opportunity in our downtown core," Banks said, adding that allowing more large apartment buildings bring in more people, support local businesses, and make the area more vibrant. Still several steps before green light In an emailed statement to CBC, a city spokesperson said after second and final reading, there will be a 21-day appeal period, during which the application is open to appeal to IRAC; the last day to file such an appeal is April 30. The bylaw also requires the Minister of Housing, Land and Communities to sign off on the city's decision. Charlottetown's spokesperson said in future other, taller apartment buildings might be considered to address the city's housing needs, but no specific locations have yet been identified for such developments. Last June, wildfire smoke lingered over Toronto for weeks, resulting in multiple air quality alerts. Wildfire conditions this summer could bring more of the same. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News - image credit) It's officially wildfire season in Ontario, and with little snow this winter, it could be another smoky summer in Toronto. Last year was Canada's worst wildfire season on record. Around the country, fires blazed through the summer, communities were evacuated including the capital city of the Northwest Territories and a hazy blanket covered large parts of the country. In Toronto, air quality warnings were prevalent in June. Experts say Torontonians should expect more smoke this summer, as Ontario's fire season officially starts this week. "We had limited snowpack this year across the country (and) we had relatively dry conditions this spring and hotter weather," said Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo. "We've got conditions that are right to make a wildfire risk." Canada is still experiencing drought conditions, with new wildfires already starting this year, according to Brian Simpson, a scientist with the Canadian Forest Service. He says seasonal forecasts for May and June show above average temperatures across the country. "Therefore, we anticipate an early start to the fire season and more widespread fire activity than usual," he said in an email. Wildfire smoke could become part of Toronto summer People make their way through a gloomy atmosphere in Toronto on June 5, 2023. Poor air quality across Southern Ontario is the result of wildfires burning across the country. Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo, says hazy conditions are likely across Canada this summer. Whether they hit Toronto depends on which way the wind blows. (Evan Mitsui/CBC) Simpson says conditions are drier in western Canada, while a three-day winter storm last week could reduce the risk of wildfires in northwestern Ontario. Smoky conditions in Toronto will depend less on proximity to wildfires and more on which way the wind is blowing, says Feltmate, as wildfire smoke can travel thousands of kilometres. This year's conditions aside, Feltmate says a changing climate will likely make future summers smokier. "We're going to have to prepare for these extreme events," he said. "When people talk about the new normal in the weather, they have to realize there will be no new normal. It's just evolving levels of risk and challenge." Health risks, and how to stay safe The forecasted air quality in Ottawa remains low risk until Thursday night, as far in advance as Environment Canada forecasts. Wearing a mask can help filter out air pollutants in wildfire smoke, says Dr. Howard Shapiro. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) Air pollutants from wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and cause coughing and difficulty breathing. Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of smoke, like young children, seniors, pregnant women and people with chronic heart or lung conditions. Outdoor workers can also feel the effects more due to increased exposure. After last summer, Toronto Public Health created a "wildfire smoke response strategy" to guide health measures and keep people safe when the air gets hazy. It also offers tips on how to protect yourself from smoke. Dr. Howard Shapiro, the public agency's associate medical officer of health, says there were no serious cases related to wildfire smoke exposure in the city last year, according to the data from emergency departments and hospitals. But he says Torontonians should still take precautions to protect their health during the haze. "It's about trying to limit your time outdoors and the amount of intense activity or exercise you do outdoors," Shapiro said. He recommends monitoring Environment Canada's air quality health index (AQHI), which measures air quality based on how it will impact human health, before going outdoors in the summer. In Toronto, the AQHI usually sits around three on a scale of one to 10. At the height of last summer's wildfire season, when smoke from faraway fires covered the city, the AQHI maxed out at 10, briefly making Toronto's air the most polluted on the planet. If you need to go outdoors during hazy conditions, wearing an N95 mask can help, Shapiro says, but it's important to remember masks don't protect the eyes and can also make breathing difficult in some cases. Protecting the indoor air in your home is also important Shapiro says, so is keeping windows sealed and ensuring the air in your home filtered. "You can prepare now," he said. Ontario's fire season officially started Monday, and runs through Oct. 31, during which outdoor burning regulations are in effect. U.S. and U.K. to Collaborate on AI Safety Testing Frameworks The United States and United Kingdom governments have announced a joint effort to establish AI safety testing standards and protocols. The two countries have signed a so-called "Memorandum of Understanding," announced the U.S. Department of Commerce on Monday. The memorandum, signed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.K. Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, concerns a nascent effort by the two countries to "work together to develop tests for the most advanced AI models." The news comes one week after Anthropic, a leading generative AI firm and maker of the Claude large language model family, posted a lengthy blog advocating for an industrywide effort to create a standardized process for testing the safety of AI systems. In that blog, Anthropic stressed the importance of creating a robust AI testing paradigm, one that's verified and administered by reputable third parties, to "avoid societal harm" caused by AI. Anthropic also appealed specifically to governments to begin setting up AI testing programs immediately to address the near and present danger of AI-driven cybersecurity attacks. In a prepared statement, the U.K.'s Donelan indicated that AI and the regulation of it is "the defining technology challenge of our generation." "[T]he safe development of AI is a shared global issue," she said. "Only by working together can we address the technology's risks head on and harness its enormous potential to help us all live easier and healthier lives." The U.S.-U.K. partnership, which is effective immediately, has several aspects. The two countries are committing to developing "a common approach to AI safety testing," and to sharing resources and capabilities in pursuit of that goal. That includes "personnel exchanges," as well as information and research sharing. They also "intend to perform at least one joint testing exercise on a publicly accessible model." Down the line, the two countries plan to forge similar partnerships with other countries "to promote AI safety across the globe." Both governments acknowledge the need to lay the groundwork for AI safety standards immediately, given how rapidly AI technology evolves another point Anthropic discussed in its manifesto. "This partnership is going to accelerate both of our Institutes' work across the full spectrum of risks, whether to our national security or to our broader society. Our partnership makes clear that we aren't running away from these concerns we're running at them," said Raimondo. Application deadline for ICFAI Business School is on April 3, 2024, for 8 IBS campuses across India Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] Published : April 2, 2024 Admissions are open for IBS campuses in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Dehradun, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. However, admissions for IBS Hyderabad are currently closed. The upcoming selection process is set to take place on April 06 and 07, 2024, at IBS Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Dehradun, Jaipur, and the IBS Head Office in Hyderabad. IBS Kolkata will conduct its selection process slightly later, on April 07 and 08, 2024. Aspirants who are yet to apply can directly do so, online, before April 3, 2024, using scores from various national or state-level management tests from 2021 onwards or upcoming test admit cards scheduled before May 2024. The online application portal can be accessed through this link: IBS Online Application Portal. Those who have already applied have received email invitations detailing the selection process date and venue. All the candidates who have already applied recently or before Feb 1, 2024 have received an email invitation mentioning the selection process date and venue to attend. The selection process comprises Group Discussion and Personal Interview. With over 25 years of excellence, ICFAI Business School (IBS) stands out for providing top-tier management career opportunities. In 2023, over 94% of students across all campuses were successfully placed, Placement details available on the official website. Boasting a network of 500+ companies, predominantly from banking, financial, consulting, IT services, and manufacturing sectors, IBS ensures extensive industry connections. Moreover, its 66,000+ alumni, with 10% occupying global positions, attest to the institution's global reach and impact. IBS' MBA/PGPM curriculum stands out for its case-based teaching, 14-week internships, elective choices, and industry certifications from Bloomberg and SAP labs, ensuring relevance in contemporary management education. For those seeking more information or assistance, visit ibsindia.org. ICFAI Business School (IBS) offers a range of programs, including the flagship 2-year full-time MBA program at select campuses and the 2-year full-time PGPM at others. Admission requirements include a graduation degree with 50% or more marks with English as the medium of instruction, with provisions for English proficiency tests for non-English medium graduates. Secure a future in management by embarking on an admission journey at ICFAI Business School today. For more information please contact the respective information offices in your city using the link https://ibsindia.org/contact-us/ or reach directly on toll-free: 1800 425 55 66 77. IBS Admission Office Plot No. 65, Nagarjuna HillsPunjagutta, Hyderabad - 500082TelanganaPh: 040 - 23440963 (5 lines)E-mail: ibsat@ibsindia.org Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions Dancers from Ukraine's Grand Kyiv Ballet will perform "Giselle" at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, according to a press release. First performed in 1841 in Paris, "Giselle" recounts the tale of Giselle and the Willis, young unmarried girls betrayed by their lovers who meet their untimely demise. Overwhelmed by sorrow and anger, they transform into the malevolent Willis, seeking retribution and settling scores. Kateryna Kukhar and Alex Stoianov will be the principal dancers for the ballet. The couple currently live in Seattle because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the outbreak of which left them separated from their two children while they were preparing for a performance in France. Kukhar and Stoianov worked to evacuate their children from Ukraine and helped evacuate more than 300 ballet dancers and their families in the month that followed. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be directed toward the renovation efforts of the Kyiv State Choreographic College. Yokota Air Base in the suburbs of western Tokyo is home to U.S. Forces Japan, 5th Air Force and the 374th Airlift Wing. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan A B-52H Stratofortress diverted Tuesday evening to this airlift hub in western Tokyo, the second such visit in less than a year. The bomber landed at 5:22 p.m. safely and without incident, a spokesman for 374th Airlift Wing, Master Sgt. Nathan Allen, said by email Wednesday. The Stratofortress is assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., he said. The bomb wing is the largest in Air Force Global Strike Command, whose mission is to provide strategic deterrence, global strike and combat support. Allen did not say what caused the bomber to divert to Yokota, and the wing denied Stars and Stripes request to photograph it. Amateur photographers, in fits and starts, approached the bases east-side perimeter fence, attempting to get shots of the aircraft behind a row of trees. A B-52 took part in an exercise Tuesday over South Korea along with Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, South Korean F-15 Slam Eagles and Japan Self-Defense F-2 fighters, according to a news release from the South Korea Ministry of National Defense. The drill near Jeju Island south of the Korean Peninsula was held to improve the ability to deter and respond to North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile threats, the ministry said. The flight took place the same day that North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile that flew roughly 370 miles before splashing down in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, according to South Koreas military. The airpower demonstration was only the third time the three countries have ever flown a bomber escort drill together. The first was Oct. 22, the second on Dec. 20. Stars and Stripes could not immediately confirm that the same bomber landed Tuesday evening in Japan. B-52s rarely touch down at Yokota, which also serves as headquarters for 5th Air Force and U.S. Forces Japan. A Stratofortress landed at the base on July 12 due to an in-flight maintenance issue. That aircraft, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., was in the region to support a training exercise. Its arrival at Yokota occurred a week after four B-52s deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Air Forces ongoing bomber task force missions intended to project U.S. air power in the region. Prior to July, a B-52 landed at Yokota in 1989 during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival. For more than 60 years, the B-52 has been the backbone of the U.S. strategic bomber force, according to the Air Force. It can carry the widest array of weapons in the services inventory, including nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance. The Air Force regularly sends B-52s to Guam on bomber task force missions to demonstrate its capacity for global delivery of air power. Stars and Stripes reporter David Choi contributed to this report. Col. R.J. Garcia will become the 81st commandant of cadets at the United States Military Academy later this year. Garcia, a 1996 graduate of West Point, N.Y., will be promoted to brigadier general before taking charge of the corps of cadets. (U.S. Army) The Army has named a West Point alum who has flown Apache helicopters in combat as the next commandant of cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, the institution announced Wednesday. Col. R.J. Garcia will become the schools 81st commandant of cadets later this year, West Point officials said. Garcia, a 1996 graduate of West Point, N.Y., will be promoted to brigadier general before taking charge of the corps of cadets. The commandant of cadets serves as West Points No. 2 officer and is responsible for the day-to-day training and development of its cadets. Garcia will replace Maj. Gen. Lori L. Robinson, another West Point alum, who has served as commandant since June 2023. She is expected to take command of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., according to the school. A date for their change of command has not yet been scheduled, a West Point official said. In addition to attending West Point, Garcia was previously an instructor at the institution in its Behavioral Sciences & Leadership Department, according to the Army. Garcia is a veteran of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter pilot, he has served in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions, the 1st Cavalry Division, the 1st Armored Division, on the Army staff at the Pentagon and at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel, Ala., according to his official service biography. He is now serving as the deputy commander for support at the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, according to the service. Garcia is from San Antonio, Texas, and is married with two children, according to his bio. He holds a bachelors degree in civil engineering from West Point, a masters degree in adult and occupational education from Kansas State University and a masters in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, according to the Army. For Bill Cowden, aviation wasnt just a career choice but a way of life. Since he was a young boy, Bill had always dreamed of being a pilot. Through diligence and perseverance, he nurtured that goal into a 25-year aviation career. As a private pilot, North Dakota Air National Guard F-16 pilot, commercial airline pilot and air show performer, Bill accumulated over 7,500 flight hours in more than 85 different models of aircraft. He held a Level 1 Unrestricted Surface Level Aerobatic waiver. Bill was also an Airframe and Power Plant mechanic and aircraft builder. He loved giving rides and mentoring aspiring young pilots and served on numerous aviation boards and committees. Bill passed away at the age of 47 in an air show performance accident in June 2014. Those who knew Bill remember his attention to detail and hunger to attain each subsequent aviation rating. His passion was honing his aviation skills and promoting aviation activities in all their forms. It is in this spirit and in his loving memory that his wife, Heather Cowden, reached out to the Community Foundation of Dunn County to establish the Bill Cowden Memorial Aviation Scholarship. It is Heathers hope that aspiring pilots who lack the financial resources to pursue advanced pilot training will be able to fulfill their dreams in Bills memory. One scholarship will be available each year to provide financial support to an area pilot working to obtain higher ratings in aviation, up to $1,500. Applications are accepted from March through May of each year. The 2024 application submission deadline is 5 p.m. May 19. Criteria for eligibility are as follows: Available to private pilots of all ages. This scholarship specifically promotes advanced aviation training. Applicants must already hold a current Private Pilot Certificate. This scholarship is to be used toward advanced aviation training. Applicant must provide a professional resume and include one letter of recommendation related to aviation skills. Applicants must submit a one-page, typewritten essay giving their reasons for pursuing advanced aviation training. Available to pilots in the Midwest, limited to: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. All applications must be submitted through the CFDC scholarship portal at www.grantinterface.com/sl/Lghf3g. Further information and details can be found at cfdunncounty.org. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms. (Department of Defense) A man identified as a Chinese national forced his way through a gate at the Marine Corps largest live-fire combat training base last week before being detained by military police, service and federal officials said. The man, who has not been named, arrived in a vehicle at Condor Gate, south of the Main Gate at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, according to officials with the Marine Corps and the Department of Homeland Security. The base, which is home to the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, stretches about 935 square miles in the desert roughly 120 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Despite being prompted to exit at the Condor Gate by installation security, the individual proceeded onto the installation without authorization, according to a statement from the Marines. Military law enforcement were immediately notified and detained the individual. They then notified and transferred custody to Customs and Border Protection. Maj. Joshua Pena, public affairs officer at Twentynine Palms, said Tuesday that they would not release any information beyond the original statement. The service would not reveal the status of the individual who was detained, where he is being held, and on what charges. Officials for Customs and Border Protection, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, also declined Tuesday to discuss details of the incident or further legal steps. Officials said they would not comment on sensitive matters but would work with law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, the military and other federal agencies to identify individuals who might threaten national security or public safety. However, Gregory Bovino, a Customs and Border Protection agent based in El Centro, Calif., did provide some details about the incident in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Agents responded to a call from the Marine Corp Base about a #Chinese national who entered the base w/o authorization, ignoring orders to leave, Bovino wrote March 29. Bovino wrote in the X post that authorities were able to ascertain the man was in the U.S. illegally. Bovino did not say how that determination was made, where the man might have entered the United States, or how long he had been in the country. His purpose & intent behind his actions are still being investigated, he wrote. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which handles law enforcement issues concerning the Navy and Marines, did not respond Tuesday to questions about the incident. The Twentynine Palms combat center has training going on much of the time. The incident occurred March 27 at a time when Marines at the base were training with Stinger surface-to-air missiles, according to the Pentagon. In late February, the base hosted an exercise that included 2,400 Marines, 200 tactical vehicles and 60 buildings, plus its gunnery ranges were being wired with sensors and trackers to give unit commanders real-time, as-it-happens views of a simulated battle against a large adversarial force, according to a Naval Institute Press report. A worker looks out at Oura Bay near Camp Schwab, Okinawa, in September 2022. (Stars and Stripes) A contractor discovered what appears to be a human bone while surveying a construction site near Camp Schwab, a Marine Corps base on Okinawa, according to the Okinawa Defense Bureau. The contractor, who was working for the defense bureau, found the bone on the afternoon of March 21, a bureau spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone Tuesday. The contractor reported the discovery to Okinawa Prefectural Police, the spokesman said. He declined to provide further details, such as the size of the bone or where it was found, citing a police investigation. Some government spokespeople in Japan are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. The site is part of an area where the Marines are building an airfield to replace Marine Corps Air Station Futenma farther south on the island, but it is not under the Marines control. The location was an [Okinawa Defense Bureau] Exclusive Zone that is part of the Futenma Replacement Facility construction and not controlled by the U.S. Military, Marine Corps Installations Pacific spokesman Capt. Brett Dornhege-Lazaroff told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday. Construction of Camp Schwab began in 1957 on a hill that was the site of a World War II refugee camp for civilian evacuees, and was completed in 1959, according to a 2012 report by the Institute for Policy Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Marine Corps Capt. Eric Pak, left, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Master Sgt. Tomoya Tasaki call for air support during training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Dec. 15, 2023. (Kira Ducato/U.S. Marine Corps) A master sergeant in the Japanese army learned English to become the first Japanese instructor taught by U.S. Marines to direct close air support for infantry from both countries. Master Sgt. Tomoya Tasaki of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force was designated an instructor for joint terminal attack controllers, or JTAC, on Feb. 20, according to a Marine Corps press release March 6. He trained with the 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Marine Capt. Eric Pak, a weapons tactics instructor and JTAC evaluator who helped train Tasaki, described him as extremely dedicated. Master Sgt. Tasaki wanted to be a JTAC, but then realized that he had to learn to speak English, Pak told Stars and Stripes by phone March 8. So, he learned how to speak English and he became proficient while learning the job. As a certified instructor, Tasaki will train Japanese troops using the skills he gained with the Marines, a Ground-Self-Defense Force spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone March 28. Some government spokespeople in Japan are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. The Ground Self-Defense Force did not make Tasaki available to Stars and Stripes for an interview by the requested time. I want to contribute to joint fires operations and support future Japanese JTACs, Tasaki, a fire support coordination chief with Japans Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, said in the Marines news release. The first step to becoming a JTAC instructor is a five-week course to become a certified tactical air controller, the person responsible for calling in air strikes and other lethal fire support, Pak said. Tasaki completed that course in June at the Marines expeditionary warfare training center in San Diego, Calif., according to the release. Once he successfully completed that part, we began to work on his instructor stuff because he is the only qualified JTAC in the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Pak said. But then in order for them to create more JTACs they needed an instructor, so he took on that responsibility to progress and be able to teach. JTAC instructors take newly minted controllers and train them to standards that unit commanders depend upon for safe and effective delivery of firepower, Pak said. The Ground Self-Defense Force will train its personnel to deliver close air support according to tactics shared by U.S. and Japanese forces, the Self-Defense Force spokesman said. Now he is qualified to work with NATO aircraft and joint force aircraft, Pak said. So, he doesnt have to just control Japanese organic aircraft. Since graduating that course, he has been working close air support with U.S. rotary wing and fixed wing platforms. Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report. A Torah thought to be written in the 1930s is housed in a wooden cabinet, or ark, in the chapel of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, March 19, 2024. All 11 of the Navy's aircraft carriers have Torahs on loan from the JWB Jewish Chaplains Council. The Torah, which includes the Bible, is the written text of Jewish law and teachings, and is considered to be the most sacred text of Judaism. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) NAPLES, Italy The Torah on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose namesake led Allied forces to victory against Nazi Germany, serves as spiritual support for sailors in the midst of a fight with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The scroll, thought to have been sent to safety in the U.S. during the 1930s as fascism took hold in Europe, has had a home in the carriers chapel since 2006. Many of the ships 5,000 people may not know of its presence. But they know of its truths outlined in the founding principles of the U.S. Constitution, said Cmdr. Jay Weatherwax, command chaplain of the Eisenhower and group chaplain for Carrier Strike Group Two. The Torah, which comprises the first five books of the Bible, is considered the most sacred of Jewish texts. Contemplating the scrolls history alongside that of Eisenhowers legacy, the Holocaust and the lives laid down in the presence of very real evil during World War II is awe-inspiring, he said. Its invaluable, Weatherwax said. With the Torah here, we have something that symbolizes the presence, the words of God, the instructions for life in the midst of the stuff that we do. The Eisenhower and its escorts have been on duty in the Middle East since early November, ordered to the region by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as the U.S. worked to keep the Israel-Hamas war from broadening. Since Dec. 31, the carriers crew has supported the launch of about 100 daily flights to stem Houthi missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea. There isnt a rabbi assigned to Eisenhower, but a service member is training to conduct services for at least 30 identified Jewish sailors aboard the ship, Weatherwax said. A Torah donated to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is housed in a wooden cabinet, or ark, in the ship's chapel. When not in use, the ark is covered by a white protective fabric case adorned with the ship's signature crest representing Eisenhower's five-star general rank. The Torah is the written text of Jewish law and teachings, including the Bible, and is considered to be the most sacred text of Judaism. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) The scroll on Eisenhower was donated by an Akron, Ohio, synagogue and is estimated to have been inscribed in the 1930s. It is one of 11 on loan to the fleets aircraft carriers from the JWB Jewish Chaplains Council. At least two, including one aboard USS Harry S. Truman, are Holocaust-surviving Torahs, said retired Capt. Irving Elson, a rabbi and director of the council. A Torah is being hand-copied for the future Ford-class aircraft carrier PCU John F. Kennedy, he said. Torahs also have been donated to bases and other military-related facilities, including the U.S. presidential summer retreat Camp David in Maryland. Four others are expeditionary scrolls, specially sized for ease of transport to service members on deployment, he said. While the texts are sacred to Judaism and religious observance, they are not just for Jewish sailors, Elson said. The Torah is for every sailor of any faith and those of no faith because written in the Torah are the principles our country was founded on, said Elson, who served 35 years as a rabbi in the Navy. He added that the Torahs also serve as a symbol of the religious diversity of each ship. There arent readily available numbers on the religious preferences of the Defense Departments 1.27 million active-duty service members. But Jews made up about 0.4% of all service members across the services in 2019, according to a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report that same year. About 70% of U.S. military members were Christian of varying denominations such as Roman Catholic, Protestant and Latter-day Saints. Another 0.4% were Muslim, according to the report. Lt. Cmdr. Yonatan Warren, a Jewish chaplain assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, carries the Torah during the dedication and reinstallation ceremony for it on the ship at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 2, 2024. It was first dedicated to the ship in 2007. Truman and at least one other Navy aircraft carrier have Holocaust-surviving Torahs. (Casey Iwuagwu/U.S. Navy) The Torah on the USS Harry S. Truman was unrolled to its full length in the aircraft carrier's hangar bay following a dedication and reinstallation ceremony for it on the ship at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 2, 2024. Truman and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower both have Holocaust-surviving Torahs. (Casey Iwuagwu/U.S. Navy) Being Jewish in the military can be lonely, said Lt. Cmdr. Yonatan Warren, a rabbi assigned to Truman. Having a Torah onboard a carrier for religious observances allows sailors to transcend that, he said. It joins us together in a huge community in the world and makes us not alone, said Warren, who read from the Torah aboard the Eisenhower during Yom Kippur services in 2021. Wherever the Torah is, there is community. The presence of the scrolls on Navy ships also is evidence of the interwoven history of the U.S. and Jews, who have served in the military and fought in every war since the countrys founding, said Cmdr. Aaron Kleinman, a rabbi assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy. For example, 550,000 Jewish men and women served in the military during World War II, according to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. There are forces of darkness and evil in the world, Kleinman said. They should know they are going to be confronted and they are going to be confronted by the U.S. military and in that U.S. military there are going to be Jewish service members fighting alongside their non-Jewish colleagues and comrades in arms and, God willing, were going to win. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. (Sebastian Castaneda/Bloomberg) (Bloomberg) -- Perus unpopular president is likely to receive the backing of the equally-disliked congress in a vote on Wednesday, as both sides defy the public clamor for them to quit. Lawmakers are widely forecast to greenlight President Dina Boluartes new cabinet, looking past the so-called Rolex scandal that has roiled her government in recent weeks. That support should help consolidate an alliance that has allowed all sides to stay in office with approval ratings that are among the lowest of any political class on the planet. One recent poll found that the president and the legislature both have approval ratings of 9%, and that most Peruvians want them to resign and call new elections. An investigation into Boluarte for illegal enrichment was triggered when a local newspaper questioned how she had paid for at least 14 luxury watches that she had been seen wearing. Peru is notorious for ousting its leaders, having cycled through six presidents since 2016, yet Bolourte surprised many with her staying power. In the immediate term, right-leaning parties in congress will want to block any revival of public pressure to bring forward elections even if it means continuing to support the hapless Boluarte, wrote political consultancy Teneo in a note. The new-look cabinet should therefore pass the investiture vote. A no vote would force Boluarte to submit another cabinet and, if that were also rejected, she could shut congress and call new legislative elections. Boluarte has denied any wrongdoing but failed to explain how she could afford jewelry including a $15,000 Rolex and a $50,000 Cartier bracelet on her monthly salary of about $4,300. Last week, police raided her private residence, and also searched the presidential palace for luxury items and evidence about how she came to acquire them. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2024 Bloomberg L.P. U.S. Army Pacific commander Gen. Charles Flynn speaks to reporters during a media roundtable at U.S. Embassy Tokyo, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) TOKYO A recent poll suggests China is the popular choice in Southeast Asia, but the United States still has the cooperation of the regions military forces, the commander of U.S. Army Pacific said Wednesday. Growing numbers of participants in annual, U.S.-led military exercises demonstrates that U.S. military engagement in the region is expanding, Gen. Charles Flynn said during a roundtable discussion at U.S. Embassy Tokyo. What I see, at least with the army forces leadership and formations, is there is a continued and steady increase in multilateral and multinational work together, he told reporters. China is considered the most influential economic and political-strategic power in the region, outpacing the U.S. by significant margins, according to the annual State of Southeast Asia survey published Tuesday by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Studies Centre Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Just over half the polls 2,000 respondents prefer China if the region is forced to align itself in the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry. But many indicated an independent stance is preferable to embracing either power. The US as a choice dropped from 61.1% in the previous year to 49.5%, the survey states. Close to half of the respondents (46.8%) believe that ASEAN should enhance its resilience and unity to fend off pressures from the two major powers. A Patriot missile is fired during a Balikatan drill at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Philippines, April 25, 2023. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) Flynn pointed to Balikatan, an exercise scheduled to bring 16,000 U.S. and Filipino troops together in the Philippines from April 22 to May 9, as an example of growing U.S. influence. Other exercises, including Super Garuda Shield in Indonesia and Talisman Sabre in Australia, have grown to include not just the U.S. and host nations but forces and observers from 14 or 15 other nations at each, including some from Southeast Asia, Flynn added. Balikatan is in two to three weeks, and I expect the number of countries sending formations or observers to be in the teens, he said. The ASEAN poll shows that Filipinos bucked the trend, with support for the U.S. as a preferred partner growing from 78.8% to 83.3% since last year and support for China falling from 21.2% to 16.7%. The results come during increased tension between Manila and Beijing. In recent months, Chinese coast guard and maritime militia have tried unsuccessfully to block Philippine vessels resupplying the BRP Sierra Madre. The grounded World War II-era ship serves as a territorial outpost at Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed reef in the South China Sea. Chinas military has been on a dangerous trajectory for the past decade, Flynn said. Its aggressive behavior, including recent actions off the Philippines western coast is illustrative of that irresponsible behavior, he said. U.S. Army I Corps, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., will reposition as a Combined Joint Task Force in the Philippines during Balikatan, Flynn said. I Corps in March participated in the Cobra Gold exercise in Thailand, the largest military training in mainland Asia. China took part in a humanitarian-aid project during the exercise. Balikatan will also involve troops of the 25th Infantry Division, based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, along with security force assistance, combat aviation, engineer and multidomain task force specialists, Flynn said. The soldiers will work from Philippine bases that permit access by American forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement; they will conduct combined arms and field training and a staff exercise during Balikatan, Flynn said. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg speaks to reporters April 3, 2024, before the start of two days of meetings of NATO foreign ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. (NATO) STUTTGART, Germany Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other leaders this week will review a proposal to make NATO the planning hub for arming Ukraine as the alliance looks for ways to shake up an effort thats been spearheaded by the United States at Ramstein Air Base for the past two years. The alliance on Wednesday also discussed plans for a new $100 billion fund over five years to help bankroll Western support for Ukraine. The ideas are being floated amid growing uncertainty over Washingtons ability to resolve political disputes that have put in limbo future U.S. funding for Ukraines war effort. The possible return of Donald Trump to the White House in 2025 also could factor into the talks, given the former presidents mixed messages on financial support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at the start of a foreign ministers meeting Wednesday at his headquarters in Brussels, said the time has come to shift the dynamics of allied support. Ministers will discuss how NATO could assume more responsibility for coordinating military equipment and training for Ukraine, anchoring this within a robust NATO framework, Stoltenberg said. While Stoltenberg declined to detail the separate funding plan being reviewed, Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins, speaking on the sidelines Wednesday, confirmed that Stoltenbergs proposal amounted to a $100 billion fund of allied contributions. This is the direction in which we need to think how to pool our resources to be more effective in assisting Ukraine, said Karins, as quoted by European Pravda. While a final decision wasnt expected this week, the proposals would help ensure a more reliable and predictable security assistance system for Ukraine over the long haul, Stoltenberg said. The discussions in Brussels come as Russia ramps up the scale of its attacks on Ukraine. At the same time, weapons delivery from the West has dwindled. Thus far, the U.S. has been the center of gravity for coordinating efforts to arm Ukraines military. The so-called Ramstein Group, led by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, has been the face of that effort and involves more than 50 countries that meets periodically at the U.S. Air Force hub in Germany. Meanwhile, a subordinate group at U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters in Wiesbaden serves as ground zero for putting support plans into action. Stoltenberg declined to say if a new NATO effort would spell the end of the U.S.-led Ramstein Group. But he did say uncertain funding support in Washington, where Congress has failed to reach an agreement on support for Ukraine, was hurting the war effort, forcing Ukraine to ration artillery shells. Any delay (in Washington) has real consequences on the battlefield, Stoltenberg said. While Stoltenberg didnt connect the proposal to make NATO the focal point for arming Ukraine to dysfunction in Washington, he added that more alliance involvement would send a message of resolve to Moscow. Doing more under NATO would make our efforts more efficient and more effective, he said. Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out. The aim is to set the stage for a peace agreement, Stoltenberg said, adding a stronger NATO role is the way to end this war. Stoltenberg said the goal is to have a final agreement on a larger NATO role ready in time for the alliances July summit in Washington, where heads of state will mark NATOs 75th anniversary. A security guard and dog inspect a truck loaded with humanitarian aid for Gaza at the Kerem Shalom border crossing last month. (Heidi Levine for The Washington Post) JERUSALEM There is no drought in northern Gaza. No natural disaster or crop failure. Yet in less than six months of war it has been pushed to the cusp of famine, a process that usually unfolds over years. Never before have we seen such rapid deterioration into widespread starvation, Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfams regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, said last month. The enclaves headlong descent into hunger has happened in tandem with Israels destruction of Hamass de facto state. Israels inability to institute an alternative system of civilian rule as well as its attacks on local grass-roots initiatives has resulted in the breakdown of Gazas typically tightknit society, making it virtually impossible for aid groups to safely carry out their work. International aid efforts were dealt a further blow this week when an Israeli airstrike killed seven workers from World Central Kitchen. Israel said the attack was a mistake and vowed a swift investigation. WCK and at least two other humanitarian groups have now suspended their operations in Gaza. The Washington Post spoke to Palestinian businessmen, residents, clan leaders and aid officials about the deepening security crisis which has left Israel with few options to restore order, aid groups unable to protect their workers, and desperate families to fend for themselves. More than 1 million people face catastrophic levels of hunger and starvation between now and July, according to the worlds leading body on food emergencies. Doctors and health officials say children have already begun to die of malnutrition. Israel has denied restricting the flow of aid and has downplayed the hunger crisis. Elad Goren, head of the civil department for COGAT, the Israeli agency that oversees the Palestinian territories, told reporters on March 14: There is no starvation; there are challenges to accessibility. He blamed food shortages on Hamas diverting aid and on sluggish humanitarian agencies. After the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, Israel imposed a complete siege on Gaza. Under American pressure, it allowed aid groups to resume their work, but onerous inspection procedures and the chaos of the battlefield made it difficult and dangerous work. On the best days, about 200 trucks have entered Gaza, a territory that received about 500 each day before the war. During some days in February, the number of trucks dropped to single digits. Getting aid across the border is only a first step. Distributing supplies to people in need has become an even deeper challenge. The breakdown in civil order accelerated in February after a series of Israeli strikes on Gazas police force. Officers stopped escorting aid convoys, leaving them open to attack by criminal gangs and increasingly desperate civilians. When we talk about police in the Gaza Strip, police is Hamas, said Shimon Friedman, a spokesperson for COGAT. We will not allow for Hamas terrorists to be the ones who secure convoys. Hamas ruled Gaza for nearly 17 years and controlled all aspects of municipal life, from security to trash collection. Israels military says it has dismantled 20 of 24 Hamass armed battalions; re-creating a new system of civil authority presents a much different challenge. Israels intensification of acts against police officers is part of not allowing Hamas to return as a civilian body ruling Gaza, political analyst Mustafa Ibrahim said by phone from Rafah, in southern Gaza. Israel has said the last battle of the war will take place in Rafah, along the Egyptian border, home to 1.4 million displaced Palestinians and the site of Gazas most vital aid crossing. We will identify an alternative to Hamas so that the IDF may complete its mission, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed last week before meeting with top officials in Washington. Israel has sidelined, and is seeking to eliminate, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has decades of experience distributing food, medicine and basic services to Palestinians in Gaza. Israel accuses UNRWA of complicity with Hamas and alleges that 12 of its employees played a role in the Oct. 7 attacks. The United States, UNRWAs largest donor, suspended funding for the organization in January. The last time Israel approved an UNRWA aid delivery northern Gaza was Jan. 29. On March 24, Israel told the group it would be barred from organizing any future convoys to the north. Other aid outfits have tried to fill the void, but the future of those efforts is now in doubt after Mondays strike on the WCK convoy in central Gaza. More than 200 tons of aid that arrived by sea was returned to Cyprus. This is not a standalone incident, President Biden said in a strongly worded statement late Tuesday. Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. At least 196 relief workers have been killed since October, according to the United Nations, both in the field and in their homes. Israel has hit humanitarian convoys and warehouses. Aid routes have also become deadly flash points. On Feb. 29, more than 100 people were killed and 700 injured, according to Palestinian officials, after thousands of civilians converged on a convoy of trucks in Gaza City and Israeli troops opened fire. The IDF said it only fired warning shots and attributed most of the deaths to a crowd crush. Two weeks later, at least 20 people were killed while waiting for aid. Eyewitnesses said an Israeli helicopter and drones fired on the crowd; the IDF blamed Palestinian gunmen at the scene. By then, a pattern had emerged, according to interviews with residents in the north. Word would spread that a convoy was coming and hundreds of people would gather around the Kuwait and Nablusi traffic circles, just beyond the Israeli checkpoints dividing the north from the south. Those closest to the trucks were most likely to grab a sack of flour, and most at risk of dying. Israeli authorities deny firing on civilians and say security is the responsibility of the organizations sending aid. But in at least some instances, the convoys have been arranged by Israel. An owner of a trucking company involved in the Feb. 29 convoy said COGAT called and asked him to deliver to northern Gaza. The agency told him it would create a safe passage with multiple distribution points. This wont work amid starvation, he said by phone from Egypt, speaking on the condition of anonymity to not jeopardize future work. And so the disaster happened. COGAT declined to comment on the companies it works with. On March 12, U.N. humanitarian coordinator James McGoldrick called a meeting at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, bringing together community leaders and organizers to discuss delivering food, health and medical support to northern Gaza. The idea was to try to incorporate some of the community leaders that we met, and some of the local NGOs, to try to get them to help us facilitate deliveries, he said. Afterward, McGoldrick said, he met with Gazas police chief in the north. I told them what we were trying to do and tried to get their support to help with security crowd control. It appeared to work, briefly. After another deadly night at Kuwait circle, there were two successful deliveries to the north, according to eyewitnesses and residents. It was not clear who paid for the aid and oversaw its delivery. Residents reported seeing plainclothes civil police in the area. Among the measures we took after those meetings was that we spoke with some families who were forming gangs and raiding aid convoys and stealing them, and we agreed with them on the need to prevent their members from doing this, said Yahya al-Kafarna, 60, a tribal official in the north. This brought about a slight improvement, but unfortunately the army is still targeting people. On March 18, Israeli forces raided al-Shifa Hospital for the second time. They killed Faiq Mabhouh, a police official the IDF said was involved in military activities. Hamas said he was coordinating and protecting aid deliveries. The Post could not independently confirm his role. All of them [police] are working in the government led by Hamas, said Basem Naim, head of Hamass political and international relations department. But not all of them are Hamas. The police could not be reached for comment due to the security situation. Two weeks of heavy fighting around al-Shifa left Gazas largest medical complex in ruins. The short-lived agreement between police and local clans fell apart. The situation now in Gaza is full of security chaos, Adham Shuheiber, the owner of a trucking company that has transported aid to the north, told The Post by phone from Rafah. We do not feel safe during our work. Israeli officials have sought to cultivate their own relations with Palestinian clans and businessmen who have clashed with Hamas in the past. But the extent of their coordination is unclear Israeli authorities will not disclose names and details and it has yielded no visible progress in securing the enclave. These efforts are part of a broader postwar strategy outlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month, which called for replacing Hamas with local entities with managerial experience. Netanyahu has vocally opposed the Biden administrations day-after plan, which envisions the return of a revitalized Palestinian Authority, the Ramallah-based government that was violently ousted from Gaza by Hamas in 2007. The chairman of the Supreme Tribal Committee in Gaza, Abu Salman al-Moghani, told The Post that, for the clans, working with the Israelis was off the table. Israel said that it wants the tribes to be an alternative to Hamas, and this, of course, will not satisfy Hamas, because the truth is that Hamas is still present on the ground and we cannot claim to say that we can be an alternative, he said by phone from Rafah. Without a strategy to secure aid deliveries, humanitarian officials fear the worst is still to come. It is a huge challenge to reverse a man made famine in Gaza in the absence of a political will, Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner general of UNRWA, posted Tuesday on X. Time is not on our side. Harb reported from London and Balousha from Amman, Jordan. Susannah George in Dubai and Sufian Taha contributed to this report. The metrorail station at Dulles International Airport is seen Nov. 2, 2022, in Chantilly, Va., with the terminal in the background. (Matthew Barakat/AP) WASHINGTON A Navy veteran is leading an effort in the House to strip the name of former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles from the main international airport in the nations capital and replace it with former President Donald Trump. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., said he introduced legislation to rename Washington Dulles International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport because our nation has never been greater than under the leadership of Trump. As millions of domestic and international travelers fly through the airport, there is no better symbol of freedom, prosperity and strength than hearing Welcome to Trump International Airport as they land on American soil, he said. Reschenthaler was elected to the House in 2018 and previously served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps, deploying to Iraq in 2009. He prosecuted nearly 100 terrorists in Iraq and helped successfully defend a Navy SEAL who was accused of covering up the mistreatment of an al-Qaida terrorist in U.S. custody, according to his congressional website. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., eats with sailors in 2019 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. (James Norket/U.S. Navy) Several other veterans in the House are backing Reschenthalers bill, including Republican Mike Waltz of Florida, a former Green Beret; Republican Troy Nehls of Texas, an Army Reserve veteran; and Republican Barry Moore of Alabama, a veteran of the Alabama National Guard and Reserve. Lawmakers last proposed changing the name of Dulles airport in 1990, when former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., suggested renaming it after former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who helped save the world from tyranny in World War II. Eisenhowers aviation adviser chose to name the airport after John Foster Dulles, an influential figure during the early stages of the Cold War who advocated for an aggressive stance against communism. Dulles died three years before the airport opened in 1962. The push to swap Dulles for Trump is unlikely to gain traction in the Democrat-controlled Senate and was met with ridicule by Democrats in the Republican-led House. Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., described the bill as another in a long list of instances where extreme House Republicans have shown how unserious [and] delusional they are. Lets get to work on the real issues the American people sent us here for not renaming an airport after someone who sought to undermine our democracy, she wrote on X. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., whose district partially includes Dulles, suggested Trumps name would be better suited elsewhere. Donald Trump is facing 91 felony charges, he wrote on X. If Republicans want to name something after him, Id suggest they find a federal prison. The FBI says a driver rammed a vehicle into the front gate of its Atlanta headquarters in Chamblee, Ga., on Monday, April 1, 2024. Ervin Lee Bolling, 48, of Easley, S.C., faces one federal count of destruction of government property, court documents show. (Screen capture from video) (Tribune News Service) A federal magistrate complaint accusing a man of breaching the gate of the FBIs Atlanta headquarters Monday reveals new details about his arrest. Ervin Lee Bolling, 48, of Easley, S.C., faces one federal count of destruction of government property, court documents show. He is also charged with violating state law in DeKalb County and faces one count of interference with government property, local officials said. Bolling is accused of damaging the final denial barrier just inside the gate of the FBIs facility on Flowers Road in Chamblee by ramming it in an orange Buick Encore, the federal affidavit said. Though he is only charged with a single count, the affidavit details how Bolling allegedly got out of the wrecked car and walked past the gate, then refused to comply with the special agents detaining him. After taking Bolling into custody, agents searched him and found that he was carrying his passport. The affidavit does not provide much detail about Bollings behavior and does not include any statements he made or dialogue between him and the agents. There is no mention of weapons in Bollings car or on his person. The details in the affidavit show some aspects of the FBI offices secure perimeter and how Bolling allegedly breached the gate before being stopped by agents. The office building, which is owned by Mercer University and leased by the federal government, is surrounded by a metal fence with a retractable gate. Inside the gate is a lifting arm and a wedge barrier, also known as the final denial barrier, that drops into the ground. The wedge barrier rises back into place after each authorized car passes through. Just before 12:30 p.m. Monday, Bolling rammed the Buick into the wedge barrier in an attempt to follow a special agents car through the gate, the affidavit said. After crashing, Bolling got out of his car and tried to follow the agent into the secure parking lot. He was confronted by the agent he was following, along with two other agents leaving the facility. They ordered Bolling to sit on the curb, according to the affidavit, but he refused. Bolling continued walking, so the agents began to take him into custody. He resisted being detained, but agents eventually apprehended and searched him. Soon after, DeKalb police and emergency medical services arrived. Bolling was taken to the hospital for medical care and evaluation, though the affidavit does not provide details of any physical injuries. The impact with the wedge barrier caused damage that exceeded $1,000, the affidavit said. That threshold increases the suspects maximum possible sentence from one to 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. legal code. FBI officials have not shared any insight into Bollings suspected motive. According to DeKalb police, he remained in the hospital Tuesday. Online jail records indicated Wednesday morning that he still had not been booked. Bolling is a U.S. Navy veteran who served for more than 20 years. He has no disciplinary history in the military or serious legal troubles as a civilian. According to publicly available information, he is an insurance broker in the Greenville area, a homeowner and a married man with three daughters. Bolling does have a brother with a serious criminal history. Michael Spencer Bolling, 43, pleaded guilty to robbing a pharmacy in North Carolina at gunpoint more than 10 years ago. He remains in state prison in North Carolina and is not expected to be released until August 2026. Court records also show that Bolling has been involved in a large class-action lawsuit settlement with 3M Companies, which agreed to pay more than $6 billion to veterans who claimed to suffer from hearing issues attributed to defective combat earplugs. The settlement was announced in August, but the administration of payments to the plaintiffs has been convoluted and beset with scammers. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Tribune News Service) A recruit for the Florida State Guard a civilian military force under Gov. Ron DeSantis control was removed from a Jacksonville training facility and sent to a hospital for a mental health evaluation in February after he reportedly told others he wanted to kill Jews and Palestinians and blow up a military base. The recruit, a 23-year-old from Fleming Island, was two weeks into a month-long training camp to join the State Guard when two people training alongside him reported him for making threatening comments, according to a Jacksonville Sheriffs Office report obtained by the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times. In one instance, a witness told deputies he overheard the recruit say he wanted to get a U-Haul and fill it (with) fertilizer and ammonium nitrate and blow up the base. Another witness told deputies he also said he wanted to kill Jews, (Palestinians), and that they all need to be annihilated, the report states. The Herald/Times is not naming him because law enforcement categorized the incident as a mental health case. The incident the second time that sheriffs deputies detained a recruit from the same February class training to join the State Guard exposes gaps in the organizations vetting process as DeSantis tries to quickly grow a force that he can deploy to respond to state emergencies. According to the police report, the recruit told deputies he had been discharged from the Marine Corps due to mental health issues that stemmed from allegations that he had physically harmed an ex-girlfriend and threatened a school an incident that led law enforcement officers to temporarily restrict his access to firearms. While he denied making threatening comments, deputies decided to take him to a hospital under the Baker Act, a state law that allows the involuntary commitment of people who are deemed to be an imminent danger to themselves or others, rather than arrest him. Sierra Dean, a spokesperson for the State Guard, said this week the recruit was removed from training and provided the medical support and attention necessary for violating the organizations zero-tolerance policy for abusive and violent behavior. The FSG will continue to put the health and well-being of our soldiers first, Dean said. Vetting recruits The month-long training in February was the second boot camp for the State Guard, which DeSantis and the Legislature revived in 2022. So far, the organization has recruited and trained 325 volunteers in a program based in Camp Blanding, a military base near Jacksonville. Thats well short of the 1,500 soldiers authorized by state lawmakers, but still a quick ramp-up for a volunteer force that is being used to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters and immigration, including migrants trying to reach South Florida by boat. A select group within the State Guard, some of whom have received combat training by a private group, has the power to carry weapons and make arrests. The February incident with the 23-year-old is not the first time issues have emerged with recruits. Another Florida State Guard recruit a former Florida Highway Patrol trooper who lost his job after a viral video appeared to show him in a patrol car racing a Lamborghini on Alligator Alley in 2018 was arrested by sheriffs deputies during the February training camp. His arrest was on a warrant out of Lee County on a charge related to allegations that he altered parts of his military records when applying for a job with the city of Cape Coral. He has pleaded not guilty. Another State Guard member featured on the agencys website under the heading Know Your Heroes had previously faced charges of domestic violence, robbery and battery all of which were dropped by prosecutors, the Herald/Times found. Since those incidents took place, state lawmakers have approved enhanced background checks for State Guard members. DeSantis last month signed into law a bill allowing the State Guard to run prospective members through federal background checks, after agency leaders noted that volunteers will be deployed with vulnerable populations. Volunteers cant join the State Guard if they have been convicted of a felony, but some recruits have joined despite having arrests and other interactions with police on their record. Up until late March, state officials were only doing background checks that showed an individuals criminal and employment history within the state. But the new state law now gives the State Guard the authority to do fingerprint-based checks on a persons state and national criminal records. Florida law does not outline any requirements for mental health screenings for State Guard members. It only says that the director of the State Guard is tasked with establishing minimum standards for a volunteers physical and health condition, and physical fitness. Dean did not respond when asked how the State Guard vets applicants mental fitness. Sifting through the allegations According to the police report, the recruit told deputies that he did not make threatening statements during the State Guard training camp, but that he had made various jokes. He added that he believed the witnesses one of them an active duty police officer in the state made the allegations against him because they did not like him because he had corrected (them) on deficiencies on military standards. The witnesses in turn told deputies that he had threatened to blow up the base a week before the local sheriffs office was alerted to his comments. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said in a statement on Wednesday that deputies found no further threats once the 23-year-old was detained under the Baker Act. Deputies removed him from the Cecil Aquatic Center, where State Guard members were training at a pool. More than 200 recruits graduated from the February training program. Of the roughly 300 active State Guard members, a group of 50 has been deployed to South Florida. 2024 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Special Counsel Jack Smith, shown here in August 2023, said Judge Aileen M. Cannons instructions were based on a fundamentally flawed legal premise and warned he may appeal her ruling. (Department of Justice) Special counsel Jack Smith warned the judge overseeing Donald Trumps classified documents case that she is pursuing a legal premise that is wrong and said he would probably appeal to a higher court if she rules that a federal records law can protect the former president from prosecution. In a near-midnight legal filing, Smiths office pushed back hard against an unusual instruction from U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon one that veteran national security lawyers and former judges have said badly misinterprets the Presidential Records Act and laws related to classified documents. Smiths filing represents the most stark and high-stakes confrontation yet between the judge and the prosecutor, illustrating the extent to which a ruling by Cannon that legitimizes the PRA as a defense could eviscerate the historic case. It sets up the possibility that a government appeal of such a ruling could delay the trial well beyond Novembers presidential election, in which Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee. Last month, Cannon ordered defense lawyers and prosecutors in the case to submit hypothetical jury instructions based on two different, and very much contested, readings of the PRA. In response, Smith said Cannon was pursuing a fundamentally flawed legal premise that the law somehow overrides Section 793 of the Espionage Act, which Trump is accused of violating by stashing hundreds of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida home and private club, after his presidency ended. That legal premise is wrong, and a jury instruction for Section 793 that reflects that premise would distort the trial, Smith wrote. The Presidential Records Act, he said, should not play any role at trial at all. How Cannon, a Trump nominee who has been on the bench since late 2020, responds to Smiths proverbial shot across the bow will be critical. If she rules against the prosecutor, he could appeal. If she retreats from the disputed legal premise, the issue could fade into the background as she decides a pretrial hearing schedule and sets a trial date. Cannon has been slow to make a number of decisions, even as prosecutors have urged her to move quickly, and its possible that on this issue too, she simply takes time to make her next move. In the meantime, Trump is scheduled to stand trial starting April 15 in a New York state case accusing him of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment during the 2016 election. Two other criminal cases, related to Trumps alleged efforts to block Joe Bidens 2020 election victory, are mired in pretrial proceedings and appeals. Tuesday nights filing urged Cannon to rule quickly on whether the Presidential Records Act is relevant to the case, so that prosecutors can appeal any such determination to a higher court before the Florida trial, which is delayed from its original late May start date but has not yet been rescheduled. Smith, who like many legal scholars has said the records act has nothing to do with the national security crimes Trump is accused of committing, warned that waiting until the trial is underway to rule on the issue could doom the prosecution case before it ever gets to a jury. If the Court were to defer a decision on that fundamental legal question it would inject substantial delay into the trial and, worse, prevent the government from seeking review before jeopardy attaches, he wrote. Even as he questioned the premise of Cannons order, Smith complied with it, offering proposed jury instructions for the two legal scenarios she outlined. Smiths proffered language, however, was couched in a kind of lawyerly attack on Cannons legal analysis. [E]ven if an individual holds a security clearance and has a need to know classified information, the individuals possession of the classified information is unauthorized if the individual removes the classified information from a secure facility or possesses the information outside of a secure facility, Smith wrote in the proposed jury instruction. I instruct you, however, that, as to a former President, even if he lacks a security clearance, lacks a need to know classified information, and stores information outside of a secure facility, he is authorized to do so if the classified information is contained within a personal record, within the meaning of the Presidential Records Act (PRA). Trump has pleaded not guilty to 32 charges of violating the Espionage Act, with each count corresponding to a specific classified document that he is alleged to have retained after leaving office, as well as eight additional charges of obstructing government efforts to retrieve the materials. His lawyers argue that the former president had the authority under the PRA to declare even highly classified documents to be his personal records and property. Prosecutors and legal experts have said such claims badly misstate the law, which says that presidential records belong to the public and are to be turned over to the National Archives and Records Administration at the end of a presidency. Legal experts say Cannons focus on jury instructions seems odd at this stage of the process because a trial is not imminent and the judge still has a number of decisions to make in the pretrial proceedings before the instructions are relevant. They also say the premise of Cannons orders indulged some mangled interpretations of laws that have been pushed by Trumps lawyers and supporters. Trumps team said in its own late-night filing that Cannons assignment is consistent with Trumps position that the prosecution is based on official acts he took as president not illegal retention of materials. The judge told lawyers to write jury instructions for two legal interpretations. Legal experts said she could use those instructions to help inform her eventual ruling on a request that Trump made to dismiss the case because the PRA allowed him to designate any presidential record as personal. In one scenario, Cannon asked them to craft jury instructions that assume the PRA allows presidents to designate any documents as personal at the end of a presidency which is what Trumps legal team has argued he had the authority to do. She then said they should also write separate jury instructions predicated on the idea that jurists would be able to determine which of the documents Trump is accused of illegally retaining are personal and which are presidential. The government has said it is the Espionage Act not the PRA that guards classified materials. Trump is not charged with violating the PRA, and prosecutors said throughout their filing that the PRA should not be in those instructions. The PRAs distinction between personal and presidential records has no bearing on whether a former Presidents possession of documents containing national defense information is authorized under the Espionage Act, and the PRA should play no role in the jury instructions, Smith wrote. Indeed, based on the current record, the PRA should not play any role at trial at all. In their proposed jury instructions, Trumps attorneys leaned into their argument that the former president had the ultimate authority to determine the designation of the documents that he is accused of illegally retaining. You heard evidence during the trial that President Trump exercised that authority, at times verbally and at times without using formal procedures, while he was President, Trumps legal team wrote in the hypothetical jury instructions. I instruct you that those declassification decisions are examples of valid and legally appropriate uses of President Trumps declassification authority while he was President of the United States. Cannon held a hearing over a month ago to determine a new date for the classified documents trial. Prosecutors sought a date in early July, Trumps lawyers asked to wait until after the election, or schedule the trial to start in August at the earliest. The judge has not yet ruled. She issued her jury instruction order a few days after a different hearing, held March 14, at which she heard arguments on two of Trumps motions to toss out the case. One of those motions said the case should be dismissed because the PRA meant that Trump could simply declare highly classified documents to be his personal property and keep them at Mar-a-Lago. Cannon has not yet ruled on that motion. Hours after the hearing, she rejected Trumps other motion to dismiss. It argued that the Espionage Act, which has been used for decades to convict others of improperly possessing classified documents, was too vaguely worded to be used in his indictment. The presence of the hazardous chemicals in Spokane, Wash., residential water after years of runoff from firefighting foam at the airport and nearby Fairchild Air Force Base has been the subject of an ongoing cleanup effort. (Benjamin W. Stratton/U.S. Air Force) (Tribune News Service) Spokane International Airport is pushing back against a disappointing Washington Department of Ecology order to begin PFAS cleanup planning stating the airport will move forward with its own investigation into the presence of the toxic chemicals. The Spokane International Airport cares about the safety of our passengers, staff and communities we serve, which is why we diligently assess as many considerations as possible in our work, reads a statement from Spokane International Airport spokesperson Todd Woodard. The Washington Department of Ecology has ordered Spokane International Airport to begin making cleanup plans for PFAS, dangerous chemicals to which people on the West Plains have been exposed for decades, after the two sides negotiated unsuccessfully for six months. The presence of the hazardous chemicals in West Plains residential water after years of runoff from firefighting foam at the airport and nearby Fairchild Air Force Base has been the subject of an ongoing cleanup effort. Ecology was alerted to PFAS contamination at the airport last year. The effort to build a cleanup plan was initially expected to take place over 60 days, but Ecology extended the process three times over five months at the airports request. The state agency placed an enforcement order last week after negotiations between the sides faltered. The order requires Spokane International Airport to conduct a remedial investigation identifying the magnitude and extent of contamination at the site. That would be followed by a feasibility study comparing methods to clean up the contamination. According to Woodard, the airport met with Ecology in good faith, and the order placed upon them does not represent the type of reasonable, balanced approach that is necessary. At issue in the case is significant conflicts between Ecologys proposals and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, according to Woodard. Because of these perceived conflicts, the airport requested extensions from Ecology until the FAA gave it guidance. According to Woodard, the airport received that federal guidance late in the day Friday the same day Ecology issued its enforcement order. Woodard declined to share the FAA guidance or explain how the guidance may impact the enforcement order. Because commercial service airports have been federally mandated users of (firefighting foam), it is paramount for the FAA to provide guidance on next steps prior to executing an Administrative Order with Ecology. The FAA provided its guidance late in the day on March 29 after we received the Enforcement Order from Ecology. We are currently reviewing both documents, Woodard wrote. He went on to say the airport was disappointed the Ecology Department would issue such an order without clarification from the federal government. Despite the challenges and inconsistencies, we are proceeding with reasonable actions to investigate the extent of any PFAS on our property to assess whether there are pathways that result in human exposure and to develop plans to mitigate exposure exceeding appropriate standards, he wrote. According to an Ecology spokesperson, the state agency has not received guidance from the FAA either through the federal agency itself or from Spokane International Airport. Based on its understanding, the outstanding issue was whether airport revenue can be used for cleanup. Ecology is not requiring the cleanup work to be funded by airport revenue, the statement reads. Regardless of the FAA guidance, Ecology expects the airport to conduct the work, which includes a remedial investigation and feasibility study, and meet deadlines outlined in the Enforcement Order. Last year, the airport hired a team of nationally recognized consultants with expertise in PFAS investigations to advise the Airports site-specific investigatory strategy, according to Woodard. These efforts will continue despite the Enforcement Order, the spokesperson said. Asked for clarification, Woodard declined to say whether the cleanup will follow the process outlined in the Enforcement Order. We look forward to resolving the outstanding issues that we have raised with Ecology while continuing to move forward with this important work, he said in the original statement. (c)2024 The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) Visit www.spokesman.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Pentagon is seen on Oct. 21, 2021. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Dawn Halfaker was leading a military police platoon as an Army second lieutenant in 2004 when she was critically wounded in a Humvee while on patrol in Iraq. I was on the wrong end of a rocket-propelled grenade, which took my right arm and caused a lot of other injuries, said Halfaker, who underwent 10 surgeries at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. At 26, she was medically discharged yet undaunted in her ambition to continue working in the military but now as a civilian. After a stint as a technology researcher for a defense agency, Halfaker gambled on starting her own business. She used her disability checks and savings to launch a one-person company in 2006 offering technology services to the Defense Department, which was in the middle of integrating digital services in most operations. Succeeding at government contracting is about how you define your company and its focus, said Halfaker, who in 2021 sold Halfaker and Associates to Science Applications International Corp. for $250 million. Dawn Halfaker suffered a life-threatening injury that ended her Army service. She is shown here in 2004 during deployment in Iraq. As a civilian, she launched a firm providing technology to government agencies. She sold the business in 2021 for $250 million. (Dawn Halfaker) In 2024, government contracts are big business to private companies offering goods and services. Contracts are valued at more than $760 billion a $70 billion increase from just two years ago, according to the Government Accountability Office. The federal government plans to award $38 billion exclusively in contracts to small businesses certified as owned and operated by service-disabled veterans. The companies qualify for contracts set aside specifically designated for them. The value reached 5% of all government contracts in 2024, up from 3% in 2023. This increase represents tens of billions of additional federal contract dollars available to service-disabled-veteran-owned companies, said Scott Jensen, executive director of the National Veteran Small Business Coalition. Jensen, who advocated for the increase before Congress, described the measure as a priority for his organization, which represents 40,000 veterans who are small business owners. This milestone victory comes at a time when veterans in government contracting are providing tremendous value to our nation and to the government, serving again, this time as business owners, he said. Halfaker companys growth trajectory is something of a Cinderella story among service-disabled-veteran-owned small businesses, which number about 300,000. The small businesses must be majority-owned and operated by one or more service-disabled veterans. Qualifying veterans self-certify through the Small Business Administration. I had a lot of naivete at first, said Halfaker, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., where she studied computer science. I had a Kevlar [vest] but had no idea how I got one or about acquisitions and the government procurement process. But I came across a unique opportunity to start doing some consulting work on my own at DARPA, Halfaker said, referring to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. She first had to form a company as a sole proprietor to work as a government contractor. Halfaker said she strategically focused her mission on providing technology services, which were in high demand in areas that she had training and experience. Erica Dobbs is another small business entrepreneur whose company provides contracting services to the federal government and is experiencing rapid growth. Erica Dobbs, a retired Navy commander, founded Dobbs Defense Solutions in 2019 providing technology services and business intelligence to government agencies. (Erica Dobbs) Dobbs retired as a Navy commander in 2018 after 36 years of military duty, including in California, Hawaii and Maryland. She formed Dobbs Defense Solutions a year later with four employees and a $10,000 payroll. Her company provides information technology, cybersecurity and business intelligence, which involves data mining and analysis to help organizations make evidence-based decisions. Dobbs, who has a service-related disability from multiple injuries, used her benefits and pension to fund her startup business. I had to bootstrap my business and use whatever savings I had, she said. I had my disability and my retirement checks. One I used to pay for my business and with the other I paid for living expenses. Dobbs said she sought to work within the defense industry, where she had expertise and a network of military associates. Dobbs said she was fortunate to land a Defense Department contract right out of the gate with the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, now the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office. Topping the list of services government agencies are purchasing in 2024 are engineering and technical support. Dobbs said she tries to pace expansion without taking on more business than her company can handle. Her clients include the Navy, the Defense Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Norris Middleton, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and disabled veteran, sees the biggest challenges of running a government contracting business as developing and sustaining access to capital and clients. Norris Middleton, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and disabled veteran, sees access to capital and clients as the biggest challenges to running a government contracting business. MSTI, the company that he leads, has provided information management to federal agencies for 35 years (Norris Middleton) Potential customers will not award [a contract] to someone that they do not know, like and trust, he said. This is difficult especially for firms trying to penetrate the contracting business. Middleton is president, chief executive officer and co-owner of MSTI, which has provided records and information management to federal agencies for 35 years. MSTIs services include program management, project management and records inventory, maintenance and disposal. The company also helps agencies optimize information and meet compliance standards. A prostate cancer survivor after exposure to Agent Orange, Middleton served in the Army from 1965-1985 with tours in Vietnam, Panama and Korea. With military training in computer science, he served as an academic computer center instructor at West Point. Middleton said he applied his IT skills to roles in the private sector after retirement, including at General Electric Co. and Contel Corp. He joined MSTI in 1998, where he rose to president/CEO and then became part owner in 2013. MSTIs customers include the Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Aviation Administration and the National Ground Intelligence Center. Halfaker also grew her business to serve other large government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare. But even through expansion, Halfaker said she stayed vigilant about keeping costs down as she hired more staff and moved to larger office space. I was advised early on not to give up equity in my company and to keep expenses as low as possible, Halfaker said. I ran it lean and mean. The focus was about the end state and the least cost to get there. President Asif Ali Zardari has lauded the exemplary role and contributions of Armed Forces of Pakistan in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State. He was talking to Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir who met him at Aiwan-e-Sadar in Islamabad today. The President commended Pak Army's efforts towards social uplift in terrorism and extremism affected areas, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Army to national progress. He emphasized Pakistan's steadfast commitment against terrorism and reaffirmed the nation's resolve to respond with full force through all elements of national power. The President noted with grave concern the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations levelled by a specific political party and its few individuals against the institution and its leadership to accrue narrow political interests and resolved to deal with such disruptive elements with iron hand. The President paid homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He said the blood of these martyrs will forever symbolize the resilience and strength of Pakistani nation. He reiterated the nation's unwavering commitment to honour the sacrifices of shuhadas and their families, holding them in the highest esteem. On the occasion, the Army Chief extended felicitations to the President on his appointment as the President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and conveyed sincere wishes for a successful tenure. He apprised the President of ongoing operations of Army against terrorism and highlighted the operational preparedness against conventional threats. The Army Chief also informed about the contributions of Army towards development initiatives, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting concluded on a note of solidarity and determination to uphold the values of peace, security, and progress in Pakistan. The three victims in the case were all vulnerable males with intellectual disabilities including two with Down Syndrome A care worker has appeared in court on charges of stealing around 5,000 from three men with special needs who lived at the residential care centre where she worked in Wicklow. Jill Bergin (39) a separated mother of two of Castle Manor, Ferns, Co Wexford, pleaded guilty to three sample counts of theft from three residents at Ros Mhuire centre in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow on dates between June 2019 and March 2020. Detective Garda Neil Doyle told a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court last week that the three victims in the case were all vulnerable males with intellectual disabilities including two with Down Syndrome. Det Garda Doyle said Bergin had stolen the money by using the mens debit cards to withdraw money from ATMs as well as failing to deposit money to their accounts. The court heard she stole 1,380 from one victim, 1,240 from another and 2,370 from a 65-year-old resident of the centre which is operated by Sunbeam House Services. Bray Courthouse, where Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court sits. Det Garda Doyle said it appeared that Bergin would withdraw money as requested by the men but then immediately withdraw the same amount again a short time later. He said gardai became aware of the crime after the manager of Ros Mhuire had checked on bank statements of its residents when a sum of money had gone missing. Bergin was arrested in May 2021 but would not accept responsibility for the money that had been withdrawn or the lodgements that had not been made. There was no acceptance of any wrongdoing, said Det Garda Doyle. He said a total of 31 incidents of Bergin either making withdrawals or not making deposits had been identified. In a victim impact statement made on behalf of one of the men, his family said they were disgusted that a vulnerable person would be treated in such a way by someone they trusted. They described Bergins conduct as vile behaviour and it was shameful that her actions had marred the great work of other people in Ros Mhuire where their relative had flourished. They also expressed hope that the accused would never be allowed to work with vulnerable people in the future. The family of another victim said they still felt guilt at having placed their relative in a residential care centre as their trust had been completely shattered and they were worried that he would be exploited. The court heard that Bergin, who had been employed as a community service support worker in Ros Mhuire since December 2018, has no previous convictions. The manager of the centre also provided a statement in which he expressed dismay at how the trust placed by the charity in Bergin had been broken and had left vulnerable residents nervous about their finances. Cross-examined by counsel for Bergin, Eoin Gallagher BL, Det Garda Doyle said Bergin had not provided any explanation for her crimes. Mr Gallagher, who acknowledged his clients offences were horrendous, said she had problems with both alcohol and gambling. He said Bergin had lost her job at Ros Mhuire as a result of what happened and had been unemployed since. When asked by Judge Patrick Quinn if the accused might have 5,000 available to repay her victims, Mr Gallagher said it was unlikely as she is in receipt of a social welfare of 320 per week and was only able to save around 30 weekly. Pleading for leniency, he said Bergins whole life had been built around caring for people since the age of 16. She was a good, kind, caring person before letting standards slip, said Mr Gallagher. He also noted that she had stopped gambling since 2022. Judge Quinn adjourned sentencing until a date in October and remanded Bergin on continuing bail. He also ordered an updated probation report after being informed she posed a moderate risk of reoffending. The judge remarked that it would break ones heart to read the victim impact statements in the case as well as the sense of guilt felt by both Bergins employer and the families of her victims. He also observed that a probation report on Bergin had made for harrowing reading. Mervyn Hanna was charged with attempted sexual communication with a child on 9 November last year. A pensioner appeared in court today accused of a sex offence following a sting operation by a paedophile hunter group. At Newry Magistrates Court 72-year-old Mervyn Hanna was charged with attempted sexual communication with a child on 9 November last year. Hanna, from Hall Road, Donaghcloney, is accused of intentionally attempting to communicate with a child for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, which was intended to encourage the said child to make a sexual communication. Giving evidence to the court a police officer said he believed he could connect the alleged pervert to the offence. While none of the alleged facts were opened, it is understood the charge arises after a so-called paedophile hunter sting in Kilkeel which was captured on video. The communication is alleged to have been with a decoy profile of a 13-year-old girl. In court today Hannas defence solicitor said he had made it clear during interview the case should be dealt with under the Indictable Case Process (ICP) scheme and fast-tracked to crown court. He added, This should go swiftly to the next stage and I ask the court to decide the best way to achieve that rather than bring my client back. The sooner we can get a date the better. District Judge Peter Magill asked whether there is a young victim involved but the solicitor confirmed there is no injured party. A prosecuting lawyer told the court the full file is not due for some weeks so DJ Magill adjourned the case until 15 May and excused Hanna from attending on that date. Detectives believe the Irish national was part of a British-led gang that had been sending massive quantities of cannabis amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros- to Ireland. Armed Spanish cops have dramatically arrested an Irishman whom they accuse of being a dedicated drug trafficker. The 36-year-old was busted in the Alicante town of Rojales, in the Vega Baja region in February. Detectives believe the Irish national was part of a British-led gang that had been sending massive quantities of cannabis amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros- to Ireland. Costa Blanca officers previously arrested three British men and a Romanian woman last May in dramatic armed raids using air support. Two kg of cannabis had been discovered in two parcels at Madrid Airport sent from coastal resorts to Ireland. The alleged British leader of the crew was identified as a suspect after a delivery was intercepted at the same airport. Rojales He abandoned a vehicle with 54kg of cannabis inside after a police chase which began when he fled a petrol station fearing he was about to be arrested. The Spanish Civil Guard accuse the arrested Irishman of being a driver for the crew. That investigation was named Operation Topila, which saw the Spaniards smash the gangs entire operation. The Irishman was caught driving a vehicle which was to provide security for the drugs on their journey, reportedly. Spanish detectives had been monitoring the Irish gangster on CCTV but waited until this year to move against him. "From the analysis of cameras located on roads and other evidence, the agents of the Pilar de la Horadada Civil Guard managed to discover that the suspect they were pursuing was a 36-year-old man of Irish nationality, Spanish media reported. The latter was finally located in an establishment in the town of Rojales, very close to Torrevieja. Cops raid the gang in 2023 Agents from the Judicial Police team of the Pilar de la Horadada Civil Guard arrested the Irishman and released an image of him being cuffed whilst walking across a zebra crossing. He is seen wearing a grey tracksuit in the picturesque Spanish city, surrounded by armed guards. Spanish cops said they also discovered the Irish suspect was facing a judicial accusation for falsifying documents. Gang member's arrest More than 60kg of marijuana buds, a gun, cash, weighing scales and mobile phones had been confiscated by police when they busted the Irishmans alleged gang. Cops gave details of the gang leaders arrest last year when they stated: In Rivas Vaciamadrid in the Madrid region the suspect thought he was about to be arrested and fled a petrol station after confronting officers in a Civil Guard patrol car there. During his escape he jumped over several access barriers protecting high-speed train tracks and abandoned a vehicle with four suitcases of cannabis. The newly arrested Irishman was placed at the disposal of the Court of Instruction 3 of Torrevieja. He has been subsequently released on bail under strict conditions. Marcin Pieciak (36), with an address in Queens was arrested and charged by New York Police Department detectives on Monday Longfords local community have spoken of their shock and dismay at news the former boyfriend of tragic Longford woman Sarah McNally has been charged with her murder. Marcin Pieciak (36), with an address in Queens was arrested and charged by New York Police Department detectives on Monday less than 48 hours after Ms McNally was fatally stabbed inside the doors of The Ceili House pub in Maspeth, Queens on Saturday evening. In the midst of those revelations, locals back home struggled to comprehend the fallout from a tragedy that has left many dumbfounded and desperately searching for answers. Longford woman Anne Quinn told the Sunday World website of how her own son, who lives within walking distance of the scene of the incident, relayed news surrounding the tragedy only hours later. My son lives right beside it, she said. He lives in Maspeth and its literally ten seconds (away), he said. I thought it was awful. You get a fright especially when your own family is there. It is shocking. How can you get news like that? Family friend Tena Keown said the devastation brought about by Ms McNallys shocking death had cast a deep shadow over a community which was now rallying around those closest to the former Mean Scoil Mhuire student. I went to school with her mum and her dads sister is my best friend so we are all shocked, she said. It is very sad and the families are just in a terrible state. I would have seen her as a child and I would be always asking her aunt how she was getting on. It is just very sad. I am trying to support my friend and be there for her. We would be friends for 40 years. Longford is great for supporting people who are going through tragic circumstances. I think Longford is a brilliant little town. People run it down the whole time but when it comes to things like this we are very much united. Sarah McNally The Longford native had been working behind the bar of the Queens establishment at the time when she was attacked and fatally stabbed in the neck. Ms McNally had been a well-liked and respected member of staff at the popular Irish bar for almost a year having previously worked in a number of other bars in Manhattan and in her adopted home of Queens prior to the tragic events of Saturday evening unfolding. Her mother Dorrie has flown out to New York as efforts continue to bring home Ms McNallys remains with the assistance of the Kevin Bell Trust. The Irish Independent website spoke to a number of other locals just as confirmation emerged that detectives had arrested and charged Pieciak with Ms McNallys murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. One woman, who asked for her name not to be published, described the revelations as just terrible, adding her heart goes out to her family. Another local man, Padraig Coyne said the circumstances surrounding the incident were almost too difficult to quantify. Its absolutely cruel, a woman trying to do a bit of work to get a bit of pay, he said. Its just unreal. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance to the family of the late Ms McNally. The photo shows Hutch (60) sitting with a pint of Coors in front of him Alleged gang leader Gerry The Monk Hutch has been photographed sipping on a pint at a pub in Lanzarote. The photo shows Hutch (60) sitting with a pint of Coors in front of him, looking relaxed and healthy wearing a shirt and slacks. It is understood the picture was taken at an open air bar in the resort town of Puerto del Carmen. The pub The Monk was spotted in this week is located only yards from another bar in which he survived a planned hit by the Kinahan cartel on New Years Eve in 2015. Hutch has been spending time between Lanzarote and his native Dublin since being acquitted by the non-jury Special Criminal Court last April following a mammoth trial for the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016. Despite evidence from his former co-accused Jonathan Dowdall, who turned State witness in the weeks before the trial began, Hutch was found not guilty of the charge and has been a free man now for almost a year. Gerry Hutch was found not guilty of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel. Photo: Mark Condren This is in stark contrast to his enemies who lead the Kinahan cartel and have found themselves mostly stuck in Dubai ever since sanctions were imposed on them by the US government almost two years ago. Apart from these sanctions, last month gardai recommended that exiled cartel boss Daniel Kinahan be charged over the murder of The Monk Hutchs brother, Eddie, in 2016. Since Gerry Hutch's acquittal over the Regency murder of David Byrne, it is believed gardai have not received any intelligence to suggest there is an imminent threat to Hutch's life and he has not received a GIM notice warning him of any threat. However it is believed that Hutch, one of Irelands best known criminal figures does take major security precautions in case the cartel decide to target him again. The Monk remains under garda investigation for being the alleged leader of the Hutch OCG, under anti-gangland laws and he was previously arrested while on remand in prison as part of this investigation but has never been charged. Having been extradited from Spain at the end of September 2021, he was brought to Wheatfield Prison to the 3G landing where he remained until he was cleared of the murder charge almost a year ago. Upon acquitting The Monk of the murder of Kinahan gangster David Byrne, the three judge Special Criminal Court stated in blunt terms that there is a "reasonable possibility" the Regency attack was planned by his brother Patsy Hutch and that The Monk stepped in, as head of the family, to try to sort out the aftermath, "particularly as his own life was at risk". David Byrne The Special Criminal Court also found, beyond reasonable doubt, that "members of the Hutch family were responsible for the attack at the Regency and the murder of David Byrne". Sources say Hutch feels safe on the Spanish island of Lanzarote which he calls The Rock and in Dublin, where he has been carrying on a normal life. The situation was very different back in New Years Eve 2015 when the feud between the veteran criminals associates and the Kinahan cartel was about to explode. He had been drinking in a pub on the island when he noticed two Kinahan associates scouting the venue and managed to slip out a back entrance to safety. The Regency Hotel bloodbath would happen less than six weeks later. Platte County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call of possible human remains North of Highway 30 between 355th and 370th avenues just before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2. According to a news release, the remains are believed to be those of missing Omaha man Jake Clark, whose truck was found on 370th Avenue on Dec. 18, 2023. Several searches were conducted to attempt to find Clark, with no results. The sheriff's office had previously searched in the area near where the vehicle was found but had not found anything. Other jurisdictions were brought in to join the search as information was revealed. The body was found approximately two miles from the vehicle, near Prairie Creek. The Platte County Sheriff's Office said this investigation is still ongoing in partnership with the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nance County Sheriff's Office. Those with information related to the incident are asked to call the Platte County Sheriffs Office at 402-564-3229 or the Platte County Area Crime Stoppers at 402-563-4000. Frank Hegartys body was found dumped on a roadside in Co Tyrone in 1986 shortly after his family claimed they were assured by McGuinness he would not be killed if he returned home to Derry from his safe house in England. Martin McGuinness at the 1987 funeral of IRA man Larry Marley, with Scappaticci seen in the bottom left PACEMAKER PRESS INTL. BELFAST. Martin McGuinness pictured in Derry with Rossville Flats in background and other street scenes. 11/11/85. 1148/85/bwc The author of a new book about an IRA informers murder believes the killing was ordered by Martin McGuinness and carried out by Freddie Stakeknife Scappaticci. Frank Hegartys body was found dumped on a roadside in Co Tyrone in 1986 shortly after his family claimed they were assured by McGuinness he would not be killed if he returned home to Derry from his safe house in England. However, instead of protecting Hegarty, who had passed on details of a huge IRA weapons dump to his handlers, McGuinness gave the instruction for him to be shot dead. Thats the view of London-based journalist Henry Hemming, whose new book about Hegartys murder, Four Shots in the Night, was launched this week. At the time, Scappaticci was a senior member of the IRAs internal security unit known as the Nutting Squad. It was their job to find and kill informers in the IRA. Scappaticci is alleged to have been involved in multiple murders while also working for British intelligence. Freddie Scappaticci PACEMAKER BELFAST After five years of research into Hegartys killing, Hemming believes it was ordered by McGuinness and Scappaticci pulled the trigger. All in all, I think that is what happened, he told Sunday World. Scappaticci was arrested but never charged as part of the probe into the Hegarty murder. The investigating team believed they had enough evidence to charge McGuinness, who died in 2017, with conspiracy to murder. However, the director of public prosecutions disagreed and the McGuinness file was closed. Henry Hemming Hemming believes he has uncovered why the case against McGuinness was shut down. I think theres no doubt he was protected, he said. I dont believe that he was an agent, I dont believe that he was a tout, but I think theres ample evidence from the early 1980s which suggests that, on the British side at least, some people are thinking McGuinness and (Gerry) Adams need to be protected. "Theres a minute which goes from a senior MI5 officer in Northern Ireland to Margaret Thatcher in April 1981, just before the second hunger strike. And hes saying, we believe that things should be done to encourage McGuinness and Adams to move towards a political direction. This is really interesting because previously no one thought this was going on, that this idea was being thrown around in Whitehall. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL. BELFAST. Martin McGuinness pictured in Derry with Rossville Flats in background and other street scenes. 11/11/85. 1148/85/bwc Hemming uses Hegartys killing as the basis for a wider examination of the role played by the intelligence services and agents during the Troubles. I think what attracted me to the story was that it gives the reader a sense of what was going on in terms of the secret war happening during the Troubles. I had been reading about agents inside the IRA and it all felt quite abstract, but the story of Frank Hegarty was one that just moved me enormously. Its a tragic story and I think the moment I found out there could have been two sides inside the same paramilitary organisation, and one of them could have been given the instruction to kill the other, I felt this was a story I wanted to investigate and its a story that needed to be told. Hegarty, who was a member of the IRA team tasked with looking after weapons in Derry, was recruited in the late 1970s by the Force Research Unit (FRU), a secret intelligence unit within the British army. In the mid-1980s, the IRA received several shipments of guns, ammunition and explosives from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. McGuinness is alleged to have asked Hegarty to establish dumps on the southern side of the border to hide the weapons. Hegarty told his handlers about the dumps and the information was passed on to the Irish government. In January 1986, gardai moved in on some of the dumps. The night before the raids, Hegarty received a call from his handler and left Derry in a hurry. He was driven to Aldergrove military airport where he was flown in a British government jet to England. Frank Hegarty body at scene Hegarty was said to have been angry with his handlers for telling the Irish authorities and exposing the arms dumps. However, despite his role as an informant, Hegarty stayed in telephone contact with his family. McGuinness started visiting Hegartys mother, Rose, and, according to several sources, eventually persuaded her to let him speak to Hegarty during on one of his calls home. During their conversation, it was alleged McGuinness told Hegarty everything could be sorted out if he would only come home and talk. Martin McGuinness at the 1987 funeral of IRA man Larry Marley, with Scappaticci seen in the bottom left After several months in hiding, in April 1986, Hegarty walked out of his safe house in England and arrived at his mothers house the following evening. He was allegedly told that he would be allowed to stay in Derry if he signed an affidavit stating any information he had ever passed on to FRU was given under duress, and agreeing to never give evidence in court. Hegarty was driven to Buncrana, Co Donegal, by a relative to meet with IRA leaders to tie up the agreement. The Hegarty family claimed McGuinness visited Rose Hegarty the next day and said her son was safe. However, on May 25, 1986, Hegartys body was found on a remote roadside near Castlederg. His hands had been bound behind his back, his eyes were taped and he had been shot four times through the back of the head. McGuinness always denied any involvement in Hegartys death. For Hemming, it was the first time he has focused on events in Northern Ireland. Of the thousands of deaths during the Troubles, Hemming believes Hegartys murder is important because of its legacy, including a TV documentary in 1993 which linked McGuinness to the killing. That leads to the police investigation into Martin McGuinness which is all set to bring charges when its put away because MI5 and others say its the beginning of the peace process and we need to keep McGuinness out of jail. Also, we probably would not know about Scappaticci being Stakeknife were it not for Franks murder. "The reason the Scappaticci story became news was a former soldier called Ian Hurst decided to go to the Sunday Times. He did that because he got to know Frank Hegarty during his time working as an agent and he was so upset by his death and the possibility Scappaticci could have killed him. The interim report of Operation Kenova a major independent police investigation launched in 2016 into the activities of Stakeknife was published earlier this month. It said the IRA agent probably cost more lives than he saved. The final Kenova report is expected to be made public later this year. Henry Hemming's book While his book deals with a range of issues, Hemming says a personal tragedy is at its heart. I have enormous sympathy for him (Hegarty) as a person and as a character and I feel I have a good understanding of him. At the same time, Im aware of the fact that of course I never met him and I dont pretend I know him as well as some other people do or did, but I have a strong powerful sympathy for him. I really hope this book will do his story justice. Ah yes, filming women on the streets is very much the normal thing to do Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Hazel Chu has slammed far right activist Gavin Pepper after he confronted her on the street. Cllr Chu re-posted the encounter on her X account which was filmed by Pepper after he bumped into her. Ah yes, filming women on the streets is very much the normal thing to do, Ms Chu wrote alongside Peppers clip. Coincidentally, I was on the phone at that very moment talking about harassment of female reps and how we need to encourage more females to run for election. Love how this fella reinforces my point for me. Over the video that Pepper has posted on his own X account he writes, Going for a coffee and look who I bump into #IrelandOptsOut. The short clip shows him approaching Ms Chu who is talking on her phone. He begins to berate her, Hazel, do ya like looking down on the working class people, do ya? You like insulting the working class people? Calling them names? Yeah, yeah, do ya like insulting people? We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Even though she does not appear to respond he then adds: You do like that? Im glad you admitted that. Mr Pepper, a local election candidate, named as a far-right agitator in the Dail by TD Paul Murphy, has received widespread support from the far-right over his Ireland is full stance on immigration. The taxi-driver, who was arrested over but denied any involvement in an arson attack on the Sandwith Street immigrant encampment, was recently forced to deny he is a three-house landlord after being confronted over a series of posts on an old Twitter account. In an attempt to address the landlord controversy, Mr Pepper posted a video on the social media platform stating: Everyone is saying Im a landlord witch (sic) Im not, so I went to the man who spreads the lies, Paul Murphy, and called him out to his face. The video shows Mr Pepper accosting Mr Murphy as the politician was entering the High Court seeking to have quashed a decision not to investigate Leo Varadkar for leaking a GP contract. What did you call me? Mr Pepper angrily asked. I said you were a far-right activist, Mr Murphy replies. No, you said more than that! Mr Pepper counters. Check the record, Mr Murphy responds. Gavin Pepper What did you say? You said I was causing terrorism, Mr Pepper tells the TD. Mr Murphy then tries to end the conversation, telling Mr Pepper: Im trying to make sure Leo Varadkar is investigated here. Listen, dont ever talk about me and bring trouble to my family. Mr Pepper angrily continues. The TD then asks Mr Pepper if he is a landlord in an apparent reference to a series of tweets posted on an account in the name of GavinPepper11 in 2022. Screenshots of the tweets have been widely circulated since. When Mr Murphy questioned Mr Pepper as to whether he is a landlord Mr Pepper responded: No Im not. Get your facts right. Im not a landlord. Mr Pepper also goes on to state: Im not a far-right activist. You are, the TD responds. Youre spreading fear of people, youre spreading lies, youre spreading hatred. Youre spreading division. Youre a landlord. Youre making up stories about me, Mr Pepper responds. And I wont allow it. A search of the Land Registry carried out by the Sunday World could identify only one property as being currently registered to Gavin Pepper. Its understood this property is currently used as his home address in Finglas Hazel Chu has previously opened up about the threats made against her and her young daughter throughout her career in politics. "When I first got elected in 2019, there were threats, she told the Brendan OConnor Show on RTE Radio One during discussions on vitriolic protests outside the Dail last year. Gardai had to move in last September as demonstrations saw entrances to Leinster House blocked and included a mock gallows featuring ministers and opposition TDs. Ms Chu said the senders of threats said they knew where to find her and her child and gardai checked on her house at the time. "Its scary as hell, I can tell you. Not just for yourself but for your child because you have a child and you worry about them, she said. In the aftermath of a protest at Leinster House that featured a mock gallows and hanging effigy alongside photos of politicians, she said there has been a rising threat that weve continually ignored in recent years. It is now at a point where people see it and go, Well, okay. Its right at the doors of Leinster House so we need to take it seriously then. Ms Chu said gardai took the threats against her seriously but that some members of the public did not understand the severity of the issue. "I had very good public support insofar that they were sympathetic that this mother was worried about her child and she shouldnt have to be. She said there was a lack of understanding about the growing group and it was being ignored. Rest in peace Vakaris, you touched so many hearts. Ill cherish our memories The broken-hearten family of a teenage boy who was killed when he was struck by a car in Co Mayo has thanked everyone for their support following his tragic death. Numerous tributes have been paid to Vakaris Gudaitis who died in the incident on the N17 in the townland of Barnacarroll, Claremorris, last Saturday, ahead of his funeral on Friday. Vakaris was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident that occurred on the same stretch of road that claimed the lives of Donegal mum Una Bowden, 47, and her daughters Ciara, 14 and Saoirse, 10. They are being laid to rest this morning. The 17-year-old's funeral mass will take place at St. Colmans Church, Claremorris on April 5 at 11am. His notice on RIP.ie states that the death has occurred of "Vakaris Gudaitis, Tavrane, Kilkelly and formerly of Lithuania. "Tragically, following an accident. Predeceased by his grandfather Kestutis. "Sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Renata and Nerijus, brothers Ruslanas, Faustas and Nojus and his sisters Karina and Vilte, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The notice adds that Vakaris will be reposing at St Colmans Funeral Home, Lower James Street, Claremorris on Thursday, April 4 from 6pm until 8pm. Funeral will arrive to St. Colmans Church, Claremorris, on Friday, April 5 for requiem Mass at 11am, with removal afterwards to Shannon Crematorium for a committal service at 2pm. The notice adds that the Gudaitis family wishes to thank everyone for their support at this difficult time." In the condolences section people have left numerous messages of sympathy One reads: Im so sorry for the familys loss. You were my brothers best friend Vakaris. RIP angel, you were too good for this world. Another adds: Rest in peace Vakaris, you touched so many hearts. Ill cherish our memories. Forever 17. So sorry that you have lost your beautiful son, may he rest in peace, another person has written. Remembering Vakaris and your family in my prayers. One person offered, heartfelt sympathy on the tragic loss of your darling son Vakaris. There are no words of consolation for you but you are in my prayers. The popular teen who had lived in the local community with his family for a number of years was a former pupil at St Colman's College, Claremorris. They posted on Facebook: "It was with deep sadness that we learned about past-pupil Vakaris Gudaitis 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." A GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help support Vakaris' family as they cope with the shocking and sudden loss of their beloved son has already raised 9,797 of a 5,000 target Vakaris was tragically killed when a car struck him on the N17 near Knock on Saturday 30th of March, 2024. He was only 17 years old, the page reads. 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. Its been claimed that some unmarked graves in the cemetery adjacent to St Marys Catholic Church have been disturbed for new burials A unholy row has broken out at St. Mary's Church, in Stewartstown between the congregation the Sunday world understands. A unholy row has broken out at St. Mary's Church, in Stewartstown between the congregation the Sunday world understands. Police have been called in after an unholy row about burial plots at a Co Tyrone cemetery took a sinister twist. Tensions have been running high in the village of Stewartstown in recent weeks as a result of the situation. Its been claimed that some unmarked graves in the cemetery adjacent to St Marys Catholic Church have been disturbed for new burials a suggestion dismissed by the parish priest. The row erupted into destruction earlier this month when a grave in the cemetery was vandalised. Parish priest, Father Eugene ONeill, blamed mindless thugs and said it was well known locally who was responsible. Fr ONeill appealed for people to bring this sorry tale to an end. The PSNI confirmed it is investigating the vandalism in the cemetery which took place overnight on March 7 and involved two marble pillars being damaged. A further two pillars were stolen, but they have since been found. When the Sunday World visited St Marys cemetery this week, everything was peaceful. After the recent attack, Fr ONeill posted a message on the parishs Facebook page in which he pulled no punches. Our cemeteries have always been a place of great comfort to all families in the parish a place where they quietly grieve their loss and also gain some comfort from the many faces they meet there, he wrote. And its testament to the vast majority of good people in this parish that graves are so well maintained. Unfortunately, a few people lack the decency of most. Fr ONeill added: This week a grave surround was being installed in St Marys cemetery, sadly for imminent use, on ground that has been tested and has never been used for burial and which interfered with no other grave. During the night, a few brave and mindless thugs took it upon themselves to smash the granite surround and steal parts of it believing themselves to be some sort of vigilante marshals of the cemetery. While bravely acting under the cover of darkness, it is well known locally who is responsible for this and for other damage being perpetrated in the graveyard and of the bullying and disrespectful talk and machinations in which they engage. He hit out at any suggestion unmarked graves in the cemetery had been disturbed. To rest the point, all ground has been tested in St Marys Cemetery, and I can assure you that no existing unmarked grave has ever been or will ever be disturbed. Those who suggest otherwise are false in what they say. With regard to the damaged grave, police have been notified, have visited the graveyard and begun a criminal investigation into vandalism and theft, and are confident that they will have sufficient evidence to proceed. A unholy row has broken out at St. Mary's Church, in Stewartstown between the congregation the Sunday world understands. Whatever misguided motivation is behind these actions is neither honourable nor Christian and is certainly not reflective of the vast majority of Stewartstown people who are decent and upstanding. Fr ONeill said it was disgustingly sad that he had to draw peoples attention to the issues at the cemetery but appealed to anyone who notices suspicious activity in the area to contact police immediately. While the few may think they are heroes in a false cause, all they do is bring unnecessary pain to others, and distress that I hope they never have to feel themselves. To those affected, I offer my own support and sympathy and that of the majority of Stewartstown people and hope that a sense of decency and respect may replace the cruel judgment of a wayward few. Please do not think that the few are representative of the good people of the town, but help the town to bring this sorry tale to an end. We contacted the priest this week to speak to him in more detail about the issues at the cemetery. However, he did not respond to our request. When contacted this week, a PSNI spokesperson confirmed an investigation is under way into the vandalism. Police received a report of theft and criminal damage at a graveyard in the West Street area of Stewartstown on Friday, March 8, said the spokesperson. It was reported that, sometime overnight between March 7 and March 8, two marble pillars at a plot had been damaged, and a further two stolen. The two stolen items have since been reported as being returned to the plot. Inquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 613 of 8/3/24. The police spokesperson said people could also pass on information through the online reporting section of the PSNIs website. n Have you been affected by the cemetery dispute in Stewartstown? Contact us at coneill@sundayworld.com. It comes as Antonio Guterres, the UN General Secretary described the death of seven aid workers in Gaza as unconscionable Palestinians gather on a beach in the hope of getting aid air-dropped over Gaza in the southern Gaza Strip. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem/File Photo The CEO of ActionAid Ireland has said there is a concern that the killing of seven humanitarian workers in Gaza on Monday could lead to a chilling effect on aid in the area. It comes as Antonio Guterres, the UN General Secretary described the death of seven aid workers in Gaza as unconscionable. The workers, who were from the aid group World Central Kitchen, died after their convoy was attacked by Israeli airstrikes on Monday. As a result of the attack, World Central Kitchen has suspended its work in the area. Irish aid organisation ActionAid Ireland has staff on the ground in Gaza and its chief executive Karol Balfe has said there could be a chilling effect in relation to aid workers in the conflict area. It is worrying in the wider context of aid at a time when food is so desperately needed in the Gaza Strip, Ms Balfe told RTEs Morning Ireland. Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen wrecked by an Israeli airstrike (Ismael Abu Dayyah/AP) We understand that World Central Kitchen has turned around a convoy that was due to land in Gaza and there is a worry of a wider chilling effect that aid operations working there, she added. A ship carrying 240 tonnes of undelivered aid bound for Gaza returned to Cyprus yesterday following the killing of the workers. Ms Balfe said that before the war, some 500 aid trucks would enter Gaza on a daily basis, compared to 159 trucks that crossed the border in March. US President Joe Biden also condemned the killing of the seven aid workers, saying he was "outraged and heartbroken" and accused Israel of not doing enough to protect aid workers in the Gaza strip. While Ms Balfe said it is right that there is outrage at what happened, she pointed to the military support the US has provided Israel. We completely condemned the attacks and there should be outrage about these attacks. But it is difficult to stomach when you know that this violence is happening because of the military campaign by Israel that is directly supported from the United States, Ms Balfe said. It could not have been conducted and continued for this long without the military support of the United States. And if people are serious about stopping the killing of humanitarian workers and also importantly stopping the killing of civilians, there has to be a ceasefire. You cannot distribute aid in a safe way when the bombs are falling in the way that they are, Ms Balfe added. Seven staff members of the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), including Western nationals participating in food relief efforts and a Palestinian were killed. Photo: Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images. Ms Balfe said that an attack like that on the World Central Kitchen convoy could result in humanitarian air drops. However, she said it was important that land access continued. There is a concern, of course, that something like this would lead to an increase in air drops, which has been the solution from some governments and air drops are not the answer, Ms Balfe said. We need land access on scale. Air drops are costly, they're ineffective, and they've been deadly. They've actually killed people when they've dropped or people have drowned trying to get into the sea to access them, she added. A week ago, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Ms Balfe said despite this, there has been no change in Israels behaviour which she described as unbelievable. It's just simply unbelievable, a week out of the UN Security Council resolution and the International Court of Justice calling a for additional provisional measures on Israel to allow aid in that we have not seen any change of behaviour from Israel, Ms Balfe said. In fact, the weekend was a weekend of absolute horror. There was the seven killed, there was the attacking and the complete burnout of Al Shifa Hospital and again more people killed in airstrikes, Ms Balfe said. Photos issued by World Central Kitchen of its staff killed by Israeli airstrikes (top row left to right) Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, Australian national Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, Polish national Damian Sobol, American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger and Britons (bottom row left to right) John Chapman, James "Jim" Henderson and James Kirby. Image: PA Almost 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7. Ms Balfe said that the planned ground offensive in Rafah by Israel would be absolutely devastating. It is time for the world to wake up. We know that famine is on our doorstep. We know the plausible risk of genocide. And it's just again, unbelievable that the United States continues to provide military, political and economic support to a country that is plausibly carrying out genocide, Ms Balfe said. Dr. Naik has made controversial statements about Jewish people and the 9/11 terror attacks Irish boxing star Jono Carroll spent an entire week praying and learning with a controversial Islamic preacher after his conversion to Islam. Dubliner Carroll (31) is currently ranked no.2 in the WBA and is both a former IBF European and International Champion. The fighter recently posted an image of himself with Dr Zakir Naik (58), who is a well-known Indian Islamic public orator. Ive had the pleasure all week to pray and learn from one of the best, Jono said on social media. Dr Zakir Naik Dr Naik is a prominent Muslim televangelist and social media personality who describes himself as an orator on Islam and Comparative Religion. However, he has previously sparked controversy in his homeland in India with his views on religion. He is also accused of acquiring 24m worth of criminal assets by Indian authorities. Dr Naik has strongly denied the allegations. India's Enforcement Directorate (ED), which investigates financial crimes, filed charges against Mr Naik back in 2019. Jono in Saudi Arabia this week The agency accused him of using cash from "dubious or suspicious sources" to purchase assets in India and from making money out of "provocative speeches". Mr Naik said the money he acquired was obtained legitimately. The National Investigation Agency in India unsuccessfully attempted to issue an Interpol red notice for his arrest, however, it was rejected due to insufficient evidence. He was banned from entering the UK in 2010 for "unacceptable behaviour. Jono's video Mr Naik has said in his defence: "Before the BJP (ruling party) government came, you could speak against the government, and at least 80pc of the times you would get justice. Today, the chances are 10-20pc. Dr. Naik has also made controversial statements saying that Jewish people control the United States. The Jews are a minority less than 5pc in America, but they are controlling the economy, they are controlling America, he said. He stated that the American government lied about the September 11 attacks. "The amount of ample evidence, a fool will know this is an inside job. If you see all this (online documentaries), it is a blatant, open secret that this attack on the twin towers was done by George Bush himself. When asked by a US journalist about the accusations, Dr. Naik said he had been misquoted. People say Muslims have done it, and some others said Bush had done it. But who knows who did it? Mr Naik replied, according to The New York Times. Meanwhile, boxer Jonos conversion to Islam continues unabated, as he posted a new video from the Kaaba in Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba, meaning cube in Arabic, is a square building, draped in a silk. Located in Mecca, it is known as the holiest shrine in Islam. I dont know if people understand this you, have three floors and people on the roof, constantly walking around. Everyone walking in circles, he said. Jono's pals traditional food "Today was a hard day emotionally, Jono continued. Most days I feel grateful. Today I was praying and praying until 10 oclock. "Today I was asking for forgiveness. You have to re-visit the past. I wasnt as good a person as I am today. "Im trying to be. I ask God for forgiveness. All will be forgiven on the day of judgement. "Grateful and thankful God is all seeing and hearing. Even if you dont like yourself, God has already seen it. Jono's snack "You need to make the scales balance on the good side, inshallah. I feel like I cleaned myself in order to grow. "I had to hold back tears so many times today. I feel happy and blessed. Its like a heart monitor, good with the bad, you dont want to flatline. In a humorous end to Jonos video, whilst his pals are seen eating traditional Arabic food, the Dublin southpaw made do with a chocolate digestive biscuit and a cup of tea. Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking feedback from the community to help shape their community's art scene. The proposed changes to the policy aim to clarify roles and responsibilities in the provision of public art and have clear objectives about what public art achieves for the district. Public art is any artwork in a public space like parks, buildings, or streets. It can take many forms such as sculptures, murals, digital art/projections, nature-based art, and sound art. It can be permanent or temporary. The majority of public art in the District is provided by community groups, rather than funded by Council. Public art helps to enhance and enliven our experience of public space. It contributes to a sense of pride and belonging in our District, supports thriving communities and showcases the creativity of our artists, explains Councils Policy and Planning Manager, Matthew Leighton. Through this process were confident we can add to the vibrancy of our District - expressing and supporting a sense of neighbourhood history, culture, and identity, and helps drive economic vitality. Council has worked with tangata whenua and community groups involved in public art to help make improvements to the current policy. It's now time for the Western Bay community to share their thoughts on the proposed changes. This feedback will help finalise the policy and guide how we deliver public art in partnership with and for our community. Join in the korero. Online Wananga ipurangi For more information and to provide your feedback on the draft policy visit: haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/publicart Hard copy Pepa maro Available at all Western Bay Library and Service Centres and Barkes Corner Head Office. In Person, a kanohi If you would also like to provide your feedback to Council in person, please contact haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz by 30 April 2024 to secure a timeslot. Feedback closes 5pm, Tuesday, April 30. A first of its kind operation in New Zealand targeting a criminal network of text message phishing scammers has led to over 4000 items being seized. The 2023 Digital Messaging Transparency Report released today also found there was an 83 per cent decrease in people reporting scams to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) public scam reporting service since the inception of Operation Cargo. The seven-month scam disruption operation from May last year comprised 12 search warrants, in which the DIA seized over 4000 items being used by scammers. This included over $35,000 worth of SIM cards and hardware, almost $10,000 worth of luxury items including a designer handbag and skincare products, and over $56,000 cash. Operation Cargo revealed an approach to scamming not seen before here in Aotearoa, where scammers are using special software and hardware to send SMS scam messages en masse, says DIA manager of digital messaging and systems Joe Teo. Through working together with NZ Police, NZ Customs, and CERT NZ, and closely with New Zealand telecommunications providers and banks, we disrupted numerous scam campaigns throughout the year. DIA says the operation uncovered a transnational criminal network of scammers which can be held responsible for most SMS scams in New Zealand in 2023. The public have been urged to continue to report scam SMS text messages after the DIA saw an 83 per cent decrease in reports to its 7726 public scam reporting service from May through to December last year. One reason Operation Cargo has been successful is due to the reports New Zealanders send to us through 7726. Your reporting is used to help us locate scammers. It does make a difference and means we can bring these scams to an end and hold the culprits responsible, Teo says. DIAs focus in 2024 remains the same as always, to stay ahead of trends in the scam environment by working with our domestic and international partners, and to hold scammers accountable for their actions. All Operation Cargo investigations remain open, restricting the information that the DIA can share with New Zealanders until they are closed. Anyone that receives a scam SMS text message is urged to report it free of charge by forwarding the message to 7726, or head to the DIA website for a step-by-step guide of how to report spam. The 2023 Digital Messaging Transparency Report can be found on the Department of Internal Affairs website. -NZ Herald. New Zealand's annual flu campaign is now underway, highlighting the importance of staying healthy staying the winter months. Receiving a flu vaccination in Auckland on Tuesday, April 2, Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says getting a flu shot not only helps individuals, but the frontline health system as a whole. Flu vaccinations are available free of charge for people who are 65 and over, pregnant, or who have mental illness or addiction, and for children and adults likely to get very sick with the flu because of a health condition. Influenza and other respiratory illnesses have a massive impact on the health system over winter and we can do more to prevent this by taking action now, by getting vaccinated, preparing our homes and having a plan to help stay well through the colder months. Hospitals often have an increase in admissions over winter, due to respiratory infections and other illnesses spreading easily as people spend more time indoors. Eligible groups can get their free flu vaccination from their local pharmacy, doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. Were also very aware of the ongoing risk of a measles outbreak in New Zealand, so this is also a good time for families to be checking if their childrens immunisations are up to date, particularly MMR. We know the harm measles has on communities but its a disease which can be prevented with immunisation. As a Government, we support improving public services, like health and education. Lifting our vaccination rates, including for flu and for measles are key targets for us. There are also other ways communities can prepare for winter, including making sure we have care plans for any vulnerable family members and remembering to stay home if you are unwell to avoid spreading illnesses, Dr Reti says. The flu vaccine is free for people at higher risk of getting very sick from the flu including: It breaks your heart. I think about him every day. Thats how a distraught father describes his feelings towards his adult son who is addicted to methamphetamine and living on the streets in Tauranga. He understands it will take about $15,000 to get his son into a residential drug rehabilitation centre and that many have long waiting lists. The father, who did not want to be named to protect his family, says the impact of his sons addiction is far-reaching. He often threw the household into turmoil before his parents made the tough decision to kick him out. They gave him an ultimatum last year as his behaviour was affecting their other children and grandchild. It was not fair for them to deal with his emotional and mental suffering. His addiction destroyed the vibe in our home. He wasnt the same boy. His son began meddling in P about four years ago and started to spiral. They noticed his personality change. He was always fun to be around and looked on the bright side of life. Now it is hard to imagine that comparison. He constantly lies and is withdrawn. He doesnt work and when I saw him a few weeks ago he was high. The father rang some treatment centres a few years ago and learned it would cost about $15,000 for a three-month programme at a residential drug rehabilitation centre. He said that, even if the family sold something to raise money, the son could walk out of treatment at any time. Our son has been set up to fail and we tried endlessly to get help but there arent enough support systems. Evicting him has been traumatic. Not knowing if he's safe is distressing and watching him deteriorate is agonising. Its not easy. I love my son. The family is backing a proposed new support group for families of addicts as well as continued calls for Tauranga to have a residential rehabilitation centre. Methamphetamine whanau support group Tommy Wilson, the former executive director and now community connector for Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services Trust, says it's seeking funding to set up a new group for whanau affected by loved ones P addiction. Called Te Puna Whakaora, meaning the spring of healing, he hopes it will triage whanau who deal with addiction consequences and work with other organisations to help them. Tommy Wilson is former executive director and now community connector for Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services Trust. Photo / Carmen Hall. Wilson says he has been previously told $1 million a week was being spent on methamphetamine in Tauranga, which is a tragedy. He has been free of drugs and alcohol for more than 18 years and can relate to those battling addiction. He says methamphetamine use needs to be addressed while it is a health problem before it becomes a criminal problem. Koro and nannies used like an ATM Elders are still being used like an ATM by family members addicted to meth, Wilson says. Koros and nannies for all the right intentions have tried to rescue their mokopuna addicted to methamphetamine with their eftpos cards Unfortunately, all that does is support their habit and delay the inevitable. Addiction is often swept under the carpet because of whakama (shame) and Te Puna Whakaora will allow families to talk about their challenges and begin the healing. He says there are other good initiatives in Tauranga catering to addicts but he's aware that some have waiting lists of up to three months and there's no local residential rehabilitation facility. We see this as the precursor to putting together a number of respite or residential rehabilitation retreats where family and those addicted can begin the process of sobriety. One persons addiction affects 10 others Mount Maunganui GP Dr Tony Farrell, who has a fellowship in addiction medicine, says one persons addiction can affect up to 10 people around them. When people get addicted to a substance it is a health issue and it makes them do things that may be bad for their relationships. When youve lost that control its pretty hard to to stay on the straight and narrow. Mount Maunganui GP Tony Farrell. Photo / File. Farrell supports the Te Puna Whakaora initiative and says Tauranga needs residential rehabilitation services. They will take an enormous amount of financial, staff and organisation and we certainly should have one. All health services are stretched everywhere. Meth still a massive problem Jared Savage has spent 15 years writing about the drug trade as an investigative reporter for the NZ Herald and is the author of the Gangland and Gangsters Paradise books. In 2019, he was part of the team that made Fighting the Demon, a documentary exploring New Zealands methamphetamine crisis. He told the Bay of Plenty Times that methamphetamine is still a massive problem in Tauranga and Rotorua, but especially in smaller rural Bay of Plenty towns although cocaine is becoming more popular. The price of methamphetamine means organised crime figures and gangs are making substantial profits from feeding the demand in these vulnerable communities, Savage says. This also led to escalating violence and shootings. While commercial suppliers are still getting long prison sentences and having their assets seized Savage says police and judges are showing greater leniency to defendants who can show their offending is driven by addiction. Low-level drug possession is being treated as a health issue, not a crime issue, so fewer people are being sent to prison, which nearly everyone agrees doesnt help with rehabilitation. But theres often nowhere else for people to go. They will end up back in the same toxic environment and quickly go back to square one for their addiction. There are some very desperate people out there, so anything that can help in their recovery is to be supported. Workforce shortages hit addiction services Health NZ co-director for addictions, Ian McKenzie, says it takes a health approach to addressing harm from alcohol and other drugs, including methamphetamine. Nationally, there are more than 60 packages of care for social detox and residential treatment of methamphetamine harm, including a free residential rehabilitation programme in Rotorua. He says Bay of Plenty Addictions Service don't have a waiting list. There is, however, significant demand for the service which, like the rest of the health sector, is currently experiencing workforce shortages. There are also non-governmental and iwi-led services catering to mild and moderate-to-severe addictions, says McKenzie. Next month He Pou Oranga Whai Ora, a community mental health and addiction service launched in the Eastern Bay last year, is due to open a supported accommodation facility. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, He Pou Oranga Whaiora aims to deliver impactful interventions and foster holistic well-being, it says. With a strong cultural emphasis, the service endeavours to empower individuals in overcoming addiction and achieving sustainable recovery. Health NZ and its Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty were also asked about the lack of a residential drug rehabilitation facility in Tauranga. Bay of Plenty meth use According to data released this month, in the final quarter of 2023: 1.1kg of methamphetamine was used in the region each week; Per capita use was the third highest in New Zealand behind Waitato and Eastern police regions; Per-capital use was up on the average for the four prior quarters; Nationwide, the social harm cost of 13.6kg of meth use weekly was estimated at $15.1 million. Drug addiction: Where to get help Francisco Gutierrez Malaga Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 20:04 | Updated 21:15h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Since 1 April families in Andalucia can apply for the aid provided by the regional government for the schooling of children under 3 years of age in nursery schools. The aid programme subsidises the price of pre-school socialisation and educational services and the nursery school canteen, depending on family income. At the same time, a one-month window of opportunity has been opened for anyone wishing to apply for a place in a nursery school. The aim of the aid programme for families to promote more schooling during the early years (0 to 3 years old) is to ensure aid is available to them to select a suitable educational centre for their child's introduction to school. The centres in question can be public or private as long as they exclusively provide such pre-school services. Privately-run centres must be signed up to the scheme. The aid programme runs every year, which means the assistance must be applied for in each school year. The deadline for submitting the application for aid will be 10 working days from the 1 April date of publication of the resolution in the official bulletin (BOJA) for families with children enrolled in the current school year, then the whole of April is open to families with children seeking to join the scheme in the next school year. The aid consists of a percentage rebate on the price of the service offered by the educational centre running early years programmes that is calculated according to income and the number of members within the family unit. The budget earmarked for this aid programme exceeds 153 million euros. The latest development for this coming school year is the agreement by the Junta's department of educational development to update the school meals subsidy, an increase of almost 15% from 80 to 92 euros per child per month. Malaga province has a total of 435 pre-school facilities for children from 0 to 3 years of age. Of these, 105 are public: 13 run by the Junta, one by the University of Malaga (UMA) and 91 by municipal councils. Five out of those 105 are not affiliated with the Junta's family aid programme. There are also 330 privately-run schools, 273 of which are members of the agreement and the remaining 57 are not. Image of the model of Cadiz city as it was in 1779 in the Museum of Las Cortes. Beatriz Estevez Cadiz Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 21:40 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Cadiz in all its 18th-century splendour will once again be seen now that cleaning and conservation work has commenced on the cork model of the city, a unique object in Spain, which painstakingly reflects what it was like in 1779 . This relief model, located in the Museum of Las Cortes, is undergoing maintenance work carried out by the restorer Pedro Macias until 16 May. The novelty this time around is that the public will be able to witness the work as it happens. This was announced in early March by the provincial delegate for Culture, Maite Gonzalez, while visiting the museum alongside the restorer Macias and Fatima Salaverri, museum director. "For the first time, right here in Museum of Las Cortes, the visiting public will be able to see for themselves the cleaning and conservation work carried out on this model, and they will also be able to see how it is taken apart and the layout of the whole schematic for this restoration and conservation work". Thanks to this access as the entire model is dismantled, the public will really get to see the innards of this unique and historical work, taking a close look at the foundations and all that formed Cadiz, getting to know the layout of the streets, the spaces where blocks of houses are packed together as well as the uneven layout of the terrain. Another curious fact is that the 25 square metres of the model's surface area include 350 detachable pieces grouped into 305 blocks . With so much to take in, it was decided to place many of the pieces into an exhibition divided into five blocks spread over different dates. As the Culture delegate announced: "On the occasion of this work we have considered it appropriate to hold an exhibition of the most iconic buildings of this historic asset, which will allow us to see these pieces up close for the first time" . The exhibition opened on 19 March, the date commemorating the promulgation of the 1812 Constitution (of the Spanish Monarchy) in Cadiz, and it runs until 3 May . To this end, the Museum of Las Cortes will operate "a live-action format" while the restorer carries out the task. The five different themes are as follows: 1- The spaces related to the Constitution of 1812, which were on display 19-27 March. The pieces on display were: Oratorio de San Felipe Neri (public-speaking hall used for government and monarchy matters), the church square for St Anthony, Cadiz Cathedral, another church (Iglesia del Carmen), Customs House (Aduana), the hospice and the Women's Hospital. 2- Lookout Towers, from 2 to 8 April. The pieces on display include Recano Palace, Tavira Tower, the House of the Four Towers, the House of the Five Towers and other buildings with lookout towers amusingly named as 'armchair-style' as the towers are protected by terraces. 3- Places of interest along the city walls, from 10 to 16 April. This collection includes where the land meets up with ramparts and other fortifications to city walls such as the Bastion of San Roque and the Bastion of Santa Elena, San Sebastian Castle, Santa Catalina Castle and one of the city gates, Puerta del Mar. 4- Religious buildings , from 18 to 24 April, comprising Los Descalzos convent, the church and convent of San Francisco and the church of Santa Cruz (the Holy Cross). 5- The most symbolic buildings, from 26 April to 3 May. This part of the exhibition will include the Town Hall, the church of San Juan de Dios with the chapel of Nuestra Senora de El Populo, the Engineering Pavilion, Castillo de la Villa (castle) and Model Building Number 245 (of special interest because it has some text transcribed in pencil on its base by the team that created the model figure, now with a protective cover in acetate). All these mini-exhibitions can be visited from 9am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday and Friday evenings only from 6pm to 8pm. "We hope that this initiative will be to everyone's liking. It is an opportunity that we have here for the very first time. It's a live job and a moving exhibition thats very enriching," stated an enthusiastic Maite Gonzalez. She also pointed out that, once the cleaning and conservation work is complete, Pedro Macias will give a visual talk on the work undertaken. No date has yet been set for this proposal. Details of the work to be carried out: - Dismantling of all model buildings, perimeter platforms and wind rose for a thorough cleaning to remove accumulated dust. - Checking of each element for damage and reuniting any parts that have become detached. - Re-touching the coat of varnish and applying a protective topcoat where required including the wind rose (a tool to measure wind direction). - Cleaning of the silvery surface of the sea, removal of any dust and re-touching the silver where necessary. - Surface treatment of all wood pieces for protection from, and prevention of, insect invasion. - Preservation treatment of all wood panels on both sides. - Removal of the name-plaque from its spot in the middle of the sea to clean and revamp the lettering that is currently illegible. - Re-assembly of the entire model. Wooden platforms are being used to place over the parts being worked on. Thus the restorer can remove items from the overall model, piece by piece, without damaging the silver sea by stepping on it. These protective platforms will be stored at the museum for future use. The total cost of the work is 4,961 euros. La Voz de Cadiz Cadiz Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 19:06 | Updated 21:26h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads The Easter rains dampened the best time of the year for many people in Spain with many Semana Santa processions cancelled because of the downpours. However, at the same time they did bring some relief to almost everyone. Andalucia was one of the regions where most of the rain fell during the week and of the five locations in Spain where the most was collected, four were in the south of the country. In one location in Cadiz province the heaviest rain was recorded. In Grazalema, 475mm were recorded. Second place went to Cazalla de la Sierra (in Seville province), with 295, and Cardena (in Cordoba) with 284. Panticosa (in Huesca) was in fourth place with 257mm. Close behind, fifth place was also occupied by another Andalusian town: Cortes de la Frontera, in Malaga province with 248mm. In general, a spokesperson for Aemet (Spain's state weather agency) pointed out that there has been a temporary easing of the drought in the west of the country thanks to the latest rains, but the long-term drought has not yet been overcome in many catchment areas and that there has been a worsening of the situation in the Mediterranean area because there has been so very little rain in recent months. In the first six months of what is known as the hydrological year, i.e. the period from 1 October to 31 March, it rained an average of 467mm, some 15% more than usual. However, the Aemet official spokesperson highlighted the "great geographical differences" in this respect and pointed out that, while in a large part of the west and centre of the country rainfall is around 150% above the norm or even higher, in large areas of the east and in parts of Spain's islands, rainfall over the course of the hydrological year is below 50% of normal. In the context of rainfall over the last twelve months, the catchment areas to the west of Spain have managed to emerge from the meteorological drought, but those in southern Andalucia, Segura River (Murcia), Jucar River (near Valencia), the eastern Pyrenees that includes a large part of Catalonia, and also , "hanging by a thread", the Ebro river basin, continue to be in drought. So, in the context of rainfall over the last three years, the river basins of the Duero, Guadiana, Guadalquivir, southern Andalucia, Ebro and a large part of Catalonia continue to be in a situation of long-term drought. The ten places where it rained the most at Easter in Spain: Grazalema (Cadiz) 489 Cazalla de la Sierra (Seville) 298.3 Cardella (Cordoba) 285 Panticosa, Petrosos (Huesca) 263.4 Cortes de la Frontera (Malaga) 256.8 San Pablo de los Montes (Toledo) 245.2 Puerto El Pico (Avila) 230.8 Biescas, Bubal reservoir (Huesca) 226.4 Ponteareas - Canedo (Pontevedra) 224,4 Formigal, Sarrios (Huesca) 215.6 In general, March was a "very wet" month. According to provisional data, an average of 120mm has been collected, which is around double the norm for March in Spain as a whole, although with some geographical differences. Therefore, March rainfall was three times the norm in parts of northern Andalucia and in a large part of Castilla La Mancha. At the same time, rainfall exceeded twice the norm for the month in a large part of the west and centre of the country, in the north of Aragon and northern Catalonia. At the other extreme, rainfall was 75% below normal in coastal areas by the Cantabrian Sea, in areas to the far south of Catalonia, a large part of the Valencian region, the whole region of Murcia and the far east of Andalucia. In fact, there are areas within these regions where rainfall has been below half the norm. Finally, the Aemet spokesperson pointed out that there have also been dry and rainy areas in the Balearic and Canary Islands. He said that rainfall was "clearly below normal" in the east of Mallorca and Menorca. As far as the Canary Islands are concerned, the north-eastern islands have received more rain than usual, but the south-eastern islands have received less rain in general. Irene Quirante Malaga Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 15:37 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads A British man who fractured a police officer's skull when he rammed him with a stolen van on the eastern strip of the Costa del Sol has been sentenced to seven years and two months in prison. The man, 28 years old at the time, learned his fate in the High Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) following the incident on the morning of 29 December 2020 in Algarrobo. According to the sentence, seen by SUR, the man stole a van in Motril after noticing the keys had been left on the passenger seat. The vehicle belonged to a delivery company and the driver had gone to make a delivery. The British man stole the van and started driving towards Malaga, the court heard. Then at about 11.15am at kilometre point 323.100 of the N-340 road, the man encountered a Guardia Civil traffic checkpoint. According to the court papers, he tried to run over the officer who stopped him after he was spotted speeding. The policeman was injured after he fell to the ground. The defendant then continued on his way, driving in the opposite lane, forcing other vehicles to take action to avoid him, the court heard. Dramatic police chase That was the start of a dramatic police chase that started on the N-340 and continued along the A-7. The pursuit lasted for 48 kilometres in which the British man, according to the ruling, tried to cause accidents by driving recklessly and seriously endangering the safety of other drivers. On the A-7, he then tried to ram a Guardia Civil patrol, although he did not manage to do so on this occasion. Later, he hit another police vehicle in Velez-Malaga. On the second ramming, the Guardia Civil patrol car was forced into oncoming lanes, crossing the cental reservation from the force of the impact and colliding with a concrete mixer lorry. One hundred days in hospital One of the officers spent more than 100 days in hospital in a serious condition he suffered a fractured skull, among other injuries, as a result of the incident. He needed around 565 days of treatment, but still suffers severe after-effects which have prevented him from continuing to work as a Guardia Civil officer. His colleague was also admitted to hospital in a serious condition. He needed 157 days to recover from his injuries. The British man got out of the van after the incident and tried to flee on foot but was arrested. In addition to his prison sentence, the Andalusian High Court also partially upheld an appeal filed by the policeman who was the most seriously injured, forcing the man to pay for his healthcare expenses and bills as he will need to continue to pay such as the ongoing treatment for his vocal cords and weekly facial physiotherapy sessions. Almudena Nogues Malaga Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 12:25 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads After saying goodbye to storm Nelson and facing these days of meteorological transition, with a cold snap in the early mornings, Andalucia is preparing for a sharp rise in temperatures this coming weekend, when the mercury will reach close to 30C in many places. But the heat will not arrive on its own. The mass of warm air is expected to be accompanied in the region by the entry of suspended dust from the Sahara desert in the atmosphere. "There is a high probability of 'calima' (haze) this weekend. But we will have to wait and see if it is accompanied by rain, leaving mud deposits," warned expert Jose Luis Escudero, head of the SUR blog 'Tormentas y Rayos' (storms and lightning). Spain's state weather agency (Aemet) agrees with Escudero's forecast and predicts "cloudy skies with high clouds and dust in suspension entering the western half of the region during the afternoon" on Friday. In addition, on that day, the mercury will begin to climb, a rise that will be "locally notable for the highs of the Guadalquivir valley" and moderate winds are expected in the Strait of Cadiz area, "where very strong gusts of wind are not ruled out". "In the second half of the week, a weather trough will move to the west of the Spanish mainland, with several areas of low pressure on the surface. The arrangement of these storm fronts will favour the rise of a very warm and anomalous air mass for the dates, leaving temperatures of over 30C in several regions", said Samuel Biener, weather researcher and editor of the specialised meteorology portal Meteored. According to his forecast, another 'calima' will be on the horizon: "We will have to pay attention to another phenomenon: suspended dust in the atmosphere. With the strong southerly air flow predicted by our reference weather model, a tongue of dust will emerge from Morocco on Thursday, first affecting the eastern islands of the Canary Islands and then becoming clearly noticeable on the Spanish mainland throughout Friday", he warned. And he added: "At the present time, it is not ruled out that mud or 'blood rain' may fall in Spain". For today (3 April) Aemet forecasts the passage of the front after which the transition to more stable anticyclonic weather is expected. "There will be abundant morning low clouds on the Atlantic slope and the Pyrenees, with light showers in Galicia, west of the Central system and north of the Northern plateau. These rains may also be scattered and occasional in other areas and will generally tend to subside and clear", it emphasised. In addition, morning fog banks are likely on the Atlantic coast of Andalucia. Looking ahead to Saturday, the state agency points to "cloudy skies with high clouds, increasing at the end of the day in the western third, where weak precipitation is not ruled out. The dust in suspension will spread from west to east throughout the day," it added. On Sunday, the Spanish mainland is expected to continue to be exposed to the passage of Atlantic fronts leaving unstable weather with abundant cloudiness and precipitation. "Although with a high degree of uncertainty as to their disposition, rain is expected in the western and north-western third of the country, most probably in the central north of the mainland, but without ruling out the possibility of showers in other regions", and temperatures will tend to fall across the board that day, except in the eastern Mediterranean area, where they will increase. In Malaga province, the bad news is that no new rain (at least not significant) is expected for the next two weeks, that is, in the first fortnight of April, according to the forecast of the weather models that Aemet manages. "This week hardly anything will fall, and probably not next week either," the Met Office said. Only on Sunday could there be some showers, but, if they do occur, they will be weak and scattered. Matias Stuber Malaga Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 17:39 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads The agricultural sector had been crying out for months for a storm like the one last week which dumped plentiful rain across Malaga province. It helped crops dying from drought, and the effects can already be seen in the cereal fields. Some 38,000 hectares are earmarked for this crop in Malaga province, and thanks to the Easter rains, a good harvest is now almost guaranteed. It's a far cry from last year's situation when the drought crisis swept away large parts of the crop and caused economic turmoil for farmers. The areas in Malaga province where these crops are most concentrated are in Teba, Almargen, Ardales, Campillos, north of Antequera, the Serrania de Ronda and the Guadalhorce Valley. In 2022, thanks to the cultivation of cereal crops, farmers in Malaga province enjoyed a turnover of around 47 million euros. A year later, in 2023, the harvest was reduced to nothing. The mood, which was at rock bottom at the time, has improved considerably. Farmers now have a positive outlook for a good harvest this year, and if April brings further rainfall, could even make it the best in history. SUR was able to verify this in Campillos, one of the great providers of Malaga province. A week ago, where the sun now shines and the sky is a picture-postcard blue, dark clouds stretched across the horizon and the air felt particularly chilly. Rain was continuous and over a sustained period of time. The earth still retains moisture, which is noticeable in the smell that permeates the air and tractors are working in the fields. Benito Aviles, a local farmer, said: "It rained as it had to rain for it to be beneficial for the fields. In abundance, but without violence". He is one of the many farmers who last year invested money and time for no rewards. "If we talk about the 2023 harvest, we are talking about throwing money into the field, literally," he said. Four main types of cereals are grown in Malaga province: durum wheat, soft wheat, barley and oats. There are farmers like Aviles, who have a few hectares of land, and take advantage of it to plant some peas. But what is profitable and serves to improve the accounts are cereals. In Malaga province, most of it goes to the manufacture of animal feed. Some 10% goes to human food (soft wheat) and a small part goes to beer production. Just a year ago, Aviles was walking on the same land he is walking on now. The crops, he recalled, barely reached his ankles. Now, they reach his knees. "The rains have been wonderful for the grain. It looks like nothing compared to last year," he said. Survival For a municipality like Campillos, which forms part of the agricultural belt of Malaga province, a lack of water is the main threat to its population. Farmers dedicated to single-crop agriculture are a minority. Almost all of them use their land to combine woody crops, especially olives, with cereals. "So as not to put all their eggs in one basket," Aviles said. "Bad harvests are part of the countryside. If the cereal crop fails, you compensate with the olive grove and the other way round. What is not normal is for both to fail," he added. However, Aviles said it's not time to celebrate. "We need it to keep raining and for the administrations to make progress on the water works they have promised." Aviles, just like many other farmers, said a long-term solution would be the so-called water highway, a project which aims to pump the regenerated water that is currently dumped into the sea through a 120-kilometre pipeline route. Zoom This year the cereal has vigorous roots. Antonio Contreras If the economy of Campillos has such a heart, it beats in the town cooperative. That's where Rosa Hernandez, agronomist and farmer, is based. She said she is a little less worried about the cereal harvest following the rains. "Let's hope it continues to rain more, but with what has fallen we can already say that we will be able to harvest. Last year, not even that," she added. The distance separating Campillos from the municipality of Tebas is barely 15 kilometres. It is another of the province's grain providers. Mayor of Teba Cristobal Corral told SUR the rains had been extremely beneficial. "After last year's disaster, the scenario this year for cereals is quite different. With last week's water, there will be a harvest. Now it needs to keep raining for it to be a good harvest," he added. Irene Quirante / Juan Cano Malaga Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 13:52 | Updated 14:03h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Marbella was once again the scene of a shooting in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the fifth in just over a month. It happened in Nueva Andalucia but, before those involved opened fire, there was an alleged struggle in which two people tried to snatch a bag from someone else, according to CCTV images seen by SUR. Police investigators are trying to identify those involved in this latest incident and discover what was inside the bag, although sources said it was most likely money or drugs. The struggle was only interrupted by the gunshots, after which the three suspects got into two vehicles. Several local residents phoned the 112 emergency number to alert the authorities. The shooting was reportedly between people inside two vehicles. National Police officers are investigating whether there was crossfire or whether the trigger was only pulled from one of the cars. Shots were still being fired when the first patrol car arrived, but the police presence then caused those involved in the incident to flee the scene. The incident resulted in a 21-year-old man being rushed to Hospital Costa del Sol in Malaga with at least two bullet wounds, one in the knee and another in his genital area. This was the fifth shooting incident in Marbella in just over a month and the third where a person has been injured and rushed to hospital. Almost all of these incidents have occurred in the Nueva Andalucia area. Five arrests National Police have already solved two of the incidents that have happened since February. On 2 April, the provincial police station reported the arrest of two people for allegedly spraying the window of a restaurant in Nueva Andalucia with gunshots on 11 March. No one was injured, although the suspects reportedly fired at least 15 shots. They approached the premises on a motorbike with one of the perpetrators getting off and opening fire on the business, according to investigators. They then fled in the same vehicle. The suspects are allegedly linked to organised crime, police said. Both have been remanded in custody. About a fortnight ago, three other people were also arrested for their alleged connection with the first of the five shootings, which took place in Nueva Andalucia on 10 February. A young Swedish man was left injured after he was shot in the arm and leg. According to investigators, it was a settling of scores between rival gangs in Sweden. The suspects are charged for their alleged involvement in a double murder attempt, according to the provincial police station. Two of them were remanded in custody. Irene Quirante Malaga Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 13:33 | Updated 18:57h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Residents of the Riviera del Sol residential development in Mijas Costa were startled on Sunday afternoon by the sound of a van crashing into a wall. The occupants of the vehicle quickly made their escape and fled the scene on foot. Luckily no one was injured in the incident which police believe was related to a burglary that had just taken place at a construction site near the AP-7. Two properties were affected by the collision, one of which belongs to the family of Ismael Briasco. The family had moved into the house just three weeks previously and Briasco jokingly told SUR that they had had a nice welcome. The family were at friends' house at the time of the incident and were informed of the problem when they received photos of the wall, , completely demolished, through a residents' WhatsApp group. When I saw the image, it was a tremendous shock: when I saw it with my own eyes it was even worse. he said. The familys neighbour, Irene Villodres, who is also the president of the community association, was the second victim of the accident, since both homes share the same exterior wall. Like Briasco, she also found out from the photos that other residents sent her. Both homes were left without electricity and water as the supply meters were damaged by the force of the collision. The accident left homes without water or electricity. Fuengirola Se Queja. According to the police, the accident happened when the driver of the vehicle was fleeing the scene of the burglary at high speed after allegedly stealing cables and other materials from the nearby construction site. It is believed the driver lost control of the van due to the slippery condition of the road, which was wet from recent rain. Police have launched an inquiry into the incident and are working to identify the culprits. The president of the community met with the town hall on Monday to agree on a series of measures that she considers necessary to improve traffic safety. The area, which the president described as an escape zone due to its proximity to the motorway, has become problematic for drivers and there have been at least three other accidents in the area recently. Chus Heredia Malaga Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 10:34 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Much like a forgotten toy left on the shelf for many years, now dusted off, wound up and taking off at speed. The transformation of the old railway line between Bobadilla, Ronda and Algeciras to adapt it to the logistical demands of rail freight is gaining momentum. This route will be integrated into the so-called 'Autopista Ferroviaria' (railway highway), which starts in Zaragoza and connects with Madrid before heading towards Andalucia where there are two important stops: the transport and logistics megahub outside Antequera and Algeciras port. According to data from the Regional Ministry of Public Works, only 0.5% of freight in Andalucia is transported by rail, the consequences being the impact on the environment and a lack of competitiveness within the sector. Spain's central government has just awarded a 52.8 million euro contract for more work to go ahead on the upgrade of the Bobadilla-Algeciras line. The contract applies to the Bobadilla-Ronda section (43 km long), following approval of phase two of the San Pablo-Almoraima section and conclusion of work between Ronda-San Pablo and Almoraima-Algeciras. This work is part of the overall plans for modernisation for this rail corridor, which has a total investment of 472 million euros, 70% of which has already been set in motion. This latest work to have been approved is being carried out by Adif and involves replacing all track elements (ballast, sleepers and rails) on the section with tracks befitting of high-performance rail traffic. Likewise, the dimensions of overhead structures will be adapted to accommodate the uprights and other equipment required in readiness of the future electrification of the line. All the infrastructure points along the route and the drainage system will be strengthened. These aspects of the job have been awarded to construction company Tecsa, part of the Dragados group. Other work With this next stage of work now awarded, progress is being made on this comprehensive plan to upgrade the Bobadilla-Algeciras line, which also includes the fitting of a third rail (to enable different gauge trains to operate), electrification of the line and the extension of railway sidings. While track renewal is under way, other areas will also be tackled, such as a revamp of rail control and monitoring systems. This will involve installing GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications - Railway, a secure, wireless communication platform to enable contact between train crews and control centres) and automatic block signalling (ABS - a system that ensures a minimum distance is maintained between trains). Installation will get underway on the Bobadilla-Ronda section once the same work has been completed between Ronda and Algeciras. Work to update the signalling between Ronda and Algeciras involves implementing the ASFA digital system (Automatic Train Protection System), which has already been contracted. The electrification project for the Ronda-Algeciras stretch is currently being finalised. Manlius, N.Y. With the help of a Fayetteville-Manlius bus driver and the quick thinking of a bus aide, a 5-year-old girl was stopped from stepping in front of a speeding car. As the bus made a regular stop Thursday, the bus driver flashed the buss stop signs to halt traffic near the kindergarteners home on Highbridge Road in the town of Manlius. Any other day, the girl would have raced off the bus excited to get home and tell her mother about her day, the dad told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. But before she could step off the bus, an aide quickly grabbed the girl by her backpack and out of the way of a car racing by, Fayetteville-Manlius School District Superintendent Craig Tice said at a news conference Tuesday. I think it was instinct, Tice said. It all happened so quickly and certainly our drivers are paying attention to their surroundings. The whole incident was captured on the familys Ring camera which they only installed a few months ago. The little girls mother can be seen standing in their driveway and watching in shock as the car speed by the bus doors. The driver of the car, Quang Van Pham, 66, was charged Saturday with reckless endangerment, Manlius police said. He was issued an appearance ticket for Manlius Town Court. He was also issued traffic tickets for failing to stop for a school bus, following too closely, speed not reasonable and prudent, moving from lane unsafely and reckless driving. The bus did not have stop arm cameras, Tice said. Stop arm cameras would allow the bus to capture accidents, and in this case, cars that fail to stop. The district expects all its buses to have such cameras in the next four years, he said. Tice thanked the students family and the Manlius Police Department for capturing the incident on video and tracking down the driver. Parents and community members are also showing thanks to the bus driver and bus aide who prevented the little girl from being hit, Tice said. People have made shirts and lawn signs in appreciation of the bus driver and aides quick thinking, he said. The shirts say, Not all superheroes wear capes, sometimes theyre bus drivers, he said. While the aide and bus driver have asked to not be identified due to privacy concerns, Tice said the appreciation the bus driver has been shown is something he knows shell cherish forever. Cars speeding by stopped buses happens more often than the district would like, he said. He advises drivers to think of the children on the bus and to stop when they see the red lights. Getting off the school bus, in front of your own driveway, the last thing youd expect, as a student and as an adult, is a car that would pass on the right, Tice said. Fayetteville-Manlius School District superintendent Craig Tice stands in front of the same school bus a 5-year-old girl was almost hit while getting off of on Thursday March 28, 2024.Timia Cobb Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com. An Upstate New York drive-in movie theater is set to reopen for the first time in four decades. The Democrat & Chronicle reports the Rose City Drive-In, located in Wayne County, will open for the 2024 season on Friday, April 5, with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Coincidentally, the last movie shown at the drive-in when it closed in 1985 was the original Ghostbusters movie. It was dumb luck, new Rose City Drive-In owner Paul Cole told the Rochester newspaper. The (new Ghostbusters) movie just came out last week. Cole, 53, finalized his purchase last year for the drive-in, located at 5418 Route 31 West in Newark, N.Y., about 50 miles west of Syracuse. The outdoor movie screen, 100 feet wide by 45 feet high, has been cleaned up and the 17-acre site has been updated with a new 55,000-lumen laser project, a digital marquee, and a new concession building, according to the D&C. Cole, who also owns SuperGen Products in Newark and operates Lands of Legends Raceway in Canandaigua, told the publication hes spent nearly $750,000 on the drive-in. But its worth it to Cole, who said he fondly remembers his parents taking him to Rose City Drive-In when he was a kid. According to its website, the Rose City Drive-In is also attempting to keep much of its original footprint and connecting to its history whenever possible. In a note about the renovations, Cole thanked the Eugene Colacino Family for selling the property and giving Newarks cinema under the stars a sequel. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire will be a single feature screening this weekend, but the Rose City Drive-In plans to begin double features next week. Cole plans to show both first-run films and classics, as well as stage concerts and other events (including a solar eclipse viewing party on Monday). For more information and tickets, visit rosecitydrivein.com. With more than a million people expected to descend on Upstate New York cities in anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse event on April 8, there will be some hungry mouths to feed and one publication has created a list of top spots to dine. Food + Wine magazine put together their best recommendations of where to eat before and after the eclipse in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. They also included some cant-miss local food icons to have a truly Upstate New York experience. Whether youre in Western New York or Central NY, here are their top recommendations, from hot dog stands to fine dining: Buffalo Butter Block Butter Block is a Buffalo pastry shop that envelopes you with the scent of sugar, butter and flour as soon as you open the doors. Great for coffee and a picture perfect croissant. Food + Wine however notes that the bakery is closed on Mondays, so youll have to get your fill the day before or after. La Divina Grab some classic Mexican street food from this Mexican grocery store and taqueria on Delaware Ave. La Divina specializes in tacos, quesadillas and tamales. Nine-Eleven Tavern This may rile some feathers, but Food + Wine suggests the best wing stop in Buffalo is Nine-Eleven Tavern. To avoid disappointment as the South Buffalo staple is closed Sundays and Mondays, plan ahead for your crispy wings. The good news is that Anchor Bar, which lays claim to inventing the worlds first Buffalo wing in 1964, is planning to make twice the number of chicken wings at its flagship location just for the day of the eclipse, according to the New York Times. Bar-Bill Tavern Get a whole list of classic Buffalo flavors at one of Bar-Bill Taverns three locations. Their menu includes beef on weck in both sandwich and pizza form, Buffalos iconic cup-and-char pepperoni pizza, and cajun honey butter barbecue wings, which F+W notes are Buffalo Bills star Josh Allens favorite. Rochester Clementine Located in nearby Fairport, the coffee house named Clementine has a Mexican-inspired menu. They also have some comforting flavors like a Samoa cookie latte or blueberry lemon. Bar-Bill Tavern The newest Bar-Bill Tavern has recently opened in Rochester and contains all of Buffalos favorite flavors. Leonores A great place to warm up as the sun goes down, Leonores on Rochesters Park Avenue has a Thai-leaning menu filled with items like pork belly with hot miso mustard, cozy curries, and oxtail ragu. Leonores intends for their dishes to be shared, which is perfect for gathering after sky gazing. Dogtown You cant visit Rochester without getting one of their iconic garbage plates. Dogtown, which has been called one of the best hot dog spots in the nation, offers this classic Rochester dish with white or red hots atop a bed of macaroni salad and crispy home fries or french fries, smothered in meat sauce. They even have a vegetarian version for the non-meat eaters in your party. Though if you want to stop at the Home of the Garbage Plate, make sure to stop by Nick Tahou Hots on West Main Street. Aurora Cooks! Located between Rochester and Syracuse, Cayuga Lakes Aurora Cooks! will offer you a glass of Finger Lakes wine as you embraces seasonal ingredients in a four-course, demonstrative experience. As you sip on a glass of Finger Lakes wine, youll get to watch a beautiful three-course meal made by Head Chef Lou Ruscitto-Donato. Seating is limited at this Inns of Aurora restaurant, so reservations are a must. Syracuse Pastabilities Serving up homemade pastas and its beloved stretch bread and spicy hot tomato oil, its no wonder Pastabilities made F+Ws list. Their take on Utica-born chicken riggies was recently named one of the best pastas in America. Lunch is walk-ins only, but this restaurant gets hopping at night, so a reservation is recommended for big parties. Heids A Syracuse staple, Heids hot dog stand in nearby Liverpool serves up locally made Hofmann hot dogs and white hot snappy grillers, also known as coneys. Order yourself a Texas hot or if you cant decide, a mixed double is perfect. Syracuse, N.Y. Area residents on both sides of a debate over whether city officials should speak to the war in Gaza filled the Syracuse Common Council chambers Wednesday. Dozens of demonstrators, including many standing against the walls because all seats were filled, held signs and banners while they watched a study session that touched on routine city business like road repairs, vendor contracts, fire department staffing. After about 35 minutes, Councilor Chol Majok spoke to the issue that brought them there. Syracuse, N.Y. Managing Director Jill Anderson will leave Syracuse Stage this year following her eighth season to become the managing director of Childrens Theatre company in Minneapolis. She will stay on as managing director for the remainder of the 50th anniversary season and will leave at the end of the companys fiscal year in early July. Plans to fill her position have not been announced yet. Stage has one more production this season, the musical Once, which opens the first weekend in May. Since joining Stage in 2016, Anderson managed an operating budget of more than $8 million and handled fundraising, marketing and operations. Her fundraising efforts helped establish educational programming for local residents and underrepresented communities, according to a release from Syracuse Stage. Syracuse Stage also produced two world premieres and developed commissioned work from nationally acclaimed artists and playwrights under her watch. Anderson also taught theatre management courses at Syracuse University. She was recognized as part of the Central New York Business Journals 40 Under Forty awards in 2017 and has served on numerous municipal and non-profit boards. It has been a highlight of my career to work in partnership with Jill these past eight seasons, Artistic Director Robert Hupp said in a letter to season subscribers, and everyone at Syracuse Stage will miss Jills warm-hearted and thoughtful leadership. Syracuse, N.Y. President Joe Biden and Donald Trump handily won New Yorks primaries Tuesday, a result anticipated for weeks. The Associated Press called the contests for Trump and Biden shortly after polls closed at 9 p.m. They had already clinched their respective parties nominations in early March. To the Editor: Syracuse is a marvel of a city, with a lengthy history of innovation and industrial influence. However, Syracuses age has also left a massive problem. Specifically, were talking about the citys crumbling, aging water infrastructure. Every day, we see how failing water infrastructure impacts our collective quality of life. Outdated wastewater treatment plants discharge raw sewage into waterways across New York during heavy rains. One hundred-year-old water mains constantly break, disrupting water service, shutting down roads, and disrupting schools and businesses. And thousands of lead pipes continue to expose too many New Yorkers to a dangerous neurotoxin when they turn on the tap. Unfortunately, Gov. Kathy Hochuls proposed state budget would make it harder to address these threats to clean water. In January, the Governor proposed a jaw-dropping 50% cut to the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, New Yorks primary vehicle for funding water infrastructure upgrades. The governor cut investments for this program from its usual $500 million to $250 million. These cuts will hurt working families. Not only will fewer jobs be created, but more of the costs of aging and failing infrastructure will likely fall on Syracuse residents through higher water bills, making New York less affordable. A funding cut to such a popular and successful program makes no sense. Since 2017, the governor and state legislature have invested $5 billion into the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, which has jump-started projects to protect public health in every county of the state. Syracuse alone has received over $20 million for water quality improvements thanks to the Clean Water Infrastructure Act. Its cities like Syracuse that stand the most to lose from these cuts. For example, there are an estimated 14,000 lead pipes in the city, contaminating drinking water for some residents. Fortunately, Syracuse has been proactive in addressing this problem, approving a $10 million bond last month to accelerate lead pipe removal. But to achieve 100% lead pipe replacement, which the Biden administration is proposing to require by 2037, the city will need tens of millions more from New York state. If the governors cuts to clean water are finalized, it will be much harder for Syracuse to access aid to protect public health. Thankfully, the state Senate and Assembly rejected the governors proposed cuts and restored clean water funding to at least $500 million in their respective budget proposals. Were grateful for the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Carl Heastie for fighting for clean water. Now we need to ensure that full funding for clean water is included in the final budget. We urge Gov. Hochul to join legislative leaders and support $600 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, with $100 million dedicated to lead pipe replacement. Its time to put people to work and ensure that every New Yorker can benefit from safe drinking water. Rob Hayes Director of Clean Water Environmental Advocates NY Albany Syracuse, N.Y. Here are the numbers from No. 3 Syracuses 17-4 victory at Cornell on Tuesday afternoon at Schoellkopf Field in Ithaca, New York. If youre having trouble seeing the stats on your mobile device, click here. Sign up for the syracuse.com Orange Sports Newsletter Enter your email address to get weekly updates on Orange sports news delivered to your inbox: A campfire on private land turned into a wildfire that burned 32 acres in the town of Monroe, Orange County, on Saturday night. Four New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers created a perimeter around the fire to prevent it from spreading further onto state land, getting it under control shortly after midnight. On March 29, rangers joined staff and volunteers from DECs Divisions of Lands and Forests and Fish and Wildlife to conduct a prescribed burn of 30 acres in the Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area. Controlled burns help make areas more resilient to invasives species. Rangers also snuffed out a small one-acre fire off Route 20A in the town of Richmond on the afternoon of March 26. A ticket was issued to the person responsible for setting the fire, which endangered someone elses property. The following reports are excerpted from DEC: A 64-year-old hiker with an injured ankle was hoisted off Wittenberg Mountain last week.NYSDEC On the afternoon of March 31, a 64-year-old hiker fell down a rock face near the summit of Cornell Mountain, injuring her ankle. Due to the severity of the injury and the location, rangers called in a New York State Police helicopter while the hiker splinted her own ankle. She hobbled toward Wittenberg Mountain where she was met by a ranger who secured her for a hoist rescue. Four other rangers hiked up Wittenberg to help the hikers husband to his vehicle. The hikers son took her to the hospital. A 30-year-old hiker from Long Island injured their leg on South Beacon Mountain in Hudson Highlands State Park on the afternoon of March 27. A ranger reached the injured hiker about an hour later and gave them a rescue blanket while state police and ambulance volunteers helped package the hiker for a carryout. Rescue crews were off the mountain by nightfall. Sign up for the CNY Outdoors Newsletter Enter your email address to get weekly updates on CNY outdoors news delivered to your inbox: READ MORE Frostbitten and freezing NYC man rescued near summit of states highest peak - newyorkupstate.com 30 rangers carry 2 injured hikers down 18 miles of icy Adirondack slopes in the dark - newyorkupstate.com ADK snowmobiler severely injured after hitting ice crack, flying 73 feet through the air - newyorkupstate.com Man thrown from snowmobile in crash in Madison County airlifted to Syracuse hospital - newyorkupstate.com Baldwinsville man rescued after falling through thin ice in Three Rivers marsh - newyorkupstate.com Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors. Syracuse, N.Y. New York lawmakers are considering changing state law to loosen regulations for midwives, a move that would allow more people to offer reproductive care inside homes and birth centers. Currently, only certified midwives and certified nurse midwives are licensed to provide reproductive healthcare in the state. Almost all of these midwives work in hospital settings after graduating from a masters program and passing a national board exam, said Sherrie Hunter Kelly, the vice president of the New York State Association of Licensed Midwives. More specifically, nurse midwives have nursing degrees. But theres another group of midwives who practice in other states and offer care thats specific to maternal and reproductive care. These midwives arent required to have a degree in nursing; instead, they obtain training and certification through a national governing body, according to Kelly. The change would bring New York in line with three dozen other states that already allow these certified professional midwives to provide more services in non-hospital settings. It would also mirror how New York temporarily eased up on midwifery rules during the Covid pandemic, said Assemblymember Amy Paulin, who chairs the Assemblys Health Committee and is advocating for the expansion. Most importantly, advocates said, the legislation aims to expand access to midwifery to more people, including some who have higher rates of death among infants and mothers. Black, non-Hispanic women are 5 times more likely to die in pregnancy-related deaths, according to data released in March from the states Health Department. Black babies in Onondaga County die at a rate 4.6 times higher than white babies, recent data shows. These experiences leave women of color afraid and seeking other care options, said SeQuoia Kemp, a doula in Syracuse and the co-president of New York Certified Professional Midwives. Kemp said she believes the legislation would also increase the number of midwives of color. When people have providers that look like them, it adds a layer of emotional safety that I think is often overlooked when we talk about why people are afraid to give birth at hospitals, said Kemp, who also supports the change. Certified professional midwives are currently able to practice in 36 states and the District of Columbia. This group of midwives had the authority to practice during Covid through an executive order, but they have since lost that privilege, said Paulin, D-Scarsdale. So we have actually lost midwives since Covid because they cant practice legally in New York. Paulin is sponsoring the latest bill to get midwives licensed. Other attempts in 2021 and 2022 failed. The bill aims to offer another level of care that can be hard for women to find in hospitals, Paulin and others said. Currently, we dont have enough midwives to care for all the people who want midwifery care, said Kelly, of the midwives association. And if the state licensed certified professional midwives, then they would become a workforce that could staff birth centers. Paulin said she is hopeful that the bill will pass this time. Gov. Kathy Hochuls office said the governor would review the legislation if passed. Earlier this year, Hochul unveiled a six-point plan to combat maternal and infant mortality in New York. The plan included paid parental leave, new legislation to expand access to doula services, new training for maternal mental health and the reduction of unnecessary c-sections. It did not specifically address the changes for midwives. For Kemp, the passing of this bill would open doors for her career and her patients in Syracuse. I want the Legislature to think about the people who are being impacted by the lack of midwives in our state and recognize that this is a common sense, safe solution, Kemp said. And we need your support to really change the trajectory of our lives. A woman has been arrested after allegedly using magnets to steal from a retail store in Upstate New York. Sylvia Chappa, 43, of San Angelo, Texas, was charged with grand larceny on Tuesday, according to the Greece Police Department. Police said Chappa allegedly used special magnets designed to remove anti-theft sensors from clothing to steal $1,044 worth of merchandise from a store in Greece, N.Y. Chappa is facing charges of fourth-degree grand larceny and possession of burglar tools, police said. Chappa was released on an appearance ticket, according to WROC. She is scheduled to return to Greece Town Court at a later date. Great work by our officers & loss prevention officers who work hard to #StopRetailTheft, the Greece Police Department said on Facebook. Additional details, including the name of the store shes accused of attempting to steal clothes from, were not disclosed. FALLSINGTON Prosecutors said Wednesday they plan to pursue the death penalty against a man charged with killing his stepmother, sister and the mother of his children before officials say he fled in a stolen vehicle to New Jersey, where he was arrested last month. Andre Gordon Jr. appeared for court in Pennsylvania for the first time since authorities said he carried out three fatal shootings on March 16 in the Levittown section of Falls Township, as well as a pair of carjackings nearby in suburban Philadelphia. Arriving at magisterial district court not far from where authorities said the shootings happened, Gordon was wearing an orange jumpsuit and was shackled at the wrists and ankles. Asked if he had anything to say, Gordon responded in a low voice: Pray, pray to God. In the roughly 10-minute preliminary arraignment, Judge John Galloway denied bail and ordered Gordon, who appeared without an attorney in court, not to contact his minor children and other relatives who were witnesses to the crimes he is charged with. Galloway asked Gordon if he understood it was a preliminary arraignment to read the charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, against him. Not really, Gordon said. The judge repeated the explanation and asked if Gordon understood. Yes, sir, he said. Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn told reporters outside the court after the hearing that she decided to notify the court of her plan to seek capital punishment because of the multiple killings and grave risk to others. We had an opportunity to speak to the family and get their position, she said. Time will tell ultimately how this case unfolds. But we had to certify before formal arraignment. Earlier Wednesday, Gordon, 26, waived an extradition hearing in New Jersey and was transferred to officials in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, according to prosecutors and the New Jersey courts spokesperson. Authorities have said Gordon carjacked a vehicle in Trenton, New Jersey, early on March 16 before driving to Levittown in Falls Township, Pennsylvania. There he killed his stepmother and sister, the Bucks County district attorney said. He then drove to a second home in Levittown and killed the mother of his two children, authorities said. He is also accused of injuring his childrens grandmother by bludgeoning her with a rifle. The dead were Gordons stepmother, Karen Gordon, 52; his sister, Kera Gordon, 13; and Taylor Daniel, 25, the mother of his two children, the district attorney said. Authorities have said Gordons children were present when he shot their mother. Gordon then carjacked a second vehicle in Morrisville and returned to Trenton, authorities said. Police surrounded a home for hours in the belief that he was there, but Gordon apparently slipped out before a cordon went up. He was arrested, unarmed, when he was spotted walking down a street a few blocks away. The mayhem forced the cancellation of a St. Patricks Day parade in Pennsylvanias Bucks County and the closure of a Sesame Street-themed amusement park and a number of other businesses. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for several hours. Officials have not released a possible motive for the attacks. Gov. Josh Shapiro has said he would not allow executions to occur while he is governor, saying he wants the legislature to work to abolish it. The states most recent execution took place in 1999. Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust In brief: A 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday morning (8 pm Tuesday Eastern Time) has claimed nine lives as of writing, injured hundreds others, and threatens to disrupt the tech supply chain. According to NBC News, the quake hit roughly 11 miles south-southwest of Hualien at a depth of about 21 miles, and triggered tsunami warnings for Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines that were eventually lifted. Bloomberg said some local chipmakers, including market leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., have halted operations. The company told the publication it has moved staff out of specific areas and is assessing the situation. United Microelectronics Corporation, another chipmaker in the region, said the quake triggered automatic safety measures at fabs in Hsinchu and Tainan that affected some wafers on the production line. All staff are safe, however, and there was no material impact on the company's operations. As such, business and shipments are resuming as normal, UMC said. TSMC is the leading contract manufacturer for some of the world's largest tech companies including Apple and Nvidia. Disrupting a key cog in the supply chain could have a sort of trickle-down effect. Bum Ki Son and Brian Tan, analysts with Barclays, said some high-end chips require seamless 24/7 operations in a vacuum state for weeks at a time. Halting operations could potentially ruin chips that are midway through the production process. It is too early to know for sure, but most don't believe the quake will totally derail the tech supply chain like we've seen with other major events. Unlike Covid where everything worldwide came to a sudden stop, Taiwan is only one part of the tech supply chain, and it does not sound like infrastructure was totally wiped out like we saw with the devastating floods in Thailand in 2011 that caused hard drive prices to soar. In the case of TSMC, analysts with Bloomberg Intelligence suspect demand for its advanced process nodes should cushion any sort of short-term financial impact. Image credit: Pixabay Amazon Web Services (AWS) has recently expanded its free credits program for startups, aiming to cover the costs associated with using major AI models, the company told Reuters. This expansion is part of AWS's strategy to enhance the market share of its AI platform, Bedrock. Startups can now utilize their cloud credits to access models from various providers, including Anthropic, Meta, Mistral AI, and Cohere. Amazon to Support Startups by Offering Free AI Model Credits Howard Wright, the vice president and global head of startups at AWS, described this move as a gesture to support the startup ecosystem and encourage them to opt for AWS as their primary choice. He emphasized the importance of providing a wide range of choices and ensuring security for startups. The expansion comes on the heels of Amazon's additional $2.75 billion investment in Anthropic, now totaling $4 billion. Anthropic, now one of the most sought-after models on Bedrock, will utilize AWS as its primary cloud provider. This partnership entails the use of Trainium and Inferentia chips to build and train models. The long-term commitment ensures AWS customers worldwide access to future generations of Anthropic's foundation models on Amazon Bedrock. Wright highlighted that Amazon's free credits would contribute to the revenue of Anthropic, reflecting the company's commitment to ecosystem building. Over the past decade, AWS has offered more than $6 billion in credits to startups, demonstrating its dedication to supporting emerging businesses. Read Also : Google DeepMind Develops AI Fact Checker for LLMS Called SAFE (Photo : PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) The logo of Amazon Web Services AWS is seen on the opening day of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) audiovisual and systems integration exhibition in Barcelona on January 31, 2023. AWS Is Offering $500,000 in Credits In collaboration with Y Combinator, AWS is offering $500,000 in credits for the latest cohort, enabling startups to access AI models and Amazon's chips. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with AI usage, which could accumulate for startups based on their usage. Reuters tells us that other major cloud provider like Microsoft Azure also provides credits applicable to OpenAI's models, while Google offers credits for over 130 models on Vertex AI. However, such investments in AI startups have attracted regulatory scrutiny, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) opening inquiries into companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon regarding their investments in Anthropic. Furthermore, AWS and NVIDIA recently announced the introduction of the new NVIDIA Blackwell GPU platform on AWS, offering advanced infrastructure for generative AI capabilities. Amazon's expansion of its free credits program shows its commitment to assisting AI companies and driving innovation in the sector. AWS intends to consolidate its position as a leading provider of AI solutions in the cloud computing market by forming collaborations with major AI providers and investing in cutting-edge technologies. Stay posted here at Tech Times. An investigative report conducted by reputable media entities has uncovered a potential link between the mysterious disease affecting US diplomats, known as the "Havana Syndrome," and a Russian surveillance unit. The findings of the investigative piece asserting Russia's use of sonic warfare, conducted by The Insider, Der Spiegel, and CBS's 60 Minutes, was denied by Moscow. Despite US authorities' claims that foreign participation was unlikely, their probe of "anomalous health incidents" (AHIs) last year did not give an alternate explanation, frustrating afflicted individuals, according to BBC. What to Know About Havana Syndrome? According to the current analysis, Havana Syndrome may have originated two years earlier in Germany than in Havana, where the first case was reported in 2016. Incidents ranging from Washington to China were recorded. "The report suggests that there were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, where a US government employee stationed at the consulate there was rendered unconscious by what appeared to be a powerful energy beam," said the investigative report. The Pentagon said Monday that a top Defense Department official had Havana Syndrome symptoms at last year's NATO meeting in Lithuania. White House, CIA, and FBI officials have reported dizziness, headaches, difficulties concentrating, and a disturbing sound in their ears. Despite over 1,000 complaints, hundreds of incidents remain unexplained. Recent US National Institutes of Health (NIH) research indicated MRI scans failed to detect brain damage in many workers reporting AHIs, despite US politicians passing laws to help victims. The NIH found no brain damage or other "biological abnormalities" among federal personnel reportedly affected by Havana Syndrome last month.Though, the agency noted that the Havana Syndrome symptoms are "very real, cause significant disruption in the lives of those affected, and can be quite prolonged, disabling, and difficult to treat, as reported by Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, an anonymous senior official from the Department of Defense displayed Havana Syndrome symptoms at a NATO conference in Vilnius in 2023, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said on Monday. Singh did not disclose if the official needed medical care or had to take a break due to medical privacy laws, per The Guardian. Read Also : Biden Wants All US Agencies to Appoint a Chief AI Officer for Upcoming Policies (Photo : YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images) View of the US embassy in Havana, on February 3, 2022. On Monday, the Russian government called the claims "baseless" and "unfounded." Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, said, "This is old news. For years, the media has exaggerated the Havana Syndrome. No one has published or proven these false charges anywhere." Due to a policy shift against Cuba and concerns that a microwave or electronic attack caused the Havana Syndrome, the US closed its Havana immigration office in 2018. The office reopened in August 2023, six months after a US probe found no evidence linking Russia or anyone else to the attacks. US Officials Vows Investigation The New Yorker reported in July 2021 that approximately two dozen US intelligence operatives, diplomats, and government officials in Austria have experienced Havana Syndrome-like symptoms since the Biden administration started. In 2021, Congress approved the Havana Act, allowing the State Department and CIA to compensate victims and their families. According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Biden administration is "diligently working across all government sectors to uncover the root causes of these incidents, determine accountability, and, in the interim, ensure comprehensive care for those affected and enhance our personnel's safety." The White House and FBI pledged to investigate the origins and effects of anomalous health incidents. Japan's Imperial Household Agency (IHA), which manages the affairs of the Japanese imperial family, launched an Instagram account on Monday, Apr. 1. The account showcases 60 images and five videos. The initiative's goal is to engage with younger people on social media and remove the Japanese Imperial Family's secluded reputation, according to AP News. The agency tries to provide the public with an understanding of the family's official responsibilities by highlighting Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's official activities during the previous three months. More Than 270,000 Followers on Its Debut Their verified Instagram account, Kunaicho_jp, had over 270,000 followers by Monday. One of the first posts was a picture of the royal couple shot on New Year's Day with their 22-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko. Meetings with foreign leaders, such as Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and his spouse, were among the other highlights. Japan's Emperor Naruhito (L) speaks as Empress Masako (C) and their daughter Princess Aiko (R) listens on the balcony of the Imperial Palace on February 23, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. Emperor Naruhito appeared to greet the public on his 64th birthday, flanked by Empress Masako and other members of the Japanese Royal Family. (Photo : Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images) Despite the increasing number of followers, the content currently focuses on official tasks and excludes any candid or intimate moments. However, the organization is considering showcasing the endeavors of other royal members in the future. Japan's imperial family's social media debut comes 15 years after Britain's royal family joined the former Twitter (now known as X) in 2009. Netizen's Reaction to Japanese Imperial Family's Instagram Debut Users' reactions to the IHA's Instagram debut were mixed. Some expressed dissatisfaction about the lack of content suitable for memes. Some photographs, like Emperor Naruhito during parliament's January inauguration, have been available. Japan's imperial family joins Instagram https://t.co/3kMLUYQQ3s Sky News (@SkyNews) April 1, 2024 One user joked in a comment on the abrupt change, "The IHA is on Instagram! I mistook it for an April Fools' joke." The improbable possibility of seeing ordinary postings from the emperor, such as "today's lunch (heart emoji)," was brought up by another user. Some, like student Koki Yoneura, 21, value the insider information about the family's activities, while other students, like Yukino Yoshiura, also a student, said they hope to see more updates on Princess Aiko. However, both kids stated that they did not plan to follow the royal family's Instagram account. Though jokes surfaced regarding the royals' Instagram decision over Twitter, the IHA has not followed any profiles. Reports indicate that the organization is nonetheless amenable to suggestions regarding possible social media partnerships from other kingdoms. Several social media users amusedly commented that the royals made a smart decision by selecting the more "civilized" Instagram rather than X, the short messaging service that was formerly known as Twitter until Elon Musk took it. The Japanese Imperial Family's choice to use social media platforms to manage their public image is a change from the agency's customary methods, per Al Jazeera. Princess Mako's 2021 marriage to a commoner was the subject of negative media publicity, which probably influenced this change. Last year, the firm opened a new public relations unit to better reach younger audiences after struggling with internet criticism. The unsolved financial controversy involving Princess Mako's mother delayed her marriage to Kei Komuro. Even after she married and gave up her royal rank, Princess Mako turned down a customary one-time payment of around $1 million from government money. According to The Guardian, the IHA is also considering creating profiles on Facebook and Twitter in addition to Instagram, to grow its social media presence and posting content highlighting other members of the royal family, such as the crown prince and princess. The first beta of iOS 17.5 is here for developers, and Apple's latest release is the version that allows downloading apps directly from websites possible for users. This is part of Apple's adherence to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, a law requiring them to open up the iPhone to various app sources outside its App Store, centering on sideloading. It has been a long dream for iOS users to get the same sideloading experiences as Android, which has been available for years. Apple's iOS 17.5 is Now Available in the Beta for Developers Apple has made the latest version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 17.5, available in the beta testing phase for developers to work on, as part of its DMA compliance according to MacRumors. It was part of Apple's plans to deliver iOS 17.5 with the much-awaited capability to download apps directly from websites via available browsers on the iPhone. Other users of the beta program may also access this new technology to try out the experience, but Apple is giving the developers time to work on this website's availability only in the beta. Apple requires developers to be part of the Apple Developer Program for two years, have at least one million downloads in the EU, and submit the necessary documents to the company. iOS 17.5 Brings the Website Downloads for Apps This was part of Apple's previous update in March, which announced the direct download and installation availability for apps in the EU. However, as noted by the company, it is only available for eligible developers who have completed all the prerequisites asked. For eligible developers, their apps need not be on the App Store or other third-party app stores for distribution, as it would be possible to download them from websites. Apple's EU DMA Compliance The most significant change on Apple's iOS and App Store for the EU's DMA is the sideloading, and it is now available for users who have updated to the iOS 17.4 version, the latest available in the world. However, there are still several policies that Apple has over sideloading, and it would only allow this if the specific app raked in a total of one million downloads in 2023. Apart from that, Cupertino also said that EU users who venture out of the region would only have 30 days before the sideloaded apps can no longer be updated to their latest versions. This means that those who want to get the latest update for their sideloaded apps would have to return to any part of the EU to do so, but that does not mean it would stop working. Apple still has several specific policies regarding sideloading, one of which the company chooses to maintain and uphold for its iOS requirements. With iOS 17.5, users can now download apps directly from websites, but the operating system version is still in beta and soon to arrive for public availability to enable access to third-party apps outside app stores. The effectiveness of NYC's AI gun detection technology is in question. Evolv scanners were implemented at a Bronx hospital in 2022, but their significant false positive rate raises concerns. NYC's AI Gun Detection Systems Face Criticism New York City's AI gun detection systems prove ineffective, raising concerns over public safety. Initially installed at a Bronx hospital in 2022, Evolv scanners exhibited a significant false positive rate. Mayor Eric Adams' recent announcement regarding the testing of AI gun detectors at subway stations received praise for its purported effectiveness. However, skepticism from critics, including the Legal Aid Society, has been validated, highlighting potential flaws in the pilot program. During a recent press briefing, Mayor Adams discussed plans to evaluate the performance of the city's new technology based on various metrics such as hit ratio and false alarms. Despite positive feedback from stakeholders, Hell Gate reported that concerns arise from existing data revealing high false positive rates from Evolv scanners installed at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx in 2022. During the seven-month trial period at Jacobi Medical Center, approximately 194,000 individuals underwent scanning procedures. Shockingly, the scanners raised alarms in over 50,000 instances, indicating a concerning incident rate of around 26%. Astonishingly, more than 85% of these alarms, totaling around 43,800, turned out to be false positives. Furthermore, about 14% of the alarms, totaling 7,027, were triggered by law enforcement officers, presumably carrying their service weapons. Surprisingly, only 295 alarms, comprising a mere 0.57%, were linked to non-law enforcement individuals carrying items such as knives, guns, or unidentified threats labeled as "other." Concerns Arise Over Accuracy, Effectiveness Throughout the pilot, the accuracy of Evolv's scanners remained consistently low, with no discernible improvement over time. Surprisingly, not a single month saw the alarm-to-visitor ratio drop below 25%. In September 2022, the concluding month of the trial, approximately 27,900 visitors underwent scanning, resulting in nearly 7,000 alarms. Shockingly, out of these alarms, only 345 potential threats were identified, a staggering false positive rate of 95%. Moreover, a mere 0.45% of alerts were associated with non-law enforcement threats. Throughout the entire trial period, a total of 24 guns, 139 knives, and 132 other potential threats were discovered, out of the 50,000 alarms triggered. Daniel Schwarz, a senior privacy and technology strategist for the New York Civil Liberties Union, described the findings as merely coincidental, suggesting that the discovery of weapons was largely accidental amidst the extensive scanning procedures. Also read : US Schools Could Soon Have AI-Powered Gun Detectors Evolv's AI-powered scanners are marketed as utilizing "safe, ultra-low frequency, electromagnetic fields, and advanced sensors" to uncover hidden weapons. The company's CEO has boasted that these machines can detect a wide array of weapons, including firearms, explosives, and large tactical knives. However, findings from the 2022 pilot, coupled with industry evaluations, and investigations conducted by regulatory authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as a shareholder-initiated class-action lawsuit, paint a less rosy picture of the scanners' effectiveness than Evolv suggests. California State Assemblyman Matt Haney introduced the 'Right to Disconnect' bill today. This proposition would allow employees and workers to avoid the need to work at home. Those who work in person or in physical offices may have the legal right to relax when they get home, despite their superiors' gripping deadlines. At the end of the day, people just want to relax after long hours at work, and receiving calls and/or messages at home for urgent tasks is not a welcome experience for many. California 'Right to Disconnect' Bill is Now Introduced A new proposition from California is focusing on allowing employees to enjoy the rest of the day after rendering their required hours or work as stipulated in their contracts or agreements, according to The San Francisco Standards. This centers on AB 2751, a new bid by The Golden State that is in its early stage but, when passed, would give employees the legal right to reject what is asked of them after the regular work times. This means that employers who need to ask for more from their employees would have to lay this out on their contracts, one that an employee should agree to and understand. However, there would still be exceptions like emergencies and other necessities, one that the bill looks to work out as it is under development. No More Taking Home Work and After Hours Essentially, this Right to Disconnect would have employees layout their hours exactly, and anything further than that would have to be done by the next working day, one of which they are paid to do so. The Department of Labor would monitor future cases and may go as far as to fine or penalize the company violating this for a minimum of $100 or more for forced work after hours. Physical Offices vs. Work from Home The pandemic taught the world a valuable lesson, and it is the capability to work remotely from their homes as offices were closed and non-essential employees were restricted from going out. That being said, remote work, a.k.a. work from home, was born, and this gave companies a chance to continue their operations and their regular flow of business. It also popularized many work and video conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google's Office Suite, Slack, and more. However, back in 2022 and towards 2023, the world saw a healing process that prompted the return to physical offices, with some adopting a hybrid setup, and others remaining at home. That being said, there are still employers, supervisors, or businesses that do not know the boundaries of when employees clock out or wrap up their day, as some either give tasks to take home or ask to get more work done in later hours. Despite the urgency of certain tasks or projects, California's 'Right to Disconnect' proposition aims to end that, one that would allow workers to relax, as it is in other countries like Argentina, Mexico, Spain, and more. The US and UK have taken a significant step forward in addressing the safety implications of AI technology by forming a cooperative alliance. This collaboration entails jointly testing AI models to identify and mitigate potential safety threats. US-UK Collaboration for AI Safety Testing The United States and the United Kingdom have agreed to collaborate on testing advanced AI models for safety concerns. This partnership will involve joint research efforts and at least one combined safety test. Both nations have emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in the development and deployment of AI technologies. President Joe Biden's executive order mandates companies to disclose the results of safety tests for AI systems. Similarly, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced the establishment of the UK AI Safety Institute, stressing the need for companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI to allow scrutiny of their tools for safety assessment. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo underscored the government's unwavering dedication to forging analogous partnerships with other nations, with the overarching goal of bolstering AI safety measures on a global scale. By leveraging collaborative efforts with international counterparts, Raimondo emphasized the potential for expediting progress in mitigating an array of risks associated with AI deployment. Also read : EU Approves World's First AI Regulatory Act These risks extend beyond traditional national security considerations to encompass broader societal impacts, reflecting a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by AI technology. Through concerted international cooperation, Raimondo envisions a proactive stance in navigating the complexities of AI governance and ensuring the responsible development and utilization of AI systems worldwide. Collaborative Initiatives and Prospective Partnerships Under this agreement, the United States and the United Kingdom commit to jointly undertake technical research, consider personnel exchanges, and exchange valuable information. Another prospective ally for both nations could be the European Union, which has implemented extensive regulations governing the utilization of AI systems. The EU's AI legislation, slated to take effect in the coming years, mandates that organizations employing advanced AI models adhere to rigorous safety protocols. Just ahead of a global AI summit in November, the UK unveiled its AI Safety Institute. This event coincided with discussions among international leaders, including US Vice President Kamala Harris, concerning the management and potential regulation of AI technology on a global scale. Despite the UK's proactive stance in conducting safety evaluations on select AI models, there is uncertainty regarding its access to the most recent technological advancements. This ambiguity raises questions about the comprehensiveness of the assessments conducted by the UK's AI Safety Institute and their applicability to cutting-edge AI systems. In response to these concerns, numerous AI companies have advocated for enhanced transparency from the institute, urging greater clarity regarding the timelines for safety evaluations and the subsequent protocols to be implemented upon identifying potentially risky models. The call for increased transparency reflects the industry's desire for a more structured and accountable approach to AI safety governance aimed at fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders and the wider public. Artificial intelligence-powered robots will soon be the next fry cooks for convenience store chain 'Re-Up.' The latest AI venture by the company looks to have customers' chicken wings cooked by robots for a more "convenient" shopping and dining experience. Re-Up announced that it is installing "The Wingman," a robot from Nala Robotics that uses advanced artificial intelligence technology to provide customers with fully customizable fried chicken, french fries, and other menu items. The machine works by dropping fry baskets into hot oil and rolling chicken wings around in sauce before dumping those things into buckets for customer consumption. (Photo: PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images) Researchers have embarked on an intriguing challenge: pitting humans against 27 humanoid robots. The store is also not just interested in hiring robot fry chefs. Michael Salafia, the creator of Re-Up, adds that the company can offer its clients safe, convenient, and customized dining and shopping experiences by utilizing AI. Re-Up now operates nine locations, with plans to establish more. Recently, a location near Melbourne Orlando International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, opened. Re-Up's website now lists more locations in Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. Re-Up's plans for AI-powered robots are not a first, as fully autonomous kitchens have long been a reality. Recently, Cali Group, a holding company, partnered with PopID, a technology startup that automates ordering and payments using biometrics, and Miso Robotics, the creator of the AI-powered robotic fry station Flippy, to create the first autonomous kitchen. Read Also: AI-Powered Fast Food, Coming This 2024 Says McDonald's The First Autonomous Kitchen The trio first revealed their plans to open CaliExpress by Flippy in December of last year, which will be the first completely autonomous restaurant in history. Modern culinary technology solutions will be used in this institution, automating the grill and fry stations through robotics and AI. CaliExpress is located in the center of Pasadena, California. Vic Aulakh, the company's proprietor, claims that this is the first time that so much technology has been in one place. CaliExpress by Flippy also includes a quasi-museum experience designed by Miso Robotics allowing customers to explore photographic displays, experimental 3D-printed relics from previous advancements, and dancing robot arms from retired Flippy units, among others. The area is reportedly designed to inspire the next wave of kitchen automation and AI entrepreneurs in addition to serving food. Inquiries about the trips are welcomed from educational institutions and local schools, which promote inspiration and knowledge of culinary technology. Robotic Cooks Two robots, Cucina, a grill bot, and "Flippy," are used by the burger business. In an hour, Flippy can produce 250 pounds of French fries, and in the same amount of time, the grill robot can cook roughly 100 patties. No machine requires a day off or a break. Additionally, Flippy is available at franchise eateries like Jack in the Box and White Castle. Co-founder Rob Anderson of Miso Robotics stated that the business began developing the automaton six years prior. Related Article: Researchers Turn to AI to Improve Beer Brewing Process (Photo: Tech Times) Instead of buying or purchasing audiobook credits on Spotify, the company is now expanding the program to countries like Canada and more for free access to the experience. However, this is only available for Spotify Premium subscribers, and this audiobook credit is a complimentary treat for them to access the audio-based media experience. After exhausting the complimentary credits for the month, users may still choose to buy additional ones to continue their experiences, but other countries still have the need to do so. Spotify Audiobook Credits Now Free for Canada, and MORE Spotify announced that starting next week Tuesday, April 9, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand users will get the chance to stream audiobooks for free on the platform. This is part of their Spotify Premium subscription that ensures they also receive audiobook credits, offering as much as 15 hours of listening experiences for their preferred books. This allows the user to avoid purchasing audiobook credits for as much as CAD 14.99, IRE 12.99, or NZD 19.99 for ten hours of access to their chosen literature. Initially, this complimentary access to 15 hours of audiobook credit was only available for Spotify Premium users in the US, UK, and Australia. Read Also : Spotify Audiobook Guide: How to Get Started and What Audiobooks Should You Try Listening Spotify Premium Brings Audiobook Credit Bundle That being said, users who are subscribed to Spotify Premium may get this free add-on from the company, offering a 15-hour audiobook credit to their plan. It goes alongside the access to music streaming and podcasts, which are available for unlimited hours per month. The only caveat is, that the audiobook credit does not carry over for the next month despite not exhausting the full 15 hours. Spotify's Audiobooks and Premium Audiobooks are a way to listen to authors or renowned readers to read a book for the audience, one that would be helpful if users would not be able to pick up the literature to read for themselves. Back in September 2022, Spotify introduced Audiobooks as part of its streaming platform, offering a massive library of spoken content for their literary preferences. However, the ongoing issue between Apple and Spotify led to the streaming platform pulling out audiobook purchases on iOS, with the Swedish tech giant offering an external link via emails for ways to buy it. Last year, Spotify Premium users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia were given instant access to over 150,000 audiobooks available on the app, free, as part of their subscriptions. This freebie is now offering more countries complimentary access to the experience, with Spotify expanding it to users in Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. This means that with their Spotify Premium subscription, they may stream a total of 15 hours worth of audiobooks on Spotify without incurring additional costs unless exceeding the time. President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping resumed talks on the phone for the first time since the two leaders' in-person meeting in November. The talk is reportedly an attempt to remedy the ongoing tensions between the two countries and discuss global topics such as the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine and artificial intelligence. The contact was made amid severe worldwide unrest; subjects discussed included North Korea's nuclear weapons program and the continuing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The conversation also touched on other problems that have soured relations between Washington and Beijing, such as Taiwan, China's recent provocations in the South China Sea, and Beijing's violations of human rights. Sources indicate that the two leaders also spoke about various areas where US and Chinese officials see potential for collaboration, such as combating drug abuse, the rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence, and climate change. (Photo: Doug Mills/Pool/Getty Images) US President Joe Biden visits Wolfspeed, a semiconductor manufacturer, in Durham, North Carolina, on March 28, 2023. According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, Biden also discussed the recent US export curbs and China's "unfair economic practices" with Xi as the head of the two largest economies in the world. Kirby also reiterated that the United States President would take action to protect its security and economic interests, including by continuing to restrict the transfer of some cutting-edge technology to China. As he expressed his concerns, Biden also mentioned how the US will take all necessary measures to prevent "advanced US technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment." The White House claimed that China's trade policies hurt American workers. According to the broadcaster, Xi expressed dissatisfaction over the U.S. efforts to stifle China's economy, trade, and technology, citing the expansion of the list of Chinese enterprises sanctioned by the government as evidence that risk-taking is being created rather than reduced. Read Also: YouTube Shorts Soars with Over 70 Billion Daily Views as TikTok Faces US Ban Threat Biden on the TikTok Ban In addition, Biden voiced worries on TikTok, which is under the ownership of ByteDance, a Chinese parent firm. Biden highlighted that TikTok's separation from ByteDance was an American national security concern while discussing House-passed legislation, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who briefed reporters on the matter. The leaders argued and agreed upon a number of topics during the one-hour and forty-five-minute talk, which the White House termed as "candid and constructive." As the White House noted, Biden emphasized the significance of preserving "peace and stability" across the Taiwan Strait and expressed his concerns about China's backing of Russia's defense sector. China Lags Behind the AI Race Recently, industry executives in China have called for a focus on new research for both hardware and software, citing the official admission of their country's inferiority to the US in the race for generative artificial intelligence. Liu Cong, the vice president of Chinese AI company iFlytek, acknowledged that the popular opinion in China was that it still had a long way to go to catch up to the global leaders during a panel discussion on generative AI at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province. He continued that even while the country has been racing to catch up, the main objective must be the realization of independently owned and managed hardware and software, especially in key language models. Related Article: Mexico Receives Major AI Investments from US Tech Giants (Photo: Tech Times) NASA is inviting amateur citizen scientists worldwide to participate in measuring air temperatures and capturing images of clouds as the moon passes between the sun and Earth during April 8's eclipse. Their participation is set to contribute valuable data to researchers studying the sun's impact on various climates. Students Will be Joining the Fun! Among these citizen scientists are fifth- and sixth-grade students from Alpena Elementary in northwest Arkansas. Leading up to the eclipse, these students are diligently monitoring temperature readings and cloud cover at their school's weather station multiple times a day. Their data will be uploaded to a phone app as part of NASA's Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program. The GLOBE eclipse tool is just one component of the broader GLOBE project, where students and citizen scientists collect environmental data ranging from plants and soil to water and atmosphere conditions. Participants in the eclipse project will require only a thermometer and a smartphone with the GLOBE Observer app to contribute their observations. The GLOBE Eclipse Tool NASA notes that this is not the first time the GLOBE eclipse tool has been utilized. During the 2017 North American eclipse, researchers analyzed the relationship between clouds and air temperature, finding that temperature changes were more pronounced in areas with less cloud cover. Marile Colon Robles, a meteorologist at NASA's Langley Research Center and the GLOBE project scientist overseeing the cloud study, emphasizes the critical role of amateur observers in such studies. Ashlee Autore, a data scientist at NASA Langley, highlights the limitations of satellite observations and underscores the importance of ground-level observations provided by citizen scientists. The upcoming eclipse presents an opportunity to study temperature variations across different climate regions, providing insights into regional climate dynamics. Citizen scientists in various regions are expected to participate actively. John Olgin, a geophysicist at El Paso Community College, anticipates significant involvement from the El Paso community and neighboring Juarez, Mexico. Read Also : NASA James Webb Space Telescope is on the Hunt for Forming Planets to Capture in Full-Detailed Glory Rare Astronomical Event The eclipse offers a rare astronomical event that can inspire public interest in NASA's citizen science initiatives. With millions of people living along the eclipse path, this event presents a unique opportunity for widespread public engagement. Interested individuals can visit NASA's Citizen Science page to learn more about contributing to scientific research during eclipses and throughout the year. The GLOBE Program page offers resources for participants worldwide, facilitating data retrieval, analysis, and community engagement. "This upcoming eclipse is passing through desert regions, mountainous regions, as well as more moist regions near the oceans," Colon Robles said. She said that these areas "will help us dig deeper into questions about regional connections between cloud cover and ground-level temperatures." The world's most potent MRI machine has commenced its mission, delving into the intricate workings of living human brains. Through its lens, it offers a high-resolution glimpse into the complexities of the mind, promising advancements in our comprehension of consciousness and the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. The Iseult MRI Machine Created by the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the Iseult MRI machine boasts a magnetic field strength of 11.7 Teslas (T), dwarfing the capabilities of conventional MRI machines commonly found in hospitals. The CEA proudly announced the achievement, emphasizing the extensive research and development efforts spanning over 20 years as part of the Iseult project. The primary objective was to construct the most powerful MRI machine globally, with a specific focus on studying both healthy and diseased human brains in unprecedented detail. In a study involving the Iseult MRI machine, participants underwent brain scans that yielded remarkable anatomical images within a mere four minutes. The machine's magnetic field intensity of 11.7 teslas facilitated an ultra-high resolution of 0.2 mm in-plane resolution and 1 mm slice thickness, revealing intricate details equivalent to a few thousand neurons. Such clarity and speed are unparalleled compared to conventional MRI scanners, which would require hours to achieve similar image quality. The enhanced resolution offered by the Iseult MRI machine could open new avenues in medical research, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, the machine's capabilities enable the detection of chemical species with weak signals, such as lithium and molecules involved in brain metabolism, aiding in the understanding and management of various brain disorders. The Future of the Iseult MRI Machine Nicolas Boulant, Head of the Iseult project and Director of Research at the CEA, expressed enthusiasm for the future prospects of the project. He outlined plans to delve further into research on neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatry-related disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, and cognitive sciences, with a target timeline spanning until 2030. The success of the Iseult project is attributed to the collaborative efforts of over 200 individuals from the CEA, along with industrial and academic partners. Companies like Alstom (now GE) and Siemens Healthineers played crucial roles in fabricating the magnet and installing additional equipment, while Guerbet contributed as a supplier of contrast agents. Furthermore, the University of Freiburg in Germany contributed by developing new technologies and methods for ultra-high-field MRI scans. Anne-Isabelle Etienvre, Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, underscored the organization's collaborative approach and multi-disciplinary expertise that culminated in the realization of the Iseult project. "Neuroscientists, physicists, mathematicians and physicians thus worked together to develop the tools and models that will help better understand how healthy and diseased brains work, expanding the horizons of explorations on the human brain," Etienvre said in a press release statement. A recent study suggests that individuals who switch from traditional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are more inclined to end smoking combustible cigarettes, as reported by the Oxford University Press. Can E-Cigarettes Aid in Ending Traditional Smoking? The emergence of electronic nicotine delivery systems in the U.S. market dates back to 2007, initially characterized by e-cigarettes resembling conventional cigarettes and employing fixed low-voltage batteries. However, a significant shift occurred in 2016 with the introduction of e-liquids containing nicotine salt formulations, which became widely available. Unlike traditional freebase formulations, nicotine salts boast lower pH levels, allowing for increased nicotine concentration without the associated harshness and bitterness, according to researchers. Prior population-level research yielded conflicting conclusions regarding the efficacy of vaping as a smoking cessation aid. While some studies suggested favorable outcomes in terms of quitting smoking with e-cigarette use, others reported contrasting results. To address these inconsistencies, researchers analyzed real-world trends in population-level cigarette discontinuation rates spanning from 2013 to 2021. Cigarette Discontinuation Rates Utilizing data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a national longitudinal study encompassing diverse U.S. adults, the study compared cigarette discontinuation rates between individuals who smoked combustible cigarettes and used e-cigarettes versus those who smoked combustible cigarettes exclusively. Between 2013 and 2016, cigarette discontinuation rates among U.S. adults remained statistically similar regardless of e-cigarette use, with both groups exhibiting comparable rates of approximately 15%. However, notable disparities emerged in subsequent years. From 2018 to 2021, the study observed a significant increase in cigarette cessation among smokers who used e-cigarettes, with approximately 30.9% quitting combustible cigarettes compared to only 20% among non-e-cigarette users. The study attributes these shifting trends to several factors, including the expansion of the e-cigarette marketplace and the introduction of salt-based nicotine formulations in 2016, which gradually gained market share. Moreover, advancements in vaping technology led to the availability of e-cigarettes with higher nicotine yields over time. Concurrently, governmental regulations at both state and federal levels imposed restrictions on tobacco products, including the implementation of a higher tobacco-purchase age and bans on flavored e-cigarettes. "Our findings here suggest that the times have changed when it comes to vaping and smoking cessation for adults in the US," said tudy first author, Karin Kasza, an assistant professor of oncology in the Department of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY. "While our study doesn't give the answers as to why vaping is associated with cigarette quitting in the population today when it wasn't associated with quitting years ago, design changes leading to e-cigarettes that deliver nicotine more effectively should be investigated. This work underscores the importance of using the most recent data to inform public health decisions." The study's findings were published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research. Leaders from Japan, the United States, and the Philippines plan to build a strong defense network against cyber threats by sharing critical information and expertise. The decision comes ahead of a summit on April 11, according to Nikkei (via Reuters). Growing Cyber Threats in Asia (Photo : GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images) TOPSHOT - This photo taken on June 4, 2019 shows the Chinese flag behind razor wire at a housing compound in Yangisar, south of Kashgar, in China's western Xinjiang region. A recurrence of the Urumqi riots which left nearly 200 people dead a decade ago is hard to imagine in today's Xinjiang, a Chinese region whose Uighur minority is straitjacketed by surveillance and mass detentions. A pervasive security apparatus has subdued the ethnic unrest that has long plagued the region. Last February, hackers operating from China attempted to breach Philippine government websites and email systems, including those of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Although the attempts were unsuccessful, they underscore the growing cyber threats faced by nations in the region. Renato Paraiso, a spokesperson for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the Philippines, stated, "We are not attributing this to any state. But using the internet protocol addresses, we pinpointed it to China." Paraiso stressed the need for cooperation to prevent future attacks. Meanwhile, Japan has recently witnessed a surge in cyber incidents, with attacks targeting critical infrastructure, telecom carriers, and government agencies. Kazutaka Nakamizo, Deputy Director of Japan's National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC), highlighted the alarming increase, from 150 cases in 2021 to 230 cases in 2022. In response to these threats, the United States Justice Department recently dismantled a botnet operated by a Chinese hacking group known as Volt Typhoon. The group's goal was to collect information for potential disruption of critical infrastructure, posing a significant risk to national security. (Photo : Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images) Japan, the US, and the Philippines forge a cyber defense alliance to combat rising cyber threats, emphasizing information sharing and joint efforts. United States and Allies Against Cyber Threats Japan and the United States have been collaborating closely to counter shared cyber threats. Last September, they issued a joint cybersecurity advisory on China-linked cyber actors, emphasizing the importance of information sharing and coordinated responses. As part of efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures, Japan has doubled the staff and budget of NISC. The agency is also prioritizing private-public partnerships to improve information sharing between the government and businesses. The formation of a cyber defense alliance between Japan, the United States, and the Philippines reflects a broader trend of security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to countering cyber threats, the alliance aims to strengthen cooperation on defensive technologies and joint drills. However, the rapid expansion of military alliances could potentially escalate tensions with China, raising concerns about regional stability. Nonetheless, Japan, the United States, and their allies remain committed to safeguarding their interests and ensuring cybersecurity in the face of evolving threats. The establishment of a cyber defense alliance highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity. By joining forces, Japan, the United States, and the Philippines aim to bolster their defenses and mitigate the risk of cyberattacks. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Health technology innovator Prenosis has achieved a life-changing milestone with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting approval to its groundbreaking AI-powered diagnostic tool for sepsis. Addressing a Deadly Threat Sepsis poses a grave threat, with over 350,000 adult fatalities attributed to the condition annually, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prompt diagnosis is crucial as sepsis can rapidly escalate. However, identifying sepsis accurately has remained a daunting challenge in healthcare. Related Article : Breakthrough AI Breast Cancer Detection Tool Outperforms Radiologists in Landmark Danish Study Introducing Sepsis ImmunoScore The wonders that AI can accomplish are beyond something unimaginable. Lately, it's been a big help for the healthcare sector which is struggling to keep up with advanced technology. Prenosis' pioneering solution, Sepsis ImmunoScore, utilizes 22 distinct parameters, including temperature, heart rate, and cell counts, to assess a patient's sepsis risk comprehensively. Unlike traditional methods that require clinicians to monitor these parameters individually, Sepsis ImmunoScore leverages AI to analyze all markers simultaneously. The tool furnishes an overall risk score and four risk categories, streamlining the diagnostic process for healthcare providers. AI-Powered Diagnostic Tool For Sepsis is Accurate Developed on Prenosis' Immunix platform, Sepsis ImmunoScore draws from a vast dataset comprising over 100,000 blood samples from 25,000 patients. This extensive data foundation ensures the tool's accuracy and reliability. Integrated seamlessly into electronic health records, Sepsis ImmunoScore simplifies usage and accessibility for clinicians. It provides a transparent display showcasing the parameters used to calculate the risk score, enhancing transparency and trust in the diagnostic process. FDA Approval and Regulatory Compliance Prenosis' approved diagnostic tool is something that we haven't seen before. It is secured through the FDA's De Novo pathway. While other organizations have developed similar AI-driven sepsis diagnostic tools, Prenosis stands out as the first to receive FDA approval. With FDA clearance obtained, Prenosis is poised to roll out Sepsis ImmunoScore to hospitals across the United States and globally. The company intends to conduct further studies to validate the tool's accuracy and assess its impact on clinical decision-making. Prenosis' revolutionary AI diagnostic tool for sepsis ushers a new era in healthcare, offering clinicians a powerful tool to combat this life-threatening condition. In late March, Tech Times reported that another AI tool became the key tool for the diagnosis of endometriosis. The CHARLI app, a woman-focused app for women urges users to engage with lifestyle changes. This way, they can seek help from health experts. According to CHARLI's co-founder Samantha Costa, the app should be widely accessible to healthcare, especially for women living in rural areas. Meanwhile, Beijing has been pushing to ban AI-generated online medical prescriptions. The Health Commission highlighted that there should be proposed regulations that contain records maintained for a minimum of 15 years. Bejing added that the draft rule also held big importance when it comes to the ethical standards in the medical field. In the quest to create increasingly sophisticated large language models, AI companies are encountering a daunting obstacle: the depletion of accessible internet data. The Wall Street Journal reports that these companies have nearly exhausted the available resources of the open internet, signaling an impending scarcity of data crucial for AI model training. Who would have thought that they would run out of data someday? Seeking Alternative Data Sources With traditional internet data reserves dwindling, AI firms are exploring alternative avenues for acquiring training data. Some are turning to publicly available video transcripts and the generation of synthetic data by AI algorithms. However, this approach presents its own set of challenges, including a higher risk of AI model hallucinations due to reliance on artificially generated data. Related Article : AI May Take Over Management Positions in Scientific Research, According to Study Concerns Surrounding Synthetic Data According to FirstPost, the reliance on synthetic data has sparked concerns among experts about the potential drawbacks of training AI models using such datasets. There are apprehensions about the phenomenon termed "digital inbreeding," wherein AI models trained on AI-generated data may encounter stability issues, leading to suboptimal performance or failure. Controversial Approaches to Data Training In response to the data scarcity problem, AI giants like OpenAI are considering unconventional strategies for training their models. For instance, ChatGPT maker OpenAI is reportedly contemplating using transcriptions from publicly available YouTube videos to train its GPT-5 model. However, such approaches have drawn criticism and may even invite legal challenges from video content creators. Addressing Data Scarcity With AI Training Model (Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images) A photo taken on February 26, 2024 shows the logo of the ChatGPT application developed by US artificial intelligence research organization OpenAI on a smartphone screen (L) and the letters AI on a laptop screen in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. Despite the challenges, companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are actively working on enhancing synthetic data quality to address the data scarcity issue. While specific methodologies are still under wraps, these firms aim to develop synthetic data of superior quality to sustain AI model training. Hope for Breakthroughs Although concerns about data scarcity loom large, many experts remain optimistic about the potential for technological breakthroughs to mitigate these challenges. While predictions suggest that AI may exhaust its usable training data in the near future, significant advancements in AI research could offer solutions to alleviate this predicament. Sustainable AI Development Practices Amidst the race for larger and more advanced AI models, there's a growing realization of the environmental impact associated with their development. Some advocate for a shift in focus towards sustainable AI development practices, considering factors such as energy consumption and the environmental impact of rare-earth mineral mining for computing chips. Back in November 2023, Tech Times reported that AI firms are on the verge of running out of high-quality training data. Months later, the topic resurfaced and it appeared that data depletion is another problem they must overcome. Since last summer, students at universities across Virginia and West Virginia have been doing something that isnt the norm on the water: making concrete canoes that will float. Last Friday, the designs were put to the test at Claytor Lake in Pulaski County. The concrete canoe race is part of a larger symposium held at Virginia Tech, hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Six universities competed against each other: Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, Liberty University, Old Dominion University, the University of Virginia and Fairmont State University. A private high school also competed, the Miller School of Albemarle. Virginia Military Institute was also set to compete, but its canoe experienced issues before the contest began. Before the competition, teams were given a 50-page set of guidelines. While the concrete was a requirement, admixtures for the concrete was up to the competitors. Maura Harbaugh, one of the two team captains for Virginia Tech, said they opted for an unusual addition to their concrete mix. We used these K37 glass bubbles in our mixture, Harbaugh said. Its sort of pricey, but we think itll be really effective. Virginia Techs canoe, the Apex Predator, was one of the glossiest on the competition roster, emblazoned with waterproof gloss on the front and back. The sanding process for the canoe took days. According to Harbaugh, the canoe started out with a weight of 250 pounds, before getting sanded down to 219 pounds. We really worked hard to make it look like a canoe you would go out and buy at a store, said Austin Minnick, Virginia Techs other team captain. While the teams were able to conduct some tests with their canoes, they were not allowed to test them in the water until the day of the races. A series of swamp tests started the day, in which the teams took their canoes into the water and filled them with water to ensure they wouldnt immediately sink. To some extent, the look of the canoe does factor into the competition. One of the requirements was that the teams present a proposal for their design that could be mass produced, according to Harbaugh. The race portion of the competition consisted of two categories, a slalom race, in which each individual team went through an obstacle course of buoys to demonstrate maneuverability and speed, as well as sprint races. Each category had a mens and womens portion, and the sprint had an additional co-ed race. For the slalom race, Virginia Tech finished first in the mens and womens categories. Both of the women paddling for Virginia Tech, sophomores Leah Goulet and Michaela Foster, said they competed last year, and have spent the run-up to the competition practicing in last years concrete canoe. The extra practice paid off, and the women finished with a time of 3 minutes and 35 seconds, beating their closest competitor, UVa, by eight seconds. We finished 10 minutes earlier than last year, Goulet said. In the sprint races, Virginia Tech finished second in both mens and womens categories, both times falling behind Fairmont State University. With the victories in the slalom category, Virginia Tech students will qualify to compete at the national concrete canoe tournament hosted by Brigham Young University in Utah. Im just really proud of all of us, Harbaugh said. Weve been practicing for months, and I feel like its paid off. JPMorgan Chase has recently entered the digital advertising space with the launch of Chase Media Solutions, a new digital media business that aims to connect brands directly with its 80 million-strong customer base. This move represents the banking giant's effort to use its extensive consumer insights and transaction data for targeted advertising purposes. JPMorgan Chase Rolls Out Digital Media Business Chase Media Solutions promises to provide brands with a unique opportunity to engage with consumers on a personal level, tapping into their passions and interests. By combining the scale of a retail media network with Chase's proprietary financial data, the platform offers precise targeting capabilities, allowing advertisers to tailor their messages to specific customer segments based on their spending data. The platform's launch follows JPMorgan's acquisition of Figg, a card-linking marketing platform, two years ago. This integration emphasizes Chase's strategy of building out its owned commerce platform and delivering value to both business clients and banking customers. Chase Media Solutions Rolls Out for Pilot Partners Initial pilot partners of Chase Media Solutions include prominent brands such as Blue Bottle Coffee, Whataburger, and Air Canada. These partners have already benefited from 30-day campaigns designed by Chase Media Solutions, which have reportedly driven significant traction in terms of incremental sales and new customer growth. Rich Muhlstock, President of Chase Media Solutions, emphasized the platform's unique proposition, stating, "Our deep understanding of consumer spending across categories has driven us to reimagine what retail media networks can offer." He highlighted Chase's unparalleled insights into consumer behavior, which enable brands to deliver highly personalized offers that resonate with consumers. Scott O'Leary, Vice President of Loyalty and Product for Air Canada, praised Chase Media Solutions for exceeding expectations with its targeted offers. He emphasized the potential of the platform to drive incremental revenue and awareness for partner brands. (Photo : Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 07: A Chase Bank signage is seen on Canal Street on February 07, 2024 in New York City. JPMorgan Chase announced that for the next three years, they will open 500 new branches, renovate 1,700 existing locations, and hire upwards of 3,500 employees. JPMorgan Chase Streamlines Manual Work to 90% with AI In other news, JPMorgan Chase has made strides in artificial intelligence (AI) with its cashflow management tool, which has helped corporate clients streamline manual work processes by almost 90%. The tool, powered by AI, enables corporate treasuries to analyze and forecast cash flows with greater efficiency (via Bloomberg). Tony Wimmer, head of data and analytics at JPMorgan's wholesale payments unit, expressed optimism about the future of AI-driven solutions in finance. He highlighted the tremendous interest from clients in JPMorgan's cashflow management tool, indicating a potential shift towards monetizing this service in the future. JPMorgan Chase's foray into digital advertising and advancements in AI-driven cashflow management underscores its commitment to innovation and delivering value to clients in an increasingly digital landscape. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Scientists at Imperial College London have successfully engineered bacteria to produce animal-free and plastic-free leather that can dye itself. This new approach marks a major advancement for eco-friendly and vegan alternatives in the fashion industry. Traditional methods of dyeing textiles, especially leather, often involve synthetic chemicals that pose environmental hazards. In response to this challenge, the team at Imperial College London turned to genetic engineering to find a solution. Genetically Modifying Bacteria to Create Animal-Free Leather By genetically engineering bacteria to produce sheets of microbial cellulose-a durable and flexible material already used in various industries-the researchers were able to create a sustainable leather substitute. This new process has been published in the journal Nature Biotechnology. What sets this technology apart is that the same bacteria responsible for producing the material also generate a dark black pigment called eumelanin, effectively dyeing the leather during the growth process. Lead author Professor Tom Ellis emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "Inventing a new, faster way to produce sustainable, self-dyed leather alternatives is a major achievement for synthetic biology and sustainable fashion." Read Also : Chinese Scientists Accidentally Create World's Tiniest Knot With 54 Atoms (Photo : MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images) Leather wallets are displayed on a table at Hermes leather workshop on the eve of the inauguration day, in Saint-Junien, central France, on June 8, 2017. Cheaper and More Sustainable Leather The benefits of this new approach are manifold. Unlike traditional leather production, which relies on animal farming and often involves harmful chemicals, bacterial cellulose-based leather is inherently vegan and requires significantly fewer resources, including water and land. Moreover, it can be manufactured without petrochemicals and will biodegrade safely and non-toxically in the environment. Collaborating with designers, the researchers have already created prototypes of shoes and wallets using the engineered bacteria. By subjecting the material to specific conditions, such as gentle shaking, they can activate pigment production from within, resulting in a fully dyed product. Additionally, the bacteria can be engineered to respond to blue light, allowing for the creation of intricate patterns and logos within the material. This opens up exciting possibilities for customization and branding in a sustainable fashion. Dr. Kenneth Walker, who contributed to the research, emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientists and designers in realizing the potential of these new materials. "The work also shows the impact that can happen when scientists and designers work together," he noted. Looking ahead, the researchers are exploring the use of various colored pigments to expand the range of options available. They envision partnering with the fashion industry to integrate these eco-friendly materials into mainstream clothing production, making our clothes greener from start to finish. In a related development, biotechnologists from Newcastle University and Northumbria University in the United Kingdom developed a self-healing wearable material from mycelium, a thread-like structure produced by several species of fungus. Stay posted here at Tech Times. 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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 The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. 'Like a mountain collapsed': Taiwan reels from biggest quake in 25 years New Taipei City, Taiwan, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2024 Liu watched intently as rescuers carefully picked their way through the remains of a warehouse that crumbled like a house of cards Wednesday during Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years, telling AFP it "was like a mountain collapsed". Propping ladders against the debris, the rescue workers managed to pluck 50 survivors from the destroyed building in Liu's New Taipei City, just outside the capital. The building was about 60 years old and had housed a printing press, said Liu, who lived next door. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck at around 8:00 am local time (0000 GMT), reduced the building to jagged concrete blocks, steel bars, bricks and tangled wiring. Residents of nearby buildings appeared to be unaffected, though they felt the intense shaking from the morning quake. "Many of the decorations at home fell on the floor, but people were safe," said Chang, who lives near the printing press. "We were very lucky." The quake was felt across Taiwan, with more than 100 aftershocks unnerving the island of around 23 million. Its epicentre was in eastern Hualien county, a mountainous region known for its picturesque trails and seascape views. At least nine people died in the quake -- all in Hualien -- with three killed on a hiking trail and two crushed in their vehicles by boulders from landslides. More than 900 were injured across Taiwan. Images filmed by a train passenger and obtained by AFP's verification team showed a landslide near one Hualien trail, sending up a cloud of white dust across its mountain ridges. A driver shot a video of another landslide spilling onto a road near the region's famed Taroko National Park, with cars emerging from a cloud of sand and dust. Some buildings around Hualien were left tilting dangerously, with military personnel climbing into the structures using ladders. A group of firefighters used a cherry picker to reach a window and hand tools to workers inside. On the island's western coast in Taichung -- Taiwan's second-largest city -- a road was cut off by a landslide, with massive boulders falling from a mountain ridge and blocking off traffic. The shallow quake -- the United States Geological Survey put it at about 34.8 kilometres deep -- was "felt all over Taiwan", said Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei's Central Weather Administration's Seismology Center. "It's the strongest in 25 years since the (1999) earthquake," he said, adding that authorities were not ruling out subsequent tremors in the next three days. The 1999 earthquake hit central Taiwan, killing around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history. Taiwan's defence ministry said it had sent cargo planes with dozens of rescuers to Hualien, where people were trapped in tunnels that carve through the mountains. - 'Really scared' - Taiwan is accustomed to earthquakes as the island lies near the junction of two tectonic plates. Buildings in major cities are made to withstand strong tremors, and while there are high-rises in the capital Taipei, people tend to prefer to live in structures less than 10 storeys high. In New Taipei City, Mayor Hou Yu-ih surveyed the scene of the printing press collapse with rescue workers, and reassured reporters that all 57 people in the building had made it out -- with just one injured. Chang, who lived nearby, said the 1999 quake was the worst she had ever experienced. "Most people were asleep (when it happened) but I was not so I clearly felt it -- it was very serious, far more serious than this time," she said. But one woman in Hualien said she was "really scared" because Wednesday's quake lasted a long time. "I am used to earthquakes but this is the first time I was so scared that my hands kept shaking," she said in a Facebook post. bur-dhc/fox/mtp A new audit report offers a probing look into the clunky transformation of Richmonds mail system. Three different managers. A 2-month-old box of mail sitting in the facilitys Sandston truck yard. An employee sleeping on a parked forklift. A laundry list of similar observations led auditors to wonder if Postmaster General Louis DeJoys transformative plan to save the post office is working. It is uncertain if expected savings will be achieved, auditors wrote in their report. For months, questions have flown around Richmonds USPS facility, the first in the country to undergo a significant makeover as part of DeJoys Delivering for America plan to reinvigorate the U.S. Postal Service. The plan calls for a network of 60 centralized mail sorting centers, and for the shedding of hundreds of smaller, more traditional post offices. Mondays report, produced by USPS own watchdog, states that DeJoys makeover was marred by operational failures and millions of dollars in unexpected costs. It was authored by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General. The OIG report outlines how the USPS approved a $25.4 million plan to convert Richmonds existing facility into the Postal Services first regional processing and distribution center (RPDC). USPS once estimated that it would save $186 million over 10 years from the Richmond conversion. Equipment failures cited in report At the heart of that makeover was an investment in high-tech machinery. Two new high-output package sorters, known as HOPS, were added to the facility last July. The machines are supposed to sort 8,500 packages an hour, USPS has said, but they did not work for weeks. The technical upgrades were partnered with a change in driver routes. The shift to a new system described as optimized delivery reduced the number of times mail trucks visit local post offices to pick up packages. Instead of coming twice per day, the trucks now come only once, in the morning. Those changes caused at least some short-term pain to Virginias mail delivery rate, which plummeted to last place nationwide, and by a significant margin. The state currently has a 66% on-time delivery rate for first-class mail. There were several challenges with the rollout, according to the audit report, which blamed management, staff and operational redundancies that came about as the facility became the central bottleneck for packages from across the state. Management did not train all employees on new processes, nor did it make staffing changes fully aligned to the new operating plan, the report said. Local management didnt take ownership of changes and were deficient in operational execution, auditors found. At the same time, employee absenteeism ticked up, coupled with a lack of drivers and staff to man the sorting center. Auditors cited an inability to locate mail handlers on the workroom floor, causing delays on the dock and increased congestion. Unauthorized overtime alone resulted in $5 million in questioned costs, the OIGs office said, though the Postal Service has disputed that figure. At the same time, staffing was not sufficient to effectively perform mail processing and transportation operations. And the newly installed sorting machinery did not work properly for several weeks, according to the audit. The net effect was a strain on efficiency. There was a 706% increase in extra trips, a 185% increase in canceled trips and a 30% increase in late trips to or from the facility during the first 18 weeks after launch compared to the prior year. Those increased trips resulted in nearly $3 million in extra costs, a figure that the USPS did not dispute. The OIG report also observed multiple instances of employees not engaged with work, from one staff member sleeping on a parked forklift to a general inattention to detail that resulted in mail left on or around machines, processed late or not at all. Some of the issues identified by auditors predate the rollout of Delivering for America. The OIG said the Postal Service did not take actions to address known weaknesses before converting the facility, writing that its own past audits noted existing issues with high management turnover and inadequate staffing. For example, the OIG report said it had previously noted newly promoted supervisors/managers generally had not completed required training. But during its review of the Richmond RPDC launch, the agency changed job descriptions for many managers and some didnt fully understand new operations and mail flow. Failure to have and adhere to an effective operating plan will cause delayed mail, which leads to decreased customer satisfaction and damage to the Postal Service brand, according to the report. Adding to Richmonds service performance decline was the decision to embark on a local transportation optimization plan at the same time it was launching the RPDC, according to the audit, while also dealing with increased volumes of election and seasonal mail. The report called on the USPS to improve performance in the region and during the rollout of the next Regional Processing and Distribution Centers. Management stated they developed plans to address these issues and will work to improve design, planning, and execution to avoid a repeat of these challenges during the launch of future RP&DCs, according to the report. Kaine: Were going to stay on it The OIG report wasnt all negative, however. It noted that the USPS had some successes, including absorbing mail processing for additional ZIP codes in Virginia. The Richmond facility also underwent a complex physical change that resulted in modifying, relocating or removing 38 pieces of existing equipment and installing the new sorters. In March, the Postal Service acknowledged complications that arose during the rollout of Delivering for America in Richmond. The agency stressed that we have learned and made adjustments to our DFA initiatives to improve execution. In a response to the report, USPS said it largely agree(d) with most of the findings and recommendations in the report, but pushed back on the $8 million fiscal impact, specifically the $5 million in unauthorized overtime. However, the OIG stated Richmond management could provide no supporting documentation to show that the overtime was approved. In a prior letter to the Postal Regulatory Commission, lawyers for the post office said they expected temporary disruption as the agency overhauled old systems. Richmond is the first center to be transformed as part of DeJoys $40 billion Delivering for America plan to modernize the post office and consolidate its mail processing operations. DeJoy announced that plan in 2021, saying it was necessary to revert the agency from financial collapse. USPS had previously relied on bailouts from Congress to stay afloat. The OIGs audit took place in Richmond from July 29 to Dec. 1, 2023, and consisted of interviews, document review, staffing analysis and an observation of facility conditions. On Monday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said the report did a good job diving into the centers problems and offering specific recommendations. Kaine has been a vocal critic of the Sandston facility since the botched delivery of cancer screening tests for the Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Any time you do something new and you change systems, theres always the possibility for some adjustment, and its going to take time to get it right, Kaine said. If youve got a challenge and if youve got complaints, the way to deal with it is to be transparent and explain why and tell people what youre doing to fix it. Kaine questioned whether top-down changes from DeJoy may have resulted in a lack of buy-in from employees. He said he and members of Congress, who released their own joint statement on Monday afternoon, would continue to put pressure on the Postal Service. Were going to stay on it from a legislative standpoint, Kaine said. The IG has got more work to do, and were going to make sure this gets fixed. Kaine, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and six Virginia members of the U.S. House of Representatives also issued a joint statement in response to the report. Going forward, USPS must provide more resources and clearer guidance to management and staff at RPDC, among other steps. We look forward to working with USPS to ensure that happens, the recommendations in the IG report are implemented, and mail delivery is timely for Virginians, the statement read. Amid the partisan polarization that defined much of Virginias 2024 General Assembly session, a measure that would codify the states commitment to consult with federally recognized Native American tribes before issuing permits for projects that could impact their cultural and historic resources won bipartisan support in both chambers and made it into the legislatures budget. House Bill 1157 cements actions laid out in a 2021 executive order by former Gov. Ralph Northam, including: creating an ombudsman to facilitate dialogue between the tribes, the governor and state agencies; establishing a process to notify tribes of projects requiring permits from the state; and requiring state leaders to seek and consider the tribes input on those projects.The Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, among others, would need to consult with tribes before permitting projects, under the legislation. This bill could save everyone developers, businesses, state agencies and the tribes a lot of time and money, Chief Frank Adams of the Upper Mattaponi tribe told me. Adams is one of the tribal leaders who have been pushing this effort forward for the past two years. A bill to give Virginia tribes consultation rights was shot down by House Republicans in 2022, although it won unanimous support in the Senate. Were not asking for power to stop the permitting process. We are asking to be notified when departments in Virginia, like [the Department of Environmental Quality], are considering permitting a development or project. We need to be brought into the process early on, so we can speak up about any potential conflicts we see, Adams said. Imagine finding out secondhand, through TV or newspaper reports, that a state agency gave the OK for a mineral mine to be built bordering your backyard. (Side note: Some of us dont have to imagine, since our communities of color, historically, have been the usual spots where projects fraught with environmental risks that white people dont want in their neighborhoods develop.) Before many of us could even consider whether the mine would be profitable, or what it would mean for our environment and quality of life, wed want to know why no one consulted us about it when the plan was first hatched. Shouldnt the people who stand to be impacted most deeply by projects get a say in their development? Virginias tribes know their lands and sacred sites far more intimately than developers and regulators do. Of course they should be afforded the opportunity to weigh in on what happens there, before the first permit is issued or the first shovelful of dirt is dug. Adams emphasized that the Mattaponi and other federally recognized tribes are not anti-development, not anti-business. Their goal is not to block projects that could boost local and state revenues or create jobs. Its actually the opposite. We dont mind development but we want the opportunity to say, This project is on or near our burial ground, but if you try to move it a mile down the road it wont be a problem. When that conversation doesnt happen, and projects end up encroaching on sites of special meaning and memory, Adams said yes, we will eventually protest, and it would cost developers and others lots of money and time. We dont have to do it that way. Perhaps the most striking example of the backwardness of Virginias current process of notifying tribes after a project is well underway is Rassawek. When the James River Water Authority, led by Louisa and Fluvanna Counties, announced its plans to build a pump station, water pipeline, and water treatment plant at Point of Fork in 2014, it sent shock waves through the Monacan Indian Nation. Carbon dating showed that the Monacans ancestors had occupied the capital town of Rassawek as early as 3,000 B.C. and Captain John Smith marked it in his 1612 map of Virginia. By the 1930s, researchers determined that the ancient Rassawek was likely located at present-day Point of Fork, and all doubts were removed when the Department of Historic Resources in 1980 officially pinpointed Rassaweks location, after a gas pipelines construction at Point of Fork disturbed Native American burials there. The Monacans werent given the human remains revealed by the pipelines construction, according to a report by Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC. At this moment in Virginia, If youre a developer that needs to move a burial ground, you can go to the Department of Historic Resources to get a permit, or go to a circuit court judge to get an order to move the cemetery, Cultural Heritage Partners attorney Marion Werkheiser said. The more some things change, the more others stay the same. DEQ issued a permit for the James River Water Authoritys project in 2015. The Water Authority didnt notify the Monacan Nation of its plans for Rassawek until 2017. What followed was a protracted battle between the tribe and local and state authorities that finally concluded in 2022, when the Water Authority gave up their project plans at Rassawek and instead chose to develop a water intake and pump station on an alternative site. Just how long have Virginia Native American communities been asking for the type of consideration and respect that HB 1157 is designed to give them? I dont want to be cute about it, but this goes back to the treaty the tribes made with the governor of Virginia in 1677, answered Werkheiser. Adams said, Weve always wanted the state to consider our beliefs and our traditions more. That goes back to the beginning, for many of us. It shouldnt take that amount of time and the eyes of the world watching for Virginia agencies to take culturally competent, decently human actions to preserve sites that are extraordinary in their rareness and importance to Native American nations and Virginia history. I hope, mightily, that Gov. Glenn Youngkin who now wields the power to reject this long-sought measure or sign it into law agrees. This column was originally published in the Virginia Mercury. Guest Column: What the data tell us about Louisianas population loss 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 Cameras were rolling on the set of a Hollywood film when Angus Sampson noticed something odd about his American colleagues. A co-star who had won a best actor Oscar was having his lines fed to him via an earpiece. Another was holding a script just out of shot. A third had a PA holding up cue cards reminding them to do anything as complicated as nodding. I remember walking in thinking: do people learn their lines any more? Sampson learns his lines. So far, hes appeared in 39 films and 34 TV series, and has writing and directing credits to his name as well. Hes played roles in Fargo, The Walking Dead, Underbelly and The Stand, and helped create the hit Insidious franchise, in which he also has a recurring role. You wouldnt have predicted it of the highly enthusiastic teen who debuted as co-host on the late 90s morning show Recovery. I was possibly the worst-dressed individual in the world. I remember having pink hair with a beard manicured like a chin strap, like I was trying to get into Everclear or Smash Mouth. Sampson with Claudia Karvan in the comedy-drama Bump. Credit: Stan Sampson cant remember the last time he was out of work. With the one obvious exception: at the start of the pandemic, after decades of consistent jobs, he found himself wondering what he could do if the acting thing petered out. I dont actually have a skill set. I think Im nice. I think Im a nice dinner guest, maybe? I ended up deciding that I could probably be a nice driver, a good driver if people needed a lift. Its unlikely that Sampson will have to don the chauffeur cap any time soon. In coming months hell appear in the latest Mad Max film, Furiosa, and a thriller starring Ben Kingsley and Aaron Eckhart. Hell reprise his long-running roles in much-loved series Bump and The Lincoln Lawyer. Hell also premiere a new role in Heartbreak High, the Emmy-winning Australian series whose first season was one of the most watched shows on Netflix around the world. Advertisement All that work means hes regularly ping-ponging between Hollywood and his homeland. This is my fifth winter in a row. Not that California winters or Australian winters are all that disastrous, but Im looking forward to having a summer sometime. I dont know when that will be. Hes speaking from the Los Angeles home hes lived in since 2014. Its in an area of Hollywood that was once an avocado grove, but today is full of Moreton Bay figs, jacarandas and eucalyptuses. Its nice to have a bit of domesticity in this unfamiliar rapids of a city. Not that I really hang out with Australians while Im here. I certainly dont want to be reminded that I shouldnt be here, on some level, which is what happens a lot when you hang out with your Australian peers. As the teenage co-host of late 90s youth program Recovery, Credit: Joe Castro Sampson might avoid Aussies in Hollywood, but he recognises why there are so many. People here tell me that the reason is that theyre mostly hard workers. They learn their lines, at least. Loading But working so much is a double-edged sword. It means hes often unavailable for roles hed love to take on. That was the case with Heartbreak High his duties on Bump originally ruled him out for a part in the high school dramas second season. It turned out the two productions shared an office, however, and some backroom negotiations between the shows respective producers resulted in rejigged shooting schedules that could accommodate Sampson. When he was told he could take on the job of Hartley Highs head of PE, Timothy Voss, he didnt even need to read a script before signing up. Hed been a huge fan of the first season and had only heard good things from fellow actors. He was on set 72 hours later. Advertisement Voss is a comic character from the outset, the kind of affable buffoon that Sampson does well, but as the series progresses his character grows more complex. Its clear he grew up in a very different world to the teens of today. This world was unfamiliar to me as Angus as well. I felt older for the first time, says Sampson. To the point that I had to ask them, What word did you just say? Slay. Im like: Sleigh, as in reindeer? No, like a warrior slaying a beast. Wow. OK. I remember asking the girls ... am I allowed to say that? Sampson says that part of the appeal of playing Voss was that his dinosaur ways were really my own ways in many regards. Where some people in Voss position resent the fact that youth culture no longer has much of a place for them, Sampson is more accepting of the fact that his Recovery days are long behind him. Not to get too heavy, but Im always like, Why would I even do an interview? Why does anyone need to hear from another privileged white middle-aged, self-absorbed person? Sampson stars as alpha male Timothy Voss, the schools head of PE. Credit: Netflix Its not just the language of Hartley Highs student cohort that Sampson finds alien. He doesnt know how his young co-stars find the energy to keep up their social media presences. The closest he came was years ago, when Dave Hughes convinced him to download Twitter. He was like: You can talk to your fans. I said: I dont think Ive got fans. He signed me up and later that night I tweeted just taking the dog for a walk and someone wrote is that a euphemism? and I quickly deleted the app. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO ANGUS SAMPSON Worst habit? Falling in love. Greatest fear? Being unable to listen to excellent music when and wherever I choose. The line that stayed with you? Time flies when you waste it. In an attempt to motivate myself during studies for my Year 12 final examinations, I came up with this maxim and wrote it on a yellow Post-it which I stuck above my desk. Suffice to say, it feels like only yesterday Biggest regret? Not being fluent in multiple languages. All I have are dance moves. Favourite room? Wherever the SamBros are. The artwork/song you wish was yours? I do love all things Mad Max (even before appearing in two of the films). Indigenous rock art is beyond anything. Any opportunity to view, I do. Itd be amazing to read Bon Scotts lost diary of unused lyrics... If you could solve one thing To ascertain what exactly Meatloaf wouldnt do for love. Advertisement The federal government has confiscated millions of dollars in properties that were used by drug traffickers, including two in Linn County. All told, $5.7 million worth of properties around Oregon were forfeited in connection with an interstate cannabis trafficking organization, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Oregon. A Place to Sleep, episode 10: Wrapping up We check back with some of the people we've met along our travels and we catch up with politicos who are trying to come up with solutions. Of the 14 forfeited properties which were used for illegal indoor cannabis growing, distribution and sales to other states one is in Lebanon, and another is in Sweet Home. The Lebanon property, 31131 Old Santiam Highway, is .89 acres and has a real market value of $491,020, according to tax records. The Sweet Home property at 1305 Clark Mill Road is .56 acres and has a real market value of $311,700. From an unknown time until September 2021, the properties were reportedly used as illegal grow houses by an organization under the leadership of Fayao Paul Rong, 53, of Houston, the release states. After he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, Rong was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release in July 2023. The Lebanon property was owned by 31131 Investment LLC, which in turn was owned by Daron Liang. Investigators reportedly linked the location to other properties and conspirators in the drug organization. The Sweet Home base was owned by T&Y 6409 Investments Inc. in October 2019, according to records. Investigators reported that Rong provided around $276,000 to buy the property and identified T&Y 6409 Investments LLC owner Chi Teng Liao as Rongs business partner. Along with the Linn properties, Rongs organization operated in Clatsop, Columbia, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. Rong bought numerous residences in Oregon using several different identities, and with his organization, used them to grow and process cannabis, and prepare it for transport to states where it remains illegal, according to court documents. Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, said in the news release that the yearslong effort to forfeit properties used by the Rong organization demonstrates a commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable and mitigating the damage from criminal organizations on communities. In a 12-month period beginning August 2020, Rongs organization trafficked more than $13.2 million dollars in black market cannabis, the release states. In September 2021, a coordinated operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oregon State Police targeted Rongs organization, according to the release, which states federal, state, and local law enforcement executed search warrants on 25 Oregon residences as well as Rongs Houston home. Investigators seized nearly 33,000 marijuana plants, 1,800 pounds of packaged marijuana, 23 firearms, nine vehicles, $20,000 in money orders and more than $591,000 in cash, the release states. The Oregon State Police is committed to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations operating within our state, said Lt. Tyler Bechtel, Oregon State Police, in the release. Our priorities include safeguarding Oregons natural resources and mitigating the impact illicit marijuana has on them. The takedown followed a 14-month investigation initiated by the state police after the agency learned of excessive electricity use at the various properties, the release states, in several instances resulting in transformer explosions. Multiple citizen complaints corroborated law enforcements belief that Rong was leading a large black market cannabis operation, according to the release, which states DEA agents arrested Rong in February 2022 in Houston. Rong told law enforcement, according to court documents, he periodically met with a loosely organized group of Chinese people at the Hong Kong Cafe in Portland, describing an informal collective that exchanged information on how to best start and run illegal indoor cannabis grows in Oregon. For example, Rong said if one of the group members needed an electrician, contractor or grower, others would provide names to consider for the job, court documents state. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today. Once the court issues final forfeiture judgments on each property, the federal government becomes the legal owner, and through the U.S. Marshals Service, will prepare them for sale, according to Kevin Sonoff, public affairs officer with the U.S. Attorney's Office. After sales, the government pays any outstanding lender balances, and what remains is deposited into the Justice Departments Assets Forfeiture Fund, Sonoff said via email. The funds are directed to crime victims and a variety of law enforcement purposes. Related stories: The last thing a friend of Bruce Lehrmann recalls about a boozy night out at the apartment of former Seven producer Taylor Auerbach was seeing Lehrmann disappear into a room with one of two Thai masseuses. His account directly contradicts Lehrmanns claim that the details of the night were not true. Taylor Auerbach, left, is set to give evidence in Bruce Lehrmanns defamation case. The man, whom this masthead has not named for legal reasons, recalled the trio arrived at Auerbachs harbourside apartment in the early hours of Saturday, November 26, 2022. The last thing I saw when I left [early in the morning] was Bruce and a woman going into a room with literally nothing in it but a piano. It was so surreal, it was like something from a David Lynch film, he said. The Liberal Party is pinning its hopes of winning back disaffected voters in the once-heartland seat of Kooyong on Amelia Hamer a Millennial female renter from blue-blooded political stock. But Hamer has other life experience that might make her relatable to the all-important youth vote in the former Liberal stronghold shes come through the tawdry world of student politics and social media pile-ons and lived to tell the tale. A decade ago, while studying at Oxford, Hamer was an editor of one of the universitys student rags, The Oxford Student. That was, until she wrote an article, headlined Oxford Union rape victim knew her claim was false, concerning an allegation made against the debating societys former president Ben Sullivan. Social and affordable housing is designed for those with highest needs and low- to moderate-income earners. But the reality is, more people are being pushed to the edges of that bracket and their options for housing security are just as limited. So where do they turn? Nightingale Housing CEO Dan McKenna was the organisations first employee and lived in the first completed project, Nightingale 1. Credit: Kate Longely For a fortunate number of Melbourne and Sydney residents and in the future, potentially people in Brisbane Nightingale Housing is a glimmer of well-designed hope. Founded in 2007, the not-for-profit was born out of frustration; started by a group of architects who pooled money and expertise together to show the industry whats possible. They set up their own development company and bought a piece of land in the somewhat-alternative inner-city suburb of Brunswick (think Melbournes West End). Here, they built their inaugural project, Nightingale 1. Since that point, 10 blocks have been built in Brunswick alone, as well as one each in Brunswick East, Fairfield, Ballarat, Fremantle in Western Australia, Bowden in South Australia and Marrickville in NSW. Loading It was about trying to create a product in the market which didnt really exist, targeted to cost-sensitive people, Nightingale Housing chief executive Dan McKenna says. A lot of first home buyers were attracted to that. Nightingales projects flip the stereotype of affordable housing. Their innovative, architecturally led designs define neighbourhoods and are an asset to residents as much as the local community. Each project meets a shared set of social, financial and sustainable values. To reduce costs, amenities like individual laundries, car parks and second bathrooms are removed, and measures to minimise environmental impact are employed throughout. It was about physically removing as much stuff as we possibly could because once youre under the hood, [you see that] the more you build, the more it costs, McKenna says. Heading to the rooftop to do laundry or bath a small child in the buildings shared tub is not desirable for everyone, and neither is a compact floor plan. But the downsides are not reflected by the oversubscribed register of people keen to apply for new projects. The cheapest offering in a Nightingale project is the teilhaus, a studio-style apartment that sells for $275,000 to $300,000. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment is $450,000 to $550,000; two bedrooms $600,000 to the high $700,000s, and three bedrooms up to $995,000. Inside view of a teilhaus, a studio-style apartment, and the cheapest model offered by Nightingale. Credit: Pablo Veiga The consistent feedback that we got in those early days was that the base price for a one bedder was still out of reach for so many people. A single person on a moderate wage, thats still a huge leap to be able to access, McKenna says. Loading That was where the teilhaus typology came from. These small footprint homes are about 27 to 35 square metres, designed as a fluid, functional space. Again not for everyone, but the price point and modest size, offset by communal areas on the rooftop and ground floor, have proved favourable for many. It was a test for us to push [that model] out into the world, but its been super popular. All Nightingale homes are sold through a balloting process that anyone can enter. Up to 20 per cent of apartments are pre-allocated to community housing providers (CHP), with the same percentage allocated to a priority ballot for key community contributors. We literally put peoples names in a hat and pull them out one by one, McKenna says. Thats our response to the unfairness of the property industry [which is skewered] towards the highest bidder. Nightingale Housing has delivered 465 homes to date, with another 199 under construction and 499 more in planning. Could it work in Brisbane? Inside the Marrickville micro apartments where tenants pay roughly $395 per week in rent. Credit: James Brickwood We have engaged with a lot of different political leaders who are really supportive of what we do, McKenna says. We had Premier Steven Miles come for a tour a couple of months ago. Weve had a lot of interest from Queensland, weve been up to Brisbane talking to possible partners. Ive also been to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. As our program has grown, its become more obvious that its not just in Melbourne or Sydney, but theres actually these growing pains that are happening everywhere. Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon confirms the state Labor government is exploring the Nightingale model. As part of our Homes for Queenslanders plan, weve established a State Facilitated Development Team to spearhead new ideas and tackle the challenges around the delivery of new homes, including social and affordable, Scanlon says. Right now, theyre working with a range of organisations including Nightingale, landowners, and developers to look at potential sites that could be suitable for this model. Steven Rhain Pinker was charged with murder after a womans body was discovered inside a Fortitude Valley apartment on Tuesday. Police believe a woman was allegedly killed by her son over the Easter weekend, at least two days before her body was discovered in an inner-Brisbane apartment. Steven Rhain Pinker, 42, was arrested about 1pm on Tuesday after police conducting a welfare check found the body of a 66-year-old woman in a unit at the Central Brunswick Apartment Hotel in Fortitude Valley. According to court documents, police allege Pinker, who was unemployed and living in Fortitude Valley, killed his mother on or about March 31, Easter Sunday. His mother, who is yet to be identified, was from Western Australia. One online profile for Pinker lists that he is from Perth. A Melbourne school and a travel company have been charged over the preventable death of a student after an overseas school trip in 2019. WorkSafe has charged Kilvington Grammar in Ormond and travel company World Challenge Expeditions for failing to ensure 16-year-old Lachlan Cook was not exposed to health and safety risks during a school trip to Vietnam. WorkSafe has alleged Kilvington Grammar School in Ormond failed as far as was reasonably practicable to reduce the risk of illness or death to diabetic students on school trips. Credit: Penny Stephenson Lachlan died in the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne in October 2019 after becoming ill from severe diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes, while overseas. Kilvington faces one charge of failing, so far as was reasonably practicable, to reduce the risk of illness or death to diabetic students on the school trip. The son of WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch has been disqualified from driving for six months after he was caught speeding more than 50km/h over the limit. Michael Blanch, 20, was charged with reckless driving after he was clocked by a speed camera doing 132km/h in a 70km/h zone on his motorcycle on Marmion Avenue in Quinns Rocks about 7.20pm on December 28, 2023. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch and son Michael Blanch. Credit: 9 News Perth Michael, who is also a police officer, pleaded guilty to the offence through his lawyer during his first appearance at Joondalup Magistrates Court on Wednesday. He did not appear in person, but was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for six months. On hot days, renter Natasha Ritchie tries to avoid leaving the house because her endometriosis makes it hard to regulate her body temperature. But given the cost-of-living crisis, one of her favoured coping strategies is becoming further out of reach. I try not to use [air conditioning] too much and at times when it is cheaper to run, she said. But its not possible when its extremely hot the heat can make it really hard to concentrate while Im working from home or trying to sleep. Natasha Ritchie says hot weather makes it harder to manage pain from endometriosis. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui The renter was one of 2313 participants in the Sweltering Cities 2024 Summer Survey Report, and shared her experience in high temperatures and heat waves with the advocacy organisation. Of the participants, 68 per cent said they felt unwell on hot days or during heatwaves, but this was higher for renters at 80 per cent a cohort who have limited ability to make thermal efficiency upgrades to their homes compared to owner-occupiers. Hualien, Taiwan: Taiwans biggest earthquake in at least 25 years killed nine people on Wednesday and injured more than 1000, while 50 workers travelling in minibuses to a hotel in a national park were missing. Some buildings tilted at precarious angles in the mountainous, sparsely populated county of Hualien, near the epicentre of the 7.2 magnitude quake, which struck just offshore at about 8am (11am AEDT) and triggered massive landslides. A rescue worker stands near the cordoned off site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan. Credit: AP As darkness fell, some people were spending the night in tents and other shelters. Meanwhile scores of emergency workers were trying to shore up damaged buildings and demolish those deemed impossible to save. The Uranus building behind us is a very badly damaged place. It is a building with one basement level and nine floors above ground. The first and second floors are now underground, Deputy Acting Chief of Hualien Fire Department Lee Lung-Sheng said. Montreal: A Canadian MP has testified that high school students from China were transported by bus to vote for him in a party election that is at the centre of a federal inquiry into interference in Canadian elections by China and other countries. At public hearing in Ottawa, Ontario, Han Dong, a Chinese Canadian politician formerly from Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal Party, said he had met and sought the support of the students from a private high school in 2019, but that he did not know who had chartered or paid for the bus on the day of the election. Canadian MP Han Dong at his election party in 2014. Credit: Getty A Canadian intelligence report disclosed during the hearing said there were indications that a known proxy agent of the Chinese consulate had provided the students with falsified documents to allow them to vote even though they did not reside in Dongs electoral district. Non-citizens can register and vote in party elections as long as they show proof they live in the electoral district. Santa Fe recognized for setting a new standard in its segment with distinct styling, class-leading cabin tech and impressive interior and cargo space Subcompact Kona applauded for its futuristic design, refined interior, and impressive performance Kona offered with buyers choice of ICE or all-electric power; Santa Fe to be available with ICE and hybrid drivetrains FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 3, 2024 The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Kona SUVs have been named to Autotraders Best New Cars for 2024 list. This impressive recognition by the editorial team of one of Americas biggest in-market automotive consumer websites underscores how both models stand out in their respective segments for their combination of style, performance, safety, and practicality. This year, the Santa Fe and Kona stand among a select group of 11 cars, trucks, and SUVs to receive this prestigious acknowledgment. In order to arrive at its Best New Cars list, Autotraders expert editorial team evaluated new 2024 vehicles from across the auto industry, considering various factors including interior comfort, safety and cabin technology, attainability, and driving experience. Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America accepts the Autotrader Best New Cars for 2024 Award from Ken Kraft, chief marketing officer, Cox Automotive, Greta Crowley, vice president of marketing, Cox Automotive at the 2024 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. We are proud that the Santa Fe and Kona have been recognized for receiving Autotraders Best New Cars for 2024 Award, said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. At Hyundai, we are dedicated to listening to customers to craft stylish, well-rounded vehicles tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern drivers with a smart array of ICE and electrified powertrains. This recognition by Autotrader reaffirms Hyundais commitment to exceeding customer expectations and enriching their automotive journeys. The Best New Cars for 2024 comprises 11 vehicles selected by a team of experts at Autotrader. A team of expert editors selected the models after testing and scoring new vehicles. Each chosen winner has features and attributes that go above and beyond to resonate with buyers in their respective segments, including interior comfort, build quality, technology, driving experience, and more. Autotraders editors focus on vehicles that are groundbreaking or offer significant value. Because many vehicles are new or redesigned for 2024, the team only considered models available for purchase within the next nine months. The first time I saw the all-new Kona, I wondered if it was almost too futuristic. Just look at that front end, said Matt Degen, senior editor, Cox Automotive. But once inside and driving, it felt familiar, approachable, and even fun. The Kona represents not just a totally fresh take on the subcompact SUV segment, but an absolute value, too. The 2024 Kona is photographed in Baltimore, Md. on Sept. 12, 2023. Boxy styling is nothing new in the midsize SUV class, but the Santa Fe manages to take a common trend and make it totally unique, said Eric Brandt, senior editor, Cox Automotive. Also, as a guy with a big family, I find the extra row of seats is a nice touch. Boxy is in and the beefed-up Santa Fe is positively swoon-worthy, said Rob Nestora, senior editor, Cox Automotive. The 2024 Santa Fe is photographed in California City, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2023. Autotrader Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Companys Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundais 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. Honda March 2024 and 1Q Sales American Honda sales up 11.8% in March to 130,504 units and best 1st quarter since 2021 (333,824 units) Honda brand reaches 118,536 in March up 14.9%, the brand's best month since 2021 Honda sees over 20% growth in Q1 on total sales of 303,451 Honda SUVs post strong March: HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot each with their best month of 2024 CR-V tops 36,500 units in March (+17.9%), with nearly half coming from CR-V hybrid sales Pilot tops 12,600 units in March (+21.0%), the model's best month since July 2021 Civic and Accord combine for over 41,000 units in March (+20.7%) Acura posts March sales of 11,968 units; best month of 2024 for the brand and each model in the lineup Integra tops 2,500 units; leads premium gateway segment with 3X the sales of nearest competitor Acura SUVs combine for more than 8,500 units with both MDX and RDX topping 4,100 units in March American Honda 1Q Total 333,824 +17.3% Cars 112,971 +13.2% Trucks 220,853 +19.6% Total 30,373 -9.2% Cars 9,115 -20.3% Trucks 21,258 -3.5% Total 303,451 +20.9% Cars 103,856 +17.5% Trucks 199,595 +22.7% Mar Total 130,504 +11.8% Cars 44,500 +15.3% Trucks 86,004 +10.1% Total 11,968 -11.8% Cars 3,463 -25.1% Trucks 8,505 -4.9% Total 118,536 +14.9% Cars 41,037 +20.8% Trucks 77,499 +12.0% "Our March sales momentum came in like a lion and went out like a lion with both the Honda and Acura brands continuing to post strong gains driven by balanced sales of cars and SUVs," said Mamadou Diallo, senior vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. "Nearly all models across our lineup posted increases, demonstrating the true strength of the Honda and Acura lineup when we finally have supply to meet customer demand." BRAND REPORT Sales Highlights The Honda brand posted its 4th consecutive quarter with sales over 300,000 units led by balanced sales of light trucks and passenger cars. CR-V and Accord post best Q1 hybrid-electric sales of all-time Civic and Accord sales top 100,000 units in first quarter of 2024 Pilot posts strong March sales (12,680) to gain 21.0% increase over 2023 Odyssey sales jump 30% over February to 7,247 units in March Notes Five 2024 Honda models earn TOP SAFETY PICK or better from IIHS; all fully tested Honda models earn top NHTSA NCAP rating.. Honda won Six 2024 KBB Awards, including: 'Best Overall Brand', 'Best Value Brand' and 'Best Overall EV/Hybrid Brand' BRAND REPORT March 2024 sales highlights include: Best-ever sales of CX-30 with 10,697 vehicles sold. Best-ever March sales of CX-50 with 4,654 vehicles sold. Best-ever March sales of CX-90 with 3,353 vehicles sold. Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported March sales of 5,066 vehicles, a decrease of 7.4 percent compared to March last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 13,615 vehicles sold; an increase of 20.2 percent compared to the same time last year. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported March sales of 7,234 vehicles, an increase of 2 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 20,195 vehicles sold; an increase of 5 percent compared to the same time last year. About Mazda North American Operations Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com. AutoFlight delivers first electric air taxi to customer in Japan AutoFlight has achieved a significant milestone by officially delivering its first Prosperity aircraft to a customer in Japan, marking the worlds inaugural delivery of a civilian ton-class eVTOL aircraft. The five-seater Prosperity aircraft was handed over to the customer, a pioneering advanced air mobility (AAM) operator in Japan. The operator, to be identified in due course, is currently developing plans for demonstration eVTOL flights at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, as well as a wider AAM rollout in Japan. In another recent milestone for the eVTOL innovator, AutoFlights CarryAll aircraft, the cargo variant of Prosperity, obtained type certification (TC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on March 22, 2024. This marks the worlds first eVTOL aircraft above one ton to have been awarded type certification. Tian Yu, founder and co-chairman of AutoFlight, said: The official delivery of the first Prosperity to a customer signifies a new chapter for AutoFlight as we begin to ship our innovative electric aircraft to global markets. Additionally, on the cargo side the receipt of orders for over 200 CarryAll planes already demonstrates a very strong market demand for our products. The recent CarryAll orders include 30 units for ZTO Express, a NYSE and HKEX dual-listed company and one of the worlds largest logistics companies. Referring to CarryAll receiving Type Certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Tian said: Successfully completing this certification was a lengthy and extremely rigorous process and I would like to thank the review team and all my colleagues for their painstaking efforts. This achievement establishes a robust foundation for AutoFlights forthcoming large-scale commercial operations. Securing TC airworthiness certification is vital for ensuring the safety and market entry of the aircraft for commercial operations. The CarryAll, with a maximum take-off weight of two tons, operates autonomously and on electric power. April 2024 Its compliance verification encompassed various aspects, including performance control, stability, lift/thrust system, structural strength/composite blades, battery system, avionics system, electrical system, and flight performance. The thorough review process involved manufacturing compliance inspections and the witnessing of 46 major compliance verification tests at the equipment level, system level and structural component level. Additionally, the CarryAll airworthiness certification prototype completed eight major compliance tests, including plateau performance, data link and ground station functions, involving 156 flights and exceeding a total flight distance of 10,000 kms. In February, AutoFlight presented the worlds first inter-city electric air taxidemonstration flight between the southern Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai. AutoFlights Prosperity aircraft completed the significant milestone by autonomously flying the 50km (31 miles) route from Shenzhen to Zhuhai. The flight across the Pearl River Delta took just 20 minutes, a journey that would require three hours by car. This achievement marks the worlds first public flight of an eVTOL aircraft on a cross-sea and inter-city route. The route between Shenzhen and Zhuhai is part of the future air traffic scenario planned by the regional government as it develops its low-altitude economy strategy that will see the opening of thousands of vertiports and hundreds of eVTOL air routes across the Greater Bay Area in southern China. The demonstration flight took place in one of the worlds most densely populated areas, home to circa 86 million people, and in an airspace that borders multiple international airports, including Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau. The flight showcased AutoFlights cutting-edge aviation technology in a highly complex environment, and its dedication to safety and regulatory compliance in pushing the boundaries of urban air mobility. Theres been a boost for efforts by Indian operator Vodafone Idea (aka Vi) to raise more funds after an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Tuesday, the results of which were announced today. Shareholders of Vodafone Idea have voted in favour of its proposal to raise Rs 20,000 crore (roughly US$2.4 billion) through equity and equity-linked instruments. It was in late February that Vodafone Idea announced that the companys Board of Directors had approved the equity financing plan. According to Indias Economic Times news service this plan could involve convertible debentures, warrants, or other securities convertible into equity shares, global depository receipts, American depository receipts or foreign currency convertible bonds. With shareholders approval now in place, the company expects to complete the equity fund raise in the coming quarter, though, in fairness, it would have been a big surprise had the approval not happened. Vi is also looking to engage with its lenders to tie up debt funding, which will follow the equity fund raise. Through a combination of equity and debt, the company plans to raise around Rs. 45,000 crores (about US$5.4 billion). The company certainly needs this funding. It has massive debts and needs to bolster its position in 4G. It also has a lot of catching up to do in 5G. Subscriber numbers are apparently falling too. A Communications Today report put Vodafone Ideas gross mobile user base at 221.52 million in January, way behind Jio (463.99 million) and Airtel (382.48 million). The Saudi Arabian market is to welcome a new player in the cybersecurity solutions field through a venture established by a Public Investment Fund-owned company alongside Korean security solutions business AhnLab. Saudi Information Technology Co, also known as SITE, will hold a 75% stake in the local joint venture to be set up in the Kingdom, with AhnLab holding the remaining 25%. The new entity is expected to be launched during the first half of 2024. The JV will market, offer, and localise AhnLabs cybersecurity solutions and services to clients in Saudi Arabia. This includes the companys cloud and artificial intelligence-based platform, which collects and analyses logs from various systems, aiding customers in prioritizing and managing cyberrisks. The partnership also aims to expand the new companys services, including generative AI security, to the Middle East and North Africa region in the future. AhnLab says it develops industry-leading information security solutions and services for consumers, enterprises, and small and medium businesses worldwide. Its comprehensive security lineup includes proven, world-class antivirus products for desktops and servers, mobile security products, online transaction security products, network security appliances, and consulting services. SITE contributes, through its national capabilities and international partnerships, to the development of secure-by-design, innovative offerings in cybersecurity, cloud computing, systems integration, and human capital development. Suk-Kyoon Kang, CEO of AhnLab, says: Through the new JV, we expect to jointly tailor our technologies, such as cybersecurity, cloud and AI, to the needs of the markets of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, and accelerate global growth. Thuraya, the mobile satellite communication arm of UAE satellite player Yahsat, announced on Tuesday that it has expanded its partnership with Algerie Telecom Satellite to become the authorised distributor of Thurayas new direct-to-device (D2D) satellite smartphone in Algeria. Under the expanded partnership, Algerie Telecom Satellite which currently sells Thuraya services in Algeria will also distribute Thurayas new Skyphone through mobile network operators (MNOs) and other authorised distributors in Algeria. Algerie Telecom Satellite is the first Thuraya partner to be named as an official Skyphone distributor since Thuraya unveiled the device at last months Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The Skyphone is a 5G Android smartphone with two nano-SIM card slots for both terrestrial and satellite communications. It can also be used with SIM cards from mobile operators affiliated with Thuraya's roaming services, with over 370 partners in more than 170 countries. At the device launch, Thuraya said the Skyphone is expected to be available through its distribution partners from September 2024. The Skyphone is part of the first phase of Yahsats D2D strategy, dubbed Project Sky, under which Yahsat plans to offer voice and messaging capabilities later this year before releasing texting and IoT capabilities for smartphones in 2025. The first phase will use Yahsats Thuraya geostationary satellites including Thuraya-2, Thuraya-3 and Thuraya-4, the latter of which is expected to be launched later this year and enter service in 2025. The second phase, Project BlueStar, aims to enable full D2D connectivity through a scalable and sustainable satellite network. Last month, Yahsat signed an MoU with UAE operator etisalat by e& to explore various initiatives and projects for Project Sky, including collaboration on Yahsat s planned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) D2D system. 10 Naxals killed in encounter in Bijapur RAIPUR : IN A major anti-insurgency operation, 10 Naxalites, including a woman, were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district on Tuesday, police said. Bijapur district comes under the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, which will go to polls in the first phase of the general elections on April 19. The gunfight occurred around 6 am in a forest between Lendra and Korcholi villages under the Gangaloor police station area, where a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxal operation, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P told PTI. Personnel belonging to the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and its elite unit Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) were involved in the operation, he said. After the exchange of fire stopped, bodies of four Naxalites were recovered from the spot, and subsequently, six more bodies were found at the encounter site during the search, the IG said. A light machine gun (LMG), a .303 rifle, a 12-bore gun, a large number of barrel grenade launchers and shells, and other arms and ammunition were also seized from the spot, he said. A search operation was still underway in the area, he said. The identity of the Naxalites was yet to be ascertained but prima facie, it appears that they belonged to PLGA (Peoples Liberation Guerilla Army) company no. 2 of Maoists, the official said. Notably, Naxalites carry out the Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) in summers between March and June every year and step up their activities. Several attacks have been carried out against security forces in the Bastar region during this period. On March 27, six Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Basaguda area of Bijapur, police earlier said. With the latest incident, 43 Naxalites have been killed so far this year in separate encounters with security forces in the Bastar region, comprising seven districts including Bijapur, police said. BJP will win all 80 seats in UP: Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak ahead of LS polls Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 3 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak exuded confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win all 80 seats in the state in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to ANI, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said, "BJP will win all the seats of Phase 1 and Phase 2. People have rejected the opposition alliance... People's trust in the BJP is increasing day-by-day and the BJP will win all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh." "The PM's Garib Kalyan Yojana has reached every household, and people's trust in the BJP is continuously increasing," he added. Launching a scathing attack at Samajwadi Party, Brajesh Pathak said, "The BJP is going to win the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh with an absolute majority. The opposition is being completely side-lined... The public has completely rejected the opposition alliance. The people of the state have never accepted the violence and corruption of the Samajwadi Party. Since 2014, they have continuously faced public rejection in every election." When asked about Akhilesh Yadav's election rally in Kannauj held on Tuesday, the deputy CM said, "The opposition has not existed and the public has made up their mind to make the BJP win again with a majority." Hitting out at a new alliance formed in Uttar Pradesh, Brijesh Pathak also said, "The opposition has completely failed." With political dynamics shifting in the state, the BJP is spearheading a robust alliance, encompassing parties like RLD, SBSP, Apna Dal (S), and Nishad party bolstering its position. On the other hand, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav aligns with the opposition bloc, Mayawati embarks on the electoral journey solo. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya slammed opposition parties, saying that there is no vacancy for Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati or any opposition leader till 2047 in the country's politics. Speaking to ANI, Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "Bhola Singh has filed the nominations from the BJP alliance and he will win the third term from Bulandshahr with big margin... BJP and its alliance will win all 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP and 400 plus in the entire country... 'Samajwadi Party, Samaptwadi Party hai'. People have denied the INDI alliance that was formed in Bangaluru but split in Mumbai... There is no vacancy for Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati or any opposition leader till 2047. '2 Ladko Ki Jodi Hum 2017 Me Dekh Chuke Hai Jo Fail Ho Chuki Hai'..." Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases. Voting for phases one and two will be held on April 19 and April 26. Next, the state will once again poll in phases three and four on May 7 and May 13. The Uttar Pradesh electorate will also vote in phases five, six and seven on May 20, May 23 and June 1 respectively. The votes will be counted on June 4. Reach out to first-time voters: PM Modi tells booth heads Lucknow, April 3 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, asked booth heads to reach out to first-time voters and tell them about the corruption and lack of development during the previous governments. Those who are first-time voters today would have been children ten years ago and they would not be-knowing about the lack of performance of the previous government. You must reach out to them and tell them about the misdeeds of the previous regimes, PM Modi said in a virtual interaction with booth heads and workers of 10 Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha seats which go to the polls in the third phase through NaMo application. These include Sambhal, Badaun, Bareilly, Aonla, Etah, Hathras, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, and Mainpuri. The Prime Minister spoke to booth heads in Etah, Agra, Hathras and Bareilly and asked them to turn BJP supporters into canvassers. He interacted with the workers through NaMo app at 22,648 booths of these Lok Sabha seats. You should tell farmers that the money in their account is being sent by Modi. Most of them do not check their passbooks and are not even aware that money is coming into their accounts, PM Modi said. He further asked booth head Hemlata Chauhan of Agra to ensure that women voters are not misled by opposition propaganda and cast their votes on priority. Our resolve is to add 370 votes per booth and you should reach out to women and first-time voters, he said. The Prime Minister also asked booth heads to take advantage of the experience of veteran leaders and involve them in motivating voters. In his 44-minute interaction, the Prime Minister asked booth heads and workers to go beyond distributing pamphlets and make brief visits to villages. When you visit a home, spend time there and make small talk before putting your point across. Those who have not benefitted from our schemes, tell them about Modis guarantee that they will also get the benefits, he said. CM Yadav hits out at Cong for neglecting Rewa during its tenure Our Correspondent Rewa, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav during his visit to Rewa on Tuesday cautioned government officials to work in interest of people and should not harass them in any manner, as State Government would deal strictly with such officers. Addressing a public meeting at Kothi Compound, Dr Mohan Yadav said that thirty years back when he used to visit Rewa either by bus or by train then journey used to very inconvenient but now the situation is different. He targeted Congress for creating obstacles in way of construction of Shri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. He hailed the development of Mahakal Lok at Ujjain. On the occasion, in presence of Chief Minister Dr Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, many Congress leaders and party workers took membership of BJP. CM Dr Yadav further said that Congress during its governance has always neglected Rewa. The locals are known for their simple and hardworking nature. He said that BJP is committed to develop the area when Lord Ram and Lord Krishna visited. As per the schedule, CM Dr Yadav was to attend the nomination rally of of BJP candidate Janardan Mishra. But due to his programmes at Jabalpur and Shahdol, he addressed public meeting and left from Rewa. Addressing gathering Deputy CM Shukla said that earlier only rich could afford Air Ambulance but in BJPs tenure even poor can utilise service of Air Ambulance for taking their patients in emergency. Now even poor are availing best treatment facilities. Farmers are being provided irrigation facilities to earn good produce and earn profit. Disengagement only way forward: Rajnath NEW DELHI, WITH the India-China military face-off continuing in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the Indian troops are standing firm and the ongoing talks between the two sides for a peaceful resolution of the matter will continue as disengagement and de-escalation is the way forward. In an address to the top commanders of the Army, Singh reaffirmed the faith of the billion-plus citizens in the force as one of the most-trusted and inspiring organisations in the country. The Army commanders deliberated extensively on national security challenges along the borders with China and Pakistan and ways to boost the forces overall combat capability. The Defence Minister, complimenting the Army leadership for successfully taking ahead the countrys defence and security vision to new heights, said the role of the force is very important in nation building. In his remarks, Singh also lauded the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), saying its efforts have led to the quantum improvement in road communication along the western and northern frontiers. On the current situation along the northern borders, Singh expressed full confidence that while the troops are standing firm, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution will continue and disengagement and de-escalation is the way forward, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a stand-off in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh for nearly four years even as the two sides have completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks. Referring to the situation along the borders with Pakistan, Singh complimented the Armys response to cross-border terrorism, adding that the proxy war by the adversary continues. The Defence Minister complimented the excellent synergy between the Central Armed Police Forces, local police and Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should continue, he said. By Kriti Shah In a recent development, the Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC), Manohar Mamtani has intervened in the case involving alleged assault by State Ministers son on a restaurant owner, following the alleged tumultuous behaviour at the police station. The incident, which occurred in Bhopal, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. According to the reports, in the said incident, which occurred in Bhopal on March 30 late night, the son of State Health Minister was allegedly involved in assaulting a restaurant owner and his wife and creating a ruckus at the police station. An altercation unfolded between the ministers son and the couple who owned the restaurant, leading to physical violence. Subsequently, a case was registered against the minister son for verbal abuse, assault, and issuing death threats. Additionally, a counter-complaint was lodged by the ministers sons friend against the restaurant owner and cook, resulting in a legal standoff. Within a span of two hours following the incident, four police officers were suspended, raising questions about the handling of the case. The swift suspension of these officers has drawn attention to potential discrepancies in the investigation process. In response to these developments, the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) has demanded a detailed report from the Bhopal Police Commissioner within 15 days. The Commission has outlined specific points for investigation, including, registered criminal cases related to the incident in Shahpura Police Station and subsequent actions based on medical examination reports (MLC) of the affected individuals. Examination of CCTV footage at Shahpura Police Station from March 30 8 pm, to March 31, 5 am, along with a detailed report on the prevailing circumstances and Case Diary obtained as per regulations. Report on the suspension of four police personnel in Shahpura, including the grounds for their suspension and proposed actions against them. Evaluation of the alcohol consumption status of the individuals subjected to medical examination in connection with the incident. Notably, in addition to the assault case, the Commission has also directed the Bhopal Police Commissioner to investigate allegations against the four suspended police officers. The MPHRC aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the case, given its sensitive nature and potential implications for human rights. Furthermore, the MPHRC has demanded answers regarding the suspension of the police officers and their proposed disciplinary action. Mutual respect is key to India-Russia relations By Nantoo Banerjee Russia has always followed a strong diplomatic policy. And, there is no reason to believe that the country will dump its time-tested friends such as India under foreign influence. Despite Indias leaning towards the US on defence, diplomatic, trade and technological relations in recent times, India has maintained a strong diplomatic and trade relations with Russia and firmly stood by its ally in all global forums. India had strongly withstood the western pressure to maintain trade and defence exchange with Russia after Ukraine war. It has been unapologetically purchasing discounted Russian crude oil despite US pressure. PRESIDENT Vladimir Putins record fifth term in office is good news for both Russia and India although there was absolutely no doubt about Putins registering thumping victory in the election, last month. Diplomatically, India has always maintained a pro-Russia stance in international forums despite its growing coziness with the United States in forming new blocks to contain China in the Indo-Pacific region. The Russia-Ukraine war leading to the Western trade and financial embargo on Russia has lately brought China much closer to Russia. And, the relationship between the two countries is expected to get further bolstered in the coming years. It is to be seen how far China is able to engineer Russias support for its territorial ambition and its bid for an aggressive control of the Pacific and Indian Ocean region. Until now, Russia has remained neutral in the China-US conflict in the region as Moscow is not directly concerned. But the situation can change if the US keeps backing Ukraine more vigorously in the coming months. The situation can also change rapidly for both Russia and India if former US President Donald Trump wins the 2024 US presidential election in November. Trumps affinity for President Putin is well known. Trump has also a long record of antagonism toward Ukraine. Trump had praised President Putin as a genius and pretty savvy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022. If Trump gets elected as the US President again, it is expected that he would help Russia achieve a favourable peace deal in the region by cutting off assistance to Kyiv. Trump is strongly upset with NATO members who do not pay enough to sustain the alliance. Thus, a Donald Trump victory in the US presidential election should augur well for Russia as well as for India for a better three-corner relationship in the coming years. It may be recalled that the US-India relations flourished under President Donald Trump. Both the countries shared concerns over China. A strong rapport was built between President Trump and Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nevertheless, President Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 US presidential election was highly welcomed by New Delhi. The new administration cemented the gains made over the previous four years paving the way for a closer US-India partnership. However, a few important policy shifts in Washington seem to limit US-India cooperation. Lately, a number of petty US actions and inactions, including veiled support to anti-India campaigns by Khalistanis, have hurt the Indian sentiment. Fortunately, President Vladimir Putin, the longest serving Russian or Soviet leader since Joseph Stalin, has witnessed them all. Putin has held continuous positions as Russias President or Prime Minister since 1999 as PM from 1999 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2012, and as President from 2000 to 2008 and since 2012. The next Russian presidential election is due only in 2030. President Putins re-election is expected to maintain Russias policy towards Ukraine. That may further deepen Moscows relationship with Beijing. Seemingly, it may also put the India-Russia relationship under stress amidst growing US-Russia and US-China confrontations. Indias relationship with China has been under stress especially since Chinas increasing assertiveness in its neighbourhood under President Xi Jinping. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in 2013, its actions on the Indian border in 2014, 2017 and 2020; its rejection of Indias membership bid of the Nuclear Supply Group and its intervention in the UN Security Council on issues related to Kashmir made the country Indias biggest adversary. The diplomatic relationship between the two countries hit the bottom after the Galwan clash in 2020. The growing Russia-China relationship could create the impression that Moscow may eventually play a subordinate role to Beijing. Such an idea would be entirely wrong. Russia was and is a top global power alongside the US. The fact that Russias economy has so far been able to withstand multiple-corner western sanctions and maintain a good growth in the last two years shows its inherent strength. Russia has always followed a strong diplomatic policy. And, there is no reason to believe that the country will dump its time-tested friends such as India under foreign influence. Despite Indias leaning towards the US on defence, diplomatic, trade and technological relations in recent times, India has maintained a strong diplomatic and trade relations with Russia and firmly stood by its ally in all global forums. India had strongly withstood the western pressure to maintain trade and defence exchange with Russia after the Ukraine war in 2022. It has been unapologetically purchasing discounted Russian crude oil despite the questions raised by the US. The massive rise in Indias crude oil import from Russia helped the total trade between India and Russia reach nearly the $50-billion mark in 2023, comfortably exceeding the 2025 bilateral trade target of $30 billion. Indias export of pharmaceuticals and certain categories of food items to Russia also leapfrogged. Interestingly, India has not been shy of admitting its export of refined Russian crude oil to other markets, including energy-starved western Europe, which helped create stability in the global oil market. The mutual respect and understanding between the two countries have grown ever since the 1960s when Russia offered a series of defence and critical technology collaboration projects in the core sector to India when the West had mostly stayed away. Over the years, Russia and India have also relied on a strong relationship with each other to advance their interests in West Asia. Among the few influential global political leaders to congratulate President Putin soon after his re-election, were Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, apart from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Prime Minister Modi said, he looked forward to strengthening Indias time-tested special and privileged strategic partnership with Moscow. The two countries are unlikely to surrender the goodwill they have built together under any external pressure. Prime Minister Modi to address rallies on 10th, 13th in Vidarbha Staff Reporter Since all Lok Sabha constituencies in Vidarbha are going to poll in the first two phases, the people here will be witnessing the presence of star campaigners of various parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be coming to Vidarbha on April 10 and 13 while Home Minister Amit Shah will visit in the first week of April. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come on April 10, during which he will address public meetings for Mahayuti candidates of Nagpur and Ramtek. His public rally will be held on April 10 in Kanhan. In Nagpur, BJP has repeated Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for the third time. In Ramtek, Raju Parve has been fielded by BJPs ally Shiv Sena (Shinde group). Raju Parve is sitting MLA of Congress from Umred. He resigned from Congress and joined Shiv Sena (Shinde group) recently. Mahavikas Aaghadi has given ticket to Congress candidate Shymkumar Barve. Modi will hold public rally in Chandrapur on April 13. BJP has fielded stalwart candidate Sudhir Mungantiwar here. He will be fighting against Pratibha Dhanorkar of Congress, wife of late MP Suresh alias Balu Dhanorkar. Similarly, Amit Shah will come to Vidarbha on April 6 and address a public rally at Gondia. BJP has given candidature of Bhandara-Gondia to sitting MP Sunil Mendhe. Over 3.5 lakh devotees visited first stone Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi within 1st month Abu Dhabi, Apr 3 (PTI) Over 3.5 lakh devotees visited the first stone Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi within a month of its opening for the public, according to temple authorities. The iconic temple which was inaugurated in February by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was opened for visitors on March 1. In the first month, there were approximately 350,000 devotees and visitors, 50,000 of whom visited each weekend (Saturday--Sunday). It's important to note that on Mondays the Mandir conducts private prayers and is closed to visitors, meaning the complex was accessible for only 27 out of the 31 days in March, a temple spokesperson told PTI. Every evening from Tuesday to Sunday, Ganga aarti is performed at 7.30 pm on the banks of the Swaminarayan ghat, which has been created using holy water from Ganga and Yamuna transported from India, he added. The grand temple was inaugurated during a dedication ceremony attended by over 5,000 invitees on February 14. The temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore. Constructed with 18 lakh bricks and 1.8 lakh cubic metres of sandstone sourced directly from Rajasthan Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple has been made in the Nagara style of architecture, just like the Ram Temple in Ayodhya which was inaugurated earlier this year. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is the largest in all of the Gulf region. The UAE has three other Hindu temples in Dubai. "Since the temple is little on the outskirts and in the middle of a desert, public bus service from the city has been started for weekends to allow visitors to easily come to the temple," the spokesperson said. During Prime Minister Modi's two-day visit to the Gulf nation in 2015, the UAE allocated land for constructing a temple in Abu Dhabi. This visit held significant diplomatic importance, as Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi to visit this strategically vital Gulf nation in 34 years. The construction of the temple began in 2019. The UAE has at least 3.5 million Indians who are part of the Indian workforce in the Gulf. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government. Seven spires representing seven emirates of the UAE, carvings of camels, and national bird falcon, are part of the architecture of the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, to give equal representation to the host country. To give equal representation to the host country, along with animals that occupy an important place in Indian mythology like elephants, camels and lions, the UAE's national bird, the falcon, has also been included in the design. Apart from 15 tales from India, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata, stories from Mayan, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese and African civilizations have also been depicted in the temple. While the outer walls of the temple are made using sandstone from India, the interior, made of white Italian marble, is adorned with intricately designed and carved columns and walls. Other Noteworthy architectural elements include two ghumats (domes), 12 samrans (dome-like structures) and 402 pillars. The two ghumats are the Dome of Peace and Dome of Harmony. Over 300 high-tech sensors to measure temperature and monitor seismic activity, fly ash in the foundation to reduce carbon footprint, 18 million bricks, nano heat resistant tiles and no usage of iron and steel---the temple has been built using ancient architectural methods clubbed with scientific techniques. The temple's facade features exquisite marble carvings set against a sandstone backdrop, crafted from more than 25,000 pieces of stone by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. A substantial number of pink sandstone were transported from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi for the temple. First batch workers from India under G2G agreement arrives in Israel to boost construction industry By Harinder Mishra Tel Aviv, Apr 3 (PTI) The first batch of more than 60 workers from India have arrived in Israel under a government-to-government agreement to bolster the country's construction industry facing a huge shortage of trained hands. The G2G mechanism has been worked out to keep away middlemen and to make the process of hiring fair through the screening tests conducted by Israeli examiners, who visited India a few times and coordinated the process with the Indian government agencies. The first batch of Indian construction workers arrived in the country on Tuesday evening and will be followed by a series of arrivals in the coming weeks totalling close to 850 by mid-April. "Today we had a farewell event from the first batch of 60+ Indian construction workers going to Israel under the G2G agreement. This is an outcome of hard work of many, including @NSDCINDIA. I'm sure that the workers become 'ambassadors' of the great P2P relations between India and Israel," Israel's ambassador to India Naor Gilon posted on X on Tuesday. Earlier, a little over 900 construction workers had arrived from India during the last few months through the B2B route, involving manpower agencies in both countries. Construction industry sources expressed dismay at the slow pace saying that after three months during which over 20,000 foreign workers from India and Sri Lanka were approved for jobs in the construction sector through screening tests conducted by the Israeli Contractors Association (ICA), only about a 1,000 workers had arrived so far. They blamed the "bureaucratic procedures" that included obtaining various permits from the governments for the long delay. Most of the selected workers are said to have resigned from their jobs and are said to be waiting to receive a visa to work in Israel, they said. "The Israeli government has repeatedly reported its intention to speed up these procedures but has not done so," a source told PTI. All stakeholders in Israel are said to have proposed several plans to fast-track the process in their discussions with the government. "The task assigned to us by the government was carried out at a record pace. It has been weeks since we completed three rounds of selection of workers in which professional approval was given to employ over 20,000 workers, half of them in the government track and half in the business track," the Israel Contractors Association told PTI. "We call on the government to act immediately to bring here the workers who have already (been) approved and to create a fast track for the approval and flight of the workers here. The delay in the arrival of the workers from India and Sri Lanka hurts all concerned," it said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in December last year had discussed advancing the arrival of Indian workers to Israel. The Israeli construction industry employs workers in specific fields where there is a lack of Israeli workers. The largest group of about 80,000 workers in the construction industry came from the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank and another 17,000 from the Gaza Strip, a huge majority of whom had their work permits revoked following Hamas' brutal attack on Israel in October. Another group of about 7,000 workers in the sector have come from China and some 6,000 from Eastern Europe. Israel's Minister of Economy Nir Barkat during his trip to India in April last year, had spoken to officials and his counterpart in New Delhi about hiring Indians in various sectors, including in the construction sector, much before the current escalation. The discussions had revolved around bringing in almost 160,000 people. About 18,000 Indians are working in Israel, mostly as caregivers. Most of them decided to stay back in Israel and did not leave the country during the war because "they felt quite secure" and "also because the salaries are quite attractive". Israel and India also inked an agreement in May last year during then Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's visit to New Delhi that will allow 42,000 Indian workers to work in the Jewish state in the fields of construction and nursing, a move that would address the rising cost of living and assist thousands of families waiting for nursing care. Undeterred by a slowing economy, tight labour markets and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, Millennials are driving Australias entrepreneurial momentum, according to speakers on the first day of the COSBOA National Small Business Summit 2024. The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is the countrys peak body representing the interests of over 1.5 million small businesses. This years two-day summit, held in Sydney, will bring together politicians, regulators, senior policy makers, and association leaders, including the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Peter Dutton MP, and NSW Premier, Hon. Chris Minns MP. Millennials look to turn passion into profit Rebecca Warren, Executive General Manager of Small Business Banking at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, told the COSBOA audience that recent CBA research showed that Millennials, who were born between 1981 and 1996, accounted for 48.5 per cent of new business transaction accounts opened in the 2023 financial year. In addition to looking for extra income, the CBA survey found that new business owners are seeking opportunities that deliver greater control, freedom, and independence over their careers, all important considerations for Millennials. Three consumer trends you cant afford to ignore In a presentation titled Global trends, stats and predictions: What does the future hold? Robert Tedesco, Vice President & General Manager Global Merchant Services Australia & New Zealand at American Express identified three global consumer trends that all business owners need to consider. Mr Tedesco emphasised that understanding the Millennial mindset is critical to capitalising on these global trends. How you show up matters Consumers will support purpose-led businesses whose values align with theirs. Price is still important, but consumers will splurge if they see value. Mr Tedesco gave the example of the eco-friendly toilet paper company, Who Gives a Crap. Simon Griffiths, Danny Alexander, and Jehan Ratnatunga launched the social business after learning that 2.4 billion people around the world dont have access to a toilet. The companys mission is to donate 50 per its profits to ensure everyone has access to clean water and a toilet within our lifetime. Sustainability is no longer optional According to Mr Tedesco, sustainability has become a core value for Australian consumers, but they are sick of greenwashing and marketing spin. AI will become an increasingly important opportunity for businesses, large and small Mr Tedesco explained that the most effective uses of AI will be those with the human touch, those that combine technology with human ingenuity. In his speech, he quoted Satya Nadella, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, who believes that AI will enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. Mr Nadella is on the record as saying, AI will make us more human, not less. These three trends closely align with Millennials motivations and values. They are digital natives who intuitively embrace technology and make buying decisions based on their value. One of the key purchasing considerations for Millennials is sustainability. The second day of the COSBOA National Small Business Summit 2024 will include presentations on breaking down regulatory barriers, digitisation, VET, skills and workforce dynamics, and Industrial relations changes. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognized outstanding lenders for their commitment to empowering small businesses in international trade. Isabel Casillas Guzman, SBA Administrator, announced the 2024 Export Lender of the Year Award winners. Fulton Bank and First American Bank were named the 2024 Export Lenders of the Year, while Lake Michigan Credit Union received the 2024 International Trade Lender of the Year Award. SBAs export financing programs help small businesses compete globally, said Administrator Guzman. These award winners are crucial partners, providing the resources businesses need to succeed in the international marketplace. Daniel Krupnick, Associate Administrator for the SBAs Office of International Trade, emphasized the importance of access to capital for exporters. Export financing bridges the trade finance gap, enabling small businesses to seize international opportunities, he said, congratulating the award winners. The awards recognize excellence in delivering SBAs international finance programs. These programs assist small businesses in developing new markets, financing export transactions, and expanding capacity to meet overseas demand. Over 97% of U.S. exporters are small businesses, playing a vital role in the nations economy. In fiscal year 2023, the SBA guaranteed $495 million in financing to small business exporters, supporting over $1.3 billion in export sales. 2024 Export Lenders of the Year Fulton Bank: This Pennsylvania-based community bank offers a comprehensive range of export financing solutions, including the Export Working Capital Program (EWCP). This Pennsylvania-based community bank offers a comprehensive range of export financing solutions, including the Export Working Capital Program (EWCP). First American Bank: An Illinois-chartered bank, First American has a longstanding commitment to trade finance and a robust export loan portfolio. 2024 International Trade Lender of the Year Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU): Based in Michigan, LMCU is a leading SBA lender supporting small businesses, including exporters. In 2023, they were the top International Trade Lender by count. The award winners expressed pride in their recognition and dedication to supporting small businesses. They highlighted their commitment to providing expert advice and tailored solutions to help businesses navigate the global market and achieve success. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Eric Chu, husband of Van Thinh Phat chairwoman Truong My Lan, seen at the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Prosecutors have proposed a reduced prison sentence of one or two years for 22 defendants in the ongoing Van Thinh Phat trial, including chairwoman Truong My Lans husband and niece. Eric Chu, husband of Van Thinh Phat chairwoman Truong My Lan, seen at the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Acknowledging their remorse and efforts to repay the damages incurred by Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), the recommendations were made to the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday. Prosecutors proposed 10-11 years imprisonment for Lans husband Eric Chu, a Hong Kong property tycoon, instead of 11-12 years as they had earlier suggested. Chu had admitted to his crime at court and only violated the law because of his trust in his wife. He never took part in managing SCB, they added. Prosecutors proposed 17-18 years imprisonment for Lans niece Truong Hue Van, CEO of Van Thinh Phat, down from an earlier recommendation of 19-20 years. Van has shown remorse and only followed Lans order because of trust. She had received government commendations for helping the community in the Covid-19 pandemic and had urged her family to compensate for the losses caused. Truong Hue Van, niece of Van Thinh Phat chairwoman Truong My Lan, seen at the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Nguyen Cao Tri, chairman of property developer Capella who is accused of appropriating VND1 trillion from Lan, was recommended a lighter sentence of 9-10 years instead of 10-11 years. Tri had submitted VND761 billion as compensation and his family have contributed much to the society, prosecutors said. Prosecutors also proposed a lighter sentence of one or two years former SCB and Van Thinh Phat leaders who followed Lans orders and for investigators of the State Bank of Vietnam who took bribes to cover SCB's financial issues. At the ongoing trial prosecutors have recommended the death sentence for Lan for committing severe crimes over a long period and causing irrevocable consequences. From 2012 to 2022 Lan and her accomplices obtained 2,500 loans worth more than VND1 quadrillion ($44 billion), accounting for 93% of the banks loan portfolio during the period. She is accused of causing losses of VND498 trillion after deducting the value of collateral. Our law enforcement officers will find the killers, but will there be just penalty for the crime? The 2023 presidential candidate of African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has faulted the attitude of young Nigerians to challenge the old guards in the country for key political positions following the inauguration of 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the Senegalese president. Sowore, however, cautioned people not to be quick to celebrate Fayes political feat, saying time would tell if he would be a leader of the people. According to Sowore, youthfulness is not the only criterion required to lead, especially considering how some youths have failed in leadership positions in Nigeria. Faye was sworn in at the swearing-in event on Tuesday attended by several African leaders, including President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who was there as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States in Dakar. Sowore, who featured on Tuesdays edition of Channels Televisions Politics Today from New Jersey in the United States (USA), said, This was where we were coming from. We started our political movement in 2018 and people were saying, You need experience, and we kept on saying experience is not gonna take you anywhere because it is experienced politicians that put Nigeria in the condition that it is today experienced thieves, experienced murderers, killers, corrupt people. And now youve seen it in Senegal that you dont actually need experience, you need leaders that have vision, people who are motivated to lead their people. He, however, cautioned people not to be overjoyed yet, saying, I must make a caveat here that until we see the performance of this particular persons who have taken over power in Senegal, we should not celebrate too quickly because we have had young people in Nigeria lead. The guy that just left Kogi is very young and look at the way he left the state. This is what I have always said that my problem is not with old age, my problem is with old ideas of African leaders. They have no new ideas. We have had some young people with very difficult old ideas like the likes that we have had in Kogi, not just one, the senator from there, the governor there and several other persons so we have young people who are disgracing their youthfulness. Stressing the need for political participation, the activist said, Mr Faye and his colleagues set up a political party in 2014 and when he ran for election, they were thoroughly beaten, they only had one position in the local government or so in 2014 and they kept going and came back later, then came third and eventually now they have won power so political participation is necessary. Creating political parties that are not tainted by the old is also very important. But I must insist and agree with you here that just being young in numbers is not enough. You must be persons of character, you must have mission, you must have vision and you must have the will to work for the people of your country. The part about experience is also very important, you hear that from Nigerians. I know they do that for different purposes. This guy was a tax collector, that is the best thing he has ever done. He is not even known to have been an activist before now. It was him and his friends in the tax sector that came together and defeated the old guards but this is not the first time in Senegal that old guards have been defeated and that is why I said earlier that we should be careful. Even the guy whose candidate was defeated, Macky Sall, was also seen as a reformer when he came years ago. In fact, he was saying he didnt want to spend more than four years in power. Then he came to power, got used to it and became a terrible dictator himself so it is very important but the question is: What is our young people doing? That is the question. Our young people are doing what I call 'tag along,' they are more interested in becoming Special Assistants to governors or senators. I have not seen that clear aspiration on the part of our young people to go and become the leaders of their country and most of the time, it is these young people that are pulling down a few young people who are courageous enough to say it is time to turn the corner. I don't see myself as youth anymore but I look youthful. And I can always defend my youthfulness but that is not the reason why I want to become the president of Nigeria. It has never been the reason, it has always been that I have such a background in making sure that we fix our country and that is what drove me into running for office, first in 2019 and then in 2023. So this is a lesson because our young people also have the tendency to praise other young people who are making this kind of difference in other places but when it comes to their country, they kind of self-sabotage. You remember in 2018, there was this law Not Too Young To Run. And I challenged it at that time, why would you need a law for young people to run. You take power, nobody would give power to you via any constitutional amendments or laws and four years later, how many young people has that (law) produced in the most important sector of the country which is the presidency? He urged the youths to be driven to take over power from the old guards with old ideas, saying, You cannot be young, mission-driven, and a visionary and go and hide your bushel under some of these old people who have no idea of how to even operate a phone. Youthfulness is also important in the sense that you need leaders that are alert and capable and responsive and do not have to spend half of the time in the hospital, he added. Students bring cakes to celebrate as they return to classes at the American International School Vietnam in HCMC, April 3, 2024. Photo courtesy of parents The American International School Vietnam has resumed business as normal after foreign teachers were assigned slots in class, the HCMC education department said Wednesday. Nguyen Van Hieu, director of the HCMC Department of Education and Training, said it is now compiling the number of students who would return to school. The private school in HCMC's Nha Be District has been dealing with a teachers' strike over unpaid salaries and insurance for weeks now, disrupting classes for around 1,300 students. Previously on Tuesday, Hieu said the school is expected to have enough teachers to for classes in primary school and 11th and 12th grades. But within the night, the school's principal has called for all foreign teachers to go to work, and thus all classes in all grade levels have resumed on Wednesday. The education department said all foreign teachers have had their salaries paid for January and February, along with rent money for February. Vietnamese teachers and staff have been paid 50% of their salaries for February, and more money would be sent to them on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the education department said 82 out of 119 foreign teachers at AISVN have agreed to return to teaching, while all Vietnamese teachers and staff (over 100 people) have agreed to return to work. Phuong Thanh, the parent of a third grader, said the school bus came to pick up her kid at 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday as usual. She hopes the schools operation would return to normal so that her child can finish the school year properly. "When I heard that classes would start again, I was reassured somewhat. My child is also happy to meet their friends and teachers again," Thanh said. Bui Thongs 6th and 8th grader children feel the same way. Thong said some of his childrens friends even brought cakes to school to celebrate. AISVN, established in 2006, 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. But it has suffered difficult financial situation and encountered problems paying salaries to teachers from late last year. The school was able to return to operation thanks to parents having contributed around VND22 billion ($880,880) as of April 1 to pay their teachers and staff. On March 31, Nguyen Thi Ut Em, head of the school, said AISVN would need around VND125 billion to continue operating until the end of the school year in June. She hoped that parent could contribute between VND9.5-25.5 million per student per month, besides the tuition paid. Hieu said around 85% of parents want to let their children continue studying at the school. The education department, the school and the parents have opened a joint account to receive the contribution money. However, only 612 parents agreed to pay. Em has been forbidden from leaving the country over personal income tax issues. There is no denying the fact that African countries have for decades been led by gerontocrats, and which refer to members or leaders of a state, society, or group governed by old people. In other words, the political lexis, Gerontocrats, describes people who hold power or influence due to their advanced age. The lingo is often associated with a form of social organization in which a group of old men or a council of elders dominates or exercises control. For instance, a villages aged leaders might be portrayed as dictatorial gerontocrats. So, in essence, a gerontocracy is a system where the elderly play a significant role in decision-making and governance. Without any scintilla of hyperbole, the foregoing political features unarguably paints a graphic picture of the composition of governments that prevail across virtually all African countries; even though they always claim it is ademocracy where equal representation of the peopleought to be sacrosanct. To buttress the foregoing view, it is expedient to recall that African countries have indeed seen a trend of long-serving leaders, many of whom are or were elderly. In fact exploring this phenomenon shows that late President Robert Gabriel Mugabe of Zimbabwe, despite being very old, fragile and senile, held on to power as if other Zimbabwean leaders were not in existence, and he was unarguably autocratic. Ostensibly not minding the fact that an average life expectancy in Zimbabwe was 45 years in his days in Zimbabwe, Mugabe held power until his death in 2019 at the age of 95. Other African Leaders who held on to power despite their old age were former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted by the military in 2011, and passed away in Cairo at the age of 91. He spent three decades in office before a popular uprising swept across Egypt. Worst of all, Paul Biya, the second president of Cameroon,who was born on February 13, 1933, and as of now 91 years old has been long in office, thus making him the second-longest-ruling president in Africa and the oldest head of state in the world. Still in a similar vein, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, the former Tunisian president, was 83 years old when he passed away in Saudi Arabia on September 19, 2019. Ben Ali served as the second president of Tunisia from 1987 to 2011. His rule ended during the Tunisian revolution, which led to his overthrow and subsequent exile. Also, Muammar Gaddafi, the deposed leader of Libya, met his end on October 20, 2011 after the Battle of Sirte. At that time, he was 69 years old. Other gerontocrats that came out of Africa as leaders include Jose Eduardo dos Santos, the former president of Angola, who passed away on July 8, 2022. He was 79 years old at the time of his death. Also, Denis SassouNguesso, the Congolese politician and former military officer, who is still alive, as of now, is 80 years old. He has held the presidency of the Republic of the Congo since 1997, with a previous term from 1979 to 1992. During his first period as president, he led the Congolese Party of Labour (PCT) for 12 years. Despite facing opposition and challenges, he has maintained his position of power for several decades. To sadly recall again in this context is President YoweriKaguta Museveni of Uganda, who is 79 years old. He has been the ninth and current president of Uganda since 1986. His long tenure has been marked by various political and social developments, including constitutional amendments and controversies. Despite criticism, he was reelected to a sixth term in January 2021. Fortunately enough, there seems to be a beacon of hope for other African countries, particularly since the inauguration of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as Senegals new president, which has ignited a sense of hope and inspiration across the African continent. Without any iota of exaggeration, his emergence is unarguably a beacon of optimism. The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as it is obvious that his youthful leadership at just 44 years old represents a new generation of leaders. His ascent from relative obscurity to the highest office in Senegal demonstrates that young politicians can make a significant impact on governance and policy. The promise which his presidency holds cannot be dismissed with mere wave of the hands as his anti-corruption stance is crystal clear for his people to understand. It is expedient to note that Faye campaigned on promises to combat corruption within the government. Without a doubt, his commitment to transparency and accountability is already resonating with citizens who are tired of corrupt practices. Not only that, he promised to prudently manage the countrys natural resource. It is worthy to note at this juncture that Senegal is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas. Fayes pledge to better manage these resources for the benefit of the country is a hopeful sign for economic growth and development. Given the fact that Senegal faces high youth unemployment rates, like many African nations, Fayes victory reflects the will of young people who are frustratedwith the lack of opportunities, and his administrations policies may address this pressing issue. Most significant of his emergence as Senegalese president, and vicariously a sign of hope for other African countries is the uncommon temerity he has since his campaign and inauguration been exhibiting by consistently challenging colonial legacy. His stance, no doubt, has been earning him kudos as critics view Frances historical relationship with Senegal as exploitative. In fact, Fayes presidency symbolizes a break from the past, signaling that Senegal is asserting its independence and sovereignty. Again, the beauty of its all is the stability and democracywhich his administration signifies. It is germane to opine at this juncture that despite challenges that Senegal has maintained a reputation as a stable democracy, and that it is against this backdrop that Fayes election reaffirms the countrys commitment to democratic processes andpeaceful transitions of power. In summary, Fayes rise to the presidency represents hope for positive change, not only in Senegal but also as an example for other African nations striving for effective governance and progress At this juncture, it is expedient to concur with the statement made by the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election Omoyele Sowore. In his comment, Sowore has faulted the attitude of young Nigerians to politics As gathered by this writer on Channels Televisions Tuesdays edition of Politics Today, Sowore said, Our young people are concerned with doing what I call tag along. They are more interested in becoming special assistants to governors or senators. He added, I have not seen that clear aspiration on the part of our young people to become leaders. Sowore who spoke from New Jersey in the United States (USA), said Nigerian youths need to become more daring in politics to replicate what happened in Senegal. You cannot be young, mission-driven, and a visionary and go and hide your bushel under some of these old people who have no idea of how to even operate a phone, Sowore said. Youthfulness is also important in the sense that you need leaders that are alert and capable and responsive and do not have to spend half of the time in the hospital, the AAC flag bearer said. While making reference to former President Muhammadu Buharis signing of the Not Too Young Bill into law, thereby empowering the youths to vie for the presidency and other positions, Sowore said, You take power, Nobody should give power to you by any constitutional amendment or law. Abuja, Nigeria: Twenty winners emerged in the 4th National Spokespersons Awards (NSAwards) ceremony, which was organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and its partner, Image Merchants Promotions, at the iconic International Conference Center in Abuja on March 27, 2024. Speaking at the awards ceremony, the President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, said that The National Spokespersons Awards recognise accomplishments, motivate others to strive for excellence, enhance visibility, and add legitimacy to the reputation of recipients by demonstrating superiority, expertise, and uniqueness. The awards also provide avenues for networking opportunities and business relationships, improve employees performance, and boost their morale. The Awards ceremony is a part of the inaugural National Spokespersons Summit with the theme Change Narratives, Change Society, which was held from March 26 and 27, 2024, at the same venue. The winners of various categories of the awards included Hakama Sidi Ali (CBN), Distinguished Spokesperson in Financial Service Award; Olufemi Soyemi (NNPC PLC), Distinguished Spokesperson in the Oil and Gas Industry; Adewale Adebajo (British Council), Most Innovative Spokesperson in Diplomatic & Multinational Award; Jossy Nkwocha, Indorama Petrochemical), Distinguished Spokesperson in Environmental Sustainability; Charles Aniagwu (Delta State), Spokesperson in Public Sector Gold Award (State); Maryam Sanusi (FERMA), Spokesperson in Public Sector Gold Award (Federal); Festus Akande (Supreme Court), Outstanding Spokesperson Award in Judiciary; and Eseme Eyibo (Office of the Senate President) Outstanding Spokesperson Award in Legislature. Others included Sanusi Bature (Kano State) who won the Outstanding Spokesperson Award in the Executive Arm; Reuben Muoka (NCC) won the Distinguished Spokesperson in Technology; Jonas Agwu (FRSC) won the Award for the Outstanding Security Spokesperson; Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau (Defence Headquarters) won the Award for Outstanding Military Spokesperson; Peter Afunanya (DSS) won the Award for the Distinguished Spokesperson in Crisis Management; Michael Adande (Shell Company) won the Award for the Distinguished Spokesperson in Corporate Communication; while Rafiu Ajakaye (Kwara State) won the Award for the Distinguished Spokesperson in Political Communication. Furthermore, Stanley Olisa (Air Peace) won the Young Spokesperson of the Year Award; Abdullah Maiwada (Nigeria Customs Service) won the Best Spokesperson of the Year Award; and Abdulrahman Balogun (NIDCOM) won the Excellence in International Relations Award. The Nigeria Customs Service won the award for Excellence in Regulatory Compliance, while the Kwara State Governor smiled home with the Excellence in Corporate Governance Award in the corporate category. Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Chairperson of the Jury, Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma, said most of the campaigns were campaigns executed in the last year. She pointed out that the assessment criteria adopted in selecting winners were based on communication objectives, clarity of strategy, theme and relevance, channel selection, creativity and innovation, storytelling and framing, engagement with the audience, use of new technology, effectiveness of communication, and professionalism. The scholar said, The Jury received the entries from the 151-page document on March 5, 2024, out of which three candidates were shortlisted in each category out of 224 nominees. Those who received at least 50% of the vote were chosen as nominees. Some of the entries demonstrated originality and solutions to contemporary challenges, while others provided evidence of the professionalism and effectiveness of their campaigns. The three finalists were asked to submit a two-minute video of their campaigns for ultimate selection in the Spokesperson of the Year category, which is the flagship award. Only two responded: Reuben Muoka and Abdullahi Maiwada. After the first segment of the assessment, the Jury shortlisted the candidates according to the frequency of mentions in each category. The next step was electronic voting, which commenced on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. We congratulate the winners and affirm greater hope of future success for any candidacy that was not successful. There is always another chance for better results, she concluded. The Chairman of the Award Coordinating Committee, Segun Mcmedal, who is the immediate past Chairman of the Lagos NIPR, commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for partnering with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, and the Spokespersons Digest in hosting the 4th National Spokespersons Awards. He noted that the three previous editions were organised between 2021 and 2023 by Image Merchants Promotions. Temperatures reach 41 C in northern Vietnam as summer arrives a month early A street worker struggles in the heat in Hanoi, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh The summer heat has arrived in northern Vietnam a month earlier than usual, with temperatures soaring to 41 degrees Celsius in some places. For the past two days Son La and Hoa Binh Provinces have been recording 40-41 degrees, temperatures usually only reached by mid-May. Due to the impact of a low-pressure area in the west and Foehn winds, a type of dry, warm and downslope winds, several parts of the northwest became hot and sunny by March 31 with daytime temperatures reaching at least 35 degrees. Nguyen Van Huong, head of the weather forecast department at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said hot weather has come around 1.5 months early to the north and a month early elsewhere. Average temperatures across the country in March were 0.5-1.5 degrees higher than normal, he added. Sixteen temperature records were broken in March, including the oldest one -- which had stood for 38 years -- in Dinh Lap, Lang Son, when, on March 5, the district recorded 36 degrees. The center forecast April temperatures to be 1-2 degrees higher than normal. Through the summer the number of warm days and temperatures would be higher than normal, it said. More records are likely to be broken, it added. Pham Thi Thanh Nga, head of the Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology Science and Climate Change, said the early arrival of summer heat is due to global warming, climate change and the El Nino effect. Though El Nino will change to La Nina in the coming times, average temperatures in Vietnam would be higher than normal, she said. "Quickly rising temperatures in certain places, lack of rain and droughts lasting months will increase the risk of forest fires." The Hanoi police have arrested a woman for allegedly pretending to work for the Australian consulate and swindling a man out of nearly VND10 billion (US$398,000). In 2012 Le Thi Tuyet Mai, 38, of Ha Dong District had borrowed VND1.2 billion from an unidentified man, now 42, but was unable to repay it, police said Tuesday. When he demanded the money back she told him it had been used to send people to work in Australia. She lied to him that the Australian embassy owed him the money, and registered his name and information as the beneficiary of the amount. Le Thi Tuyet Mai when she was arrested in Hanoi, April 2024. Photo by police Ten years later, in May 2022, Mai called the man, changing her voice and claiming to be a consulate employee who would help him reclaim the money. But she said he had to pay a fee to get it back. To gain his trust, Mai added the man to what she purported to be an embassy employees chat group. She had created all the accounts, all fake, herself. It had messages back and forth about the money the man was owed. Falling prey to Mais trickery again, the man paid the requested fees but was always told about "complications," "late payments," and "incorrect codes," and the need for further payments, failing which he would be "legally responsible." Over a year between May 2022 and July 2023 he ended up transferring VND8.7 billion on 100 occasions. Mai used all the money for her personal expenses and repaying her other debts. During questioning by the police, Mai confessed her crime. Laurels for Babina | IMPHAL, Apr 3 : The nursing team at American Oncology Institute (AOI) Babina Specialty Hospital in Sajiwa Khabeisoi, Imphal East has been bestowed with the "Excellence in Nursing Practices" award for 2024 by the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). The award was conferred during a ceremony held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat where more than 400 hospitals from across the Nation participated, said a press release issued by AOI Babina Specialty Hospital. The award symbolizes the remarkable dedication and hard work demonstrated by the nursing staff at AOI Babina Specialty Hospital in delivering exceptional patient care and services. By surpassing competitors from various renowned medical institutions Nationwide, AOI Babina Specialty Hospital has emerged as the recipient of this coveted accolade, added the statement. Sort of a referendum on the Govt Opting for the NOTA button | Is Manipur placed to go to polls for the two phased Lok Sabha elections on April 19 and April 26 ? The answer would largely depend on the different interpretations given to the present reality, but the fact is even after more than 11 months of the clash there is no indication that Manipur has taken her first step towards normalcy. The guns have gone silent, at least for the time being, but to say that this is a reflection of normalcy returning would be missing the trees for the woods. The fact of the matter is, Manipur has been divided into two zones, marked by what the Assam Rifles or the Central armed forces have dubbed as Buffer Zones. No entry signs have come up to mark the zones and the Imphal-Dimapur stretch of the National Highway continues to be off limits for the Meiteis. Even after more than 11 months of the clash erupting in all its ugliness on May 3, 2023, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Moreh continue to be off limits for the Meitei civilians, while no Kuki-Zo folk would dare to venture into Imphal or Bishnupur, Thoubal or Kakching or any place where the Meiteis are the predominant community. Check the passenger list on any of the bus or taxi taking the Imphal to Dimapur route and the truth should be obvious to everyone. The silence of the gun should not and cannot be equated with normalcy and this is best exemplified by the fact that thousands continue to survive in relief centres set up across the length and breadth of the State. It is against this reality that a number of womenfolk coming under the banner of Meira Paibis have announced their decision to stay away from the coming Lok Sabha polls. The Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup has also gone ahead to announce that they would not take part in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Same is the case with a number of other womenfolks who have come out on the streets to announce that they would not vote for any candidate or political party but instead opt for the NOTA button. Strong stand this is, for the very decision to punch the NOTA button on the Electronic Voting Machine is a clear statement that they no longer trust the different political parties which have fielded their respective candidates. In asserting that they no longer trust the political parties, the womenfolk are also sending out the message that the Government of the day has failed Manipur and her people miserably. Just how many votes would NOTA poll is something that will be known only after the votes have been cast, but the point that has been delivered should not be missed. The decision to stay away from the polls as well as the stand to opt for the NOTA button can be better understood in the context of the deafening silence that the Prime Minister has been maintaining though Manipur has been on the boil for over 11 months now. The boycott call may or may not have much of an impact on the election, but the core meaning in the very decision to stay away from the election should not be missed. More interesting is the stand to go in for the NOTA choice. As stated, it may or may not have much of an impact on the coming polls but it should be clear that the disillusionment of the people with everything that the understanding of politics comes along with is high, very high. However this does not answer the question of whether this is the correct approach or not. Even if more than 60 percent of the voters push the NOTA button, the one who gets more vote out of the 40 percent who voted will be declared elected and he will represent the people in the highest decision making body of the country. Or even if a large number of people stay away from the polls, it would not have any impact on the outcome of the election for whoever gets more vote will be declared elected. Election is primarily the time for the voters to show which of the political parties or the candidates have earned their confidence and trust. Which candidate and party best understands the sentiments of the people and will speak the language of the people is the question that should drive the zeal of the peoples participation in the election process. The stand of the people will be reflected in the outcome of the polls and as stated in an earlier commentary here, the coming Lok Sabha elections can be and should be seen as some sort of a referendum on how the BJP led Government, both at Delhi and Imphal, has addressed the crisis besieging Manipur for over 11 months now. Link between forest and conflict in Manipur | Oinam Nabakishore Singh IAS (Retd) When a patient goes to a doctor for treatment, he is asked many questions on the history of his complaints, symptoms expe- rienced by him, environmental exposure, food ta- ken, etc. In order to appreciate the underlying causes of the illness of the patient, a doctor orders investigation by having several tests to be conducted on his patient before he prescribes any medicine. Similarly, in a complex situation like the ongoing conflict in Manipur, it is absolutely necessary to probe into the underlying causes of the same by employing relevant mechanisms so that those issues and difficulties are addressed well. One of the most important possible causes behind the conflict will be steps taken by Manipur Government to survey reserved and protected forest areas and subsequent eviction of villages and settlers with impunity from the forest. It will not be correct to say that the State Government selectively targeted areas including hills inhabited by Kukis alone. Hundreds of houses of encroachers in Waithou and Langol Reserved Forests, which have little forest cover, have been indiscriminately dismantled by the State authorities, rendering many homeless overnight. Being helpless and having no documents to support their claims, if any, the encroachers meekly collected whatever was left by the bulldozers and vacated the places. In pursuit of its ambitious programme of War on Drugs, the Government of Manipur destroyed large tracts of poppy cultivation especially in hill areas mostly inhabited by Kuki-Zo community. It was noticed that forests have been indiscriminately cleared to allow poppy plantation. Who are the beneficiaries of poppy plantation and why do people take to its plantation instead of other crops ? The report of the United Nations Drug and Crime, titled Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023: Cultivation, Production and Implications, analyses data collected in Myanmar during the second growing season since the military takeover, showing an 18% increase from 40,100 to 47,100 hectares. In Myanmar, the most significant increases were registered in Shan State, where cultivation increased by 20%, followed by Chin and Kachin, where it increased by 10% and 6% respectively. A targeted assessment also found indications of substantial opium cultivation in Sagaing, along Myanmars border with India (source: https://www.unodc.org/roseap/en/2023/12/southeast-asia-opium-survey-report-launch/story.html). Manipur has also seen huge increase in the area of poppy plantation as revealed by the data of Narcotic and Border Affairs, Manipur Government. Out of 4305 acres of destruction of poppy plants in 2022-23, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts account for 1250, 1108 and 566 acres respectively, i.e. 68% of the total area under poppy destroyed. This figure will be the tip of the ice-berg as several areas under poppy plantation are difficult to reach by the State authorities. It is obvious that large tracts of land has been brought under poppy plantation either by clearing forest or using the erstwhile area under shifting cultivation. Clearing of forest is also proved by the decline in forest cover in Manipur reported by Forest Survey of India, ie, 249 sq km between 2019 and 2021. The loss is attributed to shifting cultivation, which may include poppy plantation. Manipur Government is convinced of the link between poppy plantation and loss of forest cover, and it ordered extensive survey of both Reserved and Protected Forests in the hills. Such initiative of forest survey by the State Government was not seen kindly by the Kuki-Zo community in general and their chiefs in particular as there has never been a clear-cut demarcation between such forests and land owned by the Kuki-Zo Chiefs as per their tradition and customs. There was controversy surrounding the Khoupum- Churachandpur Protected forests as the procedure adopted in the declaration of the forest as protected. Such protests by the people were not heeded by the State. The State Government went ahead with the eviction of a new settlement of K Songjang village, inhabited by Kukis, in the Khoupum Churachandpur Protected Forest on the ground that it came into existence recently in the forest area. This action of the Government sparked widespread protests by the Kuki-Zo community. There was clash between the security forces and protesters in Kangpopki on the 10th March, 2023. It will not be hard to find a link between the discontent of the Kuki-Zo community and steps taken by the State Government to survey forest land in the hills, as the latter was seen as a direct threat to the customary rights over the land of the Chiefs of Kuki-Zo tribes. There is a complete discordance between the perceptions of rights over the land. In case it is conceded that the land comes under Reserved and Protected Forests, the Kuki-Zo community especially the chiefs stand to lose economically, socially and politically. Over the years, when land is acquired for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, railways, they have been recognized as owners and huge sums were paid as land compensation. Further, huge income as landlord or as planters of poppy will be lost due to the identification of hills and forests as reserved and protected forests. It is, therefore, natural that forest offices were the targets of the protests by the Kuki-Zo community whenever there was protests. As many as 16 forest offices located in Kuki inhabited areas were targeted and burnt on a single day on May 3, the day on which ATSUM organised tribal solidarity march. (source: https://e-pao.net/GP.aspsrc=15..170523.may23). Of all the factors behind the present conflict in Manipur, the act of forest survey and eviction of Kuki habitations from the forest by the State Government is the most critical. It is a question of existence for the Kuki-Zo community. They have been living inextricably with forests for years together, and their identity and life are linked to forests. Manipur Government may not be legally wrong to initiate action for preservation of forest for the sake of environment and sustainable lives of the people, and to stop illegal poppy plantation. However, stirring up hornets nest without second thought will attract deadly sting. That is what we see today. If the State Government is sincere to resolve the conflict, it should take the horn by its bull-talk about rights of Kuki-Zo people over forest land. Talking about illegal immigrants, border fencing and Free Movement Regime and narco-terrorism will not bring anybody close to the solution as they are far from the present reality. The Sound's Hall of Fame returns! Cast your vote now and be in to win, with thanks to NOVUS Glass The Communist Party's Central Inspection Committee has recommended that the Party's Politburo punish labor minister Dao Ngoc Dung and his predecessor Pham Thi Hai Chuyen for violations regarding a notorious business. The committee said in a statement issued Wednesday that it has recommended punishments for the Party Committee of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of the terms 2011-2016 and 2016-2021. The Party Committee of both terms were found to have violated principles of democratic centralism and negligent in management, allowing certain organizations and individuals to violate the law and Party regulations. The violations were committed in the conduct of mechanisms and policies regarding vocational training, and the conduct of bidding packages by the Advanced International Joint Stock Company (AIC) and businesses under its ecosystem. Such violations have severely affected the results of the vocal training development strategy, leading to severe consequences and risking losses to the states money and properties. Dung, 62, became the labor minister in April 2016. Over the last two years, AIC has been investigated for bidding violations at several units and localities. AIC Group was among Vietnam's 500 largest enterprises in 2012, with annual revenues of around VND10 trillion (US$406.75 million). The company operates in various fields including healthcare, education and real estate. AICs chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhan was accused of several crimes, including bribery and bidding violations, but has been evading authorities and is internationally wanted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Tornado-hit Jalpaiguri next week. Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally in Balurghat has been cancelled on Sunday. Instead, he may arrive in Jalpaiguri a little earlier to take stock of the Tornado situation. He could speak with BJP leaders about the situation in the storm-ravaged district. After the storm, he expressed concern on his X (former Twitter) handle, urging local BJP leaders and workers to prioritize service over politics. However, so far, there has been no indication from the Prime Ministers Office about his visit to the state. Party sources however confirmed it. Regarding the aftermath of the storm, many areas, including Jalpaiguri and Maynaguri have been severely affected. Earlier, chief minister Mamata Banerjee held a rally in Krishnanagar. From there, she took a special flight to Jalpaiguri with minister Aroop Biswas at night. Yesterday morning, Governor C V Anand also arrived. Shortly after, Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari too arrived there. However, Sukanta Majumdar was in Balurghat, did not go to Jalpaiguri. This has already raised questions from Trinamuls leader and MP Abhishek Banerjee. Advertisement The BJP, however, claimed that there was no need for the state president to go everywhere. The partys organization in Jalpaiguri is very strong. Departing MP and this times candidate, Jayanta Roy, actively participated in relief and service work after the storm. In addition, Sukanta kept an eye on the whole situation from Balurghat. At Jalpaiguri, the tornado forced postponement of the campaign there. The normal life of the vast area of Jalpaiguri district has also been disrupted. However, election campaigning cannot be stopped. On 19 April, the state will vote in three seats Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Cooch Behar on Thursday. Following that rally, he will hold a gathering in Jalpaiguri on Sunday. According to BJP sources, Modi will campaign for both Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar from the same stage. Authorities discuss solutions to rescue miners from a coal shaft in Quang Ninh Province, April 3, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Yen Four miners died Wednesday after inhaling toxic fumes from a fire in a coal shaft in the northern Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam's coal kingdom. The accident took place 20 minutes past Tuesday midnight at a mine shaft operated by Thong Nhat Coal under the Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Co. Ltd (Vinacomin). According to the provincial authorities, there was a blast that was initially caused by a methanol fire. Four workers suffocated due to the deadly gas released after the incident early Wednesday, with seven others also injured. The four victims are all male, Tran Van Bao, 35, Nguyen Thanh Luan, 37, Ta Van Nham, 34, and Le Van Huyen, 33. The bodies have been recovered, with local authorities and Vinacomin pledging financial support of VND60 million (US$2,400) to each of the victims' families. The injured are being treated at a nearby hospital. Deadly mining accidents are not infrequent in Vietnam, which despite ramping up its green credentials still relies heavily on coal-fired power plants. Accidents claimed at least 10 workers' lives at Vietnam's state-run coal and mining group last year, local reports said. Coming as a sigh of relief, Vodafone Idea shareholders have approved a fund raise of Rs 20,000 crore. This development could potentially unlock revenue opportunities for multinational telecom gear vendors such as Nokia and Ericsson. As the news of the fund raise came out, the shares of Vodafone surged over 2% to Rs 13.7 per share. Notably, so far this year, the stock of Vodafone Idea has declined more than 13%. Advertisement An Extraordinary General Meeting of Vodafone Idea Limited was held today, that is, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 3.00 p.m. through Video Conferencing (VC) / Other Audio Visual Means (OAVM) in accordance with the relevant circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Securities and Exchange Board of India, said the filing on Wednesday. The funds will allow the telecom major to expand its 4G network and rollout 5G services. Analysts suggest that these moves could help the company regain some of its competitive edge by offering a better experience to its users. Vodafone Idea, the firm in which the Indian government holds just over 33% equity stake, intends to secure Rs 45,000 crore via a blend of equity and debt to match the offerings of competitors Jio and Bharti Airtel and potentially curb subscriber attrition. The capital infusion will equip Vodafone Idea with resources to enhance its competitive stance in the telecom sector, where it trails significantly behind larger rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Nuvama Institutional Equities said, Both Bharti and Jio have already rolled out 5G in 5,000-plus cities and towns, and there is an urgent need for VIL to incur capex for 5G rollout and to upgrade the 4G network. The company needs to improve both its operational and financial metrics, to withstand competition. In February, Vodafone Idea said its board had approved raising up to Rs 20,000 crore in equity from promoters and other investors by June, with the aim of bolstering finances for the long-awaited 5G rollout and fortifying its 4G services. Vodafone Idea is grappling with financial challenges, burdened by a debt of Rs 2.1 trillion, quarterly losses, and ongoing subscriber loss. Much to the delight of conservationists, Olive Ridley turtles have turned at Gahirmatha beach, the worlds largest known rookery of these species, for mass nesting, a phenomenon otherwise described as arribada (a Spanish term) for the past 24 hours. Last year, 5.12 lakh turtles had arrived en-masse for mass nesting from 8 March to 13 March. This time it was delayed by a month, probably due to unsteady sea and spell of unseasonal rain. It is heartening to note that turtles have finally emerged at the nesting beach to lay eggs at the tranquil Nasi-2 islands beach of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, said Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav, Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Forest (Mangrove) Division. Advertisement The natural phenomenon is expected to last for at least one week. Thus, the mass nesting figure will shoot up substantially in the coming days, said Yadav. The perfect topography and profile of the beach, free from sea erosion, proved to be conducive for turtles to virtually invade the beach, he said. Nasi-II beach comes under the jurisdiction of Defence research and Development Organisation which conducts missile tests from neighbouring Wheeler Island. Thats why, it is a prohibited territory and outsiders are disallowed entry into the unmanned Island. Only forest personnel are deployed there for patrolling. The forest personnel were the lone witness to the rare visual treat with turtles crawling on the beach and triggering hissing noise and soothing cacophony. No wildlife researcher made it to the place this time to witness the rare natural phenomenon because of prohibition on their visit to the place The presence of forest personnel on the nesting ground did not bother the turtles as they maintained distance from the animals. Emphasis is on to provide privacy to the marine animals during the egg-laying process. On their seaward journey, they moved past the forest guards at hand-shaking distance, said the officials. Its only the female turtles that invade the nesting beaches usually at the dead of the night for laying eggs, the phenomenon otherwise described as arribada. After indulgence in instinctive egg-laying, the turtles leave the nesting ground to stride into the deep sea water, they said. An Olive Ridley usually lays about 120 to 150 eggs from which hatchlings emerge after about 45 to 60 days. But not all eggs remain intact as predators devour it. Besides, eggs are also washed away by sea waves during high tide. The eggs are incubated in the nest and grow, sans mother to emerge as hatchlings. Yesterday marked the birthday of the comedy maestro, Kapil Sharma, and the occasion has been greeted with heartfelt wishes from none other than his longtime friend and collaborator, Sunil Grover. The two comedians, who recently joined forces again for The Great Indian Kapil Show, have been making waves on social media with their camaraderie. Sunil Grover wasted no time in extending his warm regards to Kapil Sharma, being one of the first to send him birthday wishes. In a tweet, he expressed, Happy Birthday @KapilSharmaK9 pah ji. Wish you health, happiness and joy, keep entertaining, ab toh export quality hai Lots of love. Alongside the message, Grover shared an animated picture featuring the duo, adding a touch of nostalgia to their renewed bond. Happy Birthday @KapilSharmaK9 pah ji. Wish you health, happiness and joy, keep entertaining, ab toh export quality hai Lots of love. pic.twitter.com/ddPLgIvTv3 Advertisement Sunil Grover (@WhoSunilGrover) April 2, 2024 This gesture from Sunil Grover has not only delighted fans but also hinted at a reconciliation between the two comedians, putting to rest any past differences. There was a time when Grover had parted ways with The Kapil Sharma Show due to various reasons including alleged unprofessionalism and disagreements over compensation. However, their recent collaboration and Grovers birthday wishes signal a newfound harmony between them. Kapil Sharma, who recently returned to the spotlight with The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, has been enjoying the company of his old friends and colleagues. Joined by Sunil Grover, Krushna Abhishek, Archana Puran Singh, Kiku Sharda, and Rajiv Thakur, the show premiered on March 30, 2024, sparking excitement among fans eager to witness the magic of their reunion. As the birthday celebrations continue, the heartfelt message from Sunil Grover to Kapil Sharma serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds forged through laughter and camaraderie. Fans can only hope that this reunion marks the beginning of many more joyful collaborations between the two comedy icons. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reached Prime Minister Narendra Modis parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Wednesday to chalk out the election strategy. Varanasi will go to polls in the last phase on June 1 where nomination process will commence from May 7. CM Yogi held a meeting with the Lok Sabha Election Management Steering Committee at the BJP office in Rohania here. The Chief Ministers entire emphasis was on strengthening the booth. Advertisement Chief Minister Yogi said that apart from winning the Lok Sabha elections by a record number of votes, a record has to be made in the difference of votes as well. He said PM Modi should get Vijayashree with so many votes that the entire country becomes proud of the people of Kashi. The CM said that the last phase of voting will be held in Varanasi on June 1 and there will be extreme heat during this period. Booth management and public relations will be challenging in summer. Keeping all these things in mind, powerful booth management will be required along with good public relations, he said. The CM said that the Prime Minister will win the elections, no one has any doubt about it. There is no doubt that the vote percentage will increase, but the overconfidence is always fatal, he said. While giving a mantra to the workers, the Chief Minister said that there are 800 to 1000 voters at every booth. On this basis, 200 to 250 families would reside there. If we pay a little attention to these families, our work will become easier. When it comes to public relations, the booth team can contact every family in three to four days. This strategy can make your work easier, he added. One Panna Pramukh would hardly have five to six families only. So many families will have to be contacted. Go to their homes and talk to everyone, he instructed. Bhupen Borah, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), has publicly appealed for donations from the general populace to support the partys election campaign in the state. Addressing media personnel following a public rally in Lower Assam, Borah highlighted the financial constraints the party is facing and the urgent need for financial assistance. He expressed his willingness to accept any contributions to the partys funds. Borah underscored the severity of the financial crisis by disclosing that 11 bank accounts belonging to the party had been frozen, leaving approximately Rs 1100 crore inaccessible. Advertisement He further lamented that the party candidates contesting the elections lack the necessary funds to conduct comprehensive campaign activities. In an earlier video message, Borah hinted that the situation could deteriorate if legal measures werent taken to unfreeze the partys accounts. Meanwhile, the Income Tax Department has informed the Supreme Court that it would refrain from taking any coercive action against the Congress party concerning tax demand notices exceeding Rs 3,500 crore, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In response, the Congress accused the BJP of engaging in tax terrorism as a tactic to disrupt the opposition partys campaign leading up to the parliamentary elections. In a defiant note, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday announced that her party will contest all the three Lok Sabha seats of the Kashmir Valley. In a hurriedly convened press conference in Srinagar, she said the INDIA bloc partner National Conference (NC) has left her party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with no other option. The NC had unilaterally announced that it would field its candidates on all the three seats and fielded Mian Altaf from Anantnag. The NC had left two seats in Jammu for the Congress as part of the INDIA blocs seat-sharing agreement. Advertisement They (NC) have left no option for us other than to field candidates and contest the election, Mehbooba said, adding that the partys parliamentary board would take a final call on the candidates. Mehbooba added that the decision on contesting the two Lok Sabha seats of Jammu will be taken in consultation with the Congress as the INDIA bloc still exists although the PAGD that was the last hope of the people of J&K has been broken by the NC. What harm the BJP could not do to the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), our own member (NC) has done it, she said. The former chief minister said although she had authorized NC chief Farooq Abdullah to decide the issue of seat sharing, he unilaterally announced the NCs decision to contest all three seats of Kashmir without taking her into confidence. Countering Omar Abdullahs claim that the PDP has no right to contest the election as the party lost all the three seats in the 2019 polls, Mehbooba said such a criteria was unjustified as the National Conference leaders had lost all the three seats in 2014. Moreover, Farooq lost the election, while Omar lost the assembly election from Ganderbal, she added. Mehboobas announcement came hours after Omar slammed media for attempting to create a wedge between the INDIA bloc parties- NC and PDP- on his aprtys announcement of Mian Altafs candidature from Anantnag. Asked if the NC was contesting all the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir under the pressure of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Omar clarified that the decision is solely on the basis of having won the previous election. An agitated Farooq also hit back at media on the matter and said, Who has told you that they (PDP) are disappointed? We are standing united and nobody can break the INDIA alliance. Calling upon the Uttar Pradesh BJP booth workers to focus on young voters and women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday exhorted them to work with the aim of surpassing all the previous records of their booth in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. While interacting with the booth workers from 22,648 booths across 10 Lok Sabha seats going to polls in the third phase in UP through the NaMo app, the PM said, No matter how much we wish to achieve victory in the elections, we cannot win the elections unless we win the polling booth. Therefore, the soul of victory in elections lies in triumph at the booth level. He said, Our primary goal should be winning all polling booths and breaking all old records. Advertisement The PM asked the workers to inform farmers that the Modi government had sent enough money in their bank accounts which earlier used to be siphoned off by middlemen. In his 44-minute interaction with booth in-charges, panna pramukhs and workers, the PM instructed booth in-charges and workers to visit villages and interact with voters. Just distributing pamphlets will be of no use, he cautioned. The PM directed them to inform voters while visiting their homes about the government schemes and their benefits. If they are not getting the benefits, tell them about Modis guarantee of ensuring benefits to them. Our target is to add 370 votes per booth compared to previous elections, with focus on women and first-time voters, he said. Modi asked the BJP workers to focus on youth voters, particularly first-time voters, and make them aware of the corruption and other misdeeds of the previous governments. During the programme, the PM spoke to booth heads of Etah, Agra, Hathras and Bareilly and directed them to involve party supporters as campaigners to achieve the target. The BJP workers from Sambhal, Badaun, Bareilly, Aonla, Etah, Hathras, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, and Mainpuri Lok Sabha seats were involved in the interaction. While appreciating the workers, the PM said, I am happy to see your enthusiasm in this meeting. I am sure that the leaders of other parties would develop cold feet after seeing the level of your dedication. Lastly, he said, I am confident that all the BJP workers of UP have worked hard to ensure victory on every seat and each polling booth. A police sub-inspector and a most wanted gangster were killed in a shootout near the government medical college (GMC) hospital at Kathua in the Jammu division, police said on Wednesday. Special police officer Anil Kumar and an associate of the killed gangster were injured during exchange of fire. The probationary sub-inspector, Deepak Sharma, suffered head injuries during the encounter and succumbed this morning at a hospital in Pathankot. Advertisement This was perhaps one such shootout between the police and gangsters for the first time in the past several years in Jammu and Kashmir. Police said that acting on a tip-off, a team of police chased the gangsters, including Vasudev, a key accused in a murder case registered at Ramgarh police station, which led to an encounter near the GMC on the Jammu-Pathankot highway at about 10.35 pm on Tuesday. Vasudev was killed on the spot, while his associate was injured. The 32-year old sub-inspector Deepak Sharma was injured on the head. The injured cops were first treated in the GMC Kathua and then shifted to the Amandeep Hospital at Pathankot (Punjab) where Deepak Sharma succumbed during treatment this morning. Martyr Deepak Sharma was a resident of Sangoor, near the Udhampur railway station. Wreath laying ceremony of the martyred official was held at the Samba district police lines where top police officers paid tributes. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said Sharma made a supreme sacrifice while valiantly fighting & neutralising a most wanted gangster in Kathua. His supreme sacrifice will remain etched in our hearts. Every drop of blood of our martyr will be avenged and we are committed to creating a fear-free J&K, he said. Targeting Congress for its foreign policies, External Affairs Minister (MEA) S Jaishankar claimed that countrys first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to make sure China got a place in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ahead of India. When it was offered to us, Nehrus position was we deserve the seat but first China should get it, the MEA said in his address at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. He said during his discussion with Indias first deputy prime minister and home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel over a permanent seat at the UNSC in 1950, Nehru wanted to make sure China got a place in the forum ahead of India. Advertisement The EAM said Sardar Patel cautioned Jawaharlal Nehru against China. Sardar Patel said that today, we are facing a situation on two fronts Pakistan and China which for India has never happened in our history before. He also said that whatever the Chinese are saying, he feels that their intent is not good and therefore let us take precautions, let us build a policy around this. Nehrus position washe was completely dissenting, Dr Jaishankar said. Nehru told Patel that he was unduly skeptical about the Chinese, Dr Jaishankar said, adding that the first prime minister of India thought it was impossible for anybody to attack India across the Himalayas. A few years later, there was a debate about the UN, should India be given a UN seat at that time? So, Nehrus position at that time was he said, we deserve a seat, but first we must ensure China gets a seat. The minister pointed out that today we are talking of India first. There was a time when the PM of India talked about China first. He reiterated the position of Sardar Patel of not taking the Kashmir issue to the United Nations. The Centre, over the last decade, has been dealing with many issues inherited from the past, the minister added. On Monday, Dr Jaishankar claimed that the Congress government led by Indira Gandhi gave away the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974 and kept this hidden. In the heart of Shillong, unidentified individuals hurled a petrol bomb at the Mawlai police station igniting a police vehicle in flames. Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills Rituraj Ravi said the assailants entered the premises of the Mawlai police station and targeted a police gypsy vehicle with a petrol bomb, resulting in its destruction. Authorities have registered a case started the investigation into the incident is currently underway while the hunt is on for those responsible for the act. Advertisement The incident came close on the heels of the killing of two non-tribals during an anti-CAA protest in Ichamati, leading to the detention of two activists from the influential Khasi Students Union (KSU) on allegations of murder. Amid these developments, at the Sohra police station, KSU members, along with relatives and supporters, demanded clarification regarding the arrest of the two KSU activists on the night of April 1. The KSU urged the police to refrain from conducting arrests during nighttime and offered their cooperation in the investigation. According to KSU leaders, the police justified the arrests as a means to gather further information regarding the Ichamati incident. How three generations prioritize differently when booking hotels Gen Z prioritizes safety and security, Gen M seeks cleanliness while Gen X wants affordable rooms, according to the hotel room reservation application Booking. In its 2024 Vacation Home Potential Report (motels, hotels, resorts) for the Asia Pacific it published on April 1, the Dutch app said that in Vietnam tourists have different requirements depending on their age. A resport that stands isolated in a mountain in the northern province of Ha Giang. Photo by Papiu Of the survey participants 47% belonging to Gen Z (1997-2012) wanted safe and secure resorts, 46% sought transparency in prices and complementary services. More than 20% group were interested in unique forms of vacation and the opportunities to experience discoveries such as glamping (a kind of lavish camping), and 18% looked for pet-friendly destinations. For the Millennial generation (1981-1996), clean and tidy accommodation was the top priority (58%) followed by affordable prices (57%) and security (54%). Hotels with convenient locations such as close to beaches, tourist attractions, public transportation, and stunning landscapes were also high on their list (53%). A beachfront homestay, having a way leading to the beach (25% voters), pool and BBQ space (24%) or location on hills and mountains, and in secluded places (23%) were all attractive aspects for them. For Gen X (1965-1980), affordable prices were a vital element (53%) in decision making and so they preferred homestays rather than other accommodation. It was followed by cleanliness (48%). Gen X also considered other aspects such as security, transparent pricing and simple and swift room reservation process. Some 29% also liked staying near beaches. Despite having different top priorities, all three generations want safe, clean, transparently priced, and reliable places. The survey was done in seven countries, Vietnam, India, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, and China with 11,000 participants who are owners and hotel room renters. Varun Grover, country head of Booking in Vietnam, said travelers nowadays not only look for a place to stay only, but also other aspects. Vietnamese travelers desire individual experiences appropriate to personal hobbies, he added. Grover hopes that the report on resorts will help hotel owners and tourists better understand the preferences of every generation, thereby adjusting services and requirements to suit each individual. The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar led-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to show how many advertisements were published by it after its (top court) March 19, 2024 order, which had directed it to carry a disclaimer in its all advertisements and campaign material stating that the allotment of the clock symbol to it is sub-judice before the top court and they have been permitted to use it (clock symbol) subject to the final outcome of court proceedings. The top court by its March 19, 2024 had directed Ajit Pawar faction of NCP to issue a public notice in the newspapers with Marathi, Hindi and English editions, notifying that the allocation of the clock symbol is sub-judice before the top court and they have been permitted to use the same subject to the final outcome of these case. The top court by its March 19 order had also directed the Ajit Pawar faction to incorporate in its every election campaign material pamphlet, advertisement, audio, or video clips that the allotment of clock election symbol is under challenge before the Supreme Court and its fate is subject to the final outcome of the adjudication of the matter. Advertisement Seeking the details of the advertisements issued since its March 19 order, a bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice KV Viswanathan cautioned Ajit Pawar group that a serious view will be taken if the courts order was defied. Taking a stern view, the bench said that nobody has a right to deliberately misconstrue the Courts order and said it would list the application by the veteran leader Sharad Pawar. Mr. Rohatgi, meanwhile you have your instructions on how many advertisements were issued after this order. We might be required to take a view if he is behaving like this nobody has a right to deliberately misconstrue our order. The order is not very complicated, it is in simple language. There is only one meaning and no question of double interpretation, the bench said. Senior advocate Mukul Rohati appeared for Ajit Pawar faction. The strong observations from the bench came in the course of a mentioning by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi seeking an early hearing of an application by Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP telling the court that the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP has not complied with the courts direction to publish disclaimers in all their advertisements that the use of clock symbol by them is a sub-judice matter. Singhvi expressed concern over the non-compliance of the top courts order. Singhvi told the bench that instead of adhering to the courts order, Ajit Pawars faction has filed an application seeking relaxation of the March 19, order. hile directed Ajit Pawar faction of NCP to carry a disclaimer in its every advertisement that the use of clock symbol by them is sub-judice before the top court and is subject to the outcome of the case, the bench by its March 19 order had also directed that the undertaking given by Ajit Pawar faction to not to use the name and pictures of Sharad Pawar in election posters will apply not just to Maharashtra but also to other States. Earlier on March 14, the Supreme Court had asked the Ajit Pawar faction to stick to its identity and questioned it as to why it was using veteran leader Sharad Pawars name and photo during its political campaigns. The court had asked the Ajit Pawar group to give an undertaking that they will not directly or indirectly use the name of Sharad Pawar. You are a different political party now. You have chosen not to be with him. Now stick to this. Why use his (Sharad Pawar) picture Go with your own identity now, the bench had told the Ajit Pawar faction. The entire NCP feud is rooted in the Election Commission of India recognising Ajit Pawar faction representing the real Nationalist Congress Party and allotting it the NCPs reserve symbol clock. Earlier on February 19, 2024, the Supreme Court by an interim order said that the veteran leader Sharad Pawar will continue using the name of his party Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) beyond February 27 Rajya Sabha biennial election and will approach the Election Commission of India for the allotment of an election symbol that the poll panel will give him within a week of the veteran leader making such an application. The top court allowed the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party to continue using the name of his party Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) that was given to him by the Election Commission limited to the then ongoing biennial election to Rajya Sanha that concluded on February 27, 2024. However, on March 19, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission of India to recognise the Sharad Pawar faction of NCP as Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) and man blowing turha as its symbol for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across the country. Pawar has approached the Supreme Court challenging the ECIs February 6, 2024, decision recognising Ajit Pawar fiction as a real NCP and allotting it partys election symbol alarm Clock. By February 1948, Ittehad leader Qasim Razvi made no bones about his strong affiliation with Pakistan through his inflammatory speeches:- I urge that negotiations should immediately start for an agreement with Pakistanany Standstill Agreement with India be torn into pieces and thrown into the waste-paper basket. I cannot give more than one months time to the Indian Union and my declaration may be treated as declaration of war. On 31 March, in the concluding ceremony of the Weapons Week, as he was honoured with a march past salute, Qasim Razvi delivered an incendiary speech to an equally charged audience, When the Indian Union makes any aggression on us, remember the 4-1/2 crores of [Indian] Muslims will raise the banner of revolt. We will give back in the same coin and speak to them in the same language that they will understandI know every one of you is imbued with the spirit of jehad. Remember Karbala. A Muslim is a warrior A Hindu who is a kafir, a worshipper of stone and monkeyThe Indian Muslims will be our Fifth Columnists in the Union . My heart is bleeding. The Hindus want to repeat the same holocaust that they had staged at Delhi. Their methods of coercing Hyderabad to be a mere vassal is the typical example of the Bania rule. The only answer to them is the naked sword . You will see me slaying or being slain with sword in my hand and the Quran in my body. . It was the proverbial last straw for the Union. If Hyderabad continued to remain independent, it would be another Pakistan to India. [It is ironic that the founder of the Razakar militia agreed to the conditions imposed by the Government of India to the extent that after being released from a long house-arrest in 1957, he left India within 48 hours. And in Karachi, where he went, he lived in obscurity till his death in 1970]. Advertisement Mountbatten permanently left India as the Governor General on 21 June 1948. His handling of Kashmir achieved half success at a huge cost, and of Hyderabad came with a big zero. Negotiations remained fragile and there was no point of concurrence. However, by 15 June [1948], the visiting representatives of Hyderabad could chalk out a draft Heads of Agreement which presented much more favourable terms to the state than one could ever imagine. One such important clause ~ that the Hyderabad Prime Minister could extract ~ was that India would not station her army in the cantonment of Secunderabad and was perceived as a weak point on the part of India. However, on the other side, the Nizam was obliged to disband the Razakars. Besides, the Nizam would also declare a firman that inter alia asserted that he would immediately install a responsible government in Hyderabad and then take a plebiscite of the people of his state on the question of annexation with India. The Indian side, though unwilling to yield most ground to the Nizam, at least hoped that Hyderabad would ultimately merge with India, when a responsible democratic government would be installed. On 16 June 1948, the Nizam sent a telegram asking for further amendments much to the embarrassment of the negotiation team including his constitutional adviser Sir Walter Monckton [he was a practising lawyer in London and had had to join this non-remunerative exercise time and again]. The team lacked plenipotentiary powers. In retrospect, the refusal on the part of the Nizam was a blessing in disguise for India. Already other heads of princely states were aggrieved at how India bowed to the whims of the Nizam. The bitterness emanating from the frustrating rounds of negotiations led the Standstill Agreement to nowhere. While the Ittehad leader Qasim Razvi was calling the shots, the Congress leader of the state, Swami Ramanand Tirtha, was under detention. Meanwhile, reports were pouring in of how the Razakars were indulging in large-scale looting, murder, and rape of the majority community. Muslims in adjoining parts of India were induced to join their all-out war against India. Large finances were placed at the disposal of the Razakar agents travelling throughout India. The fear of Muslim uprising in the Deccan was no more a mere speculation. Razakars were seen daily leaving Hyderabad in trucks and returning with loads of loot, says the White Paper on Hyderabad published by the Government of India. On 22 May, Hindus travelling from Chennai to Mumbai via Hyderabad by train were attacked at Gangapur Station by armed Razakars and a few were killed. Thus. Hyderabad breached the Standstill Agreement on another key issue of communication too. Shoebullah Khan was a fearless editor of Imroze who favoured merger with the Indian Union. On 22 August 1948 he was shot dead, and his hands chopped off by the Razakars. The situation came to such a pass that if India failed to contain this state of affairs by invasion at this stage, no amount of future army intervention would restore her prestige afterwards. On 7 September 1948, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru told the Indian Parliament that the Government of India had asked the Nizam for the last time to disband Razakars immediately and facilitate the return of the Indian troops to Secunderabad, who were withdrawn early that year under the Standstill Agreement, in such strength as we want to restore law and order in Hyderabad State. And so, Operation Polo ~ code name for Indias action ~ led by Maj-General J.N. Chaudhury was a fait accompli. Sensing possible stern action leading to a war, on September 9, a plane chartered by the United States Embassy in New Delhi evacuated her citizens from Hyderabad State. As India started her action against the Nizam on 13 September 1948, it was only a matter of days before the Razakars would be crushed. Pakistans Governor General M.A. Jinnah had passed away the previous day. Pakistans leading newspaper, Dawn, reported on 17 September 1948 that all Pathans in the adjoining Mysore State who were suspected to be in communication with the Hyderabad Government were being taken into custody. The Nizams PRO in Pakistan had issued the following broadcast appeal of the Prime Minister of Hyderabad to Pt. Nehru, Impressed by your speechin which you emphasised the peaceful tradition of India, I appeal to you at this grim hour The strike was irreversible, and the Nizam surrendered to the Indian force on that day, 17 September 1948, at 4 pm with a declaration, long overdue, that he had passed orders for the disbandment of the Razakars and allowed Indian troops to be stationed in Secunderabad and Bolarum. With this surrender and subsequent merger, India got rid of a potential source of danger whose dimension cannot be gauged even today if Hyderabad were allowed to remain a hostile state lying squarely in the midst of the Deccan. And in the trying period of about one year and one month since Indias Independence, two persons showed extraordinary stewardship at a time when the negotiations had occasionally run into rough weather, got unreasonably protracted and frustrating and sometimes had been derailed too. They were Sardar Patel, then Home and State Minister and his secretary, the indefatigable Mr V.P. Menon. A false notion that the Iron Man was inflexible in negotiation and biased against the Muslims has somehow gained currency over the years. Governor General Mountbatten, on the eve of his final departure from India, visited the ailing Sardar at Mussoorie and at the parting moments made a personal request to yield some ground to uphold Indias good name. The Home and State Minister broke down and concurred as a gesture of thanks to the Governor General for his duties to the country. On hearing the news that Mir Laik Ali, the erstwhile PM of the Nizam, fled to Pakistan, there was rejoicing among some Hyderabadis. Sardar Patel in his historic speech on 7 October 1950 at Fateh Maidan, Hyderabad, referred to this incident and observed, Therefore, when I hear that some Muslims celebrated the occasion, danced with joy and feasted, I naturally began to entertain doubts whether Muslims here feel that their future lies in India, but in the same breath added, I know that when Gandhiji was assassinated, some Hindus celebrated the occasion in a similar way. I only wish to emphasize that until this devilry goes out of the two communities, there would not be real peace. [pg-4, Thematic Volumes on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, by P.N. Chopra, Konark Publishers P Ltd]. This statement itself invalidates any false notion about the man instrumental for the successful integration of the largest state of the Deccan. (The writer is deputy commissioner of income tax the comments and views are personal) Three persons belonging to Kerala were found dead inside a hotel room at Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh. The incident unfolded in Arunachal Pradesh on April 2nd, where a couple from Kerala along with their friend were found dead inside a hotel room, sparking inquiries into the circumstances surrounding their demise. The deceased, identified as Arya B Nair from Thiruvananthapuram, and Naveen Thomas and his wife Devi Thomas, residents of Kottayam, were found in a room at Hotel Blue Pine in Hapoli, Lower Subansiri district. Advertisement According to police, Naveen was engaged in online trading, while Devi taught German and Arya taught French at a private school. The Kerala police have dispatched a team to Arunachal Pradesh to investigate the matter leading to the death of three persons from the state. According to initial reports, the trio embarked on their journey from Kottayam on March 17, eventually arriving in Arunachal Pradesh on March 27 after boarding a flight to Guwahati together. A missing person report had been filed for Arya on March 27. Authorities were informed by relatives that the couple was on a trip. While Arunachal Pradesh police indicated initial signs pointing towards suicide, they await the autopsy report for a definitive conclusion. Additionally, the discovery of two blades in the hotel room has raised further questions. Hammers on an under-construction building brought the residents of the adjacent building under the open sky in scorching heat this morning. A portion of the common wall between two buildings, while being demolished caused wide cracks and partial collapse of some parts of the structure, leaving the residents aghast and in panic. Occupants of 6/1 Ramkanai Adhikari Lane in Bowbazar were busy doing their daily chores when suddenly they felt tremors and vibrations. Before they could even realize what had happened, portions of their building at 7 Ramkanai Adhikari Lane started to collapse with chunks coming down crashing. Having witnessed three mishaps of building collapse earlier in the area, the residents rushed out of the house swiftly to save their life. Advertisement I was cooking when I heard a loud sound outside. I rushed out leaving the food and saw that the entire house was covered with clouds of dust, said an occupant of the house. One of the walls of the two-storey building came crashing down and a large portion of the house collapsed, added the woman. There have been wide cracks on the walls of our house, said another resident. Local residents informed that the under-construction building at 6/1 Ramkanai Adhikari Lane had a common wall with the adjacent structure at 7 Ramkanai Adhikari Lane. The owners had given the plot at 6/1 Ramkanai Adhikari Lane to a promoter for developing it. The residents of 7 Ramkanai Adhikari Lane claimed to have repeatedly informed the developers representatives, the local police and the councillor about the matter. The local residents alleged that the developer had not taken any measures for the safety of the occupants of the adjacent house. Despite asking the labourers to work carefully, they would not pay any heed to us, alleged one of the occupants. A meeting between the residents, police and the developers representatives was also held today. The councillor also offered rehabilitation to the affected families but the occupants refused to vacate their houses. According to the local councillor, Biswarup Dey, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation had sanctioned the plan under rules 142. The mishap occurred when the common wall was being pulled down, informed Mr Dey. As pointed out by the councillor, the building at 7 Ramkanai Adhikari Lane was also very old and not properly maintained. The councillor had even urged the developers representatives to carry out the construction work carefully as the buildings in the area were built very close to each other and were centuries old. As pointed out by Mr Dey, there are guidelines of the KMC for reconstruction of a building but there are no specific standard operating procedures for demolition. As informed by mayor Firhad Hakim, the buildings were old and were one earlier. Later, it had been separated and one part of it was being demolished when the common wall was damaged. The residents had been intimated about it before. Our building department is looking into the matter, informed Mr Hakim. The mayor underscored that the civic body had nothing much to do during demolition of a building as was the case in Bowbazar today. Cheena Bhavan of Visva-Bharati University and the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata jointly organized a two-day international conference to commemorate the centenary of Rabindranath Tagores visit to China in Santiniketan. Sanjay Kumar Mallik, acting vice-chancellor of Visva-Bharati University, Charge dAffaires of the Chinese Embassy in India Ms Ma Jia, acting Consul General of China in Kolkata Mr Qin Yong, dean of Cheena Bhavan were present at the inaugural ceremony. Ten experts on Tagore from JNU, Banaras Hindu University and Vivekananda International Foundation attended the two-day conference, which concluded today. Advertisement Seven sessions were held during the two-day seminar where Tagores visit to China was discussed at length. Message of eternal friendship, writings on China, Tagore and other travellers, Tagores tryst with Chinese literature and art, his vision of India, China and the World was discussed. Ms Ma Jia said Tagores visit to China is of great significance and will play a major role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning between the two major civilisations of China and India. Tagore called for peace and justice, and expressed support to the Chinese people at that time. After returning to India, Tagore set up Chhena Bhavan in Santiniketan to strengthen the Sino-Indian friendship. This was the first centre to promote the two ancient cultures during British rule. Over a century ago, Chinese scholars came and started staying in Santiniketan. Visva Bharati over a century ago was a seat of learning where painters, scholars, educationists came and started staying at Santiniketan which was a village. Their attraction was Rabindranath, whose thoughts had attracted scholars from across the globe. The Western scholars took enormous pain to reach Santiniketan just to enjoy the company of Tagore. They lived in thatched huts and soon their pain was converted into happiness and bliss. In an era marked by geopolitical turbulence, one nation stands out as a persistent source of global concern ~ Russia, under the iron grip of President Vladimir Putin. The recent electoral charade merely reaffirmed Mr Putins stranglehold on power, signalling not just another term in office, but a prolonged era of uncertainty and aggression. Mr Putins ambitions transcend the borders of Ukraine, echoing the imperialist designs of past rulers. Critics believe his regimes resilience, fuelled by economic restructuring and ruthless suppression of dissent, now poses a grave threat not only to neighbouring states but to the very foundations of international order. The Kremlins playbook, rife with misinformation, cyber warfare, and unconventional weaponry, casts a shadow of instability across continents. The West, which is to blame for relentless extension of its security arrangements to Russias borders, has now shown wavering resolve and misplaced strategies. While support for Ukraine remains pivotal, it is but one piece of a broader puzzle. Sanctions, though well-intentioned, have fallen short of their intended impact, undermined by global indifference and geopolitical pragmatism. The time has come for a recalibration of priorities and a reassertion of Western leadership. Central to any effective strategy is a concerted effort to engage with Russian citizens, disentangling the regime from the populace it purports to represent. This entails not only highlighting human rights abuses but also fostering channels of information and exchange. By empowering the forces of modernisation within Russia, the West can sow the seeds of change from within, laying the groundwork for a future free from Mr Putins autocratic grip. Moreover, the West must bolster its military deterrence, shoring up defences in Europe and reaffirming the transatlantic alliance. The spectre of a resurgent Russia must be met with resolve, lest the void be filled by further aggression and destabilisation. It is imperative that Europe meets its NATO commitments, with or without the uncertain spectre of American leadership. Yet, perhaps the most potent weapon in the Wests arsenal lies in the power of ideas. The liberal values that underpin Western democracies have long served as a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples around the world. Now more than ever, they must be wielded as a bulwark against the tide of authoritarianism emanating from the Kremlin. Advertisement By countering Russian disinformation and promoting a narrative of openness and inclusivity, the West can challenge the rhetoric of nationalism and victimhood peddled by Mr Putins regime. It is through the dissemination of truth and the embrace of universal values that the seeds of change will ultimately take root, paving the way for a Russia that is no longer beholden to the whims of a despot. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the stakes could not be higher. It is not merely the fate of Ukraine or the stability of Europe that hangs in the balance, but the future of the liberal world order itself. The Congress on Wednesday expelled its senior Maharashtra leader Sanjay Nirupam for six years for indiscipline and giving anti-party statements. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approves the expulsion of Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam for 6 years after complaints of indiscipline & anti-party statements, the expulsion order signed by KC Venugopal read. The disciplinary action against former MP Sanjay Nirupam was taken after a string of remarks against the party leadership amid seat-sharing talks with ally Shiv Sena (UBT). Advertisement A proposal in this regard was moved by the Maharashtra unit of the Congress party, following which Nirupams name was dropped from the list of star campaigners. His name was mentioned in the star campaigners, which has been cancelled. The kind of statements he has been making, action will be taken, Patole had said. After Patoles remarks, the former MP took a dig at the Congress and asked it not to waste stationary amidst a financial crisis, apparently refering to freezing of the partys bank accounts. It should utilise the stationery and energy to save itself, as the party is experiencing a serious financial crisis. The time frame I had given to the party ends today. I will spell out my next course of action tomorrow (Thursday), he said in a post on X. Nirupam is reportedly miffed with the party for allowing Shiv Sena (UBT) to announce its candidates on four of the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has named its candidate from Mumbai North West seat, which Nirupam reportedly wanted to contest from. I am coming to West Bengal tomorrow. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already briefed me on everything about the law and order situation in the state and then decided to send me to West Bengal. I will try my best for free, fair and peaceful elections so that people can cast their mandates without fear in the state, said Alok Sinha, special observer for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. The officer told The Statesman on Tuesday afternoon over phone from Delhi hours after the ECI announced names of 12 special observers for six states with two in each state. The ECI has deputed two special election observers Mr Sinha, a retired IAS officer of 1986 batch from Uttar Pradesh and former chairman of the Airport authority of India (AAI), and Anil Kumar Sharma, retired IPS of 1984 batch in Punjab, for election in 42 LS constituencies in West Bengal. Advertisement The national poll panel has also deputed 10 other retired IAS and IPS officers as special observers for five other states Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Yes, I have done my homework about Bengal and will hold meetings with the state chief electoral officer (CEO) and state administrations before visiting places, Mr Sinha said when asked about his homework for the state. He refused to talk to this correspondent further saying, I wont speak to you further as you are a journalist. A senior retired bureaucrat of this state, who was Mr Sinhas batchmate said, He is a very competent officer with strong integrity and impartiality. I think he would take strong stand as and when situation requires for free and fair polls in the state that has traditions of poll violence with loss of human lives. Mr Sharma, former intelligence chief in Punjab, has previous experience as a poll observer in West Bengal. He had been a special observer in the 2021 Assembly election in the state. A retired bureaucrat in the state, requesting anonymity, said, The election commission wants to utilize Mr Sharmas experience as an election observer this time also. Mr Sinha and Mr Sharma may visit north Bengal districts first to take stock of the situation there, after landing in Kolkata. The first phase of the seven-phase general elections will be held in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar parliamentary seats on 19 April. The second phase elections will be held in Raiganj, Balurghat and Darjeeling seats on 26 April. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday filed a plea seeking acquittal in the May 9 violence case, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. Imran Khans lawyer Naeem Panjutha appeared before the court and filed a plea for the PTI founders acquittal. Judicial Magistrate Sohaib Bilal asked about the number of cases that have been registered against the PTI founder. He further inquired whether a challan against Imran Khan was collected in the cases. PTI founders counsel informed the court that Imran Khans toshakhana sentence is suspended and the sentences in the illegal marriage case and cypher case are still pending. The district and session court heard the plea and issued notices for the arguments on the plea on May 15, according to ARY News report. Advertisement Notably, violent clashes erupted across Pakistan after former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023. PTI leaders and workers held protests over Imran Khans arrest in remote and major cities in Pakistan. The authorities in Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad summoned the armed forces to ensure law and order. Army installations, including the Corps Commanders house in Lahore, had come under attack during the protests held by PTI workers. Notably, Imran Khan has been named as the main accused in all the May 9 riots cases. Earlier, Imran Khan and PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi were given bail in May 9 violence case. The Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Malik Ejaz heard the bail pleas of Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, ARY News reported. The prosecution requested the court for some time. However, the ATC rejected the request and granted bail to Imran Khan in 12 cases and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in 13 cases. Earlier this week, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed its satisfaction with the suspension of the sentences of its founder, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana case, heralding it as a triumph against attempts to undermine the party and its leader, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. Rauf Hassan, the party spokesperson, emphasised that all endeavours aimed at harming Imran Khan had failed, asserting, It is prayed that the good series of events that started today continues, and the country comes out of the clutches of fascism. Hassan underscored that while Imran Khans sentence has been suspended, it has not been overturned, noting the absurdity of the Toshakhana case against him. He stated that the PTI has consistently upheld its faith in the legal system, stating, PTI has never said at any stage that they do not trust the courts. Questions of terrorism, militancy, insurgency and other forms of organized violence that wreak destruction, death and suffering must be understood within the paradigm of good and evil. The acts of violence carried out by lone individuals or small, non-state groups of people, bring great tragedy into other peoples lives. At the same time, it must be acknowledged that greater damage is done when terrorism is state-sponsored. Terrorism of any kind destroys efforts to establish peace among nations. Terrorism is rooted in every human beings need to belong to a group of peers. In these times it has become ideologically acceptable to indiscriminately murder innocents to achieve a terrorists goal. Every year hundreds of people are killed through diabolical attacks resulting in untold pain and destruction. The terrorists, like the egotist, somehow cannot consider the feelings or the life of others as important. They require instant, exact and complete obedience to their orders and tenets. Part of the background to current waves of terrorism is the lack of a proper balance between the liberty of the individual and the needs of society. The right of an individual to act as he or she wishes can never be absolute. Such craving for extreme freedom leads to sedition and overstepping the bounds of propriety and debases the individual to depravity and wickedness, no better than a brute. Even when the cause which the terrorist group espouses is driven by a sense of injustice, there is no real justification for acts of violence. The latest terrorist attack in a concert hall in Moscow on 22 March once more demonstrates how negligence on the part of state security has resulted in the death of nearly 200 innocent souls and injury to hundreds. Advertisement As the 20th century ended and the 21st century opened there were great hopes of peace and non-violent conflict resolution only to be smashed to bits by the explosive 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington in 2001 and USAs retaliatory wars against Afghanistan and Iraq in 2003. In the two decades since then there have been terror attacks in London, Madrid, Bali, New Delhi, Mumbai, Moscow, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Karachi, Lahore, Colombo and Kabul. The attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 and their resultant backlash led to the destruction of Gaza and death of some 30,000 innocent people. When will these gross acts of violent insanity stop? Is there a way out? Joseph Nye, in his The Paradox of American Power, states: This terrorist attack is a terrible symptom of deeper changes that are occurring in the world. A technological revolution in information and communications has been diffusing power away from governments and empowering individuals and groups to play roles in world politics including wreaking massive destruction that were once reserved for governments of states. Privatization has been increasing, and terrorism is the privatization of war. Religion is also frequently used by terrorists as an excuse for their actions, despite the fact that every religion forbids murder, and demands that individuals live in harmony. Only a united world authority with sufficient powers can tackle the menace of terrorism and a host of other global challenges that make daily headlines in the media. A United Nations Convention for prevention of terrorism is still a work in progress. In addition to treaties that address particular manifestations of terrorism, the international community has endeavoured to develop treaties that address terrorism on a more inclusive basis. India first proposed this convention in 1996. It has been pushing for the treaty consistently at the Sessions of the UN General Assembly, in 2014 and again in 2016. Although consensus has not yet been reached on the wording of the comprehensive terrorism convention, discussions have yielded three separate protocols that aim to tackle terrorism: International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, adopted on 15 December 1997; International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, adopted on 9 December 1999, and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, adopted on 13 April 2005. For over one-and-half-century, the worldwide Bahai community has been labouring alongside people of goodwill from diverse social strata all of whom are longing, in heart and mind, for equality, justice, and a society built on moral and worthy human qualities. However, beyond shared ideals and aspirations, many are also searching for effective and practical means for the betterment of society. But every political and economic school of thought is overwhelmed by and unequal to the scale, nature, complexity, and interconnectedness of the challenges; their proponents are themselves confounded and perplexed. Irrespective of the useful insights these schools of thought may contain, the assumptions underlying the present world order from the nature and identity of the human being to perspectives related to power and competition are inadequate for a humanity which today stands at the threshold of its collective maturity. The world is thus facing a profound and far-reaching crisis that is destabilizing and disrupting its order. Bahaullah, founder of the Bahai Faith, had prophetically written: We can well perceive how the whole human race is encompassed with great, with incalculable afflictions. We see it languishing on its bed of sickness, sore-tired and disillusioned. They that are intoxicated by self-conceit have interposed themselves between it and the Divine and infallible Physician. Witness how they have entangled all men, themselves included, in the mesh of their devices. They can neither discover the cause of the disease, nor have they any knowledge of the remedy. They have conceived the straight to be crooked, and have imagined their friend an enemy. The writings of the Bahai Faith envisage a world federal system ruling the whole earth and exercising unchallengeable authority over its finite resources, blending and embodying the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam one planet, one global family, one progressive future for all who live on earth. One essential prerequisite would be for all major powers on earth to relinquish their veto power in the Security Council, give up war as an instrument of their hegemonistic policy and allow the United Nations system to evolve into a world super-state in whose favour all the member-states would willingly secede national sovereignty, craft out a just and fair system of global trade, disband their national military forces in favour of the world government, except for purposes of maintaining internal order within their respective dominions. Such aspirations should not be dismissed as utopian ideas. There is no alternative. Worlds leadership must take affirmative action at the earliest possible opportunity, particularly at this juncture when the world is just 90 seconds from doomsday as per the latest announcement of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and abundantly confirmed by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres. Freedom from terrorism is just one important element in the larger scheme of things climate emergency, unprecedented economic crisis, massive social breakdown, dangers of nuclear war, disruptive technologies led by Artificial Intelligence, to list just a few. Whether peace is to be reached only after unimaginable horrors precipitated by humanitys stubborn clinging to old patterns of behaviour, or is to be embraced now by an act of consultative will, is the choice before all who inhabit the earth. It is my firm optimistic conviction that root causes of terrorism in all its forms can be curbed not through constant conflicts among nations and within each sovereign state but by enforceable world law, effective global governance and peace education. (The writer is an independent researcher and social worker working with a number of nongovernmental organizations in the fields of education, environment, disarmament and peace. Views expressed are personal.) South Korean model and actor Jung Il Woo has tried a bowl of pho beef noodle soup and beer on sidewalk during his trip to Hanoi. On Tuesday he wrote on his Instagram page, which has three million followers, "Somehow ended up in Vietnam" and posted photos taken in Hanoi. Many Vietnamese fans said "Welcome Jung Il Woo to Vietnam" and wished him memorable experiences. He walked around Hanois old quarter and used his smartphone to capture the daily lives of Hanoians, and tried a cup of ca phe sua (Vietnamese-style iced coffee with condensed milk). Pho noodle soup is traditionally served with chicken or beef broth in which the bones simmer for at least three hours. Jung Il Woo tried a bowl of pho bo (beef noodle soup) during his trip to Hanoi. Photos courtesy of his Instagram A bowl of pho bo costs around VND50,000 (US$2) in Hanoi. Jung is best known for his roles in the television sitcom "Unstoppable High Kick" (2006), and drama "The Return of Iljimae" (2009). Jung Il Woo during a photo collection on March 24 2024. Photo courtesy of his Instagram Vietnam has recently emerged as a favorite destination for South Korean celebrities. In February Soobin and Beomgyu of K-pop boy band Tomorrow X Together vacationed in Phu Quoc Island during the Lunar New Year holidays. South Korea was Vietnam's largest source of visitors in the first quarter of this year with 1.23 million arrivals. HCLTech on Wednesday announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to create industry solutions and drive business value with the tech giants multimodal large language Artificial Intelligence (AI) model Gemini. With this, HCLTech will enable 25,000 engineers on Gemini for Google Cloud to help mutual clients innovate and optimise their businesses with GenAI. This collaboration will bring to market HCLTechs innovative GenAI solutions using Googles most capable and scalable Gemini models. We believe this helps us to bring even more value to global enterprises through the companys differentiated portfolio, C Vijayakumar, CEO & MD, HCLTech, said in a statement. Advertisement Moreover, the company said that it will enhance the recently-launched HCLTech AI Force platform with Geminis advanced code completion and summarisation capabilities, which will allow engineers to generate code, remediate issues and accelerate the delivery time and quality of software projects for clients. By enabling 25,000 engineers on Google Clouds latest generative AI technology, HCLTech can provide the expertise and technical skills that clients need to successfully deploy and manage GenAI projects at scale, said Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud. HCLTech will also use Gemini models to strengthen and expand the portfolio of industry solutions built out of its dedicated Cloud Native Labs and AI Labs, which focus on accelerating client innovation and are staffed by leading AI experts and engineers, the company said. Both labs will enable clients to better scope, manage and refine GenAI projects on Google Clouds infrastructure. Ahead of upcoming polls, Odisha police on Wednesday busted an ammunition dump, suspected to have been used by the Maoists for illegal manufacturing and repair of weapons, along the Andhra-Odisha border area in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected Malkangiri district. On the basis of specific information, an intensive search was carried out by District Voluntary Force (DVF) and Intelligence personnel of Malkangiri District in the general area under Kalimela police station jurisdiction bordering Andhra-Odisha. The operation resulted in uncovering of a major Maoist dump hidden underground in a jungle area near Dayaltung village at about 06.30 AM, police said in a statement. Advertisement This has led to recovery and seizure of huge quantities of Improvised Explosive Devices and IED making materials. It is suspected that these articles were intended to target civilians and security forces, it added. The explosives and ammunition recovered from the site included among other things 190 gelatin sticks and 12 IEDs. The recovery is a major jolt to the subversive and anti-national design of Maoists in this area. We are suspecting that these explosives along with other articles belong to the Maoists cadres of Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) and they were intended to be used against innocent civilians and security forces to carry out their subversive, anti-national activities and to show their presence again in this area. In the wake of recovery, further combing and search operations are going on in this area, the officer concluded. The State police and paramilitary forces have stepped up security for peaceful polling in the Naxal-affected areas. There is visible transformation in the Naxal areas. Peace and order has returned to the areas, which were hit by left wing extremism for years together. We are quite optimistic that there will be a large turnout of voters in booths in the left wing extremism affected areas, added an official. Elections to the Odisha assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats will be held in the final four of the seven general election phases. A day after getting bail from the Supreme Court, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday evening walked out of the jail to a rousing welcome by his supporters and party workers, who showered flower petals on him. Singh waved towards his supporters, who fervently shouted slogans such as Inquilab Zindabad. In his address to supporters and AAP workers outside the jail, Singh said: This is not the time to celebrate. This is the time for struggle. Advertisement Indias biggest leader Arvind Kejriwal along with Manish Sisodia and Satyender Jain have been put behind bars. But I have full faith the locks of the jail will break and they will be released, he said to loud cheers. The AAP Rajya Sabha MP, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case relating to the liquor policy irregularities in October last year, was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Sanjay Singh has been asked to surrender his passport by Delhis Rouse Avenue Court after he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the money laundering case. The counsel for Singh urged the court to not impose conditions of prior permission before leaving Delhi-NCR. He said that Singh is a political leader and it is election time. The court, however, said Singh would have to provide his itinerary to the investigating officer (IO) before leaving Delhi-NCR. He has also been asked to keep his location on in his mobile whenever he travels outside the national capital region. Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, while lashing out at the BJP here on Wednesday, said the people of the state will not forgive them for trying to destabilize an elected government in the state. Addressing media persons here, Negi accused the BJP of employing tactics of intimidation and detaining the six disqualified Congress MLAs and the three independent MLAs with an intent to topple the government. He accused the BJP of controlling the disqualified Congress MLAs and the three independent MLAs by inducement and intimidating them. Advertisement This has become clear from the investigation report of the FIR lodged in Boileauganj Police Station. BJP had made unsuccessful attempts to destabilize the state government with money and muscle power. Crores of rupees were spent on these MLAs and they were held hostage for around a month at different places in Shimla, Panchkula and Uttrakhand, he alleged. Now the resignation of the three independent MLAs is nothing but pressure tactics being employed by BJP and a deliberate attempt to disregard the ethics of democracy, he alleged, stating that he has lodged his complaint with the Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania. Condemning the BJP for dragging the Governor to get the resignations of the three independent MLAs, he said that the Speaker will take a call. Taking a dig at the statement of Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur Negi said that Congress government of the state is not on the ventilator of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, which was dysfunctional during Corona time. The Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government is capable of breathing in open air, he added. Negi blamed the BJP for stalling the pace of development in the state by imposing bye-elections in the state in six Assembly constituencies. BJP is misleading the public on the guarantees of the state government, whether it is OPS or Rs 1500 honorarium to women, he rued. The people of the state will not forgive any of the leaders who betrays the sentiments of the public, said Negi. Replying to media on the BJP candidate actress Kangna Ranaut contesting Lok Sabha election from Mandi parliamentary constituency, he questioned her on being the daughter of Himachal Pradesh when the devastating catastrophe struck the state during the last monsoons. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. High 44F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 39F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC, is struggling with the most complex and long-standing humanitarian crisis in Africa. The problems stem from decades of off-and-on belligerence, which has continued since the country got its independence from Belgium in 1960. Today, more than a hundred armed groups are fighting for control of the mineral-rich region of Eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda. However, two groups with antecedents in the Rwandan civil war of the 1990s, cause the most concern. The 23 March Movement, or M23 is making significant advances and expanding its territory. M23 is supported by Rwanda, whose military forces have crossed the DRCs border in its support. On the other hand, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, or DFLR, has ties to the Congolese army. Both groups have been sanctioned the United States and the United Nations. Working to maintain peace in the area over the past 25 years has been the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or MONUSCO, which is in the process of withdrawing from the DRC. The aggressive military incursion into eastern DRC by M23 and the Rwandan Defense Force has put the missions uniformed and civilian personnel under immense strain, said Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative at the UN. We have repeatedly publicly condemned Rwandas incursions in eastern DRC, its continued support for M23 a group which has perpetrated appalling human rights abuses against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and RDF attacks against MONUSCO positions and equipment, he said. The international communitys silence in the face of such brazen actions is equally dismaying, said Ambassador Wood. Without a change in Rwandas behavior, it is clear the UN should reevaluate Rwandas credibility as a constructive participant in peacekeeping. The DRC must also cease and condemn incidents intentional and unintentional of elements of its security forces and aligned armed actors. There is no military-only solution to the crisis in eastern DRC, said Ambassador Wood. The United States strongly supports the efforts led by regional actors to resume the Nairobi and Luanda processes, which offer the most viable paths toward resolving this 30-year conflict. Ultimately, peace is a political decision, said Ambassador Wood. The United States calls on the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC to make the decision to pursue peace for the sake of their people, the region, and the world. ELKO Nevada Classical Academy Elko board member and former Elko County School District curriculum and technology director Joe DeBraga said this week the school has several events planned as it prepares to submit its new charter school application. School officials are focused on getting their word out, DeBraga said. Nevada Classical Academy Elko has remained in close contact with the Elko County School District. School officials attended Tuesdays school board meeting to bring trustees up to date on the schools progress. DeBraga said the school will also hold outreach events, such as local meet-and-greets, to familiarize the Elko community with the schools mission and its board members. Also, Nevada Classical Academy Elko offers surveys on its website, allowing the school to gather feedback on which features the public is most interested in, such as class schedule, he said. The online Intent to Enroll form helps the school plan, informing leaders how many students they could expect. Some grade levels have more students than expected, while some have less, he said. But its pretty close to probably 80% or 90%, DeBraga noted. The students listed on completed forms are not enrolled yet, he said. The form allows their parents to say they plan to enroll their children when and if the school opens. A goal for the school is to move toward official charter status, he said. Were still working on our application to get approval from the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority, DeBraga said. Theyre the ones who issue orders. If all goes well, the authority will review the application near the end of April and approval could come sometime in the summer, he said. Theres a schedule of when they will review those applications, then they meet with us to clarify things that we plan on doing things like the curriculum. We plan on using Hillsdale Colleges curriculum for our instruction. The school also is beginning the budgeting process, trying to determine out how many teachers it will need, he said. The state authority wants to make sure that we have everything in place before they issue a charter, DeBraga said. Were still in search for our school leader, he said. Those applications close May 1. School leaders are also gathering advice from other intellectual leaders on ways to run a charter school. DeBraga said he recently talked to the leadership of a classical charter school in Las Vegas. Once we get approval and hire the administrator, were going to move on to the Elko Institute for Academic Achievements building and EIAA will move into a new building of its own. Were working on a lease agreement with the landlord, he said. DeBraga said one goal of the school is to ensure it meets the needs of the Elko community. We want to get information from the public as much as possible. The edtech major Byju's woes seem to be a never ending story with regular salary delays marred by successive layoffs. Immediately after the delay in salaries there have been reports that the company has laid off around 500 employees, mainly in the sales and the marketing roles from across divisions. The company has been facing challenges in securing funds and capital in running daily operations and reports point out that many people have been laid off just over a phone call and without any prior notice. It really speaks volumes about the mismanagement in the firm. But will there be an end of these lay offs. It has been difficult for them in many ways. They are on a path of trimming down the workforce by shutting down the projects which arent revenue generating and focusing on productivity. The focus is to extend the runway and calm down the frayed nerves of the investors. It might not be clear if theyd layoff more. Given this background, typically the leadership team works in an agile manner and they act based on the way the circumstances evolve. They would watch out for the signals from the investment markets and the growth trend of revenue streams. Based on these, we would see their next set of actions, Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD and CEO of CIEL HR, told THE WEEK. Experts further point out that with each successive round of layoffs, Byju's ability to support its student community has steadily decreased. Internally, there's an expectation that the teaching staff has become demoralized, leading to potential impacts on the quality of learning. This issue is further compounded by the new cycle, where parents and students ultimately decide on their ongoing relationship with the brand. The downward spiral that Byju's finds itself in is incredibly challenging to reverse, pointed out Alok Shende of Mumbai-based Ascentius Consulting. It may be further recalled that Byju's has been experiencing a wave of significant staff reductions, with estimates indicating that over 10,000 employees have been let go in the past two years, including a recent cut of 500 staff members. These layoffs come amidst the financial strain and legal disputes, which are cited as primary reasons for the workforce downsizing. Byju's has stated that these job cuts are part of a larger restructuring effort aimed at refining its operations and improving cash flow. The potential for further layoffs at Byju's depends on a few key factors. If the company's financial challenges persist, it may be compelled to continue reducing its workforce. The ongoing restructuring process may also lead to more layoffs, depending on its progress and results. Conversely, if Byju's restructuring initiatives achieve their goals, it's possible that the current trend of layoffs could come to a halt. The future of Byju's employees remains uncertain, hinging on the company's financial stability and the outcomes of its restructuring efforts, remarked space and aerospace expert Girish Linganna who also follows the ed tech sector in the country. The company has faced a sharp decline in its valuation over the last one year. The decline was attributed to a combination of factors such as investor pullouts, the resignation of its auditor Deloitte, and a legal battle over a $1.2 billion loan. In response to the challenges faced by the company, investors including Prosus, GA, Sofina, and Peak XV, backed by Tiger and Owl Ventures are seeking the removal of Byju Raveendran and his family from the board. Citing financial mismanagement and governance issues, they had filed a suit at the Bengaluru NCLT for Raveendran's ouster, along with a call for a forensic audit and the appointment of a new board. Korbin Miles, YouTuber and one of the hosts of the popular YouTube show Our Stupid Reactions, recently attended the premiere of Monkey Man. Monkey Man marks the directorial debut of actor Dev Patel. The movie also stars Sobhita Dhulipala. Also present at the premiere, which took place in Los Angeles, was Rick Segall, Miles' co-host on 'Our Stupid Reactions'. The duo, at the event, met with Dhulipala and posted a picture with her on Instagram. Posting the picture, Miles wrote, Got to meet some cool people tonight @sobhitad and @vipin.sta !! #monkeymanmovie. Miles also shared a picture of him with actor-writer, Vipin Sharma. Sharma, who stars in Monkey Man, has also appeared in Guns and Gulaabs and Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. Produced by Jordan Peele, the movie hits theatres worldwide on April 5. Dhulipala had shared the trailer of the film, her Hollywood debut, on Instagram. She wrote, An absolute joy to share the trailer of my debut Hollywood film #MonkeyMan. Dhulipala was recently seen in the series, Made in Heaven and Ponniyan Selvan 2. Dev Patel, who rose to fame with Slumdog Millionaire, was last seen in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, which starred Benedict Cumberbatch. Miles and Segall, about a week ago, posted a picture with actor Atul Kulkarni. Got to finally talk with the UBER talented actor @atulkulkarni_official was a joy to listen to! Proud to call him our Mitra! he wrote. The duo, who have a cult following thanks to their YouTube show, also interviewed actor Prabhudeva. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge today launched the party's 'Ghar Ghar Guarantee' campaign, an outreach progamme that aims at reaching the doorsteps of eight crore families over the next few weeks with a message about what the party would do for the people if it comes to power. Kharge launched the campaign in North East Delhi parliamentary constituency in the national capital by distributing the Congress Guarantee card, which lists out five Nyay and 25 guarantees. The pledges are listed on the card under five heads 'Yuva Nyay', 'Nari Nyay', 'Kisan Nyay', 'Shramik Nyay' and 'Hissedari Nyay'. Among the guarantees is guaranteed apprenticeship with stipend of Rs 1 lakh per annum for every educated youth, Rs 1 lakh every year to the woman head of every poor family, loan waiver and legal guarantee of MSP in accordance with the Swaminathan formula for farmers, Rs 400 minimum wage which would apply to MNREGA, too, and caste census. Congress workers over the next few weeks will reach out to eight crore families and distribute the guarantee cards. The cards have been printed in 14 different languages. The guarantees were announced by Kharge and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi during the recently concluded Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. At the launch of the campaign in Usmanpur area of North East Delhi, which was, at one time, the Congress's stronghold and which predominantly comprises resettlement colonies, Kharge said: We are distributing this guarantee card to take our Panch Nyay Pachees Guarantee to the people. All Congress leaders and workers will tell the people about what our alliance government will do when it comes to power. The guarantee card represents the Congress's main election plank for the coming Lok Sabha polls. It seeks to set a narrative that the people are in great distress and facing injustice in various ways, and how the Congress and the INDIA bloc would seek to alleviate their problems. It also runs counter to the BJP's 'Modi ki Guarantee' campaign. Prime Minister Modi talks about Modi ki Guarantee, but his guarantees never reach the people, they are never fulfilled, Kharge said. A day after National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said the PDP may not field any candidates against the NC, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, said her party would contest in all Lok Sabha constituencies in Kashmir. Omar had said the PDP president hadn't signalled any inclination to contest against the NC. He cited the recent rally held by the INDIA bloc in Delhi, where Mufti shared a platform with NC president Farooq Abdullah, reaffirming PDP's allegiance to the alliance. The NC vice president had urged the media to abstain from sowing discord between the two parties. Addressing reporters, Mufti said the candidates would be announced within a few days. Seemingly upset with Omars statement, she said the NC hadnt left any door open for them. According to Omar, PDP doesn't exist anywhere. Whatever Omar has said could have been conveyed to us earlier, she said. But the way Omar spoke about the PDP has hurt my workers, who are not in favour of supporting NC at this juncture. Mufti said consultation is going on, and the names of the candidates in Kashmir seats would be made soon. The decision about the two Lok Sabha seats in the Jammu division was pending. The PDPs announcement to contest all seats in Kashmir, including the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, came soon after the Democratic Azad Party led by Ghulam Nabi Azad announced his candidature from Anantnag-Rajouri. The DAP was floated by Azad on September 22 after he quit the Congress after more than four decades. The entry of the PDP into the fray has made the contest in Kashmir, especially in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, more interesting and challenging for the NC as south Kashmir encompassing Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam is considered a PDP territory. The PDP also has earned the goodwill among the tribals of Rajouri and Poonch, especially Gujjars. Observes believe a clash between the NC and the PDP in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, with Azad and J&K Apni Party also in the race, will benefit the BJP due to the division of votes. The BJP is banking on the Pahari community of Rajouri-Poonch, which was granted a Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the BJP. It also remains to be seen who the PDP will nominate from the constituency. As an INDIA bloc member, PDP had requested NC not to field any candidate from Anantnag-Rajouri. However, NC insisted on seat-sharing only in seats won by BJP, not INDIA bloc members, in the last Lok Sabha polls. With both the NC and the PDP set to contest all Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, the INDIA bloc in Kashmir has unravelled, though both parties are supporting the Congress on two seats in Jammu. A police officer died a day after he was shot in the head during a shootout with gangsters in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Deepka Sharma, a probationary sub-inspector. He was undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College in Kathua and later shifted to Amandeep Hospital in Pathankot. Another office, Anil Kumar, was also injured in the firing. The shootout occured on Tuesday night when police were chasing a gangster, identified as Vasudev, who was a main accused in a murder case registered at Ramgarh police station. He is a member of a gang known as Shunoo Group. After being cornered by police on the medical college premises in Kathua, the gangsters fired at them. The police retailiated and killed Vasudev and one of his associates around 10.30 am on Tuesday. In a veiled reference to Katchatheevu issue taken up against his party by the BJP, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narenda Modi of indulging in "jugglery" by spreading "rumours" using the Right to Information Act, which the DMK chief dubbed the Saffron party's new "ally" to confuse people. Addressing an election rally in Tiruvannamala, Stalin slammed Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying she has spoken in the language of a lender and has sought accounts for "Rs 5,000 crore," from the state government which she claimed was released by the Centre. Stalin said Sitharaman cannot label the payout to the state as something from the Union government as it was Tamil Nadu government's borrowing that was merely routed through the Centre. In order to ensure pluralism and social justice in India, the BJP government should be dislodged, he said. Every citizen is prepared to do it and PM Modi has realised this, and he is hence attempting to garner votes by spreading rumours and lies everyday. Out of fear, Modi's "ally, the Income tax department" has undertaken to not initiate any coercive action over tax demand against the Congress party and similarly, the ED has not opposed bail for AAP's Sanjay Singh. "As if the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department and CBI are not enough, he has now roped in the Right to Information Act (RTI) in the alliance to confuse people," Stalin alleged. The CM alleged Modi is engaged in "jugglery by spreading rumours" in the name of RTI as he has understood that people would not believe his words. By referring to RTI, the Chief Minister denoted disclosures on Katchatheevu from the External Affairs Ministry obtained by BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai. Using the information, the BJP squarely blamed the Congress and DMK for giving away the island to Sri Lanka. "Modi speaking about the Katchatheevu issue in Uttar Pradesh shows that he is confused." Targeting arch rival, the AIADMK, Stalin said the LS polls are all about electing a party/formation to govern the nation and the DMK is fighting for INDIA bloc's win. In its campaign, the AIADMK, however, neither says who must rule the country, nor specifies who should not come to power. It does not have a clarity on why it is contesting polls and also, has no idea about its true rival. Hence, the Chief Minister alleged that AIADMK chief Palaniswami's idea is only to bring gain to his party's "secret alliance partner (the BJP)." The DMK President dismissed Prime Minister's interview days ago to a Tamil television news channel as "comedy time," as Modi had disassociated himself from the action of Central agencies against leaders. "We have believed that," he said in reference to the interview and asked PM Modi to not "misjudge" the people. Listing out his government's "achievements," Stalin said only those who disliked and "feared" Dravidian ideology were depicting the DMK as a party that is opposed to religions. The DMK is not opposed to religion but it is only against communalism. AAP minister Atishi said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, is unwell and lost 4.5 kg ever since. Arvind Kejriwal is a severe diabetic. Despite health problems, he used to work 24 hours a day to serve the country. Since his arrest, Arvind Kejriwal has lost 4.5 kg of weight. This is very worrying. Today, the BJP is putting his health at risk by putting him in jail, Atishi said. If something happens to Arvind Kejriwal, forget about the entire country, even God will not forgive them. BJP can go to any extent to ruin Arvind Kejriwal and AAP and hence I am warning BJP that the entire nation is watching you, she added. This comes as the Delhi High Court is set hear Kejriwal's petition against the ED arrest on Wednesday. However, Tihar prison authorities claimed that the AAP national convener's health condition is fine. He was remanded in judicial custody till April 15 and has been lodged in Tihar jail. Kejriwal who is diabetic has been provided a sensor to track his blood sugar levels besides medication and toffees to keep the sugar levels stable. Reports claimed that his blood sugar level has been fluctuating in the recent days. Prison authorities have reportedly tasked a quick response team near Kejriwal's 14x8 feet cell in Jail No. 2 in case of an emergency. He is also being given home-cooked food for lunch and dinner. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections have become the primary cause of a rift between the BJP and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Leaders of Shiv Sena are upset that the BJP is virtually dictating terms for them when it comes to candidate selection, campaign strategy and planning, not to mention staking claims to seats currently held by the Shiv Sena. A case in point is that of Nashik Lok Sabha constituency which is represented by Hemant Godse of Shiv Sena. Chief minister's son and MP Dr Shrikant Shinde had announced the candidature of Godse again for the elections. However, the BJP is putting pressure on Shiv Sena leaders to give the seat to Ajit Pawar-led NCP and senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal should contest from Nashik. The BJP has also staked claim to RatnagiriSindhudurg Lok Sabha seat which was won by Shiv Sena in the last election. The current MP Vinayak Raut has stayed loyal to Uddhav Thackeray and hence Shinde-led Shiv Sena expected the seat to be given to them. They had even asked Kiran Samant, brother of Industries Minister Uday Samant, to start preparations for the campaign. However, the BJP wants the seat for itself and wants Union minister Narayan Rane to contest from there against Sena UBT's Raut. Similarly, the BJP has also staked claim to Thane and Mumbai South seats. Both of its MPs have remained loyal to Uddhav Thackeray. Thane is the bastion of Shinde, so Sena workers in Thane are eagerly awaiting solution to the deadlock over Thane. The BJP also exerted pressure on the CM to deny ticket to sitting Ramtek MP Krupal Tumane on the grounds of local anti-incumbency as Tumane won previous three LS elections. It also asked Shiv Sena leadership to change the candidate in Hatkanangale seat where candidature of sitting MP Dhairyashil Mane had been announced. The BJP also wants Shinde to drop Hingoli candidate Hemant Patil. This forced Patil to a make a show of strength by calling his supporters to Varsha bungalow of the chief minister. What remains to be seen now is whether CM succumbs to pressure from BJP or holds his ground firmly. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh was released from Tihar jail on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy scam case. Singh had been lodged in the high-security prison since October 13, 2023. The AAP leader walked out of jail at 8.11 pm as scores of party workers, who had assembled outside the prison, raised slogans "dekho dekho kaun aaya, sher aaya, sher aaya" and "Sanjay Singh zinadabad", and showered petals on him. Singh was seen climbing atop a vehicle parked outside the jail and addressing the supporters gathered there. Delhi cabinet minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak were also present outside the jail. "Arvind Kejriwal and our leaders have been put behind bars and I am fully confident that 'ye jail ke taale tutenge hamare sare neta chutenge (The locks of jail will break and all our leaders will come out), he said. "I want to say that this is not the time to celebrate, but struggle," said the Rajya Sabha MP. Singh later went to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals house and met his wife Sunita. In a video shared by the party, Singh is seen touching the feet of Sunita when he met her. Bharadwaj said the party will continue its struggle till its top leaders including Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain are released from jail. "Sanjay Singh's words that the time is for struggle not celebrations because leaders of the party including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain are still in jail. Our three leaders are in jail so the party will continue to struggle," he told reporters. Soon after Singhs release, the AAP said in a post in Hindi: "The lion broke the chains of the dictator and came out." The Supreme Court granted bail to Singh on Tuesday, after the Enforcement Directorate said that it no longer required his custody. The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, meanwhile, asked the AAP leader to surrender his passport and directed him not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses in the case. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja gave the directions while passing the order for Singhs release. The Congress party said on Wednesday that it has initiated disciplinary action against former MP Sanjay Nirupam after his scathing remarks against the leadership amid the seat-sharing talks with Shiv Sena (UBT). Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said a decision about Nirupam will be taken in a day or two and that the party has already dropped him from the list of star campaigners. "The party has dropped Nirupam's name from the list of star campaigners and disciplinary action has been initiated against him for his utterances against the party and the state unit leadership. A decision will be taken in a day or two," Patole told reporters in Mumbai. Soon after the Congresss announcement, Nirupam, a former MP from Mumbai North, said he will take a decision by tomorrow (Thursday) on whether to leave the party. "The Congress party should not waste much energy and stationery for me. Instead, use it to save the party. Anyway, the party is going through a severe financial crisis. The period of one week that I had given has been completed today. Tomorrow I will take the decision myself," he said in a post on X. Nirupam had taken potshots at the Congress leadership after the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray declared its candidates for four out of six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai. Nirupam was keen to contest from Mumbai North West seat, but after the seat-sharing, the seat went to Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amot Kirtikar. The former MP had said that accepting the Shiv Sena (UBT's) decision to unilaterally field candidates in Mumbai amounted to allowing the destruction of Congress. The Congress leadership shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by Shiv Sena (UBT), he had said. The decision of an alliance with Shiv Sena will prove self-destructive for Congress and its impact will be felt in Maharashtra and even beyond," Nirupam had said. That Iran may be seeking to escalate the conflict with Israel through its proxies rather than declaring an all-out open war against Israel and its chief backer the US may be gleaned by the buzz and chatter of the raising of a 12,000-strong force in Jordan. Soon after a Monday evening Israeli air strike in Syrias Damascus, Hussein Moanes, aka Abu Ali al-Askari, military spokesperson of the Kataib Hezbollah, a reported Iraq-based proxy of the Iranian government, had said that a new anti-Israel force would be created that will operate from Jordan. Moanes said that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which comprises several Iran-backed militias, would equip the 12,000 'Islamic Resistance in Jordan' fighters with weapons and other logistics. The new force will add another dimension to the already operative Axis of Resistance which comprises Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the Houthis in Yemen. Mondays airstrike by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) killed senior leaders of Irans powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC), including a top official, Major General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. Iran leaders including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi had issued strong statements vowing retribution. The most significant development is the declared intention of opening up the Jordan front. It has several important implications. Jordan has a long more than 300-km-long boundary with Israel which would be a very convenient front for the Axis of Resistance to mount attacks. Already the Jordanian air space is being used by the latter to mount rocket and drone attacks on the former. But it will be much easier for the Iranian proxies to inject men and material into the West Bank for the Palestinian militias to more effectively fight Israeli forces. Another significant factor will be that it would also somewhat complete Irans encirclement of Israel through its proxies. There are reasons why Iran is more focused on its proxies to fight Israel rather than an all-out open war with Israel and its chief backer the US. An all-out war will jeopardize the nuclear programme which has suffered several breakdowns and acts of sabotage till now. It is reported that Iran is very close to attaining nuclear bomb-making capability. A war at this stage will give Israel and the US a very strong ground to intervene and destroy the growing capabilities. At 84, Supreme Leader Khamenei is ageing and is on the lookout for a credible and suitable successor. A war now could paralyse the hunt for the next leader who could provide much-needed stability and continuity to Irans Islamic government. The Iranian regime is also facing a barrage of corruption and fiscal indiscipline charges besides being bogged down by the weight of the US-led sanctions. An all-out war will bring further misery upon the people. Former US President Donald Trump is suing co-founders of the social media platform Truth Social. He is accusing them of mismanaging the platform earlier and has said they should lose stock in the company. IPO of Truth Social went public on March 26. Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. filed the papers in the Florida state court last week against executives Wes Moss and Andy Litinsky. Moss and Litinsky were contestants on Trump's NBC show "The Apprentice". The company stated that the executives made several mistakes, which delayed the company going public. According to an AP report, less than a week after a flashy stock market debut, Donald Trump's social media company is disclosing that it lost nearly $58.2 million in 2023. Losses in 2023 for Trump Media & Technology Group whose flagship product is Truth Social mark a stark decline compared with the profit of $450.5 million that the former president's company reported for 2022, according to a regulatory filing Monday. Moss and Litinsky pitched to Trump, the idea of starting Truth Social, a new social media platform, after Trump was banned from the social media platform X, which was then known as Twitter, following riots at Capitol Hill in January 2021. The lawsuit said, Without President Trump, Truth Social would have been impossible," and that the executives were "riding President Trump's coattails," an NBC report reads. According to a Bloomberg report, the pair failed at both establishing corporate governance for the new company and finding a special purpose acquisition company that could take the new company public. As per an AP report, Trump Media's shares soared in their first couple days of trading surpassing $79 at one point Tuesday but have since fallen closer to their initial offering price of $49.95. As of midday Monday, Trump Media's stock was down more than 18 per cent, standing at just over $50. Kolkata, Apr 3 (PTI) The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) on Wednesday said it has sought a single regulator to ensure uniform tariff for both Jharkhand and West Bengal command areas, an official said. Currently, the respective electricity regulatory commissions of both the states decide upon their end-consumer power tariff. During an interactive session with the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce here, DVC Chairman S Suresh Kumar said the difference in tariff is causing issues among consumers of the same discom but residing in different states. "We want uniform tariff for our command area, which covers parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal. We have already sent our proposal to the Ministry of Power and are awaiting a response," said Kumar. The generation and transmission tariff is fixed by the central regulator CERC, but distribution tariffs are finalised separately by the West Bengal and Jharkhand state electricity regulatory commissions, he added. The average tariff difference gap is approximately 50 paisa, with consumers in Bengal paying more. Some DVC industrial consumers in West Bengal have claimed that they are paying nearly Re 1 more. DVC aims for the distribution tariff to be fixed by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission to avoid ambiguities, litigations, and aid revenue growth, he added. DVC member Arup Sarkar mentioned that there is no need to change the DVC Act for this proposal, as the corporation has been advocating for uniform tariff for some time. However, both state governments need to give their approval for this proposal. DVC is jointly owned by the Union government, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. DVC's major consumers are industrial, with around 350 industrial high tension consumers spread over both states in the eastern region. Meanwhile, Kumar highlighted that the corporation is identifying inefficiencies, moving towards green power, and adding new thermal capacities. The joint venture project for a 1,000 MW pump storage power plant at Panchet with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company is progressing well, with joint venture agreements likely to be formalised after general elections, he added. The capex is expected to be Rs 7,000 crore. Kumar also mentioned that the company is adding 4,000-4,500 MW of fresh thermal capacity while emphasising green power, including solar harnessing land and dam reservoirs. DVC previously announced a capex of Rs 50,000 crore over the next 7-8 years to ramp up its capacity to 14,000 MW in thermal and hydel power. The current installed capacity is about 7,000 MW in thermal, hydel, and solar. Kolkata, Apr 3 (PTI) Small tea growers in West Bengal have written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about the "unilateral and autocratic" decision of the bought leaf factories (BLFs) to procure only green leaves which meet the compliance standards of the food safety regulator and maximum residue level (MRL) parameters. In the letter to the chief minister, the West Bengal United Forum of Small Tea Growers Association and other similar bodies of north Bengal, said that there are nearly 50,000 small growers which are operational in the region, and close to ten lakh people are either directly or indirectly involved in the trade. The body of small tea growers (STGs) said that the decision of the BLFs is "one-sided and destructive and it will have an impact on the economy of north Bengal". There are nearly 248 bought-leaf factories in north Bengal, which source green leaves from STGs. Small tea growers, who contribute to more than 65 per cent of the total production in West Bengal, are producing the crop in Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts. The North Bengal Tea Producers Welfare Association had on March 29 written to the Tea Board, stating that BLFs will only manufacture tea which is compliant with the norms of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), irrespective of the fact that from where the green leaf was sourced by them. The association said that BLFs had never used any type of chemicals during the manufacturing process and green leaves were sourced from various small growers in north Bengal. In the letter to the Tea Board, the association said that it is "not possible for the BLFs to check the quality of every batch procured by them and it has been decided that factory members will only accept or receive green leaves which are accompanied with the compliance test reports under FSSAI and MRL parameters from April 1, 2024". Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Associations president and Jalpaiguri District Small Tea Growers Association general secretary Bijoy Gopal Chakraborty said, "It is not simply possible for the small growers to comply with the requirements in such a short time. We have already started educating the growers on 'safe tea' and it will take time." The body of STGs, in the letter to the chief minister, also said that the growers are now plucking first flush tea after a gap of three winter months. "The decision of BLFs will force the STGs to face huge losses and shut down operations", he said. Meanwhile, various trade unions have also expressed their concern over the decision of BLFs and have also written to the chief secretary and other district administrations in north Bengal. Ms. Mai holds talks with LDP Vice President Aso Taro (Photo: NDO) Accordingly, the visit is taking place at a time when Vietnam - Japan relations are growing fruitfully, with the latest milestone being the upgrade of the ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world in November, 2023. During the visit, 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, Ms. Mai informed about important and comprehensive results in many fields of Vietnam after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi, especially the outstanding achievements in socio-economic development, Party and political system building, as well as foreign affairs since the Party's 13th Congress. Appreciating the strong, comprehensive and substantive development between the two countries after 50 years of diplomatic relations, she affirmed Vietnam always treasures the comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan, and is willing to cooperate with the government, LDP, and various political parties and localities of Japan to deepen the bilateral relationship to match the new position. In order to further deepen Vietnam-Japan relations in the new period, she suggested the two sides, especially the Communist Party of Vietnam and LDP, promote their ruling role in concretizing the high-level common awareness and important contents in the joint declaration on upgrading Vietnam-Japan bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. She also thanked and expressed hope that Japan will continue to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and work in Japan. LDP leaders and Wakayama prefecture leaders highly appreciated Ms. Mai's visit, and agreed with her proposals on deepening the Japan Vietnam relationship. They said that Japan always attaches importance to the bilateral ties, considers Vietnam 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 in various fields. They added that the LDP is willing to promote its friendship with the CPV, as well as to support Japan's continued collaboration with Vietnam in industrialization, modernization, economic connectivity and cooperation in sustainable development-oriented areas and international issues. They went on to say that they support the two countries localities and people-to-people organizations to increase exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and consolidate the Vietnam-Japan friendship foundation. At the meeting with officials and typical Party members of the Party Committee and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, Ms. Mai announced major features of the domestic development situation, policies and directions of the Party and State on socio-economic development and foreign affairs, as well as the implementation of tasks set out by the 13th Party Congress, and preparations for the 14th Party Congress. She suggested the embassy staff 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./. NASHIK, India, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PDRL, a leading software company, is excited to introduce a groundbreaking certification initiative designed for the innovative AeroMegh platform, marking a significant advancement in the drone industry. As drones become more prevalent with various applications, there is a growing need for skilled professionals to fully harness their potential. PDRL's AeroMegh platform, combined with its comprehensive certification program, equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this rapidly evolving field. AeroMegh, a cutting-edge Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, offers a complete end-to-end solution for drone data acquisition, processing, analysis, and flight operations. Utilizing the capabilities of this robust platform allows users to efficiently handle complex tasks while saving valuable time and resources. PDRL's certification initiative provides professionals with a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding and mastery of AeroMegh, giving them a distinct competitive advantage in the industry. As a key player in the drone industry revolution, PDRL proudly plays a vital role, with over 50% of drone manufacturers endorsed under the AeroGCS type certification and an impressive 75% of agriculture drones certified with AeroGCS GREEN, a crucial part of the AeroMegh suite. Recognizing the evident demand for skilled resources, PDRL has meticulously developed a certification program aimed at enhancing the technical knowledge and competencies essential in the thriving drone ecosystem. Participants in this program gain hands-on experience with the AeroMegh platform, refining their proficiency in its functionalities and applications. Completion of the program results in the prestigious PDRL certified drone professional designation, setting them apart within their professional community. The comprehensive certification curriculum covers all aspects of drone operations, from flight management to data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. Participants receive practical training, preparing them to navigate the complexities inherent in the thriving drone sector. The PDRL certification serves as a definitive endorsement, confirming that professionals possess the requisite expertise and commitment to excel in the fast-paced, ever-evolving drone landscape. In a strategic move to ensure the widespread accessibility of this program, PDRL has partnered with Pavaman. Pavaman Aviation, an end-to-end drone solutions organization focused on agriculture, brings a passionate team of engineers and domain experts with a combined experience of over 50 years. Actively researching and providing technological solutions, Pavaman Aviation is establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, spread across 18,000 sq.ft., positioning itself as a leader in drone training leading to DGCA certified remote pilot certification. This partnership with Pavaman is poised to extend the program's reach, making PDRL's expertise accessible to professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions. At the forefront of empowering professionals within the drone industry revolution is PDRL's AeroMegh platform and its certification program. As the industry continues to progress, the importance of skilled individuals becomes more pronounced. PDRL's vision and dedication to harnessing drone data for actionable insights are evident in its meticulous certification initiative. This milestone exemplifies PDRL's unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the drone industry, providing boundless value to aspiring professionals and investors alike. "The growth potential of the drone industry in our country is experiencing a significant upsurge, with projections indicating a target of reaching $23 billion by 2030. Concurrently, the demand for drone pilot training is poised to pave the way for promising career opportunities in the years ahead. Recognizing the critical need for skilled resources, we emphasize the importance of top-notch training delivered by seasoned professionals to equip today's workforce effectively. Through our collaboration with PDRL, our goal is to offer comprehensive software application training, empowering drone professionals to deliver high-quality services across diverse industries," Mr. Anjaneyulu S V S, Founder & CEO of Pavaman Aviations underscores the importance of this milestone. Mr. Anil Chandaliya, Chief Executive Officer at PDRL, stated that, "PDRL has initiated a mission to certify 10,000 professionals on the AeroMegh platform. Partnering with Pavaman Aviation undoubtedly speeds up this progress. This collaboration marks a noteworthy achievement in PDRL's commitment to narrowing down the skill gap between the rising demand and the availability of certified professionals. Together, we will accelerate the development of skilled resources and promote more job opportunities within the industry, with the ultimate goal of positioning India as a 'Global Drone Hub' by 2030." About PDRL: PDRL is a distinguished software entity committed to catalysing the transformation of the drone sector. Its groundbreaking AeroMegh platform presents a holistic solution for translating drone data into actionable insights. With a comprehensive certification program, PDRL empowers professionals with the proficiency and expertise requisite for excelling in the ever-evolving drone industry. Anchored in cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, PDRL assumes a leadership role in shaping the industry's trajectory. +91 7770013322 Marketing@pdrl.in Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2376220/PDRL_Pavaman.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 PWR MUMBAI, India, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SVKM's NMIMS Deemed-to-be-University recently hosted a conference on Open Science held under the aegis of the ERASMUS Open Asia-Boosting engagements in higher education institutes in Open Science in India and Malaysia, in collaboration with leading universities from across the world. The consortium meeting for the partner schools took place at NMIMS Mumbai. The partner universities for the Open Asia ERASMUS Project included Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India; University of Tampere, Finland; VU Amsterdam University, Netherlands; University of Malaya, University of Malaysia Sabah & University of Malaysia Sarawak- all from Malaysia; International School for Social and Business Studies and European Policy Development & Research Institute both from Slovenia. Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor of NMIMS was the Convenor of the conference, and Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Pro Vice Chancellor of NMIMS, and Dr. Olesea Sirbu, Vice-rector for International Relations at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, served as the Co-Convenors. Meena Saxena, Director, International Linkages NMIMS University, is the ERASMUS Open Asia, Project Coordinator. Extending a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, said, "The Open Science Forum is vital for researchers in tackling the problem of biased journal publications. About 60-70% of research faces hurdles in getting published due to this bias. With this forum, researchers can openly discuss their hypotheses, avoiding wasted time on unproductive topics. These interventions will promote open science and promote a positive shift in research culture. NMIMS is fully committed to embracing the OSF framework to drive forward a culture of open science and innovation." The two-day conference saw participants take part in discussions on various aspects of Open Science, including the Open Science experience across various countries, national policy development, community engagement, the significance of artificial intelligence in Open Science, commercial and open-source software, data-sharing, and open-access publishing. Dr. Man Mohan Sharma, Emeritus Professor of Eminence, Institute of Chemical Technology, was the Chief Guest at the conference. Sharing a unique perspective, Dr. Sharma, said, "In universities, we have what is called spiritual freedom to pursue ideas. Research, contrary to normal belief, is unstructured because you don't know the result. Open science encourages curiosity-driven research. It's about trying new things without knowing the outcome. Failures are harbingers of success. If you want to do something original and you have that curiosity, how do you strike at a new idea? That treatment is not going to come without open science." Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Former Secretary of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) emphasised the importance of adopting an open science policy to create a vibrant environment through a vision for India's Science, Technology and Innovation. He said this approach was crucial to align with the global transition from a closed to an open science world. In an era marked by unprecedented technological advancements and complex societal challenges, the traditional paradigms of scientific research and knowledge dissemination are rapidly evolving. In India, the Open Science movement, symbolising the principles of transparency, collaboration, and accessibility crucial for addressing the intricate problems facing the world today, has begun to gain traction over the past few years. Open Access journals have proven pivotal in promoting Indian researchers in both, international and national databases, with central repositories boosting accessibility to scholarly publications. According to Dr. Olesea Sirbu, Founder & President European Policy Development & Research Institute (EPDRI), "International collaboration is essential in advancing scientific research and ensuring its accessibility to all levels of society. This Open Science conference is an opportunity to strengthen ties between institutions and promote a culture of openness and inclusivity to encourage new opportunities for discovery and address global challenges in the field." Always at the forefront of emerging trends and innovation, faculty at SVKM's NMIMS are actively involved in activities that support the implementation of open science, which includes collaborating on projects that align with the principles of open science, publishing in open-access journals, and utilising open-source software for research purposes. Some faculty members of various schools and disciplines at SVKM's NMIMS are working on research projects in compliance with the open science policy. For example, Dr. Kapil Juvale from the (SPPSPTM) is working in collaboration with the Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, to develop therapeutics for neglected diseases such as leishmaniasis. Meanwhile, numerous faculty members at NMIMS publish their research in open-access journals, which enables immediate access to their work without any restrictions. The number of publications from NMIMS faculty in open-access journals has been rising of late. At NMIMS, efforts are also on to transition from proprietary software to free open-source software. This is being done to support research, data management, and bibliography management. The Open Asia Project promotes Open Science principles among participating institutions, promoting transparency, collaboration, and innovation in scientific research. The conference, titled, 'Unlocking Knowledge: A Conference on Open Science', paved the way for a more inclusive and impactful scientific community throughout India by bringing scientists, researchers, and scholars together to explore the progressive potential of Open Science through discussions on project objectives, strategies, and future collaborations. As part of the ERASMUS Open Asia Project, NMIMS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Tampere, Finland. The signing ceremony, which also marked the end of the event, took place on March 22, 2024, and proved to be a milestone in international academic cooperation. About SVKM's NMIMS Deemed-to-be University Circa 1981, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVKM) established the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) to meet the burgeoning demand for Management Education across the nation. In 2003, NMIMS was declared a Deemed-to-be University under section 3 of the UGC Act 1956 and Category-I in Graded Autonomy Regulation, 2018 by UGC/MHRD. With a legacy of 42 years, NMIMS has grown to be not only one of the Top 10 B-Schools in India but also emerged as a multi-disciplinary and multi-centric University with eight campuses at Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Indore, Shirpur, Dhule, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. The University has 17 constituent schools that include Management, Family Business Management, Engineering and Technology Management, Pharmacy, Architecture, Commerce, Economics, Law, Science, Liberal Arts, Design, Performing Arts, Mathematical Science, Agricultural Science, Hospitality Management, Branding and Advertising and Distance Learning. In addition to the 17 constituent Schools, the University also has 13 Centres of Excellence. Today, NMIMS stands as the academic hub of choice, attracting over 26,000 full-time students and employing more than 850 full-time faculty members. This vibrant academic community continues to thrive and contribute significantly to India's educational landscape. For more information please visit: https://www.nmims.edu/ (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR MUMBAI, India, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CodeSkin, a highly anticipated Indian skincare brand, is set to make an impactful entry into the industry with the unveiling of a complete range of seven revolutionary sunscreens. Curated by founder and skincare authority Mr. Oscar Pereira, one of the pioneers of the skincare industry in the country. Mr. Oscar's legacy is inked in the trailblazing success of Cheryl's Cosmeceuticalsproudly counted among the few Indian brands to have been acquired by beauty behemoth L'Oreal in 2013. Now, CodeSkin is poised to redefine skincare standards with its commitment to Safe, Effective and Clean beauty. "Beauty begins with honesty." In an increasingly cluttered marketplace where ambiguous ingredients and unsubstantiated claims are peddled to unsuspecting masses, Mr. Pereira's clinical research-driven approach to developing effective skincare products appears rare. His search for a Safe, Effective and Clean sunscreen instead unveiled the alarming presence of toxic ingredients in generic skincare labels. Consumed by the belief that everyday skincare consumers deserve better, he set out to democratize the beauty landscape with CodeSkin. To give the people a world-class product made in India. "Why choose between what works and what is good for your skin?" Years of uncompromising research and an unflinching commitment to perfection serve as the foundational stones of CodeSkin as its CodeSkin questions existing norms of safety, effectiveness and clean beauty with paradigm-shifting formulations. CodeSkin sunscreens are a debut range of an eventual comprehensive skincare brand. The sunscreens use world-class ingredients rated highest on safety, effectiveness and clean beauty. The formulations have been clinically tested for effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Each of the seven sunscreens caters to a different skin type and skin concern eg: oily, normal, dry, sensitive, as well as acne prone skin. Mr. Pereira says "CodeSkin has been developed at Effeza Labs, a state-of-the-art research and development center in Mumbai. Effeza Labs is equipped with the latest in formulation curation from sanitized, dust-free environments to advanced machines to manufacture lotions, creams, sprays and serums of the highest quality. In fact the FDA has awarded Effeza Labs with the prestigious GMP Certificate (Good Manufacturing Processes)" "I do not hesitate to go back to the drawing board because the CodeSkin consumer should expect nothing less from its formulations. Our mission is to empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty confidently, knowing that CodeSkin products are not only safe but also effective and clean." says Pereira. Sunscreens for every skin type and skin concern. CodeSkin UltraLite Fluid SPF 50+: A lightweight, daily-use sunscreen for broad-spectrum protection for normal to dry skin. CodeSkin UltraMatte Oil-free Fluid SPF 50+: Formulated for oily and combination skin, providing effective sun protection without adding shine. CodeSkin Ultra Protect Fluid SPF 100+: Offers advanced defense of quadruple sun protection technology for those seeking maximum sun protection. This will help divers, swimmers, cyclists, trekkers, paragliders, etc. Useful in cases of hyperpigmentation and melasma. CodeSkin UltraLite Body Spray SPF 50+: Convenient on-the-go body spray suitable for all skin types. CodeSkin UltraSensitive Mineral SPF 50+: A gentle mineral sunscreen designed specifically for sensitive skin. Especially good for pregnant women and kids above 2 years. CodeSkin UltraMatte Mineral Gel SPF 50+: Sun protection tailored for acne-prone skin without clogging pores. CodeSkin Ultra Mineral Glo SPF 40+: Infused with special illuminating pigments, adds a radiant glow while ensuring sun protection. Also, works as a makeup highlighter. CodeSkin Mineral sunscreens have only zinc oxide, which is one of the safest natural sunscreen ingredients. "Not all chemical ingredients are bad and not all natural ingredients are good." Discerning the difference between the two is a task that can only be accomplished with the decades of proven expertise that Pereira has funnelled into the heart of CodeSkin. Going above and beyond industry norms, the sourcing process caters to clean beauty guidelines not just within India, but international markets like Europe and USA. Today, the CodeSkin Charter goes to extraordinary lengths to avoid over 1,600 ingredients in the restricted list of international organisations. Today, when CodeSkin promises 'safe formulas', it means safe for kids, safe for pregnancy and safe for usage around the eyesa groundbreaking approach for ensuring that nobody ever has to make the binary choice between effective or safe skincare. CodeSkin has sourced the world's safest UVA and UVB sun protection filters. The CodeSkin charter of ingredient selection goes beyond the 1600 ingredients in the restricted list of international organizations. The amazing benefits of CodeSkin sunscreens include its safety even around the eyes and its lightweight fluid texture, leaves no white cast and is non-greasy. Formulated such that it is water-resistant and sweat-resistant, CodeSkin sunscreens keep your skin moisturized and offer maximum blue light protection. The sustainability and clean benefits include eco-friendly packaging, anti-pollution, reef-safe, fragrance-free and vegan features. "The future of clean beauty is born here." At EFFEZA LABS, the best scientists, skincare professionals, dermatologists and industry experts work tirelessly in pursuit of a common dream: to leverage science for decoding the mysteries of the human skin and place the most effective formulations in the hands of everyday skincare savants. The CodeSkin range of skincare products will create a new global benchmark for safety, effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Overhauling industry standards to pave the way for a new democratic landscape is not an overnight task but by constantly learning, experimenting and evolving, CodeSkin is proud to be scripting a brighter tomorrow in skincare. To shop & more information, visit: www.codeskin.in PRESS CONTACT: Nisha Shetty +91 98335 40664 Consult Blanco: nishashetty@consultblanco.in Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2377302/CodeSkin_Sunscreens.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 PWR London, Apr 3 (AP) Britain's main opposition parties demanded on Wednesday that the Conservative government publish legal advice it has received on whether Israel has broken international humanitarian law during the war in Gaza. They say the UK should ban weapons sales to Israel if the law has been broken. Britain is a staunch ally of Israel, but relations have been tested by the mounting death toll of the almost six-month war. Calls for an end to arms exports have escalated since an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, three of them British. David Lammy, foreign affairs spokesman for the main opposition Labour Party, said there are very serious accusations that Israel has breached international law. He urged the government to publish the legal advice now. If it says there is a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, it's time to suspend the sale of those arms, Lammy told British broadcasters London Mayor Sadiq Khan, one of the country's most senior Labour officials, said I don't understand any justification for not publishing the legal advice that they've got. It's important they publish that legal advice so that we can have confidence that the British government is following international law as well, Khan told reporters in London. Two smaller opposition parties, the centrist Liberal Democrats and secessionist Scottish National Party, called on the government to halt arms sales to Israel. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak did not commit to publishing the legal advice, but said the UK followed a strict set of rules, regulations and procedures over licensing arms exports. I have been consistently clear with Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while of course we defend Israel's right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and sadly too many civilians have already lost their lives, Sunak told The Sun newspaper's politics podcast. (AP) GRS GRS Seoul, Apr 3 (AP) North Korea said Wednesday it tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile powered with solid propellants, extending a run in weapons demonstrations that's deepening a nuclear standoff with neighbours and the United States. With the supposed success of the test, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared his country had acquired the ability to build solid-fuel, nuclear-capable systems for missiles of all ranges as he pursues an arsenal that could viably threaten rivals in Asia and the United States. The report by North Korean state media came a day after the South Korean and Japanese militaries detected the North launching a missile from near its capital toward its eastern sea. North Korean state media said the test was supervised by Kim, who described the Hwasong-16B missile as a key piece of his nuclear war deterrent he vowed to further build up to counter his enemies, a reference to the United States, South Korea and Japan. Kim said the North has now developed nuclear-capable, solid-fuel systems for all the tactical, operational and strategic missiles with various ranges, the Korean Central News Agency said. In recent years, North Korea has been focusing on developing more weapons with built-in solid propellants. Those weapons are easier to move and hide and can be made to launch quicker than liquid-propellant missiles, which need to be fuelled before launch and cannot stay fuelled for long periods of time. North Korea last year tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time, adding to its arsenal of long-range weapons targeting the US mainland. The country also has an extensive lineup of short-range and mid-range solid-fuel missiles that can be fired from land vehicles, ships and submarines and are potentially capable of reaching targets throughout South Korea and Japan. The North in recent months demonstrated some of these missiles in drills it described as simulated nuclear strikes while issuing provocative threats of nuclear conflict. The North has since 2021 also been testing hypersonic weapons designed to exceed five times the speed of sound. If perfected, such systems could potentially pose a challenge to regional missile defence systems because of their speed and maneuverability. However, it's unclear whether the North's hypersonic vehicles consistently maintained a desired speed exceeding Mach 5 during tests in 2021 and 2022. During Tuesday's test, the missile's hypersonic glide warhead after being separated from the launch rocket reached a peak altitude of 101 km (62 miles) and flew about 1,000 km (621 miles) while performing various flight maneuvers before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, the KCNA said. The South Korean and Japanese militaries had assessed that the missile flew around 600 (372 miles) although Japan's Defence Ministry announced a similar apogee with the North Korean report. The North had also tested a purported hypersonic IRBM in January, which came years after it flight-tested liquid-fuel IRBMs. Experts say such weapons if perfected is potentially capable of reaching remote US targets in the Pacific, including the military hub of Guam. Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the missile tested on Tuesday was likely different from the system tested in January, which state media didn't name but would likely be the Hwasong-16A. North Korea in previous tests have unveiled two different types of hypersonic vehicles a conical one and a wedge-shaped one. State media images show that the January launch involved a conical warhead while the wedge-shaped design was used for Tuesday's launch. While North Korea had initially tested its hypersonic warheads with liquid-fuel systems, the ability to load them on solid-fuel rockets would allow for faster launches and operation, said Chang Young-keun, a missile expert at South Korea's Research Institute for National Strategy. North Korea, in declaring that it has fully accomplished the nuclear weaponisation of its missiles, also emphasised its commitment to arm its hypersonic missiles with nuclear weapons, Chang said. North Korea's development of hypersonic IRBMs targets Guam, which hosts US military bases, and even Alaska. Tensions in the region have risen since 2022 as Kim used Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a distraction to accelerate his testing of missiles and other weapons. The United States and South Korea have responded by expanding their combined training and trilateral drills involving Japan and sharpening their deterrence strategies built around strategic US assets. While supervising Tuesday's test, Kim Jong Un called for his country to further expand its nuclear and missile programme to acquire overwhelming power capable of containing and controlling his enemies, who have recently run higher fever in boosting their military alliance and staging all sorts of war drills. Hours after the launch, Seoul's Defence Ministry announced that South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted a combined aerial exercise above waters near South Korea's Jeju island that involved at least one nuclear-capable US B-52 bomber. The United States in recent months has been increasing its deployment of strategic assets to the region, also including aircraft carriers and missile-firing submarines, in a show of force against North Korea. (AP) SCY SCY Taipei, Apr 3 (AP) The tsunami threat from a strong earthquake that struck Taiwan has largely passed. The Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded its forecast from 3 metres (9.8 feet) to 1 metre (3.3 feet). One island had a wave of about 30 centimetres (a foot), while smaller waves were detected in other islands. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said there has been no report of injury or damage in Japan. He urged the residents in the Okinawa region to stay on safe ground until all tsunami advisories were lifted. China issued no warnings for the Chinese mainland, and there was no threat for Hawaii and Guam. More than two hours after the 7.4 magnitude quake struck Taiwan, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said the threat of a tsunami has largely passed. The quake damaged buildings on Taiwan but casualty information was not yet available. (AP) GSP United Nations, Apr 3 (PTI) The historic milestone achieved by the Akshaya Patra Foundation of serving four billion meals was celebrated at the United Nations headquarters, with the commemoration highlighting India's proactive measures to ensure food security and offering a template to other nations for impactful action. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN hosted a special event 'Achievements in Food Security: India's Strides Towards Sustainable Development Goals' on Tuesday, showcasing the country's innovative strategies, policies and achievements in food security and nutrition and their alignment with SDGs, particularly the target of zero hunger. The event, attended by Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi and chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation Madhu Pandit Dasa, commemorated the milestone four billionth meal served by the Indian NGO. In a message sent especially for the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated with "immense pride and joy" the entire team of The Akshaya Patra Foundation on the "remarkable milestone of serving four billion meals. This achievement stands as a testament to an unwavering commitment to eradicate hunger and provide nourishment to humanity. The significance of this milestone is further highlighted by serving the meal at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, showcasing a passion for global wellbeing," Modi said in the message that was read out by India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj. Modi said Akshaya Patra has served meals to countless children, ensuring that the "makers of the world's future are well nourished". He also recalled the occasion when he had served the three billionth meal at Vrindavan in February 2019. The Indian mission said in a concept note that with a population of over 1.4 billion, India's efforts in ensuring food security have far-reaching implications and serve as a model for other nations striving to combat food insecurity. In his keynote address, Satyarthi told the gathering that commemorating the milestone of four billion meals at the UN headquarters is "very significant" and sends a "very strong message" since this is the "place that represents the hopes and inspirations of 8 billion people". Satyarthi lamented the failure of the international community towards making commendable progress in achieving the 2030 development goals. If we fail SDGs, we fail the future," he said. In this situation of sometimes despair and hopelessness, we always need success stories. We need a ray of hope and today through the Government of India and Akshaya Patra's effort, we are able to give this hope to the world that India is not just a land of several problems, it is the mother of over a billion solutions," the Nobel Peace Prize laureate said. Commending the foundation's efforts, Satyarthi said that serving four billion meals is "not a joke". Lamenting the shrinking moral compass globally, Satyarthi said this is the time to globalise compassion. "India will lead the globalisation of compassion. If India cannot lead the globalisation of compassion, no one can lead," he said. Murthy appealed to leaders of other countries at the UN to emulate the Akshaya Patra model and "bring joy, health, confidence, hope and success to poor children in their own countries". Lauding the work done by the foundation, Murthy said that Akshaya Patra raises our confidence that good things can indeed happen in India". Murthy emphasised that India has been making good economic progress due to the success of the governments economic policies, vision and hard work of Indian entrepreneurs and citizens as well as the foreign direct investment from multinationals. He noted that the Government of India runs the world's largest food security programme, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which benefits over 800 million people. As part of it, the school feeding program PM POSHAN (Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme directly benefits over 118 million children. "Akshaya Patra is a proud addition and a proud partner of this fantastic initiative of the Government of India," Murthy said. Poverty is not unique to India. It is there in every society. Akshaya Patra makes the future of India safe by bringing inclusivity to the country's growth and making the poor people enthusiastic partners in our quest towards prosperity," Murthy added. He stressed that Akshaya Patra is a worthy example of a "successful public-private partnership and it very importantly rises above religion, region and caste. Murthy said he is "very impressed" that Akshaya Patra has used technology in a big way to ensure that food is clean and delivered hot and dust-free. On the occasion, Dasa announced Akshaya Patra's "commitment to share its rich experience in using the best technology and logistics of large-scale cooking and distribution of food with any organisation in any part of the world to help them replicate this model to alleviate hunger. If invited by any country, Akshaya Patra is most willing to go beyond the boundaries of India, driven by the passion of the well-being of every citizen on this planet." The foundation had served over 250 million meals during the pandemic in India and a kitchen was set up in Nepal to provide hot meals to people affected by an earthquake. Recently, it provided food, grocery and hygiene kits in Turkiye, benefiting thousands of earthquake survivors in the country. "We are also serving the people of Ukraine" who are facing food security challenges due to war, Dasa said. Kamboj highlighted that India is taking "bold steps", especially in eradicating poverty. "Our actions today are painting the canvas of tomorrow. It's a journey of hope, a journey of change." Kamboj underscored that Akshaya Patra's efforts "shine as a model of hope and a template for impactful action. This goes beyond feeding the hungry. It's about educating the young and empowering women, driving both SDG 2 zero hunger and SDG 4 quality education by incentivising children to attend school," she said. Currently, Akshaya Patra has 72 kitchens in India, feeding 2.1 million children every day in 24,000 schools over the last 24 years. Baltimore (US), Apr 3 (AP) In the moments before the cargo ship Dali rammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and sent it crumbling into the water, a flurry of urgent warnings crackled over radios and enabled police to block traffic from getting on the span, likely saving lives. But those warnings seemingly didn't reach the six construction workers who were killed in last week's collapse of the Baltimore bridge. Their deaths have raised questions about whether the construction company took proper precautions, including keeping a safety boat nearby that might have been able to warn them at least a few seconds before impact. Federal regulations require construction companies to keep such boats, commonly known as skiffs, on hand whenever crews are working over waterways, safety experts told The Associated Press. There is no indication that the construction company, Brawner Builders, had a rescue boat on the water or ready to be launched as the bridge fell. If you're working over a bridge like that, the standard interpretation doesn't give you an option, said Janine McCartney, a safety engineer for HHC Safety Engineering Services Inc. The skiff is required, period. Coast Guard representatives and other officials said they were unaware of any Brawner boat in the water at the time of the March 26 collapse. And satellite images from around the time of the collapse appeared to show no skiff in the river near the bridge. Even if the workers had been warned that the giant ship was about to hit, it's unclear if they would have had enough time to scramble to safety. The archived recordings of the bridge's maintenance radio channel from early that morning include only one minor exchange between two maintenance workers about the approaching ship, though it's unclear if either was on or near the span at the time. In the exchange, a man with a muffled voice seemed to ask what was going on, and the other replied, They're just holding traffic because a ship lost its steering, that's all. The bridge collapsed less than 30 seconds later. But if a safety boat were present, experts said, it might have been able to use a marine radio and required walkie-talkies to warn the construction workers about the Dali's distress calls, possibly giving them a chance to act. Authorities say a construction inspector was able to run to a section of the bridge that didn't collapse, though it's unknown what warning, if any, he received. A Brawner representative declined to comment for this story, saying the company is focused on taking care of the families of the workers, who were filling potholes on the bridge when it collapsed. Brawner has used safety skiffs for work on bridges in the past, according to a deposition of a company executive that was part of a 2011 lawsuit. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations say construction companies performing work over waterways must have at least one safety boat available. OSHA officials have said in rule interpretations over the years that the required boat can ensure prompt rescue of employees that fall into the water, regardless of other precautions taken to prevent this from occurring. An OSHA spokesperson didn't respond to repeated requests for clarification on that regulation. Some states have rules clarifying that the boats aren't required under certain conditions, such as when the work being done is contained within the guardrails of a bridge. But Maryland isn't among them and does require that a safety skiff be present when workers are over or near water. A spokesperson for the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, which oversees compliance with federal labor regulations, declined to comment on the Key Bridge collapse or Brawner's safety record, citing the open investigation into the tragedy. Dennis O'Bryan, a maritime lawyer, said he believes the skiff requirement remains in effect even when there is little risk of drowning unless the company secures an exemption from the state. If there was a skiff there, it would have heard the mayday call and radioed the workers to get off the bridge, O'Bryan said. There needs to be an investigation into whether the skiff was there and, if not, why it wasn't. O'Bryan isn't representing any of the families of the workers who were on the Key Bridge when it collapsed. But in 2011, he represented a Brawner employee who was injured while operating a safety boat meant to monitor workers on a bridge. The lawsuit accused the company of not properly staffing the boat. It was settled for an undisclosed sum. The AP requested a copy of the safety plan that Brawner submitted for the Key Bridge project, which was among more than 25 contracts worth a total of over $120 million that the state awarded the company in the past five years. The request was still being processed as of Tuesday. Brawner has been cited three times for seven safety violations since 2018, including four citations for failing to provide proper fall protections, OSHA's online enforcement records show. The company was fined close to $11,000 in informal OSHA settlements. Several project foremen interviewed by the AP said that despite OSHA's strict interpretations, it is not uncommon for construction companies to forgo the use of a safety skiff on jobs that don't pose an imminent risk of drowning, and it's unclear when the regulation is enforced. In the past decade, there has been just one violation issued in Maryland during a bridge construction project for failure to provide a life-saving skiff, according to a review of available online OSHA records. Some construction experts said a boat wouldn't have made a difference because of the steep drop, the little time the crew had to react, and the tons of steel and debris that made it incredibly difficult for even trained rescuers to locate and reach the missing workers' bodies. You can have the most perfect safety plan and safety measures in place, and unless you have time to implement them, then who knows, said Julio Palomo, president of Laborers International Union of North America Local 11, which represents Maryland and other parts of the Washington, D.C., area. Would it just have put more people in danger having that boat in the water? We just don't know. Others, though, said a safety boat might have had a better chance to issue a warning over a direct radio line to the crew, something companies could consider when writing future safety plans in light of the Key Bridge collapse. Ryan Papariello, a safety and health specialist with the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America, said that in safety plans for work on bridges, companies should think about including flotation devices and clear communication with the Coast Guard or anyone that's patrolling the water. He also said future plans might include the use of specific loud noises that signal workers to evacuate. Obviously this wasn't a foreseeable incident, Papariello said. A lot of the contractors that we see and I'm not blaming the contractor they just don't have a valid rescue plan in place. (AP) NSA NSA Jerusalem, Apr 3 (AP) Israeli airstrikes on aid workers delivering food in Gaza killed at least seven people including a US-Canada dual citizen and citizens of Australia, Poland and the United Kingdom. It's the latest Israeli military action to hit humanitarian efforts in the besieged Palestinian territory. World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said early Tuesday it was immediately pausing operations in the region, delivering a blow to the recently opened sea route for food aid. Ships carrying food sailed away from Gaza after arriving just a day earlier. Israel says the strikes were an accident and that officials are investigating. The UN says at least 180 humanitarian workers have been killed in the war so far. The US, which has provided key military and diplomatic support for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, had hoped the sea route would allow more food to enter the territory. In northern Gaza, the United Nations says much of the population is on the brink of starvation. South Africa has accused Israel of acts of genocide in its war in Gaza and filed a case at the United Nations' highest court charges Israel strongly denies. After nearly six months, Israel's war in Gaza has killed nearly 33,000 Palestinians, the territory's Health Ministry says. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead. 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. Currently: With famine looming, aid group halts food delivery in Gaza after Israeli strike kills 7 workers Family and friends recall brave' and selfless' aid workers killed in Israeli airstrikes Tehran vows response after strike blamed on Israel destroyed Iran's Consulate in Syria and killed 12 Palestinians seek full UN membership again, but US is almost certain to block it for a second time Forced from their Gaza home by Israeli troops, a family makes a terrifying escape through a war zone. World Central Kitchen is saving lives with food but paying a price in blood Here's the latest: ISRAELI POLICE SAY ARAB RESIDENT CARRIES OUT CAR-RAMMING ATTACK TEL AVIV Israel police said an Arab resident from northern Israel carried out a car-ramming attack, wounding four police officers and attempting to stab security forces at a checkpoint before he was killed by police. The attack, carried out by a 26-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the Arab town of Tira, occurred around 2 am Wednesday. The police were lightly wounded and evacuated for medical treatment. Palestinian citizens make up around 20 per cent of Israel's population. They have citizenship, including the right to vote, but face widespread discrimination. They have close family ties to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza and largely support the Palestinian cause, leading some Israelis to view them with suspicion. The attacks came amid heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Hamas militant group has called on Palestinians to attack Israelis during the month-long holiday. There have been several stabbing and ramming attacks at checkpoints during Ramadan and since the start of the war. Violence has surged in the occupied West Bank since Hamas' October 7 attack triggered the war in Gaza. ISRAEL SAYS MISIDENTIFICATION' LED TO GAZA STRIKES THAT KILLED AID WORKERS JERUSALEM Israel's military chief says a deadly Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers in the Gaza Strip was the result of a misidentification in complex conditions. Announcing the results of a preliminary investigation early Wednesday, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi expressed remorse over the killings and called the event a grave mistake. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn't have happened, he said. He gave no further details. He said an independent body would conduct a thorough investigation that would be completed in the coming days, and said the army appreciates the important work of the World Central Kitchen. He said the conclusions of the independent investigation would be implemented immediately and shared with World Central Kitchen and other relevant international organisations. We see great importance in the continued delivery of humanitarian aid, and we will keep working to facilitate this vital effort, he said. World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated with the Israeli military over the movement of its cars. Three vehicles that were moving at large distances apart were hit in succession. They were left incinerated and mangled, indicating multiple targeted strikes. At least one of the vehicles had the charity's logo printed across its roof to make it identifiable from the air, and the ordnance punched a large hole through the roof. The strikes on the charity's convoy highlighted what critics say is Israel's indiscriminate bombing and lack of regard for civilian casualties in Gaza. Israeli authorities blame Hamas militants for civilian deaths because the fighters operate in populated areas. AUSTRALIAN LEADER SAYS ISRAEL PROMISES FULL TRANSPARENCY' INTO AID WORKERS' KILLING MELBOURNE, Australia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu has provided an undertaking for full transparency in an investigation of how seven aid workers including an Australian woman who were killed by airstrikes in Gaza. Albanese said he had expressed Australia's anger and concern over Zomi Frankcom's death in a phone call with Netanyahu on Wednesday. I emphasised the importance of full accountability and transparency and Prime Minister Netanyahu has committed to full transparency about how this tragedy could possibly have occurred, Albanese told reporters. There is a need for a thorough investigation into what happened here and Prime Minister Netanyahu committed to that, Albanese added. Israel had accepted responsibility for the attack on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy and the consequent investigation must be very fast, immediate, clear and transparent, Albanese said. I conveyed to Prime Minister Netanyahu in very clear terms that Australians were outraged by this death, by this tragedy, of this fine Australian, Albanese said. This is an Australian who we can all be proud of, someone who not only was in Gaza assisting people in need, but had in the past provided support for people in Bangladesh, in Pakistan, here in Australia after the bushfires. This was someone who was clearly committed to benefit her fellow humanity, and someone ... whose loss is very deeply felt by her family, but I think felt by Australians as well, Albanese added. CANADA AND OTHER COUNTRIES WILL SEND ISRAEL A DIPLOMATIC REBUKE FOR KILLING GAZA AID WORKERS, OFFICIAL SAYS TORONTO Canada and other nations' embassies will present a joint formal diplomatic rebuke to the Israeli Foreign Ministry over the country's killing of seven aid workers in Gaza, a senior Canadian government official said. A top official with Canada's Global Affairs department has also made a formal representation to Israel ambassador to Canada on Tuesday, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. The Canadian official did not elaborate on which nations would take part in the formal rebuke, known as a demarche. But the dead from Monday night's strikes included a Canadian-American dual national, a Palestinian, three British citizens, and Polish and Australia nationals. Those Western countries have been key backers of Israel's nearly 6-month-old offensive in Gaza, and several of them sharply condemned the killings. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the military had carried out the unintended strike ... on innocent people. He said officials were investigating and would work to ensure it did not happen again. UN SAYS ISRAEL'S KILLING OF AID WORKERS IS INEVITABLE' RESULT OF HOW IT'S CONDUCTING THE WAR IN GAZA UNITED NATIONS The United Nations says Israel's heartbreaking killing of seven aid workers in airstrikes is the inevitable result of the way this war is currently being conducted, pointing to the killing of more than 180 humanitarian workers so far. The World Central Kitchen staff's recent deaths show a disregard for international humanitarian law and a disregard for the protection of humanitarian workers that the law requires, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Tuesday. At least one of the vehicles had the charity's logo printed across its roof to make it identifiable from the air, and the ordnance punched a large hole through the roof. Three vehicles moving at large distances apart were hit in succession. They were left incinerated and mangled, indicating multiple targeted strikes. Dujarric said Sigrid Kaag, the senior U.N. humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, met with the World Central Kitchen team Monday in Gaza's southern city of Rafah just hours before they were killed. Kaag is appalled at the attack, Dujarric said. World Central Kitchen, which is a partner of the U.N. World Food Program, has suspended operations in the region along with other aid organizations, dealing a blow to the delivery of desperately needed aid to Gaza's 2.3 million hungry people, including hundreds of thousands of people who are near starvation. Israel has called the airstrikes an accident and says it's investigating. Dujarric was asked what his message is to Israel. The message is let humanitarian workers do their job. They need to be able to do it in safety. US MILITARY BELIEVES ISRAEL CARRIED OUT DEADLY STRIKE ON IRAN'S CONSULATE IN SYRIA WASHINGTON The United States military believes Israel carried out the recent airstrike on Iran's Consulate in Syria and that several senior leaders of the Revolutionary Guard were present. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Tuesday that it is the U.S. assessment that Israel conducted the strike on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus and that there were a handful IRGC top leaders there. Israel, which has repeatedly targeted Iranian officers in Syria and in Lebanon, did not comment on Monday's attack. Iran has vowed to respond to the attack that killed 12 people including two Iranian generals and a member of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group, which is backed by Iran. Israel, increasingly impatient with months of cross-border fighting with Hezbollah, has warned of the possibility of a full-fledged war. The US National Security Council said the United States played no role in the strike in Damascus and did not know of it ahead of time. (AP) GSP Rome, Apr 3 (AP) Pope Francis led thousands of people in a moment of silence Wednesday to pray for the aid workers killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza and a young Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandre who was killed in 'this madness of war". Francis appealed anew for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken from Israel on October 7 by Hamas. Praying for the families of the seven World Central Kitchen workers killed, he called for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza's people and for all efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading. At the end of his general audience, Francis also showed tourists and pilgrims in St. Peter's Square the rosary and camouflaged New Testament book that a 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandre had with him when he was killed in the eastern city of Avdijevka. They were apparently given to Francis two weeks ago by Sr. Lucia Caram, an Argentine-born nun living in Spain who has spearheaded multiple humanitarian missions to Ukraine to bring in aid and ferry out wounded soldiers. According to a May 13 Instagram post, Caram said Francis became emotional during a private audience when she presented him with Oleksandre's rosary and New Testament. She said Francis kissed the rosary, which he himself had blessed on a previous occasion for Caram to distribute in Ukraine. He urged me to continue. He gave me more rosaries to bring to Ukraine, she wrote at the time. In showing off the items Wednesday, Francis flipped through the pages of Oleksandre's underlined New Testament and said the young man still had an entire life ahead of him when he was killed. He asked for a moment of silent prayer thinking of this kid and so many like him, killed in this madness of war. Francis has previously shown off other relics of the Ukraine war, including a battered Ukrainian flag recovered from Bucha, the site of early Russian atrocities. (AP) GSP Brussels, Apr 2 (AP) NATO is debating a plan to provide more predictable military support to Ukraine in coming years as better armed Russian troops assert control on the battlefield, the organisation's top civilian official said Wednesday. We strongly believe that support to Ukraine should be less dependent on short-term, voluntary offers and more dependent on long-term NATO commitments, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said before chairing a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers in Brussels. Earlier on Wednesday, Ukraine lowered the military conscription age from 27 to 25 to help replenish its depleted ranks after more than two years of war. A shortage of infantry combined with a severe ammunition shortfall has helped hand Russian troops the initiative. The reason why we do this is the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is serious, Stoltenberg told reporters. We see how Russia is pushing, and we see how they try to win this war by just waiting us out. The plan is to have NATO coordinate the work of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group a forum of around 50 countries that has regularly gathered during the war to drum up weapons and ammunition for Ukraine rather than the US European Command. US Gen Christopher Cavoli is NATO's top military commander as well as the head of US European Command, so the person in charge would not change. But Stoltenberg said a formal institutional framework is needed as the war drags on and that NATO can provide it. While the move would not see NATO directly providing weapons to Ukraine as an organisation with 32 members that functions by consensus, the allies only agree to send non-lethal aid like demining equipment, fuel and medical supplies - it would mark a new phase in its involvement in the war. NATO is desperate to do more for Ukraine, particularly while Russia holds a military advantage, but its members are not ready to offer the country their ultimate security guarantee: membership. Nor do they want to be dragged into a wider war with a nuclear-armed military power like Russia. Under the new plan, which is expected to be endorsed by US President Joe Biden and his counterparts at their next summit in Washington in July, NATO would coordinate the military side of Ukraine support efforts by assessing Ukraine's needs, collecting pledges and running meetings. The Financial Times newspaper reported that the multi-year plan could involve up to USD 100 billion, but Stoltenberg declined to provide details. Western pledges of support to Ukraine have been marred by broken promises. A European vow to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition fell woefully short, and financial aid meant for Ukraine's war-stricken economy was delayed by political infighting in Europe and is still blocked in the US. It's dangerous to make promises that we can't keep, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib told reporters when asked how much her country might be willing to contribute to a USD 100-billion fund. She said the plan requires more discussion. Stoltenberg again urged Congress to overcome its differences and pass a supplemental spending bill, which includes roughly USD 60 billion in military aid for Ukraine, saying that the continued delay has consequences on the battlefield. "That's one of the reasons why the Ukrainians have to ration the number of artillery shells, why they have problems standing up against the Russian force with overwhelming military power," he said. Russian troops, he added, "are able to outgun them with more ammunition and more artillery. (AP) NPK NPK Tallinn (Estonia), Apr 2 (AP) The head of Russia's national security council on Wednesday contended that the United States shares blame for the attack by gunmen on a Moscow concert hall that killed 144 people, even though a branch of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility. Since the March 22 attack at the Crocus City Hall, the deadliest on Russian soil in two decades, Russian officials including President Vladimir Putin have repeatedly claimed, without presenting evidence, that it was organized by Ukraine, which has been fighting a Russian invasion for more than two years. An affiliate of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and Kyiv has consistently denied involvement. They are trying to impose on us that the terrorist act was committed not by the Kyiv regime, but by supporters of radical Islamic ideology, perhaps members of the Afghan branch of IS, security council head Nikolai Patrushev said at a meeting in the Kazakhstan capital Astana of security councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The SCO is a nine-country regional security and economic bloc that includes China, India and Iran. "However, it is much more important to quickly establish who is the customer and sponsor of this monstrous crime. Its traces lead to the Ukrainian special services. But everyone knows that the Kyiv regime is not independent and is completely controlled by the United States," Patrushev said. Four suspected gunmen were captured the day after the attack in the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. Putin and other officials claim that the gunmen had arranged for passage into Ukraine. Six other suspected accomplices have also been arrested. The attack came two weeks after the United States Embassy in Russia issued a warning that it was monitoring reports of planned terrorist attacks on public targets. The US State Department said information about the planned attacks was passed on to Russian officials. Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday declined comment in a conference call on a report in the Washington Post that US officials had specifically identified Crocus City Hall as a potential target, saying that was a matter for security services. Also Wednesday, the Russian prosecutor-general's office sent information requests to the US, Germany, France and Cyprus over Western countries' potential involvement in terrorist attacks on Russia, state news agency Tass reported. (AP) NPK NPK Peshawar, Apr 3 (PTI) A day after Senate elections, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday asserted that he would not allow what he believed were the unconstitutionally elected members to take the oath in the provincial Assembly. Gandapurs strong reaction came after the jailed former prime minister Imran Khans party denounced the Pakistan election commission's decision to postpone the Senate polls in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province on Tuesday and termed it as a continuation of mandate theft and labelled the Chief Election Commissioner as the central figure in the poll robbery scheme. Pakistan's ruling coalition led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other parties bagged 18 out of 19 seats in the Senate while an independent candidate was elected with their support to the upper house. Polling was held on 12 seats from Sindh, five seats from Punjab and two seats from the Islamabad capital territory. However, elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province were postponed due to controversy over the oaths of members elected on reserved seats. Khans PTI party has alleged that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) incorrectly gave reserved seats that were to be claimed by his party to the ruling coalition, thus disturbing the poll seats math that went against him. The governor of KPK province Haji Ghulam Ali on Tuesday called the session of the house but the Speaker Babar Salim Swati did not summon the session and instead moved the court against the Governor over summoning the session for administering oaths to the women elected on reserved seats. Elections have been held for electing the country's president, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Minister of the provinces, and even the Senate in the absence of the members elected on reserved seats. Then, why are the Senate elections not being held in the KPK? asked Gandapur at a press conference on Wednesday. I am giving a clear message that for protecting the sanctity and honour of the Constitution, I will not allow the members elected on reserved seats to take oath. How could we give our reserved seats to members of other parties? the senior PTI leader asserted. In a statement, the PTI party spokesperson said the postponement of Senate elections for not administering the oath to members on reserved seats in the provincial assembly was ridiculous. The statement further accused the chief election commissioner of being the central figure in the poll robbery scheme, according to a report in the Dawn newspaper. The statement added that ECPs decision was a continuation of the same scheme under which peoples mandate was stolen under state patronage after general elections. Meanwhile, Gandapur, who is a key accused in the May 9 violence, called for a foolproof investigation into the riots and it should be ascertained who benefitted from it and who was at a loss. He also offered himself for a fair trial in the May 9 riots, which erupted after Imran Khan was arrested in a corruption case. He reiterated fake cases have been made against the people who were not present in the May 9 protests across the country. Khans PTI-backed independents won more than 90 seats in the February 8 polls despite it being the PML-N and the PPP that came together to form a ruling alliance. That also dictated the proportionate allotment of reserved seats to women, during which PTI has alleged that the establishment snatched away their share and distributed it amongst the ruling coalition. Rafah, Apr 4 (AP) The bodies of six foreign aid workers killed in a series of Israeli strikes were transported out of the Gaza Strip and into Egypt on Wednesday ahead of their repatriation, Egypt's state-run Qahera TV reported. The deadly strikes have renewed criticism of Israel's conduct in the nearly six-monthlong war with Hamas, and highlighted the perilous conditions aid workers face in trying to deliver food to the besieged enclave, where experts say nearly a third of the population is on the brink of starvation. The three British citizens, a Polish citizen, an Australian and a Canadian American dual citizen worked for World Central Kitchen, an international charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres. Their Palestinian driver was also killed, and his remains were handed over to his family for burial in Gaza. The other bodies were driven into Egypt through the Rafah crossing. The seven were distributing food that had been brought into Gaza through a newly established maritime corridor late Monday when Israeli airstrikes targeted their three vehicles, killing everyone inside. Israel said it carried out the strikes by mistake and that it has launched an independent investigation into how it happened. Some of Israel's closest allies, including the United States, condemned the deaths, which led the World Central Kitchen and other charities to suspend food deliveries, citing the dire security situation. Cyprus, which has played a key role in setting up the maritime corridor, said the ships that had arrived Monday were returning to the Mediterranean island nation with some 240 tonnes of undelivered aid. But it also said the sea deliveries would continue. Israel faces growing isolation as international criticism of its Gaza assault has mounted. On the same day as the deadly airstrikes, Israel stirred more fears by apparently striking Iran's consulate in Damascus, killing two Iranian generals. The government also moved to shut down a foreign media outlet Qatari-owned Al Jazeera television. The hit on the charity's convoy highlighted what critics have called Israel's indiscriminate bombing and lack of regard for civilian casualties in Gaza. In an op-ed published by Israel's mass-circulation Yediot Ahronot newspaper on Wednesday, Andres wrote that the Israeli government needs to open land routes to food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today. Andres, whose organisation has provided aid in war and disaster zones all over the world, including to Israelis after Hamas' October 7 attack that triggered the war, said the strikes were not just some unfortunate mistake in the fog of war. It was a direct attack on clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known by the (Israeli military). It was also the direct result of (the Israeli) government's policy to squeeze humanitarian aid to desperate levels, Andres wrote. Israel has severely restricted access to northern Gaza, where experts say famine is imminent. The deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers threatened to set back efforts by the US and other countries to open a maritime corridor for aid from Cyprus to help ease the desperate conditions in northern Gaza. US President Joe Biden issued an unusually blunt criticism of Israel by its closest ally, suggesting that the incident demonstrated that Israel was not doing enough to protect civilians. Incidents like yesterday's simply should not happen, he said. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties. Israel's military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, announced the results of a preliminary investigation early Wednesday. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification - at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn't have happened, he said. He gave no further details. He said an independent body would conduct a thorough investigation that would be completed in the coming days. World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated with the Israeli military over the movement of its cars. Three vehicles moving at large distances apart were hit in succession. They were left incinerated and mangled, indicating multiple targeted strikes. At least one of the vehicles had the charity's logo printed across its roof to make it identifiable from the air, and the ordnance punched a large hole through the roof. A video showed the bodies at a hospital in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, several of them wearing protective gear with the charity's logo. Nearly 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in a surprise attack on October 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. Israel responded with one of the deadliest and most destructive offensives in recent history. Hamas is still holding an estimated 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others, after most of the rest were freed last year in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent months trying to broker another truce and hostage release. (AP) GRS GRS Taipei, Apr 3 (PTI) Shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed solidarity with the people of quake-hit Taiwan, its President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday expressed deep gratitude to him for the support at the "challenging time", saying it means a "great deal" to the Taiwanese people. Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te also thanked Modi saying the support and solidarity of the Indian prime minister are a source of strength to the people of Taiwan during these trying times. "We are deeply grateful for your kind words and support,@narendramodi, at this challenging time. Your solidarity means a great deal to the people of Taiwan as we all work toward a swift recovery," President Tsai said on 'X'. Taiwan was struck on Wednesday by its most powerful earthquake in a quarter century that killed at least nine people and injured over 800. In a post on 'X', Modi said: "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to earthquakes in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured." "We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it," Modi said in perhaps the first such message to Taiwan. Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te thanked Modi for the "heartwarming" message. "Thank you, Prime Minister Modi @narendramodi, for your heartwarming message. Your support & solidarity are a source of strength to the people of Taiwan during these trying times," he said. The India Taipei Association also extended its condolences to the victims of the quake. "India Taipei Association would like to extend our deepest condolences for the victims and heartfelt sympathies for communities affected by the earthquake which struck Taiwan this morning," it said on 'X'. "We sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand ready with the people of Taiwan during these difficult times #IslandOfResilience," it added. China considers Taiwan as its breakaway province and insists it should be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, sees itself as completely distinct from China. Though India and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic ties, the bilateral trade relations have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years. In 1995, New Delhi set up the India-Taipei Association (ITA) in Taipei to promote interactions between the two sides and to facilitate business, tourism and cultural exchanges. India-Taipei Association has also been authorised to provide all consular and passport services. In the same year, Taiwan too established the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in Delhi. London, Apr 3 (PTI) A major survey of over 18,000 people on Wednesday predicted a wipeout for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak-led governing Conservative Party, with the Opposition Labour Party forecast to win 403 seats comfortably clear of the 326 required for a majority. The new multi-level modelling and post-stratification (MRP) figures released by YouGov follow a similar mega poll over the weekend predicting a defeat for the Tories, with a gain of 201 for Keir Starmer-led Labour and Sunak-led Tories set to crash to just 155 seats a loss of 210. The findings indicate a worse defeat for the Tories than under former Tory prime minister John Major in 1997 when the Tony Blair-led Labour left them with just 165 MPs. These latest results push Keir Starmer closer toward repeating a Blair-level result for Labour, a full 27 years since Labours longest-serving prime minister first took office. In that election, Blair won 418 out of the available 659 House of Commons seats, reads the YouGov analysis. By contrast, Rishi Sunak is now heading for a worse result than John Majors 1997 total of 165 seats. The coming tidal wave projected by this model would sweep away several major Conservative figures, it said. The most prominent members of Parliament who could lose their House of Commons seat include Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, science minister Michelle Donelan and levelling up minister Michael Gove. Other senior Tories in the precarious zone with the electorate include Commons leader Penny Mordaunt and former minister Jacob Rees-Mogg. The Liberal Democrats are up by one seat based on an earlier YouGov model, to 49, on the path to a significant parliamentary comeback without any significant changes to their national vote share. In Scotland, YouGov now projects Labour to comfortably be the largest party. The headline results based on this MRP model would be Labour at 41 per cent of the vote, the Conservatives at 24 per cent, the Liberal Democrats at 12 per cent, the Greens at 7 per cent, far-right Reform UK at 12 per cent, and others at 1 per cent. YouGov said it interviewed 18,761 British adults from March 7-27, marking the latest survey to predict a 1997-style outcome for the Conservatives when the nation goes to the polls, which Sunak has indicated will be held in the second half of the year. Constituency-level projections were estimated using the same statistical method which correctly predicted the 2017 and 2019 UK general elections multi-level modelling and post-stratification (MRP), it said. The repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act in 2022 restored the ability of British prime ministers to set election dates. However, by law a general election has to take place at least every five years, making January 2025 the outermost deadline for Sunak to go to the ballot box. Thane, Apr 3 (PTI) Police have arrested a 21-year-old man from Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai township for allegedly killing his girlfriend around six months back, an official said. On October 10, 2023, the unidentified body of a woman was found at an isolated spot in Bhingri village of Panvel area in Navi Mumbai, senior police inspector Sunil Shinde said on Tuesday. A case of murder was then registered and as part of the probe, the police collected information about persons known to the woman and those residing in the area where the body was found. The police received information that a man, identified as Pandav Gorakh Jadhav @ Pandya, resident of Maldhakka slum colony in Panvel, was staying with the victim and had strangulated her to death and then fled, the official said. On March 29, the police got a tip that the man would come to a mall in Panvel. The police laid a trap and nabbed him when he arrived there, the official said. Following the man's interrogation, the police got to know that he and the woman consumed liquor on October 9, 2023. They had a quarrel over some issue and the accused allegedly strangulated the woman to death and then ran way, the official said. The accused subsequently kept moving to different places in Maharashtra and also went to Gujarat to evade arrest, he said. Thane, Apr 3 (PTI) A 63-year-old woman from Navi Mumbai has allegedly been duped of Rs 80 lakh by fraudsters posing as officials of a global courier firm and government agencies and promising to save her from action in a smuggling case, police said on Wednesday. On March 29, the victim, who has retired from a power company and resides at Vashi in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai township, received a phone call from a person claiming to be from an international courier service, an official from cyber police station said. The caller informed her of a parcel received by them under her name containing smuggled goods and said they have filed a complaint against her with the cyber crime police. The victim later received fake letters in the name of the Reserve Bank of India, the Enforcement Directorate and the Finance Ministry through a Skype account and the communications threatened her with arrest, the official said. Under the guise of offering her assistance to save her from legal action and for property verification, the woman was coerced into transferring Rs 80 lakh into various bank accounts, he said. The woman later realised she was cheated. Based on her complaint filed on Tuesday evening, the police registered an FIR against unidentified persons under Indian Penal Code sections 420 (cheating), 465, 468, 471 (forgery), 170 (personating a public servant), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 34 (common intention) and provisions of the Information Technology Act, the official said. A probe was on into the case. Datia (MP), Apr 3 (PTI) Two persons died after falling into a well during their desperate attempt to save themselves when miscreants opened fire at a toll plaza in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district, police said on Wednesday. The incident, captured on CCTV cameras, occurred during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday at the toll plaza located under the Chirula police station limits on the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh border. The miscreants continued to fire for around 15 minutes, an official said. "Twelve miscreants on six motorcycles reached the toll plaza and opened fire at the employees working there," Chirula police station in-charge Nitin Bhargava said. "Due to the sudden firing, the toll plaza employees started running helter-skelter in a bid to save themselves. Some of them ran towards the adjoining agricultural fields and two of them fell into the well there," he said. The bodies of these two deceased were taken out of the well on Wednesday morning, he said. "The miscreants continued to fire for about 15 minutes and fired 20 to 30 rounds," Bhargava said, adding that efforts were on to identify them with the help of the CCTV cameras. A case against the unidentified accused was registered and further investigation is underway, he added. Imphal, Apr 3 (PTI) Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Khumanthem Diana has asked police to take "legal action" against Independent candidate for Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency Moirangthem Totomsana for his alleged derogatory statement and threat to harm Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The Imphal East Deputy Commissioner who is also the District Election Officer in a letter to the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West on Tuesday said Totamsana made derogatory statement against the CM violating the model code of conduct. "I am to bring to your notice the live telecast show on April 2 wherein a candidate namely Moirangthem Totomsana made derogatory statement against Chief Minister Manipur by violating the provisions of the Model code of conduct. He even threatened the Chief Minister with physical harm by telling that he will kill him whenever he gets a chance, which amounts to an attack on the personal life of a person," the DC said in the letter to the SP. "You are requested to take legal action against Moirangthem Totomsana under the provisions of IPC," the letter said, adding that "Action taken report in this regard shall be furnished latest by April 5". Totomsana during a discussion of Inner Manipur Lok Sabha candidates had said "Biren should resign. If he doesn't... I want to kill him..." The statement was criticised by the organisers who later asked Totamsana to withdraw the statement. Meanwhile, BJP Manipur on Wednesday strongly condemned the threat to kill Chief Minister N Biren Singh made by Independent candidate Moirangthem Totomsana during a media discussion.. BJP Vice President Ch Chidananda Singh told PTI "We strongly condemn the verbal threat made by one Independent candidate for upcoming Lok Sabha elections and want legal measures to be taken up against him.". Elections to the Inner Lok Sabha constituency will be held on April 19. The 29th Spring Outing Festival in Beijing Yuanmingyuan Park kicks off on April 2, 2024, and will end on May 5. Visitors are welcomed to appreciate pleasant spring scenery as well as enjoy outdoor leisure time there. People appreciate flowers and take photos at Yuanmingyuan Park, Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2024. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn] 5 1 Editor: JYZ Krishnanagar (WB), Apr 3 (PTI) The political contest in West Bengal's Krishnanagar has intensified as the Lok Sabha constituency gears up for a closely fought election between two prominent candidates embodying divergent narratives of the burgeoning middle class and royal aristocracy. At the forefront is TMC leader Mahua Moitra, the former MP from the constituency, known for her impassioned speeches and vocal opposition to the Narendra Modi government. A fiery orator, Moitra has risen to national prominence during her time in Parliament for her compelling criticism of the BJP-led NDA government, but her removal from the Lok Sabha due to allegations in the cash-for-query scandal has embroiled her in a controversy, though she believes her "victory will be the fitting response." Challenging Moitra is BJP's Amrita Roy, the Rajmata of the Krishnanagar royal family, whose candidacy has injected a tinge of royalty into the electoral fray. Roy, married to the family of Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy, is revered as the "Rani Maa" or Queen Mother by the constituency, carrying a legacy rich in tradition and aristocracy, despite the familys historical associations with the British in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. The electoral battle between Moitra and Roy symbolises a clash between the modern-day or new middle class and the traditional aristocrat, with advantage Moitra, as there is a victimhood card at play, political scientist Maidul Islam told PTI. Moitra, who left her high-flying career as an investment banker at JPMorgan Chase abroad to venture into politics, has often been labelled as an "elitist" by her opposition. The BJP, during the cash-for-query controversy, had questioned the lifestyle of Moitra, who was expelled from the Lower House in December after the parliamentary ethics committee's report held her accountable for accepting gifts and illegal gratification. "There is no doubt about my victory. It is about how big the margin will be. I live here and have been among my people for the past five years and even before that as an MLA. So, there is a very strong connection, and frankly, there is no election mode as such here," she told PTI. Moitra, who was MLA of Karimpur assembly constituency since 2016 and former TMC district president, had won the seat in 2019. She won by a margin of over 60,000 votes, bagging 45 per cent of the total votes polled. The 49-year-old politician said, "My victory would be a fitting response to the ploy to expel and harass me" through ED and CBI raids. Despite accusations of elitism levelled against her by the BJP, Moitra remains unapologetic and steadfast in her commitment to serving her constituents. In contrast, Roy, a fashion designer by profession, has dismissed her opponent, Moitra, as a "non-threat", asserting that the "misrule and corruption" under the TMC government in Bengal have compelled her to enter politics. "Joining politics was a conscious decision. I am an apolitical person. People had voted for the TMC with a lot of expectations, but they are disappointed now. You can say this disappointment has forced me into politics. I am confident about my victory," Roy told PTI. Krishnanagar, situated in the bordering district of Nadia, has a diverse demographic makeup with approximately 1.7 million voters. The constituency is predominantly rural, with around 87 per cent of its population residing in rural areas. The Hindu and Muslim communities make up 55 per cent and 35 per cent of the population respectively, underscoring the religious diversity characteristic of West Bengal politics. Additionally, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) collectively account for 22.57 per cent and 1.69 per cent of the population, wielding significant influence on electoral dynamics and outcomes. The constituency, which shares a border with Bangladesh, has a considerable Matua population with origins in the neighbouring country, and the potential impact of the implementation of CAA rules is expected to be significant in the area. "The Matua population is higher in the neighbouring seat of Ranaghat. Here we have a small percentage, Moitra said. The historical backdrop of Krishnanagar adds a layer of complexity to the electoral contest, with both candidates invoking the legacy of Maharaja Krishnachandra. While the TMC has sought to portray the royal family's allegiance to the British against Siraj-ud-Daulah during the Battle of Plassey as anti-nationalist, the BJP has framed it within the larger narrative of Hindu resurgence and resistance against perceived Muslim oppression. "The allegation is Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy had sided with the British. The question is why did he do that? It's because of the tyranny of Siraj-ud-Daullah. If Maharaja Krishnachandra had not done that, Hinduism and the Bengali language would not have survived in the state," Roy argued. "The Sanatan dharma was under threat because of Siraj-ud-Daulah's tyranny," she said. BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya dubbed the allegation of Roy being anti-national, as baseless and said, It was the TMC candidate who has been accused of wrongdoing and was expelled. So, it is for the people to decide who is anti-national. The constituency, which came into being in 1967, had been a stronghold of the CPI(M) till 2004, except in 1999 when the BJP won the seat. Riding on the winds of change, the TMC has won the seat for the third straight term since 2009. Political observers think that with former CPI(M) MLA SM Abidi, a Left-Congress alliance candidate, in the fray, the constituency might witness a three-cornered contest. The people are fed up with the communal politics of TMC and the BJP. Both are two sides of the same coin. I am confident that people would vote for us this time, Abidi said. In 2019, the BJP candidate had bagged 40 per cent of votes as it pocketed the entire anti-TMC vote share due to the absence of the Left and Congress alliance, which decided to fight separately. The Left and Congress had polled 8.8 and 2.8 per cent votes respectively then. The constituency goes to polls on May 13 in the fourth phase and votes would be counted on June 4. Itanagar, Apr 03 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday said several Congress candidates left the electoral race because of BJPs popularity among people. Khandu emphasised that the people of the state have witnessed the development trajectory initiated by the BJP and asserted that only the saffron party could lead the state towards further growth. "People of the state have discarded Congress from their hearts because of misrule and mismanagement. BJP never believed in money politics and had never allured any Congress candidate to surrender in the elections. It is because they have realised that only the BJP can bring development in the state," Khandu said while dismissing Congress leader Nabam Tukis allegations. Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki had on Tuesday accused the ruling BJP in the state of luring their candidates with money to secure victory in the assembly elections. Tuki claimed that many party candidates withdrew their nomination papers after being offered substantial sums by the ruling party. "Many Congress candidates did not file nominations and those who filed later withdrew their papers because of the development-oriented performance of the BJP government which was never witnessed during Congress rule in the state. We never believe in money politics and our main mantra is development," the chief minister said. Khandu, who won uncontested from Mukto along with nine other party candidates this time, accused the Congress of playing politics on religious lines. "The Congress is trying to garner support of the Christian community in the state through a prominent forum in the state which is bad for a democratic setup. It is the dirtiest politics being played by the opposition," he said. Khandus accusation came after the Arunachal Christian Forum, a prominent body in the state, had announced its support for non-BJP candidates in the state. "I believe that the Christian community will never surrender to the dirty politics of the Congress and people of the state will never forgive the opposition party in the days to come," he said. The chief minister said that except for the BJP, no other party in the state fielded candidates in all the 60 assembly seats. "How one can claim to form the next government when they have not put even 30 candidates. It is only BJP who will win with a thumping majority and form the next government in the state as well as at the Centre," Khandu claimed. The Congress has fielded 19 candidates for the assembly polls followed by National Peoples Party (NPP) in 20 seats, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 14, regional outfit Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA) in 11 seats, Arunachal Democratic Party in four, Lok Jana Shakti Party (LJSP) in one seat respectively. New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI) The BJP on Wednesday accused Haryana Congress leader Randeep Surjewala of making "vile, sexist" remarks against its MP Hema Malini, alleging it shows that the main opposition party is misogynistic and abhors women. BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya shared an undated video on X in which the Congress MP is purportedly making some objectionable remarks about the actor-politician while attacking the ruling party. He said, "Congress MP Randeep Surjewala makes a vile sexist comment, that is demeaning and derogatory, not just for Hema Malini, who is an accomplished individual, but women in general." He added that this is the most disgusting description someone can come up with. "This is Rahul Gandhi's Congress. It is misogynistic and abhors women," he said, sharing the comments of Surjewala. Malini is the BJP Lok Sabha member from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and is contesting the 2024 general elections from there. New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI) The defence ministry on Wednesday trashed reports which claimed that the new Sainik Schools were allocated to institutions based on their political or ideological affiliations. Online media platform 'The Reporters' Collective' in a report claimed that the government handed over 62 per cent of the new Sainik Schools to people associated with Sangh Parivar, politicians from the BJP and its allies. "Articles have appeared in certain sections of the press insinuating that new Sainik Schools are being allocated to institutions based on their political or ideological affiliations. Such insinuations are unfounded," the defence ministry said in a statement. It said a rigorous selection process was followed to finalise institutions to run the new Sainik Schools. "The scheme for new Sainik Schools is well thought out. The selection process itself is rigorous, checks and balances have been built in to ensure continuing adherence to the objectives and strong incentives are in place to provide financial support to deserving students," the ministry said. "The political or ideological affiliation or otherwise of the applicant institution does not influence the selection process," it said. "Attempts to politicise or distort the objectives and implementation of the scheme by casting aspersions on it, are unwarranted and misleading," the ministry added. In the first phase, the government has initiated the scheme of setting up 100 new Sainik Schools across the country, in partnership with NGOs, state governments and private sector which are working in the education sector. The ministry said over 500 applications have been received and scrutinised. "As on date, approval has been accorded to 45 schools. This includes both existing schools and schools proposed to be built," it said. "Approval to these schools is given provisionally. Continuation of approval is based on annual inspection by the school inspection committee. Hence, the scheme provides for a continued adherence to achieving the identified standards," it said. In October 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the affiliation of 100 schools in government and private sectors with Sainik School Society under the Ministry of Defence. The ministry said a strict evaluation process was followed to scrutinise the applicants. Explaining the process, it said a school evaluation committee composed of the concerned district magistrate as chairperson and principals of nearby existing Sainik Schools/ Navodaya Vidyalayas was set up. "Physical inspection of the applicant school and verification of the credentials is done as per laid down criteria," it said. "An Approval Committee which comprises the Joint Secretary (Sainik Schools Society) as chairperson, Secretary CBSE and an eminent educationist as members accord the final recommendations," the ministry said. New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI) The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Wednesday alleged that a significant number of private institutions which have entered into an agreement with the Sainik School Society to run new Sainik Schools have RSS-BJP links. The CPI(M), citing a report, also condemned the government for facilitating the participation of private players to run Sainik Schools, and said the move reinforces "communalisation of education" and can also impact the "high secular standards" of military establishment. "The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) notes with deep concern the report that the BJP-led Union government has facilitated the participation of private players to run Sainik Schools in India," the party said in a statement. The CPI(M) said Sainink Schools have been traditionally run by the autonomous Sainik School Society (SSS) under the Ministry of Defence, and they play an important role in nurturing students to get entry to the premier National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. "Eventually a substantial number of Sainik School passouts occupy the higher echelons of Indias defence forces. This new policy is just not about sharing finances and infrastructure on a PPP model. The schools that are entering into agreement with SSS and the government include a significant number of institutions with avowedly RSS and BJP links," they said. "The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) condemns this move which reinforces the trend of communalising education and potential for profoundly impacting the high secular standards of our military establishments. The Polit Bureau demands that the government must withdraw this move to ensure the national and secular character of the Sainik Schools is maintained," the statement said. The Union government last year approved setting up of 100 Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs, private schools and state governments in a graded manner class-wise, starting from class 6 onwards. Under this initiative, a memorandum of agreement (MoA) has been signed by the Sainik School Society with 19 new Sainik Schools located all over the country. The defence ministry had approved setting up of 23 Sainik Schools last year. Chandigarh, Apr 3 (PTI) AAP leader Sandeep Pathak on Wednesday said Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last month, is the Delhi Chief Minister and will continue to hold the post, ruling out that he will resign. He alleged that part of the conspiracy of BJP was that they would first arrest Kejriwal and say he should resign and then try to break the AAP. Talking to reporters in Amritsar after holding a meeting with party volunteers, Pathak said, "Kejriwal is CM and will remain the CM, and if need be he will run the government from inside the jail." To another question, Pathak, who is AAP national general secretary (organisation), said people of Punjab and country are emotional, they do not like any big person dominates another person and commits excesses. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the ED in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case. "After Kejriwal's arrest, 10-15 per cent vote share (of AAP) increased in Delhi. BJP must be conducting survey, they must be seeing this. Sometimes, over smartness is harmful," the AAP's Punjab affairs co-incharge said, targeting the ruling BJP at the Centre. "As regards the question that Kejriwal is in jail, how will the party run, to this I want to say that the party will continue to run in the same way as it was being run earlier," he said. On AAP leaders like Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia being jailed, he said that if honest persons are put in jail, who will join politics then. But everyone has faith in the judiciary, he added. On Sanjay Singh being granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise policy case, he said, "Everyone is happy that he (Sanjay Singh) has got bail". Asked if there can be any reconsideration on INDIA bloc partners Congress and AAP fighting LS polls separately in Punjab, Pathak said this has already been decided and candidates have been announced accordingly. "The information I have is that in Punjab, the Congress and AAP are fighting separately," he said. On AAP leader Raghav Chadha, he said he (Chadha) underwent a retina operation (in the UK). "He is recovering and will return soon," Pathak said. To another question, while targeting the BJP, he said, "What is their purpose? It is not to catch any crime. They want to send behind bars those who are running the party (AAP) so that the party breaks". Asked why AAP leaders were being targeted, Pathak said in many other states which were ruled by BJP's rival parties they have done this. In Delhi, they (BJP) reached this far because they are more scared of Arvind Kejriwal, he claimed. He also said the ED had earlier registered cases against nearly 26 to 30 leaders, of which about 24 joined the BJP later and once they did so the cases fell flat. "This is a joke," he said, adding the public is with them. "AAP's main strength is love of people and our volunteers," he said. On AAP's lone Lok Sabha member Sushil Kumar Rinku joining the BJP along with Punjab MLA Sheetal Angural, Pathak said, "One or two have left...I do not want to say anything on this, people will give answer to them. Wayanad(Kerala), Apr 3 (PTI) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on Wednesday to file his nomination papers for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He will also hold a roadshow in the constituency where he had won in the 2019 Parliament polls with a massive margin of over four lakh votes. Rahul will arrive by helicopter at Muppainad, a village here, and will travel by road till Kalpetta, the party said. At 11 am, he will hold a roadshow from Kalpetta in which he will be accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi and AICC general secretaries K C Venugopal and Deepa Das, AICC in-charge of the National Students' Union of India Kanhaiya Kumar as well as Leader of Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan and KPCC acting president M M Hassan, Congress said. It said that thousands of party workers and supporters are likely to turn up for the roadshow. The roadshow will end near the Civil Station here at around noon after which Rahul will submit his nomination papers to the District Collector, the party said. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi won after polling 7,06,367 votes out of a total of 10,92,197 with his closest rival -- CPI's P P Suneer -- receiving only 2,74,597 votes. Voting in Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls this year will be on April 26. Jammu, Apr 3 (PTI) A gangster has been shot dead in an exchange of fire with police near Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, officials said on Wednesday. Probationary Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma, who suffered head injuries during the encounter, died during treatment on Wednesday, they said, adding that a special police officer was also injured. Acting on a tip-off, a team of officials chased gangsters Vasudev, a key accused in a murder case registered at Ramgarh police station, which led to an exchange of fire near the Government Medical College hospital around 10.30 pm on Tuesday, a police spokesperson said. Vasudev was killed in the encounter while one of his associates was injured, she added. Deepak Sharma was injured in the head while 40-year-old Special Police Officer Anil Kumar also suffered injuries. They were initially admitted to GMC Hospital in Kathua and later taken to Amandeep Hospital in Pathankot, the spokesperson said. Sharma died during treatment on Wednesday. His body has been taken to GMC hospital in Kathua, she added. Amalapuram (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 3 (PTI) TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday alleged here that the ruling YSRCP is forcing the volunteers to resign and make them its party workers. The opposition leader made the allegations while addressing a public meeting at Kothapeta near Amalapuram in Konaseema district as part of his Prajagalam election canvassing tour. "By forcing the volunteers to resign, YSRCP is trying to make them its party workers. The Election Commission made it clear that government employees should distribute the pensions, not the volunteers, who are not full-time employees," said Naidu. Noting that he never opposed the volunteer system, a decentralised governance delivery system, but noted that he is against the volunteers allegedly doing politics. Naidu recalled that TDP founder N T Rama Rao had started the welfare pension scheme with Rs 35 per month and said after he became the CM in 2014, it was hiked from Rs 200 to Rs 2,000 per month. Accusing YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy of indulging in 'propaganda politics' over volunteers and pensions by handling this issue nefariously, the TDP supremo promised to increase pensions to Rs 4,000 per month on coming to power. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled on May 13 and counting of votes is slated for June 4. Representatives attend a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran's Syria consulate at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 2, 2024. The United Nations on Tuesday voiced its condemnation following Iran's allegations that Israel conducted missile strikes on its diplomatic premises in Damascus, resulting in significant casualties. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Tuesday voiced its condemnation following Iran's allegations that Israel conducted missile strikes on its diplomatic premises in Damascus, resulting in significant casualties. UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran's Syria consulate, revealing that Iran reported the attack had led to the death of at least five Iranian personnel, including "senior military advisors," with the toll purportedly rising to 13, including six Syrian citizens. These assertions were made amidst growing concerns over the "inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises" and the imperative respect for the "sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states," underscored Khiari. The situation in Syria, as described by Khiari, remains dire, with "six foreign armies operating on its territory," exacerbating civilian hardships and pushing a peaceful resolution further away. Specifically, Khiari highlighted a series of "increasingly lethal attacks" on Iran-affiliated targets in Syria, attributed to Israel, particularly since the onset of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza on Oct. 7. The UN's appeal to the Security Council to "actively engage all concerned parties" underscores the critical need to avert further escalation and regional instability, said Khiari. He called for "utmost restraint" and adherence to international law, including protections for civilians and infrastructure, trying to avoid a miscalculation spiraling into a wider conflict with "devastating consequences" for an already suffering civilian population across the Middle East. Iran requested the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to deliberate on the Israeli airstrike. The appeal received backing from Moscow. UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari briefs a Security Council emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran's Syria consulate at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 2, 2024. The United Nations on Tuesday voiced its condemnation following Iran's allegations that Israel conducted missile strikes on its diplomatic premises in Damascus, resulting in significant casualties. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Editor: JYZ A fire at an Istanbul nightclub during renovations on Tuesday killed at least 29 people, officials and reports said. Several people, including managers of the club, were detained for questioning. At least one person was being treated at a hospital, the Istanbul governors office said in a statement. The Masquerade nightclub, which was closed for renovations, was on the ground and basement floors of a 16-story residential building in the Besiktas district on the European side of the city bisected by the Bosphorus. The fire was extinguished. Gov. Davut Gul told reporters at the scene that the cause of the fire was under investigation and the victims were believed to be involved in the renovation work. Authorities detained five people for questioning, including managers of the club and one person in charge of the renovations, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said. Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said authorities were inspecting the entire building to assess its safety. Several firefighting and medical teams were dispatched to the scene, he said. (AP) A U.S. Navy veteran has been identified as the man accused of ramming an SUV into a barrier at the front gate of the FBIs Atlanta office. A DeKalb County police spokesperson said officers have secured warrants for interference with government property against Ervin Lee Bolling. The charges did not immediately show up in online court records Tuesday, and it wasnt clear whether Bolling had an attorney who could comment. Bolling enlisted in the Navy in January 1998 and served as a submarine sonar technician before retiring in 2017, according to Navy records. The records list South Carolina as his home of record. The FBI has said the crash happened just after noon Monday when Bolling tried to follow another vehicle through the gate. He was taken to an Atlanta hospital for evaluation. Pete Ellis, assistant special agent in charge of the agencys Atlanta office, told reporters that special agents who were passing by took the man into custody and no one was injured. Agents and bomb technicians checked the vehicle as a precaution, Ellis said. An FBI spokesperson said no weapons were found in the SUV. Video from the scene showed a reddish-orange SUV with its hood crumpled against a retractable barrier just inside the front gate. (AP) President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan, artificial intelligence and security issues Tuesday in a call meant to demonstrate a return to regular leader-to-leader dialogue between the two powers. The call, described by the White House as candid and constructive, was the leaders first conversation since their November summit in California produced renewed ties between the two nations militaries and a promise of enhanced cooperation on stemming the flow of deadly fentanyl and its precursors from China. Xi told Biden that the two countries should adhere to the bottom line of no clash, no confrontation as one of the principles for this year. We should prioritize stability, not provoke troubles, not cross lines but maintain the overall stability of China-U.S. relations, Xi said, according to China Central Television, the state broadcaster. The roughly 105 minute call kicks off several weeks of high-level engagements between the two countries, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen set to travel to China on Thursday and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to follow in the weeks ahead. Biden has pressed for sustained interactions at all levels of government, believing it is key to keeping competition between the two massive economies and nuclear-armed powers from escalating to direct conflict. While in-person summits take place perhaps once a year, officials said, both Washington and Beijing recognize the value of more frequent engagements between the leaders. The two leaders discussed Taiwan ahead of next months inauguration of Lai Ching-te, the islands president-elect, who has vowed to safeguard its de-facto independence from China and further align it with other democracies. Biden reaffirmed the United States longstanding One China policy and reiterated that the U.S. opposes any coercive means to bring Taiwan under Beijings control. China considers Taiwan a domestic matter and has vigorously protested U.S. support for the island. Taiwan remains the first red line not to be crossed, Xi told Biden, and emphasized that Beijing will not tolerate separatist activities by Taiwans independence forces as well as exterior indulgence and support, which alluded to Washingtons support for the island. Biden also raised concerns about Chinas operations in the South China Sea, including efforts last month to impede the Philippines, which the U.S. is treaty-obligated to defend, from resupplying its forces on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. Next week, Biden will host Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House for a joint summit where Chinas influence in the region was set to be top of the agenda. Biden, in the call with Xi, pressed China to do more to meet its commitments to halt the flow of illegal narcotics and to schedule additional precursor chemicals to prevent their export. The pledge was made at the leaders summit held in Woodside, California, last year on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. At the November summit, Biden and Xi also agreed that their governments would hold formal talks on the promises and risks of advanced artificial intelligence, which are set to take place in the coming weeks. The pair touched on the issue on Tuesday just two weeks after China and the U.S. joined more than 120 other nations in backing a resolution at the United Nations calling for global safeguards around the emerging technology. Biden, in the call, reinforced warnings to Xi against interfering in the 2024 elections in the U.S. as well as against continued malicious cyberattacks against critical American infrastructure. He also raised concerns about human rights in China, including Hong Kongs new restrictive national security law and its treatment of minority groups, and he raised the plight of Americans detained in or barred from leaving China. The Democratic president also pressed China over its defense relationship with Russia, which is seeking to rebuild its industrial base as it presses forward with its invasion of Ukraine. And he called on Beijing to wield its influence over North Korea to rein in the isolated and erratic nuclear power. As the leaders of the worlds two largest economies, Biden also raised concerns with Xi over Chinas unfair economic practices, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, and reasserted that the U.S. would take steps to preserve its security and economic interests, including by continuing to limit the transfer of some advanced technology to China. Xi complained that the U.S. has taken more measures to suppress Chinas economy, trade and technology in the past several months and that the list of sanctioned Chinese companies has become ever longer, which is not de-risking but creating risks, according to the broadcaster. Yun Sun, director of the China program at Stimson Center, said the call does reflect the mutual desire to keep the relationship stable while the men reiterated their longstanding positions on issues of concern. The call came ahead of Yellens visit to Guangzhou and Beijing for a week of bilateral meetings on the subject with finance leaders from the worlds second largest economy including Vice Premier He Lifeng, Chinese Central Bank Gov. Pan Gongsheng, former Vice Premier Liu He, American businesses and local leaders. An advisory for the upcoming trip states that Yellen will advocate for American workers and businesses to ensure they are treated fairly, including by pressing Chinese counterparts on unfair trade practices. It follows Xis meeting in Beijing with U.S. business leaders last week, when he emphasized the mutually beneficial economic ties between the two countries and urged people-to-people exchange to maintain the relationship. Xi told the Americans that the two countries have stayed communicative and made progress on issues such as trade, anti-narcotics and climate change since he met with Biden in November. Last weeks high-profile meeting was seen as Beijings effort to stabilize bilateral relations. Ahead of her trip to China, Yellen last week said that Beijing is flooding the market with green energy that distorts global prices. She said she intends to share her beliefs with her counterparts that Beijings increased production of solar energy, electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries poses risks to productivity and growth to the global economy. U.S. lawmakers renewed angst over Chinese ownership of the popular social media app TikTok has generated new legislation that would ban TikTok if its China-based owner ByteDance doesnt sell its stakes in the platform within six months of the bills enactment. Kirby said Biden reiterated our concerns about the ownership of TikTok to Xi during their call. As chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., which reviews foreign ownership of firms in the U.S., Yellen has ample leeway to determine how the company could remain operating in the U.S. Meanwhile, Chinas leaders have set a goal of 5% economic growth this year despite a slowdown exacerbated by troubles in the property sector and the lingering effects of strict anti-virus measures during the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted travel, logistics, manufacturing and other industries. China is the dominant player in batteries for electric vehicles and has a rapidly expanding auto industry that could challenge the worlds established carmakers as it goes global. The U.S. last year outlined plans to limit EV buyers from claiming tax credits if they purchase cars containing battery materials from China and other countries that are considered hostile to the United States. Separately, the Department of Commerce launched an investigation into the potential national security risks posed by Chinese car exports to the U.S. (AP) North Korea said Wednesday it had tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile powered with solid propellants, extending a run of weapons tests thats deepening a nuclear standoff with neighbors and the United States. With the supposed success of the demonstration, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared his country had acquired the ability to build solid-fuel, nuclear-capable missiles of all ranges as he pursues an arsenal that can credibly threaten rivals in Asia and the United States. But the South Korean military said the North is exaggerating the success of the test and its overall missile prowess. The report by North Korean state media came a day after the South Korean and Japanese militaries detected a missile launched from near the Norths capital toward its eastern sea. State media said the test was supervised by Kim, who described the Hwasong-16B missile as a key piece of his nuclear deterrent he vowed to further build up to counter his enemies, a reference to the United States, South Korea and Japan. In recent years, North Korea has been developing more missiles with built-in solid propellants. Such weapons are easier to move and hide, and can be launched quicker than liquid-propellant missiles, which need to be fueled before launch and cannot stay fueled for long periods of time. North Korea tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time last year, adding to its arsenal of long-range weapons targeting the U.S. mainland. The country also has an extensive lineup of short-range and mid-range solid-fuel missiles that can be fired from land vehicles, ships and submarines and are potentially capable of hitting targets throughout South Korea and Japan. In recent months, the North demonstrated some of these missiles in drills it described as simulated nuclear strikes. Since 2021, its also been testing hypersonic weapons designed to fly at more than five times the speed of sound. If perfected, such systems could potentially pose a challenge to regional missile defense systems because of their speed and maneuverability. However, its unclear whether these missiles are consistently flying at the speeds the North claims. North Korean official media KCNA claimed that during the Tuesday test, the missiles hypersonic glide warhead reached a peak altitude of 101 kilometers (62 miles) and flew about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) after separating from the launch rocket, and performed various maneuvers before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday maintained its assessment that the missile flew about 600 kilometers (372 miles) and accused North Korea of exaggerating the missiles flight performance, although acknowledging that the Norths technologies were improving. The previous day, Japan reported a similar flight distance, although its Defense Ministry reported a maximum height close to that claimed by the North. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it remains unclear whether the North has perfected the technologies to ensure that the warheads of its hypersonic solid-fuel missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles survive the harsh conditions of atmospheric re-entry. Hypersonic missiles are weapons systems that are still being developed by advanced nations (the United States, China and Russia etc.) and they require highly difficult technologies, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a text message to reporters. Its difficult to predict when they will be deployed operationally, but its expected to take a considerable amount of time. The North also tested a purported hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile in January, years after it flight-tested liquid-fuel IRBMs. Experts say such weapons if perfected is potentially capable of reaching remote U.S. targets in the Pacific. North Koreas development of hypersonic IRBMs targets Guam, which hosts U.S. military bases, and even Alaska, said Chang Young-keun, a missile expert at South Koreas Research Institute for National Strategy. Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the missile tested on Tuesday was likely different from the system tested in January, which state media didnt name but was likely the Hwasong-16A. North Korea in previous tests have unveiled two different types of hypersonic vehicles a conical one and a wedge-shaped one. State media images show that the January launch involved a conical warhead while the wedge-shaped design was used for Tuesdays launch. Tensions in the region have risen since 2022 as Kim used Russias invasion of Ukraine as a distraction to accelerate his testing of missiles and other weapons. The United States and South Korea have responded by expanding their combined training and trilateral drills involving Japan and sharpening their deterrence strategies built around strategic U.S. assets. Hours after the launch, Seouls Defense Ministry announced that South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted a combined aerial exercise above waters near South Koreas Jeju island that involved at least one nuclear-capable U.S. B-52 bomber. (AP) HaRav Dovid Fendel, the Rosh Yeshivah of the Hesder Yeshivah of Sderot spoke to Arutz Sheva about the Attorney-Generals order to the government to begin drafting Chareidim. As Bnei Torah, we are full of love and affection and kavod to the wonderful Olam HaTorah and we protest the ugly political move of the Attorney-General whose interest is not drafting the Chareidim but toppling the govenment, Rav Fendel said. At this time, we want to show our solidarity with the Bnei Torah. Chareidim who wanted to be enlisted were turned away and I know this from several sources. Even the Defense Minister has no interest in drafting Chareidim. The tremendous enterprise of the yeshiva world, which is the largest since Chizkiyahu Hamelech, is one that the state of Israel can be proud of. The fact that the state funds it is a great merit, and chas veshalom that we should relinquish the merit to fund Talmidei Chachamim. The Torah protects and saves. We wont reach appropriate solutions with one-sided measures. Right now, were all Yeshivas Ponevezh and Kol Torah. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state by July, as reported by Spanish media. Speaking to journalists during his trip to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Sanchez stated that the recognition would be confirmed before the summer. He also expressed his intention to persuade Arab nations that have not yet recognized Israel to do so. Spain is actively seeking support from other EU countries, including Slovenia and Ireland, with hopes of expanding the coalition. Just two weeks ago, Spain, along with Slovenia, Ireland, and Malta, issued a joint declaration signaling their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state under appropriate circumstances. Reports suggest that Spain anticipates broader European support for this move, aiming to capitalize on a window of opportunity between the cessation of war in Gaza and the US elections in November, where a return of Donald Trump to office could alter the diplomatic landscape. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna has called for Israel to provide compensation to the families of seven aid workers, including a Polish citizen, who were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza. The authorities should think about who should be held criminally responsible for pressing a certain button and how to compensate the families of the victims even if its impossible to do so with money, Szejna said. Which Poland is this? The same one that passed a law restricting the rights of former Polish property owners, including Holocaust survivors and their descendants, to regain property seized by the countrys communist regime. Poland approved today, not for the first time, an anti-Semitic and unethical law. I instructed the charge daffaires of the embassy in Warsaw to immediately return to Israel for consultations for an indefinite period of time, then-Foreign Minister Yair Lapid fumed at the time. Poland has turned into an anti-democratic, non-liberal country that doesnt respect the greatest tragedy in human history. It is always forbidden to be silent. Israel and the Jewish people will certainly not remain silent. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in 2019 also said that the country would never agree to compensate for property lost during World War II, because non-Jewish Polish citizens were also murdered during the war despite the incontrovertible fact that countless Poles ratted out their Jewish neighbors to the Nazis, leading to their deaths. And this Poland the one that wont even allow Holocaust survivors to get back the property they legally and rightfully owned is now suggesting how Israel should pay other people who were killed ACCIDENTIALLY. Somehow, its always the pot thats the one calling the kettle black. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A shocking incident occurred in the Gaza Strip on Monday when a high-ranking Israeli Air Force officer accidentally fired from an Apache helicopter, narrowly missing IDF soldiers. The officer, identified as Colonel Y, commander of the Ramon Air Force Base, was on a mission to provide aerial protection for the soldiers when he pressed the wrong button in the cockpit. The resulting fire landed dangerously close to the soldiers, posing a high threat to their lives. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Israeli Air Force officials expressed shock at the incident, given the officers years of experience. An investigation is currently underway. This incident comes on the heels of another recent helicopter incident, where a crew sustained slight injuries after colliding with a pillar at the Navatim air base. The IDF has issued a statement assuring that the incident is being investigated and the soldiers continued their mission without injury. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a stark contrast to recent calls for a cease-fire from Democrats and isolationist foreign policy positions from some Republicans, former Vice President Mike Pence has stated that Israel should invade the city of Rafah in Gaza to eliminate Hamas last stronghold. Speaking at the Hudson Institutes annual Hertog Forum, Pence emphasized that Israel must achieve its military goals and ensure the safety of its citizens. Whatever position the current administration or voices in my own party take, heres the reality: Israel has no choice but to invade Rafah and to hunt down and destroy Hamas once and for all, Pence said. The war should end when Israels military goals are achieved and every hostage is home and not a moment sooner. And I believe the American people will stand with Israel in that fight. Instead of demanding arbitrary limitations on Israels military response, I believe our president should make it clear that Iran will pay a steep price as well, a steep price if it continues to attempt to escalate the violence through its proxies in Gaza, in Yemen, in Lebanon, and in Syria, he continued. I welcome reports that Israel struck an arms depot run by Hezbollah, on the outskirts of Damascus. And let me be clear, America should fully support Israels effort to secure her northern border from Hezbollah. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The White House on Tuesday evening released a statement from President Joe Biden in which he declared himself outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian aid workers in a mistaken Israeli airstrike in Gaza. He demanded that Israels investigation into the airstrike be swift, it must bring accountability, and its finding must be made public. He continued, saying that This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. This is a major reason why distributing aid in Gaza has been so difficult because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. Israel has not done enough to protect civilians, the statement continues. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas in order to avoid civilian casualties. Firstly, deconflict their military operations? As in, surrender to Hamas? Unilaterally stop fighting Hamas as it continues to promise that it will carry out the Oct. 7 massacre again and worse if it gets the chance? Secondly, while Biden is outraged at Israels mistaken strike, he wasnt outraged at all when in 2022, under his watch, a U.S. military drone strike in Afghanistan killed an aid worker and 9 other people, 7 children. Not only did Biden not acknowledge what had happened, the Pentagon at the time even called it a righteous strike. And after that, Biden dragged his feet on evacuating other workers who aided the U.S. in Afghanistan, resulting in many deaths at the hands of the Taliban, who swiftly retook the country following the presidents bungled withdrawal from the country. If Biden had any shame, he would retract his statement. But its unlikely he has any shame, or even any understanding of what he just said, considering that he is at a stage in which he can barely remember his own name. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A worker works at an assembly line of Voyah, a Chinese luxury electric auto brand, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 1, 2024. In recent years, Wuhan enhanced its research ability on energy saving and carbon reduction technologies, aiming to upgrade the automobile industry with technological innovation. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) A worker works at an assembly line of Voyah, a Chinese luxury electric auto brand, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 1, 2024. In recent years, Wuhan enhanced its research ability on energy saving and carbon reduction technologies, aiming to upgrade the automobile industry with technological innovation. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) Robots are seen at an assembly line of Voyah, a Chinese luxury electric auto brand, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 1, 2024. In recent years, Wuhan enhanced its research ability on energy saving and carbon reduction technologies, aiming to upgrade the automobile industry with technological innovation. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) A worker works at an assembly line of Voyah, a Chinese luxury electric auto brand, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 1, 2024. In recent years, Wuhan enhanced its research ability on energy saving and carbon reduction technologies, aiming to upgrade the automobile industry with technological innovation. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) Workers work at an assembly line of Voyah, a Chinese luxury electric auto brand, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 1, 2024. In recent years, Wuhan enhanced its research ability on energy saving and carbon reduction technologies, aiming to upgrade the automobile industry with technological innovation. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) A worker works at an assembly line of Voyah, a Chinese luxury electric auto brand, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 1, 2024. In recent years, Wuhan enhanced its research ability on energy saving and carbon reduction technologies, aiming to upgrade the automobile industry with technological innovation. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) Editor: JYZ A terrorist rammed his car into a group of Israeli police officers at a checkpoint in central Israel overnight Tuesday, leaving four officers injured, one seriously. The incident occurred at about 1 a.m. near the Kochav Yair intersection. The terrorist then drove to the nearby Eliyahu Crossing, exited his car armed with a knife and attempted to stab security guards there. They opened fire, killing him. Another suspect fled the scene. MDA paramedics administered emergency medical aid to the police officers. The seriously injured officer was evacuated to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah and the three other officers, one in moderate condition and two in light condition, were evacuated to Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba. The terrorist was identified as Waheb Sabita, a 26-year-old Israeli-Arab, a resident of the nearby city of Tira. His family issued a statement claiming that they had called the police ten minutes before the attack to report that he was suffering from a psychotic attack and was threatening to commit suicide. However, Israel Police later issued a statement saying that contrary to false claims from the family of the terrorist, they called the police after the attack, without any other prior warning. Security forces launched a manhunt for the second suspect. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Anarchy reigned in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening as leftists held violent protests in the city outside the Knesset and then bearing torches, continued to the Prime Ministers residence where they violently breached barriers and engaged in clashes with the police. A police officer was injured when a rioter threw an iron barrier at him and another rioter threw a torch at a police officer on a horse. The police published footage of the incident: One of the protesters crawled underneath the police truck carrying a water cannon, preventing the police from using it to disperse the protesters, and refused orders to crawl out. Police officers sprayed him with skunk spray and then forcibly pulled him out and arrested him. Only five protesters were arrested, including the rioters who threw a torch and another rioter who lay under the truck. Ex-prime minister Ehud Barak, who just over a month ago, amid a war, urged leftists to besiege the Knesset and more than once warned that people may lose their lives in an anarchist uprising he began planning years ago, spoke at the protest. Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar made a rare statement following the protest, saying: The violent discourse online and some of the scenes we saw tonight in Jerusalem go beyond the accepted rules of protest, harm our ability to maintain public order and could lead to violent friction with security forces, hinder them from fulfilling their duties and can even pose a threat to protected individuals. There is a clear line between a legitimate protest and a violent and illegal protest. This is a troubling trend that could lead to dangerous situations that should not be reached. Numerous security officials, politicians and Israelis on the street have commented that the violence at recent protests has crossed red lines and could chas vchalilah lead to bloodshed. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) BT has been forced to pause the rollout of digital phone lines to millions of homes, including vulnerable households. In a climbdown by the telecoms giant, the rollout of its so-called Digital Voice programme has been postponed, with insiders saying it may not be completed until the end of 2027. Originally the rollout was due to end by the close of 2025. Money Mail had long fought for the delay, highlighting how the technology can stop working in a power cut leaving vulnerable households unable to make emergency calls. BT initially agreed to stop installing digital landlines in December. Flawed: The rollout of BT's so-called Digital Voice programme has been postponed, with insiders saying it may not be completed until the end of 2027 This was because of serious incidents where health pendants worn by vulnerable customers stopped working when older, analogue landlines connected to emergency services were switched off. Some 1.8 million customers who use health pendants emergency alarms worn around the neck are deemed vulnerable because in a power cut, or if the internet fails, the gadgets may stop working. A flaw with the technology is that it must be plugged into an electricity socket, unlike with analogue phone lines. Regions not yet switched, such as Wales, Scotland, the East of England and the South West, are also benefitting from the pause, although roadshows will still be held promoting the switch. The call by the Government to delay the rollout also affects other networks, including Virgin Media, Sky and TalkTalk. BT said: The pause will have an impact on the timing of the overall programme, but we are working to minimise delays. A spokesman for regulator Ofcom said: Were keeping a close eye on telecoms providers to make sure they comply with our rules during this transition. Providers must ensure uninterrupted access to emergency services, with policies and procedures in place so that vulnerable customers will be treated fairly. The work of Britains Takeover Panel is admired for its clarity. It sets the rules for bids and deals and avoids the legal quagmire often seen in the US. Nevertheless, a strict timetable for making an offer and completing a deal too often favours the acquirer and has contributed to the ease with which overseas predators have acquired emblematic companies. It also makes UK firms vulnerable to hedge funds, which crowd on to the share register in expectation of a bid or after one in anticipation of quick profits. One might have expected Nationwide, as a mutual owned by members, to obtain maximum consent for a big strategic move. Its intentions in spending 2.9billion of members funds on buying Virgin Money are ambitious. Takeover plan: Nationwide is planning to spend 2.9bn of its members funds on buying Virgin Money It increases the range of personal services such as credit cards and provides a foothold in business banking. The rush to take control, without fully consulting members, has not been edifying. Throughout the process, Nationwide has claimed that the strict takeover timetable did not provide enough time to poll or consult some 16m members. There also has been concern that the purchase price, at well below the book value of Virgin, might have tempted in another buyer. So it was critical to prosecute the deal. As the transaction has progressed, there has been a steady build-up of petitioners among members wanting more say and asking what is in the deal for them. In his latest letter to members (including this writer), chairman Kevin Parry seeks to allay disquiet with a pledge. He notes that in 2023 the Nationwide had sufficient surpluses to offer a Fairer Share Payment, in effect a bonus, to eligible members. Last year was healthy for financial groups because of the widening gap between loan rates and those paid to savers. Parry argues that a stronger group would make such payments more likely for Nationwide members in future. Maybe. However, this incentive is not guaranteed. Chief executive Debbie Crosbie has a proven record of doing deals and giving value. The knockback by the Advertising Standards Authority over TV commercial claims that, unlike big banks, Nationwide is not closing branches has been labelled misleading. Not great for credibility. Yet members are asked to take a lot on trust, including the thoroughness of the due diligence on the takeover target. In pressing the deal aggressively and citing merger rules as the reason, Nationwide has erected an undesirable protective shield. Magic masterclass Bringing members and/or individual shareholders along can be a real plus for public companies in a tight spot. Two decades ago, the late Paul Myners and Stuart Rose used the army of M&S private investors to repel an unwanted bid from Philip Green. Walt Disneys veteran boss, Bob Iger, used similar tactics to see corporate raider Nelson Peltz off the theme park amid complaints of underperformance and woke. Iger has directly engaged with Disneys private shareholder base, reportedly as high as 40 per cent, with a barrage of letters, brochures, social media messages and goodies. These have included a 50 per cent dividend increase, a $3billion (2.4billion) share buyback and an investment in North Carolina-based Epic Games. Iger also collected celebrity endorsements including the Disney family, Star Wars creator George Lucas and JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon. His is a victory for popular capitalism. Flying lesson Virgin Atlantic came close to collapse in the pandemic after the Government rebuffed a bailout request. The carrier eventually managed a self-help package, with Richard Branson piling in 200million after selling off shares in space outfit Virgin Galactic and persuading 49 per cent holder Delta of the US to pony up. Now chief executive Shai Weiss is promising a return to profits in 2024 after the carrier ran a loss of 139million last year. Britain needs a competitive carrier to the US, Caribbean, India et al to ensure service standards at BA dont slip further. Royal Mail has named a senior Heathrow executive as its next boss just as it hikes the price of stamps for the third time in a year. Emma Gilthorpe, who is the airports chief operating officer, will join the delivery group on May 1, parent company International Distribution Services (IDS) said. She will then take over the Royal Mail arm of the business in the summer. Gilthorpe succeeds interim boss Martin Seidenberg. He took on the role alongside his job as chief executive of the wider IDS group last October after embattled boss Simon Thompson quit. Special delivery: Royal Mail Parent company IDS said Emma Gilthorpe (pictured), will take over as chief exec on May 1 Thompson left the group just weeks after he resolved a long-running dispute with unions over pay. He was also under pressure for missing delivery targets. Royal Mail racked up losses of 319million in the six months to the end of September 2023. Gilthorpes appointment came as Royal Mail hiked the price of its stamps. The cost of a first-class stamp rose by another 10p yesterday, to 1.35. Second class stamps also went up 10p to 85p. The price of a first class stamp has gone up three times in a year from 95p to 1.10 in April 2023 and then to 1.25 in October. It comes at a critical juncture for Royal Mail as Ofcom is considering its future and the universal service obligation to deliver letters six days a week. The industry regulator revealed in a long-awaited report in January that an overhaul could see Royal Mails letter delivery service slashed from six days to five or even three a week. Ofcom has since been consulting on the proposals, with a deadline of today for responses. It will report back its findings in the summer. Gilthorpe has worked at Europes busiest airport since 2009 and managed Heathrows response to pandemic. She said: Royal Mail is a great British brand with a long and proud history. 'Now is the time to ensure it has a successful future too. Shell yesterday launched an appeal against a landmark climate ruling that ordered the energy giant to slash carbon emissions. The oil and gas major argued that the order lacks a legal basis and weakens the fight against climate change. A Dutch court in 2021 told Shell to cut carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. The order covered the companys emissions and those caused by its customers. Shells lawyer Daan Lunsingh Scheurleer told a court in The Hague that the case has no legal basis. He added: It obstructs the role that Shell can and wants to play in the energy transition. Climate ruling: A Dutch court in 2021 told Shell to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. But the oil giant claims the order lacks a legal basis He warned that support for going green will be lost if supply becomes too expensive or unreliable. If people can no longer pay for their energy or that energy is no longer reliable when you press the button or want to cook food and turn on the gas stove, the support of people in the country here, but also in other countries, for the energy transition will be lost, he said. The energy crisis caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine proved the importance of fossil fuels, Lunsingh Scheurleer argued. Oil and gas will play an important role in both the security of supply and affordability during the energy transition, he said. Lawyers for the energy giant highlighted Shells investment in non-fossil fuels, its support for the Paris Climate Agreement and its own emission-cutting targets. But the order to slash the total emissions of its products by 45 per cent went too far, Lunsingh Scheurleer said. A general application of this order is impossible without drastic measures, he said. A Shell spokesman said: We agree that the world needs urgent climate action, but we have a different view in how that goal should be achieved. By focusing on one company, and only on the supply of energy rather than the demand for it, we believe the ruling is ineffective and even counterproductive in addressing climate change. Green activists Friends of the Earth Netherlands, which brought the case, said it was confident heading into the appeal. The scientific basis on which weve founded our claims against Shell has only solidified, the groups lawyer Roger Cox said. I am confident we can once again convince the judges that Shell needs to act in line with international climate agreements. Shell rowed back on its carbon reduction plans last month, citing strong gas demand and uncertainty in the energy transition. The company will target a 15 per cent to 20 per cent reduction in net carbon intensity of its energy products by 2030, compared with 2016 intensity levels. It had previously aimed for a 20 per cent cut. Ultra chic? Supermodel Kendall Jenner stars in Calvin Kleins Spring ad campaign Shares in the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger tumbled 23 per cent as weak demand hits the business. PVH, which is listed in New York, warned of a 6-to-7 per cent fall in revenues this year following a slowdown across North America and Europe. That compares with a 2 per cent rise last year. It also said profits would be lower than hoped. Analyst John Kernan at investment bank TD Cowen said the outlook was disappointing for a company that seemed so confident just a few months ago. The slump in the share price was one of the biggest ever suffered by the company. PVH chief Stefan Larsson said the outlook in Europe has become more challenged. He added that fashion brands have suffered in the US as department stores and other retailers cut back orders due to weak demand among shoppers. A stock market index of small UK firms could be wiped out in four years in a takeover feeding frenzy, City analysts warn. In a report that raised fresh concerns over the health of London as a financial centre, Peel Hunt said the FTSE Small Cap will cease to exist in 2028 if the relentless pace of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity continues. The index which is made up of companies on the UK main market that are not big enough to be in the FTSE 100 or FTSE 250 has seen its numbers drop from 160 in 2018 to 114 last year. If we extrapolate the current trend line, then the last company will leave the FTSE Small Cap in 2028, the report said. Peel Hunt noted that 12 takeovers of London-listed firms worth more than 100million were announced in the first three months of this year alone. Takeover threat: Peel Hunt said the FTSE Small Cap will cease to exist in four years if the 'relentless' pace of merger and acquisition activity continues The proposed deals include a 5.7billion bid for packaging group DS Smith, the 2.9billion takeover of Virgin Money by Nationwide, the 2.5billion acquisition of Redrow by Barratt Developments, and the 762million purchase of haulier Wincanton by a US rival. Other approaches for British companies have been rejected including overseas attempts to buy Currys and Direct Line. A sharp drop in the number of firms looking to list their shares in the UK means that those that are bought are not replaced. And some London-listed companies are jumping ship even without a takeover, including CRH and Ferguson, which moved their shares to New York, and Tui, which opted for Frankfurt. Paddy Power owner Flutter is moving its primary listing to New York next month. With a shortage of companies joining the stock market through initial public offerings (IPOs) such as the high-profile snub by Cambridge-based chip designer Arm which listed in New York numbers are dwindling. Warning that the UK is not refilling the hopper, Peel Hunt head of research Charles Hall said: There has been minimal IPO activity for the past two years. This needs to be actively addressed as the FTSE Small Cap will cease to exist by 2028 at the current run-rate. The pace of de-equitisation is relentless and will inevitably continue given the low valuation accorded to UK companies. He said the impact of the scale of de-equitisation can be seen in the FTSE Small Cap sector as opposed to the FTSE 100 or FTSE 250 because these always contain the 350 biggest companies listed in London. While the number of firms in the Small Cap dropped, the total value of its constituents has also fallen from close to 60billion in 2018 to around 30billion today. Virgin Atlantic said it is on course to make its first profit since the pandemic after strong demand for winter breaks in the Caribbean boosted business. The airline which is co-owned by Richard Bransons Virgin Group and US carrier Delta Airlines yesterday reported losses of 139million for 2023 following a 206million loss the previous year. But revenues rose by 265million to a record 3.1billion as high-spending British holidaymakers splashed out on winter breaks in the Caribbean. Virgin Atlantic is now benefiting from US tourists booking spring and summer trips to Europe and its expansion into India. Flights to the Maldives and Dubai have also been in demand. In demand: Virgin Atlantic is now benefiting from US tourists booking spring and summer trips to Europe and its expansion into India The turnaround comes after a near-death experience when Covid-19 grounded planes all over the world and left airlines fighting for their futures. Since then, Virgin Atlantic has been heavily weighed down by the debt it took on to survive the pandemic. But in a sign the business is now recovering, chief executive Shai Weiss insisted this year would be the turning point for Virgin Atlantic, the culmination of our transformation and the year we can make it count. He said the carrier has capitalised on continued strong demand for leisure air travel and holidays though business travel is rebounding more slowly. A loss is never satisfactory, added Weiss. However, our performance and results illustrate that we have made really good progress in 2023, the plan is working, and Virgin Atlantic is on course to return to profitability in 2024. Virgin Atlantic, which was launched in 1984, flew 5.3m passengers to long-haul destinations such as the US, the Caribbean and India last year. Founder: Virgin Atlantic is co-owned by Richard Bransons Virgin Group and US carrier Delta Airlines This is some 10 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels while the number of corporate travellers is still down around 20 per cent. But it is aiming to fly 6m customers this year a level last achieved in 2019 before the Covid pandemic struck. Chief financial officer Oliver Byers said passengers were willing to pay robust fares and the start of the new year has been very encouraging. He added: Weve seen very strong demand from a premium leisure perspective and also some further recovery in corporate travel. Corporate travel, which unlike leisure has not fully recovered since the pandemic, dipped towards the end of 2023, he said. Virgin Atlantic, which will launch a second daily service from London to Mumbai in October, is now aiming to increase operating profit to around 200million this year, double the record achieved back in 1999. Disney and its chief executive Bob Iger emerged victorious last night after a long-running battle with activist investors. In a major vote of confidence, shareholders elected all 12 of the companys nominees to the board, including Iger himself. The crunch vote brought to an end a bitter power struggle with activist investor Nelson Peltz, one of the most ruthless corporate raiders on the planet, who was left licking his wounds having seen his bid for a seat on the board rejected. Peltz, who owns a 2.7billion stake in Disney through his firm Trian Fund Management, and fellow activist Blackwells Capital have been calling for a major shake-up at the company. Both funds argued that Disney has lost its sparkle under Iger, who came out of retirement in 2022, having previously run it for 15 years to 2020. Power struggle: Disney boss Bob Iger (pictured) won the support of influential backers including the Disney family and Star Wars creator and director George Lucas They wanted fresh faces on the board with Peltz, 81, pushing for two seats for Trian while Blackwells was seeking three. But Disney and Iger persuaded shareholders to stick with their plan. Peltz is renowned for having muscled his way on to the boards of Procter & Gamble and Unilever and built big holdings in Mondelez and Heinz. He claims to work collaboratively and help bosses run their businesses. Hours before the vote, he won the backing of Tesla tycoon Elon Musk, who said he would buy Disney shares if Peltz won a seat on the board. In a statement, Iger said: I want to thank our shareholders for their trust and confidence. House of Mouse: Disney is under pressure to find a suitable successor to replace Iger when he stands down in 2026 'Were eager to focus on our most important priorities: growth and value creation for our shareholders and creative excellence for our consumers. Peltz, who before the results were announced said he wanted Disney to get back to making great content and delighting consumers, said he was disappointed with the outcome. The vote ends months of uncertainty though Disney is now under pressure to find a suitable successor to replace Iger when he stands down in 2026. Among its blizzard of condemnation, Trian took aim at the companys leadership void, underperforming shares, half-baked strategic initiatives, and a conformist corporate culture. But ahead of the vote, Iger won the support of influential backers including the Disney family and Star Wars creator and director George Lucas. Police forces stand in front of the partly burnt building after a fire eruption in Istanbul, Trkiye, April 2, 2024. The death toll in a fire on Tuesday in Trkiye's largest city, Istanbul, has risen to 29, according to the Istanbul governor's office. The office said the fire broke out during renovation works in a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua) ISTANBUL, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in a fire on Tuesday in Trkiye's largest city, Istanbul, has risen to 29, according to the Istanbul governor's office. The office said the fire broke out during renovation works in a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. "The treatment of one person injured in the fire is ongoing, and the teams are continuing their work in the building," the office said in its latest announcement. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told reporters on the scene that the victims were the individuals involved in renovation works. Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunc announced that a detention warrant had been issued for five suspects, including four workplace managers and a renovation supervisor. Tunc said on his X account that a judicial investigation has been initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and three public prosecutors have been assigned to the incident. Firefighters work at the site of a fire eruption in Istanbul, Trkiye, April 2, 2024. The death toll in a fire on Tuesday in Trkiye's largest city, Istanbul, has risen to 29, according to the Istanbul governor's office. The office said the fire broke out during renovation works in a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua) Police forces stand in front of the partly burnt building after a fire eruption in Istanbul, Trkiye, April 2, 2024. The death toll in a fire on Tuesday in Trkiye's largest city, Istanbul, has risen to 29, according to the Istanbul governor's office. The office said the fire broke out during renovation works in a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua) Firefighters work near the site of a fire eruption in Istanbul, Trkiye, April 2, 2024. The death toll in a fire on Tuesday in Trkiye's largest city, Istanbul, has risen to 29, according to the Istanbul governor's office. The office said the fire broke out during renovation works in a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua) A firefighter works near the site of a fire eruption in Istanbul, Trkiye, April 2, 2024. The death toll in a fire on Tuesday in Trkiye's largest city, Istanbul, has risen to 29, according to the Istanbul governor's office. The office said the fire broke out during renovation works in a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua) Editor: GSY A state-owned Chinese car firm is hoping to secure subsidies off the UK to build an assembly plant in a move likely to raise fresh security concerns. Chery is weighing up where to construct a European factory, with Britain a potential option along with Spain, Hungary and the Czech Republic. It comes amid warnings about the threat posed by China, with the UK and US recently identifying it as the source of a wave of cyber attacks. Assembly plant: Chinese car giant Chery is weighing up where to build a new European factory with Britain a potential option along with Spain, Hungary and the Czech Republic US President Joe Biden has warned that Chinese vehicles could create a risk to national security and launched a sweeping review to establish whether they can be used for spying. But UK investment minister Dominic Johnson has previously expressed his ambition to attract a Chinese car maker to build a factory in Britain. That could mean the Government which has earmarked 2billion to boost the car industry offering multi-million pound subsidies of the kind that it has already lavished on the likes of Tata and BMW. Victor Zhang, UK boss of Chery subsidy Omoda, told the Mail: 'Government support or incentives are a very important factor.' Last month it emerged that China's Eve Energy was in advanced talks to build a new electric vehicle battery site in Coventry. China has gained a headstart in electric vehicle technology at a time when traditional car makers are still struggling to adapt to the phasing out of petrol and diesel. That means the country is seen by UK industry insiders as the most likely source of investment in a new car plant in Britain. But US officials have adopted a much more cautious approach. And established car makers are worried that China could flood western markets with cheap cars. Zhang brushed off fears that the company could pose a security threat, saying Chery was already established in a number of global markets including Australia and New Zealand. 'Although we are based in China, we are actually more like an international company because we have so many footprints in different countries,' he said. 'No matter which country we go to, we will abide by the local policy otherwise you cannot keep doing business.' But Professor Jim Saker, president of the Institute of the Motor Industry, representing professionals in the sector, said other countries had rejected Chinese car makers due to security concerns and cited remarks by the head of MI5 about the threat posed by the country. 'Why is it that the UK Government wants to subsidise a Chinese manufacturer when Ken McCallum, the head of MI5, is stated as saying that Chinese espionage in Britain is operating on an 'epic scale'?' Saker asked. Access to cash is becoming an ever-increasing problem for many people and small businesses as banks shut branches and remove free-to-use cash machines. Yet the withdrawal of these services from high streets is having a horrible side effect it is concentrating the minds of criminals on the major role that post offices still play in the provision of cash facilities. As a result, thugs are targeting post offices, committing daring and violent robberies in the pursuit of hard cash. On February 19, a post office in the tiny village of Monk Fryston in North Yorkshire was the victim of such a robbery. Its an experience that owners Karen and Adrian Bullock never want to go through again. Indeed, it was so traumatic they have decided to close the post office and concentrate on running the convenience store and their bed and breakfast business. Tale of trauma: Jeff Prestridge with Karen and Adrian Bullock outside their store in North Yorkshire Although the Post Office says otherwise, Karen is convinced that small post offices like hers are increasingly vulnerable to cash robberies, and that some of the measures recommended to thwart the criminals simply leave staff more exposed to violent attack. Theres not a night I dont wake up thinking someone is breaking into our house or shop, looking for the cash we take as a post office, says 57-year-old Karen. For the first time since we moved here two years ago, I feel unsafe. Its a horrible feeling. We thought this would be our last job before we both retired, but now we are not so sure. We are sitting in Adrian and Karens home lounge at the back of their village store and post office. Outside its grey and spitting with rain, yet its rather idyllic in so many other ways. The shop is a jack and jill of all trades, selling everything from delicious chocolate flapjacks (yes, I succumbed), everyday household goods, chicken curry pasties through to homemade pickles and jams. The adjoining house is spacious, awash with ornaments giving away Karens love of horses. The four-bedroom B&B sparkles from a recent refurbishment, with beds as wide as they are long and a breakfast room adorned with numerous Visit England certificates acknowledging the quality of Adrians breakfasts. He cooks a mean full English, admits Karen. Hes king of the kitchen. The 61-year-old is also a part-time agronomist an expert in soil management who provides advice to farmers. Apart from The Crown pub and a wedding venue currently closed, the village store is the heart of Monk Fryston a name, originally Monk Free Stone, that it acquired because its quarry provided materials for the nearby Selby Abbey. Karen loves the fact that the store is embedded in the community. She is a carer by profession and will go out of her way to help anyone in the village. Nearly a decade ago she set up Snydale Riding For The Disabled Association close to where she previously lived which last year earned her a British Empire Medal. Weapon: One of the raiders was armed with a claw roofing hammer (file picture) The robbery took place on a Monday afternoon. The exact time is for ever etched on Karens brain. It was 4.50, she says. I was sitting exactly where I am sitting now, on the settee. Susie and Joanne, two of our six part-time assistants, were in the shop Susie in the tiny post office area, Joanne in the store. Our three-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu was dozing next to me while Adrian was in the kitchen. Suddenly, Joanne ran into the house looking drip white. Were being robbed. Theyve got Susie, she exclaimed. I followed Adrian into the shop to see a man holding a claw roofing hammer. I screamed and dragged Adrian back before the robber could use it against him. The other man, who had confronted Susie, jumped over the counter and they ran out the door into a waiting van which was driven away at speed. What they didnt realise is that Mel, the local postman, was in the shop at the time of the robbery and had been knocked out in the fracas, injuring his arm as he crashed into a cupboard. Karen rang 999, and after a three-hour wait an ambulance took him to hospital. Although he was discharged the next day, he has yet to return to work. Hes on the mend, says Karen reassuringly. The robbers got away with 1,650 of cash 650 from the shop till and 1,000 from the post offices mini-safe. Karen and Adrians intervention probably stopped the criminals from targeting the main safe located elsewhere. Although Susie pressed the post office panic button linked to a security company, it wasnt responded to. While Karen has nothing but praise for the police and was pleased with the prompt response from the Post Office she says the thought of another robbery is too much to bear. The Post Office told us that we should have a longer four-minute delay on the safe, and also recommended a button that would billow out smoke as soon as it was pressed by a member of staff, says Karen. Our view is that these measures would simply increase the risks faced by our staff if we were robbed again. They might agitate the criminals, and were not prepared to agree to that. So, with sadness, the post office will be shut in early June. A message on the shops window spells out the news and Karen, the author, doesnt hold back in attributing blame. Societal changes such as the closure of banks and removal of ATMs have resulted in increasing large sums of cash being handled at post offices. The result of this is that local post offices have become easy targets for criminal gangs. Locals are sympathetic to Karens decision, deploring the violence committed by the criminals, but to use a post office they will now have to travel to the nearby villages of Brayton, Brotherton and Sherburn. Vanishing: The withdrawal of banks and cash machines from high streets is concentrating the minds of criminals on the role that post offices still play in the provision of cash facilities Karen says Keir Mather, the Labour MP for Selby and Ainsty, has been supportive and came to visit them in the aftermath of the robbery. He has since called for rural post offices to be given extra security measures in the wake of a rising crime threat. The Post Office told Money Mail: This was a truly horrific incident and we have offered our support to the postmistress, her husband, and their staff. We welcome the seriousness with which the police are treating this crime, and we hope the criminals are brought to justice. Yet it was also keen to downplay the crime threat. It said that when robberies took place, it was usually the retail side of the business that was targeted most of the countrys 11,500 post offices are located within a convenience store or village shop. It added that the number of robberies that took place at post offices in February was broadly in line with February 2023, but that the amount lost in those robberies was down 57 per cent. It also said there was no evidence of a trend of postmasters handing back the keys because of either attempted or actual robberies. The statement added: While criminal incidents do occur they are thankfully rare, and incidents have reduced over the years, in part thanks to better security equipment and improved security procedures in branches. Whenever there is an incident of crime, we take the lessons from that to help improve the security for all postmasters across our network. Nationwide Building Society, like the Post Office a big provider of high street banking, told Money Mail that criminal attacks had been slightly higher recently. It added: Were proactively working with the police and other financial institutions to support efforts to arrest and prosecute those behind criminal activity. As a sector we are also working with Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch charities to raise awareness of organised criminal activity targeting ATMs and would encourage anyone who sees anything unusual to report it to the local police. As for the criminals who robbed Karen and Adrians post office six weeks ago, one individual was arrested and then released on bail. An arrest warrant has been issued for another person both live outside the area. Karen wont be at peace until they are behind bars. The sleepless nights will continue, for sure, she says. These people have smashed a wrecking ball through our business. Such criminals need to be stopped in their tracks. They are destroying small communities like ours that make up the fabric of this country. And, Im sorry to say, the banks are partly to blame. jeff.prestridge@dailymail.co.uk National Savings and Investments has today revealed the rate it will be paying on its new British Savings Bonds. The three-year fix will pay 4.15 per cent. The bonds were announced by the Chancellor in the Budget and are now available to open on NS&I's website. There are two versions of the bond available - Guaranteed Growth Bonds which pay 4.15 per cent over three years and Guaranteed Income Bonds which pay 4.07 per cent over three years. The latter allows savers to take the interest paid out each month. Neither accounts are tax free. British Savings Bond: NS&I has launched it three-year fixed-rate bonds today which were announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement The bonds are three-year versions of NS&I's best-selling one-year Guaranteed Growth and Income bonds, which paid a far higher rate of 6.2 per cent. These were pulled from sale in October. NS&I said it intends for the three-year bonds to be on sale for an extended period of time. The minimum investment in the bonds is 500 and the maximum is 1million in each issue. The accounts are online-only, and are not available to be invested in via phone or post. However, on its website, NS&I says: 'It is designed to be invested in online. However, if you can't invest online, please call us and we'll let you know your options.' The best one-year fix now pays 5.25 per cent and is offered by Secure Trust Bank. A saver putting 10,000 into this account would have around 10,538 by the end of the term. The best three-year fix pays 4.75 per cent and comes from Skipton Building Society. This account has a 30 month term. If a saver put 10,000 in this account, after a year they would have around 10,485. Savings experts do not think the rate NS&I's bonds offer will be attractive enough to most savers, with one expert saying they could be 'doomed to mid-table mediocrity.' How much interest would you earn over a year? At new 4.15% Guaranteed Growth & Income bonds rate 5,000 - 211 10,000 - 415 20,000 - 846 50,000 - 2,115 At NS&I's old 6.2% Guaranteed Growth & Income bonds rate 5,000 - 319 10,000 - 620 20,000 - 1,276 50,000 - 3,190 Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown said: 'Theyve gone on sale, offering 4.07 per cent and 4.15 per cent over three years. This is disappointing, especially after the fanfare in the Budget, because its so far behind the market leaders. At this rate, these bonds risk disappearing without a trace. 'NS&I was always going to have to offer something special to get savers excited about three-year savings deals. 'These NS&I rates just arent special enough to persuade swathes of new savers to tie their money up for longer.' While Andrew Hagger, founder of website Money Comms said they may appeal to savers with bigger pots. He said: 'For savers with balances in excess of 85,000, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) limit, these bonds may be appealing in that you can deposit up to 1million which is fully protected via HM Treasury. 'Those with smaller balances can currently get a three-year fixed-rate bond paying 4.65 per cent with Hampshire Trust Bank or Close Brothers Savings. 'That extra 0.5 per cent on the rate is worth 250 per year to someone with a 50,000 balance and 750 over the three-year term. 'For a saver with a 20,000 pot it's 100 per year and 300 over three years, so worth looking at other fixed rate options.' Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: 'This is a new opportunity for savers to benefit from the three-year fixed-rate British Savings Bonds knowing that their money is fully protected by the Treasury. 'The Bonds will help to grow the savings culture in the UK while providing cost-effective financing for the Government.' Dax Harkins, NS&I chief executive, said: 'British Savings Bonds are there to help people save for the longer term and support their savings goals, safe in the knowledge that their investments are 100 per cent protected. 'As with all savings with NS&I, money is invested back into supporting the UK through government financing.' As soon as the 25th Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) covered up finally thirty days it had been a momentous event for just one worldwides longest-serving and largest activities of LGBTIQ voices regarding the giant screen. Achieving the quarter millennium level is remarkable enough for a community-driven occasion that obtains no significant funding from either county or Federal governments, nonetheless it has also been noteworthy because this present year noted the departure of long-serving movie director Lisa Daniel, whom bowed out after 17 years into the leading job. Whenever Lisa began, she was actually getting around 100 movie distribution becoming possibly screened at MQFF, but would merely display about 25 % of these. In 2010, MQFF received 1200 submissions and went practically 200 classes, with 45 features a?? four of these happened to be Australian produced a?? 14 documentaries and 17 quick film bundles. Lisa says she is already been pleased by a solid rise in trans tales, such as this past years 52 Tuesdays by Australian manager Sophie Hyde. She thinks these yarns have leap-frogged lesbian cinema. Get alerts: Lisa is a significantly loved figure regarding the queer movie world, within Australian Continent and globally, as their humorous shutting night tribute movie attested, with benefits from peers as far flung as bay area, Seattle, Montreal and Oslo. Her passion and determination features viewed MQFF grow significantly and diversify from mostly US-based rom coms to a line-up packed with thought-provoking documentaries like Thomas G. Millers heart-rending Restricted Partnership , detailing an American-Australian fews decades-long fight for relationship equivalence stateside, and Ethan Reids Peter de Rome: Grandfather of Gay Porn, an eye-opening honor on master of arty gay male eroticism. Were not obtaining just as much fluffy stuff, basically impressive, Lisa claims. The worldwide content in the film event additionally skyrocketed under Lisas course. Both MQFFs starting night and shutting night flicks were in another vocabulary, throwing down with Brazilian writer/director Daniel Ribeiros tender coming-of-age flickThe Way In Which He AppearanceHoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho) with star Ghilherme Lobo playing a blind teen wrestling together with his surfacing sex. Were getting heaps from Latin-American countries, Scandinavia, and then were needs to get Asian films as well, Lisa states. Its been really enjoyable to see places like Brazil generating great queer cinema. The expression a??German comedy may seem like an unusual combination, but writer/director Alex Ranisch carried it off with deftly evaluated psychological heft to summarize night film I Believe Like Disco ( Ich FAhl Mich Disco ). Another sterling instance ended up being Emmanuelle Devos performance in French writer-director Martin Provosts startling Violette , a historic biopic describing the psychological state dilemmas of trail-blazing feminist and bisexual author Violette Leduc. Lisa is frequently expected if absolutely a continuing part for queer movie festivals, or if the aim is to make certain they are unimportant as better equality and standing is accomplished. Her reaction is twofold. First of all, she points out we continue to have a considerable ways commit from this point, particularly when it comes to marriage equality, and that numerous queer residents internationally contain it far worse, including in Russia and countries in the Middle East and Africa. But even though we would one day attain global recognition, Lisa states there is going to be a task for MQFF. Do we must have a necessity? Imagine if we just wish share our stories with similar audiences? With queer film celebrations all around the globe having difficulties economically, particularly as content material grows more readily available via movie on need services and, of course, illegal packages, Lisa hopes that the person who occupies her mantle the coming year should be able to continue to develop MQFF. i do believe it really is great that queer movie is far more easily accessible and that theres a lot more of it, but it makes me personally unfortunate that individuals dont want to gather as a bunch any longer a?? find it in the festival on a huge display with fantastic sound and go down to the lounge and chat about it afterwards. They truly are just happy to see it in their tracksuit trousers on their sofa. Filmmakers you should not generate movies keeping that in mind. The city aspect is actually central towards festival, and thats why Lisa provides strived during the woman tenure to host as numerous panels, Q&As and filmmaker introductions as you possibly can, so your movie is just the beginning of the dialogue. It is naAve to think men and women would like to arrived at the cinema and sit-in the dark colored, she says. they would like to engage. Stephen A Russell is a Scottish significance with practically ten years in Melbourne under their side. A movie fanatic, theatre fan and common arts enthusiast, they have a passion for good style and loves to drink and eat their means around community too. Often identified behind a Batman comic. Donal Ryan is set to publish his X novel, one which might send your heart spinning - or, crack it in two. This August, the Nenagh native will release his eighth book, titled Heart, be At Peace. A sequel to his debut The Spinning Heart, Donals new novel takes us to a small town in rural Ireland, where people have weathered the storms of economic collapse and are now looking towards the future. But a fresh menace is creeping around the lakeshore, as the peace of the community is about to be shattered. Young people are being drawn towards the promise of fast money whilst the generation above them tries to push back the tide of an enemy no one can touch. Described as a stunning lyrical novel told in twenty-one voices, Heart, be at Peace can either be read independently, or as a companion to The Spinning Heart. Over the years, the author has been asked many times about the fate of the characters of his debut novel, which was translated in about 30 languages. To this day, The Spinning Heart remains Donals most translated book. Heart, be at Peace will be published on Thursday, August 15. Met Eireann's farming forecast spells disaster for farmers as they struggle to start their springtime work due to persistent rain. The national forecaster is predicting rainfall amounts between two to four times the normal range, preventing farmers from planting seed or turning their animals out to grass. Soil conditions are poor and waterlogged, which is also preventing farmers from bring machinery on to their fields. This dismal farming forecast comes ahead of the publication of Met Eireann's analysis of March's weather, which is set to be published later this Wednesday and already indicates that March 2024 was one of the wettest on record. Dr Joe Patton, head of dairy knowledge for Teagasc, has said that conditions are "approaching, or maybe have passed, crisis point." "Farmers want to start getting their spring work field work underway, grazing and getting getting animals out to grass, and all that but they're just completely stymied at the moment," he said, speaking on RTE Morning Ireland. "We would estimate that a wet week at this moment is probably costing dairy farmers in the region of possibly up to 30 million on a national scale a week, probably something similar for beef farmers." After disclosing his autism diagnosis on Autism Awareness Day, Irish MEP, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, has drawn widespread support and admiration from the public. Mr Flanagan took to social media to share his diagnosis on April 2, stating: "I was diagnosed with Autism at the beginning of February. I always kinda knew. Now I actually do know. It really helps to know." The MEP's openness prompted an outpouring of support from social media users, commending his bravery and advocating for greater understanding of neurodiversity. One user responded, "Another brave post, Ming. Fair play coming out with this. I hope youre doing ok." Others shared their own experiences, stressing the significance of Flanagan's disclosure in destigmatising autism and encouraging self-awareness. "Diagnosed as ADHD as a kid so never gave much thought to any other ND (neurodivergent) until a few years back when wife's psychologist friend specialising in ASC recommended I get a diagnosis which confirmed I was autistic. Fair play Luke, good knowing who you are," one user shared. Another commenter expressed respect for Flanagan's decision to speak out, despite political differences: "I may not agree with your political standpoint but I do have huge respect for you coming out and posting this. Autism is seen by some as a weakness. But in ways it can also be a strength. Good luck and take care." The Roscommon man's update also inspired individuals who have been contemplating seeking diagnosis themselves, with one user saying: "Fair play Luke. I've been thinking of getting it done myself. It seems like a no-brainer for me. Just need to take the first step." Mr Flanagan has been an MEP for Midlands-North-West since 2014, and was elected to the Dail in 2011. The heartbroken man who lost his wife and two young daughters in a horrific road traffic collision last week says he feels 'so empty'. David Bowden was looking forward to spending a first night with wife Una and their daughters Ciara and Saoirse in their new home in Moycullen when his world was torn apart. As he prepared to fly home from Ethiopia, where he was working as a project manager with the UN, he learned of the crash in Mayo that claimed the lives of his wife Una (47) - nee Carlin and a native of Raphoe - and their daughters Ciara (14) and Saoirse (10). All three were killed instantly when their car collided with an articulated fuel lorry on the N17 at Castlegar, between Knock and Claremorris, in County Mayo shortly last Tuesday, March 26. It is hard to put into words what the feeling is to lose your whole family in one go, he said in a eulogy read at Wednesday's Funeral Mass at St Eunan's Church, Raphoe by his brother, Andrew. I am crying so hard. The best is to hope and pray that they are at peace. They were all such beautiful girls who lived short, but such fun-filled lives. That is how I would like to remember them. Heartbroken David Bowden. (North West Newspix) Una beat breast cancer in 2018, when she returned home to Ireland, and the family set up home in Moycullen. One by one, a heartbroken Mr Bowden helped to take the remains of his wife and children, into St Eunan's Church, where he poignantly placed a photo on top of each of the wicker caskets. Sports jerseys rested alongside, signifying a love of sport that took the girls to a variety of clubs in their locality. David recalled how he was first introduced to Una at a party in Kent in 2003 and the couple married in Zambia in 2007. Their daughters were born in Africa, where Una and David ran a safari company based in a remote part of Zambia. She was tough and resilient and always game for any new adventures, David recalled of his late wife. Una returned home in 2018 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was given the all-clear. David said: She was one tough cookie. The couple bought a semi-derelict cottage near Moycullen and on the day he learned of the tragedy, David was set to fly home from the Tigrary area of Ethiopia and was looking ahead to his first night with his family in their new home. The irony of this hurts, he said. Una was a powerful woman and an extraordinary mother. Our two gorgeous girls were her world. She was my soulmate and my confidante. My world is so empty without her. David recalled how Ciara would spend hours out in the bog with her Scottish Terrier dogs, Daisy and Moo. The dogs were also killed in the crash. Saoirse, who loved cats and had 'such quick wit', was wearing a Harry Potter jumper at the time of the crash. David said: I hope and pray that she has been taken to the magical world she so envisaged. David thanked everyone for the 'wonderful love and support' and drew on the words of the Laurence Binyon poem For The Fallen: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them. All that punctured the silence were the bouncing raindrops on the umbrellas sheltering mourners and the innocent songs of birds, rested on the belfry, from which the haunting funeral bells tolled as the cortege snaked its way through the old heritage town. Raphoe, with the quirk of being the smallest cathedral city in Europe, is rooted in history, but its time stood still as two garda outriders led the procession from the Carlin home at nearby Miltown, where they had been waked since Monday. It was there, on the family farm, that Una grew up and where Ciara and Saoirse shared many happy visits to their grandfather, John Carlin. Classmates of Ciara's from Salerno Secondary School in Salthill, where she was a first year student, were unable to fight the tears as they gathered after making the 250km journey to Donegal. Ciara's best friend, Amelia, told how they had planned to go to their first disco on the Easter weekend and were to get ready together. I know she will be with me now every morning, Amelia said. Ciara was my best friend. She had an incredible joy for life and had an absolute impact on everyone she met. No-one could ever replicate her. She was the most kind and thoughtful friend that I ever had. Amelia recalled how Ciara loved a local charity shop, Madra, and would drag her in every time they passed. She added: They will forever have a special place in my heart. Some of Saoire's friends and teachers at Scoil Naomh Bride, Tullykyne National School in Moycullen, the school where she was a third class pupil, were also welcomed to Raphoe. Fr Eamonn Kelly, the parish priest in Raphoe, said: In a split second, life was changed forever. An ordinary, uneventful morning hid the devastation that lay ahead. Every life in this building and every life watching and listening was shook with the hardest of sorrows when the news filtered in . . . Only 71 years of human life between them. Words such as heartache and grief and sorrow do not capture the emptiness, the pain, the unfairness, the lousiness of what took place that day. The ordinary things in life are best: What would we not give to see again one of their smiles? Fr Martin Whelan, the parish priest in Moycullen, travelled to Donegal for the funeral, like many of his parishioners. Fr John Joe Duffy, the Creeslough priest whose own community was torn apart in an explosion that claimed ten lives in 2022, was among the concelebrants. First responders who attended the scene of the tragic collision last Tuesday also attended the funeral. Fr Kelly remembered Una as a 'serial degree-getter, who knew what was precious in life.' Ciara loved her precious Scottish terriers and was 'brilliant at art and excellent at sport' while Saoirse was recalled as 'the biggest Harry Potter fan in the whole wide world and maybe even the biggest in the universe.' Fr Kelly said: We try to be of some support to David, painfully robbed of his wife and daughters. Our support is weak, but we do try. It is appreciated by all who are in the pangs of sorrow. The three were laid to rest in nearby Convoy, alongside Una's late mother, Mary, who died in April 1993. Christy Kinahan Sr, is still living large and has attracted global attention by leaving a trail of online reviews on establishments across the world. Operating online under the name Christopher Vincent, his first and middle names, the founder of the infamous Kinahan Cartel, who faces a $5 million bounty from US authorities, has authored 104 reviews for various establishments. An investigation by the Sunday Times and Bellingcat discovered the reviews dating from 2019 to last year. The online reviews show the infamous 'Dapper Don' has posted from Hungary, Spain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe, South Africa and more. In one review, published on December 28, 2021, Kinahan described a trip to a cinema in Dubai. Giving it three out of five stars, Dapper Don complained: "New menu is a disappointment in my opinion. It seems that the new set-up is geared to get you to buy additional items to make an already expensive package all that more expensive. I feel ripped off and have been coming here with my family for the last six years. "The cost per person was around about 277 AED (Emirati Dirhams), which equates to about $75 USD per person, no reduction for children. As such, it is not cheap especially if you have a lot of kids with you." Another review of The Cycle Bistro in Dubai said: "Service was good and the staff were pleasant and helpful. The menu caters for NON-vegan, dairy and sugar. The menu was quite diverse and I will definitely return to try other options on the menu. "I had the acai bowl, followed by eggs with almond bread and green salad. My meal was well presented and tasty. I give this establishment five stars." A review of Wafi Gourmet, a restaurant in Dubai saw: "When we took our table on the terrace it seemed we were in for a treat. However, we were in for a surprise instead, the surprise was how slow the service was. The waiting staff were reasonably on the ball, but the problem is with the kitchen getting the orders out. "My friend was served his breakfast, after a wait, some 15 minutes before mine arrived was wrong. I sent it back explaining again what I wanted to wait a further 10 minutes for it to come back wrong again. The moment was gone! Well it was somewhat longer than a moment that's for sure." On a positive note in the review, Kinahan noted: "One shining light for me was the waiter known as Jay, who did his utmost to make our dining experience memorable but I believe he lacked the general support of the kitchen and a certain amount of apathy from his colleagues." A review of a Rolex store at Mall of the Emirates in October 2021 said: "I was attended by a young man called Eduardo, he was extremely helpful, polite and knowledgeable. A big shout out to him and a big thank you. He found me a short term fix to my problem with consummate ease." The kingpin also gave Tim Hortons in Dubai a negative review, saying their cookies were "soggy." Kinahan became such a frequent reviewer that his profile earned just over 10,000 points, which has awarded the kingpin a Level 7 guide rating. In April 2022, the US government announced a collective reward of $15 million for information leading to the arrest of the patriarch and his two sons, Christopher Kinahan Jr. and Daniel Joseph Kinahan. We took a pause on this presser in the middle of the election but on second look it deserves a moment of consideration if only because the argument is once again direct at home town teams. Check-it: Jackson County Executive declares state of emergency in response to likely ransomware attack KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency as a proactive measure against a potential ransomware attack affecting various county systems. The investments weve made in our cybersecurity infrastructure have significantly reduced our vulnerability to such attacks and have fortified our ability to respond effectively, said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. Our IT Departments prompt detection and response underline the value of our ongoing commitment to cybersecurity. The potential security breach is being thoroughly investigated, and while the county has leveraged its strong cybersecurity defenses to minimize impact, the situation stands as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness. This incident reinforces why it is critical to maintain our emergency reserves and why these funds are indispensable in times of crisis, White said. Allocating resources for robust cybersecurity measures is not only about protecting our data but also about safeguarding the public trust. Today more than ever, it is clear that such investments are essential and prudent. On March 25, the Jackson County Legislature authorized the use of $1,006,228 from the countys emergency reserve fund to pay for todays special election regarding a new stadium sales tax. County Executive White requested that the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals cover the costs of the unplanned and unbudgeted expense based on the significant benefits the proposed sales tax would bring to the teams, as well as the multi-million investment made by the organizations in the campaign for the sales tax. The teams have not responded to the request. The executive order facilitates necessary financial flexibility to address the current emergency, demonstrating a judicious and responsive governance. County Executive White has also mandated immediate action from county staff to ensure the protection of resident data and the continuation of critical services. A copy of the executive order is attached. ### This one is just for the closest readers of our blog community who want every bit of info out there regarding all things Kansas City. In this post we post follow-up reports, ALLEGED misdeeds and insight into ongoing cases. Check TKC news gathering . . . Community shocked after respected family of 3 found dead in suspected murder-suicide The family found dead in their Northland home are being remembered as kind and well-respected. Chiefs WR Rashee Rice admits involvement in Dallas crash, TMZ reports No one was killed in the high speed crash and in the chain reaction fender benders that followed. Kansas City Chiefs' Rashee Rice leased Lamborghini involved in Dallas crash, company's attorney says An attorney for a Dallas-area exotic car rental company told the Associated Press Tuesday that Chiefs' Rashee Rice was leasing a Lamborghini SUV involved in a crash Saturday. Missouri traffic stop leads to 90-pound cocaine bust Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped a driver in Lafayette County, just east of Kansas City, and found 88-pounds of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle. Missouri man sentenced for bank robbery in Shawnee A Missouri man was sentenced for a bank robbery that occurred in Shawnee, Kan. Teen victim identified in deadly KCK double shooting The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has identified 15-year-old Chris Jones as the victim killed in a double shooting on March 28 Kansas Legislature sends governor bill outlawing abortion coercion with maximum 25-year sentence * Kansas Reflector The GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature overwhelmingly forwards a bill to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly outlawing coercion of women to have an abortion. Authorities explain what to do if you see these signs of child abuse The child advocacy center of Douglas County and Lawrence Police are sounding the alarm about child abuse being a widespread issue in Kansas and beyond. Should Missouri judges impose death sentence when jury is deadlocked? - Missourinet When a jury cannot unanimously agree on a prison sentence for someone who is convicted of first-degree murder, Missouri law allows the trial's judge to decide whether the person should be sentenced to death. Rep. Bishop Davidson, R-Republic, is sponsoring a bill that would only let juries decide whether a convicted murderer should die - [...] Developing . . . Greek Development Minister Kostas Skrekas, addressing the Panhellenic Exporters Association on Wednesday, said that sustainable growth rates cannot be ensured without expanding the country's production base, underlining the effort being made to sustain the growth rate over time, ANA reports. The minister noted that industrial production has doubled since 2019 and has returned to the levels before the crisis, while there is a visible trend for further growth, adding that "the conditions have been created and investors are coming but more work is needed and we are continuing our efforts in this course." RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report A working meeting between the Deputy Interior Minister responsible for Macedonia and Thrace Stathis Konstantinidis and the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Greece Maria Olson took place on Wednesday at the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace in Thessaloniki. US Consul General in Thessaloniki Jerry Ismail was also present, ANA reports. According to a Ministry statement, the meeting discussed the targeted policies implemented by the government for the developmental restructuring of Macedonia and Thrace, the progress of significant infrastructure projects under planning and construction in Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, as well as the stabilizing role Greece plays in the Southeastern Mediterranean. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: ChristosV At Parc Omega, located in Quebec, you will find yourself smack dab in the middle of what feels like a Canadian wilderness dream. This spot is not just about the open spaces and stunning wildlife but it is also where you can cozy up in tipis and log cabins, making it a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. You might have heard about it or even visited during the chilly winters, which are absolutely magical. But let me tell you, experiencing it in summer and staying overnight in their newly opened accommodations is a whole new ball game. Imagine waking up to the sound of wolves howling - yes, right outside your window! It is where you get to be up close to nature while still snuggled up in bed. So, if you are looking for the wild Canadian vibe with a touch of coziness, Parc Omega in Quebec is where you want to be. Wolf Watching from Your Bed? Only in Quebec! Imagine chilling in a comfy bed and locking eyes with a wolf. Sounds wild, right? Well, in Quebec, this is not just a dream. The Wolf Lodge at Parc Omega makes it happen. You can literally roll out of bed and find yourself face-to-face with wolves, safely separated by a glass wall. It is a blend of adventure and comfort that you will not find just anywhere. Get Up Close with Quebec's Wild Side Quebec's wolves are nothing short of majestic, and there is no better spot to check them out than at Parc Omega. The park is their safe haven, letting them roam pretty much as they would in the wild. Staying at the Wolf Lodge, you get to watch these beautiful creatures from super close. Whether they are playing or just chilling, it is a wildlife experience you will not forget. You will walk away with a new appreciation for these animals and their home in Quebec. Where Comfort Meets the Wild Despite being smack in the middle of a wildlife park in Quebec, the cabins here do not skimp on comfort. They have got everything you need - cozy beds, modern bathrooms, and that unbeatable view of wolves through a huge glass wall. It feels like you are out in the wild but with all the homey comforts wrapped around you. That glass wall turns your cabin into a live-action scene straight from nature. Your Daytime Adventure in Parc Omega There is more to your Quebec adventure than just wolves. Parc Omega is a playground of wildlife. From elk and bison to bears, there is a lot to see. If you are up for it, hit the hiking trails and soak in the Quebec wilderness on foot. Or, take a drive through the park and let the animals come say hi - some might even sneak a peek inside your car for a treat! It is an engaging way to connect with the wild. The Nighttime Howl Concert When the sun dips down in Quebec, Parc Omega gets a whole new vibe. The night is quiet, but if you listen, you will hear the wolves howling. It is an eerily beautiful sound that fills the night air, creating a natural lullaby for you. Listening to this howl concert from the warmth of your bed connects you to the wilderness in a unique way. It is a gentle reminder of the wild neighbors you are sharing this space with. Making Your Trip Happen Planning a trip to this one-of-a-kind cabin in Quebec takes a bit of work. Parc Omega is a hot spot, and the Wolf Lodge is in high demand. To snag your spot, you will need to book ahead. The park welcomes visitors all year round, so if you are into winter wonderlands or summer greens, Quebec's got you covered. Do not forget your camera, because you will want to capture every moment of this epic adventure. The Greek island of Rhodes has launched a new visa service for Turkish tourists. This service started on Monday, April 1, and aims to reduce the long-standing tensions between Greece and Turkey. The new visa allows Turkish people to visit 10 Greek islands for up to one week without needing a Schengen area visa. This step is part of a larger plan to improve relations and increase trade between the two countries. Greek Islands' New Visa Policy for Turkish Tourists In recent efforts to move past old disputes over sea boundaries and mineral rights in the Aegean Sea, Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, have initiated several cooperative projects. One significant moment in this process was the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in December. They signed several agreements to work together more closely. Mitsotakis has announced a reciprocal visit to Turkey next month. Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized that the visa is available throughout the year, not just in the summer. It aims to encourage tourism during off-peak times, benefiting the local economies of these islands. The Independent shared that the new visa system is in place at various Greek ports, costing 60. It includes a passport check and fingerprint recording, but it restricts travel beyond the Greek Islands to other EU countries. The initiative has sparked a lot of interest from Turkish visitors, although the first boat arrivals are expected later in the week, according to Vassilis Vayiannakis, the head of the Rhodes Port Fund. The islands included in the visa program are near Turkey and include popular destinations like Lesbos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi, and Kastellorizo. More islands will join the program in June. Related Article : Five Best Greek Islands With Bustling Nightlife This new visa scheme is a response to Turkey's long-standing request for easier travel rules for its citizens within the EU in exchange for help with managing immigration. Tourism is crucial for the Greek economy, with the country hosting 32.7 million visitors last year and earning 20.5 billion. The Greek Islands are looking forward to welcoming more Turkish visitors, hoping to strengthen economic ties and friendship between the two nations. Expected to be the Top Destination for Eid Tourism experts predict the Greek Islands to be the favorite overseas spot for the upcoming nine-day Eid al-Fitr holiday. Recep Yavuz from the Antalya City Council Tourism Working Group shared that visa-on-arrival services will start on April 1 on seven out of ten islands, with ferry and police preparations complete. Yavuz advised travelers to check for possible closures in April and prepare 60 euros ($65) for the visa fee. Costs for ferry transport can range from 40-80 euros, and staying in a four-star hotel might cost between 50-70 euros per person daily, according to Hurriyet Daily News. Yavuz noted Lesbos, Chios, Kos, Rhodes, and Kastellorizo as the most popular among these islands, expecting up to 20,000 Turkish tourists due to the ease of travel and affordability. JetBlue Airways, a major airline, is changing how much it charges for checked bags. Now, if you fly on busy days, you will pay more to check your bags. This new plan is starting soon and will affect many travelers. JetBlue Airways Adjusts Fees for Peak Travel Times JetBlue Airways has updated its rules for checking bags. Travelers will now face higher fees on busy travel days. If you're flying with JetBlue and plan to check a bag, you might want to pack light or get ready to pay more. The airline says this will start right away and will last until April 2025. On these busy days, which JetBlue calls "peak" times, you will pay $40 for your first checked bag if you book in advance. That's $5 more than before. Want to check a second bag? That will be $60, up by $10. But if you wait until the last minute to decide, it will cost even more: $50 for the first bag and $70 for the second, as revealed by Travel Pulse. JetBlue has picked the busiest times for these higher fees. This includes most of the summer, the winter holidays, and a big part of the spring break season. All in all, these peak days make up about 40% of the year. JetBlue is not the only airline to raise prices for checking bags. Other big airlines in the United States have done the same recently. This move by JetBlue Airways adds to the trend, making flying on busy days even more expensive. For travelers, this means planning ahead and knowing when these peak times are can save money. JetBlue hopes this will help manage the flow of bags on the busiest travel days. Related Article : JetBlue Launching Mint, a New Premium Class JetBlue Plans to Cut Flights in 2024 JetBlue Airways has announced it will reduce the number of flights next year. This decision comes after JetBlue tried and failed to buy another airline, Spirit Airlines. In 2023, as reported by Simple Flying, JetBlue lost $310 million, but this was a slight improvement from the year before. JetBlue finished the last part of 2023 with a loss of $104 million, even though its boss said they ended the year well. Joanna Geraghty is now the new boss of JetBlue, taking over in February 2024. She is the first woman to lead an airline in the U.S. Under her guidance, JetBlue aims to make money again. They plan to bring in an extra $300 million by focusing on their main customers and cutting costs. In 2023, JetBlue made $9 billion but spent a little more than that, leading to a loss. They flew more people and had more flights, but tickets were cheaper. JetBlue also has more debt now but is working on managing its money better. The airline will get fewer new planes and is getting rid of some old ones because of engine problems. This means there will be fewer seats available on JetBlue flights in 2024. They expect to barely break even by the end of the year. The father of the man killed by police on Friday says his son needed help for a mental illne Electricity imports from EU countries are one of the factors ensuring that there is no power deficit in Ukraines energy system after March 22, 2024. The relevant statement was made by Ukrenergo National Power Company in a commentary to Ukrinform. In addition to reduced consumption amid the warm weather and operation of Ukrainian power plants, [electricity] imports from five neighboring countries, such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova, are contributing to the absence of a deficit in the [energy] system. Currently, the interstate crossings between Ukraine and the EU are loaded during peak hours at 1,300-1,500 megawatts in the direction of import, which provides significant support for Ukraines energy system amid continuous attacks on energy objects, the report states. In particular, on March 26, 2024, Ukraines electricity imports from the EU hit a record high of 18,000 megawatt-hours. Ukrenergo also requested emergency assistance from Poland several times, which helped to back up the operation of Ukrainian power plants while recovering from Russian attacks. According to Ukrenergo, since March 22, 2024, Russia has been targeting mainly thermal and hydro power plants, as well as high-voltage substations in such regions as Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnytskyi. As of April 2, 2024, Ukrenergo managed to lift power supply restrictions across all regions affected by Russian recent attacks, except for Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih (where power supply restrictions are remaining in effect for industrial consumers). Emergency and repair works are underway. A reminder that, since March 22, 2024, Russia has resumed massive attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure. Enemy missiles and drones caused damage to thermal power plants, high-voltage substations, and Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP). Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and his Estonian counterpart Kaja Kallas have discussed the mechanism of compensation for damages caused by Russia to Ukraine. Shmyhal said this at a joint press conference with Kallas, according to the Ukrainian government's website. According to Shmyhal, Estonia is now a leader in terms of the amount of military and humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine per capita. So far, Estonia has provided more than EUR 520 million in security assistance to Ukraine, which is about 1.4% of the country's GDP. "We especially appreciate Estonia's long-term support. The Government of Estonia has developed a strategy for Ukraine's victory, which provides for annual security assistance to Ukraine at 0.25% of GDP over the next four years," Shmyhal said. He also thanked Estonia for active practical support for President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula. Estonia has recently agreed to co-lead Clause 5 of the Formula entitled "Implementation of the UN Charter and Restoration of Territorial Integrity". Shmyhal said that Estonia also plays a leading role in the Euro-Atlantic and European integration of Ukraine. "We expect to start negotiations on our accession to the EU already in the coming months. I am sure that Estonia is our reliable partner in this matter," Shmyhal said. He also expressed hope that Estonia would support the decision to extend autonomous trade liberalization measures. According to him, those benefiting from duty-free trade are not only Ukrainian but also European companies that export tens of billions of U.S. dollars worth of goods and services to Ukraine. "Also, our strategic task is to continue the development of transport logistics. In particular, we consider it promising to include Ukraine in the Rail Baltica logistics project. This will open up new opportunities for our exports and create another pillar for the Ukrainian economy," Shmyhal said. He noted that both parties had discussed in detail the mechanism of compensation for the damages caused to Ukraine by Russia. "There is no doubt that the losses should be compensated for at the expense of frozen Russian assets. Estonia has already completed the development of a compensation mechanism, which provides for the use of Russian funds for Ukraine's needs. We look forward to its final approval," Shmyhal said. He also emphasized the importance of sanctioning Russian and Belarusian agricultural products. He noted that Estonia was becoming a key partner in the issue of recovery. In particular, the country took patronage over Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. "And we can already see the results - a kindergarten in Ovruch, a bridge in Malyn and other objects have been rebuilt. Such projects create conditions for Ukrainians to return home and serve as an example to follow," Shmyhal said. Following the meeting, the two countries' prime ministers signed a joint statement. Photo: www.kmu.gov.ua The Netherlands will allocate EUR 10 million to support the investigation of war crimes and the work of Ukrainian prosecutors. Thats according to the Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot, who spoke at the final press conference following the International Conference "Restoring Justice for Ukraine" in The Hague. Impunity flourishes through silence, she noted, adding that today, partners spoke up in a loud and understandable voice. Impunity must not be recognized anywhere, including in Ukraine, she said. The top diplomat also noted that the first reports were submitted to the register of damages caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine. As of today, more than 100 such reports have been submitted, while less than 18 months ago, this was just an idea, the minister recalled. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the International Conference "Restoring Justice for Ukraine" announced the launch of applications to the register of damages caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine. The register is now accepting compensation applications from those affected by Russian aggression. So far, it is one category of applicants who are eligible to apply for damage or destruction of homes. In total, the register will include over 40 categories. The register of damages caused by Russian aggression is the first element of the global compensation mechanism, the development of which was initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine in May 2022 together with international partners. It is envisaged that the compensatory mechanism will include a damage register, and in the future a commission for consideration of applications and the relevant fund. Photo from Clarusapex.com Russia will never be able to conquer Ukraine and capture its capital Kyiv despite such fears two years ago. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this at a press conference on Tuesday, April 2, Ukrinform reports. When asked whether the United States is in a position to promise that the Ukrainian state and Kyiv will never fall into Russian hands, Blinken said: "I am convinced we already have. In other words, it is not happening, it's never going to happen." He also added that at the beginning of the Russian aggression in 2022, the U.S. thought there was a possibility that Kyiv would fall. "But thanks to the incredible resistance of the Ukrainian people, and thanks also to the support given to Ukraine by the United States, France and other countries, Putin's desire to conquer the whole country, to wipe it off the map, to make it part of a greater Russia, has not materialized and it won't," Blinken said. According to him, from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, President Joe Biden was convinced of two things: that the U.S. had to do everything possible to support Ukraine and to avoid a war with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed their common position on further support for Ukraine during a meeting in Paris on April 2. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has started his visit to Estonia with a meeting with Riigikogu parliamentarians led by President Lauri Hussar. Shmyhal announced this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. "We discussed European integration and cooperation in the cyber sphere, because Estonia also has experience in repelling Russian cyber attacks," Shmyhal said. He thanked Estonia for its willingness to help Ukraine with energy equipment. "We talked about our urgent needs, because Russia continues its energy terror," Shmyhal said. "We appreciate Estonia joining the Czech initiative for the purchase of artillery ammunition, as well as its support for the packages of sanctions against the aggressor. We are closely cooperating to confiscate Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit," Shmyhal said. He also thanked Estonia for supporting important resolutions for Ukraine and assisting the country in the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. In March 2024, Shmyhal and Hussar discussed defense assistance and holding Russia accountable for crimes against Ukraine. Photo credit: Denys Shmyhal / Telegram The Latvian government has approved a new aid package for Ukraine in 2024 for EUR 9.6 million. Deputy Head of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk said this in a post on Facebook, Ukrinform reports. According to her, the package includes EUR 5.3 million for Ukraine's reconstruction and EUR 4.3 million for support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces of Ukraine through the European Peace Facility. "Latvia is taking care of the recovery and reconstruction of the Chernihiv region. The government plan for this year provides for the reconstruction of social infrastructure in the region, psychological assistance to women, digitalization, consultations on territorial planning and integration into the EU," Kondratiuk said. Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins earlier said that frozen Russian assets in the West should be used not only for Ukraine's reconstruction but also for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine. Photo: LETA, Zane Bitere NATO will become more involved in the coordination of efforts as part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Rammstein format to increase the effectiveness of joint efforts in the supply of weapons and military equipment that Ukraine needs on the battlefield. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "NATO is part of the Contact Group. The Contact Group has done extremely important work, has been key in delivering support, and NATO allies have delivered an unprecedented level of military support to Ukraine, not least organized by the UDCG, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the Ramstein format. We were able to coordinate with existing structures, because it's very much the same people in charge of everything, here it is General Cavoli who is the U.S. commander, but at the same time also the NATO commander, so of course, this will be coordinated," Stoltenberg said. He noted that the issue of greater coordination of these efforts stems from what Allies see on the battlefield in Ukraine, where the situation remains demanding and difficult. Even though NATO allies have already done a lot for Ukraine, this is not enough. Ukrainians need more support, but they also need more predictable and long-term support. "In order to plan, organize and launch offensives, you need long-term planning, you need to know what you are going to have and what type of equipment and what kind of support and what kind of maintenance. And this requires stronger institutionalized framework to deliver a more robust and predictable support to Ukraine. So that's the reason why we're discussing this. It's a reflection of the seriousness on the battlefield," Stoltenberg said. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of allies making such decisions regarding the supply of military equipment to Ukraine quickly. This also applies to the United States, although it is not the only supporter for Ukraine. European Allies and Canada are providing roughly 50 percent of this aid, so it is a joint effort, although the United States remains obviously the largest provider of such aid. "The fact that there has been no agreement in the U.S. Congress on a supplemental or continued this support has consequences. That's one of the reasons why the Ukrainians have to ration the number of artillery shells, why they have problems standing up against the Russian force with overwhelming military power because they're able to outgun them with more ammunition and more artillery. And the answer to that is to then make the decisions and not least in the U.S. Congress," Jens Stoltenberg stressed. He noted that any delay in such decisions has real consequences on the battlefield. At the same time, according to Stoltenberg, his meetings with senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives confirmed that most of them are in favor of providing such support to Ukraine. So the issue is now to turn that majority into a vote from decision. "I expect the U.S. now to make a decision because it's in the U.S. security interest to ensure that President Putin doesn't prevail in Ukraine, not least because this will also encourage other authoritarian leaders, including Beijing to use military force and violate international law," Stoltenberg said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have signed a security agreement between the two countries. Ukrinform offers the full text of the agreement. Agreement on security cooperation and long-term support between Ukraine and the Republic of Finland I. INTRODUCTION 1. Ukraine and the Republic of Finland, hereinafter jointly referred to as the Participants, or Ukraine and Finland, reiterate their unequivocal condemnation of Russias ongoing full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine and temporary occupation of the territory of Ukraine. Europes security is facing the gravest threat in decades. Finland remains unwavering in its commitment to support Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders as of 1991, including the territorial sea. 2. Russias brutal war is a blatant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations (UN Charter), the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris. Russias aggression against Ukraine weakens security and stability across Europe and undermines Russias credibility as a party to international agreements. The war has also aggravated the food and energy crisis that is affecting billions of people around the world. 3. In pursuance of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine (G7 Declaration), adopted by the Group of Seven and the European Union (EU) on the margins of the NATO Summit in Vilnius on 12 July 2023, and the Nordic countries joint statement the same day, Finland is committed to ensuring long-term support for Ukraine's needs, including in the field of security and defence and the strengthening of Ukraines resilience. 4. At the second Ukrainian Nordic Summit in Oslo on 13 December 2023, the leaders of the Nordic countries reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine. They confirmed their continued commitment to provide extensive military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine, individually and collectively as Nordics, as well as in the framework of other international formats and platforms. The Nordic countries agreed to start bilateral negotiations with Ukraine on security commitments to be formalised in close coordination with G7 allies and partners. 5. The Nordic countries stand united in bolstering Ukraines resilience and capacity to defend itself and remain ready to support Ukraine for as long as it takes to restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The Nordic countries are committed to maintain support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, rebuilds its economy, protects its citizens, and advances its reform agenda, as it pursues its integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. 6. Hereby the Participants have agreed to deepen their cooperation and partnership by pursuing the long-term bilateral security commitments set forth in this Agreement, which are based on common interests in defending the rules-based international order and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms. II. SCOPE 7. Finlands security commitments to Ukraine seek to complement contributions from the participants of the G7 Declaration, including the EU and the Nordic countries. These security commitments to Ukraine are coordinated with allies and partners. 8. Finlands security commitments set forth in this Agreement involve comprehensive support to Ukraines inherent right of self-defence against Russias full-scale war of aggression and deterrence of future Russian aggression. Any extension of the security commitments will occur in dialogue between the Participants, and in coordination with allies and partners. 9. Finland will continue its support to Ukraine for the ten-year duration of this Agreement. 10. Finland will continue to provide long-term military, political and financial support, as well as humanitarian assistance and civil protection support to Ukraine, with the same dynamics as since the beginning of the full-scale war of aggression, for as long as it takes. Ukraine, for its part, is strongly committed to the implementation of governance reforms, including transparency, accountability and anti-corruption reforms. III. POLITICAL COMMITMENTS IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE The future of Ukraine and its people lies within the Euro-Atlantic family. Ukraines security is part of European security and Ukraine has the right to choose its own security arrangements. The Participants reaffirm their commitment to, and support for reforms aimed at realising Ukraines European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, including towards membership in both the European Union and NATO. 11. Ukraines future membership of NATO will make a strong contribution to peace and security in Europe. The Participants reaffirm that Ukraines security is integral to Euro-Atlantic and global security. 12. Ukraines rightful place is in NATO. Finland is dedicated to supporting Ukraines reform efforts on its path towards future NATO membership by advancing practical and political cooperation through the Ukraine NATO Council, Ukraines adapted Annual National Programme and NATOs Comprehensive Assistance Package. 13. Finland will act together with allies to further deepen the Ukraine NATO relationship. Finland, together with allies, will help to rebuild the Ukrainian security and defence sector and to support Ukraines deterrence and defence, including interoperability, in the long term. 14. The Participants reaffirm that Ukraine is part of the European family and has a future within the EU. The Participants welcome the European Councils decision taken in December 2023 to open the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. 15. The Participants reaffirm their commitment to work constructively on Ukraines progressive integration towards the EU, with a view to its future EU membership. Finland, in cooperation with the EU and its Member States, will continue to support Ukraine in its reforms and accession path. Ukraine remains committed in realising and implementing the reforms needed to fulfil the EU accession criteria. 16. Finland remains committed to supporting Ukraine nationally and through the EU and its Ukraine Facility in Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernization reforms as part of its accession path to the EU. 17. The Participants recall the merit-based nature of the EU accession process. Finland commends Ukraine for the successful reform process so far and acknowledges Ukraines efforts to strive for the implementation of necessary reforms under extremely challenging circumstances. 18. Finland will continue its diplomatic efforts to promote and ensure the implementation of Ukraines Peace Formula. Ukraine deserves a just and lasting peace based on international law and respecting Ukraines sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. 19. The Participants will continue to develop senior-level consultations on political and strategic matters, including regular Ukraine Nordic strategic dialogues on the strengthening of Ukraines security, defence, resilience, and reform path. 20. The Participants reaffirm their strong commitment to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and call for Russias immediate return to respecting the OSCEs principles and commitments. Ukraine and Finland commend the important work of the Support Programme for Ukraine and are willing to make full use of the OSCEs tools in support of Ukraines security, stability and reconstruction. The Participants will work closely to this end, including during Finlands OSCE chairpersonship in 2025. IV. COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT TO UKRAINES DEFENCE AND SECURITY Ukraines security is integral to European, Euro-Atlantic and global security. Determined to stand with Ukraine in the long term, Finland will continue to support Ukraine in the field of defence materiel and training assistance, building on the multiple packages of substantial defence materiel delivered and various training activities undertaken since the start of Russias full-scale war of aggression. 21. Finland is committed to providing a sustained, comprehensive, substantial and long-term support to Ukraines defence sector. 22. Prior to this Agreement, Finland has delivered twenty-two packages of defence materiel to Ukraine. Simultaneously with the signature of this Agreement, Finland announces its twenty-third package, with a total replacement value of 188 million EUR. This will bring the total value of military support provided to Ukraine to close to 2 billion EUR since the beginning of the full-scale war of aggression. With Finlands 30 million EUR contribution to the Czech initiative of Joint Procurement of Artillery Ammunition to Ukraine, Finlands support to Ukraine in 2024 already exceeds 400 million EUR and will increase with at least two further packages in the course of the year. 23. Finlands support will remain considerable and will contain defence materiel based on Ukraines immediate and critical needs, such as ammunition. 24. Furthermore, Finland is preparing a four-year support plan, also exploring new and innovative ways to further strengthen its steadfast support across land, air, sea, cyber and electromagnetic, and space domains, prioritising Ukraines key defence capability needs. Following the approval of this four-year plan Finland will also announce the approximate total value of Finlands support to Ukraine in the year 2024. 25. Finland has made a national decision to increase heavy ammunition production. Finland will also work to support Ukraine in developing and building its own ammunition production capabilities e.g. through information sharing, expert support or addressing short-term ammunition supply chain bottlenecks. Subject to separate agreement, concrete projects supporting Ukraine, e.g. to build new ammunition manufacturing capability or to establish strategic stockpiles, may be established. In order to support Ukraine in a sustainable manner, Finland will work with Ukraine to identify funding sources for building ammunition manufacturing capabilities in Ukraine. 26. Finland will work with Ukraine to identify opportunities for closer defence industry partnership and cooperation that will bring mutual benefits by identifying the most impactful investment areas, strengthening efforts to reduce existing barriers to cooperation, and encouraging the Finnish defence industry to invest in Ukraine, in particular by exploring opportunities for joint production. 27. The Participants will cooperate to identify funding sources required to enable development of Ukraines defence industrial base, which will include exploring potential for Finnish investments and financial assistance, in particular in the time of war and post-war recovery. 28. Finland will support Ukraines efforts to work towards integrating its defence industry into NATO and the EU defence and security frameworks. In particular, Finland will support Ukraines defence industry integration into the European defence technological and industrial base, considering also the opportunities provided by the European Defence Industrial Strategy and European Defence Industry Programme. 29. Finland will continue to explore further possibilities to support Ukraine in cooperation with the defence industry. In addition, Finland stresses the importance of strengthening the capacity of the European defence industry and the European technological and industrial base as a whole. 30. Finland has an accelerated procedure for applications of export licences for defence materiel to Ukraine. Re-export licence applications submitted by other countries for defence equipment originally exported from Finland will also be processed urgently. 31. The Participants will cooperate to facilitate the protection of any transferred technologies and intellectual property rights. 32. Ukraine will ensure that Finnish military assistance is used exclusively for Ukraines self-defence and is to be used by the security and defence forces of Ukraine against military objectives in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. The Participants will cooperate to prevent the diversion and the illegal circulation of military material provided to Ukraine. 33. The EU has strongly condemned Russias war of aggression. Finland strongly supports the joint position and action taken by the EU to support Ukraine in its self-defence, including continued utilisation of the European Peace Facility (EPF). Finland continues to advocate for stronger EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) support to Ukraine. 34. Finland will continue its training support according to the needs expressed by Ukraine in the framework of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM), especially in enhancing Ukrainian combat capabilities. Finland will continue training Ukrainian soldiers also within the UK-led INTERFLEX training mission in which Finland has participated since 2022. Finland will also consider other training opportunities and mutual development of military education, including within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) coalitions, when necessary. 35. Finland will continue to contribute to the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM). By sharing expertise through the EUAM, Finland supports Ukraine in reforming the civilian security sector, law enforcement, and the rule of law institutions. Furthermore, Finland contributes to the work of EUAM in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes, and re-establishing the rule of law in the de-occupied and adjacent territories in Ukraine. 36. In addition to national and bilateral efforts, Finland will actively participate in multinational efforts to strengthen Ukraines defence sector, such as the UDCG capability coalitions. Finland has already joined the Artillery Capability and Demining Coalitions as an official member, and is identifying opportunities also in other coalitions with regard to its capacities and Ukraines military needs. 37. Finland will support the development of the security and defence forces of Ukraine including (but not limited to) a Future Force Concept, to make them able to deter and defeat any future armed aggression and be integrated into Euro-Atlantic security and defence architecture. 38. The Participants will seek to coordinate their efforts on strengthening international cooperation in the domain of maritime security in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international legal instruments. Ukraine and Finland will work on options for Finland to support Ukraine in the development of Ukraines naval capabilities. 39. The Participants will strengthen their bilateral cooperation and resilience in countering hybrid threats, taking into account the work done in the context of the EU and NATO, as well as relevant international coalitions, through information and experience sharing. The Participants will deepen their cooperation within the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Helsinki, Finland), including through Ukraines enhanced partnership with the Centre. 40. The Participants recognize that the Russian Federation continues to manipulate information in support of its war against Ukraine. The Participants will enhance cooperation to counter all foreign information manipulation and interference, in order to enable the prevention, detection, and disruption of various forms of hybrid influencing, including malign propaganda, disinformation campaigns affecting national security and work for organising joint educational and training programmes for experts. 41. The Participants will explore opportunities to deepen cooperation in digital resilience and cyber security in order to assist Ukraine in detecting and countering Russian and any other malicious cyber activity targeting critical infrastructures in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between Ukraine and Finland on Cooperation in the field of Digital Transformation and Digital Resilience signed in Davos, Switzerland, on 18 January 2023. This will be achieved through enhanced cyber resilience and critical infrastructure protection, cyber threat intelligence sharing, training of specialists and providing technical assistance to Ukraine. 42. The Participants will enhance cooperation in the field of intelligence and security in accordance with applicable legal frameworks in order to prevent, detect and counter subversive activities such as espionage and sabotage by Russia and other actors to secure Ukraine and Finland from such malign activities, while supporting the enhancement and reform of Ukraines security and intelligence architecture. This will be achieved through various measures and activities as determined by the Participants, including but not be limited to, intelligence sharing and training. 43. The Participants will foster information sharing and recall the entry into force of the agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Finland on Mutual Protection of Classified Information on 1st of June 2023. 44. Finland is committed to supporting the mine clearance of the territory of Ukraine, including humanitarian demining and to supporting capacity building of Ukrainian actors in this field. Ukraines needs for demining will continue for decades to come. Finland has thus far supported mine action activities in Ukraine to a total value of 7.25 million EUR since 2022. This support covers training of civilians, demining activities, capacity building of State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) and recovery support to mine victims. 45. Finland continues to provide temporary protection for people fleeing from Ukraine due to the Russian aggression and to maintain their well-being in line with EU level approaches. At the date of this agreement, over 64 000 people from Ukraine have applied for temporary protection in Finland since February 2022. 46. Finland continues to channel civil protection assistance based on the needs of Ukraine. The assistance is submitted via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Civil protection assistance has taken the form of in-kind assistance, deployment of experts and medical evacuation. In addition to the 300 truckloads of assistance, Finland has sent a total of 76 vehicles, including rescue service vehicles and school buses to Ukraine, to a total value of approximately 20 million EUR. Finland has also deployed CBRN and logistics experts on missions related to the war. 47. In order to ensure the above-mentioned objectives, the Participants will hold an annual senior-level Strategic Security and Defence Policy Dialogue. The Participants will seek to develop mutually beneficial security and defence cooperation suitable for all situations. The terms, format and scope of such assistance will be determined by the Participants. V. COMMITMENTS TO THE SUPPORT FOR REFORMS IN UKRAINE Inclusive reform is indispensable for Ukraines current and future security and prosperity, for its democracy, the resilience of its institutions and for Ukraines European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, including towards EU and NATO membership. 48. Ukraine commits to implement reforms as defined by the EU, the International Monetary Fund and NATO, covering inter alia governance, transparency, anti-corruption and democratic control over its security and defence forces. Ukraines implementation of these reforms are essential for its EU and NATO aspirations. 49. Finland will continue its long-term support to Ukraines Rule of Law development, ensuring that Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and implementation of the key reforms are well aligned with EU rules and standards. In addition to the EU, the work done in the frameworks of the Council of Europe and the OSCE is important in this regard. 50. Finland is committed to enhancing the cooperation and sharing its expertise on anti-corruption work with Ukraine as a member of U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Center and stands ready to further intensify cooperation in this field. 51. The Participants will cooperate to combat serious and organised crime (SOC). 52. Finland will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine for as long as needed. Finlands humanitarian aid is channelled through our partners in the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Finnish civil society organisations. 53. Finland continues the civil defence support to Ukraine and the deployment of experts through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The provision of wide-ranging in-kind assistance has entailed equipment, such as vehicles and supplies for medical, civil defence, radiation and nuclear safety, firefighting, energy, and other needs. Finland remains ready to receive and treat civilian and military patients in need of medical care from Ukraine. Finland continues the cooperation with the authorities of Ukraines civil protection and rescue services on civil defence shelters and other matters. 54. To support integrated border management in Ukraine, Finland seconds experts to the EUAM in Ukraine as well as the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM Ukraine-Moldova). Finland remains ready to give support to possible future civilian missions in Ukraine by the EU, the OSCE and the UN, and promotes rapid international responses to the needs of Ukraines civilian security and justice sectors. Finland will continue to support Ukraine in aligning its integrated border management to EU standards with expertise and training possibilities. Possibilities for providing training opportunities, such as train-the-trainers and other support for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and continuing to share experience with Ukraine in the area of securing the external borders, will be assessed in line with what has been agreed between the respective services. 55. The Participants reaffirm their commitment to the already well-established cooperation on environmental safety. This cooperation will continue in the future, including in the framework of Ukraines Peace Formula. Finland, together with Germany and Bulgaria, are co-chairs of the working group on environmental safety of Ukraines Peace Formula. Ukrainian and Finnish Ministries of the Environment have signed three Memorandums of Understanding on bilateral cooperation. The Participants will strive for their prompt and effective implementation. 56. Finland will continue to support Ukraine in assessing the environmental damages of the war through the expertise of the Ministry of the Environment and the Finnish Environment Institute with their Ukrainian and international counterparts. 57. Finland will continue its active and already longstanding cooperation with Ukraine on nuclear safety. The Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority will continue to assist the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine to increase its radiation safety capabilities. 58. Finland will continue to support the modernising of Ukrainian weather and early warning services through cooperation of Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Hydrometeorological Center of Ukraine, which has achieved concrete results in incorporating Ukraine to the European MeteoAlarm system. 59. Finland will continue cooperation with Ukraine on energy security and will assist Ukraine to reconstruct the energy sector in accordance with the principles of green transition, modern technologies and energy efficiency, e.g. demonstrating the Nordic Cooperation through financing of Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) to generate direct or indirect environmental or climate-related benefits. 60. Finland will support Ukraine to enhance the protection, resilience and restoration of critical infrastructure. The Participants will launch joint educational and training programmes for critical infrastructure protection specialists. 61. Finland will support Ukraines efforts to create conditions for equal participation of women and men in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, recovery, security challenges, systemic response to gender-based violence, and conflict-related violence. 62. Finland will continue to support the key reforms in the education sector through cooperation between the Ministries of Education and other relevant institutions, including the Finnish National Agency for Education, and providing support in maintaining the functional ability of the education sector with particular emphasis on inclusion and quality of the education. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland, reaffirmed the cooperation through Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024. VI. PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY The Participants acknowledge the importance of justice for a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine and beyond. There shall be no impunity for international crimes committed in and against Ukraine. Sanctions pressure shall be maintained and strengthened until Russia complies with its international obligations. 63. The Participants reaffirm their commitment to ensuring accountability of the Russian Federation for all the damage, loss or injury to individuals and entities in Ukraine, as well as to the state of Ukraine, as a result of the internationally wrongful acts of the Russian Federation in or against Ukraine, including waging the war of aggression in violation of the UN Charter. The Participants share the conviction on the need to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and on the need to establish a tribunal for that purpose. The Participants will continue their work, including in the Core Group for the establishment of a tribunal for prosecuting the crime of aggression against Ukraine. 64. The Participants reaffirm that there must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities committed in Ukraine. 65. The Participants will continue to support the investigation and prosecution of alleged international crimes within Ukraine and will continue to support the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Finland continues to second experts to the ICC and to the EUAM working in the area of justice and accountability. Furthermore, Finland continues to deploy experts through the EUAM to support the work of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and build Ukraines capacities to investigate and prosecute the reported war crimes in the context of Russias war of aggression. 66. The Participants reaffirm that the Russian Federation must be held accountable for the damages caused by its internationally wrongful acts in and against Ukraine. Finland supports the work on finding ways to utilise frozen and immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine and its recovery and reconstruction, in accordance with EU and international law and in coordination with partner countries. The Participants will continue to work together along with like-minded partners towards the establishment of a compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russia's aggression, as envisaged by the Statute of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine adopted by the Resolution of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe CM/Res(2023)3. In this regard, the Participants will explore appropriate options for the financing of a compensation mechanism consistent with international law to provide prompt and adequate compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russias aggression to victims of the aggression. 67. The Participants recognise the value of sanctions in restricting the Russian Federation's access to the finance, goods, technology and services it is utilising in its aggression, in bearing down on Russia's revenue streams, and to deter future attacks. Finland will remain committed to pursuing robust restrictive measures and export controls against sectors of the Russian economy and those in the Russian Federation and outside who are supporting or profiting from the war, or assisting in sanctions circumvention in third countries. Finland will continue to take determined action through the EU to uphold sanction pressure on Russia and to tackle all forms of circumvention of restrictive measures. Finland will also cooperate and share expertise with Ukraine on EU restrictive measures, their implementation and combatting sanctions evasion and circumvention. 68. The Participants will provide each other with up-to-date appropriate information on the grounds for sanctions and other relevant information, in compliance with relevant obligations and national laws. 69. The Participants will provide mutual legal assistance under existing instruments for judicial international cooperation in criminal matters. VII. RECONSTRUCTION AND FINANCING SUPPORT Finland is committed to helping Ukrainians rebuild their country. The support of Finland is steadfast, durable and long-term. The strong relationship between Ukraine and Finland will contribute to a credible and lasting framework that will secure Ukraines prosperous future. The Participants will deepen and strengthen their cooperation taking into account the evolving needs of the Ukrainian people. Our joint efforts will support Ukraine on its Euro-Atlantic path. Finland is committed to participating in Ukraines reconstruction across a broad front, and to creating preconditions for the private sector to operate in Ukraine. The recovery of Ukrainian economy will benefit the entire global economy. 70. Finland is preparing a national reconstruction plan for Ukraine, which will outline Finland's overall support to Ukraine. The first part of the plan, published in December 2023, focuses on ways to enable participation of Finnish companies in the reconstruction effort. The second part of the plan will address the participation of central government and stakeholders in reconstruction more extensively, especially through development cooperation and humanitarian aid. 71. Ukraine is Finlands biggest development cooperation partner. The budget for development cooperation and humanitarian aid for 2024 2028 amounts to 290 million EUR. The Participants are determined to intensify their cooperation in numerous areas. The Government of Finland has decided to support the reconstruction of Ukraine by various measures. Strengthening structures supporting the rule of law and combating corruption will be taken into consideration in all forms of support. 72. The export financing instruments of Finnvera, the Finnish national export credit agency, are enabled by means of compensation for potential credit losses up to a 50 million EUR limit by the State of Finland. Finnvera is also ready to look into possibilities of offering investment guarantees to cover political risks in investments in Ukraine. 73. The Finnish development financier Finnfunds capital will be increased by an equity capital increase of 25 million EUR. Finnfunds investment risk in Ukraine will be covered by special government risk financing, up to 80% of the risk. 74. Additional funding of 8 million EUR in total will be allocated to the Finnpartnership programme in 2024 2027. The programme supports the Ukrainian society by offering business partnership and investment preparation support for Finnish companies in Ukraine. The projects aim for long-term business operations and partnerships in Ukraine. 75. The Government of Finland will examine allocating special risk capital to cover the needs of the Public Sector Investment Facility (PIF). PIF framework agreement negotiations will be initiated with Ukraine. If agreed, a new mixed credit instrument, Ukraine Investment Facility (UIF), will be set up and prepared enabling projects up to the value of 50 million EUR in 2025 2026 following the principles of the PIF. 76. Finland reaffirms its commitment to channelling financing to Ukraines reconstruction through international financial institutions (IFI). Since February 2022, Finland has committed additional support of 97 million EUR through the World Bank (WB), 5.3 million EUR through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), 5 million EUR through the European Investment Bank (EIB) and 5 million EUR through the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO). In addition, Finland has committed itself to recapitalization of EBRD by 50 million EUR. VIII. COOPERATION IN THE EVENT OF A FUTURE RUSSIAN ARMED ATTACK 77. In the event of a future Russian armed attack against Ukraine, at the request of either Participant, the Participants will consult within 24 hours, bilaterally or via other channels they both deem suitable, in order to determine appropriate next steps. 78. Finland, in accordance with its legal and constitutional requirements, will provide swift and sustained security assistance, including modern military equipment across land, sea and air domains. In addition, Finland will provide economic assistance, impose economic and other costs on Russia, and agree to consult on Ukraines needs as it exercises its right of self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. 79. In order to ensure the widest and most effective collective response to possible future armed attacks, the Participants may amend these provisions in order to align with any mechanism that they may subsequently agree with their other international partners, including the participants of the G7 Declaration. IX. CONSULTATION, COORDINATION AND REVIEW 80. In order to facilitate the implementation of this Agreement on security commitments and to ensure an ongoing strategic dialogue, appropriate consultation structures between the Participants will be arranged. 81. The Participants will, if necessary, designate authorised bodies for the development and implementation of bilateral arrangements in accordance with the areas of cooperation specified in this Agreement. 82. This Agreement is subject to ongoing review in order to monitor progress on implementation with a special focus on ensuring adherence to accountability and transparency. X. FINAL PROVISIONS 83. This Agreement may be amended and supplemented, including by adding annexes thereto, at any time by mutual agreement of the Participants. 84. Any disputes between the Participants arising out of the interpretation and/or implementation of this Agreement will be settled amicably through negotiation or consultation between the Participants. 85. This Agreement will come into effect upon signature of the Participants, and is valid for ten years from the date of its signature. 86. The Participants can jointly decide to extend this Agreement through notification no later than 6 months prior to the lapse of the ten-year period. 87. At the same time and in accordance with the G7 Declaration, the Participants share the opinion that this Agreement is without prejudice to Ukraine pursuing a pathway toward future membership in NATO. 88. In the event that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO before the expiry of this Agreement, the Participants will decide on its future status. 89. This Agreement may be terminated by either Participant by giving written notice to the other Participant. This Agreement will be terminated 6 months from the date of receipt of such notice. The termination will not affect the implementation of ongoing activities or projects, which have been decided prior to the date of its termination, unless the Participants decide otherwise. Signed in Kyiv on 3 April 2024, in duplicate, in the English and Ukrainian languages, the English version of which shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy. For Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy For Finland: President Alexander Stubb Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has met with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis. The parties discussed the creation of joint defense production facilities. The relevant statement was made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine needs more weapons to liberate all of its territories from Russian invaders and, thus, is increasing domestic arms production. We appreciate Estonias participation in military assistance initiatives, Shmyhal said. Among other things, the parties spoke about Ukraines European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Ukraine should become a member of the EU and NATO. We count on Estonias support, Shmyhal noted. The Prime Minister conveyed the best wishes of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the President of Estonia and expressed gratitude to the Estonian side for its consistent support. In addition, Shmyhal thanked Karis for his landmark visit to Ukraine immediately after the Kyiv region was liberated from Russian occupiers two years ago. A reminder that Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal is paying a working visit to Estonia. Video: Telegram channel of the Prime Minister of Ukraine Photo: Denys Shmyhal, Facebook The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk discussed the issue of strengthening sanctions against Russia with President of Finland Alexander Stubb and Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Jussi Halla-aho. According to Ukrinform, Stefanchuk said this in a post on Facebook. According to the Verkhovna Rada chairman, "the signing of an ambitious, comprehensive and strategic Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support demonstrates that Finland is a special partner and a reliable ally of Ukraine." Stefanchuk also "thanked for all the support provided by Finland to Ukraine and the announcement of the 23rd defense assistance package." "This is extremely important for us. It is important that Finland is ready to provide financial, humanitarian and defense assistance in the long term," the Ukrainian speaker said. Stefanchuk added: "In addition to military support for Ukraine, he raised the issue of strengthening sanctions against Russia and the importance of taking tougher steps to isolate Russia politically and economically." As Ukrinform reported, President of Finland Alexander Stubb arrived in Kyiv for the first time and met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. The heads of state signed a bilateral security agreement between the countries. Photo: Facebook / Ruslan Stefanchuk An invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, as soon as it is issued, will be the same as its membership in the military alliance. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday following the first day of the foreign ministerial meeting, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "All Allies agree that Ukraine will become a member. All Allies agree that we need to continue to move Ukraine closer to NATO membership. We made important decisions last year, we are implementing those now with the removal of the Membership Action Plan, we should not introduce something that is similar to a kind of two-step process. I think it's very important to maintain the one-step process for Ukraine to become a member, removing the requirement for Membership Action Plan and then ensuring that when an invitation is issued then that's the same as becoming a member as it is in NATO. That's the difference between NATO and the European Union. In the European Union, of course, when you're invited, it can take years from an invitation to membership. While in NATO, when you're invited, it's something that happens soon after.," Stoltenberg noted. He said that regardless of the technicalities, there is a clear commitment for Ukraine to become a member. At the same time, it is necessary to realize that when this war ends, there has to be some kind of guarantees that this is really the end, that there is not only a pause, where Russia reconstitutes its forces, rests and then regroups and then attacks again. There was a similar pattern back in 2014, following the illegal annexation of Crimea and the seizure of part of Donbas. Then Russia took advantage of the ceasefire to start a full-scale war against Ukraine in eight years. "Of course, when this war ends, we have to be absolutely sure that this is really the end, that it stops here. And therefore, we need to help Ukraine build their own defenses to deter any further Russian aggression. But there will always be a need for security guarantees and, of course, the ultimate security guarantee will be Article 5 and NATO membership," Stoltenberg said. Photo: Flickr / NATO Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal received assurances of support during his meetings in Tallinn with Estonian President Alar Karis, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Riigikogu President Lauri Hussar. That's according to Estonian broadcaster ERR, Ukrinform reports. In particular, Karis emphasized that Ukraine has the right to strike targets behind the Russian lines. "I consider Ukraine's attacks on military targets deep inside Russia quite legitimate this helps slow the Russian war machine. [...] It is entirely legitimate in the war for the Ukrainian Defense Forces to destroy Russian infrastructure that is directly or more loosely tied to missile and drone attacks against Ukraine's civilian and energy sites," Karis said. He also added that there could be no restrictions on aid to Ukraine, as this would only help Russia plan new strikes of aggression. Kallas said at the meeting with Shmyhal that hopes for a quick peace during this war are a trap that should be avoided. "Russia will use this only to mobilize and attack even more decisively. We all want to live in peace, but it must be a just and lasting peace. Estonia supports and actively participates in President Zelensky's peace plan, which is based on justice and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Kallas said. In addition, according to her, in addition to military aid, it is already important to think about the rebuilding of Ukraine. "The [Estonian] government has committed to long-term funding for both reconstruction and humanitarian aid. Estonia will continue to develop practical projects. We will focus on education, the social sphere and the reconstruction of buildings. We are mostly focused on the restoration of the Zhytomyr region," Kallas said. She expressed hope that Estonia's actions to rebuild Ukraine, even as the war is ongoing, will be a good example for others. Kallas noted that cooperation in the field of cyber security remains one of Estonia's priorities in providing assistance to Ukraine. Karis and Kallas also pointed out the importance of planned and long-term support for Ukraine, as well as the need for Ukraine to join the EU and NATO. Hussar, in turn, noted Ukraine's success on its way to joining the European Union. "We hope that you will be able to start accession negotiations already during Belgium's presidency [in 2024]," he said, adding that Estonia is ready to share its experience and knowledge with Ukraine. Hussar also discussed the use of frozen Russian assets with Shmyhal. He noted that the Riigikogu is working on a respective bill. Both sides recognized that if the first step in this direction is taken, there is hope that other countries will eventually take similar measures. They also discussed the situation at the front, the peace process presented by President Zelensky, sanctions against the Russian Federation, military aid to Ukraine, joining NATO, and the situation with children abducted from Ukraine. Photo: Priit Murk/ERR Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have discussed the need to bolster Ukrainian air defenses. Zelensky said this in a new video address, Ukrinform reports. "Today we have a new package of defense support. We talked in great detail about the need to bolster air defense. We also talked about defense production about joint projects on weapons, on shells. This is where our countries can do much more together. And we have agreed today that the teams of our countries will work together as actively as before," Zelensky said. He noted that Finland clearly understands the necessity of Ukraine's integration into the European Union and NATO. "I thank you for your willingness to help, to provide arguments in favor of an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. In general, we can say that the entire Finnish society, all political forces equally understand the importance of our defense in this war for our entire region, for the whole of Europe. And we must not waste time, we must interact more, do more together, and convince other partners to be more active. It's all about our common security, about protecting millions of people from Russian murderers," Zelensky said. On April 3, Zelensky and Stubb signed a ten-year bilateral security agreement between the two countries. The agreement with Finland was signed to implement the Joint Declaration on Support for Ukraine dated July 12, 2023. Ukraine has already signed eight bilateral security agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, and Finland. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine A defamation lawsuit filed by Reverend Jay Fostner, a trustee and former administrator of St. Norbert College, against a former student has been dismissed, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette. Background of the Lawsuit The lawsuit stemmed from allegations made by Margaret Uselman, a 2018 graduate of St. Norbert College, regarding the college's handling of sexual assault cases. Uselman accused Fostner of being dismissive of sexual assault allegations on campus and played a role in organizing efforts to investigate him. Fostner, who served as the vice president for mission and student affairs at the time, had his position eliminated in January 2020. However, in July 2021, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees by St. Norbert Abbey, the religious order that sponsors the college. In late 2022, Fostner filed a defamation lawsuit against Uselman, claiming that her accusations had harmed his reputation. Fostner's legal counsel argued that the lawsuit was necessary to address what they viewed as unfounded and unfair attacks against their client. They also emphasized that Fostner was not responsible for investigating sexual misconduct cases at the college. READ ALSO : Washington State Advances House Bill 2242 to Enhance Sexual Assault Resources on College Campuses Dismissal of the Lawsuit The lawsuit was scheduled to go to trial in September, but it was unexpectedly dismissed with prejudice. This means that the case cannot be brought to court again. While the specific reasons for the dismissal were not disclosed, court records indicated that both parties agreed to the dismissal. The dismissal of the defamation lawsuit brings an end to a legal battle that had drawn attention to the handling of sexual assault allegations at St. Norbert College. It also highlights the complexities involved in addressing such sensitive issues within educational institutions. Implications and Aftermath With the lawsuit resolved, attention may now shift back to the broader conversation surrounding campus sexual assault and the policies and procedures in place to address it. The dismissal of the lawsuit does not necessarily signify an exoneration of either party but may reflect a desire to avoid further legal proceedings and the associated costs and uncertainties. As St. Norbert College moves forward, it may continue to evaluate and refine its approach to handling sexual assault cases and supporting survivors. The outcome of this lawsuit could inform future decisions and initiatives aimed at promoting a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Kentucky lawmakers have failed to pass legislation that would have prohibited public colleges and universities from funding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices or initiatives, marking a significant development in the state's legislative landscape. Unexpected Turn of Events The Lexington Herald-Leader described the failure of the DEI ban as "a stunning development" in Kentucky's Republican-controlled legislature. The bill, which was expected to pass, did not garner enough support within the Republican caucus to move forward. While the exact reasons for its failure remain unclear, it represents a significant setback for proponents of the legislation. Both the presidents of the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville voiced opposition to multiple bills targeting DEI during this year's legislative session. Additionally, students joined the opposition, amplifying concerns about the potential impact of such legislation on campus climate and inclusivity. READ ALSO : Backlash Against DEI Initiatives Echoes Historic Racial Struggles, Advocates Say Legislative Landscape and Future Outlook While the legislative session remains in progress, Governor Andy Beshear, a member of the Democratic Party, has made clear his disapproval of bills aimed at undermining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. However, due to the legislative calendar, the General Assembly did not pass the bill in time to allow for a possible veto override. This timing constraint effectively prevents the bill from advancing further during this session. Senate Bill 6, the latest iteration of the proposed legislation, broadly defined DEI initiatives as practices or policies that provide differential treatment based on characteristics such as religion, race, sex, color, or national origin. It also included provisions targeting trainings, presentations, and meetings that purportedly promote discriminatory concepts. One of the key terms in the bill, "discriminatory concepts," referred to the presentation of certain structures or systems of power as inherently oppressive based on factors such as race, sex, or socioeconomic status. DEI offices were defined as institutional units responsible for promoting these concepts or implementing related initiatives. Looking ahead, the General Assembly will not convene for another regular session until January of next year. While the governor has the authority to call special sessions, the agenda for such sessions is determined by the governor. Therefore, the fate of future DEI-related legislation in Kentucky remains uncertain, pending further developments in the political landscape and public discourse. Impact on Higher Education The failure of the DEI ban legislation is seen as a relief for many higher education institutions in Kentucky. DEI initiatives play a crucial role in fostering inclusive environments on college campuses and addressing systemic inequities. University administrators and student advocates have emphasized the importance of DEI efforts in promoting diversity, supporting underrepresented students, and preparing all students for success in a diverse society. The continued availability of resources for DEI programs ensures that colleges and universities can fulfill their mission of providing equitable access to education for all students. However, the debate over DEI in Kentucky is far from over. While the immediate threat of legislation targeting DEI initiatives may have subsided, ongoing advocacy and engagement will be necessary to safeguard these programs and uphold principles of equity and inclusion in higher education. The resilience of DEI programs in Kentucky reflects a broader national conversation about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and society. As the state grapples with these issues, stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities of promoting diversity while confronting resistance and pushback from various quarters. The Oklahoma Supreme Court convened on Tuesday to deliberate on a case that could potentially pave the way for publicly funded religious charter schools nationwide. Controversial Proposal Sparks Legal Battle Last summer, the state's virtual charter school board greenlit a proposal for the establishment of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic School, a venture spearheaded by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa. Planned to operate akin to private parochial schools, St. Isidore aims to integrate Catholic principles across its curriculum and campus life. Despite being accredited by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the proposed school's reliance on public funding has drawn significant scrutiny. The attorney general of Oklahoma, Gentner Drummond, has vehemently opposed the endeavor, arguing that financing a religious charter school with public funds violates the constitutional principle of separation between church and state. Charter schools, while privately managed, receive public funding, subjecting them to legal scrutiny regarding the use of taxpayer resources for religious purposes. Drummond raised concerns that approving St. Isidore's charter could set a precedent for similar initiatives, including those affiliated with other faiths. READ ALSO : Fontbonne University Announces Closure After 15 Years of Enrollment Declines Legal Proceedings and Implications The case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over the intersection of religion and public education. Proponents of St. Isidore argue that recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings support religious organizations' access to public funding. Additionally, they emphasize the Catholic Church's historical success in delivering quality education. During oral arguments before the Oklahoma Supreme Court, attorneys representing St. Isidore contended that the school's affiliation with the Catholic Church does not negate its eligibility for public funding. They underscored that excluding St. Isidore from state support would constitute religious discrimination, violating constitutional principles. Meanwhile, the justices appeared cautious during deliberations, cognizant of the precedent-setting nature of their decision. Justice Noma Gurich highlighted the significance of St. Isidore potentially becoming the nation's inaugural religion-based charter school. The court's ruling, though pending, is poised to shape the landscape of public education and religious liberties. The outcome will not only impact the fate of St. Isidore but also set a benchmark for future initiatives seeking public funding for religiously affiliated educational institutions. Public Reaction and Future Prospects The controversy surrounding St. Isidore has sparked widespread public debate and garnered attention from advocacy groups on both sides of the issue. While proponents view the potential establishment of a religious charter school as a victory for educational choice and religious freedom, opponents express concerns about the erosion of the separation between church and state and the potential for discrimination in publicly funded institutions. Regardless of the court's decision, the legal battle over St. Isidore is likely to continue, with implications beyond the borders of Oklahoma. Similar cases may arise in other states, as stakeholders navigate the complex intersection of religious rights, educational policy, and taxpayer funding. Ultimately, the outcome of the St. Isidore case will shape the future landscape of public education in the United States, setting precedents that could have far-reaching implications for the rights of religious organizations, the autonomy of charter schools, and the protection of constitutional principles. As the legal saga unfolds, all eyes remain on the Oklahoma Supreme Court for a decision that could reverberate across the nation. Students at Smith College are staging a week-long protest, occupying the main administrative building, College Hall, to demand the institution's divestment from weapons manufacturers supplying military machinery to Israel. The demonstration, led by the college's Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter, aims to pressure the administration into committing to divestment. Protest Details and Impact Approximately 50 students are participating in the protest, as reported by SJP members on social media. They have equipped themselves with pillows, air mattresses, and food supplies to sustain the occupation. A prominent feature of the protest is a Palestinian flag flying above College Hall, emblazoned with the words "Smith divest now." While no arrests have been made, the protest has disrupted access to certain offices within College Hall, including Student Financial Services, the Office of Disability Services, and the Title IX office. The university has responded by deploying additional security personnel to monitor the area. READ ALSO : College Leaders Impose Stricter Measures on Student Protests Background and Response The protest commenced on March 27, following the rejection of a divestment proposal by the university's Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility. The committee deemed the investment in weapons manufacturers as "negligible and indirect," prompting outrage among student activists. In a statement posted on social media, a student protester expressed disappointment with the committee's decision, accusing the college of prioritizing profits over morals. The protest has escalated despite efforts by President Sarah Willie-LeBreton to engage with the demonstrators on March 30, which failed to yield a resolution. Campus Reaction and Ongoing Sit-In While many on campus have voiced support for the protesters' cause, others have criticized the occupation, citing concerns about disruptions and accountability. The demonstration comes amidst a series of antisemitic incidents earlier in March, including the discovery of swastikas and the removal of mezuzahs near the campus. As the sit-in enters its second week, the college administration's primary focus remains on ensuring minimal disruption to students' education. Conversations between the protesters and the broader campus community continue, with efforts to explore alternative avenues for advocacy. Growing Momentum and National Attention The protest at Smith College reflects a broader trend of student activism surrounding divestment initiatives and social justice issues on college campuses across the United States. In recent years, student-led campaigns advocating for divestment from fossil fuels, private prisons, and companies implicated in human rights abuses have gained traction nationwide. The occupation of College Hall has garnered attention from national media outlets and advocacy groups, amplifying the protesters' message and increasing pressure on the college administration to address their demands. Solidarity demonstrations and messages of support have been shared on social media platforms, further fueling momentum for the divestment movement. Path Forward and Continued Dialogue As the standoff between protesters and the administration continues, both sides remain committed to finding a resolution that respects the principles of free speech and academic freedom while addressing concerns about ethical investment practices. Ongoing dialogue and negotiation will be essential in navigating the complexities of the issue and fostering a campus environment that promotes inclusivity and social responsibility. The outcome of the protest at Smith College may have broader implications for divestment movements at other institutions and could serve as a catalyst for increased activism surrounding Palestinian rights and corporate accountability. As students continue to assert their voices and demand action on pressing social issues, colleges and universities will face growing pressure to align their investments with ethical and humanitarian principles. LARKANA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Apr, 2024) Eid shopping is gaining momentum in the markets of Larkana with each passing day amid strict security. SSP Larkana Mir Rohal Khan Khoso has deployed a police force in and out of shopping centers and markets to protect the lives of people and to avert any untoward incident. Police camps have been set up at various places in the City where police officers and constables are on duty round-the-clock. The jubilant mood of young girls, women, and youth is in full swing and shopping is gradually gearing up. Eid stalls have been set up, offering cosmetics, earrings, bangles, jewelry, and colorful dresses. The people of all age groups, including women and children, are busy in Eid shopping. The main focus of the people is on the purchase of clothes and footwear. A large number of makeshift shops have sprung up on almost all pavements of the city. Shopkeepers have raised the prices but many have displayed Sale signs to hoodwink customers. Women of all ages started visiting bazaars and shopping centers after Iftar. Their choicest shopping is clothes, shoes and bangles. These days the city's markets and shopping centers are flooded with the people from the rural areas who came to the city for Eid shopping. They remain busy shopping till late at night and then people return to their villages on bikes and other modes of transport. Heavy rush can be seen particularly in the shops of shoes, clothes, garments, bangles, and cosmetics. Now the shops remain open in the markets and bazaars till late at night amid tight security arrangements. Patrolling has been intensified in the city to avoid any untoward incidents. To ensure security, police have stopped the entry of vehicles into congested markets and bazaars. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday summoned secretary interior in a case against closure of services of social media application X in the country ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Apr, 2024) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday summoned secretary interior in a case against closure of services of social media application X in the country. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the case filed by a journalist Ahtisham Abbasi regarding the matter. Joint secretary interior appeared before the bench and submitted report. The JS said that the services of X were stopped on the report of security agencies. The chief justice expressed dissatisfaction over the report and said that it was only based on assumptions as no solid reasons has been mentioned regarding the threats to national security. The CJ said that the country was facing defamation internationally due to the closure of X, adding that let the secretary interior appear then the court would view the issue. Justice Aamer Farooq expressed annoyance with JS interior and asked him to show the documents regarding the security threats, adding that just verbal arguments wouldnt be accepted. The joint secretary said that there was a threat to national security due to the material on internet. The court said that the evidence should also have been submitted to support the stance. The court, subsequently, summoned secretary interior in person and adjourned hearing of the case. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that new initiatives to attract and retain top talent would be rolled out to secure Pakistans success and stressed that Pakistan must build a world-class talent pool because this was an age where talent made all the difference to a nation's success ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Apr, 2024) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that new initiatives to attract and retain top talent would be rolled out to secure Pakistans success and stressed that Pakistan must build a world-class talent pool because this was an age where talent made all the difference to a nation's success. The prime minister chaired a meeting regarding the induction of technical advisors and consultants from the private sector into public sector, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Dr. Musadiq Malik, Ahad Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Sardar Awais Leghari, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Muhammad Jehanzeb, Minister of State Shaza Fatima and high-level officials attended the meeting. The meeting discussed ways to create a more capable workforce that could be able to deliver the government's policy programme effectively, and also founded on the principles of impartiality and recruitment on merit. The prime minister noted that the need to focus on attracting and retaining top talent was as urgent and as important as their focus on investments in the country. Businesses want to invest in places where the talent is; where the politics and policies are stable, and where the system works", he added. He also appointed a committee under the chairmanship of finance minister to seek and firm up propositions in the policy to enhance and clarify the work pass framework currently in vogue in ministries to better support Pakistans need for talent with the directions to submit its findings at the earliest. The meeting noted a dearth of technical input at policy making levels and emphasized its need, which was imperative if the civil service was to develop new skills, improve its management of big projects and adapt to the demands of a digital age. The participants of the meeting highlighted barriers to appointing people from outside such as long timescales, processes that prevented a proper search for the best candidates and pay inflexibility that made it all difficult to attract the best talent, particularly in areas of skills shortages. (@Abdulla99267510) President Asif Ali Zardari commends Pak Army's efforts towards social uplift in terrorism and extremism affected areas, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Army to national progress. ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 3rd, 2024) President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday lauded the exemplary role and contributions of Armed Forces of Pakistan in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State. He was talking to Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir who met him at Aiwan-e-Sadar in Islamabad today. The President commended Pak Army's efforts towards social uplift in terrorism and extremism affected areas, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Army to national progress. He emphasized Pakistan's steadfast commitment against terrorism and reaffirmed the nation's resolve to respond with full force through all elements of national power. The President noted with grave concern the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations levelled by a specific political party and its few individuals against the institution and its leadership to accrue narrow political interests and resolved to deal with such disruptive elements with iron hand. The President paid homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He said the blood of these martyrs will forever symbolize the resilience and strength of Pakistani nation. He reiterated the nation's unwavering commitment to honour the sacrifices of shuhadas and their families, holding them in the highest esteem. On the occasion, the Army Chief extended felicitations to the President on his appointment as the President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and conveyed sincere wishes for a successful tenure. He apprised the President of ongoing operations of Army against terrorism and highlighted the operational preparedness against conventional threats. The Army Chief also informed about the contributions of Army towards development initiatives, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting concluded on a note of solidarity and determination to uphold the values of peace, security, and progress in Pakistan. Gaza Strip, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Apr, 2024) The bodies of six foreign aid workers killed in a Gaza strike were expected to be transported out of the war-torn Palestinian territory on Wednesday as Israel faced a chorus of outrage over their deaths. Israeli bombardment killed seven staff of the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen on Monday in an attack that UN chief Antonio Guterres labelled "unconscionable" and "an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted". The remains of the six international staff, who were killed alongside one Palestinian colleague, were set to be taken out of Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, said Marwan Al-Hams, director of the city's Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital. Israel's armed forces chief Herzi Halevi called the attack a "grave mistake", which he blamed on nightime "misidentification", adding in a video message that "we are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier pledged the "tragic case" would be investigated "right to the end". The seven deaths piled more pressure on Israel, whose war since the Hamas attack of October 7 has brought devastation and mass civilian casualties to Gaza, where the UN warns the population of 2.4 million is on the brink of famine. US President Joe Biden said he was "outraged and heartbroken" by the deaths and charged that Israel "has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians". - 'Anger and concern' - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had voiced his "anger and concern" in a phone call with Netanyahu, while Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador and demanded "full accountability". Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X to Netanyahu and Israel's ambassador, saying the deaths were straining ties and that "the tragic attack against volunteers and your reaction are generating an understandable anger". Pope Francis expressed his "deep sorrow" and renewed his appeal for access to aid for the "exhausted and suffering civilian population" of Gaza, and for hostages taken by Hamas to be released. The charity said it was mourning the loss of its seven "heroes" and "beautiful souls". It said they had been killed in a "targeted attack" that was launched despite the group having coordinated its movements with Israeli forces. It named those killed as Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25; Australian Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43; Britons John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47; Pole Damian Sobol, 35; and US-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33. After their deaths, the charity suspended operations and a ship that had carried food aid from Cyprus to Gaza turned back towards the Mediterranean island with around 240 tonnes of supplies that had not been unloaded. Senegal's new President Bassirou Diomaye Faye looks set to share responsibilities with his appointed prime minister and former mentor Ousmane Sonko, who helped propel the political newcomer's rise to power Dakar, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Apr, 2024) Senegal's new President Bassirou Diomaye Faye looks set to share responsibilities with his appointed prime minister and former mentor Ousmane Sonko, who helped propel the political newcomer's rise to power. Faye, 44, was sworn in Tuesday as Senegal's fifth and youngest president, after sweeping to a first-round election victory on a promise of radical reform just 10 days after being released from prison. The naming of opposition firebrand Sonko as prime minister seems a logical choice for the left-wing pan-Africanist, who has never before held an elected office. A relative newcomer to the political sphere, Faye has spent years in the shadow of his popular and charismatic mentor. Sonko, 49, spearheaded Senegal's anti-establishment movement but endorsed Faye on the presidential ballot after he was barred from running himself due to a defamation conviction. They were released from prison under an amnesty law on March 14, embarking on a joint campaign tour to the delight of crowds chanting "Sonko is Diomaye, Diomaye is Sonko". Sonko received a standing ovation from his supporters and was seated in the front row during Tuesday's inauguration ceremony. After assuming the role of prime minister in the evening, he said he would submit a proposal of government appointments to Faye "within the next few hours". It had seemed a given that Sonko would helm Faye's government after his resounding victory on March 24, where he garnered 54.3 percent of the vote. Sonko, who came third in the 2019 presidential election, had been embroiled in a series of legal cases since 2021 that he said were politically motivated and aimed to curtail his bid for the presidency. The unrest linked to his legal woes left dozens dead and hundreds arrested. Following their release from jail, Faye and Sonko embarked on a whirlwind campaign tour with the aim of spreading their "project" for the people. Sonko on Tuesday evening reiterated their programme "for a sovereign, just and prosperous Senegal" that "we drew up together, that we presented together to the Senegalese people and that we defended together". He said it aimed to "bring about lasting and structural change" and sought to achieve "a break with the past, progress and definitive change". Sonko set out his own position as "the public authority in charge of coordinating and conducting the nation's policy in accordance with the Constitution". Faye has said his priorities include fighting corruption and lowering the cost of living, as well as national reconciliation after years of turmoil. Small-business owners will have the opportunity to improve their skill sets to start or grow their businesses Thursday, April 18. Kenny Overby, P.J. Burns and Kassandra Vaughn-Worsley will lead a Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network workshop titled Small Business Skill-Building Workshop -- Cheyenne from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in Training Room 102 at Laramie County Community College, located at 1400 E. College Drive. To register, go here. Conference registration includes all sessions, a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. The cost is $49. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. This conference is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn new business skills from Wyoming business experts on a wide variety of topics, says Jill Kline, state director of the Wyoming SBDC Network. Wyoming business experts and Wyoming SBDC Network staff will provide interactive, skill-building sessions addressing a wide range of essential business skills. The sessions are as follows: -- Increase Profits Through Financial Management: Straightforward Cash Flow and Analysis Strategies and Creating Compelling Social Media Messaging, presented by Overby, Wyoming SBDC Network regional director for Goshen and Laramie counties. He has 18 years of experience owning and running small businesses. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs demystify small businesses and enjoy the journey of business ownership. -- Develop Your Greatest Asset: Attract and Retain Quality Staff, presented by Burns, Wyoming SBDC Network regional director for Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties. She also is current board chair for the Powder River Basin Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. -- Setting and Achieving Realistic Business Goals and Strategies for a Healthier Work/Life Balance, presented by Vaughn-Worsley, CEO of SK Media LLC in Pinedale. Session subjects, titles and presenters are subject to change. For more information, call Maureen Johnson, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email mjohn125@uwyo.edu. The 12-month grace period for student loan borrowers ended on September 30. The "on-ramp" period helped borrowers who are struggling to make payments avoid the risk of defaulting and hurting their credit score. "The end of the on-ramp period means the beginning of the potentially harsh consequences for student loan borrowers who are not able to make payments," said Persis Yu, Deputy Executive Director at the Student Borrower Protection Center. Around 43 million Americans have student loan debt, amounting to $1.5 trillion. Around eight million of those borrowers had enrolled in the SAVE plan, the newest income-driven repayment plan that extended the eligibility for borrowers to have affordable monthly student loan payments. However, this plan is currently on hold due to legal challenges. With the on-ramp period and a separate program known as Fresh Start ending and the SAVE plan on hold, student loan borrowers who are struggling to afford their monthly payments have fewer options, added Yu. Student loan borrowers who haven't been able to afford their monthly payments must consider their options to avoid going into default. If you have student loans, here's what you need to know. What was the on-ramp period? The Education Department implemented this grace period to ease the borrower's transition to make payments after a three-year payment pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this year-long period, borrowers were encouraged to keep making payments since interest continued to accumulate. "Normally, loans will default if you fall about nine months behind on making payments, but during this on-ramp period, missed payments would not move people towards defaulting and then being subject to forced collections. However, if you missed payments, you still be falling behind ultimately on repaying your loans," said Abby Shaforth, director of National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project. Since this grace period has ended, student loan borrowers who don't make payments will go delinquent or, if their loans are not paid for nine months, go into default. Borrowers who cannot afford to make payments can apply for deferment or forbearance, which pause payments, though interest continues to accrue. What happens if I don't make my payments? Borrowers who can't or don't pay risk delinquency and eventually default. That can badly hurt your credit rating and make you ineligible for additional aid and government benefits. If a borrower missed one month's payment, they will start receiving email notifications, said Shaforth. Once the loan hasn't been paid for three months, loan servicers notify to the credit reporting agencies that the loan is delinquent, affecting your credit history. Once the borrower hasn't paid the loan for nine months, the loan goes into default. If you're struggling to pay, advisers first encourage you to check if you qualify for an income-driven repayment plan, which determines your payments by looking at your expenses. You can see whether you qualify by visiting the Federal Student Aid website. If you've worked for a government agency or a non-profit organization, you could also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives student debt after 10 years. What happens when a loan goes into default? When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days roughly nine months the loan appears on your credit report as being in default. Once a loan is in default, it goes into collections. This means the government can garnish wages (without a court order) to go towards paying back the loan, intercept tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments. What if I can't pay? If your budget doesn't allow you to resume payments, it's important to know how to navigate the possibility of default and delinquency on a student loan. Both can hurt your credit rating, which would make you ineligible for additional aid. If you're in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for deferment or forbearance allowing you to temporarily suspend payment. To determine whether deferment or forbearance are good options for you, you can contact your loan servicer. One thing to note: interest still accrues during deferment or forbearance. Both can also impact potential loan forgiveness options. Depending on the conditions of your deferment or forbearance, it may make sense to continue paying the interest during the payment suspension. What is an income-driven repayment plan? The U.S. Education Department offers several plans for repaying federal student loans. Under the standard plan, borrowers are charged a fixed monthly amount that ensures all their debt will be repaid after 10 years. But if borrowers have difficulty paying that amount, they can enroll in one of several plans that offer lower monthly payments based on income and family size. Those are known as income-driven repayment plans. Income-driven options have been offered for years and generally cap monthly payments at 10% of a borrower's discretionary income. If a borrower's earnings are low enough, their bill is reduced to $0. And after 20 or 25 years, any remaining debt gets erased. What is the latest with the SAVE program? In August, the Supreme Court kept on hold the SAVE plan, the income-driven repayment plan that would have lowered payments for millions of borrowers, while lawsuits make their way through lower courts. Eight million borrowers who had already enrolled in the SAVE plan don't have to pay their monthly student loan bills until the court case is resolved. Debt that already had been forgiven under the plan was unaffected. The next court hearing about this case will be held on October 15. What happened with the Fresh Start program? The Fresh Start program, which gave benefits to borrowers who were delinquent prior to the pandemic payment pause, also closed on September 30. During this limited program, student loan borrowers who were in default prior to the pandemic were given the opportunity to remove their loans from default, allowing them to enroll in income-driven payment plans, or apply for deferment, among other benefits. Zimbabwe appealed to the United Nations, aid agencies and individuals on Wednesday for $2 billion to avert food insecurity caused by an El Nino-induced drought. At the State House in Harare, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a nationwide state of disaster. He told reporters that Zimbabwe is expecting a harvest of 868,000 metric tons of grain this year far short of expectations and about 680,000 tons less than the country needs. "Preliminary assessment shows that Zimbabwe requires in excess of $2 billion toward various interventions we envisage in the spectrum of our national response, he said. Zimbabwe isnt alone. Malawi and Zambia declared a state of disaster earlier this year due to the drought. Edward Kallon, U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator in Zimbabwe, said the world body is monitoring the severe impact of the ongoing dry spell in southern Africa. He said the crisis has far-reaching consequences across various sectors, including food and nutrition security, health, water resources, education and jobs. So far, Kallon said, the U.N. has allocated $5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for needs such as water, hygiene, sanitation, food and medical response to a cholera outbreak. The U.N. pledges its support to the government of Zimbabwe in mobilizing resources to tackle the El Nino-induced drought, he said. Efforts are underway to finalize a response plan. Paul Zakariya, executive director of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, said that while nothing can be done to stop climate change effects, irrigation farming is one of the methods that can be used to mitigate calamity. Only depending on rain-fed agriculture, we will not go too far, Zakariya said. The government should ensure that even farmers with small amounts of land can irrigate, he said. With irrigation, our farmers are producing all year round, he said. Zimbabwe, once the breadbasket of southern Africa, has largely depended on handouts from organizations such as the World Food Program and the U.S. Agency for International Development in the last 20-plus years. The government attributes the food shortages to recurring droughts. Critics attribute the problem to the confiscation of land from white commercial farmers who produced crops all year round. They were replaced with peasant farmers who let irrigation systems fall into disrepair and are reliant on rain to grow their crops. U.N. agencies said they will provide funding so Zimbabwe can revive the irrigation systems. Details are expected at a news conference on Thursday. The bodies of six foreign aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike were moved Wednesday to Egypt for repatriation to their homelands, while Israel faced wide condemnation for their deaths. A total of seven staff members of the U.S.-based food charity World Central Kitchen were killed in the late Monday airstrike that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said was unconscionable and "an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted. U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to speak Thursday, according to a U.S. official familiar with planning for the call. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans for the call. The White House is growing increasingly frustrated with how Israel is conducting the war and in the aftermath of Monday's airstrikes. The remains of three British citizens, a Polish citizen, an Australian and a Canadian American dual citizen were taken in ambulances to the Rafah crossing with Egypt, where they were handed over to representatives of their respective countries. Their Palestinian driver was also killed in the attack and his body turned over to his family for burial in Gaza. The seven were distributing food to famished Palestinians that had been transported into Gaza through a newly established maritime corridor when Israeli airstrikes mistakenly targeted their three vehicles, killing everyone inside. Israel's armed forces chief Herzi Halevi called the attack a "grave mistake," which he blamed on nighttime "misidentification," adding in a video message, "We are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members" of the World Central Kitchen. Netanyahu pledged the "tragic case" would be investigated "right to the end," and President Isaac Herzog expressed his "deep sorrow and sincere apologies." In an op-ed published by Israel's large Yediot Ahronot newspaper on Wednesday, Jose Andres, the celebrity chef who is the founder of the food charity, wrote, "The Israeli government needs to open land routes to food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today." Andres, whose organization has provided aid in war and disaster zones all over the world, including to Israelis after Hamas's shock October 7 attack that triggered the war, said the airstrikes that killed the workers "were not just some unfortunate mistake in the fog of war." "It was a direct attack on clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known by" the Israeli military, Andres wrote. "It was also the direct result of (the Israeli) government's policy to squeeze humanitarian aid to desperate levels." In a similar essay in The New York Times, he said, In the worst conditions, after the worst terrorist attack in its history, its time for the best of Israel to show up. You cannot save the hostages by bombing every building in Gaza. You cannot win this war by starving an entire population. Biden said late Tuesday he was outraged and heartbroken by the attack. They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war. They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy, Biden said in a statement. The U.S. leader said Tuesdays attack was not a stand-alone incident, and that Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. The United States will continue to do all we can to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, through all available means, Biden said. I will continue to press Israel to do more to facilitate that aid. And we are pushing hard for an immediate cease-fire as part of a hostage deal. World Central Kitchen said it was immediately pausing its humanitarian efforts in the region. The charity said in a statement that it had completed a delivery of 100 tons of food aid to a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, and that a convoy of armored cars with the groups logo was leaving the site when it was struck. World Central Kitchen said the group had coordinated its movements in advance with the Israeli military. The Hamas October attack on Israel killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed at least 32,975 people, two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. The Israeli military says one-third of those killed have been militants. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Troops from Chad and Cameroon have freed scores of civilians who were kidnapped for ransom or to fight with jihadist groups on both sides of the two central African states border. Military officials from both countries say the number of civilian kidnappings has increased along the border, with several hundred people still in captivity. Cameroons military said Tuesday it received five civilians a 54-year-old man and four people between 17 and 24 years old from Chadian government troops. The five men, who were escorted to the office of the governor of Cameroon's Far North region on Wednesday, were abducted this year from villages around Kousseri and Logone Birni, towns on the border with Chad, Cameroon government officials said. Victor Boukar, one of the former hostages, said heavily armed men chained their legs every night and tied their hands with ropes during the day. He said they were tortured regularly and were given only one meal per day during their 70 days in captivity. Boukar said captors regularly forced 35 captives, including seven women, to move to different localities on both sides of the Cameroon-Chad border to avoid government troops trying to rescue them. Hostages whose families paid a ransom were abandoned in the bush, he said, adding that armed men have representatives who collect the ransom money in border towns and villages. Last week, Chad said its troops launched attacks on border villages in Mayo Kebbi East and Mayo Kebbi West provinces where several hundred people were held hostage by armed gangs and jihadists. It said soldiers freed scores of civilians. Cameroonian nationals were returned to their home country, while Chadians were reunited with their families after receiving medical care. Midjiyawa Bakari, governor of the Far North region, said Chad and Cameroon are reuniting to fight rebels and bring peace along their porous, 1,100-plus kilometer (680-mile) land border. He said Cameroonian border troops will arrest or kill armed men and jihadists hiding in local towns and villages, and Cameroon is allowing Chadian troops to cross the border in hot pursuit of Boko Haram militants and armed gangs. General Ahmat Kogri, a military adviser to Chad's transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby, told Chad's state TV on Wednesday that Boko Haram militants have renewed attacks and abductions to acquire supplies, after their fire power was drastically reduced in battles with the Multinational Joint Task Force. Kogri said forces fighting to restore peace have taken note that Boko Haram and its splinter jihadist groups are again attacking people and seizing goods. He said civilians should report all strangers in border towns and villages to government troops. Boko Haram attacks began in Nigeria's Borno state in 2009 and spread to Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The United Nations says the Islamist insurgency has left more than 37,000 people dead, mainly in Nigeria, and displaced more than 3 million. Specious theories designed to implicate Ukraine and the United States in connection with the late March terror attack in Russia are spreading on Chinas state media outlets and on its heavily censored social media platform Weibo. False claims that paint Kyiv and Washington as masterminds of the attack have fueled debate in Russia even after Islamic State-Khorasan also known as IS, IS-K, ISIS and Daesh claimed responsibility for killing at least 143 people and injuring nearly 200 at the Crocus City Hall music venue in suburban Moscow. In China, an editorial in the state-run Global Times insinuated that many observers linked the incident to the hybrid war form of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Some Western thinkers have begun to speculate whether Washington had played a role in this terrorist attack, it said without elaborating. Without citing names or clear attribution, the Global Times repeated Russias false accusations that the U.S. failed to share key intelligence that could have helped Russian security services prevent the attack. In fact, the U.S. warned the Russian authorities two weeks before the attack and shared appropriate intelligence, as it would do for any other country, John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, told VOA. We provided useful, we believe, valuable information about what we thought was an imminent terrorist attack, Kirby said. We also warned Americans about staying away from public places like concert halls. So, we were very direct with our Russian counterparts appropriately to make sure that they had as much useful information as possible. Addressing a Russian intelligence agency board meeting three days before the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the U.S. warning as outright blackmail intended to intimidate and destabilize our society. The Global Times also criticized Washington for being slow to condemn the incident in a timely manner, which shocked the international community. In fact, the United States was among the first nations to condemn the Moscow attack, and on March 30, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy placed flowers at the site. With the Chinese Communist Partys tight censorship of online content, contrarian views are quickly taken down, and the lack of independent media leave disinformation spread by state-controlled news outlets unchallenged. Some, however, have voiced skepticism. I personally think its unlikely that the United States was behind this terrorist attack, Jin Canrong, a scholar of international relations with an established anti-American reputation, wrote on Weibo. The comments by Jin, who is a professor at the Renmin University of China, provoked heated reaction, with some Weibo users accusing him of being a U.S. sympathizer. Since the attack, conspiracy theories echoing Russian propaganda have dominated the narrative on Weibo, typically boosted by anonymous pro-Russian and pro-Chinese influencers with millions of followers. Weibo influencer Drunk Rabbit posted to his nearly half a million followers: It is no wonder that the Russian people do not believe that this was done by IS. They all firmly believe that Ukraine and its masters who are at war with Russia planned and carried out this atrocity. To prove the point, the user posted two side-by-side video clips showing former U.S. Presidents Barak Obama and Donald Trump. Drunk Rabbits caption read: Obama: We trained ISIS, and Trump: Obama was the founder of ISIS. Both former presidents have confirmed that the United States is the creator of ISIS, Drunk Rabbit continued. Regarding the terrorist attack on the Moscow Concert Hall in Russia, what other evidence is needed? The quotes by Obama and Trump, however, are taken out of context and, in the case of Obamas remarks, twisted to mean the opposite of what he said. Trumps claim has been debunked by fact-checkers and terrorism experts who traced Islamic States roots to 2002, six years before Obama was elected president, and Trump himself walked the remark back, calling it sarcasm. It is not out of character for the Chinese state and social media to echo Russian propaganda and disinformation, especially when it targets the United States. The Florida Supreme Court this week issued two rulings that virtually guarantee that the issue of abortion will be top of mind for many voters in November, potentially driving higher turnout among reproductive rights supporters in the key battleground state. In an opinion issued on Monday, the court ruled that Floridas constitution does not include the right of women in the state to receive an abortion. The ruling cleared the way for the state to enforce a ban on abortion after the sixth week of pregnancy, which the legislature passed and Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law last year. At the same time, the court found that a proposed amendment to the constitution that would create a right to abortion must be allowed to go before voters in November, raising the possibility that the six-week ban one of the strictest in the country might be in effect for only a few months. Complex history The case regarding the constitutionality of abortion restrictions in Florida has a complex history. The suit was brought as a challenge to an earlier abortion ban that blocked access to the procedure after 15 weeks, which DeSantis signed into law in 2022. The plaintiffs had argued that a Privacy Clause added to the state constitution in 1980 protected access to abortion, a claim the court found unpersuasive. The more recent 6-week ban was on hold pending the court's decision in this case, which cleared the way for the stricter ban to go into effect 30 days after it was issued. Because the 6-week mark is when fetal heart tissue begins to develop, such bans are frequently referred to as "heartbeat" bills. Amendment language The second decision concerned an effort to add the following language to the state's constitution: "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. This amendment does not change the Legislature's constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion." Known as Amendment 4, the change would make it unconstitutional for the state to ban abortions before viability the point at which a baby can survive outside the womb which is generally believed to be at 24 weeks of pregnancy. Critics of the language had argued that the proposed amendment was not clear in its meaning and that it should not be put to a vote, claims the court dismissed. Mixed reactions The twin rulings gave supporters of abortion rights and abortion opponents something to celebrate on Monday. Floridians Protecting Freedom, an umbrella group made up of various organizations supporting abortion rights, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood, pledged to muster support for the change through its "Yes on 4" campaign. "Today, the Court affirmed what we've known all along: that Amendment 4 clearly satisfies the requirements for placement on the ballot," Lauren Brenzel, the campaign director of Yes on 4 said in a statement. "We are thrilled Floridians will have the opportunity to reclaim their bodily autonomy and freedom from government interference by voting for Amendment 4 this November." For abortion opponents, Monday's decision on the current constitutionality of an abortion ban was seen as confirmation of their claims. The organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America issued a statement calling the decision a "victory for unborn children who have a heartbeat and can feel pain." However, it called on abortion opponents and DeSantis to organize to defeat the proposed constitutional amendment, depicting it as the brainchild of large pro-choice organizations. "As Florida faces what may be its biggest ballot fight yet, Gov. Ron DeSantis must be at the forefront of protecting Florida from Big Abortion's attempt to eliminate the rights of unborn children, parents, women, and girls," the group said in a statement. Track record of turnout Recent history suggests that the opponents of the amendment may have a serious fight on their hands in November. Since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, the decades-old ruling that had prevented states from completely banning abortions, the issue has been put before voters in several states. In traditionally liberal-leaning states, voters were quick to enshrine the right to an abortion in state constitutions. However, in a number of otherwise conservative-leaning states, such as Ohio and Kentucky, voters flocked to the polls to show their support for retaining the state-level right to an abortion. Ohio voters in November approved a constitutional right to abortion, while a year earlier, Kentucky voters blocked an effort to strip similar rights from their state's constitution. Impact on election In recent decades, Florida has been considered a "swing" state in U.S. elections. But in the past two election cycles, the state has trended Republican, voting for Donald Trump twice and supporting Republicans in most statewide offices. President Joe Biden, who will be facing Trump in November's election, was quick to issue a statement reiterating his support for abortion rights in the state, saying that he and Vice President Kamala Harris "remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting reproductive freedom in Florida and across the nation." Aubrey Jewett, a professor of political science at the University of Central Florida who studies the state's politics, told VOA that the presence of the abortion amendment on the ballot is likely to help Biden in the state. "It's going to help mobilize liberal progressive, Democratic-leaning voters in Florida," Jewett said. "And it will also, maybe, mobilize some independents who might otherwise not turn out for an election." Jewett said the overall effect might not be enough to flip the state's presidential vote into the Democratic column but could have a significant impact on other races, including a closely contested race for one of the state's two seats in the U.S. Senate. "I wouldn't rule out the fact that Biden could have an upset anything's possible," Jewett said. "But I think it's more likely that it will just allow Democrats to be competitive up and down the ticket, and that Biden, if he competes, at least won't get blown out." Crime in the United States is one of the leading issues on voters minds in this years U.S. presidential election. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns looks at how Joe Biden and Donald Trump are addressing those concerns. VOA footage by Tina Trinh. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this month about presidential immunity and whether former President Donald Trump can be tried on charges that he conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The high courts decision will determine how some of the presumptive GOP nominees legal cases advance in an election year where he is facing 91 felony charges across four trials. They include the willful retention of national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act. Donald Trump is trying to show that a U.S. president is immune from criminal prosecution while acting in an official capacity, University of Georgia political scientist Charles Bullock told VOA. But I think, at the heart of this matter, is just how broadly Trump and his lawyers define official capacity, Bullock explained. They are defining it very broadly at the moment. Trump says a president should be completely immune while president, but the three-judge circuit panel that ruled against him posed the question: Well, what if the president hired a hitman to take out one of their rivals? Is that in an official capacity, and are they immune from prosecution then, as well? I think wed all say, of course not! Many Republicans continue to back Trump This months case before the Supreme Court, which includes three Trump appointees, involves federal charges that Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election by spreading false information about voter fraud and by pressing Vice President Mike Pence to reject legitimate results when they were presented to Congress. That congressional certification of electoral votes on January 6, 2021, was disrupted by Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol. For that attack, Trump is facing a charge of obstructing an official proceeding. The former president argues he was acting in an official capacity at the time, and therefore cannot be charged. In its filing to the Supreme Court, Trumps team wrote, The president cannot function, and the presidency itself cannot retain its vital independence, if the president faces criminal prosecution for official acts once he leaves office. A denial of criminal immunity would incapacitate every future president with de facto blackmail and extortion while in office, the filing continues, and condemn him to years of post-office trauma at the hands of political opponents. A Politico Magazine/Ipsos poll last month found that 70% of voters including nearly half of Republicans reject Trumps argument that presidents should be immune from prosecution for crimes committed while in office. Republican voter Jeff Williams from Valparaiso, Indiana, believes charges against Trump show he is being unfairly targeted by Democrats. It looks to me like these are all cases of Democrat-affiliated prosecutors in Democratic-leaning districts hoping for Democratic-slanted juries that will vote against Trump simply because they dont like him, Williams told VOA. Do I think a president should have total immunity from the law? No way, Williams said. But have I seen any evidence that suggests President Trump is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt? Absolutely not. This feels like a witch hunt. Half of the country is going to have to justify voting for a criminal this year! I cant believe this is the situation we find ourselves in, said Democratic voter Deborah Theobald of Woodstock, Georgia. Half of the country is going to have to justify voting for a criminal this year! Fifty-five percent of Americans responding to a Reuters/Ipsos poll say they would not vote for Donald Trump if he was convicted of a felony by a jury, while 58% said they would not cast their ballot for the former president if he was currently serving time in prison. If a person has committed a crime while in office, and even a serious crime before office, then I think they should be prosecuted just as any other American would be, said Rebecca Urrutia, a Connecticut mother who voted for Trump in both 2016 and 2020. Anyone who says that a president should have immunity from a prosecuted crime doesnt stand for the Constitution or our country, she said. The president is a citizen and servant of our country, not a king or emperor, and if you break the law, I cant vote for you. Impacting the coming election Its a turning point for the U.S. legal system and a pivotal political moment for Trump, says Robert Collins, a Dillard University professor of urban studies and public policy. Polling has shown that whether he is convicted or not has huge implications for the 2024 presidential election, Collins told VOA. But, outside of how these cases are ruled, the longer they go on, the more likely Trump avoids a guilty ruling in advance of Election Day. Independent voters are a pivotal group in swing states, with more than one-third telling a Politico Magazine/Ipsos poll that they are less likely to support Trump if he is convicted. But if a conviction doesnt come in time for the election or too close to the election for voters to change their mind then Republican voters might stick with him, Collins said. And, if he wins the election, and is convicted afterwards, then hell make the case that as the sitting president, hes able to pardon himself. Its a dangerous situation. Melbourne, Florida voter Jillian Dani backed Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 and says the results of his criminal cases will have a big impact on how she votes in November. On one hand, I wouldnt vote for a felon, Dani told VOA. But on the other hand, Im worried this is a witch hunt against someone the Democratic Party fears. I believe Clinton and Biden were criminals, too, but they werent convicted. If Trump isnt convicted either, then why should he be treated differently? A producer of fresh eggs in the United States has temporarily shut down a plant in the southwestern state of Texas after the H5N1 strain of bird flu was detected in chickens. Cal-Maine Foods issued a statement Tuesday that it had destroyed about 1.6 million egg-laying hens and another 337,000 young hens, equaling 3.6% of its total flock, after the virus was detected at the plant. The company said it was working with government officials at all levels and other industry groups to mitigate the risks of future outbreaks. The company said there is no known risk of bird flu associated with eggs, and that none have been recalled. Tuesdays announcement came a day after Texas health officials announced that a person who had worked on a dairy farm with cows infected with bird flu tested positive for the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control said this is the first case of a person catching bird flu from dairy cattle. A person in the western state of Colorado tested positive for bird flu in 2022 after he had direct exposure to poultry and the culling of birds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported an outbreak of bird flu in 11 dairy cattle herds across the states of Texas, Kansas, Michigan and New Mexico. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters, A U.S. judge on Tuesday rejected exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui's bid to dismiss an indictment accusing him of defrauding thousands of investors out of more than $1 billion. U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in Manhattan said prosecutors sufficiently alleged that Guo engaged in a pattern of racketeering through four fraud schemes, and that proving it was a matter for trial. Lawyers for Guo did not immediately respond to requests for comment after business hours. Guo has pleaded not guilty to 12 criminal charges including securities fraud, wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions and conspiracy, including for money laundering. According to the indictment, Guo and his accomplices defrauded investors in a media company, cryptocurrency and other ventures. The indictment said Guo took advantage of his prolific online presence and hundreds of thousands of followers by promising outsized financial returns and other benefits. In reality, the scheme allowed the co-conspirators to enrich themselves and family members and fund Guo's "extravagant lifestyle," the indictment said. Two co-defendants face related criminal charges, and one defendant is charged with obstruction. Also known as Ho Wan Kwok and Miles Kwok, Guo is a critic of China's Communist Party and a business associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump's onetime adviser Steve Bannon. Guo has been jailed in Brooklyn, a borough in New York City, since his March 2023 arrest, with Torres and a federal appeals court rejecting his proposed $25 million bail package last year. Jury selection in his trial is scheduled to begin on May 20. Prosecutors also sought the forfeiture of various assets, including bank accounts, a $37 million yacht, a New Jersey mansion, a Bugatti, a Lamborghini and a Rolls Royce. Guo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Connecticut in February 2022. That case was later combined with the bankruptcies of other companies he controlled. Torres has twice rejected Guo's bid to stay the bankruptcy proceedings. Google will destroy billions of records containing personal information following a lawsuit settlement. The lawsuit claims the company secretly tracked more than 136 million U.S. users private Chrome web browsing. The terms of the settlement were filed Monday with the U.S. District Court in Oakland, California, and require approval by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. This comes more than three months after Google and the attorneys handling the class-action case announced they had reached an agreement in the lawsuit that began in June 2020. The suit alleges that Googles analytics, cookies and apps allowed the company to track and gather information while users were in Incognito mode and other private browsing settings. "We are pleased to settle this lawsuit, which we always believed was meritless," Google spokesman Jose Castaneda 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." The settlement is valued at more than $5 billion and as high as $7.8 billion. But Google is paying no damages to affected users, although they can sue Google themselves. Google will also update disclosures notifying users when data is being collected and allow Incognito users to block third-party cookies for five years. In a statement, the plaintiffs lawyers, led by David Boies, called the settlement "a historic step in requiring honesty and accountability from dominant technology companies." Some information for this report was provided by Reuters and The Associated Press. Israel war Cabinet member Benny Gantz on Wednesday called for national elections in September, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces pressure at home and abroad over the war in Gaza. "We must agree on a date for elections in September, toward a year to the war if you will," Gantz said in a televised briefing. "Setting such a date will allow us to continue the military effort while signaling to the citizens of Israel that we will soon renew their trust in us." Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in recent days demanding new elections. Many have criticized Netanyahu and expressed anger at his government's handling of the 134 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza six months into the war. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has repeatedly ruled out early elections, which opinion polls suggest he would lose, saying that to go to the polls in the middle of a war would only reward Hamas, the Islamist movement that ruled Gaza. His Likud party on Wednesday said Gantz must "stop engaging in petty politics" during the war. "Elections now will bring about paralysis, division, harm to the fighting in Rafah and a fatal blow to the chances of a hostage deal," Likud said. Gantz, a former army general, joined Netanyahu's government in the early days of the war as a gesture of political unity during the crisis. Polls suggest his party would come out on top in any election and he would be the favorite to take over as premier. Netanyahu has pledged to bring the hostages home, as well as destroy Hamas, although it is unclear how Israel would be able to do so, and experts doubt that it is even possible. Israel's unrelenting air, ground and sea assault has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, and led to a humanitarian catastrophe. Surveys indicate that most Israelis disapprove of Netanyahu's leadership since the Hamas-led attack on communities in southern Israel on October 7, in which some 1,200 people were killed and scores of hostages taken, according to Israeli tallies. If left unchanged, the next vote for parliament is set for October 27, 2026, per Israel's Central Elections Committee. Japan is set to improve its strategic partnership with the Philippines at an upcoming trilateral meeting with the United States amid rising tensions between Beijing and Manila. Leaders of the three countries, who will meet April 11 in Washington, are expected to discuss maritime security issues that are drawing Japan into a more robust military role in the Asia-Pacific region. China used water cannons last month to disrupt a Philippine mission to resupply its garrison in a disputed portion of the South China Sea, an attack that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called illegal, coercive and warranting countermeasures. Despite its geographical distance from the South China Sea, Japans national interests lie in defending peace across the region, according to Alexander Vuving, professor at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. From the Philippines' perspective, Japan is Manila's second most important partner in the South China Sea, second only to the United States, given Japan's high commitment to keeping the sea free of Chinese dominance; Japan's robust economic and military capabilities; and Japan's proximity to the sea, he told VOA. Protecting regional dominance Freedom of navigation in the maritime region is vital to Japan, which sees 90% of its energy and trade flow through the South China Sea. Japan relies heavily on importing crude oil from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while one-fourth of the nations total trade in 2019 was from the European Union and members of ASEAN that also rely on the sea route. Vuving added that Japan has changed its strategy from depending only on the U.S.-Japan military alliance to taking a more proactive role in defending its own national interests. The protection of the sea lines of communication that connect Japan with the rest of Afro-Eurasia is prominent in this vision because these maritime routes are some of the main arteries of Japan's supply chains, he said. Ken Jimbo, a Keio University professor specializing in Japanese defense and security policy, said Japan is aiming to keep Chinas maritime presence in check. Diplomatically, [keeping China in check] allows Japan to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering closer security and defense cooperation with like-minded countries to counterbalance China's assertiveness, he told VOA. Japan announced late last year that it was in talks with the Philippines for a defense pact known as a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that would provide for enhanced security assistance. The negotiation of a Japan-Philippines RAA signifies a deepening military cooperation, aiming to elevate their defense relations, Jimbo said. Japan is considered a powerful ally for the Philippines, not just in terms of military equipment but also in enhancing interoperability and strategic alignment against common security challenges in the region. Early last year, the two countries signed terms of reference that simplified the process for Japanese forces to enter the Philippines for humanitarian assistance. Further friction with China? Japans siding with the Philippines and the U.S. has created friction in sometimes bumpy Sino-Japanese relations. Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, urged Japan to take actions that are beneficial to regional peace and stability, state media CGTN reported in late March. The sources of friction between the two countries range from anger over Japans use of sexual slavery during World War II to the release of wastewater from the disabled Fukushima nuclear power plant. There is also a long-standing dispute over islands in the East China Sea known as Diaoyu to China and Senkaku to Japan. Jimbo said the trilateral summit in Washington could strain Sino-Japanese relations, but that the benefits outweigh the costs. It is a calculated move within Japans broader regional strategy, he said. The dynamics of Japan-China relations are complex, with economic interdependence coexisting with strategic rivalry, suggesting that both nations are accustomed to managing fluctuations in their relationship. Vuving said China is unlikely to react by raising tensions over the Diaoyu/Senkaku islands. Such tensions would only strengthen Japans belief in seeking regional cooperation to deny Chinese regional dominance, he said. China may seek ways to hurt Japan economically, but for Japan, the trilateral cooperation helps to redress the balance of power in the South China Sea in the long term and would be immensely important if a conflict occurred over Taiwan. China is currently Japans largest trading partner, and one of the largest investment destinations for Japanese companies. Japan exports semiconductors and electronic parts to China and imports telecommunications and computer equipment from it, according to government data. Experts say that after the trilateral meeting, Japan is expected to send its naval vessels to patrol with the U.S and the Philippines and will likely join military drills in the South China Sea. Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov on Tuesday signed a controversial law modeled on Russia's "foreign agents law" over objections of nonprofit groups who say it will stigmatize them and create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The law says that any organization receiving foreign funding must register as a "foreign representative." Another provision gives the Ministry of Justice, which would implement the law, the authority to conduct unscheduled inspections and audits of such organizations. "You have been working with foreign donors for 30 years and no one has prosecuted you for taking money. Are we going to start doing that now? As the Head of State, I guarantee there will be no persecution," Japarov said in his April 2 social media statement. "Our state has no secrets to hide from you and your donors, he said. All our information is in the public domain. If you can, get billions, not millions. It will only benefit our country." While Japarov argues that this is a key step to ensure transparency, critics say Kyrgyzstan already has necessary laws in place. Additionally, foreign funding typically comes with strict conditions for openness and accountability. The nation's Parliament approved the legislation on March 14 after 64 of the 90 deputies put their signatures to the draft bill. Witnesses said the passage occurred without debate and took just seven minutes. The move comes amid international concern that authorities in Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country of 7 million people, have been curtailing citizens freedoms and taking increasingly harsh measures against political dissent. In October 2022, authorities jailed 27 civil society activists on charges of fomenting unrest after they opposed a controversial border deal with Uzbekistan. In 2023, the Kyrgyz government closed several independent media outlets, arrested several journalists and bloggers, and also jailed Adahan Madumarov, a member of Parliament and a prominent government critic. The U.S. State Department issued a statement on Tuesday expressing deep concern regarding the law, which it said puts at risk the work of NGOs, "essential to a more democratic and inclusive Kyrgyz Republic." "This is the latest in a series of Kyrgyz government actions that have undermined democratic governance and civil society," said spokesperson Matthew Miller. Freedom House, in its 2023 report on the state of democracy titled Nations in Transit, categorized Kyrgyzstan as a consolidated authoritarian regime. Speculation has been spreading about the future, role, and place in Chinas power structure of Premier Li Qiang since the unexplained cancellation of a routine press conference he was expected to hold last month. It was arguably the biggest news about Li, a figure largely unknown to the outside world, since he took office a year ago. Analysts tell VOA that to better know Li, it is important to understand his place in Chinas leadership structure highly centralized under Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinpings tight rule and the two mens past together, which stretches back two decades. Path to premiership Li was born in 1959 in a rural area of Chinas coastal province Zhejiang. His family is rooted in the farming communities of Zhejiang, and Li started out working as an industrial laborer at the age of 17 after he graduated from high school. His background differs sharply from that of his boss, Xi Jinping, whose father was one of Chinas first generation of Communist Party leaders. His background is also different from that of his immediate predecessor, Li Keqiang, who studied at the prestigious Beijing University and whose father was a local party official. Li Qiangs climb within the ranks of the Chinese Communist Party began after studying at an agricultural college in his home province. After graduating in 1982, Li did not work in factories or in the rural communities again. From 2000 to 2002, Li presided over the Zhejiang provincial bureau of commerce. In 2002, at age 43, he rose to become the youngest Communist Party secretary of Wenzhou, known to be a capital of entrepreneurs, in his native Zhejiang province. That same year, Xi Jinping moved from Fujian, another coastal province, to lead Zhejiang as its party secretary, directly overseeing Wenzhou and other municipalities. It was during Xis tenure in Zhejiang, from 2002 until he left for Shanghai in 2007, that the two men had opportunities to know each other. From 2004 to 2005, Li served as the chief of staff to Zhejiangs provincial Communist Party committee, essentially Xis chief of staff. His portfolio soon expanded to include membership in the provincial Communist Party standing committee, deputy provincial party secretary, head of the provincial political and legal affairs committee, and governor of Zhejiang. Li was promoted to party secretary in neighboring Jiangsu province in 2016 and a year later to party secretary of Shanghai. He was placed in the premiership in March 2023. It is fair to say that all of his later promotions happened thanks to Xi, Xia Ming, a China-born political science professor at the City University of New York, said in a phone interview with VOA. Wenzhou model Its worth noting that Li is closely tied to what is known as the Wenzhou model, which resembles what is known in the West as liberal economics, Xia added. What enabled the private entrepreneur-led Wenzhou model to succeed, Xia said, was local Communist Party officials non-interference at the time, which stands in contrast with the partys heavy-handedness today. Now that Li has joined Xis cabinet, whatever model he might have been tied to will have to succumb to the Xi model, Hu Ping told VOA. Hu Ping is a native of Chinas south-central Sichuan province and received his degrees from Beijing University in the 1980s, before entering into exile in the United States. Hu Ping is editor emeritus of China Spring magazine. Steve Tsang, author of The Political Thought of Xi Jinping, explained to VOA in a phone interview from London how he sees the Xi model: What Xi Jinping is trying to do is to create one country, one people, one ideology, one party, one leader, Tsang said. Unlike Li Keqiang, who landed the job due to support from party elders, Tsang added, Li Qiang was hand-picked by Xi and is expected to do Xis bidding. While Li Qiangs appointment to succeed Li Keqiang is seen as an attempt to solidify the above model, there were signs that Li Qiangs ties with the Chinese business community from his years working in Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai might be tapped to help Xi solve some of the countrys economic challenges. Potential mediator The Economist reported in March of last year that Li Qiang had a hand in persuading one of Chinas most famous businessmen, Jack Ma, to return to China. Ma, like Li, a native of Zhejiang, had reportedly fallen out with Xi amid crackdowns on private enterprises and Mas increasing popularity, both at home and abroad. Ma was said gone into self-imposed exile in Japan. Li was trying to reassure wealthy private entrepreneurs that, though they should know their place, they are still valued by the party, according to the article. Despite assurances to Ma and private entrepreneurs, Chinas economy continues to face big challenges, including falling foreign direct investment and outflow of capital. Li Qiangs predecessor, Li Keqiang, was known for his straight talk on Chinas economy and calling for a more domestic welfare-centered approach, in contrast to the state power-centric and expansionist model put forth by Xi. In May 2020, Li Keqiang told reporters at the National Peoples Congress press conference that more than 40 percent of Chinas population of 1.4 billion live on $143 a month, remarks seen as a rebuke of the official line that poverty has been eliminated all throughout the country under Xis leadership. Li Keqiang even developed an index for measuring Chinas economic growth that was deemed more reliable than local government figures because it looked at railway cargo volume, electric consumption and loans disbursed by banks. Li Qiang, who stepped into Li Keqiangs role a year ago, is widely seen as a Xi protege whose key job is doing the bidding of Chinas leader. Whether that might include other mediation efforts on behalf of Xi in Chinas political and economic power struggles remains to be seen. To be a middleman, or power broker, you need to have a certain amount of sway on both sides, said City University of New Yorks Xia Ming. Putting his loyalist credentials aside, Xia said Li is also under pressure to show his ability to take care of the Chinese Communist Partys pocketbook. Mao Zedongs old saying that political power grows out of the barrel of a gun has since been amended, Xia adds. To stay in power, the money bag is a key factor as well. At least nine dead and 900 injured after an earthquake strikes Taiwan, just one day after Joe Biden and Xi Jinping talk. The world is still reeling from Tuesdays killing of workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, and the Ukrainian foreign minister visits Brussels, and politics in Thailand. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday on how to bolster the alliances long-term military support for Ukraine. The United States will host a NATO summit in Washington from July 9 to July 11. Blinken discussed priorities for the meeting with his counterpart as the alliance celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Secretary Blinken and Secretary-General Stoltenberg discussed key priorities for the Washington Summit, including strengthening our shared commitment to Ukraine, furthering NATOs Indo-Pacific and EU partnerships, and building upon collective defense commitments, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. They also noted the strength of the Alliance, with Finland and Sweden participating as members, and increased investment by Allies, Miller added. This week, NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss a proposal for creating a five-year fund, totaling 100 billion euros or approximately $108 billion, to support Ukraine's military. The plan, put forward by Stoltenberg, includes making NATO more directly involved in coordinating military assistance provided by member countries a role that has been filled by a U.S.-led coalition of more than 50 countries. Stoltenberg told reporters Wednesday it is important that support for Ukraine be less dependent on voluntary, short-term offers and more dependent on longer-term NATO commitments. He said Ukrainian commanders would be better able to make battlefield plans with more predictable support. Stoltenberg said the plan would also send a message to Russia that it cannot win by keeping the war going until Ukraines allies tire of providing support. Ukraine has urgent needs, Stoltenberg said. Any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield as we speak. A final decision on the proposal would not come until the NATO summit in July. It requires consensus among its 32 members. While individual NATO members have been providing arms to Ukraine, the organization as a whole has concentrated on providing nonlethal aid for fear of escalating tensions with Russia through a more direct involvement. On Thursday, foreign ministers from the security bloc will meet with its partners from the Indo-Pacific. North Korea, China, Iran are supporting Russias war of aggression in different ways, so this demonstrates that security is not regional security, its truly global, and therefore its important that we work together with our Asia-Pacific partners, Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. Ahead of the Brussels talks, Blinken renewed calls for the U.S. Congress to release military aid for Ukraine. We are at a critical moment where it is absolutely essential to get Ukrainians what they continue to need to defend themselves, particularly when it comes to munitions and air defenses, Blinken said Tuesday during a visit to a defense facility in Paris with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Congress has yet to approve the Biden administrations supplementary budget request that would resupply Ukraines armed forces and help the country fend off Russian offensives. Biden has called on the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives to approve the military and financial aid package. House Republicans have delayed action on it for months, prioritizing domestic issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Ukrainian forces will have to retreat step by step, in small steps, if Kyiv doesnt receive the U.S. military aid. Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters. South Korea is investigating a vessel that allegedly violated United Nations sanctions on North Korea, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday, after it was reportedly seized over the weekend. The investigation comes after Moscow last week used its veto power to effectively end official UN monitoring of sanctions on North Korea amid a probe into alleged arms transfers between Moscow and Pyongyang. South Korean authorities seized the 3,000-ton cargo ship known as the DEYI on Saturday, which was not registered to a country, in waters off the country's south coast, Seoul's Yonhap news agency reported. It was held while reportedly "en route to Russia from the North via China," the agency report said, citing security sources. "Our government is conducting an investigation, based on close cooperation with the United States, regarding the ship's alleged violation of Security Council sanctions resolutions" against North Korea, Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement. "As the investigation is currently ongoing, it is difficult to provide details," it added. Thirteen people were aboard the ship, including a Chinese captain and Chinese and Indonesian crew members, Yonhap reported. North Korea has been under mounting sanctions since 2006, put in place by the UN Security Council in response to its nuclear program. Since 2019, Russia and China, the North's traditional allies, have tried to persuade the Security Council to ease the sanctions, which have no expiration date. Pyongyang has moved to take advantage of gridlock at the United Nations, ramping up missile tests and weapons development and declaring itself an "irreversible" nuclear power in 2022. Russia's recent ending of the UN monitoring is a major win for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to experts. Sudan on Tuesday suspended three Arab satellite channels, citing expired licenses and what the government views as unprofessional reporting The Ministry of Culture and Information suspended two Saudi state-owned broadcasters Al Arabiya and Al Hadath and the Sky News Arabia channel owned by the United Arab Emirates. The decision was made over a lack of commitment to the required professionalism and transparency and failure to renew its licenses, said SUNA, the Sudanese state news agency. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate criticized the move by the information ministry, calling it a press freedom violation. Closing satellite channels and restricting those working in the profession would silence the voice of the professional media, and would also open the door to the spread of rumors and hate speech, the group said Tuesday in a statement. Sudan is already a challenging environment for journalists. In 2023, the press freedom group Reporters Without Borders ranked it 148 out of 180 countries in terms of media freedom. Civil war between two military factions in Sudan has contributed to the difficulties facing journalists, according to reports from media and press freedom groups. Some information in this report came from Reuters. Thai LGBTQ+ activists celebrated another victory Tuesday after a marriage-equality bill overwhelmingly passed a first reading in the upper house, a key step bringing the country closer to becoming Asia's third territory to legalize same-sex unions. "It's like we've been embraced and accepted by the people in the entire country," said Waaddao Chumaporn, 40, an LGBTQ+ activist and spokesperson for the parliamentary committee for the bill, calling it the "best gift of our lives." "It sends a signal to the Southeast Asian region, where the fundamentals are deeply rooted in conservative views," Waaddao said. The bill sailed through the Senate's first reading in a 147-4 vote, prior to second and third readings due in July. If approved, it will be sent to the royal palace for the king's assent before it becomes law within 120 days. Other activists on the committee pumped their fists and celebrated with each other after the vote. Last month, 96% of the lower house passed the bill in a landmark move. "We see that the needle has moved closer towards our goal," said Siritata Ninlapruek, 45, who waved a rainbow flag, exulting as the vote count was read. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Wednesday she would not rule out taking additional steps to protect U.S. clean energy industries from Chinese competition, as she traveled to China for nearly a week of high-level talks aimed at further stabilizing financial and economic ties between the worlds two largest economies. During a refueling stop in Alaska, Yellen told reporters the Biden administration wants to support the growth of the U.S. solar panel, electric vehicle and battery industries. "We're providing tax subsidies to some of these sectors, and I wouldn't want to rule out other possible ways in which we would protect them," Yellen said, when asked whether she would raise the prospect of new trade barriers with her Chinese counterparts. She did not specify whether new U.S. steps could include tariffs. Yellen said ahead of her trip that Chinas subsidizing clean energy and industrial overcapacity hurts American firms and workers, as well as firms and workers around the world. The trip is Yellens second to China and comes after U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke this week in a phone call for the first time since meeting in November. It also comes as scrutiny of Beijing intensifies ahead of the U.S. presidential elections and Washington tightens curbs on the sale of high-tech goods to China. Following the 105-minute phone call, Xi warned Biden that the U.S. was "creating risks" by suppressing Chinas trade and technology development, according to state-run Xinhua news agency. A senior Treasury Department official who briefed reporters ahead of the trip said that in addition to meetings with Chinas economic czar, Vice Premier He Lifeng, and other current and former central government officials, Yellen will also meet with students, professors and business leaders. Her visit begins with a two-day stop in the southern city of Guangzhou, where Yellen will hold a roundtable discussion with economic experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of China's economy, and meet with American business leaders and the governor of Guangdong Province, Wang Weizhong. Secretary Yellen is interested in listening to a variety of voices in China to better understand current dynamics in the country, the official said. In Beijing, Yellen will meet with students and professors at Peking University and some of Chinas leading economists. Her meetings with central government officials will include sit-downs with the head of Chinas central bank and finance minister. Yellen will also meet with Chinas No. 2 official, Li Qiang, during her visit. A senior Treasury Department official said the trip aims to build on the intensive diplomacy Yellen has already engaged in to manage the relationship. Since her first visit to China last July, Yellen and Beijings He Lifeng have launched economic and financial working groups. The groups discuss issues that both countrys face such as Chinas property crisis or the failures of two major U.S. banks last year and policy responses. In recent weeks, the U.S. and European Union have increased their focus on subsidies and the impact of Chinas excess capacity of goods and cheap exports. Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former Treasury official, said he believes the main purpose of Yellen's visit is to speak with Chinese officials about overcapacity. But he doesn't expect China to take any action. "China might give sympathetic answers, but I don't expect policy changes," he told VOAs Mandarin service via email. Last week, Yellen said she does not want to focus on retaliation but will warn China about the impact its national underwriting of energy and other companies is having during her visit. "I intend to talk to the Chinese when I visit about overcapacity in some of these industries, and make sure that they understand the undesirable impact that this is having flooding the market with cheap goods on the United States, but also in many of our closest allies," Yellen said. Her remarks came during a visit to a solar manufacturing factory in Georgia one of several key swing states in the upcoming presidential election. Former U.S. president Donald Trump has said that, if elected, he will impose tariffs on China that could be higher than 60%. In late February, the U.S. Commerce Department launched a probe into whether Chinese vehicles pose a national security threat due to the data they transmit. U.S. lawmakers are also calling on Biden to hike tariffs on Chinese EVs. The EU is also investigating Chinas subsidies of the EV industry. On Wednesday, the European Commission announced an investigation into the subsidies two Chinese-owned solar panel companies may have received. The two companies are contenders in a public bid for a solar power park in Romania. Li Ya and VOAs Mandarin service contributed to this report. Some information came from Reuters and Agence France-Press. Uganda's constitutional court has declined to annul or grant a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the countrys anti-gay law. In their ruling Wednesday, the judges said the law does infringe on some fundamental human rights. Lawyers representing members of Uganda's LGBT community described the ruling as retrogressive. The petitioners in the case had sought to have the court decide whether the anti-gay law passed in 2023 violates the principle of equal protection under the law for all Ugandans. But, to their dismay, the panel of five judges led by Ugandas Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera had this to announce. We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety; neither would we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement. In their ruling Wednesday, the Constitutional Court judges had noted that the law was meant to protect children especially in cases where recruitment and targeting of children has been reported. However, the judges did rule that the law does infringe on some rights, specifically parts of the law that would effectively deny members of the LGBT community access to health services such as anti-HIV treatment. We find that Section 3(2) C violates their rights to health while article 9 and 11, (2d) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act are inconsistent with the right to adequate standard of living and the right to health, said Judge Buteera. The ruling nullified those sections of the act. Lawyer Nicholas Opio described the whole ruling as an inherently faulty judgment of the court. He argues that the court's decision makes it legal and lawful to discriminate against LGBT people. That it is legal to exclude the LGBTI community from participating in the affairs of their country simply on the basis of public sentiments and alleged cultural values. What is to say you have access to health when your very existence is being challenged and being declared unconstitutional? I think that it is a failed attempt at a balancing act," he said. Eric Ndawula, an LGBT activist, told VOA that the community was let down by the court. They did not have facts. But rather they were looking at perceptions. They were looking at what the (local) media was saying, rather than what the actual facts were. If you are talking about recruitment but you do not have any evidence of recruitment except statements from an individual that have not been substantiated. It is a sad day, said Ndawula. The petitioners can appeal the matter to Ugandas Supreme Court. The Anti-Homosexuality Act, which took effect last May, says engaging in acts of homosexuality is punishable with life imprisonment. The law also imposes the death penalty for what it calls aggravated homosexuality, including sexual relations involving people infected with HIV, as well as sex with people categorized as vulnerable, including minors and the elderly. The law has been denounced by gay activists and many foreign governments, including the Biden administration, as a violation of human rights. Ugandas Constitutional Court on Wednesday refused to overturn the countrys sweeping anti-LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) law. The Anti-Homosexuality Act, which took effect last May, says, "Engaging in acts of homosexuality" is punishable with life imprisonment. The law also imposes the death penalty for what it calls aggravated homosexuality, including sexual relations involving people infected with HIV, as well as sex with people categorized as vulnerable, including minors and the elderly. The laws passage drew international condemnation, with the World Bank halting any new lending to Uganda and the United State imposing visa and travel restrictions against Ugandan officials. Although the Constitutional Court upheld the law, it struck down several provisions because they violated the right to health and privacy. Ugandan gay rights activist Frank Mugisha told The New York Times that the petitioners would appeal the decision to uphold the law to the Ugandan Supreme Court. He said the justices on the Constitutional Court were swayed by the propaganda from the anti-gay movement. Homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law criminalizing sexual activity against the order of nature. Activists say Ugandas LGBTQ community has been subjected to numerous abuses since the law took effect, including eviction, arrest and even assault. The laws passage also set off a wave of similar anti-homosexual laws across Africa as many of its countries consider homosexuality as imported from other nations. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. The suspects who allegedly stabbed a journalist for an independent Iranian media outlet in London last week fled the country after the attack, police said on Tuesday. Pouria Zeraati, 36, a presenter for Persian-language Iran International, was stabbed in his leg last Friday afternoon outside his home in Wimbledon, southwest London. He was treated in a hospital for injuries to his leg and released on Monday. On Tuesday, Scotland Yard said three men carried out the attack. "Detectives have established the victim was approached by two men in a residential street and attacked," it said in a statement. "The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle driven by a third male." The suspects later abandoned the car, which is being examined by forensic experts, Scotland Yard said. "After abandoning the vehicle, the suspects travelled directly to Heathrow Airport and left the UK within a few hours of the attack," it said, without providing further details. London's Metropolitan Police had said after the stabbing that the motive was unclear, but that "the victim's occupation as a journalist at a Persian-language media organisation based in the UK" was being considered. Head of the police's anti-terror unit, Dominic Murphy, said police still "do not know the reason why this victim was attacked, and there could be a number of explanations for this." "All lines of enquiry are being pursued, and we are keeping an open mind on any potential motivation for the attack," he said. Iran's charge d'affaires in the U.K., Mehdi Hosseini Matin, on Saturday said that Tehran denied "any link" to the incident. The Met has said it had disrupted what it has called plots in the U.K. to kidnap or even kill British or Britain-based individuals perceived as enemies of Tehran. The Iranian government has declared Iran International a terrorist organization. The U.K. government last year unveiled a tougher sanctions regime against Iran over alleged human rights violations and hostile actions against its opponents on U.K. soil. Human rights experts warn the always-shaky security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is deteriorating further, as armed violence by Congolese and foreign forces battling for control of the region intensifies and threatens to spread throughout the country and beyond. As insecurity reaches some of the most alarming levels in recent years, I fear that the enjoyment of human rights in the country will come to a screeching halt, said Volker Turk, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights. The high commissioner was one of several human rights experts who participated in an interactive dialogue on the situation in the DRC which began Tuesday and dipped over into Wednesday at the U.N. Human Rights Council. Since our last update to the council in October, the pervasive armed conflict, particularly in the eastern part of the country, has continued to take a heavy human toll, Turk said. I also remain extremely concerned about the spread of conflict and violence in the DRC throughout the region, as well as active involvement of other regional actors in eastern DRC. The cost of this situation for the population is catastrophic, he said. A report by the U.N. Joint Human Rights Office has documented 2,110 human rights violations and abuses across the DRC between October 1, 2023, and March 15, 2024. It finds 59 percent were committed by armed groups, and includes summary executions, conflict-related sexual violence, abductions of civilians and forced recruitment of children. Many of these serious human rights violations could amount to atrocity crimes, and perpetrators and their accomplices must be held to account, said Turk. During the same period, he said, the DRCs army or its proxies were responsible for violations of international human rights or humanitarian law including extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and destruction of private property. On several occasions, they attacked positions of the United Nations Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO), noting that U.N. troops are slated to withdraw from the country this year at the request of the Congolese government. He warned that without a rapid build up of national armed forces in areas where populations depended on MONUSCO, the security vacuum could be filled by armed groups, with dire consequences for civilians. The concerns were shared by Bintou Keita, the special representative of the U.N. secretary-general in the DRC, and the head of MONUSCO. She deplored the worsening human rights and security climate in the DRC, particularly in the territories of Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Rutshuru, in North Kivu province. That, she said, was due to the intensification of clashes between the M23, which is supported by the Rwandan armed forces, and the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The M23, in particular, has continued to conquer large swathes of Congolese territory, driving more than one-and-a-half million Congolese from their homes, she added. Recurring attacks on peacekeepers and difficult access to combat zones hinder the support that the U.N. and humanitarian organizations can give to civilians in need, she said. Congo defends end to death penalty moratorium During their dialogue, the human rights experts expressed concern about the governments decision to lift the moratorium on the death penalty and urged Congolese authorities to reverse their decision. That did not sit well with the DRCs minister for human rights, Albert Fabrice Puela. He told the council that his government had decided to bring back the death penalty in order to deter all these warlords and rid our army of all treacherous soldiers who commit atrocities against the population. This measure of lifting the governments moratorium as well as that of the state of siege is a response to the cry of distress of the entire population who are fed up with these abuses, he said. He spoke in detail about the progress made by the government in the promotion and protection of human rights, including in reforming the countrys electoral process, the promotion of womens rights, as well as the promotion and equality of gender. However, all these efforts are being severely affected by the continuing situation of war imposed on us by the negative forces supported by Rwanda, he said, noting that U.N. reports and independent observers have accused Rwanda of serious crimes of human rights and international humanitarian law as well as in the plundering of natural resources in eastern DRC. The DRCs president has reiterated his willingness to engage constructively with Rwanda, he said, but said that was "subject to the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the immediate withdrawal of the M23 from the occupied areas. James Ngango, Rwandas ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, rejected the charges and retorted that The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo constitutes a security threat in the region and to Rwanda in particular. Rwanda deplores the grave human rights violations against Congolese communities who are at risk of genocide in eastern DRC, he said, adding that Rwanda believes that the conflict can only be addressed through peaceful means, not military means. His assessment was affirmed by High Commissioner Turk, who said, The human tragedy in the DRC will never be solved by military action alone. It is time to invest in dialogue. It is time to invest in restoring and rebuilding the rule of law. And it is time to invest in peace, he said. Children are being denied access to lifesaving humanitarian assistance in conflict zones around the world in a blatant disregard for international law, a senior U.N. official said Wednesday. Let me be very clear: The Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child contain key provisions requiring the facilitation of humanitarian relief to children in need, Virginia Gamba, the U.N. envoy on children and armed conflict, told a meeting of the Security Council. The denial of humanitarian access to children and attacks against humanitarian workers assisting children are also prohibited under international humanitarian law, she said. Her office verified nearly 4,000 such denial of aid cases in 2022, she said, with the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Yemen, Afghanistan and Mali having the highest number. Gamba said the data for her offices upcoming report shows the negative trend continuing. Some situations involve high levels of arbitrary impediments and/or outright denial of humanitarian access to children, including in situations such as in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and in Haiti to name but two, she said. Gamba said denial of aid access is linked to the restriction of humanitarian activities and movements; interference with humanitarian operations and discrimination against aid recipients; direct and indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure; disinformation; looting; and the detention of, violence against and killing of humanitarian personnel. Children are especially affected by the lack of nutrition, education and health care, which can have lifelong consequences. Gamba said it is even more catastrophic for disabled children. And it also impacts boys differently than girls. For instance, restrictions to girls movement challenge their access to aid in areas where it may be distributed, including in internally displaced persons camps, while teenage boys could be perceived as associated with an opposing party and, therefore, denied that access, she said. Gamba called upon all parties to allow and facilitate safe, timely and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as access by children to services, assistance and protection, and to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and assets. She said hospitals, schools and their staff must also be protected under international humanitarian law. The deputy executive director of the U.N. childrens agency, UNICEF, urged the Security Council to help humanitarians get the access they need. Ted Chaiban underscored that aid groups need more exemptions in sanctions resolutions for their work; they need to be able to engage with all armed groups without fear of consequences; as well as access across borders and conflict lines. "Around the world, our teams on the ground are working under increasingly difficult operational circumstances to access children, Chaiban said, adding they are committed to staying and delivering. Children are the first to suffer and the ones who will carry the longest-lasting humanitarian consequences, he said. Parties have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure childrens access to humanitarian services. The United Nations has warned that delivering life-saving aid to millions of people in Afghanistan could be severely impeded as donors have given only 6% of the humanitarian funding appeal for 2024. Indrika Ratwatte, the humanitarian coordinator for the impoverished country, has urged the international community to redouble its commitment and increase financial support for the Afghan people. According to a U.N. statement released on Tuesday, Ratwatte expressed deep concern over the current funding levels and noted that the U.N. had secured just $290 million of the $3.06 billion requirements. Such a significant gap between existing needs and available funding will severely impede the delivery of life-saving assistance, the statement said. U.N. agencies estimate that more than half of the population in Afghanistan needs humanitarian assistance, citing frequent natural disasters and years of war. They caution that the lack of donor funding is aggravating one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The return of the fundamentalist Taliban to power in 2021 has compounded challenges facing humanitarian operations in the country. De facto Afghan authorities have banned many women from public and private workplaces, including the United Nations, and forbidden teenage girls from attending schools beyond the sixth grade. The Taliban have rejected persistent international calls to reverse curbs on women, saying their governance is aligned with Afghan culture and Islamic principles. Critics blame Taliban restrictions for contributing to the humanitarian crisis and discouraging foreign donors. The World Food Program stopped food assistance for 10 million Afghans in 2023 because of a massive funding shortfall. The Taliban have dismissed claims their misogynistic policies are jeopardizing the flow of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, alleging donors are politicizing the aid. We don't need their assistance. Spare us from their [foreigners] harm, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told a recent social media-hosted seminar. The United States and Japan are considering ways to strengthen military cooperation, with several reports suggesting the alliance could see one of its biggest structural upgrades in several decades. The potential changes, meant to better address shared threats such as China and North Korea, will figure prominently when Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets U.S. President Joe Biden during a state visit next week in Washington. During the visit, U.S. and Japanese officials are expected to agree on a review of the framework that has for decades guided interaction between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the approximately 54,000 U.S. troops in Japan. Specifically, Japan's Kyodo news agency said, the U.S. military will consider ways to strengthen the functions of its command headquarters in Japan amid concerns that the current arrangement would not allow for adequate coordination during a conflict. Japan wants the United States to appoint or elevate a four-star commander to oversee U.S. troops in the country. Under the current setup, U.S. Forces Japan is led by a three-star general with little authority over joint operations. That means Japan must coordinate with the U.S. military's Indo-Pacific Command, located more than 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles) and five time zones away in Hawaii. The existing arrangement dates to the 1960s, long before China's massive military buildup and North Korea's acquisition of nuclear weapons upended Asia's security dynamic, prompting Japan to take a much more proactive role in world affairs. It is not clear what changes the United States will propose. When asked by VOA about recent reports on the matter, the White House National Security Council declined to comment. Still, the review is being welcomed by many in Japan's defense community who have pushed for greater integration between the two countries' forces. "This is a very significant step for the alliance," said Tetsuo Kotani, senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs. "By upgrading our command and control relationship, we are actually preparing for war fighting together, so that the two militaries can operate together in a time of crisis." More assertive Japan Until recently, it was difficult to imagine Japan becoming involved in a major conflict. The country has a technically pacifist constitution, which was drafted by the U.S. following Tokyo's defeat in World War II. But in recent years, Japan has loosened some of its self-imposed military restraints, allowing it to become a major player in regional and global security. Most notably, Japan intends to increase its annual defense spending to 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP), up from the traditional 1%, by 2027. This will likely give Japan the world's third-largest military budget, behind the United States and China. For the first time, Japan also will deploy missiles that can hit military targets in other countries. In January, Japan signed a deal with the U.S. to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles. The acquisition has created further urgency for military integration, according to analysts, who note that Japan would rely on the United States for targeting information, damage assessment and escalation management if the missiles were used. Naoko Aoki, an associate political scientist at the RAND Corporation, said Japan's increased defense capabilities also necessitate greater cooperation with South Korea, another U.S. ally, which hosts about 28,500 U.S. troops. "Because if Japan were to use this [counter strike capability] against North Korea, for example, then clearly coordination among the three countries would become very, very important," she said. To allow for smoother integration among its own forces, Japan recently announced plans to establish a joint operations headquarters by 2025. The move was also widely discussed as a possible catalyst toward greater integration with U.S. forces. How to proceed The U.S. military has not released details about any possible changes to its command structure in Japan. However, media reports point to several possibilities. Last week, Reuters reported that Washington will consider appointing a four-star commander, as Tokyo has requested, though it is not clear what responsibilities the position would be given. Some analysts say the appointment of a U.S. four-star general may be too controversial in Japan, because it would be widely seen as a possible precursor to the type of unified command that exists in South Korea, where a U.S. four-star general would control both U.S. and South Korean troops during wartime. "A four-star general in Japan sounds like too much at this moment," said Kotani. Instead, he thinks the U.S. could establish some type of joint coordination center to facilitate greater interaction with the Japanese military. A similar idea was mentioned as a possibility last week by the Financial Times. According to the British newspaper, the task force would be attached to the Hawaii-based U.S. Pacific Fleet but would shift to Japan "over time." From Tokyo's standpoint, such a proposal is "probably better than nothing," said Jeffrey J. Hall, a Japanese politics specialist at Kanda University of International Studies. "It does make sense to have decision-making power shifted to a time zone closer to a potential conflict area," Hall said. But, Hall said, U.S. officials are likely to proceed cautiously, perhaps wary of big steps that could spark domestic opposition in Japan, where some are uncomfortable with the idea of Japanese troops being controlled by the United States. Kishida is already in a difficult situation at home. The approval rating of his Cabinet remains near record lows amid long-running economic challenges and a political fundraising scandal in his party. "For the last year, we've been in a situation where Prime Minister Kishida is incredibly unpopular among Japanese voters but loved by the national security folks in Washington," Hall said. For Japan, the question is how to achieve greater military integration while maintaining proper levels of independence, given Japan's constitutional and political restraints, said Aoki. But she maintains that the effort is worthwhile. "The command and control architecture hasn't been changed since the 1960s, but the threat environment has changed greatly," she said. "So, modernizing this will help the credibility of the alliance and help deterrence in the region." The United States on Wednesday opposed a Palestinian push for full membership at the United Nations, with Washington saying it backed statehood but after negotiations with Israel. "We support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state," U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters. "That is something that should be done through direct negotiations through the parties, something we are pursuing at this time, and not at the United Nations," he said, without explicitly saying that the United States would veto the bid if it reached the Security Council. Miller said that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively engaged in establishing "security guarantees" for Israel as part of the groundwork for a Palestinian state. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has increasingly highlighted support for a Palestinian state, with a reformed Palestinian Authority in charge in the West Bank and Gaza, as it looks for a way to close the ongoing war in which its ally Israel is seeking to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has for decades resisted a Palestinian state and leads a far-right government with members hostile to the Palestinian Authority, which holds limited autonomy in sections of the West Bank. Under longstanding legislation by the U.S. Congress, the United States is required to cut off funding to U.N. agencies that give full membership to a Palestinian state. The law has been applied selectively. The United States cut off funding in 2011 and later withdrew from the U.N. cultural and scientific agency UNESCO, but Biden's administration returned, saying it was better to be present. Robert Wood, the U.S. deputy representative to the United Nations, said that recognition of a Palestinian state by the world body would mean "funding would be cut off to the U.N. system, so we're bound by U.S. law." "Our hope is that they don't pursue that, but that's up to them," Wood said of the Palestinians' bid. The Palestinian Authority has submitted a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for the Security Council to reconsider a longstanding application for statehood in April. Any request to become a U.N. member state must first be recommended by the Security Council, where Israel's primary backer the United States as well as four other countries wield vetoes, and then endorsed by a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas launched the statehood application in 2011. It was not considered by the Security Council, but the General Assembly the following year granted observer status to the "State of Palestine." The U.S. and like-minded countries must find new ways to monitor the enforcement of sanctions on North Korea after the mandate of a U.N. expert group expires this month, say former U.S. officials with deep experience in North Korea sanctions. The U.N. Panel of Experts has been tasked with investigating whether member states are enforcing sanctions on North Korea for the past 15 years. But at a Security Council meeting on March 28, Russia vetoed a resolution calling for the panel's annual extension, and the panel will be disbanded after April 30. This is the first time the Security Council has failed to extend the panel's mandate for another year. But Russia has grown closer to North Korea since Pyongyang began supplying weapons for Moscow's war in Ukraine in violation of the sanctions. The panel, consisting of eight experts and created in 2009, produced an in-depth report published twice a year describing cases that pointed to violations of the sanctions by U.N. member states and their entities and nationals. Those sanctions will remain in effect. Once the panel is no longer active, the U.S. and other countries that supported its work such as the U.K., France, Japan and South Korea will have to rely on other ways to monitor and enforce the sanctions. Potential alternatives include the use of new or existing coalition groups, which can be "far more powerful than relying on the U.N. Panel of Experts," said Joshua Stanton, an attorney based in Washington who helped draft the Sanctions and Policy Enforcement Act in 2016. Stanton said via email to VOA on Friday that Washington should see Moscow's veto "as an opportunity to break free of Russian and Chinese obstructionism, to build a better coalition, and to give sanctions investigation and enforcement the vigor the U.N. system always denied." The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), led by the U.S. and consisting of more than 100 countries, aims to curb the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including through interdiction. It was created by former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2003 in response to a failed attempt by the U.S. and Spain to confiscate the cargo of a North Korean ship carrying ballistic missiles to Yemen in 2002. PSI member states can rely on their national laws to authorize an interdiction, said Stanton. Another international coalition is the Egmont Group, which aims to counter money-laundering and terrorism financing. Created in 1995, it is comprises financial intelligence units from 174 member states that share information and collaborate to counter illicit financial activities. The U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is a founding member. The U.S. is establishing another coalition with South Korea. On March 26, Washington announced it held the inaugural meeting of the Enhanced Disruption Task Force with Seoul aimed at blocking North Korea from procuring refined petroleum in violation of U.N. sanctions. Anthony Ruggiero worked in the U.S. government for more than 19 years, focusing on targeted financial sanctions and proliferation issues, including those involving North Korea. He told VOA in a telephone interview on Monday that these multilateral groups, like PSI, are "always a benefit" to monitoring and enforcing sanctions. "We need those groups to say which authorities can take actions, whether through sanctions or enforcement actions or other mechanisms to stop these activities," added Ruggiero, who is now a senior director of the nonproliferation and biodefense program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He also said that "U.S. sanctions are more robust than U.N. sanctions" and the question is whether Washington is willing to enforce them fully, for example, by targeting Chinese and Russian companies, individuals and banks that hire North Korean workers in violation of sanctions. China has been accused of employing North Korean laborers to process seafood products and false eyelashes. Expanding cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has spurred concerns that North Korean workers will flock to Russia for wages they remit to the state. Aaron Arnold, a former member of the U.N. Panel of Experts who is currently a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute based in London, said there will be opposition to sanctions monitoring outside the U.N. Arnold told VOA via email on Friday, "While Western governments will, of course, step in to provide intelligence and information about North Korea's sanctions evasion activities, the stark reality is that these efforts will be viewed with a great deal of suspicion by non-Western countries." Polygraph is a fact-checking feature of the Voice of America (VOA). Polygraph serves as a resource for verifying the increasing volume of disinformation and misinformation being distributed and shared globally. Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying, without evidence, to link Ukraine to the recent attack on a concert hall in Moscow to further mobilize domestic public support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine, international security experts tell VOA. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the March 22 attack on the Crocus City Hall music venue in suburban Moscow that killed at least 143 people and injured some 360 others. Russian authorities have announced the arrests of 12 people they say are connected to the attack, including four suspected gunmen who have been identified as Tajik citizens. IS-Khorasan, a branch of the extremist organization Islamic State, claimed responsibility for the attack, for which Russia received warnings from U.S. intelligence services in early March. Nevertheless, the Kremlin accused Ukraine of preparing a "window" for the escape of the Tajik citizens accused in the incident. "It's a cynical but convenient tactic that the Kremlin is using, trying to link the attack to Ukraine," said retired Colonel Robert Hamilton, a fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington and an expert on security issues. "To be clear, Ukraine was not involved in this. Ukraine doesn't commit terrorist acts or war crimes in the conflict against Russia, as Russia does." Hamilton believes it was not in Kyiv's interest, even in a military-strategic sense, to harm Russia in this way. "Ukraine has other ways to strike Russia and has done so using underwater and aerial drones, but it has attacked legitimate military or economic targets, not concert venues, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians," he said. "If Ukraine had done that, it would have only mobilized the Russian population and increased support for Putin and the war." An effort to divert blame Adrian Shtuni, a senior fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism in The Hague, said a terrorist attack of this scale, especially in a heavily policed city such as Moscow, requires significant planning time, as well as access to money, logistics, weapons and a network of extremists who are able and willing to carry it out in secret. "By spuriously blaming Ukraine and the West for being involved in the attack, Putin attempted to repackage his failure for domestic consumption in order to divert blame," Shtuni said. Max Abrahms, associate professor at Northeastern University in Boston, said that all the evidence indicates that Islamic State is behind the attack. He explained how the extremist organization usually functions, using another acronym for the group. "When ISIS carries out an attack and takes responsibility, it goes through a very specific process," said Abrahms. "It has specific media channels through which it claims responsibility. And now it went through that process and provided additional information, photos and videos, which was confirmed by both the Americans and the Europeans." IS-Khorasan, with its origins in the province of Khorasan in southwestern Afghanistan, claimed responsibility with an announcement on its media channel. A day later, it published footage of the attack from inside the concert hall. Seeking support for war Abrahms said terrorist attacks can strengthen the leader of a victim country, recalling that Putin became stronger politically following attacks by Chechen extremists. "Leaders know that there can be an increase in public support for the government when there is a foreign operation, especially a terrorist one," said Abrahms. "And Putin tried to gain political momentum towards the war in Ukraine, because he needs all available domestic help when it comes to supporting the war, which is extremely costly, not only for Ukraine, but also for Russia." Russian authorities confirmed they had received information from American intelligence services earlier in March about a possible terrorist attack but rejected it, with Putin calling it "a provocation and an attempt to undermine national security." "It turned out that the warnings of the American intelligence service were correct. They referred to major events and were even specific enough to mention concert venues," said Hamilton. "They were published in early March, a few weeks before the attack took place. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow warned citizens to avoid such places for their own safety. Unfortunately, Russia ignored the warnings and attacked the U.S. government." Hamilton said Russian accusations of Ukraine's alleged involvement in this case are in line with the narrative "that Putin has been trying to advance for years that the West is at war against Russia." Given the political situation in Russia, where Putin just won a new 6-year term while the government brutally suppressed any sign of opposition, it remains unclear what effect Moscow's accusations will have on the war in Ukraine. "Surely there are Russians who will understand that Ukraine is not behind the attack. I have even read reports that there are indications that some important members of Putin's entourage disagree with his efforts to link the terrorist attack to Ukraine. But surely a part of Russians exposed only to what Putin says will support his retaliation against Ukraine," Abrahms said. 'A personal blow to Putin's image' Shtuni believes the attack at Crocus City Hall represents a significant personal failure for Putin. "The attack is also a personal blow to Putin's image and credibility, days after securing a fifth presidential term with the promise to keep Russia safe," he said. "The fact that the attack happened while Russia is embroiled in Putin's unprovoked and lengthy war of choice against neighboring Ukraine shows instead how Putin has neglected Russia's internal security." Shtuni said the Kremlin's push to blame Ukraine dovetails well with a new campaign to recruit 150,000 people into the army. "Intensified disinformation and military mobilization campaigns may signal an intent on the part of the Kremlin to intensify its illegal war and bloody aggression against Ukraine and its people," he said. Ukraine said Wednesday that Russian forces attacked the country overnight with three guided missiles and four Shahed drones. The Ukrainian air force reported destroying all four drones, with the intercepts taking place over the Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad and Cherkasy regions. Andriy Raykovych, the regional governor in Kirovohrad, said there was a small fire as a result of the attack, but reported no injuries. The air force said the missiles targeted the Donetsk region, in eastern Ukraine. There were no immediate reports of damage. Off the battlefield, in Kyiv, Finland President Alexander Stubb and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 10-year security pact. The deal makes Finland the eighth NATO member this year to agree to long-term security and defense backing for Ukraine in its fight against Russian invaders. Stubb said Finland would also send $203 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems and heavy-caliber ammunition. That sum took Finland's overall defense contribution to nearly $2.2 billion during the war. "We are not giving this military support only for Ukraine to defend itself, we are giving this military support for Ukraine to win this war," Stubb said at a news conference with Zelenskyy. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy signed a bill that will lower Ukraines military mobilization age from 27 to 25 years. The bill increases the number of civilians the Ukrainian army can mobilize in combat, something the military has been asking the government to do for months. The bill comes as the country grapples with military losses more than two years after Russia invaded. Zelenskyy signed the bill nearly a year after it was adopted by the Ukrainian parliament. Some information for this article came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. The United Nations says it will support Zimbabwe in mobilizing resources to tackle the El-Nino-induced drought. In its response to President Emmerson Mnangagwas Declaration of the State of Disaster on Wednesday, Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said efforts are underway to formalize a response plan focusing on food security, health, education, shelter, and other essential areas to address the needs of those affected by the crisis. Kallon said the drought crisis has far-reaching consequences across various sectors such as food and nutrition security, health, water resources, education, and livelihoods, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He said there is need to enhance climate adaptation efforts to address the effects of such extreme weather events and to combat the overarching climate crisis. The UN recognizes the Government of Zimbabwe's and that of the humanitarian partners for proactive planning and early actions to bolster community resilience. So far, the UN as part of the national anticipatory action and early response allocated US$ 5 1 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF) in December 2023. The sectors targeted with the advance allocation, include, Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH), Health including response to the Cholera outbreak, protection, as well as agriculture and food security, and nutrition. Millions of Zimbabweans are facing a ravaging drought that has led to widespread hunger amid serious water shortages. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared Zimbabwe's drought a national disaster says the country needed more than $2 billion in aid to feed millions facing hunger, according to Reuters. Reuters reports that Mnangagwa's statement follows similar announcements by Zambia in late February and Malawi in March, as drought induced by the El Nino global weather pattern triggers a humanitarian crisis in southern Africa. More than 2.7 million people in Zimbabwe will go hungry this year, Mnangagwa told journalists at the state house in Harare, adding that 80% of the country had received poor rains. El Nino is a naturally occurring weather phenomenon associated with a disruption of wind patterns that means warmer ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific. Most provinces in Zimbabwe have experienced crop failure since November, with hotter areas declaring grains such as maize a write-off. I spent a great deal of time moving air purifiers and bowls of steaming potatoes in and out of rooms. Photo: Miya Mizuno/HBO This article contains spoilers for The Regime episode five, All Ye Faithful. After four-and-a-half episodes allowing her boss to cosplay as her sons mother, Agnes, the loyal, long-suffering aide to The Regimes dictator Elena Vernham, played by Kate Winslet, finally decides to seek freedom for herself and her child. As rebel forces storm Elenas palace in a coup, Agnes searches frantically for her son, Oscar, so they can flee to safety in France. But she never finds him. Instead, Agnes is shot and killed instantly by one of the insurrectionists; her death is sudden, barely noticed in the chaos. Agnes is played by the gifted Andrea Riseborough, who evokes quiet desperation just below the characters surface right up until the moment she expires. The actress, who takes long, thoughtful pauses as she describes how she crafted the character, made specific choices to render Agnes relatable: She was the one who suggested to creator Will Tracy that Agnes be the representative of the proletariat. During discussions with Winslet while the two were filming another project, she decided to keep her hair short and her appearance unglamorous, a reflection of Agness deference to Elena. And in keeping with the constant changing priorities of Winslets mercurial chancellor, Riseborough played the part with the malleability of a woman constantly hustling to satisfy her bosss latest whim. If I think about that time, Riseborough says of her filming The Regime, I think about Agnes pushing things in and out of doors. Agnes is always in a rush, literally until the very end. When you took this part, did you get to read all the scripts before starting production? You know, I cant remember. I came to it because Kate and I were shooting Lee and she mentioned she was about to do this. She thought I would be good for the part. Stephen Frears was attached, and I have always wanted to work with Stephen. He was the first person I talked to about it, and Agnes was a blank canvas at that point because the backstory had been slightly different. Then Id suggested to Will that it would be wonderful if she were the working-class character through which we see the effects of all these political decisions how this one person, in spite of trying to survive and also being complicit, is jolted around by a system that cares nothing for her. You see that in Zubak, but Zubak has been harnessed as a tool for war against his own people, so hes broken to the point of near madness. Initially, Agnes might have lived in the palace before, or her family may have run the place. We landed at her being the representative of the proletariat, the long-suffering worker. When did you learn Agnes was going to die? Six months before we started shooting. We all knew the whole story at the beginning. Kate is so brilliant as Elena and it was hysterically funny filming. That was one of the really surprising things as we got into it: how weighted it was. That was certainly on the page, but when you read something at first glance, the humor lifts you from the gravity. That led to a lot of hilarity on set because the situations were so impossible and ridiculous. I spent a great deal of time moving air purifiers and bowls of steaming potatoes in and out of rooms. If I think about that time, I think about Agnes pushing things in and out of doors. Theres a lot we dont know about Agnes. Did you put together a full backstory for her or did you go by whats on the page? I dont love talking about all the processes because I think theyre very personal, and I wouldnt want to jeopardize their effectiveness. But theres such a great lead-up to most characters that you play at least, there has been in my experience. I had quite a long stretch of time before playing Agnes to really let her settle in. As we were shooting Lee, Kate and I talked about the relationship between Elena and Agnes and their backstory. At that time, Id played a character who had gone through chemotherapy, so my hair was really short. The tufts of it were just growing back. Kate and I talked about the idea that perhaps Elena had requested a utilitarian look for Agnes because of her own insecurities. She requested that Agnes keep her hair short. When we were all in prep together, that was when the realizations came: what was going to be appropriate, what was going to be authentic, what was going to be hysterically funny, and what was going to be horribly tragic. One of the horribly tragic things, unfortunately, is poor old Agness trajectory. She moves in and out of rooms ghostlike and then is taken from us in such a cruel, anonymous, fleeting way. Her death is so sudden. Its so abrupt, you almost dont know its happened. The way that Jess Hobbs, who co-directed, and Stephen and Will constructed that scene so beautifully reflected how meaningless those lives are to people in power who have no idea what it is to work a day. Theyre making huge decisions for people whose lives they have no relationship to. When was it like to shoot that scene where the coup is happening? Obviously youre acting, and you know its not real Im not very good at knowing its not real. When an emergency happens, youre propelled instantly to that fight-or-flight zone, which involves clarity of thinking. You become hypervigilant in the most useful ways, as were supposed to in those moments. It felt like there was just one thing to do, and that was to ensure Oscars whereabouts and safety. The only thing that was happening for her up until the millisecond at the end of her life was reuniting with Oscar. The only thing she was engaged in was Oscars safety. And then life ended. And thats the tragedy. There was no moment of epiphany. Its over, everything: the hope of escape, his future, any hope she may have had for herself its all gone. Was there ever a version of this that went differently, where she didnt die? I dont know. Ive actually not asked Will that. Why do you think Agnes is so loyal to Elena? Why does she allow Elena to basically co-opt her son? In those societies where we feel like we have an illusion of freedom, you perceive things through a certain set of familiar moral constructs. Whereas the reality with Agnes is that if she tries to leave, she will be shot. She doesnt really have a choice. She doesnt have choices. Before Elena takes a shine to Oscar, Agnes is complicit because, as one might in a situation of such terror, shes self-preserving-ly maintaining this role within the palace because it gives her an illusion of power, so that she can cope and provide for her son and know that theyre not going to be starved or put in a position of horrible danger. Theyre close to the enemy. Then, unfortunately, Elena takes this huge shine to Oscar and thinks she wants to explore motherhood, so Agnes has absolutely no choice but to co-parent with a dictator. There are no options because Agnes has to stay alive to try and preserve Oscars wellness. Were she to rebel, that would probably end her life. And then Oscar would have no one. Eventually, when a chink of light comes through that there might be hope of an escape, as that escape begins to be followed through, that could also lead to death. This is just the lesser of two evils at this point. And for every character in this situation, if you dont have some delusions, I dont know how you would go on. Its a bit like having a period every month. You have to forget how bad it was, or theres no way forward. I was trying to think about a scenario in which Agnes survives, but then I was like, That wouldnt even make sense in this show. The reality is that the pawns in these situations are the people who suffer. And she is one of those pawns. Its essential that we see that she is eradicated and that she goes quietly, unceremoniously, and all of the love that shes put into this place in the way that she has been able to show it just dissolves. I havent spoken to Kate about this, but Im sure Elena will miss Agnes as things move on. Im sure she will miss her sorely and deeply. She was really maybe the closest woman to Elena, and as much resentment and anger and repressed rage as there was between the two of them, there was also a complicity. This interview has been edited and condensed. Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae. Photo: Dave Benett/Getty Images Anya Taylor-Joy, I know what you are. Say it out loud just say it. Yes, I am the vampire Lestat, the Dune: Part Two actress confirmed on Instagram, alongside the news that she and her partner have been married for two years. She likely compared herself to the blond, bloodsucking, toxic lover of the Interview With a Vampire franchise because they share two things in common: New Orleans and devouring hearts dripping with crimson. That is, the actor surreptitiously married her longtime boo, the musician Malcolm McRae, in the Big Easy in 2022 and celebrated by eating a menu of anatomically correct cakes shaped like the vital organ. Two years ago, on April Fools, I secretly married my best friend in New Orleans, she captioned an Instagram post of the wedding in what looks to be a spooky hole-in-the-wall Catholic church. The magic of that day is ingrained in every cell of my being, forever. Happy second ( first ) anniversary my love youre the coolest. Attendees included model Cara Delevingne and photographer Sebastian Faena, according to Taylor-Joy. Suck up all the pictures from the freaky little southern-gothic affair below. The New Look What a Day It Has Been Season 1 Episode 10 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Previous Next Previous Episode Next Episode Photo: Apple TV+ Was The New Look the most groundbreaking show in television history? Of course not, and thats the point. It was never meant to break new ground; it was meant to make viewers like me feel comfortable and cozy while maybe, possibly, learning a little something. Like The Crown, The New Look provided stunning sets, costumes, and an overall visual feast with historical drama you can mostly look up on Wikipedia. The series finale (well see about that) functions as a clip show-slash- wrap-up of the buildup made in the first moments of the series premiere. Years after his first collection debuted and changed couture forever, Christian Dior is speaking at a university about his accomplishments and is asked about designing dresses for Nazi girlfriends and wives during the occupation of France. Meanwhile, actual Nazi collaborator Coco Chanel essentially tells reporters that Dior is nonsense. The series finale doesnt exactly stick the landing, but it proves its point by presenting Diors and Chanels lives in parallel: Dior good, Chanel Nazi. All Christian Dior ever wanted to do was make the most beautiful womens clothing that ever existed. But that takes stress and audacity. The finale opens with Christian in yet another pickle: To get his collection ready on time, he has to snatch up seamstresses from other couture houses, which interferes with the production of their collections. A livid Pierre Balmain barges into the house of Dior with a warning. The Couture Council will be doing something about Christians scheme. Prepare your defense, he says. The stolen Dior seamstresses must leave, forcing Dior, Madame Zehnacker, and Pierre Cardin to work fast to meet their deadline. Thankfully, this is Christians first betrayal (hes no Coco Chanel). His friends in fashion, including Cristobal Balenciaga and Lucien Lelong (welcome back, John Malkovich!), are angry but willing to negotiate. They believe in Christians vision and know he didnt do this with malicious intent. Couture Council president Lelong, who gets a visit from Carmel Snow inquiring about the new face of French couture, opts not to sanction Christian, who he sees as a son. Lelong describes himself as a father of sorts to his former employee, and The New Look fulfills its BBC-to-PBS-to-box-set-at-grandmas-house pipeline aesthetic with flashbacks to moments of camaraderie and love between them. Clip show! Lelong visits Christian and they come to a compromise: He must give some of the seamstresses back to the houses he screwed over, and he wont get in trouble. Christians overall kindness and social game (forgive the Survivor reference) works in his favor. By the end of the episode, Balenciaga, Lelong, and even the bitter Balmain (who isnt chosen as the new face of French couture by Snow) are in awe at Diors first show. While Christian prepares to debut his collection, hes trying to convince Catherine to attend and is all worked up about her absence. Given her history there, Catherine is uncomfortable in Paris and especially uncomfortable with receiving the Croix de Guerre. She thinks it is shameful to celebrate and feels that Paris is haunted. Christian gives her a bottle of his perfume, which she hesitantly accepts, adding that fragrance and clothes wont fix her, somewhat mirroring their older brothers dismissal of Christians endeavor. But Catherine turns things around: She buries the photo of her friend Talia thats haunted her since she was freed from the Nazi camp, and she shows up to Christians show at the perfect moment when he is brooding in the workroom as a negative dialogue about his career path from their father, Maurice, plays. Clip show! Catherine who later learns the perfume is named after her, producing her first smile all season tells Christian that the fragrance took her back to a place she never thought shed experience again, demonstrating the power of perfume and the power of smell. I didnt want you to be alone, she tells him. Meanwhile, Coco Chanel is left all alone. Not even Spatz wants her. He only wants her money. At the beginning of the episode, Coco weeps next to Elsas casket. She shouldnt have died alone, she says, unaware of her own fate. Spatz hastily approaches her, demanding her money or else he will tell Andre about her Nazi ties. Spatz knows shes vulnerable and will crack, and he also takes pleasure in making her squirm. Coco negotiates with the Wertheimers and comes with absurd demands (Its all or nothing), which Pierre will meet if she simply acknowledges what she did and apologizes. Coco, however, is blinded by her internalized victimhood. In her business with the Wertheimers, she sees herself as a victim of the boys club, as she calls it. She may be right in some ways, but she still has an advantage due to her wealth and fame. In a brutal, stirring scene performed brilliantly by Claes Bang, Spatz still waiting for his money beats Andre while threatening Coco to come clean about her Nazi ties. Eventually, Coco has to give in, and Spatz forces her to tell her nephew the truth, including her betrayal of the Baron (remember him? I didnt). For some reason I can probably only explain in therapy, I am both terrified and aroused by Spatz in this episode. Bang! It turns out Elsa was wrong. Andres love for his aunt does not surpass her Nazi ties. He immediately rejects her. You dont love anything, you have your money, he says, indicating that he saw through her this whole time and was just waiting for the proof to abandon her. He leaves for Paris with Gabrielle and spills to the French police, who come for her by the episodes end. And yet, the student at Christians appearance at the university years in the future believes Coco to be innocent of Nazi ties, while Christian is guilty since Cocos house was shut down during the war and he continued to work. The rich and the sexy might have their strife, but they always come out on top, even if theyre alone. The episode and series wrap with Diors debut show (the costumes, by Karen Serreau, are stunning re-creations, and I only wish we got to see more of the fashion in the show) and, unfortunately for me, a Bleachers cover. Then the episode circles back to its beginning with Christians university appearance, and then a montage featuring Dior throughout the decades from Marilyn and Jackie to Diana and Natalie officially wraps it up. Overall, I enjoyed this series. It indicates that Apple is looking into reviving more traditional television with a little bit of prestige. The first three episodes focusing on the Nazi occupation set a great tone, but ultimately the series didnt go as in-depth as I expected after that. But the performances were exemplary all around. While Ben Mendelsohn (who deserves at least an Emmy nomination) and Juliette Binoche (who clearly had the toughest job here) were incredible, its Claes Bang and Emily Mortimer who were true standouts, which is certainly not something I would have predicted. Overall, The New Look dove more into melodrama than character development, which is evident in its treatment of Catherine. Maisie Williams did what she could with the multi-episode plotline that had been hidden from the audience until last week. Its possible that The New Look could continue with the same cast and characters, but its unlikely. Not that anyone is asking, but my vision for it is that the series does one season focused on the lives of fashion designers throughout history, eventually leading to a show that contrasts the rise of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. Good-bye, for now, and sincere thanks to everyone who has tolerated my Claes Bang thirst for nine whole weeks! Well, theyre here. The Tom and Ariana confrontations that we all were hoping for, that we all wanted, that we expected this season to deliver. We got them. Well, did you keep the receipt? Because I want to return them. Please tell me you saved the return shipping label from ASOS because, just like that $7.99 top you just bought, they should be sent back to the Bangladeshi factory from whence they came. Its because no one here is right, and with Ariana behaving badly when the show forces her to confront her ex, there is officially no one left to like on the show. We can like Ally, I guess, but even she is one astrological reading to the wrong person away from her very own Milkshake Ducking. It starts when everyone goes to Jamess house (yes, the editors inserted an airplane flying overhead so we could orient ourselves) for Lalas water sommelier event. Im not sure exactly what happened, but they did drink the only $1,000 bottle of water in America, and Im pretty sure it was just filled with runoff from the L.A. River. After that, the pizza arrives, and Sandoval runs out to find out if the delivery guy forgot the ranch. Hes doing the most right now! Ariana barks from the couch, something you know she has said a million times in their ten years together but never with this much bile. It gets worse when everyone sits down to eat, and Tom walks by the table, and Ariana calls him an attempted dog murderer within earshot but without actually acknowledging that hes in the room. This stems from the last episode when Tom lets their dog into Arianas room, where she ate a takeout container with some leftovers and chicken satay sticks. It quickly devolves into petty arguing. Ariana is mad that Tom didnt close the back door to their house. Tom accuses Ariana of never emptying the litter box even though she says she did it last week, and the editors grace us with footage of her doing just that as proof. What Tom is really upset about is that Ariana wont respond to an email that Tom and his lawyer sent her about buying her out of the house. She says that her lawyer is going to handle it, but Tom counters that its been with him for two months, and they havent done anything. Its clear that one of these two really needs to get out of the house for the healing to start. Ariana says in a confessional, Short of removing myself entirely from this group of friends, its not possible to just never be in the same room as my ex ever. But I feel like being in the same room with him at a social function might be easier were they not still fighting about stupid household shit, which, like drug resistant gonorrhea, are painful, intractable, and will certainly ruin your sex life. The problem with their current situation is that they need to be able to communicate with each other about the house, the show, their boundaries but Ariana wont let them have any type of conversation, nonetheless a productive one. When Tom comes at her about the email and the house, she just starts shouting, Get the fuck away from me, get the fuck away from me, repeatedly. What Sandoval did to Ariana was terrible and entirely his fault. However, how they deal with the aftermath is up to both of them. Tom wants to get it done (maybe not fairly, but he wants it done). Ariana wants to make this guys life as hard as she possibly can. I dont blame her. I would have set all of that mans possessions and his pubic hair on fire if he did to me what he did to her. Still, the way its set up now is serving neither of them. When Ariana yells at Sandoval, he packs up and leaves, ceding control of the situation and the friend group to Ariana. It is a little bit of kindness from a man we havent seen be kind since, what, when he paid for Jamess engagement so that he could fuck his fiance? Okay, maybe not that. On his way out, he says, You got everything. You got all the campaigns; now youre going to take my assistant? Hes not wrong. Shes doing much better than he is (and she should!), but cant she take a bit of consolation from that? Will that lessen her anger? Later in the episode, Lala says, Look at his life. She won. Shes right! Ariana says that she doesnt want to sit there while Tom jabs at her, but he seems mostly silent to her other than asking to figure out the house situation, which everyone says needs sorting. Shes the one who is stonewalling him and making it impossible to move on either at home or in the group. As this is all going down inside the house, Schwartz and Katie have one of the nicest, coolest moments theyve had in their entire relationship when theyre out back talking about how Katie fucked Toms best friend, Max. You dirty dog, Tom says to Katie, almost in admiration. He likes that she has lost the moral high ground of him always cheating and making out with Rachel when she asked him not to. She seems to take some kind of sick pride in having revenge on him. Its like the two are finally starting to respect each other for the horrible banshees in each others souls. They end with Katie telling Tom, I wont fuck any more of your friends, and he chuckles, and I can see a small sliver of the future if everything goes just the right way, where Tom and Katie both find new partners and can someday laugh about their horrible first marriage to each other. Katie gets in another funny when she texts Ariana the next day and asks, Should we go to Scheanas beach day or should we fake our own deaths? I would definitely opt for B, but since its Scheanas beach day that means Brock will be in attendance and his budgy smugglers are coming out. You know I am not going to miss an opportunity to stare at his thighs like theyre the Mona Lisa or the ABBA hologram show. Speaking of my main man, Brock, just because Im in love with his body doesnt mean I always love his personality. On the one hand, he keeps being one of the wisest and sanest voices about life after Sandoval. When Scheana insists he uninvite Sandoval because of the fight at the water party, Brock refuses. You have to love a man who can stand his ground while playing with his daughter at a teeny tiny table. Just because Sandoval triggers Ariana and she cant handle her anger doesnt mean that Sandoval shouldnt be invited. It means that someone needs to tell Ariana that they need to peacefully coexist for the good of the show, and that entails at least tolerating her ex. Im not even asking for acceptance or cordiality here. Im talking about just letting the man breathe within 100 feet of her. However, when everyone finally arrives for the beach day, Brock brings up something about Tom and Rachel and sets us off for the second round of fighting. Here I thought DJ James Kennedy did a good job of dispelling the tension with his joke about one side being Arianas and one Sandovals and now my big, beefy man-lover goes and ruins it all. The subject of Arianas pets comes up, and she says that theyre hers because she paid the adoption fees. (It turns out she paid for most of the furniture in the house, too.) When Sandoval tries to come up with an argument, she just keeps shouting, Stop speaking to me. Stop speaking to me, repeatedly to silence him. There is a flaw in this very effective strategy, though. If she let Tom tell his side of the story, hes probably going to look like an asshole because thats what he always does, and she will be vindicated. Just look at what happened with the cat litter. However, if she silences him, he seems like a victim, which we all know he clearly isnt. I dont need Ariana to be a perfect victim. I dont even need her to be nice to Sandoval, but I at least need her to try to engage with him in a meaningful way, if not for the good of the show, but for the good of herself. James says in a confessional, I dont think Ariana should forgive and forget, but maybe its good for her to release some of this anger. Dude, if the White Kanye, the same man who shouted, Its not about the pasta! is telling you that you have anger-management issues, maybe its time for you to take stock of your life choices. Back in Valley Village, Ann just showed up for work in her suit with her resume printed out. She was interviewed for a job with Ariana, and Tom listened to everything from the landing of the house. Ann! he bellowed at her, throwing the boxer briefs hed worn for three straight days at her face as she walked up the stairs. Do you even want to work here anymore? Do you even know what Ive done for you? Ive saved you. Ive saved you from her rage. Ive saved you from her never replacing the batteries and the pens. Ive saved you from taking care of those dogs that I do most of the work on anyway. Ive paid you and taken care of you for months, and now youre going to leave me just because of what? Im too nice to you? I pay you too well? God, Ann. Just get out of here and come back in a few days. Actually no. You go downstairs and sit on a stool for an hour and think about what you did. But can you get my stripey green top from the dryer first? I need to go to the beach. Meanwhile, in The Valley In classic Kristen Doute fashion, she takes something Janet said about Michelle maybe being a Republican because she supports Dont Say Gay bills and turns it into Janet saying that Michelle is probably a racist. Now, it isnt a huge jump from the GOP to racism, given the current MAGA state of the party, but this is ridiculous even for Kristen. She says that she heard it from Zack, the only human on the planet whose hair grows like a winter hat. He says he never said that because everyone knows no one ever said it because Kristen is an actually insane person who makes things up. When the whole group meets for a Capri dinner that, for some strange reason, was not held in the Capri Room, the whole business erupts with lots of screaming about things both trivial and, well, trivial. Except no one wants to be called a racist, which is the thing white people fear most, even more than sunburns, doing the Electric Slide badly, and Greys Anatomy being canceled. Speaking of being canceled, Kristen finally opens up about the worst thing that ever happened to her. I was canceled, she says, like it is a disease and she just caught it. I have rickets, Kristen tells everyone, and they commit seppuku together and dream of Capri. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Japan shows interest in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the construction sector, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Construction Manufacturers Association (ATMIA) Shahana Sari said during a press conference on the results of participation in the "Tokyo Construction & Design 2024" exhibition, Trend reports. "Last year, ATMIA invited Japanese experts to conduct masterclasses for its members. Subsequently, it was agreed to participate in the "Tokyo Construction & Design 2024" exhibition. Japan has shown interest in collaborating with Azerbaijan in the construction sector," she said. To note, the Azerbaijan Construction Manufacturers Association was established in 2017 and currently has more than 400 members. The main goal of the association is the development of the construction sector in Azerbaijan and the promotion of measures taken by the state in the field of economic and social development. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Dining chat: A waiter gave our anniversary bubbly to the table next to us. What should we have done? BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Chairperson of Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova has met with a delegation headed by St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov, Trend reports. Gafarova noted that the peoples of the two countries are linked by centuries-old historical links that are still flourishing today. During the talks, she also offered her sympathy regarding the recent terrorist act in Russia. The meeting emphasized the importance of parliaments in the development of bilateral relations between countries, the Azerbaijani Parliament's close cooperation with both the Federation Council and the State Duma, and the fact that mutual visits and the interaction of friendship groups contribute to the further development of these relationships. In reference to her official travels to the Russian Federation, Gafarova underlined that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Azerbaijani Parliament and the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia has potential for further development of relations. She added that cooperation across parliamentary committees is also being discussed. The Azerbaijani Parliament's ties with the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly, as well as legislative assembly members' visits to our nation, were also underlined. Governor Beglov expressed gratitude for the warm reception, noting that his visit coincided with the twentieth anniversary of the formation of the intergovernmental commission between the Republic of Azerbaijan and St. Petersburg on economic and humanitarian cooperation. Paying tribute to the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, the governor said the political course established by this wise person is successfully continued by the President of the Azerbaijan Republic, Ilham Aliyev, nowadays. Beglov also touched upon the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev's celebration last year, noting that large-scale events were held in St. Petersburg on this occasion. During the talks, the delegation members also expressed their admiration for the growth of Azerbaijan's capital. During the meeting, the two sides discussed additional subjects of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Offshore investors and small local funds are emerging as the most likely opportunistic buyers in the retail sector, where centres are selling for less than it would cost to build them new. Tumbling asset values crossed with rebounding sales figures and a stalled development pipeline could prove an attractive constellation for buyers looking for a bargain. Last year, few of the major centres on the market found buyers and most sold at a discount. Superannuation fund ISPT, which has quietly withdrawn some of its offerings from the market Melbournes CBD-based GPO and The Strand has now listed the Dee Why Grand on Sydneys northern beaches. 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. Brittany Higgins believed the publication of her private text messages, diary entries and other documents handed over to police and prosecutors to assist in Bruce Lehrmanns sexual assault trial was part of a deliberate campaign to undermine her credibility, court documents reveal. The Federal Court in Sydney heard allegations on Tuesday that Lehrmann leaked more than 2300 pages of Higgins text messages with her ex-boyfriend Ben Dillaway to Seven as he negotiated an exclusive interview deal in 2022 with the networks Spotlight program. Lehrmann has previously told the court he did not give any documents to Seven. Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins outside court. Credit: Rhett Wyman In a bombshell development on Tuesday night, Network Ten succeeded in an application to reopen its defence to Lehrmanns multimillion-dollar Federal Court defamation case against Ten and high-profile presenter Lisa Wilkinson over an interview with Higgins broadcast on The Project on February 15, 2021. Justice Michael Lee was due to deliver his decision in the defamation case on Thursday but has postponed his judgment to hear evidence called by Ten from Taylor Auerbach, a former Spotlight producer who has alleged in affidavits filed in court that Lehrmann leaked the Higgins and Dillaway texts to Seven in December 2022. Auerbach will give evidence on Thursday. Warning: this report contains the name and image of Cleveland Dodd, with his familys permission. Teenager Cleveland Dodd threatened to self-harm eight times on the day he tried to take his life at the notorious Unit 18 youth wing of Casuarina Prison, just over an hour of which was spent outside his cell, an inquest has been told. Cleveland Dodd, 16, (inset) died after self-harming in his cell at the youth Unit 18 wing of Perths maximum-security Casuarina Prison. The hour-by-hour breakdown of Clevelands final day at the facility was laid bare by Counsel Assisting the Coroner Anthony Crocker on Wednesday, the first day of the inquest into the 16-year-olds death. The inquest was told CCTV showed Cleveland exiting his cell just twice on October 11, 2023 once for a 20-minute virtual court appearance and again at 4.40pm for recreation time, two hours after asking why he wasnt being let out. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The first meeting of the Pardon Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan will be held to consider applications for pardon, Trend reports. To date, 69 orders on pardon and 12 acts of amnesty have been signed. The latest order on pardoning several convicts was signed on May 8, 2023, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev. According to the order, 801 convicts were pardoned, of whom 463 were released from imprisonment, 220 were released from half of the unexecuted part of the imprisonment sentence, and 118 were released from other punishments not related to imprisonment (restriction of freedom, correctional works, fines, and parole). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Armenia's ruling party has lost its authority after the Second Karabakh War, said Hovik Aghazaryan, a parliament member from the ruling Civil Contract Faction party of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Trend reports. "We were kneeling, but people came up to us from behind and said, stand up; you are on the right path. We can be considered dead and resurrected," the MP said. The Armenian Member of Parliament emphasized that war is not the correct course of action. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently stated at a meeting with inhabitants of the Tavush region that if Armenia refuses to negotiate delimitation and demarcation problems with Azerbaijan, war may break out soon. "You may leave this hall now and say that there will be no delineation or demarcation. However, by the end of the week, this would almost certainly result in war. And I'm well aware of the implications of this war. Later, when we gather at the Republic Square, you may pretend that we are just ordinary villagers; we were oblivious while claiming that the government was told about everything," Pashinyan said. In addition, Pashinyan noted that the process of delimitation and demarcation between Azerbaijan and Armenia has entered a de facto phase. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Michael Bolton A man has died in hospital from his injuries after he was assaulted on Saturday in Clondalkin, County Dublin. The man in his 30s, passed away from his injuries in Tallaght Hospital on Wednesday. The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified, and arrangements are being made for a post-mortem examination. An Incident Room has been set up at Clondalkin Garda Station, with a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) overseeing the investigation. Additionally, a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to provide support and updates to the deceased's family. The results of the post-mortem examination will determine the direction of this ongoing investigation. Currently, no arrests have been made, and gardai at Clondalkin are renewing their appeal for witnesses. Gardai are specifically urging passengers who travelled on the number 13 Dublin Bus from Clondalkin on Saturday, March 30th, between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm to come forward, especially those who disembarked at the bus stop on St. Cuthbert's Road and proceeded towards Grange View Road. Additionally, investigating gardai are seeking information from anyone who was in the Tower Road area of Clondalkin between 9:30 pm and 10:15 pm, or in the Grange View Way area between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm. Individuals who possess camera footage (including dash cam) of these areas on the evening of the incident are urged to provide this footage to the investigating gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Another round of political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Montenegro was held in Podgorica on April 2, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend. The delegation of Azerbaijan was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev, while the delegation of Montenegro was headed by State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Milisav Raspopovic. "During the consultations, representatives from both countries discussed various aspects of their bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. Azerbaijan highlighted its ongoing strategic energy and transportation projects and emphasized the importance of collaboration within international organizations. Of particular note was Azerbaijan's preparation for hosting the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November 2024, which was shared with the other parties during the discussions. The meeting also delved into the post-conflict situation in the region, with Azerbaijan providing insights into its efforts to establish lasting peace, address the issue of mines in recently liberated territories, and carry out reconstruction and construction projects in those areas. Additionally, discussions encompassed international and regional issues of mutual interest, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the political consultations. Apart from the consultations, Rzayev engaged in business meetings with other officials of Montenegro, further strengthening bilateral ties and exploring potential avenues for cooperation," the Azerbaijani ministry said. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Armenia, once again following the directives of its supporters, has initiated actions aimed at escalating tensions along the nominal borders with Azerbaijan. In the hours leading up to the April 5 EU-Armenia-US joint meeting in Brussels, the escalation of tensions has become increasingly apparent. Armenia's significant buildup of personnel and military assets along the border underscores the purpose behind its military maneuvers. Furthermore, the decision to mobilize reservists for military exercises from April 1 to June 28 aligns suspiciously with the timing of the April 5 meeting and subsequent developments. With the utmost clarity, the forthcoming EU-Armenia-US format meeting in Brussels is poised to serve as a platform for Western forces to step into the South Caucasus. Last day's shelling of Azerbaijani Armed Forces positions in the Nakhchivan direction only amplifies the risk of heightened tensions along the Azerbaijan border, potentially before or after this crucial gathering. There's a plausible scenario where such provocations are orchestrated to goad Azerbaijan into retaliation, thereby laying the groundwork for a pretext to draw Western forces into bolstering Armenia's perceived 'security'. Armenia appears to be steadfastly gripped by illusions. The April 5 meeting, anticipated to secure explicit Western support for Armenia, raises thought-provoking questions, particularly concerning its implications vis-a-vis Russia: - Armenia remains a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) - Has a bilateral military-political alliance with Russia - There is a Russian military base on Armenian territory - Russia accounts for the largest part of Armenia's economic system. Nonetheless, Armenia is exerting considerable effort to distance itself from Russia's influence and forge a military-political alliance with the West. Amidst these developments, Armenia's political leadership remains unreserved in holding Russia accountable. Just recently, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan once again levied sharp accusations against the Kremlin. He emphasized that Armenia has upheld its commitments in its relations with Russia without error. Pashinyan further asserted that they have fulfilled all obligations to Russia. The Armenian Prime Minister openly accused Russia of deceit. Russia's response swiftly followed. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, dismissed claims that Russia and the CSTO had not aided Armenia during the escalation in the South Caucasus region as false. Additionally, she asserted that the recent tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan hinge on Armenia permitting the European Union, the US, and the UK to exert a destructive influence on both the regional situation and the country itself. Consequently, Russia openly declared that prominent Western entities are backing Armenia's provocative actions. While Russia engages in a verbal confrontation with Armenia, the West has embarked on a mission to fill the ensuing vacuum in Armenian political power and public sentiment left by Russia. It's evident that the West regards Armenia as a unique entity in the region and aims to establish a precedent by offering Armenia direct security assurances. At the same time, this move can be interpreted as Western intervention in the process of finalizing a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Regrettably, Azerbaijan's constructive acceptance of the EU and US mediation proposals is being exploited by the mentioned entities. The West blatantly showcases total disregard for Azerbaijan's interests. This also sets a significant precedent, severely constraining Brussels and Washington's mediation capabilities from the perspective of official Azerbaijan. Armenia's recent provocation in Nakhchivan has ignited tensions with Azerbaijan and Russia. Any escalation could deal another blow to Russia's standing in Armenia. Thus, Armenia's breach of the ceasefire in Nakhchivan marks the onset of provocations. Nikol Pashinyan appears committed to his provocative agenda, perhaps seeking to drag Azerbaijan into war to substantiate his recent claim that failure to reclaim villages will lead to conflict. By accusing Azerbaijan of seeking a pretext for war, Pashinyan may be attempting to conceal planned provocations. It's likely that Armenia and instigators of border escalation aim to portray Armenia as a victim under attack, driving these provocations. However, Armenian authorities must realize that such plans won't intimidate Azerbaijan, whose decisions are resolute, as President Ilham Aliyev has outlined. Should Armenia's uncertain steps and propensity for escalation persist, posing a threat to national security and sovereignty, Azerbaijan reserves the right to strike tactical targets in response to provocations. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Africa is no longer the carbon sink of the world In only nine years between 2010 and 2019, Africa has turned from being a net carbon sink, to being a net carbon source. Figure 1: Summarising the key components of the African Carbon Cycle and their change over the first two decades of this century. Anthropogenic activities such as fossil fuel burning and agricultural activities release carbon dioxide and other GHGs into the atmosphere. Some of this carbon gets taken up again through ecological processes such as weathering and plant growth, so the net amount accumulating in the atmosphere is often less than the anthropogenic sources. Arrows up show sources to the atmosphere and arrows down show carbon being absorbed into the ecosystem. The coloured bars are the best available estimate, and hashed bars represent our uncertainty about that estimate. New research by a team of researchers from the Futures Ecosystems for Africa programme, based at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, has found that in the years between 2010 and 2019, the continent of Africa has transitioned from being a slight net carbon sink to a slight net carbon source. Overall, it is estimated that Africa is a source of 4.5 petagrams, or 4.5 billion metric tons, of carbon dioxide equivalents per year. While, until now, Africa has been producing about 4% of the anthropogenic greenhouse gasses (GHG), that leads to climate change, globally, the continent has also been offering climate services to the globe, largely through the intact ecosystems in the tropics which have been sequestering more GHGs than were released through anthropogenic activities. While it still serves this purpose, in the last decade the rate at which carbon is being released from the continent increased. In terms of global numbers this means Africa still hovers around 4% of fossil fuel emissions, but actually emits nearly 40% of the global emissions from land use, and is now, for the first time, contributing 3-5% of the growing amount of GHGs in the atmosphere, says Professor Sally Archibald, Principal Investigator at the Future Ecosystems for Africa Program, and Professor in the Wits School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences at Wits University. The population of Africa, the second-largest continent in the world, currently sits at about 1.4 billion, but is set to exceed 2 billion by 2040, the trend is likely to continue. Key factors in the rise of greenhouse gases include fossil fuel burning, methane emissions from livestock, and soil carbon losses and nitrous oxide emissions as land is converted for agricultural use. While Natural ecosystems continue to act as carbon sinks across the region and are taking up about 30% of what is being emitted to the atmosphere through human activities, greater swaths of land than ever before are being used for agriculture, and livestock numbers are increasing, with the net result being that these changes in land use have affected Africas role in the global carbon cycle, says Dr Yolandi Ernst, researcher at the Wits Global Change Institute and the lead author of the study. To make their estimates, Ernst et al. followed the budget assessment protocol laid out by the REgionalCarbon Cycle Assessment and Processes (RECCAP2). They took a comprehensive look at all major potential carbon sources, including human sources such as agriculture and fossil fuel emissions and natural sources such as termites and wildfires. They also considered natural sinks: the grasslands, savannas, and forests that still cover much of the continent. Figure 2: Some of the ecosystem processes that need to be quantified to accurately assess the African Carbon Budget methane emissions from termites and livestock, as well as tree growth and mortality rates. Overall, they estimated that Africa was a source of 4.5 petagrams, or 4.5 billion metric tons, of carbon dioxide equivalents per year, with land use emissions still being higher than fossil fuel emissions. Both are growing rapidly. In the last year, the total anthropogenic emissions (emissions resulting from human activity), including trade, livestock and fuel burning were estimated at 1.2 petagams of carbon per year. Moderate climate conditions and high productivity of the tropical forests helped natural ecosystems to take up about 0.6 petagrams of carbon per year, leaving approximately 0.6 petagrams of carbon as the net flux, released into the atmosphere. Figure 3: Showing different forms of land use in Africa as landscapes are transformed into small scale, and then commercial agriculture, GHG emissions and carbon losses increase significantly. The information from this research on Africas carbon budget is key to identifying which aspects of the greenhouse gas cycle are most important to be managed in the quest to achieve net zero, and possibly restore the continents role as a carbon sink. Investing in carbon-neutral energy sources could reduce about 30% of Africas anthropogenic emissions, but novel ways to manage landscapes for livelihoods and carbon storage would be needed to slow the emissions from agriculture and land use, says Ernst. As demand for food production increases, we need a focus on climate-smart agricultural practices on the continent, as well as a focus on investments that address socio-economic challenges in nature-preserving ways across Africa. Protecting, managing, and restoring the landscapes that are helping to take up the excess CO2 is an important part of the solution - but there are challenges with making carbon storage the main goal of conservation and it can conflict with biodiversity and water provision. The Future Ecosystems for Africa Program is working with scientists, policy makers, and carbon projects across the continent to try to navigate this and identify opportunities to store carbon in natural ecosystems that do not damage the ecology., says Archibald. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The April battles have marked the start of Azerbaijan's Great Victory, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. The expert highlighted that in early April 2016, amid intense artillery fire from the Armenian Armed Forces on Azerbaijani forward positions and settlements, the Azerbaijani Army thwarted provocations through a counter-offensive operation. "The heights surrounding Talish village in the Tartar district, Lalatapa, and Jojug Marjanli heights in the Jabrayil district, along with several positions near Gulistan village in Goranboy district and Madagiz village in Tartar district, were liberated. Through strikes on enemy firing points and artillery installations, coupled with intelligence operations, the Azerbaijani army made significant advances. Ultimately, the Azerbaijani flag was raised atop Lalatapa height," Garayev said. The political analyst stressed that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's assertion that "Karabakh has always been and will be an integral part of Azerbaijan" carries significant weight. "The events of April, which symbolized the unity and resilience of the Azerbaijani people, underscored their unwavering faith in victory and reaffirmed Azerbaijan's determination and commitment to swiftly restore justice, ultimately leading to the reinstatement of historical truths. During the Second Karabakh War, the Azerbaijani army decisively defeated the enemy, liberating our lands from invaders and restoring our territorial integrity. This victory heralded the restoration of historical justice, returning the liberated lands to their rightful owners. Following targeted anti-terrorist measures conducted by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Karabakh last year, Armenian illegal armed groups within Azerbaijan swiftly surrendered, raising the white flag within 24 hours. Azerbaijan successfully reinstated its territorial sovereignty, marking a new chapter in our nation's history," Garayev added. Azer Garayev also highlighted that the April battles marked the inception of Azerbaijan's Great Victory, showcasing the prowess of the Azerbaijani army. The soldiers, characterized by professionalism, patriotism, and heroism, demonstrated their strength while equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and equipment. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev has met China's Ambassador Guo Min in Baku due to the end of her diplomatic activity in the country, hailing her contribution to bilateral relations, a source in the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. The meeting welcomed the development dynamics of Azerbaijani-Chinese relations. The existence of great prospects for further expansion of cooperation in mutual investments in political, trade and economic, transport and logistics, energy, agricultural, humanitarian, and other spheres was emphasized. Mustafayev thanked Min for her contribution to the development of bilateral relations and wished her success in her future diplomatic activities," the source added. To note, Guo Min has been ambassador to Azerbaijan since 2019. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A delegation headed by Deputy Prosecutor General of Kazakhstan Zhandos Umiraliyev has arrived in Azerbaijan on a working visit at the invitation of Azerbaijani Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, the Prosecutor's Office told Trend. The delegation will participate in a five-sided meeting of representatives of the Prosecutor General's Offices of the Caspian littoral states, which will be held in Baku. During the bilateral meeting, Kamran Aliyev emphasized the crucial role of mutual trust and dialogue between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in fostering ties across various domains and creating new avenues for cooperation. It was highlighted that the inauguration of the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center in the liberated Fuzuli district underscores the deep bond between the two nations. The Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan also acknowledged the strong cooperation between the prosecutor's offices and law enforcement agencies of both countries across all sectors. He expressed confidence that legal contacts would be effectively maintained in the future. Speaking of the forthcoming holding of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan, one of the most prestigious international events in the world, he emphasized that it once again testifies to the great trust and respect of the world countries towards Azerbaijan. The growing authority of the country on a global scale was noted. Kamran Aliyev also said the 29th annual conference and general meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) will be held in Azerbaijan from September 29 to October 2 this year, and an invitation has been sent to his Kazakh colleague Berik Asylov. Zhandos Umiraliyev expressed appreciation for the warm reception and highlighted the strong relations between the two countries as well as the mutual support between their peoples. The Deputy Prosecutor General of Kazakhstan emphasized the significance of the five-sided meeting of representatives from the Prosecutor Generals of the Caspian littoral states. He expressed confidence that fruitful mutual activities would continue successfully in the future. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A meeting of the Commission on Pardon Issues under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held today, Trend reports. More than 100 appeals received by the Commission were considered at the meeting. This year, the Commission will consider more than 700 appeals. Appeals of women, foreigners, and servicemen in connection with road accidents, life imprisonment, etc. will be considered. Meanwhile, to date, 69 orders on pardon and 12 acts of amnesty have been signed. The last order on the clemency of several convicts was signed on May 8, 2023, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev. According to the order, 801 convicts were pardoned, 463 of them were released from imprisonment punishment, 220 were released from half of the unexecuted part of the imprisonment punishment, and 118 were released from other non-custodial punishments (restriction of freedom, correctional works, fines, and parole). The Commission on Pardon Issues was established in 1995, in Azerbaijan in order to implement measures to reduce the punishment of the prisoners or to completely release them from punishment. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Youth from diverse backgrounds discuss music's influence on culture and its role in fostering understanding and unity worldwide in the latest episode of Youth Power. In the latest and final episode of this season's Youth Power by China Daily, which aired on March 30, eight music enthusiasts and musicians from five countries came together to share their stories about how they believe music shapes the world. Lv Wei, a 31-year-old violinist, is the assistant principal of the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra in East China's Jiangsu Province. Her musical journey began because her parents as she put it "forced" her into it. "My parents believed that playing an instrument would help me focus better on my studies at school, so they introduced me to the piano first and later to the violin," Lv said. "After a few years of practice, I developed a fondness for the sound of the violin and wanted to share my music and ideas with different people on stage." For Benjamin Essomba, a 26-year-old music producer from Cameroon, his love for music developed more naturally. Growing up attending church, he had early access to various instruments. "I don't recall ever being forced to play music," said Essomba. "When you see people you know and love playing something that sounds really good, you'll think, 'Why can't I do it?'" However, loving music and mastering it are two different endeavors. Ludoviko Maletti, a 25-year-old French horn player from Italy currently performing with the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra, believes that many talented musicians have been immersed in music from a very young age, often being the offspring of musicians themselves. "Talent does exist, but it's a product of nurturing rather than nature," Maletti explained, adding that he personally doesn't believe he has inherent talent; rather, everything he has achieved is a result of dedicated cultivation. Lv believes that 75 percent effort and 25 percent talent are the crucial ingredients for creating a great musician. "We need a lot of time and attention to practice the techniques, and then the 25 percent of talent can elevate you to a higher level as an artist," she said. While becoming a recognized musician is challenging, some may argue that developing an appreciation for classical music, such as symphonies, can also be difficult and requires a refined taste. Maletti suggested that those interested in exploring classical music can begin with more accessible pieces, such as the rhythmic first movement of The Rite of Spring by Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971). "Back in high school, I added this piece to my friend's playlist, and he ended up enjoying it. He later expressed that he was up for more classical music," Maletti said. Chen Shihua, a 19-year-old student from Peking University, pointed out the potential of movie soundtracks to foster an interest in classical music among the public. "For example, Playing Love from The Legend of 1900 is one of my favorite pieces in movies. I can feel a mixture of regret, love, humanity, memories, and a myriad of complex emotions in it," said Chen. As musicians grow and refine their skills, they often seek collaborations across different styles, genres, and countries. Melissa Baidak, a 24-year-old doctoral student from Russia at Beijing Foreign Studies University, shared her experience attending a concert featuring a fusion of Western and Chinese musical instruments, such as the violin and the pipa (a four-stringed Chinese lute). "Music serves as a tool for intercultural communication, bringing people together and making the sound of different musical instruments more fascinating," said Baidak. Wang Zongnan, a 24-year-old student from Tsinghua University, also witnessed a harmonious blend of performance styles across countries. Recalling an event hosted by China's Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and the Spanish theater group La Fura, he described it as a "visual symphony". "The orchestra played Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony in the center of the stage, while La Fura's actors performed a play at the front of the stage and among the audience. The play revolved around environmental protection. It was a magical combination of cultures," he said. The host of this episode of Youth Power, 19-year-old Wang Licheng, a student at Peking University, emphasized that music itself is a universal language that transcends borders to unite different peoples and nurture mutual understanding. Wang Zongnan agreed, underlining the practical aspect of self-expression. He shared how his exchange experience in Sweden led him to write a song whimsically reflecting on the evolution of his own cultural identity, as he explored both the similarities and differences among various cultures. Dylan Walker, 27, a music enthusiast from the United States, also resonates with Wang Licheng's belief in the power of music to foster understanding. Having studied and lived in China for years, Walker has formed friendships not only with Chinese locals but also with people from diverse backgrounds worldwide. "Singing together in Chinese is one thing, but singing a song in their native language with them creates a deep emotional connection. It really brings you closer together and helps you understand their culture. It also sparks an interest in understanding each other and a sense of mutual respect," said Walker. Joseph Chen, 26, a trombone player in the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra, sees music as more than just a means of self-expression and building friendships. He believes it's a core aspect of human existence. Chen referenced Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which suggests that as humans, our most inherent necessities start from food and shelter, with art being a higher-level need. However, he observes that the actual progression of human development is quite the opposite: before we had shelter and a stable source of food, we had cave paintings and bone flutes, which were art and music. "Creating art is more fundamental to being human than having enough to eat. So, what we musicians do here is profoundly essential to the human experience. It's something that's very ingrained in what it means to be human," Chen said. (Source: China Daily) Zhabao, a doctor in Dalong, a village in Tongde, a county in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in northwest China's Qinghai Province, is affectionately known by the locals as "good person Zhabao." His four-generation family is composed of members of three ethnic groups Tibetan, Hui and Han. Under the influence of Zhabao, the multiethnic family lives in harmony and happiness. 'Ordinary Hero' One afternoon, Zhabao reset a boy's carpal bones, which were fractured when the boy fell off a horse. Zhabao wrapped the boy's wrist in gauze, without charge. "Doctor Zhabao is a big name in our village. Many people come to the clinic because of his fame. He has always voluntarily provided medical services to us. He is such a good person. We are very grateful to him," the boy's father reportedly said. For decades, Zhabao has traversed every corner of his hometown, to provide medical services to the villagers, in keeping with his childhood dream. "When I was young, if we were ill, we needed to go to the hospital in the county seat. At that time, some people were unable to afford to see a doctor, and some could not receive timely treatment due to the long distance. So, I made up my mind to become a doctor, to help herdsmen treat diseases," recalls Zhabao. In his twenties, Zhabao met a doctor, who was skilled at setting fractures, in Tongde County. The doctor could set bones and help relieve patients' pain without performing operations. Zhabao was impressed by the doctor's excellent skills, and he eventually became the doctor's apprentice. After several years of hard work, Zhabao become skilled at setting fractures. He has since helped thousands of villagers in Tongde set their broken bones. He has a great reputation for his bone-setting skills, and for his dedicated spirit. As long as a patient needs him, no matter what he is doing, he will immediately rush to that person's home. "I am not only a village doctor, but a Party (Communist Party of China) member. That's what I should do," says Zhabao. Zhang Xiujuan, Zhabao's daughter-in-law, believes her father-in-law is an "ordinary hero." She says, "He has always voluntarily provided villagers with door-to-door medical services. He often returns home late, tired. He feels it's incumbent on him to help patients set their bones and relieve their pains." Zhang and her husband, Wanmalengzhijia, live in Xining, capital of Qinghai Province. The couple sometimes has their parents stay with them in Xining. "My father-in-law always has his patients on his mind. Every time he stays in Xining for a few days, he is impatient to return home. We always persuade him to take some time off. However, if a patient gives him a call, he will return to the village without delay," Zhang says. Zhabao is concerned about passing his bone-setting skills to the next generation. "It's hard to learn the bone-setting skills. Not many young people are willing to take up the baton and learn the skills. In the future, I plan to return home and learn the skills from my father, to pass on his spirit and medical skills," says Wanmalengzhijia. Loving Family Zhabao's wife, Caicuoji, is a traditional Tibetan woman. She never complains that her husband often treats patients without charge. Instead, she backs him up, by taking good care of the family, so he can concentrate on his work. "Every time my husband and I visit his parents, my mother-in-law airs quilts, puts clean sheets on the bed, and cooks delicious dishes, in advance ... I like sharing my current work and life with her, and she listens to me carefully, with a smile. She stuffs the car trunk with various kinds of food before we return home. I feel happy to live in such an extended family," Zhang says. Gerecaidan, Zhang's son, is a primary school student. He vows to learn bone-setting skills from his grandfather in the future, and he says he will provide medical services to many patients, so his grandfather will have more time to relax. Zhabao and Caicuoji always tell their grandson that knowledge, experiences and horizons, rather than money, are the greatest forms of wealth a person can attain. As such, good traditions are passed from generation to generation within the family. In 2017, Zhabao was named a Good Samaritan of China for his generosity in giving help. In May 2023, Zhabao's family was selected a National Most Beautiful Family. Photos from Interviewees Source: Department of Family and Children's Affairs of the ACWF (Women of China English Monthly February 2024) BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Israeli Embassy in Baku has refuted reports of an evacuation, Trend reports. "The Embassy does not comment on security matters. The Embassy continues its work without change," stated the diplomatic representatives. Earlier reports from Iranian sources claimed that Israel had evacuated its embassies in Baku and Abu Dhabi in anticipation of potential retaliation from Iran following an airstrike on the consulate in Damascus. Click the photo and watch the video. * Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in March 2023, following the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. * In contrast to the Western claims of "superiority of certain civilizations and clash of civilizations," China has called for upholding the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations. * "All civilizations created by human society are splendid. They are where each country's modernization drive draws its strength and where its unique feature comes from," Xi had said, calling on countries to explore diversified paths toward modernization. BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in March 2023, following the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. Here are three things to know about this major global initiative. Respect for Civilization Diversity Xi proposed the GCI at a dialogue between the Communist Party of China and other global political parties held via video link. The initiative, as Xi pointed out in his speech, advocates respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, as well as robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. In contrast to the Western claims of "superiority of certain civilizations and clash of civilizations," China has called for upholding the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations. It emphasizes the importance of cultural exchanges transcending estrangement, mutual learning transcending clashes, and coexistence transcending feelings of superiority. Chinese culture itself is very diverse, so the "GCI is a very rightly promoted idea because, through the experience of the country's vast cultural landscape, it knows that unity in diversity is the most beautiful thing, and can inculcate the spirit of respecting other people's cultures, which is the only way forward for world peace," former Pakistani Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah told Xinhua in a recent interview. The GCI, along with the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, has won international support as an important public good China has provided to the world. "These global initiatives reflect China's vision and foreign policy toward the world to achieve development, prosperity, security and stability in the entire world, and define the path that China has set to deal with others," said Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, assistant secretary general of the Arab League. China and Zambia, for example, have agreed to take the lead in implementing the GCI by enhancing civilizational exchanges and amity between their peoples. Members of a delegation of high school students from the U.S. state of Washington pose for a photo at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, March 20, 2024. [Xinhua/Yin Gang] Flourishing People-to-People Exchanges A group of high school students from the U.S. state of Washington were in China from March 17 to 27. During this trip, they visited Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, and engaged in martial arts and fan painting alongside their Chinese peers. This delegation was part of an initiative to invite 50,000 American youths to China for exchanges and study purposes, announced by Xi during his visit to the United States in November last year. The history of China-U.S. relations is one of friendly exchanges between the two peoples. Its existing chapters are written by the people, and the future will of course be shaped by the people, Xi said in his recent meeting with representatives from the U.S. business, strategic and academic communities. As the Kazakhstan tourism year in China in 2024 was launched last week, Xi noted that in recent years, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have been on the rise, as evidenced by the entry into force of the agreement on mutual visa exemption, the signing of the agreement on the establishment of cultural centers in each other's countries, the operation of the Luban Workshop, and frequent youth exchanges. Chinese tourists pose for a group photo at Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan, Thailand, March 1, 2024. [Xinhua/Wang Teng] With the mutual visa exemption policy between China and Thailand coming into effect in March, the number of countries with such an entry policy with China has increased to 23, including Singapore, the Maldives, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, China has adopted a visa-free policy for countries including France, Italy and Germany. The implementation of the new policy has greatly streamlined travel planning for nationals of the relevant countries. Exploring Paths Toward Modernization "All civilizations created by human society are splendid. They are where each country's modernization drive draws its strength and where its unique feature comes from," Xi had said, calling on countries to explore diversified paths toward modernization. Chinese modernization is one of a huge population, of common prosperity for all, of material and cultural-ethical advancement, of harmony between humanity and nature, and of peaceful development, according to Xi. In advancing modernization, China will neither tread the old path of colonization and plunder, nor the crooked path taken by some countries to seek hegemony once they grow strong. What China pursues is the right course of peaceful development, he said. "Whilst modernization is a global process and a universal aspiration, it can take and assume radically different forms," argued Keith Bennett, an international relations consultant based in London. Chinese modernization "represents something fundamentally new," something that will come to be seen as a modernization that is actually comprehensive, equitable and sustainable, Bennett said. "The Chinese path to modernization has become quite attractive to the developing countries," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar. (Source: Xinhua) Guangxi Women's Federation held an exchange event on March 25 under the theme of pooling women's strength for the future to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the establishment of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) framework in Nanning, capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The event was attended by nearly 100 people, including officials in charge of women's affairs, students representatives and business representatives from China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and other Lancang-Mekong countries, as well as international students at China Women's University (CWU). In her speech at the event, President of Guangxi Women's Federation Hu Jingbo said that the China-ASEAN Women's Forum has been successfully held eight times since 2006 and it has become a comprehensive platform for women's exchanges, economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN member countries. Guangxi Women's Federation, relying on the China-ASEAN Women's Training Center, has provided various kinds of training courses on poverty reduction and development to women in Mekong countries. The federation has also cooperated with women's federations in Mekong countries on agricultural production, border trade, the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and illicit drug usage, and the crackdown on the trafficking of women and children, thus building a Lancang-Mekong women's cooperation mechanism featuring the sharing of information, resources and experience, and forging a closer bond among women in Lancang-Mekong countries. Hu said that the activity aims to deepen mutural trust and enhance exchanges among women from Lancang-Mekong countries. Guangxi Women's Federation will strengthen friendly exchanges with women from Mekong countries and push forward the cooperation between China and other relevant countries on entrepreneurship, innovation and people-to-people exchanges with tangible results. Participants hailed the positive results made by Lancang-Mekong countries in women's cause over the past eight years. They agreed that Lancang-Mekong women's cooperation will enhance the well-being and development of women in the region, deepen and consolidate Lancang-Mekong cooperation, and make new contributions to the building of a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future. During the activity, the CWU conferred to Guangxi Women Cadres' School a plaque that recognizes it as a CWU's training center for international education. Guangxi Women's Federation signed a memorandum of cooperation with the provincial-level women's federations in Vietnam's Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Lang Son and Ha Giang. (Source: Guangxi Women's Federation/Translated by Women of China) Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, has visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku, Trend reports. President Denis Sassou Nguesso commemorated Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the countrys independence and territorial integrity. The Congolese President laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument. President Denis Sassou Nguesso then enjoyed a panoramic view of Baku as he was informed about the history of the Alley of Martyrs and the redevelopment works carried out in the city. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Dozens trapped in tunnels after Taiwans strongest quake in 25 years kills at least nine North Wales MS calls for government to make sure people with brain tumours dont fall through the cracks This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Apr 3rd, 2024 An MS has called for the Welsh Government to ensure that people who have brain tumours dont fall through the cracks. Llyr Gruffydd, who represents North Wales in the Senedd, has echoed warnings from campaigners that more needs to be done to remove barriers that exist in the health service. Mr Gruffydd, of Plaid Cymru, recently met with representatives from The Brain Tumour Charity at Ty Hywel to show his support for Brain Tumour Awareness Month. The Brain Tumour Charity says that the gaps in the health service can only be tackled through systematic change and developing a comprehensive National Brain Tumour Strategy. People who have brain tumour can face a number of issues, including multiple misdiagnoses and trips to GPs, to undergoing harsh treatments or not having access to the support from an allocated Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). According to The Brain Tumour Charity, brain tumours often fall into the too difficult pile due to the nature of the disease. There are more than 120 different types of brain and central nervous system tumours, which can be high grade, or low grade (non-malignant). As a result the disease does not sit neatly in the cancer nor the rare disease world. The charity also says that brain cancers are often missed by NHS cancer programmes because of the differences in how they start, develop and are tracked, compared to other cancers. Llyr Gruffydd MS said: It is vital that the Welsh Government as well as governments across the UK make sure that people who have brain tumours dont fall through the cracks in the health care system. There needs to be a well-thought-out strategy in place to bring this about that takes into account all of the complexities and puts the needs of patients front and centre. As with any disease, the faster it can be caught the more likely it is for patients to have a positive outcome. Thats why it is important to tackle the barriers patients can face when trying go get a diagnosis, and access care and treatment. Ensuring that patients are able to get a faster diagnosis can open up more options for patients and their families to receive sufficient support. It can also can widen the scope of research participation options, reduce the severity of symptoms, as well as help patients to better withstand harsh treatments and reduce the need for emergency, higher risk surgery. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan's adherence to the statement adopted during the Prague meeting in 2022 and the Almaty Declaration during a phone talk with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Trend reports. According to President Ilham Aliyev, the non-transparent preparation, lack of inclusivity, and failure to postpone the trilateral meeting scheduled for April 5 between the United States, the European Union, and Armenia, despite Azerbaijan's justified concerns, will lead to escalation of tension and creation of new dividing lines rather than peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus. A man whose nest egg takes the form of cash stuffed in frozen chickens, a butcher whose occasional transgenderism expresses itself in an abaya [a robe-like dress] and niqab [a long garment covering a womans body and face, excluding the eyes], a community thrown into disarray by the sudden appearance of a man in a Speedo. These are a few of the premises of Ghassan Zeineddines deceptively comical book of stories, Dearborn (Tin House, 2023). Dearborn, Ghassan Zeineddine Dearborn, a city neighboring Detroit, is home to the largest Arab-American population in the US, and as of 2023 it is the first majority-Arab city in the country (55 percent of its 110,000 residents). Although in recent decades the city has seen a large influx of Iraqi and Yemeni immigrants, Lebanese Christians moved there in large numbers in the early 20th century to work in the auto industry. Dearborn is still home to the world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company, as well as the immense Ford Rouge plantand company founder Henry Fords estate, now a museum, Fair Lane. Zeineddines stories concern immigrants who escaped the civil war in Lebanon (1975-90) and their children, who are negotiating their own escapes. Some dream of being actors, Yasser dreams of being Yusra. Others dream of business success, of moving out to affluent West Bloomfield and seeing their faces on billboards in Dearborn. Two specters haunt all the stories and characters in Dearborn, however: the older generations dream of returning to their villages in Lebanon and the pervasive dread of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI. Setting some of his stories in the first years after the events of September 11, 2001, Zeineddine pointedly draws attention to the atrocious way the men of Dearborn and other Arab-Americans were treated by the US government at the time. Over 1,200 were detained on suspicion of terrorism while thousands of others were subjected to interrogation. The entire city was terrorized by the menacing presence of government agents, as well as by racist non-Middle Eastern Americans incited into aggression by the anti-Arab hysteria stoked by the government and media. But even here Zeineddines touch is light and deft. There are no intrusions by a narrator opining on the situation, only events themselves unfolding in characters lives. The implications are all the more powerful for this: there is the heart-stopping knock on the door, and while air travel is all but out of the question for men of Middle Eastern descent, even travel by train is unsafe, and, as a father tells his son who wants to go to California to meet the woman hes fallen in love with on the internet, Theyre boarding buses. Meanwhile, the dream of returning to Lebanon throws into relief intergenerational struggles over identity. In Money Chickens, an autoworker (known in the story as Baba, father) saves what he can from his meager pay in order to buy property in Lebanon and build a house there. When his cousin, a carwash owner, is detained in a nondescript prison on suspicion of terrorism, the cousin sells Baba his carwash at a reduced price and returns to Lebanon. America has betrayed me, he says bitterly. With this turn of events, Baba begins to save real moneyhidden from the IRS in chickens kept in a chest freezer in his basementand his dream home in Lebanon materializes on a blueprint he shows to his family. His daughter protests: Were American, Danya said in English. Im not going anywhere. Youre Lebanese before anything! Baba said. Danya rolled her eyes. The stories in Zeineddines book are not hilarious, despite the blurbs on the jacket. Their humor is almost entirely situational and, notwithstanding money chickens and Speedos with images of Lebanon printed on them, their humor is largely subtle. That is because the characters, like Yusra in her niqab, are figures of compassion first and fun second. Most of the stories, while almost always maintaining a surface lightness, are deeply felt and affecting. They are stories in a classical mode in this regard, allowing readers to grasp the humor and the pathos with neither the nervous emotional docent of an obtrusive third-person narrator nor the self-absorption and self-promotion that characterize so much written in first person in the last 20 years. Though Zeineddine himself teaches in an MFA (master of fine arts) program, at Oberlin College, only one of the stories in this collection, In Memoriam, feels unlikely and strained in the familiar academic manner. A story about a young woman who compulsively writes stories about death, In Memoriam has promise, but in the end concept overwhelms character, and the story lacks Zeineddines usual observational vigor. Ghassan Abou-Zeineddine (Oberlin College) Otherwise, the stories in Dearborn present well-imagined characters whose motivations and life experience harmonize with their words and deeds. Even Badria of I Have Reason to Believe My Neighbor Is a Terrorist, the collections most complex character in its most emotionally intense story, remains believable and compelling right up to the storys powerful last line. The beautiful story Marseille stands out from the others in that its action primarily takes place, not in Dearborn, but shipboard and in the southern French port city. Marseille is the story of a young bride from Lebanon (before it was Lebanon) who falls in love with her shy husband as they begin a journey to America and who survives the sinking of the Titanic. The frame of the story takes place when a young reporter for the Dearborn Post interviews 99-year-old Ayda shortly after the release of the film Titanic in 1997. Her memories make for some of Zeineddines best writing in the book. In one passage, 14-year-old Ayda asks her new husband Nabil about his home in Dearborn and whether he has friends there. A few. Im not as social as my brother. He can walk into a room and capture everyones attention. Id rather cower in a corner. He looked at me. Maybe now you regret marrying me. I didnt have a choice. When I saw the concern on his face, I said that I was trying to be funny. He didnt laugh. Although there are lovely descriptions of Marseilles through Aydas eyes in the story, the prose is more spare than lyrical. The powerful moments, like the books humor, come in moments such as the passage just quoted. An unassuming sentence or passage is packed with its situation and rewards a careful reading. Overall, Zeineddines style is clean and direct, artfully so. No verbal pyrotechnics to be found, just crisp prose that moves the story along. The combination of such language, engaging plots and believable characters makes for compelling reading. Ghassan Zeineddine was born in Washington D.C. and, according to the book cover, grew up in the Middle East. He taught for a time at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and lived in the city. Dearborn is his first book of fiction. While one of the great strengths of Dearborn is that Zeineddine does not shy away from treating difficult subjects truthfullydomestic violence, depression, a parents questioning her love for her children are all looked at with dry eyesone subject that is handled rather delicately is the Lebanese civil war. This war figures in almost every story and is a prominent factor in many characters lives, the reason they are in Dearborn in the first place. Zeineddine even provides glimpses of atrocities in one story. But the politics of that complex war, which claimed perhaps 150,000 lives and saw a million people leave the countrymore than a third of the populationare left untouched. Instead, the conflict is treated as a kind of natural disaster, a hell to escape that has now thankfully passed. The explosion of the Marine Corps building in Beirut, Lebanon on October 23, 1983 In fact, in 1975, civil war broke out, as the WSWS explained in 2005, between the fascistic Christian Phalangists, backed by Israel, and the Lebanese left, representing the impoverished Muslim majority, in alliance with the Palestinians. Turning its attention again to Lebanon, Washington first provided political support for an intervention by Syria, which sent in its army at the behest of Lebanons Maronite Christian president, Suleiman Franjiehn and the rightists, who were on the brink of defeat. In 1982, the US gave a green light for an Israeli invasion that was to claim tens of thousands of Lebanese lives. The Zionist regime turned its full fire power against the crowded slums of West Beirut and initiated an occupation and fighting in southern Lebanon that would continue for another 18 years. In retaliation for the US siding with the Lebanese fascists and Israelis, Shiite forces blew up a barracks in Beirut in 1983 housing occupying foreign troops, killing 241 Marines. Dearborn includes no mention of the role of American imperialism in the war, and Israel is mentioned on occasion only as a place on the map near this or that characters village. Even allowing for Zeineddines talent for implication, his characters are improbably unanimous in their apoliticality. One could speculate as to the reasons for this disinterestedness on the part of his characters, but Zeineddines treatment of the civil war leaves an intriguing hole in the center of Dearborn. In Rabbit Stew, the books most overtly political story, a mother reminds her son during a Gulf War newscast to consider the Iraqi dead as well as the US soldiers he feels sad for. Perhaps the son speaks Zeineddines mind on the civil war in Lebanon when he thinks, It had been hard for my parents to watch America and its coalition of allies bombard Iraq, no matter how much they despised Saddam. We were Arabs, after all. Nevertheless, Dearborn is a very well written and conceived collection of stories that in its humanity and objective truthfulness about people and American life, as well as Arab-American life, stands out among contemporary fiction. In a press release issued on Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that a person working on dairy farms in Texas had contracted the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus (H5N1 bird flu) last week, making it the second case in the United States. The first occurred in Colorado in a person in contact with infected poultry in 2022. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported the case to the CDC, noting that the infected person had direct exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with avian influenza. The individuals only symptoms were conjunctiva, or inflammation of the tissue around the eyes. They tested positive for the flu and underwent a confirmatory testing with the CDC over the weekend. The infected individual is being treated with the antiviral Oseltamivir (sold as Tamiflu), used in infections caused by the flu virus, and was instructed to isolate. The present case is the first involving a direct transmission from bovines to humans and is also the first time cows have shown susceptibility to this virus, surprising influenza virologists. Both the Texas health department and CDC issued similar statements, that although they were working to investigate how the virus began to spread among these animals and their handlers, they assured the public that person-to-person transmission remains extremely rare. They also said that initial genomic analysis indicated the virus has yet to change in any considerable way to make person-to-person transmission likely. Senior White House officials are being apprised on the evolving situation through the Office of Pandemic Preparedness, underscoring the warnings voiced by public health experts who have cautioned that the avian flu poses a credible threat to human populations. In the context of the manufactured ending of the COVID-19 pandemic through the defunding and dismantling of public health surveillance systems, there is considerable trepidation among experts about this evolving threat. As a 2022 report in Think Global Health noted, Each time one species transmits the virus to another, it constitutes a spillover event. These myriad spilloversamong wild bird species, from wild birds to domestic birds, across birds to mammals, and from animals to humansraise serious concerns about the potential for further adaptation and evolution of this influenza lineage and the continued risk associated with avian migration. News of spread among cattle had preceded the spillover event involving the Texas dairy farm worker. Last week, the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) informed health officials that samples of milk from sick cattle at four dairy farms had confirmed a strain of avian influenza. In their release, APHIS wrote, Based on findings from Texas, the detections appear to have been introduced by wild birds. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans. Besides Texas, Kansas and Michigan have also recently reported H5N1 outbreaks among dairy cows. According to Michigan State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, it appears the cases in the state stem from infected cattle brought to a Michigan commercial farm on March 7. The animals in question became ill on March 20, when samples were submitted to the state lab confirming the HPAI virus. Idaho and New Mexico have also recently reported outbreaks among dairy cows presumed to have been caused by H5N1. Although not lethal in cows, the illness presents with a decline in their milk production and reduced feeding until the infection resolves. Symptoms of their illness can last between 10 to 14 days, with some developing pneumonia and mastitis. Dr. Fred Gingrich, cattle veterinarian and executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), told Farm Journal, We understand right now that the primary impact of this disease is economic. Those herds lose about 20 percent of their milk production for 15 to 21 days, which is a huge economic loss. He cautioned owners of dairy farms, Dont hide it. We all need to work together to continue the investigation. If you have a sudden drop in appetite and milk production in your herd, the first person you should call is your veterinarian to get a diagnosis, whatever that might be. Even though we have these four positive samples, the investigation is ongoing, and involving multiple states. Also, cattle owners have been instructed to destroy the milk produced by infected cows to avoid it entering the food chain. Although pasteurization (see figure four in the link) appears to be a very effective method to inactivate the virus, the CDC cautions that people should not prepare or eat uncooked or undercooked food or related uncooked food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, or products made from raw milk such as cheeses, from animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI A(H5N1)-virus infection. If a person is exposed to birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI virus infection, they should be monitored under a medical supervisor for 10 days after their last exposure. Despite the assurances offered by the CDC and various health agencies, the passage of the HPAI virus from cows into humans very soon after the introduction of the virus in cattle raises real questions about the potential for the HPAI virus to gain the ability to transmit among people. In particular, the 2020-2023 H5N1 outbreak affected every continent by February 2023 except for Australia and Antarctica. But in late 2023, H5N1 was discovered in Antarctica, leading scientists to speculate that a catastrophic breeding failure among animals never exposed to HPAI virus could ensue. Since the outbreak began in 2020, tens of millions of birds have died from H5N1 influenza globally. Disease among farmed poultry has led to the culling of more than 100 million birds. Beside commercial poultry and wild birds, the virus has been found in mammals like grizzly bears, red foxes, coyotes, seals and dolphins. In February 2022, egg prices had soared due to the impact of the avian influenza pandemic driving down inventory. Since 2003, not including the fatal case in the 21-year-old student in Vietnam who died of H5N1 bird flu last March, and the case in Texas, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 888 cases involving people across 23 countries. Of these, 463 died, a case fatality rate of 52 percent. In Indonesia, with 200 confirmed infections, 168 deaths have occurred (84 percent). However, the current strain circulating appears to have triggered fewer infections and by comparison milder disease. In 2022 and 2023, there have been only 14 documented human infections and only two deaths. It has been estimated that sometime in the 1990s the H5N1 strain began to establish itself in Asian poultry populations. H5N1 was first detected in Guangdong Province, China, in 1996, when it killed some geese. It did not garner much attention until May 1997, when it killed six of 18 individuals at a live-poultry market in Hong Kong. Prior to 2004, significant transmission between poultry and wild avian species were rare events. But between 2004 and 2006, the CDC reported that the largest increase in HPAI virus outbreaks in poultry and wild birds had occurred. The consequence was that HPAI H5N1 caused widespread mortality among wild birds and mammal populations across the globe. By 2020, there was a marked global upward trend in HPAI H5N1 outbreaks. In a comprehensive review of the threat posed by HPAI H5N1 virus, the authors wrote, In the years 2021 and 2022, a total of 54 countries documented outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in bird populations. Between January 2022 and June 27, 2023, the HPAI H5N1 virus was identified in over 7,000 wild birds across 50 states and in more than 800 commercial and backyard flocks in 47 states within the United States, marking the initial occurrences of such detections since 2016. The rapid and concerning spread of HPAI H5N1 among both domestic and wild bird populations is a phenomenon that transcends continental boundaries. Dr. Peter Marks, the FDAs director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), said on Monday, at the World Vaccine Congress being held this week in Washington, that he felt confident the USs stockpile of avian flu-specific vaccines would be effective if deployed. He added, We believe that, if we needed to, they would be reasonably good matches. 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. This is one case were a little luckier because its a pathogen that we know. However, Dr. Luciana Borio, a former FDA official, challenged Marks optimism and questioned the vaccines efficacy. The regimen is a two-shot series approved in 2007. The antibody response to the vaccine is expected to reduce the risk of getting avian flu by 45 percent. The more important question posed is how these vaccines would be distributed to international populations and what measures are being put in place to detect and prevent the emergence of a pandemic avian virus that readily transmits between people? Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health, told Politico, The bigger picture is that this virus is not cooling off. Weve 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 its been affecting. In Australia, as internationally, Israels cold-blooded murder of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers in Gaza has further inflamed opposition to the Zionist regimes war crimes. Along with three British nationals, a Polish man and a Palestinian, those killed in the air strike included Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, an Australian. Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom [Photo: Zomi Frankcom] When images were first posted on social media yesterday morning Australian time, showing Frankcoms bloodied passport and lifeless body, along with those of the other victims, they triggered considerable shock and anger. The response of the Australian Labor government has been very different. It has engaged in the most cynical and hypocritical hand-wringing. The clear aim has been to placate popular hostility, without in any way deviating from support for the Israeli regime and its ethnic-cleansing operation in Gaza. The government rhetoric has evolved. Having been vaguely concerned by Frankcoms murder, the Laborites have since decided that they are in fact angry. Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses first response was dismissive, bordering on contemptuous. Asked about the initial reports of Frankcoms death during a radio interview yesterday morning, Albanese responded that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) were investigating and that he was very concerned about the loss of life that is occurring in Gaza. Albanese did not directly address the fact that a close ally of his government, Israel, had murdered an Australian citizen. He did not bother to offer condolences to Frankcoms family. Asked a follow-up question by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) host, Albanese responded: Well, I just told you that Foreign Affairs and Trade are seeking further investigation of that, and Ive been briefed that that is what they are doing. The impression was that Frankcoms death was an annoyance to the government. DFAT released an anodyne statement in the morning, describing Frankcoms death as distressing. By the afternoon, Albaneses handlers had clearly told the prime minister that his indifferent response to Frankcoms death had not gone over well with the public. At an unrelated media conference, Albanese declared that Frankcom had been doing extraordinarily valuable work. He stated: We are contacting the Israeli Ambassador to ask for accountability here. The truth is that this is beyond any reasonable circumstancesthat someone going about providing aid and humanitarian assistance should lose their life. The setting for Albaneses remarks was jarring to say the least. He was speaking at the Brisbane production facility of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. Albanese and other government ministers were announcing, as they have several times before, Rheinmetalls decision to make 100 armored vehicles capable of carrying heavy weapons at the facility. Labor is presenting this as a boon to the Australian economy, though it will involve only 6001,000 jobs. The production of the vehicles is part of Germanys remilitarisation and will contribute to the US-NATO instigated carnage in Ukraine. Labor is also touting the expansion of war production capabilities in Australia, as part of its aggressive alignment with US militarism including the preparations for war with China. Rheinmetall, which helped arm the Nazi regime using slave labour in World War II, is not only a major supplier of the war against Russia in Ukraine, but also of Israel. It has been involved in the Zionist regimes development of weapons, including missiles. None of the assembled journalists pointed this out to Albanese. That evening, Albanese made an unscheduled appearance on the ABCs 7:30 program, largely repeating his earlier comments. [W]e expect full accountability for this tragedy, he piously intoned. When the interviewer Sarah Ferguson asked if Australia would change its position on the war in Gaza? i.e., its full support for Israel, Albanese squirmed and effectively confirmed that it would not. At roughly the same time as Albaneses appearance, Foreign Minister Penny Wong emerged with a statement on X/Twitter. Despite Frankcoms murder clearly falling within her portfolio, Wong was nowhere to be seen throughout the day. The death of any aid worker is outrageous and unacceptable, Wongs statement declared. She condemned this strike. But as thousands of hostile comments noted, Wong did not even name Israel. The charade culminated this morning with a press conference by Albanese. The prime minister revealed he had spoken to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu last night. Albanese said he had voiced anger over the death and expressed very clearly that we need a full and proper explanation for how this has occurred. Who does Albanese think he is kidding? Netanyahu and his fascist cronies are genocidal maniacs, who have slaughtered more than 30,000 Palestinians, over 13,000 of them children, in the past six months. In the days before the attack on aid workers, Israel demolished Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, and massacred 400 people in its surrounds. That follows dozens of documented attacks on hospitals, the murder of hundreds of health workers, the killing of more journalists than in all conflicts over the past forty years, and the list could go on. Netanyahu has already given his explanation for the murder of Frankcom and her colleagues. Smirking throughout a short video statement, the Israeli leader said: This happens in war. The WCK workers were killed shortly after passing through an Israeli checkpoint. It has now been confirmed that their convoy was hit with three separate Israeli strikes. Pictures of one of the vehicles shows a missile having gone directly through the WCK insignia on its rooftop as though through a target. The charity, one of the few that Israel had permitted to operate in Gaza, has since announced a full suspension of its activities. That is, this was one calculated and premeditated crime among many, clearly aimed at advancing Israels openly stated objective of starving the Palestinian people. Albanese, Wong and their Labor colleagues are accomplices in these atrocities. They have insisted on Israels right to defend itself through the carpet bombing of a territory that it illegally occupies. The Pine Gap spy base in central Australia, jointly operated with the US, has almost certainly provided targeting information via the US for Israeli strikes. Australia supplies key components for the F-35 fighter jets that have been dropping their payloads on the people of Gaza. And above all, Labor is marching in the closest of lockstep with the Biden administration, which is arming, funding and overseeing the genocide. The one thing that rang true in their pantomime over Frankcoms tragic death were comments by Albanese and Wong, denouncing opponents of the genocide for threatening social cohesion. Whatever their contortions, Labor supports the slaughter and is hostile to the mass of workers and young people who want it to end. Thousands of protesters rallied in Australias largest cities on Sunday, in the 25th week of mass opposition to Israels mass slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza. The strong current of anti-genocide and anti-war sentiment among workers and young people was reflected in the fact that the mass demonstrations were not diminished by the Easter long weekend. Nor were they deterred by arrests and violent police attacks on protesters in Sydney and Melbourne the previous weekend, as part of a broader crackdown by Labor at the state, federal and even local council level, on opposition to the genocide. As they have done continuously for almost six months, protesters expressed outrage, towards not only the Zionist Netanyahu regime, but the Biden administration and Australian federal Labor government, which are providing essential political, financial and military support for Israels ethnic cleansing operation. Reporters for the World Socialist Web Site spoke to participants in the rallies in Sydney and Melbourne. Some of their comments are published here. **** Annie, one of around 4,000 demonstrators at the Melbourne rally, said: What Ive learned through what is going on in Gaza is that even if the UN says this is genocide, governments will not do anything. This is because for America, they would have to look at their own actions in countries where they have done similar things. Additionally, there are companies that are very interested in getting the land that is in Gaza, and it seems that political parties are aligned to those companies and they cannot go against what those companies want. With all things, it is always about money, and it is always about powerful people doing what they want. Recently someone was saying, Oh, they want to buy property within the Gaza Strip, so that they can build a beachfront property, and companies in Israel are intending to build hotels in that area. Like all things it is always connected with money, and I dont think our government will do anything about that because their whole political campaign, the way they got up here is through money from these corporations. So unless there is a revolution, I imagine that bit by bit, more and more of this will continue as our rights are stripped away and our voices are stripped away. You just have to look at the UKtheir Conservative party are very eager to remove all the human rights, to ship people to Rwanda, so it is just a step in one of many things. I think [we need] a whole changing of the way we elect people. I think that, originally, democracy meant that the power lay in the people to choose who will represent you and your decisions, and that they will be held to account at the end of that, if we go by the Greek terminology. But now politicians are not held to account for what they do. Additionally, if politicians during their campaigns are not allowed to get money from corporationsit should be that campaigning is free, you can do that easily nowadays with social media and just being there for people. I dont think money should be involved in it because once thats done, from the get-go that person is no longer for the people, but rather for the corporations. On Monday night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed seven international aid workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza in an airstrike on their vehicle convoy as it was returning to their warehouse. The attack used precision munitions directly targeting the roofs of the vehicles, which displayed large logos clearly identifying their occupants as humanitarian workers. Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 [AP Photo/Ismael Abu Dayyah] World Central Kitchen had informed the Israeli military of its travel plans, meaning that the Israeli military would have been fully aware of the vehicles it was attacking. Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of Israels armed forces, claimed that the attack was a grave mistake and a misidentification. While White House spokesman John Kirby declared that theres no evidence that the attack was deliberate. These claims are belied both by the direct circumstances of the attacks and by Israels systematic targeting of food distribution workers as part of its systematic effort to starve the population of Gaza. In a statement condemning the attack, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the attack brings the number of humanitarian workers killed in Gaza to 196 including more than 175 members of our own UN staff. Over the past month, Israel has killed hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza at food distribution centers in so-called flour massacres, including one in late February that killed at least 112 and injured more than 700. Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, said in a statement on Tuesday, Knowing how Israel operates, my assessment is that Israeli forces intentionally killed #WCK workers so that donors would pull out and civilians in Gaza could continue to be starved quietly. In its investigation of the killing, Al Jazeera found that the three vehicles transporting the aid workers were targeted one at a time. After leaving the World Central Kitchens warehouse, the first vehicle in the convoy was struck approximately one mile down the road. Al Jazeera reported that the injured were transferred from the first targeted car to another armoured vehicle to expedite their transport. Al Jazeeras investigation found that the second vehicle was targeted approximately 800 metres (2,525 feet) away from where the first was hit. The third car was targeted about 1.6km (nearly a mile) away from the second car. Based on these facts, Al Jazeeras Sanad Verification Agency found that the attacks were, in fact, intentional. World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore said in a statement, 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. This is unforgivable. The aid organization said the victims were from Australia, Poland, United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the US and Canada, and Palestine. After World Central Kitchen released the names and photos of the aid workers later in the day on Tuesday, Gore added, These are the heroes of World Central Kitchen. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full days mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. And we have countless memories of them giving their best selves to the world. We are reeling from our loss. The worlds loss. In a statement Tuesday, US President Joe Biden attempted to verbally distance himself from the massacre, saying, I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen. But when asked whether the killing was a war crime, White House spokesman John Kirby categorically asserted that it was not and that Israel has not committed any violations of international law during the entire conflict. To date, Kirby said, the US government have not found any incidents where the Israelis have violated international humanitarian law. When asked by a shocked reporter whether the White House was really claiming that Israel has never violated international humanitarian law ever in the past five to six months, Kirby replied, the State Department has looked at incidents in the past and has yet to determine that any of those incidents violate international humanitarian law. The latest massacre comes as Israel is moving ever closer to its planned assault on Rafah, where over 1 million displaced refugees are sheltering. The city, which has swelled into a massive tent camp, is being bombarded on a daily basis. In a statement over the weekend, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention warned that Israels ongoing bombing of Rafah could be the opening salvo to Israels promised ground invasion of the town, which is home to the critical crossing to Egypt. The institute concluded, This bombing is a genocidal act conducted by Israel against a trapped civilian population. It concluded, There is no way to ensure that protection in urban combat with an army that has proved to be motivated by genocidal zeal. Over the past 48 hours, US officials effectively gave Israel a green light to proceed with its assault on Rafah. On Monday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that the scenario in which Israel does nothing about the Hamas fighters that continue to exist in Rafah is not an acceptable alternative. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added, We also know that there are Hamas operatives in Rafah as well. But if theyre going to move forward with military operations, we have to have this conversation. We have to understand how theyre going to move forward. The damage that has been inflicted on the Gaza Strip with the full backing of the Biden administration is beyond devastating. In a report published Tuesday, the United Nations and World Bank found that Israel caused $18.5 billion worth of damage to infrastructure in Gaza in just the first month of the onslaught. This figure is equivalent to 97 percent of the combined gross domestic product of all of the Palestinian territories in 2022. The report concluded, An estimated 26 million tons of debris and rubble have been left in the wake of the destruction, an amount that is estimated to take years to remove. It noted that over a million people are without homes, and 75 percent of the population has been displaced. A staggering 84 percent of health facilities have been damaged or destroyed, and virtually the whole sanitation system has collapsed. Almost the entire student population is out of school, as the education system has been shattered. In a statement Tuesday, the Palestinian Ministry of Education said that 6,050 Palestinian students have been killed by Israel since October 7. Among the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed by Israel Tuesday were three men from the United Kingdom, the most-represented nationality. James Henderson, John Chapman and James Kirby were all former soldiers working as part of the aid convoys security team. The killings have dominated the online news sites in Britain and were front-page news Wednesday morning. All of which has underscored the extreme restraint showed by British officials in their criticisms of the Israeli government and armed forces. Screenshot from World Central Kitchen web site showing seven of its aid workers, including the three Britons, killed by the Israel Defence Forces [Photo: wck.org] Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron have professed themselves appalled by the completely unacceptable killing of aid workers, but only through a four-paragraph press release in Sunaks case, and via a single tweet in Camerons. The sole concrete action demanded of Israel by Sunak was a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened, a request reiterated by foreign office minister Andrew Mitchell in a meeting with the summoned Israeli ambassador. These cynical demandsechoed internationally by leaders in the United States, Canada, Australia and Poland, whose citizens were also among the aid workers killedare part of the cover up of Israels war crime. It is already clear what happened. Israeli forces struck each of the three armoured vehicles in the aid convoy in succession, the secondinto which injured passengers of the first had been transferred800 metres down the road from the first, and the third car nearly a mile down the road from the second. World Central Kitchens logo was clearly displayed on the vehicles roofs and the charity had confirmed the route of its convoy with the Israeli military ahead of time. According to World Central Kitchen, before being obliterated the convoy had dropped off more than 100 tonnes of food supplies at a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 [AP Photo/Ismael Abu Dayyah] The attack was part of a pattern of crimes, including attacks on hospitals, bakeries, UN warehouses and schools and other essential infrastructure, which have seen 200 humanitarian workers killed in Gaza in the last six months, nearly three times as many as recorded in any other single conflict in a whole year. Tuesdays assassination has already begun to have the intended effect of deterring the few humanitarian relief efforts still underway in the devastated province. Ships on the way from Cyprus carrying 240 tonnes of aid turned back on Tuesday. World Central Kitchen, which was playing a key role in over-sea aid deliveries, has suspended operations, as have fellow charities Anera and Project Hope. It is equally clear that Israel will carry out no investigation which does not have as its predetermined conclusion that the unintended strike was a tragic error, grave mistake and the result of misidentification. Cameron fell over himself to endorse this whitewash on Wednesday, telling reporters at the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, I welcome what the Israeli foreign minister said yesterday to me about a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen I also welcome the fact that he spoke about much more aid getting into Gaza. The British ruling classs real attitude to the investigation of war crimes is well documented in its persecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whose pioneering journalism exposed countless such acts carried out by American and allied forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Assange is coming up on his fifth year in Londons Belmarsh maximum security prison, where he has been subjected to serious abuse. He is just weeks away from possible extradition to the United States to face charges under the Espionage Act which carry a de facto life sentence. Julian Assange [Photo by David G. Silvers, Cancilleria del Ecuador / CC BY-SA 2.0 It is only thanks to the similarly heroic work of journalists in the Gaza Strip that events like Tuesdays attack are known about and examined in detail, something Israel has tried to prevent with the killing of more than 120 media workers in the regionfar exceeding the toll of other conflicts. In recognition of the enormous popular outrage over the genocide in Gaza which the strike on the aid convoy has put a sharp point to, Sunaks statement on the attack also included the lines: far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. What revolting hypocrisy. More than any other imperialist power, the UK has supported the carte blanche provided to Israel by the USbacking which has allowed it to carry out an unrestrained war on aid workers, ordinary civilians and infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. British officials have not found the killing of more than 12,000 children, maiming of more than 75,000 people and displacement of close to 2 million intolerable enough to stop supplying the soldiers responsible with military hardware. The UK has also lined up with Israels conflict with the UN and aid agencies, cutting funds to the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA on January 27, thereby participating directly in the deliberate starving of the Palestinians. These policies are decisively opposed by the British population, with YouGov polls published Wednesday finding 56 percent versus 17 percent in favour of a ban on arms and parts to Israel, and 59 percent versus 12 percent believing Israel is violating human rights in Gaza. The government, however, has no intention of changing course. Sunaks statement concludes with a reference to Israels rightful aim of defeating Hamas, the banner under which all its atrocities have been carried out, and behind which the ground invasion of Rafah is being prepared. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, under more pressure to make some show of opposition to the genocidal war being waged by Israel, declared in his response to Tuesdays events that This war must stop now, issuing a call for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and full humanitarian access into Gaza. His position carefully mirrors that taken by US President Joe Biden, also up for election this year, with no consequences whatsoever for Israels conduct of the war. When Starmer now acknowledges that it is not the first time aid workers have come under fire in Israels campaign, he condemns himself and his own record of steadfast backing for Israel, whose criminal campaign has claimed tens of thousands more lives that Starmer never felt similarly moved to condemn as outrageous and unacceptable. Israels bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus on Monday, which killed three senior leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and three others, is an act of war against Iran for which Washington and its NATO allies bear political responsibility. Emergency services work at a building hit by an air strike in Damascus, Syria, Monday, April 1, 2024. [AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki] The bombing marks a major new stage in the Israeli war on Iran, because its target is Iranian territory, according to international law. The Israeli regime has long conducted a lawless foreign policy of targeted murder, repeatedly bombing Iranian and Syrian officialsparticularly after the US murder of IRGC General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 in Iraq. Its latest action, however, threatens to provoke a direct war between Iran and Israel, as well as Israels NATO imperialist backers. Yesterday, Iranian officials vowed retaliation. We will make [Israel] regret this crime and others it has committed, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said. The Russian, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministries also issued statements condemning the strike. The Biden administration reportedly contacted Iranian officials just after the strike, denying responsibility and claiming Israeli officials had only notified it of the strike minutes before it took place. However, the fact that Israel felt it could take such action, whether or not it notified Biden, is because Washington and its NATO imperialist allies have given it a blank check throughout six months of genocide against Gaza. The United States, Britain and France all refused to denounce the Israeli strike last night in a UN Security Council meeting. Effectively endorsing Israels rationale for the strike, US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said he was concerned by reports that terrorist leaders and elements were allegedly present at this facility and condemn Irans continued coordination, training and arming of terrorists and other violent extremists. This week, US officials brazenly defended the Israeli armys massacre of 400 people at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre baldly declared, Hamas should not be operating out of hospitals. US State Department spokesman Mike Matthews indicated he would endorse an Israeli assault on Rafah, where 1.5 million Palestinian refugees are living in tent cities, stating that a scenario where Israel does nothing about the Hamas fighters that continue to exist in Rafah is not acceptable. Washington and its NATO allies green-light the Israeli genocide, which has killed 32,000 Palestinians, because they are preparing similar crimes across the Middle East. At the outset of the Gaza genocide, Washington sent carrier battle groups and nuclear missile submarines to the region for the explicit purpose of targeting Iran. Today, as Israeli officials discuss invading Lebanon to attack the Hezbollah militia, plans are well advanced for the NATO imperialist powers to use Israel as a proxy in new neo-colonial wars against Lebanon, Syria and beyond. For a decade, Russian, Iranian and Hezbollah forces have fought in Syria alongside government forces against NATO-backed rebel Islamist or Kurdish nationalist militias. The 13 years of the NATO war for regime-change in Syria have devastated the country, leaving a half million dead and over 10 million refugees. Israel decapitated the Iranian military command in Syria and Lebanon Monday amid a global war the imperialist powers are waging for domination of Eurasia. While Washington and its NATO allies fight Russia in Europe, arming the far-right Ukrainian regime in Kiev, they are also attacking Russia and its allies in the Middle East. Covering fighting between US and Iranian IRGC forces in Syria, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman recently wrote: Americans may not know theyre at war with Iran, but Irans Revolutionary Guards know for sure they are in a shadow war with America through their proxies. And if one of these Iranian proxies gets lucky and creates a mass casualty event by striking a US warship or the barracks of one of the US bases in Jordan or Syria [it would] become a direct shooting war in the region the world most depends on for its oil. Just thought Id let you know. Workers across America and the world must be alerted to the imminent danger of catastrophic military escalation. The war Friedman is discussing would have devastating consequences even beyond the global economic collapse caused by the blocking of Persian Gulf oil trade. Amid the NATO-Russia war in Ukraine and after the signing of a $400 billion Chinese-Iranian trade and military treaty in 2017, it would risk drawing all the major nuclear powers into a global conflict. Indeed, US officials increasingly do not hide the fact that the confrontation with China is now their central concern. Last month, US Central Command head General Michael Kurilla denounced the unstable defensive alliance emerging against NATO between the Iranian, Chinese and Russian regimes. Collectively, Iran, Russia and China are strengthening their relationships and fostering a chaotic landscape favorable to their exploitation, Kurilla said. The ramifications of this partnership will have global implications. Referring to Iranian drone exports to Russia for the Ukraine war and Russian and Iranian oil exports to China, he complained: Iran sells 90 percent of its oil, all US-sanctioned, to China. The imperialist powers support for the genocide in Gaza emerges from their drive to subjugate the globe through war targeting Russia, China and Iran. This was starkly revealed in the recent outburst of US Congressman Tim Walberg, who called for dropping nuclear bombs on Gaza like Nagasaki and Hiroshima and for the same in Ukraine to wipe out Russian forces. Unable to resolve conflicts created by decades of war and plunder, imperialist politicians increasingly see no way out besides the mass murder of those standing in the way. Opposition to the Gaza genocide must be developed as an international movement in the working class against the US-NATO imperialist war and the capitalist system. In its New Years statement, the World Socialist Web Site warned: 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. The decisive question is arming the growing opposition among workers and youth to the Gaza genocide, revealed in mass protests in Israel and across the Middle East as well as in the NATO countries, with a socialist perspective. This requires building a Trotskyist leadership in the working class, sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International, in every country. This is the basic and urgent task posed by the escalation of war in the Middle East. HOME, one of the major arts venues in Manchester, UK, is being hit by protests after it cancelled a performance of Palestinian poetry and writings due to be held April 22. The sold-out event was targeted by local Zionists, including the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester (JRCGM), who slandered the Voices of Resilience production as antisemitic. The organisation claimed that one of those due to perform, Atef Abu Saifthe Palestinian Authoritys culture ministerhad engaged in antisemitism and Holocaust denial. Screenshot of HOME's statement announcing the cancellation of Voices of Resilience [Photo: HOME MANCHESTER] The event was advertised by HOME on March 25 as celebrating Palestinian voices. Readings would be given by, among others, Maxine Peake, the Salford-based actress with numerous credits in film, theatre and radio; Kingsley Ben-Adir who played the lead in Bob Marley: One Love; and the award-winning author Kamila Shamsie. In December, Peake gave a powerful reading of a poem from Palestinian writer and artist Refaat Alareerwho had been killed by the Israel Defense Forces days earlierat a national demonstration in London against Israels genocide. Within two days of advertising the event, HOME silenced these voices, announcing on March 27 that it was a politically neutral space committed to permitting the full range of artistic expression. Our concern for the team at HOME, our audiences and artists, and their safety is paramount. In the face of recent publicity around Voices of Resilience, we have cancelled the event. As a group of artists protesting the decision pointed out, If political neutrality is the stance that HOME wishes to move forward with then we envision that your gallery walls will be bare, your cinema screens blank and your stages empty. Artistic expression is inherently political HOME has form. Any pose of neutrality was ditched when it allowed its statue of the great revolutionary Friedrich Engels to be scrawledas part of an installationwith anti-Russian propaganda in service to NATOs war with the country in Ukraine. Engels, HOME boasted, had been made into a mouthpiece for Ukrainian writers and activists. On Saturday, roughly 1,000 people marched to HOME to protest its cowardly censorship of Palestinian voices. Joining them was the founder of Comma Press, which organised Voices of Resilience, Ra Page. A former journalist, Page has edited over 30 anthologies, produced and directed short films, and was included in the prestigious Bookseller 150 list in 2020. The protest outside HOME in Manchester, March 30, 2024 He gave an interview to the World Socialist Web Site, describing HOMEs censorship as obviously is part of a wider strategy of silencing and scaring other arts venues and art spaces into not platforming Palestinian voices or Palestinian points of view. Page added, When push comes to shove, the larger [arts] organizations, the more high-profile organizations that get attacked and bullied by the Zionist lobby, they get nervous. Instantly they panic and they shut Palestinian events down. They have consistently done it. The Arnolfini in Bristol cancelled two Palestinian film festivals. The full six minute interview with Page can be viewed on YouTube here. An open letter in protest has been signed by more than 300 culture workers, theatre and film artists, including Peake, theatre director Pooja Ghai, the playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, dramatist April De Angelis, and, a patron of HOME, Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia. The letter reads, As theatremakers, filmmakers, artists and cultural workers, many of whom have had work staged at HOME, we condemn this cowardly decision to silence the voices of Palestinians and to contribute to their erasure during an ongoing genocide. On Wednesday, over 70 Exhibiting Artists from the Manchester HOME Open Exhibition 2024 sent another letter explaining, we as a cohort have decided to withdraw our artworks from the Home Open 2024 in protest of your decision. It added, We hope this letter is a reminder that we as artists that are currently being represented by HOME will not comply with this censorship and actively oppose it; we will raise our voices on behalf of those whom you have tried to silence. On Thursday evening a poetry vigil, Voices Unheard, will take place outside HOME in protest. In its email prompting the ban, the JRCGM made the scurrilous claim that Atef Abu Saif is a confirmed antisemite and a holocaust denier. Manchester -based Palestinian academic and translator Mohammed Ghalayini, who was to read Abu Saifs poetry at the event, challenged the JRCGM to produce the full text [in relation to Saifs words] rather than selectively quote without context to misrepresent. The article in question, dated August 22, 2022, was written by Abu Saif for the Al-Ayyam newspaper. Far from denying the Holocaust, he wrote, Hitlers crimes against humanity cannot be forgiven or tolerated. They may be unprecedented in history in terms of their ugliness... As Palestinians, this is a fact we have not denied and will never deny. We are a people who suffer injustice, massacres, killing and displacement. We cannot accept something similar that happened to others and say it is right. In a recent interview, Abu Saif reaffirmed his position, saying, The Holocaust was one of the darkest moments in human history. Comma Press released a statement condemning the axing of the event, writing that they were deeply concerned about the baseless and libelous allegations against one of our Palestinian writers, Atef Abu Saif, issued by the lobby group, the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester (JRC), and repeated by the Manchester Evening News. They continue, This character assassination cannot be allowed to stand. Legal action is currently being considered with regard to the original libel and any repetition of it. Another Zionist who played a role in having the event cancelled was local tour guide Ed Glinert, who penned his own letter to HOME. Describing himself as a prominent Manchester Jew, he lied that Voices of Resilience was anti-Semitic propaganda. Echoing Conservative government propaganda, he described the protests against Israels slaughter of the Palestinians as weekly hate marches which take place in a city facing an explosion of anti-Semitic attacks. These marches regularly include Jewish opponents of the annihilation of Gaza. A protest in Manchester against Israel's slaughter of the Palestinians Glinert concluded his screed: just as we sent the anti-Semitic director of the Whitworth Art Gallery packing Id like to see some heads roll at HOME. This was a reference to his role in the attack on artistic freedom carried out by the Whitworth Art Gallery when it sacked its director Alistair Hudson in 2021, following an exhibition by Forensic Architecture titled Cloud Studies. Prior to Hudsons removal, Glinert states that he contacted the Whitworth saying he would no longer provide tours around the gallery, in protest against Hudsons reference to human rights abuses in Gaza part of a long history of colonial violence in which the UK in complicit. JRCGM instructed the public not to assume that any statement in that exhibition [Cloud Studies] is true. In his rant announcing his letter to HOME, Glinert referred to the Jew-baiting Maxine Peake who I always revered as an actress and supporter of our Peterloo campaign until I discovered she liked lying about Jews. This is a reference to Peakes commitment to remembering working-class history, such as the 1819 Peterloo massacre in Manchester. In 2013, as part of the Manchester International Festival, she brilliantly recited all 91 verses of The Masque of Anarchy by Percy Bysshe Shelley; a poem inspired by the event. She has also featured in its annual commemoration in the city and appeared in Mike Leighs 2018-19 film Peterloo, itself premiered at HOME. These activities have earned her a broad popular following, especially in Greater Manchester, making the cancellation of Voices of Resilience all the more offensive. Many took to social media to express their outrage. Interviewed by The Stage, Peake said she was extremely saddened by the cancellation. Referencing the Whitworths censorship, she added, This isnt the first time a large institution in Manchester has censored Palestinian voices and its setting a deeply troubling trend of silencing Palestinian art and culture. Across the UK and internationally, thousands of artists are speaking out against the imperialist-backed genocide in Gaza and battling against the same censorship. Last month, hundreds occupied the Barbican centre in London after management cancelled a lecture in February due to be given by well-known Indian writer Pankaj Mishra, entitled The Shoah [Nazi holocaust] After Gaza. Many artists withdrew their work from the venue in protest. As part of an offensive in Republican-controlled states against the institution of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), the University of Florida last month laid off all DEI administrators and contractors as well as the chief diversity officer. University of Florida [Photo by Todd Van Hoosear / CC BY-SA 2.0 The University of Florida, one of the largest and highest-rated universities in the state, announced that all affected employees would receive 12 weeks severance pay and would be considered for different jobs on campus, while all funds previously budgeted for DEI would be reallocated. This purge follows fascistic Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signing of the Stop Woke Law in 2023, which made Florida one of the first states to enact a law restricting DEI. The Florida law bans state universities from spending federal or state money on DEI programs, offices or administrators. In Texas, DEI offices were eliminated at major state schools following the passage of a similar law. The Texas Senates Education Committee will meet in May with university leaders as part of an inquisitorial process to ensure that the universities have complied with the ban. Since January 2023, at least 73 bills targeting DEI have been introduced in state legislatures. Of these, eight passed, 25 failed to pass, and the remainder are pending, with more expected to be introduced this year. The Republican offensive against DEI pits the fascistic America First forces gathered around Trump against one of the key institutional bastions of identity politics, itself a reactionary ideology promoted by the Democratic Party. With its roots in the policy of racial preferences known as affirmative action, DEI has ballooned into a multi-billion-dollar industry that spans academia, the military, the intelligence apparatus and the headquarters of Americas corporate and financial conglomerates. In the university context, DEI is associated with practices such as requiring academics to submit mandatory diversity statements explaining how their work has contributed to DEI. The institution of DEI is also responsible for administering diversity training, as well as what amounts to racial, gender and other personal identity quotas, enforced in the name of equity. Under the rubric of diversity training, participants are divided by race and confronted with concepts such as white privilege and white fragility. The mandatory diversity statements are often seen as exercises in cynicism and dishonesty, both for the author and the evaluator, especially where the course subject matter has no plausible connection to diversity. Equity, as opposed to equality, has come to mean advancement based on considerations other than merit. It is no accident that the chosen middle term of DEI is a synonym for wealth in the form of stocks, bonds, property and other financial assets. At New York University and other campuses, student groups have used the framework and outlook of DEI to demand racially segregated student housing. For their part, the consultants who administer and ensure compliance with DEI have given rise to a lucrative industry in its own right. The Republican far right, which does, in fact, aim to incite racism, is seeking to capitalize on the resentments and divisions among working people and youth generated by the practices and methods of DEI. A protest called to defend DEI on March 8 at the University of Florida drew a dozen students at most, underscoring the shallow support for DEI policies among students. This stands in the starkest contrast to the massive demonstrations of students of all races, genders and ethnicities across the US and around the world to oppose the Gaza genocide. At the University of Florida, the opposition to the abolition of DEI has been concentrated almost exclusively in student clubs that promote racial or identity politics. The presidents of these organizations signed a joint letter opposing the firing of Marsha McGriff, who had been receiving a $300,000 salary for her role as chief diversity officer. No doubt, for those being groomed for future positions within and around the Democratic Party, the abolition of DEI threatens personal career prospects. The right-wing press has celebrated the end of DEI at the University of Florida and made clear that this is just the start. The National Review ran an article titled Others Should Follow University of Floridas Termination of DEI, and the Wall Street Journal sent its kudos to Floridas government on March 1. As with Floridas Stop Woke Act, the anti-DEI campaign has nothing to do with genuine demands for equality or academic freedom. The far-right campaign is aimed at transforming public schools and universities into centers for flag-waving, patriotic indoctrination. From the standpoint of Trump and the Republicans, it is one stepping stone in the campaign to suppress the teaching of any history, humanities or social science that does not conform with the nationalist mythology of the Republicans. The anti-DEI purge is the leading edge of a broader far-right crusade against science and education, which has already included removing introductory sociology as a core course in the states public higher education curriculum. As part of the same crusade, the Republican Party has carried out a historic wave of book bans. According to publisher Penguin Random House, there were 3,362 cases of banned books nationwide through June 2023, a 33 percent increase over the previous year. Of these, more than 1,400 took place in Florida, followed by 625 in Texas. In opposition to DEI, the far right is seeking to impose its Christian-nationalist, fascist, social-Darwinist perspective. Above all, the campaign is aimed at heading off the growth of socialist consciousness and the influence of Marxism. The Heritage Foundation, a prominent right-wing think tank, in its report How Cultural Marxism Threatens the United Statesand How Americans Can Fight It, makes precisely this point. It states that university officials most involved with enforcing the cultural Marxist ideology generally fall under the heading of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DeSantis has claimed that equity was a Trojan horse for cultural Marxism. Trump himself has vowed to reclaim university campuses taken over by Marxist maniacs, and welcomes a purge of DEI offices, which, he claims, are staffed with Marxist bureaucrats. This is part of a far-right effort to smear Marxism by associating it with the increasingly discredited postmodernist and racialist ideologies promoted by the Democratic Party, such as critical race theory, with which genuine Marxism has nothing in common whatsoever. Postmodern identity politics divides the population into arbitrary, subjective identities and pits them against each other, while at the same time functioning as a career vehicle for substantial sections in the upper-middle class who are seeking well-funded positions in academia and the corporate world, as well as in the state and intelligence apparatus. Notwithstanding efforts to portray it as left wing, the institution of DEI is entirely compatible with capitalism, nationalism, imperialism and every form of reaction. This is perhaps best illustrated by the extent to which the Central Intelligence Agency has embraced these same methods and jargon. According to a 2014 publication titled Diversity and Inclusion at the CIA, the CIA has a wide range of identity-based employee support groups. This includes the Agency Network of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Officers and Allies (ANGLE); Blacks in Government, UMOJA Chapter; Directorate of Intelligence African-American Careerists (DIAAC); Directorate of Intelligence Womens Council; Hispanic Advisory Council (HAC), and numerous others. Over the past six months, the far right has been legitimized and emboldened by the bipartisan witch-hunt, conducted by both parties of American imperialism, against opposition on university campuses to the Gaza genocide, carried out under the slanderous pretense of fighting antisemitism. DeSantis himself ordered the banning of Students for Justice in Palestine at all state universities in October. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The meeting on April 5 is not against Azerbaijan, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a phone talk with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. Antony Blinken said he received reports that the trilateral meeting between the U.S., the European Union, and Armenia on April 5 had caused concern on the Azerbaijani side, and stressed the importance of clarifying the issue by speaking with President Ilham Aliyev regarding this matter. The Secretary of State pointed out that the main focus of the mentioned meeting will be on the economic development issues of Armenia. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted that, based on the information he received, discussions during the preparation process for the trilateral meeting included topics such as military support to Armenia, joint military exercises, the establishment of military infrastructure along border areas with Azerbaijan, and Armenia's arming through the EU's European Peace Facility and funded by the US budget. The head of state emphasized that such steps carrying an anti-Azerbaijan nature, including the policy of arming Armenia by France, will exacerbate arms race in the region and lead to provocations. On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal published an article providing further evidence of the criminality and neglect of aerospace giant Boeing during the production stages of its commercial aircraft. While the piece only focuses on a single production line at the companys facility in Renton, Washington, and the final assembly of the 737 MAX 9 that had its door blow out while in flight this past January, it further exposes the underlying causes of the numerous dangerous issues known to affect Boeing aircraft. A Boeing 737 MAX 8 jetliner at the assembly plant at Renton, Washington. [Credit: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File] The basis of the Journals report is from previously unreported communications from Boeings messaging system, the Shipside Action Tracker (SAT), which is designed to communicate issues during an aircrafts production so, ostensibly, they can be fixed before the plane is shipped out. Starting on September 1, 2023, the fuselage of the specific 737 MAX 9, noted internally as Line No. 8789, had been flagged as having damaged rivets which needed fixing. For nearly three weeks, workers at Boeing wrote comments in the SAT that the rivets had to be replaced. One entry read, Damaged rivets are not acceptable and need to be removed and replaced. In particular, they were requesting that work be done by Spirit AeroSystems, which had made the fuselage and made the mistake but was unresponsive. No Spirit work in progress, noted another entry. And when Spirit finally did claim it had fixed the issue, a further extraordinary message in the SAT read, CONDITION STILL EXIST. RIVETS WERE JUST PAINTED OVER. It was during this process that four door plugs were removed to ultimately fix the rivets. Those door plugs were not replaced, which was the immediate cause of the January blowout. Spirit is infamous for its shoddy quality, which is even admitted by Boeing itself. A critical defect in 737 fuselages had been detected last August which required detailed inspection and redrilling to correct. Rather than force Spirit to correct its issues, Boeing implemented a traveled work system in which production at the Renton facility was done out of order to fix errors as they were found. What the Journal makes no mention of, however, is that these sorts of issues have been raised repeatedly by Boeing whistleblowers, especially by the late John Barnett. Barnett had worked for Boeing for 32 years, until 2017, and was a quality manager at the companys facility in Charleston, South Carolina, which produces the 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Barnett was in the middle of a detailed deposition against Boeing in which he alleged that Boeing retaliated against him in numerous ways for speaking out against production practices that made the planes unsafe. These allegations include that he was told to work in the grey area and not document defects, not report when parts from the plane were being stolen, and to submit an incomplete build record, which constitutes a criminal felony offense and has the potential to adversely impact the safety of the flying public. On the third day of his deposition, March 9, Barnett was found dead from a gun shot wound in a truck in a Holiday Inn parking lot. It was ruled a suicide by the county coroner within 48 hours. Almost immediately, his lawyers questioned the official account. They asserted, We didnt see any indication that he would take his own life. No one can believe it. The Charleston police need to investigate this fully and accurately and tell the public. No detail can be left unturned. Days later, a close family friend of Barnetts spoke to an ABC affiliate and said Barnett told her, If anything happens to me, its not suicide. Most recently, Barnetts mother Vicky Stokes was interviewed by CBS News. When asked if she blamed Boeing for her sons death, she replied, I think if this hadnt gone on so long, Id still have my son. My sons would still have their brother, and we wouldnt be sitting here. So, in that respect, I do. It is absurd, given the sheer volume of Barnetts allegations against Boeing, a total of 32 pages, and the suspicious nature of his death, that none of this is mentioned in the article by the Wall Street Journal. The New York Times, the supposed newspaper of record, is no better. It has published several articles on Boeing defects in the past few days, including articles titled, How Boeing Favored Speed Over Quality, 4 Takeaways About Boeings Quality Problems and an opinion piece, You Dont Need to Freak Out About Boeing Planes (but Boeing Sure Does), to name just some. Yet none of them mentions Barnetts suit or comment in any way on his suicide, despite the fact that Barnett is arguably the most prolific Boeing whistleblower, especially since he was finally forced out of the company in 2017. And the CBS News interview proves that the owners and editors of the newspapers are clearly aware of the significance of Barnetts allegations, both past and present. The underlying reason for the silence is the stature of Boeing itself. The airplane manufacturer sits at the heart of both American exports and the US military machine, including much of the equipment used by Israel in its genocide against Gaza. There is every reason to suspect that Barnett was in a position to reveal even more about the companys inner workings and that the media companies had been instructed to just paint over his known allegations and subsequent death. There is little doubt that what else Barnett had to say would have thrown Boeing even further into crisis. As the Journal article admits, the reason the company was pushing through defective fuselages was to deliver promised 737 MAX planes. It is several years behind fulfilling orders after it was forced to halt production in the wake of the two MAX 8 crashes in October 2018 and March 2019 which collectively killed 346 passengers and crew. Since then, Boeings share of the commercial airline market has fallen from 50 to 42 percent. Several ranking officials, including CEO David Calhoun, have been forced out over the recent spate of crises, following the ouster of ex-CEO Dennis Muilenburg at the end of 2019. And while under the tenure of both, the safety and quality of Boeings aircraft have taken a nosedive. Yet salaries and bonuses of executives and stock buybacks for investors have never been higher. In Van, one of eastern Turkeys largest Kurdish cities, the Provincial Election Board dismissed the election on Sunday as mayor of Abdullah Zeydan, the candidate of the Kurdish nationalist Peoples Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), with 55 percent of the vote. Abdullah Zeydan, on right, and Neslihan Sedal, elected co-mayors of Van. Credit: @abdullahzeydan on X/Twitter Faced with mass protests since Tuesday, the Supreme Electoral Board (YSK), which evaluated the DEM Partys objection yesterday, backed down and returned the mandate to Zeydan. Tens of thousands of people celebrated the decision in Van. The Justice Ministry and the Supreme Electoral Board (YSK) had recognized Zeydans eligibility and candidacy, but the Provincial Electoral Board initially gave the mayoralty to Abdulahat Arvas, of President Recep Tayyip Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP). Arvas had come second with 27 percent of the vote. Protests began at noon on Tuesday in Van and continued into the night. Police fired tear gas and water cannon, while protesters responded with rocks and fireworks. Shopkeepers also closed their shutters to protest the decision by the electoral body. The governorates of Van and Bitlis announced a 15-day ban on protests and demonstrations, which are a constitutional right, as well as on entering and leaving the city. Many people were reportedly arrested in protests and house raids. Tens of thousands of people marched after the DEM Party executive met in the city yesterday, while police once again attacked the demonstrators. Protests against the anti-democratic decision to abolish the election result spread to many cities, including Istanbul. Videos posted online apparently show AKP provincial Chairman Zeydin Kaya and his relatives shooting long-barreled firearms at protesters in Hakkari. The Van Provincial Election Boards anti-democratic decision came after the AKP suffered a serious defeat in Sundays elections. The Republican Peoples Party (CHP) placed first with 37.7 percent of the vote, while the AKP, which lost millions of votes in the last elections in 2023, failed to come first in an election for the first time since 2002. It took 35.5 percent. Erdogan declared after the election that his government would continue the program of social attacks despite the discontent of the working class reflected in the results. He also signaled new military operations against Kurdish nationalist militias in Syria and Iraq, claiming, We will not allow the creation of a terror land beyond our southern borders. The Erdogan government has long been waiting for a green light from Washington for a new ground assault against the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), the main US proxy force in Syria. Since 2016, Ankaras military operations to prevent the formation of a Kurdish state in Syria have been accompanied by the dismissal of elected Kurdish deputies and mayors at home. The Peoples Democracy Party (HDP, now renamed the DEM Party) won 65 municipalities and placed first in the Kurdish provinces in the 2019 local elections, but the Interior Ministry appointed trustees to replace elected mayors in 48 of these municipalities. The DEM Party reportedly won back 37 of these 48 municipalities on Sunday, bringing its total number of municipalities to 78. Before the government intervened in Van, the DEM Party was prevented from winning the elections by bringing soldiers and policemen en masse to vote in many places on Sunday. According to the Mesopotamia Agency, in at least 12 places the election results were changed in favor of the AKP in this way. The DEM Party objected to this undemocratic practice. Zeydan, the winning candidate in Van on Sunday, was elected as an HDP deputy in the 2015 elections and arrested on November 4, 2016, along with 12 other HDP deputies, due to CHP support for a constitutional amendment to allow Erdogan to lift immunity from prosecution. He was convicted of making terrorist propaganda and was in jail until January 7, 2022. According to his lawyer, Zeydan regained his electoral rights last year: We asked the court that issued the verdict against Mr. Zeydan to grant him his deprived rights. This request was dated March 21, 2023. A few days later, on April 4, 2023, the Diyarbakr 5th High Court accepted our request and ordered the return of Zeydans full rights. In his statement, Zeydan added: I applied to the court a year ago for the return of the rights I was deprived of due to my conviction and the court accepted it. It is not enough for the court to make this decision and it has to be final. This decision has become final ... A year has passed and in this process I applied to the Provincial Election Board with the entire court decision and the final note. The YSK examined all the documents and said that there is no obstacle to my eligibility to be elected. The DEM Party stated that the Justice Ministry objected to Zeydans candidacy at 4:55 p.m. on Friday, March 29, two days before the elections: The relevant prosecutors office sent to the court that had issued a final ruling to restore the divested electoral rights an administrative objection letter, which had the nature of an order. It added: On the same day, the court revoked the final decision on the restitution of divested rights and rejected the application for the restitution of divested rights. Before the decision was finalized, i.e., before the right of objection and appeal was exercised, it immediately notified the YSK. In a statement on Monday, the DEM Party declared: This decision is the continuation of the political coup process initiated with the intervention of the government. The decision taken by the majority of the members of the Van Provincial Election Board is illegal, illegitimate and a decision not to recognize the will of the people. The DEM filed an appeal with the YSK yesterday. Former HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas, who was arrested along with Zeydan on the same anti-democratic pretext and is still imprisoned, asked Erdogan, the main person behind the Van decision, to solve the problem. He said: I would like to address you, Mr. President. On the election night, you said that you would respect the will of the people and that you understood the message. Unfortunately, what happened in Van is not in line with your message. This is not the way to respect the will of the people. Neither the people nor God will accept it. He continued: We expect you to stop this state of affairs from the beginning. We expect you, as the president of the country, to put an end to this illegal attempt that frustrates the will to solve all problems through dialog and mutual trust. Ozgur Ozel, the leader of the CHP, which won the local elections, also peddled illusions in Erdogans empty rhetoric about defending democratic rights. Ozel said, If [Erdogan] speaks like this there and then, when there is a metropolitan mayor who received three times as many votes as his opponent, they try to trap him and commit the shame of giving the mandate to the second runner-up, all his words become null and void. In fact, these bankrupt appeals to Erdogan, who has imposed a police-state regime for many years with the CHPs help, underscore one central political reality: No faction of the Turkish bourgeoisie can defend democratic rights. Defending these rights depends on the unification and mass mobilization of Turkish and Kurdish workers against the ruling class and imperialism on the basis of an international socialist program. The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature. Latin America Dockworkers strike international terminal serving Chile and Bolivia A strike by dockworkers at the Iquique International Port, which serves Chile and Bolivia, disrupted trucking on the Bolivian side of the terminal. During the strike 1,000 dockworkers blocked access to the terminal. At issue is the lack of safety at the ports, 12 workers were killed in 2023 because of accidents at the ports. In addition, workers complain that there are illnesses among port workers caused by poor sanitation at Chiles ports. Workers returned to work on March 28; about 200 trucks are still stuck at the International terminal, including trucks loaded with export goods from Bolivia and imports to Bolivia. Argentine dockworkers mobilize The Shipping Pilots Union (SICONARA) has declared a state of mobilization against measures proposed by the Milei administration that impose a big tax on workers earnings. A union spokesperson declared that the new law confiscated workers earnings, particularly the earnings of maritime workers, who often have to work long-hour without proper compensation. On March 26 and 27 workers at ports, airports and customs carried out a strike against the layoffs, by the Milei administration, of 30 percent of the workforce, which will eliminate health and safety provisions at ports and airports. Protests in Santiago, Cuba over food shortages and electricity blackouts On March 27 hundreds protested in Santiago, Cubas second largest city, over food shortages and electricity blackouts. The monthly ration of chicken was being distributed at a government subsidized price, when it became clear that there would not be enough to go around. At the same time electricity went out. This was the second protest in Santiago. Some of the protesters, interviewed by Reuters, described how their lives are being affected by blackouts and food shortages: the mosquitos, the heat, sometimes there is no water. People are losing their minds, declared Yoni Mena, owner of a vegetable stand in the city. At both protests, hundreds of demonstrators chanted Power and Food, and freedom. Santiago and Cuba are facing hard times as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the virtual collapse of the tourism industry. United States Boston University threatens to use AI to replace striking graduate workers With a strike by Boston University graduate workers now in its second week the administration has sent an email to faculty recommending the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to replace some of the functions impacted by the strike. Among the measures proposed by the administration to deal with the impact of the strike was to Engage generative AI tools to give feedback or facilitate discussion on readings or assignments. Boston University graduate workers protest (Photo:IBEW Local 2222) A faculty member who spoke anonymously to the campus paper Daily Beast said, Its honestly pretty shocking. A press release from the Boston University Graduate Workers Union, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, said that grad workers currently make between $27,000 to $40,000 per year, while the living wage for Boston is in the area of $62,000 a year. Grad workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize strike in March after nine months of negotiations. The walkout began March 25. The main issues are better health care coverage, childcare subsidies and higher pay. The current health plan does not cover dental or eyecare or emergency room visits. The administration, meanwhile, has suspended the stipends of strikers Philadelphia nurses and tech workers vote to strike Nurses and tech workers at Temple Healths Fox Chase Cancer Center granted strike authorization March 21 after six months of fruitless bargaining. The 135 tech workers and 400 nurses are frustrated that management has refused to negotiate staffing ratios and offer acceptable healthcare benefits. The nurses only unionized in 2023 and both nurses and tech workers have demanded joint negotiations and that they take place on Temples Cottman Avenue campus in order to facilitate workers who want to observe the bargaining process. However, Temple has refused the request. Nancy McIntyre, an X-ray tech, told the Philadelphia Inquirer, They have been calling the shots, and weve been giving in. Meanwhile, the contract covering some 370 nurses at Jeanes Hospitalwhich abuts the Fox Chase facilityexpired back in November and workers voted to strike on February 29. Spokane healthcare workers preparing to launch one-week strike beginning April 7 The union representing 1,400 nurses, technical and service workers at MultiCare Deaconess and Valley Hospitals in Spokane, Washington, issued a ten-day strike notice March 27 after 19 fruitless bargaining sessions that failed to resolve workers demands for wages and improved staffing levels. Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1199NW voted by a 93 percent margin on March 16 to grant strike authorization and a seven-day walkout is slated to commence on April 7. The SEIU has called for a six percent cost-of-living raise for all categories of workers and additional increases for each category to make them competitive with other healthcare facilities. But according to the union, MultiCare has only granted minimal additional increases in addition to the paltry six percent wage increase. MultiCare is also seeking to increase workers portion of out-of-pocket costs for healthcare benefits, slash personal time off (PTO) and sick leave and has rejected contract language to provide protections governing overtime, rest between shifts and recall. MultiCare has been on an expansion binge, acquiring the Yakima Memorial Hospital and dozens of new clinics and making a $15.7 million land purchase north of Spokane. Meanwhile, the company is showering its top seven executives with $11.3 million in salaries. MultiCare, based out of Tacoma, Washington, operates some ten hospitals. Canada Union pleads for fair deal as strike by Art Gallery of Ontario workers enters second week The strike by more than four-hundred cultural workers at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has entered its second week, forcing the art museum to close its doors indefinitely due to a labour disruption. Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) Local 535 began their strike on Tuesday, March 26, following the breakdown of ten months of talks. The previous day, workers had rejected the gallerys latest contract offer which ignored workers key demands, including meaningful cost-of-living wage increases and protections against contracting out for part-time workers. Art Gallery of Ontario strikers picket (Photo: OPSEU) Those on strike include assistant curators, archivists, food and hospitality staff, researchers, instructors, carpenters, electricians and visitor service staff. Part-time workers, who already make up 60 percent of the museums staff, earn an average of $34,380 per yearwell below the annual livable wage threshold in the Toronto area of $45,591. Conversely, the top executives at the museum make more than $200,000 per year, the union reported. The strike is taking place amid the AGOs massive $100 million building expansion project expected to begin this spring, an additional expenditure that the museums management surely expects its workers to pay for. In a press release days before the strike, while acknowledging the AGOs disparaging refusal or lack of response on any equity-related issues during the ten months of bargaining, the union continues to pathetically beg management for a new offer, isolating the strike and making hollow appeals to community members to email AGO Foundation CEO Stephan Jostwho makes $406,000 in addition to hundreds of thousands in consulting feesto demand a fair deal for workers. Griffin Wheel workers in Manitoba strike over pension plans and forced overtime One hundred and eighty-one workers at Griffin Wheel, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, are on strike following the rejection of the companys latest concessions contract. On Wednesday, March 27, Unifor Local 144 staged a timid one-day walk-out in protest of the companys latest offerwhich would erode pensions, remove seniority rights and enforce overtimeallowing management the following morning to promptly impose a lockout, forcing workers into indefinite job action. Griffin Wheel produces 850 train wheels a day on average for Chicago-based Amsted Industries, a multi-billion-dollar company which manufactures industrial transportation components globally. Management at Griffin Wheel appears to have severed communication with the union since the strike/lockout began, yet Unifor continues to plead with them to cut a deal. Unifor sellout in the offing as Green Shield workers strike enters second month As the strike by 600 workers at a health insurance provider in Ontario enters its second month, recent statements underscore the unions willingness to accept the employers concessionary offer. Workers at Green Shield, which include adjudicators, call centre representatives, and administrative roles among others, first went on strike on March 1the first strike in the companys 65-year history. Regarding the negotiations which the union says have resumed, Jodi Nesbitt, the president of Unifor Local 240, stated, Well, I would say that progress is being made. Were actually talking. She then admitted to the fact that the conversation at the bargaining table might not be exactly what both sides want before adding the vague assurance that we are at least talking about some important issues. Any real concessions given to workers would be an unlikely about-face by Green Shield management, which has throughout the months-long contract dispute repeatedly refused to meet the workers demands for wage increases, job security and job protections against the contracting out of work. Three days into the strike, Green Shield announced its disappointment in the strike, assuring its clients that strong contingency plans were in place and that services would not be impacted by the strike. Locked-out workers at GFL Environmental in Kelowna, British Columbia on strike Unionized workers at GFL Environmental, a waste-processing company in Kelowna, British Columbia initiated strike action on March 27, one week after they were locked out by their employer. Teamsters spokesperson Rob Cook admitted to the local media that negotiations with the company had been ongoing for quite some time. Earlier in March, members of Teamsters Canada Local 213 rejected the companys latest contract offer, which did not meet their wage demands and on March 21, management sent a letter to the union notifying them of the lockout effective the following week. Headquartered in Ontario, GFL Environmental is the fourth largest diversified environmental services company in North America, according to its website. It is listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges with a revenue of over $7 billion in 2022. Kokomo Transmission Plant workers on July 19, 2023 Are you an autoworker? To find out more information about building a rank-and-file committee in your plant, fill out the form at the end of this article. A World Socialist Web Site reporting team traveled to Kokomo, Indiana Saturday to speak to Stellantis workers about the ongoing destruction of jobs, which has followed the betrayal of the 2023 contract battle by the United Auto Workers bureaucracy. Stellantis employs nearly 8,000 workers at four engine, casting and transmission plants in the city, which is located 65 miles north of Indianapolis. Under last years labor agreement, which UAW President Shawn Fain and US President Joe Biden claimed was a record contract, workers in area have been hit by an accelerating wave of job cuts. Last month, Stellantis put the nearby Tipton Transmission plant up for sale. The UAW approved the closure of the 781,000-square-foot facility, which employed up to 900 workers in late 2021, along with 10 parts distribution centers across the country. Although Fain and UAW Vice President Rich Boyer told temporary workers they would be rolled over to full-time positions under the new contract, the UAW bureaucracy gave Stellantis a green light to permanently terminate at least 2,300 temporary workers across the company, including hundreds in the Kokomo area. In addition, hundreds of workers at the Indianapolis Transmission Plant have been put on weeks of temporary layoffs. Working closely with the Biden administration, Fain prevented an industry wide walkout in September 2023, and instead called a bogus stand up strike, which never involved more than one quarter of the UAW membership. After forcing workers to continue producing profits for the companies, Fain & Co. rammed through pro-company contracts that have opened the door for massive job cuts as the industry transitions to electric vehicles. Since then, Fain has become a leading public spokesmen for Biden claiming that the long-time shill for big business is a champion of the working class. In turn, the Democratic president has used the services of the trade union bureaucracy to suppress opposition to Israels slaughter of the Palestinians and force workers to bear the cost of the escalating military confrontation with Russia and China. World Socialist Web Site reporters recently sat down with two Stellantis workers in Kokomo to discuss the current conditions facing workers, the lessons of the UAW betrayal and the fight by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to unite workers across borders against job cuts. The workers used the pseudonyms Nikki and John to protect them from retaliation from management and the UAW bureaucracy. A punitive attendance policy and job cuts John began by describing the punitive attendance policy that has been put in place under the new labor agreement. Were not seen as humans with the higher attendance policy. We show up everyday but there are times we have to spend with kids or we have an emergency. Theyve made it more difficult, especially when were working 8-10 hours a day, plus commuting. They talk about work-life balance and the quality of life for kids, but then theres no time off. I plan to get to work 20-30 minutes early in case I have a flat tire or something. But once there was a bad accident on the highway that required lifeline emergency vehicles and I was two hours late. Under the new policy, I could get one point for something out of my control. If youre two hours late and dont have any lunch break time left, they can give you two points, Nikki said. It used to be you could have six absences and six tardies but now theyve combined them into occurrences. If you get nine they can fire you. She added, They make you exhaust your FMLA [unpaid Family Medical and Leave Act time off] claim before you can get sick leave or the short-term benefits for an injury or severe illness. Thats 12 weeks with no pay. They also restricted what you can use a PAA (Paid Absentee Allowance) days for. They allow colonoscopies, but they are starting to prevent you from taking your kids to the doctor or things like that. You used to get the day before a colonoscopy to prep, and the day after just in case. Now, you have to use use a PAA day or vacation day and give them them five days notice. But if it is in the middle of the week, you have to do the prep with a laxative at work while youre on the line! The workers described how hundreds of temporary workers in the area, also known as supplemental employees (SEs), have been fired since January 13. As brutal as it was for Stellantis workers in Michigan and Ohio where many SEs were terminated via a robo-call, they said, SEs in Indiana received no warning at all. The UAW had known the week before that the SEs werent supposed to come in because they were being fired but they let them in because management needed them, Nikki said. The following Monday, they walked up to the gates and their company badges didnt work. One girl who lives in Wabash, an hour away, drove all the way here to find out she didnt have a job. It didnt only affect a lot of young workers and single moms, but it also affected older workers who were told they were going to be hired in. So it was obviously a shock when peoples badges didnt work. Full-timers were pissed off the SEs werent treated right. It is a brotherhood in there. Yea, they pick on each other but they still look out for each other. Then they get treated like that! Nikki continued, It was in the contract we had in 1999 that you hired as a temp. Some were one week, some of us were three weeks before we got hired. It was not years of being a temp. The next group were hired around 2007 and they were not flipped right away. This is when it started. At some point in time, the company decided they were paying them too much and fired them the next week. They said, If you still want your job, you can come back at the starting pay. Nikki said that some of the fired SEs had responded positively to a petition being circulated by the Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD) faction of the UAW bureaucracy, which is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and Labor Notes. The UAWD said that once 1,000 signatures were gathered, they would submit it to the company and notify the UAW-Stellantis department. They were coming to me and saying, This looks good. This is what we want. I told them this was a cover for Fain. These people (UAWD) were with him. Sign it, I said, but you are not going to hear another word about it because the UAW leaders okayed all the firings. You notice that theres no word about what happened to that petition. Fain and the bogus Stand up strike Nikki said that in the run-up to the September 14, 2023 contract expiration date workers were enthusiastic over the statements by Fain that he would strike all three auto companies. But she was more cautious given Fains long record of collaborating with the company, including in pushing through massive concessions during the 2009 auto industry restructuring overseen by the Obama-Biden administration. I work next to people with less seniority. They dont know how it works. They were saying okay, here we go, were going on strike. What we heard for two weeks until the midnight deadline was that everybody will walk out. Some were looking at their phones counting it down, were getting ready to walk. But then only a few plants strike and the rest of us are still at work. I was like, now you see it, now you see the way this works. Fain had these weekly updates and workers were still counting down, saying, Oh, its gonna be us walking out now. But the third time, people were saying, Okay, were not going on strike. Thats why Fain mentioned Kokomo in one of his online events, saying Dont worry, I havent forgotten about you. He says this while were stockpiling parts for Jeep in Toledo, our biggest customer. The Toledo Jeep plant was on strike for 45 days, and we are on 45 days critical status pushing out parts round the clock, Nikki said. By continuing production during the phony strike, Nikki said, the UAW bureaucracy ensured that workers would face layoffs afterwards. We built up a stockpile of 26,000 transmissions. We have no racks to put them in which is why we got these two weeks of layoffs. ITP1 (Indiana Transmission Plant No. 1) got two down weeks and they just extended it to five. The new workers here are thinking these are free vacations. But we remember the old days when we were looking at 10-18 months off until the market picks back up. These workers have never experienced a massive layoff. But now they are coming. John explained how the UAW bureaucracy pushed through the contract on false pretenses. They dangled the carrot in front of the workers: Everybody was going to get their attendance points wiped out. Everybody is going to get a little bit of raise and said were going to flip you to full time. Some people have yet to get their cost of living and they fired so many SEs, he said. Nikki said in the course of the struggle she warned workers about Fain. He was the one who voted to hand all our things back to the company. He was on the UAW-Chrysler Negotiating Committee in 2009 and cut all the stuff hes claiming to get back. When this all came out, then the mood changed to We dont like this guy. When we did not walk out it went to We hate him now. Striking Jeep workers with Will Lehman (third from right) on the picket lines in Toledo in 2023. The two workers said they followed the election campaign of Will Lehman, the Mack Trucks worker who ran as a socialist candidate for UAW president in the first round of the UAW election in 2022. Lehman won nearly 5,000 votes, despite the deliberate effort by the UAW bureaucracy to disenfranchise rank-and-file members. When it came to Fain and incumbent UAW president Ray Curry, John said, It was basically like Biden and Trump. You didnt have anybody to vote for who wasnt a career politician. Will was fighting for us, but he wasnt one of the final two. Most of the people who run for these offices have not been on the shop floor for 10 to 20 years. Thats why they want a union job because you can sit in their office and get paid. I knew the steward got paid double time plus a bigger profit-sharing check then the rest of us. With the strike, they boasted they spent as little out of the strike fund as possible. We should have had every single automotive plant out in the country. With the strike fund, we could have been on strike for almost three months. That would have forced them to come to the table, John said. The rich people cant do anything without us. War and the fight for the international unity of the working class The WSWS reporters explained the Biden administration used the trade union bureaucracies to block or neuter strikes at UPS, the docks, in auto and other industries, which threatened to disrupt the preparations for war against Russia and China. Whether Biden or Trump was in the White House, they said, the ruling class was waging a war on two fronts: for global conquest abroad and a war againt the working class at home to pay for it. The next thing is its going to turn into a war with China over Taiwan, John said. Theyre even asking retired military people to come back. He worried that a guy with dementia was leading the US into a nuclear war. You just have the Republicans and Democrats, and neither are for the workers, John added. Thats why we need another party. Ive got a son in his 20s and hes struggling and living paycheck-to-paycheck. Hes got two kids and they are trying to find a place to rent. Thats $900 a month. Then doing the groceries on top of that and you have gas. If youre single you have to have a babysitter. I mean you cant make ends meet. I tell my kids there is going to be a civil war or a revolution. John said the betrayal of the unions was due to corruption. While there was no lack of corruption in the UAW bureaucracy, the WSWS reporters said, the transformation of the trade unions into direct instruments of the corporations was bound up with the historic changes in capitalist production over the last half century. The nationalist and pro-capitalist unions around the world had no progressive response to globalization and instead abandoned any resistance to the corporations and imposed whatever demands their ruling class had to increase competitiveness and profitablity. The WSWS reporters described how the German and Spanish trade unions pit Ford workers against each other in bidding war over where Ford would carry out EV production. John said, Imagine what would have happened if the unions would have worked together and said, No, this is what we want. Were not going to run your operations. You got a choice. You either keep two or none, right? But the opposite has occurred: The IG Metall union in Germany is collaborating with Ford to shut its plant in Saarlouis while workers at the plant in Valencia, Spain face more than 1,100 job cuts and a four-year wage freeze enforced by the UGT union. In opposition to the nationalist trade unions, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) is fighting to unify workers across national borders in a industrial counter-offensive to defend jobs and living standards. This fight is inseparable from the fight against imperialist war and the demands for endless sacrifice to fund the wars for corporate interests. Both workers responded positively to the intiative being taken up by the IWA-RFC and agreed to spread the word about rank-and-file committees among their fellow Stellantis workers in Kokomo. Workers internationally are being trampled and thats why we need to band together, John said. To find out more information about building a rank-and-file committee in your plant, fill out the form below. A retired Queensland nurse and former warehouse worker, Mark Stapleton, has sent a letter of resignation to the Australian Labor Party (ALP), which he first joined three decades ago, and joined the Socialist Equality Party as an electoral member. Mark Stapleton In his resignation letter, emailed to the Labor Party state secretary on March 28, Stapleton explained his opposition and disgust with Labors support for the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza and for US militarism against Russia and China, including the AUKUS military pact against China. Stapleton wrote: I am resigning my membership of the ALP due to their unquestioned support for the US/NATO/EU war on Russia and China. Also, the belligerent attitude we are adopting with AUKUS/QUAD/Five Eyes/nuclear submarines and the way we are lecturing Asian and South Pacific leaders to join the military and economic war against China. Not to mention the support for Israeli genocide in Gaza and withdrawal of UN funding for Palestinian refugees based on unsubstantiated claims by the IDF and Israeli government. He explained: I have been Labor all my life and participated in many campaigns. But I will not support war, especially against two countries that dont want war. I have not heard one current ALP sitting member (State or Federal) speak out against the war mongering of [Labor ministers] Albanese, Wong, Marles or Conroy. The most upsetting thing of all is the lies the ALP leadership are telling us about Ukraine/Russia and Taiwan/China. I have raised my concerns during the last federal election campaign with [Foreign Minister] Penny Wongs and [Prime Minister] Anthony Albaneses offices and was treated with contempt by their staffers. Stapleton also denounced the Albanese governments attacks on the living conditions and basic rights of the working class, and shutting of the countrys borders to refugees. He wrote: Meanwhile we have a housing crisis, cost of living crisis, massive healthcare crisis, GP shortages, reduced rights in the workplace and declining job security etc, etc. His letter concluded: One last thingto refuse an asylum seeker asylum forever simply because they approach our borders in a boat to request asylum is beyond indefensible. In this interview, Stapleton explained why he not only quit the Labor Party but signed up as a SEP electoral member to participate in the SEPs fight to build an alternative revolutionary socialist leadership in the working class. Asked to explain the background to the stand he is taking, Stapleton said: I have had increasing concern over the past few years about the attitude of the Western governments to Ukraine and Taiwan I have been opposed to the proxy wars against Russia and China. Labor has become as bad as the Liberal National Party, and not just in foreign policy but also in abandoning workers and the poor. He described as absolutely outrageous statements by Western leaders, such as French President Macron, that defence industry jobs were good for their countries. Albanese had been similarly disgusting in promoting a war economy. Stapleton said he had been angry for a long time, before the current genocide, about the situation in Gaza, but its appalling to see what is happening on TV. He was not surprised by the Labor governments support for US-backed war policies, but things like buying all those [AUKUS] submarines showed the government was impervious to opposition. They have lost all credibility, like Israel. We are headed for nuclear war, and Pine Gap [a US surveillance base in central Australia] could be the first target. It would be crazy for Russia or China to go to war against the US, but they are being goaded into it. Stapleton said he had raised these concerns inside the Labor Party, including with numerous officials and members of parliament, only to be rebuffed. I thought it was appropriate to fight within for reform, but I dont believe that anymore Things are now beyond repair. He said the current situation had made clear the real nature of the Labor Party and the trade unions. They used to try to get better conditions for workers but now they are just interested in enterprise bargaining. I used to think that the unions were there to represent workers and I used to excuse them for not doing more, short of overthrowing the system, but not anymore. Asked why he had become a SEP electoral member, after reading the WSWS for some years, he said: I have been a socialist all my life but capitalism is now in its death throes. We need to get ready to step up and take the leadership in creating a socialist society. I totally endorse the SEPs position that the workers need to take political power and globally. Stapleton said that he wanted to publicly support the SEP and the WSWS, and the need for a global struggle to overturn capitalism. He explained: We are seeing the degradation of workers rights, war and privatisation. We need to have public ownership of essential services. This is absolutely an international fight. I am not a patriot at all. My allegiance is with the workers and poor all over the world. I am very much an internationalist. We have more in common with Indonesian fishermen than the rich people in Australia. Stapleton urged other workers to join up as SEP electoral members. The SEP last month launched a campaign for 1,500 electoral members in order to regain official party registration so that the party can have its name on the ballot alongside its candidates at the next federal election. This is essential because the SEP is the only party with a genuine socialist program and perspective to fight war and inequality and their source, the capitalist profit system. To apply to become an electoral member today, fill out the form below, or click here. The Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling on Monday that clears the way for a state-wide ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy scheduled to take effect in 30 days. The court also ruled 4-3 to allow an abortion rights constitutional amendment to be put on the ballot in November. Florida Supreme Court Building in Tallahassee, Florida, in 2011. [Photo by Bruin79 / CC BY-SA 3.0 With this decision, Florida joins with thirteen other states in the South that have completely illegalized abortion or implemented similar bans that amount to a near-total prohibition of the procedure following the US Supreme Courts ruling in 2022 which overturned the constitutional right. The right-wing judicial and political figures who support laws making abortions illegal after six weeks are well-aware that most women do not know they are pregnant within this timeframe. In its 6 to 1 decision, the Florida court upheld a state law banning most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed the 15-week ban into law in April 2022, two months before the US Supreme Court decision, and it went into effect in July 2022. The ruling is in response to a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and others seeking to block the 15-week law on the grounds that Floridas Constitution has a 40-year-old privacy clause that explicitly protected the right to abortion in the state and should remain in force. Writing for the court majority, Justice Jamie R. Grosshans said, Based on our analysis finding no clear right to abortion embodied within the Privacy Clause, Planned Parenthood cannot overcome the presumption of constitutionality and is unable to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the 15-week ban is unconstitutional. The court accepted the state attorneys arguments that the privacy clause was adopted by voter referendum in 1980 and, at the time, few people understood it had anything to do with abortion. The justices backed the claim that the clause was mainly meant to cover informational privacy such as personal records and not abortion. Exposing the political nature of the ruling, the arguments accepted by the justices contradict a previous ruling by the Florida Supreme Court in 1989 that said the privacy clause does apply to abortion. It also overturns a 2012 rejection by the electorate of an amendment that would have exempted abortion from constitutional privacy protections. Moving swiftly to implement extreme anti-abortion measures like many other states, the six-week ban was passed by the Florida Legislature one year ago and it was written with the expectation that the court would uphold the 15-week ban. The language of law sign by Governor DeSantis on April 14, 2023 states the six-week ban would go into effect 30 says after the court upheld the previous law. Four of the six justices on the court majority were appointed by DeSantis to the bench. From Texas in the southwest to North Carolina in the mid-Atlantic, there are 14 contiguous states that have moved to cut off access to abortion in the 22 months since the US Supreme Court overturned its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which had guaranteed the fundamental democratic right for all women in the US. Although Floridas 15-week abortion ban has exceptions for circumstances where a mothers life is threatened or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality, it does not allow for exceptions in cases of rape, incest or human trafficking. The six-week ban includes exceptions that the 15-week law leaves out. Justice Jorge Labarga, the only Florida justice to oppose the majority, said the ruling will have far-reaching consequences. Labarga wrote, The impact of todays decision extends far beyond the 15-week ban at issue in this case. By operation of state statute, the majoritys decision will result in even more stringent abortion restrictions in this state. Historically, Florida has been a state in the South where women could go to have a legal abortion or avoid restrictions on the procedure that have been in place in other states. As the New York Times put it, the Florida Supreme Court decision has cemented the rapid transformation of Florida, once a destination for women seeking abortions in the American South, into a place with restrictive policies akin to those in surrounding states. Even before Roe v Wade, Florida permitted abortions later in pregnancy than in neighboring states and allowed women to receive care without first scheduling a consultation at least 24 hours before the procedure. According to a survey of abortion providers conducted for the Society of Family Planning, Florida had the second-largest increase in the total number of abortions provided since the Supreme Court overturned Roe. The data shows that more than 7,700 women from other states received abortions in Florida in 2023. Now, beginning on May 1, women in Florida and across the southeastern US will have to travel as far away as Virginia or Washington D.C. for unrestricted access to abortion. The closest state that allows abortion within 15 weeks is North Carolina, which has a clinic in Charlotte that is anywhere from a six- to 11-hour drive from Florida. Some experts are predicting that thousands of women will have to choose between unwanted pregnancies in the eight months between May 1 and January 2025 when and if the abortion amendment is passed in the November election and is added to the state constitution. One organization, the Florida Access Network, is planning to switch from finding abortion care for women in the state to paying for their travel expenses to go out of state. Stephanie Loraine Pineiro, the groups executive director, told the Associated Press, People who cant afford to travel, cant afford to lose their jobs because they have to travel for abortion care, these are the people who are going to be forced to remain pregnant. The collateral damage is all of us. The second decision by the Florida Supreme Court allowing an abortion rights constitutional amendment on the November ballot is being seized upon by the Democrats as the answer to the fascist DeSantis and his backers in the Republican Party. The amendment states, 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. The amendment maintains an exception that is already in the state constitution that parents must be notified before their minor children can get an abortion. While public opinion polls show a majority of Floridians support the right to abortion in most cases, passage of the constitutional amendment requires 60 percent approval by voters. A recent summary of public polls conducted by the University of North Florida, Saint Leo University, Ipsos/Reuters and Quinnipiac University showed that 56 percent of those responding, Believed abortion should be legal in most cases. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The US intends to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan, the Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a phone talk to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. On April 3, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. During the conversation, they also touched upon bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States. Antony Blinken referenced his previous discussions with President Ilham Aliyev during the Munich Security Conference in February this year, affirming the U.S.'s intention to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan across various sectors. He also mentioned the contacts between the delegations of the two countries within the framework of COP29. AKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A conference on the development of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces capabilities and abilities is being held in accordance with the training plan for 2024, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Defense. The conference commenced with commemorating the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids (Martyrs), who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Welcoming the conference participants, Captain 1st Rank Teymur Murshudov highlighted the work done to bring Naval Forces in line with the Turkish model, as in other units of the Azerbaijan Army. It was noted that as part of the ongoing reforms, it is envisaged to create a staff structure that meets modern requirements and to conduct various training and courses to further improve the servicemens professionalism. Captain 1st Rank T. Murshudov emphasized that the main objective of the conference is a more efficient and productive organization of work on modernization and restructure of the Naval Forces. It was noted that the conference will discuss the legal status of the Caspian Sea and regional conflicts, the organization of service, operational and combat training of Naval Forces personnel and other relevant topics. In the end, briefings on a number of topics on the "Operational activities of the Naval Forces" were given and an exchange of views was held. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The representatives of the Office for Women and Families of Servicemen of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense's Main Department for Personnel visited one of the military units and held a meeting with servicemen and civilian workers in accordance with the training plan for 2024, Trend reports via the ministry. As part of the meeting, talks aimed at enlightening servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army, improving their moral-psychological training and promoting our national-spiritual values were held. Servicemen and civilian workers were also provided with information about the activities carried out in the armies of advanced countries in the field of human rights and gender equality, as well as their questions were answered. Meanwhile, important measures are taken in the Azerbaijan Army towards ensuring gender equality, and extensive enlightenment work is carried out among servicemen and civilian workers. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Giulianno Scotti is the third person to die in a skydiving accident in the past two years in central Florida, according to a report Giulianno Falabella Scotti/Facebook Giulianno Scotti Giulianno Scotti was killed in a skydiving incident on Monday in Deland, police said Scotti "collided mid-air" with another skydiver, according to a preliminary investigation The other victim, who has not been identified at this time, sustained minor injuries One person was killed and another was injured when both collided in Florida on April 1, authorities said. The victim who died has been identified as Giulianno Scotti, 42, of Brazil, the Deland Police Department said in a statement. The department said officers responded to the DeLand Municipal Airport just before 2:30 p.m. local time. "The preliminary investigation revealed two skydivers collided mid-air," police said. It's unclear if both skydivers plummeted from the same plane or the altitude from which they both fell. Related: 73-Year-Old Ariz. Man Dies in Skydiving Incident After Landing Without a Fully Deployed Parachute Responding units attempted "life-saving measures" on Scotti, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. "The victims body has been turned over to the Volusia County Medical Examiners Office, which will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death," according to police. The other victim, who has not been identified at this time, sustained minor injuries. Related: Paraplegic Veteran Survives After Parachute Gets Stuck in Wheelchair During Skydiving Accident On his Instagram account, Scotti described himself as a BRUS Pro Skydiver, B.A.S.E Jumper, Paramotor Pilot. His Facebook page said he lived in Deland but was from Manaus, Brazil. According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the accident took place at Skydive Deland, which is located at the airport. 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. Scotti is the third person to die in a skydiving accident in the past two years in central Florida, CBS affiliate WTSP reported. Related: 'Inspiring' 104-Year-Old Woman Dies 1 Week After Becoming World's Oldest Skydiver PEOPLE has reached out to the airport and the skydiving company for comment. An investigation into the collision is ongoing. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. According to Michigan State Police, the two children found a loaded gun in a bedroom at their grandparents' home Getty Police tape A 5-year-old boy is dead after police say a 6-year-old accidentally shot him with a gun they found at their grandparents' house in Michigan. In an interview with ABC 13, Lt. Michelle Robinson of the Michigan State Police said that authorities were called to a home in Garfield Township on April 1 after it was reported that a child sustained a gunshot wound. The child died from their injuries. 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. Michigan State Police provided an update on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, stating that it has been determined that the two children found the loaded gun in a bedroom at their grandparents' home. The 6-year-old boy was holding the gun when it discharged. It is unclear if the grandparents or guardians of the children will be charged in connection with the shooting. ABC 13 reports that the children are relatives, but did not confirm anything further about their relationship. The investigation is ongoing. PEOPLE has reached out to Michigan State Police for more information. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The incident occurred 10 days after another elephant attacked a separate safari vehicle in South Africa Henrik Karlsson/Getty The African bush elephant, also known as the African savanna elephant An 80-year-old American tourist died after an elephant attack in Zambia on March 30 The woman and five other guests were on a game drive through Kafue National Park around 9:30 a.m. local time when the aggressive bull elephant charged at their vehicle, according to a statement obtained by PEOPLE The woman's body will be returned to the United States with support from local authorities and the U.S. Embassy An 80-year-old American woman died after an elephant attacked a safari group in Zambia over the weekend. The woman and five other guests were on a game drive through Kafue National Park around 9:30 a.m. local time on March 30 when the aggressive bull elephant charged at their vehicle, according to a media statement from hospitality and conservation company Wilderness obtained by PEOPLE. The group, which was staying at the Lufupa Camp inside the largest game reserve in Africa, had gone out for a photography tour when the attack occurred, according to The Telegraph. The woman killed in the incident will be returned to her family in the United States with the support of local Zambian authorities and the US Embassy in Lusaka, the company said. Related: American Boy, 15, and 2 Others Killed in an Avalanche Near Swiss Resort of Zermatt This is a devastating incident for everyone involved and we are doing our best to support the family and all affected and to respect their wishes for privacy, a spokesperson tells PEOPLE. Footage of the incident viewed by PEOPLE, showed the elephant running behind the vehicle before heading toward them. The vehicle then stopped, and the elephant charged. One individual can be heard yelling at the animal before it made contact with the vehicle and flipped it. 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. In Wilderness statement, chief executive officer Keith Vincent said the vehicles route was blocked due to vegetation and the terrain, making it so the experienced guide could not move the car out of harms way quickly enough. This is a tragic event, Vincent aded, and we offer our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died. The five other guests were injured, including a woman who was transported to a private medical facility in South Africa, according to the company. The remaining four guests were treated for minor injuries. Related: Pennsylvania Man Bitten on the Head During Bear Attack Inside His Garage: 'I Got Pummeled' Vincent said Wilderness is supporting the guests and guide involved in this distressing incident. The deadly incident in Zambia occurred just 10 days after another safari truck had a run-in with an elephant in South Africa. A group of tourists were on a safari trip through Pilanesberg National Park on March 20 when the seemingly unhappy animal charged toward the vehicle and tossed it several times, according to the Associated Press. Luckily, no one was injured. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Anyone But You Streaming Release Date: When Is It Coming Out on Netflix? The Anyone But You Netflix streaming release date is just around the corner, and viewers are wondering when they can start streaming the movie. Anyone But You is an American romantic comedy film that draws inspiration from William Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing. Directed by Will Gluck, the film premiered at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater on December 11, 2023. Gluck had produced this movie along with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum. Heres when the movie is coming out on Netflix. When is the Anyone But You Netflix release date? The Anyone But You Netflix streaming release date is April 23, 2023. In this movie, the love story unfolds between Ben, an employee at Goldman Sachs, and Bea, a law student at Boston University. Their promising first date takes a wrong turn, leading to mutual disdain. However, months later they both attend the destination wedding of their sisters in Australia. While they play the part of a happy couple for the sake of the event, Ben and Bea find themselves drawn to each other once again. The main cast members of Anyone But You include Sydney Sweeney as Bea, Glen Powell as Ben, Alexandra Shipp as Claudia, GaTa as Pete, Hadley Robinson as Halle, and more. When is Anyone But You coming out via streaming? Anyone But You is available to watch via streaming on Netflix on April 23, 2023. Viewers will be able to stream it at this time. Current Netflix subscribers will be able to watch the movie when it airs. Anyone But Yous official synopsis reads: After an amazing first date, Bea and Bens fiery attraction turns ice cold until they find themselves unexpectedly reunited at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple. If you asked me about the state of Legendarys MonsterVerse a few years ago, immediately following the release of Godzilla: Movies Jeff Ames 8 hours ago Per Collider, Starz has officially set the streaming debut for Lionsgates prequel movie The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds Movies Maggie Dela Paz 9 hours ago Supernatural alum Jared Padalecki, who played Sam Winchester for 15 seasons, explains why the shows reunion has yet to take TV Ryan Louis Mantilla 9 hours ago The discovery of mysterious recordings that hold a malevolent sentience destroys lives in multiple time periods in Justin Janowitzs layered Movies Neil Bolt 10 hours ago The post Anyone But You Streaming Release Date: When Is It Coming Out on Netflix? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Nye did a cover shoot with 'Time Out New York' and the looks are out of this world Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New Yorkas April cover star Bill Nye for "Time Out New York" Not even a total solar eclipse can overshadow Bill Nyes epic makeover. It isn't often we get to see the engineer and famed Science Guy in a look other than his lab coat, suits and bow tie of the day. But the rare cosmic event happening on April 8 during which the moon passes between the sun and Earth, obscuring the sun and therefore blanketing areas in its path in darkness seemed to be the right occasion for Nye, 68, to experiment with his style. In a new photo shoot for Time Out New York, the science whiz is completely decked out in flashy items styled by Melissa Lynn Woodbury, making him look unrecognizable. Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New Yorkas April cover star Bill Nye for "Time Out New York" In one photo, he wears a No Maintenance tracksuit with a bomber jacket and bling (yes, thats a chain necklace). In another, he's dressed in a silver coat, by clothing brand Rough., and futuristic OXF shades, which creates a modern space age look. He also wears a seriously cool red-orange jacket by Dingyun Zhang with cargo pants on the cover. Seeming to nod to the solar eclipse, Nye also proudly spotlights the planetary system on his Re/Done T-shirt, which is layered under a Versace vest that gives the outfit a chic edge. All in all, the looks are so on trend that we were shocked to discover this wasnt Nyes Zoolander debut or a high-fashion campaign. Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New Yorkas April cover star Bill Nye for "Time Out New York" Related: All About the Rare Total Solar Eclipse, Including Where It Occurs and How to See It Aside from the fashion, Nyes Time Out interview includes his take on the solar eclipse and why its a cant miss celestial encounter (the next time itll happen is in another 20 years). I really encourage everybody to take that day, that midday drive up the road. Get in the totality, he told the outlet. If you're not quite in the path, its not quite the same. The eclipse will start at Mexicos Pacific coast, before entering the United States in Texas, where Nye will be stationed. From there, it will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and then make its way to Canada. 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. Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New Yorkas April cover star Bill Nye for "Time Out New York" Related: Bill Nye the Fashion Guy! Star Dances to Lizzo While Walking Runway at New York Fashion Week For those who cant travel to a primetime viewing post, Nye said its really the communal value that makes the moment so exciting. Its a so-called shared experience." And while NASA and Nye advise watching the eclipse happen with eclipse glasses (which, unlike regular shades, are made for direct sun-watching), why not do it in style with a Bill Nye-branded pair for $6.50. Though Nyes transformation is shocking, this isnt the first time hes dipped a toe into fashion. In 2020, he made his runway debut at The Blue Jacket Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week. He jammed down the catwalk to Lizzo as he modeled a floral-patterned blazer. See the viral moment here! For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Bob Iger has won the ongoing Disney proxy battle after Disney shareholders shot down Nelson Peltzs efforts to win seats on the board of directors. Per Variety, Peltz, who runs an investment firm called Trian Partners, failed to get enough votes to get a seat on Disneys board of directors. Trians other nominee, Jay Rasulo, and three other nominees from Blackwells Capital also didnt get enough votes, meaning that all 12 Disney current board members, including Iger, were reelected. Horacio Gutierrez, Disneys senior EVP, chief legal and compliance officer, who oversaw the proceedings at the meeting, said that the preliminary vote tabulations showed Disneys 12 directors had won reelection by a substantial margin. He added that the official vote counts will be disclosed in the subsequent meeting minutes, Varietys article states. What was Disneys proxy battle about? The Disney proxy battle centered around Peltz (who is also the chairman of the board of directors of Wendys) and Trian Partners attempting to bring urgently needed change to Disneys board. According to Variety, Peltz cited the media companys stock underperformance over the last several years and the boards botched succession planning with former CEO Bob Chapek as his reason for campaigning. Peltzs bid was backed by former Marvel chairman Ike Perlmutter, who owns around $3 billion in Disney stock, according to a March 2024 article from The Hollywood Reporter. According to Variety, the battle is believed to be one of the most expensive proxy battles in United States history, with Disney estimating the company would spend around $40 million in related costs. In the end, the majority of Disneys shareholders decided to stick with the current board no doubt helped by a turnaround in the Disney stock price, which has jumped 35% year to date, Varietys article reads. For the 2023 year-end quarter, Disney showed improvements in cost containment, while investors also appeared to rally around new strategic initiatives like the companys investment in Epic Games and Igers announcement that the stand-alone streaming version of ESPN in set to launch in 2025. Iger stepped down as Disneys CEO in 2021 but was then reinstated one year later after the board fired Bob Chapek. His contract currently expires at the end of 2026. The post Bob Iger Wins Disney Proxy Battle After Board Turns Down Nelson Peltzs Bid appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. "The situation is worsening," a resident said of the growing piles of garbage outside the home KTLA 5/YouTube California home surrounded by trash A California home surrounded by piles of trash has become the subject of several complaints from its neighbors. Residents in the Fairfax neighborhood of Los Angeles are concerned over a property with mounds of trash bags surrounding the outside of its home, according to ABC affiliate KABC and NBC affiliate KNBC. Aerial footage of the property shared by both outlets showed what appears to be hundreds of plastic bags containing garbage piled up several feet high across the front and back patio of the home. And "the situation is worsening," Marlon Azurda told KNBC, while another local resident told KABC, "It's been accumulating slowly." They added, "My take on it is it's kind of disgusting compared to everything else in the area." Related: 2 Charged with Elder Abuse, Child Neglect After Family with 4 Children Found in Horrendous Living Conditions According to residents in the area, the trash has been an issue for years. In 2016, the owners of the property were fined for their accumulation of trash, the Department of Building and Safety said, per KNBC. "The outside of the property needs to be cleaned, for sure, another neighbor told KABC. Concerns over possible fire hazards as well as rodent and insect infestations caused by the trash piles are also striking fear among the neighbors, KNBC reported. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. KTLA 5/YouTube California home surrounded by trash Related: 'Sweetheart' Dog 'Put Out with the Trash' by Previous Owner Finds Loving New Home Additionally, residents are worried how the property will affect potential buyers in the area, with Quincy Anderson telling the outlet, The homes here are worth a lot of money [for these people] to convert it into a dumping ground. On Monday, council member Katy Yaroslavsky's office was contacted over the issue and issued a statement to KABC about the residents' growing concern over the issue. "I am aware of the situation at the home near Martel and Melrose Ave, and have directed my team to work with the appropriate City and County Departments to resolve the issue with urgency," she said, adding, "Private property owners have a responsibility to maintain public health standards, and we will make sure those laws are upheld. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Christopher Durang, one of Americans most acclaimed and accomplished playwrights whose works like Beyond Therapy, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You and the Tony-winning Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike were as incisive as they were absurdly comic, died Tuesday night at his home in Bucks County, PA. He was 75. The office of his agent, Patrick Herold, confirmed that the playwright died peacefully at his home. The cause, according to Durangs husband John Augustine, was complications from logopenic primary progressive aphasia. More from Deadline Durang had been diagnosed with the illness a form of Alzheimers disease that impedes the ability to process language in 2016. He remained largely out of the public spotlight since his condition was made public in 2022. In February, New Yorks Dramatists Guild announced that the playwright would receive its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award on May 6, placing Durang on a prestigious roster alongside such past awardees as John Guare, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Miller. Born Christopher Ferdinand Durang on January 2, 1949, Durang soared to fame with his beloved (and controversial) 1980 play Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You, winning that years Obie Award for Best Playwright. The public breakthrough of Sister Mary Ignatius followed a celebrated student career at the Yale School of Drama, where he began friendships and collaborations with classmates and future theater luminaries Sigourney Weaver, Albert Innaurato and Wendy Wasserstein. His first professional production, co-authored with Innaurato, came in 1974: The Idiots Karamazov, starring then-student Meryl Streep, earned a review in The New York Times in which Durang and Innaurato were deemed Yales response to Tom Stoppard and Vladimir Nabokov. Other plays soon followed, including, in 1976, the Off Broadway farce Titanic starring Weaver and, as part of the same bill, Das Lusitania Songspiel, co-written by and co-starring Durang and Weaver. The following year, Durangs A History of the American Film was presented on Broadway, earning him a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical. In 1979, Durang and Weaver rewrote Das Lusitania Songspiel and presented it at Westside Arts Theatre Off Broadway. The cabaret-style revue, which satirized Brecht and Weill as well as then-current shows including Evita, earned Durang and Weaver Drama Desk nominations. Durangs watershed year was 1980, when his one-act play Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You opened at the Ensemble Studio Theatre Off Off Broadway, receiving rave reviews and numerous accolades. The following year, the sharply satiric comedy, in which the title character presents a lecture on the basics of Catholicism only to be interrupted by four of her former students, moved to Off Broadways Playwrights Horizons. The play was as controversial as it was successful: The talk-show host Phil Donahue presented a full hour of his national show to a discussion of the play. The original Off Broadway engagement, originally starring Elizabeth Franz, ran for more than two years, with replacement stars including Nancy Marchand, Mary Louise Wilson, Kathleen Chalfont, Patricia Gage and Lynn Redgrave. Durang followed Sister Mary Ignatius in 1981 with the Off Broadway hit Beyond Therapy starring Weaver and Stephen Collins, with direction by Jerry Zaks. A revised version was staged the following year on Broadway in a production starring Dianne Wiest, John Lithgow and newcomer David Hyde Pierce. The comedy, about two New Yorkers who seek to strengthen their relationship with the assistance of their respective psychiatrists, has been staged innumerable times around the world; a widely panned 1987 film version directed (and largely rewritten) by Robert Altman was largely disowned by the playwright, who called the project a very unhappy experience and outcome. The Altman film notwithstanding, the 1980s saw Durang solidify his lofty place in the theatrical pantheon, with such widely staged works as Baby With The Bathwater, The Marriage of Bette and Boo and Laughing Wild. Durang continued his winning streak through the 1990s (Sex and Longing, Bettys Summer Vacation) and into the 21st century (his Miss Witherspoon was a 2006 Pulitzer finalist). Durang saw what was perhaps his crowning achievement in 2012, with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a modern-day comedy about three adult siblings that borrowed freely (and hilariously) from Chekhov. Following original stagings at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey and Off Broadway at Lincoln Centers Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, the play transferred to Broadway in 2013 with a cast that included Weaver, Hyde Pierce, Kristine Nielsen and, in a Tony-nominated star-making performance, Billy Magnussen. The play won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play. In addition to playwriting, Durang was a frequent performer on the cabaret circuit and appeared as an actor in such films as The Secret of My Success (1987), Mr. North (1988), Penn & Teller Get Killed (1989), In The Spirit (1990), HouseSitter (1992) and The Cowboy Way (1994). In 1993 he performed, along with Julie Andrews, Stephen Collins, Michael Rupert and Rachel York, in the popular Off Broadway Sondheim revue Putting It Together. In a 1986 episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by his longtime friend and collaborator Weaver, Durang participated with Weaver in two sketches. In the 1987 TV special Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin starring Carol Burnett, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams, Durang contributed a sketch titled The Funeral that featured Burnett as a grieving widow and Williams as an obnoxious intruder at her husbands wake. Williams won an Emmy for the special. Durang is survived by his husband John Augustine. Services will be private. There will an announcement regarding plans for a memorial at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dramatists Guild Foundation and/or BAYADA Home Health Care, Inc. RELATED VIDEO Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Delroy Lindo is heading back to the big screen. The actor, who in recent years has starred in Hulus Unprisoned and appeared in Netflixs The Harder They Fall, has closed a deal to join Michael B. Jordan in the untitled supernatural horror thriller that Ryan Coogler is directing for Warner Bros. More from The Hollywood Reporter Little is known about that project and what is known has yet to be confirmed by either the studio or Coogler. Insiders say the feature is set in the Jim Crow-era South, and possibly involves both vampires and Southern supernatural traditions. Jordan may be playing dual roles as twin brothers. Lindos part is being kept in the coffin, but one source describes it as having a musical element to it. The feature is gearing up for a shoot later this spring in New Orleans, and recently cast Jack OConnell as a villain. Coogler wrote the script and is also producing via his production company Proximity Media. Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian are also producing. The project, which The Hollywood Reporter first revealed in January, was a subject of a heated bidding war in the winter, with Warners coming out on top thanks to unique deal that will see some of the movies rights reverting to the filmmaker over the course of several decades. The studio has set a March 7, 2025, release date. It will also play in Imax theaters. Lindo is a veteran actor who received considerable acclaim for his commanding performance in 2019s Da 5 Bloods, Spike Lees war drama that also starred Chadwick Boseman. He followed that up with a turn in The Harder They Fall, Jeymes Samuels all-star Western. The actor is known for his key roles in movies such as Get Shorty and Gone in 60 Seconds, and his work with Lee, which also includes Clockers, Crooklyn and Malcolm X. Unprisoned, in which he stars opposite Kerry Washington, is wrapping up shooting its second season for Hulu. Lindo, who is developing his directorial debut with the feature Jabaris People, is repped by IAG. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Disney has been hit with a new lawsuit from a development executive over allegations that she was underpaid because shes an Asian American woman. Asta Jonasson, in a lawsuit filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims she was discriminated against by director John Ridley, whose production house has an overall deal with Disney through ABC Studios. She says she was fired in retaliation for issuing a complaint about unequal pay on the basis of her gender and race. More from The Hollywood Reporter The lawsuit comes on the heels of Disney facing growing legal woes over allegations of pay discrimination against women described in a class action filed in 2019. The case cleared a major hurdle last year when a judge certified a class of employees, who work across the companys movie production arm, record labels, theme parks and home distribution subsidiaries, among various other units including broadcast and research and development. A trial is expected to be scheduled next year in whats believed to be one of the largest classes ever suing under an equal pay act claim. In a statement, Jennifer Redmond, a lawyer for Ridley, denied the allegations and called them preposterous. Disney and ABC didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Wednesdays complaint details Jonassons time working under Ridley at his International Famous Players Radio Picture Corp., which announced in 2016 an extension of the American Crime creators overall TV deal with Disney Television Studios ABC Studios. The announcement included that Ridley would expand his company, including hiring a dedicated development executive, i.e., the role Jonasson was already performing with the title of Director of Development, states the complaint, which notes that she was assigned by ABC to work under Ridley when he was hired in 2014. In response, Jonasson advocated to Ridley for equal pay. The job was offered to a white male, who did not take the position, the lawsuit says. Jonasson alleges she continued to oversee duties belonging to that role without proper compensation. According to the complaint, Ridley allegedly dismissed concerns of discrimination from Jonasson, who told him in 2016 that he was not providing her the same opportunities that he gave men, such as writing room advancement and producing opportunities. Ridley, for example, had allegedly hired a male assistant as a coproducer on American Crime when Jonasson had already been performing producing duties on the prior season. When she raised the concerns again in 2019, this time with data about her pay and duties in comparison with a white male coworker, Ridley responded that she would have left him if he allowed her to work on a freelance script, the lawsuit says. The incident occurred after an alleged confrontation with Ridleys producing partner, who called her sexist expletive, per the complaint. Around this time in 2020, Jonasson claims that Apple TV+ expressed concerns that Ridley was only hiring white men as department heads for the production of Five Days at Memorial. Ridleys response was to state, They have me, i.e., a black male in a prominent position, the complaint states. Ridleys dismissive response exemplified his hostility toward women and other minorities taking positions of leadership. Jonasson says supervisors at ABC and Disney failed to intervene despite being notified about the alleged discrimination. According to the complaint, she was fired in 2022 shortly after a white woman was hired as creative executive at Ridleys production banner, at which point she complained in writing about the creators discrimination. She says she had not received a raise since 2014, despite excellent performance reviews and taking on more responsibilities. Jonasson brings claims for discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination, among several other claims. Shes represented by Claire-Lise Kutlay of Greenberg Gross, who also filed a lawsuit on her behalf against Vin Diesel for sexual battery over an alleged assault at a Georgia hotel in 2010 when Fast Five was filming. After over a decade of being taken advantage of by men in positions of power in Hollywood and the major media organizations that enable and protect them, Jonasson now seeks to stand up for herself and countless others in Hollywood who, without bargaining power and in the face of systemic discrimination, are taken advantage of and left working long hours for low wages and little to no credit, the complaint states. In a statement, Kutlay said Hollywood has historically underpaid women and minorities as compared to white men who perform the same work. This embedded content is not available in your region. Best of The Hollywood Reporter BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Ammunition has been found in Khankendi, liberated from Armenian occupation, the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan told Trend. "Following police operations carried out on April 2, the servicemen discovered and confiscated 14 automatic rifles, one machine gun, one rifle, 47 ammunition magazines, 900 cartridges of various calibers, and additional ammunition within the confines of Khankendi," the ministry said. Following the liberation of its lands, Azerbaijan began operations in November 2020 to clean its lands of mines, booby traps, and other weaponry left behind by illegal Armenian forces. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 38th Annual Lassonde exhibition Occasion, mixed media by James Wolcott PORTSMOUTH The New Hampshire Art Association announces the 38th Annual Lassonde exhibition, paying homage to the legacy of Omer T. Lassonde. As a founding member of the New Hampshire Art Association, Lassonde's influence and legacy continues to resonate through the vibrant works showcased in this upcoming exhibition. Reflecting Lassonde's multifaceted artistic spirit, the exhibition welcomes a variety of styles and subjects, mirroring his vision of creating an art association that welcomes diverse themes and genres. This eclectic collection of contemporary artwork showcases the finest creations by New England artists. The 38th Annual Lassonde Exhibition will grace the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery walls now through April 28, inviting art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a celebration of creative innovation. The support for this exhibition is graciously provided by the Omer T. Lassonde Trust through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, honoring Lassondes commitment to nurturing artistic excellence in New Hampshire. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Sole City Dance & Rochester Opera House present: The Moon-Spinners Mystery ROCHESTER Enjoy an adventure set on a modern-day Greek island with Sole City Dances newest production, The Moon-Spinners Mystery. The ballet follows Nikki, a young detective grieving the loss of her mother. To escape her sorrow, she travels to Greece where she makes friends, searches for a missing person, runs up against a group of nefarious smugglers, and meets a Greek schoolteacher with the most resourceful young students. All these lives weave in and out of each other in a story replete with love, loyalty, grief, and joy. Behind the scenes, another group of characters is continually weaving - the three ancient fates, the moon-spinners, with their power to cut the cord of life. Performances take place at the Rochester Opera House on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through the Rochester Opera House. Challenge the Norm group exhibition Resting by artist Rachel Rossier Ryan DOVER Challenge the Norm group exhibition featuring portrait artists from New England to California is being presented by the Aplomb Gallery. The exhibition will be on view through May 31, by appointment at aplombgallery.com Exhibiting artists: Josh Atkinson*, Trudy Borenstein-Sugiura*, Amy Baylaurel Casey, Marc "Manix" Catino, Brea Corcoran, Shenandoah Crook, Hannah Cole Dahar, John Diephouse*, Samuel Avery Giardina, Julie K. Gray, Kara Hunt, Alec MacLeod*, Sooltan Madsen, Barbara Morse, Aleka Artemis Munroe, Erica Nazzaro, Carrie M. Nixon, Natalie Obermaier, Maxwell Orsen, Brian Russo, Rachel Rossier Ryan, Brian Schmidt*, Darren Taylor, Bekka Teerlink, Margaret Vaughan*, Brian Wagoner, Debra Woodward *Exhibiting in virtual reality and digital frame exclusively Fabulous Find fundraiser benefits Friends of the Earth, Sea & Space Center KITTERY, Maine The Fabulous Find in Kittery, Maine has chosen the Friends of the Earth, Sea & Space Center as one of the recipients of their April benefit. The Fabulous Find is an upscale resale boutique located on Route 1 in Kittery. Each month, they choose several charities to receive a percentage of proceeds from that months sale. If you wish to support the Friends of the Earth, Sea & Space Center, its easy to do so. During April, donate to the Fabulous Find. They are looking for good quality jewelry, fashion accessories, home goods, furniture and clothing (you can learn more on their website at www.thefabulousfind.org) The more items they have to sell, the more they will sell. You can also support the Friends by shopping the Fabulous Find during April. There is a great selection of merchandise in excellent condition and at affordable prices. Go ahead and indulge. The Friends of the Earth, Sea & Space Center is a nonprofit organization working to develop a state-of-the-art science center in Dover, N.H. To learn more, or get involved, visit www.earthseaspacemuseum.org or call 603-436-7778. Seaport Coffee House presents Jonas and Becky Words EXETER Seaport Coffee House presents Jonas and Becky Words, Friday April 12, at the Old Exeter Town Hall, 9 Front St., Exeter. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the live performance begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and refreshments are provided. For more information please visit our website at www.seaportcoffeehouse.com. New Hampshire Art Association's April shows PORTSMOUTH The New Hampshire Art Association announces their April shows on display at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery through April 28: Azores Cedar Forest, photography by Carmine Angeloni Into the Woods, an exploration of the natural world and its enchanting realm of forests, by artist Carmine Angeloni. With a focus on capturing the essence of each scene, Angeloni aims to convey a subjective yet profound connection between the viewer and the landscape. Paradise Palm, photography by Carol Van Loon Paradise Park, a collection of black and white photographs portraying trailer park neighborhoods in Florida and their transformation as residents leave during warmer months. Nephilim, mixed media by Ronnie McClure Seeing Things Differently, an exhibition of unconventional lens-based artworks walking the line between our world and the abstract. Artist Ronnie McClure is among the first generation of artists to embrace digital technology and continues to expand our idea of photography as a medium. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news After locating the toddler, the pup was "licking the little boy's face," his handler said DeLand Police Department/Facebook K-9 Midnight (left); K-9 Midnight with the missing boy he located, the boy's family and three police officers (right) A police dog in DeLand, Fla., located and safely returned a missing child to his family. The child, a 3-year-old boy, was reported missing to the DeLand Police Department at approximately 11:30 a.m. on March 29, the department shared in a Facebook post. After the toddler was reported missing, "all available assets and resources were deployed immediately as officers conducted a massive search, focusing on a wooded area behind the boy's home," the police department added. Related: 11 'Starving' German Shepherd Puppies 'Left to Die' Deep in the Woods Rescued in Virginia But it was one police dog who ultimately became the search's most valuable asset. "Using the boy's blanket, K-9 Midnight and his handler Corporal Clark searched through the woods," the DeLand Police Department shared. During the search, the canine who is trained to search for narcotics in addition to missing people picked up the toddler's scent on a trail in a forested area and led authorities to him, per the social media post. DeLand Police Department/Facebook K-9 Midnight "He was dragging me through the woods, like he was just he wasn't gonna stop," Clark told local NBC affiliate WESH. The police dog and handler were on the ground for about 45 minutes, the corporal told the Florida outlet, adding that it "feels like hours and hours and hours when you're being dragged behind the dog through the woods." Related: Police Dog Stabbed and Airlifted to Hospital After Standoff with 'Suicidal Man' While Midnight tore through the "very thick" forested area without hesitation, Clark noted that he suffered some cuts and scrapes during the search. "The dog was able to get to him much quicker than I was because I'm getting caught up in vines, and trees, and shrubbery and stuff like that," he told WESH. Midnight located the boy, and by the time Clark caught up, the pup was "licking the little boy's face, and he's all over the little boy," the corporal said. "And he's looking back at me like, 'Hey, I got it. Here it is,'" he added. DeLand Police Department/Facebook DeLand police officers with K-9 Midnight and the missing 3-year-old boy the dog located in the woods Related: Firefighter Adopts Puppy Saved from Burning Home and Plans to Teach Kids Fire Safety with the Dog The toddler was returned to his family safe and unharmed, and police officers gifted him with a teddy bear, which he can be seen holding in a photo shared by the department. In the same shot, the child hugs a family memberboth of their faces blurred for privacyand poses with three officers and his hero, Midnight. Alongside the picture of the boy with his family and a headshot of the police dog, the department wrote, "Good work to all teams involved! This is the outcome we hope for in these situations, a safe return!" Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Midnight has been with the Florida police department since 2022, and when he isn't on duty, he is a sweet pup who loves to play ball, Clark told WESH. But the dog is all business when the pair is on the clock. "I'm the dumb end of the leash. So he does all the work," the handler said. "My job is just to read him, read his body language ... and understand what he's telling me because he can't talk." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. There will be no follow-up to that AI-generated George Carlin comedy special released by the podcast Dudesy. In January, Carlin's estate filed a lawsuit against the podcast and its creators Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen, accusing them of violating the performer's right to publicity and infringing on a copyright. Now, the two sides have reached a settlement agreement, which includes the permanent removal of the comedy special from Dudesy's archive. Sasso and Kultgen have also agreed never to repost it on any platform and never to use Carlin's image, voice or likeness without approval from the estate again, according to The New York Times. The AI algorithm that Dudesy used for the special was trained on thousands of hours of Carlin's routines that spanned decades of his career. It generated enough material for an hour-long special, but it did a pretty poor impression of the late comedian with basic punchlines and very little of what characterized Carlin's humor. In a statement, Carlin's daughter Kelly called it a "poorly-executed facsimile cobbled together by unscrupulous individuals." Josh Schiller, who represented the Carlin estate in court, told The Times that "[t]he world has begun to appreciate the power and potential dangers inherent in AI tools, which can mimic voices, generate fake photographs and alter video." He added that it's "not a problem that will go away by itself" and that it "must be confronted with swift, forceful action in the courts." The companies making AI software "must also bear some measure of accountability," the lawyer said. This lawsuit is just one of the many filed by creatives against AI companies and the people that use the technology by training algorithms on someone's work. Several non-fiction authors and novelists that include George R.R. Martin, John Grisham and Jodi Picoult sued OpenAI for using their work to train its large language models. The New York Times and a handful of other news organizations also sued the company for using their articles for training and for allegedly reproducing their content word-for-word without attribution. John Amos Pays Tribute to Best Friend and Roots Costar Louis Gossett Jr.: One of the Most Gifted Actors on Television (Exclusive) The 'Officer and a Gentleman' actor's family announced his death on Friday Rob Kim/Getty; Paras Griffin/Getty John Amos is remembering fellow actor and close friend, Louis Gossett Jr. The family of Gossett Jr., best known for his celebrated work in Roots and An Officer and a Gentleman, announced his death in a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Friday. He was 87. Now, Amos, 84, is paying tribute to the late legend, telling PEOPLE in an exclusive statement, "Lou Gossett was one of the most gifted actors in television who I truly admired." He continued, "I admired him for his natural gifts as an actor and for the human being that he was. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and get to know him. We were both fortunate to work together as fellow actors on Roots. Related: Richard Gere Remembers His Officer and a Gentleman Costar Louis Gossett Jr.: 'He Drove Every Scene' "From that point, our friendship began and over the years, we became brothers and the best of friends over time," Amos added. "That is something I will always cherish. His name was Lou. L for a human being who was full of Life. O for his unique ability as an Observer. U for his Unselfish approach to living. He will be missed." Gossett Jr.'s family said in Friday's statement to PEOPLE, "It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time." The Associated Press was the first to report news of Gossett's death after the actor's nephew told the outlet that he died Thursday night in Santa Monica, California. A cause of death has yet to be revealed. Related: Leslie Uggams Remembers 'Roaring with Laughter' with Her Late Roots Costar Louis Gossett Jr. (Exclusive) Taylor Hill/Getty In his final interview with PEOPLE, Gossett, the first Black performer to win a best supporting actor Oscar for his role in 1982's An Officer and a Gentlemen, shared hope about going to Heaven one day. "Im not afraid to die and the fact of going to heaven," the actor said in January. "I know they are having some great concerts up there." "I know that and my heroes and heroines are up there and I think it's different from what we think it is and the old days," he added. "I think after we make that transition, I think it's going to be a great time." 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. The New York City native began acting on the stage in 1950s Broadway shows like Take a Giant Step, The Desk Set, and A Raisin in the Sun. He made his big screen debut in the 1961 film adaptation of the latter production. The A Raisin in the Sun film adaptation was released two years after the original Lorraine Hansberry play premiered on Broadway; Gossett Jr. acted alongside the legendary Sidney Poitier in both the stage play and the film. From there, Gossett Jr. embarked on an acting career that lasted more than six decades. IMDb credits the actor with over 200 roles to his name and 12 projects that were still in the works before his death. He most recently appeared in 2023's The Color Purple movie musical, as well as in two episodes of the BET+ series Kingdom Business. Gossett Jr., who had been married and divorced three times, is survived by his two adult sons, Satie and Sharron. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The local newspaper based in Marion, Kansas that was raided by police last year under orders from the former mayor filed a federal lawsuit on Monday for malicious and wanton violations of the First and Fourth Amendments, citing an ill-fated attempt to silence the press. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Marion County Record publisher and editor Eric Meyer and the estate of his late mother, Joan Meyer, the 98-year-0ld co-owner who suffered a fatal heart attack the day after the raid was conducted at both the newspapers offices and the Meyer home. The 127-page legal document states that Joan Meyers death was due to the stress of the illegal raid. It also states that the lawsuit was filed to seek justice for the intolerable violation of their constitutional rights and the constitutional rights of Joan Meyer, and 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. Meyer told the Kansas Reflector on Monday, 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 lawsuit alleges the coconspirators, including former Marion Mayor David Mayfield and the towns former police chief Gideon Cody, used falsified and invalid search warrants to retaliate for unfavorable news coverage. Mayfield, who resigned shortly after the scandal caused by the Aug. 11 raid, had called journalists the real villains. According to the Associated Press, this is the fourth lawsuit filed in federal court over the raid. Deb Gruver, now a former reporter, filed the first lawsuit in 2023; that trial is set for September 2025. Reporter Phyllis Zorn filed the second lawsuit in February and the third was filed last week by the newspapers office manager. Meyer is seeking damages for the death of his mother and the cost of her funeral, and an attorneys note indicates that my clients are likewise entitled to punitive damages that they estimate to exceed $4 million. The search was condemned at the time by legacy papers including The New York Times and The Washington Post as government overreach and flagrant abuse of freedom of the press. If we prevail, we anticipate donating any punitive damages to community projects and causes supporting cherished traditions of freedom, Meyer told the Reflector. The post Kansas Newspaper Sues Local Police Over 2023 Raid That Led to Death of 98-Year-Old Owner appeared first on TheWrap. Entertainment TechCrunch One of the most attention-grabbing aspects of Roadrunner, the Morgan Neville-directed documentary about Anthony Bourdain, was Nevilles use of generative AI to replicate Bourdains voice. Looking back now, Neville told Wired that he saw this as a fun way to keep [Bourdains] voice going in the film. Many people told me that there were other documentary projects that were doing the same thing, that all reacted; they either changed what they were doing or put giant disclaimers over everything, he said. The right costume can evoke emotions and awaken a character in a way that no other part of a film can. And this is why Film AlUla, the Royal Commission for AlUlas film agency, has just announced that Italian-Japanese artistic and creative director Nicola Formichetti is its new costume mentor for its AlUla Creates initiative. Developing AlUla as a tourist destination is a mega project for Saudi Arabia, and Film AlUla positions this northwest region in the country as an international filming destination, building it out with facilities and infrastructure for blockbuster film production. The 2023 film Kandahar, featuring Gerard Butler, was filmed in AlUla. More from The Hollywood Reporter So, tapping Formichetti is a strategic move by Film AlUla, as his accomplishments in fashion have created iconic pop cultural moments in history. It was Formichetti who was behind Lady Gagas 2009 MTV Video Music Awards appearance, with her five dress changes in Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen that night. From 2009 to 2012 he was a part of her creative team at Haus of Gaga and behind the fashion direction of many of her music videos like Bad Romance and Telephone. And lets not forget Lady Gagas meat dress, made out of actual meat that she wore to the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. That too was a Formichetti vision. After Haus of Gaga, Formichetti has collaborated with the Grammy-winning artist several times since 2012, as well as holding top positions at Mugler, Diesel and Uniqlo. He also has held editorial positions at Vogue Japan Hommes, V and Harpers Bazaar, while collaborating with brands including Pepsi, Nike and H&M. He has worked with celebrities from Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani to Bad Bunny and Olivia Rodrigo. Formichetti was the fashion director of Nicole Kidmans Elle USA April 2024 cover. Im excited and honored to mentor emerging talents for Film AlUla. This role uniquely blends guiding, learning, and creative exploration, all deeply rooted in AlUlas rich history and culture. My aim is to nurture talent and craft unique stories through fashion, drawing from Saudi Arabias vibrant cultural heritage as a source of inspiration, says Formichetti. Right off the bat, Formichetti will be mentoring Saudi designers Alia and Abeer Olaif from Atelier Hekayat, and Arwa Al Ammari from ArAm in all things related to costume design. Hes also partnering with the winning film directors for AlUla Creates short films contest Hana Alfasi and Maram Taibah and sisters Raneem and Dana Almohandes. Other mentors standing alongside Formichetti include Saudi film director Haifaa Al Mansour (The Perfect Candidate, Wadjda) and producers James Richardson and Jane Moore of Vertigo Films (Monsters, Britannia, Bronson). A sketch by ArAms Arwa Al Ammari At the heart of Film AlUlas efforts lies a deep appreciation for not just the screen sector but allied creatives who play such an important role, Charlene Deleon Jones, executive director of Film AlUla, tells The Hollywood Reporter. Can you imagine any of your favorite productions without the genius of fashion or music? Film AlUlas collaboration with Nicola reflects our heartfelt commitment to working with creatives at the center of their fields. Where these creatives have a passion for opening doors and inspiring new storytellers and artists, we hope that Film AlUla can be a part of wider national initiatives, opening new opportunities and paths that five years ago would not have been imagined. AlUla Creates is a year-round initiative that allows new women filmmakers and creatives to work with those at the top of the industry, giving them access to development funds and the ability to share their stories with the world. At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Film AlUla announced Katie Holmes would mentor female Saudi filmmakers. On the night of the 95th Academy Awards last year, AlUla Creates focused on fashion, with its ambassadors Mila Al Zahrani, Helena Christensen and Eva Herzigova wearing bespoke looks by Atelier Hekayat and ArAm supported by British fashion designer Emilia Wickstead for Vanity Fairs afterparty. These Saudi brands were also featured in collaboration with the British Fashion Council during 2023s London Fashion Week. As both Film AlUla and the Red Sea Film Festival introduce Saudi Arabia to the world as robust film engines, working with designers like Formichetti, as well as models and actresses, further bolsters the marriage between film and fashion. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Make the purr-fect cocktail for the cat lover in your life with latest from Natalie Bovis Full confession: I'm allergic to cats and prefer dogs as a family pet. But I know a fun book when I see it. I especially recognize a worthwhile cookbook. That's exactly what "Cocktails With My Cat" is a cookbook that will put a smile on your face. I've already given a copy to one of my cat-person friends. It was made to be a hostess gift. But the book is useful as well. I might even make some of the cocktails from the book, which is subtitled "Tasty Tipples for Feline Fanatics." Before I say that the illustrations drawn by Rae Ritchie make the book, I must pause to acknowledge there is some really good reading here, too, from mixologist and author Natalie Bovis. There's lots of it, too. This is no lightweight book. There are historical stories, trivia and endless fun facts you can drop effortlessly into conversation. "Cocktails with My Cat" is a new cocktail book from Natalie Bovis, and it's no lightweight. For example, if you want to meet a six-toed feline, called a polydactyl, you can visit Ernest Hemingways former home in Key West, Florida, now a museum. The dozens of polydactyls in residence are said to be descended from a white six-toed cat given to the author by a ships captain. Bovis herself has seven rescue pets (not counting the 13 fish), and she fosters kittens and often donates proceeds from her lineup of culinary events to animal welfare organizations. Her previous cocktail books include "Drinking with My Dog," which I now need to buy. It was published a year ago. Here are two recipes from the book to try. The Seven Seas and Six Toes is Bovis' variation on the Gin and Tonic, a classic highball that originated from British sailors mixing their gin rations with quinine-rich tonic to stave off malaria and squeezing in lime juice to prevent scurvy. The Cat Gods and Goddesses is a heavenly concoction that blends hibiscus tea, rose water and anise. Cat Gods and Goddesses 4 ounces hibiscus tea ounce anise-flavored liqueur ounce rose water Garnish: lemon wedge and mint leaves Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a Martini glass. Place the lemon wedge and mint leaves on the rim of the glass. Rae Ritchie illustrated "Cocktails and My Cat" by Natalie Bovis. Seven Seas and Six Toes 3 ounces tonic water 1 ounces London Dry gin ounce Amontillado sherry Garnish: lime wedge Fill a Collins glass with ice, then pour in half the tonic water. Add the gin and sherry and stir, then add the rest of the tonic water. Place the lime wedge on the rim of the glass. Excerpted from "Cocktails With My Cat: Tasty Tipples for Feline Fanatics" by Natalie Bovis (Running Press 2024, $24). This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 'Cocktails With My Cat' a fun cookbook from author Natalie Bovis Roadkills Junkyard Gold (2017) Season 2 returns with the automobile repair adventures of host Steve Magnante. He travels across the nation in search of junkyards that house various cars in bad condition. He assembles the car parts to make them brand new and also learns more about their history. Heres how you can watch and stream the show via streaming services such as HBO Max. Is Roadkills Junkyard Gold (2017) Season 2 available to watch via streaming? Yes, Roadkills Junkyard Gold (2017) Season 2 is available to watch via streaming on HBO Max. The second season kicks off as Steve is now on a mission assigned to him by David Freiburger. He is on the lookout for his new car rescue project and comes across several interesting cars with high potential. He finds junk cars from Hidden Valley Auto Parts in Maricopa, Arizona, such as a Plymouth Fury I with NASCAR capability and Ramblers first factory four-speed. Magnante continues to serve as the host of the show. Watch Roadkills Junkyard Gold (2017) Season 2 streaming via HBO Max Roadkills Junkyard Gold (2017) Season 2 is available to watch on HBO Max. HBO Max is a premium streaming destination that offers high-quality content from various networks and studios like ITV and Paramount Pictures. You can watch via Max, formerly known as HBO Max, by following these steps: Go to HBOMax.com/subscribe Click Sign Up Now Choose your plan: $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (with ads) $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year (ad-free) $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (ultimate ad-free) Enter your personal information and password Select Create Account Max With Ads provides the services streaming library at a Full HD resolution, allowing users to stream on up to two supported devices at once. Max Ad-Free removes the services commercials and allows streaming on two devices at once in Full HD. It also allows for 30 downloads at a time to allow users to watch content offline. On the other hand, Max Ultimate Ad-Free allows users to stream on four devices at once in a 4K Ultra HD resolution and provides Dolby Atmos audio and 100 downloads. Roadkills Junkyard Golds official synopsis is as follows: Classic car authority, Steve Magnante, pieces together the history, life, and death of automotive relics and rarities among junkyards across the nation. Dissect the bones of old machines, learn their history, check out restoration mock-ups, and meet the owners who run Americas greatest automotive junkyards. It doesnt have to shine to be gold. NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing. BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star is a docu-series that shows the journey, behind-the-scenes fun, and a lot more about the Movies Ankita Mukherjee 10 mins ago If you asked me about the state of Legendarys MonsterVerse a few years ago, immediately following the release of Godzilla: Movies Jeff Ames 9 hours ago Per Collider, Starz has officially set the streaming debut for Lionsgates prequel movie The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds Movies Maggie Dela Paz 10 hours ago Supernatural alum Jared Padalecki, who played Sam Winchester for 15 seasons, explains why the shows reunion has yet to take TV Ryan Louis Mantilla 10 hours ago Read more The post Roadkills Junkyard Gold (2017) Season 2 Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via HBO Max appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A delegation led by the Romanian government's Secretary General Mircea Abrudean, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, has become familiar with the activity of the ASAN ''Xidmet'' center, Trend reports. Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Citizens' Services and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, briefed the guests about the goals of the "ASAN Xidmet" model and numerous public-service programs. Guests learned about ASAN's mobile services, 108 call center, INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, ASAN Innovation Development Center, ABAD, Bilim Bak, ASAN TV, and ASAN Radio. The delegation was also well-informed about the design of public services and new solutions used in the field. Abrudean stated his satisfaction with having learned about the "ASAN Xidmet" approach on-site and remarked that there is presently no such model in Romania for public services. The Secretary-General stressed that Romania plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding as soon as possible to implement the "ASAN Xidmet" practice in the nation. During his visit, the Romanian visitor was interviewed on ASAN TV and ASAN Radio. To note, during the 11th World Summit of Governments in the United Arab Emirates in February this year, a meeting was held between the Secretary General of the Romanian Government and the Chairman of the State Agency for Citizen Services and Social Innovation under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, where a preliminary cooperation agreement was reached. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel After years of holding community meetings and knocking on doors, community activists are now seeing action about an invisible risk raising concerns about cancer in their communities. A recently announced rule from the Environmental Protection Agency would reduce an estimated 90% of ethylene oxide emissions from the facilities that use it. Ethylene oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is considered essential for sterilizing medical devices but also has been linked to cancer risk for people breathing in significant amounts of it over time. Around 20 billion medical devices used in the United States, including ventilators, syringes and catheters, are sterilized with ethylene oxide (EtO) every year. Ethylene oxide is the most widely used, safe and effective, scientifically proven modality for medical device sterilization not only in the United States, but worldwide, said Dr. Suzanne Schwartz, Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships and Technology Innovation at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. PHOTO: Resident Ural Grant, who has lived in Memphis for more than 35 years, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in 2019. (ABC News) While there is no known risk to doctors and patients using the EtO-sterilized devices, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in 2022 that long-term exposure to the gas emissions from facilities can increase the risk of cancers including lymphoma, leukemia, stomach and breast cancers. There are 88 facilities that use EtO to sterilize medical equipment all around the country in 32 states and Puerto Rico. Some residents nearby fear that the emissions that escape these facilities could be threatening their health. The new EPA rule comes after years of activism from residents in communities that were notified the amount of EtO they could be exposed to posed a risk of cancer that the EPA considered concerning. In South Memphis, Tennessee, the Mallory Heights Community Development Corporation has been raising awareness of the potential hidden danger of EtO emissions in their neighborhood. So many people that I know within my family and live in this area have died of cancer or have cancer now, Vera Holmes, president of the Mallory Heights CDC, told Nightline. While scientists say it is nearly impossible to link any one persons cancer to EtO, local residents raise concerns about their cancer diagnoses being related. Ural Grant, who has lived in South Memphis for more than 35 years, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2019. He says that many of his neighbors also have cancer. PHOTO: Activist Vera Holmes, whose family has lived in Memphis for generations, says she will keep pushing until the EtO facility is out of her community. (ABC News) I thought this was my American dream right here to have a home, to have a house, Grant said. But then it kind of turned into an American nightmare. Grant says he cannot afford to move due to mounting medical bills. Similarly, many of those impacted by EtO emission live in working-class neighborhoods. KeShaun Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution, believes that racial injustice is at play when toxic gas emission happens in predominantly Black neighborhoods. [Memphis] as a whole has an F in air pollutants and in air quality, and 98% of the particular matter that makes up the pollution is here in South Memphis, Pearson said. That is not coincidental. That is by design. It's been designed that this area specifically is a place where people's lives can be sacrificed. In Laredo, Texas, residents face a similar battle. The border town is home to a population of about 250,000 people, mostly working-class and Hispanic. This is one of the largest warehousing areas in the city, said Victor Trevino Jr., a local attorney who has lived in this town all his life. We have residential areas right next to this industrial area within a couple of miles. Among the industrial facilities nearby, Midwest Sterilization Corporation has been in operation since 2005. Up to 40% of all the nation's sterilization kits are sterilized in this location. Laredo has a 95% Hispanic population. We have one of the highest poverty rates in the state, Trevino said. This is really a crisis for us at this point. Victors father, Dr. Victor Trevino Sr., has worked as a physician in the community for around 40 years. He also served as the health authority before his current role as mayor of Laredo. He says its important to balance the need for employment with safety. It employs a significant amount of people, and employment is good for a community, Dr. Trevino Sr. said to Nightline. But we also have to say, at what cost? Despite the plant being built in 1976, many residents living just minutes from Midwest Sterilization say that they have no idea the plant was even there. PHOTO: President of Memphis Community Against Pollution, KeShaun Pearson, calls South Memphis a sacrifice zone. (ABC News) We have always been in compliance with state and federal regulations and continue to be, Midwest Sterilization Corporation said in a statement to ABC News. Our top priority is ensuring that we can continue to keep communities safe while helping to save patients lives. We are firmly committed to doing everything possible to continue to reduce emissions and keep Laredoans safe. Now, changes are happening on a federal level. For the first time in 50 years, the EPA released new rules for commercial sterilization that uses EtO, aiming to reduce emission by more than 90%. Under the new regulation, facilities will have to implement major changes including pollution control, ventilation systems, and increased monitoring and reporting. EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement that the agency listened to impacted communities in drafting a rule to protect their health. Weve arrived at a historically strong rule that will protect the most exposed communities from toxic air pollution while also ensuring that there will be a process that safeguards our nations critical supply of sterilized medical equipment, Regan said. Scott Whitaker, the CEO of AdvaMed, a group that represents sterilization facilities, spoke about potential changes during a House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hearing. We've made it clear that we welcome updated regulations. After all, our industry's commitment to saving and improving lives does not end where sterilization begins, Whitaker said. How regulators implement this updated rule is critical to ensuring that there is (1) no disruption to the medical supply chain and (2) no harm to patients, and that (3) the communities surrounding these facilities remain safe. While AdvaMed added in a statement that they have worked with the FDA and the EPA to ensure the final rule would enhance and not hinder their companys "already-well-established commitment" to safe sterilization, the facilities could take two, three years or longer to comply with the new rule. PHOTO: In August 2022, the EPA announced a list of 23 facilities where EtO emissions contributed to elevated lifetime cancer risk for people living nearby with long-term exposure. (ABC News) The FDA emphasizes the importance to balance reducing emissions while not jeopardizing the medical device supply chain. It is not a zero-sum game, Schwartz said. We have to be able to achieve these objectives in parallel and together. The company in Memphis, Sterilization Services of Tennessee, announced last year they would move to a new location outside of the community. In a letter to a member of Congress, they said they have never been out of compliance with reference to federal, state, and local mandates. *To address legals note this quote was all that was included in the broadcast. ABC News has reached out to Sterilization Services of Tennessee and received no response. Activists like Vera Holmes say she will keep pushing until the EtO facility is out of her community. People are tired, said Holmes. They're afraid to speak up or speak out. But that's up to us as leaders to step in and say, hey, we hear you, and we can make some things happen. It just takes the right team to do the right thing. Byron Pitts, Sasha Pezenik, Stephanie Ebbs, Sony Salzman, Eric Strauss contributed to this report. EtO gas used to sterilize medical devices ignites fears over link to cancer originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Jan. 6 rioter who led crowd in attacking police sentenced to over 7 years in prison A Washington state man who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was sentenced Wednesday to seven years and three months in prison. Taylor James Johnatakis was convicted in November on seven charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting police officers. Johnatakis led rioters in attacking the police line outside the Capitol, according to federal prosecutors. PHOTO: This image from police body-worn camera video, contained and annotated in the Justice Department's government's sentencing memorandum of Taylor James Johnatakis, shows Johnatakis at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (Department of Justice via AP) "Specifically, using his megaphone, Johnatakis directed rioters to move up to the police line and yelled at the rioters to 'pack it in! pack it in!'" a press release states. "Johnatakis then instructed the crowd through the megaphone that they were going to push the bike racks 'one foot' at a time and counted, 'one, two, three, GO!!'" At least one officer was injured in the fray, prosecutors said. MORE: Trump promises to 'free' Jan. 6 rioters on first day back in White House if reelected During his trial, Johnatakis represented himself, frustrating Judge Royce Lamberth with his erratic behavior. He argued his case by claiming to be a "sovereign citizen," The Associated Press reported, which the judge called "gobbledygook." Johnatakis also asked the judge questions during his sentencing, including "Does the record reflect that I repent in my sins?" -- to which Lamberth replied he was not taking questions, the AP reported. In a letter after Wednesday's hearing, Lamberth said every decision on how to sentence Jan. 6 rioters "aims to discourage these defendants from future violence, dissuade others from taking inspiration from the Capitol riot, and express the community's moral disapproval of this conduct." He hit back at the idea that Johnatakis was simply exercising his freedom of speech, saying his actions were "neither First Amendment-protected activity nor civil disobedience." "A society in which everyone does what is right by his own lights, where adherence to the law is optional, would be a society of vigilantism, lawlessness, and anarchy," he wrote. Lamberth said Johnatakis' remarks throughout the course of the trial made clear he "does not accept responsibility for his actions and does not show true remorse." "In any angry mob, there are leaders and there are followers," he wrote. "Mr. Johnatakis was a leader. He knew what he was doing that day." Jan. 6 rioter who led crowd in attacking police sentenced to over 7 years in prison originally appeared on abcnews.go.com As avian flu continues to spread in birds across the United States, a major chicken egg manufacturer has temporarily halted production after the highly contagious disease was detected at its facilities. Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., the nation's largest producer and distributor of fresh eggs, announced the positive test result for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at its Parmer County, Texas facility on Tuesday. The outbreak has resulted in the loss of nearly "1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, or approximately 3.6% of the Companys total flock as of March 2, 2024," Cal-Maine Foods announced. This was due to guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on poultry infections. PHOTO: In this Aug. 7, 2020 file photo, cases of eggs from Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. await to be handed out by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce employees at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, Miss. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP, FILE) Avian flu hits dairy producing cattle farms: Could it impact prices? The company followed U.S. Department of Agriculture protocols in shutting down operations and said it's "working to secure production from other facilities to minimize disruption to its customers." While there are "robust biosecurity" measures in place, the egg producer said "no farm is immune from HPAI" which is "still present in the wild bird population and the extent of possible future outbreaks, with heightened risk during the migration seasons, cannot be predicted." PHOTO: In this undated stock photo, caged hens are seen in an industrial farm. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images) Despite a recent human infection following an outbreak at a Texas cattle farm, the risk of bird flu to the public is considered low and no person-to-person spread has occurred, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Amidst the increase in outbreaks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reminded consumers that HPAI "cannot be transmitted through safely handled and properly cooked eggs." There is also no known risk related to HPAI associated with eggs currently in the retail market and as of time of publication, no eggs have been recalled. Cal-Maine Foods said in the release that it's working "closely with federal, state, and local government officials and focused industry groups to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks and effectively manage the response." The Ridgeland, Mississippi-based company produces, grades, packages, and markets fresh shell cage-free, organic, pasture-raised, free-range, and nutritionally enhanced eggs. Largest US egg producer temporarily halts production due to avian flu at Texas facility originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Of the many countries whose bread is celebrated globally, France stands out for the wide variety of textures and flavors across its bakery products. The French take pride in their bread, using simple recipes with high-quality ingredients, and this translates into loaves that have a rustic charm as well as a delicious flavor. From the legendary baguette to the wholesome pain complet, there is a type of French bread to suit every palate. Whether you want something soft with a crunchy crust to accompany your cheeseboard or a hearty slice to dip in a vegetable soup, the diversity of French bread means you won't be disappointed. If you're worried that you don't know your pain de campagne from your pain de mie, fear not. We will walk you through 11 of France's most popular breads and examine how they differ from each other. Join us as we explore the regional specialties and help you make the perfect choice during your next trip to the bakery. Read more: The 20 Best Olive Oils For Cooking Baguette Rustic french baguettes - Taras Shparhala/Shutterstock There is no bread more iconic in France than the classic baguette. The long, thin breadstick is as quintessentially French as the Tour Eiffel, and you will pass many people in the streets of Paris with a baguette poking out of their shopping bag. With its golden exterior and fluffy inside, we all know the joy of cracking open a freshly baked baguette, a popularity that has spread far beyond its home country. Like so many classics, the French baguette is a surprisingly simple bread to bake. By law, French baguettes can contain only flour, yeast, water, and salt. Since additives are not permitted, a French baguette will not remain fresh for more than a day after it is baked. A French baguette will typically have a diameter of 5 to 6 centimeters and a length of up to a meter, though around 65 centimeters is more typical. The dough is stretched into a long, thin oblong before diagonal scores are added for the signature look, and the bread is baked in the oven for around 20 minutes. This legendary loaf is versatile to match its flavor, lending itself to so many delicious situations. Whether you want to simply add a smear of French butter or eat it with a wedge of creamy brie, the baguette can be consumed with any meal and will always leave you feeling satisfied. Pain De Campagne Loaf of Pain de Campagne - alexzrv/Shutterstock Head to the country for another of France's most famous breads, the pain de campagne. Literally translated as country bread, this loaf is a rustic variety of bread that is beloved around the world. Pain de Campagne is made in a similar way to sourdough but with added whole wheat and rye flour, which give it a distinctive flavor. Pain de campagne is the ultimate family bread made in large loaves that will last a few days. It has a chewy crust and fairly dense texture, making it great for soaking up sauces or spreading with chutney before adding some charcuterie on top. It is the perfect bread for creating a thin, cheesy crouton to sit atop a bowl of piping hot French onion soup, as it will absorb the flavors of the soup without disintegrating. If the weather is too warm for soup, it serves equally well as a summer sandwich, thinly sliced and filled with meats, cheese, and fresh herbs. This versatile bread is a French classic that is bound to satisfy whatever the occasion, from a casual picnic to a fancy dinner party. Boule Rustic French boule - Tercer Ojo Photography/Shutterstock The boule is a classic French bread. Named after its shape the French word for ball it is a simple, versatile bread with many uses. Biting into a piece of French boule is a joy: a crispy, crackling crust with a soft, airy inside that doesn't feel too heavy. The good news is that making a classic boule yourself is easy. You need just flour, yeast, salt, and water. Any easy loaf like this is a great place to start, and baking it means you know exactly what is in the bread you are serving your family. Plus, homemade bread always tastes so much better. Boule is often served for breakfast in France, as its fluffy interior is less stodgy than some other bread perfect for starting the day on the right note. It is traditionally topped with butter or jam, and if you want to eat an authentic French breakfast, be sure to dip your bread in your coffee! The thick nature of boule means it lasts longer than thinner loaves such as baguettes, so it should last a few days after you first cut into it. This makes boule a good economical choice, as well as a delicious one. Brioche Authentic brioche loaf - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock If you're looking for soft and luxurious French bread, brioche should be near the top of your list. With a totally different flavor and texture from most loaves, brioche lies somewhere between bread and cake and can accompany both savory and sweet ingredients. Brioche is an enriched dough, meaning it contains more ingredients than the standard flour, yeast, and water. Its decadent texture comes from the eggs, butter, cream, and sometimes sugar that are added to make the dough. Once baked, the outside of a brioche loaf has a smooth golden shimmer, while the inside is soft and airy. The beauty of brioche is that it is equally adept at savory and sweet dishes. It makes delicious French toast with crispy edges and a tender middle or indulgent grilled cheese with gooey cheddar and smoked ham. Brioche burger buns are also a fantastic use of this unique bread, as the sweet flavor of the bread complements the rich burger, while the soft texture of the brioche means the bun will soak up plenty of flavor. For dessert, brioche is destined to be the star of bread and butter pudding. It will soak up the flavored custard brilliantly, creating a sumptuous sweet treat. Pain Complet Wholegrain French baguettes - PageSeven/Shutterstock A lesser-known bread outside of France, pain complet is a bread that paves the way for a nutritious sandwich. Made from wholewheat flour, rather than the refined white flour that the majority of French bread uses, it has a dense texture and nutty flavor that give it a unique character. From a health perspective, eating pain complet is a better option than a traditional white baguette. Replacing refined flour with whole grains has been proven to lower the risks of many chronic conditions, including type-2 diabetes and heart disease. They may contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can all have a significant impact on overall well-being. Although many of us are used to eating white bread and find the heavy texture of wholegrains less pleasant, switching your usual French stick for a pain complet is a switch worth considering. Beyond the health benefits, pain complet can provide a depth of flavor that may be missing from some of the lighter breads. Its heavy texture makes it perfect for an open-faced sandwich, topped with cream cheese, smoked fish, and pickles, or thin slices of bread for dipping in hummus or guacamole. Though pain complet may be lacking the fame of its white counterparts, it more than makes up for it in nutrition and character. It proves that bread can be both delicious and healthy, allowing you to enjoy your favorite bread-based treats while still keeping your well-being in mind. Pain D'epi French bread - pain d'epi - Picture Partners/Shutterstock Few loaves can compete with pain d'epi when it comes to bread as an art form. Also known as wheat stalk bread, it is shaped to look like a stalk of wheat, resulting in a beautiful plait that gets full marks for presentation. In terms of flavor, pain d'epi bears a close resemblance to a classic French baguette, as it is made from the four ingredients of white flour, yeast, salt, and water. Where it stands out from the crowd is in the baker's ability to craft it into a wheat stalk, twisting the dough to create 'leaves of wheat' that can be torn off, making it the ideal bread for sharing family style. If you are hosting family for the holidays, you can even get a wreath-shaped version. Since the dough is essentially the same as a baguette, the pain d'epi has a delicious golden crust with a soft inside, but as it has a larger surface area due to its unusual shape, you will be treated to more of the crunchy crust per loaf. It is the perfect bread for mopping up leftover sauce or dipping in a creamy soup. Next time you need a centerpiece for a dinner party that will get your guests talking, consider an authentic French pain d'epi and enjoy sharing the experience with family and friends. Fougasse Authentic French fougasse with herbs - melei5/Shutterstock On the South coast of France, in the heart of Provence, you will find the delightful bread known as fougasse. It is the French cousin of Italian focaccia, with both words originating from the Latin words for baked in a hearth. This pillowy soft bread has a different texture to most other French breads, with a lovely contrast between the thin, crispy top and the soft center. Unlike focaccia, which is simply cooked in a triangular sheet, fougasse is shaped to resemble an ear of wheat. This unusual shape gives it means more of the dough is exposed to the heat of the oven, and the reward is an increase in the wonderfully crispy edges. Fougasse can be decorated with various ingredients before being baked, meaning that there are many different versions depending on where you buy it from. Olives, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese are all common additions, but if you are making your own Mediterranean-inspired fougasse, you can add virtually anything you like. There is also a sweet version of fougasse, often sold in Alpine towns. Fougassete has the same texture, but the addition of sugar and orange water makes it an indulgent dessert, especially during the holiday season. Pain De Mie Sliced pain de mie - Arancio/Shutterstock It may surprise you to find out that the French have soft, white bread served in sliced loaves in every supermarket, and it goes by the name of pain de mie. While our idea of French bread is of the crusty, artisan variety, it turns out that even the sophisticated people of France have a need for a simple sandwich every now and then. Pain de mie is a simple bread to bake at home, with only a few ingredients: the usual flour, yeast, and salt, but also milk, honey, and vegetable oil to give it a softer texture. It is then baked in a special tin known as a Pullman loaf pan. Its unique feature is a sliding lid that prevents the dough from rising beyond the edge of the tin, creating a neat square shape. Pain de mie is the ideal bread to create the French classics croque monsieur and croque madame. Literally meaning Mr. and Mrs. Crunch, these legendary sandwiches are the French equivalent of grilled cheese. They contain a luxurious bechamel sauce and, in the case of croque madame, a fried egg on top. The Pain de Mie's soft interior is the perfect vehicle, with the outsides crisping up nicely under the broiler. Pain Au Levain Authentic pain au levain - YesPhotographers/Shutterstock If you like tangy sourdough bread, the French pain au levain will be right up your street. The word levain comes from the French term for the natural fermentation process, which is what gives this sourdough bread its unusual chewy texture and flavor. Pain au levain is a testament to how simple ingredients plus a lot of patience and baking skill can create a bread with a complex flavor and wonderful texture. By using a slow, natural fermentation process in place of quick-acting yeast, the flavors that develop in the bread are distinctive and delectable. The benefits of sourdough bread go beyond flavor, as the natural fermentation process comes with access to trace vitamins and minerals, including folate, calcium, and magnesium. The prebiotic effect and lower gluten content of sourdough can also be beneficial for the digestive system. For those who are trying to cut down their bread intake but, still missing their daily sandwich, choosing pain au levain over a classic baguette may be a good compromise. The texture of pain au levian makes it an incredibly versatile loaf that will serve most of your bread needs. From dunking in a hearty soup to slicing and adding to your cheese board or simply spreading it with butter and enjoying it in the most simple way, the unique properties of pain au levain ensure it will satisfy. Pain Aux Noix Sliced pain aux noix - 77 Studio/Shutterstock Pain aux noix, often known as walnut bread, is a unique bread that takes the slightly nutty flavor of other breads to the extreme. Though usually made with walnuts, pain aux noix can technically contain any nuts, including hazelnuts and almonds. The nuts are roughly chopped and dotted throughout the dough before baking, meaning every few bites will treat you to a jewel. The best thing about pain aux noix is that it pairs brilliantly with both savory and sweet ingredients, and since it's dense and rich, it has a welcome versatility to pair with various toppings. A tangy goat cheese with spicy tomato chutney will balance out the earthy flavor, whereas topping it with jam or jelly will enhance the natural sweetness of the bread. The versatility of this wonderful bread means it can be your trusty sidekick for both a casual Sunday brunch and a sophisticated dinner party. Pain Brie Pain brie close up - Barnes Ian/Shutterstock In northwest France, in the region of Normandy, you will find a special type of bread with a distinctive look and a memorable taste. Pain brie, also known as Norman bread, is a culinary staple in the region, it's dense texture and rich flavor lending it to many regional dishes. Pain brie gets its name from the verb 'brier, ' which means to pound. The pounding process is an essential part of developing the unusual structure of this bread, which is dense and firm rather than light and airy. As such, this is much heartier than many other French breads. Normandy cuisine is known for being indulgent and rich think cream, butter, and cheese in abundance. This is where pain brie steps up, its robust texture meaning it can mop up creamy sauces without falling apart. Normandy is also known for its PDO cheeses, including camembert and Neufchatel, and pain brie beautifully complements their complex flavors without overpowering them. It is worthwhile trying to get a hold of some the next time you are creating an especially creamy and indulgent French dish. Read the original article on Tasting Table Air cargo demand is still seeing a bump from 2023 levels, with the industry experiencing double-digit year-over-year growth for the third consecutive month. In February, total demand increased 11.9 percent to 19.7 billion cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The growth occurred even after accounting for seasonally reduced activity in the Asia Pacific region after the Lunar New Year, which lasted from Feb. 10-24. February demand figures also got a bit of a boost since 2024 was a leap year, giving the month one extra day compared to February 2023, which slightly exaggerates annual growth rates to the positive. More from Sourcing Journal International routes saw the brunt of the pronounced air cargo demand at a 12.4 percent growth pace. The IATA explained in its monthly report that the growing demand reflects this buoyant international traffic, which benefits from booming e-commerce. To a lesser extent, the report also attributed the growth to the current concerns experienced in the Red Sea, notably a recently increased interest in sea-air services because of the ongoing capacity constraints in maritime shipping, among other factors. On the other hand, North American airlines are significantly lagging their global counterparts with a 3.2 percent uptick. North American air cargo demand declined precipitously month over month, dropping from its 14.1 percent annual gain in January. While demand on the North America-to-Europe trade lane grew by 5.2 percent year-over-year, up from the 1.9 percent growth seen in January, Asia-to-North America grew by just 3.9 percent annuallya steep decline from Januarys 17.1 percent increase. The North American air cargo market saw a major domestic shakeup that seems to align with the slow growth, with UPS entering a new contract to be the new air cargo carrier of the United States Postal Service (USPS), replacing FedEx. The USPS reduced volume shipped by air by 90 percent over the two years prior to August 2023, contributing a top-line hit at FedExs Express delivery unit. On a global scale, cumulative CTKs for the first two months of 2024 have registered a total of 40.5 billion, up 15 percent from the 2023 value and only 0.3 percent below the heights experienced in early 2022. Willie Walsh, IATAs director general, said Februarys demand growth far outpaced the 0.9 percent expansion in cross-border trade experienced the month prior, citing data from the World Trade Monitor published by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis. Story continues This strong start for 2024 could see demand surpass the exceptionally high levels of early 2022, Walsh said. It also shows air cargos strong resilience in the face of continuing political and economic uncertainties. In line with the increasing demand, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), global cargo capacity increased by 13.4 percent compared to February 2023. Capacity is up even further at 20.2 percent on a two-year basis, according to the IATA. Much of the annual growth in industry ACTKs continues to come from the strong return in international passenger belly-hold capacity, which registered an outstanding 29.5 percent annual increase in February. By comparison, international cargo capacity for dedicated freighters rose by 3.2 percent year over year. Despite many of the concerns that were had about rising freight rates in the wake of the Red Sea crisis, forcing container ships to continue rerouting around southern Africa, the capacity constraints on the ocean are having no visible impact on air cargo rates, according to the IATA report. Specifically, global air cargo yields (including surcharges) are plummeting again on a yearly basis. While they registered just a 1.1 percent month-over-month reduction in February, the numbers represent a stark 18.3 percent drop from February 2023 totals. This decline materialized despite a simultaneous rise in jet fuel prices, which increased by 3.1 percent month-over-month in February, closing at $112.1 per barrel, the IATA report said. Similarly, the Red Sea shipping crisis and the related sharp decrease in relative air cargo rates over container shipping continued to fail to produce significant upward pressure on the industry-average monthly yield for air cargo. Freight rate benchmarking platform Xeneta backed up the data shared by the IATA, saying that air cargo spot rates declined 14 percent year over year in February to $2.29 per kg. When it came to the trans-Atlantic trade lane, Xeneta noted that the average general cargo spot rate on this corridor fell by a sharp 27 percent in February, ending at $1.82 per kg. In January, the IATA forecast an approximately 20 percent year-over-year declines in global air cargo pricing. Cargo load factors (CLF), the percentage of actual available freight tonne-kilometers, dropped by 0.6 percentage points month-over-month to 45.1 percent, likely influenced by slowing activity in the Asia Pacific region after the Lunar New Year. Slowing cargo load factors can be detrimental to airlines, as they can represent a potential imbalance in supply and demand and thus, a hit to revenue and profitability. This Benjamin Franklin Letter About the American Revolution Could Be Yours for $120,000 A historical document that proves Benjamin Franklin was a key part of the American Revolution could soon be yours. The Raab Collection, an international company that buys and sells historical documents, has just listed a letter the Founding Father wrote in 1777. The important piece of correspondence will be displayed for the first time at the firms Philadelphia office before it goes up for sale on April 11 with an asking price of $120,000. More from Robb Report The rather short note pertains to clandestine aid from France to the American cause. Franklin had journeyed to Paris as a diplomat, tasked with getting France to join Americas war for independence as an ally to the States. Emmanuel-Pierre de la Plaigne, meanwhile, was chosen by the Georgia Legislative Council as its formal representative to liaise with France. The letter, dated December 3, 1777, shows Franklin giving de la Plaigne credentials to then negotiate with the French. I do hereby certify whom it may concern, that the Papers herewith connected under my Seal, viz. the Extract from the Minutes of the Assembly of Georgia, signed by Henry Cuyler, Clerk; and the Instructions to Capt. De la Plaigne signed by N W. Jones Speaker, are genuine and authentic Papers. B Franklin, the letter reads. On the opposite side of the letter is Franklins docket, meaning that it was the Founding Fathers own copy and eventually traveled back with him to Philadelphia. Initially bought by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 1946, the note was given to a donor in 1972. However, given the relevance of the letter, the societys minutes show that the gift wasnt meant to become a regular occurrence and that it was a rather generous acknowledgment of the donors assistance. Franklins letter to de la Plaigne eventually helped the latter secure aid from the French a mere week later, as did the news that the Americans had won a battle in Saratoga, which arrived just after Franklin wrote his missive. And two months later, the French officially allied with the Americans in the Revolution, eventually leading to full independence from the British. This letter is just a smallyet mightypiece of that history. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Before we get into the origins of chicken pot pie, let's pin down just what constitutes a pot pie. We're all familiar with the various frozen examples of chicken pot pie, and some of us may even have tried making homemade chicken pot pie (here's a recipe, if you'd like to give it a shot). Is there anything that makes a pot pie different from any other type of meat pie? Not really, except for the fact that pot pies always have top crusts, unlike, say, shepherd's pies where mashed potatoes are used instead. They're also baked in what Oxford Learner's Dictionaries calls a "deep dish," which could be a pie pan or a casserole, so they're not hand pies. Having established what constitutes a chicken pot pie, we can now differentiate the ur-pot pie from any other kind of original savory pie, which allows us to trace its probable roots to ancient Rome. Some food historians may consider the ancient Greek artocreas to be the ancestral pot pie, but while that was made with a meat filling, it didn't have a top crust, so it doesn't qualify. Instead, that honor may go to a later Roman variant that had both a top and bottom crust. The earliest known recipe, dating from the second century B.C., has a honey-goat cheese filling, but later versions included various types of seafood and meat. Was chicken among them? We can't say for sure, but we do know this meat was consumed by the Romans. Read more: 6 Canned Meats You Should Buy And 6 You Shouldn't How Chicken Pot Pie Has Evolved Since Olden Days Chicken pot pie on plate - Darinburt/Getty Images It's a long, long road from the kitchens of ancient Roman villas to the microwaves of today, so how did chicken pot pie make the trip? As far as we're aware, its next stop at least, the one from which it bothered to send a postcard was also in Europe but during the Middle Ages. One chicken pie recipe from a late 14th-century Italian cookbook calls for dates and raisins in the filling along with chicken seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper. Another, livelier recipe from 16th-century Italy called for birds that would fly out once the pie's top crust was cut open, but we presume these weren't chickens as these mostly-flightless fowl wouldn't make such a dainty dish to set before the king. By the 18th century, chicken pot pies had reached the New World. One early chicken pie recipe was included in a 1796 cookbook with the clever name of "American Cookery," while a recipe that used the exact wording "chicken pot pie" (or "pot-pie") seems to have made its first appearance in an 1839 cookbook called "The Kentucky Housewife." It would take over a century more, however, before Swanson started producing its famous frozen chicken pot pies these are a fairly modern invention since they've only been around since 1951. Read the original article on Mashed DCVC wanted to raise $500M for its first climate fund, but the market had other plans DCVCs target for its first climate-focused fund, DCVC Climate Select, has been all over the place and highlights the roller-coaster venture fundraising conditions of the last few years and how LPs aren't as quick to back new strategies from established managers. The Silicon Valley VC firm launched the fund in December 2022 with a $500 million target, according to an SEC filing. A year later, it lowered its target to $300 million after its year of fundraising brought in only $157 million of commitments by then, according to a December 2023 SEC filing. Now, a source familiar with the matter tells TechCrunch that things have started to fall into place and $400 million may be a more accurate reflection of where the fund is headed. A recent New Mexico Inno article about New Mexico SIC's $50 million commitment to the fund that also mentions the $400 million target is "consistent with our expectations around the fund, DCVC spokesperson Nate Nickerson told TechCrunch over email. DCVC is a deep tech firm co-founded by Matt Ocko, known for decades of investments (like MosaicML, bought by Databricks) and Zachary Bogue, known for Square, AngelList, Uber and for his annual Deep Tech in Davos event. As part of the Davos event in February, Bogue called out AI applications for climate technologies as one of the major opportunities for DCVC, alongside tech bio and robotics. This climate fund is targeting climate startups at the mid-stages where the firm thinks the climate startup ecosystem is currently underfunded, according to materials from a recent New Mexico State Investment Council meeting where the GP presented. Although this is DCVC's first climate tech dedicated fund, the firm has invested $360 million from other funds into such startups over the last decade, also according to New Mexico SIC's March 26 meeting. While Nickerson said the initial $500 million figure was just a pro forma amount before the fund could take on money from LPs, the industry standard is that this number does represent a fund's target. Internally, people at the firm know that the firm had to adjust its expectations to more "sober" market conditions, the source familiar with the matter said. This person added that DCVC's existing portfolio climate companies started seeing some wins entering 2024 that could be helping the fundraising journey. One example is Twelve, which creates products traditionally made using fossil fuels from carbon. It recently signed a 14-year purchase agreement with the International Airlines Group which includes airlines like Aer Lingus and British Airways to buy 260 million gallons of Twelve's more sustainable aviation fuel. "These are not small deals, small numbers, small evidence. This is the kind of financial performance for skeptical customers," the source said. "A huge secular change is possible in these massive [industries]. These disruptor companies are putting numbers on the board consistent of what you would expect with public companies one day. That's a very persuasive fact pattern." DCVC isn't the only fund to lower a target or hold a final close on less capital than it expected after a tougher 2022 and 2023 fundraising cycle. Tiger Global's latest fund raised $2.2 billion of its $6 billion target. In the first half of 2023, firms such as Founders Fund, Insight Partners and TCV all slashed their fund targets. Fundraising got incredibly tough for venture firms across the board in 2022 and 2023. While 2022 set a new fundraising record for U.S.-based firms $172 billion, according to PitchBook analysts said that largely was due to funds raised in 2021 closing in 2022. The real effects were felt in 2023. U.S. firms raised $66.9 billion in 2023, according to PitchBook, the lowest total since 2017 and a 61% decrease from the record-setting year prior. On the other hand, climate investing is one of the few hot spots, outside of AI, thats attracting increasing VC attention and doing well for VC fundraising as well. Climate-focused VC funds have raised more than $710 million so far in 2024, according to data from Preqin, on track to match or surpass last year's $2.17 billion raised and not far off 2022's record of $2.9 billion. While both LPs and analysts have told TechCrunch that they aren't expecting 2024 to be a significantly better year for VC fundraising some think it might be worse than 2023 for DCVCs new climate fund, things may actually be headed in a better direction than its recent SEC disclosures have indicated. Beyond the bustling city of Bali and Indonesias other well-traveled resort towns, a tranquil oasis in the countrys Lesser Sunda Islands is gearing up to welcome travelers. The Luxury Collection, one of Marriott Bonvoys 31 hotel brands, will open a new resort on Flores Island on May 1. Located in the idyllic fishing town of Labuan Bajo, Taaktana covers some 16 acres of lush land and is teeming with natural beauty instead of tourists. In fact, the Lesser Sunda archipelago is home to the Komodo National Park and is inhabited by a population of around 5,700 Komodo dragons. More from Robb Report Inspired by web-shaped rice fields called lingko, Taaktana features an interconnected network of pathways that lead guests around the grounds. As an ode to the times before electricity, the resort will provide hand-held lanterns to help you explore. An aerial view of sea villas at Taaktana. The resort itself comprises 45 suites and 25 villas. (The Sea Villas are the first of their kind in Labuan Bajo, the Luxury Collection says.) There are 12 different accommodations available, from the entry-level Wae Rana Suite to a downright lavish three-bedroom mansion. All of them feature stylish interiors by Balianese firm A&P Interior. Spanning 742 square feet, the Wae Rana Suite combines smooth wood paneling with stone-gray floors and navy walls. The layout includes either a king-size bed or two doubles, a living room, a luxe bathroom, and a balcony with views of the resort. Interestingly, the top-tier Taaktana Suite doesnt offer more space than the Wae Rana Suite but sits on the top floor and provides unobstructed sea views. An exclusive look from inside the living room of a one-bedroom villa. The villas range from a one-bedroom that spans 1,205 square feet to a two-bedroom that covers 1,474 square feet. Each villa pairs a warm palette with wooden furnishings and glitzy gold accents. The one-bedders again include a king-size bed or two doubles, a separate living room, a swanky bathroom, a terrace, and a private pool. The Mansion is the resorts largest and most luxurious villa, with three beds and three baths in nearly 5,000 square feet. All villas come with 24-hour butler service, naturally. Beyond the suites and villas, Taaktana features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. Umasa, the signature on-site restaurant, serves dishes that reflect local coastal cuisine. The resort also has an onsite coffee roastery, ensuring you get a tasty and eco-friendly cup of joe. Other highlights include a kids club and a wedding chapel. Views of the living, primary suite, and bathroom inside a sea villa. As to be expected, there is much to see outside of Taaktana. Notable local attractions include the UNESCO heritage site of Wae Rebo, the Rangko Cave, and the Cunca Wulang waterfall. Who needs Bali? Taaktana is now accepting bookings, with rates starting at $530 per night. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Dozens of Florida Keys fish species have grown sick in an oddly specific way since November of 2023. Scientists are continuing to rule out what it could be, and will soon test the toxin ciguatera to see if it could be the source. Algae carry natural toxins, which may harm fish in environmentally distressed reefs. The Florida Keys are having a rough 2024, between the growing crisis of climate change and the bewildering depiction of them in the bad Jake Gyllenhaal remake of Road House. But, as biologist Bethany Augliere reports for National Geographic, the area has also had reports of dozens of species of fish observed swimming, seeming uncontrollably, in tight little circles downward. These reports have come in from the lower Keys all the way up to Miami, and the critically endangered smalltooth sawfish is one of the affected species. The reports have all come in since about November of last year. In nature, many animals move in large circles as part of normal behaviorincluding humans, who tend to both walk and swim in large curves when they think theyre going straight. But these fish are swimming in small circles like a listing helicopter in an action movie, and this isnt normal or healthy behavior. Though scientists dont yet know whats causing the phenomenon, they consider these fish to be ill. Many dead fish have washed up on shore as well, including 22 of the endangered sawfish. These protected fish can grow up to 12 feet long, making it even more distressing to observe them suffering or dead on shore. Theyve been observed at 14 years old in the wild, and can live to 25 years of age in captivity. For scientists who study them, the 22 dead sawfish and up to 60 reported sick sawfish are both ecologically and personally important. Theres only one species of sawfish in the mix here, but its one of just five on Earth. The only living examples are found in two groups: a larger one in Florida, and a smaller one in the Bahamas. There are dozens more species (not all from one family group) being affected by this strange sickness, though, which gives scientists some broader options for testing. They plan to use laboratory test fish to find out if a sample of ocean water from an affected area will make the lab fish swim in circles as well. Its not pretty, but whatevers affecting the fish must be isolated for the health of other fish, and for the health of animalslike humanswho eat fish regularly. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says theres no evidence of the usual suspected causes of fish illness like thisred tide from an algal bloom, low oxygen, high temperatures, or parasites. But it could be a toxin called ciguatera, potentially released by a regular quantity of algae rather than an unusual bloom. When scientists tested water from affected areas, they found higher ciguatera algae (called Gambierdiscus) about 25-33 times more than usual. Augliere reports that this specific algae is more common in environmentally distressed reef areas. In 2024, its hard to find a reef area that isnt at least somewhat distressed, and the Florida Keys are certainly experiencing some hardship of their own. Environmentally stressful factors include things like the coral bleaching that laregly stems from climate change, as well as human factors like overdevelopment near their reef areas. The scientists will continue to separate out and test hypotheses for the sick fish in the Florida Keys. It could turn out to be the ciguatera, or it could be that a similar algae-induced event has happened outside of its usual conditions as part of a bloom. Since climate change is a factor here, this could also happen againhere, or in another place around the world. Finding out the culprit in the Keys could help other scientists if and when their fish populations also start to circle the drain. You Might Also Like BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova visited the Literary Support Fund "The Writers House" and met with the Executive Director of the Fund Shafag Mehraliyeva, Trend reports. The meeting highlighted the activities of the Literary Support Fund "The Writers House", established in Icherisheher, where in 1929-1941 a prominent representative of the history of the national literary and artistic thought of Azerbaijan of the XX century, writer, scientist and teacher Mir Jalal Pashayev lived. President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova was informed about the life and creativity of Mir Jalal Pashayev. After visiting the house museum, she familiarized with the photographs and valuables belonging to the writer. At the meeting, Aktoty Raimkulova noted that within the framework of the multifaceted activities of the Foundation, projects are being implemented to promote the heritage of great poets and writers of the Turkic world, as well as to further strengthen the literary and cultural integration of the Turkic peoples in the modern era. She also spoke about the planned projects of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation to unite young writers of the Turkic peoples, as well as to highlight their works. The meeting continued with a discussion of joint cooperation between the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Literary Support Fund "The Writers House", as well as issues of mutual interest. The model debuted yet another stunning chrome mani while teasing a highly-anticipated new Rhode product Hailey Bieber/Instagram Hailey Bieber with chrome nails. Hailey Bieber is serving up spring beauty inspo. The model, 27, debuted another iteration of her viral glazed donut chrome manicure and its bound to spark a trend wave. On Tuesday, April 2, Biebers beauty brand Rhode shared a video via Instagram that shows the founder applying product to her lips, topping off a pink monochromatic makeup look. Also in the frame is Biebers stunning pink chrome manicure. Sticking with her usual long, almond shape, the models manicure features a slightly sheer baby pink shade and shimmering chrome finish. Biebers nail artist Zola Ganzorigt told PEOPLE that to create the look, she used OPI Hotter Than You Pink mixed with a bit of white and clear polish to get the perfect color and sheerness. Of course, Ganzorigt also used OPIs Tin Man Can Chrome Powder to achieve the manicures signature chrome finish. The popular topper is sadly still out of stock, but this DND powder provides a similar effect. Fans on Instagram couldnt help but call out Biebers ultra-flushed cheeks, which just so happen to perfectly match her pink chrome manicure. The model has been teasing a Rhode blush launch for weeks, and her new monochromatic look nails included is poised to be a major beauty trend this spring. Rhode/Instagram Hailey Bieber with pink chrome nails and matching blush. Patiently waiting for Hailey to drop the blushes! one fan commented on Rhodes post. I think the blush is coming guys, said another. In a previous Instagram post shared on Wednesday, March 20, Bieber seemingly teased another shade of her forthcoming blushes, this one in a deeper, rosier hue. Biebers chrome nails first made a splash at the 2022 Met Gala, where the model wore a cream-colored Saint Laurent silk gown and white feather cape. Shes since rocked countless versions of the trend, including chocolate glazed nails and a festive red French tip glazed manicure for the holiday season. Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images Hailey Bieber attends the 2022 Met Gala in white Saint Laurent gown and feather cape. Other celebrities have embraced the trend, too. In July 2022, Vanessa Hudgens rocked a pearly version of the chrome manicure, matching her pearl necklace. 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. Affectionately dubbed glazed donut nails, the concept is the backbone of Rhodes ethos, promising luminous, healthy-looking skin akin to Biebers signature glow. The brands lineup even includes the terminology (i.e., the popular Glazing Peptide Fluid). "I find any influence I might have on anyone very flattering. Anytime somebody comes up to me and is like, 'I look at your style all the time and I love your style. I'm very inspired by it,' I still get jittery," Bieber previously told PEOPLE about her viral beauty routines. That is the best part of creating for me. I can't even believe that people want to look at what I'm doing and that they're inspired by it." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. Heaven Hills Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series is already a collectors item among serious whiskey fans. So this weeks announcement of the 25th Anniversary Edition of the highly coveted bourbon seems like a sure bet to achieve instant unicorn status. More from Robb Report According to the distillery, the Old Fitzgerald name dates back to 1884 when it was first legally registered. Fast-forward to Prohibition when the brand was acquired by the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, who turned it into a wheated bourbon by replacing some of the rye in the mashbill with wheat, much like his eponymous bourbon which is produced at Buffalo Trace today. The Old Fitz name arrived at Heaven Hill in 1999, the same year that the distillery acquired the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville after the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery was ravaged by a fire a few years prior. Since 2018, the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series has been released twice a year in the fall and spring, along with just two VVS (Very Very Special) expressions in that first year and in 2020. Now the VVS designation has returned with the launch of this new 25th Anniversary Edition. The mashbill for this bourbon is the same as previous Old Fitzgerald releases and Heaven Hills Larceny brand: 68 percent corn, 20 percent wheat, and 12 percent malted barley. The liquid in the decanter came from 13-year-old barrels of whiskey that was distilled in September of 1999, the year Heaven Hill acquired the brand, and dumped in March of 2013. After 11 years of presumably being stored in stainless-steel vats, the bourbon was bottled in February of this year. According to a press release, the barrels were tested in 2013, and the whiskey, deemed to be of very high quality, was set aside for a special release. The number 13 is actually lucky for Heaven Hill, since the distillery filled its first barrel on December 13, 1935. Official tasting notes from the brand describe cinnamon toast, nutmeg, allspice, and sweet oak on the nose, followed by honey, vanilla, and baking spices on the palate. The finish is said to be warm with notes of oak and gentle pepper. The Old Fitzgerald 25th Anniversary Edition is a highly allocated release that will be available exclusively at Kentucky retailers and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown. The SRP for this bourbon is $230; while presumably you can find it for that price at the distillery, its likely to cost a whole lot more once it hits the secondary market, as it most certainly will do. You can currently find other bourbons in the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series at websites such as Flaviar now if youre looking to complete your collection. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. What was once a family home has been turned into an opulent jungle retreat. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Set deep in the rolling hills of Belizes Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. Once used as a logging residence before the reserve's creation in 1944, it was purchased by locals and occupied as a family home. Today, Hidden Valley spans 7,200 sprawling acres and welcomes guests into a genuinely unique natural oasis, home to dozens of hiking trails, countless waterfalls, and several natural pools, all available to lodge guests. Hidden Valley takes a particular interest in preserving not only the local flora and fauna but also the indigenous culture of the surrounding land, working with local Mayan community members and a famous local chef to incorporate native customs, ingredients, and practices into nearly every aspect of the resort. I arrived at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge at night, unaware of the breathtaking landscape surrounding me but the warm welcome made up for that. As one staff member opened my car door and another grabbed my luggage, I was handed a delicious welcome drink made of rum and lemongrass before being escorted into the main building, once the home of the Roe family. The frozen-in-time living room now functions as a lounge and library for guests, fully equipped with a wood-burning fireplace. The house wraps around to other updated rooms where guests can find spaces like the cafe, front desk, and restaurant. What was once the family's backyard is now home to the pool, a private event space, and a specialty restaurant. Personal touches are everywhere that remind you of the family and give the lodge a cozy ambiance. Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge The lodge has an upscale, cozy atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Each room is unique, but all offer luxury amenities and private comfort. A multitude of activities on-site means guests can build their own adventure. The sustainability efforts are truly ambitious and admirable; the resort pays respects to the green space that the resort calls home. I spent my days hiking through the vast forest to swim beneath a waterfall, lounging by the pool, and simply observing a bird feeder, set up to attract one of the more than 600 species that live nearby. During the evening, I enjoyed a special dinner at their outdoor restaurant and took part in a traditional Mayan blessing, then later cozied up to a good book by the fireplace in my suite. At Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, I found that learning and relaxing are not mutually exclusive, and cozy and luxury go hand in hand, making Hidden Valley a getaway unlike any other. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The Rooms There are several types of accommodations available at Hidden Valley. While each offers the same rustic luxury and high-end amenities, they all have a unique layout, location, and features. Some suites are adults-only, and others have family-style dining areas. Some have views, while others have private patios. I stayed in the Fire Tower, reminiscent of the towers used to watch for impending forest fires. While my room sat at the top of four flights of stairs, I was provided a nearly 360-degree view of the Pine Ridge Forest, making it arguably the absolute best spot for sunrise and sunsets in the whole resort. My bed faced the floor-to-ceiling windows that opened up onto a balcony. Each morning, I sat on the patio with a cup of coffee and watched the fog roll over the trees as the sun rose. My room also included a kitchenette with a coffee bar stocked with beans sourced from nearby farms and freshly made cookies. The bathroom had a massive stand-alone tub and a rainfall shower with soaps made by local artisans that smelled woodsy and decadent. In the corner of the bedroom was a small wood-burning fireplace that staff would set up for me at night, along with the turndown service. Other accommodations available include Estate Cottages, which have private patios, hammocks, and outdoor showers, and the Valley View Villas, which can hold up to four people and include dining areas and a coffee valet. Courtesy of Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge Food and Drink The culinary team at Hidden Valley is led by native celebrity chef Sean Kuylen, who has made a name for himself by embracing traditional Belizean cuisine. At Hidden Valley, Kuylen has put an emphasis on using indigenous ingredients in traditional ways that celebrate the local culture, like using a traditional fogon, an underground oven, to cook meats. Hidden Valley's two restaurants focus on "nature-based conscious cuisine," a concept taken very seriously by the property, which sources all ingredients from within a 15-mile radius. Sap is an indoor restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features a casual yet delicious menu, with items like fish tacos, burgers, and fresh salads. Meanwhile, Slate is located on the outdoor patio with an open kitchen and is currently only open for service on Friday, Saturday, Sunday lunch, and special events. Slate provides an elevated experience with a curated and changing menu. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Activities and Amenities With more than 7,000 acres on the property alone, there is much to explore in the Pine Mountain Forest Reserve. Hiking trails abound, with even more outside the resort's boundaries. Feel free to explore on your own without fear of getting lost Hidden Valley provides walkie-talkies in case you need assistance while out and transportation can be provided to trailheads farther away. However, guided hikes and tours are also available, such as a property tour with a waterfall picnic, a birding tour, and a guided flora and fauna tour or you can take advantage of night walks, which give guests a great chance at spotting unusual wildlife. Guests have also booked special events along these trails, like weddings at a waterfall with a catered picnic or engagement shoots in the mountains. If you have a special moment to celebrate, Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge can make it happen. On days youre feeling less adventurous, you can relax by the pool (which is heated at night) and the hot tub. Chocolate-making and cooking classes are available in Slates outdoor kitchen, complete with authentic fogon. At night, guests can request a fireplace turn-down service where staff will bring supplies and start a cozy fire in your in-room fireplace. Or upgrade to the bonfire and s'mores package, where you'll be set up with a bonfire and a basket full of s'mores supplies outside your villa. If youre interested in exploring off-property, there are even more options: Hidden Valley can arrange everything from a Caracol ruin tour to a Mayan cooking class. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Family-Friendly Offerings Several of the on-site hikes are easy, and suitable for all ages and abilities. The resort also offers a Kids Club with half-day excursions that include jungle ecology lessons and wildlife spotting. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Accessibility and Sustainability Sustainability is a major focus of Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. Currently, the lodge generates 90 percent of its electricity from solar power, and theyre working on covering that last 10 percent. Hidden Valley has also eliminated single-use plastics on site and, as previously mentioned, sources almost all kitchen ingredients within a 15-mile radius. While Hidden Valley doesnt currently have any ADA-compliant accommodations, it plans to build a room for mobility-impaired guests and aims to open it before the end of 2024. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Location The Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge are about two hours from the Belize City airport. Renting a car to drive to the resort is the easiest option, but it comes with one caveat. Until recently, only a dirt road through the wilderness led to the Pine Ridge Forest. However, in the last few years, the Belize government has been working on a paved road to give visitors a more direct route. Now, the paved road gets visitors about halfway before returning to a dirt road, making a four-wheel drive vehicle recommended. The paved section of the road has already seen a jump in hotels and other businesses as the area draws many tourists, so visiting the non-paved part while you can promises a peaceful and more personal experience. If driving isnt for you, the lodge can arrange airport pickups with a personal driver and private transfers from smaller nearby airplanes and helicopter landing pads. How to Get The Best Value As a family-owned boutique lodge, Hidden Valley isn't part of a major rewards program or alliance. However, the hotel does offer guaranteed best rates for direct bookings, and the helpful and responsive sales team will work with you to get the best deal and package for your specific trip. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Months after being named in a class-action lawsuit alleging the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in childrens apparel, The Childrens Place scored a victory yesterday with a judge ruling to dismiss the complaint. The suit, which The Childrens Place called reckless when it asked a federal judge to sanction lawyers involved in October, was initially filed in July on behalf of Chicago mother Angala Garland. Garland alleged that The Childrens Place knowingly hid the presence of PFAS in its school uniforms and other products. More from Sourcing Journal In the memorandum opinion and order filed on April 1, Chicago-based U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly said that its at least plausible that uniforms purchased by Garland and co-plaintiff Joelis Saldana could contain PFAS. But Kennelly ultimately ruled that the plaintiffs have not shown The Childrens Place deceived or misled customers to believe their apparel was PFAS-free. Commonly known as forever chemicals due to their persistence in the environment and even the human body, PFAS are a class of compounds used in a variety of products to provide water- and stain-repellency. Some PFAS have been identified as toxic, linking them to cancer and other conditions. In recent years, theres been increasing awareness of and a push to remove PFAS from clothing, home textiles and other fabrics that come into contact with people. In October, The Childrens Place said Garland purchased at least 21 clothing items from its stores, but only two of those pieces were tested for PFAS. Of the two, one tested negative for PFAS while the other tested positive for trace levels of one PFAS chemical. The testing lab flagged that result as unreliable on several bases. Saldana, who resides in Florida, sent 13 school uniform items from The Childrens Place for third-party PFAS testing. She alleged all 13 tested positive for total fluorine (Total-F), which is not a PFAS. However, the plaintiffs said Total-F is an indicator of the presence of PFAS. In their suit, the plaintiffs asserted that The Childrens Place knew or should have known of the presence of PFAS in its school uniforms, and the dangers associated with PFAS, and that the retailers failure to disclose the presence of the chemicals in advertising and on its website amounted to concealment and deceptive representations. Kennelly ruled that based on the available evidence, the Court cannot see how TCPs nondisclosure creates a likelihood of deception or has the capacity to deceive under these circumstances. He went on to say, Based on the context and available information as pleaded in the complaint, the Court concludes the plaintiffs have not plausibly alleged that TCPs silence regarding the presence of PFAS in its clothing deceives consumers into believing its school uniform products are PFAS-free. We are pleased with The Courts decision to dismiss the plaintiffs complaint, reinforcing our position that the claims were based on a highly flawed argument, a spokesperson from The Childrens Place said in a statement. The ruling comes less than a month after Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based Mithaq Capital SPC announced its plans to provide the childrens retailer with a $78.6 million interest-free, unsecured and subordinated term loan to strengthen its liquidity. According to Mithaq chairman and CEO Turki Saleh A. AlRajhi, the cash infusion will allow the retailer to deliver products during the critical back-to-school season. LONDON Kate Spade New York is taking up space in the Middle East. The American brand has opened a cafe pop-up at Bloomingdales at Dubai Mall with its signature Kate Spade Green hue covering the walls and reds and pinks for other parts of the interior. More from WWD The cafe will run until June 30 with a menu of specialty drinks and branded treats. As we look to build out the world of Kate Spade and to grow our brand and customer base more globally, were investing in international regions in a range of ways. A cafe is a wonderful way to welcome our existing brand fans in Dubai into the world of Kate Spade more holistically, while also introducing the brand to new customers in an emotional and experiential way, said Liz Fraser, chief executive officer and brand president of Kate Spade New York. The Kate Spade cafe in Dubai. At the same time, with the cafe we will be testing a new lifestyle concept for the brand, with potential for other regions, she added. The brand will open a flagship at the Mall of Emirates in Dubai later this month. The store will stock ready-to-wear, handbags, accessories, small leather goods, tech accessories, jewelry, watches, sunglasses and fragrances. The Kate Spade cafe in Dubai. Fraser pointed out that the flagship store is an opportunity for growth for the brand as it currently has a lucrative wholesale business there. We plan to open additional store locations in the U.A.E. through to the 2025 financial year. All with our new retail concept, incorporating the brands DNA and signature codes at the heart of our expansion and designed to evoke the feeling of a great escape, she said. The brand wants to build on the emotional connections we have with our existing customers, through the opening of its stores according to Fraser. Best of WWD Fast-food chains like Burger King, Taco Bell and more are looking to add more digital order kiosks in restaurants nationwide. The latest initiative follows in the footsteps of Panera Bread's and is projected to help boost profits, Business Insider reported. Burger King will speed up the rollout of its digital order kiosks following a pilot with tremendous results, Josh Kobza, CEO of parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI), told investors in November. Kobza said he thinks the US is ready for kiosks now and we're likely to see a faster rollout of those around the world. Burger King previously rolled out the technology across its international markets, more than half of which has been converted to kiosks, Kobza added. In the same vein, Shake Shack said in February that it had added kiosks to "nearly all" of its nearly 300 US company-operated restaurants. Kiosks make up well over half of the companys in-restaurant orders at these locations, CFO Katie Fogertey told investors in November. Management also noted that over 50% of restaurant sales are now coming from kiosks, which is a significant increase from previous quarters, per a 2023 Seeking Alpha report. Digital order kiosks are also available at all of Taco Bell's US restaurants. KFC introduced kiosks in approximately 500 US restaurants at the end of 2023 and plans to have them in the vast majority of its non-China restaurants by the end of 2026, Yum! CFO Chris Turner told investors in February. The planned implementation of more touchscreen kiosks is part of an ongoing effort by restaurants to increase overall revenue. As explained by Business Insider, kiosks help businesses save money on manual labor. Restaurants can hire fewer staff at counters, since their jobs have become digitized, or they can utilize them in other areas of the business. In Burger Kings case, kiosks eliminated stressful interactions for both customers and staff and allowed staff to spend more time in the kitchen preparing food. Additionally, many restaurants found that kiosks increase order accuracy and allow businesses to easily adjust menu items along with their prices in real-time. The technology also encourages customers to spend more money. Burger King said its kiosks prompted customers to place larger orders. Same with Shake Shack, which said that customers who ordered digitally rather than in-person at cashiers spent on average nearly 10% more. That makes sense considering that customers have more time to browse the menu when using a kiosk. They also feel less rushed to make a decision promptly and are more inclined to tack on extra sides or drinks, switch to larger portion sizes or add more expensive customizations. Shake Shack, in particular, recently introduced new technology to drive increased attach rates and customization, meaning its kiosks are programmed to push customers to make more costly orders. Want more great food writing and recipes? Subscribe to Salon Food's newsletter, The Bite. Some restaurants were initially hesitant about introducing digital kiosks because it felt pointless at the time to spend extra money on technology that customers readily have at their disposal (i.e. online restaurant loyalty apps on computers and phones). The pandemic, however, made customers more comfortable with digital ordering, in turn making them more comfortable with using kiosks once they became more widespread in the US. Patrick Doyle, executive chairman of RBI, which owns Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons, and Firehouse Subs, told investors in November that digital ordering channels are the North Star of where we want to go with the business. Similarly, Shake Shack called kiosks a key tool that will heighten total digital sales. Correction: Parts of this article suggested the Nor'easter would start Wednesday during the day. The storm is actually supposed to start Wednesday night. Saddleback Mountain, Maine, could be hit with several feet of snow during an incoming Nor'easter between this evening and Friday, according to a recent Facebook post from the resort. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for large portions of Maine between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening. The warning states that "total snow accumulations between 12 and 20 inches" are possible, with winds gusting as high as 45 miles per hour. In its snow report published yesterday afternoon, Saddleback was even more bullish, saying it could see upwards of 28 inches of snow. While the arrival of snow is entirely welcome, the high winds might create problems at Saddleback starting Thursday. "We do expect some operational challenges," the snow report reads. The NWS' Gray, Maine, X account cautioned Maine residents last night to prepare for the storm, which could bring widespread power outages and dangerous road conditions throughout the day on Thursday. Traveling isn't advised. All in all, it looks like Saddlebackand the rest of Maineis in for a storm. And you know what storms bring? Fresh snow, powder turns, and power outages. Keep those fat boards and spare flashlights on hand. Related: Monarch Mountain, CO Extends Ski Season Again With Affordable Lift Tickets Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos. Eight cruise passengers left behind in the African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe have been struggling for days to catch up with their Norwegian Cruise Line ship as it makes its way up the western coast of Africa. The passengers were late getting back to the ship on March 27, according to a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line. Eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time, the statement said. 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 ships intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel. Norwegian Cruise Line said that the passengers passports were handed over to local port agents for the guests to collect. The cruise line said that since the guests were on a private tour and missed the specified time, they are responsible for the cost of getting to the next available port of call to rejoin the ship. The cruise line said it was working with local authorities and communicating with the stranded passengers. According to stranded South Carolina couple Jill and Jay Campbell, who have been in contact with CNN affiliate WPDE about their situation, a group of eight stranded passengers spent 15 hours traveling through six countries to try to rejoin their ship on Sunday in Gambia. But the ship was unable to dock that day due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage, the cruise line said. The Campbells told WPDE that the group would next try to get to Senegal, where the ship was scheduled to call into port on Tuesday. The cruise line said it contacted the group about the itinerary adjustment and provided authorization for them to join the ship in Senegal, and will reimburse the guests for travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. The Campbells boarded the ship on March 20. The website CruiseMapper.com shows that the cruise ship Norwegian Dawn had arrived early Tuesday at port in Dakar, Senegal. The Campbells told WPDE that several members of the group are elderly, another is a paraplegic and one woman is pregnant. They said one member of the group has been without his heart medication for five days and had become ill. A missed all-aboard time The groups mad dash started after a tour on Sao Tome and Principe ran long on March 27. We were like, Our time is getting really short, and they were like, No problem, we can get you back within an hour, Jay Campbell said of the tour organizers. Campbell told WPDE that the tour operator contacted the captain to say that the passengers were on their way but would be late. The ship was still in port when they got back, but Campbell said that the captain would not let them on board. The harbor master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call, Campbell told WPDE late last week. We sent emails to NCL, the NCL customer service emergency number, they said Well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, theyre not responding to our emails. The Campbells told WPDE the group was left without their medications and that most passengers didnt have credit cards that were accepted on Sao Tome and Principe, so the Campbells spent thousands of dollars on their Visa card for lodging and essentials for the group. The Campbells said one additional passenger who was not on their tour had a medical emergency and was hospitalized on Sao Tome, leaving her stranded as well. The Campbells said they were able to get in touch with that passengers daughter back in California to help coordinate her return to North America. The cruise line later told CNN that the passenger was medically disembarked after being evaluated by the ships medical team for further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital. We attempted to call the guest several times, and as we were unable to reach her, we worked directly with our port agent in Sao Tome and Principe, an African island nation, to receive updates about the guest, Norwegian Cruise Line said. The passengers daughter, who spoke with WPDE, disputes the cruise lines account of how her mothers situation unfolded. CNNs Sarah Dewberry contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com UN condemns strike on Iranian facility in Syria, urges restraint amid rising tensions Xinhua) 08:15, April 03, 2024 People gather at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the building of the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) These assertions were made amidst growing concerns over the "inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises" and the imperative respect for the "sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states," underscored Khiari. UNITED NATIONS, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Tuesday voiced its condemnation following Iran's allegations that Israel conducted missile strikes on its diplomatic premises in Damascus, resulting in significant casualties. UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran's Syria consulate, revealing that Iran reported the attack had led to the death of at least five Iranian personnel, including "senior military advisors," with the toll purportedly rising to 13, including six Syrian citizens. These assertions were made amidst growing concerns over the "inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises" and the imperative respect for the "sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states," underscored Khiari. The situation in Syria, as described by Khiari, remains dire, with "six foreign armies operating on its territory," exacerbating civilian hardships and pushing a peaceful resolution further away. Specifically, Khiari highlighted a series of "increasingly lethal attacks" on Iran-affiliated targets in Syria, attributed to Israel, particularly since the onset of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza on Oct. 7. The UN's appeal to the Security Council to "actively engage all concerned parties" underscores the critical need to avert further escalation and regional instability, said Khiari. He called for "utmost restraint" and adherence to international law, including protections for civilians and infrastructure, trying to avoid a miscalculation spiraling into a wider conflict with "devastating consequences" for an already suffering civilian population across the Middle East. Iran requested the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to deliberate on the Israeli airstrike. The appeal received backing from Moscow. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Press Release April 3, 2024 Bong Go urges DOH, DBM to prioritize pleas of healthcare workers and settle unpaid Health Emergency Allowances due to them During a public hearing on Tuesday, April 2, conducted by the Senate Committee on Health joint with the Committee on Finance, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go appealed to the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to expedite the release of the long-overdue Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) owed to healthcare workers for their critical service during the pandemic. Last Congress, Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate of the Republic Act No. 11712, which grants benefits and allowances to healthcare workers during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency in the country, he continues to appeal to the executive to release the pending health emergency allowances due to qualified healthcare workers. During the hearing, Go commenced with an acknowledgment of the healthcare workers' sacrifices during the pandemic. He expressed his commitment to ensuring their welfare is prioritized, particularly in urging concerned agencies for the release of the HEA. "Sila po ang heroes sa panahon ng pandemya, hindi po natin mararating ito kung hindi po dahil sa kanilang sakripisyo," he said. "Alam niyo, isisingit ko nalang po. Nabanggit po sa (social media) posts ng mga healthcare workers natin na hindi pa nakatanggap ng HEA, nanawagan po sila sa akin. Gusto ko lang po sagutin ito. Nabanggit niyo doon na maybe na lip service lang po yung panawagan natin. Hindi po ako ganun, ako po yung taong aksyon agad," Go stated. He clarified that while senators, like himself, can advocate and push for priorities within the budget, the initial proposals and allocations come from the Executive Branch, specifically through the DBM, before being scrutinized and approved by the legislative bodies and finally signed by the President. The implementation of the government's budget also lies with the executive. "So, tatanungin po natin sila ngayon kung ano po ba ang naging prayoridad nila, at kung isa ba ang Health Emergency Allowance sa prayoridad nila dito sa paglalaan po ng pondo," he said. During the discussion, it was revealed that more than PhP19 billion has been allocated for HEA, with an additional PhP2.3 billion earmarked as unprogrammed funds. Go queried the proportion of the unprogrammed funds, emphasizing, "So, out of PhP731 billion (unprogrammed funds), PhP2.3 billion lang po ang inilaan sa unprogrammed funds ng Health Emergency Allowance. Bakit po ganun kaliit?" DBM Undersecretary Janet Abuel responded, explaining that the PhP2.3 billion allocated for the HEA is in addition to the PhP19.962 billion provided under the DOH budget for the same purpose. Abuel clarified that the allocation was based on the DBM's and the health committee's strong desire to fulfill the amounts due to both public and private health workers as far as the health emergency allowance is concerned. Furthermore, the DBM official mentioned that the DBM had advised the DOH that they could utilize another line item, the Administration and Personal Benefits Fund (APB), which amounts to PhP12.775 billion under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), to supplement the funding for HEA. This strategy was presented as a way to further support the health workers on top of the already allocated funds. The hearing also provided a platform for healthcare workers to voice their frustrations and concerns directly. Ronald Ignacio from the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines (UPHUP) provided an account of the desperate situation faced by healthcare workers, "Wala na po kaming pagbabalingan. (Hindi na po) namin alam kung saan kami mababaling dahil nagpunta na po kami sa ilang legislators, nag-ingay na po kami sa social media for the longest time, for the past three years, para lamang po mabigyan ng kasagutan 'yung mga katanungan namin regarding our Health Emergency Allowance." Donell John Siazon from the University of Sto. Tomas Hospital Union highlighted the significant sacrifices made by healthcare workers during the pandemic and the perceived neglect they now face, "We have proven our worth during the time of pandemic. Nung nakiusap po ang gobyerno na labanan ang COVID-19, we were there. Namatay po 'yung mga kasamahan po namin in the front line." With this, Go reiterated his support for the healthcare workers who have been at the forefront of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and in protecting the health of every Filipino. "Let me repeat. Ever since the pandemic started, kaisa nyo po ako dito. Nakikisimpatya po ako sa inyo... ipinaglalaban ko po kayo dito," Go declared, acknowledging the profound sacrifices made by healthcare workers, including those who paid the ultimate price. The senator's reference to his own advocacy efforts, including a privilege speech made in 2020 to expedite the release of death benefits for healthcare workers who died due to COVID-19, served to highlight his sincerity in championing their welfare. "Napakaliit na halaga niyan kumpara sa sakripisyo ninyo sa panahon ng pandemya. Hindi natin mararating ito kung di po dahil sa inyong sakripisyo," he continued. In his appeal to the DOH and the DBM, Go then made a call for prioritizing the healthcare workers' welfare and benefits, particularly as the nation moves forward from the state of public health emergency declared due to the pandemic. "Ang importante dito, maisara na po 'yung obligasyon ng gobyerno sa inyo. What is due sa inyo, dapat pong bayaran ng gobyerno. Services rendered na po 'yan at pinagpawisan n'yo po 'yan," Go stressed. Both the DOH and the DBM committed to reconcile records and ensure that the healthcare workers' dues are expedited. Abuel addressed the budget allocations and the intricacies of fund disbursement, laying out the numbers and the government's plan of action. She affirmed, "Yes, Mr. Chair. The DBM is one with the Committee Chairperson in our strong desire to fulfill and complete the amounts due to our public and private health workers as far as the Health Emergency Allowance is concerned." DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa acknowledged the delays and the bureaucratic hurdles but reassured everyone of his commitment to rectify the situation. Herbosa pledged, "Promise ko po sa ating mga health workers na hindi pa nababayaran. Gagawin ko lahat ng posible para mabayaran na sila at ma-kumpleto 'yung Health Emergency Allowance na batas po na ipinasa ng ating chairman." The senator then pledged continued oversight and monitoring of the Senate Health Committee to ensure that healthcare workers receive the recognition and compensation they rightfully deserve. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. TotalEnergies will develop a new battery storage project in Belgium, Trend reports. The company unveiled its plans during Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten's recent visit to TotalEnergies' Antwerp refinery battery storage project. The new venture will be situated at TotalEnergies depot in Feluy and is set to boast a power rating of 25 MW and a capacity of 75 MWh, powered by forty Intensium Max High Energy lithium-ion containers supplied by Saft. The project is anticipated to commence operations by the end of 2025. With a combined investment totaling close to 70 million euros, these projects will elevate TotalEnergies' storage capacity in Belgium to 50 MW / 150 MWh. According to the company, such battery storage initiatives are integral to bolstering the resilience of the electricity grid, offering flexibility, and addressing grid congestion issues. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in facilitating the growth of renewable energy sources, mitigating their intermittent nature, and promoting a sustainable energy landscape in the country. "We are pleased to announce this new storage project in Feluy, just a year after we began our Antwerp project, which should be operational by the end of the year. These projects are fully in line with our integrated development strategy for electricity, not just in Belgium, but globally," said Olivier Jouny, Senior Vice President, Integrated Power at TotalEnergies. Suburban community calls out local facility after discovering radioactive particles in drinking water: 'The genie is out of the bottle' Residents in Pennsylvania are calling out a local waste management facility after radioactive particles were found in their drinking water, but their fight may just be beginning. What's happening? In 2013, after his neighbors in Rostraver started getting sick and his plants started dying, Jack Kruell wanted to determine if there was radiation present. Tests over the next 10 years confirmed his water contained high levels of radiation, toxic heavy metals, and other contaminants, as reported by PublicSource. In early March, the outlet explained that the nearby Westmoreland Sanitary has frequently failed to follow best practices for disposing of solid fracking waste, which it has accepted since 2010. Inspection reports reveal that piles of waste have bled into rivers. The landfill, whose parent company is Noble Environment, is one of 32 in Pennsylvania that allow solid waste from fracking to be sent to their grounds. Duquesne University director of environmental research John Stolz "found telltale isotopes of radioactive radium" in a tributary of Monongahela River around the same time, per PublicSource, which noted that water would have been used for drinking in previous years. Stolz determined the presence of the radiation could only have been caused by the landfill. Why is this concerning? Fracking, a method of extracting dirty energy such as gas and oil, is a highly polluting process. The chemicals released by it have been linked to severe diseases, including cancer, reproductive issues, and liver damage, as detailed by the Natural Resources Defense Council. While Westmoreland Sanitary isn't directly involved in the fracking itself, the reported pattern of improper management could have a long-term impact. The landfill is now testing a new method of treating the water, but residents in the area believe their health is still at risk. "The genie is out of the bottle," Kruell told PublicSource. Meanwhile, Ben Wallace, the chief operating officer of Penneco Environmental Solutions an oil and gas waste disposal specialist seemed to downplay the issue, raising questions about how things might proceed. Would you work for a company that doesn't have a sustainability strategy? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind "I believe the industry does a really good job [responsibly dealing with waste]," he told the outlet. "I don't view it as a problem. We all use energy. We're all codependent on the carbon economy. Every single thing we touch is made out of plastic." Westmoreland Sanitary and Noble Environment both declined to respond to PublicSource's request for comment. What is being done about this? As of March, Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester) has a proposal in front of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee that seeks to reclassify solid waste from fracking as "hazardous" so that stricter disposal rules can be adopted in the state. Fracking practices are known to negatively impact health, but supporting candidates or brands that advocate for cleaner practices can help keep corporations or agencies accountable. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. This TikTok-Famous $50 Cashmere Sweater With Over 10,000 Five-Star Reviews Is Back in Stock Today If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. Quince is a cult-favorite brand thats known for its extensive selection of quality-first, affordable pieces ranging from fine minimalist jewelry to everyday handbags, shoes, and homeware. Of all its offerings, few garments are more popular than Quinces $50 Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, and after selling out, the brand recently restocked it in all sizes and colorways. More from WWD Crafted in 100 percent Grade-A Mongolian cashmere, the crewneck is flattering and timeless, with ribbed cuffs and hems. Shoppers are obsessed with the style, ideal for layering or wearing on its own. In the lighter, Mongolian cashmere, it can be worn on cool spring nights, or layered under heavier jackets and coats for dropping temperatures in the fall. With over 21 colors, including striped variations, theres guaranteed to be a colorway thatll fit into your closet. Wear the oatmeal-colored crewneck with a champagne-colored slip dress for a tonal look that channels the quiet luxury trend, or pair the striped sweater with shorts for a Jean Seberg-inspired summer look with ballet flats. With 10,000 five-star reviews at Quince and 7.5 million views on TikTok, shoppers on and offline are obsessed. This sweater really does seem like an inexpensive expensive item, one shopper raves. I love how soft it is and the excellent quality. Its not too thick so comfortable for cool days, [as well]! Although its just restocked, we highly suspect this sweater in any colorway wont be around for too long. Below, weve rounded out our favorite colorways for you. Order one or order them all, taking your true size for a clean look or size up for a cozy, borrowed-from-the-boyfriend vibe. Sign up for WWD Shops newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyers guides to find the products you need to try ASAP. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater on white background Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Ivory Quince Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars $50 Buy Now at quince Price upon publish date of this article: $50 Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater on white background Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Burgundy Quince Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars $50 Buy Now at quince Price upon publish date of this article: $50 Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater on white background Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Oatmeal Quince Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars $50 Buy Now at quince Price upon publish date of this article: $50 Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater on white background Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Ivory/Black Stripe Quince Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars $50 Buy Now at quince Price upon publish date of this article: $50 Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater on white background Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Black Quince Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars $50 Buy Now at quince Price upon publish date of this article: $50 Why Trust WWD Since 1910, WWD often referred to as the fashion bible has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global womens and mens fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWDs breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWDs editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here. Meet the Author Fernando Snellings is a contributing beauty and fashion writer for WWD. An alumni of the School of Visual Arts, Snellings has worked in various roles in the fashion industry for several years. As a freelance writer, he actively keeps his finger on the pulse on the latest fashion and beauty trends, including restocks from popular brands like Quince. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 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. One person is dead following a large fire at an abandoned home in Santa Ana. According to the Orange County Fire Authority, firefighters were dispatched to the 2000 block of North Bush Street in Santa Ana just after 2:50 a.m. Wednesday morning. One person died after a large fire tore through an abandoned home in Santa Ana, California. (OCFA via Storyful) One person died after a large fire tore through an abandoned home in Santa Ana, California. (OCFA via Storyful) One person died after a large fire tore through an abandoned home in Santa Ana, California. (OCFA via Storyful) One person died after a large fire tore through an abandoned home in Santa Ana, California. (OCFA via Storyful) Crews arrived to find flames ripping through the roof and completely engulfing the home on all sides, according to video posted on X, formerly Twitter, by the OCFA public information officer. Body of missing California woman found in desert a month after she called 911 Upon extinguishing the blaze, firefighters located a deceased individual inside the home. Their identity was not immediately released. No injuries to firefighters were reported. What caused the fire to break out remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Three quick things: PBS Antiques Roadshow came to Raleigh last spring, and their experts appraised various items worth thousands of dollars even into the six figures. Highlights include an autographed MLB Hall of Fame Program valued up to $50K, Maya Angelou awards valued up to $55K and a painting bought at Goodwill valued up to $100K. The episode, titled North Carolina Museum of Art, Hour 1 aired April 1 at 8 p.m. on PBS and can be viewed on the PBS App. There are three total episodes, plus a behind the scenes bonus special. Antiques Roadshow had a tour stop in Raleigh at the NC Museum of Art last May, and nearly 3,500 people came by to get their special items checked out and appraised. The first of three episodes features 22 unique items appraised by the shows professionals. Many of the items were appraised in the thousands (with a few breaking six figures), and some items had heartfelt backstories to them. The first episode, called North Carolina Museum of Art, Hour 1, aired Monday, April 1, on PBS. The second episode airs Monday, April 15. You can watch for free online or in the PBS App. Now that were in a spoiler-free zone, here are the highlighted items in the first episode. Autographed MLB Hall of Fame Program valued up to $50K A mans grandfather received autographs from the majority of the inductees to the 1939 MLB Hall of Fame, notably including Babe Ruth and Cy Young. His grandfather got the autographs the day the Hall of Fame opened in Cooperstown, New York, in 1939, and he rode the train from New York City to be there. [My grandfather] told me when I was probably 10 years old that he hid in the bathroom after the Old Timers Game or the All Star Game that day, and as they were having a reception, I guess he came out of the bathroom and everybody was there, the unnamed man said. All these greats of baseball at the time were in the reception hall, and thats when he got everyones autograph. It must have been an impressive room to be in. Antiques Roadshows Jasmani Francis valued the collection between $10,000 and $50,000. The hit PBS series Antiques Roadshow stopped at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC on May 16, 2023 as part of their season 28 summer tour. Featured here is an autographed program by the majority of the inductees to the 1939 MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Maya Angelou awards valued up to $55K About eight years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Maya Angelou, a man said as he showcased two awards given to her. I just fell in love with her from the time when I knew of her in my college years for her poem Phenomenal Woman. My wife is a huge fan of hers. I met her in Winston Salem, he said. The award, named the Spingarn Award, was given to Angelou in 1994 by the NAACP. The man said his own mom was in the first graduating class of Spingarn High School in Washington, DC, and the first recipient of the Spingarn Award was the founder of the mans fraternity, Dr. Ernest Everett Just. This award has also been granted to Oprah Winfrey, Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King Jr. and many other prominent African American leaders. He said he was willing to go as high as he needed to buy it, expecting it would sell for about $5,000, but he paid $1,100. The man said his friend went to the auction on his behalf to buy the award, and he sneakily bought a companion medal at the auction (which cost $80), and his friend gave him the award for his 50th birthday. This isnt something I would sell, Im proud to be the guardian of it. Its great to know it has a value. Im just happy to have this piece of African American history. Antiques Roadshows Philip Weiss valued both awards between $23,000 and $55,000. Rare Tiffany & Co diamond & platinum brooch valued up to $30K A woman bought the Tiffany & Co brooch for around $3,000 about 30 years ago, but she immediately stored it away and has never worn it. This is a quintessential art deco jewel. I absolutely am in love with this because of the lines. You might expect me to say diamonds first but truthfully it has beautiful art modern lines which are just captivating, said Antiques Roadshows Jill Burgum. It has diamonds in a variety of shapes, including European, French, Baguette and round cuts, and set in a platform frame. Burgum valued the brooch between $25,000 and $30,000. 1980s arcade system with 3D imager and games valued up to $4,000 A native Long Islander brought a 1982 Vectrex Arcade System with 3D Imager & Games to be appraised by Antiques Roadshows games expert Travis Landry. He said his mother bought the system in the early 1980s to give the kids something to play with, as they didnt have TV in the house. The 3D imager (which was bought online in 2011 for $615) made the collection extraordinary, Landry said. It had never been unboxed, and Landry was the first person to try on the headpiece. Only three games were released to be used with the 3D imager on the Vectrex system, he said. The imager alone, on todays market, can be valued at up to $3,000. This is the last thing I would have ever expected to see here today, Landry said. He valued all elements of the system between $3,500 and $4,000. European musical watch fobs collection valued up to $55K A woman brought five musical watch fobs that took her 12 years to collect. She said she paid between about $1,000 and $4,000 for each of them. The collection is even more unique because each one has a musical movement underneath it, she said, and they all have their own tune that plays when you turn the stem on the top of each watch fob. Antiques Roadshows Michael Larsen said the five together are valued around $30,000, but prices tend to increase when you sell as a collection, so the auction estimate could be between $45,000 and $55,000. The hit PBS series Antiques Roadshow stopped at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC on May 16, 2023 as part of their season 28 summer tour. Featured here is a collection of five European musical watch fobs. Painting bought for $15.99 at Goodwill valued up to $100K A woman brought in a painting she bought at Goodwill for $15.99 during the pandemic. It had an engraved tab on the frame, which made her think when purchasing that it could be a legitimate painting. As an occupational therapist in a Level 1 trauma hospital, the pandemic was especially stressful for her, and thrifting became her therapy, she said. She bought this piece after an exceptionally stressful day of work. The painting, done by Vietnamese artist Le Pho and titled La Cueillette des Pommes Cannelle (translated to cinnamon apple picking), is an oil on board signed by the painter. Antiques Roadshows Betty Krulik said pieces like this one sell at auction between $60,000 and $80,000 at auction, but it should be insured close to $100,000. The woman became emotional when hearing the high price. Highlights from Antiques Roadshows Raleigh stop Here are the other remarkable finds featured in the first episode: Cast Iron & Glass Fish Bowl (ca 1920) valued between $200 and $300 1972 Alexander Calder McGovern for Government Lithograph valued at $5,000 Carl Reichert Painting Copy (ca 1950) valued at $500 Fern Coppedge December Mist Oil (ca 1920) valued at $120K Late 20th C Italian Amber Spiky Glass Vase valued at $300 Michelin Man Bibendum Advertising Figure (ca 1925) valued at $7,500 Vollis Simpson Whirligig (ca 2008) varied between $2,000 and $2,5000 Torii Kotondo Kamisuki Woodblock Print (ca 1930) valued between $4,000 and $5,000 Aesthetic Movement Tilt-Top Candlestand valued between $150 and $250 Chinese Egg & Spinach Gaze Porcelain Ducks (ca 1935) valued between $200 and $300 Iroquois Beaded Tea Cozy (ca 1850) valued at $5,000 Lt Samuel Gerock Revolutionary War Archive valued between $10,000 and $25,000 Tricycle (ca 1895) valued between $800 and $1,200 Walnut Eagle Head Cane (ca 1800) valued between $2,500 and $3,500 American Wooden Ladder-back Chairs (ca 1800) valued between $100 and $300 Rozenburg Eggshell Porcelain Vase (ca 1900) valued between $2,000 and $5,000 The three bullet points at the top of the article were created using an AI tool for summarization and edited by journalists. Read more on our AI policy here. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A 16-year-old Buffalo male was sentenced to 3 1/2 to 10 years in state prison Wednesday for a 2022 fatal shooting in South Buffalo, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced. Officials said the teen, who was 14 at the time of the crime, fatally shot 24-year-old Morrell Buster Jr. on June 26, 2022 around the 100 block of Spaulding St. Buster was found deceased in the middle of the road with a gunshot wound to his neck. The 16-year-old shot Buster with an illegal gun that was never recovered, according to officials. A jury found the teen guilty of one count of first-degree manslaughter and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon during a January 2024 trial. The teen was not identified by officials due to his age. Latest Local News Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A total of 18 people associated with a Clarksville motorcycle gang received prison sentences for their roles in various crimes, including murder. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said all of the defendants crimes stemmed from their involvement with the Clarksville Mongols Motorcycle Gang. Court documents revealed the Clarksville Mongols were a violent motorcycle gang affiliated with the Mongols Motorcycle Club, an international organization that identifies as an outlaw motorcycle gang, meaning its members define themselves as within the 1% of motorcycle clubs who do not adhere to the law or the rights of others. Members are known to identify themselves with vests, patches, tattoos, and insignia, and are known to say things like, Respect Few, Fear None and Live Mongol Die Mongol. Man wanted for deadly shooting at Salemtown restaurant arrested in Kentucky Authorities said in early 2015, some of the defendants were looking to transition from another motorcycle club and established the Clarksville Mongols because, at the time, the Mongols did not occupy any territory in Tennessee. To show loyalty to the Mongols, those defendants committed a drive-by shooting and burned down the Sin City Motorcycle Clubs clubhouses in Clarksville and Nashville, according to investigators. On May 22, 2015, the Mongols reportedly kidnapped and murdered a young mother because they thought she had stolen narcotics, money, and guns, and had knowledge about the items being stolen. She also reportedly spoke negatively to other people about the Mongols. On the day she was murdered, the Clarksville Mongols reportedly kidnapped her at gunpoint and drove her to an area behind a secluded cemetery where they shot her. Her body was recovered more than a year after she was murdered, according to the DOJ. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts The Mongols also allegedly engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity from 2015-2018. During that span, officials said the Mongols engaged in various crimes, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, assaults, narcotics trafficking, robbery, extortion, money laundering, witness tampering, and numerous gun offenses. In an effort to establish themselves as the areas dominant motorcycle club, members of the Clarksville Mongols, with help from Mongols members in California, participated in large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering activities; the members from California reportedly supplied the Clarksville Mongols with over 50 pounds of almost 100% pure methamphetamine worth about $1 million to distribute around Tennessee and Kentucky, according to court documents. The Clarksville Mongols violent crimes continued with the kidnapping and murder of a former Clarksville Mongol on Nov. 19, 2017. On that day, authorities said the Mongols kidnapped the former member and took him to another members house where they held him hostage, zip-tied him, and beat, tortured, and interrogated him for hours, breaking three bones in his neck and five ribs. He also suffered a broken eye socket; one member reportedly told another that they beat the victim so hard that his flesh was falling off his face. Nashvilles Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives: Week of April 3, 2024 The victim was ultimately killed after the Mongols drove a 10-inch tent stake through his head, according to the DOJ. His body was buried in a secluded field behind an abandoned home and his body was recovered nearly one year later. The sentences are as follows: James Wesley Frazier, age 36, was sentenced to Life plus 30 years in federal prison Aelix Santiago, age 35, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison Kyle Heade, age 37, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison Joel Aldridge, age 43, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison James Hines, age 47, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison Michael Forrester, Jr., age 35, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison Jamie Hern, age 44, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison Robert Humiston, age 31, was sentenced to 8 years and 4 months in federal prison Michael Myers, age 40, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison Michael Levi West, age 41, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison Adrianna Miles, age 28, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison Derek Leighton Stanley, age 49, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison William Boylston, age 33, was sentenced to Life plus 7 years in federal prison Jason Meyerholz, age 49, was sentenced to Life plus 7 years in federal prison Christopher Michael Wilson, age 41, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison Jessie Marie Decker, age 38, was sentenced to time served Janie Lee, age 28, was sentenced to 6 years and 8 months in federal prison Christian Dykes, age 35, was sentenced to time served The DOJ said Hines was the last remaining defendant to be sentenced. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County Todays sentence concludes a multi-year, coordinated effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement, our office, and the Justice Departments Criminal Division to address some of the worst organized criminal activity we have seen in Middle Tennessee, said Henry C. Leventis, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. As a result of that outstanding work, our communities are safer and multiple violent criminals are being held to account for their actions. I am grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in this remarkable investigation and prosecution. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) Two more men have been arrested in connection with a violent home invasion on Staten Island last December that involved robbers allegedly pistol-whipping a woman and a 5-year-old girl, police said Tuesday. Roland Knight and Luthman Sefu, both 31-year-old Staten Island residents, were arrested Tuesday and charged with burglary in connection with the Dec. 18 incident, according to the NYPD. Two other suspects in the case were arrested on Thursday, police said. Knight and Sefu were allegedly among the four masked gunmen who stormed into a sleeping familys home on Livingston Avenue in the dead of night. The robbery was captured on home security video. Man accused of fatally stabbing girlfriend in Queens bar The robbers stormed upstairs with flashlights, searching four bedrooms, and found two sleeping children, their mother and nanny, Marlene Jones. I was sleeping, then I heard the door kicked in. I jumped up and saw three men with guns pointed at me, Jones recalled in an interview with PIX11 News in December. Jones said she immediately thought about the safety of the 4-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl and began to pray. They went to the little girls room, pulled her out from her bed, hit her in the face with the gun and then they took her in the moms room, Jones said. With her husband away for the night, the 33-year-old mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was also pistol-whipped in the face. The minute he brought [my daughter] to my room when she showed up with the black eye, I thought he could kill us, the mother said. The robbers left the home with only a cellphone, police said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Could diversity initiatives in Lees Summit schools be at risk? After Tuesdays general election results, the question is worth considering. Newcomers Stacie Myers, a former public school educator, and business owner Bill Haley won two open seats on the Lees Summit School District Board of Education. Diversity champion and current board president Rodrick King Sparks was not reelected. And that should worry concerned parents of marginalized students in the district. Haley, a self-described back to the basics type, according to his campaign website, is backed by the controversial We the People of Eastern Jackson County group and influential Abundant Life Church in Lees Summit. Both entities support current board members Jennifer Foley, Heather Eslick and Regina Garrett. Just last week, the three voted against extending the districts contract with a dignity and inclusion consulting firm, though it ultimately passed by a 4-3 vote. On Tuesday, Myers tallied 23% of votes cast while Haley received 22%, according to unofficial election results. Last month, I wrote about some of the concerns I had about the potential of either Haley or another candidate, Dan Blake or both joining the school board. They were backed by Phil Hopper, lead pastor at conservative Abundant Life in Lees Summit. The churchs attempted takeover of the school board fell short but not by very much. Blake received 21% of the votes in this race. I have my doubts, but Haley could very well end up being a champion for all students in Lees Summit schools. But stakeholders in the district must stay actively engaged to make sure he and Myers serve the best interest of all students. Patrons in Lees Summit must give this new board an opportunity to do its job. But it would be unwise to think the districts yearslong equity work to close the achievement gap between marginalized children and the rest of the student population isnt at risk. Independence, Hickman Mills, St. Joseph races In other school board races of note, Independence voters elected two new members to the Independence School District Board of Education but Superintendent Dale Herl can breathe easy: He narrowly maintained a majority of support on the board. Joining the board are: Wendy Baird, a stay-at-home mother and small business owner who received 19% of the vote and Brandi Pruente, who garnered 17%, according to unofficial results. Baird has been a frequent critic of Herl and the school board, so things should be interesting there. Pruente taught French for 13 years at Truman High School in Independence, according to her website. She brings a much-needed educators perspective to the board. With 16% of the vote, incumbent Carrie Dixon, one of Herls top supporters, was retained but current board president Eric Knipp was not. In the Hickman Mills School District, longtime Kansas City civil rights leader Alvin Brooks, founder of Kansas Citys Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, ousted former board president Carol Graves. Brooks, a former president of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners and a stalwart in the community, will serve a one-year term. Graves support of former board member Clifford Ragan III likely contributed to her being unseated. Ragans name remained on the ballot but he was disqualified from the race because of tax issues, according to the Kansas City Election Board. Incumbent Ann Coleman and former board member Bonnaye Mims were both elected to serve three-year terms. And Jan. 6 Washington, D.C., rioter Kimberly Dragoo came nowhere close to winning a seat on the St. Joseph School District Board of Education. She tallied only 7% of the 11,721 votes cast, according to The St. Joseph News-Press. I have to commend voters in this town about 55 miles northwest of Kansas City. Dragoo or anyone else associated with a direct attack on democracy doesnt deserve a chance to set public policy. Julie Buerke Four educators in Springfield Public Schools will be honored in April and one will be named the Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 year. This year, more than 275 nominations were submitted. The four finalists include Julie Buerke, a vocal music teacher at Fremont Elementary; Betsy Cannella, an industrial technology teacher at Kickapoo High School; Alicia Johnson, a first grade teacher at Twain Elementary; and Laurie Macy, a special education teacher at Pipkin Middle School. The number of finalists fluctuate slightly each year. Most years, there are five. Betsy Cannella In announcing the four finalists Tuesday, the district provided a quote from each teacher about how they approach the job or why they love teaching. Buerke, a vocal music teacher at Fremont, said: "I always want to know who my students are as opposed to who their actions say they are. When students walk into my classroom, they know they are loved." Cannella, industrial technology teacher at Kickapoo, said: "Witnessing the spark ignite within my students when they find their passions and witnessing their perseverance through challenges, fuels my dedication to teaching." Johnson, first grade teacher at Twain, said: "I use reading to open my students' eyes to the world around them. I want my students to recognize and celebrate the beauty and diversity around us." Alicia Johnson Macy, special education teacher at Pipkin, said: "When you go into teaching, you think you are going to change the world. Then you realize that you may not change the whole world but you will change the world for those in your classroom." The individual selected as Teacher of the Year will compete for Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year. That winner will advance to the Missouri Teacher of the Year competition. The SPS Teacher of the Year will be announced Friday, April 19 at the annual Celebrate SPS banquet, which is hosted by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. Laurie Macy In the past, the event has been on a Monday, a school night. This year, it moved to the end of the week. The current SPS Teacher of the Year, Robin Davidson, is expected to speak at the event. Davidson, a fourth grade teacher at Gray Elementary, is also a school board member in Republic. He is the father of nine children. More: SPS Teacher of the Year strives to give children a purpose and 'place of belonging' The foundation also recently announced the 2024 Turner Reading Award Recipients, who will also be honored at the Celebrate SPS Banquet. The four include: Abby Overton, Jarrett Middle School Bethany Foell, McGregor Elementary Diane Noblett-Trujillo, Pipkin Middle School Sadie Bowman, Sunshine Elementary Pamela Robertson, Truman Elementary At the event, Janet Trotter will be honored as the Advocate for Education. She is a founding contributor to the SPS foundation and has been a supporter through the years. She recently helped create the Trotter Family Scholarship fund at Parkview High School. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: After 275+ nominations, SPS names 4 finalists for Teacher of Year BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Saudi Aramco has awarded contracts worth $7.7 billion for expanding its Fadhili Gas Plant in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, Trend reports. According to the company, this expansion aims to increase the plant's processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). The additional 1.5 bscfd capacity is part of Aramco's plan to boost gas production by over 60 percent by 2030 compared to 2021 levels. Expected to be finished by November 2027, the project will also increase sulfur production by 2,300 metric tons per day, the company added. Meanwhile, Aramco has granted EPC contracts for the Fadhili Gas Plant expansion project to SAMSUNG Engineering Company, GS Engineering & Construction Corporation, and Nesma & Partners. DENVER (KDVR) A weapons complaint in Lovelands Mehaffey Park resulted in the arrest of three teens on March 31, according to the Loveland Police Department. The report was received shortly after 1:30 a.m. by the Loveland Emergency Communications Center. The caller reported a robbery had just occurred and the victim appeared to be a boy, and there were multiple juveniles with weapons at Mehaffey Park. Officers responded to the scene and found a Chevrolet Equinox with five people inside, two of whom were juveniles, according to the department. Officers found three handguns in the car, including one with a large capacity magazine and another that was reported stolen out of Aurora. Watch: Deputy pulls over alleged street racer on I-25 The two juveniles were released without charges. However, the three men in the car were identified, arrested, and are facing numerous charges. Police reported that all three were from Aurora and are suspected of having gang affiliations. The investigation revealed that the three men had accosted three boys who were in the park, threatening them with firearms and demanding money. Investigation reveals confrontation between teens Officers allege that they learned through interviews that three juveniles were at the park in a BMW sedan when three men approached them. One of the men went to the driver-side window of the juveniles car and asked if he wanted to buy his handgun, which was tucked into the mans waistband. Loveland police said the boy declined the offer. The man, identified as Ahmad Richardson, 18, allegedly took the gun from his waistband and pointed it at the boys head before telling him to give him money. The boy gave Richardson his wallet, Richardson allegedly took $80 cash and threw the wallet back at the victim, according to Loveland police. At the same time another man, identified as Isaiah Chavez-Seppelt, 19, went to the rear passenger window where another boy was sitting and tapped a handgun on the outside of the window, according to police. Chavez-Seppelt then allegedly racked the handgun, placing a round in the chamber. Teen charged as an adult in deadly Aurora party shooting Loveland police say that after Richardson took money for the driver, both men walked away. While Richardson and Chavez-Seppelt accosted the boys, a third man who was identified as Robert Billie, 19, was standing behind the victims vehicle with the handgun with the large capacity magazine in his waistband, police said. Police said that Billie gave a fake name during the investigation before they were able to identify him. Loveland police arrest men on robbery, menacing charges Richardson is facing charges of aggravated robbery, menacing intimidation with a gun, theft of less than $300, false imprisonment, private firearm transfer and unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon. He was being held at the Larimer County Detention Center on a $20,000 cash or surety bond. Chavez-Seppelt is facing charges of aggravated robbery, menacing intimidation with a gun, theft of less than $300, false imprisonment and unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon. He was also issued a $20,000 cash or surety bond and posted bond on April 1. Ex-officer who beat Black man with gun goes on trial in Colorado Billie is facing charges of aggravated robbery, menacing intimidation with a gun, theft of less than $300, false imprisonment, unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, large capacity magazine prohibited during the commission of a crime and false reporting to authorities. He was issued a $10,000 cash or surety bond and posted bond on April 1. Court records did not show an attorney listed for either of the three. They all appeared in court on Monday and have another appearance set for April 10. Anyone with information about this incident should call the Loveland Police Departments tip line at 970-962-2032 or the Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill. In todays edition, national political correspondent Steve Kornacki breaks down Donald Trump's challenges in Wisconsin as he returns to the state. Plus, NBC News has new reporting on how the GOP's mail voting push keeps running into the same obstacle: the former president. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here. 3 big hurdles confronting Trump in Wisconsin this fall Analysis by Steve Kornacki Donald Trump is in Wisconsin today for a rally that coincides with the states presidential primary but that his campaign is billing as the launch of its general election effort in one of 2024s premier battlegrounds. The Badger State is, along with Michigan and Pennsylvania, one of the three Big Ten states that flipped to Trump in 2016 after backing Democrats for decades. All three returned to the Democratic fold in 2020, cutting off Trumps path to re-election. Do you have a news tip? Let us know Of the three, Wisconsin may offer Trump his best chance of clawing back lost ground. Joe Bidens margin of victory in the state was just 20,682 votes (or 0.6%), narrower than both Michigan (154,188 votes) and Pennsylvania (80,555 votes). If Trump can win Wisconsin back, he could then claim the presidency by reversing tight losses in Arizona (10,457 votes) and Georgia (11,779 votes). These three states, with no other changes to the map, would bring Trump to 272 electoral votes. Trump suffered a net loss of 43,430 votes in Wisconsin from 2016 to 2020. The 2020 results reveal three clear hurdles there for Trump this year. The suburbs: Any Wisconsin breakdown will invariably invoke the WOW counties Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington, three big suburban areas outside Milwaukee that account for about 13% of all votes cast in the state. All three have deep Republican traditions and have remained solidly red even as similar suburbs nationally have transformed into blue bastions. But since Trumps emergence, two of them have become noticeably less red: Had Trump retained his 2016 levels of support in Waukesha and Ozaukee, his statewide margin of defeat in 2020 would have been reduced to just over 10,000 votes. He cant afford any further erosion here this fall, and he will likely need to boost his margins from their 2020 levels. Gains Trump didnt sustain: Then there are the counties anchored by small to midsize cities where Trump posted big improvements off past GOP performances in 2016 and then gave back crucial ground in 2020. Add the ground Trump surrendered in these five counties in 2020 to his reduced margins in Waukesha and Ozaukee, and it accounts for all of his statewide margin of defeat and more. In other words, its not coincidental that Trumps kickoff event today is in the seat of Brown County, Green Bay. Dane County gets bigger and bluer: The states largest city, Milwaukee, remains a crucial source of votes for Democrats. But their new ace in the hole is Dane County, home to Madison and the University of Wisconsin. Dane has the states highest concentration of white voters with college degrees and is filled with college students and plenty of higher income areas. Its gaining population, too, and seems to be getting bluer with each election: Turnout levels in Dane have also been astronomical in recent elections. Its hard to imagine Trump gaining ground here, but easy to envision Democrats racking up even bigger margins this fall. This underscores how crucial it will be for Trump to make gains elsewhere. And this is where he hopes to have his own ace in the hole. Where Trump gained ground: Even as he lost ground overall between the last two presidential elections, Trump actually netted more votes in 50 of Wisconsins 72 counties. A few of these counties are sizable (Kenosha and Washington), but most are smaller and more rural and working class. And all of them contain a higher concentration of white voters without college degrees than the statewide average. Many of them featured enormous swings toward Trump and the GOP when he first ran in 2016 gains that he then built on marginally in 2020. Combined, they accounted for 42% of all votes cast in the state four years ago, with Trump posting an overall net improvement of nearly 41,000 votes. It wasnt enough to offset his regression elsewhere, but there may be more juice for Trump to squeeze from these counties this fall and he will probably need it if hes going to make Wisconsin red again. Republicans want to push mail voting, but Trump keeps getting in the way By Natasha Korecki, Matt Dixon, Abigail Brooks and Emma Barnett When Trump held a rally last year in Erie County, an important area in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, the top Republican official there went one by one to the 11,000 people waiting in line to ask one question: Would you like to vote by mail? It did not go well. I tried to give them a mail-in ballot application, and could only get out about 300, Tom Eddy, head of the countys Republican Party, said. Every one of them said either, No thats not the right way to vote, or Trump does not agree with it. What happened in Erie County is emblematic of the ongoing feud within the GOP over one of the most fundamental elements of elections: how to vote. National Republicans are attempting a shift to embrace mail-in and early voting to match whats been a Democratic advantage in recent years. But interviews with nearly 20 Republican officials and voters across the country say there is lingering, and sometimes fierce, resistance to the idea from Trump on down. The schism signals potential peril for the party in the fall if it once again fails to match Democrats ballot organization. It starts at the top. As the leader of the Republican Party, Trump has used his position to blast, without evidence, mail-in voting as a Trojan horse for widespread voter fraud. In the process, the former president has eroded trust in a method that was once widely embraced by many people in his party, putting Republicans at a disadvantage against Democrats. Mail-in voting is totally corrupt, Trump said bluntly during a February rally in Michigan. In his stump speeches, written remarks often include a plug for mail-in voting, but Trump struggles to recite the lines without casting doubt on early-voting options. Mail ballots peaked during the pandemic-plagued 2020 election cycle at 43 million, according to the MIT Election Data Science Lab. That number dropped to 31 million during the 2022 midterms, a falloff that was expected because there were no pandemic-era voting restrictions and midterm elections generally have lower turnout than presidential elections. It was still up substantially from the 23 million mail ballots cast during the 2018 midterms. Read more Thats all from The Politics Desk for now. If you have feedback likes or dislikes email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com When Cixin Liu's science fiction novel, The Three-Body Problem, debuted in English translation for American readers in 2014, it was clear that it was a comment on the perils of Chinese authoritarianism. The books have now been adapted into a series for Netflix; seen today, the story looks as much like a comment on social media. There's a reason that the first shades so quickly into the second. The novel, initially published in 2008, begins with a harrowing sequence from China's Cultural Revolution in which a scientist is beaten and ultimately killed as part of a "struggle session," a public self-incrimination in front of an angry mob. The session was led by revolutionary youth who insisted the scientist had committed a crime against the people by stating basic facts about the fundamental nature of the universe that undermined the ideology of Chinese Communism. But the scientist does not recant. He cannot bring himself to say that which he knows to be simply untrue. That sequence frames the novel and the rest of Liu's trilogy. It's a story about authoritarian overreach, the danger of mob thinking, the endurance of science and fact even in the face of political pressure, and the hidden power of the private mind. Yet in a reminder of the Chinese government's persistent censorial power, Liu apparently had to move it to later in the novel in order to appease Communist Party overseers. He now recommends that readers seek out the English translation. The Netflix adaptation, 3 Body Problem, also begins with this sequence. But the struggle session feels more familiar now, thanks to social media. Since 2014, almost anyone who has followed online arguments has witnessed a social media struggle session, or dozens of them, in which some notable person, often an intellectual or media figure, is hit with politicized demands to recant their own inconvenient ideas, beliefs, and even, at times, inarguably true factsor face consequences from an online mob. These online struggle sessions don't result in violent death and they are (usually) not state-sponsored, but they do result in social punishments, including and especially the loss of work. The common name for these episodes isn't struggle sessions; it's cancellations. They are not precisely comparable phenomena, but they share methods and an overarching ethos. Both the books and the series track humanity's first contact with an alien race that is slowly making its way toward Earth. These aliens, called Trisolarans in the books and San Ti in the series, do not have the capacity for private, individual thoughts, as every passing idea is "projected" for all to see. As the story proceeds, the aliens use their superior technology to inflict a twisted version of this on the human race, sending a "sophon" to spy on the Earth. A sophon is a proton-sized computer that is capable of surveiling any and all human communications, from private conversations to electronic messages to records stored in offline data banks. It transforms the entire planet into a terrifying panopticon. Effectively, it allows Earth's alien antagonists to see and hear everything. As with the opening sequence, the parallels with China's totalitarian surveillance regime are clear: Chinese citizens are always being watched, always being spied upon, creating a climate of fear and distrust and paranoia, and repressing the sort of free back and forth that is necessary to both scientific progress and cultural cohesion. Indeed, the aliens explicitly intend to slow or block scientific discovery. And a fractured and distrustful humanity that cannot negotiate its differences and disputes makes for an easier enemy to conquer. Seen from today's vantage, this plays as much like a comment on social media and cancel culture as it does on Chinese totalitarianism. Liu's story and its metaphors are fluid, imperfect, and exaggerated. The similarities are somewhat fuzzy and amorphous, as literary metaphors often are. And yet, the social media parallels are chilling. We don't live in a world with a sophon, but thanks to social media, we do live in a world of tracked and recorded communication, in which so many thoughts and utterances and formerly private communications now have the potential to become public, to be used and manipulated against the speaker. And so it is perhaps not surprising that over the last decade, we have witnessed declining trust, paranoia, and socio-political disarray. Social media run by private companies is not authoritarianism. But the always-on, all-thoughts-are-public surveillance system it effectively creates shares some features with the always-prying nature of authoritarian governments, and at times can lead to similar (if not as consequential) results. What are we to do about this strange and unnerving shift in the nature of human connection? The Netflix series, still in its first season, has only just begun to introduce these concepts. But Liu's books offer some ideas. Late in the series, there's a global push to forcibly shut down all forms of electronic communication in order to hide from the terrors of the universe. This effort is led by governments but enthusiastically endorsed and even demanded by the terrified public. Liu imagined this scenario more than a decade before COVID-19, but in the aftermath of the pandemic, in which the initial wave of draconian restrictions were sometimes as much of a product of public demand as top-down control, it's easy to see how this sort of panicked overreaction could happen. But in Liu's telling, humanity survives not through top-down systems of control but through individual efforts, carried out in private. In both the show and the books, humanity's response to the aliens is led by a group of people known as Wallfacers who are empowered and granted vast resources to carry out whatever plans they desire, with no questions asked. Their plans are never to be made public, never to be stated clearly or communicated for the sophons to see. The Wallfacers are charged with defeating the alien invaders using the one advantage of an individualistic society: their own thoughts, which the sophons cannot see. Private thoughts and private beliefs, known only to the self, are the salve, the solution, and the key to victory in the age of vast surveillance, whatever form it takes. Indeed, in Liu's books, one Wallfacer, rather than attempt to build weapons or command an army against the invaders, simply spends his time imagining a beautiful, gentle, secret paradise with an idealized version of someone he hoped to love. It's a beautiful, quiet, placid, peaceful space for rest, for joy, for the comfort of another soul. There's a lesson here for the fight against authoritarianism and the age of social media and cancel culture: There's power in the hidden mind. The post The 3 Body Problem's Chilling Social Media Parallel appeared first on Reason.com. 3 women charged in connection to joint prostitution investigation at Statesville, Monroe spas STATESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Three women have been arrested after an investigation revealed spa workers were offering prostitution, according to Statesville Police. This was a joint investigation with the Monroe Police Department where two other women were arrested on March 28 for prostitution charges out of a spa in Monroe. READ MORE: Monroe spa workers charged for prostitution: Police In October 2023, an investigation began at Breeze Spa on Signal Hill Drive in Statesville after multiple complaints from residents. People reported inappropriate touching and solicitation for sexual acts during massages, officials said. Undercover investigators went into the spa multiple times, and each time, they received a proposition in which they would receive sexual service in exchange for money. The investigation revealed the owner of Breeze Spa also owned Yan Spa in Monroe, where the Monroe Police Department charged the other two women. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here On March 28, three women were arrested who were associated with Breeze Spa: The manager, Mei Qun Hu, 54, was charged with felony promotion of prostitution and unlicensed massage therapy. Juhua Wan, 46, was charged with solicitation of prostitution and unlicensed massage therapy Hong Du, 60, was charged for practicing massage therapy without a license. Police say the investigation is still active and more arrests could be made. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) State and local leaders commemorated the start of a $33 million project that will expand sewer treatment capacity in Washington County, Virginia. According to the county, officials joined the Washington County Service Authority (WCSA) on Tuesday at a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of the Lee Highway Corridor Sewer Expansion Project. Downtown Bristol locations receive Facade Improvement Grants Leaders gathered in Abingdon at the Oak Park Center for Business and Industry off Lee Highway. Acting general manager of the WCSA Ron Seay said the installation of the county-operated public sewer system will help better serve people and businesses on Lee Highway between Exit 13 and the City of Bristol, Virginia. This expansion will provide public sewer to approximately 140 residential and commercial customers who are currently serviced by existing septic tank systems, and it will provide the initial backbone infrastructure for future sewer connections for more than 800 additional residential and commercial users, including many who have expressed interest in sewer service due to failing septic systems, Seay stated in a news release. Construction on the first phase of the Lee Highway Corridor Sewer Expansion Project began in November 2023. Phase one is comprised of the installation of four sewer pumping stations, more than 70,000 feet of sewer line and 150 sewer manholes. Virginia State Senator Todd Pillion also applauded the project, saying in a statement that the expansion will bring much-needed services to the west-central portion of the county. The Commonwealths investment in this project demonstrates our shared commitment to this corridor and its strategic position as an economic driver for the entire county, Pillion said. Modern infrastructure is a fundamental component of not only doing business, but improving quality of life, and this expansion plays a key role in addressing both. The project is a $33 million investment; $21 million in grant money helped fund the project. The entire expansion is funded by USDA Rural Development, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the WCSA and Washington County. The project is scheduled to be completed by February 2025. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. 35-year-old man found dead after fire breaks out in home in southeast Kansas City A 35-year-old man is dead after a fire engulfed a home early Wednesday in southeast Kansas City, a fire department spokesman said. Firefighters responded to the scene of the fire at 1:45 a.m. Wednesday in the Fairlane neighborhoods 9900 block of Hillcrest Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins of the Kansas City Fire Department. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire emanating from the single-story house and began fighting the flames with two hoses. While searching the home, firefighters discovered the victim in a hallway located towards the back of the house, close to the room where the fire was mainly located. According to Hopkins, the victim appeared to have been living alone in the house. Firefighters brought the fire under control at 2 a.m. Because of the fatality, members of the Kansas City Police Departments bomb and arson unit responded to the home to help investigate, Hopkins said. The cause of the fire and the victims cause of death have not been determined yet as the investigation is still in its early stages, Hopkins said. BALTIMORE, Md. (DC News Now) Tuesday marks a week since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore after a cargo ship struck it and officials are making a little more headway with recovery efforts. An additional temporary channel for commercial traffic was opened and additional technology gave crews a better view of the wreckage that has settled deep in the water. Officials said with 3D capability, they saw the wreckage under the 50-foot channel was actually far more extensive. Officials said the collapse isnt just on the seabed its below the mudline. Baltimore community gathers to honor Key Bridge collapse victims Were getting a much better understanding of what were dealing with by bringing in another dive team, by bringing in 3D survey capability and employing that over the last few days and getting a much better picture than what youre seeing on the skyline, said Col. Pinchasin with the U.S. Army. Pinchasin is one of the people involved in the recovery efforts. What those 3D surveys demonstrated for us and what theyre indicating is that the wreckage on the bottom of the 50 foot channel is far more extensive than we could have imagined, said Pinchasin. We have portions of the wreckage that are completely collapsed. He said the 3D view showed that its going to be very difficult to figure out where and how to cut the debris into bite size pieces. But some positive news, there are now two temporary channels that can support commercial traffic. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the second channel opened at about 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, officials released video of the first vessel that passed through the first temporary channel. Victims of Key Bridge collapse came from Central America Moore also said on Tuesday morning, crews set up buoys in the rain to make sure vessels could navigate the waterways. Moore said one temporary channel is on the northeast side of the collapse with a controlling depth of 11 feet. The temporary channel that opened on Tuesday measures 14 feet in depth. These channels will support traffic from small boats and yesterday we had one fuel barge and one scrap barge. One scrap barge moved through the temporary channel on the north side and I am thankful that only after a week after the collapse, we have pathways and channels so commercial traffic [can go] through, Moore said. The governor said for all vehicle transport and for containers, there needs to be a depth of at least 35 feet so they can move through the port of Baltimore. He said theres still a long way to get the size of commercial traffic back to where it was. Crews said the weather is impacting the recovery efforts, making it unsafe for rescue divers to return to the water. We have to move fast but we cannot be careless. We promised these families that we would do everything in our power to bring them closure, Moore said. My directive is to complete the mission with no injuries and no casualties. We have already lost six Marylanders. We will not lose anymore. Biden to travel to Baltimore on Friday to visit bridge collapse As for whats next with the efforts in Baltimore, Moore said two business resource centers are fully operational. He said he is working closely with Marylands General Assembly on the PORT Act, as his office has offered several amendments to the measure. We cannot possibly find every answer to every problem in the next few days before session ends, but we can give the state the ability to respond and quickly over the next months, the governor said. Moore extended the legislative session to allow more time for lawmakers to work on the state budget and help for Baltimore. President Joe Biden is also expected to visit the Key Bridge collapse site on Friday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Four people were found guilty Tuesday of charges related to the blockade of a Mt. Juliet reproductive health care clinic three years ago, officials said. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), a federal judge found Eva Edl, Eva Zastrow, James Zastrow, and Paul Place guilty of a violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. MARCH 2021: 8 adults, 4 minors charged after demonstrators refuse to leave Mt. Juliet medical building The evidence presented at trial proved these four individuals violated the FACE Act on March 5, 2021, by using physical obstruction over the course of several hours to interfere with the clinics employees and a patient, because the clinic was providing, and the patient sought, reproductive health services, the DOJ explained. The four defendants and other protesters allegedly filled the interior hallway to the clinic, which was located on the second floor of a medical building. In addition, the defendants positioned themselves directly in front of the main clinic door for more than two hours, physically blocking access to the clinic and preventing patients from accessing it, according to officials. OCTOBER 2022: 11 people indicted in 2021 Mt. Juliet abortion clinic incident The Mt. Juliet Police Department reportedly asked the protesters to leave or move multiple times, but after more than two hours, a number of individuals including the four defendants convicted this week were arrested. The DOJ said Edl, Eva Zastrow, James Zastrow, and Place face a maximum of six months in prison, five years of supervised release, and fines of up to $10,000. JANUARY 2024: 6 convicted of felonies for 2021 Mt. Juliet abortion clinic blockade This news comes just over two months after the DOJ announced six other people Chester Gallagher, Heather Idoni, Calvin Zastrow, Coleman Boyd, Paul Vaughn, and Dennis Green were convicted of felony conspiracy against rights and a FACE Act offense Officials said this case, which was investigated by the Nashville resident agency of the FBI, is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee and the DOJs Civil Rights Division. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. 5 questions on how Speaker Johnson could try to thread a needle on Ukraine aid Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is vowing to take up Ukraine aid as the first act of business when Congress returns to Capitol Hill next week after a long holiday break. But how he plans to proceed remains a gripping mystery in Washington. Conservatives in the Republican conference are threatening to oppose any new military funding for Kyiv, citing the impact on deficits and the need to focus more intently on domestic problems, particularly at the southern border. Democrats, whose support is crucial to the success of Ukraine aid, are promising to oppose any package that includes the tougher border security provisions GOP leaders are demanding. And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is dangling a motion to vacate over the whole debate, all but promising that if Johnson puts a Ukraine bill on the floor, it would trigger a vote to remove him from power. Standing in the background is not only former President Trump, the Republican standard-bearer who has opposed more Ukraine aid, but also foreign allies who are beseeching Johnson to move quickly on another round of military help. A failure to do so, theyve warned, would threaten Ukraines sovereignty and encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue his imperial expansion into other parts of Europe. The cacophony of voices has presented the Speaker with no easy choices as he weighs a strategy for getting Ukraine aid to President Bidens desk against the wishes of the rowdy critics in his own party. Here are five outstanding questions heading into the debate. What changes are in store? The Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid package in February, combining military assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific allies with humanitarian aid for Gaza and other hot spots around the globe. But Johnson has rejected that proposal, vowing instead to move a more conservative House alternative and send it back to the upper chamber. In recent weeks, the Speaker has outlined a few of his favored innovations, as he called them recently, which include a proposal to use seized Russian assets to help offset Ukraines defense costs and another to restructure the Ukraine aid so that at least part of the funding takes the form of a loan. Even President Trump has talked about the loan concept where were not just giving foreign aid, we are setting up our relationship where they can provide it back to us when the time is right, Johnson said in an interview Sunday with Fox News. Johnson has also insisted that any new help for Ukraine be accompanied by tougher security measures at the U.S.-Mexico border, although he previously rejected a bipartisan Senate bill that combined the two issues. Most recently, Johnson has floated the idea of attaching language to repeal the Biden administrations freeze on new permits for liquified natural gas exports essentially leveraging his support for Ukraine aid in return for a scaling back of White House climate change policies that are anathema to Republicans. We want to unleash American energy, Johnson told Fox News. We want to have natural gas exports that will help unfund Vladimir Putins war effort there. 1 package, or more? The Senate bill arrived in the House as one large package, but it remains unclear if Johnson intends to send the House version back in a similar form. In an interview with Politico last month, Johnson said he is weighing the possibility of splitting the Senate legislation into separate pieces to be voted on individually. That concept could have strategic advantages, empowering GOP leaders, for example, to make good on their promise to move border security provisions without having the explosive immigration issue be an impediment to the foreign aid at the center of the debate. A piecemeal approach would also allow opponents of the various provisions in both parties liberals wary of military aid to Israel, for instance, and conservatives opposed to Ukraine assistance the opportunity to vote against those components even as party leaders secured their passage with a bipartisan coalition of more centrist lawmakers. Yet there are risks to that strategy, as well, since separating the various pieces offers fewer assurances that all of them will get votes, let alone pass, in both chambers. As a cautionary tale, House Republicans have already staged two attempts to adopt Israel aid as a stand-alone bill. Only one of them passed the House, and both were dead on arrival in the Senate, where the majority Democrats feared the loss of the Israel sweetener would undermine the fate of the Ukraine aid. How will it come to the floor? The procedural mechanics of the House are as tedious as they are esoteric, but how Johnson chooses to bring Ukraine aid to the floor will likely determine the ultimate success of the legislation and what policies it contains. If the Speaker opts to go through regular order, by proposing a rule to govern the debate, it lends conservative critics the chance to block the legislation before it receives a vote first in the Rules Committee and later on the chamber floor. For that reason, Johnson has sidestepped his right flank on major bipartisan legislation by putting those bills on the suspension calendar a tool that precludes the need for a rule but requires a two-thirds majority for passage. Johnson told Politico last month that he intends to use the suspension calendar for Ukraine aid. But that strategy raises the immediate question of how he plans to win over scores of Democrats while also pushing conservative provisions such as tougher border security and a rollback of Bidens climate agenda that they oppose. Johnson over the weekend hinted at one potential compromise, suggesting Republicans might be willing to move Ukraine aid without border security measures as long as Biden agreed to take more aggressive executive steps to curb the influx of migrants. Were still trying to force the president to use his executive authority, and most of the American people know that he has that authority, he told Fox News. Is doing nothing an option? A major barrier to Ukraine aid one thats contributed to the months-long impasse is the simple fact that its not a must-pass bill in the mold of something like government funding. With no hard deadline, Congress has continued to punt the issue into the indefinite future as party leaders pursued more pressing priorities, like preventing a shutdown. On top of that, there are few political incentives for Johnson and Republican leaders to stick their necks out and champion Ukraine aid. Not only is Trump opposed to the idea, but the GOP at large has shifted under Trumps influence into a more isolationist party one in which lawmakers such as Greene are gaining power and want to redirect taxpayer dollars from overseas ventures to troubleshooting at home. 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. Given the treacherous political terrain, some Democrats have accused Johnson of simply trying to run out the clock until after Novembers elections. Still, Johnson has identified himself throughout the debate as a Reaganesque conservative supportive of a muscular foreign policy, and he appears ready to buck the sentiments of Trump and the majority of his conference in order to help a democratic ally defend itself from Putins aggressions. If hes treaded carefully to minimize the political fallout, hes also poised to dive into the thorny debate. Were putting that product together, and we will be moving it right after the district work period, he told Fox. What will the timing be? Johnson is vowing to move immediately on Ukraine aid when Congress returns to Capitol Hill on Tuesday. But how quickly or even if he achieves that goal remains an open question. Not only is the task complicated by the myriad ideological disputes and political pressures surrounding it, but Congress is charging briskly into a deadline on another radioactive issue: the reauthorization of the governments domestic surveillance powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which expires April 19. Given the short window of time and the controversy surrounding the FISA law, which divides lawmakers in both parties theres a distinct possibility that the Ukraine debate is punted once again until later in the month. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The decision to hold COP29 (the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Baku reflects global support for Azerbaijan's green energy policy, the country's Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov said, Trend reports. He made the remark during a meeting with the Director General of the Central and West Asia Regional Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Eugene Zhukov, who was visiting Azerbaijan. The meeting held consultations on the current state and future directions of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ADB; future project financing programs based on the sustainability of economic development in the country; and government priorities were discussed. Sharifov noted that the expansion of the use of green energy sources has been identified as a new priority direction in national energy policy. The minister was also extensively informed about the current work within Azerbaijan's Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2022-2026, rapid reconstruction, and construction efforts aimed at ensuring the return of former IDPs to the liberated territories. He highlighted the government's interest in cooperation with the ADB on transportation projects, railway infrastructure, and renewable energy and the advisability of discussions in this direction with relevant government structures. Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the start of cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and the ADB, Sharifov said that over the past period of successful partnership, Azerbaijan has gained the bank's strategic support in all areas of development. Zhukov wished the government success in its activities and emphasized that the ADB is interested in expanding ties with Azerbaijan, particularly expressing interest in providing financial and technical support for the implementation of new projects in accordance with government priorities. He pointed out ongoing efforts to develop another three-year partnership strategy between the ADB and Azerbaijan. Highly appreciating Azerbaijan's selection as the host country for COP29 in November of this year, the ADB representative said that this is the result of successful policies implemented in the field of green energy in the country and expressed readiness to provide necessary technical and organizational support for the successful conduct of this prestigious event. During the meeting, the parties also discussed other mutually interesting issues. Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) this November. This decision was reached during the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11, 2023. In less than two weeks, Baku is poised to become the epicenter of global climate discussions, welcoming an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 foreign delegates. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, established during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, aims to avert perilous human interference with the climate system. COP, an acronym for Conference of Parties, signifies the highest legislative authority overseeing the Convention's implementation. Currently, 198 nations are parties to the Convention. By default, COP sessions are convened annually, unless otherwise decided by the participating parties. The inaugural COP convened in March 1995 in Berlin, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, it assumes a pivotal role in advancing global efforts to address climate change, underscoring the urgency and importance of international cooperation in combating environmental challenges. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Earth Day will bring pedestrian and bike paradise to New York City with 53 streets blocked off to vehicle traffic one well over a mile long. The streets and plazas across all five boroughs will be completely car-free with art, music and programming from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Earth Day, April 20, the citys Department of Transportation announced Tuesday. Organization proposes innovative solar canopy project to combat climate change Nowhere will be longer than the stretch of Broadway in Manhattan, closed from 17th Street to 46th Street and in Brooklyn, a mile-long stretch of Berry Street will close. And there are plenty of ways to enjoy the motor-less hours like on a Citi Bike, which will offer free 30-minute rides for the full day. This event is a great way to encourage city residents to reduce our reliance on cars and to take other steps that will reduce our citys carbon footprint and help limit the negative impacts of climate change, which we have already started to feel, said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. The seven signature streets Open Streets put on by DOT include: Manhattan Dyckman Street from Broadway to La Marina St. Nicholas Avenue from 181st Street to 190th Street Broadway from East 17th Street to West 46th Street Brooklyn Fifth Avenue from 40th Street to 45th Street The Bronx East 188 th Street from East Fordham Road to Grand Concourse Creston Avenue from East 188th Street to East Fordham Road Staten Island Port Richmond Avenue from Post Avenue to Castleton Avenue The 46 other locations, run by community groups, can be found here. Art installations and demonstrations, like a Kelp Parade centered around the ocean ecosystems, will fill the closed-off streets with life. New, temporary public art will help us remember: We only have one planet and we must all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and respect our environment, said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. The celebration is far bigger than last years, which only featured 30 streets for five hours. Just like the Open Streets that run year-round, the Earth Day celebration is a vision of what a greener New York City could look like, said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Car-free streets are more than a celebration of Earth Day, theyre a chance for New Yorkers to see the sustainable, green, healthy city of the future thats within reach, Reynoso said. By investing in public transit and encouraging a shift away from private vehicles, we can achieve a future where our streets are safer, air is cleaner, and neighborhoods are more livable. 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. 60-year-old man killed in crash near Bacon School Road in Charlotte County CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Virginia State Police are investigating after a Prince Edward County man was killed in a crash in Charlotte County on April 2. State police said the crash occurred just before 10:30 a.m. on Route 360, near Bacon School Road. 60-year-old Theodore F. Johnson, from Prospect, a 2007 Suzuki was traveling east when he allegedly ran off the left side of the road, attempted to overcorrect, and then went off the road again. Kansas man pleads guilty to sexually exploiting Lynchburg teenager, admits to soliciting at least 200 minors VSP said the Suzuki then overturned and hit a tree. Johnson died at the scene. Troopers said Johnson was not wearing his seatbelt. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Seven people have been listed as suspects in a corruption scheme connected to Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) reported on April 3. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) first disclosed the investigation on April 2, during which is mentioned that a former advisor to Ukraine's Presidential Office is among the suspects. The suspects, who have not been named, are accused of having embezzled Hr 95 million ($2.4 million) from Ukrzaliznytsia. Aside from the former presidential advisor, the list of suspects includes two top Ukrzaliznytsia officials, a Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer, and three other people. Ukrainska Pravda, citing unnamed sources, wrote that the former Presidential Office advisor is Artem Shylo. A source from NABU told the Kyiv Independent it could not comment at this time. Shylo allegedly arranged the purchase of transformers for Ukrainian Railways at an artificially inflated price in 2022, following the beginning of the full-scale war. The company that Shylo allegedly directed the contracts to was owned by a Belarusian citizen with connections to Russia, NABU said. The shell company, registered in Bulgaria, then reportedly purchased the transformers from Uzbekistan at double the sticker price. The suspects then pocketed the difference, NABU said. Investigators managed to seize Hr 53 million ($1.3 million) from the bank accounts of those suspected of carrying out the scheme. Read also: Ukraines anti-corruption bureau makes progress yet doesnt take on top presidential allies Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (FOX40.COM) An animal cruelty investigation led to the recovery of 73 dogs, according to the Turlock Police Department. On Sunday, the Turlock Police Department served a search warrant at three residences in the 400 block of S. First Street in Turlock for alleged animal cruelty and dogfighting. Detectives said the investigation began in early March after Turlock Animal Services expressed concerns. An animal control officer reportedly compiled documentation related to the addresses in question and and handed it over to TPD for review. During the course of the investigation, surveillance revealed nearly 10 dogs that were tethered in the yards, according to TPD. Tethering is a term used to describe a practice of fastening an animal to a stationary object, which is illegal in the state of California. Fairfield Police credit off-duty nurse for saving persons life at basketball game Two people dead after ranch house fire in Patterson Animal services and Turlock officers said they worked together, located, and rescued a total of 73 dogs from the properties some of which were pregnant and due to deliver any day. The living conditions that the dogs were living in were deplorable and inhumane, TPD said. All dogs were seized as evidence and transported to the shelter where they have remained safe and cared for. Officials said the high number of dogs taken to the shelter caused them to reach capacity and that Turlock Police Animal Services will not be able to accept owner surrenders until further notice. No arrests have been made in this case, however, detectives said they have identified a suspect. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Nine Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were reportedly left behind on the African island of Sao Tome and Principe on March 27 The group was on a guided excursion that got delayed, leading them to miss the ships "all aboard" call A statement from Norwegian Cruise Lines noted that all guests are responsible for returning to the docked ship at the designated call time Eight people were able to catch up to the ship on Tuesday morning after reportedly traversing seven countries. One, who had fallen ill before the incident, has safely returned to the U.S. Multiple passengers were stranded on an island in Africa after their Norwegian Cruise Line ship reportedly left them behind. After several days of uncertainty and a trek across seven countries, they're now back on board the vessel. On Wednesday, March 27, South Carolina couple Jill and Jay Campbell were enjoying a guided tour on the island of Sao Tome and Principe located off the continent's western coast, ABC15 News reported at the time. The pair was with six other American and Australian passengers when they realized they wouldnt make it back to the ship on time due to their tour taking longer than planned. Though the tour operator contacted the cruise ships captain to inform them of the delay, the captain refused to let them back on the still-anchored ship when they arrived at the port because it was after the "all aboard" call, per the outlet. The Sao Tome and Principe Coast Guard allegedly then took them by boat directly to the ship where the captain again did not permit them to board. Related: Carnival Cruise Passenger Captures Ship Fire on Video After Reports of Lightning Strike Getty Sao Tome and Principe The group later encountered another stranded passenger, an 80-year-old woman, who was hospitalized on the island after a cruise line tour, the outlet stated. The woman reportedly experienced memory and vision loss due to a medical emergency. In addition to the ill passenger, the group also includes one person who is pregnant, one with a heart condition and four elderly travelers. The majority of the group left their medications and credit cards on the ship except for the Campbells, who have reportedly paid over $5,000 for food, accommodations, and other necessities for their fellow passengers. On Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Angola allegedly arranged for the group to fly to the West African country of Gambia, the ship's next planned port of call, so they could reboard. Related: 2 Holland America Line Crew Members Killed During Onboard 'Incident' in the Bahamas Google Maps Map of West Africa that shows Sao Tome and Principe, Gambia, and Senegal Unfortunately, the group discovered the cruise ship wasnt docked at the port in Gambia as planned because it had to spend another day at sea due to low tides. ABC News 4 reports the passengers spent fifteen hours traveling through six countries to make it to the port on Sunday. We have to cross the ferry to get into Senegal, Campbell told the outlet on Monday, marking their seventh country. We just learned from the gentleman that the ferry hadnt been working, but he said no problem, if the ferry is not working we will get another little boat and then pick up a car on the other side. And then once we get on the other side of Senegal, its another four-hour drive. Related: Royal Caribbean Confirms Death of Passenger on 9-Month World Cruise In a statement to PEOPLE, Norwegian Cruise Line said, On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in Sao Tome and Principe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time." The statement continued, 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 ships intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The cruise line added that guests are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to meet the ship at the next port and that they had each of their passports delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they missed their all aboard call. The group was finally able to catch up to the vessel. They reached Dakar, Senegal, its next port, on Monday night, PEOPLE confirmed. After what they'd been through, Jill told NBC News in a story published on Tuesday, "We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us." While she allowed that Norwegian technically followed protocol, she says, "I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority." On Tuesday morning, the eight passengers, less the person who had fallen ill and later safely returned home to the United States, chose to board the cruise. Norwegian confirmed the news to PEOPLE in a statement. "Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available," The Norwegian Dawn departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day trip that will end in Barcelona on April 10. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Abcarian: I wanted to hate what UC Berkeley parents are doing in the name of safety, but I can't At first blush, the idea that parents of adult college students would hire a private security force to patrol areas around the campus of a public university seems like the ne plus ultra of helicopter parenting. I mean, seriously? Why not just hire a bodyguard for your kid? Last year, parents of students at UC Berkeley launched the nonprofit SafeBears, with the goal of pressuring the university to find ways to increase the safety of its students. Alarmed by the fatal October 2022 shooting of a youth minister on fabled Telegraph Avenue near campus, and the return of crime to normal or above-normal levels in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic including a shooting in February on Cals main thoroughfare, Sproul Plaza the parents began to raise their voices about whether their kids were safe. And then they did something that would seem to confirm this era as the one in which parents go totally overboard: They raised $40,000 and hired a private firm to provide enhanced security around dorms and the south side of campus for what they called a pilot program. For two and a half weeks in March, a 30-year-old company called Streetsplus dispatched six unarmed ambassadors on foot and on bicycles between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. A Streetplus executive told me the company provides cleaning, safety and hospitality services to 75 clients, almost exclusively in business improvement districts, which are set up by local businesses. The ambassadors undergo some training and background checks. With rare exceptions, they do not carry weapons, and they do not physically intervene in situations. Read more: UC Berkeley parents hired private security, fearing for their kids Detractors and numerous lawsuits maintain that security personnel in business improvement districts routinely overstep their authority to harass homeless people or exclude them from public spaces. Thats not exactly the issue here, since the goal is to protect students, not to improve business conditions. Last week, my colleagues Salvador Hernandez and Nathan Solis reported that Berkeley administrators are not happy about the private parental effort. They have shared their disapproval in a statement: "Parents who want to donate funds toward additional campus security can do so via a university fund that has been established. We do not believe that private security should take precedence over hiring sworn officers." And yet, SafeBears founder and President Sagar Jethani, the father of twin sons who are Cal sophomores, told me Monday, the group has not really gotten much pushback. Read more: UC Berkeley closed People's Park. The cost is in the millions and rising Ill be honest, that was my worry when we began, he said. That we would be seen as a bunch of helicopter parents having a hard time letting little Johnny go. Of course, theres no way to know whether any crimes did not occur as a result of the ambassadors presence on the streets of Berkeley, but at least one assault was thwarted when a SafeBears ambassador interrupted an attack on a young woman by a man who then fled in a car with friends. The ambassador caught a few moments of the altercation on video. The victim did not contact police or offer details about what led to the attack, Jethani told me. "We're horrified that this happened," he told the news site Berkeley Scanner. "But it's also significant that one of our private security guards was able to take a bad situation and stop it from getting worse. Listen, as a parent, I totally understand worrying about the safety of your child, even your adult child. Sending a kid off to college is a fraught exercise for most families. But crime around college campuses particularly urban ones is nothing new. Read more: After violent protest, controversial pro-Israeli speaker comes back to UC Berkeley It turns out the Berkeley program is modeled after one at USC, the Yellow Jackets, which USC created in 2009. In 2012, after some high-profile crimes, including the killings of two Chinese graduate students as they sat in their car a mile from campus, USC ramped up its safety program, using security personnel in bright outerwear to help keep students safe both on campus and off. Yellow Jackets are unarmed but carry radios to communicate with USCs police department. But from Jethani's perspective, the situation at Cal is different than it has been in the past. By some estimates, the crime rate on and adjacent to the UC Berkeley campus is among the highest in the nation. After George Floyds murder by Minneapolis police officers in 2020, Jethani told me, UC Regents responded to the call to defund the police by producing a UC Community Safety Plan, which he described as a new vision for how to protect members of the UC community without simply relying on officers. Read more: UC regents debate stricter control of views on Israel and other topics on campus websites Cal only got halfway there; the campus police department has barely half the officers it did a few years ago, 47 vs. 80. But the police department has not yet been supplemented with non-sworn staff as the plan calls for, so many have been left feeling that the campus and its environs are underpatrolled and vulnerable. Some parents of older college students told Jethani that his mission is futile. They said, Sit down, Grasshopper. You will whinge to the school and demand meetings and they will say they hear your concern and nothing will happen,' he said. 'And your kids will graduate and you will move on. I thought, 'Is there any way to break this cycle of inaction?' I tried, but I cant find it in my skeptical heart to condemn the actions of the SafeBears parents. They want their college-age children not just to feel safe but to be safe. Who can argue with that? @robinkabcarian 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. (BCN) A teenage girl suspected to have been abducted in Oakland has been found, the California Highway Patrol said early Wednesday morning. Luz Bonilla, 16, has been located, the CHP said in a tweet around 3:15 a.m. The agency deactivated an Amber Alert issued earlier for the counties of Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. 4 arrested, over $60,000 worth of stolen property recovered in San Jose There were no further recent details about Bonilla, or Jeffrey Gomez-Rivas, 22, the man suspected to have abducted her. The CHP had said in the Amber Alert that Bonilla was taken on Tuesday by the suspect who drove a black 2006 Chrysler 300 vehicle with a 9CCE352 license plate from California. Copyright 2024 Bay City News, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. The rise of anxiety and depression in teens has rattled families across the country, with teen suicide rates and mental health diagnoses climbing to alarming heights. But how did we get here? On her quest to find the answer, Abigail Shrier has ventured outside culturally acceptable scripts to find the answers. In her new book Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Arent Growing Up, Shrier, an investigative journalist and former opinion columnist for The Wall Street Journal, challenges modern trust in therapy and argues that, in fact, the answer isnt more therapy for all kids, but less. It is a controversial theory, to be sure, but no less so than the one she advanced in her first book. In Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters, published in 2020, Shrier argued that the spike in transgender identification among young girls in the 2010s was attributable to social contagion. The book caused an uproar in the media, was temporarily withdrawn from Target and was removed from libraries. The book came out a little too early, Shrier told me, when people werent as aware of the social contagion phenomenon and were quick to dismiss her argument and politicize it as a right-wing preoccupation. The release of Bad Therapy, however, coincides with widespread reckoning around the teen mental health crisis, she told me. Smartphones and social media are only part of the problem, she believes. Its also that therapy techniques infuse so much of childrens lives, even in the classroom. In one passage in the book, Shrier relays an anecdote from a public school in Salt Lake City. When a fifth-grade teacher asked her students, What is something that is making you really sad right now?, one student spoke up about his fathers girlfriend, another began crying about her parents divorce. Shortly, half the class was in tears. It was time for the math lesson; no one wanted to do it, Shrier writes, citing conversations with students parents. Shrier, who studied at Columbia and Oxford and earned a law degree from Yale University, is not anti-therapy, she says. Neither does she argue that a child should never talk to an expert. But she believes that our culture has taken therapy and its approaches too far. The book, backed up by data and Shriers numerous conversations with parents, teachers and mental health experts, promotes a more cautious approach to therapeutic techniques and lays out a case for parents to assert rules and boundaries in their kids lives. Although few major publications have reviewed the book The New York Times has ignored it Bad Therapy has been lingering on the Times bestseller list for weeks. Since the release of Bad Therapy, Shrier has appeared on podcasts with Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson and Glenn Beck, among others, and has spoken to various conservative-leaning groups that have embraced her findings. In a recent conversation with the Independent Womens Network, a civic engagement nonprofit for conservative women, one of the co-hosts praised Shriers work, saying, I swear you are the best thing for parents since the invention of the mechanical swing. I think you have done so much for the parenting movement. Deseret News spoke to Shrier, who lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children, about her new book and its arguments. The interview has been edited for clarity and length. Mariya Manzhos: What was the central question that you asked when starting to research and write this book? Abigail Shrier: There has been a dawning awareness that coincided with this books publication, which was that gosh, this didnt make sense: Why was the generation that got the most wellness tips, the most help with medication, the most emotional regulation and instruction in the classroom they should be the picture of happiness and mental health. Instead, they were expressing more distress and more unhappiness than any other. But also, they didnt want to grow up. They wanted mental health days off of work. They were saying, in higher numbers, that theyre not interested in forming families, they dont want children. They dont want to start companies there are fewer tech founders of this generation than there were in prior generations. These kids are less interested in sex, less interested in learning to drive, less interested in drinking which we know, of course, is a social activity, although obviously it comes with all kinds of risks. But all kinds of social activities that we once associated with adulthood or growing up or growing out of childhood, theyre not interested in. Theyre effectively taking a national sick day off of adulthood. I tell the story in my book of my friend, who I call Evelyn, who is a research scientist and runs a prestigious research laboratory, and she takes some of the best pre-med graduates in the country for a year of research before medical school. She says they have very good scientific grounding, but in the last decade shes noticed that theyre completely afraid to run their own experiments. Theyre afraid to try. Theyre afraid to be wrong. They dont trust themselves to go for it. And were seeing this in every aspect of their lives. I think weve really undercut them by not giving them independence and not teaching them to trust themselves and give things a shot. MM: Were you surprised to trace a lot of these problems to therapy and mental health experts? AS: I knew that therapy had done a lot of mischief in the country, because I wrote a book on social contagion that was largely encouraged by mental health professionals, both school counselors and therapists that the girls had gone to see. And most of the girls who arrived thought that they were transgender, they were already seeing a therapist of some kind, and the therapist encouraged that revelation. So I knew therapists were doing a lot of mischief within the gender identity and the transgender identification space. I also knew that even though very, very high numbers of this generation had gotten therapy (42% of Gen Z has a mental health diagnosis, according to a survey), still, I thought, that was less than half, so I thought whatever was ailing this generation, it couldnt be the result of the mental health experts. As part of my research, I went in to see what the schools were doing to support their mental health. And thats when I learned that this generation is completely inundated with what I call bad therapy. The problem is not that were giving any kid therapy. Some kids really need it. The problem is that were giving every child therapy. Were doing a one-size-fits-all preventive mental health care with every child kids who need help and kids who dont, and the problem is were giving the same solution for everyone. These kids are getting it at school. Theyre getting it from their parents, who are therapeutic techniques with children, like gentle parenting. ... They are swimming in therapy. And I call it bad therapy because bad therapy is therapy that either introduces new symptoms or exaggerates existing ones. And thats what this therapy is doing to this generation. MM: What problems did you find with the current approach to therapy and mental health, particularly in schools? AS: Weve had this ongoing love affair with expertise and with therapy we have this idea that we cant possibly overcome a problem unless we talk it out with a therapist. And its not true; its never been true. Some people dont need to talk through their problems. Theyre better off putting their problems behind them. Some people are helped talking through their problems, and some people are benefited by therapists. Giving the same solution for everyone which is therapy for all in schools is not a good solution for anyone. Now, why is that not helping anyone? Because a child with a serious circumstance or a traumatic event they went through or a hardship is not going to be helped by casually discussing it with their school counselor in a room full of classmates, especially not before he or she has to take a math test. Being prompted to talk about it thats not going to help the child in desperate need. And its not going to help the child who was feeling OK until the counselor made her talk about a time when she was sad or rejected. MM: Why does therapy present greater risk for kids than adults? AS: We see that there are people in desperate need of mental health intervention, both therapy and psychiatric medication, but they are very difficult to treat. So unfortunately, a whole industry has cropped up based on the worried well. And thats fine for adults if they want to see a therapist by all means they should, it might be useful for them. But for children, it poses a much greater risk. Because children dont have the ability to push back on a therapist and say, Listen, Im not sure I would call my mom emotionally abusive. I know she shouldnt have said that, but I dont think that was emotional abuse. An adult can say that. And an adult can also say, To be honest, Ive been with you for three years, and Im just as depressed as I was when I started. I dont think this is working. But a child cant say that because they dont have enough life experience. Then, the final reason a child is at a disadvantage is that a child didnt choose to go to the therapist in the first place. A child or teenager was inevitably sent there, almost necessarily, by an adult. A therapist almost has to pander to a child, which means affirming whatever bad feelings a child brings, encouraging rumination and constant focus on feelings and focus on emotional pain. MM: Why are so many of todays parents hesitant to assert authority with their kids? AS: There are many reasons for this. First of all, there has been a spiritual decline in the country and a loss of religious affiliation. There has been a huge loss of confidence in the ways that things were done in the past. Never in American history, until this generation, have parents ever thought it was their job to be their kids friend. They knew it was their job to raise sturdy adults, good citizens, people who could build a family, who were strong enough to get married, to hold down jobs and do hard things. And only in this generation, we poured all our attention into these kids. We had fewer kids, but we also devoted so much time to them that we wanted something back. And what we wanted back was friendship. And unfortunately, its counterproductive, because weve also seen in this generation more alienation from parents. They dont want us as their best friends. They wanted someone in charge. And Americans knew this for generations. Weve raised good people to adulthood (in the past), and all of a sudden we thought we couldnt do it and we needed a psychological expert to teach us how to parent our children. MM: Youve found that kids of immigrant parents tend to do better when it comes to mental health. Why is that? AS: Children from Latin American countries for instance, from low socioeconomic backgrounds tend to have better mental health than native born American kids. And the more those immigrants acculturate, the worse their mental health gets. Why? Because its not organic its in the culture. They are giving their children naturally based on their culture healthier lives, more connection to extended family, more relational stability over time. They are spending time in person with big, large family celebrations. The parents assert authority with kids, which doesnt mean being cold or unloving, it just means, Im in charge, I know whats best, Im your parent. They expect their kids to help out the kids have a sense of purpose, theyre helping out for the common good. Theyre doing all the things that psychological research shows is good for your mental health. MM: How should parents navigate the balance between acknowledging their kids feelings yet not encouraging rumination? AS: I think back to what my parents did or what earlier generations did. If I dont think a kid has a reason to be upset or to be expressing that emotion, I will let them know. For instance, if you look at gentle parenting, its always encouraging recognizing the childs feeling and affirming that feeling, whatever that feeling is. So if the child is filled with rage because his mother served him macaroni and cheese instead of chicken nuggets, thats affirmed. But our job isnt just to affirm our kids feelings, its to educate them a little bit about their emotions and say, Listen, I know this wasnt the meal you want. Its not appropriate to be that angry. Thats not something to get angry about. You can be disappointed. We can talk about it, but we save rage for really terrible events. And thats why you have these five-year-olds flinging their plates across the room when they got macaroni and cheese and didnt want it. Because they dont know better. And then they show up in school and cant regulate themselves because no one has ever told them that thats totally inappropriate behavior. No one has ever told them that theyre hurting other people around them, that they need to be considerate of other people, that it doesnt matter how angry you are, you dont hit your sister, because its wrong. MM: Did anything surprise you about the reaction to this book? AS: Im surprised by the agreement with the message of the book from the psychiatric field, and the number of psychiatrists who have reached out to thank me. And also parents across the board, who were really hungry for this message. Ive been really excited, and heres why Im really optimistic about this. We face so many challenges in America right now, but this is the easiest one to fix: how our children are growing up. It doesnt cost any money. We can turn this around. There is no reason to raise a generation of emotional hypochondriacs who are so hyperfocused on their emotional states (that) theyre exaggerating their own emotional pain. We know how to do this. Weve been doing this for generationsraising good kids. We need parental authority. We need high expectations. We need boundaries and rules for our kids. We need community for them. We need extended family around them. And they need independence, genuine opportunity for independence, without our help. If you give a kid those things, theyre going to turn out great. Abilene becomes 1st in Texas to host anonymous program for parents to surrender infants: Safe Haven Baby Box ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Abilene officially has a Safe Haven Baby Box at one of its fire stations. This programs provides a safe and anonymous alternative to parents wishing to surrender their children. Local pro-life nonprofit raises $20k to install safe haven box in Abilene for anonymous infant surrender The baby box, built by an Indiana company, was installed at Abilenes Fire Station No. 7 Tuesday on North Pioneer Drive. Under the Baby Moses Law, fire stations and hospitals have been labeled as baby safe sites, where parents unable to provide for infants 60 days and younger may surrender the child anonymously and safely. Chief Cande Flores with the Abilene Fire Department (AFD) told KTAB/KRBC, Were in the business of saving lives, and we have lots of equipment to do that, and to us, this is another piece of the equipment that allows the public an opportunity to go to somewhere Anonymous. Its safe, and they can provide something for their child that, normally, they cannot. These boxes are designed to improve the safety, security, and anonymity of the process of giving up a child. The baby is placed in a temperature-controlled box, for a matter of minutes before an authorized party retrieves the infant. Newborn girl saved by Safe Haven Baby Box in Missouri Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes said there are more than 200 safe boxes across 16 states, and Abilene is the first Texas city to provide this type of care. Well probably have over 300 boxes by the end of the year. We call it a blessing of the box, that we just blessed the very first box in the State of Texas. Its an amazing day today, said Kelsey. West Texans For Life, an Abilene-based pro-life group, put in the work to bring the program here and even raised about $20,000 to do so. The Safe Haven Baby Box is located at Fire Station No. 7 at 431 North Pioneer Drive. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. The last two times Republicans pushed laws targeting undocumented immigrants in border states, the backlash flipped the states blue and purple. But in deep red Texas? As a federal appeals court on Wednesday weighs a legal challenge to a controversial Texas law targeting migrants, Marisa Limon Garza sees a historical moment unfolding not unlike the resistance to anti-immigrant legislation in California in the 1990s or the protests over Arizona's "show me your papers" law in the 2010s. "I dont have rose-colored glasses but I look to history, to California's Prop 187 and Arizona's S.B. 1070, and I see states that took short-term hits," said Limon Garza, executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. The group is one of several plaintiffs suing Texas over the law known as Senate Bill 4. "But people changed those states." The federal 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans was set to hear oral arguments Wednesday in a Justice Department lawsuit alleging Texas S.B. 4 is unconstitutional. Texas National Guard and Texas State Troopers use anti-riot gear to prevent asylum seekers from entering further into U.S. territory after they crossed the Rio Grande into El Paso on March 22. The lawsuit, which was combined with a legal challenge brought by El Paso County and Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, says immigration is the sole purview of the federal government. Texas contends that the federal government has been derelict in border enforcement and that the state has a right to enforce its own border. Though it hasn't taken effect yet because of a court injunction, S.B. 4 is mobilizing Texas immigrant communities in unprecedented ways, said Fernando Garcia, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights. The El Paso, Texas, nonprofit has joined an effort uniting 50 Texas organizations called the We Will Resist Campaign Coalition. Members planned to protest outside the New Orleans courthouse Wednesday. "This is an extreme version of what we saw in the past in Arizona," Garcia said. Under S.B. 4, "the Texas Department of Public Safety will be asking the question of immigration and arresting people. That is sending shockwaves of fear through our community." More: SB 1070 galvanized a generation of Latinos to run for office and get politically involved Are hard-line tactics shifting the immigration debate? Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has targeted illegal immigration with razor wire and a floating barrier in the Rio Grande, with National Guard troops at the border, with human trafficking allegations against migrant shelters, and, now, with a new law that makes it a state crime to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas and allows the state to order deportations. Whether the political winds in Texas could shift as a result, the way they did in California and Arizona, is up for debate. S.B. 4 may have galvanized activists like Limon Garza who say they want to protect immigrant families in Texas and prevent communities of color from being unfairly targeted. But the hard-line border enforcement policies have also proved popular with many Texas voters, including in majority-Hispanic border communities. Selene Rodriguez runs the conservative-leaning Texas Public Policy Foundation's Secure and Sovereign Texas campaign that supported S.B. 4. She hails from a ranching community near Del Rio, Texas, at the U.S.-Mexico border. Like Limon Garza, she traces her family roots to Mexico. But she doesn't believe resistance to S.B. 4 will approach anything like what happened in California and Arizona on the contrary. "You are always going to have split opinions," Rodriguez said, "but I am seeing a growing increase in people wanting stricter immigration laws, especially in Hispanic communities. My community is tired of the human smuggling attempts. "Texas very much supports legal and safe immigration. What we dont want is millions of people putting themselves into the hands of Mexican cartels coming here illegally." More: How SB 1070 helped pave the way for Donald Trump's rise to the presidency Texas S.B. 4 differs from California's Prop 187 In 1994, amid an economic downturn and anxiety around globalization, California Republicans led by Gov. Pete Wilson pushed for Prop. 187. Voters approved the law, which required police, health care workers and teachers to verify and report the immigration status of all people, including children, and report undocumented immigrants to federal authorities. A 1994 student walk-out in protest of California's Proposition 187. The law "ruined the GOP brand in the eyes of immigrants, their children and whites who were turned off by the nativist appeals driving all of them into the arms of the Democrats who were proimmigration," Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Libertaraian CATO Institute, wrote in a 2016 analysis. But S.B. 4 differs from Prop. 187 in important ways, he said. The Texas law specifically prohibits enforcement at locations including schools, hospitals and churches, and it's framed as targeting border security, not interior enforcement. "The reach of S.B. 4 although large is much less large than Prop. 187," Nowrasteh told USA TODAY. "Even in border communities, they are concerned about border security. They may be worried about being misidentified, but they are also concerned about individuals coming over the border, which softens the opposition to S.B. 4." In the 1990s, a federal district judge determined Prop. 187 violated the U.S. Constitution. A court-mediated settlement in 1999 ended myriad legal challenges to the law. Wilson lost his next election, and Democrats gained a stronghold in California. In Arizona a decade later, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio rose to national fame, or notoriety, for his aggressive enforcement of the state's "show me your papers" law. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down most of Arizona's S.B. 1070 in 2012, reasoning that the supremacy clause of the Constitution placed immigration under the exclusive purview of the federal government a longstanding legal precedent that the courts have upheld so far. Arpaio was convicted of contempt of court for ignoring a judge's order that his agency stop racially profiling Latinos, and he subsequently lost four elections and never returned to public office. (He later received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.) Latino grassroots organizations that grew out of opposition to the law remain politically active. In the decade that followed S.B. 1070, Latinos increased their representation in the Arizona Legislature, doubling their seats in the House. Limon Garza said she and other immigrant advocacy organizations are connecting with the California activists who led the charge against Prop 187 and Arizona organizations that resisted S.B. 1070. They are building coalitions within Texas as well. "Thats how I sleep at night," she said. "I think, there is going to be collateral damage. There will be harm. But it goes back to strategy and being very intentional. If we are disciplined in our strategy, we could come back in 10 years stronger." Already, advocates have coalesced in a new statewide organization founded last year in response to Abbott's border initiatives. The Texas Immigration Law Council's stated mission is "to protect and promote the rights of immigrants and refugees of all nationalities in Texas." "There is a lot of organizing happening along the border, from shelter organizations to legal services organizations and local and national organizations," said Denise Gilman, co-director of the Immigration Clinic at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. "I dont think we had seen that level of coordination in Texas in the past or that level of common purpose." Gov. Greg Abbott: 'Texas will hold the line' At the moment, Abbott enjoys broad support for his border and immigration initiatives. A poll in February by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas, Austin revealed more than half of respondents said they "strongly" or "somewhat" supported a host of Abbott's measures, including deploying state and military resources to the border, placing razor wire in the Rio Grande, and building or repairing border barriers. Texas National Guard and Texas State Troopers use anti-riot gear to prevent asylum seekers from entering further into U.S. territory after the migrants crossed the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on March 22, 2024. In a nod to S.B. 4, 60% of respondents said they supported making it a state crime for an undocumented immigrant to be in Texas in most circumstances. The governor has continued investing political capital and taxpayer money in his border strategy. Last week, he met with House Speaker Mike Johnson in Austin and urged him to pass border security legislation although Johnson helped torpedo a border security bill earlier this year. Abbott touted the state's migrant busing program, which has shipped more than 108,000 migrants out of state to Democrat-led "sanctuary" cities, including New York, Chicago and Denver. And he has broken ground on a "forward operating base" for Texas National Guard under construction at the border, where he plans to house 2,300 soldiers. "Texas will hold the line," Abbott said on X after migrants rushed the border in El Paso and breached razor wire barriers to turn themselves in to border agents. The S.B. 4 law hasn't been allowed to take effect as legal challenges wind their way through the court system and are likely headed for the Supreme Court. Any political consequences of S.B. 4 may be felt only if the law takes effect. "If it does clear the legal challenges, well have to see how its implemented and where its implemented," said Kristin Etter, director of policy and legal services at the Texas Immigration Law Council. The strength of resistance to the law may not be felt "until Texans realize what the impacts will be when immigrants start leaving the state or when they see their own family and friends pulled over." Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com or on X @laurenvillagran. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas S.B. 4 immigration law in court as Dems mobilize communities BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Republic of Congo intends to build a strong partnership with Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Congo, said in an exclusive interview with Trend, as he visited Baku. "Congo stands as one of Africa's old oil producers, albeit not a major one. Large companies such as TotalEnegies, Eni, Chevron, and Halliburton exploit offshore oil fields in our territory. We aim to enhance trade between Azerbaijan's state oil company, SOCAR, and the National Petroleum Company of Congo (Societe Nationale des Petroles de Congo - SNPC), recognizing the potential for mutual growth in our partnership. At this juncture, I refrain from assessing the cooperation with Azerbaijan, as we are in the nascent stages of its commencement, he said. The minister noted that Congos intent is to initiate this collaboration through a robust partnership between the respective national oil entities, SNPC and SOCAR. During a productive meeting with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, we engaged in an amicable exchange of perspectives. As politicians, we have agreed that such endeavors must be underpinned by a solid diplomatic relationship," added Gakosso. Earlier, SOCAR president Rovshan Najaf and Presidential Adviser for International Strategy of the Republic of Congo Francoise Joly discussed potential collaborations in oil and petroleum trading. During their meeting on March 5 in Baku, discussions encompassed global energy initiatives spearheaded by Azerbaijan, SOCAR's multifaceted operations across different nations, and collaborative ventures with other industry players. Exploring opportunities for cooperation within the oil and gas sector, including the trading of oil and petroleum products, constituted a focal point of the dialogue. Additionally, both parties exchanged insights regarding the enhancement of human capital and other areas of mutual interest. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn Hollywood star Josh Brolin, who grew up in Paso Robles and is known for his work in films such as Dune, the Avengers series and No Country For Old Men, will lead a panel of judges at the 30th San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. The Academy Award nominee will lead the the Narrative Feature Jury at this years festival, according to a news release. This will not be Brolins first time attending the festival, having received the festivals King Vidor Award for Excellence in Filmmaking in 2017, according to the release. Brolin will work with Netflix production finance executive Christopher Tung, Geena Davis Bentonville Film Festival president Wendy Guerrero and director Nardeep Khurmi to choose the festivals George Sidney Independent Film Competition narrative feature film winner, the release said. The George Sidney Independent Film Competition will feature more than 57 films competing in categories such as narrative feature, narrative short, documentary feature, documentary short, student film, music video and animated film, the release said. Brolin wont be the only big name to attend this year, with Camera star Beau Bridges attending the West Coast premiere of the film at this years festival. The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival runs from Thursday, April 25, through Tuesday, April 30, with an encore presentation in Paso Robles and online May 1-5, according to the release. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Its an experience countless New Mexicans share their lives impacted by drunk driving. We were surprised when they didnt show up. But the phone call came in, I dont know, 11:30 p.m., 12:00 a.m., something like that, Kent Cravens said. On Christmas Eve in 1992, he, his wife, and kids were waiting up for Cravenss brother to stop by with his wife and three daughters for a Christmas carol sing-along. But the family of five never showed up. Related Coverage: I will tell you that down, down to the minute, I remember it very well, Cravens said. The details of the night Gordon House sped 90 miles per hour in the wrong direction on I-40 in Bernalillo County and plowed into Cravenss family, killing his sister-in-law and three young nieces, and severely injuring his brother, doesnt feel like thirty years ago. It was yesterday. It was yesterday, he explained. Try to think of a worse scenario. On Christmas Eve with three little girls and their parents that had just gone up to Nine Mile Hill to look back at, the lights and say Merry Christmas this is what Jesus has given us, Cravens said. The crash changed the course of Cravenss life and shaped New Mexicos drinking and driving laws. Cravens noted, It became a real cry from the community to do something. His brothers mother-in-law jumped right in. Nadine Milfords name became synonymous with DWI reform. She worked tirelessly with the legislature to shut down drive-thru liquor stores and make a fourth DWI a felony, to name a few of her contributions. Cravens became a lawmaker, spending more than a decade in the State Senate. Hes most proud of getting a law passed in the early 2000s that requires interlock devices in offenders cars. It has been a long time, and it seems like were we, you know, we have taken a giant step backward, he said. Cravens is referring to the FBIs investigation into a scheme KRQE learned centers on accusations officers were paid to get DWI cases dismissed. Knowing the feds are zeroed in on at least one attorney Thomas Clear III KRQE Investigates sifted through six years of his DWI court cases to find out how and why his clients cases were dismissed. From 2018 through 2023, Attorney Clears average dismissal rate was 63.3 percent. Thats more than double the typical dismissal rate in Bernalillo County. The investigative team also looked specifically at the number of cases Attorney Clear had with the four Albuquerque Police Officers whose credibility has been called into question tied to this federal investigation. Throughout the past six years, 25 of Clears clients pulled over by Officer Honorio Alba, Jr. all had their cases dismissed. So did the four Officer Harvey Johnson handled. 31 of the 36 people Officer Joshua Montano arrested saw dismissals. And 5 of 6 cases were dismissed with Nelson Ortiz as the arresting officer. Thomas Clear had a 91.5 percent dismissal rate with these four APD officers. Story Continues Below Court records show that DWI cases handled by Attorney Clear had high dismissal and non-prosecution rates, particularly when some APD officers were involved in the case. So, if one of those officers pulled you over and you hired Attorney Clear, your odds of not getting prosecuted seem pretty good. Only about 10 percent of the cases handled by both Clear and one of those officers ended in prosecution. How? We can only look at reasons for a dismissal. Court records show the officers repeatedly were not showing up to pre-trial interviews and hearings, which often led to a case being dragged out too close to the 6-month time limit. That leaves no other option than to dismiss. Court documents mention, in some cases, Alba and Montano even failed to show up on Zoom. Other reasons for Montanos 31 case dismissals include a flat tire and not handing over evidence. KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret stopped by Clears law office, which the FBI raided in January, to ask about his high dismissal rate and the federal investigation. While Clear answered the door, he refused to answer any questions. Some dismissals are reasonable, when officers are out sick, for example. But community experts say the dismissal rates are concerningly high. They owe this community a lot for this behavior here. Go serve your time. I hope they get convicted. This is thats a crime. Dear God. Wow! Linda Atkinson said. KRQE brought the six years of data to Atkinson who has run the DWI Resource Center since the 1990s. Her work involves presenting research-based solutions on how to curb New Mexicos drunk driving problem. Disgusting. Despicable, Atkinson said, looking through the data. And it to me, it really comes down to the lawkeepers are the lawbreakers. In those six years, the four APD officers pulled over a total of 71 people who then hired Attorney Clear and a judge dismissed their case. KRQE Investigates went through each of those defendants court records and found 18 of them had previous DWI convictions. Ten defendants faced new DWI charges after their case was dropped. It all makes sense, Atkinson said. I just start getting so angry looking at this again and thinking 30 years back, easy. Yep. No change. Story Continues Below Atkinson said when guilty drunk drivers are let off the hook, theres no true deterrent and the next time they get behind the wheel intoxicated, they may not just be hurting themselves. Pretty corrupt, huh? Yeah. Wheres your faith in the system? Atkinson asked. I mean, wheres anybodys faith in the system? And you talk to people who have lost loved ones. People like Cravens. He added, Thats the part that makes it hard for me. It was a conscious decision to just spit in the face of everybody whos ever had a tragedy in their life. And theres thousands of families and the stories man, its hard. At this point, the feds have not criminally charged Attorney Thomas Clear or any of the four Albuquerque Police officers. APDs Chief has said this scheme could have gone on for more than a decade. The department is reviewing its own data going back at least 12 years to find out which other officers if any may be involved. Since January, APD has opened internal affairs investigations into seven officers. Five have since resigned, including Officers Honorio Alba Jr., Harvey Johnson, Joshua Montano, and Nelson Ortiz. Attorney Clear handled hundreds of DWI cases throughout the past six years with officers from across the Metro. So, could this scheme reach beyond APD? Both the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office and New Mexico State Police tell KRQE they dont have any indications their current or former employees are involved. But the State Police Chief said in a statement that the agency is conducting an audit of DWI cases related to Attorney Clear. The agency explained further, If the case was dismissed, we research for the exact reason. We can move forward if the reason is understandable (military deployment, FLMA, etc.). If the reason for dismissal is not reasonable, further review will be done to determine why, (discovery, officer failed to appear, etc.), and corrective action will be taken. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. CHARLOTTE, NC (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The future of a $28 billion industry is unclear. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is one of 19 AGs who signed a letter to Congress asking lawmakers to take a closer look at a law that allows retailers to sell cannabis products. There are smoke shops and other stores all across North and South Carolina that sell cannabis products like delta-8, 9 and 10. The sale of the products is legal under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 also known as the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill created a budding industry of hemp cultivation and sales with a total estimated value of $28 billion. Inside his West Charlotte warehouse, Crowntown Cannabis, owner Mike Sims has flowers, tinctures and edibles. As lawmakers consider reauthorizing the 2018 Farm Bill, hes concerned the industry could go up in smoke. Queen City News Related Articles Regulate it to keep people safe; dont regulate it to put us out of business, Sims said. All thats going to make happen is [that] the black market will thrive and that makes the customer more unsafe. Nineteen Attorney Generals from across the US signed a letter to the federal government claiming the bills glaring vagueness has caused a health and safety crisis. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is part of the group calling on Congress to color in the gray area that has created the industry of green. Theres no legal restrictions on the age. Theres no restriction on the marketing. Theres no restriction on the packaging, AG Stein said. The 2018 Farm Bill defines hemp as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. Stein says thats not specific enough. To get to 3/10 of quantity, it means it can get to be very intoxicatingintoxicating, as much as what you can do and buy on the street, AG Stein said. I dont think that was the intent of Congress and we are all seeing unregulated sale of cannabis products here in North Carolina. The farm bill is set to expire in the fall of 2024. Traumatized beyond measure. Actress Angie Harmons dog shot and killed by Charlotte delivery driver Sims says retailers and distributors agree regulations are necessary without blowing out the industry. We dont need another oppressing law to kill our industry, Sims said. We just need a law that calls for regulation and testing and licensing and well all get on board. Queen City News reached out to all federal congressional representatives in North and South Carolina, but none agreed to share their thoughts on re-evaluating the farm bill or the hemp industry. The farm bill is set to expire on September 30, 2024. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. New AI-powered system could revolutionize the way farmers grow and monitor their crops: 'We are taking the blindfold off' When Vishnu Jayaprakash and his team set out to design a system for monitoring the amount of chemicals that farmers apply to their crops, they weren't thinking of AI. "We knew we wanted to develop a product to help growers monitor and optimize their sprays. This meant our product would have to account for hundreds of parameter combinations simultaneously," Jayaprakash told The Cool Down. "As we started to test our systems in the field, we quickly realized that AI would be the best way to tackle the incredible complexity a farmer faces whenever they spray their fields." Jayaprakash is the founder and CEO of AgZen, a company introducing futuristic technology to agriculture. AgZen's new system, called RealCoverage, just hit the market on March 1. Here's the issue: pesticides are unhealthy for people and the planet. "Once in the environment, pesticides have a catastrophic impact on public health," said Jayaprakash. "Unintentional and occupational exposure to pesticides causes around 20,000 deaths and is linked to 385 million annual cases of acute poisoning globally. Pesticide pollution causes diseases like cancer, neurological conditions, and congenital disabilities, and its impact is felt most in the developing world." However, pesticides are also essential to modern agriculture. Without them, way too many crops would be lost to insects, weeds, and fungus. "Every year, 20-40% of yield is lost to some pest, weed, or disease," Jayaprakash told The Cool Down and that's with insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides being widely used. That means farmers apply a lot of pesticides, and lots of these chemicals end up in the environment, where they affect both people and wildlife. "Pesticides are found 90% of the time in agricultural streams, 50% in shallow wells, and 33% in major deep aquifers across the USA," said Jayaprakash. "A recent study has shown that 31% of all global agricultural soil is at high risk of pesticide pollution." So, to balance the need for food with the need for a clean environment, the best option is for farmers to apply the smallest effective dose of pesticide and minimize the amount ending up in the soil and water. Just one problem: Until now, there was no way to know exactly how much that was. "Almost every grower we spoke to said the same thing: They didn't know how much of the chemicals they sprayed were on their plants," Jayaprakash revealed. "We found that even though farms have been spraying synthetic pesticides at a large scale for 80 years, no one not the growers, chemical companies, equipment makers, or regulators knew how much of what was sprayed got to and stayed on the plant." So AgZen designed RealCoverage, a device that farmers can mount to their spraying equipment in hours. Once it's in place, it monitors the plants being sprayed in real time and relays information about coverage to a tablet. RealCoverage actually identifies and counts the hair-fine droplets stuck to individual leaves, even while moving through fields at 15 miles per hour and it also predicts how those drops will spread and evaporate. With that information, farmers can adjust their applications and use less of each pesticide. "Growers can spray 30-50% less chemicals while getting better pest control and, therefore, better yield," said Jayaprakash. Jayaprakash is very familiar with the problems of traditional pesticide use. "I was introduced to spraying as a kid when I sprayed mango trees and rice fields on our family farm in southern India," he recalled. "I had personal experience with how painful spraying was, but I never thought I would work on it as a job." However, while attending graduate school at MIT, Jayaprakash joined the Varanasi Lab, which was working on more efficient spraying methods. Eventually, that led to AgZen and RealCoverage. "It's been a fantastic journey," he said. Jayaprakash intends to keep moving forward, too. "We already have a whole host of products planned to launch over the coming years," he revealed. "We have developed a retrofit for existing sprayers that makes droplets stick better to plants without changing the chemistry a grower sprays. We are calling our system EnhanceCoverage and plan to launch it commercially in 2025." According to Jayaprakash, these products "will revolutionize how growers spray on farms." "We are taking the blindfold off when it comes to spraying and allowing everyone in farming to optimize every droplet that gets sprayed," he said. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Aid for Ukraine should have no limits Estonian President Alar Karis, President of Estonia. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Alar Karis, President of Estonia, has stated that Western countries should not put limits on the aid they provide for Ukraine. Source: European Pravda with reference to ERR Details: Karis pointed out that Russia "does not put limits on its aggression against Ukraine, so we should not put limits on the aid Ukraine is supplied with either". "Imposing limits on aid for Ukraine will only help Russia plan aggressive strikes," Karis stated at the meeting with Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Karis noted that he considers Ukraines strikes on military targets in the territory of Russia legal. "I believe that Ukraines attacks on the military targets located in Russias rear are totally legitimate this helps slow down the Russian military machine," he stressed. Background: Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal arrived on an official visit to Estonia on Wednesday. Earlier, it was revealed that Estonia had expressed interest in participating in the Czech initiative for ammunition procurement for Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! The 301st Fighter Wing doesnt have to go far to get a glimpse of its future. Based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, the Air Force Reserve wing has a strategic vantage point near Lockheed Martins F-35A Lightning II production line: Its right across the street. F-35A Lightning cleared to fly in lightning for first time in 4 years The hard part, 301st Fighter Wing Commander Col. Benjamin Harrison said, has been watching those planes head out to other locations. Ive been sitting here just waiting for them to come over on our ramp, Harrison told reporters on a call Wednesday. That wait could soon be over. The 301st expects to receive its first two F-35s in August, making it the first Air Force Reserve unit to own, operate and maintain its own Joint Strike Fighters. Air Force Reserve Commander Lt. Gen. John Healy signs the bulkhead of an F-35A Lightning II headed for the 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, during an event at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth production facility, April 3, 2024. (Chris Hanoch/Lockheed Martin) To mark the occasion, Harrison visited Lockheed on Wednesday alongside Air Force Reserve Commander Lt. Gen. John Healy and 10th Air Force Commander Brig. Gen. Regina Sabric to catch a glimpse of the companys newest F-35s and to sign their names on the bulkhead under each jets nose gear. To actually see and touch and sign that first delivery thats going to be coming to us later on this summer couldnt be more exciting, Healy told reporters. The Air Force picked the 301st in 2021 to replace its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons, which it has flown for 32 years, with the more advanced F-35. The 419th Fighter Wing, located at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, became the first Reserve wing to fly the F-35 several years ago. But the 419th shares those aircraft with Hills active duty 388th Fighter Wing, which owns the jets. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base begins retiring A-10 fleet The 301st Fighter Wings final deployment sent its Fighting Falcons to Saudi Arabia in April 2023, where airmen flew sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield. The wing has since shipped its F-16s to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where they will be used as aggressors, and to bolster the fleet at the 93rd Fighter Squadron at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. Bringing the advanced Lightning II to the Air Forces part-time pilots and maintainers equips them with important capabilities as the U.S. military rushes to keep pace with global adversaries like China, officials said Wednesday. A multirole fighter, the F-35 can strike targets in the air and on the ground while simultaneously gathering data on its adversaries to pass to allied forces. Weve been in the F-35 for a long time with tests and training and other operational flying, Sabric said. But getting Reserve-specific jets is a big step for the Air Force Reserve right now and for the Air Force in general, she said. It comes as the Air Force looks to phase out some of its older aircraft fleets in favor of the F-35. According to fiscal year 2025 budget documents, the service plans to reduce its inventory of F-16s from 841 to 830 through September 2025, while increasing the number of F-35s from 477 to 526. The 301st Fighter Wing expects to receive a total 26 F-35s, and has already begun transitioning to the jet by sending reservists to F-35 bases across the country to learn about the airframe, Harrison said. A site activation task force was also established several years ago to help bring the aircraft online at Fort Worth. The wing will work hand-in-hand with the active duty 24th Fighter Squadron at the same base to train pilots and maintainers, Harrison added. Im not going to give you a finite date as to when we will be absolutely ready to go, but we are working to get that process down as soon as we can get everybody trained and equipped with the parts and supplies and all the pieces put together, Harrison said. Its a complex problem set. Russian forces launched three S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles and four Shahed attack drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force reported the morning of April 3. Ukrainian air defense units successfully intercepted the four Russian drones. According to the Air Force, the drones were fired from Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia. Mobile firing groups shot down the drones over Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, and Cherkasy oblasts. Russian forces have launched barrages of missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent weeks. A drone attack on the city of Dnipro on April 2 injured at least 18 people, including five children. 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. Jamarious Dequan Qualls is charged with drug trafficking and unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance Colbert County Sheriff's Department Jamarious Dequan Qualls (R) was arrested following the seizure of 176 fentanyl pills inside two Easter eggs (L), according to the Colbert County Sheriff's Department. A golden Easter egg led to an unlikely drug bust after Alabama law enforcement agents made a traffic stop Monday morning, April 1. Investigators found 176 fentanyl pills stuffed inside two plastic eggs, according to a Colbert County Sheriff's Office press release, which included a photograph of the bagged drugs alongside the opened eggs. Colbert County Drug Task Force agents stopped Jamarious Dequan Qualls in Tuscumbia, Ala., at around 11:45 a.m. Easter Monday, and asked to search the mans vehicle, per the sheriffs office. During the search, the agents allegedly determined that Qualls, 29, had outstanding warrants for his arrest on misdemeanors in another city in the county, the release says. Colbert County Sheriff's Department The Colbert County Sheriff's Office allegedly found 176 fentanyl pills inside two Easter eggs April 1. As the drug agents placed him under arrest, they allegedly located the two Easter eggs one metallic gold, the other orange per the press release and photographs authorities released of the drug seizure. Investigators also found a plastic bag with 10 ounces of the synthetic cannabis known as spice," the release alleges. Qualls, of nearby Franklin County, is charged with the trafficking of illegal drugs and unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, per his online booking information. He was booked into Colbert County Jail Monday afternoon and held on a $150,000 bond. 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. The Colbert County Circuit Court clerks office confirmed the fentanyl-trafficking related charges but said that no court date had yet been entered into their system as of Wednesday afternoon, April 3. Qualls did not have a lawyer listed in the case of the fentanyl-stuffed Easter eggs, but he is being represented by Daryl Moon in a separate drug case from 2023, according to the clerks office. In that earlier case, Qualls had been placed on a pretrial diversion program for two counts of possession of a controlled substance last year. That previous criminal case would have been dismissed if Qualls paid court costs and prosecutor fees within a two-year period, according to the clerks office. Moon tells PEOPLE he has not been retained to represent Qualls in connection with his recent arrest and he declined comment. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, in the chamber of the Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Stew Milne/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama House of Representatives voted 79-9 Tuesday for a bill that would significantly change the states ethics laws. HB 227, sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, would repeal the current ethics laws for public officials and employees, replace the code with tougher punishments for ethics violations and weaken the powers of the state Ethics Commission. Simpson said that the bill would make it easier for public servants to understand what is an ethics violation and what is not. If we as legislators, with experts, cant determine what we can and cant do in the laws in Alabama, what chance does the firefighter, what chance does the police officer, what chance does the city worker and what chance does the teacher have to understand what we can and cant do in ethics violations? That was the rhyme and the rationale for what weve gone through, Simpson said in introducing the bill. The bill would make it a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, for a person who offers, confers, or agrees to confer anything of value to a public servant, either elected or employed. It would also make it a Class B felony if the public servant solicits or accepts a bribe for themselves or any other person, regardless of relation. The current punishment is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and it only includes the public servant, not any other person regardless of relation. The bill would separate economic gain from bribery crimes and establish the crime of using public office for economic benefit, a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, if the economic benefit exceeds $10,000. Economic benefit between $2,500 and $10,000 would be punishable with a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Gaining under $2,500 using political office would equal a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a $6,000 fine. The sponsor substituted the bill on the House floor with a version he said was shared with members of the House on Thursday, which was adopted on a 79-0 vote. 21 representatives abstained. The substitute bill would require that an attorney hired by the ethics commission be approved by the Attorney General, and it would add the Secretary of State and director of the Securities Commission as appointing authorities of commission members. Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, asks a question during a debate in the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 15, 2024. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, introduced an amendment that would remove the director of the Securities Commission as an appointing authority and replace it with the Senate Minority Leader and the House Minority Leader on a rotating basis. The amendment passed 98-0. Hall said the amendment was to ensure a person of color is appointed to the commission. The only way we would get that without making that statement would be to allow the minority member of the House and minority member of the Senate, but they would alternate, Hall said. The proposed ethics law changes had some push back. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall voiced his opposition in an op-ed and said that reduced several criminal penalties to misdemeanors, such as making it a civil offense if a legislator with a conflict of interest votes on a bill. The current ethics law makes any ethics violation a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Marshall also said that the proposed legislation would dramatically increase how much lobbyists can spend on public servants per occasion to $100, up from $33. In the first draft of the bill, there wasnt a yearly cap on how much lobbyists could spend, but the current bill caps it at $500. Simpson said on the House floor that increasing it to $100 was meant to simplify the law. No legislator spoke in opposition to the bill. At least two lawmakers said there was misinformation being spread about the bill. While Simpson said hes tried to keep the process open, Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, said that in the future, there should be a mechanism to engage other legislators from the beginning so that lawmakers are up to date on the developments. I realized theres been a lot of misinformation given about how now it just turns everybody loose to be corrupt, she said. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, said we are literally criminalizing ourselves. Its no disrespect to [Marshall], but we are further criminalizing ourselves if we pass this legislation, Givan said. The new substitute also changed the makeup of the commission. It would require that a member be a prosecutor serving in a district attorney office for at least 10 years, another member to be a judge with at least 10 years of experience and a third commission member to be criminal defense attorney with at least 10 years of experience. The ethics law currently requires that one member be a lawyer licensed in Alabama and another a former elected official for at least two years. The substitute would also prevent the ethics commission from imposing civil penalties without the permission of the Alabama attorney general or a district attorney. A message seeking comment was left with the Alabama Ethics Commission on Tuesday. As originally filed, the substitute did not allow an elected official or public employee is not allowed to serve on the commission. But Simpson added an amendment on an 82-0 vote to allow a supernumerary district attorney to be appointed there. Hall asked why the amendment was needed, and whether a supernumerary district attorney could fall under another category. Simpson said the amendment was needed in case appointing authorities couldnt find a district attorney with 10 years of experience that isnt a public servant. That seems kind of strange for me that you couldnt find somebody that had served 10 years, Hall said. Simpson said after the bills passage that he wanted to have this process done in public, and that hes glad the public had a chance to poke holes in the legislation. He said that they have changed the bill several times in the process to address concerns. If signed into law, the bill will not take effect until June 2025. Simpson said that would give the public and Legislature time to address any issue that may arise. We went above and beyond to be transparent on this issue to let everyone see what were doing, he said. The bill moves to the Alabama Senate. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Alabama House approves legislation overhauling state ethics code appeared first on Alabama Reflector. Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, greets a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 6, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) An Alabama House committee Wednesday held a public hearing on a bill that would allow state and local law enforcement to arrest people based on immigration status. HB 376, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, would allow sheriffs offices and police departments to to enter into agreements with federal agencies to enforce the countrys immigration laws and investigate peoples immigration status. Under current law the Alabama attorney generals office has that power. Our nations security and the lives of our people are at great risk because the federal government has largely abandoned its sworn duty to uphold and defend with regards to the southern border, Yarbrough told the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday. The committee could vote on the bill next week. The bill allows police and sheriffs deputies to transport undocumented immigrants and arrest people based on their immigration status or for violating federal immigration law. It would withhold funding from agencies that do not comply with the law. Yarbroughs legislation would also require state and local agencies to maintain information providing details on peoples immigration status. It also requires county and municipal jails to abide with immigration detainer requests and generate a report on the number of foreign nationals they counter each quarter. The bill gives police officers and sheriffs deputies the discretion for deciding who they will approach to confirm a persons immigration status. Opponents who spoke at the hearing said the measure would create fear and potentially hinder law enforcement efforts. HB 376 imposes stringent requirements for victims to disclose their immigration status, creating barriers that force them to choose between seeking help and risking deportation, in addition to shattering their fragile sense of security, said Ana Ockert of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. With the knowledge that human trafficking is happening in Alabama, we should be encouraging victims to come forward. Rep. TaShina Morris, D-Montgomery, questioned how law enforcement could identify someone who lacks authorization to be in the country. One significant criticism of the bill relates to identifying individuals who law enforcement suspects of residing in the state without the proper authorization. I want to know what profiling and targeting look like for your bill when you are actually seeing someone out, she said. How do you come up with the sense of knowing who are illegal aliens? I would assume, in the normal course of law enforcement, that the police who are on the rounds each and every day, they are witnessing, they are seeing, they are observing, there are things that are being reported, Yarbrough said. For example, Sheriff (Eric) Balentine in Colbert County has stacks of complaints of violations of noise ordinances, of citizens calling in suspicious behavior. Congress had been negotiating legislation to address issues related to immigration. Some of the provisions include raising that would have raised the standard for migrants claiming asylum and create a procedure to shut down the border at especially active times. The package would have also provided more than $20 billion for additional resources to the southern border. The bill failed after former President Donald Trump, who has said that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country, refused to support the measure, hoping to use the issue in his campaign for a second term. Some Republicans on the committee suggested undocumented immigrants endangered the country. We are at a point in this country where we are being invaded, said Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield. It may not always be with weapons and with military might as we typically imagine invasion, and since the federal government as abdicated its role and done such a poor job of enforcing existing laws and protecting its people, unfortunately, whether its Texas or Alabama, or other states in the southern part of this country, we have found this dumped on our laps where we are having to address this problem. But immigrants by and large skip Alabama. Just 3.8% of the states population is foreign-born, according to the U.S. Census. The number nationally is about 14%. There is little evidence to suggest that immigrants are more likely to commit crimes than those who are born in the U.S. I think based on the language that was used in the committee hearing, we heard a lot of talk that sounds like replacement theory, said Jerome Dees, SPLC Action Fund Alabama policy director. This fanciful concern that individuals have of losing what America is or was. But honestly, it is pure racist ideology. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Alabama House bill would allow local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws appeared first on Alabama Reflector. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Transition to green energy is a priority issue not just for Azerbaijan but for all countries throughout the world, expert economist Parviz Heydarov told Trend. He noted that European countries have already taken significant steps in this direction. "In some European countries, green energy sources provide for 50 percent of the total energy supply. As a result, the demand for gas and oil products in these countries is declining. This indirectly impacts the prices of these products on global markets," he said. According to the expert, Azerbaijan has a lot of potential for producing green energy, notably in the lands that were liberated from occupation. "Green energy technology necessitates a significant financial commitment. Work has already begun to recruit investors into this sector. As an example, Azerbaijan and Masdar Company (UAE) inked three investment agreements for green energy projects totaling 1,000 MW. The investment agreements envisage the development of projects such as a 445 MW solar power plant in Bilasuvar district, a 315 MW solar power plant in Neftchala district, and a 240 MW wind power plant in the Absheron-Garadagh region," he concluded. Nowadays, the global energy sector is transitioning away from fossil-based energy production and consumption systems such as oil, natural gas, and coal and toward renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, as well as lithium-ion batteries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) The Alabama Department of Transportation is currently working to widen Interstate 10 and Interstate 65 in south Alabama. ALDOTs latest interstate project is widening about five miles of both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-10 from March Road to McDonald Road in Mobile County. Prichard homicide victim identified: family members Once the work is complete, there will be a third lane in each direction on the interstate for a total of six lanes. This is to provide additional capacity for the nearly 65,000 vehicles that frequently travel on this stretch of I-10. Beginning phase of I-10 widening in Mobile County. (Photo courtesy of ALDOT) Intermediate phase of I-10 widening in Mobile County. (Photo courtesy of ALDOT) The Rebuilt Alabama Act is funding the $24.8 million project. ALDOT estimated the project will finish this summer. UPDATE: Mobile Police officer placed on administrative duty after deadly crash with motorcycle I-65 widening project in early stages Another ALDOT road widening project is in the works for I-65. Currently, in the design phase, ALDOT is working to add a lane for the northbound and southbound lanes to I-65 along a two-mile stretch from Exit 13 or SR-158 to Exit 15, which is Celeste Road in Saraland. The idea is to help ease congestion on this stretch of road in both directions, ALDOT said. Orange Beach boy with rare genetic heart defect UAB-bound for more treatments Under the current design, the I-65 bridges over SR-158 will be replaced and widened as part of the project, an ALDOT release said. This design adds capacity to the interstate and provides a safety improvement from the existing 2-lane bridge to a new 3-lane bridge with wider shoulders for safer travel. In addition, new intelligent transportation system devices will be installed for traffic monitoring and to provide drivers with traffic conditions and information. This project is set to begin this fall and is estimated to take about a year and a half to complete. ALDOT said this project is a part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, a five-year plan the department uses for budgeting and planning purposes. Two Citronelle players commit to play college football The project will cost $25 million. Federal funding will cover it with the state providing the required 20% match. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Are allergies getting worse? Its not just in your head NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Do you struggle from seasonal pollen allergies? From sneezing and stuffy nose to itchy eyes and asthma, for those that suffer from pollen allergies it can be a challenging time. But, it only lasts a quick season, right? Super Doppler 10: Pollen season blows in during March and April According to experts, as temperatures rise, it looks like pollen seasons are going to get progressively worse. And, in the southern region of the United States, areas like Hampton Roads will feel the impact. At the Digital Desk, a local expert joined Digital Host Sarah Goode to discuss what we can expect in Hampton Roads, the climate impact and how to get some relief. Watch the conversation in the video player on this page. Jim Blando, an associate professor and chair in the School of Community and Environmental Health at Old Dominion University, has been studying the impact of climate change on pollen and allergies amongst other topics. Blando has spent years working in industrial hygiene and air quality. The field is wide-ranging, covering the effects of allergy seasons, soot, wildfires and other contaminants. It is important work because these issues can impact public health significantly. Everyone has to breathe and your stuck with breathing the air quality thats around you, Blando said. Currently, North Carolina and Virginia are reporting very high levels of pollen. In March, Virginia Beach joined the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Americas, or AAFA, list for the most challenging cities to manage seasonal pollen allergies in the number two spot. The 2024 Allergy Capitals report takes a look at the tree, grass and weed pollen scores, over-the-counter allergy medicine use and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists. Read the full report here. Virginia Beach ranked #2 on list of most challenging cities for allergies Nearby cities of Richmond, Virginia and Raleigh, North Carolina also joined the worst allergy cities list. According to the CDC, Climate change will potentially lead to both higher pollen concentrations and longer pollen seasons, causing more people to suffer more health effects from pollen and other allergens. Blando said the impact of climate change and higher temperatures have been studied and documented by both academics and scientists alike. There are three major changes at play. First, Blando said the length of allergy season is increasing, and it also tends to occur earlier. Second, Studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that because of the changing climate, a lot of plants that produce pollen for example, are producing more of it. Third, other studies also suggest the pollen is more allergenic. These three factors lead to a challenging environment. Not only is the allergy season increasing in length, its happening earlier, were getting more pollen, and some of those pollens may tend to be more allergenic, Blando said. Seasons are not as consistent with the changing climate, allowing for intense weather periods. Blando said intense wet periods can lead to standing water where mold can grow, leading to spores that can be problematic for some people with allergies. The combination of these factors combined with what we are seeing from climate change in fact may be indicative of some of these anecdotal observations that people are having, Blando said. Where they say, Boy it seems like the allergy seasons are worse that I remember. And, I think theres scientific evidence to support that. Other factors at play that can worsen allergies include genetic factors, diet, and preexisting health conditions. For example, for someone who has asthma, certainly their asthma can be aggravated by exposure to allergens and so on, Blando said. Host factors can make some people more susceptible more than others. Blando offered several suggestions for people to find some relief not only during allergy season but all year-long. Wear a mask if you are able during lawn chores like mowing the lawn or raking leaves. To protect others around you, wear a mask to catch droplets if you have a runny nose, cough or are sneezing due to allergies. Its possible to pass other particles along. Use HEPA air purifiers and HEPA air filters in your home. Consult with immunologists and medical providers for treatment and care. Jim Blando shares more on climate change, pollen, allergens, wildfires and ways to find relief in the Digital Desk LIVE. Watch in the video player on this page. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Over 40 countries called for a special tribunal to hold Russia accountable for war crimes committed in Ukraine at the Restoring Justice for Ukraine conference held in the Netherlands on April 2. The conference addressed point seven of President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point peace formula, "restoring justice." The Netherlands, host country to the International Criminal Court (ICC), has agreed to take the lead on this point of Ukraine's peace plan. "Were prepared to take all steps necessary to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. If necessary at international level," Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot said in a press statement. "And all steps necessary to ensure that the crime of aggression is addressed by a special tribunal; and that Russia pays for the damage it has inflicted." The conference published a political declaration, signed by 44 countries, condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine and advocating for the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate and prosecute Russian crimes. The declaration also called on Russia to pay compensatory damages for crimes inflicted on Ukrainians, and supported exploring the use of frozen Russian assets to pay these damages. The Netherlands extended conditional offers to host both the tribunal and a compensation mechanism, according to the document. Bruins Slot announced that the compensation mechanism, officially called the Register of Damage for Ukraine, allows Ukrainians to enter claims for damages to their property caused by Russia's invasion. She said the register is now operational and has already processed over 100 claims. The conference was chaired by Bruins Slot along with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the Dutch Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz, and European Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. Ukrainian officials have documented thousands of war crimes committed by Russian forces, including deliberate attacks on civilians, attacks on cultural sites or medical institutions, torture, and deportations. The Prosecutor General's Office reported on March 18 that Ukraine has collected pretrial information on over 128,000 victims of war crimes. Read also: Experts warn UN courts approach in Ukraine versus Russia genocide cases may lead to more instability Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Updated 3:14 p.m. Thursday: South Dakota Department of Corrections released an updated memo Thursday on phone and tablet-based call limits for state prison inmates. According to the DOC memo, the department will reinstate the ability for offenders to place calls using their personal tablets starting Friday. Additionally, offenders will be able to make up to five 20-minute phone calls on tablets and in-house wall phones following a "discussion with the executive team and to promote offender communication with family and loved ones," the Thursday release states. An earlier memo sent to inmates Tuesday originally limited the number of calls prison residents could place per day to three. Earlier story: Inmates at one of South Dakota's prison facilities say tensions are rising as residents prepare to lose a lifeline to their outside support systems. The South Dakota Department of Corrections intends to limit the amount of phone calls that state inmates can make per day, as well as how long those calls can be, according to a Tuesday memo from Amber Pirraglia, DOC director of corrections. The decision comes nearly a month after the DOC suspended phone calls and messaging services on inmate tablets as part of an investigation into what Gov. Kristi Noem has called "nefarious" uses of the functions, and several days after what state department leaders have called "disturbances" on back-to-back nights at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. The ripple effects are now being felt at Mike Durfee State Prison, a medium security facility in Springfield, where inmates like Brian Anderson are transitioning from a paid instant messaging app to a more limited phone call allowance. "I feel like these people are cutting me off from my support group, people that actually helped me rehabilitate, and are helping me to cope and help me want to be better to get back into society and do good," Anderson told the Argus Leader this week. "It's almost dehumanizing." Anderson and other inmates received the memo earlier this week, which stated the department and the Inspector General's office "have worked to resolve an investigation" that led to the suspended features. "In response to the investigation, the messaging app will continue to be disabled, indefinitely," Pirraglia wrote in the memo. The statement also said the departments have worked to "establish appropriate guidelines for phone calls on tablets," which include limiting inmates to three phone calls a day, limiting the calls to 20 minutes in length and allowing calls to be made on either tablets or wall phones. The South Dakota State Penitentiary on Friday, March 29, 2024 in Sioux Falls. More: DCI will investigate both nights of 'disturbance' at the South Dakota State Penitentiary "Phone calls could be reinstated as early as this week as we finalize the rollout schedule," Pirraglia wrote in a similar memo sent to DOC staff Sunday. The Argus Leader reached Anderson on Tuesday evening, when he and other inmates received the new call guidelines on their tablet devices. As of Wednesday morning, the more restrictive calling allowances have not been implemented at the Springfield prison. However, the looming changes remain a source of frustration for some of the prison's residents, Anderson said. "A lot of guys are starting to stress out over it," Anderson said. "You can already hear guys talking about, you know, retaliating against I don't want to say it non-inmates." State inmates, prior to the March 8 suspension of tablet-based communication, had used the devices to communicate with friends and family members outside of prison. Both services were offered by GTL, a private company which contracts with the DOC. Calls made through an inmate's tablet could last up to one hour. Inmates could also send text and photo messages through the app. These messages are supposed to be subject to monitoring, according to the DOC's inmate access to telephones and tablets guidelines. But Anderson alleged some inmates and their loved ones transitioned as early as September away from GTL's ConnectNetwork service to GettingOut, a GTL messaging app. While they serve the same purpose, Anderson said he's noticed differences in how the app is monitored. Messages sent through ConnectNetwork, Anderson said, often needed to be approved, which could take hours or even days. However, when the prison tablets began offering the GettingOut app, Anderson said messages to and from his contacts would often go through instantaneously. Jade Chipps poses for a photo with the cardboard cutout of her husband. Jade Chipps, a Florida resident whose partner resides at Mike Durfee State Prison, also said the inmate tablets began using GettingOut around that time. "It's been nice, because, in the past, if you texted on a weekend when there wasn't a security guard monitoring the messages, it could take days for your text to get through," Chipps said. Few details have been released about what led to the statewide investigation of the tablet usage, or the two "disturbances" at the South Dakota State Penitentiary within the last week. A statement from DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko on March 27 noted at least one staff member had been assaulted in the first disturbance at the South Dakota State Penitentiary, but to what extent injuries were remains unclear. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley directed the state's Division of Criminal Investigation to investigate both nights of disturbances and prosecute anyone responsible for harming correctional officers, inmates or state property. Wasko also said Friday the state penitentiary was undergoing a search for contraband. Anderson said the loss of privileges afforded by the tablets follows other restrictive measures taken by the DOC. In late 2022, DOC facilities reduced a weekly cap on commissary purchases from $40 to $25. This has forced some inmates to choose between hygiene or medical products and food each week. "If you have to buy Tylenol or medication or vitamins, they're so expensive," Anderson said. "You're sacrificing your commissary and you're forced to go eat nasty chow hall food, which they claim is better, but I can promise you it's not." An anonymous inmate said this has led some Mike Durfee State Prison residents to extort fellow offenders for their commissary money. The Argus Leader has chosen not to release the name of the inmate, who expressed concerns their physical safety could be compromised by inmates and prison staff for speaking about the extortion, as well as affect their ability to receive commutation for their sentence and an upcoming parole hearing. "That's kind of important to us, because that's what we live on," the inmate said. "You're reducing our commissary, reducing our phone time. You're just progressing us to be hardened." The inmate said other offenders who are seen as more vulnerable and those who have committed sex offenses are being targeted in particular. "Now, they don't have much, so now they're going to go try and find more," the inmate said. "You're going to find a reason to get more." More: DOC Secretary says large search for contraband at State Penitentiary ongoing The Argus Leader has reached out to the DOC and Gov. Kristi Noem's office multiple times since March 28 to ask about the events, including what happened during and since the incidents, how "order was restored," and what policies the prison has regarding "disturbances." The Argus Leader had yet to receive a response as of Wednesday afternoon. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Mike Durfee State Prison inmates' phone calls limited by DOC Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, said he views child trafficking as the most evil thing, and another form of slavery. Americans need to know that whats going on in the dark, is the most evil thing that we can ever think of children being abused and just tossed away like trash and were allowing that to happen, said Owens, who represents Utahs 4th District. He said he thinks Utahns can be naive and overlook such operations, leaving them vulnerable. Ive never been in a state like Utah with a culture that cares more about children and we sometimes dont understand that this true pure evil is out there because we often dont see it in our neighborhoods, the Utah congressman said. This prompted Owens to want to fight back, he added. Owens and Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., introduced the bipartisan Preventing Child Trafficking Act in the House. It has been endorsed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. This bill, Owens said, will fight against a $150 billion industry that robs children of all their innocence. The legislation was first introduced in the Senate by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., in January, during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received reports of 3,000 potential victims who were children and many cases were never reported or uncovered. These traffickers, anyone from members of organized crime to family members or friends, exploit children sexually or force them into labor. The victims face long-lasting effects like depression, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse. A New York Times report from February 2023 interviewed 100 migrant child workers in 20 states and found they were working dangerous jobs in factories for large American companies. Federal data suggests more than 137,000 unaccompanied minors entered through the southern border in 2023, and more than 152,000 in 2022. The proposed law would direct the Department of Justices Office of Victims of Crime and the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Trafficking in Persons to work together. This collaboration would encourage sharing data and results transparently, said Owens, acknowledging the Beehive States success in endeavors that require working with one another. For him, migrants are at the top of his mind with the latest bill. We have no idea where they are. We dont know how they are being treated, the Utah representative said. Any child that lives here should be protected. How is it we have an organization of government that has ... actually lost 85,000 unaccompanied children? Owens said, referring to migrants under the age of 18, who crossed the border without a parent. According to reports, Health and Human Services lost contact with more than 85,000 children after they were placed with sponsors. Under the Biden administration, familial DNA testing was done away with, leaving the door open for child exploitation and trafficking as these young people are placed under the care of sponsors who may or may not be related to the child. During an October 2023 Senate hearing, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, pressed Robin Dunn Marcos, director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, on what the agency was doing to find the missing children. After some back and forth, Lee said, Theyre not lost because youre not legally responsible to know where any of them are after you place them yes or no? Marcos said her agency isnt a law enforcement or investigative agency, which Lee quickly responded to and said he doesnt doubt that, as the Deseret News previously reported. One study cited by The Heritage Foundation estimates that 60% of Latin American children crossing the border alone or alongside a smuggler are sexually abused or involved with drug trafficking. Owens said the Biden administration should shut down the southern border to curb the problem from growing, but he said the White House refuses to take action on the overwhelming migrant crisis. Were dealing with a process in which the cartels make $32 million per week on one small stretch of this border, Owens. The U.S. Government Accountability Offices 2023 report recommended federal agencies work together. Owens said record keeping needs to be Improved for unaccompanied migrant children to ensure their safety in the homes of people known to them or vetted by the government instead of complete strangers. This will help track down where the lost migrant children are and prevent such situations in the future. Understand that were talking about children, he said. Theyre going through some very traumatic times and were going to pay a price for that. Its just that we all know how that works. We need to figure out a way to give these kids their second chance, give them mental health (resources) that they need to make sure theyre in a place to feel safe, he said. Were adding a lot more stress to our societal structure ... How can we expect to have a productive, free country, a more productive country if we dont start off with our kids being protected, the way they should be? A university in Texas has begun massive staff layoffs months after a statewide ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public colleges took effect. State Sen. Brandon Creighton, a Republican, warned Texas university system administrators last week about the state's expectations for higher education institutions to comply with Senate Bill 17, an anti-DEI law that went into effect in January. Now, the University of Texas at Austin has laid off at least 60 staff members who previously worked in DEI-related positions, according to two people with knowledge of the terminations who confirmed them to the Austin American-Statesman, part of the USA TODAY Network. The decision is yet another escalation in the mounting attacks on programs that benefit marginalized groups in higher education. In red states like Texas and Florida, anti-DEI laws have shuttered safe spaces for LGBTQ students in the past year and triggered fears that professors and students would flee to more liberal states. The University of Texas has laid off at least 60 staff members who previously worked in diversity, equity and inclusion-related positions, according to two people with knowledge of the terminations. The University of Texas has not confirmed to the Statesman the number of staff positions that have been eliminated or how many employees will be laid off. But on Tuesday afternoon, one of the people with knowledge of the terminations said at least 60 people lost their jobs, 40 of them in the Division of Campus and Community Engagement alone. The layoffs become effective in 90 days or more, people familiar with the terminations told the Statesman. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the terminations publicly. UT did not respond to a Statesman request for comment. Read more: DEI lives to fight another day at the University of Wyoming UT Austin is also closing the Division of Campus and Community Engagement, previously known as the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. President Jay Hartzell said in an email to the UT community on Tuesday afternoon, which was obtained by the Statesman, that although the school made changes before Jan. 1 to comply with SB 17, "we knew that more work would be required to utilize our talent and resources most effectively in support of our teaching and research missions, and ultimately, our students." More: What UT lost with SB 17: American-Statesman's guide to changes due to Texas' anti-DEI law "The new law has changed the scope of some programs on campus, making them broader and creating duplication with long-standing existing programs supporting students, faculty, and staff," Hartzell said. "Following those reviews, we have concluded that additional measures are necessary to reduce overlaps, streamline student-facing portfolios, and optimize and redirect resources into our fundamental activities of teaching and research." Hartzell said the remaining programs will be redistributed among other divisions. He said funding that previously supported DEI initiatives will now be redirected to "support teaching and research." Student support, however, will be available for the rest of the semester. "The positions that provided support for those associate and assistant deans and a small number of staff roles across campus that were formerly focused on DEI will no longer be funded," Hartzell said. More: 'Exhausted', 'confused,' 'unprecedented': Texas professors, students reflect on DEI ban Hartzell added in his email that the Division of Student Affairs will work to ensure student-facing support lasts through the rest of the semester as do student workers' positions, and that "staff members whose positions are being eliminated will have the opportunity to apply and be considered for existing open positions at the University, and resources will be made available to support them." The university did not clarify how many or which programs and positions have been eliminated. University officials at seven other University of Texas campuses did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday about whether they had taken or planned to take similar action. DEI on campus: Attacks continue nationwide In recent years, conservatives have centered their disdain for diversity, equity and inclusion programs in their approach to higher education policy. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, more than 80 DEI-related bills have been introduced since 2023 in state legislatures nationwide, largely aimed at dismantling such programs. About two dozen of those bills have either become law or were given a final legislative stamp of approval. Nowhere have DEI programs been more jeopardized than Florida and Texas. Republican governors in both states signed strict laws preventing taxpayer dollars from going toward certain positions or training tailored to help marginalized groups succeed on campus. Why are changes influenced by SB 17 still being made? In Texas, SB 17 bans DEI offices, initiatives and employees from fulfilling those functions at Texas public universities and colleges. In Creightons March 26 letter to university system chancellors and boards of regents, he expressed disappointment that some colleges might just be changing office names and titles as part of their compliance, and he cautioned that this letter should serve as notice that this practice is unacceptable. He warned administrators that lawmakers could take legal action and even freeze state funding for their institutions if they do not fully comply with SB 17. "Recognized as the most robust DEI prohibition in the nation, this bill mandates a fundamental shift in the operation of our higher education institutions," Creighton said in his letter. Read more: Emotions run high as Nebraska becomes latest state caught in crosshairs of DEI initiatives A UT department chair who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the terminations publicly told the Statesman that they were contacted by their dean Tuesday morning to notify them that an employee in the department would be terminated. That employee, according to the chair, had previously worked in a DEI-related role but was reassigned to a new position and duties as part of the school's compliance with SB 17. A sophomore who also works in the dean's office told The Daily Texan, the campus newspaper, on Tuesday she learned secondhand that her job had been axed. We had an event today, so I texted my boss and I said Hello, where in the Union are we meeting? Taizon Walker told the Daily Texan. She said, Our job has been dissolved today. In previous communications about the anti-DEI law, Hartzell assured the community that the school would continue to support all students while complying with the law. From December until this week, Hartzell did not address the university community about the school's continued efforts to comply with SB 17. On Tuesday when he announced the Division of Campus and Community Engagement was shutting down. 'Y'all are taking away lifesaving services' UT Austin senior Bibi Macias, a first-generation college student involved in student agencies previously housed in the now-shuttered Multicultural Engagement Center, said the news of staff members losing their jobs and as well as the Division of Campus and Community Engagement (formerly Diversity and Community Engagement Division) closing is "disgusting." "Heartbreaking and devastating don't begin to cover my feelings about it," Macias said. "Y'all are taking away lifesaving services." As a first-generation student, Macias said, the Community Engagement Division has been an important resource for her. She said its support had a drastic impact on students' experience and comfort on campus. But she also worries about the staff members, who have dedicated so much to supporting students. "They're messing with people's lives," Macias said. Students and professors have accused the university of overcomplying with the law UT has shut down programs like Monarch, which helped undocumented students navigate school applications, internships and financial aid; and shuttered the Multicultural Engagement Center, which served as a home away from home for students of multiple multicultural identities and was open to everyone. They've argued that SB 17 and the university's compliance with it is creating a chilling effect on recruitment and retention Macias fears it will affect graduation rates for marginalized student groups. Some conservative lawmakers, who have celebrated ending DEI programs at universities and colleges, have said the Legislature's work to end "woke" policies, or identity politics, at institutions of higher learning is not finished. UT, like all public universities, went through drastic changes in the weeks and months leading up to SB 17's Jan. 1 effective date. In December, UT announced it was replacing its Gender and Sexuality Center with the Womens Community Center, shifting the center's focus from LGBTQ+ issues to gender-related matters. With its depth, breadth and extraordinary expertise, the Division of Campus and Community Engagement will continue to distinguish UT Austin as uniquely capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing campus, state and world, LaToya Smith, vice president of campus and community engagement, said in an email to the school community in December about the division's changes. We are here for all. Macias, who is involved in the QTBIPOCA and Latinx Community Affairs student agencies that lost UT sponsorship before Jan. 1, said SB 17 creates more pressure for students to create and maintain safe spaces for historically underrepresented and marginalized peoples. Macias's younger sister, a UT freshman, won't have the resources she did, she said. "How do we survive as these institutions within UT?" Macias asked. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas university lays off dozens of employees amid state DEI ban Amnesty International is calling on the government of the Dominican Republic to end immigration policies toward Haitians that the agency says include mass, discriminatory expulsions and racial profiling of Black Dominicans of Haitian descent. In an open letter to Dominican President Luis Abinader, the human rights organization said it has documented instances where the rights of both Haitians and Black Dominicans are being violated. The information received by Amnesty International and civil society organizations in the Dominican Republic reveal worrying violations of human rights committed through measures of racialized exclusion of Haitian and Dominican people of Haitian descent by immigration agents, police and members of the security forces armed forces that assist the General Directorate of Immigration in immigration operations, the human rights organization said. Since the beginning of the year, the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has expelled more than 30,000 Haitians to Haiti, according to data from the United Nations International Organization for Migration, which tracks deportations. Among those returned to Haiti are 12,598 Haitians who were expelled from the Dominican Republic in March. Following the latest violent uprising by an alliance of armed groups in Port-au-Prince, Abinader said that he would not allow refugee camps in his country for Haitians seeking refuge. He has continued with expulsions despite calls by human rights groups that deportations should cease. Efforts to reach Dominican officials were unsuccessful. Amnesty International is seeking a meeting with the president, who is currently running for reelection. The agencys concerns include complaints by artists, civil society organizations, activists and members of the diplomatic corps in the Dominican Republic that they are being harassed online, and are the targets of threats and boycotts of their activities by groups that operate based on racist and xenophobic rhetoric. The Dominican Republic has not taken measures to prevent xenophobia, racism, discrimination and intolerance based on national, racial or ethnic origin, Amnesty said. It is also of utmost importance that the State authorities must refrain from stigmatizing Haitian people on the move as an economic burden for the State and as a threat to sovereignty and national security. Amnesty says Haitian asylum seekers are being arbitrarily arrested and deported, and that certificates granting protection are not being renewed. From October 2023 to January 2024, no permanent residencies have been renewed or issued to nationals of Haiti. Only four Haitians have received permanent residence and one was granted temporary residence, Amnesty said. The Dominican government has suspended legal means for people from Haiti to enter the country and renew their study, residence or work visas. This suspension has left people in a situation of irregular immigration status and has separated families, Amnesty said. Tensions between both countries flared up last fall after Haitians began constructing a canal along the Massacre River in northeast Haiti on the border. Objecting to the construction, Dominican authorities shut down their entire border with Haiti and suspended the processing and issuance of visas, residence permits and other immigration relief to Haitians until further notice. Amid the controversy, at least one Black Dominican of Haitian descent was arrested and, after being mistaken for a Haitian national, she was deported to Haiti, according to her family. Cristina Martinez Lorenzo finally re-emerged in the Dominican Republic after going missing for 23 days. Measures must be urgently adopted to avoid racial profiling in the arrests of people, whether Dominican or foreign, Amnesty said. In its report, the agency said there are other troubling practices including the deportation of pregnant women and children from the Dominican Republic, and the existing barriers confronting those seeking international protection, including at the border with Haiti. Amnesty said that Haitians seeking asylum in the Dominican Republic continue to have their applications overwhelming rejected, according to data that was submitted to the U.S. State Department by the National Refugee Commission. The 2018 report of said organization mentions that according to United Nations officials, the rejection rate of applications submitted since 2013 was 96%. The same report highlights that, according to UNHCR, of the more than 300 cases of asylum seekers between 2012 and 2016 that received a final decision, the government rejected 99% with the vague justification of lack of evidence, Amnesty said. Furthermore, 99% of the applicants were of Haitian origin. The data, Amnesty said, along with other information from later years is alarming, and together with the barriers to access to asylum, they raise fears that there will be even fewer cases are being effectively processed, and the way in which the Dominican government is applying the standards international matters of asylum and refuge. The agency asked that the Dominican Republic use recognized international standards to decide the status of Haitian refugees. By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European policymakers have scaled back rules to protect nature, drawn up limits on the import of tariff-free Ukrainian grains and scrapped new legislation limiting pesticide use as farmers' protests resonate with voters ahead of elections. From Poland to Portugal, farmers have won remarkable concessions in response to waves of street action, reshaping the European Union's green politics months ahead of European Parliament elections. Environmental activists and analysts say the policy backsliding illustrates the considerable political influence of farmers as mainstream parties seek to impede the far right and nationalist parties' hunt for votes in rural areas. Farmers again blockaded streets surrounding the European Union headquarters in Brussels last week, spraying manure to protest low incomes, cheap food imports and burdensome red tape. As they did so, the bloc's farming ministers backed a new set of changes to weaken green rules linked to the disbursement of tens of billions of euros in farming subsidies. When the last European elections were held in 2019, the Greens made strong gains and climate activist Greta Thunberg was voted Time Magazine's Person of the Year. "The elections in 2024 will be elections in the year of angry farmers," said Franc Bogovic, a Slovenian lawmaker in the European Parliament and himself a farmer. The scramble to placate farmers has impacted key pillars of EU policy, pressuring the bloc over its Green Deal and free trade accords. EU environment commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius warned of a "disastrous" blow to the bloc's credibility last week, when EU countries declined to approve a landmark law to safeguard nature, leaving it unclear if the policy will be passed. Other green measures are hanging in the balance ahead of the election. EU countries asked Brussels last week to scale back and possibly delay a new anti-deforestation policy, which they said could harm local farmers. In France, senators in March voted against ratification of an EU-Canada free trade deal, targeting a symbol of the EU's willingness to open up markets and boost competition. And while the EU has extended tariff-free access for Ukrainian food producers, it agreed last month to impose duties if imports exceed a certain level, in response to farmers' protests. Some farming groups acknowledge the response by policymakers to the protests is likely linked to June's elections - but say the weakening of green rules is not what they want. Story continues "Our demands (for fair prices) have not actually been met," said Dutch farmer Leonardo van den Berg, a representative of farming association La Via Campesina. RURAL DISCONTENT Farmers account for 4.2% of the EU's workforce and generate just 1.4% of the bloc's gross domestic product. However, their protests resonate in the countryside where discontent towards distant policymakers and questions of cultural identity run deep. A report commissioned by the EU's Committee of the Regions, published last month, found Eurosceptic voting was high in many rural areas, where concerns including over migration and lower economic opportunities boosted populist parties. An Elabe survey in January showed 87% of French people supported the farmers' cause. In Poland, nearly eight in every 10 people backed the farmers' demands, according to a poll by the Institute of Market and Social Research. The far right in France and elsewhere paint the farmers' protests as symptomatic of a disconnect between an urban elite and hard-up countryside folk. Farmers are a small group, but the far right thinks it can attract a much wider rural vote by extension, said Teneo analyst Antonio Barroso. Far-right parties are jostling to be the standard-bearers of farmers discontent, using them to illustrate the perceived failure of what they consider elitist green policies, said Simone Tagliapietra, senior fellow at think-tank Bruegel. "This is pushing mainstream political parties to recalibrate their own agendas," Tagliapietra said. In France, farmers are a growing constituency for Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National) party. She has called for a halt to EU free trade deals. Asked why farmers were proving so effective in influencing policymaking, agriculture ministers in Brussels last week described farmers as lynchpins of the rural economy. "Everybody needs to eat everyday," Finland's minister Sari Essayah said. "(Farming) is one of those basic sectors we should support." Irish Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said Europe needed to learn from the upheaval to food supply chains inflicted by Russia's war in Ukraine. "We cannot take food security for granted," he said. Environmental campaigners warn of the pace at which environmental policies are being loosened for what they say is political expediency. Changes to weaken environmental criteria linked to the disbursement of subsidies under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) had taken place at lightning speed without proper consultation, Greenpeace said. "What they are now presenting as a set of simplification adjustments is literally a CAP reform worked out in a week," said Marco Contiero, the group's EU agriculture policy director, somewhat exaggerating what were still speedy proposals. "This is a political, an electoral card being played," he said. A Commission spokesperson said the proposals to amend the CAP were "carefully calibrated, and targeted to maintain a high level of environment and climate ambition". The Commission consulted four EU-level farming associations and EU member states before proposing the measures to reduce bureaucracy for farmers, the spokesperson said. (Reporting by Kate Abnett in Brussels; additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels, Sybille de la Hamaide in Paris; Editing by Richard Lough and Susan Fenton) By Stanley Widianto and Ananda Teresia JAKARTA (Reuters) - Soon after Indonesia's incoming leader Prabowo Subianto won the February presidential election, the Chinese embassy in Jakarta sent him a cat tree and a stuffed toy for his beloved pet Bobby, according to the cat's official Instagram page. It was part of a concerted charm offensive by China, the second-largest investor in Indonesia behind neighbour Singapore. Days after Prabowo claimed victory in the election, China's ambassador to Indonesia came to his home to congratulate him. And this week, Prabowo travelled to Beijing at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. Analysts say China is courting president-elect and current defence minister Prabowo to ensure the continuation of his predecessor President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's policies, which include a strong economic relationship with Beijing and very few irritants. Analysts however say although Prabowo is expected to continue Jokowi's policies, he might be more unpredictable and explosive if Indonesia is dragged into geopolitical tensions, such as the simmering conflict in the South China Sea. China lays claim to almost the entire waterway, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual maritime commerce, but its claims overlap those of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). China's relations with the Philippines have nosedived in recent months because of the South China Sea claims and Manila's growing ties with United States. Prabowo is expected to want to burnish his reputation as a nationalist and take a tougher stance on the South China Sea, said Yohanes Sulaiman, an international relations professor at Jenderal Achmad Yani University. "He has always carried with him the concept of the nationalist," he said. "That's his trademark." Owing to Prabowo's stint as defence minister and a former military commander, foreign policy expert Dewi Fortuna Anwar said China may have concerns that he will prioritise security over the economy, which will be at variance with Jokowi's presidency. "He will be more unpredictable (than Jokowi)," she said. The invitation to visit to a president-elect is unusual for China and it shows a clear attempt at wooing Southeast Asia's largest economy, said Dewi, who has been an adviser to former vice presidents. "China wants to ensure Prabowo continues Jokowi's policy," Dewi said. "The United States and China are jostling to make sure that Indonesia looks to them." 'KEY PARTNER' On Monday, Prabowo, whose ministry said he went to Beijing as a defence minister and not as president-elect, said he supports closer Indonesia-China relations and "wishes to continue President Jokowi's policy of friendship with China." After meeting Xi on Monday, Prabowo said he viewed China as "one of the key partners in ensuring regional peace and stability," adding that he sought to boost defence cooperation with China. Prabowo pledged to continue Jokowi's economic and foreign policies during his election campaign. Jokowi's implicit support contributed to Prabowo's victory, with his son as the president-elect's running mate. Throughout his presidency, Jokowi actively sought Chinese investment for Indonesia's nascent electric vehicle industry. Indonesia has the world's largest nickel reserves, an important material for EV batteries. Chinese companies, including the world's biggest EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL) and steel maker Tsingshan Group, have built plants and smelters in Indonesia, mostly on the country's Sulawesi island. Jokowi, who went to China for his first visit in 2014 after he was first inaugurated as president, also secured loans from the world's second-largest economy to fund its high-speed railway worth $7.3 billion. Indonesia has also courted U.S. investment, trying to lure carmaker Tesla into investing and has secured a deal with Ford to invest in a nickel processing plant on Sulawesi. But China's investment eclipses that of the U.S. China invested $7.4 billion in Indonesia for the whole year of 2023, compared to $3.3 billion from the United States, data from Indonesia's investment ministry shows. Xi said on Monday that China "views its relations with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to deepen all-round strategic cooperation with Indonesia," citing the railway as an example. Prabowo said at a forum last November that Indonesia was committed to its policy of non-alignment and would keep good ties with both China and the United States. "We want to maintain our policy of good neighbourliness in our region and also in the world," he said, adding that he "admires" China's education and fight against corruption. (Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Animal rescue icon Lee Asher, of Asher House, returns to Florida. See locations of his tour Animal rescue icon Lee Asher will return to Florida in May for three speaking engagements. Asher, who was born in New York but raised in South Florida, will speak in Jacksonville, Orlando and Clearwater. The appearances are of Asher's "Unlock your super power" tour. Asher's talks will take place right after the Memorial Day weekend. "Through compelling stories of overcoming adversity, heartfelt anecdotes about embracing the growth that comes out of tragedy, and a wealth of knowledge about the world of animal rescue, Lee captivates audiences and encourages them to join the movement to be their best self," read a description of the tour on the Asher House Facebook page. Asher spoke in Boca Raton at Lynn University in November. Profile story on Lee Asher: How animal rescue star lives his best pack life, and why he eyes Florida sanctuary Where will Lee Asher be speaking in Florida in May? The three events are: Wednesday, May 29, at 8 p.m.: Florida Theater at 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Ticket prices range from $36 to $101. Thursday, May 30 at 8 p.m.: Hard Rock Live Orlando at 650 Universal Blvd. at CityWalk. Tickets range from $42 to $186. Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m.: Ruth Eckerd Hall at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets are $49 and $69. Want to adopt a shelter do? Animal rescue icon Lee Asher offers advice, tips for prospective owners Who is Lee Asher of 'My Pack Life' and what is The Asher House? Lee Asher, owner of The Asher Sanctuary in Oregon. Asher, 35, starred in a 2022 reality TV series called "My Pack Life." Today, Asher cares for an estimated 200 dogs, cats, horses, llamas and other animals at three privately run Asher House sanctuaries in Oregon. He shares the stories of the animals he rescues in emotion-packed videos accessed by 6.3 million people on Facebook and 1.6 million followers each on Instagram and TikTok plus 593,000 subscribers on YouTube. A Florida sanctuary? Animal rescue icon Lee Asher plans to expand his sanctuary concept across the U.S. How did Lee Asher get into the animal rescue business? Lee Asher of Asher House, pictured here with two members of his "pack," returns to Florida in May for three speaking engagements. Asher struggled with severe attention deficit disorder as a youth growing up in South Florida. During a recent appearance at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Asher spoke of desperation "to fit in" and feeling "very different" from his peers whom he watched succeed and thrive. The struggles worsened, and after a serious bullying incident, Asher was forced to change schools. At about the age of 12, he said, he began visiting a Broward County animal shelter where he found consolation, and kinship, with the dogs and cats in the kennels. "When I was able to be with the dogs, and they would go from being scared in a corner to tail-wagging and me petting them through the kennel and I could see them happy; seeing them happy just completely took all my pain away," Asher recalled. 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: The Asher House: Animal rescue icon Lee Asher's Florida speaking tour BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Republic of Congo wants to take advantage of Azerbaijan's experience in green energy, Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Congo, said in an exclusive interview with Trend, as he visited Baku. "Azerbaijan boasts significant expertise in green energy initiatives. In Congo, we are endowed with the powerful Congo Riverthe second largest river in terms of flow, after the Amazon, and the second longest in Africa after the Nile. This river traverses both the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo, presenting immense potential for hydroelectric energy generation. Leveraging Azerbaijan's experience in hydrography-based green energy, we aim to harness this potential by constructing micro-hydroelectric dams for electricity distribution and agricultural irrigation," he said. Gakosso also touched upon the prospects for cooperation in the sphere of agriculture. "With fertile land and abundant rainfalleight months out of twelvewe possess the capacity for agricultural production. However, our agricultural sector requires mechanization to reach its full potential. This presents an area where partnerships can flourish, and we look to Azerbaijan's experience in agricultural mechanization for guidance," noted the minister. Purpose of the visit Gakosso pointed out that his country wants to build a mutually beneficial cooperation with Azerbaijan. "Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Congo has primarily maintained relations with the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Ukraine among the former Soviet republics, with minimal engagement with the republics of the Caucasus and Central Asia. However, as the global landscape evolves, our nations are now seeking to diversify cooperation. With both Azerbaijan and Congo being oil and gas producing countries and sharing similar population sizes10 million for Azerbaijan and 6 million for Congowe have identified commonalities that encourage the establishment of a win-win partnership. Hence, the main purpose of my visit to Baku," he said. Furthermore, the minister announced that accompanied by a sizable delegation, President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso is embarking on a visit to Azerbaijan. Cooperation in oil and gas sector Gakosso talked about the opportunities for establishing solid partnership between the state oil companies of the two countries. "Congo stands as one of Africa's old oil producers, albeit not a major one. Large companies such as TotalEnegies, Eni, Chevron, and Halliburton exploit offshore oil fields in our territory. We aim to enhance trade between Azerbaijan's state oil company, SOCAR, and the National Petroleum Company of Congo (Societe Nationale des Petroles de Congo - SNPC), recognizing the potential for mutual growth in our partnership. At this juncture, I refrain from assessing the cooperation with Azerbaijan, as we are in the nascent stages of its commencement. Our intent is to initiate this collaboration through a robust partnership between our respective national oil entities, SNPC and SOCAR. During a productive meeting with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, we engaged in an amicable exchange of perspectives. As politicians, we have agreed that such endeavors must be underpinned by a solid diplomatic relationship," he added. Balanced diplomacy and international cooperation The minister noted that much like Azerbaijan, the Republic of Congo maintains balanced relationships with Russia, the United States, China, and the European Union. "Azerbaijan similarly engages in trade with Russia, China, Turkiye, and other neighboring countries. During discussions with my Azerbaijani counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, we have agreed to mutually support each other in international organizations. Whether Azerbaijan or Congo is a candidate in any international body, reciprocal support will be extended. As we stand at the threshold of cooperation, I am optimistic that our joint efforts will yield fruitful outcomes in the years to come," he concluded. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn Another late season storm to bring rain, snow to San Diego County Above: FOX 5s Brad Willis with the forecast for April 3, 2024, including seven-day. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The sun peeked its head back out for San Diego early this week following a late season drenching, but residents should not get too cozy basking in its rays quite yet: Another cold storm is on its way. The storm, which is anticipated to roll over Thursday and Friday, is forecast to bring more widespread rain, strong wind and low-elevation snow to the region. The first impacts of the storm will strong gusty southwest winds beginning Thursday afternoon with precipitation beginning to fall later into the evening. According to the National Weather Service, the winds peak gusts are expected to reach speeds of anywhere from about 26 to 33 miles per hour along the coast and in valley areas, and upwards of 60 miles per hour in the mountain areas. San Diego County water supply will last through 2024, and longer, thanks to recent wet winters Some light drizzles will begin early Thursday with a deepening of the marine layer before more heavy precipitation begins in the evening, continuing into Friday night. Rainfall amounts are expected to range from around one-quarter inch near the coast to around one inch in the mountains with some greater accumulations locally, NWS said. The heaviest rainfall expected from late Thursday night to Friday afternoon. Estimated rainfall Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5. (National Weather Service) Meanwhile, cold Arctic air mixed in with the system will drop snow levels to around 3,000 to 3,500 feet among the lowest the region has seen this year. With the snow level change, San Diegos lower-elevation mountain communities, such as Julian and Pine Valley, could see several inches of snowfall into Friday. According to NWS, as much as six to eight inches could fall in these areas, with eight to 12 expected for the regions peaks. Forecasters say cold air could also create conditions for thunderstorms developing Friday afternoon, as well as small hail or graupel from those or some of the stronger showers. Temperatures on Thursday will begin to cool with the storm, dropping about 20 degrees in some areas from Wednesdays high. Atmospheric river aftermath: A look at San Diego County rainfall totals By Friday, NWS says some areas could set a record for coldest high temperature ever on that date with 50s expected along the coast, 40s in the valleys and high desert, mid-50s to 60s in the low desert, and mid-20s to 30s up in the mountains. A Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect for the San Diego County mountains beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, remaining in place until 11 p.m. Friday. During this time, travel could be difficult, including along the Interstate 8 between Descanso and Boulevard. The weekend will again dry off and heat up with a weak high pressure setting in on Saturday before another low-pressure system brings some showers Sunday night into Monday. After that, temperatures should warm to their seasonal average by Wednesday, according to NWS. While Saturday may get some relief from the dreary rain, San Diegans should not jump into the ocean at the beach just yet, as the 72-hour general rain advisory will likely be in place. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Another woman punched in face in Manhattan amid rash of attacks detailed on TikTok A scraggly-haired menace with a jaunty gait randomly punched a 23-year-old woman in the face amid concerns by TikTok users that women are being assaulted by strangers on New York City streets, officials said Wednesday. Cops released a surveillance image of the suspect wanted for the March 20 Chelsea attack that left the woman with a broken nose. The victim told police she was walking on Sixth Ave. near W. 14th St. when the stranger, who was exiting a McDonalds there, punched her in the face with no warning about 10 a.m. A surveillance camera nearby captured the stranger, who was wearing a white shirt and denim jacket, as he slowly jogged away with an oddly jaunty gate, surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows. Cops are asking the publics help identifying and tracking down the suspect. Medics took the woman to Lenox Health Greenwich Village, where she was treated for a broken nose and released. It wasnt immediately clear if the man was inspired by the surge of random unprovoked attacks in Manhattan outlined on TikTok over the past two weeks. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Wednesday afternoon that cops got a hit on the suspect from facial recognition software but are still working to find him. Cops have investigated 12 similar incidents in total over the past two weeks and have made six arrests, Kenny said. He said two additional suspects have been identified, but cops have not yet been able to track down one of them and are still building their case against the other. Two men were charged last week in separate incidents that were the subject of recent TikTok videos in which the victims said they were punched by strangers. At least four similar attacks have occurred on city streets, police said, causing worried women across the boroughs to take extra precautions when venturing outside. I definitely dont go out at night. Past 8 p.m., Im in my house unless Im with somebody else, said Christina Burke, 28, of Sunnyside, Queens, who now drives instead of taking the subway. I was scared, because theyre hitting random people. So you dont even know if its a specific type of person theyre looking for. On March 27, cops arrested political gadfly Skiboky Stora, who they say assaulted TikTok influencer Halley Kate Mcgookin near W. 16th St. and Seventh Ave. in Chelsea at 10:20 a.m. on March 25. The next day, cops arrested Mallik Miah, charging him with assaulting TikToker Mikayla Toninato in Greenwich Village on March 25. Toninato was near Fifth Ave. and E. 12th St. when Miah allegedly struck her about 2 p.m., said police. According to a criminal complaint, Miah, 30, identified himself in a still image taken from surveillance footage of the attack. Toninato posted a video to the social media platform right after being punched by Miah. Police are looking into a flurry of other random assaults on women in Manhattan, some of which have been posted about on TikTok. On March 17 at 11:48 a.m. at Kenmare and Mulberry Sts., TikToker Olivia Brand, 25, was struck by a man who initially apologized to her, she said. He goes sorry and punches me in the head, said Brand on a video she posted afterward. What the hell is happening? A 36-year-old woman was punched in the back on March 25 at 10:15 a.m. while walking at Rivington and Chrystie Sts. on the Lower East Side, cops said. On March 26, at noon, a 24-year-old woman was attacked by a man who slammed the left side of her head with his elbow while she walked on Seventh Ave. near W. 39th St., according to police. Also on March 26, a 24-year-old woman was hit in the head by a stranger in the Flatiron District, police said Friday. The victim was walking along Sixth Ave. near W. 23rd St. about 12:45 p.m. when the stranger stormed up and punched her in the head, then ran off without saying a word, cops said. The woman wasnt seriously hurt. Cops scouring the area found surveillance video of the attacker, who was wearing a black bubble jacket and a hooded sweatshirt. Police are asking anyone with information regarding the Chelsea attack or any of the other unprovoked assaults to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential. An Ansonia Police Officer who allegedly assaulted a child pleaded guilty to one count, according to Darke County Common Pleas Court records. Christian Idle, 38, was originally facing charges of strangulation and domestic violence in connection to an alleged assault that happened in early August. Court records show he pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence this week. Idle was sentenced to community control for 12 months, but it could be extended to 60 months. According to a previous News Center 7 report, a woman and her children lived with Idle on W. Weller Street when the incident occurred. >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ansonia officer arrested, accused of choking child A domestic violence complaint was filed claiming Idle told her she need to get her son out of his house. After this comment, the woman followed Idle back into the house and told police he immediately began striking and kicking her 8-year-old son. When Darke County Sheriffs deputies talked to the child, he said Idle had grabbed him by the neck with two hands and that he also spanked and kicked him several times. The child had redness and bruising around his neck that deputies said appeared to be broken blood vessels. Idle told deputies he spanked the child multiple times and then held him against a wall by the back of his neck before going to get his mother. Idle said he then struck the child again and gave him a kick in the butt when the child tried to lie. He has been an officer with the Ansonia Police Department since August 2017, according to a previous News Center 7 report. News Center 7 is working to learn if Idle is still on administrative leave or if there has been a change to his employment status. Chaya Raichik, the creator of the far-right extremist Libs of TikTok hate account, spoke at an Indiana University event on Monday, where she struggled to articulate the things she rails against. The event drew a modest audience of fewer than 40 attendees, and was hosted by U.S. Rep. Jim Banks for College Republicans. Banks is running for a U.S. Senate seat. Raichik stumbled when she attempted to define "wokeness." Wokeness is the destruction of normalicy (sic) and um uh, Raichik attempted to explain before Banks interjected, defining it as anti-Americanism. The event, highlighted through clips posted by attendee Bryce Greene on X (formerly Twitter), reinforced the criticisms Raichik faces when confronted directly about her views. It isnt the first instance of Raichik appearing out of depth on issues she vehemently discusses online. A February interview with Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz revealed a similar stunning disconnect, raising questions about Raichiks grasp of the topics she claims to care about despite her widespread influence. Greene shared insights from the event in an interview with The Advocate. Chaya (Libs of Tiktok): You can't do anything in peace being shoved down your throat wherever you go Me: Lol Chaya: Do you have a question? Is something funny? Me: I do! How do you define wokeness? Chaya: Wokeness is the destruction of normalacy^{{sic}}^ and.... and um... uh (@) Greene said there was an atmosphere of anticipation for the event, but noted that there was a lack of substantive dialogue. Raichik criticized recently passed legislation in Washington state mandating the teaching of LGBTQ+ history in schools, incorrectly suggesting such education would focus on drag queens and inappropriate content for children. Raichiks attempts to articulate her stance revealed a significant gap between her online rhetoric and her ability to engage in meaningful discourse on the topics she frequently attacks on social media. A powerful moment occurred when an intersex audience member confronted Raichik, Greene said. The intersex individual highlighted the inaccuracies in Raichiks statements about gender and criticized her for spreading misinformation about the trans community and intersex conditions. Raichik, who had confidently presented herself as an authority on gender and sexuality issues online, appeared deflated and had no substantial response to the direct, lived experience of the intersex person. Throughout the event, Raichiks commentary on topics ranging from DEI initiatives to the supposed indoctrination of children in schools lacked coherence and facts. Raichik claimed that DEI policies, which she has criticized in various companies including Mayo Clinic and Intuit, are a guise for excluding white individuals. She emphasized the need to "remove and eradicate" these policies from culture and society, asserting that they harm children, adults, and the overall integrity of educational and professional environments. Raichik positioned the "anti-woke caucus" as a crucial force in Congress aimed at combating these influences, which she suggests are pervasive on college campuses and within corporations. Its harming our children. Its harming us. its harming everyone, Raichik said. You see it on a college campus and when you go into the workforce, youll see it there with all the DEI stuff. Theres so many companies that the DEI is embedded into their policies and this is how they operate, and DEI is basically this code for less whites when you go into the workforce. The interaction further illuminated the gap between Raichiks online persona and her ability to defend her in-person positions. It just highlights how unserious these people are, Greene said. "Theyre not impressive. However unimpressive she may be in person, security experts have said that Raichik engages in stochastic terrorism through her Libs of TikTok account. NBC News and USA Today found that after Raichik posts about a person or place, bomb threats and other threats of violence often follow. The Southern Poverty Law Center recently added Raichik to its hate watchlist. Great turnout by college Republicans at IU for @libsoftiktok! (@) In response to inquiries about the event, an Indiana University spokesperson referred The Advocate to the universitys free speech policy. The policy underscores the universitys commitment to the free and civil exchange of ideas and academic freedom while outlining the limitations placed on speech activities to protect public health, safety, and welfare and the disruption of university functions. Additional video shows at least two people in handcuffs being led away from where the talk was happening. During the event, two students became disruptive," public information officer Hanna Skibba said in a statement. "They then refused to leave the event when asked to do so despite at least three separate requests from university officials. Skibba continued, Following their repeated refusal to leave, they were escorted out of the event, briefly detained for questioning, and released. Watch the full video of Chaya Raichiks bizarre appearance at Indiana University below. U.S. Rep., Jim Banks and Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok, speak at Indiana University - Apr., 1, 24 youtu.be The trial of two men, charged in a 3-year-old street brawl in a California beach town, could soon reshape the image of one of the most debated political movements in America: Antifa. Opening arguments Tuesday laid out conflicting views about the roles Brian Lightfoot and Jeremy White played in a heated protest in the San Diego neighborhood of Pacific Beach on Jan. 9, 2021, three days after the Capitol insurrection. That day, far-right protesters ended up in a string of violent brawls with anti-fascist counterprotesters. Prosecutors, however, focused solely on Antifa, charging 11 defendants with dozens of felonies. The prosecution's case rests not just on proving that Lightfoot and White engaged in the acts theyre accused of hardly in dispute, as theyre caught on camera from multiple angles but that they did so as part of a broader conspiracy to commit violence. That conspiracy, Harvey and her team have argued, was organized under and inspired by the banner of Antifa, a political movement of far-left militants who oppose neo-Nazis and white supremacists at demonstrations and other events. Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey argues that defendants in the case were part of an organized conspiracy under the banner of Antifa. But defense attorneys argued the case opens the door for conspiracy allegations against anyone who protests against fascism, or even dresses in black. It has a chilling effect on political expression, said attorney John Hamasaki, who is representing Lightfoot. Of 11 original defendants, nine made deals with prosecutors. White and Lightfoot, represented by activist attorneys, took the case to trial, stressing its importance not just to them, but to protesters against fascism across the country. A gang-style conspiracy conviction could effectively double any prison sentence. If successful, it could be used as a blueprint for prosecutors across the country, according to legal experts. It could also bolster a right-wing political narrative that has claimed Antifa is not just a political ideology, but a dangerous group. This case opens the door for any prosecutor to approach any protest where people are either anti-fascist or dressed in black and to pursue them under a conspiracy, said attorney John Hamasaki, who is representing Lightfoot. It has a chilling effect on political expression. Brian Lightfoot, one of two defendants in a San Diego case that tests the legalities of Antifa, at the first day of trial April 2, 2024. But the prosecutions high-profile approach has been criticized, in part because the two-sided street brawls only led to charges for one side. Video from the day showed fights involving people affiliated with the extremist group the Proud Boys and local white supremacist factions. Yet the office of San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan chose to prosecute only black-clad anti-fascists. Stephan, a longtime Republican who left the party and ran in the nonpartisan DA election, has a history of supporting conspiracy theories about Antifa. On Tuesday morning, prosecutors painted Antifa as a menace to society. In her opening statement, Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey played numerous videos of the 11 incidents of violence from Jan. 9 that prosecutors have focused on, some of which only tangentially involved, or didnt at all involve, either of the defendants. White, Lightfoot, and their alleged co-conspirators came to San Diego with the intention to shut down the speech and the assembly of a patriot group, for the simple fact that they didnt agree with their beliefs, Harvey told the jury. You will see that these defendants and their co-conspirators arrived in San Diego dressed and armed and prepared for violence. People eating a meal at the beach take pictures as counter-protesters, some carrying Antifa flags, march in opposition to demonstrators holding a "Patriot March" in support of President Donald Trump on January 9, 2021 in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego, California. Harvey said prosecutors will show the jury secret communications between anti-fascists from San Diego and Los Angeles that prove the defendants were always intent on committing violence against peaceful, patriotic protestors. Attorneys for the two defendants sought to poke holes in the broader conspiracy argument and to distance their clients from the violence. Hamasaki described his client as a wildland firefighter in training, who grew up in poverty in South-Central Los Angeles. Leading up to, and during, the social justice uprisings following the murder of George Floyd, Lightfoot became fascinated by the anti-fascist movement, Hamasaki said. So he bought some equipment and hit the streets to protest against what he believes are malevolent racist and fascist far-right actors. People bicycle past counter-protesters, some holding Antifa flags, awaiting demonstrators for a "Patriot March" demonstration in support of US President Donald Trump on Jan. 9, 2021 in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego, California. Anti-fascism is an ideology, its a belief system Its saying I am opposed to fascism,' Hamasaki said. The prosecution said the net is pretty wide for who they consider fascists that its not just white supremacists and neo-Nazis but also Trump supporters I think youre going to find in this case theres some overlap in that. Representing White, San Francisco attorney Curtis Briggs said his client came to Pacific Beach equipped as a medic and ready to help fellow anti-fascists who might be injured during the protests. White attended protests and rallies across the country, Briggs said, even winning a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for his activism on behalf of Sen. Bernie Sanders. As he witnessed fellow protesters increasingly attacked by far-right agitators, White put on a suit of armor which included a helmet emblazoned with the message When the shooting starts, get behind me, and stepped into the fray, Briggs said. And Briggs noted that the people listed as victims in the DAs case carried weapons of their own: at least two knives, a replica gun, gloves with kevlar-reinforced knuckles and pepper spray. Jeremy White, one of two defendants in a San Diego case that tests the legalities of Antifa, at the first day of trial April 2, 2024. As USA TODAY first reported in 2022, those victims include people identified by activists as white supremacist agitators notorious for spurring fights in neighborhoods where they're not welcome. At least one has a criminal record and has long been involved with neo-Nazi groups. Please pay close attention to whether the people on the stand have vice whether theyre really victims or not and approach the prosecutions case with healthy skepticism, Briggs told the jury. Prosecutors, however, filed a successful, wide-ranging motion in the case a few weeks ago that severely limits how the defense attorneys may describe the pro-Trump protesters from the day of the crimes. Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey argues that defendants in the case were part of an organized conspiracy under the banner of Antifa. Throughout the opening arguments, the prosecutors objected to every mention by defense attorneys of well-known groups including the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, the Three Percenters and local San Diego neo-Nazi organizations. At one point, Judge Daniel Goldstein halted proceedings and dismissed the jury before chastising Hamasaki for using such terms, noting that he had ruled on this matter at least seven times. Attorney John Hamasaki, representing Brian Lightfoot in the San Diego trial, said the case opens the door to prosecute anyone for conspiracy if they oppose fascist demonstrators. It has a chilling effect on political expression, he said. Investigation: California statehouse candidate says she didn't join Capitol riot. Video shows otherwise San Diego community advocate Tasha Williamson, who attended trial in support of White and Lightfoot, said she was upset by what she saw as inequity. Clearly, the district attorney only believes in the First Amendment rights of white supremacists, not the rights of people who look like me, Williamson, who is Black, said. I heard Antifa so many times, but not 'Proud Boys,' or American Guard or Defend East County or any of these people who have threatened my life, my familys life, who are known white supremacists. She added: You cant even utter those words in that courtroom, and Im ashamed to have to walk through these doors, where it says justice everywhere. This isnt justice. Members of the prosecution said they could not comment on the case. While the two face charges with varying sentences, Lightfoot could serve up to 18 years if convicted. The trial is expected to continue through the rest of the month. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After Pacific Beach Proud Boys rally, trial tests Antifa legal theory Anya Taylor-Joy has confirmed she secretly married Malcolm McRae two years ago in New Orleans. On Tuesday, the actress, 27, shared previously unseen photos from the big day in 2022, including anatomically correct cakes shaped like human hearts, complete with pools of blood. Taking to Instagram, she wrote alongside the post: Two years ago, on April Fools, I secretly married my best friend in New Orleans. The magic of that day is ingrained in every cell of my being, forever. Happy second ( first ) anniversary my loveyoure the coolest. N.B yes, those are anatomically correct heart cakes. Yes, I am the vampire Lestat. The social media post featured images of the Menu star wearing a Dior gown embroidered with hummingbirds and thistles as she posed with pal Cara Delevingne while another saw the couple dining on heart cakes with pools of scarlet icing. A video shows the actress covering her face with her veil in front of a backdrop covered with candles. US musician McRae, frontman of the rock band More, shared his own photos from the day and wrote: I love you now and somehow I always have and somehow it will never end. Happy two year anniversary (yesterday), beautiful. It was rumoured the couple had tied the knot in October 2023, when photos emerged of a celebration in Venice, Italy, which was reported to be their wedding. Photos from their Italian event show Taylor-Joy apparently wearing the same dress seen in pictures from the New Orleans ceremony. The Hollywood star has rarely spoken about her relationship with McRae since they began dating. Despite residing on opposite sides of the Atlantic, Taylor-Joy, primarily based in London, and Mcrae, who juggles acting, music, and living in the US, have successfully maintained a strong and healthy relationship. Opening up about their life together, she told British Vogue in March 2022: I said to my partner the other day that he was my hobby. I see reading as something that I have to do. He loved it because hes the same. Ive finally found someone who will happily sit in silence with me reading. Were basically 80 years old and seven at the same time and it works really well. Responding to a question about being long distance, she added: Yes, it is [hard], but its also kind of great because when youre together youre really valuing the time that you have. Everyday mundane activities are so full of joy. I love going to the petrol station with him and filling up. The screen star was born in Miami moved to Buenos Aires as a toddler before relocating to London at the age of six for political reasons with her parents, banker father Dennis - a Scot born in South America - and Spanish-English mother Jennifer, a psychologist who hails from Zambia. Austin police have closed an internal investigation into missteps about the handling of a DNA report they say linked accused serial killer Raul Meza to a womans 2019 slaying a lapse that might have allowed Meza to strike again. In a statement to the American-Statesman, the Austin Police Department acknowledged for the first time that a detective investigating the 2019 death of 65-year-old Gloria Lofton received forensic information that Meza was at the scene of Loftons death and did not follow up. At the time the information was received, the detective was working on a special assignment related to the protests of 2020, the department said in an unsigned email. Raul Meza Authorities say they think Meza carried out at least one other slaying that of 80-year-old Jesse Fraga three years later. It is hurt on top of hurt, Fragas brother-in-law, Oscar Mota of San Angelo, told the Statesman. It is a tragedy on top of tragedy." More: Austin police may have missed key DNA lead to stop suspected serial killer Raul Meza Jr. The Statesman also reported last year that investigators searched for a woman in a field near Pflugerville, where they think Meza might have buried a victim in March 2022. They found no human remains. Police also said last year that they are investigating possible links between Meza and up to 10 unsolved homicides but currently have no updates on those investigations. Meza was convicted in the 1982 murder of 8-year-old Kendra Page in a case that shocked Austin. He was released on parole in the early 1990s. Tracy Page, shown in her Hutto home in 2023, lost her sister, Kendra Page, who was murdered Jan. 3, 1982. Kendra Page's convicted killer, Raul Meza, has been accused of committing several other slayings since being released from prison after Kendra Page's murder. An arrest affidavit charging him with murder in Loftons death said that on May 1, 2020, the Texas Department of Public Safety Capital Area Regional Crime Lab told Austin police it had received a database match with Meza and DNA at the scene. The affidavit said Meza told police that he had killed a woman on Sara Drive in East Austin. He also told them that they had misidentified the death, which was a homicide. Sonia Houston, Loftons daughter, said she believes police did not take her mothers death seriously and is heartbroken they did not immediately follow the DNA lead in 2020. "I have always thought that the powers that be would be on top of things that there was a proper procedure, she said. The Austin police statement said officials closed the internal investigation without disciplining the detective because they learned about the lapse after a 180-day deadline to impose punishment. Because the case did not result in discipline against the investigator, the department said state civil service law prevents it from identifying the detective. That is kind of a slap in the face after you have been told tragic news, Mota said. Police think Meza killed Fraga, a retired probation officer who had befriended him, and stole his truck. They discovered Fragas body in the bathroom of his home after a concerned family member asked officers to check his welfare. More: Austin police seeking Raul Meza's Google info to link him to 2018 cold case killing In recent months, after another high-profile incident in the Dallas area in which police did not act on a forensics report, the Legislature adopted a new law to prevent a future similar oversight. A measure that went into effect in September created a new requirement that crime labs must notify a law enforcement agency within 30 days when they obtain a match from DNA or other forensic evidence. Then, the police agency must verify with the lab that it received the information within five business days. Thirty days after that, police must also demonstrate that they have attempted to follow the lead, including attempts to get a new DNA sample from the suspect. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: APD: Detective 'did not follow' lead involving accused killer Raul Meza AUSTIN (KXAN) A man was arrested on Monday after he attempted to rob a bank in east Austin, according to the Austin Police Department. Around 10:30 a.m., officers responded to the Bank of America, 1144 Airport Boulevard, for a robbery call. The suspect was seen on surveillance footage presenting a note to the teller, demanding money and threatening to kill the teller, according to police. That suspect was identified as John Ancira, 43. John Ancira, 43 | Courtesy Austin Police Department Police said Ancira then ran away when he couldnt get any money. Ancira was later found by officers at his home, according to police. Officers were able to seize evidence of the robbery. He was arrested and booked into the Travis County Jail with a robbery by threat charge, which is a second-degree felony, police said. Anyone with any information can contact APD at (512) 974-TIPS. You can also submit an anonymous tip via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program website at austincrimestoppers.org or call (512) 472-8477. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday denied a request from county clerks in New Jersey to block a lower courts decision that would eliminate the state's unique ballot design for the June Democratic primary. The ruling means that U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishis preliminary injunction to eliminate the so-called county line for that primary stays in place for now. The legal fight will apparently continue the Third Circuit also ordered an expedited briefing schedule to rule on the appeal of the preliminary injunction with oral arguments scheduled for April 12 in Philadelphia but several county clerks who initially fought the preliminary injunction said after Wednesdays ruling that they were stopping their efforts to appeal it. The county line is New Jersey's unique primary ballot design where party-backed candidates are placed in a single column or row from the highest office to the lowest. Candidates not endorsed by county parties are often placed less prominently on primary ballots. Candidates who are on the county line have been shown to have a significant electoral advantage. The expedited briefing schedule gives county clerks another shot to overturn Quraishis preliminary injunction. However, election officials in the state are stuck for now with designing office block ballots for the Democratic primary, which groups candidates together by the office they are seeking. The denial also comes as key statutory election deadlines are approaching. By April 5, for example, election officials must prepare ballot designs for printing for the June primary. And while it is unclear when the court will rule on the appeal, state law requires that mail ballots get sent out by April 20. The courts order is a victory for Rep. Andy Kim, who is running to replace indicted Sen. Bob Menendez. Kim is spearheading the legal effort along with two other Democratic House candidates, Sarah Schoengood and Carolyn Rush, by suing 19 county clerks in the state where the county line is used. Two small counties in the state use office block ballots, like all other states in the country do. After the courts decision, county clerks from Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset and Warren counties said they would not continue an appeal. They joined county clerks from Burlington and Hudson Counties, who said prior to Wednesday that they would not appeal the decision. Quraishi upended New Jersey politics last Friday when he ordered a preliminary injunction eliminating the county line from this Junes primary. He later clarified that his order applied only to the Democratic primary and not the Republican election (none of the plaintiffs requesting a preliminary injunction were Republicans). Kim filed the lawsuit in late February, when New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy was still in the Democratic primary for Senate. At the time, Murphy had the county line in a majority of the state since she had the support of Democratic Party leaders. Every county party has a different process for awarding the line, with some allowing hundreds of low-level party officials to vote by secret ballot in conventions while in other counties, a single party boss decides the favorable ballot placement. However, Murphy abruptly dropped out of the Senate race in late March, making Kim the clear favorite in the Democratic primary. Party leaders offered Kim the county line across the state nearly all of which he accepted but he still pressed forward with his lawsuit. This is not a system I want to participate in, he told reporters at the time. I think its unfair. Thats why Im trying to change it. While Kim remains the strong favorite in the Democratic Senate primary, his request to uphold the preliminary injunction ironically helps his competitors in the primary namely labor activist Patricia Campos-Medina and community organizer Larry Hamm, although they both remain longshot candidates. If the preliminary injunction holds, it would have a much larger impact on other down-ballot races. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Rob Menendez, the son of Sen. Menendez, is facing a competitive primary challenge from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. Menendez initially had the favorable ballot placement across the district while Bhalla did not. And in the House race to succeed Kim, Assemblymember Herb Conaway had the county line in the entire district over his top Democratic competitor, Assemblymember Carol Murphy. The preliminary injunction erases that advantage for Conaway. On Tuesday, Campos-Medina, Bhalla and Democratic Passaic County Sheriff candidate Jerry Speziale submitted amicus briefs to the third circuit, asking the court to allow the preliminary injunction to stay in place pending the appeal. "Denying a stay in this case means that New Jersey, for the first time in more than half a century, finally has the same opportunity that every other state in our nation enjoys in every election: a free and fair election decided by voters casting ballots, not one pre-determined by party bosses, their attorney, Scott Salmon, wrote in legal filings. At long last, the people of New Jersey deserve that opportunity." Attorneys for Kim and the other plaintiffs said the appeals court's denial "brings us one step closer to ensuring constitutional, fair primaries without the county line." Camden County Democrats who have become the poster child in the state for putting candidates in so-called ballot Siberia have intervened in the lawsuit to defend the line and are looking to preserve it in the June primary. And while the preliminary injunction does not apply to Republicans, the New Jersey County Republican Chairs Association has submitted legal filings defending the constitutionality of the county line. (FOX40.COM) Young people in the Sacramento area interested in learning about what it takes to be a firefighter have the chance to get some hands-on learning at the Roseville Fire Kids Camp 2024. Open to both Roseville residents and non-residents the five-day camp runs from June 10 to June 14 and applications are now open. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 24. Placer County adopts digital fire prevention program The camp is open to those ages 11 to 14 by June 9, 2024. Those ages 15 to 17 with two years of prior experience at the camp can sign up to be junior counselors. The camps cost $335 and no payment is needed until campers are selected. The final camper selection will be on May 6. CAL FIRE newest C-130s almost ready to start fighting wildfires Each day the camp will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. where campers will learn water safety, first aid, CPR, babysitting basics, rescue practices, firefighting and fitness. The camp will be held at 2030 Hilltop Circle, Roseville and campers will be provided lunch, snacks, shirts and other swag. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A key focus of Azerbaijan's energy strategy is the development of green energy sources and the exportation of this type of energy to global markets, the member of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Mushfig Jafarov told Trend. He highlighted that among Azerbaijan's five national priorities for socio-economic development until 2030, one is designated as a clean environment and a green growth country. "Aligned with this priority, plans include enhancing the environment, revitalizing and expanding green spaces, promoting the efficient utilization of water resources, and fostering sustainable energy sources. Additionally, another focus of Azerbaijan's energy policy is developing green energy and exporting it to global markets. Our state aims to achieve a target of 30 percent renewable energy sources in the installed capacity of electricity generation by 2030," the MP said. He emphasized that several hydroelectric power plants have already been built and put into operation in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. "There is a strong emphasis on the consistent implementation of concrete plans to establish solar and wind power plants. Following an executive agreement between Azerbaijan and bp, it was decided to construct a 240-megawatt solar power plant in the Jabrayil district. Karabakh and East Zangezur boast a potential of 7,200 megawatts of solar energy and 2,000 megawatts of wind energy. This economic zone accounts for approximately 25 percent of Azerbaijan's domestic water resources, totaling 2.560 billion cubic meters per year. Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, and Gubadli exhibit greater potential for solar energy, whereas mountainous regions like Lachin and Kalbajar are more suitable for wind energy production. Both regions possess significant hydropower potential in their small rivers. Solar energy is widely acknowledged as the most promising and high-potential renewable energy source in modern times. Solar panels are employed for electricity generation from solar energy, while solar collectors are utilized for heating and hot water supply," he noted. The MP mentioned that Azerbaijan actively participates in various international events and new projects related to green policy. "Our nation has identified strategic goals for enhancing exports in this realm. To bolster solar and wind energy production, substantial investments are being made, along with the implementation of requisite technologies in the green sector. Recognizing the gradual depletion of global energy resources and the substantial environmental damage incurred through their utilization, the primary objective is to promote the widespread adoption of eco-friendly alternative energy sources in developed nations. Hosting prestigious events like COP29 in Azerbaijan serves as a testament to the immense respect and trust bestowed upon Azerbaijan by the international community for its endeavors in this domain. Our nation remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental preservation and combating climate change on national, regional, and global scales," Jafarov added. This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COP- the Conference of the Parties - is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Archie Bishop, who has died aged 86, played a central role in the development of international maritime salvage law and practice. Bishops own experience in the Merchant Navy lay behind his later success as a maritime lawyer, specialising in salvage and collision disputes. Aware of the difficulty in negotiating a settlement in collision claims often because of the lack of reliable witnesses Bishop realised that clients generally preferred an amicable settlement to an expensive court case. He was a man of great integrity and sound common sense, and he became a skilled litigator. For centuries the law of salvage at sea was governed by Lloyds Open Form (open because no specific reward was attached to a salvage claim), which was further governed by a rule of no cure, no pay (meaning that a salvor only gets paid if property is recovered). Then in 1992 the tanker Nagasaki Spirit, after an alleged pirate attack, collided in the Malacca Strait with the container ship Ocean Blessing and crude oil spilled into the sea and caught fire. All but two of some 50 crewmen from both ships perished; Bishops handling of the case, on behalf of the insurers, was praised by Richard Sayer of Ince & Co, a frequent opponent in such cases. The case went through many stages of arbitration and appeals until it reached the House of Lords, which in 1997 ruled that compensation did not include any element of profit for the professional salvors. The salvage industry felt disappointed by this case and in consequence Bishop, who served on the Lloyds of London standing committee which reviewed and revised the Lloyds Open Form, pioneered changes in the custom and practice of the law at sea. Despite resistance from sections of the shipping industry, SCOPIC (Special Compensation Protection and Indemnity Clause) was introduced, meaning that salvors would not only be compensated at a fair rate for their men and equipment, but would also receive salvage rewards if their work limited damage to the environment. Bishop: believed in the power of charm and good humour to bring people together William Archie Bishop was born on July 21 1937 in Bridgwater, Somerset, at the Golden Ball Hotel where his father was landlord. Archies adventures started early when as a young boy he would spend summers camping with his three older brothers in the Somerset countryside. They would cycle 12 miles from home with their dog Carlo, and their parents would visit at weekends with supplies. Educated at Colstons School, Bristol, in 1952 he joined the Thames Nautical Training College, HMS Worcester. Two years later, aged 16, he began his apprenticeship as a cadet in the P&O line. By 1959 Bishop was a third officer on the new-built cargo ship Salsette, but the following year he joined Holman Fenwick Willan as an articled clerk and was sponsored for six years part-time study at Guildford Law College. By 1988 he was senior partner in HFW, a role he described as being the lone lamp-post in a street full of dogs. Leading by example, when the payment of retired partners pensions out of profits threatened the viability of HFW, Bishop gave up his own rights. As a lecturer at the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta, he enthralled his audiences with his practical lessons of the law in action. When, during the so-called tanker war (part of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war), scores of vessels were damaged, Bishop acted for the salvors, a typical case in 1984 being the Swiss-owned, Liberian-registered super-tanker Tiburon carrying Iranian oil. Flames spread to the superstructure and two days after the attack the ship was wallowing, with only three foot of hull above the water. Eight crew were killed and three seriously injured, but salvage tugs extinguished the fire and towed Tiburon into Bahrain. In another case, Bishop acted for the shipowner who wanted to claim salvage on an unexploded missile; he had to explain that there were several legal obstacles, including an obligation to return the missile to its Iraqi owners. He also told how, in 1997, a Japanese tuna boat was struck by a falling cow. It transpired that some Russians had been disturbed while rustling Kobe beef cattle in northern Japan using a transport plane. They took off in a great hurry, but when the aircraft stalled, the pilot opened the rear door and livestock fell out, one of which entered the boat through the roof of the wheelhouse. Bishop was an attractive and charismatic man cut from old-fashioned cloth; he believed in the power of charm and good humour to bring people together. He never lost the twinkle in his blue eyes nor the West Country burr in his voice, and he mixed effortlessly with people from all walks of life. His passion for horses led him to go on riding and camping trips in the Rocky Mountains with friends. Archie Bishop married, first, Joan Sherman. After they divorced, in 1997 he married Annie Edwards, who survives him with a son and daughter from his first marriage and a stepdaughter. Archie Bishop, born July 21 1937, died February 8 2024 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. Javier Milei has, in the past, rarely talked about Argentina's claim to the islands - LUIS ROBAYO/AFP Argentinas president Javier Milei has vowed to establish a diplomatic roadmap for the United Kingdom to hand over the Falkland Islands to the South American nation. Mr Milei criticised previous administrations and promised to develop a plan to return the territory to Argentina, in a speech that disappointed hardliners in Buenos Aires. I want to reiterate our unwavering claim for the islands, and I commit that during our government we will have a clear roadmap so that the Malvinas return to Argentine hands, Mr Milei told a small crowd gathered for a scaled-back Malvinas Day. Mr Mileis speech came after he cancelled a Malvinas Day parade in the Argentine capital, claiming it was a cost-cutting measure. He failed to namecheck the UK, an unusual omission for a speech by an Argentine president about the islands. In a swipe at his predecessors, Mr Milei added that the diplomatic push needed to be more than mere words in international forums with no impact on reality and that only serve the politician in power to impose a false love for the country. Mr Milei visiting a Falklands War memorial - NATACHA PISARENKO/AP Despite the promise, many Argentines especially veterans of the war remain highly critical of what they regard as Mr Mileis failure to press London over the sovereignty of the islands, which the UK occupied in 1833. I was never clear on the presidents stance on this basic national issue, Carlos Retamozo, who fought in the war as an 18-year-old conscript, said, after listening to Mr Mileis speech. Today, I am still not clear. A libertarian economist, Mr Milei has two big obsessions, deep-cutting free market reforms, to restructure Argentinas listing and heavily subsidised economy, and culture war issues, above all his hostility to gender and LGBT rights or wokeism. He rarely talks about Argentinas Falklands claim and has even showered praise on Margaret Thatcher, who remains a bogey figure for many Argentines. Mr Milei was referencing her free market policies rather than the war. Nevertheless, most Argentines principally know the late British prime minister for sending a Royal Navy convoy to retake the islands in a war that cost the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British troops and three islanders. The presidents apparent lack of interest in the Falklands does not just mark him out from most of his compatriots. It also separates him from his own vice president, Victoria Villarruel, whose father, a lieutenant colonel, served in the war. She publicly campaigned this year to expand, not cancel, the Malvinas Day parade. Ms Villarruel has also frequently defended the military junta that ordered the invasion of the Falklands in a desperate and briefly successful bid to distract from its human rights abuses and Argentinas collapsing economy, including a 10-fold devaluation. The UK has long insisted that the fate of the Falklands will be decided by the islands residents. A referendum of 1,500 islanders in 2013 showed 99 per cent support for remaining a British territory. The Falklands are home to around 3,000 people - ANDREW PEACOCK/GETTY Visiting the Falklands in February, David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, vowed that the UK would protect and defend them as long as the islanders want to be part of the UK family. He added: I hope thats for a very, very long time, possibly forever. Argentinas provincial governors decried Camerons trip as an outrageous provocation. Mr Milei, who has stressed the need for a diplomatic solution respecting the will of the islands 3,000 residents, stayed silent. We see (Milei) as kneeling before the British empire, as totally dedicated to laws and decrees that hand over our border lands to big businessmen, Ramon Robles, president of the countrys main veteran association, told the Associated Press. Mr Milei also invoked the cause of Malvinas sovereignty to boost his plans to lower trade barriers including with the British and take a shot at his rivals. For a sovereign nation to be respected, it must be a protagonist of international trade, he said in Tuesdays speech, lambasting previous leftist governments as serial defaulters whose claims to the islands couldnt be taken seriously. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A man stands at a war memorial during a ceremony marking the 42nd anniversary of the conflict between Argentina and Great Britain over the Falkland Islands or Malvinas Islands in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) For decades, Argentines could count on coming together April 2 around a steadfast claim to the islands they know as the Malvinas and at least until recently expect their president to share that conviction. But President Javier Milei on Tuesday continued his struggle to navigate nationalist sensitivities around the archipelago, which Britain controls and most of the world refers to as the Falkland Islands. The right-wing leader has shown more interest in boosting trade with the British than lambasting their territorial claims, and once even praised the leader who deployed troops to eject Argentine forces. In the name of belt-tightening, he called off plans for a grand Malvinas Day parade Tuesday to coincide with the anniversary of the wars start. And he delivered a speech aimed at his own domestic political opponents rather than perceived enemies across an ocean. Even as Milei lavished warm praise on the nations soldiers, not all veterans were feeling the love. I was never clear on the presidents stance on this basic national issue, Carlos Retamozo, who fought in the war as an 18-year-old conscript, told The Associated Press after Mileis speech at Tuesdays memorial event in downtown Buenos Aires. Today, I am still not clear. Argentina argues that Britain illegally took the islands in 1833, violating the principle of territorial integrity. Britain says its claim dates back to 1765, and sent a warship to the islands in 1833 to expel Argentine forces that had sought to establish sovereignty. The brief war in 1982 killed 649 Argentine service members and 255 British soldiers. On a national holiday typically bursting with patriotism, attacks on the British stance are practically scripture. But Milei made no mention of the U.K. in his speech, instead only promising an undefined roadmap for the return of Malvinas to Argentine hands." Argentines had already harbored skepticism about the depth of Milei's devotion; at one point during his campaign last year, he sparked a firestorm by confessing his admiration for fellow libertarian Margaret Thatcher, the former British prime minister who dispatched military forces to retake the islands after Argentine troops mounted their unsuccessful invasion ago. For hardcore patriots, there are few graver rhetorical sins. He also made nice with British diplomat David Cameron earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where the two spoke about possible investments in Argentina. Mere weeks later, Cameron became the first British foreign secretary in three decades to visit the Falkland Islands, touring battle sites and vowing the islands would remain part of Britain forever. Argentinas provincial governors decried Camerons trip as an outrageous provocation. Milei, who has stressed the need for a diplomatic solution respecting the will of the island's 3,000 residents, stayed silent. We see (Milei) as kneeling before the British empire, as totally dedicated to laws and decrees that hand over our border lands to big businessmen, Ramon Robles, president of the countrys main veteran association, told the AP. Milei also invoked the cause of Malvinas sovereignty to boost his plans to lower trade barriers including with the British and take a shot at his rivals. For a sovereign nation to be respected, it must be a protagonist of international trade, he said in Tuesday's speech, lambasting previous leftist governments as serial defaulters whose claims to the islands couldnt be taken seriously. His opponents, for their part, were seizing on Milei's missteps at a separate event outside the capital city. "You cannot honor or idolize Margaret Thatcher who treacherously ordered the killing of Argentine soldiers, said Axel Kicillof, the powerful governor of Buenos Aires province, whose left-leaning Peronist movement has dominated Argentine politics for the past two decades. Sovereignty is not just speech, he said. Some veterans were dismayed to see the nation's political polarization injected into a day that, for years, had united Argentines around a common cause. This day is now about political propaganda, 60-year-old Daniel Pereira, who served in the war as a teenage conscript, said as Mileis supporters interrupted Tuesdays solemn wreath-laying ceremony with shouts of Long live freedom! the presidents slogan. Others had no interest in even discussing their president. Malvinas Day, they said, should be nothing more than a chance to honor the dead and remember their defeat. When asked about Milei, 74-year-old Carlos Milock started to criticize the president's stance but stopped himself. "I experienced death, anger, sadness and injustice, he said, gazing at the hundreds of names friends and comrades killed in combat etched on the polished black granite slabs. And for what? For the greatest reason of all, the recovery of the Malvinas. Abortion access advocates in Arizona may soon join similar activists in Florida, Maryland and New York in successfully securing a slot to ask voters about abortion protections on the states 2024 ballot. Arizona for Abortion Access which is made up of a group of abortion advocacy groups like Planned Parenthood of Arizona and the ACLU chapter in the state told NBC News Tuesday that the group has exceeded the threshold of signatures needed to get a measure on the ballot, which is 383,923 signatures in Arizona. With 506,892 petition signatures as of the weekend, it seems the question will go before voters in the fall, which could serve as a turnout boon for Democrats in a key battleground state, though some may be invalided after theyre submitted to the secretary of states office. The ballot measure would ask voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would codify abortion up to the point of fetal viability as a fundamental right in the state. It would also codify the right for a medical professional to conduct an abortion beyond that point in order to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual. The ballot measure could prove to be particularly crucial for abortion access in Arizona as the state Supreme Court is expected to soon weigh in on an 1864-era abortion ban that was flung back onto the books following Roes overturning. It makes performing or helping someone get an abortion a felony with a prison sentence of two to five years. With President Biden winning Arizona in 2020 by 0.3 percentage points, the state may be the first swing state to have an abortion measure on the ballot in the fall. The Florida Supreme Court excited Democrats on Monday when it approved a measure similar to the Arizona proposal for the ballot in November, while also carving a path for the states six-week ban to soon come into effect. Democrats hope distaste for the six-week ban plus a ballot question on abortion will inspire Democratic voter turnout in the state that Donald Trump won by 3.4 points in 2020. Voters in New York and Maryland will have the opportunity to weigh in on abortion ballot question in the fall and eight other states are moving in that direction: Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota and obviously Arizona. In Colorado, competing abortion proposals are in the works and in Missouri, several different proposals are being pushed, per the AP: Pushes are underway to get multiple abortion-related ballot measures before Missouri voters in 2024. Abortion rights advocates in Missourians for Constitutional Freedom are pushing for one that would guarantee abortion is legal until viability. A group of moderate Republicans are taking a different approach and calling for an amendment that would allow abortion up to 12 weeks, and after that only under limited exceptions. Supporters of each measure must submit more than 171,000 valid signatures by May 5 to get them on the ballot. The Best Of TPM Today Trial Judge Rips Trump Over Attacks On His Daughter And Tightens Gag Order Yesterdays Most Read Story The Easter Madness Of Donald J. Trump David Kurtz What We Are Reading A federal judge says migrants can sue the company that flew them to Marthas Vineyard NPR Start the Steal: Trump Once Again Planning to Overturn an Election The Bulwark Democrats eye Florida after abortion ruling WaPo Arkansas State Police arrest Mississippi woman on I-40 in Pope Co. accused of trafficking fentanyl POPE COUNTY, Ark. State police said a traffic stop made for speeding in Pope County led to the discovery of a bag of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Officials with the Arkansas State Police said 31-year-old Jasmine Charmain Petty of Pittsboro, Mississippi, was arrested Tuesday on Interstate 40 near Mile Marker 86 on the east side of Russellville. Arkansas State Police I-40 chase ends with Tennessee woman dead Troopers said they initially stopped Petty for speeding and continuously driving in the left passing lane while she was heading east on I-40. During a search of Pettys vehicle, the troopers said they found a bag in the center console containing approximately half a pound of counterfeit hydrocodone pills containing fentanyl. Arkansas State Police agents arrest former Wheatley PD chief marshal ASP Colonel Mike Hagar said state troopers will keep working to keep fentanyl out of Arkansas communities. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous substance that has led to a significant increase in overdose-related deaths across this country, Hagar said in a release. Our troopers will continue to fight to keep this deadly substance out of our communities and uphold our primary duty to keep Arkansans safe. Troopers confiscate marijuana, pills, meth and more during trio of traffic stops Petty was booked into the Pope County Detention Center Tuesday but was released on bond shortly after noon Wednesday. Troopers said she faces a felony charge of trafficking a controlled substance, and she is scheduled to be in court in mid-May. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A Texas womans quick thinking helped her make a bold escape after her husband kidnapped her at gunpoint, according to police. Officers responded to a 911 call about a kidnapping in progress at 7:13 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, the Brownsville Police Department said in an April 2 news release. The caller told police the victims husband, 37-year-old Martin Severiano Vela, had entered a house on the citys northeast side and took his wife from the home by force. Vela was armed, according to police. He aimed the gun at the witnessing homeowners during the kidnapping, ordering them to stay back as he forced his wife into a white Chrysler 300 and drove away, the department said. Vela drove the woman to an abandoned property where he planned to hurt her, according to investigators. But when he exited the car to pull her out, she seized a fleeting chance to escape. She jumped into the drivers seat and put her foot on the gas, police said. But her husband was determined not to let her go, and he grabbed on to the hood of the car as she drove from the scene. Moments later, police received another 911 call regarding a car at a Stripes gas station. A woman was inside the vehicle, screaming, while a man was on top of the hood, the caller said. Officers arrived at the gas station and found the woman, but her husband was gone along with the Chrysler. Shortly after, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) advised they were in a vehicle pursuit with a white Chrysler 300 that was driving recklessly, police said. Brownsville officers soon joined the chase, which police say ended with Vela crashing the car, then trying to hide in a shed on a nearby property. Vela was arrested and booked into the Brownsville City Jail on nine different charges including aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, burglary of habitation, driving while intoxicated and evading arrest. His bond was set at $212,000, officials said. Brownsville is a roughly 280-mile drive southeast of San Antonio. Gunmen open fire at Texas gas station, killing foreign politicians son, officials say Worried friend finds mom dead in her home, spurring homicide probe, Texas police say Man enters wrong home, beats 80-year-old neighbor he thought was intruder, TX cops say Mans disturbing acts at grocery store lead to bestiality charges for wife, TX cops say Artemis astronauts will need a vehicle on the moon. NASA hired 3 companies to design it For the first time in five decades, American astronauts are on the cusp of returning to the moon. NASA's Artemis missions, the first lunar program since the Apollo era, aims to send astronauts back to the moon ahead of the larger goal of one day reaching Mars. And when the day comes in about two years that those intrepid explorers make it to the lunar surface, they'll need a vehicle that can help them navigate the celestial body's crater-pocked terrain. The U.S. space agency announced Wednesday that it has hired three companies to create preliminary designs for lunar vehicles that can be driven and can also operate autonomously. Of those three companies, only one will ultimately be selected to build the vehicle that will make it to the moon, NASA said. Here's what to know about the planned vehicle and the historic Artemis lunar missions ahead. An artists concept design of NASAs Lunar Terrain Vehicle. Solar eclipse: NASA is launching 3 sounding rockets into space during the total solar eclipse Why NASA needs a lunar terrain vehicle NASA began seeking proposals in May for a next-generation lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) to help astronauts traverse and transport cargo across the moon's unexplored south polar region during upcoming Artemis missions. Officials do not anticipate that the vehicle will be ready by the time astronauts of Artemis III make their way to the moon's surface sometime in 2026. The vehicle, which would be used for crewed operations beginning with Artemis V in 2029, is intended to be a cross between an Apollo-era lunar rover and an uncrewed Mars rover like Perseverance or Curiosity, NASA said. Giving the vehicle robotic, remote operation capabilities will allow for scientific tests and exploration to continue even when astronauts are not present on the moon, according to NASA. NASA had asked companies to create proposed designs that accommodate two suited astronauts and include a robotic arm or other mechanism. The vehicle will also need to be able to survive the extreme temperatures of the lunar south pole, a region where water ice is thought to be abundant. Water ice in the region would not only help sustain astronauts on the surface, but it also would be a source of hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel as NASA looks ahead to missions to Mars. We will use the LTV to travel to locations we might not otherwise be able to reach on foot, increasing our ability to explore and make new scientific discoveries, NASA Chief Exploration Scientist Jacob Bleacher said in a Wednesday statement. With the Artemis crewed missions, and during remote operations when there is not a crew on the surface, we are enabling science and discovery on the moon year around. How to watch NASA's lunar vehicle announcement The televised event took place at 4 p.m. EST Wednesday at the agencys Johnson Space Center in Houston. The news conference aired live on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, and the U.S. space agencys website. NASA's official YouTube channel provided a live stream of the even and also released a 90-second trailer about the autonomous vehicle after the announcement. Watch it here: Astronauts will return to moon as part of Artemis missions In previous years, NASA and space agencies in other nations have once again set their sights on the moon in a renewed interest in reaching the lunar surface. For the United States, American astronauts have not set foot on the moon since the last Apollo mission in 1972. NASA's Artemis program hopes to get the nation back to the moon to establish a base of operations ahead of crewed trips to Mars. The upper stage for NASAs SLS (Space Launch System) rocket that will power the agencys Artemis III mission and send astronauts on to the moon for a lunar landing is pictured in August at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Poseidon Wharf in Florida. NASA had intended to launch its Artemis II astronauts into orbit by the end of the year on a 10-day trip circumnavigating the moon, ahead of a moon landing itself a year later for Artemis III. But the Artemis program missions have since been delayed by at least a year after NASA encountered a slew of issues, including a battery flaw on the vehicle that will ferry astronauts to the moon. In the meantime, preparations have continued to ensure the program stays on track. In mid-March, SpaceX conducted its most successful test yet of the Starship rocket that will one day ferry U.S. astronauts to the moon's surface. NASA had awarded the company a $2.9 billion contract in 2021 to develop the first commercial human lander for its Artemis III mission. The contract for the lunar terrain vehicles is worth up to $4.6 billion over the next 15 years, NASA said. Under the contract, NASA would not own the vehicles themselves but is instead only purchasing the service of creating them. One of the companies selected to design the lunar vehicle, Houston-based Intuitive Machines, was also the private company that in February became the fist commercial entity to ever land an uncrewed spacecraft on the moon's surface. NASA, which was the primary customer for the mission, paid a hefty sum to have a payload of scientific instruments included aboard the lander to collect data that will help the agency prepare for its own lunar missions. NASA has awarded Intuitive Machines $30 million as a prime contractor to complete a Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract. The companys global Moon RACER team will be tasked with creating a feasibility roadmap to develop and deploy a Lunar Terrain Vehicle on the Moon using pic.twitter.com/GaVh3cvrG5 Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) April 3, 2024 Lunar Outpost of Golden, Colo.; and Venturi Astrolab of Hawthorne, Calif. were also selected to come up with preliminary designs, according to NASA. The agency will work with the three companies for a year before NASA will choose one of them for the demonstration phase. We look forward to the development of the Artemis generation lunar exploration vehicle to help us advance what we learn at the Moon, Vanessa Wyche, director of NASAs Johnson Space Center, said in a Wednesday statement. This vehicle will greatly increase our astronauts ability to explore and conduct science on the lunar surface while also serving as a science platform between crewed missions. Contributing: James Powel Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA hires 3 companies to design lunar vehicles for Artemis missions Attorneys for survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre plead to keep their lawsuit alive Attorneys for the last two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre sought help from the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday, seeking to convince the court to keep their lawsuit alive. The survivors sued the city of Tulsa, the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners, the state's Military Department and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce. Ike Howard, left, looks at his grandmother, Viola Ford Fletcher, as she and Lessie Benningfield Randle, right, are introduced during the House General Government Committee meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol in 2012. The two women are survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. But attorneys for the city of Tulsa, Tulsa County and the state's Military Department countered that public entities were immune from prosecution due to the old sovereign immunity statutes, which say that a state cannot be sued without its consent. Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher, both who survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, appealed to the state's high court after Tulsa County Judge Caroline Wall dismissed their case in July 2023. At that time, Wall ruled that Randle and Fletcher, who are both 109, had failed to show how their claims could be remedied by the court. The state Supreme Court later reinstated the case acknowledging that Randle and Fletcher were being subjected to a standard not imposed on other plaintiffs. A third plaintiff in the case, Hughes Van Ellis, also a survivor of the massacre, died last October. The pair's attorney, Damario Solomon-Simmons, said time was running out for both women. In a statement to the Black Wall Street Times, Solomon-Simmons said "the city of Tulsa's shameful plan will not work." "It breaks my heart that even after suffering through a state-sponsored atrocity and its demoralizing aftermath, the last two Tulsa Race Massacre survivors are devoting the fleeting time they have left to a battle that the defendants hope will break their spirits," he said. Court's ruling will decide fate of lawsuit The hearing, held in the ceremonial courtroom on the 2nd floor of the State Capitol building, was the second en banc hearing by the high court that day. That morning, the court heard arguments in a case involving the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board and the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. Tuesday afternoon, Solomon-Simmons called on the high court to reverse Wall's dismissals of their public nuisance and unjust enrichment claims. In addition, Solomon-Simmons said Wall backed away from a previous agreement to move forward on the case. "This court has held for 113 years that blighted property can cause a public nuisance," he said. "And there is no statute of limitations on a public nuisance." Members of the court questioned the attorney about the agreement that he said Wall backed away from. Justice Yvonne Kauger who was appointed to the high court by then-Gov. George Nigh in 1984 asked if the nuisance element of the case was ongoing. "Counsel it seems to me that you're more interested in what's happening now, the failure to abate, to let the public nuisance exist as a result of the massacre, but you really can't go back to the massacre. Is that right? " Kauger asked. "Really it's what's happening now that you're complaining about." Solomon-Simmons answered, "yes." "There is an ongoing public nuisance that started as a result of the massacre," he said. "That's what we have alleged." Chief Justice John Kane, appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in 2019, asked Solomon-Simmons how he would show unjust enrichment. "Isn't it a requirement of unjust enrichment that the defendants hold money that is directly owed to the plaintiffs?" Kane asked. "How do you show that?" Solomon-Simmons answered that the court had laid out a four-element test of unjust enrichment. "It is the unjust retention of a benefit received at the expense of another," he said. "And I think this is such a great case of that which we pled in our actual petition. The perpetrators of the massacre utilized the survivors of the massacre stories to benefit themselves." Garry Gaskins, the state's solicitor general representing the Oklahoma Military Department the administrative arm of the Oklahoma National Guard said he recognized the horrible injustices that occurred in Tulsa in 1921. Sovereign immunity could be an issue in case "None of the arguments being made today are intended to diminish or minimize those horrific events," Gaskins said. But Gaskins said the plaintiffs in the case have not identified a violation of a public right sufficient to stand a claim for public nuisance. In addition he said the state's old sovereign immunity statutes prevented public entities such as the Military Department and the city of Tulsa from being sued. "First the plaintiffs' claims against the governmental entities are obviously precluded by sovereign immunity," he said. "As of 1921 when the Tulsa Race Massacre occurred, there was no Governmental Tort Claims Act or any statutory mechanism to waive sovereign immunity." Gaskins added the common law sovereign immunity was not abrogated for cities until 1978 and counties until 1979. "As of 1921 when the massacre occurred, all of the governmental entities that have been sued were protected from liability of sovereign immunity and therefore there are no possible grounds of recovery for acts that occurred during the Tulsa Race Massacre." Considered one of the darkest moments in state history, the Tulsa Race Massacre was a two-day long attack by white supremacists against the residents of an affluent area of Tulsa known as Black Wall Street. After incendiary stories were published in the Tulsa Tribune, a mob of white men including Tate Brady, a former adviser to the state's first elected Gov. Charles Haskell attacked residents in the area. More than 35 city blocks were destroyed. Records show about 800 residents were injured and historians estimate that close to 300 people died. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Supreme Court asked to keep Race Massacre lawsuit from being dismissed At an urban planning conference here in the early 1990s, a speaker summed up his talk about what gets people to use public transit by saying: A bus has to run every 10 minutes or less for people to use it, and they dont want to have to look at a schedule. No one wants to walk more than two blocks, he added. The speaker told us about how Chattanooga, Tennessee had developed an efficient bus transit system, even starting its own electric bus factory. CapMetro and city planners seem far more focused now on creating straight line corridors than figuring out riders actual destinations and getting them there more quickly than by driving a car. We used to have circulators that got people to destinations efficiently, the fondly remembered Dillos. In Central Austin, everyone from students to state workers to tourists used them, but in the early 2000s, CapMetro abruptly eliminated them. A couple of years ago, after funding a study, the Downtown Austin Business Alliance concluded that CapMetro should bring back the downtown Dillo because businesses and residents wanted it. CapMetros response was that it had no allocated funds for it. RELATED: 'Opinion: $25 billion for Austin transit projects: Good business and good for business.' In the late 1990s, a former CapMetro board chair (and other CapMetro employees) went to see the rapid bus system in Curitiba, Brazil. Unable to afford rail, Curitiba had mimicked it with rapid buses at a fraction of the cost, and Austin considered following its example. Curitiba, with a current population of 3.5 million, is now an international model of public transit. Seventy-five percent of Curitibas residents ride the bus, and some routes run every 90 seconds. In contrast, in 2022, Austins population was 974,447 and 66% of Austinites drove to work alone. I live just north of UT where youd think I could quickly get to essential destinations up to a mile away. By car, a trip to the grocery store or doctor is a 5-minute drive, 30 minutes on foot, (weather and aggressive drivers permitting). By bus, you have to take two separate buses (on two separate routes) and it takes 45 minutes or longer. Not a single thing in CapMetros current plan will change transit for me except for the increase in my yearly transit tax. The real question should be whether our current plan of straight fixed rail lines along redeveloped corridors will result in transit that is faster than driving and get us to our destinations, or whether we are willing to be taxed for an expensive plan but will continue to drive cars anyway. Efficient, cost-effective transit, not real estate corridor development, should be the focus of what were planning. Epstein is a longtime Austin resident and bus rider and the president of her neighborhood association. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What Austin needs is public transit that actually works | Opinion (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expressed anger and concern over the death of an Australian aid worker during a telephone call with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. Most Read from Bloomberg The two leaders spoke Wednesday morning, Albanese told reporters in Canberra, following the announcement that Australian citizen Zomi Frankcom was among seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen who were killed in an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip. Read more: World Central Kitchen Says Israel Strike on Gaza Kills Staff This is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid through this charity. This is completely unacceptable, Albanese said. When I spoke with the prime minister, I emphasized the importance of full accountability and transparency. Albanese said there must be a thorough investigation into the killing of the aid workers, and added that Netanyahu had committed to doing so. The Israeli PM had previously said the killings were unintentional and that Israel would do everything so that this does not happen again. Australia has been a longtime friend of Israel, however the huge civilian death toll from the war in Gaza has tested the limits of Canberras support for Netanyahus administration. Albaneses center-left Labor government has previously voted in favor of a ceasefire at the United Nations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Albaneses comments in an interview with Sky News on Wednesday and demanded accountability from Israel. We are outraged by what has occurred, she said. I want to start by honoring the life of Zomi Frankcom, someone whose life was dedicated to the service of others, and I want to express to her family and those who loved her that Australians mourn with her. The war in Gaza started shortly after the militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and abducting some 250 others. Israel initiated a military campaign against the group, which is designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, in a conflict that has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians, according to authorities in the Hamas-run enclave. The UK government said Tuesday it had summoned Israels ambassador in the wake of the killings, with Foreign Secretary David Cameron calling the deaths completely unacceptable. (Adds comment from Australian foreign minister in sixth-seventh paragraphs. An earlier version of this story was corrected.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A meeting has been held between Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev and Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders Mohammed Abdelsalam, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The parties discussed preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which Azerbaijan will host this year. Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November of this year. The decision was taken at the COP28 plenary conference in Dubai on December 11, 2018. Baku will become the world's center within two weeks, hosting between 70 and 80,000 foreign visitors. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. 198 countries are parties to the convention. The COP is held annually, unless the parties decide otherwise. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Austria provides $2.2 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine Austria is supporting Ukraine with 2 million euros ($2.2 million) worth of humanitarian aid, Austria's Foreign Ministry reported on April 3. Vienna has denounced Russian aggression against Ukraine and provided Kyiv with economic and humanitarian aid but refused to donate lethal military assistance due to its neutrality policy. The $2.2 million is part of a broader 21.5 million euro ($23.3 million) funding package from the Foreign Ministry's foreign disaster fund, which will go to support humanitarian aid in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. The funding will "go to Austrian aid organizations that help with their valuable work on the ground," the Foreign Ministry said. "Our security in Europe also depends largely on the security and stability of our neighbors," Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said. "Local help in crisis regions therefore helps in two ways: on the one hand, it is important to improve the local living situation and alleviate human suffering and, on the other hand, it helps to curb illegal migration to Austria and Europe," Nehammer said. Nehammer said in March that he opposes the use of profits from frozen Russian assets being used to purchase weapons for Ukraine. Read also: Austria urges strengthened security in aftermath of spying scandal Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Signs are posted in the young adult section of the Autauga-Prattville Public Library on Feb. 23, 2024. (Ralph Chapoco/ Alabama Reflector) The governing board of the Autauga-Prattville Public Library Tuesday dismissed their attorney over what they described as a conflict of interest. The Board of Trustees made their decision during a special meeting Tuesday to replace Laura Clark, who had been hired by the newly-installed board in February. The board did not specify what the conflict of interest was. Bryan Taylor, a former state senator and recent Republican candidate for Alabama chief justice, will represent the board. The board also officially recommended Donnie Bethel to fill the remaining vacancy on the board appointed by the Prattville City Council. Members of the board went into executive session shortly after the meeting convened and met for about 20 minutes before publicly recommending Bethel to the final vacancy. A message seeking comment was left Tuesday with Clark. Ray Boles, the chair of the board, declined comment. The Autauga-Prattville Public Library has been swept up in a right-wing panic over the governance and contents of libraries. A group called Clean Up Alabama organized last year to challenge books in the library, many with LGBTQ+ themes. A group called Read Freely Alabama organized in opposition to the group. The librarys Board of Trustees resigned en masse last year in protest of appointments made by the Autauga County Commission without consultation. The new members, all sympathetic with Clean Up Alabama, hired Clark, interim president of a conservative nonprofit called the Alabama Center for Law and Liberty, as the librarys attorney in February. I was advised by the city attorney that we needed an attorney, Boles said soon after the Feb. 8 meeting. We were just advised that we needed an attorney, so we went out and got an attorney. She is a constitutional attorney. That is why we picked her. In addition to hiring Clark at that February meeting, members also transferred $2,000 from the librarys marketing budget and adopted a set of policies that Clean Up Alabama had urged the Prattville City Council and the Autauga County Commission to set for months. During that February meeting, the board adopted a policy that restricted books for people younger than 17 that involved sex and obscenity as well as sexual orientation and gender identity. The new board terminated Andrew Foster, the librarys former director, after spending 20 minutes in executive session at a special called meeting in March. No board member spoke with the media after the meeting, but Boles left an official statement for the press stating that Foster was terminated for revealing confidential information to the press after he fulfilled a records request from the media. Also scrawled on the paper in ink was and violation of criminal law. About one week later, Foster and his attorney sent a letter to members of the board demanding that he be reinstated director of the library, have his rights restored so that he may enter the facility, and clear his good name and reputation. In the letter, Foster and his attorney said that board members violated the Open Meetings Act when they terminated him and that he did not commit a criminal act when he recorded the audio of the meeting because he was a party to the meeting. He also sent a letter to Clark and Boles demanding an apology and a retraction and correction of statements they made about Foster.. Clark, however, has refused to retract any of the statements she made regarding Foster. In a letter Clark sent to Christopher Weller, the attorney representing Foster, Clark said that Fosters allegations are baseless in law and fact. She said in her letter that nearly all statements she made regarding Foster were directed at members of the library board and as such, are privileged communications between herself as the attorney and the board members which are her client. Taylor also served as legal counsel for the Alabama Republican Party and for Republican Govs. Bob Riley and Kay Ivey. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Autauga-Prattville Public Library Board hires new attorney to replace Laura Clark appeared first on Alabama Reflector. We have no tolerance: Driver accused of assaulting student on school bus in Ashby Police in Ashby are investigating a troubling incident on a North Middlesex Regional School District school bus on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, captured on video, shows a bus driver allegedly assaulting a student while the bus was stationed in Ashby, according to North Middlesex Regional School District Superintendent Brad Morgan. Officials said there were other students on the bus at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported and the bus had been pulled over and was not in operation at the time of the alleged assault. Upon being made aware of the incident, district officials alerted local law enforcement, prompting a thorough investigation by the Ashby Police Department. The bus in question is owned and operated by Dee Bus Service, a contractor for student transportation services in the North Middlesex Regional School District. According to Morgan, the bus driver involved in the alleged incident has been removed from their route and will no longer be responsible for transporting students from the district. The safety and well-being of students are of paramount importance to the district, and officials are committed to ensuring a swift and thorough investigation in accordance with established protocols, Morgan said. In a statement, a spokesperson for Dee Bus Service said, We have no tolerance for this alleged behavior. We are fully cooperating with local authorities and the North Middlesex Regional School district as this matter is being investigated. In addition to cooperating with law enforcement, the district will also be notifying the Department of Children and Families about the incident. As of late Tuesday night, no charges have been filed, but the investigation remains ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Moulton Police Department is asking for assistance in locating a missing teenager. According to the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office, Madison Ledlow was last seen driving a white Ford Fusion 42A211U. LCSO releases details, identifies man killed in Florence police shooting If you have any information as to her whereabouts, please call law enforcement authorities at 256-974-9291. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Former WLRN Sundial host Carlos Frias, who was terminated after his show was canceled amid allegations of discrimination and anti-Hispanic sentiment at the station, is suing his past employer, seeking reemployment and compensation for months of lost wages, his attorney told the Miami Herald. After his termination in early February, Frias filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging discrimination led to his firing. The EEOC granted Frias request for the right to sue his former employer, as the commission said it would be unlikely to complete its investigation within 180 days, an EEOC dismissal and notice of rights form read. In a statement Wednesday, John LaBonia, South Florida Public Media Group CEO and WLRNs general manager, defended the station: The allegations raised in this lawsuit brought by former Sundial host, Mr. Carlos Frias, are baseless and without merit. We categorically deny the allegations raised and will vigorously defend our organization and our staff. EEOC complaints are confidential and not public documents. The statement also noted that 63 percent 17 of 27 of WLRNs newsrooms employees are journalists of color. Bill Amlong, Frias attorney, said the EEOC complaint was a necessary step before filing a suit against the station in federal court alleging discrimination. The lawsuit was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. We dont want to go to war with WLRN; its a public radio station that depends on donations, Amlong said. But this is just wrong. If you are going to reflect Miami, you have got to recognize that it is increasingly Latino. Judge Melissa Damian will preside over the suit, which lists South Florida Public Media Company as a defendant. The corporation runs WLRN, a Miami Herald news partner. READ MORE: Award-winning journalist accuses WLRN of discrimination claiming anti-Hispanic bias Frias, 48, a former food editor at the Miami Herald, was hired by WLRN in 2022. For a little over a year, he hosted the show Sundial, which featured interviews with South Floridians in the arts, in politics, in education etc. Cultural comfort zones Frias is seeking possible reemployment, back wages and damages for emotional distress, according to the lawsuit. Frias alleges the radio station fired him and his two producers Leslie Ovalle Atkinson and Elisa Baena without any warning or explanation shortly after management at the station told one of the trio that Sundial was sounding very Latino, the lawsuit read. READ MORE: Latina WLRN staffer quits in solidarity with ousted Sundial employees The suit says the shows supervisor created a spreadsheet showing the ethnicity of its guests, but only those who mentioned a Latino or Hispanic topic. When Frias asked for clarification on the document, the vice president of radio said ...the station had to be considerate of listeners cultural comfort zones, the suit said. The lawsuit also notes Frias was given a formal reprimand in January, the first in his journalistic career, over a response he made on Facebook about a readers letter he felt was racist. A week after Frias filed a complaint with an HR representative about the alleged anti-Hispanic sentiment he and his radio team had faced at the station, he was fired. WLRN, whose newsroom has won several top broadcasting awards, said its decision was based on refocusing resources to produce more investigative journalism. Bad experience with a Fort Worth police officer? You now have a chance to talk it out Fort Worth residents who have a rude or unpleasant encounter with a police officer may now get a chance to sit face-to-face with that officer, and could even come out with a new friend in the process. The citys Office of the Police Oversight Monitor has started a mediation program to improve community and police relations. The program started April 1 and is entirely voluntary. It gives residents and an officer a chance to have an open dialogue about a lower-level complaint in the presence of a mediator. It is an alternative to disciplinary or legal action for the officer. Taylor Davis, the program director, says it provides an opportunity for understanding and empathy between police and the people they serve. The community member may not get the result that they want from a complaint regarding rudeness, Davis said. But if theyre able to sit down at the table and really feel heard, they may even learn something from that officer and vice versa. Why Fort Worth has an Office of the Police Oversight Monitor The police monitor office was established in 2020 in response to a recommendation from the citys Race and Culture Task Force 2018 report. It is designed to serve as an impartial check on Fort Worth police. The office works independently of the Police Department and is responsible for duties that include monitoring internal police investigations, conducting community-police engagement outreach, and auditing body cam footage and use of force reports. The office does not investigate cases or administer disciplinary actions. The Race and Culture Task Force was created after the 2016 arrest of Jacqueline Craig, who was tackled and arrested by an officer. The charges were dropped after body camera footage was leaked. The footage went viral, and Craig settled a lawsuit against the city for $150,000. Craig died from cancer in September 2023. In September 2023, Bonycle Sokunbi became director of the Office of the Police Oversight Monitor. She was previously a prosecutor and a deputy independent police monitor in New Orleans, overseeing misconduct and force investigations. Sokunbi says she fundamentally believes in accountability, trust and fairness. She wants to make sure that the inner workings of the police department is as transparent as possible. A lot of times when we think of police oversight, we only think about the shooting when someone ends up dead, Sokunbi told the Star Telegram. Policing happens in tons of ways, so as soon as we get an inkling of something that were paying attention to, before the communitys even concerned about an issue, were researching, figuring out best practices and providing recommendations that the police department can consider without being under the lights of a crisis. Sokunbi says one of the biggest wins so far since she arrived is the mediation program. Community-Police Mediation Program The Office of Police Oversight Monitor researched similar programs around the U.S., including in Baltimore and Miami. After gaining support from the community, Fort Worth Police Department, and Fort Worth Police Officers Association, they began to recruit mediators. After two months of recruiting and 27 interviews, the office selected 13 community mediators and four police officer ambassadors. The mediators and ambassadors are unpaid volunteers who went through a voluntary 45 hours of training that focused on active listening, empathy, conflict resolution and cultural sensitivity with a 100 percent attendance through its duration. Low-level complaints include rudeness, lack of courtesy, unprofessional encounters and poor communication. Mediation sessions are contingent upon the amount of complaints each month. Community Mediators and police ambassadors conduct mediation training in January as part of the Community-Police Mediation Program. Officer Brittany Jones is a police ambassador. She grew up near Stop 6 on the east side of Fort Worth and wanted to become a police officer so other young girls and women could aspire to do the same. Neutrality was the biggest factor in her training. The goal is to break everything down to its simplest form for both the resident and police officer, so they can come to a mutual agreement or understanding. She said she believes the program can help her become a better police officer. I want to help other officers understand that this program is not meant to be viewed as negative, Jones said. It gives us the opportunity to reconnect with the person that filed a complaint so that we have that healthy conversation instead of going to disciplinary actions. Myeshia Smith is a community mediator and serves as the executive director for Operation Progress Fort Worth, a nonprofit organization serving youth in the Como community. Smith said some community mediators did not have a positive perception of the police. After spending time training together, sharing and listening to personal stories, their attitudes changed. She wanted to give back to the Fort Worth community and show how mediation allows individuals to be heard, valued and empowered to find resolution during conflict. My hope is that the community becomes aware of the program in the OPOM office, as well as the community sees it as a service for them and as well as police officers, and everyone has an interest in restoring relationships and utilizing the services, Smith said. Sokunbi, the OPOM director, believes an informed community is a safe community. She hopes in the future to have more public reports for the community to better understand police policies. She wants to take the frustration from a bad encounter at a grocery store or traffic stop and have conversations. Allowing people to use their own words to advocate for themselves and explain their feelings can help restore relationships with police. We have to make it to a point in society where we understand that some conflict is healthy, Sokunbi said. That we should be able to discuss the issues and not just be mad about the issues, that sometimes change comes from understanding and agreements. CHICAGO -- With a healthy dose of paranoia, fear of darkness, Felicia Bailey comes to life in the 145 pages of M. Denise Conners book, Baileys End: Book 1 The Encounter. Conner lets the audience glimpse the inner workings of the introverted, yet successful Felicia as she traverses the Chicago landscape trying to cope with her anxiety and bolster her mental wellness. Felicia is a 40-year-old architect with no plans to marry or have a family, living her life the best way she knows how in Chicago. As she lives that life, we get a first-hand view of the mental anguish she endures day to day. Felicia wants to appear as if she has a full life to the neighbors in her apartment building, so she puts on heels and stomps loudly around her abode and then slams her front door to make it seem as if she has a life like others with people who we care about and care about us. Felicia seems somewhat aloof and in her own mind most of the time, when shes not working on blueprints and drawings for her job. She has liaisons with men in her mind, but has been celibate for three years to remain connected with herself without a need to validate who she is to anyone else. Felicia (aka Fifi) eventually seeks the help of psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Long, a psychiatrist referred by a workplace colleague. As we go further into Felicias life and her mental health, we get glimpses of traumas caused by her family and her environment. As Felicia faces her fears and fantasies, the book turns more into a mystery/thriller, where the ante keeps being raised. Stalking, violence and murder occur before the book ends. But who is the killer? Her psychiatrist? Who is the stalker? Her coworker? And does the heroine make it out unscathed? Growing up in a household where her mother was emotionally battling depression, Felicia experienced all that and it affected her, Conner said about her main character, named after a childhood friend. Her struggle with self-love and self-worth Is she worthy of love at all? Now shes a professional on the rise, financially sound. But in her mind, whats going to come along rattles all that happiness, because shes still attuned to hard times. A fan of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, The Twilight Zone and science fiction, Conner said she purposefully wrote the book with the goal of building the anticipation so it never levels off. All too often, stories start and end on a happy note, the Bronzeville resident said. Thats not how life is. Were going to have our ups and downs, its never an even playing field. Equipped with a background in psychology, Conner penned the first book in her thriller trilogy and dedicated it to her late mother Bessie, who battled depression. Shes working on releasing the second book, Survivors Remorse, this summer. Conner said Survivors Remorse will feature a Felicia Bailey who has gotten over the nightmares, but now has a different issue and problem. Much like the first book, she plans to add a lot of raw emotion to it. Conner finds Baileys End relatable, saying many people deal with mental health issues or know of those who do. Having lost her mother at the age of 13, Conner said taking psychology courses in college gave her some clarity and understanding of the grief process. She began writing as an outlet. While the book has whodunit tones, Conner said the overall theme is mental health and self-love. Self-love helps us keep things balanced, she said. Thats a very vital thing in the book that I hope people get the need for self-love. Even though Felicia was lonely, no kids, no husband, she did have a happy place where she gave herself that self-love that she craved when she was younger and wasnt able to get. We all struggle with something, she said. Youre not always going to be happy. Were going to experience those periods where we just feel like woe is me and we wish we were in a different place or position. Its part of life, the emotions, the ups and downs, nothing is perfect, but at the same time, you have to be grateful for the place and position that were in and just play the hand that were dealt. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The owner of the business where Marine servicemen were stabbed and the detective spearheading the investigation into the incident took the witness stand during day two of The State of Texas v. Ray Vera. Beginning in the Tom Green County Courthouse on April 3, the second day of the trial started with the State calling Richard Hayslip to testify. Hayslip, the owner of the Whiskey River Saloon, shared his perspective on the pair of fights that would hospitalize multiple Marine servicemen and end the life of Staff Sgt. Bryce Rudisell. Hayslip told the jury that he went to the saloon after a general manager working on the night of Oct. 2, 2022, contacted him, claiming that a fight had broken out in the establishment. Though three employees had called the police, Hayslip learned that multiple stabbings had occurred by the time he arrived. He then stayed at the location to assist police and investigators. Hayslip also stated that the location had 16 cameras functioning at the time of the incident, with two situated outside the bar capturing footage of the second fight that would result in the stabbings. Approximately 6 hours of footage, spanning from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day, were taken from each camera and given to investigators. Marine Murder Trial: Jury selected, trial begins Moving to the defense, Attorney Jason Sosa brought the Whiskey River Saloons security into question. Hayslip stated that, although the business only had one security guard contracted by Lionheart Security Services present that night, the guard did all that he could to break up the initial fight. I think he intervened very quickly and responsibly, Hayslip said. Sosa also questioned Hayslip about how alcohol is monitored at the bar and whether he believes inebriation could instigate fights. In response, Hayslip said that bartenders monitor patrons alcohol consumption and that sobriety is not the issue that controls peoples actions. Afterward, District Attorney John Best called Jason Chegwidden to the stand. Chegwidden, a San Angelo Police Department detective who has been in the department for 15 years, explained how he became involved in the investigation and how it proceeded. Chegwidden stated that he was called to the scene at approximately 1:14 a.m. Upon his arrival, he learned from other detectives that the stabbing victims had been taken to the hospital and that Rudisell had succumbed to his injuries. Now handling a homicide investigation, he spoke with witnesses about pieces of evidence at the scene and reviewed surveillance footage taken from the bars 16 cameras. According to Chegwiddens testimony, the incident unfolded in this manner: A fight broke out at approximately 1 a.m. after tensions boiled over during a verbal exchange between members of the Marine servicemens group and Veras group. One individual in Veras group, Julian Suarez, was seen attempting to use a glass beer mug to strike one of the servicemens group members. The Marine servicemens group left the bar via the front door. Veras group left shortly afterward at a faster rate than the servicemens group. Suarez is seen striking one of the Marine servicemen in the back of the head with a glass beer mug. A second fight begins in the Whiskey River Saloons parking lot as members of both groups join the melee, including Rudisell, who is seen exiting his vehicle. Vera is seen wielding a knife during the second fight. Rudisell walks away from the fight and leans against a vehicle. Chegwidden also stated that eyewitness accounts and footage revealed that a black SUV drove away from the scene, eventually leading investigators to Raymond Scott, a member of Veras party during the incident. Detectives would then obtain a search warrant for Scotts home and investigate the house for evidence, where they would find a shirt bearing suspected blood stains and multiple knives and knife sheaths. During an interview, Scott claimed that he did not bring a knife to the bar that night due to weapons not being allowed in the saloon. SEE HOW IT BEGAN: San Angelo man charged with murder in stabbing death of Goodfellow service member According to Chegwidden, Vera would be arrested later during the day of the incident on outstanding warrants for traffic violations. He was then interviewed regarding the fights. During the interview, he stated that he remembered nothing about the events of the night except that he was celebrating a friends wifes birthday and that he was just there to have a good time. When investigators stated that footage showed him wielding a knife, Vera could be seen shaking his head as he spoke. Vera was arrested on a charge of murder following the interview. A search warrant would be executed at Veras residence later during the day of the incident. Investigators found a T-shirt and a pair of jeans that were possibly bearing blood, a pair of red shoes, paper wristbands and a switchblade. Chegwidden and the other investigators would then set to work on obtaining other evidence from those involved in the fights. Swabs were taken from several members of both parties, and Rudisells clothing was taken after his death. After being passed to the defense, Chegwidden would reveal that he held concerns about whether the saloons lone security officer was sufficient given the establishments 400-plus occupancy limit. One person to control that many people may be difficult, Chegwidden said. He also shared that Suarez seemed to be an instigator of both fights, though it was difficult to conclusively say who started the altercations. There was a big pile of people, but he was kind of the lead on that, Chegwidden said. Concho Valley Homepage will continue to provide coverage of the proceedings of The State of Texas v. Ray Vera whenever possible. Be sure to visit our website, Facebook pages or mobile app to stay up to date on the trials progress. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) Bars and restaurants all across Western New York are making sure theyre ready to meet the demand and give people a taste of what the Buffalo food scene is all about. Western New York is expecting to get a total influx of people coming in and we hope to get our fair share, being the home of the original Buffalo wing. We anticipate being very, very busy that day. Not only gearing up for food but with staff, said Mark Dempsey, the CEO of the Anchor Bar franchise. With hundreds of thousands of people expected to come to Buffalo for the eclipse restaurants like Anchor Bar will have their plates full. Solar eclipse puts Buffalo in the spotlight Weve been looking at upping our batch, upping the levels of our sauce, ordering enough chicken wings and beef for our beef on wecks and pizzas. All the different ingredients and of course a lot of beer, Dempsey said. Speaking of beer, Community Beer Works is getting ready to showcase craft beer made right here in Buffalo. Weve gone about selling as much beer as we can into local establishments that we think are traditional Buffalo third spaces, we think people are gonna come when they come to Buffalo to experience a little bit of the city, said CEO Christopher Smith. Youre gonna find us on tap this weekend at places we deem pretty special in Buffalo, great wings, beef on weck, and great culture in Buffalo. Over in Allentown, Casa Azul owner and chef Zina Lapi is getting ready to to see a surge of people from out of town looking for a place to feast. Its a lot of peoples first time in Buffalo so were excited to see some new people and get some new faces in the door for sure, Lapi told News 4. Buffalo has an awesome small business community. We have a lot of chef owned restaurants, local artists so its cool theres a spotlight getting shown on all these people because of all of this. Latest on the solar eclipse Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan pays great attention to enhancing green energy potential, the local MP Sevinj Huseynova told Trend. She noted that the country has joined the global initiative to triple the share of renewable energy sources by 2030 and double energy efficiency. "Azerbaijan possesses significant potential for green energy and pursues a targeted state policy for its effective utilization. The green potential of the country's Caspian Sea sector amounts to 150,000 megawatts. Today, as the leading state in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan has become a country ensuring the energy security of European countries as well as several others. Its planned renewable energy production potential by 2030 is 5,000 megawatts. In 2023, the largest solar power station in the Caucasus and Central Asia region with a capacity of 230 megawatts was commissioned in the country, and the construction of new stations continues," the MP said. Huseynova emphasized that experts highly appreciate the green potential of the country's liberated territories, especially Kalbajar and Lachin. "They have significant potential for wind and solar energy. More than 10 hydroelectric power plants are planned to be built in Karabakh," she explained. The MP noted that Azerbaijan actively cooperates with international organizations, various countries, and investors in the field of green energy, among others. According to her, relevant laws and regulations have been adopted in Azerbaijan to develop the renewable energy sector and improve the legislation and institutional environment in this area. "In the 5th item of the 'Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities of Socio-Economic Development' ('Clean Environment and Country of Green Growth) document, approved by the presidential decree on February 2, 2021, issues related to climate change and the use of renewable energy sources in all sectors of the economy are reflected. Thus, Azerbaijan makes an important contribution to the sustainable satisfaction of the growing demand for energy resources worldwide, creating a balance between energy security, accessible energy supply, and environmental stability," Huseynova added. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A still image from a YouTube video by the police union (DPolG) shows police officers without pants to denounce the blatant lack of uniforms in the Bavarian police force. -/DPolG Bayern/dpa The union for police officers in the southern German state of Bavaria is complaining about a blatant lack of uniforms for police officers. "Bavaria's police are 'stripping bare' and could literally be standing there without trousers," said the chairman of the Bavarian DPolG regional police union, Jurgen Kohnlein. The union posted a video on YouTube to highlight the missing uniform pieces. "So, how long have you been waiting?" a police officer asks his colleague in the video before they both get out of a patrol car without any trousers. Currently, 21 uniform items such as pants, jackets and caps are only available for Bavarian police with waiting times of several months, Kohnlein said. "Since 2020, we have hardly been talking about shortcomings in the quality of uniform, but rather a shortage in the availability of uniform," he said. The trade union called on the Bavaria's Interior Ministry to "finally" remedy the situation quickly, "even if this would entail additional costs." The ministry said the shortages have been exacerbated by supply chain disruptions in recent years. "The supply bottlenecks for uniform parts are a major annoyance for us," said a ministry spokesman on Wednesday. The state had outsourced procurement of uniforms elsewhere, but plans to take over the process with a new logistics centre to avoid future shortages. The supply bottlenecks affect special types of police trousers in particular, such as multi-purpose summer trousers. Other types of trousers are available and in the event of shortages, Bavarian police officers can "of course fall back on other trouser models," the ministry spokesman said. Belgorod is rated one of Russia's five best cities to live in The aftermath of attack of Belgorod on 22 March. Photo: Getty Images The Russian Federation's Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities has released a list of the best Russian cities to live in. Surprisingly, Belgorod a city that experiences frequent attacks came in at number four among cities with under a million residents. Source: Russias Ministry of Construction; Novaya Gazeta Details: The top three in this category are Mytishchi near Moscow, the urban district of Khimki, and the city of Yaroslavl, with Belgorod right behind them, followed by Tyumen and Grozny. Shebekino and Grayvoron in Belgorod Oblast are also on the list of small towns, despite being subjected to frequent bombardment. Background: Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reports attacks on Belgorod city and oblast almost every day. On the evening of 1 April, the Belgorod Oblast authorities reported that air defence had been activated in Belgorod and its vicinity. The attack damaged civilian infrastructure and left several people injured. Support UP or become our patron! STACKER Almost all the oldest universities in the United States are private colleges. Harvard and St. Johns College, for example, were founded before the 18th century and boast alumni and founders, respectively, who signed the Declaration of Independence. Stacker compiled a list of the best private colleges in Kansas, using data from Niche released in 2024. Niche ranks schools based on a variety of factors including academics, value for money, professors, campus, and diversity. Private institutions today remain distinguished from other types of institutions by their source of funding. While public colleges and universities are at least partially subsidized by state government funding, private institutions are funded by tuition dollars, endowments, grants, and donations. As a result, private schools tend to be more expensive: The average tuition for full-time in-state undergraduate students at public four-year colleges was $11,260, and $29,150 for out-of-state students in 2023, while average tuition for students attending private four-year institutions was $41,540, according to the College Boards 2023 Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid report. Will Kansas try to lure Chiefs or Royals? Heres what we know. Private and public schools play important roles in the postsecondary landscape, offering top-tier education and valuable opportunities outside the classroom. But some characteristics of private institutionsnamely size, reputation, and flexibilitymake them more appealing to prospective students. Private colleges, which tend to be more selective, generally offer smaller class sizes and, by extension, more direct instruction and support. Large lectures with around 100 students are more of an exception at private schools when compared to public colleges. Private colleges may also attract more distinguished faculty based on prestige. While the quality of education received at private institutions is not necessarily better than what students receive at public schools, graduates from more selective colleges with name recognition generally tend to have higher earnings, according to a study on earnings outcomes by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. The study also notes, however, that within specific majors, the institution that a student attends can have a significant effect on earnings outcomes. For students entering college without a well-defined idea of what discipline they want to pursue, the flexibility to explore various subjects at a liberal arts institution often makes private colleges an appealing option. Read on to see the highest-ranked private colleges in Kansas. A student wearing a backpack holding two books as they walk to a college class. mangpor2004 // Shutterstock #16. Bethel College Kansas Location: North Newton, KS Acceptance rate: 71% Net price: $24,508 SAT range: 990-1160 Niche grade: B- College students laughing and having fun at a tailgate party. Sean Locke Photography // Shutterstock #15. Hesston College Location: Hesston, KS Acceptance rate: 100% Net price: $23,000 SAT range: Not available Niche grade: B- Bookshelves forming a hallway in a college library. DavidPinoPhotography // Shutterstock #7. Kansas Wesleyan University Location: Salina, KS Acceptance rate: 68% Net price: $23,803 SAT range: 970-1110 Niche grade: B- A student taking notes in a library. Jacob Lund // Shutterstock #6. Sterling College Kansas Location: Sterling, KS Acceptance rate: 47% Net price: $22,377 SAT range: 900-1080 Niche grade: B- An empty college dorm room with bunkbeds. Canva #5. Tabor College Location: Hillsboro, KS Acceptance rate: 54% Net price: $20,919 SAT range: 900-1100 Niche grade: B- A college professor giving a lecture. Canva #4. Baker University Location: Baldwin City, KS Acceptance rate: 99% Net price: $24,865 SAT range: 970-1130 Niche grade: B- A group of college students working together on a group project in a library. Jacob Lund // Shutterstock #3. Friends University Location: Wichita, KS Acceptance rate: 58% Net price: $22,647 SAT range: 960-1140 Niche grade: B An empty college classroom. Canva #2. Newman University Location: Wichita, KS Acceptance rate: 72% Net price: $17,372 SAT range: 980-1190 Niche grade: B A group of college students working on their laptops. Canva #1. MidAmerica Nazarene University Location: Olathe, KS Acceptance rate: 65% Net price: $28,554 SAT range: 910-990 Niche grade: B+ This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin, additional writing by Lauren Liebhaber, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 46 states. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. The Biden administration on Wednesday barred drilling and mining in a Colorado landscape known as the Thompson Divide, an area of mountaintops, foothills and valleys in the center of the state. The administration said it would bar drilling and mining in 221,898 acres of the divides lands for 20 years as part of an effort to preserve it for the future. The Thompson Divide area is a treasured landscape, valued for its wildlife habitat, clean air and water, and abundant recreation, ecological and scenic values, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a written statement. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to ensuring that special places like these are protected for future generations, Haaland added. The Biden administration first indicated plans to protect the area alongside President Bidens creation of the Camp Hale National Monument, also in Colorado. A federal assessment projects that the governments actions will likely prevent 12 or 13 oil and gas wells from springing up in the area. The Thompson Divide is known for ranching and grazing lands, as well as wildlife, outdoor recreation and clean water, according to the administration. The lands where drilling is now barred include areas of the White River and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Ahead of Vice President Harris traveling to North Carolina again this week, President Bidens campaign announced Tuesday its expanding its staff in the Tar Heel State, a key battleground in 2024. The campaign is bringing on Harrison Peel as deputy campaign manager, state Sen. Natalie Murdock as political and coalitions director, James Sonneman as general elections director and Desiree Kennedy as chief operations officer. The hiring announcements follow the decision to open 10 field offices across the state, targeting areas that could be crucial in the campaigns effort to try to flip North Carolina after former President Donald Trump won the state twice. North Carolina is in play in 2024, and we are laser focused on highlighting the contrast between President Bidens record of lowering costs and creating jobs and Trumps work to restrict our freedoms and take away our health care. Thats why we are investing early and bringing on top operatives to secure a win for President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats up and down the ballot in November, said David Berrios, the Biden campaigns North Carolina campaign manager, in a statement. President Biden had a rare joint appearance in Raleigh last week with Vice President Harris, where the two focused on whats at stake in the election with regard to healthcare, including on abortion access and the future of the Affordable Care Act. The two also spoke at a fundraiser that day with Gov. Roy Cooper (D). Cooper told the crowd the event raised more than $2.3 million for the campaign, according to pool reports. Harris will return to North Carolina on Thursday, planning an appearance in Charlotte. The White House says she plans to discuss environmental issues including action to address climate change along with EPA Administrator Michael Regan. It will be her fourth visit to the state so far this year. While shes in North Carolina, Harris will open one of the new campaign offices in Charlotte. Trumps campaign has not announced when it will open field offices in the state. The Associated Press reported last week that some Republican Party leaders in battleground states raised concerns about a skeleton campaign, quoting Pete Hoekstra, the chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. While former President Barack Obama was the last Democrat to win North Carolina in 2008, party leaders are trying once again to put the state in play. In 2020, Trump won the state by about 1.34 percent, which was his smallest margin of any state he won that year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Recorded earlier President Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will speak with reporters Wednesday at the White House to highlight the capping of costs for inhalers by several pharmaceutical makers. Sanders joined other Democrats in the Senate in a letter to drug manufacturers calling for a review of prices for the breathing treatment devices. In one case, a prescription inhaler came with a price tag of $645 for Americans 13 times higher than consumers the United Kingdom were paying. Out-of-pocket costs for an inhaler will now top out at $35 for many U.S. patients. Biden and Sanders, joined by health professionals, will address the media starting at 11 a.m. EDT. Watch the live video above. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On Thursday evening, President Joe Biden said that he was outraged and heartbroken at the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza after Israel conducted airstrkes against the unarmed convoy. Specifically, as Independent White House reporter Andrew Feinberg said, Biden leveled what might be his biggest criticism of Israel in his 52 years of national politics, when he said attacks like the one that killed aid workers should not happen and added that Israel has not done enough to avoid them. The fact that the aid workers came from an organization headed up by celebrity Chef Jose Andres made matters worse, politically speaking: Andres runs many restaurants that Washingtons power players patronize (your reporter is partial to Jaleo). Hes a fixture on Washingtons party circuit and he became a hero to many Washington liberals when he pulled his restaurant out of Donald Trumps now-shuttered hotel. But even Andress elevated profile has not made Biden shift his policy on Israel. He wants to see an investigation thats swift, an investigation that's comprehensive, that brings accountability, and he wants to make sure that it is made public, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday. When a reporter asked what such an investigation might entail, Jean-Pierre would not elaborate. This renders Bidens critiques all but meaningless especially as he pushes for the House to pass a foreign aid package that would provide $14.1bn in aid to Israel and as multiple publications report that he is considering selling $18bn worth of fighter jets to the country. As my colleague Katie Hawkinson explained in Tuesdays Inside Washington, the president set the red line himself when he warned in February, If you harm an American, we will respond. Simply put, Biden has offered zero response or consequences for Israel. Meanwhile, in a video where he appeared to be smiling, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the killings a tragic instance of our forces unintentionally harming innocent people in the Gaza Strip, before adding, It happens in war. Biden has all but created the circumstances that allowed for the World Central Kitchen workers deaths. In the buildup to the passage of the foreign aid bill, 19 senators in the Democratic caucus including Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said they hoped to add an amendment that would have required countries who received US military assistance to comply with international law. But shortly after they did, the White House released a memo describing the conditions countries must meet to receive military aid, including credible and reliable written assurances that countries complied with international law and humanitarian standards. The senators said the memo served as enough for them to back down from the amendment. All but three of them approved the national security package without further action, even though the White House said there were no new standards in this memo, adding that it was not imposing new standards for military aid. That meant that the Senate surrendered its oversight authority. It gave the White House sole discretion to determine whether Israel complied with international standards itself. Former senator Patrick Leahy the namesake of the Leahy Law statutes that prevent the US government from sending aid to foreign governments when there is credible information of gross violations of human rights toldThe Independent last month that the United States was not following the law when it came to Israel. Elsewhere, Biden hoped to de-politicize aid to Ukraine, given widespread opposition by Republicans particularly in the US House of Representatives by demanding that aid to Israel after the October 7 attack by Hamas include aid to Ukraine. That enabled the Senate to pass the bill and finally get Ukraine aid through after much complication. But that also means that many Democrats even Democrats critical of the Israeli government will ultimately feel compelled to pass a bill providing Israel with further, unconditional military aid. Or if enough Democrats decide to vote against the bill now, aid to Ukraine will end up doomed at the same time. Lastly, the Biden administration actively cut off aid to Gazans. In April, the Biden administration and some allies abroad paused aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, known as UNRWA, which had been providing food and shelter to people in Gaza. The money was paused amid reports that a small number of its workers may have been involved in the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. The bipartisan spending bill that kept the government open until the end of September also specifically halted direct funding to UNRWA until 2025. This only makes the reality of the World Central Kitchen strikes even worse. Gaza will have fewer workers providing relief to hungry Palestinians than ever, as a famine gathers pace. But even as Biden ratchets up criticism of the Israeli government, he does not seem to show any willingness to take meaningful action. The Israeli government, in turn, will feel no need to exercise more caution in Gaza. No wonder Netanyahu is smiling. Semafor Signals Insights from CNN, NPR, and The Christian Science Monitor The News Several Muslim American leaders rejected U.S. President Joe Bidens invitation to break their Ramadan fast at an iftar dinner Tuesday in protest of his support of Israels war in Gaza. Its inappropriate to do such a celebration while theres a famine going on in Gaza, a Muslim advocacy leader told the Associated Press. The White House then reframed the event as a policy-focused meeting to appease invitees, but failed to convince some advocates. Ultimately, Biden met with a small group of Muslim leaders on Tuesday, in a fraught interaction reflecting the presidents growing unpopularity with the community over his Israel policy. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. The meeting was marked by frustration and a walkout Sources: CNN, The Wall Street Journal Biden had a fraught meeting with Muslim leaders, which lasted for more than an hour. A Palestinian American doctor walked out before it was over, in what CNN described as perhaps the most intimate moment of protest the president has faced to date. Before he left, Dr. Thaer Ahmad, who traveled to Gaza earlier this year, urged Biden to stop Israel from its planned offensive of Rafah, and expressed his disappointment that he was the only Palestinian at the meeting. While one Muslim attendee felt the meeting presented a rare opportunity to confront the president directly, others were frustrated about the lack of actionable goals. One guest told CNN it really felt like a PR move, to be able to say we met with the Muslim community. The protest vote movement against Biden gains momentum Source: NPR The uncommitted vote movement, in which Democratic voters refuse to back Biden over his support of Israels war, is growing. In Connecticut and Rhode Islands Tuesday primaries, more than 11% of Democrats voted uncommitted. And in Wisconsin, the movement exceeded expectations, with more than more than 8% voting uninstructed. "[Biden] needs to be paying attention and calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire, as soon as possible, Listen to Wisconsin spokesperson Heba Mohammad said after Tuesdays results. The states Democratic Party chair argued that the message voters want to send Biden is that they still want to support him in November, but just dont want this heartbreaking tragedy to continue. Some Israelis see Bidens shift on Gaza as self-serving political move Source: The Christian Science Monitor After his initial full-throated support of Israel following Hamas Oct. 7 attack, Biden has tempered his stance in the face of international condemnation of Israels military operation in Gaza, as well as domestic resentment from the Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim American communities. And Israelis have noticed. The U.S. is the best friend of Israel, but we now see Biden is trying to do cheap politics on our backs, one Jerusalem resident told The Christian Science Monitor. Others echoed her sentiment that Biden is shifting his attitude toward Israel to win re-election in November. I feel the pro-human side of Biden is still with Israel, a jeweler in Jerusalem told the publication, but we know there are lots of Arabs in America, and so for the politics he has to pay attention to them and take care of himself. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan and the Asian Development Bank have discussed potential financing opportunities aimed at addressing climate change challenges, Trend reports. During the meeting with Eugene Zhukov, the Director General of the Central and West Asia Regional Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), we engaged in discussions regarding the agenda items concerning Azerbaijan's cooperation with ADB, Azerbaijans minister of economy Mikayil Jabbarov. The minister pointed out that these issues include exploring potential financing opportunities aimed at addressing climate change challenges, reviewing ADB's planned projects within COP29, activities and in the realm of global climate policy and identifying potential areas for partnership and collaboration. Current ADB operations are being implemented under the country partnership strategy, 20192023, which aims to boost private sector development, raise public sector efficiency, improve infrastructure, and strengthen human capital. The strategy is closely aligned with the governments strategic road maps for the national economy and main economic sectors. Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) this November. This decision was reached during the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11, 2023. In less than two weeks, Baku is poised to become the epicenter of global climate discussions, welcoming an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 foreign delegates. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, established during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, aims to avert perilous human interference with the climate system. COP, an acronym for Conference of Parties, signifies the highest legislative authority overseeing the Convention's implementation. Currently, 198 nations are party to the Convention. By default, COP sessions are convened annually unless otherwise decided by the participating parties. The inaugural COP convened in March 1995 in Berlin, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, it assumes a pivotal role in advancing global efforts to address climate change, underscoring the urgency and importance of international cooperation in combating environmental challenges. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn President Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers after Israeli airstrikes against their unarmed, marked aid convoy in the Gaza Strip. In a Tuesday evening statement containing what might be the strongest criticism of Israel expressed over his half-century in public life, Mr Biden said incidents like the strike on the convoy by Israeli Defence Forces should not happen and said Israel has not done enough to protect civilians or aid workers during the six-month-old war against Hamas. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians, he said. Israel has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into why the aid workers vehicles were hit by airstrikes. That investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public, he added. Mr Biden also noted that the US has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties and said the US would continue to do all we can to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, through all available means. He promised to continue to press Israel to do more to facilitate that aid. And we are pushing hard for an immediate ceasefire as part of a hostage deal and said there is a US team in Cairo for negotiations now. May God bless the humanitarian workers killed yesterday and comfort their families and loved ones in their grief, he said. The American president is the latest in a series of world leaders to condemn the attack on the defenceless aid workers, which took place as they were finishing a delivery of food that had been transported to Gaza by sea. The nongovernmental organisation, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said the following individuals died when the IDF struck their three-car convoy: Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha, 25, of Palestine; Lalzawmi Frankcom, 43, of Australia; Damian Sobol, 35, of Poland; Jacob Flickinger, 33, a US-Canadian dual citizen; along with UK citizens John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full days mission, WCK CEO Erin Gore said Tuesday in a statement. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. And we have countless memories of them giving their best selves to the world. We are reeling from our loss. The worlds loss. On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the airstrike and demanded a thorough and transparent investigation from Israel. Mr Sunak also telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say that far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and that the situation there is increasingly intolerable. For his part, Mr Netanyahu described the attack as a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip and promised that the countrys armed forces will do everything for this not to happen again. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was "outraged and heartbroken" by the killing of seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers, delivering some of his strongest criticism of Israel since the start of its war with Hamas. "This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed," Biden said in a statement. "This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the White House (Alex Wong / Getty Images file) "Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen. Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians," he added. On Monday, an Israeli airstrike killed seven humanitarian workers from the relief organization World Central Kitchen, including a dual U.S. citizen. More than 200 aid workers have been killed in the war since it began on Oct. 7, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday. Biden added that he would "continue to press Israel to do more to facilitate" humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The president's statement his first comments about the aid workers who were killed Monday comes as he faces growing criticism from progressives, Arab Americans and Muslims over his handling of the war. Some critics have urged Americans to abandon Biden at the ballot box or vote "uncommitted" in primaries to protest the administration's actions. Criticism of Bidens handling of the war has been especially stark in states like Michigan, a swing state that has a large Arab American population. It could be critical part of a path to the White House. Biden won Michigan narrowly in 2020, while Donald Trump won it narrowly in 2016. Earlier Tuesday, Biden called Jose Andres, the high-profile chef who founded World Central Kitchen, "to express that he's heartbroken," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a daily briefing. World Central Kitchen announced that it was pausing aid efforts in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces had "unintentionally hit innocent people," adding that "we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again." More than 32,900 people have died in Gaza since the war began, according to Gazas Health Ministry. About 1,200 people in Israel were killed on Oct. 7, according to the Israeli government. About 240 Israelis were kidnapped, and Israel has said that more than 100 hostages remain in Gaza. Biden has previously criticized Israel's handling of the war and said more needs to be done to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. When one of his speeches was interrupted last week by pro-Palestinian protesters, Biden said "they have a point," adding that "we need to get a lot more care into Gaza." Biden has also supported public rebukes of Netanyahu. After Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., delivered a speech last month sharply criticizing Netanyahu and calling for new elections in Israel, Biden praised the remarks. "He made a good speech, and I think he expressed a serious concern shared not only by him but by many Americans," he told reporters. Separately, Biden said in an MSNBC interview last month that he believed that Netanyahu was "hurting Israel more than helping Israel." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Biden sits for interview with Univision that will air next week President Biden sat for an interview Wednesday with Univision, taking questions from one of the countrys largest Spanish-language broadcasters. The interview will air April 9, the White House said. Vanity Fair first reported that Enrique Acevedo was set to interview Biden at the White House. The outlet also reported Acevedo conducted an interview with Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez. Univision faced backlash from Democrats and some in the media after the outlet conducted a sit-down with former President Trump last November that was widely perceived to be a softball interview with little pushback on Trumps answers. The Univision interview marks the latest instance of Biden increasing his media exposure as the general election campaign ramps up. He sat down last month with Jonathan Capehart of MSNBC, though he has yet to sit for an interview with a major print media outlet. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Biden teams up with progressive former rival Bernie Sanders to slam Trump over health care WASHINGTON President Joe Biden teamed up Wednesday with one-time political rival Bernie Sanders to hammer Republicans on prescription drug costs. The independent U.S. senator appeared with Biden at the White House for an event with healthcare advocates that focused on lowering the costs cost of inhalers to $35 a month, along with other Democratic efforts to expand access to health care. "Bernie, you and I've been fighting this for 25 years. Finally, finally, we beat Big Pharma," Biden said, touting measures Democrats in Congress passed to cap the cost of insulin for seniors and empowering Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices "Bernie helped get it passed. Not one Republican in the entire Congress this surprised me, I have to admit to you not one single Republican voted for it," Biden said. The appearance came as the Biden reelection campaign works to contrast its health care agenda with that of presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has threatened to overturn the Obama-era Affordable Care Act if elected again. "They want to quote I love their word 'terminate' the Affordable Care Act. I love it: 'Terminate,' as my predecessor says," Biden said, "kicking millions of Americans off their health insurance." Sanders' visible show of support for Biden could give the president a boost with progressives and younger Americans. Biden's unconditional backing for Israel in its war against Hamas has riled both groups and cost him support in Democratic primaries in key battleground states. President Joe Biden gestures as Senator Bernie Sanders, Independent from Vermont, looks on during an event about lowering healthcare costs in the Indian Treaty Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 3, 2024. Sanders pushed the United States to back a U.N. resolution calling for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and access to aid. And he has urged Biden to stop sending offensive weapons to Israel. More than 30,000 Palestinians have died since Israel began its strikes on Hamas, according to the Hamas-run Gazan Health Ministry. Israel has been pummeling Gaza in retaliation for the militant group's surprise Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,200 people and led to the kidnapping of hundreds. Biden accused Trump and congressional Republicans of wanting to raise the eligibility age for Social Security and cut Medicare while cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthiest Americans. "I got a better idea," Biden said. "I'm going to protect Social Security and Medicare, along with Bernie and other members of Congress, to make sure the wealthy begin to pay their fair share to keep these programs solvent. It's not hard." Sanders has long pushed for a taxpayer-funded, national healthcare plan known as Medicare-for-All, that would provide all Americans with healthcare coverage. It was a staple of both of the Vermont lawmaker's presidential campaigns. Biden sought to bring attention to actions he has taken with the help of congressional Democrats to lower prescription drug costs at the event with Sanders, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The president is now pushing for a $2,000 cap on drug costs and $35 insulin for every American, not just seniors. "With Bernie's help, we're showing how health care ought to be a right, not a privilege, in America," Biden said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders team up on healthcare drug costs President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are still staring down significant segments of their electoral bases who arent on board. The holdouts in each party continued to flex their muscles on Tuesday in primaries in New York, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Rhode Island. And though there were more Republican holdouts voters who cast ballots for candidates other than Trump than Democratic ones in those contests, Bidens problem still seemed more acute. Thats because the Trump holdouts were concentrated in places Republicans have already lost and will not come into play in November while the uncommitted protest vote against Biden was strongest among Democrats core base. Tuesdays primaries, while wholly uncompetitive, were an opportunity for Biden to shore up that base. Democratic voters in Connecticut and Rhode Island, where uncommitted was on the ballot, arent especially progressive, which would typically favor Biden. And Wisconsin, which had an uninstructed delegation ballot line, is a key general election swing state. But Biden showed signs of weakness in all of those states. In Connecticut and Rhode Island, uncommitted broke 10 percent, while uninstructed registered just slightly below that mark in Wisconsin. The anti-Biden Democratic vote on Tuesday was concentrated in predictable places: cities with a significant college presence like New Haven, Connecticut (where uncommitted got 24 percent), Providence, Rhode Island (29 percent), and Madison, Wisconsin (uninstructed even tied Biden in one precinct and got 15 percent overall in Dane County). College towns like Madison have become a Democratic salve in swing states in recent elections, and Biden cant afford resistance there. But that doesnt mean Trump doesnt have problems with some traditional Republicans, especially in the suburbs. Nikki Haley dropped out of the Republican presidential primary four weeks ago but still got 27 percent of the vote in upscale Westport, Connecticut, and 22 percent in Greenwich, Connecticut. In the so-called WOW counties around Milwaukee the lynchpin of Republicans Wisconsin victories Haley got 17 percent in Ozaukee, 14 percent in Waukesha and 12 percent in Washington. That trend continued in New York, which also held its presidential primaries on Tuesday. Haley broke 20 percent in three counties: Monroe, home to Rochester (25 percent), Tompkins, home to the college town of Ithaca (24 percent) and Manhattan (22 percent). New York didnt have an uncommitted option, and the blank ballots that organizers encouraged Democratic voters upset with Biden over the Middle East to submit wont be tallied until the results are certified in the coming weeks. So its too early to know whether a significant protest vote existed there. Primaries arent general elections, and many voters will undoubtedly come home to their party by November. But both Biden and Trump have significant work to do before then to improve their standing with their bases. And its Biden who needs to make up more ground. Trump, after all, is leading in the polls in six of the seven general election swing states, according to new polling from The Wall Street Journal released Tuesday night. Tom and Lorna Dwyer of West Hartford cast their votes for the presidential primary. CREDIT: SHAHRZAD RASEKH / CT MIRROR Quality Journalism for Critical Times Connecticuts presidential primary was moved up weeks earlier than previous election cycles, but not early enough to draw the interest of many voters well aware that President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump had already clinched their parties nominations. With more than 95% of the precincts reporting, Biden won 85% of Democratic votes and Trump won 78% of Republican votes Tuesday, identical to the results in 2020, when the Connecticut primary also came after both men already were the presumptive nominees. The turnout was less than 10%. The Associated Press called both races for Biden and Trump minutes after the polls closed at 8 p.m. Connecticut was one of four states holding primaries, along with neighboring states New York and Rhode Island as well as Wisconsin. Dissent among Democrats in Connecticut was registered by the 11% of voters who cast votes for uncommitted delegates. On the Republican side, displeasure with Trump was shown primarily by the 14% of the vote cast for Nikki Haley, who suspended her campaign a month ago. State leaders were hoping Connecticut would have more influence in presidential primaries than it has in the past decade. Since 2012, Connecticut held its primary on the last Tuesday in April, with the exception of 2020, when it was postponed until August due to the pandemic. Still, the primaries were a gentle test for Connecticuts first foray into in-person early voting, where people could cast their vote early without an excuse. There were nearly 18,000 votes cast ahead of Tuesday, according to the Secretary of the State. The GOP ballot listed Trump and three candidates no longer running: Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida; Haley, former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador; and Ryan Binkley, a Texas clergyman. DeSantis had nearly 3%; Binkley, less than 1%. The Democratic ballot listed Biden and three others: Marianne Williamson, who ran four years ago; Dean Phillips, who dropped out on March 6; and Cenk Uygur, a Turkish-American politician. Williamson had 2%; the others less than 1%. Uncommitted was an option in both the Democratic and Republican primaries in Connecticut, but activists have largely used it as a vehicle in states across the country to send a signal about their frustration surrounding Bidens handling of the Israel-Gaza war. The Vote Uncommitted CT campaign started in earnest several weeks ago, motivated in part by the movement that began in Michigans presidential primary in February. More than 100,000 Democratic primary voters in Michigan went with uncommitted, ultimately nabbing two delegates. A coalition of groups pushing for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza said they had dozens of volunteers urging voters in Connecticut to vote uncommitted in the Democratic Party. They surpassed their goal on Tuesday night of getting at least 6,000 people to vote uncommitted in the state. Organizers noted that the push in Connecticut to protest against Biden was easier than the Tuesday primary in New York, where the state does not have an uncommitted ballot line. Activists in New York were urging voters to leave their ballots blank. I think any amount of votes against an incumbent should be a big warning sign. I think ignoring the Democratic base is a very dangerous strategy for them to take, said Sam Pudlin, who was working with organizations on this effort. Gov. Ned Lamont was dismissive of the campaign to cast votes for uncommitted in the Democratic primary to signify displeasure with Bidens support for Israel after the terrorist attack by Hamas and Israels invasion of Gaza. Theyre wasting their vote, and they are wasting my time, Lamont said. The hottest place in hell is reserved for those who stay neutral or cant make up their minds at a time of moral crisis. This story was published earlier by the CT Mirror, a partner of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, which includes the Florida Phoenix. The post Biden and Trump win CT primaries; Many uncommitted votes appeared first on Florida Phoenix. President Biden is projected to win the Democratic presidential primary in Wisconsin, according to Decision Desk HQ. Biden was not expected to face any serious competition in the state, which has 82 delegates up for grabs on the Democratic side. However, members of the party upset over the Biden administrations handling of the Israel-Hamas war urged voters in the primary to cast a vote for uninstructed on their ballot as a protest vote. Democrats have seen similar efforts play out in other states like Michigan and Minnesota. Wisconsin is among a handful of key swing states that will determine the presidential election this fall. Biden traveled to Milwaukee last month and is expected head back to the state again next week, traveling to Madison. Meanwhile, Trump held a rally in Green Bay on Tuesday his first trip to the Badger State this year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. At the invitation of the Chinese government, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will visit China from April 4 to 10. Aside from Beijing, HRH Princess Sirindhorn will also visit Sichuan. Phoenix TV: What is Chinas expectation for US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellens upcoming visit to China? What topics will the two sides discuss? Wang Wenbin: In the spirit of the important common understandings between the Chinese and US presidents and as agreed between the two sides, US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen will visit China from April 4 to 9. For your specific question, Id refer you to competent Chinese authorities. Let me say that China-US economic ties are rooted in the common interests of the two countries and are mutually beneficial in nature. We hope that the US will work with China in the same direction, properly handle differences, build up consensus and deepen cooperation for the steady growth of China-US economic ties. China Daily: Can you share the program and Chinas expectations for the visit by President of the Federated States of Micronesia to China? Wang Wenbin: Over the past 35 years since China and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) established diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have made steady progress with fruitful practical cooperation in various fields that has benefited the two peoples and contributed to peace, stability and development in the region. This is the first state visit to China by President Wesley W. Simina since he took office. Leaders of the two countries will have in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. China stands ready to work with the FSM and take this visit as an opportunity to enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, expand cultural and people-to-people exchange, and further advance bilateral relations. AFP: President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden had a phone call last night. President Xi said that if the US is adamant on containing Chinas hi-tech development, China is not going to sit back and watch. Can the Foreign Ministry clarify what he meaned by saying China is not going to sit back and watch? Wang Wenbin: First, let me use this opportunity to brief you on the phone conversation between the two presidents. Last night, President Xi Jinping spoke with US President Joe Biden on the phone at the request of the latter. The two presidents had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-US relations and issues of mutual interest. President Xi Jinping noted that his San Francisco meeting with President Biden last November opened a future-oriented San Francisco vision. Over the past months, their officials have acted on the presidential understandings in earnest. The China-US relationship is beginning to stabilize, and this is welcomed by both societies and the international community. On the other hand, the negative factors of the relationship have also been growing, and this requires attention from both sides. President Xi Jinping stressed that the issue of strategic perception is always fundamental to the China-US relationship, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right. Two big countries like China and the United States should not cut off their ties or turn their back on each other, still less slide into conflict or confrontation. The two countries should respect each other, coexist in peace and pursue win-win cooperation. The relationship should continue moving forward in a stable, sound and sustainable way, rather than going backward. President Xi Jinping underlined three overarching principles that should guide China-US relations in 2024. First, peace must be valued. The two sides should put a floor of no conflict and no confrontation under the relationship, and keep reinforcing the positive outlook of the relationship. Second, stability must be prioritized. The two sides should refrain from setting the relationship back, provoking incidents or crossing the line, so as to maintain the overall stability of the relationship. Third, credibility must be upheld. The two sides should honor their commitments to each other with action, and turn the San Francisco vision into reality. They need to strengthen dialogue in a mutually respectful way, manage differences prudently, advance cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit, and step up coordination on international affairs in a responsible way. President Xi Jinping stressed that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. In the face of Taiwan independence separatist activities and external encouragement and support for them, China is not going to sit on its hands. He urged the US side to translate President Bidens commitment of not supporting Taiwan independence into concrete actions. The US side has adopted a string of measures to suppress Chinas trade and technology development, and is adding more and more Chinese entities to its sanctions lists. This is not de-risking, but creating risks. If the US side is willing to seek mutually beneficial cooperation and share in Chinas development dividends, it will always find Chinas door open; but if it is adamant on containing Chinas hi-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, China is not going to sit back and watch. President Xi Jinping stated Chinas position on Hong Kong-related issues, human rights, the South China Sea, and other issues. President Joe Biden noted that the US-China relationship is the most consequential relationship in the world. The progress in the relationship since the San Francisco meeting demonstrates that the two sides can advance cooperation while responsibly managing differences. President Biden reiterated that the United States does not seek a new Cold War, its objective is not to change Chinas system, its alliances are not targeted against China, the US does not support Taiwan independence, and the US does not seek conflict with China. The US follows the one-China policy. It is in the interest of the world for China to succeed. The US does not want to curtail Chinas development, and does not seek decoupling from China. The US will send Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit China shortly to strengthen dialogue and communication, avoid miscalculation and promote cooperation, so as to advance the relationship on a stable path and jointly respond to global challenges. The two presidents also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and other issues. The two presidents found the phone call to be candid and constructive. The two sides agreed to stay in communication, and tasked their teams to deliver on the San Francisco vision, including advancing the consultation mechanisms on diplomatic, economic, financial, commercial and other issues as well as mil-to-mil communication, carrying out dialogue and cooperation in such areas as counternarcotics, artificial intelligence and climate response, taking further steps to expand people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing communication on international and regional issues. The Chinese side welcomed visits to China by Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the near future. You asked about Chinas position on China-US economic ties. We have repeatedly pointed out that in recent years, Chinas exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products have increased. This is a result of international division of labor and market demand and has contributed to the green development of the world. It is quite clear to all whether it is excess production capacity that the US is truly concerned about. As for who is engaged in non-market practices, the fact is there for all to see. The US side has adopted a string of measures to suppress Chinas trade and technology development. This is not de-risking, but creating risks. These are typical non-market practices. I believe people are quite familiar with Chinas position on this. We will firmly safeguard our legitimate and lawful rights and interests and uphold the multilateral trade system. Rudaw Media Network: Did President Xi express any concern about the Middle East crisis during his phone call with his counterpart President Biden, considering Chinas and the USs direct military and economic involvement in the region? Wang Wenbin: We have just answered the question about the phone call between the two presidents. Chinas position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been consistent and clear. We call on the parties to the conflict to earnestly implement the UN Security Council Resolution 2728, stop the fighting immediately, do everything possible to prevent killing and wounding innocent civilians, and quickly bring the Palestinian question back to the track of reaching a political settlement on the basis of the two-State solution. Xinhua News Agency: It was reported that Samdech Techo Hun Sen was elected as the president of the Senate of Cambodia at its first session on April 3. What is Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: As a good neighbor and good friend of Cambodia, China warmly congratulates Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his election as the president of the Senate of Cambodia. China will continue to firmly support Cambodia in keeping to a development path that suits its national conditions, and support Cambodias effort to maintain stability and accelerate development. We believe Cambodia will make new, greater achievement in national development. China-Cambodia relations are growing with a sound momentum. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders, the two countries have jointly ushered in a new era of building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future. China stands ready to work with Cambodia to deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, enrich the diamond hexagon bilateral cooperation framework, accelerate the building of the industrial development corridor and the fish and rice corridor, jointly advance modernization and bring more benefits to the two peoples. News 1 Korea: First question, as the Chinese and US presidents spoke on the phone and exchanged views on Korean Peninsula issues, the DPRK successfully test-fired a new type of hypersonic ballistic missile. What is Chinas comment on this? And the second question, the giant panda Fu Bao, who was naturally bred and born in the ROK, will return to China soon. Can I have your comment? Wang Wenbin: On your first question, we have shared relevant information. Chinas position on the Peninsula issues is consistent. We have no other comment to add with regard to the relevant firing activity. On your second question, giant pandas are a precious endangered wild species and are loved by people around the world. They are emissaries of friendship from the people of China. China and the ROK officially launched the joint research project on giant panda conservation in 2016. Since the giant pandas Yuan Xin and Hua Ni arrived in the ROK, the two sides have had fruitful cooperation in the raising and breeding, scientific research and technology exchanges with regard to giant pandas, which helped enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries. In accordance with the cooperation agreement signed between China and the ROK, Fu Bao will start her journey back to China today. We welcome Fu Baos return and express our thanks to Fu Baos caretakers in the ROK. AFP: A magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit the waters near Taiwan this morning, causing heavy casualties. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said that the Chinese mainland is paying close attention to the disaster and would like to provide disaster relief to the people in Taiwan. Is there any response so far from relevant departments of Taiwan? Wang Wenbin: Id refer you to competent authorities. Reuters: Jonathan Malaya, the spokesperson of the National Security Council, said on Wednesday that the Philippines is committed to maintaining its position at the Second Thomas Shoal and there will be no let up in resupply missions to Filipino soldiers stationed on the grounded warship there. Does China have any comment on this? Wang Wenbin: We have made clear Chinas position on the issue many times. Let me say again that what caused the maritime disputes between the two countries to heat up is that the Philippines, backed by external forces, has been going back on its words and provoking China. The Philippines needs to immediately stop violating Chinas sovereignty and provoking China, honor its commitments, act on the understandings and consensus between the two sides, observe the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea jointly signed by China and ASEAN countries, and return to the right track of properly managing the situation through dialogue and consultation. China remains unwavering in safeguarding our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Bloomberg: The US is asking South Korea to adopt curbs on chip technology exports to China similar to those that Washington has already implemented. This appears to be another sign that the Biden administration is stepping up efforts to thwart Chinas chip ambitions for what it says are national security concerns. Does the Foreign Ministry have any response to this? Wang Wenbin: I do not have knowledge of that. We always believe that trade and technology cooperation between countries should be conducive to keeping the global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded and to upholding the free and open international trade order, and such cooperation should not target any third party or harm the interests of any third party. To maintain its hegemony, the US has been politicizing trade and sci-tech issues and using them as a weapon and a tool, even if it means hurting the interests of its allies. China and the ROK have close economic ties and are highly embedded in each others industrial and supply chains. Our two countries take up segments next to each other on the semiconductor industrial chain. We hope that the ROK will make the right judgment and an independent decision, join others in safeguard the open, transparent, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system centered on the WTO, and jointly oppose turning economic issues into political or security issues. China News Service: According to the US side, during the telephone conversation between the Chinese and US presidents yesterday, President Biden mentioned Renai Jiao, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang. The US also urged China to stop supporting Russia and play a bigger role in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. What is Chinas response to this? Wang Wenbin: I shared relevant information on the phone conversation between the two heads of state. With regard to your question, I would like to add the following: During the call, the Chinese side stressed that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters. The sovereignty covers the islands, reefs, shoals and cays of Nansha Qundao, including Renai Jiao. The root cause for the Renai Jiao issue is that the Philippines has repeatedly gone back on its words and tried to build permanent outposts on the uninhabited reef which belongs to China, in an attempt to permanently occupy Renai Jiao, which is illegal. The US is not a party to the South China Sea issue, and should not intervene in matters between China and the Philippines. China has a strong will and resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The Chinese side stated clearly that Hong Kong is Chinas Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs are purely Chinas internal affairs. Completing the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong is the constitutional responsibility of the Hong Kong SAR for safeguarding national security. It will help protect the fundamental wellbeing of all Hong Kong residents, as well as the interests of investors from all over the world in Hong Kong. It will not at all undermine the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy in accordance with the law. The US needs to respect Chinas sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and should not disrupt, still less interfere in the process. The Chinese side stressed that issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang are Chinas internal affairs. No country has a monopoly on human rights. China attaches great importance to the protection of human rights. The people of a country are best positioned to judge the human rights conditions of the country. China would like to engage in exchanges with the US on human rights on the basis of mutual respect, but we firmly oppose interference in Chinas internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. On the Ukraine crisis, Chinas position has been consistent, clear and transparent. There is a risk that the crisis will further deteriorate and escalate, and efforts should be made toward deescalation to bring the conflict to an end through negotiation rather than fighting. There should be no winner and loser in a political settlement. Rather, it should be peace that prevails. China will continue to play a constructive role to that end. China is neither the one that created the conflict nor a party to it, and has never provided lethal weapons or equipment to any party. We did not and will not seek gains from the conflict. Other countries should not smear and attack normal relations between China and Russia, should not undermine the legitimate rights of China and Chinese companies, and should not shift blame to China wantonly and provoke camp confrontation. The Korean Peninsula issue has dragged on for years, and its root cause is clear. The imperative now is to desist from acts of deterrence and applying pressure, and move out of the spiral of escalating confrontation. The fundamental solution lies in resuming dialogue and negotiation; addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties, especially those of the DPRK; and advancing the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. Turbulence and fighting in Northeast Asia will be in no ones interest. The core of the Korean Peninsula issue lies in the conflict between the US and the DPRK, and it is the US who holds the key to the issue. CCTV: In an open letter published on April 2, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. pointed to the trap set by Chinese propaganda of refocusing the debate on a so-called promise while deflecting attention away from Chinas government, thereby freeing and allowing them to continue with their illegal activities in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Whats your comment? Wang Wenbin: The Philippines keeps accusing China of intimidating smaller countries without mentioning at all the Philippine occupation of and encroachment on Chinas territory in Nansha Qundao. That is a real propaganda trap. The Renai Jiao issue is not a case of the big bullying the small but unfulfilled promises and deliberate provocations. Right after the Philippines deliberately grounded its warship on Renai Jiao in 1999, which seriously violated Chinas sovereignty, China made demarches to the Philippines, and the Philippines promised to tow away the warship several times. A senior official of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs made it clear that the Philippines had no intention of building any facility on Renai Jiao and it doesnt want to and will not be the first country to violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). But 25 years on, not only hasnt the Philippines fulfilled its promise to tow away the warship, it has even attempted to send construction materials for large-scale repair and reinforcement of the warship in order to build permanent structures on Renai Jiao. The Philippines has gone back on its words, and stirred up trouble to provoke China. This is not only a breach of the understandings between the two sides on handling the Renai Jiao issue, but also a violation of the DOC, especially its Article 5 on refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features. The Philippines is clearly responsible for the current tensions in the South China Sea. China and ASEAN countries have long been committed to properly managing and resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation between states directly involved, and worked together to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, which has kept the South China Sea generally stable. But for some time, the Philippines has been pulling non-regional actors into the South China Sea affairs to back the Philippines' provocations and violation of Chinas sovereignty. The Philippines has been pursuing selfish gains at the expense of the consensus reached by countries in the region. This is the main reason why the situation in the South China Sea has escalated and become more complicated. We once again urge the Philippines to respect the facts, observe the relevant understandings between the two sides and DOC provisions, follow the consensus reached between China and ASEAN countries, and return to the right track of properly managing and resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev discussed preparations for the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) with the Director General of the Central and West Asia Regional Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Eugene Zhukov, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources said, Trend reports. Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) this November. This decision was reached during the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11, 2023. In less than two weeks, Baku is poised to become the epicenter of global climate discussions, welcoming an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 foreign delegates. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, established during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, aims to avert perilous human interference with the climate system. COP, an acronym for Conference of Parties, signifies the highest legislative authority overseeing the Convention's implementation. Currently, 198 nations are parties to the Convention. By default, COP sessions are convened annually, unless otherwise decided by the participating parties. The inaugural COP convened in March 1995 in Berlin, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, it assumes a pivotal role in advancing global efforts to address climate change, underscoring the urgency and importance of international cooperation in combating environmental challenges. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel (Bloomberg) -- US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke by telephone on Tuesday, their first one-on-one communication since meeting in California last November. Most Read from Bloomberg The leaders of the worlds two biggest economies have managed to maintain a veneer of diplomatic stability despite deep mutual suspicion between their countries, and as their governments pursue export controls, sanctions and tariffs. At the same time, they have sought common ground on issues including risks posed by artificial intelligence and combating illicit drugs like fentanyl. The call was carefully orchestrated, both countries issued statements calling it candid and constructive, and said they discussed AI, military cooperation, climate change and efforts to fight drug trafficking, among other subjects. Biden raised concerns about Chinas support for Russias defense industrial base, according to a US summary of the call. Biden also emphasized the importance of rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, according to the statement. The White House also hinted at a pending tariff decision, saying that Biden raised Chinas unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices and emphasized that the United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment. The tariff review did not specifically come up during the leaders conversation, White House spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday after the call. Biden and Xi did discuss the future of the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, for which the US president is seeking to force a sale over data-security concerns. Xis statement similarly outlined military-to-military communication, climate change, AI and drug trafficking. But Xi raised concerns on several negative factors even as relations between the worlds two largest economies have stabilized. Xi called out endless US restrictions and sanctions on Chinas tech sector, saying the moves are creating risks instead of de-risking. He also characterized any potential US involvement in supporting a Taiwanese bid for independence as a red line. Chinese state media focused on Xis comments to Biden, quoting him as saying: Dont flipflop, dont stir up trouble and dont cross the line. More Talks The two leaders agreed in November to communicate more regularly, since it had been a year since their previous one-on-one talks. The relationship reached a nadir last year after the flight of a Chinese balloon across the US. Biden faces a reelection campaign against Donald Trump, who started a trade war against China after he first took office and is proposing a 60% tariff on all Chinese imports if he returns to power. The US is weighing a final decision on its review of tariffs on China, which is expected to impose some new levies, including on connected vehicles. The White House has not said when it will make its tariff announcement. Xi has sought to keep tensions low as he seeks to revive a struggling economy, holding a last-minute meeting last week with American business leaders in Beijing including Blackstone Inc.s Stephen Schwarzman and Qualcomm Inc.s Cristiano Amon. The Chinese president told the group that Chinas economy hasnt peaked, while calling on US companies to invest in his nation, saying he sees no need for Washington and Beijing to decouple, Bloomberg reported last week. The US side prepared a laundry list of other bilateral and international issues for Biden to discuss with Xi: cybersecurity and the US need to prevent advanced technologies from undermining national security; concerns over Hong Kongs autonomy; a call for China to release Americans wrongfully detained or under exit bans; and concerns over potential Chinese interference in the 2024 US election. Yellen Visit Plans for a Biden-Xi call were accelerated when National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met in late January with his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Bangkok. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is expected to visit Beijing in the coming days and Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to follow in the coming weeks, according to a senior US official. Yellen will spend two days in the southern commercial and manufacturing hub of Guangzhou beginning April 5, before heading to Beijing for two more days of talks, the Treasury Department announced Tuesday. The Biden administration in recent months has rolled out a series of measures meant to counter China. They include a sweeping executive order on data security that purports to cut off transactions involving Americans highly sensitive personal data from countries of concern; a Commerce Department investigation that could lead to restrictions on imports of Chinese electric vehicles; and an executive order to bolster cybersecurity and mitigate the risk of Chinese-made cranes at American ports. The White House has, however, touted some wins on cooperative efforts with China since the leaders met in person on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings. Washington set up an anti-drug working group with Beijing that started meeting earlier this year, the restoration of military-to-military communications, and a fresh dialogue on how to manage the risks of AI. The AI meetings are slated to begin in the coming weeks, the official told reporters. The United Nations last month approved a US-backed resolution on AI, co-sponsored by more than 110 countries, including China and India. The non-binding measure encourages members to support responsible and inclusive AI development through domestic regulations and governance. --With assistance from Jacob Gu, Josh Wingrove, Akayla Gardner, Jing Li and Philip Glamann. (Updates with Xi comments in ninth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distancing the state from financial investments with foreign adversaries has been a common theme this legislative session, with another bill proposing divestment making progress in the Missouri House. Legislation that would require state investments, like pensions and public endowments, to divest from countries that are designated foreign adversaries passed the House Pensions committee on Tuesday. Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek and Branson Rep. Brian Seitz speak Thursday afternoon at the Greene County Elections Center in Springfield about Seitz'z bill to require public investments, like pensions and public endowments, to divest from countries that the U.S. has sanctioned or has classified as adversaries. Its sponsor, state Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, feels that U.S. dollars shouldnt in any way be supporting countries that are adversarial. He also argues that many of the investments dont yield high returns. These are bad investments with increasingly poor returns, and the citizens whose money is being put at risk deserve better, Seitz said during public testimony on the bill in late February. Seitzs legislation has the support of Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek, who has been pushing for the Missouri State Employee Retirement System, or MOSERS, to divest itself from China. The board initially rejected Maleks proposal in November, but changed course in December and voted in favor of the measure. In January, Malek said the Missouri State Employee Retirement System has about $200 million invested in China, according to previous News-Leader reporting. Seitz touted this bill as the bulwark that holds up MOSERS' decision, effectively reinforcing the choice to divest from China while adding other adversarial countries to the list. If passed, House Bill 2143 would give institutions two years to rid themselves of investments in China, Russia, Iran, Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria, as well as any other "entity designated by the governor in consultation with the attorney general." In the public hearing on Feb. 21, Rep. Bill Owen, R-Springfield, raised concerns about the list of countries included in the legislation. He believed that the list was not comprehensive enough, and suggested using a list from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which determines which countries the U.S. does not want to have financial relationships with. This just touches the very tip of the bad actors, Owen said. There's a much more definitive way of identifying all the bad actors. Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia, was worried that prioritizing governmental related investments over what was most financially profitable could be detrimental for state pension plans. Although Chinese investments may not be yielding much gain at the moment, she asked Seitz whether his position would change if the market changed. Seitz said that he also considered whether the values of the country reflected American interests and values, such as governing through a representative republic. I look at some of these nations. They are adversarial in their ideology, communist countries, dictatorships and so forth, Seitz said. Should we be propping up those types of groups? I would suggest not, and this bill helps pensioners not to do that. More: A Branson lawmaker wants Missouri to stop investing in China. State treasurer agrees Rep. Richard Brown, D-Kansas City, raised similar concerns, pointing out that investments usually played a long game in order to become profitable. China has the worlds second largest economy, and in 2023, reported a gross domestic product of more than $27 trillion. There's no doubt in my mind that because we're looking at the long term, and because of the size of the economy in China, that at some point in time, those stocks will do nothing but rebound, Brown said. Vivek Malek is seen here during the GOP Lincoln Day event at the Oasis Convention Center on March 9, 2024. Malek, who spoke at the February hearing with Seitz, said that he did not believe any of the Chinese investments in question would rebound enough in the near future to make the returns profitable enough to justify continued investments. Rep. Barry Hovis, the chairman of the House Pensions committee, inquired about the timeline to divest from foreign adversaries by raising a hypothetical situation. Many of the pension funds invest in private equity, and these funds often take seven to 10 years to mature. Sometimes these private equity funds may contain a small amount of investments from foreign countries. Withdrawing these funds earlier than their maturation date can be very complicated and expensive. Malek said that the legislation offers a limited extension for situations such as this. However, he also said that many fund managers were becoming more sympathetic to this situation and may work out a deal with companies to lessen the financial burden. The legislation now awaits floor debate in the Missouri House. It must pass that chamber, and subsequent debate in the state Senate before May 17, if it is to be passed into law this year. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Bill to divest from foreign adversaries advances to Missouri House For more than a year, activist investor Nelson Peltz has tussled with Disney executives in an effort to gain more influence over the company, culminating in an all-out proxy battle to secure two seats on the board. Based on preliminary results released on Wednesday, shareholders rejected Peltzs advance, the company said. They also rejected Peltzs attempt to win a seat for former Disney executive James Rasulo. Peltzs firm, Trian, argued that Disney CEO Bob Iger has failed to establish an adequate succession plan and that the firm has mismanaged executive compensation and expenses. Iger initially served as CEO for 15 years before stepping down in 2020, when he passed the torch to Bob Chapek. Less than three years later, he returned after growing unhappy with Chapeks performance. Disneys battle with Peltz heated up in 2022, when the billionaire first broached the topic of board representation. The company rebuffed him, and it appeared the two sides might square off. Trian even sought to embarrass Iger, claiming in a public filing that he tried to schedule a board meeting around plans to sail his yacht off the coast of New Zealand. Eventually, the parties resolved their differences, and Peltz temporarily backed away. But he ultimately determined he wanted more control over Disneys operations. When the company officially rejected his request for a board seat, he took the matter directly to shareholders. It saddens me that the board didnt welcome me because our goal is just to work with them, to help them and to help them make the company better, he previously told CNBC. Peltzworth an estimated $1.7 billionhas exerted similar pressure on major firms like Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and DuPont. In recent months, the billionaire has assailed Disneys strategy on his website, RestoreTheMagic.com, and has questioned the creative direction at its subsidiary Marvel. Bob Iger Mario Anzuoni/Reuters People go to watch a movie or a show to be entertainedThey dont go to get a message, he said in an interview with the Financial Times, taking aim at its increased focus on diverse storytelling. Why do I have to have a Marvel thats all women? Not that I have anything against women, but why do I have to do that? Disney retorted by calling Peltz a bully and urging stockholders to deny his petition. The company noted that he has no experience in the media industry. Peltz admitted that was true. I dont claim to have any, he said. He argued that, even with its extensive industry knowledge, several of Disneys recent pictures have failed to perform. If that comes with media experience, I want a guy who doesnt have media experience, he said. With more than $8 billion in assets under management, Trian has a reputation as an aggressive corporate antagonist, which may explain why several of Walt Disneys descendants pushed shareholders to rebuff Peltz. Disney stories are filled with heroes and villains. We know who the villains are in this story, and we know they cannot be entrusted with protecting this companys rich legacy or guiding its bright future, they wrote in February. The activists, they asserted, are not interested in preserving the Disney magic, but stripping it to the bone to make a quick profit for themselves. Trian disputed that characterization, saying its track record proves that it invests in companies and helps them grow and thrive for the long term. Stephen Bainbridge, a professor at the UCLA School of Law with expertise in corporate governance, previously told The Daily Beast that Peltz is definitely at the aggressive end of hedge fund activists. Still, he noted, in many instances the firm has pushed for changes that were regarded as helpful. Peltz, whose daughter, Nicola, is married to the son of David and Victoria Beckham, will need to regroup before determining his next move. Perhaps for the time being, he will focus his energy on the upcoming presidential election. After the attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021, Peltz assailed former President Donald Trump. Nevertheless, he announced last month that he will probably vote for Trump again. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) A Texas dairy worker is recovering from bird flu after contact with infected cattle earlier this week. Health officials say theres little risk to the public right now, but they are monitoring the virus. The Centers for Disease Control says its only the second time a human has contracted avian flu in the U.S. This was an individual who had close contact with sick cattle, Texas Department of State Health Services Spokesman Chris Van Deusen said. Van Deusen says the person infected showed one symptom, pink eye, and is getting better with the antiviral drug, Tamiflu. He says the exact transmission path isnt clear. But its possible that infected birds contaminated cattle feed, sickening cows and then the person. He says the state is closely watching other infected cattle. We have seen positive reports at multiple dairies in the panhandle, Van Deusen said. The USDA reports cattle in Michigan, Kansas and New Mexico have also tested positive. And the bird flu is affecting birds, too. The countrys largest producer of eggs, Cal-Maine Foods, reported an outbreak at a Texas facility. The company slaughtered nearly two million chickens. While rare in the U.S., around the world, from 2003 to February of this year, 887 people contracted bird flu and 462 died from it, according to the World Health Organization. The CDC says the risk to humans is low because theres no indication right now it can spread from person to person. Really importantly, cows arent humans, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis said. Daskalakis is Director of the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. What we know to date is we have one case in a human, and that person is doing great, Daskalakis said. Daskalakis says it is still safe to consume pasteurized dairy products. We pasteurize milk for a reason, and thats because it kills bacteria and viruses, Daskalakis said. He says people who work with livestock should limit their exposure to sick animals, and all of us should avoid handling dead birds. The first case of bird flu in a human in the U.S. was reported in Colorado in 2022. The man was working with infected poultry, and he recovered. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. ***Video above: Egg, chicken prices jump higher amid bird flu outbreak.*** (WJW) The Ohio Department of Agriculture is investigating reports that a cow herd in the state tested positive for bird flu. The ODA announced Tuesday it was notified that a Wood County cattle herd presumptively tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. On March 8, the dairy operation acquired cows from an operation in Texas, where bird flu was later detected. Cases among cattle herds have since been confirmed in Texas, Kansas, Idaho, New Mexico and Michigan. Coast Guard issues bulletin regarding Lake Erie and eclipse Ohio officials learned that the livestock started showing symptoms seen in other sick cattle herds. The test results still need to be confirmed by the United States Department of Agricultures National Veterinary Services Laboratory, ODA says. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state veterinary and public health officials, continue to investigate the emerging illness among dairy cows that is causing decreased lactation, low appetite and other symptoms, ODA said in a press release. There have been no reported cow deaths linked to the bird flu cases. According to ODA, most sick cows start recovering after a few days. Legacy K-9 of fallen officer joins Streetsboro police The FDA and CDC say there are no concerns with commercially pasteurized dairy products and bird flu risk to the general public remains low. Dairy farmers are encouraged to report sick cattle as soon as possible. If dairy producers in Ohio should see unusual clinical symptoms similar to those described, they are to contact their herd veterinarians, ODA said in the release. Learn more about bird flu in cattle herds here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Blacksburg man in custody after police find illicit drugs worth over $237K during search BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) The Blacksburg Police Department charged a man with multiple drug-related charges after issuing a search warrant on Tuesday, April 2. According to the police, the search warrant was issued in relation to an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation. Along with the Blacksburg PD, the search warrant was assisted by Virginia State Police, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, and the Christiansburg Police. During the search, police allegedly found illicit drugs that included the following: 2.08lbs of Psilocybin Mushrooms Seven grams of Ketamine 752 hits of LSD 9.79lbs of Marijuana 827 grams of THC Wax 51 grams of THC Resin Four pounds, nine ounces of Ibogaine 13 grams of MDMA 3,784 grams of THC Gummies $10,000 in cash LPD investigating burglary of local marijuana dispensary, no suspects The total street value is estimated to be around $237,100. Julius C. Semple from Blacksburg has been arrested and charged with: Three counts Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with the into to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance prohibited. Penalties for sale, gift, distribution, or possession with intent to sell, give or distribute marijuana. Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule III controlled substance. WFXR News will update this story as further information is released. (courtesy, Blacksburg PD) For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. ***Learn about fire safety in the video above.*** NORTHFIELD CENTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) Firefighters are investigating after an elderly man was killed in a Summit County house fire Tuesday morning. According to the Macedonia Fire Department, firefighters were called to a two-story home on Marwyck Drive in Northfield Center Township just before 10 a.m. after a neighbor noticed smoke. When they arrived, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the home. Northfield Center Fatal Fire Bomb squad respond to reported explosion in University Circle: Police A neighbor told investigators that the elderly man who lives there, who is blind, hard-of-hearing and cannot get out of bed without help, was still inside. Firefighters extinguished the exterior fire before pushing down the door and searching the home, according to the Macedonia Fire Department. I-Team: Newburgh Heights chase suspect runs across I-77, is struck by car Firefighters found the 92-year-old homeowner in the front room. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The State Fire Marshals office is investigating the cause of the fire. According to officials, one firefighter also sustained minor injuries. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Blinken and Azeri president speak about easing Armenia tensions, US says WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday about the importance of advancing the peace process with neighbouring Armenia, a State Department spokesperson said. Yerevan suffered a major defeat last September when Baku's forces retook the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which while part of Azerbaijan had a predominantly Armenian population. The two South Caucasus republics are trying to agree a formal peace treaty but talks have become bogged down in issues including demarcation of their 1,000-km (620-mile) border, which remains closed and heavily militarized. Mutual suspicions remain high and on Sunday, the Azeri defence ministry said Armenia was concentrating troops along sections of the frontier. Armenia dismissed the report. Blinken told Aliyev there was no justification for increased tension on the border and cautioned that aggressive actions and rhetoric from any side would undermine peace prospects, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. In an official readout of the conversation, Azerbaijan said Aliyev "had expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and inclusiveness" around a trilateral meeting Armenia is due to hold with the United States and the European Union on Friday. Aliyev aired concerns that increased EU and U.S. backing for Armenia, along with Baku's concerns about potential military support for Yerevan, could fuel an arms race in the region and potentially lead to provocations. "Blinken reassured President Aliyev that the April 5 meeting was not intended to be against Azerbaijan" and would focus on Armenia's economy, the statement added. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh, Ismail Shakil and Felix Light, writing by David Ljunggren, editing by Sandra Maler) Blinken hopes Washington NATO summit to be 'highly focused' on roadmap for Ukraine NATO's July summit in Washington can be "highly focused" on the creation of a roadmap for Ukraine to join the alliance in the future, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on April 2. Kyiv did not receive the much-desired invitation nor a firm deadline to join the alliance during the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius, even though NATO took steps to tighten cooperation. Ukrainian officials have voiced hope that the Washington meeting, scheduled for July 9-11, will bring a more definite signal. The NATO summit and Ukraine will be discussed in much greater detail during the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels on April 3-4, according to Blinken. The allies said in Vilnius that Ukraine "will be a member of NATO," Blinken said, adding that the issue at hand is to have a "good and clear" roadmap to reach this conclusion. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us "I believe that the NATO summit for the 75th anniversary will indeed be highly focused, and quite concretely, as to how we can establish this roadmap," Blinken said at a press conference with French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne. "Or to use another image, the bridge the necessary bridge to allow Ukraine to become a member of NATO." U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith said in February she did not expect NATO to offer Ukraine a membership invitation at the upcoming summit in Washington. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the alliance's former secretary general, said that NATO's invitation to Ukraine "would be a controversial and at least an unprecedented decision to take." Rasmussen nevertheless suggested that this step could serve as "an instrument" to ending Russia's war. Read also: Politico: Allies consider moving Ramstein group under NATO control to shield it from Trump Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Is it possible that Bob Baffert will have at least one horse in this years Kentucky Derby? Maybe. It all rests with an as yet unselected Jefferson County, Kentucky, judge. On Wednesday, Amr Zedan, one of Bafferts biggest clients, filed suit in Louisville seeking a temporary injunction that would allow Zedan horses, and others trained by Baffert, to run in the May 4 Kentucky Derby. Baffert is not a party to the lawsuit. All the previous litigation, which has gone against Baffert and his owners, has been directed at the merits of the case against Medina Spirit, the winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby until he tested positive for a legal medication that was not legal on race day. Churchill Downs Incorporated suspended Baffert from all Churchill tracks for what was believed to be two years. But, despite no violations in those two years, Churchill Downs added at least one more year to Bafferts suspension. CDI said the Hall of Fame trainer didnt show enough contrition. Medina Spirit was subsequently disqualified from that Derby. Horses trained by Bob Baffert will not be allowed to participate in the Kentucky Derby for the third straight year in 2024 pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed in Louisville this week by one of the Hall of Famers biggest clients. Pat McDonogh/USA TODAY NETWORK But this case is based on a different set of circumstances. Zedans attorneys, headed by L.A.-based John Quinn, contend that Zedan bought horses in 2022 based on the fact that they could run in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. The suit details how he spent about $10.7 million to purchase six horses including Muth and Maymun in the hopes of winning this years Derby at the conclusion of what was thought to be a two-year suspension for Baffert. Muth won Saturdays Arkansas Derby, which would have earned him 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to go with the 10 points he would have been awarded for winning the American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita last year. However, any points earned by a Baffert-trained horse were vacated, or left unawarded. The 110 points Muth would have earned would have easily guaranteed him a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Baffert could have up to four horses running in Saturdays Santa Anita Derby. The field was to be drawn Wednesday. Among those is Imagination, owned by a consortium not involving Zedan, who won the San Felipe Stakes and had to vacate 50 Derby qualifying points, which also would have probably been enough to get in the starting field of 20 horses at Churchill Downs. The first- and second-place finishers in this Saturdays race would probably have enough points to qualify for the Derby, unless they were Baffert horses, at least for now. Messages were sent to various Churchill Downs spokespeople for a response. Muth, trained by Bob Baffert, has won four of his six career starts, including last weekends Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. The 3-year-old is currently ineligible to run in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Benoit Photo While I am not a plaintiff in the lawsuit recently brought by Zedan Racing Stables against Churchill Downs, I would like nothing more than for the horses I train to have an opportunity to run at Churchill Downs, Baffert told The Times in a text. The suit was not subtle in who it viewed as the villain: Bill Carstanjen, CDI chief executive, who it accused as pursuing a crazed vendetta at the expense of letting fair, healthy competition run its course. Among the losers are CDI itself and its own shareholders, who should be welcoming, not banning, the best and fastest horses that have qualified for this years race. Various media outlets have already dubbed this years Kentucky Derby, the 150th, as either 149 or having an asterisk because all the best horses will not be running because of the ban of the Baffert horses. The past two years, Baffert moved his best horses to other trainers, most notably Tim Yakteen, one of his former trainers. This year, Baffert and the owners indicated enough was enough and did not move any horses to other trainers. The argument that it would be a vastly diluted Kentucky Derby lessened when Bafferts best 3-year-old, Nysos, was removed from training. But Muths impressive performance at Oaklawn would make him no less than the second favorite. Fierceness won the Florida Derby on Saturday by 13 lengths and will most likely be the favorite on the first Saturday in May. Among the arguments that Zedans attorney presented in the suit is that the extension of the ban is 1) Not grounded in any contractual or common law; 2) Defies the authority of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority and 3) Threatens the value of the Kentucky Derby. I am a longtime admirer of the Kentucky Derby and specifically headquartered my stables in Kentucky because it is world renowned for horse breeding, Zedan said in a statement. Bringing this lawsuit is the last thing I ever wanted or expected. But given Bill Carstanjens vindictive personal vendetta against our stables trainer Bob Baffert who happens to be one of the most legendary trainers in the history of our sport the horse racing industry I revere is being compromised. Zedans biggest enemy is actually time. The courts are not known for their speed. But if a judge were to agree that a temporary injunction were necessary, the 150th Kentucky Derby would lose its asterisk as all the best horses would be there even if most of the talk would be about the return of the sports most famous trainer. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azercell's Instagram page has surpassed 200,000 followers. Since the companys official Instagram account inception in 2012, the company has been successfully expanding the pages audience by delivering informative, interesting, and valuable content. With a total social media user base exceeding 1 million across platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, Azercell remains committed to engaging with its audience in real time by sharing updates about projects, special offers, and campaigns. The company remains at the forefront of digital interaction by being the first mobile operator in Azerbaijan to offer customer support through social media channels. The company's swift responses to subscriber inquiries demonstrate its ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and satisfaction. Additionally, the company hosts live broadcasts of its events on official social media accounts and conducts contests, offering followers an opportunity to win valuable prizes. It is worth noting that starting from April 2, Azercell has launched its next contest on the companys official Instagram page. To participate, it is required to comment on Instagram your follower count below the post found at the link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QlmZ4q1rO/ . The deadline for participation is April 8, 2PM. Follow Azercell on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azercell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azercell/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AzercellYouTube X: https://twitter.com/azercell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azercell/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@azercell TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@azercell_official Bodies of 6 foreign aid workers slain in Israeli strikes are transported out of Gaza RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) The bodies of six foreign aid workers killed in Israeli airstrikes began the journey back to their home countries Wednesday as they were transported out of the Gaza Strip and into Egypt, Palestinian officials said. The deadly strikes have renewed criticism of Israels conduct in the nearly 6-month-old war with Hamas and highlighted the risks to aid workers as they try to deliver food to the besieged enclave. The U.N. says nearly a third of the Gaza population is on the brink of starvation. The three British citizens, a Polish citizen, an Australian and a Canadian American dual citizen worked for World Central Kitchen, an international charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres. Their Palestinian driver was also killed, and his remains were handed over to his family for burial in Gaza. The other bodies were driven into Egypt through the Rafah crossing, according to the Palestinian Crossings Authority, which oversees border crossings. The seven were distributing food that had been brought into Gaza through a newly established maritime corridor when Israeli airstrikes targeted their three vehicles late Monday, killing everyone inside. Israel said it carried out the strikes by mistake and that it has launched an investigation. World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated its movements with the military, and the vehicles were marked with the organization's logo. Some of Israels closest allies condemned the deaths, which led the World Central Kitchen and other charities to suspend food deliveries, citing the dire security situation. Israel faces growing isolation as international criticism of its Gaza assault has mounted. On the same day as the deadly airstrikes, Israel stirred more fears by apparently striking Irans consulate in Damascus, killing two Iranian generals. The government also moved to shut down a foreign media outlet Qatari-owned Al Jazeera television. The hit on the charitys convoy highlighted what critics have called Israels indiscriminate bombing and lack of regard for civilian casualties in Gaza. In an op-ed published by Israels Yediot Ahronot newspaper on Wednesday, Andres wrote that the Israeli government needs to open land routes to food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today. Andres, whose organization has provided aid in war and disaster zones all over the world, including to Israelis after Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war, said the strikes were not just some unfortunate mistake in the fog of war. It was a direct attack on clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known by" the Israeli military. "It was also the direct result of (the Israeli) governments policy to squeeze humanitarian aid to desperate levels, Andres wrote. Israel has severely restricted access to northern Gaza, where experts say famine is imminent. More than 180 humanitarian workers have been killed in Israel's assault, according to the U.N. The deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers threatened to set back efforts by the U.S. and other countries to open a maritime corridor for aid from Cyprus to help ease the desperate conditions in northern Gaza. Some 240 tons of newly arrived but undelivered aid from the charity were returned by ship to the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus. Still, Cyprus said sea deliveries of aid would continue. U.S. President Joe Biden issued an unusually blunt criticism of Israel by its closest ally, suggesting that the incident demonstrated that Israel was not doing enough to protect civilians. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen, he said. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties. Israels military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, announced the results of a preliminary investigation early Wednesday. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened, he said. He gave no further details. He said an independent body would conduct a thorough investigation that would be completed in the coming days. Successive strikes hit the three vehicles that were large distances apart, indicating precise targeting. At least one of the vehicles had the charitys logo printed across its roof to make it identifiable from the air, and the ordnance punched a large hole through the roof. Meanwhile, Mondays strike on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus which the U.S. assessed was carried out by Israel hiked fears of a wider conflict. The strike killed 12 people. Gen. Ramazan Sharif, a spokesman for Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, said Wednesday that soon we will see deadlier blows against Israel by the Resistance Front. He appeared to be referring to Iran and its allies across the region, including the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and other armed groups in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. They have repeatedly traded fire with Israel and the U.S. since the start of the war in Gaza. The top U.S. Air Force commander for the Middle East, Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, said Wednesday that the U.S. is concerned that the Damascus strike could trigger new attacks on American troops by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. Militias launched repeated attacks on U.S. forces at bases in those countries late last year, and in late January killed three U.S. service members and injured dozens more in Jordan. In retaliation, the U.S. launched a massive air assault, hitting seven locations in Iraq and Syria connected to militias or the Guards Quds Force. There have been no attacks on U.S. troops in the region since. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel is increasing preparedness and expanding our operations against Hezbollah and against other bodies that threaten us. Nearly 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels assault in Gaza, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. Hamas Oct. 7 attacks killed some 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 being taken hostage. Hamas still holds an estimated 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others, after most of the rest were freed last year in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. ___ Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Bodies of 6 foreign aid workers slain in Israeli strikes are transported out of Gaza People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. World Central Kitchen, an aid group, says an Israeli strike that hit its workers in Gaza killed at least seven people, including several foreigners. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) The bodies of six foreign aid workers killed in Israeli airstrikes began the journey back to their home countries Wednesday as more questions swirled over Israel's explanation that a misidentification led to the attack on their convoy. The deadly strikes renewed criticism of Israels conduct in the nearly 6-month-old war with Hamas and highlighted the risks that the military's bombardment poses to aid workers as they try to deliver food to the besieged enclave. The U.N. says nearly a third of the Gaza population is on the brink of starvation. The three British citizens, a Polish citizen, an Australian and a Canadian American dual citizen worked for World Central Kitchen, an international charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres. Their Palestinian driver was also killed, and his remains were handed over to his family for burial in Gaza. The other bodies were driven into Egypt through the Rafah crossing, according to the Palestinian Crossings Authority, which oversees border crossings. The seven were distributing food that had been brought into Gaza through a newly established maritime corridor when Israeli airstrikes targeted their three vehicles late Monday, killing everyone inside. Israels military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, announced the results of a preliminary investigation. "It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened. He gave no further details. He said an independent body would complete a thorough investigation in the coming days. Andres said the strikes were not just some unfortunate mistake in the fog of war. It was a direct attack on clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known by the Israeli military, Andres wrote in an op-ed published Wednesday by Israels Yediot Ahronot newspaper. It was also the direct result of (the Israeli) governments policy to squeeze humanitarian aid to desperate levels. World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated its movements with the military, and the vehicles were marked with the organizations logo. Andres, a Spanish-American chef whose organization has provided aid in war and disaster zones all over the world, including to Israelis after Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war, wrote that "the Israeli government needs to open land routes to food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today. Spain's prime minister, Pedreo Sanchez, said Israel's explanation so far was absolutely unacceptable and insufficient and called for "much more detailed clarification of what happened. He spoke at a joint news conference in Doha with his Qatari counterpart. Qatar has played a key role in efforts to mediate a cease-fire, along with the U.S. and Egypt. Some of Israels closest allies condemned the deaths, which led the World Central Kitchen and other charities to suspend food deliveries, citing the dire security situation. Israeli officials have not elaborated on the nature of the mistake. The military has repeatedly struck aid vehicles and ambulances, as well as humanitarian group offices and U.N. facilities, often justifying the attacks by saying suspected militants were present. The military says strikes are first cleared by legal experts, but critics have called the bombardment indiscriminate with little regard for civilian casualties. More than 180 humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict, according to the U.N. On Tuesday, Israeli TV reported initial findings that have not been officially confirmed, saying the army identified the cars carrying World Central Kitchens workers and observed suspected militants nearby. Half an hour later, the vehicles were struck by the air force. The reports said it was not clear who ordered the strikes or why. Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu, an expert in Israel-Europe relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the progressive think tank Mitvim Institute, said it was possible the military did not have enough control over commanders and soldiers on the ground, who are "taking some action into their own hands. Theyre interpreting the engagement rules in a much more elaborate way. International reaction has been extremely harsh, and its justified, she said. "The credit that we had after Oct. 7 has already dwindled, and now its dwindled so much more. Israel faces growing isolation as international criticism of its Gaza assault has mounted. On the same day as the deadly airstrikes, Israel stirred more fears by apparently striking Irans consulate in Damascus, killing two Iranian generals. The government also moved to shut down a foreign media outlet Qatari-owned Al Jazeera television. The hit on World Central Kitchens convoy threatened to set back efforts by the U.S. and other countries to open a maritime corridor for aid from Cyprus to help ease the desperate conditions in northern Gaza. Israel has severely restricted access to the north, where experts say famine is imminent. U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to speak Thursday amid growing White House frustration with Israels prosecution of the war and in the aftermath of Monday's airstrikes, according to a U.S. official familiar with planning for the call. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans for the call. In statement on Tuesday, Biden issued unusually blunt criticism of Israel, expressing outrage over the strikes and saying Israel "has not done enough to protect aid workers." Meanwhile, Mondays strike on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus which the U.S. assessed was carried out by Israel hiked fears of a wider conflict. The strike killed 12 people. Gen. Ramazan Sharif, a spokesman for Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, said Wednesday that soon we will see deadlier blows against Israel by the Resistance Front. He appeared to be referring to Iran and its allies across the region, including the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and militias in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. They have repeatedly traded fire with Israel and the U.S. since the start of the war in Gaza. The top U.S. Air Force commander for the Middle East, Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, said Wednesday that the U.S. is concerned that the Damascus strike could trigger new attacks on American troops by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. Nearly 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels assault in Gaza, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. Hamas Oct. 7 attacks killed some 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 being taken hostage. Hamas still holds an estimated 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others, after most of the rest were freed last year in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press Writer Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. ___ Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Ambulances carrying the bodies of the World Central Kitchen aid group staff members, who were killed in an Israeli air strike, go into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing. Seven employees of the US-based aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip on Monday. Mohammed Talatene/dpa The bodies of foreign aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip were transferred to Egypt's Rafah border crossing, an Egyptian broadcaster reported on Wednesday. State-linked al-Qahera News TV said ambulances carrying the bodies of a number of the relief workers arrived at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing near Gaza. Seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) employees were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Monday as they were returning from a full day's mission, the US-based aid organization said. They were three Britons, one Australian and one Polish national, a US-Canadian dual citizen and a Palestinian man. The six bodies of foreign aid workers were transferred by the Palestinian Red Crescent to the Egyptian Rafah crossing Wednesday, an Egyptian security source said. The bodies will be flown home after they are received by representatives of their respective embassies in Cairo, the source added. The transfer is to take place via Cairo airport. Ambulances carrying the bodies of the World Central Kitchen aid group staff members, who were killed in an Israeli air strike, go into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing. Seven employees of the US-based aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip on Monday. Mohammed Talatene/dpa The body of one of the World Central Kitchen aid group staff members, who were killed in an Israeli air strike, is being transported out of the morgue of Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Seven employees of the US-based aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip on Monday. Mohammed Talatene/dpa Members of the World Central Kitchen aid group, transports the body of one of the staff members who were killed in an Israeli air strike, out of the morgue of Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Seven employees of the US-based aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip on Monday. Mohammed Talatene/dpa The bodies of foreign aid workers killed in an Israeli bombing in the Gaza Strip were transferred to Egypt's Rafah border crossing, an Egyptian broadcaster reported on Wednesday, as Israel's allies kept up their demands for explanations. State-linked al-Qahera News TV said ambulances carrying the bodies of a number of the relief workers arrived at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing near Gaza. Seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) employees were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Monday as they were returning from a full day's mission. They were three Britons, one Australian, one Polish national, a US-Canadian dual citizen and a Palestinian man. The six bodies of the foreign aid workers were transferred by the Palestinian Red Crescent to the Egyptian Rafah crossing, an Egyptian security source said. The bodies will be flown home after they are received by representatives of their respective embassies in Cairo, the source added. The transfer is to take place via Cairo airport. Israel is facing mounting outrage over the killing of the aid workers as they delivered food to war-ravaged Gaza. Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi said the workers were killed due to "misidentification" issue, citing a preliminary investigation into the events. The WCK employees were travelling in a deconflicted zone in two armoured cars branded with the WCK logo, the US-based aid organization set up by US-Spanish restaurateur Jose Andres said. Despite coordinating movements with the IDF, the convoy was hit as it was leaving a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, WCK said. "I want to be very clear, the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers," Halevi said. "It was a mistake that followed a misidentification, at night during a war in very complex conditions," Halevi continued. "It shouldn't have happened." "This incident was a grave mistake," he added. "We are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of the WCK." Halevi said that an independent body would investigate the incident which would be completed in the coming days and its findings shared with the WCK and other international organizations. Leaders worldwide have condemned the deaths, while the delivery of food and supplies by ship was temporarily halted after the strike despite the growing desperation in Gaza, with famine looming. Poland's Foreign Ministry called in the Israeli ambassador Yacov Livne as tensions flared. Polish citizen Damian Sobol was one of those killed in the strike. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna said the "new situation in Polish-Israeli relations and the moral, political and financial responsibility" for the incident would be discussed with the ambassador. "Prime Minister Netanyahu, Ambassador Livne, the vast majority of Poles showed solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attack," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "You are putting this solidarity to the test. The tragic attack on the volunteers and your reaction arouse understandable anger." US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday he was "outraged and heartbroken" by the deaths and demanded a swift investigation. On Wednesday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the Biden administration was frustrated by the actions of the Israeli military. "Every single day we're talking about the way this war is prosecuted. And it's important to us. It matters how they do this," he said. "It's not the first time that this has happened. And so yes, we're frustrated by this," Kirby said. The UN says that some 200 humanitarian workers, most of them Palestinians, have been killed in Gaza since October 7. The war was triggered by the unprecedented massacre of more than 1,200 people by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement and other extremist groups. Israel's overwhelming military response has come under fire, given the soaring number of civilian casualties and catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported that strike was launched because of a suspicion that a terrorist was travelling with the World Central Kitchen convoy. But the target had not left the warehouse with the vehicles, Haaretz said. One of the military sources told Haaretz: "It's frustrating. We're trying our hardest to accurately hit terrorists, and utilizing every thread of intelligence, and in the end the units in the field decide to launch attacks without any preparation, in cases that have nothing to do with protecting our forces." While the IDF claimed that the deaths resulted from poor coordination, the anonymous Haaretz source in the intelligence branch said the command "knows exactly what the cause of the attack was - in Gaza, everyone does as he pleases." By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) - The bodies of foreign aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza were brought to the crossing with Egypt on Wednesday as international outrage simmered over an attack that highlighted the dangers faced by humanitarian staff in the enclave. The strike late on Monday night hit a convoy of three vehicles and killed seven staff of the aid group World Central Kitchen (WCK), including citizens of Australia, Britain, and Poland, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada as well as a Palestinian colleague, who was buried at his home. Their deaths prompted a wave of condemnation from some of Israel's closest allies, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who said he was "outraged" by what he said was "not a stand-alone incident". More than 2 million people in Gaza are now almost completely reliant on aid shipments almost six months into Israel's devastating siege and invasion of the territory triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 cross-border attack. In Gaza, there were calls for stronger action to stop Israel continuing with a military campaign that local health authorities say has killed more than 32,000 people. "This is a sign that the weapons provided by the British and American governments in support of the Israeli occupation army in weapons, money, and equipment do not differentiate between Palestinians and other nationalities," said Marwan Al-Hams, director of the Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah. The bodies of the foreign aid workers were handed over to U.N. officials at the Egyptian border for transport home. In the aftermath of the attack, Israel acknowledged that its forces carried out the strike on the convoy but said it was unintentional. It expressed "deep sorrow" and pledged a full, independent investigation. Israel's bombardment and invasion of Gaza followed the Hamas-led attack which killed some 1,200 Israelis and foreigners, with more than 250 abducted into Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli tallies. However the scale of the killing and the gathering humanitarian disaster in Gaza has led to a growing outcry outside Israel. The United Nations has demanded that Israel do more to get humanitarian supplies into Gaza to alleviate hunger and ward off the threat of famine. Prior to Monday's incident, Israeli officials had said there were no restrictions on aid coming into the enclave and blamed aid organizations for not distributing the supplies effectively. WCK, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff were travelling in two armoured cars with the charity's logo and another vehicle, and had coordinated their movements with the Israeli military. In Gaza, fighting continued on Wednesday, concentrated around the southern city of Khan Younis, where medical officials said an Israeli strike killed three people. In the central Gaza town of Deir Al-Balah, which the Israeli army has not invaded, tank shelling killed four Palestinians in a southeast district, health officials said. (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi. Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu) The nude body of a 27-year-old woman who called 911 for help in late February but went missing before authorities could find her was discovered outside a small town near the Arizona-California border last week. In a recording of the 911 call, made just a day before she was reported missing, the victim, Amanda Nenigar, sounded confused and desperate as she attempted to describe the remote mountainous and desert terrain where shed gotten her vehicle stuck off the highway. I think I may have fell asleep at the wheel, the 27-year-old is heard telling a 911 dispatcher. I got tired. I didnt have my glasses and went to pull over but hit a pole. In the hour-long 911 call, which was routed to dispatchers in California, Nenigars family told KTLA that Amanda even provided the correct GPS coordinates from her phone and still did not receive the help she desperately needed. She did not have to die like this, Marissa Nenigar, the victims sister, told KTLAs Rachel Menitoff. If they would have listened to her 911 call and wrote down the coordinates, again, she would still be here with us. She would still be alive. Her daughters wouldnt be without a mother right now. The California native was last seen at a hotel in Blythe on Feb. 27 until last week when her body was found near Cibola, Arizona, just 25 miles away. Amanda Nenigar, whose nude body was found a month after she called 911 for help, seen in this undated photo. (viewer photo) (KTLA) Amanda Nenigar, whose nude body was found a month after she called 911 for help, seen in this undated photo. (viewer photo) La Paz County Sheriff William Ponce told KTLA that Amanda was discovered about a mile and a half from her vehicle and that her body had likely been there for weeks. We believe she went under the tree to try to get some shelter from the elements. As you may know, it gets hot in the Arizona desert, the sheriff said. Her clothes were strewn along the path that we believe she took prior to making it to that tree where she ended up passing. The victims sister said its unclear exactly where Amanda was headed, but that they have family in La Paz County. Family members also believe her death was a failure on the part of the California Highway Patrol, who they say should have acted with more urgency to locate and rescue her. I havent been able to eat because she went all these days, who knows how long without eating or drinking anything, Marissa said. Its taken a big toll on my life, my moms life, our familys life, and I dont want this to happen to anyone else. Home invasion robbery suspect in Southern California armed with gun and axe KTLA has reached out to officials at the California Highway Patrol about the 911 call and is waiting to hear back. Sheriff William Ponce added that he does not believe any foul play was involved, but that the investigation is ongoing, with an autopsy pending to determine the young mothers exact cause of death. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Body of missing California woman found in desert a month after she called 911 for help (KTLA) The nude body of 27-year-old Amanda Nenigar, who called 911 for help in late February but went missing before authorities could find her, was discovered outside a small town near the Arizona-California border last week. In a recording of the 911 call, made just one day before she was reported missing, Nenigar sounded confused and desperate as she attempted to describe the remote mountainous and desert terrain where shed gotten her vehicle stuck off the highway. I think I may have fell asleep at the wheel, the 27-year-old is heard telling a 911 dispatcher. I got tired. I didnt have my glasses and went to pull over but hit a pole. In the hour-long 911 call, which was routed to dispatchers in California, Nenigars family told Nexstars KTLA that Amanda even provided the correct GPS coordinates from her phone and still did not receive the help she desperately needed. Man arrested after allegedly holding woman captive, torturing her for months: deputies She did not have to die like this, Marissa Nenigar, the victims sister, told KTLA. If they would have listened to her 911 call and wrote down the coordinates, again, she would still be here with us. She would still be alive. Her daughters wouldnt be without a mother right now. The California native was last seen at a hotel in Blythe on Feb. 27. Last week, her body was found near Cibola, Arizona, just 25 miles away. La Paz County Sheriff William Ponce told KTLA that Amanda was discovered about a mile and a half from her vehicle and that her body had likely been there for weeks. We believe she went under the tree to try to get some shelter from the elements. As you may know, it gets hot in the Arizona desert, the sheriff said. Her clothes were strewn along the path that we believe she took prior to making it to that tree where she ended up passing. The victims sister said its unclear exactly where Amanda was headed, but that they have family in La Paz County. Colorado man suddenly facing multiple amputations after illness Family members also believe her death was a failure on the part of the California Highway Patrol, who they say should have acted with more urgency to locate and rescue her. I havent been able to eat because she went all these days, who knows how long without eating or drinking anything, Marissa said. Its taken a big toll on my life, my moms life, our familys life, and I dont want this to happen to anyone else. KTLA has reached out to officials at the California Highway Patrol about the 911 call and is waiting to hear back. Sheriff William Ponce added that he does not believe any foul play was involved, but that the investigation is ongoing, with an autopsy pending to determine the young mothers exact cause of death. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) was admitted to a Colorado hospital Monday to undergo emergency surgery for a blood clot in her leg. Boebert was experiencing severe swelling in her upper left leg and went to UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. I want to thank Dr. Rebecca Bade and the entire team at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies for their great care and providing helpful insight on my recent diagnosis, Boebert said in a statement. Im looking forwarding to making a full recovery and getting back to Congress to continue fighting for Colorado. After undergoing a CT Scan, doctors found an acute blood clot and diagnosed her with May-Thurner syndrome, which is a rare condition that disrupts blood flow, her campaign confirmed to The Hill. Boeberts doctors recommended surgery to remove the clot and insert a stent that will address her symptoms, which was successfully completed Tuesday morning. The campaigns statement noted that women between the ages of 20 and 45 who have given birth are more likely to develop May-Thurner Syndrome. The exact cause is unknown, the statement said, but dehydration, travel and extended periods of sitting have been identified as factors that cause symptoms. Bade said in the statement provided by Boeberts campaign that patients who undergo this surgery are able to live and work just as they have in the past after a brief recovery. Boebert has represented Colorados third Congressional district since 2021. She is currently running to represent the states fourth district. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman prominently touted his political status on his personal consulting firm's website as recently as a week ago, prompting government ethics experts to question whether he was promoting his official position for personal gain. "Book Senator Hoffman to speak," a tab at the top of his Hoffman Strategic Advisors website read. The website's homepage featured a posed photo of Hoffman inside the Minnesota State Capitol. "Imagine the dynamic synergy of industry expertise and political acumen. Senator John Hoffman, alongside Hoffman Strategic Advisors, brings a unique blend of public service insights and strategic business brilliance. When you book our speaker duo, you're not just hosting an event; you're orchestrating an unforgettable experience," read a blurb on Hoffman's consulting website. But after the Star Tribune questioned him about it late last week, Hoffman scrubbed most mentions of his Senate status and the Capitol photo from the website. He said in an interview that he always considers himself a senator and that he hadn't thought about the optics of promoting his position on his personal website. But, Hoffman said, "I see what you're saying," in regard to the concerns being raised. Hamline University political science Prof. David Schultz reviewed Hoffman's website and said he thought it looked like the senator was "using his official position for the purposes of potential personal financial gain." Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera, executive director of Common Cause Minnesota, a nonprofit that advocates for government transparency, also had concerns. She said, "Sen. Hoffman's use of this title for marketing his consulting business as 'senator', along with the use of pictures taken while at the Capitol campus, can arguably be seen as him leveraging his public role for private gain." Hoffman told the Star Tribune his consulting firm hasn't had any paying clients to date, despite listing Hoffman Strategic Advisors as a source of income on his economic disclosure with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. The senator said he's always disclosed his associated businesses even if he didn't make money from them. Hoffman did not appear to have violated any laws or rules by promoting his Senate status on his private business website. But Schultz and Belladonna-Carrera noted that if Hoffman were a member of the executive branch, his website might have violated an ethics statute. The executive branch's code of ethics considers the following a conflict of interest: "The use for private gain or advantage of state time, facilities, equipment or supplies or badge, uniform, prestige or influence of state office or employment." Belladonna-Carrera suggested the legislative branch could benefit from having clearer rules for lawmakers. "This branch of government I would argue the most public facing and accountable to the people particularly because of what it does and who it is supposed to be working for is once again the one with the least accountability and transparency," she said. Staff writer Rochelle Olson contributed to this report. I booked shared and private sleeper cabins on overnight trains in Europe. Only one was worth the price. Business Insider's reporter spent $84 for a shared cabin and $200 for a private cabin on Nightjet sleeper trains in Europe. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I traveled by overnight train during two European backpacking trips. For my first trip, I booked a bunk in a sleeper cabin shared with three strangers for $84. For my second trip, I booked a private cabin with three bunks, a sink, and a vanity for $200. I explored by day and traveled by night during my two backpacking trips through Europe. In 2022 and 2023, I traversed the continent on sleeper trains operated by OBB Nightjet, an Austrian rail line that operates in more than 25 European cities. Nightjet has three tiers of sleeping accommodations, from reclining seats to bunks in shared and private cabins. During my first European train trip, I booked an $84 ride from Vienna to Venice in a shared cabin with six bunks. A year later, I booked a private cabin from Venice to Vienna with the same train line for $200. Both trips were roughly 12 hours long, but the accommodations provided completely different experiences in terms of comfort and amenities. And there's only one I'd take again. During my first European train trip in 2022, I slept in a cabin shared with strangers. Inside a shared sleeper cabin on a Nightjet train. Nightjet - OBB/Harald Eisenberger A step above a seating carriage, the 74-square-foot shared cabin had six bunks, a pullout table, and not much else. At $84 for one bunk, this is the cheapest Nighjet accommodation with a lie-flat bed. The second time, I booked a private cabin. Inside a private cabin on a Nightjet train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider For my second train trip through Europe in November 2023, I traveled from Venice to Vienna in a private cabin for $200 Nightjet's highest tier of accommodation. The 30-square-foot space had three bunks inside one on the bottom and two up top. Across from the bottom bunk was a vanity and wash basin a perk only included in private cabins. On the bottom bunk, there was also a goodie bag of complimentary amenities such as a sleep mask, earplugs, and slippers. The shared cabin felt cramped and lacked privacy for each traveler. The author lays in her bunk in the shared cabin. Joey Hadden/Insider There were only three other travelers in the shared cabin for six during my leg of the trip. Aside from brief hellos, we all kept to ourselves, and the room was quiet. But I never forgot I was in the presence of others. The space felt so cramped I couldn't imagine squeezing six people and their luggage inside. There was hardly any room to stand up, and I didn't have enough privacy to relax without curtains or dividers between bunks. "Offering our passengers a high level of travel comfort is an important concern for us," a representative for OBB Nightjet told Business Insider in a statement. "We are constantly working on improvements to our product and also take into account the requirements of our customers." But the private cabin felt more spacious. The author travels from Italy to Austria in a private cabin on an overnight train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Although smaller than the shared cabin, the private cabin packed less inside, leaving more floor space to move around in. With luggage storage next to one of the top bunks, the room didn't feel crowded. But the best part was having complete privacy with a door that could lock and no one to share the space with. During the first ride, I washed up in one of the sleeping car's shared bathrooms. The shared bathroom in the sleeping car. Joey Hadden/Insider There was no toilet, sink, or vanity inside the cabin. So before bed, I changed and brushed my teeth in one of the two bathrooms shared with every passenger in the sleeping car. After standing in a short line of travelers, I rushed through my nighttime routine in the small restroom to keep others from waiting too long. In the private accommodation, I brushed my teeth from the comfort of my cabin. The author washes up in her cabin. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The private cabin didn't have a toilet inside either, but the vanity and sink made washing up before bed more relaxing since I didn't have to rush through my routine. As I brushed my teeth and washed my face, I noticed that, unlike the shared bathroom, my vanity had bright, white lights and toilet storage shelves on the inner doors. In the shared cabin, my bunk wasn't comfortable. The author sits in her bunk. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The bunk was situated like a couch when I arrived in the cabin. And before bed, an attendant came by to pull it out. The futon felt like a carpet and was stiffer than a seat in a car. While I appreciated being able to lie flat and the sheets and pillow provided, I had difficulty falling and staying asleep in a relaxing position. And I woke up each time another passenger in my room got up to use the bathroom. But the private cabin's cot was cozy. The author's bunk on the overnight train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider In the private cabin, I was surprised that the bunk was more comfortable than those in the shared accommodation. The cot was as cushy as it was firm, making it easy on my back. And in addition to sheets and a pillow, there was a thick comforter that made me feel more cozy. It reminded me of my bed at home. I had an easy time dozing off and slept for six hours straight. Both rides included a complimentary breakfast. Complimentary breakfast on the Nightjet train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I received the same complimentary breakfast in both cabins two bread rolls with butter, Nutella, and fruit preserves on the side, yogurt, and a cup of coffee or caffeinated tea. In the future, I'll only book private cabins on Nightjet trains. A Nightjet train travels from Venice, Italy, to Vienna, Austria. Joey Hadden/Business Insider After a night in the shared cabin, I was exhausted. I didn't enjoy my first day in Venice as much as I hoped. As beautiful as it was, I couldn't help thinking about how nice it would be to nap. But following my ride in the private cabin, I felt refreshed and well-rested, making my day in Vienna more fulfilling as I explored streets lined with vibrantly colored buildings and murals. These contrasting experiences made me realize that booking a shared cabin on an overnight train wasn't worth the money I saved. However, the comforts of the private cabin made me feel like I was in a hotel room. And $200 for one night in my own space while traveling from one destination to the next felt like a fair price to me. Europe is so vast that I'm certain I'll backpack through the continent again. And when I do, I know I'll book private rooms on overnight trains. Read the original article on Business Insider BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Kazakhstan's Halyk Bank has ceased servicing MIR cards as of February 27, 2024, the bank told Trend. From February 27, 2024, Halyk Bank stopped servicing MIR cards both at POS terminals and at ATMs, the bank said. Previously, some banks, notably Bereke Bank and Freedom Bank, had discontinued MIR card operations. Meanwhile, the US Ministry of Finance has slapped sanctions on Russia's national payment card system. The Russian National Payment Card System is in charge of the Russian national payment system, MIR. Halyk Bank is Kazakhstan's largest bank, with assets of 13.9 trillion tenge (about $31 billion) at the end of 2022, up 19.18 percent from 11.6 trillion tenge (approximately $26 billion) the previous year. Furthermore, this represents 31.11 percent of the total assets of the banking system. MIR is a Russian card payment system for electronic financial transfers established by the Central Bank of Russia by a law enacted on May 1, 2017. The system was created by Belgian digital payments startup OpenWay and is run by the Russian National Card Payment System, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Central Bank of Russia. NORTH EAST Borough Council took the first step Monday toward establishing an authority to take over the North East Marina from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Council voted 5-1 to form the authority, proceeding without the North East Township Board of Supervisors. "The sooner you can get rolling with this the sooner the boaters can get in the water," Borough Council President Amber Belson said following the vote. The Fish & Boat Commission announced last summer that due to high maintenance costs to dredge and move sand that it would close more than 200 private boat slips for the 2024 season. Boaters and others worry that the Fish & Boat Commission could eventually close the marina, 11950 E. Lake Road. The North East Marina is shown on April 1, 2024, on Route 5 in North East Township. While the North East Township Board of Supervisors have repeatedly expressed a desire to partner with the borough, they're worried about taxpayer liability. They've opted to study the potential economic benefits and challenges of the marina before proceeding with an authority. The borough believes it's the job of the authority to do that research. Both public bodies want to save the marina, which they say is a regional asset that draws anglers and boaters from throughout the state and beyond from April through October. What happened Monday and what's next Here's what transpired Monday, what's happened behind the scenes in recent weeks, and what's next: Before voting, Borough Council held another public hearing to gather public input on the marina's future. The hearing was attended by about 45 people, including 30 members from the public. Six people spoke in favor of the plan. No one came out against it, as was the case in late January when the borough and township held a joint public hearing. Council voted to form the authority at its regular monthly meeting immediately following the hearing. Councilwoman Nancy Anderson cast the lone 'no' vote, saying she preferred if the authority was formed in partnership with the township since that's where the marina is located. At it next meeting on April 15, Borough Council is expected to approve articles of incorporation for the marina authority. Among several other things, the articles of incorporation will specify the number of authority board seats, which will either be five or seven, according to Borough Council President Amber Belson. At its May 3 meeting, Borough Council could vote to appoint members to the authority board. Interested candidates should email Belson at abelson@northeastborough.com or drop off or mail a letter to Borough Hall, 31 West Main Street, North East, Pa. 16428. Applicants should include why they're interested in a board seat and relevant qualifications. As for North East Township Supervisors, the three-member panel is attempting to arrange a meeting with the U.S. Coast Guard. In March, it held two meetings to learn more about the permit requirements and costs associated with dredging and sand movement. At a March 13 meeting at state Sen. Dan Laughlin's office, representatives from both the borough and township, the Fish & Boat Commission, Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others discussed how the Fish & Boat Commission spends $600,000 annually to move sand from the west side of the marina to the east side, once in the spring and again in the fall. The marina blocks the natural flow of sand, preventing it from going to properties east of the marina, according to a memo from Township Solicitor Tim Wachter. The lack of sand can cause erosion of the shoreline. They discussed buying sand, instead of moving sand, and placing it along the properties east of the marina. That would cost $270,000 for the sand alone and could create issues on the west side of the marina as sand accumulates. The Fish & Boat Commission moves about 18,000 cubic yards of sand each year. Also discussed was the $1 million it would take to dredge the entire marina. A DEP regulation now requires the material be placed on dry land and tested for contaminants, rather than be located to another area of Lake Erie, according to Wachter. Tests have shown that the sediment "is not eligible for clean fill options," Wachter wrote. On March 21, Wachter and Township Supervisor Russ LaFuria had a phone conference with the Buffalo office of Army Corps of Engineers' Operations Divisions to learn more about designating the marina as a "shallow draft recreational marina" through the federal Water Resources Development Act. Doing so would make the marina eligible for some federal funding, but there has not been a new designation in three decades. The designation is based on "waterborne commerce" and would enable the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the channel and lanes within the marina, but not private slips. Congress would have to make the designation. There is another means to achieve the designation outside of the Water Resources Development Act, which will be explored, Wachter said in his memo. Next up, the township plans to discuss a potential "Harbor of Refuge" designation with the Coast Guard. State Rep. Jake Banta proposed forming the marina authority last fall. The initial idea was for the borough, township and Fuller Hose Co., which operates a water rescue operation out of the small port, to create the authority under the state's Municipal Authorities Act. The offices of Banta, Laughlin and U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th Dist., are now involved in the efforts to preserve the marina. Wachter said in his memo to supervisors that he would also contact U.S. Sen. Bob Casey's office. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will not open more than 200 private boat slips at the North East Marina this summer. Belson said the borough opted to move ahead without the township in hopes of having the marina transferred to the authority so that something can be done this spring or summer to reopen the private boat slips, which are a major revenue source for the marina. The Fish & Boat Commission has contracted Lakeshore Towing to dredge in the area of the boat ramps and in the channel leaving the marina. They'll also remove sediment and perform other erosion control activities. Work began Monday. The two public boat-launch ramps, the fish cleaning station, portable toilets, and courtesy docks for launching and retrieving boats will open for the season on April 27. Matthew Rink can be reached at mrink@timesnews.com or on X at @ETNRink. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Borough forms authority in hopes of taking over North East Marina Botswana offers to send 20,000 elephants to Germany, saying it should try looking after them instead of criticizing Botswana's President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. It came after Germany suggested there should be limits on importing hunting trophies. Germans should "live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to," Masisi said. Botswana's president Mokgweetsi Masisi said he wants to send 20,000 wild elephants to Germany to challenge the country's stance on hunting. His comments came after Germany's environment ministry suggested there should be limits on hunting trophy imports due to poaching concerns, The Guardian reported. Speaking to the German outlet Bild, Masisi, 61, said it's unfair to criticize Botswana's hunting practices without looking at the impact that overpopulation of elephants has on the country. Germans should "live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to," he said. "It's not a joke." "It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world and even for Lemke's party," he added, referencing Germany's environment minister Steffi Lemke, leader of The Greens political party. Botswana has more than 130,000 elephants, with an increase of 6,000 each year, according to Bild. The country made trophy hunting illegal in 2014; however, the ban was lifted in 2019 due to pressure from the public, The Guardian reported. Massisi told the outlet that hunting is a means of controlling the elephant population, which has appeared to increase in recent years. He added that the elephants often have a negative impact on the country's citizens: They can trample people to death and destroy crops and villages, he said. Svenja Kleinschmidt, a spokesperson for Germany's federal environment ministry, told Business Insider that "Botswana has not yet contacted" the ministry about the matter. However, Kleinschmidt noted that Botswana's environment minister met with the German environment minister last week for an "open and constructive exchange of views." The topics discussed were not disclosed. "Germany is one of the largest importers of hunting trophies into the EU. For that reason and in the face of alarming loss of biodiversity, we have a special responsibility to ensure the legality and sustainability of the imports of hunting trophies of protected species into Germany," Kleinschmidt said. Kleinschmidt said discussions are currently underway to extend the compulsory import permit under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation to cover hunting trophies of additional protected species. Botswana's elephant population and the ethical issues of hunting have been a subject of debate for years. Elephants are considered one of the deadliest species to humans because of their size and weight. As the largest existing land animals, elephants are responsible for around 500 human deaths per year, according to BBC Wildlife Magazine. There's also the economic impact of hunting to consider. In 2021, Botswana officials said the country earned around $2.7 million from elephant hunting, VOA reported. Elephants Without Borders is a Botswana-based conservation organization that has been publicly backed by Prince Harry and Meghan. It wrote on its website that recent conservation efforts have led to "growing concern about how to manage this large population." But offering to give the elephants away doesn't appear to be an effective solution. Botswana has already attempted to give 8,000 elephants to Angola and 500 to Mozambique. Dumezweni Mthimkhulu, Botswana's wildlife minister, said in March that he wanted to send 10,000 elephants to London's Hyde Park after the UK proposed a ban on hunting trophies, Metro reported. "I want Britons to have a taste of living alongside elephants, which are overwhelming my country. In some areas, there are more of these beasts than people," he said. "They are killing children who get in their path. They trample and eat farmers' crops leaving Africans hungry. They steal the water from pipes that is flowing to the people. They have lost their fear of humans," he added. Speaking to Sky News in March, Masisi said the UK ban would be "condescending" and "a resurgence of colonial conquest." Representatives for Botswana's Government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Botswanas President Mokgweetsi Masisi has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany amid a dispute over the import of hunting trophies. Twenty thousand elephants for Germany, this is not a joke, Masisi told German tabloid Bild. The African leader criticised the German government particularly the environment ministry for seeking to ban the import of trophies despite Botswanas overpopulation of elephants. Earlier this year Germanys environment ministry, which is headed up by Steffi Lemke of the Green party, raised the possibility of stricter limits on the import of hunting trophies due to poaching concerns. Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi says the country's elephant population has grown to 130,000. - Lenin Nolly/Sipa USA/AP/File Masisi told Bild that Germanys Green party could learn to cohabitate with elephants without hunting them. It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world and even for Lemkes party, Masisi said. Germans should try to live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to, he added. According to Masisi, Botswana has seen its elephant population grow to some 130,000. Elephants are seen on the Makgadikgadi Basin in Botswana on October 13, 2023. The landlocked southern African country has a landscape defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during the seasonal floods. - Murat Ozgur Guvendik/Anadolu/Getty Images To tackle the countrys overpopulation of the animals, Botswana has already offered 8,000 elephants to Angola and another 500 to Mozambique, Masisi said, adding that Mozambique had yet to collect the elephants. We would like to offer such a gift to Germany, Masisi told Bild, adding that he would not take no for an answer. Botswanas president argued that conservation efforts have led to an explosion in the elephant population, and hunting is an important means to keep them in check. Masisi said that elephants were trampling people to death, eating crops and causing damage to villages, and a ban on the import of hunting trophies would only impoverish Botswanans. Masisi claimed that his country does more to protect wildlife than any other country in the world, and invited the German minister to inspect wildlife protection in his country. CNN has contacted Botswanas Ministry of Environment and Tourism for comment. The southern African nation banned trophy hunting in 2014 to help declining elephant numbers recover from poaching and shrinking habitats. But the ban was scrapped in 2019 after pressure from local communities, and Botswana now issues annual hunting quotas. Botswana has not raised any concerns with the German government on this matter, a spokesperson for the German foreign ministry told reporters at a regular news briefing Wednesday. And German environment ministry spokeswoman Iris Throm said that the ministry remained in talks with African countries affected by import rules, including Botswana. According to the ministry, Germany is one of the largest importers of hunting trophies in the European Union, and African hunting trophies already require import authorization under current rules. Figures from Germanys Federal Agency for Nature Conservation show that the country imported 26 hunting trophies from African elephants in 2023 out of a total of nearly 650. The ministry is in discussion with the EU on stricter import restrictions which focus on extending the list of protected species, Throm added. Mary Rice, executive director of the NGO Environmental Investigation Agency, told CNN that Masisis vow is a rather empty threat and its unclear what it would achieve were it remotely possible. But the spat is linked to wider issues around trophy hunting, according to Rice. Regardless of whether you are for or against hunting as a conservation tool, the hunting industry - as that is what it is - needs to get its house in order, she said. It is largely self-regulated, lacks transparency and is open to rogue behavior, added Rice. Masisis interview with Bild comes after the Botswanan president recently warned that a hunting trophy import ban being debated in the UK parliament would amount to a resurgence of colonial conquests if it passes. Trophy hunting does not come close to diminishing the elephant population, Masisi told broadcaster Sky News. The country does not even come close to the 400 elephants per year quota allowed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade, he added. Masisi said he would be abhorred if a UK ban passes, calling it condescending. I find it unfathomable that youd be horrified of the protection of ones livelihood rural, poor people, who have allowed 40% of the country to be set aside for conservation when they defend themselves, Masisi said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Johannesburg Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi has threatened to send 20,000 African elephants to "roam free" in Germany in a public dispute between the nations over hunting and conservation, according to the German newspaper Bild. Masisi's comments came in response to Germany's government saying earlier this year that it wants to restrict hunters from importing hunting trophies from Africa into Germany. Botswana is home to roughly one-third of the world's elephant population. Germany is among the largest importers of hunting trophies in Europe, with German hunters representing a significant amount of the income used to fund sustainable conservation in many African nations. Experts probe mysterious deaths of hundreds of elephants in Botswana Masisi said elephant numbers in his country had exploded as a result of conservation efforts to protect the animals, and that trophy hunting was one of the tools his country used to bring in much needed revenue while keeping elephant populations in check. Germans should "live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to," Masisi told Bild, adding: "This is not a joke." African countries have long accused Western governments and organizations of campaigning and forcing policies that, in the name of conservation, curb the ability of nations with large elephant populations from using effective means such as culling to control animal numbers. Botswana previously banned trophy hunting in 2014, but after appeals from local communities who said they needed the revenue from the sport, the ban was lifted in 2019. Most countries with significant wild animal populations see the native species as resources that can bring in much needed money. Tourism, including trophy hunting, makes up a significant proportion of the national income for a number of African nations. In turn, these countries follow a policy called "sustainable use," allowing annual hunting quotas to bring money in to help fund conservation efforts for vulnerable species. With talk of global bans on trophy hunting, some fear those revenues could all but dry up. Botswana is home to roughly 130,000 elephants, and some 6,000 new calves are born every year. Elephants live across an estimated 40% of the country's land. Botswana has even given about 8,000 elephants to Angola and Mozambique - an effort to boost international tourism in those nations while also helping to control numbers in Botswana. Animal rights groups argue that hunting is cruel to the animals and should be banned, regardless of their numbers. Conservation leaders from southern African nations warned last month that they would send 10,000 elephants to take up residence in central London's Hyde Park if the U.K. imposed a ban on the import of safari hunting trophies. Overpopulation of elephants increases conflict with local human populations, as the animals can destroy crops and even been trample and kill people, Masisi said this week. Local communities across southern Africa have often found themselves in conflict with elephants, which are seen as pests. Masisi was quoted by Bild as saying that Germany's government ministers didn't have "elephants in their backyard," but noting that he was "willing to change that." White House cancels iftar dinner after meeting with Muslim community leaders Missy Testerman, a teacher for over 30 years, is the National Teacher of the Year Jose Andres says slain World Central Kitchen workers were targeted "systematically, car by car" Eric Smart, a Bourbon County high school teacher accused of inappropriate behavior by students, parents and other teachers in the district, will never teach in Kentucky public schools again. Under an agreed order with the Education Professional Standards Board, Smarts current teaching certificate is revoked through 2026. After that time, Smart shall neither apply for, nor be issued, a teacher and/or administrative certificate in the Commonwealth of Kentucky at any time in the future, according to documents the Herald-Leader received under the state open records law. The order also said Smart was accused of Conduct Unbecoming and Subjecting Students to Embarrassment or Disparagement. To wit: it was reported that Smart frequently used profanity when addressing students, made inappropriate comments about students dress and bodies, and would refer to students in a demeaning manner in regard to their performance, the document said. Smart maintains his innocence in these accusations, but acknowledges that the evidence is such that, if presented at a hearing of this matter, it could result in a finding that he violated KRS 161.120 and 16KAR 1:020, the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Certified Personnel, the EPSB order said. Smart resigned from his post June 18, 2023, according to Bourbon County officials, but the standards board only voted on the investigation and agreed order at its February meeting. Through his lawyer, Smart declined to comment on the latest (and hopefully last) turn of a saga that began in 2010 when Smart, then an esteemed diabetes researcher at the University of Kentucky, was first accused of fabricated data results from mice that were found to not exist. He resigned in 2012 after both UK and federal investigations found more than a decade of such fabrications. In many ways, he has been constantly protected by his employers; a disciplinary matter for sexual harassment in 2009 never found its way into his UK personnel file, and one of his former bosses wrote him a glowing recommendation letter. Bourbon County officials, perhaps excited to hire a science teacher with a Ph.D., ignored newspaper reports about his data fabrications and his sexual harassment case. They also kept him employed after he was sanctioned by the standards board in 2013 for marking on his school application that he had never been investigated at work. The board expects members of the teaching profession to be forthright and honest and to model those characteristics for the children of the Commonwealth, the 2013 standards board order said. Smart failed both those expectations. No further acts of misconduct by Smart will be tolerated by the board. But Bourbon County officials apparently tolerated many, according to complaints about Smart detailed to the Herald-Leader by students, parents and teachers. Officials seemed reluctant to take complaints about him seriously, and nothing was reported to the standards board until one student stepped forward in fall 2022. He asks: Whos the best stripper? The student said she first complained to then-Bourbon High School Principal Shane Mitchell (who is now principal of Bourbon County Middle School), with her parents. She said notes were taken; however, there is nothing reflecting these complaints in Smarts personnel file, obtained by the Herald-Leader under the states Open Records Act. The Herald-Leader does not identify victims of sexual harassment and assault. In her formal complaint to the standards board dated Oct. 7, 2022, the student alleged that Smart: Commented on the dress I wore on my birthday, saying, I look like a real college girl, and that I would get so many guys if I dressed like that. Had an in-depth conversation with himself to decide which student in his class (there were 6 of us) would be the best stripper. He did this in front of us. Repeatedly called me a bitch in order to demean me, under the guise of a compliment. I once counted upwards of 15 times in one class period that I was called a bitch by him. On numerous occasions, he attempted to look up my skirts/dresses in the hallway, in addition to staring at my butt when I wore leggings. This behavior caused me to entirely stop wearing leggings, tight clothes, dresses and skirts. He would make us do various actions to gain extra credit on tests. One girl was forced to jump, full speed, at a wall. I was forced to do a crab race with another student around the entire room. According to Bourbon Countys response to the standards board in December 2022, written by school board attorney Sam Burchett, the student also made a report to Bourbon County Attorney Wade Davis, who determined the behavior did not merit a criminal investigation. In the same documents, Burchett wrote that the complaints did not rise to the level of harassment under Title IX. They disputed exactly how many times Smart called the student a bitch, and in a meeting with the student and her parents, Principal Mitchell indicated it was not possible to tell if someone was looking at someone inappropriately as to do so would require the teacher to be lying on the floor as the student walked over him. The rebuttal also said Smart would try to alleviate stress by making the students laugh or by letting them do silly games, such as crab walking in the room. He did not confine these activities to one gender. Burchetts memo also said Mitchell and then-Superintendent Baker promptly reached out to parents and students about the allegations. The conclusion of the Title IX committee, Burchett wrote, was the allegations did not trigger a full-scale investigation as to sexual harassment as taken individually and/or collectively those remarks and looks do not rise to the level of sexual discrimination. The standards board file on Smarts most recent investigation also includes an Oct. 10, 2022, email from a group called The Parents of Bourbon County High School to the Bourbon County School Board. The group charged the administration of Bourbon County High School has knowingly and willfully disregarded numerous complaints against Dr. Smart, refused to investigate and remove him from a position of authority over our children. Bourbon County High School. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022 Indeed, after the Herald-Leaders story about the students complaint appeared on Dec. 2, 2022, the Herald-Leader received a flurry of calls and emails from students, parents and teachers who said they also had experienced such conduct from Smart. As I wrote on Dec. 15, 2022, Three students, four teachers and five parents contacted the Herald-Leader; all said they or their children had been targets of Smarts and most of them said they had also complained. In addition, three people who worked with Smart at UK emailed to talk about their harassing and demeaning experiences with him there. One mother said she met with Baker and a school district attorney in 2017 about Smarts sexualized comments to her daughter, who took his class. The mother said she was told that the things he said were not sexual harassment, she said. The mom pulled her daughter out of Smarts class but was obviously furious about the 2022 allegations because nothing had been done. Numerous teachers complained about Smart, both on their own accounts and those of students, but nothing was done. At least three people who contacted the Herald-Leader also provided copies of emails they sent to administrators complaining about Smarts behavior. But none of those emails were in Smarts personnel file, which the newspaper requested under the states Open Records Act. The student complained on Oct. 7, 2022, and the paper wrote about Smart in December 2022. Smart resigned in June, 2023. But the standards board did not vote on the finished investigation until February 2024. A legislative corrective That Kentucky has a problem with sexual abuse and harassment by teachers has been amply demonstrated in a package of stories about teacher sex abuse by reporters Valarie Honeycutt Spears and Beth Musgrave. Their reporting prompted House Education Committee Chairman James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, to create House Bill 275 this session. The measure would make it more difficult for teachers with multiple allegations of misconduct to move from school district to school district It would bolster disclosure requirements for teachers accused of sexual misconduct, up training requirements and require teachers and other personnel to pass criminal background checks every five years. It would also ban nondisclosure agreements between schools and teachers if they are accused of misconduct, Spears and Musgrave wrote. Last month Tipton told the committee the school district would also be required to complete an investigation into misconduct regardless if the person resigns. HB 275 was still awaiting a vote by the full Senate as the General Assembly wound down its work on March 28. That could still happen in the two veto days in April. Let this be a plea to lawmakers to make this happen. School districts and their employees clearly need much more training on what constitutes harassment and discrimination, and we need to know that bad actors are not being shipped from school to school across Kentucky. We need to learn how to listen to students and believe what they tell us. The student who filed the initial complaint is now a college student. She emailed me to say that while she was relieved Smart was no longer teaching, she was still furious at how Bourbon County officials handled it. Very few people genuinely seemed to care about what was happening, likely because he had been doing it for so long, she wrote. Guidance counselors, teachers, administrators, it felt like there was no one who could do anything about it. Its inexcusable the way the school system stuck with him for so long, when we were definitely not the first to feel this way about him. Im still so disappointed and dissatisfied with the administration of BCHS. I want them to know, albeit anonymously, that I find them just as guilty as he was. If a student ever has to express to her principal that she does not feel safe in that class, then theres something seriously wrong. The Eric Smart saga is an unusual one in its length and journey from higher education to K-12. But the issues are the same. It should not have taken so much collective action to stop a teacher who caused this much pain. A company affiliated with The Breakers Palm Beach has made another real estate investment on Royal Poinciana Way, the towns historic Main Street, where a major revitalization has taken root over the past five years. The limited liability company, 235 RPW LLC, paid a recorded $12 million for a pair of adjacent buildings with retail and residential apartments addressed as 233-235 Royal Poinciana Way. The deal brings to six the number of real estate purchases that companies affiliated with the landmark Palm Beach resort have made since 2010 on the north side of the street between Bradley Place and North County Road. Those transactions have totaled about $67.5 million, courthouse records show. The Breakers parent company also owns land part of its golf course that runs along the other side of the street. More: The Breakers: Oceanfront resort in Palm Beach celebrates its 125th anniversary A company affiliated with the parent company of The Breakers resort has bought this mixed-use building at 233-235 Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach for $12 million, the price recorded with the deed. Affiliates of The Breakers now own majority of properties on Palm Beach street With the exception of three properties, companies affiliated with The Breakers now own all of the commercial space and a number of apartments on the street. The two-story buildings that just changed hands have two ground-floor storefronts and at least eight residential units. The buildings stand immediately east of the former PNC Bank building that another Breakers affiliate bought about a year ago for a recorded $9.35 million. Immediately east of the just-sold buildings is the much-newer Via Flagler by The Breakers mixed-use development, where the resort owns the ground floor retail-and-restaurant space below six privately owned condominiums on the second floor. The retail tenants in the property that just changed hands include Dr. Herbert Simkins Eyes on the Island optometry practice and eyeware boutique and Gentlemans Corner, a mens apparel shop. Combined, the two buildings have 6,566 total square feet, property records show. Based on that measurement, the price worked out to $1,827 a square foot. Same family had owned just-sold Palm Beach property since 1982 The deed recorded Monday shows 235 RPW LLC, a Florida limited liability company, bought the two buildings from Dr. Sundarapmillai Jeyanandarajan, who acted as trustee of the Maha Ganapathy Trust of Pismo Beach, California. Built in 1945, the buildings were purchased in 1982 for $625,000 by the Jeyanandarajan family but had undergone several internal ownership transfers over the years, property records show. Representatives of the Jeyanandarajan family, who have longtime ties to California, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Story continues The privately owned Breakers Palm Beach resort marked its 128th birthday in February. The property that just sold is about a mile from The Breakers historic oceanfront hotel, which is run by Paul Leone, CEO of Flagler System Inc. and The Breakers. Leone told the Palm Beach Daily News in an April 2 email that 235 RPW LLC is a wholly owned entity of Flagler System Management Inc., a subsidiary of Flagler System Inc. and sister company to The Breakers. Leone said there are no near-term development plans for the property. The new owner will honor the existing commercial and residential leases, and if the commercial tenants don't renew, the storefronts would be leased to other so-called town serving businesses. He also mentioned that the new purchase adds to the companys real estate portfolio in Palm Beach. Our commitment to investing in Royal Poinciana Way reflects the enduring dedication of our family ownership, Leone wrote, referencing the Kenan family, who owns the resort. He added: Their long-term vision and desire to enrich the community is fundamental to our organizations business strategy and success. The North Carolina-based Kenan family is directly related to Mary Lily Kenan Flagler Bingham, the widow of railroad-and-hotel tycoon Henry Flagler, who in the late 19th century transformed Palm Beach into the countrys premier winter resort town for the society set of the so-called Gilded Age. The Breakers, which was originally developed by Henry Flagler, celebrated its 128th birthday this year. Commercial broker Josh Wade, managing principal of Flagship Partners in Delray Beach, represented the seller and was the only broker involved in the transaction, he told the Palm Beach Daily News. A mixed-use development with three storefronts and seven apartments at 249-253 Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach sold in January 2024 for $11.5 million to a company affiliated with The Breakers resort. What other properties are owned on Royal Poinciana Way by affiliates of The Breakers? The former PNC Bank building at 245 Royal Poinciana Way is the home of Free-est, a dedicated collection of summer and beach-inspired apparel within the Free People brand. The store opened in February. In January, Flagler System Management paid a recorded $11.5 million for a mixed-use property in the middle of the block at Nos. 249, 251 and 253 Royal Poinciana Way. At the time of the January purchase, Leone wrote in an email that the purchase continues our mission to revitalize Royal Poinciana Way and the surrounding neighborhood. Other properties on the street owned by entities affiliated with The Breakers include the landmarked Bradley Park Building with offices and storefronts at Nos. 277, 279, 281 and 283; No. 245; and an office building at No. 265 that at one time had been home to the Palm Beach Daily News. Business records show the entity that just bought 233-235 Royal Poinciana Way is managed by attorney H. William Perry, CEO and managing shareholder at the Gunster law firm in West Palm Beach. He did not respond to a request for comment. * This is a developing story. Check back for any updates. * Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly Beyond the Hedges column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email dhofheinz@pbdailynews.com, call (561) 820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Breakers-linked entity buys another property on prime Palm Beach street As efforts continue to clear the channel in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, state lawmakers met in Annapolis to ensure that individual employees and businesses affected by disruption at the port would have relief. An emergency bill, the Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade (PORT) Act, a bill to provide funds to individuals and businesses relief through the Maryland Department of Labor, cleared the Senate Finance Committee unanimously Tuesday afternoon. The vote came the same afternoon Gov. Wes Moore said during a press conference in Dundalk that work is moving to clear the channel affected by the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. Maryland Governor Wes Moore bows his head as he listens at a press conference on Mar 28, 2024, about the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major span over the Patapsco River in Baltimore that collapsed after it was struck by a large cargo ship. The entire Port is not closed, said Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-Baltimore City, during the bill hearing, in Annapolis. The operations are severely reduced. A limited, temporary channel was traversed by a vessel for the first time on Monday since the bridge collapsed after being hit last Tuesday. A second limited channel is under development, according to an April 1 release from The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command that includes both federal and state agencies. More: Francis Scott Key Bridge 'connected family, communities, jobs' in Baltimore Scholarship program proposed for families of lost roadway workers Ferguson, a Democrat, who represents the district that includes the Port of Baltimore, and state Sen. Johnny Ray Salling, a Republican, who represents an Eastern Baltimore County district, testified on the legislation together, one day after visiting with members of the International Longshoremen Association who work in the area near the site of the bridge. Were finding out all the things that are important to our district and to our area, to Maryland, to the Delmarva area, but to our nation, said Salling, during the Tuesday afternoon bill hearing, We really realized how important this port is. The Port ranks in the top 20 in the country by both total tonnage and containers, according to a recent United States Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics report. At left, state Sen. Johnny Ray Salling, R-Baltimore County, listens to Senate President Bill Ferguson, at right, before testifying before the Senate Finance Committee in Annapolis on April 2, 2024 on legislation intended to help those affected by the bridge collapse. We cannot do this without us working together as a team, said Salling, during the hearing. During the hearing on Tuesday, Ferguson discussed an amendment that was added to the legislation to provide a scholarship program for the families of the transportation roadway workers killed. The bodies of two individuals were found and identified last Wednesday, while four other individuals, all related to construction work that had been taking place on the bridge, were still unaccounted for by officials as of 4 p.m. on April 2. The legislative efforts at the state level to provide relief are in conjunction with the efforts of the federal U.S. Small Business Administration, which came to the area earlier this week, offering assistance to Maryland and regional small businesses and nonprofits that have been affected. More: Maryland lawmakers launch effort to aid workers impacted by Baltimore bridge collapse More: US Small Business Administration offers help to companies affected by bridge collapse On the Patapsco River, at the site of the bridge collapse, the Unified Command continues its removal operations of the material that fell, according to a March 31 release. During the Tuesday press conference, the governor said again that the bridge would be rebuilt. Dwight A. Weingarten is an investigative reporter, covering the Maryland State House and state issues. He can be reached at dweingarten@gannett.com or on Twitter at @DwightWeingart2. This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Limited channel opens. Senate committee passes Maryland PORT bill. (WHTM) The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to stay alert and drive with caution as crews will be at work on I-81 to inspect bridges in Cumberland and Franklin counties next week. According to the department, both north and southbound bridges spanning Letort Spring Run between Exit 47 (Route 34/Hanover Street) and Exit 48 (Route 74/York Road) in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County will be inspected on Monday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9. The northbound bridge will be inspected on Monday, and there will be alternating left shoulder and right lane closures from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Exit 47 and Exit 48. The southbound bridge will be inspected on Tuesday, and there will be a right lane closure from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. between the same exits. Farmhouse Restaurant in Adams County now open daily On Friday, April 12, crews will move on to Franklin County and inspect the Pine Stump Road bridge spanning I-81 between Exit 20 (Route 997/Scotland) and Exit 24 (Route 696/Fayette Street) in Greene Township, The right lane will be closed on the northbound and southbound sides of the interstate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. while this work is completed. Map courtesy PennDOT The work is dependent on the weather. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Big Brother ruling with an iron fist. Misinformation warping the truth. A population terrorised by the fear of the unnamed terrors in Room 101. Seventy-five years on since its publication, the gaps between George Orwells masterpiece 1984 and Putins modern-day dystopia are closing by the day. Yet Orwell wasnt writing his magnum opus with a crystal ball in his pocket. He simply looked at the world around him. One year before 1984 hit the shelves the Kremlin was orchestrating a coup in Czechoslovakia, blockading West Berlin cruelly cutting off food, fuel and basic necessities and testing their first missile in space. Things looked bleak for the West and they would have taken a turn for the worse, were it not for another event that occurred 75 years ago in Washington DC. There, in the Departmental Auditorium, the United States, the United Kingdom and 10 other nations signed the North Atlantic Treaty. President Truman told a momentous gathering that Men with courage and vision can still determine their own destiny. And Nato was born. Most of us have never known a world without Nato. Too often we take it for granted. But today its time to give the Alliance the thanks it deserves. It was Natos watchful vigilance that brought the Cold War to an end and toppled the Berlin Wall. It was Nato that underpinned the peace and prosperity of the post-war world. When chaos came to the Balkans it was Nato that helped restore the peace. When the twin towers fell on 9/11, Nato stood by the United States triggering Article 5 for the first time to support their operations. And when Stalins 21st century successor Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, Nato again stepped up to ward off further aggression. Today the Alliance is not just stronger but bigger than ever having recently welcomed our 31st and 32nd members Finland and Sweden. Britain has always been a prime mover in Nato. Its first headquarters was hosted in London in 13 Belgrave Square. Its first Secretary General was renowned war general Lord Ismay. And Im proud that today we are maintaining that commitment. We are participating in every Nato mission. Our nuclear deterrent contributes to the nuclear umbrella that protects all alliance members. And today we are providing the largest contingent in Exercise Steadfast Defender which is itself the biggest training operation since the Cold War. Recently I was in Poland and had the good fortune to see some of our 20,000 personnel in action. A truly impressive sight. Yet paying tribute to Natos past is not enough. Today we must give urgent thought once again to the Alliances future. We have moved from a post-war to a pre-war world. Russia is menacing our neighbours. China is increasingly belligerent. Iran is using its proxies to cause regional havoc from the Middle East to the straits of Yemen. And North Korea is perpetually rattling its nuclear sabre. Increasingly these malign powers are aligning and our democracy is in their crosshairs. So we must do three things. First redouble our efforts to support Ukraine. Their astonishing achievements in the Black Sea, where Russias navy is now functionally inactive, demonstrates what Ukraine can accomplish with the right support. But this assistance cannot waver because Ukraine is defending the frontiers of freedom for us all. Should Putin succeed his near neighbours could be next on the menu. Thats why weve provided over 7 billion in military support to Ukraine since 2022 and since 2014 have trained more than 60,000 Ukrainian personnel in everything from basic infantry skills to flight training. Second, Alliance members must do more to pay their way. US taxpayers are not wrong to expect Nato allies to stump up more cash. The UK has always met our Nato spending obligations. With our defence budget at 2.28% of GDP and our commitment to increase it 2.5%, we will continue to be a leader in the Alliance. In the rest of Nato, things are also moving in the right direction. Natos Secretary General expects at least 18 allies to spend 2% of their GDP on defence this year. Last year the number was 11. Poland is increasing its budget by 70 per cent since Russias illegal incursion into Crimea. At the same time, its 10 years since Nato allies agreed to meet 2 per cent and we must look beyond that target to shore up our defences. Yet some nations are still failing to meet even the 2 per cent. That cannot continue. We cant afford to play Russian roulette with our future. Third, we must bolster our Euro-Atlantic defence sector. Russia is scaling its industry to match its military needs. We must do the same. That means investing in more ammunition and more stockpiles. Which is why, in recent months, I have not only signed a number of multinational defence procurement initiatives but helped boost Ukraines reserves with a 245 million investment in artillery ammunition and announced a deal to make Britain Ukraines largest drone supplier. Seventy-five years ago George Orwell painted a terrifying picture of a world without Nato. Today we live in a more dangerous age. Once more autocratic Big Brothers are seeking to divide us. But we have a big advantage. Today our Alliance is bigger, stronger and more experienced than ever. And as long as we stand together, well guarantee that the Orwellian ending never comes to pass. Grant Shapps is the Secretary of State for Defence 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. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. The management of Kazakhstan's Samruk-Kazyna JSC (Sovereign Wealth Fund) and ACWA Power have discussed projects in the field of green energy, Trend reports. Thus, the parties reviewed the current status of the implementation of a joint investment project for the construction of a 1 GW wind power plant in Kazakhstan and the possible expansion of cooperation. On March 7, 2024, the governments of Kazakhstan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on the implementation of a project for the construction of a 1 GW wind power plant in the Zhetysu region. In early December 2023, on the sidelines of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), a joint development agreement (JDA) was signed between the Samruk-Kazyna and ACWA Power. 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. It is expected to commission 25 renewable energy projects, totaling 599.85 MW, by 2027. A convoy of vehicles visibly marked with the World Central Kitchen logo was hit in an air strike by the IDF on Tuesday - AHMED ZAKOT/REUTERS The Government should suspend arms exports to Israel, a former UK national security adviser has said following the deaths of three British citizens in an Israeli strike. Lord Ricketts argued the Middle Eastern country was not paying attention to its obligations under international law after John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby were among seven aid workers killed in a strike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Rishi Sunak demanded answers from Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night as he told his Israeli counterpart he was appalled by the deaths and described the situation in Gaza as intolerable. Left to right: John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby were among the seven killed in the strike In an interview with Politics Hub on Sky News, Lord Ricketts said: I would like to see at this point the UK decide that they are going to suspend arms export licences to Israel. I think there is enough evidence now that Israel is, to put it diplomatically, not paying attention to its international humanitarian law obligations to protect civilians, to protect humanitarian workers and medical workers. I think each time there is another of these horrors, they must be getting closer to the point where the Americans start putting some restrictions on their arms. Lord Ricketts became the first national security adviser in 2010 when the post was created by Lord Cameron, who is now the Foreign Secretary. He had previously chaired the joint intelligence committee under Sir Tony Blair. Lord Rickett says Israel is not paying attention to its international humanitarian law obligations to protect civilians His comments echo concerns raised by Alicia Kearns, the Tory chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee, who said the strike on the World Central Kitchen vehicles should raise questions about future military collaboration between the UK and Israel. A demonstration that Israel is not demonstrating a commitment to international humanitarian law would have implications for our intelligence-sharing, alongside arms sales, Ms Kearns told The Telegraph. Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, has called on the Government to suspend arms sales to Israel following the deaths of seven aid workers, including three British nationals, in an Israeli air strike in Gaza. Sir Ed said: The deaths of these British aid workers in Gaza is an absolute disgrace. These brave people were trying to help starving families in Gaza. Clearly, the thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable. The Government must take swift action to suspend arms exports to Israel. We must redouble our efforts to secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire. IDF believes strike was an intelligence failure The World Central Kitchen charity had alerted the IDF to the route it was using and its volunteers were travelling in cars marked with its logo on the roof. The IDF called the strike an intelligence failure and Mr Netanyahu insisted it was an unintended tragic event of the kind that happens in wartime. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, condemned the deaths of the aid workers as outrageous and unacceptable as he repeated his partys calls for an immediate ceasefire. Pat McFadden, the shadow minister, told Sky News on Tuesday, in relation to Labours stance on selling arms to Israel: We always want Israel or any ally to abide by international humanitarian law We dont have a boycott of selling arms to Israel. When asked what would happen if Israel was found to be in breach of international law, Mr McFadden urged the Government to say whether there was proper legal evidence if that was the case. Prominent MPs on the Left of the Labour Party have long called for an embargo on arms sales to Israel, a demand made by some opposition backbenchers before the Oct 7 attacks and the current conflict. Last month, Lord Cameron was reported to have warned Israeli officials that Britain stood ready to cut off arms supplies unless it let aid into Gaza and stuck to international law. The conflict between the IDF and Hamas has been taking place for almost six months and was started by the Oct 7 terror attacks in which Hamas killed an estimated 1,200 Israelis. Israel believes it has now dismantled Hamass main command control structure in northern and central Gaza but that pockets of guerrilla resistance remain. According to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli bombardment of the West Bank. The terror groups figures are unverified and do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Israel has defended its air campaign as a legitimate response to atrocities by Hamas and campaign of attacks on its people. 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. London London's renowned British Museum is facing an investigation by the United Kingdom's information watchdog over claims that it has not been transparent about a collection of sacred Ethiopian altar tablets held away from public view for more than 150 years. The museum has housed the 11 wood and stone tabots replicas of the Ark of the Covenant since they were looted from Ethiopia by British forces following the Battle of Maqdala in 1868. According to the museum, the tabots are "believed by Ethiopian Christians to be the dwelling place of God on Earth, the mercy seat described in the Bible, and the representation of the Ark of the Covenant." The ancient Ark of the Covenant, according to Jewish tradition, contained the 10 Commandments. If and when consecrated, a tabot is typically kept in a church's Holy of Holies, an inner sanctum that only senior clergy are permitted to enter. Because of their sacred nature, the tabots have never been put on public display by the British Museum. Priests lead a procession of Returning Heritage, an advocacy group that focuses on the return of artifacts obtained during Britain's long reign as an imperial power, has submitted a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) arguing that the museum withheld important details of internal deliberations about the status of the tabots when responding to a Freedom of Information request. "The Museum's lack of transparency on this issue is deeply concerning," said Lewis McNaught, managing editor of Returning Heritage, in a statement. "Following recent news that Westminster Abbey has agreed 'in principle' to return the Ethiopian Tabot sealed into the back of its Lady Chapel altar, we hope the ICO will agree it's time the Museum explains why it is still clinging on to a collection of highly sacred objects that, unlike other contested items in its collection, can be returned without a change in the existing legislation." Under U.K. law, the British Museum is forbidden from returning any of its treasures to their countries of origin, barring some very specific circumstances. A clause in the British Museum Act 1963 allows for objects to be repatriated if, in the opinion of the museum trustees, the objects are "unfit to be retained" and can be removed "without detriment to the interests of students." "The information sought concerns decision-making by a major public institution on a matter of very significant public interest," said Tom Short, a lawyer with the firm who submitted the complaint on behalf of Returning Heritage. "That the museum should attempt to withhold such information from public scrutiny is surprising, not least at a time when recent events have shown a clear need for light to be shone on how the museum conducts its business." The British Museum has declined to comment on the investigation. On its website, the museum says it is actively invested in discussions with Ethiopian partners about the collection. The museum has been no stranger to controversy over the last year. Just last month, it appointed a new director after its previous boss resigned following the discovery that 1,800 artifacts from the museum's collection were "missing, stolen or damaged." Visitors to the British Museum in London, England, walk around a selection of items from the collection of ancient Greek sculptures known as The Elgin Marbles, Aug. 23, 2023. / Credit: LEON NEAL/Getty Another of the museum's prize collections is at the center of a separate artifact feud between the U.K. and Greece. Greek authorities have demanded the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, which have been part of the British Museum's permanent collection for decades. Missy Testerman, a teacher for over 30 years, is the National Teacher of the Year Millions of Americans in the path of severe storms Crews working around the clock on Baltimore bridge cleanup Edward Courage is thought to have saved the lives of two young brothers Three British skiers survived an avalanche, and one a 30m fall down a crevasse, after their helicopter crashed and slid down the Swiss Alps, killing three people. One of the Britons, Edward Courage, is thought to have saved the lives of young brothers Teddy and Guy Hutchings, also believed to be from Britain, by pushing them out of the stricken aircraft as it slid off the summit. Mr Courage, based in Verbier, was among six people, including the pilot and a mountain guide, who were travelling on board an Air-Glaciers B3-type helicopter. They were due to be dropped off at the top of the Petit Combin mountain near Verbier on Tuesday morning. Conditions were described as perfect powder, sunshine and bluebird, with no wind although there may have been gusts. Valais canton police said: Having reached the summit of a mountain culminating at 3,668m above sea level, for a reason that the investigation will have to determine, the aircraft slid down the northern slope. Photos taken after the crash show marks on the mountainside apparently where the helicopter tumbled down. Other skiers reported that the helicopter was then consumed by the avalanche. Debris remained at the scene. There were no ski tracks from the missing helicopter, which concerned other guides at the time. Helicopters in the rescue operation at the Petit Combin mountain in the Swiss Alps - AFP The pilot, local father-of-two Jerome Lovey, died in the crash, along with young skier James Goff and their guide Adam George, originally from New Hampshire in the United States. A skier who arrived at the summit shortly after said: We landed after them on the south side of Le Petit Combin and saw the avalanche. It was horrific. We couldnt make out the helicopter, it was consumed in the avalanche. We heard of the crash over the radio. We were advised to get safely off the mountain. The crash killed pilot Jerome Lovey, pictured - LinkedIn Seven rescue helicopters were swiftly dispatched to search for survivors. Two injured people were quickly treated before being airlifted to Sion Hospital, and a third person was subsequently rescued, according to police. Mr Courage, who is in his sixties and part of the Courage brewery family, plunged an estimated 500m down a near vertical slope. He was swept by the avalanche and then fell 30m into a crevasse. He and the two other Britons survived. The Hutchings brothers ended up close to each other despite falling a long way after the helicopter crash. The impact imprint of the helicopter can be seen on the mountain (ringed) While emergency services swiftly recovered the brothers from under the snow, Mr Courage was stranded on a ledge in the crevasse for five hours before he was located thanks to a transceiver and winched up to safety. Mr Courage, a figure in Verbiers English-speaking church community, is reportedly undergoing operations, having suffered broken bones. Two people remain in hospital. Teddy has been released. Crevasses on the alp Gilbert Crettaz, director of Adrenaline Heliski in Verbier, who has been a mountain guide in the Alps for 25 years, said: This is the 3,672m peak you can see from Verbier, just to the right of its big sibling, the Grand Combin what you are looking at is the steep north face. There are many different routes down and all require an advanced level of skiing. Its a 2,000m descent. Those who knew him said Mr George was a highly experienced and trusted guide who has scaled El Capitan many times, along with other difficult climbs such as the North face of the Eiger. Mountain guide Adam George was killed in the helicopter crash at Petit Combin British explorer Tom Avery, CEO of Ski Verbier Exclusive, said: The Petit Combin (3,672m peak) is a classic Verbier heliski route and Adam George is a much respected and loved local guide. It is a devastating loss to all the community. A donations group has been set up for Adams wife Caroline George-Ware and daughter Olivia. Adams funeral will be held next week. Mrs George-Ware, co-founder of their guiding company Into the Mountains, said: We had our first date on a climb and got engaged on a summit. The pilot, Mr Lovey, was also an instructor and had been working full-time for Air-Glaciers since September 2022. It comes as three people were killed on Monday by an avalanche at the luxury Swiss ski resort of Zermatt. Police on Wednesday said that one of the dead was a young Canadian woman. The avalanche also claimed the lives of a 15-year-old teenager and a 58-year-old Swiss man. Valais canton police added there may be another skier under the snow after the disappearance of a 30-year-old man was reported on Tuesday. Around 17 people have lost their lives in avalanches in Switzerland since Oct 1 last year. An investigation has been opened by the Swiss Federal Prosecutors Office (MPC), which is responsible for aviation accidents. A safety investigation has also been launched by the SESE (Swiss Safety Investigation Service). 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. Charlie Mitchell, the first and only Black Michelin star chef in New York City, recently brought his flair to the Islands. He spearheaded the concluding dinner of Bermudas Restaurant Weeks, which were held from Jan. 18 through Feb. 29, featuring nearly 50 restaurants. Mitchell has become a hot commodity after earning his first Michelin star, the Young Chef Award and becoming executive chef/co-owner of Clover Hill. However, for those unfamiliar with his journey, Mitchell worked his way from the ground up to reach the star status he now possesses, tackling challenges from some of the most notable restaurants in New York, including The Betony and Eleven Madison Park, before stepping into his glory. The journey of being a great chef is an everyday thing. Its lifelong. Thats why I continue to talk to chefs who are 45, 50, 60 years old, Mitchell told Blavity during a recent interview. Its about longevity. Thats what I learned from New York. Youve gotta continue to reinvent yourself. Your cuisine has to continue to grow. You cant get complacent. Powered by Bermuda Tourism Authority and sponsored by BGA Wholesale Distributor and Goslings Rum, the four course dinner was hosted at The Loren Hotel at Pink Beach in Bermuda. Mitchells exquisite four-course dinner included the inaugural tuna crudo dish alongside cilantro, basil and trout roe. For the second course, confit snapper coupled with potato puree, caviar and chive. The third course, smoked lamb was served in mussel curry with mixed vegetables. Mitchell crafted an unlikely yet robust concoction for dessert of tapioca pudding, coconut, guava, mint and crispy meringue. Black Girl Magic Sparkling Brut NV, Aslina Chardonnay 2022, Aslina Usmasane Red Blend 2020, and a Home Sweet Home cocktail consisting of rum, Bermuda banana, cinnamon syrup and chocolate bitters accompanied each dish. For me, I tend to work with ingredients that are connected to the community, Mitchell told Blavity. I wanted them to let me know what to serve during this time of year in Bermuda. I wanted to show that there was another way that I would treat the ingredients that they are familiar with seeing here but also let Bermuda ingredients shine at the same time. Originating from his grandmothers affinity for combining robust flavors, Mitchell made it a point to cultivate a dinner that spanned an eclectic taste palette. Her cooking style was very big flavors. So like acid, vinegar, spices, saucy sometimes. She wasnt afraid to really season her food and thats what I still carry with me in my food, Mitchell said. When I do a taste menu, it has to be a bit balanced, but I try to make sure I throw some big flavors in there. I definitely get that from her. California emits more of this little-known greenhouse gas than all other US states combined California, a state known for advancing some of the strictest climate policies in the country, is the nations top emitter of a little-known but very persistent greenhouse gas, a new study has found. Sulfuryl fluoride, a common pesticide for treating termites and other wood-infesting insects, lingers in the atmosphere for more than 40 years trapping heat and sending it back down to Earth, according to the study, published Wednesday in Communications Earth & Environment. And the Golden State is responsible for an enormous share of those sulfuryl fluoride releases, accounting for as much as 12 percent worldwide, per the study. All other U.S. states combined contribute up to 5 percent of those global emissions, the researchers found. Other greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are found everywhere across the U.S., senior author Scot Miller, an assistant professor of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University, said in a statement. On our sulfuryl fluoride map, only California lit up like a Christmas tree, Miller added. The researchers analyzed some 15,385 air emissions of sulfuryl fluoride collected between 2015 and 2019 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) Global Monitoring Laboratory. In addition to working with the Colorado-based NOAA group, the Johns Hopkins scientists also collaborated with a scientist at the University of California, San Diegos Scripps Institute of Oceanography. The coast-to-coast research team then traced the sulfuryl fluoride emissions back to their point of origin, while factoring in wind speed and direction, as well as other meteorological variables. They found that between 60 percent and 85 percent of sulfuryl fluoride emissions in the U.S. come from California and predominantly form Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. We can now show not only where but also how and why this gas is being emitted, lead author Dylan Gaeta, a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins, said in a statement. The Environmental Protection Agency first approved sulfuryl fluoride for use as a pesticide in 1959. The material gained popularity after many countries started phasing out more reactive fumigants that were depleting the ozone layer, the authors noted. It really is a double-edged sword, Miller said. Sulfuryl fluoride is less harmful than the banned fumigants, but it also contributes to global warming. The researchers were able to attribute the vast majority of Californias sulfuryl fluoride use to a practice called structural fumigation sealing an infested target with an airtight tent, pumping the gas inside to eliminate the pests and then venting it into the atmosphere. About 85 percent of Californias sulfuryl fluoride emissions stem from structural fumigation, while the remaining 15 percent come from fumigating agriculture and other commodities, according to the study. Looking toward a future in which global nations have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas reductions, the scientists suggested possible solutions to Californias problem. Because certain basic solutions and bio-based organic solvents can absorb and destroy sulfuryl fluoride, these substances could be situated at the exhaust vents of fumigated structures, the authors noted. Such a step, they continued, could also reduce exposure risks to area residents and fumigation workers. Californias track record shows that its been looking at out-of-the-box, creative ways to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, Miller said. Knowing better what the emissions are and what impact they have will give the state the information it needs to help holistically develop greenhouse gas reduction strategies. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. How would California be if its poor were really heard? A new film offers answers | Opinion Fewer than 10 of the California Legislatures 120 members are renters. So how can these elected officials possibly understand the plight of tenants under stress from rent hikes? That, in a nutshell, captures what a new End Poverty In California campaign is about: Having Californians living in poverty share their struggles in a documentary for lawmakers and the public to view and, hopefully, gain greater understanding and create beneficial policies. The group, formed two years ago to highlight the widespread poverty in California, came to Fresno last week to screen the film, Poverty and Power. The documentary is based on a two-year listening tour conducted by Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton, and other members of the EPIC team. The tour consisted of stops in several California cities, including Fresno, Los Angeles, Ontario and Antioch, where local residents got to tell Tubbs of their anxieties, fears and frustrations with living in a state that has become one of the most expensive in the nation. Devon Gray, EPICs president, highlighted the stark dichotomy now present in California: The Golden State has the highest number of billionaires in America, at 186, but also has one of the highest poverty rates. Data from a year ago pegged statewide poverty at 13%. As reported by the Public Policy Institute of California, thats 5 million state residents living below the poverty line of $39,900 a year. Opinion The states cost of living, affected by single-family housing prices that are the second highest in the nation, has been abundantly documented in recent years. On the rental side, while Fresnos market is cheaper than most big cities in California, rent costs more than four years ago, when the COVID pandemic began. Gray explained that the purpose of the documentary is to push Sacramento legislators to develop better policies to help those in poverty move up the economic ladder. But that task sometimes feels impossible, noted participants in a panel discussion after the screening. Fresno mom tired of asking for help One of those was Paloma Sanchez, a Fresno resident who is an undocumented stay-at-home mother of a young daughter. She took part in the listening session in Fresno, where she shared emotional testimony that is captured in the documentary. I am tired of asking for help to people in higher positions than me, she said through tears. For what? For them to just, Oh, we are going to handle it. But they never get back to us. Later on, she says I am an undocumented mother, and I feel like there are not that many resources out here for me ... So the fact that I have a little one that is documented, I want to make sure she can get whatever she can. Sanchez said she knew other undocumented people who are afraid to publicize their status. But I feel like if you have a closed mouth, you wont get fed. I know where I came from Hilda Kennedy spoke to another way elected officials can help low-income Californians by assisting them to access capital and credit. She took part in the Ontario listening-tour stop. Kennedy is a Black financier who grew up in South Central Los Angeles in a family home that was too small her brother slept in the living room. As a high school student she was bused to a school in Woodland Hills in forced desegregation. Today she is the founder and president of AmPac Business Capital, a nonprofit community lender based in Ontario. AmPac makes loans to small businesses that have been turned down at conventional banks. AmPac has made more than $1 billion in loans. I know where I came from, Kennedy said. That is why I work the way I work, and I think about other people and second chances. Because I have had a gazillion chances. Designated for poverty Another Fresnan in the documentary is Marcel Woodruff, the director of the Community Justice Network. He has mentored more than 3,000 youth from west and southeast Fresno. One of those he helped was Kieshaun White, a young Black man. Kieshaun was that kid who was designated for poverty, Woodruff said. He was conditioned to live in permanent poverty for the rest of his life. So he would go to school or be in certain spaces, and he was always the kid you would bounce out. White became concerned about the air pollution impacting west Fresno. That part of the city is one of the most polluted neighborhoods in California. With Woodruffs encouragement, White created a network of real-time air monitoring stations so residents could see when it was unsafe to venture outside. Kieshaun shows the potential for what could be if deeper investments, like the relationships we have, are made, Woodruff says in the film. But to understand we are the exception, not the rule. We have to change the rule. During the panel discussion, Woodruff also said that nobody is disposable ... we want to invest in systems where everybody is invested in and belongs. That ultimately is the point behind Poverty and Power striving to make California an equitable state where anyone can succeed. One step elected officials can take toward that goal is removing historic obstacles such as red-lining that kept minority communities in certain parts of a city. That occurred in west Fresno. The film is well worth watching. It can be viewed on Youtube. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. There is no substantiated evidence confirming the alleged leakage of oil, wastewater, or any other liquids at the offshore complex of the Kashagan field in the Caspian Sea, Trend reports via the field's operator, North Caspian Operating Company N.V. (NCOC). "NCOC conducts its operations following the regulations and standards outlined in emission permits and environmental impact assessments. As of March 30, 2024, at 7:43 (GMT+5) or 2:43 (UTC), there has been no conclusive evidence to support claims of oil, wastewater, or other liquid leakage at the offshore complex of the Kashagan field," the report reads. According to the company's statement, images captured by Sentinel-1A satellite on March 30, 2024, and TerraSAR-X space radar on April 2, 2024, revealed a natural phenomenon occurring in the Northern Caspian Sea, particularly in a small area north of Island D within the Kashagan field. However, subsequent images taken in the following days showed the absence of such phenomena. "The area around D Island referenced in the publication underwent inspection, revealing no evidence of spills or leaks. NCOC's offshore facilities are functioning without any abnormalities," NCOC emphasized. On Monday, Executive Director of the Globus Center for Environmental and Legal Initiative Galina Chernova reported that an oil spill was detected in the area of the Kashagan field. Chernova identified accidental or emergency oil spills during extraction, discharge of production water containing oil products (which should be stored and transported to land for disposal), and emergencies involving service vessels as the causes. She mentioned that the spill covered an area of approximately 7 square kilometers, with the slick drifting to the north of the Caspian Sea. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Calling immigrants vermin who poison the blood is as anti-American as it gets | Opinion Immigrants! Its so convenient to label them all subhuman or vermin who are poisoning the blood of our country. Those labels, spewed by people whose immigrant ancestors were most certainly also demonized when they first arrived, are just as racist and hateful now as similar words used during earlier waves of immigration. Another convenient and inaccurate label is illegal: inaccurate because it again conveniently dismisses many immigrants complicated circumstances. I heard Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, speak in Independence several years ago. He said that most people dont want to leave their homes, dont want to become immigrants. Most leave because they have to, fleeing famine, violence or threats to their livelihoods or to their families. Hunger, insecurity, persecution, inadequate income or none at all these are powerful motives for pulling up roots. Those who are demonizing current immigrants and calling for their deportation should envision what they themselves might do if their families were faced with certain famine or death at home. Go ahead, walk a mile in their shoes. Some years back, I visited the office of the International Organization for Migration in Nairobi, Kenya. There, I saw Somali refugees who were escaping violence and death. They brought with them their culture, language, and traumas, but little else. It fell upon the IOM to help them understand the behaviors and customs of the new and totally unfamiliar home they were heading to an almost impossible task, but so much better than dying of hunger or being murdered. As a teacher of English as a second language, I became all too aware of the suffering and hardships refugees (new immigrants, in other words) had to endure. Some had to leave home carrying only a backpack, escaping military or other forces persecuting them because their religion wasnt the one the government sanctioned. A deeply offensive American politician recently said that immigrants know nothing about God. Did he mean his own politically-sanctioned God? One student I know who was persecuted in her home country because of her faith had to flee, and made her way to Kansas City where she knew no one. Let me repeat that: where she knew no one. Others came from Central America where life had become too dangerous. They left with the bare minimum, walking, sometimes carrying children or riding a dangerous freight train called The Beast to get to American soil. At the thought of being forced to go back, they were terrified. The land of opportunity isnt that what this greatest country in the world prides itself on being? Isnt that what is advertised again and again all over the planet? Give me your tired, your poor, right? But is deportation the only opportunity this great land should now be offering those yearning to breathe free? Is hate the welcome they deserve? In all my years of teaching, the students I have encountered have been ordinary, God-fearing, strong people eager to make a good, safe life for themselves and their children. They are not poisoning anyones blood. They work hard. They pay income and Social Security taxes, even though they cannot claim benefits until they complete the difficult work to become citizens. They contribute millions to the economy. Are they perfect? No. But they accept jobs nobody else wants often dangerous work risking their lives to take care of and feed their families in the United States and their home countries. They work in slaughterhouses, quietly packing beef for our hamburgers, chicken for our wings, pork for our barbecue ribs. They quietly harvest our lettuce, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, apples and grapes. If we want them deported, we should stop eating. They die in tragedies like the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last week, where they were working in the dead of night before they were thrown into the frigid river below: Maynor from Honduras, Miguel from El Salvador, Alejandro from Mexico, Jose and Dorlian from Guatemala. Say their names. They are not subhuman. They are sons, fathers, friends. They are people. If we believe they are vermin, we should take a good, hard look at the person in the mirror. Cautiously, because we descendants of immigrants might not like what we see. Elsje Smit of Lenexa is a retired teacher of English as a second language who has lived for extended periods of time on four different continents. As Mount Vernons Planning Board decides whether to retroactively approve the already operating Elevate cannabis dispensary, residents have called on the city to shut down Westchesters first legal recreational weed shop until the panel acts. The growing calls for the closure of Elevate come almost four months after the dispensary opened, with full knowledge of the city administration, but without crucial municipal approvals. Tax Watch detailed the issue last week, finding that the dispensary owners did a gut rehab of an autobody shop into a retail space without a building permit, and were granted a temporary certificate of occupancy based on the non-existent permit. The Planning Board meets Wednesday at City Hall at 6:30 p.m. for a public hearing on the request for approval for the dispensary, which opened in early December. Former Mount Vernon Planning Commissioner Vince Ferrandino, who also headed up municipal planning offices in Peekskill and Greenburgh, called on the city to shut down the facility until its fully approved, as it does for other businesses looking to open in the city. The Elevate cannabis retail business has been illegally occupying the site for many months, without local approvals, wrote Ferrandino in a letter to the Planning Board. The Elevate retail cannabis dispensary should be shut down, as it lacks any legitimate permits to operate in blatant violation of the law. Mount Vernon resident Chris McDonough said the Building Departments decision to allow Elevate to operate without a permit stands in stark contrast to the experience of some Mount Vernon homeowners who can wait months for approvals so they can begin work on projects. Letting Elevate skate around city building codes while homeowners are left to deal with unresponsive staff and waits that last for months, and in some cases years, is wrong, but sadly typical, said McDonough. It seems quite possible that if this cannabis shop was required to follow the citys land use process as written, it would not be open today. Mayor 'does not have a response' Calls to Building Commissioner Patrick Holder were referred to the office of Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. More: Open for months, Elevate, Westchester's 1st legal cannabis shop lacks crucial city approvals Patterson-Howard is the among the dispensarys biggest cheerleaders. She has promoted the cannabis industry as an opportunity for economic development, with its promise of jobs and the 3% local share of the excise tax on dispensary sales. For every $1 million in cannabis sales, the city receives $30,000, with an additional $10,000 going to Westchester County. Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard speaks with the gathered media, staff and customers to announce the grand opening of Elevate Cannabis Dispensary on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. Elevate is the first recreational cannabis dispensary to open in Westchester County. She has lauded Elevates owners for bringing legal weed to the neighborhood by the Mount Vernon West Metro-North station, which has seen the development of a high-rise apartment building at the station, and the promise of 300 units of affordable housing a block from the dispensary. She helped organize a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 20. That came eight days before the temporary certificate of occupancy was issued, and six weeks before the Planning Board holds a public hearing on the projects site plan and parking issues. Mount Vernon Director of Communications Tim Allen dismissed the calls to close the dispensary as political chatter. The mayor does not have a response, said Allen when told of Ferrandino's critique. The mayor remains focused on the work of the city of Mount Vernon and is unbothered by criticism and political back-and-forth. A view inside Elevate Cannabis, a New York State licensed dispensary in Mount Vernon, March 5, 2024. Elevate has all approvals, former mayor Thomas says Elevate spokesman Richard Thomas insisted the dispensary has all the approvals it needs to operate in New York. The truth is Elevate Cannabis Dispensary received state authorization and local approvals, satisfying compliance requirements to operate within a highly regulated environment, said Thomas, the citys former mayor. Former Mayor Richard Thomas, a spokesman for Elevate, maintains the dispensary has all its city approvals. Resident Karen Scacchi has raised the issue of Elevates unpermitted opening with then-City Council President Danielle Browne in a series of emails that date back to December and January. At the time, the dispensary had obtained its state permit for cannabis sales, but lacked city approvals. In a Jan. 3 email, Browne first assured Scacchi that Elevate has not been operating without the necessary approvals. Browne, who remains on the City Council after ending her term as board president, noted shed visited the dispensary and had informed the owner that online sales were allowed, with no over-the-counter transactions authorized. She then tried to assure Scacchi that the dispensary was actively working with the city to secure all necessary approvals to operate fully and legally. Browne did not return an email seeking clarification. More: Connecticut adult-use pot shops draw New Yorkers as NY rollout limps along What the Planning Board has to do Ferrandinos memo to the Planning Board pointed out several issues that remain to be resolved. He said the project lacked a building permit, a sign permit, and a legitimate certificate of occupancy. He said the provision of 10 parking spaces was inadequate, maintaining that it needed 4 more spots to meet city regulations. He asked the Planning Board to consider the dispensary's proximity to Fresh Start Christian Center, which holds services at 115 MacQuesten Parkway in a building that backs up on South Terrace Avenue. He said the building came with 200 feet of the dispensary, which could require a zoning variance. He also questioned Elevates contention that the dispensary would not result in a substantial increase in traffic. He said the dispensary has already increased traffic on the narrow street. Ferrandino noted that the citys new zoning law allows dispensaries in seven zoning districts across the city. Whatever happens with Elevate, he said, will stand as a precedent for other dispensaries. It is critical for the Planning Board and the applicant to get it right at this time, he said. Thomas, meanwhile, encouraged visitors to check out Westchesters first adult-use cannabis dispensary, and consider attending a block party on South Terrace Avenue on April 20, what's known as the national holiday for cannabis culture. For those that want to discover relief, heighten their senses, or learn more about the highly regulated environment in which we operate, contact Elevate Cannabis Dispensary, visit the shop during business hours, or join us on Saturday, April 20 for the Elevate 420 Block Party to learn more about the $2 billion industry and why Elevate Cannabis Dispensary is good for New York, he said. Sign up for Wilson's weekly newsletter for insights into his Tax Watch columns. David McKay Wilson writes about tax issues and government accountability. Follow him on Twitter @davidmckay415 or email him at dwilson3@lohud.com. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Calls grow for Mount Vernon NY to close Elevate cannabis dispensary NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Authorities have released two 911 calls related to a series of hoax threats to area schools. The calls, which came from Lincoln County 911, center around a reported shooting incident at East Lincoln High School. In one of the calls, an individual can be heard saying that they were inside the school with a supposed shooter, and gunshots could be heard in the background. The call turned out to be fake and was one of two reported to Lincoln County 911. In addition to Lincoln County, schools in Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and Cleveland counties were also subject to these fake threats. Cops & Commenters: Swatting explained All are districts that are currently closed for Spring Break, but authorities noted that it does not make the false calls, which are a Class H felony, any less serious, given the response from local police and sheriffs offices. Kings Mountain Police Dept. Chief Gerald Childress told Queen City News Tuesday that the calls his department received were similar in nature to the Lincoln County calls. We were able to speak with someone who said their name was Rachael and she was at the school (Kings Mountain High School), that there was a shooting at the school, and there was some background noise of gunfire, said Childress. Queen City News has reported on a spate of similar calls over the years dealing with what is called swatting, which are hoax calls meant to bring authorities to someones home or business. Authorities have noted that even if a juvenile makes a threat and is caught, they are subject to juvenile custody, fines, court, and long-term effects on family dynamics. Childress noted the drain in resources for their response to the Kings Mountain High School call, which had between 40 and 45 law enforcement officers on scene at one point. 2 teens to be charged, driver sought in Dollar General robberies spanning 3 NC counties Childress also noted that technology is making it more difficult to catch the pranksters, largely due to the ability to spoof phone numbers and the ability to use voice-masking technology or artificial intelligence. Burke County Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said in a statement that there is a social media trend making the calls. We were made aware of a TikTok challenge to call in false active shooters at schools, he said. We made our staff aware earlier today of this trend and asked them to follow protocol as usual for any threat and treat them as real until law enforcement determines otherwise. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A Cambridge University college has submitted plans to build a climbing wall inside a Grade II-listed church tower. Pembroke College has applied to install 10-metre-high climbing walls and ropes inside the 150-year-old tower of Emmanuel United Reformed Church. The college submitted a planning application to Cambridge City Council to transform the currently disused tower into what it says will be the first rope climbing facility in the city centre. It has said six to seven people will be able to use the structure at one time and only by those adequately trained. It is not clear if it will be open to the general public or to Cambridge students who attend other colleges. The church was sold to the college in 2020 after its congregation merged with the nearby St Columbas United Reformed Church to form Downing Place United Reformed Church. Its nave and apse have since been converted into a 200-seat auditorium for lectures, events and performances, with its original pulpit, arches and wooden roof trusses all preserved. The application reveals plans for a 10-metre-high climbing walls and ropes - HAWORTH TOMPKINS LIMITED/PEMBROKE COLLEGE A document prepared by the college and Haworth Tompkins, the architecture firm, describes the climbing wall as a unique opportunity to repurpose the 1874 James Cubitt tower. Mr Cubitt was a noted Victorian architect of non-conformist chapels. It reads: The existing tower provides a rare opportunity within the city centre to utilise an existing tall space, enabling us to provide a 10-metre high climb, which is deemed by professional climbers to be a medium to difficult climb. Students and Fellows will be awarded the rare views from the top of the tower staircase across Cambridge, and the opportunity to experience the lofty height of the existing tower. Interventions will be respectful Structural and architectural interventions will be respectful of the existing fabric and the proportions of the tower geometry. The church has already been refurbished with an extendable stage, underfloor heating and new double-glazed windows since the college bought it. Pembroke is not one of the richer Cambridge colleges, but still has sizeable reserves of 302 million, according to its 2022-23 accounts. Six rare stained glass windows created in 1905 by William Morriss company Morris and Co have also been maintained. They depict six notable Puritans with links to Cambridge: Henry Barrow, John Greenwood, Oliver Cromwell, John Milton, Francis Holcroft and Joseph Hussey. There have been no public comments in support or against the plans to date. The church has already been converted to hold a 200-seat auditorium for lectures, events and performances - David Jackson If approved, the church would not be the first in Britain to have a climbing wall installed. The Church of St Marks in Newcastle, the Grange Free Church in Kilmarnock and St Benedicts in West Gorton, Manchester, have all been converted into climbing centres. Other churches have been converted into nightclubs, including the Grade II-listed St Andrews in Bournemouth, which is now Halo, and Salisburys Chapel nightclub, which was built in the 19th century as a Pentecostal church. The chapel of the former Claybury Asylum in Woodford, north London, is now a swimming pool and sauna, while Nottinghams Grade II-listed High Pavement Chapel was converted into a bar in 1998. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A car crashed into a building in San Franciscos Mission District Wednesday afternoon as a result of a possible road rage incident, according to the San Francisco Police Department. The crash caused structural damage to the building, according to the San Francisco Fire Department. No one was injured in the crash, according to SFFD. However, the building, which is home to Taqueria El Buen Sabor at the corner of 18th and Valencia streets, suffered damage to a pillar. Two Bay Area ramen spots rank in Yelps top 10 best in California The damage will not impact occupants of the apartment building located above the taqueria, according to SFFD. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection is also in contact with the property management to evaluate the damaged pillar, officials said. Photo: SFFD Photo: SFFD Photo: SFFD SFFD technical rescue crews have stabilized the immediate area as a precaution. SFPD patrol units later located an unoccupied vehicle in the area of 14th and Natoma streets. The vehicle had extensive damage and matched descriptions provided by witnesses. Photos from the scene showed the car, a four-door sedan, still mounted on the sidewalk. What appear to be wood stabilizing beams were placed around the damaged pillar. A number of fire, police and other first responder vehicles were still at the scene. No arrests have been made at this time, police said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Job-seekers will have the opportunity to speak with companies located in the Stark County area at the Alliance Area Career Fair, which will run 2 to 5 p.m. April 11 at Peterson Field House at University of Mount Union. Organizers say opportunities will be available for full-time and part-time workers along with those seeking internships. Check out omjwork.com/alliance for information and to register. Among employers scheduled to be part of the event are MAC Trailer; Canton Drop Forge; NSK Americas; Morgan Engineering Systems; Comfort Inn; AllStaff Careers; Schauer Group; Another Way Home; Alliance City Schools; Forever Lawn; Aultman Health Foundation; Powell Knight Material Technologies; Access Health Stark County; Equitable Advisors; Northwestern Mutual; Aimbridge Fresh Mark; PTC Alliance; Ohio State Highway Patrol; City of Canton; Case Farms; Kimble Companies; Biery Cheese; Minerva Dairy; Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company; Everhart Glass; A.R.E. Accessories; St Luke Lutheran Community; Hendrickson; YWCA of Canton; Gentlebrook; Hickey Metal Fabrication; Loves Snelling Staffing; Superior Dairy; Coastal Pet Products; Erie Insurance; Stark Truss Company; Hall of Fame Village; and JRC. This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Career Fair set April 11 at Mount Union DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) National coffeehouse Caribou Coffee is opening a new central Ohio shop this spring as part of the companys plan to launch 60 locations across Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. Caribou will begin welcoming coffee enthusiasts to the new shop in May at 1752 Columbus Pike in Delaware, according to the companys site. The new coffeehouse will be the third operated by franchisee Mike Mariola Restaurants, who announced an agreement with Caribou in 2021 to open 60 shops in Ohio. Central Ohio restaurant openings and closings so far this year Mariola opened the first location in his hometown of Wooster at 1840 Cleveland Road in 2022, and then launched a location at 7010 E. Main St. in Reynoldsburg last year. We couldnt be more excited to work with Mike and his team who have built such a strong reputation in the hospitality industry throughout Ohio, said Matthew Walls, Caribous chief franchise officer, when the Wooster shop opened. They are incredible operators and are dedicated to delivering Caribous purpose of creating day-making experiences for our guests. Mariolas restaurant group also operates The City Square Steakhouse and Mariola Italian in Wooster, along with several locations of burger joint The Rail in Akron, Strongsville, Dublin and Grandview Heights. Caribous partnership with Mariola marked the coffeehouses first domestic multi-unit franchisee, and the Wooster shop was the first new Caribou location to open in Ohio after nine years. Before that, the coffee company had opened a Findlay shop at 2021 Broad Ave. and a New Springfield store at 3600 Glacier Road. Twenty One Pilots adds third Columbus show to tour lineup Founded in 1992, Caribous has expanded to more than 750 coffeehouses worldwide, including more than 330 company-owned stores, 140 non-traditional shops and 291 traditional franchise locations in 11 countries. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Read the full story on The Auto Wire Would-Be Carjacker Holds On For Dear Life As Victim Takes Off With carjackings on the rise in so many areas, people are rightly scared to death of it happening to them. It was only a matter of time before we got dashcam footage like this of a would-be carjacker holding on for dear life as the intended victim speeds off. See how a man outnumbered stopped a carjacking attempt. This incident happened on Interstate 5 in Lathrop, California when the suspect, 40-year-old Juan Valdez of Manteca, fled from police after they responded to a domestic violence incident in the area. During that chase, Valdez ditched his car and tried carjacking another vehicle. Thats when the intended victim hit the accelerator, a response, we can absolutely understand. You can see in footage shared by The Telegraph that Valdezs car was already badly damaged when he got onto I-5 southbound. One of his tires was deflated and when it came off the little Nissan, he almost lost control, careening over onto the right shoulder. A line of cars was pulled over onto the shoulder after people heard the police sirens and thats how Valdez was able to approach one, attempting to open the drivers door. But has he yanked on the handle the driver pressed on the accelerator and the man didnt let go. In the footage, you can see Valdez try to swing one leg onto the vehicle so he isnt dragged on the asphalt, but he cant quite do it. The man then tries pulling his legs up and away from that danger, but it looks like he probably got at least a little road rash. An officer rammed Valdez and shot him as the man continued putting up a fight. The lesson here is dont try carjacking people. Some wont mess around and youll be hurting. Image via The Telegraph/YouTube Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. CARLSBAD, N.M. (KRQE) A Carlsbad mother found guilty of child abuse after her twelve-year-old son overdosed on drugs is appealing her 14-year prison sentence. Alexis Smith was found guilty in September of two counts of child abuse, one of them resulting in death. Law enforcement responds to reported explosive device in home near Roswell Brent Sullivan died after overdosing on fentanyl back in November 2021. It happened at the home of Kelli Smith, his grandmother, and Alexis mother. Alexis Smiths other child was also at home at the time. Smiths lawyers filed a notice to appeal laying out why they think the verdict should be overturned. One issue is whether or not Smith left her son in a place where illegal narcotics were within his reach. The state argued that with both Alexis and Kellis previous drug use, it should have known there could be drugs in Kelli Smiths home. Alexis Smiths lawyer claimed their client had reason to believe her mother was clean and the house was safe meaning it couldnt be intentional child abuse resulting in death. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. The special services of Kazakhstan and Russia maintain ongoing communication for cooperation in the anti-terrorism field, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said this at the meeting of secretaries of the Security Councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in Astana, Trend reports. "The recent dire events in the Moscow region, which resulted in the deaths of many innocent people, highlight the terrorists' continued use of the most violent and despicable forms of violence. Kazakhstan immediately condemned the terrorist incident and declared support for Russia. Both countries' special services are in constant contact regarding counter-terrorism cooperation. The international community, including the nations represented here today, firmly condemns the terrorist act in Moscow. The UN Security Council has underlined the necessity of international cooperation in combating terrorism, as well as holding all culpable parties accountable. It's vital to draw suitable conclusions and execute necessary actions to protect our citizens' safety and effectively counter the terrorist threat," Tokayev emphasized. The president stated that there were 183 regional and local conflicts worldwide last year, marking an increase of nearly 30 percent. "This marks the highest figure in the past three decades. Experts suggest that a global cycle of conflicts and violent actions is unfolding, leading to an escalation in the threat of international terrorism," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. A Missouri couple is facing drug and stolen property charges after authorities say they broke into a Cherokee County home. Cherokee County Sheriffs deputies responded to a home in the northern part of Cherokee County just after one oclock Monday afternoon. Thats where they say the homeowner reported having their door kicked in. The homeowners told deputies they were missing firearms, tools, and even their childrens Easter gifts were taken. FOUR STATES CRIME After reviewing the homes surveillance video, the deputy says he recognized the suspects and the vehicle they were driving. Thats when Cherokee County contacted the Carthage Police Department and requested assistance arresting Connie Hendrix, 44, and Michael Markham, 43. Connie Hendrix (left), and Michael Markham (right), Courtesy Cherokee Co. Sheriffs Office Hendrix and Markham were located and police say the two were in possession of methamphetamine and the stolen property. They remain in the Jasper County Jail. Prosecutors filed eight charges against Hendrix today (4/2). Those charges include two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of receiving stolen property, one count of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and one count of stealing. Charges against Markham are pending. Hendrix is well known to police in the area. She has multiple convictions for drug possession and burglary and has multiple burglary charges still pending. In a couple of the burglary cases, authorities say she would force entry into peoples homes while they were occupied. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. On Monday, April 8, 2024, people across a large swath of the United States will experience a total solar eclipse. For many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the Indigenous peoples of North America, it will be one of many solar eclipses that have been witnessed by their people since time immemorial. Before science was able to explain the phenomenon surrounding a solar eclipse, many tribes created myths to explain the celestial events in their own way. The Cherokees have a story of a giant frog that swallows the sun, which causes the earth to go dark. Men and women needed to scare the frog into spitting the sun out, so they created as much noise as they could. The men shot rifles into the air and pounded on drums while the women banged on pots and pans and used shell shakers. Once the frog released the sun, the noise turned into a celebration. The Choctaws have a similar story, but this time, a black squirrel is trying to eat the sun. Fvni lusa hushi umpa! (The black squirrel eats the sun.) They made noise to scare the black squirrel, with the men firing rifles while the women banged on pots and pans as loudly as they could. Once the sun returned, they cried, Fvni-lusa-hosh mahlatah! (The black squirrel is frightened!) The Kumeyaay people of Southern California and Northern Mexico tell a story of Frogs in Love to explain the solar eclipse. All of the animals were going to the wedding ceremony for the Sun and Moon. On the way, two frogs were in love and stopped to mate in the pond. When they got back on land, the female frog noticed her stomach getting bigger, so she jumped back into the pond. The pond became filled with pollywogs. The frogs realized they had to warn the Sun and Moon. They rejoined the others and explained what had happened. The universe would be thrown off balance if there were many suns and moons; they could not marry. So, the Sun and Moon decided they would take turns being awake. The Moon would sleep while the Sun was awake. The Sun would sleep while the Moon was awake. The only time this is not true is when an eclipse happens. Rock of the Sun petroglyph, Chaco Canyon. (Courtesy of National Park Service) Rock of the Sun petroglyph, Chaco Canyon. (Courtesy of National Park Service) In addition to the myths surrounding a solar eclipse, there is archaeological evidence of Indigenous North Americans recording their experiences. The Ancestral Puebloan Peoples may have been the first to leave behind physical evidence of their witness to a solar eclipse when they created the Rock of the Sun petroglyph in Chaco Canyon. The petroglyph depicts the suns corona, which is seen during a total solar eclipse. Scientists believe that the petroglyph dates back to the eclipse of July 11, 1097. The Chumash people of Coastal Southern California have a long history of studying the celestial bodies. Alaxuluxen, or the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, near Santa Barbara, California, has evidence of a solar eclipse witnessed by the Chumash. Scientists believe the rock painting of one large black disk with two red circles underneath indicates the total solar eclipse that occurred on November 24, 1677, when Mars and the star Antares were visible. Chumash Painted Cave (Courtesy of Library of Congress) Chumash Painted Cave (Courtesy of Library of Congress) The solar eclipse of August 7, 1869, that passed through Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota was recorded by various Lakota record keepers. A winter count was kept to record one important event per year. The winter counts kept by Lone Dog, The Flame, The Swan, and Rosebud all record the total solar eclipse that they witnessed as a significant event in Lakota history. Solar eclipses have also been central to historic events, like the birth of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. On August 22, 1142, a solar eclipse occurred near modern-day Victor, New York, where the Five Nations were meeting to form the Confederacy and end the strife among their Nations. Oral history suggests that the fifth nation, the Onondagas, were the last hold-outs, but the total solar eclipse convinced them to join in bringing peace to the region. In 1806, Tenskwatawa, also known as The Shawnee Prophet, was in conflict with then-Governor of Territorial Indiana William Henry Harrison, who later became the 9th President of the United States. Harrison was upset by the call for tribal unity in the region, fearing that a united front would be harder to overcome. He challenged Tenskwatawa to prove himself. Tenskwatawa Courtesy (Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery) Tenskwatawa Courtesy (Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery) If he is really a prophet, ask him to cause the sun to stand still, the moon to alter its course, the rivers to cease to flow, or the dead to rise from their graves. If he does these things, you may believe that he has been sent from God. In response, Tenskwatawa predicted an eclipse of the sun in 50 days. 50 days later on June 16, 1806, a total solar eclipse hid the sun across parts of Indiana, solidifying his position of authority. Different perspectives even appear in Native languages. In Shawnee, the eclipse is known as the black sun, mukutaaweethee keeshohtoa. The Yupik language describes a solar eclipse as the sun dies or weakens, akerta nalauq. The Osage language uses the phrase mie phin-ge, meaning the sun disappears. The Choctaw language describes the eclipse as the sun goes away: hvshi ninak aya. Others are more descriptive, like the Klamath phrase loq sloki, meaning the grizzly bear eats. The Kumeyaay say enyaa wesaaw, which means nibbles the sun. In Anishinaabe, an eclipse is described in two waysaatenaagozi (appear to be extinguished) or aateyaabikishin (be darkened). Regardless of where you are along the path of the solar eclipse this April 8, it is certain that the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island have a tribal myth to explain the phenomenon, centuries-old records of a previous occurrence, or memories of a historic event that further creates significance to a truly wonderous sight to behold. Erin Fehr is Yupik and the assistant director and archivist at the Sequoyah National Research Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. About the Author: "Elyse Wild is senior editor for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. " Contact: ewild@indiancountrymedia.com Chaparral man wanted in connection with shooting death of woman near University Ave. Law enforcement is seeking a person of interest in the shooting death of a woman on Monday near Zia Middle School in Mesilla. The Mesilla Marshals Office is leading the investigation in the shooting death of 39-year-old Shiereen Aljibury. Oscar Renee Sandoval, 59, from Chaparral, is a person of interest in her death, according to Mesilla Marshal Office Sgt. Tress Diaz. Sandoval is considered to be armed and dangerous. He was last seen on Monday via private security cameras in Sunland Park. His vehicle was found and seized by the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Department in Sunland Park. Mesilla Marshals Office Sgt. Tress Diaz holds a photo of Oscar Renee Sandoval, a person of interest in a deadly shooting in Mesilla on Monday. The crime scene, located near the intersection of University Avenue and Stanford Street, was still active at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, when Diaz and Mesilla Mayor Russell Hernandez, held a brief news conference but did not take questions from the media. At approximately 8:16 p.m. on Monday, a 911 call was received by Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority, advising that a woman had allegedly been shot. The woman exited a grey SUV barefoot and was shot. A second caller reported hearing a person yell, 'No,' followed by several shots. The first caller reported Sandoval fled west on University Avenue toward Mesilla in the grey SUV. Deputies from the Marshal's Office and the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Department arrived at 8:22 p.m. to find Aljibury unresponsive with possibly four gunshot wounds. She died of the injuries at the scene. Diaz said authorities believe the shooting was an isolated incident. Law enforcement at the scene of a deadly shooting on Monday on University Avenue near Zia Middle School in Mesilla, New Mexico. The Mesilla Marshal's Office is leading the investigation in collaboration with Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office, Diaz said. "For those affected by this event, on behalf of the Mesilla Marshal's Office and the Town of Mesilla, we offer you our condolences." Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459 or jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on X @jpgroves. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Chaparral man suspect in death of woman at University Ave. in Mesilla CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) All month long weve shared their stories and recently Queen City News gathered at Truist Field to honor and celebrate the four finalists and announce the local winner of our Remarkable Women campaign. To refresh your memory our finalists were: Andrea King, founder of Esthers Heart for Transformation Ministry, empowers the community while eliminating the distraction of hunger to some of the most challenged and underprivileged families. Donna Reed, founder of Home4Me, a nonprofit organization dedicated to being a voice for teens in foster care providing hope, opportunities, mentoring, and education, helping those aging out of foster care go to college. Christine Cronin, the founder of Wings of Eagles Ranch, provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children and adults with special needs, giving families an accepting, loving and fun environment to thrive. Tamesha Hughes Frazier, founder of Hughes Elite Scholars, provides various opportunities and support for high school students who have the desire, motivation, and potential to fulfill their college dreams. And the winner is Donna Reed! Donna was awarded with a $1,000 donation to her nonprofit, Home4Me. Congratulations to Donna, the local Charlotte Remarkable Woman of the Year! CHARLOTTE REMARKABLE WOMEN: Check out last years finalists! Donna will now travel to Los Angeles to meet and celebrate with all of the local winners from across the country where the National Nexstar Remarkable Woman winner will be announced! Stay tuned. Well be bringing you more on that in early May. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Celebrity chef Jose Andres told Reuters in an emotional interview on Wednesday that an Israeli attack that killed seven of his food aid workers in Gaza had targeted them "systematically, car by car." Speaking via video, Andres said the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity group he founded had clear communication with the Israeli military, which he said knew his aid workers' movements. "This was not just a bad luck situation where oops we dropped the bomb in the wrong place," Andres said. "This was over a 1.5, 1.8 kilometers, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, in the roof, a very colorful logo that we are obviously very proud of," he said. It's very clear who we are and what we do. Andres said the IDF was aware of the convoy's whereabouts. He called for investigations of the incident by the U.S. government and by the home country of every aid worker that was killed. "They were targeting us in a deconflicting zone, in an area controlled by IDF. They knowing that it was our teams moving on that road ... with three cars," he said. The aid workers were killed when their convoy was hit shortly after they oversaw the unloading of 100 tons of food brought to Gaza by sea. Israel's military expressed "severe sorrow" over the incident and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it unintentional. Andres said there may have been more than three strikes against the aid convoy. He rejected Israeli and U.S. assertions that the strike was not deliberate. "Initially, I would say categorically no," Andres said when asked if he accepted that explanation. "Even if we were not in coordination with the (Israel Defense Forces), no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians," he added. Asked for comment on Andres' remarks, an Israeli military spokesperson referred to prior comments by chief of staff Herzi Halevi in which he called the incident a grave mistake and said the attack "was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers." Andres said he was personally supposed to be there with his team but was not able to go back to Gaza at the time. The U.S. needs to do more to stop the war, he said. Andres spoke to President Joe Biden on Tuesday. "The U.S. must do more to tell Prime Minister Netanyahu this war needs to end now," he said. He questioned Biden administration moves to supply aid in Gaza while also arming Israel. "It's very complicated to understand ... America is going to be sending its Navy and its military to do humanitarian work, but at the same time weapons provided by America ... are killing civilians," he said. The chef also wondered aloud how Netanyahu could wage a war to save Israeli hostages "when they may be dying under the rubble of the same weapons" Israel used against Palestinians. CAR BY CAR Andres said his organization was still studying the safety situation in Gaza as it contemplates starting aid deliveries again. Australian, British and American citizens were among seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse. At least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the United Nations, and Hamas has previously accused Israel of targeting aid distribution sites. Andres described how he learned of the attack, saying first his group lost contact with its team in Gaza, and did not realize what happened until seeing images of the bodies. He said that after the IDF attacked the first armored car, the team was able to escape and move to a second car which was then attacked, forcing them to move to the third car. The aid workers tried to communicate to make clear who they were, he said, adding IDF knew they were in the area which it controlled. Then the third car was hit, "and we saw the consequences of that." World Central Kitchen began last month moving food aid to starving people in northern Gaza via a maritime corridor from Cyprus, in collaboration with Spanish charity Open Arms. The charity coordinated closely with Israel's military, Arab nations and others, Andres said earlier. Biden said he was "outraged and heartbroken" by the deaths. The U.S. sided with Netanyahu's assertion that the strikes were not deliberate. Founded by Andres, 54, in 2010 after a Haiti earthquake, World Central Kitchen has tried to sidestep red tape around the world to rush aid to disaster-hit areas, including Ukraine after the Russian invasion. The conflict began after Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. Since then, much of the densely populated territory has been laid waste and most of its 2.3 million population displaced. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. Andres condemned the war as a whole. "This it seems is a war against humanity itself. And you can never win that war. Because humanity eventually will always prevail," he said. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; additional reporting by Nandita Bose and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Heather Timmons, Rami Ayyub and David Gregorio) CHICAGO Chicago police say nearly all categories of crime declined in the city in the first three months of the year. While murders and shootings have declined in each of the last three years, newly released crime data show burglaries, car thefts and carjackings have also declined this year after stubborn rises in recent years. There have been 111 murders in Chicago in the first three months of the year, down 5-percent from the same period last year. There were 410 shootings, down 7-percent. CPD says the number of shooting victims has declined to its lowest level since 2019. There have been 241 carjackings reported so far this year, down 22-percent from last year. WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud The number of yearly murders and shooting incidents have been declining since their 2020 peaks but remain higher than they were the year before the pandemic, when they reached lows not seen in decades. Chicago police trumpeted a 77% murder clearance rate in the month of March, the highest since 2015. However, WGN Investigates data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act shows the annual clearance rate remains much lower. In 2023, CPD detectives solved just 52-percent of murders in the city. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Boy, 13, has life-threatening injuries after being hit by car, Jacksonville police say A child has life-threatening injuries after being hit by a car while walking to school Wednesday morning, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said. It happened around 8:30 a.m. at Kings Road and Division Street in the Grand Park area. This embedded content is not available in your region. The boy, a 13-year-old, was walking with another boy, a 12-year-old family member, police said. The boys went to cross Kings Road, not within a crosswalk, when the 13-year-old boy was hit in the inside lane by a Honda CRV, police said. The 12-year-old boy was not hit. Boy, 13, hit by car while crossing street, Jacksonville police say. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Police said the driver stopped and is cooperating with detectives, and there are no signs the driver was impaired. Detectives are going to look at evidence to determine if speed or distraction was a factor in the crash. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Child injured in Russian attack on village in Kharkiv Oblast dies in hospital An 11-year-old boy who was injured in a Russian attack on the village of Novoosynove in Kharkiv Oblast's Kupiansk district has died in hospital. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Today, an 11-year-old boy died in hospital due to injuries sustained from the attack." Details: Syniehubov added that the boy's 58-year-old father was killed in Russian strikes on the village of Novoosynove in the Kupiansk district yesterday. Background: On the evening of 2 April, Russian troops targeted the village of Novoosynove in Kharkiv Oblast's Kupiansk district. An 11-year-old boy was injured in the attack and admitted to hospital. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- Chilean politicians are clamoring to convince the countrys only steelmaker to overturn a decision to shutter operations due to an influx of cheap Chinese alloy, testing the nations free-trade resolve. Most Read from Bloomberg This week, the lower house of Congress passed eight resolutions to urge President Gabriel Boric to defend the loss-making steel industry. Economy Minister Nicolas Grau told a Senate committee that it wasnt too late to seek stricter anti-dumping measures and called for mining companies not to be indifferent to the steel-making crisis. On Thursday, regional authorities and union leaders will address lawmakers on Cap SAs announcement last month to wind down its mills. Read more: Cap Surges on Decision to Close Loss-Making Chile Steel Plants While Chile accounts for a tiny fraction of a global steel industry thats dominated by China, the case is putting the Boric administrations priorities to the test. On one hand, raising tariffs to the 25% levels of North America and Europe would help keep the mills running, safeguarding 20,000 jobs. On the other, it would erode a free-trade strategy thats helped Chile prosper in relative terms, as well as risking the ire of top trading partner China. The dilemma is shared by other steel producers in the region such as Brazil and Colombia amid an up-tick of cheap imports due to slower domestic demand in China and years of prohibitive tariffs elsewhere. While steel-making is a small part of regional economies, its use in infrastructure and manufacturing makes it strategic. The predicament was exemplified by a protesting steel worker this week: To President Boric, you have a commitment to the Chilean people, not to the Chinese, Jorge Gonzalez told Radio Bio Bio. (Adds congressional session with regional authorities and unions) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Kazakhstan adheres to the principle of indivisibility of Eurasian security, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said this at the meeting of secretaries of the Security Councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in Astana, Trend reports. "Kazakhstan promotes for open political and diplomatic communication, as well as the development of positive relationships with global and regional partners. We support the notion of Eurasian security indivisibility, emphasizing mutual understanding and the creation of confidence-building measures. This approach should serve as the foundation for the strategic goal of developing a security perimeter around the SCO," he emphasized. According to the president, Kazakhstan identified the priority of its presidency in the organization as contributing to international peace and the safe coexistence of states. "Therefore, we have suggested collaborating on drafting and endorsing the SCO 'World Unity for a Just Peace and Harmony' initiative, Kazakhstan is prepared to exhibit flexibility in discussing the .draft of this crucial document," the Kazakh president said. To note, the SCO is the successor to the Shanghai Five, which was created in 1996 by the People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. In June 2001, the leaders of these countries and Uzbekistan met in Shanghai to announce a new organization for greater political and economic cooperation. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Not since the road to Damascus has there been a more notable spiritual volte-face than the one made on LBC this week. Having spent a career breathing threats against the disciples of the Lord, a certain Richard Dawkins is struck by a moment of realisation. And lo, the voice of Rachel Johnson came unto him and said Dawko, Dawko, why persecutest thou me? OK, perhaps it didnt happen quite like that, but Professor Dawkins admission that he considers himself a cultural Christian, who is, at the very least, ambivalent about Anglicanisms decline is an undeniably contradictory position for a man who in the past campaigned relentlessly against any role for Christianity in public life, railing against faith schools and charitable status for churches. Before we start preparing the baptismal font, its worth noting that Dawkins says he remains happy with the UKs declining Christian faith, and that those beliefs are nonsense. But he also says that he enjoys living in a Christian society. This betrays a certain level of cultural free-riding. The survival of societys Christian undercurrent depends on others buying into the nonsense even if he doesnt. Still, though Dawkins has spoken of his cultural Christianity before, this feels like another staging-post on a journey towards the good Professor finally admitting that the New Atheism, of which he was such a shining light, was wrong in crucial respects. First, in its almost touching naivety that a post-Christian world would give way to a values-neutral space, rooted in reason. Second, in its semi-adolescent diagnosis of Christianity as a retardant upon cultural and intellectual progress. A New Atheist would generally cite the Spanish Inquisition or some wacky US creationist as representatives of the worlds largest faith conveniently ignoring any contradictory examples. Like all good conversions, theres an element of repentance; though unlike St Paul, Dawkins hasnt had to go blind for three days to experience this epiphany. He also speaks of his concern at the rise of Islam in Christianitys place; perhaps a tacit acknowledgement that some prominent atheists (though not he) focused excessively on Christianity, being an easy target compared to other religions. One reason for Dawkins change of heart might be good old-fashioned scientific observation. It doesnt take the brains of an evolutionary biologist to work out that New Atheism was mistaken in its diagnosis of what would follow religions decline. The rational world we were promised hasnt materialised and a nastier, less reasonable one is supplanting what was there before. Nowhere is this more obvious than in Scotland. By the New Atheist logic, it ought to be the most rational place in the UK since de-Christianisation has occurred there at a faster rate. Membership of the national Church of Scotland has fallen by 35 per cent in 10 years and the Scottish Churches Trust warns that 700 Christian places of worship will probably close in the next few years. A Scottish friend recently explained that every place where hed come to faith where he was christened, where his father was buried had been shut or sold. This is not only a national tragedy, but a personal one. New Atheism assumed that, as people abandoned Christianity they would embrace a sort of enlightened, secular position. The death of Christian Scotland shows this was wrong. Faith there has been replaced by derangement and the birthplace of the Scottish enlightenment which rose out of Christian principles now worships intolerant new gods. The SNPs draconian hate crime legislation is a totemic example. Merely stating facts of biology might earn you a visit from the Scottish police. But perhaps Christianity has shaped even this. It cannot be a coincidence that Scotland, home of John Knox, is now at the forefront of the denigration of women. The SNPs new blasphemy laws are just the latest blast of that trumpet. Not that things are much better south of the border, where we have de facto blasphemy laws under which a teacher can be forced into hiding for showing his class a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed. Certainly not the neutral secular space we were promised with the erosion of Christianitys central role in society. Yet increasingly, the thesis of Tom Hollands book Dominion seems to be winning out, via a growing recognition that the ethics we hold as natural and universal are, in fact, anything but. Much of what atheists ascribed to vague concepts of reason emerged out of the faith which informed the Wests intellectual, moral, and, yes, scientific life a cultural oxygen we breathe but never see. I am reminded of Levins epiphany at the end of Anna Karenina. Throughout the novel, Levin, a dissatisfied religious sceptic, is plagued with doubt over the purpose of existence. Yet he finally comes to a stark realisation about the real roots of his belief, and the limits of a rational life: He had lived (without being aware of it) on those spiritual truths that he had sucked in with his mothers milk. But he had thought, not merely without recognition of these truths, but studiously ignoring them. The world isnt morally neutral, and never has been. Recognising Christianitys cultural impact is the first step. The bigger task facing the West is living out these values in an age when they are increasingly under threat. 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. Cindy White: What to know about the longest incarcerated inmate at the Indiana Women's Prison Cindy White has been incarcerated for almost 48 years, serving most of her sentence at the Indiana Woman's Prison, for a crime she committed at just 18 years old. Here's what you need to know about her: More: Justice or vengeance: At 18, she killed 6 in fire. Will Cindy White, now 66, die in prison? Who is Cindy White? Sarah Isabel "Cindy" White is a 66-year-old Indiana woman who is in prison for starting a house fire in Greenwood in 1975 that killed Charles and Carole Roberson and their four young children. She met the Roberson family a few years prior to the fire, when they were customers on her newspaper route. She befriended the family and their home became a safe haven for her. White was a troubled teen who had alleged sexual abuse by her father and others. The trauma she endured as a child followed her into her teens and led to her admittance to a psychiatric hospital when she was 17. Both of White's parents had died by the time she was released. She moved in with the Robersons after being released from the psychiatric hospital. White, then 18, helped the family as a live-in babysitter and paid $20 a month in rent. What did Cindy White do? On the night of Dec. 31, 1975, after the family had gone to bed, White crumpled up some newspaper, placed it next to the familys Christmas tree and set it on fire. The blaze quickly engulfed the home. White was the only one to get out alive. Police suspected foul play, and White became the prime suspect. She was found guilty by a jury in 1976, but she denied her role in the fire for more than 10 years. In 1987, she admitted starting the fire, claiming she was abused by the Robersons. She also accused Charles Roberson of threatening her if she tried to leave. White said she didnt intend for anyone to be hurt but thought the fire would help her escape the abusive situation. Who were the victims of the fire started by Cindy White? Charles and Carole Roberson, 45 and 41, respectively, moved from Evansville to Greenwood a few years before the fire. Also killed in the fire were the couples four children: 7-year-old Michael, 6-year-old Dale, 5-year-old Gary and the youngest, Rita or Sissy, who was 4. The family is buried at a cemetery in Evansville, Indiana. What was Cindy White's sentence when she was convicted? A Johnson County judge imposed six life sentences one for each of the victims. At that time, Indiana required life sentences in murder cases. Today, the maximum punishment for murder in Indiana is 65 years. Read the full story: Justice or vengeance: At 18, she killed 6 in fire. Will Cindy White, now 66, die in prison? Where is Cindy White now? White has been held at the Indiana Womens Prison in Indianapolis for most of the past 48 years. She has been incarcerated there longer than any other woman currently at the prison. Now 66, she uses a wheelchair after a series of strokes. During her time in prison, White earned a GED and college degree. She has participated in counseling and several other programs. Sarah "Cindy" White, the longest serving female prisoner in Indiana is interviewed about sexual abuse she claims led to her crime, at the Indiana Women's Prison on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in Indianapolis. White is serving multiple life sentences after admitting to committing an arson that killed six people, including four children. What do those in support of Cindy White say? White has been described as a model prisoner. Former staff, psychiatrists and counselors say she has grown significantly and would not pose a threat to society if released. Indianapolis attorney Charlie Asher has been working to help free White since 1994. Prosecutors portrayed White as a jilted lover who started the fire as revenge against Charles Roberson. But Asher argues there's far more to White's story than what jurors heard during her trial in 1976. To him and White's other supporters, her case raises questions about the punitive value of life sentences, particularly for young first-time offenders, as well as the morality of permanently imprisoning a deeply damaged teenager whose mental and emotional growth was stunted by a long history of physical and sexual abuse a key part of White's story that jurors never heard. What would it take to free Cindy White from prison? White has exhausted all of her options for appealing the guilty verdicts. The six life sentences were intended to ensure she would never be released from prison. The Indiana Parole Board, which makes recommendations to the governor, has also repeatedly denied her clemency petitions. Successful petitions, either by pardons or sentence commutations, are rare. Since 2017, Gov. Eric Holcomb has commuted the sentences of only five people. One was convicted of a nonviolent drug crime, and the other four were either terminally ill or were physically incapacitated and required 24/7 care. Holcomb has pardoned seven people since he took office almost all of whom were convicted of low-level felonies. One was Keith Cooper, who was found to be innocent. You can find the full story about Cindy White here. Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Who is Cindy White? What to know about Indiana woman serving 6 life sentences Cindy White: What research says about locking up troubled teens and throwing away the key Indianapolis attorney Charlie Asher said it was around Christmas in 1994 when Richard Doyle, then a member of the Indiana Parole Board, approached him with a request. Doyle told Asher about Sarah "Cindy" White, who as a troubled teen in 1976 received six life sentences. He called it "the most unfair sentence you could ever imagine" and asked Asher to help the woman. Asher has been working since then to free White, who was convicted of murder for starting a house fire that killed a Greenwood family. Charles and Carole Roberson and their four young children died in the fire on New Year's Eve of 1975. Read the story: Justice or vengeance: At 18, she killed 6 in fire. Will Cindy White, now 66, die in prison? In an interview with IndyStar, Sarah "Cindy" White talks about the sexual abuse she claims drove her to start a house fire to escape an abusive situation. She had been released from a psychiatric hospital a few months before the 1975 fire. Prosecutors portrayed White, the family's live-in babysitter, as a jilted lover who started the fire as revenge against Charles Roberson. But Asher argues there's far more to White's story than what jurors heard during her trial. To him and White's other supporters, her case raises questions about the punitive value of life sentences, particularly for young first-time offenders, as well as the morality of permanently imprisoning a deeply damaged teenager whose mental and emotional growth was stunted by a long history of physical and sexual abuse a key part of White's story that jurors never heard. What science says about sexual abuse and brain development White initially denied starting the fire. But about a decade into her incarceration came a series of revelations. She said her father began molesting her when she was 8, and another male relative started a more violent sexual abuse a few years later. As a teenager, the abuse at home forced her to seek refuge by living with the Robersons, who, she claimed, subjected her to even more abuse. She also admitted starting the fire, saying she meant only to damage the Robersons' house to force everyone to move out and allow her to escape the alleged abuse. Charlie Asher, an Indianapolis attorney, first heard about Sarah "Cindy" White in 1994 and has been working since then to try to free her. Asher described White at the time as a "severely fragile and compromised" 18-year-old who had endured a decade-long molestation at home, who had been conditioned to never talk about it, and who had already tried to kill herself twice. White also had been diagnosed with conversion reaction, a mental health disorder that, in her case, caused paralysis and is often triggered by a traumatic event such as a history of childhood abuse. Central to Asher's efforts to free White is research that didn't exist in 1976 about how this type of trauma can impair brain function and impede development, as well as a different societal view of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse was largely an "invisible" issue in the 1970s, but is now an "obvious" concern for all issues related to problematic development, especially in girls, said James Garbarino, a psychology professor at Loyola University who studies how violence and trauma affect children. Today, if a patient is diagnosed with conversion reaction, sexual abuse is one of the first things a clinician would and should suspect and investigate, he said. Garbarino also said childhood abuse "disturbs development." The severity of the impact depends on several factors, including how early the abuse happened, how long it lasted, and whether the child has other positive influences. White had little positive influence in her life growing up. She said none of her doctors asked her if she was being abused at home, and she never brought it up after being rebuked when she reached out to her mother for help. Marta Nelson, director of sentencing reform at the Vera Institute, said courts should consider a defendant's history with abuse. Those who commit violence, she said, are often victims of violence themselves. Nelson cited a new New York law that allows courts to resentence defendants who suffered from sexual, psychological and physical abuse that led to their convictions. Indiana doesn't have such a law. Nelson also said there's another perspective to sentencing aside from punishment and retribution. "That people are people. That with this person, there's a lot of extenuating circumstances," she said, referring to White. "That she's done what she's done to try to overcome them. That she should be judged by more than the worst thing she ever did." Lance Hamner, the Johnson County prosecutor, said he does not support clemency or sentence modification for Sarah "Cindy" White. But Lance Hamner, the prosecutor in Johnson County where White was convicted, has remained unconvinced. "After all the speculation the fact remains that an 18-year-old woman intentionally set a fire in a home that she knew was occupied by a sleeping family that included four small children," he said. "And it killed those four little children and their parents. There is no excuse for that." What does science say about maturity levels of young defendants? Consistent in Asher's arguments is White's immaturity that although she legally was an adult at 18, years of abuse led to poor judgment and impulse control. Settled science dictates that the brain is not fully mature until around mid-20s, and the legal community has started to recognize this. In 2012, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling found that mandatory life sentences without the possibility of paroles against juveniles is unconstitutional. Garbarino said the 18-year legal line into adulthood is an arbitrary number that ignores their similar maturity level with their juvenile peers. He argues older teenagers and young adults should also have the same protections as juveniles from life imprisonment, regardless of the crime. But lawmakers and courts have been largely resistant. "They mistakenly conclude that the severity of the crime is itself a predictor of a person's capacity and likelihood of rehabilitation. I don't know that there's really any evidence of that," he said. "There's much more malleability and changeability in teenagers. A lot of the bad stuff they do is transient." A newspaper clipping from Cindy White's murder trial in 1976 reports investigators found nude photos of the teen in the wallet of Charles Roberson, one of the six victims of a house fire White set Dec. 31, 1975. Hamner acknowledges that brain development continues into the mid-20s, and he agrees that the criminal justice system should treat children differently from adults. But he rejects the "theory" that adults shouldn't be held fully liable for their crimes because they haven't completely matured. "The objectives of the criminal justice system: deterrence ... rehabilitation, incapacitation, and retribution are best served when we recognize that despite our individual levels of maturity," he said, "adults must be held accountable for their crimes." Has Cindy White been rehabilitated and will she reoffend? Dr. Paul Shriver, a former staff psychologist for the Indiana Department of Correction, wrote the following in a Nov. 29, 1990, report supporting clemency for White: "We whole-heartedly recommend favorable action on this appeal and can see no point to continuing her incarceration, either from a rehabilitative or a punitive standpoint." That was 34 years ago. Several others, including psychiatrists and counselors who have worked with White, echoed Shriver in their own reports. They said White has grown significantly. She has come to terms with her traumatic childhood, has shown great remorse and will not commit any more crimes. Sarah "Cindy" White, the longest-serving female prisoner in Indiana, talked to IndyStar in an exclusive interview at the Indiana Women's Prison in February. White is serving six life sentences for starting a 1975 fire that killed six people, including four children. In a 1994 report, Shriver described White as "highly employable," "very personable," and "usually cheerful." Former Indiana Department of Correction employees also describe her as a model prisoner who immersed herself in various programs. Now 66, White uses a wheelchair after suffering multiple strokes and her activity at the prison is very limited. It would be hard to argue White still poses a threat to society if she were to be released, said Jennifer Pealer, a criminal justice professor at East Tennessee State University. Housing someone in prison is also costly. In Indiana, it amounts to more than $19,000 a year. "In one aspect ... is it worth it for the taxpayer to foot that bill?" Pealer said. "The opposing argument would be how much are you placing a value on life? She did kill six people." Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Cindy White: What research says on life sentences for troubled teens Circuit Judge Terence Perkins, who has served in Volusia and Flagler counties, to retire Circuit Judge Terence Perkins presides over a case at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell in this file photo. Circuit Judge Terence R. Perkins, who presides over a felony docket in Flagler County, will retire effective Sept. 30. Perkins was appointed circuit judge in 2010 and was subsequently elected in 2012 and reelected in 2018 without opposition, according to a press release from Court Administrator Mark Weinberg. Perkins' current term was set to expire Jan. 6, 2025. Perkins is the third veteran circuit judge to retire from the 7th Circuit in recent months following Raul Zambrano in December and James Clayton, whose last day was Monday. Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 26 announced the appointment of David Wainer of Ponte Vedra Beach to fill Zambrano's seat. Wainer has been a partner at Ford, Miller and Wainer, P.A. since 2001, according to the governor's office. DeSantis will also appoint a replacement to fill Clayton's and now Perkins' seats. The governor will choose from finalists submitted by the 7th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission. Perkins has served in the civil and felony divisions in Volusia and Flagler counties. He also presidedover the Flagler County drug court. Perkins served as chief judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017. The circuit covers Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam counties. Perkins wrote a letter dated Wednesday to DeSantis announcing his retirement effective 5 p.m. on Sept. 30. "For the past 14 years, it has been my distinct privilege to work with conscientious colleagues applying the laws of our state. In that time, the judicial branch embraced great change. As a chief judge of my circuit, I oversaw the transition from paper files to electronic formats and processes. "With your direct support and encouragement (as then-Representative DeSantis), we expanded our drug courts and created new veterans courts to provide much needed resources to our veterans. As a member of the Florida Court Technology Commission, I helped design and implement the technology by which all trial courts access case data, prepare and sign orders and conduct day-to-day business of the branch. "However, the real joy of my work came from serving the citizens of my community and our state. Each day was as different as it was daunting but each worthy of my best efforts. As much as I will miss my work on the bench, I feel confident that I will be leaving my community a better place and I am most grateful for that opportunity." Perkins received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida. He wasadmitted to the Florida Bar in 1981. Before joining the court, Judge Perkins worked in private practice for 30 years with Monaco, Smith,Hood, Perkins, Orfinger, and Stout. Circuit Judge Leah Case stated in the release: Judge Perkins retirement does not come as a surprise, but were all wondering what our work lives will be like without having him around to share his insights and wisdom." She said Perkins will be missed. "The 7th Judicial Circuit and its citizens are losing a dedicated jurist who gave each case the individual attention it deserved and was always willing to take time to advise and counsel his fellow judges. I hope hell consider returning as a senior judge. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Circuit Judge Terence Perkins to retire after 14 years of service Left to right: Enid City Council Commissioner Derwin Norwood, Commissioner Judd Blevins, Mayor David Mason and Commissioner Ron Stallings, take their oaths of office May 1, 2023, at Enid City Hall. The Enid city councilman accused of being a member of the white nationalist group Identity Evropa was soundly defeated Tuesday in a recall election. Unofficial election returns show that Judd Blevins, the incumbent, received 561 votes, about 40.365%, while Cheryl Patterson, the challenger, captured 829 votes or 59.65%. A total of 1,390 votes were cast in the race. Blevins, 42, has held the Ward 1 seat since May 2023. He was forced into a recall election after the Enid News & Eagle published a story last year that tied Blevins with the white nationalist group Identity Evropa. A short time after the newspaper published the stories, the Enid Social Justice Committee launched a recall petition drive in an effort to oust Blevins. The group said it was seeking to remove Blevins from his post to "correct a grievous error." Organizer Kristi Balden, the group's chair, said the residents of Ward 1 weren't informed about who Blevins was and that voters deserved to make a new decision on him. Blevins faced Patterson, 61, a longtime resident and well-known community activist, in the recall election. Since then, the story about Blevins has drawn a national audience. Media outlets such as PBS, U.S. News & World Report and The New York Times filed stories about Blevins and the recall effort. Blevins, who has regularly declined to speak with the news media, sent a text message to The Oklahoman last year downplaying the controversy. These allegations were made long ago, and they were addressed during the campaign, Blevins text said. The voters of Ward 1 settled this issue. They elected me because they believed I was the best candidate who shared their values, their concerns, and their hopes for the future of Enid. Regrettably, this fringe group, with the help of local and state media outlets, has chosen to continue a smear campaign against me rather than simply accept the results of an election." However, during a candidate forum last week, Blevins backed away from some of his criticism. He told the media outlet NonDoc that he did, indeed, attend the white nationalist rally. Blevins also told the audience that he never identified as a white supremacist. Before the event, Blevins had refused to talk about the rally or his connection with Identity Evropa. Blevins did not apologize for his attendance at the rally. Questioned at the forum, Blevins said he was simply speaking his mind. Right off the bat, Blevins said. Well, those organizations no longer exist, and I think that this election is really about the next three years of this city, not about organizations that disbanded five years ago. Now, if speaking out against what was being done to this country, what is continuing to be done to this country, is a crime, then I would gladly plead guilty to that. He said the same issues that got Donald Trump elected president in 2016 remained important. Blevins was first elected to the city council in February 2023. He won the seat by a mere 36 votes 422 to 386. Votes in the election will be certified Friday. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma election results: Judd Blevins defeated in Enid recall election FOLEY, Ala. (WKRG) People in South Baldwin County and Foley may have closer access to medical care with the addition of a new surgery center. Woman accused of providing false information on school registration application According to a news release, a new ambulatory surgery center is planned to be constructed next to the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center on North Alston Street. New surgery center site (Courtesy: City of Foley) Ambulatory surgery centers, or ASCs, are modern healthcare facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures, states the Ambulatory Surgery Center Associations website. The announcement of the construction of this new facility comes after the Foley Planning Commission voted in its March meeting to recommend approval of the project. The proposal is set to go to the Foley City Council at a later date, according to the release. Mayor Ralph Hellmich explains that the facility, which is planned to be constructed later this year, is much needed. UPDATE: Suspect arrested in Daphne homicide, police say This is very critical, he said. It will allow people to receive outpatient services. It allows the expansion of surgery opportunities. This is another development that has more doctors looking to move to Foley. Officials say this is one step towards the development of the medical overlay district created by the Foley City Council in 2023. The goal: to support the expansion of services in the area around the hospital. Now, folks who live in South Baldwin and Foley wont have to drive to Mobile or Pensacola, We may be able to see somebody right here in Foley, Hellmich said. Well have a Class A hospital, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, that is rated as one of the best hospitals in Alabama. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. It's Claimed that Only 1.6% of US Citizens Owned Slaves In 1860. We Ran the Numbers On April 2, 2024, the claim that "only 1.6% of US citizens owned slaves in 1860" went viral on X (formerly Twitter): Though the 3.3 million people who viewed this statement (at the time of this reporting) may not be aware, this claim is part of an long-standing genre of online memes that use a misleading statistic to minimize the importance of slavery to antebellum America. The actual percentage reported in these memes varies, Snopes has observed, from 1.3 percent to the present 1.6 percent. As Snopes reported in August 2019, the statistic to which these memes refer is most accurately conveyed as 1.4 percent. The earliest instance of the 1.4 percent version entering the digital lexicon with the purpose of minimizing white culpability for slavery appears to be a 2005 article on Vice titled "Hey Kids ... It's Time For Some Dumb Myths And Smart Facts About Slavery!" which opens with this premise: If you're white like Uncle Jim, your teachers will try to convince you that you're responsible for a bunch of bad, bad things that happened a long, long time ago. If you're a black schoolchild, I'm sure your parents will have plenty of excuses for why your ancestors were enslaved. But chances are that you're white at least for the next generation or two, those are the chances so I've collected a bunch of DUMB MYTHS and SMART FACTS about slavery that you can use to clown your teachers and everyone else at school! One of those "smart facts" was the claim phrased in much the same way the viral memes currently make use of it over a decade later: At the peak of black slavery in the South, only 6 percent of Southern whites owned slaves. If you include the white people in the North, it means that only 1.4 percent of white Americans owned black slaves at the HEIGHT of slavery. It is unclear how the number has shifted between 1.3 and 1.6 percent over time, but the actual number doesn't really matter. The point, these memes argue, is that the number is small, and therefore Black people should not hold animus toward White people for the crimes of their ancestors. The message stays the same, even when the numbers do not. Where Does This Small Number Come From? The year 1860 was a census year. Officials collected detailed information on slave ownership and distribution in the Southern states, and this data, while far from perfect, is likely the most reliable source of information for the state of slavery directly preceding the Civil War. Among the data collected were the total population of each state both free and enslaved as well as family and household statistics. These data can be found in the state-level population reports for 1860 published by the U.S. Census Bureau. Another set of relevant data concerns slave ownership. A table for each slave state documenting the number of slaves and slave owners is found beginning on page 223 of the 1860 Census report "Agriculture of the United States in 1860." The Civil War Home Page has collated this info into a single table that is often cited to help address the question of what percentage of whites owned slaves at the peak of slavery. A portion of that information is presented below: 1860 Census Total Population 31,183,582 Total No. of Slaves 3,950,528 No. of Families 5,155,608 Total Free Population 27,233,198 Total No. of Slaveholders 393,975 Slaves as a Percent of the Population 13% The number 1.4% is likely derived by taking the number of "slaveholders" (393,975) as a fraction of the "total free population" (27,233,198), which yields 1.4%. For several reasons enumerated below, that number grossly downplays the number of whites who were involved and who benefited directly from slavery. (Additionally, the premise behind each of these types of calculations betrays a false assumption that non-slaveholding whites had no role in supporting or benefiting from the institution of slavery in the 1860s.) Total Number of Slaveholders Is Not the Proper Metric Adam Rothman, a historian at Georgetown University and an expert in the history of slavery who spoke to us via email, told us that the percentage of slaveholding families is "the better measure of the extent of slaveholding." One reason this is true, according to historian Adam Goodheart in an interview with Politifact in August 2017, is that a person could be (and often was) a "slave master" but not technically a "slave owner": "Many non-slaveholding whites in the South rented slaves from wealthier slaveholders ... so it was very common for a white Southerner to be a 'slave master' but not technically a 'slave owner.'" Similarly, the head of a household may have been the legal owner of a slave, but that slave would still perform work that would benefit the family, household, or business as a whole. Those non-owners, when using the metric "total number of slaveholders," would not be included as having participated in the institution of slavery. Using census numbers for the percentage of families who held slaves, the nationwide calculation for the percentage of "families owning slaves," is 7.4%, Rothman told us. Nevertheless, this result, while still several times greater than the numbers presented in the memes, is still misleading. Including Free States Dilutes the Percentages By 1860, 20 out of the United States' 35 states had outlawed slavery. Each of those 20 states recorded 0% of slave-owning families in the 1860 census. Memes such as the one under discussion, which include the states where slavery had already been outlawed, dilute the significance of slavery in those remaining states where individuals were not legally banned from the practice. In those states, the number ranged from 3 percent to just shy of 50%: 1860 Census Families Owning Slaves (%) Delaware 3 Maryland 12 Missouri 13 Arkansas 20 Kentucky 23 Tennessee 25 Virginia 26 North Carolina 28 Texas 28 Louisiana 29 Florida 34 Alabama 35 Georgia 37 South Carolina 46 Mississippi 49 All but five of those states contained at least 25% of the families as slaveholders some nearly double that. As pointed out by Jamelle Bouie and Rebecca Onion in a 2015 Slate article, these numbers are "roughly the same percentage of Americans who, today, hold a college degree." This number is far from insignificant, even working from the flawed assumption that only people who directly owned slaves were responsible for the institution's survival into the 1860s. A 'Slave Society' Is Larger Than Slave Ownership Historians of American slavery often distinguish between a "society with slaves" (which is historically common) and a "slave society" in which slavery formed the basis of a political and economic system (which is historically rare). Explaining this distinction for a 2012 Atlantic article, Ta-Nehisi Coates argued: The basic point is that you can't think of slavery in the antebellum South as simply something people did. Slavery defined people slaves, slave-owners, non-slave holding whites, free blacks and native Americans. Politically, the slave society impacted everything from Henry Clay's push for the American System to the Nullification Crisis to the Mexican War. In 1860, 90% of America's black population was enslaved, and blacks made up over 50% of the population of states like South Carolina and Mississippi. To suggest this ubiquity of human bondage in 1860s America was the result of only 1.4% "1.6% of whites" owning slaves would be, to put it mildly, an inaccurate reading of U.S. history. Sources: Goad, Jim. "Hey Kids ... It's Time For Some Dumb Myths And Smart Facts About Slavery!" Vice News. 1 December 2005. United States Census Bureau. "1860 Census: Population of the United States" 1864. United States Census Bureau. "Agriculture of the United States in 1860." 1864. The Civil War Home Page. " Results from the 1860 Census." Accessed 7 August 2019. Strausbaugh, John. City of Sedition: The History of New York City during the Civil War. Grand Central Publishing, 2016. 1455584193. Jacobson, Louis. "Viral Post Gets it Wrong About Extent of Slavery in 1860." Politifact. 24 August 2017. Perez-Pena, Richard. "U.S. Bachelor Degree Rate Passes Milestone." The New York Times. 23 February 2012. Berlin, Ira. Many Thousands Gone: The First Two Centuries of Slavery in North America. Belknap Press, 1999. 9780674002111 Coates, Ta-Nehisi. "The Slave Society Defined." The Atlantic. 6 September 2011. Gates, Jr., Henry Louis. "Slavery, by the Numbers." The Root. 10 February 2014. It can seem counterintuitive to provide clean syringes to individuals who inject drugs. After all, why make it easier to consume illicit substances that are increasingly resulting in overdoses? In the fight against fentanyl, however, a clean syringe can be a lifesaving connection. We might not be able to stop every overdose, but if we can provide a tool to forge those connections and make illicit drug use safer, then we should. Colloquially known as syringe services programs, SSPs aim to reduce infectious disease transmission acquired from shared needles. In this regard they are undeniably effective, yielding a 50% reduction in HIV and hepatitis C transmission. Syringe exchange programs are certainly not without controversy, but having been around for more than three decades, SSPs are neither novel nor lacking in evidence of their public health efficacy and societal cost savings. Syringe services programs yield a 50% reduction in HIV and hepatitis C transmission and help reduce public needles litter. How syringe services programs help fight opioid epidemic A growing number of conservative states often concerned that overdoses are increasing year over year are moving to restrict or close down needle exchange programs. Weve seen this in Idaho, Nebraska and West Virginia. Skepticism is understandable, as we are all frustrated by an ever-evolving opioid epidemic that now is dominated by fentanyl. Even so, it is critical to follow the facts and use every tool at our disposal to fight this unrelenting enemy. One of us is a former commissioner of the Indiana Health Department and knows from working on the ground with vocal opponents of SSPs ranging from local law enforcement to community members that contrary to what some skeptics claim, these programs have long contributed to community safety. An SSP in Indiana had a lifetime syringe return rate of 92%. One in Florida reduced public syringe litter by nearly half. Being uncomfortable with a solution, or frustrated with what seems like a lack of progress, is not a reason to stop using tactics proven to save lives and advance public safety. What are nitazenes? These new synthetic opioids could make fentanyl crisis look like 'the good old days' Opponents of SSPs argue that they enable drug use and make neighborhoods less safe. However, when implemented according to best practices, there is actually plenty of evidence to the contrary. As the overdose epidemic accelerates due to synthetic opioids (like fentanyl), which are behind nearly 9 out of every 10 opioid-related overdoses, loud voices shout that syringe programs are not bringing down this spike. However, they misunderstand the scale of the overdose crisis and the various roles SSPs play in mitigating its harms. If were going to create connections to those who often feel separated from society, and protect individuals and communities, we have to stop pitting public health against public safety. 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. We can accomplish both, which is reflected in how SSPs have evolved to address this crisis. They offer not just sterile syringes but also overdose prevention education and tools, community support services, and pathways to treatment and recovery. SSP participants are five times more likely to enter drug treatment than nonparticipants and three times more likely to stop using drugs. In other words, contrary to inflammatory rhetoric about these programs enabling drug use, they are one of the most effective gateways to treatment we have. Front-line work in the opioid war Despite these successes, misguided policies can hamstring the ability of needle exchange programs to meet the pressing needs of vulnerable communities, especially as the opioid epidemic worsens. Since the 1990s, SSPs have had to take legal risks just to distribute the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone or nalmefene. As such, these lifesaving interventions have been insufficiently accessible to people who are most likely to experience, witness and respond to an opioid-related overdose. Invest in new overdose preventions: Families are on the front lines of the opioid epidemic It is only recently, as states have implemented laws to reduce prescription barriers to naloxone and as intranasal formulations have become available over the counter, that the antidote has started to become truly accessible. As one of us said when he was surgeon general, having the knowledge and tools to respond to an opioid overdose can save a life. Weve made progress in spite of the increasingly prevalence of fentanyl, so why would we willingly go backward? Dr. Jerome Adams served as the 20th U.S. surgeon general from 2017 to 2021. The nations stubbornly high overdose rate is not a sign of SSPs failure; it is a sign of fentanyls success. We must do more, not less. Mazen Saleh is the policy director for the Integrated Harm Reduction program at the R Street Institute. Syringe services programs do the tireless, front-line work of grappling with the realities of the opioid crisis in our communities. Yes, they can make us uncomfortable, despite the fact that its exactly this work that curbs the spread of disease, keeps people alive and connects them with treatment, and makes communities safer all while being extremely cost-effective. These are outcomes every American can agree are the right ones. Dr. Jerome Adams, a licensed anesthesiologist, is the executive director of Purdue Universitys Health Equity Initiatives. He served as the 20th U.S. surgeon general from 2017 to 2021, and as commissioner of the Indiana Health Department 2014-17. Mazen Saleh is the policy director for the Integrated Harm Reduction program at the R Street Institute. 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: Harm reduction, needle exchange sites can help end fentanyl crisis Clearwater firefighter terminated after he exposed himself to high school student: police Clearwater firefighter terminated after he exposed himself to high school student: police TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Pinellas Park police arrested a Clearwater probationary firefighter for exposing himself to a high school girl, the department announced Wednesday. The department said Fisher Davis, 22, of Palm Harbor, followed the 18-year-old student into a 7-Eleven on 49th Street N. in Pinellas Park on Mar. 6 and lifted his shorts, exposing his genitals to her. Credit: Pinellas Park Police Department Botched robbery leaves teen dead, another injured in Largo In surveillance footage, Davis is seen following her around the store while exposing himself, seemingly waiting for her to acknowledge him. Davis left the 7-Eleven after an employee confronted him, according to police. He was arrested Wednesday following an investigation and has since been terminated by Clearwater Fire and Rescue. This is a disturbing allegation and not representative of the men and women of Clearwater Fire & Rescue, said Clearwater Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Ehlers. Since he is a probationary employee Fisher Davis is being terminated effective today. Davis faces charges of exposure of sexual organs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Confronting the three forces of evil was one of the goals of the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, Trend reports. He made a remark during the meeting with the secretaries of the security councils of the SCO member states in Astana. "The Shanghai Organization was established to maintain regional stability and security in order to cooperatively combat the three forces of evil. These risks are not only still relevant, but they are evolving and gaining urgency. In turn, we require a more organized and forceful response. Terrorism, extremism, and separatism must not be exploited to undermine our states' internal stability. One of Kazakhstan's priorities during its chairmanship of the SCO is to combat the three forces of evil, as well as transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and cyber security threats," he noted. He stressed the necessity of adopting the Cooperation Program on Combating Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism for 20252027. The speech also mentioned the importance of adopting the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 20242029 and the Action Program for its implementation. "The SCO is one of the pillars of the renewed international security architecture. Therefore, our organization should set an example of concerted and concrete steps to ensure stability and security in the region," Tokayev added. To note, the SCO is the successor to the Shanghai Five, which was created in 1996 by the People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. In June 2001, the leaders of these countries and Uzbekistan met in Shanghai to announce a new organization for greater political and economic cooperation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel If you lived in Jacksonville in 1970, you wouldnt have had to travel far to get in the path of totality for that year's eclipse unlike the long-distance road trip youd need to make for this month's total eclipse. Just a quick jaunt out to the Big Bend, or up to the Okefenokee Swamp would have put you in complete darkness. The prospect brought tourists, TV crews and scientists to North Florida and South Georgia, giving them and the locals a strong shot of eclipse fever. What was the path of the 1970 eclipse? The Stipe youngsters of Dixie, Ga., raided the country store and, after much paper construction, put together their eclipse viewboxes. But 8-month-old Shad just played with his box. The family had no TV, so the viewers were their only way to catch the solar eclipse. The eclipse that year was an 89-mile wide swath of darkness that started in the Pacific, crossed Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico, then came ashore again in Perry, in Florida's Big Bend. It would go over White Springs before sweeping north over Valdosta, Ga., and up to Savannah, Ga. From there it would travel north along the coast to Norfolk, Va., before heading offshore to Nantucket Island and Nova Scotia. Was there eclipse mania? Members of the Boys Club of America crowd around a sun scope in anticipation of the solar eclipse on March 7, 1970. There was. Here was the chance to see the sun blotted out by the shadow of the moon. And to see an eclipse so spectacular in the Southeast, the citizens of 1970 were told, they would have to wait all the way until the far future, the year 2017. In 1969, the head of an amateur astronomers group predicted Jacksonville would be an ideal staging point for 1970s eclipse watchers. He figured more than a half-million would come. That didn't pan out, but there was still considerable eclipse mania in the area, as locals fashioned eclipse viewers, attended seminars at the George Washington Hotel and boarded chartered buses to chase the darkness. The 1970 eclipse in Jacksonville With headlights on, cars navigate the streets of downtown Jacksonville during the solar eclipse on March 7, 1970. On March 7, 1970, a Saturday, Jacksonville was close to the path of totality very close and was told it would see 98.7% of the sun blocked, peaking at 1:21 p.m. It got gloomy enough that neon signs downtown stood out in the cloudy twilight that afternoon. What about 2024s eclipse in Jacksonville? For this years eclipse on Monday, by contrast, only about 63% of the sun will be blocked. That basically means you wouldnt even notice it unless you knew it was happening, said Jack Hewitt, who teaches physics and astronomy at the University of North Florida, which is holding a watch party anyway on campus. Solar eclipse 2024: Will Florida residents see the solar eclipse? Yes and no. Let us explain Solar eclipse 2024: What time is the April 8 solar eclipse in Jacksonville? Find out with your ZIP code What about the eclipse weather? Crowds of solar eclipse watchers gather around a telescope on March 7, 1970. In 1970, as today, there was always a worry: Florida's famously changeable weather. In 1970, it turned out those worries were warranted, as a persistent low-pressure system blossomed in the Gulf of Mexico and spread thick clouds along the eclipse's route through the state. Sure, everything would still turn dark as the eclipse moved over. But the chance to view and record the eclipse that awe-inspiring movement of the moon shadow over the sun, the sun's corona flaring at the edge? All that would be lost. In the path of totality, 1970 On March 7, 1970, the Lang family of Bryan, Texas, waited in Perry, on Florida's Big Bend, to capture a total eclipse on film. Perry was the first place in the U.S. to see the eclipse, an 89-mile wide swath of darkness that would start in the Pacific, cross Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico, then come ashore again in Perry. The Langs must have been disappointed though: A heavy overcast fell over the area, and many astronomy fans there didn't even bother to get out their telescopes. In anticipation of the eclipse, Florida Gov. Claude Kirk declared Perry, a town of 10,000, the "Eclipse Capital of the World." Fair enough: It would have three minutes and 13 seconds of total darkness, and it would be the first place in the U.S. to witness the event. On eclipse day, though, the gloomy weather made for crowds much smaller than expected in the Eclipse Capital. Still, the town tripled in size as it drew an estimated 20,000 professional and amateur astronomers from across the world. Some even camped in the woods after Perrys limited hospitality industry was overwhelmed. As the eclipse loomed, a busload of schoolchildren from Brevard County sang words from a hit from the previous spring: "Let the sunshine in." But no luck. Heavy clouds obscured even an outline of the sun, and some frustrated astronomers didn't even bother to man the telescopes they'd brought. Consider the president of a large contingent of Swiss astronomers. Hed traveled all that way to see it, but as the eclipse moved over Perry, he just joined one of his countrymen to play shuffleboard at their motel. Chasing the eclipse In Jacksonville on eclipse morning, four chartered buses left from the Gator Bowl at 7 a.m., guided by ham-radio operators to wherever the best viewing conditions would be. They ended up in Waycross, in the path of totality. But they couldnt escape the clouds. Were any other eclipse events happening? To be sure, it was a happening down in Gainesville, where students at the University of Florida planned a mid-eclipse love-in and psychedelic rock show, according to organizer Andy Kramer. An interesting side note: As reported by the Times-Union, Kramer was "known locally for the wildest hair on campus." What about wildlife in Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp? Many scientists came to the Okefenokee to see how animals would react. A biologist in the refuge told The New York Times that mosquitoes came out as totality loomed, "just like they do at dusk." A flock of 47 buzzards circling overhead flew down to land on cypress branches for the duration. Tree frogs serenaded the darkness. In nearby Waycross, Gladys Henley, writing for the Jacksonville Journal, noted that "the black thunder-like cloud advanced from the southwest as if it would envelop the entire world. The rest of the horizon all around looked like a mammoth sunset in a soft orange-pink." Birds hushed as darkness came. Then the sun reappeared quickly, "driving back the great black cloud." What about media coverage of the eclipse? In preparation for its coverage of the March 7, 1970, eclipse, the American Broadcasting Company set up headquarters in the Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce building. The major networks were all over the story. For example, at Valdosta State College in South Georgia, CBS TV reporter Nelson Benton, hundreds of onlookers, a loud rock band and a rooster named Brownie came together to witness what the network was hyping as "the solar eclipse of the century." They were wondering what Brownie would do as darkness descended "whether he roosts, whether he crows or whether he flies the coop." (Brownie clucked a little, but that's all.) Benton told anchor Charles Kuralt back at headquarters that the clouds were disappointing, but it was still pretty spectacular as darkness fell. Only the windows in a nearby building were lit. The crowd was hushed. Even the rock band stopped playing. "Charlie, you've got to be here to believe it," he said as light began reasserting itself. "We're hearing applause from the crowd in the background as we're finding out that the world is not coming to an end." Did the temperature drop during the eclipse? Yes. A scientist in Valdosta noted that the temperature there at noon was 77 degrees. It dropped steadily as totality approached, bottoming out at 63. Interesting info, but so what? Those danged clouds really kind of ruined the eclipse of the century. All that waiting, all that planning ... "It was a bust," the scientist said. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Solar eclipse: In 1970, eclipse came over North Florida, South Georgia CHICAGO (AP) Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Christopher Morel and Garrett Cooper homered, and the Chicago Cubs pounded the Colorado Rockies 12-2 on Tuesday night for their third straight win. Bellingers two-run drive off the right-field scoreboard at Wrigley Field was his first homer of the season. The 2019 NL MVP re-signed with the Cubs for a $80 million, three-year contract in February. Cooper hit a three-run shot in the sixth that gave Chicago a 10-0 lead. He also doubled and tripled in his first home start with the Cubs. Nick Madrigal added two hits and three RBIs on a chilly, breezy night at Wrigley Field. Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson each had two of the Cubs 14 hits. Chicago right-hander Javier Assad allowed four hits in six scoreless innings. He struck out five and walked one in his first start of the season. Michael Toglia hit a two-run homer for Colorado in the seventh against Jose Cuas. Charlie Blackmon had three of the Rockies seven hits. Colorado Rockies right fielder Kris Bryants breath can been seen during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Chicago. Chicago Cubs Garrett Cooper, right, hive-fives Ian Happ after Cooper after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Chicago. Colorado Rockies Michael Toglia runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Chicago Cubs Cody Bellinger, right, and Seiya Suzuki celebrate Bellingers two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Chicago Cubs Cody Bellinger hits a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar throws to first for the out during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Chicago Cubs third baseman Miles Mastrobuoni, left, and second baseman Nico Hoerner baseball game celebrate their teams 12-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Colorado has been outscored 49-16 during its 1-5 start. The Rockies lost 5-0 to Shota Imanaga and the Cubs in the series opener on Monday. Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-2) was roughed up for the second straight start. He was tagged for seven runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. He also started on Thursday on opening day and was tagged for 10 runs and 10 hits in 2 1/3 innings in a 16-1 loss at Arizona. Suzuki gave Chicago a 2-0 lead when he drilled Freelands down-the-middle 2-0 pitch to the batters eye in center in the first. Madrigal hit an RBI single in the second, and Morel made it 4-0 with a solo shot in the third. TRAINERS ROOM Cubs: RHP Jameson Taillon (back strain) threw live batting practice at the teams training facility in Arizona, and INF Patrick Wisdom (back strain) took part in the session, manager Craig Counsell said. UP NEXT RHP Cal Quantrill (0-1, 9.00 ERA) starts for the Rockies in the series finale on Wednesday. The Cubs had not yet named their starter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Colombian police put aircraft into operation to extinguish fires during the El Nino weather phenomena By Carlos Vargas BOGOTA (Reuters) -A senate committee on Wednesday rejected a health reform proposed by the government of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, in a new defeat for the leftist, who has struggled to push new laws for his cornerstone promises through the Andean country's Congress. The reform was aimed at stripping power from insurers and expanding access to healthcare, according to the government, while detractors warned it would open the door to corruption. The move - with nine votes in favor and five against - is likely to cheer markets, which have been wary of reform efforts. Petro lamented the vote on social media platform X, saying the committee was sending the message that major reforms are not possible and adding that business owners have become the "owners of politics." "The government respects democratic rules and within the bounds of democratic rules will insist that Colombia needs a health reform," said Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco. The government will be able to propose a new version of the reform during the next legislative session, which begins in July. Petro's government this week took control of two major insurers - Sanitas and Nueva EPS, which combined have some 16 million insured - alleging they have failed to provide adequate care. The opposition criticized the move, saying it would give the government greater control over the healthcare system. The government may try to intervene more through regulators in response to the legislative defeat, said Sergio Guzman of Colombia Risk Analysis. Petro is also pushing a pension reform and changes to labor laws. The Senate could vote to reject the pension effort later on Wednesday. The health bill proposed creating a government agency that would centralize payments to ensure quick disbursements to clinics and hospitals, which frequently complain of paying delays. According to the body that administers payments to the health system, the government owes about 2 trillion pesos ($511.7 million) to healthcare providers, although hospitals, clinics and other organizations say the figure is much higher - around 10 trillion pesos. The reform also proposed the creation of primary care centers to guarantee timely care for patients and free up emergency services, but limited patients' choice of clinics to ones close to their residence. (Reporting by Carlos Vargas in Bogota, Additional reproting by Nelson BocanegraWriting by Julia Symmes CobbEditing by Sandra Maler and Matthew Lewis) BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) Just a few short months ago, Joshua Meyer was known by most as being an active outdoorsman, enjoying everything his home in Boulder, Colorado, had to offer. But a sudden sickness led to the loss of his legs and soon, his hands. He was a family man, valuing spending time with his wife and his two kids. Nothing beats snuggling on the couch or wrestling around on the floor, Meyer said. Joshua Meyer enjoying an active lifestyle It was early February, and his wife Courtney was out of town on a business trip. He was home with the kids when he suddenly fell sick. Elijah McClains mother testifies at Capitol as prone restraint bill passes committee I called in my mother-in-law to take care of the kids and every day seemed to get a little worse, Meyer remembered. I was just totally immobilized. When Courtney returned, she made sure he was settled in the basement where he wouldnt have to worry about giving it to the kids. She went upstairs to unpack and get settled when she suddenly had a thought to head back down to make sure he was doing all right. That was when she knew it was much more serious than she thought. I was blue in the face, Meyer said. While he didnt remember anything after that point, Meyer said his wife recalled him talking incoherently. Then, I turned to her and said, I think Im dying,' Meyer recounted. Courtney rushed him to a nearby hospital. The staff assumed he had the flu and started pumping him with fluids. But his sickness progressed. Very quickly, organs started shutting down, Meyer said. The medical professionals realized, in addition to the flu, he was suffering from streptococcus pneumonia and sepsis. They put him on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a form of life support, and transferred him to UCHealth Anschutz Medical Campus on Feb. 10. But even that came with its share of challenges. It was during a snowstorm, Meyer said. They were going to helicopter me over, but they couldnt because of the snow. So, they loaded up eight folks and all the machinery into an ambulance and made the drive down. Meyer hopes to use prosthetics in the future After weeks of treatment and going in and out of consciousness, his wife sat down to have a very difficult conversation. A new option for nursing students is coming to Aurora She sat on the couch and shared, You know, you got real sick real fast, and you were on deaths doorstep. We had a choice to either say goodbye or fight. I thought you would want to fight and be there for our kids. We chose to fight. Youre here today. Youre alive. There was a cost,' said Meyer. That cost was the loss of one of his legs already and soon his other, which at that point was set to be amputated. He also still had his hands, but they are scheduled to be amputated in two months. That moment is pretty clear in my head, Meyer said. Despite maybe not being clear in the journey of getting cognitive clarity. The Meyer family is now looking toward a long road to recovery, but there have been some positives, including the support he has seen from hospital staff, friends and family, and more. Whats been completely humbling and unexpected is the outpouring of support from all the unknowns. All these people I dont know, Meyer said. On March 17, his sister, Kristin Meyer-Carter, set up a GoFundMe to cover medical costs for his family. In just a few days, an outpouring of donations began flooding in and they well-exceeded $100,000. Every roadblock or every hurdle has been met with some small miracle right when it was needed. And no doubt thats a part of everybodys support and thoughts, Meyer said. After more than a month at UCHealth Anschutz, Meyer moved to a long-term acute care facility which will help prepare him for normal life. Joshua Meyer at UCHealth Anschutz After contemplating going the hand transplant route or the prosthetics route, he decided the risk-reward ratio was better with prosthetics. While they are not cheap usually costing in the $150,000 range his family is hoping this will help him be able to get to do the things he used to love to do before. Do you live in one of Colorados million-dollar cities? For now, he is hoping to be home by June, just in time for his sons birthday. And once he gets out of the hospital, he says he cant wait to treat Courtney to something special. Shes been a complete rockstar who will get a nice week-long vacation somewhere getting massages and spa treatments once I get out of the hospitals and back into the house, Meyer said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Colorado voters will decide if first-degree murder defendants should be denied right to bail The Colorado Capitol pictured on May 9, 2023. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) Colorado lawmakers approved legislation that will send a question to voters asking if people charged with first-degree murder should be denied bail when proof is evident or presumption is great that the person will be found guilty. The bipartisan measure, House Concurrent Resolution 24-1002, requires approval from 55% of voters, because it would amend the Colorado Constitution. Colorado repealed the death penalty in 2020, but the Constitution still references capital offenses. Previously, a court could deny bail for death penalty cases, such as when the charge was first-degree murder. But the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that first-degree murder cases could not be considered capital offenses for the purposes of denying bail since the death penalty is no longer a potential sentence. For a defendant charged with first-degree murder to be denied bail under the proposed amendment, prosecutors would have to show a judge that at trial they are likely to prove the defendant is guilty of first-degree murder. District Attorney Michael Allen of the 4th Judicial District told the House Judiciary Committee that the defense historically has participated in the hearing, cross-examining witnesses and even offering their own. The judge then decides based on evidence from both sides if presumption is great enough for bail to be denied. If the judge isnt convinced by the evidence, they can still set bail for the defendant. Its really very case dependent: Whats the evidence look like, how strong is the evidence, is it likely more than just probable cause that somebody is going to be convicted, Allen said. If the judge is satisfied, then he or she will make that finding and then hold that defendant without bond. Sen. Rhonda Fields, an Aurora Democrat who sponsored the legislation, said making this change is important for victims, public safety and Colorados well-being. This is a fix that the Colorado Supreme Court has asked us to do to be able to make sure that we have a balanced approach for those who have access to bail, Fields said on the Senate floor. Since the Colorado Supreme Court decision, about 500 first-degree murder cases involved a defendent now eligible for bail, according to Jessica Dotter, a prosecutor who works with the Colorado District Attorneys Council. Its really difficult for survivors to deal with the idea and the possibility of their deceased loved ones killer getting out on bond pending trial. Jessica Dotter, of the Colorado District Attorneys' Council Dotter said she thinks voters will respond positively to the measure, noting that its passage would bring Colorado in line with the rest of the nation she said 46 states have the ability to hold a first-degree murder defendant without posting bond, 36 of which also provide a hearing. She also sees Colorado voters agreeing that first-degree murder defendants present a safety risk to Colorado communities, as well as a flight risk. Its really difficult for survivors to deal with the idea and the possibility of their deceased loved ones killer getting out on bond pending trial, Dotter said. Its terrifying for them for fears of retaliation, for fears that the person will flee and never actually be prosecuted, and I think that this will give them a real sense of safety and security Other sponsors of the bipartisan legislation, which was approved last week, include Republican Sen. Bob Gardner of Colorado Springs, Majority Leader Monica Duran of Wheat Ridge, and Republican Rep. Mike Lynch of Wellington. This was clearly an unintended consequence of repealing the death penalty that puts the safety of the community at risk, and nearly 500 first-degree murder cases have been impacted since 2020, and courts have set bond in some of those cases, Lynch said in the House Judiciary Committee hearing for the bill in early February. Duran said the question ahead of Colorado voters is simple, and she sees them being supportive of the ballot question in November. Since its a presidential election year, she said voters are paying attention, and public safety comes up regularly as a top priority for her constituents and others throughout Colorado. Its really just going back to the way Colorado was its nothing new, Duran said. Were not creating a new penalty at all, were just going back to the way its been all along except for this little loophole when we removed the death penalty. The Colorado Senate unanimously approved the House Concurrent Resolution sending a question to the ballot, as well as House Bill 24-1225, which will implement the change if voters approve the amendment. The House of Representatives passed it with a 59-5 vote. The five members of the House who voted against the bill included Democratic Reps. Elisabeth Epps, Tim Hernandez and Javier Mabrey of Denver, and Lorena Garcia of Adams County, as well as Republican Rep. Rod Bockenfeld of Watkins. Mabrey, who also voted against the bill in the House Judiciary Committee hearing, said he was concerned about the bills effect on a defendants constitutional rights. I felt that it could impact the principle of innocence until proven guilty, he said in a text message. If a judge makes a determination that someone is likely guilty before the trial, I worry about the signal that could send to the jury, the prosecution and the defense. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis will need to sign the legislation in order for the question to be placed on the ballot. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Colorado voters will decide if first-degree murder defendants should be denied right to bail appeared first on Colorado Newsline. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A Columbus woman could spend more than two decades behind bars for the fatal shooting of a man last year. According to an announcement from the Franklin County Prosecutor, Cassandra Franklin, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 to 23.5 years in prison by Common Pleas Judge Dan Hawkins. Licking County woman loses $500K to Social Security scam Franklin pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter with a three-year gun specification and one count of burglary. Investigators said Franklin shot and killed Michael Sarratt during a struggle on the evening of February 22, 2023, after entering a Columbus residence and assaulting Sarratt and another person. Two dead, two injured after a crash in Canal Winchester Franklin was arrested on May 26, 2023, by the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team after she was located in Uniontown, Ohio, southeast of Akron. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Come to Kharkiv first and condemn us then, Zelenskyy tells critics of attacks on Russian oil refineries Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with Finnish President on 3 March. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has advised members of the international organisations condemning Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries to visit the heavily bombarded Ukrainian cities and then try and condemn Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb Quote: "A big thank you to the various international organisations that are constantly condemning something. It is very important that they do condemn and focus on the strikes on Ukraine. Some have also raised the issue of strikes on refineries [in Russia ed.], on temporarily occupied territories where there are infrastructure facilities, as well as on Russian military airfields and captured Ukrainian ones. Responding to these organisations is very simple. It seems to me that to really understand how to survive in Kharkiv, how people are living with no electricity or water, people probably need to come and see, and then condemn something or not. Russia understands nothing but force. And all the condemnations of the illegal occupation of our territory, the attacks on our energy sector, the power outages we have experienced over the past two years, the blowing up of our infrastructure facilities and hydroelectric power plants... All these condemnations have not led to any reduction in the Russian Federations attacks. This shows that these people only understand when there is a powerful response, so I believe that our Western partners should support Ukrainian responses." Details: The president of Finland supported Zelenskyy's position on the attacks on Russian oil refineries. Background: Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, said that oil refineries in Russia were legitimate targets of Ukraine from a military point of view. She said that in this case, Ukraine is acting in accordance with NATO standards. The Financial Times learned that the United States had supposedly urged Ukraine not to hit Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure, as it was concerned that this could lead to higher oil prices and further escalation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the United States did not have a positive attitude towards drone strikes on oil refineries in Russia, but since these were Ukrainian-made drones, no one could forbid Ukraine to strike Russian refineries. Read more: "The burning shall continue": What lies behind Ukraine's attacks on Russia's oil refineries, and how have they impacted the Kremlin? Support UP or become our patron! The owner of a concrete company tied to the Hays school district bus crash last month was ticketed in Hays County for employing an unlicensed driver more than two years prior to the wreck that injured more than 50 people and killed two, including a prekindergarten student. Francisco Martinez Jr., the owner of FJM Concrete Pumping LLC, pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor traffic offense and paid the $316 ticket on Tuesday, closing the October 2021 case, according to the office of Hays County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace John Burns. Bastrop County authorities on Friday arrested Martinez's employee, Jerry Hernandez, on a warrant charging him with criminally negligent homicide in relation to the March 22 school bus crash. According to charging documents for Hernandez, Martinez told authorities he had not verified the status of Hernandez's commercial license or his driver's history prior to employing him. Neither Martinez nor his attorney, Thomas Fagerberg, returned phone calls seeking comment Tuesday afternoon. Reached by the American-Statesman last week, Martinez deferred questions to Fagerberg. A state trooper looks at a fatal school bus crash on SH 21 near Caldwell Road Friday March 22, 2024. On Monday, Burns' office issued a warrant for Martinez in relation to the years-old ticket, which was unpaid and delinquent. In a statement Tuesday, the office attributed the delay in issuing a warrant to a policy allowing those ticketed additional time to pay citations during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We held off on warrants from 2021 and gave extra time to get citation (sic) taken care of due to Covid, but now that time has passed, we are issuing them when we come across them," the office said in an unattributed statement to the Statesman. The author of the statement declined a request for an interview with Burns, writing, "Judge is not available and has no comment." The unlicensed driver for whom Martinez was ticketed was not Hernandez, according to a complaint filed with the ticket by the Texas Department of Public Safety trooper who handled the October 2021 case. According to charging documents, Hernandez had previously failed a drug test for marijuana in December 2022 and another for cocaine in April 2023. Hernandez was tested because, in September 2020, his employer at the time had "reasonable suspicion" that he was on drugs, but he refused a test, according to data from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a national database containing information about drug and alcohol violations of drivers with commercial driver's licenses. State troopers look at a vehicle that was involved in a fatal school bus crash on SH 21 near Caldwell Road Friday March 22, 2024. Despite these violations and the resulting "prohibited" status of his commercial driver's license, Hernandez was permitted to operate the concrete pump truck involved in the March 22 crash in Texas. A search of the state's driver's license system showed he was "eligible," a state trooper wrote in charging documents. Federal reporting requirements around clearinghouse violations and what triggers ineligibility may change this fall. Last month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed changes to require states' licensing agencies to downgrade a driver's commercial license for such violations. Had those changes been in effect, Hernandez's commercial license would have been downgraded, barring him from driving a pump truck for the purpose of intrastate commerce, the state trooper wrote. Those changes won't take effect until Nov. 18, according to a notice published in the Federal Register. Hernandez told investigators he had smoked marijuana the night before the crash at 10 p.m., according to the charging documents. On the morning of March 22, he did a "small amount of cocaine" at 1 a.m. after waking up at 12:30 a.m. to go to work. Hernandez had refused to voluntarily give a blood sample at the scene of the crash. Ulises Rodriguez Montoya, a 5-year-old pre-K student at Tom Green Elementary School in the Hays school district, and Ryan Wallace, a 33-year-old University of Texas doctoral student who was driving a vehicle behind the bus, died in the crash. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Company owner tied to Hays CISD crash previously hired unlicensed driver Congressional dollars headed for Washington. Heres which projects will receive funding Numerous projects and organizations in Washington state are slated to receive funding through the latest round of Congressional funding packages, including millions in support for early childhood education, infrastructure, and universities. Nearly $242 million will be appropriated for projects across Washington state under two funding packages passed in March by Congress for the 2024 fiscal year, according to a news release from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA. Here are some local allocations: Bellingham/Whatcom County $2.425 million for the construction of an Advanced Technology Laboratory and the purchase of research equipment at Western Washington University. $8 million to the Lummi Nation for the elevation of Slater Road. $4 million for the construction of a new early learning center in the Meridian School District . Tacoma/Pierce County projects $500,000 towards municipal mental health therapeutic courts in Tacoma. $1.9 million to the Army Corps of Engineers for pre-construction engineering and design for the Tacoma Harbor Navigation Improvement Project. $4 million to the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center in Tacoma for the construction of 17 Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program classrooms. $1.5 million towards the South Hill 122nd Ave Corridor Safety and Relief Project in Pierce County. $2.5 million for Pierce Transit for the modernization of bus shelters and passenger amenities. $2.129 million for Tacoma Arts Lives Small Business Incubator Expansion. $2 million to HopeSparks for the Pediatric Medical and Behavioral Health Care Clinic. $2.5 million for the University of Washington Tacoma to procure equipment for new laboratories as part of its Milgard Engineering Labs Buildout project. $545,000 for the installment of PFAS treatment units at drinking water wells in DuPont. $7.5 million to Joint Base Lewis-McChord for a vehicle maintenance shop. $3.6 million for the Camp Murray National Guard and Reserve Center Building. $7.9 million for barracks construction at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Thurston/Lewis counties $2.135 million to The Evergreen State College in Olympia for the acquisition of new laboratory equipment. $180,000 to the Army Corps of Engineers to monitor sediment at Mount St. Helens. $750,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, based in Olympia, to expand their career mentoring and exploration program for rural high school students. $1.5 million to Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council for veterans workforce development. $5 million for the Nisqually Healing Center in Olympia. $700,000 towards a mobile health unit for substance use disorder treatment, including equipment for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. $4 million to the United Learning Center of Lewis County for an early learning center. Tri-Cities $3 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service facility in Prosser to complete repairs and for capital improvements $5 million to rehabilitate and improve the drinking water system in Mattawa. $960,000 for the Yakima Training Center to build an automated infantry platoon battle course. $706,000 for Entre Hermanos for an HIV support services center in Yakima County. $563,000 for Greater Health Now for a Mobile Womens Health vehicle. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Rossiya Airlines (part of the Aeroflot Group) will launch direct regular flights from St. Petersburg (Russia) to Almaty (Kazakhstan) on June 1, 2024, Trend reports, citing Aeroflot. The summer seasonal schedule includes four weekly flights on the St. Petersburg - Almaty - St. Petersburg air route: on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Previously, Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air launched flights from its Ust-Kamenogorsk city to Russian Novosibirsk on January 25, 2024. Moreover, Kazakhstan has established international flights with 28 countries today. Flights are operated on 108 routes with a frequency of 550 flights per week by 4 Kazakh and 30 foreign air carriers. As the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Marat Karabayev previously stated, Kazakhstan is interested in transferring 22 airports under the management of European investors. In the field of civil aviation, the two largest airports in Kazakhstan were transferred to private ownership. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Teaching the younger generation the importance of politics. U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar met with Socorro High School seniors on Wednesday morning, April 3, according to Socorro Independent School District (SISD). According to SISD, the seniors are a part of Socorros student government and National Honor Society. Congresswoman Escobar shared her personal experience on how she got involved in government and politics and how the younger generation could be active as well, according SISD. At the end, the seniors were allowed to ask Congresswoman Escobar some questions. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. This is a photo of Rep. Kate Farrar sitting on the floor with some children before a press conference. This article was originally published in Source NM. A bipartisan group of Connecticut lawmakers wants to use state money to seed and sustain a trust fund designated solely to cover early childhood education. The proposal, House Bill 5002, would direct an initial $50 million in bond funding and up to $50 million more from the states projected budget surplus this fiscal year into the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Private donations, local and federal grants and other public and private contributions could augment the fund, which would be overseen by an advisory commission of state officials, child care industry leaders and representatives from industry and philanthropic organizations, among others. State Rep. Kate Farrar, D-West Hartford, said H.B. 5002 builds on the recommendations of a Blue Ribbon Panel convened by Gov. Ned Lamont last year, which produced a 5-year strategic plan for the states child care system. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter It proposes to transform this work with public and private investments and create a structure that ensures we have funding now and into the future, Farrar said at a press conference at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on Thursday. But Beth Bye, commissioner of the states Office of Early Childhood, raised concerns about the bill specifically a section calling on the trust funds advisory commission to develop a 10-year plan for child care spending and legislative changes to support the system. The Blue Ribbon five-year plan provides a vision for Connecticuts child care infrastructure that will improve access to quality care for thousands of families through efforts aimed at affordability, stabilizing and expanding child care businesses, and improving the quality of programs, Bye said in written testimony. The plan was informed by thousands of providers, parents, businesses, and interested residents and evolved significantly. A new planning process would simply be duplicative of this valuable work. Bye also pointed out that an Early Childhood Education Fund already exists, established by the legislature last year, and the fund is permitted to receive philanthropic donations to support early childhood education. State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, whose office oversees the trust fund, said there is currently no money in that fund. He said he supports the proposal to seed the fund with public money and establish a commission to oversee it. (Scanlon would serve as co-chair of that commission.) Part of the rationale for doing this is that wealthy people and foundations dont just give money to things that have no structure to them and no game plan, Scanlon said. The bill does put some seed money into this, but the goal is that both the legislature and private donations would bolster that fund to get to a sufficient point where we could actually do things in the governors Blue Ribbon plan that cost a lot of money. Related Final Push to Save Expanded Child Tax Credit as Senate Hopes Dim At the press conference, House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said the trust fund wont solve Connecticuts child care crisis right away. You have to make down payments, he said. You have to make incremental progress by putting more money into that trust fund and growing it. Ritter suggested a few ways the state could contribute to the fund on an annual basis: by pledging the interest from the budget reserve fund each year; by designating a portion of any budget surplus; or by agreeing to match private donations up to a certain dollar amount each year. There are creative ways to do it, but its going to take a little bit of time to work it out, he said. We cant just write a check for $2 trillion and fund it forever in perpetuity, but we can begin to make down payments on it. The advisory commission would be tasked with developing those creative solutions. Later in the day Thursday, Jacob Vigil of New Mexico Voices for Children, a child advocacy and economic policy group, testified before the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee about his states early childhood trust fund, which was established in 2020. The fund started with $300 million in seed money, and the state designated a portion of surplus oil and gas revenues to sustain the trust fund each year. Over the course of, really, a short period of time, the balance of the fund increased dramatically and was estimated by our state legislative economist to sit at over $5 billion dollars going into the 2024 legislative session, Vigil said. He called the program nothing short of generational transformation. Committee Co-chair State Sen. John Fonfara, D-Hartford, expressed wariness toward such a large investment of limited state dollars. We have a tendency, if not a general belief, that by [adding] another program or money that were going to be able to address the same challenges, Fonfara said. I am not questioning the desire or the commitment but what it will really take to get these children, who need it the most, a shot in life. Georgia Goldburn, a former elementary school teacher who now runs child development center Hope for New Haven, stepped up to testify following Fonfaras comments, and she offered an analogy. Goldburn said if someone was building a house, it wouldnt be smart to spend only 10% on the construction and keep 90% to fix whatever breaks. That is what Connecticut has been doing. Thats why we cannot get the results that we need, Goldburn said. Instead of taking 10%, or a minimal amount of money, to build a brain at the most critical time for lifelong learning, we [would be] investing significantly more in these early learning years. So that the remediation that we have to do in special education or the prison pipeline all of those things will be deemed moot. Source New Mexico is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Source New Mexico maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Shaun Griswold for questions: info@sourcenm.com. Follow Source New Mexico on Facebook and Twitter. The GOP has a slim margin in the House of Representatives. These races could decide control in 2024 WASHINGTON All 435 House seats will be up for grabs in 2024, and both Democrats and Republicans are feeling bullish about their chances to control the lower chamber. Just a handful of districts, however, will host competitive races and are expected to be critical in determining whick party will lead the House. Republicans are hoping to expand their razor-thin majority, which has slowly whittled down in recent weeks as disillusioned lawmakers rush for the exits retiring or simply stepping down. The GOP will soon have just a one-vote margin for passing legislation. On the other hand, Democrats are hoping to capitalize on the Houses frequent chaos and disarray under Republicans' control. With one GOP lawmaker leaving later this month, Republicans will soon hold 217 seats to Democrats 213, meaning Democrats just need to flip a few districts to take the House next year. Here are the races to watch. What House seats are Democrats eyeing? As Democrats and Republicans fight for control of the House, all eyes have been on the 17 Republicans representing districts President Joe Biden picked up in the 2020 presidential election. The path to reclaim the House as Democrats see it is through those GOP-held seats. Those 17 Republicans representing Biden-won districts are: Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz. Rep. John Duarte, R-Calif. Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif. Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif. Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif. Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Calif. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J. Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y. Rep. Anthony DEsposito, R-N.Y. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y. Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y. Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., is followed by reporters as he leaves a House Republican conference meeting in the U.S. Capitol Building on March 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. Where can Republicans pick up seats? While Republicans are playing defense in those districts Biden won, the GOP also has its own fair share of pick-up opportunities. A number of Democratic lawmakers departing the House at the end of the year could leave seats open for the GOPs taking. In Michigan, well-established Democratic Reps. Elissa Slotkin and Dan Kildee are leaving their battleground districts. Slotkin is aiming for a higher position as she runs for a Senate term, and Kildee is retiring. And in New Hampshire, Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster is retiring after serving for over a decade in the Granite States second congressional district, which could serve as another pickup opportunity for Republicans. U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-N.H., speaks at a press conference on immigration and border security on February 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. Republicans are also using a play from their colleagues on the left, targeting the few Democrats representing districts former President Donald Trump won in 2020. Those lawmakers are: Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa. Rep. Marie Glesenkamp-Perez, D-Wash. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who will control the House of Representatives? Races to watch in 2024 Controversy erupted at Tuesdays meeting of the Wichita County Commissioners as the panel again questioned reasons for late payment to some election workers in the March 5 party primaries. The Democratic Party paid its workers directly while the Republican Party contracted with the county to pay its workers. The Republican workers have yet to be paid. At a meeting March 26, the commissioners heard from Assistant County Auditor Cory Liner that pay was delayed for all the Republican workers because some of them had not completed paperwork required by County Auditor Cheryll Jones' office. During a Wichita County Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday, Treasurer Stephen Jones said he won't go behind the auditor's back to write checks for election workers. That did not sit well with the commissioners, so on Tuesday, they considered a motion by Commissioner Mickey Fincannon to order the county treasurer to pay all those election workers by April 5. I want to have a court order saying were paying these people this week, Fincannon said. Treasurer Stephen Jones said he doesnt have the authority to write checks. Trying to order me to write a check and pay somebody behind the auditors back is illegal, Stephen Jones, who is Cheryll Jones' ex-husband, said. He said he had talked to an attorney with the Texas Ethics Commission. That brought a response from Commissioner Jeff Watts. We dont wait on you to decide you like it or dont like it or youre going to call the Ethics Commission before we take action, Jeff Watts said. When this court takes action, we order. This court does not have authority to order any disbursement for a claim I have not presented, Cheryll Jones said. Wichita County Commissioner Jeff Watts spars with County Auditor Cheryll Jones over payment to election workers during a Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday. Oh, yes, maam, it does. I beg to differ, Watts shot back. This court can take action regardless of your thoughts about it whatsoever. And this court will take action regardless of your thoughts. Liner said the Auditor's Office still lacks documentation on eight workers out of 116. Watts asked if that meant the others wouldnt be paid. No, Im going to concede the point and pay everyone we can pay, Cheryll Jones said. Wichita County Auditor Cheryll Jones sits up front during the Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday. She said most of the workers would be paid Friday. Much of the lengthy discussion on election pay dealt with what is required by law and what is the policy of the Auditors Office. Commissioner Mark Beauchamp took exception to the attitudes he perceived were coming from the auditors and treasurers offices. The disrespect thats coming from members of this audience toward this court is ridiculous. Im looking back at the tape from last week and watched how we were talked down to and totally disrespected," Beauchamp said. You, Cory, were way out of line. I agree. I followed suit, Liner replied. Your little smart aleck comment is uncalled for, Beauchamp replied. We are the court. We have the right to ask questions, to question any action that comes before this court. We were totally disrespected last week." The county auditor is appointed by the district judges in the county while the treasurer is an elected official. More: Tempers flare as county commissioners clash with Auditor's Office over election pay More: City will try again for a grant to add firefighters This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita County officials order treasurer to pay Republican workers The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report announced Wednesday that its shifting its rating of the Nevada Senate race from lean Democrat to toss up. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) is likely to go against retired Army Capt. Sam Brown (R) in November. Brown has several primary challengers, though Senate Republicans have sought to coalesce around the Army veteran this cycle. Meanwhile, Rosen is running for a second term in office, having beaten former Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) in 2018. Jessica Taylor, the Senate and governors editor for Cook Political Report, wrote in an analysis that the election handicapper was changing the rating of Rosens seat for several reasons: Its perpetually transient population that requires candidates to reintroduce themselves to voters, President Bidens performance trailing Donald Trump in state polling and a unique post-COVID economic hangover. The Nevada shift may be a bit surprising. After all, its the only one of the swing states Democrats carried in both 2016 and 2020 at the presidential level, and Republicans havent won a statewide federal race here since 2012. And of the quartet now in Toss Up, it is still probably the toughest, Taylor wrote. But remember that the 2022 Senate race was the closest in the country, with Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto prevailing by just under 8,000 votes over former Republican state Attorney General Adam Laxalt or around three quarters of a point. Taylor noted that while Rosen has a cash on hand advantage against Brown, polling has not only shown a tight race between the two Senate candidates but also Biden trailing Trump in the Silver State. Candidates running in swing states like Nevada are almost expected to outrun the top of the ticket. The Cook Political Report editor noted that Republicans have said that the voting turnout operation of the late Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is still strong. The Culinary Workers Union in Las Vegas has particularly played a key role in voter turnout among Democrats. Jacky Rosen is struggling to connect with Nevada voters because she cant defend her record of rubber stamping Joe Bidens policies that have caused higher prices, open borders, and out of control crime, said Maggie Abboud, a spokeswoman for the Senate GOP campaign arm, in a statement in response to the rating change. Updated at 2:40 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This story contains details of sexual abuse. A former State Department employee was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison for raping and sexually abusing the teenager daughter of his girlfriend up to 200 times over five years. Charles Clark, of Waldorf, Maryland, pleaded guilty in state and federal court to the crimes after law enforcement officers posed as the victim on her Instagram account to catch him gleefully reminiscing about taking her virginity. In a pre-sentencing report asking for leniency, Clarks attorney referred to him as a 67- year-old man in failing health who began a sexual relationship with a teenage girl. There is no legitimate excuse for his actions, and none will be offered here. While true that Mr. Clark was abusing marijuana and alcohol during the period of his crimeself-medicating his neurological conditionthat condition in no way justifies his actions. Federal prosecutors, on the other hand, said in court papers that Clark, who lived part-time in his girlfriends Washington home, was a father figure to the girl and helped raise her from a young age. He groomed her for abuse, starting with pats on her rear end and progressing to raping her in her own mothers bedroom. He molested her almost daily at her home and his, gave her gifts and privileges in exchange for her silence, and demanded explicit photos of her. For example, after the defendant purchased a cellphone for [the victim], he later refused to pay the bill on the phone because he believed [she] was using the phone to talk to boys her own age, prosecutors wrote. The defendant also purchased lingerie for [her], even photographing her wearing it at his request. In 2021, the teen told her mother about the abuse, and she contacted law enforcement, who took over the Instagram account the girl used to communicate with Clarkwho once had a top-secret security clearance as a shipping supervisor for the State Department. Posing as the girl, investigators got Clark to acknowledge sexual contact with the teen when he wrote that she gave me the most precious thing a woman can give a man. Asked what that was, he replied virginity. The investigator, still posing as the teen, asked Clark if he was happy he was was her first when she was just 13. His answer: Hell yeah I cherish that shit to my heart. In their brief to the court, prosecutors said Clark was guilty of a profound betrayal of trust. As [the teens] mother described in her Victim Impact Statement, Charles was with us when she did not have two front teeth... As time progressed, I trusted him with my children. I allowed them to go to his house and assist him with chores because he was too weak to do it alone. I trusted him to pick them up from school and watch them overnight when claimed he was sick and could not drive back home. The defenses brief said that Clark had been born into poverty, that his father was an an abusive alcoholic, and that his own first sexual experience was with a 67-year-old woman when he was a young teen. While none of Mr. Clarks experiences justify his crimes, they perhaps provide some insight into why he has ended up before this Court, his attorney wrote. The defense was hoping for a sentence of 10 years to be served concurrently with the 45 years he had already gotten from a state judgenoting that he would most likely die behind bars. Prosecutors said he deserved at least another 20 years, noting that he tried to blame the victim, telling an evaluator that she was enticing me, feeding me and coming on to me by walking around the house nearly naked in a bra and underwear and telling me encouraging words when her mother was not. This attempted blame-shifting reflects a profound delusion on the part of the defendant and ignores the reality that a 60-year-old adult man is fully responsible for his own actions, despite what a 13-year-old girl might be wearing, prosecutors wrote. The defendants sentence should reflect this reality. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia said in a press release on Wednesday that the judge gave him life. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The Fayette County Coroners Office has released the identity of the man who was shot and killed by Lexington police officers Tuesday. Joseph Carrico, 47, of Lexington, was pronounced dead at 1:30 a.m. at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital. The coroners office said he was shot multiple times but did not say how many gunshot wounds specifically he suffered. Carrico underwent a forensic autopsy on Tuesday in Frankfort, according to the coroners office. The shooting happened around 12:24 a.m. on the 200 block of Regency Point Path off Nicholasville Road. The Lexington Police Department previously said three officers were responding to a report of a disorder with a weapon and when they arrived they reported they saw Carrico armed with a gun. Shots were fired but no details were released about who fired the shots. Lexington police said no officers were shot. The Kentucky State Polices Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the shooting, as is typical when law enforcement officers are involved in shootings. More information is expected to be released after facts are gathered and vital witnesses are interviewed. The latest court filing in the federal conspiracy case against former KCK cop Roger Golubski, who ran the departments homicide unit but according to prosecutors was batting for the bad guys all along, is a far more detailed account than Id seen before of how four men allegedly held girls as young as 13 in involuntary servitude. The 43-page motion is so granular that it gets into everything from Golubskis erectile problems to the beguiling way he spoke to his underage victims: When the teenager described in the filing as Person 2 repeatedly cried in pain as he raped and choked her and pulled her hair, the motion says, Golubski repeatedly said, You like it like that, bitch. She liked it so much, the filing says, that she vomited after he left. What big strong men he and his three drug-dealing co-defendants would have to have been, I kept thinking while reading this vomitous document, to have overpowered and then profited off the bodies of already hurting and homeless children yes, children through rape, beatings, death threats and confinement in a room with bars on the windows and a door that locked from the outside. Convicted drug kingpin Cecil Brooks, who owned the apartments at KCKs Delavan Avenue and 26th Street where all of this allegedly went on between 1996 and 1998, was also charged in the conspiracy, along with his lackeys LeMark Roberson and Richard Robinson. Golubski stands accused of protecting the operation from any real police scrutiny. He was seen receiving envelopes of cash in return, along with his pick of underage girls. Person 2 observed Golubski come to the working house where the girls trapped there waited to be sent to private rooms for sex and choose primarily young Black girls ranging in age from about 13 to 17 years old. The girls, who were given drugs and were sometimes considered to belong to one of the defendants at a time, would be forced to provide sexual services to that defendant primarily, and sometimes to others. Golubski often met with Brooks alone in his office at the Delavan Apartments, the filing says. But on other occasions, Golubski parked outside Delavan, where he would be handed a bundle of money through his car window by Brooks or those working for him. In a hearing last July, prosecutor Stephen Hunting told the court that a uniformed KCKPD officer once called to Delavan by a resident worried about the girls being held there was told by management that he should call Golubski. When he did, the detective actually showed up, called the woman whod made the report crazy and convinced his fellow officer that everything was just fine. All four defendants are pleading not guilty to all charges. Invoked 5th Amendment 555 times in one sitting When Golubski was asked in a 2020 deposition in a civil suit if hed ever raped an underage girl in his cop car or had a lucrative side hustle in drugs and prostitution or investigated a crime he himself had committed, he invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself. He did that 555 times in a single sitting. One particularly troubling piece of apparently key evidence in the conspiracy case, mentioned several times in the new filing, is a 2001 FBI interview with one of the victims, whose story, it says, has never changed in all this time. I say troubling because how did it take 21 more years to charge anyone in connection with this horror in plain sight? Another surprise in the filing was a reference to the fact that it was Kansas Sen. Bob Dole, may he rest in peace, who successfully pushed for the part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 that makes it possible, in cases in which a defendant is charged with a sex crime, for federal prosecutors to introduce evidence of the defendants bad character in order to prove that the defendant committed the crime. The new rules are unusual, a 1999 University of Arkansas Law Review article explained, in that they permit a prosecutor to prove the governments case through evidence of prior misconduct on the part of the defendant. Thank you, Senator Dole, for seeing 30 years ago what some still cannot, which is that because there is almost never an eyewitness to a rape, because even DNA evidence doesnt prove whether or not the sex was consensual, and because even physical injuries are too often still written off as proof of nothing more than rough sex, evidence of other, similar allegations against the same defendant has got to be allowed if anyone who doesnt kill his victim is ever to be held to account. Seven such prior bad act witnesses are going to be allowed to testify in the other case against Golubski. In that case, he is charged with civil rights violations for acting under color of law to rape and kidnap two women between 1998 and 2002, starting when one was 13 years old. Controlling, terrorizing and sexually abusing minors The conspiracy case focuses on how Golubski and the three drug dealers selected young girls who were runaways, who were recently released from Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility and who had no place else to stay. The woman called Person 1 in the motion, for example, had lost her mom to suicide and had just been released from juvie. She describes hearing other women screaming and being told by Roberson that one of them had been left hanging upside down in a closet because she didnt do what was asked of her. As Brooks observed and laughed, the motion says, Roberson beat her with an iron and pulled her down a staircase by her hair. This after Brooks told him that she had smiled at another man while he was in jail. She was also, according to the filing, denied medical care while suffering severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding from an ectopic pregnancy. When she finally was able to escape and get to a hospital, she had to have emergency surgery. For years, the four men implemented their common plan and scheme of controlling, terrorizing and sexually abusing minors and young women, according to the motion, which argues that five prior acts witnesses should also be allowed to testify in the conspiracy case. The trial date hasnt been set yet, but when that date finally comes, hopefully while all parties are still with us, the trial will turn entirely on victim credibility, the motion says. It will all come down to whether a jury believes the two then-teenagers these men are charged with conspiring to abuse and traffic, and the five other victims who will back them up with similar testimony about their own experiences. All of the women who have come forward, who have told their stories and agreed to testify, are beyond brave. Especially because they do so knowing that they were preyed on because they were considered throwaways, and were not likely to be seen as credible by the same authorities who claim they never had reason to doubt Golubski. One woman told investigators that during her time at Delavan, I thought that Golubski ran the streets and I thought that Cecil was God. And so, if we believe the charges, did they. FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) A virtual hearing was held Tuesday for a North Alabama judge facing multiple criminal charges. Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Gil Self is charged with 16 counts of using his office for personal gain and a related perjury charge and making a false representation to the auditors charge. Voters hit the polls to vote on Alabama House District 27 seat Tuesdays court hearing was centered around the perjury charge. Selfs lawyers argued the indictment failed to clearly describe what he did wrong and asked for a more definite statement. The defense asked prosecutors from the Alabama Attorney Generals Office to provide what part of his testimony was false, who gave the approval for the hiring, and how his conduct violated the law. Prosecutors say that was all spelled out to the defense in the charges and evidence it turned over to Selfs lawyers. Prosecutors say Self hired his son for a $50,000 law library job, without proper permission. Prosecutors say Self told a grand jury he had spoken to a library board member about the job, but they say he later told investigators he didnt know if the library board was aware of the payments to his son. While no trial date has been set for Self, Judge Tim Jolley moved quickly today. He denied Selfs claims. The judges order said he found prosecutors did provide the defense with details of the charge and that the charge is clear enough to present at trial. Where to find shelter from severe storms in the Tennessee Valley Most of the allegations are focused on how prosecutors say Self spent money from two court funds he supervised as presiding judge from April 2020 to February 2023, including for trips and personal items. Following his indictment Self issued a statement: From the first time the auditors brought these issues to my attention, I have acknowledged honest but correctable mistakes were made in the two bank accounts I administered as Presiding Judge. These mistakes happened over a period of time when our court system was under immense pressure due to the pandemic and being understaffed and overloaded. At no time did I intend to violate any law. Lauderdale County is not out any money and all of the money in question is in those accounts. Nothing can change the mistakes I made and my embarrassment and regret are painful realities. Thankfully my wife, sons, family, friends, and church have been steadfast in their support. I look forward to having the citizens of our community review what happened and consider the unprecedented circumstances surrounding many of these events. Judge Self has only been indicted, not convicted. He is not allowed to serve as a judge while under indictment, according to state law, but he still holds his position and hes still receiving his salary every two weeks. State records show hes been paid $29,000 overall, since his indictment in late January. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. The 53rd Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee OPEC+ (JMMC), which took place on April 3 via videoconference, praised Iraq and Kazakhstan's commitment to achieve full conformity and compensate for overproduction, Trend reports, citing OPEC. The Committee also applauded the Russian Federation's statement that its voluntary adjustments for the second quarter of 2024 will be based on output rather than exports. During the videoconference, the JMMC reviewed crude oil production data for January and February 2024 and highlighted that participating OPEC and non-OPEC countries were in high compliance with the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC). Additionally, member countries with outstanding overproduction quantities for the months of January, February, and March 2024 will submit detailed compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by April 30, 2024. The Committee will continue to monitor the conformity of the production adjustments decided upon at the 35th ONOMM held on June 4, 2023, the additional voluntary production adjustments announced by some participating OPEC and participating non-OPEC countries in April 2023, and the subsequent adjustments in November 2023 and February 2024. In addition, the Committee will continue to closely assess market conditions and note the willingness of the DoC countries to address market developments and their readiness to take additional measures at any time, building on the strong cohesion between OPEC and participating non-OPEC oil-producing countries. At the end, it was decided that the next meeting of the JMMC (54th) is scheduled for June 1, 2024. WARWICK Both Dominic Kaba and Ariana Andrade were rear-ended in a McDonald's drive-thru last week. A black SUV hit Kaba from behind and pushed her Mercedes-Benz into a Toyota Camry driven by Andrade, according to a Warwick police report. The driver of the SUV was Rhode Island Public Transit Authority CEO Scott D. Avedisian, police say. But at that point, Kaba and Andrade knew him only as a man who was responsible for the three-car crash, according to their comments in a police report. Kaba told police that the man who climbed out of the SUV looked old and his eyes were "bloodshot red," says the report. After telling both Kaba and Andrade to pull aside, the man "immediately drove off and ran away," according to comments that the report says Kaba provided to police. In a written statement, Andrade told police, "When we got out to confront him, he told us to pull over to get his insurance information and instead drove off," the report says. The uniform crash report identifies Avedisian as the driver of the black SUV, a Ford Explorer, and accuses him of a hit-and-run at about 6:15 p.m. March 27 at the McDonald's on Post Road. A narrative attached to the crash report contains details relevant to the charge that Avedisian faced Wednesday morning in District Court, Warwick. Two drivers say they want to press charges His arraignment on Wednesday anchored the legal process that began soon after the crash a week before. Neither Kaba nor Andrade nor a child riding with her were injured in the crash, the report says. But both drivers wanted to press charges. Kaba had taken a photograph of the rear of the SUV before it drove away, the report says, adding, "The plates did not come back to anything on file." Police canvassed "the surrounding area" and found a vehicle with the same plates parked in a driveway, the report says, adding that Avedisian did not answer the door for officers. The Ford Explorer XLT had damage to the front driver's side, and its engine was warm, according to the report. Avedisian faces judge Avedisian's court appearance was arranged as part of an agreement that Warwick police reached with his lawyer on Tuesday, according to Warwick's police chief, Col. Brad Connor. In court Wednesday, Avedisian appeared before Judge J. Terence Houlihan Jr. and pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in damage. He was released on personal recognizance. The criminal complaint accuses Avedisian of leaving an accident scene even though he knew the crash had resulted in damage to a vehicle. RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian signs a record Wednesday morning in District Court, Warwick. Avedisian pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to stop after a motor-vehicle accident resulting in vehicle damage. What consequences could Avedisian face? The complaint says Avedisian, who was driving a Ford Explorer, did not immediately stop at the scene, did not return to the scene and remain there until he had fulfilled requirements to provide information and did not render aid or notify police. A summons accusing Avedisian of failing to fulfill those requirements was filed Friday in the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in damages is a misdemeanor that carries a fine between $500 and $1,000. It can result in the suspension of a defendant's driver's license. After his court appearance, Avedisian and his lawyer, former House Speaker John Harwood, went to Warwick police headquarters. RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian. Avedisian was driving a RIPTA-owned vehicle in the crash The former Warwick mayor has been RIPTA's director since 2018. He has not responded to a voicemail on his phone on Friday. The Ford Explorer he was driving on Wednesday is owned by RIPTA, according to the court summons. Avedisian drove away from the Warwick police station in a Jeep Cherokee. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian faces charge of leaving scene of accident DENVER (KDVR) Craft beer has gotten itself quite a name in the past 10 years, and Grandmas House on South Broadway in Denver took that term and twisted it: a crafty brewery that celebrated all things craft. Crochet, knitting, waist beads, book fairs, cross stitch, collage bookmarks you name it and Grandmas House probably has held an event celebrating it. But the brewerys offerings did not stop with crafts, with an abstract drawing workshop hosted on March 7 and monthly Mario Kart tournaments. The brewery also hosts comedy shows and concerts that draw in a young, hip crowd. Poll: These shuttered restaurants are missed the most in Denver metro But all good things must come to an end, so the saying goes, and so Grandmas House has announced that the brewery will be closing, although the final day of business is yet to be decided. We waited until April 2nd, because unfortunately this isnt just a bad joke, the company posted on Facebook. After 10+ years, we will be closing the brewery at the end of April. The company didnt state why exactly the brewery would be shuttering the location but noted that dealing with possibly the worst landlords in all of Denver was part of the decision. What does the future hold for Grandmas Brewery? Whats next for Grandma? The brewery said she isnt the same lady she was back in 2014, and Denver isnt exactly the same cowtown it was either, but didnt specify whether the brewery would close for good or perhaps reopen at a place with a different landlord. Grandma will be taking some time to relax and reflect on her next move, according to the brewerys post. But the brewery itself may rise from its ashes: The brewerys post said that the owners would love to see all yall one last time before we pack up and move on. Wed like to think we offered something a bit different that still has a place in this great city, but if this is in fact the end, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve you beers made with love in the back of this shabby building, Grandmas House posted online. Denver never recovered: Downtown restaurant closes, cites pandemic Many people responded with touching stories of how Grandmas impacted their lives. Back in 2014 I was a shy nerdy kid that heard about a brewery that holds a monthly Tetris league that is decorated to look like what your Grandmas House look like when you were a kid, reminisced Instagram user hyrothepyro, who said they loved the league. After a couple years of competing in Tetris League the person running it wanted to pass it on so I picked up the torch and kept Tetris League going, always at Grandmas House! Jenny K. on Facebook noted that she met her husband at Grandmas seven years ago and shared a photo of the couple in their wedding attire sharing a beer. (W)e went back for celebratory beers after our wedding, Jenny wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Theres some encouraging news from Memphis Police since last July, major crimes are going down. The Shelby County Crime Commission and the University of Memphis released preliminary numbers Wednesday with a graphic showing part 1 crimes. Those are violent crimes including homicide, rape, robbery, larceny, aggravated assault, burglary, auto theft, and human trafficking. Those crimes steadily dropped from July until March of this year, when the reports of those crimes were nearly cut in half from eight months before. The trend for the last five months (November 2023 March 2024) is especially encouraging, the commission said in a news release. Police Chief C.J. Davis recently talked about the success of a crime-fighting initiative called Operation Zero, though she offered few details on data at the time. Crime is down around the city. Auto thefts are down about 30 percent, Davis said a month ago. The issue of crime has dominated headlines for years in Memphis, where the city broke homicide records in 2021 and 2023. Memphis Police reported 12,555 motor vehicle thefts last year, an average of 35 to 45 cars stolen per day. Crime Commission President Bill Gibbons said in a recent column that the state legislature could make big strides toward improving public safety by tightening restrictions on firearms that have been loosened in recent years, leading to an explosion in gun crimes in and around Memphis. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) CHICAGO (AP) Garrett Crochet pitched seven sparkling innings, pinch-hitter Paul DeJong had a tiebreaking homer and the Chicago White Sox got their first win by beating the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on Tuesday night. Huge team win, Crochet said. It was gritty, especially there at the end. Michael Kopech needed five outs and 39 pitches for his first professional save. He came in with two on in the eighth and pitched out of a bases-loaded jam. In the ninth, he gave up a solo homer to Marcell Ozuna with one out and ran into more trouble with two outs. He walked Michael Harris II and gave up a single to Orlando Arcia, putting runners on first and second, before retiring Travis dArnaud on a pop fly to end the game. Gavin Sheets and Andrew Vaughn hit RBI singles, and the White Sox overcame two home runs by Ozuna to win after an 0-4 start. Crochet (1-1) held the Braves to one run and three hits in his second professional start. The hard-throwing left-hander struck out eight and walked one after an impressive performance in Chicagos opening 1-0 loss to Detroit. He started off with high, high velo, and then, he started pitching, manager Pedro Grifol said. He settled in and just mixed his pitches, and he was pounding the strike zone. Sheets put Chicago ahead 1-0 in the sixth with an RBI single against Reynaldo Lopez. Ozuna tied it in the seventh with a drive to left. But DeJong batting for Braden Shewmake put Chicago back on top when he greeted A.J. Minter (0-1) with a drive to left leading off the bottom half for his second homer. Atlanta loaded the bases with one out in the eighth. John Brebbia walked Jarred Kelenic and Ronald Acuna Jr., and Kopech walked Ozzie Albies before getting Austin Riley to ground into a double play. Vaughn made it 3-1 when he drove in Luis Robert Jr. with a single in the eighth. And Kopech kept his composure in the ninth, with some mound visits from catcher Martin Maldonado. Things could have easily unraveled," Kopech said. I'm thankful they didn't. I'm thankful that he had the wherewithal to kinda take charge on that. Lopez, who pitched for the White Sox from 2017-23, went six innings in his Braves debut. The 30-year-old right-hander gave up one run and four hits. Before we even signed the contract, the conversation was always based around being a starter, said Lopez, who has bounced between the rotation and bullpen. "So, as soon as that was finalized, my mentality has been that the whole time where I was going to be a starter, and I was able to focus on that in spring training, sort of adjust my mentality and I feel like were sort of seeing the result of that. The Braves agreed to minor league deals with catcher Sandy Leon and right-hander Jackson Stephens. TRAINERS ROOM White Sox: Grifol said there's a good chance DH Eloy Jimenez (left adductor soreness) avoids the injured list. Jimenez was out of the lineup for the second straight game. ... C Max Stassi (left hip inflammation) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday. UP NEXT The Braves send ace Spencer Strider (0-0, 3.60 ERA) to the mound for the series finale. A 20-game winner last season, Strider lasted five innings in Atlanta's opening win at Philadelphia. The White Sox had not announced their starter. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB The ship MSC Armonia (R) is moored in the port of Barcelona. The vessel MSC Armonia is being held at the Port of Barcelona because 69 Bolivian passengers do not have valid visas for entry into the Schengen area. David Zorrakino/EUROPA PRESS/dpa A cruise ship with around 1,500 passengers was prevented from continuing its onward journey from Barcelona due to forged visas among some on board. There were 69 Bolivians on the Armonia ship, operated by MSC Cruises, whose Schengen visas had been falsified, the company said, confirming reports in Spanish media. The group of Bolivians, which included families with children, had embarked in Brazil for the journey to Barcelona, where their voyage was to end. But, following visa checks, they were not allowed to leave the ship to go ashore like the other passengers. Schengen visas allow their holders to travel among nearly 30 European countries. Meanwhile, the Armonia had planned to continue its journey on Tuesday through the Mediterranean for other passengers, but the vessel has instead been held up in Barcelona pending the investigation. Some relatives of the Bolivians on board who live in Spain told Spanish media that the people had been victims of a scam. They said an agency in South America had offered the passage and visas online and charged up to $10,000 per person. This agency also cancelled return flight tickets that had been promised after the cruise ship left Brazil for Europe, La Vanguardia newspaper quoted relatives as saying. However, the police have not ruled out the possibility that the Bolivians actually wanted to enter Spain illegally using knowingly forged documents. It was unclear when the ship would be able to continue its journey and what would happen to the Bolivian passengers. The ship MSC Armonia (R) is moored in the port of Barcelona. The vessel MSC Armonia is being held at the Port of Barcelona because 69 Bolivian passengers do not have valid visas for entry into the Schengen area. David Zorrakino/EUROPA PRESS/dpa I was crying more than he was: Mom of toddler shot in the Bronx speaks out I was crying more than he was: Mom of toddler shot in the Bronx speaks out THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) The mother of a toddler shot in the Bronx on the eve of his birthday is sharing their traumatizing experience. Ashton was able to be home for his family to sing Happy Birthday as the boy turned 3 years old just a day after being struck by a stray bullet. His mom brought him to Fordham Center to get his ears pierced, but instead, he was rushed to the hospital on Saturday. More Bronx News I just thank God because you know it could have been a different situation, his mother said. The shooting happened near EastFordham Rd and the Grand Concourse, where a gunman opened fire in the busy business district. One of the bullets struck Ashton in the backside. I was crying more than he was. He wasnt aware of anything that was happening, the mother recounted. Chaos ensued as detectives searched for the shooter, and Ashton was rushed to the hospital. Remarkably, the tough toddler only spent one night walking out alone. Hes great. Hes jumping, hes acting himself, hes getting his staples removed, and Im glad hes here with me right now, his mother told PIX11 News in an exclusive interview. Monday, U.S. Marshals caught up with the suspected shooter, Freddy Flores, while dealing with a separate court appearance in Manhattan. According to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, they tracked him down using facial recognition technology. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now PIX11 News Headlines Anti-violence activists took to the same street corner Tuesday night denouncing the shooting, saying one of our babies was hit!. One too many shots was fired. This week, NYPD community affairs officers have been looking after Ashton and his family, showering him with birthday gifts after he suffered the unthinkable. Its unacceptable and as community affairs, we come out to show the families that we care, Assistant Commissioner Alden Foster said. Flores, 20, has been charged with attempted murder. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) Community members from Champaign-Urbana are mourning the loss of Dr. William Patterson, a pillar of the African American community for his contributions to youth education and arts. Dr. Patterson passed away on Tuesday at the age of 58. Most recently, Dr. Patterson worked as the Co-Director of the Hip Hop Innovation Center as well as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Music. But his contributions to the community stemmed from his time working with youth at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club in the late 1990s. During this time, Dr. Patterson would also collaborate with U of I students on music, spoken arts, fashion and STEM related projects. In 2006, he received recognition for his community impact with the Campus Award for Excellence in Public Engagement. He also was a recipient of the 40 Norths ACE Award, which honors the work of individuals contributing arts, culture and education to their communities. Lovin U Block Party addresses recent violence Dr. Patterson made significant contributions to the African American community. He was an educator for African American middle and high school students, where he taught his students how to produce documentaries centering on their communities. He was an Associate Director of the Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, too, and contributed to a literary magazine called the Griot, as well as radio station WBML. Patterson also helped launch several scholarly initiatives, such as IPOWERED, which for over 15 years has helped provide African American college students with tools to help out marginalized communities. Just a year after the launch of IPOWERED, in 2008, Dr. Patterson earned the title of a Fellow with the University of Illinois Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership. In 2016, Dr. Patterson started the phrase Ghetto Genius Universe, which he presented in a TED talk with the U of I. Dr. Patterson defines the phrase as: the cultural wealth produced from unique and new knowledge; this knowledge is born from and acquired by individuals in places and spaces that are undervalued, underestimated and marginalized. In 2020, Dr. Patterson helped in the creation of the Double Dutch Boom Bus, a mobile recording studio used to teach kids in Champaign-Urbana about music. I said Lets take the experience, the legacy of the black music experience to talk about engineering technology. Basically STEM and how can we use hip-hop to engage young people? Dr. Patterson said in a 2020 interview with WCIA. Professors to use bus to connect kids with hip-hop Dr. Pattersons admirable career was devoted to empowering others to create their own stories of success and achievement. His family and friends are first in the hearts of all of us at Illinois today. Chancellor Robert J. Jones, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Dr. Patterson was to be honored for yet another award this Friday by the CU Schools Foundation with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes community members who serve as role models for young people based on strength of character, achievements and citizenship. It is with great sadness that I share this news. The loss of Dr. P is already felt deeply by his family and friends. It is also a tremendous loss for our community and the kids who he empowered and taught. I have fond memories of discussions and time spent with him. I keep seeing him in my mind at the Hedge Pop Park in front of the Hip Hop Express holding a car in his hands with kids surrounding him laughing with joy asking him questions. Rest Easy you will be missed. Hugs and love to the family. Deborah Frank Feinen, Mayor of Champaign For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Curtis Hill was a rising GOP star before the groping allegations. Can the grassroots save him? Editor's note: This is part of a series of profiles on each of the six Republican candidates for governor. Read our profiles on Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden and Jamie Reitenour. Update: Curtis Hill's jury trial in the civil lawsuit regarding the 2018 groping allegations, originally scheduled for the week of April 8, was canceled. Corrections and clarifications: A previous version of this article misstated the nature of the Indiana Supreme Court's finding in its attorney discipline case against Hill. The court found he committed criminal battery. A seasoned public speaker, Curtis Hill opens with a hook. "How many of you have given your consent to the state of Indiana to sell your personal data?" he asks a crowd of about 50 squeezed into an Indianapolis chiropractic clinic on a recent Tuesday evening, before even mentioning his own name. There's some reluctant hand raising and mumbling infused with laughter they know what the answer should be, but they want to see where Hill is going with this. Hill hits them with the reveal: The Bureau of Motor Vehicles made $26 million last year from selling Hoosiers' personal data to third-party companies like insurers and auto dealers. (A new state law requires the BMV report its sales after a WRTV investigation drew attention to the issue.) "You cool with that?" he asks, to a smattering of emphatic "no" answers. Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Republican candidate for Indiana Governor, waits for his introduction before speaking to a small crowd of voters, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at MaxLiving Indy, a chiropractic facility on the Northside of Indianapolis. The people are rapt and Hill is in his element. He gives a 30-minute speech peppered with jokes, impressions, interactive questions, and anecdotes solidifying his image as the fighter who, running for governor of Indiana, will stand up to his own Republican party and defend freedom and transparency. As he talks about lost faith in institutions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crowd mostly white and middle-aged or older nods slowly and silently. The former attorney general, tough-on-crime Elkhart County prosecutor and son of a trailblazing civil rights activist could always command an audience. Nearly a decade ago, he was the rising star of the Indiana GOP, someone widely envisioned as potentially Indiana's first Black governor one day. Groping allegations by four women who worked at the Indiana Statehouse severely dampened those prospects: His own party condemned him, and as the MeToo movement raged, so did much of the public. But Hill's star power today is recognized among a new crowd: a grassroots base that awakened in 2020, provoked by their outrage at mask and vaccine mandates and perceived government overreach. Hill put himself at odds with the rest of the Gov. Eric Holcomb administration during that time, issuing a legal opinion that Holcomb didn't have the authority to mandate mask-wearing. And for several earnest attendees at Hill's meet-and-greet at the chiropractic clinic in northern Indianapolis, hosted by Stand For Health Freedom, that very action was the spark that ignited their support for him. Constituents listen as Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Republican candidate for Indiana Governor, speaks, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at MaxLiving Indy, a chiropractic facility on the Northside of Indianapolis. He's largely running from behind in a field of six Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, former Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers, Fort Wayne entrepreneur Eric Doden and political newcomer Jamie Reitenour. In a winner-take-all race with so many undecided voters, Hill hopes to capture just enough voters dissatisfied with the status quo of the party machine. "Republicans are supposed to be about limited government and about freedom," Hill says, arriving at his core pitch. "I don't like what my party does. I'm here to tell you about it because it's not about me fixing it, it's about you fixing it. And you can't fix it unless you know about it." Indiana Governor candidate Q&A: Former Attorney General Curtis Hill on the issues 'The chosen one' Hill's first electoral victory was a resounding one, and other victories would follow. In 2002, Hill was a deputy prosecutor in Elkhart County running for the top job. His competition in the Republican primary was the chief deputy, who had the support of the outgoing prosecutor. But Hill campaigned aggressively, called for changes at the prosecutor's office and spent tens of thousands on billboards all over the county, the South Bend Tribune reported at the time. In what most observers expected to be a tight race, Hill won the primary with 60% of the vote, partly due to a remarkable voter turnout. Curtis Hill prosecutor election Article from May 8, 2002 The South Bend Tribune (South Bend, Indiana) Elkhart City Council President Arvis Dawson, who was a councilor at the time, remembers a significant chunk of that turnout being Black voters who usually vote for Democrats. "The African American community made the difference for him," Dawson said. Hill's law-and-order message prevailed over the restorative-justice message of his Democratic opponent in the general election. He won the election with 78% of the vote, becoming the county's first new prosecutor in 28 years. As prosecutor, he made good on multiple campaign promises. He turned the prosecutor job from a part-time gig to a full-time one and moved the office from its small home within a private firm to a new, shiny building on Main Street a necessary improvement to some, a vanity project to others. He spearheaded a multi-jurisdictional drug task force, and later, a homicide unit, which persist today. And he would continue to get reelected for three more terms. Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill speaks to the media about raids made in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties Monday related to the sale of synthetic drugs. Twenty people were arrested in connection with the cases. Goshen News Photo/SAM HOUSEHOLDER Being tough on crime wasn't just a campaign slogan for Hill. In a case that gained international attention, he filed felony murder charges against the "Elkhart Four," a group of four young men held accountable for the death of their friend who was killed by a homeowner acting in self-defense during a botched burglary. The Indiana Supreme Court later overturned their convictions. Hill was the type of prosecutor to handle the high-profile cases, like murders, himself, rather than treat the prosecutor's office like a managerial role, said Brad Rogers, an Elkhart County commissioner who was sheriff during part of Hill's tenure. "Curtis was right in there in the trenches fighting for the people," Rogers said. "I wouldnt want to be on the end of his interrogation." At the 2016 Republican Party convention, Hill edged out two other serious competitors, including a former attorney general, to win the nomination after three rounds of voting. Mike Murphy, a former state representative, remembers Hill's commanding presence at the convention, assigning his speech an almost Martin-Luther-King-Jr-like quality. It also helped, in this new Trump era, that he was a bit more of an "outsider" than his opponents, who also included a state senator and an assistant attorney general. "He had a very impressive convention showing against a pretty talented group of people," Murphy said. "People were enthusiastic about him." In the 2016 general election where Hill won 62% of the vote, 1.6 million Hoosiers turned out to vote for him about 90,000 more people than who voted for former President Donald Trump that year, and at the time, it was a record number of votes for any race in Indiana history. Even before he was attorney general, many circles in Elkhart talked about him as a future superstar, Dawson said. "He was their chosen one at one time," he said. "And then the thing happened." Record as AG marred by groping allegations Far more than his predecessors, Hill earned headlines as attorney general from day one. While in office, he built a socially conservative national profile a trend Todd Rokita has continued weighing in on issues like national anthem protests and visiting the White House to meet with Trump on school safety issues. He caught flak for spending on office renovations and a new mobile office van emblazoned with his name. He took an oppositional stance to his own party on multiple issues, from the efficacy of needle exchange programs Holcomb signed a bill allowing local governments to establish them, and Hill thinks they are "bullshit" to CBD oil, which Hill declared illegal. Midway through his term, in June 2018, an IndyStar investigation unveiled allegations from four women, including a state representative, who said Hill groped them at a post-legislative session gathering at an Indianapolis bar. A federal judge dismissed the subsequent lawsuit and a special prosecutor declined to file criminal charges, but the state Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission launched its own investigation. In 2020, that court decided Hill violated professional rules of conduct and committed criminal battery, and suspended Hill's law license for a month. Hill, then as now, vehemently denies the allegations. Mara Candelaria Reardon (left), Kimberly Jeselskis, of Katz Korin Cunningham, and Reardon's co-plaintiffs Niki DaSilva, Gabrielle McLemore, and Samantha Lozano attend a press conference to lay out the basics of a lawsuit filed against the State of Indiana and Curtis Hill, Indiana Attorney General, Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 18, 2019. The several-faceted lawsuit includes alleged sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation for reporting these situations. That decision came down shortly before the 2020 Republican convention. Many leaders from his own party, including Holcomb and the party chair, called for his resignation, but Hill didn't budge. Hill narrowly lost the Republican nomination by state delegates for a second term. "He was fatally damaged," Murphy said. "Nobody took him seriously anymore." After the federal judge dismissed their civil lawsuit, the women filed in Marion County court; a jury trial was scheduled to take place beginning April 8, but the judge canceled the trial, indicating the case may be settled out of court. Former State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon declined to comment for this story; IndyStar's attempts to reach the other women were unsuccessful. The damage to his reputation shows in his fundraising. Hill raised about $375,000 in 2023, a large chunk of that coming from individual donors, but trailing behind the multi-million-dollar coffers of his opponents like Braun, Chambers, Crouch and Doden. Unlike these opponents, Hill hasn't made the airwaves with any ads of his own, nor has he been the subject of attack ads. And in the first independent poll of the governor's race, Hill polls next-to-last. As a result, he didn't qualify for one of the three gubernatorial debates held so far. To a grassroots base, though, these can be selling points: These television ads are D.C. templates full of nationalized talking points, and he's here to cut through the B.S. Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Republican candidate for Indiana Governor, spoke to a small crowd of voters, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at MaxLiving Indy, a chiropractic facility on the Northside of Indianapolis. "The danger that we have in this whole process is that you've got these multimillionaires who are in the race buying this election," he told IndyStar while sipping a strawberry milkshake at the Sugar Factory in downtown Indianapolis a lunch spot he chose for its "impressive" menu and atmosphere, "except their choice of commercials is not very good," he said as a Chambers ad played on a large screen. "They get on television, they saturate the market with ads that present a narrative that is contrary to the narrative of who they really are, and then the public, who only gets the opportunity to be exposed to our ideas through television, they get swamped with this stuff over and over. More commercial, more commercials. And so what are you going to vote for? Oh, I like this guy on the commercial." His supporters, he says, seem to have moved on from the groping allegations. It simply doesn't come up. "I think most people see that for what it was from a political nature and have moved on beyond it," he told IndyStar in December. This certainly isn't unprecedented in today's era of politics. Republican primary voters, after all, have continued to throw their support behind Trump, despite a jury having found him liable for sexual abuse in the civil case of writer E. Jean Carroll. "Its kind of like a scar when you get a cut: Its healed, but theres always that remembrance that youve cut yourself," Rogers, the county commissioner, said. "I think people are willing to say its healed, but theres probably a remembrance of the scar. Hes going to make sure he doesnt put himself in that kind of situation again." Jane Herin, 63, who attended Hill's meet-and-greet, said she wasn't sure what ended up happening in the case. What sticks in her mind is when Hill called out Holcomb for the mask mandates. "I said, 'Hey this guy's got a spine,'" she said. Many people at his meet-and-greet became interested in politics only as recently as the pandemic. Tammy Alexander, a 61-year-old hairdresser, wasn't allowed to work for seven weeks because her profession was not considered "essential," and she's been "paying attention ever since." Constituents listen as Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Republican candidate for Indiana Governor, speaks, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at MaxLiving Indy, a chiropractic facility on the Northside of Indianapolis. The role of race One of Hill's earliest memories is the night white neighbors threw a molotov cocktail onto the roof of his family's house in Elkhart. His father, Curtis Hill Sr., a postal service worker who also led the Elkhart NAACP and Urban League, was the first to integrate the northeast side of Elkhart, a white neighborhood. Curtis Hill Jr. followed certain rules growing up that he didn't realize the significance of until he was older: If he hit a ball into the neighbor's yard, that ball belonged to the neighbor. He wasn't allowed to walk the three blocks to school by himself; his mother drove him. "When you are Black person living in America, theres not a day that goes by, a moment that goes by that youre not aware of your Blackness," Hill said. "Being aware of it doesnt mean that it controls you. Its just a part of the unfortunate dynamic that we have in this country." The way through it, Hill believes, is by acknowledging the painful past out loud, forgiving one another for it and moving forward, together, even as it, he says, "sounds pollyannaish." To illustrate his point, he often tells a joke about a fictional math contest with a $25,000-prize. He asks, if you had the choice between three Asian people or three white people to be on your team, whom would you choose? It's a hit with the crowd at the chiropractic clinic, who laughs knowingly. "We need to be able to go through exercises like that, openly and boldly," he said. "We all judge people by race. Once we start understanding that, we can be a little bit more empathetic and start the process of healing. What we don't want to do is have this check-the-box mentality." Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Republican candidate for Indiana Governor, spoke to a small crowd of voters, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at MaxLiving Indy, a chiropractic facility on the Northside of Indianapolis. On the debate stage, he'll incorporate the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion acronym into a talking point: He's alright with diversity, but not over excellence; inclusion, but not over competence; equity, but not over fairness. He wants to abolish Holcomb's DEI office because he sees the modern movement as one that promotes racial preferences. What some might see as a stark contrast from the views of his activist father, Hill sees as a more honest interpretation of the aims of the 1960s movement. "My father was fighting for freedom and equality. He wasnt fighting for preference," Hill told IndyStar. "Theres nothing by virtue of my fathers activism that was intended to divide us." The Curtis Hill we don't see Hill knows he comes off as stern, serious, perhaps intimidating. But he's actually a jokester: His impressions at the meet-and-greet included Donald Trump (a decent one), P90X creator Tony Horton, even caricatures of familiar scenes in political ads: a guy in a hard hat walking through a factory (Braun, minus the hard hat, and a little bit of Chambers), a narrator saying he got his start mowing grass while the screen shows a generic lawnmower (Chambers). Indiana governor's race: Many candidates, little time to grab voters' interest The first time he and his wife, Teresa, met at Indiana University was at a Halloween party, where Hill dressed as a literal bag of trash: He stuffed a trash bag with newspaper, tried it at the top and stuck his head through. "He was a poor college kid just like I was, and what was the cheapest?" she laughed. "Hes always been fiscally conservative, what can I tell you." Many people know he's an Elvis impersonator on the side. He'll still do one off the cuff on demand; the last time he did the full ensemble, outfit and all was in 2017, Hill said. He can rattle off the very first play he acted in, in the second grade: He played Timmy the Turtle in a play based on the tortoise-and-the-hare fable. The Hill family of 7 would act and sing in dozens of community theater productions together as the kids grew up. It's been years since Hill traded community theater for political theater. The political stage held its own plot twists. When the groping allegations surfaced, strangers appeared in their driveway and harassed their children online, Teresa Hill said. As far as how it impacted Hill's career, Teresa Hill said they simply don't think that way Hill's career is in their God's hands, she said. "We truly do not dwell on things like this," she said. "We dont get our instruction from the world; we get our instruction from the Lord." About Curtis Hill Age: 63 Home: Elkhart Education: Business and law degree from Indiana University. Family: Wife, Teresa, and five children. Previous experience: Indiana attorney general 2017-20; Elkhart County prosecutor 2002-2016 Support from outside groups: Hill has endorsements from Stand for Health Freedom, Hoosier Conservative Voices, Young Conservatives of America and former national security adviser General Michael Flynn. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Curtis Hill, stained by groping allegations, captures new grassroots base MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Shelby County District Attorney says a man accused of setting up crimes from jail has had his bond revoked thanks to a new crime initiative. Rodrick Harvey, who is in jail on rape and kidnapping charges, was caught planning various violent acts as well as illicit drug sales over the phone. By monitoring jail calls, our prosecutor Forrest Edwards was able to find out that he was planning various violent acts as well as illicit drug sales, which couldve been used to pay for his bond, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. Monitoring jail calls is part of the V11 Fast Track Violence Crime Initiative, which the district attorneys office started this year. The Initiative helps to identify the 11 types of offenses Mulroys office is giving special priority to. We will have no tolerance for violent crime of any kind. Public safety is our job, and we are focusing on the problem defendants the dangerous ones, Mulroy said. We are going to make sure they stay in jail pending trial and that they are punished appropriately. Another responsibility for Mulroys team is to make bond amounts more reflective of the crimes committed. As part of V11, were making an extra effort to make sure that bond amounts adequately reflect public safety, Mulroy said. An example of this involves Israel Reynoso, who was charged in connection with a shooting in East Memphis earlier this year. Shooting in East Memphis leaves man critically injured As part of V11, ADA Sam Winnig successfully opposed any lowering of the bail, Mulroy said. Records show that Reynosos bond was set at $600,000. He remains in custody. Mulroy says his office has identified 411 cases as V11 cases so far this year. He added that thats roughly 15 percent of the felonies that have come into his office. Memphis murders and homicides 2024 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. FALLSINGTON, Pa. (AP) Pennsylvania authorities said Wednesday they plan to pursue the death penalty against a man charged with killing his stepmother, sister and the mother of his children before officials say he fled in a stolen vehicle to New Jersey, where he was arrested last month. Andre Gordon Jr. appeared for court in Pennsylvania for the first time since authorities said he carried out three fatal shootings on March 16 in the Levittown section of Falls Township, as well as a pair of carjackings nearby in suburban Philadelphia. Arriving at magisterial district court not far from where authorities said the shootings happened, Gordon was wearing an orange jumpsuit and was shackled at the wrists and ankles. Asked if he had anything to say, Gordon responded in a low voice: Pray, pray to God. In the roughly 10-minute preliminary arraignment, Judge John Galloway denied bail and ordered Gordon, who appeared without an attorney in court, not to contact his minor children and other relatives who were witnesses to the crimes he is charged with. Galloway asked Gordon if he understood it was a preliminary arraignment to read the charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, against him. Not really, Gordon said. The judge repeated the explanation and asked if Gordon understood. Yes, sir, he said. Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn told reporters outside the court after the hearing that she decided to notify the court of her plan to seek capital punishment because of the multiple killings and grave risk to others. We had an opportunity to speak to the family and get their position, she said. Time will tell ultimately how this case unfolds. But we had to certify before formal arraignment. Earlier Wednesday, Gordon, 26, waived an extradition hearing in New Jersey and was transferred to officials in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, according to prosecutors and the New Jersey courts spokesperson. Authorities have said Gordon carjacked a vehicle in Trenton, New Jersey, early on March 16 before driving to Levittown in Falls Township, Pennsylvania. There he killed his stepmother and sister, the Bucks County district attorney said. He then drove to a second home in Levittown and killed the mother of his two children, authorities said. He is also accused of injuring his childrens grandmother by bludgeoning her with a rifle. The dead included Gordons 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon; his 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon; and 25-year-old Taylor Daniel, the mother of his two children, the district attorney said. Authorities have said Gordons children were present when he shot their mother. Gordon then carjacked a second vehicle in Morrisville and returned to Trenton, authorities said. Police surrounded a home for hours in the belief that he was there, but Gordon apparently slipped out before a cordon went up. He was arrested, unarmed, when he was spotted walking down a street a few blocks away. The mayhem forced the cancellation of a St. Patricks Day parade in Pennsylvanias Bucks County and the closure of a Sesame Street-themed amusement park and a number of other businesses. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for several hours. Officials have not released a possible motive for the attacks. Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has said he would not allow executions to occur while he is governor, saying he wants the legislature to work to abolish it. The states most recent execution took place in 1999. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Ulviyya Shahin Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, held discussions with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, on cooperation in the employment and social protection sectors between the two countries, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by Khazar Farhadov in his X social account. The post reads that the meeting was productive and the sides discussed cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the labor, employment and social protection sectors. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. China will temporarily close road checkpoints on the border with Kazakhstan, Trend reports, citing the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan. "In connection with the Qingming celebration in China on April 4, 2024, the passage of persons, vehicles, and cargo at road checkpoints on the Kazakh-Chinese border will not be carried out," the committee said. In addition, the department noted that railway checkpoints on the Kazakh-Chinese border will continue to function as usual. The State Revenue Committee asked carriers and everyone wishing to cross the border to plan their route in advance, taking into account the restrictions imposed. Dad Who Bit Newborn Daughter at Least 6 Times and Claimed She Was 'Ungrateful' Is Sentenced Gavan Rogers took his baby to the hospital, where staff found "mouth-shaped bruises" and teeth marks on the newborn Boone County Sheriff's Office Gavan Rogers An Indiana father will serve jail time after he reportedly bit his newborn daughter, leaving teeth marks on her body, and then claimed he did so because she was "ungrateful." Gavan Rogers, 26, pleaded guilty to domestic battery resulting in bodily injury to a person less than 14 years of age in court on March 28, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. As a result of the plea agreement, Rogers was sentenced to three years behind bars with one year executed and two years on supervised probation. In Nov. 2022, Rogers and a woman took a 2-week-old baby to an Indianapolis hospital, according to a police probable cause affidavit obtained by the Washington Times Herald, WXIN and WTHR. The hospital alerted the Indiana Department of Child Services to "mouth-shaped" bruises and teeth-marks on the newborns shoulder, forearms, stomach, knee and leg, per the Washington Times Herald. When questioned about the bruises, Rogers reportedly told hospital workers that he may have open mouth kissed the newborn too hard, per WXIN. However, after inspecting the photos of the bites, Whitestown Police Detective Joseph Turney said in the affidavit that the "injuries could only have been inflicted while using excessive force, which would have caused severe pain to the [victim]," per the Times Herald. Nursing staff at the hospital told police that they were hesitant to send the baby home with Rogers after he was overheard calling the baby ungrateful, evil and a little b----, per the affidavit obtained by the outlets. They also noted that Rogers seemed to get frustrated when the baby would start to cry, per WXIN. Related: Armed Walgreens Employee Accused Pregnant Woman of Shoplifting, Then Allegedly Shot Her 7 Times: Lawsuit One nurse said in a report, per the outlets, that she was not comfortable sending this baby home to the care of the father of the baby." During an interview with police, Rogers said he intended to give the baby love bites but nibbled too hard on the child while she was fully clothed, according to WXIN and WTHR. 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 reached out to the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department for comment. Rogers was arrested on Mar. 14, 2023 on charges of neglect of a dependent and battery, the outlet reported. Rogers received credit for the three months he served in the Boone County Jail and nine months at the Boone County Community Corrections, according to court documents. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. A Dallas man who shot and killed one victim during a mass shooting targeting Muslims in 2015 has been sentenced to 37 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to hate crimes related to the murder, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas. Anthony Paz Torres, 39, pleaded guilty to five federal hate crime counts on Sept. 14, 2023, for killing one person and trying to kill four others at Omars Wheels and Tires in Dallas in December 2015. He also pleaded guilty to one count of using a firearm to commit the murder. Torres admitted that in the days before the shooting he went to the car repair and tire shop, made anti-Muslim statements and said he would be coming back, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. When he returned on Dec. 14, 2015, he asked customers if they were Muslim before being escorted back to his car by an employee. Torres pulled a gun and fired multiple times at customers and employees, the release states. He told investigators he did it because he believed the victims were Muslim. A bystander who was sitting in a car at the business, 25-year-old Enrique Garcia-Mendoza, was killed in the shooting. As this sentence makes clear, hate crimes fueled by Islamophobia, or by bias of any kind, will be met with the full force of the Justice Department, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in the news release. No person in this country should have to live in fear because of who they are, what they look like, or how they pray. FBI Director Christopher Wray said the case was an abhorrent example of how deadly Islamophobia can be in our country and that the bureau makes civil rights-related investigations one of its highest priorities. Torres will receive credit for time served in state custody. Dam Jam music festival has found new home after county denied access to lake. Heres where The show will go on for Dam Jam this July. On Monday night, the Goddard City Council approved a special event permit allowing the two-day music festival to be hosted on 40 acres of private property at 1744 S. 183rd St. West. The decision comes nearly two months after the Sedgwick County Commission denied organizers access to Lake Afton, where the festival was held in 2023, citing security concerns and objections to one planned musical acts lyrics. Now, the festival that bills itself as the biggest lake party in Kansas will have to make do without a lake. But event organizer CJ Wilson said what the new venue lacks in lakes will be made up for in party. Its now Kansas biggest outdoor party, pretty much dance under the stars type thing, said Wilson, the president of A Production Company, which puts on the annual festival. Last year, festivalgoers couldnt swim in Lake Afton anyway because of blue-green algae. The lake, yeah, it was there. It was nice. But really, we didnt get in the water, so we can produce what we produced before, just having to be a little bit more creative, Wilson said. Bringing in some sand, putting in some palm trees, just having a good time. And well still have the beach party and the bikini contest and the dad bod contest. The festival will run from July 19-20 and feature artists including Brantley Gilbert, Stone Temple Pilots, Jo Dee Messina and Wheeler Walker Jr., whose profanity-laden lyricism drew the ire of several county commissioners. It got to the point of, we have a lot of people who bought tickets and a lot of sponsors and a lot of people that are expecting this event, Wilson said. Weve invested a lot of money on artists. It came down to the point that, well, weve got to find a venue. And then we were embraced by Goddard and its just kind of like it was meant to be. Organizers are expecting between 6,000 and 7,000 attendees, including ticket holders from as far as California, Arizona and Wisconsin. Besides music, the festival will also feature scavenger hunts, corn hole, car shows and camping. We find the opportunity to be a great benefit to our community. Were super excited to have it here, Goddard City Administrator Craig Crossette said. We hope to make it a permanent fixture for years to come. Crossette said he was impressed with A Production Companys security plan, which features 105 security guards on-site. Organizers also plan to hire 10 to 15 off-duty police officers and sheriffs deputies and six EMTs. They checked all the boxes in that regard, he said. Before voting against the Lake Afton proposal, county commissioners heard from Sheriff Jeff Easter, who said if festivalgoers got out of hand, it could require an increased law enforcement presence that might deplete resources for the rest of the county. After going over our safety and risk assessment with the fire marshal and with the chief of police in Goddard, were actually oversecured for the event, Wilson said. We do that on purpose. Safety is just as important to us as it is to anyone else. Wilson said in the future, A Production Company would like to purchase property in or near Goddard to build an event center and a permanent stage. Theres always options on the table, she said. But this place is going to be great for a couple of years. We want to stay in Goddard. Well be very clear about that. Right now, this is the location, and who knows what the future will hold? Sedgwick County nixes music festival at Lake Afton, citing public safety, vulgar artist Dave Yost should be working for Ohioans not Donald Trump Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is mulling whether the state should join Texas in a US Supreme Court challenge of Donald Trump's losses in four states. Yost should care more about Ohioans than he does Trump So Attorney General Dave Yost thinks it's worthwhile to file an amicus brief to the Supreme Court on behalf of Donald Trump. Yost apparently is so concerned that "a president cannot fulfill the oath of office without reasonable immunity from criminal charges." Think about that. It seems to me that we did just fine before Trump came along. Is that really what Ohioans want? More: Ohio AG Yost suggests test for Supreme Court to determine limits of presidential immunity That laws and honest behavior don't apply to our elected president? Coincidentally, the wording of this filing sounds similar to talking points from Trump out on the campaign trail; but it benefits Ohio voters . . . how? Diane Keafer, Pickerington Former President Donald Trump campaigns at the Dayton International Airport on March 16, 2024, in Ohio. The state holds its Republican Senate primary on the following Tuesday. Why is Ohio's AG so interested in Donald Trump? Re "AG Yost files brief in Trump court case," March 22: Ohio Attorney General Yost has joined a paltry two other states (Wyoming and Alaska) in supporting Trump's spurious claim for immunity. I would like to know how this is a legitimate use of Ohio taxpayer dollars and what the public benefit is for Ohioans. One would think Yost, the highest law enforcement officer in the state, would support the Department of Justice to hold accountable those accused of participating in an insurrection. This is not the first time Yost has used his office to support his political agenda and promote positions not supported by the majority. More: Ohio AG Yost suggests test for Supreme Court to determine limits of presidential immunity For example, his search for loopholes to limit abortion access despite a constitutional amendment approved by a significant majority of Ohioans, shows a total lack of respect for the laws he should be upholding. Given his actions that provide no value to Ohioans who pay for his salary and his office, a public oversight board should be appointed to ensure that he uses his budget to benefit Ohioans and not his ambitions. Janine Migden-Ostrander, Westerville Letters to the Editor Have something on your mind? How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio AG's concern for Donald Trump costing taxpayers money DC police looking for man who sexually assaulted woman in Southeast WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it was looking for a man who sexually assaulted a woman in Southeast D.C. Monday. MPD said the sexual assault happened around 6:30 p.m. inside a residential building that was located in the 1400 block of L St. World Central Kitchen says 7 volunteers killed in IDF strike in Gaza The man threatened the victim with a knife into performing an unwanted sexual act before getting away, according to MPD. (Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department) The suspect was caught on surveillance cameras. Anyone with information was asked to call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411. A reward of up to $1,000 was being offered to anyone with information that leads to an arrest and indictment of those involved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Chef Jose Andres said Wednesday that Israeli forces had targeted a World Central Kitchen convoy in the Gaza Strip "systematically, car by car," killing seven aid workers, including one American, as the White House said it wanted to see accountability for the attack. The deaths of the World Central Kitchen staffers on Monday wasn't the first time humanitarians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war. But this attack killed foreigners, provoking a notable response. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized in a video, promising an independent investigation, and Israel's military expressed severe sorrow. President Joe Biden placed a condolence phone call to Andres, and the White House said he was outraged by the attack. Humanitarian experts said the deaths were all the more striking because World Central Kitchen was known among aid groups both for its caution and its close coordination with the Israeli military in delivering aid. More: Biden tells Israel's Netanyahu strikes on humanitarian workers in Gaza 'unacceptable' Israel even helped Andres group build a jetty on Gazas Mediterranean seafront to bring food by ship into Gaza. If World Central Kitchen run by an internationally respected celebrity chef, boasting a formidable relationship with the Israeli Defense Forces, operating on a deconflicted route arranged with the military can be attacked, observers say, then anyone in Gaza can. What this incident shows us is the IDFs total disregard for the protection of civilians in Gaza, former National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said in an interview. More: Joe Biden expresses outrage over deaths of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza Relatives and friends mourn by the body of Saif Abu Taha, a World Central Kitchen staff member killed along with seven colleagues Monday in an Israeli drone strike. Waning support among Americans for Israel's Gaza war The attack on World Central Kitchen workers comes as some recent polls show fading American support for Israel's war in Gaza. A Gallup survey published late last month shows approval for the war falling from 50% in November to 36% in March, with 55% now disapproving. "It makes Biden's position even more difficult," said Hank Sheinkopf, a veteran Democratic political consultant. "It will create panic among Democrats who are worried about losing younger voters and African Americans who have expressly called for a cease-fire." A history of attacks on humanitarian workers More than 200 aid workers, the vast majority of them Palestinians, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and gunfire since the war started with Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, U.S. officials say. Israeli forces have fired on or bombed approved aid convoys, shelters located in designated safe zones, hospitals, and an American aid groups staff residence. None of these incidents, though, inspired anything like the Israeli and U.S. government response to the deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers. The World Center Kitchen team was killed by three missile strikes from an Israeli attack drone while driving on a designated route they had cleared with the Israeli Defense Force. The Biden administration has decried the ever-mounting civilian and humanitarian deaths in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry says a stunning 32,000 people have been killed, while continuing to supply Israel with arms. Israel blames Hamas for the death toll, saying that it operates and hides in civilian areas. A 'glaring' atrocity Mondays strike was different. It was a very quick response, Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli human rights organization, said of Netanyahus apology. I dont know that they had a choice. It was so glaring. Youve got humanitarian workers being killed and they worked for an organization run by a very high-profile person, Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International, told USA TODAY. ''They finally found a victim they couldnt blame. More: Muslim leader walks out of meeting with Biden in protest of Israel-Hamas war Jose Andres: 'More of an aid worker than a celebrity' Jose Andres owns more than a dozen restaurants across the U.S., stars in a travel and cooking TV series and has been awarded the National Humanities Medal for the work of World Central Kitchen, which provides food for victims of catastrophes across the globe. In the cast of globally recognized do-gooders, the Spanish chef is compared with Nobel Peace Prize-winner Malala Yousafai and climate change activist Greta Thunberg. World Central Kitchen has supplied more than 350 million meals at disaster sites around the world. More: Who is Jose Andres? What is the World Central Kitchen? What to know after deadly airstrike In recent years hes been much more of an aid worker than a celebrity, said Konyndyk, who served in humanitarian roles in the Biden and Obama administrations. It was Andres' image as a guardian angel for survivors of war and calamity that forced the U.S. and Israeli governments to speak out, Konyndyk said. Jose is a beloved human being, Vietor said. Hes well known in Washington, with a direct line to the president. Celebrity chef Jose Andres (C) joins Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) (L) and Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) for an interview following a meeting about getting humanitarian aid to Gaza at the U.S. Capitol on March 14, 2024 in Washington, DC. The founder of the World Central Kitchen, Andres is working with the United States and Israel for weeks to make a plan to deliver maritime shipments of aid to Gaza. 'As if they were being hunted' Mondays tragedy underscores months of prior Israeli attacks on humanitarian workers and shows how the U.S. has failed to persuade Israel to ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers, experts said. World Central Kitchen said its workers, traveling in three vehicles two of them clearly marked with the groups logo were targeted as they left a warehouse in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah after dropping off food that had recently arrived from Cyprus. Andres told Reuters the attack wasnt merely a "bad luck situation where, 'oops,' we dropped the bomb in the wrong place." "Even if we were not in coordination with the IDF, no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians," he said. It was a series of three attacks in succession, Hary said. It was almost as if they were being hunted while they tried to escape. Israel said its forces mistakenly identified the convoy as hostile. Its indicative of a pattern of permissive rules of engagement and a willingness to conduct war in a way that doesnt protect civilians or humanitarians, Hary said. The only surprise, Konyndyk said, was that Westerners weren't killed sooner. "Humanitarians have been screaming about this for six months," he said of the unsafe conditions for aid workers. "It was only a matter of time and time ran out." 'Unconscionable,' says Cindy McCain World Central Kitchen suspended its operations in devastated northern Gaza, where the U.N. World Food Program says one out of every three children below the age of two "is now acutely malnourished or 'wasted.'" "It's unconscionable," WFP Director-General Cindy McCain said on CNN. "This has to stop. We need to get food in, to the north especially, to stave off famine." On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an impartial investigation into the drone strikes. "We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk," he added. A car used by US-based aid group World Central Kitchen that was hit by an Israeli strike the previous day in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on April 2, 2024. White House waits for 'accountability' It was unclear whether the deaths of the World Central Kitchen team would impact Israels conduct in Gaza or American support for its top Middle East ally. Whether this has any real effect depends on President Biden, Konyndyk said. On Wednesday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the administration would monitor Israel's investigation. "We need to see what they learn and we need to see, just as importantly, what they do about what they learn what changes they're willing to make, what accountability they're willing to observe," Kirby told reporters. "We're just not there yet." For now, the attack may have drawn Americans attention back to the Gaza war as the conflict approaches its sixth month. Often these things get lost in the news cycle, said Erick Sanchez, a public relations consultant who volunteered with Andres and World Central Kitchen after Hurricane Ida struck New Orleans in 2021. When we see tragedy unfolding in his organization, it gives us the ability to see the need to bring peace to innocent civilians. Contributing: Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza, outrage spreads DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) After completing renovations in 2023, the City of Decatur and the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority (CILBA) recently sold their first Abandonment to Rehab Program home. The program rescues run-down, unoccupied homes from potential demolition and restores them into habitability. Two Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) grants and American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding from the City helped CILBA repair the home on South Maffit Street. This is a crucial step toward the City Councils priority goal of community revitalization, Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said. This home rehab initiative with the land bank allows the City to move from a reactive approach on blighted properties to a proactive one in which we are actively partnering with CILBA to rehab vacant homes, bring them up to code, and provide home buyer opportunities. The City of Decatur is also collaborating with Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) to help contractors. Several have utilized the institutions low-interest loan fund while working on CILBAs home rehab projects. Decatur Police investigating possible arson after Tuesday evening house fire A total of $80,000 has been contributed to the cause by CILBA and Decatur, half from a Land Bank Capacity Program grant and the other half from an IHDA Strong Communities Program grant. The City of Decatur has been a great supporter of this rehab program with the land bank and I cant wait until we can start marketing the next round of rehabbed homes for sale, CILBAs Executive Director Mike Davis said. The land bank cannot do this work alone and having great partners such as the City, IHDA, CICD for homeownership counseling, and LLCU for contractor financing is critical for success. CILBA even wrote a new grant for Decatur in 2023 a $337,000 IHDA Strong Communities grant which can be used to aid the land banks next round of vacant home rehabilitations. That includes four works-in-progress, which should finish up in between May and July of this year, and five more upcoming projects pending state grant approvals. Decatur approves new universal yard waste service plan We know that fixing blight in Illinois communities has far reaching impacts, lifting up property values, supporting economic growth, and increasing the supply of much needed affordable housing for working families while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding neighborhood, IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said. IHDA is thrilled to see this transformation take place in Decatur, and we look forward to seeing more successes through this program in the months to come. The Community Investment Corporation of Decatur, a partner of CILBA, will be offering homeownership education classes throughout the year to help create an eligible lineup of potential buyers for these rehabbed homes. The next workshop will start on April 25. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The office of DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a man pleaded guilty to trafficking his girlfriend in 2019. According to the DAs office, 27-year-old Mykal Jett of Decatur was arrested after DeKalb County Police officers responded to a domestic violence call in December 2019. On Dec. 18, 2019, officers were called to a home on McGlynn Drive in unincorporated Decatur, and when they got there they spoke to a 22-year-old woman who said Jett was her boyfriend and her pimp. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The victim told investigators that she and Jett had been together for four years and that Jett forced her to make $1,000 per night or he would beat her, the DAs office said. Then, he would take the money and control her access to drugs, which the DAs office said she was addicted to. The victim told police, the DAs office said, Jett repeatedly refused to let her leave him. TRENDING STORIES: The day police came to the McGlynn Drive home, the victim told police she had tried to leave in a rideshare vehicle, but Jett had forced her into his car and drove her to a different location, according to the DAs office. Then, he made her take off all of her clothes and beat her with a rake until it broke, before continuing to abuse her for about six hours. The DAs office said he stuffed socks into her mouth, put a hot iron on the victims face, and made her stand outside in below-freezing temperatures while wearing wet clothing. The victim had videos of the assault on her phone, and officers responding to the domestic violence call observed severe bruises all over the womans body, according to the DAs office. After pleading guilty to two counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude, false imprisonment, and two counts of aggravated assault, Jett was sentenced to 25 years, with 14 in prison and 11 on probation. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Sarah* is being taken to court for not having Tom*, who has complex medical conditions, vaccinated - Paul Cooper When Sarahs* son was just one, she made him a promise as he was being prepared for life saving heart surgery. Moments before Tom* was taken on a trolley to the operating theatre, she kissed him and vowed that if he survived she would do everything within her powers to protect him for the rest of his life. For 23 years, she has faithfully honoured that pledge to her only child, who has a congenital heart condition, a chromosomal abnormality and acute learning disabilities he has the mental age of an 18-month-old. But now her instincts as a mother are being legally tested in one of the most powerful (and some say secretive) courts in the land after she dared to question whether the Covid-19 vaccine was safe for her vulnerable son, now 24. For nearly three years, the case has played out in the Court of Protection, where a lawyer has been assigned to represent Toms best interests. The issue the court is grappling with is whether the greater good for Tom and society will be served by him being injected, despite the risk the vaccine could pose to his complex medical conditions. Sarah, 59, has agreed to speak for the first time about her familys ordeal, which she claims shows the state being heavy-handed by insisting it knows better than a mother what is best for her son who is, to all intents and purposes, still her baby boy. Neither the mother nor her child can be identified due to the strict reporting conditions imposed by the court. They have been given pseudonyms to protect their anonymity. Speaking from her home in the north west of England, Sarah insists she is not an anti-vaxxer nor someone prone to trawling the internet for absurd conspiracy theories. She is far too busy as a full-time carer. More importantly, she has ensured he has had all his childhood vaccines. As Tom sounds an approving gurgle of glee from the dinner table, she cuts up his food into bite-sized pieces before removing from the tight grip of his paw-like hands his favourite childrens book, Bings First 100 Words. I have to look after him in the same way as when he was a baby, she said, handing him a spoon and gently repositioning his glasses. But, that is exactly what he is to me. He is no different today to when I kissed him before his operation back in 2001. Her fear about the vaccine stems from whether the messenger RNA vaccine (mRNA) which essentially tells a cell how to make a protein to trigger an immune response to Covid is suitable for someone suffering a chromosomal abnormality and a heart condition. Toms severe learning disabilities were caused largely by him having Partial Trisomy 13, a rare condition which means he has an extra chromosome that, among other things, impairs brain development (he has no speech and needs help going to the toilet, washing and getting dressed). The corrective heart surgery was a result of him being diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, an equally rare congenital heart condition affecting the very structure of the organ. To this day, his mother carries a special card to alert medical services that certain procedures may put his life at risk; a trip to the dentists culminates in him taking antibiotics to ensure no potentially fatal bacterial infection has entered his bloodstream, which could threaten his heart. In 2021 when the country was still in the grip of lockdowns and social distancing, Sarah was repeatedly asking medical professionals involved in her sons care whether this new mRNA vaccine was suitable for Tom. After all, he had had Covid twice and recovered as quickly as his mother, so she believes he has probably had acquired some natural immunity. I went to talk to my GP about my concerns, she said. At the end of our chat when I said I was concerned about Tom having the vaccine, the doctor simply said he needed to tick some boxes for the relevant agencies. I didnt think any more of it. A few days later a social worker made an unexpected visit. Then, a physiotherapist turned up. On each occasion Sarah was questioned about why Tom had not yet had the vaccine. I was shocked, she continued. I explained that I was worried there was a possibility the vaccine could cause myocarditis or pericarditis [conditions adversely affecting the heart]. I felt they should be proving to us that its safe, not me trying to prove it is not safe. In April that year, a court summons landed on her doormat, signalling the beginning of a protracted and ongoing legal tussle with the state. Judge Burrows, sitting in Preston, summed up the nature of the legal impasse; doctors who wanted Tom vaccinated had based their argument on the advice given to clinicians by effectively the UK Government, however the mother felt the risks posed by the vaccine were unclear and maybe significant. He stressed how the role of the Court of Protection was to make decisions on behalf of people who are unable to make that decision for themselves on the grounds of mental incapacity. Despite his acute learning disabilities, Tom was in years an adult, so the court had wrested responsibility for him from his mother. Hearings focused on whether some cardiac issues raised by the vaccine meant it posed a greater risk than Covid itself. But in his 2022 judgment, the judge was at pains to point out how the court was ill-equipped .. to act as an adjudicator as to whether the vaccines that are part of the Governments anti-Covid policy are really safe, or whether they should have been brought into general use before they should have been, with inadequate regulatory supervision. Instead, he summed up how Tom was in an at-risk group due to his disabilities and the evidence is that vaccines do give protection against serious illness and death. The judge added that a further factor he had to consider was whether Tom may have made an altruistic decision to receive the vaccine to protect the community at large, similar to the way the Government argued that the vaccination was a way to protect the vulnerable and the NHS a few years ago. He continued: In other words: might Tom have behaved like a responsible citizen and considered the effect of his decision on other people had he made the decision for himself. He concluded that it is in Toms best interest to receive the vaccine, adding how Covid is still a dangerous and potentially fatal virus and the Government had sought to protect the healthcare infrastructure. Despite social distancing, mask-wearing and orders to stay at home now being a thing of the past, the court battle is still ongoing. Sarahs lawyers have dug in for a long fight by setting up a crowdfunding site Forced Vaccinations On Our Loved Ones to help pay for legal costs. So far, those who believe mother knows best have raised more than 35,000. They are now appealing the ruling, backed by the evidence of a professor, a world expert in Trisomy 13, who has told the court the vaccine could pose a threat to Tom. He is one of a number of people who have claimed the vaccine has health implications, possibly to the heart. So far, Sarah has spent 25,000 of her own life savings on legal fees, to try to prove there were risks involved if her son was given the vaccine. Far more could be at risk for her. If the court ultimately orders that Tom should be vaccinated, any attempt by his mother to prevent that happening could culminate in her being jailed or assets being seized. Coincidentally, she insists she has not had the vaccine because her son actually inherited the chromosomal abnormality from her. Toms unique genetic make up and heart condition are the only reasons for my concerns, she said He is currently a fit and well young man with no comorbidities and he takes no medications. The injection could potentially injure or kill him. If he is given the vaccine, one of my greatest fears is that he cannot speak and express how he is feeling should he have an adverse reaction. I have dedicated my whole life to overseeing his health and worked tirelessly with the medical community to develop intricate and personalised care regimes, she said. Its my care which has contributed to Tom living until he is 24, despite Trisomy 13 often resulting in a limited lifespan. For the judge to believe that Tom would take it for the sake of others the so-called altruistic view denies the possibility that there is any risk at all to Tom. I would think hed protect his own life by not taking it. After wiping clean her sons face Tom sits up to kiss his mother gently on her cheek. Sarah pauses before saying: All I have ever wanted to be is a great mother and to protect my son. I believe that as his mother, I know what is best for him. *All names have been changed to protect the familys anonymity. 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 years to the day that a gang gunfight left six people dead and 12 wounded in downtown Sacramento, lawyers spent the day Wednesday trying to pin the spark for the melee on one of the people killed that night. Sergio Harris, a 38-year-old former gang member, father and frequent visitor to the London night club near 10th and K Streets, has been the focus of testimony for two days as lawyers for defendants in the case try to show Harris got into a confrontation with rival gang members and opened fire. No gun was ever found on Harris after he was shot April 3, 2022, although authorities found gunpowder residue on his hands. His cousin Ike Harris, who said he was like a brother to Sergio and was with him much of that night, testified that he never saw his cousin with a gun and didnt believe he had one. Sergio Harris was one of the victims of the mass shooting in Sacramento on Sunday, April 3, 2022. I never saw him fire a gun, Ike Harris testified at a preliminary hearing in Sacramento Superior Court, describing how when a crowd of 200 to 300 people began scattering from gunfire he hid behind metal trash cans. When he felt it was safe to emerge, he said, he rushed to where Sergio Harris had fallen and began CPR until he could not get a pulse, then took his cousins cellphone and keys for safekeeping. But, Ike Harris insisted, he never saw a gun on Sergio. Then came the video of a police interrogation in July 2022, during which Ike Harris can be seen telling a detective that someone called 5 Star took a gun after Sergio Harris died, and that he told Ike Harris later he had destroyed it. The two versions of Ike Harris story collided Wednesday as lawyers for brothers Smiley and Dandrae Martin, two of the three men charged with multiple murders in the shootout, began tearing into him. Its not true that 5 Star ever showed up there, is it? demanded Linda Parisi, attorney for Dandrae Martin. When you tell police that 5 Star showed up there, it was just a lie, correct? That was all just a big lie, correct? Ike Harris, who said he and his cousin were former members of the Del Paso Heights Bloods gang before leaving that life years ago, insisted he was telling the truth, saying he got his information second hand after the shootout from the internet and elsewhere. In an image captured from surveillance video and labeled by Sacramento police, gang members are identified moments before a shooting April 3, 2022, in downtown Sacramento. Six people were killed and 12 others were wounded in the shootout. I dont remember a lot of the incidents from that night, said Harris, who had invoked his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination until he was granted immunity Tuesday. I dont remember specifics of that night, he added. Youre telling this lie because you know the cops are really pressing you to tell them where the gun is, Parisi continued. Thats what I believe happened at the moment. Parisis questioning came after Meghan Cunningham, an attorney for Smiley Martin, launched a similar attack on Harris credibility, questioning him about the events of that night and then playing videos of Ike Harris police interview that contradicted his claims. Let me ask you this, if you see your cousin pull a gun are you ever going to tell us that he pulled a gun, Cunningham asked. Im not going to lie, Harris replied. Did you see him pull that gun? she continued. No, he said. But prosecutor Brad Ng ran more of the video interview Ike Harris did with police, showing a portion where Harris says he got a call a week after the shootout from 5 Star, who told him he had gotten hold of a gun and destroyed it. Harris told Ng he never saw 5 Star take a gun at the scene and that he had been truthful with police. Ng also played video in which Harris was describing for police how another group at 10th and K appeared to have drawn their weapons and one man was pointing his arm and a black object toward Sergio Harris from down the sidewalk. They got their guns out, Ike Harris says on the video. Ng also noted that police did not press Ike Harris in the interview, with Harris testifying the police were respectful and that he answered their questions willingly after being read his rights. The suggestion from the defense that Sergio Harris had a gun that night raises questions about how the shootout began and who started it. Murder suspects Smiley Martin, 23, left, and Mtula Payton, 29, listen to prosecutor Brad Ng, foreground, question a cousin of victim Sergio Harris during a preliminary hearing in Sacramento Superior Court on Tuesday, April 4, 2024, in the case of the April 2022 mass shooting in downtown Sacramento. Ngs computer screen shows video evidence that was projected in the courtroom depicting a nightclub on the night of the shooting. The Martin brothers and Mtula Payton are the only three living suspects believed to have fired that night, and the preliminary hearing is designed to decide whether there is enough evidence to send them to trial. Questioning and video evidence produced so far suggests the confrontation began after a man in a black puffed jacket approached Sergio Harris on the sidewalk to tell him there was a group of Suckas from the Loom Squad gang down the street. Ike Harris testified under questioning from Ng that he didnt recall that, and that he had never heard of the Loom Squad at the time. But after the man in the jacket tapped Sergio Harris on the shoulder and warned him, Harris continued down the street near 10th and K and looked toward a group of men against a wall. A short time later, the crowd of people who had emerged from the nightclubs after closing began to disperse, Ike Harris said. I scattered with them, he said. Its a rule of thumb. When one runs, you all run. At first, the crowd thought it was a false alarm and began to come back together, but then scattered again, Harris testified. Video played in court shows a series of muzzle flashes from behind a tree where Sergio Harris had been standing and police would later say more than 100 rounds had been fired during the shootout that killed innocent bystanders, including a homeless woman sleeping in a doorway. Public defender Norm Dawson questions a witness as murder suspect Smiley Martin, 23, listens on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, during a preliminary hearing in Sacramento Superior Court for the case of the April 2022 mass shooting in downtown Sacramento. Under questioning from Reid Kingsbury, Paytons lawyer, Ike Harris testified that he didnt know anything about the Martin brothers or Payton until well after the shooting. He added that he and his cousin were both in their 30s and had moved on from gang life as they focused more on family and work. Its like graduation, the streets are school and, at some point, you graduate or you flunk out, Harris testified, adding that he and his cousin first became involved with gangs at 12 or 13. He never joined it, Harris said. We were born into it. Our neighborhood where we were born, we were raised, it was natural for us. There was no initiation to say, Today we joined a gang, he said. But Parisi later pressed Harris about whether the mention of Suckas or enemies from the man in the black jacket put Sergio Harris on alert about rivals in the area. It would be fair to say that this nameless person in the black puffer jacket was sort of the fuse that got this whole thing started, Parisi said to Harris, who insisted that he didnt know the man or what was said. Harris eventually conceded to Parisi that he lied about 5 Star taking a gun after Sergio Harris was killed. I told that lie so theyd get away from me, he said. Nobody wants to be involved with law enforcement, cases court. Nobody wants to be inconvenienced. The hearing will continue Thursday and Monday, with additional sessions expected in August. Murder suspect Smiley Martin, 23, looks at a video on a computer screen with his attorney Ray Thomas in Sacramento Superior Court on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, during a preliminary hearing with two other suspects in the April 2022 downtown Sacramento mass shooting. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 3. China's Xinjiang Dacheng Yuanlong Technology Co. is set to participate in the construction of a wind power station in Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports. This agreement stems from negotiations held during the Kyrgyzstan-China Business Forum in Bishkek, according to the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan. The wind power station will be erected in the Erkeshtam area of the Alay district in the Osh region. Additionally, the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan signed an investment agreement with Xinjiang Dacheng Yuanlong Technology Co. for the construction of a coal logistics center with a conveyor belt near the Erkeshtam checkpoint. A memorandum of cooperation in the repair of the Kyrgyzstan Bishkek thermal power plant was also signed between the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan and Tebian Electric Apparatus (TBEA). In total, seven agreements were signed during the forum, totaling $1.151 billion. The event attracted over 50 major Chinese enterprises eager to engage in collaborative projects with Kyrgyzstan. Approximately 50 domestic companies from various sectors also participated, showcasing the breadth of opportunities for collaboration and investment between the two countries. Democrat Kristin Lyerly, an OB-GYN, running for soon to be vacant Gallagher congressional seat WASHINGTON De Pere Democrat Kristin Lyerly is all in on the congressional seat left empty by the impending retirement of Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher. Lyerly told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Wednesday she will run for Congress in Wisconsins northeastern 8th Congressional District, setting up a Democratic bid for the rural red seat after the party failed to field a challenger to Gallagher last election cycle. Lyerly, an OB-GYN, said her campaign will center on healthcare access. She formally announced her campaign Thursday at Hinterland Brewing Company in Green Bay. I think people have really felt unrepresented, like their voices have gone unheard, and that needs to change, Lyerly said. There is a path here (for Democrats) for the first time in a really long time, she said. It feels like hope. Dr. Kristin Lyerly addresses supporters during her campaign announcement on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Hinterland Brewery in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Lyerly announced her candidacy for the 8th Congressional District seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher. Lyerlys decision comes as Gallagher, a high-profile foreign policy hawk, plans to leave Congress on April 19 months before the end of his term. Gallagher has not said why he is cutting his time short but has called the move a family decision. He previously announced in February this would be his last term in the House. The move from Lyerly means Democrats will have candidates run in each of the states congressional districts in 2024. Thats a change from last election cycle when Democrats did not field candidates against Gallagher and Rep. Glenn Grothman, a Glenbuelah Republican who represents the 6th Congressional District. Two other Democrats who were considering bids, former journalist Kelly Peterson and Navy veteran Alicia Saunders, told the Journal Sentinel this week they will not run in the 8th District and will instead pursue state-level races. Saunders said she will run in Assembly District 2, currently held by Republican state Rep. Shae Sortwell. Peterson plans to run for Senate District 2, held by Republican state Sen. Robert Cowles. Former state Sen. Roger Roth, left, and state Sen. Andre Jacque, right Former state Sen. Roger Roth, an Appleton Republican who ran for lieutenant governor in 2022, and state Sen. Andre Jacque, a Republican from De Pere, are competing in the 8th Districts Republican primary. Donald Trump-aligned GOP consultant Alex Bruesewitz has been teasing a potential April 8 campaign announcement. In an interview, Lyerly acknowledged the steep uphill battle Democrats face in an 8th District that favors Republicans by about 16 points. Gallagher, in his fourth term on Capitol Hill, won each reelection handily, by no fewer than 25 points. But Lyerly noted the 2022 overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade case protecting abortion something Democrats in the state have successfully campaigned on since and said the country is suffering from the lack of ability to make our own personal health care decisions. Lyerly has been at the center of Wisconsin Democrats pushback to a 19th-century state law that made it a felony for doctors to perform abortions. She was one of three Wisconsin doctors who joined Attorney General Josh Kaul in challenging the law in court. (A Dane County judge in December ruled the 1849 law does not prohibit abortion.) She has appeared with top Democrats at events focused on restoring abortion access in Wisconsin, including moderating a roundtable with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. She joined Gov. Tony Evers to announce a lawsuit against the state abortion law that went into effect last year before the Dane County judges recent ruling. She makes monthly commutes to Minnesota, working in hospitals in Hibbing and Montevideo. This week, Lyerly stressed the need for better healthcare access in rural areas and said healthcare extends beyond just doctors involving access to healthy food, clean water, clean air and mental health services. My platform will be healthcare-based because Im a physician, she said. But I think its important to consider all of the different aspects that affect our own individual health. This wont be Lyerlys first foray into Wisconsin politics. In 2020, she lost a challenge for an Assembly seat against Republican incumbent John Macco, who received 52% of the vote in the district to Lyerly's 48%. The Republican Party of Wisconsin on Wednesday dismissed Lyerly's campaign, saying her run "only makes sense for a Wisconsin Democratic Party increasingly out of touch with its own constituents." "No one is more at odds with the values and interests of Northeast Wisconsin than Lyerly," Wisconsin GOP spokesman Matt Fisher said in a statement to the Journal Sentinel. "Voters have rejected her before. 2024 will be no different." While she had been considering a run against Gallagher before Gallagher announced his retirement, Lyerly told the Journal Sentinel that Gallaghers departure opened a very clear path for her. She praised Gallagher as being very responsive to his constituents and labeled him a very appropriate moderate. Those looking to replace him, she suggested, are not that. The momentum has shifted, she said, describing herself as a 6th generation Wisconsinite who grew up supporting Republicans. People recognize that the GOP MAGA extremism is not in line with their personal values. That MAGA extremism is not solving their problems. Still, national Democrats are unlikely to put many resources toward the 8th District seat as they focus their attention on Wisconsins swing 3rd and 1st districts. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Lyerly said, told her they arent interested in investing in the race at this point. But what I told (them) was: Keep your eye on us, Lyerly said. Because we are feisty, hard-working, and this district, knowing the people who vote here who are independent thinkers theyre not red, theyre not blue, theyre green and gold. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: OB-GYN Kristin Lyerly running for Mike Gallagher congressional seat A billboard truck paid for by the DNC has been circling Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign events. Protesters picketed his vice presidential announcement rally. The websites grassroots organizing forum was flooded with fake, provocative event pages. And a job ad from the progressive group MoveOn showed in real-time how progressive organizations are staffing up to confront the independent campaign. The bombardment against Kennedy has grown so intense that the campaign is crying foul. Democrats are taking third-party threats seriously, and anti-Kennedy antagonism has spiked now that the general election is underway and the independent candidate continues to draw significant support in the polls. Despite the political prowess associated with his family name, Kennedy is a first-time candidate, and is now receiving his first real political vetting. They are publicly shifting now to a strategy of actual trolling and harassment in order to place media stories around it and persuade voters in that way, because their attempts to keep Bobby off the ballot have failed, campaign manager, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s daughter-in-law, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy told POLITICO. Fox Kennedy said she was expecting dirty tricks from the political establishment and the campaign is making adjustments to its operations. But the anti-RFK Jr. tactics haven't deterred the campaign from focusing on its existential goal, getting on the ballot in all 50 states and Washington, DC. The campaign said it plans to meet its goal by mid-summer, though so far Kennedy is only officially on the ballot in Utah. Kennedy is averaging about 12.5 percent in polls, according to RealClearPolitics. While thats not enough support to win an election, even single-digit support in swing states could shift the 2024 results. Democrats have so far been the more proactive party to define Kennedy as a spoiler, but former President Donald Trumps team is starting to turn its attention to Kennedy as well, calling him a radical leftist. The Kennedy campaign sees the forces against it as part of "an ecosystem," Fox Kennedy said, that is defined by and loyal to the DNC. While the DNC is responding to Kennedys run, its role is not as omnipresent as Fox Kennedy describes it. The DNC paid for mobile billboards highlighting GOP megadonor Tim Mellons contributions to Kennedy, but it denied hiring protesters or sending staff to Kennedys events. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has never met a conspiracy theory he doesnt believe and this is no exception, said Matt Corridoni, a DNC spokesperson. "Its understandable that he is bothered when people point out he is funded by Donald Trumps largest donor, but its important for voters to know hes a spoiler. The DNC also did not participate in an online protest that spammed the Kennedy website with fake community organizing events. Kennedy volunteers use this online calendar to host yoga classes, potlucks and book clubs for supporters or Kennedy-curious locals across the country. But Organizer Memes, an anonymous X account popular for trolling campaigns and sharing gossip on bad bosses, weaponized the tool shortly after Kennedys event announcing his running mate. Organizer Memes created a fake community event called Dramatic reading of RFK Jrs sex diary, referencing a 2013 story about Kennedys cheating scandal and divorce from his second wife, who died by suicide before the divorce was finalized. It inspired others to create their own fake events, poking fun at Kennedy. Once you get in my crosshairs because I want you to lose, I'm looking for opportunities to make jokes about you. And if your campaign has something to hide, I love to find it and post it on Twitter, Organizer Memes said in an interview. The account is not affiliated with the DNC or Bidens campaign. The fake event post was inspired, however, by a real technological vulnerability. After Nicole Shanahan was announced as Kennedys running mate, one Kennedy supporter aired their disappointment by creating a fake event blaming Fox Kennedy, a former CIA agent, for negatively influencing the campaign, according to a screenshot seen by POLITICO. Organizer Memes saw this post and then created their own. It's a masterclass in digital security but also like, it's a fun time to prank people, they said. The campaign has now added a screening process for the websites community events feature and is adding that ability to its forthcoming mobile app. Now we're having to commit volunteer resources to reviewing and approving each of those grassroots events, which takes those volunteers away from other things they could be doing. And it means that nobody can create an event the same day or even the night before, Fox Kennedy said. And maybe that's just a reality of the world that we live in, but it's another way that these large-scale government attacks on our local communities and our desire to connect with one another are undermining our political process. Fox Kennedy also took to X to lament a job posting from MoveOn, a progressive organization that is also not affiliated with the DNC. The ad was searching for a staffer to help inoculate progressive and other non-MAGA constituencies from voting for RFK Jr and other third-party presidential spoiler candidates in key battleground states. Responsibilities included in-person and digital organizing to confront the threat, including through earned media bird-dogging. Fox Kennedy wrote on X that these responsibilities amount to harassment and accused MoveOn of being run by the DNC. We all know the Kennedy campaign runs on conspiracy theories, but even this is a stretch for them, said Joel Payne, a MoveOn spokesperson. MoveOn confirmed that it posted the job opening and took the ad down after receiving sufficient applicants. The online link now goes to a posting for a different job that is not related to or affiliated with MoveOn. They are running an anti-abortion, anti-IVF, anti-vaccine, anti-gun safety ticket funded by Trumps biggest donor and they are trolling for attention with fake outrage because they are being called out and held accountable," Payne said. "It should come as no surprise that we are staffing up to ensure that voters understand that their reckless bid will make it easier for Donald Trump to win this election. While MoveOns job ad was singled out, its not unique. The DNC has staffed a team of veteran operatives, including a former Sen. Ted Kennedy staffer, to focus on third-party candidates. American Bridge, one of the largest Democratic Party-aligned research groups, has hired longtime Democratic lawyer Marc Elias firm on a retainer for this year. This is not to mention the smaller, hyper-local, partisan efforts that will emerge from the grassroots to box out third-party support as November approaches. CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated how much American Bridge hired Marc Elias firm for this year. A host of Democratic legislators have filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in opposition to subjecting unhoused people to criminal penalties. Led by Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), 18 Democrats argue that arresting or fining people who have no other choice than sleeping outside is unconstitutional and will trap unhoused people in a cycle of poverty. Punishing poverty traps people in cycles of debt, unemployment, and hopelessness, increasing the likelihood someone will become chronically homeless, which makes the problem worse for everyone and therefore serves no legitimate penological purpose, the brief says. While the members of Congress signing here agree that the political branches have at least partially failed homeless Americans by turning away from their historical role in ensuring broad access to affordable housing, this Court has never permitted a local government to inflict pain on its own innocent residents for the deliberate purpose of running them off and making them someone elses burden. The brief comes ahead of the case of Johnson v. City of Grants Pass, which would determine if local governments can make it a crime to live outside and unsheltered when adequate shelter is unavailable. The Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit previously ruled that local governments are not allowed to fine or arrest people for sleeping outside if no indoor space is available, based on the Eighth Amendments protection against cruel and unusual punishment. But local officials in Grants Pass, Oregon, are seeking the right to arrest and jail unhoused people, citing potential consequences of letting the 9th Circuits decision stand, including crime, fires, drug overdoses and deaths. (The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals) decisions are legally wrong and have tied the hands of local governments as they work to address the urgent homelessness crisis, Theane Evangelis, a lawyer for Grants Pass, said in a statement earlier this year when the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case. The tragedy is that these decisions are actually harming the very people they purport to protect. Officials in San Francisco and Phoenix, as well as California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and 20 Republican state attorneys general backed Grants Passs request for the Supreme Court to take the case, saying current law ties their hands. But the Democratic lawmakers argue in their brief that houselessness began soaring in the 1980s following housing disinvestment that has since worsened. The lawmakers also argue that criminalizing homelessness will disproportionately impact unhoused people who are Black and brown, youth, disabled, elderly, and/or LGBTQ+. The brief highlights that 37 percent of the adult houseless population is Black, 28 percent is Hispanic, 4 percent is Native American, and 2 percent is Asian. Up to 40 percent of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+. The brief adds that Black and Hispanic individuals are far more likely to receive citations than white people. The lawmakers instead call for investment in solutions dedicated to ending poverty and homelessness for good. The brief is signed by Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Democratic Reps. Gwen Moore (Wis.), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.), Shri Thanedar (Mich.), Barbara Lee (Calif.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Nydia Velazquez (N.Y.), Andre Carson (Ind.), Ayanna Pressley (Mass.), Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.), Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Sylvia Garcia (Texas), Summer Lee (Pa.), Delia Ramirez (Ill.), Linda Sanchez (Calif.), and Ro Khanna (Calif.). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democrats are fearful that Israels war in Gaza is turning into a major political liability for President Biden and candidates down the ballot, and one that could get worse if it rages on into the summer and attention turns to his match-up with former President Trump. Biden is under increasing pressure from Democratic lawmakers over the worsening conditions in Gaza, growing fatalities and Israels likely invasion of the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering. Adding to those issues, Americans are increasingly disapproving of Israels actions. This has created a political headache for Democrats who are pushing the party to unite behind Biden and leading to concerns the issue could rear its head on the biggest stage in November. Its massive. If this war keeps going on, then it will continue to be a major problem, one House Democrat told The Hill. The sooner Biden can break from [Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] in a major way, then the better off he will be politically. Its not just the progressives who are angry about the U.S. support of the Gaza operation its now broader than that. I fear what the DNC in Chicago could look like, the House Democrat added, referring to the Democrats quadrennial convention in late August. The outrage toward Biden over his handling of the war has been visible through protests following him around the country, and through organized boycotts of him at the ballot box. Last week, he was interrupted during two campaign stops: one in Raleigh, N.C., and one in New York City, when he was alongside former Presidents Obama and Clinton for a major donor event. And groups such as Abandon Biden and Our Revolution have organized efforts in states with high concentrations of Arab Americans, Muslim Americans and young people including Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota to encourage people to write uncommitted or Gaza on their ballot to send a message to Biden ahead of November. The administration has sought to keep the pressure on Israel to avoid civilian causalities, and Biden has called on Netanyahu to not launch his Rafah offensive without a clear plan. But that has not stopped Democrats from ratcheting up pressure on the administration over the current state of the conflict. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and others are urging the president and his team to push Netanyahu and his government to allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, as more than 32,000 Palestinians have died in the war and many more have been displaced. Very anxious, one Senate Democratic aide said about the partys current mood. The question is: When can you bring this conflict to an end? Democrats want to end this as soon as possible, because its the right thing to do and its a political necessity. And recent headlines are upping the stakes still more. The administration is considering selling Israel up to 50 new F-15 fighter jets, 30 AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missile, as well as Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, equipment that can alter dumb bombs into precision-guided weapons, The Hill confirmed. It would mark the largest U.S. military sale to Israel since Hamas launched its attack on Oct. 7 and likely outrage many within the party. Democrats already criticized the first two arms sales to the Israeli military, which bypassed congressional approval, arguing the process undermines transparency and calling it a blank check for Netanyahu. Additionally, seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen were killed Monday in a strike that Netanyahu took responsibility for, adding to anger about the situation. Thats not an accident, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wrote on X, noting that Israel has killed more than 200 aid workers in almost six months of war and reiterating his call for no more aid to be given to Netanyahu. Sanders also echoed the concerns about what effect the war could have on the election. Yeah, I am [worried about November], Sanders told MSNBC, noting that he will still continue to back the president despite the disagreement. The polling is very clear: The Democratic base wants to stop funding Netanyahus war machine. So if your question is: Is it going to hurt the president unless he turns this around? Yeah, it will, he told host Ana Cabrera. The Biden campaign responded to the criticism by saying the president shares the goal for an end to the violence and a just, lasting peace in the Middle East. Hes working tirelessly to that end. Polling shows falling approval levels for the Israels war in Gaza. A Gallup survey from March showed 18 percent of Democrats and 64 percent of Republicans approve of the war down from 36 and 71 percent, respectively, in November. A separate Gallup survey from February showed only 47 percent of Democrats and 27 percent of adults approved of Bidens handling of the situation, his lowest rating of five categories surveyed. One Democratic strategist said Bidens campaign needs to emphasize the comparison between the president and how Trump would respond to the war. The source noted that Trump imposed a ban on citizens of Muslim-majority countries entering the U.S. during his presidency and has vowed to expand it if he is reelected. Everyone in the party should be concerned about every vote in every state, which is why you see Dems trying to expand the map. There are loud voices criticizing the president on Gaza, but its the campaigns job to draw the contrast between what Bidens policies are, and show that he is empathetic overall, and what Trumps would be, the Democratic strategist said. A lot of the criticism about how Biden is handling Gaza is from young voters; if youre 18, you were 11 when Trump instituted his Muslim ban. So, if you dont like what Bidens doing, you certainly arent going to like what Trump would do. Trump recently said in an interview with two Israeli reporters that Netanyahu should end the war soon and that Israel was bleeding public support for their efforts comments that break sharply with most other top Republicans who have thrown their weight behind the prime minister. Netanyahu recently addressed the Senate GOP conference shortly after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history, called for new elections in the nation, directly rebuking the longtime prime minister in the process. A number of Republican lawmakers have also traveled to Israel as part of congressional delegations as part of the show of public support. Despite the level of concern on the left, some Democratic operatives dont believe it will be a determinative factor in November and that the voters who sit out the general election over the issue likely wouldnt vote anyway for one reason or another. With young voters, I dont see them voting for Trump. I think where [the conflict] hurts us is that we get bogged down talking about it and its not an issue that sways swayable independents, one Democratic strategist said. If youre staying home on this issue, you were probably staying home regardless. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democrats quest to hang on to U.S. Senate majority centers on Arizona, Montana and Ohio Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, talks with committee member Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, during a hearing about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on Dec. 15, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images) WASHINGTON Political consultants and Beltway pollsters are setting up camp in purple states to join a towering battle for control of a narrowly split U.S. Senate, but come November, only the voters will make that choice. The road to the majority in the upper chamber of Congress mostly runs through Arizona, Montana and Ohio, where candidates have already spent months pitching their accomplishments and plans. And while its still early, the presence of former President Donald Trump at the top of the ballot and Democrats stress on abortion rights both look likely to remain consequential through the summer and fall, political experts predict. The struggle for control is also fluid and will likely remain that way until all the ballots are counted. The influential Cook Political Report with Amy Walter changed its rating for Nevadas Senate contest on Wednesday, moving the state from lean Democratic to the toss-up category and increasing pressure on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, who will face the Republican nominee following a June primary. J. Miles Coleman, associate editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said in an interview with States Newsroom that Democrats are playing defense in multiple states, though they will be on offense in Florida and Texas despite long odds. I havent been designating the Republicans as favorites to flip the chamber, but they do have an easier path to getting to a majority than the Democrats do, Coleman said. Republicans only need to pick up West Virginia to hold 50 seats in the Senate, which would put them in the majority should former Trump win election. Longtime Democratic moderate Sen. Joe Manchin III is retiring in red-leaning West Virginia. GOP candidates winning any one of the three toss-up races in Arizona, Montana and Ohio would push Republicans up to at least a 51-seat majority as long as they hold onto all their other seats, Coleman said. With all that in mind, I would say this year the biggest goal of Democrats is going to be to limit their losses, he said. Jessica Taylor, U.S. Senate and governors editor at The Cook Political Report, said during an interview with States Newsroom that this year holds a very unfavorable Senate map for Democrats. The bottom line is that there is no room for error, Taylor said. So even if they win the presidency, they cannot lose any incumbents. During the 2020 campaign, Trumps unpopularity dragged down some of the GOP Senate candidates, leading Republicans to lose control of the chamber, but the reverse could be true this year, Taylor said. Democrats have to grapple with the fact that Biden is even more unpopular than Trump was at this point, she said. And the question becomes, how much can Democratic incumbents outrun him, especially when you have them in states that (Trump) won twice. Trump won in Ohio and Montana in both 2016 and 2020, though he lost in Arizona in 2020 after winning the state four years prior. That could be bad news for Democrats in those Senate races. In 2016, every single Senate race went the same way as the presidential race did, Taylor said. And in 2020, the only state that deviated was Maine, which Susan Collins was able to win even as (President Joe) Biden did win the state. The Senate incumbents seeking reelection this year last faced voters in 2018, a midterm election year. Senate terms run for six years. Open seat in Arizona Arizonas Senate race doesnt include an incumbent after Kyrsten Sinema announced her retirement, leaving the field open ahead of the July 30 primary. Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake are expected to advance to the general election, though there are numerous Republicans challenging Lake in the primary. The winner of the general election race, Coleman said, will likely gain the support of the John McCain-type Republicans, who arent too happy about having to vote for a Democrat, but they really dont like how extreme Lake is. Its one of the things that was working against the Republicans in 2022, because they really should have retaken the Senate, Coleman said. But in some of those races, the candidates that Mitch McConnell would have liked, were not the same candidates that Trump liked. McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, and Trump have long had differences. Gallego, a former U.S. Marine, has represented the states 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House since 2015 after spending four years in the state legislature. Lake mounted an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2022, later claiming she lost due to fraud, but has opted not to defend herself in the defamation lawsuit filed by Republican Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer. Lake posted on social media that she believed that by participating in this lawsuit, it would only serve to legitimize this perversion of our legal system and allow bad actors to interfere in our upcoming election. Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Yolanda Bejarano said in an interview with States Newsroom that top issues voters are focused on this year are abortion access, immigration, water and democracy. Voters, she said, arent likely to forget that Republicans in the Senate, urged on by Trump, blocked a bipartisan immigration and border security bill from moving forward. Sinema brokered that deal alongside Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Oklahoma GOP Sen. James Lankford. Democrats put up, actually, a bipartisan plan, a border solution, and it was rejected, because Trump told his members of Congress that this would not help them in his election, Bejarano said. The Arizona Senate race is also likely to be influenced by a ballot question that could add abortion access to the state Constitution. The group leading the effort, Arizona for Abortion Access, said Tuesday it has collected more than 500,000 signatures, well above the required 383,923 ahead of a July deadline. Arizona currently bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. And what this would do, is it would guarantee the right to an abortion up until fetal viability, Bejarano said, referring to a benchmark that is typically about 22 to 24 weeks into a pregnancy. So yeah, I think this is a winning issue for us because Arizonans do not want the government interfering in those personal decisions, she added. The Arizona Republican Party did not return requests for an interview. Tester defends Montana seat In Montana, Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, will likely face former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, though Republican voters will make that decision during their June 4 primary. Tester has represented the state in the U.S. Senate since he was first elected in 2006, defeating his Republican opponent by a margin of just over 3,500 votes. Montana voters reelected him in 2012 by providing him 18,000 more votes than his GOP opponent and in 2018 by about the same margin. Sheehy is one of several Republican Senate candidates with significant wealth running this election cycle, a feature that could help or hamstring him with voters, Taylor said. What Republicans have turned to this time is they have a lot of wealthy candidates that are running and theyre able to self-finance their races, Taylor said. So that does give them an advantage. Eric Hovde, who is expected to clinch the Republican nomination in Wisconsin, and David McCormick, who is likely to win Pennsylvanias GOP primary later this month given that hes the only name on the ballot, are among the wealthier Republicans running this cycle, she said. In Wisconsin, Republicans hope to defeat Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who won in 2018 with 55.4% of the vote. In Pennsylvania, they are targeting Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who won six years ago with 55.7%. Both states are rated as lean Democratic by The Cook Political Report. The wealth of the Republicans could become a double-edged sword for those candidates, Taylor said. Thats just where I think we have to wait and see which wins out partisanship or the candidate quality, Taylor said. And we saw, certainly in 2022, the candidate quality mattered, but that was during a midterm year, not during a presidential year. Montana reproductive rights organizations are also moving forward with putting a question directly before voters that could enshrine abortion access in the states Constitution, an issue that may drive more voters to the polls in November. Democrats believe abortion rights are a winning issue for them in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. That theory has been supported by voters approving ballot questions in favor of abortion rights in several states during the last two years, including Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. Brawl in the Buckeye State In Ohio, Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, chair of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Bernie Moreno, who won the Republican primary in mid-March, will compete for voters support during the general election this November. Brown won his first race for U.S. Senate in 2006 with 56% of the vote. Buckeye State residents reelected him in 2012 with 50.7% of the vote and again in 2018 with 53.4% of the vote. Ohio is the most vulnerable state on the map for Democrats, according to Taylors analysis, though she said Moreno is still a somewhat unknown candidate who will need to prove himself to voters. All three of the GOP candidates in the toss-up states of Arizona, Montana and Ohio have endorsements from Trump, a feature theyre likely to tout on the campaign trail, but that Democrats could use to paint them as too partisan for swing voters. Nevada moves to toss-up Nevada joined the other three states on Wednesday as a toss-up race, according to the Cook Political Report, though Sabatos Crystal Ball continues to categorize the state as leans Democratic. The change in ratings from CPR puts more pressure on Democrats and Rosen to hold the line, while offering Republicans the possibility to have an even larger Senate majority. Taylor wrote in the ratings change that ultimately we are moving this race because of the unique forces at play in Nevada. A combination of a newer electorate that Rosen must win over, Bidens lagging numbers, and the unique post-COVID economic hangover in Nevada make this race a Toss Up, she wrote The Cook Political Report would would certainly reassess our rating, if Army veteran Sam Brown doesnt win the GOP primary to challenge Rosen in the general election. At the moment, Taylor wrote, the problems Democrats have in Arizona, especially on the issue of immigration and with lagging Latino voters, are similar in Nevada, though even Republicans are skeptical of polls that show them winning a majority of Hispanic voters. Nonetheless, Republicans caution that the turnout machine the late Sen. Harry Reid built in the Silver State is still alive and well and will be active for Biden and especially Rosen, who was the former Senate majority leaders protege, Taylor added. Democrats won the state in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential contests, but not by much. Hillary Clinton won by more than 27,000 votes in 2016 and Biden won in 2020 by more than 33,500 votes. Rosen won her first term in the Senate in 2018 by a margin of nearly 49,000 more votes than her Republican opponent. This years primary election on June 11 will determine exactly which Republican will challenge Rosen in the general election. A fluid Senate outlook Other states could come into play the closer voters come to Election Day, including bright-blue Maryland moving towards Republicans with the surprise entry of an ex-governor, as Florida and Texas possibly inch a bit closer to Democratic control. The more expensive media market in Texas and Florida could hamper Democratic efforts to pick up either of those seats, currently held by Ted Cruz and Rick Scott, according to Coleman. Eventually you could have the (Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) or the Senate Majority PAC having to calculate, OK, well, do we spend more to shore up Tester and Brown, or do we want to go chase Texas? Coleman said. Scott, former governor of Florida, won his first term to the U.S. Senate in 2018 by defeating former Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, who has since become the NASA administrator for the Biden administration. The two were separated by just 10,033 votes out of more than 8.1 million ballots cast. This November, Scott will need to secure the support of more voters than former U.S. House Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the Democratic nominee. One complicating factor for Scott could be that voters will decide the future of abortion rights and the legality of recreational cannabis use for people over the age of 21 through two ballot questions. The Florida state Supreme Court ruled Monday that those two questions could go before voters this November, while also saying the states six-week abortion ban could go into effect. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Maeve Coyle wrote in a statement released after the ruling that the fight against these new restrictions on access to abortion will shine a brighter spotlight on Rick Scotts long, dangerous record of supporting draconian abortion bans. 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 wrote. Maryland headache for Democrats Deciding where to spend money could also produce complications for Democrats in Maryland, where Republican nominee and former Gov. Larry Hogan has polled well compared to the two top Democratic primary candidates. Hogans current favorability could force the Democrats to spend a bit more money in Maryland that they would probably want to spend in Ohio or Montana, Coleman said. The odds are long against Hogan, considering that Charles M. Mathias Jr. was the last Republican to represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate from 1969 until 1987. But a Washington Post-University of Maryland survey from early March showed voters favor Hogan by 49% over Democratic Rep. David Trone, who received 37%, and by 50% over Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who received 36%. Taylor said shes somewhat skeptical about a poll conducted this far out from Election Day, in part because 55% of respondents said they wanted to keep the U.S. Senate under Democratic control. Larry Hogans biggest problem is that he will have an R beside his name, Taylor said. I think voters ultimately look at a vote for governor and a vote for Senate very differently. The post Democrats quest to hang on to U.S. Senate majority centers on Arizona, Montana and Ohio appeared first on Daily Montanan. Deputy rescues dog from middle of the road in Caruthers CARUTHERS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A deputy with the Fresno County Sheriffs Office rescued a puppy that was running in the middle of the road on Monday. Officials say Deputy Clark saw a Shepard mix puppy running in the middle of the road, near West Mountain View Avenue and S Henderson Road. The deputy picked up the pup, took him to a safe spot, and fed him some food. Due to where the dog was found the deputy named him Caruthers. Officials say Fresno Humane Animal Services responded to the area and took the dog to its facility. To learn more about this dog and how you can adopt the dog, visit Fresno Humanes website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. DeSantis overrules our votes by dissing Indian River school board member? Enough is enough This has been amended since publication to reflect the school board race will be on the August primary ballot. If youre like me, you take your right to vote seriously. So it struck hard Tuesday when I learned Gov. Ron DeSantis decided the person we elected to the Indian River County School Board no longer would sit there. Instead, the central government in Tallahassee 350 miles away replaced him with a person who has never received the vote of one person in this community. The governor's pick will not be on a ballot until August. It was the latest in a string of questionable moves and appointments or a lack thereof by the governors office involving the Treasure Coast. I hate to blame DeSantis personally, because I cant imagine one person having the ability to not only oversee a massive Florida bureaucracy, but those in cities, counties and special districts in the nations third most populated state. It's one thing to suspend or remove elected officials when they are charged with or convicted of crimes. DeSantis did that earlier this week with an Orlando city commissioner charged with stealing from a 96-year-old woman to pay for a facelift, dental surgery, hotel rooms and home renovations. Politics no reason to remove officials voters elected Tracey Cole (center left) and Brenda Harris cheer with friends and community members on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, after the first unofficial results from the Sebastian recall election were posted during a watch party at Pareidolia Brewing Company in Sebastian. Voters decided to remove City Council members Damien Gilliams, Charles Mauti and Pamela Parris from office and replace them with Christopher Nunn, Bob McPartlan and Fred Jones. Cole started a grass-roots organization called ""Sebastian Voters Against Gilliams and Parris" to make people aware that they have choice in who leads the community. "The main goal of the recall is to let people know they deserve better, and if you have a city council that's not representing you, that's breaking the law and that has their own agenda, your not stuck with that for two years," said Cole. The new council members are to take office Sept. 23. Central government in Tallahassee: DeSantis, GOP apparent retaliation vs. Disney unconscionable; sunset idea OK Moms for Liberty controlling governor? DeSantis snub prods Barefoot into School Board run; where are great candidates? Moore is better: Amid culture wars, Indian River schools finally get A; focus propels third-grade readers DeSantis didnt do it in 2020, when three Sebastian City Council members were charged with breaking open-government and other laws. Instead, citizens united to oust them in a recall election. But it's another thing to remove elected officials for political reasons, as DeSantis has done with two state attorneys and, with the cooperation of the Legislature, the governing board of the Reedy Creek Improvement District (largely owned by Disney). The issue surrounding the Indian River County School Board by Florida law, a nonpartisan body seems equally as political. Indian River School Board member Brian Barefoot speaks after public comment during a school board meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, in Vero Beach. On Feb. 21, Brian Barefoot resigned from the board, thinking hed moved out of his district. A day later, after being told his new residence was actually in the district, he asked the governors office to rescind the resignation. Barefoot had been elected with almost 65% of the vote in 2020, besting Alla Kramer, wife of former Vero Beach mayor and then-county GOP chair Jay Kramer. Barefoot, former president of Babson College, a successful, retired businessman and perhaps the most qualified school board candidate ever in this county, took a seat on the board formerly held by Tiffany Justice. He helped to reshape an amateurish board that ran off a good superintendent in Mark Rendell, who was hired for the same position last year in Brevard County. Justice opted not to seek a second term after Barefoot decided to run. She subsequently founded Moms for Liberty, which has cozied up to DeSantis since its 2020 inception, even getting him to support school board candidates the group liked. Like last year, when DeSantis, flanked by Justice and other Moms for Liberty founders, announced a list of 14 school board members he would target this year because they do not protect parental rights and have failed to protect students from woke ideologies. Soviet-style central state in Tallahassee? Gov. Ron DeSantis is presented "The Sword of Liberty" by Moms for Liberty co-founders Tiffany Justice, left, and Tina Descovich, second from right and executive director of program outreach Marie Rogerson during the first Moms for Liberty National Summit on July 15, 2022 in Tampa. Barefoot, a Republican who in the past had supported DeSantis' gubernatorial campaign and hadn't planned to seek re-election, and fellow board member Peggy Jones were on the list. As I wrote then, the move fit with DeSantis central state knows best philosophy once anathema to conservative Republicans. Theres no way some central state apparatchik even if hes a Republican can understand the dynamics of local communities. Thats why there are local elections. Suggesting the state knows better is the kind of foolhardy thuggery Republicans in this state objected to when Democrats, once in control, tried to pull it off. This kind of partisan nonsense using central state power to control local people and dis local voters has turned people away from politics, with many joining the ranks of unaffiliated voters. Unfortunately, in blowing off Barefoot this week, DeSantis chose politics over the people he serves, the ones who elected Barefoot. The governor should have re-appointed him to serve the last seven months of his term and keep continuity of a board in a rising school district that got a rare A in state grading this past year. Unfortunately, Kevin McDonald, through no fault of his own, joins the ranks of surprising appointments (quasi-endorsements?) DeSantis has made locally in recent months. While Ive never met McDonald, the governors press release said he was a business development manager for a company in New York, where he led the board of a school (that bills itself as the citys only classical Christian institution. Barring a surprising turn of events, he'll have an opportunity to show his expertise as he sits on the board and when he campaigns this summer in a race against David Dyer, another retired businessman. As for Barefoot, he never even got the courtesy of a reply to his resignation or rescindment letters to the governor. Its just a classless move from DeSantis. DeSantis other recent strange appointments on the Treasure Coast were: Brennan Keeler as judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit, serving Indian River County. Keeler resigned less than three months into the job. What kind of vetting did the governors office do before appointing someone who decided so quickly he did not want the job? What kind of final interview occurred? We should expect better. Martin Niemoller poem remembered New St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson speaks at the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office on Midway Road in Fort Pierce. "It's very humbling, but its also very exciting, knowing that we are going to be able to continue serving St. Lucie County at this level of excellency," Pearson said at the start of a media interview on Dec. 4, 2023, in Fort Pierce. Former St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara abruptly retired Dec. 1, citing ongoing health issues for his departure. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Pearson sheriff the same day. Keith Pearson, a lieutenant, as sheriff of St. Lucie County, just hours after incumbent Ken Mascara resigned, citing health reasons. Pearson has been a lightning rod of controversy for failing to release public records, speak about his appointment and connections to a man DeSantis pardoned in January 2023, and for his social media use. The appointment was so questionable the chairman of the St. Lucie County Republican Executive Committee tried to quash it. Meantime, DeSantis has let a de-facto Martin County position on the South Florida Water Management District which has a key role in the health of the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River sit vacant. The fact this now has happened in our own county made me think of the last line in that poem about the Holocaust by the Rev. Martin Niemoller I remember reading at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. LAURENCE REISMAN When they came for me, there was no one left to speak up. Now the governor has come for us, nixing our votes by essentially removing an elected official in Indian River County. The governor's media office, as it has previously, declined to comment Tuesday on the latest inexplicable move affecting the Treasure Coast. Are we going to sit here and take it? Or are we going to start organizing, speaking up, demanding better and seeking elected leaders who will act with character to serve all of us rather than their own political parties, ambitions or friends? This column reflects the opinion of Laurence Reisman. Contact him via email at larry.reisman@tcpalm.com, phone at 772-978-2223, Facebook.com/larryreisman or Twitter @LaurenceReisman. If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest local news on the latest local news on the Treasure Coast. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Soviet-style amateur hour in Tallahassee? IR schools issue latest goof Despite the AI safety hype, a new study finds little research on the topic The Scoop In public policy conversations about artificial intelligence, safety research is one of the biggest topics that has helped drive new regulations around the world. But according to a new study, there appears to be more talk about safety than hard data. AI safety accounts for only 2% of overall AI research, according to a new study conducted by Georgetown Universitys Emerging Technology Observatory that was shared exclusively with Semafor. Georgetown found that American scholarly institutions and companies are the biggest contributors to AI safety research, but it pales in comparison to the amount of overall studies into AI, raising questions about public and private sector priorities. Of the 172,621 AI research papers published by American authors between 2017 and 2021, only 5% were on safety. For China, the difference was even starker, with only 1% of research published focusing on AI safety. Nevertheless, studies on the topic are on the rise globally, with AI safety research papers more than quadrupling between 2017 and 2022. Know More Georgetowns Emerging Technology Observatory is part of The Center for Security and Emerging Technology, which received over $100 million in funding from Open Philanthropy, the charity backed by Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, who is a major advocate of AI safety. Moskovitz and the field of AI safety in general are tied to the Effective Altruism movement, which hopes to curb existential risks to humanity, such as runaway AI systems. The topic of AI safety is a hot button issue in the tech industry and has spawned a counter movement, called Effective Accelerationism, which believes that focusing on the risks of technology does more harm than good by hindering critical progress. Recently, the definition of AI safety has expanded to include more than just existential risks, such as bias in labor issues. That trend has drawn criticism from some in the AI safety field and praise from others. The Georgetown researchers who conducted the study decided to include the broader definition of AI safety research, and not just existential risks. The researchers relied on metadata from a database of 260 million scholarly articles that is maintained by the Emerging Technology Observatory and The Center for Security and Emerging Technology. It defined an AI safety article as one that subject matter experts would consider highly relevant to the topic, which requires some judgment calls on the part of the researchers. Reeds view As the researchers note, not all safety research comes in the form of a public research paper. Tech companies would argue that AI safety is built into the work they do. And the counterintuitive argument is that researchers have to build advanced AI to understand how to protect against it. In a recent interview with Lex Fridman, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that at some point in the future, AI safety will be mostly what we think about at his firm. More and more of the company thinks about those issues all the time, he said. Still, OpenAI did not show up as a major contributor to AI research in the Georgetown study. The Effective Accelerationist argument is that the risks of AI are overblown, and 30,000 AI safety papers over five years sounds significant, considering the nascent nature of this technology. How many papers on automobile safety were written before the Model T was invented and sold? What makes less sense is proposing stringent AI regulations while not also advocating for a massive increase in grant money for AI research, including funding compute power needed for academics to study massive new AI models. President Joe Bidens executive order on AI does include provisions for AI safety research. The Commerce Departments new AI Safety Institute is one example. And the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource pilot program aims to add more compute power for researchers. But these measures dont even begin to keep up with the advances being made in industry. Big technology companies are currently constructing supercomputers so enormous they would have been difficult to contemplate a few years ago. They will soon find out what happens when AI models are scaled to unfathomable levels, and they will likely keep those trade secrets close to the vest. To get their hands on that kind of compute power, AI safety researchers will have to work for those companies. As the CSET study points out, Google and Microsoft are some of the biggest contributors to published papers on AI safety research. But much of that research came out of an era before ChatGPT. The consumer interest in generative AI has changed the commercial landscape and were now seeing fewer research papers come out of big technology companies, which are mostly keeping breakthroughs behind closed doors. If elected officials really care about AI safety going forward, they would likely accomplish more by allocating taxpayer dollars to basic AI research than they would by passing a comprehensive AI bill when we know so little about how this technology will change society even five years from now. Room for Disagreement One argument is that AI safety research is a futile endeavor, and the only way to ensure AI is safe is to pause its development. Tamlyn Hunt argued in this article in Scientific American: Imagining we can understand AGI/ASI [Artificial General Intelligence and Artificial Super Intelligence], let alone control it, is like thinking a strand of a spiders web could restrain Godzilla. Any solutions we can develop will be only probabilistic, not airtight. With AGI likely fooming into superintelligence essentially overnight, we cant accept probabilistic solutions because AI will be so smart it will exploit any tiny hole, no matter how small. (Has the foom already happened? Suggestive reports about Q* in the wake of the bizarre drama at Open AI in November suggest that foom may be real already.) Notable AI is potentially so transformative and destructive that it is often compared to nuclear weapons. In that analogy, it would be as if the U.S. government allowed the private sector to be entirely responsible for creating the nuclear bomb. In this Salon article, Jacy Reese Anthis argues we need a Manhattan Project for AI. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 3. A Chinese company will participate in the implementation of a project to build a drone assembly plant in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports. The memorandum for implementation of this project was signed between the Office of the President's Representative in the Naryn region and Zhongtian Zhicontrol Technology Holding Co., as reported by the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan. The signing took place during the Kyrgyzstan-China Business Forum held in Bishkek. Seven agreements, totaling $1.151 billion in the energy and industrial sectors, were signed following the forum. The forum witnessed the active participation of over 50 leading Chinese enterprises, demonstrating their keen interest in collaborative ventures with Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, around 50 domestic companies, spanning various sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, digital development, industry, tourism, and services, contributed to the event's diverse participation. Chinese investors expressed their interest in collaborating with Kyrgyz entrepreneurs on significant investment projects within Kyrgyzstan during the culmination of the forum. Throughout the event, entrepreneurs delivered presentations across different sectors and engaged in discussions on proposals and investment opportunities. Monument to the Soviet soldier against the backdrop of a destroyed cultural centre in Chasovyi Yar, 2023. Photo: Kostia Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images A total of 875 residents remain in Chasovyi Yar, Donetsk Oblast predominantly elderly people, who are reluctant to evacuate despite the city being under constant Russian fire. Source: Serhii Chaus, Head of Chasiv Yar City Military Administration, in a comment to Radio Liberty Quote: "Currently, 875 people remain in the hromada. We have evacuated some people, but I can't say it's a significant flow. People still stay in their flats and houses. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.] As you can see, there are still a lot of people here. We are trying to persuade them [to evacuate ed.]. Yesterday, we organised an online meeting with one of the shelters in the centre of Ukraine, showing people who have already left, and all the services they receive." Details: Chaus said that local authorities are trying to convince people that evacuation saves lives. However, many residents are not ready to leave even despite attacks and lack of electricity, water, and gas. Quote: "The majority are people of retirement age, well beyond 60. To say they don't know where to go is not entirely accurate. They don't understand where in society they would fit afterwards. Here they are at home. Yes, there's constant danger. Yes, there are constant attacks. Yes, there's a lack of electricity, water, and gas. But they are at home. That's their main narrative. They say they are home, and they have nowhere to go. The constant attacks that never stop; there is simply no peace in the city anymore. There are some moments of calm, but only nominally. Every day, there's artillery, aircraft, and mortars. With each passing day, it gets more and more difficult. Regarding the humanitarian situation, we keep working. Residents receive humanitarian aid water distribution, minimal supplies that can be provided in all the fighting, we do [everything we can], despite the risks and the difficult situation." Support UP or become our patron! Most of us will hardly be able to imagine the bestial horror and extreme violence that engulfed the unfortunate inhabitants of the small kibbutz of Beeri, near Gaza, on October 7. But there are survivors to tell of what happened. And if you heard, as I and a small number of House of Lords colleagues did while visiting Israel last week, a young woman describe the murder and kidnap of her family, in the blackened, twisted, burned-out wreck of a childhood home, you got a glimpse behind the awful statistics of that horrific day. I can only speak for myself in the conclusions I draw from that visit. But one point was obvious to me and, I think, to any visitor, if maybe less so to those who see only the awful images of the subsequent war in Gaza: the fact that Israelis now, once again, feel beleaguered and insecure in their own country. Israelis are well aware that polling shows that majorities in Gaza still support Hamas and the October 7 attacks. They believe that much of Palestinian opinion is unreconciled to Israels existence. They are in no doubt that the intention of Iran and its many proxies, including Hamas, is to destroy their country if they can if not directly, then by trying to make it insecure and hard to live in (and lets not forget that, even now, nearly 150,000 Israelis are still displaced from their homes because its too dangerous for them to return). That is why their states failure to protect them on October 7 came as such a shock and why the country remains in trauma while so many hostages are still in Gaza. But Israelis are also determined to remedy that situation and rightly so. Benjamin Netanyahu may not be popular, but his policies are. Repeated Israeli concessions have failed to provide security: its obvious to us all now that the earlier withdrawal from south Lebanon and then Gaza just put heavily armed Iranian proxy forces on Israels borders. That is why there is now wide support for the defeat and destruction of Hamas, for the political resurrection of the Abraham Accords, especially the relationship with Saudi Arabia, and above all for the robust handling of Iran. Many Arab states in the region are also privately quite happy with those aims. Israel sees a reputation for military strength the best reputation to have in a region like the Middle East as the way to achieve them, and if that means temporary unpopularity, then so be it. As one Israeli said to us: Israel is only ever popular when its Jews that are being killed. These wider Israeli objectives surely ought to be British objectives, too. That is why those making British policy towards Israel need to be so careful in how they proceed. There has been a tendency to slip back to the UK foreign policy comfort zone, which is to view international relations as a matter of treaties, UN conventions and a rules-based international system which, when mechanically applied by lawyers, delivers the correct response for any situation; and to look down, self-righteously, on any country that doesnt see it like we do. In this case, the system says the right response is a ceasefire and the full application of international humanitarian law. That shows one obvious problem with this process-based approach to foreign policy: garbage in, garbage out. If we focus entirely on Israeli application of international law, we will get the wrong answer. Israelis rightly point out that Hamas fighters sheltering behind civilians is a clear violation of the laws of war. So is taking hostages. So is building tunnels under churches and mosques. So is firing rockets from hospitals. What is Israel supposed to do: just let that happen? Instead, it is reacting in the only way possible, by doing everything it can to comply with international law itself, and accepting the losses that come with bitter urban fighting in which Hamas is quite happy for civilians to be casualties. The other problem with this approach is that it doesnt actually offer a solution. A ceasefire would leave Hamas in being, able to reconstitute itself, and with no incentive to release hostages. There would be little real chance of moving on to reconstruction and the installation of some minimally capable, non-destructive administration in Gaza. And Israels enemies, notably Iran, would draw the conclusion that, in a crisis, Israel would be allowed to hit back, but would always be stopped by the West from fighting to a finish. We cant allow this to happen. Its a difficult case to make just at the moment, especially after the sad and distressing airstrike on World Central Kitchen aid workers, but Israel must not just be allowed, but enabled, to win this war. Thats because its in our own national interest that it does so. Our rivals around the world see international relations not in terms of law but of power. If Western countries dont have the stomach to face down our enemies and Islamist extremism, in the form of Hamas or anything else, is definitely our enemy others will calibrate their actions accordingly. At some point, Western policymakers need to show the moral clarity over Gaza that they showed, generally and until recently, over Ukraine. Too many people are too polite to draw the parallels, so I will. Ukraine and Israel were both attacked by a neighbour. Both are defending themselves. In both cases, its in our national interest that the aggressors lose. The main difference is in the achievability of the attacked countrys aims. In Ukraine, we have often claimed, quite casually at times, that the only solution is the outright military defeat of Russia and the downfall of the Putin regime aims surely near-impossible to achieve. In Gaza, by contrast, Israels objectives are within reach. Hamas bit off more than it could chew and can be destroyed. Yet we call for a ceasefire before the job is done. The end of Hamas would be a real blow to Iran and its allies, and a real win for the West if we can just let Israel finish the job, and begin the long and difficult process of reconstruction and deradicalisation. Thats why we should be backing Israel: because doing this is not just in Israels interests but also in ours. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. New details: Hospital security officer in the ICU after aggravated robbery, assault from escaped hospital patient SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) Arrest documents revealed more information about the man who reportedly escaped a hospital, stole a car and seriously injured a security officer on Sunday. Devin Myers, 34, was arrested for five different charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, failure to remain at accident involving serious injury and reckless driving. The first four charges are all felonies. PREVIOUS STORY: Suspect allegedly steals car from gas station near hospital, drags security officer hundreds of feet The South Jordan Police Department said a security officer was injured on Sunday afternoon while attempting to stop an alleged vehicle theft on March 31, 2024. The officer was reportedly dragged between 100 and 200 feet and was seriously injured. (KTVX/Jennifer Gardner) The South Jordan Police Department said a security officer was injured on Sunday afternoon while attempting to stop an alleged vehicle theft on March 31, 2024. The officer was reportedly dragged between 100 and 200 feet and was seriously injured. (KTVX/Jennifer Gardner) The South Jordan Police Department said a security officer was injured on Sunday afternoon while attempting to stop an alleged vehicle theft on March 31, 2024. The officer was reportedly dragged between 100 and 200 feet and was seriously injured. (KTVX/Jennifer Gardner) According to the affidavit of probable cause, Myers was taken to the South Jordan Health Center by his family for a mental health evaluation after psychotic episodes. Documents said Myers was physically resisting family members and staff at the hospital, and left the hospital just before 4 p.m. Devin exited the facility and was seen running out of the emergency department into an adjacent roadway causing vehicles to stop as the hospital security guard attempted to return Devin to the hospital, the affidavit said. Documents said Myers crossed the street to a nearby 7-Eleven gas station, where he found a truck that was left running with one adult passenger inside. Myers reportedly began opening a door on the drivers side of the truck while physically resisting the hospital security guard and a family member of the trucks owner. Documents claimed Myers assaulted the truck owners family member, which caused them to fall backward. Devin then entered the vehicle while the hospital security guard was still attempting to prevent him from leaving, the affidavit said. Documents said the hospital security officer was holding on to the truck through an open door on the drivers side, and another person was standing in front of the car as Myers drove away. Myers then reportedly began driving westbound in an eastbound lane on Daybreak Parkway. As the vehicle continued westbound in the wrong direction of travel the security guard was thrown from the vehicle onto the roadway and ended up underneath the vehicle where he was possibly ran over, arrest documents said. The affidavit said the security officer suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung. He was transported to the hospital by helicopter and had a breathing tube and a chest tube in the ICU after the incident. Documents said that, after the officer fell off the truck, a passenger in the rear seat climbed into the front and began fighting to stop the vehicle. The passenger was able to hit the brakes before the truck went into an intersection and collided with a northbound vehicle. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Did Texas 'go too far' with SB4 border bill? Appeals court weighs case; injunction holds. Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized the ACLU's role in the lawsuit. They are representing several of the plaintiffs in the case. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals kept Senate Bill 4 a sweeping Texas immigration policy on hold Wednesday after hearing from both state and federal attorneys. During Wednesday's hour-long hearing, a three-judge panel listened to arguments on S.B. 4, which would authorize law enforcement officers in the state to arrest, detain and deport people suspected of entering the U.S. in Texas from Mexico without legal authorization. It's not clear when the appeals court will hand down a decision, though whatever it decides is likely to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. "This is going to be a massive new system if it's allowed to go into effect," said Cody Wofsy, deputy director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project. He's also an attorney representing the legal challenge brought by El Paso County, American Gateways and Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. Their challenge has been combined with a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. Advocates say S.B. 4 is unconstitutional because the federal government, not the state, has authority over immigration. Texas counters that it has a responsibility to secure its border and that the Biden administration has been derelict in its duty. Protestors called for a repeal of S.B. 4 on March 9 in Austin, Texas. Federal prosecutors on Wednesday said S.B. 4 interferes with federal border enforcement and harms its relationship with Mexico. Mexico's federal government has condemned S.B. 4 both in statements and a brief filed with the 5th Circuit as a policy that would criminalize migrants and encourage "the separation of families, discrimination and racial profiling that violate the human rights of the migrant community." "Mexico categorically rejects any measure that allows state or local authorities to exercise immigration control, and to arrest and return nationals or foreigners to Mexican territory," the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement in March. State lawmakers passed S.B. 4 in November. The law establishes criminal penalties for anyone suspected of crossing into Texas from Mexico other than through an international port of entry. The penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. A legal back-and-forth resulted in the law taking effect on March 5 for about nine hours before an injunction was reinstated. In arguing that Texas should not be preempted from enforcing S.B. 4, Texas Solicitor General Aaron Nielson said the law works hand and hand with federal immigration law. "Now to be fair, maybe Texas went too far," Nielson said at the outset of the proceeding Wednesday. "And that's the question this court is going to have to decide." Nielson said state and federal officials would work together to carry out the law's removal provisions. State troopers would turn offenders over to federal authorities, not conduct formal deportations to Mexico, he said. "That's not how it's going to be," Nielson said. "It's going to be people are taken to the port of entry, and the United States controls the port of entry." Kristin Etter, of the Texas Immigration Law Council, spoke before a court hearing about the constitutionality of Senate Bill 4 at the U.S. Federal Courthouse February 15. The law doesn't state how troopers should carry a magistrate judges for an offender "to return to the foreign nation from which the person entered or attempted to enter," according to the bill text. Jorge Dominguez, staff attorney with Las Americas, told USA TODAY, "Texas is just making an argument to please the court. Its not on the books. Its not in the law itself." Contributed: Lauren Villagran This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Did SB4 Texas immigration bill go too far? Appeals court deliberates. Dirty conditions at a Stanislaus County restaurant? How to report health code violations Most Stanislaus County food facility inspections are routine, and some are conducted after a citizen has filed a complaint with the Environmental Health Department. Inspections are unannounced for brick-and-mortar food facilities, according to the department, and the majority of them get inspected twice a year. One Modesto Bee reader asked: If you see a violation when youre visiting a restaurant, how do you report it? We reached out to the county office, who explained the process. How to file a complaint in Stanislaus County There are multiple ways to file a complaint with the health department if you have a concern with a food facility in Stanislaus County. The public can call 209-525-6700 to report complaints, said Rob Kostlivy, Director of Stanislaus County Environmental Resources. Our phone team will take these complaints and assign them to Environmental Health district inspectors, Kostlivy said. Complaints also can be filed on the Stanislaus County websites customer service center. On the site, scroll to the environmental health tab and choose which topic area to file a complaint to. Topic areas include: food food borne illness liquid waste motels/hotels recreational health surfacing sewage tattoo water (wells and public) Email complaints can also be made to the department. A list of contacts can be found on the website. In-person complaints can be made at the departments office at 3800 Cornucopia Way, Suite C in Modesto. A hard copy of a complaint can be sent to the departments office stating the nature of the complaint. Please note, this is the slowest response time, Kostlivy said. Action News Jaxs Ben Becker is getting answers about a Northeast Florida police department now under a state criminal investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith informed Starke city leaders at a commission meeting on Tuesday night that FDLE told him there are more than 2,500 pieces of evidence that are unaccounted for over 14 years from 2010 to 2024 including guns, money and drugs. FDLE inventoried the evidence in February before the Starke Police Department was disbanded and transferred to the Bradford County Sheriffs Office in March. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Becker asked Smith about what was discovered. Becker: Would you say the Starke Police Department was a mess? Smith: It was in disarray. Some of that had to do with the time frame of us taking it over for them to finish up, but there was a lot of things, inventory, that type of stuff, had not been done in some period of time. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Action News Jax reported last week the city manager sent a 104-page memo to commissioners that detailed the conditions at the police department. This includes bags of sealed evidence not secured in evidence lockers, plus loose ammo in boxes as well as bullets in the back of police cruisers, and uniforms that were not secured and just thrown into a room. Former Starke Police Chief Jeff Johnson resigned in March. Smith said the FDLE investigation could take six months. Separately, FDLE confirmed it raided City Hall on Feb. 27. An FDLE spokesperson said it is an active investigation but Action News Jax has learned it was an election issue related to former City Clerk Jimmy Crosby who resigned on March 5. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. The family of murder victim Ruby Garcia rejected former President Donald Trumps claim that he had spoken with some of her family. I spoke to some of her family, Trump said during a speech in Grand Rapids on Tuesday about the 25-year-old woman who was allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant in March. She lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people, Trump said. But Ruby Garcias family were angered and in disbelief as they watched the speech live, according to Michigans WOOD-TV. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, sister Mavi Garcia told the outlet. Garcia said that no one from Trumps campaign had contacted her or her immediate family. It was shocking. I kind of stopped watching it. Id only seen up to that, after I heard a couple of misinformations he said, I just stopped watching it, she said. Garcia expressed anger that Trump had politicized her sisters death. Its always been about illegal immigrants, she said. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? Here is Trump claiming in a speech today that he spoke to the family of Ruby Garcia and what they supposedly told him. Then Ruby Garcias sister who says Trump is lying about this entire thing and never spoke to a single family member. pic.twitter.com/kPVZ3HuGMH Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 3, 2024 Disney shareholders on Wednesday rejected board nominees allied with activist investor Nelson Peltz, ending a combative, months-long proxy battle centered on the companys navigation of the topsy-turvy onset of the streaming era. A majority of shareholders instead voted in support of a 12-person slate of board nominees put forward by Disney, the company announced at its annual shareholder meeting. (Disney is the parent company of ABC News.) Trian Partners, the hedge fund founded by Peltz, had leveraged its standing as one of Disneys largest shareholders to carry out a high-profile campaign critical of the companys growth strategy, and insistent about a plan for a successor to 73-year-old current CEO Bob Iger. Addressing the activist push at a Morgan Stanley investor conference earlier this month, Iger touted a recent strong stock performance run and dismissed Peltz's campaign as an effort designed to distract us. Obviously, many of the businesses are experiencing the effect of disruption, Iger added. It's one that takes not only a significant amount of knowledge, but a tremendous amount of time and focus. MORE: The stock market has skyrocketed to start 2024. Will it continue? Peltz, 81, sought board seats for himself as well as former Disney Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo. They called on shareholders to deliver them the seats currently held by Maria Elena Lagomasino and Michael Froman. The proxy war arrived as a shift to streaming upended the media business. Beset by cord-cutting and the decline of movie theater attendance, Disney has grown the audience for its bundle of streaming services, which include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. However, the new platform has yet to turn a profit. Via a website devoted to the activist campaign, titled Restore the Magic, Trian Partners calls on Disney management to develop and articulate a clear streaming strategy that can achieve Netflix-like margins. Outlining a series of reforms, the website requests cost cuts for the streaming business, a full review of the creative process, and an emphasis on the acquisition of new intellectual property. PHOTO: Nelson Peltz founding partner of Trian Fund Management LP. speak at the WSJD Live conference in Laguna Beach, Calif., Oct. 25, 2016. (Mike Blake/Reuters, FILE) For his part, Iger has said Disney is in the midst of a company transformation to address the streaming challenge identified by Peltz. Disney+ has amassed 111.3 million subscribers over roughly five years since its launch, though the platform lost 1.3 million subscribers over the final three months of 2023, quarterly earnings in February showed. The company said in the earnings report that it slashed streaming-related financial losses by $300 million over the three-month period, keeping it on pace to cut $7.5 billion in costs by the end of fiscal year 2024. Cost cuts have helped boost Disneys stock price 23% since a recent low in October, but the price remains down 30% from a high attained in March 2021. MORE: Gas prices have climbed nearly 14% this year. Here's why. The issue of succession is another key point of contention in the proxy fight. During Igers first stint as Disney CEO, from 2005 to 2020, he managed to push back his departure multiple times. He returned to the position in November 2022 under an agreement to step aside again after two years, but months later the company announced a contract extension through 2026. Trian Partners has urged the company to clarify its succession process and undertake an exhaustive search for Igers replacement, the activist campaigns website says. Upon receiving his contract extension nearly a year ago, Iger emphasized in a statement his commitment to a smooth succession. The importance of the succession process cannot be overstated, and as the Board continues to evaluate a highly qualified slate of internal and external candidates, I remain intensely focused on a successful transition, Iger said. Disney shareholders reject activist investor Nelson Peltz's board nominees originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. (KRON) A heated dispute over a parking space between Novato neighbors led to a hate crime arrest, police said. Douglas Shannon, 64, allegedly threatened to shoot his neighbor during a disagreement over access to a parking space in their Olive Avenue neighborhood Tuesday, according to police. Shannon also threatened to notify government authorities that the neighbor was living in the United States illegally, the Novato Police Department wrote. Police said Shannon assumed that the neighbor was an undocumented immigrant based on the victims perceived race. Novato Police Department officers were called to the scene and arrested Shannon on suspicion of committing a hate-motivated crime. Officers said they found a gun inside his home. There was a legally owned and registered firearm inside. The firearm was surrendered by Shannon. The firearm was not used during this incident and was taken to ensure the safety of the involved parties, NPD wrote. After booking the man into Marin County Jail, the police department obtained a court-ordered restraining order against Shannon that prohibits him from possessing firearms. Naked, bloody woman walks into Petaluma High School gym We would like to thank our community members for promptly reporting crimes like these. At the Novato Police Department, we work in partnership with our community to stand up against all forms of hate expression, hate crimes and to prevent violence, NPD wrote. Members of our community can report hate crimes in an emergency by calling 911, or in a non-emergency situation by calling dispatch at 415-897-1122. To report hate incidents online, go to novato.org/hateincident. Police said a hate crime is defined as a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victims real or perceived protected social group. The law protects many groups, including victims who are targeted for their race, nationality, and ethnicity. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. City leaders want armed, private security officers to remain in downtown Raleigh long term. The Raleigh City Council voted 5-3 Tuesday to approve a three-year contract with Capital Special Police to patrol near the downtown transit center. The security officers are force multiplier for the Raleigh Police Department, city officials said. The contract also expands their patrol area to include nearby Moore Square. We have heard from numerous businesses very positive things, Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said. And they are appreciative, as are the bus drivers as well. This is what theyve been asking for: improved security. Staff looked at this carefully and weve moved forward with an organization that is very well respected. The $3.3 million contract will pay for two officers to patrol the transit center 20 hours a day, 4 a.m. to midnight, the same hours GoRaleigh buses run. Business owners packed City Hall last fall complaining of violence, drug deals, harassment, needles and human feces in downtown. Council members Mary Black, Christina Jones and Megan Patton voted against the contract. I have a little bit of heartburn over the length of the contract, Patton said. The city of Raleigh hired Capitol Special Police for a short-term contract last fall after business-community complaints I sort of got comfortable with it as a stopgap, Patton said. And a three-year contract certainly shifts my thinking from a stopgap to a more permanent element in how we manage our transit system. Jones asked for a report on how many interactions the private security force has had with the public and how many interactions led to arrests or citations. City staff will bring back that information at a later date. Reported crime in the downtown area and Glenwood South was up in the last three months of 2023 compared to 2022. But police said that reflected their heightened presence in those areas and the zero-tolerance approach theyve taken. TROY, Mo. (AP) Forty-six years after a Missouri hunter found a body in the Mississippi River, the victim has been identified as a 15-year-old girl from Iowa. Authorities in Lincoln County, Missouri, announced Tuesday that DNA evidence and other scientific investigations were key in determining the body was that of Helen Renee Groomes, who disappeared from Ottumwa, Iowa. Kansas City Police Department identifies 3 killed in Northland homicide Her body was found in the river near Elsberry, Missouri, in March 1978. An autopsy performed at the time determined the body was likely that of a woman age 30 to 40. Investigators had little to go on except a cats eye ring on a finger and a tattoo with a hard-to-read name on her left arm. The manner of death was classified as undetermined. Coroners believed she had been dead for about four months before the body was found. The remains were buried in the Troy, Missouri, City Cemetery with the gravestone reading, Lincoln County Jane Doe. Coroner Dan Heavin had the body exhumed in October and turned to anthropology students and faculty at Southeast Missouri State University, a news release from the Lincoln County Sheriffs Department said. Bone and dental analysis was performed, and samples of DNA were submitted to a private lab for forensic genome sequencing. The lab, Othram Inc., built a genealogical profile that helped generate new leads in the investigation, the sheriffs department said. The new evidence led the coroners office to track down Kevin Groomes, Helens brother. Download the FOX4 News app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for FOX4 email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on fox4kc.com for Kansas City and all of Kansas and Missouri. Kevin Groomes told KSDK-TV that his sister went missing in 1977. He said he was the one who put the tattoo on her arm, which read Del, a nickname for her boyfriend at the time. The Wapello County Sheriffs Office in Iowa has opened a new investigation into the death, the agency said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 59-year-old man from Chaparral shot and killed his wife on Monday, April 1 in Mesilla and is still at large, according to court documents obtained by KTSM. Court documents say Oscar Renee Sandoval, 59, shot and killed his wife Sheireen Aljibury, 39, on University Avenue that Monday. Woman shot, killed in Mesilla; suspect still at large Court documents say a witness at the scene was driving eastbound on University Avenue and saw a gray SUV stop in the westbound lane. Court documents say the witness saw Aljibury get out of the SUV from the right passenger side and ran towards the witness vehicle. Aljibury told the witness that she had been shot and motioned with her hand to call 911. The witness told police that she remained in her vehicle after seeing Sandoval chasing Aljibury and shooting her. The witness told police that she heard four gunshots and Aljibury fell to the ground on the dirt shoulder near the pavement off University Avenue. The witness told police she saw Sandoval turn around and walk towards her vehicle. The witness then reversed the vehicle and saw Sandoval enter the SUV. Sandoval then drove away westbound on University Avenue and continued looking at the witness as he left the scene, according to court documents. The witness then moved her vehicle towards Aljibury and proceeded to render aid. The witness also called 911 and gave the dispatcher information on Sandoval and the SUV. Deputies with the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office (DASO) arrived at the scene and the witness described Sandoval. Investigators with the DASO ran a background check and discovered that Aljibury had been arrested in the past and had Sandoval listed as her husband. The background check also showed that the SUV was registered to Sandoval. Court documents say Aljiburys daughter called dispatch early Tuesday morning, April 2 reporting that she had not heard from her parents. Aljiburys daughter used a cell phone tracker application and tracked her mothers cellphone to a neighborhood in Sunland Park, according to court documents. The daughter located Sandovals vehicle and her mothers cellphone which was found inside the SUV. After searching the vehicle, investigators found a wallet with Sandovals drivers license and credit cards in his name. The vehicle also had a bullet hole in the right passenger window and the window door frame. Law enforcement officials later discovered that Sandoval signed over rights to his son regarding property that he owned with no explanation a few days before the incident. An arrest warrant was issued for Sandoval on Wednesday, April 3 for first-degree murder. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 27-year-old man is facing felony charges after he allegedly fired a rifle at a dog on Monday, April 1 in Sunland Park, and KTSM has obtained court documents that show what led up to the incident. Man charged with extreme animal cruelty for allegedly shooting dog in Sunland Park Carlos Gonzalez Martinez, 27, has been charged with extreme animal cruelty and shooting at a dwelling or occupied building with no bond. According to court documents, two younger men who have been identified as I.R.M. and S.N. were at The Wall in Santa Teresa on Monday. The area is located off of Pete Domenici Highway and is often used for recreational purposes. Court documents say both men were shooting their guns in the area, when Carlos Gonzalez Martinez, 27, joined them. Court documents say after shooting their guns, Martinez asked I.R.M to give him a ride back to Sunland Park. I.R.M. told police that he drove Martinez to Sams Smoke Shop and then drove him to a friends house. I.R.M. told police that Martinez told him to park down the street once they arrived at the 200 block of Yucca Dr., according to court documents. I.R.M. told police that he parked the vehicle and S.N. exited the vehicle with Martinez. S.N. told police that Martinez made him go with him and film him as he shot at the dogs, according to court documents. I.R.M. told police that while in the vehicle he heard a gunshot and both men ran back to the vehicle. Court documents say at least one of the dogs suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and leg. After the incident, Martinez pointed the firearm towards I.R.M. and told him to drive him home, according to court documents. All three men then arrived at Martinezs home and I.R.M. told police that he took a glock with him inside the home for protection, according to court documents. I.R.M. told police that when he saw police lights outside the home he took the gun out of his pocket and placed it on the counter next to the front door. I.R.M. then exited the home along with S.N. and both men were detained by police, according to court documents. I.R.M. also told police that there were at least three or more firearms in the vehicle and Martinez owned or was in possession of an AR 15 or AK 47, according to court documents. Martinez then failed to comply with law enforcement and barricaded himself inside the residence, according to court documents. However, he was later taken into custody on Tuesday morning, April 2 without incident. Court documents did not specifiy whether I.R.M. or S.N. were charged. A GoFundMe account has been set up by the dogs family to help with veterinary expenses. The owner of the dog says she is in stable condition. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 36-year-old registered sex offender has been charged with indecent exposure after exposing himself at a bookstore on Monday, April 1 in Downtown Las Cruces, according to court documents obtained by KTSM. Court documents say employees have a picture of Matthew Gus Lopez, 36, labeled as the flasher due to previous incidents at Coas Bookstore located at 317 N Main St. in Downtown Las Cruces. Court documents say Lopez walked into Coas Bookstore at around 10 a.m. that Monday, and an employee recognized him from a previous encounter where he exposed himself. While the employee was helping a customer, she saw Lopez in between the aisles of the bookshelves. The employee told police that she saw a hole in Lopezs shorts and saw his genital area, according to court documents. The employee also told police that Lopez was looking around as if he was waiting for someone to notice him, according to court documents. The employee told police that she asked Lopez to leave and he later came back to the front of the store several times, according to court documents. Court documents also say that customers made several complaints stating that Lopez was exposing himself outside of the store. Lopez was later identified after being at another business he was not allowed at that same day, according to court documents. Police ran Lopez through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system and discovered he was a registered sex offender. Lopez was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with no bond on Tuesday, April 2. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. What does an investigation into World Central Kitchen workers deaths really mean? On Wednesday morning, celebrity chef Jose Andres shared a heartwrenching message mourning the aid workers from his organization killed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). I wish I never founded [World Central Kitchen], Andres wrote of his non-profit humanitarian aid group. His post features a video of Zomi Frankcom, one of seven World Central Kitchen workers killed in a series of three missile strikes by the IDF. The airstrikes came even after the organisation coordinated their movements with the IDF and marked their cars with logos. Among those killed by the IDF included American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, a husband and father to a one-year-old boy. President Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths. Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers, Biden said. He called on Israel to conduct a thorough and swift investigation. Representatives for the White House and National Security Council also both told reporters on Wednesday the administration is waiting on the results of an investigation to respond further. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, similarly called for the strikes to be thoroughly investigated. Other leading Democrats have remained largely silent. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, has said nothing about the deaths on Twitter/X or on his official press page. Instead, the Democratic leader simply reposted a poll demonstrating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus unpopularity among Israelis. Senate Foreign Affairs Chairman Ben Cardin has also been silent on the deaths on both Twitter/X and on his official website. Jacob Flickinger, pictured, was killed in a missile strike by the IDF while providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians with World Central Kitchen (WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN/AFP via Getty) Biden isnt the only world leader calling for an investigation. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged Netanyahu to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation while ensuring future humanitarian workers can distribute aid into Gaza unhindered and unharmed. His statement came after World Central Kitchen said three of those killed were British citizens. But neither of these world leaders have gone into detail about what they want this investigation to look like. They also have not called for any sort of independent investigation. For many, allowing Israel alone to look into its own wrongdoings is not enough. A preliminary investigation has revealed the aid workers deaths were a mistake, IDF Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said on Wednesday. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldnt have happened, he said in a video. He gave no details on the specific errors that led to the workers being targeted and no details on whether those responsible for such a mistake would be held accountable. In 2003, American citizen Rachel Corrie was in Gaza protesting the destruction of Palestinian property by the IDF. A 60-ton bulldozer operated by the IDF crushed her as she protested. She died some 20 minutes later. Corries parents told The Independent in a 2023 interview that they have fought for years to secure accountability for her death. Israeli officials rejected responsibility, and a judge cleared the driver of the IDF vehicle after he testified he could not see Corrie. An activist who witnessed Corries death said she was wearing a florescent jacket and was clearly visible. As the ground continued to move, Rachel went down on her knees. The bulldozer continued to move forward. Rachel began to become buried beneath the dirt. Still it did not stop, the activist, Greg Schnabel also an American said. All of this has to be recognized, and amongst all this violence now what I think were witnessing is the killing of hope, and hope is what you have thats the first thing you need to survive, Corries father, Craig, told The Independent last year. Twenty-one years since Rachels death, there have been no meaningful developments. Israel considers the case closed. World leaders vague demands for a thorough internal investigation into the World Central Kitchens deaths risk leading to the same non-outcome. It remains unclear what holding the IDF accountable looks like. I think the most pressing thing for the families, for the survivors, is to not have that pain felt by another family, Craig Corrie said in 2023. Now, seven families face the same pain as they did and the world waits to see what the called-for investigations will entail. Does Mario's Law apply to its namesake, Mario Monteiro? Arguments begin in Supreme Court. PROVIDENCE The Rhode Island Supreme Court on Tuesday resisted the states interpretation of a law passed in 2021 intended to offer a path for people who commit crimes before age 22 to seek parole after serving 20 years in prison. Instead, the law has been mired for years in a legal dispute over vastly different readings. Assistant Attorney General Christopher Bush argued before a packed courtroom Tuesday that the law colloquially referred to as Marios Law applies only to people who have committed a single offense and not those sentenced for multiple crimes. People facing more than one sentence should be paroled only to begin serving their next sentence, Bush said. Otherwise, state lawmakers would have specified that the law apply to people convicted of an offense or offenses. Instead, the law simply refers to any singular crime, Bush said. Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg observed that, under that interpretation, the law would apply to very few people, if any. What sense does it make to parole somebody to a consecutive sentence? Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell asked, to which Bush urged the court to rely on the actual language of the law. But the very purpose of the Parole Board is to determine whether someone is ready to be at liberty, McKenna Goldberg argued. There is nothing in state law that says a person can be paroled to another sentence. Mario Monteiro at age 16. A year later, in 2001, he fatally shot an innocent bystander during a gang-related conflict and was sentenced to two mandatory consecutive life terms. State appeals lower court ruling The state is asking the high court to overturn Superior Court Judge Stephen P. Nugents finding that the laws namesake, Mario Monteiro, and three other youthful offenders should be released on parole due to their rehabilitation efforts. Nugent rejected the states arguments that the law didnt apply to Monteiro and the others because it referred to a person sentenced for any offense, not to individuals serving sentences for multiple crimes. While Joao Neves, Pablo Ortega and Keith Nunes were freed, the court agreed to put Monteiros release on hold amid the legal dispute. McKenna Goldberg questioned whether Nugent had the authority to order a person released on parole. Nunes, 42, who was accepted in a Master of Divinity program at Boston University School of Theology and works two jobs, attended Tuesdays hearing. If the high court sides with the state, Nunes would likely have to be sent back to prison, according to the state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union. Ortega and Neves have been deported. More: ACLU fights for release of youthful offender; RI officials say law doesn't apply to him `Absurd arguments The ACLU says the states arguments are illogical and argues that, in practice, it would waste resources by requiring multiple parole hearings and notices to victims. Lynette Labinger, a cooperating attorney with the ACLU, argued Tuesday that the law applies to all offenses committed by people in their youth and not to a singular crime. The notion that [state lawmakers] didnt know what they were doing is respectfully absurd, Labinger said as state Rep. Julie Casimiro watched from the front row. Casimiro, D-North Kingstown and Exeter, has long championed legislation that would provide Monteiro and others who committed crimes in their teens with an avenue to seek parole earlier, given their youth and impetuosity at the time of their crimes. Labinger emphasized growing case law and scientific evidence reflecting an evolving understanding of the impulsiveness of young minds and their susceptibility to peer pressure. Changes in parole eligibility Central to the controversy are changes by the Department of Corrections to the way it calculates parole eligibility. Labinger along with Lisa Holley and Sonja Deyoe, in cooperation with the ACLU have accused officials of arbitrarily implementing the changes without notice in 2018. The state Department of Corrections has taken the position that it no longer aggregates sentences in cases involving life terms plus consecutive time in determining eligibility. Theyve been aggregating [sentences] since the beginning of time and suddenly it changed, McKenna Goldberg said. Bush said that, in his view, corrections officials are now determining eligibility correctly. The Corrections Department cautioned in court papers that Judge Nugents interpretation of the law fails to recognize the Superior Courts exercise of its judicial power to impose consecutive sentences and could run afoul of the separation of powers doctrine. Labinger rejected those arguments. This court has never equated parole with the sentence Parole is not the sentence, she said. Monteiro and others convicted of murder as teenagers Monteiro, 40, was convicted of fatally shooting a Cambodian immigrant in 2001 amid an ongoing gang feud. He has renounced gang membership and been recognized as a mentor in prison. Neves, 41, was convicted of murder in the shooting death of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth John Cumiskey on Jan. 15, 1999. Cumiskey was visiting Providence with friends when they were attacked by Neves and an 18-year-old man. Cumiskey lunged as they tried to rob the group and Neves shot him in the chest and head. The Parole Board agreed to release Neves in August 2021 to begin serving his next consecutive sentence a 10-year term for the muggings. Nunes was 18 in 1999 when he got into an argument and fired a handgun into a crowd, killing 36-year-old Mark D. Pierce. He was sentenced to serve life plus 10 years. The Parole Board in 2019 found that he met the criteria for release based on his rehabilitation and remorse. The Board agreed to parole him from his life sentence to his next consecutive sentence of 10 years. Ortega, 41, was 19 in 2001 when he fatally shot shopkeeper Franklin Mercado as he and two other teenagers attempted to rob a convenience store. He received a life sentence plus five years for conspiracy. The Parole Board in 2021 agreed to release him on the life sentence to begin to serve the five years based on his rehabilitation and progress. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Supreme Court hears arguments over state's youthful offender parole law BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 3. Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Zhaparov has directed the transfer of responsibility for heating facilities to local authorities, Trend reports. "The branches of the Kyrgyzteploenergo state enterprise and the thermal power plants in the cities of Bishkek and Osh will be handed over to local self-government bodies," the president's press service said. It was noted that heating facilities will continue to receive subsidies from the Republican budget for three years, maintaining their operations. However, after this period, the aim is for the boiler rooms to become self-sustainable. Zhaparov underscored the necessity of this decision, citing ongoing challenges in providing heating to multi-apartment buildings and social facilities despite optimization efforts. He highlighted the diminishing efficiency of aging boiler rooms, exacerbated by shortages of skilled personnel, escalating energy expenses, and instances of corruption. The transition process will be methodically managed with comprehensive support from the Ministry of Energy and energy company specialists. Furthermore, Zhaparov instructed the Cabinet of Ministers and Presidential Administration to oversee preparations for the impending autumn-winter period, ensuring timely budget allocations and adequate fuel procurement for heating facilities. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Authorities are searching for the person responsible for killing a dog that was stolen from a Seaside parking lot on Monday. The 1-year-old dog, an Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever mix, was taken from a car parked outside of Safeway on South Roosevelt Drive just before 5 p.m. Woman found dead on I-5 offramp after apparent hit-and-run Officials reported the dogs body was discovered the following day near the mainline gate on Lewis and Clark Road. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Seaside police. The 1-year-old dog, an Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever mix, was found dead a day after it was stolen on April 1, 2024. (Courtesy: Seaside Police) The 1-year-old dog, an Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever mix, was found dead a day after it was stolen on April 1, 2024. (Courtesy: Seaside Police) Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. DOJ: Quincy man pleads guilty to hate crime after running over victim with car in angry tirade A Quincy man pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to committing a hate crime after running over a Vietnamese man with his car in 2022. 78-year-old John Sullivan pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. He was indicted by a grand jury in February 2023. The actions of John Sullivan are appalling and a sad reflection of intolerance and hate that is far too prevalent in our society. Sullivan violently assaulted an individual in front of children because of his race and national origin, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. On December 2, 2022, Sullivan yelled at a Vietnamese family he had never met outside of a post office in Quincy Center. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Sullivan told the family, which included three children under the age of 12, to go back to China before threatening to kill them. He then drove his car into one of the family members, striking him so that he flew over the hood of the car. Sullivan eventually stopped the car and struck the victim a second time, causing the victim to fall into a 15-foot-deep construction ditch. This defendants hate-filled attack not only seriously injured the victim, but also traumatized three children in his family, solely because they were Asian American, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. No person in this country should have to fear for their own or their familys safety because of who they are or where they are from. Sullivan will be sentenced on June 26. The hate crime charge provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Department of Justice (DOJ) sued the state of Utah and its corrections department on Tuesday over alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for discriminating against an incarcerated transgender woman. The Utah Department of Corrections failed to grant the woman, who is not named in court documents, equal access to health care services and imposed unnecessary barriers to treatment for gender dysphoria, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in Utah district court. State corrections officials also failed to grant the womans requests for reasonable accommodations, including allowing her to purchase female clothing and makeup at the commissary, the DOJ said in its lawsuit. Gender dysphoria, a medical condition marked by clinically significant distress that stems from an incongruence between a persons gender identity and sex assigned at birth, is a disability protected under the ADA, a federal court ruled in 2022. The Supreme Court in June declined to weigh in on the issue, letting the lower court ruling stand. A DOJ investigation into Utahs corrections department last month found that the womans treatment for her gender dysphoria had been unnecessarily delayed by prison officials and a committee charged with granting access to gender-affirming medical care had included members who demonstrated overt bias against transgender people. The woman had struggled with symptoms of gender dysphoria for many years before entering the departments custody in 2021, federal investigators said, and her psychological distress worsened while she was incarcerated in a mens prison. In May, after nearly two years spent in custody without access to gender-affirming health care, the woman performed a dangerous self-surgery to remove her own testicles, resulting in hospitalization and additional surgery. By not allowing me this opportunity to live my life as a woman, who I believe I am and have lived life for many years, the prison is causing me such mental stress, the woman wrote in her ADA complaint. She was provided hormone therapy in June, 17 months after she initially requested treatment and more than six months after she was formally diagnosed with gender dysphoria by the state corrections departments contract psychologist. People with gender dysphoria, including those held in jails and prisons, are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and are entitled to equal access to medical care just like anyone else with a disability, said Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the DOJs Civil Rights Division, Tuesday in a news release announcing the departments lawsuit. Delays or refusals to provide medical treatment for people with gender dysphoria can cause irreparable harm, including debilitating distress, depression, attempts at self-treatment and even death by suicide, she said. A spokesperson for Utahs corrections department said the department is still reviewing the lawsuit and has not yet determined a response. Brian Redd, the departments executive director, said last month that the department was blindsided by the DOJs findings and a slate of remedial measures that included paying unspecified damages to the woman. We fundamentally disagree with the DOJ on key issues, and are disappointed with their approach, Redd said in an emailed statement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Dont have tickets? Heres how to watch this weekends Dreamville Festival for free Fans who didnt snag tickets to Dreamville Festival in Raleigh this weekend can still join in on the fun. Amazon Music will live-stream all the performances Saturday and Sunday in Dorothea Dix Park for free. Fans can tune in to the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, Prime Video and the Amazon Music app throughout the weekend. The platforms offer free trial subscriptions. Amazon has partnered with hip-hop personalities Wayno, Speedy Morman, Nyla Symone and Amber Grimes to host the live streaming. They will also be on-site at the park to conduct behind-the-scenes interviews with performers. Fans watching the festival at home can also win free Champion clothing, organizers said. A limited number of tickets to the festival are still available online at dreamvillefest.com. Dreamville Festival Week kicks off From Wednesday to Friday, there are several free events for fans to enjoy ahead of the festival. On Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Amazon Music and Dreamville will host their second celebration of the record label at the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, CAM Raleigh. Outside the museum, there will be a free block party with Lute, one of the performers at Dreamville and a Charlotte native. The party will feature his Gold Mouf Garage with classic cars, low-riders, performances and food. All ages are welcome. Dreamville Festivals pop-up shop, located at 207 S. West St.,will be open from noon to 7 p.m. through Friday. Dreamville Festival began in 2018 and has become the largest music event in North Carolina, drawing fans from across the country and internationally. This years lineup includes 50 Cent, SZA, festival founder J. Cole and Nicki Minaj. Other big names performing this year are Jeezy, Monica, Lil Yachty, ScHoolboy Q and Sexyy Red. Look for a full schedule of performances on Dreamville Festivals social media platforms soon. I dont want to shoot a dog. Woman kills neighbors dog after alleged attacks on chickens in Lincoln County I dont want to shoot a dog. Woman kills neighbors dog after alleged attacks on chickens in Lincoln County LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Avery Haney and Morgan Dean have decided to cremate the remains of their 8-month-old labradoodle, who had to be put down late Easter Sunday. The puppys spine was severed by buck shot which peppered his body just a few hours earlier. Ruger was shot by the couples neighbor, Brenda Howard, who claimed that he was among a group of animals who had killed several of her chickens over the past week. He had never killed anything in his life, Dean explained to Queen City News just days after Ruger was killed. The Lincoln County couple explained that on Sunday morning they had let Ruger and their other dogs out to run around in their front yard. Traumatized beyond measure. Actress Angie Harmons dog shot and killed by Charlotte delivery driver It was a nice day, Haney explained. Ruger had been dressed in an Easter bandana and had posed for photos before the couple let him out of their site for a split second. Haney said he began to call for Ruger when he started to walk toward his neighbors property line. Thats when he heard the sound of a shotgun going off. It was the loudest shot Ive ever heard, Dean explained. Haney claims he found Ruger still alive but unable to move in the middle of his neighbors backyard and nowhere near Howards chicken pen. Avery Haney describes the incident with Morgan Dean looking on. Chicken feathers in Howards yard. Brenda Howard says her neighbors dog was attacking her chickens. Haney scooped up Ruger and rushed him to multiple vets, one in Denver and another in Charlotte, who determined Rugers spine had been severed by one of the buckshot pellets, two of which were still inside of him. Ruger was ultimately put down late Sunday evening. Dean described the heartbreak as being unlike anything shes lived through before, and that shes upset Ruger was made to suffer on his family day. All she had to do was shoot in the air, shoot beside of him, she said. When Queen City News spoke with Howard, she shared a different side of the story. She claimed that she has had multiple chickens killed by animals over the past several weeks, and claims that her home security system has captured this on video. Some of those animals, she claims, are Deans and Haneys dogs. However, before Sundays shooting, she said shed asked law enforcement to help establish some sense of boundary to protect her livestock. She said she had asked them to Please help me. Please do something about this before it gets bad. I dont want to shoot a dog. $1.8 billion found in South Carolina mystery account; professor explains She claims that law enforcement, along with animal control, spoke with the neighbors and later told her that she was within her right to shoot any animals that were on her property and that harmed her or her pets. You cant let them run, you cant let them destroy other peoples property and kill their animals, she Howard said. Sunday morning, she claimed that she witnessed four dogs walk up to her chicken pen, which was captured on a security video she shared with Queen City News. The five-second clip shows a dog, she claims to have been Ruger. The video, however, ends before you see any of the dogs attack any chickens or the shooting itself. Howard explained that Ruger had a chicken in his mouth and growled at her before she ultimately shot him. He stayed right there, he wouldve move. So, I shot him. Howard is not facing any criminal charges and has offered for local law enforcement to view her security video from the time of the incident. The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to inquiries for information. Dean said of her labradoodle: We have said too many times that we believe hes not here anymore because he was too good for this Earth. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Donald Trump accused of lying over claims he spoke to murder victims family Donald Trump speaks at the campaign event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he name-checked Ruby Garcia - Spencer Platt/Getty Images The sister of a woman whose murder was used by Donald Trump during his bloodbath border rally has accused the former president of lying about speaking to her family. During a speech in Michigan on Tuesday, Mr Trump spoke about the death of Ruby Garcia, 25, who was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant from Mexico. Mr Trump, 77, described her as a beautiful young woman who was savagely murdered by an illegal alien criminal. She lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people, Mr Trump said. I spoke to some of her family. It came after Mr Trump told a Detroit radio station on Monday that he would love to see Rubys family at his Grand Rapids rally if theyd like to be there. Ruby Garcia's body was found by the roadside near Grand Rapids, in Michigan But Mavi Garcia, Rubys sister, denied any family members have spoken to Mr Trump. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, she told Target 8. Rubys alleged killer, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, had a previous arrest record and was deported in September 2020 under the Trump administration before coming back to the United States. She said she wishes Rubys alleged killer had stayed in Mexico but that the focus should be on my sister right now, who she was in life. Mr Trump has been using the deaths of people killed by undocumented migrants to score political points, dubbing it Biden migrant crime. Ruby's sister, Mavi Garcia, told TV news networks in the US that Donald Trump never spoke to her family In recent weeks, he has highlighted the killing of 22-year-old Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. An illegal migrant from Venezuela has been charged with her murder. Its always been about illegal immigrants, Ms Garcia told WOOD-TV. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? In his speech on Tuesday, Mr Trump also appeared to mix up the victims age, first saying she was 25 and then later referring to her incorrectly as 17. He also accused Biden of creating a bloodbath at the southern border and he called immigrants illegally in the US animals. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde speaks prior to a Donald Trump rally in Green Bay, Wis., on April 2, 2024. Trump later announced his endorsement of Hovde, the Republican running to unseat U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis. WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed Wisconsin Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde in his quest to unseat Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Trump singled out the banking mogul during a speech at his rally in Green Bay, saying he was giving Hovde his "complete and total endorsement. So go out and win. You better win." "I think he's going to be fantastic. You have tremendous potential," Trump told Hovde from the stage. He mentioned Baldwin, who is seeking her third term in the Senate: "She's a very weak candidate. I mean, if you lose to her, that's not a good thing, OK?" The support from Trump comes as Hovde appears set to face Baldwin in the November election. Hovde, a multi-millionaire banking and real estate mogul backed by national Republicans, is the only viable Republican currently in the race, and his only prospective challenger announced last month he would not mount a challenge to Hovde, fearing a "bloody primary." Hovde's campaign before the rally on Tuesday announced he had raised over $1 million from at least 1,000 different donors since he launched his campaign in late February, making him eligible to secure the Republican Party of Wisconsin's endorsement at its state convention in Appleton, set for May 16-19. More: Wisconsin U.S. Senate race updates: Eric Hovde reaches endorsement threshold with $1M raised Trump announced the endorsement during his first stop in Wisconsin of the 2024 campaign with just over seven months until the election. The visit to a snowy Green Bay fell on the same day as Wisconsin's presidential primary, though both Biden and Trump had already secured their party nominations. Wisconsin Democrats were quick to react to the endorsement, using it to tie Hovde to Trump, who like Biden is currently unpopular among likely voters in the state. Eric Hovde and Donald Trump are birds of a feather: two out of touch rich guys running to put themselves first and Wisconsinites last," Arik Wolk, rapid response director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin said in a statement. "From banning abortion, repealing the Affordable Care Act, and promoting MAGA conspiracies about January 6 and the 2020 election, Donald Trump and Eric Hovde wont fight for Wisconsin values. "I appreciate the support of President Trump and look forward to earning the support of voters all across Wisconsin to get our country back on track!" Hovde wrote in a tweet after the endorsement. Before Trump took the stage Tuesday, Hovde spoke to the crowd. He railed against President Joe Biden's border policies and sought to tie Baldwin to the president, saying Baldwin votes with Biden 95.5% of the time. He made no mention of Trump, rather ending his speech with a "Go Pack Go" chant as the Milwaukee Brewers were in the middle of their first home game of the season. The outcome of Wisconsin's Senate race will help determine the balance of the Senate next year and is expected to see tens of millions of dollars pour into the race. Hovde is expected to self-fund portions of his campaign. Baldwin, meanwhile, has just over $8 million in cash on hand at the start of January. And while Trump called Baldwin weak, the Madison Democrat is a formidable opponent who has defeated challengers by greater margins than usually seen in the tight battleground state. She defeated former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson by 5 points in 2012 and Leah Vukmir by 11 points in 2018. Still, Trump on Tuesday encouraged his supporters to get behind Hovde. "So everybody go out, support him and get him to win," Trump told the crowd. "I think he's got a good chance, real good chance." "That's a big race," he added. "And we'll be here to help." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump announces endorsement of U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde A New York judge on Wednesday rejected former President Donald's Trump's plea to delay his upcoming criminal trial until after the Supreme Court rules on his broad claim of presidential immunity. Trump raised the argument in a March legal filing, urging Judge Juan Merchan to delay the trial until after the Supreme Court has ruled on the scope of presidential immunity in a separate Trump case dealing with federal election interference charges. But Merchan said Trump raised the argument too late. The trial is scheduled to begin on April 15 and Trump was charged with falsifying business records by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on April 4, 2023 over a year before. "This Court finds that Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024," Merchan wrote in the Wednesday ruling. Former President Donald Trump's New York criminal hush money trial will start with jury selection on April 15, 2024. That means Trump is on track to face his first criminal trial this month, even as he has so far been able to postpone or upend trial dates in other criminal cases. Trump lawyer Todd Blanche and Bragg's office declined to comment. In the federal election interference case, the Supreme Court agreed to consider to what extent former presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for acts during their presidency. What is the case about? The New York case centers on whether Trump criminally falsified business records in order to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment by Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. In exchange for the cash, Daniels agreed to stay quiet. To prosecutors, the timing was no coincidence: they say Trump was concerned that Daniels would hurt his campaign by going public about a sexual encounter she says the two had. Trump denies her claims. Trump then reimbursed Cohen through monthly checks that were disguised as payments for 2017 legal services and documented in the form of false business records at the Trump Organization, according to prosecutors. New York law hikes the falsification crime up to a felony when the purpose of the disguise was to commit or conceal another crime. Prosecutors say that applies to Trump because he violated federal election laws dealing with campaign contribution limits. They've noted that Cohen served prison time after pleading guilty to making an illegal campaign contribution through the payment. They also say Trump was trying to violate New York election and tax laws. Why delay until after Supreme Court ruling? Trump argued that the Supreme Court's review of the scope of presidential immunity in his federal election interference case would reduce the risk of having to re-try the case because the New York court didn't apply the immunity doctrine properly. The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for April 25, and has discretion over when to issue a decision after that. But Merchan said Wednesday that Trump chose not to raise the presidential immunity defense until well past a 45-day period allotted under New York law for filing pre-trial motions after being arraigned, a process in which a defendant first appears in court and enters a plea. Trump was arraigned the same day he was charged: April 4, 2023. Trump showed he was aware long ago that the presidential immunity defense was available to him, Merchan said. The judge noted Trump had fully briefed the issue in his separate federal election interference case by Oct. 5, and that he also discussed presidential immunity issues almost a year ago, when he tried to get the hush money case moved from state court to federal court on May 4. "Further, and as an aside, the fact that the Defendant waited until a mere 17 days prior to the scheduled trial date of March 25, 2024, to file the motion, raises real questions about the sincerity and actual purpose of the motion," Merchan wrote. At the time Trump filed the motion, his trial was scheduled for March 25, although it has since been moved to April 15. "The circumstances, viewed as a whole, test this Court's credulity," Merchan wrote. Excluding evidence based on presidential immunity? Trump separately called for excluding portions of evidence in the New York case based on the presidential immunity doctrine, such as social media posts about the payments to Cohen and Cohen's willingness to help prosecutors. He said in a court filing that his Twitter account was a main White House vehicle for conducting official business, rendering the posts protected official acts. But Merchan said, given the timeliness issue, he wouldn't consider the merits of that argument. In a footnote, Merchan added that Trump didn't appear to be arguing that the underlying alleged facts that support the charges in the hush money case such as Cohen's payment to Daniels or record-keeping at the Trump Organization raise a presidential immunity claim. "Defendant's motion is DENIED in its entirety as untimely," Merchan said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump loses presidential immunity delay effort in NY hush money case Donald Trump returned to the campaign podium on Tuesday. Here are five highlights. Former President Trump returned to the campaign trail Tuesday with appearances in Michigan and Wisconsin. The events, first a speech in Grand Rapids where Trump was flanked by law-enforcement officials, and then a Green Bay rally were his first public campaign stops since speaking in Ohio on March 16. And they coincided with primaries in Wisconsin, Rhode Island, New York and Connecticut all won by Trump and President Joe Biden. Trump drilled down on immigration but avoided discussion of abortion a topic that has become a paramount issue in his Florida home state. In response to a question in Grand Rapids, Trump said he would make a statement on abortion next week. His appearances in the two traditional, so-called "blue wall" states came on the heels of polls showing some tight races. A Wall Street Journal survey released Wednesday showed Trump leading handily in Arizona and North Carolina, and in Michigan within the margin of error, while the two are tied in Wisconsin.. Here are five takeaways from Tuesday's Trump events. Happy Easter! Trump's vitriolic greeting follows Holy Week with Bible sales, biting posts Former president Donald Trump addresses supporters at a campaign rally on Tuesday in Green Bay. 1. Trump decries 'border bloodbath' as he repurposes controversial comment from last month In Tuesday's appearances, Trump sought to repurpose his Ohio comment about an ensuing "bloodbath" if he is not elected. The comment, embedded in a portion of a March 16 speech in Vandalia about China building cars in Mexico, sparked a firestorm of protest. On Tuesday, Trump sought to recycle the term or, critics said, gaslight Americans. "I stand before you today to declare that Joe Biden's border bloodbath, and that's what it is, it's a bloodbath," he said. "They tried to use that term on me incorrectly two weeks ago." The mayhem he now refers to included the murders of two women allegedly by undocumented immigrants. Crimes, particularly murders police say were committed by undocumented immigrants, haves been a surging campaign theme for the former president. But the Associated Press reported Tuesday that the sister of one of the victims Trump has highlighted, Ruby Garcia in Michigan, has called for an end to the politicizing of her sisters death, and has asked for privacy, saying she only seeks justice to be served and to be left alone. And in an NBC News interview, the father of another victim, Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student, said he felt anger at how his daughter's death was "being used, somewhat, politically." A big tent? Does Trump seek to expand Republican Party base? 2024 presidential nominee sends mixed signals 2. Call Election Day on Nov. 5 'Christian Visibility Day' In Green Bay, Trump again decried the Biden White House's declaration of "Trans Visibility Day" on March 31. However, that date has been designated for trans people awareness since 2009. But this year it coincided with the Easter celebration, and conservative politicians and media have seized on the conjunction, critics say, to whip up resentment toward the LGBTQ+ community. "Such total disrespect to Christians," Trump said. "Nov. 5 is going to called something else. Do you know what it's going to be called? Christian Visibility Day, when Christians turn out in numbers that nobody has ever seen before." 3. Trump planned to cut a deal with Cuba? Yes, he said, but didn't explain. In Wisconsin, Trump accused the Biden administration of unwisely seeking to lift sanctions on Cuba's communist government. Trump noted that as president he reimposed economic and financial penalties and punishments on the Havana regime. He then said he would have cut a deal with the post-Castro communist regime had he won re-election in 2020. "Lift sanctions on communist Cuba, that's what he wants to do, so that's the end of the Miami Cuban vote for Crooked Joe Biden, I can tell you that. He wants to lift the sanctions on Cuba," Trump said. "I had sanctions on Cuba to the level that they were willing to make a deal at any time." He added, "We would have had a deal with Cuba" had he won the 2020 election. He did not elaborate. Pandemic politics four years later: Trump asks, 'Better off today than 4 years ago?' Biden says yes, polls seem to disagree. 4. Trump called on cameras to pan crowd size. Conservative network instead showed ad for a Trump knife offer. During the Green Bay speech, Trump sought to taunt the broadcast media covering his speech. He aired his often repeated grievance that the networks covering his speeches refuse to show what he said are capacity and sold-out crowds. He then threw down this challenge. "They never show it. I'll give you an example," he said, then looked straight at the camera at the back of the room. "Cameras, why don't you just turn around and show the extent of this crowd to every corner, from corner to corner. Show it. Show it. But they won't do it. They won't do it." The feed on One America Network, a Trump friendly ultra-right network, did not pan the crowd but rather showed an ad for a "free" Trump knife offer. 5. Trump calls for 'immediate' death penalty for killing police officers Trump spoke about attending last week's the wake for New York Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed in the line of duty. "I will ask Congress to send a bill to my desk insuring that anyone that murders a police officer will receive immediately the death penalty," he said to loud cheers. Trump's praise for law enforcement drew a retort from the Biden-Harris campaign that criticized him for, it said, condoning the violence against police officers at the U.S. Capitol by saluting those who violently "attacked law enforcement," vowing to pardon violent Jan. 6 rioters and calling them "hostages." "Donald Trump says backing the blue is a priority. In reality, hes perfectly fine with violence against law enforcement when he thinks it benefits him politically," the campaign said in a statement. 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: 5 takeaways from Donald Trump's Michigan, Wisconsin speeches on Tuesday DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 3. Former President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the People's Council of the country, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is set to visit Tajikistan today, Trend reports. According to the press service of the Chairman of the Tajikistan Supreme Assembly Rustam Emomali, during the visit, high-level meetings are scheduled between Berdimuhamedov and Tajik officials to discuss cooperation between the two nations across various domains. Additionally, on April 4, Tajikistan's capital will host the Culture Days of Turkmenistan, which will conclude on April 5. These events aim to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between the two countries. Economically, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are increasingly collaborating to pursue mutual interests and sustainable development. Both countries are actively enhancing trade and economic relations, with a focus on sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and tourism, reflecting their shared commitment to bolstering bilateral ties. In 2020, Joe Biden earned one Electoral College vote in the firmly red state thanks to its unique split-vote system. Now, Nebraska Republicans are rushing to change state law and prevent a repeat in November Andrew Harnik/AP/Shutterstock President Donald Trump signs a bill on Dec. 20, 2019 While two-thirds of the nation favor abolishing the Electoral College, Nebraska Republicans are looking to strengthen it, as an effort to undo the state's uniquely representative electoral vote system picks up traction ahead of the 2024 election. Former President Donald Trump and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen are calling on the state legislature to quickly pass a bill that would change the way Nebraska allocates its electoral votes in November. Their proposal would undoubtedly help Trump in his quest for another White House term. Nebraska and Maine are the only states in the U.S. that divvy up their Electoral College votes based on who wins each congressional district, which makes the final outcome more representative of the population. Elsewhere in the U.S., the statewide winner receives all electoral votes, even if the candidate only wins by a razor-thin margin (hence why the Electoral College remains unpopular among Americans). Related: Hillary Clinton Notes Her Popular Vote Win in Urging 'Overwhelming' Biden Support: 'Take It from Me' Nebraska is a firmly red state, and the statewide winner is all but guaranteed to be a Republican but the congressional district surrounding Omaha occasionally swings blue, allowing Democrats the opportunity to pick up a single electoral vote. In 2020, Nebraska's split-vote system did just that, granting Joe Biden one Electoral College vote that he wouldn't have received if Nebraska had followed a winner-take-all system. That's where Trump's plan comes in as he does the 2024 electoral math: If he can get the Nebraska Legislature to pass a bill that moves to a winner-take-all system, he can ensure that Biden receives one less electoral vote than in 2020. Based on current polling, there's a chance that the single vote could decide between a Biden or Trump presidency. Most Nebraskans have wanted to go back to this system for a very long time, because its what 48 other States do," Trump wrote on Truth Social, commending Pillen for backing his idea. "Its what the Founders intended, and its right for Nebraska. Thank you Governor for your bold leadership. Lets hope the Senate does the right thing. Related: Electoral College Votes for Joe Biden as the Next President, Making Election Results Official Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Donald Trump speaks to New Hampshire voters on Jan. 23, 2024 The biggest challenge for Trump other than convincing lawmakers to set aside reservations about changing the rules in the middle of an election is that Nebraska's legislative session ends in two weeks, leaving little time to move things forward. Its just all about timing and management when it comes to getting bills successfully through the [Nebraska Legislature], Republican state Sen. Tom Brewer, who leads the committee considering the bill, told the Lincoln Journal Star. And its past the 11th hour with this. We just dont have a way of making it fit. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Trump has not targeted Maine's split-vote system, which benefited him in 2020 when he picked up one electoral vote despite losing the overall vote to Biden. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Donut shop gets 50 red points. Here are Thurston County food safety scores for April 3 Comments are taken directly from the latest Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) inspection reports, which are available for each food establishment, at the Thurston County Environmental Health Office and their website. For questions concerning these reports, contact the health office at 360-867-2667. Report restaurant, grocery store, deli or bakery complaints online via the complaint form here: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/eh-problem.aspx. Reading inspection scores: Attention should be given to the type of violation (red versus blue) and whether the establishment has a history of red violations or repeat violations. Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illness and must be corrected immediately if feasible or according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: not keeping food at the right temperature. Blue violations relate to the overall cleanliness and condition of operation and must be corrected according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: a worn floor that needs replacing. If red points exceed 45, the county will require a reinspection within 10 business days. A reinspection also is required if total red and blue points exceed 65. If red points exceed 100 and theres a lack of managerial control, the county will shut down the establishment for at least 72 hours. The establishment may reopen after management and employees complete retraining and demonstrate corrective action during a reinspection. Some common abbreviations: PHF/TCS is potentially hazardous food/time control for safety; RTE is ready to eat; PIC is person in charge; FWC is food worker card; CDI is corrected during inspection. Heavenly Donuts 805 Sleater-Kinney Road SE, Lacey March 27: 50 red points; 5 blue points. Comments: Employees donned gloves after using a point-of-sale system and prior to handling donuts without washing their hands. The hand-washing sink was blocked by baking sheets. A food worker used a three-compartment sink for hand-washing. Corrected during inspection. Raw eggs were stored in a one-door and two-door cold hold above ready-to-eat foods. Raw animal proteins shall be stored below and away from RTE foods. Corrected during inspection. Sliced cheese and deli meat were in a one-door cold hold were at 45 degrees. Milk in another cold hold was at 47-48 degrees. Cold held TCS foods must at or below 41 degrees. Corrected during inspection. No sanitizer test strips were available during the inspection. The Grill at 507 608 Yelm Ave. E., Yelm March 27: 35 red points; 13 blue points. Comments: Caramelized onions were hot held at 117-120 degrees rather than at or above 135 degrees. Dressing and cheese in a prep unit were cold held at above 41 degrees. Chicken was observed thawing in standing water. Sanitizer was not made at the time of inspection. Corrected during inspection. Sanitizing solution test strips were unavailable. The Wayside Cafe 500 Capitol Way S., Olympia March 29: 25 red points; 5 blue points. Comments: One employee was unable to present their food worker card. Creamed corn that was made in-house was hot held at 116-165 degrees. Tofu in a prep unit was at 45 degrees rather than at or below 41 degrees. An in-use quat sanitizer solution was too weak as prepared. Cooper Point Chevron 2205 Cooper Point Road SW March 26: 20 red points; 15 blue points. Comments: The person-in-charge did not demonstrate basic knowledge of standards for cold and hot holding food items and proper cooking temperatures. The hand-washing sink lacked disposable paper towels. Corrected during inspection. A thermometer was not provided or used to evaluate TCS food items. Boxes of food items are stored on the freezers floor. No wiping cloths or a sanitizer bucket were available. A sanitizer dispenser was non-operational. Equal Latin Restaurant 2752 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia March 28: 20 red points; 0 blue points. Comments: Salsa with tomatillos in a salsa bar was at 49-50 degrees. All cold held TCS food items must be at or below 41 degrees. A chlorine sanitizer solution was too strong as prepared. The Local 307 Yelm Ave. E., Yelm March 27: 15 red points; 5 blue points. Comments: Lettuce in a prep unit was at 53 degrees and in-house Caesar dressing was at 63 degrees. All cold held TCS foods must be at or below 41 degrees. The menu lacked a reminder that goes with a disclaimer on cooked to order items. An ice machine had a visible mold-like substance inside. Casa Catrina 318 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia March 29: 15 red points; 5 blue points. Comments: Raw eggs were stored above ready-to-eat foods in the walk-in cold hold. Raw animal proteins must be stored below and away from ready-to-eat foods. Corrected during inspection. Various TCS foods in a prep unit were cold held at greater than 41 degrees. A chlorine sanitizer solution in a ware-washing machine was too weak. Buffalo Wild Wings 4131 Martin Way E., Olympia March 28: 0 red points; 8 blue points. Comments: Person in charge demonstrated excellent food safety knowledge. No sanitizer solution test strips were available during the inspection. Dumpsters were not large enough to accommodate trash volume. 507 Taproom and Filling Station 608 Yelm Ave. E., Yelm Drinking Establishment March 27: 0 red points; 5 blue points. Comments: Sanitizing solution test strips were unavailable. Person in charge ordered proper test strips. No violations Chipotle Mexican Grill, 625 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) To celebrate Doctors Day, on Saturday, March 30, Flowers Hospital made donations totaling $6,000 to several local non-profits. Flowers Hospital made $1,000 donations to six separate Wiregrass-based organizations: The House of Ruth, Alabama Baptist Childrens Homes and Family Ministries, Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention, Time Youth Dothan, Living Waters Counseling, and City of Hope. Thanks to our medical staff for the outstanding care you provide when patients need you, said Flowers Hospitals chief executive officer Jeff Brannon. And, thank you to these organizations for all you do to improve the quality of life the Wiregrass community. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. A farmworker in Immokalee harvests tomatoes. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Quality Journalism for Critical Times A total of 88 environmental, faith and progressive groups are calling on Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto legislation that would ban local governments from requiring employers to provide protections for outdoor workers who toil in extreme heat. The only county in Florida that had been considering enacting such a heat protection ordinance was in Miami-Dade County. But after pressure from industry groups, the ordinance was substantially watered down to only take effect when outdoor temperature equaled or exceeded 95 degrees. However, after the Legislature passed its bill this session preempting local governments from enacting any heat protections, the proposed ordinance was withdrawn from the Miami-Dade County Commissions agenda without comment last month. The groups have penned two separate letters in recent days to the governor, who received the bill (HB 433) on Tuesday from the Legislature. He has 15 days to sign it or veto it. If he takes no action, the bill will become law without his signature. CS/CS/HB 433 would preempt local governments ability to pass protections for workers laboring in extreme heat. Floridians feel it getting hotter and understand how difficult and dangerous it is to labor in the sun and heat, reads the letter sent out by 43 different groups on March 29. Preempting local governments ability to protect workers from climate-caused extreme heat is inhumane and will have enormous negative economic impacts when lost productivity is taken into account. Extreme heat is already a leading weather-related cause of death and workplace injury across the country, the letter continues. In the United States, extreme heat was estimated to be the cause of about 120,000 workplace injuries every year, and without action that number could rise to about 450,000 per year in 2050. From 2019 to 2022, heat related deaths rose a staggering 88% in Florida. Among those signing that letter are the League of Women Voters of Florida, Surfrider Foundation, Progress Florida and 12 separate chapters of the Sierra Club in Florida. Another 45 groups sent a second letter dated April 2 to the governor. The bill harms Floridas families of hardworking men and women whose labor is integral to our everyday lives, reads that letter. The bill also harms businesses that provide protections for their workers, risking their competitiveness in the marketplace. Most importantly of all, the bill leaves hundreds of thousands of workers across the state with less oversight and protection, just as the state faces a labor shortage and significant losses to the states labor force. As organizations that work with workers, laborers, and their families in some of the most difficult occupations in our state, we know what working outdoors in the high heat and humidity of Florida can do to workers health, productivity, and mental acuity, it says. Road workers, roofers, construction workers, landscapers, farmworkers, theme park workers, and electrical workers, among others, experience the challenge of working oftentimes in full sun, while having to wear protective clothing over their bodies when the relative temperature and humidity can be very high. This presents a serious risk to their ability to work safely and productively, if they do not have the opportunity to adequately protect themselves, through adequate water intake, necessary rest breaks, and access to a space to cool off in the shade. Heavy physical activity creates exertional heat, which increases a workers core body temperature as they perform their tasks. Among the groups signing that letter were the Farmworker Association of Florida, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans and Faith in Florida. HB 433 was sponsored by Fort Myers House Republican Tiffany Esposito. It also includes a provision that will remove living wage ordinances currently in existence in certain counties in 2026. But the part of the bill that prohibits local governments from requiring employers to meet or provide heat exposure requirements is inspiring calls for DeSantis to veto the legislation. During committee hearings in the Legislature, some Republicans and business officials disputed the need for such laws, saying that employers are already protecting their workers who toil in the heat, a point disputed in the letter sent on Tuesday to DeSantis. If this is the case, then, why are industry leaders concerned about a bill that can protect those workers whose employers may not be providing those protections? What is business afraid of if they are already doing the right thing? We know of hundreds, if not thousands, of stories of workers who do not receive those protections in the workplace. Panama City Republican Sen. Jay Trumbull, the bills sponsor in the Senate during in the session, said the bill was needed to create an even playing field and an understanding across every county and every city across the state that all heat related ordinances are going to be under the jurisdiction of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). But the bills critics dispute that allegation as well. Another industry argument is that OSHA regulations protect workers against heat stress, they write in the April 2 letter. If this were the case, OSHA would not have begun the arduous regulatory process of developing a heat stress standard. The general duty clause is most often exercised only after a worker has died. The truth is that Floridas workers are NOT protected either by OSHA, nor necessarily by their employers, who, without regulations, are not incentivized to provide the key and very basic elements of training, water, breaks and shade. The post Dozens of groups call on DeSantis to veto bill denying heat protections for outdoor workers appeared first on Florida Phoenix. A Las Vegas area couple in their 70s was arrested Friday on allegations they hoarded and neglected hundreds of animals, with police revealing they made the horrific discovery of 30 dogs10 of which were deadstuffed into a rented hotel room. The arrests of Carolyn Luke, 72, and Timothy Miller, 79, became public Tuesday after multiple agencies shared the grisly details of their discoveries in multiple areas of the Las Vegas valley. Police in Boulder City, Nevada, said they took the couple into custody after conducting a traffic stop on their car. The couple pulled over and rolled down their window for an officer, who said he could smell the stench of dead animals from outside the vehicle, police wrote in a news release. Our officers knew right away that something was wrong, Lt. Thomas Healing said in a statement. The couple was detained and animal control authorities were called. Inside their vehicle was 51 guinea pigs and rabbits, police said, with the animals stuffed into different plastic totes and luggage. Eleven guinea pigs were already dead, and another four from the car had died by Tuesday, police said. Scorpion Stings Traumatized Las Vegas Hotel Guest in the Testicles A subsequent search was conducted at their property, which housed 15 dogs in Spring Valley, and inside a hotel room in Summerlin, where the dozens of dogs were found to be malnourished or dead, police said. Those who knew the couple have skewered them for the alleged abuse, including Megan Callahan, who said she met Luke through an animal rescue group. She needs help, Callahan told KTNV. She has something wrong with her. I just hope everyone can see who this person is and nobody ever sells her animals again. The differing jurisdictions of where the animals were found has complicated their rescue and the prosecution of the couple, but charging documents obtained by WFXR revealed that Boulder City police had charged them each with knowing and willingly placing 11 animals in poor condition. Boulder City PD wrote in a statement that itd charged the couple with 11 counts each of torture, injure, abandon, or starve an animal, all of which are misdemeanors because its their first offense. Sources told WFXR that the couple may be the subject of another animal cruelty probe thats being investigated by the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. An expert who spoke with Boulder City cops said that the veterinary cost to care for all of the impacted animals will be in the thousands. Police added that an exact number of impounded animals wont be known for some time, as some of the surviving pets are pregnant. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The names of seven migrants arrested on felony charges of rioting and assaulting law enforcement officers in a confrontation with Operation Lone Star forces in El Paso's Lower Valley were released by state officials. Texas Department of Public Safety officials released the names of the migrants Wednesday, April 3, and confirmed the arrest of 214 other migrants in connection with a March 21 confrontation between asylum-seeking migrants and Texas National Guard troops. Texas Department of Public Safety officials released Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the jail booking photos of seven migrants arrested on felony charges in connection with a March 21, 2024, "border riot" at Gate 36 of the border fence in El Paso's Lower Valley. Migrants breached razor wire barriers erected by Texas National Guard soldiers on the northern side of the Rio Grande on U.S. territory. They overwhelmed state forces and rushed to the border fence to surrender to U.S. Border Patrol agents to seek asylum or other immigration relief. The migrants arrested on felony charges are: Junior Evaristo Benitez-Martinez, 21, of Venezuela. Charges: rioting felony, criminal mischief and assaulting a public servant. Keider Jose Zurita Aponte, 21, of Venezuela. Charges: rioting felony, criminal mischief and assault public servant. Gregori Jose Guilarte-Acosta, 18, of Venezuela. Charges: rioting felony, criminal mischief and assault public servant. Omar Alejandro Graterol Colmenares, 27, Venezuela. Charges: rioting felony, criminal mischief and assault public servant. Joshua Fernando Garcia Juarez, 18, of Guatemala. Charge: rioting felony. Luis Jesus Chacon, 27, of Venezuela. Charge: rioting felony. Martin Elias Villasis Cedeno, 46, of Ecuador. Charge: rioting felony. More: El Paso DA challenges ruling office wasn't ready to handle migrant 'border riot' cases Warrants also were issued for two other migrants wanted in connection with the incident. The wanted migrants are: Juan Jose Colorado Gutierrez, 34, of Venezuela. Charges: rioting felony, criminal mischief and assault public servant. Gabriel Enrique Angarita Carrasquero, 22, of Venezuela. Charges: rioting felony, criminal mischief and assault public servant. DPS officials said 214 other migrants were arrested on state rioting charges a class B misdemeanor. The names of those migrants were not released. Texas National Guard and Texas State Troopers use anti-riot gear to prevent asylum seekers from entering further into U.S. territory after the migrants crossed the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on March 22, 2024. The migrants were originally arrested by federal law enforcement agents on a federal charge of improper entry into the U.S. and booked into the El Paso County Jail. They were then rebooked into the El Paso County Jail on the state rioting charges, officials said. All 214 migrants are being held until they can be taken by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement, DPS officials said. The group of migrants is made up of men and women from Venezuela, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. More: El Paso judge orders release of migrants accused of 'border riot' The clash began when the migrants breached concertina wire barriers at Gate 36 of the border fence in El Paso's Lower Valley to illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border. El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks said Tuesday some of the migrants assaulted National Guard troops with at least one migrant attempting to grab a gun from a trooper. El Paso Public Defender Kelli Childress, whose office is representing a majority of the migrants, claimed Tuesday the allegations against the migrants are false. She added the migrants are being used to promote political agendas. Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: DPS releases names of El Paso migrants arrested in 'border riot' case A federal indictment unsealed this week charges two men, Antonio Venti and Michael Kuilan, with supplying the drugs that killed transgender activist Cecilia Gentili on February 6. Among other things, Venti and Kuilan are accused of causing Gentili's death by distributing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life. Gentili "was tragically poisoned in her Brooklyn home from fentanyl-laced heroin," says Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. "Fentanyl is a public health crisis. 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." The indictment "delivers a strong message to anyone who profits from poisoning our communities with illicit drugs," New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban adds. "It is imperative that we continue to hold distributors accountable for their callous actions." That self-righteous stance is pretty audacious given the role that drug warriors like Peace and Caban played in killing Gentili. If Venti and Kuilan were "callous," how should we describe public officials who are dedicated to enforcing laws that predictably cause thousands of deaths like this one every year? Those laws create a black market in which the composition and potency of drugs is uncertain and highly variable. They also push traffickers toward highly potent drugs such as fentanyl, which are easier to conceal and smuggle. As a result, drug users like Gentili typically do not know exactly what they are consuming, which magnifies the risk of a fatal mistake. The "poisoning" that Peace and Caban decry therefore is a consequence of the policies they are proudly enforcing in this very case. In this context, it would be perverse to hold Gentili responsible for causing her own death. Peace and Caban instead blame Venti and Kuilan, which might seem more plausible until you consider the complexities of illicit drug distribution. As the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) notes, "People who sell drugs rarely know the exact contents of their drug supply or a given dose. Research shows drug mixing is typically done at much higher levels of the supply chain." It seems quite unlikely that Venti, who allegedly sold drugs to Gentili, knew exactly what the powder contained. Kuilan might be more culpable, since Peace's office says police "found hundreds of baggies of fentanyl" in his Brooklyn apartment. The New York Times reports that the bags contained "approximately 30 grams of the drug," which prosecutors said "was enough to administer lethal doses to several thousand people." The implication seems to be that Kuilan produced the "fentanyl and heroin mixture" that Gentili took. But the statement from Peace's office does not mention any discovery of heroin separate from fentanyl, and both men are charged with distributing the mixture. In any event, neither Kuilan nor Venti intended to kill Gentili. Yet the mandatory penalties they face are much more severe than the federal penalties for voluntary or involuntary manslaughter and New York's penalties for criminally negligent homicide. That distinction hinges on the legal status of the drugs they sold, as opposed to their culpability in Gentili's death. Prosecutions like these make a mockery of justice. "Drug-induced homicide laws, mandatory minimum laws, and other severe penalties that people face when they sell or share drugs that result in a fatal overdose primarily punish people involved with low-level selling who often use drugs themselves," DPA notes. The Times reports that Venti, who was previously convicted of "petty larceny and attempted drug sales," is an electrician who has "struggled with drug addiction." Even drug users who merely share purchases with friends or relatives have been prosecuted for causing their deaths. These attempts to convert accidental overdoses into homicides are dangerous as well as morally dubious. They "cost lives because fear of prosecution deters people from seeking help in an emergency," DPA argues. "Drug-induced homicide prosecutions may have the unintended consequence of people failing to seek medical help in a drug overdose situation, resulting in increased likelihood of death." Prohibition, in short, creates the hazard that killed Gentili. It compounds that hazard by fostering the use of additives such as fentanyl and xylazine (which was also detected in Gentili's blood). And it makes the resulting overdoses more perilous by discouraging prompt intervention. The answer, according to Peace and Caban, is zealous enforcement of the same laws that produced this disaster. Frank Tarentino, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Division, concurs. "Fentanyl is a deadly drug that dealers mix into their product and has accounted for 70% of drug related deaths nationwide," he says. "Drug poisonings take too many lives too soon from communities nationwide and DEA is committed to bringing to justice those responsible." If Americans truly demanded accountability from "those responsible" for drug-related deaths, they would start with the politicians and law enforcement officials who are perversely committed to making drug use as dangerous as possible. The post Drug Dealers Did Not Kill Cecilia Gentili. Prohibition Did. appeared first on Reason.com. Without a lot of fanfare, drug counselor Miles Hamlin opened a resource hub in north Minneapolis on Tuesday for drug users to get sterile needles, fentanyl test strips and Narcan. They can shower, do their laundry and cook a meal. People who come might even use drugs on site. The staff will be trained to reverse overdoses. "We're really trying to just focus on being a resource for people who use drugs to access no-barriers services," Hamlin said, emphasizing that he would allow clients and the surrounding community to dictate how the center is used. Hamlin founded the nonprofit Minnesota Overdose Awareness in 2022 after more than a decade holding vigils in Loring Park for friends and clients who have died, trying to bring attention to Minneapolis' large racial disparities in overdoses. There were more than 1,000 fatal opioid overdoses in 2022 statewide, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. In the city of Minneapolis, Black people are four times more likely to die of an opioids than whites. For Native Americans, it's 30 to 1. To shift the public health response to one that embraces harm reduction a medical philosophy that focuses on keeping drug users alive and reducing the spread of disease so they can eventually recover last year the Legislature legalized and funded "safe recovery" start-ups that by definition include safe injection spaces, needle exchange and other health services. Minnesota Overdose Awareness' "Northside Hub" at 3859 Fremont Ave. N. technically includes every feature listed in the statute, but the nonprofit is keenly aware of the sensitivity surrounding ideas of "safe injection" or "overdose prevention" sites. Federal law still prohibits managing any facility "for the purpose of using a controlled substance," and local communities don't have much experience with them. Last month, the Minneapolis City Council's public health committee approved a joint grant application with Saint Paul to research and conduct community engagement around safe recovery sites, but the vote wasn't unanimous, with. Council Member Michael Rainville opposed. He did not say why. Before launching, Minnesota Overdose Awareness sought the approval of the Webber-Camden Neighborhood Association. There was a lot of discussion. And while some community members attended the meeting to express their concerns and objections about how many people were going to congregate at the center and if there would be problems in the area after they left, the board felt their questions were answered "positively," said Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight, the association's executive director. "And you know, it's a need in the community for sure." It's no secret that public drug use exists in the neighborhood, and it would be helpful to have more candid resources, including naloxone training, she said. "I just got a call [Tuesday] morning from a community member about drug dealing all around his house and he can't get response from 311," Deinhart-Bauknight said. "One of our past board members is having an issue because he owns a mini grocery store in the community and people are hanging out in the back and stuff." On Monday, Minnesota Overdose Awareness held an open house attended by dozens of harm reduction healthcare workers from across the metro. They showed off the renovated interior of what had been a dilapidated and water-damaged building that housed a former illegal nightclub run by the Zodiac Biker Club a decade ago. Board member John Roder fixed it up for about half a million dollars. There's an office full of clean injection supplies, roomy bathrooms, washing machines, a kitchen and a den with a computer to browse job openings. Other rooms are kept open for future partnerships. Board chair Paula DeSanto said the nonprofit is talking with Helix, a rapid homeless rehousing company, and the nearby Fremont Clinic, a primary care family practice. "We have to try all kinds of things," said Helix co-founder Adam Fairbanks. "So if the general population of Minneapolis is sick of having people on the streets, or super intoxicated at a bus stop ... if we all decide that this is a good place for people to go, then I think there's the support that's needed to change the local laws to allow it." Jack Martin of Southside Harm Reduction Services, a group that delivers safe-use supplies, also attended the open house and came away with hope. In 2022, Southside Harm Reduction, as a sponsored organization of the Native American Community Clinic, received more than $5 million from the Bush Foundation to lay the groundwork for a south Minneapolis drop-in center that would provide a range of harm reduction services for people who use drugs, focusing on those who are also homeless and living unsheltered. That center is also envisioned as one that would be designed to pivot into a safe recovery center "if and when the community and city are ready." No Southside site has yet been identified, but the group is aiming to open in 2025. "It's beautiful," Martin said of the Northside Hub. "And the services are absolutely needed over north, in terms of harm reduction, supplies, training and services staff. We're really excited for them to open and can't wait to see what happens." A 38-year-old Maple Falls man was sentenced to federal prison last week for his role in a drug trafficking network responsible for distributing large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs in Whatcom and Skagit counties. U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King sentenced Jesse Lee Witteveen on March 27 in the Western District of Washington in U.S. District Court to six years in prison, with four years of supervised release. King also recommended Witteveen be admitted into the Bureau of Prisons residential drug treatment program, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release. Witteveen previously pleaded guilty Dec. 21 to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, federal court records show. Knowing what drugs have done to your life, you chose to perpetuate the cycle of drug addiction in others, King said at Witteveens sentencing hearing last week, according to the release. Witteveen was a distributor in 2022 for a drug trafficking organization operating in Whatcom and Skagit counties led by supplier Enoc Martinez Lopez, aka Victor, 29, of Marysville. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Whatcom County Drug and Gang Task Force started surveilling various members, including Martinez Lopez and Witteveen, in April 2022. In August 2022, a federal judge signed a search warrant for records associated with several phone numbers Martinez Lopez was using to conduct drug transactions. Phone records showed Witteveen had been in contact with one of the phone numbers used by Martinez Lopez approximately 144 times between July 26, 2022 and Aug. 19, 2022, according to federal court records. In a summary of some of the messages included in federal court documents, Witteveen and Martinez Lopez discussed and made plans for the purchases and exchanges of thousands of fentanyl pills, pounds of other drugs, and thousands of dollars in cash. A photograph of rainbow-colored fentanyl pills seized in November 2022 as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Witteveen arrest In early November, after surveilling Witteveen and Martinez Lopez, law enforcement seized hundreds of grams of fentanyl and meth from Witteveen following his arrest. Shortly after 10 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2022, Witteveens phone location showed he had left Maple Falls and traveled to the Walmart in Mount Vernon. Law enforcement found a maroon Nissan Murano, known to be used by Witteveen, in the parking lot. Law enforcement later saw a man wearing a flat-brimmed hat, later identified as Witteveen, and a woman get into the Nissan. A white Honda sedan parked next to the Nissan, and another woman got out of the Honda and into the Nissan. Then, around 10:51 p.m., both vehicles left the Walmart parking lot, according to federal court records. Witteveens phone location data showed it was traveling with the two vehicles, the court documents state. Law enforcement followed Witteveens vehicle to an apartment complex in Mount Vernon, where shortly before 11:30 p.m., Witteveen met up with Martinez Lopez. Around 11:35 p.m., Witteveens vehicle left the Mount Vernon apartment complex parking lot and drove to a nearby gas station, where it met up with the white Honda from the Walmart parking lot. Both vehicles left the gas station, followed by law enforcement. Both vehicles then stopped on the side of the road and reversed their direction of travel and slowed down. Driving in this manner is consistent with conducting counter surveillance attempting to identify law enforcement surveillance units, a special agent with the DEA wrote in federal court documents. Law enforcement continued to follow Witteveens Nissan until they lost sight of it as it drove north on Highway 9 toward Maple Falls from Sedro Woolley. Law enforcement stated they believed Witteveen was driving at a high rate of speed as they were unable to catch up to the Nissan, court documents state. Whatcom County sheriffs deputies later found the Nissan driving in Van Zandt. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but Witteveen continued driving. Deputies then used a spike strip and Witteveen stopped the vehicle several miles later, according to court records. While deputies were attempting to stop Witteveens vehicle, they saw a white bag be thrown out of the passenger side window. Deputies found the bag, which contained 959 grams of methamphetamine and 346 grams of fentanyl pills. Witteveen was then arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail. His vehicle was also impounded by law enforcement, court documents state. A Nov. 3, 2022 search of Witteveens Nissan revealed a safe on the front passenger floorboard containing approximately 138 grams of suspected fentanyl pills and 174 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Multiple cell phones and ammunition were also found in the vehicle. During a search of Witteveens residence one day later, law enforcement found 35 grams of suspected methamphetamine, multiple cell phones, firearm parts and a significant quantity of ammunition, court documents state. Witteveen was facing controlled substance and eluding charges in Whatcom County Superior Court, but his case was dismissed in January 2024, records show. A photograph of cocaine seized in November 2022 as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Others sentenced Several other members of the drug trafficking network Witteveen was part of have also been sentenced or pleaded guilty for their respective roles in distributing drugs across Whatcom and Skagit counties, federal records show. Martinez Lopez, the supplier for the network, was sentenced Dec. 6 to eight years in federal prison, with four years supervised release. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Casey Landis, a distributor, was sentenced Jan. 17 to seven years in federal prison, with three years supervised release. He pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. Adam Wisniewski pleaded guilty Feb. 8 to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. His sentencing in federal court has been scheduled for April 3. Wisniewski also had controlled substance and firearm-related charges in Whatcom County Superior Court, but those were dismissed in late February because of his guilty pleas in federal court, county records show. Anthony Gunderson was sentenced March 20 to three years, five months in federal prison, with three years supervised release. He pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and unlawful possession of a firearm. Corbin Saunders was sentenced Aug. 25 to two years in prison, with three years supervised release. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm. His federal prison sentence will concurrently with his prison sentences for several county cases involving controlled substances, stolen vehicle possession, identity theft and second-degree theft, among other charges. Manuel Garcia Munoz pleaded guilty April 26 in federal court to one count of distribution of heroin. He was accepted May 19, 2023 into the federal Drug Reentry Alternative Model, or DREAM, program. If Garcia Munoz successfully completes the DREAM program, his federal court case will be dismissed with prejudice. If he is terminated from the program, a federal sentencing for his conviction will occur. Garcia Munoz progressed to phase three of the program at a hearing March 22. His next status hearing is set for April 26. In total in the case, law enforcement has seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl pills, 2.8 kilos of fentanyl powder, 5.7 kilos of cocaine, 1.6 kilos of heroin, 8.7 kilos of crystal meth, more than $186,000 in cash and nine firearms, according to the DOJ press release. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 3. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) discussed the development of cooperation in the field of digitalization, Trend reports. According to the official source, these issues were discussed during a meeting in Ashgabat between a representative of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Regional Coordinator of UNCTAD, Dmitry Godunov. During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of issues related to the implementation of the 'Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 20192025'. It was noted that within the framework of the first and second stages of the implementation of the concept, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has successfully implemented the UNCTAD Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) electronic declaration and is effectively working on the introduction of a single window for export-import operations. At the same time, the parties noted that, in accordance with the third stage of the development of the digital economy of Turkmenistan, it is proposed to introduce the third phase of digitalization of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. In this regard, they discussed the proposals developed by UNCTAD for the implementation of the third stage of the digitalization of customs authorities in Turkmenistan. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan's cooperation with UNCTAD is aimed at developing the country's economic opportunities through supporting investment policy, improving trade, and ensuring sustainable development. The partnership is based on the exchange of expertise and experience in the fields of trade, investment, technical assistance, and strategy development, contributing to the strengthening of infrastructure and increasing the competitiveness of the national economy, as well as contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals until 2030. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Semafor Signals Insights from Nikkei Asia, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal The News An earthquake off the shore of Taiwan has killed at least nine people and injured more than 960, forcing the worlds leading silicon chip maker to briefly shut some of its manufacturing facilities. The 7.4 magnitude quake off the islands east coast hit before 8:00 a.m. local time Wednesday morning. Authorities in the city of Hualien ordered schools closed, while the capital of Taipei temporarily suspended subway service. TSMCs safety systems are operating normally. To ensure the safety of personnel, some fabs were evacuated according to company procedure, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, they key supplier to Apple, Nvidia, and other global giants, said in a statement. We are currently confirming the details of the impact. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told Semafor that the U.S. governments primary concern is the safety and security of the region and that officials are not focused on economic impacts. The concern is lives and livelihoods, he said. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Semiconductor manufacturing is extremely delicate Sources: Bloomberg, Nikkei Asia TSMC said it produced more than 16 million 12-inch silicon wafers in 2023 at four plants, known as fabs, in Taiwan, and operates several other plants for smaller chips. The firm boasts 528 customers. But the fabs are vulnerable to even the slightest tremors, and a passing vibration can wreck whole batches semiconductors. Sources at TSMC told Nikkei Asia that some wafers were cracked and that employees will be called in over coming tomb-sweeping holidays to make up for lost production. The company has invested heavily in minimizing the risks of earthquakes, and says its operating principals are Zero casualty, short operation recovery time and least impact on customers. The quake highlights the risks of concentration Sources: EE Times, American Economic Liberties Project, Financial Times U.S., Asian, and European leaders have grown increasingly concerned about TSMCs central role in the global electronics supply chain in recent years, and have pressed the company to invest in manufacturing capacity in their domestic markets. Public attention has focused in recent years on the disruption to the global supply chain in the case of a military conflict with China. But earthquakes have long represented a second risk. A 2022 tremor was a reminder that global chip supply remains highly vulnerable to disruption. A Credit Suisse analysis found that if Taiwans chip supply shut down, a wide array of manufacturing would be severely disrupted. The world had a warning of this risk after the 1999 quake, which exacerbated the capacity crunch that was already building throughout the electronics supply chain. Circuit-board makers at the time raised prices, sending shock waves through the PC industry. And advocates of reducing dependence on Taiwan immediately pointed to the brief disruption to make their case. Glad we didnt concentrate critical chip production in one geographic area, remarked the research director of the American Economic Liberties Project, Matt Stoller, after the quake. Building chip manufacturing outside Taiwan has hit obstacles Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal, New York Times TSMC is investing in new chip plants in the United States, Germany, and Japan. The U.S. CHIPS Act was intended to ramp up the United States chip industry, and TSMC planned to open a plant in Arizona in 2024. But that opening has been delayed by at least a year already. The Taiwanese company complained that local workers lacked expertise in installing some sophisticated equipment. A second plant has also been delayed as negotiations between the Biden administration and TSMC over subsidies have proven challenging, the Wall Street Journal reported. But production is ramping up more quickly in Japan, which the Taiwanese company sees as a source of diligent workers with a government that is easy to deal with. A deal to redevelop the first 30 acres of Nashville's East Bank advanced, with a few changes, on Tuesday toward what could be a final vote later this month. Additions included requirements for an archaeological survey and provisions addressing street design and affordable housing details. The deal lays out plans for Boston-based developer The Fallon Company to develop 30 acres of Metro-owned land and lease it from the city for the next 99 years. The agreement would require Fallon to deliver 1,550 residential units (including 695 affordable units) in addition to ground-level retail space, hotels, office space and a portion of the planned East Bank Boulevard. Metro Council approved the deal on its second of three readings Tuesday by voice vote, with District 1 Council member Joy Kimbrough voting against. Approved amendments to the deal included: Requiring an archaeological survey prior to construction in response to concerns that redevelopment will disrupt or destroy Indigenous historical sites Striking language that would have barred dry cleaning and secondhand stores from the 30-acre area Affirmation that Metro and Fallon will comply "to the extent feasible" with public mobility infrastructure standards espoused in the Imagine East Bank vision plan, Nashville's Vision Zero action plan to enhance pedestrian safety and Mayor Freddie O'Connell's executive order on "complete streets" Requiring "affirmative marketing" to ensure information about income-restricted buildings reaches diverse populations A provision requiring at least 15% of the units in each income-restricted residential building be two- or three-bedroom units A statement requiring the developer to "in good faith ask the initial operator of (a day care facility to be located in the first residential building constructed) to consider providing preferential admission for children of tenants of the Residential Building in which the (facility) is located. A separate, nonbinding resolution outlining a deal with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to build a new facility on the East Bank and pay for key infrastructure was deferred to track with the final vote on the Fallon agreement. If the legislation does not pass at the council's April 16 meeting, the last meeting before the city's annual budget process begins in May, consideration will be bumped to July. Metro's memorandum of understanding with TPAC will need to be formalized through binding legislation before the new center's development can move forward. Metro Council is expected to review that agreement this summer. What's going where Land marked with a red outline depicts a total 30 acres of Metro-owned land on Nashville's East Bank slated for initial development. The full Metro campus is outlined in black. Parcel C Hotels. A maximum of three hotels are permitted within Metro's initial 30 acres, with the exception of a potential hotel located on Parcel B to the left of the new Nissan Stadium. Open-air plaza. The plaza space adjoining the new stadium will be built, furnished and maintained by the Titans. Parking. Metro could build a city-financed parking garage for Titans use on this parcel, though Metro Cheif Development Officer Bob Mendes said the city will likely hold off, relying on surface parking to fulfill Metro's 2,000-space commitment to the Titans in the deal to build a new stadium. Parcel B Hotel. Hotel development on Parcel B will not count toward the 3-hotel limit for the 30-acre initial development zone (if all residential building milestones are met). Parking. The Titans will develop parking on land to the left of the stadium and will receive all revenue from this parking. Metro will have the option to build structured parking on the parcel at Metro's cost. Parcel G Affordable Housing. A 300-unit income-restricted building would be part of the first phase of construction, estimated to begin in 2026. Of the 300-unit total, 200 would be reserved for tenants at 60% Area Median Income (AMI) and under. The remaining 100 units would be reserved for tenants between 60% and 80% AMI. Affordability levels are locked in for the duration of the 99-year ground lease. The building must also include space for a day care center. Office space. Fallon would have 10 years to find a market-rate office tenant for Parcel G (or another piece of Metro-owned property). If no tenant can be found, the space could be developed for other uses, including a hotel that would not be counted toward the hotel limit. Parcel E TPAC. A new Tennessee Performing Arts Center will be the main feature of Parcel E. TPAC will cover the cost of utilities not already being installed as part of Metro's agreements with the Titans or Fallon, storm water management and improvements to Waterside Drive and Victory Avenue. Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge extension. TPAC and Fallon will shoulder most of the cost of extending and redesigning the East Bank landing of the bridge to "enhance pedestrian and bicycle access." Contract agreements would ensure no private party could completely shut down access to the bridge, a major link between the East Bank and downtown. A pedestrian and bicycle path called "Cumberland Walk" would stretch from Shelby Avenue and Interstate Drive to the Cumberland River. Another unspecified structure. Fallon would have room to develop another structure near the East Bank Boulevard. Parcels D and F Hotels and housing. Fallon may build hotels and housing on these parcels. The agreement would require Fallon to build a total 1,550 units (including 695 income-restricted units) across five residential buildings on the 30-acre development. That includes two fully affordable housing developments, one of which would be located on Parcel G and another on Parcel A. Market rate residential buildings would include 95 income-restricted units. Parcel A East Bank Transit Hub. A hub for WeGo bus transit and multimodal options (think scooters and bicycles) is envisioned for Parcel A, which sits on what will be a new East Bank Boulevard. Affordable housing. Fallon would build 300 income-restricted units atop the transit hub. Public comment surrounds lack of Indigenous representation Members of the public on Tuesday called for the recognition of Indigenous peoples in the first phase of East Bank construction. Indigenous Peoples Coalition Chairperson Albert Bender said the coalition has been "trying for some time now to get an Indigenous park as part of the projects on the East Bank, but no way have we been even remotely successful." The initial 30 acres included in the proposed agreement with Fallon does not include park space. The city's vision plan for Metro-owned property on the East Bank includes a large park and greenway space slated for areas currently at least partially obstructed by railway tracks and the current Nissan Stadium. The organization asked if more acreage could be added to the first phase of development to include such a park, to no avail, Bender said. "This will result in egg on the face of this body, and it won't just be an egg, it will be an omelet," he said. District 16 Council member Ginny Welsch requested "some sort of acknowledgement" of Indigenous history in Nashville in the first phase. Metro Chief Development Officer Bob Mendes said "it is the administration's intention that once we actually have a neighborhood there rather than a series of parking lots that there is an appropriate recognition," though it's not clear exactly what that might be at this point in the process. "If we can figure out a way to at least document the intention, we'll do that," Mendes said. By the numbers According to Metro documents, infrastructure for the 30-acre development zone will cost about $66.5 million in today's dollars (not including contingencies and other "soft" costs). Fallon will cover approximately $32.8 million, including roadways and a portion of the pedestrian bridge extension TPAC will fund and construct about $30.6 million in infrastructure and pedestrian bridge improvements Metro will fund about $3.1 million to relocate a pipeline and extend the "Music City Mile" pedestrian bridge across the East Bank Boulevard. (Should Metro decide to build a parking garage to comply with its 2,000-space pledge to the Titans, it could cost the city upwards of $46.8 million). Fallon and The Laborers' International Union of North America Local 386 struck a deal this week that strengthens worker pay and security protections, something labor advocates lauded. Under the proposed agreement, TPAC will cover all of its own construction and operating costs. Metro would enter into a 35-year lease with rent set at $100 per year with two optional 30-year renewal terms (with rent then set at 25% of the market value at that time, with annual increases). Fallon's rent for the 99-year lease would be based on market value with a 2.5% escalator each year (with the potential of another 0.25% adjustment every decade). Upon the sale or refinancing of any leased property within the 30-acre initial development zone, Metro will receive a percentage of the proceeds: 0.75% for market residential ground leases and 1% for other ground leases (0% for all-affordable residential buildings). As an example, Metro could make around $560,000 in annual rent for a 2-acre residential property valued at $14 million. Should that property sell for $240 million, Metro would make $1.8 million (0.75%) from that sale. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: East Bank plan advances toward final Nashville Council consideration WINONA, Texas (KETK) Winona Middle School Principal Dr. Johnny Walker received an exceptional teacher award on Tuesday that came with a $25,000 check. Retirement party to be held for longtime Tyler pediatrician Walker joins 75 others in the country to receive the Milken Educator Award. An assembly was planned to commemorate the schools growth and achievements as Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath was in attendance, but to also surprise Walker with the award. To celebrate an achievement thats extraordinary that they call it the Oscars of Teaching, Morath said. According to a release, Walker is the first Milken Educator Award recipient in Winona ISD and was unaware of his candidacy. East Texas Women: Jeweler Ferrell Fisher helps others shine I am still shaken up and reeling over this amazing honor, never did I expect this, Walker said. But like Ive said before, to God be the glory, Im so thankful to the Lord for making this happen. Walker said it was a full-circle moment remembering when he first joined the district. When I first came to Winona, I had a teacher named Miss Johnson, she told me, Mr. Walker you need to need to be a Milken Educator Award, I didnt even know what that was at that time, Walker said. The Milken Family Foundation who chose who to award, is a California-based group that reviews schools from around the country. KETKs 2024 Remarkable Woman is Meaghan Arnold An educators whose practices lead to results, they have gone from an F to an A on the state rating, were looking for educators who are leaders in the profession, Jane Foley, senior vice president at Milken Family Foundation, said. On behalf of the state of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott sent a congratulation video. We just want to continue the work and I am so humbled by it, Walker said. Walker said he is proud of the students and faculty for all the growth they have accomplished together. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. EastEnders spoilers follow. EastEnders' Bernie Taylor is set to exit Albert Square following the discovery of brother Keanu's body. Viewers will know that Keanu was killed over Christmas in the culmination of The Six death mystery storyline, with the six women covering their tracks ever since. However, the walls have begun to close in this week after the discovery of Keanu's body under the cafe floor, with Sharon arrested in the aftermath. Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes - BBC Related: 14 huge EastEnders spoilers for next week In new scenes set to air next week, Bernie will depart from Walford to pay a visit to mother Karen in Spain and inform her about Keanu's death. The scenes come after Sharon is taken in by police, with Johnny Carter offering to represent her with an aim to protect his mum Linda from facing similar consequences. While she sticks to her story with the police, new evidence then comes to light that could mean trouble for Sharon. BBC Related: EastEnders' Denise and Stacey caught out over Christmas Day Johnny and the other women later gather to prepare for their re-questioning by police. Kathy and Suki come up with a new plan when Johnny returns home without Sharon. Sharon's arrest also sends shockwaves throughout Albert Square, while residents support Bernie as she grieves. Meanwhile, Phil draws suspicion from Felix after defending Sharon, before his ex-wife Kat intervenes, and she gives him pause. However, Phil makes an offer to Denise when he overhears a conversation between her and Stacey. BBC Related: EastEnders' Yolande Trueman forced to apologise in sexual harassment story Linda also spirals when Johnny reveals the other women's plan for the murder weapon, turning to drink, and she makes a big decision about her future after George finds her in the barrel store. She later gathers the remaining Six to reveal her plan and prepares to tell the police another fabricated story though it seems her plan could backfire as the police ask why she has withheld key information. EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast. Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage You Might Also Like Eclipse 2024 Countdown: What to know about Vermont traffic on April 8 Pretty soon, itty-bitty Vermont is going to feel much more crowded. Leading up to the April 8 solar eclipse, nearly a quarter million visitors are expected to swarm the Green Mountain State due to its position within the path of totality. To avoid the heavy traffic and overall chaos of the day, the Vermont Agency of Transportation advises Vermonters to hunker down and forego driving on April 8 if they can help it. Many northern Vermont schools and some businesses, for instance, are taking heed and closing for the eclipse. For residents who still plan to brave the roads, however, heres what you should know about traffic conditions on April 8. Vermont is a-buzz with planning and preparations for the solar eclipse on 4/8, which is expected to bring thousands of visitors. Please do not drive on 4/8 unless you must, and use local roads, not highways and interstates. Hunker down, Vermont! https://t.co/CqgTrOTWmP #VTEclipse pic.twitter.com/wwxnlrDwEw Vermont Agency of Transportation (@AOTVermont) March 20, 2024 What might Vermont traffic look like on April 8? In preparation for the eclipse, the Vermont Agency of Transportation compiled a list of assumptions about the motor vehicle traffic expected on April 8. Although some sources anticipate higher numbers, the agency said it foresees a maximum of 160,000 visitors (or roughly 60,000 additional cars) for the eclipse, with inbound traffic to trickle in over the course of two to three days prior to the event. Most outbound traffic will likely depart immediately once the eclipse concludes, though more than 14,000 vehicles may spend the night. However, Vermont may end up seeing fewer visitors due to anticipated cloudy and rainy weather and because April 8 falls on a Monday. According to the agency, most visitors will likely enter Vermont from the south, particularly from Boston and Worcester in Massachusetts and Hartford, Springfield, New Haven and Bridgeport in Connecticut. Vermonters should also anticipate fellow drivers pulling off to the side of the road to watch the eclipse. An Obscura BTV eclipse t-shirt being sold by Burlington City Arts, as seen on March 22, 2024. Which Vermont roads should I avoid? Based on the above assumptions, the roads with the highest estimated traffic volumes likely include: US 4 in Mendon, Bridgewater, and Woodstock VT 103 in Ludlow, Clarendon, and Cavendish VT 100 in Waterbury US 5 in Brattleboro I-89 from Exit 10 to U.S. Route 2 and the Champlain Islands US 7 in Shelburne, Ferrisburgh, and Pittsford Williston I-89 exit ramps, VT 2A, US 2 Burlington main local roads VT 15 in Essex US 2 and VT 117 in Richmond I-91 in Rockingham VT 9 in Brattleboro and Wilmington I-89 in Waterbury, Middlesex, Montpelier, and Hartford However, it should be noted that local and feeder roads may also experience delays and congestion should drivers begin to detour from the main roadways. For more information about April 8 in Vermont, including traffic and weather, visit the states eclipse page. A map indicating which roads in Burlington will be closed during the eclipse. It also shows several viewing sites for the eclipse. How is Burlington handling traffic and safety during the eclipse? Hotel reservations and airport data indicate that Vermonts biggest city may welcome as many as 35,000 to 50,000 tourists for the eclipse, according to Obscura BTV. How does Burlington Police plan to maintain traffic flow and safety? According to last months Burlington Police Chiefs Report, there will be up to 40 police officers on duty. This is the same amount as the July 3 Fireworks celebration last year, minus the five additional officers Burlington police hired from adjacent agencies who will be serving in their own communities during the eclipse. Eight police officers and five community service officers will manage shuttle bus lanes and street closures. One supervisor and four officers will handle non-event-related calls. All other officers are charged with providing security at eclipse events and manning the departments Emergency Response Vehicle. However, despite police preparations, Burlington residents should still expect to see traffic delays and potential emergency vehicle delays at minimum and complete gridlock at worst, depending on crowd size. Local police say should crowds exceed 50,000 people, traffic will likely be unmanageable everywhere in the city regardless of their efforts. If crowds surpass 75,000 people, Burlington is likely to become gridlocked, and Interstate 89 and major arteries like Route 7 and Route 2 may shut down making emergency response unguaranteed. For information on road closures, parking, bus schedules, FAQs and more in Burlington, visit https://loveburlington.org/obscura-burlington/. Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont expects crazy traffic during 2024 solar eclipse - roads to avoid 1968 The American science fiction films opening sequence shows an eclipse of the Sun by both the Earth and the Moon. The three bodies and the camera (which is farther out in space) are aligned; the sequence starts with the Sun fully eclipsed to the camera, and shows the eclipse ending and the Sun becoming visible past the Earth and Moon. 1999 The Canadian documentary film explores divination in a humorous way and includes eclipses as part of its subject matter. 2006 The Yucatec Mayan-language action-adventure film, set in pre-Columbian Yucatan and Guatemala around the year 1511, Mayan leaders take advantage of a solar eclipse as a sign of an angry god whose blood thirst is satisfied by the leaders. 2022 An eclipse occurs during a pivotal moment in the final battle of the film. 1961 In the religious epic film about Barabbas, a solar eclipse takes place during a crucifixion scene. A real eclipse was filmed for the scene. 1981 In the American slasher films opening, three children are born during a solar eclipse, which leads them to grow up with violent personalities. 1949 The American film, based on Mark Twains 1889 novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court, features an American protagonist from 1912 who wakes up in Arthurian Britain in AD 528 and uses his knowledge of an upcoming solar eclipse to his advantage. 2002 The English-language horror film features a house that was built for a supernatural ritual to sacrifice seven children for a solar eclipse that happens every forty years. 1995 In the American psychological thriller film, a housekeeper is sent home by her boss to witness a solar eclipse. In the midst of the eclipse, she confronts her abusive and alcoholic husband. 1981 The American fantasy film features the climactic battle with a dragon during a solar eclipse. 1994 The Canadian drama film features a kid who films a documentary about an upcoming solar eclipse. 1907 The French silent film shows a solar eclipse resulting from a consummation between the Sun and the Moon. 1940 In one of the segments of the American animated film, a solar eclipse takes place after dinosaurs go extinct, and the landscape is changed into a sea. 1994 The biographical drama film, set in 18th-century Europe, features a scene of singing during a solar eclipse. 1999 Vampires in a criminal gang raid a bank and attack people they find one night. Dawn appears to defeat them, but a solar eclipse turns the tide turns back in their favor. 2017 The American psychological horror film, based on Stephen Kings novel Geralds Game, features a solar eclipse in a memory flashback in which the female main character, a preteen at the time, is sexually assaulted. 2004 In the American superhero film, Hellboy has to open a gate to hell during a lunar eclipse. 2009 The American horror film, set in the 1980s, features a small-town university student who is hired to stay at a house in the middle of nowhere to take care of an old woman on the night of a full lunar eclipse. 1999 In the American drama film, the town of Babylon, New York experiences an hours-long solar eclipse, and it affects the world of the characters who wander the streets in memory and in search of meaning to their suburban lives. 2019 The English-language fantasy film features a solar eclipse that fully empowers the wicked sorceress Morgana. 1937 The British adventure film features in its climax one of the protagonists predicting a solar eclipse to their advantage. 1998 The American television film features a scientist who is zapped back to the time of King Arthur, and she predicts a solar eclipse to avoid being burned at the stake. 1985 The ending of this American medieval fantasy film, set in 13th-century Europe, features a solar eclipse foretold by a divine riddle. It brings an end to an infernal curse. 2003 The American animated family film about dinosaurs features a solar eclipse whose occurrence scares off predators. 2001 The English-language action-adventure film features a solar eclipse as part of a rare planetary alignment that allows access to a relic that can control space and time. 1986 In the American horror comedy film, the monstrous houseplant Audrey II is born as a result of a solar eclipse. 1935 Episode of the Our Gang series. When a solar eclipse creates confusion, two white boys escape church to go fishing. They come across a black church revival whose members are also confused, and afraid. Professor Lisa Yaszek said of the racist depiction, Apparently somehow these black Americans dont know what an eclipse is, so they have that very stereotypical reaction of confusion and fear, which causes chaos for the boys the way it plays out is so stereotypical and really horrible. 2017 The Spanish dark comedy film features a dinner party that takes place on the night of a lunar eclipse. 1966 Egyptian priests pass off a solar eclipse for the anger of the god Amun, bringing confusion into the minds of the rebellious people. 2000 In the American science fiction film, a criminal and other people trapped on a desert planet have to evade underground predatory creatures who go above ground when an eclipse occurs. 2016 In the Star Wars film, the Death Stara spherical space stationbriefly causes a solar eclipse over the holy city of Jedha shortly before firing on the city. 2023 In the supernatural horror film, a prequel to the 2017 film Veronica, a nun stares at a solar eclipse and damages her eyesight and eventually goes blind by Veronica. 1988 The American horror film, which focuses on the Book of Revelation and a battle over an unborn child, features a solar eclipse as a key plot device. 2017 In 1991 Madrid, while the rest of her classmates watch the solar eclipse of July 11, 1991, a teenager becomes possessed by a demon after using an Ouija board. In reality, the eclipse was not visible anywhere in Europe. 1980 The American young-adult horror film features the mystery of a girl who disappears in the woods of New England decades ago and concludes with a climactic scene featuring a solar eclipse. 2002 The American animated family film features a solar eclipse at the films climax. AUSTIN (KXAN) Alyssa Garcia flips through the pages of her handmade calendar with enthusiasm. Each page decked out in neon ink, tracking the lunar cycle and astronomical events. Every month has its own unique design, starting in April 2024, with space-themed illustrations dotting the margins. I call it the cosmic calendar, Alyssa said with excitement, turning the pages to February where colorful lanterns mark the Chinese New Year. Junior Alyssa Garcia shows off her eclipse inspired cosmic calendar. (Courtesy: Eric Henrikson/KXAN) The calendar, like the rest of the art adorning the walls of St. Edwards Universitys Risograph Lab, was inspired by the April 8th eclipse. This semester, Associate Professor Jimmy Luu asked his students to create their own projects themed around the once in a lifetime event. Im obsessed with (the eclipse), because its the only time probably in my lifetime, that well be able to be in the path of totality in Texas, Luu said. An alignment of art and science The Risograph Lab is as unique as the art the students, mostly juniors, produce. Eclipse offers views of every planet in solar system if weather cooperates A Risograph machine is a type of printer. Unlike a traditional printer, it only lays down two inks at a time. If an artists wants to add more colors, they have to run pages through multiple times to generate unique effects. Because the machine doesnt mix inks like a traditional printer does, it can produce fluorescent and metallic colors. It has some special qualities about it that make it conducive to people who are into creativity, Luu said. Junior Ethan Gorelick puts final touches on his Moon Pie boxes. (Courtesy: Eric Henrikson/KXAN) The students all took very different approaches. Ethan Gorelick made snack boxes for Moon Pies and Eclipse gum. Liam Molina created a magazine dedicated to eclipse glasses, fake advertisements sprinkled throughout its pages. Jacobs Well, Barton Springs and other endangered sacred springs highlight of kite exhibit Ive known about Riso for a long time, which is why I wanted to take this class. And so when I was told about this project, where we had to relate it to something in a class, I knew I wanted to do a calendar, Alyssa said about her own project. Turning art into commerce Students had to make more than one of their product because they hoped to sell them. On March 30, they took their products to Corpus Christi for Riso Rama, a publishing event aimed at highlighting work done in the Riso field. Students attend the Riso Rama event in Corpus Christi to sell their work. (Courtesy: Jimmy Luu) Students sold their work ranging from $5 for a small print to $20 for a book or a calendar. According to Professor Luu, students received positive feedback for their work. While Ethan Gorelicks Eclipse gum packaging was purchased by Mexico City-based independent press, Miau Editions. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks at an America First Policy Institute agenda summit at the Marriott Marquis in Washington on July 26, 2022. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) Congress eliminated parole from the federal criminal justice system in 1984, but it didnt completely do away with post-release supervision. About 3 of every 4 people leaving federal prison remain under supervision, often for years, and often for no good reason. A transition period to ensure successful reentry into society after prison makes sense. But federal supervised release a parole-like period of restrictions post-prison lasts too long and is too expensive. It makes little distinction between those who are at high risk to break the law again and those at negligible risk. And there is mounting evidence that the longer supervision goes on, the greater the chance that the former prisoner will get into trouble again. The extended lack of real freedom interrupts transition to responsible post-prison behavior. Read more: Editorial: Time to defend California's hard-won criminal justice reforms from lawmakers. Again The Safer Supervision Act is a bipartisan bill that would shorten post-prison supervision upon a showing that public safety would not be negatively affected. It is similar in spirit to the First Step Act, another bipartisan federal criminal justice reform that was signed into law in 2018 by President Trump. The act reduced excessive federal prison sentences while encouraging rehabilitation. It was one of the few truly bipartisan successes in years, a result of efforts by CNN commentator Van Jones and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey. And, importantly, reform-oriented Republicans. Read more: Editorial: L.A. is now paying the price for the tough-on-crime era Liberals could too easily mislead themselves into believing that tough-on-crime conservative lawmakers signed on to the First Step Act six years ago and are signing on to the Safer Supervision Act now as reform newbies. Thats a far cry from the truth. Criminal justice reform has deep roots in political conservatism. Some of the most meaningful recent sentencing reforms have come from states like Texas, Georgia and South Carolina. The organization Right on Crime and other conservative reform groups draw on religious traditions that stress repentance and forgiveness, plus a deep concern over government expansion and waste including in public safety and punishment. Read more: Editorial: There's no going back on sentencing and prison reform Writing in favor of the Safer Supervision Act, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a Georgia Republican, emphasized the conservative critique of an expansive carceral system. Our nations public safety systems are not immune from the bloat, waste, and ineffectiveness that naturally grows in massive government operations, Gingrich wrote. Read more: Editorial: Blame it on Prop 47: The latest chapter in an endless work of fiction about crime You dont have to be a fan of Gingrich or his politics to appreciate his support for badly needed changes in a criminal justice system with far too large a footprint and too little benefit to show for it. A decade ago, Gingrich joined with the late Malibu billionaire B. Wayne Hughes Jr., in writing a Times op-ed in favor of Proposition 47, the California reform that right-sizes drug offenses and small property crimes. Hughes, a staunch conservative, founded and ran an organization that assisted crime victims and former offenders. He was one of the biggest donors to the Proposition 47 campaign. Read more: Op-Ed: What California can learn from the red states on crime and punishment The two noted that Texas reversed prison expansion in 2007, saved billions of dollars and used the savings on drug treatment and mental health services. Texas reset the dividing line between misdemeanor and felony theft at $2,500 (Californias is $950 well short of Texas levels). Ohio, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Missouri and Mississippi all red states, Gingrich and Hughes noted adopted their own reforms along the lines of Texas. Read more: Prison reform the conservative way Now voters in California will have a chance to do the same, using costly prison beds for dangerous and hardened criminals, Gingrich and Hughes wrote. It is time to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on locking up low-level offenders. Todays election-year posturing has clouded the facts and original politics of criminal justice reform. Some elected Democrats, fearing for their political lives, embrace false connections between smart reforms and periodic spikes in crime. Some elected Republicans especially in California betray the conservative reform principles articulated by Gingrich, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and others to seek backing from law enforcement and other groups that see political gain in embracing fear. Read more: Opinion: Conservatives are still trouncing liberals on prison reform But even law enforcement organizations such as the Major Cities Chiefs Assn. have joined with prosecutors, defense lawyers, religious groups and progressive reformers to embrace the Safer Supervision Act. Truth be told, the reform doesnt go far enough. But thats no reason to reject it. The First Step Act made it clear by its name that more reform steps were needed. But they are to be taken one at a time, as conservatives and liberals, Democrats and Republicans, seek common ground. Passing the Safer Supervision Act is a step that Congress ought to take now. 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. Eight people, including seven thought to be migrants, have died after the car they were travelling in swerved off a mountain road into the Vjosa River in southeastern Albania. Authorities said the driver failed to stop at a checkpoint and sped away. According to regional police chief Ardian Cipa, officers followed the car and later saw that it had crashed into the river about 240 kilometres southeast of the capital, Tirana. It is believed the driver lost control of the car and veered into the river at about 4am local time. It is suspected the driver is from Shkodra and the others are suspected to be migrants who frequently pass this road, Cipa said. A police statement said seven of the victims were suspected to be from third countries, it said, a description often used to refer to migrants. Albania itself is not a primary route for migrants but small groups from Arab countries or Asia use it to reach Italy by sea or other neighbouring countries by land. The region is a transit hub and key corridor for migrants heading for the EU, especially from the Middle East, Asia and Africa, according to the European Council. In 2019, Albania became the first non-EU member country to have officers of the blocs border agency, Frontex, manage its borders in the south and east, and fight cross-border crime. In February, Albanias parliament approved a deal for the country to hold thousands of asylum seekers for Italy. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 3. Turkmenistan discusses key areas of cooperation with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, these topics were discussed during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmed Gurbanov and Vice President of the OSCE PA Reinhold Lopatka. During the meeting, the parties noted with satisfaction that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE in key areas such as energy security, transport connectivity, and environmental security has been characterized by increasing dynamics in recent years. They agreed that Turkmenistan's effective contacts with OSCE institutions such as the Parliamentary Assembly, the Office of the High Commissioner for National Minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, etc. have noticeably intensified. Speaking about the increasing role of parliamentary diplomacy, the parties discussed key areas as well as prospects for cooperation between the Parliament of Turkmenistan and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their intention to continue the positive practice of jointly holding thematic seminars and conferences in order to stimulate inter-parliamentary dialogue and exchange views with international experts. Meanwhile, the OSCE Center has been working in Ashgabat since 1999, and within the framework of joint plans with Turkmenistan, over the past 25 years, it has implemented more than 500 projects in various fields with the country. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso Childrens Hospital (EPCH) is inviting the community to welcome the newest addition to their services, the El Paso Multispecialty Center. Flyer courtesy of the El Paso Childrens Hospital To celebrate the grand opening, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6. The multispecialty center will be used to provide families pediatric specialty care from multiple specialists, according to EPCH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. State Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook, D-Savannah, votes on Election Bill SB 189, regarding ballot scanners, at the House of Representatives in the Capitol in Atlanta on Sine Die, the last day of the legislative session, Thursday, March 28, 2024. (Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) ATLANTA (AP) Georgia has been rocked by furious battles over election laws ever since Democrat Stacey Abrams' narrow loss to Republican Brian Kemp in the 2018 governor's race. The statewide brawl burst into the national consciousness in 2021, when Republicans under pressure from GOP activists who pushed Donald Trump's false claims that he lost the 2020 election because of widespread fraud rammed through a sprawling law placing new restrictions on voters. Now, with only months to go before a likely rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden, Georgia is tinkering with state election laws once again. Just last week, Republican lawmakers passed a new bill that would allow the removal of people from the voting rolls through challenges to voter eligibility. It awaits Kemp's signature or veto. Supporters say such challenges prevent fraud by rooting out duplicate records and removing voters who have moved out of state. Opponents allege they misuse data and will put legitimate voters through a legal wringer. Heres a closer look at the issue: WHAT'S A VOTER CHALLENGE? Georgia, along with other states, allows citizens to file challenges to an individual's eligibility to vote, such as when they have personal knowledge of a neighbor moving out of state. Now, however, residents are increasingly challenging large numbers of voters through the use of impersonal data, including the National Change of Address list maintained by the U.S. Postal Service. Others comb through the rolls looking for people not registered at residential addresses. A Texas group called True the Vote challenged 364,000 Georgia voters prior to two U.S. Senate runoffs in 2021. Since then, individuals and groups have challenged about 100,000 more. WHAT MOTIVATES CHALLENGERS? Under federal law, Georgia can only remove someone from the rolls if they don't respond to a mailing at their registered address and then don't vote in two subsequent federal general elections. That process can take five years. Republican activists who support challenging large numbers of voters say that's too long. These are voters who moved some months or years before voting at their old address, went back and showed a drivers license they knew they had not updated, claimed to still live there, and they were handed the ability to vote, said Mark Davis, a Gwinnett County resident who said he's been combing voter rolls for decades. He testified for Republicans at a Feb. 15 state Senate hearing that helped shape this year's legislation. WHY DO SOME OPPOSE CHALLENGES? Opponents describe the mass-voter challengers as vigilantes who are upsetting the balance between updating voter rolls and ensuring everyone has the right to vote. There are folks here who want to pretend we have a massive problem with our rolls and that if there is a name of a dead person on the rolls, thats a real security risk," Rep. Saira Draper, an Atlanta Democrat who opposed the bill, said last week. But set aside the fearmongering and the logical leaps, and the facts reveal that actual voter fraud in Georgia is infinitesimally small. Fair Fight Action, a group founded by Abrams that unsuccessfully sued over the True the Vote challenges, argues such challenges disproportionately target younger and poorer voters, including African Americans, because they move more often. Interim Fair Fight CEO Lauren Groh-Wargo said she believes Republicans are trying to win Georgia elections by pushing out Democratic-leaning voters. Opponents also note that the challengers happen to include party activists and Trump allies who backed Trump's false claims. One of them is Brad Carver, head of the Georgia Republican Party's Election Confidence Task Force and one of 16 Republicans who falsely claimed to be legitimate electors for Trump in Georgia. Also involved is Cleta Mitchell, a former Trump lawyer who took part in the January 2021 phone call during which Trump urged Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find enough votes to overturn Biden's Georgia victory. "I cannot believe that we are still bending over to accommodate election deniers, conspiracy theorists and unindicted co-conspirators when it comes to election policy," Draper said. WHAT WOULD THE NEW BILL DO? The bill defines probable causes for removing voters from the rolls, among them death, evidence of voting or registering in another jurisdiction, a tax exemption indicating a primary residence elsewhere, or a nonresidential address. Most controversially, the new bill says that the National Change of Address list can be considered, though not exclusively. Opponents say the list is unreliable. Its not clear how the law will change things, though, as the state has never issued guidelines to counties on how to handle challenges. That means some may accept them based on the probable causes outlined in the bill, while others could reject mass challenges outright. WHAT DO OPPONENTS SEE AS THE PROBLEMS? Opponents of the new bill say it could hurt legitimate voters. For example, people sometimes live at a place of business, which would be considered a nonresidential address. Officials with Raffensperger's office say there are more reliable types of information, such as driver's license data, to confirm a voter's eligibility. Gabriel Sterling, Raffensperger's chief operating officer, testified in February that removing voters from the rolls too aggressively could lead to lawsuits under the National Voter Registration Act. When you do loose data matching, you get a lot of false positives," Sterling said. "When you get a lot of false positives ... thats when you get sued, and thats when you have a lot of problems doing list maintenance." The bill also says homeless people must use the county voter registration office as their address instead of where they live. Opponents say that could make it harder for homeless citizens to cast ballots because their registered polling place might be far away. COULD CHALLENGED VOTERS BE SCARED AWAY? Opponents say receiving a voter challenge letter in the mail is a scary experience, and voters may have to make time to appear at a county meeting to defend their eligibility. A federal judge ruled in January, however, that challenges don't amount to illegal intimidation under the Voting Rights Act. ARE THERE GROUNDS FOR A LAWSUIT? The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia has already threatened to sue if Kemp signs the bill into law. The National Voter Registration Act says states and counties can't make systematic changes to voting rolls within 90 days of a federal election. The Georgia bill would allow challenges to be accepted and voters removed from the rolls up until 45 days before an election. 2024 election: Your guide to all the key primaries, debates and what happens next President Biden and former President Donald Trump are continuing their unimpeded march to a rematch in the 2024 presidential election. Biden and Trump have each secured enough delegates in March to clinch their party nominations at this summer's conventions. They each won their respective primaries in Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota on Tuesday. The last votes of the 2024 primary will be cast on June 8, when Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands hold their caucuses. The first presidential debate is scheduled to take place on June 27 in Atlanta. A second has been scheduled for Sept. 10. A vice presidential debate has not yet been scheduled because Trump has not yet announced a running mate. Here are some of the key dates and outcomes on this years political calendar. 2024 election calendar Former President Donald Trump in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 15. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Jan. 15: Iowa GOP caucuses Trump scored a decisive victory, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis edged out Haley for second place. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy finished a distant fourth, suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump. Jan. 23: New Hampshire primary Trump defeated Haley, his lone remaining challenger in the GOP race after DeSantis dropped out two days before the primary. Biden won in New Hampshire despite not being on the ballot due to a rift between the Granite State and the Democratic National Committee, which decided to make the South Carolina Democratic primary on Feb. 3 its first formal contest. Feb. 3: South Carolina Democratic primary Facing nominal opposition in a state where he has long been a favorite among Democrats, Biden won easily, capturing more than 96% of the vote, with self-help author Marianne Williamson and Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips splitting the rest. Feb. 6: Nevada primary Nikki Haley at a campaign stop in Aiken, S.C., on Feb. 5. (Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images) Haley suffered an embarrassing loss in the Republican presidential primary in Nevada on Feb. 6, receiving fewer votes than the none of these candidates option. It was a contest in which Trump did not compete and the state party tried to have it canceled. Nonetheless, a combination of intense support for Trump and distaste for Haley among Republican voters in the state combined to deal her an unusual humiliation. Biden won Nevadas Democratic primary handily. Feb. 8: Nevada and U.S. Virgin Islands caucuses Trump easily won the Nevada caucuses, as expected. Haley was not on the ballot, but Nevada Republicans made clear that they want Trump to be their nominee against Biden in Novembers general election. The former president also won the Virgin Islands Republican caucuses, picking up all four delegates available from the U.S. territory in a contest that Haley had actually campaigned in. Feb. 13: Long Island special election Democrat Tom Suozzi won the special election in New Yorks Third Congressional District, defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in the race to replace George Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December following a scathing House Ethics Committee report that concluded that Santos blatantly stole from his campaign. Feb. 24: South Carolina Republican primary Despite Haley serving as the states governor for six years, Trump was declared the winner in South Carolina at 7 p.m. ET, just as polls in the state closed. Feb. 27: Michigan primary Trump and Biden easily won their respective primaries in a state crucial to each of their presidential election victories. But Biden faced a sizable "uncommitted" protest vote led by Muslim and Arab Americans who have been disillusioned by his response to Israels bombardment of Gaza. With about 98% of the votes counted, more than 100,000 Michigan Democrats (or 13%) had cast ballots for uncommitted. March 5: Super Tuesday Trump and Biden swept nearly all of this years Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses. Haley won the Vermont Republican primary, denying Trump a clean sweep; Biden lost to political unknown Jason Palmer in the sparsely attended Democratic caucuses in American Samoa. March 12: Trump and Biden clinch nominations President Biden at an event in Milwaukee on March 13, a day after clinching the 2024 Democratic nomination. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Both Trump and Biden clinched the nomination for president inside their respective parties in the latest round of state primary contests. The former president has won 1,241 of the 1,215 needed to claim the majority. Biden has 2,107 pledged delegates of the 1,968 needed for the nomination. March 19: Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas and Ohio primaries Biden and Trump swept uncontested primaries in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kanas and Ohio, adding hundreds of delegates to their respective tallies and continuing their unimpeded march to the summer conventions, where they will formally accept their parties nominations. There were, however, intriguing downballot contests too. In Ohio, Bernie Moreno a Trump-backed candidate who faced questions about an online profile seeking casual sexual encounters with men won the GOP Senate primary and will take on longtime Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in November. June 4: Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota primaries Biden and Trump swept their respective primaries in Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota the last four U.S. states to hold nominating contests this year. In New Jersey, Rep. Andy Kim won the Democratic primary for Senate in New Jersey, according to the Associated Press. Kim is seeking the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who is on trial, facing federal corruption charges. Menendez filed to run for reelection as an independent on Monday. Menendezs son, Democratic Rep. Rob Menendez, was also projected to survive a primary challenge in his congressional race. And the late New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne Jr. won the Democratic nomination for another term in the House on Tuesday, weeks after he died in office. A special election to choose someone to serve the remainder of Paynes current term has already been set; the state's Democratic Party is expected to meet this summer to decide who it will nominate to replace him on the November ballot. Conventions The United Center in Chicago, the site of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) July 15-18: Republican National Convention The event will be held in Milwaukee, which hosted the 2020 Democratic National Convention during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aug. 19-22: Democratic National Convention The event will be held in Chicago, which has hosted 11 previous Democratic conventions most recently in 1996, when Bill Clinton and Al Gore were nominated for reelection. It was also the site of the disastrous 1968 Democratic convention, which was held in the wake of the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy and marred by massive antiwar protests that turned violent. Debates Trump and Biden during a presidential debate in Nashville in 2020. (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) June 27: Presidential debate The first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle is set to take place at the end of June in Atlanta. Both candidates have agreed to take part in the event, which will be hosted by CNN. Sept. 10: Presidential debate The second presidential debate of the 2024 cycle is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 10. ABC will host the event at a location yet to be determined. Nov. 5: Election Day Barring a surprise, it'll be Trump vs. Biden II on Nov. 5. The last time a presidential rematch happened was in 1956, when Republican President Dwight Eisenhower defeated Adlai Stevenson, the same Democrat he had beaten in 1952. Its an increasingly common scene in South Florida: a brand new home, elevated to the newest building standards, rising above its older neighbors, houses that may have been built before flood maps even existed. The complaint that follows is also happening more often, that the new home built higher for better flood protection is worsening flooding to surrounding homes, draining its runoff onto the lower properties. A new code tweak in Miami-Dade, plus more to come, is designed to address that growing concern. The twin drivers of increased flooding from sea level rise and a relentless real estate market have made the ripple effects of raising homes a particularly acute issue in Miami-Dade. New homes can be elevated as much as 10 feet above sea level and a new push from the county requires new roads, canal banks and empty lots to be at least six feet above sea level. READ MORE: Florida codes keep new homes high and dry. Do they make flooding worse for neighbors? Building codes, at least on paper, already call for homes to hold onto the rain (also known as stormwater) that falls on their property, but a new tweak to the code will add a new layer of review by county officials intended to ensure it happens. Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, who co-sponsored the legislation, said he hopes it will address the concerns of the numerous residents whove called and complained about the issue of flooding from adjacent properties. Taking these precautions is a proactive step toward safeguarding our neighborhoods. We are committed to ensuring that our residents safety and quality of life are not compromised by the effects of stormwater runoff, he said in a statement. That could, for instance, result in design changes, such as adding low walls between new higher construction and neighbors to retains or direct rainwater, said Marina Blanco-Pape, director of the countys water management division. The fact that runoff should not be going onto adjacent properties, its already been in the code, she said. What hadnt been, sometimes, is an explicit way of how do you get there. Is there an explicit way that can be provided so were more clear at how do we arrive at that outcome. The new policy, approved by Miami-Dades commission on Tuesday, is a first regulatory attempt to address the murky rules around what counts as flooding your neighbors. A newer home in the River Oaks neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale is visibly elevated compared to its older neighbors. Homes like this appear to have weathered the flood much better. In recent decades, Florida has required newly built homes to handle all the rain that falls on their property themselves, a switch from old policies that allowed properties to drain excess rain or stormwater into the street. New developments are not allowed to cause adverse impacts, like flooding, to their neighbors. However, floodplain management experts say, that can be tough to avoid in a state where powerful rainstorms, tidal floods and backed-up drainage systems are becoming more common. And, judging from the increasing complaints surrounding new construction in older neighborhoods, builders havent always designed site plans that meet the old code. The problem is basic hydrology. Water flows downhill. When you elevate half the houses on a street, the water that used to settle evenly among them now concentrates on the lower-lying properties. To those residents, thats flooding caused by new development. But that specific impact isnt accounted for in building codes. So far, this policy change only applies to unincorporated Miami-Dade, but Blanco-Pape said her team has been working on an overhaul of the building codes around flooding that they hope to debut soon. Potential changes include the amount of concrete versus green space on properties and how dirty the water pouring into canals and waterways is allowed to be. And, like the county push to elevate new roads and lots, it would apply to a broader swath of Miami-Dade. This outcome change today is one step, and what were bringing back to the board in hopefully a couple of months is the next one, she said. Elk Grove parents voice support for LGBTQ student club and the teacher who helped start it Parents in the Elk Grove Unified School District are speaking out in support of the teacher who oversaw a campus Rainbow Club at Pleasant Grove Elementary School. They spoke at Tuesdays school board meeting in response to controversy mustered by conservative parents and organizations who thought the student lunchtime group called a UBU (short for You Be You) Club at Pleasant Grove was inappropriate for elementary-aged students. The conservative parents also felt that the school district failed to inform parents that the groups existed. Rainbow Clubs are elementary school equivalents of Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs, where students who may identify with being different or with the LGBTQ community have a place to go. Pleasant Grove is not the only school in the district with a Rainbow Club, but it was the one that triggered protest, and the parental outcry resulted in the club no longer meeting. Parents who had children join the UBU Club, however, said during public comment Tuesday that their students benefited from it greatly, and urged the district to allow the club to continue meeting. Pleasant Grove started the UBU Club and things dramatically changed for one parent, Erin Phelps, whose neurodivergent daughter had a hard time making friends. She went to the UBU Club and came home talking about how much fun she had with this new friend, playing that new game, or with this new friend making art, Phelps, whose two daughters attend Pleasant Grove and both joined the UBU Club, said. When the club took a pause, they were both upset, she said. Phelps said that the uproar over the UBU Club teacher supervisor, Daniel Bishop, and the protests and walkouts that have taken place at the small K-6 school, have done more damage to her daughters than a lunchtime club ever would. Board members cannot respond during public comment, but they have said in past meetings that they are committed to both supporting LGBTQ students and reviewing district policies to make sure parents feel involved and informed. The UBU Club was featured on Libs of TikTok, a conservative social media account with 3 million followers on X, formerly Twitter, and nearly half a million on Instagram, as well as conservative commentator Jesse Watters primetime Fox News show. Bishop, who said the club was a safe space for boys who crush on boys and girls who crush on girls, and the schools principal, Deidra Woods, received threats. Protesters flocked to the small campus last month with signs that read, Stop Grooming Our Children. An anonymous Instagram account called Informed Parents EGUSD, led by parents rights activists, organized a walk out last Friday, and claimed that around 150 kids were kept home from school. (The school district did not respond to a request for the number of students who did not attend last Friday.) Both of my kids anxiety and fear about the safety of the school increased, Phelps said. Now there are police officers on campus and kids talking about death threats to our teachers. The fear and stress this is causing our children is horrific, and I can only imagine the damage it is doing to our LGBTQ community. Sam, an Elk Grove father with neurodivergent kids at Pleasant Grove who didnt want to share his last name, said during public comment that the UBU Club is not just a gay club. It is for anybody who feels marginalized, that theyre not accepted, that they have no friends, or that theyre hated, he said. This gives them a spot to be away from that, to be able to play, talk, be at peace, feel safe at school. Sam said that the conservative pushback against such a club is thinly veiled discrimination against LGBTQ people. If this club were called Come Play Board Games, nobody would have a problem. But because it explicitly states that it welcomes the LGBTQ community, its being vilified, and the entire school is being attacked now. Sam said he supports parents rights Im a parent, I get it. but that those who oppose the UBU Club are hiding behind all these pseudo-causes, and using that as an excuse to squash the UBU Club. The board did not take any action about the clubs on Tuesday, but parents and activists on both sides still spoke out during public comment. Another Elk Grove mom, named Andi, who also did not want to use her last name, said her kids came home very excited to tell me about the creation of the UBU Club, which started earlier this year. The club (met) during recess, and it was going to be a fun space to do art, play games, or just have a quiet space to read, she said. No curriculum, no age-inappropriate discussions. The protests in response to the club have made school feel less safe, she said. Last weeks religious protesters in front of our school holding disgusting signs not only distracted our children from their education, but it was also terrifying for them. Just two people spoke to the board about the secretive clubs, and were upset that the lunchtime club did not require permission slips from parents. But at a board meeting last month, nearly 50 parents lined up to speak out against the UBU Club and what they perceived to be a lack of transparency at the district level. Last week, EGUSD Board Trustee Michael Vargas told The Sacramento Bee that it wouldnt make a lot of sense administratively to send an email to parents every time a new club popped up because students start them so frequently. The UBU Club is also age appropriate for elementary school students who want a welcoming place to play and hang out during lunch, he said. Still, conservative groups are seeking to have the clubs banned altogether. The religious advocacy group California Family Council has worked with the Christian conservative legal nonprofit, the National Center for Law & Policy, to send a cease and desist letter to the district demanding the cancellation of the clubs. At the Tuesday meeting, an EGUSD high school student asked the board, and the parents in the room, what concerned parents are so afraid of. If a teacher started a chess club, would parents be up in arms? Cosumnes Oaks High School senior Laura Richey, who started her campus GSA club, said. Do you think people would be staging walk outs and petitioning the school board? I dont think so. Photo illustration by Getty Images. High energy costs are forcing a company in Butte to phase out a division of its business, and a vice president said this week a minimal number of employees paid more than $100,000 on average could be affected but did not have a precise count. Earlier this year, REC Silicon announced it would shutter its polysilicon production in Butte because of the rising cost of electricity in the region. It buys energy on the open market. The company produces materials for the solar and electronics industries worldwide. Energy costs are a huge concern right now in the state of Montana, said DeeAnna Worley, vice president of the Butte operation for REC Silicon. The silicon gas side of its business remains a key resource for customers globally and is set to expand, according to a 2023 annual report. Worley described it as thriving. Pat Barkey, head of the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research, said although Montana historically has been a low-cost state for energy in the region, costs are nonetheless going up, and the market has tightened. Anne Hedges, with the Montana Environmental Information Center, said companies that buy on the open market dont have good options in Montana. She said REC Silicon can buy from NorthWestern Energy, which is regulated, or from the open market, which, due to transmission constraints, generally means buying Colstrip power from Talen Energy. The problem is the Public Service Commission has allowed NorthWestern to jack up our rates to be the highest in the region, Hedges said. And the power thats sitting on the market? A lot of it is coal-fired, and Colstrip is one of the most expensive resources available today. So they dont really have very good choices. The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities in Montana. It is made up of five elected commissioners, currently all Republicans. Worley said REC Silicon employs 230 to 235 people, and a handful employees will be affected by the phaseout, although she did not have a precise figure Tuesday. The jobs pay on average $101,084, nearly twice the annual household income of $56,522 in Butte in 2022, according to the company and the U.S. Census. However, Worley said the company is managing losses and reducing impacts on staff by taking advantage of retirements and posting some open positions only for internal candidates. Those who have other opportunities have taken them, and were keeping as much staff as possible because we do have commitments to get product out the door, Worley said. Story continues The company has headquarters in Norway, and in the U.S., it also operates in Moses Lake, Washington. The polysilicon side of the business is energy-intensive. REC Silicon said in a February news release the decision to shut down the division in Butte in the next six to nine months is due to the regional structural imbalance in supply and demand for electricity and one that will help ensure profitability. Worley said REC Silicon has met with politicians and private parties, and wheels are in motion to resolve what I would consider a very off-balance power market. Something will need to be done in order for power to be a viable resource in the state of Montana at a reasonable price, Worley said. Nobody is regulating what I pay for power. She said industry professionals make projections based on what is happening in the natural environment and effects on things like hydropower, which is typically more affordable. But it isnt easy. How much snow will we be getting? she said. How many forest fires? What happens to power lines? Its a crapshoot, really. Barkey, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, said anyone who wants to make commodity projections should prepare to eat humble pie, and electricity is a commodity. But wholesale prices are going up, he said, and choice customers, or those buying on the open market like REC Silicon, are seeing the increases. In the Northwest region, theres not a whole lot of producers looking to sell because of the retirements of some of the fossil fuel generators, and the growth in the economy has tightened the market, Barkey said. So wholesale prices are going up. Barkey said energy availability is an issue as well, although less visible. What you and I do not see, but some people see (such as the Department of Commerce) are the businesses that do not come to Montana because they cannot get a commitment for enough energy, he said. And thats likely to be an issue going forward as data centers and AI (artificial intelligence) increase the demand for electricity. Hedges, with the Montana Environmental Information Center, said Montana has quickly gone from having the lowest electricity costs in the region to the highest, and economic development leaders have a challenge as a result. That is one of the first things investors look at before they move their business to a state, Hedges said. The post Energy costs main factor in closure of division at Butte company appeared first on Daily Montanan. Storms bear down on New England and East Coast as severe weather persists across the US A tree sits uprooted and the roof is ripped off a home belonging to Johnny Carte on Lookout Road in Hico, W.Va., Wednesday, April 3, 2024, after a storm hit the area the day before. (Rick Barbero/The Register-Herald via AP) TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) A major spring storm was expected to drop more than a foot of snow in parts of New England on Wednesday night, while heavy rains soaked the East Coast and cleanup work continued in several states wracked by tornadoes and other severe weather blamed for at least three deaths. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for several states in New England, where 7 to 18 inches (18 to 46 centimeters) of snow were expected with some local amounts topping 24 inches (61 centimeters) at higher elevations. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine were expected to see the highest amounts. A mix of rain and snow was falling throughout the region by early evening and was expected through Thursday night in many areas. It is now a rain/snow mix at the office, and we have received our first trace of snow for the storm ahead, the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said Wednesday night via X, formerly known as Twitter. It wont be long before our ground turns white! Maine officials warned of difficult travel conditions, blackouts and minor coastal flooding. Travel is discouraged during this storm due to unfavorable driving conditions, Pete Rogers, director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency, said in a statement. Folks need to be prepared at home for the possibility of an extended power outage with emergency supplies, alternate power sources, and should charge their mobile devices in advance. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Forest Service issued an avalanche watch through Friday afternoon for parts of the White Mountains including Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet (1,917 meters). The service warned backcountry hikers and skiers that 30 inches (76 centimeters) of snow or more could fall at higher elevations and create dangerous avalanche conditions. School districts and government offices throughout both states announced Thursday closures because of the storm. There were coastal flood warnings and watches in areas from Maine to Long Island, N.Y., while wind gusts of up to 60 mph (about 97 kph) were expected in eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and coastal Connecticut. Heavy rains and severe thunderstorms were also expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic states and Florida. Forecasters said heavy, wet snow would persist across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan into Thursday, with 6 to 10 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) overall possible in far-northern Wisconsin, 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in Madison but just a trace in Milwaukee. Parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula had already seen several inches, with overall accumulations of 2 feet (0.6 meters) or more expected. The severe weather comes a day after thousands of homes and businesses were left without power as storms roared through several states. Storms in northeastern Oklahoma on Tuesday unleashed three suspected tornadoes and dumped heavy rain that was blamed for the death of a 46-year-old homeless woman in Tulsa who was sheltering inside a drainage pipe. In Kentucky, storms that spawned at least five tornadoes resulted in one death from a vehicle crash and left widespread damage in several counties, Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday. No other major injuries were reported, he said. Tornadoes touched down in Nelson, Anderson and Jessamine counties and the city of Prospect on Tuesday, according to the weather service. Beshear said surveyors were also looking at damage in four other counties to determine whether more tornadoes hit there, and over a dozen additional counties reported storm damage. We will get through this, and well get through it together, the governor said. So many are hurting right now, and we want you to know we will be there for you. In Rockdale County, Georgia, crews planned to survey damage to determine whether a tornado hit overnight, according to the weather service. Carolyn Gillman rode out the storm in the bathroom in her house east of Atlanta. She heard a big whoosh and a big crash, and rain coming into the home. My living room has been impaled by a tree, Gillman told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. An EF-1 tornado also touched down in the northeast Tennessee town of Sunbright on Tuesday. Its path was about 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers), and it was 150 yards (137 meters) wide, the weather service said. The twister damaged numerous residential and commercial structures, in addition to barns and trees, in the city of about 500 people. No injuries or deaths were reported. Sunbright Mayor Karen Melton told the Knoxville News Sentinel that she drove downtown once the tornado had passed and found a family there. We had a young mother and father holding their babies, an infant and a 4-year-old, (when) the tornado ripped the roof of their apartment. ... It was just horrific and sad, Melton said. But they were safe, she had some scratches, but the babies were safe." In West Virginia, more than 103,000 homes and businesses remained without power Wednesday, mostly in the southern part of the state, according to poweroutage.us. Appalachian Power said some customers may not get service back until Thursday night. Schools were closed in eight of West Virginias 55 counties, and a state of emergency declared remained in place for several counties. Moderate flooding was forecast on the Ohio River, which was expected to crest nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) above flood stage Thursday at Wheeling. In Crisp County, Georgia, south of Atlanta, roads were closed as emergency workers assessed damage to multiple homes and buildings after a storm early Wednesday, authorities said. Photos shared by the sheriffs office showed large trees atop one home and power lines draped across yards and roads. Residents were advised to limit travel due to the damage and possible gas leaks. Weve been in there all morning surveying the damage, trying to make sure everybody in the homes are OK, county Sheriff Billy Hancock said via Facebook. Between 2 and 3.5 inches (5.1 and 8.9 centimeters) of rain in western Pennsylvania since late Monday night led to flooding, and several homeless encampments along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh were abandoned. On the other side of the state, a woman in her 80s was killed in the Philadelphia suburb of Collegeville on Wednesday when a tree fell on her car, Montgomery County Department of Public Safety official Todd Stieritz told WCAU-TV. Several counties in northeastern Ohio also saw minor to moderate flooding after three days of nearly continuous rain. Flood watches and warnings remained in effect, though conditions were expected to improve by Wednesday night. ___ Associated Press writers Rebecca Reynolds in Louisville, Kentucky, Dave Collins in Hartford, Conn., John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia, Jeff Martin in Atlanta, Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, and Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington, contributed to this report. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 3. Turkmenistan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) discussed the implementation of joint projects in the near future as part of the discussion of the Action Plan for 2024, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, these issues were discussed during a meeting between the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and the Sub-Regional Coordinator of the IOM for Central Asia, Zeynal Hajiyev. During the meeting, the parties noted the positive practice of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the IOM, emphasizing that issues of ensuring the rights of refugees and stateless persons and combating human trafficking are considered by Turkmenistan as priority areas of cooperation with reputable international organizations. They noted with satisfaction the successful implementation of the 'Plan of projects planned to be implemented by the Government of Turkmenistan jointly with the Representative Office of the International Organization for Migration in Ashgabat in 2023'. Furthermore, during the negotiations, it was noted that Turkmenistan is implementing systematic work to eradicate statelessness in accordance with the National Action Plan for 20192024. Noting the importance of the work being carried out in Turkmenistan in the field of reducing and preventing statelessness, it was stated that the country remains loyal to its obligations to resolve issues with refugees, stateless persons, and migrants at the national and international levels. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established to promote the safe, orderly, and humane management of migration processes. IOM works in more than 100 countries, providing assistance to migrants and refugees, improving migration policies and legal frameworks, conducting research and training specialists, and assisting in the return and reintegration of migrants. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel In this 2014 file photo Kenneth Rainer, education coordinator at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, shows students how to use a smart device for a project. Technology has made a world of difference in estuarine research over the last 50 years. Last month, the Southeastern Estuarine Research Society met in Savannah to celebrate 50 years as an organization. This is an organization that I have been a member of for nearly its entire 50 years. It is a nonprofit educational organization that allows and promotes informal exchange of interdisciplinary information related to estuaries of the Southeastern United States and specifically encourages participation of student colleagues. It is an affiliate society of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, which, in turn, has a network of other regional associations. With the estuarine aspects of the St. Johns River, the Southeastern Estuarine Research Society has been an important organization to keep us informed about ongoing research. It is the student aspect of the society that I have always enjoyed. I have taken literally dozens of students to the meetings over the years, and often they are giving their first scientific paper to someone other than their classmates. This year was no exception. In addition to the students, this year two former students, now professional estuarine scientists in their own right, also attended. As part of the program, I was asked to give a talk about the past 50 years of the organization and also to reflect on the past 50 years of marine science. For good or bad, I have reached that point in my career that I can look back and see the significant changes that have occurred. The Southeastern Estuarine Research Society was started in 1974 with a meeting in Savannah. I had enrolled in my doctoral program at the University of South Carolina in 1972, having completed my master's degree at the University of Virginia earlier that year. And while I did not attend the first meeting, I did attend the second one in 1975. So hence the nearly 50 years of my affiliation. As I reflected on the past five decades, the greatest change has been in the area of technology. I actually started my talk with a reference to 1947 when the first transistors were invented, and then to 1958 when the first computer chip appeared. It wasnt until the 1970s that large mainframe computers became available. And we entered data using punch cards. Yes, those same punch cards of the 2000 Bush-Gore election fame. I happened to have my own hanging chad story. But that is for another column. In the mid-'70s, we were doing what was termed ground-truthing, or taking concurrent measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and chlorophyll-a, while NASA flew planes overhead equipped with remote sensors to detect the same data. That would lead us to where we are today with satellites gathering the same information. Even the way we gather data for such variables as dissolved oxygen and salinity has changed dramatically. Today, we use a multi-function handheld instrument that can measure dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and Chlorophyll-a, along with an array of other parameters in just seconds. In the '70s, we used chemical titration with complex solutions that had to be prepared to exact standards. It took hours to get just a few data points. Today, we can produce volumes of data in seconds. If it were not for computers, we would not be able to process or analyze the vast amount of information we gather. This is an old Commodore PET computer that competed against rivals Apple and Tandy in the late 1970s. I had already arrived at Jacksonville University in 1976 before the first desktop computers were introduced. Does anyone remember the Apple IIe, or Radio Shacks Commodore or the Tandy? We were so happy when we got the Apple IIe in biology. Little did we know what was ahead for us. Cellphones appeared in 1983, first as a car phone, then in bulky cases you carried with a strap on your shoulder. Today, you have more computing capacity in your hand-held mobile phone than I did on the mainframe computer at USC when I did my doctoral research. As I have told my students many times, and repeated the message at last month's meeting, the future is bright and exciting. We can only imagine, and certainly not know, what the future holds. Artificial intelligence is the tip of the iceberg of the future. Hang on, the outlook is promising. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise! Glad you asked River Life Quinton White, River Life Why does Northeast Florida have such rapidly changing weather patterns? With apologies to my meteorologist friends, Northeast Florida is at a unique latitude climate-wise and heavily influenced by water. We are located between the trade winds and the westerlies. The westerlies are the dominant winds in the winter as cold fronts make it into the area from the north or northwest, whereas the trade winds are more dominant in the summer, making Florida subtropical. Trade winds are why hurricanes come in from the east or southeast. Our prevailing wind pattern in the summer is east to southeast. We dont typically get fronts in the summer, so the daily sea breeze drives our storm pattern. In the spring, the changing seasons makes the variation more pronounced with potentially rapid daily shifts in temperature as the relative position of the sun to the earth changes. Its reversed in the fall with noreasters blowing in with wind and rain. River Life runs the first Tuesday of each month in The Times-Union. Email Quinton White, executive director of Jacksonville Universitys Marine Science Research Institute, with questions about our waterways at qwhite@ju.edu. For more on the MSRI, visit ju.edu/msri. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Southeastern Estuarine Research Society celebrates 50 years The European Commission on Wednesday opened investigations into two business groups bidding for a public contract to build and operate a solar panel plant in Romania. The probes "aim to preserve Europes economic security and competitiveness" in the strategically important solar panel sector, EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said in a statement. The EU's executive arm is investigating after preliminary checks found foreign subsidies may have helped the bidders unfairly compete for the contract. The first group under scrutiny involves LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd, a Chinese solar panel company with a subsidiary based in Frankfurt, Germany. A second investigation concerns a group made up of Shanghai Electric UK Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Electric Hong Kong International Engineering Co. Ltd, both belonging to the Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd, a state-owned company from China. The investigation took place under new powers to protect the European Union's economy from market distortions linked to subsidies for companies from non-EU countries like China. Chinese state support for business is a particular sore point for the EU, which for decades has applied strict competition rules to domestic companies. When bidding for public contracts, subsidies must be disclosed for orders worth 250 million ($270 million) or more. Companies supported with state money can be excluded from public contracts in the EU. The commission underlined that the investigation is still ongoing. Semafor Signals Insights from Semafor, the Financial Times, and The New York Times The News The European Union launched two probes on Wednesday into Chinese solar panel makers suspected of using state subsidies to defeat competitors, as Brussels seeks to strengthen its stance against unfair competition by Chinas huge manufacturing sector. The bloc said there were sufficient indications that subsidiaries of two Chinese energy firms submitted overly competitive bids to build a solar park in Romania that used EU funds. The two new in-depth investigations on foreign subsidies in the solar panel sector aim to preserve Europes economic security and competitiveness by ensuring that companies in our single market are truly competitive and play fair, said Thierry Breton, the EUs internal market commissioner. The groups probed include the German arm of Chinas Longi Green Energy Technology and two subsidiaries of state energy firm Shanghai Electric. Beijing offers generous subsidies for solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries that allow its firms to churn out low-cost products on a vast scale but the resulting overcapacity has become an economic flashpoint with the West. The probes are the latest use of a new EU anti-subsidy law: A Chinese train manufacturer last week pulled its bid from a Bulgarian project after a similar investigation was launched. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Solar panels are so abundant European farmers use them as fencing Source: The Financial Times Solar panels are now so cheap in Germany and the Netherlands due to oversupply that installation costs are more expensive than the panels themselves. Farmers now have a bit of a DIY mentality and are using excess panels as fencing, one climate researcher told the Financial Times. These cheap panels primarily originate in China, and the firms that manufacture them are now starting to feel the economic extent of overcapacity: Longi Green Energy Technology one of the worlds largest manufacturers of solar panels last month said it was planning on firing thousands of workers because of oversupply. Survival of the fittest as solar panel firms consolidate Sources: Reuters, Semafor Chinas solar panel industry is facing a survival of the fittest race as more established companies like Longi absorb smaller players, one analyst told Reuters. The phenomenon is also playing out in Chinas electric vehicle market, where dozens of smaller EV makers have emerged in recent years, but only a handful are expected to survive long-term as companies battle it out in a price war that is barely bringing in profit, Semafor previously reported. In the U.S., solar companies are also beginning to consolidate because scale is necessary for survival, wrote Semafors Tim McDonnell. Having a few successful solar panel companies could help further accelerate the decarbonization of the U.S. power sector, he wrote. Chinas cheap electricity makes solar panel production more efficient Source: The New York Times Polysilicon, the main raw material in solar panels, requires a huge amount of energy to produce, but Chinese economic policy has created a hyper-cheap feedback loop that has contributed to the industrys massive growth, according to The New York Times. Coupled with already cheap electricity from coal, Chinese firms have built massive solar panel farms in Western China where public land is essentially free and use that electricity to make even more polysilicon, the NYT reported. This is in contrast to Europe, where energy is costly because of the war in Ukraine, and the United States, where environmental concerns make solar panel installation expensive and zoning permits block the transmission of renewable energy. "War is no longer a concept from the past, it is real," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned in an interview with European media outlets last week. "The most worrying thing is that every scenario is possible. I know it sounds devastating, especially for the younger generation, but we have to get used to the fact that a new era has begun: the pre-war era," Tusk said. Tusk's warning comes after the Polish military recently detected a Russian missile entering Polish airspace for 39 seconds on March 24. A previous airspace violation happened in December. In an interview with the British newspaper the Financial Times, the presidents of Latvia and Estonia, Edgars Rinkevics and Alar Karis, urged the other European allies to do more to prepare for a possible armed confrontation with Russia. Rinkevics and Karis urged other European countries to consider everything, from conscription to a special defence tax and a significant increase in military spending. Karis said that the United States accounts for 68% of all defence spending within NATO with $860 billion last year compared to $404 billion for European members and Canada. "We have to do something," he warned, "at least have it 50-50." UKRAINE SUPPORT FUELS TENSIONS BETWEEN FRANCE, POLAND AND GERMANY. "We will support Ukraine for as long as necessary," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on March 20 at a meeting with Tusk and French President Emmanuel Macron, amid public disagreements and tensions between Germany and its allies over how best to support Ukraine. Ukraine has warned that stocks of munitions are running low in the fight against Russia, and is repeatedly asking supporters for more air defence systems, ammunition, missiles and aircraft. The German chancellor openly disagreed with Macron's comments that NATO allies should leave open the possibility of deploying combat troops to Ukraine at some point in the future. He stressed that he would ensure NATO does not become directly involved in the fighting. "To put it bluntly: as German chancellor, I will not be sending any soldiers from our Bundeswehr to Ukraine," Scholz said in response to Macrons comments, using the German name for the countrys military. The German leader has come under international criticism for his refusal to send long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which he argues would risk escalating the conflict. FRANCE PUSHES FOR DEFENCE PRODUCTION INCREASES Meanwhile, the French government is pushing defence companies to ramp up production to meet the needs of its own army and continue support for Ukraine after more than two years of war with Russia. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Paris would deliver "hundreds" of armoured personnel carriers and anti-aircraft missiles in a new aid package for Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders. "To hold such an extensive front line, the Ukrainian army needs for example our VAB vehicles: its absolutely essential for troop mobility," Lecornu told the La Tribune newspaper in an interview. GERMANY TO INCREASE DEFENCE BUDGET German Finance Minister Christian Lindner sees scope for up to 9 billion ($9.7 billion) in the federal budget from 2028 to increase the defence budget. With disciplined budget management, the debt ratio will then once again be below the 60% of economic output prescribed by the European Union, the liberal leader told the German Press Agency dpa. "If we fall below this limit, then the repayment of coronavirus debt planned from 2028 could be discussed again," he said and the funds could go into the defence budget instead. The federal government had taken out emergency loans totalling around 300 billion in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the coronavirus crisis and the war in Ukraine. Repayment is actually scheduled to begin in 2028 and run for more than 30 years. Currently, a debt repayment of 9 billion per year is planned, Lindner said. HOW ARE OTHER NATO ALLIES GEARING UP THEIR DEFENCE? Slovenian Defence Minister Marjan Sarec wants his country to no longer be just a buyer, but also to become a seller and producer of military equipment. In 2023, the Slovenian Ministry of Defence signed 80.9 million worth of contracts with Slovenian defence companies, almost 60 million more than in 2022. Slovenia is also increasing Research and Development funding, which amounted to 11.7 million in 2023 and is expected to reach 23 million in 2024. Slovenias estimated defence expenditure for 2023 is 845 million representing 1.34% of gross domestic product (GDP), and is expected to reach 2% of GDP by 2030. The Minister of Defence of North Macedonia, Slavjanka Petrovska, said that the domestic military industry is increasing production capacities. North Macedonia has also joined the NATO initiative for the support of ammunitions production and defence industry, which will help the country to acquire military equipment faster. Meanwhile by the end of 2024, Slovakia's military could increase to 20,982 soldiers and 4,500 employees according to a proposal from the country's defence ministry. In Portugal, however, the lack of new recruits and soldiers leaving the three branches of the Armed Forces has been a prevalent issue. Last week the Portugese Navy Chief of Staff, Henrique Gouveia e Melo, backed compulsory military service, which officially ended in 2004, but military associations rejected the idea, preferring better wages and conditions to attract recruits. At the same time, Portugals spending on defence is still very low compared to what NATO expects. According to NATOs secretary general report for 2023, Portugals defence spending as a percentage of GDP, was 1.48%, below the 2% that is requested for all 32 members of the alliance. The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, AGERPRES, ANSA, BTA, dpa, LUSA, MIA, STA, TASR, as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project. Lord Ismay, the first secretary-general of Nato, which came into being 75 years ago this week, was characteristically forthright in setting out its principal ambition. It was to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. The post occupied by Ismay was not created until 1952 and he was a reluctant incumbent pressed into the role by Winston Churchill. But as the chill of the Cold War deepened, he became an ardent supporter of the need for such an organisation. He saw that the Soviet Union was not just dangerous because it was communist, but because it was essentially a Russian construct, with a tendency to anti-democratic absolutism, both of the Left and Right. Historical memory, geography, and national character are constants in Russia and always transcend the politics of the day. As Ismay foresaw, Russia is no longer communist, but remains the biggest threat to peace in Europe. Collectively, Europe even without the US is far more powerful than Russia, save in one crucial regard: the size of its nuclear arsenal. The invasion of Ukraine and the failure after two years to make any significant progress has exposed Russias weakness. Its aggression has persuaded Sweden, previously neutral, to join Nato, along with Finland. Far from undermining the alliance, Vladimir Putin has succeeded in expanding it. In its 75 years, Nato has, by and large, kept the peace in Europe, apart from the inter-ethnic conflicts in the Balkans, and claimed victory over the Soviets when the Berlin Wall came down. But the Ukraine war is its biggest test since then: even without the alliances direct involvement, this is a proxy conflict between Nato and Russia. The threat to Natos future comes from within, and especially if Donald Trump is re-elected US president later this year. His ambivalence towards the alliance derives partly from a resentment that America contributes so much more to Europes defence than the continent itself does, as well as from a strategic pivot towards the threat from China. Americans are justifiably annoyed that they are often attacked by political elites in Europe despite their largesse. The US also has constants of historical memory and geography that make Mr Trumps America First narrative so powerful. The countrys help cannot always be taken for granted, which is why one of Ismays aims was to keep America in. That will require the European members of Nato to step up and stump up. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Former President Trump has endorsed three people running for Congress in South Carolina. Two incumbent, well-known Republican candidates, Nancy Mace and William Timmons. But Monday, he endorsed a candidate for U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncans seat in District 3: Mark Burns. Burns is no stranger to Trumps inner circle. In his endorsement message on Truth Social, Trump said Burns has been with me from the very beginning of our Movement to Make America Great Again. Burns often introduced Trump at his rallies and helped organize meetings between Trump and Black pastors before his presidency in 2017. Burns, a preacher in Easley, became a close ally to the Trump team as he campaigned in 2016. Burns unsuccessfully ran for the S.C. Congressional District 4 race in 2018 and 2022. Federal law only requires candidates to live in a state, not within the district they represent. Burns is running against a crowded Republican field. One of his opponents is South Carolina House Freedom Caucus member Stewart Jones. Jones has championed a conservative record as one of the original members of the Freedom Caucus in the South Carolina State House. He has pushed legislation in the House to ban gender transition surgery and condemn federal vaccine mandates. In Trumps endorsement, he said while there are many great Conservatives exploring a run for that seat, that Burns was an America First Fighter, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement He is a Good Man, a Hard Worker, and will not let you down! Burns has a history of aggressive rhetoric toward the LGBTQ+ community, and called for the execution and arrest of parents and those who support LGBTQ+ rights and protection of transgender children. We should start putting some of those parents in jail for abusing their childs minds, and especially in the school system, Burns said on the The Stew Peters Show in 2022. Any teacher is teaching that LGBT, transgenderism, flurries, the groomers, any sexual orientation communication in the school system should be immediately terminated but also be held for abusing young children. Our children should not be born to be indoctrinated. That is 1922 Nazi Germany all over again. He then went on to say he would reenact the House Un-American Activities Committee, which was known for prosecuting communists in the late 1940s and 50s under Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Burns said he would be holding people for treason, start having some public hearings, and start executing people who are found guilty for their treasonous acts against the Constitution of the United States of America. Burns also said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham should be held accountable for treason for supporting Joe Bidens gun-grabbing Second Amendment law that he is trying to push forward, Newsweek reported. Kevin Bishop, who served as a communications director for Graham, is also running for District 3. In an interview with the State, Burns said the clip was taken out of context, and that it was sliced up to sound like how they wanted it to sound. My stance on the LGBTQ community is not one of hate, Burns said. My stance on them is they need to be saved. I am a sinner. My sins are no different from theirs. We all need to repent. We essentially created government without god. I dont have a vendetta against the LGBTQ+ community. However, he said the destruction of the traditional American family is not a good thing, and believes there is LGBTQ+ agendas being pushed in the public school system. Burns said his campaign has a lot to do with assisting Trump and ensuring he is back in office. He said if he were to be elected, he would push for legislation securing the border, ensuring violent criminals dont come in, re-boosting the economy and fighting the woke agenda. Even though Trump endorsed him, there is still lots of work to be done, he said. He added he is excited to win the hearts and votes, of South Carolinians. He added that the endorsement from Trump was not a surprise, but it wasnt a quick decision either. Trump did not endorse Burns the last two times he ran, instead endorsing Duncan, the sitting congressman. Burns said while he ran for the fourth district last time, his home was actually in the third district, where he attended elementary, middle and high school, and his family still resides. In 2016, Burns admitted to falsifying some professional accomplishments to a CNN anchor when confronted. He had listed on his churchs website that he served six years in the Army Reserve and had a Bachelor of Science degree. But he was never in the Army Reserve, he was in the national guard and was discharged in 2008, and he only attended the North Greenville University for one semester. Burns said the website page had obviously been hacked or manipulated, CNN reported. Burns said this was a very, very old, statement and situation, and was well documented, and it happened on CNN, which he added was very liberal. He said he believes it happened because he was going against the liberal agenda and his closeness to Trump. We all had some crazy chapters in our lives. In 2018, the Post and Courier interviewed Burns, then running for S.C. 4th Congressional district, and told the paper about his tumultuous childhood, car repossessions, four arrests and three attempts to get through college. He said it was because of Trump he became a Republican, as he was formerly a Democrat. Ever been doxxed? You may soon be able to sue in California SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Doxxing, or the sharing of private information online with the intent to harass or harm a person, has become an increasingly prevalent issue on social media. Millions of users have had everything from phone numbers and addresses to medical records leaked in such attacks as a form of online vigilantism, gaining traction in recent years from its roots in 90s computer hacking via websites like 4Chan and Reddit. In California, doxxing is already considered a crime under harassment and cyberbullying laws, but a new bill could open up a new form of recourse for victims: lawsuits. California could become first state to give workers a right to disconnect Assembly Bill 1979, introduced by Asm. Chris Ward (D-San Diego) and Asm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Sacramento Valley), would allow those who have experienced doxxing the ability to pursue civil actions and receive restitution for any damages caused by the experience. Doxing is one of the most extreme forms of privacy invasion and causes significant distress and anxiety for the individuals affected, Ward said in a statement on Tuesday. Exposing sensitive information through doxing can also put victims at risk of, or responding to injury from, identity theft, harassment, stalking, physical harm, and even death. The Doxing Victims Recourse Act [AB 1979] will finally allow them to pursue recourse and hold perpetrators accountable for the harm they cause, he continued. A recent report on doxxing from technology security company, Safe Home, found about four percent of Americans roughly 11 million people have been victims of such attacks online, the vast majority seeing their home addresses or emails made public. According to a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center, this type of severe online harassment can be incredibly distressful, leading to pervasive mental health issues, financial losses, reputational damages and threats to their physical safety. And some groups experience it more than others: A 2022 report from the Anti-Defamation League found that 65 percent of doxxing incidents were attacks on people based on race, religion, nationality, gender and sexual orientation. Studies have shown that women are also more likely to endure doxxing than men. This is how much single people in California need to earn to live comfortably However, doxxing can often be hard to prosecute, according to Ward that is if criminal charges are pursued at all by prosecutors. Under AB 1979, victims of doxxing will be able to pursue up to $30,000 in damages through a lawsuit against the person who released their information. It will also allow a court to issue orders, such as an injunction to prevent more doxxing by the defendant, when appropriate. Proponents of the bill say it would be a crucial step to combat a rise in online harassment tied amid a nationwide rise in hate and extremism over the last few years. AB 1979 passed the state Assembly Judiciary Committee earlier this week with bipartisan support and will head to the Appropriations Committee to be heard. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Chris Jackson - Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." In March of this year, Kensington Palace announced that Kate Middleton is receiving treatment for cancer, and today, they shared she has finished her chemotherapy treatment. "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," Kate said in a personal message shared with a video of her and her family in Norfolk. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything." She will carry out a handful of engagements this fall, including attending Remembrance Sunday and hosting her annual Christmas Carol service. The Princess made her first public appearance of 2024 at Trooping the Colour. Since, she's made two more public appearances: at the Wimbledon men's finals, and attending church at Balmoral in August. Here, everything we know so far about Kate's cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. What do we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis? Kate had abdominal surgery in January, and at the time, her condition was thought to be non-cancerous. The surgery was successful, then post-operative tests subsequently found that cancer had been present. It's unclear if the cancer was related to the abdominal surgery. Here's a full timeline of Kate's health news: Why aren't they sharing what type of cancer Kate has? A Kensington Palace spokesperson said in a statement, "We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do." This is in line with King Charles, who also has cancer and will not be sharing what type. Why did it take so long for the Palace to announce that Kate has cancer? Shop Now Kate: Grace Under Pressure amazon.com $8.03 William and Kate wanted to share the news when they "felt it was right for them as a family." Kate, it is understood, wanted the time and space to come to terms with her diagnosis, as she recovered from her abdominal surgery and began cancer treatment. Specifically the timing of the March 22 announcement was due to George, Charlotte, and Louis's Easter break. The Waleses wanted their children to be in private as the news broke to the world. There was immense speculation surrounding the Princess of Wales's health in March, but the Palace reiterated that "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands." What treatment did she receive? According to the Palace, "the Princess is now on a recovery pathway having commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy." (It's likely this is referring to what's more commonly known as adjuvant cancer therapy.) She began her treatment in late February, and it ended at an unspecified time. In her video recorded in March, Kate said she is in the "early stages" of her treatment, and in June, she revealed "my treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months." In September, Kate said, "as the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment." The Palace denied rumors she was receiving cancer treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Why didn't the Palace initially say Kate had cancer in January? In January, the Princess underwent "planned abdominal surgery" at the London clinic. "The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery," the Palace said, emphasizing Kate's condition was non-cancerous. T&C understands that at the time of Kate's surgery, her condition was, indeed, thought to be non-cancerous. On March 22, the Palace shared that Kate learned she had cancer once "post-operative tests had been completed and results reviewed." What has Kate said about her cancer diagnosis? The Palace released a video of the Princess in Windsor speaking out about her cancer diagnosis. It was filmed by BBC Studios on March 20. "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," Kate says near the start, as she sits in a bench outdoors. You can watch the entire message below, and read a full transcript, here. A day after the video message was shared, Prince William and Kate were "enormously touched" by the well wishes from around the world. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said, "The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness' message. They are extremely moved by the public's warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time." Matt Porteous In June, the Princess shared another update in a letter, writing, "I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well." In September, Kensington Palace shared another video with the news that Kate is cancer free: "Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus," Kate said. "Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can." Has Kate told her children? What do they know? Yes, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, have been told about their mom's cancer diagnosis. "It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay," Kate said in her initial video message. "As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits." What has the royal family said? King Charles and Queen Camilla have released a statement about Kate's cancer diagnosis. King Charles, who is also currently fighting cancer, said he is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did."A Buckingham Palace spokesperson added that both King Charles and Queen Camilla "will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family throughout this difficult time." Additionally, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a statement: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace." What have the Middletons said? While the Middleton family is pretty private, Kate's brother, James Middleton, posted on Instagram a childhood photo of the two of them, writing, "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too," with a mountain emoji and red heart emoji. In the September 2024 video, her parents Carole and Michael were pictured in Norfolk with the Wales family playing cards. What does the photoshop drama have to do with the Kate news? Nothing, honestly. The drama surrounding Kate reached a fever pitch in March, after a photo released for UK Mother's Day (and Kate's subsequent apology over editing it) did not do much to quell conspiracy theories around the Princess and her health. When will Kate return to royal duties? Jonathan Brady - PA Images - Getty Images When Kate's abdominal surgery was initially announced, the Palace said "she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter," but now with news of her cancer diagnosis, that timeline completely shifted, and they are not putting a specific date on her return. In May 2024, a senior aide said "she will return to work when she has had the green light from doctors." When her diagnosis was first announced, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said, "The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery." In her message, Kate said, "My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery." When Kate attended Trooping the Colour 2024, Kensington Palace made it clear that her attendance does not signify a return to work. However, Kate shared she has begun to work from home. After Kate announced she was cancer free, she said her focus remains on staying healthy, but "I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can." She is confirmed for just two events the rest of this year: Remembrance Sunday in November, and her Christmas Carol service in December. We'll update this as we continue to learn more about Kate's cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. You Might Also Like TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekistan plans to start producing electric trains and subway trains at the Tashkent plant for the construction and repair of passenger cars in 2024, Trend reports. The project was presented to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit to the plant. This type of rolling stock will be constructed in the country for the first time. Rustam Rakhimov, the department head at Tambov State Technical University, stated that the first model will be suburban electric trains. Each train equipped with an asynchronous traction motor will have four 14-meter-long wagons. The train's overall passenger capacity will be 306 persons. Their speed will be 120 kilometers per hour. The second step of the project involves the manufacture of regional four-car electric trains with aerodynamic body designs. Their maximum speed will be 160 km/h, and each train will have 360 passenger seats. In addition to electric trains, Shavkat Mirziyoyev was presented with a project to create new subway trains. The trains with an asynchronous traction motor will consist of 5 wagons and have 206 seats. The total passenger capacity of the train is 841 people. There will be 34 seats in the head cars and 44 seats in the intermediate cars. The design speed of metro trains is 90 km/h. The initial level of localization is planned at 4045 percent, with further increases. One of the main reasons for the Uzbek authorities' desire to launch their own production of trains is their potentially lower cost compared to their analogs. The head of Uzbekistan Railways, Zufar Narzullaev, said that electric trains from Russia are bought for $7.8 million and metro trains for $5.8 million. At the same time, the price of an Uzbek metro train will be $4.5 million, and electric trains will cost $5 million. In addition, the launch of production of new rolling stock will increase the number of jobs at the plant from 650 to 2,000, as well as provide more tax revenues to the country's budget. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan plans to purchase a Hyundai-made high-speed electric train to modernize its railway infrastructure and improve the quality of passenger transportation. Governor David Paterson speaks about the New York budget at a press conference in Manhattan Sunday, December 13, 2009, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., is seen in the U.S. Capitol after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act vote on Friday, July 14, 2023, Pictured - George Latimer Ex-Gov. David Paterson, the first black New Yorker to serve as the states chief executive, is endorsing Westchester County Executive George Latimer to topple lefty Squad Rep Jamaal Bowman in the hotly contested June Democratic primary. Patersons endorsement to be formally announced Wednesday is a coup for Latimer, a more moderate white Democrat taking on the lefty progressive Bowman, who is black. Bowman, 48, needs to win overwhelming support among black voters to stave off the serious challenge from Latimer, 70, whos been an elected official in various posts in Westchester County since 1987. Ex-Gov. David Paterson is endorsing Westchester County Executive George Latimer to topple lefty Squad Rep Jamaal Bowman in the hotly contested June Democratic primary. Allison Joyce The 16th Congressional District includes parts of the north east Bronx as well as southern Westchester. A source in the Latimer campaign confirmed that Paterson will endorse the county executive during a press conference on Wednesday. Patersons endorsement to be formally announced Wednesday is a coup for Latimer, a more moderate white Democrat taking on the lefty progressive Bowman. Facebook Paterson on Tuesday declined to comment. Bowman does have the support of state Sen. Jamaal Bailey, also the Bronx Democratic Party chairman, as well as House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and neighboring progressive Congresswoman and fellow Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The two-term incumbent and former Bronx middle school principal also has the backing of the left-leaning Working Families Party and some influential unions representing nurses and other health care workers as well as District Council 37, the union for many New York City municipal workers. Bowman, 48, needs to win overwhelming support among black voters to stave off the serious challenge from Latimer, 70, whos been an elected official in various posts in Westchester County since 1987. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Last week, the Jewish Democratic Council of America endorsed Latimer, who is staunchly pro-Israel while Bowman has been critical of the Jewish state amid the war in the Gaza strip following Hamas October 7 attack in Israel. Paterson, who appears on WABC radio, has shifted to the right on issues such as crime and border security since leaving public office a decade ago. He rapped Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) for refusing to back tougher sentences for shoplifters who assault retail workers and slammed President Bidens poor handling of the border/migrant crisis. NEW YORK A former NYPD deputy inspector who was friendly with Mayor Eric Adams was sentenced to community service Tuesday for his ringleader role in a straw donor scheme that gamed the system to boost the mayors 2021 City Hall run and curry political favors. Dwayne Montgomery, 64, received 200 hours of community service which he agreed to with prosecutors before he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor-level conspiracy in February and a $500 fine. Hes already completed 42 hours with BKLYN Combine, a community organization that provides social support programs to Black teens and young adults citywide. Per the terms of his plea deal, Montgomery is prohibited from hosting political fundraisers or soliciting contributions on behalf of any campaign for a year. The retired cop who overlapped with Adams at the police department is one of three men whove admitted to illegally donating and directing others to contribute to Adams 2021 mayoral campaign in an elaborate straw donor scheme between August 2020 and November 2021. Shamsuddin Riza, Millicent Redick and Ronald Peek remain charged with conspiracy, attempted grand larceny, and related offenses. They deny wrongdoing. A spokesman for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg declined to comment. The cash funneled to Adams campaign in others names triggered a major injection of cash from a program by the citys Campaign Finance Board that matches donations of up to $250 by eight to one, allowing the schemes architects to subvert caps on how much they could donate. Montgomery, who organized and hosted more than one fundraiser for Adams, reimbursed straw donors who falsely certified they were contributing of their own volition, according to court docs. Last month, Shahid Mushtaq and Yahya Mushtaq, two brothers who own Queens construction firm EcoSafety Consultants, were sentenced to 35 hours of community service and ordered to pay modest fines in a deferred prosecution agreement with the DAs office. Both pleaded guilty to related offenses in October along with their company and are cooperating in an investigation examining the straw donor scheme, the New York Daily News previously reported. Prosecutors say Montgomery, the Mushtaqs, and others hoped to leverage the donations to score money-making contracts once Adams took office. Reached for comment, Montgomerys lawyer, Anthony Ricco, said he was not cooperating in the broader probe and pushed back on the allegations that his client participated in the scheme with the expectation that hed be reimbursed with Adams influence. This indictment didnt happen until the mayor had been in office almost 18 months, Ricco said, noting Montgomery wasnt accused of soliciting favors in that time. He was a friend of the mayor he didnt even do this to get the mayors ear If it wasnt for this case, Dwayne would have been on the short list (for police commissioner). Ricco said his client was a novice when it comes to politics and was happy to stop fundraising for a year. He added that he was in talks with the community service provider about staying on after completing his sentence. Dwayne Montgomery gave a lifetime of service to the city of New York, putting his life on the line every day on various levels, Ricco said. This obviously was an aberration for him. Adams has not been accused of wrongdoing and has vehemently denied knowledge of the scheme Montgomery participated in. But in the July 2023 indictment, prosecutors quoted Montgomery describing the then-mayoral candidate as having some awareness of the groups fundraising efforts. In a July 2021 phone call cited in the charging papers, Montgomery told his co-defendant, construction contractor Riza, of one fundraiser, (Adams) said he doesnt want to do anything if he doesnt get 25 Gs. A spokesman for Adams 2021 campaign did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment on Tuesdays outcome. The mayor defended Montgomery after his plea as a good guy who made a regrettable decision and said he had not seen him since before the alleged conduct occurred. If I were to see him somewhere, I would say, Hey, Dwayne, how are you doing, I wish the best for you, the mayor said. The mayors 2021 campaign is separately embroiled in an FBI investigation for possible collusion with the government of Turkey to score foreign donations, which last year saw the feds seize his electronic devices and raid the homes of his top campaign fundraiser, 25-year-old Brianna Suggs, and Rana Abbasova, from his office of International Affairs. Adams has not been accused of wrongdoing in the federal probe. _____ (With Chris Sommerfeldt.) _____ A federal appeals court affirmed the dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit by former Warren Mayor Jim Fouts, who requested the August 2023 primary election for Warren mayor be decertified and a special mayoral election be held with his name on the ballot. Fouts' lawsuit challenged whether Warren's term limits applied to him. But that doesn't mean Fouts' legal fight is quite over. His attorney, Nabih Ayad, said Wednesday while he and Fouts are "disappointed" in Tuesday's 13-page opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, they are considering petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case. Ayad said the chances of that "are not that great, but again, we have to look at the lay of the land as to that particular issue." Mayor Jim Fouts stands in his office inside city hall in Warren on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. Fouts has been in local government for 42 years and has been serving as the mayor of Warren for 16 years. "And it comes down basically, the Court of Appeals ... affirmed the lower court's decision basically finding that we don't have a constitutional right to run for office, we don't have a fundamental right to run for office, I should say," he said. Ayad said he believes Fouts has 90 days to file a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the case. The case was before three judges for the federal appeals court in Cincinnati. "Because we find that Fouts failed to allege a constitutional violation, we need not reach Defendants alternative grounds for affirmance," according to the opinion's conclusion. The federal appeal was filed in the fall. In October, the court filed an order denying Fouts' motion for an expedited review of his appeal. In November, former state Rep. Lori Stone won the general election, becoming the first woman to lead Michigan's third-largest city. Fouts left office that month after 16 years as mayor and more than four decades as city officeholder. Nabih Ayad, Warren City Mayor James R. Fouts' attorney addresses the media during a press conference held at Adiamo Celebrity Showroom in Warren on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. Fouts has filed a civil rights action in federal court alleging a violation of his civil rights because of his exclusion from the ballot in the upcoming mayoral election. Two months earlier, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed Fouts' lawsuit that, in part, asked for a special mayoral election to be held with his name on the ballot before the November general election. On Aug. 2 six days before the primary election Fouts filed that federal lawsuit against the Warren City Council, the city's Election Commission, the city clerk and the Macomb County clerk. He filed it months after the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in April 2023, in a term-limits case, that Fouts was disqualified from seeking a fifth four-year term as mayor. The Michigan Supreme Court in May 2023 declined to take up an appeal filed by the city clerk and city Election Commission. Fouts was not named a party in any of the state-filed lawsuits, but the decisions by the state courts directly affected him. In 2016, voters approved a proposal to amend the city charter so a mayor could serve five four-year terms in office instead of three. Four years later, voters approved a city charter amendment that a mayor should have the same term limits as other elected city officeholders, which is the greater of three complete terms, or 12 years. Fouts was elected to a fourth term in 2019, but it appeared he would be term-limited for a fifth term in office if he sought one. Though he tried, in the end, his name did not appear on the August 2023 primary ballot. Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Former Warren Mayor Jim Fouts loses federal appeal in election lawsuit A Dorchester restaurant has been nominated as Best New Restaurant and several New England chefs are vying for the title of Best Chef among finalists the 2024 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. The James Beard Awards, among the nations most prestigious honors in the culinary and food media industries, recognize exceptional talent as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive, the James Beard Foundation said in a statement. An awards ceremony will be held in Chicago on June 10. The 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees in the region include: Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester is a Best New Restaurant finalist, for demonstrating consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community. Chef Conor Dennehy of Talulla in Cambridge is a Best Chef finalist; other New England chefs nominated for that honor include Maria Meza of Dolores in Providence, Rhode Island; Jake Stevens of Leeward in Portland, Maine; and Cara Tobin of Honey Road in Burlington, Vermont. Chris Viaud, who runs Greenleaf, Ansanm, and Pavilion in Milford and Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is a finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, for demonstrating creativity in entrepreneurship, integrity in restaurant operations and making efforts to create a sustainable work culture, while contributing positively to their broader community. In Portland, Maine, there are three finalists: Woodford Food & Beverage for Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines; Atsuko Fujimoto of Norimoto Bakery for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker; and ZU Bakery for Outstanding Bakery. Barr Hill Cocktail Bar in Montpelier, Vermont is a finalist for Outstanding Bar, an award that is presented to a wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage and that demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection or in the preparation of drinks, along with outstanding atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community. A full list of nominees can be found here. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Reality Check is a Fresno Bee series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email tips@fresnobee.com. The first police officers on the scene of a worker death in late February at Pitman Family Farms reported that it was not surprising the 19-year-old man was run over and killed by a heavy-duty truck, given the noise, lack of lighting and lack of reflective safety gear for night-shift employees. Pitman employee Jose Abrego was killed after he was run over by a truck that was being moved by another employee around the time Abrego was assigned to wash the vehicle. The police report indicates he might have been killed when his clothing became hooked on a broken truck fender as he tried to move away. According to the report, he was run over in an area where trucks and attached trailers are in movement, load and unload, and are relocated to make room for forklift operations. There did not seem to be much safety precautions put in place or enforced to prevent this type of incident, the Sanger Police Department report said. With the loud noises of the machinery and poorly lit work space, it made sense to me as to why (the employee driving the truck) did not see or hear Abrego. The police report and footage details hazardous working conditions and worker nervousness at Pitmans poultry facility in Sanger, with narrow passages in the loading and unloading area where workers are in close contact with trucks and forklifts, zero lighting around moving vehicles, nervous witnesses who hesitated to cooperate, with some openly expressing fears of retaliation against undocumented workers. Those fears were captured in police recordings and documents. The Fresno Bee obtained the police report, photos and body camera footage of the workplace death through a California Public Records Act request. It was the second death at the family-owned poultry processing plant in less than a year at Pitman Family Farms a company known for its humanely-raised brand of poultry, Marys Chickens. Last May, a 66-year-old employee drowned in a chicken waste pit at the facility. The two workplace fatalities are under investigation by state health and safety regulators. La Abeja, a newsletter written for and by California Latinos Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter centered around Latino issues in California. At the time of his death, Abrego was assigned to wash the semi-truck, which appeared to have dozens of crates that hold live poultry on its bed, according to the police report. Then, another worker started driving the truck without realizing Abrego was in front of the wheels, the report said. Its not immediately clear why Abrego was standing directly in front of the wheels at the time of the incident, police noted. Abrego was crushed by the truck and first responders pronounced him dead at 12:07 a.m. There have been at least four workplace-related deaths, including Abrego, in addition to hundreds of injuries, at Pitmans processing plant, grain mill and ranches over the past decade, an earlier analysis by The Fresno Bee of public federal data and state records shows. Abregos death occurred less than two weeks after The Bee published an investigation into workplace conditions at Pitman Family Farms that highlighted the deaths and injuries. Former and current workers told The Bee that the work is grueling and that they dont receive enough training for the sharp tools and heavy machinery used to process poultry in what federal workplace safety regulators call a hazardous industry. Labor leaders told The Bee for this story that Abregos death was preventable and likely wouldnt have occurred if adequate safety protocols and union protections were in place at the non-unionized company. Company executives have declined comment in the past for previous Bee stories about problematic worker safety at Pitman facilities. For this latest story, company executives did not respond to specific questions from The Bee sent via email related to the findings in the police report. Pitman Farms owner David Pitman would only provide a prepared statement. We are devastated by this tragic accident, and remain dedicated to supporting Jose Abregos family and his co-workers through this difficult time, Pitman said. I am committed to the health and well-being of his family, our work team, and the families we serve. Marys Chicken product, seen for sale in a Fresno grocery store photographed Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Sangers Pitman Family Farms supplies chickens sold by the Marys Chicken label. Details from Sanger police report, bodycam footage Police body camera footage obtained by The Bee shows an emotional, almost chaotic scene after the fatality. One employee cried in the arms of a colleague as others tried to answer police questions. Some appeared fearful to talk with police, choosing not to give their names. At one point, camera footage shows a duck that escaped from the poultry killing area wandering into the scene. Pitman employees in the outside area were wearing dark clothing without reflective patches or materials, the police report noted. It appears from the footage that Abrego and some other outdoor night shift workers were wearing blue smocks, a type of protective clothing item suggested for indoor poultry processing work. Police also noted the area was poorly lit around moving vehicles and forklifts and extremely loud due to the nearby machinery. When asked why the area was so dark, a manager told police it was to prevent the live birds from becoming excited. A Sanger Police Department report and body camer footage from the Feb. 21, 2024 workplace fatality at Pitman Family Farms found that most workers wore dark colored clothing, such as blue smocks, the the poorly lit area. Police also were concerned with a broken piece of equipment on the vehicle that Abrego was washing. A patch of his blue work smock may have been caught on the broken rear quarter fender tube hanger which may have prevented Abrego from being able to move out of the way of harm, the police report noted. (A quarter fender is a piece of equipment to protect the vehicle from mud, rocks, and other debris from being thrown into the air by the tires, according to a trucking sales site.) Abrego may have had a better chance of survival if the quarter fender tube hanger had been repaired as it would have prevented Abrego from coming into direct contact with the tire of the truck, the police report said. After a Pitman Family Farms employee was run over by a truck and killed on Feb. 21, 2024, a Sanger Police Department report said a patch of his blue work smock may have been caught on a piece of broken tubing on the truck. Police note employee fears of retaliation The Sanger police bodycam footage and police report show some Pitman workers were afraid to talk to police about what they witnessed from the incident, despite officers assurances that they werent in trouble because it wasnt a crime scene. This isnt a criminal report. Nobodys in trouble, nobodys being prosecuted. This is being looked at as an accident, the officer said to workers, as captured in the footage. A forklift operator who witnessed the incident (and was wearing a reflective vest), explained to the officer that he tried to shout at the driver that Abrego was still near the truck, but he became nervous when he noticed the police officers body camera and then wouldnt give his name on camera. I dont want to be in the middle of anything, he said. Im shaking, to be honest. Im crazy shaking. Based on (his) actions and response, I believe he is afraid of speaking up, the reporting officer noted in the report. Sanger Police Department body camera footage shows the area where 19-year-old Jose Abrego died in a workplace fatality at Pitman Family Farms on Feb. 21, 2024. A police report said the area where the truck and trailers were driving throgh was incredibly narrow and dark with zero lighting. The worker who was driving the semi-truck was shaking and his face was pale white, according to the police report. The employee is responsible for moving the trucks with attached trailers on the property so the forklift operators can unload the trucks, the report said. He explained to police in Spanish that he honked the truck as a warning that he was going to move it. He told police he did see Abrego in the course of his duties before the accident, but did not see him just before or during the incident, according to the report. Another worker who asked police if she could remain anonymous said Pitman workers fear retaliation. Most of the employees are undocumented citizens, and they are afraid to say anything, the police report said. If they do say anything, they are immediately fired from their job and have no way to dispute this because they were hired illegally by Pittman [sic] Family Farms. The police report continued: This employee added that Pittman [sic] Family Farms does this to cut corners so they can save money in order to create more profit. Lastly, they claimed this has been a common practice of Pittman [sic] Family Farms for many years leading people to lose hope in any type of change. This employee believes Jose Abrego may still be alive if the company had been vigilant in creating safer work conditions as well as maintaining equipment. The states investigation into the fatality can take up to six months to complete. Entrance to Pitman Family Farms poultry processing plant photographed Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 in Sanger, California. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Tuesday rejected exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui's bid to dismiss an indictment accusing him of defrauding thousands of investors out of more than $1 billion. U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in Manhattan said prosecutors sufficiently alleged that Guo engaged in a pattern of racketeering through four fraud schemes, and that proving it was a matter for trial. Lawyers for Guo did not immediately respond to requests for comment after business hours. Guo has pleaded not guilty to 12 criminal charges that including securities fraud, wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions and conspiracy, including for money laundering. According to the indictment, Guo and his accomplices defrauded investors in a media company, cryptocurrency and other ventures. The indictment said Guo took advantage of his prolific online presence and hundreds of thousands of followers by promising outsized financial returns and other benefits. In reality, the scheme allowed the co-conspirators to enrich themselves and family members, and fund Guo's "extravagant lifestyle" the indictment said. Two co-defendants face related criminal charges, including one defendant charged with obstruction. Also known as Ho Wan Kwok and Miles Kwok, Guo is a critic of China's Communist Party and business associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump's onetime adviser Steve Bannon. Guo has been jailed in Brooklyn since his March 2023 arrest, with Torres and a federal appeals court rejecting his proposed $25 million bail package last year. Jury selection in his trial is scheduled to begin on May 20. Prosecutors also sought the forfeiture of various assets including bank accounts, a $37 million yacht, a New Jersey mansion, a Bugatti, a Lamborghini and a Rolls Royce. Guo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Connecticut in February 2022. That case was later combined with the bankruptcies of other companies he controlled. Torres has twice rejected Guo's bid to stay the bankruptcy proceedings. The case is U.S. v Kwok, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 23-cr-00118. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A law professor says the Hatch Act does not apply to the appearance of police officers at a campaign event with former President Donald Trump. Trump visited Grand Rapids Tuesday to talk about immigration. Present at his event were a number of law enforcement officers. Allegan County Sheriff Frank Baker and Van Buren County Sheriff Dan Abbott shared their view on how the situation at the southern border has affected their counties, particularly in regards to drugs. Former President Trump talks immigration in Grand Rapids Some News 8 viewers were concerned about a violation of the Hatch Act , which limits certain political activities of federal employees, as well as some state, D.C., and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs. Cooley Law School Professor Jeffrey Swartz told News 8 there was no violation for one simple reason: Trump is not an employee of the federal government. No. They are not covered under the Hatch Act for the former president, even though he receives a pension and federal funds to run his office and his protection detail, Swartz said. Elected officials like sheriffs, Swartz says, are exempt. They are an elected official and therefore under the Hatch Act, they are a state officer or a state employee, but because they are a partisan elected official, they are not covered under the Hatch Act, said Swartz. State leaders like the governor are not bound by the Hatch Act. Family of woman found dead on highway angered by Trumps speech The lieutenant governor, the attorney general, are all not covered under the Hatch Act. Some other office holders may be if they are involved, again, in receiving federal funds or dispersing federal funds, Swartz said. There are other state officials to whom the Hatch Act does not apply. People who are not classified under the state or municipal merit civil service system can also be exempted depending on whether they work for an executive department or not, said Swartz. But Swartz did point out that there were a couple of things to consider. The first is if the law enforcement present were regular street officers or detectives on duty for Trumps protection detail. If the former president is paying for their duty time, their off-duty time providing protection for himself through his campaign, thats OK because they have been hired to do that duty by the campaign, said Swartz, who is a professor of law at Cooley Law Schools Tampa Bay campus. Secondly, Swartz pointed out the regular law enforcement officers sitting in the crowd behind Trump. That does create a problem under the Hatch Act because every single law enforcement agency in this country receives federal funds. So, the issue is they as the ultimate recipient, for example, their tools or their weapons, whatever they may be, may be paid for by the federal government. You have to look to see whether the person who is in charge of the disbursement of federal funds is there. If that person is there, then it really is a problem, Swartz said. But in this case, because Trump is not the sitting president, he has no say over the use of federal money. Swartz also said you dont normally see people charged under the Hatch Act for just being at a rally. Sheriff Baker and Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney Myrene Koch released a statement recounting their experience advising Trump during his Tuesday visit. The former President invited Baker to speak at a news conference following the roundtable discussion with West Michigans law enforcement team, the statement reads, in part. Read Sheriff Bakers full statement I deeply appreciate President Trump taking the time to meet with me, Prosecutor Koch, sheriffs, and several legislators to discuss ways to make our communities safer. We had a great discussion about how our unsecured border is allowing the trafficking of illegal drugs into our country. I was able to speak with him about the impact methamphetamine and fentanyl is making on our communities, Baker wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. An employee assembles car parts during a tour of the assembly hall at the Volkswagen AG plant in Anting near Shanghai. Improved export prospects are lifting the mood in the German automotive industry, according to a monthly survey of industry executives by the ifo Institute for economic research. Ole Spata/dpa Improved export prospects are lifting the mood in the German automotive industry, according to a monthly survey of industry executives by the ifo Institute for economic research. Ifo's monthly indicator, based on survey responses, rose in March to its highest level since last May, the institute reported on Wednesday. "The German automotive industry now seems to have finally emerged from the economic slump of the second half of 2023 and is looking to the future with more confidence," said ifo researcher Anita Wolfl. Automotive industry executives in particular reported an improved outlook for the future, even as their view of the current situation today declined slightly. Their assessment of future export prospects were particularly positive, according to the ifo Institute, rising to the highest levels since April 2023. The improved outlook is likely due to positive economic developments in the United States and China, according to ifo. Those countries are the most important overseas markets for German carmakers. German carmakers are also reporting fewer issues in their supply chains, another boost for the industry. "The efforts that the German automotive industry has made since the pandemic to make supply chains more resilient seem to be paying off here," said Wolfl. Last year, sentiment in the German automotive industry plummeted. Business expectations in particular had deteriorated significantly and were at times more negative than at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Since the end of 2023, however, the trend has been pointing upwards again, according to the ifo Institute's surveys. Qabil Ashirov The importance of the Middle Corridor increases day by day, and the countries on the corridor are implementing projects to eliminate bottlenecks and shortcomings throughout its length. Deputy Kazakh Transport Minister Satan Ablaliyev told Azerbaijani media that Kazakhstan implements several projects in this regard. He said that Kazakhstan is taking various measures to eliminate the shortcomings in terms of expanding the transmission capacity of this route as well as increasing its capacity. According to him, Kazakhstan Railways JSC has already started implementing a number of projects on the construction of secondary roads to increase freight transportation. He also spoke about the construction of a new road bypassing Almaty and a single window developed by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia for transportation through the corridor. For shedding light on the issue, the correspondent of Azernews addressed questions to expert on transport Rauf Aghamirzayev. The expert noted that, in general, the Middle Corridor has been on the agenda in recent years, and the reason for this is that a number of infrastructure projects have been implemented so far. He emphasised that projects are ongoing and additional work is needed for large volumes, and one of them is the project implemented in Kazakhstan. Currently, we know that there are two border crossings between Kazakhstan and China called Dostlug and Horgos for the railway. The third border crossing point is being built in the direction of Alamaty. Kazakhstan is generally a country with great transit potential. It is one of the important countries on the East-West Corridor. Other projects are being implemented in Kazakhstan. The construction of a bypass railway without entering the city of Almaty is one of these projects. The delivery of goods by means of this railway will take place one day earlier. However, another point is the transition to alternating current. Half of the way in Kazakhstan along the East-West corridor has been ensured with alternating current. But it would be better to switch to alternating current up to the port of Aktau, which will lead to 20 percent cheaper transportation of goods along the corridor, Aghamirzayev said. He added that another issue is speeding up work in the direction of increasing the transmission capacity of the ports and preparing a new road map in line with the growth. In the present case, the figures for different years were announced. He pointed out that by 2030, it is planned to increase the cargo transfer from presently 2.7 million tons to 10 million tons. In the case of container transportation, projects were announced that envisage the possibility of accepting 400 TEU containers. The Pundit noted that at the same time, in order to connect east and west in Kazakhstan, there is a need to build a highway connecting the city of Beyneu with the city of Shalkar, along with railways. In this case, vehicles coming from the Caspian should travel an extra distance to the north of the Caspian to go to the centre and east of Kazakhstan, which creates additional costs. Another issue is that the number of ships in the Caspian Sea should be increased. In connection with the Caspian basin retreat, dredging work should be carried out. Dredging works are planned at Aktau Port until 2025. Azerbaijan will also work in this direction. Our shipyard has received orders for the construction of these types of ships. Besides, there is a need to complete the projects implemented in Azerbaijan so far. Azerbaijan State Railways has also announced that the section from Ujar to Baku will complete the transition to alternating current by 2028. One of the other infrastructure bottlenecks is the transmission capacity of the stations on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. The station on the Azerbaijani side consists of 14 tracks, while the Gardabani station consists of 7 tracks. It means receiving twice less cargo from Azerbaijan and transferring twice less cargo from Georgia. Another problem is that these stations are located in residential areas. Therefore, their expansion creates additional problems. I think that both countries should take appropriate measures. Because if the importance of the corridor increases, the overdue stoppage of the freight train at the border may cause problems in the future due to a lack of infrastructure. There is a need to modernise the railway network and rolling stock in general on the territory of Georgia. Certain work is being done in this area. Kazakhstan's contribution in this field is greater. Because Kazakhstan itself already produces diesel locomotives and also manufactures AC locomotives. Azerbaijan purchased several products Kazakhstan and Georgia can do it as well. If Georgia, like Azerbaijan, switches to alternating current in the section up to the Black Sea ports, the transmission capacity of the corridor will increase, and congestion will disappear. Switching to the alternating current in Georgia will enable to reduce prices by 20 percent in transporting goods, Aghamirzayev noted. As for the road infrastructure, he emphasised that it can currently accept certain loads. But for the increased freight needs, some projects need to be implemented, and these projects have already been announced. One of them is the construction of the second phase of the Alat Port; and Anaklia Port in Georgia, whose groundbreaking ceremony was announced, will take place this year. Pundit noted that all these are elements that increase the transmission capacity of the corridor. Currently, regular block trains run from Germany to Turkiye via Romania. Taking into account that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be put into operation after major repairs, diverting these block trains from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan is also on the agenda. Besides, a joint Middle Corridor Multimodal Road Company was established between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. The purpose of creating this company is to remove bureaucratic obstacles in the corridor. As bureaucratic obstacles are reduced, faster transit of cargo will be ensured. I think that the work in this direction will continue, and as cargo growth increases in the coming years, we will ensure more efficient transportation through some corrective work. The main issue is having a road that can carry this load. A faster transition will be ensured by the availability of reception facilities in line with the increased cargo demand and the elimination of bureaucratic obstacles, the economist added. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power signed a Power Purchase Agreement on implementing the 200 MW Nukus-2 wind power project and associated battery energy storage system (BESS) in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. According to the Saudi Stock Exchange, the cost of the project is estimated at $262.7 million. The duration of the contract is 25 years. Meanwhile, ACWA Power signed an agreement to build two new solar power plants in Uzbekistan. According to the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade, the agreements provide for the commissioning of a 400 MW solar photovoltaic power plant and a 400 MW energy storage system in the Tashkent region. ACWA Power will also build a 1,000 MW photovoltaic power plant and 400 MW energy storage systems in Samarkand. In addition, there are 400 MW of energy storage systems in the Bukhara region. In addition, the current total volume of ACWA Power's investments in energy projects in Uzbekistan amounts to $7.5 billion. ACWA Power was established in 2008, succeeding ACWA Power Projects, a joint venture formed in 2004 by ACWA Holding (representing the Abunayyan Holding Company and Al-Muhaidib) and the MADA Group for Industrial and Commercial Development to capitalize on new private sector investment and operational opportunities in the Saudi Arabian market. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump won primary elections in four states, including the crucial battleground state of Wisconsin. Hundreds of delegates were up for grabs in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and Wisconsin on Tuesday, and Biden and Trump have already amassed enough delegates to win their respective nominations. But the turnout could provide more clues about the general election in November. Related: The anti-war protest secured a huge primary vote. What happens next? Voters also had a chance to register their discontent with the nominees. Connecticut and Rhode Island gave voters the opportunity to vote uncommitted in the primary, while Wisconsin offered a similar option of uninstructed delegation. Wisconsin Democrats will be closely watching the turnout for uninstructed delegation after progressive activists launched a campaign encouraging voters to withhold support from the US president to protest against his handling of the war in Gaza. The Listen to Wisconsin campaign, based on similar efforts in states like Michigan and Minnesota, has attracted support from some rank-and-file union members as well as an influential group of low-wage and immigrant workers in the state. Those voters represent key constituencies whose support Biden will need to win in November, and even a small erosion in support could spell trouble for him in Wisconsin, where he defeated Trump by just 0.6 points in 2020. In 2016, the former president defeated Hillary Clinton by roughly 0.8 points in Wisconsin, and he hopes to repeat that performance this fall. Polls closed at 8pm ET in Connecticut and Rhode Island and at 9pm ET in New York and Wisconsin, with results coming in shortly afterwards, and Biden will soon have a better sense of his standing in the battleground state. With the presidential nominees already decided, Wisconsin Republicans are more closely focused on two ballot measures related to election management in the state. The first measure raises the question of abolishing the use of private funds in election administration, and the second asks whether only election officials designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections, and referendums. Republicans have encouraged supporters to vote yes on both measures, after their legislative efforts to change election rules were repeatedly blocked by Wisconsins Democratic governor, Tony Evers. Republican leaders have expressed pointed criticism of the grant money that Wisconsin election officials received from the non-profit Center for Tech and Civic Life in 2020 to address the challenges of navigating the coronavirus pandemic. Those leaders have derided the grant money as Zuckerbucks, a reference to the $350m that the Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, gave to the non-profit to help election offices across the country in 2020. Republicans argue that such funding must be abolished to ensure voters trust in election results, but Democrats warn that the approval of such a measure could drain resources from government offices already stretched too thin from budget cuts. On the second ballot question, Democrats have criticized its wording as vague and accused Republicans of attempting to intimidate non-partisan voting rights groups from their usual registration and turnout efforts in the state. Rather than work to make sure our clerks have the resources they need to run elections, Republicans are pushing a nonsense amendment to satisfy Donald Trump, Ben Wickler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said in a statement last month. Thanks to longstanding Wisconsin law and the dedicated service of thousands of elections officials in municipalities across the state, our elections are safe and secure. Donald Trumps lies about his 2020 loss shouldnt dictate whats written in our state constitution. F-16 fighter jets were seen as a potential war-winner that could turn the tide of the conflict in Kyiv's favour - VADIM GHIRDA/AP American-made F-16 fighter jets due to arrive in Ukraine this summer are no longer relevant, a senior Ukrainian military official has said. Ukraines air force is expected to take delivery of the first tranche of a dozen aircraft in July after Ukrainian pilots have been trained and the countrys airfields prepared. Before their arrival, the Western warplanes had been held up by some as a potential war-winner that could turn the tide of the conflict in Kyivs favour. Often, we just dont get the weapons systems at the time we need them they come when theyre no longer relevant, a Ukrainian high-ranking officer told the Politico news website. Every weapon has its own right time. F-16s were needed in 2023; they wont be right for 2024. Ukrainian forces are being beaten back by their Russian enemy across almost the entire 600-mile front line a situation blamed on worsening ammunition shortages, partly caused by a blocked $60 billion US aid package. This has increased calls by Kyiv for more traditional weapons, such as air defence interceptors, artillery howitzers and shells. We need howitzers and shells, hundreds of thousands of shells, and rockets, the officer said, estimating that Ukraine needed four million shells and two million drones. Ahead of his arrival in Brussels for a meeting to mark the 75th anniversary of Nato, Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, called for Kyivs Western allies to prioritise sending more US-made Patriot air defence batteries. Seven Patriot systems would be optimal, but let me be modest, he said. With five Patriot batteries, we can defend the main industrial cities against Russian missiles. The US, Netherlands and Germany have so far contributed several of the systems, which are estimated to cost about $1 billion each. And once weve taken the threat away, the Patriots go back to where they were stationed. But after a meeting with his Polish counterpart, Radek Sikorski, Mr Kuleba upgraded his demand to all Patriot batteries available around the world that can be provided to Ukraine must be delivered to Ukraine. Ukraine is currently the only country in the world that defends itself against ballistic missile attacks almost every day, the Ukrainian official added. At their meeting in Brussels, Nato foreign ministers are discussing a $100 billion, five-year military aid package for Ukraine. The Telegraph reported on Tuesday that the scheme, dubbed Nato Mission Ukraine, was being drawn up to shield Kyiv from the winds of political change in the United States. Jens Stoltenberg, the alliances secretary-general, told reporters on Wednesday: What is obvious is that we need new and more money for Ukraine and we need it over many years. He went on to warn again that the political dispute in the US Congress was helping Vladimir Putins forces seize Ukrainian territory. Thats one of the reasons why the Ukrainians have to ration the number of artillery shells, why they have problems standing up against the Russian force with overwhelming military power because theyre able to outgun them with more ammunition and more artillery, Mr Stoltenberg said. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has warned Russia is preparing to mobilise 300,000 soldiers by June. 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. Claim: In March 2024, internet users shared an image that accurately showed a list of countries where mail-in voting is banned: France, Mexico, Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, the Middle East and "Latin" countries. Rating: Rating: Mixture What's True: While most of these countries do not allow for resident citizens to vote by mail What's False: many of them do include this voting method in their mix, in large part to accommodate their citizens abroad. Japan also allows it for its residents, under certain conditions. On March 27, 2024, an X (formerly Twitter) user shared an image with the following text (archived) claiming that a number of countries around the world do not allow voting by mail: France banned mail-in voting in 1975 due to fraud Mexico banned mail-in voting in 1992 due to fraud Belgium banned mail-in voting in 2018 due to fraud. Sweden does not permit mail-in voting. Italy does not permit mail-in voting. Ukraine does not permit mail-in voting. Russia does not permit mail-in voting. No middle eastern country permits mail-in voting. No Latin country permits mail-in voting. The post had gained 46.5 million views and 22,500 likes and had been reshared nearly 9,000 times as of this writing. One of the people who amplified it was X owner Elon Musk (archived): Not That Simple In reality, many of the countries in this list have adopted a mix of voting methods that include mail-in voting, especially important for countries with large diasporas. Therefore, we've rated this claim a mixture of truth and falsehood. Here's a detailed breakdown: France: Banned in 1975 because of a few instances of fraud (particularly in Corsica), mail-in voting was partially reintroduced for French people living abroad to elect their representatives in the National Assembly, along with voting by internet. France holds elections on Sundays to make sure the maximum number of people can take part, and it allows voting by proxy. Mexico: The country banned all types of banned absentee voting methods in 1991 to combat fraud and intimidation by the party that was then in power. In 2006, however, authorities reintroduced them for some voters. While residents cannot vote by mail, all Mexicans abroad can do so, as well as vote online or in person at a Mexican consulate in the U.S., Canada, France or Spain, according to the Instituto Nacional Electoral, the government agency that supervises the organization of elections. Also, for the first time in 2024, the government will allow early voting for people who cannot physically go to the polls. Belgium: While mail-in voting and voting by internet are not allowed for residents of Belgium, Belgians abroad can mail their ballots. We have found no indication that domestic mail-in votes were ever allowed for government elections. All Belgians can vote by proxy. Beyond this, voting is compulsory from the age of 16 no-shows risk fines of 40 to 80 euros, and up to 200 euros and a voting ban for repeat offenders. Sweden: While the nation does not allow mail-in voting for residents, Swedes abroad can use this method. Still, for residents, voting is greatly facilitated by measures including early voting and automatic registration. In most cases, people can even vote early in a locality that isn't their own simply by showing an ID. Sweden also allows voting by proxy. Christian Christensen, a professor at Stockholm University, clarified one of those details in an X post in response to Musk (archived): Hey @elonmusk: know why Sweden doesn't have postal voting? No need. Sweden opens voting stations 18 DAYS before election day so people can vote when they want. In 2022 half of votes cast early. Voter turnout? 84.2%. Unlike US, Sweden makes voting easy because it values democracy. pic.twitter.com/J0ybpxftdF Christian Christensen (@ChrChristensen) March 29, 2024 Italy: Italians who live abroad can vote by mail. Residents may not. Italy does not allow vote by proxy. If the voter is in a hospital or a care home, these institutions might offer a poll site on the premises. Ukraine: As of this writing, mail-in and electronic ballots were out of the question because of the enormous security risk from Russia. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which canceled two national elections and four local elections. In 1991, when it became independent, Ukraine allowed voting by Ukrainians abroad at polling stations in consulates and embassies. Internally, citizens are able to permanently change their preferred address (which does not have to be their residence) to be assigned a more convenient polling station for both local and national elections. For national elections, they can also ask for a temporary change of address up to five days before the vote (Article 43). For incapacitated people there are mobile ballot boxes election officials take from house to house to make sure all voters can exercise their rights. Hospitals can also set up ballot boxes (Article 30). For all citizens, registration is automatic. Still, experts are discussing changes in voting methods to better serve the estimated 5 million Ukrainians now living abroad and the 6 million internally displaced citizens once the war is over. Russia: Russia does not allow mail-in voting, either for citizens abroad or for residents. A 2020 change in voting laws relaxed some rules, allowing elections to take place over three days, and for online voting in 27 regions and Crimea, according to The Associated Press. Abroad, Russians can go to embassies and consulates to cast their votes. In the March 2024 election, Russia's government also organized poll sites in the four Ukrainian regions annexed when Russia invaded the country in 2022. It should be noted, however, that external observers largely contested the legitimacy of Russian elections. Theodoros Rousopoulos, the president of the Parliamentary Assembly and Council of Europe, used quotation marks to refer to Russia's 2024 "election" and called for the international community not to recognize Vladimir Putin as the president of the Russian Federation. Japan: Japanese people abroad can cast their votes by mail, as can Japanese residents under certain conditions, such as having a specific type of disability (mobility impairment, organ disorders or immunity disorders). Residents who know they will not be able to appear on election days for reasons such as planned trips or medical procedures may vote early. Middle East: According to the Democracy Index 2023 report by The Economist's Intelligence Unit, this region "remains firmly at the bottom" of its rankings. The report goes on to mention three countries whose processes may be worth considering: The region remains an outlier (alongside Eastern Europe) in having no "full democracies" among its constituent states: only one, Israel, is classed as a "flawed democracy". With the exception of Tunisia and Morocco, classified as "hybrid regimes", the rest of the region's 20 countries are ranked as "authoritarian" regimes. We'll focus on the three countries mentioned above, starting with Israel, which has scored highest (9.58 out of 10, according to the EIU) in electoral process and pluralism: Israel: Citizens abroad may not vote. Registration is automatic. The country also does not allow for domestic mail-in vote. Special polling sites may be set up for those who cannot physically appear at the polls, including for the incarcerated, who are allowed to vote. Morocco: Moroccans abroad cannot vote. Resident Moroccans have to appear at polling stations. Tunisia: While Tunisian citizens can vote abroad, they cannot do so by mail. They must go to polling stations established in embassies and consulates. Resident Tunisians cannot vote by mail either. "Latin" countries: We worked on the assumption that the maker of this list meant "countries of Latin America." We looked at those that scored highest in electoral process and pluralism in the EIU Democracy Index 2023 report (8 and above), excluding Mexico and French Guiana (a territory that belongs to France): Sources: 'Belgique - Comment Voter'. Elections Europeennes 2024: Tout Ce Qu'il Faut Savoir, https://elections.europa.eu/fr/how-to-vote/be/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. 'Convoca INE a ciudadanas y ciudadanos con discapacidad de todo el pais, a solicitar su credencializacion domiciliaria'. Central Electoral, 3 Aug. 2023, https://centralelectoral.ine.mx/2023/08/03/convoca-ine-a-ciudadanas-y-ciudadanos-con-discapacidad-de-todo-el-pais-a-solicitar-su-credencializacion-domiciliaria/. Democracy Index 2023. Economist Intelligence Unit, https://pages.eiu.com/rs/753-RIQ-438/images/Democracy-Index-2023-Final-report.pdf?version=0&mkt_tok=NzUzLVJJUS00MzgAAAGSOkvWeAOomwem8bU28pcCCUM3fqN9oYGpb6nFCXC8FFJD-_sCbsS2Mr65FmxT8-nCw6xw3anU2pqLlFObgEbUGDHUSuptzC9D79y-3-RYULew0g. 'Desintox. Belgique : les abstentionnistes doivent-ils payer une amende ?' Franceinfo, 2 July 2021, https://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/departementales/desintox-belgique-les-abstentionnistes-doivent-ils-payer-une-amende_4687269.html. 'Early Results in, Suriname Opposition Predicts Election Win'. France 24, 26 May 2020, https://www.france24.com/en/20200526-early-results-in-suriname-opposition-predicts-election-win. Election Code of Ukraine. https://cvk.gov.ua/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Election-Code-of-Ukraine.pdf. Elections 2021 Au Maroc. La Reponse a Vos Questions Avant d'aller Voter | Challenge.Ma. https://archive.challenge.ma/elections-ce-quil-faut-retenir-la-reponse-a-vos-questions-avant-daller-voter-197778/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. Elections in Tunisia: 2022 Parliamentary Elections. 12 Dec. 2023, https://www.ifes.org/tools-resources/election-snapshots/elections-tunisia-2022-parliamentary-elections. etrangeres, Ministere de l'Europe et des Affaires. 'Vote par correspondance'. France Diplomatie - Ministere de l'Europe et des Affaires etrangeres, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-aux-francais/voter-a-l-etranger/modalites-de-vote/vote-par-correspondance/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. ---. 'Vote par internet'. France Diplomatie - Ministere de l'Europe et des Affaires etrangeres, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-aux-francais/voter-a-l-etranger/modalites-de-vote/vote-par-internet/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. Fonnegra, Maria Isabel Ortiz. 'Los presos en Colombia pueden votar en las elecciones?' El Tiempo, 19 Apr. 2022, https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/servicios/presos-podran-votar-en-elecciones-presidenciales-666062. Global In-Country Postal Voting Data | International IDEA. https://www.idea.int/data-tools/tools/special-voting-arrangements/postal-in-country. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. IDPs and Other Mobile Groups Elect Local Representatives First Time. 17 Feb. 2021, https://www.ifesukraine.org/en/media/success-stories/vpo-ta-trudovi-migranty-vpershe-progolosuvaly-na-misczevyh-vyborah-2020/. 'Italy - How to Vote'. European Elections 2024: All You Need to Know, https://elections.europa.eu/en/how-to-vote/it/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. Keller-Lynn, Carrie. 'Israel Goes to the Polls on Tuesday. Here's How to Cast Your Ballot'. The Times of Israel, 30 Oct. 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-goes-to-the-polls-on-tuesday-heres-how-to-cast-your-ballot/. Plebiscito/ Referendum Voto Epistolar | LATINNO. https://latinno.net/es/case/18091/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. 'Presidential "election" in Russia: "Let's Not Recognise Putin's Legitimacy as President", PACE President Says'. Council of Europe, Council of Europe, 18 Mar. 2024, https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/presidential-election-in-russia-let-s-not-recognise-putin-s-legitimacy-as-president-pace-president-says. 'Russians Are Voting in an Election That Holds Little Suspense after Putin Crushed Dissent'. AP News, 14 Mar. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/russia-election-2024-updates-227e65cb2a3f2c4cfdb58a9525fbe884. Technical Assessment Report: Out-of-Country Voting in Ukraine. IFES Ukraine, Jan. 2023, https://ifesukraine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ifes-ukraine-ocv-technical-assessment-report-v1-2023-05-11-eng.pdf. 'Tramite credencial tipo'. Instituto Nacional Electoral, https://www.ine.mx/credencial/tramite-credencial-tipo/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. 'Voce sabia? Brasileiros que residem no exterior tambem sao obrigados a votar'. Justica Eleitoral, https://www.tre-sc.jus.br/comunicacao/noticias/2020/Abril/voce-sabia-brasileiros-que-residem-no-exterior-tambem-sao-obrigados-a-votar. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. 'Voting Ahead of Time'. How to Vote in Sweden, 31 Aug. 2014, https://howtovote.se/voting-ahead-of-time/. 'Voting by Courier'. How to Vote in Sweden, 3 Sept. 2022, https://howtovote.se/voting-by-courier/. Voting from Abroad. https://val.se/servicelankar/servicelankar/other-languages/english-engelska/voting/voting-from-abroad.html. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. Voting from Abroad Database | International IDEA. https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voting-abroad-database. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. VOTO PER CORRISPONDENZA DEI CITTADINI ITALIANI RESIDENTI ALL'ESTERO Ambasciata d'Italia Nairobi. https://ambnairobi.esteri.it/it/news/dall_ambasciata/2022/04/voto-per-corrispondenza-dei-cittadini_0/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. 'What to Know about Russia's Presidential Election, Set to Give Putin Another Six-Year Term'. AP News, 28 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/russia-presidential-election-2024-what-to-know-04a363dd56d4b3f15d3048ed8585fe55. | | . https://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/kusei/senkyo/senkyo/senkyo.html. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. Fact Check: Putin Allegedly Said of LGBTQ+ Rights, 'We Will Not Have Parent 1 and Parent 2, We Will Have Mom and Dad.' Here's the Truth Claim: Russian President Vladimir Putin said of LGBTQ+ rights, "As long as I am the president of Russia, we will not have parent one and parent two. We will have mom and dad." Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution On March 31, 2024 Easter Sunday X user Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) posted (archived) that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made an Easter statement affirming the superiority of the traditional family unit (based on the notion that marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman) over alternative conceptions of the family. Nawfal posted: "Putin on Easter: Russia will leave political correctness to the U.S." The post also featured a video, three images and a purported quote from Putin, reading, "As long as I am the president of Russia, we will not have parent 1 and parent 2, we will have mom and dad." As of April 2, the post had received more than 1 million views (impressions). PUTIN ON EASTER: RUSSIA WILL LEAVE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS TO THE U.S. As long as I am the president of Russia, we will not have Parent 1 and Parent 2, we will have mom and dad. Source: @SuppressedNws pic.twitter.com/5A4DDPIJ8n Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 1, 2024 The source cited by Nawfal was a post from the Suppressed Voice X account. That post mentioned the fact that the Transgender Day of Visibility and Easter were both celebrated on the same day in 2024. As we previously reported, Easter's date changes from year to year while Transgender Day of Visibility has fallen on March 31 every year for more than a decade. Snopes found Nawfal's post contained a reasonably accurate quote of an actual statement made by Putin, although Putin did not make the statement on Easter 2024. We contacted Nawfal via a direct message on X to learn more about the post but did not receive a response in time for publication. Putin made the transcribed remarks on Feb. 13, 2020, during a meeting discussing proposed amendments to Russia's Constitution, according to Reuters. The official transcript provided on the Kremlin website showed Putin's remarks translated to English, as follows: On amendments regarding the role and status of the family Vladimir Putin: "Let me debate with you a bit, enter into polemics, if you wish." "As you said, a family is the union of a man and a woman. And if it is a single-parent family, then what? Some things need to be clarified. Marriage is the union of a man and a woman. A family is something slightly different. But the idea itself is correct and must be supported. We just need to think about the wording and where to do it." "As for 'parent number one,' and 'parent number two,' I once spoke publicly and will repeat it: as long as I am President, we will have no 'parent number one,' there will be a father and a mother." The same video clip Nawfal posted of Putin speaking was also shared in February 2020 on YouTube by El Mundo, a newspaper in Spain. Aside from the quote, Nawfal's post included three images. One showed the Empire State Building in New York lit up in a rainbow of colors resembling those of an LGBTQ+ pride flag. However, that photo dated back to at least 2015, according to a post on the building's Facebook page. Further, the Empire State Building featured pastel colors for Easter on March 31, 2024, not rainbow colors, according to the schedule on the building's official website. https://www.facebook.com/empirestatebuilding/photos/a.161847880499058/1158096510874185/?type=3 Another image in Nawfal's post showed a screenshot of a misleading headline from Fox News trumpeting the false claim U.S. President Joe Biden banned religion from an Easter egg art contest. We previously reported on this rumor. The final image in the post displayed a picture of Biden celebrating Easter in 2023. In other words, the quote from Putin was genuine but was more than four years old and had nothing to do with Easter, and some of the images in the post were misleading and outdated. For further reading, The Associated Press reported more details about Putin's history of cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights. Sources: Bustillo, Ximena. "The Bidens Host Bunnies, Farmers and Kids at the White House's Annual Easter Egg Roll." NPR, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/04/10/1169027258/white-house-easter-egg-roll. Caballero-Reynolds, Andrew. "US President Joe Biden, alongside the Easter Bunny, Gestures After..." AFP via Getty Images, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/president-joe-biden-alongside-the-easter-bunny-gestures-news-photo/1251327805. "Empire State Building." Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/empirestatebuilding/. Liles, Jordan. "Biden Did Not Ban Religion from White House Easter Egg Art Contest, Despite False Reports." Snopes, 1 Apr. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/biden-ban-religion-easter-egg/. Litvinova, Dasha. "Putin's Crackdown Casts a Wide Net, Ensnaring the LGBTQ+ Community, Lawyers and Many Others." The Associated Press, 6 Mar. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-crackdown-opposition-lgbtq-election-d9c96f550e6c0cb61363003c735fabec. "Meeting with the Working Group on Drafting Proposals for Amendments to the Constitution." Internet Archive Wayback Machine via Kremlin.ru, 13 Feb. 2020, https://web.archive.org/web/20230209124429/http://www.en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/deliberations/62776/print. "Putin: Casamento So Entre 'Homem e Mulher' | AFP." YouTube, AFP Portugues, 13 Feb. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrlpKYFohOQ. "Putin: 'Mientras Yo Sea Presidente No Habra "progenitor 1" y "Progenitor 2", Solo Papa y Mama.'" YouTube, El Mundo, 14 Feb. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3w0om_nsCI. "'There Will Be Dad and Mum': Putin Rules out Russia Legalising Gay Marriage." Reuters, 13 Feb. 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2072E5/. "Tower Lights Calendar." Empire State Building, https://www.esbnyc.com/about/tower-lights/calendar/202403. Claim: In January 2024, authorities informed U.K. homeowners they would enforce the "compulsory selling" of homes to accommodate asylum-seekers. Rating: Rating: False Context: The local council reportedly sent a letter to one elderly couple in the U.K., notifying them that they would have to sell their home by means of a Compulsory Purchase Order, to house asylum-seekers and refugees. However, Snopes' review of that letter found no mention of the forced sale of the home, contradicting multiple claims on social media. Social media posts and news reports from outlets including the Daily Mail and The Telegraph in early 2024 spread claims that in January, elderly U.K. homeowners Jose and Ted Saunders received a letter from local authorities enforcing the "compulsory selling" of their home to house asylum-seekers. These claims sparked outrage and concern among the public, with several individuals and outlets sharing the couple's story. However, a closer examination of the situation reveals that these claims were false. The story was circulated on X (formerly Twitter), along with clips posted from GB News referencing the story, where it quickly went viral. For instance, the X account Wall Street Silver posted, "Home owners in the UK have been told that 'compulsory selling of home' will be enforced to house illegal migrants Elderly people are being told their houses are too big for them and they need to sell. This must be a joke." That tweet amassed 3.6 million views. Elon Musk also shared the story on his X account, amassing 19.5 million views at the time of writing. Musk wrote, "In case you thought government trying to force home sales for 'asylum seekers' was a myth, this is already happening in Britain!" His tweet linked to the story published in the Daily Mail. (Elon Musk/X) While the Saunderses, both in their late 70s, did receive a letter concerning their property from the North Northamptonshire Council, it did not mention "compulsory selling." The claims of "compulsory purchase orders" also are misleading, as there is no evidence to support this. Statements from the North Northamptonshire Council indicate that the letter was part of wider efforts to address housing issues and clean up the community through voluntary means. According to the Daily Mail, Jose and Ted Saunders received a "strongly-worded letter" from their local council, as transcribed below: We are writing as have reason to believe that the above-named premises or land is empty or unused and that you are the owner. We would like to take this opportunity to find out what your intentions are for the premises or sites. It may be that you already have proposals, but if not, we can give you some advice on options available to you to bring the premises/site back into use. The Government has identified empty privately owned properties as a potential cause of blight within communities, and as a wasted resource at time of high housing need. It is setting targets for Local Authorities and is requiring action by them to reduce this problem. As part of this process North Northamptonshire Council is identifying empty properties and sites within the area, with the aim of encouraging owners to bring premises back into use or to find alternative options for derelict sites. The Resettlement Team at North Northamptonshire Council supports asylum seekers and refugees across three different projects: Homes for Ukraine, Afghan Resettlement and Asylum Dispersal. At present, we are seeing a considerable increase in positive immigration decisions being made in favor of asylum seekers, mainly single men. Once they are granted refugee status, they are given only 28 days to leave their Home Office provided accommodation and to apply for benefits, find work, and source move on accommodation. Due to the limited timeframe and increases to private rents, the council is struggling to source suitable accommodation for this cohort. The ideal long-term solution would be to provide accommodation by using empty properties which would benefit owners and the project. There are other ways in which we might be able to help/advise and work with owners to bring their properties ack into use by informal means. However, there are a range of measures available to the Council to require owners of empty properties to carry out repairs to prevent them causing a nuisance to neighboring premises and/or to take action to bring them back into use. While the letter acknowledged the council's need to accommodate asylum-seekers and refugees, it did not mention compulsory selling or forced sale of the Saunderses' home. Per The Telegraph, a member of the local council in North Northamptonshire explained that "in terms of trying to acquire more social housing, councils will adopt a variety of measures, one of them being identifying empty properties that they can bring back into use." The Saunderses, who moved into their Rushden home, about 14 miles northeast of Northampton, in November 2023, were interviewed by several U.K. media outlets. In a clip that was recirculated by the X account Concerned Citizen, Jose Saunders told one interviewer, "That letter says that because the property is derelict, that they can compulsory purchase it. If there's any repairs to be done in it, they could take it off the price of the property. And these properties are for migrants. "It was an awful shock, and when I got that [letter], I felt sick," she continued. "We went down to the council the day we got that letter after we read it. And the lady in there, she said, 'Don't worry about it. It's just a standard letter.'" While the home Ted Saunders said he purchased in 2023 for 200,000 was not "derelict," as the council letter suggested, a representative for the local council, as reported by the Daily Mail, clarified that the letter was not intended to mandate the sale of the couple's home. Councilman Jason Smithers said in a statement to the outlet: North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) is working with owners of long-term empty properties to bring their property back into use. Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) are not utilised to "oust" current owners from their properties, they are a tool used as a very last resort to bring empty properties, which are a valuable and much need housing resource, back into use. The "empty property initiative letters" were sent out in a bid to assist empty property owners to bring their property back into use, and on the whole, the support from NNC was gratefully received. Since NNC formed in 2021, no properties have been purchased by CPO. This is a mechanism of last resort to bring problematic, long term empty properties back into use. Unfortunately, in this case, records held by NNC were outdated, and the letter was incorrectly sent to a property which was occupied. For this I am very sorry for causing any undue distress and worry. The claim that elderly U.K. homeowners Jose and Ted Saunders were informed by local authorities that they must sell their home to accommodate illegal migrants is false. The letter they received from the council did not mention compulsory selling, and there is no evidence to support claims of compulsory purchase orders or forced sale being issued. Furthermore, claims circulating on social media about a "compulsory purchase order" being issued to the couple are also unfounded. The letter appears to be part of efforts by the local council to address housing issues through voluntary means rather than coercion. Sources: Councillor Details - Councillor Jason Smithers. 3 Apr. 2024, https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/. Craven, Nick. "Council Tried to Force Us to Sell Home to Make Room for Asylum Seekers." Mail Online, 14 Feb. 2024, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13079637/Our-council-tried-force-sell-200-000-home-make-room-asylum-seekers-Elderly-couples-horror-strongly-worded-letter-lands-doorstep.html. Elderly Couple HORRIFIED with Council Letter Trying to "FORCE" Them to Sell Home for Asylum Seekers. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Gfah-db0Q. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. "Https://Twitter.Com/BandOfBrothersQ/Status/1775257257644609894." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/BandOfBrothersQ/status/1775257257644609894. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. "Https://Twitter.Com/BGatesIsaPyscho/Status/1774903950531006954." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/BGatesIsaPyscho/status/1774903950531006954. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. "Https://Twitter.Com/Elonmusk/Status/1775243503817109799." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1775243503817109799. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. "Https://Twitter.Com/Mnmbes13/Status/1775314924300009596." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/mnmbes13/status/1775314924300009596. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. "Https://Twitter.Com/WallStreetSilv/Status/1775224123926470921." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1775224123926470921. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024. Hymas, Charles. "Elderly Couple Told They Had to Sell Home to House Asylum Seekers." The Telegraph, 14 Feb. 2024. www.telegraph.co.uk, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/14/elderly-couple-northampton-council-sell-home-asylum-seekers/. Factbox-What we know so far about the seven aid workers killed in Gaza by Israel Australian World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid worker Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom at a WCK kitchen, at a location given as Deir Al-Balah Australian World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid worker Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom at a WCK kitchen, at a location given as Deir Al-Balah (Reuters) -An Israeli airstrike on an aid convoy in Gaza on Monday killed seven workers from the charity World Central Kitchen including citizens of Australia, Britain, Poland. Israel said it mistakenly killed the aid workers and promised a full investigation. Here's what we know about those killed. SAIFEDDIN ISSAM AYAD ABUTAHA, PALESTINIAN The 25-year-old Palestinian was buried in a ceremony attended by hundreds in his hometown of Rafah on Tuesday, according to BBC News. "He was happy to work with an organisation that provides humanitarian aid to the displaced, our hearts are broken by your death, Saif," the BBC reported his close friend Hassan saying. "You have hurt us with your passing, and we will not forget you." LALZAWMI "ZOMI" FRANKCOM, AUSTRALIA Known to her friends as "Zomi", the 43-year-old Lalzawmi Frankcom joined World Central Kitchen after an earlier career at the Commonwealth Bank. Social media posts show her in Pakistan and Bangladesh during floods in 2022 and on a motorbike convoy delivering aid into the Haitian highlands a year earlier. "For her it was the perfect job, she got to serve hot meals to people who were having maybe the lowest point of their lives," her friend Bryan Weaver told Reuters. "She made you feel like you were the only person in the room. In a statement, her family said Zomi left behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love. DAMIAN SOBOL, POLAND Sobol, a relief worker, lived in the city of Przemysl, in southeastern Poland, according to the city's mayor Wojciech Bakun. "There are no words to describe the feelings of people who knew this amazing young man right now," he wrote in a Facebook post. Sobol, aged 35, was pictured in videos shot months before his death, itemising aid supplies bound for Gaza, including water systems, kitchen equipment and meals. "(It is) everything (needed) to create a kitchen and feed people where needed," he said. JAMES KIRBY, JOHN CHAPMAN, JAMES HENDERSON, UK Kirby, Chapman and Henderson were all part of WCK's security team, according to the NGO. British media reported that all three were former soldiers in the British military, and worked as private security contractors for UK-based firm Solace Global. The 47-year-old Kirby was an army veteran and served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan, according to a statement released by his family via the BBC, which said they were "utterly heartbroken" and that Kirby would be remembered as a hero. "Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need," the statement said. "James lost his life trying to save others, he will never know what a void he has left, our family will never be the same." Former special forces commando Chapman, a 57-year-old married father-of-two, had only been in Gaza for a few weeks before he was killed, according to the Sun newspaper. Chapman's family said they were "devastated" to have lost him. They said he will be missed dearly and forever be a hero. "He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother," the family said in a statement released by Britain's Foreign Office. Henderson, aged 33, served for six years in the Royal Marines, an elite fighting force of the British navy, according to his LinkedIn page. Solace Global did not immediately respond to a request for comment. JACOB FLICKINGER, UNITED STATES AND CANADA The 33-year old dual citizen of the United States and Canada was part of the relief team killed on Monday. Those responsible for his and his colleague's deaths must be held accountable, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly said in a social media post that condemned the strikes. (Reporting by Lewis Jackson and Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Farouq Suleiman in London; Editing by Michael Perry, Ros Russell and Gareth Jones) A split screen of black space. on the left, many stars are scattered. on the right, fewer, fainter stars are scattered mostly in the center, but no on the sides. . A bizarre system of stars that is either an ancient cluster or the most dark-matter-dominated dwarf galaxy ever found is enticing astronomers who hope it could help explain how our Milky Way galaxy formed. Discovered to lie 30,000 light-years away by astronomers at the University of Victoria in Canada and Yale University in the United States, the system, known as Ursa Major III/Unions 1 (UMa3/U1), contains only 60 visible stars amounting to just 16 times the mass of our sun and spanning an area only 10 light-years across. The name of this strange system is an indication of how uncertain astronomers are about its nature. Typically, dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way are named after the constellation in which they are found, in this case Ursa Major, the Great Bear . Meanwhile, faint star clusters are named after the project that discovered them, in this case the Ultraviolet Near Infrared Optical Northern Survey (UNIONS) that is being conducted by the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) on Mauna Kea on Hawaii's Big Island, and the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRs) atop Haleakala on the neighboring Hawaiian island of Maui. "The fact that the system appears intact leads to two equally interesting possibilities," Will Cerny, a Yale grad student who is an author of a study describing the system, said in a press statement . "Either UMa3/U1 is a tiny galaxy stabilized by large amounts of dark matter , or it's a star cluster we've observed at a very special time before its imminent demise." Related: What is dark matter? If UMa3/U1 is a dwarf galaxy, it could be key to answering some big questions about how the Milky Way formed. According to the standard model of cosmology, galaxy formation is a hierarchical process , with halos of dark matter containing dwarf galaxies merging to form larger galaxies. This is an ongoing process, and according to theory there should still be several hundred dwarf galaxies swarming around our galaxy. However, only about 50 have been found so far, puzzling astronomers as to the whereabouts of the missing dwarfs. Some of those 50 galaxies are referred to as ultra faint dwarfs , or UFDs, and contain a few thousand stars amidst a dense halo of dark matter. However, UMa3/U1 contains 15 times less mass than the next faintest UDF known, so if it is a dwarf galaxy then it indicates that the missing galaxies could be exactly where we would expect them to be, but contain too few stars to have been noticed. "We're very excited that this object could be the tip of the iceberg that it could be the first example of a new class of extremely faint stellar systems that have eluded detection until now," said Cerny. The team, led by another grad student, Simon Smith at the University of Victoria, believe UMa3/U1 to be a dwarf galaxy and not a simple star cluster because of what follow-up observations with the Deep Imaging Multi-Object Spectrograph (DEIMOS) instrument at the W. M. Keck Observatory , also on Mauna Kea, tell us. DEIMOS measured the velocities of UMa3/U1's stars, finding that their velocity dispersion the range between the slowest- and fastest-moving stars strongly suggests that they are being held in place by a dense halo of dark matter. If this is the case, then it means that UMa3/U1 has one of the highest ratios of dark matter to visible matter known. RELATED STORIES: Our universe's smallest galaxies hold the largest star factories. Here's why Milky Way galaxy: Everything you need to know about our cosmic neighborhood Dark matter detected dangling from the cosmic web for 1st time But why so few stars? Early in its history, UMa3/U1 may have experienced a brief starburst phase a rapid and frenzied period of star formation. Ultraviolet radiation from luminous, massive stars that formed in this burst, and the shockwaves of their supernova explosions when they died, could have blown away the remaining star-forming gas, the weak gravity of the small galaxy not strong enough to hold onto it. In other words, UMa3/U1's own stars may have sabotaged the birth of any successive generations. Today, all that remain are 60 of the faintest, lowest-mass but longest-lived stars that form during that ancient starburst. "UMa3/U1 had escaped detection until now due to its extremely low luminosity," said Smith. "This discovery may challenge our understanding of galaxy formation and perhaps even the definition of a 'galaxy.'" The new findings were published in January in The Astrophysical Journal (ApJ). A second paper describing the implications of UMa3/U1 for galaxy formation has been accepted for publication in ApJ, and a preprint can be found here . FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said five men were arrested after traveling into Fairfax County for criminal encounters with minors. FCPDs Child Exploitation Unit (CEXU) was trying to find people who use the internet to have sexual conversations with juveniles. FCPD said the men came into the county to engage in sex acts with a minor but were greeted by CEXU detectives instead. Fairfax County police officer injured in street takeover in Springfield The five men were arrested and charged with: Steven Morales, 30, of Woodbridge, was arrested and charged with solicitation of a minor and attempted indecent liberties with a minor. Karl Frey, 53, of Maryland, was arrested and charged with solicitation of a minor and attempted indecent liberties with a minor. Joseph Nandigam, 24, of Fairfax, was arrested and charged with solicitation of a minor and attempted indecent liberties with a minor. Adeel Chughtai, 30, of Lorton, was arrested and charged with solicitation of a minor. Byron Crawford, 26, of Maryland, was arrested and charged with two counts of solicitation of a minor and three counts of distribution of child pornography. FCPD urged parents to monitor what their children are doing online and use security settings to prevent them from accessing material or sites that are inappropriate. Children should also report anyone attempting to coerce them into inappropriate conversations or sending sexually explicit photos of themselves. Police said the four-day-long operation occurred during Fairfax County students spring break. Undercover detectives were strategically utilizing apps they knew predators used, with a goal of leading to arrests. Violence in Haiti hinders, but does not stop Virginia-based charity organization Were absolutely not catching all of them, said Blake Albritton, a detective with the CEXU. I wish we could and thats why we do this job. The five men are all facing felony charges. Deputy Police Chief Brooke Wright said she believes these incidents are underreported. Still, Albritton said the unit received an estimated 1,200 tips last year and issued more than 500 residential search warrants. According to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children, nationwide online enticement reports increased by 323% between 2021 and 2023. The ages of these children, and the victims of our cases, are getting younger and younger, Albritton said. I think thats just due to the access they have to the internet. Who is Dulles International Airport named for? Police offered a number of tips to parents, including: Be open with your child Know your childs phone password Have access to your childs phone Charge your childs phone in a parents room overnight Beware of a second calculator app, or something similar, which can act as a secret vault to other apps or photos Anyone with information about these incidents was asked to call (703) 246-7800, option 6. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. The Fairview Heights Police Department is taking a zero tolerance approach to the unruly behavior of juveniles in public places, its chief said. That includes steps officers were forced to take Saturday when about 500 juveniles assembled at Moody Park to play loud music with vulgar lyrics, drive recklessly, use illegal substances and start fights, police said. Police disbanded the crowd and closed the park for the remainder of the day so they couldnt come back. Chief Steve Johnson said Saturday wasnt the first time that unruly juveniles have disrupted others at the park, or the first time police have been forced to shut it down. Additional measures to head them off, Johnson said, will include towing vehicles, taking juveniles into custody and holding parents legally culpable for their childrens behavior. Surveillance cameras are located in many places in the park and license plate readers are being installed, he said. You want to take your family out to the park and enjoy the day, Johnson said. Thats why were taking a hard stance. Well close the park down if we have to. According to the departments official Facebook page, officers arrived at Moody Park to find about 500 people assembled and saw at least two juveniles getting ready to fight. They were prevented and Officers called for additional outside law enforcement to assist. Johnson said they had received multiple complaints, including one from a credible source, that one of the juveniles intended to shoot another. The sergeant in charge made the decision to close the park and force everyone to leave. As preservation of life is our highest priority this was the correct decision, the Facebook post said. One person approached an Officer and said he did not normally agree with the police but fully agreed the juveniles were out of control and needed to be removed. At least 150 juveniles waited outside the park because they didnt have transportation, Johnson said. While some arrived in their own vehicles, others were dropped off by family or even Uber. Johnson said the incident remains under investigation. He would not comment on how many of the juveniles had been identified, what, if any, charges will be filed against them or their parents, or why the crowd assembled in the first place. Speaking generally, Johnson said these types of unruly gatherings are arranged via social media and they are a common issue across the metro-east. I can tell you that Fairview Heights is not the only community dealing with this, he said in an interview Tuesday. This is an issue in many other jurisdictions in our area. Fairview Heights police have also dealt with crowds of juveniles at the SkyZone trampoline park, where fights have broken out both inside the building and in the parking lot. Most recently, Johnson said, officers disbanded a large crowd at Moody Park on March 4. At least two of those removed from the park were involved in the alleged brawl and shooting at St. Clair Bowl in OFallon later that same day. Four people have been charged in connection with that shooting, including residents of St. Louis, Columbia, Missouri, OFallon and East St. Louis. Others were involved in a shooting on Interstate 64 that is being investigated by Illinois State Police, Johnson said. Neither of those shootings were fatal. TOPEKA (KSNT) A family of peregrine falcons has returned to their home on top a building in downtown Topeka to raise another clutch of eggs. Evergy announced on social media Tuesday that a pair of peregrine falcons are back and have laid their first eggs for this season. The energy company has set up several cameras to watch the nest and let people follow along with the falcons as they wait for their chicks to hatch. At Evergy, were committed to minimizing the impact of electrical equipment on wildlife. Bird interactions with power lines can lead to injuries, reduced nesting success and even power outages. Thats why we focus our avian protection program on three key areas: We ensure that all new electrical construction meets bird-safe standards. When critical bird habitats are identified, we retrofit or rebuild existing equipment. We remediate negative bird interactions by modifying existing structures. Evergy social media statement excerpt Where to watch the solar eclipse in Kansas Peregrine falcons dont build traditional nests out of twigs, sticks and other wild material, according to Evergy. Instead, they dig shallow depressions in gravel or dirt on cliffs, bridges or buildings to create their nests. The birds generally lay their eggs in mid-March or early April with a new egg appearing every other day until the clutch is complete, according to the post. The eggs tend to hatch around 33-35 days after the incubation process starts with the parents feeding the chicks as they grow. Once theyre ready, the chicks will leave the nest site after around five weeks. Last year, three chicks hatched in the Topeka nest. The chicks were later banded with help from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Each baby bird was named following a contest put on by Evergy. Currently, there are two eggs in the nest atop Evergys Topeka General Office. To watch the live video of the nest on YouTube, click here. To learn more about Evergys Avian Protection Program, click here. Interactive map launches for I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct project in Topeka For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Christian Ziegler felt fortunate to grab the internet domain ChristianGOP.com more than a decade ago. He boasted back then about how perfect the web address was to the image he wanted to project. It bore his name, but more than that, it showcased the Christian values he wanted to represent within the Republican Party. Today, his brand stands in stark contrast to those values, that carefully cultivated reputation only serving as evidence of his hypocrisy. Years of holding his own family up as some idyllic version of 20th-century conservatism crashed down, with Ziegler now standing accused of rape while admitting to sex outside his marriage, sometimes with his wife Bridget, co-founder of the conservative Moms For Liberty, engaged in the act. The Republican Party of Floridas executive committee met in Tallahassee on January 8, where members fired Ziegler as state chairman in a 199-3 vote, less than a year after he secured control of the GOP in Americas largest swing state. Over the past several months months, he confessed to a sexual encounter with a 20-year acquaintance, but maintains it was planned and consensual. Meanwhile, wife Bridget Ziegler, a local School Board member, admitted to police she participated in a menage a trois in late 2022. In recently released audio of a conversation between Bridget and police, she told officers the accusation of sexual assault surprised her, though news her husband engaged in sex outside their bedroom did not. If there were any extramarital things, it wouldn't blow my mind of surprise, she said. The tawdry scandal marks a stunning fall from grace for a couple who built tremendous political capital on the promise of removing woke values and LGBTQ+ indoctrination from Americas classrooms. Thanks to Florida laws that Bridget Ziegler helped shape, most news articles mentioning the Zieglers today cant be read in Florida schools. The level of duplicity stunned a political world increasingly numb to sex scandals. To proclaim they stand for family values while they have all this going on in their personal lives is just very hypocritical, said Daniel Kuether, chairman of the Sarasota County Democratic Party. As a gay man, hes watched the Zieglers ratchet up anti-LGBTQ language in political rhetoric in his hometown, which in recent years turned from a purple suburb to a haven for right-wing extremism. So how did the Zieglers become the face of conservative values in Florida while scheduling three-ways before school board meetings and softball practices? Why did the couple seek a mantle of moral superiority, one that involved embracing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and demonizing even of gay and trans children? And how could their behavior be tolerated for so long? Regardless of what mechanisms the couple dispatched to climb the ladder of political power, it appears unlikely either Ziegler can remain on their pedestals any longer, as one-time allies witness their fall with indifference, schadenfreude, or outright zeal. Christian Ziegler made politics a personal priority before arriving in the state of Florida. A graduate of Centennial High School in Roswell, Ga., he studied in the early 2000s at Florida State University, double-majoring in political science and criminology. Before graduating, he lined up an internship with the Florida House of Representatives analyzing legislation. From the beginning, he longed for positions of influence, according to political consultants long involved in GOP politics. The pursuit of power, according to those in Florida political circles, always loomed larger than any particular policy. Even when he went to FSU and was in Tallahassee, he was always looking to climb, says Bill Helmich, a Republican consultant who works in Floridas capital city. I know a lady here in town who he used to ask to go on dates. He would sell it as, We could become a power couple. Soon after graduating in 2005, he became involved in political campaigning. When Vern Buchanan, a Florida Chamber of Commerce leader, announced a run for Congress as a Republican, Christian Ziegler joined the campaign in Sarasota, Florida. Buchanan in 2006, a difficult year for Republicans, won a battleground district by 369 votes, one of the closest congressional races that election cycle. Ziegler followed him to Washington D.C., becoming his body man in Congress, learning the ropes of the political process, and glad handling power brokers in the nations capital. For Bridget Ziegler, interest in politics arose much later. She initially worked in the world of retail and fashion, and met Christian Ziegler while selling Gucci bags at a Miami mall. She studied business at Florida International University, though she never completed her degree. A one-time Democrat, she became active in politics only after she started dating Christian Ziegler around 2010. At about the same time, Sarasota County became a hotbed of political activity. A long-time Republican stronghold, the Buchanan race proved the community was moving in a decidedly purple direction where Democrats could compete. Barack Obama in 2008 came within 250 votes of winning Sarasota County on his way to becoming the first Democrat to take Floridas electoral votes in the 21st century. Around the same time, the city of Sarasota elected its first openly gay city commissioner and considered a transgender candidate for city manager. But a political team assembled by Buchanan worked to turn that tide. The congressmans campaign treasurer, Joe Gruters, won the election as chairman of the Sarasota County Republican Party a month after the 2008 election season wrapped. Christian Ziegler had become friends with Gruters during the campaign, and would eventually be elected as the Republican Party of Sarasotas state committeeman a couple of years later. Gruters in 2010 ingratiated himself early with Rick Scott, a Naples businessman running a longshot campaign for Governor. Sarasotas Republican Party was among the first to invite the candidate to official party functions. Christian Ziegler concurrently became close to Scott, who would go on to win two terms in the Governors mansion and later a seat in the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, Christian has also encouraged Bridget Ziegler, a photogenic and well-spoken woman who knew the language of business and retail, to explore politics as well. The couple purchased a home in Sarasota in 2014, the same year she became pregnant with their first child. Around that time, Bridget Ziegler filed for a local school board seat at Christians urging. When a retiring incumbent resigned early, then-Gov. Scott appointed Ziegler to the job. That November, she narrowly won a four-year term on the School Board and won two re-election campaigns since. A long-time Southwest Florida political consultant, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the connection to Gruters proved to be the ticket to power Christian Ziegler had sought for years. (Gruters declined to comment for this story). The two were close initially, raising young kids at the same time while building the local party back into the dominating machine locally. Ziegler kind of attached himself to Gruters and tried to ride the Gruters wave, the consultant said. Clearly, Gruters was prescient in endorsing Rick Scott early. He was Buchanans first political operative. And ultimately, he was an early endorser of Donald Trump. Gruters went on to win a seat in the Florida Legislature, and in 2018 rose to state chair for the Republican Party of Florida. Ziegler won the election as vice chair the same year. Yet the two represented decidedly different wings of the Republican Party. Gruters, a state senator heading the Commerce Committee as he led the state party, focused on business issues, including trying to attract companies to the state. He supported workforce protections for LGBTQ+ workers, and was an early supporter of legalizing marriage equality. He did not comment on this story and has declined to discuss Zieglers sex scandal. But Christian Ziegler became a culture war enthusiast. A devout supporter of gun rights and abortion limits, he developed a reputation as a conservative firebrand. He regularly appeared on local political roundtables, where many Democrats declined to share a stage with him thanks to his confrontational nature on camera. Keith Fitzgerald, a former Democratic state lawmaker, recalls appearing on a local ABC-7 panel with Ziegler on a few occasions. I always have had a lot of frenemies on the Republican side, Fitzgerald said, people where I could go on TV or on the House floor and fight, but then socialize just fine. But from my first interaction with Christian Ziegler, I could tell that was not the way it was going to be. He was a completely different animal. Hes not unique, theres plenty of guys like him around, but he was playing by his own set of rules. Fitzgerald, a New College of Florida professor who researched immigration, recalls Ziegler bringing a printout of talking points from the Trump campaign during one segment,, then going on mangle data and misstate facts. Christian was just spouting lines of what seemed to me unadulterated xenophobia, advocating banning all immigrants, including legal ones it was just insane, Fitzgerald said. The segment ended with Fitzgerald asking Ziegler if his parents were watching and if they were proud of someone who could so easily lie on TV. Immediately, he felt bad about a personal attack, and Ziegler would later put the spot on his website with the headline Liberal Gone Wild. But soon after the show ended, Fitzgerald said he received a number of texts, including from local Republican friends, cheering that someone finally shut Ziegler up. Meanwhile, Bridget Ziegler was busy turning a nonpartisan local office into a national platform for a right-wing makeover of American education. That started at the state level, where she refused to be a member of the Florida School Boards Association, a long-time group advocating for general education interests at the state level. Instead, she founded the conservative Florida Coalition of School Board Members, which advocated for school vouchers and the expansion of charter schools. By 2021, she had become a semi-regular cable news guest, appearing on Fox News to complain about critical race theory infecting grade school classrooms around the country. She would rail about how discussions of white privilege made children feel guilty and served to divide Americans. All the while, she rode divisive language to national fame. At the beginning of 2021, she and other conservative school board members around the state founded Moms For Liberty, a so-called parents' rights group that quickly gained prominence fighting mask mandates in Florida schools. The same group later agitated for controversial legislation like Floridas dont say gay law, which outlaws instruction in Florida classrooms about gender identity or sexual orientation. The Southern Law Poverty Center would go on to classify the organization as an extremist group, but the organization rapidly went national, hosting presidential candidates for a Washington conference last year. For many in the world of Florida politics, the rise of the Zieglers accompanied a radical shift in GOP messaging under Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Republican governor came into office in 2018 in a recount-close election, narrowly defeating Democrat Andrew Gillum, a Tallahassee mayor dogged by corruption investigations and who would later have his political career ended after being found naked in a Miami hotel room with a male escort suffering a drug overdose. While DeSantis came into office focused on bipartisan issues like Everglades protection, his political trajectory shifted dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Republican initially followed the lead of many states in ordering shutdowns, DeSantis re-opened earlier than most populous states and began to openly question health experts, even challenging the virtue of slowing the spread of the virus rather than seeking herd immunity. He sidelined Surgeon General Scott Rivkees and replaced him with Joseph Ladapo, a vaccine skeptic who recently asserted all mRNA COVID-19 vaccines should be recalled. The pandemic skepticism accompanied a hard-right shift in DeSantis social agenda. He hardly mentioned LGBTQ+ issues in his first two years as governor, even telling queer leaders at a Pulse memorial in Orlando they had nothing to fear from him. But as his star rose in GOP politics, DeSantis championed restrictions on transgender athlete participation in youth sports. He developed a political friendship with Chris Rufo, a conservative education activist leading a charge against critical race theory. And naturally, he gravitated toward Ziegler and the Moms for Liberty. In 2021, DeSantis spoke at a Sarasota Statesman of the Year dinner as the honored guest, and shouted out Bridget Ziegler from stage, saying every School Board in Florida needed a member like her. I frankly think DeSantis is a major reason why the Zieglers have joined the rank of power, the Southwest Florida consultant said. Everything they saw with the Governor, whether it was his absurd fight with Disney or book bannings, was catnip for the Zieglers. They took what he was doing statewide, while they were planting their own eggs in Sarasota, and were able to really take it to the next level. Christian Ziegler served one term on the Sarasota County Commission, pushing for policies like making the community a Second Amendment sanctuary. He also cheered the relocation of Rumble, a conservative competitor to YouTube, to the region, and welcomed Donald Trumps Truth Social platform to open its original headquarters in the county. Bridget Ziegler, meanwhile, became a regular attendee of DeSantis press conferences, including for the signing of Floridas notorious dont say gay bill, which forbids teaching from any instruction involving sexual orientation or gender identity. When DeSantis unraveled a decades-old self-governing district at Walt Disney World, after the company promised to fund a legal challenge to the parental rights legislation, he appointed Bridget Ziegler to the board. Christian Ziegler opted not to seek a second term on the county commission and turned his attention to state party politics. Meanwhile, Bridget Ziegler, after winning her first two terms on close votes, recruited a conservative slate of candidates who rode DeSantis endorsement to a right-wing majority on her local school board. A local chapter of Proud Boys started actively campaigning for the slate, though the Zieglers distanced themselves from the controversial group. Bridget Ziegler became director of school board programs for the Leadership Institute, a think tank in Washington, and started offering training sessions in Sarasota on how social conservatives could shape education policy nationwide by running for local office. The Zieglers happily spoke to national media about a sudden growth in right-wing extremism in Southwest Florida. Michael Flynn, a former Trump national security advisor who more recently has become synonymous with QAnon gatherings and the January 6 Insurrection, moved to Sarasota and has built a following around The Hollow. The Zieglers defended the shift in the region in a front page article in The Washington Post, which called Sarasota a playground for the far right. Meanwhile, the couple also enjoyed the revels of fame. Around the same time Bridget Ziegler won a third term on the school board, the couple had a threesome with a long-time friend of the family. Many in local political circles suspect thats a small part of the story. People started to see Bridget flirting with women at parties. Rumors arose the couple had an open marriage. Thats if people believed the couple was sharing a bed together with frequency at all. The rumors also coincided with whispers the two may get divorced, though on social media, the couple still promoted the image of a happy family. As this was happening, members of the LGBTQ+ community in the region saw the Zieglers antics compromising their own way of life. A local high school valedictorian, Zander Moricz, was told that thanks to Floridas dont say gay law, he couldnt discuss his own gay identity during his graduation. Flynn and local Proud Boys started a social media campaign against local Pride celebrations after photos emerged of a booth promoting safe sex had dildos on display. Kuether, the Sarasota County Democratic Party chair, moved to Sarasota because it initially appeared a welcoming environment to LGBTQ+ families. The real estate agent in 2022 ran for Sarasota County Commission himself. But he saw increasing intolerance in the last three years, he said. There is certainly an atmosphere here now that makes it difficult to be an out, gay individual in this part of Florida, Kuether said. Tom Edwards, a gay member of the School Board, knows that too well. He has sat through hours of angry public comment at meetings, including being called an LGBTQ groomer. At a meeting Bridget Ziegler chaired last March, Edwards walked out after an anti-LGBTQ activist attacked Edwards for what he wants to do to our children. He considers the right-wing ideology from the Zieglers to be purely about political utility. The LGBTQ+ community in its entirety was attacked because of the Zieglers, the DeSantises, and those policies, Edwards says. As political climbers, I dont even think they buy it or espouse to it. It was just political gold. As LGBTQ families started to flee the state under DeSantis policies, the Zieglers slammed diversity and tolerance efforts as evil, and continued to correlate their policies with so-called parents rights and apparently engaging in three-way sex on the side. When Christian and Bridget veered into anti-LGBTQ stuff, it was not shocking at all, Fitzgerald said. But my base instinct is, it was just opportunism. Its not like they have some religious convictions against it. They just had an opportunity and took it. The year 2023 had been shaping up to be of a zenith in influence for the Zieglers. In February, Christian Ziegler succeeded Gruters as state chair, a position he had effectively campaigned for more than 10 years. The second he was elected as state committeeman, he saw it as a springboard, Helmich recalls. Ziegler first formally ran for state Chair in 2014 against incumbent Blaise Ingoglia. He had geared up for another run in 2018, but stepped aside as Gruters took the reins. He seemed content to be Gruters right-hand man in the party, but joked he was just lying in wait for a scandal to undo his political mentor. That almost happened in mid-2021, when news broke of a sexual harassment investigation whether Gruters propositioned a male staffer. Ziegler surprised many when news broke by issuing a cold statement many viewed as betraying his mentor. He told the media the party takes all allegations of harassment of any kind seriously and do full investigations. But no one else came after Gruters, even on the left. An internal investigation ultimately cleared Gruters, with no accuser or victim ever coming forward. The cloud of scandal evaporated quickly, but the relationship with Gruters and Ziegler seemed suddenly strained. Still, by 2023, the entire party moved past that. Gruters decided not to seek a third term as state GOP chair, and Ziegler in February was elected to the job. His private marketing company, Microtargeted Media, provided work for Trumps Make America Great Again PAC, and he consulted on Jeff Landrys successful (and anti-LGBTQ) run for Governor of Louisiana. Ziegler provided services for members of Congress including Buchanan and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida. But his glory days came to an end within a matter of months. A Sarasota woman who had known Christian Ziegler for 20 years communicated with him in the fall, scheduling a threesome with the couple in her Sarasota apartment. Digital records show she and Christian spoke about the tryst on October 2 while he was on his way over. The woman asked if both he and Bridget were coming. Prob just me this time, Ziegler wrote back. Sorry, the woman responded. I was mostly in for her. Five minutes later, he showed up anyway. The woman and Ziegler have given Sarasota police different accounts of what happened next. She said he confronted her at the door, then forced her to have sex over a barstool before telling her, Im leaving the way I came in. Shortly after, she told her sister she had been raped, which prompted a trip to the hospital, the collection of a rape kit, and a discussion with investigators. In police-recorded conversations, the woman told Ziegler his actions were not okay and that he sexually assaulted her, something he denied while also asking if she needed financial help. Police spoke with the Zieglers about the accusation in November. Christian provided a two-and-a-half-minute video of the sex, which contradicted portions of her account. Along with the apartment surveillance video, it appeared the woman allowed Ziegler through the front door. He has only spoken to the media through his attorney since the accusations first surfaced. Mr. Ziegler is relieved to be completely cleared of the false allegations and any criminal wrongdoing, Ziegler attorney Derek Byrd said in a statement after prosecutors announced they wouldnt pursue charges. We cooperated at every stage of investigation and as difficult as it was, we remained quiet out of respect for the investigation. On day one, we said that Mr. Ziegler was completely innocent. We asked everyone not to rush to judgement, and reminded everyone to presume Mr. Ziegler innocent as the Constitution instructs. Unfortunately, many did not award that courtesy to Mr. Ziegler, damaging his family, career, and reputation throughout this process. Legally, authorities ran into concerns about the criminal accusations fairly early in the investigation. Ziegler gave investigators personal cell phone video he took of the sexual encounter. That hasnt been released to media to date, but police told the Florida Center for Government Accountability, which fought for the release of records, that the footage muddied questions of consent, with the woman apparently telling Christian Ziegler to climax in her mouth and then leaving the apartment the same time he did. Even weighed against evidence the woman told Ziegler not to come to her apartment without Bridget, police ultimately elected not to pursue a rape charge and to deem the encounter likely consensual. But its unclear Ziegler had permission to video the encounter; the woman notably said she had been drinking all day before the incident. The question of whether he had permission to film has prompted police to investigate Ziegler for video voyeurism and obtain a search warrant for his phone and all video content he may have shared, including over social media with Bridget. Still, inconsistencies in the video and the womans account she for example said the sex occurred at her breakfast bar, but footage shows her and Ziegler moving into her bedroom created problems on that charge as well. Prosecutors in March released a memo making clear that investigators found no financial, political, or malicious personal motivation to report this incident and initiate a police investigation but also said they could not bring a case with the accuser as the only eyewitness. The Victim's expressed inability to recall whether she consented to recording the sexual activity along with her inconsistencies pertaining to key details of the event leave the State unable to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the video in question was filmed without her knowledge or consent, the memo states. Accordingly, no charges will be filed. But politically, the police investigation only mattered as a means to expose confessions. Ziegler admitted to the sex while claiming it was consensual. Bridget Ziegler admitted to police that the couple had engaged in a threesome. In a contrast between the personal turmoil and political high point in Christian Zieglers life, two days after being interviewed by police, he emceed the state partys Sunshine Summit in Orlando. He posed with then-presidential candidates like Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie as they submitted qualifying paperwork for the Florida primary. Notably, he did not appear with DeSantis for a similar photo. But when Trump signed his candidate paperwork, the Zieglers children surrounded the former president while Christian Ziegler shared the table and Bridget Ziegler stood over Trumps shoulder. Within weeks of that, every statewide official in Florida called for Christian Zieglers resignation as party chair, starting with DeSantis. Bridget Ziegler attended a school board meeting where her conservative peers joined Edwards in calling for her to step down, but she rebuffed the request. The Leadership Institute, meanwhile, has cut ties with her, as the Republican Party of Florida has done with him. Christian Ziegler didnt attend the meeting where Republicans voted to cut him loose. He did go to an executive board meeting in October, where he argued the party had no right to vote on his employment at least until a quarterly meeting in February. He brought a legal opinion arguing as much, signaling a potential lawsuit. But its clear that in the short term, if not forever, if any political capital the couple once enjoyed has been spent. Even in Sarasota, where Ziegler still holds a position as state committeeman, the local party issued a statement praising his removal as chair. When accusations surfaced, the party put out a statement about the need for a full investigation that closely mirrored the words Ziegler put out when Gruters faced accusations. In the minds of some consultants, this could be good riddance to a social agenda they think has set the Republican Party in Florida back 10 years. Republicans in DeSantiss first year as governor considered nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ employees, long before entertaining bathroom bills. But even those who see some virtue in the so-called parental rights movement Helmich said Moms for Liberty has wrongly been criticized for putting brakes on what he deems indoctrination in schools the sheer mendacity of the Zieglers makes the far-right message hard to stomach. While the GOP has overlooked the sexual antics of Trump and Gaetz, many note neither ever held their own lives up as a model for conservative family values. The Zieglers did just that, even while slashing at enemies inside and outside the party. When you climb the ladder with knives in your hands, Helmich said, nobody is going to reach out with a helping hand when you are on your way down. This article has been updated to include statement from Ziegler's attorney. Pictured here are the four people who died in a murder-suicide on March 26 on a farm near Neudorf, Sask: Joanne Bender, front left, Andrew Bender, front right, Gary Bender, back left, and Cory Bender, back right. (Joanne Bender/Facebook - image credit) The family of the four people who died in a murder-suicide incident on March 23 on a farm near Neudorf, Sask., has announced a private funeral to take place on Friday. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Clifford Bender born December 9, 1957, his wife Joanne Lorene Bender born November 22 1965, and their two sons Andrew Gary Bender born December 11, 1989, and Cory James Bender born August 17, 1993," said the family in an obituary published by the Regina Leader-Post Wednesday morning. While police would not release the names themselves, RCMP did confirm last week that two men, ages 67 and 30, and a woman, age 58, were victims of a homicide. Police said the fourth person, a 34-year-old man, died from self-inflicted injuries. According to the birthdate listed in the obituary, Andrew Bender was 34 at the time of the incident. On Wednesday, CBC reached out to Saskatchewan RCMP for more details, but was told police would not be releasing any further information. Meanwhile, the Benders' family has asked for privacy at this time. In the obituary, the family included a quote saying, "Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for all of eternity." The private funeral service will be held in Neudorf on Friday for family and close friends at Trinity Lutheran Church at 1 p.m. CST. For all others who knew and loved the family, there will be a celebration of life at CN Community Centre in Melville following the service between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. CST. "Their absence will be deeply felt by their remaining family and friends," said the family in the obituary. "In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Saskatchewan Mental Health Association or an addiction treatment centre of your choosing." Joanne and Gary Bender died in a murder-suicide on March 23. A funeral is being held for them and their two sons in Neudorf, Sask., on April 5. Joanne and Gary Bender died in a murder-suicide on March 23. A funeral is being held for them and their two sons in Neudorf, Sask., on April 5. (Joanne Bender/Facebook) Andrew Bender had a criminal record. According to court documents, he was convicted of assaulting his father Gary Bender on Sept. 25, 2022, and sentenced to jail time. That same month, Andrew was charged with possession of various weapons, including a revolver handgun and a machete. On Nov. 22, 2022, Andrew violated the conditions of his release by contacting Gary and returning to his Neudorf property, according to court documents. Andrew was also charged with mischief, which involved damaging a kitchen chair that belonged to Gary and Joanne Bender. Andrew returned to the property the very next day and had contact with Gary, this time committing mischief by damaging his parents' garage door and a bedroom door, documents say. On Dec. 3, 2022, Andrew was charged once again with violating the conditions of his release and contacting Gary. He was also charged with evading the police in an arrest attempt. Then in September 2023, Andrew was accused of damaging property and assaulting three family members. He was found not guilty on all charges in this incident, court documents say. The family of a man who had been housed at the Lebanon Correctional Institution in Warren County has filed a federal lawsuit against the facility and the state's prison system. Darez Duff, 20, died in April 2022 while in custody. The family of a 20-year-old man who died while imprisoned in 2022 has sued Ohio's prison system for wrongful death, saying the nurses and medical staff failed to help the man when he was sick. Darez Duff died on April 3, 2022, at Atrium Medical Center in Middletown, according to a lawsuit filed by his estate Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Columbus. Duff was serving a prison sentence of 11 to 16.5 years after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter. He admitted to the June 29, 2019, fatal shooting of 29-year-old John Habern III, a father of four who was also Duff's cousin. Duff was housed at the Pickaway Correctional Institution in Orient in January 2022 when he complained of feeling ill, the suit says. He told prison staff that he had COVID and was unable to sleep because of the pain he was experiencing, according to the suit. A prison employee determined Duff had dilated pupils and "jaundice-like red eyes" and had Duff moved to a restrictive housing section of the prison. In early February 2022, Duff again told medical staff he was feeling ill, with symptoms of a bad cold, sore throat and severe headaches. A nurse told Duff at that time to increase his fluid intake and gave him instructions on using an inhaler. Three days later, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections moved Duff to the Lebanon Correctional Institution in Warren County. The lawsuit said it remains unclear whether Duff's medical records were transferred with him to the new prison facility. At the time he transferred facilities, Duff was tested for COVID and SARS, according to the lawsuit. Those test results are not included in the records cited in the filing. Related coverage: How have Ohio prisons changed after Lucasville riots 30 years ago On March 3, 2022, Duff told a nurse that he had what might be a bug bite that was growing larger, the lawsuit said, resulting in a nurse telling him to apply a hot compress. Eight days later, a different nurse saw Duff after he reported developing another boil that was painful and draining fluid. A prison doctor prescribed an antibiotic at that time, according to the lawsuit. On March 15, 2022, Duff spoke to the prison's medical staff again, this time noting that the boil had popped and had concerns about an abscess developing. A nurse practitioner told Duff to continue taking the antibiotic and to keep the area as clean as possible. The lawsuit said the prison medical staff suspected Duff had hepatitis. Four days later, on March 19, 2022, a nurse checked on Duff, the lawsuit said, and noted the wound was healing, but there was a history of a staph infection. Corrections staff found Duff severely ill in his cell at the Lebanon prison on the morning of April 2, 2022. Duff had diarrhea and vomited after being taken to the prison's infirmary. He also had shallow breathing and what appeared to be "decreased cognitive abilities." A prison doctor made the decision, along with a nurse, to have Duff taken to an area hospital for treatment based on his symptoms, according to the lawsuit. When Duff was taken to Atrium Medical Center, the lawsuit said the hospital's staff wanted to contact Duff's family about his condition but the guards with Duff told the staff not to contact the family. Duff died less than 24 hours later. The lawsuit said Duff died from pneumonia, SARS, COVID, MRSA and a severe kidney injury. Duff's family said in the lawsuit that the state, ODRC, the two prisons where Duff specifically was housed while he was ill, as well as more than a dozen prison staff (all named in the lawsuit) showed deliberate indifference to Duff's health and well-being, which contributed to his death. "The acts of the defendants were outrageous and intolerable in a civilized society and exceeded the bounds of decency," the lawsuit said. "The actions of all the defendants amounted to cruel and unusual punishment." The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections told The Dispatch that it had no comment. bbruner@gannett.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Family sues Ohio, state prison system over man's death in custody The family of Michigan murder victim Ruby Garcia said they were shocked Tuesday while watching Donald Trump announce that he had spoken with them because, as they claim, it never happened. While discussing immigration at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Trump mentioned Garcias death last month. Brandon Ortiz-Vite, who police said has been in the U.S. illegally, has been charged with her murder. Rubys loved ones and community are left grieving for his incredible young woman. Remembering what they called her, they said she had the most contagious laughter, and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, Trump said. And Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family. Not so, Garcias sister, Mavi Garcia, told local NBC affiliate Target 8. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, said Garcia, who Target 8 described as the family spokesperson. Garcia also told Fox17 that Trump didnt speak to any of her relatives. Here is Trump claiming in a speech today that he spoke to the family of Ruby Garcia and what they supposedly told him. Then Ruby Garcias sister who says Trump is lying about this entire thing and never spoke to a single family member. pic.twitter.com/kPVZ3HuGMH Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 3, 2024 The Trump campaign did not return a request for comment from The Daily Beast. Garcia also criticized Trumps frequent references to crimes committed by migrants who were in the U.S. illegally. Its always been about illegal immigrants, she told Target 8. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? In his remarks Tuesday, Trump also got Ruby Garcias age wrong, the Associated Press noted. She was 25 years old, not 17. 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. Donald Trumps latest effort to weaponise the death of an American against Joe Biden and his management of the situation at Americas southern border has enraged family members of his most recent target. After the former president and current presumed nominee for the 2024 Republican nomination told supporters in Grand Rapids, Michigan that he had spoken to relatives of Ruby Garcia, the murdered young womans family is speaking out. Mr Trump appeared at a rally in the state on Tuesday as he continues campaigning for the presidency and waxed poetic about Ms Garcia to attendees at the event. Now Rubys loved ones and community are left grieving for this incredible young woman, said the former president. They said she had the most contagious laughter and when she walked into a room she lit up that room. He added: Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family. Ms Garcias sister says the former presidents words were a complete lie: she told a local news outlet the day of the rally that the former president did not reach out to any member of her direct family nor did any member of his 2024 campaign team. She sat there in disbelief, she says, as Mr Trump described supposedly hearing accounts of her sister. It was shocking. I kind of stopped watching it. Id only seen up to that, after I heard a couple of misinformations he said, I just stopped watching it, said Mavi Garcia, who is also serving as her familys spokesperson in the wake of her murder. A 25-year-old man whom Ruby Garcia was dating has been arrested and confessed to her murder. The accused, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, is in the country illegally after being removed from the US once before. Mavi Garcia added in her statement to Target 8 News in Grand Rapids that Mr Trump was frequently seeking to demonise illegal immigrants, and said that she wished he would stop. Its always been about illegal immigrants, she told the news channel. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? Mr Trumps focus on immigration comes as the USs southern border with Mexico remains porous and the site of often thousands of illegal crossings per day. The former president and other Republicans have highlighted crimes including murders committed by people in the United States illegally as both he and Mr Biden agree publicly that the rate of illegal crossings is a threat to national security. But it also is taking place amid the latest failed effort by Congress to address that very issue. A bipartisan compromise on the issue of border security was voted down by Republicans and some progressives after weeks of negotiations between Democrats and a handful of their GOP rivals who were at the bargaining table with the blessing of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The legislation was denied after the Republican House majority made it clear that it was dead on arrival in the lower chamber. The former president had openly called on Republicans in Congress to walk away from the legislation, frustrating the bills GOP negotiators and other Republicans in both chambers who saw the ordeal as having sent a message to voters that lawmakers were not serious about addressing the issue. The family of a teenager who was killed at a Jack in the Box in northwest Charlotte is pleading for answers. Fate Brannon, a 17-year-old employee at the restaurant, was fatally shot on March 29. Brannon was inside the restaurant waiting for someone to pick him up after work when two masked men shot him, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. On Sunday, 28-year-old Marcus Dahn was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with this case. Now, Brannons family is focusing on learning any information that could lead police to a second arrest. ALSO READ: 17-year-old employee killed inside northwest Charlotte restaurant, police say Channel 9s Hunter Saenz spoke with his aunt, Jamie Brannon, who said her nephew was loved dearly. He was considered a bright light to many in his family and to lose that light in such a tragic way has been very difficult, Jamie Brannon said. I dont know if we can truly come to an understanding of why it happened that way. She said she wanted everyone to know who Fate was, a teen who loved his job with aspirations of being a chef. He was a fun-loving, inquisitive individual who loved conversation, Jamie Brannon explained. Like any other 17-year-old, he was trying to navigate through life and find his path but unfortunately, that is no longer going to happen. ALSO READ: CMPD: Arrest made after teen employee killed in restaurant shooting Now she will have to hold on to memories of Fate as the family searches for justice. Brannons family is asking the community for any information that could lead police to the second suspect. Anyone with information can call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. You can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. VIDEO: 17-year-old employee killed inside northwest Charlotte restaurant, police say Lawyers representing the family of a Rio Linda man killed last month by Sacramento County sheriffs deputies released video Wednesday of the fatal confrontation, claiming authorities shot him even though he posed no public threat and was suffering from a mental health crisis. Sheriffs deputies were called about 8:30 a.m. March 23 to a home in the 6500 block of Campanile Street because roommates of the victim, Christopher Gilmore, said he was suicidal and was cutting himself. This heartbreaking footage of Christopher Gilmores final moments reveals a deeply troubling lack of compassion and a failure to adhere to training protocols designed to de-escalate and protect those in mental health crises, Sacramento lawyer Daniel Del Rio, representing the family, said in a statement. Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a spokesman with the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office, said previously deputies began negotiating with Gilmore, 38, who was encountered bleeding in the homes garage. He exited the garage while holding the knife, and was hit by less-lethal shotgun rounds, which were actually pretty ineffective, Gandhi told reporters the day of the shooting He continued to advance, got within feet of a deputy and an officer-involved shooting ensued, Gandhi said. From there, unfortunately, the suspect was hit several times and did die at the scene. The lawyers said in a statement that Gilmore never brandished the razor or pointed it toward deputies, and didnt approach them as four deputies seen in the video encountered him. Gandhi declined to comment Wednesday until the Sheriffs Office releases its own footage, including video from bodyworn cameras. The Sheriffs Office is expected to release the imagery, as is common practice when deputies fire their service weapon, before the end of the month. The incident marked the third officer-involved shooting in March. Christopher Gilmore is seen in an undated photo. His sister identified the 38-year-old as the man shot and killed by Sacramento County sheriffs deputies during a mental health crisis call in Rio Linda on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Bobbie Gilmore, the sister of the victim, has said her brother had a history of mental health issues since his teenage years. She said he was holding a small disposable razor and not a knife, as she watched the shooting unfold. Watching my brother die is like one of the hardest things Ive ever had to live with, Gilmore said at a vigil hosted Monday in Rio Linda. I tried to save him, I begged them to save his life. And, they wouldnt. They told me no. Hey! Drop the knife! The one-minute video clip of the fatal shooting, taken from a surveillance camera on the property, shows four sheriffs deputies standing in what appears to be the front driveway of the Campanile Street home with Bobbie Gilmore and two onlookers, believed to be roommates, standing across the street and watching the incident unfold. As the clip begins, one of the deputies has pulled out his department-issued handgun and is holding the weapon in front of him. Another deputy standing a few feet away is holding what appears to be a shotgun with markings consistent with non-lethal weapons. Whether shotgun is armed with regular shells or less-lethal ammunition is unclear, though deputies said less-lethal rounds were first fired during the ordeal. Two other deputies stand nearby on the other side of a parked gray car in the driveway. Those two deputies seem at ease; one is holding a phone to her ear, the video shows. Seconds later, the video shows three of the four deputies backing up and away from the front of the home. The deputy holding the shotgun stays in the same spot and aims the weapon at what appears to be someone coming out of the garage. One of the deputies told the others, Hes got a knife in his hand. Hes got a knife. Another deputy is heard in the video saying Stay there, dude. Stay there. Stay there. Moments later, another deputy speaking louder tells the man Hey! Drop the knife! Drop the knife! Meanwhile, Gilmores sister stands across the street with the other onlookers and is heard speaking loudly. Christopher, what are you doing? Drop it, she appears to have said as a naked Gilmore walks out onto the driveway. As Gilmore enters the video frame, the deputy holding the shotgun begins firing at Gilmore. The deputy fires at least five initial rounds from the shotgun in Gilmores direction. The camera captures Gilmore from behind as he walks onto the driveway, initially toward a parked red pickup. The video shows Gilmores momentum speed up after the initial shots are fired as he heads toward the street. The deputies are heard screaming Drop the knife repeatedly at Gilmore. As Gilmore stumbles toward the street, three gunshots are heard being fired at Gilmore. Those rounds knocked him to the pavement in a forward motion. Gilmore rolls over and comes to a rest on his right side in the roadway. The deputy, with the service weapon, closest to Gilmore appears to fire those final three gunshots. The sound of those gunshots are distinctive, and are louder than the shots fired from the rifle earlier. Christoper! What are you doing, brother, Bobbie Gilmore across the street is heard saying as her brother lies wounded in the street. She yells at the deputies Did you shoot him? Family and friends light candles at a vigil for Christopher Gilmore, who was shot by Sacramento County sheriffs deputies during a mental health crisis March 23 in Rio Linda. My brother didnt deserve to die that day Bobbie Gilmore continues to scream at the deputies, asking them if they shot her brother, before one of the deputies tells her, Back up, he had a knife. She yells at the deputy, He was no harm to you. Bobbie Gilmore continues to yell at the deputies for a few seconds more, asking them to help her wounded brother who was now on his back, wounded but moving in the street. The video clip then ends. The Sheriffs Offices professional standards division will investigate the shooting, which is standard practice. The Sacramento County District Attorneys Office will conduct its own review of the shooting. In addition to Del Rio, Gilmores family who include two of his four children, ages 11 and 14 has also retained Jim DeSimone, a Los Angeles civil rights lawyer. Del Rio said at the familys vigil that his office would examine if the deputies should have done anything else rather than resort to lethal force. The family created a GoFundMe account to cover funeral expenses. Gandhi has said deputies are trained to de-escalate dangerous incidents. Our ultimate goal in this ... well stay as long as we need, he said on the day of the incident. As long as the subject is willing to talk to us, is willing to engage in some sort of discussion, well talk and we dont want this to ever happen. Bobbie Gilmore said she hopes raising awareness about the officer-involved shooting sparks conversations about mental health and reform within the Sheriffs Office. My brother didnt deserve to die that day, she said. Bobbie Gilmore, who declined to speak Wednesday after the videos release, said Monday during the vigil, This is something I have to live with. I just want his voice to be heard. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekistan and Romania reached an agreement that bilateral and transit cargo transportation between two the countries will be carried out without the need to obtain permits from April 2024, Trend reports. According to Uzbekistans Ministry of Transport, the document was signed at a meeting of the joint Uzbek-Romanian commission on road transportation in Bucharest (Romania). At the meeting, the sides discussed the development of international freight transportation by road and the creation of additional favorable conditions for national carriers in this process. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have simplified obtaining permits for road freight transportation. Thus, from April 15, a joint order of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will come into force on the transfer to an electronic form of obtaining permits for the transportation of goods of the type "to/from third countries" for Kazakh carriers. From March 28 to April 15 of this year, Uzbek permit forms of the type "to/from third countries" will be issued in paper form at the border, and from April 15 in electronic form also at the border. Member of the Bundestag Petr Bystron of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) speaks at the AfD's European election rally at the Magdeburg Exhibition Center. Carsten Koall/dpa A lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Petr Bystron, has been asked by his party to address allegations in a Czech newspaper connecting him with Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns. The Czech newspaper Denik N reported, citing intelligence sources, that Bystron is suspected of having been in contact with the pro-Russian propaganda platform "Voice of Europe," which has alleged ties to Russian intelligence agencies. The report alleged that he may also have accepted money. The newspaper reported on the existence of an audio recording that allegedly incriminates Bystron, and also that Bystron's name was discussed at a meeting of Czech Cabinet ministers last week where the Czech-registered platform and its backers were placed under sanctions, citing multiple ministers as sources. Bystron is a member of Germany's parliament. He is also second on the AfD's list of candidates for the upcoming European Parliament elections. The reports are merely "unproven accusations and allegations," Bystron told dpa on Wednesday. He added: "The Czech secret service should finally publish the alleged recordings so that there is clarity." Bystron has been asked by the AfD's national co-chairs to submit a written statement on the allegations by Thursday. The newspaper quoted an unnamed Czech government minister as saying: "We were given information that Bystron was a suspect. And the proof is supposed to be audio recordings." Another member of the government, who did not want to be named, told the newspaper that the head of the Czech Republic's domestic intelligence service BIS, Michal Koudelka, confirmed that they had documented Bystron. That unnamed government official said the recording was not played at the meeting, but that Koudalka told the ministers, "It's about the sound. You can prove the handing over of money as audio." Pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, an associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was allegedly involved in the "Voice of Europe" scheme. Among other things, the "Voice of Europe" website had distributed interviews with Bystron as well as Maximilian Krah, the AfD's top candidate in the European Parliament election campaign. Bystron told dpa that it was understandable and correct for his AfD colleagues to request first-hand information in view of the media reports. Bystron told dpa that he anticipates meeting with AfD leadership in the near future "in peace and quiet to discuss everything." Bystron emphasized: "I have nothing to reproach myself with." Fatal crash: Car goes off I-77 into high water, OSP Fatal crash: Car goes off I-77 into high water, OSP *Above video shows the 10 most dangerous Ohio highways, according to state officials* TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash that killed one person on I 77 in Dover Township Tuesday. Coast Guard issues bulletin regarding Lake Erie and eclipse Troopers said an 86-year-old woman was killed in the crash that happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the woman who died as Doris Webber from Strasburg who troopers said was driving a Honda Civic. The Honda used the emergency crossover in the median to do a U-turn and traveled northbound on Interstate 77, troopers said. Troopers said thats when the driver of a Toyota Rav4 struck the back of Webbers Honda which went off the road, striking a ditch and landing in high water. Legacy K-9 of fallen officer joins Streetsboro police The woman driving the Toyota was treated for minor injuries, troopers said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Jacob Flickinger, the American father to a baby boy, killed in unforgiveable attack on aid workers in Gaza A dual US-Canadian citizen was among the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in an IDF airstrike while trying to deliver much-needed food to people in Gaza. Jacob Flickinger, 33, died alongside his colleagues Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha of Palestine, Lalzawmi Frankcom of Australia, Damian Sobol of Poland and UK citizens John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby, on Tuesday when the convoy they were riding in was struck. WCK provides food for people living in disaster zones, including to those in Gaza amid Israels ongoing campaign. The organisation called the aid workers heroes and beautiful souls, saying they were killed as they were returning from a full days mission. Jacob Flickinger (World Central Kitchen/WCK.org/PA Wire) Heres what we know about Flickinger: Volunteer, partner and father Flickinger was a father of a one-year-old baby boy, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help his family with funeral arrangements, as he was the sole financial provider. He also leaves behind his partner Sandy. Flickinger had been volunteering in Gaza since early March, giving food to Palestinians, the page reads. Before going to Gaza, Flickinger also went to Mexico with World Central Kitchen. A tribute from Restaurantes en Acapulco on Facebook read: What sad news our friend Jacob passed away who helped us in the port of Acapulco carrying food everywhere and with whom we lived for several days. RIP he told me on one occasion that he came to help and not to distract himself in other things. Hug up to heaven. it said. The group also posted a touching video of Flickinger smiling while handing out bottles of water to and fist-bumping locals in Acapulco, Mexico. One photo of Flickinger, wearing a World Central Kitchen-emblazoned shirt, in Acapulco is dated November 2023. A photo of Jacob Flickinger in Acapulco, Mexico (Jesus Espinosa) His father John Flickinger wrote a touching message on Facebook paying tribute to his son. He died doing what he loved and serving others through his work with the World Central Kitchen, he said. Several other friends also spoke of his love of helping others. Jacob Flickinger posing while holding water bottles to distribute in Mexico (Jonathan Duguay) Ken Durham wrote on Facebook that he was saddened by the loss of an old friend in Gaza. Kened Sadiku, a spokesperson for the Canadian Department of National Defence, told The Independent in a statement that retired Master Corporal Flickinger served with the Canadian Army from 7 April 2008 to 16 October 2019. Jacob Flickinger helping people in Acapulco, Mexico get food (Jesus Espinosa) He joined as a reserve infantry member with Le Regiment de la Chaudiere. In 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan as a Rifleman. In 2012 he joined the regular force as Infantry with the Royal 22e Regiment in Quebec, QC, the statement said. We extend our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time. The GoFundMe had already raised more than C$22,000 by Wednesday afternoon. Jonathan Rusty Duguay, who co-organized the GoFundMe, told The Independent that he and Flickinger were brothers in arms in Afghanistan. He called Flickinger a problem solver, adding that he loved helping people and was passionate about the work we were doing at WCK. He was a family man, very dedicated to his partner and kid, Mr Duguay added. Mr Duguay joined WCK in September 2023 after an earthquake rampaged Morocco. He said he found a lot of purpose in the work I was doing and thought it would be good for him too. Months later, in November 2023, the two of them went to Acapulco, Mexico to help locals after the hurricane devastated the region. Jacob Flickinger hugging children in Acapulco while on a WCK mission (Jonathan Duguay) More recently, Mr Duguay said they worked together, but on two ends of the humanitarian mission in Gaza. While Mr Duguay was based in Cyprus, loading the ships, Flickinger was based in Gaza receiving and distributing the food. We spoke almost every day about our experiences, Mr Duguay recalled. Although this was a very tragic loss, Mr Duguay said, that doesnt and shouldnt take away from the very important work that WCK and its volunteers do. Mr Duguay said he and Flickingers family are staying positive. They still believe in the work he was doing, he added. Flickinger had been scheduled to leave Gaza soon John Flickinger, Jacobs father, told the Daily Beast that his son was planning on heading to Cairo, Egypt by the end of the week to reassess what their needs were and how theyre going to proceed. The situation was changing daily on the ground with Israel threatening to attack Rafah, Mr Flickinger told the outlet. That was the last text from him, that hes going to reassess at the end of the week in Cairo. But he loved to work with the World Central Kitchen. He believed in their mission. And when the opportunity came to Gaza, he was hesitant, but the need was so great, the father added. Mr Flickinger also described how his son had changed Jacob in many ways. He became very, very focused on raising his son and they moved to Costa Rica to start a new, kind of a new life there and kind of build a life in a nice tropical country, he said. Flickinger was the best friend anyone could ever have, his father told the outlet. Reactions to the strike on the aid workers World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore released a statement slamming the attack on the aid workers as unforgivable. 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. This is unforgivable, she said. In an op-ed in the New York Times, WCK founder and celebrity chef Jose Andres wrote that the aid workers risked everything for the most fundamentally human activity: to share our food with others. He called them the best of humanity. President Joe Biden also said in a statement that he was outraged and heartbroken by the news. I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday, he said. Seven victims of the strike (World Central Kitchen/PA) They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war. They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said at a Tuesday press conference that it is clear that the IDF must do much more to improve deconfliction processes so that civilians and humanitarian aid workers are protected. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly tweeted she was horrified to hear reports of the IDF strike and called for full accountability for these killings. Strikes on humanitarian personnel are absolutely unacceptable, she added. Unfortunately over the last day there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, promising that Israeli officials were thoroughly checking into the incident and that the countrys armed forces will do everything for this not to happen again. Jacob Flickinger, the American father to a baby boy, killed in unforgiveable attack on aid workers in Gaza A dual US-Canadian citizen was among the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in an IDF airstrike while trying to deliver much-needed food to people in Gaza. Jacob Flickinger, 33, died alongside his colleagues Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha of Palestine, Lalzawmi Frankcom of Australia, Damian Sobol of Poland and UK citizens John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby, on Tuesday when the convoy they were riding in was struck. WCK provides food for people living in disaster zones, including to those in Gaza amid Israels ongoing campaign. The organisation called the aid workers heroes and beautiful souls, saying they were killed as they were returning from a full days mission. Jacob Flickinger (World Central Kitchen/WCK.org/PA Wire) Heres what we know about Flickinger: Volunteer, partner and father Flickinger was a father of a one-year-old baby boy, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help his family with funeral arrangements, as he was the sole financial provider. He also leaves behind his partner Sandy. Flickinger had been volunteering in Gaza since early March, giving food to Palestinians, the page reads. Before going to Gaza, Flickinger also went to Mexico with World Central Kitchen. A tribute from Restaurantes en Acapulco on Facebook read: What sad news our friend Jacob passed away who helped us in the port of Acapulco carrying food everywhere and with whom we lived for several days. RIP he told me on one occasion that he came to help and not to distract himself in other things. Hug up to heaven. it said. The group also posted a touching video of Flickinger smiling while handing out bottles of water to and fist-bumping locals in Acapulco, Mexico. One photo of Flickinger, wearing a World Central Kitchen-emblazoned shirt, in Acapulco is dated November 2023. A photo of Jacob Flickinger in Acapulco, Mexico (Jesus Espinosa) His father John Flickinger wrote a touching message on Facebook paying tribute to his son. He died doing what he loved and serving others through his work with the World Central Kitchen, he said. Several other friends also spoke of his love of helping others. Jacob Flickinger posing while holding water bottles to distribute in Mexico (Jonathan Duguay) Ken Durham wrote on Facebook that he was saddened by the loss of an old friend in Gaza. Meanwhile, Jeremy MacKenzie said Flickinger served in Quebecs Royal 22nd Regiment. He added that Flickinger loved to help other veterans rehabilitate injuries and volunteered his services to [personally] train them for rehabilitation and get them back in shape. Kened Sadiku, a spokesperson for the Canadian Department of National Defence, told The Independent in a statement that retired Master Corporal Flickinger served with the Canadian Army from 7 April 2008 to 16 October 2019. Jacob Flickinger helping people in Acapulco, Mexico get food (Jesus Espinosa) He joined as a reserve infantry member with Le Regiment de la Chaudiere. In 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan as a Rifleman. In 2012 he joined the regular force as Infantry with the Royal 22e Regiment in Quebec, QC, the statement said. We extend our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time. The GoFundMe had already raised more than C$22,000 by Wednesday afternoon. Jonathan Rusty Duguay, who co-organized the GoFundMe, told The Independent that he and Flickinger were brothers in arms in Afghanistan. He called Flickinger a problem solver, adding that he loved helping people and was passionate about the work we were doing at WCK. He was a family man, very dedicated to his partner and kid, Mr Duguay added. Mr Duguay joined WCK in September 2023 after an earthquake rampaged Morocco. He said he found a lot of purpose in the work I was doing and thought it would be good for him too. Months later, in November 2023, the two of them went to Acapulco, Mexico to help locals after the hurricane devastated the region. Jacob Flickinger hugging children in Acapulco while on a WCK mission (Jonathan Duguay) More recently, Mr Duguay said they worked together, but on two ends of the humanitarian mission in Gaza. While Mr Duguay was based in Cyprus, loading the ships, Flickinger was based in Gaza receiving and distributing the food. We spoke almost every day about our experiences, Mr Duguay recalled. Although this was a very tragic loss, Mr Duguay said, that doesnt and shouldnt take away from the very important work that WCK and its volunteers do. Mr Duguay said he and Flickingers family are staying positive. They still believe in the work he was doing, he added. Flickinger had been scheduled to leave Gaza soon John Flickinger, Jacobs father, told the Daily Beast that his son was planning on heading to Cairo, Egypt by the end of the week to reassess what their needs were and how theyre going to proceed. The situation was changing daily on the ground with Israel threatening to attack Rafah, Mr Flickinger told the outlet. That was the last text from him, that hes going to reassess at the end of the week in Cairo. But he loved to work with the World Central Kitchen. He believed in their mission. And when the opportunity came to Gaza, he was hesitant, but the need was so great, the father added. Mr Flickinger also described how his son had changed Jacob in many ways. He became very, very focused on raising his son and they moved to Costa Rica to start a new, kind of a new life there and kind of build a life in a nice tropical country, he said. Flickinger was the best friend anyone could ever have, his father told the outlet. Reactions to the strike on the aid workers World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore released a statement slamming the attack on the aid workers as unforgivable. 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. This is unforgivable, she said. In an op-ed in the New York Times, WCK founder and celebrity chef Jose Andres wrote that the aid workers risked everything for the most fundamentally human activity: to share our food with others. He called them the best of humanity. President Joe Biden also said in a statement that he was outraged and heartbroken by the news. I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday, he said. Seven victims of the strike (World Central Kitchen/PA) They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war. They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said at a Tuesday press conference that it is clear that the IDF must do much more to improve deconfliction processes so that civilians and humanitarian aid workers are protected. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly tweeted she was horrified to hear reports of the IDF strike and called for full accountability for these killings. Strikes on humanitarian personnel are absolutely unacceptable, she added. Unfortunately over the last day there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, promising that Israeli officials were thoroughly checking into the incident and that the countrys armed forces will do everything for this not to happen again. ROCHESTER The FBI and other federal agencies conducted "court-authorized activity" at Advanced Medical Supply in Merchants Plaza Wednesday. Kristen M. Setera, spokesperson for the FBI's Boston Division, confirmed federal agencies responded to the business, but she did not provide information about the reason. "The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General are conducting court-authorized activity," Setera wrote in an email response to questions. "Were going to decline further comment at this time." Advanced Medical Supply is located in Merchants Plaza at 1 Old Dover Road Suite 7 in Rochester. A search of federal court records did not turn up information on Advanced Medical Supply, which is located in the Merchants Plaza at 1 Old Dover Road Suite 7. Av Harris of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch said the state courts had nothing on file yet, either. Attempts to contact Advanced Medical Supply were not immediately successful. An inquiry to the Department of Health and Human Services was not immediately returned. Advanced Medical Supply is located in Merchants Plaza at 1 Old Dover Road Suite 7 in Rochester. The Merchants Plaza building is owned by Paul Delisle. He and his brother received city Planning Board approval on March 18 to build nine residential units above the businesses on the first floor. Reached by text on Wednesday, Delisle said he had heard that something was going on at the building, but he said he is currently in Florida and did not have more information. Rochester police assisted federal agencies. Rochester police Capt. Todd Pinkham said the department was not leading the operation and could not comment. This story may be updated. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: FBI raids Advanced Medical Supply in Rochester NH The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote later this month on restoring net neutrality rules that were rescinded under former President Trump, the agencys chair said Wednesday. If approved, the proposal would restore the Obama-era rules that barred broadband providers from blocking or throttling internet traffic to some websites and speeding up access to others that pay extra. The pandemic proved once and for all that broadband is essential, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. After the prior administration abdicated authority over broadband services, the FCC has been handcuffed from acting to fully secure broadband networks, protect consumer data, and ensure the internet remains fast, open, and fair, she continued. A return to the FCCs overwhelmingly popular and court-approved standard of net neutrality will allow the agency to serve once again as a strong consumer advocate of an open internet, Rosenworcel added. The proposal would also provide the FCC with greater oversight of broadband companies, allowing the agency to address outages, security concerns and consumer harms, she said. The FCC will vote on restoring the net neutrality rules at its April 25 meeting. The agency voted 3-2 along partisan lines in October to move forward with the process, after securing a Democratic majority following a two-year holdup over a previous nominee. The net neutrality rules, which were first approved by the FCC under former President Obama in 2015, were repealed during the Trump administration in 2018. As the FCC prepares to vote on the proposal later this month, industry groups have already come out strongly against the move. USTelecom, a trade association representing broadband providers, argued that restoring net neutrality rules is counter to President Bidens Internet for All push. So here we go again. Its been two years since the White House asked Congress and the country to be all in on Internet for All, USTelecom president and CEO Jonathan Spalter said in a statement. But just as this goal is now within reach, the FCC is pumping the brakes with this entirely counterproductive, unnecessary, and anti-consumer regulatory distraction. America deserves better, Spalter added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. For $13 an hour, you can work in fast food. Or, you could engage in close-quarter combat with the countrys most catastrophic wildfires. This was the starting salary for federal wildland firefighters until two years ago, when the Biden administration allocated $600m from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to increase entry pay to $15 p/h. The funding was intended to be a bridge while lawmakers worked on long-term reform, President Biden said at the time. Yet a permanent fix remains elusive with Congress more bitterly divided than ever, and the House limping along in even basic tasks like funding the government. Wildland firefighting is a rare issue which draws wide bipartisan support, and lawmakers have been able to agree on temporary pay extensions. But the latest one, passed last month, is set to expire at the end of the fiscal year in September, meaning that without a bill being passed soon to create a permanent fix, pay could drop right in middle of the traditional fire season leaving firefighters in the lurch. If we cant get something done this year, then I dont feel so good that well get anything, said Riva Duncan, a former firefighter and vice president of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. The National Federation of Federal Employees, a labor union representing thousands of firefighters, pointed out the chaos that the continued uncertainty had already caused. For months, these selfless men and women have had to live with the possibility of their pay being cut in half overnight, said NFFE president Randy Erwin. Government agencies are working towards improve mental health services suicide, depression, anxiety disorder, alcohol issues and PTSD rates are higher among firefighters than the general population and better job classifications. But legislation that would provide long-term stability for the workforce has languished in both chambers. The gold standard Some 19,000 firefighters work for the US government, protecting more than a million square miles of land. Unlike municipal or state employees, they deploy to fires anywhere in the country with specialized crews like those who parachute into remote fires (the smokejumpers); tackle fires most challenging areas (hotshots), and rappel down into blazes from hovering helicopters (helitack). But for years many federal firefighters were classed as forestry technicians, and often lacked sufficient health care or housing on the job. A wildland firefighting crew assess a fire in Washington state in 2021 (Courtesy of Ben McLane) These issues have made recruiting adequate numbers more difficult at a time when the country faces an ongoing wildfire crisis, officials warned. Last July, the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act (WFPPA) was introduced by Arizonas Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema to create permanent salary increases; premium pay for those fighting fires that last longer than 36 hours; and cover additional rest and recuperation. In the House, Colorado Democrat Joe Neguse also introduced Tims Act, a bill described as the gold standard by wildland firefighters. It would raise starting wages to at least $20 p/h; provide health care to both temporary and permanent wildland firefighters; and create a national database to track chronic disease caused by on-the-job exposure. The bill also contains provisions for in-depth mental health support for firefighters and their families, and housing stipends for those on duty more than 50 miles from home. The legislation was named after Tim Hart, a smokejumper from Wyoming who was killed during the Eicks Fire in New Mexico in 2021. In Tims honor, his widow Michelle Hart courageously turned her grief into action and began advocating on behalf of her husband and other wildland firefighters, Rep. Neguse told The Independent in an email. Wildland firefighting involves physically demanding work digging trenches and cutting down trees to stop fire spreading. For this, some federal firefighters were being paid $13 an hour until two years ago (Courtesy of Pete Dutchick) The brave men and women in this workforce are subjected to grueling circumstances, from the physical and emotional toll to the lack of adequate housing and pay. Ultimately, they deserve to be compensated for the work they undertake on behalf of millions of Americans. It is the right thing to do. However, the bill appears to be a non-starter. There are certain legislators who think Tims Act is too big, and what that usually means is that its too costly, said Duncan from Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. The current and former firefighters who spoke to The Independent for this article belong to the nonprofit which advocates for better conditions in the profession. This story is part of Global Warning, a new series from The Independent, telling the stories of people on the front lines of the climate crisis across the US Jonathon Golden, a former firefighter and Grassroots legislative expert in Washington DC, agreed that Tims Act was likely too ambitious for Congress. He added that Senator Sinemas Pay Protection Act, with its narrower set of provisions, stands a better chance. The Senate bill passed the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on a 10-1 vote with only Kentucky Republican Rand Paul in opposition. The bill now needs to pass the House, an effort also being led by Rep. Neguse. While I wish that the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act would further support our firefighters, this bill is an important step in the right direction, he said. He noted that funding to extend pay in last months spending package opens the door for Congress to continue our bipartisan pursuit of a permanent fix for firefighter pay. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Summit on Fire Prevention and Control in 2022. He raised federal firefighter entry pay to $15 p/h and urged Congress to take up the issue to make the raise permanent (Getty Images) In a statement, Senator Sinema also told The Independent that she would continue fighting for a permanent fix. For now, firefighters remain cautiously optimistic. However, if Congress doesnt pass legislation this year, the chance of meaningful change for wildland firefighters looked more remote, said Duncan, who retired in 2020 after 30 years with the US Forest Service. We try hard to be non-partisan at Grassroots because were trying to get everybodys support, she told The Independent. But typically Republicans dont like to spend more money, so if a Republican gets into the White House again, then I personally feel like were done for the next four years. A gut-wrenching decision The workforce is losing firefighters with decades of experience from key middle management roles - the glue that holds everything together, as former wildland firefighter Luke Mayfield told The Independent. Last June, US forest service deputy chief Jaelith Hall-Rivera estimated that 30-50 per cent of the firefighting workforce would leave the service and go elsewhere. The firefighters union has warned that members will leave their jobs in droves unless increased pay and improved benefits are secured. Some leave for the private sector but others have transferred to state and local crews, where pay can be double a federal job. People who are leaving for financial reasons are doing it under duress it is a gut-wrenching decision for them, Duncan said. This is a group of people who truly love what they do. Its not just a job, it becomes so much a part of your life. It is a brotherhood, a sisterhood. The climate crisis is also shifting the equation in an already dangerous job. Fire season now lasts year-round with more large blazes that behave in unpredictable ways. In February, Texas had its largest wildfire in state history and 10 new large fires were reported last week across the US. For those employed to fight fire, this means longer periods of time away from family and friends doing grueling work in conditions that take both a physical and mental toll. Colorado Democrat Joe Neguse with President Biden in Red Cliff, Colorado in 2022. Rep. Neguse has introduced legislation to improve the conditions for federal firefighters in the House (Getty Images) A growing body of research has revealed the devastating impact of these conditions. Dr Patricia OBrien, a psychologist and former hotshot, found significantly higher rates of probable depression, anxiety disorder and PTSD among firefighters than the rest of the population. Suicidal ideation, binge drinking, and smokeless tobacco use occur at 2-10 times the rates of the general public, and divorce rates are higher. In 2015, more firefighters died by suicide than in the line of duty. Sinemas office said that permanent pay rises for firefighters could be included in future National Defense Authorization Act legislation, that specifies what the US military spends its money on, and where members typically fit priorities that wouldnt otherwise pass. Duncan noted that, unfortunately, when large fires break out, it tended to help their cause. It reminds people that its always fire season somewhere, she said, highlighting the recent Texas blazes. Were seeing devastating losses out there. Maybe not a lot of houses, as we see in California, but livelihoods of ranchers, and thousands of livestock. Golden said that to get legislation onto a lawmakers radar, he tried to meet them where theyre at: If the climate crisis was unlikely to play with a conservative member, for example, then perhaps they might be concerned about national security. Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema, from Arizona, has championed legislation to improved firefighter pay. But it is unclear if the bill will pass before the end of the 2024 Congressional session (Getty Images) He pointed to the Department of Defenses climate strategy, which mentions the threat of wildfires, and that theTexas fires had briefly forced a nuclear weapons facility north of Amarillo to evacuate. Im trying to pull all the levers that I can think of to raise awareness, Golden told The Independent. But there is a very real risk that masses of federal firefighters will not wait around long enough for Congress to act. Last year, a bipartisan group of Senators urged Senate Leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell to avoid mass resignations within the ranks by ensuring prompt passage of the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. The Independent has asked Senate and House majority and minority leadership for comment on what actions they are taking to help pass the legislation. None had responded to emails seeking comment at the time of publication. I think a lot of our younger folks find it really frustrating because why wouldnt people support us in this? Duncan said. Whether its a fire in your backyard, youre breathing in smoke from Canada, or beef prices go up because we lose a bunch of cattle, everyone is going to be affected. So everyone should really be interested in this. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you are based in the UK and are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you A federal judge on Wednesday blasted a convicted January 6 rioter for downplaying the US Capitol attack and using the kind of revisionist rhetoric that former President Donald Trump often uses on the campaign trial. This cannot become normal We cannot condone the normalization of the January 6 US Capitol riot, US District Judge Royce Lamberth said while sentencing Taylor James Johnatakis to more than seven years in prison. The judge warned of a vicious cycle that could imperil our institutions if Americans, upset with future election results, resort to the vigilantism, lawlessness and anarchy that occurred on January 6, 2021. He did not reference Trump by name while sentencing Johnatakis, but the comparisons were clear. After Johnatakis conviction in November, he has mirrored Trumps rhetoric in interviews about the insurrection, saying everything about January 6 is just overblown, and referring to the jail in Washington, DC, as a gulag. Trump has similarly put what he calls January 6 hostages front and center in his campaign. He has pledged to pardon some of the people facing charges for their role in the insurrection. And he has played a song at political rallies that features the voices of January 6 inmates singing the national anthem. The judge declared Wednesday that the January 6 riot was not civil disobedience, but instead was a corrosive and selfish, not patriotic affront to the nation, where Americans were battling (their) own representative government. He invoked the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau as examples of historic American figures who pursued peaceful but powerful acts of civil disobedience. There can be no room in our country for this sort of political violence, Lamberth said. Johnatakis briefly spoke during the hearing, only to say I repent for my sins, and to ask several questions common among so-called Sovereign Citizen conspiracy theorists who dont recognize the authority of the federal government. Lamberth, a senior judge appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, dismissed these inquiries as gobbledygook. Johnatakis was found guilty in November by a federal jury of seven crimes, including assaulting a police officer and obstructing the congressional proceedings. He has been in the DC jail since his conviction. According to evidence presented at trial, Johnatakis attended Trumps rally on January 6 and then threatened to break down doors while marching toward the Capitol. Once outside the building, he incited fellow Trump supporters in the massive mob by spewing fiery rhetoric over a megaphone and later led the charge to breach the police line by using a metal barricade to overpower the officers. He has been defiant about his actions, saying in a recent interview that we did nothing on January 6, and writing about the injustice that he and other Capitol riot defendants are facing behind bars. Prosecutors said he deserved a longer prison term because of his continued lack of remorse. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A federal judge admonished a Jan. 6 rioter during his sentencing Wednesday after the man downplayed the severity of the riots and his violent conduct. This cannot become normal. We cannot condone the normalization of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot, Judge Royce Lamberth said during the sentencing of Taylor James Johnatakis, CNN reported. Johnatakis, a self-described sovereign citizen, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and other felony and misdemeanor charges related to the riot, and he was sentenced to seven years in prison. After his conviction last year, he repeatedly downplayed the riots in interviews, calling the riot overblown and his prison accommodations a gulag. Lamberth warned that future political violence may be possible if the country does not learn lessons from Jan. 6, warning of a vicious cycle that could imperil our institutions resulting in vigilantism, lawlessness and anarchy. The Jan. 6 riot was not civil disobedience, he said, CNN reported, instead calling it corrosive and a selfish, not patriotic action where rioters were battling [their] own representative government. There can be no room in our country for this sort of political violence, he added. According to prosecutors, Johnatakis pledged to burn the city down, before the riots, later showing up to the Capitol on Jan. 6 with a megaphone to rile up the crowd before leading a charge up the Capitol Building scaffolding through a police line. Johnatakis then used the megaphone to organize heave-ho pushed against a second police line and attacked police officers outside the Capitol before entering it. Lamberths comments Wednesday marked the second time he has denounced the rhetoric of rioters and their supporters. In January, he blasted conservatives who dubbed convicted rioters hostages and patriots. In my thirty-seven years on the bench, I cannot recall a time when such meritless justifications of criminal activity have gone mainstream, he wrote in January. I have been dismayed to see distortions and outright falsehoods seep into the public consciousness. More than 1,350 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes, according to the Justice Department. More than 800 of them have been sentenced, with roughly two-thirds getting terms of imprisonment ranging from several days to 22 years. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekistan Airways increased the number of flights from Tashkent to Almaty to 14 times a week, Trend reports. According to the airline, the new flights are operated on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Uzbekistan Airways has switched to a spring-summer flight schedule. At the moment, the airline conducts flights from Tashkent to Astana six times a week. The flights on Saturdays have been added. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan Airways launched the first scheduled flight to Mumbai (India), restored after the pandemic. According to the airline, the flights from Tashkent to Mumbai and back will be operated twice a week, on Mondays and Saturdays. Also, Uzbekistan will resume flights to Georgian Batumi on May 29. Also, the airline will launch flights to Nha Trang (Vietnam) for the first time on May 4. An overhaul to the Federal Application for Student Aid - or FAFSA - has left many high school seniors and their families frustrated. Many soon-to-be first-time college students are still waiting on the Department of Education to let them know how much aid theyll be getting for college. Its April, and this is the month when high school seniors typically tour campuses and begin to make final decisions on where they plan to attend college, but thats been delayed. Theres been a lot of uncertainty, Randy Huynh, a senior at Foster High School, said. He and his classmate, Marisol Jimenez Garcia told KIRO 7 they thought theyd be more certain about their college futures by now. Some of my college admissions were put on hold entirely so Im waiting on that, Garcia said. Am I going to need to get a part time job while Im studying there? Is that going to affect my schooling and how is that going to affect costs back at home? she wondered. Both students are part of Minds Matter Seattle, a program that helps students prepare for college. Cheryl Hammond, the director of support programs for Minds Matter Seattle said this year has been extremely stressful for students. Earlier this week, I got a WhatsApp message at midnight from one of my seniors going I just got this email and I dont know what it means and Im scared, Hammond said. She told KIRO 7 that some students have estimated financial aid offers but those could change. Hammond said that leaves students wondering if theyll even be able to afford the colleges they want to attend. Were all frantically reaching out to these colleges saying. can we get an extension on some of these decisions because we have nowhere near enough information for the students to know whether they can make that commitment, Hammond said. In response to the FAFSA problems, universities across the country and in Western Washington have extended their deadlines. The University of Washington, Seattle University, Western Washington University and the University of Puget Sound have all extended their deadlines to June 1st. I hope that itll all work out and that hopefully other scholarships will cover the aid that unfortunately the federal government isnt able to give, Garcia said. KIRO 7 also spoke with Jack Wallace, the director of government and lender relations at YRefy, who said families need to make sure theyve expanded the definition of safety school, not to just include where a student is accepted, but also a school the family can afford. If youre looking at a four-year private list of schools you may want to add an in state or out of state public four-year school. And if youre looking at a four-year school, you may want to add a community college to that list, Wallace said. Female head teacher sexually harassed male worker by saying he looked fit in Speedos Shelagh O'Shea signed off emails to teaching assistant Nikoloz Papashvili with a kiss and said she wanted him to 'meet the parents' A female head teacher sexually harassed a male teaching assistant by saying he looked fit in Speedos, a tribunal heard. Inappropriate comments made by senior women to younger men have no place in the modern workplace, an employment judge ruled after hearing the case of school worker Nikoloz Papashvili. Mr Papashvili became the subject of staff room banter when colleagues laughed at sexual innuendos made by head teacher Shelagh OShea, an employment tribunal heard. Mrs OShea signed off emails to the teaching assistant with a kiss and said she wanted him to meet the parents. Mr Papashvili took Belvue School, in Ealing, west London, to an employment tribunal after he was dismissed for skiving off work to go on a summer holiday to Croatia. The tribunal ruled in his favour for claims of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal, concluding the investigation that led to him being fired was profoundly unfair. Seven occasions of sexual harassment Mr Papashvili has won 9,309 and the tribunal has revoked an anonymity order that previously meant Mrs OShea and Belvue School could not be identified. The hearing in Watford was told Mr Papashvili was sexually harassed by Mrs OShea on seven occasions over two years, from 2017 to 2019. The consistent theme in these allegations was Mrs OShea remarking upon (Mr Papashvilis) supposedly fit body and his Speedos, a tribunal judgment said. Mr Papashvili claimed he had been used and abused by the head teacher who had made unwanted sexual advances and, in June 2020, told him she wanted to take him to meet the parents. The tribunal heard from the schools caretaker, who said he and other members of staff teased Mr Papashvili about the head teachers remarks and innuendos. Gross misconduct allegations It heard that in March 2020, Belvue School closed for most students but a rota was drawn up for staff to continue coming in. Staff were told they had to attend the secondary school during the final week of term, irrespective of what the rota said despite Mr Papashvili being scheduled to be off. As a result, he asked to take his holiday early so he could visit his parents in Georgia for his birthday a request which was denied. The tribunal heard the head teacher then discovered Mr Papashvili had gone to the pub for leaving drinks before setting off on a European tour with his girlfriend the next day. Mrs OShea requested to see him; however, Mr Papashvili called in sick, claiming he had Covid symptoms. The head teacher said it was unacceptable and launched disciplinary proceedings; however, the tribunal found it was unclear what was being investigated. The tribunal found the school had already drawn a conclusion by calling his behaviour unacceptable. Mr Papashvili was signed off sick and faced gross misconduct allegations over lying about his summer absence and loss of trust and confidence. The hearing in Watford was told Mr Papashvili did not raise sexual harassment concerns until late 2020, when he faced disciplinary proceedings. From a hostile and intemperate email, the tribunal concluded it was clear Mr Papashvili was not going to get a fair determination of his complaint. He was sacked in December 2020. Employment Judge Gary Tobin said the head teacher who directed the investigation had established the facts to her liking. Comments had no place in modern workplace At the latest compensation hearing, Judge Tobin said the Speedo comments were unacceptable. Judge Tobin said: We believe that Mrs OShea thought that she was paying (Mr Papashvili) a compliment and/or that her comments were jokey or risque. We accepted [a colleagues] previous evidence that he and some other staff teased (Mr Papashvili) about the head teachers remarks and innuendos. Both language and attitudes to colleagues change over time and comments that might have been prevalent and acceptable in a workplace 30 or 40 years ago are no longer justifiable or tolerated. Similar comments made by a senior man, particularly if older, are generally regarded as unacceptable if directed towards a junior or younger female and perhaps, belatedly, such comments made by a female head teacher towards a younger teaching assistant should now similarly be regarded as unacceptable. Such comments are not teasing or risque when the recipient objects and (Mr Papashvili) did object although sometime after the event. We do not think the comments were made directly to (Mr Papashvili); they were made about him in a juvenile manner that increasingly has no place in the modern workplace. The harassment amounted to juvenile insinuations from an older woman in a professional environment and this reflected badly upon her. Mr Papashvilis compensation award of 9,309 was reduced significantly due to his conduct. The tribunal found Mr Papashvili had been dishonest and told multiple lies, including wanting to go to Georgia and about having Covid. 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. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The fiancee of a wanted fugitive who was shot and killed by US Marshals outside a Plaza Midwood gas station two years ago is now suing, according to a lawsuit filed with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of North Carolina obtained by Queen City News on Wednesday. Court records stated that Frankie Jennings was shot and killed by US Marshals agent Eric Tillman in March of 2021 at a Plaza Midwood Citgo gas station. Jennings fiancee and their son were both present at the time of the shooting and they are seeking punitive as well as monetary damages in the aftermath of the deadly shooting. MORE: CMPD update on U.S. Marshals deadly shooting investigation Tillman at the time was a member of a fugitive task force, which the lawsuit states has a mission of capturing fugitives without killing them. The lawsuit states that Tillman and other members of the task force attempted a dangerous tactical maneuver known as vehicle containment, which uses the element of surprise. The lawsuit stated that a struggle ensued between Jennings, Tillman, and another agent before Tillman fatally shot Jennings. U.S. Marshals policy directives instruct that deadly force may not be used solely to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit also says a gun was found inside Jennings vehicle. Jennings fiancee, who is requesting a jury trial to recover an unspecified amount of punitive and compensatory damages, was unlawfully apprehended during the incident while US Marshals had no warrant for her, the lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit was filed by Attorney Dominique Camm, the Freedman Law Group, and Jennings fiancee Nayjah Johnson on March 23, 2024. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Finland has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine the 23rd provided by their government. Source: the security agreement between Ukraine and Finland, reported by European Pravda Details: The agreement states that simultaneously with the signing of the agreement on security cooperation and long-term support, Finland is announcing the provision of its 23rd aid package, worth 188 million. The contents of the package have not been disclosed. However, it is noted that the total value of military support Finland has provided to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war is approaching 2 billion. "With Finlands 30 million contribution to the Czech initiative of Joint Procurement of Artillery Ammunition to Ukraine, Finlands support to Ukraine in 2024 already exceeds 400 million and will increase with at least two further packages in the course of the year," the agreement says. According to the agreement, Finland plans to provide at least two more aid packages to Ukraine this year. Background: Finnish President Alexander Stubb arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday. Shortly after the news of his arrival, the Office of the President of Ukraine published the text of the agreement between Ukraine and Finland on security cooperation and long-term support. Support UP or become our patron! By Anna Voitenko KYIV (Reuters) -Finland's president on Wednesday signed a 10-year security deal with Ukraine in Kyiv where President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he believed Russia planned to mobilise 300,000 new troops for its war by June. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian news agencies, said the Ukrainian president's assertion about a new Russian mobilisation was untrue. The pact signed by President Alexander Stubb and Zelenskiy made Finland the eighth NATO member this year to commit to long-term security cooperation and defence backing for Kyiv as it battles to hold back Russian forces. Finland, which shares a 1,340-km (830-mile) border with Russia, joined NATO a year ago. Stubb said Finland would also send 188 million euros ($203 million) in additional military aid, including air defences and heavy-calibre ammunition. That sum took Finland's overall defence contribution to around 2 billion euros during the war. "We are not giving this military support only for Ukraine to defend itself, we are giving this military support for Ukraine to win this war," Stubb told a joint news conference in Kyiv. Ukraine relies heavily on Western air defence systems and has faced a recent surge in Russian missile and drone attacks that have battered its energy system. On the battlefield, Ukraine is on the back foot as military assistance from the United States stalls and Kyiv's troops find themselves outgunned by a larger and better armed foe. Russia has inched forward. ZELENSKIY SAYS RUSSIA IS PREPARING Though he provided no evidence to back up his assertion, Zelenskiy told the news conference: "I can say that Russia is preparing to mobilise 300,000 military personnel by June 1." And later, in his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said: "We clearly understand what Russia is preparing for, what they want, what they want to assemble soldiers for in their army." He said he had discussed plans and tactics with Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, including "defending out positions, our pressure on Russian positions, our key plans for defensive and offensive actions in the near future". Russian President Vladimir Putin denied in December that there was a need for Moscow to conduct another wave of mobilisation, something that would be politically sensitive. On Wednesday, the Russian defence ministry said more than 100,000 people had signed contracts with the army since the start of the year, including about 16,000 in the past 10 days following a deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow. Zelenskiy's comments come as the Ukrainian parliament considers an overhaul of the rules governing how Ukrainian civilians are called up into the army. This week, Zelenskiy signed legislation reducing the draft age to 25 from 27, expanding the number of people who can be called up to fight. At the news conference, he said he did not think Ukraine needed to mobilise as many as 500,000 more people into the army, an idea floated late last year, but that he did not know yet how many were needed. (Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen in Copenhagen and Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk; Editing by Stine Jacobsen, Mark Heinrich, Nick Macfie, Sharon Singleton, Ron Popeski and Alison Williams) Candles, flowers and other memorabilia placed in front of the Viertola school after the fatal incident. A 12-year-old child has died after being shot in a primary school in the Finnish town of Vantaa near Helsinki and two more were injured. Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva/dpa Bullying at school is thought to be the motive behind this week's fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy at a Finnish primary school, police in the city of Vantaa told a press conference on Wednesday. The suspect, also 12, had revealed under questioning that he had been subjected to bullying at the school, they said. The suspect transferred at the beginning of the year to the sixth class of the school, also attended by the three victims. Two other 12-year-olds were injured. The incident took place on Tuesday morning. One pupil died at the scene. Two others are critically injured in hospital. Police arrested the suspect soon after the shooting, finding a firearm on him. He did not resist arrest. The crime is being investigated as murder and attempted murder, police said, with the suspect said to have confessed to the offences during initial questioning. According to the police, the weapon used belonged to a close relative of the boy. Police said that the boy had threatened other pupils after running away from the school after the shooting. Flags flew at half-mast across the country on Wednesday. The primary school concerned has 800 pupils divided over two locations in the city of some 200,000 in the south of the country. The Finnish Ministry of the Interior says there are more than 1.5 million licensed firearms in Finland and around 430,000 authorized owners. Both hunting and gun ownership have a long tradition in the country. Following the shootings at Finnish schools in 2007 and 2008, which left a total of 20 people dead, the country tightened its gun laws by raising the minimum age for gun ownership and giving the police more powers to check people applying for a gun licence. Police officers swiftly responded to the scene at Viertola comprehensive school, where a shooting on Tuesday morning left three minors injured. Following the incident, authorities apprehended a suspect, also a minor. Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva/dpa Police officers swiftly responded to the scene at Viertola comprehensive school, where a shooting on Tuesday morning left three minors injured. Following the incident, authorities apprehended a suspect, also a minor. Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva/dpa Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is making his first visit to Ukraine as president, has visited the battlefield at Hostomel Airport and met with several military personnel who took part in its defence. Source: Alexander Stubb on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda The Finnish leader shared a photo from Hostomel, noting that it is a symbolic site from the early days of the full-scale war, where Ukraine's struggle for freedom and independence began. Quote from Stubb: "It is a symbol of courage, decisiveness and resistance. I was honoured to meet some of the veterans of the Hostomel battle and hear about their experiences. Slava Ukraini!" Hostomel is a place where Ukraine's heroic fight for freedom and independence began. It is a symbol of courage, decisiveness and resistance. I was honored to meet some of the veterans of the Hostomel battle and hear about their experiences. Slava Ukraini! pic.twitter.com/Is80Cma2UZ Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb) April 3, 2024 During his visit, Stubb announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 188 million the 23rd provided by the Finnish government. A bilateral security cooperation agreement was also reached. Ukraine has already signed security agreements with the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands. Support UP or become our patron! Alexander Stubb at a press conference in Kyiv. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Finnish President Alexander Stubb has spoken about the possibility of sending Finnish troops to Ukraine. Source: Stubb at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, reported by European Pravda Details: Stubb noted that he sees no reason to send Finnish troops to Ukraine. "There is no reason for Finland to send its troops to Ukraine. We are supporting Ukraine in every possible way in particular, by signing a security agreement and providing 23 military aid packages. It is very important that Europe, the US and the West focus on what they can realistically do for Ukraine," he said. Stubb was also asked about his position regarding the use of Finnish weapons on the territory of the Russian Federation. He replied that he did not want to go into details. In this context, he added that Finland provides Ukraine with weapons not only for defence, but also to defeat Russia in the war. Background: French President Emmanuel Macron said in March that a possible deployment of Western troops to Ukraine "could not be ruled out". He later added that his words had been carefully thought out. Later, commenting on the idea he raised, Macron stressed that if such a scenario were to materialise, French forces would not go on the offensive against Russia. Support UP or become our patron! Police at the scene of the school shooting in Vantaa, Finland, on Tuesday - KIMMO BRANDT/SHUTTERSTOCK A 12-year-old boy who shot three of his classmates at their school near Helsinki had been bullied, Finnish police said. The boy shot his classmates, also aged 12, leaving one boy dead and two girls with life-threatening injuries before fleeing the scene on Tuesday morning. He was caught close to an hour later in a northern district of Helsinki. The motive for the act has been identified as bullying. The suspect has told the police during interrogations that he has been the victim of bullying and this information has also been confirmed in the polices preliminary investigation, police said in a statement. Investigators also confirmed that the young suspect had been transferred to the school in the town of Vantaa at the beginning of the year. Both female victims remained in hospital in a critical condition on Wednesday. Police have not said whether the attacker sought to target any specific individuals. Finlands public buildings lowered their flags to half-mast on Wednesday to mark that a day of mourning was being observed. Authorities in the town of Vantaa said that most pupils at the school attended class as normal on Wednesday following the previous days shooting. Roughly 90 per cent of the schools students turned up for school, said the head of the city education authority, Ilkka Kalo. A minutes silence was held at the start of the school day and pupils were given the chance to ask questions about the shooting, he said. The suspect is now being investigated on one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Investigation into obtaining handgun Because children under the age of 15 are not considered criminally culpable in Finland, he will not face prosecution. Police said that they have also opened an investigation into how he obtained the handgun used in the shooting. They confirmed that it belonged to a family member with a gun licence. It was not immediately clear how the shooter had obtained the weapon. This matter is being investigated by the police as a separate firearms offence, investigators said in a statement. Following deadly school shootings in 2007 and 2008, Finland tightened its gun legislation in 2010 and introduced an aptitude test for all firearms licence applicants. The minimum age for applicants was also raised to 20 from 18. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. TEXAS TOWNSHIP, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A historic hotel was destroyed in an early morning fire in Wayne County. The fire marshal was called to the scene but could not determine the cause of the fire due to all the damage. What is left of the White Mills Hotel is a pile of burnt debris completely leveled to the ground. The call came in around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning and took crews three hours to put out the flames. There are no injuries and the building was unoccupied during the time of the fire. Roads impacted by heavy rainfall in PA The hotel which is owned by Settlers Hospitality was under renovations 28/22 News spoke to the planning commission in Texas Township and they say just this past Monday, April 1 the township gave Settlers Hospitality the go-ahead to begin renovations which included a sprinkler system, a 1,000-gallon water tank for firefighters, and new areas to park. The hotel was going to be transformed into housing for settler hospitality employees. But for the residents in Texas Township, its a sad day to see a staple piece of history burn down I didnt hear anything but what I heard from my family this morning in text messages, that it was very quick it was very emotional when I pulled in and looked across and it wasnt there like I said it was a staple in the community, it was a gathering spot, explained Michelle Mcconnell co-owner Watson Bros Inc. The fire marshal was unable to determine the cause of this fire, 28/22 News will keep you updated with any developments in this story both on air and online. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. The Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team has declared a First Alert Weather Day due to a strong cold front bringing heavy rain to our area. This alert is in effect from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. UPDATE 12:46 p.m.- Duval County Public Schools has made the following changes to after-school activities due to expected severe weather: Athletics Practices: All athletic practices are canceled. Games and competitions: Players and families should check with their coach to determine if the event will be played or canceled. Afterschool programs such as extended day and Team Up These programs will continue as normal with all activities moved inside. Drivers Education Drivers education classes are cancelled. Community Education All outdoor community education programs are cancelled. UPDATE 10:59 a.m.- The National Weather Service is reporting that one person was injured in Lake City after a tree fell on a mobile home. According to the State Watch Office, the incident happened during a thunderstorm at around 10:18 a.m. The victim only suffered minor injuries. UPDATE 10:51 a.m.- A Tornado Watch has been issued for the rest of Northeast Florida. Action News Jaxs First Alert Weather Team says most counties will be out of the watch by 5 p.m. UPDATE 5:56 a.m.- A Tornado Watch has been issued for all of Southeast Georgia, Baker and Columbia counties until 1 p.m. First Alert Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh said the strong cold front will arrive later Wednesday morning right after the heart of the morning commute. WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS The potential for heavy downpours and rain amounts to 0.5 to 1.5 inches across our area, but places with isolated showers could have even more. There will also be embedded thunderstorms, and a few could be strong or severe with gusty winds of 40 to 60 miles per hour, heavy rain, lightning, small hail and an isolated tornado. Follow Action News Jax Meteorologists on Twitter for updates: Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma | Trevor Gibbs Rain and storms will push from northwest to southeast, clearing the region by the early afternoon. Based on the latest forecast, the storm arrival times should be as follows: Waycross to Lake City: 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Brunswick to Macclenny: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Jacksonville to Middleburg: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. St. Augustine to Palatka: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Rain will gradually clear out later in the afternoon with dry and chilly weather into Thursday morning. Action News Jaxs First Alert Weather Team will continue to monitor the forecast and will bring you updates throughout the day. LISTEN: Mike Buresh All the Weather, All the Time Podcast Heres a look at your First Alert 7-Day Forecast: WEDNESDAY: Cloudy, breezy, showers/storms ending by the afternoon. HIGH: 77 TONIGHT: Clearing sky. Low: 50 (40s well inland) INTERACTIVE RADAR: Keep track of the rain as it moves through your neighborhood THURSDAY: Sunny and cooler. Breezy. High 70/Low 50 FRIDAY: Cool morning, sunny. High 71/Low 44 SATURDAY: Sunny. High 70/Low 45 SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. High 74/Low 43 MONDAY: Partly sunny. High 78/Low 50 TUESDAY: Partly sunny. High 81/Low 59 SHARE WITH US: Send us photos of the weather youre seeing in your area The first underground school in Kharkiv. Photo: Ihor Terekhov on Twitter (X) Construction of the first underground school in Kharkiv is complete, and final preparations for the opening are underway. Source: Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv Terekhov said that the building has been constructed in compliance with all safety requirements. The school has 20 classrooms and will be able to accommodate 900 children studying in two shifts. The first underground school in Kharkiv Photo: Ihor Terekhov on Twitter (X) Terekhov said admissions for the next academic year are almost complete. The school is preparing to welcome 600 young Kharkiv residents this year. "We plan to continue building similar schools in other districts of the city to ensure that all our children have equal access to high-quality and, most importantly, safe education," Terekhov noted. The first underground school in Kharkiv Photo: Ihor Terekhov on Twitter (X) Background: In October 2023, Terekhov reported that the construction of the school was due to be completed by the New Year and that classes would begin in March 2024. There are also plans to open underground schools in Zaporizhzhia. Ivan Fedorov, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, has said that there will be about 50 of them. However, the figure is not final. Support UP or become our patron! Thieves are becoming increasingly brazen with daytime thefts hitting record highs, official figures show. More than seven in ten thefts (71 per cent) from a person such as pickpocketing and nearly half of bike thefts (46 per cent) took place in the morning or afternoon, compared with previous highs of 67 per cent and 45 per cent respectively, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Across 11 crime groups for theft or criminal damage including vehicle crime, five saw daytime rates for the offences hit record highs in the year ending March 2023, the ONSs British Crime Survey showed on Tuesday. Crime experts suggested the surge could be attributed to falling detection and charge rates which have emboldened thieves, and also savage cuts to neighbourhood policing lowering the deterrent of having police on the beat. Burglaries appeared to have bucked the trend, with a decline from a high of 43 per cent in 2018 to 32 per cent being committed during the day. However, the increasing post-pandemic trend for people to work from home meant that record numbers of burglaries were committed while victims were at home. More than two-thirds of burglaries (69 per cent) are now taking place when someone is at home compared with a pre-pandemic average of 57 per cent. The British Crime Survey is based on questioning around 35,000 people every year. Major risk to vulnerable people Dame Vera Baird, the former victims commissioner, said the data suggested that criminals felt free to go about what they want to do without fear of being caught or spotted by police on the beat. She said the increase in break-ins while victims were at home posed a major risk to vulnerable people including the elderly or mothers with young children. It is catastrophically poor protection for women and vulnerable people, she said. Burglars are professional and calm but they might panic if they come across someone and might lash out. It is putting more people in physical danger. The ONS data shows thefts from the person rose from 63 per cent during the day in 2020, the last time the survey was completed, to 71 per cent in 2023, with the previous peak being 67 per cent in 2018 and 2016. Daytime attempts of theft of a vehicle rose from 15 per cent in 2020 to 21 per cent in 2023, a record high, while daylight bike theft jumped from 41 per cent to 46 per cent in the same period. This week a thief was filmed using an angle grinder to cut the lock off a bicycle during the day in east London with the video posted on Twitter. Daytime arson attacks and other criminal damage jumped from 32 per cent to 39 per cent being committed during the day, while burglaries in outbuildings such as sheds or detached garages during the day also hit a record high of 25 per cent. The average cost of items stolen during a burglary has also increased by 60 per cent from 2,856 in 2020 to 4,373 in 2023. Criminals feel they can operate with impunity Rory Geoghegan, a former No 10 policy adviser and founder of the Public Safety Foundation, said: These figures indicate criminals are not just becoming more brazen, but they also appear to be targeting higher value items such as expensive cars, bikes and jewellery. The best thing the Government could do to help cut this crime would be to ensure these prolific criminals receive prison sentences rather than the suspended sentences currently proposed in the Governments forthcoming legislation. Yvette Cooper, shadow home secretary, said: The decimation of neighbourhood policing and a plummeting charge rate has left criminals feeling like they can operate with impunity. That is the Conservatives abysmal record on law and order more criminals being let off and more victims being let down. Labour will put 13,000 more neighbourhood police and PCSOs back on the beat in our communities and reverse the catastrophic collapse in the proportion of crimes being solved. A Home Office spokesman said: Since 2010 our communities are safer, with neighbourhood crimes such as burglary and robbery down 48 per cent. We have delivered on our promise to recruit 20,000 additional police officers, which means there are now over 149,000 officers in England and Wales, higher than the previous peak before the police uplift. But we are clear that charge rates need to improve. We welcome the polices commitment to attend the scene of every home burglary and expect them to take a zero tolerance approach to all crimes by pursuing all reasonable lines of enquiry to bring more perpetrators to justice. 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. Five finalists are named in the search for a new Topeka city manager. Here's who they are. The city of Topeka announced five city manager finalists on Wednesday. Former city manager Stephen Wade was fired in July after allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, according to the city. Since then, Richard U. Nienstedt has taken over as interim city manager. The finalists will participate in two interview panels on Monday. One panel will be with the governing body, and the second panel will be with the mayor and community stakeholders. The interview panels won't be open to the public. However, the finalists will attend a meet and greet that is open to the public. The meet and greet will be 5:30-7 p.m. Monday in the emerald ballroom of Hotel Topeka, 1717 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Topeka city officials have five finalists to be the next city manager. The interview panels will be closed to the public, but finalists will attend a public meet and greet. Jeffrey Dingman Jeffrey Dingman is the deputy city administrator for Fort Smith, Arkansas, and was a finalist for Topeka city manager in 2017. Digman has worked in government leadership for 20 years and has a juris doctor from the University of Kansas. He's been a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association since 2006. He has also previously served in similar leadership roles for Baldwin City, Kansas, and Sebastian County, Arkansas. In his career, he has developed short- and long-term strategic plans for communities in varying populations and managed city budgets ranging from $13 million to $160 million. Alan Howze Alan Howze is a public sector executive who has focused on building strong, financially sustainable communities and delivering high-quality public services. He has more than 20 years of governmental experience and is currently serving as the assistant administrator for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. He has a master's degree in business administration from the University of Virginia and a bachelor's degree in economics and anthropology from James Madison University. Howze has worked in government at the local, state and federal level. He also has a background in communications and technology. William Jones William Jones has worked in local government for more than 24 years. He currently works as the city administrator for Mequon, Wisconsin. He has also worked similar roles for the Glencoe and Highland Park, Illinois. Jones received his master's degree in public administration from Indiana University and is a credentialed manager with the International City/County Management Association, is a certified public finance officer from the Government Finance Officers Association and is a certified labor relations professional from the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association. Jones has expanded the tax base, assisted with debt issues, developed an asset management plan, revised an ethics ordinance, restructured organizational staffing, hired a new police chief, initiated a fill-time staffing model for fire and EMS, and enhanced health and safety in schools via a new water source and an additional school resource officer. Robert Perez Robert Perez is the assistant city manager of infrastructure for Dallas. He has more than 20 years of municipal government experience while working for Dallas and San Antonio. Perez has a doctorate in the philosophy of education with a concentration in organizational leadership, a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in political science. He has published several academic articles ranging in topics from the relationship between data and infrastructure as well as innovation in local government. He currently provides executive leadership to Dallas' public works, transportation, bond and construction management, equipment and fleet services and building services. Abbe Yacoben Abbe Yacoben is the current chief financial officer for Washoe County, Nevada, and also was a finalist for the Topeka city manager position in 2022. She has nearly 20 years of municipal government experience and has worked in Arizona, Illinois and Maine. She has a master's degree in public policy with a concentration in finance from the University of Chicago. She is a certified public finance officer. Yacoben leads Washoe County commissioners in strategic planning. Yacoben focuses on leadership, team building, open communication, working with different public groups and improving the quality of life for all residents. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka names five city manager finalist including two former finalists Five things to know about the 2024 Keeneland Spring Meet, including Derby, Oaks prep races High-profile horse racing action returns to Central Kentucky this week. The 2024 Keeneland Spring Meet which will feature 16 days of racing from April 5-26 (no racing on Mondays and Tuesdays) will again serve as an important run-in to a historic 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby on May 4 at Churchill Downs in Louisville. This years Spring Meet will award a record purse across nearly 20 stakes races, and it will also celebrate the 100th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, a key Kentucky Derby prep race. Several changes will take effect at Keeneland for this years Spring Meet, including changes to wagering offerings and a new parking setup due to ongoing construction. With the Spring Meet set to begin Friday afternoon, here are five things to know as horse racing season returns to Lexington. The 2024 Keeneland Spring Meet begins Friday. The 10-race opening day card features the $600,000 Grade 1 Central Bank Ashland Stakes along with the $400,000, Grade 3 Transylvania Stakes and the $400,000 Lafayette Stakes. Keeneland Spring Meet to offer a season-record purse for stakes races This years Spring Meet will award a season-record amount of money across 19 stakes races. A total of $8.1 million will be dished out to participants. Leading the way is the Grade 1, $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Saturday). The Grade 1 Central Bank Ashland (Friday), Grade 1 Madison (Saturday), Grade 1 Makers Mark Mile (April 12) and Grade 1 Jenny Wiley (April 13) are each worth $600,000. The Grade 3 Transylvania (Friday), Lafayette (Friday), Grade 2 Appalachian presented by Japan Racing Association (Saturday), Grade 2 Beaumont presented by Keeneland Select (Sunday) and Grade 3 Stonestreet Lexington (April 13) are all worth $400,000. The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes is a Kentucky Derby prep race that will award Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale. The Stonestreet Lexington is also a Derby prep race (the final one) and will award qualifying points to the top five finishers on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale. The Central Bank Ashland is a Kentucky Oaks prep race that will award Oaks qualifying points to the top five finishers on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale. Both the Derby and the Oaks will celebrate their 150th editions next month at Churchill Downs. Blue Grass Stakes celebrates its 100th running The opening weekend of each Keeneland Spring Meet is always highlighted by the Blue Grass Stakes, a key Kentucky Derby prep race that features a field of 3-year-olds looking to secure their spots in the 20-horse Derby starting gate. This year is no different, as a field of 11 horses were assigned post positions Tuesday for Saturdays race (5:52 p.m. post time). But, the 2024 running of the Blue Grass Stakes also has a historic meaning to it: It will be the 100th edition of the race. The Blue Grass Stakes (1 1/8 miles on the main track) has been held at Keeneland since the tracks first Spring Meet in April 1937, and the 1 1/8-mile race was inaugurated in 1911 at the Kentucky Association track in Lexington. The Blue Grass Stakes was run at the Kentucky Association track from 1911 through 1914, and again from 1919 to 1926. The full list of starters (in post position order, with trainer, jockey and morning-line odds) for the 2024 Blue Grass Stakes is below. 1. Top Conor (Chad Brown, Jose Ortiz), 15-1. 2. Be You (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr.), 8-1. 3. Seize the Grey (D. Wayne Lukas, Nik Juarez), 20-1. 4. Dornoch (Danny Gargan, Luis Saez), 3-1. 5. Good Money (Chad Brown, Javier Castellano), 20-1. 6. Just a Touch (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux), 7-2. 7. Lat Long (Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr.), 30-1. 8. Epic Ride (John Ennis, Adam Beschizza), 20-1. 9. Mugatu (Jeff Engler, Joe Talamo), 30-1. 10. Sierra Leone (Chad Brown, Tyler Gaffalione), 2-1. 11. Encino (Brad Cox, Flavien Prat), 12-1. Morning-line second choice Dornoch ranks highest on the Kentucky Derby qualifying leaderboard with 60 points good for 10th place. Favorite Sierra Leone is 12th with 55 qualifying points. Seize the Grey has 27 points (22nd place), followed by Just a Touch (25 points, 27th), Encino (20 points, 29th), Epic Ride (10 points, 43rd), Good Money (10 points, 48th), Lat Long (6 points, 53rd) and Be You (3 points, 66th). 11 horses set to run in 100th Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. See the full field with odds. Top Kentucky Oaks contenders to make 2024 debuts in Ashland The Central Bank Ashland is still a few years away from celebrating its centennial this will be the 87th running of the race but there is still significant fanfare surrounding Fridays edition of the 1 1/16-mile event on Keenelands main track. Thats largely because a pair of highly regarded 3-year-old fillies will be making their 2024 debuts in the race. This includes the undefeated Just F Y I, trained by Bill Mott and to be ridden by Junior Alvarado. Just F Y I is a perfect 3-for-3 in her racing career, and has won two graded stakes: The Grade 1 Frizette Stakes in October and the Grade 1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies in November. Also making her 2024 debut in Fridays race is Candied, who is trained by two-time Ashland winner Todd Pletcher. Candied finished third in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies, and previously won the Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades last fall at Keeneland. All of Pletchers Ashland wins have come in recent memory: He won the 2021 race with Malathaat and the 2022 race with Nest. The full list of starters (in post position order, with trainer, jockey and morning-line odds) for the Ashland is below. Of these horses, the following are on the points leaderboard to qualify for the Kentucky Oaks: Jodys Pride (fifth with 65 points), Just F Y I (16th with 40 points,) Candied (27th with 19 points), Leslies Rose (32nd with 15 points) and Shimmering Allure (34th with 13 points). The Ashland will award Oaks qualifying points to the top five finishers on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale. The 150th edition of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (14 starters) will be run May 3 at Churchill Downs in Louisville. 1. Candied (Todd Pletcher, Luis Saez), 6-1. 2. Standoutsensation (Thomas M. Amoss, Edgar Morales), 30-1. 3. Leslies Rose (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr.), 4-1. 4. Halinas Forte (Phil Bauer, Tyler Gaffalione), 8-1. 5. Shimmering Allure (Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr.), 10-1. 6. Just F Y I (Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado), 3-1. 7. Impel (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux), 2-1. 8. Jodys Pride (Jorge Abreu, Flavien Prat), 8-1. Keeneland has announced that paved row parking will require a paid permit this year due to construction. The Green and Gold lots will require parking permits. Handicap parking will remain free but is limited. Changes to Keenelands parking setup due to construction project A big change for this years Spring Meet comes in the process that precedes entering the venue. Because of a $93 million renovation project thats underway and wont be finished until the 2025 Fall Meet, parking will be impacted for those going to the track. One of the parking changes that will go into effect this Spring Meet is that parking in paved rows will be by paid permit only. According to the Keeneland website, a limited number of paved lot/row parking spaces are available each day. These spaces must be purchased online in advance. The cost? Permits are $10 for Wednesdays or Thursdays and $20 for Fridays, Saturday or Sundays. Handicapped parking, which also is in the paved rows, will remain free, but there are no reservations for those spaces. Complimentary shuttles from the parking lot to the South Grandstand Entrance will be available. Free parking still exists for those who dont want to pay. Parking in The Meadow and The Hill grass lots will still be free. Shuttles will run from those locations to bring patrons to the shuttle depot on Keeneland Boulevard. Once there, patrons will walk around the construction zone or sales pavilion to the grandstand entrances. There is a separate spot for ride share pickups and drop-offs. Keeneland has wagering change for Spring Meet Starting with the Spring Meet, Keeneland will be reducing the takeout on a Daily Double wager from 22% to 15%. This wager which requires a handicapper to pick the winning horses in two consecutive races is offered on all but the final race each meet day. This type of wager is horse racings equivalent to a two-game parlay, according to Keenelands director of wagering development, Jim Goodman. This pricing is advantageous to our core horseplayers but also is a great opportunity for emerging bettors to try horse racings equivalent of a two-game parlay, Goodman said in a news release. The 2023 Spring Meet at Keeneland generated a record all-sources wagering handle of $224,348,745, which surpassed the previous record of $219,284,979 set during the 2022 Spring Meet. All-sources betting on Keeneland racing during the 2023 Fall Meet totaled $201.7 million, the second-highest Fall Meet handle and fourth-highest handle in track history. Three horses died as the result of racing incidents during the 2023 Spring Meet, but just one horse died as the result of racing incidents during the 2023 Fall Meet. The four total horse deaths at Keeneland in 2023 were the most at the Lexington track since nine died following racing incidents in 2019. 11 horses set to run in 100th Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. See the full field with odds. Expert picks for the 100th Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, a key Kentucky Derby prep race When it comes to tech companies, lawmakers often seem to be talking about different things at once. Sometimes lawmakers are angry that tech companies dont take enough action to protect their users, saying companies need to be held liable for harms, particularly harms to children. At other times, they complain tech companies are taking too much action by unfairly excluding some users and content from social media. These two issues liability and deplatforming are sometimes treated as separate issues, but they are closely connected. In January, social media executives appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee in hearings focused on the harms that the platforms have done to children. Tech companies currently enjoy broad immunity from liability for content posted on their platforms thanks to a provision of federal law known as Section 230. Senators from both parties have said they want to repeal Section 230, and at the hearing they excoriated the executives, asking why they should not be held financially liable for the injuries caused, and demanded further protections for children from harmful posts and algorithmically curated content. If Section 230 were repealed and platforms were sued, they would invariably take down content that harms kids in order to prevent future lawsuits. In other words, they would need to deplatform harmful content and potentially individuals who post it. But while many elected officials might welcome such actions, others are pushing in the opposite direction. For instance, state legislators in Texas and Florida have passed laws that would severely restrict the ability of social media platforms to deplatform individuals and content. The platforms have challenged the laws in the Supreme Court, and at oral argument in February, the justices seemed to have a hard time grappling with the question of whether the states can prevent deplatforming. This tension between content moderation and deplatforming also affects the people who run social media sites. While Elon Musk was skeptical of deplatforming and content moderation before buying Twitter (now X), Musks platform has since done both: suspending Ye, aka Kanye West, for antisemitic posts, blocking accounts that tweeted the location of Musks private jet, and deplatforming links to a competitor app, Mastodon. These various actions raise a big question, perhaps one of the central conundrums in the age of social media: How should we think about deplatforming? Should tech platforms allow all content to be posted and all users to post, in line with principles of equal access? Or should they restrict content and users that harm children, other users, or society? This question might seem novel, but it is actually very old. For hundreds of years, American law has been grappling with the problem of whether, when, and how to deplatform individuals and content. Not on social media platforms, which obviously didnt exist, but in public utilities and other infrastructural businesses. Laws in these areas offer important insights into how to regulate social media and other tech platforms. The first step is to start thinking of technology a bit differently, less as a product or service and more as a utility. Enterprises that provide infrastructure or utility-like services have long been categorized differently from those that sell ordinary goods. In the 18th and 19th centuries, ferries, mills, blacksmiths, inns and wharfs, among other things, were included in this category. With industrialization, successive generations of Americans added the telegraph, telephone, railroads, pipelines, airlines and other businesses, usually in the transportation, communications and energy sectors. In a new book, my co-authors Morgan Ricks, Shelley Welton and Lev Menand call this category of businesses NPUs networks, platforms, and utilities. NPU enterprises form the foundations for modern commerce, communications and civic connections just like contemporary tech platforms. They also tend to end up wielding monopoly or oligopoly power, again like our modern tech giants. As a result, throughout history, courts, state legislatures and Congress imposed a distinctive set of regulations on these businesses. Specifically, to ensure access to these important services, NPUs were usually required to accept all comers in a nondiscriminatory fashion, including even their competitors. Some old cases provide some instructive examples. For example, in 1881, only five years after Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, a carriage company in Louisville, Kentucky. wanted telephone service so customers could contact it. But the telephone company refused to serve them. Why? Because the telephone company owned a competing carriage company. The carriage company sued and a Kentucky court held that the telephone company was bound to serve the general public on reasonable terms, with impartiality. Over time, policymakers went further and banned many NPUs from owning other businesses. This ensured they could not leverage power from one sector into other areas of commerce. But that duty to serve all users was never absolute. NPUs were also allowed to exclude some customers, so long as the exclusion was reasonable. For example, in 1839, the New Hampshire Supreme Court declared that innkeepers and common carriers are not bound to receive all comers. The character of the applicant, or his condition at the time, may furnish just grounds for his exclusion. A passenger trying to commit an assault or injure the business of the proprietors could be excluded. In another case, a court allowed a telephone company to deny service to a user who repeatedly used a shared phone line to disrupt other peoples calls. These and other examples of deplatforming across a wide range of networks, platforms, and utilities throughout American history have lessons for thinking about todays social media platforms. Reasonable exclusions from NPUs generally fit into three categories. First was ensuring service quality. A railroad didnt need to take a passenger who wouldnt pay for a ticket or one who wanted to stop the train from running. Second, the American tradition generally allowed exclusion to protect other users or society itself from harms. A steamboat didnt need to let a known thief get on board. A streetcar had an obligation to exclude a rider if it was reasonably foreseeable he would injure another. Current law prohibits taking weapons on airplanes, and airlines can and do ban passengers who have been violent in the past. Finally and most controversially, the American tradition permitted a limited amount of exclusion related to social norms. In the Jim Crow era, this meant unacceptable and discriminatory exclusions on the basis of race. But exclusions based on social norms sometimes have more reasonable justifications: For example, broadcasters are subject to regulations on airing indecent programming. What history shows is that deplatforming is an endemic issue for any network, platform, or utility it is not a challenge unique to social media or even tech platforms. The reason is simple: For any network, platform, or utility enterprise, it is unworkable to serve literally everyone without exception because there will always be some bad actors. At the same time, it is problematic to give owners of essential, utility-like services the ability to exclude whomever or whatever they want. Should a single person have the power to exclude persons from services that are essential to modern commerce and social life? Should a corporation whose legal duties are to its shareholders, rather than the public welfare, have free rein even if padding their profits injures people? Historically, Americans did not leave such decisions exclusively to self-regulation by those who controlled platforms. In the 19th century, judges imposed a duty to serve on NPU businesses and also allowed for reasonable exceptions. If a platform violated the duty to serve or if a user was injured or harmed the user could sue, leading to liability for the platforms. This liability, of course, created an incentive for the platforms to exclude those who were likely to injure others. Liability and deplatforming, in other words, can work together to balance the duty to serve and the protection of users from harm. This line of reasoning suggests that it would make sense to remove social media platforms Section 230 liability shield and allow individuals to sue them for all manner of harms and injuries. Lawsuits after the fact, if history is a guide, would likely get the platforms to change their behavior in advance. Eventually, a case-by-case process will lead to a set of stable rules on what kinds of behaviors are permitted. At the same time, lawsuits have some serious downsides. Unlike the small amount of deplatforming that took place with telephones or train cars, tech platforms have millions of users and millions more posts. The 19th-century approach also places courts and judges at the center of the action, which could result in a patchwork of potentially idiosyncratic rules across the country. Another alternative one more suited to scale would be for our elected representatives in Congress to establish rules that govern tech platforms as utilities and include rules on deplatforming and content moderation. These might involve procedural rights and responsibilities and could potentially include some substantive rules, governing extreme cases like inciting violence and indecency. This approach also has challenges. Debating and passing such rules would be difficult. In our polarized environment, people have different views about what should be deplatformed. For social media platforms, the First Amendment will also, appropriately, constrain what is possible. But the First Amendment is not absolute even today, and it is unclear how the Supreme Court will apply it to the cases on social media regulations that are on its docket this term. Whatever path lies ahead, history shows that reasonable deplatforming is not only common but inevitable. Without it, platforms can become socially destructive, rather than beneficial. Accepting that reality is the first step in figuring out how to balance the desire for platforms to serve the public and the need for platforms to protect the public. COLUMBUS (WCMH) Tornado watches and warnings have subsided, but a heavy wave of rain Tuesday has increased the concern for flooding and power outages in central Ohio. Nearly three inches of rain fell in the Columbus area over the past three days and in some areas as much as four inches has fallen. Last nights patch of storms added significant rainfall on already saturated ground, causing flood concerns, power outages and some damage throughout the region. Scattered, light rain showers Wednesday afternoon and evening, as well as a possible wintry mix Thursday morning could keep flood threats activated longer. Flood alerts remain in effect Wednesday afternoon throughout central Ohio. (NBC4) FLOOD ALERTS The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for lowland areas along Big Darby Creek in Franklin, Pickaway and Madison Counties. At 4 a.m. the flood stage was measured at 11.9 feet. At 12 feet, lowland flooding occurs, and the river is expected to crest at 12.1 feet Wednesday morning. The NWS has issued flood watches and warnings for over a dozen counties in central Ohio. Alerts remain in the following areas: Coshocton County (10:45 a.m.) Crawford County (9 a.m.) Fayette County (9:30 a.m.) Guernsey County (10:45 a.m.) Hocking County (4 p.m.) Madison County (9:30 a.m.) Marion County (Thursday, 9 p.m.) Morgan County (Wednesday morning) Muskingum County (10:45 a.m.) Noble County (10:45 a.m.) Perry County (Wednesday morning) Vinton County (Wednesday morning) Two rescued underneath Columbus bridge after flooding Locally, high water remains in areas of south Columbus, particularly the Greenlawn Avenue exit along Interstate 71 South and at U.S. Route 23 and Interstate 270, which are still closed, as well as parts of State Route 104. Additionally, floodwalls installed along Greenlawn and Harmon avenues in Franklinton, west of Downtown, will not be moved until at least Wednesday afternoon, according to the City of Columbus. Its the first time the walls have been activated since May 2020. A car stops before entering a flood zone at U.S. Route 23 and Interstate 270 in south Columbus. (NBC4) NBC4 meteorologists said that the Scioto River peaked early Wednesday morning at just under 24, one of its highest level in six years. TURN AROUND, DONT DROWN At around 8 a.m. Wednesday, a motorist was forced to climb on top of a Maserati after the bottom was submerged in water at I-270 at US-23 in south Columbus. The roadway remains closed and is nearly completely covered in water from flooding. Courtesy Photo/Ohio Department of Transportation FEMA issued a notice for its region that includes central Ohio. Monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of dangerous weather, regional administrator Tom Sivak said. Identify your safe shelter locations and remain vigilantespecially for potential power outages and dangerous road conditions caused by possible downed power lines and flooding. It included these tips: Follow the direction of local and state officials and make sure to sign up for your communitys warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, become familiar with the warning tone. Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study and play. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings and be ready to take shelter immediately, if necessary. Make sure all mobile devices are fully charged in advance of the storm. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs in case the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Have a communications plan in place. Ensure everyone in your household knows where to go, what to do and how to reconnect after a disaster. Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately. Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters . After the storm and once you are safe, check on neighbors and friends to make sure theyre okay. POWER OUTAGES As of 12:30 p.m. American Electric Power is reporting over 13,000 power outages in central and southern Ohio, with the majority of the outages coming from southeastern counties. Approximately 11,000 are being reported in Lawrence County with an additional 2,000 coming from Adams County. Scioto County (147) and Gallia County (156) are also reporting several outages. After lengthy weather delay, Crew draws with Tigres in first leg of quarterfinal Officials advise residents to pack a back with anything you will need in an emergency, including bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, flashlights, and other necessities. They say to have your phone charged ahead of time and have a portable charger available if possible. AEP Ohio typically updates its outage map every 15 minutes. Check the outage map below. THE DOUBLE RAINBOW Those seeking reprieve from the effects of Tuesdays storms and prior inclement weather in central Ohio were granted a site only seen in perfect conditions. Stunning images from a double rainbow were captured by NBC4 journalists across the Columbus area, including at Lower.com Field, where the Crew game against UANL Tigres in a Champions Cup game was temporarily placed on hold due to lightning. A lightning bolt is seen intersecting with a double rainbow in Columbus (NBC4 Photo/Adam Conn) Dave Mazza, chief meteorologist of Storm Team 4, said the timing was perfect for a double rainbow, which is more common than a single rainbow when the conditions are right just before sunset. WEATHER UPDATES Stay weather aware with Storm Team 4 through live radar, weather alerts, closings and delays, live road conditions and push notifications from our NBC4 apps. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Florence man accused in rape of minor following investigation FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) Authorities say a Florence man was arrested on Tuesday after an investigation into the reported rape of a minor. 27-year-old Daprecas Perkins of Florence is charged with first-degree rape following an investigation by the Florence Police Department (FPD). LCSO releases details, identifies man killed in Florence police shooting On February 10, investigators with FPD began looking into a report of a rape involving a juvenile victim. During the investigation, the department identified Perkins as a suspect. FPD says detectives were able to gather additional evidence and information to support issuing a warrant for Perkinss arrest. He was arrested on April 2 and is currently being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center without bail. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took major action on Wednesday after an Action News Jax investigative series into the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. He was in Polk City to sign a transportation bill. It deals with the funding of transportation projects and leaves room along the Interstate 4 corridor for commuter rail. But buried deep in that bill is a specific clause bringing major changes in how JTA spends your money. Action News Jax investigator Emily Turner has reported on JTAs more than generous executive salaries, extensive and expensive travel, and big spending on lobbyists and consultants. This legislation takes aim at just that, forcing the local transportation agency to cut millions of dollars from its administrative costs. That includes things like salaries and benefits and corporate travel. RELATED: 2021 emails show FDOT concerns over Jacksonville Transportation Authoritys autonomous vehicle plan The bills sponsor, Representative Shane Abbot, calls it trimming the fat. If we have exorbitant expenditures on admin fees, he said, whatever that might be -- could be salaries or other sectors -- we want to make sure we are reining that in. RELATED: House passes Florida bill that would curb JTA administrative spending At JTA, those costs have ballooned. We checked JTAs budget, and its administrative budget increased by almost $6 million in the last fiscal year, amounting to more than $33 million. Now, they will have to cut about $10 million out of it. We asked JTA how it plans to do that. A spokesperson sent a statement that reads, in part, We are currently building the FY 2025 budget. Now that the bill has been signed, we anticipate the State will give guidance to all of the transit agencies this legislation is applicable to. The bill calculates the average administrative cost for agencies of similar size and limits them from spending more than 20% of that. According to a spreadsheet sent out by the Florida Public Transportation Association, the states average is 24.61%. JTA is currently way above that, spending more than a third (37%) of its overall budget on administrative costs. RELATED: Florida bill may bring sweeping changes to JTA after Action News Jax investigation Thats exactly why Abbot said he sponsored the bill. If we are giving money for public transportation, he said, thats where it should be going. Were trying to transport the public with that. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, only Orlandos SunRail and South Floridas Tri-Rail are exempt from the new law. Yet for months, multiple sources told Action News Jax JTAs CEO, Nat Ford, has been telling the board JTA is also exempt. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] It has been discussed multiple times, but the minutes for Januarys work session where this was specifically discussed are still not published, though its required to by law. It was also mentioned in a March work session by one of JTAs executive vice presidents, which Action News Jax personally attended last week. When Action News Jax asked JTA to explain the conflict, a spokesman said, The JTA has been aware throughout the process that HB 1301 applies to JTA but also knew the bill carved out engineering and construction costs as part of the considerations. So we went to DeSantis to settle the matter. Action News Jax had a fellow reporter at that Polk City press conference specifically ask him if this bill applies to JTA. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Heres what he said: It does. All these transportation authorities, both regional and local. And I think its going to lead to a lot of accountability. To be clear, this doesnt strip money away from JTA, it just mandates how it can and cant spend it. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The EU has condemned the attack on an Iranian diplomatic consulate in Syria's Damascus, Trend reports. "The European Union condemns the attack on an Iranian diplomatic installation in Damascus on 1 April, as well as the reported casualties. In this highly tense regional situation, it is imperative to show utmost restraint. Further escalation in the region is in no ones interest," Peter Stano, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in a statement. He noted that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases and in all circumstances in accordance with international law. Meanwhile, on April 1, as a result of an Israeli Air Force airstrike on the Mezeh neighborhood in Damascus at about 17:00 local time, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for Syria and Lebanon, General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and his deputy Mohammad Haji Rahimi were killed, the IRGC reported. Florida OnlyFans model seen covered in blood in new body camera footage Florida OnlyFans model seen covered in blood in new body camera footage Content warning: Despite receiving the full two-hour body camera footage, 8 On Your Side has edited the video down due to content some viewers might find disturbing. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A former OnlyFans model accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death in Miami is seen covered in blood shortly after the 2022 incident, new body camera footage shows. The footage, obtained by NBC affiliate WTVJ, shows Courtney Clenney in handcuffs arguing with Miami police as the investigation into the incident is being conducted. Clenneys boyfriend, Christian Obsumseli, was pronounced dead at the hospital following the incident. Clenney, 27, is charged with second-degree murder. Clenney and her parents are also charged with cyber crimes related to the destruction of her boyfriends laptop. Miami-Dade prosecutors said the couple had an extremely tempestuous and combative relationship and that Obumseli was the victim of domestic violence, WTVJ reported. Clenneys attorneys have said she was the victim in the relationship and that she stabbed Obsumseli in self-defense. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested five men for their alleged participation in an organized retail crime ring, it announced Tuesday. The suspects, Maike Acosta De Armas, 47; Lazaro Santiago Acosta De Armas, 45, Yusser Echemendia Rodriguez, 42, Elias Ramos Hernandez, 48, and Honasi Diaz Santos, 47, are all residents of Miami-Dade County. More from Sourcing Journal However, according to the FDLE, their alleged crimes spanned 13 counties in Florida, including Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Orange, Palm Beach and more. The department alleges that the five suspects were involved in 53 incidents that resulted in over $55,000 in losses. The FDLE has charged the men with several felonies, including organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more and retail theft of multiple items and retail theft of multiple items within 30 days at different physical locations. A spokesperson for the FDLE told Sourcing Journal that all of the alleged thefts occurred in Home Depot stores throughout the state. The spokesperson confirmed that the De Armases, Echemendia Rodriguez, Ramos Hernandez and Diaz Santos have not been connected to any other retailer in the state at this time. According to the FDLE, police began investigating the alleged crime ring in July 2022, after Home Depots organized retail crime investigator contacted them with a complaint accusing the men of an ORC operation spanning several Florida counties. Police said the investigation has thus far yielded evidence that the suspects stole items that they said they had already purchased online, as well as returning stolen merchandise using e-commerce receipts. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said the bust and subsequent charges have been a collaborative effort among multiple state agencies. This criminal group committed more than 53 thefts in 13 Florida counties, stealing thousands worth of merchandise in a fraudulent systematic scheme. In Florida, we go after organized retail thieves, and now this nefarious group, thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, will be held accountable for their crimes, Moody said in a statement. The bust comes about six weeks after Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, said he would work to ensure Florida enforced stringent punishment for retail thieves. Felipe Williams, FDLE Miami special agent in charge, said those measures will continue to allow police to apprehend ORC suspects. The South Florida community can rest easy knowing the policies implemented by Governor DeSantis earlier this year for stricter punishment for organized retail theft cases will make sure this group of scheming criminals will face the consequences of their actions, Williams said in a statement. This group hit a large business across the state resulting in profit losses for its stores directly affecting Floridas consumer population. The State of Florida and FDLE will not take those crimes lightly. The five arrestees have been booked in various detention centers and jails, all without bond. In late February, Florida officials apprehended three men accused of stealing over $100,000 worth of goods from Home Depot locations. The FDLE spokesperson declined to comment further, stating that police continue to investigate. Katherine Welles // Shutterstock If you've shopped at Walmart, Target, Costco, Whole Foods or many other large grocery chains recently, there's a chance you purchased food produced by prison labor, according to a years-long investigation published by The Associated Press this week. Beef, soybeans, corn and wheat are just some of the products that have found their way into consumer markets from prison farms and barns. While a 1935 law makes it illegal to transport goods made by "convict labor" across state lines, an exemption exists for agricultural commodities that today amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars of commerce, according to The Associated Press' reporting. The Marshall Project found that the discovery itself isn't totally novel. Reports dating back years have routinely revealed that prison labor is part of the American food supply chain. But by dispatching reporters to follow trucks leaving prison industries, The Associated Press was able to uncover some of the ways that these products are hidden in complex trade networks that obscure where things come from and where they go; often to be sold by corporations that claim not to use prison labor. As the report notes, agriculture is actually just a small portion of the overall labor that incarcerated people do in prisons and jails nationwide. That includes both work in prisons tied to their daily maintenance, prison industries, and people who are leased out to work in the free world. For the vast majority, that work is barely paid (if at all), with the average prison salary maxing out at 52 cents per hour. A recently proposed raise in California and a recently passed raise in Pennsylvania were both measured in cents, not dollars. Prison labor is also performed without legal health and safety protections, even for extremely unsanitary or dangerous work, like fighting wildfires. For many people in prison, jobs are done under threat of penalty. "What makes it forcedis that if you quit, you're punished," Johnny Perez told The Nation last year. Perez worked in textile manufacturing in the New York State prison system, making 32 cents an hour. He continued: "In prison, there's no calling in [sick] for Covid; you're going into solitary, or you're going to get a behavior report." The deprivations of prison life create their own grim work incentives, even when it's not built explicitly on punishment. Carla Simmons describes how the food has gone from bad to worse at her Georgia prison, and how she's never full from kitchen meals alone. Georgia is one of a few remaining states where prisoners are generally paid nothing, and prison staff there reward work with quarterly "incentive meals" or the fleeting possibility of a prize bag full of (mostly expired) snacks. Simmons describes people jockeying for work assignments based on the likelihood of being able to fish a prison guard's disposed food out of the trash. "The desire for a stable food source is a basic human need, and the carceral system operates by exploiting that desire," Simmons writes. The Associated Press investigation comes two months after a group of incarcerated people in Alabama sued the state prison system for creating what they call a "modern-day form of slavery." The suit alleges that prison officials deny parole to worthy candidates in order to keep them in the state's program that leases out prisoners to local businesses and governments. People who participate in these programs are legally required to be paid the prevailing wage for the job, but the corrections department is allowed to take 40%, and to charge fees for necessities like laundry and transportation to the job site. The suit alleges that the state's prison labor practices violate several laws, including the Alabama constitution, which, due to a recent amendment, bans slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime. The amendment passed in 2022, when Alabama joined a handful of other states in ratifying the language. Since then, about a dozen more states have introduced similar proposals. Such amendments don't always have the impact that advocates intend. Colorado was the first state to pass one in 2018, but four years later incarcerated people there also filed a lawsuit against the prison system, arguing that the state still uses punishment to force prisoners to work against their will. The state said in court filings that it does take privileges away from people who refuse to work, but argued that this is different from punishment. Like many people on the outside, people in prison often find deep purpose and satisfaction in work. For the Prison Journalism Project, Lexie Handlang describes how a job driving a tractor was the one thing that made her feel like a human behind bars, offering a sense of normalcy and a break from the monotony of life in her housing unit. In a 2017 opinion article, Chandra Bozelko, who found similar fulfillment in her prison job, worried that political pressure against prison labor might actually be hurting incarcerated people. "Socially conscious businesses and agencies are likely to pay inmates higher wages, train them for better jobs and do more to prepare them for life after prison," Bozelko reasoned, so it would be better "if those companies aren't scared away by vociferous critics of prison labor." Bozelko argued that the best solution is for incarcerated workers to be allowed to unionize. Currently, the right to organize is one of the many labor protections that is not available in prisons, according to a 2022 report by the American Civil Liberties Union. Others feel very differently. Ivan Kilgore views prison labor as a distraction from the degradations of the carceral system, and argues that to consider himself a "worker" in prison is to misunderstand the situation. "Prison work assignments, presented to us as privileges, serve to lure us into conformity with the prison's disciplinary regime, amounting to complicity and participation in the production of our own continued enslavement," Kilgore wrote for Inquest last year. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Downtown Management District is hosting a midweek celebration and will have its first-ever Downtown Food Truck Circus. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 along First Street between Kansas and Stanton. The location is next to Casandro El Exotico mural. Attendees will be able to enjoy food from some of El Pasos top food trucks, according to the news release sent out by the Downtown Management District. The Pie Sisters will perform at noon. The lineup of food trucks includes: La Toxica, Grab Ah Bite, Los Compadres, Taqueria Ay Cocula, El Amore Food Truck, and Craze Lemonade. For more information, you can click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. From left to right, these images show a total solar eclipse, annular solar eclipse, and partial solar eclipse. A hybrid eclipse appears as either a total or an annular eclipse, depending on the observers location. Credit: Total eclipse (left): NASA/MSFC/Joseph Matus; annular eclipse (center): NASA/Bill Dunford; partial eclipse (right): NASA/Bill Ingalls The 2024 total solar eclipse is days away, and a rare sight like this one won't take place for another 20 years. The celestial phenomenon is said to be a beautiful sight, but will astronomy lovers and visitors to Kentucky actually be able to see it? We're tracking the weather forecast daily ahead of the April 8 total solar eclipse. As of April 3, here's what meteorologists expect. April 8 total solar eclipse 2024: Eclipse is a week away. How long it lasts, times and where to get glasses April 8 weather predictions for Louisville According to the seven-day forecast from Louisville's National Weather Service, there's a 20% chance for showers and thunderstorms during the day on Monday, April 8. Forecasters predict the skies to be mostly sunny with a high around 70. In the evening, temperatures could drop to a low of 50 with partly cloudy skies, and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. When is the total solar eclipse in 2024? The solar eclipse is slated for Monday, April 8, passing over parts of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. What is a 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. According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. following the April occurrence wont be until Aug. 23, 2044. Total solar eclipse path 2024 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. Solar eclipse glasses near me Learn about the eclipse and get free glasses at the Louisville public library 2024 solar eclipse times in Kentucky See below: This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: April 8, 2024 Weather Predictions: Total solar eclipse forecast Kentucky Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, has held a meeting with his British counterpart David Cameron. Photo: Kuleba on Twitter (X) Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, has held a meeting with his British counterpart David Cameron. Source: Kuleba on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda Details: Kuleba thanked Cameron for UKs unwavering support for Ukraine. Quote: "I appreciate the UK's willingness to push for the most ambitious G7 decision on frozen Russian assets. We anticipate significant progress on this issue this year and urge all partners to find sufficient political will." The ministers also coordinated steps to expedite third-party decisions to provide additional air defence systems for Ukraine, including Patriots. Background: In Brussels, Kuleba discussed with his Polish counterpart Radosaw Sikorski how Warsaw could help protect Ukraine from Russian airstrikes and better protect its own airspace. Moreover, Kuleba also discussed strengthening the Ukrainian air defence with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Support UP or become our patron! Forever chemicals are pervasive. Here are 4 ways to avoid them in consumer products This story is part of a series, Fighting Forever Chemicals: Women face pervasive PFAS risks. A group of toxic chemicals known as PFAS have been found in a wide range of consumer products from nonstick pans to period-proof panties. Exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has been linked to a number of ailments, including kidney and testicular cancer and thyroid disease. The chemicals are also sometimes called forever chemicals because they linger in the human body and the environment instead of breaking down. Most PFAS studies have focused on the effects of consuming the substances. The impact of coming into contact with them through the skin is less clear, but experts warn it could also be a concern. Not a lot of scientists have looked at dermal penetration by PFAS, said Jamie DeWitt, a professor of environmental and molecular toxicology at Oregon State University. She pointed to a 2011 study on mice that found one type of PFAS can be absorbed through the skin and that in some cases this is a significant route of exposure. Theres at least one study to suggest that PFAS can absorb through the skin, but otherwise theres not a lot of data, she said. While the research is limited, DeWitt added: I would not feel comfortable applying PFAS to my skin if I knew that PFAS were in the cosmetics because of the health risks posed by the substances. Products that touch more permeable parts of a persons body, such as the lips, eyes or genital area, are of particular concern, she noted. Those have thinner skin, so theyre more permeable, so its easier for things to absorb through those membranes than through your regular skin, DeWitt said. She also warned against products like lotions because they are designed to be absorbed. I wouldnt put my damn daughter in these: Toxic forever chemicals lurk in feminine products Theres no surefire way to avoid PFAS, however, and they may lurk in packaging as well as products. But for consumers looking to avoid them, here are some general tips. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and may not apply to every product. Read the label Many cosmetics products have been found to contain forever chemicals. Cosmetic companies are required to list their ingredients, so PFAS that are intentionally added to such products should appear on those lists. David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, said there are a couple dozen PFAS ingredients that have been added to cosmetics over the last few years. According to the Food and Drug Administration, some common PFAS ingredients in cosmetic products are: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorodecalin and perfluorohexane. PFAS have also been detected in a variety of workout wear and other apparel, but there is no similar requirement to list the ingredients in clothing. Theres no required disclosure, so oftentimes, at least in a store, theres no direct way to check. Many companies have statements on their websites, but otherwise it would be asking questions of that company, Andrews said. Check the companys website to see if it notes that products are PFAS-free If a company makes a product that doesnt contain PFAS especially in cosmetics, cookware, textiles and other industries where the substances are commonly found theyll probably want to tell you about it. See if the product or company is described as PFAS-freeon its website. But be careful. Just because a product lacks one type of PFAS a group that contains thousands of different chemicals does not mean that none of the substances lurk within it. For example, products may be advertised as PFOA-free, which means they dont contain one particularly toxic forever chemical, but they may include other types. Over the last decade or so, as companies moved away from PFOA to other PFAS, they typically advertise that as being PFOA-free, so having a product state that it is PFOA-free is usually not a good indicator of being PFAS-free, said Andrews. The companies that are making statements that theyve moved entirely away from PFAS usually say that its either PFAS-free, often PFC-free or free of fluorinated chemicals, he added. Watch for waterproof, stain-resistant, non-stick and sweat-proof Some of the most common uses of PFAS are making products resistant to water, stains and sweat. Not all products that say they repel those substances necessarily use forever chemicals, but if they do, it may be an indicator that you should do more research. Any time you see stain-repellent, water-repellent, non-stick, grease-repellent, those are all words that should lead you to go hmm, I wonder if this product contains PFAS and then to do a little bit of research if you want to avoid PFAS in those products, DeWitt said. Even if a product is not marked with one of the specific terms above, if it is intended to prevent you from getting wet, it may be worth checking if it contains PFAS. Look up the item in a product database While its often difficult to identify whether products contain PFAS, there are several databases that aim to do that work for you. The Hill doesnt endorse particular websites and has not independently verified the accuracy of their data. But among the resources available are a consumer guide from the Green Policy Institute and a personal products index called SkinDeep from the Environmental Working Group. The European Commission also has a cosmetic ingredients database, which doesnt investigate specific brands but explains the common use of each compound. To search for PFAS ingredients in these or other databases, try typing in perfluoro, rather than the acronym. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Conservative leader alleges Chinese interference may have played a part in his ouster Then-Conservative leader Erin O'Toole holds up his platform book as he speaks to supporters at a campaign rally on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 in Hamilton, Ont. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press - image credit) Former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole believes foreign interference may have led to his removal as party leader, according to documents tabled before the foreign interference inquiry. In a document containing notes from an interview between O'Toole and lawyers acting for the Foreign Interference Commission earlier this year, O'Toole is quoted as saying he was suspicious about the motives of the person behind the petition that called for a leadership review following the 2021 election. "Mr. O'Toole also believes foreign interference played a role in his ouster as party leader," says the document. "In the immediate aftermath of the election loss, a petition and public relations campaign against Mr. O'Toole was initiated within 48 hours by a high-profile CPC party member who had served on the national council of the party." That Conservative Party member was Bert Chen, who was suspended from the party's national council after launching the petition to recall O'Toole as leader. "A trusted source in a diaspora group and a journalist have advised Mr. O'Toole in confidence that this specific party member had unusual ties to the [People's Republic of China] government. Mr. O'Toole has no information to corroborate these claims, but he trusts the sources," the document says. "This information was brought to his attention after he had already lost the party leadership." O'Toole's Conservative Party lost the 2021 election, winning 119 of 338 seats, despite winning the popular vote. Chen's petition did not lead to O'Toole stepping down as party leader. He was forced to leave the job in February 2022 following an internal caucus revolt. "Certain things in my report were told to me by people," O'Toole told Power & Politics host David Cochrane on Wednesday. "I have no verifiable evidence with respect to Mr. Chen or anyone else. But I do think sunlight is the great disinfectant, and we need to have more transparency." Chen denies ties to Chinese government In an email sent to CBC News, Chen said he launched the petition to elect a new Conservative leader "on the basis that Mr. O'Toole was not fit to lead our country or our party." "As a Canadian born in Taiwan whose family fought in the Chinese Civil War against the Chinese Communist Party, I can unreservedly assure all Canadians that I have no ties to the PRC regime," he said. "My motivation for the petition to recall Mr. O'Toole's leadership was due to his flip-flop from his leadership campaign promise to never institute a carbon tax. The fact that he does not mention this is a testimony to the credibility of him and his sources." In a newly released document, former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole accuses Conservative Party member Bert Chen of having "unusual ties to the PRC government." Chen denies the allegation, saying he was born in Taiwan and his family fought in the Chinese Civil War against the Chinese Communist Party. (CBC) Conservative Party spokesperson Sarah Fischer called O'Toole's reported allegations "ridiculous." "It was the Conservative Party of Canada caucus that voted to remove the then-leader, not a National Council member," she said in an email to CBC News. In O'Toole's testimony before the inquiry on Wednesday, he said Chinese foreign interference may have led to the defeat of up to nine CPC candidates a claim he has made in the past. He said his party was a victim of misinformation claims on the social media platform WeChat, used by many Chinese-Canadians. O'Toole said he believed his party was targeted by the Chinese government in part because of its push to probe Chinese interference in Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory, in addition to a private members bill supporting a foreign agent registry. He also said he does not believe Chinese meddling changed the actual outcome of the election. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed claims of foreign interference affecting riding results. "I can understand where someone who lost an election is trying to look for reasons other than themselves for why they lost the election," he said speaking in Toronto. "The reality is, we put in place a panel formed by top independent public servants, a task force staffed by security officials throughout our intelligence and security services to ensure the integrity of the 2019 and 2021 elections. And the conclusion of all those mechanisms is unequivocally that the election's integrity held." Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann said Tuesday that former President Trump could face a jail sentence if he is convicted of falsifying business records in his New York hush money trial, which starts later this month. Trump is facing 34 felony counts over claims that he falsified business records in attempts to cover up hush money payments made to hide an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the closing weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. He could be looking at jail, Weissmann said in a CNN interview with Wolf Blitzer. This is one where the judge I think is going to be looking at the rule of law to see how other people were treated, other people with a similar criminal background. I think this is an area where Donald Trumps pretrial behavior is going to be relevant. Weissmann noted that Trumps frequent attacks on the judge and his family could come back to bite him. Judge Juan Merchan expanded a gag order in the case Monday, preventing the former president from continuously lashing out on his daughter, Loren Merchan, who is a Democratic strategist. The initial gag order already barred him from making public statements about witnesses, other prosecutors, court staff and their family members if those statements are made with the intent to materially interfere with the case. The former prosecutor also predicted that Trump, if found guilty, would likely not get any favors during sentencing because of his conduct. If you have someone whos contrite, if you have someone who shares that hes respectful of the rule of law, that this was an aberration, that is something that the court can take into account, he said. But if you think that the defendant actually is running basically as an outlaw and is basically thumbing his nose at the judicial process and shows no sign of remorse and essentially is a recidivist, those are factors that a judge can consider, Weissmann continued. And I am sure that a judge like Judge Merchan if there were to be a conviction is going to factor all of that in. But its just way too soon to say whether it would actually constitute jail time. The case goes to trial April 15, making it the first time a former president stands trial on criminal charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. French ex-PM Philippe says he cooperating after police search his office By Juliette Jabkhiro and Elizabeth Pineau PARIS (Reuters) -Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is cooperating with authorities, his office said on Wednesday, after police searched his office premises as part of what a judicial source said was a preliminary probe into possible corruption. Philippe, the mayor of Le Havre, is widely seen as a potential candidate to succeed Emmanuel Macron in the 2027 French presidential election. The judicial source, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the search was "part of a preliminary investigation opened in December 2023 on charges of influence peddling, favouritism, misappropriation of public funds and psychological harassment". Philippe's office said in a statement that he and his team "stand entirely and serenely at the disposal of the prosecutors to provide all of the elements necessary for the investigation". Earlier, speaking to the BFM TV news channel, Philippe said he and his team planned to show investigators "we respected the rules". French newspaper Le Monde, which first reported the probe, said on Wednesday it was targeting Philippe directly, as well as some of his aides. Philippe resigned as prime minister in 2020 ahead of a government reshuffle. He was Macron's first prime minister, having defected from the conservative Les Republicans party to join the president's team after the 2017 election. In 2020, Philippe was re-elected mayor of Le Havre, an industrial port town in northern France where he built his political career. (Reporting by Juliette Jabkhiro, editing by Tassilo Hummel, Gabriel Stargardter and Gareth Jones) Former House Speaker launches campaign to unseat lawmakers who removed him Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, speaks as members denounce the spending package being readied for a vote, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, March 22, 2024. | J. Scott Applewhite Several frustrated House Republicans are breaking with congressional norms to boost the primary opponent of House Freedom Caucus chairman Bob Good. The Virginia Republican was one of eight lawmakers who voted to remove their partys leader, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, in October. McCarthy, who resigned in December, now plans to return the favor. McCarthy, and his friends on the Hill, including House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., have endorsed and fundraised for Goods primary challenger, state Sen. John McGuire, CNN reported on Sunday. The delayed fallout from the removal of McCarthy forms part of a larger battle over how Republicans approach policymaking in the House. Who voted to remove McCarthy? Youve got a struggle inside the Republican Party, veteran political consultant Casey Phillips told the Deseret News. The divide exists between the establishment ... or mainstream types, who often come from swing districts, Phillips said, and the folks that dont understand what thats all about, who get to run in safe districts and get to throw bombs. And its really fun to throw bombs when you dont have to deal with the consequences, Phillips said. But the electoral consequences of unseating McCarthy are coming back to haunt more than just Good. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Eli Crane, R-Ariz., have also been designated as targets for McCarthys primary operation, Politico reported in February. The reason the powers that be former Speaker McCarthy and his allies are trying to exact revenge against those that stood against him is because (Crane) disrupted the power structure of D.C. It was the first time that had happened, a person close to Crane told the Deseret News on the condition of anonymity. As a freshman lawmaker representing northern Arizona, Crane has stood out by embodying the ethos of the House Freedom Caucus. From his first week in office, when he became the only newcomer to oppose McCarthy in all 15 rounds of his speakers race, Crane has refused to go along with the majority of his party, instead siding with Freedom Caucus members to leverage the GOPs narrow House majority to exact concessions and reform the spending process. Representatives in the group, which include Brigham Young University alum Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, spearheaded the unprecedented step to oust the speaker in protest of his bipartisan deal to fund the government. The move paralyzed the chamber for three weeks until Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., was elected as speaker and made the Gaetz eight something of a pariah coalition within the Capitol. But Crane didnt go to Congress to make friends. He thinks that more people need to be willing to cast votes that might cost them their jobs, the source said. That approach makes a lot of people feel uncomfortable because for far too long this town has just gone along to get along and he thinks that thats why were $34 trillion in debt and thats why the borders a crisis. Eli Crane faces a primary challenger in Arizona In March, former Yavapai County supervisor Jack Smith filed to challenge Crane in the states 2nd Congressional District Republican primary. A month earlier, Crane told Politico he was aware of attempts to recruit a primary opponent for him. He said common sense led him to believe McCarthy was behind it. Cranes decision to help oust McCarthy came as a blow to the former speaker because a McCarthy-backed PAC was key to Cranes election victory, Politico previously reported. But regardless of how he got there, Crane has often opposed Republican leadership in the House. During Congress months-long battle to pass a budget for 2024, Crane repeatedly called for lawmakers to use the threat of a partial government shutdown to demand more substantive spending cuts from the Democratic-led Senate and White House. On Tuesday, Crane joined fellow Freedom Caucus members, including Good and Biggs, in introducing the Nuclear Family Priority Act, which would limit who can qualify for a family-sponsored immigrant visa to prevent so-called chain migration. (Crane) thinks that the time is now to start taking bold stands to change the trajectory of those issues or else were going to do irreparable harm to our country, the source said. Crane has endorsed Good in his 2024 reelection bid. Last week, members of the House Freedom Caucus, including Gaetz, Biggs and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, gathered in Virginias 5th Congressional District to also lend their support to the chairman. But whether GOP voters have an appetite for more messy disruption in Washington, D.C., remains to be seen. The Republican primary voters are going to have the ultimate say, Phillips said. Itll come down to where the Republican Party wants to head in those districts. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A former counselor at a Northwest Arkansas summer camp has been arrested for alleged child sex crimes, according to court documents. Alexander Baiza, 22, of Olathe, Kansas, was arrested on March 28 on pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child and two sexual indecency with a child charges. On Feb. 23, a parent came forward to Fayetteville police and reported grooming and sexual communications between their child and Baiza, according to an affidavit. The parent who reported the incident believed their child knew Baiza because he was one of their camp counselors at Camp War Eagle, a Christian sports, adventure and recreation summer camp, according to its website. The messages included Baiza performing sexual acts while fully nude. The affidavit said his face was visible in several images. The thread of messages went from September 2023 to February 2024 and Baiza allegedly asked the victim for nude photos on several occasions, according to the document. Former Washington County deputy charged with murder pleads not guilty Baiza received nude photos on at least nine occasions and discussed with the victim he could get into trouble because of their age. From December 2023 to February 2024, Baiza frequently requested the victim to visit him so they could have sex, according to the affidavit. During a recorded call, Baiza admitted what he did was wrong and that he was aware of the victims age. The affidavit says he told the Fayetteville Police Department he was only 18 years old, but documents in his work file received by the department said he was 21 years old at the time of the report. An arrest warrant was issued by FPD on March 8 which was served in Adams County, Iowa on March 28. Baiza has a court date set for April 12. KNWA/FOX24 has reached out to Camp War Eagle for comment but has not heard back. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) A former Social Security employee was sentenced for frauding the government $200,000 worth of unemployment benefits through pandemic assistance. According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, 47-year-old Takiyah Gordon Austin, 47, formerly of Wilkes Barre, was sentenced for fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits related to COVID-19 emergency relief funds. From May 2020 to May 2021, Austin was a claims specialist with the Social Security Administration, and she filed Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims for recipients who did not meet the requirements in exchange for money. Alleged identity theft results in over $300 used at Chipotle Investigators stated Austin filed claims while accessing SSA databases to get personal information from unsuspecting individuals and then diverted the unemployment funds to addresses she controlled to use the funds for her expenses. Through the scheme, Austin defrauded the government of over $288,000. Back in February 2023, Austin pleaded guilty to one count wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft She has been sentenced to 36 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervision. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Petro Poroshenko, Then Ukrainian president, speaks during a press conference in Berlin. Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has hopes of returning to his country's highest office at some point, he told Al Jazeera in an interview broadcast early on Wednesday. Michael Kappeler/dpa Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has hopes of returning to his country's highest office at some point, he told Al Jazeera in an interview broadcast early on Wednesday. Even though elections cannot be held under conditions of war, Poroshenko made clear that he plans to campaign once they can. But before elections are held, Ukraine has to secure victory over Russia, he said. "This war is bigger than Ukraine. This is about world order, freedom, democracy," he said. "We are here fighting and saving the world." Poroshenko, who heads the largest opposition party that is not banned, said an alternative plan would be to campaign for a seat in the European Parliament, once Ukraine has joined the European Union. Poroshenko served five years in office, losing to Volodymyr Zelensky in the 2019 elections. Under the constitution, presidential elections should have been held on Sunday, but were postponed. According to opinion polls, the Ukrainian public is opposed to holding elections under wartime conditions, While Zelensky's term ends officially on May 20, a provision in the constitution allows him to stay in office until a successor takes over. Russia appears to be planning to utilize this situation for propaganda purposes. After May 20, Zelensky will be a dictator, Sergei Mironov, head of the A Just Russia - For Truth party, said on Tuesday. And Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said previously that Moscow would not have to talk to Zelensky after that date. Former Washington County deputy charged with murder pleads not guilty FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A former Washington County deputy charged with murder pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, according to court documents. Stevon Grindstaff, 28, was arrested by Arkansas State Police on March 11 on first-degree murder and aggravated assault charges after a man died during a pursuit in December 2023. The Washington County Sheriffs Office said in a news release on Dec. 3, 2023, Grindstaff attempted to stop a truck driven by Scottie Stacy, 57, near Beav-O-Rama Road and Blue Springs Road in northeast Washington County, but Stacy reportedly did not stop. A chase then ensued where Stacy reportedly drove through a fence down a dead-end road before stopping, the release said. When the deputy got out of the patrol car to approach the suspect driver, the driver began rapidly accelerating in reverse toward the deputy and the patrol car, striking the patrol car, the initial report from WCSO said. Former Washington County deputy arrested, charged with murder An affidavit filed on March 12, which has since been sealed, said WCSO provided body camera and in-car footage of the incident, refuting that Stacy drove in reverse toward Grindstaff. The affidavit said, Recordings show Deputy Grindstaff placing his patrol vehicles driver-side front bumper at the passenger-side back bumper of Stacys vehicle as the vehicles stop. It later said Grindstaff fired multiple times at the vehicle as it drove away from him. Sheriff Jay Cantrell asked Arkansas State Police to investigate the incident. Grindstaff was arrested after a special prosecutor to the case charged him with murder and assault. Grindstaff has a court date set for May 28. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Fort Myers Police on Wednesday afternoon confirmed they were investigating an isolated shooting near Roberto Clemente Park. Fort Myers Police on Wednesday afternoon confirmed they were investigating an isolated shooting. Police said the active scene by Roberto Clemente Park affected the area of Henderson Avenue and Dale Street. It remained unclear Wednesday afternoon if the shooting involved any fatalities. Prior to the incident the city had reported two homicides so far this year. Police ask that anyone with information contact the department at 239-321-7700, submit a tip through Southweast Florida Crime Stoppers or Fort Myers police's app AtlasOne. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Fort Myers police: Isolated shooting probe near Roberto Clemente Park The voter turnout in Grand Chute, shown here at the Town Hall, was steady Tuesday but less than Town Clerk Kayla Raatz had expected. APPLETON Voters had their say Tuesday in deciding 45 contested races for local government leaders and representatives in the greater Fox Cities. Activity at the polls was manageable throughout the day as voters cast their ballots following a barrage of political campaigning, media coverage and candidate forums that were omnipresent during the past three months. "It's not been overwhelming for a spring election," Neenah City Clerk Char Nagel told The Post-Crescent after eight hours of voting. "There's not really lines. Two people come in, and two people go out. That type of thing." Similarly, Grand Chute Town Clerk Kayla Raatz described the voter turnout as steady but less than she had anticipated. By the numbers: Appleton-area election results Here's a summary of what happened in the nonpartisan election. Grand Chute Town Board: Gehring, Bantes win seats Voters reelected Town Supervisor Brad Gehring but ousted Town Supervisor Jeff Ings in Tuesday's election. Gehring defeated challenger Ron Torrance for town supervisory seat No. 4. Gehring received 58.5% of the votes, according to unofficial results, to earn his third two-year term on the Town Board. He also defeated Torrance in the 2022 election. During the election campaign, Torrance aligned himself with the 2023 decision by the Town Board to eliminate special assessments for road improvements. Gehring was the lone vote against the move. Gehring acknowledged the hardships created by special assessments, but rather than eliminate them, he favored establishing a cap on special assessments. Challenger Tim Bantes defeated Ings for town supervisory seat No. 2. Bantes collected 51.4% of the votes to earn his first two-year term on the board. Bantes, the town's former fire chief, lost to incumbent Ron Wolff last year. During the election campaign, Bantes was critical of the division and rancor that have entangled the board in the past two years, resulting in several lawsuits and ethics complaints. One of the ethics complaints was filed against Ings by Grand Chute resident Connie Raether. Ings contended the complaint is frivolous and politically motivated. He has served on the board since 2020 and voted with the majority of the board last year to eliminate special assessments for road improvements. Stanley Sielaff and Sharon Sielaff vote Tuesday at the Grand Chute Town Hall. Appleton council: Voters select Smith, Croatt in districts 4 and 14 In District 4, newcomer Martyn Smith, a Lawrence University professor, defeated businessman Virgil Van Asten for a two-year term on the Common Council. In District 14, incumbent Christopher Croatt outdistanced challenger Everett O'Malley to win his eighth two-year term on the council. Buchanan Town Board: Knuppel, Meyer elected Incumbent Paul Knuppel was reelected to a second two-year term on the Town Board. He collected 698 votes to defeat challenger Jennifer Rottier, who received 645. Tom Meyer defeated former Town Board Chair Greg Sprangers to win a seat on the Town Board. Meyer received 716 votes to Spranger's 636. Calumet County Board: Emily Voight wins reelection In District 3, board member Emily Voight secured her seat against former County Board member Mark Gabriel. In District 9, newcomer Anne Machesky defeated James Femal. The two fought for the seat after incumbent Ed Kleckner did not seek reelection. Fox Crossing Village Board: Greg Ziegler retains position Incumbent Greg Ziegler held off challenger Nicholas Gebert to secure another two-year term as village trustee. Ziegler also defeated Gebert in the 2022 election for village trustee and in the 2012 and 2016 elections for town of Menasha supervisor. Harrison Village Board: Brantmeier, Van Hefty, Handschke elected Mike Brantmeier, Mark Van Hefty and Scott Handschke gathered the top votes Tuesday, securing the three open spots on the Village Board. They beat out challengers Joseph Mueller and Pete Stier. Kaukauna city attorney: Voters elect challenger Timothy Greenwood Challenger Timothy Greenwood won a two-year term as Kaukauna city attorney over incumbent Kevin Davidson. Kaukauna council: Jennie Eggleston secures reelection Incumbent Jennie Eggleston defeated challenger and Republican spokesperson Will Terry for a two-year seat on the council. Menasha council: Voters reelect Eisenach and Ropella In District 2, incumbent Rosita Eisenach defeated challenger Sandra Dabill Taylor to earn a second two-year term on the Common Council. In District 8, incumbent Randy Ropella beat challenger Josh School to earn a fourth two-year term on the council. Ropella also defeated School in the 2022 election. Menasha mayor: Hammond edges Nichols to make history Austin Hammond defeated Rebecca Nichols to become the youngest mayor in Menashas history. He is 26, besting former Mayor Joe Laux, who was 31 when he was elected in 1988. Hammond defeated Nichols by 102 votes, according to unofficial results, to earn a four-year term in office. Poll workers check the IDs of voters Tuesday at the Whiting Boathouse in Neenah. Neenah council: Mark Ellis and William Pollnow Jr. return to office In District 1, former Common Council member Mark Ellis defeated Kristen Sandvick for a three-year term in office. Ellis last served on the council 26 years ago. In District 3, former council member William Pollnow Jr. narrowly outpaced newcomer Jeffrey Linski for a three-year term. Pollnow served on the council from 2012 to 2018, when he lived in District 1. Outagamie County Board: Voters elect newcomers Heiser, Mitchel In District 10, Incumbent Christine Lamers secured her spot on the County Board over challenger Tom Mischler. In District 14, Incumbent Tim Hermes secured his second term on the County Board, defeating newcomer Paul Cooney. Cathy Spears defeated Mike Thomas in a rematch for the District 18 seat on the board. The two faced each other in 2022 where Spears defeated Thomas also. In District 19, voters elected newcomer Jayme Heiser for a two-year seat on the board over incumbent Chad Cooke. In District 20, challenger Mark Mitchel won against incumbent Joe Santonato. In District 26, Incumbent Sarah Weinburg won reelection against challenger June Johnson. Winnebago County Board: Fox Cities-area voters elect four new board members District 2: Kristl Laux defeated Jake Ackmann. District 5: Stefanie Holt secured a victory over incumbent Kay Horan. District 6: Lucas Reinke was elected to the board over challenger Jason Kraayvanger. District 7: Kate Hancock-Cooke defeated incumbent Betsy Ellenberger. District 10: Bryan Stafford won reelection over Timothy Jacobson. District 29: Voters reelected incumbent George Bureau over Benjamin Frank. Winnebago County judge: Rust defeats Haase Court commissioner Michael Rust won a six-year term as the Winnebago County Circuit Court Branch 1 judge against Oshkosh Common Council member LaKeisha Haase. Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke. Contact Sophia Voight at svoight@postcrescent.com. Follow her on Twitter at @sophia_voight. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Fox Cities election roundup: Grand Chute voters elect Gehring, Bantes Donald Trump has attacked the judge in his hush-money trial so much that it earned him a massive gag order. Now Fox News is defending Trump by justifying the attacks. The judge is threatening to put Trump in jail by pointing out that his liberal family is getting rich off this trial, Fox host Jesse Watters said Tuesday night. He just wants a new judgeone whose family isnt funded by Democrats. Trumps attacks go far beyond simply requesting a new judge. The Republican presidential nominee has repeatedly attacked Judge Juan Merchan, his daughter, and his court staff and their families. Trump has even mentioned Merchans daughter by name and posted her picture to his Truth Social account. Except, these attacks are based on a falsehood: Trump targeted the judges daughter for allegedly sharing a doctored photo of Trump behind bars on social media, which was quickly debunked after a representative for the New York state court system pointed out that the account wasnt hers. Jury selection in Trumps trial is scheduled to begin on April 15. He faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels in order to cover up an extramarital affair. Its only the latest attempt by Fox News to defend the former presidents actions. On Tuesday, Fox News presenter and former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany claimed that Trumps $454 million bond was unfair, as the former president committed a victimless crime. And the attacks on Merchans daughter have come from the presidents other allies, including his son Donald Jr., going back to last year. Fox contributors have seen their loyalty rewarded. On Tuesday night, Trump promoted Watterss new book, Get It Together: Troubling Tales From the Liberal Fringe, in a Truth Social post. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Western countries are pressing Armenia to support a military-industrial complex to prepare for a conflict with Russia, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said at a briefing, Trend reports. The Westerners' efforts have resulted in the EU mission in Armenia being effectively a NATO mission. They are urging Armenia to invest in its military-industrial complex, she said. According to Zakharova, NATO leaders are inciting anti-Russian hysteria, calling for military preparations against Russia, and pressuring Yerevan to invest heavily in the military-industrial complex despite Europe's obvious economic problems. To note, on March 20, Armenia's parliament reached an agreement with the EU addressing the status of the EU civilian observation mission along Azerbaijan's border. This agreement specifies the mission's activities in Armenia and its functions within the country's borders. Members of the mission are not subject to incarceration or arrest, and personnel are shielded from criminal prosecution in the host country. Furthermore, EU observers' facilities are deemed inviolable. Furthermore, European observers are exempt from customs, visa, and immigration requirements. They can travel freely around the country. The EU monitoring mission in Armenia commenced operations on January 23, 2023, with 100 members. However, on December 11, the same year, it was decided to increase the number to 209 people. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good (R-Va.) endorsed a convicted Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol rioter in his bid against a sitting GOP member of the lower chamber. Good threw his support behind Derrick Evans, a former West Virginia legislator who was charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Evans pleaded guilty to one charge of civil disorder and was sentenced to three months in prison after he livestreamed the riot and later entered the building. It is my privilege to endorse Derrick Evans for Congress in West Virginias first congressional district. We cannot change Washington and save the country by electing the status quo, Good said in a statement. We need true, courageous conservative warriors like Derrick Evans. The Hill has reached out to Evans campaign for comment. The former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates announced his bid for Congress on the two-year anniversary of the riot and is running against Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-W.Va.). If he wins, Evans would be the first convicted Capitol rioter to serve in the House. Evans was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2020. He resigned early in his term. I take full responsibility for my actions, and deeply regret any hurt, pain or embarrassment I may have caused my family, friends, constituents and fellow West Virginians, he said at the time, according to MetroNews. Evans has received backing from former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. Miller, the leader of the center-right Republican Main Street Caucus, has won her reelection bid by close to 40 points, beating Democrat Lacy Watson in 2022. Miller, the incumbent, has a fundraising advantage in the race, bringing in over $580,000, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings. Evans has roughly half with garnering $291,000. The election is set for May 14. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Missouri state Sens. Denny Hoskins, left, and Rick Brattin, center, confer with Freedom Caucus Director Tim Jones, right. Hoskins and Brattin are Republicans and members of the State Freedom Caucus Network, which aims to push the party further to the right. (Photo by Elaine S. Povich/Stateline) Missouri state Sens. Denny Hoskins, left, and Rick Brattin, center, confer with Freedom Caucus Director Tim Jones, right. Hoskins and Brattin are Republicans and members of the State Freedom Caucus Network, which aims to push the party further to the right. (Photo by Elaine S. Povich/Stateline) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. When a Republican colleague threatened to read aloud from a 2-foot stack of books including a biblical guide to leadership and a tome by anti-tax activist Grover Norquist to protest inaction on his bills last week, Missouri state Sen. Rick Brattin quickly took up the cause. Seizing on a chance to hijack the planned schedule, Brattin spoke for about 45 minutes, accusing the leaders of his own Republican Party of ignoring some bills and making things really frustrating for ultra-conservative members. He often waved his arms for emphasis, as other senators sat flipping through papers, waiting for the session to begin. It leads to things coming to a halt in this chamber, he said. I wish we would do things people actually want. Brattin is chair of Missouris Freedom Caucus, a group of Republican legislators who aim to push their party further to the right on issues such as immigration, voting access and transgender restrictions. But some other Republicans say members of the Freedom Caucus gum up the legislative works and are more interested in publicity and grandstanding than conservative policymaking. Frustrated by such tactics, Missouri Senate leaders stripped four Freedom Caucus senators, including Brattin, of their chairmanships and parking places earlier this year. Its hard to do stuff even when everybodys acting in good faith, said Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, a Republican. Rowden derided the Freedom Caucus members as swamp creatures who all too often remind me more of my children than my colleagues. He added that last weeks delay was a mix-up and that the bills at issue would come to the floor. They did that repeatedly, day after day for two weeks, basically, Rowden said in an interview last week at his spacious desk in his high-ceilinged office across the hall from the Senate. It became necessary for us to do something that would indicate that were not going to let four guys run the place; its just not how this works. The Missouri Freedom Caucus claims at least six senators and is approaching a dozen House members. There are similar chapters in 10 other states so far that are officially part of the State Freedom Caucus Network, an outgrowth of the congressional group that has held up deals and helped oust speakers in the U.S. House of Representatives. The state chapters are proposing conservative legislation and slowing measures they dont like, even bills that were once considered routine and noncontroversial. And its members in many states, including Missouri, are running for higher office. But regardless of whether they succeed on legislation, they excel at getting publicity and drawing attention to themselves. That is by design, Andrew Roth, president of the Washington, D.C.-based network, told Stateline. What we try to do is push conservative policy, he said. If we win, we win. If we lose, were exposing the fake Republicans for who they are. They will then have to answer to their constituents. We feel like we win either way. The national organization provides the state caucuses with support and funding. That includes the salary of each state director, none of whom is a legislator, according to Roth. The state directors pay attention to whats going on in state government even when the legislatures are not in session and the mostly part-time lawmakers are home tending to other business. They can alert the more than 160 members to issues and either get them to call a news conference or draft legislation to be considered in the next session to highlight their priorities. What we try to do is push conservative policy. If we win, we win. If we lose, were exposing the fake Republicans for who they are. We feel like we win either way. Andrew Roth, president of the State Freedom Caucus Network Tim Jones, a former Missouri House speaker who is now director of the states Freedom Caucus, said in an interview that since the parking spaces kerfuffle, the caucus has picked up five new members in the House. Its not meant to be a publicity stunt for anybody, he insisted. Its supposed to be the conservative North Star of the General Assembly. Sen. Bill Eigel, a Missouri caucus member who is running for governor, said taking his parking spot is kind of the height of pettiness, but that he wont be deterred. They are trying to silence us, just like they are trying to silence Donald Trump, Eigel said in an interview. Unfortunately for them, its not going to work. Were going to continue to be bold. Eigel said he parks down by the river now, a few blocks away from the underground Capitol garage. His wife is happy that the extra walk means hes getting in a few more steps each day, he quipped. Pushing to the right Like most other Republicans, Freedom Caucus members across states have championed school vouchers, pushed to send state troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to pursue migrants crossing into the country illegally, and opposed large state budgets and transgender medical care for minors. But the Freedom Caucuses formed because some Republicans saw the rest of their party as not conservative enough. That has led to intraparty conflict in many GOP-dominated state capitols. In Missouri, for example, the Senate passed a bill that would make it harder to amend the state constitution, if voters approve the measure, after leaders it stripped a provision backed by the Freedom Caucus to ban non-citizens from voting. The Missouri Constitution already restricts voting only to citizens, but Freedom Caucus members argued the ban could be made even more explicit. Democrats disagreed and staged a filibuster that tied up the Senate; Republican leaders eventually agreed to take the provisions out, drawing the Freedom Caucuss ire. Eigel would like the House to put the tougher provisions back in. Still, he claims credit for the Senate victory. If the Freedom Caucus doesnt stand up and cause a ruckus, the [ballot] initiative petition doesnt move, he said. In Idaho, Republican leaders removed some Freedom Caucus members from committee leadership late last year. And in South Carolina, some Freedom Caucusers who refused to sign a loyalty oath pledging not to campaign against other Republican members, which is against party rules, were dumped from the House Republican caucus. Matthew Green, a politics professor at the Catholic University of America who has studied the state Freedom Caucuses extensively, said in an interview that the state caucuses are arguably more important than the U.S. House Freedom Caucus for policymaking. In a forthcoming paper, Green found that state legislative conservative caucuses precursors of the current Freedom Caucuses began to form as early as 2017, driven by lawmakers who found the GOP in their states insufficiently conservative. But since 2021, the caucuses have formed at the behest of the national State Freedom Caucus Network, illustrating how national interest groups and elected officials can contribute to state-level polarization, he said. His study also found that lawmakers who lack power and influence are more likely to join the caucuses. These caucuses, Green said, have been able to move [the] partys agenda further rightward, especially if the caucus constitutes a sizable proportion of the party. Delaying tactics can force Republican leaders to act on some issues, he said. Seems like if the Freedom Caucus is disruptive and confrontational, they can win battles. Peverill Squire, a political science professor at the University of Missouri, said the Freedom Caucus members in Missouri take advantage of unlimited debate to slow the legislature down to a snails pace. Given the rules it is relatively easy for them to gum up the process when they are unhappy with the way things are going, he wrote in an email. That means even bills with broad GOP support have not made it all the way through the process, he wrote. Missouri state Sen. Bill Eigel, a Freedom Caucus member, speaks on the Senate Floor. (Photo by Elaine S. Povich/Stateline) Missouri state Sen. Bill Eigel, a Freedom Caucus member, speaks on the Senate Floor. (Photo by Elaine S. Povich/Stateline) The animosity is not restricted to Missouri. In South Carolina, Green said, theres basically a civil war going on in the supermajority Republican Party. Members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus refused to pledge not to fund challengers to GOP incumbents; that flouted a 2006 law that prohibited special interest caucuses from raising money and becoming otherwise involved in political campaigns. Only major caucuses organized by political party, race, ethnicity or gender the Democratic, Republican, Black and Womens caucuses were allowed political operations. The ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus argued that was unfair in a suit against the legislatures Ethics Committee. Last year, a federal judge agreed. Rep. RJ May, one of the leaders of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, said that the law was a way to sign away our First Amendment rights. The establishment attempted to weaponize the rules, he told Stateline. May said that one of the reasons the Freedom Caucus formed in South Carolina is that the majority Republicans dont follow the party platform and are too willing to compromise. The push gained steam, he said, when GOP legislative leaders began to only allow floor amendments from leadership, not rank-and-file lawmakers. People in South Carolina are sick and tired of leaders saying one thing at home and doing something different in Columbia. They say they are for reducing the size of government, but they vote for budget after budget that increases the number of agencies. May said his caucus has had some victories, such as championing a bill that passed the House to ban gender-affirming care for minors. (The bill is awaiting action in the Senate.) Caucus members also claim credit for reducing the states spending bill, though many of its members amendments were rejected, such as a move to give grants to churches and nonprofits to bolster the foster care system. May echoed leaders in Missouri and elsewhere by saying that passing a bill is not necessarily the goal. We have the effect of moving the body to the right, he said. House Speaker Murrell Smiths staff did not respond to requests for comment. Nor did he comment for local media stories about the caucus. The farm team Most of the Freedom Caucuses formed in states with Republican supermajorities. An exception is Pennsylvania, where the governor is a Democrat and Democrats control the House, while Republicans control the Senate. The Freedom Caucus there has filed a lawsuit accusing Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Gov. Josh Shapiro, of unconstitutionally wresting power from the legislature over expanding access to elections in the state. Just last week, a federal judge dismissed the suit. Pennsylvania Rep. Dawn Keefer, the Republican Freedom Caucus chair, who is running for the state Senate, had no immediate comment on the ruling to local media. Nor would she comment for this story. In Arizona, Freedom Caucus members, led by chair Sen. Jake Hoffman, spearheaded a drive that resulted in the state Board of Education delaying until next year a proposed new handbook governing how parents use state-funded educational savings accounts to send their kids to private schools. The new handbook was designed to tighten the rules for using the accounts. Hoffman said parents had not been given sufficient input. The new rules would have restricted the use of the funds for summer programs and required more updates for use of the money for students with disabilities. He called for a robust stakeholder working group to give input into the rule changes. The Board of Education maintained it had consulted parents and other interested parties. Nonetheless, it caved after concerns from families and Freedom Caucus members. Holding news conferences, filing lawsuits its all part of the State Freedom Caucus Network playbook, according to its director, Roth. Our members consider themselves the farm team of the House Freedom Caucus, he said. We also provide them communications support, legal support and get them connected with legal groups to help them file lawsuits. Back in Missouri, roiling the entrenched GOP leadership is exactly what Freedom Caucus members are doing, Eigel said. Were shaking the status quo just by going through a lot of bills that are brought to the floor and asking a lot of questions that can frustrate folks that are expecting a much easier route to get their special interest priorities to the legislative chamber, he said just before last weeks Senate session that featured Brittons delay tactics. I suspect that if you are watching today, youre going to see a lot of questions. And there were. Stateline originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Freedom Caucuses push for conservative state laws, but getting attention is their big success appeared first on Alaska Beacon. Sen. Colton Moore and Rep. Charlice Byrd are leaders in Georgia's state-level Freedom Caucus. Both are often at odds with their chamber's leadership. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. When a Republican colleague threatened to read aloud from a 2-foot stack of books including a biblical guide to leadership and a tome by anti-tax activist Grover Norquist to protest inaction on his bills last week, Missouri state Sen. Rick Brattin quickly took up the cause. Seizing on a chance to hijack the planned schedule, Brattin spoke for about 45 minutes, accusing the leaders of his own Republican Party of ignoring some bills and making things really frustrating for ultra-conservative members. He often waved his arms for emphasis, as other senators sat flipping through papers, waiting for the session to begin. It leads to things coming to a halt in this chamber, he said. I wish we would do things people actually want. Brattin is chair of Missouris Freedom Caucus, a group of Republican legislators who aim to push their party further to the right on issues such as immigration, voting access and transgender restrictions. But some other Republicans say members of the Freedom Caucus gum up the legislative works and are more interested in publicity and grandstanding than conservative policymaking. Frustrated by such tactics, Missouri Senate leaders stripped four Freedom Caucus senators, including Brattin, of their chairmanships and parking places earlier this year. Its hard to do stuff even when everybodys acting in good faith, said Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, a Republican. Rowden derided the Freedom Caucus members as swamp creatures who all too often remind me more of my children than my colleagues. He added that last weeks delay was a mix-up and that the bills at issue would come to the floor. They did that repeatedly, day after day for two weeks, basically, Rowden said in an interview last week at his spacious desk in his high-ceilinged office across the hall from the Senate. It became necessary for us to do something that would indicate that were not going to let four guys run the place; its just not how this works. The Missouri Freedom Caucus claims at least six senators and is approaching a dozen House members. There are similar chapters in 10 other states so far that are officially part of the State Freedom Caucus Network, an outgrowth of the congressional group that has held up deals and helped oust speakers in the U.S. House of Representatives. The state chapters are proposing conservative legislation and slowing measures they dont like, even bills that were once considered routine and noncontroversial. And its members in many states, including Missouri, are running for higher office. But regardless of whether they succeed on legislation, they excel at getting publicity and drawing attention to themselves. That is by design, Andrew Roth, president of the Washington, D.C.-based network, told Stateline. What we try to do is push conservative policy, he said. If we win, we win. If we lose, were exposing the fake Republicans for who they are. They will then have to answer to their constituents. We feel like we win either way. The national organization provides the state caucuses with support and funding. That includes the salary of each state director, none of whom is a legislator, according to Roth. The state directors pay attention to whats going on in state government even when the legislatures are not in session and the mostly part-time lawmakers are home tending to other business. They can alert the more than 160 members to issues and either get them to call a news conference or draft legislation to be considered in the next session to highlight their priorities. What we try to do is push conservative policy. If we win, we win. If we lose, were exposing the fake Republicans for who they are. We feel like we win either way. Tim Jones, a former Missouri House speaker who is now director of the states Freedom Caucus, said in an interview that since the parking spaces kerfuffle, the caucus has picked up five new members in the House. Its not meant to be a publicity stunt for anybody, he insisted. Its supposed to be the conservative North Star of the General Assembly. Sen. Bill Eigel, a Missouri caucus member who is running for governor, said taking his parking spot is kind of the height of pettiness, but that he wont be deterred. They are trying to silence us, just like they are trying to silence Donald Trump, Eigel said in an interview. Unfortunately for them, its not going to work. Were going to continue to be bold. Eigel said he parks down by the river now, a few blocks away from the underground Capitol garage. His wife is happy that the extra walk means hes getting in a few more steps each day, he quipped. Pushing to the right Like most other Republicans, Freedom Caucus members across states have championed school vouchers, pushed to send state troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to pursue migrants crossing into the country illegally, and opposed large state budgets and transgender medical care for minors. But the Freedom Caucuses formed because some Republicans saw the rest of their party as not conservative enough. That has led to intraparty conflict in many GOP-dominated state capitols. In Missouri, for example, the Senate passed a bill that would make it harder to amend the state constitution, if voters approve the measure, after leaders it stripped a provision backed by the Freedom Caucus to ban non-citizens from voting. The Missouri Constitution already restricts voting only to citizens, but Freedom Caucus members argued the ban could be made even more explicit. Democrats disagreed and staged a filibuster that tied up the Senate; Republican leaders eventually agreed to take the provisions out, drawing the Freedom Caucuss ire. Missouri state Sens. Denny Hoskins, left, and Rick Brattin, center, confer with Freedom Caucus Director Tim Jones, right. Hoskins and Brattin are Republicans and members of the State Freedom Caucus Network, which aims to push the party further to the right. Elaine S. Povich/Stateline Eigel would like the House to put the tougher provisions back in. Still, he claims credit for the Senate victory. If the Freedom Caucus doesnt stand up and cause a ruckus, the [ballot] initiative petition doesnt move, he said. In Idaho, Republican leaders removed some Freedom Caucus members from committee leadership late last year. And in South Carolina, some Freedom Caucusers who refused to sign a loyalty oath pledging not to campaign against other Republican members, which is against party rules, were dumped from the House Republican caucus. Matthew Green, a politics professor at the Catholic University of America who has studied the state Freedom Caucuses extensively, said in an interview that the state caucuses are arguably more important than the U.S. House Freedom Caucus for policymaking. In a forthcoming paper, Green found that state legislative conservative caucuses precursors of the current Freedom Caucuses began to form as early as 2017, driven by lawmakers who found the GOP in their states insufficiently conservative. But since 2021, the caucuses have formed at the behest of the national State Freedom Caucus Network, illustrating how national interest groups and elected officials can contribute to state-level polarization, he said. His study also found that lawmakers who lack power and influence are more likely to join the caucuses. These caucuses, Green said, have been able to move [the] partys agenda further rightward, especially if the caucus constitutes a sizable proportion of the party. Delaying tactics can force Republican leaders to act on some issues, he said. Seems like if the Freedom Caucus is disruptive and confrontational, they can win battles. Peverill Squire, a political science professor at the University of Missouri, said the Freedom Caucus members in Missouri take advantage of unlimited debate to slow the legislature down to a snails pace. Given the rules it is relatively easy for them to gum up the process when they are unhappy with the way things are going, he wrote in an email. That means even bills with broad GOP support have not made it all the way through the process, he wrote. The animosity is not restricted to Missouri. In South Carolina, Green said, theres basically a civil war going on in the supermajority Republican Party. Members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus refused to pledge not to fund challengers to GOP incumbents; that flouted a 2006 law that prohibited special interest caucuses from raising money and becoming otherwise involved in political campaigns. Only major caucuses organized by political party, race, ethnicity or gender the Democratic, Republican, Black and Womens caucuses were allowed political operations. The ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus argued that was unfair in a suit against the legislatures Ethics Committee. Last year, a federal judge agreed. Rep. RJ May, one of the leaders of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, said that the law was a way to sign away our First Amendment rights. The establishment attempted to weaponize the rules, he told Stateline. May said that one of the reasons the Freedom Caucus formed in South Carolina is that the majority Republicans dont follow the party platform and are too willing to compromise. The push gained steam, he said, when GOP legislative leaders began to only allow floor amendments from leadership, not rank-and-file lawmakers. People in South Carolina are sick and tired of leaders saying one thing at home and doing something different in Columbia. They say they are for reducing the size of government, but they vote for budget after budget that increases the number of agencies. May said his caucus has had some victories, such as championing a bill that passed the House to ban gender-affirming care for minors. (The bill is awaiting action in the Senate.) Caucus members also claim credit for reducing the states spending bill, though many of its members amendments were rejected, such as a move to give grants to churches and nonprofits to bolster the foster care system. The farm team Most of the Freedom Caucuses formed in states with Republican supermajorities. An exception is Pennsylvania, where the governor is a Democrat and Democrats control the House, while Republicans control the Senate. The Freedom Caucus there has filed a lawsuit accusing Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Gov. Josh Shapiro, of unconstitutionally wresting power from the legislature over expanding access to elections in the state. Just last week, a federal judge dismissed the suit. Pennsylvania Rep. Dawn Keefer, the Republican Freedom Caucus chair, who is running for the state Senate, had no immediate comment on the ruling to local media. Nor would she comment for this story. In Arizona, Freedom Caucus members, led by chair Sen. Jake Hoffman, spearheaded a drive that resulted in the state Board of Education delaying until next year a proposed new handbook governing how parents use state-funded educational savings accounts to send their kids to private schools. The new handbook was designed to tighten the rules for using the accounts. Hoffman said parents had not been given sufficient input. The new rules would have restricted the use of the funds for summer programs and required more updates for use of the money for students with disabilities. He called for a robust stakeholder working group to give input into the rule changes. The Board of Education maintained it had consulted parents and other interested parties. Nonetheless, it caved after concerns from families and Freedom Caucus members. Holding news conferences, filing lawsuits its all part of the State Freedom Caucus Network playbook, according to its director, Roth. Our members consider themselves the farm team of the House Freedom Caucus, he said. We also provide them communications support, legal support and get them connected with legal groups to help them file lawsuits. Back in Missouri, roiling the entrenched GOP leadership is exactly what Freedom Caucus members are doing, Eigel said. Were shaking the status quo just by going through a lot of bills that are brought to the floor and asking a lot of questions that can frustrate folks that are expecting a much easier route to get their special interest priorities to the legislative chamber, he said just before last weeks Senate session that featured Brittons delay tactics. I suspect that if you are watching today, youre going to see a lot of questions. And there were. This story was first published by Stateline, a Georgia Recorder sibling news outlet and fellow member of the nonprofit States Newsroom network. The post Freedom Caucuses push for conservative state laws, but getting attention is their big success appeared first on Georgia Recorder. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A memo of understanding to establish a transfer program that would improve the transfer process at Fresno City College will be signed on Friday, officials with Fresno City College announced. According to FCC, the City-to-State Transfer Program is intended to help streamline and improve the transfer process so that FCC continues its status of being the largest feeder community college in Fresno State. The memo will be signed by FCC President Robert Pimentel and Fresno State President Saul Jimenez-Sandoval on Friday at 1 p.m. in front of the Fresno City College Library. While FCC students constitute the majority of transfer students each year to Fresno State, this agreement will help increase that number while also advancing our College Mission and equity goals, said FCC President Robert Pimentel. President Pimentel says the ultimate goal is to increase transfer rates for disproportionately impacted students including African American and Hispanic Latino students and those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Officials say the agreement will open a position for a dedicated counselor at FCC who is familiar with the transfer process and curriculums of both institutions. FCC and Fresno State will equally fund this dual position. The three-year agreement will go into effect by Fall 2024. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Fresno truck driver involved in crash that killed senior citizen out of state, troopers say A truck driver from Fresno is accused of killing a senior citizen from a crash that happened two time zones away. State troopers in Louisiana responded Tuesday morning to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 12 near Louisiana Highway 434 in St. Tammany Parish, roughly 45 miles north of New Orleans. Troopers said Ankit Khanci, 28, of Fresno was eastbound on Interstate 12 in a 2024 Volvo VNL, which is a semitruck. A 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 68-year-old man, also was eastbound on Interstate 12 directly in front of the Volvo. For reasons unknown, the Volvo semitruck struck the rear of the Chevy Silverado and caused the pickup truck to travel off the roadway and hit a large tree. Alton Henry, 68, of Hammond, La. was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers say Henry was not wearing a seat belt. Khanci wasnt injured in the collision, though troopers said he, too, was not wearing a seat belt. Toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. The crash is under investigation and charges are pending, trooper said. As Fresno Unified kicks off its superintendent hiring with interviews of interested district employees, trustee Claudia Cazares seemed to flip sides overnight under public pressure and now supports including external candidates in a national search for the districts next leader. The board now has a thin majority of members who prefer to accept outside applicants for the role. Cazares, who posted on Facebook on Tuesday morning, said community feedback is an important part of the process and that she internalized the recommendations she has heard lately. Given the strong pull towards opening the search nationwide, I requested that we move in that direction, as well, several days ago, says the Facebook post. I understand the immense consequences of the decision, and the decision making process should be as transparent as we can be. I had originally asked Board leadership for a community committee that would assist us in the superintendent search, I hope that Board President would reconsider my recommendation. Cazares didnt reply to The Fresno Bees interview request to discuss her changing position. The board president referred to in the Facebook post is Susan Wittrup, who called a press conference yesterday to restate her stand on opening the position to external applicants. Fresno Unified community leaders, including School Board President Susan Wittrup, called on an open and transparent superintendent search in front of the districts building on April 2, 2024. It is unclear how Cazares post will affect the process and if the board will take a new vote to change which pool of candidates it might consider. Last week, a petition initiated by community leaders, including Wittrup, city council members, and Fresno Teachers Association representatives, called out a narrow majority of board members who leaned towards interviewing only internal candidates. Cazares was among the four trustees being criticized for hurting the success of Fresno students. The petition has gathered 350 signatures as of Wednesday. Trustee Keshia Thomas, who was also among the group, said revealing the information discussed in a closed session is a violation of The Brown Act, the states open meetings and public records law. Thomas added that she attended her regions listening session, when parents and others were given the chance to express the qualities they wanted in the next superintendent. She pointed out that no one talked about external or internal applicants because that question was never asked. She said people would like to have a superintendent lead the district in the right direction, and people outside of Fresno may not have experience with such a large district. Not that we wouldnt do an external search, this was only part of our first steps, said Thomas. Unless you live here, you dont really understand our dynamics, you dont understand our demographics. Internal hiring is the norm, expert says David Cash, a superintendent headhunter from the consulting firm Education Leadership Services, told The Bee that its common for districts to consider internal candidates solely to maintain a sense of continuity and consistency. Cash has 15 years of superintendent experience, serving districts such as Claremont, Santa Barbara, and Clovis. If they have qualified candidates inside, its often the best route to go, particularly if they are happy with the direction the district is going, said Cash. Trouble in the boardroom at the superintendents office has a direct result in student achievement, so if they got good internal candidates, its probably the best thing they can do to avoid wasting the time of external candidates. However, Fresno Unified has long been criticized for its performance, particularly its underperforming test scores, safety issues, and a persistent culture of lacking transparency and accountability. In Fresno Unified, 66.8% and 76.7% of students did not meet the state requirement level of English language arts and math, respectively, in the school year of 2022-23, according to data from the California Department of Education. The district has also been struggling with declining enrollment and attendance. Amid the public outcry for an open and transparent search, as well as the strong ties to the community stated in the districts contracted consulting firm Leadership Associates report, Trustee Veva Islas says she supports expanding the search to include candidates from the Fresno area but not necessarily only the districts current employees. It could be somebody that was born and raised in Fresno that graduated from here and went off to school somewhere else, and maybe has a career in education elsewhere but is ready to come back to Fresno, she said. I think local could also be within the surrounding communities because we do have a number of former staff who have gone on to be superintendents in neighboring school districts. She said she believes constituents would want the board to exhaust every opportunity to find the best-qualified applicant. It doesnt mean that a best qualified applicant cant come from the district, but we dont know that until we see everybody available, and I think if we dont interview externally, then were not doing our due diligence to interview everybody that could be qualified, Islas said. The superintendent job description has only been posted internally, but she hopes the board would create an opportunity for external candidates to be interviewed, and the finalists would get a second interview before the board makes a final decision. Organizers of the Dan Nielsen Memorial Fundraiser, scheduled for Friday, say the event was created to continue the legacy of Daniel Nielsen, a University of Alabama graduate who died in 2021 at the age of 24. While he was a student at the University of Alabama, Nielsen participated in the building of 17 Habitat for Humanity homes and helped raise more than $200,000 for the nonprofit group. More: Tuscaloosa business leaders unite to build Habitat for Humanity home The goal of the annual fundraiser is to generate enough money to build a Habitat home in Tuscaloosa in Nielsen's memory. "It was clearly a big loss when we unfortunately lost him back in 2021. And It's important that we rally around each other in order to try to continue to make that impact that he is no longer here to make," said Carsen Piacsek a UA graduate student who is one of the fundraiser's organizers. The third annual Dan Nielsen Memorial Fundraiser will be held from 2-6 p.m. Friday at The Rabbit Hole, 1407 University Blvd. The event is open to the public. The fundraiser will include a day of fun, live music and more. Guests will be able purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes with the grand prize being a football signed by former University of Alabama coach Nick Saban. UA Alumnus Daniel Nielson Organizers said that guests are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts because Nielsen loved wearing them. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Daniel Nielsen Memorial Habitat Home. Piacsek said the goal is to raise $100,000 for the building of a Habitat home in Nielsen's name. Piasec serves as one of the two lead organizers of this year's fundraiser along with Clara Gibbs, who is also a UA graduate student. Piacsek said although he didn't know Nielsen personally, he was inspired by Nielsen's story and the work he did with Habitat for Humanity. "Everyone who knew him when he was at the University of Alabama said how contagious his attitude was and how fun he was to be around," Piacsek said. Nielsen served with UA's Habitat for Humanity chapter from 2016 to 2019, first as the chapter's treasurer and then as president. One of Nielsen's more notable achievements was the campaign to build a new home for Sonya Kemp, whose house had been severely damaged in the April 27, 2011, tornado that struck Tuscaloosa. Sonya Kemp holds the key to her new Habitat for Humanity Home on Oct. 12, 2018. Daniel Nielsen, a late University of Alabama graduate, spearheaded the "Raise the Roof for Sonya" campaign that helped build her a new home on the site of her old house, which had been damaged by the April 27, 2011, tornado. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] Nielsen spearheaded the Raise the Roof for Sonya campaign, which raised enough money to tear down Kemp's old house and build a brand-new home in the same location in 2018. Born in Rockford, Illinois, Nielsen accepted a full-ride scholarship to the University of Alabama in 2015, according to information from his obituary. Nielsen graduated summa cum laude from UA in 2019 with a bachelor of science in degree in electrical and computer engineering. In 2020, he earned his master's degree in business administration from UA. During his academic career at the Capstone, Nielsen was the 2019 recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award from UA's National Alumni Association. Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Fundraiser designed to carry on late UA student's Habitat work Funny money: Counterfeiters have gone Hollywood in York County, passing movie prop bills Watch for customers paying with "motion picture" money for large purchases in York County, Southern Regional Police warn. The police department has taken several reports about these fake bills being used for big purchases, according to a news release. They are designed to look like real cash but are used as movie props. Businesses are not noticing the fake bills during the quick exchange of cash, the release states. Watch out for customers using fake "motion picture" bills to pay for large purchases, Southern Regional Police warn. Police advise businesses and the public to examine the bills carefully to determine if they are fraudulent. Police recommend using a counterfeit marker for verification. Anyone who spots one of the fake bills should contact the local police department, the release states. Using fake money is a crime under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, police said. It also is a federal crime. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Customers paying with 'motion picture' money in York County: police BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Armenia persists in neglecting the anti-Russian nature of the activities with the participation of the West, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said during a weekly briefing, Trend reports. "It's unfortunate that Armenia consistently disregards the anti-Russian nature of such events, their clear opposition to the interests of most regional countries, and their inconsistency to attain peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Moreover, there's a lack of evidence demonstrating how those currently making promises to Armenia have previously fulfilled similar commitments. In fact, historical examples show the oppositeprevious pledges have often led to economic collapse, state instability, and exacerbated social issues," she said. As for the US and NATO plans in the region, Zakharova noted that Russia relies on facts. On April 5, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brussels. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The News The 2024 race could come down to Joe Biden the backslapper versus Donald Trump the strongman. New Gallup polling testing each candidates individual qualities finds that the presidents personality remains his biggest asset heading into the general election 57% agree hes likable, down from 66% in 2020 but still a solid majority. Only 37% say the same of Trump, virtually unchanged from a pre-election survey in September 2020. Theres also some unusual partisan overlap on the topic in comparison to other polling questions: 26% of Republicans rate Biden as likable, while only 63% rate Trump as such. But Trump retains an advantage on strong and decisive leader 57% of Americans say they agree with that characterization, which is also similar to his 2020 numbers. Biden never led on this question: Only 46% called him strong and decisive in 2020, and its dropped to 38% since then. 92% of Republicans view Trump as strong, the highest share of any trait tested. Overall, Trumps personal ratings are nearly identical to 2020. He dropped 5 points on honest and trustworthy, from 40% to 35%, but thats the most movement of any trait tested by Gallup. Thats good news for Biden, in theory, who only needs to reconstitute his 2020 coalition to win. But views about his own traits have worsened significantly. In some cases, weak spots for Trump are now a relative advantage: Only 39% say Biden can manage the government effectively, down from 52% in 2020, while 49% say Trump can do the same. Only 40% say Biden displays good judgment in a crisis, down from 49% in 2020 and now behind the 45% who approve of Trumps judgment. Know More Bidens dip in his personal numbers is hardly surprising: As Gallup notes, it largely mirrors his fall in approval ratings, which currently sit at 40% in the latest Gallup poll. But Trumps favorability has also crept up in some polls since his presidency, and its notable Gallup finds Americans still locked into roughly the same picture of him they had in 2020. Gallup also asked two new questions, one about intelligence and another about whether the candidate puts the countrys interests ahead of his own political interests. There was no big split on intelligence: 56% described each candidate as such. Same with the second question, even as Trump faces two criminal cases centered around his efforts to overturn the last election: 45% of respondents said each candidate places the country ahead of their political interests. With neither candidate looking especially popular, the so-called double haters voters who dislike both candidates seem poised to again play a major role in deciding the outcome. Gallups polling in March also found 29% of respondents thought neither Biden nor Trump would be a good president, relatively similar to the 25% who said the same in July and August of 2020. Forty-two percent of independents are in the neither camp, and theyve soured on Biden a bit since the last election. Notable When it comes to the issues confronting voters, Gallup found Americans are worrying less about the economy and more about immigration in 2024 than they were last year. Maisie Williams is accustomed to complicated brother and sister dynamics, having played a member of the Stark family for eight seasons on Game of Thrones. While 1940s Paris is worlds apart from the Westeros fantasy landscape, Catherine Dior and Arya Stark share the same frustrating problem of dealing with family members who arent always on the same pageeven when they strive toward the same goal. Luckily, Williams struck up a quick bond with co-star Ben Mendelsohn, who plays legendary haute couture designer Christian Dior during a turbulent period in his career, which ultimately ushers in a definitive fashion era. I think we wanted to try as quickly as possible to be as familiar with one another [so] that we could do these difficult scenes and know at the heart that we still had each others back and we would still support one another, Williams tells The Daily Beasts Obsessed. During the latter half of the historical Apple TV+ drama from creator Todd A. Kessler, World War II is over, but the Dior siblings face new challenges. On paper, Christian now has everything he ever wanted, as not only has he been reunited with his younger sister Catherine, but he is in the process of opening a fashion house bearing the Dior name. However, there is no magic spell that can turn the clock back to the way things were before Catherine was imprisoned in the Ravensbruck concentration camp for her work within the French Resistance. Yes, she survived, but she bears the mental and physical scars of this ordeal. His fantasy, or whatever hes imagining, could not have anticipated what that coming back was going to be like. I think the frames of reference of understanding the expectations of Shes gone away into a campnow they knew they were bad, but I dont think they had a tactile sense of just how bad it was, says Mendelsohn. Then she comes back, and its fucking terrible. Its just devastating. Christians spacious Parisian apartment has gone from a place where Catherine and her fellow Resistance fighters convened to a haunted home filled with guilty memories. In Episode 7, It All Came True, director Helen Shaver highlights the distance between the siblings, neither willing to be in the same room to discuss her next steps. Catherine tells her brother she will volunteer at the repatriation center as part of the effort to help track the missing who may have perished in a camp. No. Absolutely not, Christian answers. Catherine claims she is fine, but her brother thinks she must be careful about her health. By the end of the episode, Catherine ignores Christians concerns and departs the capital city for their fathers country house in Callian. Her desire to leave Paris is so great that she doesnt wait for her brother to finish a phone call before she is out of the front door. We tried to portray all of the feelings that both sides of siblings could have. The one who is the survivor feeling guilt for surviving: How in the world that they survive, and other people didnt, how precarious and what a tightrope act that was, Kessler says. But then also to be the caring sibling wanting to try to ease the persons suffering now that theyve survived, but also understanding that theyre on the outside because the person doesnt want to talk about it. Ahead of this weeks finale of The New Look, Mendelsohn, Williams, and Kessler recently talked to Obsessed about depicting a brother-sister relationship fractured by war, what Williams learned from her co-star (working with Ben was the highlight ofmaybe even my careerbut certainly this show), the book that became Williams guide for this role, and why Mendelsohn thinks Christian could be a pain in the arse to his sister. Juliette Binoche and Emily Mortimer in The New Look Apple TV+ Finding a sibling bond Throughout the limited series, snippets of conversations about the Dior family give insight into what drives them both. Despite how disconnected Catherine and Christian currently seem, they are still closer than the rest of their family. They had such an incredible relationship. I think Catherine was the only person in Christians family who really respected and saw him for who he truly was, says Williams. Thats something that comes with massive families; you have different variations of closeness with different people. For starters, Christian doesnt have to hide his sexuality (or boyfriend) around his sister, and she is nothing but encouraging of his career. I think of anyone in the family; she is the one hes able to be his most authentic self with, says Mendelsohn. The New Look: How Juliette Binoche Tackled the Stormy Life of Coco Chanel Support and trust dont mean there isnt tension between the siblings. I think we had a sense of parameters of who these people were or what the roles were, Mendelsohn says. But ours was very much a felt kind of thing. One of the most important notes we got was, Youre brothers and sisters, so you dont have to love each other too much. Youre actually brothers and sisters; all thats done for you already. The Australian actor is candid in how he views Catherine compared to Christian and where we find them both during and after the war. Shes a more cohesive and resolved person than I think Christian is, and I think hes kind of a pain in the arse to her, says Mendelsohn. He does provide an enormous amount, and they are incredibly close, and they do love each other incredibly. But hes a bit controlling around her, and thats situationally appropriate. After all, Christian is 12 years Catherines senior and attempts to play protector before and after her arrest. There is a keen sense from both Mendelsohn and Williams about the depth of the story they are playing. Williams says Justine Picardies 2021 book Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture was a significant touchstone to understanding that: As soon as I was given free rein to run with the character and I got the part, I turned to Justine's book, which became my Bible throughout this process. Picardies extensive research covers not only Catherine Diors experience but also those of other women who were in Ravensbruck. The scenes of Catherine at the repatriation center begin to scratch the surface of the many different voices. I appreciated how she [Picardie] suggested an image of the world that Catherine was living in without putting anything into Catherines mouth that she didnt say, says Williams. I think that as an actor, you want to try to fill in those blanks. The way she had treated Catherines story with such care in that book inspired the way I wanted to approach this character too. Another source of inspiration for Williams during the series came from her scene partner. Ben, as an actor, is so unpredictable; he takes so many risks, and he changes it every single take and tries to try everything rather than just sticking to one thing, Williams says. Ive never worked like that really with anyone. It really kept me on my toes. Maisie Williams in The New Look Apple TV+ Therapy and clairvoyants Therapeutic solutions in the post-WWII landscape for women like Catherine, who were grappling with surviving against the odds, were severely lacking. They dont have words to talk about it. There was no understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder, says Kessler. There may have been an understanding but no words to label it. So its a very complicated dynamic between them. When Catherine is arrested and then sent to Ravensbruck, Christian has minimal connections, and unlike Coco Chanelwho brokered a deal to free her nephew he has to wait until the end of the war to find out if his sister is alive. When she is gone, it cracks Christian open, revealing something he had taken for granted. You dont miss your water until the well runs dry, and if its your heart, your blood, your little sisterits devastating to him and becomes his entire raison detre, Mendelsohn says. How Hallmark Turned The Way Home Into TVs Biggest Time-Travel Drama In this unstable world, clairvoyant Madame Delahaye (Darina Al Joundi) is a tremendous source of comfort to Christian. Kessler depicts how often the designer turned to the fortune-teller during crisis and decision-making. I boil it down to something very elemental and easy for me to understand and get a hold of, says Mendelsohn. One of these is to view these predictions and visions through the prism of a scared child asking their parents if something is going to be OK, and as a way of being held in the experience and given a notion of certainty. So, while Catherine is gone, Madame Delahaye gives Christian hope when she emphatically states Catherine will return. Now, as to whether that certainty occurs or not, and in which way it does, is incredibly important to who he is, Mendelsohn says. Often, on TV, women are depicted as having this kind of trust in this spiritual realm. Yet, here, Catherine rejects Delahaye and doesnt share her brothers beliefs. It strikes me as a welcome choice to highlight this lesser-discussed aspect of Dior that wasnt unusual at the time. Christian pushed a lot of chips in. He was a committed Catholic, but he was also a committed occultist in the lighter sense of the word, Mendelsohn says. He mentions that post-war existentialism pushed aside what was previously very popular. Mystical faculties, I think, at that time, were still something that were very alive. In fact, all that period around the 40s and the 30s, the occultwhat we understand as occult-ish sort of stuffis really prevalent to a degree, which were just not that aware of, says Mendelsohn. The designer is also committed to his sisters recovery, even if his attempts have instead highlighted their inherent differences. While Catherine struggles with Christians approach, the same cannot be said for how much Williams has taken from her experience working with Mendelsohn. I was saying the whole time, I knew nothing about acting before I worked with Ben and I learned everything I know on this job, says Williams. Ive had such an amazing opportunity to work with many incredible actors. But whenever I do, I find myself learning everything all over again. 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. Cocaine, heroin, guns and money were among items confiscated after two unrelated raids at different homes one in Gary and one in Merrillville by the Gary Police Department and its partners over the span of two days. Ronald Jeffries Jr., of Gary, was arrested March 27 and is facing nine felony charges after police raided a home in the 5100 block of Ohio Court in Gary as a result of an investigation into a drug trafficking operation at the address. The day before, on March 26, John Ebler of Merrillville was arrested on two felony charges related to a month-long investigation into a drug trafficking operation at his address. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, his police Chief Derrick Cannon Sr., Commander of Investigative Services Jack Hamady and Lake County Prosecutor Bernie Carter gathered to share news of the arrests and charges as Melton nears his milestone 100th day in office. Melton said when he got into office, public safety was a top priority along with putting the right leadership in place at the police department, a move he says is working. He said Cannon was tasked with helping to develop a law enforcement strategy for the city that is more effective. Today is evidence of that, Melton said. Cannon said the investigation and subsequent arrests were made possible with the citys partners including the Hammond and Merrillville police departments, which aided in the investigations. He pointed to community involvement as the key partnership that made a difference in these cases. Cannon said once police were informed of suspicious activity by members of the community, they were able to conduct the investigation and move forward swiftly with arrests. Without that input, the investigations may not have occurred, he said. Hamady said investigations into these two separate drug trafficking cases started in February after tips were received from the community. Hamady said police knew they were dealing with a dangerous individual when entering Jeffries home. Once inside they found 13 weapons eight rifles, three handguns and two shotguns. Police also discovered 42 grams of heroin and crack cocaine at the home. Police confiscated $12,000 from the scene which will be submitted for asset forfeiture. Hamady said when the SWAT team burst into Jeffries residence he was in the process of making a batch of crack cocaine in his kitchen. He attempted to discard the drugs and tossed a bag, later determined to contain heroin, on top of the kitchen cabinets, Hamady said. When an officer went to recover the bag, things got scary, he continued. As the officer was getting the bag down from on top of the cabinets, it broke open spilling the contents all over him. At the time the contents of the bag were unknown, Hamady said. According to the probable cause affidavit, just under a gram of fentanyl was purchased from Jeffries by a confidential informant a week prior. Hamady said police administered Narcan at the scene as a preventative measure and transported the officer to the hospital where he was treated and released without incident. The substance later tested positive as heroin, Hamady said. Hamady said the investigations and arrests are part of a larger effort to target drug trafficking operations that provide illicit substances to lower-level dealers in Gary. Homicides in Gary are down 71% in the first three months of 2024 over the first three months of 2023. There have been five homicides so far in 2024 including one that took place overnight Tuesday. Details have not yet been released. There have been 26 gunshot wounds in the city so far this year compared to 27 during the same period in 2023, about a 4% drop. Hamady attributes some of the successes to more readily available technology including license plate readers and the citys Real Time Crime Center. Police currently have 1,484 live video feeds into the police department and the ability to tap into 694 registered residential cameras if something were to happen near one of the cameras. Cannon said police presence in the city is up and homicides are down in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same time in 2023. Police have responded to 20% more calls for service year over year. Ive challenged the agency in every area to be more efficient, Cannon said. Its very important to be able to hold these people accountable, Cannon said. When asked if the Gary Police Department is continuing on the path established during the partnership with the Indiana State Police under former Mayor Jerome Princes administration, Melton said he will be keeping the lines of communication open with the ISP. Melton said when he took office he spoke with Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter to thank them both for the time, energy and resources put into the city and agreed to keep the lines of communication open. He said ISP was able to provide various assessments of the department including some policy recommendations that have proved useful. Prosecutor Carter said the ISP is still very much involved with the Lake County Homicide Task Force and Gary is a big part of that. ISP has committed three troopers and one excise officer to work in the unit. He said Cannon also has requested a senior prosecutor be stationed in the Gary Police Department, a move Carter said he will make happen in the next couple of weeks. Jeffries was charged with dealing in a narcotic drug, a Level 2 felony; dealing in a narcotic drug, a Level 4 felony; two counts of dealing in cocaine, a Level 5 felony; two counts of dealing in a narcotic drug, a Level 5 felony; maintaining a common nuisance controlled substance, a Level 6 felony; and possession of cocaine, a Level 6 felony. He was released from the Lake County Jail on a $10,000 bond. Ebler was charged with two counts of dealing cocaine, a Level 2 felony. He was released from the Lake County Jail on a $5,000 bond. An earlier version of this story misstated Ronald Jeffries Jr.s background. cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com GARY, Ind. A patrol commander with the Gary Police Department and three others were hospitalized after a five vehicle crash involving a semi-truck Wednesday morning, according to a press release from GPD. Police said they were called around 9:35 a.m. about a white SUV that was driving recklessly and weaving in and out of traffic driving eastbound on West 5th Avenue near Burr Street. Minutes later, Gary Police patrol commander Dawn Westerfield was driving westbound on 5th Avenue from Bigger Street when a white SUV crossed the center meridian and hit the GPD patrol commander head on, leading to a chain reaction of other crashes. According to GPD, another vehicle traveling westbound behind Westerfield was unable to stop and crashed into her, along with several other vehicles, including a semi-truck that was also driving westbound on 5th Avenue. Outbound Kennedy closed downtown after major accident; 1 dead, 3 critical After additional GPD officers and the Gary Fire Department arrived on scene of the crash, police said three drivers were taken to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus for treatment. It is unclear what condition the three drivers are in at this time. GPD officials said Westerfield was in good spirits and taken to a Chicago-area hospital in stable condition, where she will undergo more testing. The Lake County Police Department, along with GPDs Crime Scene Investigation Unit, are working the crash scene investigation, which remains ongoing. No other information is available at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. On April 3, 2024, X user @Stefild posted (archived) a picture of a Chevron gas station purportedly located in Los Angeles, California. The sign displayed the very high regular-grade gas price of $7.59 per gallon. By comparison, on the same day, AAA reported the California average gas price as $5.15 and U.S. average as $3.55. In other words, the price displayed on the sign was more than double that of the national average. "Want some gas in Las [sic] Angeles?," @Stefild posted. "Thanks Joe Biden. Liberals would rather pay for this and starve, over mean tweets." The Original Facebook Post The photo of the sign was originally posted two days earlier on Facebook. It was captured at the Chevron station at 901 Alameda St. in the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, apparently on April 1. The date was a coincidence in that this rumor did not involve an April Fools' Day joke. https://www.facebook.com/NateSmoove/posts/pfbid03x915oaBHcci5xqdxS8vgX6hDomHaZBmvPL6ivyhsgiDaQyPfTs5d1sBHr1XQ6HFl The Truth Snopes found no reason to doubt the authenticity of the picture and its displayed gas prices. However, here's the truth: This Chevron station in Chinatown which is right next to the bustling Union Station and is near at least three different freeways is in no way representative of other local gas prices. The Los Angeles Times once published the Chinatown Chevron station is "infamous for its sky-high prices." Several nearby gas stations offer much lower prices. All drivers would need to do is drive a very short distance to save money. For example, a six-minute drive east of the Chevron station is the C & J gas station (North Main Services), which currently displays a regular-grade gas price of $4.79 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com. That's a savings of $2.80 per gallon when compared to the pricey Chevron. (Source: GasBuddy.com) On Google Maps, a user who submitted a 1-star review for the Chevron station wrote, "The most EXPENSIVE gas station prices in all of Los Angeles. This is their price as [of] December 31, 2023: $7.39 -$7.49. Unbelievable!" Other user reviews similarly criticized the gas station's prices as being abnormally high. (Source: Google Maps) One person on X similarly posted "[people] always uses this Chinatown Chevron when posting about high gas prices in LA lmao," also referring to pictures of the station's sign as being "scarebait." Unlike other gas stations, the prices for the Chinatown Chevron station are not provided online or in the Chevron mobile app. Further, we called the Chevron station and an employee said staff were not allowed to provide current gas prices by phone. We contacted @Stefild via a direct message to ask about the post. In response, she said, "I chose to post it because I wanted people in other states, particularly red states, to know how expensive gas can get in California." 'A Ridiculous and False Narrative' This story involves the puzzling, silly and often politically driven assumption made by some people that a single photo of one gas station is somehow representative of all other gas stations. "Using one station $2.50/gal above the average is clearly being used to drive a ridiculous and false narrative," Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for the website GasBuddy.com, told Snopes by email. "It's like equating a $100 million house as the average selling price of a home in America and ignoring the average price, which is far far more representative of the average American's experience." Prior to us sending questions to De Haan, he responded to @Stefild's post on X, writing, "This station is no where near representative of California's prices (averaging $5.13/gal today). In addition, California's prices being high has nothing to do with the White House and everything to do with California-inflicted regulation." this station is no where near representative of California's prices (averaging $5.13/gal today). In addition, California's prices being high has *nothing* to do with the White House and everything to do with California-inflicted regulation. Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) April 3, 2024 He continued to provide his analysis of the matter in a brief thread, asking @Stefild, "Under that logic, you're also thanking Joe Biden for these current [gas prices] in Mississippi?" His post included a screenshot of low prices in the Magnolia State. under that logic, you're also thanking Joe Biden for these current #gasprices in Mississippi? https://t.co/R0fu4ZOaET pic.twitter.com/eyYOyN8BvH Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) April 3, 2024 De Haan then pointed out U.S. presidents have "little control over gas prices," and said this was "because oil and gasoline are global commodities subject to global supply and demand, something the [White House] is powerless over, Democrat or Republican." bottom line: a President has little control over #gasprices in California, or Mississippi, or anywhere in between, because oil and gasoline are *global* commodities subject to *global* supply and demand, something the WH is powerless over- D or R. Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) April 3, 2024 GasBuddy.com's Nonpartisan Analysis In De Haan's email response to Snopes, he referenced his post on X about gas prices in Mississippi and also the Chinatown Chevron station, writing, "Just like my post of $2.70 prices is not representative of a larger area and what people are experiencing, this post of $7.59/gal gasoline is even more egregious to use. At least in my example, I used several dozen stations below $3. This is one station that has decided not to be competitive." "GasBuddy has no shortage of stations well-known to us for charging grossly in excess of average prices. This station has been doing this for over five years. Even while Trump was in the White House, I found individual stations charging over $5 and $6 in some areas of the country." De Haan also spent part of his morning on April 3 posting a fact check of a false claim previously made by Biden. "Busting myths on both sides of the aisle. I can't stand misinformation on [gas prices], no matter who's mouth it's coming out of," he wrote. Busting myths on both sides of the aisle. I can't stand misinformation on #gasprices, no matter who's mouth it's coming out of. https://t.co/G1DUcIKsy9 Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) April 3, 2024 As we previously reported, GasBuddy.com has been cited as a credible source by numerous news organizations and political blogs, including Fox News, MSNBC, Breitbart, CNN, The Daily Caller, CBS News, RedState, ABC News, The Daily Wire and HuffPost. In other words, the website has all the signs of being a trustworthy and nonpartisan source for data and analysis involving the world of fuel prices. Sources: AAA Gas Prices. https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=CA. De Haan, Patrick. X, https://twitter.com/GasBuddyGuy. "GasBuddy - Cheapest Gas Station Finder App with Money Saving Benefits." GasBuddy.com, https://www.gasbuddy.com. Noble, Nate. Facebook, 1 Apr. 2024, https://www.facebook.com/NateSmoove/posts/. Schneid, Rebecca. "A Sign of the Times, and Not a Good One: $8.05 for a Gallon of Regular at an L.A. Station." Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2022, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-06-03/los-angeles-gas-price-tops-dollars. German customs agents in the port city of Rostock have detained a cargo ship for the past few weeks that is loaded with 40 million euros ($43 million) of sanctioned Russian uranium and lumber, the German newspaper Ostsee Zeitung reported on April 2. The cargo ship, named Atlantic Navigator II, is registered in the Marshall Islands, but has a largely Russian crew. It was forced to stop in Rostock due to propeller damage, where it encountered trouble with German customs agents due to its cargo of sanctioned goods. The cargo is reportedly intended for the U.S., which imports a considerable amount of uranium from abroad. The U.S. has not sanctioned Russian lumber or uranium, although Congress passed a bill in December 2023 to ban the import of Russian uranium. Sources from Rostock's prosecutor's office told Ostsee Zeitung that the ship's captain was under investigation for potentially violating sanctions. It is unclear when or if the ship will be allowed to leave or if its cargo will be allowed to go with it. The Marshall Islands, a tiny country in the Pacific, is a popular place for Russian cargo ships to use as a base for business, including for the potential circumvention of sanctions. Read also: Bloomberg: Russian oil trade feels pressure of Western sanctions in India Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Public prosecutors in Germany have brought further criminal charges against far-right firebrand politician Bjorn Hocke for allegedly using a banned Nazi slogan. Hocke, who leads the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the eastern state of Thuringia, is already facing criminal trial for allegedly using the banned slogan of the Nazi Party's SA stormtroopers, "Everything for Germany!" (Alles fur Deutschland!) during a speech in May 2021 in the town of Merseburg. On Wednesday, public prosecutors in Halle brought another charge of using the emblems of a former Nazi organization against Hocke for also quoting the same slogan during a speech in December at an AfD event in the eastern city of Gera. Hocke allegedly said the first part of the slogan himself - "Alles fur" - and used gestures to encourage the audience to shout "Deutschland." "The accused has not yet admitted to the matter," prosecutors said on Wednesday. Prosecutors have asked the court to add the new charge to the existing criminal proceedings against Hocke already underway in Halle. Hocke is scheduled to go on trial beginning in mid-April. Even within the far-right AfD, Hocke is well-known for his particularly hardline and extreme positions. The domestic intelligence service in Thuringia has classified him as a known far-right extremist. The state-level AfD party organization in Thuringia - as well as in the neighbouring eastern states of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt - have also been designated as known far-right extremist groups. Hocke is to be the AfD's lead candidate in the Thuringian state elections on September 1. The AfD currently leads in opinion polls there. German foreign minister is sceptical about NATO chief's plan to create 100 billion fund for Ukraine German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is sceptical about NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's proposal to create a fund of 100 billion to assist Ukraine. Source: a statement by Baerbock cited by AFP, as reported by European Pravda Details: Baerbock believes that when it comes to assisting Ukraine, NATO and the EU should not duplicate their obligations. Quote: "So I don't think it makes sense to discuss individual numbers here again and play around with such numbers." At the same time, Baerbock expressed support for Stoltenberg's proposal to bring the Ukraine Defence Contact Group under the auspices of NATO. She stated that it was "right and important" to transform this into "really organised, reliable and long-term structures". Background: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has proposed to establish a US$100 billion fund of allied contributions for Ukraine over five years as part of a package that Alliance leaders would approve when they meet in Washington in July. According to European Pravda, discussions on the creation of a new multi-year fund to support Ukraine within the North Atlantic Alliance are expected to continue until the NATO summit. Support UP or become our patron! BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Armenia continues to remain a full member of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization), Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said at a weekly briefing, Trend reports. Among the CSTO member states, I only know one member that constantly announces CSTO's leaving it or its leaving CSTO, then claims participation, or later freezes it. We only hear this from the authorities in Yerevan. The fact is that Armenia continues to remain a full member of the CSTO. Moreover, the organization's charter, as well as the relevant protocol signed by the leaders in 2011, provide that a CSTO member state may decide to host troops and foreign infrastructure facilities on its territory only after urgent consultations with other member states of the organization," she said. As for the possible consequences for the state in the event of a violation of commitments within the organization, Zakharova noted that they are also clearly outlined. "It may involve suspension of such a state's participation in the activities of CSTO bodies by a decision of the Collective Security Council and even expulsion from the organization," she added. To note, the Armenian parliament approved an agreement with the EU regarding the status of the EU civilian observation mission along Azerbaijan's border on March 20. This agreement defines the mission's activities in Armenia and its functions within the country's borders. Members of the mission are immune to imprisonment or arrest, and personnel are protected from criminal prosecution in the host country. Additionally, EU observers' facilities are considered inviolable. Furthermore, European observers are exempt from customs, visa, and immigration laws. They have the freedom to travel throughout the country without restriction. The EU monitoring mission in Armenia began operations on January 23, 2023, with 100 people. However, on December 11, the same year, it was decided to raise their number to 209 individuals. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Minister of Justice of the state of Saxony, Katja Meier, sits at the state assembly of the Saxon Greens. The Two female state ministers, Josefine Paul and Katja Meier, are to tie the knot in the autumn to become Germany's first homosexual ministerial couple, the illustrated weekly magazine Bunte reports in its current issue which hits the newsstands on Thursday. Sebastian Willnow/dpa Two female state ministers are to tie the knot in the autumn to become Germany's first homosexual ministerial couple, the illustrated weekly magazine Bunte reports in its current issue which hits the newsstands on Thursday. Josefine Paul and Katja Meier, both members of the Greens, are currently conducting their relationship largely by means of online communication. Paul, 42, serves as family minister in North Rhine Westphalia in the west, and Meier, 44, as justice minister of Saxony in the east. The respective capitals of Dusseldorf and Dresden are almost 500 kilometres apart as the crow flies. "Homosexuality has to be visible, on the street," Meier told Bunte. And young gay men and lesbians are still experiencing problems in their families and bullying at school, Paul added. "All young people need support in finding themselves, and young queer people need the certainty that their love is entirely normal," Paul said. Meier said that while most people took this view, she had received "disgusting postcards and letters That does not leave me unaffected." But this is not the reason for the wedding, which is planned for after the Saxony elections on September 1. "It's less about a political gesture. Love is the basis," Paul told Bunte. The couple meet up on FaceTime at 6:30 am (0430 GMT) for a morning coffee and phone before going to bed at night. When the state-based upper house of the German parliament meets in Berlin, "we wink at each other," Paul says. Josefine Paul, Minister for Family Affairs, in North Rhine-Westphalia, attends a vigil in Duesseldorf. The Two female state ministers, Josefine Paul and Katja Meier, are to tie the knot in the autumn to become Germany's first homosexual ministerial couple, the illustrated weekly magazine Bunte reports in its current issue which hits the newsstands on Thursday. Oliver Berg/dpa The editorial board and publishers of the Berliner Zeitung newspaper which has a pro-Russian owner have strongly protested against criticism from Ukraine's Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev, who accused the newspaper of distorting the reality of Russia's aggressive war in Ukraine. Source: European Pravda with reference to Welt Quote: "We are surprised by the bad post, as there was no direct complaint from the ambassador to the Berliner Zeitung before this post on X. We expect the Ukrainian ambassador to respect freedom of the press in a European democracy." Details: It was reported that the ambassador supposedly reprimanded the newspaper's editorial board on Tuesday by posting on X. The editor-in-chief and publisher said that they strongly opposed personal slander against individual colleagues. "We regard the absolutely groundless attacks on named editors and authors as an attempt to intimidate, and therefore as an encroachment on freedom of the press," the statement said. In the post, Makeiev criticised, among other things, the fact that the Berliner Zeitung became an employer for former employees of Russian state-owned media outlets after the start of Russia's war against Ukraine. Makeiev also noted that the newspaper regularly tags him in its posts with articles that even the Russian embassy likes to distribute, as the reality and truth about Russia's aggressive war is really distorted there. For reference: Since 2019, the Berliner Zeitung and Berliner Verlag have been owned by the entrepreneurial couple Holger and Silke Friedrich. Holger Friedrich is often said to be close to pro-Russian circles. In particular, in February 2023, he signed the "Manifesto for Peace" by Sahra Wagenknecht and Alice Schwarzer, which opposed the supply of weapons to Ukraine. Background: Sarah Wagenknecht, the co-chair of the newly formed political force in Germany, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance Reason and Justice (BSW), once again called on the German government to negotiate with Russia to stop the war in Ukraine at the congress of this formation on 27 January. Support UP or become our patron! German Bundestag President Wolfgang Schaeuble speaks at the constituent session of the new Bundestag. Michael Kappeler/dpa In his posthumous memoir, longtime German conservative politician and former finance minister Wolfgang Schauble details an attempt by fellow Christian Democrats (CDU) to overthrow then-chancellor Angela Merkel during the 2015 refugee crisis. The memoir alleges that a prominent Bavarian politician tried to recruit him as a potential chancellor candidate as part of an effort to replace Merkel. Some Bavarian politicians on Wednesday disputed Schauble's account. The incident is recounted in an excerpt from the memoir published on Wednesday in the magazine Stern. The book, "Memories: My Life in Politics," is due to be published next week. Schauble was the longest-serving member of parliament in German history. He died on December 26 at the age of 81. Schauble recounts that tensions ran high within the conservative bloc during 2015, and that leaders of the CDU's Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), made an attempt to replace Merkel as chancellor - and tried to recruit Schauble as her replacement. As Schauble recalls, Bavaria's state premier at the time, Horst Seehofer, denounced Merkel at the CSU's party conference in 2015 and "read the riot act to the chancellor like a schoolgirl" - while Seehofer's predecessor, Edmund Stoiber, agitated against Merkel as well. "[Stoiber] wanted to persuade me to topple Merkel in order to become chancellor myself," Schauble writes. But Schauble writes that he firmly rejected the suggestion. "As with [former CDU chancellor Helmut] Kohl decades earlier, I stuck to my conviction that toppling my own chancellor could only harm our party in the long term without really solving the problem," according to the excerpt. "That was my understanding of loyalty, which may seem a little antiquated by today's standards." Seehofer told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper that Stoiber never spoke to him about an alleged attempt to topple Merkel, perhaps "because it was absolutely clear that he could never have won [Seehofer] over to such a path." However, Seehofer said it was generally known that Stoiber was a massive critic of Merkel's handling of the refugee issue. Stoiber told dpa that he did not wish to comment on Schauble's account, saying he wished to keep confidential the many private conversations with Schauble and other colleagues. Stoiber was Bavarian state premier from 1993 to 2007 and chairman of the CSU from 1999 to 2007. During the refugee crisis, he repeatedly criticized Merkel's policies, which included opening Germany's borders to over 1 million asylum seekers. "I have never commented on reports about this, and of course this still applies to me today after his death," Stoiber told dpa. In the passages published by Stern, Schauble reiterated his fundamental support for Merkel's decision to keep Germany's borders open to refugees in the autumn of 2015 but also criticized her actions on the issue. "When the chancellor made the decision on September 4, 2015, which in retrospect was central to this crisis, to keep the borders open in view of the catastrophic conditions at the train station in Budapest, where thousands of refugees were stranded, I thought this was the right thing to do for humanitarian and European policy reasons." Schauble also endorsed Merkel's famous phrase on the issue: "We can do it." But the late politician argued in the memoir that those sentiments "needed to be accompanied by a number of other measures and efforts to make it clear that this one-off emergency measure was unrepeatable." He was occasionally frustrated "that Merkel remained resistant to consultation in some respects." "In my opinion, she would have had many different opportunities to really lead politically and not just react." By Riham Alkousaa and Andreas Rinke BERLIN (Reuters) -The leadership of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has asked one of its lawmakers to "clarify" a report that he received money from a pro-Russian news portal, amid growing scrutiny across Europe of right-wing parties' links to Moscow. Petr Bystron, a member of the German Bundestag and an AfD candidate in this summer's European Parliament elections, has strongly denied the report. In a letter dated Wednesday, AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tina Chrupalla said Bystron must explain his position on the matter by Thursday afternoon "in order to dispel all allegations beyond doubt and so that our party's federal executive committee is able to react accordingly". "At no time did I receive any cash payments or cryptocurrencies from an employee of 'Voice of Europe' (or any Russian)," Bystron wrote in a letter to the AfD leadership seen by Reuters on Wednesday. He said he was being targeted by a defamation campaign that aimed to damage opposition politicians in several European countries. German magazine Der Spiegel and Czech newspaper Denik N asserted that Bystron had received money from the portal Voice of Europe after the Czech government last week sanctioned the operators and backers of the platform due to suspected Russian influence. The Czech foreign ministry said the operators had sought to stir up sentiment in Europe against support for Ukraine through interviews with pro-Russian politicians. The portal also conducted interviews with the AfD's top candidate in the European Parliament elections, Maximilian Krah. A Spiegel journalist also said Czech authorities had incriminating audio evidence of Bystron. "German security services are currently trying to obtain the recording from the Czech secret service," a German security source told Reuters. Asked about Bystron, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Wednesday said that, if true, the allegations would confirm his view that the AfD was a "fifth column for Moscow". In an interview with the Funke Media Group published on Wednesday, Bystron said: "I did not accept any money to promote pro-Russian positions." He also asked the Czech secret service to present the alleged audio recording. Bystron did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The AfD, with 78 of 735 seats in Germany's parliament, leads polls in several poorer, post-industrial eastern states where its anti-establishment, anti-immigrant stance resonates. It opposes Germany's backing for Ukraine in the war with Russia. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Riham AlkousaaEditing by Gareth Jones and Josie Kao) GoFundMe campaign started for funeral costs of Ga. Walmart employee allegedly killed by co-worker A GoFundMe campaign has been started to benefit the family of a Walmart employee who was killed Friday night. Police say Antavius Holton was shot by a co-worker, Adrian Jelks, at the Walmart store in Fayetteville. Antavius Holton was loved in the city of Riverdale and had a fashion clothing line which he loved. Please help us bury him and have peace, donate anything you can, a family member wrote on the GoFundMe page. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jelks is still on the run and is considered armed and dangerous. If you know his whereabouts, please call 911. A 9-year-old girl was also shot during the shooting. She was hospitalized and was stable. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Carrie Preston poses for a portrait to promote her series "Elsbeth" on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Matt Licari/Invision/AP) It took about 14 years but Carrie Preston is finally playing her dream role full-time. Preston stars in the new CBS procedural Elsbeth, as Elsbeth Tascioni, a gifted attorney with a sharp eye for detail who is easily distracted. She also possesses joie de vivre and does not put on airs. Make no mistake though, Elsbeth is usually the smartest person in the room. Viewers first met Elsbeth at the end of season one of The Good Wife" which starred Julianna Margulies as a political wife who restarts her law career when her husband (Chris Noth) is arrested. Elsbeth was brought in as an attorney for Noth's character, Peter Florrick. I knew from the show that when they would hit on a guest actor that they liked or a character that they liked, they would bring her or him back," recalled Preston recently. I didnt hear anything for a whole season. And I thought, OK, well, maybe that was that,' because I wasnt in season two at all. Then they called back and we all hit our stride at that point. We found the chemistry with the writing and the acting." Preston won a guest actor Emmy Award in 2013 for her portrayal of the character on The Good Wife. Elsbeth also appeared in multiple episodes of its spin-off for Paramount+ called The Good Fight, starring Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald. Every time I played Elsbeth, I played her like it was the last time because I was always a guest. I played her 19 times over those two shows. Thats really only a couple times a year if you spread it out. The opportunity to play her all the time is a dream come true," said Preston. Michelle and Robert King, co-creators of The Good Wife, The Good Fight and Elsbeth have maintained a good relationship with Preston over the years. Besides playing Elsbeth, she directed episodes of their Showtime thriller drama Your Honor and also The Good Fight. The Kings were always aware the Elsbeth character was a fan favorite, but it took a binge-watch of Columbo during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to prompt them to create a show for Preston. We realized whats fun about Columbo is him being underestimated and him kind of not being able to control how smart he was," said Robert King. That's Elsbeth, added Michelle King. Elsbeth" debuted in February, took a break, and returns this week with two new episodes. The show will air a new episode weekly into May. We meet Elsbeth now, still an attorney, but she has left Chicago for a job in New York helping the NYPD with their investigations. We are doing a procedural, so the writing does have to honor the case of the week (format), said Preston. Im finding it interesting to see how Elsbeth is in that situation. Were used to seeing her in a courtroom. Were not seeing that at all here. Aside from being set in a new city, Elsbeth is written for a broader network audience and avoids the kind of political storylines that drove The Good Fight in particular. 'The Good Fight' was such a ripped-from-the-headlines, overtly political show, which got harder and harder as the world became more and more complicated," said Jonathan Tolins, an executive producer and writer on The Good Fight" who is now showrunner of Elsbeth." "Its fun now to take (Preston's) character and throw her into something thats less dire and a little bit more escapist and fun." It's enjoyable to watch Elsbeth catch people by surprise with her intelligence but that's confounded because she's a woman. Elsbeth has the added advantage of the misogyny that comes of lower expectations just because shes a woman and sort of a ditzy woman," said Robert King. "Her ditzy-ness is not an act in our minds. Its kind of connected to her problem solving. I like to say that shes sort of putting everything in the Rolodex of her brain, because she doesnt know when shes going to need to go get that file out and use it," said Preston. One of the hallmarks of The Good Wife and The Good Fight were recurring characters with distinct personalities who played attorneys and judges throughout the run of the shows. Fans were often tickled when a familiar face was brought back. Elsbeth, says Preston, will do the same. We will start seeing some repeats of our little stable of detectives and they all have wonderful personalities," she said. A number of known actors have also been cast in guest spots for the show's first season including Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Blair Underwood, Keegan-Michael Key, Retta and Gina Gershon. GOP bill allows 'neutral' Bible study (like that's possible) in Arizona public schools During an election year during any year, actually the worst of our politicians propose legislation that is designed exclusively to appease their most narrow-minded constituents. That is why the Republicans who control the Arizona Legislature are pushing through a bill that would allow the Ten Commandments to be posted in Arizonas public schools. And it is why they have included in that bill a provision that also allows district and charter schools (which are also public) to offer a course for grades 9 through 12 pertaining to how the Bible has influenced western culture. In a ham-handed attempt to ward off allegations of religious indoctrination, Senate Bill 1151 also has a provision saying that such a class must meet federal and state guidelines in maintaining religious neutrality. As if such a thing is possible. Bible study belongs in churches, not schools Could this be a student's desk in an Arizona public school? The bill was sponsored by Republican Sen. Anthony Kern, who was among the Arizona fake electors in the last presidential election, a wayward collective of GOP operatives who boldly broke Commandment No. 9, the one about bearing false witness. The Ten Commandments thing might actually be useful in addition to wildly humorous if teachers were required to post the names of politicians who broke them next to the appropriate commandment number. A competition that, clearly, would be dominated by former president Donald Trump. Kern whines: That he is really a victim Democrats have opposed this legislation, although many of them are Christians. They just happen to believe that Bible study and religious instruction belong in churches, not in the multi-cultural, multi-religious setting of the public schools. Would Republicans offer a class on the Quran? That is, unless the GOP also is prepared to offer classes in how civilization has been influenced by the Quran of Islam, the Sacred Texts of Hinduism and of Buddhism and of Taoism, the Jewish Talmud, and other sacred texts. And what of Native Americans and others whose spiritual beliefs are not rooted in any book? Such beliefs may not be monotheistic but polytheistic, henotheistic, animistic, shamanistic, pantheistic. Or some mixture. Bible study in public schools isnt education, its indoctrination, and the people pushing such legislation are OK with that. Besides, does anyone, even for a second, believe that a teacher in a public or charter school teaching a class on the Bible would give the same weight to other beliefs (most likely knowing nothing about them) in a way that maintains religious neutrality? If you answered yes to that question Im pretty sure youve just joined the bills sponsor in violating Commandment No. 9. Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com. For more opinions content, please subscribe. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Bible could be taught 'neutrally' in Arizona public schools Rep. Lupe Diaz, R-Benson, gives an opening sermon on April 1, 2024. Screenshot via ACTV/azleg.gov A state legislator on Monday used his time delivering a sermon that said a holiday to celebrate trans people was dark, proof of America being unrighteous, and then denounced non-Christians. The sermon was given as the House of Representatives opened its daily floor session, during which lawmakers convene to vote on bills passed through committees. Every day, the House and Senate open their floor sessions with a prayer that is meant to be non-denominational, but Republicans who control both chambers have long only used Christians to speak. But Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-Benson), who is also a minister, went a step further in his opening prayer Monday, and spent nearly five minutes on a fire-and-brimstone-styled sermon against non-Christians: Eternal life is not available just to everybody, it is available just to those that acknowledge Jesus Christ, Diaz said on the House floor. The evangelical speech was given as a reaction to International Transgender Day of Visibility, which happened to be at the same time as Easter Sunday this year. (Easter changes yearly, whereas the Day of Visibility has been recognized on March 31 every year since 2009.) Diaz incorrectly said that Pres. Joe Biden proclaimed the holiday on the same day as Easter this year, and went on to say that it was proof of light versus dark, and then followed up with saying the U.S. was an unrighteous nation. LOOKOUT reached out to Diaz on Tuesday via email and through his secretary asking if he knew how Easter was scheduled, as well as if his comments reflect on his ability to govern or work with people of different religious denominations. His office did not respond by the given deadline. No Republicans have commented on the sermon or Diazs comments. Diaz does not hide his preference of combining state politics with his personal religion. His main website brandishes a large cross overlaying the American flag. it also says he began a career in civil service after God called him to reach out to his community. House Democrats, though, argued back moments after Diaz concluded. Rep. Lorena Austin (D-Mesa), one of the nations only non-binary lawmakers, said that the Jesus I grew up learning was kind and compassionate and doesnt denounce anyone. A prayer is not a sermon, Austin said. And we were elected to serve the people and make laws to make their lives better, not condemn them. In statements released by the Arizona LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, Rep. Patty Contreras (D-Phoenix) said that the speech was religious bigotry on full display: Mondays sermon was a coordinated and cynical display of religious intolerance, which used a coincidence in the calendar to attack LGBTQ+ Arizonans, and anyone who doesnt fall in line with one members view of Christianity, said Contreras, who is the vice-chair of the caucus. Rep. Oscar De Los Santos (D.-Phoenix) who is also vice chair echoed Contrerass statement, saying: I stood and respectfully listened as my colleague damned me to Hell, but it is outrageous to hear such intolerance, divisiveness and disrespect directed at so many Arizonans inside the Peoples House, with Republican members standing in support. This was a shameful moment. The post A GOP lawmaker called the US unrighteous because of LGBTQ people and non-Christians appeared first on Arizona Mirror. GOP lawmakers are using the budget to pressure Kansas' governor on DEI and immigration FILE - Cars and trucks line up to enter the U.S. from Mexico at a border crossing in El Paso, Texas, March 29, 2019. Most Americans think the U.S. has been significantly changed by immigrants over the past five years and while many agree immigrants contribute to the economy, there are broad concerns that even legal immigration brings risks as well, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, conducted March 21-25, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Republicans are likely to approve a proposed state budget for Kansas with provisions aimed at forcing the state's Democratic governor to restrict diversity initiatives on college campuses and help Texas in its fight with the Biden administration over border security. GOP negotiators for the state House and Senate have agreed to include those items in a single bill containing the bulk of the $25 billion in spending for Kansas' 2025 budget year, which begins July 1. Top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature expect both chambers to vote this week on the final version of the bill. Its an opportunity to make a point, state Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, said Wednesday. The power of the purse thats all we have. Thats our main power. Both the Kansas House and Senate approved resolutions this year expressing their support for efforts by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas to enforce a law there allowing his state to arrest migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally. The Biden administration argues that only the federal government sets immigration policy. But Republicans in the Kansas Senate then added an extra $15.7 million in the next state budget with directions to Gov. Laura Kelly that she provide Kansas National Guard resources to Texas. Republican senators also included provisions to withhold a total of $35.7 million in funding from state universities unless their presidents appeared before Kelly and top legislative leaders and confirmed that they were not requiring prospective students, job applicants or staffers seeking promotion to provide statements endorsing diversity, equity or inclusion initiatives or discussing past experiences with it. The GOP budget negotiators agreed to retain those provisions unless a separate bill banning the practice becomes law. The state constitution gives Kelly the power to veto individual budget provisions, and it's not clear that the immigration or anti-DEI ones have the two-thirds majorities in both chambers needed to override a veto. But if Kelly were to veto the anti-DEI provisions, the $35.7 million would go with them. It's kind of like blackmail, said Democratic state Rep. Tom Sawyer, of Wichita. Republicans in at least 20 states have sought to limit DEI initiatives, arguing that they are discriminatory and enforce a liberal political orthodoxy. Alabama and Utah enacted new anti-DEI laws this year. The Kansas House last month approved a bill that would bar universities, community colleges or technical colleges from basing a students admission or an employees hiring or promotion on any statement or pledge about DEI or any political ideology or movement." Republicans are hoping to have a vote on a new version in both chambers this week. But the Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the state's higher education system, already is responding to GOP lawmakers' concerns. The board expects to consider a proposed policy change in April that would ban requirements in admissions or employment for statements pledging allegiance to, support for, or opposition to diversity, equity or inclusion. I really dont think its going to be an issue. I think theyre all going to change their policy, said state Rep. Kyle Hoffman, a Republican from western Kansas and a House budget negotiator. Republicans' interest in border security comes with former President Donald Trump ramping up anti-immigrant rhetoric as he campaigns for reelection, often spreading falsehoods about migration. Roughly two-thirds of Americans disapproved of President Joe Biden's handling of border security in an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in March. GOP officials in many states also frame the issue as stopping the flow of the dangerous opioid fentanyl across the Mexico-U.S. border, though experts agree the key is reducing demand for it in the U.S. We need to stop it, said state Sen. J.R. Claeys, a central Kansas Republican and a budget negotiator. Obviously, the Biden administration isnt going to do that, so were going to have to do it ourselves. But state Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Kansas City-area Democrat, said problems at the border demonstrate the need for reforming national immigration laws and argued that Americans are more likely to smuggle fentanyl than immigrant families seeking a better life in the U.S. Theyre willing to blame every possible thing on immigration in on immigrants, she said. Some Republicans expect Kelly to veto the provision. Last month, she told reporters that the state constitution makes her the guards commander-in-chief and she decides how its resources are used. But Claeys responded: We also have other budgetary ways of making things happen, so well continue to use those and the power of the purse. Updated Sixteen months ago, North Carolinas highest court ordered the state legislature to spend $800 million to improve K-12 education a landmark ruling that seemed to end a decades-long legal battle over adequate funding for schools. The opinion, delivered 28 years after the suit was filed, was supposed to fund efforts in some of the states poorest districts for teacher and principal training, more books and supplies and expanded pre-K. But those remedies are now in jeopardy as the Supreme Court, with a fresh political makeover, once again considers the case. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter When a trial court ordered the state to spend surplus funds on the remedies, Republican leaders who control the legislature appealed. They argue that the court never had the authority to issue a sweeping statewide order based on the claims of the original plaintiffs: five poor, rural districts. To the districts and equity advocates, however, the move smacks of a political power play. Under the former Democratic majority on the court, the ruling was tight a 4-3 vote for the districts. Following the November 2022 election, the court flipped to a 5-2 majority in the Republicans favor. If the court overturns the opinion, todays students would be the third generation of children since this lawsuit was filed to pass through our state school system without the benefit of relief, Melanie Dubis, lead attorney for the districts, said during oral arguments in late February. The state, she said, has the constitutional duty to provide the children the opportunity for a sound basic education. Matthew Tilley, the attorney who argued the case for House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, said it is his firms policy not to comment on ongoing client cases. Related NCs Top Court Compels State to Turn Over $800 Million in School Funding Case It could be months before the court issues an opinion on the case. That leaves districts in the state, which ranks near the bottom nationally in per-student funding, in limbo. But experts suggest the case has implications beyond the education budget. In a state where lawmakers seek more power over Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, and last year overrode 19 of his vetoes, the courts decision to rehear the case raises questions about whether the legislature is exceeding its authority. This case is about having power over the courts, said Ann McColl, a lawyer who co-founded The Innovation Project, a school leadership network. The balance of power that helps government function properly is at stake. Righting that wrong With the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision ending school segregation this spring, other observers see the conservative courts decision to reopen Hoke County Board of Education v. North Carolina also known as the Leandro case as a setback for efforts to address segregations legacy. Its important for us as a country to be righting that wrong and to ensure that we invest in schools and districts having high concentrations of students of color, said Ary Amerikaner, co-founder of Browns Promise, a nonprofit promoting integration. Underfunding of public schools in certain districts and states is deeply connected to racial segregation and racial inequities. That is certainly no different in North Carolina. The statewide funding gap between poor and non-poor districts has grown wider in recent years, according to a 2020 report from Public School Forum, a research and advocacy group. School systems without a strong tax base, like the five original plaintiffs, predominantly serve minority students those who were more likely to fall behind because of the pandemic and need extra help. Meanwhile, districts have turned to for-profit companies to provide virtual teachers and long-term substitutes to fill vacancies as they await the additional funding the remedial plan was supposed to provide. Related Exclusive Data: Fueled by Teacher Shortages, Zoom-in-a-Room Makes a Comeback To Anthony Jackson, superintendent of the Chatham County Schools, west of Raleigh, the plan would address some of the growing districts greatest needs, including more funding for competitive salaries and additional pre-K slots for 4-year-olds on waiting lists. It would mean resources to recruit, retain and reward the best teachers and get them in front of our kids, he said. It would mean a strong leader standing at the schoolhouse door in every one of our schools. Jackson previously served six years as superintendent of Vance County schools, one of the original plaintiff districts. Located next to the Wake County district, the states largest, Vance struggles to fill classrooms with qualified staff, Jackson said. Anthony Jackson, right, superintendent of the Chatham County Schools, said the plan, if implemented, would provide funding to recruit more teachers. (Chatham County Schools) Under the plan, Vance would receive an extra $16 million by 2028, a 39% increase that could pay for 35 more teaching assistants, 47 more nurses and mental health professionals, and 46 more spaces for pre-kindergartners, according to Every Child NC, an advocacy group that calculated the impact on each district. According to the most recent annual report from an early-childhood education research and advocacy group, the state serves 19% of its 4-year-olds in public pre-K, but no 3-year-olds. Weve got to support parents from the day they have that child. Kids go home for five years and then we expect them all to show up at the schoolhouse door at the same place, Jackson said. Noting the states passage last year of a universal school choice program that provides up to $7,500 per student for private school tuition and other educational expenses, he added that if the state can find resources for school choice, Im sure we could find resources for universal pre-K. Related North Carolina to Launch Education Savings Accounts, With Up to $7,500 Per Child But others say the plan does not directly address student achievement. Will the teachers get paid adequately? Will people be able to go to schools without mold? Those are things that are important, but theyre not about performance, said Marcus Brandon, executive director of NorthCarolinaCAN, a nonprofit that advocates for school choice. A former Democratic state representative, he said he supports the Leandro plan in principle, but still thinks the court has the authority to throw it out. During Februarys oral arguments, Tilley, who represents legislative leaders, argued that the remedial plan dictates virtually every aspect of education policy and funding and that the courts ruling removed those decisions from the democratic process. He stressed that an earlier court order in 2004 limited the relief to just one county, Hoke, and said the court should not have found a statewide violation. In her response, Dubis accused the lawmakers of gamesmanship and said its illogical to apply the solutions only to Hoke, but not to other districts with, for example, similar teacher vacancies. It is a system that works on a statewide basis, she said. The outcome of the long-running case also rests on a second, but no less significant, matter. Just months after the 2022 opinion, the new conservative court undercut the decision by ruling, in what McColl called shadow litigation, that the state controller cant transfer surplus funds to pay for the relief. That means that even if the school districts win, its likely that funding for the plan would be further delayed. Thats what makes this so odd, McColl said. Without the ability to enforce a money remedy, these cases just dont serve a lot of purpose. Like McColl, Derek Black, a University of South Carolina law professor and a member of the Browns Promise advisory board, has followed the Leandro case for years. He was among the legal scholars who submitted a January amicus brief, arguing that, unlike state legislatures, which often repeal prior laws when the party in power changes, courts are obligated to uphold prior judicial decisions even when they disagree. The brief noted that over the course of the litigation, both Democratic and Republican justices authored unanimous decisions in the case. If overturned, it would be a huge shock to the rule of law, Black told The 74. To allow do-overs would mean that litigation would never end and that no judicial decision would ever be binding. I hope and believe that this court understands that. Fatime Letifova The delegation led by Yalchin Rafiyev, the chief negotiator of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), met with Leena Nandan, the secretary of the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by COP29 on its official "X" account. The parties discussed COP29 within the framework of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Sarkis Galstyan, who continued to live in Khankendi after the anti-terrorist measures of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Karabakh on September 19-20, 2023, was detained in Gorus by Armenian National Security Service officers, Trend reports. Armenian media attempted to clarify this information with the National Security Service, but were directed to submit a written request. Furthermore, Galstyan's relatives in Armenia have neither refuted nor verified the news of his incarceration. Media representatives submitted a request to Armenia's National Security Service but have yet to receive a response. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Concern over illegal immigration and border security was Donald Trumps central campaign issue when he won the presidency in 2016, and polls show it as the GOPs most potent political weapon again in 2024. John Moore/Getty Images With polls showing unauthorized immigration as Republicans best issue for the fall, the GOP is looking to raise the alarm about voting by non-citizens and the undocumented. The multi-pronged effort has been advanced in congressional legislation, public statements by top election officials and U.S. senators, plans produced by grassroots activists, and posts on X by former President Donald Trump and others. Concern over illegal immigration and border security was Trumps central campaign issue when he won the presidency in 2016, and polls show it as the GOPs most potent political weapon again in 2024. A Feb. 27 Gallup poll found 28% of respondents saw it as the countrys most important issue, well ahead of any other topic. At an April 2 rally in Michigan, Trump seized on the recent murder of a local woman, Ruby Garcia, who law enforcement has alleged was killed by her undocumented boyfriend. We threw him out of the country and crooked Joe Biden let him back in and let him stay and he viciously killed Ruby, said Trump. But the party is also using the issue to bolster its ongoing push to stoke fear about voter fraud and press for more restrictive voting rules. And it has often trafficked in false and misleading claims about voting by undocumented immigrants. Voter fraud claims Voting by non-citizens is extremely rare. Thats because, voting advocates say, non-citizens are especially careful not to do anything that might jeopardize their status in the country. A voter fraud database run by the conservative Heritage Foundation, which covers several decades in which billions of votes have been cast across the country, contains 29 entries that mention non-citizens. In some of these, a non-citizen registered but did not vote. Still, over the last few weeks, Republican secretaries of state from Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama, and at least two U.S. Senate Republicans, were the latest to tout the issue. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger wrote in a March 12 op-ed that leftist-activist allies of President Joe Biden want to open the gate to non-citizen voting. At issue is a lawsuit challenging a Georgia measure requiring people registering to vote to show documentary proof of citizenship. The voting-rights advocates behind the suit say the requirement isnt needed, and can present a barrier to registration for some voters, especially naturalized citizens, who may not have easy access to citizenship documents. In the op-ed, Raffensperger, who famously resisted Trumps pressure to collude in subverting Georgias 2020 election results, sought to conflate the issue of illegal voting by the undocumented with burgeoning efforts by a few Democratic-led cities, including Washington, D.C., to allow legal non-citizens to vote in local elections. He has pushed for a constitutional amendment in Georgia that would bar local governments in the state from enfranchising non-citizens. Leftist activists have already shown that they want to change the laws that require voters to be U.S. citizens, Raffensperger wrote. A constitutional amendment would eliminate any possibility for future efforts to change those laws. Warning on DOJ program Days earlier, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson sent a letter to the U.S. Justice Department, warning that a federal program aimed at making voter registration easier for people in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Prison could lead to the registration not only of ineligible felons but also of the undocumented. Due to the Biden Administrations border policies, millions of illegal aliens have not only been allowed into this country during the last three years, but they have also been allowed to stay. Many of these aliens have been in the custody of an agency of the Department of Justice including the Marshals, Watson wrote in the letter, which his office provided to States Newsroom. Providing ineligible non-citizens with information on how to register to vote undoubtedly encourages them to illegally register to vote. The Justice Department program is part of the Biden administrations response to the presidents sweeping 2021 executive order aimed at using federal government agencies to expand access to voter registration. Republicans have condemned the order as an improper attempt to use public resources to advance partisan political goals. There is no evidence the order has led to ineligible voters being added to the rolls. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, as well as Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., also sought to raise concerns about non-citizen voting in an exchange at a March 12 hearing of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. The two Alabama Republicans charged that the federal government has denied election officials the tools they need to verify citizenship. I think (verifying citizenship) is important, now more than ever, especially given whats happening at the southern border, said Allen, who was testifying before the panel. At the same hearing, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, used his time to ask the witnesses if they agreed that only U.S. citizens should be able to vote in federal elections something thats already the law and that people registering to vote should have to show proof of citizenship. Lee later sent out a clip of the exchange on X. Memo calls for proof of citizenship to register Also last month, the conservative voting activist Cleta Mitchell, who played a key role in Trumps bid to overturn the 2020 election, circulated a memo on the threat of non-citizen voting in 2024. The memo, posted online by a conservative advocacy group, called for a federal law requiring people to show proof of citizenship when registering, among other steps. There are myriad left-wing advocacy groups who register illegals to vote, Mitchell wrote, a charge for which she did not provide evidence. But the partys efforts to tie together voting and immigration have been underway for longer in this election cycle. Last March, as States Newsroom reported, a group of prominent conservative election activists came together to promote what they called a national campaign to protect voting at all levels of government as the exclusive right of citizens. Months later, congressional Republicans unveiled a sweeping elections bill, which aimed to capture the GOPs top priorities in its push to tighten voting rules, and which contained a full section on stopping non-citizen voting. Among other steps, the measure would give states more access to federal data on citizenship and make it easier for them to remove people flagged as non-citizens from the rolls. It also would penalize states where non-citizens can vote in local elections by cutting their share of federal election funding. While Democrats control the Senate and White House, the bill has little chance of becoming law. Legislation on non-citizen voting Separately, in the current session of Congress alone, the House Administration Committee has passed seven different bills addressing non-citizen voting. Last year, the House voted to use Congress authority over the District of Columbia to overturn D.C.s law enfranchising non-citizens the first time the House had voted to overturn a District bill since 2015. The Senate didnt take up the bill. One Republican lawmaker introduced a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to ban non-citizen voting. Legal non-citizen voting has a long history in the U.S. In the middle of the 19th century, at least 16 states passed measures enfranchising non-citizens, often to lure workers to underpopulated western states. These laws were gradually repealed in the late 19th and early 20th century a period when a more general anxiety about mass voting led to Jim Crow laws in the South and laws restricting voting by Catholic and Jewish immigrants in the north. Some prominent figures have falsely suggested that Democrats are soft-pedaling border security so they can benefit from the votes of the undocumented. Thats why they are allowing these people to come in people that dont speak our language they are signing them up to vote, Trump said at a January rally in Iowa. And I believe thats why you are having millions of people pour into our country and it could very well affect the next election. Thats why they are doing it. Elon Musk, the billionaire tech entrepreneur, has taken a similar view. Dems wont deport, because every illegal is a highly likely vote at some point, Musk told his over 170 million followers in a Feb. 26 post on X, which he owns, commenting on news that an undocumented immigrant hadnt been deported despite a string of arrests. That simple incentive explains what seems to be insane behavior. U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, charged in a 2022 TV ad: Joe Bidens open border is killing Ohioans with more illegal drugs and more Democrat voters pouring into this country. Kansas law One figure who may have done more than any to promote the threat of voting by non-citizens is Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. As the states secretary of state, Kobach pushed for a law requiring voter registrants to provide proof of citizenship. The law was ultimately struck down by a federal court, which found no credible evidence that a significant number of non-citizens had registered to vote before it was implemented. The law was responsible for keeping tens of thousands of voter registration applications in limbo during an election. Kobach went on to chair a voter fraud commission created in 2017 by the Trump White House, which pushed for a federal law similar to the Kansas law. The panel disbanded the following year without providing evidence of widespread voter fraud. The post GOP, Trump build on immigration fears to push voting restrictions in states appeared first on Georgia Recorder. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) As lawmakers prepare to come back to Raleigh this month for the even-year short session, education funding is a key issue theyre expected to tackle. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) spoke this week about some of the requests hell make to the Republican-controlled General Assembly as the legislature makes adjustments to the two-year budget enacted last fall. The legislature passed the budget last fall, which Cooper allowed to go into law without his signature. Youre going to see a strong education budget from me: investments in our students and teachers and principals, Cooper said. The governor also has called on the legislature to fully fund the Leandro plan as the state Supreme Court, which has a Republican majority, reconsiders a decision to require the state to release the money to pay for the plan. As Republican lawmakers discuss putting more money into the states school voucher program known as the Opportunity Scholarship, Cooper said hell reiterate his call for a moratorium. The vouchers provide taxpayer money to families to help pay for private schools. Republicans voted last year to make every family eligible for the program regardless of income and even if their children already attend private school. Thats the wrong way to go, particularly when they are so unaccountable and when a lot of people who are applying for these vouchers already have their kids in private schools, already can afford it, he said. When you look at the money they put in vouchers, we could give teachers a 2.6 percent raise. We could double the number of pre-K slots. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) recently told CBS 17 that talks are underway about adding funding to the Opportunity Scholarship program. Applications surged this year to about 72,000. Families are grouped into four tiers based on income, with Tier 1 being those at the low end of the scale. The NC State Education Assistance Authority said last week it sent notice to 13,511 students in Tier 1 that theyve been offered an award. Some Tier 2 families will also be offered money, but it wont be clear how many until Tier 1 families either accept or reject their award. There is not enough money to give awards to families in Tiers 3 and 4. The awards range from $3,360 to $7,468 per child. Theres about $293 million available for the program for the upcoming school year. Speaker Moore did not say how much more lawmakers are discussing adding to the program. I do want to see us to provide more funding there. We need to keep that promise. At the same time, we need to make sure we adequately fund our traditional public schools, he said. As we approach this budget, as we approach this issue, its not gonna be do something at the expense of others. Its gonna be kind of raise all ships if you will. Moore said lawmakers will also consider additional raises for state employees and teachers. As the budget stands now, theyre receiving raises of about 7 percent on average over two years. A new report released Wednesday by the Dept. of Public Instruction showed a significant increase in the attrition rate of teachers. From March of 2022 to March of 2023, 10,373 of them left their jobs. That was up from 7,280 the year prior. The state made 11,023 new hires. Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt (R) said the report shows the need for additional support for beginning teachers. Cooper had called for 18 percent raises on average for teachers over two years in the budget he presented in March 2023. Moore said lawmakers will reassess the raises already slated to go into effect, but its unclear whether they will change or by how much. A House Committee recently recommended the legislature make changes to teacher pay and school performance grades. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Cup holding pens for marking ballots for precincts 355 and 356 at Edmond Church of Christ on March 5. A task force created by Gov. Kevin Stitt is calling for no limits on how much money state politicians can accept from individuals in campaign donations. The Governor's Task Force on Campaign Finance and Election Threats reported a change is needed to combat the impact of dark money groups. "Independent expenditure entities are allowed to raise anonymously unlimited amounts of money where candidates and political parties may not," the task force said in its March 31 report. "Candidates, not independent expenditures, should run races." A candidate currently can accept $3,300 per individual per election in Oklahoma. The limit means a candidate could get up to $9,900 per individual if on the ballot in a primary, a runoff and the general elections. A small number of states have rule similar to Gov. Kevin Stitt's proposal Fewer than a dozen states have no limits on individual donations. They include Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and Virginia, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Any change in Oklahoma would require action by the state's Ethics Commission. The governor created the task force on Nov. 1. "I am proud to report that Oklahoma is a national leader in election security. Our state and county election boards are best in class," Stitt said in an executive order. "Oklahomans should know the ballots cast and counted in Oklahoma are legitimate. But we must not rest on our laurels." The task force reported it confirmed "that our election system is one of the best ... in the nation." It pointed out voting machines cannot connect to the internet and have built-in features that prevent tampering. It pointed to two key 2022 races in justifying a change on donation limits. More: A group formed by one candidates husband is buying ads in Tulsa school board races In a reference to the governor's race, it reported "independent expenditures had a 4 to 1 spending advantage against the candidate that was opposed." Stitt's campaign complained in 2022 that dark money groups had spent "upwards of $50 million to lie" about him. Stitt has reported spending more than $10 million on his reelection effort. In a reference to the state auditor's race, the task force reported independent expenditure groups spent in excess of $500,000 in support of a candidate who spent less than $2,500 himself on his campaign. Two political action committees spent more than $500,000 in support of a political newcomer, Steve McQuillen, in the Republican primary for state auditor. McQuillen reported spending $2,350. The state auditor, Cindy Byrd, won reelection despite the massive spending in support of McQuillen. She accused the co-founders of Epic Charter Schools of funding the two PACS in retaliation for a critical investigative audit by her office. She said McQuillen was their "strawman." Federal Election Commission records later showed the two PACS had received $581,000 from the Protect Our Freedoms PAC. The Epic Charter Schools co-founders, Ben Harris and David Chaney, gave $375,000 each to Protect Our Freedoms PAC in June 2022. Both now face a criminal case as a result of the 2020 audit and further work by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Other recommendations from the task force Chairing the nine-member task force was A.J. Ferate, an attorney and the past chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party. Also on the task force was Paul Ziriax, secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board. The task force also recommended: Legislators amend state law to make mandatory random audits of voting results after each election. Rank-choice voting be banned because of issues elsewhere that have sown distrust in election results. Legislators ensure state laws are sufficient to protect campaigns, elections and the public from "artificial intelligence" technology. The Ethics Commission create new disclosure rules because of the rise of AI-deep fakes in campaigns. Legislators make foreign expenditures in campaigns a felony. The Ethics Commission require treasurers of independent expenditure groups to personally certify that no campaign funds came from foreign sources. No limits on how much political parties can donate directly to candidates. An increase to $15,000 how much PACS, tribes, and limited liability companies can give to candidates every election cycle. Allowing candidates to accept up to $200 without naming the donor on campaign reports to encourage involvement in campaigns without fear of adverse impacts. Candidates now must make public all donations over $50. The state Election Board work with tribal authorities to keep felons from voting. The Ethics Commission reassert its regulatory authority over county and local races or turn it over to district attorneys. The task force also was critical of so-called "jungle" primaries where every candidate regardless of party is on the same ballot. It reported "primaries were designed for political parties to advance a particular nominee to the general election for consideration against the nominee of other political parties." It complained "jungle" primaries elsewhere have resulted in general elections with two candidates of the same party on the ballot. "Such a primary system can have the effect of reducing options for voters despite its intent, and any unintended consequences should therefore be cautiously contemplated before it is instituted in Oklahoma." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Stitt's task force calls for no limits on individual campaign donations MADISON A new law will encourage local governments to restore and protect wetlands across the state, in a bid to prevent damage from major flooding events. The grant program, to be administered by Wisconsin Emergency Management, will help communities identify and target areas vulnerable to flooding and encourage nearby communities to work together to address flooding issues. We all know that Wisconsin is no stranger to natural disasters especially flooding and that extreme weather continues to have devastating effects on folks lives and livelihoods, costing Wisconsin families millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, local infrastructure, and the environment, Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement announcing the bill signing. This bill is an important step to give families and communities peace of mind and the tools they need to prevent flood damage in the future. The program offers communities two types of grants one that provides up to $300,000 for communities to assess a wetland protection effort and another that provides up to $250,000 for implementation. The annual cost has been estimated at more than $6 million. A wetland area in Prentice Park, just south of Lake Superior in Ashland. Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Cameron, an author of the bipartisan bill, said he hopes the program will help to encourage more natural flood management, allowing the land to capture, store and slowly release runoff. "Flooding is Wisconsin's most costly disaster, presenting an urgent need for communities to better understand these vulnerabilities and work proactively to reduce risks and damages," he said during the bill's public hearing in 2023. "This bill would go, literally, upstream from where damages occur and break the cycle of post-disaster response." The program could be up and running quickly, Quinn said in an interview Wednesday, adding that several communities are waiting for their chance to apply. If the projects are successful, he hopes to see more investment from the Legislature so the work can be replicated in communities across the state. Wisconsin had room to grow in its flood protections and policies, according to a 2023 study in the journal Climate Policy. The study compared and ranked the eight Great Lake states and found that Wisconsin fell in the bottom half compared to the other seven states. The bipartisan bill received support from environmental groups, including the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Wisconsin Towns Association, Audubon Great Lakes, Ducks Unlimited, Wisconsin Trout Unlimited and several other organizations, according to lobbying information. The bill also received support from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and the Wisconsin Counties Association. A few years ago the state was trying to strip protections for wetlands, but now "Wisconsin is at the forefront of using wetland services in a way that no other state has adopted," said Brian Vigue, policy director at Audubon Great Lakes. "It's a huge moment for this state," Vigue said. More: Wetlands were everywhere on the Great Lakes, how one project is helping save them Flood protections and policies protect Great Lakes, Mississippi River, treaty rights Tightening up protections for wetlands has become especially important after last year's Supreme Court ruling that rolled back federal protections, leaving it up to states to decide the extent these habitats should be protected. Environmental and conservation groups worried that the court decision would create a patchwork of state protections, threatening water quality in regional waterbodies like the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. And that fear has started playing out in both watersheds as Indiana dialed back its protections in February for the state's most regulated wetlands, making the permitting process easier for developers to build on them. Environmentalists around the region said that the move would affect states like Wisconsin that will now have to pick up the slack to keep regional waterbodies clean. A male blue-winged teal takes flight from a marsh area off Sunset Beach Lane in the Sensiba State Wildlife Area in Suamico on June 8, 2023. About half of the wetlands in Wisconsin have been lost since the late 1800s, most of which have been filled or drained to build cities, towns, roads and houses or converted to land for agriculture, particularly in the southern part of the state. Today, 5 million acres of wetlands cover 15% of the state. Wetlands are important spawning and nesting grounds. They also act as nature's kidneys, filtering excess nutrients and pollutants out of the water before they can head downstream. Wetlands capture excess water during heavy rain and slow it down, protecting communities and shorelines from flooding and erosion. This ecosystem service has become increasingly valuable as climate change is bringing more frequent and intense rainfall. An added benefit: wetlands save taxpayers money by avoiding costs going forward and supporting a dynamic landscape that can handle change, Vigue said. While Wisconsin has several areas prone to flooding, Wisconsin's Northwoods, and especially communities along the shores of Lake Superior, have been hit hard over the last decade. In 2016, flooding from a storm in Saxon Harbor washed out roads, knocked out power and took the lives of three people as flood waters powered through the area. It caused about $10 million in damage, according to a report from the Wausau Daily Herald. Other storms have since pummeled the northernmost portion of the state, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's land, and residents of the area said having a program like this one in place would be beneficial. Ojibwe tribes have federally protected treaty rights to hunt, fish and gather throughout the ceded territories. These treaty rights can only be maintained if water is healthy enough to support fish populations and wild rice beds, and wetlands are an important part in keeping waters clean. Ashland County Conservationist MaryJo Gringas wrote in testimony on the bill that funding for flood mitigation is limited or non-existent for communities, and instead most programs focus on the clean-up and repair after strong storms. "Restoring wetlands and floodplains is a crucial and cost-effective strategy for storing water and reducing peak floods," she said. "These types of conservation efforts help communities identify flood risks and provide highly effective solutions." The Burnham Canal in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley is undergoing a cleanup and conversion to a wetland. Stiffening up flood protections is especially important for the states most vulnerable populations. For instance, in Milwaukee, discriminatory housing practices have pushed communities of color and low-income communities into flood zones and urban heat islands. The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is working to restore habitats and implement green infrastructure throughout the city that will help soak up rainwater during heavy storms. Projects are also underway through the area of concern program, which is helping to clean up the most degraded areas around the Great Lakes, like the Milwaukee Estuary. The program will really benefit areas that continue to get hammered by flooding, Vigue said, as it will ensure there are affordable ways for communities to protect themselves. The program will benefit every community across the state, he said. More: What to know about wetlands and where you can find them along Lake Michigan More: Great Lakes tribes teach 'water is life. But theyre forced to fight for a voice in safeguarding it. Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X at @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tony Evers signs wetlands protection bill aimed at preventing floods It will force the Governments hand. It will highlight the intolerable strain the profession is under. And it will make sure the state of the health service is right at the top of voters minds as they head to the polling booths. The leaders of the British Medical Association might imagine that timing a potential GP strike during the election campaign later this year is smart politics. The trouble is, it has the potential to backfire badly and perhaps even cost the doctors the sympathy of the general public. It remains to be seen whether the GPs stage a walk-out or not. According to the leaders of the BMA, the profession is tired of being bullied and gaslit, and in a survey of 391 family doctors 72 per cent said they were now willing to strike over their pay, funding and workload. Unless the Government caves in and throws another few billion at the service in the hope of muddling through for a few more months and if we are being honest that is probably the most likely outcome then industrial action could soon be inevitable. We can forget about any staged managed photo ops of the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak slightly awkwardly wielding a stethoscope, maybe referencing his childhood in a pharmacy. The GPs may well be on strike right in the middle of an election campaign. Sure, on the surface that may seem timely. After all, it will highlight the doctors complaints about their workload, and make a Labour victory that already appears certain even more likely. Yet there are two ways that it could easily go badly wrong. To start with, the doctors should not assume that the support of the voting public is as solid as they assume. With average salaries of 150,000 a year, flexible working, including three-day weeks for some, and generous pensions for many, GPs are already among the most privileged workers in the country. Few people can even dream of salaries and benefits on that scale. In a stagnant economy, where any form of meaningful growth is now impossible, there are limits to how much doctors can be paid, and what kind of increases are affordable, and we may well have already reached them. After all, no one elses wages are going up in real terms. Next, and perhaps most importantly, a strike will force the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, and his health spokesman Wes Streeting, into actually taking a position. The saccharine-coated platitudes about our NHS, and vague promises of reform that have worked up until now will, in the middle of a strike, seem hopelessly inadequate. Sure, they can wheel out the Rachel Reeves-bot to explain how green growth and state-led investment will fund a far better health service but that wont be enough to last for a whole campaign. If Starmer backs the strikes, he will be exposed as supporting a privileged public sector elite that constantly demands more and more taxpayer money. If he doesnt support it, then he risks a major row with the Left of his party at a time when he will be hoping to keep public disagreements to a minimum. It is a lose-lose situation. In reality, GPs might be better off putting the strike to one side for now, not least given the nature of their contracts with the Government makes such a manoeuvre difficult. The one genuine contribution they could make to the election campaign would be to start talking honestly to the public about the failings of a state-controlled healthcare, what we could learn from the far better managed systems in countries such as Germany, France or Australia, and how we could get better value for the 10 per cent of GDP now spent on the NHS. A grand-standing strike might be more appealing, even if it puts the lives of yet more patients at risk, and leads to even more undiagnosed cancers and heart issues. But it may not have the desired effect and do the GPs cause more harm than good. 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. GRAHAM COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) Graham County Commissioner Jarrod Knoll, who is also a member of the Morland City Council and the Graham County USD 281 School Board, has been charged in two cases. The Graham County Attorneys Office announced on Tuesday that Knoll is charged with unlawful distribution of cannabinoids and with bribery. The county attorney said the Graham County Sheriffs Office investigated the cases. Then, the county attorney asked an outside prosecutor to determine if charges should be filed. In the interest of transparency, a special prosecutor from the Ellis County Attorneys Office filed two cases in the District Court of Graham County, Kansas, against Jarrod John Knoll, the Graham County Attorneys Office said. 4 drug overdoses suspected at Sedgwick County Jail The court document that lists three separate cannabinoid charges says the counts are associated with Knolls business, 2 Lane Liquor. The document alleges the cannabinoids were in over 120 dosage units of Delta 8 and in THC-O Zookies Vape Cartridges. The other court document that charges Knoll with bribery claims that he offered to pay $4,000 annually to the Graham County Travel and Tourism County in exchange for them failing to enact and enforce the implementation of a Transient Guest Tax. KSN News has attempted to reach Knoll to get his response to the charges. We have not heard back. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene bluntly warned Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday that moving ahead with an aid package for Ukraine would be one of the most egregious things he could do as she said she was not backing off at all over her threat to force a House vote seeking his ouster. In a phone interview with CNN, the Georgia firebrand said GOP voters were furious at Johnson over his recent deal-cutting to keep the government open and suggested that she wouldnt accept any package that included more funding for Ukraine in its war against Russia, even if it included some border security provisions. The congresswoman, who plans to speak with Johnson on Friday, warned against moving any Ukraine bill with significant Democratic support under a process known in the House as suspension of the rules a practice Johnson has employed repeatedly for must-pass bills amid deep divisions within the GOP ranks. Let me tell you, when he forces that vote, again, under suspension with no amendments, and funds Ukraine and people find out how angry their constituents are about it, thats going to move the needle even more, said Greene. Asked if that meant moving any Ukraine aid package would lead to a vote seeking his ouster, Greene added: Im not saying I have a red line or a trigger, and Im not saying I dont have a red line or trigger. And I think thats just where Im at right now. But Im going to tell you right now: Funding Ukraine is probably one of the most egregious things that he can do. Greenes comments underscore the power of any individual member in Johnsons razor-thin GOP majority where any single lawmaker can force a vote seeking his ouster and where governing has proven to be near-impossible at times. And it comes at a precarious time as Ukraine is clamoring for US support and as Johnson has sidelined a bipartisan Senate package while trying to cobble together a new House plan amid deep GOP divisions on the issue. Johnson, presumably, could be helped by Democrats who want Ukraine aid as a price for helping the Louisiana Republican keep his job. But if he moves forward with a more conservative Ukraine package to woo House Republicans, he risks turning off Democrats while angering hardliners like Greene who dont want another penny going towards US assistance in the war against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Johnson has tried to ease tensions, telling CNN in a statement, I respect Marjorie. She will always have an open door to the speakers office. We do have honest differences on strategy sometimes but share the same conservative beliefs. But Johnson also cautioned that triggering a vote over the gavel would not be in the best interest of House Republicans, as he defended his handling of the government funding fight. A shutdown would not serve our party or assist us in our mission of saving the republic by growing our majority, nor will another motion to vacate, he said. In the interview, Greene said she was undeterred over warnings from her GOP colleagues that a vote to oust Johnson could end up electing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as speaker, calling that a stupid lie since she doubted any Republican would help elect a Democrat to the post. She also made clear that other members were on her target list, including Virginia Rep. Bob Good, a GOP hardliner whom she has sparred with as she indicated she planned to campaign against him later this month in his primary. But as she targets Johnson, Greene predicted her support would continue to grow and had gained momentum though she declined to comment when asked which Republicans and how many were behind her effort. Greene also wouldnt say whether she spoke to former President Donald Trump on the matter, even as she plans to speak to Johnson on Friday. (The speaker tried to call her last Thursday and left a voicemail, she said, but the two havent connected yet other than through text messages.) But despite warnings from conservative members of her conference, Greene attacked the idea that removing Johnson could lead to a more moderate speaker. We cannot get anyone more moderate than Mike Johnson, Greene said. I would argue Mike Johnson, we cant get any further left than Mike Johnson. I think the Democrats might be happier with him than they are with Hakeem Jeffries. When Johnson was elected as speaker, he was embraced by hardline conservatives given that his ideology is further to the right than former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. But as he has been elevated to run the House, Johnson has had to work with Democrats, including in the Senate and the White House, to pass government funding bills and authorize national security programs, efforts that have enraged his right flank. Any one member can throw the House into chaos and call for a vote seeking the ouster of a sitting speaker, as Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz did last fall in the unprecedented removal of McCarthy, leading to a paralyzed House for three weeks and the ultimate election of Johnson as speaker. Gaetz now is backing Johnson and opposed to Greenes effort. In the aftermath of Johnsons deal-cutting with Democrats to keep the government open, Greene announced she had drafted a resolution to kick Johnson out of the speakership. But she has not yet said when she would call for such a vote, which she can force within two legislative days after declaring her intentions on the floor. She could move as soon as next week when the House returns from its two-week Easter recess, though the congresswoman wouldnt reveal her plans. In the interview, Greene continued to harshly criticize Johnson over the provisions in the final government funding bill and the fact that the $1.2 trillion bill was put on the floor less than 36 hours after its release, a violation of a GOP pledge to give members three days to review legislation. She said voters are furious that our so-called Christian conservative, Republican Speaker of the House did this to them. People are fed up with Republicans that say one thing and turn around and literally join the flock and just continue the same old crap everybodys tired of, Greene said, comparing Johnson to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. And here, Mike Johnson, hes literally turned into Mitch McConnells twin and worse. Hes a Democrat. Greene added: Theres not even any daylight between him and Nancy Pelosi at this point. On Ukraine, Johnson has moved behind the scenes to piece together a new House plan which includes empowering the US to seize frozen Russian assets and give it to Ukraine, adding new restrictions at the US border and turning aid to Ukraine into a loan for the country. And despite Trumps support for turning Ukraine aid into a loan, Greene said the loan idea is the biggest bunch of heaping, steaming pile of bullsh*t. That is so insulting to the American people. Addressing the potential for Ukraine aid, Johnson said in the statement to CNN, national security starts at our southern border. Any funding of the Presidents supplemental request should be premised on meaningful policy to help the American people and finally address the invasion at our southern border. Good faces Greenes fire In the interview, Greene also took aim at a fellow GOP hardliner: Good, a Virginia Republican who is battling to hang onto his seat ahead of a June primary. Greene has endorsed Goods Republican opponent, John McGuire, in the race. Last week, Good attacked Greene, telling CNN: Nobody cares what Marjorie Taylor Greene says or thinks. And shes a one-man show, shes grandstanding and she wants attention. Greene responded on Wednesday, saying she planned to campaign in Goods district as she attacked him for backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primary over Trump, noting he backed the Florida governor as Trump was facing criminal charges but later endorsed Trump after DeSantis dropped out of the race. She said she has relayed her concerns about Good directly to Trump. You cant even bring up another example of a backstabber like that, that I can even think of, Greene said. He is strictly only supporting Donald Trump because he has to. Hes such a liar. Asked about Goods contention that her criticism doesnt matter to his voters, Greene said she will be campaigning with McGuire very soon. And she added: Well see what his constituents actually think about what I have to say. And Im pretty sure Im going to move the needle in that race in favor of John McGuire. CNNs Morgan Rimmer contributed. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Greenville County GOP to host first debate for SC House of Representatives District 28 The Greenville County GOP will host its first debate for the 2024 primary season on Thursday, April 4 at the Simpsonville Library, 626 NE Main St. The debate will be between the Republican candidates Chris Huff, Allen Kellett and Troy Prosser vying for a seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives District 28. Whoever wins the primary will face off against J Wiebel, who filed as a Democrat, in November. Incumbent Ashley Trantham announced in January she would not be seeking re-election for the seat she has held since 2018. South Carolina Rep. Ashley Trantham attends Greenville County Republican Women's luncheon, with speaker U.S. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, of Georgia, at Poinsett Club in Greenville, S.C., on Thursday, February. 22, 2024. District 28 covers the southern portion of Greenville County. Greenville County GOP will hold more debates between candidates in the future but has not confirmed dates or which candidates. Savannah Moss covers Greenville County politics and growth/development. Reach her at smoss@gannett.com or follow her on X @Savmoss. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: GOP candidates for SC House of Reps District 28 to debate. A group of cruise passengers stranded off the coast of Africa spent 6 days chasing the ship to get back on A group of cruise passengers stranded off the coast of Africa spent 6 days chasing the ship to get back on Eight passengers chased their cruise ship around Africa for six days. Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the passengers re-embarked in Senegal on Tuesday. They were stranded in Sao Tome and Principe and missed a chance to re-embark in Gambia. A group of passengers left stranded on a small African island after missing a boarding deadline finally managed to rejoin their cruise ship on Tuesday after chasing it for almost a week. On March 27 a private tour overran, causing eight passengers to miss the Norwegian Dawn's 3 p.m. all-aboard time by over an hour, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed via email to Business Insider. The passengers found themselves stuck on Sao Tome and Principe, an island nation of some 220,000 people off West Africa, in what the cruise line called a "very unfortunate situation." Despite the efforts of Sao Tome and Principe Coast Guard to ferry the passengers to the ship in tender boats, the group was unable to reboard and had to turn back to land, according to the ABC affiliate WPDE. The first attempt to get the guests back on the ship occurred on Monday, when they hoped to re-embark at a port in Banjul, Gambia, some 1,800 miles from Sao Tome and Principe. However, "adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions" meant that the ship could not dock safely, a spokesperson for the cruise line said. As a result, the guests had to chase the ship to Dakar, Senegal a distance of some 100 miles further for another attempt to re-embark on Tuesday. Norwegian said it helped the passengers by facilitating their visas, and would pay them back for the trip from Gambia to Senegal. Jill Campbell, one of the passengers, told NBC News that she and her husband traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to catch up with the ship. It wasn't clear exactly what route they took. The couple had considered not rejoining the ship, believing that Norwegian Cruise Line had fallen short in a '"basic duty of care," Campbell told NBC News. But, six days after being left behind in Sao Tome and Principe, the cruise line confirmed the eight passengers, including the Campbells, finally re-embarked in Senegal on Tuesday. Read the original article on Business Insider Turn around. Every now and then a rare astronomical event occurs in the sky. Turn around. Every now and then the military provides support as the sun is obscured from view. A total solar eclipse will cross over North America on Monday, briefly shadowing cities and towns from Texas to Maine. And while this time Bonnie Tyler is not expected to serenade anyone with a pop ballad, those flocking around the country to catch a glimpse of the eclipse can expect that troops are ready to rise above the distant horizon to assist first responders, should the need arise. National Guard units and military installations from states in the path of totality where the moon temporarily, completely covers the sun are arranging plans ahead of a predicted tourism surge. In Oklahoma, the National Guard plans to be on call to aid local government agencies and first responders with hazardous material response, according to a release. This influx of visitors has the potential to overtax local resources and thanks to the training and experience our Guardsmen have working alongside local agencies all across Oklahoma, the [unit] is uniquely qualified to support our fellow Oklahomans, Lt. Col. Jabonn Flurry, 63rd Civil Support Team commander, said in the statement. Similarly, a spokesperson from the Illinois National Guard told Military Times their force was coordinating with state emergency management officials to prepare for the expected crowds and traffic, forecasting a small footprint from their 5th Civil Support Team. The New York National Guard will have 150 soldiers and airmen on standby with 36 vehicles across three locations to aid state or local authorities if asked, as well as CH-47 and aircrew, a spokesperson told Military Times. Last month, first responders in Arkansas, including the states National Guard, conducted a live training exercise to warm up for possible scenarios caused by the increase in guests. Theyll also be distributing roughly 23,000 eclipse glasses at public events and local recruiting stations. Soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard are receiving eclipse glasses at armories and bases around the state in preparation for the 2024 eclipse that will have a path of totality that covers two-thirds of the state on April 8. (Sgt. 1st Class Jim Heuston/Arkansas Army National Guard) Elsewhere, Fort Cavazos, Texas, is readying itself for an inflow of travelers to Bell County, which recently issued a local emergency declaration due to the anticipated extreme traffic congestion, strain on first responders and shortages on fuel and groceries. The installation is closing certain gates and adding barriers and checkpoints in the training area as a precautionary safety measure, according to a statement. The military has extended a ray of help to communities of stargazers during past solar eclipses. In 2017, the governor of Oregon authorized the states National Guard to activate around six Guard aircraft and 150 service members to assist first responders during a solar eclipse. Plus, other Guard units from around the country, from Nebraska to South Carolina, were on standby to assist if requested. This year, the path of the eclipse enters the United States in Texas, then travels through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine as well as small parts of Tennessee and Michigan, according to NASA. But not all Guard units from states in the path of totality are involved in preparation for the upcoming event. Spokespeople from Maine, Pennsylvania and Texas all told Military Times that as of early this week their Guardsmen had not been tasked, or that there were no plans to mobilize units. Not in the path of totality for the total solar #eclipse? On April 8, we'll bring totality to you by broadcasting from several locations along its trajectory, including @NASAGlennour only center in the eclipses path. How to watch: https://t.co/H2JIZV3JH7 pic.twitter.com/71zcBAlYeZ NASA (@NASA) April 2, 2024 How does a total eclipse work? In short, when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, entirely obstructing the face of the star at the center of the solar system, the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk, according to NASA. Observers viewing the eclipse from outside the path of totality may still see a partial eclipse, where the moon covers most but not all of the sun, the space agency noted. According to Navy Capt. Todd Lauby, chief of the Defense Health Agency Vision Center of Excellence, its possible to injure your eyes without taking the right kind of safety precautions. Only a few seconds of exposure or multiple exposures of shorter duration can damage the sensitive cells in the retina, he said in a release. Experts from Wright-Patterson Medical Centers optometry clinic, located at the Ohio Air Force base expected to be in the path of totality, recommended a number of safety tips for those over the moon to watch the event, including wearing approved special-purpose eclipse glasses. Another total solar eclipse wont be visible again from the contiguous U.S. for about two decades until 2044, making this celestial spectacle one that viewers will likely remember for a long time. Forevers gonna start tonight. Forevers gonna start tonight. (Disclaimer: Military Times holds no responsibility for this song being stuck in your head the rest of the day.) Visit NASAs website for a mobile-friendly or full-screen version of an interactive 2024 total eclipse map. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Armenian authorities are willing to compromise their connections with Russia and other important allies and partners in search of fleeting gains from the West, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said during a weekly briefing, Trend reports. She mentioned that in an interview with an Argentine publication, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, when asked about the potential severance of diplomatic ties with Russia, stated he couldn't speculate about the future. "It's unusual; typically, politicians in power don't just forecast the future, they shape it. Mirzoyan's statement is unfortunate, especially considering today's anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Mirzoyan mentioned that Armenia's primary partners now are the US and the EU. But when is 'now'? March-April 2024? This is despite Armenia's allied relations with our country as a member of the EAEU, CSTO, and CIS. Recently, Armenian leadership emphasized the importance of these structures for Armenia. So, when were they misled? Then or now? What's with this sudden about-face? It's clear that the current Armenian authorities are willing to sacrifice ties with Russia and other close allies for the fleeting benefits promised by the EU and the US. However, the issue isn't their betrayal of us or their partners; it's their betrayal of their own people" she said. In an interview with the Argentine Todos Noticias, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan highlighted that Russia and Armenia have divergent perspectives, and despite the growth of economic ties, challenges persist between the two sides. "Collaboration spans across various sectors, with robust security ties maintained. However, it's evident that our perspectives differ today, and, frankly, we're not on the same page. The challenges in our relationship with Russia cannot be overlooked," he said. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Police are searching for a shooting suspect who opened fire at an apartment building in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday night, leaving one person wounded. Officers were sent to the Reveal Apartments in the 21000 block of Kittridge Street in Los Angeles after receiving multiple 911 calls around 8:45 p.m. Police found evidence of a shooting, including shell casings and blood, on the fourth floor of the building but a victim was not located. Police respond to a shooting at the Reveal Apartments in Los Angeles on April 2, 2024. Investigators later learned that the victim had been driven to a local hospital by a friend, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Ibanez confirmed. The 37-year-old victim realized he had been shot when gunfire erupted as his friend and another person were involved in an argument in a hallway. The victim was listed in stable condition at the hospital. Based on evidence and witness statements, detectives believe there may be other victims, Ibanez said. Body of missing California woman found in desert a month after she called 911 Investigators said the friend was cooperating with police but no description of the gunman has been released. It was also unclear what the argument was about. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The spiraling crisis in Haiti is raising fears in the United Nations and among aid groups of a complete collapse of humanitarian support for Haitians already struggling to access basic needs. Five humanitarian aid groups told The Hill they have serious concerns about the situation on the Caribbean island nation where gangs now control 90 percent of the capital city Port-au-Prince and whether the delivery of key supplies can be maintained for much longer. And during meetings last week, officials at the United Nations involved in humanitarian response expressed concern that an even more dire situation could endanger critical aid services, according to a person familiar with the discussions. The risk is if the crisis goes on for like weeks or months, its going to be impossible for those organizations to actually sustain the country, the person said. Everybody is extremely worried about whats going to happen. Laurent Uwumuremyi, Haiti country director for the aid group Mercy Corps, said humanitarian corridors are shrinking and agreed that it could collapse without a change in the situation. There are growing concerns that if the security is not restored soon, the little aid that Haiti was getting will no longer be there, he said in a statement. The crisis in Haiti is testing aid workers used to working in conflict zones and disaster-stricken countries. The escalating violence in Port-au-Prince has created a man-made catastrophe across the island. Haitis main port, in Port-au-Prince, is largely closed, along with the international airport. And the Dominican Republic is limiting what can cross over the border into Haiti. With those humanitarian corridors almost completely shut down, supplies are running extremely low as the country struggles with a worsening hunger crisis. Responders on the ground say Haiti is in the midst of its worst disaster since the 2010 earthquake that killed about 220,000 people. Jean-Martin Bauer, the country director for the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in Haiti, said he wasnt sure if this can go on for very much longer. People have a hard time seeing a way out. Its a man-made crisis, he said. There isnt the hope that there was after the earthquake. So were facing a very different type of scenario. Already in Haiti, more than 5 million people are at the stage three and four levels of hunger, out of a population of roughly 11 million. Without urgent intervention, the most endangered people could soon enter the fifth stage, which is famine. Bauer said the available food stocks will run out by the end of April, at which point it will be crucial to reopen the airport and seaport to maintain humanitarian supply corridors. Were facing an episode of protracted mass hunger in Haiti, he said. What happens next is anyones guess, but we will do everything we can. The ongoing gang violence, which unraveled after the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, has displaced more than 362,000 people and has killed thousands. Conditions have dropped off in recent months as the gangs have grown in power. The crisis forced the resignation of Haitis Prime Minister Ariel Henry three weeks ago, leaving a political vacuum that U.S.-involved efforts have yet to fill. Along with the risk of a shortage of food and potable water, hospitals and medical facilities are facing the risk of shutting down from a lack of fuel. Djoen Besselink, the operational manager for Haiti at Doctors Without Borders, said his roughly 70 to 80 international staff members are not facing any serious issues yet, and facilities are running. But he said a shortage threatened his ability to keep the lights on at medical sites. We need to get attention for this crisis. We need to make sure that humanitarian actors are not shying away, he said. A person from another humanitarian aid group, who spoke on background to discuss the sensitive situation, said the impact of the risks from the crisis is existential. Theres a legit concern about just the whole country collapsing, not just humanitarian aid, said the person. One of the major challenges for rescue and aid groups is that funding for Haitis humanitarian response plan, provided by the United Nations, is insufficient. This years funding is competing with other world crises, including those in Ukraine and Gaza. The U.N. announced a $674 million package for Haiti in February, but that request is just 7 percent funded, according to Bauer from the World Food Program. The assistance programs wont continue unless we get more funding, he said. And thats dangerous in a setting where half the population is starving. One of the largest donors for Haiti is the U.S., which is reporting difficulties but no change in the strategy to address the crisis. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said the current crisis is more profound and more extensive than any other crisis in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake but emphasized rescue and aid workers remain committed. The humanitarian community is present, active, and continuing to reach most people in need, despite the escalating gang violence. At this time, no partner has indicated plans to significantly reduce humanitarian operations, USAID said in a statement to The Hill. USAIDs humanitarian partners report that they are able to maintain a high level of humanitarian assistance across all funded sectors as access allows, although some agencies have reported increased challenges in reaching beneficiaries in some locations due to insecurity and gang control, it added. Humanitarian aid groups say there are no immediate plans to pull back services, even as they acknowledge the challenges. On the contrary, were trying to increase our operational presence. So were trying to mobilize more resources to be able to reach more people, said Margherita Fanchiotti, the Haiti director of program development, quality and impact with Save the Children. Save the Children and other global aid groups work closely with local groups and Haitian staff members, who know the country and how to stay relatively safe. But humanitarian aid groups say they will need more effective and lasting government control to ensure supplies can continue to get out. The United Nations approved a plan last year to send a Kenyan-led multinational force into Haiti, but Kenya announced it was halting those plans after the collapse of the Haitian government last month. The U.S. and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has backed a plan to form a transitional government in Haiti, which is expected to be completed soon. That government will be key to efforts to put Haiti on the path to restore security and wrestle control back from the gangs. Most vital for humanitarian aid groups in the immediate term is maintaining open humanitarian corridors and funding, Fanchiotti said. We do feel that we can do more, she said. We have the capacity to do more if we had more resources, starting with additional financial resources, to be able to reach even more children than we currently are. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Franckelie was 15, suffering from heart failure due to a degenerated heart valve attacked by his own immune system after a strep throat. His body made antibodies to the bacterium that infected him but, like millions worldwide especially in poor and crowded places like Haiti, where he lived he became increasingly ill when those antibodies attacked his own heart valves, a condition known as rheumatic fever. His condition was dire. Either he would receive valve replacement surgery or he would die. That was nine years ago. He was brought to an NGO-run clinic, one I have worked with for many years. It keeps a nationwide database of children and young adults with operable heart conditions, arranges diagnoses and treatment and matches patients to surgical teams. In Haiti there are no pediatric cardiologists and there has never been a cardiac surgery program. As with many aspects of Haitian society, government programs for healthcare are nearly absent. NGOs have largely taken on this role. The Pan American Health Organization, an arm of WHO, estimated that only 36% of health facilities are public and that the remainder are run by NGOs. Franckelie and his family were accompanied by NGO staff to the Dominican Republic for cardiac surgery. He was given post-op care including medications and a home monitoring machine to avoid potentially fatal clotting on his new metal heart valve. That was 9 years ago, when the countrys services, including the Ministry of Health, were at least limping along. They are no longer. Last Sunday, Franckelie dressed up for church. He walked a carefully chosen route to avoid the gangs that have torn Haiti apart, got to the service, prayed and sang, then walked again safely home, only to find his house ransacked, and nearly everything destroyed or stolen. That included his anticoagulation monitoring machine. The NGOs Haitian social worker, Ben still working in Port-au-Prince despite perilous conditions there told me this week that he is working to track down a replacement. Hell risk going out to get it to Franckelie. Weve all read about the armed gangs in Haiti. Weve seen pictures of body bags and burning tires; we know there have been rapes, killings and terrible atrocities. Amid that, what about the expectation of healthcare, an integral part of daily life, along with going to church, to work, to school? The somber-toned BBC reported last week that the maternity ward in the public hospital in Cap Haitien, a somewhat safer area, was without electricity due to gang-related fuel stoppages. They reported that pregnant women have delayed or stopped coming in for fear of violence, resulting in a needlessly high toll of stillbirths and maternal risk. Our cardiac patients tell us they must awaken at 4 or 5 A.M. to find a tap-tap (informal van kitted out as a bus) or moto (for-hire ride on a motorcycle) to transport patients sometimes 50 or more miles past gang roadblocks to be seen at the clinic. Initial talks with the hospital in Cap Haitien to start a clinic there have been tabled; such investment is deemed too dangerous now. Visiting pediatric cardiac surgical teams left and havent returned since gunfire erupted near ambulances carrying patients in 2019. The countrys only pediatric cardiologist, recently trained in France, left in 2023 after doctors and nurses at her hospital were kidnapped. The main government hospital, damaged badly in the earthquake of 2010, has now closed due to gang violence. So yes, urgent circumstances scream for an international effort, led by Haitians, to right the security ship of the Haitian people. But in concentrating on transitional presidential councils, Kenyan police forces, debating who in civil society should be included in the process, we must not miss the point of caring for the everyday needs of people like Franckelie. That must include providing effective, quality health services hopefully in conjunction with a functional Ministry of Health. This will require many millions of dollars of investment, which must be overseen by an independent international control board including Haitian stakeholders and donor country representatives. Easy to say, hard to do, and imperative to do. USAID announced a commitment on March 11 of $29 million in total humanitarian funding for Haiti in 2024, of which $7 million is earmarked for health-related initiatives, primarily cholera prevention. This is a start, with the funds going to specific NGOs, and no clear control mechanism outlined. We must do better. Franckelie, now 24 with a newborn son, was lucky he had his medication bottle with him that day; he has been able to continue his meds, though without the stolen machine he cannot yet monitor his anti-clotting levels. Ben, the social worker, told me, Im not an orphan, but when I was 7, my father said, I love you, but because I have nothing, I have to give you to an orphanage. In there, I read in a book that you may exist without really living. I made a decision I want to be sure I am living. Im living in a generation where I want to do all the positive I can. If I can stay alive, have an impact and save a life, that makes me really happy. Lets do the right thing in Haiti, press for a huge investment in humanitarian aid with proper controls, and give Franckelie, Ben and their generation something to be hopeful about. Editors note: The full names of the patient and the social worker are not being published due to concerns for their safety. James R. Wilentz, M.D., is associate clinical professor of medicine and global health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Hes a co-founder and board chair of International Cardiac Alliance, which began in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. The Elmira Police Department is asking residents to take part in a survey about gun-related violence in the city. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) is taking aim at closing a legal loophole that allows gun disposal companies to make a profit selling recycled gun parts on the second market, creating untraceable weapons known as zombie guns. The congresswoman recently co-sponsored the Destroy Zombie Guns Act with fellow Democrat Rep. Maxell Frost of Florida after learning that firearms seized by law enforcement agencies are sent to companies for disposal. But for the gun to be legally considered destroyed, only one piece, like the receiver or frame, needs to be crushed. The unintended consequence allows the remaining functional parts to be legally sold as part of a build-it-yourself kiteffectively making weapon identification impossible to detect. Speaking with USA Today, Tokuda underscored the legislations importance for states like Hawaii, which face challenges in disposing of these weapons due to limited resources. She highlighted Hawaiis distinct circumstances, including its geographic isolation, and stressed the need for dedicated funding to tackle the issue effectively. Hawaii has very strong gun laws, as many jurisdictions do. But we dont always have the resources and the money to be able to properly, you know, destroy these particular weapons, Tokuda said. Thats why weve made clear that a third of the funds that we hope to get from that $15 million are set aside for small rural localities. Jill Tokuda Rep. Tokuda outlined plans to collaborate closely with local officials and law enforcement to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed legislation in Hawaii. Id like to get this grant program going, and I want to garner support from the county level, right, the mayor, the council members, the folks that at the end of the day have the responsibility to do something with the fees and surrendered weapons. More: Who sells the most guns that are used in crimes? List reveals 1,300 shops. What is a zombie gun and why is it so controversial? Traditional firearms are made by licensed companies and sold through licensed gun dealers. All guns produced in the United States and those brought in from other countries must have serial numbers, usually located on the back of the frame. However, a zombie gun operates differently. Its sold in parts and can be assembled by an unlicensed person at home. Before federal regulations were established under the Biden administration, buyers didnt need to undergo a background check to obtain the components of a ghost gun. These parts are typically sold online as DIY kits, often labeled as 80 percent receivers, meaning theyre mostly complete and buyers must assemble the remaining 20 percent themselves. One of the main appeals of zombie guns for buyers was that they didnt require serial numbers. Serial numbers are crucial for law enforcement as they help trace the guns origin from the manufacturer to the dealer and then to the original buyer. Un-serialized guns, otherwise known at ghost guns, similar to the ones recovered in the drug and gun takedown announced by Attorney General Letitia James at New York State Police Troop K off of Route 44 in Salt Pointon on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. More: Age verification to buy alcohol, but not rifle ammo? How kids can get access in a few clicks How pervasive are the firearms? In 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued a regulation that expanded its interpretation of the definition of firearm in the Gun Control Act of 1968. While it did not prohibit the sale or possession of parts used for assembling homemade guns, the regulation mandated that manufacturers and sellers acquire licenses, mark their products with serial numbers, and conduct background checks. The absence of requirements for serial numbers or background checks before 2022s rule makes it impossible to determine the exact number of zombie guns in circulation. I dont think we have the information that we need to really understand the scale and the impact gun violence has on our community, Tokuda said. And so I think its absolutely appropriate and necessary that we find institutions like the CDC and other federal agencies to actually look at what the true impact gun violence has had. One of two assault rifles seized at a Haverstraw home April 27, 2022, during an investigation into the mailing of ghost gun parts This should be bipartisan Over 20 House Democrats sponsor the bill, but it remains unclear if it will receive the bipartisan support needed to become law. Tokuda said that supporting this bill isnt about Second Amendment rights but rather about closing a legal loophole that allows disposal companies to profit from selling recycled gun parts on the secondary market. One of the approaches Im hoping to do is to really garner support from the local level and have them reach out to their congress members and say, Hey, this is something we need, you know, put your partisan bickering aside, Tokuda said. We can do our job to keep people safe (by) destroying those weapons that should never be brought back to life. Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X @JeremyYurow This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda takes aim at untraceable 'zombie guns' Chatbots have come a long way. For years, they were limited to responding with predetermined replies that followed a simple logic structure. But customers can have complex problems, and no tree-diagram of possible replies can have enough branches to account for all the edge cases that arise. Thankfully, the advent of large language models (LLMs) has finally rendered chatbots useful. Armed with mountains of data, startups are now leveraging generative AI to create custom chatbots for all sorts of businesses and use cases, particularly those where people want to be sure about what they're buying. Thailand's HD is building chatbots aimed at one such industry: healthcare. The company started as a marketplace for third-party healthcare and surgery services and sees a strong case for developing conversational AI for the healthcare customer journey. "The products we are selling are not the typical stuff you buy on Amazon. They are hospital services, so people shop the same way as they do offline," co-founder Sheji Ho told TechCrunch. Even though each product has a description on HD's marketplace HDmall, Ho says people still prefer to ask first: "90% of the chat messages are people asking about product information. The chat commerce process [is similar to] the offline experience," he explained. To advance its AI ambitions, HD recently raised a $5.6 million Series A round led by SBI Ven Capital, a subsidiary of the Japanese financial giant SBI Group, through its joint fund with Kyobo Securities from South Korea and NTU Singapores NTUitive. M Venture Partners, FEBE Ventures, Partech Partners, Ratio Ventures, Orvel Ventures, and TA Ventures also participated in the round. AI for Southeast Asia Ho says HD is working on building the "Sierra AI of the Southeast Asian healthcare industry." Over five years, Ho and his team saw that the faster HD's representatives responded to inquiries, the higher the conversion rate. "So there's a very good case to use AI to automate that process," he said. The company expects conversational AI to not only help cut costs, but also allow staff to focus on higher-value tasks, like answering more complex customer questions. But Ho and his team seem to have a realistic view of what they can achieve. It will not be able to match U.S. firms that have "nearly limitless access" to powerful GPUs, talent and venture capital, so the company is focusing on building vertical AI, with local data being its moat. "Emerging markets need to compete and take advantage of AI by using the data they have proprietary data that nobody else has," said Ho. "We see that happening in other places, too. Some call this vertical AI, where they use a vertical domain-specific data that is proprietary to a certain business or industry. Then they build on top of that, and they enhance the model to the point where they have an AI application that is practical and they can start monetizing." HDmall. Image Credits: HD HD therefore plans to train chatbots with the sea of anonymized transaction, chat, FAQ, and product catalog data it has accumulated over the years. Currently, 30% to 40% of the company's transactions are done through chat commerce with customer service workers. The company is planning to use the new capital to roll out a chatbot for its marketplace within three months and to open up the technology for third-party use by the end of this year. Potential customers are hospitals and clinics that need 24/7 customer support. The startup has already worked with some 2,000 healthcare providers in Asia, which will enable it to fine-tune its base language model for the healthcare domain. Eventually, the chatbot service will give the company a new SaaS revenue stream in addition to its marketplace commissions. Fundraising post-pandemic Like many other startups, HD cut costs and aimed for sustainable growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company "didn't necessarily need to raise," as it was heading toward profitability on 2x year-on-year growth after the pandemic was over, but Ho also saw an opportunity to move faster when others were slowing down. "You hear people saying, 'You should raise money when you don't have to raise.' If we raise now, then everything else will be cheaper. For example, customer acquisition is cheaper because everyone else stopped advertising in a recession. Talent acquisition also [costs less] because companies are unfortunately laying off people." Globally, startup valuations have been on a decline for the last few years. HD hasn't escaped that wave, but Ho says he recognized the benefit of accepting a more moderate valuation early on. "I think it's pointless for companies to worry about valuation at such an early stage. We've seen that over the past few years, especially 2021, when companies started the race at such high valuations," he said, pointing as an example to Indian health tech unicorn, Pristyn, which lost half of its valuation after a period of frenetic growth. "Because they raised at such a high valuation, they were forced to grow super aggressively, and that leads to founders and companies cutting corners. You can't cut corners when you're in healthcare and you're dealing with people's lives," Ho said. Heastie doubles down on refusing to back stiffer penalties in retail assaults just his latest alleged soft-on-crime stance Powerful state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) doubled down Tuesday on his stance that stiffer penalties dont deter criminals just the latest example of him allegedly being soft on crime. Heastie who has previously opposed proposed rollbacks of the states infamous 2019 criminal-justice reforms landed in hot water last week when he balked at backing Gov. Kathy Hochuls push to stiffen punishments for thugs who assault retail workers, claiming, I just dont believe raising penalties is ever a deterrent to crime. I was simply asked a question of, Do I believe that increasing penalties deters crime, and I gave a simple answer, No, Heastie told reporters Tuesday. I dont believe, in the history of increasing penalties, has that ever been the reason that crime has gone down. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is pushing back against Gov. Kathy Hochuls proposal to hike up penalties on people who assault retail workers. Robert Miller State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-Staten Island) says she believes increased penalties are a deterrent to crime. Gabriella Bass Hochul has been pushing the state legislature to jack up penalties for thugs who assault retail workers to the same levels as attacks on nurses, firefighters and sanitation workers. The governor is making the push as part of a package of measures to crack down on retail theft. Her proposal also includes funding for state police and district attorneys to better catch crooks, especially sophisticated organized rings that pilfer stolen goods. Heastie has left the door open on other aspects of Hochuls proposal, but the increased-penalties component remains a sticking point. State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-Staten Island) sponsored a bill that mirrors Hochuls proposal for increased penalties. Obtained by NY Post She told The Post on Tuesday that she thinks penalties are deterrents, but even if not, they should still be harsher to at least send a message that Albany cares about the same employees they hailed as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. If [opponents] dont see it as a deterrent, then I think they need to start seeing it as valuing workers and their lives, Scarcella-Spanton said. She called for the proposal not to be dropped from the states proposed budget. I think when were talking about increasing penalties, we have to do it in the budget so it gets done, Scarcella-Spanton said. The issue is far from the first time Heastie has drawn lines in the sand to defend progressive criminal-justice policies. How The Post told the story of organized shoplifting rings that target city stores. rfaraino Last years state budget was held up for more than a month as negotiators, including Heastie, pushed back on granting what he ultimately described as tweaks to the bail laws. Heastie has also thrown his weight around to block bills allowing New York City set its own speed limits; fallen in line with powerful unions in resisting an expansion of charter schools and abandoned the Assemblys impeachment inquiry into ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The first manned flight of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed from May 1 to May 6, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) says, Trend reports. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams plan to fly aboard the Starliner to the ISS. The launch is planned to take place on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Lawmakers in Idaho are once again blocking efforts to consider environmental damage in investment decisions, with the help of outside lobbying groups that have links to the oil industry. Idaho is one of several conservative states with bills this year aimed at prohibiting investment practices that use ESG, or environmental, social and governance factors. The practice has grown in popularity as more consumers have demanded investment funds that align with their personal values or consider financial damages caused by climate change. Those Idaho bills this year were significantly influenced by national conservative organizations like the Heritage Foundation, the Foundation for Government Accountability and the Alliance Defending Freedom, lawmakers and lobbyists told the Idaho Statesman. The groups have sizable bank accounts that have been funded in part by conservative donor networks with ties to oil interests. Doug Taylor, a lobbyist for Opportunity Solutions Project, the political arm of the Foundation for Government Accountability, told the Statesman FGA drafted House Bill 669, a bill to ban large banks from using ESG factors. FGA is a tax-exempt charitable organization headquartered in Naples, Florida, that has gained influence in conservative legislatures around the country. The bill would prohibit state agencies and local governments in Idaho from contracting with companies that boycott oil and mining companies or gun manufacturers. As long as legislators are asking for help and support, well be there to help them, Taylor said. Rep. Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, who sponsored the bill, told the Statesman he worked with FGA and the Alliance Defending Freedom, an organization that advocates for conservative Christian legal policy. House Bill 669 was one of two bills floated by Idaho lawmakers targeting ESG this year. Another bill that became law, Senate Bill 1291, bans companies that do business with the state from boycotting energy industries, including fossil fuels, and the firearm industry. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Doug Ricks, R-Rexburg, prominently resembles model legislation from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank whose donors included the Koch brothers. The foundation has long funded climate denialism and authored a blueprint for rolling back environmental regulation if former President Donald Trump wins a second term. The bill also included elements of model legislation from the FGA obtained by the left-learning group Documented. FGA also received seed funding from a Koch-supported donor network called the State Policy Network, Vox reported. The Heritage Foundation and FGA did not respond to questions about their lobbying efforts or donors. Ricks told the Statesman that lawmakers are trying to protect important industries and prevent outside influences, big corporations from outside Idaho from telling us what is important in our state. Idaho official opposes environmental ideology This years legislation is lawmakers second swing at countering ESG efforts, after legislators last year banned entities from including ESG factors in state procurement bids and prevented banks that hold state funds from conducting ESG activities. There have been trillions of dollars invested in ESG repositories, and major financial managers like Vanguard and BlackRock have had various ESG funds for consumers to stow their money in. The growth of ESG resulted in a political backlash from conservatives, who have dubbed the practice woke and aimed to ban it. That stance appears to have had some effect. Investors pulled $13 billion from ESG funds last year, according to Morningstar, though the funds still have trillions of dollars invested. We dont want these institutions to force their ideological beliefs down on the people, Tanner told the Statesman. The fight has reached the halls of Congress, where last year President Joe Biden used his first veto in office to counter a Republican-led effort to outlaw pension fund managers from considering factors like climate change. Some of the largest banks and corporations out there are seeing how much climate change can negatively impact their long-term businesses, Ryan McGoldrick, a lobbyist for environmental group Conservation Voters for Idaho, told the Statesman. They would like to avoid something thats causing huge economic issues around the world. The ESG fight has also brought together Idahos statewide Republican officials and federal delegation, who have pushed to limit national efforts to introduce ESG metrics. Raul Labrador joined other Republican attorneys general last year in asking large investors to pull out of a climate investment fund hoping to limit the effects of climate-warming emissions. In February, investors pulled trillions from the fund. They have a clear fiduciary obligation to their investors to maximize their returns, not prioritize environmental ideology, Labrador said in a statement at the time. He also joined a Kentucky lawsuit to combat federal requirements that states cut tail-pipe emissions, calling the reduction targets ridiculous. Treasurer Julie Ellsworth told the Statesman she has been working with Idaho bankers, credit unions and extraction industry groups in recent years to work on anti-ESG legislation. In 2022 she and other state leaders penned a letter opposing efforts by Standard & Poors, the credit rating agency, to adopt ESG criteria in state credit ratings. She also opposed an effort by the SEC to allow natural asset companies, which would be entities that protect natural spaces, to register on the New York Stock Exchange. The SEC withdrew the proposed rule in January, and Republicans in Congress are attempting to ban the SEC from ever doing so in the future. Ellsworth said she believes that efforts from companies to target ESG are skirting the policy process, and that if they want to force those policies upon the American people, they should take that legislation through the front door of Congress. Policymakers should be the ones crafting that legislation, she added. Come in through the front door if you wish to have a policy that will impact my Idahoans, she said. Outside groups involved in writing legislation FGA, which was credited with crafting the House bill, has had steadily climbing donation revenues since its founding in 2011. The organization has raised close to $70 million in revenue since then, including $44 million from six foundations tied to billionaires, according to a CNN investigation. One of those foundations was Donors Trust, which has received donations from the oil billionaire Koch brothers. Taylor said the group was also involved in a failed bill this year that would have likely ended Medicaid expansion as well as one to impose stricter requirements on Idahoans receiving unemployment benefits. Gov. Brad Little signed that bill into law in March. The organization also fought to weaken child labor laws and limit eligibility for food stamps, and boasted of more than 70 election integrity policy wins in 19 states in 2022. FGA opposes ranked-choice voting, according to its annual report, and helped craft a 2022 Missouri law imposing strict new voter ID requirements. Meanwhile, ADF, another organization involved in the ESG proposals, was retained by Labrador as counsel for pending U.S. Supreme Court cases on abortion and gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Matt Sharp, senior counsel with the ADF, told the Statesman that his organization believes banks and credit card companies have prevented a free market for consumers who lose an account for ideological or religious reasons. Sharp compared de-banking to redlining, a midcentury practice of excluding Black Americans from federally insured mortgages. This is sort of a modern day version of that, of political and religious redlining, he said. Funders of the ADF have faced pressure to cut their support as the organizations income reached $104 million in 2022. In a February article, ADFs CEO wrote that many banks have developed hate speech policies. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a progressive legal advocacy group, designated ADF as a hate group in 2016 for its opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. The ADF in a news release said it was targeted for surveillance by banks after the federal government labeled it a hate group. Sharp declined to provide details on his organizations funders, and declined to say whether any of its donors could potentially profit from laws prohibiting ESG and other social credit scores. Nonprofit organizations do not have to disclose their donors, but ADFs funders include conservative big donors like the founder of Hobby Lobby and the DeVos and Prince families, according to the New Yorker. The Charles Koch Institute gave $275,000 in 2020, according to a tax filing. For the Senate bill, Ricks said multiple groups have been working on the language for several years. He said he expects industries to consider environmental issues, but that if governments pull the rug out from the oil industry, it would have catastrophic effects on the global food system. The Idaho Farm Bureau and the National Rifle Association supported the bill. We believe these industries are important, we believe we should support companies that do this, Ricks told a legislative committee. House Bill 669 would ban the largest banks and credit card companies from financial discrimination against any person or entity on the basis of social credit scores that consider their views on religion, climate targets or gun regulation. The bill would only apply to banks with more than $100 billion in assets and to payment processing companies that handle over $100 billion annually. The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry opposed the bill, spokesperson Jessica Anderson said. The Idaho attorney general would have authority to investigate and enforce the law and to allow private lawsuits. The Senate still needs to approve the bill after it passed in the House. This is a situation where the government is trying to step in and regulate a business conducting business, and were generally opposed to that level of overreach, Anderson told the Statesman, adding that she thinks banks should be allowed to consider whatever considerations they deem relevant. Potential harms of anti-ESG legislation Research also indicated the investment restrictions imposed by conservative states can cost taxpayers hundreds of millions. An anti-ESG law that Texas passed in 2021 prompted five of the largest bond underwriters nationwide to stop doing business in the state, according to a nonpartisan report from the Brookings Institute. The report estimated that the changes would reduce competition and force governments that use bonds in the state to pay $300 million to $500 million more in interest in the first eight months after the law went into effect. Ricks told the Statesman he thinks the Brookings projections were completely incorrect. Another report released this month from the Texas Association of Business which includes oil companies as members found the anti-ESG laws have cost nearly $670 million in lost economic activity. Ricks told a Senate committee that a provision in Senate Bill 1291, which bans contracts with companies boycotting energy sectors, gives public entities an out if only ESG companies are available for a particular need. The bill applies to contracts with companies that have 10 or more employees and are worth more than $100,000. Ellsworth said Texass ESG law did not include the exceptions that Idahos laws have. The law that prohibited state-contracted banks from setting ESG standards, which went into effect last year, has not reduced the number of companies that wish to bank for the state, she said. Idaho is one of 24 state legislatures considering ESG legislation, and there are over 118 related bills around the country, according to an analysis by Pleaides Strategy, an energy and economy-focused research and advisory firm. McGoldrick, of Conservation Voters for Idaho, said it would be better if legislation were drafted by entities inside the state to solve problems. While these organizations and lawmakers claim they want to avoid meddling in free markets, theyre pushing legislation to do just that, he added. Its outside interest groups and outside large money funders trying to influence whats happening in Idaho, he said. OAK GROVE, Mo. The city of Oak Grove, Missouri made history Tuesday after an all-female Board of Aldermen and a female mayor won the local election, according to a press release from City Administrator Matthew Randall on Wednesday morning. Whats Next? Extension of stadium sales tax fails in Jackson County Here are the election results, according to the release: April 2nd Election Results (unofficial): Mayor Dana R. Webb incumbent Mayor first elected in 2020, reelected in 2022 and 2024. Currently she is the only female Mayor in Jackson County. Second female Mayor in Oak Groves history. Previously served as Alderwoman Ward III 2017-2020. Alderwoman Cierra McMichael , newly elected, first term, Ward I Alderwoman Pam Pope , incumbent, second term, Ward II Alderwoman Jamie Ballowe Ratliff, newly elected, first term, Ward III Incumbent Alderwomen: Alderwoman Rachel Kilmer , Ward I Alderwoman Kelly Nadeau, Ward II Alderwoman Tracey Newcomer, Ward III The soon-to-be appointed women will join a fraction of all locally elected Missouri officials approximately 29% who are female, as stated in the release and in the Center for American Women and Politics. Election results: Latest numbers from Kansas City-area races Oak Grove Mayor Dana Webb is thrilled to be a part of this historic moment. She is set to lead the first governing body made up entirely of women in the history of Oak Grove and Jackson County, leading the way for women in local government. Its a pretty exciting time. Its an honor to serve alongside them, and so Im just pretty excited that we will have for the first time actually in Oak Grove history and in Jackson County history. Were pretty sure its only the second time in Missouri history that this has happened where we have an all-female Board of Aldermen, Webb said. Webb is set to serve a third term as mayor. She was first elected in 2020 and is currently the only female mayor in Jackson County. Well, Im hopeful that women and young girls will see this as a sign, and theyll be able to see that they can represent their city, their town, or any type of leadership in the future, Webb explained. Two of the six Alderwomen for Oak Grove were newly elected Tuesday. Im really excited about the women that are going to come along and serve as well, and Im really proud of them, Webb said. It is a role that you dont realize that it can be a thankless job. Im really glad that these women are going to give up their time and their energy to serve our town. It certainly is exciting and thrilling to be part of history here. On a personal note, as a father of two daughters, Its exciting for her to be able to see the strong female leadership in the town and the importance of representation in local government, said Oak Grove City Administrator Matthew Randall. I think its incredibly powerful for women to be in roles in local government, which hasnt always been the case throughout history, Randall said. So here in Oak Grove, we certainly are proud to be making history and to have an all-female board and mayor. This is the first all-female Board of Alderman led by a female mayor in the history of the city of Oak Grove and Jackson County, Missouri, said Randall. Oak Grove will join a short list of cities that currently or historically have elected an all-female governing body. The City of Oak Grove plans to celebrate the swearing-in and Oath of Office of the all-female board on Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at the Oak Grove Middle School Commons on 401 SE 12th St. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. In August 1932, three 17-year-olds gathered in the cemetery field off Linden Street to watch the highly anticipated solar eclipse. The boys were well equipped with at least one pair of eclipse glasses from the Harvey & Lewis Company, an optical firm founded in Hartford, Connecticut in 1890. News that an eclipse was due in Exeter began to hit the newspapers in July. Exeter native Ambrose Swasey, an industrialist who produced mechanisms for telescopes, asked Dr. J. J. Nassau, the director of the Warner and Swasey Observatory in Cleveland, Ohio, to calculate the path of the eclipse for Exeter residents. Exeter is 40 miles south of the central path of totality. The width of the path of totality at the coast is 105 miles, and the duration of totality at the center of the path is 98 seconds. In Exeter, there would be a mere 73 seconds of totality. Ambrose Swasey viewing the August 31, 1932, eclipse from Douglas Hill, Maine. Swasey made sure Exeter residents were aware that the eclipse would be visible in his hometown. The total solar eclipse of August 31, 1932, will be visible over the northeastern part of the United States. The path of totality will cross Hudson Bay, Quebec, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and will end at sunset in the middle of the Atlantic, reported the Exeter News-Letter. The total phase begins with the sweep of the moons shadow over the earth, just like the coming of a great storm. This shadow travels from west to east with a speed of 1500 miles an hour. As the sun finally disappears its eastern edge is sometimes broken up by bright patches of light. The sunlight creeps through the lunar valleys and produces only for an instant, the Bailys Beads, as these light flashes are called. By mid-August, the newspapers were reporting that New Hampshire would be invaded with visitors. Hotels and boarding houses will be taxed to capacity, and many will doubtless prolong their stay over the eventful day. For dwellers in Boston and other points out of the belt of totality, there will be special train service. It turned out that Exeter was not overcome with tourists. Exeter then, as now, was something of a ghost town in August. Amateur photographers were encouraged to take pictures: The amateurs, it is possible, may in some cases get better pictures than the astronomers. The scientific men will have their elaborate instruments set up for weeks in advance, and, at the last minute, may be handicapped by locally cloudy skies. Amateurs, however, with more mobile equipment, may have clear skies in their localities, and find it possible to obtain pictures of exceedingly great interest and possible scientific value. They were instructed to send away for a booklet with instructions on how to do this safely. Historically Speaking: How typewriting brought new opportunities to women in Exeter It seems that safety was nearly an afterthought. In the weeks leading up to the eclipse, there were urgent entreaties reminding everyone to take caution when observing the eclipse. Everyone trying to see the eclipse next Wednesday should be sure to use smoked glass as recommended by the papers as protection for their eyes. Sunglasses had been around for decades often blue or green. Smoke glass could be produced by most people by holding a piece of glass over a candle until it darkened. Photographic negatives could also be used to shield the eyes, but primarily people were cautioned (as they are today) to avoid doing the one thing they really wanted to do look at the eclipse. Cardboard eclipse glasses made with darkened film could be purchased for about ten cents. Eclipse-O-Scope safety eclipse glasses in the collections of the Exeter Historical Society. This pair was used by teenagers, Paul Barlow, Art Morse, and Joe Tardiff, who watched the eclipse in cemetery field off Linden Street. Glasses like these could be purchased for about ten cents. Arthur Conner wrote to the News-Letterto let everyone know that The highway map issued this week, on view at the White House Cafe, is a special eclipse edition, showing the center line and the side lines of totality. Stratham Hill Park was recommended for local viewing as the elevation would make the darkness more profound. It did provide an unobstructed view, however, and this was what people wanted. In 1932, since schools didnt open until after Labor Day, the kids were still on summer break. All they needed was a tree-free area and plenty of warnings not to look directly at the eclipse until full totality. The 2024 eclipse is scheduled to be at its darkest at the exact time many Exeter elementary children are supposed to be on the buses heading home. Main Street and Lincoln Street schools will be hosting an eclipse viewing party for students and families. For his part, after promoting the eclipse to Exeter residents, Ambrose Swasey traveled to Douglas Hill, Maine, to watch the event. It had been previously chosen by the Warner & Swasey Observatory as the best location to see the event. Another Exeter resident, Betty Tufts, was vacationing with her family at the AMC camp on Lake Winnipesaukee. In her diary, she described it as WONDERFUL beyond belief or description when total. Historically Speaking: The League of Women Voters in Exeter The Exeter News-Lettersummed it up two days later: The eagerly awaited total eclipse of the sun is now an event of the past. Much of Wednesday was cloudy, but conditions grew more favorable as the day wore on and in Exeter were ideal throughout the eclipse. It is not for the layman to describe its beauty and majesty, and the fleeting seconds of totality were thrilling. The Swasey Parkway, the Playstead, and the Academys playing fields were vantage points, and many went to elevations in Stratham, Epping and other out-lying towns. This year, you can pick up a pair of eclipse glasses at the Exeter Public Library for safe viewing. There are gathering places all around town to watch the eclipse. A few of us will be at Swasey Parkway as we were during the partial eclipse in 2017 in honor of our most noted manufacturer of telescopes, Ambrose Swasey. Look for the eclipse to begin about 2:30 in the afternoon, peaking at about 95% at 3:30 and finishing by 4:30. We wont reach totality, as we did in 1932, but it will still be thrilling to watch the process. Barbara Rimkunas is the curator of the Exeter Historical Society. Support the Exeter Historical Society by becoming a member. Join online at: www.exeterhistory.org. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Historically Speaking: A look at the 1932 eclipse over Exeter SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Cuban tree frog took quite the trip hitchhiking to Salt Lake City and ending up on a pack of bananas at a wholesale warehouse. A Salt Lake City woman found the frog and called the Division of Wildlife Resources, which they said was the right thing to do. The DWR said their biologist picked up the frog and ended up keeping him as a pet. Utah animal shelter in quarantine after deadly disease outbreak Cuban tree frogs are legal to have as pets in Utah if they are acquired through proper importation processes, the DWR said. The species reportedly has large toe pads and is known to hitchhike on produce (especially bananas), tropical plants, and vehicles. In the same announcement, the DWR reminded Utahns it is not only an issue to release non-native species, it is harmful and illegal. If youve decided that caring for your pet fish is no longer an option, why not release it into a local pond or stream where it can break free of the confines of a bowl, make new fish friends and swim happily ever after? the DWR asks. Unfortunately, that isnt whats likely to happen. Your pet could: Slowly starve to death Become a tasty meal for a predator Introduce harmful pathogens or parasites to native populations Outcompete native species for limited food resources Prey directly on native species Survive, multiply and become an invasive species Once illegally transported fish (or in this case frogs) become established in a waterbody, the community there is forever changed, the DWR said. Dont ditch your pet call us for help properly disposing of aquarium species. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Home and Away spoilers follow for UK viewers. Home and Away's Levi Fowler is going to face a harsh accusation in scenes set to air in the UK next week. In scenes that have already aired in Australia, Levi and Mackenzie Booth have a bit of alone time together after convincing Mali Hudson and Tane Parata to give them a bit of space. Although they are enjoying the moment, Mackenzie soon realises that Levi is still intimate with his wife Imogen. She knows full well that it's an affair, but she still feels uncomfortable. Channel 5 Related: Home and Away star Matt Evans shares personal story behind new song Mali also struggles with the fact he has to keep his knowledge of the affair a secret, when his girlfriend Rose Delaney asks him why he's been kicked out of the house. Back at the house, Mackenzie insists to Levi that Mali can be trusted to keep it a secret, but Levi isn't so sure. Things get tense when Mali asks Levi outright just how many women he is currently sleeping with, which causes Mackenzie to tell Mali that he can move out if he isn't onboard with the affair. As annoyed as Mali is, he doesn't tell the truth to Felicity Newman when she asks why he's been kicked out. Channel 5 Related: Home and Away star Tammin Sursok explains hospitalisation Meanwhile, Levi is uncomfortable with the idea of being known as a guy with multiple women on the go, and Mackenzie eventually asks him where he sees their affair going. Before he can answer, Felicity arrives and is surprised to see Levi at the house. Although they manage to give her a cover story, Felicity mentions the run-in to Levi's sister Eden. After that conversation, Levi tells Cash Newman that she thinks her brother is lying to her. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK. Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage You Might Also Like A 35-year-old man armed with a handgun and an axe was arrested after threatening deputies during an alleged home invasion robbery in San Bernardino County, authorities announced this week. The March 30 incident unfolded just after midnight when deputies with the San Bernardino Sheriffs Departments Fontana Station responded to the 17100 block of Gray Pine Place on reports of a man with a gun, according to an SBSD news release. At the scene, authorities said the suspect, later identified as Rialto resident Christopher Ochoa, was knocking on the front door of the residence while armed with both a gun and an axe. Ochoa did not comply with commands, raised the axe at the deputy in a threatening manner and a lethal force encounter occurred, the release stated. While authorities said the 35-year-old was not struck by gunfire, he was taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. After he was medically cleared, Ochoa was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and attempted home invasion robbery, along with an outstanding traffic warrant. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lights up sky in Southern California He remains in custody on $125,000 bail, authorities said. In response to the use of lethal force, the sheriffs specialized investigations division has assumed the case. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact SBSDs Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Those wishing to remain anonymous can use the WeTip Hotline at 800-782-7463 or online at WeTip. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. CHICAGO Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welchs chief legal counsel has abruptly left his job after recently released emails showed he was behind legally dubious ethical guidance issued to House Democrats last month that sought to block them from speaking to a Chicago Tribune reporter about political matters on or off state grounds. Welchs chief of staff, Tiffany Moy, wrote to House Democrats in an email Monday that, This memo is to inform you that today, April 1, was James Hartmanns last day with the Office of the Speaker. We wish James well in his future endeavors. Welchs office did not provide further details, saying it could not comment on personnel matters. As Welchs top legal counsel, Hartmann was a key official on the speakers staff and helped negotiate the language for some of the states most significant pieces of legislation, from an assault weapons ban to the elimination of cash bail. Hartmanns departure is the latest fallout from a memo later deemed a mistake by the speaker that was sent March 21 to members of Welchs Democratic supermajority instructing the lawmakers not to respond to questions from Tribune statehouse reporter Jeremy Gorner. Gorner at the time was asking questions about the thousands of dollars in political contributions the speakers leadership team made to Welch-backed candidate Michael Crawford, who defeated veteran state Rep. Mary Flowers of Chicago in the March 19 primary. We want to bring to your attention that Jeremy Gorner of the Tribune has been approaching members around the Capitol today to ask questions that are explicitly political, began the memo from Carla Jones, office manager for Welchs communications unit. Please advise Mr. Gorner that it is inappropriate to discuss campaign-related matters on the Capitol grounds. Please do not advise him that you will call him back or give him a number for him to reach you to discuss political matters as it is also ethically dubious. The memo was roundly criticized as goofy and stupid by a veteran former statehouse reporter and journalism professor in attempting to curb First Amendment rights of free speech and was viewed as a clear attempt to try to thwart legitimate newsgathering practices. In response to a Freedom of Information of Act request from the Tribune, emails and texts among Welchs staff, along with a timeline of events, show that Hartmann was behind the attempt to ban lawmakers from speaking to reporters. On the afternoon of March 21, as Gorner was attempting to question lawmakers about their contributions to defeat Flowers, Hartmann sought to intercede. Less than an hour later, Jon Maxson, a senior communications adviser to Welch, issued an email to his press staff worded almost exactly the same as the verbiage Jones emailed to all House Democratic members and their staffs, emails show. When the Tribune learned of the existence of the memo, a reporter asked Welchs chief spokeswoman, Jaclyn Driscoll, for the legal rationale behind it, including what state laws carried ethical prohibitions against lawmakers discussing political matters. Driscoll referred the question to Hartmann, who also served as the House Democrats ethics officer, and she was asked to have him contact the Tribune to provide an explanation. Hartmann never did respond and no such legal prohibitions exist. Instead, in an email delivered to Driscoll in the evening of March 21 with the subject line, Not what you were hoping for, Hartmann wrote, The more I think about it, the more I dont want to justify or even discuss my ethical guidance publicly. In that same email, Hartmann wrote, In retrospect I probably shouldnt have said anything to Jeremy (Gorner, the Tribune reporter) in the first place, but further explaining isnt going to help given their response. Hartmann noted the policy email sent to House Democrats that had come from Maxson didnt come from me. And in an apparent response to the Tribunes request for legal citations to back up the policy, he curtly wrote, Im also not an attorney for the media and I dont do legal research for them. Driscoll, who had initially defended the ban as long-standing policy only to be informed that no such policy had existed for at least four decades, sent a clarification the next day. It said the memo was overly cautious and was not prepared or reviewed by the House Ethics Officer (Hartmann). In a subsequent meeting, it was clarified to members that nothing precludes them from answering reporter questions. A day later, Welch personally responded in a statement that he also shared on social media saying the memo contained incorrect information, was a mistake and he apologized to the statehouse press corps. In responding to the Tribunes request for relevant documents, the House FOIA officer, assistant House Clerk Brad Bolin, wrote that Hartmann and Maxson, director of the House Democrats communications unit and a longtime spokesman for individual members, were asked to recuse themselves. Welch ordered the release of all responsive records, without exemption or redaction, Bolin wrote. As Speaker Welch was not aware of or included on any emails, texts or other communications regarding the memo, the only responsive records are from staff. Speaker Welchs review into the handling of this matter by staff remains ongoing, Bolin wrote. The FOIA response said the House Republicans chief legal counsel, Derek Persico, was consulted regarding the informations release to the Tribune. But House GOP spokeswoman Colleen King said the term consulted was boilerplate language and that there was no discussion and Persico was merely handed the House Democrats FOIA response. Hartmanns departure comes at a crucial time for House Democrats as the substantive negotiations over major items takes place prior to the legislatures scheduled May 24 adjournment. Hartmann had served as chief counsel since Sept. 15, 2022, and as an assistant counsel in the speakers office since 2017. Only months ago, he was designated a Chicago Lawyer 40 under 40 honoree. Taking Hartmanns place is Kendra Piercy, who became Hartmanns chief assistant only two months ago and has served as an assistant legal counsel for the speakers office since 2020. _____ Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welchs chief legal counsel has abruptly left his job after recently released emails showed he was behind legally dubious ethical guidance issued to House Democrats last month that sought to block them from speaking to a Tribune reporter about political matters on or off state grounds. Welchs chief of staff, Tiffany Moy, wrote to House Democrats in an email Monday that, This memo is to inform you that today, April 1, was James Hartmanns last day with the Office of the Speaker. We wish James well in his future endeavors. Welchs office did not provide further details, saying it could not comment on personnel matters. As Welchs top legal counsel, Hartmann was a key official on the speakers staff and helped negotiate the language for some of the states most significant pieces of legislation, from an assault weapons ban to the elimination of cash bail. Hartmanns departure is the latest fallout from a memo later deemed a mistake by the speaker that was sent March 21 to members of Welchs Democratic supermajority instructing the lawmakers not to respond to questions from Tribune statehouse reporter Jeremy Gorner. Gorner at the time was asking questions about the thousands of dollars in political contributions the speakers leadership team made to Welch-backed candidate Michael Crawford, who defeated veteran state Rep. Mary Flowers of Chicago in the March 19 primary. We want to bring to your attention that Jeremy Gorner of the Tribune has been approaching members around the Capitol today to ask questions that are explicitly political, began the memo from Carla Jones, office manager for Welchs communications unit. Please advise Mr. Gorner that it is inappropriate to discuss campaign-related matters on the Capitol grounds. Please do not advise him that you will call him back or give him a number for him to reach you to discuss political matters as it is also ethically dubious. The memo was roundly criticized as goofy and stupid by a veteran former statehouse reporter and journalism professor in attempting to curb First Amendment rights of free speech and was viewed as a clear attempt to try to thwart legitimate newsgathering practices. In response to a Freedom of Information of Act request from the Tribune, emails and texts among Welchs staff, along with a timeline of events, show that Hartmann was behind the attempt to ban lawmakers from speaking to reporters. On the afternoon of March 21, as Gorner was attempting to question lawmakers about their contributions to defeat Flowers, Hartmann sought to intercede. Less than an hour later, Jon Maxson, a senior communications adviser to Welch, issued an email to his press staff worded almost exactly the same as the verbiage Jones emailed to all House Democratic members and their staffs, emails show. When the Tribune learned of the existence of the memo, a reporter asked Welchs chief spokeswoman, Jaclyn Driscoll, for the legal rationale behind it, including what state laws carried ethical prohibitions against lawmakers discussing political matters. Driscoll referred the question to Hartmann, who also served as the House Democrats ethics officer, and she was asked to have him contact the Tribune to provide an explanation. Hartmann never did respond and no such legal prohibitions exist. Instead, in an email delivered to Driscoll in the evening of March 21 with the subject line, Not what you were hoping for, Hartmann wrote, The more I think about it, the more I dont want to justify or even discuss my ethical guidance publicly. In that same email, Hartmann wrote, In retrospect I probably shouldnt have said anything to Jeremy (Gorner, the Tribune reporter) in the first place, but further explaining isnt going to help given their response. Hartmann noted the policy email sent to House Democrats that had come from Maxson didnt come from me. And in an apparent response to the Tribunes request for legal citations to back up the policy, he curtly wrote, Im also not an attorney for the media and I dont do legal research for them. Driscoll, who had initially defended the ban as long-standing policy only to be informed that no such policy had existed for at least four decades, sent a clarification the next day. It said the memo was overly cautious and was not prepared or reviewed by the House Ethics Officer (Hartmann). In a subsequent meeting, it was clarified to members that nothing precludes them from answering reporter questions. A day later, Welch personally responded in a statement that he also shared on social media saying the memo contained incorrect information, was a mistake and he apologized to the statehouse press corps. In responding to the Tribunes request for relevant documents, the House FOIA officer, assistant House Clerk Brad Bolin, wrote that Hartmann and Maxson, director of the House Democrats communications unit and a longtime spokesman for individual members, were asked to recuse themselves. Welch ordered the release of all responsive records, without exemption or redaction, Bolin wrote. As Speaker Welch was not aware of or included on any emails, texts or other communications regarding the memo, the only responsive records are from staff. Speaker Welchs review into the handling of this matter by staff remains ongoing, Bolin wrote. The FOIA response said the House Republicans chief legal counsel, Derek Persico, was consulted regarding the informations release to the Tribune. But House GOP spokeswoman Colleen King said the term consulted was boilerplate language and that there was no discussion and Persico was merely handed the House Democrats FOIA response. Hartmanns departure comes at a crucial time for House Democrats as the substantive negotiations over major items takes place prior to the legislatures scheduled May 24 adjournment. Hartmann had served as chief counsel since Sept. 15, 2022, and as an assistant counsel in the speakers office since 2017. Only months ago, he was designated a Chicago Lawyer 40 under 40 honoree. Taking Hartmanns place is Kendra Piercy, who became Hartmanns chief assistant only two months ago and has served as an assistant legal counsel for the speakers office since 2020. Police search the area after confirming that human remains were found in Rowdown Fields, Croydon - UKNIP A murder investigation has been launched after human remains were discovered in a south London park. Police were called to Rowdown Fields, Croydon, on Tuesday morning following reports that body parts had been discovered. They sealed off the area and subsequently found more remains in another part of the park. Forensic experts were called in to examine the find. On Wednesday, police confirmed that the remains were human, and a murder investigation was launched. It is not clear how long the body parts had been in the park when they were discovered. A crime scene remains in place in Rowdown Fields - UKNIP Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, of Scotland Yards Specialist Crime Command, said: As you would expect, my team is working extremely hard in the early stages of this investigation to coordinate the search effort and carry out enquiries as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. We are not going to give specific details on our search of the area, but I can confirm that since yesterday we have recovered further remains. After consultation with a forensic anthropologist, we are certain that these are human. At this time, our search is not complete, and so local people will continue to see officers in the area. This is being treated as murder, and we currently believe the remains belong to one victim. Samples have been sent away for urgent forensic analysis, and I anticipate that a special post-mortem examination will take place later this week. Superintendent Lewis Collins, who looks after policing in the Croydon area, said: This is a very disturbing discovery and, over the last day or so, the community in our borough has pulled together to give officers the space they need to carry out this important work. We are very appreciative of their support, and we continue to ask that speculation on this case is kept to a minimum. We will keep people informed as soon as we have updates to share. Police thanked the local community for giving 'officers the space they need to carry out this important work' - UKNIP DI Thorpe added: Our priority is to identify the victim, but until we are in possession of fuller facts, informed by the post-mortem examination, we are not in a position to confirm the persons age, ethnicity or gender. A family has lost their loved one, and as a team we are focusing on finding them and securing the answers they will need to come to terms with their loss. A crime scene remains in place in Rowdown Fields, and enquiries are ongoing. Officers are not searching any other sites at this stage, but could extend the search if necessary. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Edmondo Cirielli criticized the statements of French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne on Azerbaijani-Armenian normalization, Trend reports citing Giornale Diplomatico. Commenting on the words of the French minister, voiced at a press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Edmondo Cirielli noted that any short-sighted statement by representatives of institutions other than the parties involved in the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process risks aggravating tensions. Azerbaijan, hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), takes a responsible position, and the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Stephane Sejourne, at a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State, certainly do not contribute to defusing the situation. French Minister Stephane Sejourne should not undermine the efforts of those who, guided by common sense, are moving forward to achieve lasting peace in the region, said Edmondo Cirielli. In Southern California, a War on Children event, scheduled to take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Torrance - South Bay on Sunday, has sparked controversy for featuring right-wing extremists Chaya Raichik, the figure behind the anti-LGBTQ+ account Libs of TikTok, and Christopher Rufo, who spreads anti-LGBTQ+ content and conspiracy theories. LGBTQ+ advocates have called for the hotel to cancel its agreement with the speakers, highlighting the events potentially harmful rhetoric. An attempt by The Advocate to confirm the event with the hotel was met with a refusal to comment based on a policy that prevents employees from discussing events. However, a spokesperson for Hilton provided a statement asserting, Hilton properties serve as places of public accommodation and do not adopt, share, or endorse the views of any individuals or groups to which we provide accommodations and services. The hotel is independently owned and operated and therefore we are unable to speak on their behalf. Stand up to hate. (@) After word spread that LGBTQ+ activists were voicing their concerns with the hotel, Rufo taunted them online. The trans brigade is organizing a campaign to call the Hilton Hotel and demand that it shut down an event featuring me and @libsoftiktok. But the Hotel is telling them it is proud to not discriminate and then hanging up on them, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The trans brigade is organizing a campaign to call the Hilton Hotel and demand that it shut down an event featuring me and @libsoftiktok. But the Hotel is telling them it is "proud to not discriminate" and then hanging up on them. (@) The public criticism of the hotel chain for hosting the event comes after Hilton received the Human Rights Campaigns 2023-2024 Equality 100 Award, which honors organizations supporting LGBTQ+ dignity and respect. Eric Bloem, HRCs vice president of programs and corporate advocacy, expressed expectations that Hilton act in accordance with the principles of the award. Its disappointing to see any business give space to the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric that Chaya Raichik spreads at every opportunity, Bloem said in a statement to The Advocate. We all share a responsibility to push back against hate and expect that the Hilton family of companies will live up to the spirit of the Corporate Equality Index, which is meant to drive best practices in workplace inclusion, not just its letter. Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, has disclosed the content of the negotiations with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba held on the sidelines of the NATO ministers meeting in Brussels. Source: Szijjarto on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: Szijjarto stated that over the past few weeks "further steps towards restoring mutual trust" in the relations between Hungary and Ukraine were taken and noted the progress in changing the agreement on border traffic control, which should accelerate the crossing of the border. He added that he expects the meeting of the Ukrainian-Hungarian workgroup, planned for 4 April and dedicated to the law on education, "with hope", stating that it is very important for Hungary "to restore the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia". Szijjarto also stated that the development of infrastructure on the border will allow about a million containers with three million tonnes of wheat and oil to cross the border, which will facilitate Ukraines trade with Europe. He did not mention other topics. Background: At the end of January, the Head of the Office of the President, jointly with Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Peter Szijjarto, held talks in the Ukrainian city of Uzhgorod. Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated that negotiations with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Uzhhorod, in Ukraine's west, showed that Ukraine and Hungary both want to organise a meeting at the highest level. No meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian PM Viktor Orban has been held since the beginning of Zelenskyys presidency. Support UP or become our patron! Hunter thought he harvested 84-pound coyote. It wasnt what he thought, officials say Coyotes typically dont weigh more than 40 pounds, so a Michigan hunter was likely shocked to learn he had harvested one more than twice that size. But the animal wasnt what he thought. Instead, it was something much more rare to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The January harvesting of the large coyote, as the hunter initially believed it to be, has now been confirmed to be an 84-pound gray wolf, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in an April 3 news release. While gray wolves are common in the Upper Peninsula, they are rare in the Lower Peninsula. Even more so in Calhoun County, where the wolf was killed. Its been more than 100 years since a gray wolf was spotted as south in Michigan as Calhoun County, WJBK reported. Calhoun County is about a 110-mile drive west of Detroit. You have much better luck of getting struck by lightning than seeing one in Calhoun County again, Brian Roell, large carnivore specialist for the DNR, told WJBK. Authorities learned the animal was a wolf through a series of genetic tests, officials said. The presence of the wolf is being investigated, but officials do not believe it was part of an established population in the area. Roell called the wolf sighting an unusual case. The DNR is actively delving into the matter to learn more about this particular animals origin, Roell said in the news release. While rare, instances of wolves traversing vast distances have been documented, including signs of wolves in recent decades in Michigans Lower Peninsula. The last known wolf sighting in the Lower Peninsula was in 2014 by biologists from the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Little Traverse Bay is about a 265-mile drive north of Calhoun County. Tracks consistent with wolves were observed in 2011 and 2015 in the Lower Peninsula, the department of natural resources said. And in 2004, a wolf that was collared in the Upper Peninsula was killed by a coyote trapper. Officials said the public should not worry about the presence of wolves in the Lower Peninsula. Coyote mom searches for pups seized from den in California yard. Beyond sad Three endangered creatures found dead in Oregon, officials say. $50K reward offered Wandering Mexican gray wolf captured in New Mexico for second time. Frustrating A New York judge rejected former President Trumps presidential immunity claims in his hush money case on Wednesday, saying Trump waited too long to make them. Justice Juan Merchans ruling removes another pathway for Trump to delay his upcoming hush money trial, which is slated to become the first criminal trial of a former president on April 15. Unlike his other three criminal indictments, Trump had not argued he was immune from his 34 charges in the hush money case, which stems from payments made before he was president. But the former president in recent weeks began insisting that some of prosecutors desired trial evidence would be precluded if the Supreme Court agrees with his immunity claims in another cases. Defendants motion is DENIED in its entirety as untimely. The Court declines to consider whether the doctrine of presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence of purported official presidential acts in a criminal proceeding, Merchan wrote. Trumps claims of presidential immunity reached the Supreme Court earlier this year, after the justices agreed to weigh whether a president can be criminally charged for their actions while serving in the office. The issue arose from his federal 2020 election interference case, though he has also claimed presidential immunity in his federal classified documents case and Georgia election interference case. A trial judge in Washington, D.C., and a three-judge panel on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trumps theory that he cannot be criminally prosecuted. For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant, the D.C. Circuit panel wrote in its 57-page decision earlier this month. We cannot accept that the office of the Presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter. Judges in his other cases have not yet weighed in on the matter. DEVELOPING For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Rev. Sara LaWall drops hearts down the rotunda of the Idaho State Capitol Building. Protestors on April 2, 2024, dropped 48,000 handmade hearts meant to represent LGBTQ Idahoans in protest of anti-LGBTQ legislation. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) The Idaho Legislature approved two bills that would define sex as either male or female and block government entities from compelling employees to use preferred personal titles or pronouns that dont correspond with peoples biological sex. The Idaho Senate on Tuesday approved House Bill 421, which would change the legal definition of sex to an individuals biological sex, either male or female. It would also consider the word gender as a synonym of that definition of sex, and create legal definitions of the words boy, father, female, girl, male and mother. Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, who sponsored the bill, said its not erasing anybody. He said gender is referenced 32 times in Idaho law, and always references biological sex. This is fundamentally defining what we already know. And Legislatures, both past and present, have diligently worked to ensure our laws need to be objective, not subjective, Adams said. Just because you say it, it doesnt make it real. I have a 3-year-old and a 9-year-old and if I wear a gorilla suit, my child might actually believe Im a gorilla, Adams said on the Senate floor. But that doesnt make me a gorilla. Im still a human being in a gorilla suit. Idaho has paid $14 million over the last decade trying to defend similar laws, said Sen. Mary Shea, substituting for Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello. She said the bill is clearly intended to dictate gender policy in Idaho. This language it may seem harmless to you. Its going to be cannon fodder for the litigation thats already filed against Idaho. It also could be a new civil rights case the first time an Idaho citizen is denied rights or privileges because of these definitions, Shea said. And they will be struck down. If youre treating people unequally, they will be struck down. The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 421 on a 26-8 vote. All seven Senate Democrats opposed the bill, along with Sen. Abby Lee, R-Fruitland. Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Viola, said the bill is full of common sense. The seminal documents of most major religions profess that the almighty created two sexes, two genders whatever you want to call it. This bill supports that conclusion, Foreman said. Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, said the bill wrongly equates gender and sex as the same thing. If this is an incremental move to try to deny rights to people who dont identify as one of those two things, then that will end up in court. Because that is discrimination, Wintrow said. These conditions that were nurturing are an on ramp to discrimination and violence, Wintrow said. And I am asking you to not go down that path. And to please expand our minds and expand our hearts to let the entire diversity of the human experience exist in the peace that they want to exist in. The Idaho Senate on Thursday also passed House Bill 538, which would prohibit any government entity from compelling a public employee to use the preferred personal titles or pronouns that do not correspond with the biological sex of an individual. The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 538 on a 25-9 vote. All seven Senate Democrats opposed the bill, along with Lee and Sen. Linda Hartgen, R-Twin Falls. The bills now go to Idaho Gov. Brad Little for consideration. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Idaho Legislature passes bills to limit gender expression, ban compelled pronoun use appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun. Idaho Gov. Brad Little will soon decide whether to sign into law a controversial bill that would allow people to sue schools and libraries over books deemed harmful to minors after the bill cleared its final hurdles in the Legislature. Senators on Wednesday passed the bill that would allow community members to file written requests to remove materials from a librarys shelves. An amendment to House Bill 710 gives the library or school board 60 days to move the material to an adults-only section, after which the community member could file a lawsuit for damages. The House voted to approve the amendment shortly after the Senate passed the bill. Little vetoed a similar bill last year that would have allowed parents to claim $2,500 in damages each time the material was obtained at a library. In his letter, he wrote that the bill would have created a bounty system that would increase libraries costs and ultimately be paid for by taxpayers. This legislation makes sweeping, blanket assumptions on materials that could be determined as harmful to minors in a local library, and it will force one interpretation of that phrase onto all the patrons of the library, Little wrote at the time. The Idaho Library Association in a January legislative update said the governor has already indicated that a veto will not be forthcoming this year. Little declined to comment Wednesday. Idaho Library Association President Lance McGrath said his association stands in steadfast opposition to the bill. McGrath noted that the bill still contains issues flagged by Little in last years bill, including a civil cause of action, allowing anyone from anywhere to dispute Idaho books and making sweeping, blanket assumptions on materials. House Bill 710 does not represent Idaho values of local control, individual rights and personal responsibility, McGrath said in an email to the Idaho Statesman. The vague language of the bill will have a chilling effect on materials included in library collections and on access. Rural communities and small libraries will be disproportionately impacted by the civil cause of action penalties in the bill. The bill uses Idahos obscenity laws to determine the definition for obscene materials. That includes materials that appeal to the prurient interest of minors as judged by the average person, and that depict sexual activity patently offensive to the prevailing standards in the adult community, according to previous Statesman reporting. The states obscenity law also includes acts of homosexuality but exempts books with literary or educational value. Supporters of the bill have argued itll keep graphic sexual books out of the hands of children, while opponents have said the bill opens libraries to lawsuits that could claim a wide interpretation of harmful materials. Opponents have also said those books already arent placed in childrens sections, the Statesman previously reported. Sen. Cindy J. Carlson, R-Riggins, opened the debate Wednesday by saying the bill was fair to both sides. One side may want kids to have access to certain material, and the other side does not, Carlson said. By keeping material in the library and moving it to its rightful location, this helps to solve the division. Parents can allow their children access as they deem necessary. Sen. Rick Just, D-Boise, argued during the debate that children could just as easily access material deemed harmful through the internet. This isnt about keeping pornography from disturbing kids. Where is pornography? Pornography is here, Just said, holding up his cell phone. Its not in the libraries. This is about keeping ideas from kids. The Idaho Family Policy Center, an influential conservative lobbying group, celebrated the bills passage Wednesday. Pornography has no place in schools or public libraries period, President Blaine Conzatti said. No child should encounter sexually explicit books at taxpayer-funded schools or community libraries. Were grateful that state legislators have taken another swing at this documented problem and were hopeful that the governor will sign this legislation into law. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) The Illinois Senates minority leader proposed legislation Tuesday to overhaul Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Prisoner Review Board after it released a convicted domestic abuser who then attacked a pregnant Chicago woman with a knife and fatally stabbed her 11-year-old son. Republican Leader John Curran criticized Pritzker and said he plans legislation to require that board appointees have 20 years of criminal justice experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, probation officer, or judge, and that each member undergo annual training on domestic violence and sexual assault and the warning signs that precede repeat attacks. Other proposed measures would require advance notice to victims of board decisions to release perpetrators and more transparency on the members deliberations in each case, including how they voted. For too long, these $100,000-a-year positions at the Prisoner Review Board have been given to political appointees who dont have the requisite experience to make these life-and-death decisions, Curran, whos from the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, told reporters in a teleconference. We must take politics out of the appointment process to create a qualified board with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. Pritzker has acknowledged the parole board didnt sufficiently consider evidence in releasing 37-year-old Crosetti Brand on March 12. The next day, Brand allegedly broke into the apartment of Laterria Smith, 33, who had an order of protection against him, attacked her with a knife and killed her son Jayden Perkins when he intervened to protect his mother. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News The attack prompted the resignation on March 25 of board member LeAnn Miller, who conducted Brands release hearing and wrote the report recommending he be freed. Later that day, board chairperson Donald Shelton also quit. Pritzker announced changes requiring the board to consult experts to develop training on domestic abuse and to improve the Department of Corrections process for sharing information with the board. Alex Gough, the governors spokesperson, said much of what was proposed by Senate Republicans is already standard practice at the Prisoner Review Board. Gough said that victims may sign up with the review board to be notified of perpetrators release; that a majority of board members currently have significant criminal justice experience, from work as a police officer or professor of criminal justice; and that information about the boards deliberations in each case are found in reports that are available through the Freedom of Information Act. Curran and his colleagues, Sens. Jason Plummer of Edwardsville and Steve McClure of Springfield, parried questions about whether Senate Democrats, who hold a supermajority, would entertain their plans. Weve been warning about the lack of qualifications of some of the governors appointees for years, Plummer said. I dont know why its taken a dead child for people to finally recognize some of these people are not qualified to serve on the board. My Democratic colleagues have largely taken a step back and allowed the governors office to drive the train. Brand and Smith had a relationship 15 years ago, police said. Brand was paroled in October after serving eight years of a 16-year sentence for attacking another ex-partner. He was shipped back to prison in February after going to Smiths apartment. But while seeking release in a Feb. 26 hearing before board member Miller, he denied trying to contact Smith in February and the Corrections Department failed to alert the board to Smiths attempt at an emergency order of protection on Feb. 22. Smith recommended release in her report, in which two other board members concurred. Pritzker said Monday that its difficult to make appointments to the board because Republicans have politicized the process. Curran called such a suggestion ridiculous. I would hope that the Democrats in the Senate now realize that Gov. Pritzker has a policy of trying to get the most far-left, anti-victim people on the Prisoner Review Board, McClure added. My hope is that moving forward, the Democrats have learned their lesson. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Midtown Catholic school is set to close at the conclusion of the school year, per the Catholic diocese. A fixture of Midtown Memphis, Immaculate Conception Cathedral School released a statement on Tuesday explaining that they will be closing at the end of the current school year. This is a very heartbreaking decision given the rich history of our school, Father Robert Szczechura, Pastor of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception said in the statement. We prayed often, and our school board, parents, and parish leaders met many times to collaborate on all possibilities from several angles to keep the school open. Unfortunately, the ongoing lack of financial stability and our constant struggle with enrollment made it impossible for the parish to continue operating the school. The school operates from preschool through eighth grade. Immaculate Conception closed its high school in 2020. The school blamed COVID for a decline in enrollment. The release states that despite their best efforts, the expense of maintaining a school is far beyond what the parish and community were able to support. As for their current students, Fr. Szczechura said the staff will work with their parents to find them other local Catholic schools that they could attend. We want to make this transition as smooth as possible for our students and parents, Fr. Szczechura said. Meetings will be offered to discuss each childs future education, and the same will be done for all our faculty members. We pray that God will bless each family during this transition and always. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Editors note: This article contains video and images that may be graphic to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A family from Colorado Springs said they are thankful to be alive after a bullet hit their SUV, shattering the drivers side window, while they were driving home from a spring break trip to Texas. Joseph Cantu spoke to FOX21 News and recounted the frightening moments on Saturday afternoon, March 30, as the family of seven passed through Leon County, Texas on Interstate 45, north of Houston. As we were going under an overpass I heard just this really loud boom in the side of my ear, said Cantu, who remembered thinking that, at first, it was the bags on top of the car that had fallen off the roof and hit the windshield. Just seconds later, he would find out, it was much, much worse. My wife starts screaming, and my daughter-in-law who [was sitting] just behind me said, Oh my gosh, there is a bullet hole in the window,' Cantu recalled as he pulled over and tried to remain calm. As soon as they said that, I thought to myself, its inside my ear or my body. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows Joseph Cantu inside his familys SUV after the drivers side window was hit by a bullet. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows damage to the familys SUV. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows glass scattered inside familys SUV. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows familys SUV pulled over on the side of I-45 in Leon County. Immediately after pulling over, Cantus wife Stephanie could be heard in a cell phone video she captured breathing shakily, as the family remained in disbelief. I did hand my phone immediately to my wife after we had pulled over; I said film, film right now, start filming, we need to document anything that is going on,' Cantu said as the family began to realize the extent of what happened. Cantu said it was especially disturbing that his family was in the car during the incident, and that they had witnessed what happened. My daughter fainted in the car, she was screaming, crying, and she saw this blood all over my wife and me and thought that we had been shot. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows Stephanie Cantus injuries from shatttered glass. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows a close-up of Stephanie Cantus injuries. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows Joseph Cantus injuries from shatttered glass. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows Joseph Cantu sitting in drivers seat with shattered glass. There was glass in my face and in my wifes arm, and of course, the whole windshield was just shattered in, Cantu continued. The family immediately called 911 and drove off the interstate to the nearest gas station for help. Just in case, you know, someone was trying to kill us, Cantu said. Soon, law enforcement with the Leon County Sheriffs Office would arrive and begin the investigation. They are all very shocked that we are still alive, said Cantu. Paramedics also responded to care for Cantu and his wife, who were covered in shards of glass. And the paramedic says, Well lets shake your hair, to my wife to make sure that you get all the glass out, and that is when it really hit usa bullet fell out of her hair. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows law enforcement from the Leon County Sheriffs Office holding the suspected bullet. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows law enforcement from the Leon County Sheriffs Office searching the familys SUV. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows the suspected bullet hole inside the familys SUV. Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu, photo shows law enforcement from the Leon County Sheriffs Office searching the familys SUV. The policeman just picked it up and his eyes were as big as can be, Cantu said. He just stood there stunned looking at us and said, Oh my gosh, you guys are a standing miracle, somebody tried to kill yall.' Inside the familys SUV, law enforcement would find the bullets path. The very inside roof, just above my head, there is a hole in the top there and the metal is bent, and so we knew the bullet definitely entered near my head and ricocheted upward, Cantu explained. By the grace of God, it didnt have enough force to go into my wifes head and just landed in her hair. Looking back now, Cantu said while it feels surreal, hes just happy his family is okay. Cantu shared his familys story on Facebook, writing in part; We were literally inches from death today! We should not be here still, but God had other plans ultimately. Photo show Joseph R. Cantu & wife Stephanie Cantu, with their children: LJ Cantu, Antonio Cantu & wife Emily Cantu, Romeo Cantu, and Trinity Cantu Courtesy: Joseph R. Cantu with his wife, Stephanie. Cantu told FOX21 he was shocked by the response and kindness of others. Seeing that is what I would love to continue to seea tragedy that can turn into hope for others, he said. I definitely thank everyone for their prayers and just thank God that we are alive. Cantu said he and his family are grateful to be home. He and his wife own J & J Hip Hop Dance & Performing Arts Company in the Springs and are grateful to return to doing the things they love and hope others just remember to do this: Continue to have hope, believe in miracles, and live today as if it were your last with no regrets. FOX21 reached out to the Leon County Sheriffs Office which could not comment on the investigation as it is an open and active case that is being investigated as deadly conduct with a firearm. The Sheriffs Office asks that if you have any information helpful to the investigation, to give them a call at (903) 536-2749. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. PATERSON Luis Velez played the role of the attack-dog challenger the first time he ran for the City Council, repeatedly criticizing the incumbents performance in 2012. Velez lost that race but continued his outspoken criticism of then-Councilman Julio Tavarez during the four years after the election and then won the 5th Ward seat in 2016. Now, as an eight-year incumbent, Velez is running for reelection on May 14 against three challengers. But none of the men looking to oust Velez is taking aim at the current councilmans performance. One opponent, David Soo, simply said he doesnt think Velez has addressed the citys issues well enough. Another candidate, Sebastian Mejia, cited one vote by Velez that he took exception with: the incumbents opposition to televising council workshop meetings. Paterson Councilman Luis Velez speaks at the Reimagining Justice and Paterson Healing Collective office in Paterson, NJ on Thursday, Jan 19, 2023. That means I must be doing something good, Velez said when asked about his opponents lack of attacks. Theyre not going after me because they dont have a basis for going after me. The third challenger in the race, Jeyss Abreu, could not be reached for comment for this story. Abreu has lost his three previous bids for public office, having run for council in 2022 and 2018 and school board in 2019, finishing far behind the winners each time. Vacant properties into housing, more violent crime Velez who won with 60% of the 5th Ward vote in 2020 and 52% in 2016 has prided himself on being what he called a man-in-the-street leader. Over the years, he built a reputation for calling city police officials at all hours of the night to pass along residents complaints. The councilman cited among his accomplishments the repaving of 5th Ward streets and the conversion of vacant properties into housing. A significant portion of the new apartments built in the 5th Ward have been by Velezs own landlord, Patersons most prominent developer, Charles Florio. The 5th Ward has endured an increase in violent crime in recent years. Velez has asserted that the crimes often involve people from other parts of Paterson or out-of-towners passing through the 5th Ward, which he noted sits at the center of the city. Velez ran for mayor in 2022, taking on his once-and-future ally, Andre Sayegh. Some political figures speculated that Velez was trying to help Sayegh by siphoning Latino votes from the mayors closest rival, Councilman Alex Mendez. Velez finished last among five mayoral candidates and quickly reestablished his alliance with Sayegh, frequently backing the administrations platform. Mejia an outspoken activist over DeJesus controversy This is Soo's first time running for public office and Mejias second. Mejia ran unsuccessfully for the Paterson Board of Education in 2017. During the past two years, Mejia has been among the most outspoken activists criticizing city officials over their handling of the disappearance of Felix DeJesus, who went missing after being released from police custody on Feb. 2, 2022. Sebastian Mejia is running for 5th Ward council seat in Paterson. Mejia said the DeJesus controversy prompted him to attend almost every Tuesday night City Council meeting and convinced him that Patersons residents werent getting adequate representation from their elected officials. At one point in 2022, Mejia began video-recording the workshop meetings because the city wasnt doing it. Im running to give the people a different option and present them with a new generation of leadership, he said. Mejia said he wants to bring new ideas to city government, including the use of recycled tires for street pavement, brighter streetlights to prevent crime, and the expansion of programs like the Financial Empowerment Center to help residents improve their personal finances. Soo a grassroots champion of Great Falls park Soo, meanwhile, noted his experience years ago on various public entities in Paterson as part of his qualifications for the council job, including the zoning board, Urban Enterprise Zone and Historic Preservation Commission. Soo was among the grassroots champions of the Great Falls National Historical Park and filed a lawsuit that prevented high-rise apartments from being built on land near Hinchliffe Stadium. The candidate bemoaned the volatile conduct of Patersons elected officials at council meetings. David Soo is running for the 5th Ward council seat in Paterson. We should be debating the issues, not each other, he said. Soo asserted that Paterson has the worst public transit access among New Jerseys largest cities, saying he would try to convince transportation officials to include a one-seat ride for Paterson rail passengers as part of the massive Gateway train project. He also said he would fight to get two new train stations built in Paterson, even though the citys existing station has among NJ Transits lowest ridership numbers. If you build it, they will come, Soo said of new rail hubs in Paterson. He also said Paterson needs to do a better job handling the influx of new residents from the surge of apartment construction and that the city ought to do a performance audit of its municipal services. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 3 challenge incumbent Velez in Paterson 5th Ward council race BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Armenia's economy will suffer tangible losses as a result of the Mir card rejection, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said during a weekly briefing, Trend reports. "Unfortunately, Armenia has yielded to Western pressure in this regard as well. The nation's economy will undoubtedly incur significant losses," she said. Since March 30, most of the Armenian banks have ceased accepting cards from the Russian Mir payment system due to potential risks associated with sanctions. Before this, the Armenian Card (ArCa) payment system informed the Russian National Payment Card System (NSPK), the operator of Mir cards, about this decision. Will be updated Here are the winners of suburban Milwaukee school board races: Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, Cudahy, Germantown, Greendale, Shorewood, more Poll workers Ron Young and Charlene Olsen assist a voter at the city of Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Building polling station on April 2. In addition to local races, voters everywhere weighed in on two statewide referendum questions that asked about private funding in election administration and the role of election officials. Voters in school districts across Wisconsin chose new school board members Tuesday. While there werent any school board members up for election in Milwaukee Public Schools this spring, there were dozens of contested school board seats in surrounding suburbs. Ahead of the election, political parties and political action committees spent over $300,000 to see their favored school board candidates elected in Wisconsin. Election Day live updates l Statewide election results l Local election results Here are the results of key school board races. Challenger Lissa Skogland, incumbent Michael Johnson win two seats on Cudahy School Board Out of four candidates running for two seats on the Cudahy School Board, challenger Lissa Skoglund and incumbent Michael Johnson have won. Johnson was the only incumbent running, as incumbent Laurie Ozbolt did not seek reelection. While challenger Ellen Price's name was on the ballot Tuesday, she had suspended her campaign before Tuesday to support Johnson and Skoglund. Randy Hollenbeck, who finished third in the vote for the school board, also lost as in incumbent in the race for the city of Cudahy's Third District aldermanic seat to opponent Rob Haines. Here are their unofficial vote totals: Lissa Skoglund: 1,764 Michael Johnson (incumbent): 1,375 Randy Hollenbeck: 871 Ellen Price: 660 Write-in votes: 15 Incumbents Tom Barney and Tracy Pawlak win Germantown School Board election Germantown School Board incumbents Tom Barney and Tracy Pawlak both fended off challengers April 2. Fred Fleitz, a more progressive candidate backed by the teachers union, was specifically seeking to replace Barney, a conservative. Fleitz has accused the board of "censorship" and criticized its ban on teaching on human growth and development. Jeff Voyer, who was specifically seeking Pawlaks seat, had contrasted himself as taking a harder stance against critical race theory. Pawlak had also said he wasnt a "fan" of the theory, a framework for understanding how certain public policies have caused or upheld racial inequality. The Germantown race didnt see major spending by political parties, like some other districts did. Fleitzs campaign got $400 from the county Democratic party, finance reports showed. The other five school board members, who hold staggered three-year terms, were not up for election this spring. Here are the vote totals, according to unofficial results shared Tuesday night: Tom Barney (incumbent): 4,049 Tracy Pawlak (incumbent): 4,020 Jeff Voyer: 2,864 Fred Fleitz: 2,845 Union-backed Brian Bock and Kristin Settle win Greendale School Board election Brian Bock and Kristin Settle have come out on top of the Greendale School Board election, ousting incumbent Mary Grogan and besting their other opponent, Elise Ciske. Candidates in Greendale were wary of aligning with either political party but Bock and Settle were both endorsed by the local teachers union. They also performed better in the primary election than Ciske and Grogan. Hot topics in the race included school funding; programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and a decorum among the current school board members that many described as dysfunctional. All candidates agreed the district needs more state funding. All but Grogan also said they supported the referendum that was also on the ballot Tuesday. It asked voters to raise property taxes to increase funding for the school district, as district officials say funding has not kept pace with inflation. Here are the vote totals, according to unofficial results shared Tuesday night: Kristin Settle: 2201 Brian Bock: 1957 Mary Grogan (incumbent): 1547 Elise Ciske: 1367 Incumbent Ellen Eckman wins Shorewood School Board election Shorewood School Board incumbent Ellen Eckman has retained her seat, the only board seat up for election this year, as she defeated opponent Andrew Frey. Here are the vote totals, according to unofficial results shared Tuesday night: Ellen Eckman (incumbent): 2,288 Andrew Frey: 1,589 Write-in votes: 16 Jennifer Grant and Travis Langer win Menomonee Falls School Board races for a full Republican sweep With Jennifer Grant and Travis Langer winning their races for the Menomonee Falls School Board, the board will be entirely made up of candidates who were endorsed by the Republican Party. Their opponents, Birkholz and Witt, were backed by the Democratic Party. The Republicans reported investing $1,483 in each of their candidates; the Democrats reported $8,512 for each of their candidates. Grant was the only incumbent in the race. Another incumbent, Keri Duce, decided to step down. She was the last board member who hadnt been endorsed by WisRed, a political action committee connected to the Republican Party of Waukesha County. Here are the vote totals, according to unofficial results shared Tuesday night: Jennifer Grant (incumbent): 4,170 Travis Langer: 4,007 Jessica Birkholz: 3,573 John Witt: 3,407 Three incumbents Angela Bier, Maqsood Khan and Ann Sepersky win Franklin School Board seats Franklin School Board incumbents Angela Bier, Maqsood Khan and Ann Sepersky won the three seats up for election on the Franklin School Board. Each will serve a three-year term. They competed for reelection against three challengers in the April 2 election. Here are their vote totals: Maqsood Khan (incumbent): 3,089 Angela Bier (incumbent): 2,689 Ann Sepersky (incumbent): 2,541 Jaclyn Gaffney: 2,027 Angela Kallay: 1,969 Jon Peccarelli: 1,647 Sarah Blonsky and Quin Brunette win seats on the Whitnall School Board Challenger Sarah Blonsky and incumbent Quin Brunette have won the two seats up for election on the Whitnall School Board this year. Blonsky and Brunette, who supported each others campaigns and who were both supported by the Whitnall Resident Engagement Network, a group Blonsky co-founded, defeated opponents Sean Flynn and Rhonda Perry, who were both endorsed by the 1776 Project PAC and supported by the Milwaukee County Republican Party. Flynn and Perry supported each others campaigns. Brunette was the only incumbent running, as incumbent Kevin Stachowiak did not run for re-election. Here are the vote totals: Quin Brunette (incumbent): 1,906 Sarah Blonsky: 1,905 Sean Flynn: 1,768 Rhonda Perry: 1,662 Incumbents Kelly Piacsek and Anthony Zenobia, along with challenger Eric Brooks, win seats on Waukesha School Board Incumbents Kelly Piacsek and Anthony Zenobia, along with challenger Eric Brooks, have won the three seats up for election on the Waukesha School Board. Each will receive a three-year term. Piacsek, Zenobia and Brooks, who were all supported by the Waukesha County Republican Party's WisRed initiative, defeated opponents Stephanie Byrne and Fidlin, who were backed by Blue Sky Waukesha, which defines itself as "a place for progressives, liberals and independents in crucial Waukesha County" and who were also recommended by the Waukesha County Democratic Party and Wisconsin Education Association Council. Incumbent Patrick McCaffery did not run for re-election. Here are the vote totals: Kelly Piacsek (incumbent): 11,606 Eric Brooks: 10,656 Anthony Zenobia (incumbent): 10,267 Stephanie Fidlin: 9,073 Angelique Byrne: 8,690 Write-in votes: 214 This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here are the winners of 2024 suburban Milwaukee school board elections Semafor Signals Insights from The Indian Express, Times of India, and Financial Times The News Indias opposition parties have united to protest what they called Prime Minister Narendra Modis match-fixing ahead of general elections this month after the arrest of a leading political opponent. Opposition leaders put aside their differences to accuse the Hindu nationalist government of arresting rivals on trumped-up charges, freezing the bank accounts of other parties, and weaponizing the countrys law enforcement to target those that disagree with it. If the Bharatiya Janata Party wins this match-fixing election and changes the constitution, it will light the country on fire. This is not an ordinary election, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress party, said at the rally where several opposition leaders shared a stage. Opposition politicians claim the BJP is aiming to centralize power and enshrine Hinduism in the constitution. Indias prime minister has denied the accusations of electoral interference, countering that the opposition has sought to protect the corrupt. Big corrupt people are behind bars and even the supreme court is not giving them bail, Modi said as he held a rally to launch his campaign in a different state on Sunday. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Flaws in worlds largest democracy on display in run-up to the election Sources: Journal of Democracy, Time Magazine, Indian Express, Reuters, Amnesty International While Indias upcoming elections will be the largest democratic exercise ever recorded with a billion people expected to vote over 44 days the flaws in the countrys democracy are acutely apparent. YouTube has featured dozens of ads encouraging violence and voter suppression, two NGOs warned. Meanwhile, The Indian Express reported that over the past decade, 23 out of the 25 politicians who faced corruption probes and then joined Modis BJP had their cases closed or stalled, a trend the critics have dubbed the washing machine. In late March Arvind Kejriwal, a longtime Modi critic, chief minister of Delhi and leader of the oppositional Aam Aadmi Party was arrested on bribery allegations, in a case he says is fabricated and politically charged. Amnesty International has said the ongoing effort to stifle the BJPs rivals shows the authorities blatant disregard for human rights and rule of law. Modis coalition looks set to cruise to victory Sources: Financial Times, Times of India It can seem puzzling" that Indias ruling party would feel the need to crack down on the opposition given the BJPs comfortable advantage in polling, the Financial Times reported. A survey conducted in February by Morning Consult found that Modi had an approval rating of 78%, higher than any other global leader, The Times of India reported. Modis popularity has been bolstered by a range of aid programmes that prominently display his name or picture such as free monthly bags of rice that display large photos of the prime minister. While Modi has not boosted social spending, he has done more than previous leaders to link welfare efforts to his own persona. Everything is being renamed, and even free food grain bags have become electoral advertisements, an expert in inequality in India told the Financial Times. Indias opposition remains in disarray despite efforts to unite Sources: The Associated Press, BBC Indias long-fractious opposition parties have struggled to unify ahead of the upcoming elections due to internal infighting and ideological clashes. Attempts to field a single candidate per district across more than two dozen opposition parties have collapsed as the Indian National Congress party, which once dominated Indias domestic politics, insisted on putting its candidates forward even in regions where the party is weak, The Associated Press reported. While the opposition has found common ground in blaming Modi for Indias high unemployment rates and in condemning the BJPs anti-Muslim rhetoric, they lack an ideological binding force, Gilles Verniers, a professor of Indian politics, told the BBC. The Indian government has finally resolved a years-long cybersecurity issue that exposed reams of sensitive data about its citizens. A security researcher exclusively told TechCrunch he found at least hundreds of documents containing citizens' personal information including Aadhaar numbers, COVID-19 vaccination data, and passport details spilling online for anyone to access. At fault was the Indian government's cloud service, dubbed S3WaaS, which is billed as a "secure and scalable" system for building and hosting Indian government websites. Security researcher Sourajeet Majumder told TechCrunch that he found a misconfiguration in 2022 that was exposing citizens' personal information stored on S3WaaS to the open internet. Because the private documents were inadvertently made public, search engines also indexed the documents, allowing anyone to actively search the internet for the sensitive private citizen data. With support from digital rights organization the Internet Freedom Foundation, Majumder reported the incident at the time to India's computer emergency response team, known as CERT-In, and the Indian government's National Informatics Centre. CERT-In quickly acknowledged the issue, and links containing sensitive files from public search engines were pulled down. But Majumder said that despite repeated warnings about the data spill, the Indian government cloud service was still exposing some individuals' personal information as recently as last week. With evidence of ongoing exposures of private data, Majumder asked TechCrunch for help getting the remaining data secured. Majumder said that some citizens' sensitive data began spilling online long after he first disclosed the misconfiguration in 2022. TechCrunch reported some of the exposed data to CERT-In. Majumder confirmed that those files are no longer publicly accessible. When reached prior to publication, CERT-In did not object to TechCrunch publishing details of the security lapse. Representatives for the National Informatics Centre and S3WaaS did not respond to a request for comment. Majumder said it was not possible to accurately estimate the true extent of this data leak, but warned that bad actors were purportedly selling the data on a known cybercrime forum before it was shuttered by U.S. authorities. CERT-In would not say if bad actors accessed the exposed data. The exposed data, Majumder said, potentially puts citizens at risk of identity thefts and scams. "More than that, when sensitive health information like COVID test results and vaccine records get out, its not just our medical privacy thats compromised it stirs fears of discrimination and social rejection," he said. Majumder noted that this incident should be a "wake-up call for security reforms." Climate change and generations of U.S. housing and development policy are making homes, neighborhoods and entire municipalities riskier to insure, undermining the ability of Americans to live where they choose. The current face of this crisis is a nationwide withdrawal by the insurance industry from regions threatened by wildfires and hurricanes, particularly along the Gulf Coast and California. While there are other factors at play, this retreat is largely driven by the collision of climate change with long-term federal decisions to incentivize ever more expensive homes in riskier areas. But insurance is just one manifestation of a larger problem, experts told The Hill, a canary in the coal mine offering a warning of more significant dangers rising out of sight. And in a country whose economy is among the most unequal in the rich West, the cost of that danger falls increasingly on those least able to bear it. A record number of billion-plus dollar weather disasters hit the U.S. in 2023, with 28 such incidents costing nearly $100 billion collectively, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The previous record was set in 2020 at 22 disasters with 10-digit tabs. The scale of these disasters, however, is only partly a result of climate change. In a world where Americas coastlines were dominated by wetlands and mangrove swamps, its conifer forests were burned regularly in low-intensity blazes and its housing stock was built with an eye toward resilience, these numbers would be far lower. But state, federal and local governments have for decades incentivized both large-scale suppression of low-intensity fires and booming high-dollar coastal real estate, often on barrier islands. Those trends have left more people and more insured home value in the way of worsening fires, floods and storms. The home insurance industry has lost money every year for the past five, according to a March report by the insurance rating site AM Best, part of a broader crisis in the industry. In the broader category of personal insurance, the industry suffered three consecutive years of losses in excess of $20 billion. Thats why you see companies pulling back and retrenching because theyre suffering enormous losses, Robert Gordon, a senior vice president at the American Property and Casualty Insurance Association, told The Hill. When insurance companies face rising risk, they have a few options: They can raise deductibles, raise rates, cut the riskiest homeowners from their rolls, or exit a state entirely. Story continues Increasingly, they are doing all of the above with the state exits being the most dramatic. Last month, State Farm announced it would not renew insurance policies for 72,000 California houses and apartments, about 2 percent of its total policies in California. That announcement followed the companys May 2023 decision to stop writing new policies in the state, citing rapidly growing catastrophe exposure, a move that was echoed by Allstate and American International Group. To the insurance industry, California is a particularly difficult market: a state where a wave of high-dollar development in increasingly fire-prone hinterlands has led to rapidly increasing risks, and therefore insurance costs. And state policies intended to protect consumers mean insurance companies often must wait up to a year to raise rates, and another year for them to take effect. But the problem goes far beyond California. State Farms March retreat followed the February withdrawal of Texas-based American National from nine extreme weather-prone states, including California, Colorado, Louisiana and the Dakotas. In Louisiana, more than 20 insurance companies have gone insolvent or left the state since 2020. Florida has lost more than 30, and there are signs that skyrocketing premiums are leading homeowners to depart the state. And while no insurers have yet left Texas, premiums are soaring in the wake of disasters. In these cases, too, the industry points to other compounding factors in particular, Floridas and Louisianas unusually high rate of litigation over insurance claims. We are marching steadily towards an uninsurable future in a number of places across the United States, Dave Jones, former California insurance commission director, said last year. Thats a worrying development, because when an area is uninsurable, it becomes uninhabitable, Anne Perrault, senior finance policy council at Public Citizen, told The Hill. Taxpayers foot the bill for the increasingly common disaster supplementals, which are made more expensive by the continuing trend of higher-dollar houses in ever riskier areas. In states such as Texas, California, Louisiana and Florida, homeowners who cant find insurance elsewhere can turn to state-run insurers of last resort, which offer guaranteed but more expensive coverage. And because those agencies cant say no to homeowners, the cost of insuring the riskiest properties is effectively socialized, with the cost of insuring a second home on the shifting sand of a barrier island borne by those inland. For the banks and the federal agencies that regulate them, the downstream risk is that a crash in insurance value will lead to a wave of mortgage delinquencies and declines in home prices. Its also difficult for federal officials to gauge the collective risk the U.S. faces, because insurances companies are regulated by the states. While the Treasury Department is beginning the process of putting together a nationwide picture, it has faced resistance from the states despite its rising risk, Louisiana officials told The Hill they are sitting the call out and from companies themselves. Gordon, of the insurers trade group, argued that such a call would be expensive, time-consuming and ultimately just tell federal regulators what they already know: that risk is rising, thanks in large part to decades of poor planning around land-use and homebuilding standards. For the mortgage lenders, a disquieting question looms around the question of insurance company withdrawals. What we dont know is: Is the cycle going to normalize and level out, or will it continue? So theres a lot of unknowns around that, Pete Mills, vice president of residential policy at the Mortgage Bankers Association, told The Hill. Looking at the broader picture, Mills saw an oversupply of anecdotes, but added that he doesnt know that everybodys data collection is to the place we need it to be to understand the problem, something he called on both the industry and government to fix. In disaster-prone areas such as the California Sierra where state and federal policy created the wildfire problem that climate change now exacerbates the disjointed response of financial institutions and local governments has led to heartbreaking choices and the dramatic reshaping of communities. In the fire-ravaged town of Paradise, Calif., for example, homes could once be found for $60,000, making it a refuge for seniors and young families leaving the increasingly unaffordable California coast. Since the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, however, home prices have soared, and investors largely dont pay to rebuild affordable housing stock. That helped tip the community into the abyss of unaffordability, Seana OShaughnessy, of the Community Housing Improvement Program, which builds affordable housing in the region, told The Hill. Rising insurance rates and home prices mean many residents who survived the fires find they cant stay in their home, OShaughnessy said, but they cant leave either, because they cant sell their home. And anyway, their community is here. Similar dynamics have followed other disasters. A Federal Reserve study found that post-disaster federal grants offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency tended to be regressive meaning they were more likely to benefit homeowners who had more money, and left those with less more likely to go bankrupt. A February report by real estate site Redfin found that areas with worsening air quality mostly as a result of wildfires lost about 1 million people between 2021 and 2022, largely because rising home prices had pushed them out. And as The Hill has reported, Americans are increasingly abandoning flood-prone neighborhoods for ones less likely to flood. Policymakers sometimes discuss the big-picture solution to this problem as managed retreat the often-controversial idea of a planned withdrawal from zones such as barrier islands that are too vulnerable to consistently defend. But housing advocates say that in the absence of a coherent federal housing policy or even a clear understanding of where insurers are pulling out what the U.S. is getting instead is unmanaged retreat. A piecemeal and chaotic realignment of insurance and lending decisions is quietly reshaping the countrys human geography as the planet warms. In many areas, those choices amplify older prejudices, because todays risky areas are often yesterdays zones of historic disinvestment. Harvard University real estate professor Jesse Keenan told The Hill about a conversation with a loan officer at a major bank who took out a blue marker and outlined all of Florida. He said, were just not loaning here anymore, Keenan recalled. To Keenan, that blue marker recalled the older idea of redlining, the process by which mortgage lenders and real estate agents refused to serve to families from majority-minority neighborhoods. The federal government banned redlining in the 1970s. In the 2020s, the most climate-vulnerable municipalities are often those that received low levels of historic investment, Michela Zonta, a housing policy analyst for the Center for American Progress (CAP), a left-leaning research nonprofit, told The Hill. We see that those formerly redlined neighborhoods are the ones exposed to polluting facilities or elevated heat which is one of most common causes of health-related issues, she said. Those communities are less likely to have access to measures that reduce heat, such as modern materials that protect residents, or green spaces that cool entire neighborhoods. A CAP report found that Black communities concentrated in areas with higher exposure to heat or flooding, chiefly coastal areas in the South and East. A lot of insurance companies are abandoning areas with flooding risks, which are disproportionately home to Black communities, Zonta said. Those regions serve as a wicked problem to federal policymakers, Keenan said: places where federal goals around rectifying historic injustice run right into a worsening climate reality. In those zones, you want people to adapt, but you dont want to throw them to the wolves. You dont want the redlined communities screwed by history to get screwed again. To make things yet more complicated, another big problem is that many zoning decisions are made locally. Solving this problem, Keenan said, would draw together everyone in government, including the departments of Commerce and Housing and Urban Development. Government-backed lenders like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Zonta added, have an important role to play here. She argued they must avoid making loans to people of color for purchases of homes in underserved areas. The CAP study found that in 2022, 30 percent of the loans made to Black borrowers were in areas at high risk of either heat or flooding. You cant promote access to ownership in those areas people keep buying there, but unless the homes are climate resilient, theyre not going to be a solution in the long run, Zonta said. Without such planning, families who settle there, often with federal aid, will simply see their financial losses accumulate, she said. Ultimately, Keenan said, markets and municipalities alike will need to adapt. If you have a redlined area thats really marginalized you can try to protect them to some measure. But if youre at the end of a river delta, like New Orleans, the question becomes: Do you want to take your medicine now or delay the inevitable? For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Ohio State University seal at the East entrance to the Oval. Photographed March 18, 2018. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Doral Chenoweth III) Aerial Drone logo crest Senate Bill 83 has received backlash from university students, university faculty, and the ACLU of Ohio since its introduction in March of 2023, The dangerous bill was re-referred to the Ohio House Rules and Reference Committee in January. Although it has eliminated a few problematic provisions (such as a prohibition on striking), SB 83 still poses a threat to academic rigor, free speech, and inquiry in Ohio public universities. To maintain the integrity of Ohios universities, the Ohio House must reject Substitute Senate Bill 83. The current version of SB 83 seeks to implement the following changes to higher education institutions in the state: Ban most mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) trainings Prohibit the mentioning of unconscious bias that may lead to structural racism and sexism; require intellectual diversity (or the teaching of all perspectives on issues like slavery) Allow students to reach their own conclusions regarding controversial beliefs or policies. Controversial topics include DEI programs, abortion, immigration, electoral politics, and climate change. OU 'pauses' diversity scholarships. It's a slap in the face to Black students, alumni like me. As a graduate student studying public policy at Ohio State University, I am greatly concerned with the future of the universitys academic programs that require the understanding of controversial beliefs and policies as outlined in SB 83. One of the most concerning aspects of the bill is language regarding issues of race. SB 83 seeks to prohibit the discussion of fault, blame, or bias because of their race and meritocracy or traits such as hard work ethic are racist or were created by members of a particular race to oppress members of another race. This language prohibits instructors from discussing important concepts such as structural racism, systemic racism, and systemic racial inequality in the classroom. The censorship of such topics from course content is extremely harmful to students of color as it prevents them from discussing the ways in which systemic injustices impact their daily lives. Although proponents of SB 83 claim that the bill supports intellectual diversity in universities, the bill places a gag order on many political and social concepts that contribute to our understanding of contemporary American society. More: Ohio college students: Senate Bill 83 is an orchestrated wave of attacks. It must be stopped If passed, SB 83 would produce negative consequences for Ohios universities, students, faculty, and economy. Since 2012, Ohio universities have experienced a 12 percent decline in enrollment. Impending restrictions on course content, DEI initiatives, and academic organizations will contribute to students' disinterest in Ohio universities. Additionally, universities may be forced to alter or eliminate course offerings due to the inclusion of controversial beliefs or policies. Furthermore, hundreds of students have submitted oppositional testimony expressing their imminent departure from Ohio universities if SB is implemented. Due to the stipulations of SB 83 that promote intellectual diversity through censorship, the bill inhibits the ability of faculty to fulfill their roles as educators for fear of negative repercussions. Lastly, Ohio universities produce 8.8 percent of the states gross domestic product. Christine Fite is a graduate student at Ohio State University pursuing a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Arts in Latin American studies. If SB 83 is implemented, Ohio universities will become unappealing to university students and faculty, income for the Ohio higher education system will be lost as students unenroll and faculty depart, and the Ohio economy will face significant losses due to the education sectors contributions. More: Dangerous Ohio bill will breed self-censorship and fear, not intellectual freedom SB 83 is extremely dangerous to the existing academic freedom, rigor, and inquiry within Ohios public universities. I urge Ohioans to contact their representatives and urge them to reject this bill. Christine Fite is a graduate student at Ohio State University pursuing a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Arts in Latin American studies. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Senate Bill 83 a direct threat to Ohios public universities Andy Preto, left, and Thomas Tetz of the Yukon competed in the Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race in South Africa last month. 'It was challenging, for sure. It had its highs and lows,' said Preto. (Submitted by Andy Preto - image credit) Heat stroke, gastrointestinal problems, exotic wildlife, and an airline workers' strike if Andy Preto and Thomas Tetz were looking for an adventure, they certainly found it. The two have just returned home to the Yukon after fulfilling a long-held dream: to participate together in the grueling, multi-day Absa Cape Epic in South Africa. The event bills itself as the "most televised mountain bike race in the world," and it involves bikers from all over the world competing on a roughly 700-kilometre course through some harsh and arid terrain. "I had a heat stroke for sure one day. Thomas said I looked like a lobster, and I was violently ill," said Preto, back home in Whitehorse on Tuesday. "Probably a low point of the race was when I accidentally threw up on Thomas as we were racing. He tried to pass me at the wrong moment." Tetz said it was still cold and snowy in the Yukon when they left for the race last month. "It seemed like a shock to the system when we got there," Tetz said. "It was really hot." Preto said the many aid stations along the race route were a lifeline, helping them stay relatively cool and hydrated in the 40 C weather. The two would regularly pour ice on their jerseys to keep from overheating. Yukoners Andy Preto and Thomas Tetz competed in the 2024 Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race in South Africa. On the trail at the Absa Cape Epic. Preto and Tetz said the biggest challenge was dealing with the intense heat and staying hydrated. (Submitted by Andy Preto) "You started hearing stories about people getting removed from the race with kidney failure and collapsing, and it started to get worrisome," Preto said. "It was challenging, for sure. It had its highs and lows." Race gets 'harder and harder, and we haven't even started' The event was a long time coming for the pair, and there were plenty of setbacks before they even started the race, including a fractured leg, an airline labour disruption, and a global pandemic. Five years ago, Preto and Tetz participated together in another bike race in Mongolia. Then, the following year, they were set to compete in the Absa Cape Epic. "We were in Cape Town, and the night before the race, this thing called COVID-19 made the news and we had to quickly scurry home because the race got cancelled," Preto recalled. Then, a year ago, they were again training for the South African event. That's when Preto had an accident while cleaning a chimney. "I slid off the roof and wrecked my leg," he said. "As I hit the ground and realized what I had done to my leg, my first thought was, 'Africa!' ... yeah, it was not a good scene at all." After surgery and some weeks on crutches, Preto was back on his bike by last fall, training. Then last month, the day before they left for South Africa, they had to scramble to rearrange their travel plans when the airline Lufthansa was hit by a workers' strike. "So before we even got on the plane, we looked at each other and rolled our eyes and said, 'Oh my gosh, this race just gets harder and harder, and we haven't even started,'" Preto recalled. "We definitely did the milk run around the planet, but we got there." Yukoner Thomas Tetz competes in the Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race in South Africa, March 2024. Tetz on the trail. (Submitted by Andy Preto) Starting the race, Preto was a bit nervous about how his leg would hold up but it ended up doing just fine. The bigger problems, he said, were the heat and "our guts." They also had to contend with wildlife. Tetz went for a training ride before the race and saw a huge snake, and on one part of the race Tetz spotted a road sign warning of leopards. "He [Preto] said, 'Oh, this is a joke for tourists,'" Tetz said. "And later on we talked to a local guy and then he really told us there was some leopards there." Preto said he asked whether leopards actually eat people. "[He said] 'Oh yeah, they do' so I guess the leopard thing is not a joke," Preto said. Yukoner Andy Preto saw a sign in South Africa warning of leopards, as he was competing in a long-distance mountain bike race. Preto thought the signs warning of leopards were a joke for tourists, until a local set him straight. (Submitted by Andy Preto) In the end, they finished the race without a leopard encounter, or kidney failure, or any other serious ailment beyond the heat stroke and stomach problems. "It's been like a five-year goal. So regardless of the weather, we were both happy to be there," Preto said. They haven't yet planned another racing adventure. "We don't know yet. We wait a little bit," Tetz said. As international travel grows, so does US use of technology. A look at how it's used at airports Piet De Staercke, from back right to left, with his wife Jill Bornauw, their eldest son Stan De Staercke, watch their youngest Tuur de Staercke, get screened by a Custom Border Protection officer, right, in the port of entry at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. The Belgian family of four, used the Mobile Passport Control app, the newest technology in international travel, to ease their way to their port of entry. Within minutes they had bypassed a long line of people waiting at the airport's passport control and were waiting for their luggage. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) WASHINGTON (AP) The Belgian family of four was on their fourth trip to the United States. They had been dreading the long line at passport control when they entered the country but had heard about a new app they could use to ease their way and decided to give it a shot. Within minutes, they had bypassed the long line at Washington Dulles International Airport and were waiting for their luggage. It was always a long row," said Piet De Staercke of the line to go through passport screening. He, his wife and two sons were visiting Washington and Chicago. We were a bit scared. But now with the app, its amazing. As travel continues to boom following coronavirus pandemic-related slumps, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expanding the use of technology like the Mobile Passport Control app the De Staercke family used in an effort to process the ever-growing number of passengers traveling internationally. And with events like a rare solar eclipse, the Olympics in Paris, and summer holidays still driving international travel, those numbers don't look set to drop anytime soon. Customs and Border Protection officials gave The Associated Press a behind-the-scenes look at some of the technologies they've been using and what to expect in the months and years ahead. THE NUMBERS During fiscal year 2023, the agency processed over 394 million travelers at the ports of entry. That's a 24% increase over the previous year. When looking at the countrys top 20 airports by passenger volume, officers processed 31% more travelers while average wait times increased 11%. And at some of the busiest airports, the wait times have had negligible increases or even decreased. At JFK Airport in New York, for example, wait times went down by 0.4 of a second on average while CBP officers processed 33% more travelers. Increasingly, people are traveling internationally with their families rather than going abroad alone for business. MORE APPS Officials are moving more toward app-based technologies to speed passengers' movement through the airport. The Mobile Passport Control app used by the Belgian family is one example. It's available to U.S. citizens, but also to lawful permanent residents, certain Canadians and travelers from countries who are part of the Visa Waiver Program who've already been to the U.S. at least once. Passengers upload their photos and information to the app. When they enter the screening area, they get routed to a separate line. The officer then just needs to take a photo of one member of the family and it pulls up the entire group's photos and their information. CBP launched the app in 2021 but is now trying to get more people to use it, including by working with airlines to allow the app to be downloaded while the plane is in flight and putting up signs at airports to let travelers know about it. Last year, a record 4.1 million people came into the country using the app. Any second that we can save through the process, it saves time because it adds up eventually, said Marc Calixte, the top CBP official at Dulles. Last September, the agency also created an app specifically for passengers who use Global Entry. That's one of the Trusted Traveler programs CBP runs that allows certain low-risk passengers who make an appointment for an interview and submit to a background check to travel through customs and passport control more quickly when they arrive in the U.S. IMPROVEMENTS TO GLOBAL ENTRY Last year saw a record 3.2 million people apply to the Global Entry program, and this year the agency is on track to field about 4 million applications, said Brendan Blackmer, CBP branch chief for the Trusted Traveler Programs. But passengers have complained about how long it can take to get applications processed and their struggles to get appointments. On its website, CBP says it averages four to six months to process applications. In February, 17 members of Congress wrote to CBP demanding information, saying they were fielding complaints from constituents over the wait times. Blackmer said the agency has pushed to improve the process, including by allowing nearly 100% of people renewing their status to do so without having to come into an enrollment center. That frees up appointments for first-time applicants. And it's pushing for more people to be able to complete the process while they're in the airport, either leaving or returning from a trip. There are also more appointments available, Blackmer said, although some cities like San Francisco are still seeing so much demand that appointments can take more than 90 days to get. Weve done a lot of work the past year and a half, and the agencys in a better position now and able to meet the demand for the program. And were going to continue to work, Blackmer said. FEE INCREASES Come Oct. 1, people using some of the Trusted Traveler Programs will see increases to the fees they pay. The cost of NEXUS, a U.S.-Canadian program designed to ease travel between the two countries for pre-approved travelers, will go from $50 to $120. Global Entry will go from $100 to $120. SENTRI, for pre-approved travelers on the southern border with Mexico, will go down, from $122.50 to $120. But the fees will now cover all kids under 18 regardless of which program you're in. What's unchanged is that approval for the programs will still be good for five years. WHAT'S NEXT? Calixte said possibly by the end of summer the airport will be opening so-called E-Gates where passengers using Global Entry can use the app, bypass an officer at a booth, and instead go to a gate where their photo is taken and matched to their passport, and, assuming no red flags arise, the gates open and they pass out of the customs and passport control area and are on their way. Further on the horizon, Blackmer said the agency is exploring a concept called smart queuing, where the app assigns passengers to certain lines depending on information they have entered into the app, such as whether they have goods to declare. ___ Follow the AP's coverage of travel at https://apnews.com/hub/travel. Investigators working round the clock to find missing pastors wife and her friend Oklahoma authorities are continuing to investigate the suspicious disappearance of two women who never turned up to collect children last week. Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, were on their way together to pick up children last week but never made it to the pickup location. Their car was found abandoned on the side of the road near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas in rural Texas County, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a release. It is unclear whose children they were on their way to collect, but an OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee told NBC that it is presumed the two women are friends. The women were on their way to pick up children (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation) While the disappearance of the two women has been branded as suspicious by the agency, Mr McKee added that there are currently no suspects in the investigation, and no threats against the women have been reported. Despite this, Mr McKee told ABC News that theres every reason to believe that they could be in danger. It was a very rural area. Theyre nowhere to be found. ... The fact that weve had no contact with them for this long, he added. The Texas County Sheriffs Department requested the assistance of the states agency in trying to locate the two women. "Agents are still working around the clock on this to try to find where these women are, what may have occurred," Mr McKee said to NBC. An OSBI spokesperson has said that theres every reason to believe that they could be in danger. (Texas County Sheriffs Department) Ms Butler has red hair, green eyes and several tattoos, including a Chinese symbol on her left forearm and a sunflower on her left shoulder, according to an endangered missing advisory posted by the Texas County Sheriffs Department. She was wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt, denim shorts and Hey Dudes. Ms Kelley has brown hair, blue eyes and a butterfly tattoo on her left forearm. Her clothing consisted of white-washed blue jeans, a long-sleeved shirt and tan or beige shoes. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during a ceremony to mark Laylat al-Qadr (the night of destiny), which according to Islamic belief is the night when the Quran was first sent down from Heaven to the world and also the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet Muhammad. -/Iranian Presidency/dpa Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has again threatened retribution for a suspected Israeli airstrike on an Iranian embassy building in Syria's capital Damascus in which several people were killed. The attack "will not go unanswered" and of course retaliation and revenge will be taken, Raisi said in a speech on Iranian television on Wednesday. The attack showed that Israel would not shy away from any crime, he said. On Tuesday Raisi had already threatened to respond to what he called a "terrorist crime." Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also threatened retaliation. On Monday, two brigadier generals and five other members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, six Syrian citizens were also killed. The IRGC is Iran's elite military force and is considered more powerful than its conventional armed forces. Iran's Foreign Ministry blamed its arch-enemy Israel for the attack. Israel did not comment on the incident. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Israel has been Iran's declared archenemy. Since the 1990s, Tehran has expanded its political and military ties in the region to create a so-called "axis of resistance" against Israel with allied Shiite militias in various Arab countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen intends to visit China from April 3 to April 9, where she plans to meet with representatives of the country's leadership, the press service of the ministry says, Trend reports. Janet Yellen will reportedly visit China for bilateral meetings and other contacts. Her visit is aimed at developing cooperation in the fight against illicit trafficking of funds, creating financial stability, solving climate problems and resolving issues with the debts of developing countries. It is reported that during his stay in the country, Yellen plans to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Vice Premier He Lifeng and Finance Minister Lan Foan. In addition, she plans to hold several other bilateral meetings and consultations with economic experts and representatives of the American business community. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during speaks during a meeting with with politicians, the Iranian government, and military officials in Tehran. Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi again threatened retribution for a suspected Israeli airstrike on an Iranian embassy building in Syria's capital Damascus in which several people were killed. The attack "will not go unanswered" and of course retaliation and revenge will be taken, Raisi said in a speech on Iranian television on Wednesday. The attack showed that Israel would not shy away from any "crime," he said. On Tuesday, Raisi had already threatened to respond to what he called a "terrorist crime." Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also threatened retaliation. On Monday, two brigadier generals and five other members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, six Syrian citizens were also killed. The IRGC is Iran's elite military force and is considered more powerful than its conventional armed forces. Iran's Foreign Ministry blamed its arch-enemy Israel for the attack. The US government also believes that Israel is responsible. Israel has not commented on the incident, but on Wednesday the military stated its intention to mobilize missile defence reservists. The army did not explicitly state the reasons for this, but Israeli media reported that the background to this was threats from Tehran. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Israel has been Iran's declared archenemy. Since the 1990s, Tehran has expanded its political and military ties in the region to create a so-called "axis of resistance" against Israel with allied Shiite militias in various Arab countries. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during speaks during a meeting with with politicians, the Iranian government, and military officials in Tehran. Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Ireland's pub-goers, who typically use the price of a pint as a metric of inflation, have endured three Guinness price hikes in just over a year. Jeff Spicer/PA Wire/dpa In what pub owners have slammed as a hammer blow, the price of a pint of beer in Ireland is set to go up again after Guinness parent company Diageo announced a third increase since the start of 2023. In a letter to pub owners revealed after the March 17th St. Patricks Day holiday, traditionally a day of heavy drinking in Ireland, Diageo said the price hike, which amounts to 6c per pint, was needed due to rising costs. "In order to offset this, we must pass on some of the additional costs to our customers," the company said. Prices of Carlsberg, Rockshore and Smithwicks will also be affected when the measure takes effect in mid-April. In February last year, UK-based Diageo put 12c on the price of a pint in Ireland, an increase it followed 5 months later with another of 4c. The Vinters Federation of Ireland (VFI) criticised Diageo, claiming the increase to be the "latest hammer blow to the pub trade" ahead of summer holidays and warning that tourists could be put off by Irelands increasingly expensive pubs. "We know our customers are in the middle of their own cost of living crisis so the last thing our members want to do is increase prices. Unfortunately most publicans will have to pass on this increase as its all but impossible to absorb given the rise in labour costs and other soaring charges," said Pat Crotty, the VFIs chief executive. In a post on Instagram, The Blue Note, a pub in Galway, a city on Irelands Atlantic coast that is popular with visitors, accused Diageo and Guinness of being "complete gougers." "A pint of plain [a stout, such as Guinness] is no longer your only man," The Blue Note's management lamented, referencing an often-quoted satirical poem composed by Irish novelist Brian ONolan. The latest Diageo increase comes just weeks after a pub in the Temple Bar district of Dublin, popular among tourists, became the first to charge 10 for a pint of beer. Prices are typically between 5 and 6 across most of the country. With two weeks until the 2024 tax deadline, only around 50,000 people have used the IRSs new direct file online filing system, a number well shy of the hundreds of thousands the agency anticipated for this tax year in early projections. While the IRS has pushed hard to alert taxpayers of the direct file system across the 12 pilot states where its being made available, the modest uptake is raising eyebrows about the rollout and leaving experts wondering why the program wasnt launched at the beginning of tax season in January. When youre used to dealing with millions of taxpayers, 50,000 seems like a small number, Janet Holtzblatt, a former deputy director of the individual tax division at the Treasury Department, told The Hill in an interview. Given all of the issues here the criteria, the limited number of states, starting this in the middle of a filing season, and this being the first year [the program was available] many people may not even know of this. In January, IRS officials said they expected several hundred thousand taxpayers could use direct file during the current tax filing season. Over the weekend, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said that for the first time ever, 19 million taxpayers would be able to file their taxes for free online using the direct file system, though the combined population of states where the direct file pilot is being rolled out is around 150 million people. The IRS has said repeatedly it wants to start slow with direct file to build a solid operational base that can later be scaled up in terms of functionality and used more widely. Advocates of the IRS program say it shouldnt be held to arbitrary numerical standards in its first year and that the reliability of its launch has set a new standard for government-offered technology products. The IRS direct file program has turned the page on the tech meltdowns of the past by demonstrating that the government is capable of building a stable, user-friendly tax filing system, said Igor Volsky, executive director of Groundwork Action, an advocacy group supporting direct file, in a statement to The Hill. The modest initial usage of direct file may be all the more unexpected given recent trends in digital tax filing, which has been steadily getting more popular in the U.S. over the past decade and spiked in the aftermath of the pandemic, according to an analysis by The Hill of past IRS databooks. In 2014, 84.5 percent of individual tax returns were filed electronically. That percentage increased by about 1 percentage point per year until 2020, when it jumped to 94.3 percent before resuming its previous trend in 2021 and then bouncing again in 2022 to 93.8 percent. The fact the direct file program is built only to handle standard wage income as opposed to investment, property, or interest income may be another factor limiting more widespread initial adoption. Direct file also does not work for contractors, like Uber and Lyft, drivers or delivery workers, many of whom file their taxes with an IRS form 1099-K. While experts acknowledge the limited applicability and eligibility of the program, they also commend its ease of use and point out the program is still in a test phase, the result of which could lead to more prolific usage. The product and technology is limited in terms of the number of taxpayers that are eligible to use it, at least in terms of this version of the pilot. But it seems to be a very user-friendly product, which is a promising start. Its a good way for the government to test what works, Villanova University law school professor Leslie Book, who has worked with the IRSs taxpayer advocate service, told The Hill. In addition to the midseason launch, outreach on direct file has been another point of criticism for experts who monitor IRS operations, though the agency has held multiple calls with reporters promoting the pilot system since it was announced for 2024 tax season last year. Theres always the issue of getting the word out and how much of the word gets spread within communities, Holtzblatt said. There has been at least one advertising campaign promoting the direct file pilot, too. The Better IRS campaign from the Coalition for Fair and Free Filing, launched a six-figure ad buy promoting the new IRS tool in the 12 states where it was made available, according to one of Groundwork Action, one of its affiliates. This advertising campaign [is] to ensure taxpayers know that direct file is an option for them this tax season and to signal to lawmakers that providing a free filing option through the IRS is popular, Volsky said in a statement last month. But advertising competition from the private tax preparation industry has been intense, with companies outspending the Better IRS campaign by multiple orders of magnitude. Turbo Tax is part of Intuit, Inc. They spent over $100 million on advertising in digital and national TV in the last year, ad tech analytics company Media Radar said on its advertiser profile for the product. They invest in premium ad units and advertised on over 250 different media properties in the last year across multiple media formats. As a greater share of tax returns have been filed electronically over the past decade, the percentage of those that have been filed by professional preparers has decreased, potentially suggesting greater taxpayer autonomy associated with greater digitalization. According to The Hills IRS databook calculations, which divide the number of practitioner online-filed returns by the total number of individual returns filed over the last 10 years of available data, these shares have been decreasing. In 2012, digitally filed practitioner-prepared returns accounted for 63.4 percent of total individual returns, ticking down steadily over the subsequent decade to 53.4 percent in 2022. This number rose in 2020 as the pandemic hit in the middle of tax filing season, but it dropped the following year to a low of 49.9 percent. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A view of the heavily damaged vehicle after the Israeli attacks target officials working ta the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK). Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip which killed seven aid workers was the result of a "misidentification" issue, citing a preliminary investigation into the events. British, Australian, Polish, a US-Canadian dual citizen, and Palestinian nationals were killed when their convoy was attacked on Monday night. The World Central Kitchen (WCK) employees were travelling in a deconflicted zone in two armoured cars branded with the WCK logo, the US-based aid organization set up by US-Spanish restaurateur Jose Andres said. Despite coordinating movements with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the convoy was hit as it was leaving a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, WCK said. "I want to be very clear, the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers," Halevi said in the early hours of Wednesday as he announced the results of a "preliminary debrief" into the events. "It was a mistake that followed a misidentification, at night during a war in very complex conditions," Halevi continued. "It shouldn't have happened." "This incident was a grave mistake," he added. "We are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of the WCK." Halevi said that an "independent body" would investigate the incident and would be completed in the coming days and its findings shared with the WCK and other international organizations. Leaders worldwide condemned the deaths of the aid workers, while the delivery of food and supplies by ship was temporarily halted after the strike despite the growing desperation in Gaza with famine looming. On Tuesday, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari had said the army would conduct a thorough investigation "at the highest levels" into the deaths. Hagari paid tribute to WCK, noting that it had been one of the first organizations to assist Israel following the October 7 attacks mounted from Gaza. "The work of WCK is critical," he said. "They fulfil a vital mission of bringing food to people in need." The war was triggered by the unprecedented massacre of more than 1,200 people killed by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement and other extremist groups. Criticism is growing of Israel's overwhelming response given the soaring number of civilian casualties and catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Palestinians inspect the heavily damaged vehicle after the Israeli attacks target officials working ta the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK). Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa A person holds the passports belonging to deceased officials of the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), following an Israeli attack on a WCK vehicle in Deir Al-Balah. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Israel-Gaza latest: Biden says hes outraged and heartbroken as aid workers killed in strike are identified The seven aid workers who were killed in an airstrike in Gaza on Tuesday have been identified. President Joe Biden said he was outraged and hearbroken after members of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) team including US-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger were killed by an IDF airstrike while were returning from coordinating an aid shipment. The charity has been supplying food to starving Palestinians who are on the brink of famine amid Israels total war on the besieged strip. The killings have prompted international condemnation. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly tweeted she was horrified to hear reports of the IDF strike and called for full accountability for these killings. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said that the aid workers were in a marked aid convoy when the strike hit, adding that that its clear that the IDF must do much more to improve deconfliction processes so that civilians and humanitarian aid workers are protected. Israel has pledged to conduct an independent investigation. Flickinger was killed alongside Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha of Palestine, Lalzawmi Frankcom of Australia, Damian Sobol of Poland and UK citizens John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby. Key Points UK should mourn deaths of British aid workers killed in Gaza, says Cameron 16:30 , Holly Evans UK should mourn deaths of British aid workers killed in Gaza, says Cameron Family of Briton James Kirby killed in Gaza speak out 16:05 , Holly Evans Labour: Government must suspend arms sales to Israel if it has breached international law 15:33 , Holly Evans David Lammy has piled pressure on Lord Cameron to publish government advice on whether Israel is breaking international law, saying Britain must suspend arms sales to the country if so. The shadow foreign secretary accused Lord Cameron of going silent after ignoring an initial request to publish the legal advice on 22 March. And Mr Lammy called for Israel to face serious consequences over the killing of three British aid workers in Gaza. The Labour MP said: Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of the three heroic Brits who put their lives on the line to get Palestinian civilians the aid they desperately need. The law is clear. British arms licences cannot be granted if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Labours message to the government is equally clear. Publish the legal advice now. If it says there is a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, its time to suspend the sale of those arms. If David Cameron has received this advice, he must act on it. Israel has betrayed allies like Britain, says former Tory foreign minister 14:00 , Athena Stavrou The killing of seven aid workers in Gaza is a tipping point for Israels international reputation and Britain should reconsider whether the country is an ally, a former Tory foreign minister has said. Sir Alan Duncan, who served as a Conservative minister between 2010 and 2019, strongly condemned Israels killing of seven aid workers - three of whom were British - as merciless. And he said the country has now lost the support of the world through its deceit and callousness. My colleague Archie Mitchell reports: Israel has betrayed allies like Britain, says former Tory foreign minister Rachel Reeves calls government to publish any advice about exporting arms to Israel 13:39 , Athena Stavrou The Government must urgently publish any advice it has received about exporting arms to Israel, Rachel Reeves has said. Asked whether there was a case for the UK to halt arms exports, the shadow chancellor told reporters in London: We have urged the Government to urgently publish any reports that they have on the abidance with international law. The international law is clear that where arms sales are at risk of being used for purposes not consistent with international law, they shouldnt happen. That is why now we are asking the Government to urgently publish the evidence that they have. (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) Family tributes for Israeli airstrike victims continue 13:05 , Athena Stavrou Family members of James Kirby, one of the aid workers who was killed in an Israeli air strike on Monday, have said he was an all-round gentleman and that the seven people who died are like heroes to us. Amy Roxburgh-Barry, Mr Kirbys cousin, told Sky News: He was just an all-round gentleman and even with children. He was amazing with my son, who unfortunately does not understand because hes only young. Its just devastating that hes fought in these wars and come home with not a scratch, and then he goes out to do something helpful, and thats what happens. Adam McGuire, Mr Kirbys cousin, said: Not only James but the six other individuals are like heroes to us. They went out there selflessly to help some of the most desperate people in the world. Ms Roxburgh-Barry recalled the last phone conversation with her cousin and said he had been planning a surprise cruise for his mother and aunt. He wanted to send my mum and my aunty on a cruise once hed sold his house because they felt they both needed it. My aunty didnt know, it was supposed to be a surprise. That was the conversation we had, and thats what we were going to pick up on when he was back. (Supplied) Family of British aid worker killed in Israeli airstrike will forever be a hero, his family say 12:49 , Athena Stavrou The family of British aid worker John Chapman, who was killed in the Israeli air strike in Gaza, have said he will forever be a hero, In a statement issued through the Foreign Office, the family of Mr Chapman, who was one of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in Gaza on Monday, said: We are devastated to have lost John, who was killed in Gaza. He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. We request we be given space and time to grieve appropriately. He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be missed dearly. (World Central Kitchen/WCK.org/PA Wire) The Independents Andrew Feinberg challenges John Kirby on deaths of seven foreign aid workers 12:30 , Athena Stavrou The Independents Andrew Feinberg has challenged John Kirby following the deaths of seven foreign aid workers in Gaza. Mr Feinberg questioned the White House national security spokesman during a press conference on Tuesday after he described the strike which killed the aid workers as a possible mistake. Lucy Leeson reports: The Independent challenges John Kirby on deaths of seven foreign aid workers Sunak: The situation in Gaza is increasingly intolerable 12:12 , Athena Stavrou Rishi Sunak told Benjamin Netanyahu the situation in Gaza is increasingly intolerable after Israeli forces killed three British aid workers. The prime minister pressured the Israeli PM to ensure an urgent and transparent investigation takes place. And Mr Sunak called for a dramatic increase in the amount of aid getting into Gaza removing the barriers but also closer work with aid agencies to make sure things like this dont happen again. The PM dodged a question about whether he backed calls to suspend arms sales to Israel. He told The Sun: Weve always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that will always follow, and I have been consistently clear with Prime Minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while of course we defend Israels right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law. (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) How many aid workers have been killed in Gaza? 12:06 , Athena Stavrou The death toll of aid workers in Gaza has risen to at least 196 after an Israeli airstrike killed seven members of charity World Central Kitchen on Monday. It is not the first time Israel has been accused of bombing humanitarian aid convoys and distribution centres and of killing humanitarian aid workers. Jamie McGoldrick, the UNs aid coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, said this was not an isolated incident and that Gaza was one of the most dangerous places on earth for humanitarian workers. As of 20 March, at least 196 humanitarians had been killed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since October 2023. This is nearly three times the death toll recorded in any single conflict in a year, he said in a statement. Since October 2023, the OPT has become one of the worlds most dangerous and difficult places to work. World Central Kitchen staff load Open Arms boat with aid for Gaza (World Central Kitchen) Save the Children will continue working around the clock in Gaza amid fears aid worker killings could halt charity operations 11:51 , Athena Stavrou Aid workers with Save the Children will continue working around the clock in Gaza amid fears that the killing of World Central Kitchen workers could halt much-needed aid to the region. Liz Bradshaw, senior conflict and humanitarian adviser at the charity, said the deaths of the World Central Kitchen aid workers were an unspeakable tragedy and part of a horrendous trend of attacks on aid workers. Our staff in Gaza are facing the same situation that all civilians are facing, she said. Their safety and well-being are paramount considerations in all our operations and we are continuously assessing and mitigating risks to ensure that our team can carry out their work safely. While we are doing all we can to support them - including providing shelter, aid and basic supplies - what we really need to ensure their safety is a definitive ceasefire, now. Our team in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, continue working around the clock to find ways to deliver aid to children. Save the Children takes all possible measures to keep our staff safe while reaching children and families insofar as the access, including safety, restrictions allow. With attacks like these, that is getting harder. It comes as ships still laden with some 240 tons of aid turned back from Gaza just a day after arriving, according to Cyprus. Israel has allowed only a trickle of food and supplies into Gazas devastated north, where experts say famine is imminent. Biden 'outraged' by Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers in Gaza 11:46 , Athena Stavrou US president Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed seven aid workers and he called on Israel to do more to protect aid workers In some of his strongest criticism of Israel to date, he said their investigation of the incident must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public. Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident, he said. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. He added that Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers or civilians in Gaza. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties, he said. (AP) Who were the aid workers killed in an Israeli airtstrike? 11:31 , Athena Stavrou The killing of seven aid workers in Gaza as a result of an Israeli airstrike has sparked international condemnation. Seven people working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) returning from coordinating an aid shipment from Cyprus to starving Palestinians were struck by the IDF in their three-car convoy. Among the killed were three British citizens named as John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. The youngest victim was a 25-year-old Palestinian driver named Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha. Lalzawmi Frankcom, 43, of Australia, Damian Sobol, 35, of Poland and Jacob Flickinger, 33, a US-Canadian dual citizen were also killed. (World Central Kitchen/PA) Britain will be watching: Cameron urges Israel to allow more aid into Gaza 11:13 , Athena Stavrou Lord Cameron welcomed a pledge from Israel to fully investigate the strike on an aid convoy, and urged the nation to ensure more aid is able to get into Gaza. The Foreign Secretary told broadcasters: I welcome what the Israeli foreign minister said yesterday to me about a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen, and we want to see that happen very quickly. I also welcome the fact he spoke about much more aid getting into Gaza, up to 500 trucks a day. That is essential, we have been promised these things before and it really needs to happen, including longer opening times at the vital crossing points. But, of course, the extra aid wont work unless there is proper deconfliction, unless aid can be taken around Gaza and we avoid the dreadful incidents like we have seen in the last couple of days. That is vital and Britain will be watching very closely to make sure that that happens. (PA Wire) Cameron calls killing of aid workers dreadful' 11:00 , Athena Stavrou Lord David Cameron has described the killings of the aid workers as dreadful and said we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers. As he arrived at a Nato meeting in Brussels, the Foreign Secretary told broadcasters: The dreadful events of the last two days are a moment when we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers, including the three British citizens that tragically were killed. We should also send our condolences to their families and our thoughts should be with them. Family of Brit killed in Israeli airstrike pay tribute 10:52 , Athena Stavrou The family of James Kirby, one of the three British nationals killed in an Israeli air strike on aid workers in Gaza, have paid tribute to him as a genuine gentleman. In a statement to the BBC, they said: Alongside the other six individuals who tragically lost their lives, he will be remembered as a hero. James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British Armed Forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. The statement added the family are incredibly proud of who James was and what he achieved. James Kirby was working on the WCK teams security, the charity said (via REUTERS) Former national security adviser calls for immediate ceasefire after aid worker killings 10:40 , Athena Stavrou Lord Peter Ricketts, a former national security adviser, said Israels killing of seven aid workers has sparked global outrage as he called for an immediate ceasefire. Lord Ricketts told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Sometimes in conflict, you get a moment where theres such global outrage that it crystalises a sense that things cant go on like this. And I think I hope that this awful incident will serve that purpose. He said a failure by Israel to respond appropriately and show aid workers they are able to deliver supplies to area of conflict should prompt further steps to increase the pressure on Netanyahu, including the UK no longer supplying the country with arms. I think there is abundant evidence now that Israel hasnt been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians and a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law, he added. He said action from the UK might encourage the US to also stop supplying arms to Israel, which would be a real game-changer, Lord Ricketts said. He called for an immediate ceasefire for an extended period to open up the borders and make it safe to get aid in for those delivering it and those receiving it, adding this could also help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Lord Ricketts was security adviser to former PM David Cameron (Wikimedia Commons) Shadow treasury minister says Israel gone too far' 10:38 , Athena Stavrou The UK and US are saying Israel has gone too far in its war against Hamas, shadow Treasury minister Darren Jones has said. Asked if he would support the UK ending arms sales to Israel, Mr Jones told Good Morning Britain: The fact of the matter is if the UK, for example, stopped supplying arms, the war would not end. What we need to do is get the parties to a position where the fighting can stop. I think what weve seen from President Biden, from Keir Starmer, and now from Lord Cameron, our own foreign secretary, is that countries that supported Israels right to defend itself and to recover its hostages from Hamas terrorists in Gaza, which clearly is their right to have done in the first place, have all said that youve gone too far, that we need to bring this war to an end, we need to get around the negotiating table, we need to aid to get to people who desperately need it in Gaza. This latest situation, not only has it resulted in the death of aid workers, which is unacceptable, but its now making it much harder for aid to be made available to people who are in the most desperate situations. Mr Jones declined to say whether Israel was violating international law. He said: As always, on questions of international law, its for judges and courts to make that decision, not for politicians. Downing Streets full statement on PMs call with Netanyahu 10:37 , Athena Stavrou A Downing Street spokesman said on Tuesday: The Prime Minister spoke to Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening. He said he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. The Prime Minister reiterated that Israels rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. (EPA) John Chapman one of the World Central Kitchen seven aid workers killed in an Israeli air strike - PA Israel must stop killing civilians today, the celebrity founder of an aid group said, after seven of his employees were killed in an Israeli air strike on Monday. Jose Andres, whose World Central Kitchen organisation has been sending supplies to civilians in Gaza, called on Israel to start the long journey to peace and said it should stop using food as a weapon of war. Three British nationals were among the aid workers killed on Monday when an Israeli drone fired missiles at their vehicles, which were marked with the aid groups logo. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said the strike was unintentional. Israel is better than the way this war is being waged, Mr Andres wrote in The New York Times. It is better than blocking food and medicine to civilians. It is better than killing aid workers who had coordinated their movements with the Israel Defence Forces. He continued: The Israeli government needs to open more land routes for food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today. It needs to start the long journey to peace today. Mr Andres also paid tribute to his former employees as the best of humanity and more than heroes. 03:00 PM BST Thats all for now Thanks for following our coverage as the fallout continues from the deaths of seven aid workers in an Israeli drone strike. Well be back tomorrow with all the latest stories from the Middle East. This live blog is now closed. 02:58 PM BST British aid worker killed by inhumane act, family says A British aid worker was killed by an inhumane act following an Israeli strike of a convoy, his family said in a statement. John Chapman, 57, who is said to have served in the Royal Marines, died in the bombing of an aid convoy in Gaza on Monday. His family said in a statement: We are devastated to have lost John, who was killed in Gaza. He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. We request we be given space and time to grieve appropriately. He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be missed dearly. James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, were named alongside Mr Chapman as the three British citizens that were killed by an Israel Defence Forces (IDF) attack. 02:19 PM BST Why Israels aid convoy bombing comes at a perilous time for Netanyahu The attack on a convoy that killed seven aid workers could not have come at a worse time for Israels embattled prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Having watched tens of thousands of anti-government protesters take to the streets of Jerusalem over the weekend calling for a ceasefire to free dozens of hostages, he faced international condemnation after admitting an unintended strike...on innocent people had killed the humanitarian workers. John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said the US was outraged to hear of Monday nights strikes that killed three British citizens, as well as Polish and Australia nationals, a Canadian-American and a Palestinian. Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, told Mr Netanyahu he was appalled and demanded an investigation. Read the full story from Andrew Buncombe here. 01:49 PM BST Government must publish advice about exporting to Israel The Government must urgently publish any advice it has received about exporting arms to Israel, Rachel Reeves has said. Asked whether there was a case for the UK to halt arms exports, the shadow chancellor told reporters in London: We have urged the Government to urgently publish any reports that they have on the abidance with international law. The international law is clear that where arms sales are at risk of being used for purposes not consistent with international law, they shouldnt happen. That is why now we are asking the Government to urgently publish the evidence that they have. 01:24 PM BST Bodies of six slain aid workers leave Gaza The bodies of six of the seven foreign aid workers killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza have been transported out of the enclave, according to Egyptian state media. 01:17 PM BST Sunak told Netanyahu that UK has careful export licensing regime Rishi Sunak said he has been consistently clear with Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel must protect civilian lives, adding that the UK has a careful export licensing regime. The Prime Minister told The Sun: I think weve always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that well always follow, and I have been consistently clear with prime minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while of course we defend Israels right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and, sadly, too many civilians have already lost their lives. 01:14 PM BST Family pay tribute to genuine gentleman killed by Israeli missile The family of James Kirby, one of three British citizens killed in an Israeli strike, has paid tribute to the former Army rifleman and sniper marksman. Mr Kirby was called a genuine gentleman who lost his life trying to help others in the statement. They said: Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. A genuine gentleman, James was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, even in the face of senseless violence. James lost his life trying to save others, he will never know what a void he has left, our family will never be the same. James Henderson, 33, and John Chapman, 57, who are both said to have served in the Royal Marines, were named alongside Mr Kirby as the three Britons who had died in the bombing of a convoy. 01:11 PM BST Feeding strangers is a sign of strength, says World Central Kitchen founder The founder of World Central Kitchen, whose staff were killed in an airstrike, has said feeding strangers is a sign of strength. Mr Andres, who owns several restaurants across the US, called on the best of Israel to show up after the worst terrorist attack in its history. He said: We welcome the governments promise of an investigation into how and why members of our World Central Kitchen family were killed. That investigation needs to start at the top, not just the bottom. It is not a sign of weakness to feed strangers; it is a sign of strength. The people of Israel need to remember, at this darkest hour, what strength truly looks like. 12:59 PM BST Islamic Relief will continue operations in Gaza despite deaths of aid workers Islamic Relief, the UK founded charity, has said it will continue operations as normal in Gaza, following the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in an Israeli air strike on Monday. Islamic Relief said in a statement: Our own operations continue but our staff are at constant risk alongside every other Palestinian civilian in Gaza. As long as the bombardment continues, all aid delivery remains difficult and perilous. Our team in Gaza are local Palestinians who themselves have been displaced and have had to live and work in under constant threat for the last six months. 12:44 PM BST Israels ambassador to UK offers deepest condolences Israels ambassador to the UK has offered her deepest condolences to the families and friends of the three Britons killed in an air strike in Gaza, which she described as a tragic mistake. In a statement posted on X, Tzipi Hotovely said: My deepest condolences go to the families and friends of John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby - the three British nationals unintentionally killed in Gaza while on an @WCKitchen aid mission. This was a tragic mistake that followed misidentification and should not have happened. 12:37 PM BST Founder of World Central Kitchen calls on Israel to be better Jose Andres, the celebrity chef, restaurateur and founder of World Central Kitchen, said Israel is better than the war it is waging. Seven of Mr Andres staff were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Monday. Writing in the New York Times, he said: Israel is better than the way this war is being waged. It is better than blocking food and medicine to civilians. It is better than killing aid workers who had coordinated their movements with the Israel Defense Forces. Mr Andres added: The Israeli government needs to open more land routes for food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today. It needs to start the long journey to peace today. 12:32 PM BST Ed Davey calls for UK to suspend arms sales to Israel Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, has called on the Government to suspend arms sales to Israel following the deaths of seven aid workers in an Israeli air strike in Gaza. Sir Ed said: The deaths of these British aid workers in Gaza is an absolute disgrace. These brave people were trying to help starving families in Gaza. Clearly, the thought that British-made arms could have been used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable. The Government must take swift action to suspend arms exports to Israel. We must redouble our efforts to secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire. 12:02 PM BST Profile: James Kirby worked as Wimbledon player escort and Monaco Grand Prix security James Kirby, a former British Army sniper marksman and rifleman, described himself as having a calm demeanour under extreme pressure. The military veteran spent years working as a close protection officer, most recently as a security consultant for risk management and security specialists Solace Global, according to his LinkedIn. He also worked as a players escort at Wimbledon as well as for high-net worth individuals and business leaders. Mr Kirby also provided security at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. Mr Kirby described himself as being able to maintain a calm demeanour under extreme pressure, including life-threatening situations. He was experienced in working in varied theatres across the globe, both on land and at sea, including hostile and austere locations. 11:40 AM BST Pictured: James Kirby who was killed in an Israel airstrike James Kirby, who was killed in Gaza while working for the World Central Kitchen, seen on a tour of Afghanistan when he was a British soldier - Bristol Post James Kirby seen on a tour of Afghanistan when he was a British soldier - Bristol Post 11:25 AM BST Lord Cameron welcomes Israel investigation into strike Lord Cameron welcomed a pledge from Israel to fully investigate the strike on an aid convoy, and urged the nation to ensure more aid is able to get into Gaza. The Foreign Secretary said: I welcome what the Israeli foreign minister said yesterday to me about a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen, and we want to see that happen very quickly. I also welcome the fact he spoke about much more aid getting into Gaza, up to 500 trucks a day. That is essential, we have been promised these things before and it really needs to happen, including longer opening times at the vital crossing points. But, of course, the extra aid wont work unless there is proper deconfliction, unless aid can be taken around Gaza and we avoid the dreadful incidents like we have seen in the last couple of days. That is vital and Britain will be watching very closely to make sure that that happens. 11:07 AM BST Lord Cameron calls killing of aid workers dreadful Lord Cameron has described the killings of the aid workers as dreadful and said we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers. As he arrived at a Nato meeting in Brussels, the Foreign Secretary said: The dreadful events of the last two days are a moment when we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers, including the three British citizens that tragically were killed. We should also send our condolences to their families and our thoughts should be with them. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron speaks to the media during a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium - Shutterstock 10:48 AM BST There should have been a process involving senior officers before selecting target Military sources have told the Telegraph that there should have been a process involving senior officers before a target was selected. An intelligence officer should have had to have a sign off from an IDF [Israel Defense Forces] commander and a legal officer before sanctioning any attack, said the source. The source insisted that the drone strike on the convoy had been signed off. This will raise questions about the quality of the intelligence and the prospect that a drone operator went rogue. They also said IDF suspicions were further heightened by the convoy travelling at night. The source suggested that the strike was aimed at a specific car in the convoy and that the target was missed first time, prompting a further strike. Although the IDF insists the investigation into what went wrong is still ongoing, the source told the Telegraph that the order of events are typically pieced together within 24 hours. 10:18 AM BST Watch: IDF chief apologises for Israeli strike which killed three Britons 10:02 AM BST IDF chief sorry for mistake after strike kills British aid workers Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, has apologised for a series of strikes in Gaza that killed seven aid workers including three from Britain. Three vehicles belonging to the World Central Kitchen (WCK), a humanitarian group delivering food to the besieged enclave, were hit by missiles fired from an Israeli drone on Monday. This incident was a grave mistake. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the people of Gaza, Mr Halevi said. We are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK. The IDF chief said the strikes were a mistake that followed a misidentification. The apology came after Rishi Sunak told Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, that he was appalled by the killings of the humanitarian workers and called for an investigation into their deaths. 09:34 AM BST Drone pilots had the means to swerve the bombs away, but chose not to It was not a single rogue missile that killed seven aid workers on the coast road in central Gaza between 10 and 11pm on Monday night but three precisely targeted missiles. According to unnamed Israeli security sources who briefed the local media, they were dropped in succession from a Hermes 450 drone with sophisticated night sights and deliberately guided down on to the three clearly marked humanitarian vehicles travelling below. Read the full story here. 09:17 AM BST Aid worker attack puts solidarity with Israel to the test, says Polish PM Solidarity with Israel is being tested following the IDF strike on aid workers, according to the Polish prime minister. Donald Tusk said the killing of seven humanitarian workers, including one Polish national and three Britons, was putting the support of Israel to a really hard test. Addressing Benjamin Netanyahu on X, formerly Twitter, he said: The vast majority of Poles showed full solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attack. Today you are putting this solidarity to a really hard test. The tragic attack on volunteers and your reaction arouse understandable anger. 08:58 AM BST Sunak appalled by killing of three British aid workers in IDF strike Rishi Sunak told Benjamin Netanyahu he was appalled by the killing of three British citizens in an Israeli strike as he described the situation in Gaza as intolerable. In a call with the Israeli prime minister on Tuesday night, Mr Sunak demanded answers and called for a thorough and transparent independent investigation after aid workers were killed. James Henderson, 33, and John Chapman, 57, who are both said to have served in the Royal Marines, were named alongside James Kirby, a former Army rifleman and sniper marksman, as the three Britons who had died in the bombing of a convoy. Read the full story here. 08:41 AM BST Strike killing three British citizens intentional An Israeli airstrike that killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, appears intentional, according to a humanitarian organisation. Derek Madsen from Anera, an American agency that has paused its aid operations in Gaza after a member of its own staff was killed last month, said the deaths didnt appear to be a mistake. He told BBC Radio 4: It appears more intentional. Im not saying I dont believe this was a mistake, but Im waiting for evidence to demonstrate that. He added: Because it seems to me when you look at the evidence to not be that. Anera was providing 130,000 meals a day in humanitarian aid but ceased after concerns about staff safety. 08:15 AM BST Israel has gone too far The UK and US believe Israel has gone too far in its war against Hamas, according to the shadow Treasury minister. Asked if Darren Jones would support the UK ending arms sales to Israel, he told Good Morning Britain: If the UK stopped supplying arms, the war would not end. What we need to do is get the parties to a position where the fighting can stop. Mr Jones added: What weve seen from president Biden, from Keir Starmer, and now from Lord Cameron, our own Foreign Secretary, is that countries that supported Israels right to defend itself and to recover its hostages from Hamas terrorists in Gaza, have all said that youve gone too far. He then called for an end to the war and said an international effort to get aid to those who need it is required urgently. 07:58 AM BST The time has come to stop selling weapons to Israel, says former national security adviser Lord Ricketts, the former permanent secretary of the foreign office, has said the time has come to stop selling weapons to Israel. In my view yes weve reached that point [at which Britain should stop supplying Israel with arms], he told BBC 4s Today programme. I think it would be a signal that for the UK, Israel has not been taking seriously enough its intentional law obligations. The retired senior diplomats comments come after an IDF strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza, including three Britons, has triggered a wave of international outrage. He said: Sometimes in conflict you get a moment where there is such global outrage that it crystalizes a sense that things cant go on like this. I hope that this awful incident will serve that purpose. I hope it would create some further pressure for what is really needed here, which is an immediate ceasefire for an extended period. 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. Britons, from left, John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby were among seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen killed in an air strike on their convoy Israel is expected to offer compensation to the families of the aid workers killed in Gaza after completing its investigation into their deaths. The official report, which could be made public within days, is thought to blame the deaths of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers including three Britons on an intelligence failure, according to a military source. The report is being conducted by Yoav Har-Even, a retired major general with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who recently stepped down as chief executive of Rafael, one of Israels three largest weapons suppliers, The Telegraph has been told. Sources said the report could be available as soon as the end of the week and is likely to be presented to officials representing the countries of the victims including Simon Walters, the UKs ambassador to Israel. If the report concludes, as expected, that the deaths were a tragic accident, the bereaved families will be offered compensation by the Israeli government, according to Giora Eiland, a retired IDF major general and a former head of Israels National Security Council. Israeli officials are continuing to push back against accusations that the attack on the aid convoy was deliberate. The wreckage of one of the vehicles in the World Central Kitchen convoy - Omar Ashtawy/APAImages/Polaris On Wednesday the IDF chief of staff apologised for the killings, saying it was the result of a misidentification in complex conditions. But military sources told Haaretz newspaper that the deaths were because of a lack of discipline on the part of commanders in the field. Military sources have claimed they suspected Hamas fighters of being in a vehicle when the food convoy was struck. But reports suggest three separate missiles were fired at the vehicles, killing seven aid workers. In a hint at what might form part of the investigations conclusions, a source close to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said: Thought theyd spotted guys with guns. One car then broke away which they thought was terrorists. Derek Madsen, of US aid agency Anera, which paused its aid operations in Gaza after a member of its own staff was killed in March, said on Wednesday the deaths appeared to be intentional. Jose Andres, the founder of WCK, said Israel must stop killing civilians today in an extensive op-ed in the New York Times. Maj-Gen Eiland told The Telegraph he conducted the investigation into the 2003 death of Iain Hook, a British UN worker killed by an IDF sniper. The sniper claimed to have mistaken Mr Hooks mobile phone for a pistol. Maj-Gen Eiland said: I made the investigation and I flew to London and I met his family and also the foreign minister. I presented my analysis and we admitted we made a mistake. We apologised and we paid compensation to the family. Israel at the time was accused of the cold-blooded murder of Mr Hook, a former British Army officer who headed a UN operation to rebuild Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. The logo of World Central Kitchen is clearly visible on the roof of one of the vehicles where it was hit by Israeli fire - Ali Jadallah /Anadolu via Getty Images Yohanan Tzoreff, a former adviser to the Israeli civil administration in Gaza before the disengagement, also told The Telegraph compensation was likely for the deaths of the WCK workers. It is highly possible that Israel as a state, not the army, will offer compensation because Israel has to show that was a mistake, and were ready to pay the price for it, he said. He added that the longer the war goes on, the more mistakes will be made, and stressed that IDF units were under significant pressure in a chaotic environment. He added: Nobody in Israel has any intention of killing innocent people let alone those coming in to provide humanitarian services to civilians. The kingdom of uncertainty Maj-Gen Eiland said: Mistakes in this kind of war cannot be prevented. Every mistake is a terrible one but you can make a mistake by pushing the trigger or sometimes by hesitating and not making the shot. This is what we call the kingdom of uncertainty. Israel, he pointed out, had killed three of its own hostages, who were shot dead by the IDF as they escaped from their Hamas captors, while he estimated dozens of Israeli troops killed in Gaza had died as a result of friendly fire. These kinds of mistakes do happen, he said, echoing statements made by the IDF as well as senior politicians including Mr Netanyahu, who has accepted that Israeli forces unintentionally struck innocent people in the Gaza Strip. Maj-Gen Eiland insisted lessons would be learnt and that almost everything about the air strikes that hit the WCK convoy would be made public. 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. With the new SUB 200T, watch fans can now get DOXAs dive watch DNA in a compact 39mm case and with an eye-catching green dial Like many watch enthusiasts, Ive regularly checked out DOXAs website since the brand and its SUB 300 series were relaunched at Baselworld five years ago. Likewise, Ive always made time to visit this dive watch specialist to try on its latest models when its exhibiting in Geneva during watch fairs. It's difficult not to be drawn in by DOXA, what with its celebrated history, instantly recognizable looks, colourful dials and straps, and more-than-fair price point. However, until now, Ive never quite found the right DOXA for me. Yet, from the straightforward SUB 200C, to the 1980s-inspired SUB 600T, to the 150-bar rated SUB 1500T, the Bienne-based brand manages to offer something for all tastes, budgets, needs and size preferences. My problem is, deep down, Ive always been hankering for the brands 42mm SUB 300 or 300T and everything they evoke Jacques Cousteau and his crew backward diving off the Calypso, for example but in a slimmer format to suit my chicken wrists. This week, DOXA has finally, uncannily read my mind, and released the SUB 200T. DOXA SUB 200T Sea Emerald Green Doxa Best of All Worlds It might not be a SUB 300 in name, but the new SUB 200T gives DOXA fans the best of all worlds: The same look and feel with a highly legible dial and cushion-shaped case. The same time-and-date indications and patented unidirectional bezel with dual dive time and no-decompression scale. And, of course, a dive-grade water resistance. But it is all served up in a smaller, more wearable case that is 39mm in diameter. On top of all that, the brand has used the SUB 200Ts launch to introduce a visually arresting new dial to its range Sea Emerald Green which comes with a smart sunbrushed finish, as well as gilded hands and hour markers. Paired with a beads-of-rice bracelet or green FKM rubber strap, this latest option means DOXA now offers a total of eight different colored dials and straps Professional Orange, Searambler Silver, Sharkhunter Black, Caribbean Navy, Divingstar Yellow, Aquamarine Turquoise, Whitepearl White and Sea Emerald Green. And theyre all available for the SUB 200T! DOXA SUB 200T Sharkhunter Black Doxa Origins of the DOXA SUB 200T The SUB 200 No T has its origins in a 1970s DOXA line of smaller diameter dive watches that were aimed at females. Decades later, a SUB 200T, equally on the slim side, became available on the market, but it is only now that modern-day DOXA has chosen to launch a line bearing the SUB 200T moniker. Like its SUB 200 predecessors, the contemporary SUB 200T is aimed at those who may like their watches on the slimmer side, as DOXA looks to cater to more female watch buyers as well as to collectors from regions into which the brand is currently making inroads, namely Southeast Asia and China. DOXA SUB 200T Whitepearl White Doxa Vital Statistics Certainly, the step down in size and heft from the SUB 300 and 300T is the most flagrant difference about the SUB 200T. The SUB 300 is 42.5mm wide, 45mm lug-to-lug, and 13.4mm thick, while its sapphire crystal protrudes in a box style. On a beads-of-rice bracelet, it weighs 160g. Meanwhile, the SUB 300T has a 42.5mm diameter but a lug-to-lug distance of 44.5mm. Its 14mm in height, though its crystal is flat. It weighs 194g on a bracelet. Now, compare those stats to the new SUB 200T which boasts far more wearable dimensions and weight all round: 39mm in diameter; 41.5mm lug to lug; and just 10.7mm in height. Whats more, it weighs just 148g on a bracelet. DOXA SUB 200T Sea Emerald Green Doxa Same But Different In terms of styling and proportions, the SUB 200T takes its cues from its bigger brother, the SUB 300T. That means its crystal is flat and flush with the bezel, and its no-deco scale is displayed in feet (rather than metres). As for the movement, the SUB 200T is equipped with the same Swiss mechanical automatic calibre as the SUB 300 range, thats to say the dependable and easily serviced Sellita SW200 with 38-hour power reserve. Its been well regulated and tested in house, but hasnt received a COSC-rating, which is reflected in the accessible price. And as its name suggests, the SUB 200T, with its screw-in caseback and screw-down crown, is water resistant to 200 metres, approximately 660 feet. Thats a little less water resistance than the SUB 300 (300 metres) and a lot less than the 300T (1,500 metres, plus helium escape valve). But 200 metres is still a dive-grade rating and its another small compromise made to allow for an attractive price tag. Indeed, the SUB 200T lists very competitively: CHF 1,490 excluding taxes on a beads-of-rice steel bracelet and CHF 1,450 with FKM rubber strap. That makes the SUB 200T CHF 400 and CHF 1,000 less expensive that the SUB 300T and SUB 300 respectively. DOXA SUB 200T Sea Emerald Green Doxa New Dial & Choice of Finish We cant sign off without mentioning the new Sea Emerald Green dial option, a welcome tone that will no doubt please many a DOXA fan who has been waiting for some kind of verdant hue to grace the brands offering. It comes with a sunbrushed finish that, along with the golden hands and markers, catches the light and the eye nicely. The Sea Rambler Silver is also only available with this finish, while the Whitepearl comes with a smooth, glossy iconic finish. Within the remaining dial options, owners can choose the finish sunbrushed or iconic that they want. Of course, the compact size and broad range of colourways and dial finishes mean the SUB 200T will look just as good and work just as well on dry land as in the salty brine. The only question that remains is: How will you have your DOXA SUB 200T?! Within 24 hours, two Israeli strikes occurred on targets that could not be more different. Both however, have the possibility of dramatically altering the course and consequence of the wars Israel is currently fighting. The first strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on Monday, killed as many as 13 peopleincluding Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a general in Irans Revolutionary Guards. Israel was quick to argue that the attack was not on an official Iranian diplomatic facility but, rather, on a military building of the Quds forces disguised as a civilian building in Damascus. The strike on the building was justified by Israeli officials, who told Reuters that those targeted had been behind many attacks on Israeli and American assets and had plans for future attacks. Iran immediately condemned the strike and Irans leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, promised to retaliate. Whether that retaliation results in a major escalation of Israels conflicts in the region is the question that loomed large in the wake of the aerial bombardment. Celebrity Chef Jose Andres Blasts Israel Over Slain Gaza Colleagues U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged that all concerned should exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation. Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas, writing in Haaretz, said that while Israel has thus far been conducting a covert shadow war against Iran, the attack on an annex building of the Iranian consulate hosting Quds Force commanders in charge of operations in Syria and Lebanon was a direct and explicit hit on Iran. Pinkas, echoing concerns expressed by Guterres and other experts, raised the possibility that this could be seen as a reckless act of premeditated escalation that could not only lead to an expansion of the (Gaza) war, but also involve the United States, (depending on Irans scale and timing of retaliation). The U.S. said after the attack that it had no involvement in it, and was not consulted beforehand. U.S. and other international officials have long been concerned by Iranian regional provocations that seemed designed to trigger an escalation of the Gaza conflictnotably attacks by Iranian proxies like Hezbollah on northern Israel and by the Houthis on international shipping. The Israeli attack on Monday seemed calculated to test whether and how Iran might ramp up its multi-front pressure on Israelin the wake of such a direct assault on unmistakably Iranian targets. As a consequence, the nerves of the war-torn region, already frayed, are now even more on edge. Emergency and security personnel gather at the site of strikes which hit a building next to the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital Damascus, on April 1, 2024. Maher Al Mounes/Getty Is Israels prime ministerwhose political career now seems dependent on maintaining a state of war in Gazaseeking to increase his odds of remaining in office longer by provoking an expansion of that war along Israels Lebanese and Syrian borders? Is he so cynical? Surely the conduct of the war in Gaza suggests he is. The second Israeli attack was on a team of aid workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK), the food charity founded by chef Jose Andres. Although Israel immediately indicated the drone attack, which killed seven people, was an accident, significant evidence makes that assertion implausible. The three-vehicle WCK convoy was clearly marked. One shot of a destroyed vehicle showed an Israeli munition piercing the logo on the roof of the car, an identification that would have been clearly visible to drone operators. Further, the Israeli military had been apprised of the whereabouts of the aid workers. The vehicles in the convoy were spread out over an area of over a mile and a halfand they were hit several times. According to a report in the Israeli press, some of the passengers were seen leaving (the first car hit) and switching to one of the other two. Members of the convoy reported the first attack but seconds later another missile hit their car. This was not a stray round. These were not vehicles with mysterious intentions. Benjamin Netanyahu Defying Bidens Red Line Would Be a Disaster The victims of the attack were, by any measure, a special group of people, working hard, most of them far from home, for people in need they did not know. One of the victims, Zomi Frankcom, 43, from Australia, the leader of the WCK aid team, had been working with the group since 2019 when she volunteered to help in a relief kitchen in Guatemala in the wake of a volcanic eruption there. She had the warmest smile and the biggest laugh. Everyone loved Zomi. And she worked so hard in service to others, always willing to jump on a plane to a disaster zone, no matter how far away, recalled Nate Mook, former CEO of World Central Kitchen. Mook, who had been in touch with Frankcom several weeks ago, spoke to her then about her efforts to help in Gaza. At the time she was working in Jordan organizing air drops of food. Mook also spoke of another of those killed with whom he spoke a few weeks ago, Damian Sobol, 35, from Poland. He started working in our kitchen in Przemysl and served Ukrainian refugees as they crossed the border into Poland. He had the kindest soul and was so loved by the many volunteers who came through the kitchen. Mook remembered being greeted each time he saw Sobol with a big hug. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people, that remark rings hollowgiven the tens of thousands of innocent people who have died in Gaza as a result of assaults by Israels sophisticated military during the past six months. Or by the fact that during the Gaza war, an estimated 200 aid workers have died, according to the U.N. President Joe Biden called Andres in the wake of the attack to express his grief, and a White House spokesperson used the term outraged to describe their reaction to the attack. Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Majdi Fathi/Getty Secretary of State Antony Blinken also lamented the attacks, and the U.S. government called for steps to improve the security of humanitarian workers. Speaker of the House Emerita Nancy Pelosi condemned the attack saying: The killing of World Central Kitchen workers delivering deeply needed food aid in Gaza is an outrage. Our prayers are with these heroes and their families during this sad time. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was another among many U.S. officials to express their horror at the attack and declared: No more aid for Netanyahus war machine. While the Israeli government has indicated they will conduct an independent investigation of the attack, they have no credibility in such matters. Further, if they think handling this the way they do other such incidents will work, they are underestimating the degree to which many in Washingtons government leadership are extremely close to and admiring of Andres and the work of WCK. This incident, even though it may pale in comparison to the daily horrific and indefensible losses of innocents in Gaza, is likely to have a disproportionate effect in mobilizing new opposition to the Netanyahu government and its war in Gaza. Significant as that may prove to be over time, in the near term, the consequence of this strike that looms the largest is that in the wake of the attack, World Central Kitchen and other aid organizations like Project Hope and Anera are now suspending their activities. Hamas Oct. 7 Attack Wasnt Mainly About Israel, It Was About Defeating Its Palestinian Political Rival This means that at a moment when famine is gripping Gaza and hospitals have been destroyed and medical assistance is scarce, vital assistance will not be forthcoming. In other words, while seven WCK aid workers who had put their lives at risk to help the innocent people of Gaza have died, they will not be the only victims of this attack. Others will suffer and die as a result of the interruption of aid in a moment of acute crisis. The two attacks were very different in their nature and that of their victims, but it is clear that both are likely to have broad and long-lasting consequences that are almost certain to make the grim situation in the Middle East much worse. It is also clear that by virtue of recklessness, cynicism, or worse, the Netanyahu government seems intent on compounding its already grievous crimes to datemaking its removal from office more urgent and necessary than ever. 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. JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel war cabinet member Benny Gantz called for national elections in September on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces pressure at home and abroad over the war in Gaza. "We must agree on a date for elections in September, towards a year to the war if you will," Gantz said in a televised briefing. "Setting such a date will allow us to continue the military effort while signaling to the citizens of Israel that we will soon renew their trust in us." Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in recent days demanding new elections. Many have criticized Netanyahu and expressed anger at his government's handling of the 134 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza six months into the war. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has repeatedly ruled out early elections, which opinion polls suggest he would lose, saying that to go to the polls in the middle of a war would only reward Hamas, the Islamist movement that ruled Gaza. His Likud party on Wednesday said Gantz must "stop engaging in petty politics" during the war. "Elections now will bring about paralysis, division, harm to the fighting in Rafah and a fatal blow to the chances of a hostage deal," Likud said. Gantz, a former army general, joined Netanyahu's government in the early days of the war as a gesture of political unity during the crisis. Polls suggest his party would come top in any election and he would be favourite to take over as premier. Netanyahu has pledged to bring the hostages home, as well as destroy Hamas, though it is unclear how Israel would be able to do so and experts doubt that is even possible. Israel's unrelenting air, ground and sea assault has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and led to a humanitarian catastrophe. Surveys indicate that most Israelis disapprove of Netanyahu's leadership since the Hamas-led attack on communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, in which around 1,200 were killed and scores of hostages taken, according to Israeli tallies. If left unchanged, the next vote for parliament is set for Oct. 27, 2026, per Israel's Central Elections Committee. (Reporting by Henriette Chacar; Editing by James Mackenzie and Josie Kao) Israeli opposition leader and wartime Cabinet member Benny Gantz on Wednesday called for new elections this fall as domestic tensions roil Israel amid the war against Palestinian militant group Hamas. In a video address, Gantz said Israel is facing tremendous challenges but that it must strive for unity, including with allies in the U.S., while criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not prioritizing the families of the roughly 100 hostages still held alive in Gaza by Hamas. They deserve to know that Israeli society is not against them but behind them, Gantz said, pledging to stand by the families of the hostages. Gantz said Israel must agree to hold an election in September, presenting the first major call to action that will challenge the power of Netanyahus government. The opposition leader said he talked to political leaders in Israel about a possible date for the new elections and added that he expected to continue dialogue with Netanyahu on the issue. Gantz said elections will increase trust and unity in Israel and give us a huge international backing that is needed. Israel is expected to not hold elections until 2026, but under a parliamentary system a snap election can be called to form a new government. Gantzs calls come just days after protests erupted in Israel, marking the largest demonstrations since the war began. Israeli protesters expressed anger that the government has not reached a cease-fire deal with Hamas to free the hostages still left in Gaza. The protests were a major show of force against the government of Netanyahu, who has worked to free the hostages but also remains committed to the elusive goal of destroying Hamas after fighters invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Netanyahus hard-line policies on Gaza have also angered the Biden administration, which is trying to manage growing Democratic outrage in the U.S. after the war has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for new elections in Israel last month, criticizing Netanyahu for not doing enough to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza. President Biden called Schumers floor remarks pushing for new elections a good speech. Schumer also criticized Netanyahu for trying to maintain his political survival. The Israeli prime minister is expected to pay at the ballot box for the intelligence and security failures of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. In Israel, the remaining hostages in Gaza remain the biggest concern for the moment. A cease-fire and hostage release deal has been out of reach since the last temporary one in November. Israel remains committed to destroying Hamas, while the Palestinian militant group is pushing for an end to the war. Gantz said that Israel will not ignore the disaster of the seventh of October and what preceded it as he called for new elections. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Semafor Signals Insights from Haaretz, Jeremy Konyndyk, Vox, and Politico The News Israels allies criticized the nations strike on an aid convoy this week that killed seven foreign workers. Three vehicles traveling with a convoy from World Central Kitchen, an aid organization that has played a crucial role in moving food into Gaza, were hit by successive drone missiles Monday. U.S. President Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the incident and called for a public investigation by the Israel Defense Forces. He also criticized Israel for not doing more to curb civilian casualties over the course of its war against Hamas. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that the situation in Gaza was increasingly intolerable, and echoed Bidens calls for a public inquiry. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have also called for Israel to take accountability for the incident, with Albanese expressing his anger and concern to Netanyahu in a phone call Tuesday. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Strike poses issue for IDF legitimacy Source: Haaretz Trucks traveling with the convoy were clearly marked as belonging to WCK along a route pre-approved by the IDF, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported. Members of a team delegated to ensure the convoys safety on its journey reportedly identified an armed man they suspected to be a Hamas militant at the aid organizations warehouse, though the man never left the warehouse, sources that spoke to Haaretz said. The attacks have prompted frustration amongst defense officials: One source told the paper that while some units are working to correctly identify threats to the army, in the end the units in the field decide to launch attacks without any preparation, in cases that have nothing to do with protecting our forces. The result is waning patience amongst Western allies, Haaretz correspondent Amos Harel argued. If Israel had hoped that its control over the entry of [aid] shipments would serve as a means of pressure for the release of the hostages held by Hamas, it has lost this card, he wrote. Questions swirl about Israels explanation that strike was accidental Sources: Jeremy Konyndyk, Vox Workers with international aid organizations have questioned the IDF narrative that the strike was carried out accidentally. On social media platform X, Refugees International President Jeremy Konyndyk argued that you dont strike a deconflicted convoy repeatedly, hitting three vehicles in succession over the course of a kilometer of road, by accident. The issue, he said, was the IDFs culture which treats Gaza as a free fire zone with total impunity for gross attacks on civilians. This is not the only attack on humanitarian workers in Gaza, and this strike is emblematic of a larger pattern in Gaza, Nicole Narea noted in Vox. In addition to the seven WCK staff, five workers with Doctors Without Borders and 14 employees of the Palestinian Red Crescent have been killed. Strike has potential to change tone of US policymakers Source: Politico World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres a dual Spanish-U.S. citizen is well known in Washington, D.C., where he runs multiple restaurants, Politico noted. The attack on his organization will resonate in Washington in part due to Andres notoriety, and because the strike marks the first time an American is known to have been killed by Israel in the conflict. An official with the Biden administration that spoke with Politicos NatSec newsletter said the strike underscores Israeli carelessness toward Gaza civilians and international humanitarians alike. Israels strike against aid workers trying to get food to residents in Gaza reverberated across Washington on Tuesday, particularly resonating because of the American death and the connections the groups founder Jose Andres has to the capital. Administration officials lashed out at new levels, and Israel was left struggling for damage control. Seven people died in Mondays strike against a convoy from World Central Kitchen, an aid organization that provides meals to civilians suffering from hunger due to conflicts and is led by Andres, who is also a well known Spanish-American chef with several restaurants in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike was unintentional and killed innocent people. An administration official, who has worked with Andres on international food and health security initiatives, called the strike devastating and said it compounds the human suffering that Andres and his team were trying to relieve. The strike also underscores Israeli carelessness toward Gaza civilians and international humanitarians alike, said the official, who like others in this article was granted anonymity to speak candidly about their thoughts on Israels recent actions. It was "definitely a mistake and they have some answering to do, a Defense Department official said. Something went wrong. A dual American-Canadian citizen was killed in the strike, which appears to be the first instance of an American killed by an Israeli strike during the conflict in Gaza. The State Department didnt respond to multiple requests for comment. During a meeting with Israeli officials on Tuesday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed his country will investigate the strike and outlined other steps the government is taking to address concerns about aid distribution in Gaza. The White House was outraged to learn of the strike, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday. Still, Kirby said Washington would continue to support Israels defense of itself, even while "there are issues of deconfliction that clearly need to be fleshed out and improved. He said that theres no evidence yet that Israel deliberately killed aid workers, cautioning reporters to wait for the results of Israels investigation into the matter. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters Tuesday that Washington has already brought the matter up directly with the Israeli government and stressed the imperative to do more to protect innocent civilian lives. But other officials who talked to POLITICO said theyre frustrated with how Israel has conducted investigations in the past and are doubtful there will be accountability. The official who worked with Andres cited the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who Israel found was likely killed by an Israeli soldier while reporting in the occupied West Bank in 2022. But no one was punished for her death, and the U.S. wouldnt conclusively place blame on Israel. Israel will do and say whatever is necessary to maintain the status quo and I have little hope their investigation will be transparent or honest, the official said. A third U.S. official noted that the strike on aid workers seemed intentional, since it included three bombs: Three hits on three cars in a row is not an accident. We arent stupid, the official said. The workers were traveling in clearly marked cars on a route designated as safe for aid trucks when they were attacked. Some Democrats on Capitol Hill have seized on the strike to further their criticism of how the Israeli government is handling the war and continue calls for conditions on Washingtons support for its Middle Eastern ally especially if American lives are at risk. The White House has so far opposed such conditions, however. The fact that the workers came from Andres charity also carries particular weight in Washington, where the chef holds a number of restaurants frequented by foreign policymakers, including Zaytinya, Jaleo and Minibar, said Dave Harden, a former humanitarian assistance coordinator at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Jose Andres is also a local DC institution and hero, Harden wrote in a thread on X, formerly Twitter. This tragedy in Gaza could very well have an outsized impact on the policy environment, including amplifying calls for a cease-fire. Andres himself spoke with President Joe Biden on Tuesday, and also urged Israel to stop what he called indiscriminate killing. World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore piled on in a statement , calling the strike an attack on all humanitarian organizations helping to alleviate the consequences of war. This is unforgivable, she added. Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs National Security Daily newsletter. Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war Cabinet, on Wednesday called for new elections in September, saying it would bolster the country's international credibility and reduce tensions within Israel's deeply polarized society. Gantz stopped short of threatening to leave the war Cabinet, which was formed just days after the October 7 Hamas attack, if embattled right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not accede to his demand. But, according to opinion polls, the retired army general and former defence minister would benefit from a new elections. If they were held today, the centre-right National Union party, which Gantz leads, is forecast to become the strongest parliamentary group. Netanyahu's Likud party, on the other hand, is seen as suffering huge loses. That means that if there were to be new elections - and Gantz could maintain his poll ratings - he would be the next prime minister. The official date for the next parliamentary elections in Israel is not until October 2026. As expected, Netanyahu's conservative Likud party rejected Gantz's demands, saying the government will continue as constituted until all war aims in Gaza have been achieved - namely the crushing of Hamas. An early election would paralyse the country and divide society, as well as destroying the chance of a deal to release the remaining hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, it said, without elaborating. Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid, on the other hand, has said that the current government should be replaced as quickly as possible. Many members of the opposition, as well as relatives of the hostages, accuse Netanyahu, now in his sixth term as prime minister, of having no serious interest in securing the release of the hostages, and of prolonging the war in order to stay in power. Many Israelis also accuse Netanyahu of not having acknowledged any personal responsibility for the Hamas massacre on October 7. As an opposition politician at the time, Gantz joined the war Cabinet, which has a say in the most important military decisions, a few days after the start of the Gaza war. According to political observers, he plays a moderating role in the Cabinet. Ukraine's drone attack on industrial facilities in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan marks a substantial turning point in Kyiv's ability to conduct long-range strikes deep within Russian territory, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its April 2 report. Ukrainian forces struck drone factories in Tatarstan's Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on April 2. Yelabuga lies 1,200 kilometers away from the Russia-Ukraine border. In recent weeks, the Ukrainian military has used long-range drones to successfully attack a string of Russian oil refineries. The April 2 strike is Ukraine's first such attack in Tatarstan. "(T)he distance of the targets from Ukraine's borders represents a significant inflection in Ukraine's demonstrated capability to conduct long-range strikes far into the Russian rear," the ISW said. Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on April 1 that Ukraine has produced attack drones capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers. Kyiv has intensified its efforts to ramp up domestic production of drones, aiming to manufacture 1 million drones in 2024. Not all of Kyiv's allies have celebrated Ukraine's offensive against the Russian oil industry. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on April 2 that Washington has "neither supported nor enabled strikes by Ukraine outside of its territory." The Financial Times reported in March that the U.S. warned Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries, allegedly out of concern that strikes could raise global oil prices. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that targeting Russian oil and weapons facilities is a legitimate military strategy, and that Ukraine has a right to use its own weapons for self-defense. The ISW supported Zelensky's line of argument. "ISW continues to assess that such Ukrainian strikes are a necessary component of Ukraine's campaign to use asymmetric means to degrade industries that supply and support the Russian military," analysts said. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits drone factory, oil refinery deep inside Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Italy will take until at least 2026 to get its budget deficit below the European Unions 3% limit, according to people familiar with the matter, potentially earning extended scrutiny from the blocs fiscal watchdogs. Most Read from Bloomberg With the shortfall at 7.2% of GDP last year due to a tax break on home renovations, Premier Giorgia Melonis government will take several years to get its finances back onto a sustainable path, according to the people, who declined to be identified because the discussions are private. The government is scheduled to unveil new economic targets and forecasts Tuesday. The Finance Ministry will likely say it expects 1% growth this year, well above economists estimates of 0.6%. The numbers could still change ahead of the announcement. That faster expansion will help cut the deficit to about 4.4% this year and under 4% next year, according to the people. A target of 4.3% was reported earlier Wednesday by newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. The Finance Ministry declined to comment on the numbers as it is awaiting further data on a tax break to subsidize green building renovations, known as the superbonus, which could affect calculations. Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has repeatedly assured that Italys public finances remain an absolute priority. Giorgetti has had to explain a series of awkward revisions to Italys deficit projections since taking office in 2022, after an official reassessment of how to account for tax breaks including the superbonus. That policy, introduced by the populist administration of Giuseppe Conte, allowed homeowners to pocket an extra 10% on top of the amount theyd spent on refurbishments and quickly spiraled out of control. Over the last months, Melonis government has sharply restricted the tax break, capping maximum spending. As a result, Italy will likely spend the next few years in the EU doghouse for excessive borrowing, though new rules do put added focus on how much a country is progressing toward its targets. Giorgetti said Wednesday he expects an infringement procedure to be confirmed soon for Italys excessive 2023 number. While largely expected, the procedure puts the spotlight on Italy which has historically struggled to manage its mammoth debt. The country is however in good company, with a dozen other economies on the rope for high deficits. The EUs fiscal rules were reactivated early this year after being suspended since 2020 to facilitate the extraordinary national spending required to weather the Covid-19 pandemic and the energy crisis. The bloc is ratifying a review of the rules that would give more leeway to member states to design their fiscal path in time for their drafting of next years budgets. Infringement Procedures The European Commission, the EUs executive arm, has told member states that it will open infringement procedures against those countries that violated the 3% deficit threshold last year, once it receives the final data from Eurostat this month. The economies involved however, will be notified only after the European elections in early June. If countries fail to meet such efforts, the procedure could, in theory, lead to sanctions. But no member state has ever been fined despite numerous breaches. The bigger issue for Italys governing coalition at this time, however, is whether it will be able to successfully spend EU Recovery Fund cash, which is aimed at permanently boosting its economic growth in future years. European Affairs Minister Raffaele Fitto has said the country probably wont complete some of the projects needed to unlock such funds by their 2026 deadline, sparking concern that fewer investments will mean lower growth. --With assistance from Jorge Valero and Chiara Albanese. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The leader of the Italian Northern League party Matteo Salvini gives a speech during the election rally to mark the conclusion of the coalition with the leader of the far-right party Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy), Giorgia Meloni, and the leader of Forza Italia, Silvio Berlusconi (not pictured). Oliver Weiken/dpa The Italian opposition's censure motion against Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini over his far-right party's stance toward Russia has failed. After hours of debate in the Chamber of Deputies in Rome on Wednesday evening, the leader of the League party easily survived the no-confidence motion brought by three centre-right parties. A total of 209 lawmakers voted against the motion, while only 129 voted in favour and three abstained. Salvini therefore remains transport minister and deputy head of government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. During his previous stint as interior minister, Salvini became well-known for his crackdown on boat migrants and the rescue organizations operating in the Mediterranean. The 51-year-old is currently under fire for various statements on Russia, which are being interpreted as him being close to President Vladimir Putin. He has had close contacts with Putin in the past. And shortly before the vote of no confidence, the League published a statement in which it distanced itself from a cooperation accord it had sealed with the Kremlin's United Russia party in 2017. The Kyiv Independent's Masha Lavrova sat down with Ukrainian Hollywood actress Ivanna Sakhno, famous for her roles in "Pacific Rim Uprising," "The Spy Who Dumped Me, and 2023 "Ahsoka" television series from the Star Wars universe, to discuss her experience of watching the war unfold in Ukraine from the U.S., and her advocacy mission to keep bringing the world's attention to Ukraine. The conversation took place in Kyiv during Ivanna's recent visit. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac brings peace, love, and colour to the world of watchmaking For the fourth and latest M.A.D.EDITIONS release, MB&F has given legendary French artist and designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac (JCDC) free reign on a M.A.D.1, and his colourful interpretation brings a whole new take to this much-loved collection. After blue, red, and green editions, get ready for the first multicoloured M.A.D.1 Time to Love. Jean Charles de Castelbajac The French artist and designer has rock star status in the French-speaking world. Now at the age of 74 years, his career has spanned five decades of artistic creation and he is showing no sign of slowing down. He is perhaps best recognized for his pop designs in primary colours, which caught the worlds attention in the 1970s and 80s, long before bright colours were even a thing. He has collaborated with the likes of Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, and Jean-Michel Basquiat to name a few, and has made clothes for everyone from Madonna to Drake, Lady Gaga and the Pope. He has always sought to disturb, disrupt, and promote artistic chaos. Where most designers choose to work with the finest quality fabrics, JCDC has always favoured rather unconventional materials, starting with his old boarding school blanket that he turned into a coat. He has also made clothes out of mops, sponges, oil cloths, and teddy bears. M.A.D.1 Time to Love MB&F A Fan From the Start Maximilian Busser, MB&Fs founder, has been a fan of JCDC since a young boy, even saving up his pocket money to purchase one of the designers bathing suits, which was covered in images of pandas. Over the years, Busser would continue to admire the artist as he evolved and branched out in numerous artistic directions. The idea of collaborating with JCDC had always been a dream in the back of Bussers mind until one day he decided to take action and contact the artist on Instagram. Imagining that his Instagram page was surely run by a whole team of employees, what a surprise it was to receive a message directly from the artist himself to discuss a potential collaboration. The rest, as they say, is history. The initial idea was to collaborate on an MB&F Horological Machine, but it quickly became apparent that the M.A.D.1 would be a far better fit. So, working with his three favourite colours red for passion, blue for hope, and yellow for human warmth, JCDC set to work, adorning the M.A.D.1 rotor with his signature trio of colours that were produced in lacquer, along with a touch of green on the hour disc. MB&Fs founder Maximilian Busser, and French artist and designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac Artistic Details In addition to the colours, the artist has added an inscription which says: Ce tresor rare et precieux, cest ta vie. Le temps vole de ses ailes blanches. Tu es le gardien de ton temp, which translates into English as This rare and precious treasure is your life. Time flies with its white wings. You are the guardian of your time. For the numbers, he has used his own handwriting and the crown features an angel talking to the moon, a recurring theme in his work. The straps, of which there are two, one in white and the other in black are also quite special as they are crafted in leather and embroidered with the name of the watch Time to Love. M.A.D.1 Time to Love MB&F How to Get One The M.A.D.1 Time to Love edition will be limited to 999 pieces (previously editions were not limited, only produced in batches and then sold via a raffle system). The raffle for this new piece will open on Wednesday 3rd April at 2pm CET and registrations will remain open for a period of approximately two weeks. Half the 999 will be available for the MB&F Tribe (registered collectors of MB&F pieces) and Friends (suppliers) on a first come, first served basis. The rest will be available to the general public. For those of you participating, we wish you the very best of luck. Special counsel Jack Smith issued a blistering rebuke of the judge overseeing the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, saying a recent order relied on legal interpretations that are fundamentally flawed. Smith filed a response to a recent order from Judge Aileen Cannon that required lawyers from both sides of the case to submit jury instructions before she has even set a trial date. Trump and two co-conspirators have been indicted with dozens of felony federal counts related to the former presidents handling of classified documents after he left the White House. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Cannons order appeared to give credence to Trumps claim that he had broad authority to take anything he wanted after his presidency ended under the auspices of the Presidential Records Act. Smith rejected the judges assertions in the filing, and said it was pure fiction to suggest that highly classified documents were Trumps private property under the act. That legal premise is wrong, and a jury instruction that reflects that premise would distort the trial, Smiths team wrote. The [Presidential Records Act]s distinction between personal and presidential records has no bearing on whether a former Presidents possessions of documents containing national defense information is authorized under the Espionage Act, and the PRA should play no role in the jury instructions. Prosecutors are emphatic: Trump's treatment of presidential/personal records is both a "fiction" he invented belatedly (at urging of Tom Fitton) to justify keeping records he was plainly not authorized to have. And whether he designated them 'personal' is irrelevant. pic.twitter.com/oH4DEartKW Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) April 3, 2024 Legal experts have expressed deep concern with Cannons order for jury instructions, as well as the slow pace of the case thus far. Smith went on to argue that the court must rule if Trumps unstated legal premise is a correct interpretation of the law. If Cannon does so, he wrote, the government would ask another court to intervene. If the Court wrongly concludes that it does, and that it intends to include the PRA in the jury instructions, Smith wrote, The Government must have the opportunity to consider appellate review. He went on to say that Trumps attempt to leverage the Presidential Records Act in the case was not based on any facts and had only been concocted more than a year after he left the White House. He has attempted to fashion out of whole cloth a legal presumption that would operate untethered to any facts, Smith wrote. There is no basis in law or fact for that legal presumption, and the Court should reject Trumps effort to invent one as a vehicle to inject the PRA into this case. Trump has vehemently attacked prosecutors in the case. He is set to go to trial for another of his four indictments centered on hush money payments to an adult film star on April 15. Related... Special counsel Jack Smith has slammed the judge presiding over Donald Trumps federal classified documents case over an order in which she asked prosecutors and defence lawyers to file proposed jury instructions based on a fundamentally flawed legal premise. Judge Aileen Cannon, who the former president appointed, appeared to accept an argument Mr Trump is pushing that he was entitled to retain sensitive documents at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, under a statute known as the Presidential Records Act (PRA). The order, filed on 19 March, baffled legal experts and commentators and alarmed Mr Smiths team. Prosecutors argue in a filing late on Tuesday that the 1978 law which requires presidents to return presidential records to the government upon leaving office but allows them to keep purely personal ones has no relevance in the case, which concerns Mr Trump refusing to return highly sensitive classified documents. Materials retrieved by the federal agents during their search of the former presidents home at his private members club, Mar-a-Lago, were clearly not personal and there is no evidence to suggest that they were ever designated as such by Mr Trump. Further, prosecutors argue that the suggestion that the former president did designate them as personal was invented only after it became public that he was in possession of boxes upon boxes of records from his time in office that should have been returned to the National Archives. They also note that none of the witnesses interviewed in their investigation of how the boxes came to Mar-a-Lago, and what happened over the months in which the government tried to retrieve them, support Mr Trumps version of events. Not a single one had heard Trump say that he was designating records as personal or that, at the time he caused the transfer of boxes to Mar-a-Lago, he believed that his removal of records amounted to designating them as personal under the PRA, prosecutors wrote. To the contrary, every witness who was asked this question had never heard such a thing. Mr Smiths team said that if Judge Cannon insists on citing the PRA in her jury instructions, she should let the lawyers know as soon as possible so they can appeal. JUST IN: An extraordinary filing from Jack Smith tonight that is almost incredulous at how legally incorrect Judge Cannon's jury instruction scenarios are re: Trump's claim that he designted reams of classified info as "personal" on the way out of the WH.https://t.co/lmmI1dvWDb pic.twitter.com/grnmBsGwJC Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) April 3, 2024 Lawyers for the government have been continually exasperated by Judge Cannons handling of the case, which has also perplexed legal experts. She has yet to rule on multiple defence motions to dismiss the case as well as other disagreements between the two sides, and the trial date remains uncertain. It is increasingly suspect that a case featuring what Mr Smiths team describe as overwhelming evidence could be unresolved by the time of the November presidential election. The judge was widely criticised for allowing Mr Trumps teams request for an independent arbiter to review the documents at the heart of the case, seized by the FBI during their search of Mar-a-Lago in August 2022. In March, she heard arguments on two motions from the defence to dismiss the case: that the PRA permitted him to designate the documents as personal, that he was therefore allowed to retain them, and that the issue was constitutionally vague. Judge Cannon appeared sceptical of their arguments and threw out one motion. Only a few days later came the extraordinary order concerning jury instructions. Both sides were asked to write instructions in response to the premise: A president has sole authority under the PRA to categorize records as personal or presidential during his/her presidency. Neither a court nor a jury is permitted to make or review such a categorization decision. She continued by saying that an outgoing presidents decision to exclude personal records from those returned to the government constitutes a presidents categorization of those records as personal under the PRA. Prosecutors say that interpretation of the law is wrong and urged Judge Cannon to move quickly and reject the defence motion to dismiss. The PRAs distinction between personal and presidential records has no bearing on whether a former Presidents possession of documents containing national defense information is authorized under the Espionage Act, and the PRA should play no role in the jury instructions on the elements of Section 793, they wrote, citing the statute that makes it a crime to illegally retain national defence information. Indeed, based on the current record, the PRA should not play any role at trial at all, they added. This view is shared by many observers. Noting how woefully unclear Judge Cannons language was, legal commentator and MSNBC host Katie Phang pondered: The PRA is clear. As is the Espionage Act. Not sure why Cannon is struggling with these concepts. National security lawyer Bradley Moss posted on X: This second scenario is legally insane. If that were the case, then just grant Trumps motion to dismiss on PRA grounds so DOJ bring it to the 11th circuit for a quick reversal. Longtime Trump foe George Conway was even more scathing: In the decades that I have been a lawyer, this is the most bizarre order Ive ever seen issued by a federal judge. What makes that all the more amazing is that the second and third most bizarre orders Ive ever seen in federal court were also issued by Judge Cannon in this case. He later wrote: Okay, Ive seen enough. Not only should Aileen Cannon not be sitting on this case, but she should not be sitting on the federal bench at all. This is utterly nuts. The former president is facing dozens of criminal charges relating to his handling of classified documents in his time since leaving the White House. This is just one of the four criminal cases against Mr Trump the others are the Manhattan hush-money case, the federal election interference case, and the Fulton County election interference case. He insists he has committed no crimes and believes he is being politically persecuted. With additional reporting from the Associated Press. In his latest counterattack, Special Counsel Jack Smith has revealed how deeply sourced his Donald Trump investigation has become, meticulously detailing for the first time how a farfetched legal theory traveled from a conservative activist to the MAGA-friendly federal judge who is employing it in a manner that could save the former president who appointed her. In his late night Tuesday court filing, federal prosecutors did more than slam U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannons flawed reasoning that would essentially hand Trump a total victory in the case against him for hoarding national secrets at his South Florida oceanside estate of Mar-a-Lago. The specially assigned Department of Justice team also mapped out the origin of Trumps latest defense, the idea that he was justified in keeping hundreds of classified documents after leaving the White House because he considered these government records personal. Trump Prosecutor in Classified Docs Case Slams Judges Flawed Request That theory started with Tom Fitton, the musclebound activist who isnt a lawyer but successfully takes on high-profile legal fights through his nonprofit, Judicial Watch. That group specializes in acquiring government records to further conservative narratives and has become increasingly Trumpist over the years. Like most Trump tales, this one starts with a tweet. The day after The Washington Post reported that the National Archives had retrieved 15 boxes of government documents from Mar-a-Lago and explored the requirements of returning that kind of material under the Presidential Records Act, Fitton took to Twitter and made a counter-argument. Fact check: The left media is being dishonest about the Trump records issue. A president has discretion on what docs to retain as presidential records while in office. So the law allows Trump to tear up documents, shred them, and take documents when he left the White House, Fitton tweeted. Fittons perspective was informed by the way he tried to acquire audio recordings of historian Taylor Branchs interviews with former President Bill Clinton for his 2009 book, The Clinton Tapes. The National Archives claimed it didnt have the recordings, and U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ultimately decided she couldnt force the agency to deem Branchs tapes as official government documentsespecially if Clinton considered them personal. The decision to segregate personal materials from presidential records is made by the president, during the president's term and in his sole discretion, Jackson wrote in 2012. Fast forward a decade, and Fitton was fuming that Trump couldnt do the same with the paperwork he ferried from the White House to Mar-a-Lago. And this is where the DOJ special counsels investigation comes in. Federal prosecutors yesterday detailed how immediately after posting the second tweet on Feb. 8, 2022, Fitton contacted an employee in Trumps post-presidency office" and sent them a link to the tweet and offered to discuss the issue with Trump. Fitton then shared his analysis of Jacksons 2012 decision, along with a proposed public statement for Trumps consideration that the former president never issued. However, Fitton also approached a second unnamed Trump employee advising that Trump should adopt the new defense that the Mar-a-Lago records were actually personal all along. Judge Aileen Cannon Could Get Herself Booted From Trumps Classified Documents Case Hinting at just how extensive the federal investigation has dug into Trumps private advisers, prosecutors noted how the second employee advised the Judicial Watch president that they disagreed with the Judicial Watch presidents analysis: in Judicial Watch, former President Clinton had made the designation of certain records personal while president, whereas Trump had not done so. But it seems like some of the message got through. Two days later, Trump issued a written public statement that The Washington Post called an unusually lawyerly response. The former president stated, I have been told I was under no obligation to give this material based on various legal rulings that have been made over the years, and even cited the Clinton tapes case. Once more, federal prosecutors showed the extent to which theyve become plugged into the private discussions in the Trump camp as the former president was bracing for legal trouble. Before this time, the second employee had never heard this theory from Trump. No other witness recalled Trump espousing this theory until after the Judicial Watch president conveyed it to him in February 2022, prosecutors said in yesterdays filing, which was digitally signed by Jay I. Bratt, the counterintelligence chief at the DOJs National Security Division who is now serving as a counselor to Jack Smith. Bratt went on to describe how investigators have heard from just about everyone in Trumps circle during his time in office, telegraphing how deep the bench would be come game time, with useful witnesses against the former president from every corner of the Trump White House. During its exhaustive investigation, the government interviewed Trumps own [Presidential Records Act] representatives and numerous high-ranking officials from the White HouseChiefs of Staff, White House Counsel and senior members of the White House Counsels Office, a National Security Advisor, and senior members of the National Security Council, Bratt wrote, followed by the kill shot. Not a single one had heard Trump say that he was designating records as personal or that, at the time he caused the transfer of boxes to Mar-a-Lago, he believed that his removal of records amounted to designating them as personal under the PRA. To the contrary, every witness who was asked this question had never heard such a thing, he wrote. The origin story of the theyre personal defense is pivotal now. Federal prosecutors are trying to stop Trump from utilizing that excuse to escape criminal charges for whisking away hundreds of classified records from the White House, showing them off in private conversations, initially refusing to return them when approached by the National Archives, eventually turning over some but not all of them, then lying to federal investigators about the ones still in his mansions bathroom and other rooms. Jack Smiths Subtle Shot at Trump Mar-a-Lago Judge Aileen Cannon Prosecutors are now scrambling to stop Judge Cannon from adopting that legal theory, which she essentially did with a shocking order last month that would effectively force the government to show jurors highly classified records in question or acquit him by saying that he was free to claim as personal whatever he wanted. Thats why prosecutors are so keen to trace this legal theory back to Judicial Watch and track its movement from a highly partisan activist to the judge who now appears to have accepted it. Although Trump was indicted in the Mar-a-Lago case in June 2023, the former president only began to raise the theyre personal defense eight months later. In February, Trumps lawyers told Judge Cannon that Trump exercised virtually unreviewable Article II executive authority to designate the records as personal when the boxes were moved out to the White House. In their view, the Presidential Records Act wouldin theoryallow Trump to redesignate the records as personal by the mere fact that he allowed them to be relocated. Prosecutors on Tuesday cautioned Judge Cannon to avoid embracing this alternative reading of the 1978 Presidential Records Actwhich was, ironically, created to force presidents to turn over their administration documents and was a direct response to disgraced President Richard Nixons refusal to turn over White House records to the National Archives. And they stressed that Trump hasnt even formally asserted that he even deemed these stacks of government paperwork as his own belongings, merely floating the idea instead. Prosecutors derided the whole concocted theory as Trumps post hoc legal invention. Importantly, Trump has never represented to this Court that he in fact designated the classified documents as personal, Bratt wrote, noting that Trumps legal team didnt even bring it up at a court hearing last month despite every opportunity and every incentive to do so. The reason is simple: he never did so, he wrote. Instead, he has attempted to fashion out of whole cloth a legal presumption that would operate untethered to any factswithout regard to his actual decisions, his actual intent, the unambiguous definition of what constitutes personal records under the PRA, or the plainly non-personal content of the highly classified documents that he retained. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The White House has announced that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had to postpone a scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia this week because he cracked a rib in a minor accident. Details on what caused the accident werent released, but White House spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the incident was of his own doing that affected his ability to travel. It was not caused by anybody, he said. It was not the result of a nefarious act. Sullivan, 47, was slated to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid a U.S. push to smooth over relations between Israel and Saudi Arabiatalks that come amid rising regional tensions after a purported Israeli airstrike killed a top Iranian general in Syria this week. Iran Promises Harsh Response After Apparent Israeli Strike Kills Top General Kirby said Sullivan is looking forward to rescheduling the trip, but did not provide a date. There had been plans to host talks to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel last year, but those plans were thwarted by the Oct. 7 attack in Israel by Hamas. Talks had picked up again in recent months, but a top U.S. official has only been on the ground in Saudi ArabiaSecretary of State Antony Blinken, last monthonce since October. As part of a normalization deal, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia wants to clinch a mutual defense pact with Washington thatd see the U.S. support its civil nuclear program. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The national nonprofit behind the Oscars of culinary industry has announced the finalists for its 2024 awards ceremony and the list isnt short of Oregon chefs and restaurants. Hosted by the James Beard Foundation, the prestigious James Beard Awards recognize the people and places excelling in the food and drink industry. The organization announced finalists on Wednesday morning, months after revealing semifinalists in late January. Oregon stores begin selling nations first over-the-counter birth control pill Portland restaurateur Sarah Minnick was named a finalist in the Outstanding Chef category, which highlights chefs who set high standards, set good examples for their peers and positively contribute to their community. Minnick owns Mississippi Avenue pizzeria Lovelys Fifty Fifty and has been featured on Netflixs Emmy-nominated culinary series Chefs Table. In the Outstanding Restaurant category, Pearl District Thai spot Langbaan was included among five finalists. The award will go to the restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community. The Willamette Valleys Hayward, which opened in May 2023, was nominated as Best New Restaurant for already displaying excellence in the culinary industry. The McMinnville eatery boasts a new northwest fare and a hyper-seasonal menu. Researchers find climate change could shift Oregons wine culture North Portland dessert spot JinJu Patisserie was named an Oustanding Bakery finalist. The bakery is co-owned by master chocolatier Jin Caldwell and pastry chef Kyurim Lee, who relocated from Las Vegas to the Rose City over a decade ago. Two Oregon restaurateurs were named finalists among the Pacific Northwests Best Chefs. Unlike the Outstanding Chef category, this category additionally focuses on building a sustainable work culture. One of the nominees is Gregory Gourdet, who has previously won a James Beard Award for his celebrated Haitian restaurant Kann. Ashland chef Josh Dorcak, of Cascadian cuisine restaurant MAS, is also a finalist. Dorcak was nominated in the same category last year. 20-degree temp drop prompts weather whiplash around Portland Winners of the 2024 James Beard Awards will be announced at the ceremony in Chicago on Monday, June 10. Congratulations to all of our esteemed honorees and nominees on this remarkable achievement, James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a statement. Your vision, and continued dedication to excellence both on and beyond the plate make you true leaders of American culinary. Thank you for all you are doing to set a better standard for our industry and broader food system. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. James Comer just cant let his Biden impeachment dream die. The House Oversight Committee chair tried to make the case that impeachments still on the table Wednesday morning, during an interview on Fox Business. Comer insisted to host Maria Baritromo that the committees probe into President Joe Biden and his son Hunter is a very serious investigation. Impeachments still on the table. Theres still an overwhelming majority of Republicans in the House of Representatives that agree with me that Joe Biden has committed impeachable offenses, Comer said. "Impeachment is still on the table" -- James Comer to Maria Bartiromo, adding that he hopes the next Trump administration will hold the Bidens accountable pic.twitter.com/3m8Knk2Scz Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 3, 2024 This flies in the face of actual facts: All of the committees efforts have fallen flat, with House Republicans failing to produce any concrete evidence. Witness after witness has either said that they dont have proof or been proven to be making things up. One such witness, Alexander Smirnov, was indicted for lying to the FBI, which Comer claimed was a deep state conspiracy. As if this wasnt damaging enough, Smirnov reportedly later admitted that he has ties to Russian intelligence. Whats more, many Republicans have begun to back away from the impeachment effort, with some pointing to the fact that they likely do not have the votes to pass articles of impeachment. Comer has been the main Republican spearheading the investigation into the Bidens. But even he doesnt seem to be taking the investigation seriously. The Kentucky Republican didnt even stay for Hunter Bidens full deposition before the committee in February, and just last week, he seemed to admit defeat on impeachment efforts, saying that the Biden investigations new goal was criminal referrals. But Comer now claims that these referrals would be a step toward impeachment. Such referrals are nonbinding, and the Justice Department is unlikely to choose to pursue them. But no worries: Comer has a plan for the long term. He told Bartiromo that hopefully in a year, we will have a Department of Justice that can hold [the Bidens] accountable, alluding to a victory by Donald Trump in November. Since it seems unlikely that Republicans will impeach Biden while he is still in office, it appears that all the evidence they have presented only adds up to an effort to weaken the presidents image before Novembers presidential election. TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his country's support for Ukraine was unwavering during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday, the foreign ministry in Tokyo said. Zelenskiy said in a post on X he briefed Kishida on the battlefield situation and emphasized the need to step up sanction pressure on Russia and create a mechanism for confiscating frozen Russian assets. "Prime Minister Kishida said he would like to express heartfelt respect for the courage of President Zelenskiy and the people of Ukraine, and that Japan will not waver in its position of standing together with Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Andrew Heavens) A new judge will not be called in to help resolve concerns in the 2022 alleged murder-for-hire of a St. Johns County father. Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez Saldana are accused of plotting the murder of Gardners ex-husband, Jared Bridegan. Gardners attorneys claimed prosecutors gained access to electronic documents from her devices that should have been protected under attorney-client privilege. The judge currently assigned to the case, Duval County Circuit Court Judge London Kite, will address the attorney-client communication issues, according to an order filed Monday. Gardner and Fernandez Saldana are set to appear in court again on Monday, April 8. Read the full order below: [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The crime Bridegan, a St. Johns County father of four, was gunned down Feb. 16, 2022, in Jacksonville Beach. He had just taken his twins he shared with Gardner, and his then-2-year-old Bexley, his daughter with wife Kirsten Bridegan, to dinner. The software engineer had just dropped off the twins at Gardners house when he encountered a tire on Sanctuary Boulevard, a one-way road. He was headed home to his second wife, Kirsten Bridegan, with whom he shared children Bexley and London. Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith said during the announcement of the first arrest in January 2023, that the tire was purposely placed there to make him stop which he did. JUNE 2022 INTERVIEW: Wish it werent like this: Ex-wife of Jared Bridegan, father killed in Jacksonville Beach, speaks Tragically he began to exit his vehicle to move the tire and he was gunned down in cold blood, Smith said. Bridegan was shot several times while Bexley was still strapped into a car seat in the back seat of his car. The other arrests Mario Fernandez Saldana was arrested in March 2023 on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, child abuse, and solicitation to commit a capital felony. The arrest of Henry Tenon, 61, in connection to Bridegans murder was announced in January 2023. He was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact to a capital felony, child abuse, and second-degree murder [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Tenon, who rented a home from Fernandez Saldana, agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder. That means Tenon faces 15 years to life in prison, but not the death penalty. Gardner was arrested in August in Washington and is facing charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit murder, and child abuse. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Former Alabama Secretary of Early Childhood Education Jeana Ross (left) and Arab City Councilman Alan Miller will face off in an April 30 GOP runoff for House District 27 in Marshall County. (Courtesy of Jeana Ross and Alan Miller) Former Alabama Secretary of Early Childhood Education Jeana Ross and Arab City Councilman Alan Miller are headed to a runoff for the Republican nomination for Alabama House District 27 in Marshall County. Ross, who lives in Guntersville, had 1,404 votes (39.23%) in unofficial returns Tuesday evening. Arab City Councilman Miller had 737 votes (20.59%) as of 9:09 p.m. Tuesday. The runoff will take place on April 30. Since no Democratic candidate is running, the winner will become the next representative for the district, which includes most of Marshall County. We are grateful to the voters and extremely happy about our turnout. I look forward to getting our conservative message out to Marshall County over the next four weeks, Ross said in a statement Tuesday. A message seeking comment was left with Miller on Tuesday. The Alabama Republican Party called the race for Ross and Miller at 9:25 p.m. Chairman John Wahl congratulated Ross and Miller in a statement and added that the Republican Party is committed to defending individual liberties and enacting legislation that puts people first. The seat opened after Sen. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, won an election in January to replace former Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield, R-Arab. Scofield left the Senate in November to join the Business Council of Alabama after about 13 years in the Alabama Legislature. Kitchens got 84% of the vote in the 2018 election and 89% of the vote in 2022. A total of $181,542 was raised in the race, with Ross raising nearly $105,000, well over half of the funds raised by the six candidates combined. She spent $65,409 and had $38,396 cash on hand as of April 1. Miller raised $14,308 and spent $481. He had $13,827 cash on hand as of March 29. Ross said her time in Gov. Kay Iveys cabinet factored in her decision to run for office. As a former secretary of Early Childhood Education, Ross stressed her commitment as an advocate for children and families, particularly in shaping the states pre-K program. She said in a previous interview that she knows the concerns and interests of constituents in the district, and after working for nearly eight years in Montgomery, she feels like she can be an effective representative. On the topic of education, Ross emphasized the importance of early childhood education in closing the achievement gap. She noted findings that graduates of First Class Pre-K were less likely to face academic challenges. Miller cited his background on the Arab City Councils finance committee, saying he knew how to balance a budget. Miller addressed immigration issues. He acknowledged public concerns regarding border security, citing reports of migrants on the terrorist watch list crossing into the United States. Miller said law enforcement should address immigration, advocating for legislation granting authorities more power in handling immigrants involved in serious crimes. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Jeana Ross, Alan Miller advance to GOP runoff in House District 27 special election appeared first on Alabama Reflector. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) Jesery Mikes Subs is a company that likes to make wishes come true for people, especially when it comes to children experiencing critical illness. Thats why Jersey Mikes is a strong supporter of Make-A-Wish Utah. The national sub company recently partnered with Make-A-Wish Utah in a Day of Giving event where 100 percent of that days sales at Jersey Mikes locations in Utah went to help fund Make-A-Wish Utahs wish granting program. In the Salt Lake City area alone, $329,285 was raised for Make-A-Wish. Make-A-Wish Utah says that corporate sponsors and supporters like Jersey Mikes are vital to the success of the grant making program the impact is so great. Visit Wish.org/Utah for more information on how to support Make-A-Wish Utah. And find a Jersey Mikes location nearest you at JerseyMikes.com. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Daily News For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Tori Spelling, a 50-year-old American actress who became famous for her role as Donna Martin in the cult TV series Beverly Hills, 90210, decided to take part in a candid photo shoot amid the news of her divorce from her husband after 18 years of marriage. The mother of five posed naked. ADVERTISIMENT She covered all her intimate parts with her legs and hair. The star's Instagram photo received almost 15 thousand likes and many comments with compliments. Tori Spelling posed sitting on the floor with her legs crossed. Her loose blonde hair fell in light waves over her bare shoulders and chest, hiding her most intimate areas from the eyes of her followers. The actress wore expressive dark makeup with an emphasis on the eyes, emphasizing her lips with a pencil and nude gloss. She also showed some of her tattoos and a simple beige manicure. The 50-year-old American timed her candid post to coincide with the first episode of her own podcast Mispelling, where she talked about her decision to file for divorce from her actor husband Dean McDermott. ADVERTISIMENT Recently, details of the celebrity couple's relationship have surfaced in the media. Court documents stated that the lovers were separated by "irreconcilable differences." They have not lived together since the summer of 2023, journalists reported. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that American actress Gabrielle Carteris, known for her role as Andrea Zuckerman in Beverly Hills, 90210, recorded a powerful appeal to the world about Russia's war against Ukraine. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A federal judge has ordered Democrats in New Jersey to draw up ballots fairly instead of putting their favorite candidates at the front. But state Democratic bosses think that voters can't be trusted to figure out how to think for themselves. Somerset County Democratic Committee Chair Peg Schaffer complained to Politico that it will "cost us more money" to tell voters what to do. "Instead of saying to people 'vote column 1' we're going to have to send them a color-coded card saying where everybody is on the ballot," said Schaffer, who is also the statewide Democratic vice chair. Hudson County Democratic Organization Chairman Anthony Vainieri Jr., meanwhile, argued that new voting machines were already straining voters' brains, so a non-rigged ballot would just be too confusing. "If [the judge] was acting to abolish the party lines he should have done it for next year, not this year, because we need more time to educate our voters and for the county clerks to redesign the ballots," he said in a Friday statement. "Residents in Hudson County are still trying to get used to the new voting machines installed last year, especially our seniors, and this is absolutely the wrong time to force such a drastic change on our voters." Bear in mind that every other state in America already uses the ballots that Schaffer and Vaineiri are complaining about. Under New Jersey's unique "county line" system, party bosses in each county can choose which candidates go in the first column of primary ballots. Other candidates are exiled to "ballot Siberia," their names scattered "helter-skelter" across the ballot. Being in the first column gives candidates an average advantage of about 38 percentage points, according to an analysis submitted to the court by Princeton University neuroscience professor Samuel S.-H. Wang, who calls the county line a "powerful force to steer voter behavior towards specific choices." U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi issued a temporary injunction on Friday ordering New Jersey to draw up "office-block" style ballots that put candidates for the same office in an equal positionthe same style that all other 49 states usefor the upcoming Democratic primary. County bosses are appealing the decision, fighting for their right to control the ballot design. Quraishi's decision only applies to Democratic primary ballots, but a pro-Trump group called the America First Republicans for New Jersey has vowed to fight the county line system in Republican primaries as well. Federal courts are intervening thanks to a corruption scandal involving another old-fashioned Hudson County politico. Sen. Bob Menendez (D) was indicted last year for an alleged bribery scheme lifted straight from The Sopranos, involving gold bars and a meat company linked to the Egyptian government. Democratic leaders tried to crown Tammy Murphy, the governor's wife, as Menendez's replacement. But rival candidate Andy Kim sued to abolish county line ballots and make the primary competitive. Even after Murphy dropped out of the race and county bosses endorsed Kim, he has continued to insist that the county line system is unfair. "This is not a system I want to participate in," Kim told reporters. "I think it's unfair. That's why I'm trying to change it." The post Are New Jersey Voters Too Dumb for Normal Ballots? appeared first on Reason.com. Jill Biden is set to host some of Americas top educators for a state dinner later this year, an honor usually reserved for foreign diplomats. The move is meant to demonstrate the Biden administrations emphasis on education policy and special care from the first lady, a teacher herself. Biden made the announcement Wednesday at a CBS This Morning appearance with Missy Testerman, who was named Tennessees teacher of the year. Im a teacher, as you well know, and Ive been teaching over 30 years, just like Missy has, and I always say teachers are our heroes. And I wanted to be here today to celebrate Missy as I love celebrating teachers, and I have a special announcement, Missy, Biden said. When you come to the White House, we are going to have a state dinner for the teachers, she continued. Youll have to pick your dress. So its the first time ever. The first lady, who teaches English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, has hosted a group of educators at the White House annually. This years group is scheduled to visit May 1, The Associated Press reported. Teachers in the group are selected by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Testerman and teachers from Alaska, Georgia and New Jersey were finalists for the 2024 national award. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former national security adviser John Bolton has an unconventional suggestion for saving the U.S. alliance with NATO through a potential second term under Donald Trump: Just keep the former reality TV host distracted. So as Donald Trumps former national security adviser, you believe that all Americans and everyone should take it very seriously when he says he wants to withdraw from NATO, and a second Donald Trump term, you believe, would mean an almost immediate withdrawal from NATO, prompted MeidasTouchs Ben Meiselas on Wednesday. Well I think he would do it very early in the term, Bolton replied. The remedy I would propose to anybody who doesnt want us to withdraw from NATO is find a way to distract his attention. Since he has a short attention span, that can work, at least for a while, until it pops back into his head, he said. This is, I think unfortunately, a very good example of what a second Trump term would be like. A lot of things he talked about in the first term, maybe made some tentative steps toward but didnt actually carry through on, well see again in a second term. Former Trump Advisor John Bolton suggests that one potential strategy to prevent Trump from withdrawing from NATO, should he be re-elected, would be to distract him because Trump has such a short attention span pic.twitter.com/j23jPtYWKu Acyn (@Acyn) April 3, 2024 According to Bolton, a policy hawk who also served in Ronald Reagans administration, the consequences of Americas exit from the Cold War alliance could be dire, effectively resulting in the end of NATO, leaving behind a fractured and significantly weakened European alliance, while devastating Americas international credibility as an ally. Trump has long criticized Americas relationship with the international military alliance, baselessly insisting that other NATO members have failed to pay their dues, and argued that the U.S. has been shortchanged by other members, even though thats not how the alliance operates. The Cold War organization has no ledger that maintains accounts of what countries pay and owe, according to former Obama staffer Aaron OConnell, who explained to NPR in 2018 that NATO is not like a club with annual membership fees. In February, Bolton claimed that Trump had completely fabricated a story in which he allegedly told a European leader that hed allow Russia to do whatever the hell they want to NATO allies if they didnt pay their bills. But the fact that its an imaginary conversation that makes Trump look very goodas all of Trumps imagined conversations dodoesnt mean that he doesnt believe what hes saying, Bolton said at the time. Jose Andres: Israel is better than the way Gaza war is being waged Celebrity chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, in an early morning op-ed, argued Israel is better than the actions it has taken amid its ongoing war in Gaza against militant group Hamas. Israel is better than the way this war is being waged, Andres said in the piece, published early Wednesday by The New York Times. It is better than blocking food and medicine to civilians. It is better than killing aid workers who had coordinated their movements with the Israel Defense Forces. Andress piece in the Times follows an Israeli attack that killed six aid workers with his group, World Central Kitchen (WCK), and their Palestinian driver Monday. According to WCK, they were driving in armored cars in a deconflicted zone as the attack occurred. The Israeli government needs to open more land routes for food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today, Andres continued. It needs to start the long journey to peace today. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took responsibility for the attack in a statement Tuesday, saying a tragic event occurred in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip. This happens in war, Netanyahu said in a statement. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence. Andres called those who were killed angels in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that the only crime they committed was feeding people. The post was in response to World Central Kitchens response to the incident. President Biden called Andres on Tuesday to offer his condolences for the deaths of the aid workers and said in a statement that the victims were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy. Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed, Biden wrote. This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians, the president added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Jose Andres is the rare Washington celebrity whose fame has nothing to do with government or politics. But Tuesday, after the Israeli strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers in Gaza, the renowned D.C. restaurateur was right in the middle of the days biggest news story. The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing, Andres, who founded the food-aid charity in 2010, wrote on X. It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now. On one level, its not a controversial comment, especially from a leader who had worked alongside the victims of the strike. Even the Israeli government has acknowledged that it was a mistake. But pretty much any statement asserting culpability in the Israel-Hamas war is liable to piss someone off. And thats something Andres hasnt had much experience with in the years since he ascended from being a mere proprietor of critically acclaimed eateries to being a thought leader, humanitarian icon, and secular saint for the nations capital. Andres path to rock star status is an evolution that says as much about Washington as it does about Andres and makes the fallout from the killing worth watching as a barometer of Beltway opinion about Israels campaign against Hamas. By days end, President Joe Biden had joined the throngs reaching out to Andres to offer condolences, another indication of the chefs Washington cachet and perhaps an indication of what might be at stake if the sorrow over the killings curdles into a more focused and vocal opposition to Israeli strategy. World Central Kitchen has officially paused its food-relief work in hunger-ravaged Gaza. I am outraged and heartbroken, Biden said later in a remarkably emphatic statement that called Andres my friend. He added that this is not a stand-alone incident and said, Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help and Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians. The Spanish-born chef is not one to shrink from conflict. In his early years in Washington, as he turned his first small-plates eatery into an empire of envelope-pushing restaurants in a formerly forlorn part of downtown, he was hailed as a guy turning around the capitals once-sleepy dining scene but also was known for pushing back against critics and editors (including me in a previous journalism life) whose work he deemed insufficiently positive. By the mid-2000s, he was a bona fide culinary celebrity, proprietor of a constellation of establishments that would eventually range from Mexican to middle eastern to Chinese-Peruvian. At Minibar, his molecular-gastronomy tasting-menu palace, dinner for two could top $1,000. Multimedia brand extensions followed, as did outposts in luxe locations like Dubai. But where many of the chefs pushing the local restaurant scene were content to stick to their own social world, Andres became something of a Washington man about town, showing up at Beltway social events like the White House Correspondents Dinner and scoring bylines in The Atlantic a guy who knew how to play nice with people in public life. In a way, it made him a classic D.C. figure: In the weird social currency of permanent Washington, a local celeb whose fame comes from something other than politics or government is automatically a hot ticket. It didnt hurt that the very presence of a globe-bestriding chef flatters Washingtonians who are forever worried about their city being called a backwater. Andres, in turn, was able to use the proximity to politics-and-government circles to make himself more than a celebrity chef. Its hard to imagine an equally philanthropic and ambitious chef in Chicago or Boston being able to access the same networks that helped grow World Central Kitchen into an emergency-food-aid colossus. On his podcast, he has guests like Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Sen. Cory Booker, former national security adviser Susan Rice and actor-cum-former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 2021, he was named a winner of Jeff Bezos $100 million Courage and Civility Award. In 2022, his portrait went up in the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery. The fame has brought occasional scrutiny. Late last year, a withering Bloomberg News story reported that as World Central Kitchen moved from responding to natural disasters to entering war zones, Andres aversion to bureaucracy credited with helping the organization remain nimble in the face of daunting challenges also exposed its people to danger. The investigation didnt do much to dent Andres public image: A month later, Nancy Pelosi and two other House Democrats nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. And unlike many people embraced by the former speaker, he hasnt become the subject of an especially large right-wing backlash. Even in a polarized country, its hard to find many people opposed to charities feeding victims of war and calamity. Thats even more true in the up-market Beltway precincts where Andres restaurant patons live. Andres has taken political stands before though not the sort likely to make waves with conventional D.C. establishment opinion or get in the way of awards celebrating civility. In 2015, before the Trump Hotel had even opened on Pennsylvania Avenue, the chef responded to Donald Trumps anti-immigrant campaign comments by abruptly pulling out of a deal to bring one of his restaurants to the nascent hotel. It began a yearslong legal and media battle between the immigrant chef and the 45th president, with Andres repeatedly needling Trump over immigration, yet often doing so from the point of view of a boss who wanted to hire top talent. It irked Trump fans, but in the Washington Village environment, where even most conservatives retain the old Republican affection for immigration, it was unlikely to brand him as any kind of radical in the eyes of diners. And since World Central Kitchen began providing food in Gaza, hes also spoken out. On "Meet the Press" last month he called for a cease-fire although he also said that at the very least Israel should avoid hunger, and elided into a sort of culinary kumbaya statement: The time Ive spent in Israel, the time Ive been spending in Gaza, seems everybody loves falafel and everybody loves hummus with equal intensity. For the most part, though, Andres political comments have stuck to bipartisanship and general enthusiasm for the home town, its restaurant industry, and his fellow business owners. Its the kind of positioning thats necessary in a small-margin industry where its a bad idea to alienate any chunk of would-be diners. But it also seems to reflect Andres actual beliefs. Back in 2018, when a certain stratum of the political world was endeavoring to make him a resistance icon thanks to his stands against immigrant-bashing, Andres told a reporter that he might want to run for Senate someday but hastened to note that he would run as an independent. Various comments about bring[ing] everyone to the table and this goes beyond right or left ensued. Like a good restaurateur, the man knows his audience. Andres didnt respond to an email, and World Central Kitchen declined to make any executives available for comment. Instead, a spokesperson pointed me to a statement from the organizations CEO, Erin Gore: 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, she said. This is unforgivable. Its a tougher sort of rhetoric and understandably so. But lets see what happens to Andres beloved-in-D.C. status as the recriminations persist. World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres said in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday that the seven World Central Kitchen workers who were killed by an Israeli strike while delivering aid Gaza earlier this week were targeted systematically, car by car. This was not just a bad luck situation where oops we dropped the bomb in the wrong place, Andres said. Even if we were not in coordination with the [Israel Defense Forces], no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhayu has acknowledged the workers were killed by an Israeli airstrike, which he called unintentional. John Kirby of the U.S. National Security Council said on Tuesday that the U.S. had not seen any evidence the attack was intentional. Kirby said the U.S. was outraged by the attack, but scoffed when a reporter questioned the U.S. continuing to offer unconditional military aid to Israel. The U.S. must do more to tell Prime Minister Netanyahu this war needs to end now, Andres told Reuters a day later. Andres published an op-ed in The New York Times earlier on Wednesday, remembering the victims as more than generic aid workers or collateral damage in war. In the worst conditions you can imagine after hurricanes, earthquakes, bombs and gunfire the best of humanity shows up. Not once or twice but always, Andres wrote in the piece published Wednesday morning. The seven people killed on a World Central Kitchen mission in Gaza on Monday were the best of humanity. They are not faceless or nameless. Among the seven killed were three WCK relief team members including Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, a 25-year-old from Palestine; Damian Sobol, a 35-year-old from Poland; and Jacob Flickinger, a 33-year-old from the U.S. and Canada. Three members of the WCK security team, all from the U.K., were killed, too. Among them were John Chapman, 57; James Henderson, 33; and James Kirby, 47. Zomi Frankcom, the 43-year-old WCK relief lead from Australian, was also killed. These are the heroes of WCK. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. Erin Gore, CEO. Read more: https://t.co/4f38RQ1l4I pic.twitter.com/neAsSzKVP5 World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) April 2, 2024 The workers were traveling through a de-conflicted zone in two armored cars, both clearly branded with the World Central Kitchen logo, when the attack occurred as the team was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse. They had just unloaded 100 tons of food aid, according to a statement issued from World Central Kitchen on Tuesday morning. For Andres who worked alongside these team members in Ukraine, Turkey, Morocco, the Bahamas, Indonesia, Mexico, Gaza and Israel they were more than heroes. He wrote: Their work was based on the simple belief that food is a universal human right. It is not conditional on being good or bad, rich or poor, left or right. We do not ask what religion you belong to. We just ask how many meals you need. The chef added that their aid has provided nearly 2 million hot meals to people across Israel alone while they communicated extensively with Israeli officials and military forces. At the same time, he continued, we have worked closely with community leaders in Gaza, as well as Arab nations in the region. There is no way to bring a ship full of food to Gaza without doing so. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said of the Israeli killings of our team, It happens in war. It was a direct attack on clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known by the Israel Defense Forces, Andres explained, adding that the mission itself was so crucial because of the very policies preventing aid from easily entering Gaza. The team was in the process of delivering food that arrived in a nearly 400 ton shipment that arrived by sea, the second of its kind. The team members put their lives at risk precisely because this food aid is so rare and desperately needed, he added. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification global initiative, half the population of Gaza 1.1. million people faces the imminent risk of famine. The team would not have made the journey if there were enough food, traveling by truck across land, to feed the people of Gaza. Netanyahu said the strike will be investigated, stating: We will do everything possible to prevent this from happening again. In response, Andre wrote: We welcome the governments promise of an investigation into how and why members of our World Central Kitchen family were killed. That investigation needs to start at the top, not just the bottom. Israel is better than the way this war is being waged. It is better than blocking food and medicine to civilians. It is better than killing aid workers who had coordinated their movements with the Israel Defense Forces, he wrote. The Israeli government needs to open more land routes for food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today. It needs to start the long journey to peace today. Andres continued: In the worst conditions, after the worst terrorist attack in its history, its time for the best of Israel to show up. You cannot save the hostages by bombing every building in Gaza. You cannot win this war by starving an entire population. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Chef and humanitarian Jose Andres has accused Israel of deliberately launching the airstrikes that killed seven aid workers with his World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza, calling the incident a direct attack on humanitarian workers trying to provide food and supplies to desperate Palestinians. In a New York Times opinion article published early Wednesday, the world-renowned chef paid tribute to the workers who were killed in Mondays attack, saying they were the best of humanity. One of the victims was Palestinian. The others came from Australia, Poland, Britain, Canada and the United States. Their work was based on the simple belief that food is a universal human right, he wrote. It is not conditional on being good or bad, rich or poor, left or right. We do not ask what religion you belong to. We just ask how many meals you need. The seven angels killed on a @WCKitchen mission in Gaza on Monday were the best of humanity. The Israeli government needs to open more land routes for food and medicine today. It needs to stop killing civilians and aid workers today. It needs to start the long journey to peace Chef Jose Andres (@chefjoseandres) April 3, 2024 World Central Kitchen, Andres aid group that helps provide food in conflict and disaster zones, began delivering food aid in northern Gaza last month via a maritime corridor from Cyprus. Since then, the chef said, the charity has served more than 43 million meals in Gaza, preparing hot meals in 68 community kitchens where Palestinians are feeding Palestinians. Israel faced widespread anger after troops launched multiple airstrikes on a convoy of three vehicles that had just dropped off 100 tons of food in Deir al-Balah in an effort to fight Gazas starvation crisis. The vehicles had a clearly visible WCK logo on their roofs so that the military would be aware the cars were full of aid workers. WCK said it was also in constant communication with Israeli military and civilian officials so that they were aware of the vehicles movements. It was a direct attack on clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known by the Israel Defense Forces, Andres wrote. It was also the direct result of a policy that squeezed humanitarian aid to desperate levels. Medics prepare the bodies of the seven World Central Kitchen workers Wednesday in Rafah, Gaza, for return to their home countries. The seven were killed in Israeli airstrikes Monday. Ahmad Hasaballah via Getty Images In an interview with Reuters that was released Wednesday, Andres said that initially his group lost contact with its team in Gaza and that he realized what had happened only when he saw images of the aid employees corpses. After Israeli forces struck the first car, the aid team tried to escape to a second car in the convoy. When that car was struck, the workers then fled to a third car, where they were killed in yet another strike. They were targeting us in a deconflicting zone, in an area controlled by IDF. They know that it was our teams moving on that road, Andres told Reuters, adding that Israel targeted the aid workers systematically, car by car. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that his government will investigate its military, though such probes are usually not completed in a timely fashion and rarely produce conclusions that bring accountability. Netanyahu, with the assistance of the U.S., has so far maintained that the killing was unintentional and that such an attack happens in war. While Andres said he welcomes the guarantee of an investigation, he would not accept Israels assertion that the attack was not deliberate. This was not just a bad luck situation where oops we dropped the bomb in the wrong place, Andres told Reuters. This was over a 1.5, 1.8 kilometers, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, in the roof, a very colorful logo that we are obviously very proud of. The body of a World Central Kitchen worker lies on the ground Monday at the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. An Israeli attack on an aid convoy delivering food killed seven of the charity's workers. Abdel Kareem Hana via Associated Press The chef said that Israel must also face investigations by the U.S. and by the home country of every aid worker who was killed in the attack. President Joe Biden spoke with him on Tuesday. Biden said that he was outraged by the attack and publicly urged Israel to take responsibility for the bombing and open up humanitarian aid corridors. But according to Politico, the White House has no plans to actually change its policy on unconditionally arming Israel in its six-month military offensive. Andres also demanded that Israel allow more than the current trickle of aid to enter Gaza, particularly as Palestinians face a worsening hunger and medical crisis. According to a private cable exclusively obtained Tuesday by HuffPost, officials with the U.S. Agency for International Development warned that Gaza was already experiencing famine at a level that is unprecedented in modern history. With WCK and some other aid groups suspending operations out of safety and Israel blocking entry into Gaza for the U.N. agency tasked with helping Palestinians, there is very little hope that remaining families in the enclave will have the resources to survive. I have been a stranger at Seder dinners. I have heard the ancient Passover stories about being a stranger in the land of Egypt, the commandment to remember with a feast before you that the children of Israel were once slaves, Andres wrote. It is not a sign of weakness to feed strangers; it is a sign of strength. The people of Israel need to remember, at this darkest hour, what strength truly looks like. Related... Priest Gborbu Wulomo from the Republic of Ghana, located in western Africa, married a 12-year-old girl, Naa Okromo, with whom he has an age difference of 51 years. The child's fate was chosen when she was 6. According to locals, this ritual is an ancient tradition. ADVERTISIMENT According to it, a priest has to marry a virgin, which, as it turns out, is not so common in Ghana. According to the local The Daily Star, there are currently no such girls over the age of nine in Nungua. The priest chose his bride when she was still very young. The marriage was only the first stage of the ceremony. The girl has to take part in a second traditional ceremony that is supposed to purify her. "This rite will enable her to fulfill all the duties expected of her as the wife of Gborbu Wulomo, including the crucial role of childbirth," local media outlet Ablade TV Online reported. However, after the public was outraged by such "machinations," the Gborbu Wulomo temple found an excuse in its defense: "She is still in school, she does not live with Gborbu Wulomo. We started a traditional marriage with Naa Okromo (12 years old) to ward off other men. When she is older, we will have the last rites." ADVERTISIMENT It turned out that this tradition existed more than 300 years ago, but for some reason they decided to bring it back again. Kofi Frankwa II, a representative of the Nii Bortei temple, said: "Naa Yomo Ayemuade is a reincarnated woman who lived more than 300 years ago and returned to make sure that the sacred rituals of one of the deities that have not been performed for years can be fulfilled." Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that dictators are still "afraid" of jeans like fire. For them, this piece of clothing is a symbol of freedom. That's why North Korea even banned citizens from wearing jeans. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT DELPHI, Ind. Special Judge Frances Gull denied Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen's request to dismiss the charges because of destroyed recordings of possible suspects that might exonerate Allen. Allen's attorneys argued the destroyed video recordings might contain evidence indicating someone other than Allen is the killer. Steve Mullins, Delphi police chief at the time of the killings, testified during a March 18 hearing that the recorder mistakenly was left on, and recordings from Feb. 14 through Feb. 20, 2017, were lost after the drive's large memory was filled. Officers transport murder suspect Richard Allen during a hearing regarding sealed documents, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, at Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi, Ind. In her order published Tuesday, Gull wrote, "(T)he defendant has failed to show that the evidence was exculpatory and that it was destroyed negligently, intentionally, or in bad faith. The recordings of interviews between February 14-20, 2017 were lost due to human error or were spontaneously lost due to the equipment resetting." Allen is charged with murder in the Feb. 13, 2017, killings of teenagers Libby German and Abby Williams, who were abducted off of the trails around the Monon High Bridge east of Delphi. Search parties found their bodies the morning of Feb. 14, 2017, on the north banks of Deer Creek about a quarter of a mile from the bridge. More: What the new Delphi murder documents say about the crime scene, other suspects Allen's attorneys have suggested in court filings that Libby and Abby's killings were part of an Odinist ritual sacrifice and two alleged Odinists were interviewed in the days after the girls' bodies were discovered. Judge Frances Gull speaks at the Oct. 19 hearing of accused Delphi killer Richard Allen. In her order published Tuesday, Gull wrote, "As neither ... (men) were suspects at the time the interviews were conducted, the defendant has failed to show that the lost interview of (one of the men) ... was material and that the lack of a recorded interview of ... (the other man) was material. As defendant must establish materiality to claim a denial of due process and Allen had failed to do so, his due process rights have not been violated." Gull also heard evidence on March 18 for and against holding Allen's attorneys Brad Rozzi and Andrew Baldwin in contempt, accusing them of violating a gag order by publishing a news release about the case the day before the order was signed Dec. 2, 2022. In the contempt hearing, Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland also accused Rozzi and Baldwin of being responsible for leaked photos from the crime scene. Gull has not yet ruled on the contempt allegations. Allen's trial is scheduled to begin May 13 and run through the end of the month. Jury selection will be in Fort Wayne. After the Allen County residents are empaneled as jurors, the trial will move to Delphi, where the evidence will be presented and jurors will decide Allen's fate. The court blocked off three weeks for the trial, including Memorial Day. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen's trial starts May 13 A New York judge on Wednesday denied a defense motion to throw out Jonathan Majors assault and harassment conviction for attacking his ex-girlfriend in the back of a car last year. The denial paves the way for the actor to be sentenced on April 8, where he faces up to a year in prison in connection with the March 25, 2023 incident with Grace Jabbari. Majors, 34, was convicted in December of misdemeanor third-degree reckless assault and a non-criminal harassment charge. Last month, his defense attorney asked Jude Michael Gaffey to set aside the verdict and find him not guilty of the charges. Prosecutors pushed back on the defense request in their own motion, CNN reported. Jonathan feels disappointed by the outcome of the motion, yet he upholds respect for the process. He continues to draw strength from his friends, fans, family, and dogs, harnessing his art and creativity, his defense lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, told The Daily Beast. As he eagerly anticipates closing this chapter, he looks forward to redirecting his time and energy fully toward his family and his art. Majors has maintained his innocence, and Jabbari has sued the actor for defamation based on his comments about the altercation. During the trial, prosecutors said Majors hurt Jabbari after she grabbed his phone to look at a concerning text message. 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. NEW YORK Donald Trump failed on Wednesday to delay the Stormy Daniels hush money trial until the Supreme Court decides whether his former presidency protects him from legal liability, with Judge Juan Merchan saying he brought it up far too late raising real questions about why. Defendants decision is unjustifiable and renders this motion untimely. Further, and as an aside, the fact that the Defendant waited until a mere 17 days prior to the scheduled trial date ... raises real questions about the sincerity and actual purpose of the motion, Merchan wrote, denying Trumps motion in its entirety. After all, Defendant had already briefed the same issue in federal court and he was in possession of, and aware that, (prosecutors) intended to offer the relevant evidence at trial that entire time. The circumstances, viewed as a whole, test this Courts credulity. The effort is one of at least eight by Trump to delay the trial slated to begin April 15. He has pleaded not guilty to 34 felonies alleging he concealed reimbursement to Michael Cohen during his first year in the White House for carrying out a hush money scheme that included payoffs to Daniels, Playboy model Karen McDougal, and a Trump Tower doorman to hide a series of sex scandals from voters. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted. Trumps lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and a spokeswoman for prosecutors declined to comment. _____ NEW YORK The judge overseeing Donald Trumps upcoming criminal trial in Manhattan has denied a last-ditch attempt by the former president to postpone the trial until after the Supreme Court decides Trumps bid for presidential immunity in one of his other criminal cases. The Wednesday ruling puts a stop to Trumps effort to further delay the Manhattan trial, which is scheduled to begin April 15 after recently being delayed by three weeks to allow lawyers to review a last-minute set of documents. Justice Juan Merchan wrote that Trump waited too long to use the immunity argument to seek a delay and to try to prevent prosecutors from using some of the evidence they intend to introduce at trial. Trump filed those requests on March 7, just 17 days before the trial was originally scheduled to start, and Merchan wrote that their timing raises real questions about the sincerity and actual purpose of the motion. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments April 25 on Trumps claim in the federal election case that he has immunity from criminal charges for nearly any action he took while president. In that case, he is charged with conspiring to deprive Americans of the right to vote by spreading lies about the 2020 election, but he is seeking to have the case tossed on immunity grounds. A decision by the high court is expected by the end of June, and waiting for such a decision would have delayed the Manhattan trial yet again. This Court finds that Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024, Merchan wrote. Though the Manhattan trial concerns an episode before Trump became president his alleged agreement to pay hush money in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign to cover up an affair with a porn star some of the evidence concerns actions that Trump took after he became president. For instance, Trumps lawyers raised concerns that prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office have said they intend to introduce evidence of a 2018 pressure campaign by Trump to intimidate his former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen. Cohen arranged the hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution. The scope of a former presidents potential immunity from criminal charges is largely untested, but most scholars and judges who have considered the question agree that any immunity could only cover charges that stem from a presidents official duties. On Monday, attorneys for Donald Trump filed a motion to delay the start of the former president's New York criminal trial pending the Supreme Court's ruling on his claim of presidential immunity, further claiming that he can't have a fair trial due to "pervasive pre-trial publicity," asking for the hush money case to be canceled altogether or be subject to "a significant adjournment." After taking a brief while to ponder that request, Judge Juan Merchan shot it down on Wednesday, breaking-down his decision in an order, writing, This Court finds that Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024. After all, Defendant had already briefed the same issue in federal court and he was in possession of, and aware that, the People intended to offer the relevant evidence at trial that entire time. The circumstances, viewed as a whole, test this Courts credulity. The Court declines to consider whether the doctrine of presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence of purported official presidential acts in criminal proceeding." Originally scheduled to begin on March 25 and then pushed to April 15 due to a dump of new documents being presented by federal prosecutors, the trial seeks to put an end to discourse over payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign, which Trump pushed off on Michael Cohen. In a post to social media made in 2018, Trump referred to the payment to Daniels as a "simple private transaction," claiming, "there was no violation based on what we did." Father James Neal, foreground, pastor of the Holy Cross Orthodox Catholic Church in Enid, Oklahoma, listens during a community forum Tuesday. Judson Blevins, who has acknowledged ties to white supremacist groups, lost a recall vote Tuesday. Sean Murphy/Associated Press Judson Blevins, a City Council member in Enid, Oklahoma, who was the subject of a HuffPost report about his ties to white supremacist groups, lost a recall election on Tuesday. Blevins earned 561 votes, but his opponent, Cheryl Patterson, won 829 votes. A small band of progressive activists launched the recall effort last year after Blevins repeatedly refused to deny or acknowledge significant evidence that he was a leader in the white supremacist group Identity Evropa. Hed also refused to answer questions about photos appearing to show him participating in the infamous 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. At an election debate last month with Patterson, Blevins finally acknowledged that he did, in fact, attend the Unite the Right rally, the largest gathering of white supremacists in a generation. At the rally, where marchers shouted racist and antisemitic slogans and engaged in violence, a neo-Nazi drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters, killing a 32-year-old woman and injuring dozens of others. Blevins told the assembled crowd that he participated in the rally because he felt it was important to protest the removal of statues of American soldiers, referring to a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which the city of Charlottesville had planned to topple. He did not, however, address why he joined the infamous tiki-torch march through the University of Virginia campus on the eve of the rally, when participants chanted, Jews will not replace us. Nor would Blevins say whether he attended the rally as a member of Identity Evropa, a deeply racist and antisemitic group that has since disbanded. Reporters for Unicorn Riot photographed this man at the 2017 Charlottesville rally. Anti-fascists and a reporter for Right Wing Watch identified the man as Judson Blevins. Courtesy Unicorn Riot In his closing statement at the election debate, Blevins said he was confident that he would survive the recall election. I firmly believe on April 2, voters are going to reaffirm that I am the best to represent them, he said. It is my hope, it is my prayer that when they do, that decision will finally be respected by all. After the election debate, Father James Neal, a local progressive activist, confronted Blevins, asking him whether he was now a member of Patriot Front, a secretive white supremacist group whose masked members are known for holding flash mob-style demonstrations in cities across America. Blevins refused over and over again to answer. Neals question stemmed from HuffPosts report, which found that Blevins campaign for City Council had received a nearly $2,000 donation from a Texas man with business ties to a member of Patriot Front. Blevins was elected to the council by a slim margin in early 2023, even though four years earlier, the media outlet Right Wing Watch building off evidence collected by anti-fascist researchers had published an article identifying him as the pseudonymous Conway in leaked Identity Evropa chat messages. The Conway account posted many racist and antisemitic messages and posted photos of Identity Evropa propaganda he claimed to have placed across Oklahoma, including on university campuses. Related... A massive earthquake hit the country of Taiwan overnight and now a Georgia native is describing the terrifying moments when everything began to shake around her. The 7.4 quake sent buildings toppling to the ground during the morning rush hour. It is the strongest earthquake to hit the country in 25 years. So far, at least nine people are dead and more than 1,000 people have been injured. The quake and aftershocks also caused 24 landslides and damage to roads, bridges and tunnels. Alexandra Chrysosferdis, a Swainsboro native, told WJBF that she has never lived through anything like it. I just started praying, Chrysosferdis told the Augusta TV station. I had never experienced something so violent, and I was holding on to the door frames and my refrigerator started moving and you know a refrigerator is quite massive. And then the shoe rack started moving and the shoes flipped over, and the picture frames fell. And shoes flew out and the drawers started opening and closing. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami of about a foot was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. RELATED STORIES: Smaller waves were measured in Ishigaki and Miyako islands. All alerts in the region had been lifted by Wednesday afternoon. Taiwan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the worlds earthquakes occur. The economic fallout from the quake has yet to be calculated, but Taiwan is the leading manufacturer of the worlds most sophisticated computer chips and other high-technology items that are highly sensitive to seismic events. Parts of the electricity grid were shut down, possibly leading to disruptions in the supply chain and financial losses. Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC, which supplies semiconductors to companies such as Apple, said it evacuated employees from some of its factories in Hsinchu, southwest of Taipei. Hsinchu authorities said water and electricity supplies for all the factories in the citys science park were functioning as normal. The Taiwan stock exchange opened as usual on Wednesday, with the index wavering between losses and gains. The Associated Press contributed to this article. IN OTHER NEWS: SUSSEX COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) A K-9 at Sussex I State Prison was killed while responding to a recent attack by MS-13 gang members at the prison. The Virginia Department of Corrections says K-9 Rivan died after being violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates at one of the facilitys housing units on Tuesday, April 2. They say three inmates involved in the assault are affiliated with the gang and were in the process of attacking another inmate. A fourth inmate appeared to be supervising the assault, VADOC said. The Belgian Malinois would have turned 6 years old on April 30. He joined VADOC in 2019. The loss of Rivan is truly tragic, but it is important to remember he did not die in vain. said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. He lost his life while potentially saving the lives of two people, his assigned Officer and an inmate. The VADOC will never forget Rivans sacrifice. Rivans handler, Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields, wasnt seriously hurt due to her training and Rivans courageous actions, VADOC says. The attacked inmate meanwhile was taken to the hospital for his injuries and later returned to the prison. The safety of our corrections team is our agencys top priority, Dotson said. Officer Phillip Fields has the agencys full support during this difficult time and I personally wish her well in her recovery. The heroics she displayed during this brutal assault demonstrate her courage, her commitment to public safety, and her care for the safety of the inmate population. I thank her for her service to the Commonwealth. VADOC says the inmates involved in the attack are from El Salvador and Guatemala, and were in the U.S. illegally at the time of their arrest. The charges they were convicted of include first-degree murder and attempted rape. The Virginia Department of Corrections intends to pursue prosecution of these inmates to the fullest extent of the law, the department said in a press release. The case remains under investigation, and the department plans to hold a memorial service for Rivan coming up. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Graphic Content Warning: This story contains information that may disturb some viewers. LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) A man from Kansas who used social media platforms to solicit minors including a teenager from Lynchburg has pleaded guilty to federal child exploitation charges. The Department of Justice (DOJ) says, 22-year-old Andrew Kent, from Manhattan, Kansas pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children. According to court documents, Kent, who also goes by Leo or JeffThePumpkin met a 14-year-old girl from Lynchburg on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. Kent posed as a 20-year-old woman named, Tris. The DOJ says he used this persona to introduce his victims to a young man named Leo. However, Kent controlled both profiles and acted as Tris and Leo. Kent told the teen he was from Roanoke and even showed her generic photos of the area to convince her they were geographically close. As they continued to communicate, the victim told Kent that she was 14. Thats when he told her he was 21 and was interested in meeting her someday to take a kids virginity. According to the DOJ, the conversation progressed with Kent using violent language and threatening to hurt the teen. After weeks of talking, he asked her to send him nude pictures and videos, to which she obliged. On June 16, 2023, Kent was arrested and interviewed by the FBI. During this time, he admitted to using X, Snapchat, and Discord to contact young girls and get them to send him nude pictures. The DOJ says Kent estimated that he solicited and received images of child sexual abuse material from about 200 underaged girls. Kent faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. This case demonstrates the importance of knowing not only what your children are doing online, but also with whom they are communicating, United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. There are dangerous people on the Internet who specifically target children. We will use every tool we have to find those people and bring them to justice, but parents also perform a critical part in educating and monitoring their childrens online activity. Pursuing justice for victims of child exploitation is one of our highest priorities. Special Agent in Charges Stanley M. Meador of the FBIs Richmond Division said today. We will continue to work with our partners to investigate these horrific acts and bring those responsible to justice. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Last year, Kansas police raided the offices of a small local newspaper, seizing computers, the newspaper's file server, and even personal cellphones. Police also raided the home of the newspaper's owners, Eric and Joan Meyer. On Monday, one of the paper's owners filed a lawsuit against the police, arguing that the raids clearly violated the First and Fourth Amendmentsand even led directly to the stress-induced death of the paper's 98-year-old co-owner. "No probable cause, nor even arguable probable cause, existed to issue the search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom and the home of Joan and Eric Meyer," the lawsuit reads. "And no reasonable police officer could have believed there was probable cause to issue the search warrants." On August 11th, 2023, police in Marion, Kansasa small town of less than 2,000 peopleraided the offices of the Marion County Record. According to the complaint, police seized computers and other property from the offices, and forced staff to stand outside during the raid, even as the temperature neared 100 degrees. Officers attempted to question newspaper staff, but body camera footage shows them struggling to remember the Miranda warning. After searching the Record's offices, police went to the home of Eric and Joan Meyer, the paper's owners. Eric, who co-owned the paper with his mother, 98-year-old Joan, objected to the search. When Eric attempted to call his attorney on his cell phone, police demanded Eric hand over his phone. In body camera footage, Eric claims that the search is retaliation by the Sheriff, Gideon Cody. "You're going to get a suit back against false search. You understand that?" he said. "Do you understand that Officer Cody, who filled this out; we have a whole bunch of damaging information about him we have not published. He is aware of this and this is retaliation by Chief Codyit is impermissible to seize the electronic devices of a journalist doing work as a journalist. That's what this is about." Police stayed at the Meyer's home for several hours, during which Joan Meyer became increasingly upset. "I may be ninety-some years old, but I know what's going on. And what's going on is illegal as hell," she said. "You know, if I have a heart attack and die, it's going to be all your fault." Joan died the next day from a cardiac arrest due to "the stress of the illegal raid," according to the complaint. Why did the police conduct this raid? The answer is complex and goes back to a dispute between the paper and a local restaurant owner, Kari Newell. According to the complaint, the Recorder received an anonymous tip alleging that Newell had been involved in a drunk driving incident, and that law enforcement knew Newell was driving without a valid license, yet continued to let her do so. While the Record decided not to publish this information, Eric did inform law enforcement about the allegations. The situation came to a head when Newell accused the paper during a public meeting of illegally obtaining information about her. The Record ran an article about the incident after the meeting. Four days later, police raided the Record's offices, and the Meyers' home. According to the suit, Cody, as well as the town's mayor David Mayfield, had been looking for a reason to crack down on the paper. "Mayor Mayfield had vowed to "silence the MCR" and Chief Cody had offered to fund a competing newspaper in an effort to put the Record out of business," the suit states. While the suit alleges obvious misconduct on the part of Marion police, it's unclear whether Meyer has any chance of seeing compensation for the illegal raidsas police are generally protected from civil suits like these due to wide-ranging qualified immunity. "Chief Cody's actions in seeking the search warrants for the Record's newsroom and the Meyer home, in making false statements in the applications for the search warrants, as well as his actions in executing the illegal search warrants, were motivated by his desire to seek retribution against the Record and its owners," the complaint adds. "Defendants acted maliciously and wantonly in violating the First Amendment rights of the Marion County Record and Joan and Eric Meyer." The post Kansas Police Facing Lawsuit After Conducting 'Illegal' Raid Against Small-Town Paper appeared first on Reason.com. Laman Ismayilova The Azerbaijan National Art Museum has opened an exhibition themed "Belarus through the eyes of artists". The event was co-organised by the Culture Ministries of Azerbaijan and Belarus, the National Art Museums of Azerbaijan and Belarus, and the Belarusian Artists Union Public Union within the Belarusian Cultural Days, Azernews reports. A total of 35 art pieces by Belarusian artists Anton Vyrvo, Anna Kononova, Gleb Otchik, Anna Sadovskaya, and Vladimir Urodnich were showcased as part of the exhibition. Many public and cultural figures attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition. In their remarks, Belarusian Culture Minister Anatoly Markevich, director of the National Art Museum Farhad Khalilov, Shirin Malikova, chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, People's Artist Farhad Khalilov, and director of the Belarus National Art Museum Anna Kononova hailed the high level of relations between the two countries. They underlined that the exhibition of Belarusian artists in Baku will open new horizons for future successful cooperation. After the official part, the event participants were briefed about the main theme of the exhibition. In 2024, Belarus celebrates the 80th anniversary of liberation from the Nazi invaders. By creating picturesque landscapes as a tribute to the memory of the defenders during those historical events, Belarusian artists Anton Vyrvo, Anna Kononova, Gleb Otchik, Anna Sadovskaya, and Vladimir Urodnich offer to comprehend the beauty and value of a peaceful creative life. The art pieces convey a special, unique aura of Belarusian nature, urban and rural landscapes. Each of the artists offers their own interpretations of the picturesque landscape through the prism of patriotic themes. The beauty of nature on the canvases is depicted with sincere love for the native land. Founded in 1937, the National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decorative-applied arts of Western Europe. Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of brush. The museum has successfully organised and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists. These exhibitions have not only attracted art enthusiasts but have also contributed to the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and other countries. Ukrainian writer, literary critic, politician, and public figure Oles Honchar received a number of awards and prizes from the Soviets during his lifetime, including the title of Hero of Socialist Labour and the Stalin Prize. He was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine and a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of the U.S.S.R. of the 6th-11th convocations. Despite his high social status, he was not "convenient" or "compliant" for the Soviet government. For example, he did not agree to write magnificent works about its representatives (including the Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers Nikita Khrushchev and the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee Leonid Brezhnev) and about the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, for which he received letters of threats. He did not want to join the ranks of sycophants. "You won't let me write the truth anyway, and I don't want to write a lie!" the writer boldly declared. ADVERTISIMENT On the occasion of the 106th anniversary of Oles Honchar's birth, we decided to tell you about the significant events in his life in an article by OBOZ.UA. You may not have known these facts from the life of the author of Liudyna i Zbroia (Man and Arms) and Sobor (The Cathedral) novels. The latter was even banned for 20 years. 1. He survived the Holodomor Oles learned the value of life at the age of 14. He survived the Holodomor of 1932-1933, the genocide of the Ukrainian nation committed by the leadership of the Soviet Union, led by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. At the time, the boy had to remain silent, like most other victims. In 1936, however, he decided to pour out his rage in the novel Stokozove Pole (The Field of Stokozov) to tell the truth. However, problems with its publication arised. The censors gave permission to print it but first changed the text beyond recognition... ADVERTISIMENT Honchar decided not to write any more texts about the Holodomor tragedy. And this decision can be understood. "There are things about which I would not be able to write fiction. Take for example the famine of 1933. This is no longer grief but a real despair, it is anti-life. Something like death. Where there is not a shred of hope, not a single ray of light," he later wrote in his diary. 2. He secretly kept a diary and almost died several times ADVERTISIMENT In 1941, Oles Honchar learned about the outbreak of World War II from a library newspaper. Without hesitation, he quit his studies at Kharkiv University and went to the front as part of a student volunteer battalion. At that time, the Chairman of the U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers, Joseph Stalin, issued a personal order prohibiting soldiers on the battlefield from keeping diaries. Violators were to be court-martialed. Do you think that Oles obeyed this rule? No, he did not. His front-line memoirs became the plot of the Praporonostsi (Flagbearers) trilogy. From 1942 to 1943, the writer was held in German captivity, where he thought that his life would end there. Later he returned to the battlefield and fought until victory! ADVERTISIMENT According to Oles, sometimes he survived thanks to his special senses, which helped him avoid danger in time. For example, one day a shell exploded in the place where the writer had been a couple of seconds before; on another day, a horse stepped on a mine and lost a leg, and Oles was only stunned by the explosion. Another impressive story is that a shell once hit the writer's room, and he was protected by a lucky wardrobe that fell over. Of course, there were some serious injuries... One of the fragments remained in Oles' leg forever. 3. He defended Ukrainian writers In 1966, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine formed a commission to condemn the book "Internationalism or Russification?" by Ivan Dziuba. Honchar refused to take part in it, and he informed the committee in writing. After a wave of arrests of Ukrainian intellectuals, he wrote in his diary, "Stalinism surpassed everything with its horrors and state sadism. The genocide destroyed the most active and capable forces of the people. For what sins did we suffer such a fate?" ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, Oles stood up for dissidents who opposed the totalitarian system. We are talking about writers Ivan Dziuba, Lina Kostenko, Ivan Chendei, Hryhor Tiutiunnyk, Vasyl Symonenko, Yurii Yanovskyi, and other writers. Because of this, some Communist Party members demanded the arrest of the philanthropist. Fortunately, this did not happen. Why? According to the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, Petro Shelest, the world and Soviet public would have negatively perceived any attempts to put pressure on the "frontline hero, soldier, and writer." By the way, Honchar's books were translated into many languages and were part of the U.S.S.R. school curriculum at the time. ADVERTISIMENT 4. He received an anonymous threat For some time, Oles Honchar defended the interests of other Sixties artists, and soon, after writing the novel The Cathedral, he had to defend himself. In 1968, he published a work about the destruction of cultural monuments, environmental pollution, and many other pressing issues... Shortly after that, the writer celebrated his 50th birthday, which was turned into a nightmare by ill-wishers. As a "gift", Oles received an anonymous letter with the text, "you have nothing left now but to fire a bullet at your forehead". On the same day, at a meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, those present criticized the "Council". Why? Because the plot did not appeal to the leadership of the USSR. ADVERTISIMENT Thus, the novel was officially removed from libraries for being "anti-Soviet" and was banned for 20 years.. . The work was published again in the spring of 1987 in a Russian translation in the Moscow magazine Roman-Gazeta. In the same year, The Cathedral was published in the original as part of a seven-volume edition of Oles Honchar's works. 5. He was a strong supporter of the student resistance action "Revolution on Granite" On October 2, 1990, Ukrainian students, including Oles Honchar's granddaughter Lesia, gathered in Kyiv, on October Revolution Square (now Independence Square), and went on a hunger strike. The activists put forward political demands, including the early termination of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the appointment of new elections on a multi-party basis in the fall of 1991; the resignation of the head of the Council of Ministers of Ukraine, Vitalii Masol, and the prevention of the signing of a new Union Treaty. ADVERTISIMENT At the time, MPs cynically mocked the students. Oles Honchar was outraged by this reaction and expressed solidarity with the protesters, "I visited the camp where the students are on hunger strike. I recognized our youth in these tired and exhausted but resilient and capable of self-sacrifice young men... I consider their demands to be quite fair." Honchar wrote a letter of resignation from the Communist Party. In his diary, he left words that are still relevant today, "Russia will be eaten alive by the hatred it bears within and towards Ukraine... Our statesmen neither forge nor grind. Cretins in government chairs! Why did we elect you? To grind water in a mortar?" ADVERTISIMENT On December 1, 1991, at a session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oles Honchar had the honor of proclaiming the results of the will of Ukrainians to live in an independent Ukraine. On July 14, 1995, the Ukrainian altruist passed away. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber.Do not fall for fakes! Karen Read trial and the demonstrators: What the court filing says Karen Reads supporters are fighting a move to limit how and where they can demonstrate during her upcoming murder trial. Read has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Braintree native and Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, 46, her boyfriend at the time. A lawyer working on their behalf made good on a promise on Tuesday to file a motion on their behalf to prevent the state from being allowed to impose a 500-foot no-protest area around the courthouse grounds. The state is also seeking to ban signs and clothing related to the trial outside and inside the courthouse when Reads trial begins April 16. A hearing to discuss the state's motion scheduled before the counter-filing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 4. Who is the lawyer representing the demonstrators? First Amendment rights attorney Marc Randazza runs the national Randazza Legal Group. His nearest local office to the Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham is in Gloucester. First Amendment Attorney Marc Randazza. In his 21-page motion to intervene filing submitted April 2, Randazza said demonstrators have a First Amendment right to gather peacefully outside. He said the people he is representing have no intent to interfere with anyone, to obstruct anyone, nor to impede anyone. But they do intend to engage in core First Amendment activity speech on a matter of public concern in a traditional public forum, he said in the filing. He chided the states claim of trying to ensure both Read and prosecutors right to a fair trial by limiting what activities can occur outside the courthouse and what prospective jurors might see. The Commonwealth seeks to bind and gag Lady Liberty and must not be permitted to do so without opposition, he wrote. Defendant Read should not be asked to defend herself and the rights of 7 million Massachusetts citizens at the same time. Who is attorney Marc Randazza representing? The motion was filed on behalf of four people who intend to demonstrate outside the courthouse during the trial. Randazza said the four have standing in the case as they would be directly affected by the ruling. Protesters outside Norfolk Superior Court ,Dedham to support Karen Read who is charged with murder. on Thursday Feb. 15, 2024 One of plaintiffs, Paul Cristoforo, reached out to Randazza on X, formerly Twitter, after Randazza agreed with a post that said easy access should be maintained for people entering the courthouse and that potential jurors should be given a separate protected entry way. Thats how I see it and thats what I would argue if anybody asked me to, he said. A Karen Read refresher Read, 43, is accused of backing into O'Keete with her SUV outside a Canton home belonging to another Boston police officer and leaving him in the snow to die two years ago. The couple had been drinking and had been seen arguing before Read dropped O'Keefe off at the home during a blizzard in the early hours of Jan. 29, 2022. Prosecutors allege Read, of Mansfield, struck O'Keefe while backing out of the driveway before returning home. She has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder. O'Keefe was found dead in the home's driveway several hours later. Turtleboy triggers lawyers' interest in Read case Randazza said on X that he became interested in the case after Aidan Kearney, a Holden-based blogger known as Turtleboy online, was charged with over a dozen counts of witness intimidation in connection with his advocacy of Reads innocence. Kearney helped launch the "free Karen Read" movement, which suggests a large-scale cover-up of O'Keefe's death that has been pinned on Read. Kearney spent 60 days in jail following a domestic claim made against him, which a judge said violated his conditions of release on the witness intimidation charges. He has since been released. The Norfolk County District Attorneys office, which is prosecuting the case, said it has evidence Kearney and Read were in far more frequent contact than either has admitted. Aidan Kearney, of Holden, is a blogger known as "Turtleboy." Randazza included his concerns over Keaneys treatment in the filing. The Commonwealth is prosecuting journalists and demonstrators alike in its quest to act without criticism, he said in the motion. Randazza further defended his clients. They do not intend to, nor should they be permitted to, engage in legally obscene demonstration, nor true threats, nor incitement to violence, nor true fighting words, to the extent that such doctrine still exists, he said. Finding a compromise Randazza said the buffer zone, if allowed, would create a free speech desert 500 feet in all directions from the courthouse. He said his clients would be satisfied with rules tailored to the case, such as only requiring a buffer during the jury selection process, although he added such a move would still likely chafe the Constitution. He also suggested the jury be brought in through the back entrance to the courthouse during the trial and demonstrators could be banned from that entrance by 25 feet. Karen Read appears in Dedham Superior Court with her lawyer David Yannetti on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. She is accused of murder in the death of Braintree native John O'Keefe in Canton. "Any other concerns about tainting the jury or witnesses should be limited to actual contact with jurors or witnesses," he said in the filing. Potential jurors likely aware of charges against Read It is rare that judges and prospective jurors are ignorant of high-profile matters and, frankly, one would hardly think a jury of ones peers 17 includes those who are out of touch with society, Randazzo said in the filing. It will be a challenge to find jurors who are ignorant enough about this trial to serve on its jury Randazza made a point in the filing to note the value of demonstrations. Demonstrations show that our system is open and fair, he said in the filing. Lockdowns and bans show that we have something to fear. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Karen Read supporters hire lawyer: What he says about First Amendment Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg, seen during her swearing in on April 21, 2020, at Wausau City Hall, is calling for a basic income program for a small number of low-income working families. It might only tackle a few individuals, maybe its only 18 or maybe its only 15, but it will still take steps toward tackling that problem of poverty and homelessness in our city, she says. MADISON Katie Rosenberg lost the Wausau mayoral race, in a defeat that could indicate trouble for President Joe Biden's reelection chances in Wisconsin. Rosenberg had just under 48% of the vote in Wausau as of 9:48 p.m., while challenger Doug Diny had just over 52%. Slightly over 10,000 people voted in the mayoral election at that time. The loss could represent trouble to come for Democratic candidates later this year, and in particular, Biden. Rosenberg said the results were disappointing, but that she knows Wausau will still have good stewards. Election Day live updates l Statewide election results "There's a lot of work ahead, and I know with all the department heads, and with the City Council, everyone's going to be great. Everyone is going to get the work done for the people of Wausau," she said. "You know, sometimes it doesn't go the way you want, and that's just the way it is." Rosenberg became somewhat of an internet sensation after her win in 2020, tweeting out "HOLY BALLS." She learned of her win after a week of delays due to COVID-19 disruptions and political and legal maneuvering at the state level. Over her four years in office, she has become a darling of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, often speaking at events held by Gov. Tony Evers and making appearances in Madison. During her time in office, she put a focus on Wausau's water quality, after discovering PFAS contamination in all of the city's wells. But not all were satisfied with her performance, and there was pushback from members of the community over spending, as well as the attention the Democratic Party paid to her. She said the spending of Republicans was noticeable in the last several weeks, with flyers arriving at voters' homes several times a day, in addition to T.V. ads. "There was a lot going on in the race that was probably more than what most people thought," she said. Democrats also invested heavily in the race as well. Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming acknowledged the party's support for Diny in a statement Tuesday night. More: Immigration and 2020 false claims: Takeaways from Donald Trump's Wisconsin rally "His stunning victory over incumbent Mayor Katie Rosenberg marks an unmistakable repudiation of failed Democrat policies and is a win for Central Wisconsin values," he said. Rosenberg has been eyed by Democrats for higher offices. But when asked if she now has her eye on another election position, Rosenberg laughed. "I think I'm done with elections right now. This one was really painful," she said. "I'm not saying no forever, but no for now, for sure." Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X at @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rising Democrat Katie Rosenberg loses Wausau mayoral race Divers surveying tangled and mangled steel have found the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sinking into the bottom of the Patapsco River. Above the surface, cold rain and lightning have slowed an increasingly complicated removal process a week after a massive container ship that had just departed the Port of Baltimore lost power early in the morning of March 26 and hit a support column at 9 mph, toppling the bridge. Surveys are indicating the wreckage on the bottom of the 50-foot channel is far more extensive than we could have imagined, Army Corps of Engineers Col. Estee Pinchasin said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Its not just sitting on the seabed, its actually below the mud line. That makes it very difficult to know where to cut and how to cut, and how to rig and lift. Rescue divers did not search for the four missing bodies Tuesday due to dangerous conditions caused by debris, the current and low visibility, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, said. Meanwhile divers have continued to survey underwater to create models of the scene for engineers to study to plan removal of the bridge. Pinchasin said multiple dive teams are operating 3D, multibeam, side-scan survey systems. Were getting a much better understanding of what were dealing with, Pinchasin said. This is something that the salvage community knows how to do. While the cranes might not be moving, I cant tell you how much is going on behind the scenes with our engineers. After a 200-ton section of the bridge was removed Sunday using cranes, the Key Bridge Response Unified Command which includes the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland State Police, and officials representing the cargo ships owner and manager had planned a similar operation for Monday that was postponed because of lightning. Yesterday we had a planned lift of one of those sections, the weather has delayed that lift. We havent yet completed it, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said Tuesday. We just cant do that lift in lightning. It is unsafe to operate those cranes when you have lightning in the area. The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of severe thunderstorms around the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor on Tuesday night and Wednesday. While some progress has been slowed, strides have been made to establish temporary channels for smaller vessels to pass by the crash site. Related Articles On Monday two vessels, fuel and scrap barges, passed through a temporary channel on the northeast side of the bridge with a depth of 11 feet, and Tuesday afternoon around 1:15 p.m., crews opened a second channel with a depth of 14 feet on the southwest side near Hawkins Point, Moore said. For reference, the center of the Key Bridge is 50 feet deep and large cargo ships carrying vehicles typically require depths of at least 35 feet, Moore explained. Gilreath said the Unified Command eventually hopes to open a third, hopefully deeper, temporary channel. The third channel will depend on when we can complete the removal of the bridge obstructions in that section, Gilreath said. After that is completed we will complete a survey and we will mark that channel as well. In Annapolis on Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade, or PORT, Act sponsored in that body by President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore City Democrat, and Johnny Ray Salling, a Republican representing Dundalk in Baltimore County. The legislation would create temporary relief funds for workers and small businesses that will be displaced by the closure of the port. Moore said 57 businesses have applied for relief, along with dozens more that are in the process, and he has proposed a permanent scholarship program for families of transportation workers who die on the job as part of the PORT Act. Following spring break and a holiday weekend, roadways around Baltimore were especially congested and dangerous Tuesday, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said. About 15,000 more vehicles have been passing through the Fort McHenry Tunnel each day while around 7,000 additional vehicles each day are passing through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Wiedefeld said. Baltimore Sun reporters Dan Belson, Lia Russell and Hannah Gaskill contributed to this article. Divers surveying tangled and mangled steel have found the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sinking into the bottom of Patapsco River. Above the surface, cold rain and lightning have slowed an increasingly complicated removal process a week after a massive container ship that had just departed the Port of Baltimore lost power early in the morning of March 26 and hit a support column at 9 mph, toppling the bridge. Surveys are indicating the wreckage on the bottom of the 50-foot channel is far more extensive than we could have imagined, Army Corps of Engineers Col. Estee Pinchasin said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Its not just sitting on the seabed, its actually below the mud line. That makes it very difficult to know where to cut and how to cut, and how to rig and lift. Rescue divers did not search for the four missing bodies Tuesday due to dangerous conditions caused by debris, the current and low visibility, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, said. Meanwhile divers have continued to survey underwater to create models of the scene for engineers to study to plan removal of the bridge. Pinchasin said multiple dive teams are operating 3D, multibeam, side-scan survey systems. Were getting a much better understanding of what were dealing with, Pinchasin said. This is something that the salvage community knows how to do. While the cranes might not be moving, I cant tell you how much is going on behind the scenes with our engineers. After a 200-ton section of the bridge was removed Sunday using cranes, the Key Bridge Response Unified Command which includes the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland State Police, and officials representing the cargo ships owner and manager had planned a similar operation for Monday that was postponed because of lightning. Yesterday we had a planned lift of one of those sections, the weather has delayed that lift. We havent yet completed it, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said Tuesday. We just cant do that lift in lightning. It is unsafe to operate those cranes when you have lightning in the area. The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of severe thunderstorms around the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor on Tuesday night and Wednesday. While some progress has been slowed, strides have been made to establish temporary channels for smaller vessels to pass by the crash site. On Monday two vessels, fuel and scrap barges, passed through a temporary channel on the northeast side of the bridge with a depth of 11 feet, and Tuesday afternoon around 1:15 p.m., crews opened a second channel with a depth of 14 feet, Moore said. For reference, the center of the Key Bridge is 50 feet deep and large cargo ships carrying vehicles typically require depths of at least 35 feet, Moore explained. Gilreath said the Unified Command eventually hopes to open a third, hopefully deeper, temporary channel. The third channel will depend on when we can complete the removal of the bridge obstructions in that section, Gilreath said. After that is completed we will complete a survey and we will mark that channel as well. In Annapolis on Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade, or PORT, Act sponsored in that body by President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore City Democrat, and Johnny Ray Salling, a Republican representing Dundalk in Baltimore County. The legislation would create temporary relief funds for workers and small businesses that will be displaced by the closure of the port. Moore said 57 businesses have applied for relief, along with dozens more that are in the process, and he has proposed a permanent scholarship program for families of transportation workers who die on the job as part of the PORT Act. Following spring break and a holiday weekend, roadways around Baltimore were especially congested and dangerous Tuesday, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said. About 15,000 more vehicles have been passing through the Fort McHenry Tunnel each day while around 7,000 additional vehicles each day are passing through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Wiedefeld said. _____ (Baltimore Sun reporters Dan Belson, Lia Russell and Hannah Gaskill contributed to this article.) _____ In killings of two men set on fire in Fort Worth, driver pleads guilty to manslaughter The last of three defendants who were indicted on capital murder in the killings and burning of two men in 2020 in south Fort Worth on Wednesday pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jesus Hernandez, 25, was sentenced in Criminal District Court No. 3 to 10 years in prison under plea bargain terms negotiated by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys Office and the defendants defense attorneys. George Vasquez, 21, in November pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and was sentenced to 40 years in prison in the case. Ma Ney Gay, 22, last week pleaded guilty to kidnapping and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The bodies of Za Htoo and Snay Gay were found on Oct. 10, 2020. If convicted of capital murder, Hernandez, Vasquez and Ma Ney Gay would have been sentenced to life without parole, the automatic punishment in cases in which a district attorneys office waives the death penalty. Hernandez was indicted on capital murder of multiple persons under the law of parties that holds a person criminally responsible for the conduct of another person if the defendant solicits, encourages, direct or aids the other person to commit an offense. Today's top stories: Mother of 2 seeks help, says car totaled in crash linked to Rashee Rice What parents should know about fall pre-K enrollment options in Tarrant County Heres a new gallery for Black and brown artists in Fort Worth Get free alerts when news breaks. Hernandezs role was to drive the co-defendants to and from the killing scenes, his attorney, Warren St. John, said in an interview with a reporter. In an interview with police detectives, Hernandez described driving Vasquez and Ma Gay to the scenes. A co-defendant threatened to kill Hernandez if he did not drive, St. John said. He was compelled by fear to participate, said St. John, who, with Brett Boone, was appointed to represent Hernandez. Burmese immigrants who lived together in Fort Worth, Htoo and Snay Gay were separately killed and later set on fire near railroad tracks in a park off of Interstate 820 and, about three miles away, in an alley between houses off of Hemphill Street. Hernandez provided an account of the killings. It is included in arrest warrant affidavits written by a Fort Worth police detective. Snay Gay and Htoo were slain because their assailants believed that the victims were snitches, according to Hernandez. A couple passing by in Echo Lake Park found Snay Gays body near railroad tracks about 50 yards from a walking path. When police arrived, the 26-year-olds body still smoldered. He had been stabbed in his chest, abdomen and neck. Htoos body was in high grass in the 4700 block of South Adams Street. The 23-year-old victim had been shot and was face down in one of two areas of the alley that had been set on fire. Hernandez said that he drove his vehicle with Vasquez and a person police suggest was Htoo to a location he later pointed out as the South Adams Street alley. Vasquez and Htoo got out of the car, and Vasquez shot him, according to Hernandezs account. Vasquez later bragged to others that he caught a body. Ma Gay, whom Hernandez knows as Sawhtoo, was pleased, according to the affidavit. Hernandez said that Vasquez later admitted to stabbing Snay Gay, although Hernandez did not use the victims name. Hernandez said that hours later he drove Ma Gay and Vasquez to both locations so that they could burn the bodies and destroy evidence. Hernandez told detectives that he believed the killings had to do with the victims being snitches, according to the affidavit, which does not offer other information on such a motivation. Hernandez said that at the alley, he saw Ma Gay and Vasquez move Htoos body away from the street. The affidavit offers less information about the circumstances of Snay Gays death than it does on Htoos killing. It includes an account from Hernandez in which he describes driving Ma Gay and Vasquez to a residence where Vasquez walked an Asian man to the car. Hernandez said that he drove to Echo Lake Park, where Ma Gay and Vasquez walked the Asian man, who police suggest was Snay Gay, into brush. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Robert Huseman prosecuted the case. Kim Jong Un Leads Test of New Missile That Can Hit US Bases (Bloomberg) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test of a new ballistic missile designed to deploy a hypersonic glide vehicle that can deliver a nuclear payload, his state media reported, calling the test an epoch-making success. Most Read from Bloomberg Kims propaganda apparatus on Wednesday lauded the launch of the missile that took place a day earlier, which it said was intermediate-range meaning it could hit US military bases in the region. It also touted that its solid-fuel, meaning it can be quickly deployed and fired. It still remains to be seen if North Korea has actually developed a functional hypersonic glide vehicle. These weapons are designed to deploy a reentry vehicle for carrying a nuclear warhead that can change its flight path at high speeds, making them hard for interceptors to shoot down. Read more: Kim Jong Un Faces Annihilation in Nearly All Korea War Scenarios North Korean state media showed images of Kim near the missile dubbed the Hwasong-16B prior to launch and the rocket flying in the air. Kim has personally blazed the ceaseless untrodden path to developing and perfecting ultra-modern weapons with his unshakable will and inexhaustible energy, the official Korean Central News Agency reported. This sort of weapon needs to be highly responsive as its one of the first weapons youd employ in a conflict, which is why the DPRK is so excited about it being solid-fueled, said Decker Eveleth, a graduate research assistant at James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, who referred to North Korea by its formal name. The missile launched Tuesday flew about 600 kilometers (375 miles), according to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, and appeared to be related to a new engine for a hypersonic missile system North Korea tested about a month ago. Read More: North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Ahead of Souths Vote North Korea has a habit of provocations timed to coincide with elections in South Korea, and the launch came before a vote for a new parliament on April 10. Kims regime has bristled at the government of current conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has taken a hard line on Pyongyang, and the latest launch serves as a reminder of North Koreas threats to security. Read more: How North Korea Is Building a Nuclear Attack Arsenal: QuickTake North Korea last tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile in January. A missile of this sort is built to fly far enough to hit all of Japan, where the US has tens of thousands of troops. It can also reach US military facilities in Guam, where the Pentagon says it keeps one of Americas largest munitions depots in the world. (Updates with comment from researcher in paragraph five.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a law repealing Iowa's requirement that state and local boards and commissions have a balance of men and women serving on them. Reynolds, a Republican, signed Senate File 2096 Wednesday afternoon in a ceremony in the governor's office in the Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines. The requirement was put into law in the 1980s as a way to increase the number of women serving on state boards and commissions. The Iowa Legislature added the requirement for local bodies in 2009. At the time, Reynolds was a state senator and voted against the legislation. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds appluads during a bill signing for SF 2096 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Des Moines. "I believed then as I still do now that our focus should always be on appointing the most qualified people," she said at the bill signing. "And that includes engaged citizens with a genuine interest in serving their state or local government, as well as individuals with valuable experience that directly relate to that position." More: Iowa lawmakers vote to repeal gender balance requirement for boards and commissions While Republicans have cast the requirement as outdated and a hindrance to finding qualified applicants for boards and commissions, Democrats say removing the gender balance rule will take the state backwards and result in fewer women serving. "To attain equality, those who have the power must share it," Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, said during House debate in February. "However, those who have the power struggle to give it up. Without mandating gender balanced boards we do not make progress in creating them." Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signs SF 2096 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Des Moines. Sen. Chris Cournoyer, R-Le Claire, spoke at Wednesday's bill signing. She said there are more women serving in a range of careers than ever before. "Our foremothers who fought hard over many, many years to get us a seat at the table, whether it was the right to vote, Title IX or countless other ways, are smiling today," she said. "They got us to the table and it has been up to us to show that we belong there. And we have." According to the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, about 50% of Iowa county boards and commissions had achieved gender balance between 2013 and 2014. Between 2021 and 2022, it was about 61%. Women make up about 48% of the membership of Iowa's state boards and commissions, the center reported. Iowa's law already allowed the gender balance requirement to be waived if the state could not find a qualified person to serve within 90 days. Iowa State Sen. Chris Cournoyer, R-Le Claire, speaks during a bill signing for SF 2096 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Des Moines. In her remarks, Cournoyer encouraged more women to apply for positions in state government. "The women of Iowa, I am asking you to find a board and commission that youre interested in and get your application in," she said. The law will take effect July 1. In January, a federal judge struck down the gender balance requirement for Iowa's statewide judicial nominating commission, finding that the law may have been appropriate when it was created, but no longer passes constitutional muster. The ruling did not apply to other boards or commissions. Reynolds invited the plaintiff in that case, lobbyist and former Republican lawmaker Chuck Hurley, as well as lawyers from the Kirkwood Institute and Pacific Legal Foundation, to join her at the bill signing. More: Kim Reynolds wants to cut Iowa boards and commissions. Lawmakers disagree about how much Reynolds proposed ending the gender balance requirement in January as part of a bill that would eliminate more than 100 state boards and commissions. Lawmakers have yet to pass that measure as House and Senate Republicans work to find agreement between two different versions of the bill. Reynolds said she believes lawmakers are making progress on that bill and will pass it soon. "Were having really good conversations with it," she said. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Kim Reynolds signs law repealing gender balance rule for Iowa boards What to know about the latest bird flu outbreak in the US FILE - Cases of eggs from Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., await to be handed out by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce employees at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, Miss., on Aug. 7, 2020. The largest producer of fresh eggs in the United States said Tuesday, April 2, 2024 that it has stopped production at a Texas plant after bird flu was found in chickens there. Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. said in a statement that approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, about 3.6% of its total flock, were destroyed after the infection, avian influenza, was found at the facility in Parmer County, Texas. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, file) A poultry facility in Michigan and egg producer in Texas both reported outbreaks of avian flu this week. The latest developments on the virus also include infected dairy cows and the first known instance of a human catching bird flu from a mammal. Although health officials say the risk to the public remains low, there is rising concern, emerging in part from news that the largest producer of fresh eggs in the U.S. reported an outbreak. Here are some key things to know about the disease. WHAT ARE EXPERTS SAYING? Dr. Mandy Cohen, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the agency is taking bird flu seriously, but stressed that the virus has already been well studied. The fact that it is in cattle now definitely raises our concern level, Cohen said, noting that it means farmworkers who work with cattle and not just those working with birds may need to take precautions. The good news is that its not a new strain of the virus, Cohen added. This is known to us and weve been studying it, and frankly, weve been preparing for avian flu for 20 years. WHAT IS BIRD FLU? Some flu viruses mainly affect people, but others chiefly occur in animals. Avian viruses spread naturally in wild aquatic birds like ducks and geese, and then to chickens and other domesticated poultry. The bird flu virus drawing attention today Type A H5N1 was first identified in 1959. Like other viruses, it has evolved over time, spawning newer versions of itself. Since 2020, the virus has been spreading among more animal species including dogs, cats, skunks, bears and even seals and porpoises in scores of countries. In the U.S., this version of the bird flu has been detected in wild birds in every state, as well as commercial poultry operations and backyard flocks. Nationwide, tens of millions of chickens have died from the virus or been killed to stop outbreaks from spreading. Last week, U.S. officials said it had been found in livestock. As of Tuesday, it had been discovered in dairy herds in five states Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico and Texas according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. HOW OFTEN DO PEOPLE GET BIRD FLU? This bird flu was first identified as a threat to people during a 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong. In the past two decades, nearly 900 people have been diagnosed globally with bird flu and more than 460 people have died, according to the World Health Organization. There have been only two cases in the U.S., and neither were fatal. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program caught it while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered. This week, Texas health officials announced that a person who had been in contact with cows had been diagnosed with bird flu. Their only reported symptom was eye redness. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BIRD FLU? Symptoms are similar to that of other flus, including cough, body aches and fever. Some people dont have noticeable symptoms, but others develop severe, life-threatening pneumonia. CAN IT SPREAD BETWEEN PEOPLE? The vast majority of infected people have gotten it directly from birds, but scientists are on guard for any sign of spread among people. There have been a few instances when that apparently happened most recently in 2007 in Asia. In each cluster, it spread within families from a sick person in the home. U.S. health officials have stressed that the current public health risk is low and that there is no sign that bird flu is spreading person to person. WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT? While it's too early to quantify the potential economic impact of a bird flu outbreak, many of these latest developments are concerning, particularly the transmission of the virus from one species to another, said Darin Detwiler, a food safety and policy expert at Northeastern University. We don't have a magic forcefield, an invisible shield that protects land and water runoff from impacting other species, Detwiler said. There is a concern in terms of how this might impact other markets, the egg market, the beef market. If the outbreak is not quickly contained, consumers could ultimately see higher prices, and if it continues to spread, some industries could experience reputational strain," possibly affecting the export industry, Detwiler added. The egg industry already is experiencing some tightening of supply following detections of bird flu late in 2023 and in early January, coupled with the busy Easter season, where Americans typically consume an average of 3 billion eggs, said Marc Dresner, a spokesperson for the American Egg Board. Still, even with the outbreak in Texas and the nearly 2 million birds that were killed there, Dresner said there are an estimated 310 million egg laying hens in the U.S. and wholesale egg prices are down about 25% from a February peak. ___ This story was initially published on April 3. It was updated on April 24 to correct the spelling of Darin Detwiler's first name, which had been misspelled Daren. ___ Associated Press reporters Jonathan Poet in Philadelphia and Mike Stobbe and videojournalist Sharon Johnson in Atlanta contributed to this report. A Russian government spokesperson claimed NATO is in a Cold War mindset Wednesday as the alliance marked its 75th anniversary, according to reporting from Reuters. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that NATO has no place in the multipolar world Russia hopes to lead. Today, in relations with Russia, the bloc has returned to Cold War settings, she said, per the newswires translation. NATO foreign affairs leaders met Wednesday in Brussels to discuss additional military aid for Ukraine against Russia and how to coordinate supply logistics with the country as it passed the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. The leaders are considering a proposal that could see more stable, long-term assistance for Ukraine instead of short-term aid bundles. We strongly believe that support to Ukraine should be less dependent on short-term, voluntary offers and more dependent on long-term NATO commitments, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at the meeting. Ukrainian leaders have complained of dwindling supplies as the country struggles to push back a Russian advance. President Biden is expected to endorse the plan, The Associated Press reported, which includes NATO taking over supply organization from the U.S. European Command and could see an additional $100 billion commitment to the country. The reason why we do this is the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is serious, Stoltenberg told reporters. We see how Russia is pushing, and we see how they try to win this war by just waiting us out. The news comes as additional aid for Ukraine has largely been stalled in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to bring a GOP-backed deal to the floor when lawmakers return from Easter recess next week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Every year, Forbes magazine publishes a ranking of the world's richest people, including both women and men with the largest fortunes. In 2024, the list included 369 billionaires, and they chose different industries for their successful careers: from mining and gambling to beauty and technology. ADVERTISIMENT The wealth of the top ten billionaires has grown tremendously since 2023, and most of these women are over 60 years old. This became known from the Forbes website. 1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers ($99.5 billion) Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is currently the richest woman in the world. The granddaughter of the founder of the L'Oreal beauty company took 15th place in the ranking of all billionaires. The 70-year-old Frenchwoman and her family own more than a third of the world-famous brand. Since 1997, she has been a member of L'Oreal's board of directors and remains the head of the family holding company. Bettencourt Meyers is also fond of culture: she has already written two books - about Greek gods and the Bible - and plays the piano. ADVERTISIMENT 2. Alice Walton ($72.3 billion) Alice Walton is the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton. Despite the significant inheritance from her father, the woman focused on the development of culture. She is known for opening the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in her hometown of Bentonville, USA. In 2022, the Institute for Holistic Health in the same city was renamed in her honor. 3. Julia Koch ($64.3 billion) Julia Koch and her three children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries from her husband David after his death. In particular, the woman is a philanthropist and was distinguished by a charitable gift of $75 million to finance the Julia Koch Family Outpatient Care Center. ADVERTISIMENT The woman started her career as an assistant to fashion designer Adolfo, where she met a lot of famous people. 4. Jacqueline Mars ($38.5 billion) Jacqueline Mars is the granddaughter of Franklin Clarence Mars, the founder of Mars, and currently owns about a third of the company, having worked there for about 20 years. The company produces candy, food, and pet care products. 5. MacKenzie Scott ($36.5 billion) The fortune of the ex-wife of one of the world's richest men, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, has increased dramatically by $11.2 billion compared to last year. After the divorce in 2019, MacKenzie Scott received a 4% stake in the company. At the time, she promised to donate a significant portion of her fortune to charity. As of 2024, the woman has already donated $17.3 billion to more than 2,300 organizations. ADVERTISIMENT 6. Savitri Jindal ($33.5 billion) Savitri Jindal is India's richest woman working in the metals industry. The woman runs the Jindal Group, which specializes in electricity and steel, and has assets in mining, electricity, gas, and port facilities. Savitri Jindal is also involved in political activities. 7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant ($33.1 billion) Rafaela Aponte-Diamant and her husband Gianluigi are the main shareholders of the world's largest shipping company MSC. Their career began with the purchase of their first cargo ship in 1970, and by 1979 their number had grown to 17. ADVERTISIMENT 8. Miriam Adelson ($32 billion) Miliam Adelson and her family own more than half of the shares in Las Vegas Sands, one of the world's largest casinos. The woman used to be a doctor specializing in drug addiction and is now an active philanthropist. 9. Gina Rinehart ($30.8 billion) Gina Rinehart heads the mining company Hancock Prospecting, which her father founded but failed to successfully manage. In particular, the company invests in agriculture, and recently focused on the production of wagyu beef and is the second largest producer of cattle in Australia. ADVERTISIMENT 10. Abigail Johnson ($29 billion) Abigail Johnson specializes in finance and investment and is the CEO of Fidelity Investments. Thanks to her efforts, the company now allows institutional investors to trade cryptocurrencies. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Kremlin says NATO is now in a Cold War mindset: Report A Russian government spokesperson claimed NATO is in a Cold War mindset Wednesday as the alliance marked its 75th anniversary, according to reporting from Reuters. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that NATO has no place in the multipolar world Russia hopes to lead. Today, in relations with Russia, the bloc has returned to Cold War settings, she said, per the newswires translation. NATO foreign affairs leaders met Wednesday in Brussels to discuss additional military aid for Ukraine against Russia and how to coordinate supply logistics with the country as it passed the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. The leaders are considering a proposal that could see more stable, long-term assistance for Ukraine instead of short-term aid bundles. We strongly believe that support to Ukraine should be less dependent on short-term, voluntary offers and more dependent on long-term NATO commitments, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at the meeting. Ukrainian leaders have complained of dwindling supplies as the country struggles to push back a Russian advance. President Biden is expected to endorse the plan, The Associated Press reported, which includes NATO taking over supply organization from the U.S. European Command and could see an additional $100 billion commitment to the country. The reason why we do this is the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is serious, Stoltenberg told reporters. We see how Russia is pushing, and we see how they try to win this war by just waiting us out. The news comes as additional aid for Ukraine has largely been stalled in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to bring a GOP-backed deal to the floor when lawmakers return from Easter recess next week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (FOX40.COM) A Sacramento chef and restaurant founder is in the running a prestigious culinary award. Kru Restaurant founder and chef Buu Billy Ngo is one of five finalists for the James Beard Award in the California best chef category. Ngo is one of two finalists from Northern California with the other being Geoff Davis of Oakland. Kru is a contemporary Japanese restaurant in East Sacramento that serves sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi. The James Beard Award, established in 1991, is considered among the nations most prestigious honors in the food industry. The award is given out by the James Beard Foundation, a non-profit that celebrates and supports the people behind Americas food culture and restaurant industry. The award and founder is named after chef and food pioneer James Beard. Californias top 100 ramen spots, according to Yelp This years James Beard Awards recognizes restaurants and chefs across the country across 22 categories. In January, Ngo was one of 20 semifinalists in the category and the only chef with Sacramento-area ties. Ngo was born in a refugee camp in Hong Kong and moved to Sacramento when he was eight months old, according to his bio on the restaurants website. His culinary career began at Fujis in Sacramento and he worked at sushi restaurants in the city prior to opening Kru in 2005. Ngo is a graduate of California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Along with his duties at Kru, Ngo is also a partner at Kodiako Ramen and Bar in downtown Sacramento, Fish Face Poke Bar and Healthy Hounds Kitchen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Throughout the month of March, KTAB/KRBC has featured the incredible stories of four women of the Big Country who were nominated by those theyve impacted most with their selfless acts. On Tuesday, KTABs Joni McKinnon announced the winner of our KTABs 2024 Remarkable Women contest: Our fourth featured nominee, Fran Beale! Meet last years Remarkable Woman: Teresa Clickener Lets meet our four Remarkable Women nominees Shawnte Fleming Remarkable Women: Abilene activist never lets up in the face of adversity Shawnte Fleming was nominated for KTABs 2024 Remarkable Women contest Familiar advocate for Abilene and the Big Countrys residents of color, Shawnte Fleming founded nonprofit Let Us Breath Abilene, serves on Abilenes Planning and Zoning Board as a planning commissioner, and is a trailblazer for the city. She also runs a bail bond business, works as a private investigator, and holds an active cosmetology license. Leading activities and involvement for Abilenes Black community, Fleming is a known activist for change and inclusion. But one program she spearheaded stands out from the rest. Our Fresh Kicks, Fresh Start Back-to-School program, being able to give those kids fresh kicks, hygiene bags supporting them on their journey for the next school year, Fleming told KTAB/KRBC. Her nomination for KTABs 2024 Remarkable Woman contest included key descriptive words like servant, successful, advocate, and blessing. In Flemings words, though, A remarkable woman to me is somebody that sees the need of something that needs to be done and then they get it done. Lisa Chavez Remarkable Women: Abilene cancer survivor, community servant credits public support with recovery Lisa Chavez, nominated for KTABs 2024 Remarkable Women contest A full time attorney and mother, Lisa Chavez has served on several nonprofit organization boards, often concurrently. She even continued to do so while battling breast cancer. I thought, you know, sitting around and feeling sorry for myself; that was just gonna make the situation worse I was lucky in, that I could still continue with all those things, said Chavez. Stephanie Rocha Remarkable Women: Abilene woman creates nonprofit to support survivors of human trafficking Stephanie Rocha, nominee and finalist for KTABs 2024 Remarkable Women contest Another familiar face featured in 2024s Remarkable Woman contest is Stephanie Rocha, known best around town as a long-time advocate and voice for human trafficking and victims. Beyond Trafficking was established in 2017 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to educate the public and support survivors of human trafficking. Rocha said the Big Country is surprisingly vulnerable to those dangers. Our youth are the most vulnerable here in Abilene. We have such a large population of unaccompanied youth, which makes them completely vulnerable, warned Rocha. Rocha is currently extending resources to five other countries including Peru, where she is working to get a safehouse for survivors. Fran Beale Remarkable Women: Abilene business owner gives 2nd chances through employment Fran Beale, nominee and finalist for KTABs 2024 Remarkable Women contest Whether through a routine cleaning of a lucky pair of pants, or acting as the saving grace for a bride with a gown in peril, Beale told KTAB/KRBC she finds her job infinitely rewarding. Through her partnership with a local womens transitional home, New Beginnings, Beale provides employment and opportunity for women with troubled pasts. A calling from God is what Beale credits her drive to continue to open her life and her business to the women she helps. Adding, her reward is well worth any risk she might take just to see their lives transform and hope restored. Some of these people that come out of prison or challenging situations, they They need a second chance, and Im just thankful to be able to have that opportunity to give them a second chance, Beale spoke to her work with New Beginnings. All four and of these nominees are truly awe-inspiring, but, of course, only one can win. As the Big Country and KTABs 2024 Remarkable Woman, Fran Beale will be a finalist for KTABs parent company, Nexstars national Remarkable Women contest. She will also be awarded a cash prize to keep, plus a cash prize to donate to the charity of her choosing. Congratulations, Fran, you earned it! Beale has promised her winnings to New Beginnings. She said the lives she has seen changed through the organizations assistance, teaching life management skills, and finding employment with multiple local businesses is a cause very near to her heart. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held several meetings on April 3 with Ukraine's allies in Brussels, discussing strengthening Ukrainian air defense systems, the minister wrote on X. The NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Belgium's capital on April 3-4 gathered the representatives of the alliance to celebrate its 75th anniversary and discuss further assistance for Ukraine, as well as the potential candidates for the secretary general's position after the end of Jens Stoltenberg's term in October. In Brussels, Kuleba met his Polish counterpart Radek Sikorski and discussed further Polish contribution to the defense of Ukrainian air space, as well as Ukraine's efforts to protect Poland from Russian missiles' incursions after several corresponding cases were reported, including the latest on March 24. "Ukraine is currently the only country in the world that defends itself against ballistic missile attacks almost every day," Kuleba wrote on X. Kuleba stressed Ukraine's need for Patriot air defense systems, saying that "there is no more important place for them" other than Ukraine. During the meeting with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, Kuleba also conveyed the urgency of providing Ukraine with air defense systems that can intercept ballistic missiles. "We discussed the importance of collective efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defense for securing peace in Europe," the foreign minister wrote on X. Kuleba held a meeting with the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, and thanked him for the readiness to ramp up efforts to find available Patriot systems for Ukraine. The current status of EU artillery ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, the next EU sanctions package against Russia, and the upcoming Ukraine-EU defense industries forum, which will take place in 2024, were among other topics of the discussion with Borrell, Kuleba said. Earlier, Kuleba told Reuters that Ukraine's partners had more than 100 Patriot systems at their disposal, but they did not want to share at least five or seven of them the minimum required number to significantly improve additional protection, according to Kyiv's calculations. As Russia intensified its attacks on Ukraine during the spring, the shortage of air defense systems in Ukrainian cities and villages became more tangible. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia reportedly launched over 400 missiles of various types, 600 Shahed drones, and 3,000 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine in March, causing severe damage to the civilian and energy infrastructure. "This will not happen when Ukraine receives reliable air defense systems that can save the lives of our people and restore security to our cities," Zelensky said in his address on April 3. Read also: Can new security agreements forge Ukraines path to victory? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The newly hired Kentucky Education Commissioner is looking to get in front of as many Senators as possible in the lead-up to the first Senate confirmation of the position. At least thats what Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, the legislator who filed the resolution to confirm Robbie Fletcher as the states top education official, told Fletcher to do. I have encouraged (Robbie) Fletcher to contact and have face-to-face contact with as many Senators as possible between now and April 12, Wheeler told the Herald-Leader in a Monday night email. Under a new law, Kentuckys state Senate must confirm the state board of educations hiring of Fletcher, currently the Lawrence County Superintendent, as commissioner. Fletcher would replace Jason Glass, who resigned last year after Republican leaders called for his ouster because of the Kentucky Department of Educations inclusive LGBTQ policies. Wheeler said based on his conversations with the head of the Senate Education Committee and others, a hearing before the education committee will occur either April 12 or April 15 prior to the vote on Fletchers confirmation. Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, has also told reporters that a hearing could occur during the 10 day veto period. Im sure therell be an opportunity for us next week to decide whether or not Mr. Fletcher has a committee hearing during the veto recess or if its going to happen on day 59 or 60 (of session), Thayer said last week. Senate Majority Director of Communications Angela Billings told the Herald-Leader Tuesday morning that no date and time had been set. Thayer has also said that Fletchers confirmation is not a given. As for whether Dr. Fletcher will be confirmed, I am hopeful that this will occur, Wheeler, the sponsor of Senate Resolution 285, said in his email. I have had the occasion to work with him over the past five years and can attest to his love and dedication to the children that he serves as Lawrence County Superintendent. I am very proud that an Eastern Kentuckian was selected by the Board for this position. I am advocating for Dr. Fletcher with my colleagues as a friend, constituent, and as a qualified nominee for his confirmation, said Wheeler. Fletcher earned a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Morehead State University in 2013. Like Wheeler and Fletcher, Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, is also from Eastern Kentucky. Stivers told the Herald-Leader previously that hes known Fletcher for several years but did not state his position on Fletchers confirmation. Fletcher did not immediately comment Tuesday but he said in a post on X that he looks forward to the opportunity of earning ALL of our legislators trust in order to accomplish great things, together, for our students. For Fletcher to be confirmed, the resolution supporting him would need to make it through a Senate committee, then called for a Senate floor vote processes generally controlled by such Senate GOP leaders as Stivers, Thayer and Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green and approved by a majority of the Senate. The commissioner of education is the chief state school officer who oversees daily operations of the Kentucky Department of Education and acts as superintendent of the Kentucky School for the Blind, the Kentucky School for the Deaf and the 50 area technology centers. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) La Nube Childrens Museum, which is scheduled to open this summer, is hosting a hiring fair on Wednesday, April 3. The event is targeting discovery guides to bring interactive exhibits and programs to life and will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday at Workforce Solutions Borderplex, 8825 N. Loop. Ideal candidates should have experience in education, museums, environmental sciences, or the arts. They must be engaging presenters, with strong communication skills in English and Spanish. Competitive compensation and a mission-driven culture make these discovery guide roles highly attractive opportunities., according to the news release. Job seekers should bring cover letters and resumes to the event. To learn more, you can click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. After a series of disruptive labour strikes in Germany's aviation industry, key wage negotiations were to resume on Thursday involving the trade unions for tens of thousands of workers. German airline Lufthansa is to return to talks with the trade union for flight attendants, UFO, over their demands for 15% wage hikes and bonuses for about 19,000 flight attendants at Lufthansa and its subsidiary Lufthansa Cityline, union sources told dpa. On Friday, trade unions representing around 25,000 aviation security workers who screen passengers and baggage at numerous airports around Germany will begin arbitration proceedings over their collective bargaining contract with private security contractors. The parties have set an initial deadline of midnight on Sunday (2200 GMT Saturday) to strike a deal. The trade union verdi has agreed not to call further strikes at least until the arbitration talks are complete. Aviation security workers are making demands on a range of issues in the talks, according to verdi negotiator Wolfgang Pieper, and all issues remain open and unresolved even after six rounds of negotiations and several previous strikes. But union demands for a major overhaul in how overtime work is handled has been the biggest sticking point in the talks with the Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS). The arbitrator's recommendations are not binding. Last week, Lufthansa managed to strike a deal in arbitration with about 25,000 ground employees represented by the verdi union. The proposed deal, which still must be ratified by rank-and-file union members, would provide average wage hikes of 12.5% and a bonus of 3,000 ($3,230). The left-wing premier of the eastern German state of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow, helped lead the arbitration talks. Lufthansa ground employees had previously staged several brief strikes and voted to authorize an indefinite work stoppage. HOWELL LACASA is hosting special events and initiatives in April as part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. LACASA is an independent nonprofit that protects, advocates for, and empowers victims and survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence, according to its website. It assists more than 5,000 victims and their families each year. More than 50% of women and roughly 30% of men have experienced physical or sexual violence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite those numbers, the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics finds sexual assault remains the most underreported crime in America, according to the release. LACASA is hosting special events and initiatives in April as part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There is a survivor in your life, whether theyve disclosed to you or not, said LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt. It is critical for our community to take action so that victims and survivors know we believe them and support them. We also want to raise awareness about the free programs and services that are available at LACASA for survivors, their families and friends. The Clothesline Project runs 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, April 5-18, at Cleary Commons, 3750 Cleary Drive in Howell. The free exhibit shows tee-shirts created by sexual violence victims, survivors and their supporters. From 12-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, visitors can hear from a survivor and make a tee-shirt as a sign of support. More information about the Clothesline Project is available online at lacasacenter.org/clothesline-project. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage LACASA is also encouraging Livingston County residents, businesses and organizations to participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 24, by wearing jeans. Denim Day was sparked by a 1999 court case in which the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. They reasoned she must have helped the assailant remove them, thereby implying consent. The decision led to worldwide outrage. Denim Day was created to raise awareness about consent and victim blaming. More information is available online at lacasacenter.org/denim-day. LACASA will also host an afternoon of self-care called Journey to Healing from 12-3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at 1920 Tooley Road in Howell. The event is free and open to all. More information is available online at lacasacenter.org/journey-to-healing. Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan. This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell nonprofit hosting events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month A substitute teacher from the Lake Tahoe Unified School District is under investigation following concerns raised by a parent of a middle school student, as reported by authorities. Lt. Scott Cirvelli, a spokesman for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, said that the investigation was initiated on March 27 after the concerned parent approached the police with concerns about communications between the substitute and a student. However, the specifics of the allegation and the school where the teacher was employed were not disclosed. Cirvelli also refrained from commenting on whether the investigation focused solely on the teachers interactions with students or extended to his behavior outside of school. South Lake Tahoe news reports said parents of students potentially affected by the incident at South Tahoe Middle School were contacted by both the school district and the police. The Lake Tahoe Unified School District, in communication with parents via email, hinted that the substitute teacher may have engaged in inappropriate conversations with students. It is our districts steadfast commitment to create a secure environment for all students, the district wrote to parents, according to news reports. LTUSD will take proactive measures to reinforce appropriate staff-to-student interactions and will work closely with our students to help them recognize and report any inappropriate communications from adults, the district said in the letter. District officials did not respond to requests for comment. Cirvelli said no arrests have been made. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Lancaster County bank was evacuated Tuesday after police say an angry customer made a bomb threat on his birthday. Colin Shultz who turned 81 on Tuesday, allegedly said If Im still not happy, I will bring a satchel bomb to the bank to a bank employee during a phone call, West Lampeter Township Police said in the charging documents. Two hospitalized after large tree falls on vehicle in Lancaster County Due to the threat, seven employees and two customers at the Fulton Bank, at 2430 Willow Street Pike, had to evacuate, and before police arrived the employees were relocated. A police K9 and officer from the Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff checked the buildings for bombs, police said. According to the criminal complaint, Shultz called the bank because he was having trouble accessing his online banking and when a worker wanted to give him a number for a helpline, Shultz allegedly made the threat. Shultz admitted to police in an interview at his home that he was kidding when he made the threat. He told police that he had to give the last four numbers to his account multiple times and was told he was wrong before he threatened to bring a bomb to the bank, the complaint reads. Shultz faces a felony charge of making terroristic threats. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Morning Weather Shultz is currently out on unsecured bail set at $50,000 and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 19. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. On April 8, the world will witness a rare total solar eclipse. The Moon's shadow will pass across the solar disk, forming a ring of fire in the sky for a few minutes. But this spectacle will not be possible to observe everywhere. ADVERTISIMENT OBOZ.UA tells which inhabitants of the Earth will be able to observe the phenomenon in its maximum beauty and when the celestial event will take place. It also explains how Ukrainians will be able to admire it. What is a total solar eclipse? In astronomy, a total eclipse is considered to be a solar eclipse when the Moon, which passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, covers the star completely. The shadow of the natural satellite covers the surface of the planet, temporary twilight sets in during the day, the temperature drops, and stars become visible in the daytime sky. This phenomenon is usually visible in a relatively small area of the Earth's surface. It also does not last long. The full phase takes only a few minutes. Where and when will the total solar eclipse be visible on April 8 ADVERTISIMENT Here's the unfortunate news: the total phase of the solar eclipse will take place at 20:18 Kyiv time. At this time in early April, it is already night in Ukraine, so we won't be able to see the celestial event with our own eyes. However, there is still the option of online broadcasts. But more on that later. Now we'll tell you where exactly the eclipse will be total. Residents of Mexico will have the best chance to see the rare phenomenon. The full phase of the eclipse will be the longest there, too - the country's residents will be able to admire the sun's ring in the sky for more than 4 minutes. Americans will also be able to see the phenomenon - in their sky, the event will last from 3:45 minutes to 4:25. Residents of Canada will also be lucky. Their full phase will last a little less - from 1:30 minutes to 3:25 minutes. ADVERTISIMENT Ships will also be able to observe the phenomenon, first in the South Pacific and then in the North Atlantic. Some countries in Central America and Western Europe will also be lucky. But there, the solar eclipse will be only partial. How to watch in Ukraine Everyone in Ukraine will also be able to see the solar eclipse in progress. But to do so, they will have to turn on the online broadcast of the astronomical event. The American aerospace agency NASA will hold an official broadcast with expert commentary. It will also show what the celestial event looks like through the lenses of several large telescopes. ADVERTISIMENT The US National Science Foundation will also organize its own broadcast. It will broadcast the phenomenon from Dallas, Texas. And from California, it will be shown by the public educational laboratory Exploratorium. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A judge has ordered the man accused of killing his girlfriends son and storing his body in a freezer to return to court by any means necessary after refusing to appear Tuesday. Brandon Toseland, 37, faces a murder charge in the death of 4-year-old Mason Dominguez. Police arrested Toseland on Feb. 22, 2022, after Masons mother was able to sneak messages into her 7-year-old daughters shoe. Toseland is charged with 12 felonies, including murder, child abuse, kidnapping, and battery domestic violence. Toseland, who has remained in custody since his arrest, was due to appear in court Tuesday on a motion to continue his trial and replace his lawyers, records said. Toseland refused to meet with his attorneys three times in March and refused transport from jail to the courthouse Tuesday, documents said. On Tuesday, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny granted the trial delay, ordering the jail to bring Toseland to court next week by any means necessary for an April 9 hearing. Recent court hearings in the case have involved a home security system, which Toseland said could provide valuable evidence in his defense. In court last year, Toselands attorneys said his home had five security cameras, which recorded to a server. They have asked Kierny to force prosecutors to hand over all video surveillance in their clients case, but prosecutors have said Cox Communications, which administered the system, said there was no footage. Toselands attorneys have said they have compelling evidence that the entire Cox system was funded and operational at the time of the defendants arrest in February 2022, documents said. They added a panel on the server was removed and allegedly damaged. Masons mother said she and her two children moved into Toselands home in March 2021. The home is located on Saddle Brook Park Drive, near the intersection of Carey Avenue and Lamb Boulevard in the northeast valley. Toselands two children from a previous relationship also lived in the home, but were not there all the time due to their mother having shared custody, documents said. Masons mother told police and a grand jury that she was frequently handcuffed or locked in a room after learning her son was deceased. Toseland never revealed to Masons mother that the boys body was in a freezer in the garage, she said. Dominguezs body was discovered inside Toselands northeast valley garage concealed in a trash bag in the freezer. Detectives believe Mason had been there for at least 10 weeks and that a large hole in the backyard may be a potential grave, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. If you or someone you know is living with domestic violence, you can reach out for help by contacting SafeNest. You can call or text 24/7 a confidential hotline at (702) 646-4981. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Clark County Clerks Office has extended hours and added a new location to assist with passport applications as the summer travel season approaches. The Marriage License Bureau in downtown Las Vegas now offers passport acceptance services Sunday through Thursday from 3:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., with additional walk-in hours from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Note that this location does not provide passport photo services. The Clark County Government Center now offers passport services Monday through Thursday from 7:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (closed on all County-observed holidays). A new and convenient passport photo booth is available on-site, with only photographs payable by credit card. The cost for the photos is $14.99 and it provides two 2x 2 photos on a 4x6 photo sheet that can be brought to the appointment. There is a $35 fee to Clark County to accept a passport application. Additional fees apply for the State Department to process the application. With these expanded services, we want to offer more options for our residents to apply for passports, Clark County Clerk Lynn Marie Goya said. It can be especially challenging for those who work diverse non-traditional business hours to find time to apply for a passport. The Clerks Office takes passport applications and sends them to the State Department for processing, which currently can take up to 6 to 8 weeks. The State Department offers applicants the option to pay an additional fee of $60 to expedite the processing. Expedited processing is currently estimated to take two to three weeks. Processing times begin the day the State Department receives the application at a passport agency or center, not the day you apply at the acceptance facility. Passport acceptance appointments can be booked up to 15 days in advance. Please note, that the service is exclusively for new passport applications. Existing passport holders are required to submit any renewals directly to the State Department. For more information on how to apply or renew a passport click HERE. Locations with expanded services The Marriage License Bureau in downtown Las Vegas at 201 East Clark Avenue The Clark County Government Center is located at 500 South Grand Central Pkwy For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Krisjanis Karins, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia, confirmed that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg did propose creating a multi-year fund to support Ukraine in the amount of US$100 billion. Source: European Pravda, citing Karins before the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on 3 April At the request to comment on the announcement regarding the US$100 billion fund, Karins stated: "I think this proposal, which comes from the Secretary-General (of NATO), is very good." "This is the direction in which we need to think how to pool our resources to be more effective in assisting Ukraine," he added. Karins noted that various proposals for funding such a fund are currently being discussed. He reminded that the Latvian government has committed to allocating 0.25% of the country's GDP to support Kyiv. "There are different ways to do this, but certainly, if we all contribute 0.25% of GDP to support Ukraine, then Ukraine's financial problems will be solved," Karins believes. Background: Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the allies must ensure long-term support for Ukraine amid discussions on a 100 billion fund. According to European Pravda, discussions on the creation of a new multi-year fund to support Ukraine within the North Atlantic Alliance are expected to continue until the NATO summit. Support UP or become our patron! The Latvian government approved on April 2 around 5.3 million euros (roughly $5.7 million) in support of Ukraine's reconstruction in 2024, as well as 4.3 million euros ($4.6 million) in defense assistance via the European Peace Facility. Latvia's reconstruction assistance will focus on Chernihiv Oblast, namely in terms of "reconstruction of social infrastructure facilities; providing psychological support to women; the digitalization sectors and the transfer of expertise to Ukrainian specialists on EU matters, spatial planning," and more, the Latvian Foreign Ministry said. Riga has been involved in the reconstruction of Chernihiv Oblast, a region on Ukraine's northern border with Belarus and Russia, since 2022. Latvia's contribution to Ukraine's defense needs will go to the European Peace Facility, the EU's tool to provide security and defense assistance to non-EU members. Following prolonged discussions, the European bloc agreed in March to create a 5-billion-euro ($5.4 billion) Ukraine defense fund within the framework of the European Peace Facility. A staunch supporter of Ukraine against Russian aggression, Latvia has committed over 1% of its gross domestic product to military assistance for Kyiv, one of the highest shares of all the allies. Read also: Russia bans the entry of 2 Baltic PMs, other top officials Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LAUSD banned charter schools from many of its campuses. Now charters will fight it in court California Charter Schools Assn. President Myrna Castrejon joins parents, educators and supporters at a rally last fall outside Los Angeles Unified School District's downtown headquarters to protest policies that would make it more difficult for charters to have access to public school campuses. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) A battle over the rights of charters to use Los Angeles Unified school campuses has moved to the courts with the filing of a lawsuit Tuesday targeting a recently approved district policy. The California Charter Schools Assn. alleges that L.A. Unified acted illegally when the Board of Education recently voted to restrict where charters could locate as well as the classrooms they could use. Despite offering to work collaboratively with the board on a new policy that would improve the process of sharing campuses, LAUSD disregarded the voices and needs of charter school families and adopted a new policy to harm their schools," said Myrna Castrejon, president and chief executive of the charter association. The lawsuit comprehensively explains to the court how the policy is in direct violation of state law and should be invalidated. L.A. Unified School District officials had no immediate comment on the lawsuit, but have maintained that their revised charter school policy is legal. Board of Education members have said that, all along, they asked senior administrators to craft a policy that would comply with laws governing charter schools. Policy supporters also said that charters would continue to receive reasonable offers of campus space. Read more: Sweeping new LAUSD policy to restrict charter school locations; advocates threaten to sue The policy, passed by a 4-3 vote, prohibits the new location of charters at campuses with special space needs or programs. One early staff estimate put the number of affected campuses close to 350, but theres uncertainty over how the policy will be interpreted. The school system has about 850 campuses. Charter advocates are concerned that charters could be pushed out of areas where they currently operate, making it difficult for them to remain viable. Another fear is that more charter schools will split up between campuses, making them harder and more expensive to operate and less convenient for parents. Under the policy, district-operated campuses are exempt from new space-sharing arrangements when a school has a designated program to help Black students or when a school is among the most fragile because of low student achievement. Also exempt would be community schools, which incorporate services for health, counseling and other needs of students and their families. The state also has designated some local charters as community schools, which the district policy does not account for. Members of the school board majority said the new rules would protect needed space beyond the normal allotments for classrooms, counselors, health staff and administrators for example, rooms for tutoring, enrichment or parent centers. Such spaces had frequently been tabulated as unused or underutilized and then made available to charters. Board President Jackie Goldberg has repeatedly minimized the impact the new policy will have on charter schools that already have sharing arrangements. Read more: Voters approved more arts money for schools. Powerful unions allege funds are being misused The new rules also discourage placing charters where they could disrupt traditional feeder-school patterns. Goldberg cited the example of a charter middle school on a district-run elementary campus. The charter school, she suggested, would have an unfair advantage in recruiting those elementary students, undermining the local, district-run middle school. Access to public school campuses for charter schools is guaranteed under state law, and the lawsuit asserts that the new policy is illegal. The state laws "are premised on the fact that public school facilities are paid for by taxpayers, so school districts hold them in trust for the use of public school students," the lawsuit states. "The concept is that if students did not enroll in charter public schools they would attend district-run schools, so school districts should have already planned to have seats for them." Although operated privately, charters are free public schools that, in California, are supposed to be operated by a nonprofit organization. Most charters are nonunion. Finding a place to operate especially in the expensive real estate market of L.A. always has been a challenge for charters, a factor that led advocates to push successfully for the legal right to claim public school space at an affordable rent. Under state law, students at charters are entitled to "reasonably equivalent" learning conditions compared to those at district-operated schools. The new policy is flawed, the lawsuit argues, because it presumes charters are entitled only to leftovers, space that the district has no need for after making use of whatever other rooms and areas a school or program would want. In the current school year, 52 independent charters operate on 50 campuses, according to L.A. Unified. This year 45 charters are seeking space, per the charter association, down significantly from a peak of more than 100. But even 50 schools would make for one of the larger school systems in California. In all, there are 221 district-authorized charters and 25 other local charters approved by the county or state, serving about 118,000 students, or 1 in 5 public school students within the boundaries of L.A. Unified. Most charters operate in their own or leased private buildings. The L.A. school system has more charters than any other district in the nation. Most were approved under charter-friendly school boards and under state laws since changed that made it difficult for school districts to reject charters. The resolution that led to the new regulations and which passed narrowly was co-authored by Goldberg, who is not running for reelection in November, and Rocio Rivas, who is not yet up for reelection. The policy also was supported by George McKenna, who is not running for another term, and Scott Schmerelson, who faces a strong challenger. As a result, shifting political dynamics could affect the charter policy as well as legal challenges. The school board passed the charter policy Feb. 13, but the charter association forced a do-over vote on March 16 because McKenna, 83, who was recovering from surgery, had not properly signed into the earlier meeting from his home. On March 16. McKenna could have voted from home but decided to attend in person, moving slowly, his surgically repaired shoulder in a sling. Charter advocates used the occasion to plead their case once more, but the resulting vote was unchanged. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Law enforcement asks for help from the public to find a 30-year-old escapee from an Iowa residential facility, according to a news release. Joshua Bergen (Iowa Department of Corrections) Joshua Michael Bergen, convicted of willful injury causing serious injury, willful injury causing bodily injury, and third-degree burglary in Louisa County, as well as escape of a felon in Des Moines County, failed to report back to the Burlington Residential Facility as required yesterday, the release says. According to he release, Bergen is a 30-year-old, 55, 169-pound man who was admitted to the work-release facility on Jan. 18, 2024, the release says. In the news release. law enforcement asks anyone with information on Bergens whereabouts to contact local police. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. A bipartisan group of House members on Tuesday introduced a bill proposing to nearly double U.S. funding for cooperative anti-tunneling programs with Israel. The United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Enhancement Act, led by Reps. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) would propose providing $80 million annually for the program, which was funded at $47.5 million for the 2024 fiscal year. The counter-tunnelling programs have been deployed by both Israel to detect tunnels along the Gaza and Lebanon borders and by the U.S. in theaters including the U.S. southern border, the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East. The proposal comes as Israel continues its efforts to destroy or neutralize hundreds of miles of Hamas tunnels underneath the coastal enclave. There is an increased need to scale up bilateral cooperation on anti-tunneling efforts as a reflection of the complexity of the subterranean terror reality in Gaza revealed since the start of Israels military campaign, the bills findings state, adding that the cooperation will benefit both the U.S. and Israel. Wilson noted in a statement that the tunnels have been used to protect Hamas leadership as well as safeguard the terrorist groups weapons facilities and hide hostages. Increased funding will go towards the development of new technologies to maneuver and support Israels security needs and the ultimate defeat of the terror tunnels. This bill sends a strong message that the U.S. will always stand with Israel, he said in a statement. Gallego, who is running in a competitive race for Arizonas open Senate seat, where border security is a major concern, highlighted the connection between the program and the U.S. southern border. Bolstering anti-tunnel technology is not just good for Israel, its also good for the U.S. strengthening our national security and allowing local law enforcement to combat cartel smuggling along Arizonas border, he said. Im proud to support this bipartisan effort to ensure our allies have the resources needed to combat terrorist groups like Hamas and keep Americans and Israelis safe. Moulton, who has offered strong criticisms of Israels leaders and military campaign in Gaza, reiterated his support for the anti-tunneling program. Today, terrorist groups like Hamas too easily have the ability to create vast networks of tunnels from which they can safely plan and launch attacks and hide hostages. These tunnel networks also allow terrorists to use the innocent civilians above ground as human shields, Moulton said. Its critical to our national security that we work with our allies and partners to develop better technology to detect and destroy dangerous tunnel networks. This is important not just in Israel, but in hotspots around the world. Bacon echoed Gallego in highlighting the border-related uses for the anti-tunneling system, in addition to its utility in combating Hamas. Just like Hamas uses their 350-450 miles of tunnels to try and infiltrate Israel and to hide and move their hostages, Mexican cartels have also used tunnels to traffic humans and drugs across, or rather under the borders, he said. Schneider also highlighted that the Oct. 7 attacks clearly and tragically demonstrated the necessity for expanding this program, adding that the program protects Americans at home and allies abroad. This bill alone will not grant additional funding for the anti-tunneling program; it would still have to be approved as part of the annual appropriations process later this year. View comments Lawyers for Ron Barlas respond to 'scandalous' evidence from utsel K'e Dene First Nation Ron Barlas (right) and wife Zeba Barlas enter the Yellowknife courtroom on Wednesday. (Robert Holden / CBC - image credit) Lawyers for Ron Barlas say utsel K'e Dene First Nation (LKDFN) have massively overstated their case, taken evidence out of context and downplayed exonerating evidence. Barlas is accused of funnelling close to $12 million of LKDFN money into his own companies while employed as CEO of the First Nation's business arm, Denesoline Corporation. He continues to deny all accusations. Counsel for Barlas laid out his defence in a Yellowknife courtroom Tuesday and Wednesday, with Barlas and his wife in attendance. The defence argued Iqbal Bhatti, a former Denesoline employee, has a "personal vendetta" against Barlas, and shaped the bulk of the accusations instead of the community. Defence lawyers revealed Bhatti is currently under investigation for fraud a fact that was left out of the initial affidavit. Bhatti acted as the initial whistleblower after sending an anonymous email to LKDFN in 2022 alleging Barlas was stealing money. Although Barlas previously paid $20,000 for Bhatti and his family to move to Canada, lawyers say he later made a complaint about Bhatti's immigration status and engineering credentials. Bhatti was later fired by Barlas. Holding Barlas to 'higher standards' than past CEOs The role of Tom Lockhart, a utsel K'e community elder and former director of LKDFN companies, was also called into question. It's been alleged by LKDFN lawyers that Lockhart did not understand the "joint venture'" contracts presented to him by Barlas, something the defence says is unlikely given his decades-long experience on regulatory boards. When Lockhart hired Barlas in 2014, LKDFN was overseeing four joint venture agreements. Lawyers referenced Lockhart's previous cross-examination, saying it was clear he "understood generally" after he accurately defined various regulatory terms. The defence also alleges Barlas was authorized to use Lockhart's electronic signature on multiple occasions, a fact LKDFN lawyers have classified as forgery. Barlas' team scoffed at the idea he would be able to convince KPMG, a major international accounting firm, to engage in this type of fraud. Members of LKDFN previously suggested statements by KPMG were misleading. Crunching the numbers The lawyers said Barlas only changed his employment contracts once he had generated significant revenue for the First Nation, and the initial job description remained the same from its previous holder, Roy Shields. The lawyers said in the first three years of his employment, Barlas increased LKDFN's annual revenue from $300,000 to close to $4 million. "To say LKDFN didn't benefit from Ron Barlas is far from the truth" the defence told Justice Karan Shaner. Lawyers also painted Barlas as eccentric and larger than life, but said he never engaged in illegal activity. As we age, our skin changes. For example, it loses elasticity, and wrinkles and age spots appear, which is absolutely normal. However, beauty standards can make women feel less confident about themselves because of these natural processes. ADVERTISIMENT The beauty industry offers many ways to preserve youthfulness, from skincare to Botox injections. However, makeup artist Kate Talbert shared a way to significantly refresh your face with makeup on TikTok. Aging is an integral part of everyone's life, so you shouldn't be ashamed of it. Even though the multi-billion dollar beauty industry encourages women to strive for a non-existent ideal, you don't have to be influenced and spend a lot of money on cosmetologists. You can improve your appearance and rejuvenate yourself with makeup. Eye cream First, Kate applied eye cream with a stone facial roller. She stretched it from the nose to the temples and not only moisturized the skin but also reduced puffiness with a little massage. ADVERTISIMENT Eye drops Kate noted that as we age, the whites of our eyes begin to darken slightly, so regular moisturizing eye drops can rejuvenate you. Fingers If you want your foundation to look as natural as possible, your fingers are the best tools for applying it. In this case, the makeup artist did not smear her face but used patting movements. Primer and concealer Kate mixed a small amount of primer and highlighter before applying them to her face. This way, the coverage will last much longer. In addition, the product will adhere to the skin better and look natural. It is worth noting that the makeup artist also applied concealer and primer by hand. Powder Albert recommends that women avoid translucent or white powder because all they do is highlight skin imperfections. It is better to choose a powder with a slight tint as it will be much easier to work with. ADVERTISIMENT Bronzer The makeup artist completed her look by applying cream bronzer to her face. She advised to use the creamy texture because it adheres better to the skin. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Jesse Prado, an Austin-based investigator, shares his findings at a special city council meeting in Uvalde, Texas, on March 7, 2024. via Associated Press Uvalde city officials told HuffPost that the lead investigator hired to scrutinize the police response to the 2022 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, had indeed completed active shooter training, after a local news station reported that he had not received such training. KSAT obtained records from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement which did not show that investigator Jesse Prado who ultimately clearedall Uvalde police officers of wrongdoing in a shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead had received active shooter training while he worked with the Austin (Texas) Police Department. In response to the report, a spokesperson for the city of Uvalde told HuffPost that Prado had received active-shooter training. The spokesperson shared a certificate of completion for an eight-hour course called Understanding the Violent Offender: His Crime and His Personality, as well as a handbook on active shooter response he said was part of the training. The city of Uvalde hired Prado in July 2022 to lead an independent investigation into local police officers response to the mass shooting. Prado presented his findings in March and said that no local police officers violated department policy in their response to the attack. The council has not decided whether to accept the reports findings. Several months after the shooting, Col. Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, testified that there were enough police officers on scene that day to stop the gunman three minutes after he entered the building. Instead, officers waited 77 minutes to confront the shooter. McCraw called the response an abject failure. Uvalde Mayor Pro Tem Everardo Zamora told KSAT that when hiring Prado, the City Council took the advice of the citys attorneys, with the firm Tarski Law. Zamora did not return HuffPosts request for comment. Prado declined to comment. Brett Cross, whose 10-year-old son, Uziyah, died in the shooting at Robb Elementary School, told HuffPost on Wednesday that Prados hiring is par for the course in Uvalde. Imagine that: They hired someone unqualified to push a narrative that they wanted, Cross said. Our dead children are more qualified to investigate these officers than him. Parents of the victims also spoke before the city council on Tuesday, hoping local leaders would formally reject Prados investigation. The investigation found that found that three of the first police officers on scene were Uvalde police officers and they all acted in good faith.But parents said the councilrefused to address KSATs report. Are yall not tired of being the joke of this country, Cross,who was wearing a shirt that read Uvalde Police Department Failed Our Children, asked during the meeting. Cross also accused city attorney Paul Tarski, who did not look in Cross direction, of not caring about the residents. Tarski did not return requests for comment. Tuesday night was the first city council meeting sinceCody Smith resigned as mayor Monday night due to medical issues. Jesse Rizo, whose 9-year-old niece, Jackie Cazares, was killed in the shooting, said he wishes Smith the best but said victims families do not have the ability to check out or resign. Rizo asked Tarski if Prado would still meet with the families something Prado previouslysaid he would do but Tarski said he couldnt comment. Rizo also asked the city council if they would ever address Prados investigation. Zamora responded, Lawyers are talking to lawyers. This story has been updated to reflect that the city of Uvalde disputes KSATs report, and shared documents with HuffPost that appear to show Prado received active shooter training. Related... Leader of Tatarstan urges companies not to rely on air defence and protect themselves after drone strike Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Russian region of Tatarstan, has urged companies not to rely on the air defence system and to protect themselves by their own means following the drone attack on the facilities in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk. Source: project of Radio Liberty Idel.Realii with reference to Minnikhanovs statement Quote: "Do not wait for the response of the air defence; it has other missions. We must find our own solution, every company, every municipality and every town." Details: He added that the attack on the Alabuga Politech in Yelabuga and a TANECO primary oil refining unit in Nizhnekamsk "showed the most targeted and important areas in Tatarstan" and "the enemy feels it". Minnikhanov also urged emergency services in Tatarstan to be ready for emergencies. Background: Drones attacked facilities in Tatarstan specifically in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk on the morning of 2 April. Local authorities stated that no serious damage was done and that the technological process of the plant remained unaffected. A source in Ukrainian intelligence said this was a special operation by the intelligence. The drones attacked a plant where Iranian Shahed drones are assembled and marked as Geran drones. The Alabuga special economic zones press office stated that the drones were "equipped with NATO country equipment." One of the drones struck a TANECO primary oil refining unit in Nizhnekamsk, resulting in a fire. UP sources reported that the attack on the refinery was a joint special operation by Ukraine's Defence Intelligence and the Security Service of Ukraine. Ukrainska Pravda source said the Ukrainian long-range drone struck a primary oil refining unit at the refinery. Andrii Yusov, spokesman for Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), stated in an interview with Radio Liberty that no weaponry of foreign production was used during the recent drone strikes on targets in the Russian cities of Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk. Support UP or become our patron! Jackson Elementary School in Louisianas East Feliciana Parish District sits on a quiet street just outside the town of Jackson, population 4,130. Its a 30-mile drive north from Baton Rouge, past open fields, small homes and the Dixon Correctional Institution. Principal Megan Phillips describes East Feliciana as one of the poorest districts in maybe the poorest state in the country. Such is the regions struggle to staff classrooms that half of Jacksons teachers are unlicensed. Yet, in spring 2023, as schools nationwide struggled to stem a persistent decline in test scores in the wake of the pandemic, 81% of Jackson students participating in an ambitious new online tutoring program showed significant growth on their early literacy assessment after just 10 weeks. I spent the past year visiting Jackson and eight other schools across three states and the District of Columbia to understand how and why their successful tutoring programs work and the challenges theyve had to navigate. Our FutureEd study also included dozens of conversations with educators, school district leaders, providers, researchers and others who have turned to tutoring to combat learning loss after COVID. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Here are lessons I learned: Not all tutoring is equal. While some less-intensive programs, such as on-demand tutoring that students use at their discretion, may be easier to implement, they typically dont yield strong results. On the other hand, high-dosage tutoring four or fewer students working on material linked to classroom instruction with the same tutor for at least 30 minutes during the school day, three times a week for at least several months makes a meaningful difference. The successful programs we studied shared these features, even as they achieved strong results using different types of tutors including virtual professionals and college students and AmeriCorps volunteers working in person in urban, rural, elementary and secondary schools. Done right, tutoring has many allies. Tutoring represents a rare point of convergence spanning national policy priorities, research evidence and what educators on the ground need and want. Unlike the education reforms embedded in other federal education directives or policymakers pet priorities, high-quality, high-dosage tutoring has been warmly embraced by most school staff in the programs we studied. One reason is that teachers are able to measure tutorings impact on their students performance. Another is that they feel supported rather than burdened by tutors, in part because tutoring content tracks closely to their classroom instruction. Leadership is key. The successful tutoring initiatives we studied all had leaders with dedicated roles. Whether it was Carina Escajeda, the high-impact tutoring manager in the Ector County Independent School District in Odessa, Texas; Kate Boyle, the fellowship director at Great Oaks Charter School in New York City; or Lauren May and Shauna Walters, the teacher-trainers for Teach for Americas Ignite tutoring model in Jackson Elementary School, there were staffers who made the tutoring trains run on time. Tutoring leads who also performed another role in school were paid extra. Autonomy for principals and teachers matters. While the tutoring leads kept things running, the school leaders and educators we studied had some degree of autonomy in implementing the programs in their buildings whether that meant choosing among district-approved vendors, selecting curricular materials for tutors to use, or adjusting the school day to incorporate tutoring in ways they thought best. Providing local educators with ownership increases their buy-in and often results in tutoring programs tailored to precisely what a given district or school needs to boost student achievement. Relationships with tutors motivate students. I found that many kinds of tutors college students, recent college graduates or professionals hired through an external vendor built strong relationships with students, even when they worked with them virtually. Those relationships, students told us, were often as valuable as the academic support tutors provided an important insight at a time when many young people are struggling emotionally. Federal funding sources like AmeriCorps are a path to sustainability. Since the beginning of the pandemic, as many as 80% of U.S. school districts have implemented tutoring programs, according to the federal School Pulse Panel. The challenge now is to fine-tune implementation, bring the benefits of high-impact tutoring to even more students in each district and find ways to sustain it after schools federal COVID relief funding expires later this year. Related Under Pilot Program in Texas & Florida, Tutoring Fees Depend on Student Progress Funding for states and school districts in Titles I, II, III and IV of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act could be tapped for tutoring once the pandemic-recovery money ends. If districts can connect tutoring with Response to Intervention, a program designed for early identification of struggling students or those with disabilities, districts could fund tutoring through Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. But two other federal resources the work-study program for college students and AmeriCorps could bring thousands of undergraduates and young adults into the nations schools as tutors. In just one existing program, TFA Ignite, more than 1,500 undergraduates from more than 300 colleges and universities are tutoring over 3,500 students; in New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., the Go Foundation is placing several hundred recent college graduates as AmeriCorps fellows in full-time tutoring positions in charter and traditional public schools. Congressional Republicans are threatening to defund the work-study and AmeriCorps programs, but expanding them instead and reducing red tape would bring many service-oriented young people into schools as tutors and introduce them to teaching at a moment when the nation is facing sustained shortages in the classroom a scenario I saw play out in schools I studied. Local education leaders wondering whether to stick with their tutoring investments as funding becomes more uncertain should ask whether other initiatives on behalf of students enjoy the same widespread support, yield the same academic results and allow for equally valuable student-adult relationships. Its a high bar. Following the death of George Floyd in May 2020, North Central University held a memorial service. During the ceremony, the Minneapolis, MN-based institution announced that it had created the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship, according to a news release. It is time to invest like never before in a new generation of young black Americans who are poised and ready to take leadership in our nation, North Central University President Scott Hagan, Ph.D., said per the news release. He added, So, university presidents, lets step up together. Hagans call to action for fellow college and university presidents to establish their own George Floyd Memorial Scholarship sparked a movement. Schools such as the University of Minnesota, University of Michigan, Ohio University, and more went on to create their own. However, as the fourth anniversary of Floyds passing is coming up, North Central Universitys scholarship in his remembrance is receiving pushback. According to NBC News, on March 25 the Legal Insurrection Foundation, a conservative law and politics organization, filed a federal complaint against North Central University related to its George Floyd Memorial Scholarship. The foundation is accusing the university of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, Title VI states, per the U.S. Department of Education. The Legal Insurrection Foundation claims that since the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship requires applicants to be Black or African American, that it is showing discrimination against other groups. Discrimination against white applicants is just as unlawful as discrimination against black or other non-white applicants, said civil rights attorney Ameer Benno and Cornell University law professor William Jacobson, who are behind the legal complaint, according to NBC News. Regardless of NCUs reasons for sponsoring and promoting the GFMS [scholarship], it is violating Title VI by doing so. As aforementioned, the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship was formed with the mission to champion future Black leaders. The outlet reports that despite the federal complain thats been filed, North Central University is set to continue accepting applications for the scholarship for the 2024-25 school year. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to approve legislation that would streamline the deployment of automated speed enforcement cameras in the city. The legislation was authored by SF Mayor London Breed and was approved unanimously by the board. This new speed safety enhancement technology is available in part due to a state law change implemented in 2023, which was also sponsored by Mayor Breed. Where people in California are moving to most Creating safer streets starts with addressing speed, which is the largest cause of injury and death in traffic collisions, said Mayor Breed. We fought for years to give our city this tool, and now that we have it, we are doing everything we can to get these cameras out on our streets as quickly as possible. This is just one tool to make our streets safer, but its a critical one that will save lives. Passed in 2023, Assembly Bill 645 allows SF, along with five other cities, to implement a five-year speed safety camera pilot, according to the mayors office. The law will enable the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency to install 33 speed safety cameras on SF streets with a history of speeding and severe or fatal crashes. Cameras may also be installed on streets located in school zones. The boards approval comes on the heels of the 10-year anniversary of SFs Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic fatalities, and in the wake of a deadly bus stop crash in West Portal that left a family of four dead. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Jeremy Atchison is escorted out of the Lamb County Courthouse Wednesday after he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2019 slaying of his mother, Jill Atchison, at her home in Levelland. A Lamb County jury on Wednesday found a 41-year-old Levelland man knew his actions were wrong the night he shot and killed his mother four years ago at his home. The jury of nine women and three men deliberated for about six and 1/2 hours before returning to the courtroom with a verdict finding Jeremy Neil Atchison guilty of capital murder in the Aug. 31, 2019 slaying of 59-year-old Jill Atchison, a beloved dance teacher. Atchison stood silently between his attorneys, Jesse Mendez and Isaias Solorzano, as 286th District Court Judge Pat Phelan read the verdict. However, Atchison could be seen wiping away tears in court as clerks prepared his judgement. Hockley County prosecutors did not seek the death penalty in the case so Atchison was automatically sentenced to life in prison without parole. The verdict stemmed from a seven-day trial in Lamb County that began with Atchison pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. The case was tried in Lamb County after Phelan granted in November an agreed motion to change venue. Prosecutors argued that Atchison killed his mother to steal her purse to pay for his addictions to Adderall. Prosecutor Barron Slack told jurors the case was about a son driven by rage, entitlement and desperation to kill the one person in his life who could not stand to see him destroy himself. Atchison's defense attorneys, argued that their client was under the throes of a psychotic episode stemming from undiagnosed schizophrenia and did not know that his actions that day were wrong. At the beginning of the trial, Phelan denied defense attorneys' motion to continue the trial, suggesting their client was incompetent to aid in his defense. The case stems from a check welfare call made to Levelland police that resulted in a vehicle pursuit and the discovery of Jill Atchison's body in the living room of her home. Atchison's daughter, Meagan Stanley, who lives in Tennessee, told jurors that she called Levelland police after being unable to reach her mother. Earlier in the day, she said her mother called her, telling her she was going to confront Atchison about his Adderall addiction. Stanley said her brother was diagnosed in 2004 with attention deficit disorder and was prescribed Adderall to treat it. However, she later learned that he was abusing the medication, which is an amphetamine. Court news courtroom gavel Stanley described her childhood as a happy one. She said her brother was a good student and well liked. After graduating high school, she said Jeremy moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University and major in biology. However, she said throughout the years, she said, her brother began to change, grow distant and bitter. She said her brother appeared stuck in life but never took any steps to improve his situation. He also began resenting their mother, blaming her for his lot in life. She said it also appeared that her brother's mental health was spiraling as well. She recounted conversations with her brother over the phone during which he complained that he could hear other people's thoughts through the radio. In another phone call her brother sounded distraught, telling her something was wrong with him. However, she said when she followed up with him the next day he would deny what happened. Stanley said she regularly kept in touch with her mother who would tell her about brother's struggles. She told jurors that her brother began working for their grandmother, Jean Riley, as a handyman for her rental properties. Riley, who is also known as Mama Jean, told jurors that she gave her grandson access to a credit card as part of his job. About six months before the shooting, Riley said she confiscated the card from her grandson after discovering that he was misusing it. She said she eventually fired Atchison and evicted him from one of her properties after he threatened to shoot Jill Atchison in February 2019. Stanley told jurors that her mother hired her brother as a handyman for her dance studio. However, she said her brother's behavior worsened leading to a confrontation between Jill and Jeremy that ultimately led to her death. Stanley told jurors she told her mother to keep her cellphone on her throughout the day. She began getting concerned when her calls and texts throughout the day were unanswered. Stanley ultimately texted her brother around 9 p.m. Central time asking him to tell their mother to call her. He replied 40 minutes later, telling her, "Yeah." Jurors were presented the text messages that showed Stanley asking her brother if he relayed her message to their mother with Atchison replying that he was at a fast-food restaurant. She asked Atchison what their mother was doing when he left and he told her that she was "watering the back." A medical examiner would tell jurors that Jill Atchison was already dead and was likely killed around noon that day. Stanley told jurors she also called their grandmother and told her she was going to call the police for a welfare check. Stanley's 911 call was played to jurors and she could be heard telling the dispatcher that she had not heard from her mother after she told him she was going to confront her brother who was "out of his mind." Officer Dakota Moody, one of two Levelland police officers who responded to the welfare check call, told jurors he arrived at Jill Atchison's home in the 400 block of East Jackson. about 10 p.m. and encountered Jeremy Atchison who was walking toward his pickup truck. Moody told jurors that Atchison never stopped walking to his truck, telling them that his mother was inside. Jurors watched video from the officer's body-worn camera that showed Atchison ignoring the officer's command to stop. Instead, Atchison got in the truck and could be heard asking officers if his sister sent them and then told them to leave. Atchison could be seen driving away as Moody ran to his patrol vehicle to chase him. The pursuit lasted a few minutes and ended when Atchison arrived at his father's driveway in the 300 block of Pecan Street where he was arrested. Atchison's father could be seen speaking to him as he sat in the back of the police vehicle. The defendant could be heard telling his father that he was being arrested because he "ran a red light." At no point during the arrest does Atchison tell anyone that his mother was dead in her home. Instead, Atchison appeared more concerned about his dog, which was in his truck. A search of his pickup truck yielded a loaded .40 caliber handgun -- that was later confirmed as the murder weapon -- and Atchison's wallet that was contained about $300 in cash. Investigators also found a bottle of Adderall prescribed to Atchison that was refilled five days before the murder. However, investigators found that bottle had 10 fewer pills than there should have been. Meanwhile, a second offiver told jurors that he completed the welfare check and found Jill Atchison lying in her living room floor in a pool of her blood. Jurors also watched Atchison's interview with Texas Ranger Dominic Zuniga. During the interview, which spanned about two and 1/2 hours, Atchison confessed to killing his mother after she refused to give him money, saying she didn't want him using it for drugs. He could be heard saying he went to his mother's bedroom where he found her purse and looked for her money, saying he was disappointed that there wasn't more in there. He said he chased her through her house and strangled her when he caught up to her. He said he bashed her head on the floor and then went to his pickup truck to retrieve her pistol, which he placed against his mother's head and fired. "To make sure she was dead," he told the Ranger. Atchison would later call the Ranger the next day to recant his statement. As he awaited trial, court records show Atchison would be found incompetent. He was sent to a state mental health facility where he would regain competency and his defense attorneys gave notice of their intent to raise an insanity defense. Defense attorneys called on multiple medical and psychological experts who told jurors that Atchison exhibited signs of schizophrenia. Tim Nyberg, a court-appointed forensic psychologist, told jurors that he evaluated Atchison for insanity and found that he met the legal criteria for the defense. He said he met with Atchison, whom he believed has schizophrenia and amphetamine dependence, multiple times for the evaluation using techniques and tools that ruled out that he was faking his condition. He said during his evaluation, Atchison's was under the delusion that his mother was not dead but replaced by an imposter. Another psychologist called by defense attorneys said Atchison told him that his mother was already dead when he entered the home and his gun was on her bed but he didn't know how it got there. Nyberg said his evaluation included reading police reports and watching the interview with Zuniga. He said Atchison also showed signs of the mental disease in his interview with the Ranger that manifested as "classic examples of schizophrenic delusions." During the same two-hour interview in which he confessed to killing his mother, Atchison's mental disease would surface and he would tell the Ranger that his mother attacked him like a zombie or that he was shot in the head. He also mentioned other dimensions and involvement by the FBI and the CIA. "He had a rambling dialog about a lot of things at the time," he said. He said he believed most people who watched the video interview would conclude that Atchison was unwell. However, Nyberg's report, which was submitted after a final meeting with Atchison in February, indicated Atchison's mental state made it difficult to arrive at his opinion that Atchison didn't know his actions were wrong the night he killed his mother. "Mr. Atchison really continued to exhibit signs of active psychosis throughout my meetings with him," he said. However, he said he was unaware that Atchison spoke with his sister before police arrived and he hadn't watched the body worn cameras from police officers who initially contacted Atchison at his mother's home. He said it would be difficult to argue with a reasonable person that Atchison's deceptive behavior with his family when they were asking him about his mother's whereabouts and when police arrived showed he knew his actions were wrong. He said it would be reasonable to conclude that Atchison was Nyberg told jurors that he had evaluated more than 50 cases and only found three that he believed met the legal criteria of insanity. "In almost every case there are some factors that indicate a person knew what he was doing was wrong and indicators that he didn't," he said. "This case is no exception." In his closing argument, Slack told jurors that this wasn't a case of insanity, saying Atchison's actions that day, as described by his sister and in police videos showed he knew his actions were wrong. "There's every reason to believe in the state he's in he can operate in a lawful society," he said. He said Atchison's confession was corroborated by physical evidence and the evidence of his lies to his family and fleeing the police when they arrived, showed that he knew his actions were wrong. Slack said Jill Atchison died trying to save her son from himself by refusing to fund his drug habit. He said Atchison's mother suffered more in the last months of her life as she watched her son's life continue to spiral out of control, than she did when he killed her. "She wasn't going to let him destroy himself," he said. "She would never have let him go. Never. No matter what." Ultimately, Atchison's sense of entitlement and desperation outweighed his mother's love. "He wants what he wants," Slack told jurors. "He's entitled, he's mad cause she's been a problem his whole life. You have evidence that he didn't care. He was done." Atchison's defense attorney, Isaias Solorzano, told jurors that the evidence showed that his client's schizophrenia had been manifesting for years and reached its peak the day he killed his mother. "At the time that he committed the conduct, he didn't know it was wrong," he said. He said he believed the evidence they presented met the standard that showed there was a greater credibility than not that Atchison was insane at the time. Hockley County District Attorney Angela Overman said she said the jury's verdict served the ends of justice. Slack said he appreciated the work the jurors put into their deliberation and ultimately came to what he believed was the right decision. "We believe that the evidence did not support a conclusion that he didn't know right from wrong," he said. "He concealed (his crime), he lied and he ran from police, all of those obvious factors pointed to thatwe believe this was a crime of rage, and entitlement not insanity." Solorzano said after the trial that he appreciated the jury's consideration and the time they took to reach their deliberation. He said he anticipates and appeal will be filed in the case. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Levelland man sentenced to life in prison without parole in mother's 2019 slaying Fred McLean, a homeless veteran and widower, rifles through the papers he keeps in his backpack, including several medical documents and his late husband Donald Underwood's death certificate. The couple lived primarily on the streets of Little Rock, and McLean says his housing situation is uncertain after Underwood's death in February 2024. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) Fred McLean hoped his veteran status would help him and Donald Underwood obtain housing aid from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs when they got married in 2022. McLean has received health care from the VA for years but said all it ever gave Underwood was a plot in the state veterans cemetery, where McLean will someday join him. Underwood died in February at 47. He and McLean had only been together a few months when in 2011, a police officer struck Underwoods face with a Taser and left him with a life-altering brain injury. Underwood developed severe claustrophobia that made it difficult to live indoors, so the couple learned where to sleep safely outdoors and lived primarily on Little Rocks streets. Underwoods seizures and erratic behavior created more conflict on the streets than being a gay man did, said McLean, who turned 77 in March. Still, his living situation is now uncertain, an example of how precarious housing can become for gay, lesbian and transgender people as they age. Without Donnie, theres not any one particular place I want to be, McLean said. The support system of health care workers, police, faith leaders and others who helped McLean and his husband get by is still there for him, he said. Advocacy within Arkansas LGBTQ+ community LGBTQ+ Americans have a shared lived history of fighting oppression, said Paul Nagle, founder and executive director of Stonewall Community Development Corporation, a New York City-based LGBTQ+ elder housing advocacy group. The community often uses creativity and resilience to build networks of care and support for ourselves when the government fails us, like we did during the AIDS crisis, Nagle said. David and Ethan Avanzino, entrepreneurs and a married Eureka Springs couple, started Safe to Be in 2018 with the goal of creating a tiny home community for LGBTQ+ adults in need of housing. The tiny home project is ongoing, and the nonprofit has also started providing emergency housing for up to 60 days. Safe to Be has not yet encountered older LGBTQ+ people needing housing, Ethan Avanzino said, but the group would help if they did. The same is true at BeYoUUU, a Little Rock transgender advocacy nonprofit with an all-Black leadership team. Founded in 2021, BeYoUUU has worked to form an emergency housing initiative for trans adults, CEO Keon Anderson said. The nonprofit has temporarily housed a few young trans adults at its leaders homes, including treasurer Debra Anderson, Keons nonbinary parent. Both Andersons said theyre looking for a physical building to use as a shelter and grant funding to support it. I believe that well have a really good turnout once everybody knows theres somewhere for trans, nonbinary and LGBTQ+ [people] to go and feel safe and be safe, Debra Anderson said. But many elderly LGBTQ+ people arent fortunate enough to have such a network, said Caleb Alexander-McKinzie, a volunteer for Little Rock homeless aid organization The Van. LGBTQ+ adults today have more freedom to get married, raise children and be protected from workplace discrimination than older community members did. But LGBTQ+ elders often feel increasingly isolated and must depend on social services as they age and leave the workforce, Alexander-McKinzie said. For these macro communities, like queer communities, that rely on chosen family, they dont have the same rights as others, he said. People often rely on their children to care for them as they age, but a 2014 Equal Rights Center survey found that 90% of LGBTQ+ seniors reported having no children, compared to 20% of non-LGBTQ+ seniors. Additionally, LGBTQ+ elders might not have been able to save enough for a stable retirement, said Sydney Kopp-Richardson, director of the National LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Initiative at Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE). People have had disparate rates of employment discrimination or insecurity that obviously leads to income insecurity as people age, and they might not even have access to Social Security if they relied on informal, under-the-table ways of making money, Kopp-Richardson said. SAGE is a New York-based national organization helping LGBTQ+ elders access resources, including safe and stable housing. One of its largest programs is the SAGECare training credential program, which provides LGBTQ+-affirming cultural competency training to those who offer services to seniors. Although many LGBTQ+ elders avoid Christian-centric resources due to religious trauma, some of these groups want to be able to have an open door and have sought SAGECares sensitivity training, said SAGECare Business Development Manager Karen Cushing. Yet many faith-based housing aid organizations do not accept LGBTQ+ people, Alexander-McKinzie said. Some homeless shelters do not even allow heterosexual couples to sleep in the same room, and that deters people from seeking help. Many folks will not avail themselves of an acute situation if they cant stay with their family, Alexander-McKinzie said. Similarly, McLean stayed on the streets with Underwood for 13 years, and they were married in a hospital while Underwood was ill. When Underwood died of complications from the flu and pneumonia, he received his last wish of dying in McLeans arms. Ensuring LGBTQ+ elders are treated with respect is especially important because of what theyve lived through, Cushing said. They went through the AIDS crisis, [and] theyve seen so many folks also pass away during the COVID crisis that they really didnt expect to be here, she said. Cushing has worked for SAGECare since 2018 but has only lived in Arkansas for about a year. She said she and her wife moved sight unseen into the Holiday Island retirement community near Eureka Springs, a town known as a haven for LGBTQ+ Arkansans. While it was difficult to leave behind chosen family in Florida, a state that had become unsafe due to its many anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Cushing and her wife chose their new home at the suggestion of trusted friends and found the safety they were looking for. The difference in friendliness among the general Northwest Arkansas population was a breath of fresh air, Cushing said. There is no difference between us as a couple and [other older couples], and its so refreshing, she said. Safety concerns While McLean and Underwood were never closeted, some older LGBTQ+ people hide their identities or anticipate doing so to receive care theyll need as they age. According to a 2021 AARP study, 77% of adults over 50 would prefer to age in place rather than find a new home. Home-based health care might be financially feasible for LGBTQ+ elders but take a toll on their overall wellbeing, Kopp-Richardson said. If someones coming to your home to take care of you in your most vulnerable state, people often dont feel safe being out, so they might go back into the closet, which also has a horrible mental health effect that can then impact their physical and cognitive health, she said. A 2022 AARP report found that 58% of transgender and nonbinary older adults were concerned that being closeted might be necessary to access the housing they need. Tamara Tams Lanford might have been in that position if they had ever been completely out, they said. Coming to terms with who they are explained why theyd had trouble fitting in, which others used as an excuse to mistreat them, Lanford said. I just thought I was weird my whole life, Lanford said. If I knew that there were other people like me and had an actual label for it, I would have been overjoyed in my twenties and thirties to use that information, but by the time I hit 40 and Arkansas had taken such a hard right turn I would have been back in the closet. Tamara Tams Lanford lived in a van for two years after fleeing domestic violence in 2021. Lanford now squats in a rural Arkansas house with a pet cat and is struggling to obtain and retain benefits from the state Department of Human Services. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) Library books and the internet helped Lanford realize theyre nonbinary and asexual a decade ago at the age of 44. At the time, Arkansas political leadership was changing hands from Democrats to Republicans. In 2021, Lanford fled domestic violence, cut off contact with family and lived in a van for two years. Tams Lanfords cat, Markham (via X, formerly Twitter) Now Lanfords only family is Markham, a long-haired black cat whos nearly 5 years old and named after the Little Rock street where he was found as a kitten. A homeowner in a rural area has allowed Lanford and Markham to live there as squatters since November. A 200-foot extension cord attached to the owners neighboring house allows Lanford to use kitchen appliances, but the residence has no plumbing or running water. Lanford said they survive on the kindness of internet strangers via online crowdfunding, especially since losing access to food stamps last year. The homeowner, neighbors and other homeless community members are unaware of Lanfords LGBTQ+ identities for safety reasons, Lanford said. While they have worked enough to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Lanford said housing and health care will become increasingly difficult to access as they age. Enrolling for and maintaining benefits has been a constant battle with bureaucratic red tape, Lanford said, and they have delayed several necessary surgeries even while theyve received and recovered from other procedures. Arkansas Department of Human Services documents classify people as only male or female, but even if there were a [third] checkbox, I wouldnt use it, Lanford said. DHS denied Lanfords SSDI application in July 2022; the appeal hearing is in May. Its difficult to envision a future while living one day at a time, Lanford said. Fred McLean still wears his wedding ring, made of two split key rings, after the death of his husband, Donald Underwood. He also carries Underwoods favorite white hoodie. The two were homeless and had a support system that included Canvas Community Church in Little Rock, where McLean goes for meals and mail on Wednesdays. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) My goal is to live long enough to be approved for SSDI, and then I can figure out stable housing, Lanford said. Meanwhile, McLean said he might apply for a housing voucher through the VA after he recovers from cancer surgery. Still, thinking about his future without Underwood is difficult, and even when he talks about the challenges of caring for a disabled partner, McLean finds himself smiling. We had some extraordinary good times, he said. This reporting was supported by a fellowship from Columbia Universitys Age Boom Academy. The post LGBTQ+ senior citizens in Arkansas face barriers to safe and stable housing appeared first on Arkansas Advocate. I recently had a layover at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport on my way to visit my parents in Oregon, so I stopped at McDonalds for a quick bite. Rather than being greeted by a human cashier, I was met with a hall of self-serve kiosks, where I placed my order and paid for it. Expect to see a lot more machines and far fewer human workers in states and cities that are artificially driving up the cost of employees through higher minimum wages. The government seems stuck on this way of fixing something that doesn't need to be fixed, Brian Wesbury, chief economist at First Trust Advisors, told me. It messes up the marketplace, and businesses attempt to find a way around it because these are not market-based wages and today with robotics and computers they can. So it ends up hurting people. While efficient, automation like those ordering screens at the Minneapolis airport is emblematic of what happens when the government distorts the marketplace with a heavy-handed regulatory approach. Minneapolis has mandated a $15.57 hourly minimum wage more than twice the federal minimum wage of $7.25 for large employers, but that wage will apply to all businesses starting this summer. While the airport isnt technically part of any city, its employers are no doubt forced to offer comparable wages to attract workers. Screens have taken over at the McDonald's in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport. High wages are having other effects, too. Minneapolis residents will soon be out of luck if they want to call an Uber or a Lyft. Both companies are leaving town in May after the ultra-liberal city council (several of the 13 are declared socialists) applied the minimum wage to drivers, overriding the mayors veto. The companies said the mandate makes operations in the city unsustainable. So in the effort to increase pay for drivers, the city council effectively will strip thousands of jobs and leave many people without transportation. As Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey said in an interview, Getting a raise doesnt do a whole lot of good if you lose your job. Nice work, Minneapolis. California hikes minimum wage, employers lay people off Then theres California. In what should have been an April Fools joke, a law requiring fast-food workers at large chains to earn $20 a hour took effect April 1. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed the law last year. Obviously, businesses arent happy because it's bad for their bottom lines. Biden's new rule may take your job: Biden claims to stand for women, but his new regulation will kill jobs that women want Newsom admitted as much when he tried to give his buddy Greg Flynn, who runs Panera Bread franchises in California, a loophole from the law. Flynn is a big Newsom donor, and Newsom had demanded a curious exemption to the law for restaurants making in-house bread. Story continues NFC championship game: California Governor Gavin Newsom watches the San Francisco 49ers play the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Jan. 28, 2024. After the justified uproar that Flynn was getting special favors, he has said hell abide by the higher wage. Its no surprise that even before the new minimum wage became reality, restaurants started planning layoffs. For instance, Pizza Hut has said it will cut more than 1,000 delivery jobs. Many more are following suit. As any economist could have predicted, these businesses are having to downsize their workforce, reduce hours and raise prices. Thats what happens when the government meddles in the private market. 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. Its hard to see how this benefits anyone in the long run. Minimum wage jobs have traditionally existed to give people an entry point into the work world, but government-driven inflated wages will take those opportunities away from inexperienced workers. And this government intervention ignores that workers have more choices than ever. Its such a competitive marketplace and unemployment is so low that if youre disappointed in the job in either the culture or the wage or the working conditions, you can move, Wesbury said. Less work for same pay? Welcome to Bernies world. You can always count on Congress resident socialist, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, to come up with truly wild (and costly) ideas. Hes a constant pusher of free college, student debt forgiveness and high minimum wages. Employers must speak up: Biden's overtime pay proposal is the last thing our economy needs Sanders also says Americans deserve a 32-hour work week. Employers would be forced to continue paying workers the same pay and benefits as they get for working 40 hours. And hes not just thinking about it hes introduced a bill. Sounds pretty darn good, I have to say. US Senator and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a news conference with labor leaders to make an announcement on the federal minimum wage, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on May 4, 2023. Unfortunately, in the real world, companies would have to make adjustments to afford this cushy new employee benefit. Employers would either have to hire more workers or lose out on productivity, and consumers would face higher prices as a result. Other unintended consequences would surely follow. Bottom line: The private sector works best when the government gets out of the way. Its a lesson liberals never seem to learn. 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: California minimum wage increase hurts workers it claims to help Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's speech at a meeting of the Russian Interior Ministry board on April 2 highlighted Russia's inconsistent response to the March 22 terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall. This inconsistency is manifested in the fact that the Russian authorities are simultaneously taking law enforcement measures against migrant communities, but at the same time deliberately falsely accusing Ukraine of the attack. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Putin said that the Russian authorities are analyzing the actions of all Russian law enforcement, management, supervisory services and commercial organizations responsible for the Crocus City Hall concert hall, and pointed out to the Interior Ministry the need to strengthen security measures and emergency preparedness in crowded places. Putin explicitly asserted that the Interior Ministry must address several outstanding issues, including the response to extremist groups, likely to prevent possible criticism that Russian intelligence services failed to prevent the attack on Crocus City Hall, especially amid reports that Russia ignored international warnings, including from its allies, about the attack. Putin and other Kremlin officials attempted to coordinate information operations aimed at blaming Ukraine and the West for the attack. ADVERTISIMENT Russian dictator Putin continued to speculate about possible other beneficiaries of the attack that the Interior Ministry should investigate, but Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev continued to make baseless accusations against Ukraine, portraying it as a potential criminal and terrorist threat to Russia. On April 1, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) falsely claimed that the United States was trying to hide Ukraine's responsibility for the attack on Crocus City Hall, including by blaming the attack on the Afghan branch of the Islamic State of Khorasan, ISIS. The response of Russian law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the North Caucasus, including the anti-terrorist operation in Dagestan on March 31 and the crackdown on Central Asian migrants in Russia, further confirms that the Russian authorities believe that the terrorist threat comes from Central Asia and Russia, not Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the Kremlin will continue its efforts to use domestic fear and outrage over the attack to foster the belief that Ukraine and the West are involved in the attack on Crocus City Hall, as well as in widespread alleged "terrorist" acts in Russia. The purpose of this is to strengthen Russia's domestic support for the war against Ukraine. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War remain convinced that the attack on Crocus City Hall was carried out by ISIS, and there is still no independent report or evidence to suggest that anyone other than ISIS was responsible for or assisted in the attack. Earlier it was reported that Russia's foreign intelligence service is stepping up its efforts to falsely accuse Ukraine of the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall near Moscow on March 22. The aggressor country deliberately denies any responsibility or involvement of the Islamic State in the attack. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, some Kremlin versions of the Crocus terrorist attack do not stand up to criticism. The aggressor country claims not only a "Ukrainian trace" but also implicates Tajiks in the attack. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Rendering of LifeScape's new Children's Campus to break ground April 12. LifeScape will be breaking ground for the largest expansion in its more than 70-year history by building a new state-of-the-art Childrens Campus, according to a news release Tuesday. The announcement comes after growing waitlists have continued to increase for LifeScapes services. According to LifeScape CEO Steve Watkins, in the last year, LifeScape has provided for more than 700 diagnoses for 3,661 kids from 249 different towns. The new facility will be built on a 10-acre plot in northwest Sioux Falls at West 34th Street North and North Career Avenue, south of Benson Road and west of Interstate 29. The land was secured by LifeScape in May 2023. More: Avera Health announces largest expansion in system's history Phase one of two will provide a 185,000-square-foot facility and include 69 childrens residential beds, a 25% larger specialty school, an 18-bed pediatric rehabilitation hospital, expanded inpatient and outpatient therapy facilities and administrative offices. Another large change will be that each child will have their own bedroom versus a dorm-style configuration, which will help with infection control, as well as behavior de-escalation, Watkins said. The Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has greenlit a $1.8 million Community Appeals Fund Drive for April 1 to July 31 of this year, aiming to finalize the first phase of the initiative anticipated to be done by fall 2026. The second part of this project will create amenities, including a pool, gym, community center, family rooms, visitation space and additional administrative offices. Funds for this portion will in part be raised by finding a buyer for the current 26th Street Hospital and School. Services provided there will move to the new Childrens Campus after phase two is complete in December 2026. Watkins also previously mentioned the new facility will incorporate what hes referring to as Easy Street, a term used for a training environment that allows children the ability to learn to navigate the real world in a safe environment the first of its kind in this region. LifeScape is one of the largest independent, non-profit organizations that provides specialized services to children. Children experiencing mobility challenges will be able to adopt options that work for them, Wakins said. This helps them learn how to function in everyday environments like transitions from a sidewalk to a curb, how to shop in a grocery store, how to sit in a cinema, etc. In January 2021, LifeScape officials announced the organization would build a new childrens campus at the University of South Dakotas Discovery District. Then in October 2021, the board overseeing the Discover District decided to take a different direction after the COVID-19 pandemic. Story continues The relationship and collaborative efforts with USD have continued to grow since those initial conversations on the Discovery District, and we are proud to say that our first Board Certified Behavior Analysts are graduating this year to help us address the autism waitlist," Watkins said. "The partnership with USD allows us to grow our own BCBAs right here in South Dakota." The idea for this endeavor first began in 2018 after discussions about future growth by the LifeScape Board of Directors. This commenced planning for the Childrens Campus, a Journey of Hope, a fundraising effort by the communities of South Dakota. The Journey of Hope Campaign has been a wonderful opportunity to truly put a spotlight on the services LifeScape offers for children with medically complex diagnoses, developmental disabilities, Autism, and more," LifeScape Foundation President Jessica Wells said. LifeScape has provided for more than 700 diagnoses for 3,661 kids from 249 different towns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six children between age 3 and 17 are born with a developmental disability, and one in 36 are born with autism. More: South Dakotas high health care costs causing many to skip treatments Lifescape began as a place to help children recover from polio in the 1950s. It is now one of the largest providers of specialized services for children and adults in South Dakota. Today, LifeScape employs 1,100 employees of which 87% of operating costs are labor, which is directly reinvested back into the Sioux Falls community, Watkins said. It takes a village to support all of our service lines which include food service, maintenance, janitorial, marketing, accounting and human resources, along with clinical and direct support positions, he said. At the end of the day, it all starts with a heart to do something meaningful for others. Offering our services here in Sioux Falls means that families remain closer to home versus traveling to larger cities to find the same type of services. LifeScape is the largest, if not the only, provider of specialized services for the children of South Dakota. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Childrens Campus will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 12 at the new campus site, close to Tri-State Flooring and Fleet Farm and about a mile north of Southeast Technical College. For more updates on this project, visit lifescapejourneyofhope.org. Contributions to the initiative can be made via the website or by reaching out to the Foundation office at 605-444-9800 or giving@LifeScapeSD.org. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: LifeScape Sioux Falls plans $98 million expansion A cleanup and recovery team at the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is prepping to create an alternate channel to enable commercial essential vessels to access the citys port. According to a Sunday note from the U.S. Coast Guard-led Unified Command response team, the action is part of a phased approach to opening the main channel. The temporary channel will be marked with navigation lights and will be 11-feet deep with a 264-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance of 96 feet. A tugboat pushing a fuel barge headed for Delawares Dover Air Force Base became the first vessel to bypass the wreckage on Monday. More from Sourcing Journal An alternate channel will be necessary for the Port of Baltimore to fully reopen, as container vessels are currently blocked by the bridges wreckage in the Patapsco River. The collapse occurred March 26 after the Maersk-chartered Dali container ship lost power and crashed into one of the bridges columns, taking most of the overpass down with it. Shipments originally headed for the Port of Baltimore are mostly divided among major ports in the northeastern U.S., according to data from supply chain visibility platform Project44. Most of the rerouted cargo (43 percent) is headed toward Norfolk at the Port of Virginia, while New York is getting 26 percent of the shipments. Most of the remaining containers are going to the Port of Wilmington in North Carolina (13 percent) and Newark-Elizabeth in New Jersey (10 percent), while 8 percent are expected to travel to other ports. Various ports along the northeast have pledged to take on the additional cargo, causing concerns about potential congestion. According to the Project44 data released Tuesday, there is currently no impact on import dwell rates at these alternate ports. On the other hand, recent Drewry data indicates that congestion could still increase due to an expected jump in utilization rates at the northeastern ports. In 2023, total terminal utilization across the Baltimore, N.Y.-N.J., Philadelphia and Virginia hubs was estimated to have been 60 percent. But when accounting for a 10.6 percent expected improvement in port throughput across North American ports in 2024, the removal of Baltimore from the equation could push the utilization rates in the region as high as 79 percent. Terminals operating at this level for a sustained period are likely to experience congestion, even more so if the increase in utilization occurs over a short time period, said Eirik Hooper, senior analyst, ports and terminals, Drewry. The shutdown of the Port of Baltimore also impacts those working at the gateway who are temporarily out of a paycheck. On March 27, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson announced his office would draft emergency legislation for an income replacement program for impacted workers and businesses. Called the PORT Act, which stands for Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade, Ferguson said that the money would come from Marylands roughly $2 billion rainy day fund. The bill would establish temporary relief programs for the thousands of port workers and businesses impacted by the collapse. A hearing on the bill was held 1 p.m. on Tuesday, with lawmakers hoping to pass the bill by the end of the week. The state has set up a dedicated unemployment line for all workers affected by the port closure. Of the 15,000 employees estimated to be employed at the Port of Baltimore, roughly 2,400 are union dockworkers represented by the International Longshoremens Association (ILA). On Monday, union leadership held a members-only emergency meeting to update the workers on recent restoration efforts and implications on workers benefits and wages. But ILA Local 333 president Scott Cowan told Baltimore TV news affiliate WMAR that there has been no timetable for a return. We are not getting any kind of ballpark yet, said Cowan. That channel needs to be opened within the maximum of four weeks to get these ships back in here and get the men and women of the ILA back to work, get the economy for the state rolling. Sourcing Journal reached out to the ILA. In the fallout of the accident, the Dalis operator Synergy Marine Group and Grace Ocean Private Ltd. filed a court petition Monday seeking to limit their legal liability, a routine procedure for cases litigated under U.S. maritime law. With the case, a federal court in Maryland will ultimately decide who is responsible and how much is owed. The filing seeks to cap the companies liability at roughly $43.7 million, which would be light compared to the hundreds of millions of dollars in damage claims Grace Ocean could face, according to legal experts interviewed by Bloomberg. In the position, the parties estimate that the Dali vessel itself is valued at up to $90 million and was carrying freight worth over $1.1 million in income for the companies. The estimate also deducts two major expenses: at least $28 million in repairs and at least $19.5 million in salvage. Chef Jose Andres is heartbroken and grieving after seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in an airstrike reportedly carried out by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza early Tuesday morning. World Central Kitchen, the not-for-profit organization founded by the Spanish-American chef, provides fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises, per its official website. In a statement posted Monday on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), Andres wrote, I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family. These are peopleangelsI served alongside in Ukraine, Gaza, Turkey, Morocco, Bahamas, Indonesia. They are not facelessthey are not nameless. The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing, his post continued. It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now. Today @WCKitchen lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF air strike in Gaza. I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family. These are peopleangelsI served alongside in Ukraine, Gaza, Turkey, Morocco, Bahamas, Indonesia. They https://t.co/rM3xbsiQ1Q Chef Jose Andres (@chefjoseandres) April 1, 2024 WCK said it was aware of reports that members of its team were killed while working to support our humanitarian food delivery efforts in Gaza. The group explained in a separate statement that its members were traveling in a deconflicted zone in two armored cars branded with the WCK logo and a soft skin vehicle when they were struck. 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. This is unforgivable, said World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore. The seven members killed were from Australia, Poland, United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, and Palestine. CHICAGO Chicago native and Grammy award-winning rapper Lil-Durk took a group of students to New York through his non-profit to foster college and career readiness for Chicago high schoolers. Neighborhood Heros Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by the rapper to drive positive change in youth living in under-resourced neighborhoods, partnered with the Brooklyn Nets to bring the students to St. Johns University in New York. Durks College and Career Readiness Cohort Chicago students were able to get a tour and directly engage with the universitys faculty and students as well as participate in a career day event. New York Senator Kevin Parker is also celebrating Durks efforts with a New York resolution in his honor. According to a press release, the students are a part of Champs Male Mentoring and Phlanax Family services. Through this comprehensive approach, Durks Neighborhood Heroes Foundation and its partners aim to empower students with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to thrive in both academic and professional settings. The cohort program began during the fall semester of 2022 in partnership with NASCAR, Atlanta Hawks and Pepsi Co. The next trip was the spring semester of 2023 (Howard University- Washington DC) in partnership with Amazon Music Rotation and Marc Jacobs. To date, Durk and his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation have serviced 50 students and given 100 thousand dollars in college scholarships. Neighborhood Heroes foundation purchased business attire for the students involved and created a business intensive preparation class for the teens with professional headshots and Linked In profiles. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Editors Note: March was Womens History Month. Each Tuesday during March, KOIN 6 News spotlighted a Remarkable Woman nominated by others in the community. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Throughout March, KOIN 6 News spotlighted 4 truly inspirational women, nominated by others to be this regions Remarkable Woman of 2024. Elle Harris of Sherwood started her own company, Harris Excavation, and offers a chance for women in the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility to learn a skill with heavy machinery. She also helped clean up after the 2020 Oregon wildfires and used her equipment to help those in Lahaina after the Hawaiian wildfires in 2023. Harris is on the Sherwood Police Foundation and works with ALS Northwest. Elle Harris. the owner of Harris Excavation, February 2024 (KOIN) Montserrat Andreys began Hey Doc, a chiropractic clinic in Southeast Portland that focuses on the specific needs of the BIPOC and queer and transgender communities. She is also a flamenco dancer in her spare time. Montserrat Andreys founded the Hey Doc clinic in SE Portland, March 9, 2024 (KOIN) Gloria Fluker began as a probation and parole officer, then dove into the world of helping underserved young women thrive. She earned a masters degree in counseling, founded Youth Unlimited, a program that engaged youth through videos tackling prevention strategies for sexual activity, teen pregnancy, AIDS and other STDs. Her passion now is her Tomorrows Journey program she founded in 2014. Its mission is to expose girls to a world beyond their immediate experiences and raising expectations of what they can accomplish. Gloria Fluker, the founder of Tomorrows Journey, March 2024 (KOIN) But Lisa Schroeder, best known as the owner of Mothers Bistro, is the 2024 Remarkable Woman in this region. She has been called The Mother of all Mothers. Over 2 decades, Mothers Bistro had great success while she dealt with personal tragedy. Shes survived the pandemic and the repeated vandalism of recent years. She continued to find ways to give hope to help lift a city in turmoil. But being a civic force in Portland was not always her plan. Lisa Schroeder of Mothers Bistro was named this regions 2024 Remarkable Woman, April 2024 (KOIN) Lisa Schroeder donated food during the pandemic, overcame the vandals, was on Governor Koteks governors task force for downtown Portland, was named the Oregon Small Businessperson of the Year and is raising her twin grandsons. For all of that, Lisa Schroeder was chosen as this areas Remarkable Woman. he will travel to Hollywood from April 7-9 to meet the other Nexstar Remarkable Women, one of whom will be chosen as the most remarkable in the US. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. List: Nonstop flights from DIA that take more than 9 hours List: Nonstop flights from DIA that take more than 9 hours DENVER (KDVR) On Thursday, Denver International Airport will announce a new airline that will host the airports longest nonstop flight. DIA has nonstop flights across the nation, and several international flights to Asia, Canada, Central America and Europe as well as flights to the Caribbean and Mexico. Right now, Tokyo is by far the longest nonstop flight. How many countries can you fly to directly from Denver? It takes 12 hours to get to Japan, and around nine hours to get to areas around Europe but the lineup for the longest nonstop flights from the airport is about to change. Longest nonstop flights from DIA While the direct flight times can vary due to different circumstances, here are some of DIAs longest nonstop flights based on Google Flight times and miles recorded from DIA. Location Airport Approximate nonstop flight time Miles Tokyo-Narita, Japan NRT 12 hours 5,788 Zurich, Switzerland ZRH 9 hours 55 minutes 5,160 Munich, Germany MUC 9 hours 45 minutes 5,225 Frankfurt, Germany FRA 9 hours 35 minutes 5,039 Paris, France CDG 9 hours 20 minutes 4,880 With DIAs forthcoming announcement of a longer nonstop flight, this implies that its going to take longer than 12 hours to get to the destination. The airport hasnt given any direct hints, other than the flight being international. However, the airport also retweeted one persons tweet on X, who speculated that the newest nonstop flight would be Ethiopian to Addis because Denver airport officials have talked about bringing service to Africa. But as of now, its all speculation. The airport plans to announce the longest nonstop flight at DIA on Thursday at 10 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has discussed assistance to the Ukrainian energy sector with Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys. Lithuania is ready to provide equipment for the reconstruction and repair of power facilities. Source: press service of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine Details: "The Minister of Energy briefed his counterpart on the consequences of recent Russian attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector. In turn, Dainius Kreivys stressed that Lithuania is ready to support Ukraine and send equipment that will help carry out reconstruction and repair work," the statement said. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to arrange a visit by a group of Ukrainian power engineers to Lithuania. Specialists from the public and private sectors will visit a number of Lithuanian energy facilities to verify the equipment to be sent to Ukraine. Background: DTEK Group, the largest private energy company in Ukraine, has lost 80% of its power generation capacity following Russia's large-scale attacks on 22 and 29 March. Earlier, the CEO of distribution company Yasno said that DTEK Group had lost about half of its generating capacity as a result of the large-scale Russian attack on the Ukrainian power grid on 22 March. Support UP or become our patron! Additional funding to help Ukraine fight its war against Russia has divided Republicans on Capitol Hill but its also dividing candidates and voters in GOP primaries. The latest example is outside Indianapolis, where a narrator in an ad that recently hit the airwaves in Indianas 5th District says, Why does Victoria Spartz put Ukraine first? Chuck Goodrich will put America first. The ad from Goodrich, a state legislator, knocks Spartz, a two-term congresswoman, for supporting aid for Ukraine, featuring images of her in the Oval Office after President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan measure to quickly provide Ukraine military equipment in 2022. Though Spartz was born and raised in Ukraine, its not a unique attack against her. Opposition to more funding for Ukraine has featured in TV ads across a half-dozen Republican House and Senate primaries so far this year, per the ad tracking firm AdImpact. The attacks have come as lawmakers are looking to act on additional aid for Ukraine in the coming weeks. The earliest 2024 contests show that support for Ukraine aid has become a litmus test in GOP primaries, said Pete Seat, a former executive director of the Indiana GOP and an alum of President George W. Bushs administration. And as Republican candidates compete to be seen as most aligned with former President Donald Trump, highlighting divisions over Ukraine aid has become one fast way to make the case that they are true America First believers. You dont have to ask, Do you support Trump or not? You just have to ask, Do you support Ukraine funding or not? Seat said. Mixed results Goodrichs attack will be tested in Indianas May 7 primary. So far, such attacks have had mixed success. In Alabamas 1st District, GOP Rep. Barry Moore launched multiple TV ads touting his opposition to Ukraine aid. He defeated fellow GOP Rep. Jerry Carl by 15 points in last months primary. School Freedom Fund, an outside group tied to the conservative Club for Growth, launched two ads in the race that mentioned Ukraine, including one with a narrator saying, Ukraine treats America like their ATM, and describing Carl as their man in Alabama. In Ohios GOP Senate primary, Win It Back PAC, another outside group tied to the Club for Growth, launched an ad against state Sen. Matt Dolan, suggesting Dolan would be Ukraines senator, not ours. The Clubs preferred candidate, businessman Bernie Moreno, defeated Dolan in the primary last month. But two anti-incumbent challenges that used the attack last month failed. Former Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey highlighted GOP Rep. Mike Bosts support for Ukraine aid in one ad as part of his unsuccessful campaign against Bost, who had Trumps endorsement. In Mississippi, an outside group called America First Priorities launched an ad against GOP Sen. Roger Wicker on the issue, but Wicker easily won his primary. Indianas primaries could be the next tests for anti-Ukraine aid messaging, even when the contrast isnt with a specific candidate. Along with Goodrich, Indiana Republican Tim Smith, who is running in the ruby-red open 3rd District, also recently launched a TV ad where Smith says, Joe Biden cares more about Ukraines borders than Americas. Goodrich, Spartzs top primary rival, has made the issue central to his case against Spartz, who reversed her decision to retire shortly before the states filing deadline. Chuck Goodrichs latest false ad attacking Victoria Spartz shows that Chuck Goodrich cant be trusted to tell the truth, the Spartz campaign wrote in an email to supporters after the ad hit the airwaves. The campaign called Goodrich a lying corrupt RINO, or Republican in Name Only, and noted that Spartz has called for audits of Ukraine funds and opposes a blank check. Some Indiana Republicans said Goodrichs attack was perplexing, given that Spartz has not been among the loudest proponents for more aid to Ukraine, and she has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Shes very obviously Ukrainian and speaks with an accent, said Indiana-based Republican strategist Cam Savage, who is not involved in the race, later adding, Maybe they just see a cheap-shot opportunity and theyre willing to take one. Thats the way it feels to me. In a statement, Goodrich campaign spokesman Kyle Kasting said: Chuck Goodrich thinks we need to build the wall and secure the border first instead of continuing to send blank checks to Ukraine; Victoria Spartz stood with President Biden and supported 40 billion dollars of aid that, among other things, funded Ukrainian pensions and Ukrainian business bailouts. On Wednesday, Spartz fired back at Goodrich with an attack ad of her own accusing him of being soft on China. A changing GOP The emergence of Ukraine aid as a primary issue reflects a broader shift in the Trump-led Republican Party toward a more isolationist foreign policy and concern about crossing that wing of the party. The shift has made it difficult for the GOP-controlled House to pass additional aid for Ukraine. Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the House could take up the issue when lawmakers return to the nations capital later this month, but his speakership could be threatened if he draws the ire of far-right Republicans. Seat was confident that additional aid would pass, largely due to expected support from Democrats. But he was less optimistic his party would reject isolationist positions, noting pro-Trump base voters tune out Republicans like Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah and former Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, who have been making the case for more Ukraine aid. Until a messenger who [speaks to] that base of the party, the base that it is today, is out there saying, This is why it matters to us, its going to be really, really difficult to get more Republican support, Seat said. And, since just eight states have held congressional primaries so far, some GOP lawmakers may be considering the looming threat of attacks over support for additional Ukraine aid. Youre in an election year now, right? Savage said. So how people vote on things is very much aligned with how close they are to their own primaries. Banks in Kyrgyzstan will stop working with cards of the Russian payment system "Mir," whose operator has been sanctioned by the United States. Starting from April 5, 2024, such cards will no longer be read by ATMs and POS terminals. ADVERTISIMENT Also, money transfers and online payments in favor of Kyrgyz accounts will stop for "Mir" cards. This was officially announced by the Interbank Processing Center (IPC) of Kyrgyzstan. It is noted that such a decision was made due to US sanctions against the Russian National Payment Card System (NPCS), the operator of the "Mir" payment system. In this regard, the Interbank Processing Center announced the termination of relations with the NPC in order not to fall under secondary sanctions. "On February 23, 2024, OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control, a division of the US Treasury responsible for controlling foreign assets) imposed sanctions against JSC National Payment Card System, the card operator of the "Mir" payment system. To minimize the risk of secondary sanctions, Interbank Processing Center CJSC, as a guarantor of the uninterrupted operation of the national payment system "Elcard," informs about the termination of relations with JSC NSPK from April 5, 2024," the statement said. ADVERTISIMENT In connection with the termination of the service of "Mir" cards in the "Elcard" payment system, users will not be able to perform the main types of operations from April 3, 2024, from noon local time. These are: card servicing in acquiring devices (cashless payments at POS terminals and cash withdrawals at ATMs) card-to-card transfers; e-commerce: online payments from a card to the accounts of trade and service companies. "Mir" is shrinking: where is it possible to pay with Russian cards NSPC, the operator of the "Mir" system, was established in Russia in 2014 after sanctions were imposed over the occupation of Ukrainian Crimea. The company is 100% owned by the Bank of Russia. The direct purpose of the NSPC was the desire of the Russian authorities to insure themselves against the disconnection of cards from international payment systems. After the international payment systems Visa and Mastercard left Russia in March 2022, and their Russian cards stopped working abroad, Russians used Mir cards for non-cash payments abroad, although the network of acceptance of these cards was much more limited than that of international payment systems. ADVERTISIMENT After the sanctions were renewed, the list of countries in which "Mir" operates is shrinking. At the time of the introduction of the US restrictions, "Mir" cards could be used, in particular, in: Kazakhstan; Belarus; Venezuela; Vietnam; Kyrgyzstan; Armenia; Tajikistan; Cuba. On March 30, Armenia stopped accepting payments in the "Mir" system. The only exception was the infrastructure of VTB Armenia, a subsidiary of Russian VTB. Most banks in Kazakhstan also refused to service Russian "Mir" cards. Only VTB Bank and Berek Bank partially continue to work with them. In Tajikistan, only two banks continue to accept "Mir" cards. These are the state-owned Amonatbank and Dushanbe City Bank. And in Uzbekistan, "Mir" has not been operating since the fall of 2023. In addition, the Mir Pay mobile payment system, designed to pay with cards of the Russian Mir system, has disappeared from Google Play. The Samsung Pay mobile payment service now completely prohibits the usage of "Mir" cards. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Polls have closed in Missouris municipal elections, marking the end to a contentious debate in Jackson County over a stadium tax benefiting the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. Voters weighed in on a ballot question authorizing a 3/8th-cent sales tax throughout the county for the next 40 years to help pay for the construction of a new Royals stadium in the East Crossroads and renovations for the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Here are the unofficial results, finalized as of 9:14 p.m. Tuesday night. The vote totals above combine results from the Kansas City Election Board, which tabulates votes in the part of Jackson County that also lies within Kansas City limits, and the Jackson County Election Board, which oversees voting everywhere in the county outside of Kansas City. All precincts in both election board jurisdictions have reported their totals. Read more about the results here. Chipotle tapped Matt Foley as head of government relations. He was most recently director of government affairs at Niagara Bottling, and his resume includes stints spearheading government relations for the American Frozen Food Institute, the National Grocers Association and the Grocery Manufacturers Association. The American Bankers Association named Thomas Rosenkoetter as senior vice president and executive director of the trade associations Card Policy Council. He was managing director and head of government affairs at BNP Paribas. Cozen OConnor Public Strategies has added Tamara Hinton as a senior principal leading the firms strategic communications practice. Hinton was communications director for then-chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), and his predecessor on the committee, former Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.). Jennifer Garson is joining Boundary Stone Partners as a senior vice president. Garson jumps from the Department of Energy, where she was most recently the director of the Water Power Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Kaleb Froehlich has rejoined Holland & Hart as a senior policy adviser in the firms Washington and Anchorage, Alaska, offices. Froehlich most recently served as chief of staff to Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and was senior counsel to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. James Fredricks has joined Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Floms antitrust and competition group as a partner. He spent more than 20 years at the Department of Justices Antitrust Division, where he was most recently chief of the Washington Criminal II Section of the division. Kat Cosgrove joins Freedom House as deputy director for policy and advocacy. She was most recently legislative director for Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.). The Recording Industry Association of America has promoted Michele Ballantyne to president, a title she will tack onto her role as chief operating officer. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Jacksonville area law enforcement yet to stake out positions on recreational cannabis amendment Florida voters will have an opportunity to weigh in on whether to legalize recreational marijuana when they head to the ballot box in November. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Amendment 3, if approved, would allow Floridians over age 21 to possess up to three ounces of marijuana for recreational use. But theres an expectation law enforcement will likely oppose the effort. The states top cop, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, asked the state supreme court to block the amendment from the ballot. She was unsuccessful but maintains her belief that the amendment misleads voters. The Attorney General has said she respects the Courts decision but maintains that voters will have to be educated about what this amendment will actually do, a spokesperson for the Florida Attorney General told Action News Jax in an emailed statement. READ: Cannabis industry supportive of legalization effort, but worry about access to market Florida House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Bay) has also come out in opposition. He argued the amendment is overly broad and unnecessary, due to the states accessible medical marijuana program. It looks innocuous, but then you start asking yourself, well, can you smoke on a childs playground, can you smoke in an elevator? said Renner. But Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers argued the amendment explicitly allows state lawmakers to regulate recreational marijuana and even gives them six months to do so before it would take effect. We would welcome a provision that would absolutely restrict time, place, and manner in terms of where consumption can happen just like the legislature does for many other things such as alcohol and tobacco, said Rivers. Opposition could come from other law enforcement officials as well, but so far, the Florida Sheriffs Association and our four local sheriffs here in Northeast Florida havent taken a hard stance one way or the other. UNF political science professor Dr. Michael Binder explained with recreational marijuana polling well above the 60% support needed, its got a good shot at passing, so long as a large-scale opposition campaign doesnt manifest and sway public opinion. And I also think even with a mild opposition campaign, I think it stands a good chance, said Binder. And Rivers said cannabis supporters are ready to fight to get Amendment 3 across the finish line. This is not a Red or a Blue issue. Its really a human rights issue as far as were concerned, said Rivers. A statewide poll conducted by UNF in November of last year found the recreational marijuana amendment with 67% support. Just 28% of Floridians said they opposed the measure. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. ST. LOUIS Every type of severe weather, including storms in the St. Louis area Monday, relies on radar feeds from the National Weather Service. However, major outages in the early hours of Tuesday caused a great deal of problems for area meteorologists. While there is not yet an answer as to why these outages happened, all that is known is that the source for warning systems fell silent. Around 12:25 a.m., the NWS lost all ability to push out their warning and forecast products, eventually trickling down to the radar products. Below are screenshots of what a normal radar network page would look like compared to what was shown last night. The green indicates radar sites that are operating normally, and the red means they have been down for 30 minutes or longer. Normal radar network page Monday night/Tuesday mornings radar network page Only 7% of our central regions radar sites were working, with none operating in St. Louis. On a national level, only 25% of them were online. Operations were normal during the first round of storms that arrived around 5 p.m. Monday. All the hail, wind and tornadic rotations within clouds could be seen on the radar during this round. The outage came at the worst time in the second round of storms, as the weather intensified and potential tornadoes could not be seen with the naked eye. FOX 2 reached out to NWS St. Louis, who redirected us to national headquarters. They sent the following statement: The National Weather Service experienced a network outage that impacted multiple forecast offices across the country overnight. The outage occurred over 5 hours. During this outage, some warning services were impacted. The NWS IT team mitigated the issue by moving network services from our data center in College Park, Maryland, to Boulder, Colorado, and operations were back to normal as of 6:30 a.m. EDT today; watches and warnings are going out. We are working with the vendor to identify the root cause of the outage. The NWS St. Louis and FOX 2 work hand in hand consistently during severe weather. Some operations shifted to Kansas City, issuing warnings from across the state. At one point, those in Kansas City were hand-drawing maps to put in a chat page with FOX 2 meteorologists on where the warnings were, and the information was then relayed to the public. The cause of the outage remains unknown. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. The Conservatives are facing an uphill struggle to oust Sadiq Khan in London this May and to hold onto seats in the capital at the general election later this year, polling shows. Analysis of polling data by The Telegraph and Ipsos Mori show that Labour are about 35 points ahead of the Tories in London when it comes to Westminster voting intention. The data is based on an analysis of London-specific figures captured in a series of national polls carried out monthly by Ipsos Mori between September 2023 and February 2024. How has Labours popularity in London changed in recent years? Using an average of the London figures, Labour is on 54 per cent (six points up on its 2019 general election performance), the Conservatives on 19 per cent (-13), the Liberal Democrats on 10 per cent, (-5), the Greens on 8 per cent (+5) and Reform on 5 per cent. This amounts to a swing of 9.5 points from Tories to Labour since the 2019 election. While these figures relate to Westminster voting intention, they bode well for Sadiq Khans chances of winning an unprecedented third mayoral term over the Tory candidate Susan Hall on May 2. Before Mr Khan was elected in 2016, the mayoralty was held by Boris Johnson for eight years - a Conservative interregnum following Ken Livingstones two terms. Keiran Pedley, Ipsos Moris research director, said: If the direction of travel is swinging from Conservative to Labour in London then clearly that benefits the mayor and improves his chances of re-election. The swing from the Tories to Labour is actually smaller than the current national swing implied by Ipsos polling over the same period (16.5 points), although Mr Pedley said this was to be expected because Labour starts with a higher base of support in London. What would this mean for the next general election? Mr Pedley said that if the current swing in London was to be replicated at the general election, it could result in the Tories losing at least two of their three remaining central London seats Kensington, and Cities of London and Westminster. Chelsea and Fulham would require a larger swing, although tactical voting could potentially put it in reach. Such projections should be treated with care the electoral picture is complicated by constituencies undergoing boundary changes but Mr Pedley said that even with a lower swing in London than nationally, Labour could still make gains. What do the polls say about the May 2 London mayoral election? The contention that Mr Khan is in a dominant position appears to be borne out by mayoral polling. In February, a YouGov survey found that he had a 25-point lead over Ms Hall (49 per cent to 24 per cent). The Green Party candidate Zoe Garbett was on 9 per cent, the Lib Dems Rob Blackie was on 8 per cent and Reform UKs Howard Cox was on 7 per cent. While Mr Khan has insisted that this mayoral race will be the closest ever, some analysts suspect such words are primarily designed to mobilise Labours base. Lord Hayward, a Conservative peer and pollster, said: It shouldnt be the closest ever - if it is close, it would be astonishing and it would be a major victory for the Tory Party. Under a Conservative government, it would be normal to view London as a Labour city; under a Labour national government those circumstances might change. How popular is Sadiq Khan? While Mr Khan seems to be in a commanding position, the Tories have some slender causes for hope. The Labour mayor seems to poll marginally behind his party in the capital and only 27 per cent of Londoners say they are satisfied with how he has performed since becoming mayor, according to the YouGov poll. With 45 per cent saying they are dissatisfied, he has a net rating of -17. In the same poll, a fifth of Londoners said they did not know who they would vote for if the mayoral election occurred tomorrow, so Ms Hall will hope some can be won round by polling day. And in the 2021 mayoral election, Mr Khan led his Tory rival Shaun Bailey by about 20 points in the polls but the actual result was much narrower, at 10.4 per cent. What other factors could affect the outcome of the mayoral and national contests in London? A change in the voting system to first-past-the-post has also injected additional uncertainty into the contest. Under the previous supplementary vote system, voters were able to put a second choice as a backup candidate. If their first preference candidate failed to get through to the top two, their vote moved to their backup. Under first-past-the-post, Londoners will only be able to vote for one candidate and whoever has the most votes will win. With Labour previously expected to pick up many of the second preferences of Lib Dem and Green Party voters, analysts think the change will improve the Tories chances. Lord Hayward said that Mr Khans expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) would likely weigh on Labours performance in outer London, with voters in these boroughs feeling a level of disaffection towards the party because of the controversial charging scheme. In July 2023, the Tories were able to cause an upset by holding onto Uxbridge and South Ruislip in a by-election, with the result attributed in large part to widespread discontent over Ulez. Lord Hayward said that recent changes in Labours national environmental policy such as the decision to ditch a 28 billion green investment pledge could at the same time result in Mr Khan losing votes to the Greens. He said this would depend on whether the Greens can get themselves organised, particularly in the parts of London where there are huge concentrations of students. The peer said it was too early to make predictions about the general election result in London, given the contest is not expected to take place until the autumn. However, he said that the Tories could be hurt by the decision of some of their current MPs to stand down, meaning the party will sacrifice the advantage generally conferred by incumbency. One of the downsides for the Conservatives in London will be the lack of incumbents in some seats, he said. Youve got the retirements already announced of Mike Freer [Finchley and Golders Green], Nickie Aiken [Cities of London and Westminster], Paul Scully [Sutton and Cheam], Sir Bob Neil [Bromley and Chislehurst]. 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. Phnom Penh is more than 14 hours by plane from Long Beach, yet Cambodian expatriates in and around this city still feel threatened by their native land's repressive government and determined to push for change. More than 200 Cambodians gathered recently at Cal State Long Beach to celebrate the launch of the Khmer Movement for Democracy, led by the political exile Mu Sochua. "We believe that in Long Beach there are many Cambodian democrats," said Sochua, who once served as Cambodia's minister of Womens and Veterans Affairs. "We need to bring the clear movement for democracy here and set the base so that we open up the space for our community in Long Beach." For decades, Cambodia has been dominated by the Cambodian People's Party, whose longtime leader, Hun Sen, blocked independent media outlets and silenced Sochua and other critics of his regime with threats of violence. The country's Supreme Court and top election officials reinforced Sen's grip by disbanding or blocking Cambodia's top opposition parties from fielding candidates in national elections. A former Khmer Rouge commander, Sen, won another term last year after a campaign marked by "surveillance, intimidation, judicial harassment, and violent attacks intensified against members of the political opposition, both inside and outside Cambodia," according to Human Rights Watch. Then Sen handed his spot as prime minister to his son, Hun Manet, staying on as head of the party. Although some observers hoped that Manet, who attended the U.S. Military Academy and New York University, would show more support for democratic values, critics have called his ascent to power as another chapter in Cambodia's dynastic rule. Sam Rainsy, left, and Mu Sochua, right, pose with an Apsara dancer who performed a classical Cambodian dance. Rainsy and Sochua were once the star leaders of the rival opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party. Now they guide a new pro-democracy movement that they hope will inspire younger generations of Cambodians. (Jireh Deng / Los Angeles Times) Now Sochua, a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, hopes to campaign abroad to garner support from Cambodians in the diaspora. The goal is to convince the international community to impose sanctions on Manet's government for being in violation of the 1991 Paris Peace agreement that ended the Third Indochina War and established a democratic framework in Cambodia. Among the nonprofit's stated goals are deterring corruption, promoting international relations and building a nonviolent, inclusive coalition of women, LGBTQ+ people, migrant workers and more. Read more: Lost and found: Should California return Cambodia's stolen art? A culture of fear and silence Sochua chose Long Beach to launch the pro-democracy movement for strategic reasons: It's home to the largest Cambodian diaspora outside of Southeast Asia, and fertile grounds for dissent against Manet. But in Long Beach, surveillance and fear run deep. Sophea Seng, a Cambodian American professor of Asian American studies at Cal State Long Beach, declined to speak on the record for this article. Susan Needham, a respected sociologist in the Long Beach Cambodian community, also declined to be interviewed out of concern for putting others at risk. Needham's 2022 paper, "Controlling the Opposition Abroad: Cambodia's Extraterritorial Activities in Long Beach, California," argues that Manet headed the youth division of the Cambodian People's Party not to indoctrinate Cambodian youth, but to monitor and disrupt dissent against Sen's government abroad. Needham noted in her paper that Sen's government has always had strong opposition in the diaspora. But in recent times, diaspora politics have been complicated by expatriates' fear that their comments could endanger the economic and familial ties they have to Cambodia. Though the day held a subversive tension, there was a relaxed air and joyful atmosphere as attendees took breaks in between sessions eating num banhchok, a rice noodle dish, and tapai, a dessert of fermented rice dusted with coconut flakes, passed out by volunteers. (Jireh Deng / Los Angeles Times) Pauline Nou, a psychotherapist and nurse who had driven down from Modesto to attend the event, came with the perspective of someone who had survived the Khmer Rouge's brutal re-education camps in the 1970s and the genocide epitomized by that regime's notorious killing fields. She likened her peers to abused children who still crave a broken home. "To these people any change could be worse ... they say at least we know what it's like with [Hun Sen]," Nou said. But Nou isn't one to be intimidated by such threats. "If I die for what I believe for, OK." A phrase often used to praise Sen's government ahead of election season was "Thank you peace," Nou said. The slogan tells Cambodians to be grateful even if their land is being taken away, because the regime has brought economic development to the country, and it's an improvement over the communist era when "you can't even pray, you can't even cry," she said. Struggling to connect to second-generation Cambodian Americans No speaker at the Long Beach event was more eagerly anticipated than Sam Rainsy, a once-rising political star in the 1990s who's lived in and out of exile in France for almost two decades. Supporters still call the 75-year-old Cambodia's "father of democracy." "Use your freedom to fight for the freedom of your people!" Rainsy shouted to rousing applause. Sam Rainsy, left, greets a supporter at Bixby Knolls Christian Church, where the Long Beach chapter of the Cambodian National Rescue Party plans its pro-democracy efforts. (Jireh Deng / Los Angeles Times) Once a key opposition-party leader, Rainsy has been forced to flee Cambodia twice by threats of imprisonment and assassination. Rainsy's image has been tarnished in the past for using a racist term to describe Cambodian citizens of Vietnamese descent. But Rainsy, who has Chinese ancestry, dismisses these attacks against his character as planted by the Cambodian government. He says he's motivated less to advance his political career than to foster youth participation in Cambodian democratic politics. "Many people still look at me as a symbol. Sometimes you need a symbol to ensure the unity of a movement," Rainsy said the day after the rally as he was meeting with the Long Beach chapter of the Cambodian National Rescue Party. "I am pushing young politicians to get ready so that one day I will not be available anymore." Rainsy and other members of the pro-democracy movement define "the youth" broadly to include people in their 40s and 50s; few attendees at the pro-democracy event were Gen Z or millennial Cambodians. Sophal Ear, a Cambodian American political scientist at Arizona State University, said in an email that there are many reasons why it's harder to politically engage younger Cambodian Americans, including language barriers, a lack of connection to Cambodia, and a lack of awareness about the Khmer Rouge because their elders were reluctant to recount the traumas they experienced. The organization hasn't compiled a list of email addresses yet, and it didn't help that different promotional fliers online listed different locations on campus for the event. But despite the hiccups in getting the word out, nearly every seat in the lecture hall was filled. Linda Ou, the chief secretariat of the Khmer Movement for Democracy, described an "old-fashioned" grassroots campaign that brought people from all over the state to listen to international speakers from Japan, Taiwan, Korea and France. "It was all word of mouth, it was crazy," Ou said of the effort. "You have these people that love democracy, telephone [their neighbors] and knock on their doors." This lecture hall at Cal State Long Beach is usually filled with business students. But at the Khmer Movement for Democracy's inaugural event, every seat was occupied by a politically engaged Cambodian in the diaspora. (Jireh Deng / Los Angeles Times) One of the handful of Gen Zers in attendance was 15-year-old Mian, who wore a plaid scarf sewn with Cambodian flag patches. (Mian declined to use her full name out of concern that she could be banned from entering Cambodia for discussing her political beliefs.) Like many of the other teens in the room, she was brought by her parents, who drove down from Fresno. "I'm kind of taught to not say that my parents are in politics to people at my school because [my parents] are with the opposing party," Mian said of speaking to her Cambodian classmates. "I feel like a lot of people in my area aren't with the democracy." Mian is currently teaching herself to read and speak Khmer fluently with the support of her mom, but she said it's too traumatic sometimes for her parents to dive too deeply into the past. Their stories go only so far before stopping, she said, "because they always go, 'Oh, I don't want to talk about this. It makes me too sad.'" Members of the Long Beach chapter of the Cambodian National Rescue Party meet at Bixby Knolls Christian Church and break into working groups to discuss strategies for their pro-democracy efforts. (Jireh Deng / Los Angeles Times) Cold war overtones Speaking mainly in Khmer, various panelists talked about their dream for a Cambodia with free-speech rights against a backdrop of Cambodian and U.S. flags hanging side by side. Ear, who's studied Cambodia's international relations, said that many who oppose Manet's strongman rule idealize U.S. civil freedoms and consider America to be "the antithesis of Cambodia when it comes to politics." One father, Mike Tomkiel, had driven more than four hours from San Clemente to the pro-democracy event to impart these aspirational values to his two sons. "This is the only place on Earth that close to heaven. You have the right to say anything you want," said Tomkiel, who remembers surviving the killing fields at around the same age his sons are now. "They told me to kneel down ... I was only 8 or 9 years old ... they killed my whole family." The Khmer Movement for Democracy already enjoys bipartisan support from Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass). But Ear said it was a legitimate concern that the fledgling democracy movement could be co-opted to serve U.S. geopolitical goals, "given the United States' strategic interests in Southeast Asia, particularly in countering China's influence." For Tomkiel, the choice between the two superpowers is simple. "The cold war is already there," he said referring to China's growing military influence in Cambodia. "I prefer the U.S. to take over the situation right now." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Longview man sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder GREGG COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A Longview man will spend the next four decades behind bars after pleading guilty to murder in a Gregg County courtroom on Wednesday. Longview man found guilty of capital murder in 2020 apartment shooting According to judicial records, 30-year-old Dominique Sheffield was sentenced to 40 years by Judge Alfonso Charles in the 124th District Court. Back in January 2022, the Longview Police Department was called to a home in the 2200 block of South Twelfth Street. When they arrived, they found two people with multiple gunshot wounds. One of the victims, 32-year-old Cedric Evers, later died from his injuries. The other victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. Sheffield was later taken into custody by the Smith County Sheriffs Office on unrelated charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. As it looks to keep its edge over rivals, the US Navy's biggest shipbuilding projects are delayed by years, new review finds The biggest US Navy shipbuilding project are delayed by years, according to a new report. The review was commissioned back in January amid concerns of programs falling behind schedule. The shipbuilding issues has Navy leaders concerned about maintaining an edge over great power rivals. The US Navy's biggest shipbuilding projects, from new submarines to a first-in-class guided-missile frigate, are delayed by one to three years, according to a new Navy report. The delays aren't helping to alleviate the concerns of Navy leaders worried about keeping up-to-pace with great power rivals, such as China, which is building new ships at astonishing rates. According to the 45-day review, details of which were shared with Business Insider, multiple top programs have been delayed. At a glance, the delays range from at least a year to three years after the original contractual delivery dates. These troubling delays have also resulted in Navy project "costs increasing commensurately as a result of these delays and continued elevated inflation," Hon. Nick Guertin, the Navy acquisition executive, told reporters at a roundtable on Tuesday evening, a transcript of which was provided to BI. The longest delays are for the coming Block IV Virginia-class submarines and Constellation-class guided missile frigate, which, based on current performances, won't be delivered for at least another 36 months. A chart from the Secretary of the Navy's 45-day shipbuilding review. US Navy Public Affairs Other concerning delays include the Navy's first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, a top priority for the Department of Defense expected to be delivered 12 to 16 months after its original delivery date of October 2027. That is a serious problem because the Navy's obligated to have 10 ballistic missile submarines ready to deploy at all times, and retiring previous ships has created a dire situation where, if the lead Columbia sub is not delivered in 2027 and ready to patrol in 2031, the force won't meet that requirement. There's also a major delay for the Navy's next Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise, as well. The third carrier in its class, the Enterprise isn't expected to be delivered until 18-26 months after its original date. The Ford class has had a number of delays over the course of its development. Guertin attributed many of the delays to "common issues from lingering COVID impacts across the national workforce and supply chain landscape with industry reticent to invest." He added that risk-reduction steps during COVID kept the impact "as minimal as possible." Newport News Shipbuilding workers and Navy sailors walk past the USS George Washington as it rests pier side Oct. 11, 2019. Jonathon Gruenke/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images The 45-day review was ordered by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro back in January. At the time, Navy leadership was concerned with delays with the Virginia-class subs could bleed into the development timeline for the new Columbia-class subs, ultimately leading to major issues keeping the Navy's submarine force ready. Del Toro called for an "assessment of national and local causes of shipbuilding challenges, as well as recommended actions for achieving a healthier US shipbuilding industrial base that provides combat capabilities that our warfighters need, on a schedule that is relevant." That growing concern comes as China's shipbuilding turns out not only more warships, but also increasingly capable ones. Back in January, a report to Congress on China's naval capabilities noted that its modernization effort has been underway since the early to mid-1990s, transforming its Navy into a formidable military force. DoD has said that China's navy "is the largest navy in the world with a battle force of over 370 platforms, including major surface combatants, submarines, ocean-going amphibious ships, mine warfare ships, aircraft carriers, and fleet auxiliaries." Its overall battle force is expected to reach 395 by 2025 and 435 by 2030. "You don't have to be a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician to realize the number of Chinese ships is going to continue to outpace us," said retired US Navy Adm. James Stavridis. Fang Sihang/Xinhua via Getty Images That severely overshadows the Navy's current and expected numbers. Currently, the Navy has a fleet of nearly 300 ships. Plans call for adding between 282 and 340 by 2052, which would, looking at warship retirements, bring the fleet size to somewhere between 316 and 367, depending on the plan. The Navy has looked at using unmanned systems to augment the force, but there are questions as to whether or not that would be enough in a Pacific fight. While US and Navy officials have expressed alarm over the pace of China's shipbuilding, some have argued there's a quality versus quantity difference between the two powers, and there is evidence to support that assessment. Nevertheless, China's growing naval capacity has pushed DoD to prioritize increased development and faster delivery of its upcoming ships. There are hang-ups though. The Navy review, Guertin said, "identified major initiatives to drive improvement that we plan to pursue." This includes fixing issues with the workforce, material and supply chains, and contracts. Guertin also said the next step is assessing the Navy budget for shipbuilding and the costs of delays. "Our Navy ships exist to strengthen American dominance and deliver warfighting capability by providing the tools our warfighters need to operate the world's strongest navy. In order to provide these key warfighting tools, shipbuilding challenges must be addressed," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider Family members say Carlos Brown doted over his yard at 524 Ash St. Evidence of that: the perennials along the sidewalk, situated with razor precision. But the landscape apparently gave no hint to the tumult inside the house shared by Brown and his wife, Sheron Trowers. The couple, both around 60, could often be heard fighting, neighbor Carole Wright said. One time she felt compelled to call the police. She was in the driveway screaming, Please, someone, call the police. So I called the police, Wright remembered. But that was the last time she intervened, after getting significant blowback from Brown. He was so mad at me that I just disassociated from them and never talked to them again, Wright said. I didnt know it would come to this. Its a horrible, awful, awful thing. The horrible thing that happened took place early Tuesday morning around 1 a.m. Tuesday. Police said Trowers, returning home from a trip to Jamaica to bury an uncle, was ambushed in the driveway -- and shot multiple times by Brown. Trowers was later pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Brockton Police then entered the home and found 61-year-old Carlos Brown deceased in the living room of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, said Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz. Cruz called the shootings a murder-suicide and said there was a history of domestic violence calls to the home. At one time, a restraining order separated the couple. Unfortunately, especially with domestic violence cases, its not unusual for restraining orders to be brought and then time goes by and things cool down and restraining orders get dismissed, Cruz said. And people get back together. Brown and Trowers had been companions for decades and raised children together -- but only got married about five years ago, according to relatives. They said she worked as a program manager for a group home specializing in schizophrenic residents. Carlos Brown, they said, worked as a painter. Daughter Lauren Brown, who was looking forward to seeing her mother after her four-day trip to Jamaica, said she was in the house when the murder-suicide occurred, and sleeping upstairs. I woke up around midnight, she said. I woke up to screaming. Prior to that, she said her mother tried calling her cell, but by the time she answered, the call had dropped. I didnt even know my Moms body was in the back of the house until I saw her luggage, Lauren Brown said. And when the police told me they think she passed, I literally fell to the ground. I literally fell to my knees. I literally fell... I said, No, she really cant be gone. Cousin Wayne Trowers said the family never saw any hint that Brown would engage in such violence. He last saw Sheron just before she was killed when, on the way home from the airport, she and another cousin diverted to Waynes Brockton house for a late supper. That other cousin, Marky, then dropped Sheron Trowers at her house. The street was filled with police cars, Wayne Trowers said. And we talked to one of the cops and he said, yes, shes deceased. And we just started crying. The tears have likely just begun. I dont know why my Dad did this to her, said Lauren Brown. I really dont know. I just pray every day that she knows I love her and I miss her and Im so sorry. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Lowering conscription age will help Ukrainian forces, but Western weapon supplies are decisive ISW Lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25 will support the Ukrainian army's ability to restore and reconstitute existing units and form new ones. However, Western assistance is crucial to properly equip all conscripts. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: Military analysts have noted that lowering the conscription age is one of the measures that Ukraine has been considering as part of its efforts to build a sustainable wartime force generation apparatus. However, Ukraine will need to arm all conscripts, and the ongoing debate in the US over military aid to Ukraine and delays in Western aid could affect the speed at which Ukraine can restore degraded units and form new ones. The ISW assessment indicates that Western-supplied materiel remains the most critical factor for the Ukrainian forces' ability to restore and build up their combat power. Background: On 2 April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation to reduce the age limit of conscripts eligible for mobilisation from 27 to 25 years. The Ukrainian parliament approved the law in May 2023, and it will come into force on 3 April 2024. Support UP or become our patron! Russian tourists have once again disgraced themselves abroad. This time, a family from the terrorist country was kicked out of the Besakih temple complex in Bali for not following the dress code. Moreover, it turned out that the Russians had entered the territory through the back door to avoid paying for an entrance ticket. Instead of admitting guilt and apologizing, the unwanted guests from Russia, of course, threw a tantrum. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Indonesian news outlet Liputan6. They clarified that the attention of security guards from the local rural community was drawn to people in "underwear and bikinis." The police later found out that they were citizens of the aggressor state. The incident took place at the most revered shrine on Mount Agung. The Russian family of two adults and five children decided to come to the place in shorts and T-shirts, and one child, according to witnesses, was wearing only a bathing suit. After a remark about inappropriate clothing for visiting the temple, to which the Russians did not respond, once again demonstrating their disrespect for the traditions and cultures of other peoples, they were asked to show their entrance tickets. ADVERTISIMENT It turned out that the tourists did not have tickets, as they had entered the territory through one of the service entrances in the unguarded forest area. This shameful act did not embarrass the Russians, so when they were calmly asked to leave, the head of the family began to argue hysterically with the guards. "He was pointing at the pilgrims who were passing by, asking if everyone here had paid for the entrance," the source said. For your understanding, foreigners are charged 90 thousand Indonesian rupiahs for a tour in this place, which is only 225 hryvnias. For this money, tourists are provided with a sarong, a piece of cloth traditionally wrapped around men and women, as well as a guide and transfer. However, the Russians spared this money and appeared on the temple grounds in "underwear and bikinis." ADVERTISIMENT Moreover, as it turned out, the authorities have banned all walks on the trails on Mount Agung for foreigners from March 17 to April 14 during Hindu ceremonies. It is not yet known whether the Russian tourists will be charged with non-compliance with local customs. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, earlier in Thailand, a Russian tourist named Elena Kupriyanova attacked a pregnant owner of a family cafe. The woman, who was eight months pregnant, was kicked in the groin by a citizen of the aggressor country, and all because of a simple request to take off her shoes before entering the establishment. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Luxury farm-to-table dining is returning to Paradise. Paradise Farms in Homestead, a farm that supplies many local restaurants with produce and more, is re-launching its luxurious Dinners in Paradise dining series this Sunday, reviving an upscale dining experience that has been missing from Miami-Dade for almost 10 years. The series, created by former Paradise Farms owner Gabriele Marewski, is now directed by entrepreneur Karla Dascal of The Sacred Space in Miami, who says she hopes to carry on Marewskis dream of celebrating top chefs, farm-to-table meals and organically grown local produce. Gabriele planted the seeds, says Dascal, who also operated the vegetarian restaurant Plant Miami, which closed in 2022. She was the first to create farm-to-table experiences like this in Miami. Now were gearing up to introduce a different farm-to-table experience, whether its sustainable seafood-forward or vegan or just the best of the best in South Florida. But when Dascal says local she doesnt mean only in Miami-Dade (though plenty of Miami-Dade produce will find its way to the table). The dinners will source ingredients from all over Florida, highlighting sustainable and organic practices. Karla Dascal of The Sacred Space is rebooting the Dinner in Paradise series at Paradise Farms in Homestead. Previous dinners included such chefs as Michael Schwartz of Michaels Genuine and Giorgio Rapicavoli of Eating House. The reboot of the series kicks off not with a vegan or vegetarian meal, as it had in the past, but with a five-course, seafood-forward meal from Chefs Evan Burgess and Osmel Gonzalez of EntreNos, a tiny restaurant in Miami Shores dedicated to sourcing as much of its menu as possible from Florida. Though it only opened in 2023, the restaurant which uses the space at Tinta y Cafe at night was added to the Michelin Guide earlier this year. Theyre very well versed in farm to table and sustainability, Dascal says. Back then, Gabriele chose those types of chefs, the ones who wanted to source the best produce and form that relationship with local farmers. Burgess said that their restaurants philosophy is a perfect fit with what Paradise Farms is trying to achieve. I think its about community, in the sense of really supporting everyone, he says. So many farmers have been gracious to us and supported our business, we want to support them. The only way to ensure the good guys stay there in Homestead is to support them. . . . its the same with fishermen. If you dont support local fishermen you see truckloads of spiny lobster going to China. Not that China shouldnt get our products, but we want to make sure a lot of that stuff stays here. Gonzalez agrees. Evan Burgess and Osmel Gonzalez, the chefs for the first Paradise Farms new dinner series, at their restaurant EntreNos in Miami Shores We should be conscious of where food is coming from, he says. Thats a goal for us, to show people around us that Florida seafood is great. Why bring it in from other countries? And theres not just snapper and grouper there are a lot more fish that are wonderful. Sundays dinner will also include wine pairings; a tour of Paradise farms and a Q and A session with the farmers and the chefs. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Paradise Foundation, which is dedicated to providing educational opportunities through agriculture, aspiring growers, chefs, culinary arts and cultivating local community engagement. The foundation is built on the regenerative farming movement, which includes practices to battle climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring soil biodiversity. Because Floridas growing season ends in May, the next dinner wont be scheduled until fall. Dascal hopes to schedule five or six of the dinners a season, and believes the strong interest diners have in knowing where their food is coming from will fuel interest in the events. Its going to be imperative for every chef to support their local farmers, because thats what people want, she says. People want to know what theyre eating. Theres a lot of work to be done, and all that comes with awareness and education. The tranquil event space at Paradise Farms, which also hosts private and public tours. Dinners in Paradise Where: Paradise Farms, 19801 SW 320th St., Homestead When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, April 7 Cost: $345 Reservations: Eventbrite More information: paradisefarms.com Miami restaurant and Little Havana bar were just named among the best in the U.S. Laurae Pearson said she's a little worried a cross-country roadtrip to see the eclipse might end with a cloudy view. "Eclipse evangelist" Clint Werner hopes his trip from San Francisco to Cleveland will give him a good view of his 21st eclipse. And astrophysicist Antonella Fruscione is constantly refreshing the weather forecast. Millions of Americans are awaiting a rare solar eclipse on April 8 nearly the whole country will have a chance to look up and see at least a small portion of the moon clip the sun. But people who made plans to visit the narrow path of totality for the best show are confronting some fickle cloud forecasts that may put a damper on their plans. Fruscione and 18 friends some coming from as far away as Europe have been planning this trip since they all caught the solar eclipse together in Idaho in 2017. The group has flights and lodging booked to Texas to catch this eclipse in a prime spot. The anxiety about the eclipse being clouded out is palpable, in San Antonio, Fruscione hears from a friend who lives there. So her group, based in New England, is going to make it a game-day call about making the Texas trip but they plan to view the celestial spectacle no matter what. When you see a total eclipse, its such an incredible experience that all you want to do is see the next one. Their chosen viewing spot of San Antonio could be dicey. Recent forecasts have said some kind of clouds are likely in Texas, along with most places along the path of totality, the narrow band of the country that will be directly in the moon's shadow as it crosses the sun. Forecasters are more optimistic about the northern part of the path, with "Clear skies ... most likely in northern New England and upstate New York, and possible in Arkansas and Missouri," according to a Tuesday forecast from the Weather Prediction Center, a branch of the National Weather Service. If the weather in Texas is looking bad Fruscione's group might lose money on their flights and hotels but will still be able to make the drive to another spot in the path of totality that currently has a more favorable weather outlook: Vermont. We are lucky because we are in Boston, so we still live two hours away by car from the path of totality. So this is why we can make this decision, she said. The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center is updating its forecast for the eclipse every day. A party in Ohio will go on, regardless of clouds Clint Werner of San Francisco is heading to Cleveland to see the eclipse and is hopeful clouds wont get in the way. Ive got a good feeling the self-proclaimed "eclipse evangelist," 63, said. For Werner, eclipses are elating and mind-altering, you are put in euphoric amazement. This will be his 21st eclipse and his husbands 20th. Our first date I asked if he wanted to go to Chile to see the eclipse and he said Sure. Which is why changing venues isnt an option for them. Cleveland wont simply be a chance to experience awe, the whole cosmic relationship between us and the heavens, its also a big 30th anniversary and eclipse viewing party with friends and family. Weve got too many people coming, weve made this an event, he said. But as much as he loves eclipses, he's not distressed, partly because he's hopeful for clear weather and partly because he knows whatever happens well have a great time, a beautiful friends and family reunion. There's science behind his good feeling. Clouds, particularly shallow cumulus clouds, tend to vanish during a solar eclipse. Just 15% of the sun needs to be obscured by the moon before some clouds disappear, according to new research published Feb. 12 in the journal "Communications Earth & Environment." Having been to 21 eclipses, he's only been clouded out three times. And even those experiences can be significant, Werner said. In 2019 in South America there were clouds and he found himself in despair. But when the actual eclipse came it was still monumental despite them. If you have a good vantage point and a nice 360 view, especially if youre elevated or in a big flat field, you can see the shadow coming at you. And you can see it on the bottom of the clouds sometimes and have that coming towards you. And then you get the sudden plunge into darkness, he said. The annular eclipse of the sun pokes out through the clouds during a watch party at the Fleischmann Planetarium in Reno, Nevada on Oct. 14, 2023. Checking the weather from the road A year ago Laurae Pearson, 58 and her husband Kevin Weil, 58, decided to leave their San Francisco home to see the 2024 solar eclipse. They ended up making the viewing part of a 17-day cross-country trip thats so far included hiking in Zion and Bryce national parks, visiting the Navajo Nation with a planned ending to visit family in Texas. We have some friends driving down from Chicago who will meet us, its a very celebratory and celestial event, she said from the car as they headed into Arizona. She admits shes a little worried and is tracking weather and storm reports every day but so far they havent adjusted their travel plans and she doesnt think they will. Mother Nature is going to do what Mother Nature is going to do, she said. Hopefully well see an amazing event but even if its a disappointment, its about the journey and having a wonderful time seeing our family. Texas organizer says don't give up hope In Texas, Downtown Dallas's Chief Marketing Officer Shalissa Perry said it's still a bit early to know exactly what the visibility will be but officials there "are keeping an eye on it." "We plan to host our viewing party rain (or cloudy) or shine and it will still be a spectacular day downtown regardless of the eclipse visibility," Perry said. "We have a full lineup of exciting events planned for the entire weekend leading up to the eclipse and the weather looks magnificent for the weekend." She cited the National Weather Service Fort Worth's announcement on April 2: The forecast for Eclipse Day continues to be cloudy, however, not all hope is lost! Widespread upper cloud cover is likely, but dense low clouds look less likely. Don't focus on the exact areas, just yet, as these forecasts will change a bit each day. Former NASA astronaut Commander Terry Virts got to see an eclipse from space in 2015, so while hes eager to see this one Earth-side, hes not too worried about the weather. It is a good idea to have a backup plan, but its hard to be certain that one area nearby will be clear and your spot will be cloudy. Youll have to make that call early in the day before you can really be sure where the clouds will be. I will be staying put in my spot and hoping for the best! he said of his favored perch in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area, which is in the path of the totality. Even if we cant see the sun directly, it will get very dark outside, which will be surreal, he said. Not as good as having a clear sky, but a total eclipse on a cloudy day should be very interesting. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Solar eclipse weather forecast means anxiety for totality tourists Married at First Sight Australia's Harrison Boon has been called out by former co-star Tahnee Cook over his misogynist rant on social media. The 2023 MAFS groom took to Instagram earlier this week to share a series of controversial posts about some of his former female co-stars, labelling them as "unmarryables". Sharing a screenshot of Lyndall Grace's tearful TikTok about her recent breakup on his Instagram Story, Boon commented: "Sucks for you Lyndall. At least you havent embarrassed yourself by saying over and over again how much better he was than Cam." "Now you can join the rest of the unmarryables on Hinge," he added, alongside a photo Alyssa Barmonde's Hinge profile. stuart bryce - Channel 4 Related: New dating show from MAFS Australia producers shares first look at cast Boon also labelled Abbie Chatfield, Sandy Jawanda and Bronte Schofield as "unmarryable" while sharing screenshots of their dating profiles, before sharing a screenshot from a statement claiming that the "danger zone" for women is between "27 and 35 years of age". "You ladies might have avoided accountability on MAFS but karma is a bitch. The market aint buying what youre selling and youre running out of time," he captioned it. Taking to her own Instagram page, Cook shared some screenshots from Boon's rant to defend the women included and slam his "disgusting" views. "Being on MAFS was an intense experience for everyone and even immensely harder for those who put their hearts on the line to have it broken so publicly in front of the world. I love these girls so much and I wont allow them to be spoken about in such a gross tone," Cook wrote in the caption. Related: MAFS star Lyndall Grace comes out as bisexual She continued: "Anyone that shares these same views is a misogynistic pig and you should run as far away as you can. The sentiment that woman are no value to men when they hit a certain age is just disgusting. "How are we in 2024 with people still holding these beliefs? It is no longer normalised to stay in unfulfilling and toxic relationships in fear of being undesirable. Your age doesnt determine your worthiness of love". "If we are 'unmarryables' then who fkn cares. We dont base our worth on the beliefs of disgusting men anyway," Cook concluded, adding: "Anyone who is happy and unbothered doesnt have the time to drag people down like this." The brides criticised by Boon commented Cook's post, with Barmonde saying that other men on the show should be addressing his behaviour, while Schofield echoed Cook's sentiments and wrote: "Your relationship status or age doesnt determine your worth." "Great stuff calling it out, love you girly," said Grace, with Jawanda adding: "Ill stay happily unmarryable and unbothered than settle for someone like that". Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK. Interested in talking about Married at First Sight? Visit our dedicated sub-forum You Might Also Like A visitor of exhibition in Kyiv taking pictures of the self-portrait by Ukrainian artist Kazimir. Stock photo: Getty Images French bailiffs have seized more than 100 works by avant-garde artists from a Paris storage facility. Among them are paintings by Ukrainian artist Kazimir Malevich. The bailiffs suspect that the works were stolen from a private collector. Frankfurt-based law firm Dentons says the works belong to its client Usman Khatib, a businessman and investor of Palestinian origin, The Art Newspaper has reported. The collection is valued at over 100 million (US$108 million). Khatib said it was stolen from a rented storage facility in Wiesbaden, Germany, in December 2019. Among the works seized are paintings by Russian artists Wassily Kandinsky and Natalia Goncharova, as well as Ukrainian artist Kazimir Malevich, whom The Art Newspaper referred to as a Russian avant-garde artist. This is not the first discovery of works from Khatib's stolen collection. Last year, bailiffs seized paintings that the collector also claimed he owned from a storage facility in Frankfurt. In total, Khatib claims to have lost about 900 works of art worldwide. His son, Castro Ben Leon Lawrence Jayyusi, who is searching for the missing collection, says some of the works were sold at auctions in Israel, France and Monaco last year. In 2015, Khatib purchased 871 works from Israeli art dealer Itzhak Zarug, who ran a gallery in Wiesbaden. However, after the purchase, the local prosecutor's office confiscated the works because they were believed to be forgeries. In 2019, the authorities returned Zarug's collection, which included some of the paintings Khatib had purchased. A short time later, the artworks disappeared from Khatib's storage facility in Wiesbaden. Khatib's son says he knows the identity of the thief and has tried to negotiate the return of the collection, but to no avail. Moreover, the works have begun to appear at auctions. So the family have commenced legal action. "We will follow the perpetrators around the world. We will continue to recover our property," Jayyusi said. Support UP or become our patron! Man accused of luring 23-year-old woman to her death is convicted of murder, cops say Five people have now been convicted in the death of a 23-year-old Michigan woman, including the man accused of luring her to the location where she was killed, authorities said. Michigan State Police announced the conviction April 2 of 21-year-old Brin Smith, who pleaded no contest to second-degree homicide in the 2023 death of Kayla Sedoskey. Sedoskeys body was discovered with three gunshot wounds March 2, 2023, at an abandoned juvenile detention center, Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffery Yorkey said in a news release. Smith lured Ms. Sedoskey to the abandoned Boysville facility under the guise that they would spend time alone there, the prosecutor said. Once there, Sedoksey was attacked by her killers. Smith is facing at least 40 years in prison, state police said. Four others, including 45-year-old Steven Bails Jr., have also been convicted. Bails is the ex-boyfriend of Sedoskey, according to The Monroe News. Bails was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder following a jury trial that ended March 21, Yorkey said. His wife, Narena Bails, and Sierra Bemis previously pleaded guilty to second-degree homicide, officials said. Alexander Feko also pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and three counts of accessory to homicide after the fact. A sixth person who was arrested in the case, Kaylyn Ramsey, is awaiting trial on homicide charges, according to state police. All of the arrested individuals were at one point roommates, authorities told The Monroe News. Sedoskey, who was part of the Saginawa Chippewas tribe, enjoyed camping and being out in nature, according to her obituary. Of her many passions in life, Kayla was dedicated to caring for the people around her, the obituary read. She will truly be missed by her friends and family. 25-year-old woman found shot dead on road, Michigan cops say. Deserved to live life Bloody motel room leads police to womans body in trash bag near river, cops say Mom of 8 has been missing since 2022, MI cops say. Now boyfriend charged with murder LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man allegedly threatened the head of Las Vegas Metro polices Citizen Review Board, coming to her office several times and reportedly saying, Ill kill that white [expletive], according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. Last week, a Clark County grand jury indicted Sammeon Lewis, 25, on a charge of aggravated stalking for alleged incidents occurring over several years toward Julie Kraig, the executive director of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Departments Citizen Review Board. The independent, volunteer-driven board reviews complaints made against officers and reviews department investigations. The boards office is located in a separate building from police in downtown Las Vegas. Metro police arrested Lewis on Jan. 29, records said. In 2021, Lewis filed a complaint to the board regarding an allegation involving a corrections officer at the Clark County Detention Center, documents said. Investigators believe Lewis was upset with the board and Kraig after not receiving millions of dollars from his reported issue. Shortly after, Lewis allegedly left threatening voicemails for Kraig and sent emails, saying he was going to get Chucky on her [expletive] with a photo of Lewis posting next to a Chucky doll, police said. Due to the threats, the board began locking its public office door. Lewis then continued to come to the officers of the [Citizens Review Board] and would scream through the door profanities, police said. During one incident, Kraig had left the office to use the restroom in the hallway of the building, Lewis was standing on the other side of the door and chased Kraig down the hallway. Kraig frantically opened the womens restroom door and locked herself in the restroom and called security. In response to the continued threats, Kraig applied for and was granted a temporary restraining order against Lewis, documents said. The board also installed security cameras due to the threats. In January 2024, Lewis returned to the office, tearing documents off a wall and ripping them into pieces, police said. Officers then confronted Lewis, who allegedly shouted, Ill kill that white [expletive] Julie, police said. Kraig then again filed a restraining order against Lewis. On Jan. 27, Lewis returned to the office, spray painting White [expletive] Die on a window, police said. Police then arrested Lewis outside of the building several days later. During his initial court appearance, Judge Rebecca Saxe set Lewis bail at $20,000, noting Lewis court-appointed attorney nor prosecutors made an argument regarding his custody status. Several days later, Judge Melissa Stratton increased bail to $80,000, records said. Lewis case was then forwarded to competency court. Last month, Judge Christy Craig ruled Lewis competent to stand trial, meaning he understood the charges against him. Though Lewis remained in custody as of Wednesday, an arrest warrant was filed Tuesday on a new charge of intimidating a public official. It was unclear when Lewis would appear next in court. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Man who attacked nurses ordered to pay more after contempt hearing An eastern New Brunswick man who assaulted nurses at a hospital in Moncton has been ordered to pay more after a hearing Wednesday over whether he should be held in contempt of court. Bruce (Randy) Van Horlick, 74, was found guilty in 2020 of two criminal charges of assault and sentenced to six months in jail for attacking nurse manager Natasha Poirier and nurse Teresa Thibeault at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital in 2019. Poirier sued Van Horlick, and in 2022 he was ordered to pay her $1.3 million. The decision triggered a hearing over his finances and where the money could come. Van Horlick walked out of that hearing in 2022, which left the process unfinished. Poirier's lawyers asked a judge to find Van Horlick in contempt of court and potentially face jail time. Van Horlick arrived almost 30 minutes late Wednesday for a hearing on that request. He was repeatedly urged by Justice Jean-Paul Ouellette to not walk out again. "I will tell you when it's time to leave," Ouellette said. "If you follow my instructions, I have no intention of sending you for a period of incarceration. Don't push me there." Teresa Thibeault (left) and Natasha Poirier said they would like to see Van Horlick show remorse, and serve jail time for their assaults. Teresa Thibeault, left, and Natasha Poirier were assaulted by Van Horlick while working in 2019. (Tori Weldon/CBC) The judge told him he needed to complete the hearing before the contempt issue could be resolved. Van Horlick then completed the examination by Rena Levesque in a small fifth-floor hearing room, answering a series of questions about the sources of his income and his holdings. At one point Poirier's lawyer began asking about some of his belongings. Van Horlick alleged his home was broken into while serving his jail sentence. He said he reported it to police, but they didn't investigate. "For the legal system out here, I have nothing but disdain so far," said Van Horlick, who previously lived in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. "I've been nothing but shafted so far." "We're trying not to blame anyone," Levesque said. "Well I do," he replied. He made several comments Wednesday blaming Poirier for what happened to him. Kelly VanBuskirk, lawyer for Natasha Poirier, said that the criminal trial and subsequent civil suit against Van Horlick has been a long process for his client. Kelly VanBuskirk, a lawyer for Poirier, says he believes the evidence shows Van Horlick was in contempt of court. (Pierre Fournier/CBC) Poirier's lawyer, Kelly VanBuskirk, said they still want Van Horlick's banking and tax records to verify his finances. He reported an income of under $23,000 on his 2023 taxes, and told Levesque he has about $1,000 in cash. Levesque ordered him to provide those records going back to 2019 within 30 days. Once that is provided, Levesque will prepare a report about his finances to determine what he can pay toward the $1.3 million. Levesque said she could order him to pay but could also determine he doesn't have the means to do so. "I certainly don't want to issue an order to make a payment you can't," Levesque said. Van Horlick repeatedly said through the hearing that he can't afford a lawyer for the process, as well as pending dental and vehicle expenses. After finishing the hearing with Levesque, Van Horlick went back into a courtroom with Ouellette to continue the discussion about the contempt issue. Poirier's lawyer said that since Van Horlick had completed the hearing, the issue was largely settled. "I think the evidence demonstrates that he was in contempt," VanBuskirk said. The lawyer asked the judge to order Van Horlick to pay some of the costs of the process, though. "What about my costs?" Van Horlick said. "I'm not in contempt, I'm not in contempt of the court." Ouellette ordered him to pay $1,000, saying he was to blame because he walked out of the earlier hearing. "I don't think $1,000 is without reason, it's not a big amount, it could have been worse than that," the judge said. Poirier was overseeing a surgical unit where Van Horlick's wife was a patient on March 11, 2019 when he demanded she be moved to a different room. He pulled Poirier from her chair by her hair, punched her on the temple, twisted an arm backward, twisted several of her fingers backward, threw her against a wall and assaulted another nurse who came to help. She testified during the lawsuit trial she was left unable to work and that Vitalite Health Network had terminated her in 2021. On April 2, the White House instructed the National Aerospace Administration (NASA) to develop a single time standard for the Moon and other celestial bodies in the solar system. The United States is seeking to establish international standards in space amid a growing "space race" as more and more countries announce plans to explore the Moon, Mars, and near space in general. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the British agency Reuters. The publication learned the content of a memo from the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Arati Prabhakar, in which she instructed NASA to develop a plan to establish "consistent lunar time" (LTC) by the end of 2026. Different gravitational forces and potentially other factors on the Moon and other celestial bodies make it difficult to establish LTC. NASA spokesman Kevin Coggins said that conventional earthly clocks on the Moon may be off, and new instruments designed specifically for space conditions may be needed for accurate measurements. For example, it could be an atomic clock. "Think about the atomic clock at the US Naval Observatory (in Washington). It is the heartbeat of the nation, which synchronizes everything. You're going to want a heartbeat on the Moon," Coggins said. ADVERTISIMENT Under its program, NASA aims to send astronaut missions to the Moon in the coming years and establish a scientific lunar base that could help lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars. Dozens of companies, spacecraft, and countries are involved in this effort. According to Kevin Coggins, without a single standard for lunar time, it would be difficult to synchronize communications between the Earth, lunar satellites, future lunar bases, and astronauts. Time differences could also lead to errors in mapping and determining positions on or around the Moon. "Imagine if the world didn't synchronize its clocks to the same time. How disruptive that could be and how difficult everyday things would become," Coggins said. As reported, world space agencies have planned more than 10 missions to the Earth's satellite, the Moon, for 2024. Orbital and descent vehicles, lunar rovers, and even manned spacecraft should pave the way for future research. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, it was reported that Jeff Bezos, the richest man on Earth, will intervene in the lunar race: his space company Blue Origin intends to land the unmanned Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1) module on the lunar surface by mid-2025 at the latest. This will be a test mission aimed at demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the developed technologies. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 37-year-old man was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after he reportedly vandalized multiple planters on the newly refurbished Broadway Bridge. The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. as officers were flagged down near Rep. John Lewis Way and Broadway. Serial retail theft suspect captured in Nashville after fleeing from traffic stop Brett Barham (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) A witness told officers Brett Barham, 37, picked up a trash can and threw it at his passenger window before running away down Broadway. Officers followed Barham in a patrol vehicle where they were flagged down again by a witness who said Barham knocked over every planter on the Broadway Bridge, according to court documents. Barham was located by officers walking westbound on West End Avenue. Metro Nashville Public Works advised officers 76 planters had been knocked over. The planters were undamaged but the plants and soil would need to be replaced, which would cost at least $3,800. Robbery, shooting leaves juvenile injured in Antioch; Suspect charged Barham was booked into the Metro jail and charged with felony vandalism, public intoxication, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. His bond was set at $17,500. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Man, 38, who climbed Miami cellphone tower is arrested after pulling cables, cops say A 38-year-old man who climbed a 150-feet-tall cellphone tower in Allapattah while pretending to be a T-Mobile employee Wednesday morning causing street closures and hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage has been arrested, Miami police said. Richard Smith is charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure and criminal mischief, according to his arrest report. Smiths jail and attorney information was not immediately available Wednesday afternoon. Miami police and fire rescue negotiators got on a fire truck ladder after 7 a.m. to persuade Smith to come down, Miami police spokesman Officer Michael Vega told the Miami Herald. The Orange County man came down safely around 11 a.m. after causing up to $500,000 in damage, police said. The streets near the cellphone tower at Northwest 13th Avenue and 29th Street, which were shut down to facilitate the rescue efforts, were reopened shortly after. What happened earlier? Around 5 a.m., a T-Mobile technician was notified that the cellphone tower had lost power, according to Smiths arrest report. As the technician was trying to figure out what caused the power outage, he spotted Smith pulling apart communication cables from antennas affixed to the tower, officers said. When the technician asked Smith what he was doing there, Smith said he worked with T-Mobile and was making repairs, police said. The technician called 911, and officers later saw Smith disassembling tower parts and throwing them down below before climbing even higher. First responders were negotiating with a man who climbed a Miami cellphone tower at Northwest 13th Avenue and 29th Street in Allapattah on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, police said. Around 11 a.m., Smith came down and was handcuffed. Were cellphone services interrupted? The damage to the tower, which cellphone providers lease from a vendor, did not affect T-Mobiles customers, the company said in a statement to the Herald. Fortunately, everyone is safe and overlapping coverage in the area will continue to ensure customers remain connected, T-Mobile said. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. This embedded content is not available in your region. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A man is in custody and another person is dead after a shooting near Lynn Middle School Wednesday morning, April 3 in Las Cruces, City of Las Cruces Public Information Officer Dan Trujillo said. The incident happened at around 6 a.m. at the 2100 block of Lester Avenue, according to the Las Cruces Police Department. Trujillo said one gunshot wound victim has been transported to UMC in El Paso and a man who is believed to be the suspect is currently in custody. Due to the investigation, Lynn Middle School has been placed on a temporary lockdown and no students will be allowed onto the campus for now, Trujillo said. Las Cruces Public Schools released a statement on Wednesday morning which is the following: An incident early Wednesday morning forced a lockdown of Lynn Community Middle School, 950 S. Walnut Street, while police complete an investigation. Police have assured Las Cruces Public Schools that there is no immediate threat to students or staff and a suspect is in custody. Students and staff scheduled to arrive for their regular school day are being rerouted to neighboring Sierra Middle School where staff are ready to serve breakfast and possibly lunch. Parents were advised they can keep their students home while administration waits for the all-clear from police. No further information has been released. This story will be updated as soon as we learn more. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Man dies days after fleeing from Nevada State trooper during traffic stop in northwest Las Vegas valley: police LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man is dead after Nevada State Police said he fled from a trooper during a traffic stop and crashed into a concrete barrier in the northwest Las Vegas valley. On March 18 around 9:45 p.m., an NSP Trooper saw a Nissan Cube driving on U.S. 95, north of Jones Boulevard, failing to stay in its lane and unable to safely negotiate the Rainbow curve, NSP said. When the trooper attempted to perform a traffic stop, the driver of the Nissan accelerated and fled from the trooper at a high rate of speed, NSP said. The Nissan then exited onto the Lake Mead Eastbound offramp, hit a concrete barrier, overturned, and came to a rest on Lake Mead Boulevard. The unrestrained driver and passenger were both ejected from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital, NSP said. On Friday, March 22, the driver, identified as 21-year-old Juan Jose Uribe of North Las Vegas, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to NSP. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A man is dead after an overnight fire at a Kansas City home. The fire started around 1:45 Wednesday morning near East 99th Street and Hillcrest Road, southeast of Bannister and Interstate 435, according to KCFD. Kansas City Police Department identifies 3 killed in Northland homicide When firefighters searched the home, they found a 35-year-old man lying in a hallway, who died from the fire. Police bomb and arson investigators are looking into the fire because of the death. Firefighters said the man appeared to have lived alone. Investigators are trying to find out how this fire started. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) A 41-year-old man has been indicted for capital murder in the deaths of a Nacogdoches mother and daughter. 3.0 magnitude earthquake felt in East Texas county, experts say Authorities said in a release on Wednesday that Ronnie Jernigan Jr., 41 of Nacogdoches, was indicted by a grand jury, and has been held in the Nacogdoches County Jail, where he remains as of Wednesday, since March 9. Mugshot of Ronnie Jernigan Jr. courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Jail. At the time of the incident, Nacogdoches PD reported that two women were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds while they were conducting a welfare check at a home on Stone Street in October 2023. The two women were later identified as 73-year-old Laura Sanford and her daughter 48-year-old Laquice Sanford, who was reportedly dating Jernigan. The Nacogdoches Police Department asks the community to keep the family and friends of the victims in your thoughts and prayers, officials said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. A man was hurt in a shooting in Beltzhoover on Tuesday evening. Emergency crews were called to the 100 block of Michigan Street at 5:45 p.m. Once on scene, first responders found the victim in the street. He was shot once in his buttocks, according to Pittsburgh police. The victim was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition. Officers are reviewing video footage from a house nearby to identify a person of interest. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Heavy rain, severe storms could cause flooding in the Pittsburgh region Pittsburgh to host new music festival this fall from producers of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo Section of I-79 closed due to crash, truck rollover VIDEO: Teen dead, another injured after shooting in Braddock DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts One of the world's largest fashion distribution groups, Spanish Inditex, has returned to Ukraine. On April 3, stores of a number of brands opened, including Zara, Bershka, Zara Home, Oysho, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear, and Massimo Dutti. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported on the websites of the brands themselves. Online sales have also resumed, but only in some regions. "Some of our stores are already open. Online shopping is only possible in certain regions," the messages say. Where the stores are open Clothing stores have reopened in several shopping malls in Kyiv. In particular, Zara: Dream Town; River mall; Respublika; Lavina Mall. Bershka: Dream Town; River Mall; Respublika. Zara Home - GULLIVER. ADVERTISIMENT Oysho: GULLIVER; River Mall; Lavina Mall. Stradivarius: Dream Town; River Mall; Lavina Mall. Pull&Bear: GULLIVER; Sky Mall; Dream Town; River Mall; Lavina Mall; Respublika. Massimo Dutti: GULLIVER; River Mall. The stores were closed for 2 years Inditex has returned to Ukraine, more than 2 years after closing its stores. This was done due to the outbreak of a full-scale war. At the same time, EFE said that further resumption of Inditex's operations in Ukraine will be gradual. In particular, "the company will adapt its plans to the country's market needs." "Thus, the group could open about 50 stores in the country in the coming months. But only in Kyiv or cities in the west of the country - the most distant from the front," the statement said. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the stores of the largest European retailer, the Swedish H&M Group, reopened in Kyiv. This caused quite a stir among Kyiv residents, who immediately lined up to get into the retail space. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ST. LOUIS A St. Louis County man appeared in federal court on Tuesday to be sentenced for supplying fentanyl that killed a 19-year-old in Jefferson County. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said William E. Martin, 23, pleaded guilty to four felonies in November 2023 in connection with the death: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Martin also admitted selling fentanyl to others. Martin said he sold fentanyl to a 19-year-old when they met in a Walgreens parking lot in Arnold on the evening of June 23, 2022. Martin said he drove the incapacitated woman and hid her in the backseat of her locked car. The 19-year-old later died of an overdose. The young womans father found her early the next morning. Arnold police saw Martins vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, Tanisha Payne, said shed dropped Martin off at a nearby gas station. Police found a safe inside the car containing fentanyl, LSD, mushrooms, prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Martin was later located behind a supermarket, armed with a pistol. Prosecutors said Martin admitted that he could have called 911 or brought the victim to a hospital. Text messages show he discussed the strength of the fentanyl he was selling and the risks of overdosing. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News A judge sentenced Martin to 22 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay restitution to the victims family. Two people, Steven Lemon Littler and Jacqueline Williamson, admitted supplying Martin and Payne with fentanyl. Littler had been selling fentanyl to Martin for several months, prosecutors said, and warned Martin of its potency. At the time of her arrest, Williamson, 34, had fentanyl, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia inside her St. Louis home. Payne had fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in her possession when she was arrested. Littler, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Hes serving a 210-month federal prison sentence. Williamson pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and was sentenced to 72 months. Payne, 23, was sentenced to time served for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Man was shot 12 times and left wrapped in a tarp, SC cops say. Now an arrest has been made A Midlands man was charged with murder months after a body wrapped in a tarp was found in the woods by hunters, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Tuesday. When he was arrested Monday, 22-year-old Sumter resident Daejon Rashad Jackson was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and trafficking fentanyl, in addition to murder, SLED said in a news release. The charges are connected to the death of 34-year-old Sumter resident Frederick Ricardo Nelson Jr., according to arrest warrants. On Nov. 14, 2023, Jackson shot Nelson 12 times with a Taurus G2C handgun, arrest warrants said. There was no word on a motive for the shooting, or the location where Nelson was fatally shot. After killing Nelson, Jackson attempted to conceal the murder by moving Nelsons body to a wooded area in Rembert, S.C., the arrest warrants said. Nelsons body was discovered nearly two weeks later by a group of six hunters who noticed a strong smell coming from the tarp that was about 30-40 feet off Cimmaron Road, according to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker. On Nov. 26, 2023, Nelsons body was found wrapped in bed sheets, a comforter, and a red tarp, according to arrest warrants. After making the grisly discovery, the hunters immediately called 911, the Sumter County Sheriffs Office previously said. Jackson was charged following an investigation where SLED agents conducted interviews, recovered evidence, examined telephone records and autopsy results in addition to the findings from its forensic lab, according to the arrest warrants. The drug charge stems from a search of Jacksons home during an unrelated criminal investigation, an arrest warrant said. In Jacksons bedroom, investigators found a box containing a plastic bag with powder substance, which was determined to be 5.2 grams of fentanyl following analysis, according to the arrest warrant. Jackson was booked at the Sumter County Sheriffs Office Detention Center, SLED said. Information about his bond status was not available. The case will be prosecuted by the 3rd Circuit Solicitors Office. A Riverside man is being held on $1 million bail after police say he got into an argument with his girlfriend over the weekend and then shot her and his roommate, who died from his injuries. The events began shortly after noon on Sunday when police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 7600 block of Canberra Way. Upon their arrival, 27-year-old Christopher Jacob Lennox was pointed out to officers and was quickly detained, the Riverside Police Department stated in a news release. Christopher Jacob Lennox is seen in an image provided by the Riverside Police Department. Inside the home, police found 75-year-old Robert Joe Mageno suffering from gunshot wounds and attempted life-saving measures. Mageno was pronounced dead at the scene by Riverside Fire Department paramedics a short time later. A woman, described by police as Lennoxs girlfriend, was also found with gunshot wounds across the street, the Police Department stated. The unidentified woman was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. investigators believe the woman was visiting Lennox when they got into an argument. The suspect retrieved a firearm and shot the girlfriend, the Police Department said. When the woman fled the residence police said Mageno, who lived at the home with Lennox, walked into the room and was shot as well. Lennox was later booked on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, domestic violence and weapons violations. Police said they did locate the handgun believed to be used in the incident. Mayor Bass says cleanup of Los Angeles trash house begins today Anyone with further information was asked to call Detective Richard Glover at 951-353-7134 or Detective Anthony Watkins at 951-353-7105. Those wishing to remain anonymous can email RPDTips@RiversideCA.gov. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was shot and killed in Southeast D.C. on Wednesday morning. Police said that at about 7:20 a.m., they responded to the 3600 block of Fort Dupont Drive for the report of an unconscious person. Girl shot in Northwest DC When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man who had been shot. He died there. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) Police are searching for a man accused of spraying another man with an unknown substance in Manhattan on March 18, according to the NYPD. It happened on Front Street around 10:23 a.m. Police said the suspect approached the 67-year-old victim, began to yell at him and then sprayed him. The substance the victim was sprayed with is believed to be pepper spray, according to authorities. Man leaves woman with nose injury after punching her in Chelsea: NYPD The suspect was last seen fleeing northbound on Front Street. The victim was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital with pain and burning to his face, police said. Police describe the suspect as being between 58 and 511. He was last seen wearing a black hat, red jacket with a black shirt underneath, blue jeans and blue and white sneakers. 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). Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man facing open murder charges after two women were shot in Las Vegas was arrested in California on Monday, according to police. Jason Robert Manuel, 43, was identified by Las Vegas Metropolitan police detectives as the suspect in the shooting death of two women in the east valley on March 5. On April 1, California law enforcement took Manuel to the Riverside County Jail where he is awaiting extradition to Las Vegas. On March 5, Las Vegas Metro police responded to a call after receiving multiple reports of a shooting in the 5000 block of East Tropicana Avenue near Nellis Boulevard. When officers arrived they found two women and one man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The two women were later pronounced dead, and the man had non-life-threatening wounds, according to police. Detectives later learned that a man on a bike shot the three victims in a parking lot as he rode past them, police said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Man told 14-year-old he wanted to cut her open, preyed on 200 girls online, feds say A man used an online persona to prey on hundreds of underage girls, including a 14-year-old who he sent a series of violent messages to, according to federal prosecutors. how about Andrew Kent, a 22-year-old Manhattan, Kansas, resident, was arrested in June, months after prosecutors said he met the teen over Twitter before the platform was rebranded as X. Kent told the FBI he habitually sought out girls as young as 12 over Twitter, Snapchat and Discord following his arrest, according to an agreed upon statement of facts filed in court April 1. Hes accused of soliciting and receiving child pornography from at least 200 minors. In January 2023, Kent introduced himself to the 14-year-old girl from Virginia over Twitter, claiming to be a 20-year-old woman named Tris, prosecutors said. While posing as Tris, Kent introduced the girl to Leo another persona he used to trick the girl into thinking he lived in Roanoke, about a 55-mile drive southwest of her hometown, according to prosecutors. Despite lying about his identity, he was truthful about his age and told the girl he was interested in meeting her someday in order to take a kids virginity, prosecutors said. Then things took a sadomasochistic turn, the statement of facts says. Kent used cruel and degrading language in his messages to the girl and told her he wanted to put her in a cage and starve her, according to prosecutors. He also told her he wanted to rape her, knock her out and cut her open, the statement of facts says. After several weeks of chatting, Kent solicited and received nude photos and videos from the girl, according to prosecutors. Now, hes pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Virginia announced in an April 3 news release. Kent faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison with a maximum of 30 years, the attorneys office said. His defense attorney, Carl E. Cornwell II, told McClatchy News that Kent is very sad and has accepted responsibility. Cornwell said Kent and his family are concerned for the victim and her family. He also said Kent never touched the additional 200 victims hes accused of soliciting online and noted he wasnt charged in relation to those minors. Everything the government accused Kent of that he wasnt charged for took place over a computer, according to Cornwell. Kent often used the Tris persona to meet minors online because he found that it was easier to get minor girls to talk to him, prosecutors said. Once he met a minor girl with whom he wanted to continue communicating, he introduced them to himself, or Leo as he did with the 14-year-old, the statement of facts says. He had told the girl she needed to call him Daddy, Sir, or Master, and then warned her that he might punish her if she failed to do so, according to prosecutors. By the time Kent was arrested in June, he had deleted his pornography cache involving images of underage girls, according to the statement of facts. Its up to a judge to decide how many years in prison hell get, Cornwell said. This case demonstrates the importance of knowing not only what your children are doing online, but also with whom they are communicating, U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said in the release. Pursuing justice for victims of child exploitation is one of our highest priorities, Stanley M. Meador, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Richmond division, said in a statement. Kents sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 10, court records show. Manhattan, Kansas, is about a 120-mile drive west from Kansas City. Man threatened to kill Supreme Court chief justice, feds say. Now, hes off to prison Officer sexually assaulted 15-year-old girl he kidnapped on duty in Colorado, feds say Facebook user threatens interracial couple, warns woman shed be raped, killed, feds say Facial tech identifies child porn victim over 10 years later, feds say. Man arrested Man turns himself in, charged with murder in fatal shooting of Dallas youth pastor A man turned himself in to Dallas police in the shooting death of a youth pastor, according to a report by Star-Telegram media partner, WFAA-TV. Dallas authorities responded to a shooting around 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the 2500 block of 56th Street. The preliminary investigation determined a 30-year-old man, Joshua Andrews, and a male victim had been involved in an argument when the suspect shot the victim, police told WFAA. Andrews left the location, according to police. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Denzel Branch, was taken to local hospital where he died from his injuries, the report says. Andrews turned himself in to Dallas police that same evening regarding the shooting, according to WFAA. He is being held at the Dallas County Jail on a murder charge. Branch was a youth pastor at New Generation Church in Dallas, according to the report. Our hearts are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place down the street from our church. ... We ask for your continued prayers for the families and our church family as we navigate through these difficult times, said the church in a Facebook post. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. on April 6 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas. Man turns himself into police for fatal shooting outside club in Dumfries DUMFRIES, Va. (DC News Now) The Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) said the man involved in a fatal shooting outside Club Tempo turned himself in to police without incident Tuesday. The suspect, 37-year-old Jonathan Middleton, of Stafford, was wanted for shooting and killing 38-year-old Carvell Williams, of Warrenton on March 23 just after 2 a.m. 2 women shot, killed in apartment in Manassas Police said that the two men were outside the club on Possum Point Road in a parking lot when they got into a fight. Thats when Middleton shot Williams. Williams was taken to a hospital where he died. PWCPD said that the two men knew each other. Middleton was charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to PWCPD. He was being held without bond. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Man who used megaphone to lead attack on police during Capitol riot gets over 7 years in prison This image from police body-worn camera video, contained and annotated in the Justice Department's government's sentencing memorandum supporting the sentencing of Taylor James Johnatakis, shows Johnatakis at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Johnatakis, of Washington state, who used a megaphone to orchestrate a mobs attack on police officers guarding the U.S. Capitol, was sentenced on Wednesday to more than seven years in prison. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said videos captured Johnatakis playing a leadership role during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. (Department of Justice via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) A Washington state man who used a megaphone to orchestrate a mobs attack on police officers guarding the U.S. Capitol was sentenced on Wednesday to more than seven years in prison. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said videos captured Taylor James Johnatakis playing a leadership role during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Johnatakis led other rioters on a charge against a police line, barked commands over his megaphone and shouted step-by-step directions for overpowering officers, the judge said. In any angry mob, there are leaders and there are followers. Mr. Johnatakis was a leader. He knew what he was doing that day, the judge said before sentencing him to seven years and three months behind bars. Johnatakis, who represented himself with an attorney on standby, has repeatedly expressed rhetoric that appears to be inspired by the anti-government sovereign citizen movement. He asked the judge questions at his sentencing, including, Does the record reflect that I repent in my sins? Lamberth, who referred to some of Johnatakis' words as gobbledygook," said, I'm not answering questions here. Prosecutors recommended a nine-year prison sentence for Johnatakis, a self-employed installer of septic systems. Johnatakis was not just any rioter; he led, organized, and encouraged the assault of officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, prosecutors wrote in a court filing. A jury convicted him of felony charges after a trial last year in Washington, D.C. Johnatakis, 40, of Kingston, Washington, had a megaphone strapped to his back when he marched to the Capitol from then-President Donald Trump's Stop the Steal rally near the White House on Jan. 6. Its over, he shouted at the crowd of Trump supporters. Michael Pence has voted against the president. We are down to the nuclear option. Johnatakis was one of the first rioters to chase a group of police officers who were retreating up stairs outside the Capitol. He shouted and gestured for other rioters to pack it in" and prepare to attack. Johnatakis shouted Go! before he and other rioters shoved a metal barricade into a line of police officers. He also grabbed an officer's arm. The crime is complete, Johnatakis posted on social media several hours after he left the Capitol. He was arrested in February 2021. He has been jailed since November 2023, when jurors convicted him of seven counts, including obstruction of the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress that certified Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory. The jury also convicted him of assault and civil disorder charges. Justice Department prosecutor Courtney Howard said Johnatakis hasn't expressed any sincere remorse or accepted responsibility for his crimes on Jan. 6. He's going so far as to portray himself as a persecuted victim, she said. Lamberth said he received over 20 letters from Johnatakis, his relatives and friends. Some of his supporters don't seem to know the full extent of Johnatakis' crimes on Jan. 6, the judge added. He said he would order the clerk of court's office to send all them copies of his prepared remarks during the sentencing hearing. There can be no room in our country for this sort of political violence, Lamberth said. Last April, Lamberth ordered a psychologist to examine Johnatakis and determine if he was mentally competent to stand trial. The judge ultimately ruled that Johnatakis could understand the proceedings and assist in his defense. Approximately 1,350 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. Over 800 of them have been sentenced, with roughly two-thirds getting terms of imprisonment ranging from several days to 22 years. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has revealed how many combat aircraft may remain in service in Russia. In particular, intelligence officers released data on the availability of Su-34 and Su-35 fighters and A-50U long-range radar detection and guidance aircraft in the occupation army. ADVERTISIMENT The enemy has more of them than the Ukrainian Defense Forces have already managed to destroy. This is stated in the response of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine to the request of ArmyInform. According to Ukraine's military intelligence, as of March this year, the Russian occupation army has about 100 Su-35 multifunctional fighters and more than 100 Su-34 fighter-bombers in service. The enemy's space forces have seven A-50U long-range radar detection and guidance aircraft. However, three of them are currently undergoing repairs and modernization: two at the Taganrog Beriev Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex, and one at the airfield in Ulyanovsk, where the Aviastar aircraft manufacturing plant is located. On March 9, it became known that "unknown drones" in Taganrog had hit a military airfield where A-50 aircraft were stationed. According to Russian media reports, the UAVs allegedly tried to attack the territory of the aviation enterprise, which is part of the Beriev Scientific and Technical Complex, where A-50 and A-100 airborne missile defense aircraft are modernized and Tu-95 and Tu-142 are serviced. ADVERTISIMENT Satellite images of the territory and damaged hangars raised speculation that one of the A-50s may have been damaged in the attack. It was also reported that British intelligence had assessed the consequences of the strike on the Russian A-50 in Taganrog: if it was damaged, it would mean a deterioration in Russia's "situational awareness." Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! PRINCETON, Ky. (WKRN) A man wanted for an Easter Sunday shooting at a Salemtown restaurant that left one person dead and several others injured is set to return to Tennessee in the near future after being arrested in Kentucky. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said on Tuesday, April 2, 46-year-old Anton Rucker was found at a home in Princeton, Kentucky, after The Investigative Team Addressing Neighborhood Shootings (TITANS) Unit developed information strongly indicating he was there. PREVIOUS: Deadly Easter shooting suspect was out on bond for another violent crime, court records say According to authorities, detectives traveled to Kentucky and started working with other law enforcement agencies, including the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force; the Princeton Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). As a result of that collaboration, Rucker was taken into custody Tuesday night by members of the Marshals Task Force after he reportedly came out of the Princeton residence and surrendered without incident. Anton Rucker (Courtesy: Caldwell County Jail) Just after 3 p.m. Sunday, March 31, shots rang out during Easter brunch at Roasted Salemtown, located in the 600 block of Garfield Street, which is near Germantown. The MNPD initially reported 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. According to police, minutes after Rucker arrived at Roasted, he and another man who is believed to be Beachem got into an argument that significantly escalated within moments. However, there is no indication at this time that the two men knew each other. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County Investigators said Rucker fired shots from a pistol and then drove off in a Mercedes GLS 450 with a woman who came to the restaurant with him. On Sunday night, the MNPD announced Rucker was wanted in connection with the shooting. Not only does he have aggravated assault convictions in Davidson County, but he was reportedly arrested in Murfreesboro for felony drug charges last Halloween, as well as aggravated assault and unlawful gun possession by a convicted felon in Rutherford County last August. He had been released on bond for both of those cases. On Monday, April 1, the TBI added Rucker to its Most Wanted list. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Rucker is being held in Kentucky at the Caldwell County Jail on a fugitive from justice warrant, according to police. However, authorities announced that Rucker waived extradition on Wednesday, April 3 and will be returned to Nashville in the near future. According to the MNPD, Rucker is named in a criminal homicide arrest warrant charging him with Beachems death, but additional charges are expected against him for the non-critical wounding of six additional persons in the restaurant as the case advances. Another man identified by officials as 43-year-old Terrance Hall was also found inside in the home and was taken into custody after law enforcement learned he was a fugitive out of Tennessee. He was allegedly wanted for a domestic assault incident that occurred in 2020, which is unrelated to the Rucker investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Former President Donald Trump made a campaign swing through Grand Rapids on Tuesday to talk about record levels of migrants coming across the southern border without prior authorization and the impact it's having on communities especially in terms of crime more than a thousand miles away in Michigan. As usual, Trump in many instances didn't hew to the facts or left out important context while characterizing his own record or making claims about President Joe Biden's policies, though it is without question that U.S. Border Patrol's numbers of so-called encounters with migrants trying to cross the border has exploded during Biden's term. More: Political debate over border security slams into west Michigan as Trump visits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also reported that the number of removals and detentions as well as the number of non-detained immigrants released into the country pending a final determination on their status rose substantially in 2023 over the previous year. So did the number of immigrants arrested or detained on criminal charges, though that is a small fraction of the total number of people who have entered the country. And as has been reported often before, immigrants are far less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans, not least because a commission of a serious enough crime can get them deported. Here's a look at some of Trump's claims and the facts behind them: 'Carnage and chaos and killing from all over the world' Trump began his short speech by emphasizing how mass migration into the U.S. is generating violent crime, spotlighting the recent arrest of a man deported in 2020, who reentered the country and was accused of shooting a woman with whom he had previously had a relationship in Grand Rapids last month, though her family disputes they were close. Police have charged Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 25, with killing Ruby Garcia. But there is no evidence that migration overall has caused a spike in violent crime, if not least for the reason that violent crime was down across the U.S. last year, according to the FBI. Michigan hasn't yet put out its specific crime totals for 2023 but in 2022, violent crime was down from the previous year while property crimes were up. Illegal immigration 'was at its lowest point' when Trump served There is no question that Trump made cracking down on undocumented migrants crossing into the U.S. and expelling those already in the country a major theme of his 2016 run for the White House, just as he is doing running for reelection this year, and he enjoyed some success. Both in 2017 and in 2020, the number of southern border encounters were among the lowest they've been in decades (with the only other real exception being in 2011, just after the recession). But in 2020, Trump was helped greatly by the economic slowdown created by COVID-19 and the authority he had to turn back migrants for public health reasons (whether that was really effective as a public health measure or not). He also saw spikes in the number of immigrants crossing the border as well and implemented some policies like those that wound up emphasizing family separations that ran into legal issues and a backlash from the public. Donald Trump speaks at a press conference in the Monroe Meeting Rooms at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. 'People coming in from prisons and mental institutions' This has long been a claim Trump has made, going back to when he began his 2016 election campaign, only then, as the Washington Post recently pointed out, it was all about Mexico "sending people with a lot of problems" and his implication that many, if not most, were drug users and rapists. Now (with Mexican immigration down and immigration from Central American and South America up), Trump claims that prisons and other institutions across the world are being emptied and criminals are being sent into the U.S. There is no basis for this claim that we were able to locate and the Trump campaign, when asked about it by the Free Press, offered no source material to back it up. The Post also noted studies that worldwide prison populations are up, not down, though numbers in some countries fell during the pandemic. Crime in Venezuela is 'down 67%' This is related to the previous claim: In Trump's speech Tuesday and in a Michigan radio interview on Monday, Trump claimed that the crime rate is down by two-thirds in the turbulent South American country and that officials there are "taking all of their gangs and criminals and depositing them in the United States." Again, there is no evidence of this being the case, though some 8 million people in that country have attempted to flee a humanitarian crisis caused by political unrest and economic turmoil, with hundreds of thousands trying to make it into the U.S. via Mexico. Bloomberg News reported that the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence, which is part of a group called Insight Crime that tracks data internationally, said recently that the country's rate of violent death had dropped to its lowest level in more than two decades "as both criminals and victims fled the nations economic crisis," citing the observatory's director. But the number dropped by about a quarter year over year, not two-thirds. And while it's logical that a number of both criminals and victims made their way to the U.S., there is no evidence of any plot by Venezuelan officials to encourage it. Chinese migrants 'all seem fit and ready for military service' This offhand remark came up as Trump talked about the number of migrants coming from all over the world, including China, where he said 29,000 immigrants to the U.S. originated in "the last few months." Then he added the comment about their age and fitness, suggesting it was strange. Coming at a time when concerns regarding Chinese competition, technology and supply chain constraints are high, it could stoke additional fears. It is plainly true that Chinese immigration across the southern border is up: PolitiFact, a fact-checking product put out by the Poynter Institute, noted that there were some 52,000 border encounters with Chinese immigrants in fiscal 2023, far higher than the norm, and that the trend continues. But U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it said, doesn't release age or gender data and "military age" can mean different things in different countries. As for whether many of the migrants are younger men, that wouldn't be terribly surprising, given the harsh conditions in attempting such a journey. Meanwhile, there's no evidence of a Communist Party plot to send people to the U.S. or elsewhere and many believe the migrants are motivated by the same desires for economic opportunities and political rights not available in that country. Whitmer offering money for 'free housing for illegals' Trump blasted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for a program, much criticized by Republicans, through the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity, that offers up to $500 a month to refugees and "other newcomer population-eligible households" to pay for housing. "Many refugees and other newcomers face critical housing challenges and this program will increase access to better and more affordable housing opportunities," the state website says. But as part of this program, people must qualify for the benefit and provide proof of an "eligible immigration status." It is possible that some asylum seekers, who would ultimately be found by officials to not have credible claims, could benefit but that is different than declaring them "illegals" upfront, as Trump did. Did Trump talk to woman's family as he claimed? During the speech, Trump claimed to have made contact with Ruby Garcia's relatives, saying he had talked with "some of her family" ahead of his campaign event in Grand Rapids. But WOOD-TV Target 8 in Grand Rapids reported that Garcia's family, which watched the livestream at their home, was in "disbelief" at the remark, since the former president hadn't spoken to any of them. "He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, Ruby Garcias sister, Mavi Garcia, who has been serving as the family's spokesperson, said. She also said the extended family is close and she would know if Trump had spoken to any other members. Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Many of Trump's claims about the border and crime don't stack up As some of the nation's largest employers pull the plug on their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, Mark Cuban is defending the policies this week, calling the practice "a positive" for business. The billionaire, a part-owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a judge on ABC's "Shark Tank," said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that his experience as an entrepreneur and investor shows that companies that embrace DEI tend to be more successful. "I own or invest in hundreds of companies," he wrote. "I know DEI is a positive because I see its impact on bottom lines. That's been reiterated by many CEOs." Cuban's remarks were in response to criticism he received earlier this week from Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson and conservative activist Christopher Rufo, both vocal opponents of DEI. In their own X posts, Peterson and Rufo accused Cuban of being a rich liberal elite who is trying to appear sympathetic to people from historically marginalized communities. First of all my arguments are not abstract. I own or invest in hundreds of companies. I know DEI is a positive because I see it's impact on bottom lines. Thats been reiterated by many CEOs. My definitions of D,E and I are not theoretical. They are actually used. Are yours https://t.co/nCJBcwQ6RQ Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 2, 2024 Statements from Cuban and his critics mark the latest chapter in an ongoing debate about the efficacy and fairness of policies aimed at making organizations more diverse and inclusive. Although many corporations, colleges and other organizations have followed DEI principles for decades in the U.S., the ideas gained momentum four years ago following a Minneapolis police officer's murder of George Floyd. Following his death, companies vowed to beef up their DEI efforts to make their staff more racially and culturally representative. More recently, however, companies have backtracked on those commitments, laying off their DEI officers and cutting back on related training. Companies such as Alphabet and Meta have each cut DEI-related positions, as well as planned development training for minority hires. University systems in Florida, Texas and Wisconsin are also seeing on-campus DEI efforts wind down. And in a survey of more than 100 global leaders of major organizations, U.K.-based consulting firm Arrival found that DEI initiatives have fallen from executives' lists of top priorities. DEI opponents, many of whom identify as conservative, argue that those efforts amount to reverse racism because they prioritize hiring and promoting people of color. Supporters of the framework say it is about helping promote equality and representation for people of different races, gender and abilities. "We can quibble about tactics and strategies, but we cannot retreat from the idea that a 21st century America a strong nation has to provide equal paths to opportunity for people," Urban League CEO Marc Morial told CBS New York in February. For companies, research on the business benefits of DEI are mixed. For example, a 2023 study by marketing firm TechTarget found that DEI can improve a company's brand image, make the organization more competitive and boost innovation. But other research has raised questions about whether prioritizing diversity and inclusion helps improve companies' financial performance. White House cancels iftar dinner after meeting with Muslim community leaders Missy Testerman, a teacher for over 30 years, is the National Teacher of the Year Jose Andres says slain World Central Kitchen workers were targeted "systematically, car by car" These are tough times for Texans who have hitched their political wishes to the downfall of Attorney General Ken Paxton and the House speakership of Dade Phelan. Paxtons criminal prosecutions will be whimpering to an end, and so may Phelans political career. A May 28 Republican runoff will determine whether voters in Phelans Beaumont district want him in the House at all. Even if he prevails versus challenger David Covey, speculation was already swirling that he would not survive the next speaker election in January. How did one of the most powerful politicians in the state wind up so hazardously on the ropes? Part of the answer lies with the tastes of Republican voters, who have wearied of House obstructions on valued issues such as school choice and election integrity, even as the Legislature boasts other conservative achievements of recent sessions, from protecting the unborn to bolstering gun rights to stemming gender extremism. But as loudly as Phelans allies tried to get voters to give him credit for those wins, two matters of his own choosing have landed him on the brink of extinction: a rushed, secretive and spectacularly failed Paxton impeachment and a reliance on Democrats to bolster his power base, leading to the naming of Democratic chairs for House committees in a supposedly red state. House Speaker Dade Phelan rubs his hands shortly before adjourning the House in May. Rep. Tom Oliverson of suburban Houston has already announced his candidacy for the speakership, citing as one factor the arrogance with which Phelan expected members to obediently fall in line with the impeachment parade without a full public examination of its basis. When I spoke with him this week, he described an overall lack of focus in the way certain conservative priorities have been sidelined and a dwindling tolerance for committee chairs who harbor direct hostility to agenda items favored by the Houses solid Republican majority. The same voter distaste that jeopardizes Phelan threatens other Republicans in runoffs, and it spelled outright defeat for others on March 5. As a group, they dont seem to be taking it well. After Rep. Glenn Rogers tantrum in a Weatherford newspaper upon his loss to Mike Olcott in House District 60 west of Fort Worth, we now get Kronda Thimesch in Denton County, similarly griping in an op-ed after voters failed to sufficiently appreciate her in House District 65. No one likes to admit falling out of favor; but none of these beleaguered incumbents lost because of dark money political action committee ad campaigns. They are the victims of self-inflicted wounds in the form of decisions that repelled an increasingly conservative Republican electorate. In Thimeschs case, there would be more empathy for her grievances if her own ads had not absurdly stated that her opponent shared a Beto ORourke-style wish to defund border security and give in to Biden. That opponent was Mitch Little, one of Paxtons impeachment attorneys, a particularly fitting beneficiary of voter disdain for the members who served as accessories to Phelans aggressions. He was also an immediate source of comment last week, calling for these chapters to come to a close as the prospect of Paxtons trial on securities-fraud charges evaporated in a settlement with prosecutors requiring restitution, some community service and ethics training. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, and his wife Angela leave the Collin County courthouse after his pre-trial motion hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, in McKinney, Texas. The fever dream of Paxtons pursuers the prospect of him tasting the wrath of a deep-blue Harris County jury thus popped in a bubble-burst of disillusionment stretching from his Austin enemies to Washington, where U.S. Sen. John Cornyn had mocked a possible 2026 primary challenge by taunting Paxton that it would be hard to run from prison. Well, Paxton wont be going to prison, and Phelan may not be returning to the House. It is a good time for those on the short end of recent GOP disputes to get some clarity. Thimesch isnt the only scorned figure lamenting that Republicans need to stop the infighting before it destroys our state from the inside out. What they need to realize is that their fealty to Phelan and hostility to Paxton are what started these battles. The current swell of conservative reaction is the sound of those battles coming to an end. Mark Davis hosts a morning radio show in Dallas-Fort Worth on 660-AM and at 660amtheanswer.com. Follow him on X: @markdavis. Mark Davis Do you have an opinion on this topic? Tell us! We love to hear from Texans with opinions on the news and to publish those views in the Opinion section. Letters should be no more than 150 words. Writers should submit letters only once every 30 days. Include your name, address (including city of residence), phone number and email address, so we can contact you if we have questions. You can submit a letter to the editor two ways: Email letters@star-telegram.com (preferred). Fill out this online form. Please note: Letters will be edited for style and clarity. Publication is not guaranteed. The best letters are focused on one topic. Martin Luther King Jr. didn't live long enough to see how we've dismantled his legacy By 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was flailing. King hadnt had a major victory in years, and his popularity had plummeted. As he neared death, almost 75% of Americans disapproved of him, labeling him a race-baiting troublemaker. Painfully for him, even a majority of Black people didnt support him. Those closest to King wondered how he could go on as he tumbled into depression. The immediate past provided no encouragement in 1968. Medgar Evers had been shot to death on his driveway in Jackson, Mississippi, in June 1963. Kings simultaneous rival and comrade Malcolm X was murdered just over a year and a half later in New York. The Black Power movement had been born a few years earlier, and its leaders were already targeted, persecuted and, at times, marked for death. Kings 13 years on the front lines of Americas Civil Rights War ended when he was murdered in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. He was only 39 years old. What followed his death was a string of events that served to dismantle his legacy and allow anti-Blackness in America to flourish. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s widow, Coretta Scott King, leads a march through downtown Memphis in 1968 after he was fatally shot on April 4. Martin Luther King Jr. became another abandoned Black leader Like W.E.B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson and others, King had been abandoned by many leaders of the NAACP and other Black legacy organizations. He was still hounded by the U.S. government as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and COINTELPRO continued efforts to destroy Black leaders and resistance to racial inequality. He was struggling to hold together his own coalition of lieutenants like Ralph Abernathy, Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young, Hosea Williams and others, who all quickly went their separate ways after Kings death. What are states legislating against DEI afraid of? The truth about our racist history. Du Bois, one of Black Americas greatest intellectuals, had given up seven years earlier. He wrote to his friend Grace Goens in September 1961: I just cannot take any more of this countrys treatment. ... Chin up, and fight on, but realize that American Negroes cant win. Du Bois left for Ghana the next month and never returned. He died the day before the 1963 March on Washington, a mere two months after Evers. MLK did not live to see us misuse his words King did not live to see racist anti-Black politicians and pundits misuse his words arguing people should not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character to oppose Black progress. He did not live to see the Civil Rights Act of 1964, for which he fought for, so fiercely weaponized by the U.S. Supreme Court and attorneys general like Kentuckys Russell Coleman to justify the legal destruction of affirmative action and diversity initiatives setting the fight for racial equality back decades. King did not live to see the Voting Rights Act of 1965, of which he was so proud, gutted and rendered little more than a dead letter by the Shelby County v. Holder ruling in 2013. Since then, racial voting disparities in America have increased exponentially. 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. King was a brave man born out of the Black radical tradition King did not live to see cowardly Black free-riders (not Freedom Riders) who will not open their mouths in defense of their people benefit from his sacrifice and suffering. He did not live long enough to see the Ward Connerlys, Clarence Thomases, Candace Owens and Daniel Camerons of the world. MLK was my friend. How can I be excited for the future when lessons from past are ignored? He didnt live to see Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., skinning, grinning and genuflecting before Donald Trump as he bastardized the words of Fannie Lou Hamer. He did not live long enough to see a Black man running for governor of North Carolina proudly proclaim that Black people owe America reparations. Nor did King live long enough to see a Black president or the unrelenting white backlash that has followed him. What would King think of America today? DATE TAKEN: Unavailable--- James Baldwin - author - April 1985. ORG XMIT: UT64185 The searing truth-telling writer James Baldwin didnt see most of it, either. He outlived King by two decades, eventually dying in 1987 during the racial onslaught of the Reagan era. He was only 63. For those decades, Baldwin was the one left behind. He lived long enough to bear witness to the grief, pain and white retribution that followed his friends murders. What Baldwin saw was neither pretty nor encouraging. He damningly reflects on America in Raoul Pecks Oscar-nominated documentary, "I am not your Negro": Im terrified at the moral apathy the death of the heart which is happening in my country. These people have deluded themselves for so long that they really dont think Im human. I base this on their conduct, not on what they say. And this means that they have become, in themselves, moral monsters. Ricky Jones. March 14, 2019 Current political and social anti-Blackness has grown more and more brazen in America and, unfortunately, there are no Kings or Baldwins left to fight it. What would Baldwin, King and their fellow warriors think of America today? Ricky L. Jones, the Baldwin-King Scholar-in-Residence at the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, is a professor of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville. His column appears biweekly in the Louisville Courier Journal, where this piece originally published. 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 Louisville Courier Journal: MLK fought for a better America for Black people than we have today What is May-Thurner Syndrome, the condition that sent Lauren Boebert to the hospital with a blood clot? Rep. Lauren Boebert arrives for President Joe Biden's State of the Union address during a joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber at the US Capitol on March 07, 2024, in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert's campaign announced on Tuesday she was diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome. The condition is mostly found in women, and can lead to blood clots and pulmonary embolisms. Though not curable, it can be safely managed with medication and surgery. After a visit to the hospital on Tuesday, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert's campaign announced she had been diagnosed with an "acute blood clot" caused by May-Thurner Syndrome, a rare vascular condition. Boebert's campaign said she went to the hospital for swelling in her left leg. "After undergoing a CT Scan, doctors found an acute blood clot and diagnosed her with May-Thurner Syndrome," the campaign said. The disorder, which is found much more commonly in women than men, occurs when an artery pushes up against a vein in the pelvis, compressing it. That can restrict how well the body can circulate blood from the left leg to the heart, sometimes leading to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. Her campaign said that at the recommendation of her doctor, Boebert scheduled surgery soon after the diagnosis to "remove the clot and insert a stent that will address the Congresswoman's symptoms." Stents tiny mesh tubes permanently inserted into blood vessels and arteries to keep them from closing or getting blocked are a common treatment for May-Thurner Syndrome. Other treatments include taking blood thinners and thrombolytic therapy. Boebert's surgeon in Colorado, Dr. Rebecca Bade, said she expects the firebrand lawmaker to make "a full recovery," adding that "patients with May-Thurner Syndrome who undergo the procedure to restore blood flow are able to live and work just as they have in the past after a brief recovery." Congress is on recess after narrowly avoiding a government shutdown last month. Legislators are expected to return the week of April 9, when they have just a handful of months left to pass a slew of bills before the end of the term, like additional funding to Ukraine, a possible "ban" on TikTok, and a child internet safety bill. Read the original article on Business Insider McConnell Air Force Base has identified one of its airman as the person who died in a motorcycle accident south of the base on Sunday. Tech. Sgt. Erik Gajate, 28, of Gilbert, Arizona, died at the scene from his injuries, the base said in news release Wednesday. The crash was reported shortly after 4:20 p.m. near 47th South and Woodlawn. Gajate was heading east on 47th on a Honda motorcycle at a high rate of speed when for unknown reasons crossed over into the westbound lanes, the Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office said. The motorcycle struck a Buick Lacrosse sedan head on. The sheriffs office said there are no indications of alcohol or drug impairment. Gajate had been stationed at McConnell since 2015 and trained crew chiefs for military aircraft, according to the base. A memorial service will be held Thursday at the on-base chapel. McDonald's space spinoff CosMc's to launch new Texas location during solar eclipse McDonald's space-themed spinoff restaurants, CosMc's, will open a new location in Texas on Monday, coinciding with another cosmic event: the total solar eclipse. "The out-of-this-world beverage experience is officially landing in Arlington to celebrate one of the biggest moments on the space calendar," the fast-food giant said in a news release announcing the new location that's just west of Dallas. The Arlington, Texas, location joins two other retro small-format restaurants that recently opened in Texas, including one that opened Tuesday in the Fort Worth suburb of Watauga. The first CosMc's debuted in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook in December, drawing customers who waited in line for hours. The chain announced plans to open several test-and-learn locations across the Dallas and San Antonio metro areas in the coming months. A sign hangs outside of a CosMc's restaurant, a concept recently launched by McDonalds on December 11, 2023 in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Arlington spot to host solar eclipse watch party The Arlington, Texas, location will host a free watch party for the solar eclipse on opening day. The location is in the path of totality, which extends along a narrow stretch of land in the U.S. from Texas to Maine. McDonald's said guests at the celebration can receive the following: Free eclipse glasses Complimentary samples of CosMcs menu items CosMcs branded giveaways Music from DJ SheReal spinning beats with DJ Rob Additional food trucks with food available for purchase CosMc's menu features two new drinks Beyond its retro space aesthetic, CosMc's restaurants feature its own drink and treat menu. The chain introduced two new drinks to celebrate the Texas locations that will join the items available at the Illinois store. Beach Protein Frappe : a blend of ice, a banana-flavored protein frappe base and banana flambe syrup. Melon Herb Chiller: a lemon pinwheel and watermelon mint base poured over ice to add a kick to traditional lemonade. The new Beach Protein Frappe. CosMc's locations Since the first CosMc's opened in Bolingbrook, Illinois, the following stores have opened in Texas: 6033 Campbell Rd, Dallas 7304 Denton Hwy, Watauga 300 E Abram, Arlington Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Doyle Rice This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: McDonald's space spinoff CosMc to open Texas store on solar eclipse PROVIDENCE Gov. Dan McKee has nominated Kas R. DeCarvalho to an opening on the Rhode Island District Court bench created by the elevation of Judge Christopher K. Smith to the state Superior Court. DeCarvalho's name now goes to the Senate for confirmation to the lifetime tenure seat with a $165,158 annual base salary. I know that his more than two decades of legal experience and the time he has spent volunteering and giving back to our state will make him a strong addition to the court," McKee said of DeCarvalho, who drew praise both from the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC and a handful of legislative Republicans. More: U.S. Senate approves historic selection of Judge DuBose for federal court in RI Who is Kas DeCarvalho? A lawyer in private practice, DeCarvalho is a partner at Pannone Lopes Devereaux & OGara LLC and a member of the firms corporate and business team, which represents for-profit and nonprofit organizations, municipalities and governments, and private individuals with regulatory, licensing and other business and governmental needs. His "core areas of expertise" have been in "general corporate and business advising, domestic and international transactions, financing/mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, intellectual property matters, business ethics and compliance, arts and entertainment law and education law," according to the governor's office. Kas R. DeCarvalho, nominated to a judgeship in Rhode Island District Court. DeCarvalho is also described as "an active community volunteer" who has, over time, been on the Rhode Island Judicial Tenure and Discipline Commission, Quonset Development Corporation, the Providence Economic Development Partnership, the Providence Retirement Board and the board of the Thurgood Marshall Law Society. The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC said DeCarvalho's nomination "is not only a testament to his qualifications and dedication to justice, but it also signifies progress in addressing the historical lack of diversity within our courts." "For far too long, judicial positions have been predominantly held by white men, often excluding individuals fromunderrepresented communities. By nominating Kas DeCarvalho, Governor McKee has taken a crucial step in breaking down barriers and promoting equity within the Rhode Island judiciary," said the BLM RI PAC statement. Rep. Brian Newberry called DeCarvalho "an excellent choice," while his fellow Republican Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung said: "So happy for Kas! A brilliant attorney and an even better guy." DeCarvalho has both both bachelor's and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. DeCarvalho, his wife, Kate, and their children live in Barrington. In October, the panel that helps select the states judges submitted four names to McKee for his consideration for the District Court vacancy. In addition to DeCarvalho, they included Joseph R. Ballirano, a Johnston solo practitioner with three decades of experience; Family Court Magistrate Denise Cassisi Finkelman; and Assistant Attorney General Amy Dodge Murray, who oversees the Providence County grand jury. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Kas DeCarvalho nominated to RI District Court judgeship Fatime Letifova The international community should not remain silent on the mine terrorism of Armenia, Azernews reports, citing Sabina Aliyeva, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan, regarding the mine explosions in Tartar and Aghdam. The mines buried by Armenia in the territory of Azerbaijan during the thirty-year occupation continue to pose a threat to people. As a result of the next mine attack, four civilians were injured. In total, 350 people have been injured by landmines since the Second Garabagh War. "The international community should not remain silent on mine terrorism, it should put serious pressure on Armenia to submit accurate mine maps to Azerbaijan," the ombudsman noted. It should be recalled that since the 1990s, the Armenian military units, which have occupied more than 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territories, have laid landmines in Azerbaijan's territories for 30 years. As a result, since the Patriotic War of 2020, a large number of military and civilian people have been injured and lost their lives in the territories of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. Although the occupation of Armenia has ended, the mines hidden in those areas still pose a serious threat to people's lives. Although appeals were made to the Armenian side regarding the submission of mine maps, it had no effect. The maps presented by Armenia do not coincide with the real locations of the mines. Recall that on April 2, the district prosecutor's office received information about the injury of one person in the area of?? Saricali village, which was freed from occupation, in Agdam region. As a result of the incident, Aliyev Khayyam Gambar oglu, born in 1987, an employee of Azerbaijan's National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), who was conducting demining operations in the area, was injured, and the equipment used was damaged. Further to the report of ANAMA and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Polad Ismayilov, born in 1969, Arzuman Tagizade, born in 1992, and Elmir Bagirov, born in 2006, were injured as a result of a mine explosion yesterday, while grazing animals in the uncleared area beyond the former contact line. There is a threat of military aircraft being used against Ukraine from the airspace of Belarus. However, the Air Force is closely monitoring the takeoffs and movements of aircraft in the neighboring country. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by the spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ilya Yevlash, during a telethon. He added that the Ukrainian military is ready for different scenarios. The hosts in the studio asked Yevlash what threat Belarusian aviation could pose to Ukraine today. "We have seen how the Belarusian so-called president has already provided territory for the Russian offensive during the beginning of a full-scale invasion. Of course, we do not exclude the use of aviation from its territory, as aviation is a highly mobile branch of the armed forces," said the spokesman. At present, Yevlash added, the Russians continue to use Belarusian airfields, in particular, during exercises. Given this, as well as the fact that Russian aviation can move considerable distances in a short time, the Defense Forces are closely monitoring the slightest changes in the situation and preparing for various developments. ADVERTISIMENT "Of course, it (Belarus - Ed.) poses a threat. And, in particular, of different types. Both missile and bomb attacks. Therefore, we are ready for different scenarios, we monitor the movement of aircraft, their takeoffs. We use different types of information for this purpose, both from our intelligence and from our partners," he said. As a reminder, on April 2, self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus was preparing for war, but "for the sake of peace." He assured that the country is conducting the necessary training of the relevant units, and the armed forces are being supplied with various types of weapons and equipment. It was also reported that Belarus is launching military exercises near the border with Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Mecklenburg County staff members updated the Board of Commissioners Tuesday about the status of their COVID relief money, which must all be allocated by the end of the year. The federal government gave the county $215 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The county decided to grant $70 million of that to local organizations. New federal guidelines extended the timeline for those funds to be spent until Dec. 2026, but after review, the county is concerned some groups are not on pace to spend all their money. Their concerns led leaders to decide to claw back money from 15 of the 85 groups they granted money to. According to a county report, only $40 million of the $70 million allocated to private groups has already been spent. Woman kills neighbors dog after alleged attacks on chickens in Lincoln County County leaders say their decision to take back some of the granted money was to ensure sufficient time to re-obligate the money before the Dec. 2024 deadline. They said this would ensure all money gets spent by Dec. 2026. County staff members and some commissioners said they understood why some of the groups were unable to spend all the allocated money, but Chairman George Dunlap expressed deep disappointment. To realize that theyve had all of these dollars for two years and knew that they had a time limit to spend it, and those needs still exist in our community, but because they didnt spend it were having to do something differently, I can tell you that I am deeply disturbed, he said. In total, the county will take back close to $4.5 million from 15 groups. Heres how much the county plans to take back from each group: UMAR: $27,140 $283,161 was originally given for them to purchase specially equipped vehicles to support adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues. County leaders said UMAR purchased their vans and had money left over. PowerUP USA: $25,000 $234,277 was given to provide afterschool and summer programs focused on STEAM enrichment. City Startup Labs: $180,000 $962,800 was given to provide comprehensive and applied workforce and entrepreneurial training to formerly incarcerated persons. Angels & Sparrows: $400,000 $1,249,961 was initially given to expand their two-generation program and invest in a program that focuses on providing a path to livable wages and a promising future for children. Pops Passion: $125,000 $400,000 was given to expand community-based afterschool programs for students who attend Burns Academy and Thomasboro Elementary. The Academy of Goal Achievers: $125,000 $443,925 was given to support a mentoring program that provides high school students and young adults the opportunity to develop into youth leaders and prepare and successfully complete post-secondary education and career pathways. Smart Girls HQ: $100,000 $435,800 was given to fund a STEM career education program for 5th-grade girls. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte: $75,000 $130,292 was given to expand the Parents and Teachers program, which provides information, support, and encouragement that parents need to help promote their childrens development. Village HeartBEAT: $283,000 $375,170 was given to expand collaborative initiatives that engage faith-based organizations to increase access to affordable, culturally relevant behavioral health services in Black communities. Mental Health America of Central Carolinas: $115,000 $1,275,000 was given to support a mentoring program that provides high school students and young adults the opportunity to develop into youth leaders and prepare for post-secondary education and career pathways. Grace-Mar Services: $350,000 $900,000 was given to expand the Empowering Fathers Program, which provides mental health resources to fathers who need substance abuse and trauma services. Promise Resource Network: $1,800,000 $4,856,292 was given for the peer-run warm-line that serves as the portal for MeckHOPE and a new peer-run respite that offers a 10-day stay for those experiencing mental health crises. Johnson C. Smith University: $150,000 $524,373 was given to expand the Black Birthing Professions program that focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes of families of color. The Center for Community Transitions: $350,000 $730,841 was given to expand behavioral health services for currently incarcerated women serving the final 1-3 years of their state prison sentence. The Save Our Children Movement: $350,000 $782,320 was given to expand the afterschool and summer programs in high-need areas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. People jailed at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center will get their health care from a new company next month. Kansas-based VitalCore Health Strategies will care for people starting May 19, the sheriffs office said in a news release Monday. The jails current medical provider, Wellpath, recently terminated a $10.66 million contract to work in the jail. VitalCore won out against five other companies who submitted proposals, according to the news release. We are excited to embark on this relationship with VitalCore Health Strategies, Sheriff Garry McFadden said in a statement. This collaboration is a shared partnership. VitalCores CEO, Viola Riggin shares our passion for changing the culture and philosophy within our detention center. A contract has not been signed yet, sheriffs office spokesperson Bradley Smith said in an email Tuesday. VitalCore is being sued in federal court by the Delaware ACLU. A court complaint alleges that staff have provided poor medical care in the states prisons since July, when they took over there. Its not uncommon for jail and prison health care providers to land in legal trouble. McFadden said in a statement: Without speaking to the merits of the claims against VitalCore Health Strategies in Delaware, or any other lawsuits against VitalCore Health Strategies, or any of the other vendors who submitted proposals, it is an unfortunate reality that any correctional healthcare provider with the experience necessary to staff Detention Center-Central will have been sued on multiple occasions. The sheriff said he required companies who wanted to work in the jail to share any lawsuits that they had lost or settled over the last five years, as well as any pending lawsuits. He learned about the Delaware ACLU lawsuit through that process, he said. He noted that a different medical company worked with those prisons until about three months before the lawsuit was filed. And the lawsuit came three years after allegations of mistreatment began under a different company, he said. In February, The Charlotte Observer reported how Wellpath has a history of being sued by families of people who died or were hurt in North Carolina facilities. Wellpath often ends those lawsuits by settling them, the Observer found in reviewing state and federal court records. Medicaid expansion will be up for debate in 2025 legislative session, and its future is uncertain Recent polling from ALG Research and Lake Research Partners conducted on behalf of Consumers for Quality Care shows that nearly 50 percent of Montanans are in favor of policymakers passing legislation to bring down healthcare costs. (Getty Images) Medicaid expansion is going to end next summer unless lawmakers decide to re-up the program next legislative session. Before expansion, Medicaid only covered extremely low-income Montanans, but under expansion, the program extended health insurance to those at or below 138% of the federal poverty level currently $28,200 for a two-person household for about 100,000 Montanans. Medical professionals said expansion resulted in not only more people getting insurance, but also funds more services within hospital systems for all patients. They said the program has net benefits to the state budget and local economies. Democrats are hopeful to pass legislation to re-new expansion in Montana, and say Republicans poor handling of Medicaid redetermination the process of removing ineligible participants from Medicaid is a harbinger for how they would handle Medicaid expansion, if at all. But Medicaid expansion costs a pretty penny roughly $100 million and some Republicans worry the federal government wont always pay its share, and may leave the state in the lurch down the line. Similar concerns were raised before the state expanded the program, too. The federal government passed Medicaid expansion in the Affordable Care Act in 2010, giving states the opportunity to opt into the program with the feds paying 90% of the bill for the program. Montana was close to passing Medicaid expansion in 2013, but it failed in a close vote on the House floor. Legislators went on to pass expansion in 2015 and to continue the program in 2019, but added a sunset date for the program set for June 30, 2025. Montana Healthcare Foundation: Expansion is a win, win CEO of the Montana Healthcare Foundation Dr. Aaron Wernham said Medicaid expansion in the state for the last decade has had profound positive effects across the board. Wernham said at its peak, Medicaid expansion covered one-in-10 Montanans, cutting the uninsured rate in half. He said specialized care for substance use and mental health programs that were previously funded with state general funds and grant dollars grew under Medicaid expansion. Those are services that are available generally to everyone, not just Medicaid enrollees, Wernham said. If 10%, or in some communities even 20%, of your population is uninsured, its much harder to make a new service viable economically. Rural hospitals would be hit especially hard if Medicaid expansion wasnt re-upped, with healthcare consultant firm Chartis saying in a recent report rural hospitals in states without expanded Medicaid have consistently performed worse financially than their expansion state counterparts. Wernham said it can become dangerous if people go from having a hospital within 10 or 20 miles, to the closest option being 100 or 150 miles. Wernham said although Medicaid expansion may seem at the outset to have a hefty price tag, in practice, its actually a net benefit to the state. Under expansion the state pays 10% of the bill, $100 million, while the feds pick up the rest. Without expansion, the state would be looking at paying upwards of 30% to cover the same people with a higher percent match rate meaning it would be more expensive. Hospitals under expansion also pay into the program with a fee as part expansion, which Wernham said is a win-win. Because the hospitals have a payer source, but they also then help pay part of the states share of those costs, Wernham said. Hospitals hiring more and offering more services spurs economic growth, he said. For each year expansion has been in effect, enrollees overall had fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Wernham said the governor and the legislature have been effective in seeking to strengthen the states behavioral health infrastructure noting the increases to Medicaid provider rates, as well as the commission to advise Gianforte on how to spend $300 million in mental healthcare, and the governors own initiative, the HEART fund. If you think of those investments, as buying your kid a beautiful new truck, they still need gas to put in the engine to make it go, Wernham said. $300 million is a lot of money, but its only one time, its going to stand up services that need a source of reimbursement in order to keep operating, he said. Similarly, with provider rate increases, those are Medicaid rate increases, but if you dont have Medicaid coverage, then they wont help anyone. Legislators dont all see eye to eye on expansion Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, said she was called Medicaid Mary for her advocacy efforts in the statehouse to get expansion across the finish line which featured some close votes and political drama through the years. She said in 2015 lawmakers heard seven hours of testimony in favor of a democrats bill for expansion, but it died the same day in committee. She said the parties did come together that year to pass expansion into law, and going into 2019 she said the data proving positive health outcomes and cost efficiency was on their side. We went into 2019 with a lot of data behind us to say, This is what we predicted and its come true, Caferro said. And again in 2019, expansion passed, she said because politicians of both parties and the public had shoulder to the plow and were moving in the same direction. The 2019 legislation was sponsored by Rep. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, and had bipartisan support. The 2019 legislation also tried to add work requirements for participants, which Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, described in an interview Tuesday as a carrot for legislators like himself who werent convinced expansion was a good idea. But the federal government intervened to not allow the state to institute work requirements. Mercer was opposed to Medicaid expansion during his freshman session in 2019 and is still a hard no on the issue in the upcoming session. Mercer said his concern is in part about the federal governments ability to afford to spend on programs like Medicaid, and worries the state will be in a position eventually where the federal government wont be fronting as much of the cost as they currently are and the state wouldnt be able to make up the difference. I dont think the federal government can afford it, Mercer said. And as the federal government is increasingly unable to afford it, there, I think, is a big risk that our percentage share as a state administered program is going to go up. House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, rebutted this point at a press conference Tuesday, saying the state should be taking advantage of what the federal government is paying, and should that amount ever change, that would be a policy question for future legislators. Mercer said he thought the federal government fronting 90% of the program costs was intentional to get states to participate and have more people on government insurance programs, which he saw as bad policy. Anytime you start a government program, its extremely difficult to unwind it, Mercer said. The longer were down the road, the more difficult it will be to unwind it. Mercer said hospitals are going to be proponents for expansion because for them it means a big payday. He wasnt swayed by the hospitals saying it brings benefits to the community in 2019, and said he wouldnt be in 2025 either. Medicaid expansion in the shadow of redetermination Caferro attributed the bill getting passed in both 2015 and 2019 to having a Democrat, former Gov. Steve Bullock, in the executive office. But shes not as hopeful about whether it will pass if Gianforte remains in office. Democrats worry experience with Medicaid redetermination may foreshadow how Medicaid expansion would be handled Democrats, including Gianfortes opponent in the race for Governor Ryan Busse, critiqued Gianfortes leadership during Medicaid redetermination a process states use to confirm whether Medicaid participants are still eligible after the pandemic had allowed people to keep insurance for longer than usual, and those permissions were ending. About 127,000 Medicaid recipients lost insurance, with the predominant reason being they failed to return paperwork to the department to stay on their insurance. The Secretary of Health and Human Services sent a letter to the administration in December saying Montana was one of nine states with the highest percent of children losing coverage and made suggestions for the department to make it easier for participants to renew insurance coverage. The state released data last month showing 35,797 kids lost insurance coverage and 12,781 Native Americans lost coverage in the last year. A spokesperson for Gianfortes office said in an emailed response to questions the federal government accepted their redetermination plan in January and Gianforte has been clear that the safety net must be intact for the most vulnerable who truly need it, and DPHHS redetermination process has ensured the safety net doesnt collapse with those ineligible for the program weighing it down. Busse said redetermination was a harbinger for how Medicaid expansion would be handled in 2025. Busse said if you want to know how Republicans are going to treat Medicaid if given the chance again, just look at how theyre treating it right now. Editors Note: This story has been updated with comments from Gov. Greg Gianfortes office The post Medicaid expansion will be up for debate in 2025 legislative session, and its future is uncertain appeared first on Daily Montanan. Hundreds of NHS workers holding placards that read No Palantir in the NHS and Palantir aids apartheid staged a protest outside the NHS England building. The group were demonstrating outside Wellington House, Waterloo, claiming the software company Palantir Technologies supplies the Israel Defence Forces with military tech. Demonstrators were heard chanting every time the UK lies, a neighbourhood in Gaza dies and from the river to the sea, Palestine is almost free during Wednesdays action. Harriet, an NHS accident and emergency doctor and British Medical Association member, who did not give her surname, said she did not want the company having access to NHS data. She said: Palantir is not only vocally supportive of genocide, and many other atrocities in the past, but they supply AI military tech to the Israeli army. We feel responsible to stop this deal from going through. This contract is worth 330 million, which could actually be spent on NHS services that we need, not yet another failed private enterprise. The Pro-Palestinian demonstrators want to see NHS England scrap its contract with Palantir Technologies - PA/Victoria Jones Palantir was awarded the contract by NHS England to create a data management system called the Federated Data Platform. The technology provided to NHS England gives real-time data on the number of beds which are occupied in hospitals and the size of waiting lists. Campaigners claim Palantir has provided AI powered military and surveillance technology to the Israeli government Louis Mosley, Palantirs executive vice-president for the UK and Europe, has previously defended the companys involvement in the NHS. Data security and the ability to precisely control who can see what information can be a matter of life and death, he told the Times in November. He said the software enables NHS professionals to bring together data that a hospital already holds in multiple different systems that havent historically been able to talk to each other, while ensuring that staff only see information if they need to, in order to do their job. Palantir was co-founded by billionaire tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, who was an early backer of former US president Donald Trump, and has worked with the US government. The company has also been accused of human rights abuses by Amnesty International. Palantir and NHS England were contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Medical debt affects much of America, but Colorado immigrants are hit especially hard Norma Brambila, a community organizer with Westwood Unidos, inside La Casita Community House in Denver. More than 1 in 5 adults in the ZIP code that includes the Westwood neighborhood have medical debt on their credit reports. Brambila, too, is dealing with a bill hanging over her head, after an emergency room visit for a bad sinus infection. (Rachel Woolf for KFF Health News) DENVER In February, Norma Brambilas teenage daughter wrote her a letter she now carries in her purse. It is a drawing of a rose, and a note encouraging Brambila to keep fighting her sickness and reminding her shed someday join her family in heaven. About this story Diagnosis: Debt Colorado is a reporting partnership among Colorado newsrooms led by KFF Health News and the Colorado News Collaborative exploring the scale, impact and causes of medical debt in Colorado. The ongoing series builds on KFF Health Newss award-winning reporting on medical debt in the United States. Diagnosis Debt Colorado Brambila, a community organizer who emigrated from Mexico a quarter-century ago, had only a sinus infection, but her children had never seen her so ill. I was in bed for four days, she said. Lacking insurance, Brambila had avoided seeking care, hoping garlic and cinnamon would do the trick. But when she felt she could no longer breathe, she went to an emergency room. The $365 bill enough to cover a week of groceries for her family was more than she could afford, pushing her into debt. It also affected another decision shed been weighing: whether to go to Mexico for surgery to remove the growth in her abdomen that she said is as big as a papaya. Brambila lives in a southwestern Denver neighborhood called Westwood, a largely Hispanic, low-income community where many residents are immigrants. Westwood is also in a ZIP code, 80219, with some of the highest levels of medical debt in Colorado. More than 1 in 5 adults there have historically had unpaid medical bills on their credit reports, more in line with West Virginia than the rest of Colorado, according to 2022 credit data analyzed by the nonprofit Urban Institute. The areas struggles reflect a paradox about Colorado. The states overall medical debt burden is lower than most. But racial and ethnic disparities are wider. The gap between the debt burden in ZIP codes where residents are primarily Hispanic and/or non-white and ZIP codes that are primarily non-Hispanic white is twice what it is nationally. (Hispanics can be of any race or combination of races.) Medical debt in Colorado is also concentrated in ZIP codes with relatively high shares of immigrants, many of whom are from Mexico. The Urban Institute found that 19% of adults in these places had medical debt on their credit reports, compared with 11% in communities with fewer immigrants. Nationwide, about 100 million people have some form of health care debt, according to a KFF Health News-NPR investigation. This includes not only unpaid bills that end up in collections, but also those being paid off through installment plans, credit cards, or other loans. Racial and ethnic gaps in medical debt exist nearly everywhere, data shows. But Colorados divide on par with South Carolinas, according to the Urban Institute data exists even though the state has some of the most extensive medical debt protections in the country. The gap threatens to deepen long-standing inequalities, say patient and consumer advocates. And it underscores the need for more action to address medical debt. It exacerbates racial wealth gaps, said Berneta Haynes, a senior attorney with the nonprofit National Consumer Law Center who co-authored a report on medical debt and racial disparities. Haynes said too many Colorado residents, especially residents of color, are still caught in a vicious cycle in which they forgo medical care to avoid bills, leading to worse health and more debt. Brambila said she has seen this cycle all too often around Westwood in her work as a community organizer. I really would love to help people to pay their medical bills, she said. Health or debt? Roxana Burciaga, who grew up in Westwood and works at Mi Casa Resource Center there, said she hears questions at least once a week about how to pay for medical care. Medical debt is a big, big, big topic in our community, she said. People dont understand what their insurance actually covers or cant get appointments for preventive care that suit their work schedules, she said. Many, like Brambila, skip preventive care to avoid the bills and end up in the emergency room. Doctors and nurses say they see the strains, as well. Amber Koch-Laking, a family physician at Denver Healths Westwood Family Health Center, part of the citys public health system, said finances often come up in conversations with patients. Many patients try to get telehealth appointments to avoid the cost of going in person. Adding to the crunch is Medicaid "unwinding", the process of states reexamining post-pandemic eligibility for health coverage for low-income people, Koch-Laking said. They say, Oh, I'm losing my Medicaid in three weeks, can you take care of these seven things without a visit? Or like, Can we just do it over the portal, because I can't afford it? Norma Brambila, a community organizer with Westwood Unidos, received a bill for an emergency room visit for a sinus infection that she said is equivalent to a weeks worth of groceries for her family. (Rachel Woolf for KFF Health News) Looking for the right fix Colorado has taken steps to protect patients from medical debt, including expanding Medicaid coverage through the 2010 Affordable Care Act. More recently, state leaders required hospitals to expand financial assistance for low-income patients and barred all medical debts from consumers credit reports. But the complexities of many assistance programs remain a major barrier for immigrants and others with limited English, said Julissa Soto, a Denver-based health equity consultant focused on Latino Coloradans. Many patients, for example, may not know they can seek help with medical bills from the state or community nonprofits. The health care system is a puzzle. You better learn how to play with puzzles, said Soto, who said she was sent to collections for medical bills when she first immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico. Many hospitals also have funding to help out with your debt. You just have to get to the right person, because it seems that nobody wants to let us know that those programs exist. She said simplifying bills would go a long way to helping many patients. Several states, including Oregon, Maryland, and Illinois, have tried to make it easier for people to access hospital financial aid by requiring hospitals to proactively screen patients. Patient and consumer advocates say Colorado could also further restrict aggressive debt collection, such as lawsuits, which remain common in the state. New York, for example, banned wage garnishment after finding that the practice disproportionately affected low-income communities. Research there also showed that medical debt burden was falling about twice as hard on communities of color as it was on non-Hispanic white communities. Elisabeth Benjamin, a lawyer with the Community Service Society of New York, said hospitals were garnishing the wages of people working at Walmart and Taco Bell. Maryland enacted limits on debt collection lawsuits after advocates found that patients living in predominantly minority neighborhoods were being disproportionately targeted. Even in wealthy counties, the pockets that are being pursued are majority Latino neighborhoods, said Marceline White, executive director of the advocacy group Economic Action Maryland. White's group helped pass a law requiring hospitals to pay back low-income patients and avoid the scenario she was seeing, in which hospitals were suing patients who should have gotten free care. Exacting a heavy toll In Colorado, lawmakers are considering a measure to improve patients access to financial aid: a modification to the states Hospital Discounted Care program that would make hospitals presumptive eligibility sites for Medicaid. Meanwhile, some consumer advocates say existing protections arent working well enough. State data shows patients who received financial assistance were primarily white. And, though its unclear why, 42% of patients who may have been eligible were not fully screened by hospitals for financial assistance. What is clear is that a lot of people are not making it through, said Bethany Pray, deputy director of the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, a Denver-based legal aid group that pushed for the discounted care legislation. La Casita Community House is in Denvers Westwood neighborhood. (Rachel Woolf for KFF Health News) Within the states immigrant communities, medical debt and the fear of debt continues to take a heavy toll. What weve heard from our constituents is that medical debt sometimes is the difference between them being housed and them being unhoused, said Denver City Council member Shontel Lewis. Her district includes the 80216 ZIP code, another place north of the city center that is saddled with widespread medical debt. Paola Becerra is an immigrant living in the U.S. without legal permission who was pregnant when she was bused to Denver from a Texas shelter a few months ago. She said she has skipped prenatal care visits because she couldnt afford the $50 copays. She has emergency health coverage through Medicaid, but it doesnt cover preventive visits, and she has already racked up about $1,600 in bills. When Norma Brambila, a community organizer with Westwood Unidos, came down with a sinus infection, she put off seeking medical care, out of fear of the ensuing bill. She became so ill that her daughter wrote a letter in Spanish telling her how much she loved her and urging her to keep fighting. (Rachel Woolf for KFF Health News) I didn't know that I was going to arrive pregnant, said Becerra, who thought she could no longer conceive when she left Colombia. You have to give up your health. Either I pay the rent, or I pay the hospital. For Rocio Leal, a community organizer in Boulder, medical debt has become a defining feature of her life. Despite the health insurance she had through her job, Leal ended up with high-interest payday loans to pay for healthy births, wage garnishment, prenatal appointments she missed to save money, and a ruined credit score, which limited her housing options. Leal recalled times she thought theyd be evicted and other times the electricity was cut off. It's not like we're avoiding and don't want to pay. It's just sometimes we don't have an option to pay, she said. Leal said the worst times are behind her now. Shes in a home she loves, where neighbors bring cakes over to thank her son for shoveling the snow off their driveway. Her children are doing well. One daughter got a perfect GPA for the second semester in a row. Another is playing violin in the school orchestra. Her third daughter attends art club. And her son was recently accepted to college for biomedical engineering. They are covered by Medicaid, which has removed the uncertainty around big medical bills. But medical debt still haunts Leal, who has Type 2 diabetes. When she was referred to Boulder Medical Center to get her eyes checked after the diabetes diagnosis, she said she was told there was a red flag by her name. The last time shed interacted with the medical center was about a dozen years earlier, when shed been unable to pay pediatrician bills. I was in the process of moving and then my wages were garnished, she recalled. I just was like, What else do I owe? Heart pounding, she hung up the phone. KFF Health News senior correspondent Noam N. Levey contributed to this report. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Medical debt affects much of America, but Colorado immigrants are hit especially hard appeared first on Colorado Newsline. Nampa OB-GYN Dr. Megan Kasper recently saw a young pregnant patient who, in her second trimester, was experiencing painful contractions. Her cervix had dilated five centimeters. Still, she was several weeks away from the earliest gestational age where a premature infant is viable. Kasper said all she could offer was expectant care, meaning she closely monitored the patient but wouldnt intervene unless her condition changed or worsened. My care of that patient did not change based on the (abortion) laws that went into effect in August 2022, Kasper said Wednesday at a presentation about womens health care challenges at the state Capitol. But the things I needed to manage in the background were different. What did I need to do to keep myself and the whole health care team out of trouble? ... What was going to be my threshold for her health status? If she started bleeding, how much bleeding was I going to tolerate? At what point would her bleeding be enough that I would feel confident in saying, OK, this is life threatening? As lawmakers seek to finish the 2024 legislative session any day now, Kasper and several other doctors and medical leaders urged legislators to add a maternal health exception to the states strict abortion ban. The only exceptions the law provides are for rape, incest and to prevent the death of the pregnant woman. There are no exceptions for the health of the pregnant patient. Democrats want the standard eased, but the overwhelmingly Republican Legislature has not obliged. Doctors in Idaho who provide abortions, even to stabilize a pregnant patient with a complication, face a felony punishable by up to two to five years in prison. They could also have their medical licenses suspended for a minimum of six months for a first offense and permanently revoked upon a subsequent offense. Idaho doctors say the law has had a chilling effect on recruitment and retention of the states already slim body of physicians, particularly those working in obstetrics. A painting is lodged in a doorway where Dr. Megan Kasper, an OB-GYN in Nampa, unpacks boxes Monday in her new clinic, Grace Womens Health, at 5826 E. Franklin Road. Kasper worked at Saltzer Health until its closure Friday. Angela Palermo/apalermo@idahostatesman.com In late February, a report released by the Idaho Physician Well-Being Action Collaborative said dozens of Idahos obstetricians stopped practicing in the state in the first 15 months after the law took effect in August 2022. Over the same period, only two obstetricians moved to the state to practice. And of the nine maternal-fetal medicine specialists working in Idaho before the ban was enacted, only four are left. Maternal-fetal specialists are obstetricians who undergo three additional years of training to manage the most complicated and high-risk pregnancies. Obstetricians in Idaho often seek their guidance on a case-by-case basis. But as their ranks dwindle, thats becoming harder to do. Dr. Sara Thompson, an OB-GYN at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, told the lawmakers and others at the presentation that more are thinking about leaving if the law doesnt change. As my colleagues move out of state or retire, weve had difficulty replacing them, Thompson said. She noted that Idaho has no OB-GYN residency programs or fellowships. So we cannot recruit new OB-GYN or maternal-fetal medicine specialists from within our borders. Out-of-state applications for open positions have decreased dramatically. Candidates are now looking elsewhere to practice Susie Keller, CEO of the Idaho Medical Association, said the state is unfortunately digging itself into a workforce hole that will take many years, if not decades, to fill. And, as physician shortages persist nationwide, theres fierce competition for providers. The pool of OB-GYN applicants at Idaho hospitals has fallen to nearly half of what it once was, if hospitals have any applicants at all, said Brian Whitlock, president of the Idaho Hospital Association. Idaho already has the lowest number of active physicians per capita in the country. The state is projected to be short 1,743 doctors by 2030, according to a study published in Human Resources for Health. Hospital administrators are telling us that the lack of clarity in Idahos legal environment regarding the term health care has created uncertainty and fear, Whitlock said. Candidates are now looking elsewhere to practice. The chief physician executive at St. Lukes Health System, Dr. Jim Souza, said vacant positions that previously would have been filled in weeks are remaining open for months, with some not getting filled at all. Dr. Loren Colson, a family medicine physician in Boise and president of the Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare, said that when his pregnant wife recently miscarried, their local pharmacist refused to fill a prescription to aid in the miscarriage. More than one in 10 pregnancies result in miscarriage, he said. His wife, Kristin Colson, previously told the Idaho Statesman that she had experienced multiple pregnancy losses as the couple pursued fertility treatments. Managing a miscarriage with medication can make the experience faster and more predictable, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Idahos abortion ban is even affecting the way women access birth control care. I had a patient who needed an IUD removed when she found out she was pregnant, and she had to go to two other providers before coming to me due to concerns of accidentally ending the pregnancy with the removal of the IUD, Loren Colson said. And this isnt an isolated incident. Souza said that only 21 of Idahos 44 counties have access to any practicing obstetricians. According to the report from the local physician group, the vast majority, or about 85%, of obstetricians and gynecologists in Idaho practice in the seven most populous counties. There will be a significant increase in these complications that will lead to more high-end costly transports to centers like the one I lead, Souza said. And some of those rescue attempts will end in complications that may be lethal or have permanent impacts on maternal health and reproductive capacity. Even a 15-mile increase in the distance a woman in an emergency has to travel delays an urgent intervention where seconds count. Imagine what 100 miles looks like. Kasper said she practices in an evolving maternity care desert in southwest Idaho, which has seen the closure of two labor and delivery units in the last year, at West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell and Valor Health in Emmett. She said she and other OB-GYNs in the region are doing what they can seeing more patients and managing high-risk and low-risk pregnancies while being thoughtful about the ways they do so. She said that watching the way womens health care has deteriorated has been sobering. And this is not in rural Idaho that Im talking about, she said. This is right here in the Treasure Valley. Souza said the states abortion ban is ambiguous on the circumstances in which a physician is allowed to act when a pregnant patients health is at risk. He asked that legislators clarify the law. The law casts the issue as if it were a black-and-white binary thing, he said. Those of use who manage life and death know that those are the poles on a spectrum where in between lies health. We are trying to move upstream in that, to preserve life. Idaho has lost 22% of its practicing obstetricians in the last 15 months, report says Idaho needs doctors. But many dont want to come here. What that means for patients Democratic hopes are rising that they could spring an upset in Florida this November, despite the Sunshine State having turned a deeper shade of red in recent years. Those hopes were given a major boost Monday by two seemingly contrasting court decisions on abortion. On one hand, the Florida Supreme Court upheld an existing 15-week ban on terminating a pregnancy. On the other, the court allowed by a much narrower majority a ballot measure to go ahead in November that will give Floridians the opportunity to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. In a further, vital twist, the first ruling also clears the way for a six-week ban on abortion to go into effect in 30 days. Substantively, the courts finding on the abortion law is clearly a bad defeat for liberals. But politically, they hope the ballot measure could provide a rebound to President Bidens benefit in November, especially because polling indicates such restrictive measures on abortion are unpopular. A University of North Florida poll in early 2022, soon after the state House passed the 15-week abortion ban, found 57 percent of voters opposed to the law. At Tuesdays media briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre excoriated the courts ruling on the 15-week ban, noting that its effect would be to trigger Gov. [Ron] DeSantiss even more extreme ban that would prevent women from accessing care before many even know they are pregnant. Jean-Pierre added: We will continue to stand with the vast majority of Americans who support a womans right to choose. President Biden and Vice President Harris will continue to work to protect reproductive freedom and call on Congress to pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade. Abortion may top the Democratic list as to why Florida could shift in their favor, but its not the only factor. The campaign manager for the presidents reelection effort, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, laid out the case for a Florida victory in a memo released Monday. She tied together issues such as Floridas high levels of enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA); the importance of Social Security to the states huge population of retirees; the tragic salience of the issue of gun violence, and the deeply divisive debate over GOP-endorsed book bans. Rodriguez also noted the Biden campaign is putting some money where its mouth is by including the state in a $55 million spate of advertising. Those arguments have some force. Florida has more than 4 million people enrolled in the ACA, also known as ObamaCare, and there are almost 5 million seniors in the state. But the Biden campaign manager acknowledged Florida would not be an easy state to win. Thats clearly true. For a start, most polling sparse though it is, so early in the campaign suggests former President Trump has a significant advantage in Florida. Two March polls, from Redfield & Wilton Strategies and St. Pete Polls, gave Trump leads of 7 points and 6 points, respectively, over Biden. Another survey, from Big Data Poll, showed Trump leading Biden by an enormous 14 points when independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy was included as a choice. Underlining that point, a state-by-state map of Bidens approval rating by Civiqs put the president underwater by a massive 27 points in Florida. Florida is also, of course, Trumps current home state. The former president, born and raised in New York, changed his official residency to Florida in 2019, while he was still in the White House. Those factors are rendered even more important by the big picture one in which Florida has become notably more Republican in recent years. In presidential elections, the GOP advantage in the state has grown in every one of the past four contests. Former President Obama carried the state by almost 3 points over then-Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2008, then had his advantage whittled down to less than 1 point against now-Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) in 2012. The state went red in 2016, when former President Trump carried it over Hillary Clinton by roughly 1 point. Then, strikingly, Trump defeated Biden by more than 3 points in 2020. On Election night 2020, the result in Florida was an early indication that the election would be closer than polls predicted. An even more emphatic sign of Floridas rightward tilt came in 2022, when DeSantis crushed Democratic gubernatorial challenger Charlie Crist by almost 20 points. DeSantiss attitude to the COVID-19 pandemic might have helped him pad his margin of victory, but there was clearly a larger shift going on. The same year, Democrats harbored hopes of springing a surprise on Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) when they nominated then-Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) as his challenger. Rubio won by 16 points. For all the talk about a wider palette of issues, Democrats are likely to lean full-force into the abortion question in November. They will hope that the ballot initiative, in particular, can provide a springboard for Biden. There are some encouraging precursors, albeit from more Democratic-friendly states. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was a top GOP target in 2022 in a swing state. But Whitmer coasted to victory by a 10-point margin on the same day as a ballot initiative on abortion was won by 13 points by the liberal side. Liberals have won every statewide ballot initiative on abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned, even in conservative states like Kansas and Kentucky. Biden and his team will hope to sail on an abortion-rights wind come this November. Whether it will be strong enough to deliver a win in Florida seems much more open to question. The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Demolition is officially underway on Angelo State Universitys Concho Hall residence hall, commonly known as the mens high rise. A university statement said the buildings demolition, led by Collier Construction of Lubbock and AMX Companies of Dallas, will cost approximately $5.6 million and is expected to be completed by this fall. Demolition will take place in two phases. Phase 1, which is currently in process, involves the removal of all scrap metal and other fixtures from the interior of the building and should be completed by May. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by August and involves the demolition of the exterior of the building with a high-reach excavator. The final part of the project, which includes the removal of the buildings foundation, back-filling, landscaping, and lighting, is expected to be completed in October. Concho Hall demolition begins The school says crews are opting to demolish the building by breaking it down in multiple stages rather than using the implosion approach used in 2009 when Concho Halls twin high-rise, University Hall, was demolished. Cody Guins, ASU executive director of facilities services, said the decision was a matter of budget and logistics. It is just more cost-effective to do a conventional demolition, said Guins. It is also logistically easier. We dont have to worry about protecting all the surrounding buildings. It doesnt have the wow factor of an implosion, but just makes more sense in every aspect to do it in the conventional way. Concho Hall and University Hall were first opened in 1968. They served as the mens and womens residence halls for more than 40 years and housed almost 500 students per semester. Future plans for the Concho Hall construction site, which depend on funding and approval by the Texas Legislature, include the construction of a Research and Innovation Hub. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Mental Health is topic at PFLAG meeting in Oak Ridge Toni Stephenson, co-chair of the Oak Ridge affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), will speak at the next PFLAG meeting at 7 p.m. April 8. Toni Stephenson The United Church, Chapel-on-the-Hill, will host the meeting in the Activities Room, 85 Kentucky Ave. All are welcome. The group gathers at 6:45 p.m. for a short social time and adjourns at 8. The presentation will cover the basics of what NAMI, the nations largest grassroots mental health organization, offers in general. The talk will also focus on what is now available for the LGBTQ+ community. For more information, contact PFLAG President Anne Backus, backusanne@comcast.net. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Mental Health is topic at PFLAG meeting in Oak Ridge Next Monday afternoon, a total solar eclipse will cross southern Illinois as it traverses the country, and some metro-east school districts are changing their instructional plans for the day. A handful of metro-east districts that are near to or within the eclipses path of totality the area where people can see the moon completely cover the sun will be closed Monday. Most others are operating as usual and organizing activities to engage students with the celestial phenomenon that wont happen again in the contiguous United States until August 2044. Some school districts will have early release to avoid dismissing students during the eclipse. School will be in session as normal for Belleville 201 students, Superintendent Brian Mentzer said, but the science departments at Belleville West and East high schools are working on activities for teachers and students to use the upcoming eclipse as a learning opportunity. Similarly at Belleville 118, students will be in attendance as any other day, but the schools are planning viewing activities for students, faculty and staff, Superintendent Ryan Boike said. In a March 22 email to all 118 families, Boike wrote: Our schools are buzzing with anticipation as our dedicated educators plan individualized, in-school activities suitable for their unique environments. These activities are designed to offer a personalized and engaging exploration of the solar eclipse while ensuring the safety and comfort of our students. Parents must complete a permission slip to allow their child to participate in outdoor eclipse-viewing activities, and student absences Monday will be excused if a family decides to keep their child home to celebrate the eclipse or go on a trip to the path of totality. The path of totality and partial contours crossing the U.S. for the total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024. NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio District 118 schools will provide eclipse glasses that meet ISO standards to those who participate, and the district is asking parents to go over eclipse safety precautions with their child in advance regardless of whether their child will be participating in a viewing activity. Likewise in other metro-east districts such as East St. Louis 189, Collinsville 10 and Red Bud 132, students will have regular school days and organized eclipse-related activities with glasses provided to students, faculty and staff, district officials told the BND. OFallon 203 will run an altered schedule to allow students the opportunity to observe the eclipse during the school day, and some classes will travel to the path of totality to view. The high school will provide glasses for all students who choose to participate in eclipse-viewing activities and provide a signed permission slip. Early dismissals & closings While Edwardsville 7 canceled school for the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse, schools will remain open this time around, according to Mary Ann Mitchell, public relations and communications coordinator. Edwardsville High School will be dismissing an hour early at 12:45 p.m. as a safety precaution, however, so that students arent getting out in the middle of the eclipse, she said. In Alton 11, there will be no afternoon session at the Early Childhood Center and school will be dismissing early at: 11:25 a.m. for East, North and West elementary schools 11:30 a.m. for Mark Twain K-8 students 11:40 a.m. for Eunice Smith, Gilson Brown, Lewis and Clark, and Lovejoy elementary schools 12:15 p.m. for Alton middle and high schools and Mark Twain 9-12 students Grant 110 will have a half day Monday since normal dismissal falls during prime eclipse-viewing time. No lunch will be served, but buses will be running. Students will be sent home with eclipse glasses. Some districts closer to or within the eclipses path of totality have opted to close Monday, including Ashley 15, Nashville 49 and Nashville 99 in Washington County, Chester 139 in Randolph County and Waterloo 5 in Monroe County. While Waterloo schools were originally scheduled to be in attendance, Superintendent Brian Charron said, the district had some concerns with the timing of the eclipse being during dismissal and the difficulty of finding substitute teachers as a larger number of teachers than normal were requesting a personal day April 8. The school board agreed to survey faculty and staff as well as parents to see if they preferred school not be in session Monday, he said. About 65% of faculty and staff and 75% of parents who responded to the survey said they preferred students to not be in attendance the day of the eclipse. As a result, Waterloo 5 amended its calendar to add a day at the end of the school year in place of Monday, April 8. We certainly didnt want to burden families, but when we learned that the vast majority of families wanted to have the day off anyway, we felt that it made sense to make this decision, Charron said. The district has still acquired eclipse glasses and will be providing a set of two to every student so that they can enjoy the eclipse with their families, he added. Anything educational related to the eclipse will happen this week in advance of the historic event to come Monday. Is your school district adapting Monday, April 8, for the solar eclipse? Email Education and Environment Reporter Kelly Smits at ksmits@bnd.com to have your district added. This story may be updated. On Tuesday, April 2, U.S. President Joe Biden had a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two discussed a number of important issues, including the use of leverage to reduce the scale of confrontation in the Middle East and Ukraine. Biden personally warned Xi to refrain from supporting Russia's defense industry. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by White House adviser John Kirby. He was quoted by the Financial Review. These talks were the first conversation between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping since the November summit in California, when they held a four-hour meeting aimed at preventing tensions from escalating into a conflict between the world's largest economies. Today's conversation was meant to demonstrate a return to regular dialog between the two heads of state. "The purpose of the phone call was to continue efforts in the context of the meeting between the two leaders in Woodside, California, last November," the White House adviser said. According to John Kirby, the two leaders had a "constructive discussion" on a number of topics, it was frank and lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes. The parties discussed bilateral, regional and global issues. They discussed, among other things, the fight against drugs, maintaining permanent military ties, AI threats, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, and Russia's war against Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT "Biden expressed concern over China's support for Russia's defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security," Kirby said. The White House also emphasized that Biden and Xi agreed to continue communication at any time when the need arises. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the United States recently warned China again against attempts to help Russia in its war against Ukraine. According to US Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller, President Biden's administration made it clear to Beijing that it should not take any steps that would help support Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! METUCHEN, N.J. (PIX11) At 96 years old, its nostalgic, but not up to date. But the show must go on, and Metuchens Forum Theater will need to be reimagined. Time has not been kind to this playhouse, said Mayor Jonathan Busch. What we want to do is build a black box. A flexible space. A place that once showed movies, borough officials are looking to turn the Forum into a space that can host anything from plays to dinners to wrestling. Andy Kim clear favorite in NJ Senate primary with Murphy out: PIX11 poll Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday went on a private tour of the Forum Theater, touting an incentive program under the New Jersey Economic Development Authority that could help bring the theater back to life. This is exactly what we all had in mind when that incentive program began to take shape, said Murphy. While no dollar amount has been earmarked just yet, the program gives tax breaks to cover renovation costs on projects like the one at the Forum. Theres something about that shared experience, being with your friends, being with your family and having that sort of community bond where youre all watching the movie at the same time, having the same emotions, the same feelings, its amazing, said Linda Koskoski, who went to high school in nearby Edison and came to the Forum to watch foreign films with her friends. We could sit up here in the balcony. At that time it was still a fully functional theater. I came here almost every weekend to see the movies. Now the Borough of Metuchens director of economic development, she hopes to see the big screen glow again. I hope thats the kind of thing were going to be bringing back to Metuchen, said Koskoski. Borough officials are hoping crowds start to flock back in sometime in 2026. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Miamis city attorney is set to leave in June. A commissioner wants her out sooner About three months before Miamis embattled city attorney is set to leave the city with a handsome pension, a commissioner wants to oust her immediately. At a contentious January meeting that almost ended in a brawl, commissioners extended City Attorney Victoria Mendezs contract until June, effectively terminating her midway through what is typically a yearlong agreement that is renewed annually. The shorter extension came against a backdrop of criticism of her performance and a lawsuit in which shes accused of using her position to orchestrate a house-flipping scheme with her husband. Commissioner Damian Pardo is now pushing to remove her at the April 11 city commission meeting and immediately appoint her chief deputy, John A. Greco, as the interim city attorney. People want change, Pardo said in an interview Wednesday. And it needs to start now. The commissioner said Mendez has exhibited inappropriate behavior, particularly when she referred to documentarian and filmmaker Billy Corben, a frequent critic of the city attorney, as a vile little man during a commission meeting earlier this year. The hearing was publicly broadcast. Corben later filed a complaint with the Florida Bar accusing Mendez of unprofessional behavior. We all have to sit down and conduct ourselves to a higher standard that requires us to sit there and hear things that are sometimes not pleasant and not true, Pardo said. It requires civility and temperance. Mendez did not immediately respond to the Miami Heralds request for comment. The citys top legal officer since 2013, Mendez would become eligible for her pension on April 21. She would be paid $8,333.33 per month, according to a projection from the citys pension administrator. It is unclear what could happen to her pension if the commission approves Pardos proposal on April 11. The city attorney has faced mounting scrutiny in the last few years. In the lawsuit filed in 2023, Mendez faces allegations that she and her husband schemed to profit by purchasing a mans home for a price below market value, getting more than $270,000 in code violations erased before flipping the home. Mendez has denied any wrongdoing. The case is pending in circuit court. The Florida Bar is also investigating the allegations. Read more: Judge mutes Miami city attorneys mic during heated testimony in home-flipping lawsuit Challenges to the citys voting map, approved in 2021, have led to several decisions against the city in civil court. Miamis legal department is also using taxpayer dollars to pay millions in legal fees for the defense of Commissioner Joe Carollo in a federal civil case where a jury found he had weaponized city resources to carry out a political vendetta. In December, Mendez took heat after she ignored state officials warnings over what was required to properly pass a proposed tax rate. Her legal advice, according to City Manager Art Noriega, led officials to believe that the city could pass a proposed property tax rate with four sitting commissioners in late September. The board was short by one member after former Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla was arrested, removed from office and charged with bribery and money laundering. The commission later had to hold an emergency vote to approve the tax rate to avoid forfeiting tax revenue. Pardo and Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela, who were both elected in November after running on anti-corruption and reform platforms, have called for Mendez to resign since they took office. The state is set to carry out its first execution of 2024 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Oklahoma is set to carry out the state's first execution of 2024 and the 12th since capital punishment resumed in 2021. Death row inmate Michael DeWayne Smith faces execution by lethal injection Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester for two 2002 murders. The execution is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Smith, 41, will become the fourth inmate in the nation this year to be put to death if he doesn't get a last-minute stay. Alabama, Texas and Georgia already have carried out executions, according to a database kept by the Death Penalty Information Center. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday denied for the fourth time his request for an emergency stay. Smith also was seeking an emergency stay at the U.S. Supreme Court. Smith claims he is innocent even though he confessed to police. His attorneys also claim he is intellectually disabled. Death row inmate Michael DeWayne Smith gets emotional as he speaks during his clemency hearing in March. "I don't want to die, man," he told The Oklahoman Monday in a phone interview. "Who can ever be prepared to die, man? I sure don't want to die for something I didn't do." He said he was framed by the same people that framed fellow death row inmate Richard Glossip. "I have the same exact issues as Mr. Glossip," Smith said. "But due to the fact that I'm affiliated (with a gang) and I'm Black ... my case hasn't been given the same look as Mr. Glossip's has." Glossip, 61, has become the state's most high-profile death row inmate because of the wide support for his innocence claim. The U.S. Supreme Court in January agreed to hear his new complaints about his 2004 retrial after the state attorney general said he wanted the murder conviction overturned. "They all want to be Rich Glossip because he's getting all the action," Smith's spiritual adviser, Jeff Hood, said. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 4-1 March 6 to deny Smith clemency. That vote means Gov. Kevin Stitt cannot commute his sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Smith told the parole board he was hallucinating from drug use when he confessed to police. "I didn't commit these crimes. I didn't kill these people. I was high on drugs," he said. What to know about Michael DeWayne Smith's case Smith was convicted at trial of first-degree murder for two fatal shootings in Oklahoma City on Feb. 22, 2002. Jurors agreed he should be executed for both deaths. The first victim, Janet Moore, 40, was shot once at her apartment. The second victim, Sharath Babu Pulluru, 24, was shot nine times at a convenience store then doused with lighter fluid and set on fire. Neither was Smith's original target, according to testimony at the 2003 trial. At the time, he was 19 and a member of a street gang in Oklahoma City known as the Oak Grove Posse. He also was high on PCP and hiding from police, who had a warrant for his arrest on a 2001 murder case. In the first shooting, Smith actually was looking for Moore's son, Phillip Zachary, because he mistakenly thought Zachary was a police informant, prosecutors said. "It's her fault she died," Smith told police. "She panicked and she got shot. ... She like, 'Help! Help!' I'm like, I had to. I had no choice." Smith next went to the A&Z Food Mart to shoot a worker over comments to the newspaper about a robbery at another food mart next door, prosecutors said. He instead killed Pulluru, who was filling in at the store for a friend. A clerk at the Trans Food Mart had killed a fellow gang member during a robbery on Nov. 8, 2000. A worker at the A&Z Food Mart had told The Oklahoman in 2000 he was proud of his neighbor. "The rest of the kids will learn a lesson by him being dead and stop doing these things," the A&Z Food Mart worker had said. The shootings in 2002 came days before a trial for two other gang members involved in the robbery was set to begin. Smith confessed to his roommate and a neighbor before his arrest, according to their testimony at his trial. Smith was convicted at a separate trial of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Otis Payne outside an Oklahoma City club on Nov. 24, 2001. He had admitted to police that he handed the gun to the shooter, David Burns. He was sentenced to life in prison for that crime. Oklahoma's execution pace has slowed Oklahoma resumed executions in late October 2021 after a hiatus of more than six years. By mid-2022, four had taken place, and 25 more were scheduled through the end of 2024. The schedule proved to be too ambitious. Some inmates got stays, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections had to be given more time between executions to reduce the stress on staff. The last execution was in November. One scheduled for Feb. 1 was called off because the inmate, James Chandler Ryder, has mental health issues. The next one is set for June 6 but may be called off because the inmate, Wade Lay, also has mental health issues. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals was asked in January for even more time, 90-day intervals, once the next two executions are carried out. "The present pace of executions, every 60 days, is too onerous and not sustainable," said Steven Harpe, the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Execution of Oklahoma death row inmate Michael Smith set for Thursday Michelle Obama issued high praise to Beyonce for the Grammy-award winning artists latest album Cowboy Carter. In a post on Instagram, the former first lady said she is so proud of Beyonce for reminding listeners of their power especially when it comes to voting. Cowboy Carter is a reminder that despite everything weve been through to be heard, seen, and recognized, we can still dance, sing, and be who we are unapologetically, Obama wrote. This album reminds us that we ALL have power. Theres power in our history, in our joy, and in our votes and we can each use our own gifts and talents to make our voices heard on the issues that matter most to us. Beyonces eighth studio album, released March 29, has been lauded by political leaders around the nation, including Vice President Harris, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) and Texas Reps. Colin Allred (D) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D). Beyonce: Thank you for reminding us to never feel confined to other peoples perspective of what our lane is, Harris said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. You have redefined a genre and reclaimed country musics Black roots. Your music continues to inspire us all. The superstar noted in an Instagram post before the albums release that it was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomedand it was very clear that I wasnt. But Obama on Tuesday urged followers to stand together. Together, we can stand up for what we believe in, and we must do that at the ballot box this year, Obama said. The issues that impact us most are on the ballot across the country from equal pay and racial justice to reproductive healthcare and climate change. And as Queen Bey says at the end of Ya Ya, we need to keep the faith and VOTE! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with James Tignanelli, with the Police Officers Association of Michigan as he attends a campaign event on April 02, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Spencer Platt via Getty Images A Michigan police union has become the second to back Donald Trump, who glorifies and promises to pardon individuals charged with, and in many cases convicted of, violently assaulting police officers. We want you to accept our endorsement for president of the United States, Jim Tignanelli, president of the 12,000-member Police Officers Association of Michigan, told the coup-attempting former president at a campaign appearance in Grand Rapids Tuesday. David Malhalab, a retired Detroit police sergeant of 31 years, said he was appalled by the announcement. Its inexplicable, he said. They should condemn and reject Trump. At the start of every rally, Trump honors insurrectionists who assaulted my colleagues with flag poles and bashed their heads against walls, said Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer who was called the N-word by Trump followers on Jan. 6, 2021. Tignanelli did not respond to HuffPost queries. The unions web site features its Trump endorsement, stating: He unequivocally condemned violence and unrest, standing firmly with law enforcement in times of crisis. That assertion, though, is false. On Jan. 6, Trump sat for hours in a small dining room of the Oval Office, watching a mob of his followers attack police officers and overrun the Capitol in their attempt to coerce Congress into overturning Joe Bidens 2020 victory. Only in the late afternoon, after police had turned the tide against his supporters, Trump finally released a video telling them to leave the Capitol, which they quickly did. And although Trump the following day condemned the violence, he has over the past year come to embrace what his supporters did that day. At recent rallies, he has stood and saluted as a recording of the national anthem sung by Jan. 6 detainees, interspersed with Trumps reading of the Pledge of Allegiance, is played over the loudspeakers. Of the 20 held in the District of Columbia jail on March 13, 2020, the day of the recording, 17 were charged and in some cases already convicted of assaulting police. The other three were charged with seditious conspiracy trying to overthrow the constitutional order so as to keep Trump in power. Trumps conservative critics struggle to reconcile police unions support with his unwillingness to condemn the violence done in his name. I dont understand it, unless they feel the same disregard for their fellow officers who were injured and killed on Jan. 6 at the hands of insurrectionists called to Washington by Trump that Trump and his supporters do, said Michael Steele, a former chair of the Republican National Committee. He pointed to the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick by stroke hours after Trump supporters assaulted him. I wonder if they would have offered condolences to Mrs. Sicknick, because Trump didnt. I wonder if they would have gone to Officer Sicknicks wake, let alone funeral, because Trump did neither. I wonder if they are insulted and outraged that Trump wants to pardon insurrectionists convicted of crimes committed on Jan. 6, because apparently they are not. For decades, police unions have tended to support Republican candidates over Democrats, and some Republicans said the fact that some police unions are supporting Trump now could be as simple as that. They see Jan. 6 as a single point in time that it was regrettable, but not something they base these decisions on, said David Kochel, a veteran Republican political consultant. And because they think Biden and the left are worse. Rick Wilson, a longtime GOP consultant turned fierce Trump critic, said no one should be surprised that police officers and their unions back Trump, despite everything. When you look at the demographics of police and police union leadership, they are exactly dead center in the Trump demo. Lets be honest here. Its a job you can get without a college degree and a lot of the people drawn to it are drawn to the kind of behavior Trump exhibits: strong man, tough guy, blustery, Wilson said. I know a lot of law-enforcement officers who are very uncomfortable with Trump, but they are, I believe, an exception, rather than the rule. The Michigan unions endorsement comes two months after the Florida-based International Union of Police Associations endorsed Trump. Dunn, who is now running for Congress in Maryland, said police departments are a reflection of America, and that unfortunately, many Americans support Trump, despite his actions on Jan. 6. But we cannot be fooled and let Trump brand himself as someone who cares about law and order, Dunn said. Because Donald Trump doesnt care about law and order or about police officers. He only cares about himself. The police endorsements also come despite Trumps status as a criminal defendant in four separate prosecutions two of them based on his actions leading up to and on Jan. 6. A federal indictment could go to trial as early as late summer, depending on the timing of a Supreme Court ruling on his claim that he is immune from prosecution. A Georgia state prosecution based on his attempt to overturn his election loss in that state could also start later this year. A New York state prosecution on charges that he falsified business records to hide hush money payments in the days before the 2016 election is scheduled to begin jury selection on April 15, while a second federal prosecution based on his refusal to turn over secret documents he took with him from the White House to his South Florida country club has not yet been set for trial. In a separate civil case, a New York jury in 2023 found that Trump had sexually penetrated Carroll against her will in an incident in the 1990s, finding him liable for sexual abuse. The federal judge in the case later clarified that Trumps actions were rape in the common modern parlance. Related... From the Dispatch Politics on The Dispatch Happy Wednesday! The mens Final Four in Phoenix is set for this weekend. What will be the most contentious showdown in the state of Arizona this year: Purdue-NC State? Alabama-UConn? Or Biden-Trump? Up to Speed Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona raised more than $7.5 million in the first quarter of 2024 in his quest for his states open Senate seat, his campaign announced Tuesday. The numbers for the first three months of the year contribute to his total cash on hand of $9.6 million. Though his likely Republican opponent, Kari Lake, has not announced her first-quarter fundraising yet, Gallego has previously outperformed her in that metric. Gallego is not the only Democrat to feel the comfort of cold hard cash in 2024, as President Joe Biden has outraised former President Donald Trump in the campaign for the White House. Trump and the Republican National Committee raised $65.6 million in March, Politico reported Wednesday. That haul is more than Trump raised in March 2020 during his reelection campaign, and it could make up part of the gap the former president faces against Biden, who just last week brought in $25 million at a New York City fundraiser. Catherine Templeton, who is mounting a primary challenge against Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, raised $461,000 in the first quarter, her campaign announced Tuesday. The campaign also claimed 40 percent of Templetons donors had previously donated to Mace, which could indicate Templeton is gaining momentum with disaffected supporters of the Republican incumbent. Mace has embraced Trump more closely in recent years and has earned his endorsement. Though Mace has yet to release her fundraising numbers for the first quarter, a report from South Carolinas Post and Courier said her quarterly average for 2023 was almost $377,600. The Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed Gov. Ron DeSantis six-week abortion ban to go into effect, but it also greenlit a referendum that will allow voters to decide whether to put a right to abortion in the state constitution come November. The Biden campaign has said it believes putting abortion on the ballot could drive up Democratic turnout in the Sunshine State and make Floridawhich DeSantis won in the 2022 gubernatorial election by almost 20 pointswinnable for Biden. But Florida Democrats and pro-choice advocates are already expressing concern that Bidens engagement on the issue could turn away Republican voters in Florida from supporting the referendum. Trump and Biden won several primaries Tuesday, though they did not escape protest votes from within their parties. In Rhode Island, Wisconsin, New York, and Connecticut, Trump won overwhelmingly, as expected. But Nikki Haley, who dropped out in March, received between 10 and 15 percent of the vote in all four states. On the Democratic side, Bidens support of Israels war in Gaza left him contending with uncommitted or uninstructed votes in all the states except New York, which does not allow write-in or uncommitted votes. Those choices received between 8 and 15 percent in the Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Connecticut Democratic primaries. Speaking of Wisconsin, Trump and Biden have both focused their campaigns on the Badger State, which Trump won in 2016 and Biden recaptured for Democrats in 2020. The former president held a rally in Green Bay Tuesday evening that featured an empty podium for the current president in response to Bidens not having committed to debating Trump. Also Tuesday, the White House announced Biden will hold a rally in the state on April 8, his fourth visit there since December. Nebraskas legislature is considering a bill to ensure that the winner of the statewide presidential vote receives all five of its electoral votes, which could pose a problem for Biden. The state currently distributes three of its electoral votes by congressional district, with Democrats competing for and often winning the urban district around Omaha. Under the proposed bill, if Trump were to win over the majority of Nebraska voters as he did in 2020, Biden would lose a reliable vote in the Electoral College. Republican Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday night expressed his support for the measure. It would bring Nebraska into line with 48 of our fellow states, better reflect the founders intent, and ensure our state speaks with one unified voice in presidential elections, he said in a post on X. I call upon fellow Republicans in the Legislature to pass this bill to my desk so I can sign it into law. Dueling Websites for the Michigan GOP Kristina Karamo addresses the crowd after the final votes were tallied at the Michigan Republican Convention in Lansing, Michigan, on February 18, 2023. Karamo won in the third round of voting to become the new Michigan Republican Party Chair. (Photo by Sarah Rice for The Washington Post via Getty Images) Its been just over a month since a judge confirmed the Michigan Republican Partys decision to oust its controversial chair, Kristina Karamo, and replace her with former Rep. Pete Hoekstra. So why do Karamo or allies of hers still control some of the Michigan GOPs digital assets? Committee members for the state party voted in January to remove Karamo over concerns about her stewardship of party funds. (One committee member called her a tyrannical incompetent dumpster fire in an email obtained by CNN.) The Republican National Committee later approved her removal and the selection of Hoekstrawho served eight terms in the House of Representatives and later as ambassador to the Netherlandsas the new chair. Then came the February ruling from Judge Joseph Rossi, which ordered Karamo to relinquish control of the state partys bank accounts and postal boxes, and to cease presenting herself as chair of the party. But Karamos hold on some of that online real estate appears to have continued. As of Wednesday, migop.org, the longtime web address for the state party, does not appear to have been updated to reflect its new leadership. While Karamo is not included on the sites list of party leaders, neither is Hoekstra. A link to a page titled From the Chair navigates to an otherwise blank password-protected page. (An archived version of the page from February 1, however, shows a message from Karamo accusing several state committee members of having conspired to illegally undermine the entire state committee, though this message no longer appears on the site) One video promoting a party program still featured on the live site does identify Karamo as the chair. The last update on its news section is dated January 30, a press release about the state GOP committees legal action against Karamo. Its not just the website. The Michigan GOPs X account appears to still be under the control of Karamo or someone close to Karamo, with its main page still linking to migop.org. The account, which last posted on March 28, has shared tweets and stories from other accounts that share Karamos affinity for conspiracies about election integrity, especially about the 2020 presidential election. It has also posted multiple times about Karamos ouster, including a tweet accusing former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel, herself from Michigan, of orchestrating the removal of Karamo and another criticizing Hoekstras inability to regain control of migop.org. Meanwhile, the official website for the Michigan Republican Party can now be found at michiganrepublicanparty.com, with a home page that includes a message from Hoekstra. The site also has a more recently updated news page, with the most recent press release posted on March 2. Karamo does not appear to have retained access to all of the partys online spots. The Michigan Republican Partys Facebook page links to michiganrepublicanparty.com in its info section and posted a message from Hoekstra on March 14. But its clear the official party is still trying to wrest control of the website from Karamo. Over text on Wednesday morning, Hoekstra confirmed both the migop.org website and X account remain in Karamos control. Legal continues efforts to get control, Hoekstra said. The direction is to continue to be aggressive in getting control. An email to an address on migop.org requesting to speak with Karamo was not returned. The contentious intraparty fight risks more than just confused messaging online. Michigan is not only a swing state in the presidential election, but Michigan Republicans are eager to win an open Senate seat as well as a few House seats held by Democrats. Even Hoekstra suggested to the Detroit Free Press last month the dispute with Karamo could extend all the way to Election Day. Theres always noise in a political party, Hoekstra told the paper. There may be noise all the way through November. Bidens Challenges With Catholic Voters Pre-Dates Faux Easter Controversy The political flare-up was fairly predictable. President Joe Biden this past Friday issued a White House proclamation honoring Transgender Day of Visibility, just as he did in each of the first three years of his administration. But this year, the 15th anniversary of the annual March 31 celebration coincided with Easter. Prominent Republicans responded by accusing Biden of purposely defiling the holiest of Christian holidays. A blasphemous declaration, declared Donald Trumps presidential campaign. Karoline Leavitt, the presumptive Republican nominees national press secretary, added: It is appalling and insulting that Joe Bidens White House formally proclaimed Easter Sunday as Trans Day of Visibility. Its just another example, she argued, of the Biden Administrations years-long assault on the Christian faith. As alluded to above, Biden did not proclaim Easter Sunday to be Transgender Day of Visibility. The president simply continued his practice of observing an annual commemoration founded by a transgender activist in 2009 that has come around every March 31 since then. Because Easter hits on a different date from year to year, this year happened to fall on the holiday. (Ditto Cesar Chavez Day, which Biden also honored with a proclamation.) White House spokesman Andrew Bates emphasized these and other points in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, saying: A thread for those who celebrated Easter by disregarding You shall not bear false witness. Not to mention the fact that Biden is a practicing Catholic who attends mass sometimes twice weekly, whether here in Washington, at home in Wilmington, Delaware, or downstate at his posh vacation getaway in Rehoboth Beach. And yet. In a dogfight for reelection with Trump, Biden trails the former president nationally among likely voters who self-identify as Mainline Protestants and Roman Catholics, as well as those who say they attend religious services once a week or more. Who does Biden dominate with? Non-Christians and the less observant. Here is the data from a mid-February Marquette Law School poll: Mainline Protestants: Trump 51 percent; Biden 36 percent; someone else 11 percent Roman Catholics: Trump 50 percent; Biden 38 percent; someone else 10 percent No religion: Biden 66 percent; Trump 30 percent; someone else 5 percent Other religion: Biden 52 percent; Trump 45 percent; someone else 2 percent Attends religious service more than once a week: Trump 59 percent; Biden 22 percent; someone else 15 percent Attends religious service once a week: Trump 57 percent; Biden 32 percent; someone else 9 percent Never attends religious service: Biden 62 percent; Trump 33 percent; someone else 5 percent (Incidentally, Trump led Biden among likely voters in that poll, 48 percent to 44 percent, with 7 percent saying they would vote for someone else. Bidens share of the vote versus Trump has ticked up significantly since this poll was conducted, although the president still lags in the RealClearPolitics average and a fresh Wall Street Journal poll shows him behind in the key swing states poised to decide the November election.) Meanwhile, lets compare the Marquette surveys crosstabs on support for Biden and Trump among Protestants and Catholics to the 2020 exit polling of a national contest that the president won, 51.3 percent to 46.8 percent. The first thing that jumps out is that the 46th president outpaced the 45th president among Catholicsa cohort that amounts to 25 percent of self-identified religious voters52 percent to 47 percent. The exit poll did not have a Mainline Protestant category, making a direct comparison to the Marquette poll impossible. However, it should be noted Biden ousted Trump despite losing among Protestant/other Christian 60 percent to 39 percent, a 21-percentage-point margingreater than his deficit with Mainline Protestants in the Marquette poll. That could be a product of the former president enjoying a large lead over Biden in that survey among Born-Again Protestants, 64 percent to 26 percent, with 8 percent saying they plan to vote for someone else. The breakdown in support for presidential candidates among Catholics in particular is hardly immaterial to the outcome of the race for the White House. In exit polls of the 2016 campaign, Trump defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton among Catholics 50 percent to 46 percent, with that group constituting 23 percent of voters who claimed a religious affiliation. Trumps win with that cohort boosted him to victory in the Electoral College despite losing the national popular vote to Clinton. Indeed, dating back to at least the 2000 presidential election, the candidate who wins the Catholic vote tends to win the presidency regardless of the popular vote outcome. The lone exception? In 2000, then-Vice President Al Gore topped then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush among Catholics 50 percent to 47 percent, according to data from the Pew Research Center. We all know how that race turned out. Notable and Quotable Im not leaving the Senate. And Im particularly involved in fighting back against the isolationist movement. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in a Monday radio interview. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. SOLON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) The Kent County Animal Shelter is introducing a 24-hour microchip scanning station near Cedar Springs. The station, which includes written instructions in both English and Spanish, is outside the Kent County North Campus, located at 4191 17 Mile Road NE. Its the first of its kind in Michigan, according to a Wednesday release from KCAS. How to use the microchip scanning station Kent County Animal Shelter Director Angela Hollinshead at the new microchip scanning station at the Kent County North Campus near Cedar Springs. (Courtesy Kent County Animal Shelter) The new microchip scanning station at the Kent County North Campus near Cedar Springs. (Courtesy Kent County Animal Shelter) Kent County Animal Shelter Director Angela Hollinshead at the new microchip scanning station at the Kent County North Campus near Cedar Springs. (Courtesy Kent County Animal Shelter) An image provided by the Kent County Animal Shelter shows where the new microchip scanning station is located at the Kent County North Campus near Cedar Springs. The goal is to reunite owners with their lost pets. According to the shelter, nearly 200% more stray dogs have entered since 2019, but fewer owners have come to get their dogs. As a result, it has been near or at capacity for months. Surge of strays fills West Michigan animal shelters KCAS says it chose the location so that northern Kent County residents, who may face transportation challenges if they need to pick up their pets from the shelter, can access it. The animal shelter is responsible for the care and housing of stray animals across all 847 square miles of Kent County, said Kent County Animal Shelter Director Angela Hollinshead in a statement. With such a large geographical coverage area, this creates barriers for owners to get their pets back if they end up at shelter. KCAS has also provided 20 microchip scanners to law enforcement agencies, according to the release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Microsoft could have stopped Chinese hackers from accessing email accounts linked to U.S. government officials, a Biden-appointed review board said in a scathing report released Tuesday. The report, conducted by the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB), found operational and strategic decisions led to hackers in China breaching the officials emails in July. The report outlined the companys failure in the breach and made recommendations for the tech giant moving forward. It said it found that the intrusion was preventable and should never have occurred. The report, describing Microsofts avoidable errors, said the company failed to detect that an employees laptop was compromised. Ultimately, the board found that Microsofts security culture was inadequate and requires an overhaul given the companys large role globally and the amount of trust consumers put in the company. To drive the rapid cultural change that is needed within Microsoft, the Board believes that Microsofts customers would benefit from its CEO and Board of Directors directly focusing on the companys security culture and developing and sharing publicly a plan with specific timelines to make fundamental, security-focused reforms across the company and its full suite of products, the review board wrote. Microsoft said in a statement that it appreciated the investigation and the recent attack demonstrates the need to adopt a new culture of engineering security. While no organization is immune to cyberattack from well-resourced adversaries, we have mobilized our engineering teams to identify and mitigate legacy infrastructure, improve processes, and enforce security benchmarks, a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement. The company said it would continue to harden all our systems against attack and implement even more robust sensors and logs to help us detect and repel the cyber-armies of our adversaries. In July, a Chinese-based cyber actor gained access to email accounts of 25 organizations in the public cloud, including federal agencies. The hackers, known as Storm-0558, are focused on espionage and gathering U.S. intelligence, Microsoft said last year. The company later said the hackers obtained a consumer signing key to breach emails after a crash produced a snapshot of the crash process that contained the consumer singing key. It was then used to forge authentication tokens to access emails. In total, the hackers broke into the emails of 22 organizations and more than 500 people around the world, including the U.S. ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the AP reported. In a statement following the boards report, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the review was necessary to protect the serious cyber threat these nation-state actors pose. Individuals and organizations across the country rely on cloud services every day, and the security of this technology has never been more important, Mayorkas said in his statement. Nation-state actors continue to grow more sophisticated in their ability to compromise cloud service systems. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Iranian national flag flies at half-mast at the embassy building a day after an air strike hit a building annexed to the embassy in Damascus In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks on Israel, there were fears of a wider Middle East war. As the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) went deeper into Gaza in pursuit of the Hamas terrorists who killed more than 1,200 men, women and children, it seemed as if Iran could be drawn in. Tehrans Hezbollah proxies in Lebanon fired hundreds of missiles into northern Israel, but failed to open a second front as the IDF had feared. Moreover, the Israelis did not launch a preventive war against Hezbollah, despite the threat it posed. Heavy US pressure has stayed the hand of the IDF, with Washington anxious to avoid a regional conflagration. But analysts sense that Israel will soon have to deal with a foe far better armed and more capable than Hamas. The attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus, killing two commanders of the al-Quds force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IGRC), can be seen in this wider context. While the Israelis have carried out extrajudicial assassinations before, a strike on a diplomatic mission is unusual. The two generals were key links to Hezbollah and posed a potential threat to Israeli security. The al-Quds force is behind recent militia attacks on US positions in Iraq and has armed the Houthi rebels in Yemen, disrupting shipping through the Suez Canal. Meanwhile, the IDF launched an inquiry into an attack on a supplies convoy in Gaza which killed several aid workers, including three from Britain. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, has demanded a full and transparent explanation of what happened. As tensions mount in the region, the Israelis need to provide one quickly. 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. (FOX40.COM) A midtown Sacramento coffee shop announced it is closing its doors just weeks after celebrating its second anniversary. Drip Espresso announced on its Instagram account that it will be closing its location on 1004 24th Street. The coffee shop recently celebrated its second anniversary on March 16 and 17. Pizza Bell in Elk Grove to close after nearly 40 years When we first opened our Drip, we intended on it being a place that felt likesafe, loving, and reliable for you, our people, the business statement reads. We could have never imagined the way you all have wrapped your arms around us with care, support, love and timebuilding a community of belonging with you all has been one of the most beautiful experiences. And I will cherish it forever. The business ended its statement saying it will let customers know soon of its next steps. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. NORWOOD, the Bronx (PIX11) NYPD officers could be seen on neighborhood surveillance video responding to a report of a man with a gun on Hull Avenue in the Norwood section of the Bronx last Wednesday. Neighbor Al Munoz, whos lived on the block for 40 years, said he was home when police arrested seven men and a woman from the basement of the home at 3259 Hull Ave., which is located directly across the street from an elementary school. Police said investigators also found a 7-year-old child in that same basement, along with several guns, boxes of ammunition, ketamine and cocaine. With the noise, you know those motorcycles are very noisy, they would wake me up. The problem is they were squatters. Its a rental property for him. I think they moved in without his knowledge, said Munoz. FBI, NYPD search 2 New York farms tied to Gambino mob case: video Munoz said the migrants have been living there for months, adding the investment property owner no longer lives on the block. When youre a landlord, you have to make sure these things dont happen, said John, who lives a few doors down the block. The bust once again involved suspects with a recent criminal history who are now back in trouble with the law. A spokesperson for Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said one of the men 24-year-old Venezuelan migrant Javier Alborno is still under indictment following his arrest for gun possession last September at the same Bronx address, adding that at the time prosecutors requested $10,000 cash bail. But that spokesperson said the judge in Septembers case chose to instead put Alborno on supervised release. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell spoke about the case on the PIX11 Morning News on Tuesday. Why are our cops there a second time? They shouldnt be in that position. We have to have a discussion as to why they were out of jail, said Chell. Chell said another one of the men arrested in last weeks bust was arrested and charged last year with attempted murder, but he added the case was ultimately dismissed after the victim in the case refused to cooperate. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Russia has about 100 Su-35 fighter jets, more than 100 Su-34 fighter bombers, and seven A-50 early warning and control aircraft as of March, ArmyInform reported on April 3, citing data provided by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR). In February, Ukraine said it downed 13 Russian aircraft in only two weeks. This is the biggest number of planes the country managed to destroy in a single month since October 2022, according to the Defense Ministry. This list included 10 Su-34 fighter bombers, two Su-35 fighter jets, and one more rare A-50 military spy plane. Another A-50 aircraft was downed a month prior. Read also: Opinion: How many planes does Russia have? Three of the seven Russian A-50s are undergoing repairs and modernization, according to the HUR. "Two (planes) are at the Beriev Aircraft Company plant in Taganrog, and one at the Ulyanovsk airfield, at the Aviastar aircraft factory," ArmyInform reported. Yurii Ihnat, the former Air Force's spokesman, attributed the uptick in the number of downed aircraft to air defense systems supplied by Ukraine's allies, which reportedly can be moved closer to the border or the front line after a decision of the military leadership. Russia's total losses during the all-out war amount to about 672 aircraft 347 planes and 325 helicopters, according to Ukraine's General Staff. The General Staff's figure could not be independently verified. Read also: Opinion: How many tanks does Russia have left? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Rumors of a potential Russian offensive on Kharkiv are part of a Russian "psychological operation," Andrii Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence, said on April 3. Yusov said Kyiv does not have any indication that a new Russian offensive is in the works, The statement came after the independent Russian media outlet Meduza cited anonymous sources close to the Kremlin saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin was considering trying to capture Kharkiv and "gradually finishing" the war after that. The sources said they didn't have information on whether such a decision had already been made. The changes in the Russian military's assault units' formations have not been recorded, while Ukrainian forces were continuing to build defense lines throughout the front line, Yusov said. "There are different plans, the military command processes different scenarios (of Russian assaults)," Yusov said, adding that information about a potential offensive on Kharkiv in the near future is a "Russian psychological operation" in order to spread panic inside the country. Yusov also said that Russia uses other topics to influence the morale of the citizens, referring to the latest statement of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko regarding Belarus's alleged preparation for the war. Earlier, Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation dismissed reports about Russia's preparations to launch a new offensive against Kharkiv, saying that Moscow currently "does not have the resources" for such an operation. Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, on the contrary, said that a potential attack on Kharkiv "could not be ruled out." But he also called any attempt by the Russian forces to shortly conduct an offensive on Kharkiv a "fatal" one. 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. Ukraine did not use weapons provided by Western partners for the attack on facilities in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, Andrii Yusov, a military intelligence spokesman, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RLE) on April 3. Ukrainian forces struck drone factories on April 2 in the cities of Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, located about 1,300 kilometers (around 800 miles) away from the Russia-Ukraine border, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported. When answering claims that Tatarstan was allegedly struck by "UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) with NATO equipment," Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General, said at the briefing on April 2 that the U.N. "stands against and call for a halt to all attacks on civilian infrastructure." The press service of Alabuga reported that one of its dormitories was damaged in the attack. Russian state-controlled media claimed there were 13 injured students. Yusov said that "the targets were hit" and that the destruction of neighboring facilities "was the result of Russian air defense." KI Insights Visit KI Insights to learn more and subscribe to the insider weekly newsletter visit ki insights "We can state that foreign-made weapons and equipment of our allies were not used in these events; it is a fact. And the fact that the Ukrainian UAV industry is developing dynamically should not be concealed," the agency's spokesperson said. Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on April 1 that Ukraine has produced attack drones capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers. Kyiv has intensified its efforts to ramp up domestic production of drones, aiming to manufacture 1 million drones in 2024. Not all of Kyiv's allies have celebrated Ukraine's offensive against the Russian oil industry. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on April 2 that Washington has "neither supported nor enabled strikes by Ukraine outside of its territory." The Financial Times reported in March that the U.S. warned Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries, allegedly out of concern that strikes could raise global oil prices. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that targeting Russian oil and weapons facilities is a legitimate military strategy and that Ukraine has a right to use its own weapons for self-defense. Read also: ISW: Tatarstan attack marks turning point in Ukraines long-range strike capacity Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. For years, Leon Hudson struggled to get high quality home internet in the countryside of Selma, Alabama. If he wanted the service, he would have to get a petition, go to the neighborhood, and get people to sign it for them to put their stuff there, the 50-year-old recalled last fall about what internet service providers told him. Hudson lives in a remote area with few neighbors. It wouldnt be enough to satisfy a petition, let alone persuade internet providers to build infrastructure thats costly and not economically feasible. Communities in rural areas shouldnt have to jump through hoops to get a service thats readily available in non-rural areas, residents have told Capital B. The only two providers available to him were HughesNet and Viasat, and they only provide satellite dish service. He signed up for HughesNet, which cost $200. The service was slow, unreliable, and expensive, he said, so he cut it off. But, he needed the internet to get his business off the ground. Last fall, he applied for the federal governments Affordable Connectivity Program through Xfinity, his mobile phone provider. The program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission, provides a discount of up to $30 per month ($75 for tribal households) toward internet service and mobile services, and a one-time discount up to $100 toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet for eligible low-income households. Read More: Disconnected: Rural Black America and the Digital Divide He now pays only $30 per month for mobile hotspot and cellular service, but he received a notice in March that his benefit will soon be suspended. Without the discount, he cant afford to pay the monthly expense. When asked last week how he will pay for the additional costs, Hudson told Capital B: I have no choice but to figure it out. The discount provided through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program can often mean the difference between having reliable internet service or not for many households. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B) Hudson is one of the 23 million Americans who are at risk of losing internet access or forced to pay higher prices to keep subscriptions. The funds for the ACP program are drying up. With the program ending in May, its unclear whether Congress will reauthorize funding for the program. Several organizations, including the NAACP, Color of Change, and African American Mayors Association, have urged Congress to pass the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024, which would provide $7 billion for the ACP program. The bill has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. If it passes, it will move to the U.S. Senate for discussion. Brandon Forester, national organizer for internet rights at MediaJustice, fears the temporary lapse of the ACP could create additional hardships for individuals beyond being disconnected. In addition to the $7 billion, there needs to be more discussion about sustainability and addressing the root causes of the digital divide. Partly, how federal funds go directly to the internet providers who refused to make infrastructure investments in the first place. Im not saying we shouldnt have the ACP, but its a Band-Aid not a structural fix that doesnt go towards addressing the core issue, Forester said. In some ways, it inflames the core issue and inflates the issue of affordability. Its so much more than the internet The program has been particularly helpful for low-income households in the rural South, where about 38% of Black households dont have home internet a higher percentage than white people in the same region and the national average. Almost half of the households that enrolled in the program are military families, and nearly half were over the age of 50, according to a White House fact sheet. At least one in four households were African Americans. Although 5.4 million rural households were eligible for the program, only 37% had enrolled, the lowest percentage of all geographies, an analysis by the Daily Yonder shows. Despite this, the rural South, where folks are least connected, had the best participation rates. About 41% of eligible rural households in the South enrolled, whereas about half of eligible urban households signed up. Through The Black Churches 4 Digital Equity initiative, Pamela Price, deputy director of The Balm in Gilead in Virginia, made it a priority to enroll residents into the ACP program. She recalled their eagerness and genuine desire to learn and engage digitally. It wasnt just about having the internet, but using it as a launching pad to connect with the larger world and improve their lives, she said. They were extremely excited to see all that could be done with a fully functioning laptop and quality broadband. They then could be able to improve their well-being and economic statuses for their family, she added. We showed them just by having one digital skill knowing that 92% of all jobs today require you to have at least one digital skill increases your earning potential. Its so much more than the internet. Despite the programs success, outreach remained an issue. Whether the program dies or gets a new life, organizers caution that the suspension of the benefits will erode trust theyve worked so hard to build with Black communities, who already dont trust the government. This was one that they volunteered for and to now perhaps tell them, Well you can keep it, but youre going to have to pay what everybody else will be paying for it its extremely disheartening, Price said. [We] consider how we will exhaust funds and find ways to pay for certain programs and activities for certain people in this country, as well as people outside of this country, but when it comes to something like the ACP, we cant do it. They also wonder whether people will reapply for the program a process that is tedious and requires participants to share sensitive information. Individuals must complete verification, find a provider who accepts ACP, and apply the subsidy to the internet plan. The process can take up to 45 minutes. In some instances, it can take longer to get approval if the applicant runs into issues with documentation, said Danielle Davis, director of technology policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Capital B submitted a FOIA request to the FCC requesting the complaints regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program from January 2022 to November 2023. Of 7,000 complaints filed, Capital B reviewed a sample of 900. We found that customers had challenges verifying documentation, receiving the subsidy, or reapplying for the benefits. Some people mentioned their internet service provider tried to upcharge them for the service. Approval is not always immediate; about 45% of applicants are actually rejected, Davis told Capital B. Additionally, many applicants just abandon their application before submitting them. Other options to consider Although affordability is one of the largest barriers to broadband access, there hasnt been enough focus on it, said Alisa Valentin, broadband policy director for Public Knowledge. It wasnt until the coronavirus pandemic hit that Congress instituted the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, a short-term emergency program to give up to $50 on internet service. That program ended in 2021 when the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Affordable Connectivity Program. Prior to that, the only program that existed for low-income residents was the Lifeline program, which was created in 1985 through the Universal Service Fund to provide monthly discounts to either telephone or broadband internet, or bundled services. But the subsidy, a $9.25 discount for eligible subscribers and up to $34 for tribal members, isnt helpful for families, advocates told Capital B. Advocates, organizers, and public interest groups arent giving up, as there are other legislative avenues to pursue if the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 doesnt pass, Valentin said. One option: reform the Universal Service Fund and fold the ACP into the Lifeline program. On the state level, lawmakers can find ways to continue to fund the program. The government isnt alone in solving the problem. More pressure needs to be put on internet service providers, too, said Jillian Morrison, Delta Legal Fellow with the Delta Directions Consortium, a network of individuals, academic institutions, groups and foundations to create solutions and positive change for communities in the Mississippi Delta region. She has hosted ACP signup events in Mississippi. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $42.5 billion went to states through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to build out infrastructure. The infrastructure is contingent on people affording the service. Its not good enough to just have the actual infrastructure, people have to be able to adopt it. So affordability is key, Valentin added. We know that a new digital divide can occur in the future, especially when youre talking about artificial intelligence. We do not want communities to be behind because they dont have an affordable, reliable broadband connection. Theres a lot at risk. The post Millions May Lose Internet Benefits if Lawmakers Dont Act appeared first on Capital B News. Milwaukee voters on Tuesday denied embattled City Attorney Tearman Spencer a second term in office, instead electing state Rep. Evan Goyke to head the city government's legal office. Spencer was elected in 2020, defeating longtime City Attorney Grant Langley. Goyke announced his plans to seek the seat in December 2022. Election Day live updates l Statewide election results l Local election results Evan Goyke, candidate for Milwaukee City Attorney, takes a moment as supporters cheer for him following his win over Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer at Goykes election night celebration at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, located at 224 W. Bruce St., Milwaukee. Goyke (D-Milwaukee) defeated Spencer by 63% to 36% a difference of more than 20,000 votes. The race was one of the closest watched on Tuesday's ballot. Goyke ahead of Tuesday's election said he had long considered a run for city attorney but decided to get into the race after watching the growing problems in the office during Spencer's tenure. The City Attorney's Office serves as the legal counsel and representative for city departments. Spencer came into office as a newcomer to city politics. His tenure has been defined by controversy and conflict. Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer He has overseen an exodus of staff, including his own appointees. Staffers cited allegations that he sexually harassed female staffers, attempted to retaliate against one accuser and created a hostile work environment. Spencer denied wrongdoing and blamed critical media coverage and poor pay for staff shortages. In late February, his top deputy resigned amid allegations he was doing private legal work on the taxpayers' dime. Last year, the city's inspector general recommended the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office bring criminal charges against Spencer and Deputy City Attorney Odalo Ohiku after concluding Ohiku was allowed to do work for his law firm while on the city clock. Controversy has also swirled around Spencer over his initiation of a private talk with a judge ahead of a court hearing to say he disagreed with the arguments of his own assistant city attorney in the case and his apparent intervention in a code dispute at a Milwaukee property where his cars are stored. In recent weeks, he falsely claimed at a forum that a policy change in his office ended police-involved deaths during his tenure as city attorney. Police, however, said they are unaware of any policy change. There have been police-involved deaths in the city since he was elected. The city attorney will make an annual salary of $169,435.83 in the four-year term that begins April 16. Goyke comes into the office with little administrative experience and a decade since he last worked as a defense attorney. Still, he said he uses his legal education as a member of the state Legislature and has learned a lot from Langley. And while neither candidate has sought the media spotlight to reach voters, their campaign finance reports indicate significant support for Goyke among Milwaukee's political and legal communities. Among those giving to his campaign were many of the former staffers who fled the City Attorney's Office under Spencer's tenure. The latest campaign finance reports, which Spencer filed late, showed Goyke heading into the election with about $123,000 cash on hand compared to Spencer's $2,390. Where Goyke had 13 pages listing contributions from individuals on the latest report, Spencer had just seven total entries. Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com. Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on X at @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer defeated in re-election bid Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley (left) greets Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson after Johnsons State of the City address at Western Building Products, Inc. on Milwaukee's northwest side, in Milwaukee on Monday, March 4, 2024. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and County Executive David Crowley each easily won second terms in Tuesday's election, setting the trailblazers up for four more years in which they're facing far less dire challenges than they've already overcome. "Our journey, it's only just begun," Johnson said in his victory speech Tuesday night. "As we look on the horizon, there's still so much more to accomplish, so many more dreams to realize." Behind them are looming fiscal crises that posed an existential threat to each of the local governments' public services, not to mention the coronavirus pandemic that upended communities and government finances just as Crowley and Johnson were ascending to the positions they hold today. More: Milwaukee-area spring election results More: From 'uninstructed' Dems to non-Trump Republicans: Takeaways from Wisconsin's primary More: Wisconsin spring election review: Presidential primary takeaways, MPS referendum passes But that doesn't mean there aren't also hard decisions to be made in this next term, particularly when it comes to the annual budgets. "Without question, fiscal challenges will remain at the top of the list in terms of the challenges that are going to present themselves to both chief executives," said Rob Henken, president of the nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum that has long analyzed the city and county finances. He added: "I very deliberately did not use the word 'fiscal crises,' and so, in many respects, that's a positive change." Each government's 2024 budget served as a bridge in which they found themselves with unexpected opportunities to prepare for some more difficult years to come, he said. Whatever funding is available is a deciding factor in the kinds of services the city and county can or cannot provide to residents, commuters and visitors. Particularly at City of Milwaukee, 2025 budget likely to see return to tough calls In an ideal world, Johnson and Crowley would be able to begin their 2025 budget process thinking about where they'd like to invest, reinvest and boost services, Henken said. The city, in particular, is instead likely to begin that process considering where cuts may be needed and efficiencies found, he said. Still, he said, those would be nothing of the magnitude of cuts contemplated before a new local government funding law known as Act 12 went into place last year. More: Voters elect new Milwaukee council members to vacant seats, back incumbents in challenges At Milwaukee County, things are not looking as challenging next year as at the city. While it's likely to still be a very manageable situation, it's also unlikely the county will be able to offer a significant property tax cut, Henken said. He predicted the budget would focus more on preservation than investments. Act 12 reshaped Milwaukee, Milwaukee County finances but challenges are not over Milwaukee and Milwaukee County's prognoses shifted with the summer's passage of Act 12, a state law that boosted funding to local governments across the state. It also allowed the city and county to create and raise local sales taxes. That funding helped stave off deep service cuts, particularly at the city, though it also came with fiscal and non-fiscal restrictions targeting the city. Henken will be keeping an eye on sales tax collections for the city this year to get a sense for what 2025 may hold. If sales tax collections beat projections by many millions of dollars, that would lessen the challenges in 2025, he said. Conversely, if the collections fall well below projections, that could amplify the challenges. For now, it's too soon to tell how profitable the sales tax collections have been since Jan. 1, when the city's 2% sales tax went into effect and the county's local sales tax rose from 0.5% to 0.9%. In early May, the state Department of Revenue is expected to release the amount the local governments brought in from the sales taxes in the first quarter of the year, according to a department spokesperson. The city has estimated the new tax would bring in about $184 million in 2024, though the state previously projected $193.6 million in additional revenue from the 2% sales tax. Following the 0.4% sales tax hike at the county, the projected surplus was $31.6 million for 2024, according to the county's July five-year fiscal forecast. For 2025, the surplus would drop to $2.68 million, and then between 2026 and 2028 it would switch to a structural deficit, reaching $36.2 million in 2028. Johnson and Crowley have each issued sobering reminders of the challenges that lie ahead. In his March 4 State of the City address, Johnson said that Act 12 created some financial stability for Milwaukee's government but that the city still faced difficult future budgets. Crowley, too, has emphasized that Milwaukee County is not out of the woods. "I am not naive. We must remain committed to the work that is ahead of us," said at his annual State of the County address last month. "While our outlook has dramatically improved, Act 12 and the sales tax have not resolved all of our fiscal challenges, and we are mindful that there will be budget deficits again in future years." County must still face continuing challenges of transit, capital backlog The county is faring better than the city in some ways. "They have such a healthy debt service reserve, which can be a bridge for them, and if they can get to 2030 in reasonably good shape, the pension obligation bond debt will start to fall off their books," Henken said. More: Milwaukee County Board getting four new faces after Tuesday election wins However, the county continues to face old challenges in the form of transit's lagging ridership and its ongoing capital backlog. The Milwaukee County Transit System has struggled to rebound to pre-pandemic ridership levels, despite the introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit East-West corridor and recently announced north-south route. The countys dilapidated Safety Building, which requires a pricey makeover, is also one of the major issues Crowleys administration faces. The building is a part of a long list of backlogged capital improvements that officials have delayed tackling over the years. "They are running out of time in terms of figuring out what to do about the Safety Building, which has been delayed for years, because the county just has not had the resources," Henken said. "They're reaching the point where something has to give there ... and even though they're in better shape, it's hard to see how they're going to be able to afford all of this without really having to have an explosion of debt, which could have some real serious impacts on property taxpayers." Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com. Contact Vanessa Swales at 414-308-5881 or vswales@gannett.com. Follow her on X @Vanessa_Swales. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: After big wins, challenges await Cavalier Johnson and David Crowley Minnesota poised to expunge misdemeanor marijuana records as early as May. Felonies will be reviewed. Minnesota is poised to expunge more than 60,000 misdemeanor marijuana records as early as next month, according to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The BCA has been working to expunge all misdemeanor cannabis records as required under the recreational marijuana law passed last year. State BCA officials had said they expected to expunge 66,000 misdemeanor records by this August, but the bureau is now on track to complete the work sooner. The BCA recently sent a list of records that qualify for expungement to the Minnesota Judicial Branch. The judicial branch has until May 13 to object to expunging any of the records. If the judicial branch makes no objections, the misdemeanor cases could be expunged as soon as mid- to late May, BCA spokeswoman Jill Oliveira said Tuesday. A separate Cannabis Expungement Board has been established to review felony offenses on a case-by-case basis. Felony cannabis cases are likely to also number in the tens of thousands. "Black and brown communities across the country tend to have been arrested at three to four times the rate for cannabis-related crimes. There's a very significant equitable impact that can be had here," said Jim Rowader, executive director of the Cannabis Expungement Board, who started the job last week. Gov. Tim Walz appointed Rowader as leader of the Cannabis Expungement Board in late February, praising his "leadership and legal talent across public, private, and nonprofit sectors." Rowader is a former Minneapolis city attorney who's also worked for the ACLU of Minnesota and Target Corp. Rowader said the expungement board could positively impact people's lives. "There is collateral kind of impact that criminal records have," he said. "They can pose barriers to housing, education, employment." People who have their records wiped clean often can obtain better jobs and housing. State officials have identified more than 200,000 eligible felony drug cases, but not all of them involve cannabis. Rowader estimates there will be at least 25,000 cannabis-related felonies for the board to review if not double that. "We still have a lot of initial work to do to really dig into the data," he said. The expungement board will not review cannabis-related felonies that involved violence, weapons or threats, as those are deemed ineligible under the law. Reviewing all eligible cases will be an undertaking. The board is expected to have more than 30 attorneys and paralegals dedicated to the work once fully staffed, Rowader said, and it could contract with other legal clinics if more help is needed. Rowader suggested the board might review recent cannabis felonies first. But he also wants the board to have a process allowing community members to bring their cases forward. "I don't think we want to be in a position where we're saying, 'We'll get to your case when we get to your case,'" he said. The board will soon begin meeting monthly and is expected to start reviewing felony cases later this year. Its five voting members will decide whether to expunge a felony record. Victims and law enforcement will be able to provide input beforehand. "I'm very optimistic that once we get a good team in place, we can move this work along at a fairly good clip," Rowader said. It looks like the current makeup of the Public Employment Retirement System of Mississippi Board and its rate increase for public employer contributions is safe for now. On Tuesday at the State Capitol, the Mississippi Senate Government Structures Committee Chairman Chris Johnson, R-Hattiesburg, told lawmakers he would not take up House Bill 1590, which would have replaced several elected members of the PERS board with governor and lieutenant governor appointees and take away the board's 2% contribution rate increase on public employers. After the meeting, Johnson told the Clarion Ledger there were several reasons why he chose not to take up the bill. Those included misinformation spread online about what the bill would do and conversations he and his committee members had with several PERS board members in March, who spoke about why the board increased rates on public employers and what taking that away would do to the state's retirement system. "I think that (the bill) had the best of intentions on trying to find ways that we can ensure the soundness of PERS long term. ... But we want to make sure that we're making decisions now that keep it sound for future employees," Johnson said. "It's very dangerous to make long-term decisions based on short-term data." Read about PERS bill Mississippi lawmakers, state retirement leaders disagree over bill to take over PERS system Johnson did say that conversations about PERS are not finished, and he is encouraging the board to be more transparent with the public about its decisions that affect its members and communicate more with lawmakers. He also said that adding a new tier of retirement benefits to the PERS system may be something for lawmakers to consider in the future. Second to right, Senate Government Structures Committee Chairman Chris Johnson, R-Hattiesburg, tells lawmakers he does not plan to bring up House Bill 1590 by a legislative deadline to pass general bills and constitutional amendments out of committee Tuesday at the Mississippi Capitol. The bill would have replaced elected members of the Public Employment Retirement System of Mississippi with governor and lieutenant governor appointees and stop a 2% contribution rate increase for public employers paying into the state's retirement system. Last year, the PERS board issued a rate increase for public employers to go from 17.5% to 19.5% in July. It has also reported to lawmakers that it has liabilities totaling $25 billion, which is the cost it would incur to pay benefits to all of its active members and current retirees. PERS Executive Director Ray Higgins previously told the Clarion Ledger that the rate increase decision was made to decrease PERS's liability. Several municipal leaders also told the Clarion Ledger earlier this year that the rate increase that goes into effect later this year could end up costing cities and counties millions of dollars, and it could lead to several employers cutting jobs. Read about PERS board's decision impact Lawmakers looking to change state retirement system in 2024. Here are the options and why Despite his reasons, legislative leadership did not share Johnson's optimism. Both Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Jason White, R-West, who supported the bill last month as it passed through the House, voiced dissent on Johnson's decision Tuesday afternoon. White said in a written statement that he was "disappointed" by Johnson's inaction and that the decision could have negative impacts felt by both public employers and state taxpayers. "Refusing to address the employers contribution increase, as recently enacted by the PERS board, will have serious ramifications for our state, our city and county governments and school districts, potentially resulting in historical tax increases by cities and counties," White said. "Over the next three years, and the foreseeable future, if no action is taken, the proposed 5-10% increase requested to fund PERS will also have the effect of limiting government services and eliminating state and local government employees. The Lt. Governor and Senates failure to address the long-term sustainability of our states retirement program is irresponsible to not only PERS retirees and participants in the system but Mississippi taxpayers." Hosemann, who attended the meeting Tuesday, issued his own statement on the bill shortly after White. "The PERS systems long-term viability continues to be a serious concern," Hosemann said. "The Senate and the House need to work together to find a solution. Transparency and trust from both the Legislature and retirees and employees will be critical for us to move forward. The Senate is committed to protecting retiree and current employee benefits while balancing the budget. 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: Public Employment Retirement System of Mississippi board bill dies Missouri House votes against $10M for fund to help victims of KC Chiefs rally shooting The Missouri House on Tuesday voted against providing funding to an initiative designed to help victims of the February mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade. Rep. Emily Weber, a Kansas City Democrat, filed an amendment to the proposed state budget on Tuesday that would have contributed $10 million to the #KCStrong Fund created by the Chiefs and United Way of Greater Kansas City. House lawmakers rejected the amendment in a 41 to 101 vote late Tuesday evening. The initiative was created in the wake of the Feb. 14 shooting that killed one person and injured more than 20. Money raised goes to support the victims of the shooting and to violence prevention organizations, according to the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. You wont let us have a discussion about common sense gun legislation. We cant talk about it, Weber said on the House floor. At least let us fund an organization to help with the effects of gun violence. The fund has raised more than $1.6 million since its launch. Donations listed on the funds website include $200,000 from the Chiefs, Hunt Family Foundation and the NFL; $100,000 from The Kansas City Royals Foundation and The Sherman Family Foundation; and, $50,000 from Patrick and Brittany Mahomes along with their 15 & the Mahomies Foundation. Webers amendment would have pulled $10 million from the federal fund for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. The fund includes federal grants and is used to pay Medicaid claims. Rep. Cody Smith, a Carthage Republican who chairs the House budget-writing committee, said on Tuesday that the fund was already fully-appropriated and the state could not afford the proposal. It would cause the state mental health department to cut funding elsewhere, he said. All of that money in this fund is appropriated already, said Smith, who is running for state treasurer. There is no additional revenue there to support this appropriation. For that reason, I cannot support it. Weber pushed back. Theres $300 million that is in this fund that does not get spent, she said. We are only asking for $10 (million). That is it. Department spokesperson Debra Walker said in an email before the vote that the state agency does not comment on pending legislation. However, Walker said that the amount in the fund changes constantly and is currently fully obligated under Republican Gov. Mike Parsons proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Prior to Tuesdays rejection, a representative from the #KCStrong fund said in an email that the initiative was accepting any and all contributions and confirmed that dollars would have gone to support the named priorities of the fund. The chambers rejection of Webers proposal comes as Missouri Republicans have largely refused to entertain calls from Democrats to address gun violence in the wake of the shooting. Missouri Democrats from Kansas City used Webers amendment as an opportunity to discuss gun control on the House floor. One by one, Weber called on Reps. Patty Lewis, Yolanda Young, Ashley Aune, Richard Brown, Ashley Bland Manlove and Deb Lavender from Manchester in St. Louis County. Young spoke about her 32-year-old son, Alan Young Jr., who was killed in a homicide in late 2022. His death has had a profound impact on her family, his friends and their community. Im just really getting to where I can say his name, Young said. Alan Young Jr.s life was taken by someone who used a firearm. We have argued (about) gun violence, both sides of the aisle. (It) hasnt produced much change, Young said. But I do believe providing some funding for organizations who do the work, who rub shoulders with the people in the communities whose lives it impacts every day, will make a big difference. The February shooting has sparked fury from gun control advocates who point to the states laws surrounding firearms which are among the loosest in the country and severely restrain local municipalities from setting their own gun laws. Just days after the shooting, Missouri Democrats filed a slew of proposals that would allow Kansas City and other local governments to set stricter limits on guns. But the efforts face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled General Assembly. Tuesdays vote came as the Missouri House worked through its version of the roughly $50 billion state budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The proposed budget includes $727.5 million to rebuild Interstate-44, $1.5 billion to increase broadband access and $8 million to support border control efforts at the southern border with Mexico. House Republicans on Tuesday also rejected a flurry of other amendments from Democrats, including proposals intended to boost teacher pay and add increases to higher education. The House is poised to approve its version of the spending plan this week and send it to the Senate. Once approved by both chambers, it would go to Parsons desk. A southeast Missouri man with ties to the Kansas City-area Proud Boys pleaded guilty Wednesday to two felonies involving the Capitol riot and was found guilty by a judge on a third felony count. Nicholas Kennedy, 43, of Sikeston, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of civil disorder and one count of tampering with records, documents or other objects. And Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly found him guilty of a felony count for obstruction of an official proceeding based on an agreed set of facts between the government and Kennedys attorneys. Kennedys sentencing has been scheduled for Aug. 28. He faces a likely sentence of between 18 months and 24 months in prison, but could be subject to a maximum of 20 years in prison on two of the felony charges. He also must pay $2,000 restitution for damage to the Capitol, which the government says totaled more than $2.9 million. Kennedys conviction comes nearly three years after his arrest and as Jan. 6 defendants are hopeful that the Supreme Court will step in to eliminate a commonly held charge against them or that former President Donald Trump will win the November election and issue a pardon to the rioters, whom he refers to as hostages and political prisoners. The obstruction of an official proceeding charge one of the most common felony charges filed in Jan. 6 cases has been brought against hundreds of Capitol riot defendants, many who argue that the statute was misused against them. In a case called Fischer v. United States, a federal judge ruled that the government improperly used the law to charge Jan. 6 rioters. The D.C. Circuit overturned the ruling, and in December, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear oral arguments in the case on April 16. A decision is expected before the courts summer recess. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications and impact many Capitol riot cases. If the Supreme Court rules that prosecutors did misuse the law, the sentences of some Capitol riot defendants could be reduced or in the cases of those who were charged only with obstruction overturned. The Supreme Courts decision could affect the federal prosecution of former President Donald Trump as well. Obstruction of an official proceeding is among the several charges he faces in the criminal case filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith accusing him of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Much of Kennedys hearing Tuesday involved prosecutor Jason McCullough laying out the evidence behind the plea deal. Kennedy joined the Proud Boys in 2020 and left the organization after his arrest in 2021. In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Kennedy took screenshots and shared posts and memes claiming the election had been stolen from Trump including a post by Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, saying he would object to the certification of the election. On Jan. 6, Kennedy met up with several Kansas City-area Proud Boys outside Harrys Bar, a now-defunct dive bar in downtown Washington, D.C. He got a piece of orange duct tape from one of the Proud Boys and put it on his black baseball cap, which had the letters RWDS on it. The letters are an acronym for Right Wing Death Squad, a phrase dating back to the 1970s that has been used in recent years by far-right extremists including the Proud Boys to express opposition to the left. Kennedy walked with the Kansas City Proud Boys from the Washington Monument to the Capitol, where they were among the first group to breach the police barriers on the west side of the Capitol. Prosecutors showed videos of Kennedys steady march to the Capitol, past two lines of barricades, up the scaffolding put in place to construct the stage for the inauguration and into the building through a fire exit. Nicholas Kennedy Once inside, Kennedy was part of a group being held back by Capitol Police as the U.S. Secret Service was attempting to evacuate Vice President Mike Pence from the Senate chamber. He twice pushed at an officer who was trying to keep the crowd back. Kennedy then walked to the other side of the Capitol and joined a group trying to push its way into the House chamber. Kennedy could see officers on the other side of the door pointing guns at the protesters as Republican lawmakers tried to reason with the mob. At 2:43 p.m., about the time that Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot while trying to climb through the broken window of a barricaded door leading to the Speakers Lobby, Kennedy left the area in front of the House chamber and started making his way out of the building. He exited about 3:01 p.m., about an hour after he entered. Kennedy wiped his iPhone clean after learning that federal authorities were seeking information about people who entered the Capitol that day. The FBI was able to recover some images and messages Kennedy sent to friends and family, but was unable to find several photos and videos Kennedy took of his actions on Jan. 6. Kennedy was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2021, on felony charges of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding along with misdemeanor counts of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. He was arrested on July 28, 2021, and released on a personal recognizance bond. A second superseding indictment handed down in February added the felony charge of tampering with records, documents or other objects. The misdemeanor counts were dismissed Wednesday as part of his plea agreement. Court documents filed by the Department of Justice last month indicated that Kennedy was in contact with William Chrestman, of the Kansas City Proud Boys chapter, on the day of the riot and afterward. Proud Boy William Chrestman, wearing glasses, and Nicholas Kennedy, right, before the Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021. Chrestman, considered by the government to be a key player in the Capitol breach, threatened a federal officer and carried an ax handle into the Capitol on Jan. 6. He was indicted in February 2021 along with three other Kansas City-area Proud Boys and two Arizona siblings. He pleaded guilty in October and was sentenced in January to 55 months in prison. Among the items the government listed as trial exhibits were a string of messages exchanged on the Telegram application between Kennedy and Chrestman that the document said were originally obtained from Chrestmans cellphone. Other exhibits the government described were authentic copies of two videos of Kennedy that were sent by Kennedy to Chrestman via the encrypted application Telegram on January 10, 2021, and an authentic copy of a photograph of Kennedy, Chrestman and others that was taken on January 6, 2021, at approximately 12:42 p.m. eastern. Also listed were authentic copies of four videos that were recovered from William Chrestmans phone that were taken on January 6, 2021 In addition, the government listed as a trial exhibit a copy of a contact for Chrestman that was saved in Kennedys cellphone. And the document included several photos of Kennedy. In two one taken inside the Capitol and one outside he is flashing a hand gesture that commonly signals OK but has been co-opted by the Proud Boys and other far-right groups to signify white power. Until Wednesday, few details had been available about Kennedys actions on Jan. 6. Because he was first indicted by a grand jury, there was no statement of facts accompanying a criminal complaint as there was in most of the Capitol riot cases. And Kennedys name does not appear on the Justice Departments website listing the defendants in the Capitol breach cases. Online sleuths who have gathered evidence that has helped authorities identify many rioters have questioned the lack of information about Kennedys case, with some speculating that he was a key player in the investigation. They dubbed Kennedy #RWDSStooge because of the initials RWDS on the ball cap he was wearing in photos and videos from Jan. 6. Sarah Brown, a Birmingham resident and in vitro fertilization patient, holds a sign saying "I'm Here Because of IVF" at the Alabama Statehouse on Feb. 28, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. Supporters of bills aiming to protect IVF access held a rally Wednesday ahead of committee hearings on the legislation. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) A Mobile health care system that provides in vitro fertilization (IVF) care will stop the services at the end of the year, citing lawsuits over the fertility treatment. Infirmary Health, one of several entities sued over the accidental destruction of frozen embryos at the clinic in 2020, faced additional litigation after a February Alabama Supreme Court ruling that declared frozen embryos were children. In order to assist families in Alabama and along the Gulf Coast who have initiated the process of IVF therapy in the hopes of starting a family, Mobile Infirmary has temporarily resumed IVF treatments at the hospital. However, in light of litigation concerns surrounding IVF therapy, Mobile Infirmary will no longer be able to offer this service to families after December 31, 2024, a statement from the clinic said. The statement does not apply to the Center for Reproductive Medicine, the other defendant named in the lawsuit, which is a separate entity and not affiliated with Infirmary Health, according to Infirmary Health spokesperson Hannah Peterson. The Center for Reproductive Health said Wednesday evening that it was not closing at the end of the year and that it has resumed full operations following recent legislation passed, but that it will move to new facilities in Mobile and Dothan. This move reflects CRMs dedication to expanding accessibility to its cutting-edge scientific advancements, medical expertise, and compassionate care, according to the Center for Reproductive Health. The Alabama Supreme Courts ruling allowed parents of frozen embryos to claim civil damages for their loss under an 1872 law allowing parents to claim civil damages for the deaths of their children. At least one other lawsuit has been filed against the organization since the Alabama Supreme Courts ruling. The courts ruling also cited a 2018 constitutional amendment that says it is the public policy of this state to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, including the right to life. The Alabama Legislature passed a bill that extended criminal and civil immunity to IVF clinics for operations, but the legislation does not address when life begins. Democrats argued that the courts reliance on the 2018 constitutional amendment implies that the issue can only be resolved through another constitutional amendment. Republicans, who control both chamber of the Legislature, have shied away from addressing that issue. After the bill went into effect, at least two other clinics providing IVF resumed services. Mobile Infirmary said they werent reopening until they had clarification about the immunity the state provided. At this time, we believe the law falls short of addressing the fertilized eggs currently stored across the state and leaves challenges for physicians and fertility clinics trying to help deserving families have children of their own, the clinic said in a statement in early March. Barbara Collura, president and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, said in a statement after Gov. Kay Ivey signed the legislation into law that while they were relieved that clinics in Alabama can restart IVF treatment, this legislation does not address the underlying issue of the status of embryos as part of the IVF process. This story was updated at 5:30 p.m. to include comments from the Center for Reproductive Health. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Mobile clinic to end IVF program amid litigation over frozen embryos appeared first on Alabama Reflector. Mockery Floods In After Trump Botches 'We Will Deport You' Threat Donald Trump was the subject of social media ridicule after making a gaffe during his rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Tuesday. If your constitutional rights have been violated, we will defend you. If you have illegal aliens invading your home, we will deport you, the former president said at one point. That flub, in particular, caught peoples attention. So, if illegal immigrants were found at Mar-a-Lago we could deport Trump? journalist Brian J. Karem wrote on X, formerly Twitter, presumably referencing reports that Trump has employed undocumented workers at several of his businesses, including his Palm Beach, Florida, estate. So, if illegal immigrants were found at Mar-A-Lago we could deport Trump? https://t.co/9HnaEyjhuO Brian J. Karem (@BrianKarem) April 2, 2024 Trump reportedly plans to implement an even more extreme anti-immigration agenda in a potential second term, including mass deportations and sending undocumented people to detention camps. If reelected, Trump told his supporters in Green Bay, Were going to end up with the largest deportation in America. Im here to declare Bidens border bloodbath ... ends the day I take office. I will end the carnage, he said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Elsewhere during the rally, Trump falsely told supporters that it came out that we won this state during the 2020 presidential election. President Joe Biden won Wisconsin in 2020; Trump won in 2016. He also seemed to forget who was president in 2021, telling the crowd, Three years ago, we were a great nation, and complained about having to pay bond while appealing civil judgments against him, saying, If you kill somebody, theres no bond. Trump has been prone to verbal blunders on the campaign trail, with his we will deport you slip-up being the latest instance. Shit. So if I get invaded I also get deported ? Do I get deported if a legal alien invades me? What happens to the invaders? https://t.co/j0AT3LoyV1 andyroddick (@andyroddick) April 2, 2024 ok time for bed grandpa https://t.co/hg7cJiw0Sb Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) April 2, 2024 Since hes the one whos constantly talking about illegal aliens invading his home does that mean we should deport him? OK. https://t.co/6vmaZ0VkHI Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) April 2, 2024 Trump: "Biden can't put two sentences together." Also Trump: https://t.co/PUCvqiy6bj Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) April 2, 2024 Donald Trump should never be President of the United States again. https://t.co/9WuaGWbGVU Aaron Parnas (@AaronParnas) April 2, 2024 Someone is sundowning https://t.co/xG8PY1qdTA Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) April 2, 2024 If people invade my home, ILL be deported?!!! https://t.co/5LzR5n2qjA Diane N Sevenay (parody) (@DianeSevenay) April 2, 2024 Since hes the one whos constantly talking about illegal aliens invading his home does that mean we should deport him? OK. https://t.co/6vmaZ0VkHI Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) April 2, 2024 Related... Money chase: Donald Trump and allies say they raised $65.6 million in March WASHINGTON - Aides to former President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Republicans raised $65.6 million in March, seeking to allay GOP concerns about President Joe Biden's advantage in campaign money. A joint announcement by the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee said they ended March with $93.1 million cash on hand, though that would appear to still trail the Biden campaign pace of fundraising. Trump "has again created a fundraising juggernaut among Republicans," said Michael Whatley, the recently elected chair of the revamped Republican National Committee. Last month, the Biden campaign said it and the Democratic National Committee had $155 million on hand after raising $53 million in February. Donald Trump during the South Carolina campaign Biden's team has not announced their fundraising figures for March, which included a massive fundraiser in New York City featuring former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. In recent months, Biden has been lapping Trump in terms of fundraising, in part because Trump also needs to raise money to pay legal fees associated with a raft of criminal indictments and civil court judgements against him. The Biden campaign said it was unimpressed with Trump's latest fundraising, noting that the RNC has laid off people and cut back on operations. In a memo, the Biden campaign said that Trump "has a serious general election problem. Not only is his cash-strapped campaign firing staff and closing community centers, hes showing he has no path to building the coalition necessary to win 270 electoral votes." Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa added that Trump is spending what money he does have on everything but reaching out to the voters and its obvious he doesnt have the infrastructure, the donor base, or the broad appeal to win this election. Whatley, elected chair of the RNC last month after a shake-up engineered by Trump, said: "While he has been the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party for less than a month, the RNC and Trump campaign are one unified operation and focused on victory." The Trump campaign team is scheduling a series of high-dollar fundraisers in the weeks ahead. Susie Wiles, a senior adviser to Trump, said in a statement that the campaign and the RNC have been "steadily ramping up our fundraising efforts" to compete with the Democrats. "Republicans may not be beneficiaries of the self interested largess from Hollywood and Silicon Valley elites," she said, "but President Trump is proud to be supported by donations from voters who are the backbone of this nation." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump and RNC say they raised $65.6 million in March A ringleader known as the torture king is facing up to five years in prison for helping create sexually sadistic monkey mutilation videos. Michael Macartney, 50, was a key player in a twisted global network which commissioned and shared videos of animal abuse on the encrypted messaging platform Telegram. The former motorcycle gang member, who has previously been jailed, has been charged in Virginia with conspiracy to create and distribute animal-crushing footage. Two women have also been charged in the UK in connection with the group, which was exposed in a BBC investigation. Macartney, who was known online as the torture king ran several online groups where participants shared ideas for videos such as setting monkeys on fire, injuring them with tools and even putting one in a blender. Videomakers in Indonesia were then paid to carry out the twisted acts. Macartney is accused by prosecutors of collecting money and distributing videos depicting the torture, murder, and sexually sadistic mutilation of animals, specifically juvenile and adult monkeys. Macartney last year confessed to his role in the torture ring, describing himself as the king of this demented world. I was the man, he said. You want to see monkeys get messed up? I could bring it to you. Most grotesque thing Ive seen He described how participants would vote on methods, such as whether they wanted to use hammers, screwdrivers or pliers. The resulting videos were the most grotesque thing I have ever seen, Macartney said. Macartney is understood to have cooperated with the Department of Homeland Security and is expected to plead guilty to conspiracy charges. He will make a plea later this month and is facing up to five years in prison. Further charges are expected to be brought against some of the other 20 people investigated in connection with the network. Two other participants have already been charged in the US. David Christopher Noble, 48, a former US Air Force officer who was previously court-martialed and dismissed from the military, and Nicole Devilbiss, 35, are both facing up to five years in prison. A further two people have been jailed in Indonesia, and three women have been arrested in the UK, two of whom have been charged. Holly LeGresley, 37, of Kidderminster and Adriana Orme, 55, of Upton-upon-Severn were charged last month with publishing an obscene article and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Ms LeGresley went by the screen name The Immolator and was allegedly involved in commissioning some of the most extreme videos. 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. Florida Attorney General praised law enforcement agencies across the state and highlighted the states approach to policing during a stop in Marion County Wednesday. The focus of the press conference was on a newly published report that condemned policies tested by northeastern and west coast cities and showed Floridas typically opposite approach. Examples given included the Portland, OR drug reforms that leaders recently reversed and the Defund the Police movement pushed after the death of George Floyd. It is no surprise these folks are fleeing these states and cities, Moody said. Read: OCPS Kindergartner accepted into MENSA However, the press conference came roughly two weeks after preliminary FBI statistics revealed violent crime dropped 6% nationwide last year. According to the agencys quarterly report, the sharpest drops between December 2022 and December 2023 were seen in major cities, primarily in the northeast and Midwest. Read: New chicken restaurant opens their third location in Orlando in six months today While certain types of crime, such as organized retail theft, are highlighted in news reports and in press conferences, crime across the United States has fallen sharply since peaking in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Florida, too, has seen a drop from well above the US average decades ago to below the US average today. Its violent crime rate was slightly lower than Illinois as of 2022, a state mocked during Wednesdays press conference. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey attributed the longer-term trend in Florida to the states straightforward attitude toward policing, plus technology. Read: New York judge rejects Trumps bid to delay hush-money criminal trial He said he gives himself room to experiment and analyze, attributed community partnerships to his 53% decrease in crime, and said certain tests hes examined have shown to lead to better recidivism rates. 43% of our male offenders in our jail were reoffending within the first year, unless theyve been a member of the chain gang, he explained, Then its 2%. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. With less than a week until Brian Dorsey is scheduled to be executed at Potosi correctional center in Missouri for the 2006 killings of his cousin and her husband, an extraordinary effort is underway to have the 52-year-olds capital sentence commuted to life without parole. More than 150 people have called on the Missouri governor Mike Parson to commute Dorseys punishment including more than 70 current and former prison workers, many of whom got to know Doresy behind bars, Republican state representatives, jurors and even the appeals judge who upheld Dorseys conviction and death sentence in 2009. Related: Rat fur, arsenic and copper: the dangerous ingredients lacing US prison water In an editorial for the Missouri Times last month, retired Missouri supreme court judge Michael Wolff wrote that he wished hed had more information before making the decision with other jurists. In the case of Brian Dorsey, I now believe this is the rare case where we got it wrong, Wolff wrote. I am so convinced of our error that I have asked Governor Parson to grant clemency to Mr Dorsey. If Mr Dorsey is executed on April 9, it will dishonor our system of justice, Wolff added, arguing that the appeals panel were unaware of how compromised Dorseys defense lawyers had been. He wrote that a now disused system that was in place at the time the state public defender system that paid Dorseys lawyers a flat fee meant that the defendant hadnt been adequately represented in the capital case. Meanwhile, in a recent letter to the Kansas City Star news outlet, Timothy Lancaster, a former officer at Potosi, wrote that from his perspective after decades in corrections, I do not hesitate to say that executing Brian Dorsey would be a pointless cruelty. Dozens of former and current Missouri department of corrections officers and prison staffers have written to Parson, the Star reported. We are part of the law enforcement community who believe in law and order, the group wrote. Generally, we believe in the use of capital punishment. But we are in agreement that the death penalty is not the appropriate punishment for Brian Dorsey. The letter describes how Dorsey stays out of trouble, is respectful toward officers and inmates, is housed in an honor dorm and is employed in the Potosi barber shop, where he cuts the hair of prisoners and officers. Troy Steele, the former prison warden and a customer of Dorseys, has called him a model inmate. Michelle Smith, co-director of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty, told St Louis Public Radio that support for Dorseys clemency from corrections officers is significant. This is something that is unprecedented because [the officers] also are putting themselves on the line with signing this letter, she said. This is truly extraordinary. And it goes to the character of Mr Dorsey They truly believe that Brian deserves clemency and [that] he is not someone who should be facing execution. Dorseys current lawyers say he was in a drug-induced psychosis at the time of the killings. He had been in debt to his dealers and on the night of 23 December 2006, he was with his cousin, Sarah Bonnie, and her husband, Ben, in New Bloomfield, Missouri. Dorsey killed his cousin and her husband with a shotgun, and left with cash, a car and other property to pay off his debts. After the couple were found two days later, Dorsey turned himself in to authorities and pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. Dorseys attorney Megan Crane wrote in a petition that her client had been incapable of deliberation the requisite intent for capital murder and that Dorsey had promptly taken full accountability for his actions. Jenni Gerhauser, a cousin of the victim and the perpetrator, told USA Today that she supported the appeal for clemency. Were very much living in the middle of eye-for-an-eye country. But I wish people would understand its not that black-and-white, Gerhauser said. She said her cousins defense at trial was a joke. Parson has never granted a request for clemency, according to the Star. Andrew Bailey, the Missouri attorney general, said in a statement that his office wanted to enforce the laws as written, while also noting that Dorsey sexually assaulted Bonnie and there were other aggravating factors. Editors note: The Hills Morning Report is our daily newsletter that dives deep into Washingtons agenda. To subscribe, click here or fill out the box below. President Biden and his campaign team vow to try to flip the Sunshine State in November, lobbing a bold boast that challenges recent election history. Former President Obama (with Biden on the ticket in 2012) was the last Democrat to capture Florida. But the Biden campaign is developing a nimbler strategy, has money to spend, an urgent need to mobilize disaffected voters and an issue abortion rights that advisers believe bolsters the Democratic platform and contrasts sharply with former President Trump and what they call his extremist policies. According to recent polling, Trump leads Biden in the state, which has 30 Electoral College votes, but what happens in Florida doesnt just stay put. Florida is akin to three states in one the northern Panhandle, the I-4 midsection and Miami, a tropical sprawl that mixes tech and other billionaires with working class immigrants and expats whose sensibilities have one foot in South America. Florida is a state with clusters of progressive college students and academics surrounding large campuses, part-time snowbirds from swing states Michigan and Wisconsin, blue-collar and service workers, and 4.5 million seniors who hug their Social Security and Medicare and make it a point to vote. As the president and Vice President Harris race to lash Trump to Floridas court-approved restrictions on reproductive choice, they launched a campaign ad Tuesday reminding people that Trump has bragged that his Supreme Court appointees made it possible to end Roe v. Wade (CBS News). Donald Trump doesnt trust women. I do, the president says in his campaign ad. Fast fact: 51 percent of Floridas population is female. The ad is not expected to run in the Sunshine State, but its part of a $30 million campaign investment aimed at reaching voters in prominent battlegrounds, chiefly Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina and Nevada. The Wall Street Journal poll: Trump leads Biden in six of the seven most competitive states this year. The Biden campaign says Floridas court-approved six-week abortion ban will effectively block women throughout the Southeast region from legally obtaining abortion services. But Mondays court ruling also gives voters the final say. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday that a restrictive abortion law and potential constitutional ballot battle over abortion rights make Florida ground zero for Democrats this year. An extreme group of individuals in this state, led by the current governor, are prepared by almost any means to jam their radical right-wing ideology down the throats of the people of this state as part of an effort to try to impose a nationwide abortion ban, Jeffries told a Democratic leadership gathering in Florida. But we can stop them. We must stop them, and we will stop them together. There are other issues beyond abortion that Biden supporters see as helpful politically, or at least helpful in pointing up some of Trumps vulnerabilities with voters, The Hills Niall Stanage writes. Robust enrollment in ObamaCare exchanges under the Affordable Care Act, opposition to book bans in Florida, Nikki Haleys support while challenging Trump, and even the bipartisan misgivings about Ron DeSantis, who easily won reelection as the states Republican governor but then badly trailed the former president throughout the GOP presidential primaries. The Hill: Floridas abortion restrictions could boost former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) with voters in a bid to unseat Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), supporters hope. Democrats talked up then-Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) when she challenged Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in 2022. Rubio won reelection by more than 16 points. Tuesdays primaries in four states did not alter the trajectory for Biden and Trump toward their respective party nominations, but voters served up some useful clues in Wisconsin, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. One is that both candidates showed signs of weakness, although its Biden who needs to make up more ground with his base, according to the results. 3 THINGS TO KNOW TODAY: Taiwan was rocked Wednesday by the islands strongest earthquake in 25 years, a magnitude 7.4 tremor that has killed at least nine people as of this morning and injured more than 800. The administration is pressing Congress to back an $18 billion sale of F-15 jets to Israel, which would be one of the largest arms sales to Israel in years. Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, which recently went public, is suing its co-founders with accusations of severe mismanagement. LEADING THE DAY The Associated Press / Ismael Abu Dayyah | A Tuesday Israeli airstrike that killed seven aid workers from the international charity World Central Kitchen in Gaza drew sharp international condemnation. INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL OUTRAGE IS MOUNTING after a Monday Israeli attack killed six foreign aid workers of the U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen (WCK) and their Palestinian driver in Gaza. Staff from Australia, the United Kingdom, Poland and a U.S.-Canadian dual citizen were killed in the strike, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later admitted came at the hands of the Israeli army but said was unintentional. Now, Israel is struggling to contain the growing fallout, drawing condemnation from around the globe and putting more pressure on the country to lower the civilian toll of its campaign to wipe out Hamas. The strike risks further isolating Israel and adds friction with the U.S., its chief ally. The Israeli military on Tuesday said misidentification was the reason for the strike, which hit a van marked with multiple WCK logos that was distributing food to civilians. The organization has paused its operations in the besieged Gaza Strip as a result. The White House on Tuesday called the strike emblematic of a larger problem, though officials signaled there would be no change in U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas as a result. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen, Biden said in a Tuesday statement. Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties. Biden spoke with WCK founder and celebrity chef Jose Andres to offer his condolences Tuesday. Andres said Monday night on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was heartbroken and grieving for the members of the organization who were killed. Mondays airstrike only increased the questions and criticisms that have dogged the White House for months about whether Biden has lost the ability to influence Netanyahu as he oversees a brutal war with Hamas. The prime example is Rafah, the southern Gaza city where Netanyahu has for weeks threatened to launch a military invasion. But the threats have remained just that threats and now, after a virtual meeting between high-ranking U.S. and Israeli officials, it remains to be seen if the White Houses calls for restraint will be heeded. The Washington Post: How Israeli strikes on the World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza unfolded. The New York Times: The World Central Kitchen aid workers were described as devoted humanitarians who would do anything they could to help those in need. The New Yorker: A former State Department official explains the administrations sharpening public critique of Israels war and simultaneous refusal to impose a single cost or consequence. Democrats are fearful that the ongoing war in Gaza is turning into a major political liability and one that could get worse if the war rages on into the summer. Biden has found himself under increased pressure from Democratic lawmakers over the worsening conditions in Gaza and Israels likely invasion of Rafah. Adding to those issues are polling concerns as Americans are increasingly disapproving of Israels actions, write The Hills Alex Gangitano and Al Weaver. This has created a bigger political headache for Democrats amid their push to unite the party behind Biden. Its massive. If this war keeps going on then it will continue to be a major problem, one House Democrat told The Hill. The sooner Biden can break from [Netanyahu] in a major way, then the better off he will be politically. Its not just the progressives who are angry about the US support of the Gaza operation. Its now broader than that. I fear what the DNC in Chicago could look like. WHERE AND WHEN The House will meet for a pro forma session at 9 a.m. Friday. The Senate will hold a pro forma session Thursday at 4 p.m. The president will receive the Presidents Daily Brief at 10 a.m. Biden will speak at 11 a.m. at the White House about the administrations efforts to lower health care costs. Vice President Harris will record two radio interviews. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Belgium where he will meet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at 12:30 p.m. local time in Brussels. The secretary will participate in the afternoon sessions of the North Atlantic Council meetings, then a reception. Blinken will host a separate evening event to mark the 75th anniversary of NATO. The Treasury secretary is traveling today to Guangzhou, China, for meetings this week. The White House daily press briefing is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. ZOOM IN MORE IN POLITICS TRUMP RALLIES: Trump on Tuesday again accused Biden of creating a border bloodbath during a rally in Grand Rapids, Mich., repeating his violent and often dehumanizing rhetoric to describe some migrants entering the country illegally. The former president repeated his false claim that other countries were sending prisoners, murderers, drug dealers, mental patients and terrorists, the worst they have to the U.S. Immigration officials, meanwhile, have said that most of the people crossing the border are members of vulnerable families escaping poverty and violence (The Hill and The New York Times). The former president returned to Wisconsin Tuesday for the first time in nearly two years, re-introducing himself to the battleground state by falsely claiming he won it in the 2020 election (NBC News). You know we won this state. We won this state by a lot, Trump told the crowd at a rally in Green Bay. It came out that we won this. 2024 ROUNDUP: The Biden campaign is wooing supporters of former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley across key states, targeting a potential weak spot for Trump. Analysts say its smart, but still tough to persuade large numbers of Haleys fans to switch parties, noting policy differences with the administration. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) writes in a New York Times op-ed that she wants to try to repeal the 1878 Comstock Act because it could be misused by Supreme Court justices to try to ban abortion nationwide. Rep. Gregory Meeks (N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is fighting to maintain control over a judicial seat that provides the financial lifeblood to the political machine he oversees in New York City. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s ability to sway 2024 election depends on ballot access: Heres where he stands. Trumps repeated attacks on mail-in voting have made it tougher for Republicans who see a desperate need for the GOP to encourage more ways to cast ballots. The Associated Press / Wilfredo Lee | Hurricane Ians wreckage in Fort Meyers, Fla., in 2022, was part of the natural disaster trends that have left property owners scrambling to find affordable insurance as companies exit at-risk regions. BUSINESS & TRENDS Insurance companies, reacting to climate change and losses related to weather and natural disasters, are changing where Americans can afford to reside as insurers withdraw their coverage from vulnerable regions. Its a canary-in-the-coal-mine trend, reports The Hills Saul Elbein. Womens health: Check out The Hills reported series about toxic forever chemicals, which have been found in a wide range of consumer products from nonstick pans to period-proof panties. Many of the products in which they have been detected, including waterproof makeup, workout leggings and period products, are primarily marketed toward women. In health care, veterans are using virtual reality to cope with PTSD. The Hill: A majority of Jewish parents of college applicants this year say their child has cut at least one school from their list due to rising antisemitism, according to a new poll from Hillel International. The Hill: California, a state known for advancing some of the strictest climate policies in the country, is the nations top emitter of a little-known but very persistent greenhouse gas, a new study has found. CONGRESS Heres a look at some of options that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is weighing to get a Ukraine aid measure to the House floor this month. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has made it clear that his recent Trump endorsement is about duty to party, not an about-face about the presumptive Republican nominees character and fitness for office (The Hill). Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) announced Tuesday he will undergo treatment for cancer after consulting doctors about a persistent cough. The 78-year-old, who has represented in Arizona since 2003, serves as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee (The Hill). Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) was admitted Monday to a hospital in Loveland, Colo., for emergency surgery described as successful to treat an acute blood clot in her leg diagnosed as May-Thurner syndrome (The Hill). ELSEWHERE The Associated Press / Doug Mills, The New York Times | President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who spoke by phone Tuesday, last met in November on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference in California. ADMINISTRATION U.S. & CHINA: Biden spoke Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping by phone about issues ranging from Chinas support for Russia and the war in Ukraine, the South China sea, as well as artificial intelligence, fentanyl trafficking and climate change, according to the White House. When the two leaders last met in November, they agreed to continue conversations to avert potential misunderstandings (CNN). Biden reiterated U.S. concerns to Xi about TikTok, including the apps Chinese owners. Heading to China on separate trips: Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who departs on Thursday, followed soon by Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Barrons). REGULATIONS: The administration announced Tuesday it requires two-person crews on freight trains. The White House missedits own deadline to publish a rule banning menthol cigarettes, leading to a Tuesday lawsuit from anti-smoking groups. FITNESS: How does Biden get regular exercise? Getting an answer is tough when it comes to the busy 81-year-olds routine, report The Hills Amie Parnes and Hana Trudo. It may seem like a small thing, but it contributes to this larger narrative that hes old and inactive, one Democratic strategist acknowledged. TAXES: Approximately 50,000 people have used the IRSs new direct file online filing system, a number well shy of the several hundred thousand the agency anticipated for this tax year (The Hill). The tax filing deadline is April 15. TRUMP WORLD TRUMP LASHED OUT again on social media against Judge Juan Merchan Tuesday, calling him corrupt while arguing the judges expansion of a gag order against him is unfair when others can talk about him. Merchan, who is overseeing the former presidents hush money trial, on Monday expanded his gag order to include the judges family and court staff (The Hill). Politico: Its clearly strategic: Why Trump keeps attacking judges families. USA Today: Former Trump White House spokesperson Hope Hicks is expected to testify in the former presidents hush money trial. The Hill: Trumps $175 million bond keeps prized properties from being seized for now. The Washington Post: Don Hankey, a California billionaire who made a fortune offering high-interest auto loans to customers with poor credit, said providing the $175 million bond to Trump is a good business deal. OPINION Let people eat, by Jose Andres, guest essayist, The New York Times. The agonizing story told by two Israeli airstrikes, by David Ignatius, columnist, The Washington Post. THE CLOSER The Associated Press / AP photo | The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., seen in Memphis on April 3, 1968, later that evening delivered his famous mountaintop speech. He was assassinated a day later at age 39. And finally On this day in 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., 39, delivered his extemporaneous, 42-minute mountaintop speech at Mason Temple in Memphis, Tenn.. Many later suggested that Kings words suggested he knew what awaited him: one day left in a short, impactful life. NPR (from 2018): An exhausted Martin Luther King Jr.s final 31 hours. Ive been to the mountaintop Ive seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land, he told the crowd. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life longevity has its place. But Im not concerned about that now. I just want to do Gods will. And so Im happy tonight; Im not worried about anything; Im not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. Stay Engaged We want to hear from you! Email: Alexis Simendinger (asimendinger@thehill.com) and Kristina Karisch (kkarisch@thehill.com). Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter: (@asimendinger and @kristinakarisch) and suggest this newsletter to friends! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Morocco hosts one of Africas first exhibitions of Cuban art, a milestone for Afro-Cuban painters A view of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, where a Cuban art exhibition is being held, in Rabat, Monday, April 1, 2024. A show at Morocco's Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is one of the first exhibitions of Cuban art at an African museum. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) RABAT, Morocco (AP) When Morocco 's King Mohamed VI visited Havana in 2017, Cuban-American gallery owner Alberto Magnan impressed him with a full immersion in the Caribbean island's art and culture, drawing a line between the cultural and historical themes tackled by Cuban artists and those from across Africa. Seven years after that encounter, one of the first exhibitions of Cuban art at an African museum is showing at Morocco's Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. It's part of an effort to give visitors a view beyond the European artists who often remain part of the school curriculum in the North African nation and other former French colonies, museum director Abdelaziz El Idrissi said. The Moroccan public might know Giacometti, Picasso or impressionists, El Idrissi said. The museum has shown them all. Weve seen them and are looking for other things, too. The Cuba show contains 44 pieces by Wifredo Lam a major showing of the Afro-Cuban painter's work more than a year before New York Citys Museum of Modern Art will honor him with a career retrospective show in 2025. We're kind of beating MoMA to the punch, Magnan said. The Morocco show also marks the first time that the work of another luminary, Jose Angel Toirac, is being displayed outside Cuba. Previously, his paintings depicting the country's late anti-capitalist president Fidel Castro in the iconography of American advertisements and consumer culture were not allowed off the island. Other works in Cuban Art: On the other side of the Atlantic open until June 16 show prevalent themes in Cuban art ranging from isolation and economic embargo to heritage and identity. In Cuba, almost half of the population identifies as mixed race and more than 1 million people are Afro-Cuban. The island's diversity is a recurring subject for its painters and artists, including Lam. That's why it was important to show his work including paintings of African-inspired masks and use of vibrant color in Africa, Magnan said. Morocco is among countries that have shown new interest in Cuban art since the United States restored diplomatic ties with Cuba in 2014 and Castro died in 2016. American art dealers and major museums flocked to the previously difficult-to-visit island. But the intrigue was curbed by the COVID-19 pandemic and former U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to redesignate the country as a state sponsor of terrorism, Magnan said. Meanwhile, Morocco has increased funding for arts and culture in an effort to boost its geopolitical soft power" in North Africa and beyond. In both Morocco and Cuba, 20th century artists responded to political transition decolonization in Morocco, revolution in Cuba by drawing from history and engaging in trends shaping contemporary art worldwide. But the current show does not touch on Moroccan-Cuban diplomatic relations, which were restored following King Mohamed VIs 2017 visit to Cuba. The countries had cut ties decades ago over Cubas position on the disputed Western Sahara, which Morocco claims. Cuba has historically trained Sahrawi soldiers and doctors and backed the Polisario Fronts agenda at the United Nations. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky gives a Ukrainian flag signed by members of the Ukrainian military to U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-California, as he addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 21, 2022 in Washington, D.C. In his first known trip outside of Ukraine since Russia invaded, Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Joe Biden and outlined Ukraine's request for continued military aid. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images) On June 6, 1984, at Pointe du Hoc, seven miles west of Normandy American Cemetery in France, President Ronald Reagan delivered a stirring tribute to the Army Rangers who scaled the 100-foot cliff on D-Day that also served as an enduring rationale for American defense cooperation. As the then-city-state editor of The Billings Gazette and the intelligence office for the former 1st Squadron, 163rd Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Montana Army National Guard atop the Rims, I listened closely. We in America have learned bitter lessons from two World Wars, Reagan said. It is better to be here ready to protect the peace, than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost. Weve learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent. He described NATO as a great alliance that serves to this day as our shield from freedom, for prosperity and peace. I doubt that the three Montana lawmakers opposing vital funding for Ukraine are aware of Reagans important words. Steve Daines and Ryan Zinke were graduating college in Montana and Oregon, Matt Rosendale was stepping away from a Maryland community college and looking for a profession. Current GOP Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy would not make his appearance in Minnesota for another two years and in Montana for another 30. A veterans advocacy group, VoteVets, has created a powerful video juxtaposing portions of Reagans speech with Ukraine and our world today; it is on the groups website. The Reagan Foundation website carries a video of the entire speech. Daines and Zinke now oppose the financial aid because well, because Donald Trump told them to, and Rosendale opposes the support because he is a member of the so-called Freedom Caucus, which is ironic in this context. But the most dramatic head-snap to oppose aid to Ukraine was made by the man who calls himself Montanas Warrior. Sheehys first public post was unequivocal: Sweden and Finland are next? Weve seen this movie before. stop him now before the price tag for putting Putin down will be a lot higher. Georgia, Crimea, Syria, now Kiev- then what? Estonia? Finland? Sweden? GoFundMe pages and twitter likes arent enough. Soldiers, planes, bombs and bullets will be needed against this Tyrant. Tim, the answers to all your questions is a resounding, Yes! But then Sheehy heard Trumps dog whistle and did a perfect military about-face to say assistance to Ukraine needs to end. Shameful! Unfortunately, too many American citizens are following the lead of Republican in Congress who, like Sheehy, are kneeling to Trumps demand to take block aid to Ukraine until the former president can be re-elected, and, as he claims, negotiate an end to the war. Other Republicans such as Matt Rosendale and a portion of his followers embrace a new Isolationism. Lawmakers are on the verge of leaving Washington without a firm path forward for passing aid to Ukraine, as Kyiv struggles with ammunition shortages on the battlefield. News reports say some House members could vote on an assistance package following the Easter recess. Advocates of the Trump delay clearly do not understand the military value of continuity and momentum which Ukraine is losing because of ammunition and supply disruptions. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who does understand has urged his colleagues be aware that time is of the essence. Parallels between Russias assault on Ukraine to the failed appeasement given the rising Nazi juggernaut are too obvious to mention. Ukraine is conducting a holding action for western democracies. Putin has become the greatest challenge to European security and democratic nations in decades. He is taking aggressive steps against Finland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, and could sever the Baltic States from Europe with a Crimea-like thrust between Poland and Lithuania through what is known as the Suwalki Gap. Remember the Fram oil filter commercial in the 1970s? Pay me now or pay me later. Still applies today. The post Most of Montanas Congressional delegation turning a blind eye to imperiled democracy in Ukraine appeared first on Daily Montanan. More than half of Americans believe former President Trump should not be immune from prosecution for alleged crimes committed while he was in office, according to a new poll. In the survey, published Wednesday by Marquette Law School, 56 percent of participants said they believe Trump should not have immunity from criminal prosecution for his official acts, while 62 percent said the same about former presidents in general. When surveying participants, pollsters pointed to Trumps immunity claim in special counsel Jack Smiths case over the former presidents alleged actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Prosecutors allege Trump was involved in a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and stood at the center of a campaign to block the certification of votes for President Biden that day. The former president and his legal team have repeatedly argued his actions leading up to and surrounding the insurrection are protected by presidential immunity. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up the issue, with oral arguments set to begin on April 22 on an expedited schedule. The landmark decision is likely to be handed down by the end of June or sooner. Americans views on Trumps immunity argument varied across party lines, pollsters noted, with the wide majority of Democrats rejecting the former presidents claim. About 89 percent of Democrats rejected the immunity argument, while only 4 percent agreed with it and 7 percent said they did not know. More than half of Republicans 55 percent said Trump should be immune from prosecution for official acts, while 27 percent said he should not and 18 percent did not know. About 32 percent supported the immunity claim in the broader context of former presidents, while 49 percent rejected it. The striking finding is that Republicans reverse themselves when asked about Trump rather than former presidents, Charles Franklin, a professor of law and public policy and the director of the Marquette Law School poll, told CNN. One implication is that Republicans are not paying enough attention to Trumps Supreme Court appeal to realize without prompting that the immunity case is about Trump, he continued. Only when the question directly says, This is about Trump do they swing sharply, reversing what they would think about former presidents in general. Independents fell somewhere in the middle between Democrats and Republicans, with 44 percent rejecting the immunity argument for Trump in particular, 11 percent supporting it and 45 percent saying they did not know. The poll was conducted March 18-28 through interviews with 1,000 adults nationwide. It has a margin of sampling error of 4 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As a self-described survivor of human trafficking who runs an organization dedicated to helping others affected by the crime, Debra Rush said she's heard the same story many times: A troubled young person flees home and ends up being forced into sex work and targeted with violence on the streets of Los Angeles. Only Rush is now coping with a different version of the familiar tragedy one where her own daughter is the victim. Kendra Rush, 20, was shot to death nearly two weeks ago in a stretch of South L.A. known as a hub of the city's sex trade. Police say Kendra was standing near the corner of Figueroa and West 70th streets when someone walked up and shot her in the head just after 4 a.m. on March 21. Bystander footage posted online showed a woman watching as paramedics performed CPR on the 20-year-old, a look of grave concern on the woman's face. Kendra was pronounced dead at the scene. Her slaying occurred against a backdrop of broader debate over how to protect workers from violence, which has revealed cracks in the criminal justice reform movement. Some proponents of decriminalization say those who engage in the work of their own volition are being put further in harm's way by efforts to curb trafficking. Meanwhile, advocates for stronger intervention worry that the rollback of anti-loitering laws has limited the ability of law enforcement to go after those responsible for endangering workers' lives. On Thursday, Los Angeles police announced the arrest of a 29-year-old man suspected of murdering a trans woman in the Vermont-Slauson area, another killing authorities have said they believe was linked to sex work. The suspect, Bryan Blackmon, is being held on $3 million bail, according to online jail records. Rush, 44, said she had dedicated her life to stopping violence against sex workers even before her daughters death. The Fresno resident started a nonprofit in Central Californias San Joaquin Valley called Breaking the Chains, whose aim is to connect trafficking victims with housing, counseling and other services in hopes of helping them escape what Rush refers to as the life. Rush got the news about Kendra as she boarded a flight home after traveling to Washington, D.C. She wept into the phone. The detectives investigating her daughter's death wouldn't tell her much. But she says they did tell her Kendra was likely being forced to sell sex by gang members who control a portion of Figueroa known as the Blade, extracting rent payments from workers there. Dexter Navarro, an investigator with the LAPDs South Bureau Homicide Division, said he couldn't comment on whether Kendra was being trafficked because the case is ongoing. Rush said that she is is hesitant to reveal too many details for fear of compromising the investigation. But, she feels certain about what happened to her daughter: The same people she thought would protect her, I know were the ones who killed her." Growing up, Rush said, Kendras life revolved around painting, cheerleading and the English dramas and movies she used to binge in her free time. For a time in her teens she went through a phase where she only spoke in a British accent, her mother recalled. She graduated from high school at 16 and went to work at a local hospital as an environmental services aide. Rush now sees painful reminders of her daughter's childhood everywhere. She broke down crying on Easter Sunday while making deviled eggs for her other children, something she said Kendra always insisted on doing herself. She would be waiting to fill the eggs to make sure they were perfect, Rush said. Photos of Kendra often showed her flashing a broad smile. In one post on Instagram, she wore green scrubs as she made a peace sign. But Rush said the happy exterior hid a deep well of pain and struggles with mental health. Mother and daughter both lived lives marked by recurring abuse and violence. Rush suspects some of her daughters issues were rooted in sexual abuse inflicted by a caretaker. She also recalled an incident at the height of the pandemic in 2020 where she said Kendra was the victim of a violent home invasion. Two suspects broke in while she was home alone and assaulted her. She was alone with them for 45 minutes, and I dont want to go into details, Rush said. The suspects were later charged and Kendra testified at their trial, an agonizing experience that her mother said sent her on a downward spiral. Her daughter had also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which Rush said compounded her situation. Thats where we kind of lost Kendra, her mother said. Kendra began having violent outbursts and grew withdrawn, Rush said. No longer feeling safe in their home, Kendra left town earlier this year and ended up in L.A., Rush said. She didnt feel safe in her own mind, she didnt feel safe at home, she said. Whenever these kids have nowhere to go, no job, no nothing, it didnt matter how much I talked to them. Kendra's father wasnt around much when she was young, Rush said, and she was sometimes absent herself as she coped with PTSD that stemmed from her own experience of being violently trafficked for several months" as a young adult. Rush had been living in Fresno when she was kidnapped and forced to engage in sex work to pay back a drug debt her mother owed in the mid-2000s, she said. One of the areas her captors dropped her off was on Figueroa Street. She eventually ran away and found her way back to Fresno. Afterward, she sought to understand the ways that traffickers prey on the vulnerabilities of their victims. She found that some who had recently gone through experiences similar to hers wanted to go back to their abusers. She learned that while some traffickers used force, or the threat of it, others employed more subtle methods: Paying for meals, buying new clothes and providing a friendly ear to young women who weren't used to being showered with attention. Over time, she said, their victims began feeling indebted. Such psychological manipulation sometimes plays out over several months, she said. In recent years, Rush began to make a name for herself in anti-trafficking circles. She talked about her program's mission during regular guest appearances on local TV news stations and was on a first-name basis with lawmakers in Sacramento and D.C. who were pushing for new anti-trafficking laws. She was also the subject of a book called A Cry of the Heart" about her life. She reminded Kendra of her own experience often, and the two had developed a "safety plan" if Kendra found herself in such a situation. They also had an understanding that Kendra would text her regularly to show that she wasn't in danger. The messages stopped in the days before her death. Women walk along Figueroa Street in South Los Angeles, in an area where the highest number of prostitution-related arrests in the city are made. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Kendras shooting was the second in the span of 48 hours in Los Angeles involving victims who were thought to be engaged in sex work. In the first case, a transgender woman was shot March 21 in the early-morning hours and her body dumped onto Hoover Avenue between Slauson Avenue and West 59th Street. Friends of the 24-year-old victim, who went by the name Meraxes, started a GoFundMe page to help raise money to cover the familys funeral costs. A message sent to the fundraisers organizer was not immediately returned. Meraxes wrote on her Instagram page that she worked as a makeup artist and lived in several cities across Southern California. Several people left condolences under her most recent post, with one writing, I love you so much always and forever youll never be forgotten. Another referred to her by her nickname, Chun Li, and wrote that she was always such a beautiful soul to be around. Her death was at least the seventh homicide in the U.S. so far this year in which the victim was transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming, according to the blog Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents, which documents violence against queer communities. Surveillance camera footage from a bar across the street from where she was found showed the shadowy outline of someone getting out of a light-colored sedan and dragging the body into the street before driving away. Investigators initially believed that she was shot in the car. The suspected gunman, Blackmon, is being held on $3 million bail, according to online jail records. Police said he was taken into custody March 29. His initial court date hasn't been set and it wasn't immediately clear whether he had an attorney. The area around where Kendra died is normally busy with foot and vehicle traffic, meaning there may have been witnesses. Rush, whose organization sometimes works with law enforcement, said she hopes witnesses will come forward. And yet, she said, fear of being caught cooperating with police scares some into silence. According to the LAPD statistics, homicides citywide are up roughly 20% through the first three months of the year compared with the same time in 2023; the city ended last year with 327 slayings. A woman walks in the rain along Figueroa Street in South Los Angeles. Journey Out is a local organization that helps those who are sex trafficked escape in South L.A., where the highest number of prostitution-related arrests are made. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) In the weeks since the killings of Kendra and Meraxes, police have stepped up their patrols in the area, including officers on horseback. Los Angeles city attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has signaled her office will continue to aggressively prosecute traffickers, as well as taking on motel owners whose properties are magnets for illicit behavior. Some advocates accuse law enforcement and politicians of overstating the human trafficking problem on Figueroa in order to justify more police crackdowns and the passage of harsher laws. Figueroa, these advocates argue, is like any given commercial sex corridor: a mix of people being forced or coerced into the high-risk work and those who are there by choice. Advocates argue that recent attempts to address trafficking have only further endangered an already vulnerable group. For some, the work became even more of a lifeline during the pandemic as they struggled to support themselves or their families amid a growing shortage of affordable housing. Others, cut off from traditional support systems, have found community among their fellow sex workers. In between fielding phone calls from well-wishers and picking out several paintings of Kendras to display at the memorial service, she flew down to L.A. to pick up her body and bring it home to Fresno. She has struggled with whether she did enough to help Kendra. In a lengthy post on her Facebook page, she thought about the grim irony that she assumed others were also aware of: How did her daughter fall victim to sex trafficking even after a lifetime of warnings? If nothing else, she wrote, Kendra's case proved that anybodys child is vulnerable. Despite the horrors they endure, some trafficking victims begin to form attachments to their abusers over time like a form of Stockholm Syndrome and begin to define their self-worth as coming from people who purchase them for sex, Rush said. L.A. City Council voted to lock and board the 108 Motel in South Los Angeles due to numerous daily arrests, sex trafficking and other crimes that impact the community. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) The same thing happened to her, Rush said, and she began to see signs of this so-called trauma bonding in her daughter. Anyone with information about either case is asked to call South Bureau Homicide Division at 323-786-5100 or the after-hours number at 1-877-527-3247. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A 12-year-old suspected of killing a classmate and wounding 2 in Finland told police he was bullied Candles, flowers and other memorabilia are placed at the Viertola school in Vantaa, Finland, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A 12-year-old student opened fire at a secondary school in southern Finland on Tuesday morning, killing one and seriously wounded two other students, police said. The suspect was later arrested. (Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva via AP) HELSINKI (AP) A 12-year-old student suspected of fatally shooting a classmate and wounding two others in Finland told police that he was bullied at school, officials said Wednesday, as a nation shocked by the attack held a day of mourning. The suspect, a sixth grader who attended the school in the city of Vantaa, just outside Helsinki, was apprehended less than an hour following the shooting on Tuesday morning. The shooter and the victims were all classmates, police said. The motive for the act has been found to be bullying, the Eastern Uusimaa Police Department, which is in charge of the investigation, said in a statement. The suspect has said during interrogations that he was the target of bullying, and this information has also been confirmed in the preliminary investigation by the police. The suspect had transferred to Viertola school at the beginning of this year. The minimum age of criminal liability in Finland is 15 years, which means the suspect cannot be formally arrested. A suspect younger than 15 can only be questioned by the police before they are handed over to child welfare authorities. On Wednesday, Finnish blue-and-white flags were hoisted at half-staff and scores of people including parents, teachers and fellow students laid flowers and lit candles in the snowy landscape near the school building where the shooting occurred. Police said one of the wounded girls has a dual Finland-Kosovo citizenship. The deceased boy died instantly after being shot, police said. The suspect was detained in the Helsinki area less than an hour after the shooting with a a revolver-like handgun in his possession. The gun was licensed to a relative of the suspect who was not immediately identified. Police said he admitted to the shooting in an initial police hearing. Finland has witnessed two major deadly school shootings in 2007 and 2008. In their wake, the country tightened its gun laws, raising the minimum age for firearms ownership and giving police greater powers to perform background checks on individuals applying for a gun license. The nation of 5.6 million has more than 1.5 million licensed firearms, and about 430,000 license holders, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry. Hunting and gun-ownership are deeply rooted traditions in this sparsely-populated northern European country, where target practice is also a widespread hobby. ___ Associated Press writer Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark contributed to this report. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Police say a man with an axe was arrested at the University of Memphis Monday after he ran from an officer. Jamey Moody, 39, was charged with carrying a weapon on school property and evading arrest. Police said Moody was seen walking across the U of M campus with an axe and refused to drop the weapon. He was captured after a short foot chase. Officers say Moody told them the axe was for protection. Moody was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police release footage of a male suspect they say robbed a Dollar General at gunpoint in March. On Tuesday, March 26, an unknown man entered at Dollar General on 2245 Lamar Avenue around approximately 9 a.m. He then went on to point a black handgun at employees and demanded cash from the business. Police say that the man also made statements alluding to his involvement in a previous robbery at the same location on March 18. After obtaining the cash, the suspect fled the scene on foot. No arrest have been made, but police say this is an active investigation. In an effort to identify the suspect, the police have released surveillance video of the robbery on their Facebook page. Anyone with information about this incident should call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH. You will be given a personal ID number, and your identification will remain completely anonymous. You can also submit your tip at http://www.crimestopmem.org, where you will be able to review wanted fugitives and safely send investigators any helpful information on the suspect or suspects responsible for this crime. You can submit anonymous tips from our free and secure mobile app by searching your app store for P3 Tips. If an arrest is made, you could be eligible to receive a cash reward from Crime Stoppers of Memphis and Shelby County, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. TechCrunch Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest asset managers, has confirmed that over 77,000 customers had personal information compromised during an August data breach, including Social Security numbers and driver's licenses. The Boston, Massachusetts-based investment firm said in a filing with Maines attorney general on Wednesday that an unnamed third party accessed information from its systems between August 17 and August 19 "using two customer accounts that they had recently established. We detected this activity on August 19 and immediately took steps to terminate the access, Fidelity said in a letter sent to those affected, adding that the incident did not involve any access to customers Fidelity accounts. MS Coast restaurant makes the cut as one of 5 finalists for coveted James Beard award A Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurant is one of five finalists for the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurants in the country for 2024. In January, the restaurant was named as one of 20 semifinalists for restaurant of the year. Vestige, at 715 Washington Avenue in downtown Ocean Springs, was announced as a finalist Wednesday morning in a ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. Winners will be announced during the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony June 10 in Chicago. Also nominated for Outstanding Restaurant for 2024 are: The Compound, Santa Fe, New Mexico Convenience West, Marfa, Texas Langbaan, Portland, Oregon Mixtli, San Antonio, Texas Vestige opened in 2013 and owner/chef Alex Perry, a Le Cordon Bleu College graduate, has been nominated three times before for a James Beard award, one of the most prestigious honors for restaurants and chefs. When nominated in January, Perry thanked his team at the restaurant and the James Beard Foundation for this unbelievable recognition, saying Never in a million years did we think wed get to this stage. An upscale Modern American restaurant, Vestige serves farm-to-table and seasonal dishes. The family of Ruby Garcia, a 25-year-old woman who was murdered in Michigan last month, has accused Donald Trump of lying about having contact with them, and of using Garcias death to villainize undocumented migrants.. Police have indicated that they believe the suspect, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, and Garcia had been involved in a relationship and that Garcia was shot to death by Ortiz-Vite during a domestic dispute. At an event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Tuesday, Trump highlighted that the man accused of murdering Garcia was an undocumented migrant. Trump called Garcia a beautiful young woman [who] was savagely murdered by an illegal alien criminal. The former president added that hed been in contact with her family, who told him that she had just the most contagious laughter and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people. Here is Trump claiming in a speech today that he spoke to the family of Ruby Garcia and what they supposedly told him. Then Ruby Garcias sister who says Trump is lying about this entire thing and never spoke to a single family member. pic.twitter.com/kPVZ3HuGMH Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 3, 2024 Garcias sister, Mavi Garcia, told ABC News on Wednesday that she can confirm and assure you [Trump] did not speak with me or my immediate family. In a separate interview with NBC affiliate Target 8, Garcia added that it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV. The focus should be on my sister right now, who she was in life. I want people to remember who she was in life, Garcia said. As noted by Media Matters, the language Trump used to describe Garcia on Tuesday may have been lifted from her obituary, portions of which were printed in the New York Post. Donald Trump said he learned about murder victim Ruby Garcia's "contagious laughter and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room" from her family. The family denies speaking to him, and that language appears in her obituary as reported in Trump's beloved New York Post. pic.twitter.com/RjeuEdLdIW Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) April 3, 2024 Republicans have made crimes committed by undocumented migrants a flashpoint in their 2024 electoral strategy. The accusations of a bloody migrant crime wave ravaging the nation are not supported by national crime statistics, which consistently show that migrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S. born citizens. Regardless of reality, Trump has amped up his focus on immigration, describing undocumented migrants on Tuesday as animals and not human. Earlier this year, the former president accused migrants of poisoning the blood of our country. As previously reported by Rolling Stone, the former president and his allies are drawing up plans to use archaic zombie laws to initiate mass arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants should he retake the White House in November. Trumps rhetoric is not lost on Garcias family. Its always been about illegal immigrants, Mavi Garcia told Target 8 when asked about Ortiz-Vites immigration status. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Donald Trumps virulent anti-immigration campaign series offered an unexpected shout-out to a group of people who didnt want it: the family of murder victim Ruby Garcia. She lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people, Trump claimed Tuesday at a news conference in Garcias hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. I spoke to some of her family. But Garcias family said that the GOP presidential nominee had never reached out to them. Instead, they were at home, watching as Trump turned their familys loss into a political stunt. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, Garcias sister, Mavi Garcia, told NBC affiliate Target 8, noting that not only had Trump not reached out to the family, but neither had anyone from his campaign. It was shocking. I kind of stopped watching it. Id only seen up to that, after I heard a couple of misinformations he said, I just stopped watching it, she said. Garcia, 25, was shot and killed on March 22 by Brandon Ortiz-Vite, an undocumented immigrant who confessed to murdering her and dumping her body along a highway in the city. Ortiz-Vite had previously been deported out of the United States by court order in 2020, and it was unclear when he had reentered. The Trump campaign quickly took notice of the murder, leveraging it as an example of a rising wave in migrant crime and claiming that Ortiz-Vite had been let back in by Joe Biden. But thats not the story that Garcias family wants Rubys name wrapped up in. Its always been about illegal immigrants, Mavi Garcia told Target 8. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? The focus should be on my sister right now, who she was in life. I want people to remember who she was in life, she added, describing Ruby Garcia as a very happy and generous person. Tuesdays speech wasnt even the first time in the last month that Trump lied about his interactions with a grieving family for his own political gain. In March, Trumps campaign issued a statement claiming that he had been invited to attend the funeral of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller by his familybut that wasnt really the case. In reality, the invitation had been extended by Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Arab American doctor walks out of meeting with Biden in protest of Israel-Hamas war WASHINGTON A Palestinian American doctor walked out of a private meeting between Muslim leaders and President Joe Biden that was held Tuesday evening after the group turned down an earlier White House invitation to attend a Ramadan dinner. The moment underscored the anger many in the Arab American community have towards Biden over his support for the Israel-Hamas war. Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency doctor who has worked in the Gaza Strip during the war, was among a small group of Muslim leaders who met with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other White House officials Tuesday to discuss the administration's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ahmad, in an interview with CNN, said he was the first to speak to Biden and told the president, "I am from a community that's reeling, we are grieving, and our heart is broken for what's been taking place over the last six months." Pro-Palestinian demonstrators pray as they gather near the White House to call for a ceasefire in Gaza during a protest as part of the "People's White House Ceasefire Now Iftar" outside the White House on April 2, 2024 in Washington, DC. President Joe Biden downsized the traditional Ramadan event at the White House after invitations were declined by several Muslim American community leaders over the Biden administration's support for Israel's offensive in Gaza. He said he then told Biden he planned to walk out of the meeting "out of respect" for his community and the Palestinians who have suffered or been killed in Gaza. "I needed to walk out of the meeting," Ahmad said. "I wanted to let them know what it feels like for somebody to say something and then walk away from them and not hear them out and not hear their response." Ahmad said Biden responded that he understood. "And, I walked away," Ahmad said. The White House initially invited Arab-American leaders to a larger iftar dinner, the traditional breaking of the fast meal during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. But several declined to go, arguing it would be inappropriate to break bread while people in Gaza face the threat of famine. President Joe Biden walks to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on March 29, 2024. Biden is heading to Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, to spend the Easter weekend. Instead, the White House held a policy meeting with Muslim leaders followed by a more intimate iftar dinner for Muslims who work in the Biden administration. "We adjusted the format to be responsive and so that we can get feedback from them," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. "This is what they wanted. And we understand that." Jean-Pierre on Wednesday said the White House understands what many in the Arab American community are feeling. "It is a deeply painful moment for many in the Arab and Muslim community," she said, adding that Biden expressed his commitment to work to secure an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and told the group that he "mourns the loss of every innocent life in this conflict." Jean-Pierre would not comment on Ahmad's decision to walk out. "We said that we would keep these conversations private. So, I'm not going to comment on any private discussions," she said. "But as I've said many times from this moment, the president respects any American's right to peacefully protest." Salima Suswell, founder and CEO of the Black Muslim Leadership Council, said she attended the White House meeting to "call upon the president face-to-face for an immediate and permanent cease-fire." "I did not make this decision lightly," Suswell said in a statement on her decision to attend. Biden faces immense pressure from young, progressive and Arab American voters as he remains steadfast in his support of Israel following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that prompted Israel's war in Gaza. The White House has increasingly been at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and his planned military operation in Rafah in southern Gaza. The meeting came after Biden expressed outrage over the death of seven humanitarian aid workers, including one American, for the nonprofit group World Central Kitchen who were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. "They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war," Biden said in a statement. "They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy." Biden said Tuesday the U.S. would continue to do all it can to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, "through all available means." The president vowed to press Israel to do more to facilitate that aid and said his administration is pushing hard for an immediate ceasefire as part of a hostage-release deal. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the White House on April 2, 2024, call for an Israeli cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Contributing: Reuters and Michael Collins, USA TODAY Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Muslim leader walks out of Ramadan meeting with Biden in war protest HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Myrtle Beach man wanted in connection to several burglaries is also accused of forcing a man to drive him to a gas station for cigarettes and then pepper spraying him, according to documents obtained by News13. Enrico Anthony Williams was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center March 28 and is charged with assault and battery third degree, three counts of attempted armed robbery, strong armed robbery, kidnapping, seven counts of shoplifting, obtaining signature or property by false pretenses, and driving under suspension. Most recently, Williams is accused of meeting a man at an apartment complex at Legacy Way and Singleton Ridge Road and pepper spraying him. Williams met the man and asked him for an apartment number. He then allegedly jumped into the mans vehicle and reached behind his waist band as if to grab a weapon, documents state. The victim said he heard a noise that sounded like a handgun being removed from the holster. Williams then demanded the man take him to Circle K gas station to get cigarettes. The victim said he feared for his safety and drove Williams to the gas station. When the two arrived at the gas station, Williams told the victim to go inside and buy him cigarettes while he waited inside the vehicle, documents state. The victim entered the store and asked an employee to use the phone to call 911. While the victim was on the phone with a 911 operator, Williams allegedly entered the store and got into an argument with the victim. Williams then pepper sprayed the victim in the face and fled the scene, documents show. Williams was last seen crossing Highway 544 proceeding down Wofford Road. Officers saturated the area and were unable to locate Wiliams. Documents show the victims injuries were photographed and the victim refused medical attention. Williams was later arrested and was also found to be connected to other burglaries in Horry County. On February 8, Williams allegedly entered Walmart on Kings Road and stole high priced items and removed merchandise protection product from the items and placed them in the cart, documents show. Williams acted as if he was checking out the items at self-checkout and attempted to leave. An employee noticed and attempted to flag him down. The employee was unable to, and Williams was eventually located by police. The total amount of items recovered was $281. 29, documents show. On February 16, Williams is accused of stealing a sewing machine and a scooter from Walmart. Williams and an unidentified female took the unpaid items out of the store but were stopped by associates. Williams told the associate that she better get out of his way, documents show. Williams and the female left the store and got into their car. The total value of merchandise stolen was $443.93. On February 25, Williams attempted to steal from Walmart again. He bypassed all registers and refused to stop for the associates at the door and left without paying. Documents show the total amount of merchandise stolen was $198. * * * Taylor Ford is a digital journalist for News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2023. Taylor is a Florence native and covers the Pee Dee out of News13s Florence Bureau. Read more of Taylors work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Naples attorney John Passidomo, husband of Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, died Wednesday from injuries he sustained Monday during a fall while hiking along a Utah trail. The 72-year-old Passidomo was airlifted to a regional trauma center after suffering head trauma and other serious injuries on a hike with his wife, Senate President Pro Tempore Dennis Baxley wrote in a memo to senators that was released Wednesday. "After a thorough evaluation by the very best medical teams," his family was told he "would not survive," Baxley wrote. His daughters "quickly traveled to Utah," where he died with them and Sen. Passidomo by his side, Baxley added. The memo explained that the Passidomos, originally from New Jersey, were law school sweethearts. They would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in September. The two had met at Stetson University Law School in Gulfport. With great sadness, President Pro Tempore Baxley provided the following update on behalf of President Passidomo. Please join us in praying the grace and peace of God, our Father, our hope and comfort in times of distress, will be with the President.https://t.co/dnWZlp9Qcj pic.twitter.com/5AuClmuXA7 Florida Senate (@FLSenate) April 3, 2024 In a 2021 interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, Sen. Passidomo explained that upon their graduation in 1979, they hooked a trailer to her Mercury Capri, grabbed their cat Kebe and headed south on old U.S. 41 to Naples. We didnt have a honeymoon. We got a U-Haul and we couldnt go faster than 50 ... and Kebe was crying the whole way, she recalled. But it was love at first sight, Passidomo said about Naples, which she described as a quaint little fishing village with roads featuring landscaped medians. In their law school courtship, the two had visited John's relatives there. After gazing at a canal opening into the Gulf, they decided it was where they would build careers and lives. Who was John Passidomo? Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo's husband dies in hiking accident John Passidomo was an elected official in City of Naples The couple would go on to have successful legal careers in Collier County. Kathleen Passidomo became the second woman to hang a shingle as a lawyer in the county; John served as President of the Collier County Bar Association. Both entered politics. John held elected office as a city council member and vice mayor of Naples in 1990-92. Kathleen won a Florida House seat in 2010, then was elected to the Senate, rising to the chamber's presidency for 2022-24. "I would say he and Kathleen are two of the finest people that ever stepped foot in Collier County and walked among our community," said former state Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, who served 2008-16. Richter referred to the two as a team that uplifted others. "You cant think of John Passidomo without a smile because he was always smiling and bringing happiness and light to other peoples lives. This is the only time that I can think about him and not smile because I am so sad," Richter told the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida. The couple had three children. One of their daughters, Gabriella, is a member of the Florida Public Service Commission, the state body that regulates and sets rates for publicly-owned utilities. John Passidomo was 'love of her life' to Kathleen Passidomo, Baxley says Kathleen Passidomo has lost the love of her life and is absolutely devastated by this sudden and unexpected accident, Baxley said. John Passidomo, Naples attorney The recent trip to Bryce Canyon National Park was one of several the two had made to Utah over their nearly five decades together, the memo said, calling their sojourns to national parks their great adventures. John Passidomo "was very fit and active, with overall excellent health," Baxley added. He was listed as an organ donor, and Baxley said the family is "taking comfort in the fact their great loss has resulted in a life-saving gift for other families." A wave of condolences from elected officials and others flooded social media on Wednesday. Gov. Ron DeSantis posted his condolences on X, noting that "he was a good man and we are praying for the Passidomo family." This embedded content is not available in your region. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Naples attorney John Passidomo dies after hiking accident in Utah A NASA probe flew straight through an explosion from the sun, and found a key clue to how solar storms form The Parker Solar Probe picked up crucial clues about our star as it flew through a coronal mass ejection. NASA's probe is circling the sun, getting ever closer as it dives into its atmosphere. The information could help us better predict solar weather, which can wreak havoc on Earth. A NASA solar probe flew straight through a powerful eruption from the sun, and in doing so, found a key clue to how solar storms form. During the event, the Parker Solar Probe managed to capture footage from "one of the most powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) ever recorded," NASA said. The findings could help us better understand these huge solar explosions, which can bring beautiful auroras to our planet, but also wreak havoc on Earth's satellites and communications. The cost of a severe solar storm to the US economy could reach up to $10 billion a day, according to Professor Peter Becker of George Mason University. "Understanding turbulence is key in achieving a deeper understanding of CME evolution and kinematics," said Evangelos Paouris a solar physicist at George Mason University and an author of a study analyzing the footage. The analysis looked at footage captured by NASA's Parker Solar probe when it flew inside a coronal mass ejection in 2021. Within this footage, scientists spotted characteristic structures called Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities (KHIs) inside the CME. KHIs are structures that appear when two rapidly moving fluids interact with each other. This creates a repeated pattern of swirls, appearing almost like a hand drawing of waves on the ocean. On Earth, they can be occasionally spotted in rare fluctus clouds in the sky. Inside CMEs, they are slightly more difficult to notice. That's partly why scientists have long hypothesized they existed inside the solar explosions but had never been able to see them. While the KHIs may not appear to many of us, scientists see them clearly in the 2021 footage from the Parker Solar Probe. "We never anticipated that KHI structures could develop to large enough scales to be imaged in visible light," said Angelos Vourlidas, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University who worked on the probe. This information can help scientists better understand how the CMEs propagate and interact with solar winds, said Paouris. And that's important. CMEs don't stay confined to the sun. When they explode, they release a burst of charged particles that can come barreling through space to hit the Earth. A 2002 coronal mass ejection. NASA The issue is that these charged particles can mess with satellites and disrupt radio communication. In combination with other solar events, CMEs could also contribute to creating a very powerful, but also very rare, solar storm, the likes of which we haven't seen for decades. With the world's reliance on electronics today, it's still not clear how that kind of solar storm could affect our infrastructure. The problem is that CMEs are highly unpredictable, and they can take as little as a few hours to reach the Earth. So knowing how better to predict them and anticipate these types of events is crucial. An illustration of the Parker Solar Probe flying through the sun's searing-hot corona and withstanding blasts of solar wind particles. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Scientists expect to learn more about the sun as the Parker Solar Probe continues its investigations. The spacecraft became the first human-made object to fly through the solar corona in 2021 and is circling the sun closer in each orbit. It uses 4.5-inch-thick carbon composite heat shield to protect it from the intense heat of the sun, withstanding temperatures up to nearly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. By the end of 2024, it is expected to make its closest approach to the sun, zooming about 3.8 million miles from its surface. The study was published in the peer-reviewed Astrophysical Journal on March 27. Read the original article on Business Insider A grey scale rectangle moves around a black screen following the motion of a camera in space as particles fly by. Every so often, the sun's simmering magnetic field burps colossal clouds of plasma out into the space beyond. These are called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). If one CME strikes Earth, for example, the result can be spectacular auroras and, just-as-spectacular disruptions of electrical grids and satellites. Now, NASA's Parker Solar Probe has gotten a first-ever peek inside a CME as it erupted from the sun. And what lies inside appears to be a treasure trove for solar physicists. The probe's visible-light-detecting, Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe (WISPR) instrument caught clear, turbulent eddies within the CME. The eddies are what physicists call Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities (KHI). Physicists think KHI events occur whenever one patch of fast-moving fluid interacts with another. On Earth, KHI occurs in clouds when the wind speed at one end of the cloud is different from that at the other end. Related: NASA's Parker Solar Probe smashes record for fastest human-made object Solar physicists have inferred that KHI exist in CMEs, as plasma in a CME moves at odds with the background solar wind . But they have never had the proper equipment, in the proper place, to observe the phenomena. "The turbulence that gives rise to KHI plays a fundamental role in regulating the dynamics of CMEs flowing through the ambient solar wind," said Evangelos Paouris, a solar physicist at George Mason University, in a statement . "Hence, understanding turbulence is key in achieving a deeper understanding of CME evolution and kinematics." The Parker Solar Probe launched on Aug. 12, 2018. Since then, the probe's elliptical orbit has allowed it to enter the sun's corona closer than ever before in essence, becoming the first human-made object to enter the sun's outer atmosphere, just 11.5 solar radii from the sun's surface. Related Stories: Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter team up to tackle 65-year-old sun mystery NASA's Parker Solar Probe flies through major coronal mass ejection and survives to tell the tale NASA's daring Parker Solar Probe spacecraft zips past the sun again And, even now, Parker Solar Probe has not entered its final orbit. The probe has repeatedly flown past Venus in order to use the planet's gravity to boost its speed and tighten its orbit around the sun. In November of this year, the probe will fly past Venus a seventh time , tightening its loop about the sun yet again allowing it to pass within just 9.5 solar radii from the sun in 2025 and beyond. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Metro Nashville Police Department is continuing to try to track down a number of wanted fugitives some of whom are among the citys Most Wanted due to the violent nature of their alleged crimes. The police departments list of Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives is updated every Wednesday on the Criminal Warrants Divisions Facebook page. Officials said those featured on the list are often considered to be some of the most violent offenders in the city. Crime in Nashville: Property crime on the rise, violent offenses decreasing Of the suspects on this weeks list, almost half are wanted on homicide, attempted homicide or murder charges. The rest of Nashvilles Most Wanted suspects are accused of crimes such as rape, child abuse, burglary and aggravated assault. Police have been trying to track down most of the people on this weeks list for months, or in some cases, years. A few suspects have recently been added back to the list after being indicted by a grand jury, including Ladonte Groves, who is accused of multiple sex crimes. While the search for these suspects continues, the Most Wanted list has aided police in several arrests. In total, at least 96 Most Wanted fugitives have been taken into custody since the program was launched in October 2022 14 of which have been within the last few months. High-speed pursuit leads to arrest of man wanted for multiple assaults on Nashville women Aaron Dewayne Newsome was on the run for over a year before authorities said he was taken into custody on Feb. 28. Newsome is accused of assaulting multiple women, and in one instance, threatening to shoot the victim in the head. According to investigators, tips from the public have been vital in several Most Wanted arrests. Below is a list of the suspects who made the police departments Top 10 Most Wanted list the week of April 3. 1. Lagarrion L. Blacksmith Lagarrion Blacksmith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) At number one, Lagarrion Blacksmith, 34, is considered this weeks Top Most Wanted fugitive, according to the MNPD. Blacksmith has remained at the top of the list for several months as police continue to try to track him down. He was initially added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 29, 2023, after investigators said they were able to connect him to a deadly shooting that took place outside a Dickerson Pike bar last year. Officers found 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins lying on the ground just outside of Trvth Lounge on Feb. 18, 2023. He had been shot and later died at the scene. Another man who had also been hit by the gunfire was able to give officers an account of what happened. RELATED: Man wanted for homicide, other charges following fatal February shooting on Dickerson Pike According to police, the injured man told them he and Eddins had gotten into an argument with the suspect inside of the bar. Then, shots were fired as they left the location. At the time, the identity of the alleged shooter was unclear. Months later, investigators announced Blacksmith had been identified as a suspect. On Nov. 22, 2023, officials said arrest warrants had been issued against Blacksmith for criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and felon in possession of a handgun. However, efforts to locate him have reportedly been unsuccessful. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. 2. Raceme Crutcher Raceme Crutcher (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Police have been looking for Raceme Crutcher, 22, since July 2023, when he was named as one of two suspects in a deadly Fourth of July shooting. Officials said the shooting happened at the Fallbrook Apartments on Dellway Villa Road. Etabo Malanda, 16, was reportedly standing on the porch of an apartment when two armed individuals came from around the corner and confronted him. RELATED: Teen killed in shooting at East Nashville apartment complex Malanda allegedly tried to pull out a pistol that was inside his hoodie, but he was shot. Police said he died shortly after he was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. According to investigators, four guns were recovered from the apartment, including one that was reported stolen. Crutcher and 17-year-old Jaylin Brown were reportedly connected to the crime through witness accounts. Investigators also obtained surveillance footage and additional information from community members that they said pointed to Crutcher and Brown as suspects in the case. Officials believe the motive may have been an ongoing dispute between the suspects and Malanda. SEE ALSO: Teen wanted in connection with deadly Fourth of July shooting arrested Brown was taken into custody on Aug. 31, 2023, after police reportedly caught him driving a stolen car. However, authorities said Crutcher is still on the run. He was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 15, 2023. His last location is unknown. 3. Kejuan Jordan-Cole Kejuan Jordan-Cole (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Kejuan Jordan-Cole, 22, is believed to be one of seven suspects involved in another deadly shooting on the Fourth of July, according to officials. RELATED: Man dead after 7 people reportedly shot at him on Buena Vista Pike Investigators said the victim, 27-year-old Christopher L. Harris, was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside his vehicle on Buena Vista Pike. Witnesses told police a group of young men approached Harris and around seven of them opened fire. Harris was reportedly struck by the gunfire while standing next to his vehicle. Officers told News 2 as many as 100 rounds may have been fired during the incident. The suspects one of whom appeared to be shooting a rifle left the scene in three separate vehicles, officials reported. Since the shooting, authorities have arrested and charged 16-year-old Jaden Wright, 17-year-old Erion Nesbitt, 16-year-old Kentrell Baugh and 23-year-old Deandre Jordan. SEE ALSO: Metro police arrest 4th of 7 suspects from deadly July 4 shooting in Bordeaux However, police said Jordan-Cole, who was identified as a suspect on Aug. 16, 2023, is still on the run. The charges against him include criminal homicide and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was added to the list on Dec. 13, 2023. Officials said his last location is unknown. 4. Michael A. Yarlett Michael A. Yarlett (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Michael Yarlett, 28, is wanted on three counts of aided and abetted rape, according to police. Court documents indicate he is one of two suspects in the incident, which happened in September 2022. Yarlett was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 22, 2023. Officials said his last location is unknown. 5. Ladonte J. Groves Ladonte Groves (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Ladonte Groves, 23, was added back to the list this week after first being featured among Nashvilles Most Wanted on Aug. 16, 2023. Police said Groves has since been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges related to alleged sex crimes. The charges against him include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual battery and one count of domestic assault. Authorities said Groves was last seen in the East Nashville area. However, efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful. 6. Cameron J. Glenn Cameron Glenn (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) While he was added to the list in February, this isnt the first time Cameron Glenn, 42, has appeared among Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives. Glenn was initially added to the list in November 2022 following several alleged domestic violence incidents involving the same victim. Glenn was accused of strangling and beating the woman on three separate occasions, causing visible injuries to her face, including redness, abrasions and a missing tooth. In one incident, authorities said Glenn pulled out a gun and threatened to kill her if she didnt do what he said. PREVIOUS: Man accused of beating, threatening to kill woman arrested after 6-month search Glenn was on the run until May 1, 2023, when officers found him at an apartment in the James Cayce neighborhood. After his arrest, Glenn was being held on a $60,000 bond. However, court records show many of the charges Glenn was initially arrested for have since been dismissed. Now, police are looking for Glenn again following a grand jury indictment. The charges hes been indicted on include aggravated assault with serious bodily injury, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault by strangulation, child abuse, domestic assault and interference with an emergency call. Authorities said his last location is unknown. 7. Aury T. Newsom Aury Newsom (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Aury Newsom, 24, was added back to the list on March 13 more than a year after police began searching for him in connection with multiple outstanding warrants. He first appeared on the Most Wanted list about a month after the program was launched in October 2022. At the time, he was listed as Nashvilles Top Most Wanted fugitive. However, he has reportedly continued to evade police. SEE ALSO: Man sought for shooting girlfriend in East Nashville apartment with baby present Officials said Newsom has now been indicted by a grand jury. The charges against him include eight counts of burglary, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated child endangerment, reckless endangerment and vandalism. According to police, Newsom was involved in a shooting in May 2022 that left his girlfriend seriously injured. Investigators said he shot the woman twice in the upper leg while she was holding their 3-month-old baby. The woman ultimately survived her injuries, and the baby was not injured. Authorities said Newsom was last seen in East Nashville. 8. Jennifer Urbina Jennifer Urbina (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Jennifer Urbina, 42, was added to the list last week. Police said Urbina is wanted for three counts of child abuse involving a child 8 years old or younger, as well as one count of aggravated child neglect involving a child 8 years old or younger. She was last seen in Madison. 9. Ricky C. Roach Ricky Roach (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Ricky Roach, 43, who was the subject of a massive manhunt in Cheatham County in 2022, is wanted by police after being indicted on multiple charges out of Davidson County. Those charges include aggravated burglary, aggravated burglary acting in concert and theft of property less than $250,000. Court records show those offenses date back to March 4, 2022 only about two months before he escaped from corrections officers at an Ashland City hospital. At the time, Roach was reportedly serving jail time in Cheatham County for a parole violation. Cheatham County court records indicate that Roach has previously pled guilty to charges for robbery, assault, theft and contempt of court. SEE ALSO: New details released after escapees arrest caught on camera After hours of searching, the May 26, 2022, manhunt ended when a reserve off duty Ashland City police officer spotted Roach and held him at gunpoint until other officers arrived. Following his arrest, Cheatham County Sheriffs Office Lt. Ken Miller told News 2, Ive been dealing with Mr. Roach for quite some time, pretty much my whole career here actually. Now, Metro Nashville police are looking for Roach in connection with more alleged crimes across county lines. Authorities said his last location is unknown. 10. Joseph Cavaleri Joseph Cavaleri (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Joseph Cavaleri, 39, is wanted by the MNPD on outstanding warrants for five counts of burglary, three counts of theft of property, criminal impersonation, and four counts of failure to appear. Cavaleri was added to the list on Feb. 7. Authorities said he was last seen in the Central precinct. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Democrats highlighted searing personal stories and delivered impassioned political broadsides Tuesday as they sought to capitalize on a pair of abortion rulings delivered a day earlier by the Florida Supreme Court. And, they warned of even more fallout from court rulings and legislative actions. First, they said, is the ban on almost all abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy, a Florida law that goes into effect in four weeks, on May 1, as a result of one of the state Supreme Court rulings. Next, they asserted, right-wing MAGA extremist politicians will stop families from using in vitro fertilization, or IVF. After that, they declared, Republicans would move on to restricting access to contraception. Floridas six-week abortion ban is cruel, its dangerous and its extreme. Floridas six-week abortion ban will cost lives and it will hurt the health, the safety and the well-being of the women of this great state. Floridas six-week abortion ban is an assault on freedom. Its an assault on liberty and its an assault on the dignity of the women of this state, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said in Fort Lauderdale. Jeffries, who would become House speaker if Democrats win control in the November elections, was in South Florida on the first day of a multi-pronged effort by Democrats to use the Florida Supreme Court abortion decisions to mobilize voter turnout this fall. Make no mistake about it: Freedom itself is on the ballot on November 5th in Florida, Jeffries said, decrying what he said has been the impact of extremists in Tallahassee, extremists on the Florida Supreme Court, extremists in Washington, and those who were put on the United States Supreme Court by MAGA extremists. Democrats on offense The Democrats were on the offensive Tuesday in Florida on multiple fronts something theyve rarely managed to pull off in recent years as their political fortunes have gone into freefall. Jeffries and seven other Democratic members of Congress, from Florida and elsewhere, held a field hearing to alert people to the coming six-week abortion ban and the referendum on the November election ballot that would reverse that ban if voters approve enshrining abortion rights in the Florida Constitution. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, organized the hearing not knowing exactly when or how the Florida Supreme Court would rule. On Monday it OKd a ban on almost all abortions after 15 weeks, a decision that automatically greenlights the coming six-week restriction. The Supreme Court also allowed the proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot. In a statement issued Tuesday by the White House, President Joe Biden said the Florida Supreme Courts extreme decision puts desperately needed medical care even further out of reach for millions of women in Florida and across the South. Floridas bans like those put forward by Republican elected officials across the country are putting the health and lives of millions of women at risk. And the administration dispatched Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to Fort Lauderdale to join the abortion-rights effort. Women in America should not be living in medical apartheid, Becerra said. In a Biden campaign conference call, campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said the six-week ban could help mobilize voters. We do see more and more Americans sort of standing up and saying and declaring that they dont want politicians interfering with some of these most personal decisions between them and their doctors, them and their families that we know are really critical, she said. That doesnt mean Florida is seen as fertile political territory for Biden. In terms of just Florida and the campaign, look, were clear-eyed about how hard it will be to win Florida, Chavez Rodriguez said. But we also know that Trump does not have it in the bag. Testimony At the hearing, a range of witnesses brought forward personal stories about anything that interferes with an individuals decision on whether to have an abortion, or on other reproductive health issues, such as IVF. Deborah Dorbert, of Lakeland, described her harrowing experience that began with what seemed like a routine visit to her physician the day before Thanksgiving in 2022 when she was pregnant. Everything was going smoothly with my pregnancy besides experiencing the normal symptoms of morning sickness and being tired, she said. The technician performing the screening had a troubled look on her face and summoned the obstetrician. The doctor informed Dorbert that her babys kidneys didnt develop, meaning that the child would only live a short time after birth. Despite medical advice, she said doctors told her the pregnancy couldnt be ended because of the 2022 state law banning most abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy, and she was told she would have to carry the baby to full term. The next few months were the hardest times of my life, she testified. At 37 weeks, labor was induced. I held him in my arms and he passed away after 94 minutes, she said. Even though the baby had a life-threatening condition, until my life was on the line, I couldnt get induced, she said. The condition meant there was no amniotic fluid, making the pregnancy extremely painful because there was no cushion for the fetus in her body. The effects are with the family almost a year and a half later. Weve all really struggled with our mental health, she said. Sandra Elidor, a Broward resident, turned to IVF because of endometriosis, in which uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus and makes pregnancy difficult. When the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in February that embryos created through IVF should be considered children, it created nationwide turmoil, Elidor said. Many of us were scared, she said, and some stopped IFV treatments. Decisions on IVF should not be the governments decision to make, she said. Dr. Ian Bishop, an obstetrician-gynecologist and assistant professor and director of family planning at the University of Miami Health System, warned the new restrictions would cost lives and impact the health care of many Floridians. (Bishop said he was speaking for himself, not the university.) He said he is compelled by my conscience to provide abortion services to women who need them. But being squeezed between state law and his medical responsibility to care for his patients has changed his practice. Nor being able to help the person in front of me as I hold their hand is devastating, he said. Bishop also told the lawmakers that federal protections for abortion rights are needed. My patients need your help. Bishop said women would absolutely die as a result of Floridas ban on most abortions after six weeks if women are forced to continue potentially dangerous pregnancies. Bishop said the restrictions would have profound implications for medical education. Some prospective doctors will go to other states for training, not wanting their education limited. Democrats framed the issue as one of extreme Republicans meddling in decisions that should be between women and their doctors. Right-wing MAGA extremist politicians in Tallahassee inflicted an abortion ban on Florida women, Wasserman Schultz. They want to insert themselves in our most personal difficult health care decisions. The audience of about 125 people was mostly invited Democrats and congressional staffers. Besides the members of Congress including Floridians Kathy Castor, Maxwell Frost, Jared Moskowitz and Darren Soto several Democratic state senators and representatives were present. The all-Democratic congressional hearing was technically official government business. Jeffries and Wasserman Schultz said it wasnt a partisan effort. Our concern at this moment is not electoral politics, Jeffries said. Faulting Republicans Democrats faulted former President Donald Trump for nominating the Supreme Court justices who provided the votes needed for the courts conservative bloc to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that had guaranteed abortion rights in the U.S. for five decades. Donald Trump cannot run, cannot hide from the fact that he appointed three justices with the intent that he achieved by overturning Roe v. Wade and tearing away womens reproductive freedom and forcing the government in the midst of deeply private personal health care decisions, Wasserman Schultz said. U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Parkland, pointed to the three most recent state Supreme Court justices appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. They voted to uphold the ban on almost all abortions after six weeks, and voted against allowing the proposed constitutional amendment on the Florida ballot. He said that is telling about where the Supreme Court is going, and suggested voters remember, and express their disapproval of the justices when they are up for retention votes in the November election. Republicans respond Republicans dismissed the Democrats predictions of doom. We agree with the three women on the Court who got it right in dissent. This amendment is misleading and will confuse voters. The language hides the amendments true purpose of mandating that abortions be permitted up to the time of birth, Julia Friedland, the governors deputy press secretary, said via email. Evan Power, chair of the Florida Republican Party, said Democrats are the ones with an extreme agenda. The only thing extreme about Florida Republicans is the amount of winning we do. This was an issue in 2022 and Republicans won by record numbers. This is just a sad attempt for Democrats to try and fake enthusiasm for their radical agenda that has seen them be on the losing end of a shift of voters moving away from the Democratic Party and toward the Republican Party, Power said via text. Florida state House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, said the proposed constitutional amendment is not what it seems. Abortion activists have spent millions putting an extreme amendment on Floridas ballot, he said in a statement. Amendment 4 would make Floridas abortion laws more liberal than countries throughout Europe and eliminate existing laws that most people on both sides of the abortion issue agree on like parental consent for minors and any restrictions on late-term abortions. We are confident that when the people of Florida learn what this amendment does, they will vote NO on Amendment 4. Democrats said Renner was exaggerating the effects of the amendments. State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, said Monday in a news conference after the Supreme Courts rulings that people need to have the conversation about how extreme this amendment truly is. This amendment rolls us back to the dark ages before advancements in science and medicine before Roe vs. Wade. It is broad. It is far-reaching. It is dangerous. It is wrong for Florida. U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, a Central Florida Democrat, predicted voters especially women would respond differently in November. The Florida Supreme Court slammed the door shut on reproductive freedom for millions of Florida women, he said. But then they handed the keys over to women to decide in November. _____ (Staff writer Abigail Hasebroock contributed to this report.) _____ Native American Actor Cole Brings Plenty is Still Missing; Police Want to Arrest Him Update. As of late Tuesday, both the family of Cole Brings Plenty (Mnicouju Lakota) and the Lawrence Police were seeking the whereabouts of the 27-year-old actor who was last seen traveling southbound on 59 Highway in Lawrence, Kansas in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday. On Tuesday, the Lawrence Police said in a statement posted on its Facebook page it has submitted an affidavit to the District Attorney for the arrest of Cole after an incident Sunday morning at an apartment in Lawrence. The reason for the arrest affidavit was listed as domestic violence. According to the statement, law enforcement officers responded to reports of a female screaming for help at an apartment complex. By the time officers arrived, the suspect fled the scene. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. An investigation of the incident identified Cole as the person who fled the apartment. On Monday, Cole's family contacted the Lawrence Police and listed him as a missing person. His family became concerned because he when could not be contacted by his cell phone, which is reportedly off, and failed to show up for a meeting with his agent on Monday. Cole plays Pete Plenty Clouds in the Yellowstone spinoff television show 1923. He is the nephew of famed Native American actor Mo Brings Plenty. The Kansas City Indian Center is assisting in the search for Cole by spreading information and missing person fliers. Executive Director Gaylene Crouser (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) told Native News Online that they are in contact with Cole's family, who are not local to the Lawrence area and live in South Dakota. Cole was last known to be driving the 2005 Ford Explorer bearing Kansas license plate 368PXB. If you see Cole Brings Plenty or his vehicle, call 911 or you can make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785)843-8477. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net A general view of the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting. Foreign ministers from NATO's 32 member states will meet in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the alliance's support for Ukraine as well as future relations with Russia. -/NATO/dpa Foreign ministers from NATO's 32 member states will meet in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the alliance's support for Ukraine as well as future relations with Russia. How to help Ukraine best defend against Russia is the main issue, with a military support package worth 100 billion ($108 billion) over the next five years up for discussion, according to multiple diplomats. A second part of the alliance's plans to bolster support for Ukraine for the long-term involves a new NATO mission to coordinate deliveries of military aid and training for the Ukrainian military. So far the United States has assumed the primary role of coordinating arms deliveries to Ukraine through a body known as the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Proposed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, according to diplomats, the idea is to make alliance support for Ukraine less dependent on political events in individual allies like the US. The two-day meeting at NATO headquarters comes ahead of a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Western alliance's foundation on Thursday. NATO flew in the alliance's original treaty from Washington for the anniversary with the document's delivery receiving a police escort . The 75th anniversary comes when the threat from Russia towards NATO is at its highest level since the Cold War with the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hanging over the meeting is the question of who will succeed Stoltenberg as NATO secretary general. Most NATO members back Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. However the winning candidate needs the support of all allies. Hungary opposes Rutte and Turkey yet to back him. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has also nominated himself. A general view of the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting. Foreign ministers from NATO's 32 member states will meet in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the alliance's support for Ukraine as well as future relations with Russia. -/NATO/dpa Foreign ministers from NATO's 32 member states met in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss a proposed 100 billion ($108 billion) fund for long-term military support to Ukraine. "The secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, has proposed creating an envelope of 100 billion over five years," Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib told reporters ahead of the meeting at NATO headquarters. "We'll analyse the feasibility of this proposal." At the moment, NATO itself is not officially providing any lethal aid to Ukraine's defensive war against Russia's invasion of its territory. Instead, NATO member states have been coordinating military aid through the Ukraine Contact Group, an initiative chaired by the United States. But a proposal from Stoltenberg would see that role transferred to NATO proper, along with creating a 100 billion five-year fund fund Ukraine. "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for a long haul so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges," he said. Diplomats say the proposal is intended to protect the support provided by the Ukraine Contact Group from former United States president Donald Trump, who could be returned to the White House by elections due to be held in November. There are doubts about Trump's willingness to support Ukraine in the long term, particularly after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally, said the former president "will not give a penny" to the Ukrainian war effort. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, however, Stoltenberg refused to be drawn on whether his proposal had anything to do with the possible return of Trump. He said the point is to make military aid to Ukraine more stable and predictable. "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for a long haul so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges," he said. "NATO allies provide 99% of all military support to Ukraine. Doing more under NATO would make our efforts more efficient and more effective. Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out." Lahbib said that there'll be no decision on the proposal at this week's two-day meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, but that it will be discussed in preparation for a NATO summit to be held in Washington in July. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno and his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, both said it was important to ensure there's no duplication of efforts between NATO and the EU, which has an off-budget fund for Ukraine military aid. "We can evaluate it [the proposed fund], of course, but I believe that what we must not do in any case is duplicate efforts," Albares said. "We must not duplicate bilaterally what can best be done jointly in the European Union and we must not duplicate in NATO what the European Union does." The two-day NATO meeting is the first with Sweden participating as a full member of the alliance, having finally joined on March 7. The second day of the meeting, Thursday, will feature a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of NATO's formation. NATO flew in the alliance's original founding North Atlantic Treaty from Washington specially for the anniversary. The document was brought to NATO headquarters with a police escort. The 75th anniversary comes when the threat from Russia towards NATO is at its highest level since the Cold War with the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hanging over the meeting is the question of who will succeed Stoltenberg as NATO secretary general. Most NATO members back Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. However the winning candidate needs the support of all allies. Hungary opposes Rutte and Turkey yet to back him. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has also put himself forward the position. Also on the agenda for Thursday is a meeting between NATO foreign ministers and their counterparts from four allied non-NATO members in the Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell will also attend. NATO foreign ministers will discuss a proposed 100 billion ($108 billion) fund for long-term military support to Ukraine. "The secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, has proposed creating an envelope of 100 billion over five years," Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib told reporters ahead of a NATO foreign minister's meeting in Brussels on Wednesday. "We'll analyse the feasibility of this proposal." Lahbib said that there'll be no decision on the proposal at this week's two-day meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, but that it will be discussed in preparation for a NATO summit to be held in Washington in July. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno and his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, both said it was important to ensure there's no duplication of efforts between NATO and the EU, which has an off-budget fund for Ukraine military aid. "We can evaluate it [the proposed fund], of course, but I believe that what we must not do in any case is duplicate efforts." Albares said. "We must not duplicate bilaterally what can best be done jointly in the European Union and we must not duplicate in NATO what the European Union does." A general view during the NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. -/NATO/dpa Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib arrives before the start of the NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. -/NATO/dpa Foreign ministers from NATO's 32 member states met in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss a proposed 100 billion ($108 billion) fund for long-term military support to Ukraine. "The secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, has proposed creating an envelope of 100 billion over five years," Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib told reporters ahead of the meeting at NATO headquarters. "We'll analyse the feasibility of this proposal." At the moment, NATO itself is not officially providing any lethal aid to Ukraine's defensive war against Russia's invasion of its territory. Instead, NATO member states have been coordinating military aid through the Ukraine Contact Group, an initiative chaired by the United States. But a proposal from Stoltenberg would see that role transferred to NATO proper, along with creating a 100 billion five-year fund for Ukraine. "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for a long haul so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges," he said. In a press conference on Wednesday following the first day of the two-day meeting, Stoltenberg said that NATO taking responsibility for the aid does not make it a party to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. "NATO is and will remain a defensive alliance," he said. "This is a war of aggression by Russia invading another country, violating international law. Then Ukraine has the right, according to international law, to defend itself. We, as friends of Ukraine, we have the right to support Ukraine in upholding the right for self-defense, also based on international law. That doesn't make us party to the conflict." Diplomats say the proposal is intended to protect the support provided by the Ukraine Contact Group from former US president Donald Trump, who could be returned to the White House by elections due to be held in November. There are doubts about Trump's willingness to support Ukraine in the long term, particularly after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally, said the former president "will not give a penny" to the Ukrainian war effort. Speaking to the press ahead of the meeting, however, Stoltenberg refused to be drawn on whether his proposal had anything to do with the possible return of Trump. He said the point is to make military aid to Ukraine more stable and predictable. "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for a long haul so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges," he said. "NATO allies provide 99% of all military support to Ukraine. Doing more under NATO would make our efforts more efficient and more effective. Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out." Lahbib said that there'll be no decision on the proposal at this week's two-day meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, but that it will be discussed in preparation for a NATO summit to be held in Washington in July. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno and his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, both said it was important to ensure there's no duplication of efforts between NATO and the EU, which has an off-budget fund for Ukraine military aid. "We can evaluate it [the proposed fund], of course, but I believe that what we must not do in any case is duplicate efforts," Albares said. "We must not duplicate bilaterally what can best be done jointly in the European Union and we must not duplicate in NATO what the European Union does." In a speech at the end of the first day of discussions, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there was a need "to ensure that everyone is picking up their share of the burden." The United States accounts for the lion's share of military spending within the alliance, and all member states have pledged to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defence. "Today, two-thirds of NATO allies are spending 2% of GDP on defence," Stoltenberg said. The two-day NATO meeting is the first with Sweden participating as a full member of the alliance, having finally joined on March 7. The second day of the meeting, Thursday, will feature a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of NATO's formation. NATO flew in the alliance's original founding North Atlantic Treaty from Washington specially for the anniversary. The document was brought to NATO headquarters with a police escort. The 75th anniversary comes when the threat from Russia towards NATO is at its highest level since the Cold War with the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hanging over the meeting is the question of who will succeed Stoltenberg as NATO secretary general. Most NATO members back Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. However the winning candidate needs the support of all allies. Hungary opposes Rutte and Turkey yet to back him. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has also put himself forward the position. A general view during the NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. -/NATO/dpa NATO could take formal responsibility for coordinating military support to Ukraine from its member states, the alliance's secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said on Wednesday. "Ministers will discuss how NATO could assume more responsibility for coordinating military equipment and training for Ukraine, anchoring this within a robust NATO framework," Stoltenberg told reporters ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. At the moment, NATO itself is not officially providing any lethal aid to Ukraine's defensive war against Russia's invasion of its territory. Instead, NATO member states have been coordinating military aid through something called the Ukraine Contact Group, chaired by the United States - an arrangement known as the "Ramstein format." But on Wednesday NATO foreign ministers will discuss a proposal from Stoltenberg to transfer responsibility for coordinating lethal aid from the Ukraine Contact Group to NATO proper. The point of the proposal is to make such aid to Ukraine more stable and predictable, Stoltenberg said. "We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for a long haul so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges," he said. "NATO allies provide 99% of all military support to Ukraine. Doing more under NATO would make our efforts more efficient and more effective. Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out." NATO ministers in Brussels will not make final decision on US$100bn fund for Ukraine Discussions on establishing a new multi-year fund to support Ukraine within the North Atlantic Alliance are expected to continue until the NATO summit in Washington in July this year. Source: European Pravda, citing a NATO official who spoke on condition of anonymity Details: The source said NATO foreign ministers, who are gathering in Brussels on 3-4 April, "will discuss the best way to organise NATO's support for Ukraine to make it more powerful, predictable and lasting." "No final decisions will be made at the April ministerial, and discussions will continue as the Washington summit in July approaches," the official added. The sources comments addressed media reports suggesting that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is proposing the creation of a five-year, US$100 billion fund to support Ukraine. Background: The fund will likely be created as a follow-up to the decision by NATO leaders at the Vilnius summit to transform what is known as the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine into a multi-year programme to support Kyiv on its path to membership. As part of this initiative, NATO may also take over the operational responsibilities of the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein format), which coordinates the supply of weapons to Kyiv. Support UP or become our patron! Speaking ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels on Wednesday, secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said ministers would mull a multi-year financial pledge for Ukraine "to sustain our support" which he said needed to focus "less on short-term "voluntary contributions" and more on longer-term NATO commitments. Photo by Olivier Hoslet/EPA-EFE April 3 (UPI) -- NATO defense and foreign ministers were set to discuss a multi-year military funding package for Ukraine during a meeting of the mutual defense alliance in Brussels Wednesday. Speaking ahead of the two-day conference secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said ministers would weigh the longer-term financial pledge "to sustain our support" which he said needed to focus less on short-term "voluntary contributions" and more on multi-year NATO commitments. "Ukraine has urgent needs. Any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield as we speak," Stoltenberg said. "So we need to shift the dynamics of our support." Stoltenberg was expected to propose a $107 billion five-year plan with NATO leaders expected to finalize the details Wednesday, Politico reported. It wasn't immediately clear how the plan would be funded, but one proposal is to borrow NATO's existing means-based funding formula under which member states pay in a percentage derived from their gross national income. Stoltenberg refused to confirm the figures in the plan and played down expectations of a breakthrough on Wednesday or Thursday. "We are transforming NATO's comprehensive assistance package into a multi-year program of assistance. This ministerial will set the stage for achieving consensus on these issues as we prepare for the Washington Summit [in July]," Stoltenberg said. "The reason why we do this is the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is serious. We see Russia is pushing and we see how they try to win this war by just waiting us out. "We need to answer by sending a clear message of practical support, financial support, and an institutional framework that ensures that we are there for the long haul to be able to end the war." Stoltenberg said that with NATO allies already accounting for 99% of all military support to Ukraine expanding that assistance under NATO would make their efforts more efficient and more effective. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron called on the allies to ramp up their defense spending -- but did not address the Ukraine multi-year funding plan. "The most important thing we can do to make sure this alliance continues to grow and continues to strengthen is to ensure that we all spend over 2% of our GDP on defense," he said as he arrived at NATO headquarters. "Many more countries are now doing that, but we need every country to do that. "Frankly, that's the best thing we can do to make sure the NATO summit in Washington this summer is a success, and it's also the best way to prepare for the American elections in the autumn, whatever their outcome may be," Cameron said referring to threats by presidential hopeful Donald Trump to pull the United States out of NATO unless 'delinquent' members pick up their share of the tab. The Polish and Canadian foreign ministers, Radek Sikorski and Melanie Joly both expressed support for the secretary-general's efforts. "Putin thought that he would divide us; now we're stronger than ever," Joly said. "We know also we have to continue to invest in supporting militarily and at all levels Ukraine," she said. NATO's annual budget for 2023 to 2024 was, however, far short of the $107 billion at a little over $5 billion. With a $60 billion U.S. military aid package stalled in Congress for the past four months, the effort is part of a drive for the alliance to step up and assume more responsibility for arming Ukraine in place of the current multilateral U.S.-led effort coordinating the delivery of military assistance. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the allies must ensure long-term support for Ukraine amid discussions on a 100 billion fund. Source: Stoltenberg, before the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Brussels, as European Pravda reports Stoltenberg said that support should become more predictable and less focused on voluntary contributions. Quote: "We need to shift the dynamics of our support. We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul. So that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments. Less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges," Stoltenberg said. Therefore, he said, foreign ministers will discuss how NATO can demonstrate greater responsibility in coordinating the provision of military equipment and training to Ukraine. "We will also discuss a multi-year financial commitment to sustain our support," he said. Stoltenberg added that this ministerial meeting will be an opportunity to build consensus on these issues amid preparations for the Washington summit. Background: Reportedly, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg proposes to establish a US$100 billion fund of allied contributions for Ukraine over five years as part of a package that alliance leaders will approve when they meet in Washington in July. According to European Pravda, discussions on the creation of a new multi-year fund to support Ukraine within the North Atlantic Alliance are expected to continue until the NATO summit. Support UP or become our patron! NATO seeks accord on more robust support to Ukraine to show Russia cannot win war FILE PHOTO: NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg gives press conference to present NATO's annual report in Brussels BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday the members states will discuss an accord to increase support to Ukraine in a more predictable way to send the message to Russia that it cannot win the war. At the start of a NATO summit in Brussels, Stoltenberg told reporters that Ukraine needs more and new money from NATO over many years. However, he declined to comment on a possible $100 billion aid fund for Ukraine specifically. (Reporting by John Irish and Inti Landauro; Editing by GV De Clercq) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stressed the importance of preparing a roadmap for Ukraine's accession to NATO ahead of the 75th-anniversary summit in Washington in July. Source: Blinken during a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne Details: Blinken emphasised that Ukraine will become a NATO member, as the allies stated at the Vilnius summit. The official added that the issue lies in developing a good and clear roadmap to reach this conclusion. "And I believe that the NATO summit for the 75th anniversary will indeed be highly focused, and quite concretely, as to how we can establish this roadmap. Or to use another image, the bridge the necessary bridge to allow Ukraine to become a member of NATO," Blinken stated. Background: On 3-4 April, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will reportedly meet with over a dozen Western counterparts at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, as well as hold talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Kuleba's visit will take place during the NATO Foreign Ministers' Council to mark the 75th anniversary of the Alliance, which will be the first such meeting for Sweden as a full member. An extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council was held in Brussels on Thursday, 28 April. The meeting was convened at Kyiv's initiative due to Russia's recent large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure. Support UP or become our patron! NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks with the media as he arrives for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. NATO foreign ministers gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to debate plans to provide more predictable, longer-term support to Ukraine. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) BRUSSELS (AP) NATO is debating a plan to provide more predictable military support to Ukraine in coming years as better armed Russian troops assert control on the battlefield, the organizations top civilian official said Wednesday. We strongly believe that support to Ukraine should be less dependent on short-term, voluntary offers and more dependent on long-term NATO commitments, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said before chairing a meeting of the alliances foreign ministers in Brussels. Earlier on Wednesday, Ukraine lowered the military conscription age from 27 to 25 to help replenish its depleted ranks after more than two years of war. A shortage of infantry combined with a severe ammunition shortfall has helped hand Russian troops the initiative. The reason why we do this is the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is serious, Stoltenberg told reporters. We see how Russia is pushing, and we see how they try to win this war by just waiting us out. The plan is to have NATO coordinate the work of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group a forum of around 50 countries that has regularly gathered during the war to drum up weapons and ammunition for Ukraine rather than the U.S. European Command. U.S. Gen. Christopher Cavoli is NATOs top military commander as well as the head of U.S. European Command, so the person in charge would not change. But Stoltenberg said a formal institutional framework is needed as the war drags on and that NATO can provide it. While the move would not see NATO directly providing weapons to Ukraine as an organization with 32 members that functions by consensus, the allies only agree to send non-lethal aid like demining equipment, fuel and medical supplies - it would mark a new phase in its involvement in the war. NATO is desperate to do more for Ukraine, particularly while Russia holds a military advantage, but its members are not ready to offer the country their ultimate security guarantee: membership. Nor do they want to be dragged into a wider war with a nuclear-armed military power like Russia. Under the new plan, which is expected to be endorsed by U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts at their next summit in Washington in July, NATO would coordinate the military side of Ukraine support efforts by assessing Ukraines needs, collecting pledges and running meetings. The Financial Times newspaper reported that the multi-year plan could involve up to $100 billion, but Stoltenberg declined to provide details. Western pledges of support to Ukraine have been marred by broken promises. A European vow to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition fell woefully short, and financial aid meant for Ukraines war-stricken economy was delayed by political infighting in Europe and is still blocked in the U.S. Its dangerous to make promises that we cant keep, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib told reporters when asked how much her country might be willing to contribute to a $100-billion fund. She said the plan requires more discussion. Stoltenberg again urged Congress to overcome its differences and pass a supplemental spending bill, which includes roughly $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine, saying that the continued delay has consequences on the battlefield. Thats one of the reasons why the Ukrainians have to ration the number of artillery shells, why they have problems standing up against the Russian force with overwhelming military power," he said. Russian troops, he added, "are able to outgun them with more ammunition and more artillery. ___ Associated Press Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) endorsed switching the state to a winner-take-all system for Electoral College votes on Tuesday, a change that would bring the state in line with the rest of the country and could tip the 2024 election. Only Nebraska and Maine assign Electoral College votes by district. In most elections, Republicans take two and Democrats take one of the states votes, though the third is tightly contested. State legislators introduced a measure to implement the winner-take-all system in January, which Pillen endorsed. It would bring Nebraska into line with 48 of our fellow states, better reflect the founders intent, and ensure our state speaks with one unified voice in presidential elections, Pillen said of the bill. I call upon fellow Republicans in the Legislature to pass this bill to my desk so I can sign it into law. The Nebraska Freedom Coalition, a conservative activist group, lauded Pillen for the announcement, adding that the group believes it will be brought to the legislature floor for a vote very soon. Thank you Gov. Pillen!, the group said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Per usual, its going to come down to securing some of those squishy R votes lets get it done! If the bill were to go into effect for the 2024 election, it could cost President Biden an Electoral College vote. Former President Trump won about 58 percent of the vote in Nebraska in 2020, meaning the GOP candidate would get the states entire slate of electoral votes in a winner-take-all system. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DENVER (KDVR) Hundreds of people are estimated to be living at a homeless encampment near 8th Avenue and Navajo Street in the La Alma neighborhood. People living in homes nearby say the camp has grown since the beginning of the year. Its gotten worse in the past six months. Theres easily 300 people down there, one neighbor said. Despite Mayor Mike Johnstons initiative to get unhoused people off the streets and into homes, residents feel this area is being overlooked. Were always kind of on the outskirts of downtown, but we are part of downtown, both the housed people down here and the unhoused people, and I dont feel like either of us are getting any attention from the mayors office, the neighbor said. We pay taxes. We deserve some answers on what the plan is. Tents and other items at a Denver homeless encampment Mayors office: 1,300 unhoused people moved inside According to the mayors All In Mile High Initiative, nearly 1,300 unhoused people have been moved inside since the mayor took office, but none of the House1000 sites are within District 3. The mayors office said in a statement: Every encampment in the City and County of Denver is a priority for Mayor Johnston and his administration, this includes the encampment near 8th and Navajo. As part of the All In Mile High initiative, we are focused on closing camps through housing. In cases of public health, public safety, right of way, or private property infringement some camps will need to be cleaned up without direct access to housing. We have not made any decisions about how best to address this encampment at this time. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox District 3 Councilwoman Jamie Torres requested a community meeting next week with the mayors office, Denver Police Department and other city departments to address concerns in the La Alma neighborhood. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The Netherlands had pledged 10 million euros ($10.8 million) to help Ukraine investigate Russian war crimes, Dutch Foreign Minister Bruins Slot said on April 2 at the Restoring Justice for Ukraine Conference. The event was held in The Hague and chaired by Slot, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Dutch Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz, and European Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. Over 60 countries were invited to attend. Two years ago, the Netherlands launched the so-called Dialogue Group to coordinate international efforts in pursuit of justice for Ukraine. The group's work consists of four "workstreams:" international support for Ukraine, actions taken by regional and international institutions, national investigations, and documentation initiatives by civil society groups. Speaking at the conference, Slot noted progress in all four workstreams, namely in investigations of Russian crimes committed against children. "And we need to ensure our work can continue. In order to strengthen capacity and skills for national research and investigations, the Netherlands will make 10 million euros available for this purpose," Slot said. Subscribe to Ukraine Daily newsletter News from Ukraine in your inbox Subscribe The minister also said that a compensation mechanism called the Register of Damage for Ukraine that allows Ukrainians to enter claims for damages to their property caused by Russia's invasion is now operational and has already processed over 100 claims. "The road to accountability is a long one. We will have to walk that road with dedication and endurance. But above all, we will have to walk it together. Only then can we achieve justice and eradicate impunity," the Dutch minister commented. The conference also saw 44 countries sign a declaration calling for the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate and prosecute Russian crimes. Ukrainian officials have documented thousands of war crimes committed by Russian forces, including deliberate attacks on civilians, attacks on cultural sites or medical institutions, torture, and deportations. The Prosecutor General's Office reported on March 18 that Ukraine had collected pretrial information on over 128,000 victims of war crimes. Read also: Destroy, in Whole or in Part | Is Russia committing genocide in Ukraine? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Tennessee has dealt with significant education challenges over the last few years, including what should be in the public school curriculum, how to teach language skills and how to reverse pandemic learning losses. Key to helping students recover and thrive are the classroom teachers who give of their hearts and often their own pocketbooks to make each day as successful as possible regardless of what the children are going through at home. Teachers deserve our thanks and much more, and when they receive accolades, they deserve ample and loud praise. On Wednesday, a really big deal happened: an East Tennessee teacher was named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. 2024 National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman Missy Testerman, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for kindergarten through eighth grade at Rogersville City School, just 65 miles northeast of Knoxville, received this grand accolade. Bravo! Congratulations, Mrs. Testerman! You make Tennessee and this nation proud. Another view: Teachers, consider these three research-based ideas to help your students First Lady Jill Biden surprises Tennessee teacher on live TV Testerman, an East Tennessee State University alumna, was named the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the national honor given by the Council of Chief State School Officers, the national nonprofit representing every state and eight special districts' education systems in the U.S. Missy Testerman, at center, works with her students at Rogersville City Schools in Rogersville, Tenn. She was named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. "I love teaching because I love being the person who gets to unlock the love of learning in students," said Testerman during a television appearance on CBS Mornings Wednesday. She received a surprise visit from First Lady Jill Biden, who handed her flowers. "Teachers are our heroes," said Biden, an educator herself. "I wanted to be here to celebrate teachers." The first lady announced that in addition to the usual springtime recognition that the White House has hosted for National Teachers of the Year since 1952, for the first time, there will also be a state dinner for educators. Testerman was amazed and expressed her gratitude, though we citizens should be grateful to her for her more than three decades of service to children and their families. She was asked on the show about her philosophy that there are no "bad students." "There are no such things as bad students," she said. "There are kids who have bad days You can always start over a little the next day." Gov. Lee praises Testerman for her dedication In a news release from the Tennessee Department of Education, several officials, including Gov. Bill Lee, Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds, Rogersville City Schools Director Edwin Jarnagin and lawmakers Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rodgersville, and Sen. Jon Lundberg, R-Bristol, expressed their congratulations. "Teaching is more than a career, it's a calling," Lee said. "I join all Tennesseans in thanking Missy for her dedication to students, preparing them to thrive in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to cheering her on as she engages with educators nationwide." Missy Testerman, at center, works with her students at Rogersville City Schools in Rogersville, Tenn. She was named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. As the Tennessee General Assembly is vigorously debating what an expansion to the school vouchers program will look like, this is a great reminder that the state's public schools have caring, excellent educators who are rising to the challenge of meeting the complex needs of children. For the next year, Testerman will be traveling the nation as an advocate for teachers to speak to groups and to inspire and uplift fellow educators. "I plan to use my year of service to encourage teachers to be advocates for their students, their profession and themselves," Testerman told the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. "Our teachers are the experts in the classroom, and I think, for far too long, their opinion has been ... cast to the side." We hope she will renew the faith of our communities in teachers and encourage educators across the nation to continue their important but difficult work. Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas wrote this editorial on behalf of the editors of the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. Contact him at dplazas@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessees National Teacher of the Year makes us proud The National Museum of Slavery, a long-awaited project by descendants of African communities from the Netherlands former colonies in Suriname (South America) and the Netherlands Antilles (the Caribbean), is finally taking shape. With funds provided by the federal government and the Amsterdam City Council, the new center aims to show that the Dutch slave trade which took place between the 17th and 19th centuries was decisive in the economic and social development of the country. Conceived as a permanent space, the museums design was presented this past February. The exhibits will highlight that the history and identity of the captured peoples began long before the arrival of slave ships. After decades of requests, the opening is scheduled for 2030. Weve been fighting for this museum for 70 years. Slavery must be addressed to be able to move forward together as a nation, says John Leerdam, a former legislator from the Social Democratic Party, in a phone interview with EL PAIS. Hes one of the three experts who have conceptualized this project. Over the course of seven decades, the voice of African communities from the Caribbean and Suriname many of whose members live on Dutch soil has been heard incessantly in the Netherlands, asking for such an institution. Keep in mind that the six Caribbean islands where your ancestors suffered are, today, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Leerdam notes. Colonialism continues to mark the relationship between both parties in a particular way. Hes referring to Curacao and Saint Martin which have the status of independent countries, like Aruba and to Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba, which are considered to be special Dutch municipalities. Peggy Brandon, an expert in education and museology, is part of the trio responsible for the museum plan. She assures EL PAIS that the descendants of slaves didnt have the feeling of belonging to a country that is truly theirs. Theyve been asking for recognition of what happened to their ancestors since the 1950s, while organizing small, temporary exhibitions over the years. The Amsterdam City Council gave the green light to a permanent institution in 2017. And, in 2019, the federal government joined the initiative. In 2021, the mayor, Femke Halsema, formally apologized for the role played by the Dutch capital in slavery and for the ill-gotten wealth generated from the act. Other cities have since followed suit, such as Utrech, Rotterdam, The Hague and Haarlem. Major institutions, such as the Dutch National Bank and ABN AMRO Bank, have also apologized for their historical role in slavery. Prints from the National Museum of World Cultures in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Isaac Owusu Of Surinamese origin, Brandons great-grandmother was the daughter of a freed slave. The museologist traveled to the Caribbean and Suriname with John Leerdam, to find out what the attitude is towards the museum in the former Dutch colonies. In Curacao, I found a document in the archives from 1863 (the year when the Dutch government abolished slavery) in which the slaves were informed that they were free. However, the same silence and obedience of their previous condition was expected of them. Brandon and Leerdam ended up speaking with a total of 5,000 people, breaking what they refer to as the circle of silence that still surrounds descendants of those who survived slavery. They wanted to know if we were part of the white mans feelings of guilt if we just wanted to open a museum and thats it, Leerdam explains. Although the push by descendants hailing from Indonesia another notable Dutch colony hasnt been as strong, that part of the past will also be addressed in the museum. According to Brandon, one has to see the connections between both ends of the world. She provides a key example: money was paid by the Dutch authorities to the owners of freed slaves in the Caribbean and Suriname, to compensate them. Those sums were extracted by force from the people of Indonesia. The average citizen of the Netherlands doesnt know this. Prints from the National Museum of World Cultures in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Isaac Owusu For historian Pepijn Brandon who teaches Global History at the Vrije Universiteit (Free University) in the Dutch capital other themes have played a role in Indonesias colonial memory, particularly the war crimes perpetrated by the Dutch during the Indonesian War of Independence (1945-1949). In addition, at the end of the 19th century and in the 20th century, the abolition of slavery was used as an excuse to colonize Indonesian areas where there were still slaves, he notes. And that has clouded the anticolonial perspective, because the antislavery discourse was [perpetuated by] the colonizer. A change in perceptions While Dutch museums have made reference to slavery in their collections, the exhibition organized in 2021 by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam set the tone for those that followed. The perception has changed over time because, in the historical debate about the 17th and 18th centuries, the slave trade was once a marginal section. In the 19th century, the prevailing morality rejected those who participated in it, but it still wasnt considered to have been important in economic and social development, Brandon clarifies. The historian says that it didnt fit into the self-perception of a nation of traders rather than conquerors [The Netherlands sees itself as] tolerant and liberal. Hence, the human-trafficking and colonial plantations were presented as merely being part of a negative period of time, as if it could be separated from all the others. He dates the moment of change as having taken place in 2013, with the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Caribbean. King Willem-Alexander expressed his remorse and repentance because 5% of the total of 12 million people subjected to the slave trade by Europeans were transported by Dutch ships across the Atlantic. A decade later, in 2023, the sovereign asked for forgiveness as head of state. In 2022, Prime Minister Mark Rutte had done the same. Since 2013, the debate could no longer avoid the fact that slavery paid for the enrichment of the Netherlands. For years, there was also no mention of the direct link between the assets of many Dutch families who had shares in the two firms that dominated the colonial business: the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company. The first operated in South Africa and Asia specifically in present-day Indonesia and historical estimates place the number of enslaved and trafficked individuals at between 600,000 and more than a million. The latter company operated in Suriname, Brazil and the Caribbean, subduing nearly 600,000 human beings on coffee, tobacco, sugar, cotton and cocoa plantations. Prints from the National Museum of World Cultures in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Isaac Owusu Each country with a colonial past deals with it in a different way. For the United Kingdom, for example, slavery marks a milestone in collective memory, because they focus on the glorious role of the British Empire in abolition, Pepijn Brandon explains. He then emphasizes the reality: In the 18th century, [the British] were the largest slave traffickers in the world. On the other hand, Dutch history marks one key moment: 1863, the year in which the authorities abolished slavery. However, between 1863 and 1873, the freed slaves were forced to work for miserable wages so that their former masters wouldnt lose the investment made when purchasing them. The proposal for the National Museum of Slavery includes a 97,000-square-foot building in Amsterdams port district. It will present multiple perspectives and be a place for sharing knowledge, according to Peggy Brandon, who will oversee the museums content. The objects on display will be from the era of slavery, while there will also be pieces made by contemporary artists who are members of the diaspora. Whats exhibited will be viewed as art, she affirms, not simply [objects] from an ethnographic point of view. Theres a lot of interest, Leerdam points out. Weve been inspired by the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., the former legislator adds. A part of the Dutch population has an unrealistic view of the past. They believe that this type of information damages the national image, says the historian. All three experts agree, however, that the official commitment to the museum is firm. Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Customers of a newly renovated downtown grocery store are being denied the ability to use EBT or SNAP benefits to pay for their groceries. This happened at the Stop-N-Save on West Third Street in Dayton. >> Ohio catholic school president steps down month after arrest at Nashville bar Co-owner Joe Abboud and his family have been in their spot since 1997. He said he feels victimized, running into problems when they briefly closed to renovate and upgrade the store. They came to do the inspection, we werent open, the door was closed, Abboud said. The store closed for renovations just before Christmas, re-opening on March 5. The problem is the person assigned to do his annual, unannounced inspection for their renewal of continuing EBT apparently showed up on Dec. 27. There was no phone calls, there was no letters, there was nothing, he told News Center 7. Abboud just happened to spot an email that informed him he was losing his EBT benefits. He emailed back, began calling, and claimed he ran into a bureaucratic nightmare. He provided information and was always asked for more. He said everyone he speaks with is very robotic and that they dont care that hes never had any violations in the EBT program. Abboud doesnt think they care about his customers either. >> Semi slams into vehicles at Urbana auto shop after driver experiences coughing spell I told her she didnt care and she said, Im just doing my job. I said, Oh no youre not. Theres not sensitivity, he said. As we showed you on News Center 7 at 6:00, Mike Campbell reached out to the Ohio Department of Health who told him they only handle EBT for the WIC program. He then reached out to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, which he was told handles SNAP benefits. They told him, We do not handle the retailer side of SNAP. Its likely the (United States Department of Agricultures) Food and Nutrition Services. Were reaching out the that agency. Meanwhile, Abboud still has the signs up at his checkout counters saying he cant accept EBT or SNAP benefits as he waits for the officials to quit playing their games. Hes been told several times that hes going to get an inspection in the next 21 days, but hes still waiting. News Analysis: Netanyahu faces massive protests in Israel. Could the war in Gaza be his undoing? Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Jerusalem on April 2, 2024, to demand early elections and a cease-fire deal to free the remaining hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas militants. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Massive street demonstrations that last year posed the most serious threat to date to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and then quieted after the Oct. 7 attack, have returned in full force. Tens of thousands of Israelis are once again filling the nights in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with calls for Netanyahu to resign. But with the context different now Israelis and Palestinians are locked in ferocious warfare have Netanyahu's chances for political survival also changed? The Houdini of Middle Eastern politics must now escape forces closing in from multiple fronts: the left, the right, ultra-Orthodox religious, the business community, even some families of Israeli hostages seized by Hamas militants. And this time Netanyahu is less able to fall back on U.S. support as he engages in an unusually bitter, unusually public spat with the Biden administration. Anyone who has studied Israeli politics for more than two seconds knows that Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has managed to survive a long string of seemingly career-ending crises. His latest election in 2022, for example, came even as he stood trial for numerous corruption charges. Betting against him, as one commentator put it, is like betting against the house. Still, the pressure on Netanyahu now is more intense than any in recent memory. Demonstrators' demands include immediate elections aimed at dumping Netanyahu and his radical right-wing coalition government, something the prime minister insists would be dangerous during a war. Israelis march through Jerusalem on the night of April 2, 2024, in one of the latest demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The call for elections now, a moment before victory, would paralyze Israel for at least half a year, Netanyahu said last weekend. 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." Read more: Israel's religious right has a clear plan for Gaza: 'We are occupying, deporting and settling' While last year's demonstrations unprecedented at the time were triggered by Netanyahu's efforts to weaken the Israeli judiciary, today's added fuel is the government's failure to free the hostages and what many see as mishandling of the war in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has dragged on for nearly six months and killed more than 200 Israelis and more than 32,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. Israel launched its offensive in retaliation for the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel. Meanwhile, in the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv since Saturday night, the protest rallies have grown in size to include tens of thousands of people, many chanting or waving signs saying "Netanyahu is guilty" and "Free our country." Protesters start fires to block a major highway during an anti-government demonstration in Jerusalem on March 31, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) At one street corner in Jerusalem, near the Knesset, or parliament, sat a larger-than-life model of a blue voting box with an imitation ballot saying, "Changing directions." And in an unusual act for Israel, several hundred protesters have set up a tent city in the heart of the holy city. Read more: Grief and anger as workers with Jose Andres aid kitchen killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza I believe that both the Israeli people and the Palestinian people are being held hostage by horrible leadership," said Elana Kaminka, a 49-year-old California native whose son, an officer in the Israeli army, was killed in the initial Hamas assault. She joined the rally in Jerusalem. "This government is dangerous. ... This government is acting against the interest of the Israeli people. And the Palestinian people." On Wednesday, a group of activists invaded the Knesset while it was in session. The demonstrators shouted slogans, waved pictures of hostages and smeared windows with yellow paint before being dragged out by security agents. A handful of opposition legislators waved support for the demonstrators. Two elements distinguish the new wave of protests compared with those last year. One is the presence of relatives and supporters of some of the 100 or so hostages in Gaza. Early on, many thought it was not the time to challenge the government, which was engaged in negotiations to free the men, women and children. Now, after months of desperate frustration, many but not all have abandoned that fear and joined the rallies and marches. The second is represented by a group called Brothers in Arms, reserve army soldiers and officers who oppose Netanyahu and especially his moves to allow ultra-Orthodox men to avoid mandatory military service. Last year, several senior retired officers joined the opposition to Netanyahu, but the numbers have swelled. Israeli authorities remove people staging sit-ins to block a highway during an anti-government demonstration in Jerusalem on March 31, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Nir Shaish, a former paratrooper who fought in one of Israel's wars with Lebanon, joined the demonstration Tuesday primarily to demand that the government "pay whatever the price" to bring the hostages home. But the issue of the religious avoiding military service mandatory for all Israeli citizens, men and women added to his fury. Read more: Two friends, each with family trapped in Gaza, are united by anguish. 'I should be there to protect them' A law was scheduled to go into effect this week that would require conscription of ultra-Orthodox men, or haredim, who have largely avoided such service until now. Several ultra-Orthodox men are in Netanyahu's coalition government and threatened to walk out if the law was enacted. It has been put on pause for now. The ultra-Orthodox "say that prayers are saving more than someone in the military unit," Shaish said. "We want them to participate in military service. Equal rights [means] equal duties." Like the vast majority of Israelis, Shaish, 65, said he initially believed the war was justified. But now, he said, it's being used by Netanyahu as a "tool for survival." Polls show Netanyahu to be wildly unpopular, with belief in his credibility and handling of the war sinking. Even as his domestic support plummets, Netanyahu has tested the loyalty of Israel's strongest ally, the U.S. government. He has consistently rejected or ignored the advice and warnings given to him by senior U.S. officials on how to conduct the war, especially their pleas to avert civilian casualties as Israeli bombs kill thousands of noncombatants, including aid workers and journalists. A protester puts himself underneath a water cannon truck loaded with odorous water, forcing Israeli police officers to figure out how to remove him safely during an anti-government demonstration in Jerusalem on April 2, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) He embarrassed Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken by announcing the largest project in years of Jewish settlements in the West Bank while Blinken was in Israel on an attempt to revive diplomacy. Most of the world considers such settlements erected on land claimed by the Palestinians to be illegal, and the Biden administration has repeatedly urged a halt to them. Last week when the U.S. took the highly unusual step at the United Nations of allowing passage of a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Netanyahu threw a fit. Israel opposes an immediate cease-fire, as did the U.S. until recently. And when Benny Gantz, a more centrist member of Israel's so-called war Cabinet, announced he was making a trip to Washington for official meetings, Netanyahu ordered him to cancel it. Gantz went anyway and was warmly greeted by senior U.S. officials, including the secretaries of Defense and State. The Biden administration seemed keen to underscore that there are alternatives to Netanyahu. Analysts said Netanyahu is acting deliberately to antagonize the Biden administration as a distraction from a war that, aside from nearly obliterating large parts of the Gaza Strip, has taken an enormous economic and psychological toll domestically. If that is the case, it is a risky gamble, as Israel is heavily dependent on Washington for weapons, money and other support. "The factors that could spark early elections in Israel are multiplying and growing stronger," said Nimrod Goren, writing for the Middle East Institute in Washington, including "messages from top American officials that change in Israel is needed." Anti-government demonstrators tussle with police officers as they break through a security zone near the Israeli prime minister's residence in Jerusalem on April 2, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Even if the current government falls and there are new elections, it remains unclear what kind of difference a new government would make. Or what that would mean for Netanyahu. Israel had five elections in four years and almost always ended up with Netanyahu. As Goren noted, "Netanyahus skills at political survival should not be underestimated. In previous times of potential political crisis, Netanyahu repeatedly showcased his ability to take control of political events." Wilkinson reported from Washington and Yam from Jerusalem. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The ONS survey found more than one in five people are waiting for an NHS appointment The NHS waiting list could be two million people longer than previously thought, new data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) suggests. A representative survey of almost 100,000 adults in England found that 21 per cent were waiting for an NHS appointment, test or medical treatment. It means around 9.7 million people more than one in five are waiting for an appointment when the survey results are extrapolated across the country, the ONS said. Official waiting list data up until the end of January said that 6.3 million people were waiting for 7.6 million appointments because some people are on two or more waiting lists. The NHS does not include those waiting for follow-up appointments or check-ups because they have already started a programme of treatment. The survey also found that one in seven patients on the list had been waiting for longer than a year for an appointment or treatment despite NHS figures suggesting it is fewer than one in 20. While NHS data show that 321,394 patients have been waiting longer than 12 months for a first appointment after a referral, the ONS survey found the number waiting longer than a year was likely to be closer to 1.35 million. Just over 14,000 people have been waiting 18 months, according to NHS figures, but ONS suggests this could actually be more than 670,000 people, a year after the number waiting was supposed to have been eliminated. Last month, the NHS also pushed back its target to bring down the number of people waiting 65 weeks or longer for an appointment to zero in an admission that Rishi Sunaks target of cutting lists had been missed. Hospitals have now been asked to make sure this has happened by September at the latest. Andrew Gwynne MP, the Labour shadow health minister, said: Pull back the cover, and the crisis in the NHS is even worse than it appeared. One in every five people in England are stuck on waiting lists and they are waiting longer than ever before. Rishi Sunak has broken his pledge to cut waiting lists, and now hes planning to close services and cut doctors and nurses. The longer the Conservatives remain in office, the longer patients wait. Labour has said it will pay for an extra two million operations and appointments through evening and weekend clinics. Demand for services rising Sir Julian Hartley, the chief executive of NHS Providers, said: No patient should have to wait any longer than necessary for the care they need, especially since worsening conditions can lead to increased physical, emotional or mental distress. Demand for services has been rising since the pandemic, while industrial action is taking a huge toll on patients and already stretched services, hampering trusts ability to cut care backlogs. Trusts efforts must be matched urgently by national support. Brett Hill, the head of health and protection at Broadstone, a consultancy firm, said the gap between NHS data and the ONS findings was of particular concern and suggests the proportion of UK adults now waiting for medical treatment or advice is far higher than previously understood. The ONS also surveyed the public on access to GPs and satisfaction with their general practice. Almost one in 10 people said they had been unable to make contact with their GP the last time they tried to book an appointment, with most people finding it took two or more days to hear back. Meanwhile, 7.4 per cent said they were told to call back another day or ring 111 because the practice could not help. Almost a third of patients said they had found it difficult or very difficult to get an appointment while just under half said it had been easy. The survey was carried out between Jan 16 and Feb 15 by NHS England and the ONS, and involved 90,000 adults aged 16 and over in England. An NHS spokesman said: Work is ongoing to reduce the longest waits for patients but, despite pressures and industrial action, hard-working NHS staff ensured the Covid backlog has fallen for four months in a row and 18-month waits are down almost 90 per cent on their peak. In terms of GP care, almost two-thirds of people are happy with their experience and millions more are being given appointments compared to before the pandemic. The latest NHS data shows there were 30.5 million appointments delivered by GPs and their teams in February 2024, compared with 24.7 million in February 2020. Recommended Five health treatments you should go private for Read more 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. Nicola Sturgeon has said she is veering against a Holyrood Bill to legalise assisted dying in Scotland, warning that it could be the thin end of the wedge. The former first minister said she had expected to be swaying in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, which was published last week by Liam McArthur, a Liberal Democrat MSP. Ms Sturgeon said that the more deeply she had considered the ramifications of the legislation, the more likely she was to oppose it when MSPs debate it in the autumn. The Glasgow Southside MSP said it would be impossible to guarantee that some terminally ill people near the ends of their lives would not feel a sense that it might be better for others for them not to be here. Arguing that the Bill could be the thin end of the wedge, she said dignity at the end of life could become associated with choosing to die, rather than being supported to live in as much peace and comfort as possible. She added: I worry that, over time, this shift in collective mindset will see the tightly drawn provisions of this Bill extended much further. Nicola Sturgeon said she had 'rarely been as conflicted on any issue as I am on this' - Andrew Milligan/PA Writing in the Glasgow Evening Times, Ms Sturgeon said she had rarely been as conflicted on any issue as I am on this and she had been determined to consider the issue afresh, and to consider all the arguments with an open mind. She said she had been deeply moved by accounts of terminally ill people, living in severe pain and distress, who wish to die with dignity and in peace at a time of their own choosing. But she continued: And yet so far, despite my expectations, the more deeply I think about the different issues involved, the more I find myself veering away from a vote in favour, not towards it. The former first minister expressed concern that we will, as a society, lose focus on the palliative and end-of-life care and support that is necessary to help people, even in the worst of circumstances, to live with dignity. She pledged to consider every argument before reaching a final decision. Mr McArthur said: I appreciate the issues that Nicola Sturgeon raises and I hope that I will have a chance to meet with her and other MSPs who are not yet convinced to back my Bill in a bid to allay their concerns. The legislation would give mentally competent people over 16 who have been diagnosed with a terminal condition the right to end their life. People would not be able to opt for the procedure for any other reason, and safeguards would include independent assessments by two doctors and a 14-day cooling off period. In addition, there would also be a requirement for those requesting an assisted death to have lived in Scotland for at least a year and they must administer the life-ending medication themselves. Two previous attempts at Holyrood to change the law on the issue were decisively defeated, with Ms Sturgeon voting against, but Mr McArthur has expressed confidence that his Bill would be passed. MSPs are to get a free vote on the legislation, but the leaders of the three largest parties Humza Yousaf for the SNP, Douglas Ross for the Tories and Anas Sarwar for Labour have all indicated that they will oppose it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Nine people were arrested during a multi-agency sting operation performed at the Multnomah County Central Library in downtown Portland on March 29, the Portland Police Bureau told KOIN 6 News. Multnomah County Chari Jessica Vega Pederson announced the previously undisclosed mission during Tuesdays Board of Commissioners briefing. The arrests were mentioned as part of an update on the countys 90-day action plan, which was introduced in January after commissioners declared a state of emergency in response to the regions ongoing fentanyl crisis. In recent weeks, unified command identified a noticeable increase in drug overdoses, public [drug] use and sales of fentanyl on the steps and sidewalks immediately around Central Library, Pederson said. Multnomah County leaned in to provide the partnership to address this. Oregon bottle bill not intended as cash for addicts PPB and Oregon State Police officers dressed in street clothes for the sting and hid inside the Central Library, where they watched for crimes to occur outside. During the operation, seven people were arrested for dealing drugs, one person was arrested for drug possession and one person was arrested on a bank robbery warrant, PPB said. Officers seized $2,240 in cash, 35 grams of cocaine, 173.4 grams of powdered fentanyl and 110.8 grams of pills. Gov. Kotek signs bill to reverse Measure 110, recriminalizing small-quantity drug possession Fridays mission was part of PPBs long-term goal to reduce the amount of drugs coming into the Portland area, Narcotics and Organized Crime unit Sgt. Erik Strohmeyer said during Fridays meeting. Strohmeyer also presented commissioners with an overall update on how PPB is addressing the ongoing fentanyl crisis, as reported by Brandon Thompson with KOIN 6 News. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Nitrate has plagued Wisconsin's groundwater for decades. Why is the problem so hard to solve? CASCO, Wis. - When Tyler Frye purchased his home in 2020, he saw the Casco area in Kewaunee County as the perfect place for him and his fiancee to start a family. The house was new, in a just-built subdivision close to his family and the area where he grew up. He snapped it up. Then he discovered nitrate contamination in the water. Tyler Frye fills his coffee maker with water processes by a reverse osmosis machine Monday, February 5, 2024 in Casco, Wisconsin. The reverse osmosis greatly reduces the amount of nitrates in their water. Newlyweds Tyler and Shannon Frye recently bought their brand new house and discovered their well is contaminated with high levels of nitrates. The contaminated water is a problem for the entire Kewaunee County village which has no municipal water supply. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "When I bought the house, I falsely assumed with the new well, the water would be safe," he said. Since then, he and his fiancee, Shannon, have married, but the question over what to do about the water remains. Frye gets angry if he thinks about it too long, he said. And the couple is worried that if they have children in the house, it could put them at risk for health issues. Drinking water with elevated nitrate levels poses special risks to infants and is being increasingly linked to cancers and other diseases in adults. "It was pretty devastating," he said. "Owning a home is the American dream. I went to college, got a degree, got a job. I sacrificed a lot to make money to buy a nicer house." The contamination makes the worth less than Frye paid for it, so selling would be a financial hit. But keeping it means maintaining a filtration system indefinitely to lower the levels of nitrate in the water, but it still wouldn't reduce nitrate to nondetectable levels. Frye bought a $1,000 reverse osmosis system, which brought the nitrate levels down from 17.4 parts per million to 3 ppm, but he's leery of having any detectable amounts of nitrate in his water. "It's unsettling," Frye said. "And we talked about once we start having kids, we're not going to trust it to provide water for our kids." Tyler Frye holds a glass of water that from a reverse osmosis machine (background) Monday, February 5, 2024 in Casco, Wisconsin. The reverse osmosis greatly reduces the amount of nitrates in their water. Newlyweds Tyler and Shannon Frye recently bought their brand new house and discovered their well is contaminated with high levels of nitrates. The contaminated water is a problem for the entire Kewaunee County village which has no municipal water supply. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Nitrate is the states most widespread contaminant of groundwater. About 10%, or 80,000, of the states private wells fail to meet the state drinking water standard of 10 mg/L. In heavily farmed areas, that percentage can rise upwards of 20%, according to a 2023 report to the Legislature from the state's Groundwater Coordinating Council. The contaminant mostly comes from manure or fertilizer but can also originate from septic systems and other sources. In the 2023 report, members of the Groundwater Coordinating Council noted that nitrate contamination has been impacting Wisconsin waters for more than 50 years. That decades-long struggle, with not much to show for its efforts, has left people fatigued and apathetic, especially as new water quality concerns like PFAS continue to emerge. PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are man-man compounds that are used in products like firefighting foam and water-proof clothing that are known to last for decades in the environment. While tighter rules have been proposed, Wisconsin has largely lost steam in its regulation of nitrate, leaving more headaches for private well owners across the state. To some, the issue feels insurmountable. Some don't even want to test their water, for fear of unearthing the problem. "Nitrate is really hard for people," Jen McNelly, formerly Portage County's water resource specialist, said in a December 2023 interview. McNelly has since departed for a position at UW-Madisons Division of Extension. "People get exhausted talking about it, to a certain extent, because there is no easy answer and theres no silver bullet." Complicating matters is the role that agriculture a critical part of Wisconsin's economy, history and culture plays in nitrate contamination. Some farmers are reluctant to change practices unless homeowners are also willing to examine their septic systems. Others acknowledge the negative impact of nitrogen fertilizers but are hamstrung by market forces that consistently demand bigger crop yields. Wisconsin is far from the only state struggling to remedy nitrate contamination. In Minnesota, the EPA has told the state to take more action to protect its residents. In Nebraska, owners of private wells are being urged to test their private wells to gather more data on the extent of nitrate contamination. In Oregon, private companies are offering to chip in to help with nitrate pollution, after more than 30 years of struggles. As time goes on, though, more Wisconsinites like Frye are unable to freely drink the water that comes out of their tap. And they may not have another 50 years to wait for a solution. Nitrate's health risks pose worries Nitrate forms when oxygen combines with nitrogen-rich sources like fertilizer, manure or waste from septic tanks. It slips easily into groundwater by way of rain or melting snow, especially in places with shallow soil or fragmented bedrock. 1994 research from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point found that 90% of nitrogen inputs to groundwater can be traced to agriculture, with the rest coming from septic systems and lawn fertilizer. Kevin Masarik, a groundwater education specialist at UW-Stevens Point, said the breakdown of sources likely has not changed since then. Farming remains a crucial part of Wisconsins economy, and applying nitrogen fertilizer can increase crop yields. The problem arises when more nitrogen is applied to the ground than the plants can take up, which means it'll get into the groundwater somehow, said Steve Elmore, program director of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater. Since farmers want to maximize yield, they may add extra fertilizer as "insurance," Elmore said. But that's not the only reason. If heavy rain falls after a farmer has recently laid down fertilizer, it can be washed away. Even if fertilizer is applied with great care toward the timing and amount, it could still leach too much nitrogen into groundwater. That's because it just takes a lot of nutrients to grow row crops, Elmore said. Large farms, or concentrated animal feeding operations, are also a source of nitrate contamination, because of the large amounts of manure produced by the animals. The manure is typically mixed with water and stored in tanks or lagoons, then spread on farm fields, where the nitrate can sometimes run off into streams, rivers and lakes, or soak down through the soil and into groundwater. Nitrogen can be damaging to the environment when it's washed into surface water, driving excessive algae growth and causing harm to fish and other aquatic life. But there are dangerous consequences if too much ends up in groundwater the source of nearly 75% of Wisconsin's drinking water. Tyler Frye fills a glass with water from a faucet that dispenses water processed with reverse osmosis Monday, February 5, 2024 in Casco, Wisconsin. The reverse osmosis greatly reduces the amount of nitrates in their water. Newlyweds Tyler and Shannon Frye recently bought their brand new house and discovered their well is contaminated with high levels of nitrates. The contaminated water is a problem for the entire Kewaunee County village which has no municipal water supply. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets the maximum contaminant level for nitrate, or the amount that's considered safe for drinking water, at 10 mg/L. That level was set to protect infants from blue baby syndrome, which occurs when there's not enough oxygen in a baby's blood and can be caused by high nitrate levels in drinking water. There's been less study of what elevated nitrate can do to adults, but some research is beginning to show broader health impacts. A 2018 review of studies of the health impacts of nitrate found that risk of illnesses like colorectal cancer, thyroid disease and neural tube defects increased even when people were ingesting nitrate in their drinking water below the maximum contaminant level. Even though the health risks may not yet be fully understood, people are beginning to worry. Kriss Marion, a Lafayette County supervisor and clean water advocate, said she attends a lot of funerals, not unusual for an aging community. What is unusual is the number of young people in the area getting cancer and dying, too. Lafayette County is in south-central Wisconsin, one of the state's hotspots for nitrate contamination. "A lot of conversation at funerals is about water whether water was the reason," Marion said. Wisconsin's nitrate problem is growing Nitrate trends are hard to tease out. One-third of private well owners in Wisconsin have never had their well tested for nitrate, and even private wells that have been tested aren't usually sampled consistently over time. Further, extreme weather swings wrought by climate change, like floods and droughts, cause nitrate levels in groundwater to fluctuate. But the data that are available show and state water quality experts agree Wisconsin is losing ground on its nitrate problem. One way to assess nitrate trends is by looking at the levels in surface water. A large chunk of the state is covered by "groundwater-dominated" watersheds in other words, streams and rivers that flow through the area are resupplied by groundwater. Nitrate is increasing at most of the sites where the DNR monitors surface water quality. Elmore acknowledged that Wisconsin continues to struggle with nitrate contamination, especially in comparison to its handling of another common component of fertilizer, phosphorus. In 2010, Wisconsin enacted some of the most stringent regulations in the country to address phosphorus. DNR surface water quality monitoring shows concentrations of phosphorus are decreasing in most rivers across Wisconsin. A load of freshly chopped and harvested corn is taken away from the field on the family farm of Roger Rueth in Loyal. The DNR first launched the rulemaking process for standards regarding nitrates in groundwater in December 2019 in a bid to keep the nutrients from affecting soils and geology most vulnerable to contamination. The rulemaking process typically takes 30 months and then requires signoff from the Legislature. But the rule had to be abandoned in 2021, due to the high estimated cost to businesses. Outside of setting rules, encouraging farmers to take up practices that protect soil health can decrease nitrogen leaching. Elmore said cover cropping, which covers and enriches the soil outside the growing season, and no-till farming, which minimizes soil disturbance, can be useful. But making a wholesale transition to those practices can be costly to farmers. If people want to keep their drinking water safe, they could expect to pay more at the grocery store for food that was cultivated that way, Masarik suggested similar to higher-priced grass-fed beef or organic products. 'We're not attacking farming' Kewaunee County, where Frye lives, has become a flashpoint in Wisconsin's debate over nitrate contamination. The karst geography, which consists of rock that easily allows contamination from the soil to sink into the groundwater, makes the area more susceptible than most other areas of the state. And with a growing concentration of mega-farms that spread large amounts of liquified manure each year, the problem isn't getting any better, despite residents' outcries. Biodigesters for cow manure are shown at Kinnard Farms Monday, February 5, 2024 in Casco, Wisconsin. The farm may be responsible for the high level of nitrates in nearby wells. Newlyweds Tyler and Shannon Frye recently bought their brand new house and discovered their well is contaminated with high levels of nitrates. The contaminated water is a problem for the entire Kewaunee County village which has no municipal water supply. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Many of the homeowners in the county have seen contamination in their wells, requiring filtration or routine sanitation. Rhonda Spude, a resident of Algoma who grew up in the area, has had consistent levels of nitrate and bacteria in her well for years. While the nitrate level is hovering just under the state's limits, the reoccurring bacteria makes her water unsafe to drink without boiling. For the most part, her family now just uses bottled water, which they pay for out of their own pockets. It's frustrating because growing up in the area, there weren't any factory farms, and her family never had issues with water quality. And from Spude's perspective, it seems like the county and the state aren't doing anything to make the situation better for her and her neighbors. "They go round and round, and it's like nobody wants to take the blame for anything," she said. "They tried to say it's not anything that's that bad. Well have you had that problem? We've been dealing with it for years." Nancy Utesch, a resident of the city of Kewaunee, and her husband have been working on the issue for years, pushing for solutions and regulations to protect the groundwater that so many residents rely on for drinking, cooking and bathing. The work she does to inform the community of the risks tied to water contamination constantly receives criticism, because the farms in her area produce large amounts of food. "At a local meeting, somebody said 'You shouldn't complain with a mouthful of food.' And that's where the conversation tends to go," she said. "But we're not attacking farming. My husband and I are farmers. We own 150 acres here, we own beef cattle and have a rotational grazing system and we understand farming. But we have to find a way where farming does not mean destroying our water." One of the largest factory farms in Kewaunee, Kinnard Farms, has faced issues related to the amount of manure spread across the county. The farm was ordered to cap the number of cows it kept, and to install monitoring wells on fields that it spread on to monitor the groundwater, following a settlement with the state. The farm last year agreed to begin treating liquid manure instead of applying it to fields, in order to avoid having to install the monitoring wells, which the farm said could become costly. But even with the settlements, there has been contention over the high concentration of factory farms in Kewaunee, and the growing number of private wells impacted by nitrate. When residents pointed out consistent harm, blame was shifted elsewhere to septic systems that had to be replaced. But the contamination still lingers. Utesch said the thought that pollution needs to be excused because farms are providing food isnt correct. "It's not a good enough thing to say, 'We're feeding you so your water is now going to be poisoned,'" she said. "What we need is a farm model that seeks the idea of growing nutrient dense food that is actually healthy for people, for the environment and cares about the water. As long as we are hell-bent on growing corn and soy, we're going to have nitrate problems." 'There is no easy answer' In Portage County, McNelly described nitrate as "by far our single biggest drinking water issue." She estimated 22% of the county's private wells exceed the drinking water standard for nitrate. Located in Wisconsin's Central Sands region, named for its sandy soils, Portage County is a top potato producer. Nitrogen is critical to growing potatoes and getting high yields. The advent of irrigated agriculture also made a "huge change" to the productivity of the county's farmland, McNelly said but irrigating fields with water that's high in nitrate and adding fertilizer on top worsens contamination. County officials began to worry about nitrate in the 1970s and 1980s, McNelly said, leading to one of the state's first groundwater management plans. But they're still struggling with it today. While some farmers are working on reducing the amount of nitrogen that goes onto their fields, the hard evidence on nitrogen reduction practices is still being developed, she said. In the meantime, she said she wanted people whose drinking water is polluted to be able to use it again. McNelly and others have criticized the limitations of Wisconsin's well compensation program, which offers funding to replace a contaminated well but requires that a person have livestock and a nitrate level of 40 mg/L four times the safe drinking water standard to be able to access the funds. The state used ARPA funding to launch a similar program open to anyone, which McNelly said has been used "heavily" in Portage County, but when she spoke with the Journal Sentinel in December, she'd recently received an email saying the money was running out. Elmore, with the DNR, called the $10 million in ARPA funding "a very small dent" in the estimated $450 million that would be needed to replace all the state's contaminated wells. Katy Bailey, who bought what she and her husband thought would be their forever home in Nelsonville in 2012, used those well compensation funds to install a new well before the couple sold their house last July and moved to Wisconsin Rapids. Bailey and other Nelsonville residents were profiled in a Wausau Daily Herald story in 2020 about their fears that manure from a CAFO about a mile from the small Portage County community was leaching nitrogen into their groundwater. Bobby and Katy Bailey pose for a portrait at their home in Nelsonville, Wisconsin, on Monday, August 24, 2020. Residents in the village have seen increases in nitrate contamination in their water. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Bailey, her husband and her young son all have thyroid issues, one symptom health officials say may be caused by continually consuming high levels of nitrate. It was the birth of her son that Bailey said caused her to think seriously about moving away from the village that she had grown to love. "I really do think it was the discovery of the high nitrates that really fractured the whole integrity of the community," she said. 'What do we do now?' In south-central Wisconsin, home to some of the most heavily farmed land in the state, a study meant to assess groundwater contamination momentarily exploded into the spotlight, but has since faded into the background. The Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology Study, or SWIGG, as it came to be known, evaluated 840 samples from residents private drinking wells in Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties for nitrate, total coliform bacteria and E. coli. Some mid-study results drew fierce backlash in 2019 when news reports misconstrued a statistic showing 91% of a sample of contaminated wells contained fecal matter. But the studys final results, published in 2022, have languished even though they show that the nitrate contamination in wells is severe. In Lafayette County, for example, 27% of wells tested in November 2018 and 20% tested in April 2019 had unsafe nitrate concentrations. A reverse osmosis water system is seen under Katy Bailey's kitchen sink on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Nelsonville, Wis. Reverse osmosis is a water treatment process that removes contaminants from water by using pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. The Baileys installed their system in 2019 due to nitrate contamination. The researchers found that the more acres of agricultural land near a well, the more likely the well water was to have elevated nitrate levels. No such association was found with proximity to septic systems, said Joel Stokdyk, a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey who co-authored the study. But fecal contamination in the samples came from both humans and animals, casting blame on septic systems. When (the results) did come out, they were sort of confusing enough that it made it hard for people to rally around any particular take or response, said Marion, the Lafayette County supervisor. That's clear in the variety of actions county officials have since tried to pursue to improve the area's groundwater. Erica Sauer, Lafayette Countys conservation, planning and zoning manager, has pushed to require manure storage facilities in the county to be constructed to minimize leakage and helped residents seal up abandoned wells so pollution cant continue to seep into the ground. The countys health department also set up a water testing lab for people to regularly test their well water. Erik Heagle Grant Countys conservation, sanitation and zoning administrator wrote in an email that his department has focused on enforcement of septic system compliance and revamping its Farmland Preservation Program to have stricter standards on nutrient and manure spreading. But he reported waning attention to the issue from the public. There is a willingness to address the issue, Heagle wrote, it just doesnt seem like there is a sense of urgency about it. While Marion said people with polluted wells were showing up in droves to demand answers at county board meetings when the first round of study results dropped in 2019, both the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of other pressing environmental issues, like PFAS, have deflated most of that pressure. Most of all, she hopes to see more people encouraged to regularly test their well, even though they may hope their water is perfectly fine. "We know a lot more than we did before," she said, "but science is only as powerful as your willingness to use it." Scott Laeser, a Lafayette County resident, organic vegetable farmer and senior working lands advisor for the Rural Climate Partnership, said he felt the nitrate findings were eclipsed by the findings about fecal contamination. Pointing fingers about whos more to blame for pollution distracts from the science that clearly shows a problem with nitrate contamination, one that he feels has a clear major source: agriculture. Eventually, he said, the state will have to interrogate what it grows and how it farms. Some of that work is taking place right in Lafayette County. In 2023, Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection dispersed its first grants for the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program to farmers across the state interested in collecting more data about their nitrogen fertilizer use. Mike Berget, whose family grows over 10,000 acres of corn and beans and produces weaner pigs near Wiota, is one of those farmers. He's part of his local farmer-led watershed group the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance, or LASA and he and three other farmers in the group will be testing different nitrogen rates on a rye cover crop to determine the amount that can produce a good corn yield but not leach into the soil. Soy beans are harvested Monday, October 25, 2021 inn Marathon County near Hatley, Wis. According the US Department of Agriculture, the soybean harvest was 93 percent complete as of Nov. 8. The corn harvest was still underway, as well as tillage and manure application. LASA paid for Lafayette County's portion of the SWIGG study because farmers wanted to know what was going on, Berget said. He believes many of the tainted wells were contaminated decades ago, when farming practices were different, and thinks high fertilizer prices are causing farmers to apply less of it today. Cutting down on nitrogen now to save money may lead farmers to stick with that reduced application, Berget said, if they see that they were able to get just as good a yield. "Sure, we're not going to correct things overnight," he said, "but we've got to start somewhere." Laeser would like to see more urgency from people tasked with correcting things. "We're spinning our wheels on pollution when we recognize it's going to take time to fix this issue," Laeser said. "The people that are really getting the shaft are the ones who have contaminated water right now, and aren't getting the help they deserve." Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on Twitter at @SchulteLaura. Madeline Heim is a Report for America corps reporter who writes about environmental issues in the Mississippi River watershed and across Wisconsin. Contact her at mheim@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin nitrate contamination has put water at risk for decades No foreign weapons used in attacks on facilities in Russian Tatarstan, Ukraine's intelligence says No weaponry of foreign production was used during the recent drone strikes on targets in the Russian cities of Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk. Source: Andrii Yusov, spokesman for Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), in an interview with Radio Liberty Details: Yusov noted that they would not officially confirm or deny the involvement of military intelligence or the Security Service of Ukraine in the events in Tatarstan. He did not specify what kind of weaponry was used exactly to strike the facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation, located over 1000 kilometres from Ukraine, but he remarked that the Ukrainian drone industry is "developing very dynamically". Quote: "We see that the rumble and bavovna on the aggressor state's territory continue, particularly at military sites directly involved in Russia's genocidal war against Ukraine. We can state that in these events, weapons and foreign-made equipment from our partners are not utilised. This is a fact. [Bavovna is a Ukrainian word for cotton; this is a reference to how Russian propaganda, initially refusing to use the word vzryv (explosion), used khlopok (a bang) instead. However, khlopok also means cotton, and this has since become a meme ed.]. Ukrainian drone manufacturing is developing rapidly, which is a fact. There's no need to hide it. Naturally, all modern technologies available worldwide are being applied to enhance Ukrainian strike capabilities regarding range and precision. Yes, work is underway on this, and modern technologies are being utilised. When the opportunity arises, we can examine and discuss all of this in more detail. When the opportunity to showcase the Magura V5 (Ukrainian multipurpose drone) arose, the world saw it thoroughly and up close. For now, additional information on this topic is, let's say, undesirable for security reasons." Details: The intelligence representative also confirmed that one of the facilities targeted by the UAV attack was involved in the production of kamikaze drones. Additionally, one of the buildings adjacent to the enterprise was hit by Russian air defence systems, he said. Quote: "Yes, we're talking specifically about the facility involved in assembling Shahed drones and the so-called Geran drones (HESA Shahed 136). And indeed, these targets were hit. The interesting point is that part of the destruction of other nearby facilities resulted from the action of the Russian so-called anti-aircraft defence, [from] anti-missile [defence]. This has happened before. While attempting to shoot down other targets, they usually end up causing the most damage to themselves." Background: Drones attacked facilities in Tatarstan specifically in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk on the morning of 2 April. Local authorities stated that no serious damage was done, and the technological process of the plant remained unaffected. A source in Ukrainian intelligence said this was a special operation by the intelligence. The drones attacked a plant where Iranian Shahed drones are assembled and marked as "Geran" drones. The Alabuga special economic zones press office stated that the drones were "equipped with NATO country equipment." One of the drones struck a TANECO primary oil refining unit in Nizhnekamsk, resulting in a fire. UP sources reported that the attack on the refinery was a joint special operation by Ukraine's Defence Intelligence and the Security Service of Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! The Me Too movement is back in Cuba, and once again, its ground zero is in the world of independent media. Cuban magazine El Estornudo published a report on the sexual abuse and impunity suffered by four women, two of Spanish nationality, during their studies at the renowned International School of Film and Television in San Antonio del los Banos, one of the foremost audiovisual training facilities in the world, which was founded 37 years ago as part of an initiative propelled by Fidel Castro, Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Argentinian filmmaker Fernando Birri. After a two-year investigation, the March 25 report by Cuban journalist Mario Luis Reyes brought to light testimonies from the women that accuse students, professors and even the schools director of rape, sexual abuse, assault and revictimization. Their allegations have had a major impact on the schools community, members of which come to attend classes from their homes throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia, in addition to Cubas own film industry. One of the Spanish victims, who along with the other women requested anonymity, arrived in 2019 to take a course on directing actors at the school, which is located in the Artemisa province, an hour from the center of Havana. At the campus, she was raped by the Panamanian composer, sound designer and guitarist Ayrton Paul. I woke up because I felt something inside my body, and thats when I saw that he was penetrating me, stated the victim. She then went through a period of revictimization by professors, academic coordinator Maria Julia Grillo and the schools director Susana Molina, who forced her to repeat the account of what had happened in front of her assailant. In addition to the rape, the treatment I received from the prosecutors office and the school itself really affected me. While I was there on my own, I kept going, but when I got to my home in Spain, I realized that I didnt have to live through or tolerate this, said the former student. During her time in Cuba, she even called a help line for Spanish victims of gender-based violence at the Spanish consulate, but failed to receive any kind of support. I called and, even though at first, they directed me to some resources, when I told them I had filed a police report, their response was quite vague. I felt abandoned. Neither the school, the prosecutors office, the Cuban government, nor that of my own country cared. The other Spanish victim, who also went to San Antonio de los Banos in 2019, said that she had been assaulted by a student who took advantage of her when she was drunk, bringing her back to his room and sleeping with his arms around her. When more than one of her classmates asked about what had happened, the young woman opted to not go public about the situation. One feels like theyll be judged, and prefers not to talk about it. Theres also a fear that youll be labelled, she said. The other two victims allege that they were assaulted or abused by students and professors who still work at the school. According to one of the testimonies, the school seems to care little or even not at all about cases of sexual abuse. Despite multiple students approaching the deans and administrators to inform them of situations of assault, abuse and rape, they hardly received a response. We never had training on sexual education or prevention, or on mental health conditions, said one of the victims. Four days after the report was published, the school put out a statement in which it acknowledged its events, though it did not mention the independent publication that had published the investigation, nor did it explicitly admit to the abuse having taken place. At the same time, it attempted to rehabilitate the reputation of the institution, at which great figures of the film industry have taught, such as Francis Ford Coppola, Emir Kusturica and Lucrecia Martal. We are deeply distressed by the published statements, as we were when we learned of some of the cases, stated the school. The testimonies fill us with pain and again, call for necessary discussion in our community. We are learning how to deal with these situations. The schools statement also mentioned that the institution had implemented a so-called peaceful coexistence protocol, which was created in 2022 but not formally approved until November 2023. It also spoke of having created workshops informed by a gender-based perspective, a wellness office to manage situations involving conflicts and violence, a committee on gender-based issues and a 24-hour emergency system for victims. Institutions like the Cuban Institute of Art and Cinematographic Industries, the Ministry of Culture and the state-run press have yet to comment on the allegations. One week after the report was published, on March 8, the Federation of Cuban Women gave an award to the schools director, Molina. Many filmmakers and alumni have questioned the schools statement on social media, with some considering it insufficient and revictimizing, and others dubbing it shameful. Various former students have also gone public with similar experiences of abuse at the film school. This kind of report, although it focuses on specific cases, also encourages collective reflection on the issue and puts pressure on the authorities to change their organizations, says Reyes, the author of the article, who in 2021 published another report on allegations of sexual abuse against Cuban troubadour Fernando Becquer. That investigation not only became one of the primary cases of Cubas Me Too movement, but was also the first time that the countrys government prosecuted a case based on a complaint made by a publication that is not state-run. Its important because justice in Cuba does not act effectively against this kind of attack, which puts women in a highly vulnerable situation. Although the problem of gender-based violence is hardly exclusive to Cuba, Cuban women are currently in a very serious situation, Reyes continues. Independent platforms that work on gender issues on the island, like YoSiTeCreo, MeTooCuba and the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory, have amplified the allegations and have repeated what they have been saying for years about the need for a law against gender-based violence in a country that tallied 89 femicides in 2023 compare this to 55 deaths caused by gender-based violence during the same period in Spain, a country with four times the population of Cuba and that has already seen 15 femicides so far this year. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Theres no record of me doing anything: Vet one of many struggling to get copy of important military doc PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (WFLA) It is a Department of Defense document identified by two letters and three numbers that spells delay and denial if you need yours but cannot find it. Don Fowler, 85, has vivid memories of his time in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War era. But he is among many veterans across Florida and the country who do not have copies of their DD-214 discharge paperwork to prove they served. Rapes across military often go unreported, but retaliation Tampa airman received common Fowler saved what he thought would be proof of his seven years in the Army, including pictures in uniform as a corpsman. My discharged letters, even my old selective service card, Fowler said while pulling items out of an envelope. My dog tags. Not enough. His paperwork includes a letter, thanking him for his time in the military. The certificate of discharge is presented to you in grateful appreciation of your faithful military service to the Nation, the letters states. Without a [DD-214], Fowler said. I dont seem to exist. Fowler discovered his document deficiency while requesting a discount for veterans at a local chain store. He has spent over a year waiting for a copy of what is the holy grail of military documents. The VA does offer updates when Fowler calls. He says your name and number are still in there. I guess their working on it, Fowler said. Its been a year. Disastrous 1973 fire continues to burn Tampa Bay veterans trying to claim benefits But does he think someone is actually looking for the Donald M. Fowler DD-214? I dont think so, he said. One fate for countless DD-214s was a huge fire in 1973 at the Military Records Center in St. Louis. Between 16 million and 18 million personnel files were destroyed. Im thinking that must be what happened to mine. There are different people who will say they blame everything on that fire, Fowler said with a chuckle. The fire caused it all. Attorney Will Sterbinsky specializes in helping veterans navigate the VA benefits system. Its a monumental barrier if the DD-214 cannot be found, Sterbinsky said. The DD-214 includes where someone served, how long they were there, when they were discharged, medals and commendations, special training and a boatload of other details. Sterbinsky recommends saving multiple copies on paper and electronically. He said its also vital to double check accuracy on the document before discharge. Figure out if all of the is are dotted and ts are crossed. Its very, very important because its easier to correct while youre in, Sterbinsky said. More difficult to correct it later. Then, you file an application, and you get in a line and you wait a year or more for a determination. Where is the money?: Pickleball entrepreneur $47 million in debt, putting investors on edge Fowler does not need to apply for any benefits right now, but he said he would still like to be recognized by the country he volunteered to serve. Its the fact that I did seven to eight years, and theres no record of me doing anything, Fowler said. Its like they dont believe me. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Z.J. Loussac Public Library in Anchorage, Alaska, is shown on Election Day. (Photo by Jeannette Lee/Sightline Institute) In 2022, Alaska voters for the first time used nonpartisan open primaries to choose candidates for the general election. Every voter, regardless of political registration, received the same ballot. And every ballot listed every candidate in every race. In this style of primary, voters could support a mix of Republicans, Democrats, independents and third-party candidates, or they could vote along party lines. Our analysis of 2022 primary election data found slightly more than half of Alaskas 192,061 voters opted to split their tickets in the races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor and state legislative offices. The combinations of candidates spanned the political spectrum, which was unsurprising given that Alaska has the highest percentage of independent voters in the nation. The cast vote record from the Alaska Division of Elections shows what combination of candidates each Alaska primary voter chose. From this data, we cross-referenced candidates self-described political affiliations to determine how many Alaskans split their ticket between candidates of different parties. One of the more popular multipartisan combos, chosen by 24,350 voters, was an independent gubernatorial candidate, a Republican for U.S. Senate, and a Democrat for U.S. House. Less conventional combinations also surfaced. For instance, 5,606 Alaskans voted for Republicans in the three statewide races and chose at least one Democrat to serve in the Legislature. And very small numbers of voters simultaneously supported conservative and progressive candidates whose platforms appear to have little overlap. The debut in August 2022 of nonpartisan open primaries brought voters unaffiliated with either party closer to squaring their numbers with their political clout. Lawmakers affiliated with the two major parties dominate Alaskas political scene, yet only 37% of registered voters in the 2022 primary belonged to the Democratic or Republican parties. Nearly two-thirds of Alaska voters were and continue to be independents, a combination of nonpartisan and undeclared voters. The chance to express independent political preferences is a defining feature of Alaskas open primary system. It gave all Alaskans, whether party-registered or not, the option to look beyond party when deciding which candidates they wanted to see in the general election. Alaskas primary election rules have a history of change Since statehood, Alaska has vacillated between so-called blanket primaries and semiclosed primaries. From 20042020, the two major parties settled into a pattern for organizing their primaries. Republicans held semiclosed primaries, meaning only Republican and independent voters could participate, but not Democrats and those registered with third parties. Democrats and third parties offered a combined ballot open to all registered voters. (Graphic by the Sightline Institute) (Graphic by Sightline Institute) In Alaskas 2022 nonpartisan open primaries, though, all candidates appeared on a single ballot available to all voters, regardless of party. Allowing all voters the chance to vet all candidates in a state-funded election made sense. Voters could pick one candidate per race to advance to the general election. The top four vote-getters in each race then moved on to the ranked choice general election. The open primaries apply to races for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and both chambers of the Alaska Legislature. They do not apply to the presidential primaries, which are funded by political parties. Notably, 49% of all voters chose a Republican in at least one race and a candidate of a different party in another contest. The old Republican primary rules forced voters to choose from a menu of Republican candidates only, making such combinations impossible. When given the chance to choose candidates freely, tens of thousands of Alaska primary voters did just that. A majority of Alaskas primary voters chose a mix of candidates from different parties (Graphic by the Sightline Institute) (Graphic by Sightline Institute) About 52% of Alaskas 192,061 primary voters crossed party lines in the 2022 primaries. Another 44% voted an all-Republican ticket. Voters were far less likely to toe the Democratic party line, with just 4% casting all-blue ballots. Within the group of split-ticket voters, 44% voted multipartisan. That is, they supported candidates from both major parties, plus independent and/or third-party candidates. Another 31% voted for candidates from the two major parties, but no independent or third-party candidates. The rest of the voters who split their tickets opted for only one major party but were willing to also vote independent and/or third-party. (Graphic by the Sightline Institute) (Graphic by Sightline Institute) Many Alaska voters hold more complex political views than a straight party ticket would allow them to express. For example, left-leaning voters might have supported incumbent conservative Gov. Mike Dunleavy for maintaining the Permanent Fund dividend, a no-strings-attached annual cash payout to every Alaskan. Right-leaning voters might have gone in for Rep. Mary Peltola, the pro-oil moderate Democrat who vowed to continue the legacy of Rep. Don Young, the Republican congressman whose seat she won. And voters have an established history of pan-partisan support for Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican and one of the few remaining moderates in Congress. Though we can see how Alaskans voted, the ballot data from the Division of Elections reveal nothing about the voters themselves. Thus, there is no information about how many registered Republicans and Democrats split their tickets for independent candidates or, conversely, how many independents voted straight party tickets. Alaska ballot data reveal unconventional combinations of candidates Political combinations spanned various flavors of conservative to moderate Republican, to multipartisan ballots that included independents, to straight Democratic tickets. As the only major independent candidate, former Gov. Bill Walker was a big driver of primary ticket-splitting. About 41,800 ticket-splitters, accounting for 22% of all primary voters, chose Walker plus candidates from major and third parties. Voters submitted more than 7,500 different candidate combinations, including ballots where voters chose not to vote in one or more races. The most common ticket-splitting combination across all five races accounted for about 5% of all primary voters: Murkowski, a Republican, for U.S. Senate; Peltola for U.S. House; Democrat Les Gara for governor; plus Democrats for state House and Senate. The same combo, but with Walker for governor, accounted for 4% of all ballots. The count of popular split-ticket combinations does not include ballots where voters opted out of one or more races. Had we included them, the share of Murkowski + Democrats ballots would have been 7% and the Murkowski + Walker + Democrats ballots would have been 6.5%. (Graphic by the Sightline Institute) (Graphic by Sightline Institute) Notably, contradictory combinations that seemed to defy all political logic and would have been impossible under the previous party-controlled primary system showed up in the ballot data. For example, a tiny bloc of 3,100 Dunleavy-Peltola voters exists. Open primaries gave them the chance to vote for a Trump-supporting conservative for governor and a moderate Democrat for U.S. House. Another 1,517 Alaskans voted straight Republican in every statewide race and straight Democrat in the legislative races. On the flip side, 494 went for Democrats across the statewide offices and for Republicans in both legislative races. Another 82 voters chose conservative Kelly Tshibaka, who ran to the right of Murkowski for U.S. Senate, along with Democrats Peltola and Gara for House and governor respectively. On balance, these numbers are miniscule, but they underscore the extraordinary power voters gain by way of nonpartisan primaries to express their political preferences. Lack of political diversity among candidates in some legislative races meant some voters had no choice but to split their tickets. In 19 of the 39 state Senate and House primaries, only one party or political group was represented. The three contenders for Kodiaks Senate District C, for example, were all Republicans: Heath Smith, Walter Jones and Gary Stevens. Stevens would go on to win and serve as Senate president. The same happened in House Districts 17 and 19 in Anchorage, where two Democrats, but no other candidates, ran in each race. Still, most voters in districts with only one political choice for Legislature chose to split their tickets in other races that included candidates from across the spectrum. Only 5% of all voters selected candidates from the same party up and down the ballot, save for a legislative race where no candidate from that party ran. Under the old system, registered Democrats and Republicans in legislative primaries without a candidate from their party would have been completely locked out from weighing in on who should advance to the general election. In Alaskas nonpartisan primary system, Democrats could choose their favorite or least disliked Republican. And Republicans faced with a slate of Democrats could do the same. Alaskas nonpartisan open primaries helped balance the states political leadership The 2022 election results in Alaska wouldnt have been particularly remarkable in the 1990s. Back then, fewer than 20 states elected governments controlled exclusively by a single party, meaning both chambers of the Legislature and the governorship, according to Ballotpedia. But today, despite more Americans than ever identifying as independent, a single party controls the governorship, state House and state Senate in all but 10 states. Alaska is one of the shrinking number of states with a surviving multipartisan government. Bipartisan majority coalitions lead both the House and Senate in the 60-member state Legislature. And open primaries helped propel the largest number of independents into the state Legislature in history by removing the barriers for them to run against major party candidates. The statewide winners similarly reflect Alaskas multipartisan political culture. Dunleavy is one of the most conservative governors in the country. Murkowski is an independent-leaning Republican. Peltola is a moderate Democrat. Alaskas previous semi-closed primary model sent candidates on to the general election who werent always as popular with the whole electorate. It denied voters the chance to consider candidates who enjoyed more widespread support. Allowing all Alaska voters to give every candidate equal consideration in the primaries appeared to lay the foundation for a more politically diverse and less partisan set of leaders. Other states looking to ensure full participation for independent voters, improve fairness in primary elections, and give voters more choice and influence may find some inspiration here. This article was originally published by Sightline Institute, an independent, nonprofit think tank. The post Nonpartisan open primaries let Alaskans choose values over party appeared first on Alaska Beacon. North Carolinas teacher turnover rate has soared by 47%, with 1 in 9 educators having left the profession, according to the newest state report. A report being presented Wednesday to the State Board of Education shows a teacher attrition rate of 11.5% between March 2022 and March 2023. That means that 10,376 of the states 90,638 teachers left the profession in that time period. The attrition rose rose 47%, up from 7.78% in the prior report. There was also an 8% increase in the states teacher vacancy rate. The report shows nearly 3,100 more teachers quit the profession than the prior year. NC schools struggle to find teachers The new report shows the continuing challenges that North Carolinas public schools face finding enough educators. Last year, the National Education Association ranked North Carolina 46th in the nation in beginning teacher pay and 34th in average teacher pay. In addition, schools across the state started the school year with more than 3,500 teaching vacancies. Jim Hunt, a retired art teacher, substitute teaches at Aversboro Elementary School in Garner in November 2021. Hunt was pressed into frequent service because of the large number of teacher vacancies. Travis Long/tlong@newsobserver.com In response, last years state budget raised the base salary for beginning teachers by $2,000 to $39,000 this school year. Its set to rise to $41,000 next school year. The state budget provided an average teacher raise of 7% over two years, with newer educators getting raises of more than 10%. The states most experienced teachers are only slated to get 3.6% raises over the two years of the budget. Senate Republicans said the state budget will increase the average pay for teachers to $60,671 by the 2024-25 school year. That figure includes the money that counties provide to supplement the state base pay. Last week, the N.C. House Committee on Education Reform adopted a report saying the state continues to face difficulties recruiting and retaining high quality teachers. The bipartisan group of lawmakers said teacher compensation in the state isnt keeping up with the rising cost of living. The Committee recognizes that North Carolinas teacher compensation structure is not ensuring that hard-to-staff subject area positions and schools are sufficiently filled with highly qualified teachers, according to the report. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. North Korea said Wednesday that it test-fired the Hwasongpho-16B, a new intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile with a hypersonic gliding warhead. Photo by KCNA/EPA-EFE SEOUL, April 3 (UPI) -- North Korea successfully test-fired a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile, state media reported Wednesday, adding another nuclear-capable weapon to its expanding arsenal. State-run Korean Central News Agency reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of the new missile, dubbed the Hwasongpho-16B, on Tuesday. The weapon is a "new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead," KCNA said. Kim praised the development of "another powerful strategic offensive weapon"' and said that the North's entire arsenal of missiles was now "on solid-fueled, warhead-controlled and nuclear warhead-carrying basis." The developments present growing challenges for missile detection and interception systems. Missiles using solid-fuel propellants can be transported and launched more quickly than liquid-fuel models, while hypersonic weapons travel at least five times the speed of sound and are maneuverable mid-flight. A hypersonic missile was on a wish list of weapons that Kim laid out at a party congress in January 2021, alongside nuclear-powered submarines, submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles, "ultramodern tactical nuclear weapons" and military satellites. Intermediate-range missiles tipped with nuclear warheads could place U.S. military installations in Guam -- around 2,100 miles away -- within reach. South Korea's military announced Tuesday that it had detected the launch, saying the missile flew around 375 miles and splashed down in the East Sea. According to the KCNA report, the new missile's hypersonic glide warhead reached a peak height of 62 miles and flew about 620 miles while conducting maneuvers before hitting a target in the sea. The launch was the North's third ballistic missile of the year among a range of weapons tests and heated rhetoric that has kept tensions ratcheted up on the Korean Peninsula. It comes amid growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, with evidence that Moscow is sharing advanced weapons technology and helping Pyongyang evade sanctions in exchange for munitions. The United States, South Korea and Japan have increased their military cooperation in response to the North's provocations, with expanded drills and the deployment of U.S. assets to the Peninsula. On Tuesday, the three allies conducted a combined aerial exercise involving nuclear-capable U.S. B-52 bombers hours after the North's missile launch. The drills were held to "improve our deterrence and response capabilities to North Korea's increasingly advanced nuclear and missile threats," South Korea's Defense Ministry said in a statement. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man is dead and a woman is in the hospital after a fight led to double-shooting in North Memphis. At 5:37 p.m. officers responded to a fight call in the area of Hollywood Street and Peres Avenue involving two groups. Less than an hour later, officers were called to a shooting in the 1500 block of N Merton Street. When they arrived, they found a male victim who was pronounced dead at the scene. Scene from Merton St. shooting. Scene from Merton St. shooting. Scene from Merton St. shooting. A second victim fled the scene to the 2600 block of James Road by a private vehicle where she flagged down officers. She was transported to Regional One Hospital in non-critical condition. She is expected to recover. A source familiar with the case says that the fight appeared to involve a mother, a daughter, a father and others. The father is believed to be the male victim. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Police are not naming or giving a description of the suspect or suspects, but are calling for the community to speak up. People are sad, you know you have a community member who is no longer going to be with their family, families are hurt, MPD Sergeant Louis Brownlee said. Our hearts go out to the victim and their loved ones, this is a sad day when someone doesnt get to come home to be with their family, but thats why we need someone to do the right thing, you know anything about this incident call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. When the Israeli military fired three missiles on a humanitarian convoy run by the leading international charity World Central Kitchenkilling seven aid workers of whom most were foreign nationalsit elicited a horrified global response. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described the attack on the convoy as unintentional, lamented the loss of innocent life as a tragic case, adding: This happens in wartime. But its not supposed to. While aid workers operating in war zones do so under dangerous conditions, there are protocols in place to ensure their safety. This includes coordinating with the Israeli military in order to achieve what is referred to as deconfliction, a system by which aid organizations notify and maintain regular contact with relevant military powers about their whereabouts and maneuvers in order to avoid coming under attack. The World Central Kitchen confirmed that its employees were traveling in a deconflicted zone in two armored cars and a third vehicle when the attack on their convoy occurred. Footage of the aftermath showed one of the vehicles with a gaping hole in its roof, where a munition appeared to puncture straight through the charitys prominently displayed logo. World Central Kitchens CEO Erin Gore called the attack unforgivable. Celebrity chef Jose Andres, the organizations founder, rejected Netanyahus assertion that the incident (which involved three successive strikes on cars in three different locations, roughly 1.5 miles apart) was accidental, telling Reuters that This was not just a bad luck situation where oops we dropped the bomb in the wrong place. While Israel announced it would launch an internal investigation into the incident, World Central Kitchen has called for an independent one to be conducted, noting that it is the only way to determine the truth of what happened, ensure transparency and accountability for those responsible, and prevent future attacks on humanitarian aid workers. Read More: The World Central Kitchen Aid Workers Killed in Gaza As tragic as the attack on the World Central Kitchen convoy was, it wasnt unthinkable. Thats because Israels ongoing war in Gaza has proven to be one of the most deadly for humanitarian aid workers. Since Israel began its military campaign to root out Hamas from Gaza on Oct. 7, at least 203 aid workers have been killed, according to the Aid Worker Security Database, which tracks attacks on humanitarian relief workers worldwide. This figure is higher than the total number of aid worker fatalities that typically occur annually worldwide. Arvind Das, the U.S.-based International Rescue Committees team lead for the Gaza crisis, tells TIME that while aid workers operating in conflict zones are typically afforded safe access and corridors to deliver essential life-saving services, such assurances have been absent from Israels war in Gaza, where the targeting of aid workers has become more of a feature than a bug. There have been multiple instances in which organizations and their staff have been targeted by Israeli military action, including one near-fatal airstrike involving Das. On Jan. 18, he and a group of doctors were on a dual U.S.-U.K.-led medical mission in Gaza when their residential compound housing, which was located within a demarcated safe zone in the coastal town of Al-Mawasi, was hit by an Israeli airstrike with the doctors inside. While the group was lucky to escape with only injuries, Das said it could have easily ended differently. Three months later, the Israeli military has provided no explanation for its targeting of the house, coordinates of which had been shared with Israeli authorities through the U.N.s deconfliction process. (The Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment.) Almost all international organizations at some point or another have faced a similar situation, Das says, noting that the situation in Gaza is worse than any previous conflict zone hes been ina list that includes Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, central Africa, and Ecuador. Its not just a one-off incident. That is what is so concerning. RAFAH, GAZA - APRIL 03: Bodies of World Central Kitchen workers killed after an Israeli attack are taken to El-Nejar Hospital in Rafah city, Gaza on April 3, 2024. Abed Rahim KhatibAnadolu/Getty Images These threats extend to more than just aid workers. At least 95 journalists have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in what has been the deadliest period for journalists since the NGO began tracking casualties in 1992. The war has been similarly devastating for healthcare workers. Christina Wille, the director of the humanitarian research organization Insecurity Insight, tells TIME that her organization has identified the location and date of death for at least 176 healthcare workers who have been killed in Gaza, but adds that the true figure is thought to exceed 450. The Israeli government has a decades-long track record of committing grave violations of the laws of war, including war crimes, Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch, tells TIME, noting that HRW has documented instances of unlawfully indiscriminate airstrikes as well as attacks on hospitals and ambulances. Its precisely the decades of impunity for unlawful attacks and other grave abuses, including Israels apartheid against Palestinians, that has led to the unprecedented atrocities that we see taking place over the last six months. The deadly attack on the World Central Kitchen convoy has forced greater international attention on the conduct of Israels war in Gaza, which enters its sixth month this week. Responses from world leaders, among them Israels closest allies in the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, stressed that the attack was appalling, that far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and that Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. While these statements represent some of the strongest public rebukes of Israels conduct in Gaza so far, its unclear what change, if any, will come from it. Read More: Why Getting Rid of Netanyahu Is Unlikely to Shift Israels Approach to Gaza What is clear, however, is that ordinary Palestinians in Gaza will pay the heaviest price for this tragedy. The attack has already had a chilling effect on humanitarian efforts in Gaza. In addition to World Central Kitchen, two other charities, Anera and Project Hope, announced that they are pausing their operations in Gaza until further noticea decision that will have a devastating impact on a population facing imminent, if not already present, famine. In the absence of these aid groups, Shakir says the responsibility falls on Israel as the occupying power to provide Gazas population with the necessary food and aid needed for survival. But if the last six months are any indicationduring which time the Israeli government has been seen to obstruct aid delivery and even deny the existence of starvation in Gazathat doesnt bode well for the Palestinian population. This is heartbreaking, but this is also absolutely shameful, Das, of the IRC, says of the situation. This is a shame on all of us. Write to Yasmeen Serhan at yasmeen.serhan@time.com. An inheritance lost: We seem to have forgotten we are the heirs of John Stuart Mill and his defence of liberty - George Frederic Watts The bizarre goings on north of the border have been amusing to watch. Scotlands new Hate Crime Act played out like an April fools with no end. Police Scotland have been inundated about 60 reports an hour with thousands complaining of alleged hate crimes committed by JK Rowling and the First Minister himself. Someone even made a complaint in Siobhian Browns name, Yousafs minister for victims and community, leading her to suggest that her governments bill had caused hysteria. Its easy to point the finger at attacks on freedom of speech going on elsewhere. Ireland is similarly in danger of becoming a basket case for free speech. But those of us in England and Wales shouldnt get complacent. Given the slew of censorious legislation passed in the last few years, it was perhaps unwise for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to castigate his Scottish counterparts. Hes right that England has a proud tradition of free speech, but that tradition, fought for by the likes of Leveller Freeborn John, has always been contested. From the days of heresy and treason to modern concepts of offence, freedom of speech has never been absolute in fact, its always been in peril. Scotland certainly didnt invent the idea of making hate an aggravating factor in the criminal law. In 2022-2023, 145,214 offences were recorded by the police in England and Wales where one or more of the centrally monitored hate crime strands were deemed to be a motivating facto a steady increase year on year. And we dont just record hate crimes, but non-crime hate incidents. This tricky label is for those hate crimes where no criminal act has actually taken place a means for snitches to get the police attention they require with nothing actually being done about it. More than 6,489 non-crime hate incidents were logged between June and November last year in England and Wales. When she was home secretary, a speech made by Amber Rudd was reported as a hate crime incident by a professor at Oxford University. Far from the legal maxim everything which is not forbidden is allowed, we now seem to live by the rule that everything you dislike can be illegal if you complain loudly enough. Does Sunak know the laws on his own countrys statute books? After tweeting in celebration at the death of national treasure Captain Tom Moore, Joseph Kelly was arrested under Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003. Under this legislation, expressing an opinion of a grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character can see you put behind bars. Sure, tweeting burn auld fella, buuuuurn wasnt very nice, but should it be illegal? The Online Safety Act, passed last year, effectively appoints unaccountable Silicon Valley millionaires to decide what we are and arent allowed to say online. Worse still, it emboldens Ofcom to police what is acceptable discourse online. And I havent even got to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which bans protest thats too noisy. A nation governed by freedom lovers we are not. In fact, politicians seem to spend most of their time searching out ways to limit and neuter open debate under the guise of public protection. Every so often one of our elected representatives suggests making misogyny a hate crime, a move that sounds nice and fluffy on the outside but only serves to further invite police intervention into our private lives and conversations. Likewise the Equality Act much loved by keyboard warriors and workplace whingers might claim to be a means to protect the vulnerable, but has been used as a justification for political censorship. Just take the gender wars in which activists on both the trans and the gender-critical side use the legislation to cry You Cant Say That. As a result, public debate becomes coarsened, febrile and oversensitive. JK Rowlings challenge to the Scottish government has been admirable sometimes it takes a woman with big balls and an even bigger purse to call the petty censors bluff. But our distrust in free speech from censorious politicians to snitching citizens wont be changed overnight by celebrity intervention. Many think real freedom of speech, unfettered by legal restrictions or tech company oversight, would lead to bedlam an orgy of hate crime and misinformation. Im less misanthropic. The only way to fight bad speech even hateful speech is with more speech. We cannot ban hate it is a necessary and sometimes powerful emotion. Scotland and Ireland have shown us what can happen when ordinary people get complacent about the necessity of free and open public debate. Lets not make the same mistake. 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. By Azernews Iran continues its provocative plans against Azerbaijan. According to Azernews, Ahmed Ghasri, a former employee of the "Young Journalists Club" information agency affiliated with the Iranian state television and radio organisation, made a provocative post on the "X" account: "The picture on the right is the picture of the Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan, and the one on the left is the picture of the embassy in Bahrain. These are just two examples. There are many options, it is enough to choose." It should be recalled that yesterday, the member of the Iranian parliament, Jalal Rashidi Kuchi, mentioned the targeting of the Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan in his speech. Such provocation-oriented views of the official representatives of Iran have been repeated for several times. He said in his speech: "Procrastination, patience, and delay in giving a decisive and similar response to the military attack of the "Zionists" on Iranian territory under any title is equivalent to a heavy blow to the reputation and honour of the great name of Iran. My proposal is to openly and directly target the diplomatic representation of the "Zionists" in one of the diplomatic centres of the regional countries, preferably in Azerbaijan." Of course, this approach of the representative of the Iranian parliament sets a negative example for others. Inspired by this, the Iranian radical activists have already tried to attract the attention of the public with this type of inappropriate sharing. Undoubtedly, this provocative approach, if not directly, is indirectly a message of ill will from official Tehran to both Baku and Tel Aviv. Of course, according to the opinion of experts, this step taken by Iran may not end with good results between Baku and Tehran. Phillip Euell does not hide his enthusiasm when he talks about his upcoming trip to El Salvadors capital, San Salvador. This American citizen went from being a Bitcoin fan to practicing as a lawyer in cryptocurrency insolvency cases, and this experience in the only country in the world that has made Bitcoin legal tender is an obvious competitive advantage for him. I would love to have clients in El Salvador and I am working on that, he says in a video call from the office of his firm Diaz Reus in Miami, I know some Americans who live there and they say that being there now, compared to a few years ago, is really different, since the security situation has improved dramatically. Now the second big obstacle is economic. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele won the presidential election earlier this year and will remain in charge for at least another four years. In the first four years as president, he focused on the so-called war on gangs, through which he managed to significantly reduce violence and crime in general, with methods widely criticized for violating human rights. But in the world of big capital, trust and security translates into a better business environment and this is what Bukele is seeking to create now. If law and order was the first obstacle to overcome, the economy will be the second. It will not be easy to achieve it and, in part, it is because Bukele himself has taken some risks that were not well received by investors and even governments abroad. In September 2021, the Bitcoin Law was passed with the idea that citizens could use the digital asset as currency to pay for everything from real estate to street food. This did not work, according to central bank data, which indicates that Bitcoin is only marginally used within the country. Bukele also invested parts of the countrys financial reserves in Bitcoin, a risky bet for bondholders listed on the international market. When Bitcoin fell in price, it was rumored that El Salvador would default on its debt. Today, with the price of the asset skyrocketing, it is estimated that the Central American countrys international reserves have increased in value by 62% since the purchases were made. For now, this is a success, but the pro-cryptocurrency legislation has not translated into more foreign investment. For 30 years, El Salvador has been lagging in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) compared to its peers in emerging markets. This is attributed in part to extortion and widespread gang-related crime, says an annual report on the country from the US State Department, security improvements have not yet translated into significant new FDI and it is currently unclear how the government will end the State of Exception and restore the constitutional rights. In San Salvador, an information store for Chivo, the Bitcoin electronic wallet created by the government. Gladys Serrano However, the U.S. government warns, the state of emergency enjoys broad public support and is contributing to improving consumer confidence and optimism about economic conditions. That is, if there was a time for Bukele to capitalize on his achievement, that time is now. The Administration has planned several large infrastructure projects and the U.S. government has identified them as potential opportunities for its companies. Projects include improving road connectivity and logistics, expanding airport capacity, and improving access to water and energy, as well as sanitation. Given the limited fiscal capacity for public investment, the Salvadoran government seeks to use public-private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure projects. Bukele decided to go into debt aggressively in 2020, less than a year after taking power, in order to transfer direct support to the population during the Covid-19 pandemic. This led to a debt level close to 70% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to data from the rating agency S&P Global. The firm improved the rating of Salvadoran sovereign bonds at the end of last year after the government managed to refinance its domestic debt in negotiations with national banks, although it still maintains it at a level considered speculative and far from investment grade. Despite the fiscal relief that it derives from these measures, the countrys public finances remain fragile, S&P analysts Patricio Vimberg and Omar De la Torre wrote in their report. El Salvadors rating includes institutional weaknesses, as indicated by long-standing difficulties in forecasting policy responses in a context of poor checks and balances, a modest GDP per capita of $5,200, and moderate GDP growth expectations due to persistently low investment and productivity. The government has been in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which could be a more flexible and less expensive source of financing. For the Fund, the low use of Bitcoin as legal tender could represent a greater probability of lending money to the Central American country, since it mitigates the risks of its exposure to price fluctuations. S&P considers it possible that an agreement will be reached between El Salvador and the IMF this year. Bukeles economic gamble is on the combination of these two factors, law and order and cryptocurrencies, says Cory Klippsten, executive director of Swan, a bitcoin financial services company based in Los Angeles. The promotion of Bitcoin seems to be part of the marketing push and certainly seems to be improving things in many areas, particularly in the security to attract foreign investment, says the businessman. There are a lot of people going there, buying real estate, developing beachfront homes and condos and thinking about opening businesses in San Salvador, Klippsten adds, there is a resurgence of interest in country clubs and things like that around San Salvador, and a lot of those people are in and around the bitcoin space. They are fans and believers. Euell, the lawyer, agrees: It is difficult to make an economy grow and inspire confidence, one that works and has positive rates of growth. I think there is a lot of work ahead, but people are excited. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Fort Lauderdale commissioners are weighing how to address homelessness in the wake of a new Florida law that bans people from sleeping or camping in public places. During a city commission conference Tuesday afternoon, commissioners expressed concerns about arresting people who are homeless, an approach that could lead to overcrowding at the jails. The legislation, House Bill 1365, prohibits municipalities from allowing people to sleep or camp in public places, such as parks and on the beach. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the law will allow people to file lawsuits against local governments if they fail to remove homeless people. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, who previously said he was against the legislation, worried what the consequence would be if the city doesnt act, adding that Fort Lauderdale has been the subject of litigation in the past regarding its aggressive approaches to homelessness. The city was sued by the nonprofit Food Not Bombs in 2015 after it banned the practice of feeding homeless people in public parks and faced another lawsuit in 2017 for clearing a downtown homeless encampment, which resulted in homeless residents property being destroyed. We cannot suffer those challenges ever again, Trantalis said. Arnold Abbott (center) and his Love Thy Neighbor volunteers feed the homeless in Fort Lauderdale in 2014. The city has six months to firm up plans regarding the legislation, which goes into effect Oct. 1. City Attorney Thomas J. Ansbro said that he has met with Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz and two city prosecutors on how to address the new law and that he has a call in to the Broward County attorney to discuss it. Im hopeful that we dont end up in a position of having to arrest people for homelessness, he said during the city commission conference. READ: Touting law and order, DeSantis signs bill allowing homeless camps in South Florida In 2023, Fort Lauderdale had 780 homeless residents, up substantially from 2022s count of 415, according to the citys online dashboard. The city has a goal of reducing homelessness by 250 for this year. Trantalis noted that if homeless people are arrested in another city and brought to the Broward County Jail, they are typically released onto Fort Lauderdales streets. If you have a law that says its criminal activity to sleep in a public place, all it does is it takes the shelter from the public place to the jail, Trantalis told the Miami Herald after the meeting. So now the jail becomes an encampment for the homeless people, and thats not a solution, he continued. Criminalizing homelessness is not ever a solution. So how long are we going to keep the homeless person in jail? Theyll be booked for violating the new statute, and then within an hour, theyre [released], and theyre back on the streets again. So it doesnt really think through the real problem. Trantalis said the release of homeless residents from county hospitals also contributes to the uptick in Fort Lauderdales homeless population. A person goes to an emergency room, trauma or otherwise, is triaged, and when the person is released, theyre released on the streets of Fort Lauderdale, even though they may have originated in Hollywood, Davie, Coral Springs or wherever, he said during the meeting. RELATED: DeSantis praised a Miami Beach homeless law. Is it as compassionate as the mayor says? Commissioner John Herbst said that he consistently gets complaints from residents in District 1 about people sleeping on park benches along Commercial Boulevard and Federal Highway and Oakland Park Boulevard and Federal Highway. Its unsustainable, and its an inordinate burden on the residents, but our hands have been tied, Herbst said. I think this legislation is going to force us to address it, but its like, now what? Herbst suggested the city hold a joint workshop with Broward County and other municipalities to address the problem and ask how they interpret the legislation and what their plan is. This is a regional problem that cries out for a regional solution, he said. Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman agreed with Herbst that the issue isnt solely a Fort Lauderdale problem and that the city should be in conversation with Broward County officials. Its an issue that were all experiencing, and we know its not because people choose to be homeless. Its an issue of wraparound services, Beasley-Pittman said, adding that there are many reasons people become homeless, including ongoing issues with finding affordable housing. Like Herbst, Commissioner Steven Glassman said he often receives emails about homelessness in his community. He urged the city manager and city attorney to determine what Fort Lauderdale is going to do. I never want to see us get to the point of Los Angeles or San Francisco or San Diego, he said. Weve just got to come up with a plan on how were going to address this. Note on door threatened dog over barking, then she was shot dead, Minnesota cops say A dog was fatally shot while sitting on her owners porch in Minnesota, the family said. On March 30, deputies with Blue Earth County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to South Bend Township, according to a post on Facebook. Lily Anne was the best dog in the world and theres nothing you can do to change my mind, Lilys owner Alyssa DeBill said in a March 31 Facebook post. She gave the best kisses & snuggles. While investigating, a neighbor told deputies they were outside when they heard two gunshots, officers said. DeBill said her two stepsons were in the living room of her two-story house when Lily was fatally shot in the chest, according to her Facebook post. Deputies learned someone had left a threatening note on DeBills door saying to keep their dogs from barking, officials said. DeBill plans to have Lily cremated so the entire family can have a piece of her with them always, a GoFundMe page said. She truly was the best girl, DeBill said. The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 507-304-4863, deputies said. South Bend Township is about a 100-mile drive southwest of Saint Paul. Woman found dead in field with protective dog that may have killed her, WA cops say Owner greets cops at door with bloody hands after dogs kill 6-year-old, Oregon cops say Barn fire that killed puppies leads to discovery of cockfighting operation, cops say BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it has opened an incident investigation Monday into the March 22 Hays CISD school bus crash where two people were killed and several others were injured. Hays CISD releases video from deadly bus crash The investigation would assist the Texas Department of Public Safety, which is the lead agency for the crash. This is different from a full investigationwe will not be sending a team or issuing any reports, findings or conclusions. We will be gathering information from the Texas Department of Public Safety and other local authorities which could be referenced in other school bus crash investigations we are currently conducting, an NTSB spokesperson said. On March 22, a Hays CISD school bus carrying Tom Green Elementary pre-K students was involved in a serious crash with a concrete pump truck. Site of fatal school bus crash had prior accidents, safety concerns The bus, which did not have seatbelts, rolled onto its side, and one student inside died. That student was later identified as 5-year-old Ulises Rodriguez Montoya. The other person killed was identified as 33-year-old Ryan Wallace, whose vehicle was traveling behind the bus at the time of the incident. PAST COVERAGE: 2 dead, more than 50 people involved in school bus rollover crash, officials say On March 28, Hays CISD released the video of the crash, which showed the bus traveling on State Highway 21 before a truck traveling in the opposite direction veered into the bus lane, hitting it, and causing the bus to roll. The driver of the concrete pump truck was arrested in Bastrop County, and according to court documents, admitted to smoking marijuana and consuming cocaine within 24 hours of the crash. Jerry Hernandez, 43, was charged with criminally negligent homicide, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in state jail. Transportation authorities said Hernandez was prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle because of multiple failed drug tests, and they have disqualified him from further commercial driving, according to an Imminent Hazard Disqualification order issued to Hernandez. David Barer and Brianna Hollis contributed to this story. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Nunavut family speaks out after 8-year-old given tuberculosis medication meant for another child Jaffar Gebara, right, and Nicole Etitiq, left, are upset over Gebara's daughter being misdiagnosed with tuberculosis and treated without their knowledge. (TJ Dhir/CBC - image credit) When Jaffar Gebara found out that his eight-year-old daughter was being given medication for sleeping tuberculosis at her school, he was shocked. Even more shocking was that his daughter didn't have tuberculosis. "I'm sad that I let my daughter down and I wasn't told about this or given any consent," said Gebara. "I'm the parent and ... they gave her medication without informing me and continued to do so behind a parent's back." Gebara said his daughter was given five doses of tuberculosis medication from a public health assistant at Joamie Ilinniarvik School during a screening clinic last year. The doses were administered from October to December. His family wasn't notified until January, he said. Gebara said his daughter did not experience any any visible or immediate side effects from the medication. Tuberculosis rates in Nunavut are the highest in the country, with several communities still experiencing active outbreaks. The rate of tuberculosis among Inuit in Canada is nearly 300 times higher than for Canadian-born, non-Indigenous people. Doses intended for a different child In an email addressed to Gebara and his partner, Nicole Etitiq, that was obtained by CBC News, Iqaluit Public Health (IPH) manager Jenny Begin acknowledged the five doses had been given to their child in error. "The manager of Public Health was notified that a child had received TB medications intended for another child. The manager then met with the TB physician to review and discuss the incident," Begin wrote. Begin wrote that she first found out about the incident on Jan. 17 and discussed the incident with the tuberculosis physician. The next day, according to Begin's email, an internal investigation was completed in consultation with Joamie School and the tuberculosis team at IPH and Gebara and Etitiq were notified. Gebara and Etitiq said they should have been notified by IPH as soon as the health authority found out. They met with IPH the day after, who offered a medical evaluation with the tuberculosis physician. During the meeting, Etitiq said the assistant who delivered the medication did not verify Gebara's daughter's birthday and was told by IPH that the assistant met with Gebara's daughter for less than 10 minutes before giving the medication. "How can you say that you have a rapport with a child in that short amount of time?" said Etitiq. A case of tuberculosis has been confirmed in one patient connected to a school in Antigonish, N.S., but public health officials say the threat to the general public is low. Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs, but it is preventable and curable. (Shutterstock) Public health doing 'comprehensive review' Begin's email said they are in the process of reviewing how tuberculosis medication is administered and that a review "will be comprehensive and take some time." "In the immediate term, we have already reviewed patient identification policies with ALL staff," the email continued. "In addition, no child will receive TB medications without a parent/guardian present to help confirm identity." "Again, we are terribly sorry that this occurred, and we commit to working to improve our processes." Since that email, dated Jan. 24, Gebara and Etitiq said they have been unable to make contact with anyone at IPH to book the evaluation. "I had asked for a direct line for the doctor on hand, but she said, 'Call us, I'm usually here,'" Etitiq said of Begin. "That was not helpful and I had left a message asking her to call us back. I gave my number, I gave [Gebara's] number and we didn't have a response." History repeats itself For Etitiq, the system reminds her of similar practices that existed in residential schools. "My own grandma's daughter was taken away when she had TB and was never brought back," she said. "It was only two years ago that they finally found her remains. Our experience with TB is ongoing. The rest of the world, they don't have experience with TB." "We're in an epidemic right now." Etitiq says because of her family's history with residential schools, she feels anxious going to hospitals because she can't trust they will do their job well. "I always find that people come up here, try to make as much money as they can just to get out," she said. "Or they come up here, work hard, make their money, but then they leave. The people don't invest in our communities and I'm sick of feeling like we're not human." Etitiq calls the process "ongoing colonization." "We need Inuit-specific policies. We need Inuit-specific approaches. We need to hire staff that will have that care and knowledge of families," she said. "We have unilingual elders, we have unilingual people. How can I feel confident in sending children to school or confident in going to the hospital when our experiences have been so horrible?" The Department of Education declined interview requests from CBC News to speak with the principal of Joamie School as well as the department itself. We're in an epidemic right now. - Nicole Etitiq on the state of tuberculosis in Nunavut The Department of Health declined to comment on the case of Gebara's daughter, citing patient confidentiality and privacy concerns, but Dr. Sean Wachtel, Nunavut's chief public health officer, said an internal review of the territory's TB processes is underway. "We are very cognizant of the historical trauma that surrounds TB and the way that it was treated and diagnosed and in fact dealt with in the past," he said. "We are endeavouring to do things very differently now whilst recognizing trauma from the past that is still present, yet still trying to effectively treat the disease." Wachtel said as part of the review, they would meet with their partners that also work on eliminating tuberculosis, such as the Department of Education, the individual District Education Authorities and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Dr. Sean Wachtel is the chief public health officer of Nunavut. Dr. Sean Wachtel is the chief public health officer of Nunavut. (TJ Dhir/CBC) While IPH promised to no longer administer medication at school, Etitiq says that should have never happened anyway. "We just want policies changed," she said. "We want people to be held accountable. We were not told of any reparations." "School is a place of learning, a hospital is a place of health," Gebara added. "They shouldn't be mixed." New York Mayor Eric Adams (D) cited the corrosiveness of TikTok when discussing reports of multiple women being punched across New York City in recent weeks. During a Tuesday appearance on Good Morning America, Adams was asked about the reported assaults after videos on TikTok went viral of women describing being punched moments earlier while walking down the sidewalk. Despicable, he replied. You know, they better hope that Im not out on the street when I see that takes place. Its unbelievable that you see the corrosiveness of TikTok not only for teaching people how to steal cars, how to ride on top of subway stations trains. But just this pervasive, negative, antisocial behavior, he continued. And for a woman to walk the streetits unacceptable to be punched in that manner. Multiple women have reported being punched across the city in recent weeks, with the first report appearing on social media on March 17, according to The Washington Post. Since then, at least half a dozen women have posted videos on social media reporting that they were assaulted, with at least two filing police reports. One man was reportedly arrested last week after he randomly punched a woman in the streets of Manhattan, according to the Associated Press. Adams, who has frequently criticized TikTok and other social media platforms, said that the version of TikTok in the U.S. is not the same as it is in China, suggesting more violent content is available on the U.S.s version of the app. This version of TikTok is not displayed in China, he said. China, which puts out TikTok, you cant have this in their country. That is why were going after social media companies. Adams also confirmed that he has seen a few videos of the incidents in the city, adding that the assaults appear to increase depending on what video is trending. Well, weve seen a few in the city, but one is too many, Adams said. We see this trending when someone sees something on TikTok, Instagram or one of these social media platforms, they duplicate this behavior and theres a real correlation between the negative actions and what people are seeing trending on social media. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Three Los Angeles City Councilmembers co-introduced a set of motions to address the rise of incurable lung disease cases in countertop workers in Los Angeles. Silicosis, according to the American Lung Association, is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica dust, which is a byproduct of cutting, grinding and molding engineered stone countertops. The proposed legislative package, brought forward on Wednesday by Councilmembers Imelda Padilla, Bob Blumenfield and Monica Rodriguez, includes two motions and one resolution that address the silicosis crisis through a series of comprehensive safety regulations and targeted outreach. Mayor Bass says cleanup of Los Angeles trash house begins today [We are] calling upon the City of Los Angeles to protect laborers in the stone-cutting and manufacturing industry, which largely operates in the San Fernando Valley, the councilmembers said in a joint media release. The San Fernando Valley is a production hub for engineered stone often used for countertops and vanities, and an increase in the popularity of quartz countertops has led to the area seeing a concerning rise in the disabling disease. The most affected individuals are immigrant employees of stone fabrication companies, city leaders said, citing recent research that found 51 of the 52 artificial stone workers who were diagnosed with silicosis statewide between 2019 and 2022 were Latino immigrants. Of the patients, 20 had advanced disease at diagnosis and ten have since died, the councilmembers release stated, adding that the employees, many of whom worked in the industry for at least 15 years, had a median age of just 45 years old. Inland Empire teen fatally shot by deputies during mental health crisis The first motion of the legislation introduced on Wednesday requests various measures to reduce worker exposure to crystalline silica and instructs the Bureau of Sanitation to develop a mandatory industrial wastewater permit for businesses that engage in stone fabrication. It also tasks several city departments to explore the feasibility of implementing incentives to assist stone cutting businesses in complying with new regulations and directs the Department of Building and Safety to consider including an acknowledgement clause regarding silicosis on all home remodel or construction-related permits. The second motion instructs city departments to collaborate with Cal/OSHA to develop and implement a public awareness campaign to educate impacted workers and consumers about the hazards of engineered stone products containing silica. Body of missing California woman found in desert a month after she called 911 Additionally, the resolution introduced on Wednesday requests the formal recognition of AB 3043 put forward by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley) which aims to prohibit dry methods in stone fabrication, establish licensing processes and ensure fair wages. The health and wellbeing of our labor force is non-negotiable, Councilmember Bob Bluemenfield said. The motions introduced are a testament to our unwavering commitment to saving lives and combating silicosis by educating, protecting and enforcing stricter industry safeguards. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The president of a catholic high school in Ohio has stepped down nearly a month after being arrested in Nashville. James Marshall Hyzdu has stepped down as president of Archbishop Moeller High School, effective today, according to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ohio catholic school president arrested after following women around, trespassing at Nashville bar In a statement regarding his resignation, Hyzdu said its been an honor and a joy to lead the school for eight years. My recent actions did not align with Moellers values or those of the Catholic Church. It is in the best interest of the Moeller community that I now step down to allow the school to continue to thrive without distraction, Hyzdu said. As News Center 7 previously reported, Hyzdu was arrested in Nashville last month and charged with criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Police were called to a bar on the citys busy Broadway Street on reports of a man, later identified as Hyzdu, following women around and making them feel uncomfortable and causing them to become annoyed with him. Security escorted Hyzdu out of the bar, but he allegedly returned. Once they found out he was back, security again escorted him out, but he returned. This happened approximately six times. He even allegedly tried changing his clothes to change his appearance, according to court records. >> Semi slams into vehicles at Urbana auto shop after driver experiences coughing spell Hyzdu was told he was no longer allowed on the property but entered one more time. When police arrived, they noted he was highly intoxicated. Police deemed Hyzdu to be a danger to himself and others and took him into custody. The Archdiocese said its grateful for Marshalls many contributions to Moeller and extend our sincere best wishes for his success in future endeavors. The Moeller Board and the Archdiocese will now immediately start their search for a new president with the objective of filling the position for the 2024-25 school year. In the interim, current principal Carl Kremer will serve as interim president. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments in the case involving the nations first public-funded, state-sponsored religious charter school and whether its approval was unconstitutional. St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School was approved 3-2 by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board in October 2023. After its approval, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit, which has made its way to the state Supreme Court. Justices heard oral arguments from Drummond and attorneys for both the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board and St. Isidore of Seville. That is a slope where there is no end, said Drummond. Today, were discussing funding Catholicism; tomorrow we may be forced to fund radical Muslim teachings like Sharia law. Drummond argued the approval was unconstitutional and said he filed the lawsuit to defend separation of church and state, specifically the establishment clause. Unlawful: OK Attorney General files lawsuit over religious charter school Youve got freedom, freedom to exercise your religion however you wish. But then theres also a prohibition by the state from establishing a religion. And in this instance, the state has crossed the line. Phillip Sechler, the attorney for the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, argued governments cannot discriminate against religious schools because of their faith. The Oklahoma Constitution says the U.S. Constitution is the law of the land and the Supreme Courts made it clear that you cant set up a program like this and invite private organizations to participate, but then say, If youre religious, dont bother,' said Sechler. Dr. Robert Franklin, a member of the school board, voted against the approval of St. Isidore in October. We voted no, but yet were sitting behind a table whereby there were powerful attorneys from all over the country representing a position we didnt vote for, said Franklin, who was present during Tuesdays hearing. Justices raised questions and concerns during arguments. Are we being used as a test case? said Justice Yvonne Kauger. Is there a choice for taxpayers who do not want to support the Catholic Church? asked Justice Noma Gurich. Justices will likely make a decision on the case by July 1, 2024. Thats the date St. Isidore of Seville is expected to launch, per its contract with the state. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City Police want to identify alleged shoplifters OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Police Department is trying to identify three people who allegedly stole items from a local store. According to police, three suspects shoplifted from the Nike Store in west Oklahoma City. Luther man recovering after encounter with reckless driver Alleged shoplifted from the Nike Store in west OKC, Image courtesy Oklahoma City Police Department Alleged shoplifted from the Nike Store in west OKC, Image courtesy Oklahoma City Police Department If you recognize them, call Crime Stoppers at 405.235.7300 or go to okccrimetips.com. Authorities say you can remain anonymous and may earn a cash reward. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. In Oklahoma, there is excitement, opportunity and caution ahead of the solar eclipse Oklahoma sees Monday's total solar eclipse as a chance to show off the state's hospitality, and some agencies have been preparing since 2022. Gov. Kevin Stitt held a Tuesday news conference with representatives from eight state agencies and offices. All were excited about the event but cautioned safety before, during and after the event. It's going to be huge for tourism and a chance for us to show off the Oklahoma standard ... Oklahoma hospitality, Stitt said. Tourism Secretary Shelley Zumwalt said the economic impact of the eclipse is estimated at about $7.4 million per day over the weekend and on the day of the eclipse. She expects the event will be a boon for tourism. From 2021 to 2022, Oklahoma had about $11.8 billion in growth for tourism overall, and 32% of that was in Oklahoma and Tulsa. Parts of southeastern Oklahoma will be in the path of the total eclipse of the sun on Monday. State officials hope to demonstrate the state's hospitality. This is an opportunity for us to show off those places in Oklahoma that arent necessarily being on the news every single day because they are special and they are important and they are worth taking people to and having them visit, she said. The path of totality in Oklahoma has changed slightly, according to recent study When the path of totality crosses southeast Oklahoma on Monday it will completely cover McCurtain County and partially cover Choctaw, Bryan, Atoka, Pushmataha, Latimer and Le Flore counties, officials say. A recent study by John Irwin, a master in eclipse computations, said the totality path will be slightly more narrow in Oklahoma. The town with the longest total eclipse viewing time will be Shults, Oklahoma, about three miles east of Idabel. That area is expected to have four minutes and 19 seconds of viewing time, according to eclipse2024.org. The eclipse will reach the Sooner State starting about 1:44 p.m. and end by 1:51 p.m. Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton said the best estimate of people traveling to the area of totality is about 60,000 to 70,000 people, based on reservations and rentals. Tipton said there were no active threats that would escalate the event. More: New data shifts 2024 solar eclipse's path of totality. How much of Oklahoma will miss out? Our ultimate goal is preventing anything bad from happening, whether that be man-made or a natural event, Tipton said, adding that traffic control was the main issue, "but we're deployed in a way that well be able to adequately respond to any type of incident that might occur. What to expect from traffic in the solar eclipse path of totality in Oklahoma Tipton said southeastern Oklahoma has mostly two lane roads with no shoulders and compared the potential traffic conditions to Broken Bow Lake on a summer Friday. He said the trucking industry had been notified that oversized loads wont be allowed through the area on Sunday and Monday, the day of the eclipse. 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). Transportation Director Tim Gatz advised making sure gas tanks were full in view of potential traffic congestion and said that since cellphone reception in the area is spotty, it would be a good idea to carry a paper map or atlas. Lt. Col. Joe Williams, of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, advised viewers of the eclipse to pull completely off the roadway and not to stop on shoulders or grassy areas on the side. He said headlights should be used during totality and that in the event of a crash drivers should remove their vehicles from the roadway, exchange information and notify law enforcement. Five active construction zones in the eclipse area will be obstacles to navigate. State Highway 109 is closed south of Fort Towson for a bridge replacement. About two and a half miles north of the Texas border, U.S. 271 is narrowed down to one lane in both directions for another bridge replacement. Another construction zone to be aware of is State Highway 375 near Daisy, which is down to one lane in either direction. More: We asked readers to share their 2024 solar eclipse plans. Here's what they had to say Office of Emergency Management Director Annie Vest said her agency has been planning since 2022 with other state agencies. She thanked local emergency managers and the Southeast Regional Coordination Center for stepping up to lead the preparation efforts. National Weather Service and Science Operations Officer Todd Lindley said the long-range forecast for the eclipse area calls for partly sunny skies with temperatures in the 70s and only a 20% chance of rain and storms. The next solar eclipse over Oklahoma won't come until Aug. 12, 2045. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: April 8 total solar eclipse bringing tourism, traffic to Oklahoma Relatives and acquaintances of the victims lay candles and flowers at the entrance of the Viertona school in Vantaa, in the Helsinki metropolitan area, on Tuesday. Tuesdays shooting at a school in the Helsinki metropolitan area, in which a 12-year-old boy killed a classmate and wounded two others, has reignited the debate on firearms in Finland. The attack at the school in Vantaa shocked the Nordic country, which has the most rifles, shotguns and handguns per capita of all European Union members. The attack is reminiscent of the 2007 and 2008 school shootings, which resulted in almost 20 deaths and led to the tightening of legislation on the possession and use of weapons in the country. Firearms abound in Finland. Hundreds of thousands of Finns are keen hunters, especially in the north of the country. Many citizens also practice sport shooting, which has several forms with deep roots in northern Europe. According to the Small Arms Survey, a research project of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID, Geneva), Finland has the seventh most firearms in the world, and the most in the EU, in relation to its population (32.4 per 100 inhabitants), behind only the United States, Yemen, Montenegro, Serbia, Canada and Uruguay. Despite the large number of guns, mass shootings those causing at least four victims are very rare in Finland; fewer than a dozen have taken place in the last century. Until this Tuesday, there had never been a deadly gun incident in which the attacker and victims were so young they were all 12 years old. 15 years ago, school shootings were at the center of the Finnish political debate. In less than 12 months, two school massacres forced Finnish leaders to act. In September 2008, a young man shot and killed 10 people before committing suicide at a vocational school. At the end of the previous year, a student had murdered eight fellow students at a high school. In both cases, the attackers legally possessed the firearm they used. A law passed in 2011 raised the minimum age for owning firearms from 18 to 20, but those over 15 can still obtain permits to use pistols or shotguns registered in a family members name. Applicants must now pass a fitness test and doctors are required to report any licensed gun patient they feel may pose a danger. Following the tightening of gun ownership requirements, school shootings as serious as the ones that took place 15 years ago have not occurred since. However, in 2012 a young man shot several classmates in a school with a shotgun; no one was killed. Shortly thereafter, there were two knife incidents at schools in the north of the country, in which one student died and four people were injured. Mental health Many details are still unknown about Tuesdays shooting in Vantaa, but it has reopened the debate on bullying and student mental health in a country that the UN rates as the happiest in the world and whose education system is perceived as a model by other EU members. Visibly emotional, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo promised at a press conference that the authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the tragedy and assured that, following the findings, his government will address the problem of school violence. It is very clear that too many young people up to one in three have experienced mental health problems at some point. We need to be able to intervene earlier, Orpo said. The commissioner of the Finnish police, Seppo Kolehmainen, noted that different types of threats against schools are detected almost every week, and that officers sometimes have to patrol schools to maintain security. Collectively, we thought that we had learned from previous school shootings as a society, but a day like this never should have happened, Kolehmainen said. In mid-March, police arrested a 23-year-old woman who intended to attack the University of Vaasa in the west of the country. The young woman was arrested after posting a video on social media in which she mentioned her plans. Officers found a firearm and several cartridges at her home. There are more than 1.6 million registered firearms in Finland, and nearly half a million people have licenses to own them (there is no limit on the number of handguns, rifles or shotguns a single person can own). According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in the last five years Finland has had a homicide-by-firearm rate of 0.14 per 100,000 inhabitants, a statistic similar to that of Spain, France or Italy, and four times lower than that of Sweden. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Oklahoma residents voted Tuesday to remove a city commissioner who had white nationalist ties. The recall election in Enid, Okla., recalled Judd Blevins, a commissioner for Ward 1. According to KFOR News, Blevins lost the recall election. Cheryl Patterson earned 59.64 percent of the vote and Blevins earned 40.36 percent. Blevins, an Iraq War veteran, was elected in February 2023 after the local paper ran a story about his white nationalist ties. The Enid Social Justice Committee has accused Blevins of being an open Nazi who was photographed numerous times at the Charlottesville Unite the Right rally in 2017. The committee said Blevins has been linked to a chat room that planned the march and other posts connected to a hate group, Identity Evropa, which has been considered the group that helped plan the deadly march. Hes been reported as not just being there, but organizing pro-nazi events in Charlottesville, and here in Oklahoma, the committees website said. The committee gained enough signatures to force a recall election. In a statement Tuesday evening to The Hill, Blevins expressed his gratitude to the voters, volunteers and donors who supported him. It took a coalition of leftists and moderates, an all out media blitz from local, state, and national outlets, and scare tactics about the future of Vance AFB, unfounded in any truth or reality yet shamefully endorsed by the establishment, to remove a true conservative from office. So be it, he said. This was a trial not just for me, but for many in this community. And many have shown who they really serve. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith, his statement said. In a community forum Tuesday, he acknowledged that he participated in the rally and has been connected to Identity Evropa, but he said he is now opposed to all forms of racial hate and racial discrimination, The Associated Press reported. Patrick Anderson, a Republican who represented Enid in the state Senate, told the AP that he thinks Blevins connections to white nationalism do not reflect the views of our community. Anderson told the newswire that low voter turnout allowed hard-core Blevin supporters to help him secure the win. MSNBC was in Enid on Tuesday to report on voter turnout for the recall election, and it said the opinion is a mix, with some people supporting Blevins and his work since taking office. The prevailing evidence showed voters didnt know the extent to which Blevins was involved, noted MSNBC. The outlet also reported that many people voting in the recall election had never voted before or did not vote in the race that elected Blevins. Story was updated at 10:18 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard oral arguments, including from Attorney General Gentner Drummond, over a Catholic charter school on Tuesday in its chamber at the state Capitol. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Three months before the nations first religious charter school is scheduled to open in Oklahoma, the states attorney general urged the state Supreme Court to void the schools founding documents, contending its existence eviscerates the separation of church and state. Attorney General Gentner Drummond argued before the states nine justices on Tuesday that permitting a Catholic charter school would violate state law and the Oklahoma Constitution, both of which require that public schools be free of sectarian control. Attorneys representing the schools interests contend charter schools are privately run entities that arent subject to the same laws that govern public schools. St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School would be the first state-funded charter school in the country to teach and abide by a specific religious faith. It plans to open July 1 and have its first day of school Aug. 12 with enrollment up to 500 students. The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa created the school to provide a free, online Catholic education throughout the state. Students would be required to attend mass, learn Catholic doctrine and follow school rules informed by Christian beliefs. The Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted 3-2 in June to approve the schools creation. Attorney General Gentner Drummond speaks during Public Schools Day at the Oklahoma Capitol on Feb. 28. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice) Drummond said the board members who voted in favor of the school betrayed their oath of office. He asked the state Supreme Court to overturn the decision. The attorney general said after the hearing he expects the Court to rule in the case before St. Isidore opens July 1. If the justices decide against him, Drummond said he would be committed to appealing it to the United States Supreme Court. Attorneys representing the school and the state board said charter schools, including St. Isidore, arent public entities subject to the state Constitution, though they chiefly rely on state funding. State law defines a charter school as a public school established by contract with a state agency, a higher education institution or a local school district. It also mandates that charter schools be nonsectarian. But the state doesnt operate St. Isidore, said Philip Sechler, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, a national Christian law firm representing the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board. He said the school is privately operated and self-sufficient with its own bylaws, staff and curriculum. Theyre a Catholic school, but they welcome everyone, Sechler said. Nobody is required to go to St. Isidore. Thats very important. Its an option among many. Private entities who want to establish a charter school shouldnt be excluded from state funding on account of religion, Sechler said. Recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings affirmed that publicly funded programs, like vouchers to private schools and public grants, cant leave out certain private organizations just because theyre religious. Drummond said theres an ocean between those two issues. Religious entities often receive taxpayer funds to help them offer a public benefit, such as a church-affiliated hospital, but he said public education is a core service the state provides. St. Isidore is a joint venture between the church and the state two entities who agreed to enter into a charter contract with each other to found the school, Drummond said. My sense of it is that it will be difficult for the Court to not grant my request, the attorney general said after the hearing. Justice Noma Gurich seemed skeptical of the idea that a state-funded charter school is free of constitutional obligations. Where is the choice for Oklahoma taxpayers not to support the Catholic Church? she asked during the hearing. The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard oral arguments over a Catholic charter school in its chamber at the state Capitol on Tuesday. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice) In a similar line of inquiry, Vice-Chief Justice Dustin P. Rowe asked whether taxpayers are not indirectly supporting the Catholic Church by funding the school and questioned how this wouldnt violate the state Constitution. The Courts most experienced justice, Yvonne Kauger, asked bluntly, Are we a test case? Many, including Drummond, have assumed St. Isidores backers hoped from the start that the case would land in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. It sure looks like it, Kauger said. Sechler and Michael McGinley, a D.C.-based attorney representing St. Isidore, told the justices the Oklahoma school isnt intended that way. Justice Dana Kuehn appeared to be more receptive to the schools stance. She interjected during the hearing to ask whether public schools are establishing a type of religion by teaching about concepts, like evolution, that contradict some religious beliefs. Do you have to give parents a choice on the other side? she asked. Does that open the door for a charter school to have a religious component? Despite arguments that the school is private, St. Isidores teachers will qualify for a public pension and state-funded insurance benefits. The school agreed to follow state laws requiring open records, open meetings, yearly academic testing and a minimum number of days in the school year, among other regulations. They are a public school, Drummond said after the hearing. If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, its a duck. Its a public school. I think that they were hoping that the Supreme Court would bite on that distinction. I just dont see the majority of the Court buying that argument. Sechler said the school abides by those state regulations only because it agreed to do so in its charter contract, not because it is legally obligated to like traditional public schools. Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board chairperson Robert Franklin leads a meeting Oct. 9 at the Oklahoma History Center. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) The chairperson of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, Robert Franklin, said he has always believed charter schools to be public. Franklin and William Pearson were the only two board members to vote against opening St. Isidore. They also were the only two board members present at Tuesdays hearing. The three others who voted in favor of St. Isidore Brian Bobek, Scott Strawn and Nellie Tayloe Sanders have vacated their seats on the board. Franklin said it was an odd position for him and Pearson to listen to attorneys arguing for a school they opposed. At the end of the day, these questions need to be resolved, he said afterward. And once the questions are resolved, then we can move forward. A separate lawsuit filed by Oklahoma faith leaders, education advocates and parents is challenging the Catholic charter school. That case is pending in Oklahoma County District Court. Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter. The post Oklahoma Supreme Court hears Catholic charter school case appeared first on Arkansas Advocate. Oklahomans go to the polls to decide city races, school board posts, and a recall vote OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahomans head to the polls Tuesday to decide several issues. Some cities are deciding council positions, others voted on school board seats, and in Enid there is a recall initiative for one elected official with alleged ties to White Nationalists. Polls close at 7:00 p.m. and the results will be below. On mobile it may take a few moments to load the results. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. When Ukrainian surgeons needed specialized training to aid soldiers wounded during the war with Russia, an Oklahoma medical community volunteered to help. Tuesday, University of Oklahoma Health representatives welcomed a Ukrainian diplomat and leaders with a nonprofit think tank and grant making organization to discuss how the medical community is bringing Ukrainian surgeons to Oklahoma City for an intensive training program called Operation Ukraine. The OU Health visit was part of "Whistlestops for Ukraine," a public diplomacy initiative designed to support Ukraine's victory recovery and reconstruction. The multi-state tour was led by the German Marshall Fund of the U.S. and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. German Marshall Fund leaders said Whistlestops for Ukraine was inspired by President Harry Truman's "whistlestop" tour in 1948, which he conducted to pitch the Marshall Plan to Americans. The Marshall Plan, named after Secretary of State George Marshall, wasa U.S. program that provided aid to Western Europe after World War II to help rebuild and stabilize the region. More: Bake sale for body armor: Local Ukrainian church keeps faith, raises funds for Ukrainians Kateryna Smagliy, first secretary for public and culture diplomacy at the Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S.; Heather A. Conley, German Marshall Fund president and Howard Buffett visited Oklahoma on a mission to speak to community leaders about why the outcome of the war in Ukraine matters to Oklahomans and how the conflict affects local, national and global communities. How Oklahoma City became a place to train Ukrainian surgeons Mark Mims, OU Health facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and assistant professor in the department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the OU College of Medicine, took the group on a brief tour of the Clinical Skills Education and Testing Center lab on the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences campus, and gave them an overview of Operation Ukraine and the way it helped a unique connection form between Oklahoma and Ukrainian surgeons. While on a tour Tuesday at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Ukrainian diplomat Kateryna Smagliy selects a card featuring artwork by Ukrainian young people. He said the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery had been conducting one-week mission trips to Ukraine, but they quickly found that the need was much greater. Mims said in addition, the ability to train a surgeon in one week on the techniques they needed was not feasible, so the academy looked for a group in the U.S. that would be willing to set up a program to bring Ukrainian surgeons to America to train them. "At our national meeting in September of 2022, they reached out and said, if anybody was interested in creating such a program, they would welcome it," Mims said. "This was in a hall of 250 to 300 surgeons from all over the country and we were the only ones to volunteer. So they said if we wanted to attempt to create such a program, that we could go for it, and I've been running with it ever since." The surgeon said the main focus for OU health surgeons has been training their Ukrainian counterparts in a particular type of reconstructive surgery called microvascular or free tissue transfer. He said what that basically means is that surgeons take one part of the body and transfer it to another part to recreate a different part. He said the surgeons sew tiny blood vessels together using sutures that are thinner than a human strand of hair. Surgeons are required to use precise movements and have access to certain tools to perform such procedures. 'This is the American spirit' Mims said in addition to OU Health surgeons, others in the OU Health community have embraced the visiting Ukrainian soldiers. These included Michael A. McGrail, OU College of Medicine simulation specialist, and his wife Jennifer, who said they have enjoyed hosting many of the visiting Ukrainian surgeons in their home. Mims said the Ukrainian community in Oklahoma has also helped to make the visiting medical professionals feel comfortable while in the state for training. More: How painting sunflowers are helping Oklahomans raise funds for Ukraine The surgeon said he has been amazed by the kindness and resiliency of the surgeons that have come for training in Oklahoma. "It has been a real honor for us to be able to show the work that we have been doing because we are very passionate about it," he said. "We feel like we have been a very small part of supporting the Ukrainian community and that really, we have received more from them than they receive from us." Conley, leader of the German Marshall Fund, said what struck her the most in the first two stops of the Whistlestop Oklahoma visit was that attributes like compassion unites people. "There were so many powerful messages in what you've just shown us," she told Mims during his presentation. "I'm awfully glad you stood up and said 'yes.' This is the American spirit." In addition to the tour and discussion with Operation Ukraine surgeons at OU Health, the Whistlestops for Ukraine contingent also attended a prayer service and time of fellowship at St. Mary's Dormition Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The group also took part in a roundtable discussion with members of the Oklahoma agriculture community, met with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and some of his law students at Oklahoma City University, and traveled to the Capitol to talk with several elected leaders. At St. Mary's, the church's Ukrainian priest, the Rev. Stepan Bilogan, welcomed the visitors in his native language. A translator interpreted his words into English as the spiritual leader said one of the first places a Ukrainian looks for in the United States is a church with Ukrainian Orthodox connections because it reminds them of home. Ukrainian diplomat Smagliy said the Oklahomans she had met thus far, like people in other U.S. cities she has visited, were gracious and welcoming. Heather A. Conley, president of the German Marshall Fund, reacts to a display of Ukrainian youth artwork during a tour on Tuesday at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. "In every city, no matter how big or small, you see people so, so generous, so friendly, so kind, so supportive," Smagliy said. "Every gesture of solidarity, it touches us immensely. And people back home in Ukraine, know when they learn about this story, when they see the faces of Americans who started this (Operation Ukraine) initiative, they feel they're not alone. It gives them strength." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Diplomat visits Oklahoma with focus on Ukrainian connections The oldest man in the world has died just weeks before his 115th birthday, Guinness World Records said on Wednesday. Juan Vicente Perez Mora held the title of the oldest living man for just a few short years. Guinness awarded him the distinction on Feb 4, 2022, when he was 112 years and 253 days, after Saturnino de la Fuente Garcia died weeks earlier. He was the fourth oldest validated living person in the world and was reportedly the only man alive born before 1911. Juan Vicente Perez with family members during an interview at his home in Tachira state, Venezuela. / Credit: Jorge Castellanos/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images At the time he credited his longevity to "working hard, resting on holidays, going to bed early, drinking a glass of aguardiente every day, loving God, and always carrying him in his heart." Faith was central to his life and he prayed at least twice daily, he told Guinness World Records, "He wants to be remembered as a hard-working man, faithful to his wife and his religion. " Perez was born on May 27, 1909, in Venezuela to Euquitio Perez and Edelmira Mora and was living in Tachira state when he died. Governor Freddy Bernal said on X, "with deep sadness and pain we say goodbye to this archetype of Tachirense man, humble, hardworking, peaceful, enthusiastic about family and tradition." Nuestro querido Juan Vicente Perez Mora, hoy con profunda tristeza y dolor nos despedimos de usted, de ese arquetipo de hombre tachirense, humilde, trabajador, apacible, entusiasta de la familia y la tradicion. pic.twitter.com/ohiPzrsWgD Freddy Bernal (@FreddyBernal) April 3, 2024 He had 11 children six sons and five daughters with Ediofina del Rosario Garcia. They were married for 60 years. Perez had 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. At the tender age of 5, he started working in agriculture. Perez only attended school for a few short months but he learned how to read and write. In 1948 he became the sheriff in the town of Caricuena, where he resolved land and family disputes for ten years. President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela also paid tribute to Perez on social media, writing: "Juan Vicente Perez Mora has transcended into eternity at 114 years old. I send my hugs and condolences to his family and to all the people of El Cobre, Tachira state. May God receive him in his holy glory." Perez was born on May 27, 1909. He credited his longevity to Gerontology Research Group said they are currently working to find the world's oldest living man. Contenders are Japanese Gisaburo Sonobe, born on November 6, 1911, or Brazilian Josias de Oliveira, born on October 21, 1911. Both birth dates need to be confirmed before the title can be awarded, the group said. White House cancels iftar dinner after meeting with Muslim community leaders Missy Testerman, a teacher for over 30 years, is the National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman named 2024 Teacher of the Year An Olympia motel will become permanent supportive housing by the summer. Heres why Interfaith Works has purchased a motel near the Capitol in Olympia and plans to convert it into permanent supportive housing later this year. The non-profit purchased the Olympia Inn for about $2.7 million on March 20, Interim Executive Director Ivy Ayers told The Olympian. The 28-room building, historically known as the Golden Gavel, is located at 909 Capitol Way S. Creative solutions like this are really so important to address the lack of housing in our community, Ayers said. Were really excited and really honored that we have this opportunity to step more into this. Ayers said the building will house people experiencing homelessness that have been identified through Washington states Encampment Resolution Program, formerly known as the Rights-of-Way Initiative. To that end, the state has agreed to fund the project up to $4.5 million, according to documents obtained by The Olympian. If space is available, Ayers said the building also will house people who go through Thurston Countys coordinated entry system, which prioritizes people based on need. Building improvements should be completed by June and leasing will begin in July, according to information on the Interfaith Works website. How is this project being funded? News about the purchase spread after Interfaith Works was named as one of nine Washington organizations that were awarded a $2 million grant by Yield Giving, a private organization funded by billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. However, Ayers clarified that Interfaith Works did not use that $2 million to buy the Olympia Inn. Instead, she said the non-profit will use those funds to support a number of smaller projects and ensure the organization as a whole remains sustainable for years to come. Itll help us be flexible and responsive to the needs of the community, Ayers said. No shade on government funding at all, but sometimes government processes can be a bit slower. The state Department of Commerce gave Interfaith Works preliminary approval in January for a $4.5 million recoverable grant to buy and convert the Olympia Inn into permanent supportive housing, according to documents shared by Commerce. The parties signed the contract last month. Ayers said the contract just covers the costs to get the project started. It does not cover the cost to provide ongoing supportive services. Those costs may be covered by future funding opportunities from the state or local government, she said. Interfaith Works staff looked at a number of different options, but Ayers said they ultimately chose the Olympia Inn because they felt its size, condition and location met the needs of the people they serve. Its close to bus lines and close to a grocery store nearby; theres some other services in town that are semi-nearby, Ayers said. It checked a lot of boxes for us to be able to provide dignified housing for people. What changes will come to the Olympia Inn? Ayers said the exterior of the building will be largely unchanged. One room will be converted into a community space with kitchen and laundry facilities, according to Ayers and the website. Another room will be used as a case management office, she said. That leaves 26 apartments that should house at least an equivalent number of people, Ayers said. The building will be staffed by a facilities manager, case managers and support staff to maximize site presence and support for residents, according to the website. As a permanent supportive housing project, tenants will sign leases that include conduct expectations, according to the website. Ayers said staff are still determining what the leases will cost tenants. Tenants also will be offered support services, Ayers said, such as help getting to medical appointments, tracking bills, enrolling in classes and connecting with other assistance programs. The intention is always to have non-coercive services that are just available for people that can help identify and offer real support for things that folks might struggle with, Ayers said. The public can learn about Interfaith Works plans for the Olympia Inn later this month, according to its website. The non-profit intends to host a project meeting at 10 a.m. April 18 at the Social Hall of the United Churches of Olympia, located at 110 11th Ave. SE. Seven more Ukrainian children, together with their families, were returned home from the Russian-occupied territories in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on April 3. At least 19,500 children have been confirmed as abducted by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and less than 400 of them have been returned home, according to the Children of War database. "Some of the families went through true horror under occupation and became the witnesses of Russians looting homes of the locals, forcing (Ukrainians) to take Russian passports, abusing Ukrainians, forcing children to learn by 'Russia's world' canons," Lubinets wrote on his Telegram channel. Lubinets also said that families with boys decided to flee from the occupied territories due to the risk of a future men mobilization to the Russian army. "The children's parents said at our Centre of Children's Rights Protection that the perspectives of their future on the occupied territories did not fit their further view on their family's lives," Lubinets added. "So, they decided to move to the territories, which remained under Ukraine's control." According to Lubinets, the returned families will receive the required medical, humanitarian, and psychological help. Later, they will also be assisted in further document restoration, job searching, and sending children to educational institutions, Lubinets added. Previously, the ombudsman reported on March 22 on the return of nine children who were deported by Russia or held in Ukraine's Russian-occupied territories. On March 18, Lubinets said that 33 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and Poland, are involved in the international coalition that aims to return Ukrainian children from Russian captivity. Ukraine and Canada established the coalition on Feb. 2. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 17, 2023, over the deportation of Ukrainian children. The 123 member states of the ICC are required to arrest Putin if he steps foot on their territory. Read also: Explainer: What we know about Russias deportation of Ukrainian children Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. OMEGA: Dennison and Ohio Railroad extension funding may come to Tuscarawas County COSHOCTON The Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association reported a banner year for 2023 and its leaders are hopeful for better still in 2024, as they wait to hear back on the latest round of Appalachian Community Grant funding. OMEGA is a collaborative body of member governments that serves as a facilitator between state and federal government agencies and local entities to provide opportunities in economic and community development through networking, education, planning, research and allocation of resources. It serves Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum and Tuscarawas counties. In 2023, the organization approved 19 grant applicants for $16.4 million and two loans for $360,000 leading to the creation of 106 new jobs across the region. This includes $3.1 million in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Governor's Office of Appalachian (GOA) grants. Other funding was obtained via the Economic Development Association, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Public Works Commission, Ohio Water Development Authority and other entities. The current focus is on the Destination Appalachia: Pathway to Prosperity pitch to the Appalachian Community Grant program. Requested is $158 million for 41 projects in 26 communities and 10 counties. OMEGA Executive Director Vicki King-Maple said they vetted 90 projects total and narrowed it down to the ones they felt best could deliver transformational and sustainable projects. Individual projects include overhaul of Secrest Auditorium and improvement of streetscapes in Zanesville, further development of Skip's Landing and bringing back to life the Pastime Theater in Coshocton, growing the Dennison and Ohio Railroad in Tuscarawas County to include stops in Newcomerstown and Coshocton, extending the Great Guernsey Trail to link Lore City and Kipling to Cambridge and much more across the region. Estimates are the two years of construction and first five years of operation will have an overall regional impact of more than $1 billion, creating 7,394 new jobs and $18.5 million in new local taxes. Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association President Joel Day, mayor of New Philadelphia, welcomes attendees to the recent annual membership meeting in Coshocton. "This marked a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Appalachian region and I am most proud of the spirit of collaboration that was demonstrated throughout the process among our partnering constituents," King-Maple said. "We knew these project will be transformational to the region and we had to communicate it as such. It was crucial to drive home the sustainability and overall community vibrancy of all the projects." Tuscarawas County projects for 2023 $117,500 GOA grant to Kent State University at Tuscarawas and Buckeye Career Center for a multi-county advancement manufacturing corridor. $171,406 GOA grant to the Village of Dennison for the Grant Street downtown streetscape project. $250,000 ARC grant to the Village of Tuscarawas for wastewater treatment plant improvements. $250,00 ARC grant to Tuscarawas County for the Wilkshire Hills wastewater treatment plant phase two upgrades. $500,000 in congressional directed spending for the Tuscarawas wastewater improvement project $10,000 from the Kimble Foundation for Tuscarawas Memorial Park $50,000 from the Kimble Foundation for the New Philadelphia South Side Community Park. $16,194 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for Tuscarawas Memorial Park. $330,000 from the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act program for the Tuscarawas Food Truck Park. $128,000 from the Ohio Department of Transportation infrastructure bank loan program for Cherry Street sidewalk improvements. $233,794 grant from the Regional Transportation Planning Organization to the Village of Port Washington to help improve 6,980 linear feet of sidewalk. $225,000 from the Safe Routes to School program and $756,200 from the Transportation Alternatives Program to the Village of Port Washington. $309,000 from the Safe Routes to School program and $900,000 from the Transportation Alternatives Program to the Village of Strasburg. $19,203 in ODOT Township Sign Grant Awards to Jefferson Township and $42,655 to Warwick Township. This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: OMEGA seeks funding for extension of Dennison and Ohio Railroad One person is dead after severe weather rolled through Kentucky early Tuesday and into the evening, Gov. Andy Beshear said at a Wednesday press conference. Beshear said the victim, who was a young man, died in a car wreck in Campbell County when the first line of strong storms came through. The toughest news out of the storm (is) weve confirmed one weather-related fatality. This came in Campbell County in a car accident, when this first line of strong storms and rain were coming through, Beshear said. The storms caused significant property damage across various regions of the state, particularly Central Kentucky, the greater Louisville area and parts of Eastern Kentucky. As of Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., more than 13,000 Kentuckians were still without power. The National Weather Service had confirmed Wednesday at least six tornadoes touched down during the storms. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear at a press briefing Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Later Wednesday, Beshear said he would be visiting Jefferson and Oldham counties as well as Central Kentucky. Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman will be traveling east to Boyd County, where damage was also prevalent. Beshear took a beat to mention a relevant piece of recently-enacted legislation setting a cap on how much the administration can spend on disaster response without calling the legislature in for a special session. I hope that we can get that fixed so we always have the resources to help our neighbors when theyve been knocked down, Beshear said. In the newly passed budget the budget bills were all passed last week before the veto break and are subject to line-item veto from the Democratic governor, though the GOP-led legislature has the time and votes to override him the Kentucky National Guard can only spend up to $25 million during a governor-declared emergency. When asked if he plans to line-item veto that part of the state budget, Beshear responded, oh yes. We cannot have limitations, especially small limitations that we already know we exceed in a year without a massive natural disaster, that limit our ability to respond and help our people. Weve made this plea to leadership on both sides. I admittedly dont understand why its still in there when these are our Kentucky neighbors. We have $4 billion in a rainy day fund and weve had a lot of rainy days. If they dont want to move the limitation entirely, at least make it bigger. When will the stormy weather clear in Lexington? Widespread frost in the 7-day forecast Who has power? See latest storm outages from Kentucky Utilities, Blue Grass Energy Two large trees caused heavy residential damage following a severe thunderstorm in Lexington, Ky., on April 2, 2024. Sexual Health Nova Scotia's SUGAR Health is an online portal that helps people navigate and access health services like sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, cervical screening, gender-affirming care and abortion care. (Craig Chivers/CBC - image credit) An online registry and support line that helps Nova Scotians access sexual, gender and reproductive health care is facing an uncertain future after its funding from Health Canada ran out last month. Sexual Health Nova Scotia launched its SUGAR Health website in Nov. 2023, after receiving just over $500,000 from Health Canada's Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Fund in the spring. The registry was the first of its kind in Nova Scotia, providing an online portal to help people navigate and access health services like sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, cervical screening, gender-affirming care and abortion care. But it also provides what the organization calls a warmline, a chat service that gives people the option to call or text a navigator who will guide them through available services. Leigh Heide, the project manager for SUGAR Health, said they had applied for a renewal of funding through Health Canada in December, with the understanding that the federal agency's goal was to extend funding for existing projects. Leigh Heide is the project manager for Sexual Health Nova Scotia's SUGAR Health. Leigh Heide is the project manager for Sexual Health Nova Scotia's SUGAR Health. (Submitted by Leigh Heide) The application was sent back, they said, and they were asked to reduce the budget by 25 per cent and then resubmit which they did. But the application was denied mid-February, less than four months after the site launched. The funding expired on March 31. "It was very shocking. We had felt confident in our conversations with them that the goal was the extension and they were supporting us in that process," Heide told Information MorningHalifax. "We knew there was a reduced amount of funding in the fund overall, but we were very confident about our chances, especially being only one of two Atlantic Canadian projects." CBC News contacted Health Canada for information about the funding, but did not hear back in time for publication. Heide said SUGAR Health has just begun gaining momentum, given the short timeframe they've had. "People are hearing about the project, getting more and more engagement through the warmline, and then is it going to just halt?" they said. "And then on a personal level, we've got three staff that are going, 'OK, so I just don't have a job in six weeks?'" Heide said during the first few months of operation, Nova Scotia's health-care crisis has become evident to the team, as many people don't have a family physician or nurse practitioner. SUGAR Health launched their online registry and warmline in November 2023. SUGAR Health launched their online services registry and warmline in November 2023. (SUGAR Health) This makes accessing sexual health and reproductive services difficult, especially cervical screenings and STI testing. "We knew about those issues. We've known, but it's become even more prominent through this project that there's a real crisis in this field." Heide said SUGAR Health helps take away from that stress, by considering individual barriers that some people face, while providing them with the knowledge to navigate the health system effectively. "Thinking about it in a comprehensive, holistic way is really an important piece," they said. "And without our warmline, [SUGAR Health] is a website that people can look at on their own which again, it's a great resource but without that accompanying navigation support, it's not really the same thing." MORE TOP STORIES The convoy of three World Central Kitchen (WCK) vehicles that was attacked on Tuesday in Gaza was hit by three missiles from the Israeli army, according to sources from the Israeli Ministry of Defense cited by the newspaper Haaretz. Seven people died in the attack, all aid workers for the disaster relief group that has been distributing food in the Strip. The news report in Haaretz offers more questions than answers, as it states that there were three successive attacks. All three cars were hit as the wounded survivors moved from one to the other. All three vehicles were clearly marked on the roof and on the front with the logo of WCK, the organization founded by the Spanish-American chef Jose Andres. As is usual in these cases, the Israeli defense forces (IDF) had been informed of the route and the time at which the convoy would leave. The WCK has paused operations in an area at risk of imminent famine. Last month a ship called the Open Arms, run by a Spanish migrant rescue charity, took a cargo of WCK food aid to Gaza in what represented the first delivery of aid by a maritime route due to the difficulty of delivering it by land. When the first missile hit the car leading the convoy, the survivors ran for cover to the next one. From there, they notified their managers that they had been attacked. Seconds later, this vehicle was also hit. The third car in the convoy approached, and when the passengers came out to help the injured, this vehicle was hit as well. The first and the last vehicle were over a mile apart as they journeyed down the same road, as deduced from satellite images. The sources cited by the Israeli newspaper justified the attack, arguing that the IDF had previously detected an armed man in a truck and took him for a member of Hamas. It is likely that this individual was in charge of protecting the convoy against attacks by hungry crowds, as well as smugglers. Recently, there have been several assaults against aid convoys, most famously one that affected a convoy laden with flour which left more than a hundred dead last month; some of the victims died due to Israeli soldiers shooting at unarmed civilians. In any case, the armed man that Israeli troops said they saw stayed behind in a warehouse and never got into the cars, according to the Haaretz article. The order from the military unit responsible for the attack against the three vehicles came later. A destroyed car bearing the logo of World Central Kitchen (WCK) as it sits along Al Rashid road, between Deir Al Balah and Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, on April 2. MOHAMMED SABER (EFE) Israels Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has emphasized the importance of carrying out a thorough and professional investigation into the attack, and committed to making it open and transparent. Gallant has stressed that his countrys troops are acting in a complex environment, although he has spoken of the importance of strengthening coordination mechanisms with key partners. After a meeting with the chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Herzi Halevi, the minister has highlighted the relevant work carried out by NGOs and the commitment of the Netanyahu administration to work closely with them to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Image taken from the Artistry in Motion Facebook page. The business's owner has been charged with two counts of fraud after allegedly claiming over $1.2 million in fraudulent animal losses, Durham police say. (Artistry in Motion Taxidermy/Facebook - image credit) An Ontario taxidermist is facing criminal charges for allegedly making false insurance claims for over $1.2 million in dead exotic animals and naming fake zoos and safaris as part of his claims. Durham Regional Police's financial crimes unit began an investigation last September after they were contacted by an insurance company over potentially fraudulent claims made by Artistry in Motion Taxidermy, located in Uxbridge, police said in a news release on Wednesday. The business owner bought deceased exotic animals, including tigers and lions, after they died of natural causes to use as art pieces, the news release said. In May 2022, the owner made a claim to the insurance company that a "weather-related failure of his refrigeration system" resulted in a financial loss of over $500,000 worth of animals, police said. The owner made a second claim in June last year for another refrigeration system failure, claiming losses of over $700,000. Police investigated zoos, ranches and safaris in Canada and Africa named by the accused, the release said. Investigators allege the accused fraudulently produced purchase invoices, inflated the value of the dead animals and created fake zoos and safaris as part of claims. A 65-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000. He also faces two counts of uttering forged documents, police say. Owner listed fake zoos and safaris: police In September 2023, the man was fined $60,000 after pleading guilty to unlawful polar bear exports, Const. Nicholas Gluckstein said on Wednesday. The accused allegedly violated federal wildlife law by "intentionally providing false and misleading information" to obtain an export permit, according to a federal news release at the time of his guilty plea. Gluckstein said the previous federal violations "line right up" with the accused's recent charges. Image taken from the Artistry in Motion Taxidermy Facebook page. The business has been operating for over thirty years, according to an archived version of the business's website. Image taken from the Artistry in Motion Taxidermy Facebook page. The business has been operating for over thirty years, according to an archived version of the business's website. (Artistry in Motion Taxidermy/Facebook) CBC News has reached out to Artistry in Motion Taxidermy through Instagram, Facebook and email. When CBC Toronto called the phone number associated with the business across their social media platforms, the person who picked up said it was a wrong number. Artistry in Motion Taxidermy has been operating for over 30 years, according to an archived version of the business's website. Claiming to be "Canada's largest taxidermy studio," the business's services include life size mounts, shoulder mounts and custom trophy room design. "There is nothing we cannot reproduce, whether it's a gravity defying pose or the most detailed exotic species," the website reads. Image taken from the Artistry in Motion Taxidermy Facebook page. The business owner was previously fined $60,000 for violating federal wildlife law on polar bear exports, Const. Nicholas Gluckstein said. Image taken from the Artistry in Motion Taxidermy Facebook page. The business owner was previously fined $60,000 for violating federal wildlife law on polar bear exports, Const. Nicholas Gluckstein said. (Artistry in Motion Taxidermy/Facebook) Gluckstein said the financial crimes unit will be investigating whether the accused made more fraudulent claims with the same or other insurance companies. "We will definitely be laying additional charges if necessary," he said. Typically, taxidermy art is purchased by large businesses, Gluckstein said. "You want to ensure that these [artworks] are done in the correct manner and that the people selling these things have the correct permits," he said. Editors note: Steven E. Barkan is professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Maine. Michael Rocque is associate professor and chair of sociology at Bates College. Both authors have written widely on crime and criminal justice topics. The views expressed in this commentary are their own. Read more CNN Opinion here. Americans have often linked immigrants with crime. During the 19th century, for example, native-born Americans were flooded with messaging that branded Irish immigrants as both violent and subhuman. The association of Chinese immigrants with opium use, also in the 19th century, led to charges that these individuals were bringing vice and crime to the United States, leading to several anti-immigrant laws. The immigration of millions of Italians in the early 20th century prompted similar concerns about their supposed violent tendencies. Steven E. Barkan - Courtesy Steven E. Barkan Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly stoked this fear, harkening back to those earlier concerns. In launching his 2016 presidential campaign, he declared of Mexican migrants, Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people. On this past St. Patricks Day, he called migrants entering the United States people coming in from prisons and jails, long-term murderers, and the day before, he called them animals and not people. Michael Rocque - Bates College Does immigration actually raise crime rates? Many Americans certainly think so. In a recent Pew Research Center survey, a majority responded that the large number of migrants entering the United States is causing more crime. However, just because many people believe something does not mean it is true. Social science research regularly produces evidence filled with inconvenient facts that contradict peoples strongly held beliefs. Research and evidence on immigration and crime is one of these areas. Based on many studies from the past two decades, the answer here is clear: Immigration does not produce more violence or other crime, and immigrants do not have higher crime rates than native-born Americans. Much research even suggests that immigration reduces crime rates and that immigrants are less likely than native-born Americans to commit crime. This finding applies to unauthorized immigrants as well as to those who are authorized or become citizens. If immigrants do have lower crime rates, despite what many people think, why is this so? Several reasons seem to explain this inconvenient fact. First, because most immigrants come here to seek a better life for themselves and their families, they are highly motivated to do well and stay out of trouble. Second, immigrants tend to have strong family units and hold stable jobs. These advantages likely help immigrants be less crime-prone when compared with White native-born males with a similar low level of education, who often lack the supportive advantages of family and employment. Third, many immigrants live in tightly knit communities with strong churches and other social institutions, and they own or work in small businesses. These are precisely the types of neighborhoods that criminologists say produce lower crime rates. Fourth, immigrants who are able to migrate to the US may have advantageous social backgrounds compared with those who are not able to migrate. These backgrounds likely make them less prone to crime, as is evident among native-born Americans. Fifth, immigrants who are not yet citizens may fear being deported if they do commit crimes. A Mexican immigrant who saved enough to open a small business speaks to a reporter in North Carolina in 2016. - Gerry Broome/AP Given all the research evidence, why do so many Americans still think immigration endangers public safety? One reason is that they are not familiar with the research. Another reason is that people tend to disregard information that contradicts their strongly held beliefs. A third reason is the alarmist statements from Trump and similar remarks from others on social media that are simply false and play to peoples concerns about crime. Weve unfortunately seen similar disinformation spread throughout American history, which is filled with examples of native-born White Americans fearing without any evidence that immigrants and people of color would murder, assault and rape them and their children. Many native-born Americans after the Civil War thought that Chinese immigrants use of opium dens in the mountain and Western states would cause them to kidnap and rape White children. During the 1930s, many also thought that Mexican immigrants use of marijuana would cause them to assault and murder White people. In perhaps the most far-fetched example, many White people in the early 1900s feared that Black peoples use of cocaine (which was then legal and an ingredient in Coca-Cola in its early years) would cause them to assault and murder White people. They even feared that cocaine use would make Black people extra cunning, super-strong and invulnerable to bullets! There was certainly no basis for any of these absurd notions, but many White people believed them anyway. Racial and ethnic prejudice fueled their fears, as it does now. People of color have historically been targeted for their behavior, as were the Irish and Italian immigrants many decades ago when they were not considered White. When we hear warnings today about immigration and crime, it appears as if most of those warnings are targeting migrants from certain nations and those who look a certain way (not White). It is true that some immigrants do commit crime, but they commit no more crime than native-born Americans do, and, as research consistently finds, they likely commit fewer crimes. Amid the continuing controversy over immigration, we must let the facts, however inconvenient, guide the discussion and policymaking. And one inconvenient fact is clear: Immigration does not cause more crime, and it may even lower crime rates. Anyone who says otherwise either doesnt know the evidence or just wants to inflame anti-immigrant hostility. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The next census in the United States will allow people to identify as Latino/Hispanic as well as other categories under the heading of race/ethnicity. (Courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau) Last Thursday the White House announced a long-awaited decision from the Office of Management and Budget. The new directive will allow for the use of a single check all that apply race/ethnicity question with options for Latino/Hispanic and Middle Eastern/North African. This is a monumental step forward in advancing data equity, not just for these groups, but for our ability to accurately compare U.S. racial groups more broadly. For decades, the U.S. census has maintained separate questions for Latino origin and race, forcing Latinos to choose from options such as white, Black, American Indian, Asian and other under the race rubric. Unable to fit themselves into these categories, in 2020, nearly 44% of Latinos either did not answer the race question or marked other. In fact, 94% of other race responses to the census were Latinos. And other became the second-largest racial group in the country in 2020. But according to federal guidelines, other is not a race. And when the Census Bureau then creates population estimates, they have to reallocate absent or other responses into existing racial categories. This translates into nearly half of Latinos having a race assigned for them, and in that process most have been reclassified as white. Read more: The Census is changing its categories on race and ethnicity. Here's what that means for Latinos As one can imagine, having half the racial data for your community literally made up has led to incredibly poor quality racial data for Latinos. But it also means our countrys white category has included people who do not identify as white in it, which affects our ability to look critically at racial disparities. Differences among racial groups have been muted somewhat by the inclusion of Latinos in the white category who dont see themselves as white and are likely not seen as white by others. To be clear, there are Latinos who identify racially as white, Black, Asian or Indigenous. But there are many approximately 70%, based on the Census Bureaus testing of the new question design who do not see themselves in these categories and prefer Latino alone to describe their race. The desire for a "Latino" option is rooted in current and historical realities. There is a long-standing history of racialization of Latinos in this country. In Texas, for example, Mexican Americans faced Jim Crow-style segregation; they were excluded from schools, public swimming pools, restaurants, movie theaters and even cemeteries. Read more: Los Angeles County demographic changes: What you need to know about new 2022 U.S. Census data Perhaps one of the most publicly shared stories of this racial Latino discrimination is the story of Felix Longoria, whose body was returned to his home state of Texas in 1949 after he died fighting for his country in World War II, only to be denied burial in his hometown because the funeral home and cemetery were for whites only. In my book on Mexican Americans in Texas, nearly all of the Mexican American respondents I interviewed who lived through the civil rights era recalled facing extreme forms of discrimination such as attending separate schools and seeing signs on restaurants that said things such as No Dogs, Negros or Mexicans. Discrimination against Latinos continues today, and both older and younger Mexican Americans in my study spoke of racist encounters in the workplace, with police, in schools. In fact, despite legislation to end school segregation, today many school districts remain essentially segregated for Latinos, who drop out of school at a higher rate than other groups . A Harvard University study published in 2019 found that across multiple levels employment, housing and healthcare Latinos reported discriminatory experiences. When Latino is not recognized as a racial category, it is both an affront to history and a denial of these continued experiences with racism. Read more: Latinos undercounted by 5% in latest census, more than three times the amount in 2010 Because it will be possible that many Latinos will check only the Latino/Hispanic box for the race/ethnicity question on the census, concerns have been raised that more specific data about this community will be lost. In fact, research conducted by the Census Bureau shows that including a Latino category in a check all that apply format yields more accurate data, not less. Those who identify solely as Latino may check that box; those who identify as Latino and also as white or Black or Asian or Indigenous can make that clear as well. For example, Census Bureau research revealed that when white Latinos could identify themselves as Latino and white in the new format, those who did were actually white, as opposed to many who do not identify as white but have been assigned to that race. The numbers of Black Latinos remained the same. This means that the new format will better reflect actual racial differences. This decision to change how the government asks about race and ethnicity is the first change to federal race measurement standards in 27 years. It is long overdue and will much better reflect the experiences of Latinos and Middle Eastern/North African populations who have fought for years to get equitable data for their communities. Julie A. Dowling is an associate professor of sociology and Latin American and Latino studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She is the author of Mexican Americans and the Question of Race, and she served on the U.S. Census Bureaus advisory committee on race and ethnicity from 2014 to 2020. 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. TORONTO As NATO marks its 75th anniversary, the idea that it is free-riding on the United States remains a live issue. While former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Americas transatlantic allies for spending too little on defense, it is worth remembering that presidents going back to Dwight D. Eisenhower (including John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Barack Obama) also pressured the Europeans to share more of the burden. After Lyndon B. Johnsons secretary of defense, Robert S. McNamara, suggested that the U.S. might reduce its troop levels in Europe if the Germans did not step up, the two countries entered an offset agreement whereby Germany would compensate the U.S. by purchasing U.S. goods. But until February of this year, no U.S. president or presidential candidate had ever directly jeopardized the safety of NATO allies by inviting foreign aggressors to attack delinquent member states. Trumps offensive comments misleadingly equated the NATO defense-spending target (2% of GDP) with direct NATO payments. To some Americans, Trumps fairness concerns may seem valid. Why should the U.S. pay twice as much as the average NATO ally when it is geographically removed from all major conflict zones? Read also: Opinion: Whats left of Russias Black Sea Fleet? Part of the answer is that Americas massive military spending is not simply a function of its NATO commitments; rather, it follows from a strategic objective to maintain unmatched military and technological supremacy in the face of escalating great-power rivalries. Like Greece (whose defense-spending ratio is even higher than Americas), the U.S. exceeds the 2% target because doing so is in its interest. The cost of maintaining 200 U.S. active-duty bases (90% of the total) around the world accounts for only 4% of overall U.S. military expenditures. NATO is a common good that results from the pursuit of a private national good: U.S. military superiority. In Trumps view, the U.S. is a debtor nation, we spend so much on the military, but the military isnt for us ... and many of these countries are tremendously rich countries. While a majority of Americans support NATO, Trumps position resonates with those who view U.S. global responsibilities in the context of their own dwindling economic fortunes. But these concerns about fiscal over-spending exaggerate the problem, not least because they ignore the dollars international status and the fact that a significant portion of U.S. public debt is held domestically. Those arguing that military expenditures are a primary driver of U.S. debt have little to no evidence, and they consistently fail to weigh the costs against the benefits that such spending delivers. Asymmetrical security relationships allow the U.S. to exert influence and sustain its preferred form of global order through strategic advantages, information sharing, and diplomatic leverage, and to encourage adaptation across a broad network of dependent allies. NATO is the blue chip in the U.S. security umbrella the instrument that allows it to respond rapidly to threats and challenges anywhere in the world. U.S. and French forces take part in a NATO military exercise near Gniew, Poland, on March 5, 2024. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images) The forward presence of U.S. military forces serves as a deterrent against potential adversaries, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and military challenges to U.S. interests. This global network facilitates intelligence sharing among allies and provides the U.S. with critical information on security risks, enhancing its ability to anticipate threats and counter strategic competitors like China and Russia. The U.S. can and does use these tools to influence outcomes in key regions, support democracy and human rights, and fight terrorism. Alliances are a distinctive feature of Americas global strategy, setting it apart from other great powers. By providing defense and security, the U.S. can also foster economic cooperation and promote its own values. At a time when digital warfare respects no borders, NATOs intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and collective cyber-defense mechanisms all reinforce Americas ability to counter new economic and security threats. Moreover, its position at the center of regional and global security networks gives the U.S. an unmatched ability to facilitate or obstruct international cooperation as it sees fit. Almost no major decisions or missions can be carried out unless they serve U.S. interests. No other country can broker the kind of cooperation that the U.S. can. NATOs strategic shift to address the rise of China through engagement with Indo-Pacific partners underscores both the alliances adaptability and Americas unique coordinating power. Nor are these benefits confined to matters of great-power rivalry. For example, the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) coordinates counter-narcotics collaboration between NATO (specifically the Netherlands) and non-NATO countries such as Colombia and Panama. That not only bolsters security but also cuts down on illicit financial flows that could end up going to terrorist organizations and other bad actors. By the same token, U.S.-led allied efforts help to protect global trade routes particularly vital sea lanes ensuring the free flow of trade and energy supplies. A secure global commons provides the U.S. with economic leverage over allies and partners, allowing it to shape economic policies, trade agreements, and investment decisions according to its own interests. Read also: Opinion: Defeatists will be on the wrong side of history Generally speaking, shaping norms and aligning interests across international networks reduces protection costs, alleviates the need for military coercion within the network, and augments its effectiveness when used externally. From a security perspective, if the U.S. becomes less willing to fund a potent military capability through NATO, and less willing to engage with and protect its allies, it will start to look more like China or Russia. It would still be formidable; but it would be less influential and less benign. Europeans are already preparing for the worst and pushing forward with their project of strategic autonomy. Citing vassal risks from great-power competition, French President Emmanuel Macron favors reducing Europes reliance on others, particularly the U.S. By adopting a more assertive stance against Russian belligerence, advocating for Ukraines future NATO membership, and leveraging EU enlargement as a geopolitical tool, France has realigned its position more closely with that of Poland, the Baltic countries, and the Czech Republic. Americans must understand that NATO is not just a mechanism for protecting allies; it is an essential part of a comprehensive strategy that promotes their own interests and sustains their countrys global leadership position. The U.S. would gain nothing by withdrawing from the transatlantic alliance. On the contrary, doing do would reduce U.S. influence without significantly reducing U.S. military spending. Editors Note: Copyright, Project Syndicate. This article was published by Project Syndicate on April 2, 2024, and has been republished by the Kyiv Independent with permission. The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editors Note: Sheikh Khalil al-Baz is the imam of the Tel Sheva Mosque in Israels Negev Desert and a co-founder of Abrahamic Reunion, a Middle Eastern coexistence organization. The opinions in this article are those of the author. View more opinion on CNN. As the conflict in the Middle East reverberates around the world, many in the West have fallen into the emotional traps of anger, fear and righteousness toward the perceived other side. Exporting the conflict will not bring peace any more than it will bring victory, and the only way to reduce the flames is to learn to coexist. Sheikh Khalil al-Baz - Courtesy Sheikh Khalil al-Baz My work as an imam and focus on spiritual coexistence in Israel and Palestine has shown me that the best personal defense against destructive emotions is to find the other inside ourselves. A complex identity is a natural antibody that inoculates against hate, and I myself identify as a Muslim, a Bedouin, a Palestinian and an Israeli. It is currently the month of Ramadan. This year my coexistence organization, Abrahamic Reunion, has hosted our 20th annual coexistence Iftar meal, this time in Jerusalem. It is especially meaningful to break my fast with my non-Muslim partners in the current context of the war. Ramadan is a time when Muslims have to think about the other who is less fortunate than themselves. Through fasting and charity, we are supposed to come out of the month with a renewed appreciation for our role in this world. That is the essence of spiritual coexistence, in which your self-image makes room for the humanity of others. Many people resent that I refuse to choose only one side of my identity; they want me to be angry, empty and broken like them. Members of my own Bedouin Muslim community have threatened and attacked my family and me for simply acknowledging the humanity of Jewish Israelis. My house was shot at after I spoke out against denying the crimes of Hamas on October 7. This is not a recent phenomenon. In 2008, after my wife was honored with lighting a torch at a celebration of Israels Independence Day, our familys car was bombed. But these attacks have only ever strengthened my resolve to advocate for spiritual coexistence, and so I have spent years teaching Jewish Israelis about Islam and our need to recognize that both Muslims and Jews belong in this land. This has been my lifes mission. My wife Sana and I cofounded the Abrahamic Reunion in the aftermath of the violence of the Second Intifada of the early 2000s, when terror attacks and military operations drove deep divisions between every sector of Israeli and Palestinian society. Abrahamic Reunions dream is to reunite the children of Abraham in the Holy Land, and to that end we have had tens of thousands of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Israelis and Palestinians join our activities over the years. Spiritual coexistence means building bridges out of celebration, grief and the acknowledgment of God above us, no matter your faith. And it is how we cultivate the other within ourselves. Almost anyone who participates in experiences like these will find themselves more immune to the emotional pull of identity-driven hate, even amid a devastating and personal war such as this one. Abrahamic Reunion included participants from Gaza until Hamas made participation illegal in 2013. Before then, we would sit on a hill next to the border and talk through megaphones with Gazans on the other side of the fence. Organizations that feel threatened by coexistence know that it is the greatest threat to their power. You can always coexist with other people, but not with every ideology, and on October 7, Hamas declared war against every element of my identity. They murdered Muslims. They kidnapped Bedouin from the desert. They continue to oppress Palestinians in Gaza, stealing aid and using their homes and mosques to launch attacks. They are committed to destroying Israel and every Israeli. I am at war with Hamas because this is their path, but I will never be at war against the people of Gaza. My religion is Islam, and as the imam of the southern Israeli town of Tel Sheva, I provide spiritual and moral guidance to my community, as my father and grandfather did before me. My ancestors are related to the Hashemite family, the traditional protectors of Islams holy sites. The Islam of my tradition has nothing in common with those who proclaimed Allahu Akbar while inflicting unspeakable violence upon innocent civilians on October 7. It is because I am a Muslim that I call to immediately release the remaining hostages seized from Israel, Bedouin Muslims among them, and to provide help to Palestinians in desperate need of humanitarian relief in Gaza. My ethnicity is Bedouin, and my people have called the Negev desert home for centuries, as nations and empires rose and fell around us. Bedouin tribes are part of the Arab fabric of this land, and I trace my history, traditions and communal codes back to the sands of the Negev. Despite being from a nomadic people, I am not at home anywhere else. The Bedouin community in Israel has long suffered from neglect and marginalization by the state, and our society today is riddled with both crime and a lack of respect for its elders. My mission to deliver Tel Sheva back from the hands of criminals is connected to the need to return Islam from the broken souls of political extremists. My people are the Palestinian people, and I am inextricably connected to the souls in Gaza for whom the weight of this war is unbearable. I feel their fear, hunger and suffering as my own, and I cry at the images of destruction and loss. Members of my community have family in Gaza, and we pray for their safety every day. A solution to this conflict will only come from securing a path to Palestinian freedom, under a government that represents and cares for its people. War will not turn that hope into a reality, and neither will leaving Gaza under the moral vacuum of Hamas. My nationality is Israeli. An Israeli who loves the country he has built alongside his Jewish and Arab neighbors. An Israeli whose wife was the first Bedouin woman honored with lighting a torch at Israels national Independence Day ceremony. An Israeli who knows that his country must now fight for peace as hard as it fights for survival because the two are dependent on each other. On October 7, Bedouin Muslims like myself saved the lives of our Jewish neighbors, and the Israel Defense Forces defended our homes the same way they did the homes of Jewish Israelis. My wife, may Allah have mercy on her, passed away last year. Her final instruction to me was to look after our four beautiful children and continue the journey we started together. I do so today because, beyond my identity as a Muslim, a Bedouin, a Palestinian and an Israeli, I am first and foremost a human being: a father, a husband and a servant of God. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Opinion: How Rhode Island College Went to the Head of the Class on Reading Instruction This article was originally published in Rhode Island Current. In its 2016 state-by-state, college-by-college Teacher Prep Review, the National Council on Teacher Quality branded the reading preparation program at Rhode Island College (RIC) with an F. Then, in 2023, the Review gave it an A+. A meteoric change. The council has been assessing teacher-preparation programs nationally since 2000. Its evaluations are controversial and often dismissed as out of touch with what teacher prep programs were actually doing. Well, yes. The council has long condemned the now debunked Balanced Literacy approach to reading instruction as outright harmful, even though it dominated higher educations prep programs for 50 years. Instead, its evaluation criteria judges programs according to the five science-based elements novices need to become competent reading teachers. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter To be fair, the University of Rhode Island got an A. But today is about the A+ story. What happened in the relatively short time between F and A+? Recently, in a conference room at RIC, I put that question to Associate Professor Cara McDermott-Fasy (special education) and Associate Professor Carolyn Obel-Omia. (Interim Dean Carol A. Cummings and Interim Associate Dean Beth Pinheiro were also there.) RICs transformation story starts slowly. Around 2009, the reading professors began refining their coursework with more science-based lessons, in effect seeding what will become fertile curricular soil. We didnt feel like we were jumping on a bandwagon or letting go of anything, like Balanced Literacy, Obel-Omia said. We were just building our competencies. McDermott-Fasys has chronicled the journey of how RIC worked with various partner organizations toward shared responsibility between general education and special education. Together, they broke down silos that too often led to the need for specialized language schools [which] in our area often had no seats available. (And cost a fortune.) Mending the division between general and special education led to the realization that a successful revamp of their reading program would hew to the needs of the dyslexic population. What works for them, works for all kids. Together they studied a multi-tiered support system that teaches educators to chart and monitor struggling students. This framework can apply to all subjects, and problematic behavior, by sorting skills and remediation, in this case for reading, into three tiers of intensifying personalized support: Tier I is for all kids, the general education that builds foundational skills. Tier II are intervention techniques for those showing signs of struggling. Tier III is for students whose special needs lie beyond the capacity of a regular classroom teacher, like those with serious dyslexia. But RICs reading redesign folks wanted more. In 2016, they began working with the CEEDAR Center on their Innovations Configuration protocol. They identified what RIC graduates should know and be able to do to support all their students, whether they had special needs or not. Then the program redesigners took a microscope to their curriculum looking for redundancies, gaps and opportunities. Proficient reading requires many skills to come together. Glitches in any one of those skills can screw up a kids progress. For example, the inability to hear the distinction between the sounds that make up words will leave the kid entirely in the dust. Thus, a course of study must teach novices to: Provide an aligned sequence of all the necessary skillsHave assessments that flag problemsBe equipped with techniques that ameliorate or resolve those problems. The professors broke down their courses into units that could be mapped. What was actually being taught? In what order? With what intensity? The mapping laid bare previously unseen details of their curriculum. Some competencies seemed randomly spread across the four courses already designated for teaching reading. The shocker: finding few early intervention units (Tier II). If kids are struggling with general education, what are available methods of getting the kid back on track before turning to specialists? And whose responsibility are early reading problems, the classroom teacher or special educators? The redesign team decided that responses to early red flags should be shared by both. So they reorganized the content into four new, well-aligned courses. Two classes focus on the foundational skills. But a new, dedicated intervention course equips all teachers to help a child starting to struggle. The specialists still have their specialized training, but now they also take a general education course so everyone shares an understanding of the spectrum from general to special education. The philosophy of the elementary department changed from my course to our scope and sequence, McDermott-Fasy proudly told me. When Rhode Islands 2019 Right to Read Act passed, RIC compared its demands with the newly-aligned program. They were in superb shape. The state approved their program in 2023, the same year the council gave them the A+. The National Council on Teacher Qualitys new how-to guidance document estimates that with effective instruction, over 90% of students would learn to read without needing specialist attention. Rhode Island has about 10,000 4th graders, of whom roughly 3,300 kids were proficient in the 2023 RICAS English Language Arts state test. As new and improved teachers emerge from Rhode Islands public prep programs, theyll join the existing classroom teachers also learning science-backed techniques. In the fullness of time, we could have 9,000 proficient 4th-grade readers, prepared for academic success and a better shot at thriving in their lives. Rhode Island Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com. Follow Rhode Island Current on Facebook and Twitter. AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) Colorado has a tremendous need for more nurses, and on Tuesday, HealthONE and Galen College of Nursing announced plans to open a new campus in Aurora. The school will open at a temporary site at 3190 S. Vaughn Way while a new facility is built. The school is already accepting applications, and the first term will start July 8. Do you live in one of Colorados million-dollar cities? Galen will offer a two-year associate degree or a three-year bachelors degree. We want to ensure that we have the individuals ready in our facilities to take care of you, of your family, said Jennifer Broekema, vice president of clinical education at HealthONE. According to a recent study, there could be a shortage of 200,000 to 450,000 nurses nationwide in the next few years. We are growing so quickly that we just know that the need is outpacing the number of nurses who are available to work in our facilities, Broekema said. With an aging population, more nurses leaving the profession and not enough nursing school graduates, Broekema said many facilities are struggling to fill positions. She said there are good academic options in Colorado, but another option will help and others agree. If you know about nursing colleges, most of them have pretty long wait lists to get in, said Dr. Audria Denker, the executive vice president of nursing for Galen College of Nursing. $247M bill would create new medical school in Colorado, address health worker shortage She said the college has decades of experience and 20 campuses across the country that often attract a different kind of student. Our average age of our students are in their early 30s, second-career students. The fact that we admit four times a year gives additional people opportunities, Denker said. For more information, call 877-233-7040 or visit galencollege.edu. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Members of the Oregon legislature spoke before Wednesday mornings Portland City Council meeting to highlight legislative accomplishments during the March session. Sen. President Rob Wagner, newly elected House Majority Leader Rep. Ben Bowman, and Rep. Rob Nosse spoke at the Pre-gavel Legislative Appreciation event at 9:30 a.m. Oregon bottle bill not intended as cash for addicts During the legislative session, lawmakers passed several bills, including HB 4002, which was recently signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek, and recriminalized small-quantity drug possession in Oregon. The changes wont go into effect until September. Amid recent crackdowns on fentanyl suppliers, while Portland is grappling with a declared emergency, city leaders seemed welcoming of HB 4002, which reforms aspects of the previously voter-passed Measure 110 in 2020. They made changes that I think are entirely appropriate, said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. They have restored law enforcement tools, which we need here at the local level in order to maintain civic order in our community. Oregon school districts have fourth-highest chronic absenteeism rate nationwide Additionally, lawmakers passed a slimmed-down version of Gov. Koteks emergency housing production package, which will invest $376 million in emergency shelters, eviction diversion programs, homeless prevention services, and affordable housing. Lawmakers also passed historic campaign finance reform after decades without campaign contribution limits. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon schools have one of the nations worst post-pandemic rates of chronic absenteeism, according to a national study released earlier this year. Students are considered chronically absent if they fail to show up for at least 10% of days through the school year. James Beard Foundation nominates six Oregon finalists for prestigious awards The American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world, found the national average rate for chronic absenteeism grew from 15% in 2019 to 28% in 2022. Although the organization was unable to compile information for a number of states, the available data shows the rate continued to rise in 2023. The Oregon Department of Education recorded a chronic absenteeism rate of 20% from 2017 to 2019. The agency didnt release data on the 2019-20 school year which was affected by home-learning requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic, but by the 2023 spring semester, the rate had steadily increased to 38% the fourth-highest in the U.S. Washington, D.C., Alaska and New Mexico led as the areas with the highest rates, with D.C. recording 44%. Overnight rescue finds group with 10 children on Rogue River Trail Within Oregon, Portland Public Schools exceeded the statewide average rate of chronic absenteeism. The school district reported a 46.4% rate for the previous school year, a significant increase from the 18.9% recorded for 2018-19. To compare, 33.1% of students in the Beaverton School District were chronically absent for the 2022-23 academic year. About 17.1% were considered chronically absent through the last pre-pandemic school year. The academic consequences of these disruptions are glaringly evident in students test scores, the social and emotional fallout is reflected in numerous indicators, and the behavioral challenges seen following the return to in-person schooling have made life difficult on students, teachers, and entire school communities, AEI wrote in its Long COVID for Public Schools report. Nine arrested in Multnomah County Central Library drug sting The Oregon education departments latest statewide assessment revealed that students test results had improved from the prior academic year, but they were still lagging behind pre-pandemic numbers. For example, 53.4% of students were considered proficient in English Language Arts for the 2018-19 year. During the 2022-23 year, that number dropped to 43%. However, the latest graduating class tied the class of 2022 for Oregons second-highest on-time graduation rate at 81.3%. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A new 40,000-square-foot outdoor inflatables park that markets itself as the Worlds Biggest Bounce Park is ready to pop up outside Lynnhaven Mall. The park and other locations are franchised through a company called Funbox, based in Southern California. Similar parks have popped up outside of more than a dozen malls nationwide, including those in Atlanta, Chicago and Houston. Local couple Andrea and Kevin Morris will operate Virginia Beachs franchise, which is set to go up in the malls parking lot off South Lynnhaven Road, next to the AMC Theaters. Itll take up about 142 parking spaces. The rendering for the proposed inflatables park outside Lynnhaven Mall (Courtesy of City of Virginia Beach) Were really excited. We have young children and theyre really excited. They think were really cool, Andrea Morris said at a recent planning commission meeting. So we think this is going to be really great for the community. Virginia Beach City Council approved the project unanimously on Tuesday through their consent agenda. It was previously greenlighted by the citys planning commission in a 10-0 vote. The park will operate seven days a week from March to September, with the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be four different inflatable structures in the park, including a 15,000-square-foot bounce house. Theres also an obstacle course, a ninja wall, battle beam and more. Virginia Beachs location doesnt show pricing yet, but other locations cost about $18 for 80 minutes inside the park. We strive to create affordable and accessible experiences that bring joy and wonder to families from all walks of life, Funbox says on its website. WAVYs reached out to Virginia Beachs franchisees to learn more when exactly the Lynnhaven location will open. Well update this story when we hear back. For more information on the Virginia Beach park and other Funbox parks, visit their website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. An Israeli air strike killed seven members of World Central Kitchen (WCK), the disaster relief group that has been distributing meals to alleviate the serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza, just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recovering from hernia surgery in a Jerusalem hospital. As soon as he was discharged and became aware of the international outrage over an attack that also killed citizens of Western countries such as the United Kingdom, Poland and Australia, Netanyahu described the incident as tragic and unintentional and promised an investigation. He also added: It happens in war. In this war, at least, it happens a lot. Almost 200 humanitarian aid workers have died in Gaza between the start of the war following the massive surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and March 20, according to United Nations data. That is around triple the figure recorded in other conflicts around the world, including in Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia, in their deadliest year, as the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Jamie McGoldrick, pointed out on Tuesday. This is not an isolated incident, he said of the attack against the WCK convoy. As of 20 March, at least 196 humanitarians had been killed in the OPT since October 2023. This is nearly three times the death toll recorded in any single conflict in a year. Most of the deceased worked for United Nations agencies, NGOs or the Palestinian Red Crescent. They were almost all Palestinians, and their fate did not generate announcements of exhaustive investigations. Since October 2023, the OPT has become one of the most dangerous and difficult places in the world to work, McGoldrick added. There is no safe place left in Gaza. The latest cumulative impact report of the war from the U.N. humanitarian affairs office, dated March 13, shows the disproportionate impact on the agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the largest and beating heart of the humanitarian response in Gaza, in the words of the U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths. Of the 174 deaths from United Nations agencies, 171 were from UNRWA. The other three victims worked for the World Health Organization, the U.N. Development Program and the U.N. Project Services Office. Another 14 deceased served in the Palestinian Red Crescent. Palestinian women and children cross from the north to the south of Gaza along the Al Rashid highway, on the 21st. MOHAMMED SABER (EFE) One of the main nonprofits, Doctors Without Borders, has lost five local workers. Two of them died in an air strike against their shelter in Al Mawasi, the area that the Israeli army had declared as safe and where it urged displaced people in the north and then Khan Yunis, in the south, to go. In February, a convoy carrying humanitarian aid, clearly marked with U.N. logos and whose route had been previously coordinated with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) was bombed by the Israeli Navy while waiting at a military checkpoint. No one was injured. A month earlier, another attack destroyed the Gaza City headquarters of the NGO Handicap International, focused on rehabilitating wounded individuals and amputees in armed conflicts. The Israeli army knew the coordinates of the building through the U.N. system. Paused operations Another organization working in Gaza is American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), a U.S. based group that announced on Tuesday that it is temporarily pausing its aid operations in Gaza because it is no longer viable to deliver aid safely. Its logistics coordinator, Mousa Shawwa, died on March 8 in an air strike in the Deir al Balah area. The IDF had received the coordinates of the place where he was sheltering with his family, according to the NGO. On Tuesday, Hamas accused Israel of having shot at humanitarian workers deliberately to terrorize them and force them to desist. The technical term deconfliction has often been used in Gaza in these months. It means coordination with the IDF to prevent humanitarian workers and civilians from being hurt or killed, as happened on Tuesday. The aid group informs the IDF about the day, time and route they will follow (in the case of a convoy) or the coordinates of the homes or hotels where they are staying. International humanitarian law clearly protects humanitarian workers in conflict situations. Yagil Levy, a professor of political science at the Open University of Israel who specializes in military sociology and the legitimacy of the use of force, links the Tuesday incident to the easy trigger that Israeli forces are showing in Gaza, where the number of dead exceeds 32,500 and the destruction is immeasurable. I wasnt surprised that it happened. Practically no real rules of combat are being used, he says by phone, alluding to the Rules of Engagement (ROE) by which armies are meant to be governed. Images captured by journalists and on mobile phones, as well as some recorded and disseminated by the Israeli soldiers themselves, show numerous cases of ROE violations, as well as war crimes. There is an urge to kill Hamas people and that means that soldiers, including drone operators, are not carefully considering when to open fire. The troops do not understand the importance of protecting these humanitarian aid convoys, says Levy. There is also a pervading mood in the country against the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza (the majority of the population opposes it) and a prevailing argument that Hamas is stealing more than half of it for its own benefit. The fact of the matter is that Hamas police officers hardly dare to protect the aid convoys anymore, because they become the target of bombings when they are exposed. In Israel, there is also a widespread rhetoric criminalizing the United Nations, and in particular the UNRWA agency. Last month, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the United Nations under the leadership of its Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has become an anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli organization that protects and encourages terrorism. Gazans collect bags of flour distributed by UNRWA last February in the city of Rafah. IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA (REUTERS) UNRWA has reported mistreatment and humiliation of its staff in Israeli detention centers, and estimates that more than 150 of its facilities have been attacked. Some have been completely destroyed. An Israeli attack on March 13 against an aid distribution center in Rafah (whose coordinates it had provided to the army the day before) killed some of its workers and injured 22 others. How are we going to maintain aid operations when our equipment and supplies are constantly under threat? protested the U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator. The Israeli army is progressively preventing the agency from carrying out its mission, with a view to ensuring that it does not play any role in post-war Gaza, as Netanyahu has promised. It already prohibits its vehicles from crossing the military checkpoint to deliver aid in northern Gaza and its top official, Philippe Lazzarini, from entering Gaza. By Mark Trevelyan (Reuters) -Russia said on Wednesday it had seen a significant jump in the number of men signing contracts to join the military since last month's deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow where gunman killed at least 144 people. Russia has repeatedly sought to blame the attack on Ukraine, its opponent in a war now well into its third year, despite denials from Kyiv and a claim of responsibility by Islamic State militants for the massacre at the Crocus City Hall. In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said more than 100,000 people have signed contracts with the armed forces since the start of the year, including about 16,000 in the past 10 days alone. "During interviews conducted over the past week at selection points in Russian cities, most candidates indicated the desire to avenge those killed in the tragedy that occurred on March 22, 2024 in the Moscow region as the main motive for concluding a contract," the ministry said. One recruit, Oleg Ternov, said in a video published by the ministry: "After the terrible events in Moscow, I don't want to stand aside. I don't want my own native town to see a tragedy like that." The reported recruitment boost follows a series of assertions by President Vladimir Putin and his security chiefs, for which they had not provided evidence, that Ukraine was behind the mass shooting and had the most to gain from it. Kyiv has repeatedly denied that. The United States has said Islamic State bore sole responsibility, and that U.S. spy agencies picked up intelligence of an impending operation and warned Moscow about it weeks earlier. But to accept that the attack was purely the work of Islamic State would raise awkward questions for Russia about why it failed to act on the U.S. warning and whether its intelligence agencies took their eye off the ball by focusing on Ukraine and domestic war critics instead of Islamist militants. WAGE INCENTIVE Russia is relying on a steady stream of new recruits to the armed forces as it seeks to push deeper into Ukrainian territory. Putin ordered an unpopular draft of 300,000 men in September 2022 but has said there is no need for another compulsory mobilisation because the numbers signing voluntary contracts are so strong. Posters across Russian cities extol the soldiers fighting in Ukraine as patriots and heroes, and many of those signing up are attracted by salaries far higher than they can earn as civilians. Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, has been slowly advancing in the past two months after a Ukrainian counteroffensive last year failed to make significant gains. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said last month that Moscow would bolster its military by adding two new armies and 30 new formations by the end of this year. Both sides have suffered heavy but undisclosed numbers of dead and wounded. In February, independent Russian outlet Meduza estimated that the number of Russians killed in Ukraine had reached 75,000 by late 2023. Russia, however, has the advantage of a much larger population from which to draw recruits. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday signed a law to lower the mobilisation age for combat duty from 27 to 25 in order to generate more fighting power. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan) Over 70 dogs, perhaps used for fights, seized in Turlock. Animal shelter crowding worsened The Turlock Police Department took custody of over 70 dogs last week that it said were living in deplorable and inhumane, according to a news release. The dogs, some of which were pregnant and close to giving birth, are suspected of possibly being used in dog fighting and were part of an animal cruelty investigation the department launched in early March. During the course of the investigation, surveillance revealed approximately ten dogs that were tethered in the yards, reads TPDs release. Tethering is a term to describe a practice of fastening an animal to a stationary object, which is illegal in the state of California. The dogs, 73 in total, were taken from three residences on the 400 block of South First Street. They were seized as evidence and are housed at Turlocks Animal Services facility. This dog rescue comes on the heels of a spate of dog hoarding rescues last month in other parts of Stanislaus County, which has taxed the Stanislaus Animal Services shelter as well. More than 80 dogs rescued from California home. 2 people arrested, 2 sent to hospitals Due to overcrowding, Turlock Animal Services will not accept owner surrenders until further notice. The shelter already had 10 dogs that werent part of the investigation and is asking the publics help in finding them homes. All fees are waived if residents choose to adopt, according to the release. The animal shelter can comfortably hold 32 dogs, said Dominique Sanchez, spokeswoman for TPD. None of the 73 dogs seized during TPDs search are up for adoption at this time, but were evaluated by a veterinarian and treated for any injuries or diseases, according to the release. Sanchez said a dog trainer would come to the shelter to determine which dogs are adoptable and which would need to be sent to a rescue facility. She also implored any rescue facility to reach out if it has space available. TPD listed 46-year-old Jorge Ayala of Turlock as a suspect in their investigation. His whereabouts are unknown. Police ask that anyone with information call Detective Ulrich at 209-668-6570. You can also contact TPDs tip line at 209-668-5550, ext. 6780, or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us. The Turlock Police Department seized 73 dogs as part of an investigation into possible dog fighting and animal cruelty on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Turlock Police Department The Turlock Police Department seized 73 dogs as part of an investigation into possible dog fighting and animal cruelty on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Turlock Police Department The Turlock Police Department seized 73 dogs as part of an investigation into possible dog fighting and animal cruelty on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Turlock Police Department The Turlock Police Department seized 73 dogs as part of an investigation into possible dog fighting and animal cruelty on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Turlock Police Department The intensity map of the Central Weather Administration (CWA) of Taiwan is displayed on a smartphone, after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook Taiwan on Wednesday. Andre M. Chang/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa The number of people injured and trapped following the earthquake off the east coast of Taiwan has risen further, according to the authorities. More than 820 people were reported injured and 127 were trapped in tunnels or buildings, according to the national firefighting authority on Wednesday afternoon. The trapped people were all in the area around the city of Hualien, where the earthquake caused severe damage on Wednesday morning, it said. More than 100 aftershocks were recorded there within eight hours of the quake. The authorities did not provide any further information on the two Germans trapped in a transport tunnel of a national park north of Hualien. The 193-meter-long freighter "Atlantic Navigator II", moored in the overseas port of Rostock Port. Owner of cargo ship detained by German customs working for release. Jens Buttner/dpa The Canadian owner of a freighter that has been detained by German customs authorities said they are working closely with authorities to ensure it can continue its voyage to the United States soon. The ship, the Atlantic Navigator II, stopped at the Rostock harbour on Germany's Baltic Sea coast for repairs early last month. The ship was reportedly on its way from Russia to the United States, but has been detained by German customs officials after they determined that goods on board the freighter violated European Union sanctions against Russia. The ship belongs to the US-based operator ARRC Line, a subsidiary of Canadian shipping firm CISN. A spokeswoman for the firm told dpa that the CISN Shipping Group attaches great importance to strict compliance with all relevant laws. The Ostsee-Zeitung newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources, that the ship had left Russia and was on its way to the US with a cargo of birch wood and enriched uranium for US nuclear power plants, among other things. The CISN spokeswoman said that the company is the "only marine carrier licensed to transport Class 7 goods, such as Cobalt 60 and low enriched uranium" on the trans-Atlantic route between Russia and the US. She added that the cargo is critical for "health-care services delivery, food safety and energy security in North America and Europe." The company has been working closely with authorities in the US, the United Kingdom and Canada to ensure that it complies with all relevant sanctions and can keep operating the transport service, the company said. The EU imposed massive sanctions on Russia in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In 2020, Mac Thornberry wanted to answer two questions: How much is the U.S. spending to prevent a war with China, and is it enough? These were difficult, even for the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. And he wasnt the only one asking. Thornberry often traveled to Asia, where U.S. allies had the same questions. Thornberry didnt know what to tell them. What do we have to offer? he said. For two years, Congress had asked the Pentagon for a report on how much extra money it needed for the Pacific region, but never received one. So Congress demanded one. The attitude was, tell us what you need and well try to help, Thornberry said during a recent interview. Well, if theyre not going to tell us, then were going to tell them. The defense policy bill for fiscal 2021 named for Thornberry, who was retiring created the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a new section of the defense budget. PDI had two goals: to push the Pentagon to spend more on the region and to make that money easier to track. Four years later, PDI has done only one of those two things, according to experts. It has certainly made China-focused defense spending more transparent, but it hasnt driven much new spending on the Pacific. In fact, the part of Americas defense budget created to help deter a war with China has no actual money. Your priorities are always better reflected in your budget rather than in your rhetoric, Thornberry said. Whether those two areas match up may be the most important question in American defense policy right now. The last three administrations have decided China is Americas top threat, and a rising one at that. But its less clear how much money it will cost to address it and who gets to decide Congress, the Pentagon or military leaders in the Pacific? I dont think that we are somehow dangerously short of funding for the Indo-Pacific, whether its PDI or not, Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, who sits on the House Appropriations Committees defense panel, told Defense News in February. Were going in the right direction, but the question is: Are we going there fast enough? A second opinion This was the question that led to PDI. In 2021, the head of Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Phil Davidson, was in Washington ahead of his planned retirement to testify before Congress. Davidson hadnt appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee in two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Early on, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., presented a set of charts during a short call and response. Wicker read a list projecting the number of Chinese and American weapons in the region by 2025, asking Davidson to check his numbers. Story continues Three Chinese aircraft carriers to Americas one. Six Chinese amphibious assault ships to Americas two. Fifty-four Chinese combat ships to Americas six. The admiral confirmed each one. Our conventional deterrent is actually eroding in the region, Davidson said. What concerned him most was not that Beijing had a more powerful military overall; it was a problem of speed and distance. Taiwan which the Chinese government considers a rogue province and has threatened to take back by force is about 100 miles from the mainland. Its more than 5,000 miles from Hawaii, the headquarters of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. It would take three weeks for the U.S. to rush ships to the area from the West Coast, and around 17 days to do so from Alaska, Davidson estimated. If China launched a rapid invasion, it might overwhelm Taiwan before the U.S. had a chance to arrive. A soldier launches an American-made TOW 2A missile during a live-fire exercise in Pingtung County, Taiwan, on July 3, 2023. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images) The important factor here is time, he said. Davidsons answer, and that of many committee members, was to push Americas forces closer to Taiwan the military version of a full-court press. But the U.S. didnt yet have the necessary infrastructure in place. It would need to construct bases, airfields, radars and other buildings along the Pacific islands that arc around Taiwan. And this would cost money lots of money. PDI was, at first, meant to be the source of that money. To understand why, its important to understand how the Pentagon writes its budget. The process depends mostly on the military services in particular the Army, Navy and Air Force. These services hold about four-fifths of defense spending each year and direct where that money goes. Their incentives are different from those of the seven geographic combatant commands, who carry out Americas military goals around the world. Given their roles, the commands often focus on shorter-term needs. Hence, the services often dont fund everything the combatant commands want. To lawmakers, the gap seemed especially wide in the Pacific, where China has spent the last two decades upgrading its military. Noticing this problem, lawmakers as far back as Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in 2017 wanted to fund Indo-Pacific Commands goals with a separate account something Thornberry also later supported. It didnt come together until three years later. In May 2020, the chair and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee announced plans for a Pacific Deterrence Initiative that would reassure U.S. allies and improve its forces. It had five goals: to improve presence, logistics, exercises, infrastructure and the strength of partners in the Pacific. The bill also added a voice to the budgeting process. Indo-Pacific Command would now give Congress an annual second opinion on Americas military needs in the region. There was, however, a structural problem. The lawmakers that created PDI didnt actually get any money for it. The policy bill named for Thornberry gave the Pentagon about $2 billion in authority for the effort but not permission to spend it. That wouldve required a signoff from the defense appropriations committees, who control the nations purse. Those committees balk at initiatives like PDI, according to multiple congressional aides, because passing them makes it harder to write a defense budget the same reason its harder to write a recipe when someone else decides your shopping list. U.S. Army soldiers and Indonesia airborne troops conduct a joint forcible entry operation at Baturaja Training Area on Aug. 4, 2021. (Staff Sgt. Thomas Calvert/U.S. Army) The hope was for the following year that the appropriations and the budget would match, said Kimberly Lehn, a former aide on the House Armed Services Committee who helped write the PDI legislation. That didnt happen, and by the time Davidson testified before Congress a year later, the initiative had become an accounting drill. Think about it like a home improvement fund. If you want an upgrade say, a nicer kitchen then you have two options: Earn more money or spend less money elsewhere. Instead, PDI was, and still is, implemented in reverse. Each year, the Pentagon builds its budget and then reviews it to see what contributes to deterrence in the Pacific. It then labels that as PDI and highlights the total number in its budget request. It reflects their decisions, it doesnt drive their decisions, said Dustin Walker, a former Senate Armed Services Committee aide who helped write the PDI legislation and now works at the drone-maker Anduril. Free chicken This was not the model PDIs authors had in mind. It started basically as a straight copycat of [the] European Deterrence Initiative, Walker said, referring to an effort that stemmed from Russias 2014 seizure and annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. The Obama administration wanted to show commitment to NATO allies rattled by war on the continent. The government did so within months using what it originally dubbed the European Reassurance Initiative. Russian soldiers patrol outside the naval headquarters in Simferopol on March 19, 2014. Russia's Constitutional Court unanimously backed President Vladimir Putin's move to make Crimea part of Russia. (Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images) U.S. forces in Europe had declined for decades after the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s down to about 62,000 personnel by 2016. The smaller size made sense in Europe given there were fewer needs for Americas military muscle. But Russias invasion showed how far readiness had fallen, said Tod Wolters, the former head of U.S. European Command. With the European Deterrence Initiative, the administration wanted to bulk up. We knew that we could not go back to Cold War status, with the number of forces that were going to be in the theater. So the question became: How do we make sure that we can rapidly deploy combat power? said Al Viana, who works in European Commands force structure and requirements office. This became the focus of EDI, whose name changed in 2018 when it became clear Russias military activities in the region werent coming to an end. From 2015 to 2023, the U.S. spent $35 billion on the effort to empower allies and ensure its own forces were more agile. The second goal required funding to run more exercises, rotate more troops, improve infrastructure and store important equipment on the continent. By the end of fiscal 2014, European Command had dissolved two heavy combat brigades. However, EDI helped rebuild those forces deferring cuts to Air Force personnel, supporting a combat aviation brigade and making sure the Army had an armored brigade combat team rotating through the theater. In FY16, the Armys forces in Europe conducted 26 total exercises per year. By 2023, that number was around 50. In 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. surged 20,000 extra personnel to Europe. That included an armored brigade combat team including about 4,000 personnel, 90 tanks and more than 200 other vehicles which arrived within a week from notification. Without those stocks already stored in the theater, it wouldve taken between four and six weeks, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa. EDI is the place to go and see exactly what were doing, Viana said. The two initiatives different fates come almost entirely down to money. EDI was paid for through an account called overseas contingency operations, more commonly referred to as OCO (pronounced like cocoa). That fund started for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, supplementing the annual Pentagon budget. EDI was easy because you werent fighting with a service, a senior defense official told Defense News, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the individual was not permitted to talk to the press. It was free chicken. By the start of this decade, Congress had soured on OCO, partly because the Pentagon used it to dodge some budget cuts it faced in the 2010s. Lawmakers called it a slush fund. This meant the Pacific Deterrence Initiative didnt get any extra funding. The European counterpart transitioned away from supplemental money in fiscal 2022, and its funding amounts since then have steadily dropped. Amphibious armored vehicles attached to a brigade of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps make their way to a beach during maritime amphibious assault training in China's Guangdong province on Aug. 17, 2019. (Yan Jialuo and Yao Guanchen/Chinese Defense Ministry) The result is that many items Indo-Pacific Command lists in its annual report to Congress the things the command says it needs to maintain its strength in the region arent funded. So the command just resubmits those unfunded priorities on top of additional needs in the next years report. Hence, each years dollar amount snowballs. When Davidson testified before Congress in 2021, his report listed $4.7 billion in requirements. This year, the number was $26.5 billion $11 billion of which is unfunded. The bulk of that $11 billion would go to construction costs much higher in the Pacific than on the U.S. homeland and munitions. Our demand signal has been consistent, George Kailiwai, the director of requirements and resources at the command, said in a March interview. It is what it is because they are our requirements. The Pentagon has questioned some of Indo-Pacific Commands priorities and whether theyre possible to carry out, even with funding. Infrastructure projects, for example, sometimes require negotiations with the host government as well as expensive labor and material costs. Only about a fifth of Indo-Pacific Commands desired construction projects appear in the FY25 budget request, Kailiwai said. Since its first report, the command has said the missile defense architecture of Guam a U.S. territory crucial to the militarys Pacific posture is its top goal. Others, such as infrastructure on Pacific islands or a secure network to communicate with allies, have also appeared each year. PDI doesnt come close to scratching the itch, the defense source said. Trade-offs There are a few paths forward. One of them would see Congress give Indo-Pacific Command new money each year, like the account McCain sought in 2017. There are lawmakers, such as Hawaiis Case, who support that. But the appropriations committees dont, and its unlikely that will change in the short term, according to multiple congressional aides. Another option is in the Pentagons control. At the start of the budgeting process, department leaders could reserve money for the commands priorities and build everything else around it. That would resemble how the deputy defense secretary is funding two signature initiatives: the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve, which helps accelerate prototyping; and Replicator, an effort to buy drones faster. But these programs are loose change compared to what the command says it needs hundreds of millions of dollars compared to more than $11 billion in unfunded priorities. The way PDI works now is important, according to another senior defense official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic. The official argued that a different model for the initiative would make it more difficult for the Defense Department to plan and budget. The department has the best ability to find the right trade-offs, the official said. Points of view Three years after Davidson testified, his successor stepped into a House hearing room this March. The risk is still high, and it is trending in the wrong direction, Adm. John Aquilino noted in his opening statement, later adding that the Pacific is the most dangerous hes ever seen it. Sitting next to him, Ely Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, was more hopeful, citing higher spending and the administrations historic momentum with allies in the region. The higher spending is easier to see with PDI, which has charted large increases in funding over the last four years. Whether the initiative is working depends on whether you look at the Pacific through the eyes of Ratner or Aquilino. Both agree war isnt imminent, but theyre split on whether deterrence is getting better or worse. If its eroding, as Davidson argued in 2021, then PDIs current model may not be enough. If the region is more stable, then the initiative looks better too. The biggest misconception about PDI, according to the second defense official, is that the Pentagon doesnt take it seriously. This is not a gradual slope of increase, the official said of Pacific funding. This is a significant and dramatic increase in investment, and we are more committed than ever. The PDI request for this year is $9.9 billion more than $800 million over last years. But up until soon before the Pentagon released its FY25 budget request, it wasnt, according to the first defense official and a congressional aide. To show the Pentagon was focused on the threat from China, defense leaders tagged more items under the initiative at the last minute to raise its dollar figure, the first defense source and a congressional aide told Defense News. Among the late entries was the drone program Replicator. At the recent March hearing, a member of Congress asked Ratner whether the $9.9 billion includes everything the Pentagon needs for the PDI to be as effective as possible. Congresswoman, Ratner responded, the PDI is simply an accounting mechanism. Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian American doctor, said he walked out of a meeting at the White House on Tuesday evening over President Bidens handling of the war in Gaza. Ahmad, an emergency medicine physician who worked in Gaza in January, said he showed up to a stakeholder meeting at the White House, which was set up in place of a Ramadan celebration. Attendees insisted there shouldnt be any food at the meeting, he added. It made no sense for us to sort of break bread while talking about a famine taking place, he told CNN host Kaitlan Collins. We had shown up and the president and the vice president, the national security adviser are in the room, and there was very brief comments by the president saying he wants to hear from us and he wants to listen to us. Ahmad said he spoke first in the meeting and then walked out. He told Collins he was the only Palestinian in the room. Our heart is broken for whats been taking place over the last six months, and that the rhetoric that has been coming out of the Biden administration, thats been coming out of the White House, its frustrated a lot of people, especially people who are Palestinian Americans, Muslim Americans, Arab Americans, he said. We are not satisfied with what has taken place, there has been no concrete steps. I was able to share that with the president and let him know that out of respect for my community, out of respect for all of the people who have suffered and who have been killed in the process, I need to walk out of the meeting, Ahmad continued. And I want to walk out with decision-makers and let them know what it feels like for somebody to say something and then walk away from them and not hear them out, not hear their response. When asked for Bidens response to his walk out, the doctor replied, He actually said that he understood, and I walked away. Biden hosted a meeting with Muslim community leaders to discuss issues of importance to the community Tuesday, a White House official told The Hill. After the meeting, to honor Ramadan, the White House hosted a small breaking of the fast, prayer, and Iftar with a number of senior Muslim Admin officials. The scaled-down iftar dinner came after several people who were invited to the event declined, CNN reported. In 2023, the White House hosted nearly 350 people for a reception celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Biden has faced protests for months of his handling of the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, and last week was interrupted at two campaign stops one in Raleigh, N.C., and one in New York City, when he was alongside former Presidents Obama and Clinton for a major donor event. Democrats are fearful that the war in Gaza is turning into a majority political liability for Biden and other candidates as Americans are increasingly disapproving of Israels actions. The administration is considering selling Israel up to 50 new F-15 fighter jets, 30 AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missile, as well as Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, The Hill confirmed. And, earlier this week, seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen were killed in a strike that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu took responsibility for, adding to anger about the situation from Biden critics. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An emergency room physician who spent three weeks volunteering at Al-Nasser Hospital in Gaza earlier this year on Tuesday walked out of a White House meeting in protest of how the administration has handled the war. Thaer Ahmad was among the dozen or so people who were invited to the White House for a scaled-back meeting with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and senior White House aides. It was disappointing that I was the only Palestinian in attendance, and out of respect for my community who is mourning and suffering, Ahmad told HuffPost. I told the president that Im going to leave. He told me he understood why I needed to leave. Ahmad, a Palestinian American based in Chicago who plans to return to Gaza on another humanitarian trip, recounted his experience in Gaza during Tuesdays meeting and emphasized the need for more aid. He also said he told the president that the U.S. needed to firmly stop the looming invasion of Rafah, the southern border city where over a million people are seeking refuge. I was in Gaza, I tried to do everything I can to help my people there. But unfortunately, it wasnt enough, the situation has gotten worse. Our community is reeling, we are in the state of mourning, we need the President to intervene and demand a ceasefire. I have a tremendous amount of survivors guilt. And I know many Palestinian Americans feel the same way, said Ahmad. I was firm, candid and respectful. I hope that my message was received. And I hope my tone of urgency came across, he added. The policy meeting to discuss the crisis in Gaza, which was followed by a small dinner predominantly for Muslim White House staffers, was held in place of an iftar the breaking of the daily fast after sundown commemorating Ramadan. The administration had been conflicted over whether to host an iftar and struggled to find attendees because many Muslim Americans refused to join due to their frustrations over the war in Gaza. This was actually a request from members of the community. This is what they wanted, and we understand that, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said of the decision to host a meeting instead of an iftar. We listened, we heard and we adjusted the format to be responsive so we can get feedback from them. One Palestinian Muslim person who was invited to the White House event but ultimately decided not to attend told HuffPost that invitees had indeed demanded the administration host a policy discussion rather than an iftar, saying an iftar was inappropriate amid reports of famine in Gaza. The invitee called the iftar a patch job and said the White Houses attempts to meet with Palestinian and Muslim individuals were out of touch. There is a way to engage Jewish, Arab, Palestinian and Muslims in this country on this issue, but they dont know how, said the individual. Emgage, a Muslim voting advocacy group, released a statement saying its leadership also had been invited to Tuesdays meeting but ultimately refused to attend. Emgage is ready to support efforts that engage in a substantive manner on the above priorities. However, without more Palestinian voices and policy experts in the room, we do not believe todays meeting will provide for such an opportunity, the organization said. In recent months, Muslim, Arab and Palestinian leaders across the country have rejected a series of meetings with top administration officials, criticizing their handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Muslim and Arab groups have also led protest votes during the Democratic primary, encouraging people to vote uncommittedrather than support the presidents reelection campaign. There is a long history of the White House hosting iftar dinners. In 2017, Donald Trump became the first president in about two decades to break the tradition, but the dinners resumed under his administration in 2018 and 2019. Biden hosted his first iftar celebration virtually, due to restrictions by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the White House did not hold an iftar dinner but hosted nearly 350 people for a reception celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan. (FOX40.COM) Paris Hilton and State Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) announced a new bill aimed at increasing transparency regarding the use of restraints and seclusion rooms in California Department of Health and Human Services facilities. Senate Bill 1043, joint-authored by Grove, Sen. Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) and Sen. Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward) and sponsored by Hiltons 11:11 Media Impact, would require facilities to make public reports on the use of restraints and seclusion rooms when providing short-term residential therapeutic programs. California woman dies after using hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam As a survivor of the Troubled Teen Industry, I am proud to partner with Senator Shannon Grove a champion for children in California on the Accountability in Childrens Treatment Act to bring much needed transparency to California youth facilities, Paris Hilton said. I look forward to collaborating with all members of the California legislature on this important bill in our shared pursuit for protection of our states most vulnerable youth. The reports would include at least six pieces of information: Actions taken during the incident Rationale for the actions Personnel approving the actions Personnel implementing the actions Duration of the incident Whether the person is a minor or a nonminor dependent The report must be made available to patients and other people such as a parent or guardian upon the patients request. The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2026, for the data to be posted quarterly to a dashboard on a state website. The information will be posted along with other reports the department is already collecting, but is not yet required to release, on the use of restraint and seclusion rooms at certain facilities such as the number of serious injuries sustained by patients or staff that occur during incidents. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. In the United Kingdom, the debate around gender long ago lost any semblance of moderation. It is a political and cultural battle in which the text of a law or a lawmakers intentions is what matters least. Both sides of the conflict see hidden attacks on their freedom in every move the other side makes. Writer J.K. Rowling has become the standard-bearer for the side that does not believe trans women are women. Hours before the Hate Crime and Public Order Act came into effect in Scotland where J.K. Rowling was born and continues to live the Harry Potter author posted a series of controversial messages on X (formerly Twitter) and challenged the Scottish government of Humza Yousaf to arrest her under the new law. Scotlands 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! she posted on social media, beginning a thread of almost a dozen messages, in which she listed who she believed would be protected by the new law. The list includes the rapist Isla Bryson, who transitioned to a woman shortly before being convicted; trans Katie Dolatowski, who was locked up in a womens prison after sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in a public bathroom; as well as trans activists such as Mridul Wadhwa, Munroe Bergdorf and Katie Neeves. All of them both the convicted sex offenders and the trans activists are protected by Scotlands new law, according to Rowling. 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, concluded Rowling, who challenged the Scottish government to arrest her for her statements. The content of the law The new law, which has been under parliamentary review for three years, concerns crimes that stir up hatred. Under the legislation, for this offense to be committed, a person must behave in a manner that a reasonable person would consider to be threatening, abusive or insulting or communicates to another person material that a reasonable person would consider to be threatening, abusive or insulting. According to the text, this behavior is intended to stir up hatred against a group for being defined by the following characteristics: age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics. It is precisely the lack of clarity of the law, which uses ambiguous terms such as reasonable person and variations in sex characteristics, that has prompted critics to argue that it could be used to cancel or censor statements like those made by Rowling, who defends the reality and immutability of biological sex. Law experts, however, do not believe there are grounds to charge the writer. The Yousaf government scalded by a debate on gender self-determination that was one of the factors that led to the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon introduced an amendment that states when considering a crime Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This article states: Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. Police in Scotland ruled out any action against Rowling hours after she posted her tweets: We have received complaints in relation to this social media posting, but the comments have not been considered criminal in nature and no further action has been taken, he said. Opponents of the new law nearly 300 people demonstrated in front of the Scottish Parliament on Monday have also criticized the fact that the legislation does not provide specific protections for women against possible hate crimes. The Scottish government has said that it is working on a new legal text focused exclusively on misogyny and sexism. The Tories culture war In an election year in which the results in Scotland could affect who will win the U.K. election, the Conservative Party has launched a culture war against progressive policies in a bid to win votes. In January last year, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak blocked the Gender Recognition Reform Act passed by the Scottish Parliament, and has now sided with Rowling in the latest debate over the Hate Crime and Public Order Act. People should not be [criminalized] for stating simple facts on biology, Sunak told The Daily Telegraph on Monday. We believe in free speech in this country, and Conservatives will always protect it. Any citizen, according to the new law in Scotland, can report a hate crime; they do not have to be an alleged victim. A report can be made at a police station, in centers designated for that purpose, or by calling 999 or 101. It is up to the police to initiate a criminal investigation or not, based on the reasonableness of the complaint and its intention to stir up hatred. In the event that the investigation is not successful, the hate incident would still be recorded: not in the criminal record of the accused, but in the polices private file on that person. What to do in the Paseo Arts District this April OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) As the weather begins to warm up, heres what you can look forward to this April in the Paseo Arts District. According to the Paseo, theres events planned throughout the month of April for the community to enjoy as spring returns to Oklahoma City. LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma City Zoo celebrates Bird Awareness Day April 5 First Gallery Walk hosts more than 80 artists and more than 25 businesses and galleries, all within walking distance on Friday, April 5. Also on Friday, SixTwelve: Concert Series is bringing Computer Girl and DJ Lite Brite for Aprils First Friday concert. April 11 From 11:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., the Art and Souls: Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled to welcome the Paseos newest business. Arts & Souls Metaphysical Boutique offers a variety of products focused on enhancing your spiritual journey. April 24 Polygonal Possibilities with Patrick and Glen is planned for Wednesday, April 24. Participants will be learning about 3D sculpting, beginning with a hardwood polygon frame that they can make their own with repurposed materials. April 27 Literati Press: Independent Bookstore Trail is planned for Saturday, April 27, in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day. The community is invited to explore the Paseos bookstores from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Paseo is also home to a variety of galleries, stores, restaurants and businesses. To learn more about the Paseo Art District, visit thepaseo.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. PENNINGTON GAP, Va. (WJHL) The Pennington Gap Police Department said a suspicious activity call on March 27 led officers to make a major arrest. A release on Wednesday from the police department said Thomas Ray Houston Jr. was taken into custody following the officers investigation. The release said officers responded to Farmers and Miners Bank on West Morgan Avenue, where they located Houston. With the help of K-9 Sivys detection and alerting skills, officers discovered substantial evidence linking Mr. Houston to multiple serious offenses, the release states. $33M sewer project in Washington County, Va. underway According to the police department, Houston was charged with the following: Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I and II Substances (x3) Possession of Stolen Firearms (x2) Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of Schedule I and II Substances Possession of Schedule IV Substances Pennington Gap Police Chief Lawson commended responding officers Eads and Collins for their work on the case. The Pennington Gap Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement excellence, Chief Lawson stated. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. The release said Houston remained in custody on Monday, April 1, pending more legal proceedings. The department urged anyone with more information on this case or others to contact its office. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania Lottery player won big on Tuesday night, winning more than $1.6 million. The Pennsylvania Lottery says a player in Bucks County matched all five balls drawn in the Cash 5 (8-11-12-42-43) to win $1,631,529 less withholding. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter The ticket was sold at Weis Markets on Dublin Pike in Perkasie, which will receive $10,000. More than 39,100 other Cash 5 with Quick Cash tickets also won prizes in the drawing, a majority of which received $2. There were more than 2,800 players who won $10 and 75 players received $200. Central Pennsylvania roads closed due to flooding Players should check their tickets and claim lower-pier prizes at a Lottery retailer. Anyone with a jackpot-winning ticket should contact the nearest Lottery office for further instructions or call 1-800-692-7481. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Perus first female president under pressure for her 400k bling Perus first female president is coming under pressure to resign after it emerged she had amassed a collection of high-end jewellery worth an estimated 400,000 despite her yearly salary of 40,000. Included in Dina Boluartes collection are a 40,000 Cartier bracelet and a 15,000 Rolex watch, both of which are encrusted in diamonds. The revelations come after local media analysed photos of the president, 61, a former mid-level civil servant, during public appearances and on official social media accounts. Initially, she claimed that she had bought the Rolex before becoming president and would explain herself to prosecutors, who have opened an inquiry into her for illicit enrichment. However, she then failed to attend a meeting with investigators. Police outside the home of President Dina Boluarte after it was raided by investigators - JUAN CARLOS CISNEROS/AFP Prosecutors and police subsequently smashed their way into her private residence at the weekend, seizing evidence including documentation that shows the Rolex was bought just last summer. Ms Boluarte, who was sworn in in December 2022, responded with a televised address to the nation, accusing them of acting in an unconstitutional, arbitrary, disproportionate and abusive way and suggesting she was the victim of sexism. She was already deeply unpopular, with an approval rating in the single digits. Members of the prosecutor's office leave the president's home - Julio Melendrez/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Many Peruvians blame her for the killing of nearly 50 anti-government demonstrators by security forces. Their deaths have been characterised by international human rights groups as extrajudicial killings. She has also failed to use her powers to stop congress from drafting a series of counter-reforms said to be aimed at handicapping the fight against corruption and protecting the cocaine trade, illegal mining and logging. The Peruvian Congress boasts an approval rating of just 6 per cent with many of its members facing their own criminal inquiries. Police leave the president's house with a box - JUAN CARLOS CISNEROS/AFP via Getty The investigation into Ms Boluartes finances extends what may be Perus world record of prosecuting presidents for corruption, often on apparently strong evidence, from seven to eight. Currently, two are in pretrial custody, three more are on bail. A sixth shot himself dead in 2019 to avoid arrest. The seventh, Alberto Fujimori, was recently pardoned from a 25-year sentence for directing death squads. 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. Peru's Congress backs new cabinet after government announces new funding for mining By Marco Aquino LIMA (Reuters) -Lawmakers in Peru voted to support the government's new slate of ministers on Wednesday, just hours after the prime minister promised billions of dollars in new spending, including for mining projects. The vote of confidence in President Dina Boluarte's latest cabinet passed by a lopsided margin of 70 votes in favor and only 35 opposed, and came on the heels of recent corruption charges that implicate the mining-dependent country's embattled leader. All of her ministers would have been forced to resign if the cabinet failed to win congressional backing. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen offered the spending plan in a speech to Congress, which included $4.6 billion for mining and some $8 billion for public-private partnerships. Peru is a top global copper producer, and taxes on the sales of the red metal are a key source of government revenue. Boluarte's government has been shaken by allegations that she improperly acquired luxury Rolex watches along with other claims of illicit enrichment. Boluarte has denied all wrongdoing. Nearly a third of the government's ministers resigned on Monday following a weekend police raid of the president's residence, raising the pressure on Boluarte, who took office in 2022 as Peru's sixth president in just six years. A recent poll showed that Peru's Congress only commands about 9% approval in the South American nation, similar to Boluarte's dwindling public support. The president's situation grew more complicated on Tuesday, when the prosecutor's office expanded its investigation into bank deposits of "unknown origin" as well as Boluarte's acquisition of a Cartier bracelet worth tens of thousands of dollars. In his address to lawmakers, the prime minister added that the government expected this year to finalize a move to improve commercial ties with China, part of a free trade agreement signed in 2009 that has boosted exports notably of Peruvian mining products. Negotiations to amend the treaty began in 2019. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Sarah Morland and Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Stephen Coates) Theresa Pena came home to a devastating sight in February: two eggs smashed beneath a palm tree where great horned owls had been nesting in Morro Bay for about two months. The owl fetuses in the eggs had already developed talons, feathers and beaks, according to Pena. After weeks of observing the owls, Pena said it was painful to see their nest and eggs destroyed without an explanation. I broke down. I was sobbing. I could barely even speak, she said. It was a combination of pure anger and confusion and heartbreak. According to PG&E spokesperson Suzanne Hosn, a landscaping contractor knocked the eggs out of their nest while trimming the palm on Feb. 26. PG&E had hired the company to trim two palm trees on Yerba Buena Street to prevent palm fronds from flying into utility infrastructure, she said. According to Hosn, the contractor did not see the nests while trimming the trees. We deeply regret that the necessary safety-related work on these two trees resulted in the accidental loss of a bird nest and eggs, Hosn wrote in an email to The Tribune. Beyond the loss of two baby birds, the incident could have larger ramifications for PG&E. Pena said she believes the utility company and contractor potentially violated the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by destroying two bird eggs. PG&E also failed to notify the city about the tree-trimming ahead of time, violating its encroachment permit and preventing the city from inspecting the work site before maintenance began, a Morro Bay representative told The Tribune. A female kestrel sits in a Morro Bay palm tree on Feb. 25, 2024, the day before PG&E hired a contractor to trim the tree. The incident also briefly displaced a popular pair of nesting kestrels that lived in the same trees ruffling some feathers in the local birding community. Pena posted about the incident on the social media platform Nextdoor, which garnered 207 comments. One user said they looked forward to spotting the kestrels while strolling through the neighborhood. I used to hear the kestrels in the trees nearly every time Id walk to the beach, they wrote. I just looked at your trees through my binoculars and can see how they butchered them. So devastating. Im outraged at the callousness. Thank you for going the extra-extra mile for the birds. This story is part of The Tribunes Reality Check series. Why did PG&E trim the trees? The debacle started with a late-winter storm. During a recent February storm, a palm frond flew onto a high voltage primary overhead facility area nearby causing 399 customers to lose power, Hosn said. An arborist investigating the outage told PG&E to remove other loose palm fronds from two trees on Yerba Buena Street to prevent future power outages, Hosn said. PG&E then hired a local contractor to trim the palms. According to Hosn, if a contractor discovers a birds nest during tree maintenance, PG&E requires them to stop work so the site can be reviewed by its environmental team. The arborist and the contractor did not see the nests, however, and PG&E did not hear about the nest until the work was finished, Hosn said. Pena, however, said the contractor should have seen the nests. She was at work during the maintenance, but according to her neighbors, the owls circled the tree and screeched at the contractor during the tree trimming. My neighbors said (the contractor) was hacking away carelessly, Pena said. Birds were screeching and circling, and they referred to it as very eerie. Pena said she was not notified of the tree-trimming ahead of time. If she had been, she said she would have warned the contractor of the nest. A PG&E contractor trimmed two palm trees on Yerba Buena Street in Morro Bay on Feb. 26, 2024, displacing a pair of kestrels and great horned owls. Meanwhile, the work could land PG&E in some hot water. Great horned owls are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits people from killing migratory birds and their eggs without permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pena said she filed a complaint with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to report the incident as a violation of the act. A Fish and Wildlife officer visited Penas house last week to pick up the bird fetuses for inspection. She had kept them in her freezer as evidence. Fish and Wildlife did not immediately respond to the Tribunes request for comment. Organizations that violate the migratory bird act could be fined up to $10,000, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. I not only felt like something was taken away from the birds I felt like they had taken something away from me, Pena said. PG&E has since offered to place an owl box in an adjacent tree, then reviewed its bird nest procedure with vegetation management crews, according to Hosn. As of Tuesday, the owls had not returned, Pena said. Two kestrels sit atop a power line in Morro Bay on Feb. 27, 2024, the day after PG&E hired a contractor to trim a palm tree holding the kestrels nest displacing them. Neighborhood residents did not see the kestrels for six days after this photo was taken. PG&E violated city permit The city of Morro Bay issues an annual encroachment permit to PG&E allowing the company to perform year-round maintenance on trees in the public right-of-way to protect utility infrastructure, according to Morro Bay Public Works Director Greg Kwolek. The permit requires PG&E to notify the city before starting work, which gives staff time to inspect the site before and after maintenance, Kwolek said. The utility company did not notify the city before trimming the palm trees on Feb. 26 a violation of the permit, Kwolek said. When city staff found out about the situation, it was a few days old already, Kwolek said. The city may fine PG&E $100 for violating the permit, which is the maximum allowable penalty under the citys Municipal Code for a first offense, he said. Additionally, a city ordinance prohibits tree trimming and removal during bird nesting season from Feb. 1 to June 30. Kwolek can issue permits for emergency tree maintenance during that time span but he didnt have the opportunity to do so because PG&E trimmed the trees without notifying the city, he said. PG&E is committed to alerting the city before performing routine maintenance, but does not always notify the city before performing emergency work, according to Hosn. Regulations from the California Public Utilities Commission also allow PG&E to act outside local ordinances like Morro Bays nesting season rule, Hosn said. When possible, we do communicate regarding urgent/emergency work; in some emergency situations, notifications take place post-event, Hosn said. PG&E has acknowledged the gap in communication with the city in this circumstance and is working to address the concerns caused by this incident. Sean Ellis from Coastal Tree Experts installs a bird house for a pair of kestrels on a palm tree in Morro Bay in March 2024. Kestrels return to Morro Bay neighborhood The trees were not only home to a pair of owls they were also the longtime home of a beloved mated pair of American kestrels. For the past two years, the Morro Bay Bird Festival has even brought tours to the tree to admire the two small falcons, Pena said. The owls seized the kestrel nest about two months ago to lay their eggs, prompting the kestrels to make a new nest in the neighboring palm tree, she said. When Pena returned home after the tree-trimming, both the kestrels and owls were gone. Though the owls havent returned to the neighborhood, the kestrels settled back into their palm tree about six days ago, Pena said. Pena also collaborated with Sean Ellis from Coastal Tree Experts to install a bird house in the palm tree for the kestrels. She purchased the bird house, and he placed it in the tree while she was at work on a March afternoon. He also cleaned her gutters free of charge, she said. He spent a big part of his day on the project just to be a kind person because he was disturbed about what had happened, Pena said. The kestrels havent yet built a nest in the bird house, but they scope it out, they sit on it, sometimes they eat on it, Pena said. Im hopeful that theyre going to end up nesting in there, she said. Kestrels visit a bird box installed on a palm tree on Yerba Buena Street in Morro Bay in March 2024. A Pharmacy Has Opened In Avondale, OH In Addition To Being The First In Nearly Two Decades, Its Also Black-Owned A Black pharmacist has opened a pharmacy to fill a void in an Ohio neighborhood. On April 1, 2024, Dr. Emmanuel Ayanjoke held a grand opening for Altev Community Pharmacy in Avondale, OH, according to WCPO-9 (an affiliate of ABC based in Cincinnati, OH). For nearly two decades, Avondale did not have a pharmacy, making it a pharmacy desert, especially for locals who dont have reliable transportation. The outlet details that Altev Community Pharmacy has a free discount program for customers who come to pick up their prescriptions. This falls under Ayanjokes overall mission to advance healthcare in the Black community. Its all about our patients, Ayanjoke told the outlet. Its all about our dedication to their care. Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney; Cincinnati City Council members Scotty Johnson and Seth Walsh; Congressman Greg Landsman; and Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece attended Altev Community Pharmacys grand opening ceremony, per the outlet. During the event, one of Dr. Ayanjokes patients, Wanda White, took a moment to commend him for his active work. Sometimes I dont want to do like the doctor tells me to do, but [Dr. Ayanjoke is] on it, hes like Now, Wanda, you know youre supposed to be doing this, White told WCPO-9. He takes the time to go through every one of my prescriptions for me. Sentiments such as Whites tie into Avondale community leader Quentin Taylors belief that having a Black-owned pharmacy in the community can help others build trust in doctors and the healthcare system. Because it makes the Black people comfortable, coming to the pharmacy talking to him every day, and he understands where we come from, Taylor said. A 2021 study published in Health Affairs found that many cities in the country suffer from pharmacy deserts, with underrepresented communities particularly hard hit. The lack of pharmacy access can negatively affect citizens long-term. Juan Tapia-Mendoza, a community pediatrician who practices in New York City, NY, told Stat News that families and residents in pharmacy deserts are at a higher risk for chronic disease. Now its harder for them to access the prescription medications they rely on to treat common chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, Tapia-Mendoza stated. Knowing this, Dr. Ayanjoke is helping resolve a significant problem in the United States that is recognized nationwide. Altev Community Pharmacy was funded by McKesson, a healthcare organization that works with biopharma companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, and governments. Ayanjokes pharmacy is the first under McKessons Project Oasis program, spearheaded by its Global Impact Organization and Community Pharmacy & Health, with an initiative to improve access to essential community care services, per McKessons website. The company aims to join forces with more licensed pharmacists to bring independent community pharmacies to additional underserved communities. We have a purpose, and its to improve health outcomes for all, McKesson CEO Brian Tyler stated to WCPO-9. NATO considers Russia to be its most significant and direct threat. But now, with the Kremlins war in Ukraine at a stalemate and amid the turbulent global geopolitical context, the Atlantic Alliance is analyzing whether to add something more to its Strategic Concept and the steps it must take in its future relationship with Moscow. NATO does not want to limit its analysis and action on Russia to Ukraine, as it is also seriously concerned about the Kremlins increased influence and destabilization operations in Bosnia, Moldova and Georgia three of the weakest links in Europe and in North Africa and the Sahel region of Africa, where Moscow-linked paramilitary organizations have a growing presence. In a confidential report, NATO warns of the Kremlins actions in these areas and opens a debate on how to respond to the threat. The document which the foreign ministers of the 32 NATO member countries will review on Wednesday does not propose operational solutions, according to several allied sources familiar with the analysis, but it does raise some ideas and reviews Moscows destabilizing activity in the very tense global scenario in which some allies, such as Poland, have warned that Europe is in a pre-war era. However, the growing threat of war in Europe is not on the table, emphasizes the United States ambassador to NATO, Julianne Smith. What is being discussed for NATOs Strategic Concept is that Moscow is boosting its efforts in so-called hybrid warfare. We do not see an imminent threat to NATO territory [...] but it remains a top concern, Smith said on Tuesday. In the weeks leading up to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, there were many signs that Russia was preparing for combat (although the scale was unknown). The scenario now is different, Smith pointed out: there are no such signs. However, Russia is ramping up its disinformation and propaganda campaigns not only in NATO allies and Ukraine, but also and on a significant scale in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Moldova, considered partners at risk by NATO as these countries are seeking to enter the European Union, a rapprochement that Russia wants to reverse. Kosovo and Serbia, a hot spot Moscow is focused on Kosovo and Serbia (a country traditionally close to the Kremlin, which seeks to use it as leverage), and is now trying to exploit the political instability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a strategic country in the Balkans that has been approved to begin EU accession talks, albeit with conditions. According to NATO sources, Russia has launched campaigns in Bosnia and Herzegovina to undermine democratic trust and confidence in the West, and to undercut its relationship with NATO and its path to EU membership. Russia has also launched campaigns in Georgia and Moldova, two particularly vulnerable countries, since part of their territory is occupied by Russian troops, recalls Natia Seskuria, from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), who is an expert on the region and Russian activity. Moscow is seeking to use that occupied territory South Ossetia and Abkhazia in the case of Georgia and Transnistria in the case of Moldova to destabilize the countries. We have seen an increase in operations focused on building public opinion that is more sympathetic to Russia, and also more wary of NATO and the EU; and an effort to undermine the so-called neutrality, Seskuria told EL PAIS. Experts like Seskuria warn, as outlined in the NATO report, that Russia is working hard to feed like-minded parties and nationalist politicians, while trying to ensure that these countries do not break their economic ties with Moscow, which can still be used to exert pressure. Other options that NATO is considering to counter Russias moves include, for example, helping Bosnia improve its military and elevate NATOs role in the three partners at risk with more information campaigns and some form of economic cooperation through Alliance programs. Russias war against Ukraine has entered its third year, and NATO is adjusting to the new reality, one in which the Kremlin is also strengthening its positions in the Sahel where the EU has an ever-diminishing military presence and forging more diplomatic relations in countries such as Niger, Mali and Chad. This is all taking place in an unstable region where mercenaries, such as the Russian Wagner Group, have a growing presence. The Alliance, which turns 75 on Thursday, is now analyzing its role in the area and how to increase it relationship with partners in the region. And in this debate on how to view Russia, NATO wants to review what is being done to address the threat. This analysis will lay the foundations for NATOs future relationship with a country that has become impossible to predict. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) A man has died after being shot on Airline Boulevard Wednesday afternoon, Portsmouth Police said. Officers responded to the 2800 block of Airline Boulevard for a reported gunshot wound around 1:25 p.m. When they arrived, they found Andrese Jennings, 24, with life-threatening gunshot wound injuries, police said, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Portsmouth Polices Major Crimes Unit is asking for the publics help in identifying a person of interest captured in surveillance footage. The person, police said, is a Black man last seen wearing a military uniform and goes by Malik. Police are also searching for a vehicle connected to the homicide a white Jetta with Virginia license plate TMK 7068. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Portsmouth Police Investigations Bureau at 757-393-8536 or contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. WAVY captured photos of the scene depicting a large police presence with crime scene tape surrounding a shopping center parking lot. If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. DALTON, Ohio (WJW) Several Wayne County roads were completely submerged after recent flooding, as seen in photos sent in by a FOX 8 viewer. Chris Wendell captured drone photos Wednesday morning showing what appears at first glance to be a pond covering about an acre west of Sunny Slope Orchard along state Route 241, near Sugar Creek: More rain, wintry mix to come This embedded content is not available in your region. (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wendell) (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wendell) (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wendell) (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wendell) (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wendell) (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wendell) (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wendell) (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wendell) The water covered Deerfield Avenue and Elton and West Lebanon roads, Wendell said. He said the photos highlight how dangerous flooded roads can be. Motorists shouldnt attempt to drive on flooded roadways. Just 6 inches of water can cause drivers to lose control; most vehicles will float in 1 foot of water; and 2 feet of water can sweep away most vehicles. FOX 8 News has reached out to the local fire department for more information. Your map of the eclipse path of totality is wrong, experts say Wayne County was one of several Northeast Ohio counties under a flood watch on Tuesday that continued into the night. Several Northeast Ohio counties remained under flood warnings on Wednesday. Get the latest FOX 8 forecast here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The Pittsburgh Pirates announced their plans for Opening Day. Fridays game against the Baltimore Orioles will start at 4:12 p.m., with gates opening at 2:12 p.m. >> Heres a look at whats new at PNC Park for the 2024 season All fans in attendance will receive a Pirates 2024 magnetic schedule. CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES OF WHATS NEW THIS YEAR! The Pirates encourage all fans to be in their seats by 3:30 p.m. for the pregame ceremony. KeBryan Hayes will be presented with his 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove. Hall of Fame manager and Pittsburgh resident Jim Leyland will throw out the first pitch. Sergeant Joseph Dukes of the United States Air Force will perform God Bless America. While deployed to Qatar in 2021, he played a direct role in the expeditious evacuation of 124,000 Afghan refugees and American citizens out of Afghanistan, officially known as Operation Allies Refuge. Grammy award-winning musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass Section will perform the National Anthem. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets. Before first pitch, fans can buy 200 tickets for $50, which is typically the price of 100. As a special for the home opener, fans will receive 412 tickets for $100. To purchase tickets for the game, click here. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Heavy rain, severe storms could cause flooding in the Pittsburgh region Pittsburgh to host new music festival this fall from producers of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo Section of I-79 closed due to crash, truck rollover VIDEO: Teen dead, another injured after shooting in Braddock DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts AUSTIN (KXAN) Lots of people are expected to arrive in the coming days for the total solar eclipse, and surprisingly there are rooms available in the area if someone is still looking for a place to stay. However, people should expect to pay more than they normally would. Wesley Lucas, the director of communications at Visit Austin, said Wednesday hotels located in downtown Austin are currently averaging 83% occupancy for Saturday to Monday nights. Outside of downtown, hotels are averaging 75% occupancy for those same nights. Eclipse tourists, though, are not the only ones booking up those rooms. How much of the sun will be covered in your city during Aprils solar eclipse? We also have the CMT Music Awards in town that are affecting that demand, and of course, the [Statesman Cap10K] brings some folks in from out of town. So lots of things are contributing, Lucas explained. We also have a few meetings and conventions that happen to overlap with the eclipse, so those folks will be probably checking in on Monday into those hotels. So lots of folks are going to be in town for many different reasons, but I think the eclipse is the big thing driving that demand and driving that occupancy. It may seem surprising to some that hotels in Austin still have some availability despite the influx of eclipse tourists, and Lucas said there are a couple of reasons for that. For starters, the metro area has more than 50,000 hotel rooms, so theres simply more supply here. Additionally, Austin is the rate leader in the state, meaning room prices tend to track higher than other places. Visit Austin reported the average daily rate for hotels is tracking 39% higher than this same time period last year. Folks who travel for eclipses typically stay in what we call a select service hotel property or in maybe a short-term rental, an RV park or a campground. Thats typically the types of accommodations that are going to book up first, Lucas said. Right in the center of downtown, were right on the edge [of totality], so a lot of folks are going further west into the Hill Country into some of our neighboring communities. Theyre going to see those higher influx of folks and those complete sellouts what we probably wont see here in Austin. Cell service, traffic, rental cars: Central Texas leaders give heads up before eclipse The Austin Visitor Center is selling its own commemorative eclipse glasses and distributing a limited number to local hotels. (Photo Courtesy: Visit Austin) The Austin Visitor Center is selling its own commemorative eclipse glasses and distributing a limited number to local hotels. (Photo Courtesy: Visit Austin) The Austin Visitor Center is selling its own commemorative eclipse glasses and distributing a limited number to local hotels. (Photo Courtesy: Visit Austin) Visit Austin did not commission its own study to predict the economic impact of the eclipse tourism. However, the Perryman Group based in Waco conducted an analysis and estimated the Austin area will receive a direct economic impact of $74.6 million and a total economic impact of $200.9 million. To put it into perspective, its probably about half of what we would see for Formula One, Lucas said. Formula Ones economic impact is usually around $400-450 million. Again, these are just estimations, so it certainly could be way more than that. We wont know that until a week or so after the eclipse takes place. Lucas said tourists are already starting to arrive to view the eclipse, including a couple from Germany she met in the lobby of the Austin Visitor Center downtown. Shes directing anyone who still needs to book a place to stay or is searching for information about the different events happening in the area to go to the Visit Austin website. The Austin Visitor Center, located at 602 E. 4th Street, is selling commemorative Austin eclipse glasses. Visit Austin is also planning to distribute a limited number of these glasses to some hotels ahead of the event Monday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his delegation were forced to drive from Paris to Brussels for a NATO meeting after their aircraft experienced a mechanical issue Wednesday. Due to a mechanical issue with the aircraft, Secretary Blinken and the American delegation drove from Paris to Brussels to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting, a State Department spokesperson told The Hill. The U.S. Air Force jet is an older model of a Boeing 737 that was modified for official government use, Bloomberg reported. The State Department did not mention the model of the plane. The Hill reached out to both the department and Boeing for further comment. The trip from Paris to Brussels is about 190 miles. Blinken was in France this week for a series of meetings with foreign leaders. On Tuesday, he he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and toured the Nexter headquarters in Versailles with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Earlier this year, Blinken was in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forums annual meeting in January when a mechanical issue grounded the plane set to bring him back to Washington. Multiple media reports at the time said the plane was a Boeing 737. The U.S. Air Force had to get another aircraft from Brussels to get the Cabinet member home. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Albuquerque Police have arrested 47-year-old Brian Robinson, whom they suspect of stealing more than $50,000 worth of copper wiring. Police also accuse Robinson of damaging the Albuquerque Transit Center. Detectives arrested Robinson after they conducted surveillance on him and watched him enter and exit a Lowes store. Alongside Robinson, detectives also took 26-year-old Emma Brown into custody. Bernalillo County looking for volunteers to help clean up needles and syringes Firefighters recognized the truck the Robinson and Brown had driven to Lowes as one that was involved in a previous metal theft, the Albuquerque Police Department says. Officers used force to arrest both suspects. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas is poised to increase penalties for killing police dogs and horses after legislators gave their final approval Tuesday to a measure inspired by a suspects strangling of a dog last year in the states largest city. The Republican-controlled state House approved a bill with a 115-6 vote that would allow a first-time offender to be sentenced to more than three years in prison for killing a police animal, an arson dog, a game wardens dog or a search-and-rescue dog and up to five years if the killing occurs when a suspect is trying to elude law enforcement. An offender also could be fined up to $10,000. The current penalty for killing a police dog is up to a year behind bars and a fine of between $500 and $5,000, and the law doesnt specifically cover horses. There is a lot of time and money put into those animals, said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who was the bills leading advocate. They have to continually train all the time and so to have one killed, theres got to be a pretty harsh penalty. Police seek arrest for missing Yellowstone spin-off actor in Lawrence criminal case The GOP-controlled Senate approved the measure by a narrower 25-15 margin last week, and the bill goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who has not said publicly whether she will sign it. Kelly typically signs measures with bipartisan support, but most of the 11 Democrats in the Senate opposed the bill. Increased penalties have had bipartisan support across the U.S. In Colorado, the Democratically led General Assembly approved a measure last month. Proposals have advanced in GOP-controlled Legislatures in Missouri and West Virginia and introduced in at least four other states. The Kansas measure was inspired by the November death of Bane, an 8-year-old Wichita police dog. Authorities say a suspect in a domestic violence case took refuge in a storm drain and strangled Bane when a deputy sent the dog in to flush out the suspect. But critics of such measures have questions about how dogs are used in policing, particularly when suspects of color are involved. Their use also has a fraught history, such as their use during by Southern authorities during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Police dogs have jaws strong enough to puncture sheet metal. Victims of attacks by police dogs have sustained serious and even fatal injuries, Keisha James, a staff attorney for the National Lawyers Guilds National Police Accountability Project, said in written testimony to a Senate committee last month. It follows that an individual being attacked by a police dog would respond by trying to defend themselves. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Police looking for 12-year-old boy last seen in Downtown Seattle Police are looking for a 12-year-old boy who was last seen in Downtown Seattle. Oliver Owsley was last seen at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday around Fourth Avenue and James Street. An endangered missing person alert flyer was sent out to media from the Washington State Patrol at around noon. Oliver is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, 100 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair that has purple and yellow streaks in it. He was last seen wearing gray pants and a blue hooded sweatshirt with a cartoon of a mushroom chasing a human on it. Anyone who sees Oliver is asked to call 911. Police looking for witnesses to fatal train pedestrian accident in Mount Vernon A person crossing the railroad tracks in Mount Vernon was hit and killed by a train Tuesday afternoon. Mount Vernon Police say the person was hit by a southbound train at the South 3rd St and Montgomery St railroad crossing around 12:30 p.m. The pedestrian was attempting to cross the tracks, but police say its too early to tell what the persons intent was. Traffic in the area was shut down but has since reopened. Details as to who the pedestrian is has not been released. Police are looking for any witnesses to the accident, to help in their investigation. People are asked to call Mount Vernon Police at (360) 336-6271 during regular business hours. There is life beyond the exhausted monogamous couple with two children to raise, isolated in a modest middle-class single-family home, living a precarious existence. There are other possible worlds, and even better ones. You just have to dream them, says American ethnographer Kristen Ghodsee, 53. The professor of Russian and Eastern European studies at the University of Pennsylvania has just published Everyday Utopia, a round trip through the last two millennia of human history in search of other ways of living together that teach us how to live better. This is not a self-help book about making yourself happier. This is a book about understanding that people, other human beings, made the world the way the world is today and that we collectively can make the world the way that it will be in the future, she says in a videoconference conversation. Ghodsee explores projects for change that shake up the established way of life. And she reminds us that todays world is full of realities that were once utopian dreams: divorce, for example, was once a crazy idea; so was public schooling, too. Jesus Christ was a utopian dreamer and Buddha was another. The ethnographer argues that is not strange or far-fetched to daydream. And in these times, she says, it is even necessary. Question: Why do we need utopias? Answer. I think the thing that utopian visions do for us is they shake us out of the status quo. They shake us out of thinking that the world as we live in it today is fixed, that it cant change. And its the dreamers, its the utopians who are able to move us forward. So utopian visions give us ideas about how our lives can be different. Utopia is an incredibly productive concept for us to think about different ways of living in the world. Q. What are some examples of utopian demands that can become reality in the future? A. Free universal solar power. The sun gives us an incredible amount of energy for free, if we [have] the photovoltaic panels to capture it and use it. Now, there are a lot of economic interests that are opposed to free photovoltaic panels for everybody, because a huge place where profits are generated would disappear, and a lot of people would probably lose a lot of money. But we could literally eliminate the need for fossil fuel and electricity generation of certain types (in countries where there is abundant sun, like Spain, for instance), if we had this idea that electricity, that solar power is just a right of citizenship, right? Your government gives you solar panels, you collect your energy, you have your battery, you do it. Similarly, I think living in larger families that are not necessarily our blood related kin, like living with people who are our chosen families, living with friends, neighbors, colleagues, comrades, whatever. It feels really radical right now, but its actually not that radical at all. Weve done it in the past. I think its a change that would be very natural. Q. Do utopias have haters? A. Utopians always have haters. The reason that utopians always have haters is because they challenge people with wealth and privilege. In the case of Jesus Christ, he was challenging the Roman Empire. In the case of Buddha, he was challenging the traditional Hindu caste system. In the case of people like Marx and Engels, they were challenging bourgeois authority and capitalism. Utopians are often dreaming of ways of being in the world that are going to undermine the structural systems that underpin the wealth and privilege of a particular elite. And of course, those elites are going to fight back. So, yes, I would say that if you are a very rich white man living in the United States, utopia is not a good thing for you. Q. If youre Donald Trump, for example. A. If youre Donald Trump, or Mark Zuckerberg, or Elon Musk, utopia is not going to be your cup of tea. Youre going to fight utopia as much as you can. But for ordinary people, for those of us who are living in the world that Elon Musk and Donald Trump are trying to create, utopia is the only way that we are going to be able to work together to imagine a better future beyond the Donald Trumps and Elon Musks of the world. Patriarchy is a system that evolved to allow for extreme inequalities in society to be sustainable over time. Q. What does a better world look like? A. I want to think about the collective answer A better world is that the human race survives on the planet. Right now, in 2024, we are facing some very serious problems. The climate crisis is obviously one of them. Were also facing a pandemic of loneliness and social isolation. People are extremely lonely. People are extremely, extremely anxious and fascist-type governments, fascist-type leaders, are preying upon peoples loneliness and isolation. So, we have to deal with the loneliness and isolation. Were also dealing with extreme inequality. We also have a crisis of care. We feel isolated and lonely, and we are not able to care for each other. We dont have the resources anymore to care for each other. And then the final thing is this question about technology, AI, robots, automation. We are facing five really big existential crises right now. So, for me, when Im talking about a particular set of utopian visions of how we live our private lives, everything about those recommendations [is] about making sure that human beings are still on the planet, surviving and thriving in the next 300 or 400 years. But also, I think on an individual level, the most important factor in determining whether or not you live a happy, healthy life is your relationships with other people. So, any utopian visions of the future that are going to care about the human race and are going to care about our individual health and well-being are going to be visions that promote cooperation and connection over competition and isolation. And so when Im talking about a good life, Im talking about creating happy, healthy, sustainable communities in the long run. Q. In the book you review various alternatives for living together and delve into the effect of what you call the two Ps: patrilocality and patrilineality. Is patriarchy everyones great enemy? A. Yes. Patriarchy in our modern world works very well together with capitalism, and it creates a set of family relations that allow for two things: one, it allows for the intergenerational transfer of wealth and privilege from fathers to their legitimate children. So it exacerbates inequality and it prevents us from sharing. But secondly, and more importantly, from a feminist point of view, is that patriarchy creates a world in which the bearing and raising of the next generation of taxpayers and consumers and citizens is done for free, largely by women in the private sphere. And so capitalism benefits, capitalism needs workers and it needs consumers, but it doesnt want to pay for them. I believe very strongly that patriarchy is a system that evolved to allow for extreme inequalities in society to be sustainable over time. Q. Explain remote utopian experiments and more established ones in the current system, such as co-living. Isnt this model a type of hidden capitalist protection for precariousness? A. Right now, in this moment, I think that co-living, co-housing, sharing property is a way for precarious people to survive in a cruel economic system that is creating a bigger and bigger and bigger underclass. But I also believe that those ways of being in the world create solidarities among people that are ultimately going to be very dangerous for that economic system, and that its these cross-class possibilities. Co-living is kind of a scam to get poor people or poor young people to live together, because they cant afford big houses. Its for the people who benefit from capitalism in the long run, its dangerous because its teaching young, precarious people that there are other ways of being in the world, which will ultimately undermine the system that theyre trying to preserve. Q. Are we slaves to the importance we attach to single-family housing? A. I think so. We have a very limited view of what it means to be a successful person, and what it means to be a successful person, especially a young person, is to have your own place. So, for many young people, theres this sort of fantasy of the single-family home. So, were constantly shopping in order to maintain this ideal of the single-family home [and] the single-family car and all of our privately owned stuff. And that is really, really, really good for capitalism and really, really bad for the planet and really, really bad for our social relationships with each other. Ghodsee argues that 'utopians always have haters because they challenge people with wealth and privilege.' ELENA HMELEVA Q. You say that loneliness weakens our physical and mental health, but we still aspire to have our own private homes. Are we masochists? A. No, no, were not masochists. We are people who live with a natural tendency and desire to have social status. We want to be loved and we want to be admired. We want to be thought of as successful. If we have our own single-family homes, its a symbol of success. So, were doing it not because we want to isolate ourselves from each other. And what we need to do is really think about where that norm comes from and how to change that norm. And so the idea that we have one normal, natural way of living in family, of living in community, is stupid and ahistorical and completely against the anthropological record. Q. You argue for shared parenting beyond the nuclear family, but you admit reticence about this model. Is the mother-child bond idealized? A. Obviously, yes. If youre a woman and you are nursing, you have milk. Its really disturbing to realize that your milk will come at the cry of any baby, not just your own. Im not saying that attachment theory isnt real. I believe babies absolutely need lots of physical touch and attention, and it can be devastating for babies who are not touched and loved and cuddled and dont get to look at human faces, but I dont think it necessarily has to be the mother. Many, many mothers die in childbirth. If the mother-child bond [were] irreplaceable, we would die out as a species. I do think that it is extremely idealized, overemphasized. And its overemphasized because patriarchy and capitalism requires women to do all of this labor of raising children for free. They dont want to pay them. They dont want to socialize this labor. So, the best way to get women to do this work is to say, oh youre doing it because of love. The idealization of motherhood is a way of getting women to not demand compensation or recognition for the very important social reproductive labor that theyre doing in the home. Q. Throughout history, utopian alternatives have failed. Does it make sense to be afraid of utopia? A. In my definition, utopia is never a place that you go. It is never an end point. Utopia always has to be moving forward. It has to be changing and it has to be dynamic. What we know from history is any utopia that becomes fixed, any utopia that says this is the way that you live very quickly becomes a dystopia. For utopia to work, you must always imagine that it can and will be dynamic and changing. To the extent that I say you should be afraid of utopia, its when somebody comes and tells you: Hey, I figured it all out. Heres how were going to do it. And its never going to change. That is not a utopia; that is a disaster waiting to happen. The idealization of motherhood is a way of getting women to not demand compensation or recognition for the very important social reproductive labor that theyre doing in the home. Q. Do we lack time to think of alternative futures? A. Yes. Most of us do. Absolutely. We are really tired, and I hear this. Now I have done an international book tour. Im really fascinated by the fact that its young people and old people who are the most open-minded, so people over 60 and people under 25. Theyre really, really, really excited about the book. Everybody in the middle, theyre too damn tired to think about it. And I think its because young people and older people have time. They have time to read. They have time to daydream. They have time to imagine. For those of us in the sandwich years, you know, [the years in] between, its very, very hard. It is extremely difficult to find time to just sit and daydream about how you might make your life a better experience. You were just trying to survive from day to day. And I find that really sad. Most of us are too tired to have an imagination. Q. You propose a militant optimism. How do we achieve that? A. Hope is an emotion. But hope is also a cognitive capacity, right? It is the opposite of memory. You are able to imagine yourself in the future in a way that gives you agency to realize that future. When I say militant optimism, when I say radical hope, what I mean is a belief that you as an individual, as yourself and your community, that you have a responsibility and the capacity to change the future, and that is a political commitment. Its not an attitude change. Its not an emotional state. It is a political commitment to the future. And the way that you cultivate that political commitment is by sharing it with others, by sharing the possibility of change. But everything that you do, you have to make a political commitment to making the world the way you want to see it, the way you think it will be better. And when I talk about militant optimism, I literally mean militant in the sense that I refuse to let people tell me that the world is unchangeable. I refuse to let people tell me that my own individual anxiety and fear and feelings of helplessness are not a structural problem, that theyre just something wrong with my brain, and I should take a pill to make it go away. This is a crisis of mental health. My feelings of despair are a structural problem, and they require structural solutions. Instead of giving in to that fear, use that fear to make a political decision, to reject it, and to use it to build a better future. It is a moral commitment to the future, to be a militant optimist. Its about believing that today we can make the future that we want to see. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Police officer sent gangster texts to convicted burglar after they broke up, court hears A female police officer bombarded a convicted burglar with threatening texts when he ended their three-week relationship, a court heard. Pc Miriam Virgo didnt take it well when Carl Cserfalvi-Young ended their romance and told him he was a dead man walking, jurors were told. Prosecutors allege the 43-year-old serving Thames Valley Police officer threatened him using a website which allows users to pay to send anonymous texts, prosecutors said. Pc Virgo is said to have told Mr Cserfalvi-Young his days were numbered in gangster texts which she also sent to his mother in an attempt to intimidate them. She denies harassment causing fear of violence. A pretty threatening series of texts Opening the trial, prosecutor Charles Ward-Jackson told Winchester Crown Court, in Hampshire, the offence was made up of nine separate events that took place between May 31 and September 10, 2022. The court heard Mr Cserfalvi-Young had recently been released from prison for burglary when the pair met at a pub in Reading, Berkshire, in May 2022. After meeting again and exchanging messages online, they began a relationship. The court heard he had broken things off via a phone call, in which he told her he wanted to get back with his ex-girlfriend. Ms Virgo was not very happy about that, Mr Ward-Jackson said. She hung up on him and then started to take a type of revenge. She looked up the girlfriend on Facebook and having found her address, sent her a message. Pc Virgo called the woman out of the blue and in a 45-minute phone call told Mr Cserfalvi-Youngs ex-girlfriend she had won and got him back, it was heard. In a pretty threatening series of texts, Pc Virgo messaged Mr Cserfalvi-Young to tell him she had a lot of people are looking out for me and warned him her cousins had said, of all the people you could have fucked over you picked the wrong one. She then rang him and said: Youve seen a nice side of me, but you havent seen the other side of me, and if you f--- with me I will f--- with you. Ive got nothing to lose. Im not okay, Im ready to take a f------ knife [from] my kitchen, so you better f------ start talking to me right f------ now. You are a dead man walking The court heard there was then little correspondence until a small flurry of anonymous messages in early September were sent to Mr Cserfalvi-Young and his mother. On September 3, he received a text warning him to stay away from where his girlfriend lived in Chigwell in gangster-type language. In a devious disguise she pretended to be a lover of Mr Cserfalvi-Youngs girlfriend, saying: Your days are numbered ...Ur a dead man walking. He reported the four extremely threatening messages to police, as Pc Virgo was arrested a week later at her address in Reading. Police searched her home and found several devices that were examined. Her phone had been accessing a website called anonymoustext.co where users can send anonymous texts for a small fee, and payments had been sent to a company linked to the website. Mr Ward-Jackson told the court it became clear it was Pc Virgo who had sent the texts and had simultaneously been sending threatening texts to herself in an ingenious method to deflect suspicion. In her police interview, she said Mr Cserfalvi-Young had love bombed her at the pub and any threat had been misunderstood. Giving evidence, Mr Cserfalvi-Young said he had been scared by Pc Virgo on the phone and left physically shaking. Pc Virgo denies the anonymous messages were sent by her and that the others do not amount to harassment. The trial, which is expected to last five days, continues. 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. Murdo Fraser was reported by a member of the public after he shared a post about transgender policies. - Corbis News Police Scotland have been accused of political bias after refusing to record a non-crime hate incident (NCHI) against Humza Yousaf despite logging one against a Tory MSP. The force has thrown out a deluge of complaints under the SNPs new hate crime laws against the First Minister and Harry Potter author JK Rowling, with sources claiming more were logged about him than her. But Murdo Fraser, a Scottish Tory MSP, accused the police of double standards after they said neither Mr Yousaf nor Rowling would have an NCHI recorded against them. Mr Fraser was reported by a member of the public in November 2023 after he shared a post on social media about the Scottish Governments transgender policies. He said that choosing to identify as non-binary is as valid as choosing to identify as a cat. Police Scotland judged that the post was not a crime but it was still logged as a hate incident, without telling him. After it was confirmed Mr Yousaf would not have an NCHI logged against him, the Tory accused the force of making it up as they go along and argued it had been captured by the SNP policy agenda. Mr Fraser demanded that Jo Farrell, the chief constable, contact him with an apology, his NCHI be ripped up and the forces policy of recording them overhauled. He won support from Rowling, who tweeted: Again, I trust everyone will be treated the same way if they express themselves similarly. Nobody should have a Hate Incident logged against them for accurately describing, or asserting the importance and reality, of biological sex. We must all be equal under the law. It is possible for NCHIs to be disclosed to employers. Thousands of hate crime complaints have been lodged with Police Scotland since Mr Yousafs Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act was introduced on Monday. The force has pledged to investigate every one. Only hours after its introduction, Rowling posted pictures of 10 high-profile trans people and ridiculed their claims to be women. She then challenged police to arrest her. Most of the complaints against Mr Yousaf are understood to relate to a speech he gave in a 2020 Holyrood debate challenging racism in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in America in May that year. Mr Yousaf said that 99 per cent of the time he was the only non-white person in the room during government meetings. The footage has since been used to claim he is bigoted, which he has vigorously denied. Mr Fraser told BBC Radio Scotland: In line with their policy, the police now have to record each and every one of these complaints as a non-crime hate incident, both against JK Rowling and against the First Minister Humza Yousaf. Either the police are going to treat an opposition politician in Scotland like myself differently from the way they treat the SNP First Minister, which would be an absolute outrage, or the police in Scotland are going to say that Scotlands First Minister is responsible for a hate incident. Protesters, including one wearing a Humza Yousaf mask, demonstrate against the new hate crime laws outside the Scottish Parliament on Monday - SST/Alamy Police Scotland threw out both sets of complaints about Rowling and the First Minister, saying that there had been no criminality. But, under Police Scotland guidance, an NCHI could still be recorded when a complaint does not meet the threshold for a crime but is perceived to be motivated (wholly or partly) by malice and ill-will towards a social group. A force spokesman said of both cases: The circumstances have been assessed and will not be recorded as a non-crime hate incident. Mr Fraser said: This decision means Police Scotland have not only breached their own policy on recording non-crime hate incidents, but now appear to be making it up as they go along. They have taken a different approach to comments made by the SNP First Minister to those made by an opposition politician. It is hard not to conclude that Police Scotland has been captured by the SNP policy agenda and that this is a decision that reeks of political bias. Joanna Cherry KC, an SNP MP and ally of Rowling, tweeted: It seems Police Scotland are revising their policy on recording non-crime hate incidents on the hoof in order to avoid the embarrassment of recording incidents against an internationally renowned author and philanthropist and the First Minister of Scotland. This really isnt good enough and calls into question the application of the policy to date. The policy should be applied equally to everyone. She also urged the force to wipe their existing database of non-crime hate incidents and carry out a proper review of their policy. After finding out about his NCHI, Mr Fraser said last week he had received legal advice which suggested the actions of Police Scotland were unlawful, as they had breached his rights around free speech and data protection. In a test case, a judge in England ruled that police recording NCIHs based solely on the perception of the complainant was not unlawful per se, but additional safeguards were needed to protect freedom of speech. This prompted new guidance to be issued in 2023 by the College of Policing south of the Border that freedom of speech and proportionality must be taken into account when deciding whether to record NCIHs. Although Police Scotland is reviewing the practice, the force still recorded Mr Frasers NCHI based on the perception of the person making the complaint. Siobhian Brown, the Scottish Government minister for victims and community safety, told BBC Radio Scotland it was an operational matter for Police Scotland. Asked if she thought the force would treat Mr Yousaf and Ms Rowling differently from Mr Fraser, the minister said: Ive got faith in Police Scotland, that they will be treating everybody the same. I do not believe they would be treating opposition politicians as suggested differently to any politician in government or any other individual that might have been reported per se. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Police seek publics help in locating missing woman in Kansas City last seen on foot Kansas City police are asking the public to help locate a missing woman. Aimee Aletano was last seen in the area of 22nd and Benton Boulevard on foot. Aletano suffers from medical issues that require immediate attention, according to a police news release. She has brown hair and blue eyes. Her age, height and weight were not provided. Its also not known what she was last wearing. If seen, the public is asked to call the Kansas City Police Department Missing Persons Unit at (816) 234-5043 or call 911. DENVER (KDVR) Gov. Jared Polis is opposing a proposal brought by the U.S. Department of the Air Force to remove Colorado Air National Guard space units from the state and also override existing law that requires governor consent before National Guard units can be removed from a state. The proposal is part of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which determines the Department of Defenses budget, and Polis says this change would be a direct override of gubernatorial authority. Rep. Lauren Boebert hospitalized with acute blood clot, diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome In a letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Governor Polis wrote, I will continue to oppose any involuntary removals of Colorado Air National Guard space units and personnel as well as any reductions to the Colorado National Guards force structure. Polis also noted his concern for how the removal of the units would impact state-based citizen service members and said he was concerned it would create significant national security issues. This direct override of gubernatorial authority to exercise control over the units that are permanently based or removed from their respective states flies in the face of over 120 years of military tradition, organizational structure and efficacy, and precedent. This action would threaten the ability of the National Guard to serve as the operational combat reserve for national security missions as well as its ability to support domestic emergencies. Both of these outcomes are unacceptable, Polis wrote to the Department of Defense. The U.S. Space Force was established in 2019 and staffed with active duty service members from the U.S. Air Force. However, there was no corresponding change to ensure that National Guard members working on space missions also fall under Space Force authority. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet who represents Colorado joined several colleagues earlier this year to reintroduce an act establishing the Space National Guard. However, the measure hasnt had any movement since it was introduced, read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Forces on Jan. 31. According to the Colorado Governors Office, Colorado National Guard leadership has also expressed strong opposition to the Congressional proposal and its detrimental implications on the structure and organization of the National Guard. Mayor Mike Johnston to focus on 5 Denver spots with high gun violence In his letter, Polis noted that National Guard servicemembers sign a contract and swear an oath to serve the United States and the State of Colorado. As their Commander-in-Chief, I cannot stand idly by as the servicemembers I am charged with leading are faced with the decision to either leave military service, or serve in a manner that they did not originally agree to, Polis wrote to the Secretary of Defense. We know that a significant majority of Air National Guard space operators will not transfer to the U.S. Space Force, putting both their military career and national security at risk. Polis said the proposal would threaten the very existence of the National Guard. Colorado stands firm on its commitment to protect its service members from wrongful actions taken against units, and continues to urge the proposed legislation to not move forward, a release from the governors office stated. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Politico sources say front line in Ukraine might collapse if Russia goes on offensive There is a high risk that the front line will collapse if Russian forces launch a new offensive this summer, senior Ukrainian military sources have told Politico on condition of anonymity. They said Ukraine is in need of drones, howitzers, and hundreds of thousands of shells and missiles. Source: senior Ukrainian officers speaking to Politico on condition of anonymity Quote: "According to high-ranking Ukrainian military officers who served under General Valerii Zaluzhnyi the commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces until he was replaced in February the military picture is grim. The officers said theres a great risk of the front lines collapsing wherever Russian generals decide to focus their offensive. Moreover, thanks to a much greater weight in numbers and the guided aerial bombs that have been smashing Ukrainian positions for weeks now, Russia will likely be able to "penetrate the front line and to crash it in some parts." Details: One senior military source claimed that "nothing that can help Ukraine now because there are no serious technologies able to compensate Ukraine for the large mass of troops Russia is likely to hurl at us. We dont have those technologies, and the West doesnt have them as well in sufficient numbers". The source believes only Ukrainian resilience and endurance, as well as mistakes by the Russian command, can change the grim dynamics. Senior Ukrainian officers also stressed that relying on Russian mistakes is not a strategy, and they bitterly recalled the errors that they said undermined the Ukrainian resistance from the very start mistakes made by both the West and Ukraine. They also spoke ill of Western "foot-dragging", arguing that supplies and weapons systems arrived too late and in insufficient quantities to make a difference if they could have. One officer said that Zaluzhnyi named it "the War of One Chance". Politico pointed out that it now depends on where Russia decides to focus its forces in the offensive, which is expected to begin this summer: "In a pre-offensive pummeling stretching from Kharkiv and Sumy in the north to Odesa in the south Russias missile and drone strikes have widely surged in recent weeks, targeting infrastructure and making it hard to guess where it will mount its major push." Ukrainian officers said they now need more basic conventional weapons, as well as drones: "We need Howitzers and shells, hundreds of thousands of shells, and rockets." This source estimated that Ukraine needs 4 million shells and 2 million UAVs. The officers stressed that they also need many, many more soldiers. Politico reported that Ukraine currently does not have enough troops on the front line, which exacerbates the problem of insufficient Western support. In addition, the sources say that Ukraine is currently facing not only a military crisis but also a political one. They emphasised that while Ukraine is avoiding major conscription, "Russia is now gathering resources and will be ready to launch a big attack around August, and maybe sooner". Background: Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, Commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, stated that Russia was forming a new contingent of troops consisting of more than 100,000 soldiers and that the Russians may attempt an offensive along part of the Ukrainian front this summer. With the onset of summer, the threat of a new large-scale offensive by Russian occupation forces along the entire line of contact is growing, writes the UK edition of the Economist. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the Russians may be preparing to conduct a new offensive, which is expected late in May or June. He did not specify which front was at risk. Support UP or become our patron! Unnamed Ukrainian military officials said there is an unfortunate pattern of the West finally sending weapons when they are "no longer relevant" for the current battlefield dynamics, Politico reported on April 3, citing sources. While Ukraine's Western allies have provided tens of billions of military aid and equipment, some of the more advanced systems pledged, such as the F-16 fighter jet, have been slow-walked and have yet to reach the battlefield. At the same time, Russia has been steadily adapting its defensive capabilities to counter new Western weapons as they arrive. An international coalition to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s was launched in the summer of 2023. Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have also pledged to supply Ukraine with dozens of U.S.-made fourth-generation jets. Yet, the unnamed Ukrainian military officials told Politico that the "F-16s were needed in 2023; they won't be right for 2024." The official explained that Russia has been testing its air defense posture and has likely deployed its radar and anti-air missiles in a manner that would render much of the F-16s' offensive capabilities ineffective. After a series of damaging strikes on Russian positions using the long-range Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, Russia changed its tactics and positions, an official said. "Weapons systems become redundant very quickly because they're quickly countered by the Russians," he said, adding, "The Russians are always studying. They don't give us a second chance. And they're successful in this." The officials said that Ukraine also needs more traditional weapons and munitions, such as the more than a million artillery shells currently being sourced by the Czech-led initiative. Elsewhere, the officials said domestic Ukrainian politics have contributed to the unfavorable battlefield situation. While President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill on April 2 reducing the minimum age for the military draft to 25, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in March that the number of people who need to be mobilized has been "significantly reduced" from the initially proposed 500,000. The officials said these decisions were largely guided by politics and did not reflect the true scope of the manpower deficit. All of these issues are present against the backdrop of a nearly six-month delay in military assistance from the U.S. Zelensky said in late March that Ukraine could soon be forced to retreat without an infusion of aid, which the officials agreed with. Ukraine's ability to hold off the ongoing offensive has been mostly thanks to Russian mistakes on the battlefield, but the officials said that Russia will likely be able to "penetrate the front line and to crash it in some parts." Read also: Can new security agreements forge Ukraines path to victory? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Poll: More than half of Lithuanians opposed to any kind of military deployment to Ukraine Almost 56% of Lithuanian respondents said they were opposed to any kind of military deployment to Ukraine, according to a Vilmorus poll released by the Baltic News Service (BNS) on April 2. There has been widespread debate about the prospect of sending Western troops to Ukraine since French President Emmanuel Macron said in February that the notion should not be taken off the table. While some countries, such as Finland, similarly said that it should not be ruled out, it has found little support elsewhere in the West. According to the poll, only 15% of respondents were in favor of sending troops to Ukraine, but on the condition that other Western allies do so as well. Another 15% approved of sending troops to do training exercises with the Ukrainian military. Only 3.5% approved of the Lithuanian military actively participating in combat. Lithuania, along with its Baltic neighbors Latvia and Estonia, rank among the top supporters of Ukraine as a percentage of GDP. Lithuania has also required all Russian-registered vehicles to leave the country or re-register in Lithuania, among other measures to isolate Russia. A poll conducted in January 2023 found that 90% of Lithuanians had an unfavorable opinion of Russia. Lithuania has a small Russian minority, around 5% of the population, but the country has also seen an influx of Russians and Belarusians since the beginning of the full-scale war, prompting some signs of discontent among the local population. Read also: French army chief: Putin needs to know West could send troops to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A slim majority of Americans support the Supreme Courts recent decision to keep former President Donald Trump on the ballot, according to a poll released Wednesday, but they are largely unconvinced that he should be granted immunity from prosecution. The Marquette Law School poll found that 56% backed the high courts decision last month to keep Trump on Colorados presidential ballot despite claims he violated the insurrectionist ban in the 14th Amendment with his conduct ahead of the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Nearly 4 in 10 said they opposed the decision. But 62% of respondents opposed granting former presidents immunity, compared with 20% who supported that idea. The poll landed as the justices prepare to hear arguments this month in a blockbuster dispute over whether Trump may claim immunity from special counsel Jack Smiths election subversion case. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has argued that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results were part of his official capacity as president. Pollsters asked half of respondents whether former presidents should receive immunity and the other half whether former President Donald Trump, specifically, should be shielded from prosecution. The share of respondents supporting immunity for Trump rose by 8 percentage points. The difference, the polls director said, appeared to be due largely to Republicans who generally oppose immunity for former presidents but who were more willing to support such protections for Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee. The striking finding is that Republicans reverse themselves when asked about Trump rather than former presidents, said Charles Franklin, a professor of law and public policy and the director of the Marquette Law School poll. One implication is that Republicans are not paying enough attention to Trumps Supreme Court appeal to realize without prompting that the immunity case is about Trump, he added. Only when the question directly says, This is about Trump do they swing sharply, reversing what they would think about former presidents in general. Former President Donald Trump attends a hearing to determine the date of his hush money trial in New York City on March 25, 2024. - Mary Altaffer/AFP/POOL/Getty Images The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the immunity case April 25, rounding out its scheduled arguments with one of the most closely watched cases of the year. In another experiment, pollsters noted in interviews with half of the respondents that the court had decided the Trump insurrectionist ban dispute unanimously and omitted the description with the other half. Including the word unanimously led to a slightly higher approval of the decision but also a higher share of respondents who were opposed. The court was unanimous in its bottom-line conclusion in the ballot case but split deeply over the reasoning. Americans support for the Supreme Court has slipped considerably in recent years following a series of controversial rulings, notably the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 opinion that established a constitutional right to abortion. Several justices, meanwhile, have faced blowback over ethics and transparency controversies. The new Marquette poll found 47% approve of the job the Supreme Court is doing, a slight increase over recent polling but well below where it stood just three years ago. The poll, conducted March 18-28, is based on interviews with 1,000 adults nationwide conducted using the SSRS Opinion Panel. It has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Wednesday issued a fresh appeal for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, deploring the killing of aid workers in an Israeli airstrike and paying tribute to a Ukrainian soldier who died in the war against Russia. Seven people working for the aid charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed on Monday in Gaza in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called an unintended and "tragic" incident. "I express deep regret for the volunteers killed while they were engaged in distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza. I pray for them and their families," Francis said during his weekly audience. The 87-year-old pontiff has been in poor health in recent weeks, limiting his public speaking or cancelling some engagements during Easter week, but on Wednesday he took part in full in the outdoor audience. He renewed calls for an "immediate" Gaza ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages kidnapped by Palestinian militants Hamas, full access for humanitarian aid, and warned against any "irresponsible" regional widening of the conflict. Turning to "martyred" Ukraine, Francis told crowds in St Peter's Square that he was holding in his hands a copy of the New Testament and a set of rosary beads belonging to a slain 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier. "I would like us all, in this moment, to have a bit of silence, thinking about this young man and many others like him who have died in this folly of war. War always destroys, let's think about them and pray," he said. Francis said the soldier, who he identified only as Oleksandr, died in Avdiivka, an eastern Ukrainian city captured by Russians in February. He had already mentioned his belongings at another audience last month, after they were given to him by a nun who had been on several charity missions to Ukraine. (Reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Toby Chopra) PORTSMOUTH City leaders are moving forward with plans to purchase the Hampton Roads Regional Jail facility later this month, and might be able to move in by July. The jail, on Elmhurst Lane in Portsmouth, opened to fanfare in 1998 with a capacity of 1,300. The publicly owned facility housed overflow inmates from Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton and Newport News. But in October, the full HRRJ board including city managers, sheriffs and council members from each jurisdiction voted unanimously to close the facility April 1 after several cities began pulling back on the number of inmates they housed there. Portsmouth Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke, who represents the city on the board, told The Virginian-Pilot on Wednesday that all five member cities are in support of Portsmouths efforts to purchase the facility and that plans are moving in a good direction to do so. Board chair Robert Geis, Chesapeakes deputy city manager, also affirmed the boards support. The move means the facility could serve as Portsmouths new city jail, freeing up some space that would allow the city to convert the current aging waterfront jail facility into a tax-generating property a goal Lucas-Burke said the city has been working toward for years. Geis said the move is ultimately up to Portsmouth, but all the legwork has been done, and the board is prepared to move at Portsmouths pace. I think all the member jurisdictions that are part of the Hampton (Roads) Regional Jail would like to see a win-win situation, Geis said. And for the jurisdictions, closing down the regional jail was thought to be the right thing to do. And if this is a way for Portsmouth to solve their problems with their city jail, then it sounds like its a win-win across the board. Lucas-Burke and Geis explained that the next step would be a unanimous vote from the board at the next meeting, April 17. The respective city councils also would have to pass resolutions approving the purchase. Portsmouth council members may meet in closed session next week as well to discuss next steps. Related Articles Lucas-Burke said theyve been informed Portsmouth could move into the HRRJ facility in July. Though a final cost is still under negotiation, she said it could be in the $30 million range. The citys proposed 2025 budget includes $20 million of funding spread across several years to relocate the citys waterfront jail, but its unclear how exactly those funds will be used. Lucas-Burke said there are some costs associated with transferring inmates to the new facility. I think weve made a good decision, and I think it is past time for us to have moved in this direction, Lucas-Burke said. Portsmouth Sheriff Michael Moore told The Pilot hes in support of purchasing the HRRJ facility, noting that building a new jail could take years. He said the facility may need additional build-outs to meet the citys needs. (If) the city can obtain the regional jail, I think that would solve a lot of the issues we have in our current facility, Moore said. Over the years, Portsmouths city jail on Crawford Street has faced problems, with the sheriffs office contending the city has neglected the jail and a Circuit Court judge ordering the city to make improvements. In February, Portsmouth council members tasked former Interim City Manager Mimi Terry with looking into the possibility of using the basement of the existing city jail as a space that could house juvenile inmates overnight to reduce the burden on officers and deputies transporting them to court from housing facilities hours away. The Pilot reported in February that Moore was calling for a temporary solution as deputies were traveling as many as 15 hours and from as far as Bristol, Tennessee, to transport the citys juvenile inmates. Thats because Portsmouth previously had an agreement to house its youth charged with crimes with Chesapeake Juvenile Services, which had been holding minors for other localities for more than 30 years. But a decision last spring to begin holding only Chesapeakes juvenile inmates meant Portsmouths youth no longer had a dedicated place to go. Lucas-Burke said one wing of the HRRJ facility has been eyed as a space to permanently house the citys juvenile inmates. As for a temporary solution, council members are still awaiting more information about the costs to convert the city jail basement, which could include repairing water issues. Members could then decide whether it makes more sense to continue that route, which may include weighing the costs of the extra transportation with the cost to make needed repairs, or fix up a space in the HRRJ facility. Geis said the board will remain in place for another two years, though it may not need to meet monthly if Portsmouth obtains the facility. Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed The agreement that seems to be advancing in the international community to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas triggered by the attacks of last October 7 is articulated around two express principles: the departure of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the initiation of negotiations leading to a two-state solution for the territory of the former British mandate over Palestine. But there is also an implicit principle, which is what will likely end up marking the evolution of the conflict in the coming months and years: contrary to what Netanyahu and his allies, including the sponsors of the Abraham Accords, have been maintaining, the complete annexation of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, occupied following the 1967 war, will not lead to the extinction of the Palestinian problem, but rather it will deepen the political, social and religious divisions that are darkening Israels future. The assassination of Isaac Rabin in 1995 was an alarm bell that the international community as well as Israeli public opinion preferred to ignore for three decades, while tolerating the intensive colonization of the occupied territories that violates international law. Although Palestinian leaders have invariably been blamed for the difficulties in reaching a peace agreement an agreement that, whatever its nature, would always contain some form of territorial settlement the truth is that large sectors of Israeli society as reflected in the parliamentary majority that supported Netanyahu for years and brought him back to power refuse to make concessions like those proposed by Rabin, who paid for his beliefs with his life, cut shot by a radicalized settler. Since then, little or nothing has changed in the underlying current in Israel, except that the forces that were on the margins of the political system now occupy a central place, polarizing Israelis, on the one hand, and blocking, on the other, any negotiated solution with the Palestinians. And no solution means no solution territorial or legal since Netanyahu passed a law defining Israel as a Jewish state, more than six decades after its creation. The intention was not to state the obvious, but to establish a legal order that would lead to an apartheid system if the resolution to the conflict was not a two-state solution which Netanyahu and his allies oppose but a single-state solution, with equal rights for both Palestinians and Israelis which they also oppose. Based on minimum democratic requirements without even going into his possible offenses for not having anticipated an attack like the one perpetrated by Hamas and ordering in retaliation a military operation that has caused 34,000 deaths, the destruction of hospitals and civilian infrastructure and a famine affecting the two million civilians in Gaza a leader like Netanyahu could not remain at the head of any government. But believing that Netanyahus fall if it happens at all will allow a shift in Israeli policy with respect to the occupation and the treatment of the Palestinians does not take into account the ticking time bomb that Israel itself has been fueling since 1967, when it began the occupation. As far as is known, Israeli citizens reproach Netanyahu for having paid more attention to his problems with the justice system and efforts to bring it to heel, than to his duties as prime minister, starting with preserving the countrys security. But when it comes to how he is conducting the military operations in Gaza and his objective of ending Hamas, the agreement is broad, the only debate is whether a ceasefire should be declared to negotiate the release of the hostages. But it is precisely the way in which Netanyahu is conducting military operations and his goal of ending Hamas that is sending Israel down a dead end; the same one, incidentally, that the United States rushed into by declaring a war on terrorism after the September 11 attacks. Both are forever wars, wars that must be fought indefinitely, not because the enemies have an inexhaustible capacity for resistance, but because those who declare them define victory in terms that prevent it from being achieved by military means, forcing armies to endlessly race against their own shadow. By military means, Israel could who knows take the perimeter of Gaza, that is if it knew what to do next with the territory and its inhabitants. Ending Hamas, on the other hand, is an unattainable goal, because as long as just one of the organizations militants just one commits an attack and claims responsibility in Hamas name, the war will not have ended. This is the reason why Netanyahu and his allies are reluctant to declare any ceasefire be it in response to the calls from the U.N. Security Council or the demands of the families of the hostages, who want to negotiate their release. For Netanyahu and his allies, ceasefires are partial victories for Hamas, since they force Israel to recognize the group, politically strengthening an enemy they are seeking to annihilate militarily. Even supposing that Netanyahu stops being prime minister and even supposing, furthermore, that his eventual successor wants to and is able to declare the end of the war despite the attacks that Hamas would immediately carry out to claim victory a pyrrhic one, no doubt, but a victory nonetheless, as it would not have been destroyed Israel is still facing a dark horizon of internal division. At this time, Israels successive governments have allowed half a million settlers to settle in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Since Rabins assassination, political forces have been utilizing these armed civilians to thwart any decision that could lead to a territorial concession in favor of the Palestinians. This being the case, is it possible to imagine, in the short or medium term, an Israeli government that has the parliamentary majority and the social consensus required to address the two-state solution and dismantling the settlements? If a new government attempts this, will the political, social and religious fracture deliberately fueled by Netanyahu and his allies reach a point of no return? The two-state solution, moreover, is limited to remembering with a tragic 76-year delay the need to comply with Resolution 181 by which the United Nations divided the British mandate over Palestine between the Zionist pioneers and the native inhabitants. The question, as always in the Middle East, is what to do. But the answer, this time, only depends on the Israelis. Specifically, the decision they make about which country they want to live in and what they want the nature of their state to be. Can they continue the occupation and settlements while ignoring the most elementary rights of the Palestinians, violating international law and accusing anyone as antisemitic if they say their attacks on Gaza far exceed the limits of legitimate self-defense? Time, meanwhile, is running out for the Palestinians, because they continue to die every day under bombs that are an obscene display of force, just force. But time is also running out for the Israelis, who are increasingly divided as Netanyahu and his allies, trying to impose a solution that is no solution, persevere in their endless war, which now threatens to engulf the entire region and escalate even further. Jose Maria Ridao is a writer and diplomat. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The number of road craters in need of repair reported to councils is at its highest since 2020 - PAUL COOPER Britains pothole crisis has reached a post-pandemic high after drivers reported 1 million potholes on the nations roads last year. The number of road craters in need of repair reported to councils is at its highest since 2020, according to the insurance comparison site Confused.com. A million potholes being reported in one year is the equivalent of more than 2,700 being flagged to highway authorities every single day. South east England is the worst area of the UK for potholes, the insurance comparison website found, with just under 200,000 potholes being reported there last year. Confused.com said drivers had made 4.4 million insurance claims as a result of pothole damage to their cars, although councils that are responsible for road maintenance can also be claimed against for the cost of car repairs. Confused.com said drivers had made 4.4 million insurance claims as a result of pothole damage to their cars - PA Louise Thomas, a motoring expert from the comparison site, said: Theres no denying that the UK has a pothole problem, and the Government has dedicated more funding as a result. If your car is damaged due to a pothole, you should always try to reclaim the cost of damage through the council first. Thats because pothole repairs are their responsibility. Ms Thomas added: If you see a pothole while driving, its important to report it to the local council straight away. Even if it didnt damage your car, you could help to protect other drivers who might come into contact with it at a later date. News of the number of reported potholes comes after an estimated two million of the tarmac blights were filled in over the past 12 months according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance, while councils are paying out tens of millions in compensation to drivers. The cost of repairs to damaged cars, as well as for repairing the potholes themselves, is high. Local authorities paid out more than 22.7 million in compensation last year alone, What Car? Magazine reported in January, that the average payout reached 347. Meanwhile, the sum needed to fix the backlog of local road repairs across the UK has reached a record 16.3 billion, up by just over 15 per cent from 14 billion a year ago. Confused.com said compensation claims made to local highways authorities had increased by six per cent between 2022 and last year. Local authorities paid out more than 22.7 million in compensation last year alone - nidpor / Alamy Live News Increasing numbers of motorists made insurance claims for pothole-related damage in 2023. According to insurance company Admiral, there were 25 per cent more claims last year than after the 2018 winter storm dubbed the Beast from the East. Claims made after the two-week Beast from the East consumed car insurer Direct Lines entire 50 million budget for weather-related payouts that year. More than a third of pothole-related claims take place between January and March, according to Admiral claims data, which is more than at any other time of year. Last October the Government said it would provide 8.3 billion of extra funding over 11 years to fix potholes, a sum it said was diverted from the partial cancellation of HS2. Esther McVey, the Conservative minister, recently called on councils to use the money to start repairing potholes. Writing in The Telegraph, she said: Councils have the money to make a difference and, as we approach spring, those councils have the opportunity to breathe new life into our roads so they should blooming well get on with it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Hundreds Still Trapped in Tunnels and Rubble After Deadly Earthquake in Taiwan A monster earthquake rocked Taiwan during rush hour on Wednesday morning, collapsing buildings in the city of Hualien and triggering tsunami alerts. At least 9 people died, said Taiwans national fire agency, and at least another 930 people were injured. The agency added that, as of 7 a.m. ET Wednesday, 137 people remained trapped in various tunnels around Hualien County, near the epicenter. Rescue workers have rushed to save those trapped, so far bringing at least 75 people from the tunnels to safety. At least 50 of the stuck people are said to be employees of the Silks Place Hotel Taroko, who were traveling through a tunnel in four mini busses. Another 71 of the trapped are workers at rock quarries, officials said. Video posted to social media showed several tall buildings off their foundations and listing to one side at a sickening angle. Other footage showed bikes and cars stopped on a bridge while it shook and swayed. Rescue workers search for survivors after an earthquake struck Taiwan. Reuters TVBS, a Taiwanese broadcaster, said the massive cliff at the head of turtle-shaped Guishan Island had been damaged. Local officials said at least 300,000 households lost power and that the islands metro lines and high-speed rail system had suspended operations indefinitely. A chilling video Wednesday, obtained by CNN, showed a landslide engulf an entire highway on the island. Another, obtained by Reuters, showed a building partially collapse onto a busy street. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quakewhich could be felt in Taipeiat 7.4 on the Richter scale, with aftershocks as high as 6.5. The earthquake is close to land and its shallow. Its felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands, a Taiwanese official told reporters, according to Agence France-Presse. Its the strongest in 25 years since the (1999) earthquake. The 1999 quake, which measured at 7.6-magnitude, killed 2,400 people. JUST IN: Video shows damaged structures in Hualien, Taiwan, after powerful earthquake strikes region. https://t.co/NycGavyP0H pic.twitter.com/E2DDbnFj1q ABC News (@ABC) April 3, 2024 Tsunami warnings were issued for Okinawa, where the U.S. has a military base, and nearby islands in southern Japan, but they were later downgraded to an advisory. According to the Associated Press, the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed it detected a tsunami wave of about 1 foot on the coast of Yonaguni island approximately 15 minutes after the initial quake. The Philippines Seismology Agency also warned people on the coast of several provinces to get to higher ground, according to Reuters. U.S. officials addressed the quake on Wednesday morning, with Adrienne Watson, a U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, saying that Washington is monitoring reports of the earthquake. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance, she said. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct Bike Squad and Oregon State Police arrested 17 people and issued 36-drug related citations during a nighttime sweep of the neighborhood surrounding the Multnomah County Central Library on April 2. PPB spokesperson Mike Benner told KOIN 6 News that the arrests were part of an ongoing effort to clean up Downtown near the Central Library, backed by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. On March 29, nine people were arrested during an undercover sting operation also performed around the Central Library. We did a mission last night and well continue to do them as time and resources allow, Benner said. Multnomah County Central Library. (County of Multnomah) Overnight rescue finds group with 10 children on Rogue River Trail During Tuesdays mission, 11 suspects were arrested for warrants, four were arrested for trespassing, one was arrested for drug possession, and one was arrested for the distribution of a controlled substance. One person was also treated with Naloxone for a drug overdose that occurred on the sidewalk in front of the library. Police also issued 22 citations for fentanyl, 13 for meth and 1 for oxycodone. More than 152 grams of fentanyl and $305 in cash were seized during the mission. All of the fentanyl seized during the mission came from a single drug bust that happened on the sidewalk directly across the street from the Central Library. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The Scoop More than a third of board members at the worlds largest advertising and public relations firms all of which have made public commitments to slash their own carbon emissions also hold roles at high-emissions companies, according to analysis compiled by DeSmog. With combined revenues of $67 billion in 2022, Omnicom Group, WPP, Interpublic Group (IPG), Publicis Groupe, Dentsu, and Havas dominate the communications industry, and have hundreds of subsidiary agencies around the world. And of their 64 total directors, 22 maintain ongoing roles at companies in high-emissions industries such as fossil fuels, aviation, and plastics. These ties, climate campaigners argue, represent a conflict of interest: All of these firms except Omnicom have public net zero goals, and all six are members of a voluntary industry initiative pledging to reduce in-house greenhouse gas emissions. Yet campaigners posit these board ties limit the firms willingness to stop producing marketing and public relations material that promote the fossil fuel industry, or portray climate-damaging companies as green. Whether or not these board links are the reason behind any unwillingness to push for more aggressive climate action, the advertising industry at large certainly lags behind other comparable sectors. Banks, for example, also work with polluting companies and have also resisted activist pressure to drop fossil fuel clients entirely, but have at least set intermediate steps that ultimately pressure their clients to do more to accelerate the energy transition. The PR industry, by comparison, sets low or no expectations for its high-carbon clients, and continues to discount a large portion of its own carbon footprint. DeSmog sent requests for comment to the six holding groups and the directors named in this story via both company media teams and their personal company email addresses, as well as to the other firms named in this story. WPP declined to comment, while none of the other companies, or any individual directors responded. TJ and Rachel's View The six giant communications firms talk a good game, and their positive rhetoric helps them recruit a new generation of talent, as young creatives we interviewed said they were more likely to join a company that had good sustainability bona fides. Several younger staffers we spoke to at the six companies expressed frustration and anger over their employers lack of green credentials. But agencies and industry bodies have been slow to acknowledge the sectors true climate impact. While five of the six companies have now set net-zero goals, these plans only account for emissions generated by their own business operations, such as employee travel, energy used to power office buildings, and the production of advertising campaigns. The industry carbon-cutting initiative they have all signed up for, Ad Net Zero, does not ask members to consider the potential wider climate impacts of their work, such as the risk that producing campaigns that enhance the images of heavily-polluting clients could deflect pressure to cut emissions. It also does not account for advertised emissions, a concept recognized by the United Nations-led Race to Zero campaign, which focuses on getting businesses, universities, cities, and others to eliminate their carbon emissions no later than 2050. Advertised emissions aim to capture the climate impact generated by the uplift in sales caused by advertising campaigns. The figure is estimated by factoring advertising spend against industry data for return on advertising investment, and the carbon dioxide emissions associated with each additional unit of product sold. A 2023 report by Japans Dentsu estimated that its 2022 advertised emissions were 32 times the size of its operational footprint. However, the company is yet to include advertised emissions in its net zero goal. In 2022, meanwhile, IPG published a policy directly addressing the issue of working for fossil fuel clients something the other five have yet to do. The policy has a number of requirements, including that clients must set specific emission reduction goals aligned with achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. However, IPG employees have previously told DeSmog that the policy only applies to new clients, and in November, DeSmog reported that McCann, an IPG advertising agency, will pitch to retain its relationship with Saudi Aramco when the current contract runs out this year. The risks to board members and to the companies own bottom lines of these stances are significant, climate advocates argue. In its 2022 annual report, WPP mentioned the increased reputational risk associated with working on client briefs perceived to be environmentally detrimental. Dentsu has also mentioned these risks in public documents. Know More Of the six companies analyzed by DeSmog, Omnicoms board had the highest proportion of board members with ties to high-emissions companies, with six out of 11. New York-based IPG followed closely behind Omnicom, with four of its 10 board members holding roles in industries such as natural gas, shipping, and plastics. Four of Dentsus nine directors, three of Publicis 13 directors, and three of WPPs 12 directors have ties to polluting companies or sectors as well. For Havas, the figure was two out of nine. At Omnicom, Valerie Williams holds a non-executive directorship at the Devon Energy Corporation and Leonard S. Coleman Jr. holds a non-executive directorship at Hess Corporation, both major U.S. oil and gas companies. Ronnie S. Hawkins, a non-executive director at Omnicom, is currently a partner at Global Infrastructure Partners, which invests heavily in fossil fuel infrastructure, such as pipeline and refinery projects. (In its 2022 annual report, Omnicom stated that 2 percent of its revenues around $286 million came from the oil and gas, and utilities sectors.) At WPP, board Chair Roberto Quarta has two current and five past ties to polluting industries, the highest combined total for any individual in DeSmogs analysis. The current ties are being a partner at two fund managers, Gulf Capital and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, whose portfolios include significant investments in fossil fuel infrastructure and logistics firms. Publicis Director Antonella Mei-Pochtler is a member of the supervisory board at Eni Plenitude, a gas and renewables subsidiary of Italian oil company Eni. Despite Enis heavy promotion of investments in renewables, it invested 15 times more in fossil fuel-dominated business segments than Plenitude in 2022, according to research and advocacy group Oil Change International. At Dentsu, Andrew House is a current board member at Nissan Motor Corporation. Nissan, one of the worlds largest carmakers, ranked near the bottom of a 2022 Greenpeace analysis of the auto industrys efforts to transition toward a lower-emitting business model. At Paris-based Havas, Chairman and CEO Yannick Bollore and board member Marie Bollore, his sister, have ties to high-emissions industries via the oil logistics division of the family-run Bollore Group which owns Havas parent company Vivendi. (In 2023, Havas won a major contract with Shell to manage the companys worldwide advertising spots.) Similar examples below the parent company level also exist, but are not included in DeSmogs analysis. For example, John Dawkins is co-chair of GRACosway, one of Omnicoms leading political lobbying agencies in Australia, while also holding chair and non-executive director roles at mining companies Precious Metal Resources Ltd and Tiaro Coal Ltd, respectively. GRACosway and Dawkins did not respond to DeSmogs requests for comment. Board directors have been adamant publicly about their dedication to climate action and their companies pivot towards net zero, said Sarah Chow, an investment analyst at the Sydney-based ethical pension fund Future Super. The fund has been trying to engage with Publicis and WPP on their work for high-carbon-emitting clients. But behind closed doors and after public [annual general meetings], our relations with these directors have gone cold. The View From Regulators For the better part of two decades, advertising regulators in Australia, France, the U.K., and elsewhere have taken stands on greenwashing. In June 2023, the U.K.s Advertising Standards Authority banned adverts by Shell, Repsol, and Petrobras that made misleading claims about their investments in renewable energy. Shells adverts had been created by WPPs Wunderman Thompson (now VML), and Repsols by DDB Spain, an Omnicom agency. Room for Disagreement Companies in the industry argue they can move only as fast as their clients, and exacting excessive pressure would only serve to drive those clients to even less scrupulous rivals. As publicly listed companies, the six big advertising and public relations firms also argue they have a duty to shareholders to court and work with big clients which, given the nature of the global economy, necessitates working with high-emissions companies. Senior executives at the major advertising and public relations agencies face a number of other constraints in doing more to combat climate change. For one, they are largely still judged on short-term financial metrics, Nadeem Khan, who leads the graduate program in Board Practice and Directorship at the U.K.s University of Reading, said. You need a board and CEO that are accepting of an organisations needs to adapt as renewed, evolved forms in the long-run, otherwise eventually it may not compete as markets themselves evolve, he told Semafor. Khan also argued that the pace of change was constrained by the parent company structure of these six firms, which limits the power of subsidiary agencies to make their own decisions on issues such as climate strategy. Notable Last year, Net Zero dug into how online advertising emits more greenhouse gases than you would expect, and how regulators around the world are beginning to crack down on corporate greenwashing. Suspect in T&J Food Mart robbery, shooting now in custody UPDATE (8:40 p.m. April 7): The Mobile County Sheriffs Office says the suspect in an Eight Mile shooting and robbery is now in custody. Rashad Kardelle Norwood, 30, has been found, according to the MCSO. Rashad Kardelle Norwood (Photo courtesy of the Mobile County Sheriffs Office) We have few details at this time, but an MCSO spokesperson said in an email that Norwood, a suspect in the robbery and shooting at T&J Food Mart, is in our custody heading to metro jail. Please see more background information on this incident in the story and updates below. UPDATE (6:15 a.m. April 3): Prichard Police say theyre looking for 30-year-old Rashad Norwood in connection to this incident. They say he is armed and dangerous. Jail records say Norwood was most recently arrested for drug possession and domestic violence in January and released from the Mobile County Jail on January 24th. ORIGINAL STORY: PRICHARD, Ala. (WKRG) The Prichard Police Major Crime Unit is requesting the publics assistance in identifying a suspect in a Tuesday robbery. The store owner at the T&J Food Mart at the intersection of Shelton Beach Road and Myers Road was shot Tuesday. WEATHER ALERT: Tornado Watch for Northern Counties ROBBERY LOCATION: This embedded content is not available in your region. Sources told News 5 that the store owner was struck five times, and he survived. No arrests have been made, but the alleged suspect was seen on camera. UPDATE: Mobile Police officer placed on administrative duty after deadly crash with motorcycle Video surveillance shows a man in a blue hoodie crossing the street to get to the food mart. The food mart owner was leaning on a silver truck but approached the man with the blue hoodie when he entered the parking lot area. Thats when the suspect pulled a gun out, walked toward the owner, and shot him five times. This picture of the alleged suspect is not from Tuesdays robbery. (Courtesy of the Prichard Police Department) This picture of the alleged suspect is not from Tuesdays robbery. (Courtesy of the Prichard Police Department) This picture of the alleged suspect is not from Tuesdays robbery. (Courtesy of the Prichard Police Department) This picture of the alleged suspect is not from Tuesdays robbery. (Courtesy of the Prichard Police Department) This picture of the alleged suspect is not from Tuesdays robbery. (Courtesy of the Prichard Police Department) He was last seen wearing a blue hoodie sweatshirt, black pants and black or blue Nike Jordan shoes. He appears to have tattoos on the left side of his face above his eye and below his eye on the cheekbone. Orange Beach boy with rare genetic heart defect UAB-bound for more treatments Those with information regarding the alleged suspect can contact the Prichard Police Department at 251-452-2211. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Further changes could be coming to Illinois Prison Review Board, a state agency recently seeing its chairman and a board member step down. The governor's office announced the resignations of chair Donald Shelton and board member LeAnn Miller last week, following a controversial decision to grant parole to a Chicago man with a history of domestic violence. Crosetti Brand, released by the review board from Stateville Correctional Center last month, is now facing charges for allegedly stabbing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and killing her 11-year-old son. Entrance to the State of Illinois Prisoner Review Board building Tuesday, April 2, 2024. More: Here are 5 bills that could impact your child's classroom in Illinois Miller led the hearing allowing for Brand's release, per the governor's office, which found evidence that he violated his parole to be insufficient. Gov. JB Pritzker supports the decision to step down by Miller, a Republican he appointed in 2021 for the board, and is calling for change following the altercation. "I think that the changes that are necessary here are evident in the fact that the panel didnt take into consideration enough the domestic violence history of this particular prisoner," Pritzker said in an unrelated press conference on Monday. Pritzker added the board now composed of 11 members seven Democrats, three Republicans and one independent will have enhanced domestic violence training "to make sure that this never happens again." Republicans claim Pritzker mismanagement While Pritzker advocates for improved training, Republicans are calling for a broader overhaul of the board and pointing the blame on the Democratic governor. Legislation yet to be filed would establish a qualifications standard to be eligible to serve on the board and immediately notify victims if a prisoner is released early. Raising the qualifications, requiring a minimum of 20 years of working in the criminal justice system, Senate Republican Leader John Curran said would effectively "tie the governor's hands" as he selects replacements. "Requiring the governor to actually find people with broad based experience in the criminal justice system will elevate the board as a whole," Curran, R-Downers Grove, said in a press conference on Tuesday. At the same time, Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, is targeting penalty enhancement for those violate the terms of an order of protection. First-time offenders would now face a Class 4 felony and subsequent violations would jump to a Class 3 felony a potential prison sentence of five to 10 years. The reality of these proposals becoming law would require bipartisan support, where Democrats hold super-majorities in both the House and Senate. As Curran notes, penalty enhancement has often not been supported by the other side of aisle. Alex Gough, a Pritzker spokesperson, said in an email that much of the Senate Republicans' proposal is already in practice. Further conversations are also ongoing between the review board and Illinois Department of Corrections to review current procedures and make any necessary changes in the reporting process for domestic violence cases. "As always, Governor Pritzker appreciates any good faith effort to increase the Prisoner Review Boards capability and attract qualified candidates for appointment and confirmation," the spokesperson said. Finding replacements Sen. Laura Murphy, D-Des Plaines, the chair of the Senate Executive Appointments Committee, is seen on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Springfield. The two resignations now leave the board with four open seats that Pritzker needs to need to appoint, and the Senate needs to confirm. No such appointees have been made in the week since the resignations. Having a full board of 15 members has been a challenge for the governor with Capitol News Illinois reporting it having only six members in the spring of 2022. It can also take years for a vacancy to be confirmed by the Senate, Miller getting approval nearly 18 months after Pritzker's appointment. Pritzker said on Monday that politics have pushed people away from wanting to serve, a characterization that Curran rebuked. Here we have the Prisoner Review Board and (Department of Corrections) both complicit in the death of a child and the governor talks about a process being political, he said. Please, it's nonsense. Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Pritzker, Republicans offer varying changes to Prison Review Board At the end of the 19th century, at the dawn of photography, there was a strong debate about whether what photographers did had authorship or not, since, after all, it was a machine that was producing the image. The issue reached all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which decided that, even though a machine was involved in the creation of the work, the work showed the ideas in the mind of the author that are given visible expression, so its not just an idea, its also how you put it down, explains Jane C. Ginsburg, 68, a professor of literary and artistic property law at Columbia University in New York and an expert in intellectual property. Her remark is in reply to a question about the challenges posed in her field by generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can produce new results based on what it has learned. AI has made copyright lawyers think back to basic principles, adds the jurist, whose mother was Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020), the celebrated lawyer who defended womens rights and later sat on the Supreme Court. In mid-March, Ginsburg participated in a Madrid conference organized by Spains music copyright organization, the General Society of Authors and Editors (SGAE), about the impact of these new intelligent technologies on the intellectual property rights of cultural industries. Following the example of the photography authorship debate, who would be the author of a product resulting from generative AI? The person who presses the button? What does it mean to take a photograph? Is simply pushing the button? in the original case [ruled on by the Supreme Court and involving a famous picture of Oscar Wilde by Napoleon Sarony], the photographer did not himself push the button; he had a camera operator. But he set up all the lighting and all the other stuff [the background, the wardrobe, the accessories, the pose], so that suggests that the idea of who takes the picture cannot be limited to the mere act of pushing the button. So, with AI we would have to decide the authorship case by case? Well, of course, with generative AI, theres no button to push. There are prompts, and the prompts may be more or less specific. The [U.S.] Copyright Office is trying to ascertain when the intervention by the person giving the prompt is sufficient to overcome the random nature of the outputs. But in all of the cases that have been decided so far, the court has determined that the supposed author has not shown what the author did to be the determinative influence on the output. Right now, the process is very random. So, even if you gave the same command, the same prompt as I gave, that doesnt mean that youll get the same output. Because of the algorithm? Thats right. The algorithm doesnt work always the same. So theres a lot of randomness to it, and even if I give the same prompt a day later, Ill get something different. So, at least for now, does this mean that the machine is the author? Well, no, we are saying that the processes are too random to make it possible to say that the author is the user. Does that mean that the machine is the author? No. But is the author the people who programmed, the people who created the training data, the people who created the model? And theres a problem there because upfront they create these tools, but they have no idea how those tools are going to be used. As to the downstream user, its too random. As to the upstream user, its too random. So nobody may be the author. Its different, I think, when the downstream and the upstream are the same person, there are artists who create training data and then who instruct the machine to produce something. Are we prepared to talk about a machine being the author, or can only a human being be the author? I think that we are not ready to accept the idea of the machine being the author. We certainly are ready to accept the idea of machine assisted authorship. And we have had machine assisted authorship for a very long time. What the Copyright Office is trying to do is to get people who want to register works that have some AI component to them to explain what the human being did so that this work to claim was the result. Jane C. Ginsburg in Madrid. Samuel Sanchez All this involves the final result of the process, but there is also great conflict at the other end, involving the training of generative AI, how the machine learns. The New York Times has sued OpenAI (creator of ChatGPT) and Microsoft (its parent company) for having used millions of its articles to train chatbots that now compete with the newspaper. How do you think this lawsuit will end? Well, I think that behind the lawsuit is a negotiation. The lawsuit itself may have the best written complaint so far because in the earlier cases, the plaintiffs could not show that the machines copied. So what the Times has done is made it quite clear that the machines copied. Now, there is some dispute about whether the outputs which prove the copying are a very small percentage of all the outputs. But I dont think that matters if what youre trying to show is that on the input side, that copying occurred. And I think the Times has done a good job of showing that content from The New York Times went in. So the problem is that the AI training data was obtained without permission? Well, I think so. But others would disagree with that. And they would say that it doesnt matter, that even if you are making copies from content that is available on the internet, what should count is not the input, but the output. So if you copy all these works in order to learn what a Miro looks like, but then what you produce is not a copy of a Miro, but an image inspired by Miro, that output is not copyright infringing. So then the argument is, if the output is not infringing, and the input is necessary to create the non-infringing output, then the input has to be excused as well. Thats the argument, but theres obviously some rejoinders to that argument. And theres also another question about wrongful acquisition. And couldnt it be argued that this is what human beings have always done? That is, creating new things from everything you know, building from everything you have heard, seen and read, much of which, obviously, is copyrighted. I reject that analogy. Because a human being is not a machine. So a machine makes copies. These machines make copies on a very, very big scale. And I think that is a significant difference. Even if, for example, youre an art student and you look at Las Meninas because you want to study Velazquez, and you want to do your own variations on Las Meninas, you might also make sketches. Nobody is going to consider that you are a copyright infringer for making your private study sketches. But these systems are doing it on a massive scale. Are all the products that come out of these machines copies? Do you mean the output? Yes. The output may or may not either be a verbatim copy, like we saw from The New York Times. It may be an altered copy, like it has happened with some pictures from Getty Images. Or it may truly be newly generated based on what the system has learned about it. There are lots of pictures of bottles. And the machine can generate a picture of a bottle that may not be copied, or at least there may not be anything recognizable in a source picture of a bottle because the machine will have seen hundreds of bottles which will allow the machine to make its own representation of a bottle. And I think that what the AI advocates or entrepreneurs would like to have us believe is that everything that the AI system does is like the bottle, that the machine is simply learning and newly independently generating an image or words or music that is not substantially similar to any of the source works. And that may be true sometimes, but it does not appear to be true all the time. So, will we have to go case by case to see if this is so? Well, that depends. If your analysis of the inputs hinges on the outputs, it will be case by case. But forget the output. Its the copying at the input stage that is an independent violation. And whether or not the outputs are infringing does not obscure the fact that there is a market for licensing training data [which companies can resort to legally; OpenIA, creator of ChatGPT, has already reached deals with several companies]. But if the authorship is not clear, who is making the copy? On the input side, thats an easier question than the output side. So on the input side, it is probably the entrepreneur who is assembling the training data. The output side is harder because first of all, you may have a whole lot of different people asking for outputs. And do we consider that they might be liable for asking for an output or the system that made it possible for the user to ask for an infringing output? And the answer to both may be yes, but its more complicated. Do you think that the recently approved European standard on AI is going to clarify some of these dark points? I dont know, because I really havent studied the text. It obliges companies, for example, to publish detailed summaries of the content used for training. As far as I understand, the transparency obligation is very important and has been resisted in the United States. Leaving aside the legal part for a moment, are you afraid of some of the changes that AI can bring? For example, I think there are actors in your family, are they afraid of losing their job? Well, my son does a lot of voice work, and I think voice actors are the ones who are most imperiled. My son has tried to organize voice actors to make sure that they do not sign anything in their contracts authorizing the producer to take the sounds of their voices and do other things with them. The actors are a little worried that motion picture producers and record producers want to do more than just reconstruct the replicas as kind of an emergency measure. Theyre concerned that the replicas will just replace them. Thats what the actors and scriptwriters strike last year was about. Should creative industry professionals be very careful about what they sign in their contracts? Yes. And remain alert over the next five to 10 years? Definitely. And they should look at contracts they already signed. They should look at them carefully. Three generations of women dedicated to the law: Jane C. Ginsburg, with her mother, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and her daughter, Clara Spera, at the latter's wedding. George Spera (Album familiar) Do you mind if I ask you some questions about your family, about your mother? Well, you can ask and I'll see if I answer. In a family environment like yours, it is easy to imagine why you became interested in law. But, at the same time, given the achievements of your parents in that field [not only her mother, since her father was a tax lawyer who taught at numerous universities], it does not seem like an easy decision. How did it happen? To some extent, for a lack of opportunities in other areas, but also that law is interesting. And I went into an area of law that neither of my parents were involved with. Your mother had to overcome many obstacles to succeed in a field dominated by men. Im guessing you had to overcome some too. Do you think women still have to overcome more obstacles than men to succeed professionally? Yes, and Im not sure how much better it is from the beginning of my career as a lawyer and the beginning of my daughters career as a lawyer. I think its very different between the beginning of my career and the beginning of my mothers career. When she started law school, I think she was one of nine women in a class of 500 men. When I started, we were about 25% women, and when my daughter started, it was about 50% women. So there has been a progression in that respect. Of course, in my mothers generation, she had a very difficult time getting hired because she was a woman and because she was a mother and because she was Jewish. But she has also said in some respects, that the closing of so many doors led to her opening doors that she might not have gone through if the other doors had been opened. And her good friend and colleague on the Supreme Court, Sandra Day OConnor, who was the first woman on the supreme Court, has been quoted as saying, with respect of both herself and my mother, that if women had had more opportunities in those days, they would probably be retired partners at law firms and not on the Supreme Court. I am not suggesting that it is a good idea to limit womens opportunities in the hope that a few will make it to the top by a circuitous route. But I think that their experience was certainly different from mine, that I had relatively few occasions of believing that I might not have been hired for a job because I was a woman. And I dont think my daughter did either. But where law firms, and indeed, American society in general, are terrible is childcare. And unfortunately, women still bear the greatest responsibility for childcare. So that means that in my day, but also in my daughters day, women work what has been called two shifts. You have the shift at work, and then you come home and you have another shift at work, because you have childcare and you have household responsibilities, and maybe you have to cook. So its not only the law practice, I think its society in general, but it is a big problem that particularly in the United States, we do not have any kind of rational or affordable system of childcare. Besides struggling to find a life-work balance, is the situation of women in the United States worse now than it was five or 10 years ago? Well, since the Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade and deprived women of autonomy, for these women in states that have banned abortions, yes, its much worse. To some extent, it has created a political awakening, which I suppose is a good thing, but its a bad thing that this awakening had to occur in this context. Do you think it has to do with the arrival of Donald Trump, not only to the White House, but to the front line of politics? No. It is a very bad situation in many states in the U.S.. I live in New York. New York has a very permissive policy. So in New York, a woman does not have to bear a child. But in many other states, thats not true. And, of course, now there is a challenge that is before the Supreme Court, which could make things really, really bad, because a judge in Texas held that the Food and Drug Administration was wrong in approving one of the drugs for a medical abortion most widely used in the United States. And if the Supreme Court affirms the lower courts in that case, then that will very severely limit its use nationwide. And also the decision is of greater importance than just abortion not that abortion is a small issue because it actually challenges the authority of federal administrative agencies. Thats not just a question of womens rights, thats a question of the structure of the United States government. One of the candidates for the US presidency in this years election faces several trials for serious crimes. Do you think the judicial system is going to be harmed in any way? Im not competent to answer that. Well see. Darren Jones said private schools should not be exempt from tax because they are privately-run businesses - Anthony Devlin/Bloomberg Parents of private school pupils are already used to fees going up every year, a Labour frontbencher claimed as he defended the partys plan to impose VAT on the charges. Labour has said it will add the 20 per cent levy to independent school fees if it wins the next election. This has prompted fears that schools would simply pass the tax on to parents, potentially making private education unaffordable for many and triggering an exodus of thousands of pupils into the state sector. Darren Jones, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, claimed on Wednesday that parents were used to having to pay more each year for their private school provision. Speaking to TalkTV, Mr Jones argued that the independent education sector should not be exempt from paying tax just because they are schools they are private-run businesses. Private school fees have gone up year after year He said: The money we think we can generate from closing that VAT loophole will be really vital to go into our state schools, who have seen a very, very significant real-terms cut in the funding to the majority of pupils that go to state schools across the country. The important point here is that private school fees have gone up year after year after year for many, many years, and so parents are used to having to pay more each year for their private school provision. What we have said to private schools is we are giving them advance notice of this so that they can transition to having to pay VAT through parent fees. Many of our schools are in a position to be able to pass this on over a number of academic years or to think about spreading the cost as opposed to lumping a whole 20 per cent on parent fees in one go. We would encourage schools to work with a Labour government if we win the election later this year to make sure that this policy is implemented in the best possible way for everybody. Labour stands firm on tax plan Labour claims its policy would generate as much as 1.7 billion to spend on state education, and seven of the policies unveiled by Sir Keir Starmer rely on 1.3 billion of funding from the introduction of VAT on fees. But an analysis published last month by the Adam Smith Institute (ASI), a free market think tank, suggested the tax raid could cost the taxpayer 1.6 billion a year if it forces a quarter of pupils into the state sector. A poll for The Telegraph of 350 independent school leaders found 95 per cent expect to increase their fees as a result of Labours policy, while a survey by Ashbridge Partners this week suggested four in 10 parents were likely to withdraw their children if VAT on fees was introduced. Story continues Labour has stood firm on its plans to tax private schools and the issue is set to become a major dividing line at the general election. 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. Another pro-Israel group has jumped into competitive Democratic primaries to try ousting two high-profile incumbent progressives. The Democratic Majority for Israel PAC on Wednesday endorsed Westchester County Executive George Latimer who is running against Rep. Jamaal Bowman in New Yorks 16th District and St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, who is looking to unseat Rep. Cori Bush in Missouris 1st District. Both Bowman and Bush are members of the Squad. Since joining Congress in 2021, both have established themselves as outspoken progressives. Its the latest pro-Israel group to get involved in these races. In recent months, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee endorsed both Latimer and Bell, as did the Jewish Democratic Council of America. Progressive members of Congress are being targeted this cycle, in part, for their support for Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. In rolling out the endorsements, DMFI PAC Chair Mark Mellman hit Bowman for his troubling track record includes demonizing and delegitimizing Israel and Bush for her opposition to the Democratic agenda and longstanding enmity towards Israel. Bowmans campaign attacked DMFI as another Republican megadonor-funded super PAC. They will keep collecting Donald Trump's donors, we'll keep shoring up our core Democratic base, Bowman spokesperson Lawrence Wang said in a statement. Bush's campaign similarly criticized super PACs with ties to Republican donors delving into the race. Bowman and Bush both faced primary challenges in 2022, which they overwhelmingly won. But the dynamics this cycle could prove challenging for the incumbents, who are likely to face a barrage of outside spending. DMFI did not indicate how much it is planning to spend in these primaries. But it has a high-dollar track record: In 2022, it spent more than $3.6 million on TV, radio and digital ads in more than a dozen House races. AIPAC has said it plans to spend as much as $100 million this cycle. Those expected attacks will not go unanswered. Reject AIPAC, a coalition of progressive groups, launched this cycle to counteract AIPACs opposition campaign. IfNotNow Movement, a liberal-leaning Jewish group that is part of that coalition, endorsed Bowman and Bush, along with other members of the Squad, last month and is planning to focus on fieldwork in those districts. Other members of the Squad, including Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee and Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, are also facing primary challengers. Neither DMFI nor AIPAC have endorsed in those races. New Yorks primary is in June, and Missouris is in August. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, speaks during a debate on a bill aimed at preserving in vitro fertilization services in Alabama in the Alabama House of Representatives at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama on Feb. 29, 2024. The House approved a bill providing criminal and civil immunity to IVF providers, following an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that caused many programs to close their doors. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) A proposal to increase the states online sales tax that supporters said is meant to help competition drew criticism from education groups Wednesday, who suggested schools were left out of the bill. HB258, sponsored by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, would add an additional levy on top of the 8% online tax, known as the simplified sellers use tax (SSUT). The funds from the new tax would be distributed to county and municipal governments. The new rate would be based on an equation recalculated every five years. The fiscal note has the new additional levy at 1.5% initially. England and other supporters said raising the total online tax to 9.5% would help local retailers compete with online merchants. Local sales tax rates can be higher than the current SSUT. This is an effort to equalize the tax so more people will go back to your brick and mortar, he said. Prior to the start of the session in February, England filed a bill HB17 that would have increased the SSUT to 9.25% and allocated the funds to local boards of education based on average daily membership of the preceding school year. But the representative told the committee on Wednesday that the legislation was super dead. Proponents of the bill said that it would help local businesses compete with online retailers. Baker Allen, director of policy and research at the Alabama League of Municipalities, said the bill would create a competitive environment for local businesses. This bill aligns the rate to better reflect what local governments would have collected, he said. The revenue generated allows local governments to meet the expectations of their local communities. Ryan Hollingsworth, executive director of School Superintendents of Alabama, said in the public hearing that he absolutely loved HB 17. He suggested language that the SSUT be distributed in the same way as other sales tax receipts. So, its treating it like its a local sales tax and thats up to the locals to how those local sales tax receipts are divided, he said. Some of it goes to schools. But other education groups expressed concerns that the bill as filed does not require local governments to put the revenue toward schools. Sally Smith, executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards, who opposed the bill, said that only 15 counties and cities shared their SSUT with local boards of education. One of those, Smith said, required a constitutional amendment. Every time you take money out of the ETF, youre making a values decision, because there are things in the ETF that were not funding, she said. For example, right now there is no protected line item for school safety in the ETF, yet we in this legislation want to subsidize gun safes for individuals. In the committee meeting, Rep. Joe Lovvorn, R-Auburn, said that Englands bill would be linked to a bill he sponsored, HB 257 which would create a sales tax holiday for some outdoors equipment. Lovvorn said that the bill would be a fairness bill to align the brick-and-mortar stores with online sellers. He said a local hardware store can pay more in state taxes than a billionaire online retailer. And so is that fair? he said. I never see those names on the back of a little league jersey. With most sales tax revenue going to the Education Trust Fund (ETF), Lovvorns bill would remove funding from the state budget. Englands bill could potentially provide education funding at the local level. Neither Englands bill nor Lovvorns bill were voted on Wednesday. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Proposal to increase Alabamas online sales tax brings support, criticism appeared first on Alabama Reflector. (KRON) No matter the time of day, it seems like the drive-thru at the Chick-fil-A in Walnut Creek is always busy. Its not often youll see either the drive-thru or dining areas empty on days of operation from Monday to Saturday. Chick-fil-A, a popular Georgia-based chicken sandwich chain, is actively pursuing to open a second restaurant in Walnut Creek. The project was discussed in a March 14 city council meeting. While we are still early in the process, Chick-fil-A is happy to share that we are actively pursuing a new location in Walnut Creek, a statement from Chick-fil-A sent to KRON4 reads in part. We look forward to working through the approval process with the City of Walnut Creek and are excited by the prospect of a second restaurant in this community. However, not everyone is happy about it. Chick-fil-A to open Concord location The restaurant would be a 5,363-square-foot building at the corner of Oak Grove Road and Citrus Avenue, replacing an 8,276-square-foot Bank of America building, according to city documents. This Chick-fil-A will only offer dine-in and take-out services no drive-thru. Walnut Creek residents are concerned about safety and traffic impacts this Chick-fil-A will potentially have as there is a Safeway, Whole Foods, Crunch Fitness and several other businesses in the area. There are also about a dozen schools within a mile radius. A survey by a group of concerned residents against the Chick-fil-A project began to percolate within the East Bay community. The groups concern is about the number of cars and pedestrians traveling in one of the busiest and most dangerous intersections, which will make the situation exponentially worse. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Popular LA-based oyster restaurant to open first location in Bay Area Walnut Creek City Councilmember Kevin Wilk said the project will be coming to city council on appeal in May. He declined to comment any further on the matter. The project will require the removal of trees, new landscaping and modifications to the site layout, city documents say. At this time, it is unknown how far along the Chick-fil-A project is. Chick-fil-A currently has one Walnut Creek location open from Monday to Saturday at 2750 N Main St. KRON4 reported last winter that a Chick-fil-A in Concord will be opening sometime in 2024. The restaurant is still under construction, and it is unknown what date it will open. Chick-fil-A says it offers a portfolio of restaurant formats to serve the needs of each neighborhood. Some locations will have a drive-thru, and some will not. The proposed Walnut Creek restaurant will not have a drive-thru. However, a drive-thru-only Chick-fil-A opened in Riverside, CA in February. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and her administration presented her proposed 2025 budget to the City Council on Wednesday. The budget included cuts to some personnel and services but invested in downtown and public safety. It also proposed some tax increases, including a sales tax hike in Fiscal Year 2026 that would support Metro. A proposed 80-cent fee on hotel stays would go toward funding the 911 system to improve public safety. The 2025 budget includes $21 billion in operating funds and $11.8 billion in capital improvement funds. Administration officials said that the District revenues are expected to grow by 2% per year while costs are growing by 7.5% per year. Fans excited about upcoming renovations to Capital One Arena Administration officials said that some services will be slashed, outlining plans to eliminate the DC Circulator bus system. There will be some cuts to the Early Childhood Education Fund and less funding to other important programs for housing production, officials said. The budget also outlines personnel cuts over 400 positions will be eliminated, 69 of which are currently filled. Those full-time employees could be laid off if they are not reassigned. Councilman Kenyan McDuffie said during his remarks that he was troubled by cuts coming to valuable programs and that he will fight to restore programs that benefit the public. I do appreciate the sacrifices youve had to make, McDuffie said to the mayor and her staff. DC Council unanimously approves legislation to fund Capital One Arena renovations I dont think Ive ever seen budget cuts this significant, said Councilmember Charles Allen. Were going to have difficult choices to make. Allen expressed concerns about the budget, including about raising taxes on low-income taxpayers and cuts to local business support. During the hearing, Councilmember Robert White called for a review to figure out wasteful spending in the District government. Bowser is also presenting a truancy bill that would tackle chronic absenteeism in the D.C. Public Schools system by holding parents more accountable if their children miss large chunks of school. One major requirement would require parents or guardians to participate in mandatory group meetings if their child is charged with a major crime or a crime with a gun. It would also eliminate diversion programs for those charged with a knife, gun or imitation firearm. The Council is expected to start hearings on the mayors budget in the coming days. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (AP) Federal prosecutors chided the judge presiding over former President Donald Trump's classified documents case in Florida, warning her off potential jury instructions that they said rest on a fundamentally flawed legal premise. In an unusual order, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon had asked prosecutors and defense lawyers to formulate proposed jury instructions for most of the charges even though it remains unclear when the case might reach trial. She asked the lawyers to respond to two different scenarios in which she appeared to accept the Republican ex-president's argument that he was entitled under a statute known as the Presidential Records Act to retain the sensitive documents he is now charged with possessing. The order surprised legal experts and alarmed special counsel Jack Smith's team, which said in a filing late Tuesday that the 1978 law which requires presidents to return presidential records to the government upon leaving office but permits them to retain purely personal ones has no relevance in a case concerning highly classified documents like the ones Trump is alleged to have stored at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Those records, prosecutors said, were clearly not personal and there is no evidence Trump ever designated them as such. They said that the suggestion he did so was invented" only after it became public that he had taken with him to Mar-a-Lago after his presidency boxes of records from the White House and that none of the witnesses they interviewed in the investigation support his argument. Not a single one had heard Trump say that he was designating records as personal or that, at the time he caused the transfer of boxes to Mar-a-Lago, he believed that his removal of records amounted to designating them as personal under the PRA," prosecutors wrote. To the contrary, every witness who was asked this question had never heard such a thing. Smith's team said that if the judge insists on citing the presidential records law in her jury instructions, she should let the lawyers know as soon as possible so that prosecutors can appeal. The filing reflects continued exasperation by prosecutors at Cannon's handling of the case. The Trump-appointed judge has yet to rule on multiple defense motions to dismiss the indictment as well as other disagreements between the two sides, and the trial date remains unsettled, suggesting that a criminal case that Smith's team has said features overwhelming evidence could remain unresolved by the time of the November presidential election. Cannon, who earlier faced blistering criticism over her decision to grant Trump's request for an independent arbiter to review documents obtained during an FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, heard arguments last month on two of Trump's motions to dismiss the case, including that the Presidential Records Act permitted him to designate the documents as personal and that he was therefore permitted to retain them. The judge appeared skeptical of that position but did not immediately rule. Days later, she asked the two sides to craft jury instructions that responded to the following premise: A president has sole authority under the PRA to categorize records as personal or presidential during his/her presidency. Neither a court nor a jury is permitted to make or review such a categorization decision. An outgoing president's decision to exclude personal records from those returned to the government, she continued, constitutes a president's categorization of those records as personal under the PRA. That interpretation of the law is wrong, prosecutors said. They also urged Cannon to move quickly in rejecting the defense motion to dismiss. The PRAs distinction between personal and presidential records has no bearing on whether a former Presidents possession of documents containing national defense information is authorized under the Espionage Act, and the PRA should play no role in the jury instructions on the elements of Section 793, they said, citing the statute that makes it a crime to illegally retain national defense information. Indeed, based on the current record, the PRA should not play any role at trial at all, they added. Trump, Republicans' presumptive nominee for 2024, is facing dozens of felony counts related to the mishandling of classified documents, according to an indictment alleging he improperly shared a Pentagon plan of attack and a classified map related to a military operation. The Florida case is among four criminal cases against the former president, who has insisted he did nothing wrong in any of them. In a separate Trump team filing, defense lawyers renewed their demand that Cannon dismiss the indictment. Supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) take part in a demonstration after the election authority refused to appoint Abdullah Zeydan, newly elected mayor from the DEM party. Murat Kocabas/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Turkish authorities detained a total of 89 people across the country for joining "unauthorized" demonstrations Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter. The protests in south-eastern Turkey and the Aegean province of Izmir followed an election authority decision to prevent a newly elected mayor from the pro-Kurdish People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) in the south-eastern city of Van from taking his post. DEM's Abdullah Zeydan was denied his mayoral mandate even though he was elected mayor in Sunday's local elections with around 55% of the vote, the party said. It has legally challenged the decision. The mayoral post instead is to be given to a candidate from Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), who came in second at around 27%. The main opposition centre-left Republican People's Party (CHP), which came in first on Sunday in a historic blow to Erdogan's AKP, condemned the decision and called for its reversal. The local electoral authority contends that Zeydan has a criminal record and should not have stood for election, according to state news agency Anadolu. Zeydan's party says he was informed about the decision only after the vote on Sunday. The incident is reminiscent of mass dismissals of pro-Kurdish local politicians in 2019. The pro-Kurdish party, then under the name HDP, had won 65 mayoral positions in the 2019 local vote, however the government removed a majority of them from office due to alleged terrorism ties. Supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) take part in a demonstration after the election authority refused to appoint Abdullah Zeydan, newly elected mayor from the DEM party. Murat Kocabas/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) We are less than a week away from the rare astronomical event, a total solar eclipse, thats set to cross North America on Monday. You can take part in the occasion as dozens of viewing parties and educational events are planned in our area. This was the scene at Penn State Wilkes-Barre in Lehman Township in August 2017. Its the last time a total solar eclipse was visible in America but on Monday, you have a chance to witness astronomical history repeat itself. The sun near our campus at Penn State Wilkes-Barre will be 94% covered by the moon, which is a lot! Youre just going to see a little thin sliver of the sun around the moon and its going to get really dark and its going to be an awesome experience, said Dr. Violet Mager, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Dr. Violet Mager is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at Penn-State Wilkes-Barre. Schools dismissing early for the solar eclipse In the case of a solar eclipse, the earth is going around the sun, the moon is going around the earth, and when the moon moves into just the right position so that it blocks the sun, we end up in the shadow of the moon, explained Dr. Mager. Penn State Wilkes-Barre is once again inviting the public to experience eclipse euphoria. Its hosting a free viewing party inside and outside the Nesbitt Academic Campus on Monday rain or shine. Were expecting a really big event with lots of people and weve got lots of stuff for people to do. we will have the solar telescope out for people to look through, it has a special filter on it so that its safe to look at the sun, added Dr. Mager. According to NASAs Eclipse Explorer, the eclipse will begin at 2:08 p.m., peak at 3:23 p.m., and end at 4:34 p.m. Dr. Mager is heading to upstate New York to catch a glimpse of the eclipse in the path of totality. Thats an experience that you can see pictures of, but Ive heard its more spectacular to see it in person so Ill be traveling to try to see that, stated Dr. Mager. Were told this will be the last chance to see a solar eclipse cross the United States until 2045. To learn more about this event and others happening in our area visit Penn-State Wilkes-Barres website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Texas has confirmed that one person has been infected with bird flu, a virus that until now had only been reported in livestock within the state. The case is a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus type A, also known as H5N1 avian influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to a press release, the patient has been treated with antiviral influenza medicine and has been asked to isolate to avoid further infections. The CDC states that this case does not change its assessment of the human health risk of H5N1 avian influenza to people in the United States, which it considers to be low. However, it points out, there are people who are at higher risk of becoming infected. This is the second human case of this type of virus in the United States. In 2022, a case was reported in Colorado. Since late 2021, CDC has detected outbreaks of this virus in wild birds and poultry. The Department of Agriculture confirmed cases of the virus in cattle in New Mexico in addition to others in Texas, where the case of the infected person also occurred. What is the bird flu? Avian influenza, or bird flu, is an infectious type of influenza that is transmitted between birds. Most strains of the virus cannot infect humans, but some, such as H5N1 which was identified in 1997 can infect humans. According to the CDC, H5 avian influenza is common in wild birds in the United States and globally. How common is it in humans? According to the CDC, human infections with this type of virus are rare but have occurred sporadically around the world. There are some people at higher risk of infection such as farmers, hunters, and other individuals who come into direct contact with possibly infected animals. What are the symptoms? Cases of H5N1 avian flu in the United States have had mild symptoms such as eye infection or upper respiratory symptoms, and severe symptoms such as pneumonia, which has resulted in some deaths in other countries. Other symptoms may include fever, muscle pain, headache, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, stomach pain, chest pain, nose or gum bleeding, and conjunctivitis. These may appear three to five days after infection. How is bird flu treated in humans? According to the National Health Service in England, patients with avian flu are treated with antiviral drugs, which can reduce the severity of symptoms, which in turn prevents complications and increases the likelihood of survival. These drugs can also be given to those who have been exposed to the virus. If symptoms are more severe and have caused other complications, treatment may be extended. How to prevent contagion? The CDC has a help center on its website where they point out preventive actions such as avoiding direct contact with wild birds and observing them only from a far distance. It is also advised to avoid exposure to other dead or sick animals such as domesticated animals, including livestock, as well as organic residues or possibly contaminated materials. If a dead or injured bird is found, report it and do not touch it. If they come in contact with an infected bird or other animal and develop symptoms, they should be isolated at home away from other household members and should not go to work or school until they are found to be free of infection. The local or state public health department should be notified so they can assist in offering help. Likewise, it is advisable to eat poultry that has been properly handled and cooked. Is there a vaccine for avian flu? Yes, there is a seasonal flu vaccine, which is recommended for anyone over six months of age, and should be given two weeks before exposure to possible infected birds. The CDC notes that this vaccine does not prevent infection but can reduce the risk of getting sick from both human and avian viruses at the same time. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition On the same day the Sacramento chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) held its kickoff lunch to celebrate its upcoming annual fundraiser, Sacramento County Sheriffs deputies shot and killed a man experiencing a mental health crisis. The fatal encounter between Christopher Gilmore, 36, and a Sacramento County Sheriffs deputy occurred in Rio Linda on March 23. Opinion Gilmore had been suicidal and was cutting himself in the bathroom of his place of residence when his sister called 911 to request paramedics and fire personnel to respond to her brother. Instead of the emergency responders requested arriving to the scene, four County Sheriffs deputies arrived instead. Gilmore exited the garage, still holding the small blade he had used to cut himself, when he was shot multiple times with less lethal shotgun rounds. According to media reports, Gilmore began to fall after being shot with rubber bullets. Then they shot him with a real gun after he was falling already and they killed him, said the victims sister, Bobbie Gilmore. Gilmore was killed despite his known history of mental health issues, despite him holding a weapon less than two inches long, despite not hurting anyone but himself and despite having loved ones who specifically called for non-law enforcement emergency responders. Why did sheriffs deputies respond instead of the Sacramento County Community Wellness Response Team, a team consisting of a mental clinician and a peer support specialist that responds to behavioral health crises and is in operation 24/7/365? Why did sheriff deputies kill Gilmore despite being equipped with a taser, pepper spray, handcuffs and 24 hours of crisis intervention training and additional time spent on situation simulation training? Sheriff deputies resorted to using deadly force on a bloodied, naked, anguished man, killing yet another Sacramento County resident who was experiencing a mental health crisis. This tragic and egregious situation is all too familiar. Jaime Naranjo, 54, was shot and killed by a Sacramento Sheriffs deputy in 2022 after his wife called the Sheriffs Office asking for help for her husband who was experiencing a mental health crisis. That deputy had been on the scene for only 23 seconds before opening fire on Naranjo in front of his wife, in his front yard. A person with untreated mental illness is 16 times more likely to be killed by law enforcement than other civilians during an encounter. Reducing encounters between law enforcement and individuals experiencing a mental health crisis remains the single most immediate and practical strategy for reducing fatal police shootings. Cooperation from law enforcement dispatch in all jurisdictions county-wide must be ensured for proper utilization of the Community Wellness Response Team, which can be accessed directly by calling (916) 999-HOPE (916) 999-4673 so that no one else is murdered for having a mental health crisis. It is unacceptable to allow these fatal outcomes to continue. The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors have the power to do much more than performative actions like wearing a green ribbon during mental health awareness month or attending a kickoff lunch for NAMI Sacramento. I implore them to hold the Sacramento Sheriffs office accountable for this failure to utilize our countys behavioral health crisis response system. Christopher Gilmore deserved better. His sister deserves better. His loved ones deserve better. The community members in the neighborhood in which he was murdered by law enforcement deserve better. Individuals experiencing mental health crises deserve better. Dr. Corrine McIntosh Sako, PsyD, LMFT, is the current chair of the Sacramento County Mental Health Board and the past president of the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association . She has provided direct clinical services to Sacramento County residents for over 15 years. Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler listens to public comments Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023, after her fellow school board members approved a resolution calling on her to resign. More than 60 people spoke for over three hours at Tuesday's Sarasota School Board meeting as the board convened to vote on 21 revised district policies. As has become a theme at meetings since December, speakers continued to urge board member Bridget Ziegler to resign amid a sexual assault scandal involving her husband'and another woman. Ziegler was not accused of any wrongdoing, but her involvement in a sexual relationship with a woman has caused a vocal group of the public to call Ziegler a "hypocrite" amid her support for legislation such as the Parental Rights in Education Act, or "Don't Say Gay" bill. Speakers also vocally opposed the reduction of public comment time, a proposition raised at a previous board workshop amid several consecutive hours-long meetings running to 10 pm. "Thank you for letting me speak at least for now," said Louis Grossman at Tuesday's Sarasota School Board meeting. Speakers are given three minutes to speak, and the majority of meetings since the December Ziegler report has seen upward of 50 speakers each who all speak before the board conducts a single vote. At March 19's board workshop, the board discussed the potential changes to the public comment time and appeared to move forward with an option that would limit public comment time to 90 minutes total and divide the time among the speakers with no one speaking more than three minutes. "I'm at the point as chair where I asked for this based on tremendous community input on me to do something different," Rose said at the workshop. "I'm perfectly fine with my colleagues not agreeing with me and will respect that. I am under the onus that I'm expected to present something different. We're looking at that right now." Board attorney Pat Duggan said with the need to publicly notice the policy change and further workshop it, any changes could not be implemented for at least two months. Several board members expressed hesitation in restricting public comment time. However, Ziegler and Robyn Marinelli both said they would support the proposed option. Tom Edwards said he would not support reducing public comment time to 90 minutes. Rose said the board rooms feel "off task" and that she bears some responsibility as chair, which is why she brought forward the suggestion to change the structure. Lisa Schurr, center, with Support Our Schools, briefly stops John Wilson, left, from using his megaphone after Wilson tried to disrupt a protest outside the Sarasota County School Board Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023 in Sarasota, Florida. Demonstrators gathered before the board meeting to call for the resignation of school board member Bridget Ziegler after admitting to involvement in a three-way sexual relationship. The potential move to restrict public comment represents an about-face from the board's previous stance on public comment. Following the 2022 school board election that brought about the current 4-1 conservative-leaning majority, the board expanded public comment time to three minutes compared to the previous two minutes each, separated between agenda-based comments before the vote and general comments after new business. Conni Brunni, the chair of the Sarasota chapter of Moms for Liberty, said she finds it "hilarious" that people are calling on the board to reduce public comment time, pointing out an irony compared to the same group asking for masks in schools. "It is funny for me absolutely hilarious, frankly for me to sit and listen to the very people who two years ago begged this board to muzzle and then mask our children," Brunni said. Labeled an "anti-government extremist group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Moms for Liberty is a national conservative grassroots organization with roots in Florida and Sarasota County focused on education policy. Ziegler was one of the organization's co-founders. Approval of updated policies In its consent agenda, the board approved 21 updated district policies Tuesday evening. Some of the changes included adding guidance for artificial intelligence in schools and adding AIDS instruction to a policy that allows parents to opt out of sexual health instruction under Florida Statute. In the revised policy on artificial intelligence usage in schools, the district states that "students shall not use artificial intelligence platforms to avoid doing their own work," and that AI, "should only be used as a supplement when authorized by a teacher." School boards periodically update policies to comply with changes in law from the Florida Legislature. Board members discussed policy updates at past workshops, and policy updates were approved for advertisement at a March 5 board meeting. The board also approved the advertisement of three new district policies: advertising and commercial activities, online educational agreements, and staff and student communication. Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at sbwalker@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota School Board speakers urge no changes to public comment The leader of Russias national security council argued the United States was a customer in the deadly shooting at a Moscow concert hall last month, despite ISISs Afghanistan affiliate coming forward to take the blame for the attack that left about 145 people dead. Russian leaders have repeatedly suggested the shooting at Crocus City Hall in the Eastern European nations capital city could be linked to Ukraine, which has recovered steadfast support from the U.S. in its war with Russia. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the shooting, and four men were swiftly charged with committing a terrorist attack resulting in the death of others following the March 22 incident. They are trying to impose on us that the terrorist act was committed not by the Kyiv regime, but by supporters of radical Islamic ideology, perhaps members of the Afghan branch of IS, Russian security council head Nikolai Patrushev said Wednesday at a meeting with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a nine-nation regional security and economic group, according to The Associated Press. However, it is much more important to quickly establish who is the customer and sponsor of this monstrous crime. Its traces lead to the Ukrainian special services, he added. But everyone knows that the Kyiv regime is not independent and is completely controlled by the United States. In the wake of the concert hall attack, reports circulated that Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed U.S. warnings of extremist attacks just days before the rampage occurred. The U.S. Embassy in Russia issued a security alert warning on March 7 that extremists were planning an attack in Moscow and advised individuals to avoid large gatherings. Putin later called the alerts provocative and outright blackmail, intended to damage Russian society. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment Wednesday on a recent report from The Washington Post that U.S. intelligence warned Russia specifically about Crocus City Hall being a terrorist target. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also published back on the Posts report, telling reporters, I would really like to ask you to receive factual material on this topic from the American side. That is, when and to whom did they transmit this information, per the AP. The White House last week called the attempts to link Ukraine to the shooting nonsense and propaganda. National security communications adviser John Kirby told reporters last week that contrary to public statements from Putin and others who have sought to deflect blame onto Ukraine, the United States, and everyone else who suits their political narratives, its abundantly clear that ISIS was solely responsible for the horrific terrorist attack in Moscow last week. Tensions have persisted between Russia and the U.S., which has provided billions of dollars in military aid and a swath of weapons to Ukraine. Despite President Bidens repeated push for Congress to pass more aid for the war-torn country, sharp divisions amid lawmakers have prevented any new aid legislation from passing in more than a year. Biden in argued in February that Congresss inability to pass funding is close to criminal neglect. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Immigrant Workforce The QCs Best Kept Secret will be held Thursday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at IowaWORKS, 1801A E. Kimberly Rd., Davenport. The three-part event will offer insight to employers about how to invest themselves and the refugee and immigrant population in the Quad Cities. Employers will learn about the immigrant community and hear from those living in the Quad Cities. There will also be employers on hand who will share their experiences on hiring immigrants. Community resources and non-profit organizations will provide information on local support. This event has been put together by World Relief QC, Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, IowaWORKS, American Job Centers, and QC Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees. You can register HERE. For additional information on the event, contact Grace Fitzpatrick, director of empowerment programs, World Relief, at 563-200-1948 or email gfitzpatrick@wr.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Wednesday, April 3. For the latest news, please see our story for Thursday, April 4. Government leaders and family members of the seven World Central Kitchen members killed in an Israeli missile strike were pressing Israel for answers Wednesday as details of the attack began to emerge. The seven were killed Monday while traveling in a convoy from an aid warehouse in central Gaza. They were identified as Jacob Flinkinger, 33, a dual U.S.-Canada citizen; Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25; Laizawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, 43, of Australia; Damian Sobol, 35, of Poland, and British nationals John Chapman, 57; James "Jim" Henderson, 33; and James Kirby, 47. Celebrity chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, said the workers were targeted "systematically, car by car." The organization's CEO, Erin Gore, called the workers "the heroes of World Central Kitchen" in a statement, adding: "Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. And we have countless memories of them giving their best selves to the world. We are reeling from our loss. The world's loss. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Frankcom had previously volunteered during Australian brush fires and Monday had been providing aid to "people who are suffering tremendous deprivation" in Gaza. Albanese said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone Wednesday and, "I emphasized the importance of full accountability and transparency." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the vast majority of Poles showed full solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attack but warned Israel that "you are putting this solidarity to a really hard test. The tragic attack on volunteers and your reaction arouse understandable anger." Outrage grows over Israeli strike: Netanyahu says deaths unintentional Developments: The bodies of six of the aid workers were transferred from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing to allow delegations from their home countries to receive the bodies. The seventh victim, Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, was buried Tuesday in his hometown of Rafah. The Israeli army said it had begun calling up ultra-Orthodox religious students. Such students have been exempt from the draft since the country's founding in 1948. The decision to start drafting them sparked protests across the nation although many Israelis believe the change was long overdue. One of the ambulances carrying the bodies of staff members of the U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen arrives at the Rafah crossing with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip on April 3, 2024. Andres: 'This was not just a bad-luck situation' Andres told Reuters the charity group had clear communication with the Israeli military, which knew the aid workers' movements. "This was not just a bad-luck situation where oops we dropped the bomb in the wrong place," Andres said. "Even if we were not in coordination with the (Israel military), no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians." Who is Jose Andres? What to know about WCK and deadly airstrike in Gaza Netanyahu rival Gantz calls for September elections Benny Gantz, the Netanyahu rival and member of his War Cabinet who met with high-level U.S. officials in an unauthorized visit to Washington a month ago, is calling for new Israeli elections in September. Polls have indicated he would beat the highly unpopular Netanyahu the subject of increasingly vitriolic protests as more than 100 hostages remain captive in Gaza if elections were held now. "We must agree on a date for elections in September, towards a year to the war if you will," Gantz said Wednesday in a news conference. "Setting such a date will allow us to continue the military effort while signaling to the citizens of Israel that we will soon renew their trust in us." Gantz, a centrist former general, joined the War Cabinet along with Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant shortly after the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7 as a sign of solidarity, but he clashes with the prime minister's right-wing policies. However, Gantz has not specified his position regarding a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu vehemently opposes. Netanyahu has brushed aside calls for new elections, which are not required until October 2026, saying holding them during a war would only help Hamas. His Likud party chided Gantz for "engaging in petty politics'' and added, "Elections now will bring about paralysis, division, harm to the fighting in Rafah and a fatal blow to the chances of a hostage deal." Jorge L. Ortiz Frankcom was 'an angel' in NYC during pandemic Frankcom, an Australian chef among those killed Monday, is being remembered fondly in New York. Frankcom was cooking and delivering meals with SOMOS Community Care in 2020 during the pandemic, Dr. Ramon Tallaj, founder and chairman of SOMOS Community Care, told CBS News. "People were dying and she was preparing the food," Tallaj said. "She was really a person that you could rely on in difficult times. Some people say she was an angel." Frankcom's family issued a statement describing her as a "kind, selfless and outstanding human being" who traveled around the world to help others in need. "She will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love for all those in her orbit," the statement said. "We are still reeling from the shock. Doctor who worked in Gaza walks out of Biden meeting A Palestinian American doctor walked out of a scaled-back private meeting between Muslim leaders and President Joe Biden that was held Tuesday evening after several Arab Americans turned down an earlier White House invitation to attend a Ramadan dinner. The moment underscored the anger many in the Arab American community have toward Biden over his support for Israel in the war against Hamas. Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency doctor who has worked in the Gaza Strip during the war, was among a small group of Muslim leaders who met with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other White House officials Tuesday to discuss the administration's approach to the conflict. Ahmad, in an interview with CNN, said he was the first to speak to Biden and told the president, "I am from a community that's reeling, we are grieving, and our heart is broken for what's been taking place over the last six months." Joey Garrison Muslim leader leaves Biden meeting: Walks out in protest of Israel-Hamas war 'Shoot first, ask questions later' A senior Israeli official told the Times of Israel that a culture has developed across much of the Israeli military that has soldiers shooting first and asking questions later." The Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the culture was also evident in December when three Israeli hostages escaped their Hamas-led militant guards and were waving a white flag when they were fatally shot by the friendly fire of Israeli troops. The December incident and Monday's tragedy were counter to the military rules of engagement, the official said, adding that Israeli soldiers are operating under immense pressure and difficult conditions. White House waiting for results of Israeli investigation The White House will wait to see the results of Israeli's investigation into the deaths of the seven WCK aid workers, including one American, before it considers taking action in response, a national security spokesman for President Joe Biden told reporters Wednesday. Israel has already admitted that it conducted and is at fault for the strike that killed the workers, the National Security Council's John Kirby said. "I think we need to let them finish that work and speak to it themselves," Kirby said. "We need to see what they learn and we need to see, just as importantly, what they do about what they learn, what changes they're willing to make, what accountability they're willing to observe. We're just not there yet." Kirby said the U.S. is supporting Israel's ability to defend itself against the "still viable threat" of Hamas and the backing would continue. At the same time, he said the U.S. would like see Israel take greater precautions to prevent civilian casualties and has made its outrage about the attack known at the highest levels. Francesca Chambers More than half of Gaza on the brink of famine, World Bank says More than half the population of Gaza is on the brink of famine and the entire population of 2.3 million people is experiencing acute food insecurity and malnutrition, according to a report released this week by the World Bank and U.N. Over a million people are without homes and 75% of the population is displaced, the report says. The cost of damage to critical infrastructure in Gaza was estimated at $18.5 billion equal to 97% of the combined GDP of the West Bank and Gaza in 2022. "With 84% of health facilities damaged or destroyed, and a lack of electricity and water to operate remaining facilities, the population has minimal access to health care, medicine, or life-saving treatments," the report says. Contributing: Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel pressed for answers after strike on aid workers in Gaza The lawsuit filed this week by the Marion County Record against Marion city and county officials has been expected since the day the local police and sheriff staged an illegal and ill-advised raid on the newspaper, and contributed to the death of its 98-year-old co-owner. Legal action is inevitable when out-of-control law enforcement actors try to shut down a newspaper whose coverage they hate, on trumped-up charges of identity theft against journalists doing their job which is to act as a watchdog by gathering and confirming information that the public should know, but the local government wants to keep hidden. Probably millions of words have been written across the country about what happened Aug. 11, 2023, when Marion city Police Chief Gideon Cody and Marion County Sheriff Jeff Soyez sent their combined forces to seize computers, cell phones and records at the paper and at the home of the citys then-vice mayor, Ruth Herbel, who had a rocky relationship with the towns then-mayor, David Mayfield. And how Joan Meyer, 98, was so stressed by the raid that she couldnt eat or sleep properly, and died the day after police invaded the home she shared with her son, Eric Meyer, editor and publisher of the Record. But the really remarkable thing about the lawsuit filing is the evidence it lays out of a deeper corruption that was going on in Marion, and how local government not only tried to destroy a newspaper that it found too critical, but actively sought to undermine democracy itself. On Page 30, the complaint outlines an effort by former Mayor David Mayfield to make elected council members sign a form containing this bizarre statement: I also understand and acknowledge that my term with the council of the City of Marion, Kansas, is at will. The legal definition of an at-will employee is one who can be terminated at any time by the employer for any reason or no reason at all. In the case of Marion, it was a trick question. The city code states that the mayor shall have the superintending control of all officers and affairs of the city. In other words, as the lawsuit contends, This would have effectively allowed Mayor Mayfield to simply remove Herbel, given that her term would be at [the] will of the mayor. Herbel saw through it and crossed out the offending language. The city administrator, Brogan Jones, refused to accept her form. This is a problem because elected office is practically the definition of a job that is not, and cannot be, at will. Elected officials are picked by the voters, and have to be removed by the voters (which Herbel was in the November election; Mayfield chose not to run for another term). The only legal way to unseat an official without voter consent is a process called an ouster that has to be initiated by a prosecutor on the grounds that the official broke the law, willfully neglected duties of office, or is mentally incompetent to serve, none of which applied to Herbel. This effort to subvert democracy in Marion followed a failed recall of Herbel led by the mayor and his wife, Jami Kay Mayfield. The case against Herbel couldnt have been flimsier. Unlike other states, Kansas law limits the acceptable grounds for a voter-initiated recall to conviction of a felony, misconduct in office or failure to perform duties prescribed by law. Misconduct in office means a violation of law that impacts the officers ability to perform their official duties. The recall petition alleged that Herbel had violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act by replying Thanks to a text message council members received about an event the city was planning with a local hospital, and for complaining to the Record about the process that Mayfield used in a closed meeting to fire Mark Skiles, the former city administrator. She was well within her rights to do so. The real goal of the recall was spelled out in a Facebook post written by the mayors wife and reposted by him: If anyone is interested in signing a petition to recall councilor Herbel and silence the MCR (Marion County Record) in the process, let me know. Bogus recalls and attempts to silence dissident council members and newspapers? Thats not democracy. It is, as Joan Meyer told me in the last interview of her life, Hitler tactics and something has to be done. And she lived through World War II, so she knew what she was talking about. So may the Records lawsuit be the wake-up call that Marion the city and Marion the county have needed for a long time. The recent infection of a Texas dairy worker with H5N1 bird flu isnt cause for panic, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told The Hill in an interview Wednesday. The human case of bird flu is only the second confirmed infection in the U.S., and it comes as the virus is spreading among cows in at least five states. Miller ordered the temporary closure of the Cal-Maine Foods egg production plant in Farwell, Texas, Tuesday due to positive tests for bird flu. The industrial farm will have to depopulate nearly 2 million chickens and all eggs under the order nearly 4 percent of its overall flock. Apart from immediate commercial losses, Miller expressed confidence in the governments preparedness and the publics safety. Consumer message is Hey, we dont think this is a big deal, 1 out of 300 million plus [people] has contracted it, the symptoms are very mild products are safe, its not going to create a wide shortage, supplies are uninterrupted, Miller said. I just dont think theres anything for the public to panic over; I dont think the farmers should panic either, he added. Cal-Maine Foods is one of Texass largest poultry farms. Miller called the development devastating for the company in his original statement. The Hill reached out to the company for comment. A chicken might be worth 3 bucks a piece you figure a weeks worth of production there with millions of hens, they lay millions of eggs every week. It adds up quick, Miller said Wednesday. But he said the plant may reopen sooner than people expect. Depending on how they dispose of the birds, how they get that facility cleaned up and disinfected, they could get that facility up and running within 30 days, he said. It remains unclear how the flu is being passed from chickens to cows or whether its being transmitted between cattle. Miller said Cal-Maine had not recently moved portions of its flock for slaughter. Health officials are on guard for mutations in the virus that could threaten humans, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has downplayed concerns of a larger pandemic threat. This infection does not change the H5N1 bird flu human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public, which CDC considers to be low, the CDC said earlier this week. Miller expressed confidence in the CDC, which he said has stockpiles for human vaccines for bird flu that are good to go. In both the case of the dairy worker, and the first case of human bird flu in the U.S. in 2022, direct prolonged exposure in a livestock processing setting was the cause, and those infected walked away with minor symptoms and fully recovered. This dairy hand, we dont know he got it from the cows. But we do know his symptoms were very mild. Most of those guys [at the dairy facility] are physically fit; its demanding work, Miller said. That doesnt mean an elderly persons symptoms would be mild, they could be deadly. We need to take every precaution. The CDC has recommended people practice good hygiene, avoid sick or dead animals, animal fecal matter and consumption of untreated or uncooked animal products like raw milk or raw eggs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night. Many faith groups see next weeks solar eclipse as a chance to connect with their neighbors. Theyre embracing the occasion rather than dreading it, unlike their predecessors from the distant past. In ancient times, eclipses were generally interpreted as expressions of the gods displeasure, according to USA Today. People of faith would respond to them with desperate prayers, rather than with viewing parties. What we today see as an astronomical event, people previously interpreted as having life-and-death significance, said James Willis, an assistant professor of practice for religion at the University of Indianapolis, to USA Today. To be sure, solar eclipses are still seen as religiously significant by many believers, but not in the same way. Modern people of faith describe astronomical events as a chance to celebrate the power of God, not to cower from it. An eclipse is yet another opportunity to witness the handiwork of God that exists in the universe, said Eric Moffett, lead pastor of Coryell Community Church, to USA Today. We arent looking for any omens in the cosmos, but we are using this as an opportunity to, for a little over four minutes, be reminded that we live in (a) world made by God and sustained by his love and goodness. Mondays eclipse is also an opportunity for faith groups to strengthen community relationships by, for example, handing out free eclipse glasses or hosting eclipse events on church property. Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville, Texas, is partnering with science experts in its area to educate community members about the science behind eclipses during an event the day before the eclipse. Church members will be trained to speak with visitors about whats happening in outer space. Guests may expect Jesus hospitality and the excitement of learning about Gods handiwork of creation, said the Rev. Chris Yost, the churchs pastor, to United Methodist News. Mondays total solar eclipse will take place in the early afternoon on Monday, April 8. The path of totality travels across Texas, Arkansas and much of the Midwest and Northeast, according to Time. The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, Time reported. Remember that its unsafe to look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. Check stores, libraries and, yes, churches in your area for eclipse glasses. Fresh off the press Why Americans go to church especially on Easter What are prop bets, and why does the NCAA want to ban them? Supreme Court appears likely to protect access to abortion pill Term of the week: Easter Act of 1928 Easter, as Im sure youve noticed, does not have a fixed date. It jumps around on the calendar from year to year because its timing is based on the moon. From time to time, religious and political leaders have debated assigning a fixed date to the holiday in hopes of reducing confusion and making it easier for communities to develop annual Easter traditions. In 1928, the United Kingdom actually passed a law that assigned the holiday to the first Sunday after the second Saturday in April, according to the Who Runs Britain? blog, but the law was never brought into effect. This year, the Easter Act of 1928 was in the headlines again after a former U.K. leader spoke out about why it should be activated and enforced. Sir Greg Knight said that ensuring Easter falls sometime in mid-April would benefit families and businesses by introducing predictability and increasing the chance of experiencing pleasant spring weather during Easter festivities, per Premier Christian News. What Im reading ... One year after the shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, The Associated Press met with many members of the school community to talk about how the tragedy changed their lives. The resulting article is a beautiful tribute to the healing power of friendship. In 2015, I had the opportunity to travel to Chimayo, New Mexico, during Holy Week and write about the areas famous pilgrimage. A recent explainer from The Conversation about Chimayos enduring appeal brought back fond memories of my trip. Odds and ends Dont miss my colleague Emma Pitts story about the love lives of penguins at an aquarium in Draper, Utah. I know Easter is over, but theres still time to enjoy the photos of this years winners in The Washington Posts annual Peeps diorama contest. On April 2, the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Stephane Sejournay, during a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State in Paris, made baseless claims against Azerbaijan, which is another clear example of France's efforts to create tension in the region and hinder the peace process. According to Azernews, Aykhan Hajizadeh, press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, said this while commenting on the allegations made against Azerbaijan by French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejournay during a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State. "The presentation of Armenia by France as a peaceful country, which occupied Azerbaijani territories for nearly 30 years, displaced nearly 1 million Azerbaijanis from their native lands, and committed genicides and crimes against humanity, is a result of France's mediation both during the mediation period and after the 44-day Patriotic War, and demonstrates how bogus politics it pursues. At the same time, it is unacceptable for the French side, which is widely arming Armenia and promoting militarism in the region, to accuse Azerbaijan of aggressive rhetoric. At a time when Azerbaijan is hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), we believe that it would be more beneficial for France and our world to avoid such calls aimed at damaging the country's image and targeting our presidency. we do It should be clear to everyone that the policy of countries like France covering up Armenia's aggression in the last 30 years has not been beneficial. With this, the French side should understand that as long as such destructive activity carried out by it is not stopped, it will not benefit both France's damaged image and Armenia, which it defends with all its might," A. Hajizade said. WHO remains in the Gaza Strip despite the killing of aid workers A worker observes the medical aid packages sent by the World Health Organization (WHO) at Nasser Hospital. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not intend to abandon its risky medical efforts in the Gaza Strip, even after the recent deaths of seven humanitarian aid workers. Mohammed Talatene/dpa The World Health Organization (WHO) does not intend to abandon its risky medical efforts in the Gaza Strip, even after the recent deaths of seven humanitarian aid workers. "We are here to stay and to deliver," said Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the Palestinian territories, at a press conference on Wednesday. There are currently around 17 Palestinian and seven international WHO staff working in the Gaza Strip. Seven employees of the organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an airstrike by the Israeli army on Monday. Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi described the fatal incident as a "grave mistake" that should not have happened. WCK said it was temporarily halting its operations in Gaza, despite the enormous need. Peeperkorn said in a video link from Jerusalem that UN vehicles in the Gaza Strip had also been affected by attacks in recent months. This shows that agreements on safe passage for humanitarian aid workers in this conflict "do not work," he said. Planned WHO aid missions to the devastated north of the Palestinian coastal strip were repeatedly rejected, delayed or obstructed by the Israeli side, Peeperkorn said. WHO Emergency Coordinator Mike Ryan pointed out that such agreements between warring parties and aid organizations are common in conflict situations. "We've been doing this for decades," he said in Geneva. "A responsible military operation will always seek to protect civilians and ensure that they have access to the basic necessities of life: shelter, food, water and medicine," he emphasized. OKLAHOMA (KFOR) Each week during the month of March, News 4 introduced you to the 2024 nominees for our Remarkable Women campaign. Now, its time to announce the winner! After a flood of nominations, a KFOR committee had the difficult task of whittling down a very long list to just four finalists. Amelia Harrison, 2024 Remarkable Women Nominee. Photo: KFOR. During the first week of March, we brought you the story of Amelia Harrison, a mother who tragically lost her five-year-old son, Liam, while on vacation. Amelia has written a guide book, created Liams Light Foundation, and a grief retreat to help those experiencing heartbreak find healing. Carley Dummitt, 2024 Remarkable Women Nominee. Photo: KFOR. Our second nominee is Carley Dummitt. Carley has autism and is making a huge difference in the lives of others in her role with the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. Veronica Zelada, 2024 Remarkable Women Nominee. Photo: KFOR. Then came Veronica Zelada, a domestic abuse survivor, who immigrated from Guatemala in search of a better life for her children. Veronica co-owns Cafe Kacao with her son, a restaurant in Oklahoma City that has won multiple awards, including Yelps top brunch spot in the nation for Mothers Day. Claire Grace, 2024 Remarkable Women Nominee. Photo: KFOR. Our final nominee, Claire Grace, has already accomplished extensive advocacy work for people of all abilities, like her sister. At just 22-years-young, Claire has also created a non-profit organization called See Stop Start, with a free anti-bullying school curriculum. 2024 Remarkable Women of Oklahoma Nominees. Photo: KFOR Determining the winner was an extremely tough decision. Eventually, our committee chose Veronica Zelada to move on to the national Remarkable Women competition in California! Veronica will enjoy a free, fun-filled trip to Hollywood, where she will meet more than 100 other competitors from all over the nation. Well let you know how she does! Congratulations to all of our 2024 nominees, who are all truly remarkable women! Click here to see Remarkable Women contestants from previous years. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. When the Republican National Committee announced last summer that it was launching the Bank Your Vote program to promote early and mail-in voting, the cognitive dissonance was stark. Despite all the talk about boosting early votes and taking advantage of the tools Democrats have used themselves, there was total ignorance of the reason such an argument was necessary at all: because Donald Trump spent years persuading core Republican voters that these forms of voting are inherently illegitimate, untrustworthy, and un-Republican. That hardened distrust has already cost Republicans elections. Routinely, the partys candidates begin Election Day with massive disadvantages thanks to banked Democratic mail and early votes. Betting that the vast majority of GOP voters will get to the polls on one daywhen weather, work, or a host of other reasons can interveneis a recipe for defeat. GOP Officials File Lawsuits in 3 Key States to Disqualify Mail-In Ballots Many Republicans widely recognize this as the partys most underappreciated, and potentially most lethal, vulnerability heading into 2024and Trumps own handpicked new RNC leadership is talking about it still, too. Michael Whatley, the new RNC chair, recently sent a memo to committee members that was devoted to explaining its plans to grow the Bank Your Vote program. Encouraging our voters to utilize early voting and vote-by-mail are top priorities as we reorganize the political operation at the RNC, Whatley wrote, according to a copy that was obtained by The Daily Beast. But despite GOP plans, funding, and enthusiasm to persuade Trump voters that casting their ballots early or by mail is safe, the cognitive dissonance among Republicans has never been more glaring. Thats because its increasingly clear no one can persuade Trump himself. Mail-in voting is totally corrupt, Trump declared at a rally in Michigan on Feb. 27. Get that through your head. Michael Whatley and Donald Trump in 2023. Robert Willett/The News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images A week before that, Trump participated in a South Carolina town hall with Fox News Laura Ingraham, who asked him how he would prevent problems with mailed ballots. If you have mail-in voting, Trump quickly replied, you automatically have fraud. The crowd applauded as Ingraham attempted to remind the former president he won the state of Florida easily even though mail-in voting is common there. If you have it, he insisted again, youre going to have fraud. Its a shame youll never have an honest election with a mail-in ballot, Trump said in Iowa in January. Remember that. Republicans are trying to counter this rhetoric, but top officials and strategists almost never directly contradict or challenge the former presidenteven as they mock and lament the impact of his mail-in voting obsession without naming him. Since Trumps message carries more weight with GOP voters than any other Republican or conservative organization ever could, strategists are trying to find ways to counter his public stance on the issue without looking as though theyre picking a fight with him. Instead of directly contradicting Trumps unequivocal and repeated exhortations against mail-in voting, whats emerging is a collective GOP strategy to fight back by going around itwith Republicans hoping they can make a difference on the margins in key races. The RNCs Fundraising Hole Is Even Deeper Than It Looks An RNC spokesperson pushed back on the assertion that there is any rift between the two and emphasized that two things can be true at once. You can want to change states that have bad laws while still making sure to play with the hand that is dealt in every legal way possible, Danielle Alvarez, a spokesperson for the RNC and Trump campaign, told The Daily Beast. They have their work cut out for them. With mail-in voting firmly associated at this point with conspiracies of Democratic fraud and cheating, GOP voters rejection of the practice has practically become a partisan litmus test. Guy Ciarrocchi, a Pennsylvania GOP strategist, wrote an op-ed for Politico last year arguing that the distrust of mail-in voting among Republicans was a potentially existential threat for his partyone that leaders werent fully grasping. In an interview with The Daily Beast, Ciarrocchi said GOP voters look at going to the polls physically on Election Day as a badge of honor. What hes telling people is, If youre a loyal and passionate Republican, if you feel strongly, vote by mail snow, wind, power outage, your cars stuck, you have to pick up your mom, bank your vote so you dont have to worry about it. Even Whatleys memo touting their mail and early vote program alluded to the conspiracies that necessitated the program in the first place, with the chairman writing that Bank Your Vote goes hand in hand with our election integrity effortswe want to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. Privately, Republicans sing a slightly different tune. According to Politico, David McCormickthe GOPs candidate for Senate in Pennsylvaniaworried about the impact of Trump sowing distrust in early and mail-in voting on a private call recently. A GOP strategist told The Daily Beast that official party efforts to boost mail and early turnout should be treated skeptically as long as Trump continues to step all over the message. Its hard to have that credibility when it doesnt come from the topespecially when you talk about how much the Trump campaign and the RNC are one, they said, referencing Trumps new handpicked suite of party leaders. The operative added that Trumps hatred for mail-in voting could pressure the RNC to cut funding for the Bank Your Vote program when money inevitably gets tight this election season. Theres likely to be a cash crunch very soon when it comes to our sidewhat gets cut first? they asked. Youre gonna be in triage mode. But changing voter behavior at the margins could be all Republicans need to neutralize their mail-in voting problem, Ciarocchi told The Daily Beast. In his home state of Pennsylvania, a coalition of Republican groups, as well as a super PAC backing McCormick, have launched what they call an eight-figure investment to boost mail-in voting in the pivotal state. If we can grow the Republican bottom line by 3 points, [Trump] probably wins Pennsylvania, probably wins the presidency, and we send Dave McCormick to the Senate, he said. Im very optimistic because the goal is relatively small, but the impact would be enormous. RNC Asking Potential Hires if They Believe 2020 Election Was Stolen: Report According to the RNCs recent memo, the committees State Party Strategies Department will work with auxiliary Republican groups and grassroots organizations to inform voters early in the cycle of all the ways they can vote and for them to then take advantage of existing and new voting opportunities. Communicating with voters earlier in the cycle also presents an advocacy and educational opportunity, so voters know how and when they can cast their votes. Each state has different laws that govern how people can vote, and a lot of laws have changed since 2020. We will educate voters on all of the ways they can vote and we will partner with other organizations who share our mission, the memo reads. While this is opposite of what Trump says publicly, the RNC and those around the Republican nominee, are attempting to circumvent it. According to The Washington Post, top Trump adviser Susie Wiles has repeatedly told the former president in private that mail-in voting in states like Florida is safe. Everywhere is different, a senior Trump official said on a recent press call. Well have early voting in Michigan for the first time, well take advantage of it. Mail ballots are not very old in Pennsylvania, well have an opportunity to grow that. Ballot harvesting in Nevada is legal under certain circumstances; well take advantage of it. So, what you will not have is a one-size-fits-all program. You will have something thats different everywhere. At the end of the day, they said, we will fish where the fish are. Although the COVID pandemic massively broadened the use of mail-in voting, certain stateslike Nevada and Arizonahave automatically mailed ballots or offered no excuse absentee voting for years. In the 2022 elections, Democrats expanded their early vote leads in jurisdictions in Nevada and Arizona, making it harder for Republicans to surpass them on Election Day. Many Republicans say they want to change these rules, but believe they will never be in any position to do so unless they can convince voters to use the tools that are legally available. The hope among some operatives is that they can tailor state-specific messages that connect to individual states voting rules. The Pennsylvania effort, a joint project between McCormicks super PAC and the right-wing Heritage Action political group, could end up being a prime example. Republicans could very well turn the tide against their banked vote disadvantage if they avoid national political messaging frames, said Zack Roday, a partner at the GOP strategy firm Ascent. Its not a national message. Its state by state depending on where it is, said Roday, who ran the Virginia GOPs 2023 coordinated campaign, in which Gov. Glenn Youngkin focused on boosting early and mail-in voting among Republicans. Ill acknowledge challenges at times, but were riding a good current here, Roday said. A lot of it will rest on resources. Trump Has Seemingly Picked His Favored Successor to Mitch McConnell National Republicans focusing on key battleground races are paying close attention to the margins, too. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has tapped Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) to lead the committees efforts to boost mail-in voting to flip Democratic Senate seats in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, and elsewhere. Turning Election Day into election month is a top priority for Chairman Daines, Sen. Hagerty, and the NRSC this cycle, said NRSC communications director Mike Berg. Republicans cannot unilaterally disarm while Democrats bank huge leads ahead of Election Day. The mail-in voting problem is escalating beyond Trump, however. Upstart actors in the MAGA political sphere are attempting to build a new organizing program around his conspiraciesone that, if successful, would essentially guarantee electoral massacres for the GOP. Recently, the well-funded, Trump-aligned activist group Turning Point USA announced a fundraising goal of over $100 million for a voter outreach campaign. In a video posted to social media, a Turning Point strategist laid out a bold plan to retrain the partys voters to only vote on Election Day. Were not trying to encourage more people to get on the early voting list, said Turning Points Tyler Bowyer, who called the RNCs efforts wrong. If you vote too early, youre basically telling Democrats how many votes they need to win, he argued. Its a ridiculous argument, for several reasons: Republicans can see early Democratic votes, too, for one. But seasoned strategists know that giving the entire party base just one day to vote significantly raises the risk that people dont show upand forces campaigns to spend Election Day paying top dollar on frantic voter outreach efforts to make up a massive banked vote disadvantage. In 2022, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) won re-election by 7,000 votes on a day when a snowstorm hit northern Nevada, typically a GOP stronghold. David McCormick. Jeff Swensen/Getty In February, Democrats easily won a special election for former Rep. George Santos seat after banking a 7,000-vote early ballot advantage. On Election Day, a Nor'easter snarled roads and closed schools around the district, forcing a GOP super PAC to spend money on snowplows in a desperate attempt to boost turnout. Other Republican candidates have chalked up Democratic early vote advantages to their defeats in close elections even without dramatic weather. Any number of reasons can prevent someone from getting to the polls on Election Day. Republicans see a refusal to seriously participate in early or mail-in voting as akin to bringing a rusty spoon to an electoral knife fight. It is extremely unhelpful for a Republican organization to spend millions of dollars encouraging people not to vote before Election Day, a senior GOP aide told The Daily Beast. In fact, it is an actively harmful message to send to voters. Bowyers remarks were the subject of an incredulous half-hour segment on the podcast Ruthless, which is hosted by GOP operatives aligned with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and is widely followed among the partys campaign class. One of the hosts, Michael Duncan, compared early and mail-in voting to the discovery of the wheel. The wheel works and it has always worked and it gets you places, he said. And then people are coming along and saying, those people selling the wheel are wrong. The wheel should be triangles, triangles will get us there faster. That is the basic level of ignorance here, Duncan said of Turning Point. If you want to win an election, that is precisely what you do not buy. That is the reason were in the situation were in. Missing, of course, was any mention of the man who was selling triangles to begin with. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) The Illinois Senates minority leader proposed legislation Tuesday to overhaul Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Prisoner Review Board after it released a convicted domestic abuser who then attacked a pregnant Chicago woman with a knife and fatally stabbed her 11-year-old son. Republican Leader John Curran criticized Pritzker and said he plans legislation to require that board appointees have 20 years of criminal justice experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, probation officer or judge, and that each member undergo annual training on domestic violence and sexual assault and the warning signs that precede repeat attacks. Other proposed measures would require advance notice to victims of board decisions to release perpetrators and more transparency on the members deliberations in each case, including how they voted. For too long, these $100,000-a-year positions at the Prisoner Review Board have been given to political appointees who dont have the requisite experience to make these life-and-death decisions, Curran, whos from the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, told reporters in a teleconference. We must take politics out of the appointment process to create a qualified board with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. Pritzker has acknowledged the parole board didnt sufficiently consider evidence in releasing 37-year-old Crosetti Brand on March 12. The next day, Brand allegedly broke into the apartment of Laterria Smith, 33, who had an order of protection against him, attacked her with a knife and killed her son Jayden Perkins when he intervened to protect his mother. The attack prompted the resignation on March 25 of board member LeAnn Miller, who conducted Brands release hearing and wrote the report recommending he be freed. Later that day, board chairperson Donald Shelton also quit. Pritzker announced changes requiring the board to consult experts to develop training on domestic abuse and to improve the Department of Corrections process for sharing information with the board. Alex Gough, the governors spokesperson, said much of what was proposed by Senate Republicans is already standard practice at the Prisoner Review Board. Jayden was our hero: How people are remembering the boy killed while trying to protect his mom in Chicago Gough said that victims may sign up with the review board to be notified of perpetrators release; that a majority of board members currently have significant criminal justice experience, from work as a police officer or professor of criminal justice; and that information about the boards deliberations in each case are found in reports that are available through the Freedom of Information Act. Curran and his colleagues, Sens. Jason Plummer of Edwardsville and Steve McClure of Springfield, parried questions about whether Senate Democrats, who hold a supermajority, would entertain their plans. Weve been warning about the lack of qualifications of some of the governors appointees for years, Plummer said. I dont know why its taken a dead child for people to finally recognize some of these people are not qualified to serve on the board. My Democratic colleagues have largely taken a step back and allowed the governors office to drive the train. Brand and Smith had a relationship 15 years ago, police said. Brand was paroled in October after serving eight years of a 16-year sentence for attacking another ex-partner. He was shipped back to prison in February after going to Smiths apartment. But while seeking release in a Feb. 26 hearing before board member Miller, he denied trying to contact Smith in February and the Corrections Department failed to alert the board to Smiths attempt at an emergency order of protection on Feb. 22. Smith recommended release in her report, in which two other board members concurred. Pritzker said Monday that its difficult to make appointments to the board because Republicans have politicized the process. Curran called such a suggestion ridiculous. I would hope that the Democrats in the Senate now realize that Gov. Pritzker has a policy of trying to get the most far-left, anti-victim people on the Prisoner Review Board, McClure added. My hope is that moving forward, the Democrats have learned their lesson. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Photo via Getty Images The Arizona Restaurant Association appears to be behind an organization that is advocating against raising the minimum wage, as well as promoting a Republican measure that would ask voters to let businesses pay employees who work for tips 25% less than minimum wage. The legislation would amend the Arizona Constitution to include language that would allow business owners to cut the pay of their tipped employees. The strike-everything amendment to Senate Concurrent Resolution 1040 passed out of the House Commerce Committee along party lines last month. Those who spoke in favor of the measure said it is in direct response to a ballot initiative currently gathering signatures that would increase the minimum wage for all workers to $18 an hour. Under current Arizona law, businesses can pay tipped workers $3 less than minimum wage. If the proposed constitutional amendment were in place today, businesses could pay workers $3.58 less than the current minimum wage of $14.35. The legislation, known as the Tipped Workers Protection Act, is backed by restaurant owners and other business groups. During a House Commerce Committee hearing on the bill last month, a group of people wearing green Save Our Tips shirts spoke in favor of the resolution. But the Arizona Mirror has learned that those who spoke in favor have connections to the ARA, which they did not reveal to the committee. A political action committee named Save Our Tips Az registered with the state approximately two weeks prior to the committee hearing; its chairman and treasurer are the president and chief operating officer of the ARA. A website for Save Our Tips AZ does not mention any connections to the ARA. A request for comment from the ARA was not returned. Beth Cochran, the vice president of Snooze Eatery, spoke before the committee but did not disclose that she is a board member of the ARA. Two other people who spoke before the committee wearing Save Our Tips shirts work in upper management at their respective restaurants, which are owned by members of the ARA board. Cochran did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. Rep. Analise Ortiz, D-Phoenix, who sits on the committee said Tuesday on the House floor that she felt bamboozled by the group when she learned that Cochran was a member of the ARA board. Organizations with the same name have appeared in other states that have had similar ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage. Advocates of the measure pointed to Washington, D.C., as an example of how a change in minimum wage could impact restaurants. In 2022, the district passed a measure that guaranteed tipped workers the minimum wage. The area saw an astroturfed campaign against the change led by a conservative group that pushed op-eds and quotes often from local servers to mainstream media outlets. The campaign also used the name Save Our Tips. Restaurants in the area also began adding surcharges related to the increase, despite it not being in effect at the time. The campaign in Washington D.C. was managed by Lincoln Strategy, a Tempe company connected to a former Trump consultant, which used similar language and arguments. Nathan Sproul, who runs Lincoln Strategy, said in an email to the Mirror that his group was not involved with Save Our Tips AZ. Advocates for the measure, like Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, argued that concerns from his Democratic colleagues on how the measure could impact tipped employees were moot. Cook argued that businesses are required to make workers whole if their tips do not fill the gap to meet minimum wage, further arguing that, if an employer does not make up the difference, employees could report it to law enforcement. It is an incredibly privileged take to not recognize the power dynamic between employers and employees, Ortiz responded. It is not as simple as making a claim or picking up the phone and calling law enforcement when they are scared of their employer. Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, defended Save Our Tips AZ and said he was disappointed to see his colleagues demonize or dismiss their testimony. He also said that union employees from Sky Harbor International Airport who spoke against the measure complained and suggested they should find new employment. Sky Harbor airport food workers have been striking over wages, pensions and benefits. Most airport workers make less than $25 an hour, according to the union representing them, and the estimated cost to afford a two-bedroom apartment in the Greater Phoenix area is approximately $33.46 an hour, according to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. The bill will soon head to a vote by the full House. If it passes, it will head to the Senate for approval before it can be placed on the November ballot. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Restaurant Association appears to be behind Save Our Tips advocacy group appeared first on Arizona Mirror. CONCORD Should recreational cannabis shops in New Hampshire look and operate as franchises like McDonald's or as heavily regulated stand-alone retailers? A model for how recreational marijuana would be sold if it is legalized in New Hampshire was approved in the House Finance Committee Tuesday but the conflict over it is far from resolved. The committee voted in favor of an agency model, where the state would have influence over marijuana businesses, but not full control. It would also allow stores to have unique interior features. But the legislation faces an uncertain future in the state Senate, which appears to prefer a franchise model, giving the state full control over the industry. Under this model, stores would be identical, like a fast food chain, but owned by individual franchisees who would be responsible for running the actual businesses. The franchisor, in this model, would be the New Hampshire Liquor Commission. How much control New Hampshire would retain over cannabis retail stores remains an issue of disagreement among lawmakers. House Bill 1633, sponsored by Rep. Erica Layon, R-Derry, would allow anyone 21 and older to possess and consume marijuana in New Hampshire. The bill sets up guidelines for the regulation and sale of the drug. Under this bill, consumers could buy cannabis legally at 15 retail locations authorized by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission. The stores would be run under an agency model in which the state would hold significant power over businesses without it being a state-run industry. However, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu as well as members of the Senate have voiced their preference for the state-run franchise model. Layons model ultimately won out in the House when the Finance Committee voted 19-6 on Tuesday to approve HB 1633 with her amendment that made clear the use of the agency model. The committee had earlier rejected an amendment from Rep. Dan McGuire, R-Epsom, which was influenced by language from Sen. Daryl Abbas, R-Salem, and other senators, that would've replaced Layon's bill with the franchise model. The agency model's victory in the House committee is likely to set up a fight with the Senate and governor if it passes the full House on April 11. The bill also passed with other changes included in Layons amendment and another from Rep. Peter Leishman, D-Peterborough. Agency vs. franchise model Under the agency model, Layon said the state would not be "going into business" with the retailers that would own individual stores, meaning the state would not be setting things like wages or prices. Layon said the agency model is better because with the franchise model, promoted by Sen. Abbas, the state's Liquor Commission would set the prices at all levels, from the grower to the manufacturer and up. She says this wouldnt allow for a functional market and could lead to predatory pricing. Abbas told WMUR the agency model is too similar to the retail model that he said has failed in other states. The franchise model, he said, Offers the market protection so a larger company or a larger operation cant oversaturate the market and manipulate the sale price, causing the smaller places to go under. Layon said that her model is more restrictive than anything that's passed in other states. She thinks the franchise model would be too risky. I don't want to substitute a state cartel for the illegal cartel, and I'm worried that if they're setting all the prices, that's what's going to happen, she said. Layon also said under an agency model, marijuana stores could each have a unique look and feel. She said there would be certain guidelines to make sure New Hampshire has "classy cannabis:" all 15 of the stores under her bill would have the same exterior, and there would be no neon lights, no cartoony faces, no decorations that would be glorifying misuse of marijuana allowed. But outside of those regulations, retailers could do what they want to the inside. She said that making stores somewhere people want to shop is an important factor in marketing and attracting customers. Otherwise, she said, "there's no point in doing any of this." The question is do people want to go to sort of a big box McDonald's for their cannabis, or do they want to go to something that's a little bit more unique? We don't have the same range in the Northeast as you would have in California, but there's one place that literally looks like a Bath and Body Works, Layon said. A franchise model, she continued, would totally prohibit any innovation that way and how somebody would run a store. How will cannabis bill fare in the NH Senate? In the Senate, many members have repeatedly voted against cannabis legalization in the past. Im not a big proponent of marijuana, even though I personally supported medical marijuana and decriminalization, said Senate President Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, at a press conference in January. However, he said, he sees an opportunity for legalization. The agency vs. franchise models will likely be a point of contention in the Senate. Abbas is not the only senator who opposes the agency model. Sen. Cindy Rosenwald, D-Nashua, has also voiced her preference for the franchise model that she said would allow for more state control. Layon, however, thinks there is a path for the bill to pass the Senate. Will NH Gov. Chris Sununu support the legalization of marijuana? In May 2023, Sununu flipped his stance on marijuana to being open to legalization if done the right way. HB 1633 was modeled in large part based on his stipulations. My model has been set to meet everything that he has set out publicly, Layon said. Indeed, some of the language of her bill mirrors his May statement, including a prohibition on marijuana miles, where stores are densely concentrated. However, Sununu supports a franchise model over the agency model outlined in Layon's bill. She said he changed to the word franchise at the 11th hour, but she thinks agency stores are an acceptable path because they still include significant state influence. Her bill also doesnt include a Sununu-supported ban on lobbying by franchises, something she thinks would be a legal liability. Layon said she is talking to Sununu's office now to see if there are any remaining gaps in her bill that he would like to see filled. I think that there's the potential of a path to passing my bill even without the governor if necessary, but I'd much rather have everybody realize that this is something that is important, said Layon. Echoing Sununus stipulations, she continued, And we need to do it in a way thats going to maximize safety and not tax revenue. Separate operational and regulatory control Layon included separating operational control and regulatory oversight of cannabis shops in her amendment due to fears they would not be able to implement the agency or franchise model the legislature is suggesting because of federal government rules. It might technically be legal but not actually be legal, she said. While states have been legalizing recreational use of cannabis since 2012, it is still illegal under federal law, and she thinks the government could go after the state for having too much oversight of the industry. If that were to happen, having a separate operational control would allow the state to pivot to a different model that would be allowed. Layon said separating the two is also good practice. You also dont want somebody whos a business partner overseeing regulatory compliance, she said. NH penalties for people using cannabis in public being worked out, too Issues over criminal charges still in place for cannabis consumption were brought up by representatives and the ACLU of New Hampshire. "This bill not only keeps the current misdemeanor charges for people smoking in public, but it also increases the second-violation fines," said Rep. Heath Howard, D-Strafford. To address this, Rep. Peter Leishman amendment, 1339H, changes the unspecified misdemeanor charge for the third offense of smoking or vaporizing cannabis in a public place (which could be charged as a Class A misdemeanor and lead to jail time) to a Class B misdemeanor, which would impose a $1,200 fine but no jail time. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH marijuana franchises vs. agency stores at center of debate The Freedom Village Shopping Center in Eldersburg will welcome the health and wellness boutique, Revive Cryo Spa, late this spring or early summer. The spa will be relocating from its current location on Liberty Road in Eldersburg to the Freedom Shopping Center, located at 6300 Georgetown Blvd., between the China Dragon restaurant and US Nails and Spa. Freedom Village Shopping Center is among the most popular shopping destinations in Carroll County, and the venue became even more attractive to us following the opening of Grocery Outlet, which creates significant traffic throughout the week, Brian Taylor, the founder of Revive Cryo Spa, said in a news release Tuesday. In November, the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market opened in the Freedom Village Shopping Center, which is located in the southeastern part of Carroll County. We believe we can leverage customers from those visiting Physical Therapy Group and Advanced Orthopedics too, said Taylor, who founded his business seven years ago. Revive Cryo Spa provides services that include an infrared sauna, slim sculpt, a non-invasive weight-loss procedure, cryoskin, a non-invasive cosmetic procedure using a temperature-controlled massage wand for a slimmer, toned appearance and cryotherapy, which exposes the body to temperatures hovering at negative 150 degrees. This procedure drops a persons core temperature by about 40 degrees, and is intended to target body inflammation, speed up recovery from injuries, enhance sleep and contribute to mood boosting. The average time spent in cryotherapy is approximately three minutes per session, the news release states. The process causes the release of endorphins which are the bodys natural pain inhibitors, and the resultant enhanced circulation activity moves blood into and out of the core, clears toxins and metabolic waste with a supply of oxygen and nutrient-enriched blood, Taylor said. Freedom Village Shopping Center also features Goodwill Industries and Centers for Advanced Orthopedics in addition to 20 other stores, including Panera Bread and Celebree School. With the opening of Revive Cryo, the center will be 98% leased, according to the news release. The shopping center is owned by Continental Realty Corp., a Baltimore-based development firm. They purchased Freedom Village in 1999, which is nearly 130,000 square feet. With health concepts like Revive Cryo Spa on the rise, theres a growing demand for unique and effective wellness solutions, Kristina OKeefe, vice president of the Commercial Division of Continental Realty Corporation stated in the news release. Given its outstanding track record, incorporating this brand into the lineup at Freedom Village perfectly aligns with our dedication to curating tenants that resonate with the communitys needs and desires. Continental Realty was founded in 1960 as a commercial real estate and investment company. The privately held firm owns and manages retail centers and apartments across 11 states. Nearly 45,000 people live within five miles of Freedom Village, which includes approximately 15,000 households, with an average household income of more than $125,000, according to Continental Realty. Nearly 30,000 vehicles pass the center daily. RI presidential primaries: Beyond easy victories for Biden and Trump, what happened? PROVIDENCE Rhode Island voters about 38,000 of them at least endorsed the presumptive nominees for president Tuesday in low-key primaries held long after any doubt had ended about who would top the major party tickets in November. Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump, the only candidates campaigning for the office, took 81% and 84% of the vote respectively over candidates who had already waved the white flag. The only questions were over the margins, the protest vote and which local pols will get to be delegates at their parties' national conventions. Here are some takeaways: How did 'uncommitted' do? The biggest drama of the night centered on how many Rhode Islanders would make it to the polls to vote for ... no one. As in many states, many progressive Rhode Islanders voted "uncommitted" in the Democratic primary in protest of Biden's support for the Israeli invasion of Gaza. In Rhode Island, 3,766 people voted uncommitted, or 14.5%, according to unofficial results from the state Board of Elections. Dean Phillips, the only candidate on the Democratic ballot other than Biden, got 2.5%. In Providence, home to large student and leftist populations, 29% voted uncommitted. The list of Democrats who said they voted uncommitted included state Senators Sam Bell and Tiara Mack, former state Sen. Jeanine Calkin, former state Rep. and congressional candidate Aaron Regunberg, Providence City Councilman Miguel Sanchez and former state Sen. and lieutenant governor candidate Cynthia Mendes. an uncommitted vote in a Democratic primary is NOT a vote for trump, its a vote to encourage president biden to significantly change his unconditional support of a genocide that is being funded with our tax dollars. dont let establishment loyalists try to tell you otherwise. https://t.co/j6hjXHBrSP Miguel Angel Sanchez (@MSanchezPVD) April 2, 2024 A Vote Uncommitted RI coalition led in part by the Rhode Island Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America "contacted over 12,000 voters by text, distributed flyers throughout neighborhoods and at houses of worship and stood outside polling locations to support an 'uncommitted' vote," a release from the DSA said Wednesday. Like low turnout in uncompetitive primaries, a large uncommitted vote is not that unusual. Four years ago 1,861 people voted uncommitted, more than went for fourth place Andrew Yang and fifth place Tulsi Gabbard combined. In 2012, the last primary with a Democratic incumbent, 16.8% voted uncommitted against Obama. "President Biden has dedicated himself to equality for all Americans and supporting American families whether it be for education, health care, jobs, a clean environment, or our rights," Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik said in a statement. "President Biden is an ardent supporter of Rhode Island and will continue to support us when he is reelected for a second four year term." Perik declined to answer questions Wednesday about whether party bylaws suggested any of the Rhode Island delegates to the Democratic National Convention would go to "uncommitted." Haley breaks 10% While internal displeasure with Biden manifested as uncommitted votes, GOP unrest with Trump mostly found a home in votes for Nikki Haley of South Carolina. Haley took 10.5% of the Republican vote, a total that could see her get one or more of the 35 Rhode Island delegates going to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Ron DeSantis got 1.4%, Chris Christie 1.2% and Vivek Ramaswamy 0.3%. How many Rhode Islanders voted? With all precincts reporting Wednesday morning, turnout looked to be a little more than 5% of the state's 723,187 registered voters. That's significantly lower than the 15% turnout in 2020, when 123,875 people voted in a primary moved to June because of the COVID pandemic. (Biden beat Bernie Sanders and Trump beat Bill Weld that year.) In 2016, high interest in the Democratic primary drove 25% turnout on 187,291 votes when Sanders beat Hillary Clinton and Trump bested John Kasich. But Tuesday's primary turnout wasn't abnormal for a year with a Democratic incumbent. In the 2012 primaries featuring Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, 23,200 Rhode Islanders voted, or 3.2%. Roma Hayda at the polling station in Vartan Gregorian Elementary School in Providence on Tuesday. Hayda, who grew up in Ukraine, remembers life there first under the Nazis and then the Soviets. How did Rhode Island compare to Massachusetts? The Bay State presidential primary was March 5. Biden got 83% of the vote in Massachusetts, with 9.3% voting no preference. (The uncommitted movement hadn't gained much momentum nationally at that point.) Trump only took 60% of the vote in Massachusetts to 37% for Haley, who was still campaigning at that point. Connecticut also voted Tuesday, and Trump beat Haley 78% to 14% there. Biden had 85% in Connecticut to 11% uncommitted. Who will go to the Democratic convention? The real-world stakes of the Rhode Island presidential primary were low, but some big names were on the ballot. A handful of well known Ocean State Democrats ran as Biden delegates, including Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien, Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson and Sen. Sandra Cano. Smiley was the top vote-getter among Biden delegates in the 1st Congressional District, followed by Cano and Rivera. Pearson and William Foulkes, husband of 2022 gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes, appeared not to have made the top seven to qualify. Who will go to the Republican convention? On the GOP side, the top vote getter among a dozen candidates running to be Trump delegates in the 1st District was Paul Carroll. In 2nd District, the top vote getter was Lacey McGreevy. The second-highest total for Trump delegates went to former state Rep. Justin Price, who attended the Jan. 6, 2021 Trump rally in Washington. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI's 2024 presidential primaries showed much more than Biden, Trump wins MANHATTAN (KSNT) Traffic is being diverted in west Manhattan after a multi-vehicle crash. The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) announced on social media that a multi-vehicle crash is causing all traffic to be diverted. At 2:08 p.m., the RCPD took to social media to inform residents of a crash at Claflin Road and Seth Child Road. This embedded content is not available in your region. Police are telling residents to avoid the area as all traffic is being redirected. TPD provides update on body found in Kansas River 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. KYODO NEWS - Apr 3, 2024 - 14:12 | World, All, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto agreed Wednesday to deepen cooperation in national security and other fields amid China's growing military and economic clout in the Indo-Pacific region. During talks in Tokyo, Kishida and Prabowo exchanged views on situations in the East and South China seas and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, pledging to maintain close collaboration, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. At the outset of the meeting, which was open to the media, Kishida said Japan would promote the relationship with Indonesia "as partners sharing fundamental values and principles." Prabowo, currently serving as Indonesian defense minister, called for further strengthening bilateral ties in various areas, such as defense and the economy. Prabowo visited Japan on the heels of his visit to China for talks with President Xi Jinping on Monday, his first overseas trip after winning the presidential election in February. Kishida's administration has been seeking to strengthen relations with developing and emerging countries, collectively dubbed the "Global South," among which Indonesia is considered one of the leading powers, along with India and Brazil. China has been striving to forge close ties with Southeast Asian nations as well, amid rivalry with Japan's close security ally, the United States, while tensions are mounting with the Philippines over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea. During the talks, Kishida said Tokyo supports Jakarta's efforts to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a Paris-based club of 38 high-income economies, and contribute to Indonesia's development through infrastructure and energy-related collaboration, the ministry said. Later on Wednesday, Prabowo met with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara. Kihara aired strong opposition to "unilateral changes to the status quo and any acts that would heighten tensions," according to his ministry, apparently alluding to recent developments with China. Prabowo is slated to take office in October, succeeding outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi. Related coverage: Indonesia Defense Minister Prabowo wins presidential race Wayland Academy Head of School Jason Warnick (left) visits Ripon College with academy students and Ripon College President Victoria N. Folse (front row right). RIPON Ripon College and Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam have announced a partnership, called the Ripon-Wayland Connection, for incoming international students. In identifying strong similarities between both campuses and student bodies, the partnership will allow guaranteed admission to Ripon College for international Wayland Academy students who meet specific academic criteria, according to a news release from Ripon College. "Waylands student population will thrive on our campus as they, too, value a highly personalized education and a small living and learning environment," the college's vice president for enrollment Jenn Machacek said. The connection begins immediately as a pilot program that will last four years. School news: Meet Fond du Lac's new Woodworth principal and the director of English language and bilingual education Wayland Academy is an independent, co-ed college preparatory school for grades 9 through 12, supporting both boarding and day students with STEAM programs, advanced placement classes and capstone projects at every grade. Building on a history of the schools partnering together, the Ripon-Wayland connection offers an opportunity for international graduates to continue their studies in the United States. "This new agreement is an innovative step forward in our partnership, and we look forward to seeing our remarkable graduates thrive within Ripon Colleges dynamic learning community," Wayland Head of School Jason Warnick said. Wayland Academy has a wide global student community, representing more than 30 countries, and the academy will utilize the partnership in recruiting international students as a way to highlight a path for continued education after graduation. Wisconsin meteorite: Rock-picking ritual in Wisconsin farm field turns up 109.5-pound meteorite. Here's how to see it In addition to guaranteed admission for eligible students, the program will provide financial aid to make the cost of attending Ripon College comparable to attending Wayland Academy. "Ripon College continues to strive for diversity in all facets of our campus community, including within our student body," Ripon College President Victoria N. Folse said. "Preparing all students for global citizenship will be enhanced by bringing more international students to campus." Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at dlemke@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Ripon College teams with Beaver Dam's Wayland Academy in pilot program ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) Robeson County authorities are looking for a 23-year-old Lumberton man accused of killing a man on Monday. Zione Irons is wanted in the killing of Deavon Maultsby, according to Sheriff Burnis Wilkins office. He died at UNC Southeastern Medical Center after being taken there by a private vehicle from Reagan Road. Deputies responded to the hospital to investigate a report of someone being shot. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriffs Office at 910-671-3170. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Taylor Ford is a digital journalist for News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2023. Taylor is a Florence native and covers the Pee Dee out of News13s Florence Bureau. Read more of Taylors work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. People walk in San Clemente after a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched Monday evening from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Streaks of light spotted a few hours later were unrelated to the launch. (Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times) Over the last few weeks, a number of celestial phenomena have confused and delighted Southern Californians. Early Tuesday morning, night owls spotted streaks of light across the sky, with some assuming the event might be related to SpaceX's Monday night satellite launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Another SpaceX launch a couple of weeks earlier had caused a stir with its eye-catching streak of light and contrail. The true cause, however, was less obvious and originated farther away. It was Chinese space junk. Though many assumed more mysterious sources aliens, spy drones, unforeseen meteors what onlookers saw at 1:40 a.m. was the expected "reentry of the Shenzhou 15 orbital module," Smithsonian astronomer Jonathan McDowell wrote on X. Read more: Space station discarded some trash. It rained fire in California's sky Indeed, the American Meteor Society reported 85 sightings of the reentry from Sacramento to San Diego, with most concentrated in the Los Angeles area. On average, one piece of space junk falls into Earth's atmosphere each day, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA estimates that there are more than 170 million pieces of space debris flying around the Earth, posing potential hazards for active satellites and a small risk to humans on the ground too. "While space debris is rarely a concern for humans on Earth, our satellites in the sky often have to avoid its dangerous path," according to NOAA. Usually, though, the debris causes nothing more than a dazzling visual display. Last March, Californians were treated to a light show as a piece of debris from the International Space Station burned up in our atmosphere. Read more: A satellite's impending fiery demise shows how important it is to keep space clean In November 2022, three astronauts rode the Shenzhou 15 spacecraft to Tiangong space station, discarding the orbital module that would eventually careen back toward Earth on Tuesday, according to Space.com. After a six-month stay, the crew landed safely in the Gobi Desert in June. The orbital module that carried them to space continued to orbit Earth, moving closer and closer to its destruction. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. If youve ever rummaged through a box of old postcards at an antiques fair, you might have noticed not only the quaint images from the 1890s or 1900s, but the extraordinary messages on the back: Dear Cissie, Elsie and I will come for tea today. Will arrive about 4.30. Yours, Edith. Today! Incredibly, they would post a card in the morning and it would arrive across town a few hours later. Imagine that. Nowadays, Cissie would probably be caught on the hop if Elsie and Edith tried to warn her by post of their arrival even in two weeks time, so rarely does a letter come the following day. And when the card did arrive, Cissie would be in no mood for whipping up one of her Victoria sponges by teatime: instead shed be livid that she had been forced to pay a 5 penalty to collect the post because Royal Mail had decided the stamp was counterfeit. Ever since the postal system switched entirely to barcoded stamps last July, people have been reporting that they are having to pay 5 fines, on the grounds that the stamp on their post is fake. It came to a head at Christmas when large numbers of complaints emerged as people were being asked to pay a fiver a time for many of their cards. While Royal Mail says that it uses specialist equipment at sorting offices to check whether a stamp is genuine or not, buyers of the stamps say they bought them in bona fide post offices, and poor old beleaguered postmasters already reeling from the false accusations of the Horizon IT scandal are outraged at being in the dock again. It has become shockingly clear that this new system was introduced to serve Royal Mail, rather than the customer. You would have thought that we, the consumer, would be at the heart of the company. Not a bit of it. Instead of working out how it could reform its business to meet its obligations to the public, it was revealed yesterday that Royal Mail wants second class letters to be delivered just every other weekday. With stamp prices continuing to increase year by year first class went up by another 10p this week, to 1.35; second class to 85p would it be so wrong to conclude that Royal Mail is seeking to squeeze as much money as it can out of its letters business, while running it down so that it can focus on far more profitable parcels? But around 19 million letters a day are still sent in this country, despite all the other ways we have of communicating with one another. Indeed, there are times when these alternative methods just wont do. Lawyers still send letters, as do the authorities if youve committed a speeding offence. My magazine subscriptions come in the post though often late. Occasionally they dont appear at all and the subscription departments never seem surprised when I report it. Its not like Im in a hard-to-find cottage off the beaten track in Scotland: Im in a London suburb on a street with clearly marked, numbered houses. Then there are the very personal messages we still need to send by post: the card sent by the elderly to a faraway, beloved grandchild; the letter of condolence after a bereavement. An email, or God forbid, a text, would seem wholly inappropriate at a time of grief. Its then that we need Royal Mail to yes deliver. If it wont, the regulators and the Government ought to be doing something about that. They shouldnt be conspiring in the slow demise of a service that British people have relied on for centuries. 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. At a Grand Rapids, Michigan, campaign event on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump told his supporters that he had spoken to the family of Ruby Garcia, a 25-year-old woman who was allegedly murdered by an undocumented immigrant. But Garcia's sister said Trump didn't speak with anyone from the family, and she criticized him for politicizing her sister's death. "He did not speak with any of us," Ruby's sister, Marvi Garcia, said in an interview with NBC affiliate WOOD-TV. "So its kind of shocking seeing that he had said he had spoken with us ... misinforming people on live TV, she said. When asked to confirm if Trump had indeed spoken with a member of Ruby Garcias family, the Trump campaign declined to comment on the record. A source familiar said the campaign keeps the details of whom he speaks to and the contents of the conversations private unless the family agrees to share them. Donald Trump. (Scott Olson / Getty Images) Garcia said that neither Trump nor anyone working on his presidential campaign spoke to any of her family members. She made clear she resented the former president for politicizing the death of her sister, whose body was found on a highway with gunshot wounds in late March. Its always been about illegal immigrants," she said. "Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like this? She added that hearing Trump's claim was shocking" and that she stopped watching his remarks after that. At Trump's Tuesday event, he said, "Rubys loved ones and community are left grieving for this incredible young woman remembering what they called her. They said she had just the most contagious laughter and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family. Trump told Detroit radio host Justin Barclay on Monday ahead of the campaign stop that "Id love to have [Garcia] family there. If theyd like to be there. Itd be my honor. And Ill make sure they get back and see you can coordinate with my people." Garcia's family didn't respond to several requests for further comment from NBC News. According to WOOD-TV, court records show the suspect, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, confessed to killing Garcia and dumping her along a highway in Grand Rapids. At the Michigan event Tuesday, Trump claimed that Ortiz-Vite had been deported in 2020 and returned to the U.S., illegally, during the Biden administration. A statement obtained from a spokesperson at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement noted that it is accurate that Ortiz-Vite was removed to Mexico on Sept. 29, 2020, when Mr. Trump was still president, but it's unclear when he returned. The ICE statement said that Ortiz-Vite returned to the U.S. at an unknown date and location without inspection by an immigration official. According to ICE, Ortiz-Vites DACA status expired in May 19, 2019. He was arrested on local charges on Aug. 30, 2020, before being deported that September. Trump at his campaign events frequently highlights crime rates in the U.S. and regularly points the blame at migrants. For example, he has repeatedly brought up the death of a college student, Laken Riley, who was killed in February in Georgia while jogging. The suspect was a Venezuelan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. Ahead of Tuesday's event, Democrats criticized Trump for attempting to politicize a tragedy. In a statement ahead of the rally, Biden-Harris 2024 Michigan Communications Director Alyssa Bradley said, "Donald Trump is coming to Grand Rapids where he is expected to once again try to politicize a tragedy and sow hate and division to hide from his own record of failing Michiganders." In a call with reporters Tuesday morning, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said that Ruby Garcias death was a horrible tragedy" but that "Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are hell-bent on exploiting Rubys death for their own politics." "Frankly, I think its shameful," she added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com KYODO NEWS - Apr 3, 2024 - 20:31 | All, Japan, World Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday pledged to maintain close cooperation, Japan's Foreign Ministry said, as Tokyo continues to support Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion. The phone talks came ahead of Kishida's upcoming visit to the United States next week as a state guest and his meeting with President Joe Biden on April 10 in Washington, where it is expected that discussions on their continued support for Ukraine will be high on the agenda. During their 30-minute phone conversation, Kishida said Japan will "steadily implement" the agreements made at a bilateral conference promoting Ukraine's recovery held in Tokyo in February, according to the ministry. "Japan remains unwavering in its commitment to stand together with Ukraine," Kishida was quoted by the ministry as saying. The two last held phone talks in November. Zelenskyy expressed his deep gratitude for Japan's support measures and the "success" of the February conference while explaining the latest situation in its war with Russia, which began in February 2022, the ministry said. At the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction on Feb. 19, Kishida pledged to continue providing reconstruction support to Ukraine in collaboration with the private sector. During the conference, Japan said it will provide Ukraine with 15.8 billion yen ($104 million) in grant aid for countermeasures against landmines and unexploded ordnance, as well as for the restoration of electricity and energy infrastructure. Kishida's government has largely demonstrated its commitment to providing financial assistance to Kyiv, primarily due to Japan's stringent regulations on the export of weapons under its war-renouncing Constitution. Related coverage: Japan vows to continue supporting war-torn Ukraine's reconstruction Japan to pledge 15.8 bil. yen for Ukraine's reconstruction Ruling party in Georgia will again try to pass 'foreign agents' law withdrawn following protests in 2023 The ruling Georgian Dream party will try again to pass a controversial measure known as the "foreign agents" law requiring organizations that receive foreign funding to be labeled as such. Mamuka Mdinaradze, the party's leader in parliament, announced that the bill would be revived on April 3. The bill, popularly known in Georgia as the "Russian law" for its resemblance to similar legislation passed there, was introduced previously in early 2023 by the Georgian Dream party. Widespread demonstrations broke out in protest, and the bill was eventually scrapped in March 2023. Mdinaradze said that the new form of the bill would remain largely the same as the previous iteration, albeit with a few minor rhetorical changes. He added that the party will try to move the bill through parliament by the end of June. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, his predecessor Irakli Garibashvili, and other Georgian Dream officials have taken inconsistent positions on Russia and its full-scale war on Ukraine. Georgian Dream has also previously tried to pass other legislation that critics argue is inspired by Russia. Mdinaradze proposed laws in March that would significantly crack down on LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Mamuka Mdinaradze, the chair of Georgian Dream in parliament, in a photo posted on Oct. 10, 2023. (Mamuka Mdinaradze/Facebook) Georgia's opposition reacts Opposition media in Georgia immediately reacted to the news, writing that "Georgian Dream will try again to adopt the Russian law." Lawmaker Anna Tsidlidze, a member of the opposition United National Movement party associated with former President Mikhail Saakashvili, said the "Russian law will harm Georgia's European integration." "Georgian Dream dared again and introduced the Russian legislation in the parliament," said opposition lawmaker Khatia Dekanoidze, appealing to those who previously came out to protest to demonstrate again. "We all must do everything together to not allow the Georgian dream to go backwards in our country." Tensions rose as the proposal was being debated in parliament, and videos shared by the Georgian public broadcaster showed a physical fight almost breaking out among lawmakers. Shalva Papuashvili, the speaker of the Georgian parliament and a member of the Georgian Dream party, threatened to turn off the microphone of any other lawmaker who used the term "Russian law." Others pointed to the proposed timing of the bill's passage through parliament, aligning with the European Football Championships, which the Georgian national team just secured a place in for the first time. Nika Gvaramia, a former justice minister and a prominent opposition journalist, said, "This is a trap, the law is not being passed in a fast-track manner just because it is planned to be passed during the European Championship in June, so that people cannot protest." Gvaramia was jailed in 2022 on charges widely considered to be politically motivated. He was pardoned by President Salome Zourabichvili, a political opponent of Georgian Dream, in June 2023. Georgian opposition holds a rally in protection of independent media in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 18, 2022, after Nika Gvaramia, an anchor and owner of the pro-opposition Mtavari TV, was sentenced to three and a half years behind bars.(Photo by Vano Shlamov / AFP) Georgia is holding parliamentary elections in October 2024, which some pointed to as being connected to the revival of the bill. Lincoln Mitchell, who teaches at the School of International Affairs and Department of Political Science at Columbia University, told the Kyiv Independent that the government is "trying to disempower the organizations with international funding that might put a closer eye on the election (or) might be more aggressive in catching whatever incidents of election fraud" that could occur. At the same time, this is a "very ineffective way to do that," Mitchell said, because "it's kind of daring the opposition to go out there and take to the streets." An additional hurdle for Georgia's European aspirations The news also brought international condemnation from EU countries. Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova all applied for EU membership after the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The European Commission offered Georgia candidate status in November 2023, while Moldova and Ukraine were granted official recommendations to begin accession talks. While Ukraine and Moldova have made significant steps toward the EU-mandated reforms required for accession to the bloc, Georgia has made only minimal progress and runs the risk of drifting toward Russia, a report released in January found. European lawmakers said that the revival of the foreign agents law is yet another step away from the path toward EU integration. Protesters outside the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on March 8, 2023, objecting to the government's planned "foreign agent" law, reminiscent of Russian legislation. (Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images) "Looks like the ruling party of Georgia is turning towards the Euro-Asian tyranny. There is no compromise between (the) EU and the (latter) one as democratic criteria is not (up) for negotiation," said Petras Austrevicius, a member of the European Parliament from Lithuania. Mitchell told the Kyiv Independent that the bill if passed, will "hurt Georgia's chances of moving forward (with EU candidacy), full stop." Despite Georgian Dream's public statements about wanting to join the EU, the "goal of Georgian Dream is to win the next election and remain in power," Mitchell said. "The goal of Georgian Dream is not to get into Europe." Many international human rights organizations and foreign governments previously criticized the proposal when the earlier form of the bill was considered in 2023. "The 'foreign agents' bill seeks to marginalize and discredit independent, foreign-funded groups and media that serve the wider public interest in Georgia," said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. Other countries in the region have passed or attempted to pass similar laws. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed into law on April 2 a "foreign representatives" measure that critics say resembles the Russian foreign agents law. Read also: Georgian government again demands extradition of wanted ex-officials who work in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces struck 11 communities in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy Oblast in 51 separate attacks throughout the day, the regional administration reported on April 2. At least 226 explosions were reported in Sumy Oblast over the past 24 hours. The communities of Khotin, Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Shalyhyne, Esman, Hlukhiv, Seredyna-Buda, and Znob-Novhorodske were targeted. Throughout the day, Russia assailed the border communities with mortar, artillery, grenade launcher, and drone attacks. Several unguided rockets targeted at least three communities, according to the Sumy Oblast Military Administration. The town of Krasnopillia, with a pre-war population of about 7,700 residents, experienced the bulk of the attacks, with 71 explosions reported in the area. In the evening of April 2 Russian forces conducted an air strike on the Sumy suburban civilian infrastructure, according to the regional authorities. First responders have been dispatched to the site of the attack. No casualties were reported at the time of the publication. 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. Read also: Zelensky visits Sumy Oblast, inspects fortifications Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces attacked Sumy Oblast 46 times in 11 separate attacks throughout the day, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on April 3. The communities of Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, and Velyka Pysarivka were targeted. Earlier in the day, a Russian missile attack against Krasnopillia in Sumy Oblast killed one person and injured two others, including a three-year-old girl. Throughout the day, Russia assailed the border communities with mortar, artillery, drone, grenade launcher, and missile attacks. Explosives were also dropped by drones onto the village of Yunakivka. The town of Velyka Pysarivka experienced the bulk of the attack with 26 explosions recorded in the area. The community sits directly on the Russia-Ukraine border. Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive in recent weeks. Amid an up-tick in Russian attacks on Velyka Pysarivka in recent weeks, authorities have been working to increase evacuation efforts in the town, with at least 300 residents being evacuated. According to a spokesperson for Sumy Oblast's 117th Territorial Defense Brigade, approximately 250 resident remain in Velyka Pysarivka. The community had a pre-war population of about 4,000 residents. Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, with residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experience multiple attacks per day. Read also: How Ukraine hit a Russian drone factory 1,300 kilometers away Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A fire broke out in Russia's city of Kursk late on April 2, according to videos sent by eye-witnesses to several Telegram monitoring channels. Kursk Oblast Governor Roman Starovoit claimed that four drones were shot down over the city and surrounding areas. The city mayor said via his official Telegram page that the attack damaged several residential buildings. There were no casualties. The Kyiv Independent is not able to verify this information. Kursk lies in the south of Russia, around 90 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. Russia has been reporting drone attacks against its border regions for several months, with numerous strikes against oil refineries occurring in March. Since the onset of the full-scale war, Ukraine has intensified its strikes on oil infrastructure within Russia, particularly escalating in the late fall of 2023. According to The Insider, there have been 15 drone attacks against 13 oil refineries in nine regions of Russia in 2024. Moscow has repeatedly accused Ukraine of being behind drone strikes. Ukraine hasn't claimed responsibility for these attacks. According to a source within Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR), a manufacturing facility for Shahed-type attack drones in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan was targeted by HUR operatives on April 2. Drones hit industrial facilities in Tatarstan's Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, allegedly injuring several people. Yelabuga is located over 1,200 kilometers away from the Russia-Ukraine border. Russia's military has frequently employed Iranian-designed Shahed-type kamikaze drones to carry out attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure during the ongoing full-scale invasion, resulting in the deaths and injuries of numerous civilians. 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. More than two years after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, at least 187 Ukrainian children who were forcibly brought to Russia and made to become new Russian citizens are languishing in the countrys orphanage system, where theyve been forced to undergo patriotic training and tests for aggression, according to a new report. A joint investigation by the independent Russian-language news outlets Verstka and iStories found a total of 285 children taken from Ukraines Donbas region listed in a Russian database. Some of them, however, have since aged out of the system, been (illegally) adopted into Russian families, or in rare cases, returned to their biological families. Several kids from a boarding school in Ukraines Donetsk region described being rounded up almost a week before Moscows full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Everything happened fast, and no one understood what was happening. They told us to pack everything wed need because we were leaving for three days. The teachers helped us pack small bags, and the next day everyone was already sitting in buses, 17-year-old Marina Kramorova recalled to Verstka and iStories. The kids were then brought onto Russian territory, with some sent to the Rostov region and others sent to Kursk. When we found out this would last for a long time, we were very upset. We wanted to go back, 17-year-old Veronika was quoted as saying. While both accused war criminals Vladimir Putin and his childrens envoy, Maria Lvova-Belova, have sought to portray the mass abduction of Ukrainian kids as a heroic actboasting about generous Russian families giving them love and new homesthe Kremlin has been mum about the Ukrainian children dumped into the countrys orphanage system. Putin: Ill Find New Loving Families for Kids Orphaned by My War Some of them are apparently being primed to serve the Russian military in the future. Every Monday we have a line-up, we sing the Russian anthem, Ksenia, a 16-year-old from the Donetsk region, told Verstka and iStories of her new cadet school in Russias Saratov region. Kids from Donetsk attending the school had to swear an oath to the Russian military, and have routinely had visits from Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, she said, adding that the school is preparing [students] for military action. Ksenia said she is hoping to become a lawyer, but that she might end up going to a military academy because shed been promised benefits as a native of Donetsk. Other kids have described being bullied for being Ukrainian, prompting interventions by Russian psychologists and tests for aggression. Prospective adoptive parents have also complained that the kids snatched up from Ukraine might still be in touch with relatives back home, making them essentially undesirable, according to the report. At any moment relatives might be found in Ukraine and you will have to give [the kids] back, one prospective adoptive parent was quoted saying. Some of the kids have been advised to talk themselves up in short videos shown to potential foster familiesbut their lines are flat-out disturbing. I love puzzles and mosaics. I can dust, clean floors, wash dishes, sweep, says 14-year-old Masha, whos been separated from her younger sisters. I would like to travel-to Italy, says 15-year-old Arina, before similarly billing herself as a potential servant around the house: I know how to clean, wash floors, wipe dust. Im best at cooking rice and buckwheat. 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. Russia's Interior Ministry is increasing its law enforcement presence in occupied Ukraine to strengthen control over civilians and critical infrastructure. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: On 2 April, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev told the Interior Ministry board that the Russian Interior Ministry (MVD) was creating territorial units in occupied Ukraine and that nearly 14,000 police officers, most of whom had previously served in local law enforcement agencies, had been recruited to the occupation police. Kolokoltsev claimed that the MVD had transferred more than 800 officers from Russia to occupied Ukraine and that 1,500 new officers had joined to serve in this area. The MVD has created separate units to maintain order, counter extremism and protect infrastructure in occupied Ukraine. He also said that the MVD has paid increased attention to the protection of critical railway transit facilities and increased mobile patrol police groups in occupied Ukraine to 700 people, who check about 2,500 facilities per day. Russia has also deployed at least 35,000 Rosgvardia officers in temporarily occupied territories, many of whom are likely to perform law enforcement tasks. Earlier, ISW noted that the influx of Russian law enforcement agencies to occupied Ukraine is also likely to be partly aimed at artificially changing the demography of the region by bringing more Russian citizens to the occupied territories. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 2 April: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law on 2 April that lowers the Ukrainian militarys mobilisation age from 27 to 25 years of age. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed on 2 April that Russian forces seized about 400 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in the first three months of 2024 a rate of advance not necessarily reflective of wider Russian offensive prospects due to the impact of US security assistance delays. Ukraine conducted long-range unidentified unmanned aerial systems (UAS) strikes against Russian military production and oil refinery infrastructure in the Republic of Tatarstan, over 1,200 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Russian President Vladimir Putins address at the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) board meeting on 2 April illustrated Russias dissonant response to the 22 March Crocus City Hall terrorist attack as Russian authorities simultaneously pursue law enforcement actions against migrant communities while also baselessly implicating Ukraine. Putin also attempted to address intensified debates about migration that have emerged following the Crocus City Hall attack but continued to express an inconsistent and vague stance on the issue. Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Deputy Chief Major General Vadym Skibitskyi stated on 2 April that the GUR believes that Russian forces will likely temporarily pause strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure in order to replenish low missile stockpiles. US sanctions against Russia continue to impact Russian financial ties to post-Soviet countries, as Kyrgyzstans national payment system Elkart announced on 2 April that it would stop processing transactions using the Russian "Mir" payment system to prevent secondary sanctions. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reportedly proposed a NATO aid package that would send US$100 billion of military assistance to Ukraine over five years. Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Kreminna and Avdiivka amid continued positional engagements along the entire line of contact on 2 April. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu stated on 2 April that the Russian military intends to finish and deploy several newly constructed small missile and patrol ships in 2024. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) is increasing its law enforcement presence in occupied Ukraine in order to intensify Russian control over Ukrainian civilians and strengthen security over critical infrastructure. Support UP or become our patron! Russia hopes to repair all damaged oil refineries by end of spring Russia plans to repair the damaged oil refineries by early June. Source: Interfax, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency, citing the words of Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov "Repairs at the refineries are ongoing. We are planning to bring a number of refineries out of repair in April-May, possibly by early June. All facilities that were damaged will be put back into operation," Shulginov said. Background: The attacks by Ukrainian drones on the Russian oil and gas industry were made possible by increasing the flight range and using AI to recognise terrain and targets. At the same time, such drones are fully autonomous and do not require satellite communications. The authorities of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation reported a drone attack on facilities in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, which resulted in an explosion and injured people; it was reported earlier that Russian Shahed attack drones were being assembled in Yelabuga. Sources said that, as a result of a joint special operation by Ukrainian intelligence and the Security Service of Ukraine, a primary oil refining unit at a refinery in Nizhnekamsk, Russia, was hit. The Astrakhan gas processing plant, owned by Gazprom, had emergency shut down production of petroleum products after repairs the day before. Support UP or become our patron! FILE PHOTO: City without electricity after critical civil infrastructure was hit by Russian missile attacks in Kharkiv FILE PHOTO: City without electricity after critical civil infrastructure was hit by Russian missile attacks in Kharkiv KYIV (Reuters) - Russia fired over 3,000 guided aerial bombs, 600 drones and 400 missiles at Ukraine in March alone, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday. Russia has stepped up its long-range air strike campaign on Ukrainian energy infrastructure over the last two weeks, destroying another chunk of a system already hobbled by previous Russian bombardments during the 25-month full-scale invasion. Separately, Russia has increased its use of guided air-dropped bombs in frontline areas in recent months. These are dropped from warplanes well inside Russian-controlled territory, and glide towards their targets at high speed. For Moscow, they have become an efficient way to drop vast amounts of explosives onto Ukrainian entrenchments and buildings near the front, an approach that favours blast power over accuracy. (Reporting by Max Hunder; editing by Barbara Lewis) MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Wednesday of discrediting international sport and contradicting the principles of the Olympic movement. At her weekly briefing, Zakharova also repeated her call for an inquiry into Bach's actions. Bach was tricked into holding a conversation with Russian pranksters, published on Tuesday, in which he said the IOC had asked Ukraine to provide it with information on Russian athletes and officials as part of a monitoring process. This was to make sure that no athletes who had made political statements in support of their government could take part in this year's Paris Olympics. Zakharova said this amounted to a "conspiracy" between the IOC and Ukraine to exclude strong Russian athletes from the Games. "All this demands deep, thorough analysis, study and investigation. Because people like Thomas Bach discredit world sport, they discredit the Olympic movement," she told reporters. Relations between Russia and the IOC have worsened in the run-up to the Paris Olympics, starting on July 26 where Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete as neutrals, without their flags and anthems, and be excluded from the opening parade. They were initially banned from competing internationally following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". Believing he was speaking to an African sports official, Bach also said in the hoax call that he would be very grateful for help in limiting African participation at a multi-sport Friendship Games that Russia plans to host this year. The IOC said last month that Russia's plan to hold "purely politically motivated sports events" violated the principles of the Olympic charter and countries should not take part in them. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Bach's attitude towards Russia's plans to host international sports events was "unacceptable" and the IOC was damaging the Olympic movement by refusing to dissociate itself from politics. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, Kevin Liffey and Ken Ferris) KYODO NEWS - Apr 3, 2024 - 23:00 | All, World, Japan The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- M7.7 quake in Taiwan kills 9, injures more than 800 TOKYO/TAIPEI - An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday, killing nine people and injuring more than 800 in the territory's strongest temblor in 25 years, while small tsunami reached nearby islands in Japan's southwest. The biggest quake to hit the island since one that struck central Taiwan in 1999 triggered landslides in Hualien County and left 77 people trapped in highway tunnels, local authorities and reports said. Nearly 1,000 people were also reported to have been stranded following the quake at Taroko park, a mountainous area with a number of gorges. ---------- Japan's Kishida, Indonesia's Pres.-elect Prabowo agree on deeper ties TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto agreed Wednesday to deepen cooperation in national security and other fields amid China's growing military and economic clout in the Indo-Pacific region. During talks in Tokyo, Kishida and Prabowo exchanged views on situations in the East and South China seas and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, pledging to maintain close collaboration, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. ---------- Shizuoka gov. to quit as maglev plan delayed, not to retract comments SHIZUOKA, Japan - The governor of Shizuoka Prefecture said Wednesday that he decided to step down from his post believing he has fulfilled his duty in opposing Central Japan Railway Co.'s high-speed maglev train and contributing to its delay. Gov. Heita Kawakatsu abruptly said Tuesday he will resign at the June prefectural assembly, without elaborating. His decision came amid a backlash over a gaffe saying civil servants being inducted into the prefectural government were intelligent people, "unlike those who sell vegetables." ---------- Japan PM Kishida, Ukraine Pres. Zelenskyy hold phone talks TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held phone talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, a government official said, as Japan continues to support Ukraine, which remains under attack by Russia. At a conference in Tokyo in February, Kishida pledged to maintain its reconstruction support to Ukraine in collaboration with the private sector. ---------- Japan ready to support Taiwan following strong quake: PM Kishida TOKYO - Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday that Japan is ready to provide any support necessary to Taiwan, "a neighbor across the sea," following a powerful earthquake that struck off the east coast of the island. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Kishida expressed his sympathy for victims of the magnitude-7.7 temblor that struck earlier in the day. ---------- 18 taken to hospital after lightning strikes football game in Japan MIYAZAKI, Japan - Lightning struck during a football game at a high school sports field in southwestern Japan, leaving two people in serious condition while 16 others were also taken to hospital, local authorities said Wednesday. Police said there are reports of two victims showing no vital signs following the incident at Hosho High School in Miyazaki around 2:30 p.m. ---------- Tsunami warnings prompt evacuation, disrupt transport in south Japan NAHA, Japan - Tsunami warnings issued following a magnitude-7.7 earthquake off Taiwan on Wednesday disrupted air, bus and ferry services, and local residents and tourists were warned to evacuate to higher ground in many islands of Japan's southern prefecture of Okinawa. Tsunami alert sirens sounded on Okinawa Island and several other islands, with some residents frightened while others fleeing calmly. ---------- Baseball: MLB plans March 2025 games in Japan: NPB commissioner TOKYO - Nippon Professional Baseball Commissioner Sadayuki Sakakibara revealed Wednesday that Major League Baseball has set March 19 and 20 as the dates for a season-opening series in Japan next year. Sakakibara, who met MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred last month in South Korea, said, "We spoke about the plan going forward on those dates." Video: Carp streamers in Hokkaido A Russian attack on Kharkiv Oblast injured a 70-year-old man, the National Police in Kharkiv Oblast reported on April 3. The attack hit the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, a small settlement in the region's Kupiansk district that was liberated during Ukraine's 2022 counteroffensive. According to the police report, Russian forces attacked the village at 11:00 a.m. local time. The man was reportedly hospitalized. Settlements in Ukraines Kharkiv Oblast are subjected to near-daily attacks by Russian forces due to their proximity to the border with Russia. Russian forces attacked the village of Novoosynove in Kharkiv Oblast the day prior, killing a man and injuring an 11-year-old boy. 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. A Russian missile strike on Kharkiv Oblast injured a 55-year-old woman, the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported on April 3. No information was provided on the extent of the woman's injuries. The attack hit the city of Merefa, located approximately 27 kilometers southwest of the city of Kharkiv. According to the Prosecutor's Office, the Russian attack occurred around 6 p.m. local time, and damaged several building in the vicinity of the strike. Prosecutors and investigators are on-scene to document the attack. Preliminary information indicates that the attack was carried out using a Russian Kh-59 anti-ship missile. Settlements in Ukraines Kharkiv Oblast are subjected to near-daily attacks by Russian forces due to their proximity to the border with Russia. Earlier in the day, a 70-year-old man was reportedly hospitalized after a Russian attack struck Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi in Kharkiv Oblast. Russian forces also attacked the village of Novoosynove in Kharkiv Oblast on April 2, killing a man and injuring an 11-year-old boy. Read also: Russian attack on Kharkiv Oblast injures man Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces attacked 13 of Ukraine's oblasts over the past day, killing three people and injuring 21, including children, regional authorities said. Russia launched a missile attack against the city of Dnipro in the afternoon on April 2, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak reported. At least 18 people were injured, according to Lysak. Twelve of the injured, including five children, were hospitalized. An educational institution was damaged as a result of the attack, but children were hiding in a bomb shelter when it occurred, Lysak said. According to the governor, four educational institutions in total, as well as nine apartment buildings and 25 cars, were damaged in the city. In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks injured three residents of Mykolaivka on April 2, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Russia attacked 15 settlements of Kharkiv Oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. In the afternoon of April 2, Russian forces struck the village of Novoosynove, reportedly killing a 58-year-old man on the spot. His 11-year-old son died later in the hospital due to suffered injuries, Syniehubov reported. In Kherson Oblast, Russian attacks killed one person, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. The 79-year-old man was killed when Russian forces struck the village of Tokarivka on April 2, authorities said. Four Russian Shahed-type drones were downed by air defenses over the Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, and Cherkasy oblasts, but no casualties were reported. Chernihiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under Russian attacks, but local authorities reported no deaths or injuries. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits drone factory, oil refinery deep inside Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russian Defence Ministry has claimed an increase in the number of people wishing to enlist in the Russian army on a contract basis and noted that most want to go to war in Ukraine, allegedly to avenge the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall near Moscow. Source: Russian Defence Ministry on Telegram Details: "During the interviews held over the past week at recruitment points in Russian cities, most candidates indicated their desire to avenge the victims of the tragedy that occurred on 22 March 2024 in Moscow Oblast as the main motive for signing a contract." Details: The Russian Defence Ministry noted that since the beginning of this year, more than 100,000 people have enlisted in the Russian army under contract. The Russian military claims that in the last 10 days alone, 16,000 people have signed up to fight in Ukraine, and 1,700 people come to recruitment centres every day. Why it matters: Russia is persistently looking for a "Ukrainian trace" in the terrorist attack in Moscow Oblast, despite the fact that the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with CBS News that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin will use the terrorist attack to mobilise Russian society against Ukraine. "He understands that his mobilisation is failing. [] He needs continuous, corresponding actions which could mobilise his society against Ukraine. At least to mobilise the spirit and the morale, which is already low in the occupied territories," the President said. US analysts have stated that after the attack on Crocus City Hall, the Russian authorities will escalate their rhetoric about alleged Western and Ukrainian threats in order to gain more domestic support for the war in Ukraine. Background: The 22 March attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, was the deadliest in Russia in the last 20 years. 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. Vladimir Putin, the head of the Russian Federation, admitted that the terrorist attack on 22 March on Crocus City Hall was carried out by "radical Islamists" but blamed the shooting on "those who are fighting Russia at the hands of the Kyiv regime". John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, has once again refuted Russian leader Vladimir Putin's claims that the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow Oblast had anything to do with Ukraine. The Washington Post, citing unnamed US officials, has stated that the US government informed Russian officials that the Crocus City Hall concert venue was a potential target for terrorists two weeks before the attack. Support UP or become our patron! French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu held a call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu, and expressed "France's solidarity with the victims" of the mass shooting at the Crocus City concert hall outside Moscow on March 22, Le Monde reported on April 3. Lecornu "also strongly condemned the war of aggression that Russia launched in Ukraine and recalled France's support for the Ukrainian people," Le Monde said. The two ministers last spoke in October 2022. Russian state news agency TASS claimed that the call was made "at the urgent request at the French side." Lecornu "tried to convince Shoigu that Kyiv and the West were not involved in the attack on Crocus," and that Islamic State (ISIS) was responsible, TASS claimed. "Shoigu stressed that the investigation launched in connection with the terrorist attack will be completed," TASS said. Despite IS claiming responsibility for the attack and releasing bodycam footage, the Kremlin is attempting to pin the blame on Kyiv for the attack, which killed over 140 people. French President Emmanuel Macron said on March 25 that the group had recently made "several attempts" at attacks on French soil. During the last conversation between the two defense ministers in October 2022, Shoigu made allegations that Ukrainian forces were planning to use a "dirty bomb" or a "small nuclear bomb" on the battlefield. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of Ukraine's President's Office, condemned Shoigus claims as "absurd." Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia preparing to mobilize additional 300,000 troops by June, Kyiv says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia has rebuilt its military after suffering enormous losses during its invasion of Ukraine, according to a U.S. State Department official. We have assessed over the course of the last couple of months that Russia has almost completely reconstituted militarily, said Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell at an event hosted by the Center for a New American Security. Campbells assessment seems to contradict those of the Pentagon and Americas allies in Europe. At a meeting of countries that support Ukraine late last month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that Russia had suffered more than 315,000 casualties during the war. With a drop in American aid, leading to ammunition shortages on Ukraines front lines, Russian forces have advanced. But those too have been costly, the Pentagon has said. In an interview earlier this year, the chair of Lithuanias national security committee estimated it would take Russia between five and seven years to reconstitute its forces for a full-scale war. Still Moscow has surged defense spending since 2022 up to 6% of national GDP in its 2024 budget. The rise is part of a larger effort by the Kremlin to move its economy, and in particular its defense industry, onto a wartime footing. Part of its success comes from Chinas support, along with that from North Korea and Iran. Both Campbell and another senior administration official, speaking with reporters this week on the condition of anonymity, said that China has helped its partner endure economic and military setbacks in the last two years. Weve really seen the [Peoples Republic of China] start to help to rebuild Russias defense industrial base, essentially backfilling the trade from European partners that lapsed when Russia invaded, the official said. President Joe Biden addressed this concern in a call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping Tuesday, according to a White House readout. Moscows success has added pressure to the government in Kyiv, which this week lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 amid losses on the front lines. Ukraine is still hoping for a giant infusion of American aid still held up in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson has so far refused to call that national security supplemental for a vote, though he recently signaled one could come under certain conditions. Without it, Ukraines armed forces will continue needing to ration ammunition and air defense on the front lines and around the country. Still, that doesnt mean the front lines are verging on collapse, said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown. Does it make it more complicated, more challenging for the Ukrainians without the supplemental yes, said Brown at an event hosted last week by the Defense Writers Group. But theyve been able to defend fairly well. A Russian missile attack against the Krasnopillia community in Sumy Oblast on the morning of April 3 killed one person and injured two, the regional military administration reported. The two wounded residents included a man and his four-year-old son, officials said without elaborating on their condition. A shop, a cultural center, and five cars were reportedly damaged as a result of the attack. "All necessary services are working on site," the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported. The town of Krasnopillia lies more than 10 kilometers (six miles) west of the border with Russia's Belgorod Oblast. Residents of the vulnerable communities along Sumy Oblast's northeastern border experience daily attacks from nearby Russian forces. Russia has intensified assaults in recent weeks, leading to large-scale evacuations from the region. Read also: Budanov says Russian 1.5 ton bomb dropped on Sumy Oblast has been used before Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Reuters) -A Russian missile attack on Tuesday damaged an educational facility in Ukraine's city of Dnipro and injured 18 people, local authorities said. Twelve people remained in hospital, including five children, Serhiy Lysak, the regional governor, said on Telegram. He described the scale of injuries as moderate. Russia has recently stepped up its attacks on Ukraine, carrying out the largest strike on grid infrastructure during the two-year-old war on March 22. It has also increased usage of harder-to-intercept ballistic missiles. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians, though the war that began with a full-scale invasion in February 2022 has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, the uprooting of millions and the destruction of Ukrainian towns and cities. (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Ron Popeski and Jamie Freed) The vessel Atlantic Navigator II has been held in dock at the seaport of Rostock (Germany) for three weeks after enriched uranium was found on board. Source: liga.net, a business news portal, citing German newspaper Norddeutsche Neueste Nachrichten Details: It is noted that the enriched uranium was intended for US nuclear power plants. The vessel has been banned from leaving the port due to a violation of EU sanctions. It left the Russian city of St Petersburg and was not supposed to enter a German port. However, the ship's engine failed, forcing it to stop for repairs in Rostock. Customs found goods subject to EU sanctions and banned the vessel from continuing its journey. The Atlantic Navigator II was also carrying birch timber. Customs found that the timber came from the wood mills of a Russian oligarch on the EU sanctions list. The company that owns the Russian vessel filed a protest against the detention order, but it was not upheld. Background: In February, the NS Leader, a vessel owned directly by the Russian Federation, was heading to the Baltic Sea but was forced to turn around after being informed of the imposed sanctions. Support UP or become our patron! KYODO NEWS - Apr 3, 2024 - 19:06 | All, Japan A Japanese high court judge was impeached Wednesday for posting on social media in 2017 messages that were found offensive to the bereaved family of a high school girl murdered two years earlier, marking the first time a judge has been dismissed over the expression of views. The Judge Impeachment Court deemed the series of posts made by Kiichi Okaguchi of the Sendai High Court, who is currently suspended from duty, constituted "gross misconduct" beyond the scope of freedom of expression. With no option to appeal, the ruling means that Okaguchi will lose his legal qualifications for at least five years. The 58-year-old is the eighth judge to be dismissed by the court to date for misconduct, with the last judge dismissed around 11 years ago for secretly taking underskirt photos of a woman on a train. Okaguchi was indicted for 13 posts made in relation to the 2015 murder of high school student Kana Iwase, who was 17 at the time of her death. In 2017, he posted on his personal Twitter account that Iwase was "mercilessly" murdered by a "man who has the propensity to be sexually aroused by watching a woman being strangled and agonized." Almost two years after the tweet, he posted on Facebook that "the bereaved family has been brainwashed by the Tokyo High Court office and others to criticize me." In handing down the ruling, Presiding Judge Hajime Funada said that Okaguchi had also "damaged the honor" of the victim's family with his subsequent post. In a damages suit brought by the victim's family, the Tokyo High Court in January ordered Okaguchi to pay 440,000 yen ($2,900) in damages for part of his social media posts, upholding a lower court decision. The ruling was later finalized. FILE - Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev attends a session of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. The head of Russia's national security council on Wednesday contended that the United States shares blame for the attack by gunmen on a Moscow concert hall that killed 144 people, even though a branch of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility. (Sergei Guneyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) TALLINN, Estonia (AP) The head of Russia's national security council on Wednesday contended that the United States shares blame for the attack by gunmen on a Moscow concert hall that killed 145 people, even though a branch of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility. Since the March 22 attack at the Crocus City Hall, the deadliest on Russian soil in two decades, Russian officials including President Vladimir Putin have repeatedly claimed, without presenting evidence, that it was organized by Ukraine, which has been fighting a Russian invasion for more than two years. An affiliate of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and Kyiv has consistently denied involvement. They are trying to impose on us that the terrorist act was committed not by the Kyiv regime, but by supporters of radical Islamic ideology, perhaps members of the Afghan branch of IS, security council head Nikolai Patrushev said at a meeting in the Kazakhstan capital Astana of security councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The SCO is a nine-country regional security and economic bloc that includes China, India and Iran. However, it is much more important to quickly establish who is the customer and sponsor of this monstrous crime. Its traces lead to the Ukrainian special services. But everyone knows that the Kyiv regime is not independent and is completely controlled by the United States," Patrushev said. Four suspected gunmen were captured the day after the attack in the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. Putin and other officials claim that the gunmen had arranged for passage into Ukraine. Six other suspected accomplices have also been arrested. Russias emergencies ministry gave the death toll in the attack as 144, but childrens rights ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova said Wednesday that a sixth child injured in the attack had died. The attack came two weeks after the United States Embassy in Russia issued a warning that it was monitoring reports of planned terrorist attacks on public targets. The U.S. State Department said information about the planned attacks was passed on to Russian officials. Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday declined comment in a conference call on a report in the Washington Post that U.S. officials had specifically identified Crocus City Hall as a potential target, saying that was a matter for security services. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova disdained the report, telling journalists at a briefing that I would really like to ask you to receive factual material on this topic from the American side. That is, when and to whom did they transmit this information. Also Wednesday, the Russian prosecutor-general's office sent information requests to the U.S., Germany, France and Cyprus over Western countries potential involvement in terrorist attacks on Russia, state news agency Tass reported. What can you get at Sams, Costco and BJs without a membership? Take a look Feeling excluded, like the neighborhood kids started a club and you want to join just to make sure youre not missing out? Thats the whole point of the membership warehouse phenomenon, which got its start in the 1950s offering low-priced goods to underpaid federal workers living in California. Today, retail analysts say, stores such as Costco, Sams Club and BJs Wholesale generate hundreds of billions of dollars in annual sales to customers who pay to get in and wander around searching for the 2,400-sheet pack of Post-It notes and the last gallon of pancake syrup theyll ever need. But lets say youre not a joiner, and the promise of huge quantities and itty-bitty markups hasnt enticed you to commit to a 12-month basic or premium membership. Do you still wonder what it might be like to shop for an intimate dinner in a store the size of a Manhattan city block? Have you wanted to just go in and look around? It wouldnt be a club if they let just anybody in, so no, none of these places allow tourists to enjoy the same benefits as paying members. If they dont ask for your card when you come in, theyll need it when you check out. But each one allows non-members a limited amount of access, just enough to let you know how much better it would be if you joined the fold. READ MORE: How can you save money at Costco, Sams and BJs? Some shopping tips for warehouse clubs BJs Warehouse In-store shopping: Membership is not required to enter the warehouse. You can walk all around looking at the big-screen TVs and beauty-school-sized shampoos, but you cant buy any of them without a card. Free temporary passes are no longer offered. Online shopping: Non-members can look at items offered online but cant make purchases. Optical shop: No membership is needed to use the optical shop, where you can get prescriptions for glasses or contacts through a consultation with a virtual eye doctor. Prices are the same as members pay. Appointments are recommended. Pharmacy: BJs stores no longer have pharmacies. Cafes: Many BJs dont have cafes. Sams Club In-store: Membership is not required to enter the warehouse and admire the gross tonnage. But you cant buy anything without a card. Online shopping: Non-members can shop online by creating a free guest account. Orders are subject to a 10% non-member surcharge. Optical shop: Non-members can get eye exams in stores that have professionals on site, but a membership is needed to purchase prescription eyewear. Pharmacy: No membership required. Cafe: No membership required. Costco In-store shopping: Membership is required to enter and shop the warehouse. Online shopping: No membership required. Not all items offered in stores are available online, and orders for non-members are subject to a 5% surcharge. Optical shop: Non-members can get eye exams but cant purchase eyewear. Pharmacy: No membership required. Cafe: Membership is required to eat in the food court. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus is defending both his actions and those of his deputies following new revelations and video that surfaced this week related to the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old girl by deputies in 2022. New video and audio recordings became public Monday that depicted the deadly shootings of Savannah Graziano and her father, Anthony Graziano, by sheriff's deputies on Nov. 27, 2022, alongside the 15 Freeway in Hesperia. More: New video released in deadly 2022 shooting of 15-year-old girl by deputies in Hesperia The video and audio recordings reveal that deputies shot and killed Savannah Graziano as she obeyed the commands of a deputy and attempted to surrender amid a gun battle between deputies and Anthony Graziano following a vehicle pursuit. "Stop shooting her... Stop," a deputy is heard shouting to fellow deputies as they continued directing gunfire into Savannah Graziano's body. "She's OK, he is in the car. Stop." Savanna Graziano, 15, was fatally shot by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies, along with her father, Anthony Graziano, 45, on Nov. 27, 2022. An Amber Alert had been issued for Savannah Graziano after her father apparently abducted her on Nov. 26, 2022, after fatally shooting her mother in Fontana sheriff's and Fontana Police Department officials said at the time. Authorities have not said how many times she was shot or by how many deputies. After the Sheriff's Department declined to comment on the video Monday, Sheriff Dicus released a written statement on Tuesday night addressing the shooting. "Immediately following the incident, I shared preliminary information and answered questions from the media to maintain transparency throughout the process," Dicus said. "However, I turned over the investigation to the Department of Justice pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506." San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus discusses the fatal shooting of Savannah Graziano, 15, in a video posted to social media on Nov. 28, 2022. The video's release had been delayed due to a "ransomware attack that delayed providing DOJ the requested information," Dicus said. The reported cyber attack took place in April of 2023, five months after the deputy-involved shooting. "As of March 29, 2024, all the requested information has been provided," Dicus said. "My hope is that this video will be watched in its entirety and provide insight into the unfortunate events that unfolded that day," he said. "There has been speculation and misrepresentations about this case, and I would ask the public to allow the DOJ to complete its independent investigation before reaching a conclusion." Sheriff's officials have previously declined to say whether Savannah Graziano had been killed by deputies' bullets or those of her father. Sheriff's officials did report, however, that she was wearing a tactical helmet and body armor when she was fatally shot. It could not be discerned from the video if Savannah Graziano was wearing tactical gear and a helmet when deputies shot her. It appeared she was unarmed as she obeyed the deputy's commands to walk toward him. The DOJ investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and a public report will be filed once it has been completed, according to the California Attorney General's Office. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: San Bernardino County Sheriff responds to fatal teen video shooting San Diego County water supply will last through 2024, and longer, thanks to recent wet winters SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The San Diego County Water Authority has announced the countys water supply is enough to meet the regions needs for the entire year and possibly longer thanks to recent wet winters. The water authority announced Tuesday consecutive wet winters, combined with investments and conservation by residents and businesses, has resulted in a plentiful water supply that will continue to meet the regions needs for 2024 and the foreseeable future. Water supply strong in San Diego area, county water authority says The announcement came after the California Department of Water Resources performed its fourth snowpack survey of the year on Tuesday, confirming that the early winters snow drought gave way to a slightly above normal snowpack following a series of storms. According to the California Department of Water Resources, California gets 75% of its rain and snow from the watersheds north of Sacramento, however 80% of water demand comes from the southern two-thirds of the state. The 2023 water year started with heavy drought conditions, but thanks to above-average amounts of rain and snow, the regions water supply is in good shape this year. As of early March 2024, San Diego County had already exceeded its annual average rainfall, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported. San Diego County has exceeded annual rainfall average since Oct. 1 However, San Diego cannot rely solely on rain to supply its water needs. The city purchases 85% to 90% of its water, which is imported from Northern California and the Colorado River. Wet years are the right time to prepare for the inevitable dry years. Thats why were working every day to explore creative deals that help us reduce water rate pressures for San Diegans, enhance our long-term water security, and help our neighbors meet their needs for drought resilient water supplies, said Dan Denham, Water Authority General Manager. The water authority reports reservoirs across California are nearly full at the start of the heaviest water-use months a rare occurrence in the arid Southwest. From 2020 to 2022, the state suffered severe drought conditions that forced water use reductions for millions of residents. The water authority says it will be selling or transferring some of its surplus water to areas with greater needs; a similar deal in late 2023 saved the San Diego region around $20 million. What uses most of Californias water supply? We are in a new era in water management for San Diego County, an era marked by collaboration, creativity and efficiency, Denham said. The Water Authority is leading the way with strategic alliances that create multiple benefits for San Diego County and the larger region. The water authority noted San Diego County has been insulated from drought water cutbacks over the past decade because of long-term investments in secure water supplies. The region has cut back water demand, reducing water use per capita by more than 50% since 1990. The San Diego region is also home to the nations largest seawater desalination plant, and the nations largest ag-to-urban water conservation-and-transfer agreement. You can now track the most current local and statewide water conditions in your region, and even your neighborhood, on the California Water Watch website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston is pushing for a 1984 law that never went into effect because it was vetoed by then-mayor Dianne Feinstein. On Tuesday, Preston introduced the Neighborhood Grocery Protection Act. The legislation seeks to resurrect a law that was passed by the Board of Supervisors in 1984 and swiftly vetoed by Feinstein, according to Prestons office. The act would require community involvement before a grocery store can close in a neighborhood. Grocery stores would also be required to give six-months notice prior to closing. It was a good idea in 1984, and its an even better idea now, Preston said. Our communities need notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a transition plan when major neighborhood grocery stores plan to shut their doors. Meeting the food security needs of our seniors and families cannot be left to unilateral backroom decisions by massive corporate entities. Prestons plan was drawn up after a Safeway store in the Fillmore neighborhood abruptly announced its plan to close in early March. The store located at 1335 Webster Street had served the neighborhood for decades. A public outcry from residents followed, and after some political wrangling with city leaders, Safeway later agreed to keep the store open until January 2025. San Francisco convinces Safeway to keep store in Fillmore open Prestons office wrote, After doing extensive research to help push back on the imminent closure, Supervisor Prestons team found a 1984 law written in response to an abrupt closure of a Safeway at Bush and Larkin Streets, where residents were given only one weeks notice of the closure. The new Grocery Protection Act mirrors prior efforts from 40 years ago to require the following: Six-months notice prior to close of a neighborhood-serving grocery store Requirement to meet with community members prior to closure Requirement to explore a replacement supermarket Food insecurity is on the rise, especially for seniors and families, as food prices skyrocket and food programs face major cuts, Preston said. We need to be doing everything in our power to maintain access to groceries in our neighborhoods. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. The province announced it will spend $137,000 on a University of Saskatchewan college of pharmacy and nutrition pilot project called the advanced pharmacy prescribing training program. (David Donnelly/CBC - image credit) A new pilot program aims to give Saskatchewan pharmacists more prescribing power. The province is giving $137,000 to the University of Saskatchewan's college of pharmacy and nutrition for the pilot, called the advanced pharmacy prescribing training program. The training will give pharmacists the ability to prescribe and manage medication for a variety of chronic conditions, including asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity, heart failure and hypertension. The goal is to have 20 pharmacists start the training in January 2025 and be done by spring 2025. Minister of Advanced Education Gordon Wyant said on Wednesday at the announcement that having pharmacists able to make these prescriptions will not only benefit the people accessing them, but also alleviate pressures on family doctors. "They can currently prescribe for a number of minor ailments, but this is going to really fulfil the opportunity for pharmacists to prescribe their full scope," said Wyant. "Usually pharmacists are the first point of contact for a lot of people, especially in rural Saskatchewan." The government said the pilot will help Saskatchewan align with other provinces like Alberta and Nova Scotia, where there are similar services. Danielle Larocque is the Associate Director of USask Continuing Pharmacy Education and MedSask. She said she hopes rural pharmacies get involved in the program. Danielle Larocque is the associate director of continuing pharmacy education for the U of S and MedSask. She said she hopes rural pharmacies get involved in the program. (Liam O'Connor/CBC) Danielle Larocque, associate director of continuing pharmacy education for both the U of S and Med Sask, said the course is mostly online work, with some in-person and hands-on training. She said the program is for practicing pharmacists and not graduate students at the university, and there are about 20 pharmacists taking the course. "The goal [is to have] them completed and ready to be doing this advanced prescribing by spring next year," said Larocque. As for the potential additional workload pharmacists could face with more prescribing responsibilities, Larocque said she's confident they'll be able to take it on. "I think it'll be a different setting than what we currently see in the dispensary. They'll be stepping away these pharmacists, from that dispensing role, and they'll be focusing on this. So pharmacy and health care in Saskatchewan will look different." So far it has not been decided who will be taking the course or where in Saskatchewan the participants will be from. Larocque said one factor will be whether the pharmacy they work at will facilitate the new kind of practice that would come with this training. "We are hoping that rural pharmacies, you know, smaller towns across Saskatchewan really embrace this." SC countys former top official gets 10 years in prison for dealing drugs in office For five years until his arrest in 2020, Kenneth Shane Stuart was the top elected official in South Carolinas Chester County. On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Stuart to 10 years in prison for dealing drugs and misconduct in office. S.C. Circuit Judge Eugene Griffith handed down a 10-year sentence for charges of meth trafficking, meth distribution, misconduct in office and conspiracy, S.C. Assistant Attorney General David Fernandez said. The drug trafficking is a no-parole offense, so Stuart must serve 85% of that before he is eligible for release. Stuart, 50, previously pleaded guilty to the charges in 2022, but was not sentenced on all of them until Wednesday. He receives about 18 months credit for time served because he has been in prison since he pleaded guilty in October 2022. So, he could be released in about seven years, prosecutors said. From top Chester County official to jail As county supervisor, Stuart chaired the county council, oversaw hundreds of employees and managed the countys $28 million dollar budget. He drove a county truck with the Chester County seal and his name on the door. The county is mostly rural, with a population of about 32,000 between Columbia and Rock Hill. He also sold methamphetamine out of his county truck to try and avoid police detection for the drugs he moved into neighboring York and Lancaster counties, prosecutors said. Fernandez told Judge Griffith that Stuart was a drug addict who became involved with others in the drug business in 2020. Very clearly, Mr. Stuart was addicted to methamphetamine, Fernandez said. He did have a drug problem ... He consumed methamphetamine daily. Stuarts drug schemes fell apart in September 2020 when he was arrested. A statewide grand jury investigating corruption in Chester County indicted Stuart for his drug dealing and other public misdeeds. He was immediately suspended from office by S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster. Judge Eugene Griffith sentences Shane Stuart to 10 years in prison Wednesday at the Chester County Courthouse. When Stuart was arrested at his Chester County home in 2020, police found meth, guns, scales and a hidden storage area. He also coordinated a scam to steal county vehicle catalytic converters that have valuable metals inside and pocket the cash. Prosecutors asked for a sentence of seven to 15 years. Prosecutors: Stuart had to be held accountable Stuart violated the trust of the citizens of Chester County, Fernandez said. He had a promising station in life and a career, Fernandez said. But in his position of authority and as a public official, there has to be accountability for that. South Carolina State Grand Jury Chief Attorney Creighton Waters, who worked on the case for years, told The Herald prosecutors moved quickly in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to seek indictments because of the drug involvement and Stuarts position of authority in Chester County. This was as whirlwind a State Grand Jury investigation as we have done, and it was right in the middle of COVID, Waters said in a statement to The Herald Wednesday. It was important that we get methamphetamine out of the county supervisors office as quickly as possible. Todays result closes the chapter of Shane Stuart with firm but fair accountability. S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson said in a statement to The Herald his office remains committed to fighting both drug trafficking and public corruption. The State Grand Jury case of Shane Stuart involved both, Wilson said. Wilson praised the work of the Chester County Sheriffs Office, State Law Enforcement Division, and 6th Circuit prosecutors for their work in the case. Stuart apologizes for letting Chester down Stuart appeared in court Wednesday wearing a S.C. Department of Corrections jumpsuit. He told Judge Griffith he was in a deep depression when he started using drugs and became involved in illegal activity. Stuart was contrite for his misdeeds. Some of the things I have done are bad, very bad, Stuart said in court. I want to apologize. This has hurt a lot of people. Stuart said he spent 16 years in law enforcement as a Chester County Sheriffs Office deputy and corrections officer, and six years serving in Afghanistan in the military. He then ran for office. I know better than what I have done, Stuart said. Stuart asked for leniency on sentencing because he wants to again help Chester County when he is released. I am trying to better myself, Stuart said. One day I will be out and will help the community once again. Stuart cooperated with police Final sentencing was delayed until Wednesday because Stuart cooperated with South Carolina state police and prosecutors into an ongoing drug and corruption investigation after he was arrested, prosecutors said. Fernandez said Stuarts information to law enforcement and cooperation was important to an investigation that remains ongoing. Stuart was not the leader of the drug scheme, but he was drawn into it through drug use and his position as Chester supervisor, Fernandez said. Ed Martin, Stuarts lawyer, asked that Stuart get the lowest possible sentence because hes gone through treatment in prison. He also noted Stuart cooperated with the police investigation. Another man in the scheme, Ace Donovan Hembree, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2023, according to prosecutors and court records. Hembree was a former Chester County animal control director who was hired by Stuart. Hembree appeared briefly in the same court Wednesday. He has asked the court for a sentence reduction, but that matter was not resolved Wednesday and remains pending, the judge and prosecutors said Wednesday. Scale of 1 to 4: Travel advisories might shape your next foreign adventure out of Charlotte Scale of 1 to 4: Travel advisories might shape your next foreign adventure out of Charlotte CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Its officially Spring Break for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and surrounding districts and that means many families are taking the chance to travel. If youre already looking ahead to summer vacations and that travel takes you to another country, theres an extra step you might want to consider as you pack your bags. Rachael Weiss, a Weddington mom of two, is taking to the slopes this year for Spring Break but is very familiar with family trips overseas. Whenever they take those trips, she always checks the U.S Department of State website for travel advisories. When we were pregnant with our second, it was around the same the time of the Zika virus and we were supposed to go to Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic and it was high on the list and we completely recalibrated our whole trip, she said. Those advisories cover more than just viruses and include several different areas to inform Americans about their safety and security in another country. Those levels are rated on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 being exercise normal precautions, and level 4 being do not travel. Charlotte attorney Marcel McCrea explained that officials take several things into account when designating those levels. MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS Travel News Those include petty theft, violent crimes, natural disasters, weather, health outbreaks, civil unrest and risk of kidnapping, he said. McCrae is also a seasoned traveler himself; having visited 43 different countries. He said while the rankings can see alarming, they actually a very helpful tool. I would recommend that folks get as much education as they can about a particular destination prior to visiting, he said. Attorney Marcel McCreas travel adventures. While more obvious Level 4 countries include Afghanistan, Haiti, and Russia, a popular tropical destination thats only a 3-hour non-stop flight from Charlotte is also high on the list. Jamaica currently is listed as a Level 3, which means reconsider travel. Whats scary is if they say its a Level 3, because people are breaking into resorts and stealing your things or drugging you at your restaurants, Weiss said. That is scary. According to the Department of State website, those are some of the things officials are seeing on the island, listing violent crimes as common, adding that sexual assaults happen frequently even at resorts. I think sometimes its also about just knowing your surroundings and paying attention. People who dont travel often, this is probably going to be pretty alarming to them, Weiss explained. Even U.S government workers are prohibited from going to certain parts of Jamaica. The department does list some suggestions if travelers choose to go to high risk areas, including designating a power of attorney before you go, along with leaving a will, and even a DNA sample with your doctor. Countries labeled in red like Afghanistan are designated do not travel by the U.S. State Department. McCrae said these are just legal steps to make sure things are taken care of while youre away. A power of attorney will allow you to name an agent who can conduct affairs for you and on your behalf, while you may be stuck in a destination, he said. If an extreme scenario happens and you happen to die while youre there, then obviously a will allows you to have all your affairs and things While most people dont plan family trips to Level 3 and Level 4 areas, Weiss said at the end of the day, travel is supposed to be fun and memorable, so travelers need to make the best choices for them. If its something that pops up and its bad, make the decision that works for your family. I think the decisions I make for my husband and I might and maybe just for me myself, might be a little bit different than what we would do for our with our kids, she said, I would just take a breath, do a little bit of homework, and be prepared. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. KYODO NEWS - Apr 3, 2024 - 06:23 | All, World U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday confirmed in phone talks the importance of enhanced high-level bilateral dialogue to stabilize relations while pressing their respective cases over topics such as territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Taiwan-related issues. As part of efforts to boost communication, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit China on Thursday and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will also travel there in the coming weeks, according to a U.S. government official. The call followed a summit meeting between Biden and Xi last November near San Francisco, where they agreed to responsibly manage the competition between their nations and prevent unintended conflict. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Washington will send Yellen and Blinken to "avoid miscalculation and promote cooperation, so as to advance the relationship on a stable path and jointly respond to global challenges." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun will also talk over the phone "soon," the U.S. official said. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Biden and Xi talked for about 90 minutes. "We believe that there is no substitute for regular communication at the leader level to effectively manage this complex and often-tense bilateral relationship," he said. "Both presidents agreed to pick up the phone and speak when needed." Biden and Xi talked as Washington criticized Chinese coast guard actions against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Biden is scheduled to host a trilateral summit with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines on April 11 in Washington. During Tuesday's talks with Xi, Biden emphasized the importance of "the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea," the White House said. In the latest incident, which happened on March 23, the Chinese Coast Guard fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel on a mission to the Manila-controlled Second Thomas Shoal in the area. Biden and Xi held talks for the first time since Lai Ching-te of the Taiwanese ruling Democratic Progressive Party was elected in January to become the island's next president. The Chinese ministry said Xi told Biden that "the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations." Taiwan and mainland China have been separately governed since they split due to a civil war in 1949. Beijing has condemned Lai, who is slated to assume the presidency in May, as an independence advocate. Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during Tuesday's talks with Xi, the White House said. Washington continues to uphold its "one-China policy," under which it recognizes Beijing as the sole legal government of China, the official added. The White House said Biden and Xi discussed counternarcotics cooperation and risks related to artificial intelligence. The U.S. official said the two governments are working on addressing the scourge of illicit narcotics trafficking and aim to hold a bilateral meeting in the coming weeks on managing the risks and challenges posed by advanced forms of artificial intelligence. In January, Biden's top security aide Jake Sullivan and China's top diplomat Wang Yi agreed in their meeting in Bangkok that the two countries would aim for telephone talks between their leaders in the spring. Blinken and Wang agreed in Munich in February that senior officials should follow up on their discussions on North Korea and the Middle East as they met on the sidelines of a security conference. As Russia's invasion of Ukraine has entered its third year, Biden "raised concerns" with Xi over China's support for Russia's defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security, the White House said. MARSHFIELD Marshfield-area voters headed to the polls Tuesday to select candidates for a variety of elected positions across the city and county. There were contested races for three seats on the Marshfield City Council, one seat on the Wood County Board and three seats on the Marshfield School Board. Here are the results of those races. Marshfield City Council, District 1 Incumbent Michael J. Feirer will continue serving in the District 1 seat on the Marshfield City Council after defeating challenger Gina Morrell by a margin of only six votes. Marshfield City Council members serve two-year terms. Five of the council's seats were up for election this spring. Michael Feirer: 109 (51.4%) Gina Morrell: 103 (48.6%) Marshfield City Council, District 3 Natasha Tompkins Incumbent Natasha Tompkins will continue serving in the District 3 seat on the Marshfield City Council after defeating challenger Mathew Samson. Tompkins, 50, is a family nurse practitioner with a bachelors degree in biology from Wheaton College in Illinois. Tompkins also holds a masters degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University and a masters degree in Christian studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Natasha Tompkins: 411 (62.2%) Mathew Samson: 250 (37.8%) Marshfield City Council District 7 Brian Giles Incumbent Brian Giles will continue serving in the District 7 seat on the Marshfield City Council after defeating challenger Tim Moen. Giles, 49, works in technical services at Nelson Jameson and attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and UW-Marshfield/Wood County. He has served for one year as the District 7 representative on the City Council. Brian Giles: 289 (56.6%) Tim Moen: 222 (43.4%) Marshfield School Board Challengers Karen Ott, Steven Kizer and Nicole Forst defeated incumbents Frances Bohon and S.A.M. Steiner and challenger Richard Kranz for three seats on the Marshfield School Board. School Board members serve three-year terms. The board consists of seven members. Current School Board member Karen Shulman did not seek reelection. Karen Ott Ott, 59, is a retired English teacher with a bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a masters degree in teaching English from UW-Stevens Point. She was a teacher in the district for 32 years. Steven Kizer Kizer, 47, is a cardiovascular technologist in Marshfields Cardiac Cath Lab, holds a degree in respiratory therapy and has continued education to become a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist. He has also served as a non-commissioned officer and leader of Marines. Nicole Forst Forst, 41, is an IT project manager and holds a bachelors degree in business administration with a minor in psychology. Forst has children in the school district and volunteers in classrooms and has run events with the parent-teacher organization. Karen Ott: 4,058 (22.6%) Steven Kizer: 3,493 (19.5%) Nicole Forst: 2,967 (16.5%) Frances Bohon: 2,678 (14.9%) Richard Kranz: 2,478 (13.8%) S.A.M. Steiner: 2,283 (12.7%) Wood County Board, District 1 Wayne Schulz Wayne Schulz won the District 1 seat on the Wood County Board, defeating incumbent Dave LaFontaine. Schulz, 63, graduated from Spencer High School and worked at the Beatrice cheese factory in Marshfield. Schulz worked at the Marshfield Police Department as a dispatcher before serving as a deputy at the Wood County Sheriffs Department. After 20 years as a deputy, Schulz became an investigator sergeant for the north end of Wood County and investigated structure fires throughout the county. Wood County Board members serve a two-year term. All 19 County Board seats were up for election this spring. Wayne Schulz: 639 (59.3%) Dave LaFontaine: 439 (40.7%) More local news: Here's how a tax settlement between Marshfield Clinic and the city of Marshfield impacts taxpayers A solar eclipse is coming April 8: Heres what you can expect in Marshfield, Stevens Point, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids. Contact Caitlin at cshuda@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda. This article originally appeared on Marshfield News-Herald: April 2024 election results: Marshfield City Council, School Board Scientists warn of evolving weather patterns following hottest winter on record: 'It was quite a jump' The United States just experienced its warmest winter in over 130 years of record-keeping and possibly ever. What happened? Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that this past winter was a whopping 5.4F hotter than the long-term average. That shatters the previous record from 2015 to 2016 by 0.8F, earning 2023's final season the nickname "The Lost Winter." "It was quite a jump on the previous record it wasn't a photo finish, it was a decisive new record," Karin Gleason, chief of monitoring at NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information, told the Guardian. Many of the coldest states, like New York, Minnesota, and Michigan, set new winter heat records. Instead of the usual snow, many regions got rain, making it one of the wettest winters, too, especially out west. Los Angeles received triple its average February rainfall. Why is the lost winter concerning? This lost winter is part of an alarming trend. Data shows the coldest places and times of year are warming the fastest. "We will still have cold weather in the winter, but this year we just had one real episode of cold weather the rest of it was very mild," Gleason explained. "The overall trend is that we are trending to warmer winters." Average temperatures are climbing year-round because of atmospheric pollution from carbon and methane, according to the United Nations. This winter heat wave led to bizarre weather, such as the largest wildfire in Texas history and the first February tornado ever recorded in Wisconsin. Climate scientist Michael Mann warned, per the Guardian, "We should expect to continue to break heat records year after year until carbon emissions reach zero." What's being done about it? We can live more sustainably by using cleaner, cheaper energy. Building a safe future is like a Lego set. Each block is a choice: installing an electric stove, using a reusable water bottle, or fixing leaky faucets. The blocks are colorful and varied, but they all build toward the same positive outcome. Here are a few easy swaps that can save you cash while helping the planet: Trade in your gas stove for an electric induction model to cook faster and make your indoor air healthier. Cut back on red meat. Choosing chicken over beef just once a day reduces air pollution. Join the 6.1 million Americans already composting. It keeps food waste out of landfills, where it releases polluting gases. By turning climate worries into daily actions, we can each do our part. "This is once again a reminder of the urgency in taking action on climate," Mann said. Our choices really do add up. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Search for possible fourth fatality in Zermatt avalanche called off The Swiss ski resort of Zermatt with the backdrop of the Matterhorn. Bernd Weibrod/dpa The search for a skier still missing after the Easter weekend avalanche in Switzerland's Zermatt municipality has been called off, police said on Wednesday. The 30-year-old man was reported missing only recently. Police are in contact with his relatives. Three victims have now been identified. They include a 15-year-old US national, a 58-year old Swiss man and a 25-year-old Canadian woman. Another skier, a 20-year-old Swiss national, was flown to hospital with serious injuries after the avalanche, which took place on Easter Monday. The avalanche came down on an off-piste area of the Riffelberg, which lies below the Matterhorn. Swiss prosecutors are investigating the deaths in coordination with the local police. How these California Congressmen could help decide whether besieged Ukraine gets more aid With the government spending bill fight behind him, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is on a fundraising trip to California this week as pressure grows on the Republican leader to find a way through the Ukraine funding morass. Johnson, R-La., has indicated in recent days he is moving closer to allowing a House vote authorizing more aid to the war-ravaged nation, even as right-wing firebrands within his party opposed to the move threaten to oust him. Johnson headlined a fundraiser in Newport Beach April 3, hosted by the local chapter of the congressman's joint fundraising committee Grow the Majority. Tickets ranged from $1,000 a head to $50,000 for the "Event Chair" seats, which included a photo opportunity, head table seating and VIP tickets to the reception. California Reps. Young Kim and Michelle Steel were expected to join Johnson as special guests, along with two Republican candidates in competitive U.S. House races, former assemblyman Scott Baugh and Matt Gunderson. Baugh is running in one of the state's critical races, hoping to flip Rep. Katie Porter's open seat in the 47th district, which encompasses Irvine, Laguna and Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa. Similarly, Gunderson is also fighting to flip a Democrat-held district in the 49th, held by Rep. Mike Levin. That district stretches from northern San Diego County to southern Orange County. Though California's House delegation is dominated by Democrats, the state has 11 current Republican representativesdown one following former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ouster late-2023. A handful of these California Republicans could play crucial roles in the vote for more aid, a point sure to hang over Wednesday's fundraiser. Here is a run-down of how the state's GOP House representatives have weighed in on the issue. More: Senate kills sweeping border, foreign aid deal even as lawmakers eye Israel, Ukraine funding U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., returns to his office after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., introduced a motion to vacate Johnson at the U.S. Capitol on March 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. How California Republicans voted on the last major aid packages for Ukraine Congress passed four pieces of legislation in 2022 authorizing $113 billion in total aid for Ukraine following Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of that year. The first stand-alone bill for additional funds passed May 2022 without a single California House member voting against it, but the third funding package providing another $3 billion marked a shift. All 11 of the state's Republicans cast nay votes, hewing party line. Later that year, the then-Democratic majority passed a $1.66 trillion government spending bill that included more emergency assistance for Ukraine among many other programs, voted against by nearly all House Republicans, including California's. Following the back-to-back aid packages to support the invaded nation in 2022, several months passed before legislators were able to agree on additional assistance in 2023. House members late September agreed to $300 million in assistance to Ukraine. Yet it was a fraction of the $24 billion the White House requested, spurring warnings from Pentagon officials that the spigot of U.S.-provided funds would soon run dry. More: Europe is 'very impatient': New ambassador raises alarm over stalled $60 billion in Ukraine aid Ukrainian soldiers return from the front line to reload their weapons in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, on November 9, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Republican Mike Garcia was the only California representative to vote against the 2023 funding, and has become one of the leading GOP voices challenging the administration on Ukraine aid. Garcia and a group of five other Republicans released a 14-page memo November outlining their objections, as the issue of further funding continued to cleaved the Republican caucus. Among the memo's demands are for Ukraine to provide a "win strategy" and accompanying price tag, as well as requests for reports on military hardware and other aid already sent to the nation. In response, Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., told Roll Call that the White House has already provided the information Republican holdouts are demanding, echoing other Democrats' complaints that the requests are a stalling tactics. The REPO for Ukrainians Act: What is it? In the face of staunch House GOP opposition to giving more aid to Ukraine, especially if it does not include funding for U.S.-Mexico border security, new proposals to sidestep this deadlock are leaning on alternative and potentially unprecedented methods. This includes providing aid in the form of a loan as suggested by former President Donald Trump, and in the form of the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or REPO. The act would give President Joe Biden the authority to confiscate any frozen Russian assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction and give those funds to Ukraine. The Congressional Budget Office says public reports suggest there is approximately $5 billion in Russian assets the U.S. could seize. VPC BIDEN, ZELENSKYY MEET This would be the first of its kind if passed, and has so far amassed bipartisan support, though it has also attracted criticism for what Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky., warns is a form of "economic warfare" that could further inflame relations with Russia. It passed in the House Foreign Relations Committee Jan. 24, and garnered praise from Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy. Among its 80 co-sponsors, Rep. Michelle Steel is the only California Republican, joining five California Democrats including Reps. Ted Lieu and Adam Schiff. Democrats have said they would save Johnson against removal if he rallies his party to help pass a Ukraine aid deal. California Rep. Ro Khanna, member of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a March 31 interview on Fox News Sunday he would consider saving the speaker if the House delivers aid to Ukraine and devotes $600 million in immediate funding to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. More: Zelenskyy takes an apparent dig at Congress over military aid: 'Dictators do not go on vacation' Ukraine funding: What is next? The Biden Administration announced mid-March is will be sending $300 million in weapons to Ukraine in the first new round of aid since funding ran out at the end of 2023. It is largely a stopgap move, expected to last the nation a few months. The stalled $95 billion Senate bill to aid Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies is the next step, and is beholden to House Republicans' ability to reach consensus on what has become a divisive topic. Johnson on Sunday introduced a potential plan to push Ukraine aid through, which includes providing assistance in the form of a loan, tacking on the REPO Act and requiring the administration reverse its halt on issuing new permits for liquefied natural gas export facilities. In a press briefing April 3, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pushed back on these conditions, doubling down on the administration's desire to see the House put the $95 billion Senate bill on the floor for a vote. "If he puts it on the floor, we know we know for a fact that Republicans will vote for it," Jean-Pierre said, referring to Speaker Johnson. "We know where Democrats stand. He needs to put that on the floor." Kathryn Palmer is the California 2024 Elections Fellow for USA TODAY. Reach her at kapalmer@gannett.com and follow her on X @KathrynPlmr. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How these California Reps. could help decide if Ukraine gets more aid SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) It has been more than a month since 15-year-old Sebastian Rogers went missing from his home in Hendersonville. Despite weeks of searching, there have been no signs of the teen. However, the Sumner County Sheriffs Office announced agencies would conduct another thorough search for Sebastian Rogers on Wednesday, April 3. Sebastian Rogers: Officials not ruling anything out in search for missing teen Authorities reported the search would take place in the Long Hollow Pike area. However, officials did not reveal why that area was chosen. During a press conference held on Tuesday, Sumner County Chief Deputy Eric Craddock said there has been no evidence pointing to foul play in Sebastians disappearance, but they are not ruling anything out. TIMELINE: The disappearance of Sumner County teen Sebastian Rogers (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) Officials also revealed that a pair of glasses were found within the past few days. However, the sheriffs office confirmed Wednesday that the glasses were not Sebastians. According to authorities, Wednesdays search has been in the works for several days. In a statement, the sheriffs office said they are no new leads to indicate that Wednesdays search will be fruitful, but they are committed to leaving no stone unturned. The search for Sebastian has stretched thousands of miles with volunteer groups and close to a dozen law enforcement agencies including the TBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Nashville Fire Department, City of Hendersonvilles first responders, Sumner County Sheriffs Office, and Shackle Island Volunteer Fire all assisting in the search efforts. Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, 15, was reported missing on Monday, Feb. 26 from the Beech area in Hendersonville. Sebastian Rogers: Description Sebastian is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, 120 pounds with dirty blond hair. He was last seen on Monday, Feb. 26 near Stafford Court wearing a black sweatshirt and black sweatpants, said the TBI. AMBER Alert Issued The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) originally issued an Endangered Child Alert for Sebastian on the morning of Feb. 26 as multiple agencies took to the area to look for him. Based on additional investigative information developed during the search, the TBI issued an AMBER Alert for Sebastian on the afternoon of Feb. 27. An AMBER Alert is issued when there is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred and the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, per the DOJ. Multiple agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Nashville Fire Department, City of Hendersonvilles first responders, Sumner County Sheriffs Office and Shackle Island Volunteer Fire have assisted in the search for Sebastian. Who to Contact If you have seen Sebastian or have info about his whereabouts, call the Sumner County Sheriffs Office at (615) 451-3838 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Law enforcement officers have detained a brother and sister who were assisting the Russians in disrupting the supply of Ukrainian equipment and weapons to the front lines in Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Security Service of Ukraine (SSU); Prosecutor Generals Office Photo: SSU Details: Investigation materials indicate that in August 2023, a staff member of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation contacted the woman and proposed that she gather and pass on information about critical infrastructure facilities in the railway industry in the territories of Izium and Chuhuiv districts. The woman accepted the proposal and involved her brother in completing the tasks. At the request of the Russian handler, the brother and sister even wrote a statement in which they pledged to cooperate with the Russians at the end of December 2023. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office The detainees were most interested in railway bridges, overpasses, and road tunnels under the tracks, investigators say. Additionally, the brother and sister established the coordinates for Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) relay cabinets and transformer substations. They passed on the information they had obtained to the Russian handler through photographs and geolocation on Google Maps. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office The Russians reportedly planned to conduct sabotage on the railway lines to disrupt the supply of Ukrainian weapons and ammunition based on this data. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Law enforcement officers have detained the suspects. During searches, they seized mobile phones used to communicate with the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate. The perpetrators are in custody and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Support UP or become our patron! The Rotary Club of Seminole South is disbanding after serving the community for 54 years. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS The announcement follows a drop in membership. It had 100 active members a decade ago. Now the club only has 20 active members. The club president Julia Kaufman said they plan to go out strong and on a positive note leaving behind $187,000 to organizations, charities, and local schools in Seminole County. Read: Weather Alert Day: Central Florida could experience powerful storms Wednesday We are going to set up foundations between Seminole State College, Seminole County schools and then some of our really well-known non-profits in the area giving so much back to the community, said Kaufman. Over the last decade the club has been struggling to bring in younger members to the organization. Kaufman said their youngest member is middle age. Read: Voters to decide how marijuana is used in Florida We see that in many non-profits, not only in our organization, but its also a service above self. i think Covid had an impact on it - we are seeing a decline in membership, Kaufman said. Kaufman added that because they only have 20 active members - currently no one is willing to step into critical leadership roles to keep fundraising efforts going like the Rotary Rising Achievers program. Since the program began 24 years ago, it has provided scholarships to 434 students who overcame challenges while managing to graduate. Read: Orlando hopes a new arts program will lure people downtown & get them to linger Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. MILAN Critical weapon and mission systems aboard the Danish frigate Iver Huitfeldt malfunctioned during the ships recent deployment to the Red Sea, as the ship was partaking in an international effort to protect maritime cargo traffic against attacks from Yemens Iran-backed Houthi militants, according to published reports. The Danish independent news website Olfi reported that in a leaked message the frigates commanding officer, Cdr. Sune Lund, complained about a problem pertaining to the ships active phased array radar and the C-Flex combat management system. These pieces of equipment are produced by Thales Netherlands and the Danish firm Terma, respectively. According to the captains communication, the unexplained outages were severe enough to prevent the frigate from launching its RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles, also known as ESSMs, for roughly 30 minutes. These munitions are medium-range, surface-to-air missiles used to protect ships against enemy aircraft, amongst other threats. Additional problems concerned the ammunition for two of the ships 76mm guns, which were defective on more than one occasion during operations, according to the Olfi report. Other websites have now also published parts of Lunds message, which revealed that the equipment problems reportedly had been known about for years but that little had been done to address them. The Danish Ministry of Defense has not yet confirmed these reports, but an investigation is said to be ongoing. Additional navies have also recently been faced with some operational challenges while in the area, including the German Navy Hessen frigate, which accidentally fired two missiles at a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, both of which failed to hit the target. Amid the reported problems aboard the Iver Huitfeldt, the Danish Armed Forces published a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing its crew cheering as they locked on an enemy target and proceeded to strike it. The Iver Huitfeldt frigate is on its way home to Denmark after completing its mission in the Red Sea, where the crew, among other things, downed four drones, the Defense Ministry said in an accompanying statement. What should I set my thermostat at as Boise warms up? This temperature will save you money Everyone has their own favored thermostat setting. For some, a cold home in the middle of summer is the dream. Others prefer saving energy and enduring the heat. But there is a happy middle ground where you can save energy and live comfortably without suffering from the heat. Especially in Idaho, where temperatures can reach the 100-degree mark over 20 times during the summer, its crucial to find that perfect balance with your thermostat. But what is the perfect balance? According to Idaho Power, the perfect spring and summer temperature for your home is between 74-78 degrees. Each degree you raise the thermostat equates to approximately a 2-3% decrease in cooling costs. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to allow automatic adjustments for higher temperatures at night and when you are away without sacrificing comfort when you need it, Idaho Power recommends. If you want to maximize your cost savings, Idaho Power Marketing Specialist Alexis Freeman recommended in a news release that you replace your HVAC air filters before it gets too hot. Dirty filters block necessary airflow and can significantly reduce the systems efficiency and life, Idaho Power states. This will be helpful when temperatures are expected to be above average for much of summer, according to the Farmers Almanac. Idaho Power also recommends that if your A/C unit requires significant repairs or is 15 years or older, you should purchase a new unit. A new higher-efficiency unit, when properly sized and installed, will cost less to operate, according to Idaho Power. Here are some other hints and tricks that Freeman included in the Idaho Power news release: Check your thermostat settings and adjust your temperatures for a spring and summer schedule. Some households may qualify for the Idaho Power Heating and Cooling Efficiency Program, which provides a smart thermostat for $50 a month. Brush or hose off leaves and debris from the outside A/C or heat pump unit. This ensures proper airflow and makes the unit work more efficiently. Seal air leaks around windows and doors by caulking, weatherstripping or adjusting hardware to create a better seal. Fixing air leaks is a cheap and quick way to reduce energy use. Use the grill for outdoor cooking in the summer. Using a grill or Dutch oven on warm days helps keep heat out of the kitchen. HONG KONG, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The value of Hong Kong's total retail sales increased 1.9 percent year on year in February, buoyed by consumer spending during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, provisional data from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government showed on Wednesday. Retail sales value is estimated at 33.8 billion Hong Kong dollars (about 4.3 billion U.S. dollars) in February, according to the Census and Statistics Department of the HKSAR government. Total retail sales value in the first two months of this year is estimated to climb 1.4 percent over a year earlier, the data showed. In breakdown, the combined sales value of jewelry, watches and clocks, as well as valuable gifts increased by 8.8 percent, while that of books, newspapers, stationery and gifts jumped 20.1 percent in the first two months. Apparel sales rose 7.8 percent year on year. A spokesman for the HKSAR government said that more upcoming mega events, rising household income as well as the government's efforts to boost consumption sentiment will provide support for the retail sector in the future. Several roads closed due to high water from Tuesdays rain Several roads remain are still closed due to high water after Tuesdays heavy rain. >>RELATED: Severe weather causes flooding across Miami Valley; How one county is helping those affected Heavy rain and storms moved through the Miami Valley on Tuesday and have shut down traffic across the area. Flood Advisories and Warnings were issued for multiple Miami Valley counties as severe storms moved through. Cell phone video from an iWitness 7 viewer showed high water along a home on East Water Street in Piqua on Tuesday. The Miami County Sheriffs Office told News Center 7 Wednesday morning that these roads are closed: State Route 202, just south of State Route 41 Rudy Road near State Route 571 State Route 571 is closed in both directions at State Route 202 Eldean Road and N. County Road 25A Bradford Bloomer Road between Horatio and Klinger Roads Rip Rap Road is also closed in Huber Heights due to high water between Little York Road and Taylorsville, according to dispatchers. We will provide updates on this story. WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump has promised to pardon many of his supporters convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol if hes elected in November. Further down the ballot in the 2024 elections, several convicted rioters and others who were involved in the lead-up to the Capitol attack are running for local and national office themselves. An image of President Donald Trump appears on video screens (Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images file) This fall will also see a candidate who was on the other side of the clash on Jan. 6, 2021. Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, who faced down a crowd of rioters, is running to replace retiring Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland. The primary in that race is on May 14. NBC News has identified seven candidates who are running for elected office this year who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6 or attended the Trump Stop the Steal rally that preceded it, plus three more who ran but have already lost in primaries. Only one candidate Derrick Evans of West Virginia returned NBC News request for comment for this story. Kimberly Dragoo, Missouri Kimberly Dragoo before entering the Capitol through a window. (U.S. District Court) Kimberly Dragoo, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in connection with the Jan. 6 attack, lost her race Tuesday for a seat on the St. Joseph Board of Education in Missouri. Dragoo participated in the riot with her husband, Steven, who photographed the couple throughout the day, including when she went through a broken window into the Capitol, according to court documents. She was one of 10 candidates running for three open seats for a board that oversees 10,000 students and 1,500 staff members, per the districts website. She came in eighth out of 10 candidates. Michele Morrow, North Carolina Michele Morrow won the Republican primary for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Education and will face democrat Mo Green in November. Morrow has said publicly that she attended the Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6 but that she did not enter the Capitol building. Morrow spoke to a local news station about her experience shortly after Jan. 6, saying that she was up there and around the Capitol and tried to discourage others from committing violence. She said she was telling everyone we cannot expect our lawmakers to uphold the law if were going to break the law. She has not been charged in connection with Jan. 6. Morrow has recently gained national prominence for past social media posts in which she called for violence against prominent Democrats, including calls for the execution of President Joe Biden and then-President Barack Obama, which were first reported by CNN. In a video posted on X, she responded to the reporting of her posts saying they were old comments taken out of context, made in jest, or never made in the first place. She accused the media of reporting on the statements to hide the radicalism of the Democrat platform. If elected, Morrow would oversee the nearly 3,000 public schools in North Carolina, attended by 1.4 million children. Morrow has no elected experience, has said that she homeschools her children and has described public schooling as indoctrination in social media posts. Jason Riddle, New Hampshire Jason Riddle holds a bottle of wine inside the Capitol. (via NBC Boston) Jason Riddle pleaded guilty to entering the Capitol and theft of government property and was sentenced to 90 days in prison. Now, he is running for Congress in New Hampshires Second District. He admitted to chugging a bottle of wine inside the building and provided a photo of himself holding the bottle to media outlets, per government filings. This is his second run for Congress. He also ran in 2022, but his candidacy was complicated by the fact that he was incarcerated at the time. He also initially expressed confusion about what office he was running for. In an interview with NBC Boston, Riddle said that he planned to challenge Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster but he thought Ann was a state representative. When told that she was a member of Congress, he replied: Oh, well, I guess I have to run for that then. Kuster recently announced her retirement, vacating her seat in the Concord-based swing district. In a survey about his policy positions for the website Ballotpedia, Riddle described himself as a recently released January 6th political prisoner and lists Jesus as his only endorsement. The filing deadline for New Hampshire is in June and he is one of several Republicans seeking to run in the GOP primary, which is set for Sept. 10. Anthony Kern, Arizona Anthony Kern Anthony Kern argues in support of a provision in the Arizona budget package that strips cash from Maricopa County Sheriff's office in Phoenix (Bob Christie / AP file) Anthony Kern is a current member of the Arizona Senate who signed a document falsely certifying the Arizona election for Trump as a fake elector. Kern attended the Stop the Steal rally and was outside the Capitol while rioters entered it; multiple news outlets identified him in video of the day posted online. Kern tweeted on Jan. 6 that he was in Washington for D-Day, using the hashtag #StopTheSteal. He later condemned the violence. He has not been charged in relation to the attack and there is no evidence that he entered the Capitol. Kern had an ethics complaint filed against him for allegedly using campaign funds for his travel expenses to attend the Jan. 6 rally, but he has not responded to requests for a reply, the Arizona Secretary of States Office said. He is currently the subject of a state criminal investigation for his role as a fake elector. He has denied all wrongdoing. Kern is running for Congress in Arizonas 8th District, where he faces several opponents in the race to replace retiring Republican Debbie Lesko. His opponents include Blake Masters, the Republican candidate for Senate in Arizona in 2022, and Abe Hamadeh, the Republican candidate for Arizona Attorney General in 2022. (Hamadeh has filed three legal challenges to his loss in the election, all of which are still pending.) The district, which covers the northwest Phoenix suburbs, is considered solidly Republican, with Trump having won it in 2020 by 13 points. Jacob Chansley, Arizona Jacob Chansley at the Capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021. (Brent Stirton / Getty Images) Jacob Chansley, better known as the QAnon Shaman, had indicated that hes running for the same seat as Kern, but as a libertarian. Chansley was sentenced to 41 months in prison for felony obstruction of a proceeding. He is notorious for his unusual attire, having worn a furry horned headdress on Jan. 6. He filed a statement of interest to run for Congress in November, but does not appear to have taken other steps such as setting up a campaign website or filing a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission. He is not listed as a candidate on the Arizona Libertarian Partys website. While he did not respond to a request for comment, Chansley indicated in an X post Wednesday, after this article published, that he is not running. Chansley said, 3rd party candidates getting enough signatures to get on the ballot has been made virtually impossible, adding that he doesnt wanna mud wrestle with alligators in the DC swamp anyway. Derrick Evans, West Virginia Derrick Evans at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Department of Justice) Derrick Evans, a former West Virginia state lawmaker, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months in prison on a felony charge for his role on Jan. 6. Now, he is running for Congress in the states 1st District. He will face incumbent Republican Carol Miller in a May 14 primary. Evans, who had been sworn into office just weeks before the Jan. 6 attack, livestreamed his activities that day on Facebook, including him yelling, Derrick Evans is in the Capitol! When reached for comment this week about how his connection to the riot was affecting his candidacy, Evans said in a statement that he believes there was an effort to steal the 2020 election from Trump. Evans has been endorsed by Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, who is facing a primary challenge from the right. Katrina Pierson, Texas Katrina Pierson listens during the Conservative Political Action Conference (Dylan Hollingsworth / Bloomberg via Getty Images file) Pierson is headed to a runoff in her bid for Texas 33rd state House District. Pierson, a former Trump spokesperson, helped organize the rally at the Ellipse and served as a liaison between organizers and the White House, including sharing Trumps plan to call on his supporters to march to the Capitol, according to the House Jan. 6 Committees report. There is no evidence that Pierson went near the Capitol or into the building and she has not been charged with any crimes. Pierson faces incumbent state Rep. Justin Holland, also a Republican, in a May 28 runoff. She was endorsed in the race by Gov. Greg Abbot and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is targeting state House members who voted to impeach him, including Holland. Candidates who lost Several candidates involved in Jan. 6 have already lost their bids for office this cycle. Ryan Zink, who was convicted of a felony and two misdemeanors for his role in the riot, lost his primary challenge to Rep. Jodey Arrington in Texas 19th Congressional District. He filmed himself breaching the Capitol in footage cited by prosecutors, saying, Were storming the Capitol! You cant stop us! He received about 3% of the vote. Phillip Sean Grillo, who was convicted of five charges, including one felony for his actions that day, lost the race to be the Republican candidate in the special election to replace George Santos in New Yorks 3rd District. He testified at his trial that he had no idea Congress met at the Capitol. Bianca Gracia lost her bid to represent Texas 128th state House District. According to the Jan. 6 committee report, Gracia helped organize a pro-Trump rally in Washington on Jan. 5 and had close ties to the extremist Proud Boys group, even meeting with leaders of that group and of the Oath Keepers on the night before the riot. Gracia gave testimony to the House Jan. 6 committee but largely invoked her Fifth Amendment rights in declining to answer questions. She has not been charged with any crimes and does not appear to have been at or near the Capitol on Jan. 6. Gracia was endorsed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton but that wasnt enough to help her defeat ultra-conservative Texas house member Briscoe Cain, who assisted the Trump legal team in its election results challenges in 2020. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Severe storms leave damage in several areas of the state, including Middle Georgia Georgia residents across much of the state were pummeled with heavy rain and thunder Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as severe storms rolled through the region, leaving behind significant damage in some areas. Early reports indicated Rockdale County was the hardest-hit place following the storms, according to the National Weather Service in Atlanta. The NWS said a survey team would look at damage to confirm whether a tornado touched down in that area. Middle Georgia, including Houston, Peach and Bibb counties, experienced storm damage too. The NWS said it was sending multiple survey teams around the state. From what weve seen, we have seen some downed trees and power lines, said Meredith Wyatt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Rockdale County, located east of Atlanta, issued a local emergency statement following the storms, according to the NWS. Emergency meals were going to be provided by the Red Cross at local Fire Station 6 at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Red Cross has dispatched Disaster Assessment crews to the area, the National Weather Service said. Please be aware of First Responder and Power crews working diligently in your area. While the focus Wednesday morning was on Rockdale County, Wyatt said the NWS was coordinating with emergency management officials in central Georgia too. The severe weather was really active, not just in that area but across the whole state, Wyatt said. The National Weather Service put tornado watches and warnings, as well as severe thunderstorm advisories and even flash flood warnings, in effect across various regions of Georgia overnight. The southeastern-most region of the state, including Waycross and surrounding areas, was still under a tornado watch Wednesday morning. How much rain fell in Georgia storms? Wyatt said west-central Georgia, including Heard, Carroll and Coweta counties, among others, saw an estimated 1 to 3 inches of rain. Middle Georgia saw 1 to 2 inches of rain. The storms also caused some power outages: More than 7,000 customers were without power in Rockdale County Wednesday morning, according to poweroutage.us, a service that tracks outages across the United States. Another 1,000-plus were without power in Morgan County. The NWS plans to provide updates on storm impact as more information becomes available using the agencys social media pages. A sexual health company has sued Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop for copyright infringement, saying the association is 'harmful' to its brand A sexual health company has sued Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop for copyright infringement, saying the association is 'harmful' to its brand Good Clean Love Inc. filed a lawsuit against Gwyneth Paltrow's company, Goop. Good Clean Love is suing for copyright infringement, among other complaints. The lawsuit was filed to "prevent the calamitous situation." Gwyneth Paltrow's wellness and lifestyle brand, Goop, is facing a trademark infringement lawsuit related to a collection of its sexual health products. Good Clean Love Inc. filed its lawsuit against Goop on March 28, according to court documents obtained by Business Insider. The lawsuit also accused Goop of false advertising and unfair competition. Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Good Clean Love filed the lawsuit "to prevent the calamitous situation where a junior trademark user, with substantial economic power, saturates the marketplace with a trademark that threatens to overtake a smaller senior user's mark and usurp the senior user's reputation and goodwill." Good Clean Love said in its lawsuit that Goop applied to register the "Good. Clean. Goop" trademark in 2023 for several products like cosmetics and nutritional supplements. Goop then used that trademark with sexual health products, which Good Clean Love described as "the core" of its business, according to the lawsuit. "Good Clean Love cannot compete with Goop's market saturation," the company said in court documents. "The confusion and reverse confusion created by Goop's use of GOOD. CLEAN. GOOP threatens to foreclose Good Clean Love from expanding into product lines related to its sexual health and wellness products. Good Clean Love's hard-earned goodwill is at risk of falling into the hands of Goop, the junior user." Representatives for Good Clean Love and Goop did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. A Goop event. Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images Good Clean Love which described the situation as "intolerable" noted in the lawsuit that Paltrow founded Goop in 2008 and quickly grew into a "cultural phenomenon" that garnered frequent media attention. In comparison, Good Clean Love described itself as a smaller senior business founded in 2003. "Without prompt assistance from this Court, Goop's adoption of the mark GOOD. CLEAN. GOOP threatens to overwhelm the GOOD CLEAN LOVE trademark and undermine Good Clean Love's two decades of investment in its goodwill and reputation," the lawsuit says. Both brands sell products on major retailers like Amazon, so their products " directly collide" and could cause confusion for shoppers, Good Clean Love said. Court documents showed that Good Clean Love also said being associated with Goop is " harmful," writing that Goop has faced lawsuits in the past for "unfounded health claims about its products." "These associations are particularly harmful to Good Clean Love, which has built its reputation and brand on safe, organic, scientific, and exhaustively researched sexual wellness products." the lawsuit said. Gwyneth Paltrow at a Goop event in September 2019. Stefanie Keenan Goop settled a $145,000 lawsuit in 2018 related to its $66 "Jade Egg," which it claimed could balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, among other features. California prosecutors said those health claims "were not supported by competent and reliable science." A Texas man filed a separate lawsuit in May 2021 after claiming a $75 vagina-scented candle from Goop exploded. Paltrow called the lawsuit "frivolous" in a statement to NBC News. Read the original article on Business Insider (KRON) Starting Tuesday, any San Francisco Unified School District educator or employee will be allowed to apply to Shirley Chisholm Village the first 100% affordable housing project for SFUSD educators and employees. The only way an SFUSD educator can qualify for a spot, however, is through a lottery system. San Francisco Mayor London Breed and the SFUSD have teamed up on Tuesday to announce the application for Shirley Chisholms lottery period, which will run from April 2 to 23. The application fee for the lottery is $45. According to the affordable housing lottery website, winners will be determined using random.org, a public-access random number generator. According to the mayors office, the lottery will be ranked depending on the households earnings and the preferences they qualify for, such as being forced to move due to an emergency, living with a student, or having vision or hearing impairments. The mayors office says households earning up to 120% of the Average Monthly Income (AMI) are also subject to tenant preferences. Despite being advertised as prioritizing families, the project on 43rd Avenue in the Sunset District will house 135 units in total, with over half of the units being studio or one-bedroom apartments. Fifty-eight two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom apartments will be offered to households of two tenants or more. If there are more apartments available than eligible SFUSD educators and employees who apply, apartments will be leased to the general public who meet eligibility requirements. Applications for the general public will open in Summer 2024. Visit housing.sfgov.org for updates. San Francisco has a housing shortage that is holding us back from being a thriving, affordable city, but we are making significant changes to get more homes built. Shirley Chisholm Village is an example of our work to make this city more affordable, said Mayor London Breed. The residence will be named after Shirley Chisholm, a notable advocate for public education and the first black woman elected to US Congress. According to the mayors office, the Shirley Chisholm Village was the first 100% affordable housing development to break ground in the Sunset in the last decade. We must continue to build on this momentum to find every opportunity to bring housing solutions that are affordable so all working people can live in the communities that they work so hard to support. This includes our SFUSD educators and staff that are working tirelessly every day to serve San Francisco students and families and make sure the next generation can thrive, Breed said. Upon completion this summer, MidPen Property Management will manage the property, with MidPen Resident Services providing resident services. The mayors office says this projects location in the high-resource area of the Sunset District was crucial in receiving more than $24 million in federal low-income housing tax credits. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. (NEXSTAR) In the latest episode of her podcast, former Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed actress Shannen Doherty has revealed she is letting go of her physical belongings in order to spare her loved ones the task of sorting through her possessions upon her death. My priority at the moment is my mom, Doherty, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2020, said during Mondays edition of her Lets Be Clear podcast. I know its going to be hard for her if I pass away before her, but so sorry, this is a hard one for me but because its going to be so hard on her, I want other things to be a lot easier, Doherty explained, fighting back tears. Meaning that, I dont want her to have a bunch of stuff to deal with. I dont want her to have four storage units filled with furniture. Shannen Doherty Doherty, 52, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She went into remission after undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy, only for the cancer to return in 2019. The next year, Doherty confirmed she had been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer. In 2023, she shared that she had had a tumor removed from her brain, and that the cancer had spread to her bones. Doherty has since been providing health updates on her memoir-style podcast, Lets Be Clear With Shannen Doherty, which debuted on iHeartRadio in December. In Mondays episode, Doherty further explained that gradually parting ways with her belongings has given her an unexpected sense of freedom, even though sometimes it felt as if she was giving up on a dream by ridding herself of material possessions, and even a house. The brain works in mysterious ways, she said. I was crying more than he was: Mom of toddler shot in the Bronx speaks out Doherty added that she now intends to focus on taking trips with her mother, whom she has previously referred to as one of the strongest human beings she knows. I get to build different memories I get to build memories with the people that I love, she said. Doherty described a trip to Croatia with her mother and several friends, as well as a bucket-list trip to Italy with her mom. I just remember getting out of the car with my mom as we were driving to Positano, and she looked out from the cliff and she started crying. She had tears pouring down her face. Because she never really thought she would see that, and she certainly didnt think she was going to see it with me, Doherty said. And those are the memories, those are the things that matter the most. Not your possessions, not what you have. Its all about building memories. Ellens Stardust Diner partners with Luv Michael for Autism Awareness Doherty said, however, that she was not digging into the money in her estate, which she has set aside to make sure that everybody in my life is taken care of once Im dead. Rather, shes building money for her bucket fund through the sales of her belongings. So as I was so sad about giving something up, Im also now reminded of the freedom giving that up has given me to then provide memories not only for myself but for the people that I love. Doherty, whose credits also include Heathers and Mallrats, has previously stated her intentions to continue creating memories for however long she can. I dont want to die, she said in an interview with PEOPLE last year. Im not done with living. Im not done with loving. Im not done with creating. Im not done with hopefully changing things for the better. Im just not Im not done. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Shannen Doherty is preparing to lose her hair for the third time ahead of chemo Shannen Doherty just shared new information about upcoming cancer treatments she'll be receiving soon. On the June 24, 2024 episode of her podcast Lets Be Clear, the Charmed star, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and then diagnosed with stage 4 incurable breast cancer in 2019 which had metastasized to her bones and her brain, said she'll be undergoing surgery and starting a new treatment protocol. In 2023, doctors told Doherty that her then-treatment was no longer working. Protocols stop working, Doherty said during the episode. Your body adjusts to them, becomes immune to them. Your cells change. Your cancer cells adapt the molecular makeup of them changes and then you have to go into a different protocol. This new protocol, she says, will require her to have a port implanted in her chest again, the same device used during her first round of chemo in 2016. The port, a small device that attaches to a vein without the need for needles, per the Cleveland Clinic, will remain implanted for as long as her treatment lasts. The last time she used one it was implanted for "a solid year," Doherty explained. Doherty tried having her chemo administered via IV for some time, but all the treatments collapsed the veins in her left arm. "I now know I cant do it the way that I was doing it, that I have to get a port," she said. "And its really hard, like, the idea of going through that all over again has wrecked me." Doherty went on to explain that she didn't know how long this round of treatments would last which she called scary. I dont want to lose my hair. I dont want to be sick, she said. But, it also means that the makeup of her cells changed enough that she now has more treatment options. "Because my molecular structure of my cancer cells changed recently, it means that there's a lot more protocols for me to try," she explained. This, Doherty says, has allowed her to look ahead in a different way. "I need to go on a vacation. I need to go on a boat again and explore places." While she's making a bucket list, she admitted she doesn't know how the multiple chemo therapies she'll be receiving will make her feel. "There is hope mixed with my own bit of sadness," she said. She doesn't know if she'll be throwing up, "passed out on my sofa in my den with the AC blasting because I just don't feel well" or if she'll lose her hair for the third time. "I know that I'm slowly going to lose my hair again, which is horrible," Doherty revealed. Her hair has grown back a different texture each time, and while she wears a weave made especially for cancer patients sewn into her natural hair now, she's unsure what the outcome will be this time. Before signing off the episode because she was tired, Doherty mentioned she had an early morning for surgery the following day. And, by the time this episode aired, she said she'd be nearing the first day of her new protocol. How is Shannen Doherty doing in 2024? In court documents filed on June 21, 2024, Shannen Doherty revealed additional details about her terminal cancer diagnosis amidst her divorce from Kurt Iswarienko. She said she'd undergone a host of treatments since her stage 4 cancer diagnosis, the last of which she says her doctors told her was no longer effective in 2023. Just before a brain surgery in 2023, she knew she wanted divorce Iswarienko, she stated. On January 15, 2023, the day before my brain surgery, I told Kurt in no uncertain terms that I did not want him present at my surgery and that I would be filing for divorce, Doherty said. I filed the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage on April 24, 2023, when I had sufficiently recovered from my surgery. She believes Iswarienko is stalling, waiting for her to die before providing his financial information so the divorce can proceed. It is simply not right that Kurt be permitted to prolong our divorce in hopes that I die before he is required to pay me while he continues to live his life and shirk his responsibilities to his dying wife of more than 11 years, Dohertys statement reads. In an April 1 episode of her podcast, Lets Be Clear, Doherty revealed she has been cleaning out some of her storage units to make things easier on her family, particularly her mother, when she dies. My priority at the moment is my mom... I know its going to be hard on her if I pass away before her, she noted. The 52-year-old explained how donating and selling off some of her extra possessions, most notably furniture, will lead to less work for her mom when shes gone. Because its going to be so hard on her, I want other things to be a lot easier. I dont want her to have a bunch of stuff to deal with. I dont want her to have four storage units filled with furniture, she added. Doherty recalled a recent trip to her Tennessee home and said she made the difficult decision to give up her hopes of fostering horses at the property. I was packing up and I started crying because again, I felt like I was giving up on a dream and what did that mean for me? Did it mean that I was giving up on life? Did it mean that I was throwing in the towel? she said. And my mom was there and she was like, Dont get rid of this place, its fine. You dont have to and you can keep going. And I was like Yeah, absolutely I can. When Doherty returned to the property a few days later, she realized that the property was a bit of a money pit since it needed a lot of repairs. At this point, she found it easier to let go. I think somehow the brain works in mysterious ways where even though youre incredibly sad about something and it feels like youre giving up on something that was very special and important to you, you know that its the right thing to do and you know that its going to give you a sense of peace and a sense of calm, she said. Doherty noted that the difficult work shes doing now will help her loved ones have a cleaner, easier transition. Thinking this through made her reflect on all the material possessions she has. Ive accumulated so much crap and its sitting in storage and Im not enjoying it. And others arent enjoying it. And do I really need any of it? she said. Throughout this process, Doherty said shes realized that the money she earns from selling some of her possessions can be repurposed in more meaningful ways. I get to build different memories and I get to build memories with the people that I love, she said. I get to take my mom on vacations because I have all this extra sort of play money lying around and Im not digging into the money thats in my estate thats going to make sure that everybody in my life is taken care of once Im dead, she said. In a Jan. 29 episode of her podcast, Doherty said she was responding well to a new type of cancer infusion treatment and called the results a miracle, though she did not share exactly which drug she was receiving. After four treatments, we didnt really see a difference, and everybody wanted me to switch, and I just kind of was like were going to keep going with this and see, Doherty said while speaking with her radiation oncologist, Dr. Amin Mirhadi. After the sixth or seventh treatment, we really saw it breaking down the blood-brain barrier. Do I call that a miracle? For me, that happens to be a miracle right now. That like I sort of rolled the dice and said lets keep going, the actor continued. Doherty revealed in 2023 that her cancer had spread to her brain and bones. Usually, even very strong chemotherapy isnt able to pass the blood-brain barrier and target the tumors within the brain, according to Northwestern Medicine. She later called the effectiveness of the new treatment a miracle of maybe God intervening and being like, Im going to give her a break, Doherty said. Sometimes youre looking for miracles in all the wrong places, and theyre right there in front of your face. Shannen Doherty's cancer journey In August 2015, Doherty went public with her breast cancer diagnosis. As part of her treatment, Doherty underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and reconstructive surgery. Two years after her initial cancer diagnosis, Doherty revealed that she was in remission. Moments. They happen, Doherty captioned an Instagram post. Today was and is a moment. In February 2020, Doherty announced that her cancer had returned and was stage 4. The cancer was referred to as "terminal" in court documents for her lawsuit against insurance company State Farm. Plaintiff Shannen Doherty is dying of stage 4 terminal cancer, the lawsuit read. Instead of living out her remaining years peacefully in her home, Ms. Doherty remains displaced and battling with her insurance company. Also in February 2020, Doherty provided an update on her health in light of publicly sharing her new diagnosis. I want to thank all of you for your love, prayers and support, she wrote. Its an odd time right now and I find my feet not completely underneath me. To say I have stress is an understatement. To say that Im struggling is mild. However, Doherty emphasized that she was hopeful for the future. But... I believe that I will find my footing. Ill dig deep for the inner strength I need to face it all. I pray I do it all with dignity and grace. I have so much to say. So much to share. I will. For now... please know how much you all help lift me, she wrote. During an interview with Elle magazine in September 2020, Doherty reassured her fans that she didn't have any plans of quitting acting after the return of her cancer. Its like anybody with stage 4 faces this sort of thing, where others want to put you out to pasture, she said at the time. Im not ready for pasture. Ive got a lot of life in me. While talking with People in September 2021, Doherty explained that her cancer was just "part of life at this point." I feel like I have a responsibility in my more public life, which I separate from my acting life to talk about cancer and perhaps educate people more and let people know that people with stage 4 are very much alive and very active, she said at the time. In January 2023, the actor underwent surgery to have a tumor removed from her head because the cancer had spread to her brain. She shared the development with her fans six months later in June 2023, when she posted a video from the hospital and revealed how she was feeling in that moment. My fear is obvious," she captioned it. "I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life. I am fortunate as I have great doctors like (Dr.) Amin Mirahdi and the amazing techs at cedar sinai. But that fear. The turmoil.. the timing of it all. This is what cancer can look like." In an Instagram post a week later, she shared another video of herself in the hospital from January, this time preparing for surgery to remove and biopsy a tumor in her head. "I am clearly trying to be brave but I am petrified. The fear was overwhelming to me. Scared of all possible bad outcomes, worried about leaving my mom and how that would impact her. Worried that I would come out of surgery not me anymore. This is what cancer can look like," she wrote. How is Shannen Doherty's health? The actor shared in a positive Jan. 29 update that she seemed to be responding to the new cancer infusion treatment she was receiving. Before that, the last major update Doherty shared on her health was when she revealed in an interview with People, published Nov. 29, 2023, that her stage 4 breast cancer had spread to her bones. Im not afraid of dying, I just dont want to die. Like ever, she joked during her interview. The actor said she's "not done with life" and intends to keep fighting. "I will be on treatment for the rest of my life until one of these clinical trials goes through. ... It's about pushing through the next two, three, four, five years because in that period of time, in three to five years, there's going to be another new protocol, a new clinical trial," she said. While sharing an update on her health journey, the former Beverly Hills, 90210 star emphasized that she still has an optimistic outlook on life. We are on a really good regimen now, and its working well for me. So (I just take things) day by day, month by month, year by year, she said. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Is Shelby County getting a jail mental health facility? Here's why it may be closer The Shelby County Commission met at 160 N. Main Street for a meeting on September 11, 2023 in Memphis, Tenn. Last year, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners gave the OK for initial funding for a jail mental health facility, now the plan is shaping up even more. An item presented to commissioners at a committee meeting Wednesday, with vast support from both elected officials and jail officials, outlined how the construction of the facility would be funded. The resolution is looking for approval of $18 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds previously earmarked for revenue loss. The project will also use the $2.5 million in ARPA funds that were allocated for surveying the facility, with an estimated total cost of $21 million. Previously, estimates for the facility were over $25 million and would have been funded through capital improvement project funds and take multiple fiscal years to fund. The county will adopt a new approach to constructing the facility, using a construction contract management system called "Construction Manager at Risk." According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a CMR is a delivery method of a project where a construction manager is brought on early in the design process. The construction manager works with designers, who are typically hired out separately, and works from the early planning stages. Cliff Norville, Director of Public Works, during committee meetings that the county has never used the CMR process. "I do know that I have some counterparts of the city and the school board and the state which have used this and so we'll be looking to follow their example throughout the process," Norville said. Shelby County news: What led to Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert investigation and where are things now? All ARPA funds must be allocated by Dec. 31, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026. If the county government does not spend all the ARPA dollars, it has to be returned back. ARPA was given to localities and state governments in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to jumpstart a post-pandemic economy. "The $18.8 million appropriated through this resolution are dollars previously budgeted to replenish lost revenue by March of this year. According to the Financial experts, Shelby County's revenues appear to be within budget and that that opens (ARPA Funds) up for this project by taking the funding approach outlined in the resolution," Frankie Dakin, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris' deputy chief of staff said during committee meetings. Also added to the cost is $250,000 to initiate the study of a new jail facility for Shelby County, something many local stakeholders have called for. What is the "Memphis Model,"? The term "Memphis Model" stems from a similar facility and program in Nashville, called the "Nashville Model." The Davidson County Residential Drug Court and Davidson County Behavioral Care Center opened its doors in 2020 in an effort to decriminalize mental health "upon arrival" at the Nashville Downtown Detention Center. A goat stands on a chair inside the Behavioral Care Center in Nashville. The mental health facility for people arrested hosts a number of volunteers who meet with the residents. The new space for the Memphis facility is on county-owned land, another cost-saving measure taken to reduce the overall spending on the project. The facility in Memphis will be located near the corrections buildings, according to Dankin. The model Nashville has adopted will also be used and adapted to the needs of Shelby County, according to a document provided to The Commercial Appeal. In Nashville, individuals exhibiting signs of mental illness upon booking see a mental health clinician who then can refer them to the Davidson County BCC. The Davidson County District Attorney, police department personnel and mental health professionals meet regularly to discuss if an individual meets the requirements to be admitted to the program instead of spending time in jail. More county news: Shelby County land bank reform measures to have final vote during April meeting During a detainees stay, they receive both individual and group therapy, medication management and community programming. Individuals who receive treatment at the Davidson County BCC receive post-treatment plans that are made upon release. Patients receive 30 days of medicine, TennCare application support and connection to other community supports. Upon successful completion of the program in Nashville, charges are dismissed for detainees. Data from the BCCs first two years returned a 29% recidivism rate, which is 17% lower than the Tennessee average of 46%. The reduction in recidivism is something stakeholders in Shelby County hope to see in the county. Bipartisan, local stakeholder support The resolution has resounding support from commissioners, with eight commissioners co-sponsoring the resolution. During committee meetings, despite lengthy questioning among Commissioners, Commissioner Henri Brooks signed on as a ninth co-sponsor. In October, Commissioner Erika Sugarmon led a group of commissioners, judges and jail staff to Nashville to tour the BCC. Shelby Count Justice Center can be seen here at 201 Poplar Avenue on August 14, 2023 in Memphis, Tenn. Commissioners are not the only ones in support of the new facility. Multiple letters of support for the facility have been penned to Commissioners. The support draws from multiple promises the Memphis Model hopes to make regarding recidivism and lessening the load on the current jail. "The proposed facility can help stabilize our community, improve public safety, and, ultimately, save taxpayer dollars through reduced recidivism," Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner wrote. Bonner is not alone in letters of support for the resolution. District Attorney Steve Mulroy, CEO of Alliances Healthcare Services Laurie Powell and Paul Wesolowski, University Tennessee Health Science Center Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships, also submitted letters. The final vote on the facility's funding is planned for April 9. Lucas Finton contributed to this report. Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at (901) 484-6225, brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter @BrookeMuckerman. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis jail mental health facility could be modeled off Nashville's Shoot me then: Florida men arrested after Grindr threesome goes wrong, police say Shoot me then: Florida men arrested after Grindr threesome goes wrong, police say TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two Florida men were arrested on Monday after they offered a man money for sex and tried to get it back. On Easter Sunday, authorities were called to a home on 15th Street in Miami after two men, identified as Yoandry Mora Martinez, 25, and Ludwing Duvan Ramirez, 26, called police and said they had been robbed. St. Pete rapper Rod Wave arrested; acquaintances linked to Easter shooting, police say Police spoke with the victim, who said hed been talking with one of the men on Grindr and was offered $160 to have sex with them on Sunday night. The victim agreed, but when he went to their home to have sex, things took a turn. The victim said Ramirez had erectile dysfunction, and the threesome abruptly ended. Thats when Martinez demanded his $80 deposit back. An argument ensued, and Martinez pulled a toy revolver to the victims head and told him, Youre not going anywhere; I want my money, in Spanish. Im not (giving) you anything, the victim replied. Shoot me then. Suspected space junk crashed through Florida mans home: It almost hit my son Martinez started hitting the victim, and the pair pinned him down before calling the police. The victim was able to provide proof for the conversation on Grindr and Zelle transaction, the arrest report said. Both Martinez and Ramirez were arrested and taken to jail for false imprisonment with a deadly weapon and battery. According to documents, Ramirez, a Colombian national, was taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Immigration and Customers Enforcement hold. Hes being held on a $2,000 bond. Martinez, whos from Cuba, was taken to TGK on the same $2,000 bond but with no immigration hold. As of this report, it appears the 25-year-old has bonded out. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. People lay flowers to victims of the Nanjing Massacre at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bo) NANJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. "My father was only 9 years old at the time. The war made him an orphan, and that painful memory stayed with him all his life," said Chang Xiaomei, whose late father was a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, in front of a wall that bears the names of 10,665 victims. Official figures show that there were just 36 survivors living as of early March. The Nanjing Massacre took place when Japanese troops captured the city on Dec. 13, 1937. Over the course of six weeks, they killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in what has been deemed one of the most barbaric episodes of World War II. Staff members present a flower basket to victims of the Nanjing Massacre at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Ai Yiying, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, lays flowers to victims of the Nanjing Massacre at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) This photo taken on April 3, 2024 shows a memorial ceremony at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Chen Deshou (2nd R), a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, pays tribute to victims of the Nanjing Massacre with his relatives and friends at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Xia Shuqin, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, attends a memorial ceremony at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Ai Yiying (1st R), a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, attends a memorial ceremony at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Nanjing Massacre survivors Ai Yiying, Xia Shuqin, Liu Minsheng, Chen Deshou (from R to L, front) attend a memorial ceremony at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Tamaki Matsuoka, founder of the "Connecting Memories of Nanjing" civil group, speaks during a memorial ceremony at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Ruan Jie, grandson of Nanjing Massacre survivor Ruan Dingdong, speaks during a memorial ceremony at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Xia Shuqin, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, lays flowers to victims of the Nanjing Massacre at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2024. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) This photo taken on April 3, 2024 shows a memorial ceremony at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. Relatives of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, as well as survivors, the descendants of survivors and student representatives, on Wednesday gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 87 years ago. Thursday is Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival during which people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. (Xinhua/Li Bo) Jared Young has to collect 10,000 signatures if he wants to get on the ballot as an independent candidate for U.S. Senate in Missouri. Thats the same number of signatures that it takes to get a slate of candidates for a political party onto the ballot. So Young, a former businessman running for Senate, decided to combine the two. On Wednesday, he announced the creation of a new political party: The Better Party. I felt like, if I was going to use all these resources, I might as well do it in a way that would not just benefit me, but would benefit other people looking to do the same thing that Im trying to do, Young said. Which is provide a viable alternative to our broken two party system. There are other political parties than just the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. The Libertarian Party, which leans right, frequently gets candidates onto the ballot, as does the Green Party, which leans left. No Labels, a new national centrist group seeking to provide an alternative candidate to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, was officially recognized as a political party by the Kansas Secretary of State in January. But Young, who is hoping to defeat Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, said he has no national aspirations for his party. He isnt proposing a specific platform or trying to create party infrastructure like the Forward Party, a centrist group founded in 2021 by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang. Instead, Young sees the Better Party as a vehicle to help get moderate, independent candidates onto the ballot in Missouri. If his party is able to get at least 2% of the vote in a statewide election, it would guarantee a spot on the ballot over the next two years, which would save independent candidates from having to collect signatures. There are tons of obstacles for independents to run a successful race, Young said. And one of the first obstacles is they have to take their limited resources and spend a huge chunk of them just getting on the ballot. And so Im looking to eliminate that first big obstacle for independents. So they can focus from the beginning, on just getting their message out to voters. The name Better Party comes from Youngs own Senate campaign. He argues that the majority of Missourians are frustrated with the two political parties and that we can be better than the current state of politics by electing someone who isnt beholden to either. Polling, commissioned by former Sen. Jack Danforth in 2022 may back up Youngs argument. The survey, by the Serve America Movement, found that 83% of Missourians believed that politics had become too toxic and 28% said theyd support an independent, center-right candidate, compared to 31% for a generic Democrat or Republican. But while voters often say that they are willing to support independent candidates, theyre rarely elected. And while Hawley may be a nationally polarizing figure, he remains popular in Missouri. A March poll by St. Louis University and YouGov found that 50% of Missourians either approved or strongly approved of Hawley. One of the reasons people struggle to vote for an independent is because they feel like theres not a viable path to victory, Young said. They feel like they might be throwing away their vote. But this gives people another reason to vote for me, or vote for another independent this year. It will establish an easier path for more independents to be on the ballot in the future in Missouri. Young expects to gather the 10,000 signatures to get on the ballot by early Summer and said there may be one or two other candidates under the Better Party label. As of right now, the highest office on the ticket would be Young, for U.S. Senate but if No Labels, which is trying to find a candidate to run against Biden and Trump, were to approach him about using Better Party to get on the ballot in Missouri, hed be open to a conversation. The goal is to have quality independent candidates for Missouri voters to be able to choose from, not just any Dick or Jane that walks up and says they want to be a part of it, Young said. The resounding defeat of the stadium sales tax question on Tuesday came at the hands of thousands of Jackson County voters, both within and outside Kansas City. In total, 24.3% of registered voters cast ballots with the Kansas City Election Board, which covers only the portion of Kansas City that falls within Jackson County. A whopping 34.3% of registered voters cast ballots with the Jackson County Election Board, which covers the rest of Jackson County. Overall, just under 135,000 voters cast their ballots on an initiative that asked voters to approve a -cent sales tax for the next 40 years to fund improvements to the Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium and construction of a new Royals stadium complex in the Crossroads arts district of downtown Kansas City. Voters rejected the measure by a margin of roughly 58% against to 42% in favor. We were excited to see the 34% turnout, Jackson County election commissioner Sara Zorich told The Star Wednesday morning. I think that the question really brought people out. How does Tuesdays turnout compare to previous years? Missouri holds general municipal elections every April, but last nights turnout was the highest seen in years. The graph below shows the turnout in both of Jackson Countys election jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction saw higher turnout Tuesday than it has during any general municipal election in the last 10 years. The spike is especially pronounced in the JCEBs jurisdiction, where turnout was more than double its highest previous level during that time period. What does this high turnout mean for future elections? Zorich told The Star that many voters took advantage of the countys no-excuse absentee voting also called early voting in the two weeks leading up to the election. She speculated that high participation may predict greater turnout in the upcoming primary election on Aug. 6 and the Nov. 5 general election. Now that people know about that two weeks ahead of time with no excuse in-person voting, I think thats going to help a lot to bring people out, she said. She had a few tips for voters planning to come out to the polls for the upcoming elections: Make sure your voter registration information is up to date. Zorich said her poll workers saw many voters with outdated addresses or names that didnt match their photo ID. You can update your registration information by printing the form at home or visiting a registration site. Know where your polling place is. Kansas City voters showed up at Jackson County polling places Tuesday hoping to vote, and had to be redirected to their correct polling locations, Zorich said. Be informed about the issues on your ballot. Zorich added that election judges are not allowed to interpret or explain ballot questions. She advised voters to do some research before going to vote about what exactly will be on your ballot, and what it means. Do you have more questions about elections in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com. Six of NYC migrant squatter crew set loose without bail after gun and drug bust as neighbors detail chaos on Bronx block Six of the eight gun-toting, drug-dealing migrant squatters busted last week in the Bronx were cut loose without bail as frustrated neighbors said Tuesday that the unruly, noise crew brought nothing but trouble to the block. The NYPD collared the squatters who set up shop across the street from PS 56 inside a multi-family house on Hull Avenue in the boroughs Norwood section after one of them pointed a 9 mm CZ pistol at someone on the property last Wednesday night, police officials said. I see all the gangsters and wannabe gangsters running around here, one neighbor told The Post. Surveillance footage of the migrant squatters arrested last week in the Bronx. Six of the eight migrants were released without bail. I saw them all hanging out outside and knew they were up to something, she added. The alleged gunman, Hector Desousa-Villalta, was cut loose on supervised release Friday evening by Bronx Criminal Court Judge Eugene D. Bowen despite the district attorneys request that Bowen set bail at $150,000 cash or $450,000 bond, according to the DAs office. The same judge released two other squatters Yoessy Pino Castillo and Jefferson Orlando Abreau on their own recognizance after their Friday arraignments, according to the DAs office and court records. Bronx Criminal Court Judge Laurence Busching let three more Yojairo Martinez, Johan Cardenas Silva, Yerbin Lozado-Munoz walk on supervised released after their respective hearings, court records said. Suspected gunman Hector Desousa-Villalta is free on supervised release. Obtained by NY Post Jefferson Orlando Abreau was release on his own recognizance. Obtained by NY Post Guns and drugs found in the Bronx home. Its not clear why some were remanded and some were cut loose even though they all face the same charges of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance and acting in a manner injurious to a child. Police said they found four guns on the property. Desousa-Villalta and Javier Alborno, both of Venezuela, were allegedly found with handguns on them when cops arrived. Then officers found two more guns including a Springfield 9 mm pistol and a so-called ghost gun as well as three extended magazines, a box of ammunition, a bag of ketamine and a bag of ketamine mixed with cocaine, police officials said. There was also a 7-year-old child inside, although its not clear who the parents were. Meanwhile, the squatters hapless neighbors said they were glad cops stamped out whatever grift the offenders were allegedly running. Neighbor Alfred Munoz said the squatters would keep him up late at night with their loud motorbikes. James Keivom Alfred Munoz, a neighbor who has lived in the area for more than five decades, said that one day the squatters just appeared at the house and wouldnt leave. The landlord wanted to evict them, but the NYPD told him no, Munoz claimed, adding that he was often frustrated by the fleet of noisy motorbikes they kept in the front yard. They wake me up at 2 a.m., he said. Another neighbor told The Post that the group commandeered the house about a year ago and turned it into a noisy, high-traffic hub for whatever scheme they were running. Their operation was sophisticated, and looked like they knew what they were doing, she said. One neighbor told The Post that she witnessed the squatters assault somebody with a pipe. James Keivom One day, one of them was beating another man with a pipe, she recalled, saying it appeared to be a debt collection of some sort. Deport them! said Fausto Fermin, a Spanish-speaking immigrant who said hes angry about the recent wave of criminal immigrants causing trouble in the city. The neighbors certainly appear to have tried to tell the cops about the problem, lodging eight separate complaints in the last three weeks about the squatters blocking the sidewalk or the road. But authorities didnt clear the house out until last weeks gun incident even though it sits across from PS 56, a public school filled with high achievers. Its usually littered with baggies and trash in the morning, every day, John Pitt, a 69-year-old retired doorman who takes care of a neighboring house for its absentee owner, said of the sidewalks out front. The yard functioned as a curbside drug service, he claimed, with motorbikes humming in and out with various deliveries to parts unknown. They go away for a minute or two, then they come back, he told The Post. The crew often blocked sidewalks or fire hydrants with cars they were working on, Pitt said. They had a car, under a tarp, with the front end dismantled, Pitt said, adding that this habit drew the ire of the those who lived nearby. The backyard of the Hull Avenue house. James Keivom Syeda Ali, who owns the property with her husband, told The Post that she was scared of the crime happening on the property. My husband is a hard worker and is at work now, she said Tuesday. He works long days and has to travel from home to work and to the rental in The Bronx Im scared. My husband goes back and forth and deals with crime and criminals. St. Frattys Day brought thousands of college-aged partiers to the streets of San Luis Obispo on March 16 the majority packed into one neighborhood near Cal Poly on Hathway Avenue. What it didnt bring was lines of police officers in riot gear and armed for a fight, a noticeable change from past unsanctioned street parties like Mardi Gras and Poly Royal, both of which eventually were shut down after the partying erupted in violence. St. Frattys Day has grown substantially in recent years, with numbers swelling to nearly double what they were the year before, San Luis Obispo Police Department Chief Rick Scott told The Tribune. With a crowd that size, which far outnumbered the number of police officers on duty, comes the risk for major problems. Fortunately, this years neighborhood festivities never came close to getting out of hand. Thats because in recent years under Scotts leadership, the agency has changed its approach to managing large crowds, particularly a street party like St. Frattys Day. St. Frattys was big but Poly Royal spiraled out of control. See photos from the 1990 riot Its a mindset that applies throughout the Police Department now, Scott said. Like a doctor taking the Hippocratic Oath, he said, he wants his officers to take a least harm approach to their work. What it means is when you go out on a call whether its one-on-one call for someone drinking in public or its a mass event like 7,000 people in our neighborhood are your actions going to make this better or is it going to make this worse? Scott said. So in a situation like St. Frattys Day, rather than try to contain the crowd in an aggressive way, officers in their regular uniforms worked the edges, mingling with students and responding to incidents as they came up while focusing on positive interactions and outcomes and looking to defuse any potential conflicts. We did our best to mitigate it and ensure that it didnt grow and ended safely, he said. Cal Poly students turned out early Saturday morning, March 16, 2024, for St. Frattys Day festivities on Hathway Avenue near the university. A San Luis Obispo Police Department officer at the scene of the party estimated between 6,000 and 7,000 people in attendance. SLO police deploy 4 nights of maximum staffing The department was prepared for the weekends festivities. Scott said increased staffing began on Thursday, and the agency deployed maximum staffing or all personnel that were physically available from Friday through Sunday. On Saturday morning, which was when the St. Frattys Day party occurred, the agency deployed 120 officers from a variety of partner agencies. Scott said his goal was to prioritize safety by having officers look for inflection points or instances in the crowd that had a potential to escalate and respond accordingly. Thousands of Cal Poly students flood SLO neighborhood for St. Frattys Day. Heres a look The plan was to have more contact this year, Scott said. The plan was to move away from containment and have teams that can insert and impact the event, which we did very successfully. Scott said the agency sent in teams earlier this year, even though the event started about an hour later than last year. So officers were able to prevent people from bringing alcohol into the area, pour it out and cite them right as they arrived. The agency also used a drone to monitor the crowd, which helped them respond and stop vehicle vandalism before it could spark a riot. In total, the chief said, three cars were damaged. A car window was broken during the St. Frattys Day festivities on Hathway Avenue near the university on March 16, 2024. A San Luis Obispo Police Department officer at the scene of the St. Patricks Day party estimated between 6,000 and 7,000 people in attendance. We paid very close attention again to kind of monitor what I refer to as the temperature of the crowd. Are people there having a good time? Scott said. Thats good from a peace standpoint. Are people becoming angry or are there fights erupting in the crowd or is there mass vandalism or things being caught on fire? Those are really strong indicators that this is a highly dangerous situation. When several students began climbing onto the roof of a home, a team of officers navigated the crowd and got the revelers down before anyone was hurt, as happened in 2015 when a garage collapsed under the weight of a large group of partiers. In total, police issued 189 citations and made 12 arrests during the event, Scott said. How many citations were issued during St. Frattys Day? SLO police release numbers The majority of the citations were what youd typically expect from an unsanctioned party, such as minor in possession of alcohol, urinating in public, and noise citations. All fines were doubled for the weekend, costing violaters up to $1,000, which Scott said will hopefully be a deterrent for anyone considering returning next year. The arrests, Scott said, were all alcohol-related, and anyone who was so inebriated they couldnt care for themselves was taken into custody so they could sober up in a safe environment. According to early estimates, Scott said, the event cost San Luis Obispo taxpayers approximately $50,000 most of which were attributed the additional personnel costs. Despite the larger crowd, Scott said, the actual event was much shorter than the year prior. This year, the festivities began to ramp up at around 6:25 a.m. and ended at around 10 a.m., while the year prior began around 5:30 a.m. and didnt finally wind down until noon. Cal Poly students turned out early Saturday morning, March 16, 2024, for St. Frattys Day on Hathway Avenue near the university. A San Luis Obispo Police Department officer at the scene of the party estimated between 6,000 and 7,000 people in attendance. What happens to St. Frattys Day next year? Despite the departments success in managing the crowd, Scott made it clear that the St. Frattys Day turnout couldnt continue to increase. He made that point clear in a presentation to the City Council immediately after the event. It has reached a point where it cannot be permitted to continue to grow, he said then. We have done our best with the resources we have available to contain it, but I think our strategy looking forward shall not be on containment. It shall be on prevention. How will SLO stop massive St. Frattys Day partying? Dont come, police chief warns One key factor will be a concerted effort to discourage out-of-towners from coming to party in San Luis Obispo. Dont come to our community, he told the council. Dont come to celebrate this event in our community with the intent of causing harm to our communities. Moving forward in the coming year, Scott said in his interview with The Tribune, the Police Department will work with city administration, Cal Poly and student leaders on ways to prevent the party from continuing to grow. St. Frattys Day partying is out of control. Heres what Cal Poly should do | Opinion Were leaning on the student body. I know Cal Poly leadership has very innovative ideas that theyll be working on with the students to make this not the place to be, Scott said. It has to be student-led. Us telling them not to show up is probably not going to have the impact that we want or Cal Poly leadership telling them not to do its not going to have the impact. It must come from the student body themselves. Though its early, the student buy-in is promising, Scott said, noting that students, including Greek affiliates, are already advocating for St. Frattys not to return next year. By Jan Lopatka (Reuters) - Ivan Korcok, a pro-Western diplomat and former foreign minister, is hoping to ride a wave of support energised by his first-round victory to edge out government party candidate Peter Pellegrini in Slovakia's presidential election run-off on Saturday. Korcok, 59, surprisingly won the first round two weeks ago over Pellegrini, 48, on pledges to be a counterbalance to the government of Robert Fico, which has taken a pro-Russian stance on Ukraine and launched reforms criticised for weakening the rule of law. Final opinion polls ahead of a moratorium on polling showed a dead heat. NMS agency poll for news website www.sme.sk on Wednesday showed Korcok leading 51.7% to 48.3%, while a poll by Focus agency for TV Markiza on Tuesday showed Pellegrini ahead with 50.8% to 49.2%. "We will decide on Saturday whether we maintain a balance of powers or allow the government camp to also take the last constitutional post," Korcok said in a campaign video on Wednesday. Slovak presidents do not have many executive powers, but can veto laws or challenge them in the constitutional court. They nominate constitutional court judges, which may become important in upcoming battles over Fico's reforms of criminal law that would dramatically ease punishments for corruption. Presidents, like the outgoing pro-western liberal Zuzana Caputova who did not seek a second five-year term, also represent the country at various forums abroad. Pellegrini backed Fico's turn to what he calls "sovereign" foreign policy, meaning Slovakia remains an EU and NATO member but takes its own course in relations with Russia and others. "Slovakia should not be merely a passive receiver of what is dictated in Washington and Brussels," Pellegrini said in a television debate on Tuesday. Pellegrini said he promoted peace by favouring negotiations in neighbouring Ukraine instead of military aid. Ukraine and its allies say this would only lead to Russia's advantage on the battlefield. Sociologist Michal Vasecka said Korcok represented an attempt to keep Slovakia aligned with Western allies, while a victory for Pellegrini would create a situation similar to the one which prevailed in Poland until last year, when nationalists PiS controlled both the government and the elected presidency. "He may take a position against some excesses... but not stand up to Fico in key issues that may protect the rule of law," Vasecka said. The independent Korcok was Slovakia's envoy to the EU and later ambassador to the United States, before taking the foreign ministry post in centre-right governments in 2021-2022. At the time, Slovakia was a staunch ally of Ukraine, providing it air defence and fighter jets. Fico's cabinet halted official supplies after taking power. Pellegrini, now speaker of parliament, was long-time ally of Fico, who hand-picked him to be prime minister after Fico was forced to resign amid public protests against corruption following the murder of an investigative journalist in 2018. He later split off from Fico to set up his own party Hlas (Voice) as more centrist and liberal than Fico's populist-leftist SMER-SSD, but formed a government with Fico and nationalist SNS last October. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; Editing by Peter Graff) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) With warmer temperatures getting more consistent throughout the Tennessee Valley, group Alabama Snake Removers has officially entered busy season. The busiest time of the year is going to be right about now, nuisance wildlife control volunteer Chase Bowman said. GALLERY: News 19 celebrates longtime anchor Jerry Hayes retirement! Bowman has been with Alabama Snake Removers for three years. The groups mission is to safely move snakes away from family homes and businesses. Alabama Snake Removers only takes volunteers who have prior experience handling wild snakes. Bowman said hundreds of calls each year come from people living North Alabama alone. We put it in the bucket, usually using hooks or tongs, and once we get it out of there, we will relocate it to a safer area, Bowman said. Bowman said snakes are essential for pest control in the area, so its important to keep them alive, regardless if theyre venomous. Colbert County drug agents find fentanyl in plastic Easter eggs during traffic stop He said if a venomous snake is killed, it can still envenomate, even while decapitated, for hours after its death. He said there are three kinds of venomous snake most commonly seen in our area of north Alabama. First, is the Timber Rattlesnake: This is the most venomous snake we have in the area, followed by the cottonmouth and then the copperhead after that, Bowman said. There are dozens more species of snake roaming the region that are not dangerous, but it can be tough to tell the difference. One example Bowman brought to attention is the difference between an Eastern Hognose snake and a Cottonmouth. The Hognose is a common house pet, while the Cottonmouth could land a victim in the hospital. How rare is the Alabama state quarter and is it worth more than 25 cents? [The Hognose] has a rostral scale that looks like a little shovel to help it dig through the dirt, bowman said when describing the difference between that snake and a Cottonmouth. Getting close enough to actually see a snakes nose, however, is not a task many onlookers are willing to do when spotting one of these unwanted visitors. Bowman suggests the best thing to do is stand back, keep an eye on it, and call a professional removal group like Alabama Snake Removers to come get it. Distance is going to be your best friend, he said. Sometimes, though, Bowman understands there are times the snake must be moved immediately. In that case, he has a suggestion: Give it a good spray with a water hose and spray it until it is gone. There are are ways to reduce the chance a snake can end up in a private yard. Keep the yard picked up pretty well, free of debris. Keep it cut. It keeps them from wanting to come over in that area, Bowman said. While those slippery serpents are looking for heat now, in the summer, be ready to find them even closer to home. They will try to come in garages and things like that to get as close to the cool as they can, Bowman said. Until winter rolls around, keep a watchful eye no matter where you step! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. SNP has been told the legislation is too broad and outlaws normal religious activity - JEREMY SUTTON-HIBBERT/ALAMY SNP plans to ban conversion therapy risk criminalising prayer and parental guidance to their children, Scottish solicitors have warned as ministers were threatened with legal action. The Law Society of Scotland warned the proposed legislation was too broad and could outlaw normal activities by religious organisations. In a submission to a Scottish government consultation on the plans, the industry body for solicitors said this could include praying with anyone about their sexual ethics or sexual behaviour, or offering counselling on such issues. Although the consultation said general parental direction or guidance would not be considered to be conversion therapy, the submission said we have doubts on whether this is reflected in the definition itself. Presumably, there are cases in which the intention to change or suppress someones sexual orientation or gender identity is clear but we also think that there can be situations where that intention is not easy to identify, the Law Society said. It also warned that common forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy or treatment for sex offenders such as paedophiles could also be caught by the proposed legislation. The Law Society said that key definitions for criminalised behaviours in the proposals were vague and urged ministers to draw up legislation precisely and narrowly so that perfectly lawful behaviours were excluded. Their warning came as the Christian charity that successfully challenged the SNPs named person scheme warned that it was poised to mount a new legal battle over the plans. Thought crime The Christian Institute said the Scottish Governments proposals provided campaigners against conversion practices with a thought crime. Aidan ONeill KC, the groups lawyer, also warned it risked criminalising parents and churches. The group said it was ready to launch a petition for judicial review if Holyrood passes the law and to challenge it all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. Conversion therapy means trying to stop or suppress someone from being queer, or from identifying as a different gender to their sex recorded at birth. It can include talking therapies and prayer but critics have pointed to more extreme forms such as exorcism, physical violence and food deprivation. The Scottish Government consultation on a ban, published in January, stated that those found guilty of conversion practices could face up to seven years in jail. Controlling a childs clothing choices or where they went was put forward as an example of actions that could result in a conviction, if they were coercive and caused distress. Following a fierce backlash, the Scottish Government said it had never been the intention to criminalise day-to-day parental controls. It also did not rule out that the parent-child relationship would be exempted entirely from the scope of the legislation, which is not expected to be published until next year. Legislation needs significant refinement John Mulholland, the convener of the Law Societys public law committee, backed the policys aims to ban conversion practices that cause harm and distress to people because of fundamental aspects of who they are, but believe this draft legislation is too broad. He said: New laws, particularly criminal legislation, must be shown to be necessary and a fair and reasonable means of addressing a clearly identified problem. Such laws must be clear and meticulously drafted to ensure that innocent conduct is not criminalised. This proposed legislation currently does not meet these fundamental requirements, and significant refinement is needed so it doesnt capture circumstances which should be beyond legal reproach. He said the Scottish Government should focus on using civil provisions in the first instance rather than the criminal law. The submission said there were legitimate concerns that perfectly normal activities by religious organisations could fall foul of the suggested legislation. Forensic therapy for sex abusers, including paedophiles, may be caught even though they need to engage with interventions to reduce risk to be able to qualify for consideration for release by the parole board. Medication to suppress sex drive may also fall under the legislation, the submission said, criminalising medical practices as it can be interpreted that they are motivated by changing sexuality. Dangerously broad proposals Warning of legal action, Joanna Cook, a public affairs officer at the Christian Institute, said: There are already strong laws on the statute book to protect gay and trans people. Existing law thankfully tackles verbal and physical abuse in Scotland today. But those campaigning for a conversion practices law arent content with that. They want a new speech crime. A thought crime. And, Im afraid, the Scottish Governments proposals give them that. The proposals are vaguely worded, dangerously broad, and would catch innocent, harmless behaviour. She said this could include a mother who stops her 12-year-old son going to school in a dress and make-up. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Our proposals are focused on situations where a service is provided or where there is coercive behaviour, using acts that are threatening, abusive, humiliating, punishing or controlling of day-to-day actions, which is carried out consistently or repeatedly. In each case there must be a specific intention to change or suppress another persons sexual orientation or gender identity and harm must have been caused. 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. All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. A total solar eclipse will pass through North America on Monday (April 8). For those who want to catch the celestial event live on television or online, weve rounded up a bunch of ways to watch and stream the celestial event. More from Billboard Around a third of U.S. states will be in the solar eclipses path which starts in the South Pacific Ocean and over Mexico before heading north across several states including Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kentucky. The eclipse path will work its way up through portions of the Midwest including Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and further Northeast passing Philadelphia and New York before ending in Maine. If you want to watch the solar eclipse, either online or on television, there are several ways to catch every minute without having to go outside. Read on for more details on how to watch and live stream the solar eclipse from anywhere. Eclipse 2024 Schedule: When & Where to Stream Live No solar glasses needed! You can watch the solar eclipse live on TV, a smartphone, computer and other streaming devices. Where can you stream the solar eclipse online? Eclipse coverage will stream live on platforms such as Hulu and Disney+ starting at 2 p.m. ET./11 a.m. PT on Monday. The solar eclipse will also broadcast live on network TV and cable channels such as ABC, NBC and CNN. If you want to stream live TV without cable, DirecTV, Sling TV and Fubo have affordable streaming packages with access to dozens of local and cable channels. get directV ABC, CNN and NBC are a few of the networks that will broadcast and stream eclipse coverage across on Monday. And most of the coverage will stretch last at least two hours. ABC will air Eclipse Across America live at 2 p.m. ET. The special will also be available on ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild. Coverage of the eclipse will broadcast live on CNN from locations around the U.S. and Mexico during a special episode of CNN News Central from 1-4 p.m. ET. You can stream the eclipse live with CNN on Max. Coverage will also be available to stream online at CNN.com/eclipse. NBCs coverage of the solar eclipse will air as a two-hour special, Total Eclipse 2024, at 2 p.m. ET on Monday. The special will also stream on NBC News Now. Check your local listings for channel additional information. See below for streaming packages that will allow you to watch the eclipse live. DirecTV, Sling TV & Max: How to Watch the Solar Eclipse on Streaming Platforms DirecTV offers live and local channels including ABC, NBC, CNN, NatGeo and more for $75 per month, plus theres a free trial when you join and DVR recording. Fubo offers similar streaming packages starting at $59.99 per month $20 off for the first month. For $30 per month, you can join Sling TV and stream dozens of cable channels live. Local channels are available in select cities. Click below to join Sling and save half off your first month. get sling TV Subscribe to Max to stream the solar eclipse live via CNN on Max. Streaming plans start at $9.99 for the monthly plan, but the streamer is currently offering over 40% off when you subscribe to an annual plan and pay a year in advance. Annual plans start at $69.99 per month with the discount but you dont have much time to join at a discount. The limited offer ends on April 9. get max Those streaming from outside of the U.S. can access various streaming platforms with ExpressVPN. How to Watch the Solar Eclipse on Hulu & Disney+ ABC will simulcast coverage of the 2024 Solar Eclipse live on Hulu and Disney+ starting at 2 p.m. ET. If youre not subscribed to Hulu, you can join for free for the first month. hulu Free trial Hulus streaming plans start at $7.99 per month for the basic package and $1.99 per month with the student discount. Disney+ costs $9.99 for the basic plan but theres also a Disney+ Bundle Duo with Hulu for $9.99 per month, or the Bundle Trio with ESPN+ for $14.99 per month. How to Watch the Solar Eclipse With NASA NASA will offer coverage of the solar eclipse on its website, as well as NASA TV and NASA+ starting at 1 p.m. ET. Besides the eclipse, NASAs broadcast will include appearances from NASA experts and astronauts, coverage of eclipse watch parties around the U.S. Additionally, NASA will host a watch party in Spanish on its YouTube page starting at 1:30 p.m. ET. To stream a live feed of the solar eclipse, head to NASAs YouTube page or the NASA TV media channel. The solar eclipse will also be available to watch live on social media channels platforms such as TikTok, X and Facebook. Best of Billboard SUVA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji Meteorological Services has issued a warning about the looming threat of drought conditions in the upcoming months in the island nation. Senior Scientific Officer Arieta Baleisolomone has attributed it to the moderate El Nino weather phenomenon that they have been closely monitoring since the end of last year, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday. Despite nearing the conclusion of this weather pattern, Baleisolomone warned that Fiji should brace for continued impacts over the next few months. She said the transition from the wet season to drier weather patterns will become increasingly evident in April. El Nino historically leads to a reduction in rainfall for Fiji, affecting the entire country to different degrees. The wet season in Fiji is normally from November to April. Solar eclipse in Wichita Falls: Will it rain on our parade? In her ballad, Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell bemoans all the things she could have done, but clouds got in her way. Its a tune North Texans may be humming on Monday eclipse day. Or maybe not. Monday's total eclipse of the sun may play peekaboo with North Texans because of cloud cover. The National Weather Service forecast for Wichita Falls for Monday is partly clear skies and a 70 percent chance of rain. That may sound like a contradiction, but anyone who has lived in Texas knows it is not necessarily so. Texans can sing, I can see clearly now, one moment and, Rainy days and Mondays always get me down, the next. "Theres still some uncertainty about the cloud cover forecast, according to Phil Ware, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office in Norman, Okla. As of right now it looks like Wichita Falls probably will have some clouds. The question is how thick are the clouds going to be. Its a little too hard for us to say for sure. Hawks and wind turbines spin lazy circles in the air near Trent as a partial eclipse of the sun makes for a unique sunset June 10, 2002. Ware said forecasters will have a better idea of conditions as the date draws closer. Wichitans will not see the full eclipse, anyway. The city is too far west of the track, which runs in Texas from the southwest to the northeast. Optimal time to view the partial eclipse will be early afternoon. Jeanine Campos, 9, watches the annular eclipse of the sun at San Angelo State Park Oct. 14, 2023. Jeanine and her family drove out from the Dallas area to see it. Where to watch the eclipse in Wichita Falls Total Eclipse in the Park. Noon to 3 p.m. Monday, hosted by Downtown Wichita Falls Development, in Park Central at 815 Scott Ave. across from the Big Blue Building downtown. Attendees are invited to bring lunches and picnic baskets and should bring sunscreen and an umbrella. Some ISO-certified-safe solar eclipse glasses will be available at the park on a first come, first serve basis. Eclipse Extravaganza. Noon to 3 p.m. Monday at Red River Bend Nature Center, 2200 Third St. Participants can do crafts and other activities during this come-and-go celebration and viewing open to all ages. The nature center will have eclipse glass for sale in the gift shop to view the once-in-a-lifetime event. Cost: $6 for general admission; $5 for children, seniors and military students; Free for children 1 and under, and RBNC members. More: Controversy: Commissioners Court orders treasurer to pay Republican election workers More: City will try again for a grant to add firefighters Trish Choate, interim editor for the Wichita Falls Times Record News, San Angelo Standard-Times and Abilene Reporter-News, contributed to this report. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Solar eclipse in Wichita Falls: Will it rain on our parade? (FOX40.COM) A historic total solar eclipse will be visible from most parts of the United States on April 8 and with that comes an abundance of strongly held beliefs about what the rare wonder in the sky could symbolize. Video Above: How to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse Eclipses used to be very scary to a lot of cultures, said Professor Kyle Watters, an astrophysicist who teaches physics and astronomy at California State University, Sacramento. Watters is also the planetarium coordinator on campus and instructs a course titled Through Space and Time in the Planetarium that looks at several different ancient cultures and astronomical practices and mythologies. Will California see the solar eclipse? Weve gotten incredibly good at predicting them we know theres going to be one next Monday, we know exactly when its going to start, we know exactly when its going to end, and we know exactly where to go in the country to get the best view, Watters told FOX40.com. Weve got orbital dynamics down pretty well in 2024, but if you turn the clock back 2,000 years, no one knew these things were coming and they could be terrifying when they happened. Where can I get solar eclipse glasses? Ancient beliefs Chinese Ancient Chinese cultures believed that a solar eclipse was a sign of doom. The ancient Chinese believed that during a solar eclipse, a dragon or demon devoured the sun. To combat the dragon or demons during an eclipse, the Chinese would cause a great commotion with pots and drums in hopes of frightening off the dragon. They would try to get the sun to come back by making loud noise and yelling, Watters said. It always seemed to work because eclipses only ever last a few minutes. Australian Aboriginal Australian culture didnt fear total solar eclipses but instead looked at them as a romantic event. In their mythology of the sky, the sun and the moon are star-crossed lovers who are always doomed to be separate, Watters said. On very rare occasions they get to come together. Watters said that ancient Australians believed that a total solar eclipse was an intimate event where the moon mounted the sun. Where can I get solar eclipse glasses? Greeks Ancient Greeks had another take on the celestial event. Many ancient Greeks considered eclipses to be an omen or symbolic of their gods anger toward humans, according to worldtreasures.org. They believed that people on earth did something displeasing in the eyes of the gods and the darkening of the sun meant the sun abandoning the Earth to bring misery. The word eclipse actually comes from the Greek word meaning abandonment. Current beliefs Christians For many Christians, the solar eclipse is a direct sign from God about judgment heading to the Earth for human sins and the end of times. Several passages from the Christian Bible state that in the last days, there will be signs from God shown in the sun, moon, and stars. Many people of the Christian faith believe that the upcoming eclipse is another tell-tale sign of their saviors imminent return, judgment, and more. Several key moments in biblical scripture were also believed to be marked by a total solar eclipse such as when the skies darkened after the crucifixion of Jesus who Christians believe to be the son of God. The celestial darkness symbolized the Earth in mourning over his death juxtaposed with a blessed new covenant between God and humanity. Native American The Navajo, which has the largest reservation in the U.S., has a more positive outlook on what a solar eclipse symbolizes. For them, the event is about reverence, not a spectacle, according to space.com. The Navajo view the solar eclipse as a sacred time of quiet and meditation. Some even refuse to view the eclipse because they believe it to be spiritual and not a show. During an eclipse, the Navajo tribe tends to stay inside, abstain from food and drink, and reflect on life. Parks are often shut down to avoid disturbance from spectators and schools are even closed so eclipse traditions can be practiced. For the Navajo, the end of the eclipse marks a time of rebirth and renewal. Its also a common Navajo practice to treat the solar eclipse as a new year and make resolutions. On April 8, some portions of the Choctaw Nation Reservation will experience a total solar eclipse, according to the tribes website. When an eclipse occurred, legend has it that our ancestors believed hungry, large black squirrels would emerge and eat the sun to quell their hunger pains, the Choctaw Nation said. The tribe would yell, throw sticks and rocks, shoot arrows, and throw spears toward the darkened sun to scare away the hungry squirrels. Every tribal member was counted on to do their part to frighten away the squirrels and save the sun from being devoured. Today, some members of the tribe reenact the fight for the sun to keep the tradition alive. Dont be surprised if you visit the Choctaw Nation and see a few tribal members re-enacting these eclipse traditions by yelling and throwing sticks at the eclipse, Choctaw Nation said. Some tribal members enjoy reliving our past by carrying on traditions, even those connecting to something as rare as an eclipse. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. The actress and environmentalist Tracy Ward objects to plans to build a 2,000-acre solar farm, part of which would lie on the estate of her ex-husband the Duke of Beaufort in Gloucestershire: Solar panels should be on roofs, along motorways, or industrial sites, she says. Be careful what the climate change fearmongering will lull us into accepting. Spot on. While solar panels on roofs can (almost) make sense, huge solar farms are an environmental as well as economic mistake. The whole point of farmland is that it is already a solar farm, and a green one at that. It turns sunlight into food energy for people, insects, voles and birds. The fact that some green campaigners would rather have low grade electricity than high quality British farm produce shows how bizarrely irrational environmentalism has become, says Dr John Constable of the Renewable Energy Foundation. Ah, say solar-energy fans, but you can have both: you can graze sheep under the solar panels or allow weeds to flourish. This is nonsense: the whole point of solar panels is that they catch the sunlight the clue is in the name which plants would otherwise use to grow. On a normal summers day, perhaps 10 per cent of the sunlight might get missed by the solar panels and caught by the plants solar panels (leaves) instead. Its a zero-sum game. It is debatable whether we need home-grown electricity more desperately than we need home-grown food these days: reliance on imports of both are increasing sharply. But you cannot currently make bread or lambs any other way than by using land; the same is not true of electricity. According to an estimate by the writer Robert Bryce, solar power needs around 200 times as much land as gas per unit of energy. Reducing the land we need for human civilisation is surely a vital ecological imperative. The more concentrated the production, the more land you spare for nature. Going back to using the landscape to provide energy, as they did in the Middle Ages (through wind, water and hay for horses), would be a disaster for nature. Britain currently vies with New Zealand each year to break the record for wheat yield: our combination of soil moisture and summer day length is ideal. But its right at the bottom of the heap for solar-power potential. Around 1-2 kilowatt-hours a day of direct normal irradiation falls on the average square metre in Britain. Most of Australia experiences 5-8 times as much. According to one study, it is not even clear that the energy generated by a typical solar farm in Europe north of the Alps is greater than what went into building it, let alone replacing it every 15 years. To match UK electricity demand from solar on a June afternoon could mean covering 5-10 per cent of the entire country with solar farms, but they would be useless at night and in winter. British solar output peaks at precisely the times we least need it: in the middle of the day in the middle of summer. It contributes the square root of sod all in December, and in spring and autumn it stops generating just when demand starts to peak in the evening. The more solar power we add to the grid, the bigger the evening ramp-up demand for gas. It is expensive to keep so much back-up ready. Batteries are unlikely to help much. If we relied on solar power, it would take many billions of pounds to install enough batteries to tide us over a single night, let alone a winter. Then there is the demand for materials. There is probably not enough silicon, silver or copper being mined and smelted in the world to build a solar farm big enough to supply Britain. The material demands of solar power are about six times greater than for gas, per megawatt of capacity (though half those of offshore wind). Much of this material comes from China, a significant vulnerability in terms of economic security and environmental damage. Solars fans are fond of saying that the cost of solar panels is falling fast, but solar panels account for just a quarter of the costs of a solar farm: the cost of the rest of the infrastructure, and the land, is rising. Planning guidance on solar farms needs to change fast to stop these duke-lucrative, subsidised eyesores gobbling up more of our green and pleasant land. 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. As efforts are being made to clean up and remove debris of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, new images show the remains of the bridge at the bottom of the Patapsco River. Sonar images supplied by the U.S. Navys Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) and released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District Tuesday "shows the wreckage resting at the bottom of the river where the Francis Scott Key Bridge once stood," with visibility "clouded to just one to two feet because of the four to five feet of mud and loose bottom of the Patapsco River," according to the department. The images were obtained via a primary sonar tool called CODA Octopus, said the department. Watch: Pieces of Francis Scott Key Bridge removed from Baltimore port after collapse When did the Baltimore bridge collapse happen? The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26 after a massive cargo ship rammed into it, causing the structure to crumble into the Patapsco River and kill six workers who were patching potholes. The accident also blocked access to the Port of Baltimore, a vital shipping port. Divers working in 'virtual darkness' U.S.A.C.E. Baltimore explained that divers working on the bridge are carrying out their activities "in virtual darkness because when lit their view is similar to driving through a heavy snowfall at night with high-beam headlights on. They are also being given detailed verbal directions by operators on nearby vessels viewing imagery in real-time. "No usable underwater video exists of the wreckage, because as one Navy diver stated, 'theres no need take video of something you cant even see'," the department said. Debris of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge rest at the bottom of the Patapsco River in Baltimore. The image, released on April 2, 2024, was captured using sonar technology. Restoring the Port of Baltimore Restoration efforts began on Sunday night when the first major section of debris was removed from the debris field that blocked entry into the Port of Baltimore. A crane lifted a 200-ton piece of the bridge, but Democratic Gov. Wes Moore said thousands of tons of debris remain in the river and above the ship. Some 1,100 personnel from the Army Corps of Engineers, along with highly specialized equipment, were deployed to remove the debris and reopen the nation's largest vehicle handling port. The keel of the stricken commercial vessel Dali also rests in sediment at the bottom of Baltimore Harbor, weighed down by a portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, complicating efforts to clear the channel, according to a senior U.S. official. 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) Another official described the submerged steel and concrete wreckage as a spaghetti mess more tangled than the debris visible above the water. 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. 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, Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, the commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, told USA TODAY last week. An official described the submerged steel and concrete wreckage as a spaghetti mess more tangled than the debris visible above the water. Latino communities 'rebuilt' Baltimore. Now they're grieving bridge collapse victims 'Not just about Maryland' While a timeline for the cleanup has not yet been outlined, Gov. Moore expressed urgency over the matter. "This is not just about Maryland. This is about our nation's economy," Moore said at a press conference on Saturday. "The port handles more cars and more farm equipment more than any other port inside this country." The Biden Administration approved his initial request of $60 million to begin the cleanup process but he said much more is required to restore the bridge. President Joe Biden will visit the site on Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced on Monday. Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook, Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore bridge collapse: New sonar images show wreckage underwater The Biden administration shot back at calls from the left for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to retire, calling it a personal decision the White House wasnt getting involved in. When it comes to those types of decisions, those are personal decisions, regardless of if its Justice Sotomayor or any other justice on the bench, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a Wednesday press briefing. That is for them to make, that is a decision for that justice to make. Again, its a personal decision. That is not something that we get involved in, but it is something for, obviously, any justice on the bench. They should be given the space and freedom to make that decision. The question follows increasing debate over whether Democrats ought to pressure Sotomayor to retire. The 69-year-old, who has Type 1 diabetes, is the oldest sitting Supreme Court justice appointed by a Democratic president. If the party loses either the White House or the Senate in November, it may lose the ability to choose her replacement for years to come. With the Supreme Court already dominated by a six-justice conservative majority, a small but vocal group of legal experts are encouraging Sotomayor to step down. One expert told HuffPost he feared the Ruth Bader Ginsburg precedent. Democrats resisted putting pressure on Ginsburg to resign; when the 87-year-old passed away in 2020, former President Donald Trump rushed to appoint Amy Coney Barrett as her successor. I have PTSD from 2020, former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan said on CNN Tuesday, adding, Republicans are very good at stacking courts, at getting their people on courts ... Democrats arent very good at seeing the power of the Supreme Court. Democratic senators have said they would not join calls for Sotomayor to retire. But Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called for her to make her decision carefully. Im very respectful of Justice Sotomayor. I have great admiration for her. But I think she really has to weigh the competing factors, he told NBC. We should learn a lesson. And its not like theres any mystery here about what the lesson should be. Related... COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The alumnae chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated will be distributing scholarships to seniors who are graduating high school at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Female students who are graduating from local high schools are encouraged to apply for the $500 scholarships. Applications are available in participating schools counseling departments. The deadline for the applications is April 14. Sigma Gamma Rho established their scholarship program in 2019. Since then, the organization has given out three $500 scholarships per year to female students in Muscogee County. This year, the sorority opened applications to students in neighboring counties, including Russell-, Troup- and Lee County. Free head and neck cancer screenings to be held at John B. Amos Cancer Center in Columbus By providing scholarships, Sigma Gamma Rho hopes to provide opportunities for students to accomplish goals and future endeavors, as well as help families financially. WRBL spoke with Nikki Williams, the president of the alumnae chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho about the importance of the scholarship program. Part of the mission statement is we enhance the quality of life for women and their families, Williams said. So these are their children and we also want to see greater progression in the area of education. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A South Tampa neighborhood will see some relief from flash floods, thanks in part to $959,752 in federal funds secured by a Tampa Bay lawmaker. Rep. Kathy Castor joined Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on Wednesday to announce the federal infrastructure grant. Im so excited when a plan comes together to invest in our neighbors and our neighborhood, Rep. Castor said. Where is the money?: Pickleball entrepreneur $47 million in debt, putting investors on edge The project, which has been funded and is in the design phase, will replace and upgrade the stormwater drainage system along Manhattan Avenue at Vasconia Street and up north to Bay to Bay Blvd. City officials say it will help the stormwater drain into Old Tampa Bay faster to clear the roads and cut down on standing water after the storm passes. The flood relief project will also include improvements to cut down on the pollutants spilling out into the bay when stormwater drains. The area is just one of the South Tampa neighborhoods with an undersized and aging drainage system. Mayor Castor said some wastewater pipes in the city are 80 to 100 years old. What I can say to our community is that we are doing everything we can to address not only our successful growth, but to address those effects of climate change to ensure our community remains resilient and that our growth is sustainable, Mayor Castor said. Rep. Castor said she expedited her request for funding because these projects are crucial to protect residents, businesses and their properties from damage and the resulting property insurance claims. The Virginia Park neighborhood experiences frequent and dangerous street flooding, even during typical afternoon thunderstorms, that makes it hard for both drivers and pedestrians to navigate. It is a real impact on the small local businesses along here and the residents, Carroll Ann Bennett, a representative for the Virginia Park Neighborhood Association and a lifelong South Tampa resident, said. I cant even begin to count how many times Ive seen cars stalled out on this section of Manhattan. Bennett said the project has the full support of the neighborhood association. The Manhattan stormwater project is one of four in the upper peninsula area of South Tampa aiming to mitigate flooding and one of several projects Rep. Castor secured funding for in the federal appropriations package for the 2024 fiscal year. Officials say construction is set begin on Manhattan Ave. in Spring 2025 and is expected to be completed the next year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday attended a voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing and called for nationwide efforts in afforestation to jointly build a beautiful China. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending the tree planting activity. The space debris that damaged Alejandro Otero's house will be analysed by Nasa - X Nasa is analysing a piece of space debris that smashed through a Florida mans roof, narrowly missing his son. Alejandro Otero of Naples, Florida, said the item tore through the roof and went [through] two floors of his house, almost striking his son, on March 8. Having recovered the small object, he believes it was a piece of a cargo pallet containing old batteries that Nasa ground control teams released from the orbital outpost in 2021. It was supposed to burn up harmlessly over the Earths atmosphere on March 8, according to official projections. Mr Otero also posted on X, formerly Twitter, a clip from his home Nest video camera where he said the sound of it crashing through his roof could be heard at 2.34 pm. So thats 1934 UTC, which is very consistent with the Space Force estimate of reentry over the Gulf at 1929 UTC, wrote noted astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, in response. I think you may be right and its a bit from the reentry of the EP-9 battery pallet. Hello. Looks like one of those pieces missed Ft Myers and landed in my house in Naples. Tore through the roof and went thru 2 floors. Almost his my son. Can you please assist with getting NASA to connect with me? I've left messages and emails without a response. pic.twitter.com/Yi29f3EwyV Alejandro Otero (@Alejandro0tero) March 15, 2024 The news was first reported by local news outlet winknews.com on March 15. Nasa collected an item in cooperation with the homeowner, and will analyze the object at Nasas Kennedy Space Center in Florida as soon as possible to determine its origin, the space agency said on Tuesday. More information will be available once the analysis is complete. A report by specialist news outlet Ars Technica said that, while the batteries were owned by Nasa, they were attached to a pallet structure launched by Japans space agency potentially complicating liability claims. Past examples of man-made human space debris hitting Earth include part of a SpaceX Dragon capsule landing on an Australian sheep farm in 2022. Skylab, the United States first space station, fell on Western Australia upon its return to the planet. More recently, China has been criticised for allowing its giant Long March rockets to fall back to Earth after orbit. 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. Special Counsel Jack Smith Is Done With Judge Aileen Cannon And Lets It Show A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Rule For Me, Rule Against, But Above All Just RULE In a new filing that bluntly confronts U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, Special Counsel Jack Smith takes a new tone of incredulousness and disdain for her mishandling of the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case. The issue at hand is her failure to have yet ruled on Donald Trumps motion to dismiss based on his inane, unprecedented, and counterfactual reading of the Presidential Records Act. Instead of rejecting the argument out of hand, Cannon not only is entertaining it but ordered the two sides to propose jury instructions based on two different deeply flawed interpretations of the PRA. That set up an nearly impossible challenge for Smith: How do you draft jury instructions that are so wrong on the law without looking like an idiot, undermining your own case, and pissing of the judge? The answer: You cant. So Smith went all in, no longer trying to placate, educate, or hand-hold Cannon. Smith ripped her interpretations of the PRA: both of the Courts scenarios are fundamentally flawed and any jury instructions that reflect those scenarios would be error. He said her legal premise is wrong and her requested jury instructions would distort the trial. Smith all but threatened to take Cannon up on appeal, urging her to rule promptly and not wait until a jury has been seated and thereby deprive the government of the opportunity to appeal. At this point, Smith would prefer an adverse ruling to no ruling at all: Whatever the Court decides, it must resolve these crucial threshold legal questions promptly. The failure to do so would improperly jeopardize the Governments right to a fair trial. Smith came as close as you can to mocking Cannons request for proposed jury instructions under her two scenarios, prefacing the insane exercise with language like: Any jury instructions premised on the erroneous legal suppositions set forth in Scenario (a) would necessarily be deeply flawed. and: Like Scenario (a), proposed Scenario (b) rests on [an] erroneous and unsupported legal proposition But Scenario (b) also incorporates additional layers of erroneous legal propositions at the core of Trumps legally flawed and factually unsupported PRA defense. For devotees of the Mar-a-Lago case, Smith also walked Cannon through the origin story of Trumps PRA defense, which close followers know involves Tom Fitton, the non-lawyer head of the right-wing Judicial Watch. How A Subprime Auto King Saved Trumps Butt Meet Don Hankey: CNN: Billionaire whose firm backed Trumps $175 million bond reveals how the deal came together Bloomberg: Donald Trumps Lenders of Last Resort Is A Subprime Auto King and Online Bank WaPo: How a California billionaire known for auto loans provided Trumps bond There It Is A 26-year-old New York man was charged late last month with sending death threats to state Attorney General Letitia James and Judge Arthur Engoron in connection with the civil fraud case against Donald Trump. Trumps Latest Recusal Nonsense The trial judge in the New York hush-money-cum-election-interference case has already rejected Trumps previous efforts to get him to recuse himself, so hes unlikely to grant Trumps latest request, just days before trial, that is built around Trumps public attacks on the judges daughter. Here We Go Again A.B. Stoddard warns of Trump using a variation of the 2020 Big Lie playbook in 2024: Trump can win on November 5, and polls show he likely would if the election were held today. But if Biden defeats him, the man who would trample the country for his ego can be expected to use even more extreme means than he did last time to flip the resultbecause hes trying to stay out of jail. Nearly All Of Trumps Hostages Assaulted Law Enforcement Just Security breaks down the charges against the Jan. 6 defendants still being held in the DC jail: A whooping 27 of the 29 inmates were charged or already convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol attack. Breathtaking Trumps campaign speeches yesterday in the Midwest could easily be dismissed as more of the same, what you would expect, and not-much-new-to-see-here. They did strike familiar themes, but the level of villainy is truly reaching new levels. Deeply racist and dehumanizing targeting of immigrants featured prominently in his Michigan speech, where he insisted on calling immigrants animals. Awful stuff. But I was particularly struck by this hodgepodge of threats of authoritarian menace, due process violations, and illegal searches and seizures all while surrounded by uniformed members of law enforcement: Trump on deputizing local law enforcement officials to oversee mass deportations: "They know every bad kid we're gonna work out a federal immunity for police" pic.twitter.com/bvxdkdNHXN Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 2, 2024 Note how Trump, under criminal indictment in four jurisdictions, not only surrounds himself with police but folds in his own quest for presidential immunity, offering to provide the same immunity to law enforcement. (Hes said this before, but I dont think its been in this kind of setting.) Its a remarkable dynamic, a case study in Orwellian language and authoritarian machinations. I know its hard to see Trump clownishness as sophisticated. But this is multi-layered sophistication, whether conscious or not. Hes wrapping himself in the mantle of police, holding himself out as a law-and-order candidate, casting judges and prosecutors as criminals and himself as their victim, and thus positioning himself as aligned with police in the pursuit of criminals while benevolently promising (unconvincingly) that he will protect them with the same immunity he will win for himself. So much to unpack in that speech (including another apparent Trump fabrication). A New Tactic Against Disinformation The NYT profiles attorney Michael J. Gottlieb, who is famously using defamation claims to combat disinformation in cases ranging from Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss to Pizzagate. Hate Lost Voters in a recall election in Enid, Oklahoma overwhelmingly removed a member of the City Council over his ties to white nationalists groups. 2024 Ephemera WSJ poll: Trump leads Biden in six of seven swings states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina. Biden leads only in Wisconsin. Wisconsin voters approved two GOP-driven constitutional amendments limiting civic participation in elections: (i) a ban on private funding in support of elections; and (ii) new limits on who can perform election-related duties. A dormant bill in Nebraska to award the states electoral votes on a winner-take-all basis and likely deprive Joe Biden of a single electoral vote has new life after right-wing provocateur Charlie Kirk tweeted about it Tuesday afternoon and Donald Trump and the governor quickly lined up behind it. Taiwan Quake Aftermath HUALIEN, TAIWAN APRIL 3: The Uranus Building at Xuanyuan Road in Hualien, Taiwan is tilted severely after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off Taiwans eastern coast on April 3, 2024. (Photo by Hualien County Fire Department/Anadolu via Getty Images) A 7.4-magnitude temblor along the eastern coast of Taiwan killed at least nine people and left widespread damage and disruption. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! Semafor Signals Insights from The Washington Post, CNN, and Salon The News Special Counsel Jack Smith issued a highly unusual rebuke of the judge overseeing former President Donald Trumps criminal classified documents case late Tuesday, cautioning that the legal path shes pursuing is wrong. Trump stands accused of violating the Espionage Act by stashing hundreds of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago after leaving office. Smith said in a filing that briefings ordered by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon who Trump nominated to the bench show she has a fundamentally flawed understanding of the case that has no basis in law or fact. The case has been met with meandering delays, and Cannon has entertained curious legal arguments that have left experts baffled. This tangle raises the likelihood that the case will not go to trial before the November election, despite both sides saying they could be ready by the summer. The confrontation between prosecutor and judge came after Cannon last month issued an unusual order that suggests shes open to the defenses claim that Trump could declare some classified documents as his personal property, potentially shielding him from prosecution. The order instructed lawyers to file proposed jury instructions that seemed to embrace Trumps claims that he could legally take classified documents from the White House. It was seen as particularly odd given that jury instructions are usually determined on the eve of a trial, but no trial date has been set in this case. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. This was prosecutors strongest rebuke yet of Cannon Sources: The Washington Post, CNN, Salon Smiths filing represents the most stark and high-stakes confrontation yet between the judge and the prosecutor, The Washington Post reported, while CNN called it prosecutors strongest rebuke yet of Cannons handling of the case. While Smiths response to Cannons order was forceful, it was also appropriate, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Salon. Several experts told the publication that Smiths filing essentially puts Cannon on notice, with Rahmani adding that Smiths threat of appeal means shes got to think long and hard about this order that shes gonna issue. Cannons jury instruction order baffled experts, benefitted Trump Sources: The Washington Post, The Guardian Cannon is giving credence to arguments that are on their face absurd, one former federal judge told The Washington Post after the judge released her jury instruction order. The Guardian accused Cannon of entertaining [Trumps] most brazen defenses. The Los Angeles Times senior legal affairs columnist said the order was a completely loony way to address Trumps motion to dismiss and added that the judge has truly crossed the line into running interference for the former president who put her on the bench. Rebuke could mean Smith is getting closer to requesting Cannons removal Sources: The New York Times, Newsweek Prosecutors could ask Cannon to remove herself from the case, an effort she would almost certainly reject, pushing the question to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. But, as The New York Times pointed out, recusal motions require prosecutors to point to flawed decisions. And so far, Judge Cannon has largely avoided making decisions, complicating any effort to get rid of her. Multiple attorneys told Newsweek they think the 11th Circuit would remove Cannon if her jury instructions were adopted. Jack Smith is close to pushing the nuclear button to ask the 11th Circuit to intervene and remove Judge Cannon from the case, one said. Special counsel Jack Smith strongly criticized a recent order by the judge presiding over the case of former President Donald Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents, saying that her request for jury instructions from his office and Trump's lawyers is based on a fundamentally flawed legal premise. In a court filing Tuesday, Smith argued that the legal premise behind Judge Aileen Cannons request is wrong and that it would distort the trial, potentially leading to a directed verdict in Trump's favor. The special counsel urged Cannon to promptly decide whether the legal premise in question represents a correct formulation of the law, and indicated that federal prosecutors would appeal if the judge rules against them. Special counsel Jack Smith (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images file) Cannon last month directed Trump and the special counsel to submit jury instructions framed with two competing scenarios concerning the Presidential Records Act as it relates to the charges brought against Trump under the Espionage Act accusing him of mishandling of classified documents. The first scenario Cannon outlined allows the jury to review records and determine which documents Trump retained are personal or presidential under the Presidential Records Act. In the second scenario, Cannon instructed lawyers to draft instructions based on the assumption that presidents have the sole authority under that act to lawfully retain documents at the end of their term by declaring them as personal or presidential records, aligning with Trumps defense in the case. Both scenarios rest on an unstated and fundamentally flawed legal premise namely, that the Presidential Records Act (PRA), and in particular its distinction between personal and Presidential records determines whether a former President is authorized, under the Espionage Act to possess highly classified documents and store them in an unsecure facility, Smith's team wrote in the filing. The Presidential Records Act requires the return of presidential records at the end of a president's term, but says they can keep their personal records, which is described as documents containing highly personal information, such as diaries, journals, and medical records. In a Tuesday filing responding to Cannon's order, Trump's lawyers maintained that the Presidential Records Act gives Trump the authority to decide whether a record is personal or presidential, that all of the records found in his possession could be considered personal despite classification markings, and that that Trump's determination that they're personal records can't be second-guessed by the courts. One of their proposed jury instructions was for the judge to tell jurors "if President Trump designated a document as a 'personal record' under the Presidential Records Act, then the classification status of that document, if any, is not relevant to your evaluation of whether the government has met its burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the document you are considering is a 'Presidential record.' Smith's office said such an instruction would be a grievous mistake and characterized Trump's defense using the Presidential Records Act as pure fiction. "Trumps entire effort to rely on the PRA is not based on any facts," prosecutors said. "It is a post hoc justification that was concocted more than a year after he left the White House, and his invocation in this Court of the PRA is not grounded in any decision he actually made during his presidency to designate as personal any of the records charged." They also noted that while Trump has claimed the documents had been deemed personal while he was president, there's no evidence he'd done so. "During its exhaustive investigation, the Government interviewed Trumps own PRA representatives and numerous high-ranking officials from the White House Chiefs of Staff, White House Counsel and senior members of the White House Counsels Office, a National Security Advisor, and senior members of the National Security Council," they wrote. "Not a single one had heard Trump say that he was designating records as personal or that, at the time he caused the transfer of boxes to Mar-a-Lago, he believed that his removal of records amounted to designating them as personal under the PRA. To the contrary, every witness who was asked this question had never heard such a thing," and Trump and his attorneys repeatedly referred to the documents he had possessed as "presidential records" well after he left the White House. Trump's lawyers, meanwhile, said in their proposed instructions to the jury that to find Trump had "knowingly" taken control of classified documents, the government would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he did so "voluntarily and intentionally and not because of a mistake or by accident." "Medical science has not yet devised an instrument which can record what was in ones mind in the distant past," the proposed instructions read. "Rarely is direct proof available to establish the state of ones mind. State of mind may be inferred from what a person says or does: his words, his actions, and his conduct, as of the time of the occurrence of certain events. The intent with which an act is done is often more clearly and conclusively shown by the act itself, or by a series of acts, than by words or explanations of the act uttered long after the occurrence." Trump faces multiple charges in the classified documents case, including willful retention of national defense information, false statements and representations, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record and corruptly concealing a document. The former president has pleaded not guilty to all counts. His co-defendants in the case, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, have also pleaded not guilty to related charges. Trump in February moved to dismiss the classified documents indictment in Florida, arguing that on the basis of presidential immunity he cannot be prosecuted. Cannon last month denied Trumps motion to dismiss the case as constitutionally vague and expressed skepticism over his lawyers argument for tossing out the case based on the Presidential Records Act. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Scientists have warned young men not to think "they're invincible", as new study shows hot temperatures can slash sperm counts. - Getty Images Exposure to temperatures above 30 degrees knocks sperm counts in men, researchers have found, raising concerns that global warming could hit fertility rates worldwide. While it has long been known that sperm counts can decline with age, scientists in Singapore have warned young men not to think theyre invincible after an analysis tracked the impact of hot days on semen samples from 818 men in the city state. The results, which have yet to be published in a journal, found that those who were exposed to average temperatures exceeding 29.8C within three months of providing a sample had a 46 per cent higher risk of a low sperm count. Meanwhile the risk of a low sperm concentration jumped by 40 per cent. Conventionally, findings suggest that sperm quality decreases as one ages, but what we found in this study was that it was men in their [prime] reproductive time between 25 and 35 who were the most impacted by heat, said Dr Samuel Gunther, a research fellow at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine involved in the study. So just because youre a young male, dont think youre invincible, and dont think youre not also vulnerable to these impacts. Moving forward, the climate is going to get hotter. And that is also something that we need to bear in mind in family planning, he added. New research shows exposure to temperatures above 30 degrees knocks sperm counts in men, as spermatogenesis (the process of producing sperm), occurs at 1-2C below core body temperatures. - Matthias Kulka/The Image Bank RF Speaking to the Telegraph, Dr Gunther said the study was the first to look at the impact of heat on fertility in tropical regions - where temperatures remain high all year round and fluctuations are milder than in seasonal climates like the UK. That we still found detrimental impacts during key exposure periods suggests that it might not take much fluctuation in temperature to damage sperm health, he said. This study demonstrates how environmental exposure such as high ambient temperature and heat stress can impact male fertility, and signals us to pursue the link further. The study is part of the National University of Singapores Project HeatSafe programme, which is exploring the consequences of extreme heat on different elements of society. As well as looking at male sperm counts, the researchers tracked the birth records of more than 30,000 mothers, and found that avoiding extreme heat during the third trimester of a pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of premature births. This comes after researchers at the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research tracked 800 pregnant women in southern India, and found the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage can double if women are exposed to extreme heat. But Prof Huang Zhong Wei, from National University of Singapores department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, told the Telegraph that men are likely worse affected because mens testes are in the scrotum - outside their bodies. This is because spermatogenesis (the process of producing sperm), occurs at 1-2C below core body temperatures - thus, it is no surprise that this effect is more pronounced in men. However, surveys from the researchers in Singapore also suggested that pregnant women were more aware of the need to avoid extreme heat than young potential fathers, and urged these men to avoid high temperatures if they want to conceive. They also called for more research to better understand the link between sperm and hot weather, and develop mitigation strategies. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Recommended Why winter is a fertility minefield for men Read more 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. Party animals left beach in shambles Beach trash collecting on April 2 was atrocious! Our beautiful Siesta Key Beach looked like a dump pit, with many alcohol containers spread all around the access mat and throughout the beach. I collected a huge bag of trash just from the parking lot, which should have been an indication for what was forthcoming. I spoke with one of the county workers, who confirmed that a big party was held at our beach due to closures on the East Coast, with thousands participating in the celebration! It was evident that the police were present with their horses, who left their droppings behind. It was a very sad day at Siesta Key Beach! Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor The good news is that cigarette butts were at a minimum. I was thankful that county staff and local residents assisted with the trash pickup. It appears the new trend is to flatten the cans/plastic bottles and bury them. Why?Its still confusing to me why beachgoers carry heavy cans and bottles on the beach but refuse to carry them out or use the trash receptacles supplied. I am very concerned about our future with this unacceptable behavior. We all partied at spring break but were respectful and responsible. June May, Sarasota President Biden is threat to democracy From the first days of his administration, President Joe Biden signed numerous executive orders undoing the Trump administrations border policies. Biden bragged about doing it and for three years he and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas claimed that the border was secure. Meanwhile, millions of illegal immigrants have flooded the country. Now were supposed to believe the border crisis is the fault of Republicans. The Democrats controlled the White House and both chambers of Congress for the first two years of the Biden administration. Where was the comprehensive immigration bill during those two years? The only reason Democrats are addressing immigration now is because the issue is polling badly for Biden. Here are only a few reasons why Biden should be defeated in November: He has failed to enforce our border laws. He has ignored the Supreme Court regarding student loan forgiveness. He has been divisive. He has weaponized the Justice Department. He is a threat to our very democracy. Ron Perri, Lakewood Ranch Bridge collapse raises many questions As a retired master mariner, there are some questions I would seek answers to regarding the vessel collision with the bridge in Baltimore Harbor. Was the vessel in fact seaworthy? Were all normal predeparture tests positive? Did the emergency generator activate during engine malfunction to immediately provide power to the steering mechanism? When dropping the anchor, did they have presence of mind to apply the brake to stop the chain running out without being able to try to grab bottom, which would not immediately stop the ship, but cause it to turn? Why not drop the second anchor? Was there a language barrier? BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 01: Debris is cleared from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge as efforts begin to reopen the Port of Baltimore on April 01, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. Two survivors were pulled from the Patapsco River and six missing people are presumed dead after the Coast Guard called off rescue efforts. A work crew was fixing potholes on the bridge, which is used by roughly 30,000 people each day, when the cargo ship Dali struck. The accident has temporarily closed the Port of Baltimore, one of the largest and busiest on the East Coast of the U.S. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Lastly, why was President Joe Biden in such a rush to declare our government would foot the bill for damage when, in fact, the vessel owner and possibly even the charterer, Maersk, are liable in full for all damage the vessel caused? Baltimore pilots are some of the best in the world, but they cannot control a malfunctioning vessel. Ernest Swanson, Port Charlotte Former president is master con artist Look at the chance to upgrade your beliefs! You can buy a new-style Bible and some shiny shoes, too, if you wish. You can get a new Orange Messiah who will grift you out of your grocery money or your kids shoe money. I am glad there is a new Orange Messiah, because in this day and age, my old Messiah has been overworked, and this new guy is so slick, everyone else has to pay for his sins. What a new look! But wait, has he got a deal for you Mary Swecker, Sarasota Trump raises money hawking religion So former President Donald Trump is now selling Bibles. A man who rarely attends church, displays shocking levels of un-Christian behavior, admitted on tape that he could openly grab and fondle women because when youre a star, they let you do it and was found liable for sexual abuse is now raising money by hawking the King James version of the Bible for $60 a pop. This guy is seriously the most shameless and corrupt con man since P.T. Barnum, who once said, Theres a sucker born every minute. Yes, President Joe Biden is old and maybe you disagree with his policies. So be it. But anyone who considers voting for such an obviously dishonest phony as Trump shows that Barnums words are, sadly, still true. Con Nicholas, Sarasota This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Spring Break partyers turned Siesta Key Beach into garbage dump Editor's note: In an earlier version of the story, the Kaukauna and Kimberly school board elections results factored in results only from Outagamie County. The corrected version includes data from Brown and Calumet counties, as well. Fox Cities residents braved an early spring snowstorm to vote in school board races and referendums on Tuesday. Some of them even cast their ballots in the late afternoon, when the snow was falling thick and fast. On her way into a polling station at the Whiting Boathouse on Doty Island, Neenah resident Lydia Rhoads said she went to vote for school board candidates because "even though they're ignored, it's really important to vote in local elections." Fox Cities resident vote in school board races in Neenah, Kimberly and Kaukauna; referendums in Freedom and Seymour School boards in Neenah, Kimberly and Kaukauna had contested races. Meanwhile, in Seymour and Freedom, voters weighed one referendum question for each school district. Seymour Community Schools asked to access $15 million in operational funds above the revenue limit, while Freedom Area School District asked for $62.5 million in capital funds to improve the middle and high school building. Here are the unofficial results for each school district's election, according to reports from Winnebago and Outagamie counties. More: Fox Cities election roundup: Grand Chute voters retain Gehring, oust Ings More: Appleton-area elections: see all results here Holly Scharer casts her ballot Tuesday at the Whiting Boathouse in Neenah. Epley, Corrigan and Garcia Franz win seats on Neenah school board in tight race In a contentious school board election the only one in the Valley that went to a primary in February six candidates ran for three open seats on the Neenah Board of Education. Incumbent Brian Epley ran against challengers Jeb Pfeifle, Roxanne Schwandt-Knutson, Alex Corrigan, Susan Garcia Franz and Chari Long. Incumbent Kristian Sahr and challenger Tom Hanby were eliminated in the primary, while incumbent David Williams didn't seek reelection. Epley, Corrigan and Garcia Franz won the election, according to unofficial results from Winnebago County, beating three other challengers: Pfeifle, Schwandt-Knutson and Long. The race was close, with only 200 votes separating Corrigan and Garcia Franz from the next-highest vote-getter, Schwandt-Knutson. Here are the vote totals: Jeb Pfeifle: 3,466 Roxanne Schwandt-Knutson: 3,572 Brian Epley (i): 4,218* Alex Corrigan: 3,772* Susan Garcia Franz: 3,772* Chari Long: 3,485 Josh Karl holds on to his seat, Campbell narrowly wins second school board seat Four candidates ran for two open seats on the Kaukauna Board of Education. Incumbent Josh Karl kept his seat, while Mike Campbell defeated Sally Jo Feistel and Samantha Hoffer for the other seat, according to unofficial results from Outagamie County, Calumet and Brown County. Here are the vote totals: Josh Karl (i): 2,536* Mike Campbell: 2,230* Samantha Hoffer: 2,090 Sally Jo Feistel (i): 2,128 Ebben, Pribbenow and Van Thiel win seats on Kimberly school board Four candidates ran for three open seats on the Kimberly Board of Education. Incumbents Ammie Ebben and Mary Valentyn Pribbenow along with challenger Carrie Van Thiel defeated Jessica Bowden. Incumbent Brad Siebers did not seek reelection. Here are the unofficial vote totals from Calumet and Outagamie Counties: Ammie Ebben (i): 2,560* Mary Valentyn Pribbenow (i): 2,442* Carrie Van Thiel: 2,513* Jessica Bowden: 1,240 Freedom capital referendum successful, allows district to raise funds for improvements Voters in the Freedom Area School District were asked whether to approve a capital referendum to improve and renovate the middle and high school building. Ultimately, voters chose to approve the referendum in a close race. In a news release, superintendent Jill Mussett thanked the community "with heartfelt gratitude" for their support. School Board President Tom Harke said the project would begin the design phase "immediately." The district hopes to complete the improvements by December 2026. The referendum text reads: "Shall the Freedom Area School District, Outagamie County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $62,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: construction of additions and/or renovations at the Middle-High School, including for technical education, music education, classrooms/labs, safety improvements, a cafeteria/kitchen and a fitness center; construction of a greenhouse for agriculture education; district-wide capital maintenance and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?" Here are the unofficial results, according to Outagamie County: Yes: 1,916* No: 1,228 Seymour operational referendum for $15 million passes by a hair Seymour Community Schools voters approved $15 million in operational funds over the next year. The district said the referendum would not raise the tax rate, but would allow the district to access funds above the revenue limit. According to Outagamie County's unofficial results, the referendum passed by only 40 votes. District administrator Kellie Bohn said, "We are beyond thankful to be in a school district community that has shown such consistent support of our schools." The referendum text reads: "Shall the Seymour Community School District, Outagamie and Shawano Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $3,800,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, by $5,200,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, and by $6,000,000 for the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including expenses related to staffing and to maintain programs and services?" Here are the unofficial results, according to Outagamie County: Yes: 1,166* No: 1,126 More: If it seems Wisconsin school districts are asking voters for money more often, it's because they are More: Here are the types of school referendums and when they've succeeded in Wisconsin Rebecca Loroff is an education reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. Contact her with story tips and feedback at 920-907-7801 or rloroff@gannett.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @RebeccaLoroff. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Spring election 2024: results for Neenah, Kimberly, Kaukauna schools Savannah State University (SSU) faculty within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) voted to investigate whether the universitys leadership failed to follow protocol when the school did not renew contracts for 13 faculty last summer. According to email records shared with the Savannah Morning News (SMN), Jordan Dominy, an associate professor of English and chair of the CLASS faculty caucus for the SSU faculty senate, requested a meeting between the CLASS caucus and interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander and interim Provost Richard Miller. The request was initially sent on Feb. 27, following SMNs Feb. 21 report on possible protocol violations during the August 2023 faculty non-renewal process. To date Miller and Alexander have refused to discuss the non-renewals with the CLASS caucus. In response to questions from SMN regarding the non-renewals, Miller stated, We can't respond to something that we were not aware of, that we weren't involved with. Miller started as interim provost in September 2023, after the non-renewal process in question had occurred and faculty decisions had been made. However, Alexander had signed off on the non-renewals in July 2023, less than a month after she began. The main question for her is: Why wasnt there more scrutiny given both how soon the form came across her desk and the fact that moving forward with the non-renewals in July 2023 meant that submission of the form would violate USGs own policies that were listed on the form? Alexander continues to ignore SMNs requests for an interview to address the non-renewals as well as additional questions following recent unrest regarding student protests over the potential deactivation of the Visual and Performing Arts program. Savannah State faculty concerns: Termination of 13 faculty may have violated University System protocols Jordan Dominy, a Savannah State University associate professor of English, chairs the university's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) faculty senate caucus. CLASS votes to investigate, not one no More than a month has passed since Dominys initial request for a meeting with Alexander and Miller. CLASS Faculty had been told that any meeting that may occur will not entertain a discussion about the non-renewals, which is the main reason for the facultys request. Frustrated by the inaction of SSUs leaders, the CLASS caucus held a vote the week of March 25. The question put forth to the CLASS caucus by Dominy: Shall the CLASS Senators Caucus begin its own independent investigation into the concerns arising from the news articles published in the Savannah Morning News the week of 19-23 February 2024, concerns about unclear policies and procedures followed during the reduction in force among tenured, tenure-track, and permanent faculty announced in August 2023, and to secure the report on the USG's investigation that began as a result from the College's no-confidence vote in Dean David Marshall? Dominy said the poll closed March 28. Five faculty voted yes on the caucus undertaking its own investigation. Four faculty voted that the caucus should charge the Faculty Senate Executive Committee with such an investigation. One faculty member abstained. No one voted no. In his follow up message to faculty on March 29, Dominy noted that only one vote separates whether the caucus itself should be running [the investigation] or that it should be referred to the Senate Exec [sic] Committee. He suggested that the vote could be interpreted as an endorsement that encourages the senate executive committee to take up its own investigation while we begin one as a caucus. Dominy has stated that the CLASS caucus has yet to decide on whether to officially request that the senate executive committee also investigate, which is his preference. I think it would have more force or more weight and just doesn't look like a group of disgruntled senators from one college. The SSU faculty senate was scheduled to meet April 2, and the president and provost were on the agenda to speak. In the meantime, Dominy said his next step is to ask the CLASS caucus what items and materials should be sought through an official open records request. SSU provost calls non-renewals personnel matters Miller did respond via email to Dominys initial meeting request. On March 4, Miller wrote that he and Alexander were open to a meeting, but that they would not discuss the non-renewals as they are personnel related matters. He then asked Dominy to submit other related matters you would like to discuss. On March 11, after conferring with the CLASS caucus, Dominy shared the following agenda items with Alexander and Miller: Concerns arising from the news articles published by the Savannah Morning News the week of 19-23 February 2024 Concerns arising from unclear policies and procedures for reduction in force among faculty Holding administrators accountable, specifically regarding statements in the Open Letter to CLASS Faculty from the interim provost about conclusions from the USGs investigation related to our vote of no confidence in Dean David Marshall Miller then responded to the CLASS agenda items and meeting request via a March 29 email. He stated that he and the president would not discuss any matter relating to the reduction in force, as well as any related issue(s) published in the media. Items one and two of CLASSs requested agenda were off the table despite Dominy stating that the faculty does not wish to discuss individual faculty members personnel situations. Dominy said he expressed to Miller that we're not talking about individual personnel. We're talking about procedures that clearly werent followed and we want to know why. Miller conceded that the facultys concerns about the non-renewal process are valid, but he stood firm against addressing situations that occurred before his time as provost. Its pure speculation on my part, and I don't operate that way, he said, adding that they would need to seek answers from the previous president and provost, which leaves the faculty in proverbial limbo because both the former president Kimberly Ballard-Washington and former provost Yolanda Page had already resigned and left SSU by late July 2023, when the non-renewals occurred. Pages absence is most notable in that the non-renewal form did not contain a required signature from a provost or designee acting as provost, yet the form still made its way to USG officials on Aug. 2, 2023. That is the same day that faculty were notified of their non-renewals, which is another violation of protocols stated on the form. When SMN asked Miller what resources or services faculty might receive from him in their quest for answers about the non-renewal process, he said that CLASS faculty would have to make an inquiry with USG. He affirmed they would have to do so without the assistance of his office. Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah State faculty approve investigation into protocol violation ASCENSION PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) Twenty students from St. Amant High School traveled to New York City and performed during the National Band and Orchestra Festival at the end of March. The high school posted on social media that the students explored the city, visited the Statue of Liberty and saw a Broadway show. The choir performed with the National Youth Honor Choir on the famous Carnegie Hall stage under the direction of Dr. Andre Thomas, the high school said. A spokesperson for Ascension Parish Schools said the choir auditioned last year and was selected out of hundreds of other bands that applied. The St. Amant High Schools Wind Symphony prepared for their performance with the help of Dr. Simon Holoweiko, the director of the LSU Golden Band from Tigerland. Louisiana turkey hunting season: What to know about licenses, tagging Latest News For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. ST. LOUIS Charges have been filed against a man for attempting to set fire to police headquarters during a protest in downtown St. Louis. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the fire happened on the evening of Sept. 23, 2020. The protests, organized in the hours after it was announced that no Louisville police officer would face charges tied to Taylors death, began in downtown around 7 p.m. Just after 9 p.m., the demonstrators marched to St. Louis City Hall. Police claim the demonstrators breached a series of protective barricades around the building. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News A group then walked to police headquarters in the 1900 block of Olive Street, where they attempted to remove barricades protecting the front doors. Some in the crowd started piling debris near the front doors and using accelerant to set an office chair ablaze. Police claim Davy Jia, 29, and others pushed a chair against the entrance while the building was occupied, and that Jia added another chair to the existing fire. Police claim to have used RTCC footage showing Jia arrive in the area prior to the protests in a silver Ford Fusion and then join in the march to police headquarters. The vehicle was registered to Jia. The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Jia with one count of first-degree arson. A no-bond arrest warrant was issued on April 1. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. On April 2, the district prosecutor's office received information about the injury of one person in the area of??Saricali village, which was freed from occupation, in Agdam region. According to Azernews, as a result of the incident, Aliyev Khayyam Gambar oglu, born in 1987, an employee of Azerbaijan's National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), who was conducting demining operations in the area, was injured and the equipment used was damaged. Currently, Khayyam Aliyev's condition is satisfactory. The prosecutor's office inspected the scene of the incident and took other necessary procedural actions. An investigation is underway at the Aghdam District Prosecutor's Office. TAIPEI/BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The 7.3-magnitude quake in China's Taiwan on Wednesday morning had left nine people dead and 1,011 people injured as of 10 p.m., according to the local emergency operation center. Meanwhile, more than 100 people were trapped following the earthquake that hit the sea area near Hualien County, Taiwan, data from the center showed. Due to the earthquake, a residential building and another nearly 40-year-old building in Hualien have tilted severely. According to an official from Taiwan transportation authorities, the railway linking Yilan County and Hualien has been severely disrupted, with multiple collapses and falling rocks reported. Ongoing aftershocks in Hualien have hindered repair personnel from accessing affected areas, the official said. The official stated that the current priority is to restore the Taiwan railway service, saying dual-track travel on the rail line section connecting Yilan and Hualien is expected to be restored by Thursday noon. The earthquake was strongly felt in many parts of Taiwan. In Taipei, the earthquake caused damage to some school buildings. According to statistics from the Taipei education authorities, as of Wednesday noon, 201 schools and kindergartens reported that they had sustained damages, with six schools announcing class suspensions. Taichung City, located near Hualien, also experienced severe shaking. The earthquake led to two incidents where falling rocks struck cars, resulting in 2 injuries. Additionally, the earthquake temporarily caused power outages for over 14,000 households in Taichung. Taiwan's meteorological agency called the earthquake the strongest one to hit the island in 25 years since a deadly quake struck on Sept. 21, 1999. A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said that the mainland is highly concerned about the situation and extends sincere sympathy to the Taiwan compatriots affected by the disaster. The mainland is ready to provide disaster relief assistance, said spokesperson Zhu Fenglian. The quake struck at 7:58 a.m. Wednesday (Beijing Time) and the epicenter was monitored at 23.81 degrees north latitude and 121.74 degrees east longitude, at a depth of 12 km, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center. Following the earthquake, the Ministry of Natural Resources warning center issued tsunami alerts, which have been lifted as of press time. The quake triggered a local tsunami near the epicenter, causing a disastrous impact on parts of Taiwan's coastal areas, the warning center said, adding that the tsunami disaster process had basically ended. According to Taiwan's meteorological agency, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 25 km south-southeast of Hualien. The maximum intensity recorded was 6 magnitude in Hualien County. Local authorities have announced the suspension of work and school classes in Hualien. Multiple residential buildings partially collapsed in Hualien, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Falling rocks were also reported in hilly areas. A rubber factory building in New Taipei City collapsed due to the quake. Subways in multiple counties and cities on the island have been temporarily suspended. In Taipei, intense shaking lasting at least one minute led to the suspension of metro operations for 40 to 60 minutes. As of 10:37 p.m., 216 aftershocks had been recorded in Hualien and nearby areas, according to Taiwan's meteorological agency. The agency also predicted earthquakes measuring magnitude 7 might happen in the next three days. Across the Taiwan Strait, tremors were also felt in Fujian, Guangdong, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu on the Chinese mainland. Men with ties to Rod Wave linked to St. Pete shooting, police say ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) Three men tied to rapper Rod Wave landed behind bars after a shooting that injured four people on Easter Sunday. Police said they arrested the rapper, whose real name is Rodarius Green, on a weapons charge Wednesday morning, but he was detained based on inaccurate information, and has since been released. Three other men tied to the rapper were arrested in connection with a shooting that happened outside the Sonic Sports Bar and Lounge located at 400 49th Street South on Easter Sunday. DOORBELL VIDEO: Gunshots heard from shootout that injured 4 at loud St. Pete party Police said a large crowd had gathered outside the bar and four people were shot. Their injuries were said to be non-life-threatening. Mentally, theyre hurt, mentally this community is hurting, because we are tired of the senseless shooting in our community, Police Chief Anthony Holloway said. Investigators identified two homes connected to the suspects in the shooting, one in St. Pete and another in Manatee County. Both homes were rented by Wave or one of his businesses, officials said. DETROIT, MICHIGAN OCTOBER 27: Rapper/Singer Rod Wave performs at Little Caesars Arena on October 27, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images) On Monday evening, a SWAT team executed a search warrant at one of the homes, which is located at 526 Palm Avenue North in St. Pete. Two men were arrested on drug and weapons charges, but the suspected shooter was not found, according to police. Three suspects linked to the shooting were eventually arrested early Wednesday morning by detectives in Manatee County who worked with the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office. Kevontre Wesby, 21, was arrested for attempted second-degree murder, carrying a concealed firearm, and delinquent in possession of a firearm. Keith Wesby, 22, and 24-year-old Christopher Atkins were arrested for attempted second-degree murder, authorities said. Police said they are still actively searching for two more suspects. These individuals fired into the crowd; at the scene we recovered over 60 casings, Assistant Chief Michael Kovacsev said. Police said multiple items were seized during the investigation, including five rifles, five handguns, ammunition, over $10,000, and miscellaneous pieces of jewelry. Photo courtesy of the St. Pete Police Department Photo courtesy of the St. Pete Police Department Photo courtesy of the St. Pete Police Department Photo courtesy of the St. Pete Police Department Photo courtesy of the St. Pete Police Department Photo courtesy of the St. Pete Police Department Photo courtesy of the St. Pete Police Department Since March 22, police said theyve been investigating a violent group involved in drug trafficking and shootings in St. Petersburg. The group identifies themselves as the YGs or Young Gangsters, and several members have been seen with rapper Rod Wave since last summer. One of the reasons why this came together so quickly is because of the hard work weve been putting into this for the past year, Kovacsev said. Florida double murder: Toddler found face down in pool, mother stabbed 28 times, police say Police said three men arrested in connection with the shooting can be linked to the YGs and had been living in homes and driving vehicles that are registered in Waves name or his record labels name. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing. 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. A recent inspection of Michigans sole state-run juvenile justice facility for boys found dangerous conditions that employees have warned could lead to serious injury or death. While state officials are cracking down on Wayne County for its troubled juvenile jail, the state itself has struggled with similar issues of understaffing and violence at Shawono Center in Grayling that have put employees at risk, a Free Press investigation shows. So much so that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which runs the northern Michigan facility, was fined $40,000 for workplace safety violations in December 2023 after an investigation found employees werent kept safe from youths violent behavior and incident records were incomplete. Staff injuries included sprains, bruises, broken bones and bites, according to a copy of the investigation performed by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Shawono Center is one of just two state-run juvenile justice facilities in Michigan and can house up to 40 youths up to age 21 who are sent there by courts for treatment after their criminal cases have concluded. Its residents include young males with murder, rape and felony assault convictions as well as those with severe mental health issues and autism. I fear that we are on borrowed time, and if there is no change, we will be facing a very real possibility of a future riot that includes multiple injuries, potential sexual assault and even possible death, one unnamed Shawono employee wrote in the June 2023 workplace safety complaint to MIOSHA. We need help. State officials are contesting the MIOSHA citations and fines. Workplace investigation confirms staff are in danger Critics and experts say the safety problems at Shawono reflect a crisis in the juvenile justice system statewide. A lack of facilities and understaffing have left these centers ill-equipped to treat some of the most troubled young people in Michigan. At Shawono, the MIOSHA investigator found that from 2021 to 2022, youth assaults on staff caused 20 recordable injuries and caused employees to miss more than 1,400 days of work. Staff deployed riot gear twice in February 2022 alone. The investigation didnt capture more recent incidents: Last winter, residents tore down the fire suppression system, flooded the unit, broke all the glass they could reach and destroyed furniture and televisions in the community area, according to Nicole Knight, whose son has been living at Shawono for about 15 months. MIOSHAs investigation, which the Free Press obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, led to a citation that said MDHHS failed to protect staff from workplace violence that was causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm. MDHHS said it was "deeply committed" to ensuring the health and safety of both youths and the staff who care for them in facilities such as Shawono. "We have implemented a range of measures to assist staff with these vital jobs, including ongoing training in verbal deescalation, behavioral intervention, safety and security protocols, and the appropriate use of restraints and seclusion practices," spokesperson Lynn Sutfin wrote in an email on March 28. "Protecting the safety and well-being of young people in our care and the committed staff that serve them is our top priority at MDHHS," she wrote. Staff struggle with new restraint and seclusion rules The $40,000 in fines is not the only sign of problems at Shawono. MDHHS could also soon downgrade its own license to run the facility after an investigation by its child welfare licensing department found Shawono employees committing violations: Staffers broke rules in December 2023 when they held a youth on his stomach for four minutes before handcuffing and putting leg shackles on him, according to the state report. That violation is significant because Michigan banned the practice of restraining youths on their stomachs following the 2020 death of 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks. He died after being held down on his back by seven staff members at a private youth facility for throwing a sandwich. In the wake of his death, the state also made other restrictions to how youths could be restrained. And it banned seclusion the practice of putting a youth alone in a room though it issued rules variances to some facilities including Shawono that allowed it under certain circumstances. Shawono, which is subject to the same policies as other child-caring institutions, may now use restraint only as a lifesaving response, using an approved technique. Thanks to a rule variance issued Feb. 12, staff there may also use seclusion, but only "as a temporary response to prevent life-threatening injury or serious bodily harm when other interventions are ineffective." Other conditions apply as well: Seclusion has to be authorized, can't take place for fixed periods and must end within two hours, among other rules. When restraints or seclusion are deployed, a licensing investigation often follows, a practice that employees said has had a chilling effect on their willingness to engage with residents at all. Juvenile advocates say the policy changes were necessary to keep kids safe. But employees at Shawono and other facilities statewide say the new rules have gone too far, leaving them vulnerable to assault by out-of-control residents and subject to heavy scrutiny by state investigators who offer few alternatives to putting hands on youths. I really think that once the kids figured out that we could not do a restraint until something huge happens, they took advantage of that, said former employee Matthew McKelvey. They would do everything they could possibly do to get what they want. Between the Crawford County Sheriffs Department and the Michigan State Police, law enforcement was called to Shawono 163 times from 2018 to October 2023 to deal with unruly individuals or for medical issues. The Crawford County Prosecutors Office confirmed that over the past year, at least three adult residents have been charged with assault. Youve got kids that they're not prepared to handle physically and mentally, youre short-staffed everybodys working multiple shifts or overtime, you have these rules where someone could come up and punch the staff right face and break their nose, and you can't lock them up, said Dave Baker, who previously served as a youth specialist at the now-closed Maxey Training School, and as president of the union representing state employees. Now you have no control. Parents and advocates worry Shawonos kids arent safe either While staff are elevating their own safety concerns, parents and advocates say escalating violence at the facility and physical responses by staff is endangering kids as well. Shawono staff have improperly restrained and secluded youths several times over the past year and did not document and report these incidents correctly, according to the licensing investigation. Safety comes first, Knight said; she agreed that sometimes restraining a youth might be necessary to avoid injury to residents or staff. But she worried about her own sons safety in a place where he has been restrained multiple times, as well as locked in his room. NIcole Knight, whose son lives at the Shawono Center School in Grayling, worries for his safety. They need to be one-on-one supervised if theyre going to be secluded like that, because those are the opportunities that my child has had to try to strangle himself with things in his room, said Knight. You can't leave a kid that's in that much distress completely by themselves and unsupervised. That's not safe. MDHHSs Division of Child Welfare Licensing recommended the center be placed on a second provisional license and required Shawono leaders to submit a corrective action plan after the incident late last year in which a resident was wrongfully restrained on his belly for four minutes, then locked in his room even after he had calmed down. Staff members involved in the improper restraint told the investigator they continuously tried to flip the youth to his back but that he was kicking and fighting too much for them to do so. Video footage of the incident did not show him struggling, according to the investigation. Cassie Atallah, co-founder and co-leader of Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion and Restraint, reviewed the incident report and said she was struck by the discrepancies in what staff reported happened versus what the resident recalled and what a description of the video footage corroborated. Kai and Cassie Atallah work together to learn about the constelations during Kai's home-school lesson Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Kai has been diagnosed with autism and has been home-schooled for the last two and a half years after being restrained and secluded in his previous school. His mother has become and advocate against those practices. It sounds like this kid was handled in an unsafe, unlawful and traumatizing way for being angry, Atallah wrote in an email to the Free Press. She said a system like the one used at Shawono provokes youths and escalates incidents in a way that leads to restraint or seclusion if nothing better has supplanted it. When we take away seclusion and restraint, we need to replace them with trauma-informed, neuroscience aligned, relationship-based, collaborative models that prevent the crisis situations that tend to make staff feel like they need seclusion and restraint, Atallah wrote. It sounds like, when seclusion was outlawed and restraint was restricted, this facility kept the archaic models that made these tactics necessary. MDHHS is following the investigators recommendation to place Shawono on a second provisional license for six months. During that time, the Division of Child Welfare Licensing will be on-site weekly to help bring the center into compliance. The centers current license expired April 1. Staff shortages and vacancies have taken a toll Shawono employees previously pleaded for help directly to MDHHS through a union grievance in June 2023 that the Free Press obtained through FOIA. The 17 signatories wrote that they were working under hostile and unsafe conditions without the training and tools to protect themselves from youths kicking and punching them, spitting on them, throwing urine and feces at them, using racial slurs and making threats. They pointed to a lack of staff especially medical and mental health professionals and the limitations on restraint and seclusion as major factors in creating a constant threat of violence. While Shawonos website says it accepts only youths with mild to medium mental health issues, current and former staff confirmed the center is housing four or five youths with severe mental health needs that cannot be managed with current staffing. Current Shawono staff members spoke with the Free Press on condition of anonymity, fearful of retaliation from supervisors. As of March 29, two of the five youth group leader positions are unfilled, there is no clinical social worker on staff, and the program manager position stands vacant. Shawono employees say the lack of leadership is palpable. You have two facilities, Knight said. Invest in them. Make it right. MDHHS said it had increased staffing levels at Shawono by adding youth specialists, a youth aide and a registered nurse, and by contracting with additional youth care specialists and county workers. Shawono employees said adding county workers didn't help staffing since outside workers have to be accompanied by current staff members for their safety, negating the benefit. A statewide problem, with potential for reform With both county- and state-run facilities struggling to de-escalate youth behavior and keep kids and staff safe, center leaders called on MDHHS to reevaluate its policies on seclusion. A letter from Juli Reynolds, president of the Michigan Juvenile Detention Association, to Demetrius Starling, executive director of the departments Childrens Services Agency, said the most recent seclusion rule appears to have been written without consideration of the many youths in care who display violent, unpredictable behavior and the critical impact their actions have on those around them. Demetrius Starling, executive director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Childrens Services Agency The association said that removing facilities ability to separate youths from others was short-sighted and dangerous, and that removing the option to seclude youths would likely result in the increased use of restraint and with it, the accompanying risk of physical and mental injury to youths and employees. Reynolds said her letters, sent in August 2023 and again three months later, did not receive a response. Reynolds agreed that the use of restraint must be limited; she remembered seeing a disobedient kid hogtied to his bed on her first day of work at a juvenile center back in 2007. I do understand why theyve done some of the things they do, Reynolds said, but theyve gone so overboard. As far as Reynolds knows, no other state has prohibited the use of seclusion in juvenile facilities. MDHHS told the Free Press on March 4 it might reconsider its restraint and seclusion policies. MDHHS is exploring opportunities to reduce the complexity of the licensing oversight and maintenance process and has invited partners including Wayne and Macomb counties to participate in this process, Sutfin wrote in an email. The state also strongly supports Senate Bill 227, which would allow staff at child caring institutions functioning as psychiatric residential treatment facilities to use physical restraint and seclusion for up to 30 minutes in an emergency, but would require a physician to authorize it as soon as it begins. That bill was approved by the Legislature in late 2023, but was revisited early this year and did not pass. Jason Smith, executive director of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice, argued that rather than trying to legislate the way to better restraint policies, the state should change how youths in residential facilities are treated and make sure as few youths as possible end up in one. Jason Smith, executive director of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. He said ensuring regular access to high-quality mental health services, educational and recreational opportunities and family contact would help youths feel supported and cared for and less likely to act out. It's vital that staff are clinically skilled and consistently trained in deescalation strategies to effectively serve the youth under their care, especially those with significant behavioral health needs, Smith wrote in an email to the Free Press. By creating a supportive and positive environment that reduces stressors, we can minimize behaviors that might lead to the use of restraint. The proposed state 2025 budget includes one-time funding of $5 million to be used for capital investments and updates to the facilities, including technology upgrades and updated recreation areas, according to MDHHS. Smith said Michigans goal should be to transform its statewide out-of-home placement system to be smaller, more individualized and safer. Jennifer Brookland covers child welfare for the Detroit Free Press in partnership with Report for America. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. Reach her at jbrookland@freepress.com. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Shawono workplace violence investigation reveals dangerous conditions Former lawmaker Robert I. Marshall, who served in the state Senate for four decades, died over the weekend. Marshall began his career in the state Senate shortly after being elected in 1978 and served until he announced his retirement in 2018. In his final years in office, the Democrat pushed for legislation to raise Delaware's minimum wage. He was 77. "He was a stalwart of the Delaware state Senate," former state Sen. Harris B. McDowell III said. "I served with him for 40 years and it was a pleasure every day of it." Marshall was a supporter of labor and community issues and was always on top of his game, McDowell said. "I will miss him," he added. Younger people who met Marshall attributed their taste for politics to him and his wealth of knowledge about the subject. Former Sen. Robert I. Marshall (left), along with Keith James, show off a campaign T-shirt during the 2016 Wilmington mayoral race. "Sen. Marshall gave me my first opportunity to work on a political campaign from a serious perspective," said Keith James, who worked on Marshall's mayoral campaign. In addition to introducing James to different politicians across Delaware, Marshall also helped teach him the "ins and outs of politics." "I got to be around him and learn a lot from him from all of his years of experience," James said, adding that while Marshall wanted to win, it seemed like he was having more fun meeting with his constituents. "He was just an all-around great dude," he added. Keith James (left) dabs along with former Sen. Robert I. Marshall and his former legislative aide, Vanessa Karpe, in 2016. A different style politician Born in Wilmington on Oct. 16, 1946, Marshall grew up in Hedgeville and attended Salesianum High School before getting a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey. With the help of his uncle, Leo T. Marshall, who was Wilmington City Democrat chairman, the younger Marshall was appointed to city and state jobs, this included director of the state Division of Business and Occupational Licenses. The younger Marshall acknowledged he got those jobs through his uncle. Marshall ran for a state House seat in 1972, but lost in the Democratic primary. When Marshall finally ran for state Senate in 1978, his Republican opponent, John E. Stawicki, complained about who he was running against. "I'm running against Leo Marshall," Stawicki was quoted in the Nov. 4, 1978, issue of The Morning News Delaware Online/The News Journal's predecessor. "I'm not running against Bobby Marshall." Marshall went on to win that race and all his other state Senate races. Throughout his 40 years in the upper chamber, Marshall served on several committees and was chair of the Senate Labor Committee. He was also Senate majority whip from 1989 to 1990 and from 1995 to 1996. Kevin F. Kelley Sr., a former Wilmington city councilman who grew up a few blocks from where Marshall grew up in Hedgeville, said Marshall was a different style politician, who was very involved in the city and came from a political family. "He was a deal maker," Kelley said, "and he always loved the art of the deal." Despite being an elected lawmaker for 40 years, Kelley said the son of a union carpenter remembered his roots and fought to improve people's lives. "He never forgot where he came from," Kelley said. Some of his policies include: Robert I. Marshall, D-Wilmington West during the last day of session at Legislative Hall in Dover. Marshall pushed legislation to increase the standard of care nursing homes were providing. The legislation, which was passed by the General Assembly in 2000, was named the Eagle Law after Marshalls father Ignatius Eagle Marshall. Marshalls father had lived in a Wilmington nursing home before his death in 1997, and the former senator said hed witnessed many problems with patient care in that home. He was responsible for helping improve parks on Wilmingtons west side. He helped fund mini police stations that Wilmington set up years ago. He also pushed the Work-a-Day, Earn-a-Pay program, which provides jobs for unemployed Delawareans to build public works projects. Before his retirement announcement, newcomers Elizabeth "Tizzy" Lockman and Jordan Hines announced in 2017 they would run against Marshall. The 12-term incumbent, at that time, said his priorities in the new session would be raising the minimum wage and improving the education system, including pursuing the establishment of a trade school. Marshall announced his retirement on social media a couple of months ahead of the Democratic primary. "My sincere gratitude and appreciation to the People for a long career in the Delaware State Senate supported by many," he wrote on Facebook. "I look forward to devoting more time to business interests." Lockman, who won that race and is currently the Senate majority whip, said she was saddened to hear of Marshall's death. "I have very fond memories of him," Lockman said. "He was never anything but kind and supportive and a character that I liked." Lockman said Marshall had some "really cool" issues that he was so committed and made some really good contributions. "So, you know, proud to be able to share a Senate seat with him," she said, "and just sad that he is gone." In his last year in office, Marshall managed to secure a $1 bump in the state's minimum wage. Sen. Robert Marshall was a tireless champion for the City of Wilmington and working class families throughout Delaware," Lockman, along with Senate leadership President Pro Tempore David P. Sokola and Majority Leader Bryan Townsend said in a statement Tuesday evening. "Thousands of Delawareans were able to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads thanks to consistent advocacy for minimum wage increase, workforce training, strong labor unions and the Port of Wilmington. His advocacy for criminal justice reform also helped to make Delaware prisons safer for correction officers and inmates. "Our thoughts are with his family and his neighbors who supported him through four decades of exemplary public service to our state. Mayor run While won his state Senate seat races, Marshall was less successful when running for mayor of Wilmington. His first bid for mayor of Delaware's largest city was in 2012, but he dropped out before the primary citing initiatives in the Legislature that took his time while others were campaigning. Marshall again ran for Wilmington mayor in 2016 pledging to address public safety by changing how the Police Department is supervised. "The chronic problems of Wilmington must be addressed in a practical and realistic manner or we face more than just a crisis in confidence," Marshall said in announcing his candidacy in 2015. "We can't function for the good of our citizens without a commitment to travel a new path." Marshall was among seven Democratic candidates vying to unseat first-term Mayor Dennis P. Williams. Marshall lost the primary, coming in last with a little more than 200 votes. Mike Purzycki ended up winning the primary and becoming the city's mayor. Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Former state Sen. Robert I. Marshall died over the Easter Weekend State Bureau of Investigation has investigated over 1,600 treason cases since start of full-scale invasion Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation reported on April 3 that since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, 1,633 cases of suspected treason have come under investigation, resulting in 1,072 people being declared suspects. The State Bureau of Investigation was set up in 2016 and primarily deals with pre-trial investigations into high-ranking officials and those in positions of power or authority, such as law enforcement officers or judges. In total, the Bureau has investigated 2,150 suspected crimes against national security. As well as the 1,633 cases of suspected treason, these include 399 investigations into collaboration and 32 cases of suspected Russian accomplices, the Bureau said. According to the latest figures, 534 people have been declared wanted, and 768 indictments were sent to court. Among recent cases of wanted suspects is a Ukrainian border guard who defected to Russia via Germany, the Bureau said. One of the most high-profile cases of the Bureau is that of lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky, who was charged with treason in November 2023 in connection with promoting pro-Russian narratives. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has reportedly opened investigations into over 8,000 cases of suspected high treason since the start of the full-scale invasion. Read also: Former police officer charged for allegedly directing Russian missile strike on Hroza Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. State police identify man who was struck, killed by cement truck in Boston Investigators on Wednesday identified the man who was struck and killed by a cement truck in Boston on Tuesday morning. Troopers responding to a report of a crash involving a Boston Sand and Gravel cement truck in the area of Frontage Road just after 10 a.m. found a pedestrian who had been hit, according to Massachusetts State Police. The victim, 57-year-old Fernando R. Pizarro, died from injuries suffered in the crash. State police said he had been residing at a Boston homeless shelter. A preliminary investigation indicated that Pizzaro was moving in and around stopped vehicles in his wheelchair at the intersection of Traveler Street and Frontage Road when he was struck. Pizarro was in front of the concrete truck as traffic began to move and was struck by it, state police said in a statement. Video from the scene showed a Boston Sand & Gravel truck roped off with yellow police tape and a collapsed wheelchair in the street. The truck was towed to a state police facility, where it will be further examined by troopers. At this time, state police say troopers have found no evidence suggesting impairment or distraction on behalf of the driver, who remained at the scene. An investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Stoltenberg: Long-term NATO support for Ukraine can show Russia it cannot win the war NATO's transition to a longer-term commitment to support Ukraine could eventually push Moscow to a peace agreement once Russia realizes "that they cannot win the war," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on April 3 ahead of the NATO meeting in Brussels. The allies reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defense and pledged to continue to provide military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv this year after the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting in early 2024. When asked about an idea of more predictable longer-term support for Ukraine that might involve the transfer of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to NATO control, Stoltenberg refused to go into details. The general secretary said that the allies are now discussing ways to institutionalize support within the NATO framework to make it "more predictable and more powerful." The allies believe that support for Ukraine should be less dependent on short-term voluntary offers and more dependent on long-term NATO commitments, Stoltenberg added. He said that such support for Ukraine "will also send a message to Moscow that they cannot wait those out." Subscribe to Ukraine Daily newsletter News from Ukraine in your inbox Subscribe "The reality is that if you want this war to end, the sooner you can convince Moscow they will not win on the battlefield... the sooner we can then be able to reach a peace agreement where Russia realized that they cannot win the war, but have to sit down and negotiate an agreement where Ukraine prevails as a sovereign independent nation," Stoltenberg added. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that NATO's July summit in Washington can be "highly focused" on the creation of a roadmap for Ukraine to join the alliance in the future. Kyiv did not receive the much-desired invitation nor a firm deadline to join the alliance during the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius, even though NATO took steps to tighten cooperation. Ukrainian officials have voiced hope that the Washington meeting, scheduled for July 9-11, will bring a more definite signal. Read also: Ex-NATO chief: Not inviting Ukraine to join alliance gives Putin incentive to continue the war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. When will storms arrive in Tampa Bay on Wednesday? Heres a look. A line of storms riding a cold front could bring severe weather to the Tampa Bay area by Wednesday afternoon. Forecasters for the National Weather Service said the strong storms could bring with them thunder, damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of a tornado or two. A large swath of the Florida peninsula including Tampa Bay has a slight risk of severe weather, according to the weather services Storm Prediction Center. A slight risk is the second level on a scale of 1 out of 5, with marginal being the lowest chance of severe weather and high being the greatest chance. Heres when to expect storms in Tampa Bay, and just how strong they may be. When will stormy weather begin in Tampa Bay? The northern region of Florida was already experiencing strong weather pushing down from Georgia Wednesday morning. The storms will continue to slither down the state through the day. Forecasters anticipate Pasco County and parts of north Pinellas County could begin to see storms by 1 p.m. and southern areas of Tampa Bay could see them as late as 5 p.m. A simulated radar posted to social media late Tuesday by the weather service also showed storms settling into the northern areas of Tampa Bay by 1 p.m. and sweeping south through the area during the afternoon. The simulated radar shows the rough weather moving out of the area in the late afternoon and early evening. How strong will the storms be? On Tuesday, Spectrum Bay News 9 meteorologist Kyle Hanson told the Tampa Bay Times that severe storms were possible. I think the main concern is strong wind gusts, Hanson said. I would say that it is in the realm of possibility for larger hail and a brief tornado. The Tampa Bay area, along with much of the Florida peninsula, is under a wind advisory from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The advisory states wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible. The weather service placed Sumter, Citrus, Hernando and Pasco County under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible within the warning area. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or shown up on a weather radar. From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Wednesday! We all have to take out the trasheven astronauts on the International Space Station. Rarely, though, is that trash potentially three-year-old compacted batteries that fall from orbit and crash through two stories of a Florida mans house. Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories The Proxy War Heats Up Young Iranian boys stand on U.S. and Israeli flags while carrying Palestinian flags and a portrait of the late commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force, General Qassem Suleimani, during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on April 1, 2024. (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images) On Monday afternoon local time, a rare daytime airstrike leveled a building directly next to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, killing three high-ranking Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders and four other IRGC officers, according to Iranian officials. The strikewhich the U.S. attributed to Israelmarks the latest chapter in Israel and Irans escalating shadow war, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to directly target IRGC personnel who are aiding and abetting attacks on Israeli soil. As local authorities picked through the flattened buildingthe wreckage of which had knocked the pole bearing the Islamic Republics flag to a precarious 45-degree angleSyrian officials claimed four Syrians were killed in addition to the seven Iranians. A member of Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed, Lebanon-based terrorist group, was also killed in the strike, and 13 other people were reportedly wounded. Though its Israeli policy not to formally comment on such strikes, U.S. officials said Tuesday they assessed that the IDF was behind the attack, and four unnamed Israeli intelligence officials told the New York Times likewisethat Jerusalem was responsible. The Iranian and Syrian governments were quick to condemn Israel for the strike and threaten repercussions, as a matter of course. This unfair crime wont go unanswered, Iranian President Ebrahim Rais said yesterday. Some top United Nations (UN) officials condemned the attackwhich targeted what Iran said was a consular buildingas violating international laws protections for diplomatic facilities. The secretary-general reaffirms that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday. But Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, claimed Mondaywithout confirming Israels involvementthat the IDFs intelligence showed the strike did not target a consulate or embassy but rather a military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building. Officials in Iran have indicated it considers this attack one on its sovereign territory. If youre having a bunch of top IRGC generals meeting, youve made it a military facility, not a diplomatic facility, said Gabriel Noronha, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America who previously worked on Iran policy at the State Department. Indeed, among the dead from Mondays strike was Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the U.S.-sanctioned Quds Force commander in charge of operations in Syria and Lebanon. There, he led Irans engagement with and arming of Hezbollah: The well-armed militia has spent the months since Hamas October 7 massacre in Israel launching cross-border attacks that have displaced tens of thousands of Israelis living in the northern part of the country, as The Dispatchs Charlotte Lawson has reported from the evacuated zones. But the strike cut a level deeper into the Quds Force bureaucracy: Zahedis deputy, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Haj Rahimi was also killed. Hezbollah said Tuesday Zahedi had helped the group develop and advance their activities. In a piece on the site today, Jason Brodsky, the policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran, explained the significance of Zahedis death for the IRGC and its work with Hezbollah: Zahedi in his capacity as commander of Department 2000 of the Quds Force oversaw its Unit 2250, which is responsible for logistics, especially arms transfers and supporting Hezbollah, as IntelliTimes has reported. The late Razi Mousavi, the head of Unit 2250 before he was assassinated late last year, thus reported to Zahedi. Both men had longstanding relationships, networks, and experience, so their deaths are a blow to the IRGC. But they are not insurmountable: The fundamentals of the IRGCs doctrine and strategy will remain the same. Nevertheless, with the late IRGC Quds Force Commander Qassem Suleimani, Hejazi, Zahedi, and his deputy Mohammad-Hadi Haji-Rahimi removed from the battlefield, this may accelerate the ongoing trend of diffusion and decentralization of IRGC regional operations under Esmail Ghaanis Quds Force commandership, with Hezbollah and other actors playing an increasingly active role in its supervision to compensate. A replacement for Zahedi will eventually be found, but the killing of his deputy, who previously served as the Quds Force deputy coordinator, its third-most senior position, further hollows out the Quds Force and Department 2000s top brass. Zahedi likely played an integral role in the IRGCs joint operations rooms with members of its Axis of Resistance and his loss will be felt there at the coordination level. Iran has been content to attack Israeli and American targets in the region via its proxieslike Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and an array of militias in Iraq and Syria, all forming part of what it calls its Axis of Resistance. Tehran encourages, funds, and arms these groups while allowing them to absorb blame and the costs of reprisals. The near-daily attacks from Hezbollah against northern Israel and the Houthis assaults on international shipping are examples of Irans so-called axis in action. Though Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that his regime will make [Israel] regretful about the crime and similar acts, such rhetoric is typical for Tehran, and it remains to be seen what an Iranian response will look like. Iran, Noronha said, has the desire to escalate as much as it can without getting the blowback and the responsibility for its own actions. The U.S. and Israel have engaged with the proxies themselves. Iranian-backed militant groups have attacked U.S. military installations in Iraq and Syria more than 150 times since October, using the pretext of American support for Israel to justify its strikes. Those attacks have resulted in numerous injuries, but also the death of three U.S. service members in January. The attacks abated for almost two months following a series of retaliatory strikes by the U.S. military in early February, but that lull reportedly ended Monday after an unsuccessful drone attack on a U.S. installation in Syria. Israel has also been engaging with Hezbollah in addition to its war with Hamas, just Sunday announcing its forces had killed a Hezbollah commander in a separate airstrike in Lebanon. But Israel in recent months has also been more regularly striking targets upstream of the proxies, including the IRGC and key intermediaries for Iran-backed groups. Since December, Iran has confirmed that 18 IRGC personnel and senior leaders have been killed in suspected Israeli strikes. Theyve been targeting members of the IRGC and Hezbollah in Syria at a much greater rate than they have in previous years, especially [compared to] pre-October 7, Joe Truzman, a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told TMD. But Truzman also said Mondays strike was definitely different from previous Israeli operations in Syria. This is a much bigger thing, he added. Some analysts see the strikes as part of an Israeli strategy to raise the costs of continued Iranian attacks via proxies. In October, Hamas did the dirty work [and] Hamas is getting pummeled for it, Noronha told TMD. But Iran has largely escaped unscathed for everything that has happened in the last six months. Mondays strike could be a sign that Irans repercussions-free strategy may have run its course. Israel is starting to expand the envelope and say, Were going to hold the whole proxy network accountable, and were going to hold Iran accountable for the actions of its proxies, Noronha said. The deaths of Zahedi et al. also send a message to Tehran that, if a full-scale war with Hezbollah breaks out, the repercussions will be felt well beyond the frontline in southern Lebanon. But the Biden administration worries the Damascus strike will heat things up in the Middle East, rather than deter conflict. Of course, we are always concerned about anything that would be escalatory or cause an increase in conflict in the region, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Monday when asked about the strike. It has been one of the goals of this administration since October 7 to keep the conflict from spreading. The Biden administration reportedly conveyed to Iran within hours of Mondays strike that the U.S. had no involvement in what took place, and Pentagon officials have since said so publicly. Let me make it clear. We had nothing to do with the strike in Damascus, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters yesterday. We werent involved in any way. The statements could be read as an attempt to prevent the U.S. from once again becoming the target of retaliatory action by Iran and its proxies. Despite American efforts to put space between Washington and Jerusalem, however, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in a statement Monday that the U.S. must be held accountable as a supporter of the Zionist regime. When the Biden administration responded to attacks on U.S. forces by Iranian-backed militias earlier this year, it targeted the proxies and facilities used by the IRGC, but avoided striking senior IRGC personnel directly. That kind of calculation may not be part of Israels game plan. [The U.S.] didnt really go after the IRGC. They didnt go after Iran itself, Truzman told TMD. Israel is, in this case. Worth Your Time For Rest of World, Darren Loucaides reported on how facial recognition software is changing the nature of protests and strengthening authoritarians. In countries where demonstrating can come with physical or political risk, large-scale protests have historically offered a degree of anonymity, and, with it, a level of protection, Loucaides wrote. But in the last decade, the spread of facial recognition technology has changed that equation: A lone face in a crowd is no longer anonymous; facial recognition allows authorities to capture peoples identities en masse. Rest Of World spoke to five Russians who had attended protests in the past and were later tracked down by law enforcement using facial recognition technology. The full potential of facial recognition technology as a tool against protest became clear in April 2021 at a march in support of Navalny. Few people were detained at the protest, but OVD-Infos lawyers soon realized that facial recognition had been deployed at the event when police started showing up at the homes and workplaces of many attendees. What happened to Boeing? Its stock price has fallen by nearly a third this year, Jeff Wise reported for Intelligencer. The booking site Kayak says that customers use of a tool to deselect 737 Max flights has risen 15-fold since the January blowout. Regulators and prosecutors are digging into the companys inner workings. And across the aviation industry, the sense of crisis has grown so profound that even after last months purge of top Boeing leadership, a sense of unease remains. To unlock the value still inherent in its planes and its people, Boeing has to stop undermining itself. It needs to shed an ideology that worships short-term profit and relearn a devotion to long-term value. What gives Boeing a shot at redemption is that they dont face a lot of competition, which gives them some breathing room to improve, says David Primo, a professor of business administration at the University of Rochester. Indeed, for all its troubles, the 737 Max order book is sold out for years to come. But that shouldnt be grounds for complacency. If at some point consumers lose faith in them to the point where airline bookings decline markedly, Primo says, then they are toast. Presented Without Comment Axios: Jon Stewart Claims Apple Wouldnt Let Him Interview FTC Chair [Lina Khan] on His Podcast Also Presented Without Comment NBC News: House GOP Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Rename Dulles Airport After Donald Trump Also Also Presented Without Comment Associated Press: New York Inmates Are Suing to Watch the Solar Eclipse After State Orders Prisons Locked Down The suit filed Friday in federal court in upstate New York argues that the April 8 lockdown violates inmates constitutional rights to practice their faiths by preventing them from taking part in a religiously significant event. Toeing the Company Line What is Havana Syndrome, and is a foreign adversary behind it? Why is Michigan so important in 2024? And how will Floridas dueling abortion rulings play out come November? Mary was joined by Insider editor Michael Weiss, Drucker, John, and Charles to discuss all that and more on last nights Dispatch Live (). Members who missed the conversation can catch a reruneither video or audio-onlyby clicking here. In the newsletters: Nick wondered why () the Biden campaign hasnt done much outreach to Nikki Haley voters and other disaffected Republicans. On the podcasts: In a break from rank punditry, Sadanand Dhume joins Jonah on The Remnant to discuss India. On the site: Jonah argues that RFK Jr.s candidacy is a case of be careful what you wish for, and Jason M. Brodsky explains the significance of Mohammad Reza Zahedis apparent assassination. Let Us Know Should Israeland the U.S.target IRGC leaders directly? Should they still do so, even if it risks escalation in the Middle East? Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. By Yimou Lee and Fabian Hamacher HUALIEN, Taiwan (Reuters) -Taiwan's biggest earthquake in at least 25 years killed nine people on Wednesday and injured more than 900, while 50 workers travelling in minibuses to a hotel in a national park were missing. Some buildings tilted at precarious angles in the mountainous, sparsely populated county of Hualien, near the epicentre of the 7.2 magnitude quake, which struck just offshore at about 8 a. m. (0000 GMT) and triggered massive landslides. As darkness fell, some people were spending the night in tents and other shelters. Meanwhile scores of emergency workers were trying to shore up damaged buildings and demolish those deemed impossible to save. "The Uranus building behind us is a very badly damaged place. It is a building with one basement level and nine floors above ground. The first and second floors are now underground," Deputy Acting Chief of Hualien Fire Department Lee Lung-Sheng said. Hualien city mayor Hsu Chen-Wei said all residents and businesses in buildings that were in a dangerous state had been evacuated. Demolition work was beginning on four buildings, the mayor said. More than 50 aftershocks were recorded, weather officials said. "I'm afraid of aftershocks, and I don't know how bad the shaking will be," a 52-year-old Hualien resident, who gave her family name as Yu, said as she made her way to a shelter. The power of the quake was captured live as news anchors delivered their breakfast bulletins, steadying themselves against giant screens as their sets swayed and lighting rigs rocked back and forth overhead. The earthquake hit at a depth of 15.5 km (9.6 miles), as people were headed for work and school, setting off a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines that was later lifted. Video showed rescuers using ladders to help trapped people out of windows. Strong tremors in Taipei forced the subway system to close briefly, although most lines resumed service. Fire authorities said they had already evacuated some 70 people trapped in tunnels near Hualien city, including two Germans. But they had lost contact with 50 workers aboard four minibuses heading to a hotel in a national park, Taroko Gorge, they said, and rescuers were looking for them. Another 80 people are trapped in a mining area, though it was not immediately clear if they were inside a mine. On a highway through the mountains, huge boulders from a landslide were strewn across the road. The Fire Bureau of Taichung City Government said it rescued a man in his 50s who was unconscious in a truck. FIGHTER JETS A woman who runs bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Hualien city said she scrambled to calm her guests. "This is the biggest earthquake I have ever experienced," said the woman, who asked to be identified only by her family name, Chan. The government put the number of injured at 946. "At present the most important thing, the top priority, is to rescue people," said President-elect Lai Ching-te, speaking outside one of the collapsed buildings in Hualien. The rail link to the area was expected to re-open on Thursday, Lai, who is set to take office next month, said. The White House said the U.S. stood ready to provide any assistance necessary. Taiwan's air force said six F-16 fighter jets had been slightly damaged at a major base in the city from which jets are often scrambled to see off incursions by China's air force, but the aircraft are expected to return to service very soon. In Japan, the weather agency put the quake's magnitude at 7.7, saying several small tsunami waves reached parts of the southern prefecture of Okinawa, while downgrading its tsunami warning to an advisory. In the Philippines, seismology officials warned coastal residents in several provinces to move to higher ground. Chinese state media said the quake was felt in the southeastern province of Fujian, while a Reuters witness said it was also felt in the commercial hub of Shanghai. CHIP SUPPLIES Most power has been restored after the quake, electricity utility Taipower said, with the island's two nuclear power stations unaffected. Taiwan's high-speed rail operator said no damage or injuries were reported on its trains, although services would be delayed as it made inspections. A major supplier of chips to Apple and Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, said it had evacuated some fabrication plants and safety systems were operating normally. Nvidia said it expects no supply disruptions from the earthquake. It said later its workers were safe and had returned to their workplaces shortly after the earthquake. It said impacted facilities were expected to resume production during the night. TSMC's Taipei-listed shares ended down 1.3%, but the benchmark index largely brushed off the quake's impact to close down 0.6%. The official central news agency said the quake was the biggest since one of magnitude 7.6 in 1999 that killed about 2,400 people and damaged or destroyed 50,000 buildings. Taiwan weather officials ranked Wednesday's quake in Hualien as "Upper 6", or the second-highest level of intensity on a scale ranging from 1 to 7. Such quakes collapse walls unless they are made of reinforced concrete blocks, while people cannot stand upright and must crawl in order to move, experts say. (Reporting by Yimou Lee and Fabian Hamacher, Shanghai and Hong Kong newsrooms; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Chizu Nomiyama, Alison Williams and Josie Kao) BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley W. Simina will pay a state visit to China from April 5 to 12, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Wednesday. At a daily press briefing, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that this will be President Simina's first state visit to China since taking office. During this visit, the leaders of the two countries will have an in-depth exchange of views on the development of bilateral ties and issues of common interest. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Micronesia 35 years ago, bilateral relations have made substantial progress with fruitful practical cooperation in various fields, benefiting the two peoples and promoting regional peace, stability and development, Wang noted. China is willing to work with Micronesia to take this visit as an opportunity to enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, expand people-to-people exchanges, and further push forward bilateral relations, Wang said. Taiwans biggest earthquake in 25 years killed at least nine people and injured hundreds more on Wednesday as it shook buildings across the island. Violent shaking was felt across all of Taiwan and its outlying islands from the magnitude 7.2 tremor, leaving buildings leaning precariously near the epicentre, close to the eastern coastal city of Hualien, in a mountainous part of the island. Even as more than 100 aftershocks rattled the island nation, rescuers were trying to reach dozens of people caught by landslides and falling debris, including 70 workers trapped in two rock quarries. At least 50 people have been reported missing. Fang Zhen, a 22-year-old undergraduate at National Dong Hwa University in Hualien, was woken up when things started to fall from the shelves in his bedroom. When he thought it was over, Mr Fang went downstairs to survey the damage and saw that part of a nearby mountain had completely collapsed. Home of the popular tourist attraction Taroko Gorge itself the result of a collision of massive tectonic plates Hualien is no stranger to earthquakes, some resulting in serious damage and deaths. Images from the areas picturesque mountains on Wednesday showed landslides that sent thick clouds of dust into the sky. Elsewhere in Taiwan, train passengers gripped subway railings and ducked to the ground as the cars swayed violently. Footage from local media reports showed hapless swimmers caught up in violent waves that formed in rooftop swimming pools. During one live news broadcast, a presenter carried on heroically, advising audiences to remain calm despite nearly losing her balance as the shaking caused debris to fall from the ceiling. Hualiens experience of frequent earthquakes meant people were well-prepared for Wednesdays tremor, said Joyce Yeh, a professor at National Dong Hwa University who has lived in the area for 20 years. Hualien people say if you dont run away, you are a local, and if you run away, you are not a local. You just wait, and you hold on until it calms down, Prof Yeh told The Telegraph from her farmhouse in Hualien. A partially collapsed building in Hualien - CNA/AFP/Getty Images Prof Yeh said she was getting ready to travel for the Tomb Sweeping holiday, an important traditional festival where people pay their respects to their elders, when glasses and bottles began to fall to the floor and shatter. After the shaking subsided, a warning from the local government arrived urging her to close all her windows because a fire had broken out at the universitys science building, and the smoke may have contained toxic fumes. While the experience left her shocked and terrified, she said she felt far more prepared this time compared to the 6.5-magnitude earthquake there in 2018 that left 17 people dead. This time, she had prepared an emergency backpack with her passport, ID, and water. So I just grabbed my bag and walked outside and waited in my yard. The earthquake severely disrupted travel around the island, complicating the work of rescuers trying to get to people in areas cut off by massive landslides many in tunnels that cut through the mountains that bisect the island from north to south. A man checks a partially collapsed building in Hualien for survivors . . . - TVBS . . . before pulling a child to safety through a window - TVBS Wang Kwo-Tsai, Taiwans minister of transportation, said he was not optimistic that the islands roads and railways would be operational again soon. In the meantime, maritime transport is being propped up to connect Hualiens port to the northern Suao port. China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as a renegade province, said it was paying close attention to the quake and willing to provide disaster relief assistance. The earthquake was the strongest to hit since 1999 when a magnitude 7.3 tremor killed more than 2,400 people, injured over 11,000 and damaged more than 50,000 buildings. Emergency workers assist a survivor after he was rescued from a damaged building in New Taipei City - CNA/AFP via Getty Images Members of a search and rescue team prepare to enter a partially collapsed building in Hualien - National Fire Agency/AP Many Taiwanese likened Wednesdays shaking to the 1999 disaster. It felt just like it, one said. It felt just as serious. But the known damage and casualties this time are far smaller. Of the nine deaths reported so far, many were people who were struck by falling rocks while hiking or in vehicles. Strict building regulations in Taiwan revised after the 1999 disaster and widespread public awareness of the threat posed by seismic activity, appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the island. T.H. Schee, of Taiwans Open Knowledge Foundation, who has worked closely with civil defence and preparedness groups across Taiwan, had returned to his hometown of Puli, which was impacted heavily by the 1999 quake. Just in Puli, around 5,000 buildings collapsed in a small town of 80,000 people. It hurt a lot, he said. And after that, the government, especially the Ministry of Interior, started developing new building codes for newly constructed houses, apartments, and buildings that were enforceable. They required buildings to withstand a high level of force, he said. A damaged apartment in New Taipei City - Fabian Hamacher/REUTERS Other factors contributed to the lower number of casualties, Mr Schee said. Taiwans emergency response is now more organised and, unlike 25 years ago, involves civil society and volunteer organisations. Wednesdays quake also struck deeper at a depth of more than 21 miles creating a less extreme shockwave. For the magnitude of the earthquake, [the situation] could have been very serious, but its not, Mr Schee said. I think the response has improved a lot because we only see [nine] casualties so far. 02:14 AM BST Everything we know about the earthquake in Taiwan Earthquake with magnitude of 7.7 strikes off coast of Taiwan Tsunami warning issued on southwestern coast of Japan, later downgraded to advisory Nearly 90,000 people without power in Taiwan Eastern Taiwanese city of Hualien seems to be worst affected with reports of collapsed buildings Quake hit at 7.58am local time (12.58am UK) 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. SENECA, Wis. (WFRV) A 37-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested over the weekend after deputies found a large amount of drugs inside his vehicle and inside his house after a search warrant. According to the Crawford County Sheriffs Office, on Saturday, March 30, at around noon, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the township of Seneca. Worker burned in explosion at Camp Randall settles lawsuit for $22 million, attorney says The vehicles operator, identified as Kyle Vanderbilt, 37, from Prairie du Chien, pulled over, and K9 Diego was sent to sniff around the car. K9 Diego alerted the presence of one or more controlled substances in the car, and after a search of the vehicle, the deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Vanderbilt was arrested and transported to the Crawford County Jail for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a restricted controlled substance (sixth offense), operating after revocation, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, felony bail jumping, and violation of probation. After the traffic stop, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Vanderbilts residence on Sandy Burr Lane in the township of Bridgeport and found a substantial amount of methamphetamine and marijuana. Wont stop until service is restored to everyone: WPS, We Energies make statement on recent power outages Additional charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and marijuana are expected to be added once Vanderbilt is officially charged. No additional details were provided. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Gaza aid worker deaths: Tributes paid to three Britons killed in Israeli airstrike as Sunak calls for inquiry International leaders are demanding answers from Israel after seven aid workers were killed in an airstrike in Gaza. Rishi Sunak and US president Joe Biden are among the figures calling for a thorough investigation from Israel after members of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) team, including three Brits, were killed returning from coordinating an aid shipment. WCK is a charity that has been supplying food to starving Palestinians who are on the brink of famine amid Israels total war on the besieged strip. The killings have prompted international condemnation. On Tuesday evening, Mr Sunak telephoned Benjamin Netanyahu to say that far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and that the situation there is increasingly intolerable. Mr Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken at the news as he said Israel had not done enough to protect aid workers. Key Points Family of British aid worker killed in Israeli airstrike will forever be a hero UK should mourn deaths of British aid workers killed in Gaza, says Cameron 16:30 , Holly Evans UK should mourn deaths of British aid workers killed in Gaza, says Cameron Family of Briton James Kirby killed in Gaza speak out 16:05 , Holly Evans Labour: Government must suspend arms sales to Israel if it has breached international law 15:33 , Holly Evans David Lammy has piled pressure on Lord Cameron to publish government advice on whether Israel is breaking international law, saying Britain must suspend arms sales to the country if so. The shadow foreign secretary accused Lord Cameron of going silent after ignoring an initial request to publish the legal advice on 22 March. And Mr Lammy called for Israel to face serious consequences over the killing of three British aid workers in Gaza. The Labour MP said: Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of the three heroic Brits who put their lives on the line to get Palestinian civilians the aid they desperately need. The law is clear. British arms licences cannot be granted if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Labours message to the government is equally clear. Publish the legal advice now. If it says there is a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, its time to suspend the sale of those arms. If David Cameron has received this advice, he must act on it. Israel has betrayed allies like Britain, says former Tory foreign minister 14:00 , Athena Stavrou The killing of seven aid workers in Gaza is a tipping point for Israels international reputation and Britain should reconsider whether the country is an ally, a former Tory foreign minister has said. Sir Alan Duncan, who served as a Conservative minister between 2010 and 2019, strongly condemned Israels killing of seven aid workers - three of whom were British - as merciless. And he said the country has now lost the support of the world through its deceit and callousness. My colleague Archie Mitchell reports: Israel has betrayed allies like Britain, says former Tory foreign minister Rachel Reeves calls government to publish any advice about exporting arms to Israel 13:39 , Athena Stavrou The Government must urgently publish any advice it has received about exporting arms to Israel, Rachel Reeves has said. Asked whether there was a case for the UK to halt arms exports, the shadow chancellor told reporters in London: We have urged the Government to urgently publish any reports that they have on the abidance with international law. The international law is clear that where arms sales are at risk of being used for purposes not consistent with international law, they shouldnt happen. That is why now we are asking the Government to urgently publish the evidence that they have. (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) Family tributes for Israeli airstrike victims continue 13:05 , Athena Stavrou Family members of James Kirby, one of the aid workers who was killed in an Israeli air strike on Monday, have said he was an all-round gentleman and that the seven people who died are like heroes to us. Amy Roxburgh-Barry, Mr Kirbys cousin, told Sky News: He was just an all-round gentleman and even with children. He was amazing with my son, who unfortunately does not understand because hes only young. Its just devastating that hes fought in these wars and come home with not a scratch, and then he goes out to do something helpful, and thats what happens. Adam McGuire, Mr Kirbys cousin, said: Not only James but the six other individuals are like heroes to us. They went out there selflessly to help some of the most desperate people in the world. Ms Roxburgh-Barry recalled the last phone conversation with her cousin and said he had been planning a surprise cruise for his mother and aunt. He wanted to send my mum and my aunty on a cruise once hed sold his house because they felt they both needed it. My aunty didnt know, it was supposed to be a surprise. That was the conversation we had, and thats what we were going to pick up on when he was back. (Supplied) Family of British aid worker killed in Israeli airstrike will forever be a hero, his family say 12:49 , Athena Stavrou The family of British aid worker John Chapman, who was killed in the Israeli air strike in Gaza, have said he will forever be a hero, In a statement issued through the Foreign Office, the family of Mr Chapman, who was one of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in Gaza on Monday, said: We are devastated to have lost John, who was killed in Gaza. He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. We request we be given space and time to grieve appropriately. He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be missed dearly. (World Central Kitchen/WCK.org/PA Wire) The Independents Andrew Feinberg challenges John Kirby on deaths of seven foreign aid workers 12:30 , Athena Stavrou The Independents Andrew Feinberg has challenged John Kirby following the deaths of seven foreign aid workers in Gaza. Mr Feinberg questioned the White House national security spokesman during a press conference on Tuesday after he described the strike which killed the aid workers as a possible mistake. Lucy Leeson reports: The Independent challenges John Kirby on deaths of seven foreign aid workers Sunak: The situation in Gaza is increasingly intolerable 12:12 , Athena Stavrou Rishi Sunak told Benjamin Netanyahu the situation in Gaza is increasingly intolerable after Israeli forces killed three British aid workers. The prime minister pressured the Israeli PM to ensure an urgent and transparent investigation takes place. And Mr Sunak called for a dramatic increase in the amount of aid getting into Gaza removing the barriers but also closer work with aid agencies to make sure things like this dont happen again. The PM dodged a question about whether he backed calls to suspend arms sales to Israel. He told The Sun: Weve always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that will always follow, and I have been consistently clear with Prime Minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that while of course we defend Israels right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with international humanitarian law. (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) How many aid workers have been killed in Gaza? 12:06 , Athena Stavrou The death toll of aid workers in Gaza has risen to at least 196 after an Israeli airstrike killed seven members of charity World Central Kitchen on Monday. It is not the first time Israel has been accused of bombing humanitarian aid convoys and distribution centres and of killing humanitarian aid workers. Jamie McGoldrick, the UNs aid coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, said this was not an isolated incident and that Gaza was one of the most dangerous places on earth for humanitarian workers. As of 20 March, at least 196 humanitarians had been killed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since October 2023. This is nearly three times the death toll recorded in any single conflict in a year, he said in a statement. Since October 2023, the OPT has become one of the worlds most dangerous and difficult places to work. World Central Kitchen staff load Open Arms boat with aid for Gaza (World Central Kitchen) Save the Children will continue working around the clock in Gaza amid fears aid worker killings could halt charity operations 11:51 , Athena Stavrou Aid workers with Save the Children will continue working around the clock in Gaza amid fears that the killing of World Central Kitchen workers could halt much-needed aid to the region. Liz Bradshaw, senior conflict and humanitarian adviser at the charity, said the deaths of the World Central Kitchen aid workers were an unspeakable tragedy and part of a horrendous trend of attacks on aid workers. Our staff in Gaza are facing the same situation that all civilians are facing, she said. Their safety and well-being are paramount considerations in all our operations and we are continuously assessing and mitigating risks to ensure that our team can carry out their work safely. While we are doing all we can to support them - including providing shelter, aid and basic supplies - what we really need to ensure their safety is a definitive ceasefire, now. Our team in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, continue working around the clock to find ways to deliver aid to children. Save the Children takes all possible measures to keep our staff safe while reaching children and families insofar as the access, including safety, restrictions allow. With attacks like these, that is getting harder. It comes as ships still laden with some 240 tons of aid turned back from Gaza just a day after arriving, according to Cyprus. Israel has allowed only a trickle of food and supplies into Gazas devastated north, where experts say famine is imminent. Biden 'outraged' by Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers in Gaza 11:46 , Athena Stavrou US president Joe Biden said he was outraged and heartbroken by the Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed seven aid workers and he called on Israel to do more to protect aid workers In some of his strongest criticism of Israel to date, he said their investigation of the incident must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public. Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident, he said. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. He added that Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers or civilians in Gaza. The United States has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties, he said. (AP) Who were the aid workers killed in an Israeli airtstrike? 11:31 , Athena Stavrou The killing of seven aid workers in Gaza as a result of an Israeli airstrike has sparked international condemnation. Seven people working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) returning from coordinating an aid shipment from Cyprus to starving Palestinians were struck by the IDF in their three-car convoy. Among the killed were three British citizens named as John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47. The youngest victim was a 25-year-old Palestinian driver named Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha. Lalzawmi Frankcom, 43, of Australia, Damian Sobol, 35, of Poland and Jacob Flickinger, 33, a US-Canadian dual citizen were also killed. (World Central Kitchen/PA) Britain will be watching: Cameron urges Israel to allow more aid into Gaza 11:13 , Athena Stavrou Lord Cameron welcomed a pledge from Israel to fully investigate the strike on an aid convoy, and urged the nation to ensure more aid is able to get into Gaza. The Foreign Secretary told broadcasters: I welcome what the Israeli foreign minister said yesterday to me about a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into how this dreadful event was allowed to happen, and we want to see that happen very quickly. I also welcome the fact he spoke about much more aid getting into Gaza, up to 500 trucks a day. That is essential, we have been promised these things before and it really needs to happen, including longer opening times at the vital crossing points. But, of course, the extra aid wont work unless there is proper deconfliction, unless aid can be taken around Gaza and we avoid the dreadful incidents like we have seen in the last couple of days. That is vital and Britain will be watching very closely to make sure that that happens. (PA Wire) Cameron calls killing of aid workers dreadful' 11:00 , Athena Stavrou Lord David Cameron has described the killings of the aid workers as dreadful and said we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers. As he arrived at a Nato meeting in Brussels, the Foreign Secretary told broadcasters: The dreadful events of the last two days are a moment when we should mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers, including the three British citizens that tragically were killed. We should also send our condolences to their families and our thoughts should be with them. Family of Brit killed in Israeli airstrike pay tribute 10:52 , Athena Stavrou The family of James Kirby, one of the three British nationals killed in an Israeli air strike on aid workers in Gaza, have paid tribute to him as a genuine gentleman. In a statement to the BBC, they said: Alongside the other six individuals who tragically lost their lives, he will be remembered as a hero. James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British Armed Forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. The statement added the family are incredibly proud of who James was and what he achieved. James Kirby was working on the WCK teams security, the charity said (via REUTERS) Former national security adviser calls for immediate ceasefire after aid worker killings 10:40 , Athena Stavrou Lord Peter Ricketts, a former national security adviser, said Israels killing of seven aid workers has sparked global outrage as he called for an immediate ceasefire. Lord Ricketts told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Sometimes in conflict, you get a moment where theres such global outrage that it crystalises a sense that things cant go on like this. And I think I hope that this awful incident will serve that purpose. He said a failure by Israel to respond appropriately and show aid workers they are able to deliver supplies to area of conflict should prompt further steps to increase the pressure on Netanyahu, including the UK no longer supplying the country with arms. I think there is abundant evidence now that Israel hasnt been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians and a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law, he added. He said action from the UK might encourage the US to also stop supplying arms to Israel, which would be a real game-changer, Lord Ricketts said. He called for an immediate ceasefire for an extended period to open up the borders and make it safe to get aid in for those delivering it and those receiving it, adding this could also help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Lord Ricketts was security adviser to former PM David Cameron (Wikimedia Commons) Shadow treasury minister says Israel gone too far' 10:38 , Athena Stavrou The UK and US are saying Israel has gone too far in its war against Hamas, shadow Treasury minister Darren Jones has said. Asked if he would support the UK ending arms sales to Israel, Mr Jones told Good Morning Britain: The fact of the matter is if the UK, for example, stopped supplying arms, the war would not end. What we need to do is get the parties to a position where the fighting can stop. I think what weve seen from President Biden, from Keir Starmer, and now from Lord Cameron, our own foreign secretary, is that countries that supported Israels right to defend itself and to recover its hostages from Hamas terrorists in Gaza, which clearly is their right to have done in the first place, have all said that youve gone too far, that we need to bring this war to an end, we need to get around the negotiating table, we need to aid to get to people who desperately need it in Gaza. This latest situation, not only has it resulted in the death of aid workers, which is unacceptable, but its now making it much harder for aid to be made available to people who are in the most desperate situations. Mr Jones declined to say whether Israel was violating international law. He said: As always, on questions of international law, its for judges and courts to make that decision, not for politicians. Downing Streets full statement on PMs call with Netanyahu 10:37 , Athena Stavrou A Downing Street spokesman said on Tuesday: The Prime Minister spoke to Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening. He said he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. The Prime Minister reiterated that Israels rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. (EPA) (Bloomberg) -- Rishi Sunaks administration is pressing Thames Water and its troubled parent to resolve their financial difficulties alone, raising the prospect that the crisis gripping the UKs largest water utility will deepen in the coming weeks. Most Read from Bloomberg Ministers are so far rejecting pressure for the government to bring the company into special administration, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity discussing commercial issues. They dont think it should be up to the government and taxpayers to help a private company thats been poorly run, they said. Instead, they want Thames which has 16 billion ($20.2 billion) of debt to resolve its problems through negotiations with shareholders and water regulator Ofwat. While the message from government will be seen as an attempt to bounce Thames Water and its parent, Kemble Water Holdings Ltd. into finding a private sector solution to their financial woes, it also conveys a lack of urgency from Sunaks administration to stop the UKs largest water and sewage company from going bust. That raises the question of who will blink first: the utilitys investors say its now in the hands of the government, but ministers are indicating they dont see it as their problem. At stake is the operation of a company that supplies 25% of England including London with water. Thames Waters future was plunged into doubt last week when shareholders declared it uninvestable, refusing to stump up 500 million of equity after the regulator Ofwat indicated there was no leeway on the terms for the companys investment plan. The money was supposed to be the first tranche of 750 million promised by this time next year. Moodys Ratings downgraded the credit ratings of Thames Water and Kembles financing arm, Thames Water (Kemble) Finance Plc, on Wednesday, citing a near-term default risk for the latter entity. In total, Thames needs 2.5 billion in equity to deliver on its plans out to the end of the decade. It says it has enough cash to survive until the end of July 2025. That sort of time line raises the prospect that Sunaks administration is kicking the can down the road and hoping a full-blown crisis doesnt materialize before a general election due by January. How Debt and Sewage Pushed Thames Water to the Brink: QuickTake With polling indicating Keir Starmers opposition Labour Party is set to take power, a decision on spending billions of pounds of taxpayer money preventing Thames Water from going under could fall to the next government rather than the current one. Putting Thames Water into a special administration regime effectively a temporary nationalization is undesirable for the Tories because the premier is looking to spend his limited fiscal headroom on tax cuts. Moreover, the privatization of water was a flagship policy of former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Water companies and ministers have also been on the receiving end of voter anger over sewage pumped into Britains rivers and coastlines, so a taxpayer-funded rescue package may not be viewed as a likely vote winner. Some Tories including former Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, have said the government should let the company fail. The shareholders and the bondholders should take the hit, not the consumer, Rees-Mogg told GB News late Tuesday. Tory general election candidate Nick Timothy, a former adviser to Theresa May when she was premier, agreed, writing in the Telegraph that Thames Water is a case study in everything that is wrong with our economy and railing against rapacious foreign investors stripping monopoly utilities of every spare penny, all while ripping off customers and degrading our environment. Labour says the government should do everything in their power to stabilize the company but without taxpayers being left to foot the bill. Unions representing the companys workers plan to meet with Thames Water on Thursday. Special administration has not been ruled out as an option, but ministers are a long way from endorsing that outcome, the people familiar with their thinking said. The government always prepares for a range of scenarios, Sunaks spokeswoman, Camilla Marshall, told reporters on Tuesday, declining to be drawn on what that preparation entailed. There is recent precedent. In 2021, the UK took the nations seventh-largest energy supplier, Bulb Energy Ltd into special administration. It was the first time the tool was used in the energy market and was the first forced nationalization of a British company since the 2008 banking crisis. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay, whos ultimately in charge of water policy, wants to give Thames Waters new management the time and space to end the stand-off with its investors and Ofwat, the people said. He hasnt spoken to the utility in a week, and day-to-day work in the department is being led by a junior minister, Robbie Moore, and civil servants, they said. Communications between Defra officials and Thames Water are taking place no more than weekly, and Sunaks business adviser Franck Petitgas is not involved on a day-to-day basis, they said. Those sorts of noises from government signal that ministers are working to a longer time-frame, but theres a risk of miscalculation if the crisis comes to a head on their watch. One such moment is approaching: Kemble has an end of April deadline to repay a 190 million loan to creditors. None of the options for Thames Water look easy, with any new buyer facing billions in costs to improve the companys performance. An IPO is another option, with Thames Chief Executive Officer Chris Weston saying it could go to the market after Ofwat provides its first draft determination on all water companies investment plans on June 12. The government says its holding the water industry to account including setting new targets on storm overflows, increasing inspections and announcing plans to block some water bosses bonuses. But thats done little to silence critics, including the Liberal Democrats, who are leveraging the industrys wider problems especially with sewage outflows in campaigns for marginal seats on the periphery of London. The government has been woefully inadequate on the water industry in general and on Thames Water in particular, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said in an interview. Theyve failed to say anything publicly and properly. And thats left Thames Waters customers, investors and the wider part of London and the southeast, not knowing whats going to happen. And thats disgraceful. --With assistance from Ellen Milligan, Eamon Akil Farhat and Josyana Joshua. (Updates with Moodys downgrade in fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Rishi Sunak has said his plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is more important than membership of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Prime Minister, who has been under pressure from some Tory MPs to commit to leaving the international agreement, told The Sun that immigration control and border security were more important than membership of any foreign court. He said they were fundamental to our sovereignty as a country. Amid mounting speculation that an election could be called for early June, Mr Sunak declined to unequivocally rule a ballot out, repeating that his working assumption was that it would be in the second half of the year. Under the Tories Rwanda scheme, some asylum seekers arriving in the UK would be sent to the central African country to have their claims processed there. Earlier this year, the most senior judge at the European Court of Human Rights suggested the plan could fall foul of the convention. Many of Mr Sunaks backbenchers from the Right of the party want to see Britain come out of the deal to allow an independent immigration policy. Speaking on The Suns Never Mind the Ballots show, the Prime Minister said: I believe that our scheme, including the Rwanda part of it, all our plans to tackle illegal migration, are compliant with all of our international obligations, including the ECHR. But I do believe that border security and making sure that we can control illegal migration is more important than membership of a foreign court because its fundamental to our sovereignty as a country. Britain helped set up the the European Convention on Human Rights, which came into force in 1953. Mr Sunak insisted progress had not stalled stopping small boats carrying migrants from crossing the Channel, despite a recent increase in the numbers, because his deal with Albania had seen thousands of people returned. I am determined to stop the boats, and that is why the Rwanda scheme is so important, he said. The experts on this people like the National Crime Agency say you need a deterrent. It means very clearly, unequivocally, if you come to our country illegally, you wont be able to stay and we will be able to return you to either your home if its safe, but if its not a safe alternative thats when Rwanda comes in. Thats why Im doing everything I can to get this Bill through Parliament so that we can start sending people to Rwanda and, once we can get that done, you will see that people stop coming because it wont be worth their while. Recommended Rwanda Bill will not stop crossings, says lecturer who spoke to Calais migrants Read more Mr Sunak said there would be a clear choice at the election on the issue. Ive got a plan that Im working towards, and the alternative is I know you had Keir Starmer on here the other day I have not seen an alternative to our plan, he said. So yes, I know people will have criticisms. I know people want to snipe from the sidelines. But the question is, what is the alternative to our plan? Because Im confident our plan is going to work, and thats what we need. Asked to rule out a June election, Mr Sunak said he hadnt decided on which date one would take place. Weve got really important local elections to focus on, and actually local elections are a great opportunity to see the contrast of what Labour in power means, he said. But I said my working assumption is that the election is in the second half of the year and Ill stick to that. Mr Sunak also said Boris Johnson would be welcome on the campaign trail. Asked whether the former prime minister would join him, he said: Thats a question for him. Anyone from the Conservative family who wants to see a Conservative re-elected and who doesnt think Keir Starmer is the right person to lead our country will be welcome on the campaign trail. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A new poll found most Americans agreeing on most of the countrys core values including the right to vote and freedom of religion. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found 91 percent of U.S. adults said the right to vote is either extremely or very important to the nations identity. Eighty-four percent of U.S. adults surveyed said freedom of religion is extremely or very important to the nations identity. The results showed only small variances between Republicans and Democrats, except when asked about the right to keep and bear arms, The Associated Press reported. Sixty percent of Republican respondents ranked the right to keep and bear arms as extremely important to the nations identity, 41 percent more than the 19 percent of Democratic respondents who said so. The lesser agreement of Americans on the importance of the right to keep and bear arms to the U.S.s identity mirrors the common political discord in the country on the topic of gun control, with Democrats usually backing stricter laws around what firearms Americans should have access to and who gets to keep them, and Republicans often backing less strict gun regulation. Sixty percent of Democratic respondents said freedom of the press was extremely important to the nations identity, 15 percent more than the 45 percent of Republican respondents who said so. Current presumptive GOP presidential nominee and former President Trump has also gone after the freedom of the press in the past, saying during his 2016 campaign that he was going to open up libel laws to sue media outlets. Im gonna open up our libel laws, so when they write purposely negative and horrible, false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money, Trump said at the time. Were going to open up those libels laws, he added. So that when The New York Times writes a hit piece, which is a total disgrace, or when The Washington Post, which is there for other reasons, writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win money. The AP-NORC poll was conducted between March 21 and 25, featuring a sample of 1,282 people, with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The man suspected of carrying out a shooting at an Easter brunch in Nashville, which left one dead and four injured, has surrendered to police. Anton Rucker, 46, handed himself in to authorities on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said on X. The suspect, who disappeared after the shooting at the Roasted coffee shop on Garfield St in the city, was located in Princeton, Kentucky. He came out and surrendered without incident, MNPD said in its post. Rucker is being jailed in KY on a fugitive from justice warrant. Metro Nashville Police officers had been searching for Anton Rucker since Easter Sunday (MNPD) The shooting happened at around 3pm in Nashvilles Salemtown neighbourhood on Easter Sunday, with Mr Rucker caught on security camera at the scene. One of the victims, Allen Beachem, 33, died from his wounds. 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, MNPD police spokesman Don Aaron said at a press conference shortly after. We dont have any indication that they knew each other at this point. 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. Mr Rucker is being held on a fugitive charge at the Caldwell County Jail in Kentucky. VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A man has been arrested for being a suspect in a stolen vehicle case, the Visalia Police Department announced on Tuesday. According to police, officers from the Visalia PD Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) spotted a vehicle that matched the description of a stolen vehicle from the City of Dinuba around 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers say they conducted a felony car stop at the Visalia Liquor parking lot on Whitendale Avenue. Investigators identified the suspect as 38-year-old James Chambers. Police say Chambers was arrested and booked at the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility on suspicion of receiving stolen property. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Representatives attend a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran's Syria consulate at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 2, 2024. The United Nations on Tuesday voiced its condemnation following Iran's allegations that Israel conducted missile strikes on its diplomatic premises in Damascus, resulting in significant casualties. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Tuesday voiced its condemnation following Iran's allegations that Israel conducted missile strikes on its diplomatic premises in Damascus, resulting in significant casualties. UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran's Syria consulate, revealing that Iran reported the attack had led to the death of at least five Iranian personnel, including "senior military advisors," with the toll purportedly rising to 13, including six Syrian citizens. These assertions were made amidst growing concerns over the "inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises" and the imperative respect for the "sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states," underscored Khiari. The situation in Syria, as described by Khiari, remains dire, with "six foreign armies operating on its territory," exacerbating civilian hardships and pushing a peaceful resolution further away. Specifically, Khiari highlighted a series of "increasingly lethal attacks" on Iran-affiliated targets in Syria, attributed to Israel, particularly since the onset of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza on Oct. 7. The UN's appeal to the Security Council to "actively engage all concerned parties" underscores the critical need to avert further escalation and regional instability, said Khiari. He called for "utmost restraint" and adherence to international law, including protections for civilians and infrastructure, trying to avoid a miscalculation spiraling into a wider conflict with "devastating consequences" for an already suffering civilian population across the Middle East. Iran requested the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to deliberate on the Israeli airstrike. The appeal received backing from Moscow. UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari briefs a Security Council emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran's Syria consulate at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 2, 2024. The United Nations on Tuesday voiced its condemnation following Iran's allegations that Israel conducted missile strikes on its diplomatic premises in Damascus, resulting in significant casualties. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Video above: Space Telescope Captures Striking Visuals of Massive Cyclones on Exoplanet TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is investigating after what appears to be trash from the International Space Station came crashing down into a Florida home last month. Alejandro Otero said he wasnt home when the nearly 2-pound object tore through the roof, and both floors of his two-story home in Naples, but home security footage captured the sound of the crash. Otero was on vacation when his son called and told him about the startling surprise. It was a tremendous sound. It almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all, Otero told WINK News. Something ripped through the house and then made a big hole on the floor and on the ceiling. When we heard that, we were like, impossible, and then immediately, I thought a meteorite. Solar Eclipse 2024: What to do if youre driving during the eclipse? Otero rushed home from his trip and found what appeared to be a man-made cylindrical-shaped object on the floor of the home. It used to have a cylindrical shape, and you can tell by the shape of the top that it traveled in this direction through the atmosphere. Whatever you burned, created in this burn and melted the metal over in this direction, he said. Otero believes that the mysterious object came from space. He even shared photos of the space junk on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying that hes waiting to hear back from the responsible agencies to resolve the costs of damages to his home. Credit: Alejandro Otero / LOCAL NEWS X /TMX Credit: Alejandro Otero / LOCAL NEWS X /TMX Credit: Alejandro Otero / LOCAL NEWS X /TMX Credit: Alejandro Otero / LOCAL NEWS X /TMX Looks like one of those pieces missed Ft. Myers and landed in my house in Naples. Tore through the roof and went thru 2 floors. Almost hit my son, he wrote. On Wednesday, NASA confirmed to WFLA that the agency collected an item in cooperation with the homeowner and will analyze the object at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to determine its possible origin. NASA collected an item in cooperation with the homeowner, and will analyze the object at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida as soon as possible to determine its origin. More information will be available once the analysis is complete, the statement read. Florida double murder: Toddler found face down in pool, mother stabbed 28 times, police say However, according to arestechnica.com, the U.S. Space Command recorded to reentry of a piece of space debris from the space station on March 8, around the same time Oteros home camera captured the crash. Regardless of where the trash came from, Otero said the experience scared his whole family. I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage, he told WINK News. Im super grateful that nobody got hurt. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Suspects arrested in connection with break-in, vandalism at elementary school in Hesperia A group of young suspects accused of breaking into, and then trashing, a Hesperia elementary school over spring break have been arrested, school officials announced Tuesday. The burglary and vandalism took place on the afternoon of March 25 at the Maple School for Innovation, 10616 Maple Avenue, according to Principal Mike Ponce De Leon. Furniture, windows, TVs and other pieces of equipment were damaged or destroyed in the break-in, officials said. No students or staff were on campus at the time. The crime was captured on surveillance camera footage, and images of three intruders were shared with the public in hopes of generating leads in the investigation. The three suspects, described only as juveniles, have been arrested and "cite released," according to a Hesperia Unified School District statement. Vandals broke into Maple School of Innovation on Monday, March 25, 2024 and caused significant damage. Maple representatives thanked the community for its generous support and vigilance in the wake of the crime. "A lot of credit goes out to everyone for sharing information, being vigilant, and communicating with authorities," the district officials stated in a social media post. "Our Maple community is unlike any other. Thank you for being an added layer of protection for our home!" Vandals broke into Maple School of Innovation on Monday, March 25, 2024 and caused significant damage. Hesperia Unified School District officials also extended gratitude to the school's police department for the swift apprehension of the suspects. More: Vandals sought in break-in at elementary school in Hesperia This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Suspects arrested in Maple School of Innovation burglary in Hesperia Attendees cheer at the west Michigan city of Grand Havens first Pride Fest in June. The surrounding county of Ottawa had more people moving in than any other in the swing state. Like many other fast-growing counties, Ottawa is staunchly Republican but becoming more Democratic. (Kristen Norman/The Associated Press) In recent years, millions of people across the United States have moved from Democratic cities to Republican suburbs, complicating the politics of swing states in a pivotal election year, according to a Stateline analysis. Republican suburban counties in four swing states Georgia in the South and Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in the Midwest gained the most new arrivals; heavily Democratic cities lost the most. In Western swing states Arizona and Nevada, meanwhile, the biggest people magnets have been slightly Democratic cities that are expected to be hotly contested. Those shifts reflect a nationwide trend: In Republican counties, as defined by the 2020 presidential vote, 3.7 million more people have moved in than have left since 2020, while Democratic counties had a net loss of 3.7 million, according to a Stateline analysis of U.S. Census Bureau estimates and county presidential election data kept by the University of Michigan. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in March included people who moved within the country between mid-2020 and mid-2023, a time of pandemic dislocations, lockdowns in big cities, and the rise of remote work that fed a search for affordable housing in less crowded and more scenic settings. Those settings, as it turns out, also tend to be more conservative. The census numbers do not include births or immigration. Whether the newcomers will vote Democratic this year, or whether they were disenchanted with Democratic policies in their former homes and will vote Republican, remains to be seen. The changes might affect local and congressional races the most, but even a few movers crossing state lines could sway presidential vote totals in swing states. We are looking at an election to be determined by a shift of such small numbers of people in each of these states that a few thousand votes in any one state can impact the electoral vote there, said David Schultz, a political science professor at Hamline University in Minnesota who has edited and helped write several books on presidential swing states. The counties gaining the most movers in Georgia (Forsyth County), Michigan (Ottawa County), Pennsylvania (Cumberland County) and Wisconsin (Waukesha County) were solidly for then-incumbent President Donald Trump in 2020. But in the three Midwest counties, Joe Biden had the best showing for a Democrat since Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Politics in a changing county In some of the growing counties, there has been tension as new residents bring their own expectations. People keep moving here because they like it, then they try to make it like the place they left, said David Avant, who runs a business networking website in Forsyth County, Georgia. His county gained about 17,000 new arrivals between mid-2020 and mid-2023, according to the Stateline analysis. People keep moving here because they like it, then they try to make it like the place they left. David Avant, Forsyth County, Georgia Politics might not yet be changing in some of the red counties surveyed. In Michigan, Doug Zylstra became the first Democrat elected in almost 50 years to the 11-member Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in 2018 and was reelected in 2022, but the commission took a more conservative turn in 2023 when a new majority took office. The people of Ottawa County chose to replace the previous Republican-majority board, which promoted Democratic ideology and practices, said Sylvia Rhodea, one of the new Republicans on the commission. In a January 2023 meeting, Rhodea criticized the previous boards diversity, equity and inclusion program as based on the premise that county resident characteristics of being 90% white and largely conservative were problematic for businesses and as one that seeks to replace the American value of equality with the Marxist value of equity. There is not a racial divide in Ottawa County, there is an ideological divide. The welcoming of people will continue, but the ideology that tries to divide us has to end, Rhodea said in the meeting. The Rev. James Ellis III, who is Black and who moved to Ottawa County in April 2023, lives in the area that elected the countys sole Democrat. He said the racial divide remark feels inaccurate to me, not to mention unhelpful. And while he said he has no party affiliation, he thinks people on every side have a hard time listening to each other. Ellis grew up in Maryland and has lived in cities including Washington, D.C., and British Columbia, Canada. He attended a local seminary in Ottawa County. Ottawa County is not a utopia. It is an area full of wonderful citizens, lakeshore living, lots of churches and winter sports, and yet simultaneously it has power dynamics and inequities like any place that need addressing, said Ellis, of Maplewood Reformed Church. The countys population is about 83% white with small but growing Asian, Black and Hispanic populations. 'They vote for the same thing' In Wisconsin, affluent and suburban Waukesha County has gained about 5,200 movers, while urban Milwaukee County has lost 37,000. Still, thats not likely to change the politics of either county soon, said Steve Styza, a Republican who won an open seat on the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors in Tuesdays election. Democrats are definitely trying to make as big of a push as they can to turn the most conservative counties in our state blue or purple and try to gain some kind of foothold because it is strategically important, Styza said before the election. If I was on the other team, Id be trying to do the same thing. Waukesha County voted almost 60% for Trump in 2020, though the roughly 38.8% vote for Biden was the highest share for a Democrat since 1964. The countys 2022 vote for Democratic Gov. Tony Evers was slightly higher at 39.4%. Milwaukee County voted 69% for Biden in 2020 and 71% for Evers in 2022. Like Avant in Georgia, Styza said that Democratic newcomers sometimes pose a threat to the suburban lifestyle that drew them there in the first place. They say, Well, I gotta get out of there because of whats going on, and then they vote for the same thing in a different place and then wonder why things turn out poorly, Styza said. In the Western swing states of Arizona and Nevada, the politics are similar, but the largest cities are still growing fast. Arizonas Maricopa County, home of Phoenix, voted Democratic in 2020 for the first time since 1948, when Harry Truman carried the county. In Nevada, Clark County, the home of Las Vegas, has voted Democratic for president since 1992, but the Republican vote has been growing since 2008, reaching 44% for Trump in 2020. Some of the new Republican strength could be transplants from Californias conservative inland region east of Los Angeles, said David Damore, a political science professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In contrast, Reno, which has been voting more Democratic in recent cycles, is attracting more liberal Californians from Sacramento and the Bay Area, Damore said. Statewide, the vote share that the Democrats lost in Las Vegas, they gained in Reno. Some conservative scholars argue that residential moves from blue to red areas show a political preference or at least an attraction to the results of conservative policies. Every day, Americans appear to have a clear preference about the sort of state government they want. Far from flocking to states that have imposed mandates and lockdowns, they have freely chosen to move to states that focus on securing the mandates of liberty, Jeffrey Anderson, president of the conservative nonprofit American Main Street Initiative, wrote in an analysis of state-by-state moving statistics published in City Journal in January. Other demographers see the movement of people as a search for housing and jobs that doesnt take politics into account. Domestic migration [moving] across state and metro areas is not strongly affected by politics but by labor market and housing conditions, said William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution. He added that movers from blue to red states could make their destination states less red Arizona and Nevada are good examples. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter. The post Swing states see newcomers as Americans move from blue to red counties appeared first on Alabama Reflector. Swiss federal ministers are giving up their free ski passes The News Swiss federal ministers are giving up their free annual ski passes worth around $4,000. Switzerland recently voted in favor of a referendum for greater social welfare that was opposed by the majority right-wing coalition government, which warned against the roughly $5 billion cost. Social media posts noted that government officials received perks like $200,000 pensions and, notably, free ski lift passes for Swiss slopes every year. Know More In 2022, one minister defended the passes as a working tool, saying, I have a great many meetings with business leaders and mayors on the slopes. This did not wash, Le Mondes Geneva correspondent reported, and eight senior government figures have given them up. Swiss national railway operator SBB has tested a remotely-controlled locomotive with the aim of assessing whether the system could be useful in short journeys for maintenance work or for shuttling between construction sites. Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa Swiss federal railways SBB has been testing an Alstom-made remote-controlled locomotive, which it said could be used to guide a malfunctioning train to safety. The test runs were done during regular operations during February and March, SBB said, with the aim of assessing whether the system could be useful in short journeys for maintenance work or for shuttling between construction sites. The trials saw 24 train drivers in Oerlikon practice as "remote operators" by using an Alstom control panel to steer a locomotive located in Zurich Mulligen. As a precaution, SBB put a conductor and supervisor on the remotely-controlled carriage, with the pair able to stop the train if necessary. Swiss rail travel is not about to get a bit more hands-off, however, as SBB said it is not planning to introduce anything like autonomous passenger trains, despite the recent remote-control tests. The statement could perhaps come as a relief to passengers looking out carriage windows at soaring peaks and winding Alpine tunnels - and particularly when gazing down vertiginous stretches such as from atop the Landwasser Viaduct. SBB said it was "one of the first" operators in Europe to try out remotely-operated trains, which Prague city officials have said they plan to invest heavily in, while French rail transport firm Alstom is "championing the push towards automated train operation from metro to heavy rail solutions." A railway worker was killed in September 2023 after being hit by a remote-control or autonomous train in Ohio in the US, where the technology has been allowed since 2005. Cant hide: Driver of Corvette Z06 seen taunting police on social media arrested; car, guns, large amount of drugs seized CHARLOTTE, NC (QUEEN CITY NEWS) You can run but you cant hide. Thats what Charlotte Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) posted Wednesday to announce they seized a 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 after hitting a police car and taunting police. CMPD says its Operation SCARLET (Stolen Car and Recovery Law Enforcement Team) started looking into a possibly stolen or cloned Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that had fled from traffic stops multiple times in the Char-Meck area. Weve had some inquiries stemming from a viral video from last week, let us clear them up. The corvette *ISNT* stolen and it *IS* seized. The suspect, 21-year-old Carlos Clark, didnt actually get away. On March 18, 2024, CMPDs Operation SCARLET (Stolen Car and Recovery pic.twitter.com/eWcwCRdjlc CMPD News (@CMPD) April 3, 2024 SCARLET detectives found the owners identity and a social media account with video of the vehicle speeding away from officers. It was determined that the car was not stolen. On March 28, officers found the Corvette and tried to run a traffic stop. The vehicle intentionally hit a CMPD patrol car and sped off, according to authorities. SCARLET detectives were alerted and 21-year-old Carlos Clark was arrested that day. His home was searched with a warrant on Thursday, March 28. At the home, detectives say they found and seized the following: 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 113.4 pounds of THC vials 10 pounds of THC Edibles 3.6 pounds of Belgian Chocolate Bars containing mushrooms 18.8 pounds of pre-rolled marijuana blunts 4 pounds of marijuana resin 3.6 pounds of Mushrooms 4 firearms: a AK47, 2 AR15s and a Glock $1,950.56 in U.S. Currency CMPD CMPD Clark (CMPD) CMPD Clark is facing several charges: Felony Flee/Elude Arrest with Motor Vehicle Hit/Run Property Damage Reckless Driving Assault with Deadly Weapon Resisting Public Officer Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Distribute Alter/Steal/Destroy Criminal Evidence Possess Drug Paraphernalia Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia Trafficking Marijuana On Clarks Instagram, which has more than 292,000 followers, the Z06 can be seen baiting and fleeing from police numerous times, as well as breaking other traffic laws. Clark was booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail around 5:15 a.m. the next morning. That same day, he paid a $20,000 secured bond and was released. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. HUALIEN, Taiwan (AP) The strongest earthquake in a quarter-century rocked Taiwan during the morning rush hour Wednesday, killing nine people, sending others scrambling out the windows of damaged buildings and halting train service throughout the island. A tsunami warning was triggered but later lifted. Coast Guard issues bulletin regarding Lake Erie and eclipse The quake, which also injured hundreds, was centered off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed. Just over 150 kilometers (93 miles) away in the capital of Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings, and schools evacuated their students to sports fields, equipping them with yellow safety helmets. Some children covered themselves with textbooks to guard against falling objects as aftershocks continued. In this photo released by the Hualien City Government, a leaning building is cordoned off in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwans strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (Hualien City Government via AP) In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team prepare outside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwans strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP) In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team prepare to enter a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwans strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP) In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team prepare outside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwans strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP) Television images showed neighbors and rescue workers lifting residents, including a toddler, through windows and onto the street, after doors fused shut in the shaking. All appeared mobile, in shock but without serious injuries. Taiwan is regularly jolted by quakes and its population is among the best prepared for them, but authorities said they had expected a relatively mild earthquake and accordingly did not send out alerts. The eventual temblor was strong enough to scare even people who are used to such shaking. Ive grown accustomed to (earthquakes). But today was the first time I was scared to tears by an earthquake, said Hsien-hsuen Keng, a resident who lives in a fifth-floor apartment in Taipei. I was awakened by the earthquake. I had never felt such intense shaking before. Local school closes but no phone service to call parents Nine people died in the quake, which struck just before 8 a.m., according to Taiwans national fire agency. The local United Daily News reported that three were hikers killed in rockslides in Taroko National Park, which is in Hualien, and that a van driver died in the same area when boulders hit the vehicle. Another 934 people were injured. Meanwhile, authorities said they had lost contact with 50 people in minibuses in the national park after the quake downed phone networks. Another six people were trapped in a coal mine, where a rescue was underway. The quake and aftershocks also caused 24 landslides and damage to 35 roads, bridges and tunnels. Taiwans earthquake monitoring agency said the quake was 7.2 magnitude while the U.S. Geological Survey put it at 7.4. It struck about 18 kilometers (11 miles) off of Hualien, on Taiwans east coast, and was about 35 kilometers (21 miles) deep. Multiple aftershocks followed. The national legislature, a converted school built before World War II, and sections of the main airport in Taoyuan, just south of Taipei, also saw minor damage. Traffic along the east coast was at a virtual standstill after the earthquake, with landslides and falling debris hitting tunnels and highways. Train service was suspended across the island of 23 million people, with some tracks twisted by the stress of the quake, as was subway service in Taipei, where sections of a newly constructed elevated line split apart but did not collapse. The initial panic after the earthquake quickly faded on the island, which prepares for such events with drills at schools and notices issued via public media and mobile phone. Stephen Gao, a seismologist and professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, said Taiwans readiness is among the most advanced in the world, also featuring strict building codes and a world-class seismological network. By noon, the metro station in the busy northern Taipei suburb of Beitou was again buzzing with people commuting to jobs and people arriving to visit the hot springs or travel the mountain paths at the base of an extinct volcano. The earthquake was felt in Shanghai and several provinces along Chinas southeastern coast, according to Chinese media. China and Taiwan are about 160 kilometers (100 miles) apart. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami of 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. Smaller waves were measured in Ishigaki and Miyako islands. All alerts in the region had been lifted by Wednesday afternoon. Taiwan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the worlds earthquakes occur. Hualien was last struck by a deadly quake in 2018 that killed 17 people and brought down a historic hotel. Taiwans worst quake in recent years struck on Sept. 21, 1999, with a magnitude of 7.7, causing 2,400 deaths, injuring around 100,000 and destroying thousands of buildings. The economic fallout from the quake has yet to be calculated, but Taiwan is the leading manufacturer of the worlds most sophisticated computer chips and other high-technology items that are highly sensitive to seismic events. Parts of the electricity grid were shut down, possibly leading to disruptions in the supply chain and financial losses. Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC, which supplies semiconductors to companies such as Apple, said it evacuated employees from some of its factories in Hsinchu, southwest of Taipei. Hsinchu authorities said water and electricity supplies for all the factories in the citys science park were functioning as normal. The Taiwan stock exchange opened as usual on Wednesday, with the index wavering between losses and gains. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Taiwan rocked by biggest earthquake in 25 years with nine confirmed dead At least nine people were killed and more than 900 injured when Taiwans biggest earthquake in 25 years rocked the island during the morning rush hour, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings. Massive landslides were triggered and buildings were left tilting at precarious angles after the 7.2 magnitude quake, which struck just offshore at about 8am local time. Videos showed people experiencing violent shaking across Taiwan and there appears to be extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Multiple buildings in Hualien, a relatively sparsely populated city popular with tourists, appeared heavily damaged, with photographs showing nine-storey buildings leaning at a 45-degree angle. A partially collapsed building in Hualien (AP) At least 77 people were trapped in buildings or under the debris of partially collapsed structures, the Taiwanese government said on Wednesday afternoon. A dozen people were rescued from a building in New Taipei City after its foundations sank deep into the ground. Today was the first time I was scared to tears by an earthquake, a Taipei resident, who was sleeping in her fifth-floor apartment, told the Associated Press. I was awakened by the earthquake. I had never felt such intense shaking before. Three hikers were killed by falling rocks on the Dekalun Trail in Taroko National Park in Hualien. A fourth victim has been identified as a truck driver, who died after rocks crushed his vehicle near a tunnel. The effects of the earthquake were felt in mainland China and as far away as Taiwanese-controlled islands off the coast of China, said Wu Chien-fu, the head of Taiwans earthquake monitoring bureau. Multiple aftershocks, one measuring 6.5 magnitude near Hualien, were also felt in the capital Taipei, the agency said. Rescuers work at a partially collapsed building (VCG via Getty Images) At least 87,000 households were left without electricity on the island due to a disruption in supply following the powerful jolts. Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines have issued tsunami warnings, with waves as high as three metres initially expected to hit the remote Japanese island group of Okinawa. Authorities in Taiwan issued warnings through text messages to remind people in coastal areas to be vigilant and take strict precautions and pay attention to the dangers caused by sudden surges in waves. A damaged apartment following the earthquake, in New Taipei City (Reuters) Japans Self Defence Force has sent planes to the area to gather information about the tsunami impact around the Okinawa region, and said it was preparing shelters for evacuation, if necessary. Japan later downgraded the tsunami advisory, reducing the height of waves expected to one metre. The first tsunami waves of at least 30 centimetres arrived at Yonaguni Island at 9.18am local time, authorities said. All tsunami warnings were eventually lifted. A building is partially collapsed after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan (VCG via Getty Images) All flight operations have been suspended at Naha airport in Okinawa following the tsunami warning. The Philippine government asked people in coastal areas to immediately evacuate to higher ground as the islands braced for high tsunami waves. Villagers in Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Isabela were asked not to return to their homes until the tsunami alert was lifted. High-speed rail services across Taiwans main island were suspended following the quake, as was the subway network in Taipei. But witnesses said things quickly returned to normal in the capital, with children going to school and the morning commute continuing. I wanted to run out but I wasnt dressed. That was so strong, Kelvin Hwang, a guest at a downtown hotel, told AFP. People gathering in the lobby of the Taipei 101 office building (CNA/AFP via Getty Images) The islands national legislature, based in a converted school built before the Second World War, had damage to walls and ceilings. Schools evacuated their students to sports fields, equipping them with yellow safety helmets. Some also covered themselves with textbooks to guard against falling objects as aftershocks continued. Traffic along the east coast was brought to a virtual standstill, with landslides and falling debris hitting tunnels and highways in the mountainous region. An employee clears broken bottles on the floor of a supermarket in Yilan (CNA/AFP via Getty Images) President Tsai Ing-wen has offered condolences and pressed soldiers into the rescue and recovery effort. The national army will provide support in response to the needs of local governments to ensure the safety of peoples lives and property, she said on Facebook. Taiwans president-elect Lai Ching-te rushed to Hualien to take stock of the situation, while the president oversaw operations from Taipei. Taiwans air force sent C-130 aircraft to carry out disaster relief operations (Anadolu via Getty Images) Japans prime minister Fumio Kishida said he was deeply saddened by the earthquake and offered to provide any assistance necessary. The quake is the largest to hit Taiwan since one in 1999 caused extensive damage and killed around 2,400 people. Taiwan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the worlds earthquakes occur. ISLAMABAD, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of police in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province arrested 22 terrorists during intelligence-based operations, CTD Punjab said. The personnel of the CTD of Punjab police conducted multiple operations in different districts of the province in a bid to avert terror activities, apprehending 22 terrorists, the Punjab CTD said in a statement on Tuesday. The arrested terrorists belonged to banned outfits including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Al-Qaida, the CTD statement said, adding that they were planning to attack different organizations and government offices in the province. The law enforcers also seized a cache of weapons, including explosives, hand grenades, detonators, and improvised explosive device bombs during the operations. Police have registered separate cases against the arrested persons, who have been shifted to an unknown location for further investigation. The CTD Punjab said that it is committed to rooting out the menace of terrorism from the country and it has been making all-out efforts to achieve its targets. Earlier, a senior official of the CTD was killed in firing by unknown miscreants in the country's northwest North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. An anchor for Taiwans iNews was live on air relaying a message from the countrys earthquake early warning system when the actual 7.4 temblor hit Tuesday. Video shows the newscaster did not even pause as she began to report on what would later be recognized as the islands biggest shake in decades. The camera cut to wildly swinging light cans in the studio rafters and then back down to the intrepid anchor who, while visibly rocked by the shaking, did not break eye contact. Her only concession to the jolt was to reach back with one hand and brace herself against the video screen behind her. Watch below. More from Deadline Reported video of the heavy shaking inside a TV studio in Taiwan during the earthquake. pic.twitter.com/C2UN4igFvB Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) April 3, 2024 Another local anchor at SET News decided not to brace herself at all, doing an admirable job of keeping her feet beneath her in heels, no less as the shaking began. Over at another outlet, the news presenter was fortunate to be seated, but the stations green screen graphics were a mess with the shaking. Terremoto de Taiwan en vivo desde tv local. Taiwan earthquake pic.twitter.com/gbkAgGSJns d (@ngc1995dodo) April 3, 2024 According to the New York Times, nine people were killed by the quake and hundreds were injured. The Taiwanese anchors reactions were a sharp contrast to those in another seismically active media market: Los Angeles. In 2019, KCAL9 news anchors Juan Fernandez and Sara Donchey were live on air when a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck about 100 miles north of L.A. Their reaction? Duck and cover. Of course, the most famous local in-studio earthquake moment was the reaction of Kent Shockneck, who was hosting NBC4s Today in L.A. when the 5.9-magnitude Whittier Narrows earthquake hit in 1987. As studio lighting crashed about him, a nervous-looking Shockneck said, Im going to get under this desk, I apologize for the theatrics. It was a maneuver the rattled anchor would repeat again during an aftershock and earned him the nickname Kent Shockwave. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Biden levels some of his strongest criticism yet at Israel over the killing of seven aid workers. The death toll could climb after Taiwan's largest earthquake in a quarter century. And an Oklahoma city council member with white nationalist ties is ousted in a recall vote. Heres what to know today. Fears of a wider Middle East conflict are bubbling A suspected Israeli airstrike on the Syrian capital and a subsequent vow of retaliation from Iran are raising fears that the war between Israel and Hamas could flare into a wider conflict. The attack on the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus on Monday killed two of the countrys top commanders, including Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi a key figure in coordinating the so-called axis of resistance, a network of groups that operate with militants from across the Arab world. Five military advisers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans powerful military and political organization, were also killed. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your morning. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. The bombing pushes archenemies Iran and Israel into a direct confrontation. This is a clear escalation and it could provoke something wider, said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. But Vakil and other experts believe neither country wants an all-out conflict. Israel has yet to comment on the attack, though the countrys defense minister appeared to obliquely reference the strike during a parliamentary meeting yesterday. And Irans promises that the attack will not go unanswered are purely rhetorical so far. Read the full story here. Israel faced widespread condemnation after a strike killed seven aid workers in Gaza in what the IDF said was a mistake following a misidentification. President Joe Biden expressed outrage in some of his toughest criticism yet of Israel, saying the country has not done enough to protect civilians. World Central Kitchen has identified the people killed in the attack including a dual U.S. citizen and three British veterans. Follow live updates here. More on the Israel-Hamas war: World Central Kitchen has been one of the chief suppliers of food to Gaza, doling out 43 million meals while coordinating with the Israeli military. Three cars completely destroyed over 2 miles: What photos tell us about the airstrike on the World Central Kitchen convoy. Doctors in Gaza have reported a rise in stillbirths and infant deaths, and one Rafah hospital said it no longer sees normal-sized babies. 7.4-magnitude earthquake is Taiwans largest in 25 years At least nine people have died and more than 730 others were injured after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on the east coast of Taiwan this morning. The quake happened around 8 a.m. local time at a depth of about 21 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It was about 11 miles south-southwest of Hualien City. Officials said the number of casualties could rise in the coming days. A damaged building in Hualien City, Taiwan, after an earthquake (TVBS via AP) The earthquake was felt in all parts of Taiwan, the Central News Agency reported, disrupting rail services across the island and damaging a major highway. Video showed one building partially collapsed, left standing at an angle. Another shorter building was similarly situated. The damage was concentrated in the county of Hualien, near the quakes epicenter, where officials said they were working to free 131 people who were trapped. The earthquake also prompted tsunami warnings that were later lifted in Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines. The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that while national authorities might continue to issue their own information, the tsunami threat from this earthquake has now passed. Heres what else we know. Deputies killed kidnapped teen as she obeyed their commands, video shows Abducted teen Savannah Graziano. Graziano, abducted by her father a day earlier, was killed amid a shootout with law enforcement Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, on a highway in California's high desert, authorities said. (City of Fontana Police Department via AP) After deputies fatally shot 15-year-old Savannah Graziano during a 2022 roadside shootout, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office said the 15-year-old was wearing tactical gear and that she was a participant in shooting at deputies. However, new video from the incident appears to contradict those claims. Savannahs father, Anthony John Graziano, was believed to have kidnapped her in September 2022 after he allegedly killed his estranged wife, her mother, according to the sheriffs office. Her abduction set off an Amber Alert, and when deputies found the truck belonging to Savannahs father, a car chase and shootout ensued. In a recording from the deputy closest to Savannah, he is heard shouting, Stop! Stop shooting her! Hes in the car, referring to Savannah and her father. And in a video taken from a distance, just after the moment Savannah was most likely shot, a voice in the audio is heard saying, Oh, no. Savannah did not appear to be wearing a vest or tactical gear. Both Savannah and her father died in the shootout. Read the full story here. Oklahoma official with white nationalist ties ousted in recall vote As residents in the small town of Enid, Oklahoma, cast their vote in the race to recall a City Council member with white nationalist ties, Judd Blevins the man at the center of the vote was spotted holding up a sign for his own campaign. Im pretty confident Ill come out on top, he said. And if not, I fought the good fight. Hours later, Blevins would learn that he lost the vote. Hell be replaced by Cheryl Patterson, a former teacher and longtime Republican. Judd Blevins holds a campaign sign in Enid. (Michael Noble Jr. for NBC News) Blevins white nationalist ties received heightened scrutiny after his election to the City Council last year. Those ties include his participation in a march alongside neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, and racist and antisemitic writings in secret forums in chats where he used a pseudonym. Reporter Brandy Zadrozny has spent months reporting on Blevins past and the local efforts to oust him. She was in Enid yesterday to talk to voters and capture their reactions to the election results. More election news: In Wisconsin, voters approved a pair of Republican-backed constitutional amendments that will change how elections are run . Former President Donald Trump taunted Joe Biden with an empty lectern at his Wisconsin rally and said hell debate the president anytime, anywhere, anyplace. Poll results that will be published in the next six months should be taken with a grain of salt, NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd writes. Thats because the rematch between Trump and Biden will be decided by double-haters and we shouldnt expect them to make a decision until the last possible minute. Read the full analysis here. Trump sues Truth Social co-founders Trump doesnt think the co-founders of his social media platform, Truth Social, should be entitled to their stock in the company. According to a recent lawsuit, executives Wes Moss and Andy Litinsky (who were former contestants on The Apprentice) made a series of costly mistakes that resulted in a long delay of the company going public. The lawsuit urges a judge to strip them of their shares in the company. Trumps concerns about money dont stop there. Earlier this week, he posted the $175 million bond in his New York civil fraud case. At one point, the bond amount was $557 million or, as Trumps lawyers put it, a practical impossibility to pull off paying. But then an appeals court stepped in. From a desperate struggle to a done deal, heres how Trump posted the bond. And in the New York hush money case, Trumps lawyers are making another attempt to have Judge Juan Merchan remove himself from trial. In a letter to Merchan, Trumps attorneys cited the judge's daughters employment with a political firm and the recent gag order against Trump as factors for removal. J.K. Rowling tests limits of new Scottish hate crime law Author J.K. Rowling celebrated Scottish polices announcement that she wouldnt be arrested for comments she made online about transgender women on the same day a hate crime law took effect. The new law, called the Hate Crime and Public Order Act, criminalizes stirring up hatred against people based on various factors, including sexuality or gender identity. When the law took effect Monday, the Harry Potter author shared a social media thread that misgendered several trans women and appeared to imply that trans women have a penchant for sexual predation. Several critics called for police to act. Scottish police said yesterday that they would not be investigating the remarks as a crime. Rowling cheered polices announcement and then doubled down on her criticisms of the law. Politics in Brief Supreme Court: For the first time, Democratic senators are publicly expressing an unease that history could repeat itself after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs refusal to step down. This time, theyre concerned about Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a lifelong diabetic and the oldest member of the courts liberal wing. U.S.-China relations: Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a check-in call, their first discussion since November, to talk about Chinas trade with Russia, the issues of cyberattacks and election interference, and other concerns. Acute blood clot: Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado underwent surgery after a blood clot was found in her leg and she was diagnosed with vascular condition, her campaign said. Want more politics news? Sign up for From the Politics Desk to get exclusive reporting and analysis delivered to your inbox every weekday evening. Subscribe here. Staff Pick: The Cowboy Carter listening experience Grab your cowboy hat: Beyonce fans celebrate 'Cowboy Carter' with themed listening parties Venues from night clubs to bookstores hosted Cowboy Carter-themed parties across the country, over the weekend. (JerSean Golatt for NBC News) I cannot tell you how joyous this story makes me. Reporter Char Adams perfectly captured the excitement surrounding Beyonces country album release, including a listening party in Irving, Texas. And photo editor Whitney Matewe produced these gorgeous photos. This story and the images truly brought me happiness (I highly recommend the album too, obviously). Michelle Garcia, NBC BLK editorial director Online Shopping, Simplified NBC Selects second-ever Wellness Awards winners have been announced. See our editors favorite products across categories like sleep, fitness equipment and apparel, self care and more. Sign up to The Selection newsletter for exclusive reviews and shopping content from NBC Select. Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign-up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Video above: Airline employee lashes out at passengers on Tampa-bound flight. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) If you have a flight out of Tampa International today, be prepared to experience delays. A Ground Stop was issued Wednesday afternoon until 3:45 p.m., but its possible that could be extended, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Flights to Tampa are being held at their departure locations. According to the airports website, nearly 1/3 of flights coming in and out of Tampa are experiencing delays ahead of thunderstorms expected this afternoon. Homes are selling the fastest in these Florida counties Out of the 559 flights today, 170 are delayed, and 17 have been canceled. TPA told WFLA.com that weather conditions across the region, and country, are affecting departures and arrivals in Tampa. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for their most updated flight information and status. If departing from TPA today, check your flight status here. To check the status of arrival flights, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. In Reality Check stories, Star-Telegram journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? RealityCheck@star-telegram.com. The Tarrant County Election Board Tuesday approved an initiative to use pre-numbered ballots in the general election in November. In a briefing to the county commissioners ahead of the boards vote, Tarrant County Election Administrator Clint Ludwig said that pre-numbered ballots would increase election security and allow for more accurate auditing in the case of voter fraud inquiries. The practice, however, is outdated, largely unused by electoral authorities elsewhere in the United States and, contrary to proponents claims, could actually facilitate voter fraud, rather than prevent it, according to legal, political and computer science experts. Ballots in Tarrant County already receive a unique identifying number at the moment of voting, and adding more identifying information to voters ballots could potentially make it easier for bad actors to commit fraud like vote buying and voter coercion, according to David Kimball, a political scientist and ballot design specialist at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The best thing preventing vote buying is the secret ballot, he said in a phone interview. Ballots in federal elections are available for public viewing for 22 months after the election. If a persons vote is tied to a specific number, then someone who has bought or coerced votes could use the pre-numbered ballot list to confirm that they got their bribe or intimidation obtained the desired result. Kimball said that pre-numbering ballots is extremely rare in the United States and that most ballots cast in the country have no identifying numbers at all on them. I dont know that anybody does it, he said. You want the ballots to be anonymous. Andrew Appel, a computer scientist at Princeton University who has done extensive research on voting machines, pointed to the same risks associated with serial numbers on ballots. The secret ballot is pretty important as a principle, since well over 100 years ago, to prevent people from being paid or coerced to vote a certain way, he said in a phone interview. The best way to prevent ballot stuffing and other types of fraud mentioned by proponents of pre-numbered ballots is to staff polling places with a sufficient number of adequately trained election workers, Appel said. The standard practice is to have enough confidence in your poll workers and to pay enough attention to poll worker training, he said, adding that staffing polling places with multiple election workers is another age-old tactic for avoiding fraud. One dishonest poll worker cant stuff ballots, because theres another poll worker that can keep an eye on that. Does Tarrant County need pre-numbered ballots to prevent voter fraud? The boards vote to use pre-numbered ballots raises the question: Does the problem it is meant to solve even exist? While Tarrant County polling places saw a bit of the usual election day hiccups on Super Tuesday things like equipment problems and long lines aside from an issue with accommodations for voters with disabilities, the March primaries largely went off without a hitch. An open records request to the Tarrant County Election Integrity Task Force asking for any instances of voter fraud or voter interference during the primary election returned no responsive records for either election day or early voting. Glynis McGinty, head of the district attorneys arm of the task force, told the Star-Telegram in February that her office was considering only three cases of possible voter fraud from 2023. The Election Board is comprised of County Judge Tim OHare, Tarran County Election Administrator Clint Ludwig, Sheriff Bill Waybourn, Republican GOP Chair Bo French and Democratic Party Chair Cystal Gayden. Gayden cast the one vote against the initiative. How will pre-numbered ballots work in Tarrant Countys general election? Voters currently use blank thermal paper ballots made specifically for the Tarrant County voting equipment, which are made by Hart Intercivic. The machines create a unique identifying number in the moment that the vote is cast. Ballots will continue to be identified this way, but they will now also be consecutively pre-numbered. These pre-numbered ballots will serve as placeholders to help election auditors, Ludwig said. If somebody decides they want to audit that election and they want to audit those ballots, when they see ballot 53 and ballot 55, they can find a blank piece of paper that has the serial number 54, and so, now they know 53, 54, 55, and they can audit and see that and hold it in their hands, he said. The change to pre-numbered ballots is not meant to bring Tarrant County into compliance with the state election code, as the ballot on demand system complies with election law, Ludwig told the commissioners. The Texas Election Code requires consecutively numbered ballots, however, the Texas Secretary of State issued an advisory in 2019 allowing for alternate methods of ballot numbering. One person who spoke in support of the measure during public comments said the Texas Secretary of State abused its authority in waiving this statute. However, the election code states that the office may prescribe more specific requirements and standards, consistent with this code, for approval of particular kinds of voting system equipment or voting system equipment generally. The statute in the current election code requiring pre-numbered ballots is from 1985, but the practice of numbered ballots dates to 1905, a time when those prohibited from voting included idiots and lunatics, all paupers supported by the county and even members of the military. Sequential numbering is a law that was passed when we were close to a century away from electronic voting, and there are multiple safeguards built into the system, said Susan Hays, an Austin and Alpine-based attorney who is board certified in campaign and legislative law. To demand this expensive change now its just blowing up the bridge after its been built, and people are crossing it. How much will pre-numbered ballots cost? Public comments against the initiative cited excess costs associated with it, as any unused pre-numbered ballots would have to be thrown away after an election. The use of pre-numbered ballot stock will not improve the accuracy of Tarrant County elections, but rather will add unnecessary bureaucracy and significantly increased costs, said Janet Mattern of the League of Women Voters of Tarrant County. Both ballot numbering schemes require the county to buy enough paper for every registered voter in the county, just under 1.3 million. Using numbers from the 2020 election, OHare and commissioner Alyssa Simmons estimated that the county would have to throw out around 400,000 unused pre-numbered ballots. The expense would be around $13,000 for the tossed out ballots, give or take a couple of thousand either way, OHare said. In February, OHare opposed a $10,000 expenditure to reimburse Trinity Metro for giving voters free rides to polling places on primary Election Day. OHare declined to speak with members of print media following Tuesdays Election Board meeting. Noah Alcala Bach contributed to this report. We tasted chicken, croissants and cake at Costco, Sams and BJs. Here are the results Three quick takeaways: The News & Observer conducted a taste test of rotisserie chicken, vanilla sheet cake and butter croissants from Costco, Sams Club and BJs Wholesale. Newsroom staff declared Costco to have the best vanilla sheet cake and rotisserie chicken, while Sams Club had the best butter croissants. The taste test, while unscientific, aimed to determine quality alongside quantity and pricing at these wholesale clubs. Back in February, I had to figure out how to fit six rotisserie chickens, three packs of large butter croissants and three 10-inch sheet cakes in my trunk, all at the same time. For some wholesale club shoppers, those are rookie numbers. But I was playing trunk Tetris to figure out how an unexpected slam on the brakes wouldnt smash gobs of vanilla frosting across my windshield. These items are popular buys at our areas warehouse clubs a trio of Costcos Kirkland Signature, Sams Club Members Mark and BJs Wellsley Farms products. I was bringing all these goods to work at The News & Observers newsroom in downtown Raleigh so employees could conduct a blind taste test. The prices and quantities can tell us which store has the lowest prices, but we need our taste buds to tell us which club sells the tastiest sheet cake, juiciest chicken and fluffiest croissant. Before we present our findings, lets run through the methodology. Each wholesale club was represented by a color to keep the taste test blind. Pink represented Costco, orange represented Sams Club and blue represented BJs but our hungry workers didnt know which was which. MORE: How can you save money at Costco, Sams and BJs? Some shopping tips for warehouse clubs MORE: What can you get at Sams, Costco and BJs without a membership? Take a look How we taste-tested chicken, cake and croissants We conducted a blind taste test of three popular items at three wholesale clubs. We tasted rotisserie chicken, vanilla sheet cake and butter croissants, pitting them against each other to determine which wholesale club makes the best of each one. Before we get any further, Ill say here that were just hungry people, making decisions using our own taste buds and flavor preferences. This is by no means a scientific study. (But if you want to go a little deeper with these flavor and texture profiles, keep reading for some notes from our food writer, Drew Jackson, who blessed the taste test with his culinary expertise.) None of the items allowed for seamless apples to apples comparisons. Heres why: We broke the chicken up into snack-size portions ahead of the taste test, but some plates of chicken only had white meat, some only had dark meat and some had a mix of both. Some plates had skin, some did not. Two of the wholesale chickens were bought just two hours before the taste test, while the third was bought four hours in advance. Some plates of cake were end pieces, while others were middle pieces. This impacts the amount of frosting you got, which as all cake-lovers know can make or break the slice. Frosting lovers revel in the corner piece with extra piping, while frosting haters want the piece thats smack dab in the middle. Some croissant bits were the squishy middle parts, while others were the crispier corners. It can be difficult to compare a pillowy middle to a crusty corner when those are the two pieces you have. Even though we had quite a few leftovers, the taste test was blind, so attendees didnt know which cake they should take another slice of, or which chicken drumstick to grab, to make their comparison more equitable. We wanted to keep the fairness of the taste test front and center. Wholesale clubs taste test: Quantities and prices Lets run through the products (and their prices): Butter croissants: All three stores sold 12-packs of large butter croissants for just shy of $6. Thats 50 cents per sandwich croissant. Rotisserie chicken: All three chickens weighed and cost the same: $4.98 for 3 pounds of chicken. Vanilla sheet cake: Costco : The 10-inch cake weighed 62 ounces and cost $15.99. Thats 26 cents per ounce. BJs : The 10-inch cake weighed 72 ounces and cost $19.99. Thats 28 cents per ounce. Sams Club: The 10-inch cake weighed 83 ounces and cost $16.98. Thats 20 cents per ounce. Which wholesale club has the best food? Without further ado, the winners: Costco makes the best vanilla sheet cake and rotisserie chicken . Sams Club makes the best butter croissants . BJs was rarely a favorite for our judges. Heres how we judged the taste test: Each wholesale club was represented by a color, that way we could keep the taste test blind. Pink represented Costco, orange represented Sams Club and blue represented BJs but our hungry staffers didnt know which was which. Everyone was asked to try nine items total three plates of croissants, three plates of cake and three plates of croissants (one per store). To do this, they grabbed three plates for each item, one of each color. To select their favorite, they took a sticky note of the same color and added it to our non-scientific chart (which, really, was just a wall with some masking tape on it). They were asked to write some comments on the sticky note about what went into their selection. We determined the best store per item by seeing which one had the most sticky notes of one color. Heres how our staff ranked each item: Chicken : 13 votes for Costco, 5 votes for Sams Club, 0 votes for BJs. Cake : 10 votes for Costco, 4 votes for Sams Club, 3 votes for BJs. Croissants: 13 votes for Sams Club, 4 votes for Costco, 3 votes for BJs. In a blind taste-test, we munched on rotisserie chicken from three wholesale clubs: Costco, Sams and BJs. Which wholesale club has the best rotisserie chicken? Costco. Kirkland chicken got 72.2% of the vote, while the remaining 27.8% went to Members Mark (Sams Club). Nobody said Wellsley Farms (BJs) chicken was their favorite. Heres what our staff said of Costcos chicken: Flavorful and moist. This is the only one that didnt make me want a drink of water. Moist, but crispy in all the right places. Well seasoned, salty but not too much. Not overcooked. Others were bland and dry by comparison. Of Sams Club: On the superhighway of chicken, this one goes the speed limit. Its not fair that I got more dark meat and skin on this plate than others, but this was juicer than the others. And of BJs: Bad, bad, bad. So bland it makes me concerned I have COVID. We munched on birthday cake from three wholesale clubs: Costco, Sams and BJs. Which wholesale club has the best vanilla sheet cake? Costco. Kirkland cake got more than half of the vote with 58.8%. Members Mark came in second place with 23.5%, and Wellsley Farms ranked last with 17.6%. Heres what our staff said of Costcos cake: Airy and not too sweet. Perfect with some coffee. Lightest and flakiest. Cake is perfectly spongy. Icing is perfect and not too sweet. Moist and tasty. I liked the cream in the middle. Of Sams Club: Cake needs to have personality. This one actually has a chance to be the cool kid in class. The icing is lighter and cake is fluffier. And of BJs: Not overpowering on icing, and I dont love too much icing. This got it right. We blind taste-tested croissants from three wholesale clubs: Costco, Sams and BJs. Which wholesale club has the best butter croissants? Sams Club. Members Mark croissants got the majority of the votes with 65%. Kirkland came in second place with 20%, and Wellsley Farms ranked last with 15%. Heres what our staff said of Sams Clubs croissants: Flaky and chewy with the right amount of moisture. Color is perfect! Best texture and flavor. Buttery but not overwhelming. Not dry! Some others were. Just the right amount of flakiness and flavor. The only one with any flavor. Slightly sweet with a crispy edge. Not over-dry, which the others were. Still, needs salt. Very delicious. Had three! Of Costcos: Nicely fluffed and browned. This is my style of croissant. Dark, crispy and flakier rather than doughy. Light and slightly crunchy. And of BJs: Had a good texture to it. About the same as [Sams Club], but [Costco] tasted stale. Has a denser but still buttery taste. [Sams Club] was too white bread for me, despite a flakier (desirable) texture. Costco sweeps in Drew Jacksons taste test Drew Jackson, The News & Observers food writer (and judge in many of our previous taste tests), wrote up his own notes about the taste test, detailing the best and worst parts of each selection. He declared Costco the winner in all three categories. Heres what he thought for each item he tasted: Croissants: Costco : Deliciously golden brown with crispy outer flakes and airy inner layers. Baked all the way through. This is a solid no-frills French-style croissant, something to pull apart with a morning coffee, but not eat as a sandwich. Balanced buttery flavor with webby center layers like a pastry kaleidoscope. Sams Club : This one is pale and doughy, not crispy at all, but the flavor is rich and buttery. For me, its underbaked and even has some raw dough. But if you like half-baked cookies, this is your croissant. BJs: This one is on the stale side of crispy. Pretty muted butter flavor and kind of tough in parts. Chicken: Costco : A pirate might say [rotisserie] me timbers. Well seasoned, nicely roasted and quite moist, both dark and white meat, tender and flavorful. Could be a tailgate or weeknight hero. Sams Club : Flavorful skin, nice color on the roast but a bit dry. Not soul-sucking dry, but not ideal. Well seasoned. BJs: This one made me sad. It was plenty moist and had a nice texture but damn was it bland. It tasted like it hadnt been seasoned at all. Cake: Costco : This was love at first sight. I knew this would be my pick before tasting it, the crumb was loose and crumbly, but moist, lightly sweetened with a touch of vanilla. The icing was sweet but not cloying, with a touch of lemon. This could be a wedding cake or a retirement cake for someone everyone really liked. Sams Club : This is a solid birthday cake, dense crumb with a nice vanilla flavor, fluffy cloud-like icing on the sweet side. BJs: The densest cake of the three, pretty firm and not very sweet. The icing is exceptionally sweet, but those dont add up to a balanced cake. The three bullet points at the top of the article were created using an AI tool for summarization and edited by journalists. Read more on our AI policy here. California Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrates the passing of Proposition 1, a $6.4 billion bond ballot measure, during a news conference at the Ronald Reagan State Building, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Los Angeles. California voters passed the measure that will impose strict requirements on counties to spend on housing and drug treatment programs to tackle the state's homelessness crisis. | Damian Dovarganes Californias money problems are reaching new heights with no concrete solution in sight. Back in January, Gov. Gavin Newsom estimated his state would face a $37.9 billion deficit in fiscal year 2024-2025, despite the Legislative Analysts Office predicting a much higher shortfall of $68 billion. Turns out, both Newsom and the Legislative Analysts Office were off track. The Golden States money pit is expected to be $73 billion or higher, according to the latest update. Legislative analysts say the deficit problem has ballooned since their last estimates at the beginning of the year. The reason? The data shows the state collected $24 billion less than anticipated in revenue, which translates to a $15 billion increase in the deficit. California doesnt have a plan ... yet Newsom and state lawmakers say they are working together to find solutions. In a statement, the governor said, Despite the uncertainty due to the federal tax deadline delay last year, historic reserves and fiscal responsibility will assure a balanced budget that meets Californias needs. But apart from planning on a range of $12 billion to $18 billion in cuts, the state hasnt released a plan. California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, a Democrat, said the Assembly will continue working on an agreement and plans to hold more than two dozen budget and oversight hearings in the next month, indicating there could be steep cuts to state programs. There are tough choices on the horizon, which is why our process is so critical, he said. The Shrink the Shortfall budget plan, introduced on March 14, proposes dipping into Californias rainy day fund to cover $12.2 billion. Other solutions include deferring $2.1 billion in spending, delaying $3.2 billion, slashing $3.4 billion from programs and shifting $3.9 billion in funds. It also recommends borrowing money or increasing taxes by $3.6 billion. But state Sen. Scott Weiner, a Democrat who chairs the states Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, who proposed the Shrink the Shortfall plan, said, Tax increases are not the easiest thing in the world, according to ABC News. In Sacramento, it requires a two-thirds vote, and Im not optimistic that we will see tax increases this year to help reduce the deficit, said Weiner. The Newsom administration is sticking to its initial hopeful projects of a nearly $38 billion shortfall. H.D. Palmer, the deputy director of Californias Department of Finance and Newsoms spokesperson, told Fox News that they hope to see more revenue than projected come in before taxes are due. A responsible step would be for the Legislature to act now on the early action budget measures needed for $8 billion in solutions to help close this gap, Palmer said. Expired pandemic-era funding and tax breaks California isnt the only state struggling to balance its budget in the absence of expired federal pandemic aid. According to Statelines analysis of U.S. Census Bureau estimates, state revenue was down by 4% last year, with California and New York seeing the biggest losses of $56 billion out of the total $66 billion. The American Rescue Plan provided $350 billion in funding to states, as well as local territorial and tribal governments during the COVID-19 emergency. As federal pandemic aid filled up state coffers, 26 states decided to lower either personal or corporate income tax rates, or both, between 2021 and 2023, which is expected to result in estimated lost revenue of $11 billion over the next five years, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted. States across the U.S. introduced other tax breaks, like one-time rebates or senior tax breaks, during the pandemic, according to the Tax Policy Center. Utah, too, decreased individual and corporate state income tax rates in the latest legislative session, bringing the rate down from 4.65% to 4.55%. This adds up to roughly $170 million in reduced revenue, as the Deseret News previously reported. This is despite Utahs revenue falling short by $50 million during fiscal year 2023 because of lower than expected income tax collections. Arizona and Colorado also cut taxes, indicating a pattern where Mountain West states are offering relief to taxpayers, while coastal states, like New York and California, are opting for tax hikes in order to balance their overextended budgets, as Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at The Tax Foundation, pointed out. Plus, concerns over a recession havent died down, even though the economy continues to remain stable. But at some point, perhaps soon, the economy will turn, and states that passed bigger, permanent tax cuts will face tougher fiscal choices because of those tax cuts, wrote Tax Policy Centers Richard C. Auxier. He added, If and when that happens, they should remember what taxes they cut, and who they benefited, in that new budget environment. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) lashed out at a reporter this week after she pressed him on the massive amount of money that iHeartMedia, the radio network that distributes his podcast, has poured into a super PAC supporting his re-election campaign. It really is sad whats happened to the media, Cruz sneered when ABC 13 reporter Shannon Ryan asked him about a bombshell report by the Houston Chronicle. Last week, the Chronicle revealed that iHeartMedia had sent over $630,000 in payments to the Truth and Courage PAC since March 2023, accounting for roughly one-third of the committee's total contributions in that timeframe. Experts told the Chronicle that the payments appear to be a novel arrangement that blur the lines between what is allowed under Senate ethics rules and campaign finance laws. After launching his Verdict podcast in 2020 and quickly gaining a devoted MAGA audience, Cruz announced in October 2022 that iHeartMedia had picked up the show, calling it a big damn deal as the program would be carried on 850 radio stations. A watchdog group soon filed a complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee, alleging that Cruz violated rules barring lawmakers from receiving gifts from registered lobbyists, which iHeartMedia is. Cruz, at the time, argued that he received no financial benefit from the arrangement, and the committee eventually tossed the complaint. The iHeartMedia payments, which the company says are associated with Verdicts advertising revenue, would seem to contradict the senators claims that he is not paid to host the thrice-weekly podcast. In fact, the PAC reports the payments as other receipts and not as political contributions. Yet, both Cruz and the media giant insisted to the Chronicle that the Texas Republican volunteers his time to host this podcast and isnt compensated for it. Ryan caught up with Cruz on Tuesday and confronted him on the podcast and the large payments the PAC has received from iHeartMedia. After the senator asserted he does the show because the media doesnt report the actual news, the Houston-based reporter wondered how he could still claim hes not getting paid for Verdict. So if an entity which employs lobbyists is giving hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to your re-election efforts, how can you say youre not being compensated? Ryan asked. You know, it really is sad whats happened to the media, which is the media exists right now seemingly to parrot left-wing Democrat attacks, Cruz fired back. He then mocked the Campaign Legal Center, the watchdog that initially brought the ethics complaint in 2022, as a left-wing Democrat attack group while noting the Senate found he didnt violate any ethics laws. Ryan, meanwhile, pointed out in her report that the initial ethics complaint merely challenged the podcast deal itself and that the iHeartMedia money currently flowing into the PAC has yet to be investigated. In the end, Cruz wrapped up the interview by taking another swipe at Ryan and the press. So all the Democrats are left to do is make false personal attacks, he fumed. I get youre going to carry their water, but my request to you is simple: actually cover the issues! Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A 19-year-old passenger accused of killing and robbing a 78-year-old Lyft driver in Dallas has been arrested and faces a capital murder charge, police said. Police arrested Maurice Parker on Monday in connection with the death of Mohammad Taghi-Farshi. Parker was already in the Dallas County Jail on an unrelated charge, police said in a news release. Dallas police officers found the victim, who had been shot to death, shortly before 4 a.m. Saturday in a parking lot near a motel in the 9500 block of Forest Lane. Parker was the last passenger driven by Taghi-Farshi in the ride-share vehicle, and the drop-off location listed for the ride is where the victims body was found, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by Star-Telegram partner WFAA-TV. Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of unlawfully carrying a weapon, according to jail records. The suspect had the victims wallet on him when he was arrested, and when questioned by investigators, he admitted to shooting Taghi-Farshi, according to the affidavit. Parker also stole the victims vehicle and told police where to find it, WFAA reported. Parkers bond has been set at $5 million on the capital murder charge, and $1,000 on the weapon charge, jail records show. Today's top stories: Mother of 2 seeks help, says car totaled in crash linked to Rashee Rice What parents should know about fall pre-K enrollment options in Tarrant County Heres a new gallery for Black and brown artists in Fort Worth Get free alerts when news breaks. Our hearts are with Mr. Taghi-Farshis loved ones as they confront this unspeakable tragedy, and we have reached out to offer our support during this difficult time, a Lyft spokesperson told WFAA. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation and have permanently banned the riders account from the Lyft community. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Teenage cloakroom attendant Artem Donskov helped people flee to safety when gunmen stormed a concert hall near Moscow last month. Now his mother is trying to get him to see a psychologist. In an interview with Reuters, 14-year-old Artem said he and his colleagues helped people escape via a service corridor and directed them to the exits after the attackers sprayed concert-goers with gunfire and set the building ablaze. At one point panic broke out, he said. "As I understood it, some man yelled that the terrorists might be coming towards us and everyone was frightened. At first, some people ran into a dead end, then they ran outside, dropping their mobile phones and bags, and tried to escape as fast as they could." At least 144 people were killed in the March 22 attack, the deadliest in Russia for 20 years. Islamic State militants claimed responsibility but Russia says the attackers were linked to Ukraine, something Kyiv has repeatedly denied. Artem's mother Alexandra Donskova told Reuters that he and the family were emotionally exhausted. She said he was a shy boy and she was concerned about his mental health. "Of course I would like him to have at least one session with a psychologist, because I can't treat my own child. And I would like him to work through this situation," she said. "He isn't agreeing to it at the moment, but maybe I will insist a little bit later." (Reporting by Reuters; writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Mark Heinrich) NANNING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- As lunch time approaches, a pizza store named Call Me Pizza in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, sees a steady stream of customers and deliverymen. Kneading, sprinkling and baking are among the required tasks as store owner Maurice and his wife find themselves busy making Italian pizzas. Maurice, from Rome, Italy, has been living in China for nearly a decade. He was invited to Nanning by Chinese friends purely by chance. Later, when he met his wife in Nanning, Maurice decided to settle down there. "I started my business in China by accident. Every time I held a party, my friends loved my pizza and encouraged me to start a business. Their trust and encouragement enlightened me to open a pizza shop," he said. Guangxi, where Maurice lives, has a good relationship with Italy. In 2017, Nanning and Italy's Crema established sister city relations, and the two sides have carried out extensive cooperation in various fields. Relying on the platform of the China-ASEAN Expo, bilateral exchanges between Guangxi and Italy have become increasingly close. "I witnessed the increasingly close cultural, economic and trade exchanges between China and Italy since my arrival in China, which laid a foundation for my confidence in starting a business," said Maurice. He believes China's large population and strong consumption vitality combine to create good entrepreneurial prospects for the catering industry. After efforts including market research, store selection, and product publicity, Maurice and his wife turned their idea into action and opened Call Me Pizza. "I think the name is interesting, simple and easy for consumers to remember," said Maurice. However, at the beginning, they rented a small shop and only a few people came to the store each day. Maurice found it difficult to make ends meet at that stage. "Then we found a way to introduce our products through social media," said Maurice. He and his wife chose to advertise their products on online social platforms such as Xiaohongshu, or Little Red Book, which is highly popular among young people in China, attracting many consumers to the store, while some online consumers also recommended the store to more potential consumers. "In order to better expand our influence and visibility, we have also entered online food takeout platforms. Now, there are more and more customers, both foreign tourists and Chinese friends, in our store. Every time I see new and old faces, I feel happy," said Maurice. With the consumer groups steadily becoming more diversified, Maurice constantly innovates styles and categories on the basis of traditional Roman-style pizza. "Many Chinese customers like durian or Orleans flavor. After market research, we have innovated durian pizza and Orleans Pizza on the basis of retaining the tradition, and now our business is booming," he said. "I used to study in Italy and now I can eat Italian-style pizza in Nanning. I feel very close to Italy now. Now people can taste the exotic flavor without going abroad," said Li Han, a customer. "Pizza has become a bond, which can enable me to make a lot of Chinese and foreign friends. Through the pizza store, more Chinese friends know about Italy and I also learn more about Chinese culture," said Maurice. Maurice believes that food culture is the best way for people to get to know a foreign country or place. He hopes the store will become bigger in the future, so he can introduce more Italian culture to Chinese consumers. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A teenager who was shot to death in Hallidie Plaza was identified by the San Francisco Chief Medical Examiner Wednesday as 17-year-old Jordan Malik Brady. Brady was an Alameda County resident. Police said the boy was slain just before 9:30 p.m. on March 28. Officers found Brady suffering from gunshot wounds in the plaza, which is located next to the Powell Street BART station in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Brady was pronounced dead at the scene and the coroners office notified his family. Jordan Malik Brady smiles next to trophies. (Image via GoFundMe) A GoFundMe page described the victim as a cherished bright light in his family of 10. His infectious laughter, kind heart, and unwavering love for his family touched the hearts of everyone he encountered. Sadly, Jordans life was cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving behind a family of ten to navigate through the unbearable pain of his absence, the page states. Two 16-year-old boys were arrested in connection to the homicide. San Francisco Police Department officers served a search warrant at a building on Turk Street, arrested the boys, and booked them into the Juvenile Justice Center on Friday. Their names were not released by police because they are minors. Anyone with information about this shooting should call the SFPD Tip Line at 415-575-4444, or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Tennessee passed a bill Monday that will allow potential parents who hold anti-LGBTQ beliefs to adopt and foster LGBTQ children. The bill, Senate Bill 1738, passed 73-20. The bill will prohibit the Department of Childrens Services (DCS) from requiring prospective or current adoptive and foster parents to agree with government policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity that conflicts with their own beliefs. Under the bill, DCS is prohibited from deeming parents unfit to be a childs guardian based on their own religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill noted that DCS can still consider the values of the child and parents when determining the most appropriate placement. If signed into law, the bill would conflict with federal rules that place safeguards on LGBTQ children. After passing the Senate, the bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee (R-Tenn.). The bill mandates that non-affirming foster parents have access to LGBTQ children for fostering or adoption. It states that a parents beliefs about sexual orientation or gender identity do not create a presumption that any particular placement is contrary to the best interest of the child. This bill clarifies that an action taken by a parent that is protected by this bill does not give rise to a claim or cause of action against the parent, the bills text said. State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Tenn.) argued the bill is discriminatory and cloaked under the guise of religion. When arguing over the bill, Jones addressed his colleagues saying, You stated that you want these kids to be sent into a home where they can be loved, where they can flourish. Can you explain the logic of a child being placed into a home where they are told they are wrong, that their identity is wrong, that they dont belong, that they made a mistake with who they are? How can they flourish in such an environment? Earlier this year, Tennessee lawmakers gave final approval to legislation that would allow public officials to refuse to perform same-sex marriages, another example of how states across the country are attempting to limit the rights of LGBTQ adults and youth. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A screenshot of a video recording of a public meeting on Tuesday evening when Premier Tim Houston spoke to a crowd of hundreds of people in the Heatherton Community Centre in Antigonish County, N.S., about a proposed consolidation of the area's town and county. (Facebook/ Let Antigonish Decide - image credit) Premier Tim Houston faced a hostile crowd near Antigonish, N.S., on Tuesday yet stood firm on not ordering a plebiscite about consolidating the community's town and county governments because it would intrude on the authority of local officials. About 500 people attended a noisy public meeting in the Heatherton Community Centre in Antigonish County where pubic opposition to creating a single local government has grown. The PC government recently proposed Bill 407, which would dissolve the Town of Antigonish and join it to the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, after both local councils voted in favour of consolidation twice. Houston's comments were met with loud booing and yells multiple times, including when the premier said the councils voted against a plebiscite and he wouldn't overrule them. "You can imagine that went over like a lead balloon, and people did not buy it. It got a little rowdy at times, people were very upset," said Anne-Marie Long on Wednesday, a member of Let Antigonish Decide which organized the meeting. Anne-Marie Long urged the Houston government not to push ahead with Bill 407 until an independent study on the pros and cons of a merger can be completed and then the issue put to a plebiscite. Anne-Marie Long speaks before a provincial legislative committee in Halifax in March. She urged the Houston government not to push ahead with Bill 407 until an independent study on a merger can be completed and the issue put to a plebiscite. (Jean Laroche/CBC) The group is calling for a plebiscite on the issue, and have challenged the councils' consolidation vote in court. Houston said repeatedly that he had to respect the councils' decision to ask for the merger. But, a judge ruled in December that the provincial government could choose whether or not to honour that request. Long also said this government has had no problem stepping into municipal territory in the past. "This whole business of respecting council is hogwash, because look what he did in Halifax. He overruled Halifax council on how they did their housing," Long said. The recent Bill 329 gives the N.S. housing minister the power to approve any Halifax development, even if councillors have decided against it. However, Houston said during the meeting that he has to take "issues of governance" seriously. A screenshot from a video recording shows a large crowd of people attended a public meeting with Premier Tim Houston at the Heatherton Community Centre in Antigonish County on Tuesday evening. The topic was the proposed consolidation of town and county A screenshot from a video recording shows a large crowd at a public meeting with Premier Tim Houston in the Heatherton Community Centre in Antigonish County on Tuesday evening. The topic was the proposed consolidation of town and county. (Facebook/Let Antigonish Decide) "When the municipal council comes to me and says, 'We think, as a duly elected council, that this is the best way to govern our municipality,' I will not sit in Halifax and say, 'You're wrong,'" Houston told the crowd. Many people, including current county Coun. John Dunbar, said that neither council ran on consolidation as an election issue in 2020 so the votes to do so were undemocratic and did not represent residents' views. Mainstreet Research conducted two polls about the proposed consolidation, showing most respondents wanted a public vote on the issue. In March 2023, 70 per cent of the respondents called for the vote. That number rose to 75.8 per cent in a February 2024 poll. Health Minister Michelle Thompson and Greg Morrow, both PC MLAs who represent the area, stood alongside Houston during the meeting but did not address the crowd. "If they didn't all walk out of there knowing that those two MLAs are not going to be re-elected, I don't know what they need to be more clear about that," Long said. The amalgamation bill has been amended to have the Utility and Review Board (UARB) conduct a financial analysis on whether consolidation is in the best interests of residents. That report is due by Aug.1. If the UARB recommends against it, the province said consolidation won't go ahead. Although some people at the meeting asked for any final decision to come after October's municipal election, Houston said the plan is still to go ahead either way. Voters will either choose a mayor and council under a new entity, or see existing town and county positions on the ballot. CBC asked the premier's office Wednesday whether his government would consider dropping the legislation in the face of ongoing opposition. In a statement, Houston said it's clear that people want more information, which will come out of the UARB analysis. "While both the town and council reaffirmed their desire to consolidate in a recent vote, I was surprised there weren't more councillors who initiated the consolidation process at the meeting," Houston said. "We will continue to listen to their feedback and share information as the process unfolds." MORE TOP STORIES A person holds the passports belonging to deceased officials of the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), following an Israeli attack on a WCK vehicle in Deir Al-Balah. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa A dispute has flared up between Warsaw and the Israeli government following the death of a Polish employee of the aid organization World Central Kitchen in an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday in the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the reaction of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to the incident and a statement made by Israel's ambassador to Poland, Yacov Livne. "Prime Minister Netanyahu, Ambassador Livne, the vast majority of Poles showed solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attack," Tusk wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "You are putting this solidarity to the test. The tragic attack on the volunteers and your reaction arouse understandable anger." Polish citizen Damian Sobol was one of the seven aid workers killed in the Israeli army airstrike. Netanyahu said Israel was responsible and spoke of "tragic case of an unintentional strike." He said such things happen in war. Livne sparked a wave of outrage in Poland following Sobol's death with accusations of anti-Semitism. Israel's ambassador to Poland was referring to a post by opposition politician Krzysztof Bosak from the radical right-wing Confederation party on X. Bosak had pointed out that the convoy attacked by Israel was labelled as humanitarian aid. "It appears that the aim of the Israeli command is to terrorize humanitarian organizations and increase the famine among the Palestinians," wrote Bosak. "This has a name: war crimes." In his response, Livne wrote that Bosak still refuses to condemn the massacres of October 7. His party colleague Grzegorz Braun also extinguished a Hanukkah candlestick in the Polish parliament with a fire extinguisher. "Conclusion: anti-Semites always remain anti-Semites, and Israel remains a democratic Jewish state that fights for its right to exist," Livne said. A view of the heavily damaged vehicle after the Israeli attacks target officials working ta the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK). Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Palestinians inspect the heavily damaged vehicle after the Israeli attacks target officials working ta the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK). Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett and the USS Rafael Peralta seen from the deck of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier in January 2024. A Chinese naval vessel watches from a distance - Richard A Brooks/AFP Close observers of the US Navy were mystified when, on March 11, the service released its budget proposal for 2025. The $258-billion budget request includes $26 billion for six new front-line warships: a Virginia-class attack submarine, two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, one Constellation-class frigate, one San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock and one medium landing ship. The $26 billion shopping list also includes partial funding for a pair of Gerald R Ford-class aircraft carriers and a Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarine. For any other navy, $26 billion and six powerful new ships would be an unprecedented windfall. But for the US Navy by the measures that count, the worlds most powerful fleet it represents a profound shipbuilding collapse. The US fleet has been trying to grow from todays 293 warships to 350. Since most ships last just 30 years or so, the Navy must buy a dozen new ones every year, on average, to grow to 350 hulls and stay there. It needs ten a year, roughly, just to stay the size it is. The 2025 budget would buy just half the requirement. And now we know why. Put simply, the US naval shipbuilding industry is so short of skilled workers that it can barely build the ships it already has under contract never mind adding ships to the backlog. Thats the startling conclusion of an intensive shipyard review that US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro ordered back in January. The US defence press got ahold of the reviews findings on Tuesday and the Navy promptly confirmed the details. The industrys seven major shipyards Bath Iron Works in Maine, Electric Boat in Connecticut, Newport News in Virginia, Austal in Alabama, Huntington Ingalls in Mississippi, Fincantieri in Wisconsin and NASSCO in California are years behind schedule on major shipbuilding programs. The main problem is people. The yards are losing skilled workers faster than they can hire them. And the Navy itself is struggling to staff its design bureau, which feeds blueprints to the yards. The shipbuilding workforce is heading in the negative direction in multiple regions, Nickolas Guertin, the Navys top shipbuilding official, told reporters. The chaos inflicted on the industry by the Covid response is the main reason for the manpower crisis, Guertin said. The rate of loss of skilled workers a function of shipwrights quitting or retiring while too few newly trained shipwrights replace them has doubled from where it was at the beginning of the pandemic, according to Guertin. In other cases, its more than that. But Covid cant be the only reason the yards are losing people. Its worth noting that unemployment in the United States is extremely low: just 3.9 percent as of February. The US economy is thriving, and lots of industries not just naval shipbuilding are desperate to hire. With too few workers, the yards are falling behind schedule on the 88 ships that the Navy has ordered in recent years and is still waiting for the yards to complete. Delivery of the first Constellation-class frigate under construction by Fincantieri has slipped from 2026 to 2029. The first Columbia-class submarine, built by Electric Boat and Newport News, has slipped from 2027 to 2028 or even 2029. Two batches of new Virginia-class subs, also from Electric Boat and Newport News, are up to three years later. The next Ford-class carrier from Newport News is two years late. With so many shipbuilding efforts falling behind as the shipbuilding workforce shrinks, its no wonder the Navy is reluctant to pile more new contracts onto the struggling industry. What good is it to order a new warship if no one can actually build it? Its also no wonder that the Navy is eager to spend so much of its 2025 budget rebuilding the industrial base and shoring up the workforce. The budget ask includes a $7-billion investment in the health and supply chain of the industrial base, according to the Navy. More than half of that is going to the two yards that build submarines. The Navy seems to appreciate that it needs to solve its industrial problems now in order to grow later. Fleet planners are projecting a sharp increase in ship orders in the coming years: 11 in 2026, 14 in 2027 and 13 each for the next three years. In that context, 2025 represents a shipbuilding pause, during which the Navy orders fewer ships in order to spend more on fixing the supporting industry so that the industry can handle the huge amount of work that could be coming its way starting in 2026. If the industrial revamp fails, and the shipyards cant hire more workers than they lose, the long-term impact on US naval readiness could be extremely serious. The American fleet is already smaller than the Chinese fleet in terms of hulls. Chinese warships do tend to be much smaller and less heavily-armed than American ones. The United States on average builds fewer but more powerful ships than China builds. But every year that American industry struggles to complete any warships on time is another year for Chinese industry to close the tonnage and firepower gap. 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. People wait to be processed in El Paso, Texas, after crossing the Rio Grande river on 2 April 2024. People wait to be processed in El Paso, Texas, after crossing the Rio Grande river on 2 April 2024. Photograph: Brandon Bell/Getty Images The state of Texas has conceded that it may have gone too far in passing a law last year that made entering the state illegally a crime and allowing state judges to order undocumented people to be deported. The admission that Texass SB4 may have gone beyond the limitations of state laws, which typically bow to federal law on immigration matters, came at a hearing on Wednesday before the fifth US circuit court of appeals. Related: US appeals court keeps Texas migrant arrest law on hold The Texas solicitor general, Aaron Nielson, told the court that Texas lawmakers had sought to go up to the line in terms of authority on immigration allowed by the US supreme court. Now, to be fair, maybe Texas went too far, Nielson conceded during a hearing before the court that paused SB4 from coming into effect last week. When asked what the statute had accomplished, Nielsen said it was Texass attempt to enforce federal immigration law that the Biden administration was failing to apply. By some estimates, more than 8 million undocumented people have crossed into the US during Bidens term, settling in border states such as Texas as well as cities including New York in large numbers. Of course, we know that presidents come and go, and different administrations might very well enforce federal law differently, Nielsen told the court, according to CNN, and said that the law might not be necessary under a different administration. Nielsen also said that under Texass interpretation of immigration law, people subject to deportation would be turned over to federal immigration authorities at border ports and that federal officials would then determine whether they should be released into the US. Daniel Tenny, an attorney for the Department of Justice, argued that the appeals court should uphold its decision blocking the law, which came after the US supreme court permitted its enforcement only hours earlier. During that brief window in March, Dan Patrick, the lieutenant governor of Texas and co-author of SB4, saluted what he called a historic decision that gave Texas the right to arrest, prosecute and return anyone who enters Texas illegally. The supreme courts conservative majority did not offer a reasoning for allowing SB4 to go into effect, though in dissenting opinions the liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson accused the rightwing justices of inviting further chaos and crisis in immigration enforcement. Sotomayor said the Texas law upends the federal-state balance of power that has existed for over a century, in which the national government has had exclusive authority over entry and removal of non-citizens. The White House also strongly criticized the court for allowing what it called a harmful and unconstitutional law. We fundamentally disagree with the supreme courts order allowing Texass harmful and unconstitutional law to go into effect, said the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre. SB4 will not only make communities in Texas less safe, it will also burden law enforcement and sow chaos and confusion at our southern border. With SB4 now effectively neutralized, Texas is pursuing other measures to deter people from crossing the border, including deploying national guard troops and installing concertina wire and a floating barrier along the Rio Grande. Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief Wes Moorehead, left, Director of Texas A&M Forest Service Al Davis, and Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management Nim Kidd, sit before a House Committee investigating the Panhandle wildfires Tuesday in Pampa. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune PAMPA Texas top emergency manager told a panel of lawmakers Tuesday that the state should establish its own firefighting aircraft division after a series of wildfires, including the largest in state history, scorched the Panhandle region earlier this year. But the local landowners tasked with helping the Legislature investigate the fires that were responsible for at least two deaths and burned through more than 1 million acres raised doubt over the states ability to handle such catastrophes. We dont control our own destiny, and I want to control our destiny, Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, told a crowd of more than 100 people at the MK Brown Heritage Room where lawmakers are holding a series of hearings into the fires. Pampa is a town of about16,000 in Gray County; it is closer to Oklahoma than the Texas Capitol. Lawmakers decided to hold the hearings in the town an hour northeast of Amarillo, making it easier for victims of the fire to attend. The committee has five members, including state Reps. Ken King of Canadian, Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, and Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi. All three are Republicans. Landowners Jason Abraham and James Henderson are public members of the committee. [As their neighbors fled, these Texas volunteer firefighters raced toward the flames] This is not a Panhandle problem. This will have statewide effects, King, the committee's chair, told the mixed crowd of suits and cowboy hats. We must do what we can to ensure this doesnt happen again. The panel is expected to discuss what contributed to the wildfires, the allocation of response resources and the effectiveness of wildfire disaster preparedness. It will also examine the coordination between local, state, and federal government agencies regarding prevention, disaster preparedness and response. The committee plans to publish its report by May 1. The late firefighting air support was one of the first topics discussed Tuesday. For days, ranchers and residents could only look up to the sky and wonder where firefighting aircraft were as they watched the historic Smokehouse Creek fire rip across their land. Dozens of families, many in nearby Hemphill County, were displaced after their homes and ranches were destroyed and their livestock killed. Without its own fleet of aircraft to fight fires, Texas relies on a series of contractors. Many of the planes were being serviced at the time the fires started in late Feburary. Did the federal government jump through hoops to catch up? Yes. But there was a delay, said Kidd, who has led TDEM for more than 13 years. Kidd suggested Texas build its own firefighting air force with up to six aircrafts, costing at least $50 million. It wont be an easy venture to start with, and we will have to continue with contracts while this is built up and people are trained. It will take some time, " Kidd said, adding that the state would still need to utilize a mixture of private contracts and other options in the meantime. Emmet Webb, who owns of Brazos River Helicopters and assisted with aerial firefighting efforts using his private helicopter, said Wyoming has one state-owned fire fighting helicopter to quickly address wildfires in their state. The average cost of a firefighting helicopter is $1 to 2 million depending on the type, but once equipment is added the price can reach up to $4 to $40 million each. Abraham said he was skeptical of a state owned firefighting air force. Thoughout the day long hearing, Abraham and a long list of local fire chiefs and other first responders levied sharp criticism of the states response. I am asking if we are sure we want Texas to be in charge of this because we have seen these guys in action. They do not have a good reputation, he said. Local firemen Robert Ford, Trent Price, Phillip Clark and Scott Brewster sit on a panel during an investigative house committee hearing on the Texas Panhandle wildfires on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in Pampa. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune Local fire chiefs told the panel they need help keeping their equipment up-to-date. Many counties in the Panhandle have a declining population and the taxes raised rarely reach the emergency departments. Hemphill Countys volunteer firefighters, for examples, use decades-old vehicles. Its oldest was made in 1969, its newest is from the 1980s. Another topic that came up early during the investigation Tuesday was a lack of communication between Panhandle volunteer fire departments and state and federal agencies. Officials said communication was fractured due to different radio frequencies between volunteer fire departments and state agencies, as well as a lack of command. We have to get all on the same system statewide, but we cant afford to upgrade to digital. All we can do is hope and pray a grant comes along until then we are staying with the system we have, said Trent Price, Hoover Volunteer Fire Department Chief. Multiple volunteer fire chiefs told the committee they were called off fires because the Texas A&M Forest Service told them their services were no longer needed even as fires burned in front of them. Kidd, who is also a vice chancellor at Texas A&M, defended the states response. And warned the committee to be careful how they word these statements during the meeting. Every fire has communication gaps, he said. The firefighters in this area did expert work. They could have done a better job tying in, but when you are in the middle of the fight, its hard to pause and get everyone on the same page. King said there is a clear need to establish a communication standard because the disconnect between the state agencies and the fire departments in the Panhandle has reached unacceptable levels. Communication rules need to be placed on statute; either (Texas A&M Forest Service) are in command, or (local fire departments) are in command, but somebody needs to take responsibility, he said. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) On Tuesday, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced the creation of a committee to examine advancements in artificial intelligence. The House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies will study the current state of AI/ET and its uses, according to a news release from Phelans office. This will then determine the impact of AI/ET on various sectors of society. The committee will then be able to identify policy considerations for the responsible use of AI/ET in the states public and private sectors, as well as recommend legislative, policy, regulatory and remedial actions to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI/ET, the release said. Phelan requested the committee to submit an initial report on what it finds by May 16. AI and other emerging technologies are increasingly being used in countless aspects of our everyday livesfrom use by government agencies to applications in transportation, health care or personal productivityand it is important we understand the wide-ranging implications of this accelerating technology, Phelan said in the release. The following Texas House members were appointed to the special AI committee: Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, Chair Rep. Jeff Leach Rep. Oscar Longoria Rep. Angelia Orr Rep. Armando Walle For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The legal battle over a controversial Texas immigration law could eventually give the Supreme Court a chance to revisit a historic ruling that largely struck down Arizonas show me your papers law and reaffirmed the federal governments broad, undoubted power over immigration. Texas SB 4, which allows state officials to arrest and detain people they suspect of entering the country illegally, was back in court Wednesday at the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The law is on hold after three judges blocked it while they consider whether it is constitutional. That same panel heard arguments on Wednesday. The majority ruling in the 2-1 decision last month leaned heavily on the 2012 Supreme Court case known as Arizona v. United States, in which the high court struck down several provisions of an Arizona law, SB 1070, intended to deter illegal immigration. Legal experts believe the Texas case could eventually give the majority-conservative Supreme Court an opportunity to take another look at the federal governments long-held control over immigration policy. This would be probably one of the most radical changes the Supreme Court has made in the immigration field, said Andrew Schoenholtz, a professor at Georgetown Law and an expert on immigration law, referring to the possibility that the high court overturns its 2012 ruling. Its that much of a change that Texas is asking for. When he signed the law, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged that the issue could end up back at the Supreme Court. We think that Texas already has the constitutional authority to do this, but we also welcome a Supreme Court decision that would overturn the precedent set in the Arizona case, Abbott told CNNs Rosa Flores. Denise Gilman, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law, agreed that the states goal is to get the justices to reverse the Arizona decision. It would have been incredibly difficult for the 5th Circuit to let this law stand under existing Supreme Court precedent, she said. The Supreme Court is another matter. The Supreme Court can overturn its own precedent, and thats clearly what the state of Texas wants it to do. SB 4 was initially blocked by a federal judge in late February in a pair of cases brought by the Biden administration, two immigrant advocacy groups and El Paso County. Texas quickly appealed that decision to the 5th Circuit. In the meantime, the Supreme Court had allowed the state to enforce the law for a brief time on March 19, only for the appeals court to put it back on hold hours later. Show me your papers law The Arizona law is a high-profile example of what happens when states attempt to take immigration policy into their own hands. Then-Arizona Republican Gov. Jan Brewer signed the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, known as SB 1070, into law in 2010. Chief among the laws provisions was one that allowed police to check a persons immigration status during traffic stops or other law enforcement actions if the official had reasonable suspicion to believe the person was in the country unlawfully. That part of SB 1070 led critics to dub it the show me your papers law. SB 1070 also made it a state crime for unauthorized immigrants to fail to carry registration papers and other government identification; forbade people unauthorized for employment in the US to apply, solicit or perform work; and authorized police to arrest undocumented immigrants without a warrant when probable cause existed that they committed a crime that made them deportable. Legal challenges to the law quickly ensued. The Supreme Court upheld the show me your papers part of the law and struck down the three other parts. Perhaps most importantly, the majority ruling penned by Justice Anthony Kennedy reaffirmed the federal governments authority over immigration matters. The five-justice bloc said that federal power to determine immigration policy is well settled and that its authority rests, in part, on the National Governments constitutional power to establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization. The National Government has significant power to regulate immigration, Kennedy wrote. Arizona may have understandable frustrations with the problems caused by illegal immigration while that process continues, but the State may not pursue policies that undermine federal law. Gilman said the courts decision in Arizona is significant because Texas SB 4 essentially contains the concepts the court struck down in that case. The (Arizona) law that made a crime out of immigration status was struck down by the Supreme Court as being in conflict with federal authority to govern immigration enforcement, she said. And thats a really significant part of what the Texas law has in place. Among the three justices who dissented in the 2012 case, two are still on the court: Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Justice Antonin Scalia died in 2016. (Justice Elena Kagan disqualified herself from the 2012 case.) Jessica Bulman-Pozen, a professor at Columbia Law School who specializes in federalism, said the arguments pushed by Texas in defense of SB 4 hew most closely to the dissent penned by Scalia, which concluded that Arizonas law was enacted in an effort to enforce federal immigration law more effectively. The court did not think that was right as a descriptive matter about what was happening in Arizona, and I think its even more clearly incorrect here with respect to Texas, Bulman-Pozen said, referring to the majoritys rejection of Arizonas argument that it was attempting to address the Obama administrations alleged inaction on immigration issues. The idea that what (Texas is) doing is in fact vindicating some kind of congressional judgment or congressional law against an executive thats not enforcing (those laws), I dont think that thats a fair description of whats happening here, she said. Abbott cited the Scalia dissent when he signed the law. Remembering that Justice Scalia wrote a dissenting opinion in that case, pretty much laying out a pathway that he thought would be a legal way for a state to go about the process of enforcing immigration laws, Abbott told CNN. Oldhams dissent A considerable amount of daylight exists between the divided 5th Circuit panel that is weighing the legality of SB 4. Supreme Court authorities and the detailed statutory scheme governing who will be permitted to remain in the United States and removal procedures strongly indicate that Congress occupies [the] entire field of unlawful entry and reentry of noncitizens as well as removal, Chief Judge Priscilla Richman wrote in a decision that was joined by Circuit Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez. But Circuit Judge Andrew Oldham a former Alito clerk wrote in a lengthy dissent last week that he would have let Texas enforce the law while the legal challenges continue. Oldham leaned into a more limited reading of the Supreme Courts 2012 decision in Arizona, saying it certainly does not suggest States may never supplement any federal immigration laws. He argued the Arizona decision leaves some room for parts of SB 4 to withstand scrutiny, particularly the policy that allows Texas judges to order immigrants to be deported. The Arizona Court did not hold as plaintiffs seem to believe that the State was preempted from the field of removal because of some brooding federal interest like foreign policy or national security, wrote Oldham, who was also previously general counsel to Abbott. Texas attorneys have raised those same claims. Arizona did not find that state laws concerning entry and removal were field preempted, and nothing in Arizona precludes States from regulating entry and reentry or issuing return orders, the attorneys wrote. Whether those arguments have any salience before the nations highest court if the case comes before the justices is another question. To the extent the court revisited Arizona in this context, it would basically be making states authorities with respect to entry and removal in the immigration space. And that would be an extreme departure from precedent in our nations history, Bulman-Pozen said. Itd be quite shocking. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs Rosa Flores contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WELLINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand is seeing ongoing shortages in secondary teachers, especially those in specific regions and subject skills such as Science, Technology and Mathematics. The shortage has been an ongoing challenge for the New Zealand education workforce, Immigration and Education Minister Erica Stanford said on Wednesday. In announcing new measures to attract secondary teachers, the minister said secondary teachers moving to New Zealand will be put on a fast track to residency to help address workforce shortages. In order to turn around declining levels of academic achievement, Stanford said to attract skilled teachers New Zealand must be a highly competitive destination for overseas talent so that all schools have the best people with the right experience. The government will move secondary teachers from the Green List Work to Residence pathway to the Straight to Residence pathway, she said, adding that this change will provide increased certainty and a more streamlined, prioritized process, with eligible overseas secondary school teachers able to apply for residence from offshore, rather than needing to gain work experience in New Zealand first. Addressing projections of continued shortages of secondary teachers in the short-to-medium term, the Ministry of Education is working to grow a sustainable domestic supply of teachers through attracting teachers back to teaching and retaining existing teachers as well as increasing the number of New Zealand trained teachers through Initial Teacher Education, Stanford said. "Overseas teachers are a valuable part of our education system," she said, adding that the majority bring more than five years' experience. All other teacher roles will remain on the Work to Residence Pathway. A lawyer defending a highly controversial Texas immigration law admitted to a federal appeals court on Wednesday that legislators might have gone too far when they crafted the bill that allows state and local authorities to arrest and deport undocumented migrants. The admission was made at the second hearing before a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel that will determine whether Senate Bill 4 (S.B. 4) can go into effect. Since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the law in December, it has faced legal challenges about whether or not it infringes on the federal governments role in enforcing immigration actions. If enforced, the law would allow local officers to arrest anyone they believe had entered Texas illegally and empower state judges to deport those people back to Mexico. Those arrested for crossing illegally would face a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail. Mexico has previously said that it would not accept migrants sent by Texas, further calling into question how this law would be enforced. Texas Solicitor General Aaron Nielson argued Wednesday that local authorities would work with its federal partners if S.B. 4 is implemented, seeking to downplay the sweeping powers the law could potentially give to local authorities. He also acknowledged that lawmakers who crafted the legislation tried to go up to the line on previous Supreme Court precedent on state immigration powers and no further. (A 2012 landmark Supreme Court decision shot down an Arizona immigration law that tried to give state and local authorities power over immigration enforcement.) Now, to be fair, maybe Texas went too far, Nielson said, according to CNN. Its Not Just Texas: GOP-Led States Push for Tougher Immigration Laws The lawyer later explained that if the federal appeals court finds parts of S.B. 4 invalid, it should sever those parts instead of blocking the entire law. He also fielded questions about how the law would be implemented. Under the Texas Attorney Generals interpretation of the law, he said, state authorities would turn over migrants to official border entry portsand leave decisions on next steps to federal authorities. Chief Judge Priscilla Richman, who was nominated by George W. Bush and was a swing vote in the panels previous S.B.4 ruling, seemed skeptical of the lawyers latest explanation of the laws scope. In the last oral arguments, Richman grilled Nielson about how the law would be interpreted by local officialsa question he could not immediately answer. What has the statute accomplished? Richman asked. The grilling is not surprising, given the panels previous ruling to pause S.B.4 while the lower courts debate whether it violates the Constitution. Last month, the panel also paused the law after it was briefly allowed to take effect by the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, voted alongside Richman to pause S.B.4 while Trump nominee Judge Andrew S. Oldham has consistently voted for the law to go into effect amid its constitutionality debate. For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has held that the power to control immigrationthe entry, admission, and removal of noncitizensis exclusively a federal power, Richman wrote in the March 27 opinion, adding that the S.B.4 currently bestows powers upon itself that are likely reserved to the United States. Oldham, however, wrote in his dissent that it is unclear if S.B. 4 is unconstitutional. Never in the history of the nation has the United States achieved what theyve achieved in this case, which is a facial invalidation of a statute that never went into effect, Oldham said on Wednesday. Its an extraordinary achievement that the United States has won. Similar to their arguments before the panel last month, Biden administration lawyer Daniel Tenny argued that immigration enforcement is up to the federal governmentand urged the court to stay the course with their previous rulings on the S.B.4. Nothing that has happened this morning provides any basis for deviating from the analysis set out in this Courts stay opinion, Tenny said. Nielson, however, insisted that S.B.4 is a necessary response to ensure that immigration laws are actually being enforced. Of course, we know that presidents come and go, and different administrations might very well enforce federal law differently, he said. Vanessa Ruiz, a Texas immigration lawyer, told The Daily Beast that while Wednesdays hearing has provided some more context on how Texas plans to implement S.B.4the law will likely continue to be argued in the courts for some time. This is going to go all the way to the Supreme Court again, she said. Nobody can come to a conclusion. No matter what, the other side is going to appeal. 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. Texas lawyer questions if state went too far in immigration case WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) A controversial Texas immigration law that would allow local law enforcement to arrest people they believe are in the country illegally is back in federal court. Judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments Wednesday. This case will determine if states for the first time can enforce immigration laws. But the lawyer arguing on behalf of Texas admitted the state may have gone too far. Lets call SB-4 what it is. An unconstitutional, xenophobic, political stunt, said Daniel Hatoum of the Texas Civil Rights Project. Civil rights groups protested against the law outside the federal appeals court in New Orleans. Our communities deserve better than over policing, said Hatoum. Cody Wofsy with the ACLU told the court it should strike down the Texas law. Were cautiously optimistic, said Wofsy. The ACLU and the Biden administration argue the law is unconstitutional because immigration enforcement is historically the job of the federal government. Its vital for the federal government to be able to control it as one system instead of a patchwork from 50 different states, said Wofsy. The Texas solicitor general argued the federal government has refused to deal with a surge of migrants coming into its state. Now, to be fair, maybe Texas went too farwhat Texas has done here, they have tried to develop a statute that goes up to the line of the Supreme Court precedent but allows Texas to protect the border, said Texas Solicitor General Aaron Nielson. The case is all but likely headed to the Supreme Court. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) Texas State University just partnered with the Texas Office of the Attorney General to help tackle unsolved cold cases in the state. The new program, the TXST Cold Case Team, is a one-year-long internship in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, which will work with the Cold Case and Missing Person unit to help look into the more than 20,000 unsolved murders in the state. This partnership will connect Texas State students with amazing opportunities to work alongside my offices Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit, said Texas Attorney General Paxton. Since starting the unit in 2021, I have expanded our resources and expertise to bring justice to heartbroken families who lost their loved ones in cases that went cold. On the new team, four students will have the opportunity to review unsolved murders and missing person cases with the help of investigators from the Office of the Attorney General. The students will look into evidence such as police records, witness statements, digital forensic data, autopsy and lab reports, according to a press release. This new partnership is an exciting opportunity for our students from the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, as it is the first program of its kind in the State of Texas, said Jaymi Elsass, of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology. Through the Office of the Attorney General, TXST Cold Case Team members are being provided with innovative experiential learning as they work to process unsolved homicides in our state, thereby helping investigators with their caseloads, as well, she continued.The potential for students to give back to crime victims and their families in our state by processing unsolved murder cases, while learning firsthand the investigative skills needed to prepare them for a career in this field upon graduation, is the kind of program that Texas State University prides itself on. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Move Forward Party supporters gather to protest a day after the party's leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to win parliamentary support to become prime minister, in Bangkok By Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday accepted a case seeking the dissolution of the opposition Move Forward Party, in another blow for a popular anti-establishment movement pushing major institutional reforms in the country. The court agreed to take on a complaint filed by the election commission asking to disband Move Forward for its controversial campaign to reform a law that shields the powerful monarchy from criticism, under which at least 260 people have been prosecuted in the past few years. The case follows a January ruling by the same court that found Move Forward's plan to amend the law was unconstitutional and tantamount to an attempt to overthrow the system of government with the king as head of state. Move Forward has denied that was its intention. Spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu on Wednesday said it would prepare its defence and was ready for all scenarios. The party pulled off a stunning feat in winning last year's election but was blocked from forming a government by lawmakers allied with the royalist military. Its progressive platform resonated among young and urban voters, including the plan to amend the law protecting the crown, which carries a punishment of up to 15 years jail for each perceived insult of the royal family. Thailand's monarchy is constitutionally enshrined to be held in a position of "revered worship" and many royalists see the law as sacrosanct. The palace typically does not comment on the law, which is among the strictest of its kind in the world. CONTENTIOUS AGENDA If the court rules against Move Forward, it faces dissolution and lengthy political bans for its leadership, the same fate suffered by predecessor, Future Forward, after it was dissolved in 2020 over a campaign funding violation. A similar complaint over the royal insults law has also been filed with a Thai anti-graft body seeking life bans for 44 of Move Forward's current and former lawmakers. Move Forward is the biggest party in the lower house with about 30% of seats and recent opinion polls show it is still Thailand's most popular party. Its reform agenda, including ending military conscription and curtailing business monopolies, has threatened to upend Thailand's conservative status quo, and resulted in a once-unthinkable governing alliance between the populist Pheu Thai Party and proxies of its bitter enemy, the military. Move Forward has argued its policies reflect the will of the people and its campaign to change the royal insults law had sought to strengthen the constitutional monarchy and prevent the law from being misused to stifle political opponents. Its former prime ministerial hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat in February told Reuters his party would "fight tooth and nail" for its future amid efforts to bring down the party, which he said showed paranoia by Thailand's conservative establishment over its reform plans. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin Petty) MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) Two suspects allegedly stole $80,000 worth of jewelry from a Chinatown business last month, police told PIX11 News on Tuesday. The bandits broke into a jewelry store located at 75 East Broadway on March 10, at 1:00 a.m., according to authorities. After the suspects stole thousands of dollars in jewelry, one fled in a taxi, authorities said. More Manhattan News Investigators released the suspects descriptions to the public. The first suspect was last seen wearing a fur winter hat and grey vest. The other suspect was last seen wearing a fur winter hat and a yellow protective jacket, authorities said. 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). Charline Charles is a digital journalist from Brooklyn who has covered local news along with culture and arts in the New York City area since 2019. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Are those eclipse glasses safe? Where to find a proper pair in Pennsylvania, what to avoid Many Pennsylvanians will get to see a near-complete look at April 8s solar eclipse, and those in the northwest will have an even better view. Before Mondays astronomical event arrives, youll need to ensure you have proper eye protection if you hope to watch the eclipse. After all, another total solar eclipse is not expected to be visible from American soil until August 2044. Heres what you need to know about eclipse glasses, finding reputable suppliers and even crafting your devices at home. Do I really need eye protection to look at the eclipse? Yes. Unless you are located within the path of totality, in which the moon completely blocks the sun for a brief period, you risk serious eye injury by looking at the sun even when it is partially obscured by the eclipse. In the U.S., the upcoming eclipses path of totality will stretch from southwestern Texas up through upstate New York and Maine. The northwestern tip of Pennsylvania, including Erie, will see total obscuration between 3:16 and 3:20 p.m., according to eclipse projections. April 8s total solar eclipse will completely block the suns light and create a 115-mile-wide path of totality across much of the U.S. Those outside the path will see a partial solar eclipse. Although the suns light may appear dimmer during an eclipse, it can still damage your eyes. Unprotected looks at the sun for even a brief moment can result in vision loss or blindness as wavelengths of light damage your retina. Solar viewing glasses, better known simply as eclipse glasses, are necessary when watching the partial phases of the solar eclipse before and after totality. Eclipse glasses differ from run-of-the-mill sunglasses in that they are often thousands of times darker and, in most cases, comply with international safety standards. Do not try to get around taking proper precautions by looking at the eclipse through a camera lens, a telescope, a pair of binoculars or any other optical device. Even if you are wearing the right eclipse glasses, concentrated solar rays can burn through the filters on these devices and cause serious eye injury, NASA warns. Proper solar filters for these devices can make viewing an eclipse safe. Ready to see the total solar eclipse? This city offers the best view in Pennsylvania What to look for when buying eclipse glasses As you look for solar eclipse glasses or viewers, make sure they meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. This sets several benchmarks for safe solar viewers, including the transmittance of ultraviolet, visible and infrared wavelengths, material and surface quality, mounting, labeling and more. The American Astronomical Society keeps track of quality solar eclipse glasses and viewers through a vetted list of trusted suppliers. Though the AAS notes it cannot keep track of every potential seller, the retailers in its listings supply solar viewers and filters that you can be confident are safe when used properly. For every seller on the list, weve confirmed three things: (1) the identity of the manufacturer, (2) that the manufacturers viewers have been tested for compliance with ISO 12312-2 by a properly accredited lab, and (3) that the viewers meet the standards transmittance requirements across the parts of the spectrum to which our eyes are at risk from overly bright light, the AAS wrote in a statement March 22. You can view the AASs list of vetted suppliers by visiting eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters. You may be able to find safe eclipse-viewing products from these retailers in-store or online through Walmart, Target, Amazon and other chains before April 8 arrives. Be sure to watch out for counterfeit glasses that use the International Organization for Standardizations logo. If you find eclipse glasses and are unsure if they are legitimately safe to use, experts suggest running them through a few tests at home: Put your glasses on indoors and look around. Only bright lights, such as halogen bulbs or smartphone flashlights, should be visible. Wear them outside and look around. Your view through them should be too dark to see distant hills, trees or other surroundings. If these two previous tests worked, take a quick glance at the sun. You should comfortably see a bright, sharp-edged round disc. Centre County community members can grab a free pair of eclipse glasses at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, where the State College Spikes and Penn States Eberly College of Science will host a SolarFest eclipse-watching event. Free glasses are provided in part by the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium at this event, which will stretch from noon to 5 p.m. Monday. According to an event flyer, you can pick up free eclipse glasses in advance by visiting State Colleges Discovery Space during business hours or dropping by Medlar Field at Lubrano Parks Team Office gate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday while supplies last. What if I cant find a new pair of eclipse glasses in time? If your glasses from the 2017 total solar eclipse for the fall 2023 annual eclipse are still in good condition, they are likely fair game. Check to make sure there are no scratches, tears or holes in the lenses, Time magazine suggests. You can even craft your own pair using materials from around the house, including aluminum foil and cardboard. NASA recommends using a pinhole projector to view an eclipse indirectly. To create your own, poke a hole in a sheet of paper, such as an index card, and let the sunlight shine through the hole to create a shadow of the eclipse on the ground. You might also choose to create your own projector using a cardboard box, a white sheet of paper, aluminum foil, tape and scissors, the agency says. First, tape your sheet of white paper on the inside end of the box and, on the other end, cut out a section and cover it with aluminum foil, leaving a small hole poked out. Cut out a section from which to view on the other side of that end. Once the eclipse arrives, look through the viewpoint and face away from the sun. You should see the sunlight hit the small hole in the aluminum foil and create a shadow on the white paper inside the box. Three arrested in Opelousas drug bust after citizen complaints, sheriff says Three arrested in Opelousas drug bust after citizen complaints, sheriff says OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) Complaints by neighbors led to a major drug bust at a known drug house in Opelousas, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz. Detectives arrested three men, including the homeowner of the residence at 368 Pavy Road in Opelousas. Those arrested were: Lionel Brown, 66, of Opelousas is charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics (2 counts), possession of Schedule II narcotics, illegal carrying of weapons, manufacturing Schedule II narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. Shawn Frederick Murphy, 53, of Opelousas is charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics (2 counts), possession of Schedule II narcotics, manufacturing Schedule II narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. John Albert Manuel, 53, of Opelousas is charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics (2 counts), possession of Schedule II narcotics, manufacturing Schedule II narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. During the last couple of months, narcotics detectives with the St. Landry Parish Sheriffs Office have been receiving numerous citizen complaints regarding illegal drug activity occurring at 368 Pavy Road, Guidroz said. Narcotics detectives were familiar with the residence due to a previously executed narcotics search warrant in May 2023. After conducting several weeks of surveillance, detectives went to the residence Tuesday and spoke to the homeowner, who was identified as Lionel Brown, officials said. During the encounter with Brown, detectives said they were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence. The residence was then frozen from further activity, and two additional suspects were arrested, Guidroz said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Upon executing the search, detectives located a fourth suspect hiding under a large pile of clothes, who was identified as Manuel, a known drug trafficker who had several outstanding bench warrants, authorities said. During the search, detectives located approximately 388 grams of powder cocaine, approximately 96 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 2 grams of crystal methamphetamine, one semi-automatic pistol, and $439 in cash. The drugs have a combined street value of approximately $48,000, authorities said. Manuel, Brown, and Murphy were taken to the St. Landry Parish Jail and charged as above. Bond was set at $105,500 for Manuel and Murphy, $108,000 for Brown. A fourth person in the residence was questioned and released at the scene. Community devastated after Opelousas High football team forfeits state championship Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriffs Office Drug Hotline at 337-948-0970 or 948-1030. All callers remain anonymous and the information is kept strictly confidential. You may also call Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS, download the P3 app on your mobile device or simply dial **TIPS on your mobile phone to tip. All calls are anonymous and you can earn a cash reward for information leading to an arrest. Latest news For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged three people in connection to a double homicide that also left five people injured Easter Sunday in Dublin, the agency announced Wednesday. Police determined that it was a drive-by shooting involving the three suspects, the GBI said. Jaswain Bell, 23, of Dublin, was charged Tuesday with two counts of murder, seven counts of aggravated assault, seven counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, seven counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and street gang terrorism and prevention. Kyndall Brazeal, 22, of Rentz, was arrested and charged Monday with two counts of party to the crime of felony murder, seven counts of party to the crime of aggravated assault and street gang terrorism and prevention. Quintez Mercer, 27, of East Dublin, was arrested and charged on Wednesday with two counts of felony murder, seven counts of aggravated assault, seven counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and street gang terrorism and prevention. Authorities say all three individuals have been booked into the Laurens County Detention Center. One victim from the shooting remains in the hospital under stable condition, officials say. Three people injured in Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast photo Prosecutors recording the aftermath of the Russian attack on 2 April. Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office Three residents of the city of Mykolaivka in Donetsk Oblast have been injured in a Russian attack on 2 April. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office Aftermath of the Russian attack on 2 April Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office Quote: "The Russian occupation army attacked the city of Mykolaivka at around 21:40 on 2 April 2024. As a result of the attacks on residential buildings, two men aged 43 and 57 and a 48-year-old woman sustained injuries." Aftermath of the Russian attack on 2 April Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office Details: The Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office reported that the people had been diagnosed to have shrapnel wounds, concussion and bruises and had been taken to hospital. Additionally, the Russians damaged private and multi-storey residential buildings, a public transport stop and several cars. Aftermath of the Russian attack on 2 April Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office As of now, prosecutors are establishing the type of weapon used in the attack and documenting the aftermath. Support UP or become our patron! NANJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Xu Wei fulfilled his grandfather's final wish by burying his ashes under a tree in a public cemetery in the city of Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province. The tree, adorned with signs of his grandfather's name and epitaph, is surrounded by lush greenery and serene hills. "We respect grandpa's last wish and let him return to nature by becoming a part of a tree," Xu said. April 4 will mark this year's Qingming, a traditional Chinese festival that pays tribute to the dead and is a time for people to worship their ancestors. Public cemeteries across China have been welcoming visitors paying their respects, including Xu, who offered flowers to the tree in memory of his grandfather. The concept of ecological burials, which is aimed at bringing the deceased back to nature, is gaining more popularity among Chinese people. In 2016, the country's Ministry of Civil Affairs issued a guideline to promote eco-burials, encouraging people to bury ashes or bodies through methods such as tree burials and sea burials. "We've seen a significant increase in inquiries about eco-burials these days," said Wu Lidong, head of a cemetery in Wuxi. "In the past, some just believed that the size of the burial plot reflected the level of respect for the dead." "Choosing eco-burials is no easy decision due to some outdated beliefs that hosting grand funerals demonstrates filial piety from the descendants," Wu noted. In China, eco-burials comprise forms such as lawn burials, flowerbed burials as well as tree burials, which require minimal land. Sea burials and biodegradable urn burials that do not take up any land are also popular options. In addition to environmental concerns and the growing desire to coexist with nature, the promotion of eco-burials is driven by some practical factors. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that China saw around 11 million deaths in 2023. If each burial plot were limited to one square meter, over 10 square km of land would be needed. Last April, Jiangsu introduced new regulations for the management of public cemeteries, stipulating that eco-burial areas should occupy at least 30 percent of the total land of a newly-built cemetery. Government incentives for such burials are implemented in various regions. Jiangsu has allocated about 180 million yuan (about 24.9 million U.S. dollars) in eco-burial subsidies over the past three years. In Beijing, families choosing public sea burials can be granted a subsidy of 4,000 yuan. "These new burial methods actually reflect the shift in people's funeral concepts, which is to allow the deceased to return to nature and preserve their spirits in the hearts of their descendants," said Gao Wei, director of a department in funeral services management in Jiangsu's Xuzhou City. Gao added that eco-burials offer more green spaces and higher standards of burial rituals compared to traditional burials. Ceremonial services including poetry recitals and flower offerings can create both a solemn and heartwarming atmosphere for the family. "As awareness of the importance of caring for the elderly grows through life culture education, more and more people are realizing that they should show more love and care for these elders while they are alive," said Qian Qingyan, an official with the civil affairs bureau in Wuxi. The Moon needs its own time zone, says Nasa Gaze up at the Moon at night and it may surprise you to learn that time on the lunar surface is moving ever so slightly faster than on Earth. The effect, caused because the satellites gravity does not bend spacetime as much as on Earth, is barely noticeable even for astronauts on the surface. However, the US government is so concerned about the potential impact to future space missions that it has asked Nasa to establish an entirely new time standard for the Moon. Space missions are based on Earth time, but time on the Moon moves around 58.7 microseconds faster each day, an anomaly that could end up causing major glitches in navigation systems and would require constant corrections. To counter the problem, Nasa wants to establish Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC), which orbiting satellites and lunar ground technology would be synched to, instead of running on Earth time. The head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has instructed the space agency to work with the US government to devise a plan by the end of 2026. The same clock that we have on Earth would move at a different rate on the Moon, Kevin Coggins, Nasas space communications and navigation chief, told Reuters. Imagine if the world wasnt syncing their clocks to the same time how disruptive that might be and how challenging everyday things become. An atomic clock on the Moon would tick at a different rate to a clock on Earth. It makes sense that when you go to another body, like the Moon or Mars, that each one gets its own heartbeat. On Earth, most clocks and time zones are based on Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC/GMT, an internationally recognised standard that relies on a vast global network of atomic clocks placed in different locations around the world. Accurate navigation depends on rigorous timekeeping because a satnav calculates position by triangulating a speed of light signal from at least three satellites. If the timing is off even a little, positioning can be vastly off. Buzz Aldrin on the Moon in 1969 - astronauts would barely noticed the slight time difference - Michael Dunning/The Image Bank Unreleased Up until now, Moon missions have operated on Earth time, with deep space antennas used to keep onboard chronometers synchronised with terrestrial time. However, experts say that is unsustainable as humans spend more time on the Moon and beyond as relativity starts to have a bigger impact. Einsteins theory of general relativity predicts that where gravity is stronger, time passes more slowly, a process known as time dilation. Timekeeping discrepancies On Earth, gravity is stronger closer to the core, with even mountaineers or airline passengers experiencing slightly faster time. Clocks on GPS satellites run ahead by about 0.000038 seconds per day, an issue that must be continuously taken into account. These quirks of relativity make it tricky to synchronise clocks between the Moon and Earth because an observer on the Moon would see time as moving more slowly back home. Nasa is planning to send astronauts back to the lunar surface in 2026. It wants to set up a Moon base as well as a new lunar space station with the European Space Agency (Esa). Esa is also working on an orbiting satellite communications system called Moonlight which would allow lunar navigation, fast file transfer and even video calls. But without a Moon time standard, all the technology on the lunar surface would require constant adjustments to keep up. Discrepancies in timekeeping could lead to errors in mapping making navigation, operations and spacecraft docking difficult and putting astronauts at risk. However, deciding what LTC will be is likely to be tricky because time on the surface of the Moon runs more slowly than in orbit. It is likely that atomic clocks will eventually be placed on the lunar surface to accurately measure Moon time. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Toms River Police Department logo on one of their vehicles shown behind headquaters Thursday, July 8, 2021. TOMS RIVER - An 18-year-old township man was charged Tuesday with attempted murder at a home on Oxford Street, according to township police. The suspect, Asheer Johnson, is also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, aggravated assault and possession of hollow point bullets, said Lt. Gene Bachonski, a Toms River Police Department spokesman. The victim, who was not identified, told police that the teen came to his home on Oxford Street and brandished a handgun after banging on the front door, Bachonski said. Johnson then allegedly went around to the back door; after which the victim said a loud bang was heard, which caused the victim to run upstairs and call the police, he said. The police were dispatched to the scene about 10:47 a.m. Officers who arrived on the scene located what appeared to be a bullet hole in the rear storm door of the residence, Bachonski explained. Further investigation determined that a bullet had penetrated the storm door, entered into and lodged within a downstairs door of the home. A shell casing was located on the back patio. The victim told police that he knew his alleged assailant, whom he identified as Johnson. Moreover, a resident on nearby Irving Place also contacted police and reported that he was threatened with a handgun by a male fitting the same description as Johnson, all according to Bachonski. Toms River officers responded to Johnsons residence where he was located and arrested without incident. Additionally, an unregistered firearm was recovered and seized, he said. The Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Sheriffs Department Crime Scene Investigations Division (CSI) and Toms River police detectives are investigating the incident. Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Toms River NJ man, 18, charged with attempted murder on Oxford Street White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has postponed a planned trip to Saudi Arabia as he recovers from a cracked rib, a spokesperson said Wednesday. John Kirby, a White House spokesperson on national security issues, told reporters Sullivan was planning to travel to the region this week, but the trip has been postponed because hes dealing with a cracked rib that has affected his ability to travel a bit. This was a minor accident of his own, Kirby said. It was not caused by anybody, it was not the result of a nefarious act. Kirby said Sullivan planned to get the trip back on his schedule as soon as possible. Sullivan had reportedly planned to travel this week to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss a variety of topics. Among the items on the expected agenda was the U.S.s push for normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Normalization efforts have been put on hold amid Israels war with Hamas following the terrorist groups attack last October that killed more than 1,000 Israelis. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the crown prince and the Saudi prime minister last month during a trip to Jeddah, where Blinken reaffirmed the United States commitment to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza and to the establishment of a future Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Semafor Signals Insights from the Atlantics Yair Rosenberg, the Jerusalem Post, and Axios The News Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz called on political leaders to agree to an early election in September, becoming the first member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus emergency government to challenge his rule. Gantz stopped short of saying his National Unity parliamentary alliance currently leading the polls in Israel would leave Netanyahus wartime government, but urged the administration to ramp efforts to bring Israeli hostages in Gaza home and avoid straining relations with the United States. The public must know that the government will not ignore the disaster of October 7 and what preceded it, Gantz said in a televised speech. Thats why we have to reach an agreed election date during the month of September. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) welcomed Gantzs call for an election. When a leading member of Israels war cabinet calls for early elections and over 70% of the Israeli population agrees according to a major poll, you know its the right thing to do, Schumer said. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Polls show Israelis want a new prime minister Sources: Reuters, The Atlantics Yair Rosenberg, Arieh Kovler Polls consistently show that Israelis overwhelmingly disapprove of Netanyahus government since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks: one January survey found that only 15% of the public wants him to stay as prime minister following the war. With centrist Gantz calling for an election, the pressure to hold a vote is only going to get more intense, The Atlantic staff writer Yair Rosenberg posted on X. Netanyahu is likely to try to resist voters demands as long as possible, which will likely fuel ongoing protests. September is likely to be the earliest date for an election since Israeli law stipulates a three-month period after a vote is called for campaigning, and in the summer many Israelis will be traveling and absentee voting is not allowed, noted political analyst Arieh Kovler. White House would prefer Gantz to lead Israels military campaign Sources: Al-Monitor, The Jerusalem Post Frustrated with the bombardment of Gaza and delays getting humanitarian aid to starving Gazans in the strip, the White House is more keen to work with the more moderate Gantz on Israels wartime campaign instead of dialoguing with Netanyahu, according to Al-Monitor. In March Gantz flew to the White House for a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris without Netanyahus consent, reportedly leaving the prime minister furious, the outlet said. But Gantzs visit to Washington was merely an opportunity to score political points with the Israeli public, argued Jerusalem Post columnist Herb Keinon, saying that the power struggle between Gantz and Netanyahu is fueling petty politics that is distracting from Israels goals of returning the Hamas-held hostages and eliminating the militant group. Gantz likely sees Saudi Arabia normalization deal as final chance for Netanyahu Source: Axios Gantz also used his address to stress that normalizing Israels relations with Saudi Arabia is within reach. The White House has been aggressively campaigning for Riyadh to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, but Biden has already said that the deal is contingent on Israel accepting a post-war plan that would eventually establish an independent Palestinian state. If Netanyahu rejects the deal, he could be exposed as a rejectionist and lose whatever U.S. support he still has left, wrote Axios Barak Ravid. What do a top-secret CIA mission and the Maryland bridge wreck have in common? Well, the same crane FILE - The Chesapeake 1000 crane, which will be used to help remove wreckage from the collapse of the Key Bridge, is docked at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, Md., March 29, 2024. The floating crane thats been hauling away shattered steel from the collapsed Baltimore bridge played a much different role during the Cold War. (AP Photo/Brian Witte, File) These days a floating crane called the Chesapeake 1000 nicknamed Chessy has the grim task of hauling off shattered steel from last week's fatal bridge collapse in Baltimore. It has taken on many jobs over the decades. But the crane's most notable operation, until last week, was helping the CIA retrieve part of a sunken Soviet submarine. WHAT'S THE ORIGIN STORY? In the early 1970s, the crane barge was called the Sun 800 for the number of tons it could lift. It helped to construct a specialized ship that raised a portion of the sub in 1974. Specifically, the crane hoisted into the ship heavy machinery that was vital to the Cold-War heist. The equipment included a mechanical claw, tons of steel pipe and a heavy duty hydraulic system. The Soviet submarine was roughly 3 miles (5 kilometers) below the surface of the Pacific. The CIA wrote on its website that the ship could conduct the entire recovery under water, away from the view of other ships, aircraft or spy satellites. The specialized ship was called the Hughes Glomar Explorer, named after the billionaire industrialist Howard Hughes. To save time, a Philadelphia-area shipyard built the vessel's heavy parts on the ground. The floating crane was needed to lift those assembled pieces into the new ship. The Sun 800 was built specifically to help us on the construction of the Hughes Glomar Explorer," said Gene Schorsch, who was then chief of hull design for Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. WHAT WAS THE CIA MISSION? The secret mission was called Project Azorian. News stories in 1975 told of the mission. But Washington didnt confirm the basic facts until 2010, when the CIA released a partially redacted report that lacked many of the juicy details. It's considered one of the most expensive intelligence operations of all time, said M. Todd Bennett, a history professor at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, who wrote a 2022 book on the mission. And not only that, its certainly one of the most inventive or daring intelligence operations in U.S. history." The sub, K-129, was lost northeast of Hawaii in 1968. After the Soviets abandoned their search, the U.S. found the vessel. To discover it, that's one thing, Bennett said. But to have the wherewithal to try to devise a way to recover that piece of hardware is really remarkable. It's been compared and rightly so to an underwater moonshot. The submarine was a potential wellspring of intelligence, from details on Soviet nuclear-weapons capabilities to military codes. By 1970, the CIA had devised its plan and hatched a cover story for the ship: A commercial deep-sea mining vessel owned by Hughes. The agency's hope was to retrieve a 132-foot (40-meter) section of the sub, which weighed 1,750 tons. While maintaining its position in the ocean currents, the ship had to lower the (claw) by adding 60-foot sections of supporting steel pipe, one at a time, the CIA wrote. Another piece of machinery assembled for the ship was a special platform. It was used to keep the claw system steady and on target in the ocean currents. You want the ship to be able to roll or pitch without affecting that pipe, Schorsch said. During the mission, the claw grasped the submarine section. But about a third of the way up it broke, allowing part of the sub's hull to fall away. Former CIA Director William Colby later wrote that the most valuable aspects of the sub were lost, Bennett said. The salvage, however, included the bodies of six Soviet sailors, who were given a formal military burial at sea. DID THEY TRY AGAIN? A second mission was planned. But journalists broke the story in 1975, led by Seymour Hersh, then writing for The New York Times, and columnist Jack Anderson. News reports indicated that some manuals may have been recovered, while some of the hull pieces helped the U.S. to refine its estimates of Soviet naval capabilities, Bennett said. Andersons sources told him Project Azorian was too expensive and sapped resources from other intelligence programs, Bennett said. The submarine also was diesel-powered and generations behind the Soviet's nuclear-powered subs. Andersons sources and Anderson argued that it was really a museum piece, a relic, Bennett said. American media outlets were heavily criticized for reporting on the project, which had a chilling effect as news outlets became less willing to disclose intelligence secrets, Bennett said. WAS THE OPERATION SUCCESSFUL? The professor said the mission itself was a partial success. Sadly the ship itself no longer exists it was scrapped years ago, Bennett said. But it was a significant piece of hardware. And this was a really important mission in U.S. intelligence history, in part because it was one of the first major underwater operations that we were aware of." Meanwhile, the crane that helped build the Hughes Glomar Explorer is now often touted as one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Engineering News-Record, a magazine that covers the construction industry, wrote in 2017 that Donjon Marine Co. Inc., bought the Sun 800 in 1993. The salvage company increased the capacity to 1,000 tons and renamed it the Chesapeake 1000 to reflect what it can haul. Since then, it's helped to construct bridges and buildings. But few projects have been as urgent as the one in Baltimore. Officials are scrambling to clear shipping channels for one of the East Coast's busiest ports and to erect a new Francis Scott Key Bridge. To go out there and see it up close, you realize just how daunting a task this is," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Friday after the Chesapeake 1000 arrived at the collapsed span. You realize how difficult the work is ahead of us. TOPEKA (KSNT) Dozens of animals involved in an animal cruelty case in Topeka are now safely in new homes. The U.S. Humane Society says 73 animals rescued in January are now with new owners after being adopted. The animals, many of them Great Dane dogs, were recovered from a home in central Topeka by the Topeka Police Department (TPD) and Humane Society after they were found living in dangerous conditions. In total, 22 dogs, 48 cats, two rats and a guinea pig were rescued from the home, according to the Humane Society. While rescuers found some animals dead at the home, the survivors have now been relocated to new homes in the Kansas City area with local rescue partners. Interactive map launches for I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct project in Topeka The Shawnee County District Attorneys Office later charged a man, Charles C. Solomon, in connection to the animal cruelty investigation. He is still being held at the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. The TPD said in a social media post on April 1 that people should always be on the lookout for similar cases. Some warning signs like persistent foul odors coming from a home or yard, lack of basic care, animals infested with fleas and/or ticks and unattended animals with signs of injury are all things people should report to police. You can make a report to the TPD by calling 785-368-9551. Animal welfare work is hard, emotionally and physically, and it takes a special kind of person to be able to do the work. Wed like to send a huge thanks to folks in this profession for the compassion and dedication they put into caring for animals and holding people accountable. Were especially grateful for our amazing Animal Control Officers who recognized the severity of the situation and called for help. TPD social media statement excerpt Falcons return to nest at Topeka Evergy offices, lay eggs If you want to adopt one of the rescued animals, click here. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Huntsville surveyed damage and confirmed two tornadoes on Tuesday an EF-1 in Colbert County and an EF-0 in Limestone County. In Colbert County, the NWS had damage reported on County Line Road, Puller Loop, Crocket Road and Gunpowder Lane. On Wednesday afternoon, it confirmed a tornado just north of Leighton based on the tree fall pattern and lofted debris. The NWS said an EF-1 tornado came through that area. That EF1 tornado produced peak winds of 90 mph along just over a three-mile-long damage path. The most damage was concentrated in the area of County Line Road and Puller Loop Road. The NWS confirmed the tornado touched down in a field at 4:58 p.m. and then tracked northeast before lifting just after 5 p.m. Damage reported after storms move through Tennessee Valley A home on Puller Loop reportedly had a tree fall on it with possible entrapment. Two homes were complete losses, and 10-15 others sustained minor damages in the area of County Line Road and Puller Loop, according to Colbert Countys Deputy EMA Director Jody Hitt. The Red Cross will assist the affected homeowners. Leighton Baptist Church opened its fellowship hall, and several churches in the area are coming together to provide food and other necessities. Colbert Countys Deputy EMA Director Jody Hitt is working on the recovery plan for the county. NWS also surveyed damage in Limestone County, confirming an EF-0 tornado. That EF0 tornado had produced peak winds of 85 mph leading to roof damage on a detached garage. The tornado touched down around 6:01 p.m. leading to just over a mile-long damage path before lifting around 6:04 p.m. News 19 saw multiple reports of damage in Athens including several trees down. An Athens City Spokesperson said that Elm Street near Elkton Street was shut down for part of Tuesday afternoon due to a downed tree. One location with damage was the Catfish Cabin on Old Highway 72, a popular restaurant in town. News 19s Lynsey Smith said the building did not appear to have any damage but the restaurants sign was damaged in the storms. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning? What you need to know When a violent storm is brewing and you start to see tornado warning and tornado watch splashed across your TV screen and devices, it can be confusing in the heat of the moment to determine what that means. According to The National Weather Service, a tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. Usually that means signs of an imminent tornado have been spotted on radar. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately. Read: Live updates: Tornado Watch issued for much of Central Florida A tornado watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible. Here are some other things to keep in mind during the storm: Where should you take shelter? Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection, but because we live in Florida, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. In a high-rise, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Stay away from corners; they attract debris. A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge The American Red Cross also suggests that you: Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed. Know your communitys warning system, because they arent all the same. Practice tornado drills so children know what to do Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees before high winds hit. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile. Watch for tornado danger signs: dark, often greenish clouds; wall cloud an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm; cloud of debris; large hail; funnel cloud a visible rotating extension of the cloud base; roaring noise. After the storm: Finding important documents (deeds, insurance, etc.) will be easier if youve stored them in a safe-deposit box or other safe place. Use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking it. Discard any food that comes in contact with contaminated water. Inspect your home for damage and take steps to prevent more damage (cover holes with plywood or plastic). Stay out of damaged buildings and away from downed power lines. You can let family know youre safe by registering on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website. You can also call 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636) to register. DOWNLOAD: Free WFTV weather app Channel 9 has a team of meteorologists in Severe Weather Center 9, tracking a system as it nears Central Florida. Click here to download the free WFTV weather app, and follow our meteorologists on social media below: Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Tour boat spots massive sea creature tangled in ropes then comes complicated rescue Off the southwestern coast of the United Kingdom, a massive sea creature struggled with ropes wrapped around its body. Help finally arrived in the form of an orange lifeboat and a pole. Boaters spotted a humpback whale tangled in some fishing ropes when they were coming back from a wildlife-watching tour in Mounts Bay on March 31, the tour company, Marine Discovery Penzance, wrote in a Facebook post. The poor whale was wound into the ropes, with two drawn tightly across its back and another wrapped round its tail stock, which had caused a nasty wound, the company wrote. After taking its passengers back to shore, the tour boat and several other boaters returned to try to help the whale. Grampus Campus, a Cornwall wildlife group, shared photos of the struggling whale on Facebook. Several ropes are visible across the whales gray back. A close-up photo shows the humpback whale. The choppy seas made a rescue operation too dangerous for the group of boaters and complicated even for trained professionals, the tour company said. The only option was to wait and monitor the whale. The hours dragged on and the group became concerned that the whale could be in (a) collision with a shipping boat overnight, Atlantic Adventures wrote in a Facebook post. The humpback whale tangled in ropes off the Cornwall coast. Finally, a trained rescue team arrived from across the bay. A wildlife photographer visiting Cornwall for the weekend filmed the rescue and shared the video on Facebook. (Warning: Video contains language that some viewers might find offensive.) The video shows the orange lifeboat approach the whale. Someone onboard leans over the side with a pole-shaped tool. A moment later, the whale splashes the boat and moves away. The rescuers had managed to cut away the ropes and free the humpback whale. The humpback whale tangled in ropes off the Cornwall coast. Its incredible what the guy at (the) helm achieved because it was properly rough, Hannah Wilson with Marine Discovery Penzance told Sky News, a U.K. news outlet. The lifeboat followed the whale for a short time to make sure it was fully freed, the tour company said. The humpback whale was later identified as Ivy, who has been in the area for a while, Penlee Lifeboat wrote in a Facebook post. This is one of those proud moments, when every one comes together for the greater good, Grampus Campus said. This whale was lucky but there will be plenty that wont be, Wilson told McClatchy News, expressing concern about how environmental conditions are influencing whale migration and increasing their risk of harm. Mounts Bay is off the southwestern coast of Cornwall and about 300 miles west of London. Excavator operator collapses bear den in New York and ends up with a tiny stowaway Boaters left with jaws gaping as two titans of the ocean battle, rare video shows Massive sea creatures linger near boat off California coast in unforgettable moment TOKYO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- In the past two weeks, Japan reported several deaths and over a hundred hospitalizations due to kidney diseases after taking red yeast rice supplements, known as "beni-koji" manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, flaming concerns both at home and abroad about the safety of health supplements. As of Friday, the Osaka-based drugmaker's "beni-koji" product has been associated with five deaths and 114 hospitalizations, with nearly 700 others seeking medical treatment or planning to do so. While the growing health scare suggested potential hazards in Japan's functional food labeling system and technical defects in the manufacturing process of red yeast rice as an ingredient, experts also cautioned consumers not to panic over products containing the ingredient. REGULATORY LOOPHOLES Health supplements, commonly called "functional foods" in Japan, were previously categorized into Food for Specified Health Uses and Food with Nutrient Function Claims. In 2015, the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) started a new labeling system for food functional ingredients called Food with Function Claims. Manufacturers of such foods only need to submit scientific evidence supporting their claimed functionality to the consumer watchdog for registration before marketing, without the need to get approval from Japanese government agencies. The lenient regulatory mechanism may lead to negligence in safety inspections by various parties involved. In a recent article, the national news agency Kyodo said that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's growing scandal over its red yeast supplements has reignited debate over Japan's "functional food" labels, which have been criticized for years over the lack of sufficient scientific proof of safety and efficacy. Citing a gap of over two months between the earliest reports of health issues received by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical and its product recalls, Keizo Takemi, Japan's minister of health, labor and welfare, told a press conference that it was "regrettable" that the company did not provide relevant information to the government during the period. Following the reports, the CAA announced plans to conduct an emergency inspection of over 6,000 functional foods. Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist at Japan's Sigma Capital Ltd., told Xinhua that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's food safety crisis also revealed organizational problems within the company. Tashiro said the drugmaker, as a typical Japanese family-owned enterprise, might prioritize family interests over customer interests in decision-making. Its failure to conduct immediate measures or report to authorities about health damage reports has exacerbated the crisis. MANUFACTURING DEFECTS Kobayashi Pharmaceutical announced on March 22 that some people who took the supplements had experienced symptoms that often show in kidney diseases. After analyzing its red yeast rice supplements and the red yeast raw materials used, the company suspects an "unintended substance" derived from mold may have caused the problems but is unable to ascertain a specific cause. The health ministry said this Friday that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has confirmed the presence of "puberulic acid" in the products involved. Puberulic acid is a highly toxic chemical compound derived from blue mold. According to Kyodo, the drugmaker believes that the compound may be the ingredient in question and will verify it through Japan's National Institute of Health Sciences and other institutions. Shentu Yinhong, an expert at the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said that after drugs and health supplements are put on sale, companies must conduct strict monitoring, which includes but is by no means limited to reporting adverse reactions. "It is reported that the batch of products in question also used a variety of additives during the tableting process. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has yet to clarify whether these additives will cause adverse reactions, at least until now," said the expert. PANIC UNNECESSARY Despite the incident, experts say there is no need to worry about the safety of other products containing Monascus purpureus, a mold species used to produce the "beni-koji." Under normal circumstances, it is hard to imagine that Monascus would produce harmful substances, and there is no need to worry about the safety of normal Monascus, said Hideaki Taraki, an honorary professor at the University of Tokyo who has been engaged in food-safety-related work for many years. Shentu also said that a Japanese company's individual quality problem does not mean that the safety of other red yeast rice products is in question. However, experts warned that health supplements, which are tablets or capsules made of concentrated functional ingredients, can not be used as medication. If they contain harmful ingredients, they may pose greater health risks as consumers tend to take a large amount of them for a long time. Doctors and pharmacists can warn consumers of the side effects of drugs and explain how to use them, but medical experts still rely on consumers to make their own judgments when taking health supplements, which may lead to safety risks. UPDATE, April 4, 2024, 9:45 a.m.: Whiteside County Sheriffs Office has identified the victims in a fatal crash Wednesday morning in rural Rock Falls. The tractor driver who died was Matthew Miller, 41, of Rock Falls. The semi driver who was injured is Gustavo Cervantes, 39, of Crest Hill, Ill., who was treated and released from CGH Medical Center. Cervantes was issued a citation for improper passing within 100 feet of an intersection. The traffic crash remains under investigation. EARLIER: At about 9:22 a.m. today (April 3rd, 2024), Whiteside County Sheriffs Office 911 Center received a call of a traffic crash at the intersection of Illinois Route 40 and Illinois Route 172 in rural Rock Falls. The initial investigation by responding deputies and the Sheriffs Office Crash Reconstruction Unit determined a farm tractor pulling a grain cart was northbound on Illinois Route 40 and in the process of turning westbound onto Illinois Route 172, according to a Wednesday release. A truck-tractor semi-trailer, also northbound on Route 40, entered the southbound lane to overtake the farm tractor and grain cart at the intersection. The vehicles collided in the intersection and ultimately left the roadway to the northwest. The driver of the semi was transported by ambulance to CGH Medical Center to be checked for injuries, and was released following being checked out. The driver of the farm tractor was pronounced deceased on scene, the Sheriffs Office said. At this time, the crash is still under investigation by the Sheriffs Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Traffic on Route 40 was shut down for approximately six hours during the investigation and the removal of vehicles, until 3:30 p.m. At the current time, Whiteside County Sheriffs Office is not releasing names until notifications are made. The Whiteside County Sheriffs Office and Whiteside County Coroners Office were assisted on scene by Rock Falls Fire Department, CGH EMS, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation, Whiteside County Highway Department, ComEd, and Dabney Towing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Labor prosecutors filed a new complaint Tuesday alleging Trader Joes violated employees rights at a California store ahead of a union election last year, adding to a growing pile of union-busting charges against the popular grocer. The general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board says a manager at the Oakland store threatened workers by equating their desire for a union with disloyalty, and disparaged those who delivered a union petition as a gang. The manager also allegedly interrogated workers about the union, including asking about their social media posts, and created an impression of surveillance regarding the organizing effort. Workers were told they could lose hours or have their store closed if they chose to support the union, according to the complaint. The manager allegedly disparaged those who delivered a union petition as a gang. The charges assert that two assistant managers also broke the law by questioning workers about the union effort and corralling them into meetings, to force them into hearing managements unsolicited views on collective bargaining. Trader Joes did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Workers at the Oakland store voted 73-53 in favor of unionizing in April 2023. The new charges are part of a larger battle between the California-based grocer and the new union Trader Joes United, which represents employees at four stores in Massachusetts, Minnesota, California and Kentucky. The union has accused Trader Joes of illegally threatening workers and retaliating against them for trying to organize. The cases are now with the NLRB, which oversees union elections and investigates unfair labor practices. National Labor Relations Board officials say a Trader Joe's manager interrogated workers and equated unionizing with disloyalty. Joe Raedle/Getty Images The decision to pursue a complaint regarding the Oakland store means labor board officials have looked into the unions claims there and found merit in at least some of them. If Trader Joes and the general counsel cant agree to a settlement, a trial will be held before an administrative law judge. The NLRB does not have the power to levy fines for labor law violations, however. If a judge finds Trader Joes committed unfair labor practices, it may simply have to read and post a notice acknowledging as much. Other NLRB complaints allege Trader Joes made illegal threats ahead of the vote in Kentucky and unlawfully fired a worker at a store in Massachusetts, which was the first to organize. That worker told HuffPost he believed he was targeted because of his union support. The company has defended itself from the charges in part by claiming the NLRB itself is unconstitutional. Related... Aslef members are walking out during the Easter school holidays - NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Train drivers at 16 rail companies are to stage a fresh wave of strikes from this week in a long-running dispute over pay, threatening to disrupt families across the country during the Easter school holidays. The walkouts are the latest in a series of strikes carried out by the Aslef union in a 20-month row. Union leaders have announced separate walkouts affecting the London Underground. Here is everything you need to know about the National Rail strikes: When will the strikes take place? Thursday April 4 - Saturday April 6 : Aslef members will refuse to work their rest days Friday April 5 - Monday April 8 : Aslef staff will hold a rolling programme of one-day walkouts between April 5 and 8, coupled with a six-day ban on overtime. Monday April 8 - Tuesday April 9: Members will refuse to work their rest days Which train lines are affected? Friday, April 5: Drivers will strike on Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains and CrossCountry. Saturday April 6: Strikes will hit Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine. Monday, April 8: Strikes will take place on c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line. How will the train strikes affect me? Train operators warned that on strike days it is likely that little or no services will run across large areas of the network operated by the affected train companies. Services are also likely to be disrupted and start later on the day immediately following a full strike day. On days where an overtime ban is in place, the timetable for some train companies may be revised in advance or services subject to short-notice delay or cancellation on the day. Passengers are warned to expect significant disruption and advised to plan ahead and check before they travel. A law is now in place aimed at ensuring a minimum level of service during rail strikes, but none of the operators involved in the Aslef dispute have applied to use it. Why are the strikes happening ? Aslef has held 14 one-day strikes during the 21-month dispute. The first ballot went out in June 2022 and members first went on strike on Saturday, July 30, 2022. The union said it wanted to increase the pressure on the intransigent train companies and the tone-deaf government. Train drivers have not had a pay rise for five years, since April 2019, Aslef said. Union bosses said they had been in negotiations with the train operators, represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), but had heard nothing further since gaining a fresh mandate for another six months of industrial action last month. Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the Government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019. Our members voted overwhelmingly yet again for strike action. Those votes show a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by the RDG, which knew that offer would be rejected because a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members. Since then train drivers have voted, time and again, to take action in pursuit of a pay rise. Thats why Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers wouldnt vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer. That offer was dead in the water in April last year and Mr Harper knows that. We have given the Government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute. They are happy for it go on and on. What have the train companies said? A spokesman for Rail Delivery Group, which represents the 16 train operators impacted by the strikes, said: Nobody wins when industrial action impacts peoples lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers. We want to resolve this dispute, but the Aslef leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra 54m a week just to keep services running post-Covid. We continue to seek an agreement with the Aslef leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute. What does the Government say? A Department for Transport spokesman said: Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table. Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the transport secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table taking train drivers average salaries from 60,000 up to 65,000. 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. The Washington state Department of Health has permanently revoked the mental health counselor and radiologic technologist licenses of accused murder Michael Thomas Smith. Based on a finding that Smith can never be rehabilitated or regain the ability to practice with reasonable skills and safety, the Department of Health determined that a permanent revocation of his credentials was essential to protect public safety, according to state documents. Smith, 38, has been in the Benton County jail since July 14, 2023, accused of strangling his longtime girlfriend, Jenna Olafson, 38, at an East Reata Road home south of Richland six days earlier. The couple, who were both counselors, lived in the basement of the home that Olafsons mother owned. After Smith allegedly committed the murder, police said he tried to die by suicide, which led to a five-day stay at a Tri-Cities hospital. He was charged with second-degree murder, and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail. If he is convicted of that charge, he faces a potential prison sentence between 10 and 18 years. His trial is scheduled to start June 24, but trial dates are often delayed. According to Washington state Department of Health documents, he allegedly confessed to murdering his girlfriend and said he wanted to check out of life. Smith did not respond by a Jan. 18 deadline to a Department of Health statement of charges for alleged unprofessional conduct issued December 2023, according to state documents. The Washington State Department of Health found him in default, and Wednesday announced the decision to revoke his licenses. It considered aggravating factors, including the heinousness of his alleged action and ill repute upon the health professions, according to state documents. Smith had been licensed as a radiologic technologist in Washington state since May 2012. His mental health counselor license in Washington state was issued in April 2021. According to his Psychology Today profile and his website, he spent two years working for the Seattle Indian Health Board, where he said he learned to see trauma through a historical lens. He said his focus was patients with trauma, PTSD, anxiety and substance use issues. We are all the experts of our own lives and we innately have what we need to heal, he wrote in his profile. Due to life experiences on a personal, community, and generational level, sometimes this process can get stuck. My job as your therapist is to serve as a guide to help you identify where this process is being interrupted and collaborate together to remove the barriers preventing natural healing from continuing. Online records show that Olafson and Smith worked as counselors out of the Reata Road home, according to public records. The couple both received their masters degrees from the same small Pasadena-based Saybrook University in California. The two graduated within a year of each other, Smith in 2016 and Olafson in 2017. Olafson spent seven years as a counselor working with adolescents and adults. She had a focus on addressing trauma, depression, ADHD and LGBTQ+ issues, according to her profile on the Psychology Today website. Each individuals story and experience are sacred and it is my belief that they should be honored as such, she wrote. The murder shocked friends and colleagues that span the state, some who continue to reach out to the Tri-City Herald to express their disbelief. Collette Brown and Doug Yankton, citizens of the Spirit Lake Natio, fought for Native voting rights in the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians vs. Michael Howe case. (Photo Courtesy of the Native American Rights Fund) Native Vote. Legal advocates for tribes remain optimistic as a U.S. appeals court deliberates over North Dakotas challenge to recent Native voting rights victories. A lower court has ordered the state to adopt redistricting maps proposed by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas and the Spirit Lake Nation. The ruling would enforce parity for the reservations electorate in the upcoming 2024 races. Rather than comply, Secretary of State Michael Howe appealed the case to the 8th Circuit Court. The tribes responding by filing a motion March 14 to quash the North Dakota appeal. [Editor's Note: This article was first published by Buffalo's Fire. Used with persmissio. All rights reserved.] We hope and expect this challenge to North Dakotas Native voters, and voting rights generally, to be rejected in line with decades of precedent, said Mark Gaber, senior director of redistricting at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Gaber contributed to a March 18 brief reiterating that the states 2021 redistricting map violates the federal Voting Rights Act and raises concerns over threats to dilute the Native vote. The Native American Rights Fund released the brief. In this case, North Dakota was sued under two laws: Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which protects each citizen from racially discriminatory voting restrictions and Section 1983, which allows any U.S. citizen to sue when their rights are violated, said NARF Staff Attorney Michael Carter. The earlier court ruling declared that the 2021 state legislative map for North Dakota dilutes the votes of Native Americans living in the northeastern part of the state. According to the case document, plaintiffs proved at trial that North Dakotas map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Section 2 prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate based on race, color, or membership in one of the language minority groups. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law in 1965. The VRA sought to outlaw discriminatory voting practices, which the Southern States adopted after the Civil War. The civil and equal rights statute was part of Congress Reconstruction Amendment. The Snyder Act of 1924 recognized full citizenship of American Indians born in the United States. However, the right to vote was up to states discretion until passage of the VRA. In states where Natives could participate, they faced deterrents, such as literacy tests, poll taxes and harassment. Post-VRA obstacles, such as gerrymandering, continue to silence the Native vote. Back in 2020, the Spirit Lake Nation and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed an agreement with North Dakota to protect American Indians right to vote and relax the states ID requirements for voters in tribal jurisdictions. The accord lifted a 2013 restriction on tribal IDs as an acceptable form of identification. The Native American Rights Fund has helped represent the tribes as they combatted the voter ID restrictions and now the districting issue for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas and the Spirit Lake Nation. The two tribes and three individual American Indian voters filed suit against the North Dakota Secretary of State for the 2021 configuration of districts 9, 9A, 9B, and 15. The districts dilute the Native vote in the northeastern region of North Dakota by reducing from three to one the number of legislators American Indian voters have an equal opportunity to elect. Citizens of District 9 in Rolette County have been able to elect one state senator and two state representatives since 1990. Then in September 2021 meetings, the North Dakota Legislative Management Redistricting Committee proposed maps to the public that substantially reconfigured the district and those surrounding it. The proposal stretched District 9 into parts of two counties to the west, Towner and Cavalier. The additional area consisted mostly of white residents. Since the U.S. District Court ruled in November 2023 that the states 2021 map proposal unlawfully diluted the American Indian vote, the court ordered the state to redraw a new map by December 22, 2023. Failing to comply, Howe and the state remain in court on their appeal. Sourcing & Methodology Statement: NARF. (2020, April 24). North Dakota Native Voters Protected. Native American Rights Fund. https://narf.org/nd-voting-rights/ National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Voting Rights Act (1965). National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act Voters and Tribal Nations Defend Critical Redistricting Win from North Dakota Appeal Attempt. Native American Rights Fund. (2024, March 18). https://narf.org/nd-redistricting-appeal/ Voting Rights for Native Americans: The Right to Vote. The Library of Congress. (n.d.). https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/right-to-vote/voting-rights-for-native-americans/ Adrianna Adame -- enrolled Chippewa Cree, Rocky Boy's Reservation in Montana -- is a Report for America corps member covering Indigenous Democracy across the state of North Dakota for Buffalos Fire. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net A Florida Highway Patrol trooper is accused of smashing the window of a Hooters overnight and stealing beer taps from the restaurant, authorities said. Now, hes out of a job. The Daytona Beach Police Department responded to a burglary alarm at around 1:30 a.m. on March 28, according to a Volusia County arrest affidavit. An officer reported finding a large, shattered window and a truck sitting in the otherwise empty parking lot. He approached the truck and saw a 49-year-old man from Palm Coast who appeared to be putting something into the bed, according to the report obtained by McClatchy News. When he spoke with the man, he initially told the officer he was on his way home from his friends house and was looking for some place to use the bathroom, police said. The man also said he was looking for a place to get food, but the officer countered there was a 7-Eleven and a Wawa less than 500 feet away that were both open, according to police. As the two were talking, the officer said he noticed the man had glass on his shoes. When the Hooters manager arrived, police viewed surveillance footage showing a cinder block hurled into the window and the man entering the restaurant, authorities said. He was captured on camera walking around inside holding a flashlight and a white bucket, according to police. He went behind the bar and removed four beer taps, placing them in the bucket before leaving and loading the items into his truck, police said. The trooper was charged with burglary of a dwelling or structure causing damage in excess of $1,000, Volusia County records show. His attorney information is not available in case records. All four beer taps were recovered, police said. He was fired from the Florida Highway Patrol that same day, according to the agency. FHP is an institution dedicated to serving and protecting the public, and integrity is the foundation of our professionalism and credibility, a spokesperson told McClatchy News in an emailed statement. Due to the serious nature of the recent allegations, the Executive Director issued an extraordinary dismissal, thereby terminating his employment immediately. The former troopers actions do not reflect the agencys core values, the spokesperson said. Daytona Beach is on the east coast of Florida, about a 60-mile drive northeast of Orlando. Firefighter accused of strangling his wife to death was having an affair, WA cops say Police officer accused of stealing from man under arrest in Charlotte, NC cops say Cops reckless driving paralyzed man who shouldnt have been arrested, lawsuit says Driver with flat tire kills officer who stopped to help, feds say. Cold blooded Troopers clock car nearly 50 mph over speed limit on I-77 Troopers clock car nearly 50 mph over speed limit on I-77 *Above video shows most dangerous highways in Ohio, according to state officials* NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio (WJW) An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a car for speeding nearly 120 mph on Interstate 77 in Tuscarawas County earlier this week, according to the patrol. Coast Guard issues bulletin regarding Lake Erie and eclipse Troopers posted a photo of the car and the speed recorded on their radar device to the patrols social media page. According to troopers with the patrols New Philadelphia post, the car was going 118 mph in a 70 mph zone. Thats 48 mph over the posted speed on that stretch of I-77. Extras needed for Superman movie to film in CLE So far this year, Ohio troopers have issued over 57,000 speed citations to encourage motorists to #SlowDownon Ohios roadways, troopers wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Troops at 14 installations will soon try out a new system for shipping their belongings to their next home, under a program launched Monday to fix longstanding problems with military moves. About 200 service members will move their household goods over the next four months under a new contract that centralizes shipping under a single manager, said Andy Dawson, director of the Defense Personal Property Management Office at U.S. Transportation Command. No snakes in couches: What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024 The initiative will begin with up to 50 shipments a month, from April through July, in five areas: Norfolk, Va.; Jacksonville, N.C.; Seattle/Tacoma, Wash.; Camp Pendleton, Calif. and San Diego, Calif. Were just excited to get the transformation underway, Dawson told Military Times in an interview Tuesday. Its very exciting to be part of something this significant that will ultimately impact the quality of life of every single service member, the Coast Guard personnel, and family member, since moving is such an integral part of the military way of life. The rollout will be slow and deliberate to ensure the technology and processes work smoothly, and to avoid creating problems for the other 99% of service members who will continue moving under the usual system. Officials have tested the new system at the participating locations and held trainings to familiarize people with the new way of doing business, among other work to prepare troops, government workers and the moving industry for the changes. Troops may qualify to take part in the first moves if the ZIP codes of their current and new locations are within 50 miles of each other. Those local moves usually occur when someone separates or retires from military service; when they move into or out of quarters, barracks or dorms on base; or under other special circumstances. The new process essentially outsources the management of household goods shipping, with TRANSCOMs oversight. It consolidates all of those moves under a $6.2 billion contract awarded to HomeSafe Alliance, a consortium of companies that will act as the sole manager of household goods moves. Installations involved in the initial phase are: Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Naval Base Kitsap, Wash. Naval Station Everett, Wash. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle, Wash. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif. Naval Base San Diego, Calif. Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, Calif. Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth (will be included before May) TRANSCOM began the effort to improve the moving experience for service members and their families in 2018 after a particularly brutal moving season. Nearly six years later, Dawson said he expects TRANSCOM will begin awarding those shipments to HomeSafe by the end of the week. We expect the first packing or first move to occur in mid- to late April, Dawson said. If all goes according to plan, officials will start scaling up the number of moves in August and September, with 250 moves in August, or 2% of the months moves; and 500 in September, about 4% of moves that month. Theyll first ramp up shipping at the initial slate of bases before expanding to interstate moves and other locations across the United States. From there, DOD and HomeSafe will continue growing the number of domestic shipments handled under the new system into 2025, until the domestic phase-in is complete. International shipments under the contract will start no earlier than September 2025 by gradually phasing in moves. Mold, broken furniture just a start to this family's PCS nightmare How it works Service members wont need to ask for access to the new system. The legacy portal will automatically refer them to a new system if they might qualify to participate in the first moves. All service members will use the Defense Personal Property System portal, which asks for information about where the move starts and ends. From there, those who may be eligible to move under the new contract will be routed to the Defense Departments new MilMove site, where they can upload permanent change of station orders, share contact information and request their move. The local military personal property office will provide more information and move counseling to the service member, and assign the shipment to HomeSafe. Service members will be referred to HomeSafe Connect to manage and track their belongings, and communicate with the contractor, throughout the move. Once someone logs in and creates an account, they can access their information on mobile devices. The more modern technologies of MilMove and HomeSafe Connect are more user-friendly than the Pentagons previous site, Dawson said. Under the legacy system, whether someones move goes smoothly depends on the caliber of the moving company they are assigned. But DODs current system has no centralized accountability for the moves that are conducted by hundreds of companies and that can lead to trouble. Now the shipment is awarded to HomeSafe. [HomeSafe Connect] is a fully automated system theyve developed and all their subcontractors are mandated to use the system, Dawson said. Youll see standardization driven across the department which I think will help with the expectations from service members as they relocate over time. HomeSafe Alliances contract aims to solve longstanding problems for service members and families whose belongings are too often lost or damaged during moves. HomeSafe will be fully responsible for the shipments, bringing accountability to the program from the time a moving company is assigned, through packing, hauling and unloading, to handling any loss or damage claims. The Global Household Goods Contract is potentially worth up to $17.9 billion over nine years. HomeSafe Alliance is a joint venture of KBR Services and Tier One Relocation. Among the consortium of companies is Sirva, which includes North American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines. TRANSCOM began to shift away from its longtime piecemeal approach in early 2023, after protests of HomeSafes win had subsided. Ekrem Imamoglu poses with his certificate for his second term as mayor of Istanbul in Istanbul, Turkiye, on April 3, 2024. Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday was officially certified for his second term as mayor of Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, following his clear victory in the local elections held on March 31. (Istanbul Municipality/Handout via Xinhua) ISTANBUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday was officially certified for his second term as mayor of Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, following his clear victory in the local elections held on March 31. Imamoglu, representing the Republican People's Party (CHP), received his certificate from the Provincial Election Council at Caglayan Courthouse. "This mandate belongs to 16 million people! It carries immense significance and responsibility," Imamoglu told reporters. "I am fully committed to diligently working towards ensuring a high-quality standard of living for all citizens over the next five years, addressing all aspects of life," he said. Imamoglu secured victory in the election with 51.14 percent of the votes, surpassing his rival Murat Kurum, the ruling Justice and Development Party candidate, who received 39.59 percent of the votes. Ekrem Imamoglu (3rd R) receives his certificate from the Provincial Election Council for his second term as mayor of Istanbul in Istanbul, Turkiye, on April 3, 2024. Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday was officially certified for his second term as mayor of Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, following his clear victory in the local elections held on March 31. (Istanbul Municipality/Handout via Xinhua) Donald Trump lied during a Tuesday rally in Michigan when he said he spoke with the family of teenage murder victim Ruby Garcia, according to Garcias grieving family. For starters, Ruby Garcia was 25 years old when she was allegedly killed by a man who was in the U.S. illegally, according to The Associated Press. Trump said she was 17. And according to the victims sister, Trumps claim in Grand Rapids that he spoke to some of her family was news to the Garcia family. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, the victims sister Mavi Garcia told Michigans WOOD-TV. Mavi Garcia said she watched part of Trumps speech, but needed to turn it off when he started exploiting her sisters death to spew anti-immigrant rhetoric. Its always been about illegal immigrants, she complained. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes. And its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? Ruby Garcia was allegedly shot, then dumped alongside a Michigan highway last month by a man she knew. Brandon Ortiz-Vite is due in court next week on murder and carjacking charges. The 25-year-old suspect entered the U.S. illegally as a child, according to Michigan station WZZM. He reportedly confessed to killing Ruby Garcia. She had the most contagious laughter, and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, Trump said at his rally. Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family. Mavi Garcia says her family is close and she would know if the former president was in contact with any of them. She calls Trumps antics a distraction for the murder victims grieving loved ones. The focus should be on my sister right now, Mavi Garcia told WOOD-TV. Trump didnt specify which members of the Garcia family he allegedly contacted. His campaign has not returned a request for comment. _____ Former President Donald Trump once again called for the judge overseeing his hush money case in New York to recuse himself, his latest attempt to see the case delayed indefinitely rather than go to trial. Trumps attorneys filed a letter on Monday arguing that Judge Juan Merchan was subject to a conflict of interest over his daughters work for a political consultant that has Democratic clients. The former president attacked Merchan and his daughter, Loren Merchan, in recent days on social media to the point the judge expanded a limited gag order against Trump over the course of the case. Your Honors daughter is an executive and partner at Authentic Campaigns, Inc., Trumps attorneys wrote to the judge. Authentic and Your Honors daughter are making money by supporting the creation and dissemination of campaign advocacy for President Trumps opponent, political rivals, and the Democratic Party. It can no longer be ignored that Authentics commercial interest are benefited by developments in this case that harm President Trumps penal interests. Prosecutors on the case rejected Trumps claims in their own filing on Tuesday. There is simply nothing new here that would alter this Courts prior conclusion that nothing about this proceeding will directly benefit Authentic or this Courts family member, let alone this Court, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office wrote. Trump had argued late last year for Merchans removal, but the judge rejected the attempt and said his impartiality in the case could not reasonably be questioned. He added that the former president had failed to demonstrate that there exists concrete, or even realistic reasons for recusal to be appropriate, much less required. Merchan on Monday expanded his gag order against Trump after the former president took to Truth Social to attack his daughter in a series of increasingly pointed posts. He falsely claimed she had used an image of him behind bars in a social media account, then identified her by name and called her a Rabid Trump Hater. The former president later posted a link to an article that included her picture. The judge expanded the gag order just days later upon the urging of Braggs office, barring Trump from speaking about his family, the family of the district attorney, as well as his earlier order that blocked any public comments about jurors, court staff, witnesses or prosecutors. Former president and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Tuesday. ALEX WROBLEWSKI via Getty Images Merchan said in his decision that Trumps posts served no legitimate purpose that warranted him to be able to freely post about his family. It merely injects fear in those assigned or called to participate in the proceedings, that not only they, but their family members as well, are fair game for Defendants vitriol, Merchan wrote on Monday. It is no longer just a mere possibility or a reasonable likelihood that there exists a threat to the integrity of the judicial proceedings. The threat is very real. The hush money trial is the first set of Trumps four criminal indictments set to go to trial when jury selection begins on April 15. The case centers on charges Trump paid $130,000 to the adult film star Stormy Daniels in the waning days of the 2016 presidential campaign to quash her allegations of an extramarital affair. Related... The sister of Ruby Garcia, a woman murdered last month in Michigan, said she was shocked to hear former President Trump claim that he spoke with her family when referencing her sisters killing in remarks about immigration. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, Mavi Garcia, the sister of Ruby, told WOOD-TV in Michigan Tuesday. WOOD-TV is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. Speaking from Grand Rapids, Mich., Tuesday, Trump brought up the killing of Garcia, whom he described as a beautiful young woman [who] was savagely murdered by an illegal alien criminal, and vowed justice for her killer. Now, Rubys loved ones and community are left grieving for this incredible young woman remembering what they called her they said she had just this most contagious laughter and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, he said. And Ive heard that from so many people, I spoke to some of her family. Mavi said neither Trump nor his campaign reached out to her or anyone else in her immediate family, noting she would have known if he had reached out to her family members, WOOD-TV reported. It was shocking. I kind of stopped watching it; Id only seen up to that, after I heard a couple of misinformation he said, I just stopped watching it, Mavi told WOOD-TV. Garcia, 25, was found dead on the side of a highway in Grand Rapids on March 22, Michigan State Police said. Authorities later arrested Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 25, whom they say was in a romantic relationship with Garcia. Mavi pushed back on the polices assertion about their relationship, claiming the two were friends, WOOD-TV reported. Ortiz-Vite told police he got into an argument with Garcia and shot her multiple times before dumping her body on the side of the road, The Associated Press reported. Ortiz-Vite, a citizen of Mexico, came to the U.S. illegally as a child, but was protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson told The Hill. His DACA status expired in 2019, and upon being arrested on local charges in 2020, he was ordered back to Mexico, but he reentered the U.S. without inspection at some point afterward, the spokesperson added. Mavi Garcia said she is upset Trump and others are attempting to politicize her sisters death, remarking, Its always been about illegal immigrants. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? she said. The focus should be on my sister right now, who she was in life. I want people to remember who she was in life. The Hill attempted to reach Garcias family. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. The former presidents comments come after Trump levied a swath of attacks against President Bidens border policies during remarks from Michigan Tuesday; he resurrected the term bloodbath, describing what he believes is a country overrun by migrants. But its a border bloodbath, and its destroying our country, and its a very bad thing happening. Its going to end on the day that I take office, the former president said vowing to carry out the largest deportation effort in history. The former president said he plans to stop the plunder, rape, slaughter and destruction of our American suburbs, cities and towns and vowed to end so-called sanctuary cities. Trump first used the bloodbath term last month during a rally in Ohio while he warned China against attempting to open factories in Mexico to sell cars to the United States. Critics suggested the former president was warning of political violence, while Trump and allies said his words were being taken out of context. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Leaders of both parties agree: We must reduce globalization. "China is ripping us on trade," says Donald Trump. Our trade deficit is "an immorality," says Nancy Pelosi. But it's not. In my new video, Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute points out, "Selling us stuff is hardly ripping us off." He's right. Our video debunks common misunderstandings about trade. Myth No. 1: America is "losing." People often say that because America runs a trade deficit. But trade doesn't need to balance. I have a trade deficit with my supermarket. They get more of my money every year. So, what? I don't "lose." I get food without having to grow it myself. That's a win for me and the food producer regardless of whether the food was grown locally or came from Mexico. "Imports are great," says Lincicome. "It means I can focus on what I want to do for a living and not go make my own food or make my own clothes. I can use those savings and buy other things that makes me better off." As long as trade is voluntary, trade is a win for both parties. It has to be; neither side would agree to it unless they think they get something out of the deal. Myth No. 2: Imports take jobs from Americans. Globalization "moved so many jobs and so much wealth out of our country," says Trump. "Workers have seen the jobs they love shipped thousands and thousands of miles away." I say to Lincicome, "Some people do lose jobs." "True," he replies, "We lose about 5 million jobs every month." But trade isn't the main reason. "Jobs are lost due tochanging consumer tastes and from innovation. We make more stuff with fewer workers. That's productivity." Productivity increases are good. Trade and productivity improvements are reasons why the number of Americans who do have jobs has risen. "We're at historically high manufacturing job openings," says Lincicome, "Manufacturers in the United States say they can't find enough workers." Trade lets Americans focus on what we do best. Sixty percent of America's new jobs come from companies engaged in international trade. But Trump says, "We don't make anything anymore!" President Joe Biden agrees: "American manufacturing, the backbone of our economy, got hollowed out!" That's Myth No. 3. Manufacturing output in the U.S. is near its all-time high. We make more than Japan, Germany, India, and South Korea combined. Fortunately, real life ignores politicians' ignorance. Myth No. 4: Trade and open markets create "a race to the bottom." That's how Jon Stewart decries globalization on his show, saying, "Globalization allowed corporations to scour the planet for the cheapest labor and loosest regulations!" That is true; companies do that. But Lincicome replies, "This 'race to the bottom' is a myth. We Americans are spoiled. We look upon jobs in the developing world, factory jobs, and say, 'Oh, how terrible this is that these people work for such low wages.' But the reality is that their alternatives are far, far worsesubsistence farmingsex work." Trade is what lets people in poor countries escape subsistence farming and sex work. And child labor, too. "No parent wants his kid to go into the factory or farm," Lincicome points out. "They do it because they have no choice. As we get wealthier, child labor disappears.Factory owners in Vietnam now complain that kids these daysdon't want to work in the textile factory. That's not great for that factory owner, but it's great for those workers!" Myth No. 5: Globalization destroys the environment. "It's undeniably true that as a nation starts along its development path, that it's going to pollute more," concedes Lincicome. "But as countries get wealthy, they become better environmentally." Only when people get wealthy enough to think beyond their next meal do we start to care about the environment. It's why pollution is dropping in America and other capitalist countries. "The best thing that we can do for the developing world is to help countries get rich," says Lincicome. "Globalization is part of that recipe." Trade is a win-win. It brings us more stuff at lower prices. The more we trade, the better off we are. COPYRIGHT 2024 BY JFS PRODUCTIONS INC. The post Trump and Biden Both Get Globalization Wrong appeared first on Reason.com. Donald Trump claimed at a campaign rally on Tuesday that he had been in touch with the family of a young woman murdered last month by an undocumented Mexican immigrant, much to the surprise of the victims actual relatives. But as the family denies any outreach from the former president, Trumps team is refusing to say who, if anyone, they spoke to. They said she just had just this most contagious laughter, and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, Trump told a crowd in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where 25-year-old Ruby Garcia was shot dead by a friend, Brandon Ortiz-Vite. And Ive heard that from so many peopleI spoke to some of her family. Garcias sister Mavi quickly rebutted the assertion, telling local NBC affiliate WOOD-TV8 that Trump hadnt in fact contacted anyone in the immediate family. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, Mavi Garcia, who did not respond to multiple interview requests on Wednesday from The Daily Beast, told the outlet. Asked to explain the apparent inconsistency in his tale, a source close to Trump on Wednesday told The Daily Beast the campaign wanted to keep the details of who we spoke with and what was said private. The Trump campaign refused to comment on the record and did not acknowledge follow-up questions about Trumps assertion. Brandon Ortiz-Vite. Kent County Sheriff Office Ortiz-Vite, 25, was brought to the U.S. as a child, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was arrested in August 2020 on unrelated charges, and deported back to Mexico the following month. He later re-entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location without inspection by an immigration official, ICE said in a statement. Ruby Garcia was shot dead on March 22, her body discovered on the side of US-131 with multiple bullet wounds to the head. Ortiz-Vite turned himself in on Sunday, and admitted to killing Garcia after an argument, according to police. Some media reports have described the two as a couple, but Mavi Garcia said that they had not been an item. Trump used his Grand Rapids appearance to demean those living in the U.S. without proper authorization, calling them animals and not human. Mavi Garcia criticized Trump for focusing so much of his ire on undocumented immigrants, who are no more likely, statistically speaking, to commit a violent crime than any other group. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals, she told WOOD-TV8. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? Still, Mavi Garcia said, I wish [Ortiz-Vite] would have stayed in Mexico. Before Trump spoke on Tuesday, his campaign handed out photos of Ruby Garcia and others they said were victimized by the undocumenteda tactic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, described as shameful. In the aftermath of Ruby Garcias death, Mavi Garcia set up a GoFundMe campaign, which raised nearly $20,000 before donations were disabled by the family. Thank you to everyone that has supported us through these tough times, we appreciate all the love, it read, in part. Forever Rubys World[.] At the same time, the Garcias appear to have tired of all the attention, with Mavi posting Tuesday afternoon on Facebook: I would NOT like to speak with any more news media Id appreciate it if i stopped receiving calls and messages about the situation. I cant grieve in peace and my family cant either if we keep being asked about this tragedy. All i want is justice to be served and be left alone! I say this in the most respectful way possible i appreciate those who were interested in knowing how ruby was in life i want to continue remembering her that way .. Ortiz-Vite is being held without bond, on various charges including felony murder, according to jail records. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 9. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Trump Claims U.S. Will 'Cease To Exist' If He's Not Reelected Donald Trump makes a lot of outrageous statements, but he may have topped himself on Tuesday. During a campaign speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the former president and current criminal defendant suggested bad things would happen if Americans didnt reelect him in November. Very bad things. Like the country would cease to exist bad. Yep, Trump declared that in the event Joe Biden once again beats him in the election, I think our country is going to cease to exist. He added some additional fearmongering to the rant: It could be the last election we ever have. I actually mean that. We dont win, I think this could be the last election we ever have. Thats where our countrys going. Trump: If we dont win on November 5th, I think our country is going to cease to exist. It could be the last election we ever have. I actually mean that. If we dont win, I think this could be the last election we ever have pic.twitter.com/Puup9bB9b7 Acyn (@Acyn) April 2, 2024 Since declaring an issue with an election before it happens was how Trump was able to gin up an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, its not surprising hes using it again. But this time around, his fiery and false rhetoric is getting fact-checked by people who dont want to deal with another insurrection by Trumps low-information followers. Rep. Jared Moskowitz insisted that even if Trump isnt elected, Americans will still have things like elections, sunshine, rain, flowers, dogs, cats and, yes, Doritos. We will still have elections. We will still have sunshine. We will still have rain. We will still have flowers. We will still have dogs and cats. We will still have Doritos. We will still haveetc https://t.co/6EBpKfKtOn Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) April 2, 2024 Others also pointed out that the country survived Trump not winning reelection in 2020, and the only thing that may happen if he doesnt win is he may be convicted of criminal acts. What a man says when he knows he will win the election or go to prison. https://t.co/o4COsSRQys Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 2, 2024 Hes didnt win in 2020. We still exist. Weve had all sorts of elections since. Thats not what hes worried about. He knows if he doesnt win, hes going to prison. https://t.co/G5R6M3Ezlq Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) April 2, 2024 Remember: Trump is trying to keep people in a state of existential dread so they can be emotionally manipulated and do whatever he asks, a la Jan 6. Right out of the autocratic playbook. https://t.co/1uvJo9GbFI Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) April 2, 2024 Trump is telling you his plans. He will burn down everything along with himself because hes afraid to meet his fate alone. Hes Jim Jones meets Nero. https://t.co/ylP37bK0dvhttps://t.co/Nsc9f7CjTp Sanho Tree (@SanhoTree) April 2, 2024 Trump was always an incredible bullshitter, but he's become an incredibly tiresome bullshitter. https://t.co/DD2LvSjSEA James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) April 2, 2024 Today Trump called immigrants animals and argued that, if he doesnt win in November, it could be the last election we ever have. And its barely getting attention. This is how fascism is normalized. It cannot be considered partisan to call this out. https://t.co/ARRKnC9ipD Amy Spitalnick (@amyspitalnick) April 2, 2024 Be clear. There is a widely understood plan to sabotage the election & use a more organized Big Lie psychological warfare campaign to cause J6-like violence all over the country if they lose. Trump is pre-programming the MAGA/QAnon cult for Mike Flynns third attempted coup. https://t.co/bYOLSMZbeR Jim Stewartson, Anti-disinfo activist (@jimstewartson) April 2, 2024 So wait, Im confused. He wants to win but he DOESNT want it to be the last election ever or our country to cease to exist? Mixed messages, bro. https://t.co/wKQ5lLIGnj The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) April 2, 2024 Maybe journalists should do their f-cking jobs and ask the people in uniform standing behind that criminal POS if theyre okay with him pardoning his maga goons who beat the sh-t out of their fellow police officers. #BackTheBlue#Michigan#NeverFORGETJan6th#DeadlineWHhttps://t.co/S8MNNCzgv0 brigitte jay (@jaybrigitte) April 2, 2024 Related... Donald Trump said Election Day in November will now be called Christian Visibility Day, piling on to conservative outrage over an annual transgender event that happened to fall on Easter. (Watch the video below.) At a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, the presumed Republican nominee stirred up followers after President Joe Biden and other government officials had acknowledged the International Transgender Day of Visibility a celebration marked on March 31 since 2009. Trump on Saturday went after Biden for issuing a proclamation before the event, saying through a spokesperson that his Democratic rival owed Christians an apology. This time, he went further. What the hell was Biden thinking when he declared Easter Sunday to be trans visibility day? Trump asked, drawing boos. Such total disrespect to Christians. And Nov. 5 is going to be called something else, he continued, referring to Election Day. You know what its going to be called? Christian Visibility Day, when Christians turn out in numbers that nobody has ever seen before. Trump just dubbed November 5th as Christian Visibility Day. Were living in an episode of South Park. pic.twitter.com/Y30roorwPs NUFF (@nuffsaidny) April 3, 2024 Conservatives such as transgender Olympic champion Caitlyn Jenner and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had raisedobjections to Bidens declaration. Fox News host Lisa Boothe said that the events recognition on Easter was a coordinated effort to remove God from our society and to replace God with false gods, and in this instance its the trans community. Bidens camp rebuked the hateful and dishonest outcry. As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American, the White House statement read. 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. Related... Former President Trump endorsed Republican Eric Hovde on Tuesday in the Wisconsin Senate race to unseat Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). I met Eric, and Ive studied Eric and I because we have to get it right and running against some very fine people, really. But Ive looked it out, and theyre going to have other opportunities. Eric, I am giving you my complete and total endorsement, Trump said during a rally in Green Bay, Wis. So go out and win. Go out and win. The Wisconsin businessman launched his bid for Baldwins seat in February, capping off months of speculation. Wisconsin is among a handful of critical battleground states that will determine the presidency and control of the Senate. Wisconsin Democrats bashed Trumps endorsement in a statement shortly after his announcement. Eric Hovde and Donald Trump are birds of a feather: two out of touch rich guys running to put themselves first and Wisconsinites last, said Arik Wolk, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Democratic Party, in a statement. From banning abortion, repealing the Affordable Care Act, and promoting MAGA conspiracies about January 6 and the 2020 election, Donald Trump and Eric Hovde wont fight for Wisconsin values. The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Baldwins seat as lean Democrat. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Trump and the GOP weaponized Mark Zuckerberg's donations; what it means for the 2024 election Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was the subject of a heated political battle over election funding in Wisconsin that ended with a win for Republicans Tuesday. Voters in the Badger State passed a ballot initiative to ban the use of private funds for election administration a measure championed by former President Donald Trump and Republican House lawmakers including Reps. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin and Jim Jordan of Ohio. The initiative stems from misinformation surrounding a nearly $420 million donation Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, made to two nonpartisan nonprofits, the Center for Tech and Civic Life and the Center for Election Innovation & Research, in 2020. Those funds were later disbursed to local and state officials. But the donation which some Republicans have coined 'Zuckerbucks,' an antisemitic term according to some watchdogs became the center of conspiracy theories pushed by Trump and his allies who falsely claimed it benefited Democrats. It also ignited a nationwide movement to ban private election grants. Twenty-seven states have passed laws or ballot initiatives that either prohibit or regulate private and philanthropic funding in elections. Wisconsinites also passed a measure Tuesday that would prohibit anyone, other than election officials, to help conduct elections in the state. And Wisconsins latest move, experts warn, signals a broader problem for election offices as threats to election security and misinformation continue to rise. There's increasingly just not funding available for local officials to replace their outdated voting equipment, to make security investments in their voter registration technology to open more polling places, whatever it may be, said Derek Tisler, a counsel in the Brennan Center for Justices Elections & Government Program. This is really the trend that we're seeing here. 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. Private grant bans leaves election workers in shambles The Center for Tech and Civic life provided nearly 2,500 election departments across 49 states with grants in 2020. But in states where bans have been adopted, other than in Pennsylvania, there have been no efforts to provide election offices with an increased local budget or alternative sources of funding. Coconino County, Arizona, had over $600,000 in funding from the group, which was used to hire more poll workers and temporary employees, run radio ads to expand voter outreach and purchase protective personnel equipment, according to Patty Hansen, a recorder there. This year though, Hansen said shell be cutting back on the ads, among other things. Its sad that we won't be able to do that as much this year, said Hansen. We're trying to do as much as we can, but counties don't have a lot of money. Federal funding has been low too, as Congress appropriated only $55 million in Help America Vote Act grants, which aims to improve voting infrastructure and election administration in states. The states have the discretionary authority to trickle down the grant money it receives to local election offices. But local election officials said they see very little being appropriated to their communities, or no money at all. Anne Arndt, a clerk in the village of Biron, Wisconsin, said she only received about $1,460 in federal dollars to help with the 2020 presidential election, which cost her $7,979 to administer. Her village budget was only $4,000. But that year, she received $5,000 in Center for Tech and Civic Life grants, which she said helped her purchase a security camera and a hard drive to put on an absentee ballot drop box, printer cartridges, light bulbs and other items. "To even consider cutting funding or not allowing funding for municipalities to administer some basic rights for people to vote... is incredibly wrong," said Arndt. Zuckerburg conspiracy theory originated from Big Lie The Zuckerberg conspiracy theory only adds to election workers troubles. It is all nonsense built on the lie that the 2020 election was stolen, said Kenneth Mayer, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Zuckerberg had already been under scrutiny after Republican lawmakers accused him of censoring conservative Facebook pages. After his 2020 donation, Republican voters in key battleground states and conservative groups filed lawsuits claiming that the funds overwhelmingly went to Democratic jurisdictions and that it influenced the outcome of the election. But those claims were dismissed in a bipartisan report by the Federal Election Commission and by numerous courts in Pennsylvania, Texas and other states. An analysis conducted by Michael Toner, a Republican and former chairman of the FEC, at the request of Zuckerberg and Chan, found that more grants were given to jurisdictions who voted for Trump rather than Biden in 2020, according to an FEC report. None of the considerations about grant making and none of the criteria in the grant application or the decision making process had any partisan considerations, said Tianna Epps-Johnson, the founder for the Center for Tech and Civic Life. While some conservatives argued that election offices used the funds for voter outreach, theres nothing partisan about that move, said Mayer. "Clerks do this all the time, and the voting modes changed so dramatically because of COVID-19 that election officials were right to try to inform voters," he said. Even so, Trump continued to spread misinformation about the grants. He called Zuckerberg a criminal in an email to his supporters in 2021. He invited some of his top donors and allies to Mar-a-Lago in 2022 for a viewing of the film Rigged: The Zuckerberg Funded Plot to Defeat Donald Trump. In February, House Republicans advanced a ban that would block private funding for election administration. Elections may be partisan, but election administration should never be partisan. Private funding can sow distrust and lead to illegal behavior, Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisc., who supports the ban, told USA TODAY. Steil said banning private funding in elections has been a bipartisan effort. Only five states with a divided government have passed such laws; 21 states had a Republican trifecta. Louisiana passed a similar act through a ballot measure, as did Wisconsin. False claims on private grants taken new life in 2024 Tisler said he expects to see misinformation around private grants grow heading into the general election. The Center for Tech and Civic Life launched an initiative in 2022 called the U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence that pledged to distribute $80 million over five years to election departments across the country to support election infrastructure. In January of last year, DeKalb County, Georgia, was awarded $2 million in grants. The Federalist, a conservative website, claimed the funds were part of an operation by Democrats to privately take over election offices in Georgia an allegation that USA TODAY debunked. Macoupin County, Illinois, was chosen to receive $500,000 in grants. However, conservative commentator Steve Bannon, a former Trump advisor, falsely claimed on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, that the Center for Tech and Civic Life has taken control of the 2024 election. There will be every opportunity for the people who have spread these false narratives in the past to again take advantage of people's anxieties, take advantage of a lack of understanding of the election process, and try to create doubt about election integrity and to do so for political gain, said Tisler. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Republicans are banning outside groups from funding election NANCHANG, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The death toll resulting from hailstorms and severe convective weather that has been affecting east China's Jiangxi Province since Sunday has risen to seven, local authorities said on Wednesday. As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, 54 counties in nine cities, including the provincial capital of Nanchang, had been hit by the weather disaster, with 93,000 people affected, according to statistics from the Jiangxi provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters. The severe weather has resulted in damage to 5,700 hectares of crops, while 12 households suffered collapsed homes and another 80 households severely damaged homes. An immediate estimate of the direct economic losses caused by the disaster has reached 150 million yuan (about 21.1 million U.S. dollars). Provincial headquarters launched a level-3 flood control emergency response at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, prompted by the risk of river flooding due to the severe weather. The provincial meteorological department issued alerts aimed at warning the public to refrain from going outdoors while the weather persists, and to avoid entering culverts, underpasses and other stagnant water areas in case of heavy precipitation. Former President Donald Trump has a slight lead over or is tied with President Joe Biden in seven swing states, according to new polling by the Wall Street Journal released Tuesday night. Trumps lead in six of the seven competitive states varies, from 6 percentage points ahead in North Carolina to just 1 percentage point in Georgia, among surveyed respondents asked whom they'd support in a matchup between the two. Biden is tied with Trump in Wisconsin with 46 percent support each. The margin of error for each of the states was plus or minus 4 percentage points. The poll was conducted by phone and text from March 17 to 24 and included 600 registered voters each from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Biden won six of the states in the 2020 presidential election, with only North Carolina going to Trump. Many of those surveyed remain undecided, ranging from 13 percent in Georgia to eight percent in Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin. The survey also asked about both Bidens and Trumps approval in office. On average, respondents held a more favorable view of Trump's time in office, with 51 percent saying they approved of the job he did, compared to 38 percent for Biden. (Bloomberg) -- A New York judge denied Donald Trumps request to delay his upcoming hush money trial until after the US Supreme Court rules on the former presidents immunity defense in an unrelated federal case over the 2020 election. Most Read from Bloomberg The ruling Wednesday by Judge Juan Merchan clears the way for the first of Trumps four criminal cases to go before a jury as planned on April 15. Trump made the request early last month, which Merchan said was far too late. This Court finds that Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024, almost a year after the former president was indicted, the judge wrote. Merchans ruling is the latest setback in the case for Trump, who was hit last week with a gag order barring him from publicly discussing jurors or prosecutors during the trial in order to protect their safety. The judge expanded the gag order on Monday to include his own family members after Trump attacked the Merchans daughter online over the weekend. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has accused the real estate mogul of falsifying dozens of business records to disguise a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to keep voters from hearing her claim about an extramarital affair a decade earlier. Jury selection is scheduled to begin April 15. Prosecutors allege Trump engaged in a pressure campaign in 2018 to ensure that his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen didnt cooperate with a federal investigation of hush-money payments. Cohen, who pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance law, is expected to be a key witness against his former boss. Presidential Acts Trump, who is campaigning to return to the White House in this years election, on March 7 asked Merchan to adjourn the trial until the Supreme Court ruled on his immunity argument in a separate federal criminal case in Washington over his alleged attempt to interfere with the 2020 election. Justices hear arguments in that case on April 25, but may not rule until June. The former president also asked Merchan to bar evidence of comments he made while president, arguing they were made in his official capacity. Bragg had argued that Trumps claim of presidential immunity should be rejected because the former president failed to provide any legal authority to support his claim that the state crimes hes accused of are presidential acts. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. In his ruling, Merchan said Trump had ample notice to make his immunity request yet waited until March 7, just weeks before the trial originally scheduled to begin March 25. Trumps lawyers asked for the New York trial to be delayed until the Supreme Court rules in the separate federal election-fraud case in Washington. Trump fails to explain why the defendant waited so long to raise the argument, the judge said. Braggs indictment was unsealed April 4, 2023. Trump also raised the presidential immunity argument too late in the defamation suit brought against him in 2019 by writer E. Jean Carroll. The judge in that case allowed Carrolls claim to go to trial after Trump belatedly argued he was immune because his comments related to statements he made from the White House. (Updates with judges ruling on Trumps statements in sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Yahoo News' succinct daily update on the criminal and civil cases against the 45th president of the United States. Judge Juan Merchan blocks an attempt by former President Donald Trump to force NBCUniversal to hand over information about the release of its recent documentary about adult film star Stormy Daniels. The ruling comes two days after Merchan refused to delay the April 15 start of the hush money trial in which Trump is accused of breaking state tax and campaign finance laws by paying off Daniels to hide an alleged extramarital affair. Here are the latest legal developments involving the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. New York hush money Key players: Judge Juan Merchan, adult film star Stormy Daniels, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg On Friday, Merchan blocked a subpoena Trumps lawyers had issued to NBCUniversal for information on the timing of the release of Stormy, a documentary about Daniels, who is a star witness in Braggs case against the former president, Reuters reported. Trumps lawyers issued their subpoena one week before the trial was initially scheduled to start, a point that Merchan noted in his ruling. "His subpoena and the demands therein are the very definition of a fishing expedition," the judge wrote. Defending the subpoena, Trumps lawyers said that the documents it would force NBCUniversal to hand over would "establish collusion between Daniels and the company about the March 18 release date of the film. Lawyers for NBCUniversal said that Daniels had no input or approval of the content of the documentary or its release date. Merchan called the assertion by Trumps lawyers purely speculative. "The Court has considered Defendant's explanation for seeking this court's permission to rifle through the privileged documents of a news organization and finds that he has not shouldered the very heavy burden necessary to overcome NY civil rights law," the judge added. Why it matters: Trump has worked diligently to have the charges against him dropped and to delay the start of the trial. Merchans latest ruling shows that the judge has grown impatient with those efforts. Recommended reading ____________________ Thursday, April 4 ____________________ Judge Aileen Cannon denies former President Donald Trumps motion to have criminal charges dropped in the classified documents case on the grounds that the Presidential Records Act (PRA) permitted him to keep them in his home after leaving the White House. In the Georgia election interference case, meanwhile, Judge Scott McAfee rejects a motion brought by Trump that sought to have all the charges dropped on the grounds that the First Amendment protects political speech. In his ruling, the judge makes clear that political speech can be prosecuted if it is used to further criminal activity. Here are the latest legal developments involving the presumptive Republican Presidential nominee for 2024. Classified documents Judge refuses to dismiss classified documents charges against Trump Key players: Judge Aileen Cannon, special counsel Jack Smith On Thursday, Cannon rejected a motion by Trump to have the charges against him in the classified documents case dropped on the grounds that the PRA grants former presidents the right to retain such materials even after leaving the White House, ABC News reported. In her ruling, Cannon, a Trump appointee, wrote that the Presidential Records Act does not provide a pre-trial basis to dismiss. Cannons wording leaves open the possibility that the judge could dismiss the felony charges against Trump during the trial. She also took a swipe at Smith, who on Wednesday asked Cannon to drop her fundamentally flawed request for jury instructions that suggested she was sympathetic to Trumps arguments about the protections guaranteed by the PRA. Smith had made clear that if Cannon did not reverse herself on the jury instructions, he was prepared to take the issue to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which could force her to change course. In Thursdays ruling, Smith described her jury instructions as a genuine attempt, in the context of the upcoming trial, to better understand the parties competing positions and the questions to be submitted to the jury in this complex case of first impression. Cannon added that any party remains free to avail itself of whatever appellate options it sees fit to invoke, as permitted by law. Why it matters: While Cannon has rejected two motions from Trump to dismiss all of the charges against him, her rulings have also given the former president reason to hope that she will ultimately side with him if and when the case goes to trial. Georgia election interference Judge denies Trump motion to dismiss all charges Key players: Judge Scott McAfee, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Trump lawyer Steve Sadow On Thursday, McAfee rejected a motion by Trumps lawyers to dismiss all charges in the Georgia election interference case on the grounds that his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election are protected by the First Amendment, the Associated Press reported. Even core political speech addressing matters of public concern is not impenetrable from prosecution if allegedly used to further criminal activity, McAfee wrote. In their motion, Trumps lawyers had argued that the core political speech and expressive conduct alleged in this indictment against President Trump are protected from government regulation and thus criminal prosecution by the State. Willis charged Trump with 13 felony counts, including a violation of state racketeering laws, stemming from the plot to overturn Joe Bidens victory in the state in 2020. McAfee has since dismissed three of the counts, saying they lacked specificity. Responding to McAfees ruling on Thursday, Sadow said he and his client respectfully disagree with Judge McAfees order and will continue to evaluate their options regarding the First Amendment challenges. Why it matters: Trumps long-shot bid to have the charges dismissed in Georgia is just his latest attempt to derail the four criminal trials he faces. While McAfee did not buy the arguments by Trumps lawyers that the First Amendment prevents him from being prosecuted for his actions to reverse the election results, he did allow that they could raise such arguments during the trial. ____________________ Wednesday, April 3 ____________________ Judge Juan Merchan denies a motion by Donald Trump that sought to delay the April 15 start of the hush money trial until after the United States Supreme Court ruled on whether presidential immunity protects him from prosecution. In the classified documents case, meanwhile, prosecutors on special counsel Jack Smiths team ask Judge Aileen Cannon to reverse herself on her proposed instructions to jurors in Trumps as-yet-to-be-scheduled trial. If she does not, they tell Cannon that they could seek a writ of mandamus to force her to do so. Here are the latest legal developments involving the presumptive Republican presidential nominee for 2024. New York hush money Judge denies Trump motion to delay start of trial Key players: Judge Juan Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, adult film star Stormy Daniels, United States Supreme Court Merchan denied a last-ditch motion by Trumps lawyers that sought to delay the start of the hush money trial by 90 days or dismiss the charges outright on the grounds that the United States Supreme Court has yet to rule on whether presidential immunity protects Trump from prosecution, USA Today reported. In his ruling, Merchan stated that Trump had waited too long to pursue the presidential immunity claim in the hush money case. This Court finds that Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024. After all, Defendant had already briefed the same issue in federal court and he was in possession of, and aware that, the People intended to offer the relevant evidence at trial that entire time. The circumstances, viewed as a whole, test this Courts credulity, Merchan wrote. Some of the evidence that will be used in Braggs case against Trump was gathered when Trump was president and his lawyers argue that it should not be permissible in court. The trial on charges that Trump broke New York state tax and campaign finance laws when he paid Daniels $130,000 to hide an alleged extramarital affair from voters in the 2016 election begins on April 15. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on April 25 on whether presidential immunity protects Trump from being prosecuted for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Why it matters: With Mondays ruling expanding Trumps gag order and Wednesdays rejection of Trumps request for a delay, Merchan has signaled that he has lost patience with the former presidents tactics in the case. Classified documents Smith asks Cannon to drop flawed jury instructions or face appeal Key players: Special counsel Jack Smith, Judge Aileen Cannon Late Tuesday, Smith issued a stern rebuke of Cannons fundamentally flawed legal premise when she asked lawyers in the case for potential jury instructions that appeared to side with Trumps argument that the Presidential Records Act (PRA) justified his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House, the Associated Press reported. If the Court wrongly concludes that it does, and that it intends to include the PRA in the jury instructions regarding what is authorized it must inform the parties of that decision well in advance of the trial, prosecutors wrote. Smith, who has charged Trump with violating the Espionage Act, argues in the filing that the PRA does not apply in this case since the crimes Trump is accused of committing took place after he was president. Trumps lawyers have countered that the PRA allows a president to distinguish certain documents as personal records even after leaving the White House and that Trump never knowingly retained classified documents that did not fall under that category. Smiths filing also warns Cannon that if she does not retract her request for jury instructions regarding the PRA, prosecutors are prepared to obtain a writ of mandamus to force her to do so. A writ of mandamus, according to the Justice Department, can be used to require a lower court to enforce the judgment of an appellate court. In this case, Smith would ask the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to issue one should Cannon, who was appointed to the federal bench by Trump, not reverse course. The 11th Circuit has already overruled Cannons moves in the case so far. Why it matters: While Smith has not gone so far as to seek to remove Cannon from the documents case, Tuesdays filing is the clearest sign yet that he sees her as an obstacle to the prospect of obtaining a fair trial for the former president. _________________ Tuesday, April 2 _________________ Knight Specialty Insurance loans former President Donald Trump $175 million to cover the bond required to prevent New York Attorney General Letitia James from seizing his assets while he appeals the $454 million judgment in his financial fraud trial. The company is owned by billionaire Don Hankey, a Trump voter who has made his fortune offering high-interest, subprime car loans to people with bad credit. Here are the latest legal developments involving the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. New York financial fraud Knight Specialty Insurance pays Trumps $175 million fraud trial bond Key players: Knight Specialty Insurance CEO Don Hankey, Judge Arthur Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Trump attorney Alina Habba On Monday, the Knight Specialty Insurance Co. loaned Trump $175 million to cover his bond in the civil financial fraud trial, Bloomberg reported. The company is owned by Hankey, who said he approached Trump about the loan. This is what we do at Knight Insurance, and were happy to do this for anyone who needs a bond, Hankey told the Associated Press . Last month, a New York appeals court judge lowered the bond amount from $464 million (110% of Egoron's judgment) to $175 million after Trumps lawyers said they had been turned down by 30 lenders to secure the higher amount. Yes, I voted for him in the past, but this is a business deal and this is what we do, Hankey said of the loan, which, he added, Trump secured using cash as collateral. By posting the $175 million bond, Trump prevents James from seizing his assets while he appeals Engorons judgment. The New York state Appellate Division has said it would hear arguments in September. If Trump wins on appeal, he will get the bond amount back. If he loses, he will immediately owe the rest of the original judgment plus the interest accrued since the date of the Engorons original ruling. Why it matters: While Trump indicated during the financial fraud trial that he had nearly half a billion in cash reserves, he told the appeals court judge that he wanted to keep that free to use for the 2024 presidential campaign. Having secured a loan from Hankeys company, he is now free, at least for the meantime, to spend it on that. _________________ Monday, April 1 _________________ Following several attacks on his daughter by former President Donald Trump, Judge Juan Merchan expands his gag order in the hush money trial to include family members. Hope Hicks, who served as Trumps press secretary and communications director in the 2016 campaign, is expected to be called as a witness in the New York hush money trial that begins on April 15, a source tells MSNBC. Since leaving her post as a top White House adviser in 2018, Hicks has testified before the New York grand jury investigating Trumps payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, as well as before the House Jan. 6 select committee. Here are the latest legal developments facing the presumptive Republican presidential nominee for 2024. New York hush money Judge expands gag order Key players: Judge Juan Merchan, Democratic political consultant Loren Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg On Monday, the New York judge in the hush money trial set to begin on April 15 expanded the gag order he placed on Trump meant to prevent him from attacking potential witnesses, jury members, and court staff so that it now includes family members of that group, the Associated Press reported. This pattern of attacking family members of presiding jurists and attorneys assigned to his cases serves no legitimate purpose, Merchan wrote in his order. It merely injects fear in those assigned or called to participate in the proceedings that not only they, but their family members as well, are fair game, for Defendant's vitriol." On Truth Social, Trump's social media platform, the former president had targeted the judge's daughter, Loren Merchan, falsely accusing her of posting a photo of Trump behind bars and claiming that she makes money by working to Get Trump. Earlier in the day, Bragg had asked the judge to expand the gag order, saying Trump's "dangerous, violent, and reprehensible rhetoric fundamentally threatens the integrity of these proceedings." Why it matters: Merchan has shown little hesitation to rule against Trump in the case so far, and Trump has seemed intent on pushing the judge's limits. If that continues and Trump defies the judge's orders, he could face the prospect of jail time. Source: Hope Hicks to testify in hush money case Key players: Former communications director and press secretary for Trumps 2016 presidential campaign Hope Hicks, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, adult film star Stormy Daniels, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, former American Media CEO David Pecker, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Bragg will call Hicks as a prosecution witness in the hush money trial that begins on April 15, a source told MSNBC . Last year, Hicks testified before the New York grand jury that voted to indict Trump on charges that he broke campaign finance and tax laws when he paid Daniels in 2016 to hide an alleged extramarital affair. Cohen alleges that Hicks was part of a phone call that took place on Oct. 8, 2016, during which Daniels told Trump she was going to share her story of the affair with the National Enquirer. Hicks, according to Cohen, was also on a call during which a deal was reached for Trump to pay Daniels $130,000 for her silence. Hicks went on to become a top White House adviser to Trump following his victory in the 2016 election, but stepped down in 2018. Hicks also testified before the House Jan. 6 select committee that she told Trump that there wasnt evidence to support his claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. Prosecutors say Pecker met Trump in 2015 and set up a catch or kill arrangement by which the National Enquirer would pay McDougal for her story about an alleged extramarital affair with Trump only to keep it from ever being published. Pecker and McDougal are also both expected to be called as witnesses during the trial. Why it matters: While Hicks was long a trusted member of Trumps inner circle, she has cooperated with those who have investigated the former presidents conduct. If Bragg does call her to the witness stand, it will be because he believes she will bolster his case. Even by the standards of the rollercoaster 2024 American presidential campaign, presumptive Republican candidate Donald Trump has had an extraordinary week. A public offering of his social media platform initially sparked a run on shares, only to have a financial report of $58 million in losses deflate prices. And then what seemed like a ruinous verdict in a New York civil trial has for now been staved off by an unexpected intervention from a higher court. Trumps legal woes are far from over (there is the little matter of four separate criminal cases brewing away), but the chances are that his most calamitous financial end-games have not just been averted in the immediate term, but are unlikely to materialise later. While not completely out of the woods, Trump has dodged what could have been a harsh financial blow. But at what cost, and if he comes to power wholl take the brunt of his anger? Trump faces two civil suits in New York state courts. The first is a defamation action brought by E. Jean Carroll for statements Trump made about an alleged nonconsensual sexual encounter. The second is an enforcement action filed by the Attorney General of New York State alleging corporate misconduct by Trumps companies. The trials ended in defeats for Trump in both cases, and large money judgments are being levied against him. Of course, Trump is appealing: when you lose a case at trial, you can appeal that verdict. But you have to post a bond before appealing to demonstrate that you have the funds to pay the judgment state. Both of Trumps judgments, however, were extremely large: a $91.6 million jury award to Carroll, and a $355 million award to New York state, with $99 million in interest. That $355 million award is not a number snatched from the air: Justice Arthur Engoron calculated it based on the interest payments Trump had saved by misleading lenders and on the related profits gained from property sales. Usually defendants get a company to act as a surety by posting a bond. The defendant posts some collateral, and the company promises the court to be on the hook if the defendant loses or bolts the state. While Trump found a surety for the defamation judgment, the $454 million award was simply so large no one would act as a surety. Had Trump not been able to post the bond, the New York Attorney General could have started to seize assets including signature Trump properties in New York City. This might not have undermined his political campaign directly, but it would have been deeply embarrassing. Standing on their own, the windfall gains from the public offering of stock in Truth Social might have mitigated this problem although it is not clear whether Trump could have liquidated his equity without tanking the market. But a New York appeals court stepped in and took this hard choice off the table. The five-Justice appellate court not only reduced the $455 million bond to $175 million (Trumps lawyers had asked for it to be reduced to a measly $100 million). Plus, those judges paused a number of other restrictions imposed by Judge Engoron upon the fiscal working of the Trump organisation. The appellate courts decision matters because it suggests that Trump is likely to gain some relief on appeal. This matters regardless of how the next year develops on the political side: A US Supreme Court decision from the 1990s concerning former President Clinton holds that presidents get no relief from civil damages actions simply because they happen to be in White House. As well as immediately benefiting from a relaxation of financial pressures, Trump is no doubt sitting a bit easier today knowing that the New York courts might be able to give him an even bigger break. What then if Trump wins in November? The famously vindictive candidate is unlikely to forget his losses in court and will likely seek to both blame and punish someone. The most likely targets of his wrath are individuals, including Engoron, Carroll and the New York Attorney General. As Trump has shown in the past week, he is quite willing to go after peoples families (Engorons daughter) to hurt them. Expect, then, more personal vendetta settling in New York if a Republican win comes to pass. The story around the courts is likely to be more complex. Trump has a long history of attacking judges whove ruled against him and his policies. At the same time, he has benefited extravagantly from kid-gloves treatment from not just the New York appellate judges, but also federal judges such as Aileen Cannon in Florida. Judge Cannon has been slow-walking one of the criminal cases against him in ways that cannot be easily explained in nonpartisan terms. The recent civil cases create even more powerful incentives for Trump to seek to capture the courts, through appointments and through pushing for changes to the law. His quest to thwart future embarrassments, like the civil verdicts he now faces, could thus come at a heavy toll when it comes to the rule of law. 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. Trump lied about talking to family of woman killed by man illegally in US, they say During a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, former President Donald Trump said he has spoken to the family of Ruby Garcia, a woman allegedly killed by a Mexican citizen who was in the United States illegally. But the family of the 25-year-old woman said that is not true. No, he did not speak with us, Mavi Garcia, Ruby Garcias sister, told WXMI. Trumps comments were made more than a week after Ruby Garcia was found shot and killed on a Grand Rapids road late Friday, March 22, McClatchy News reported. On March 26, Michigan State Police announced the arrest of Brandon Ortiz-Vite, who is charged with felony murder in Garcias death. Ortiz-Vite and Garcia had been in a romantic relationship, authorities said. Federal officials said Ortiz-Vite, a citizen of Mexico, was deported from the U.S. in 2020 following a drunk driving arrest but returned to the country illegally. 25-year-old woman found shot dead on road, Michigan cops say. Deserved to live life Trumps campaign speech Tuesday, April 2, in Grand Rapids largely focused on ongoing tension at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to The Associated Press. He invoked Garcias name as he spoke of a bloodbath at the border that he blames on President Joe Biden, the AP reported. Rubys loved ones and community are left grieving for this incredible young woman. Remembering what they called her, they said she had the most contagious laughter, and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room, Trump said. And Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family. Mavi Garcia told WOOD-TV it was kind of shocking hearing Trump misinforming people on live TV. Trump also said Garcia was 17, according to the AP, but she was 25. In a Facebook post March 28, Mavi Garcia asked for her sisters death to stop being politicized. Its always been about illegal immigrants, she told WOOD-TV. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? The focus should be on my sister right now, who she was in life, she added. I want people to remember who she was in life. Would conviction in hush-money case hurt Trump? Some of his voters say it would help Trump is now selling Bibles but hes not the first president with holy books for sale Biden and Trump face high levels of dissatisfaction in their parties. Does it matter? Former President Donald Trumpsaid during a rally Tuesday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that he spoke to the family of a murder victim a claim quickly contradicted by the family. Trump briefly mentioned that he spoke to relatives of Ruby Garcia, a 25-year-old Michigan woman allegedly murdered last month by her boyfriend, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Rubys loved ones and community are left grieving for this incredible young woman, Trump said at the rally. They said she had just this most contagious laughter and when she walked into a room, she lit up that room and Ive heard that from so many people. I spoke to some of her family. However, Garcias sister, Mavi Garcia, told a local TV station and several other news outlets that Trump had not spoken to anyone in the family. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, Mavi Garcia told Target 8, an NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids, on Tuesday. She also spoke on how Trump has politicized her sisters death, saying, Its always been about illegal immigrants. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? Research suggests immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes than U.S. citizens. Just as he did in 2016, Trump has made crimes by migrants the centerpiece of his campaign for the White House, blaming those crimes on President Joe Bidens border policy. He pushed Republicans in Congress to abandon a bipartisan bill increasing border enforcement and restricting eligibility for asylum, and he has vowed to round up and deport millions of undocumented immigrants if he wins the presidency. Michigan communities are being ravaged by a new form of crime and thats the migrant crime that we named it, Trump said during the rally. It should be called Bidens migrant crime, but thats too long, but youll always remember it was Biden that gave it to us. In Ruby Garcias case, her family and police said she had been dating her alleged murderer. The local prosecutor described it as another case of a domestic violence homicide that weve seen, quite frankly, far too often over the last few years. Related... Trump loses hush-money 'presidential immunity' bid after claiming statements about Stormy Daniels were 'official acts' Trump had claimed statements he made about Stormy Daniels were covered by 'presidential immunity.' On Wednesday, his hush money judge disagreed. The ruling lets prosecutors share the statements with jurors and rejects Trump's delay bid. A Manhattan judge on Wednesday rejected a "presidential immunity" bid by Donald Trump, saying the effort was too little and too late. Trump had sought to delay his hush money trial and to keep jurors from seeing statements he made while president about the $130,000 payment that silenced porn actor Stormy Daniels just 11 days before the 2016 election. The GOP frontrunner had hoped to delay the hush money trial until after the US Supreme Court decides on whether presidential immunity protects him in his federal election interference case; oral arguments in that case are set for April 25. But Trump failed to explain why he waited until early last month to raise presidential immunity in a pre-trial motion in his hush money case, according to Wednesday's ruling by state Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan. State law generally requires pre-trial motions be filed within 45 days after arraignment, Merchan noted, calling Trump's excuses for the late motion "inadequate and not convincing." Trump had blamed the timing of his motion on prosecutors, and on the US Supreme Court's February 28 decision to hear his federal presidential immunity claims. Even so, Trump has been on notice for months that hush-money case prosecutors intended to use statements he made while president at trial, Merchan wrote. "The Defendant had ample notice that the People were in possession of, and intended to use, the various statements allegedly made by Defendant on social media, in public, and in various interviews," Merchan wrote. "He was also well aware that the defense of presidential immunity, even if unsuccessful, might be available to him," the judge wrote. "This Court finds that Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024," when Trump's lawyers finally acted, the judge wrote. "Defendant's motion is DENIED in its entirety as untimely," the judge's ruling concluded. "The Court declines to consider whether the doctrine of presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence of purported official presidential acts in a criminal proceeding," the ruling said. Trump had specifically sought to preclude jurors from hearing about what prosecutors are calling his "pressure campaign" to keep his personal attorney at the time, Michael Cohen, from cooperating with a federal probe of the payments. A tweet Donald Trump had hoped to exclude from his hush money trial on grounds of "presidential immunity." Business Insider Tweets Donald Trump hoped to exclude from his hush money trial on grounds of "presidential immunity." Business Insider The defense had also claimed Trump was acting in his role as president on April 5, 2018, when he denied knowing about the hush-money payment while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. "Then why did Michael Cohen make those if there was no truth to her allegations?" a reporter asked. "Well, you'll have to ask Michael Cohen. Michael is my attorney," Trump said. When asked if he knew where Michael Cohen got the money to make that payment, Trump responded, "No, I don't know." Trump was acting "in his official capacity as the nation's chief executive," when he made the statements, Trump attorneys Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche had argued. "Therefore, President Trump respectfully submits that an adjournment of the trial is appropriate to await further guidance from the Supreme Court, which should facilitate the appropriate application of the presidential immunity doctrine in this case to the evidence the People intend to offer at trial," their filing had said. The hush money trial remains on track for jury selection on April 15. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleges that Trump falsified 34 business documents in order to disguise the payment to Daniels as legal expenses. The falsifications violated campaign finance regulations and tax laws, Bragg has alleged. Trump has pleaded not guilty and says the allegations are part of a politically-motivated "witch hunt." He has also denied that he had sex with Daniels. He faces anywhere from no jail to four years in prison if convicted, though legal experts have called imprisonment unlikely. Trump has one last hush-money delay card up his sleeve. Merchan has yet to rule on defense arguments that Trump cannot get a fair trial in Manhattan anytime in April due to "prejudicial pre-trial publicity. Read the original article on Business Insider The News Donald Trump and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen endorsed legislation that would take Omahas potentially decisive electoral vote out of play for Democrats, hours after conservative activist Charlie Kirks Tuesday X post suggesting it. In just 200 words, Kirk urged Republicans to repeal the states 1991 law that assigned two electors to the winner of the state, and one for each of its three congressional districts. Republicans easily carried Nebraska in every subsequent election, but in 2008 and 2020, the Omaha-based 2nd District voted Democratic. Nebraskans should call their legislators and their governor to demand their state stop pointlessly giving strength to their political enemies, wrote Kirk. Five hours and 10 minutes later, Pillen put out a statement supporting a bill that would convert the state to a winner-take all system in November. Donald Trump weighed in early Tuesday evening, praising Pillens very smart letter in a Truth Social post. Know More The district has drawn special attention from election observers this year because of the unusually high chance of it playing tiebreaker in a close race between Trump and President Biden. If Biden lost only Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada from his 2020 column, he would win the electoral college 270-268; if Nebraska gave all five electors to Trump, the tied 269-269 election would be decided by the incoming Houses state delegations, where Republicans currently hold an advantage. Pillens statement drew some immediate murmurs of concern from Democrats, some of whom speculated that Maines Democratic government could respond by consolidating their own divided electoral votes, where Trump won the 2nd District in 2020. No other states award their electoral votes this way. The View From Nebraska Democrats Democrats, who hold just one-third of the state Senate, were skeptical that Sen. Loren Lippencotts bill would pass. The freshman Republican had introduced it fourteen months earlier, but it remained in committee, and his party had not included it in the priority legislation it needed to pass by April 18, when the session ends. The Nebraska Democratic Party is watching this bill closely and still believes we have the votes to stop the Republicans from removing a fair electoral system that represents voters, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb told Semafor. The only reason Gov. Pillen sent a release today is, the extremist Charlie Kirk sent a tweet that, of course, our governor jumped up to respond to. Davids view Democrats sounded genuinely surprised at this scramble on Tuesday night, and confident that it wasnt going to work. Lippencott, a freshman senator from Central City, was a conservative whose other legislation included an end to tenure at state universities; they werent expecting the bill to move. One senator sent me a short video of Lippencott on the Senate floor, saying marijuana is the latest craze, to demonstrate the kind of causes he took up, and others said that Republicans wouldnt follow him. They may try a hail Mary, and try to amend [it] into another bill, said Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who last year staged a weeks-long filibuster of a bill that restricted minors access to gender medicine. But I would fight that. A vote for winner-take-all is a vote to diminish the voices of my constituents. Still: The founder of Turning Point USA jolted a doomed bill to life with a quick post and a receptive Republican audience. The Trump campaign has been perspicacious about election rules all year, winning Nevadas caucus by default after state Republicans held a caucus with rules that disadvantaged Ron DeSantis. For years, Republicans in other states floated, then abandoned, changes that might help their nominee win electoral votes. A party thats becoming much more responsive to conservative activists and commentators might act more decisively. Notable If this 11th hour effort to change a states electoral system succeeds, it would join a number of ongoing efforts by the party to tweak rules before November. In Georgia, the Republican state legislature has passed a bill that would make it easier for voters to challenge registrations that they suspected of being fake; it would also automatically add any third party candidate who qualified for 20 other state ballots to Georgias ballot. Former President Trump lauded Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) for endorsing a winner-take-all system for the states Electoral College votes Tuesday. Switching Nebraskas vote count would bring it in line with much of the rest of the country and could help Trump gain an extra electoral college vote this November. Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska, a very smart and popular Governor, who has done some really great things, came out today with a very strong letter in support of returning Nebraskas Electoral Votes to a Winner-Take-All System, Trump said Tuesday in a Truth Social post. Most Nebraskans have wanted to go back to this system for a very long time, because its what 48 other States do Its what the Founders intended, and its right for Nebraska, he continued. Thank you Governor for your bold leadership. Lets hope the Senate does the right thing. Nebraskans, respectfully ask your Senators to support this Great Bill! State legislators introduced a measure to implement the winner-take-all system, which Pillen endorsed Tuesday, in January 2023 and carried it over to the 2024 legislative session. It would bring Nebraska into line with 48 of our fellow states, better reflect the founders intent, and ensure our state speaks with one unified voice in presidential elections, Pillen said of the bill. I call upon fellow Republicans in the Legislature to pass this bill to my desk so I can sign it into law. Only Nebraska and Maine assign Electoral College votes by district. In most elections, Republicans take two and Democrats take one of the states districts, though the third is tightly contested. If the bill were to go into effect for the 2024 election, it could cost President Biden an Electoral College vote. Former President Trump won about 58 percent of the vote in Nebraska in 2020, meaning the GOP candidate would get the states entire slate of five electoral votes in a winner-take-all system. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In pics: World Autism Awareness Day marked at a kindergarten in Beijing Xinhua) 08:20, April 03, 2024 Teachers play games with children at Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- A themed event was held at the Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten on Tuesday, this year's World Autism Awareness Day, to convey goodwill and care for autistic children and their families through various activities such as crafts making, dance performance, children's painting exhibition, and other forms. Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten has been exploring integrated education since 2007. In most classes of this special kindergarten, autistic children are enjoying classes and games together with ordinary children. At present, the kindergarten has established a special support system for early education of autistic children in terms of school culture, teaching staff, facilities and equipment. A teacher plays a game with children at Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) A teacher plays games with children at Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) Jia Meixiang, a medical expert from Peking University Sixth Hospital, interacts with children at Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) Children play games in Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) Children play games at Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) Children from Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten dance with their families and teachers during a theme activity on promoting social integration for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) Children make crafts at Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) Children play games in Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) This file photo taken on March 22, 2022 shows Jia Meixiang, a medical expert from Peking University Sixth Hospital, speaking to the faculty of Peking University Health Science Center Kindergarten during a training on autistic children identification and early intervention at the kindergarten in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Ulviyya Shahin During an online briefing for journalists, Julianne Smith, the US Permanent Representative to NATO, emphasized the significance of the North Atlantic Alliance's collaboration with South Caucasus nations, Azernews reports. She highlighted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's recent visits to Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, underscoring the importance of these partnerships. While acknowledging Georgia as a close ally seeking NATO membership, Smith also noted that Azerbaijan and Armenia are enhancing their ties with NATO, though not all partners aspire to join the alliance. She reiterated NATO's support for Georgia's aspiration to become a member. BUENOS AIRES, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's government on Tuesday blamed a record outbreak of dengue fever on "lack of prevention last year," and confirmed the country's strategy will be to combat the disease-carrying mosquito instead of resorting to a vaccine. The Ministry of Health said in a statement it has worked with each province since December to carry out "permanent epidemiological monitoring" based on the belief that "eliminating the mosquito in the territory is the first line of defense" to stop dengue. "This is a task that must be continuously carried out, not just due to the current situation, but anticipating the next season to arrive with a smaller mosquito population," it said. Regarding immunization, the ministry said that last April the country approved the safety of a dengue vaccine "but since then neither the previous government, nor the infectious disease specialists, nor the international organizations reached a consensus for recommending it as a strategy to be included in the national vaccination calendar." Argentina has registered 163,419 confirmed cases of dengue as of March 31, an outbreak marked by persistent and accelerated infections, according to a report released by the ministry. NEW YORK Lawyers for Donald Trump on Tuesday renewed their effort to boot the presiding judge from the Stormy Daniels hush money case, doubling down on a failed argument that the jurists daughter was profiting from his prosecution. The filings came a day after the former president and presumed Republican nominee in this years election was barred from publicly attacking state Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchans relatives and those of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg following a string of disparaging social media posts targeting Merchans daughter, Loren. They represent Trumps latest effort to delay the case, which is headed to trial on April 15. Trump unsuccessfully sought Merchans recusal last August. The judge said that his daughters job at Authentic Campaigns Inc., a digital agency that works on campaigns for Democrats, including President Joe Biden, would not affect his ability to be impartial, citing findings by a state committee on judicial ethics. In Tuesdays filings, Trumps lawyers said Federal Election Commission records showed the firm Merchans daughter works for had made millions representing Democrats since Trumps first indictment, including from entities that solicited contributions based on the hush money case. (There) is an unacceptable risk that the Courts family relationships will influence judicial conduct It can no longer be ignored that Authentics commercial interests are benefitted by developments in this case that harm President Trumps penal interests and divert his efforts from running his leading campaign for the presidency by requiring him to prepare and sit for trial during the general election, Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles wrote. Those benefits and the ongoing financial interest cannot be ignored. In response, prosecutors vehemently opposed the request, which they said was devoid of facts and based on a daisy chain of innuendos. There is simply nothing new here that would alter this Courts prior conclusion that nothing about this proceeding will directly benefit Authentic or this Courts family member, let alone this Court, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo wrote. Merchan on Monday expanded a partial gag order he issued last week which protected witnesses and potential witnesses, jurors and prospective jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and relatives of all involved, but not his own and those of the DA. The revised order came after Trump told his followers Merchans daughter was a Rabid Trump Hater and falsely claimed she was criticizing him online on an account court officials said has not belonged to her for more than a year. Trump is still free to say whatever he wants about Merchan and the DA. The judge agreed with prosecutors that Trumps online offensives were deliberate and intended to delay the trial and intimidate him. He described attempts by his lawyers to justify his rhetoric as disingenuous and not rational and said further misconduct would result in Trump forfeiting the right to know jurors identities. Targets of Trumps online attacks connected to his New York cases have been subjected to death threats in recent months. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felonies in his Manhattan criminal case, one of four he faces in the leadup to the presidential election. The charges allege he concealed reimbursement to Michael Cohen during his first year in the White House for carrying out a hush money scheme that included payoffs to Daniels, Playboy model Karen McDougal, and a Trump Tower doorman to hide a series of sex scandals from voters. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted. _____ Former President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference after attending the wake of New York City police officer Jonathan Diller, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Massapequa Park, N.Y. | Frank Franklin II An earlier version of this article was published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Tuesday and Friday mornings here. To submit a question to next weeks Friday Mailbag, email onthetrail@deseretnews.com. Good morning, friends. Im reporting today from Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Donald Trump is rallying this evening. More on that soon. The Big Idea Trumps return to The Apprentice For months, ring-kissing Republicans have lined up to audition for the big stage. Tim Scott endorsed Trump as soon as he terminated his presidential bid. Elise Stefanik and Vivek Ramaswamy joined Trump on the campaign trail. JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard helped Trump rake in cash at fundraisers. All have their eyes on the same prize: the coveted vice president position. Politico reports that Trumps search for a running mate is starting to get serious, but dont expect him to move quickly. The former president seems to relish the guessing game appraising big-money donors about his thinking, or cold-calling GOP senators for advice. Hes going to draw this out Apprentice-style, one person close to the Trump campaign told Politico. So Trump is back squarely where he is most comfortable: the omnipotent host in a reality show, toying with the idealistic hopes of each contestant. A look at his potential picks: Tim Scott ran a lackluster campaign for president before sidling up to Trump. The former president has praised Scott as someone who could make a good president a chief consideration. J.D. Vance, one of Scotts U.S. Senate colleagues, is an appealing pick for his populist politics and his Rust Belt (read: swing state) connections. Kristi Noem built a reputation on the political right during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she largely shunned restrictions and kept her state open. But recent controversies from an alleged affair with a Trump aide to a potential dental-related ethics violation leave question marks. Byron Donalds is a rising star in the House GOP caucus. But a Trump-Donalds ticket with both maintaining a primary residence in Florida could spark issues with the 12th Amendment. Elise Stefanik, one of Donalds House colleagues, has been unfailingly loyal to Trump mentioning Trumps name 25 times during her CPAC speech last month. A handful of others have been rumored as potential picks. Ex-presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has a large following among young, conservative men. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is qualified and capable. Tulsi Gabbard, the Democratic defector, is on quite the identity journey. Katie Britt won some name recognition after her State of the Union response (and the subsequent SNL parody). And Marco Rubio once Trumps sworn enemy might be coming around, too. What Im reading RFK Jr. threw an event honoring Cesar Chavez the late labor activist and a friend of Kennedys father last week. Things got awkward when Chavez family denounced RFK Jr. and announced their support for Biden. It should come as little surprise, though: Julie Chavez Rodriguez, a granddaughter of Chavez, is Bidens campaign manager. Cesar Chavezs family to endorse Biden after RFK Jr. claims civil rights leader wouldve voted for him (Ed OKeefe and Fin Gomez, CBS News) Biden pitched himself in 2020 as a bridge-builder and unifier. This time around, voters would reasonably expect him to do the same, and start by winning over Trump-skeptical Republicans. But Biden has given the cold shoulder to just about every GOP official or ex-officeholder whos been skeptical of Trump, from Chris Christie to George W. Bush to Mitt Romney to Mike Pence. Its a glaring failure on his campaigns part. Why hasnt Biden called Chris Christie? (Jonathan Martin, Politico) Meanwhile, Biden is pitching Haley voters, launching a new ad this week encouraging them to back the president. If you voted for Nikki Haley, Donald Trump doesnt want your vote, the ad says. Save America. Join us. Biden campaign launches ad targeting Haley voters (Tyler Pager and Dylan Wells, The Washington Post) See you on the trail. Editors Note: The Deseret News is committed to covering issues of substance in the 2024 presidential race from its unique perspective and editorial values. Our team of political reporters will bring you in-depth coverage of the most relevant news and information to help you make an informed decision. Find our complete coverage of the election here. Trump returns to the campaign trail WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Former president Donald Trump was back on the campaign trail Tuesday, visiting a couple of key battleground states and focusing on the issue he thinks is a winning one for him. Both Biden and Trump and looking to take on two very different issues during this election. Biden running on abortion rights and Trump running on immigration. While in the battleground state of Michigan, Trump blasted the Biden administration on its immigration policies. But this is a broader bloodbath and is the day I take the oath of office, said Trump. While there he told law enforcement and local leaders the current administration policies are putting American citizens in danger. We are being invaded and invaded by a lot of people that are people we dont want in our country, said Trump. The White House blames Republicans for blocking bipartisan border legislation in Congress. They had a chance and decided not to act because certain people in the House Republican world wanted a problem rather than a solution, White House National Security Spokesperson, John Kirby. The Biden campaign is trying to tie trump to restrictive abortion policies, even releasing a new campaign ad highlighting their differences on abortion. Im running to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land again, said Biden. With abortion rights being on the ballot in Florida this November the Biden team is hoping that drives people to the polls. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Trump said he spoke with a slain womans family. The sister says he didnt. GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan Former President Donald Trump went to Michigan on Tuesday to hammer President Joe Biden on immigration in a major battleground state. He left beset by controversy, facing questions about whether he fabricated an anecdote about speaking to family members of a murder victim. I spoke to some of her family, Trump said of Ruby Garcia, a 25-year-old woman who was allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant in March. Of Garcia, he said: she lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people. According to Garcias sister, he did not hear that from any member of Garcias family. In fact, Mavi Garcia said Trump never spoke to the family at all. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, and misinforming people on live TV, Ruby Garcias sister told a Grand Rapids NBC affiliate. Asked to explain the discrepancy between Trumps remarks and the familys comments, a spokesperson for the former president did not respond to a POLITICO request for comment. Trump has met with family members of victims, including with the parents of Laken Riley, a nursing student who was killed on the University of Georgia campus. But in addition to saying that the former president had not been in touch with her family, Mavi Garcia also criticized him for using her sisters death to launch attacks against undocumented immigrants. Its always been about illegal immigrants, she told Target 8. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? Former President Donald Trump and GOP Gov. Jim Pillen have endorsed an effort to change how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes in a way that would benefit Trump in November although Democrats in the state arent especially worried the measure would actually come to pass for this years election. Trump on Tuesday recognized Pillen for endorsing a winner-take-all system for ruby-red Nebraska. The Cornhusker State and Maine are the only two states that split their Electoral College votes based on the popular vote statewide and in U.S. House districts. In 2020, Biden won a single delegate for carrying Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District. But that one delegate could have big implications for the 2024 election and Biden if the president doesnt pull off a full sweep of the Upper Midwest or the Southern swing states that helped him clinch the presidency in 2020. Bidens campaign declined to comment on the push. Democrats could, theoretically, combat the loss of an electoral vote in Nebraska by seeking to change the rules in Maine, where the inverse happened four years ago Biden carried Maine, but Trump won a single congressional district. In the GOP primary, Trumps campaign looked for opportunities to warp the rules in their favor, pushing for changes in Nevada that benefited Trump with his base and disadvantaged his biggest rival at the time, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump lauded Nebraska's governor for backing a move that could help him win the election. Associated Press Pillen on Tuesday came out in support of a bill proposed in February 2023 that would revert the state to its pre-1992 winner-take-all system. Pillens statement came just hours after conservative activist Charlie Kirk made the case on X that even if Trump manages to flip Arizona, Georgia and Nevada in the fall, he would still lose to Biden by one Electoral College vote. And Trump seemingly took notice. Most Nebraskans have wanted to go back to this system for a very long time, because its what 48 other States do Its what the Founders intended, and its right for Nebraska, Trump wrote Tuesday on Truth Social. On Wednesday, the Nebraska GOP and Kirks political group, Turning Point Action, announced a rally to whip up support for passing the Legislatures existing winner-take-all bill. Nebraska Democrats scoffed at the idea that even Trump who has a way of getting Republicans to bend to his wishes and his allies could pull this off just months from the election. Nebraskas legislative session ends in two weeks on April 18. The bill in question, introduced 14 months ago, was seemingly a nonstarter for the current legislative session until this week. The only reason Gov. Pillen sent a release today is, the extremist Charlie Kirk sent a tweet that, of course, our governor jumped up to respond to, Nebraskas Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb told Semafor. A Democrat in Nebraskas Legislature sought to tamp down fears about any 11th-hour changes to help Trump: Reporting live from the trenches dont worry, we arent getting rid of our unique electoral system in Nebraska. Legislatively theres just no time. Nothing to worry about this year, Nebraska state Sen. Megan Hunt posted on X. Related... Donald Trumps upcoming criminal trial in New York City is set to derail his presidential campaign until June. But his legal problems could complicate his White House aspirations much longerand much more severelyas the former president faces the very real prospect of being a convicted felon by the start of the summer, with court sentencing that could actually prevent him from attending the July GOP convention in person. Trumps problems can be divided into stark realities and dire possibilities. Whats a stark reality is that the Manhattan District Attorneys Office, which is prosecuting the former president for faking business records to hide a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, will keep Trump in a courtroom four days a week from April 15 until possibly early June, constraining his ability to campaign. Whats probable is that if hes convicted, Trump will likely be due back in court roughly a month later for his mandatory sentencing hearing, timing that overlaps with the three-day Republican convention that starts July 15. Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty At that point, its either months or years on travel-limiting probation, or a more daunting scenario: a short stint in a New York state prison. Of course, if either of those possibilities came to pass, Trump would almost certainly try to use his punishments to his political advantage. As Chris Edelson, a presidential scholar at American University, noted to The Daily Beast, the GOP already sees Trump as a Christ-like figure. And they could organize the convention with him being absent as a martyr, Edelson said. But there are very real implications for a presidential candidate being a convicted felon staring down travel restrictionsor even jail timeas he tries to take back the White House. The Daily Beast spoke to five presidential scholars whove been watching as Trump keeps batting away four criminal cases on his quest to return to the White House. Theyre all preparing for what they thought unthinkable: the Republican Party nominating a convicted felon, perhaps even in absentia. Not that either of those possibilities would affect his nomination anyway, a thought that Bowdoin College government professor Andrew Rudalevige said strikes me as imminently depressing. If he didnt attend, what youd see is some kind of video appearance testifying to his martyrdom, Rudalevige said. Given the reaction of the GOP base to his indictments, which has been largely to embrace his victimhood, I dont know that would make a difference. According to half a dozen defense lawyers and former prosecutors who spoke to The Daily Beast, the typical wait between the end of a New York trial and a sentencing hearing is anywhere from two to six weeks. For example, the Trump Organization was convicted of tax fraud on Dec. 6, 2022, and sentenced to pay the maximum allowable $1.6 million fine just 38 days later on Jan. 13, 2023notably before the very same judge overseeing this case. Trump Gets Hit With Sweeping Gag Order in Hush Money Trial That timing means Trumps fate will be decided just before, or even at the very moment when Republicans officially nominate their candidate for president in 2024. If hes forced to miss it, hed break the 92-year tradition of having a leading candidate attend their partys convention to officially accept the nominationone that got started in 1932 with Franklin Delano Roosevelts decision to show up at the Democratic convention in Chicago. Its not necessarily baked into the American tradition that candidates have to attend the convention. Plus, the convention is vastly less important since reforms of 1968, which diminished the role of party organization compared to voters. Theyre just pageants now, said Allan Lichtman, a history professor at American University. But Barbara A. Perry, who teaches about the American presidency at the University of Virginia, is bracing for a new low in the countrys history. They would just use it as a rallying cry. Instead of lock her up, they'd probably shout, Dont lock him up and talk about the deep state, Democrats, and Crooked Joe Biden, she said. A grand jury of New Yorkers indicted Trump last year on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Those are first-degree felonies that carry with them the threat of a four-year prison sentence, according to Tess Cohen, a former Manhattan prosecutor. And when the crime is severe enoughlike engaging in a cover-up with national implicationsa judge could stack them to have the sentence run even longer. But thats not likely. In practice, I cant imagine the judge imposing a consecutive sentence and would think the judge would not go higher than the 1.33 to 4 [years], which would itself be unusual for a first-time conviction, she said. For a non-violent case with no prior convictions at all, incarceration is fairly rare. Faking documents is what New York law considers a Class E felony, whats generally regarded as the least serious crime. The state court system indicates the longest possible prison sentence would run four years, though local defense lawyers tend to agree that first-time offenders hit with a non-violent version of this felony tier tend to get as much as a year behind bars to as little as four-year probation or even a conditional discharge. For its part, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office has spent months emphasizing the seriousness of this crime and pointed to its routine enforcement of the law, countering Trumps whining about allegedly being singled out. In court papers this past December, assistant district attorney Christopher Conroy estimated that the DAs office has been filing new cases with these same charges under Penal Law 175.10 at an average rate of just under once a week for the last decade. Trump outside a Manhattan courtroom at the end of a hearing on March 25, 2024. Justin Lane/AFP via Getty He pointed to the way the DAs office cracked down in 2019 on Bank Austria and forced it to pay a $862 million fine for trying to hide the way it dodged Iranian sanctions. There was also the case in which the DAs office extracted a guilty plea and $2.24 billion in 2015 from the French bank BNP Paribas for processing forbidden transactions to Cuba and elsewhere. The office worked on both those cases with the Department of Justice. Prosecutors in the past have also targeted several individuals and hit them with state charges for trying to cover up federal crimesone point of contention in this case, with Trumps defense lawyers questioning the DAs ability to build a state-level case when the underlying crime at issue would pertain to federal election law. When The Daily Beast reached the office on Monday, a spokeswoman reiterated that its prosecutors have charged dozens of people and companies with more than 500 counts of first-degree falsification of business records since DA Alvin Bragg Jr. took office in January 2021. A point that might temper the accountability-seeking publics expectations of this case is that the vast majority appear to end with fines, not prison time. And like most criminal cases, they tend to get resolved through guilty pleas, not trials. That reality is reflected in a 2023 analysis conducted by three writers at the New York University legal forum Just Security. One of those researchers was Norm Eisen, an attorney who previously helped build the case for Trumps first impeachment and has closely monitored this caseparticularly since the work he did for the House of Representatives involved investigating the Stormy Daniels cover up. However, Eisen told The Daily Beast that the facts in Trumps case stand out because of the severity of the underlying crimelying to the entire nation. Trump at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on March 25, 2024. Justin Lane/Pool/AFP via Getty Its a point the former ambassador has made over and over again: that this case has been improperly cast as a hush money case when its really an election interference trial of the highest magnitude. Those who are saying confidently these cases are typically misdemeanors and dont lead to prison are just wrong, Eisen said. The judge overseeing the case indicates he understands full well what the real case is about. On Monday, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan referred to the case as arising from allegations that [Trump] attempted to conceal an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election. The fact that any eventual sentence is entirely up to the judge makes it all the worse for Trump, given that Merchan was only forced to write that gag order to stop Trump from publicly threatening and intimidating the judges own daughter. He definitely faces a significant risk of incarceration, Eisen asserted, noting his own familiarity with the evidence, which includes checks signed by Trump himself that form the paper trail that leads from him straight to the middleman he used to arrange the secret deal, Michael Cohen. Manhattan prosecutors will have to prove to a jury that Trump faked Trump Organization business records to recast Cohens reimbursement as legal fees, all with the intention to hide what he was really doing: silencing a woman from going public about their one-night stand in 2006. But if they manage to do that and decide to convict him, Eisen said, the judge will be free to bring down the hammer with immense force. Judge Rips Into Trump Lawyers, Sets Hush Money Trial for April The evidence is powerful that Trump is responsible for all of the falsification. That presents a very unflattering picture on sentencing, and so hes at substantial risk of being sentenced to jail time, Eisen said. However, prosecutors wont actually have to prove that Trump committed the underlying election crime, as confusing as that sounds. The DAs office didnt technically charge him with that, in part because that would be a federal matter. In this case, the cover-up isnt worse than the crime; it is the crime. This kind of case construction has worked before. In 2016, a Rochester jury acquitted Jason D. Holley of insurance fraudbut still managed to all agree that hed engaged in a cover-up, convicting him of falsifying business documents. New York Supreme Court Justice J. Scott Odorisi sentenced him to three years probation, and a panel of five state judges held it up on appeal. They reasoned that the not guilty verdict on fraud did not necessarily negate an essential element of the paper crime. In other words, the jury could still nail him on the cover-up if it concluded the man had intended to commit or conceal another crime, even if he was not convicted of the other crime. While the timing of that potential sentencing will once again knock him off the campaign trail and maybe even force him to skip out on the Republican convention in Milwaukee, what it isnt likely to do is actually send him behind bars before Election Day. Eisen, two former prosecutors, and every political scientist interviewed for this story all expect that Trump will immediately appeal the convictionand unlike the average criminal defendant who has to show up to prison, he would likely be able to ride this out, as a free man, while the case makes its way past New Yorks First Judicial Department, its top-end and confusingly named Court of Appeals, then straight to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump, like his former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is doing right now, might be able to delay any actual punishmenteven if its something as trivial as probationfor years while his lawyers pound away on appeals. That raises the specter of having Trump in the White House, leading the entire U.S. government with a vague threat of one-to-four years in prison somewhere at the tail-end of his presidencyif, as some professors noted, he ever intends to give it up. Edelson, the presidential scholar, said Trumps lack of good character flies in the face of everything the countrys founders envisioned would make a worthy executive-in-chief. Whether hes sentenced or convicted or even in prison, hes allowed to keep running. What happens if he wins? No one knows, Edelson said. Its a crazy situation to be in. In any functioning democracy, he wouldn't be running. He wouldnt have been if the Senate had convicted him. They could have just disqualified him from running. Its just absurd. 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. Six months into Israels war with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhayu looks increasingly like a man with nowhere else to turn. Hes boxed in at the Knesset (Israels parliament), where thousands of protestors have spent the last four days camped out in tents and calling for his resignation, and derided by the families of Israels remaining hostages held in Gaza who for the first time since the war began are openly blaming Netanyahu for their loved-ones continued captivity. Hes boxed in in Gaza, where Netanyahu and his Hamas counterparts have been unable to succeed at any sort of cease-fire negotiations since the first pause in the fighting ended late last year. Boxed in along Israels northern borders with Lebanon and Syria after a series of increasingly brazen bombings including a deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus this week make an expansion of the warn look inevitable. And boxed in by Israels powerful Ultra-Orthodox community, who as of this week must now serve in the army after more than seven decades of religious exemptions, threatening Haredi support for Netayahus every-precarious Knesset coalition. Yet no matter how quickly the walls close around him at home, Netanyahus has never been more boxed than he is right now by his faltering relationship with the United States and President Joe Biden. Never natural partners, the Biden-Netanyahu marriage has always been one of convenience. But while an all-out divorce remains unlikely, the bombing of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy on Monday suggests the president is increasingly amenable to some sort of formalised diplomatic separation. As The Wall Street Journal declared in a mid-March headline, the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu is in a serious crisis. And while many hold out hope that a Donald Trump re-election will repair the relationship between America and Israel, the Republican front-runners murky Israel messaging could see him being far less sympathetic to Jerusalem during a second term than he was during his first. Although Israel has issued a formal apology for the WCK tragedy, it clearly wasnt enough for Biden, who described himself as outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of the workers. Displaying uncharacteristically tough language, the president went on to describe the drone attack as not a stand-alone incident, but rather part of a conflict [that] has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed. Biden, too, has never been more boxed in by the war in Gaza which began with the President warmly embracing Netanyahu during a visit to Israel just days after the Hamas attack and has steadily deteriorated since then. While few could have envisioned the scale of Hamas murderous ambitions, even fewer conceived of just how damaging Israels defense operation would become to Bidens re-election campaign. With his roguish tone and recalcitrant rhetoric, Netanyahu finds himself increasingly isolated on the international stage just as Trump muscles in with competing calls for both a cease-fire and Israels right to defend itself. In a typically chaotic late March interview, Trump said Israel had made a very big mistake by invading Gaza, going as far as to suggest that Netanyahus aggressive battle tactics were responsible for the ongoing surge in global anti-Semitism. Trump has echoed his Republican base along with pro-Israel Dems like Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman with his approval of the war, noting that he would have responded very much the same to the Hamas attack as Israels south. But, never one for consistency, he has also inveighed upon Israel to finish up your war. Missing from Trumps missives is anything specific about Hamas, and zero mention of Israeli hostages: a notable contrast from his Republican allies. Trumps making a messy situation even messier sowing confusion and refusing to commit as he keeps his options plentiful for his possible return to Washington next year. This leaves Netanyahu trapped between a chiding Biden and uncertain Trump as the majority of his citizens seek new leadership amid unprecedented calls from senior US officials for new elections and the Prime Minister to go. As Israel slogs through its longest war in history, the nation is being torn apart from within. Boxed in with fewer options than ever, Biden and Netanyahu are now turning on each other, and everyone is losing Biden, Netanyahu, Gazas beleaguered population and Israels imperiled hostages. Everyone, that is, except for Donald Trump. 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. Donald Trump has invented a new criminological category he describes as Migrant Crime, and in Michigan on Tuesday, he seized on the horrible murder of a young woman, allegedly by an undocumented immigrant, to underscore the point. Some news accounts covered this by quoting GOP strategists, with one enthusing that this will win over security moms, as if Trump is engaging in something like a conventional campaign strategy here. But Trumps ugly demagogic rants in Michigan, and others like it, deserve to be treated as a national scandal. The cherry-picking of isolated terrible crimes to smear migrants as a class is not something we would tolerate if it were directed toward other groups. Never mind what Trump is attempting to do politically. His deranged, malicious, hateful public conduct should be seen as the real story here. It should be covered that way. Trumps appearance in Michigan has been overshadowed by the news that Trump may have lied about relatives of the victim, 25-year-old Ruby Garcia. At his event, Trump claimed he had spoken to some of her family, but her sister flatly denied he or his campaign had contacted them, and blasted Trump for singling out crimes committed by illegal immigrants. That did shape some of the coverage. But it should not require a brave public intervention from a young woman enduring a horrific tragedy to prod the media into registering the appalling way Trump is twisting this murder and other similar crimes to viciously smear undocumented immigrants across the board. During his rants in Michigan, Trump also discussed the killing of another woman in Georgia by an illegal alien animal. He mocked Democrats for describing undocumented immigrants as human, declaring, Theyre not human, theyre animals, while keeping what they means vague. Trump insisted other countries are sending prisoners, murders, drug dealers, mental patients, and terrorists to our country, claimed migrants have wrecked our country, and blamed it all on Bidens border bloodbath. Its pure degeneracy to use Ruby Garcias killing this way. Heres what we know: Brandon Ortiz-Vite, a 25-year-old Mexican citizen, was charged with the murder. He and Garcia may have been romantically involved, though the sister says it didnt get that far. Ortiz-Vite originally qualified for legal protections for people brought here illegally as children. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, that status expired in May 2019, and after getting arrested on local charges, he was deported to Mexico in September 2020. He reentered the country on an unknown date. Its simply absurd to pin this on Bidens immigration policies. Trump and the right criticize Biden for things like letting in migrants on parole who apply for entry from abroad, and for releasing migrants awaiting asylum hearings into the interior of the country. But none of that applies to Ortiz-Vite. He is not here on Bidens parole programs. And he doesnt appear to have applied for asylum. According to an ICE official, his deportation in 2020 was the last known immigration action taken toward him by the federal government prior to his current arrest. He wasnt here due to any policy put in place by this administration, David Bier, associate director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, told me. In short, Ortiz-Vite is what is known in government-speak as a gotawaythat is, someone who crosses the border illegally and eludes capture. Based on what we know, at no point did he interact with our immigration machinery or law enforcement before the alleged murder, so Bidens policies couldnt have applied to him one way or the other, Bier notes. If Border Patrol had caught him, they would have deported him immediately, Bier said. Thats what happens to single Mexican adults, including under Biden. If the argument is supposed to be that fewer migrants with criminal intent would dare enter the country due to Trumps alleged toughness, well, efforts to cross the border illegally by convicted criminals reached record numbers under Trumps presidency, Bier has shown. Trumps policies wouldnt have deterred this guy for a second, he said. It is true that with any large group of peopleundocumented migrants includedone risks seeing a small percentage of them turn to violent crime. But thats not an argument against Bidens immigration policies. As has been demonstrated again and again, there is no evidence that migrants are driving any kind of crime wave in the United States. In covering Trumps Michigan event, some news accounts dutifully noted that fact. But they tended to treat this as a conventional fact-check of typical political rhetoric, rather than treating his heinous smearing of a large class of people as itself being the story. Trumps constant use of the deranged migrant crime trope provides the hook for doing just that. The Republican National Committee now has an official website devoted to chronicling migrant crime and illegal alien crime, listed out by state (in some states no illegal alien crimes have yet been documented). The casual use of such terms to smear large classes of immigrants is the official party position. All this is straight from the authoritarian playbook. As The Atlantics Anne Applebaum has noted: The repetition of the phrase migrant crime is a tactic stolen from Victor Orban, who used to use Gypsy crime in the same way. How about some stand-alone news analysis pieces devoted to that sort of malign confluence of tactics? Why not cover this hateful, dangerous rhetoric as a sign of Trumps seething contempt for even the most minimal standards of conduct in public service and public life? Democrats could consider fighting back too. What about holding events with, say, the families of the immigrant pothole-repairing workers killed in the Baltimore bridge collapse, or with immigrant essential workers who got our society through the pandemic? Democrats could say: This is what immigrants are really doing for our country. They could call on Trump: Stop the hate. If the press wont tell the story this way, then Democrats should do so themselves, and prod the media to pick up on it, just as both parties constantly push the media to adopt other chosen narratives. The Trump-GOP smearing of immigrants is an absolute scandal. And it should be treated as exactly that. Wu Lingyun (L) interacts with the audience during a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 2, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun reads a book at the Jin Opera art research institute in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 6, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun prepares for a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 2, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun studies a play at the Jin Opera art research institute in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 6, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun prepares for performances at home in Xinghualing District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, March 26, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun stages a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 2, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun practises at home in Xinghualing District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, March 26, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) This file photo taken on Oct. 23, 2019 shows Wu Lingyun (4th L, back) and his troupe members posing for a photo with local actors during an international Guan Gong cultural festival in Malaysia. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua) This is an undated file photo of Wu Lingyun (1st R) and his wife Wang Chunmei (1st L), his mother Yan Huizhen (2nd L), and his father Wu Zhong. All of them are China's national first-class actors. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua) Wu Lingyun (C, front) communicates with pupils at a primary school in Xinghualing District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, June 26, 2023. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua) Wu Lingyun (C) stages a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 2, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun practises at home in Xinghualing District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, March 26, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun practises acting moves of Jin Opera at the Temple of Guan Yu in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) Wu Lingyun arranges props at the Jin Opera art research institute in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 6, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun practises acting moves of Jin Opera at the Temple of Guan Yu in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) Wu Lingyun stages a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) Wu Lingyun (C) and his troupe members take part in an activity in Honglai Township of Nan'an City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 16, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua) Wu Lingyun checks the props ahead of a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 2, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Wu Lingyun stages a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) Wu Lingyun (C) stages a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) Wu Lingyun (R) prepares for a performance at the Temple of Guan Yu in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance. Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin. At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) During a speech at a Grand Rapids, Michigan, rally, former President Donald Trump made comments regarding the death of Ruby Garcia. In his remarks, Trump said he had spoken with Garcias family regarding local authorities, saying Brandon Ortiz-Vite, who entered the country illegally, was accused of the death of Garcia. However, Garcias sister said a conversation between her family and Trump did not happen. He did not speak with any of us, so it was kind of shocking seeing that he had said that he had spoke with us, Mavi Garcia, told Target 8. I kind of stopped watching it. Id only seen up to that, after I heard a couple of misinformations he said, I just stopped watching it, she added. In his speech on Tuesday, Trump spotlighted the recent death of Garcia to critique Bidens handling of immigration and the southern border. Trump blamed President Joe Biden for Garcias death, claiming that although the suspect was deported during his administration, he was subsequently allowed back into the country under Bidens leadership. However, according to ABC News, An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson said in a statement that the suspect actually re-entered the U.S. after deportation at an unknown date and location. She lit up that room, and Ive heard that from so many people, Trump said in his speech, per Axios. I spoke to some of her family. Garcia told Target 8 that she is frustrated with politicians and others for making her sisters death political. Its always been about illegal immigrants, Garcia said. Nobody really speaks about when Americans do heinous crimes, and its kind of shocking why he would just bring up illegals. What about Americans who do heinous crimes like that? She was a very happy person, a very generous person, she recounted of her sister. She was always so happy. Could light up a room. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his campaign will address the issue of abortion next week, just after a Florida court paved the way for a six-week ban on the procedure. At a campaign rally here, Trump addressed a question from NBC News: Do you support the six-week abortion ban the Florida Supreme Court just upheld? Amid boos from the crowd at the question, Trump, a Florida resident, responded as he shook hands with others on the stage, We will be making a statement next week on abortion. President Joe Biden and his campaign were quick with a dig at Trump. Image: FFormer President Donald Trump (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) "You already made your statement, Donald," Biden tweeted, attaching a past post by Trump with certain words circled in red: "I was able to kill Roe v. Wade." Biden campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement: Donald Trump said that women should be punished for having an abortion, is running on a national ban, and supports cruel state bans like Floridas. Trump is proud he overturned Roe v. Wade, and he is responsible for every extreme abortion ban, every attack on contraception, and every cruel, dangerous restriction placed on women because of it. Florida's Supreme Court allowed for the six-week ban, making it one of the most restrictive laws in the nation. Abortion is among the thorniest of issues for Trumps candidacy. While he is quick to remind conservatives that he appointed three Supreme Court justices who helped form the majority that overturned abortion protections in 2022, he has so far steered clear of saying what should come next. Some in his party are angling for a national abortion ban, and Trump himself has said he was mulling a national ban at 15 or 16 weeks. In an interview last month with Sid Rosenberg on WABC radio of New York, Trump floated 15 weeks. The number of weeks now, people are agreeing on 15, and Im thinking in terms of that, and itll come out to something thats very reasonable, he said. But people are really even hard-liners are agreeing seems to be 15 weeks, seems to be a number that people are agreeing at. The Trump campaign didnt clarify details about what, if anything, will be coming next week. During his presidency, Trump would often promise that he would be making big announcements in two weeks even though they often took much longer. Trump's comments in which he seems to back a standard for abortion restrictions appear to be at odds with a statement issued Tuesday by his campaign, in which senior adviser Brian Hughes said 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." Asked in March by NBC News whether there were plans to release a concrete proposal around supporting a federal abortion ban, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt was vague. As President Trump has repeatedly stated, he will sit down with both sides and negotiate a deal that everyone will be happy with," she said. "In his first term, President Trump appointed strong Constitutionalist federal judges and Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and sent the decision back to the states, which others have tried to do for over 50 years. Trump has openly opined about how politically fraught the abortion issue has been for his party, calling on other Republicans to learn how to talk about abortion. This issue cost us unnecessarily, but dearly, in the Midterms, he said in September on Truth Social. In an NBC News poll in January, 44% of registered voters said they thought Biden would handle abortion better than Trump, with 32% saying the reverse. Trump's backing of a federal abortion ban could be troubling for swing-state Republicans down ballot who have attempted to moderate their positions on an issue thats popular among the electorate. Its a potent issue that Democrats are seizing on in battleground states and nationally. Bidens campaign released an ad Tuesday noting Trumps past boasts of having a hand in overturning Roe v. Wade. Donald Trump doesnt trust women, Biden says in the ad. I do. Natasha Korecki reported from Chicago, and Gabe Gutierrez reported from Grand Rapids. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Former President Trump was projected to win Connecticuts Republican primary, according to Decision Desk HQ. The win could add as many as 28 delegates into Trumps camp, according to a tracker from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill though the former president has already hit the number he needs for the nomination. Ex-rival Nikki Haley, whose sole primary win was in nearby Vermont, also appeared alongside Trump on the GOP ballot, according to the CT Mirror. Shes drawn some votes in other states even after dropping out, raising questions about the Republican voters frustrated with Trump. Trump is set to go head-to-head against President Biden this fall in Connecticut, which has voted blue for the last three decades. Biden easily beat Trump in the state back in 2020. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Trump is projected to win the Republican presidential primary in Wisconsin, according to Decision Desk HQ. Trump was not expected to face any serious competition in the state, which has 41 delegates up for grabs on the GOP side. He was in the state earlier on Tuesday in his first visit of the year to the Badger State. In some states, however, Trump has still been fielding a protest vote in the form of GOP primary voters casting ballots for former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley who dropped out of the Republican primary last month. Though those ballots for Haley wont change the outcome that Trump is the GOP presidential nominee, they are signaling in states like Arizona that theres still a cohort of primary voters disinterested in backing the former president. Wisconsin is among a handful of key swing states that will determine the presidential election this fall. In addition to Trumps visit to Green Bay on Tuesday, President Biden traveled to Milwaukee last month and is expected head back to the state again next week, traveling to Madison. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Cue the X-Files music, grab your tin foil hat and start looking for black helicopters. The Brevard County Commission is planning a full review of their facilities policy after learning a conspiracy-minded, alt-right group renting space at the government center told the chair of the Brevard Democratic Party she was not welcome to attend an advertised event billed as a "We've been Asleep Far Too Long ...Call to Arms." Ultimately the scheduled March 30 monthly meeting of Truth Fest was canceled with hours to spare. Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey was the scheduled keynote speaker. The other two headliners were speaking on "The Final Takedown of America," warning of civil war and martial law brought on by "the left," and "Is The Solar Eclipse a Warning for America?" Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey addresses the crowd at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center in Merritt Island on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in this 2021 file photo. There were conflicting reports as to why the event was cancelled. According to Pamela Castellana, chair of Brevard's Democratic Party, Ivey's campaign manager told her the sheriff pulled out after being made aware of the group's messaging. Ivey did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile event organizers told ticket-holders that the demand for tickets was so high they decided to move the event to a date later this month at a site to be determined. The people behind something called Truth Fest wouldn't play fast and loose with it now, would they? The county regularly rents out meeting space per a policy, approved by the commission in 2019 and then reviewed in 2022. The policy states that basically any group can rent out space except for "groups that have unlawful, discriminatory membership requirements, or for-profit organizations." More importantly, the policy states: "Public access to meetings in these rooms may not be restricted." In this email, Truth Fest coordinator Joanne Young tells Brevard Democratic Chair Pamela Castellana that she was not welcome at an event held at the government center in Viera. But, it seems Joanne Young, coordinator for Truth Fest, did just that when she sent Castellana the following note after seeing what she called "unfavorable posts" on social media about the event. "Truth Fest is a private event we hold monthly. We have a contract with the Brevard Government Center to hold meetings there. I am formally letting you know you are not invited to our event. Do not come." County Commission Chair Jason Steele emphasized that public areas cannot be restricted. Other groups that routinely rent space at the government center include various homeowners associations, the Brevard Democrats, Social Security classes, teen courts and mock trials among others. Commissioner Jason Steele promised a full review after learning Truth Fest organizers informed Brevard Democratic Party chair Pamela Castellana she was not welcome at the group's scheduled March 30 event at the Government complex in Viera. (Credit: TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY) Steele also said that a "call to arms" could be seen as inciting a riot and wondered about the $10 suggested donation for tickets as other potential violations of the policy. If Truth Fest violated the policy, Steele said there may be penalties levied. "No one with the county is happy with this," Steele said. "If what was said (by Young) is true then I think it is a violation and we're going to do a complete review of the policy." He said it was a matter for the commission to take up as soon as possible. The "call to arms" along with anti-left rhetoric on promotional materials for Truth Fest, has some in Brevard's Democratic Party feeling a bit vulnerable. According to Merriam Webster, a "call to arms" is defined as a summons to engage in active hostilities. Pamela Castellana, Chair of the Brevard Democrats, at a campaign rally in 2022. (Credit: TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY) Castellana said she'd like to hear directly from Sheriff Ivey as to why he signed up to speak at this event. Ivey was supposed to speak about home defense and emergency readiness and "arming our communities in times of crisis," according to the event advertisement. "He needs to make a statement because he is hired or elected to make all of our county citizens feel safe and 114,000 (registered Democrats) of them don't," Castellana said. "I'm getting calls from people saying they do not feel safe in their community." Castellana and many on social media said they feel the sheriff was sending the wrong message by agreeing to speak at the event. It's about perception. Castellana sent Ivey an email inviting him to address Brevard Dems at their meeting on April 24 "to answer the concerns of the community" and to "calm the fears." Ivey did not respond to Castellana. She shouldn't feel bad, he didn't respond to me either. I also got the cold shoulder from the BCSO attorney Laura Moody, Ivey's campaign manager Lindsey Deaton and Truth Fest organizer Joanne Young. All I wanted from Young was what Truth Fest promises: "uncensored truth" and "hope for America." It was no surprise to see some of the partner agencies listed on the flyer included far-right groups like Moms for Liberty, Freedom Keepers and Citizens Defending Freedom among others. More from Torres: Tough to get your day in court when suing Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey Plus: With no public input, county makes municipalities pay for lifeguards Online advertisements for the event warn "false flags, civil war and martial law are the left's last resort." Materials also mentioned "illegals" and a speaker who was planning a talk examining whether the April 8 solar eclipse constitutes a warning for America. Huh? There was no reference to whether tin foil hats would be provided or if you had to supply your own. Cathi Chamberlain, who was the campaign manager for a Jan. 6 insurrectionist who ran for public office while in prison, was another scheduled speaker. She was quoted in the promotional materials saying: This is a moment of destiny. With the J6 prosecutorial template complete, the Lefts failure to stop Trump by trial, the expediting of illegal voters, and the Uni-Partys facilitation of the border invasion, chaos is coming." Brevard activist Amy Roub said she was relieved to see the event was cancelled. "It's certainly gross to see a government building used to dignify this dangerous rhetoric," Roub said. Paul Rosbury, the guy who wondered if the solar eclipse was some secret signal, posed several questions in the publicity materials. "Is God sending a message? If so, what is the message?" I'll bet at least part of any message will be not to hold a public event in a public government building and then ban segments of the public who refuse to drink the Kool-Aid. Contact Torres at jtorres@floridatoday.com. You can follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @johnalbertorres. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Truth Fest 'Call to Arms' event at Florida public facility sparks concern TUSCARAWAS COUNTY By Wednesday afternoon, the Tuscarawas Valley was saturated with the heavy rain that had fallen over the past 72 hours, leading to numerous road closings and at least two school cancellations. Claymont City Schools and Conotton Valley Union Local Schools were closed Wednesday due to flooding. Todd Fillman works to corral loose cattle on his farm along Fry's Valley Road, in Clay Township, Tuesday, April 2. Fry's Creek, which runs parallel to the farm, flooded after intense overnight rainstorms. Tornado sirens sounded in Tuscarawas County on Tuesday evening after a warning was posted for the southern part of the county, but there were no reports of damage, said Jennifer James, director of the Tuscarawas County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Instead, flooding is the main concern. According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, some places in the Tuscarawas Valley received between 3 and 4 inches of rain. More weather news: Friday snowstorm hits southern Tuscarawas County hard; up to 1 foot of snow in some areas Rainfall totals: 4 miles east of Deersville, Harrison County 4.68 inches. 2 miles northeast of Leesville, Carroll County 4.59 inches. Harry Clever Field, New Philadelphia 3.07 inches. Carrollton 2.76 inches. New Philadelphia 2.4 inches. Zoar 1.8 inches. The rain led to numerous roads being closed, including Ohio 800 south of Dennison, Ohio 258 north of West Chester and east of Newcomerstown, Ohio 800 in Freeport, Ohio 646 north of Tappan Lake in Harrison County, Ohio 151 east of Scio and west of Bowerston, Ohio 212 just south of Leesville and north of Sherrodsville. The Tuscora Park Pond in New Philadelphia is seen flooded after intense rain storms overnight, Tuesday, April 2. "In light of this, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) strongly urges drivers to exercise extreme caution ... and to check OHGO.com for the most up-to-date information regarding road conditions," said Lauren Borell, public information officer for ODOT District 11. Drivers should never travel through high water. Soggy forecast The weather service is calling for rain and snow showers through Friday. The Thursday forecast for New Philadelphia calls for snow showers before 11 a.m., then rain showers. Some thunder is possible. The high will be near 44. On Friday, snow showers are likely before 1 p.m., then rain showers are likely. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Drier conditions are expected Saturday and Sunday. Dennison Mayor Greg DiDonato said his village has seen high water at PHAC Park and Thornwood Park. At the PHAC, water got into the street department garage, forcing village employees to move equipment out of the building. At Thornwood Park, the shelter house had water in it and will have to be power washed before the first scheduled party there on May 4. A worker makes adjustments to a sign on Sattler Bottom Rd, Tuesday, April 2, just outside of Zoarville. South Sixth Street, leading to Deersville Avenue, is also under water, DiDonato said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that Big Stillwater Creek in Uhrichsville was at 14 feet, which is 4 feet above flood stage. Mayor Jim Zucal said there was limited flooding in the city, but nothing major. High water in Scio and Jewett In Harrison County, there was high water in Scio and Jewett, said Eric Wilson, director of the Harrison County Emergency Management Agency. But there were no reports of damage from the storm Tuesday evening. He noted that Harrison County had more damage from a storm Monday night, which brought down trees and power lines in the Cadiz and New Athens areas. Flooding also posed a problem Tuscarawas County for residents on Tuesday. Along Fry's Valley Road in Clay Township, Todd and Wendy Fillman worked to corral livestock after debris flowing from the flooding of Fry's Creek knocked over several pasture fence posts. In New Philadelphia, the Tuscora Park Pond overflowed into the parking lot. 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: After Tuesday storm, high water remains concern in Tuscarawas Valley Oklahomas Supreme Court has heard oral arguments from survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Race Massacre as they push for reparations in a last-ditch legal effort. The last surviving victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921who are well over 100 years oldhave fought hard to have their say in court, demanding reparations after Black residents claim the city subjected them to a brutal racial attack and decades of neglect. Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher, both 109, appeared in the Oklahoma Supreme Court Tuesday in an attempt to appeal for reparations after enduring a violent carnage of Black residents in Greenwood, Oklahomaalso known as Black Wall Street. They were very focused, attorney Sara Solfanelli told The Daily Beast, referring to the survivors as Mothers Randall and Fletcher. They are fully with us. They knew exactly where they were, what was going on. They were excited to be there. They were paying attention and really know whats happening in a way that they feel very strongly about this case. We are grateful that our now-weary bodies have held on long enough to witness an America, and an Oklahoma, that provides Race Massacre survivors with the opportunity to access the legal system, Randle and Fletcher said previously in a joint statement. Many have come before us who have knocked and banged on the courthouse doors only to be turned around or never let through the door. Now, our pursuit of justice rests in the hands of our Oklahoma Supreme Court. They have the power to open the doors of justice and give us the opportunity to prove our case. The legal team for Randle and Fletcher want the Oklahoma Supreme Court to take the case to trial so that the survivors can tell the true story of Greenwood and how it has affected generations following the attack. We will show you how the current state of events of Greenwood trace back to the massacre, attorney Randall Adams told The Daily Beast. Without a trial the sheriff's department can get up and assert, Heres the truth. Dont even let them have a trial. Its so offensive in that aspect. During Tuesdays hearing, lead attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons really drove home to the court why the case was not specific to 1921 and how the attack had lasting effects for over a century. It does not matter that the massacre happened in 1921. What matters is that the property is still blighted. Theres still vacant properties. The public nuisance is ongoing, causing the Greenwood neighborhood to suffer its health, safety, comfort, and repose or feel less secure, he said. You have defendants who have never ever been held legally responsible for the massacre. And to this very day, these defendants denied that they perpetrated the massacre. They deny that they created a public nuisance. They deny that they have any legal responsibility to clean up the public nuisance, the blighted neighborhood of Greenwood that they created. But also, Solomon-Simmons made sure to highlight how important it was that survivors from the original attack were still around to share their experiences. These two plaintiffs are the only two living survivors of the massacre. No one else in the world has the injuries they have, he said. We want these two survivors to see justice in their lifetime. Randle and Fletcher, along with survivor Hughes Van Ellis Sr. who passed away in Oct. 2023, initially filed a lawsuit against the City of Tulsa, the Tulsa Regional Chamber, the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners, the sheriff of Tulsa, and the Oklahoma Military Department in 2020. However, Tulsa District Judge Caroline Wall dismissed the case with prejudice in July 2023. According to local outlet ABC 5 Oklahoma City, attorneys for Randle and Fletcher filed an appeal in August, and in February the Oklahoma Supreme Court decided to hear the case. It breaks my heart that even after suffering through a state-sponsored atrocity and its demoralizing aftermath, the last two Tulsa Race Massacre survivors are devoting the fleeting time they have left to a battle that the defendants hope will break their spirits, Solomon-Simmons said previously in a statement. But the City of Tulsas shameful plan will not work. Shattering the Hollywood Myths of the Tulsa Race Massacre Journalist Victor Luckerson who has looked deeply into the history and ramifications of the Tulsa massacre said that the case sets a precedent for similar stories involving systemic racism and their generational effects. When you look at it in a macro sense, Tulsa and Oklahoma as a state have been trying to deny their accountability for what happened in Greenwood for more than 100 years, Luckerson told The Daily Beast in an interview. The fact that these arguments can exist for that long kind of illustrates the fact that the city as an institution [had] never really taken full accountability for what happened in Greenwood. The Tulsa race massacre sparked in 1921 when a young Black shoeshiner was accused of assaulting a white teen girl while he was employed at a hotel. Though there was never any proof of the accusations, the young man was arrested and there were rumors that a white mob planned to snatch him from the local jail to lynch him. Black residents heard about the plan and tried to intervene, marching to the jail to protect the shoeshiner. But all hell broke loose after a gunshot was fired, and the entirety of the prosperous Black neighborhood of Greenwood was razed in flames. Businesses were demolished, homes were ransacked, and Black residents who were not killed were forced to live in a makeshift internment camp within the city and had to abide by a curfew and obtain passes to leave, like enslaved people on plantations. Insurance companies failed Black residents and business owners, and Greenwood was never fully rebuilt to its original magnitude. Instead, it was reconstructed in a series of shanties that the city eventually took over during an urban renewal scheme of the 1970s because the area was considered to be too blighted and an eyesore to the rest of Tulsa. According to the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, around 300 people may have died, 800 were injured, and mass graves continue to be discovered. The Brookings Institution reported that Greenwood, or Black Wall Street, experienced more than $27 million in damages in todays currency. I don't think [I] understood until I got on this case how powerful real generational trauma is and really how the massacre has absolutely affected who they are, how they were raised, Solfanelli explained. [Descendants] great-grandparents or their grandparents or parents who survived it were too scared to talk about it, but how it permeated their lives. The Race Massacre Trump Ignored Because America Tries to Hide Its Sins Luckerson, the author of Built From the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsas Greenwood District, Americas Black Wall Street (2023), said that during much of his research he discovered many of the original lawsuits filed by Black residents just after the massacre in 1922 and 1923 were similar to what the survivors and descendants want today. With this lawsuit in particular, I thought it was interesting that the lawsuit goes beyond the scope of the race massacres, Luckerson added. It talks about urban renewal. It talks about the history centers and museums and sort of monetizing the massacre and who gets to make money off of it. Luckerson made it an important note in Built From the Fire to not focus solely on the act of the massacre itself. Instead, he transcended the violence and how it carried on into the academic system in Tulsa and education of Black residents, the forever disappearance of a wealthy Black community and entrepreneurship, the harsh judicial system, gentrification and an attempted erasure of the historic neighborhood, and into how the area responds to current social and political issues like Black Lives Matter and presidential elections. I think it's important that people are sort of getting that full picture of the damages that have been done, Luckerson told The Daily Beast. Luckerson, whos from Montgomery, Alabama, claims that although Tulsa shares a dark, racist history like his hometown, Tulsas brutal past has not been processed, and the wounds of massacre descendants are still fresh because they have to live with the trauma everyday. [Montgomerys] history has been so widely analyzed that it kind of feels like American history, Luckerson said. The emotions are much more raw in Tulsa because of this lack of justice, lack of accountability, lack of acknowledgement. Despite the lengthy process the case has taken, Solfanelli and Adams said that it will still be a while before the supreme court decides whether or not to hold trial. Itll probably be a minute before theres a decision, Adams said. But this is such a moment: The survivors coming to the state capitol, sort of looking at the [Oklahoma] Supreme Court in the eye, the supreme court seeing them. This is also truly the last stance. So, if the supreme court dismisses [it], the case is completely over. We cannot appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court because it's state laws, not federal law. So, this is it. Another element that is important and very interesting is the way that [the] Greenwood community is just as engaged, Solfanelli said. All of the local Greenwood community and descendants have been a part of this from the beginning and have continued to be and just aren't going anywhere. 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. Supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) take part in a demonstration after the election authority refused to appoint Abdullah Zeydan, newly elected mayor from the DEM party. Murat Kocabas/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Turkey's election authority on Wednesday reversed a local body decision to block a newly elected pro-Kurdish party mayor from taking his post following a party appeal, the state news agency Anadolu reported. The decision followed demonstrations and arrests in several Turkish cities. Police used force to disperse protesters in certain places, according to local media, including the Cumhuriyet newspaper. The Supreme Election Council (YSK) in Ankara decided that Abdullah Zeydan, from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), get his mandate as mayor of south-eastern Van province, Anadolu reported. DEM welcomed the decision. The move comes "thanks to the resistance of the Kurdish people, our comrades, friends, and the democratic public," the party posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. DEM's Zeydan was initially denied his mayoral mandate even though he was elected mayor in Sunday's local elections with around 55% of the vote, his party said. The mayoral post instead was to be given to a candidate from Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), who came in second at around 27%. The local electoral authority contended that Zeydan has a criminal record and should not have stood for election, according to Anadolu. Zeydan's party says he was informed about the decision only after the vote on Sunday. Observers feared the incident could trigger a new wave of mass dismissals of pro-Kurdish local politicians, reminiscent of 2019. The pro-Kurdish party, then under the name HDP, had won 65 mayoral positions in the 2019 local vote, however the government removed a majority of them from office due to alleged terrorism ties. Supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) take part in a demonstration after the election authority refused to appoint Abdullah Zeydan, newly elected mayor from the DEM party. Murat Kocabas/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa A turning tide on RI gun offenses? Neronha still sees serious problems. Attorney General Peter F. Neronha described Rhode Island as "inundated with guns" last spring when he briefed state lawmakers on Rhode Island's efforts to enforce gun laws in 2022. A year later, Neronha's annual briefing on gun crimes in 2023 is an argument that the streets remain flooded. The number of new cases declined from 547 cases in 2022 to 444 in 2023. And to some observers, that might indicate a shifting of the tide. "I'm not ready to say that because of some of the other concerning data," Neronha said Tuesday afternoon. In comparing annual gun-crime statistics, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha focused on the number of cases involving illegal firearms magazines of the highest capacity those that can carry 30 or more rounds. Ghost guns remain a concern for Rhode Island's attorney general The figures that concern Neronha include the increased number of people charged with illegally carrying ghost guns and outlawed magazines. Neronha has focused on the number of cases involving illegal magazines of the highest capacity those that can carry 30 or more rounds. The caseload rose from 30 to 55 last year, Neronha said. "That just means there's more bullets in the air," he said. Generally, he said, too many people are firing guns too often. And police officers must carry high-powered rifles due to the threat of assault rifles, he said. "I don't think we are in a better place when police officers are outgunned," Neronha said. Neronha's office delivered the report to the legislature on Monday. The report's cover letter, to House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, says that "gun violence continues to threaten our communities." The state dealt with 833 gun cases last year, disposing of 513 cases through trial, plea or dismissal and charging another 320 cases that were still pending at the year end, according to the report. In 2022, the state had dealt with 799 gun cases. More stats from the report: Going into 2023, a new Rhode Island law had reduced the maximum number of bullets allowed in a magazine from 16 rounds to 11 rounds. The state saw 293 violations of the limit, which was up from 231 violations in 2022. Fifty-five of those violations involved magazines capable of carrying more than 30 rounds. The state dealt with 99 cases involving ghost guns in 2023 up from 66 in 2022. Cautiously looking forward to next year Neronha said the reduction in total cases last year "probably means" that law enforcement is having a "positive effect" on curbing gun offenses. "I want to see another year's worth of data," he said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI attorney general: State still flooded with illegal guns Voters cast ballots in the gymnasium at Francis School in East Providence on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) Quality Journalism for Critical Times Rhode Islands lackluster presidential contest fizzled to a close Tuesday, with President Joe Biden and Donald Trump declared winners by the Associated Press 10 minutes after polls closed. Both Biden and Trump have already clinched their party nominations unofficially based on delegate counts from prior states primaries and conventions. The nominations will be made official at national party conventions this summer. Results published by the Rhode Island Board of Elections remain preliminary and unofficial, with mail ballots still being counted Tuesday night. As of 9:30 p.m. with 98% of precincts reporting, the 38,000 votes cast represented just over 5% of the states registered voters. That is less than one-third of the turnout that characterized the 2020 presidential primary, and one-fifth the participation in the 2016 primary race. Biden drew support from more than 80% of voters, while just shy of 15% voted uncommitted on the Democratic ballot, according to preliminary unofficial results. The symbolic protest vote gained traction in states nationwide as a means of protesting Biden, including among pro-Palestine supporters who have criticized Bidens decision to send aid to Israel in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In Rhode Island, Aaron Regunburg, who competed in the 2023 Democratic special primary for the 1st Congressional District, along with Sen. Sam Bell and Providence City Councilman Miguel Sanchez also said they voted uncommitted, according to social media posts. Other high-ranking state and federal officials, including U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and General Treasurer James Diossa shared public support for Biden on X. Meanwhile, Trump led with 84% of the vote as of 9:30 p.m. followed by Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race after ballots were finalized. Haley hovered just above 10% support among those who voted on the states Republican ballot, a critical threshold because under state party rules, any candidate who wins at least 10% of votes will be awarded delegates. Editor-in-chief Janine L. Weisman contributed to this story. Updated to include results as of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. This story was published earlier by the Rhode Island Current, an affiliate of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, which includes the Florida Phoenix. The post Turnout cracks 5% as Rhode Island primary voters back Biden and Trump appeared first on Florida Phoenix. TEGUCIGALPA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina praised the establishment of diplomatic relations between Honduras and China in 2023 and the subsequent deepening of ties. In an interview with Xinhua marking the anniversary of establishing bilateral diplomatic relations on March 26 last year, Reina said that by recognizing the one-China principle, Honduras undertook an act of "historical justice." Noting that Honduras has held the presidency pro tempore of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) since March and the year 2024 also marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC Forum, Reina said this year provides a great opportunity "that could favor the strengthening of the forum and the emergence of beneficial initiatives and results for China, Honduras and other CELAC members." "Seeing the possibility that the leaders of Latin America and the Caribbean at the highest level, together with the leaders of China, can meet again, meet and find these ties of cooperation, is one of the priorities that Honduras has as part of its pro tempore presidency" of CELAC, said Reina. The China-Honduras ties have made "positive advances" in many areas, considering the relationship is "barely" a year old, he said. In Reina's opinion, a high point in the development of China-Honduras ties was Honduran President Xiomara Castro's visit to China in June 2023. During her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two countries signed 17 bilateral cooperation and exchange agreements. Another notable chapter in this first year of diplomatic relations was Honduras's participation as the Guest Country of Honor at the sixth China International Import Expo. More than 40 Honduran businesses in different sectors participated in the expo, which "was a great opportunity for these companies to begin contacting Chinese companies and start this commercial relationship," said Reina. He believes that China and Honduras can cooperate in various fields. Reina expressed Honduras's willingness to participate in and support Chinese initiatives to bolster global cooperation, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. "These are initiatives that come together in the spirit of democratizing the international system," he said. Twins learn doctor is their dad and he secretly inseminated mom in 1984, suit says After taking DNA tests, twin siblings discovered they had half-siblings with the same last name as the doctor their mother saw for fertility services four decades ago, according to a new lawsuit. Dr. Joseph Plautz, a Nevada OB-GYN, is accused of using his semen to inseminate Gayle Fedele without her knowing on June 17, 1984, leading to the birth of her twins, a lawsuit filed against his estate says. McClatchy News was unable to contact the administrator of his estate on April 3. Plautz, who died in 2015, performed the artificial insemination procedure at his medical practice, Deseret Womens Health Care, at St. Rose de Lima Hospital in Henderson, Nevada, according to an amended complaint filed April 2. Fedele thought the sperm he used came from a Wyoming sperm bank, and the donor was likely a medical student because thats what Plautz told her at the time, the complaint says. Plautz also joked the donor could be a ski bum from Wyoming, according to the complaint. Plautz repeated this joke to Fedeles daughter, Allison Vece, years later when Vece became his patient and asked about her mothers sperm donor, the complaint says. She was around 17-years-old when she had her first gynecological exam with Plautz, who also continued to see her mother as a patient, according to the filing, which says Vece was unaware he was her biological father. Since Vece had severe migraines and a variety of other health issues, Fedele wanted to learn more about her sperm donor, the complaint says. Plautz told Fedele that the donors medical records were destroyed in a fire at the Wyoming sperm bank, the Rocky Mountain Cryobank in Jackson Hole, according to the complaint. She trusted Plautz, but never found any record or evidence of a fire when she did some digging in 2022 and learned the sperm bank closed in 2009, the filing says. A few years after Plautz died at his home in Henderson on Aug. 22, 2015, Fedeles son took a DNA test in March 2021, according to the complaint. Kevin Phelps, who is Veces twin, didnt know Plautz performed his mothers artificial insemination and found several half-siblings following the DNA test, the complaint says. He assumed they were related to the random sperm donor and didnt share the results, the complaint states. Devastated and outraged In May 2022, Vece became curious about the test results after watching the Netflix documentary Our Father about a doctor accused of fertility fraud and using his sperm to impregnate unknowing patients, according to the filing. When Phelps shared the results with Vece, she immediately recognized that relatives with the last name Plautz were likely related to Dr. Plautz and that they looked like her and her brother, the complaint says. Vece called her mother crying and shared her suspicion that Plautz was likely her biological father, according to the complaint, which says Fedele was devastated and outraged. Plautzs obituary lists 13 of his children: 10 who survived him and three children, two daughters and one son, who died before him. Between June 2022 and July 2022, Vece took two different DNA tests, one from 23&Me and Ancestry DNA, the complaint says. The tests confirmed that Ms. Vece had numerous half-siblings who are Dr. Plautzs biological children, according to the complaint. Fedele, Vece and Phelps, who now live in Connecticut, are suing Plautzs estate, Deseret Womens Health Care and Dignity Health, formerly known as St. Rose de Lima Hospital for more than $60,000 in damages. Dignity Health is a part of CommonSpirit, a nonprofit health care system. Dignity Health spokesman Gordon M. Absher told McClatchy News in a statement on April 3 that CommonSpirit Health doesnt comment on pending litigation. We are, however, concerned by the media reports on this situation and our thoughts are with these families as they seek clarity, Absher said. The lawsuit, which also lists unidentified medical facilities, corporations and companies as defendants, accuses the defendants of negligence, fertility fraud and more. McClatchy News attempted to contact Plautzs wife, the former administrator of his estate, for comment on April 3. A phone number listed for Deseret Womens Health Care appears to be no longer in service. What happened to Fedele during her artificial insemination procedure was despicable and disgusting, the complaint says. Plautz secretly used his sperm without any screening or actions to ensure that there was no risk of genetic risk of conditions or illnesses that risk the health and safety of Ms. Fedeles children, the complaint also states. Plautz delivered thousands of babies during his career while seeing patients from Henderson, Boulder City and Las Vegas, his obituary says. He also delivered Fedeles children, according to the complaint. Fedele, Vece and Phelps declined to comment on the lawsuit, their attorney Christian Morris told McClatchy News. Theyre trying to re-open Plautzs estate to identify an administrator until one can be appointed, the lawsuit shows. Christen Whitney, the attorney who represented Plautzs wife in 2016 in connection with his estate, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal he didnt know about the lawsuit. He said the accusations against Plautz were hard to believe, according to the newspaper. Patient didnt know her doctor used his sperm to impregnate her in 1980, lawsuit says Doctor used his sperm to secretly inseminate woman 34 years ago, Washington lawsuit says Doctor used his sperm to secretly inseminate woman in 1986, she says. Now shes suing Two hospitalized after large tree falls on vehicle in Lancaster County LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Two people were hospitalized in Lancaster County after Troopers say a tree fell on a vehicle. During heavy rain on Wednesday afternoon, a large tree fell on the front top windshield of a Toyota Highlander with two people inside it, State Police in Lancaster said in a news release. Central Pennsylvania roads closed due to flooding State Police say the accident happened in the area of Kirkwood Pike (SR472), just south of Black Rock Road, in Colerain Township. The occupants were rushed to Lancaster General Hospital for treatment of their serious injuries. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Local fire and EMS assisted the State Police at the scene. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Two taken to the hospital after SUV slams into Campbell County townhome CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Two people were taken to the hospital with injuries after an SUV crashed into a townhome in Campbell County on Tuesday afternoon. Just before 5:30 p.m. on April 2, firefighters were called to a complex on Duiguid Drive after a vehicle crashed into a townhome. SUV crashes into a townhome on Duiguid Drive in Campbell County on April 2. (Photo Courtesy: Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department) Damaged Waffle House shuts down after car crash in Wytheville Firefighters said when they arrived, all occupants were out of the home, but the structure support was compromised. Several first responders across the county including the Bedford County Special Operations Command were called to help shore up the structure with mechanical struts. Crews were able to remove the SUV from the house and clean up debris. The building inspector was called to the scene. Sheathing was utilized to keep the inside dry and secured until construction crews are able to make a permanent repair, posted the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company in a Facebook post. Firefighters said two people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. At this time, it is unknown how much the damage to the home will cost. Two taken to the hospital after SUV slams into Campbell County townhome For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Footage of the toddler having a vape was posted on social media Two women have been charged after videos of a toddler vaping were posted on social media. The Daily Record reported that the footage, filmed in Ayrshire, showed a child, thought to be aged between one and two, inhaling from a pink vape as adults watched. Another video showed the youngster coughing after using the vape. Police Scotland said the women were charged on Saturday. A spokesman said: Two women, both aged 19 years, are the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal. The child is safe and well. Siobhian Brown, the Ayrshire MSP, who is also the Scottish community safety minister, told the newspaper: I was horrified to watch the footage of a toddler vaping on social media. Vapes are not harmless and contain nicotine and dangerous toxins that could damage young developing lungs. I would hope this is an isolated incident and most responsible parents would know the dangers involved. I have had concerns for several years with the increase of youth vaping, especially with the attractive different flavours and the accessibility of disposable vapes. The Scottish Government is bringing in welcome legislation to ban disposable vapes next year. Footage showed the toddler coughing afterwards Sheila Duffy, chief executive of charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland, said: Most e-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine as well as toxic chemicals that have not been safety-tested for inhalation. E-cigarettes present particular risks for children and all vaping products should be kept out of their reach. Nicotine is addictive and adversely affects brain development. It can lead to attention disorders and can harm mood and wellbeing. As childrens bodies are growing, damage done by these devices now increases the risk of serious longer-term health outcomes. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. U.S. officials on Tuesday scrambled to distance themselves from a series of Israeli military actions in Syria and Gaza that threaten to escalate hostilities in the region and further draw America into the conflict. Pentagon officials said that Israel did not notify them about its strike on an Iranian embassy building in Damascus, Syria, on Monday, which killed at least seven Iranian officials including three senior commanders. Tensions being high in the region, we wanted to make it very clear in private channels that the U.S. had no involvement in the strike in Damascus, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters. (The Israeli government itself has not publicly acknowledged the strike.) Monday's attack was a major escalation that "crossed a new line" in what has largely been a shadow war between the two foes, says Ali Vaez, director of the International Crisis Group's Iran Project. Striking an Iranian diplomatic facility was "almost like targeting Iran on its sovereign soil," he says. At the same time, U.S. officials on Tuesday sought to manage global anger and control the fallout from the Israeli Defense Forces' strike on a humanitarian convoy, which killed seven workers for the charity organization World Central Kitchen on April 1. The White House was "outraged" to learn that the strike had killed civilian humanitarian workers, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, calling it "emblematic of a larger problem." These are only the latest incidents that have forced U.S. officials to spend a significant amount of time answering for Israel's actions. The IDF's war against Hamas in Gaza, backed by U.S. military aid, has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians and left hundreds of thousands facing famine. Now, the strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy has led aid groups as well as the United Arab Emirates to pause their humanitarian assistance work at a critical moment. "The U.S. must answer" While it's still unclear what shape it will take, there is little doubt that Iran will follow through on its threat to retaliate against Israel for the attack on its embassy compound, officials and analysts said on Tuesday. Failing to do so would undermine Iran's military presence in the region, including in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. However, it has been clear that Iran does not want the conflict to escalate into a direct confrontation. Iranians believe that Israel is seeking to expand the war, which would help the Netanyahu government politically and potentially drag the U.S. into a confrontation with Iran, analysts say. "In the same way that we hold Iran accountable for actions of its proxies [for] providing arms and financial support to its allies in the region," says Vaez, "they hold the U.S. responsible for Israeli actions, because the U.S. arms and finances the Israeli military." This means that after a two-month pause in attacks from Iranian proxies, America's own troops in the region could once again be at the receiving end of Iran's retaliation. Iran summoned the Swiss ambassador for a midnight meeting on Tuesday, asking them to pass on a message to Washington that the "U.S. must answer" for Israel's actions, foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said in a post on X. (Since Washington and Tehran have no diplomatic relations, Switzerland serves as an intermediary). One of the military officials who is reportedly among the dead, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, would be the most senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officer to be killed since the 2020 U.S. assassination of Qassen Soleimani. "This happens in a war" Speaking at a press conference in Paris on Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said U.S. officials had spoken directly with the Israeli government and "urged a swift, a thorough and impartial investigation" into the strikes on the humanitarian convoy in Gaza. But unlike his counterpart Stephane Sejourne, who expressed France's "firm condemnation" of the Israeli military's actions while standing next to America's top diplomat, Blinken did not condemn the incident. "This happens in war," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Tuesday, calling the strikes a "tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip." World Central Kitchen says the group was traveling in three cars, two of which were clearly marked with the charity organization's logo. "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. "This is unforgivable." Asked if there was no red line the U.S. was willing to draw when it comes to continuing to provide military aid to Israel after the attack on aid workers, Kirby expressed exasperation. "Weve had this discussion quite a bit," he said. You want us to hang some sort of condition over their neck. And what Im telling you is that we continue to work with the Israelis to make sure that they are precise as they can be...That doesn't mean that it's a free pass." Write to Vera Bergengruen at vera.bergengruen@time.com. UAE and several charities pause Gaza relief until Israel can guarantee safety of aid workers The United Arab Emirates joined several aid organisations in pausing humanitarian relief work in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers delivering food to Palestinians. The UAE said it would suspend its work on sea-borne aid through a maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza until Israel guaranteed the safety of aid workers and investigated Mondays attack on the workers of World Central Kitchen (WCK), an unnamed UAE official told Reuters. The "hero" workers were returning from coordinating an aid shipment in central Gaza when they were struck by Israeli forces, the charity said. Their killing drew widespread condemnation, including by Israels allies. The UAE was financing, and WCK organising, seaborne aid shipments to Gaza after Israel last month eased a 17-year naval blockade of the Palestinian enclave to allow desperately needed humanitarian aid from Cyprus to reach starving Palestinians. The wreckage of one of the WCK vehicles struck by Israeli military (REUTERS) The Gulf nations Foreign Ministry condemned the killing of the aid workers and demanded an "urgent, independent and transparent investigation". It reportedly held Israel responsible for the attack, which took place in the sixth month of its war on Gaza. The charity's three vehicles had just offloaded 100 tonnes of food aid from a barge arriving from Cyprus when Israel attacked their convoy on Gazas coastal road in Deir al-Balah. WCK said the convoy was hit despite the charity coordinating its movements with the Israeli military and the fact that two of the targeted cars were clearly marked as aid vehicles. These are the heroes of WCK. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. - Erin Gore, CEO. Read more: https://t.co/4f38RQ1l4I pic.twitter.com/neAsSzKVP5 World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) April 2, 2024 The slain aid workers included British, Polish and Australian nationals, and a dual Canadian-American citizen. These countries have been key supporters of Israel's war on Gaza, which has killed over 32,900 Palestinians thus far. WCK said that it was pausing all work in the occupied Palestinian territory. Anera, a partner of WCK and Project HOPE, which provides humanitarian aid across the Middle East, also said on Tuesday that it would take the unprecedented step of pausing its work in Gaza. The group has provided an average of 150,000 meals daily in Gaza since the war began in October. The International Medical Corps, which runs a 140-bed field hospital in Rafah in southern Gaza, said it was rethinking our process, including plans to set up another field hospital in Deir al-Balah. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the countrys military had carried out the unintended strike ... on innocent people". He said officials were looking into the strike and would work to ensure it did not happen again. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant has reportedly launched an investigation and ordered for a joint situation room to enable coordination between the military and aid groups working in Gaza. The Israeli war on Gaza has killed more than 200 humanitarian aid workers, mostly Palestinians, according to an estimate by the UN, making this the deadliest ever crisis for humanitarian workers. UHP Trooper who fell from overpass in February comes home from hospital SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Odie Myer is home from the hospital after falling from an overpass on Feb. 13. He spent 45 days in the hospital, Utah Highway Patrol said, and expresses his gratitude for the support he has received. ORIGINAL STORY: UHP trooper falls from overpass trying to set up spike strip, suspect in custody We are excited to see him on the path to recovery and are thankful for his strength and dedication to his community, UHP said in a social media post. Myer was injured in February while assisting the Salt Lake City Police Department in stopping a suspect who fled a drug investigation. As he was deploying a spike strip to deflate the suspects tires, he reportedly fell from an overpass near 7200 West near I-80 onto a dirt road below. A DPS helicopter transferred Myer to a local hospital in serious condition. Over his career, Myer has worked a range of assignments including security detail for former Gov. Mike Leavitt, traffic planning for the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Emergency Vehicle Operations instructor. READ NEXT: Utah animal shelter in quarantine after deadly disease outbreak Myer had retired from the Utah Highway Patrol in 2006 but later returned in 2010. Since his return from retirement, Myer served as UHP motors coordinator helping to direct motors enforcement and activities around Utah. Trooper Myer is recognized throughout the state as a leading expert in motor officer training, high-profile escorts, and motorcycle enforcement operations, DPS said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. By Andrew MacAskill LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing growing political pressure to stop selling weapons to Israel after seven aid workers, including three British nationals, were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The three main British opposition parties and some lawmakers in the governing party on Wednesday said the British government should consider suspending arm sales. The Liberal Democrats called for arms exports to Israel to be suspended, while the Scottish National Party also backed that move and said parliament should be recalled from its Easter break to discuss the crisis. The main opposition Labour Party, who polls suggest will form the next government later this year, adopted a nuanced approach, saying the government should suspend arms sales if lawyers have found Israel had broken international law. "It's important now that, that advice is published so that we can all be clear that if there has been a breach in international humanitarian law -and I must say that I do have very serious concerns - that arm sales are suspended," said David Lammy, the Labour foreign policy chief, told reporters. The strike on the convoy of people working for aid group World Central Kitchen killed citizens of Australia, Britain and Poland as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the strike was tragic and unintended, and the Israeli military pledged an independent inquiry. WCK said its staff were travelling in two armoured cars emblazoned with the charity's logo and another vehicle, and had coordinated their movements with the Israeli military. ARMS SALES KEPT UNDER REVIEW Sunak on Wednesday resisted calls to immediately suspend weapons sales to Israel. He said that arms exports to the country are kept under review. "We've always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to," Sunak said in an interview with the Sun newspaper. "There are a set of rules, regulations and procedures that we'll always follow." A majority of people in Britain back a ban on weapon sales to Israel, according to a poll published in The Guardian. Fifty-six percent of people are in favour of a ban compared with 17% opposed, the poll found. The British government has sold weapons and military components worth more than 570 million pounds ($719 million) to Israel since 2008. Defence minister Grant Shapps told parliament in November that defence exports to Israel were "relatively small" at 42 million pounds in 2022, the last full-year data available. Military exports to Israel, which included components for explosive devices, assault rifles, and military aircraft, were about 0.4% of Britain's total global defence sales that year. During a previous conflict in Gaza in 2014, the British government said it would suspend some arms exports to Israel if hostilities continued. But ultimately, arm sales were not restricted during that conflict. ($1 = 0.7923 pounds) (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, Farouq Suleiman and William James; Editing by Sharon Singleton) VIENTIANE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Northern Laos' Bokeo province is hosting the Phakhuan Festival, a cultural festival to draw more tourists during Visit Laos Year 2024. The festival, taking place from Tuesday to Wednesday, features a street market, an exhibition of agricultural products, and displays of the special craftsmanship of local ethnic groups, reflecting their customs and traditional way of life. There will also be an almsgiving ceremony and other activities, Lao News Agency reported on Wednesday. Phakhuan is the decorative ceremonial centerpiece of a Baci blessing ceremony. Bokeo has 77 officially designated tourist sites, including 53 nature-based attractions, 14 cultural sites and 10 places of historical interest, enabling visitors to discover the real Laos and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. UK Foreign Secretary to call on NATO to jointly purchase missiles and shells for Ukraine UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron is planning to encourage Alliance members to spend more, produce more and deliver more in the defence sector due to the ongoing Russian aggression and growing threats to international stability. Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reported that Cameron plans to announce this at a meeting of the foreign ministers of NATO countries in Brussels Cameron will emphasise the need to continue supporting Ukraine, which, as he said, is closer to NATO today than ever before. Quote: "He [Cameron] will encourage NATO Allies to sign up to British-led initiatives to buy NATO standard missiles and munitions for the Ukrainian Armed Forces." As noted, all Alliance members agree that Ukraine will join NATO and the UK will continue to work to ensure that Ukraine takes significant steps toward membership in the Alliance. "We must sustain the critical support Ukraine needs to win the war. Allies need to step up and spend more on defence in the face of continued Russian aggression and a more dangerous world," Cameron stated. Background: The German, Polish and French foreign ministers stated that European NATO allies should take on greater responsibility for the defence of the continent. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has proposed that a US$100 billion fund of allied contributions for Ukraine be established over five years as part of a package that alliance leaders will approve when they meet in Washington in July. Support UP or become our patron! UK must suspend arms sale to Israel if clear risk of serious breach of international law in Gaza, says Labour UK must suspend arms sale to Israel if clear risk of serious breach of international law in Gaza, says Labour Britain should suspend arm sales to Israel if lawyers find clear risk of serious breaches of international law in the Gaza war, says Labour. After the killing of three UK aid workers in an Israeli strike on Gaza, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy urged the Government to finally publish its advice regarding UK arms exports to Israel. He said: Its totally wrong that the Foreign Secretary (Lord Cameron) has gone silent on the question of whether or not Israel is complying with international humanitarian law, after saying hed get new advice nearly a month ago. There are very serious accusations that Israel has breached international law, which must be taken into account. He added: The law is clear. British arms licences cannot be granted if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Earlier, former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts said Britain should stop selling arms to Israel, after seven charity workers were killed in an air strike. The peer, who was also previously head of the Foreign Office, said there was now abundant evidence that Israel has not been fulfilling its obligations on the safety of civilians. Asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme if the UK should now stop selling arms to Israel, Lord Ricketts said: In my view yes we have reached that point. I remember David Cameron telling the BBC on March 8 that a judgement was going to be made on whether Israel was compliant with international law in the coming days. I think there is abundant evidence now that Israel has not been taking enough care to fulfil its obligations on the safety of civilians. And a country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law, that is a condition of the arms export licence. Honesty, I think the time has come to send that signal. He stressed it would be a powerful, political message and might stimulate debate in the US, which would be the real game changer, if Washington started to think of putting limits or restrictions on the use of American weapons by Israel. His comments came as three British aid workers killed by the Israeli air strike in Gaza were being hailed as heroes amid mounting international condemnation of the attack. World Central Kitchen (WCK) confirmed British victims John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, who were working for the charitys security team, were among seven of its staff killed. The teams leader, Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, 43, an Australian national, also died, along with American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, and Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25. According to The Times, Mr Chapman was a former Royal Marine from Cornwall who was due to leave Gaza on Monday, while The Sun said he had served in the Special Boat Service, the special forces unit of the Royal Navy. Mr Henderson was also a former Royal Marine, according to The Daily Telegraph, while Mr Kirby is also believed to be a military veteran. WCKs chief executive Erin Gore described the victims as the heroes of World Central Kitchen. Nearly 200 aid workers are reported to have died in Gaza since the war began in October. As Israel faced condemnation from America, Britain, Australia and a host of other countries, Lord Ricketts added: Its really a question now of how Israel respond to this. Lord Ricketts (Getty Images) Sometimes in conflict you get a moment where there is such global outrage that it crystalises a sense that things cant on like this. I hope that this awful incident will serve that purpose. The peer, who was Britains ambassador to France and UK Permanent Representative to NATO, explained further: The issue is that throughout the conflict, Israel has not been giving priority to using that huge military power that it has in a way that protects civilians, especially the humanitarian and the medical workers which are so essential. They have an obligation to do that under international law and I hope that the mobilisation of global outage over this incident will bring them to see that they have to do a much better job of coordinating the agencies, of showing that it is safe to deliver aid in Gaza. During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by the killings and demanded a thorough, transparent and independent investigation. A Downing Street spokesman said: The Prime Minister spoke to Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening. He said he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. Mr Netanyahu confirmed Israeli forces were behind the unintended strike on Tuesday. Israels military chief said the deadly Israeli attack, reportedly on three vehicles, was the result of a misidentification in complex conditions. Announcing the results of a preliminary investigation early Wednesday, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi expressed remorse over the killings and called the event a grave mistake. He said an independent body would conduct a thorough investigation that would be completed in the coming days, and said the army appreciates the important work of the World Central Kitchen. Senior Labour shadow minister Darren Jones said the UK and US are saying Israel has gone too far in its military campaign which aims to destroy terror group Hamas which carried out the October 7 atrocity in which about 1,200 people were killed in southern Israel. Israels invasion of Gaza has left more than 30,000 dead, according to local health officials. The following is the April 2, 2024 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here. In March, Ukraine received the largest budget financing from its allies since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion and the start of Ukraine's independence, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on March 29. Ukraine received more than $9 billion in financial aid in March, including 4.5 billion euros ($4.9 billion) from the European Union through its four-year Ukraine Facility, $1.5 billion in loans from the World Bank, $880 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), $1.5 billion from Canada, and $230 million from Japan, according to Shmyhal. External financing from abroad has trickled in since the start of the year. In January, Ukraine received only $400 million from Japan. In February, $800 million was disbursed by Japan, Norway, and Spain. Shmyhal said during a government meeting in November 2023 that Ukraine expects to receive more than $30 billion in financial aid from its international partners to finance Ukraine's budget deficit in 2024. According to Shmyhal, Ukraine expects to receive financial assistance of $5.4 billion from the IMF, 18 billion euros ($19 billion) from the EU, more than $10 billion from the U.S., as well as additional financial aid from Japan, the U.K., Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, and other allies. President Volodymyr Zelensky approved Ukraine's state budget for 2024 last November following its passage in parliament. State budget revenues were set at Hr 1.78 trillion ($45 billion), while expenditures were almost double, at Hr 3.35 trillion ($85 billion). The remaining expenditures would fall within the deficit, which was set at 1.57 trillion ($40 billion). The budget also included Hr 2 trillion ($51 billion) in external borrowing and internal government bonds. A view of the city of Kharkiv during the blackout on March 25, 2024. (Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Calling all allies An estimated $10 billion is needed to rebuild everything damaged or destroyed in Ukraines northeastern city of Kharkiv after a series of devastating Russian attacks in recent weeks, the citys mayor Ihor Terekhov said in an interview with Liga.net published on April 1. The mayor said the citys officials have been trying to involve international partners to cover the costs, because "no city budget in the world can withstand such a burden." The city's critical energy infrastructure has been heavily damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks, with "almost all" of it destroyed. A thermal power plant and all the electrical substations in the city Ukraines second largest were destroyed by Russian attacks. "Russia is lying when it says it only hits military targets," Terekhov added. "With every attack (on the city), we have more and more evidence that this is a real genocide." The current situation for the energy industry in the city is "very difficult," according to the mayor. 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. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (L) and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, Poland, on March 28, 2024. (PM Denys Shmyhal/X) Border update Poland and Ukraine agreed to search for "mutually satisfactory solutions" to issues related to agricultural trade, according to a joint communique issued on March 28 following Polish-Ukrainian consultations in Warsaw. Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal arrived in Poland earlier on March 28 for talks with his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk. Ukrainian agricultural imports, which prompted large-scale farmers' protests in Poland and a blockade at the border, were a key point on the agenda. In the document published following the talks, the parties "confirmed their readiness to conclude an agreement on providing control at joint border checkpoints and cooperation of control bodies" and, once approved by the European Commission, "to launch logistical data exchange at selected road border crossing points." The parties also said that they had both "undertaken many efforts to establish fair rules for agri-food trade between Poland and Ukraine and that further effective dialogue based on mutual understanding is needed." Warsaw and Kyiv agreed to find solutions to the ongoing issues, "such as a verification and control system" for trade in agricultural goods. Ukrainian and Polish ministers of trade and agriculture will continue working on this task. Meanwhile, Polish protesters temporarily suspended the blockade of the Uhryniv-Dolhobychuv crossing on the Polish-Ukrainian border in both directions, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service said on March 28, citing information from the Polish side. Oleksiy Chernyshov, Naftogaz CEO, during a panel session on the opening day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 17, 2023. (Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Gaining independence Despite Russias incessant attacks on Ukraines energy system throughout its now more than two-year-old full-scale invasion, the countrys oil and gas giant Naftogaz just celebrated its first heating system without any gas imports. It is the greatest moment in Ukraines energy history, Naftogaz CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov told the Kyiv Independent in a recent interview. In the wake of Russias full-scale invasion, Naftogaz launched a record 86 wells in 2023, of which 24 had an initial flow rate of over 100,000 cubic meters, utilizing the countrys vast reserves. The move was part of a larger goal of attaining energy independence in Ukraine, which historically imported cheap gas from Russia despite having the second-largest reserves in Europe after Norway. Producing more gas is also about setting Ukraine up to be a contributor to the global gas market after the war, according to Chernyshov. The Kyiv Independent sat down with Chernyshov to discuss Ukraines gas independence, why Ukraine is important for Europes energy independence, and the recent Russian strikes on the companys gas facilities in Lviv Oblast. Read business reporter Dominic Culverwells full interview with Chernyshov here. The opening of Piana Vyshnia in London, UK. (Piana Vyshnia / Instagram) Getting London drunk In March 2024, Ukraines largest restaurant group !Fest brought its very popular ruby cherry liquor to an entirely new market and opened a Piana Vyshnia (Drunken Cherry) in Londons Soho district. Though this marks the first franchise opening in western Europe, Piana Vyshnia has experience in branching out beyond Ukraines borders. There are more than 20 franchises in nine countries in central and eastern Europe, most of them in Poland. One would think that amid an ongoing full-scale invasion, economic uncertainty would pose the biggest challenge for a Ukrainian company opening a franchise abroad. For us, actually the tricky part was to find a location we could rent in the center of London, Taras Maselko, the head of PR for Piana Vyshnias owner !Fest, told Kyiv Independent reporter Elsa Court in her latest. Opening another location abroad isnt just an exercise in business expansion. !Fest hopes that Piana Vyshnia will develop broader associations with the idea of a product being made in Ukraine, which for a long time has been associated with heavy industry or cheap labor, Court writes. We want to show that Ukraine can develop brands itself and create entirely new products, Maselko said. Foreigners can try a quality product from Ukraine and be surprised. Read Kyiv Independent reporter Elsa Courts full article here. What else is happening Ukraine has attack drones with a 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 Die Welt on April 1. "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 1,000 km," Fedorov said. 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 Russia or Ukraine has the upper hand. Zara, other fashion brands to re-open some stores in Ukraine starting April 3. Inditex, the Spanish parent company of popular clothing brands including Zara, Bershka, and Pull&Bear, will gradually resume operations in Ukraine. The world's largest listed fast-fashion company by sales will resume online store operations for Ukrainian consumers on April 2. Starting April 3, approximately 20 physical stores, including three Zara locations in Kyiv, will be re-opened. Inditex halted operations in Ukraine over two years ago, following the start of Russias full-scale invasion. DTEK's says 80% of energy capacity damaged, destroyed after Russian March attacks. 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. Over the past month, DTEK's facilities have been reportedly targeted at least 10 times. Five of the company's six thermal power plants have been "severely damaged," with some units almost completely destroyed and some partially destroyed, according to Sakharuk. DTEK said that on March 29 three of its power plants were struck and seriously damaged, without disclosing where the impacted power plants were located. Russian attacks injured one of the company's workers and at least five other civilians. EU ambassadors agree on 'new compromise' regarding extension of Ukraine trade deal. EU ambassadors "agreed on a new compromise" regarding the extension of the trade agreement with Ukraine, ensuring a "balanced approach between support for Ukraine and protection of EU agricultural markets," the Belgian presidency of the EU Council announced on March 27. "This compromise will now be presented to (the European Parliament) in view of a swift agreement," the presidency wrote on X. The International Trade Committee on March 7 supported the European Commission's proposal to again extend the trade agreement from June 2024 until June 2025 while introducing an "emergency brake" in case the import of Ukrainian poultry, sugar, and eggs exceeds the levels from 2022 and 2023. Air Baltic planning to resume flights to Ukraine as soon as airspace reopens. Latvian airline Air Baltic plans to resume flights to Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa as soon as Ukraine's airspace reopens, the airline announced on March 26 after a visit to Kyiv's Boryspil airport. Air Baltic CEO Martin Gauss said that he met with Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov at Boryspil on March 25, along with the Boryspil management team and the team of Lviv airport. The Air Baltic delegation inspected the airport's infrastructure, equipment, and ability to resume flights. "Impressive preparations have been made, and Boryspil International Airport is renewed and ready to welcome millions of passengers again," Gauss said on X. "We presented our plans to reconnect Ukraine with the world by air and as soon as the airspace is open and safe." "Air Baltic will contribute to the rebuilding of Ukraine's aviation," Gauss said. Subscribe to the Newsletter Ukraine Business Roundup Subscribe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Kyiv will destroy the Kerch bridge connecting Russian to occupied Crimea in the first half of 2024, a senior official in Ukraines military intelligence service has said. Razing the bridge is inevitable, the unnamed source told the Guardian, adding that Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the military intelligence, already had most of the means to carry out this goal. Officials believe that permanently damaging the bridge would significantly impair the Kremlins ability to carry out a spring offensive as Moscow would be forced to transport military supplies by road through occupied southern Ukraine, or via a new 450-mile railway line that is under construction. Ukraine has attacked and severely damaged the Kerch bridge twice since the invasion, while road and rail traffic across the bridge are frequently disrupted by the threat of further attacks. 03:06 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: Frances president Emmanuel Macron held confidential calls last month with President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to persuade the two world leaders to adopt a more hawkish stance towards Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported. Ukraines partners are not providing enough air defence missiles to protect against Russian strikes, despite having plenty in their own arsenals, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraines foreign minister, has said. Moscows forces have captured around 400sq km of Ukrainian territory in the first three months of 2024, Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, has claimed. Russia is preparing to mobilise an additional 300,000 troops in the next two months, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned. Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets due to arrive in Ukraine this summer are no longer relevant, a senior Ukrainian military official has said. Russia has seen a major leap in the number of people joining the armed forces since last months deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow, the defence ministry claimed. Washington told Moscow officials that Crocus City Hall was a potential target of a terrorist attack more than two weeks before last months massacre, the Washington Post reported, citing a US official familiar with the matter. Russian missile strikes on a school in Dnipro yesterday afternoon left 18 people injured, including five children, the regional governor reported. 03:00 PM BST Macron held secret talks with Biden and Scholz over ploy to wrong-foot Kremlin, reports suggest Frances president Emmanuel Macron held confidential calls last month with President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to persuade the two world leaders to adopt a more hawkish stance towards Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported. The French president encouraged his counterparts to adopt a position of strategic ambiguity towards Russia that would leave all military options on the table, blurring the Wests red lines to keep the Kremlin guessing, the paper said, citing officials familiar with the matter. President Biden questioned the need for a change in strategy amid concerns it could lead to military escalation, while Mr Scholz opposed the idea on the grounds that it risked dividing allies and plunging Nato countries into the conflict, should France put boots on the ground in Ukraine. Despite further objections from Mr Scholz and entreaties from a US envoy in the lead up to Februarys security summit in Paris, Mr Macron Macron stunned allies at the close of the conference by telling reporters that no military options should be ruled out, even the deployment of troops from Nato countries. 02:56 PM BST Western allies air defence donations simply insufficient, says Ukraine Ukraines partners are not providing enough air defence missiles to protect against Russian strikes, despite having plenty in their own arsenals, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraines foreign minister, has said. Partners did provide us with their different (air defence) systems, we appreciate that, but its just simply insufficient, given the scale of the war, Kuleba said. Mr Kuleba said he would raise the issue of Patriot missile defence systems in every meeting with Nato counterparts over the next two days in Brussels, adding that Kyivs western allies have 100 Patriot systems at their disposal but had so far not been willing to share even five to seven more. Is it such a big problem? Is it not feasible to provide Ukraine with the minimum request? Mr Kuleba said. 02:41 PM BST Russia has seized 400sq km of Ukrainian land so far this year Moscows forces have captured around 400sq km of Ukrainian territory in the first three months of 2024, Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, has claimed. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that although Mr Shoigus estimates may be inflated, acute Ukrainian ammunition shortages are increasing the risk of a Russian breakthrough in other less-well-provisioned sectors and making the frontline overall more fragile. Ukrainian shell hunger also means Russian forces can afford to be more flexible in how they advance, increasing Moscows chances of future gains, the think tank said. Mr Shoigu announced last month that the Russian military will form two new combined armies by the end of the year, as Moscow ramps up its mobilisation efforts ahead of a proposed spring/summer offensive. 02:15 PM BST Moscow preparing to mobilise 300,000 troops by June, says Zelensky Russia is preparing to mobilise an additional 300,000 troops in the next two months, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned. I can say that Russia is preparing to mobilize 300,000 additional troops by June 1, the Ukrainian president told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with his Finnish counterpart, Alexander Stubb. The presidents comments come after he signed into law three measures aimed at replenishing the ranks of his countrys exhausted and battered army, including lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25. Asked how many troops Ukraine plans to mobilise this year, Mr Zelensky said that we dont need half a million, but refused to provide a specific figure. 01:56 PM BST Finland signs ten-year security agreement with Kyiv Finlands president Alexander Stubb and Volodymyr Zelensky have signed a long-term security agrreement. The deal covers a range of topics including political support, backing for Ukraines defence and security, as well as support for Ukrainian reforms and reconstruction. The ten-year agreement is proof of Finlands long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine, Mr Stubbs office said in a statement. Mr Stubb also told the Ukrainian president that Finland would send another defence aid package worth 188 million euros (161 million), taking the total Finnish contribution since 2022 to around 2 billion euros (1.7 billion). 01:31 PM BST Russia pounded Ukraine with four thousand bombs in March, says Zelensky Russia bombarded Ukraine with over 4,000 strikes in March, including guided air bombs, missiles, and Shahed drones, Volodymyr Zelensky has said as he renewed his call for Western missile defence systems. Just this March, Russian terrorists have deployed over 400 missiles of various types, over 600 Shahed drones, and over 3,000 guided air bombs against Ukraine, Mr Zelensky posted on Twitter. The president noted that the residents of Kharkiv have experienced some of the worst impacts of the strikes. Our city of over a million people, Kharkiv, has been subjected to missile and drone strikes since the full-scale war began, he said. Recently, Russian terrorists also began to use aerial bombs against Kharkiv. The city sees daily humiliation and pain, as well as daily losses, Kharkiv has experienced frequent energy outages over the past week after a massive series of Russian strikes targeted the citys energy infrastructure a fortnight ago. 01:27 PM BST F-16 fighter jets no longer relevant Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets due to arrive in Ukraine this summer are no longer relevant, a senior Ukrainian military official has said. Often, we just dont get the weapons systems at the time we need them they come when theyre no longer relevant, the high-ranking officer, who was unnamed, told Politico. Every weapon has its own right time. F-16s were needed in 2023; they wont be right for 2024. A dozen of the US-made aircraft are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in July following months of campaigning from president Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior Kyiv officials. Instead of the modern jets, which the official said Moscow can now counter, he believes Ukraine now needs more traditional weapons and drones. We need Howitzers and shells, hundreds of thousands of shells, and rockets, he said, estimating that Ukraine needed four million shells and two million drones. 01:03 PM BST Kyivs deepest strike inside Russian territory used Ukraine-made weapons, says intelligence chief Ukraines drone attack on industrial facilities in Tatarstan did not use weapons provided by Western allies, Kyivs military intelligence reported. We can state that foreign-made weapons and equipment of our allies were not used in these events, Andrii Yusov, a military intelligence spokesman, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The fact that the Ukrainian UAV industry is developing dynamically should not be concealed. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraines digital transformation minister, said last week that Ukraine has produced attack drones capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers. The strike comes as Kyiv ramps up its efforts to boost domestic drone production, aiming to manufacture one million drones in 2024. See post at 10.43am for more details. 12:42 PM BST Pictured: Ukrainian forces operate at night Ukrainian servicemen are seen in a dugout at their artillery position late at night - Wolfgang Schwan/Getty Images 12:19 PM BST France may be ready to deploy troops to Ukraine later this month, claims the Kremlin The French military may be ready to deploy 1,500 troops to Ukraine in April, Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russias foreign ministry, has said. Ms Zakharova claimed the group will be in a state of full combat readiness this month, to deploy to the Ukrainian theater of military operations. Moscow has previously warned Paris that French soldiers on the ground in Ukraine would become priority targets. Eliminating French military personnel that may appear in Ukraine would be a critical but not particularly difficult mission for the Russian Armed Forces, Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and Kremlin stooge, said last month. Moscow has scaled up its rhetoric against Paris in recent weeks, following Emmanuel Macrons suggestion that France could put boots on the ground in Ukraine. 11:51 AM BST Ukraine joining Nato a question of when, not if Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato secretary general, has said there is no doubt that Ukraine will join the alliance as he urged Western countries to commit to long-term financial support for Kyiv. Ukraine will become a member of Nato. It is a question of when, not if, Mr Stoltenberg told foreign ministers in Brussels. As ministers prepared to discuss a proposal for a 100-billion-euro, five-year fund to support Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg called on alliance members to guarantee future weapons deliveries. Ukraine has urgent needs, he said. Any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield as we speak. Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out, Mr Stoltenberg added, without giving details of his proposal. 11:26 AM BST Pope deplores deaths in Ukraine caused by folly of war Pope Francis paid tribute to a Ukrainian soldier killed in Avdiivka as he issued a fresh appeal for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. Addressing martyred Ukraine, the pontiff told crowds in St Peters Square that he was holding in his hands a copy of the New Testament and a set of rosary beads belonging to a slain 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier. I would like us all, in this moment, to have a bit of silence, thinking about this young man and many others like him who have died in this folly of war. War always destroys, lets think about them and pray, he said. Francis said the soldier, who he identified only as Oleksandr, died in Avdiivka, an eastern Ukrainian city captured by Russians in February. He had already mentioned his belongings at another audience last month, after they were given to him by a nun who had been on several charity missions to Ukraine. 11:00 AM BST Nato may send weapons directly to Ukraine to shield support if Trump wins presidency Nato could send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine for the first time under a plan to Trump-proof Western support for the war-torn nation, writes Joe Barnes. The $100 billion (79.5 billion) trust fund scheme would see the transatlantic military alliance take charge of donations previously sent on an individual basis. It would likely require European Nato members to commit a greater proportion of money and weapons than they currently do, which officials believe will help placate Donald Trump. Trump supporters have blocked a major tranche of aid to Ukraine from passing Congress as he rails against Nato members who do not spend enough on defence. Officials fear Ukraine funding could further dry up if Mr Trump is re-elected in November. Read the full story here. 10:43 AM BST 750 mile drone attack marks inflection point in Ukraine strike capacity Ukraines drone attack on industrial facilities in Tatarstan marks a substantial turning point in Kyivs ability to conduct long-range strikes deep within Russian territory, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported. The distance of the targets from Ukraines borders represents a significant inflection in Ukraines demonstrated capability to conduct long-range strikes far into the Russian rear, the ISW said. Ukraine flew what is thought to be a light aircraft packed with explosives into a factory assembling drones in Russias central Tartasan region, Ukraines military intelligence agency (HUR) reported, which lie 750 miles away from the Russia-Ukraine border. The strike is thought to be the deepest inside Russian territory since the start of the war. 10:25 AM BST Pictured: Kyiv troops on the front lines A Ukrainian soldier in camouflage - Ukrainian armed forces A Ukrainian soldier takes aim - Ukrainian armed forces 10:22 AM BST Thousands join Russian army after Moscow terror attack Russia has seen a major leap in the number of people joining the armed forces since last months deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow, the defence ministry claimed. In a statement, it said more than 100,000 recruits have signed up since the start of the year, including around 16,000 in the past 10 days alone. During interviews conducted over the past week at selection points in Russian cities, most candidates indicated the desire to avenge those killed in the tragedy that occurred on March 22, 2024 in the Moscow region as the main motive for concluding a contract, the ministry said. The Kremlin has repeatedly sought to blame Ukraine for the mass shooting - in which 144 people were killed at Crocus City Hall - a claim Kyiv and US intelligence have denied. The militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. 09:26 AM BST US warned Russia that concert hall was potential terrorist target Washington told Moscow officials that Crocus City Hall was a potential target of a terrorist attack more than two weeks before last months massacre, the Washington Post reported, citing a US official familiar with the matter. Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russias Foreign Intelligence Service, previously told reporters that the information supplied by the US was too general and did not allow us to fully identify those who committed this terrible crime, the state-run Interfax news agency reported. Mr Naryshkin added that Russia acted on US intelligence and took appropriate measures to prevent an attack. The specificity of Washingtons report raises fresh questions about why Russian security services were unprepared when four gunmen opened fire on concertgoers on March 22, killing at least 144 people. 08:40 AM BST Pictured: A mural of Alexei Navalny in Austria A red carnation flower is seen attached to a mural of Alexei Navalny that has appeared behind a monument to Soviet soldiers at Schwarzenberg Square in Vienna, Austria - JOE KLAMAR/AFP 08:18 AM BST Russian missile attack on Dnipro kindergarten injures 18, including 5 children Russian missile strikes on a school in Dnipro yesterday afternoon left 18 people injured, including five children, the regional governor reported. Russians committed a crime against the most precious - children! They gutted a kindergarten in Dnipro. And also - college, Serhii Lysak posted on Telegram. To the north in Kharkiv, a 58-year-old man was killed and his 11-year-old son later died in hospital after Russia shelled a village in Kupiansk, Oleh Syniehubov, the regional governor, reported. Further north in Sumy, 226 explosions were reported over the past 24 hours as Russia struck 11 communities in 51 separate attacks throughout the day, the regional administration said. The strikes come as Kyiv shot down all four Shahed drones used in Russias overnight attacks on central Ukraine, the Air Force reported. 07:42 AM BST Watch: Ukraine flies aircraft packed with explosives into Russian drone factory Ukraine flew what is thought to be a light aircraft packed with explosives into a factory assembling drones in the deepest strike inside Russian territory since the start of the war, writes Henry Samuel. The drone aircraft strike on Russias central Tatarstan region hundreds of miles from the countries shared border hit a building believed to contain dormitories for workers near a factory assembling Iranian Shahed explosive drones in the town of Yelabuga. It wounded 13 people, including two students and two minors, according to local health officials. Another attack targeted an oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk. The sites are more than 800 miles (1,300km) from the border. Read the full story here. 07:27 AM BST Ukraine lowers conscription age to fight acute soldier shortage Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a bill to lower the mobilisation age for combat duty from 27 to 25 in a move expected to help Ukraine generate more fighting power in its war with Russia. The bill has been on the Ukrainian presidents table since it was approved by lawmakers in May 2023. It was not immediately clear on Tuesday what prompted him to sign it. Parliament has been discussing a separate bill to broadly tighten draft rules for months. The move expands the number of civilians the army can mobilise into its ranks to fight under martial law, which has been in place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian troops are on the back foot on the battlefield, facing a shortage of ammunition supplies with vital funding from the US blocked by Republicans in Congress for months and the European Union failing to deliver promised ammunition on time. 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. Ukraine does not need as many as 500,000 new troops, says Zelensky Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a video link to address the participants of the "Restoring Justice for Ukraine" conference in The Hague. -/dpa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday drew back from an earlier target of 500,000 additional troops needed to combat the Russian invasion. "We do not need half a million," Zelensky said during a joint press conference in Kiev with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Zelensky said there were sufficient troops that could be sent to the front. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi had earlier said much the same. Neither has given a specific figure for the troops needed. In December, Zelensky spoke of a need for up to a half a million fresh troops. To date, only men aged 27 and older have been called up. Zelensky has now signed a law providing for the age to be reduced to 25, theoretically adding 400,000 men. The president said that Russia would be calling up an additional 300,000 troops on June 1. Conscripts reporting for training in Russia may not be sent to the front. According to Moscow, there are enough volunteers prepared to join up for combat service. The figure is put at 100,000 since the start of the year. Zelensky and Stubb signed a 10-year security and support agreement between Ukraine and Finland, with Helsinki pledging additional financial aid, along with support in training troops, clearing mines and repairing war damage. Ukraine has signed similar agreements with Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Finnish counterpart, Alexander Stubb, signed in Kyiv a 10-year security agreement between the two countries, Zelensky announced on April 3. Zelensky called it a "strong document that proves Finland's readiness to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression." Apart from Finland, Kyiv has already signed bilateral security deals with seven other countries, including the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands. The agreements are based on a pledge made by the Group of Seven (G7) last July. Helsinki will provide Ukraine with long-term military and financial assistance, according to the agreement. The two nations also are expected to deepen cooperation in the fields of politics, finances, reform, and in the humanitarian sphere. The two countries agreed that Finland would participate in rebuilding Ukraine's energy sector, assessing environmental damage, and strengthening border and critical infrastructure protection. Medical treatment of Ukrainian military personnel is also included in the deal. Finland further announced its 23rd defense aid package to Kyiv worth 188 million euros ($200 million). This brings the total military aid provided to Ukraine by the Nordic country to around 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion). As with the previous tranches, Helsinki did not reveal the content of its most recent package for security reasons. Finland has already joined the artillery and demining collations, one of many allied initiatives launched under the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to support individual areas of Ukraine's Armed Forces, and is considering to participate in others, "taking into account its capabilities and Ukraine's military needs," according to the deal. Read also: Can new security agreements forge Ukraines path to victory? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. For the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine attacked facilities in Russia's Tatarstan Republic, some 1,300 kilometers from the country's border. On April 2, overnight, drones attacked production facilities in the cities of Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan Head Rustam Minnikhanov said. A source in Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent that the agency was behind the attack. The target a manufacturing facility for the Shahed-type attack drones, which Russia regularly uses in attacks against Ukraine, including those targeting civilian and energy infrastructure. UAV attack in Tatarstan, Russia on April 2, 2024. (screenshot from a video on social media) The factory is the first in Russia to produce the low-cost Iranian drones, vital for the Kremlin's war effort. A local Russian governor claimed that "there was no serious damage and the technological process of the enterprises was not disrupted" after the strike. While an unnamed source in the Ukrainian security services told RBC-Ukraine that there was "significant destruction of production facilities." Another target of the Ukrainian long-range drone strike was Russia's third-largest oil refinery in the city of Nizhnekamsk, a source in the Security Service (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent. The source added that the attack was a joint operation carried out by the SBU and HUR. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits drone factory, oil refinery deep inside Russia Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory began in May 2023, with the recent uptick in attacks on oil refineries in 2024. In total, the latest attacks have disrupted between 12-14% of Russia's refining capacity, according to Bloomberg. Responding to reported U.S. concerns about targeting Russian facilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has the right to use its own weapons for self-defense amid Moscow's large-scale strikes on the country's energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky attends the 'Ukraine. Year 2024' forum on Feb. 25, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Oleksandr Gusev/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) "It is equally important that Russian terrorists are getting responses to their strikes. Each time, they are getting more and more far-reaching responses," Zelensky said in an evening address on April 2 after the attack on Tatarstan. Russian Shaheds Reports of a production facility being built in Tatarstan to domestically produce Shahed-type Iranian kamikaze drones first emerged in the first half of 2023. The groundworks were captured on satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies in April 2023 and released by the White House. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the plant could be operational within a year. Several hundred students of the Alabuga Polytechnic College, mostly underage, were soon said to be involved in the assembly of the Russian-made kamikaze drones, according to an investigation by the Russian media outlet Protocol. Moscow aims to produce 6,000 Shahed-type drones by 2025 at its Tatarstan plant, the Washington Post reported, citing secret documents of the program. The report said it was "enough to reverse the Russian army's chronic shortages of unmanned aerial vehicles on the front line." In exchange for drones, Russia reportedly sent Tehran cyber weapons, Western weapons captured on the battlefield, and helped develop Iran's missile program. In mid-January, Deputy Head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence, Vadym Skibitsky, said that at least two production lines had been assembled in Yelabuga, and Moscow had managed to establish independent production of drones. Russia is able to assemble about 330350 drones monthly, but the final number depends on the availability of parts, according to him. "More spare parts and components are now coming from other countries, so it is not all about Iran," Skibitsky said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine. "Moscow's goal is to reach a full, closed production cycle of such unmanned aerial vehicles in Russia by 2026," he said. Read also: Minister: Ukraine to catch up with Russia in production of Shahed-type drone in 2024 Deeper strikes Ukrainian officials have been open about the increase in production of domestically-made long-range drones without unveiling much of the specifics. The country has intensified production, aiming to manufacture 1 million drones this year. Among them are those with a range of over 1,000 kilometers, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in an interview with Die Welt published on April 1. Until the Tatarstan strikes, Ukrainian drones had passed a maximum of around 900 kilometers to hit targets in Russia's Leningrad Oblast. An oil depot near St. Petersburg was reportedly targeted in January. Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin confirmed that a Ukrainian-made drone was able to travel up to 1,250 kilometers. Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during his meeting with drivers and road industry representatives, on Feb. 22, 2024 in Kazan, Russia. (Contributor/Getty Images) It is unknown what kind of weapon was used to attack Tatarstan. After the video of the strike was published, the Russian media claimed that it might not be a regular drone used for an attack but a converted Ukrainian-produced Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat light aircraft. Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military analyst and co-founder of the Information Resistance project, does not rule out that it is "quite possible" to adapt this aircraft to be used as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). "Only those who organized this special operation know what kind of carrier it was. But if we are talking about Aeroprakt, it can be adapted for a long-distance one-way flight, and instead of a pilot and passengers, it can potentially have a powerful warhead," he told the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine did not use Western-provided weapons for the attack, Yusov told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, saying "the dynamic development of Ukrainian UAV industry should not be concealed." "It is more than 1,000 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, and the Russians saw that this was a big problem. It turned out that this production facility in Tatarstan, in which they invested a lot of money, is not rare. Weapons are reaching there, and air defense will not save them. I think this is just the beginning," Kovalenko said. Read also: Russian media: Russia developing cheaper version of Shahed drones Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GAZA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,975, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 59 Palestinians and wounded 83 others, bringing the total death toll to 32,975 and injuries to 75,577 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the ministry. Meanwhile, Hamas-run media office said in a press statement that the number of journalists killed in the Strip as a result of the war had risen to 140. 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. Photographs of fallen Ukrainian servicemen are placed at a memorial in Independence Square, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Ukraine on Wednesday lowered the military conscription age from 27 to 25 in an effort to replenish its depleted ranks after more than two years of war following Russia's full-scale invasion. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukraine lowered its draft-eligible age for men from 27 to 25 on Wednesday, reflecting the strain that more than two years of war with Russia has put on its military and the need to infuse its depleted ranks with new conscripts. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed three bills into law aimed at strengthening the country's beleaguered forces, which are trying to hold the front lines in fighting that has sapped Ukraine's ranks and stores of weapons and ammunition. The new laws, which will also do away with some draft exemptions and create an online registry for recruits, might add around 50,000 troops to the military, said Oksana Zabolotna, an analyst with the Center for United Actions, a government watchdog in Kyiv. That would be a tenth of the 500,000 additional troops that Zelenskyy said in December that the military wanted to mobilize. But after signing a security agreement with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Kyiv on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said an audit requested by Ukraine's newly appointed commander-in-chief determined that the 500,000 figure was wrong, partly because existing troops could be sent from the rear to the front. He didn't say why that option wasn't considered previously. Zelenskyy said he wasnt ready to say publicly how many new conscripts the Ukrainian army will need. I can say that Russia is preparing to mobilize an additional 300,000 military personnel on June 1, Zelenskyy told reporters. Ukrainian Defense Ministry statistics say the countrys military had nearly 800,000 troops in October. That doesnt include National Guard or other units. In total, 1 million Ukrainians are in uniform, including about 300,000 who are serving on front lines. Conscription has been a sensitive matter amid Ukraine's growing shortages of infantry and ammunition, which have helped give Russia the battlefield initiative. Russias own problems with manpower and planning have so far prevented it from taking full advantage of its edge. The average soldier's age on both sides is over 40, military analysts say. Some Ukrainians worry that lowering the minimum conscription age to 25 and taking more young adults out of the workforce could backfire by further harming the war-ravaged economy, which is why the draft age wasn't simply set at 18. But the problem has become more pressing because Kyiv is expecting a renewed push by Russian forces this spring or summer. The Russian military said Wednesday that it has experienced a recent surge in enlistments, attributing it to public outrage over last months attack on a Moscow concert hall that killed more than 140 people. About 16,000 people have signed up in the last 10 days, Russias Defense Ministry said, though its claim couldn't be independently verified. An affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the concert hall attack, but the Kremlin has insisted, without providing evidence, that Ukraine and the West played a role, despite their strong denials. Zelenskyy took almost a year to sign the law lowering the conscription age, perhaps reflecting how unpopular such a move might be. Antonina Piliuhina, the 49-year-old Kyiv mother of a 21-years old son, said she opposed lowering the draft age. I have just one son, I am a single mother," Piliuhina said. "What did I raise him for all these years, for him to be taken away and then killed by someone for fun? I dont need this. Mykola Petrovskyi, 28, said that although he loves Ukraine, he doesn't think it's right to send people to fight if they're unwilling. I am not ready to go somewhere tomorrow and kill people," Petrovskyi said. "Its not because Im not a patriot of my country, its because I am not ready to kill. I am not born for this. I am a person whos ready to help save someones life, but not take one. But Metelya, a 37-year-old soldier who used his nom de guerre instead of his real name due to security concerns, said he was all for lowering the draft age. He said hes been fighting since 2014 the year Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine and new troops are needed. If an 18-years old boy was ready to fight with us when we fought for Kyiv, then why cant a 25-years old adult man do the same? he asked. Zabolotna, the government watchdog analyst, said even though there are about half a million men ages 25 to 27, she estimates only about 50,000 would be added to the ranks. Some of them are unfit for service, some have left, some are (in the) reserve or have the right to deferment, she said. The laws introduction is a signal that Ukraine is facing up to the reality that its in a war of attrition and of competition for resources, said Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine forum and deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Chatham House think tank in London. Zelenskyy was hoping for a relatively quick end to the war, she said. But he realizes that Putin is not just fighting Ukraine. His main enemy is the United States and its presence in Eastern Europe. The initial enthusiasm for going out to fight against the Kremlins forces has waned, though public support for the war remains high. Ukraine currently forbids men younger than 60 from traveling abroad. Many Ukrainian men are evading the draft by hiding at home or trying to bribe their way out of the battle. Commanders say they dont have enough soldiers to launch offensives, and barely enough to hold positions during intensifying Russian assaults. Russias population is more than three times the size of Ukraines, and President Vladimir Putin has shown a willingness to force men to the front if not enough volunteer. ___ Associated Press reporters Illia Novikov and Srdjan Nedeljkovic contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine On Wednesday 3 April, Ukraine and Finland signed an agreement for security cooperation and long-term support. Source: press service of the Ukrainian President, as reported by European Pravda Details: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have signed the agreement in Kyiv. There are 89 clauses in the document.. The published text foresees that Finland commits to providing long-term support to Ukraine's needs, particularly in the areas of security and defence, as well as to strengthening Ukraine's stability. Quote: "Finlands security commitments to Ukraine seek to complement contributions from the participants of the G7 Declaration, including the EU and the Nordic countries. These security commitments to Ukraine are coordinated with allies and partners," the document states. Finland will continue its support for Ukraine during the ten-year term of this agreement. Finland will continue to provide Ukraine with comprehensive support for as long as necessary. Ukraine, for its part, is determined to implement public administration reforms, including transparency, accountability and anti-corruption reforms. Finland's military support will remain substantial and will contain defensive assets based on Ukraine's urgent and critical needs, such as ammunition. The agreement emphasises that "the future of Ukraine and its people lies within the Euro-Atlantic family." "Ukraines future membership of NATO will make a strong contribution to peace and security in Europe. The Participants reaffirm that Ukraines security is integral to Euro-Atlantic and global security," the text says. The agreement also highlights Ukraine's rightful place in NATO, and that Finland will support "Ukraines reform efforts on its path towards future NATO membership" by promoting practical and political cooperation within the NATO-Ukraine Council, Ukraine's adapted Annual National Programme, and the comprehensive NATO assistance package. Both countries reaffirm their commitment to working constructively for Ukraine's gradual integration into the EU with the goal of its future EU membership. To achieve specific objectives, Ukraine and Finland will hold an annual high-level dialogue on strategic security and defence policy. "In the event of a future Russian armed attack against Ukraine, at the request of either Participant, the Participants will consult within 24 hours, bilaterally or via other channels they both deem suitable, in order to determine appropriate next steps," the agreement says. Ukraine is negotiating a security agreement with eight countries, including Latvia, the United States, Japan, Romania, Norway, Spain, Greece, and Finland, as well as the European Union. Ukraine has already signed security agreements with the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands. Support UP or become our patron! Editors Note: This is issue 125 of Ukrainian State-Owned Enterprises Weekly, covering events from March 23-29, 2024. The Kyiv Independent is reposting it with permission. Corporate governance of SOEs High Anti-Corruption Court arrests a suspect in absentia in a Ukrzaliznytsia case, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) reported March 29. The co-organiszer of the scheme allegedly misappropriated Hr 11.4 million ($290,000) in Ukrzaliznytsias funds. SAPO added that the suspect was on the international wanted list, but did not name him/her. According to the media, this might be businessman Yaroslav Ostapenko. As we reported in Issue 121, on Feb. 26, detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and SAPO officials said they exposed an organized criminal group of Ukrzaliznytsia officials and entrepreneurs who embezzled Hr 11.4 million from the company. The suspects were not named, but according to Ekonomichna Pravda (EP), Yevhen Kravtsov, the former CEO, has been served a notice of suspicion. See Issue 121 for more detail. Energy sector Ukrenergo faces yet another Russian missile and drone attack on its energy facilities. On March 29, Ukrenergo reported that Russia struck Ukraines energy infrastructure, damaging thermal and hydroelectric power plants, as well as Ukrenergo's 330 kV high-voltage power lines. Due to the attack, Ukrenergo was forced to use emergency assistance from the Polish power system operator PSE and shut off power to some regions. According to Ukrenergos CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the situation in Kharkiv, as well Kharkiv oblast, remains difficult after the large-scale attack on March 22 and restoration work is ongoing. Read also: Russia aims to knock out Ukraines power grid in new wave of attacks After every Russian mass missile attack on Ukraines vital infrastructure, emergency outages take place, lasting for days due to the ongoing repair works. During such outages, people in Ukraine are often left without electricity, heating, water supply, or access to mobile phone networks. As we reported in Issue 124, on March 22, Ukraine faced the largest Russian missile and drone attack on its energy facilities. See Issue 124 for more detail. Two more Ukrainian HPPs targeted by Russian missiles. On March 29, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that during the missile attack, the Kaniv and Dniester Hydroelectric Power Stations (HPPs) were deliberately targeted by Russian forces. Zelensky stressed that Russia wants a repeat of the environmental disaster in Kherson oblast after the destruction of Kakhovka HPP. However, now not only Ukraine but also Moldova is under threat, he said. As we wrote in Issue 91, on June 6, 2023, Ukrhydroenergo reported that the Kakhovka HPP was destroyed beyond restoration after the Russians set off a massive explosion in the engine room. See Issue 91 for more detail. Read also: With arrival of spring, a look at Russias winter strikes on Kyiv Ruslan Zaparaniuk, head of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, added that air defense forces managed to shoot down the missiles near the Dniester HPP. According to Zaparaniuk, the blast wave damaged the administrative building and the water supply system in the village of Ozheve, Dniester district, where debris fell. Water supply is carried out as usual. No people were injured. Survey teams and a special commission have been formed to assess the damage, he added. As we wrote in Issue 124, on March 22, Russian missiles attacked the largest hydroelectric power plant (HPP) in Ukraine, the Dnipro HPP in Zaporizhzhia. Later, Ukrhydroenergos CEO Ihor Syrota reported that HPP-1 and HPP-2 of Dnipro HPP did not work. Two missiles hit the Dnipro HPP-2 directly. The missiles hit the backbone. The crane beams were broken, he said. According to Yuriy Belousov of the Prosecutor Generals Office, Russian missiles hit the Dnipro HPP eight times that night. See Issue 124 for more detail. Russian missile attack damages above-ground infrastructure of Naftogazs gas storage facility in western Ukraine, Naftogazs CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov reported on 24 March 2024. This attack would not affect the supply of natural gas to Ukrainian consumers. All nominations of customers for storage and capacity booking services continue to be fulfilled in full. The situation is under control, Chernyshov said. There are no critical consequences for the operation of the underground gas facilities, as the gas is located at a considerable depth. The damaged part of the above-ground infrastructure would need to be restored, but Naftogaz has sufficient reserve capacity, he added. According to Bloomberg, Ukraine is seeking to reassure European natural gas traders that it is still safe to store the fuel in the countrys vast underground facilities after a Russian attack. Read also: Naftogaz CEO: Ukraine has to become an energy-independent state According to Ukrtransgazs CEO Roman Maliutin, Ukraine expects as much as 4 billion cubic meters of gas would be brought in during the summer months, more than last year. I would like to stress that damages do not affect our capabilities for gas injection into underground gas storage, Maliutin told Bloomberg. As we reported in Issue 120, European traders earned about $320 million due to using Ukraines underground storage facilities. According to Naftogaz, foreign traders and energy companies stored 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas in Ukraine in 2023. Naftogaz aims to increase this to 4 billion cubic meters in 2024. Naftogaz said that Ukraine offered foreign customers up to 10 billion cubic meters of storage capacity this year, which is a third of Ukraines total underground storage capacity. As we wrote in Issue 123, foreign traders transported over 60 million cubic meters of gas to Ukraine in January-February 2024. Ukrnafta is rebranding the Glusco chain, the companys press office reported on March 28. The networks 83 filling stations have already started accepting NAFTACard fuel cards and Ukrnaftas coupons. The mobile app will be launched soon. Rebranding is expected to complete in April. The Glusco chain, which includes 81 petrol stations, oil depots, and other property, was formed from Rosnefts retail business, which international trader Proton Energy Group S.A. bought through its sister company Glusco Energy S.A. in 2016. Until the end of 2021, the network was owned by Israeli businessman Nisan Moiseev. He is an associate of Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, who was charged with treason but given to Russia in a prisoner exchange. Moiseev said that he was Medvedchuks friend, but the two had no business relations. Read also: Zara, other fashion brands to re-open in Ukraine starting April 3 In May 2022, the Cabinet gave Naftogaz Oil Trading 170 Glusco filling stations to manage. They started to operate under the U.GO brand. However, the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) terminated its management agreement with Naftogaz Oil Trading on Aug. 3, 2023. The Agency reported on Aug. 8, 2023 that the Energy Ministry supported its proposal to transfer the Glusco network to the management of Ukrnafta under a special procedure. See Issue 99 for detail. In September 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to place the Glusco chain under Ukrnaftas management. Under that management agreement, Ukrnafta had to pay at least Hr 5 million ($127,00) per month, regardless of financial results, and 85% of profits from managing Gluscos assets into the state treasury, ARMA then stated. See Issue 102 for detail. On Jan. 9, ARMA accused Ukrnafta of failing to comply with the conditions and initiated the cancellation of the Cabinets decision. Later, as we reported in Issue 117, ARMA agreed to let Ukrnafta manage Glusco after Ukrnafta paid Hr 21 million ($534,000) to the state budget as a guaranteed payment under the management agreement. As we wrote in Issue 123, on 14 March 2024, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine allowed Ukrnafta to take over the management of Gluscos assets. As we reported in Issue 124, Ukrnafta and ARMA sign acts of acceptance for the transfer of Glusco assets. ARMA also changed the terms of the management agreement. The state would now receive 90% of the net profit instead of 85% agreed earlier; the other 10% is the management fee. In addition, the minimum monthly guaranteed payment to be paid by Ukrnafta regardless of profit increased to Hr 7 million ($178,000). For more detail, see our Issues 99, 100, 102, 117, 123, and 124. Read also: Border Guard: Polish protesters resume blockade at Uhryniv-Dolhobychuv crossing with Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Key developments on April 3: Zelensky: Russia preparing to mobilize additional 300,000 troops by June Ukraine, Finland sign long-term security agreement Zelensky: Russia launched over 4,000 missiles, Shahed drones, guided aerial bombs on Ukraine in March Military intelligence: Russia has roughly 200 Su-34, Su-35 jets, 7 A-50 planes Politico: Allies consider moving Ramstein group under NATO control to shield it from Trump Russia is preparing to mobilize an additional 300,000 troops by June 1, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a joint press conference in Kyiv with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on April 3. Ukraine's military intelligence said in mid-March that Russia would likely to ramp up its mobilization efforts after Russian President Vladimir Putin secured his fifth term in office in the rigged election in March. Putin signed a decree on March 31 to conscript 150,000 people as part of the regular spring conscription campaign. According to the U.K. Defense Ministry, Russia is likely recruiting around 30,000 people per month. Ukraine has also introduced an updated mobilization bill to parliament as it tries to bolster its defense against Russia's war. Answering a journalist's question about how many troops Ukraine plans to mobilize this year, Zelensky said that "we don't need half a million" but refused to provide a specific number. Zelensky said back in December 2023 that the original version of the mobilization bill called for a draft of 450,000-500,000 additional conscripts. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 29 that this number has been "significantly reduced." Read also: Opinion: Whats left of Russias Black Sea Fleet? Ukraine, Finland sign long-term security agreement President Volodymyr Zelensky and Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed a 10-year security agreement between Ukraine and Finland on April 3. According to the agreement, Helsinki will provide Kyiv with long-term military and financial assistance. The two countries are also expected to deepen political, financial, reform, and humanitarian cooperation. Zelensky said the agreement "proves Finland's readiness to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression." Finland will reportedly help in rebuilding Ukraine's energy sector, assessing environmental damage caused by the war, and strengthening the protection of borders and critical infrastructure. Ukraine has also signed bilateral security agreements with the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands. The agreements are based on a Group of Seven (G7) pledge made in July 2023. Stubb also announced its 23rd defense aid package for Ukraine worth 188 million euros ($200 million) on April 3, bringing Finland's total military aid for Ukraine to around 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion). As with the previous tranches, Helsinki did not reveal the content of its most recent package for security reasons. Read also: Ukraine Business Roundup April 2 Zelensky: Russia launched over 4,000 missiles, Shahed drones, guided aerial bombs on Ukraine in March Russia used over 4,000 missiles, Shahed drones, and guided aerial bombs against Ukraine in March, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 3. Russian forces reportedly launched over 400 missiles of various types, 600 Shahed drones, and 3,000 guided aerial bombs. "Ukrainian cities and villages are suffering from this terror," Zelensky said, emphasizing that Russia's attacks are overwhelmingly brutal for communities near the front line. Zelensky also highlighted Russia's incessant attacks on Kharkiv: "This is daily abuse and pain, (there are) daily losses in the city," Zelensky said. Russian forces have destroyed nearly all of Kharkiv's energy infrastructure, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on April 1. 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. "This will not happen when Ukraine receives reliable air defense systems that can save the lives of our people and restore security to our cities. Patriot (air defense systems) in the hands of Ukrainians have proved that all forms of Russian terror can lose." Read also: Lukashenko tightens grip on power as regime prepares for new elections Military intelligence: Russia has roughly 200 Su-34, Su-35 fighter jets, 7 A-50 planes Russia has roughly 100 Su-35 fighter jets, over 100 Su-34 fighter bombers, and seven A-50 early warning and control aircraft as of March, ArmyInform reported on April 3, citing data provided by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR). Ukraine said it downed 13 Russian aircraft in only two weeks in February. This is the biggest number of planes the country managed to destroy in a single month since October 2022, according to the Defense Ministry. This list included 10 Su-34 fighter bombers, two Su-35 fighter jets, and one more rare A-50 military spy plane. Another A-50 aircraft was downed a month prior. Three of the seven Russian A-50s are undergoing repairs and modernization, according to the HUR. "Two (planes) are at the Beriev Aircraft Company plant in Taganrog, and one at the Ulyanovsk airfield, at the Aviastar aircraft factory," ArmyInform reported. Yurii Ihnat, the former Air Force's spokesman, attributed the uptick in the number of downed aircraft to air defense systems supplied by Ukraine's allies, which reportedly can be moved closer to the border or the front line after a decision of the military leadership. Russia's total losses during the all-out war amount to about 672 aircraft 347 planes and 325 helicopters, according to Ukraine's General Staff. The General Staff's figure could not be independently verified. Read also: Opinion: NATO is not a hegemonic burden Politico: Allies consider moving Ramstein group under NATO control to shield it from Trump Washington and its partners are considering moving the U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), also known as Ramstein format, under NATO control to maintain weapons supplies to Kyiv even if Donald Trump returns to the White House, Politico reported on April 2, citing four undisclosed sources. The allies are expected to discuss this and other options of protecting aid to Kyiv from a potential second Trump presidency during a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels on April 4, Politico said with reference to three European officials and a U.S. official. Former U.S. President Trump and the Republican Party's presumptive nominee for the 2024 presidential run have long criticized the U.S. aid to Ukraine, a position in line with his "America First" foreign policy views. The ex-president claimed that he would be able to negotiate peace in Ukraine within 24 hours, although he did not elaborate on concrete steps to achieve this. In February, Trump suggested that the U.S. should provide funding to Ukraine as loans rather than aid. Trump also raised concerns among NATO allies when he said he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell it wants" to members who do not meet the 2% defense spending mark. According to Politico, the allies proposed to finalize the transition of the UDCG under NATO's control during an upcoming Washington summit in July. Another proposal on the table would see NATO being given a "more formalized seat at the table within the Ukraine group, as opposed to moving it under NATO control," the outlet wrote, citing one of the sources. "Pulling this under NATO kind of isolates it from a Trump presidency, or even from a U.S. that might get distracted by China and can't keep it going or can't get his own funding act together," former Pentagon and NATO official Jim Townsend told Politico. The U.S. Defense Department has not publicly confirmed such plans. The UDCG comprises over 50 countries, including all 32 NATO members, and has been meeting regularly since April 2022 to coordinate military support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The last meeting was held on March 19. Read also: Why some far-right Republicans are hell bent on ending further aid to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A total of 54 combat clashes occurred on the front line over the past 24 hours. The Russians launched five missile strikes and 50 airstrikes and fired 37 times from multiple-launch rocket systems. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 3 April Quote: "Over the past day, Ukraines Air Force struck 14 areas where Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment were concentrated as well as one anti-aircraft missile system. Units from the Ukrainian Rocket Forces and Artillery struck two areas where Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment were concentrated, an artillery piece, a radar station, an electronic warfare station and a UAV ground control station." Details: On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled an attack near Andriivka (Luhansk Oblast). On the Lyman front, Ukrainian defenders repelled three Russian attacks in the vicinity of Terny (Donetsk Oblast), where the Russians attempted to break through the Ukrainian defences. On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 10 Russian attacks near Bilohorivka (Luhansk Oblast), Spirne, Andriivka, to the south-east of Vyimka and Klishchiivka (Donetsk Oblast), where the Russians tried to improve their tactical situations. On the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled eight Russian attacks near Berdychi, Umanske, Yasnobrodivka, Pervomaiske and Nevelske (Donetsk Oblast), where the Russians tried to drive Ukrainian units from their footholds. On the Novopavlivka front, Ukraines Defence Forces are continuing to hold back the Russians near the settlements of Novomykhailivka and Urozhaine (Donetsk Oblast), where the Russians, supported by their aircraft, attempted to break through the Ukrainian defences 15 times. On the Orikhiv front, the Russians did not carry out any offensive (assault) operations. On the Kherson front, the Russians did not abandon their intention to drive Ukrainian units out of their footholds on the left (east) bank of the Dnipro River. Over the past 24 hours, the Russians carried out four attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's foreign minister calls for all Patriot air defence systems to be sent to Ukraine as soon as possible Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has emphasised that Ukraine needs all the Patriot air defence systems available in the world as soon as possible. Source: Kuleba on Twitter (X) Details: Ukraine's foreign minister met with his Polish counterpart Radosaw Sikorski. They discussed how Poland can help protect Ukrainian airspace from Russian missiles while also protecting its own airspace from their incursions. Quote: "Ukraine is currently the only country in the world that defends itself against ballistic missile attacks almost every day. This means that all Patriot batteries available around the world that can be provided to Ukraine must be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible. There is no more important place for them." Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's foreign minister on NATO secretary general's proposal to fund Ukraine for 5 years Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has commented on NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenbergs proposal to fund Ukraine over five years, which includes a plan for 100 billion. Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda Details: Reuters reported that Kuleba said he welcomed the NATO support, "but it should represent new funds and not repurpose prior commitments". "If this particular initiative is to become reality, we have to make sure that this will be (a) new 100 billion," Kuleba said. Background: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the allies must ensure long-term support for Ukraine amid discussions on a 100 billion fund. Stoltenberg later said that NATO members are still discussing the format for a new fund to assist Ukraine, with Kyiv involved in discussions. According to European Pravda, discussions on the creation of a new multi-year fund to support Ukraine within the North Atlantic Alliance are expected to continue until the NATO summit. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's foreign minister urges West to send Ukraine at least another seven Patriots Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said that Western countries have not given Ukraine sufficient numbers of Patriot air defence systems, despite having more than 100 Patriots in service. Source: Dmytro Kuleba in an interview with Reuters, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kuleba said he intends to bring up the issue of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems at every meeting he has with his counterparts in Brussels over the next two days. Reuters reported that Russia has "unleashed an increased barrage of attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure" in recent weeks, which highlights Ukraines urgent need for protection. "Partners did provide us with their different [air defence] systems, we appreciate that, but it's just simply insufficient, given the scale of the war," Kuleba said. He said Ukraine needs at least another five to seven Patriot systems, but its partners have so far been unwilling to share them despite having more than 100 at their disposal. "Is it such a big problem? Is it not feasible to provide Ukraine with the minimum request?" Kuleba asked. He added that he was convinced "its just an issue of political will". Kuleba also said it was not clear to him why the allies have so far not provided additional Patriots, especially given that they do not face the missile threat that Ukraine faces every day. Background: The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland have met on the sidelines of a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels to discuss how Poland could help protect Ukraine from Russian airstrikes and better protect its own airspace. The Ukrainian foreign minister also spoke about strengthening Ukraines air defence with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Support UP or become our patron! WUHAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Direct passenger flights between Wuhan, the capital city of central China's Hubei Province, and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur are scheduled to resume on April 30, China Eastern Airlines announced on Wednesday. This is also the first international route from Hubei to Kuala Lumpur to resume since such flights were suspended in 2020. Operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the round-trip flight will take place three times a week, and is scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The return flight will depart Kuala Lumpur every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. China Eastern Airlines has previously reopened direct passenger flights from Wuhan to other international destinations including Sydney, Tokyo and Bangkok. Russian forces launched four Shahed loitering munitions to attack Ukraine on the night of 2-3 April, with Ukrainian air defence units destroying all of them. Source: Ukraine's Air Force on Telegram Quote from the Air Force: "The Shaheds have been shot down by mobile fire groups of Ukraine's Defence Forces over Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad and Cherkasy oblasts." Details: The Russians launched their loitering munitions from around the Russian city of Primorsko-Akhtarsk. In addition, Russian troops fired three S-300 anti-aircraft missiles on Donetsk Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! Russian troops, supported by heavy armoured vehicles, have attempted to storm Ukrainian positions near the village of Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast) but faced a fierce response from Ukraine's Defence Forces. Source: Ukraine's State Border Guard Service (SBGS) Details: Having no food, lacking communication and the possibility to evacuate, three Russian soldiers decided to surrender upon reaching the positions of Ukrainian border guards and airborne forces. Border guards of the Donetsk Main Operational and Investigative Department evacuated the prisoners of war from their positions under Russian fire to establish their identities and motives for fighting on the territory of Ukraine. In further communication, the Russians explained that they had gone to the war to make money by signing short-term contracts. They were promised up to RUB 200,000 [roughly US$2,160] per month. All of the captured soldiers belong to Russia's 10th Tank Regiment. One of them is a rifleman assigned to storm Ukrainian positions, and the other are two privates of Russia's Troops of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence, who were supposed to cover the assault group with a smoke screen. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian Foreign Minister expects "constructive developments" in relations with Hungary after meeting with his counterpart Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said that after meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto in Brussels, he expects further improvements in relations between Kyiv and Budapest. Source: European Pravda; Dmytro Kuleba on Twitter (X) Details: Dmytro Kuleba noted that their lengthy negotiations did not give specific details on the discussion topics. "We both agreed that a number of steps have been made in the recent weeks to overcome issues in our bilateral relations. In the spirit of this positive trend, we anticipate more constructive developments in the coming days and weeks," the minister said. Peter Szijjarto also mentioned "steps to restore mutual trust" in relations between Hungary and Ukraine in his message. The day before, the Hungarian minister had a telephone conversation with the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Background: In late January, Andrii Yermak, the Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Peter Szijjarto, held talks in Uzhorod. Yermak stated that they showed Kyiv and Budapest's mutual desire to hold a meeting at the highest level. At the same time, the Hungarian minister said in early March that the meeting between Orban and Zelenskyy would not happen in the near future. There has not been a full-fledged meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban since the beginning of Zelenskyy's cadence. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian Foreign Minister says Denmark is working on new aid package to Ukraine Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's priorities in defence support. Source: Kuleba on Twitter (X) Details: Kuleba thanked Denmark for its support for Ukraine such as military aid, investment, reconstruction and other assistance. "We discussed Ukraines priority needs in military aid, particularly air defence systems and missiles. I am also pleased that Denmark is working on a new military aid package to bolster our defence," Kuleba said. Background: Earlier, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Denmark hopes to provide Ukraine with F-16 aircraft in the near future. Media reported that the first F-16 fighter jets would appear in Ukrainian skies around June 2024. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian intelligence preparing to destroy Crimean Bridge in first half of 2024 The Guardian Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) is preparing a special operation to destroy the Crimean (Kerch) Bridge in the first half of 2024, The Guardian has learned from unnamed high-ranking intelligence officials. Source: The Guardian Details: The publication said that DIU believes it will be able to disable the bridge in the near future. "We will do it in the first half of 2024," a source told The Guardian. The source added that the intelligence service already has "most of the means to carry out this goal" and pointed out that DIUs head Kyrylo Budanov is acting in accordance with a plan approved by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "minimise" Russia's military presence in the Black Sea. The publication notes that it is currently unclear how the special operation will unfold, as Russia has taken significant measures to protect the bridge by strengthening air defence and deploying a "target barge" as a decoy for incoming missiles. Read more: When we regain Crimea, the Crimean Bridge will cease to exist Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's Intelligence Chief Previously: In July 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Crimean Bridge is a legitimate target for Ukraine because Russian invaders use it to transport weapons. This target should be neutralised, the president said. Background: There have been at least two successful attacks on the Crimean Bridge. The first strike occurred on the morning of 8 October 2022, the day after Vladimir Putin's 70th birthday. A truck carrying explosives wrapped in foil was used for this attack. The second strike on the bridge was carried out by Ukraine on the night of 16-17 July 2023, using naval uncrewed surface vessels, an operation dubbed Sea Baby, just like the drones themselves. Additionally, on 12 August 2023, explosions were heard twice in one day near the Kerch Bridge in occupied Crimea. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that Ukraine had attempted to strike the Kerch Bridge with S-200s. Budanov stated that the bridge was not the target in the 12 August attack. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian photographer Julia Kochetova has won a World Press Photo 2024 award for her project War Is Personal. Kochetova was announced as one of the Europe category winners on the World Press Photo website. "The emotive images make for a standout presentation amidst many entries about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Told by a Ukrainian photographer, the jury acknowledges this story's insider-perspective, which is especially evident in the thread of visual symbolism, strong use of colour sequences, and collaborations with a Ukrainian illustrator and DJ," the judges commented. The jury said the Ukrainian photographer's project had a film-like quality. Photo: Yuliia Kochetova The World Press Photo jury also noted that Kochetova's use of audio recordings, music and illustrations to complement the photographs she took during the war gave her project a film-like quality. Photo: Johanna Maria Fritz German photographer Johanna Maria Fritz also won in the Europe category. In June 2023, she filmed a report for Die Zeit about the aftermath of the Russian blowing up of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant in Kherson Oblast. Photographer Yuliia Kochetova Scandal surrounding the World Press Photo 2024 jury In 2024, a scandal erupted around the World Press Photo jury when the Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers (UAPF) demanded the exclusion of Russian representative Maria (Mary) Gelman. "Russia's unprovoked, aggressive, cruel and unjust war against Ukraine has been going on since 2014, and we believe that the participation of a representative of the Russian Federation, Maria Gelman, raises many ethical questions," the Ukrainian photographers said in their appeal. However, the organisers of World Press Photo 2024 refused to remove Gelman from the European panel of judges. Andrew Davies, the competition's communications director, said that she had been chosen for her professionalism and expertise, and that Gelman would approach the task of judging "with care and professionalism". About the World Press Photo Awards World Press Photo is a competition for all professional photographers working in the field of photojournalism or documentary photography. The winners are selected annually, first at the regional and then at the global level. This year, 24 regional winners will be announced on 3 April. Then four global winners will be selected from among them: World Press Photo of the Year, World Press Photo Story of the Year, World Press Photo Long-Term Project Award, and World Press Photo Open Format Award. One of last year's winners was Ukrainian photographer Evgeny Maloletka for his series of photographs The Siege of Mariupol. His series was first shortlisted in the Europe category, and then one of the images from a Mariupol maternity hospital that was bombed by the Russians was named Photo of the Year. Support UP or become our patron! The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland have met on the sidelines of a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels to discuss how Warsaw could help protect Ukraine from Russian airstrikes and better protect its own airspace. Source: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda Details: Kuleba noted that he and his Polish counterpart Radosaw Sikorski had talked about how Poland could help protect Ukrainian airspace from Russian missiles as well as protecting its own airspace from them. Dmytro Kuleba also reiterated his call for Ukraines partners to provide as many Patriot air defence systems as possible. Patriots are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Background: At 04:23 on the morning of 24 March, a Russian missile violated Polish airspace during a Russian missile attack on Ukraine. The missile reportedly entered Polish airspace near the village of Osierdow in the Lublin Voivodeship. It was there for 39 seconds. Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of National Defence of Poland, stated that Poland would have downed the Russian missile if there had been any signs that it was heading for a target in Polish territory. Shortly afterwards, the Polish Foreign Ministry said that NATO was considering the option of shooting down Russian missiles as they approached the territory of the North Atlantic Alliance. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainians forced to save artillery rounds because of delay in US Congress NATO Secretary General NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has once again called on the US Congress to approve additional military assistance to Ukraine, stressing that the delay in this decision has "real consequences" on the battlefield. Source: Stoltenberg before a meeting of NATO foreign ministers on 3 April, reported by European Pravda Details: Stoltenberg stressed that it is "important for NATO allies to make decisions faster, and this also applies to the United States." "The United States is the largest ally and provides the most support [to Ukraine ed.]. And the fact that there is still no agreement in the US Congress to extend this support has consequences. This is one of the reasons why Ukrainians are forced to save artillery ammunition, why it is difficult for them to resist Russian forces, which outnumber them and have extraordinary military power," he added. Stoltenberg stressed that any delay in helping Ukraine "has real consequences on the battlefield". "In recent weeks, I have met with senators and members of the House of Representatives, and they assured me that there is a significant majority in Congress in support [of aid to Ukraine ed.]. So the question now is to turn this majority into a vote and a firm decision. And I hope that this will happen as soon as possible," Stoltenberg said. Background: The approval of more than US$60 billion in aid for Ukraine by the US Congress is currently 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. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced that the aid package for Ukraine would include "some important innovations", including the possible allocation of aid on credit. Support UP or become our patron! Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could soon be ousted from power by a controversy over the most entrenched and right-wing faction in his coalition-governmentultra-Orthodox Jews. The ultra-Orthodox, also known as the Haredim, have been exempt from military service, as well as many other social and political obligations, since the founding of Israel as a state in 1948. Last month, a high court ruled that the military exemption must end. The ruling will be appealed, but meanwhile the Haredims yeshivasthe hundreds of schools where young men study the Torah (and little or nothing else)will lose their government funding. Now Netanyahu must decide whether to appeal the courts ruling or let it slide and suffer the consequences. And there are potentially huge consequences, both for Israels war in Gaza and for Netanyahu himself. The Haredims privileged status in Israel has become increasingly unpopular since Hamas Oct. 7 attack. As the ensuing war has engaged all other Israelis, as the call-up of reservists has weakened the countrys economy, and as soldiers are killed in battle, the exemption from service for one religious sect has stirred deep resentment among the secular and more conventionally religious Israelis. A recent poll shows that 70 percent of the population wants the exemptions ended. Netanyahus coalition, which put him back in power early last year, consists entirely of factions to the right of his own quite right-wing Likud party. If Netanyahu lets this draft exemption expire, he will alienate the ultra-Orthodox factions that support him; if he extends it, he will alienate the secular Jews that support him. Either way, he could be in trouble. His coalitions majority in the Knesset, Israels parliament, is narrow. If just five of his partners were to resign, as some are threatening to do over the exemption issue, he would lose his majority. New elections, which otherwise arent scheduled to take place until 2026, would be held. Polls indicate that he would lose. Its not clear that his far-right partners will actually make good on their threats to resign. They know that, whoever replaces Netanyahu, they will not be a part of the new prime ministers coalition. Thus, quitting the government would mean losing power, possibly forever. The question is whether they would choose to suffer that loss even over a principle that some of them consider holy. One of Israels two chief rabbis, Yitzhak Yosef, said last month that the ultra-Orthodox will all move abroad if they are forced to enlist in the military. Yair Lapid, Israelis opposition leader, laughed at the threat, telling Army Radio, If the Haredim go abroad, they will find that the ultra-Orthodox there work for a living. Most of the ultra-Orthodox in Israel receive subsidies from the state. Haredi are visually distinctivethe men with their side curls, black frocks, and high hats, like their ancestors in medieval Europe; the women with their wigs and modest long dressesand they remain socially isolated, living in their own neighborhoods, mixing with others as little as possible. When David Ben-Gurion became Israels first prime minister, he promised the Orthodox party, then called the Agudath, that the Orthodox would be given autonomy in religious educationincluding an exemption of yeshiva students from the military draft. He made these pledges during his campaign for United Nations recognition of Israel as a state, so that the worlds leading Jewish organizations would be united in their push for recognition. (The ultra-Orthodox were, and still are, unenthusiastic about the idea of a Jewish state.) There was widespread emotional support for the ultra-Orthodox at the time. Most of them were bedraggled, impoverished; very few of them had survived the Holocaust. The Jews who had lived, and who had made it to Israel as their new home, felt an attachment to the mythic Jewish past that they representeda Fiddler on the Roof factor, as an essayist in the Jerusalem Post later referred to itand a certain amount of survivors guilt. The more canny leaders of the Agudath played on this attachment, presenting themselves, for the most part sincerely, as the authentic Jews, without whom Israel would lack the soul of a Jewish state. Indulging the ultra-Orthodox posed no great cost to Israels budget or to its national security at the time. In 1949 there were 40,000 ultra-Orthodox people in Israel, just 5 percent of its Jewish population. Just 400 draft-age men were studying in the yeshivas. Now Israel has more than 1 million Haredim, comprising 13 percent of Israels population of nearly 10 million. There are 66,000 draft-age men in the yeshivas. About 1,000 of these men have joined the armybut this amounts to less than 1 percent of its ranks. If just 20,000 of those men joined the army, there would be no need to call up any more reservists. The ultra-Orthodox community has grown in part because many members have produced large families. State subsidies for these families grew in the 1970s and 80s, under Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Israels first leader from the Likud party, who grasped that he could swell the ranks of his party by appealing to and recruiting the growing number of Haredim. Netanyahu has built on Begins insight. To secure his current government, he promised the Haredim parties that he would protect their exemption from the draft as a top priority. That pledge is now on the line. The war in Gaza has intensified the controversy, but certain demographic trends related to the ultra-Orthodox have alarmed many Israelis for some time. As Ethan Bronner, the Jerusalem bureau chief for Bloomberg News, has reported, half of Israels ultra-Orthodox are unemployed; just 14 percent have college degrees. More alarming, a quarter of Israeli children under the age of 4 are ultra-Orthodoxwhich raises questions, Bronner writes, about how the society will support itself in the future. This is far from the first time that the Haredims privilegeswhich were once acceptedhave sparked fears of danger. During the COVID-19 crisis, many ultra-Orthodox refused to get vaccinated, continued to attend large, crowded Jewish weddings and holiday ceremonies, and prioritized rabbis biblical interpretations over doctors advice, even though many people died as a result. Back in 1950, Yitzhak Meir-Levin, the Israeli governments Haredi welfare minister, said at a Cabinet meeting, If we face the choice of transgressing the laws of Moses or the laws of the state, we will violate the laws of the state, not those of Moses. Most Haredi today are making the same choice. The war has rendered inevitable a conflict about these choices. As Bronner writes in Bloomberg, Israels growing number of technocrats, business leaders, and academicswho have transformed the country into one of the most prosperous and technically advanced in the worldsee the war in Gaza as the opportunity to confront the risk of Haredim pulling the country toward theocratic penury. In other words, the current standoff over the Haredim isnt about just Netanyahus political longevity or the Israeli armys shortage of troops. Its also about the future of Israel itself. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Ping, an anti-graft official in southwest China's Guizhou Province, is suspected of severely violating Party discipline and laws, according to an official statement on Wednesday. Zhang, deputy head of Guizhou's discipline inspection commission and provincial commission of supervision, is being investigated by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States, Britain and France on Wednesday opposed a Russian-drafted U.N. Security Council statement that would have condemned an attack on Iran's embassy compound in Syria, which Tehran has blamed on Washington's ally Israel. Press statements by the 15-member council have to be agreed by consensus. Diplomats said the U.S., backed by France and Britain, told council colleagues that many of the facts of what happened on Monday in Damascus remained unclear and there was no consensus among council members during a meeting on Tuesday. "This serves as a clear illustration of the double standards employed by the Western 'troika' and their actual, rather than declarative, approach to legality and order in the international context," Russia's deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said in a post on X. The U.N. Security Council has issued statements in the past condemning attacks on diplomatic premises. The European Union on Wednesday condemned the strike - saying the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected - and called on countries to show restraint. The U.S. says it has not confirmed the status of the building struck in Damascus, but that it would be concerned if it was a diplomatic facility. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, which destroyed a consular building adjacent to the main embassy complex, killing seven members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Iran has accused Israel of violating the founding U.N. Charter, international law, and also cited several conventions. The 1961 Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations and 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations define premises as buildings, parts of buildings and land - regardless of ownership - used for the purposes of the diplomatic or consular mission, including the head of the diplomatic mission. Those conventions state that the diplomatic or consular premises "shall be inviolable." But they also say the premises should "not be used in any manner incompatible" with the diplomatic and consular functions. Iran also cited the 1973 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents - suggesting those killed were covered by these rules. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Diane Craft) LARNACA, Cyprus (Reuters) -A sea convoy of undelivered food for Gaza returned to Cyprus on Wednesday after aid workers of World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Monday evening. A cargo ship carrying 240 metric tons of food that had been destined for the people of the beseiged Palestinian enclave sailed back to Larnaca in Cyprus following the deadly attack, dropping anchor just outside the port. A second ship, the Open Arms owned by a Spanish NGO working with WCK, arrived earlier. The undelivered aid was part of a consignment of about 340 tons sent to Gaza from Cyprus on March 30. The aid workers killed in Gaza had just finished unloading 100 tons from a barge, also sent from Cyprus. WCK, active in Gaza since October, has paused operations in the territory since the killings, and turned around its flotilla of ships back to Cyprus. In March WCK launched an inaugural sea corridor transporting aid to the enclave from the east Mediterranean island. Cyprus has offered to supplement aid getting in to Gaza by sea with a fast track on-island security screening process for aid overseen by Israel. Spanish charity Open Arms, which provided a salvage vessel for both missions arranged by WCK, took a group photo of activists wearing WCK t-shirts and embracing each other on the bow of the salvage ship during its sail to Cyprus. They wrote on X: "The end of mission 110 arrives, the one we never could have imagined, the most painful. "We miss Saifeddin, Zomi, Damian, Jacob, John, Jim, and James, but they will remain forever in our memory, and we will continue to speak up for them, for the more than 32,500 people killed in #Gaza, the hundreds of humanitarian workers, the destroyed hospitals, journalists and all the 'isolated cases' that are not an accident, but part of an structure of death and destruction. We will never forget you. "Today, the pain of the @wckitchen family is also ours." (Reporting by Yiannis Kourtoglou, writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Sandra Maler) By Ari Rabinovitch HUQOQ, Israel (Reuters) - Archaeologists in northern Israel have uncovered an immense underground hideout comprising narrow tunnels and bigger rooms that were dug by Jewish villagers nearly 2,000 years ago at a time of revolt against the Roman empire. The labyrinth is evidence, the experts said, that Jewish communities as far north as the hills of the Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have preached, prepared for the Roman legions quashing rebellions closer to Jerusalem. They carved a hideout that winds at least 100 meters (yards) under their village, said Yinon Shivtiel, a historian at Zefat Academic College who specialises in caves. Cramped burrows, too tight for an armoured legionnaire, run between larger cavities where there is room to stand, gather and store precious goods. The cave system was designed to save entire families. During the excavation, the team found a bronze ring that would fit a child's finger. There were two ill-fated revolts against the Romans in the Holy Land during that period. The first culminated with the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the year 70. Decades later, famed leader Bar Kokhba led an uprising that was also soundly defeated. Similar hideouts from that time have been found in the foothills of Jerusalem, along with evidence of destroyed villages. But this was the first Bar Kokhba-era hideout of such scope to be unearthed much further north, in a spot called Huqoq. There were no signs of destruction, Shivtiel said, suggesting the fighting did not reach the area. "We were amazed to see how big this complex is," said Uri Berger of the Israel Antiquities Authority, brandishing a small iron blade that was found buried in the hideout and dates from around the time of Bar Kokhba. Their work is not done yet, he said. There are still more burrows to be cleared from the dirt, he said, and perhaps, more artefacts that offer a glimpse into life in the Holy Land 2,000 years ago. (Editing by Devika Syamnath) Nearly 50,000 Democratic primary voters in Wisconsin voted for an uninstructed delegation Tuesday, the latest progressive-led protest vote over President Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war. The uninstructed contingent 48,000 votes, or about 8 percent was more than 10 times larger than it was in 2020 and surpassed the general election margin between Biden and former President Trump in the state. Various protest vote pushes in other states have garnered a total of 26 delegates, with the strongest showings in Michigan, Minnesota and Washington. The Wisconsin primary did not result in any delegates, as the uninstructed total did not surpass 15 percent support. Just 2 percent of GOP primary voters selected the uninstructed delegation in Wisconsin. Organizers more than doubled their stated goal for the campaign, set at 20,000 votes. The movement has been backed by progressives as part of rising criticism against Bidens response to the Israel-Hamas war. Critics have called on Biden to back a full cease-fire in the conflict, which he has refused, and to follow his own increasing criticism of the Israeli military operation in Gaza with action. Activist group Listen to Wisconsin celebrated the performance after polls closed Tuesday. We had three weeks to pull off a presidential primary election. Lots of tiring days and sleepless nights. But we would do it over again in a heartbeat, the group posted on social media. Thank you Wisconsin for making your voices heard today! The group also reposted support from progressive commentator Nina Turner on Wednesday. Yesterday, over 47,000 voters in Wisconsin went to the polls and voted Uninstructed. President Biden won Wisconsin in 2020 by a little over 20,000 votes, Turner wrote on social media. This president must decide if loyalty to Netanyahu is worth delivering Trump the election in November. He must decide. The Biden administration has pressured the Israeli government to better consider civilian casualties and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, to little success. Famine has begun to set in for the region, the United Nations has warned, as U.S.-backed airdrops of aid fall short of needs. The Biden administration is building a pier in Gaza in order to deliver aid, though the construction is estimated to take months, and the State Department said there are no plans for how exactly the aid will be distributed once the pier is built. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Whenever it rains heavily, Mingo Creek floods in Mingo Township. The water came up so high Tuesday into Wednesday, its flooded several homes. You can see how their lawn goes down and it likes a pond around their house. I feel so bad for them, said Jay Weekly, Union Township resident. Weekley spent much of the morning trying to reach his parents. He was worried about them. It came up 18 inches around the trailer. It didnt get in the trailer. I think everybody is safe here from that, said Weekley. His parents live just off Little Mingo Road near the fast-rising creek. Weekley is relieved knowing theyre safe. My parents live in the trailer. We couldnt get a hold of them. The phone line was out and my mom is on oxygen, said Weekley. Theyre good. Theyre always in good spirits. Theyre stubborn. They didnt want to go no where. RELATED COVERAGE: LIVE UPDATES: Record rainfall causing flooding issues in Pittsburgh region His parents neighbors had to be evacuated from their mobile home. Whenever it rains heavily, Mingo Creek floods in Mingo Township. Weekly says its a situation theyve grown accustomed to during heavy downpours. We always get it and they get it the worst because its the lower point, said Weekly. Emergency crews rescued one family. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: LATEST: Flash Flood Warning issued for southwestern Pennsylvania overnight Powerful earthquake rattles east coast of Taiwan, causes tsunami in southern Japan It hurts my heart: Braddock community grieving after 16-year-old boy shot, killed VIDEO: Heres a look at whats new at PNC Park for the 2024 season DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts US braces for retaliation after attack on Iran consulate even as it says it wasn't involved In this photo released by the official Syrian state news agency SANA, emergency service workers clear the rubble at a destroyed building struck by Israeli jets in Damascus, Syria, Monday, April 1, 2024. An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Syria, killing a senior Iranian military adviser and roughly a handful of other people, Syrian state media said Monday. (SANA via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) Shortly after an airstrike widely attributed to Israel destroyed an Iranian consulate building in Syria, the United States had an urgent message for Iran: We had nothing to do with it. But that may not be enough for the U.S. to avoid retaliation targeting its forces in the region. A top U.S. commander warned on Wednesday of danger to American troops. And if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent broadening of targeted strikes on adversaries around the region to include Iranian security operatives and leaders deepens regional hostilities, analysts say, it's not clear the United States can avoid being pulled into deeper regional conflict as well. The Biden administration insists it had no advance knowledge of the airstrike Monday. But the United States is closely tied to Israel's military regardless. The U.S. remains Israels indispensable ally and unstinting supplier of weapons, responsible for some 70% of Israeli weapon imports and an estimated 15% of Israel's defense budget. That includes providing the kind of advanced aircraft and munitions that appear to have been employed in the attack. Israel hasnt acknowledged a role in the airstrike, but Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Tuesday that the U.S. has assessed Israel was responsible. Multiple arms of Iran's government served notice that they would hold the United States accountable for the fiery attack. The strike, in the Syrian capital of Damascus, killed senior commanders of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for Syria and Lebanon, an officer of the powerful Iran-allied Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, and others. American forces in Syria and Iraq already are frequent targets when Iran and its regional allies seek retaliation for strikes by Israelis, notes Charles Lister, the Syria program director for the Middle East Institute. What the Iranians have always done for years when they have felt most aggressively targeted by Israel is not to hit back at Israelis, but Americans, seeing them as soft targets in the region, Lister said. On Wednesday in Washington, the top U.S. Air Force commander for the Middle East, Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, said Irans assertion that the U.S. bears responsibility for Israeli actions could bring an end to a pause in militia attacks on U.S. forces that has lasted since early February. He said he sees no specific threat to U.S. troops right now, but I am concerned because of the Iranian rhetoric talking about the U.S., that there could be a risk to our forces." U.S. officials have recorded more than 150 attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria on U.S. forces at bases in those countries since war between Hamas and Israel began on Oct. 7. One, in late January, killed three U.S. service members and injured dozens more at a base in Jordan. In retaliation, the U.S. launched a massive air assault, hitting more than 85 targets at seven locations in Iraq and Syria, including command and control headquarters, drone and ammunition storage sites and other facilities connected to the militias or the IRGCs Quds Force, the Guards expeditionary unit that handles Tehrans relationship with and arming of regional militias. There have been no publicly reported attacks on U.S. troops in the region since that response. Grynkewich told reporters the U.S. is watching and listening carefully to what Iran is saying and doing to evaluate how Tehran might respond. Analysts and diplomats cite a range of ways Iran could retaliate. Since Oct. 7, Iran and the regional militias allied to it in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen have followed a strategy of calibrated attacks that stop short of triggering an all-out conflict that could subject Irans homeland forces or Hezbollah to full-blown war with Israel or the United States. Beyond strikes on U.S. troops, possibilities for Iranian retaliation could include a limited missile strike directly from Iranian soil to Israel, Lister said. That would reciprocate for Israel's strike on what under international law was sovereign Iranian soil, at the Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus. A concentrated attack on a U.S. position abroad on the scale of the 1983 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Beirut is possible, but seems unlikely given the scale of U.S. retaliation that would draw, analysts say. Iran also could escalate an existing effort to kill Trump-era officials behind the United States' 2020 drone killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. How far any other retaliation and potential escalation goes may depend on two things out of U.S. control: Whether Iran wants to keep regional hostilities at their current level or escalate, and whether Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's far-right government does. Sina Toossi, a fellow at the Center for International Policy, said analysts in Iran are among those trying to read Netanyahu's mind since the attack, struggling to choose between two competing narratives for Israel's objective. One perceives Israels actions as a deliberate provocation of war that Iran should respond to with restraint, Toossi wrote in the U.S.-based think tank's journal. The other suggests that Israel is capitalizing on Irans typically restrained responses, and that failing to respond in kind will only embolden Israel. Ultimately, Irans sense that it is already winning its strategic goals as the Hamas-Israel war continues elevating the Palestinian cause and costing Israel friends globally may go the furthest in persuading Iranian leaders not to risk open warfare with Israel or U.S. in whatever response they make to Mondays airstrike, some analysts and diplomats say. Shira Efron, a director of policy research at the U.S.-based Israel Policy Forum, rejected suggestions that Netanyahu was actively trying with attacks like the one in Damascus to draw the U.S. into a potentially decisive conflict alongside Israel against their common rivals, at least for now. First, the risk of escalation has increased. No doubt, Efron said. I don't think Netanyahu is interested in full-blown war though, she said. And whereas in the past Israel was thought to be interested in drawing the U.S. into a greater conflict, even if the desire still exists in some circles, it is not more than wishful thinking at the moment. U.S. President Joe Biden is facing pressure from the other direction. So far he's resisting calls from growing numbers of Democratic lawmakers and voters to limit the flow of American arms to Israel as a way to press Netanyahu to ease Israeli military killing of civilians in Gaza and to heed other U.S. appeals. As criticism has grown of U.S. military support of Israels war in Gaza, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller has increasingly pointed to Israels longer-term need for weapons to defend itself against Iran and Iranian-allied Hezbollah in Lebanon. The U.S. is always concerned about anything that would be escalatory, Miller said after the attack in Damascus. It has been one of the goals of this administration since October 7th to keep the conflict from spreading, recognizing that Israel has the right to defend itself from adversaries that are sworn to its destruction.'' Israel for years has hit at Iranian proxies and their sites in the region, knocking back their ability to build strength and cause trouble for Israelis. Since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, one of a network of Iran-aligned militias in the region, that shattered Israels sense of security, Netanyahus government has increasingly added Iranian security operatives and leaders to target lists in the region, Lister notes. The U.S. military already has deepened engagement from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea since the Hamas-Israel war opened deploying aircraft carriers to the region to discourage rear-guard attacks against Israel, opening airstrikes to quell attacks on shipping by Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen. It is also moving to build a pier off Gaza to try to get more aid to Palestinian civilians despite obstacles that include Israels restrictions and attacks on aid deliveries. Congressman Neal Dunn and his staff created a timeline detailing the issues involving USPS in Tallahassee, it also includes some future steps to be taken. U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn has announced that the U.S. Postal Service's Office of the Inspector General is finally taking a look into the years-long mail delivery issues plaguing Florida's capital city. In a Facebook post made an hour ago, Dunn shares that an audit team of the Inspector General is "currently on the ground in Leon County investigating poor service, missing letters and packages, and other problems that should NOT exist." "Im grateful to USPS for sending an audit team to address the current processing and delivery issues in Leon County," Dunn said in a statement following the team's arrival. "Im pleased that my office and I could deliver results by getting the OIG audit team to Leon County to evaluate several locations, including the processing and distribution center." Subpar mail delivery in Tallahassee has long been a subject of consternation among residents with the topic regularly exploding on social media or being raised to the attention of elected officials. Residents often complain about how long it takes for mail to to be delivered, noting that even sending a letter to a neighbor gets routed through Jacksonville. Others say they sometimes go days without getting a delivery or that mail never arrives. But the most egregious issues of late have revolved around checks that were mailed being intercepted, altered and cashed. Recently, the U.S. Postal Service said it would be putting $5 million into the Tallahassee Processing Facility on South Adams Street for "modernization efforts and deferred maintenance," according to a recent press release. Carol Hunt, the Postal Service's strategic communications specialist, said the investment will "result in expanded and streamlined packaging processing," as well as "new workplace amenities ... such as new lighting, as well as renovated bathrooms and breakrooms." Tallahassee's investment is part of a 10-year plan for USPS in which "the Postal Service is investing $40 billion to modernize the nation's aging postal processing and delivery network." The Tallahassee Democrat has put in a request for comment on the audit to Hunt and the USPS. Leon County Commissioner Brian Welch and Congressman Neal Dunn held a meeting in January to discuss the ongoing issues with USPS in Tallahassee. In his statement and social media post, Dunn made sure to thank Leon County Commissioner Brian Welch who has been working directly with his office to address the ongoing issues, which as of late have included stolen mail and checks. "Thank you to Leon County Commissioner Brian Welch for working with me to address the USPS issue! Id also like to thank the hundreds of constituents who contacted my office with concerns, frustrations, and stories," Dunn said in a prepared statement. "This is an important step forward, and it would not be possible without their help." Dunn has said that the entire investigative process will take several months to complete but that he will share updates with his constituents as he receives them. Arianna Otero is the City Solutions Reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com or on Twitter/X: @ari_v_otero. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee mail delivery problems: Postal service sends in audit team US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the US leadership is not in favour of sending American troops to Ukraine. Source: Blinken in an interview with LCI published by the US State Department press service, as reported by European Pravda Details: Asked whether the US had ruled out sending troops to Ukraine, Blinken responded in the affirmative. The Secretary of State was also asked whether individual countries decisions on potentially sending troops to Ukraine would require a NATO consensus, to which he replied: "Again, I stay away from making hypotheses for the future." "Our policy is clear. President Bidens policy is clear. There will be no American troops on Ukrainian soil," he stressed. When asked why the US opposes such a decision, Blinken stated that it would bring the country "closer to a direct conflict with Russia, which we want to avoid". "Its not in our interest and its not in the interest of the Allies," he emphasised. Background: French President Emmanuel Macron stated in March that sending Western troops to Ukraine "should not be ruled out". Later, he added that his remarks, which caused a stir, were carefully thought through. Subsequently, commenting on the idea he raised, Macron stressed that if such a scenario were to materialise, French forces would not go on the offensive against Russia. Support UP or become our patron! US pushes back on judge over Trump claim that classified records he kept were personal 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) - The U.S. prosecutor leading the case against Donald Trump for retaining classified documents after leaving office pushed back on a federal judge after she signaled she may accept the former president's claim that the records were his personal property. U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith said in a court filing late on Tuesday that his office would appeal any decision by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon that would instruct jurors in the case to consider what he called Trump's "fundamentally flawed legal premise." Trump, the Republican candidate challenging Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 election, pleaded not guilty last year to a 40-count indictment accusing him of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office in 2021 and obstructing federal government efforts to retrieve them. Cannon, who was appointed to the bench by Trump, has signaled she is receptive to Trump's claim that he treated the documents as personal under a 1978 law called the Presidential Records Act that lets former presidents keep records that have no connection to their official responsibilities. Prosecutors have said the documents relate to U.S. military and intelligence matters, including details about the American nuclear program, and could not be construed as personal. The judge on March 18 directed the prosecution and defense to propose jury instructions based on two legal scenarios assuming Trump's argument would play a role at trial. One scenario, in which neither the jury nor the judge could question Trump's contention that the records are personal, would essentially direct the jury to acquit Trump, according to prosecutors. They urged Cannon to quickly decide if jurors will be told that Trump's claim is relevant to the charges against him, arguing that the prosecution must have time "to consider appellate review." Smith's filing said Cannon's order was based on a flawed legal premise and would "distort the trial." This is one of four criminal cases that Trump faces. He has pleaded not guilty in all of them and has sought to cast them as politically motivated. Trump's lawyers in a filing on Tuesday night reiterated their argument that what they call Trump's decision to treat the records as personal meant the charges should be tossed out before trial. The Presidential Records Act was passed to give the U.S. government possession of official records from a president's administration. It lets former presidents keep certain records deemed personal that have no connection to their official responsibilities. Trump has argued that his decision to take the material to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida showed he treated the records as his personal property. Prosecutors have argued that the records law cannot authorize a former president to keep classified information. Trump faces charges that include violations of the Espionage Act, which criminalizes unauthorized possession of defense information, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. A May 20 trial date scheduled in the case is widely expected to be postponed. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Will Dunham and Scott Malone) A rescuer works at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 2, 2024. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad extended condolences to his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday, mourning the loss of Iranian military advisors in an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus, Syria's state-run SANA news agency reported. During a phone call, Assad expressed deep sympathy to the families of the slain advisors and the Iranian people, condemning the attack as an act of violence against civilians. Assad also accused Israel of continuing regional violence and brutality, further citing Gaza's ongoing conflict as evidence of Israel's "malevolent intentions." The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. Iran has vowed to retaliate against the attack. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed retribution for the assault, and President Raisi declared that "the perpetrators and supporters of this great crime... will be punished for their shameful act," Iran's official news agency IRNA reported. The incident marks a severe deterioration in the already volatile situation in the Middle East, with multiple nations expressing their concerns and urging for calm. Saudi Arabia, which re-established a diplomatic tie with Iran after a Beijing-brokered peace talk in March 2023, condemned the attack on Tuesday, saying Riyadh categorically rejects the targeting of diplomatic facilities. Turkiye also denounced Tuesday the Israeli attack and warned that it could lead to a broader conflict in the region. "We are concerned that this action may escalate into a conflict affecting the entire region," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Israel's action "adds to its recent violations of international law," the ministry said, calling on all relevant parties to "act with common sense and restraint and to abide by international law." In a statement, Tunisia's Foreign Ministry labeled the attack a stark infringement of Syrian sovereignty and international norms and pledged solidarity with Syria against any threats to its security and territorial integrity. Libya's Foreign Ministry also denounced the airstrike, deeming it a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and diplomatic norms. Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait and Beirut also voiced their condemnation of the attack and offered condolences to Syria and Iran. A rescuer works at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 2, 2024. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 2, 2024. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 2, 2024. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 2, 2024. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 2, 2024. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) A rescuer works at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 2, 2024. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 2, 2024. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. The Syrian Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that four Syrians were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack, while the Iranian side confirmed the deaths of seven Iranians, including two commanders. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) By David Shepardson and Yuka Obayashi WASHINGTON/TOKYO (Reuters) -The head of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday urged the White House to scrutinize the relationship between Nippon Steel and the Chinese steel industry, citing national security concerns amid bipartisan opposition in Congress to the Japanese company's $14.9 billion deal to acquire U.S. Steel Corp. "As you examine this deal, I urge you to thoroughly investigate the allegations raised in this report and examine Nippon's ties to the Chinese government and the danger this merger poses to American national and economic security," Sherrod Brown said in a letter to Biden citing an April report by consultancy Horizon Advisory. Nippon Steel said in a statement that Horizon's report was "rife with inaccuracies and misrepresentations" and that its operations in China were "very limited", representing less than 5% of its global production capacity. The White House did not immediately comment. Horizon Advisory did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Horizon's report said Nippon had a long-run history of supporting the establishment of China's steel industry and that it operated, in whole or in part, nine facilities in China and had active joint ventures with a range of Chinese state-backed steel champions. "Nippon's connection to the Chinese steel ecosystem and industrial policy agenda has concerning implications regarding ties to China's military-civil fusion strategy and quest for global economic power," said Brown, a Democrat from Ohio who is running for another term in the Nov. 5 elections. Nippon Steel said the entities in which it invests in China have no control over its operations or business decisions outside of China, and that its Chinese partners do not have any access to information about Nippon Steels operations, including about its R&D and engineering, outside of China. The White House sees steel as critical to national security, and Biden said last month that U.S. Steel should remain domestically owned. His opponent in the Nov. 5 presidential election, former President Donald Trump, has promised to block the deal if he wins. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Yuka Obayashi in Tokyo; Editing by John Geddie and Stephen Coates) Russian soldiers secure an area at near the Crocus City Hall concert venue on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, March 23, 2024 (Moscow News Agency) More than a fortnight before the deadly attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow killed nearly 150 people, the US warned Russia that the popular concert venue was a likely target, US officials have revealed. The claims are the latest in a string of revelations that cast fresh doubt on President Vladimir Putins suggestion that US warnings were too vague to help pre-empt the assault, as well as his refusal to blame Isis for the killings. The specifics of the warning, reported by The Washington Post, also raises questions about why Russia was not better prepared for the attack, which killed at least 144 people, according to the latest estimates - including six children. Vladimir Solovyov, Russias top propagandist, compared the attack to Al-Qaedas 9/11 attack on New York during an interview with American conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Previously, Washingtons National Security Council acknowledged sharing information with Moscow about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow, but did not mention Crocus City Hall specifically. Russia Shooting (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service) However US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, now claim that on March 6, Washington told Moscow that the concert hall was a potential target. The information sharing is part of a duty to warn policy upheld by nations across the world, irrespective of their relationship. The private warning came a day before a public message from the US embassy announcing that it was monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts. The Kremlin did not comment on the latest claims but Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russias Foreign Intelligence Service, reiterated on Tuesday that the US warning had been too general to act upon. It did not allow us to fully identify those who committed this terrible crime, he said, according to comments quoted by the state-run Interfax news agency. Just three days before the deadly attack on March 22, Putin dismissed the US warnings as outright blackmail and attempts to intimidate and destabilise our society. After a 24-hour public absence following the attack, during which Isis Khorasan, an offshoot of the Isis terrorist group, claimed responsibility, Putin quickly blamed Ukraine without providing evidence. US, UK and French officials have since said they believe the Isis-K claims of responsibility are genuine. A group of ambassadors of foreign diplomatic missions attend a laying ceremony at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall Putin did belatedly admit that Isis terrorists were responsible for the attack but added that Russia was still looking for who was culpable, a thinly-veiled nod to Ukraine, who have denied any involvement. Analysts have warned that Putin is likely to use the attack as a pretext to ramp up his war on Ukraine and win further support for what he euphemistically calls his special military operation. He has regularly accused Ukraine of carrying out terrorist activity in Russia, a reference to Kyivs long-range drone attacks on oil refineries across the west of the country, as well as the sponsoring of anti-Putin militias who have crossed into the border regions of Belgorod and Kursk to carry out raids. Putin has also claimed, without providing evidence, that the four gunmen involved in the Crocus City Hall attack were detained on their way to Ukraine, however Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has also said that the suspects were initially heading for Kremlin-affiliated Belarus. On Wednesday, Russias defence ministry claimed that roughly 16,000 people had signed contracts with the military since the attack on the concert hall, many of whom indicated their desire to avenge those killed in the tragedy that occurred on 22 March. The Independent could not verify these numbers, nor can Russian MoD figures relating to military recruitment be taken at face value. However, the claims nonetheless align with suggestions that Putin will use the attack as a means to further his war in Ukraine, irrespective of who is responsible. Last week, Reuters reported that Iran, a key ally of Russia, also warned Moscow that Isis-K was planning an attack, citing several anonymous officials in Tehran. The University of Texas at Austin has reportedly laid off dozens of employees to comply with Texass DEI ban that went into effect earlier this year. The school laid off 60 employees who worked in the diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including 40 who were in the Division of Campus and Community Engagement, according to the Austin American-Statesman, citing three sources familiar with the matter. The shake-up in the university comes as the institution looks to better comply with Senate Bill 17, a law greenlighted last year that banned DEI initiatives at public universities. The bill went into effect early this year. The layoffs are effective in as little as 90 days, the Texas-based outlet reported. The schools president, Jay Hartzell, said in an email obtained by The Statesman that although the institutions made adjustments before the start of this year, we knew that more work would be required to utilize our talent and resources most effectively in support of our teaching and research missions, and ultimately, our students. The new law has changed the scope of some programs on campus, making them broader and creating duplication with long-standing existing programs supporting students, faculty, and staff, Hartzell said. Following those reviews, we have concluded that additional measures are necessary to reduce overlaps, streamline student-facing portfolios, and optimize and redirect resources into our fundamental activities of teaching and research. The layoffs come as other state public institutions face intensified scrutiny to prove their compliance with the law. State Sen. Brandon Creighton told university leaders in a letter last week that institutions could miss out on funding if the law is not followed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) What started as a dry and somewhat disappointing winter in terms of snowfall and precipitation has turned a corner to become one of the better years for Utahs snowpack. Utahs snowpack typically hits its peak levels on April 3. After that, sunny days and rising temperatures start the runoff of much-needed water to the reservoirs and lakes. This year, Utahs snow water equivalent ran below average from October until the weather turned in mid-January. Once the weather started bringing snow and rain more frequently, Utahs snow water equivalent rose to 131% of the median. Utahs snowpack by water basin as of April 3, 2024 (Courtesy: Division of Water Resources) Reservoirs from across the state have also benefited from the late surge of moisture. According to the Department of Natural Resources, Utahs reservoirs dropped to a collective capacity low of 73%. As of April, the reservoirs now sit at a healthy 84% with much of the runoff still left to come. However, two good water years are still not enough for Utahns to slow down on water conservation efforts. During last years runoff of a historic snowfall, Great Salt Lake Coordinator for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands told ABC4 the water was just a drop in the bucket that only bought two more years max in the life of the lake. As the lakes future remains in question and Utahs population continues to grow, officials say its becoming crucial to conserve even during good water years. To learn how you can help conserve water and be waterwise, visit the Division of Water Resources website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. (KRON) The Vallejo Police Department is searching for a man who broke into a business on Easter morning and sexually assaulted a woman who was there at the time. The break-in happened at about 7:48 a.m. on the 500 block of Georgia Street. Police determined that the suspect had broken in, burglarized the business, restrained the victim and sexually assaulted her. 4 arrested, over $60,000 worth of stolen property recovered in San Jose The victim did not know the suspect and is not connected to him in any way, police said. Police shared images of him (below). VPD detectives are investigating the motive and circumstances surrounding the crimes. Out of an abundance of caution, the Vallejo Police Department believes it is essential to inform the public that the suspect has not been identified and is currently at large. We are asking for the publics help in identifying the suspect depicted in the attached photographs so that we can arrest him for these crimes, police said. Anyone with information should call (707) 648-4514 or (707) 648-5427. Detectives can be contacted via email at Jarrett.Tonn@cityofvallejo.net or Bradley.Phillips@cityofvallejo.net. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Veeams decision to relocate its headquarters from Columbus to the Seattle area wont have much of an impact on its local operations, according to the company. A spokesperson for the cybersecurity firm told Columbus Business First its Polaris-area office will remain despite the move, which was reported Tuesday. Veeams 300 local employees, which include those working in tech support, marketing, product strategy and finance, will also maintain their presence at the Lyra Drive facility. Watch: Maserati SUV gets trapped in flooded road on South Side There are no plans to make changes to our Columbus office, the spokesperson stated in an email. Columbus remains one of our largest and most important global locations. Veeam cited proximity to strategic partners such as Microsoft and Amazon as a reason for the move, as well as the regions talent pool and the growing number of existing employees. Those employees include CEO Anand Eswaran, along with other top executives. For more on this story, go to ColumbusBusinessFirst.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. CHICAGO A group cruising along the river on Tuesday spotted an unusual sight as a driver navigated down the Chicago riverwalk in Streeterville. Photos captured by @the_lettuce_cat showed a silver vehicle driving west along the riverfront walkway, near River Esplanade Park, before crossing underneath the North Columbus Drive bridge. Photo provided by @the_lettuce_cat Photo provided by @the_lettuce_cat Currently, it is unclear how the car got onto the path, but one of the only access points where a car could navigate to it is near the park at North New Street. Chicago police have not yet provided details on the incident. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Verrill double murder trial: Defense points to DNA and text messages and rests its case DOVER Closing arguments are scheduled to be heard Wednesday morning in the the double murder trial of Timothy Verrill. Verrill is charged with killing Christine Sullivan, who was 48, and Jenna Pellegrini, 32, on Jan. 27, 2017, at a 969 Meaderboro Road home in Farmington owned by Dean Smoronk, who was Sullivans boyfriend. Defendant Timothy Verrill is silhouetted against images of rings once worn by murder victim Christine Sullivan which were tested for DNA samples and discussed during Verrill's trial in Strafford County Superior Court in Dover Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The state rested its case last Friday, and on Tuesday afternoon the defense rested after calling three witnesses they hope raise doubt about whether Verrill was the killer. DNA expert says samples she analyzed didn't match Verrill Defense attorney Matthew McNicoll questions DNA expert Jennifer Sears in the double-murder trial of Timothy Verrill in Strafford County Superior Court in Dover Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Testimony Tuesday came from Jennifer Sears, a DNA analysist expert, who was flown in from Florida. Sears currently works as a senior DNA analyst for DNA International in Florida. At the time of the murders, she was employed by NMS Labs in Pennsylvania, an independent lab contracted by police to look at evidence from the case. Sears said she analyzed four sets of fingernail clippings, five fingernails from each hand, for both women, Sullivan and Pellegrini. She also looked at two rings all for the purpose of DNA analysis, comparing the evidence against a sample provided by police of Timothy Verrill. Sears said no other samples were given to her from persons other than Verrill, and the two women. She said Verrill did not match material provided from the women. "A swab technique was used to compare against reference samples, Q-Tips from Timothy Verrill," said Sears. "I did the review for the sample data." Sears said comparisons were made of the fingernails. and confirmed the comparisons did not reveal DNA from Verrill. The two rings were swabbed to see if they had come in contact with anything external, (touch DNA) and the resulting profile was for male specific DNA (Y chromosome) and a partial profile was established but still could not be tied to Verrill. DNA expert Jennifer Sears testifies in the double murder trial of Timothy Verrill in Strafford County Superior Court in Dover Tuesday, April 2, 2024. "We concluded he was excluded as a contributor for material on the rings," said Sears. Sears testified no other profiles were tested, other than Verrill. They were retested because of an issue with the extraction kits used the first time. Still no profile could be built for Verrill. Assistant Attorney General Brian Greklek-McKeon asked Sears if she could positively say when the DNA was established or of she could say that it identified who killed the women. She said she could not. Dean Smoronk sent threatening text messages to one of the murder victims, investigator says Erin Saxon, an investigator for the New Hampshire public defender's office, testified about text messages during the Timothy Verrill double murder trial in Strafford County Superior Court in Dover Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Erin Saxon, an investigator for the New Hampshire public defender's office, analyzed text messages from Dean Smoronk's two cell phones to Sullivan. The messages dated from December 2016 through January 2017. They were demeaning, insulting and often threatening. Smoronk said Sullivan needed to respond to him, or her day would turn to (expletive). He said he hated her, wanted her out of his house and his life. "I wish you were dead already," read a message on Christmas Eve. He called her a greedy, selfish (expletive) and said her days were numbered. Defendant Timothy Verrill, left, and attorney Matthew McNicoll leave the courtroom at Strafford County Superior Court in Dover Tuesday, April 2, 2024. According to the prosecution, at the time the women were murdered, Smoronk's phone was in the Miami, Florida area. Previous story: Verrill double-murder trial takeaways after dead witness testifies Sgt. Steven McAuley of the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit was assigned to take photographs of the crime scene, meaning the inside and outside of the Meaderboro Road home. Public defender Julia Nye focused on a blood stain on the ceiling in the kitchen of the Meaderboro Road home and other blood mapping locations. After seven years, McAuley often needed to refer to notes and photos for a recollection of events of the crime scene. Jury deliberations could begin Wednesday after closing arguments The first Verrill trial was declared a mistrial in 2019 after it was determined state police did not provide certain discovery material to the defense. On Wednesday, closing arguments will be given by the state and by the defense. Then Judge Mark Howard will give instructions to the jury so it can begin deliberations. This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Verrill double murder trial: Defense points to DNA and text messages How veterans are using virtual reality to cope with PTSD Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Tonya Oxendine, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for nine hard years before she began her path to recovery. Her pain reached a point where, one day after leaving her desk at the Pentagon, she was considering driving off a bridge. I was at the brink to take my life, she said, but then all I could think about was my two sons and I kept thinking about them and thinking about them and I said I cannot leave a legacy of suicide. Oxendine turned her car around and sought help, enrolling in a treatment plan through the Wounded Warrior Project and was introduced to a virtual reality (VR) headset in 2017. Today, the 58-year-old credits VR as a major part of her recovery, with the technology returning her to Afghanistan to deal with her memories in a new light through a treatment called prolonged exposure. I am winning at life right now, she said. The idea of prolonged exposure is to re-experience troubling memories, which VR can help unlock in ways not possible before, bringing veterans back to the inside of a Humvee along the dirt roads of Iraq or into the jungles of Vietnam. Afterward, veterans can debrief and employ cognitive therapy, learning to process the memories in a new and hopefully better way, while in a safe and controlled environment. The goal is to change how they feel about the memory instead of avoiding it in constant fear. Oxendine said she was terrified at first, comparing it to being experimented on like Frankenstein, but she gradually began to understand that she must confront her fears. Once she put on the headset, Oxendine could see mountains and narrow roads that we used to travel down in Afghanistan. I could see burning and abandoned vehicles on the side of the road and bicycles, she said, and she could see wounded soldiers. I could still smell the blood, I can hear them whimpering in pain. I was emotional. I was scared. I mean, just all just all kinds of emotions running through, she added, but it was a controlled environment. I was not alone. Im glad I did it because I feel better. Now, Im able to handle my mental health in a healthy way. While Apple and Meta have made headlines for launching new mass-market VR headsets in recent months, the potential for the technology to address serious and persistent issues like PTSD in medical settings is often overlooked. Oxendine is one of thousands of veterans who are already using VR to treat PTSD as the technology picks up attention across the nation. Among the major companies working on this initiative is Dallas-based Mynd Immersive, which was founded in 2016. Mynd has 500 headsets in nearly 100 long-term veteran care facilities and says it has the largest private VR network for veterans in the country, if not the world. The company works with both the federal Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) along with state agencies and groups that help veterans. One popular program at Mynd returns veterans to the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier. Mynd co-founder and CEO Chris Brickler said members of his family struggled with dementia and he was inspired to help by new technology, including Metas Oculus headsets. We are after seven years now very well poised to help with a lot of the aging issues with our seniors and veterans, he said. At the Davis and McDaniel Veterans Care Center, which is run by the state of Virginia in Roanoke, the Mynd VR headset is already a hit. On one Tuesday afternoon, a group of veterans were gathered in a small library near the front of the center to wear the headsets. The small, black goggles fit neatly around one veteran, whose experience inside the immersive world of an aircraft high in the sky could be viewed from a tablet connected to the headset. For retired Army Sgt. Melvin Huff, 73, VR is a way to take his mind off things. Its a way of escaping, he said, mentioning he likes the whitewater rafting VR experience. If youre having a bad day, you pick something thats enjoyable to look at and you feel better. Retired Army Spec. Bob Rutherford, 72, who also served in Vietnam, sees it the same way. It will take your mind off things that you sit and think about, he said. Maeghan Hubbard, the activities director at the center, was trained by Mynd on how to use the device. She said about 30 veterans at the center actively use the Mynd headsets, and most participants seem lighter after using it. Additionally, just spending a little bit of time with them and showing them the use of the Mynd is a great quick activity to connect with some of our veterans, she said. The headsets landed at the Roanoke center in an unusual fashion. Todd Barnes, the administrator at Davis and McDaniel Veterans Care Center, said he first encountered them at a conference event and won a headset in a lottery. He later won a grant to purchase two more. What weve seen is it really helps improve their mood. When theyre going through that session, you see more smiles, he said. It really takes them away to another world, so to speak, and it helps them really to open up more. I would say it probably reduces a lot of feelings of isolation and loneliness for our residents. Youve got to remember this is their home now, he said, referring to the center. So they miss being at their home. They miss just the simple things. Barnes said he hopes to integrate VR more in the future, potentially by including it within a multi-sensory room at the facility that helps veterans calm down. Mynd Immersive has 500 headsets in nearly 100 long-term veteran care facilities. Mynd is planning to expand its own VR efforts for veterans in the near future. The company this year announced a major effort with the VA called Virtual Vietnam: A Path to Peace. The program aims to help Vietnam-era veterans, who are now entering into VA care in growing numbers, by returning them to Vietnam in a more peaceful and tranquil environment. The whole objective of this is to bring some emotional closure and emotional upside to their lives, who have been living with a lot of scars on this planet for a long time as it relates to Vietnam, said Brickler, Mynds co-founder. So this content will be very uplifting. The VA said in a statement to The Hill that the partnership with Mynd allows staff and veterans to work with designing and developing solutions on PTSD treatment. This ongoing relationship allows VA to gain more knowledge on how to effectively implement VR as a part of therapy, the department said in an email. Its crucial to involve veterans and VA staff as they are the end-users of the technology. By understanding and addressing the issues from their perspectives, it can lead to a transformative impact. PTSD remains a major problem for veterans, even if the tools are getting better. About 7 percent of all veterans will experience PTSD, according to the VA. There are more than 18 million veterans in the country. At some point in their life, 15 percent of both Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans will experience PTSD, the VA says. That number is 21 percent of the Gulf War and 10 percent for the Vietnam war. PTSD can often haunt someone for their entire life, often leading to depression, addiction or other self-destructive behavior, and impacting quality of life and relationships. The problems can be particularly acute as veterans age if they havent addressed the issue. When youre not working and retire, you have time on your hands, said Huff, the Vietnam veteran. You start having trouble sleeping. He said he has lost many of his friends and comrades he once served with after they struggled with PTSD. While he sees a psychiatrist once a month and takes medication, PTSD is still something he has to cope with. The power of VR to treat PTSD is not a new tool. It has been deployed as far back as the 1990s, but the technology was much cruder then. As VRs ability to transport veterans back to their country of deployment, or in a new immersive world, has scaled up, so have studies showing it can calm and help treat PTSD. The technology has attracted the interest and backing of major veteran groups, including the American Legion. Today, the VA has more than 3,000 headsets across more than 170 medical centers in all 50 states and the territory of Puerto Rico. Skip Rizzo, a clinical psychologist and research director at the University of Southern Californias Institute for Creative Technologies for Medical Virtual Reality, said he has worked on PTSD since 2004 and has high hopes for VR. Virtual reality lets you create emotionally evocative experiences for people, whether theyre really positive and happy days, or things bringing up existential issues, said Rizzo, also a founding member of Mynds advisory board. Mental health is debating emotions and experiences in a controlled fashion and safe fashion and working with patients how they manage those emotions, how they process them, he continued. VR is a big component at the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), which runs two-week retreats for veterans who struggle with PTSD. The program, Warrior Care Network, partners with four academic medical centers to give veterans a course with instructors and other veterans. Thats the program that Oxendine, the Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, enrolled in. Part of the experience can include VR, which immerses veterans in not only 360 degrees of a virtual world, but also provides sound and touch in a special room. Erin Fletcher, the director of the Warrior Care Network at WWP, said the completion rate for her program is more than 90 percent and that most veterans recover from the worst PTSD symptoms, including when they use the VR option. This is done in an incredibly healing and caring and empathic environment, she said. The results are incredible and lasting. Fletcher said veterans have a tendency to avoid their PTSD experiences, which can cause panic attacks, make them nauseous or create other debilitating symptoms. But thats hurting them in the longer term, forcing them to shrink their life by avoiding triggering places, like an event with crowds or fireworks. What prolonged exposure does is teach that individual that those memories themselves and those experiences are not dangerous, she said. They can learn skills to kind of calm those physical symptoms and they learn to respond to those memories in a much more effective way. So it kind of takes the sting out of the memory. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. German motorsports racing driver Sebastian Vettel (L) speaksw with a Porsche employee. Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel tested for Porsche on Tuesday in Spain as the German carmaker gears up for the Le Mans 24-hour. Porsche Handout/dpa Former world champion Sebastian Vettel has said he would prefer more transparency in Formula One in connection with the affair around Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Horner was cleared in an internal probe over alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a female team employee who has since been suspended. Messages allegedly between Horner and his accuser were later leaked to leading F1 figures and the media. Vettel, who won his four world titles 2010-2013 under Horner at Red Bull, told Sky TV on Wednesday that "it would be nice if there was simply more transparency so that you really could have more of an opinion. 'I think it's always difficult if you read one thing, then another thing and then the opposite. I think now things are going round in circles," he said. Germany's Vettel, who retired from F1 in 2022 but has not fully ruled out a return, said the affair overshadowed the good job their world champion driver Max Verstappen and the whole team were doing. "The shame is that obviously Max is doing a great job. The team - a lot of individuals I remember from my time there, are doing a great job in the background and that's sort of forgotten when the subject hovers around something else," Vettel said. Verstappen leads the standings heading into this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, despite failing to finish at the last race in Australia. Looking at the big picture of women in F1, Vettel said: "F1 is changing, but it's an old fashioned business in many ways. "When I left there were a lot more women in the paddock and a lot more women not just following the sport, but also working in the sport. I think that's a positive change but really, like everywhere else, there's still room for improvement." XIONG'AN, Hebei Province, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Drawn by the promising prospects in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, two young African entrepreneurs pioneered establishing companies in this burgeoning locale in February, owing to the high fairness and efficiency. In April 2017, China decided to establish the Xiong'an New Area, which aims to relieve Beijing of non-essential functions related to its status as the nation's capital, while also advancing the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. After graduation from Dalian Medical University in northeast China's Liaoning Province, Omane Vincent Kwakye moved to Xiong'an about three weeks ago, hoping to make a fortune here. The 27-year-old Ghanaian is convinced that Xiong'an is the most promising land in China now. "Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are over-saturated with so many people and so many foreigners. If I had started a business there, I would have been at the bottom of the food chain and thus suffered climbing all the way up," said Vincent, who believes there are more opportunities in the new area. "Xiong'an is different. Everything starts from the very beginning." The young entrepreneur now commits himself to medical equipment trade between China and Africa. The startup he has registered in Xiong'an is an international trade company, which he believes will help connect Chinese partners with his family business in Africa. "Xiong'an is a relatively very new and very young city. And I am also quite young. We all know when it comes to the future, one should actually put in effort to develop ourselves for the future. And I feel in that sense with Xiong'an, the government is putting in effort to develop it," he noted. The company will ship advanced medical equipment from China to Ghana and other African countries to provide better health services for more African people. "I expect that as I am growing, learning and becoming better at expanding my business, Xiong'an is also going to help me to expand my business as well with various technologies," said Vincent. "I believe that Xiong'an is going to be something very big in the future." Likewise, Godsword George Chinemerem, a 32-year-old Nigerian, is also excited about getting involved in the growing process of the new area. George runs equipment trading companies in Shenzhen and Haikou, port cities in south China, and he decided to launch a logistic company in Xiong'an as he has faith in China's futuristic city. Registering a company in Xiong'an is simple for foreigners, according to George, who finished the whole process and received his documents within one day. "The administrative services are swift and contain no forms of racism. I'm very much welcome here, and I'm happy to be so," he noted. Samuel Nwokocha, a friend of George and Vincent, finds himself fascinated by the bright prospects of the new area, where he believes is going to be greener, smarter and more people-oriented. He is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration degree at Shenyang University in the capital city of Liaoning Province. Samuel, also a business owner from Nigeria, expects to extend his business from Nigeria to China by establishing a company in Xiong'an after finishing his studies in 2025. "When I graduate in 2025, I will gladly open a business here in Xiong'an," he said. "It would be a dream for me to stay long in Xiong'an, to watch my own business grow and bring more people into this place to grow the economy of Xiong'an." Victor Valley College will soon offer its first bachelor's degree following the unveiling of six new baccalaureate programs throughout the state. A bachelor's degree in respiratory care therapy will soon be available at the High Desert campus, California Community Colleges announced Tuesday. The organization also announced five new bachelor's degree programs at other schools, bringing the total number now offered system-wide to 39, according to CCC spokeswoman Melissa Villarin. A respiratory care therapy bachelor's degree program will also be established at Antelope Valley College. Victor Valley College in Victorville, pictured in an undated photo. The degrees made available through the state's community college Baccalaureate Degree Program are selected to be ones in "high-demand career fields," Vice Chancellor of the California Community Colleges' Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office. "Through the Baccalaureate Degree Program we are broadening the reach of higher education and skill development to a greater number of students by offering affordable and quality opportunities close to home," she said. Expanding access to four-year college degrees is a vital component of California Community Colleges' strategic plan, known as "Vision 2030," officials said. "Equitable baccalaureate attainment is one of three strategic directions that will help achieve the plans goals of equity in success, equity in access and equity in support," Villarin said. "In addition to that, graduates of community college bachelors degree programs earn twice as much as they id before obtaining their degree, according to a UC Davis Benefits and Opportunities report," she added. "And more than half of graduates reported that they would not have pursued a bachelor's degree had it not been offered at their community colleges." It was not clear Tuesday when the new program would be available for Victor Valley College students to enroll. After first launching in 2014, the California Community Colleges' Baccalaureate Degree Program was made permanent in 2021, according to officials. The degrees offered through the program are exclusive to the California Community Colleges' system and do not duplicate bachelor's degrees offered at Cal State University or University of California Campuses. More information, including a list of all available bachelor's degrees offered in the CCC system, is available online at cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/Educational-Services-and-Support/What-we-do/Curriculum-and-Instruction-Unit/Curriculum/Baccalaureate-Degree-Program. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Victor Valley College to add bachelor's degree in respiratory care Some villages in occupied Kherson Oblast 'no longer exist,' official says The situation in Oleshky in occupied Kherson Oblast is deteriorating under Russian occupation, and some villages in the region "no longer exist," Tetiana Hasanenko, the exiled head of Oleshky's military administration, told Radio Svoboda on April 3. Ukrainian forces liberated Kherson Oblast up to the western bank of the Dnipro River in November 2022. Russian forces still occupy the other side of the bank and carry out attacks against the western bank from the towns and villages they occupy on the eastern bank. "Some villages of the community no longer exist on the map at all," Hasanenko told Radio Svoboda, describing constant shelling and a complete lack of essential services, like electricity, water, and gas. Since the start of 2024, 21 civilians have been wounded and seven have been killed under Russian occupation, Hasanenko said, describing the situation as "simply catastrophic." "These are not complete numbers, these are only those people we have become aware of," Hasanenko said. "Civilians are constantly dying." Oleshky was also hit by Russia's destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on June 6, 2023, and suffered widescale flooding. While Russia has claimed that 59 people died in floods caused by the dam explosion in the territory it controls, an Associated Press investigation discovered that in Oleshky alone, the number is at least in the hundreds. Journalists talked to medical workers who kept records of the dead in Oleshky, a volunteer who buried the bodies, and Ukrainian informants who provided intelligence from the area to the Ukrainian Security Service as well as other residents, rescue volunteers, and recent escapees from the occupied area. Ukraine's National Resistance Center put the number of flood victims in Oleshky at over 500. Rather than evacuating the population, Russian forces reportedly prevented locals in Oleshky from leaving and later confiscated humanitarian aid. Read also: Ukraines south threatened with long-term economic, agricultural decline after Kakhovka dam destruction Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. For years, Miami Beach officials had tried to get the word out: Spring breakers, go somewhere else. The citys former mayor, Dan Gelber, couldnt have been more explicit in March 2023. We do not want spring break, he said. But the spring breakers came in droves anyway. Last year, there were repeated stampedes from jumpy crowds that packed Ocean Drive. After two deadly shootings, the second of which made global headlines after a man was executed at close range on a busy sidewalk, the city declared a curfew for the fourth consecutive year. A slew of measures put in place this year, including a viral ad campaign, appears to have turned the tides: Last month, there were no shootings related to spring break. Citywide arrest numbers were down by 8%, and police said they seized fewer than 70 guns after seizing more than 100 last year. At an event Tuesday honoring the 18 law enforcement agencies that descended on South Beach during spring break, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner declared victory. Our residents are thrilled, he said. We can stand here and celebrate the success we had. Spring break, were over The stark difference between spring break 2023 and spring break 2024 was no accident, according to Meiner. In the 12 months since last years spring break, city leaders sought to take proactive measures to change the narrative for 2024. They endorsed a curfew one year in advance. They scrapped a programming strategy deemed unsuccessful in the prior two years, redirecting $3 million to police overtime. They voted for $100 parking rates in South Beach and then, in late February, went even further to shut down most public parking options entirely for non-residents. Still, as March 2024 approached, many still feared this year would bring more of the same. Elected officials, local businesses and the citys police union second-guessed parts of the plan. Metal detectors and a secured perimeter around Ocean Drive, a priority for the newly elected mayor, didnt materialize. Many of the law enforcement measures proposed including license-plate readers, a DUI checkpoint and hundreds of cops from local and state agencies had been tried in years past, though this years effort was beefed up and came with added support from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner visits with police officers on Ocean Drive during spring break in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Then came the video. A marketing campaign, cooked up in the months before March by the Miami Beach communications department and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, declared the city was breaking up with spring break. It started with the launch of a web page detailing the citys spring break measures, featuring an imagined text message conversation in which Miami Beach says: Spring break, were over. The city bought two billboards to blast out the message to drivers coming in and out of the barrier island. On March 1, the city released a one-minute video that it had paid an ad agency, VML, $250,000 to produce. In it, young actors mimic a breakup conversation Hey, we need to talk, the ad begins to implore young people looking to drink and party to go somewhere else for spring break. And dont try to apologize and come crawling back. This isnt safe, so we are done, an actor says. The ad immediately went viral, including on platforms visible to spring breakers, like TikTok and Instagram. By mid-March, Melissa Berthier, the citys marketing and communications director, said the breakup campaign, including the video, had an estimated 220 million social media impressions. There was backlash to the citys messaging campaign from some Black community leaders in Miami-Dade County, who said it echoed a long history of Miami Beach being unwelcoming to Black visitors. The citys Black Affairs Advisory Board expressed opposition to the campaign. And County Commissioner Keon Hardemon called the citys plan tone deaf and questioned whether the county should pay to send its officers to South Beach to assist the city during spring break. I dont want to be a part of anything that can be deemed to be onerous, draconian, heavy-handed by a municipality that is especially effected upon people that, for the most part, are just like me, Hardemon said at a meeting in early March. Our residents are thrilled As peak spring break season began, it became clear that the citys message was having the desired effect. Crowds were noticeably smaller. The mood was relatively calm. And, unlike in past years, everyone on Ocean Drive seemed to be aware of the citys anti-spring break campaign. Of course we did, Josh Pryor, 21, a senior at Georgia State University visiting for spring break, told the Miami Herald when asked if he and his friends had seen the viral video. Its everywhere. On X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, young people talked about how Miami Beach was canceling spring break not quite accurate, but reflective of the citys messaging and how they planned to go elsewhere as a result. Party promoters advertised more events in the city of Miami. Fort Lauderdale reported seeing bigger crowds as some revelers avoided South Beach. In an interview, Police Chief Wayne Jones pointed to the messaging campaign as a critical inflection point. I think what felt different really started with the communication campaign, Jones said. Moving forward, my biggest recommendation to the administration is that weve got to have other really smart campaigns like we did, communicating to the world what the expectations are before they get here, because it really helps us police better. People walk along the sidewalk on Ocean Drive on Friday, March 15, 2024. There were still thousands of people on Ocean Drive. Crowds began to swell as the third weekend of March approached. On Friday, March 15, City Manager Alina Hudak declared a midnight curfew for all of South Beach for the remainder of the weekend. Several nightclubs filed an emergency lawsuit saying the curfew would crush their business, but the city successfully defended its decision in a Saturday afternoon court hearing. Jones told a judge he recommended the curfew after seeing the atmosphere change on Ocean Drive, describing widespread public drinking and an area awash in the smell of marijuana. He suggested that, in past years, those indicators have been a precursor to violent incidents. The curfew was enforced with no major incidents. Police made four arrests for curfew violations during the three days it was in effect, according to jail booking data. A group records a video on Ocean Drive during spring break on Friday, March 15, 2024, in Miami Beach. The final two weekends of March were fairly quiet, in part because of inclement weather and fewer college students having their breaks during those weeks. City officials kept parts of their spring break crackdown in place through the end of the month, including $30 parking, double towing fees, 6 p.m. beach entrance closures and restricted vehicle access to residential neighborhoods. As March drew to a close, the results were clear: While there were several incidents of violence during the month including a police officer shooting a fellow officer during a scuffle with a man seemingly having a mental health crisis, an accidental shooting that injured two people in a South Beach liquor store and a non-fatal stabbing in a hotel room none of them took place amid large spring break crowds. Misdemeanor arrests were up as of mid-March, seemingly reflecting a crackdown on quality-of-life crimes like marijuana-related offenses. Miami Beach police charged at least 38 people in March with possession of small amounts of marijuana and charged at least 12 people with smoking marijuana on public property, according to a Herald review of jail booking data and court records. Among those 50 people arrested, 38 were Black, records show. Some of the arrests included additional charges. Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner (center) speaks during a press conference and ceremony on Ocean Drive on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, honoring law enforcement agencies for their work during spring break. Whats next for spring break? Beginning at a City Commission meeting Wednesday, officials will discuss what this years spring break results mean for 2025 and beyond. Some say the drastic approach which saw about 600 police officers from various agencies patrolling South Beach isnt sustainable. The city budgeted $3.9 million for this years spring break plan, most of which was for overtime for police working extended hours throughout the month. The hope, officials say, is that such extreme measures will become less necessary as Miami Beach becomes less of a spring break destination. But that may take time. Hudak, who recently tendered her resignation after three years as the citys top administrator, said in an interview that the city should probably take a similar approach to spring break next year. In a Herald op-ed Tuesday, David Wallack, the owner of Mangos Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive, warned that if the city doesnt find a major event in March to replace spring break, the economic damage next year will be absolute, along with the repeated need to mobilize another army of police again and every year after that. Wallack has pushed for a major music festival in the past, but plans never moved forward. A major British motorsport event was also floated but has yet to materialize. Wednesdays commission agenda includes proposals for a fitness festival and a financial conference in March 2025. Spring break is an American cultural phenomenon of energy, Wallack wrote. Only another cultural phenomenon of equal or greater energy can transform it. Hudak, however, said she believes the city will need more time to pull off the kind of large-scale event that some have pushed for to transform tourism during the month of March. I think that, to expect that next year will be perfect and that we can somehow transition from what we experienced this year to a month next year that has events, we need probably another year or two, she told the Herald. I know that, if I were here, next year would probably be very similar to this year. Meanwhile, the success of this years spring break crackdown is likely to strengthen law and order initiatives by Meiner and other officials seeking to change the city, and particularly South Beach, from a party destination to a quiet, resident-friendly locale. This is a 365-day endeavor, Meiner said, to give our law enforcement the tools that they need to enforce the law. During its soft opening, Virgil's Coffee House & Creamery is training staff and welcoming customers. LOUISVILLE Virgils Coffee House & Creamery is steeped in history. The new spot occupies a 152-year-old home that Charles Julliard built in 1872. Juilliard's brother Augustus was the benefactor of the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. The stately home at 523 E. Main St. served as Juilliard Senior Center from 1980 to 2008, then Louisville City Council sold it at auction in Fall 2008. At that time, a local businessman who hoped to save the home and its history was the buyer. Brewery reopening plans: The Brew Kettle has big plans for dormant Canton Brewing: Concert venue and Airbnb space Tearing out layers of ceiling was just the beginning of the renovation project undertaken by Virgil's Coffee House & Creamery in Louisville. Jeff Rich, co-owner of Virgils with his wife, Chery, grew up in Louisville and would ride his bike past the house. When it went up for auction in September 2022, he knew he had to preserve it. Currently, the shop is open in a soft opening status. A grand opening will be April 23. While Jeff was busy with the extensive renovation, Chery Rich and operations manager Jordan Parisi went to ice cream boot camp in Daytona Beach, Florida. Parisi, who has retail experience with Abercrombie & Fitch, is engaged to the Riches' son, Nathan. Issues of The Repository from the 1920s were used as flooring and wall insulation at the original Juilliard Home, now Virgil's Coffee House & Creamery. Rich and the construction team tore down three layers of ceilings, walls, and flooring. During the process, they noted that issues of The Canton Repository dating back to the 1920s had been used for insulation. Railings were repurposed, and, as much as possible, woodwork was brought back to its original highlights. The front of the coffee bar is an old church door that was cut and laid end to end. Two shots of espresso are always better than one at Virgil's Coffee House & Creamery in Louisville. The coffee shop's name Virgil is a tribute to Jeff Rich's late father, who was a metal fabricator. He always envisioned owning an ice cream parlor where people leave happy," Chery said. Another noteworthy feature is stained-glass windows. One has a symbolic fleur-de-lis, an homage to Louisvilles French influence. Another of the windows features hummingbirds, a tribute to the love Chery Richs mother, Ann, had for the swift fliers. Interior designer Judy Sicker of Design4U said the project has been challenging yet enjoyable. Jordan Parisi, left, operations manager at Virgil's, and Chery Rich, co-owner, stand in front of one of the stained-glass windows inside the historic Louisville home that now houses a coffee and ice cream shop. New York style pizza: Mikes Pizza serving up New York-style pies at Deli Ohio A cozy little nook inside Virgil's Coffee House & Creamery in Louisville. We did a lot of scrubbing on those brick walls, Chery Rich told about the upstairs at Virgil's. But we knew we wanted to preserve them. Jan Watson, a pharmaceutical saleswoman from Jackson Township, was in Louisville on business and popped in for some ice cream. I know its early in the day for ice cream, but I just wanted to see the inside. Isnt it just stunning? she said. Watson walked around, and then settled into a seat in a cozy nook by a window to enjoy her cup of the signature ice cream flavor cookie butter. When she finished, she waved and yelled, Ill be back whenever Im in town. Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318. Ice cream is made on site, and flavors change often, at Virgil's Coffee House & Creamery. If you go WHAT Virgils Coffee House & Creamery WHERE 523 E. Main St., Louisville PHONE 234-252-9035 CURRENT HOURS 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday. SUMMER HOURS (June, July and August) 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday This article originally appeared on The Repository: Virgil's Coffee House & Creamery to celebrate Louisville grand opening Virginia Beach parks need millions of dollars in improvements, study says VIRGINIA BEACH A recent study recommended the city consider several funding strategies to bring its public parks up to par with similar cities, including a possible tax increase. Virginia Beach faces a backlog in park maintenance, and several districts dont have an adequate number of public parks. The city also is lacking park amenities that can be found in peer cities, including a nature center, splash pad and archery range, according to the park need assessment. An estimated $115 million would required for short-term fixes over the next five years, the study found. We understand that resources are limited, so where are you going to be focusing first to make the biggest impact, said Tristan Cleveland, project manager for Virginia Beach consulting firm Kimley-Horn, at a meeting Tuesday. The city owns 7,425 acres of park land, of which 5,772 is developed. Addressing safety hazards, improving trail conditions and providing accessible amenities in the developed parks are among the highest priorities recommended in the report. You got to take care of what you have, said Cleveland. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation has several projects in the works, including a $1.6 million renovation of the Kids Cove playground area at Mount Trashmore. In a city survey last year, the majority of respondents who ranked park maintenance as a priority also supported a tax increase to pay for it. The results of the survey were included in the study, which recommended the city consider a bond referendum question on the November ballot to gauge the publics interest. Councilwoman Barbara Henley suggested, for starters, that an existing open space fund could be expanded to develop new parks. A portion of Virginia Beachs 5.5% meal tax is funneled into the open space fund to help the city buy land for future public parks. Currently, less than half of 1% of the meal tax goes to open space purchases. The total meal tax revenue is expected to grow more than 5% in the new fiscal year to $97.3 million, according to the citys proposed budget. The City Council could decide to redirect some funds earmarked for buying park land to improving existing parks. But to fully accomplish the studys recommendations, a tax increase to pay for a general obligation bond could be necessary. It would make a big difference in what can be done, Henley said. Councilwoman Sabrina Wooten first advocated for a bond referendum to build new parks last year, but it was tabled for further public input through the survey. If we do want to address these disparities, its a good way to do it, she said. Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com Voices: Netanyahu thinks he can do what the hell he wants we must stop him The killing of seven international aid workers has betrayed the carelessness with which the Israeli administration has prosecuted its war (AP) More and more, the killing of seven international aid workers in an Israeli drone attack in Gaza feels like a turning point in this conflict a diplomatic and political one that will soon become a military one. We dont yet know the full facts about what happened, and must trust that the Israeli authorities will produce a transparent and truthful account of what occurred. The attack was certainly deliberate in the sense that it was not collateral damage from a bombing raid. What does seem to be clear, then, is that this cannot be explained away as a mistake, the kind of error that happens because war is hell, as one Israel spokesperson put it. It betrays the carelessness with which the Israeli administration has prosecuted this war. Despite the increasingly tokenistic claims of the Israeli Defence Forces that civilians are being protected as far as possible, that is clearly not the case. We see on our smartphones and on our television screens scenes of biblical devastation and of children dying of malnutrition, even as the IDF and Netanyahus PR people say there is no danger of famine and there are no obstacles to aid getting through. This cannot all be dismissed as Hamas propaganda, wicked as they are. The charred remains of the clearly marked convoy in an aid route speaks volumes. So does the TV clip of the Israeli premier, Benjamin Netanyahu, responding to the global outrage. It is a bizarre affair, with a sort of sympathetic smile playing around his lips as he shrugs and reminds the world that this sort of thing happens in wartime. He talks as if he is in charge of the foreign policy of the United States, the EU, Australia, Britain and others, and that he can do as he likes. You would not think that Israel, brave as its people have been under attack, depends on the West and its regional neighbours for its security. At long last, their patience tried beyond endurance, even Israels staunchest friends and allies are turning on Netanyahus government. Words and pleas for restraint do not seem to be working. Netanyahu treats President Biden with withering contempt. The secretary of state, Antony Blinken, is humoured. David Cameron is patronised. The Israelis are arraigned at the International Court of Justice on a charge of genocide, and it makes no difference to the plans for a brutal air and ground assault on Rafah. The United States has lifted its customary veto on a ceasefire and Israel responds by cancelling talks in Washington as if the role of America was purely to exercise Netanyahus orders by proxy at the UN Security Council, as if it was Israel that was the permanent member in possession of the veto. Ignoring constant pressure not to widen the conflict and draw America into more direct conflict with Iran, the Israelis go ahead and bomb an Iranian embassy in Syria. Gaza, if it ever was, is no longer just Israels unfinished business. The humanitarian catastrophe is too great, and the threat of a far wider, far more dangerous conflict is too great to just let Netanyahu do whatever the hell he likes. The attack on the Global Kitchen Centre charity workers is symbolic and indeed a turning point. Enough is enough. President Biden and Rishi Sunak have expended huge amounts of political capital in defending Israel, but now they are shifting their stance, telling Israel openly that too many people have died in this war, and it must stop. In Britain, there is now a live debate on ending arms sales to Israel. Similar pressures are growing in America. Increasingly, it is not just those on the left, the usual suspects, who are behind such calls, though Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn have as much a right to be listened to as anyone. We now have Conservative former ministers such as Alistair Burt, and experienced diplomats such as Lord Ricketts questioning the Wests effectively unconditional support for Israel. The mood has darkened. The time has come for the West to stop begging Netanyahu to listen and to make him do so. So, we now take the next step and force a change of policy by incrementally scaling back military and financial assistance. We cannot stand idly by while babies die, and Netanyahu pushes the region into an even worse conflagration. Put bluntly: America is not going to fight a war with Iran because it would suit Netanyahu. He is a man who understands power, and power is what must be used. It has been done before when Israel has abused its friends, and it can be done again. Indeed, it should probably have been done long before now, when it became clear that the main war aim was retribution, and the main method a gigantic, medieval-style siege. The war in Gaza must end now. Whatever the precise wording of the UN resolution may be, Israel should not be permitted to ignore it and press on to Rafah. The war must end now not just to save the Palestinian people in Gaza suffering yet more tragedies; but for the sake of Israel itself. Because everything Netanyahu has done has played into Hamass hands. Hamas laid a trap last year and Netanyahu took the bait. It has taken just under six months for the powerful wave of global goodwill and support for Israel after the Hamas atrocities of 7 October to be dissipated. In the face of the worst antisemitic attack since the Holocaust the murders of 1,269 innocents, the taking of hostages and other crimes against humanity Israels friends and allies stood with the nation. Even Israels enemies stayed quiet. Western politicians declared that Israel had the right to defend itself. Aid was sent; military and financial support was guaranteed. How incredible, almost unbelievable it is that we in the West should now find ourselves, in such a relatively short span of time, seriously discussing putting an arms embargo on Israel. For the president of the United States and the prime minister of Israel to be barely on speaking terms. To have Iran, ally and mentor of Hamas, strengthening its hold on its regional militias and proxies. To have the Houthi guerrillas stopping shipping getting to the Suez Canal. To see the Abrahamic Accords halted, and Israels attempts to establish diplomatic relations with Arab neighbours wrecked. To see Israel, of all nations, arraigned at the International Court of Justice on a charge of genocide. To see Israel itself riven by division, and protests across Western capitals questioning the right of the state of Israel to exist. That has all been the appalling result of the appalling way Israels government has prosecuted this war. It is a war that Israel is losing; and thats why it is time to end it. The exclusive polling for Euronews by Ipsos reveals that a majority of voters (63%) either view the Commission's work negatively or have no opinion, suggesting the EU executive is not cutting through to most Europeans. Of a sample of 26,000 EU citizens in 18 member states, 37% said they viewed the work of von der Leyens Commission positively, while 31% said they see it negatively and 32% didnt know. It comes two months before some 370 million eligible voters will elect new members to the European Parliament, sparking a race to lead the Commission, the EUs powerful executive branch which holds sweeping powers to legislate on a range of issues including tech, healthcare and social rights. Von der Leyen, who was parachuted to the role of Commission President in 2019 despite not officially running for the role, is currently tipped to secure a second five-year term after the European Peoples Party (EPP) named her as its lead candidate. To secure that second term, she will need to be nominated by EU leaders and secure majority support in the newly-elected European Parliament, a test she passed by a slim margin of just nine votes back in 2019. But while she has built a robust reputation among political circles, von der Leyen has been criticised for her scarce public appearances and reluctance to go out into the streets to meet voters, even on the campaign trail. The result is low perception of her executive across a vast majority of member states. A majority of survey respondents had a positive view of her Commission in just three of the member states surveyed: Portugal (61%), Denmark (54%) and Spain (54%). The approval rating plunges to a low of just 18% in France, one of the EUs founding members, where 36% view the Commissions work negatively and 46% dont know. Perception is also alarmingly low in central and eastern states such as Austria, where 41% see the Commission negatively, and Hungary and Czech Republic, where 38% hold a negative view. The results also suggest around a third of Europeans dont know enough about the Commission to be able to form an opinion on its work. Commission unpopular with political fringes A surge in support for fringe parties, particularly on the far right, also presents something of a reputation crisis for the Commission. These populist parties often blame Brussels for Europes economic downturn and social struggles, fuelling rising scepticism against the institution. The survey shows that voters of parties belonging to the far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group - such as Frances Rassemblement National, Italys Lega or Alternative for Germany (AfD) - are the most critical of the Commissions work, with a staggering 61% seeing it as negative, and just 12% positive. The Commission is also perceived negatively among a majority of conservative, eurosceptic voters (52%), and a substantial proportion of far left voters (39%). Its approval is at its highest among the mainstream centre-left Socialists and von der Leyens own centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP). For many hard-right, populist parties, the Commission - embodied by von der Leyen - has become a useful totem of technocracy for them to attack in order to sow anti-Brussels sentiment. One representative case is French frontrunner Rassemblement Nationals targeting of von der Leyen as a Macron ally, whom they accuse of selling off European industry to foreign powers, and even of undermining the use of French as the lingua franca in European institutions. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans ruling Fidesz party is pursuing similar tactics, with the government in Budapest using public money to vilify von der Leyen in public billboard campaigns. Of all professions, manual workers are most likely to have a negative view of the Commissions work (37%), followed by self-employed and commodities owners (35%). Support for EU membership still high Despite the Commission struggling with its reputation in many member states, EU membership still enjoys broad support across member states, the polling suggests. Asked whether EU membership is a good or bad thing for their country, an average of 62% of respondents said good, with support highest in Portugal, Spain and Denmark, and lowest in the Czech Republic, France and Italy. Unsurprisingly, scepticism towards the benefits of EU membership is strongest amongst the voters of far-right populists belonging to the ID party, 37% of whom think its a bad thing for their country. That number falls to just 3% among Green voters, 81% of whom see EU membership as a good thing. Even among those who vote for parties belonging to the ECR group - such as Spain's Vox, Italy's Fratelli d'Italia or Poland's Law and Justice - and who are generally considered Eurosceptics, 48% see EU membership as a good thing. But across all groups of voters, EU membership is seen as considerably more positive than the work of the Commission itself. Voters of parties belonging to the Left, ECR or ID are around twice as likely to consider EU membership a good thing as they are to consider the Commission's work positive. The data confirms what is becoming apparent on the campaign trail in many EU countries: the Commission is the institution most likely to awaken feelings of euroscepticism among voters, and parties on the edges of the political spectrum stand ready to capitalise on this. Voter turnout under 10% in Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties during New York Primary Elections ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) Voter turnout on Tuesday was down across our market in Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties all below 10% of registered voters. In Chemung County, 6% of registered Democrats voted with a total of 878 votes, 800 of which went to President Joe Biden. For Republicans, 8.2% voted with 1691 total votes and 1,348 votes going to former President Donald Trump. Community Arts of Elmira to host two galleries in Artist Celebration Moving west to Steuben County, 5.3% of registered Democrats voted in Tuesdays election with 743 votes, 657 of those were for President Biden. On the Republican side, 2235 votes were cast, with 1892 going for former President Trump. In Schuyler County, turnout was slim as well with 7.4% of registered Democrats casting 248 votes, with 217 of those going for President Biden. On the Republican side, 8.9% of registered voters went out to vote on Tuesday with 471 total votes and 395 of those going to former President Trump. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Arizona Diamondbacks' Christian Walker connects for a three-run home run against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) PHOENIX (AP) Christian Walker hit a three-run homer, Zac Gallen pitched six sharp innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the New York Yankees 7-0 on Tuesday night to end the Yankees' season-opening win streak at five games. Defending NL champion Arizona is off to a 4-2 start. The D-backs took a 3-0 lead in the first after five of their first six batters reached base against Nestor Cortes. Blaze Alexander, Eugenio Suarez and Gabriel Moreno all had RBI singles. You put up three quick points and start playing downhill baseball," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. Zac on the mound, it puts a lot of pressure on the opposition. Three runs turned out to be plenty of support for Gallen (2-0), who gave up three hits and three walks while striking out six. The right-hander finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting last season after going 17-9 with a 3.47 ERA. He's off to another good start, giving up just one run over 11 innings. It was a clean game, Lovullo said. Those are the types of game I expect us to play, but it was all set up by Zac. He was just pounding the zone, in command of more than one pitch and could get to anything at any time. Walker made it 6-0 in the seventh with a majestic blast off Jake Cousins, bringing home Ketel Marte and Alexander on a ball that traveled 424 feet, landing far beyond the wall in left. That was a good swing, for sure, Walker said. He's got really good stuff. I had to just stay on fastball and luckily I got to one. It was only the fourth time in franchise history that New York started the year with five wins in five games. The Yankees' streak masked an uneven offense but they couldn't hide it on Tuesday. Aaron Judge was 0 for 3 with a walk, and his average fell to .125. Anthony Rizzo is hitting just .182, Giancarlo Stanton is at .150 and Alex Verdugo has a .143 average. Credit to them, Rizzo said. That's a good team, a good pitcher. He just shut us down. Cortes (0-1) gave up three runs, eight hits and two walks over five innings. For the D-backs, Walker, Alexander, Marte, Jake McCarthy and Geraldo Perdomo all had two hits. Arizona held the Yankees scoreless for just the second time in franchise history. The other was in Game 2 of the 2001 World Series. WORTH NOTING The Yankees traded left-hander Nick Ramirez to the Dodgers for cash. Ramirez was designated for assignment Saturday. New York also agreed to a minor league contract with RHP Phil Bickford. ... The D-backs traded infielder Emmanuel Rivera to the Marlins. He was designated for assignment on opening day. UP NEXT The Yankees and D-backs finish the three-game series on Wednesday. Arizona sends RHP Merrill Kelly (1-0, 1.35 ERA) to the mound while New York counters with LHP Carlos Rodon (0-0, 2.08 ERA). ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb LISBON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Luis Montenegro, president of Portugal's Social Democratic Party (PSD), officially took office as prime minister on Tuesday, following the legislative elections held on March 10. Seventeen ministers were also sworn in to form the 24th Constitutional government of Portugal at a ceremony held at the Ajuda Palace in the capital Lisbon. In his inaugural address, Montenegro outlined key priorities, including the urgent need for healthcare system reforms. He also emphasized his plan to engaging in dialogue with all parliamentary parties for "an ambitious agenda" to tackle corruption. Montenegro stressed the importance of improved communication between the State, citizens, and businesses, as well as within the government itself. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed solidarity and pledged cooperative support to the new government. The Council of Ministers of the new government is set to convene for its first meeting on Wednesday. In the Spotlight is a Bellingham Herald series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email newsroom@bellinghamherald.com. The owner of the land behind the Bellingham Walmart, where hundreds of unhoused people are living in an encampment, is pushing back against the lawsuit filed against her by the City of Bellingham. The lawsuit, filed against property owner Li-Ching Fang, alleges that the unhoused are trespassing on the property and the encampment is causing a public nuisance, which violates the Bellingham Municipal Code and state law. City officials began taking steps to declare the property a public nuisance in November 2022 by attempting to contact Fang and requiring her to abate the encampment. The Defendant has taken no steps to abate the nuisance since that time, the lawsuit states. In documents filed on March 25, 2024, with the Whatcom County Superior Court, Fang denies the allegations outlined in the lawsuit, alleging the above claim to be false and groundless. Fangs argument states that upon becoming aware of the issues caused by the presence of unhoused people on her property, she has taken necessary measures to address the issues caused by the presence of homeless people on the Property and has already hired Abatement & Decontamination Specialists to perform abatement and decontamination of the Property as per the Plaintiffs instructions. She is asking the court not to grant the city of Bellingham an issuance of a warrant of abatement because it would result in significant harm to Defendants interests that would be disproportionate to the overall benefit anticipated by Plaintiff, documents state. Therefore, issuing such a warrant would violate the principles of proportionality and good faith, documents state. The documents allege Fang first contacted the Bellingham Police Department on Aug. 21, 2019, and again Dec. 13, 2019, to authorize officers to issue trespass warnings and, when necessary, arrest individuals trespassing on the property. However, the police provided very little assistance, the document states. The document further alleges that Under the Citys instruction, Defendant engaged Abatement & Decontamination Specialists after the city informed her that the cost of doing so would be significantly lower than the costs incurred from requesting the city to perform the same work. The citys lawsuit also aims to hold Fan accountable for the property being overrun with garbage, refuse, waste material, non-operating motor vehicles, and litter, along with various accounts of criminal activity including the housing of more than 100 stolen shopping carts, drugs and drug paraphernalia. Fangs response to the lawsuit further argues that she has never been involved in criminal activities on the property nor contributed to the environmental violations. Want to sell weed? Heres how to get a job in the medical cannabis industry in Georgia Over the last five years, theres been a 249% increase in American jobs supported by the legal cannabis industry. In fact, according to Cannabiz Media, there will be 1.5 to 1.75 million U.S. workers in the cannabis industry when the industry reaches its peak. So, now could be the time to get your lucky break in the industry and start selling weed. But how do you get a job in the industry? Heres what you should know: Types of jobs in the industry According to THC University, there are numerous jobs in the medical cannabis industry, from a trimmer to an accountant or even a marketer. According to the blog, a trimmer is the most popular entry-level job in the cannabis industry and pays anywhere between $30k-43k a year. One of the highest paying jobs in the industry is a cultivation manager, which manages and oversees a growers site. This job pays up to $82,000 a year. Other jobs include a sales associate for around $17 per hour, inventory manager for $61,000 a year and a compliance officer for $69,000 a year. Get in the know If you want to sell medical cannabis or at least get into the medical cannabis industry, getting a degree in a field such as horticulture, botany or business management is a good first step. The University of Georgia (UGA) has a horticulture as well as a plant biology program. Other schools like North Georgia Technical College and Georgia Southern offer programs in botany and business management. Another way to get ahead is by gaining relevant experience in horticulture, chemistry or retail. Then, of course, theres networking. According to Vangst, participating in cannabis industry events or volunteering at local dispensaries as well as building meaningful relationships with people in the industry and state representatives is a great way to become an excellent, stand-out candidate. Get certified or get a license Depending on what job you want in the industry, you will need to look up what certifications or licenses are needed. Here are some ideas: If youre looking to be a budtender or work in a dispensary, you may need a Certified Cannabis Budtender (CCBT) certification. Or if you want to manage a dispensary, youll need to get a Certified Cannabis Dispensary Management (CCDM). For a career in making edibles, youll need a Certified Cannabis Edibles Professional (CCEP) certification. For growing, youll need a Georgia Medical Marijuana Class 1 Producer License, which is limited to low THC oil in a 100,000 square foot cultivation space. Current Georgia medical cannabis jobs Take a look at these cannabis jobs in Georgia: Dispensary associate - Trulieve in Pooler, Georgia, for $14/hour, must be 21 or older CBD Budtender - HempHaven in Atlanta for $12-14/hour Budtender - Rowes CBD/THC Dispensary in Centerville for $20-28/hour with relevant experience Cannabis Sales Rep - Native Cannabis Holdings in Atlanta for $40k/year Have any questions? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com Recreational marijuana is still illegal in GA, but whats the deal with THC vape pens? GA parents should watch out for these THC products mistaken for childrens snacks, FDA warns The United States government warned Russia that the Crocus City Hall concert venue in suburban Moscow was a potential terrorist attack target over two weeks before gunmen opened fire on March 22, the Washington Post reported on April 2. The mass shooting killed at least 143 people in the deadliest terrorist attack Russia has seen since 2004. A branch of the Islamic State known as ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the attack, and U.S. intelligence officials later confirmed the claim. Citing unnamed U.S. officials, the Washington Post said that the U.S. specifically identified Crocus City Hall as a possible ISIS target in their briefings to Moscow. The disclosure calls into question the Kremlin's claims that U.S. warnings were too "general" to prevent an attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly dismissed Western warnings of potential terrorist attacks as "outright blackmail" and attempts "to destabilize our society" days before the mass shooting. Putin has also continued attempting to link the attack to Ukraine, despite ISIS' statements and the lack of evidence pointing to Ukrainian involvement. Read also: Opinion: Why ISIS attacked Russia and why Russia blames Ukraine The U.S. regularly shares intelligence about potential terrorist attacks with other countries under the "duty to warn" doctrine, but experts told the Washington Post that disclosing the details of specific targets to an adversary nation is unusual. The exception may have to do with the risk posed to Americans in Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Russia 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. The U.K., Canada, Germany, and several other countries published similar statements soon after. The warning about Crocus City Hall did not lead to increased security measures at the venue. Video footage of the attacks shows the assailants facing little resistance, and specialized police units did not arrive at the scene until the gunmen had already fled. Iran also reportedly warned Russia of the threat of a major "terrorist operation" on Russian soil ahead of the Crocus City Hall shooting. Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said on March 27 that Putin was made aware of the terror threat by Feb. 15 at the latest. 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. April 3 (UPI) -- A series of mysterious light streaks in the night sky over California weren't UFOs, meteors or Starlink satellites, experts said. The lights were spotted and caught on camera over Sand City, Carmel and Salinas in Monterey County about 1:45 a.m. Tuesday, and sparked a flurry of speculation online. Some of the most popular theories included comets, meteors, UFOs and debris SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base around 7:30 p.m. Monday. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist and satellite tracker, said the streaks of light appeared to be the orbital module of China's Shenzhou 15 spacecraft falling back to earth. Shenzhou 15 transported three astronauts to the Tiangong space station in November 2022, and the 3,300-pound orbital module was used to give the space-goers extra room to conduct their science experiments. The module was not designed to return to earth with the Shenzhou reentry module, and remained in orbit until its overnight reentry. Photo by Mischa Keijser | Getty Images When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and watershed protection, several down-ballot elections this year in a handful of states could have a major effect in the transition away from fossil fuel. This article was produced by the nonprofit journalism publication Capital & Main. It is co-published here with permission. The media tend to ignore such contests, which attract far fewer voters than big federal and state elections. But board members of public utilities in Arizona and Nebraska are up for election in coming months, and the results of those contests could potentially transform energy policy for millions of Americans. The elections come amid growing concern about the role of money in such races and in the wake of headline-grabbing corruption scandals at utilities across the country. Utility fraud and corruption in Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio and South Carolina have cost electricity customers at least $6.6 billion, according to an analysis by news nonprofit Floodlight, which noted that some power companies embrace or seek to block the transition away from fossil fuels toward wind, solar, hydrogen and nuclear, which produce fewer greenhouse gasses. On April 2, the energy future of Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the U.S. with a population of more than 1.6 million, could be reshaped by a little-noticed election in which only 7,000 people are expected to cast ballots, based upon the election results in 2022 and according to board member Randy Miller. Though less than 1% of the regions residents are expected to vote, the campaign has attracted a bevy of candidates and the attention of famed environmental activists. A slate of clean-energy candidates is campaigning for seats on the two boards of the Salt River Project, a not-for-profit utility that provides water and power to more than 2 million people living in central Arizona. Its one of the largest public power companies in the country. Critics say that its one of the biggest contributors in the Western U.S. to greenhouse gas emissions since it relies on coal, oil and natural gas to generate more than two-thirds of its energy. Arizona is the sunniest state in the country, yet the Salt River Project gets only 3.4% of its energy from solar, lagging behind the state overall, which gets 10% from solar. Some of the incumbent board members have served for decades because of an election system set up in the early 1900s when the Valley of the Sun was settled by farmers and ranchers that allows only property owners to vote and apportions votes by acreage. The more land you own, the more votes you get. As a result, most of the utilitys customers dont have a say in choosing the leadership of a body that sets their energy rates and decides what energy sources they use to generate electricity. A slate of clean-energy advocates, including Lauren Kuby, a former vice mayor of Tempe, Arizona, promises to accelerate solar deployments, adjust rates to incentivize the use of rooftop solar and strengthen watershed protection in a region that is increasingly suffering from drought and extreme heat. In 2023, Phoenix saw a record 54 days when the temperature hit 110 degrees. Were looking to make history, Kuby said. We want to get serious about greenhouse gas reductions, set retirement dates for Salt River Project coal plants and increase solar in the district, she added, saying that they also want to make the voting process more democratic so that elections are not limited to just property owners. We call ourselves the Valley of the Sun for a reason, said Randy Miller, a Salt River Project board member who supports the slate of clean-energy candidates and was motivated to run several years ago when he was told that his energy rates would nearly triple since he installed rooftop solar on his home. I couldnt believe it, the nearby APS [Arizona Public Service] district has more than triple the amount of rooftop solar. Higher rates are a complete disincentive to getting solar power. We need new leadership on the board. The candidates are especially motivated in light of a state commissions recent decision to scrap its renewable energy standard, the only state to take such action, according to solar industry advocates. That body, the Arizona Corporation Commission, also has an election coming up in August. Unlike past years, the Salt River Project election is attracting attention, with prominent environmental activists like Bill McKibben, leader of the climate campaign group 350.org, endorsing Kuby in a mailer to voters. Kubys opponent, farmer and longtime board member Stephen H. Williams, did not return calls from Capital & Main for comment. The current board members running for reelection have pushed back against the new candidates, sending out flyers touting 40 combined years of providing affordable and reliable power and water and citing sustainability as one of their concerns. The board has pushed back against what it calls a takeover by ideological extremists, claiming that Salt River Project has managed to reduce carbon intensity by 35% since 2005, despite the dramatic growth happening in our service area. The insurgents in the Salt River Project race hope to emulate Nebraska, where clean-energy advocates won three seats in 2016 on the heavily rural Nebraska Public Power District. That helped tip the balance of power and led the board to vote 9-2 in 2021 to aim for net-zero emissions in the utilitys generation by 2050. As a result, with the states other two major power utilities already making similar pledges in recent years, Nebraska became the first GOP-dominated state to commit to net-zero electricity emissions. The end result was a long-sought goal of climate activists and environmental groups, such as the Nebraska Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club, which poured money into the 2018 and 2020 races. Before that, such races were sleepy affairs with incumbents running unopposed. The unprecedented level of campaign contributions sparked debate in this years election cycle, with some state lawmakers recently pushing to make the elections partisan so that voters have a better idea of each candidates agenda. Nebraskans support clean energy but the utilities didnt reflect those values and so it became a matter of organizing and educating voters, said Chelsea Johnson, deputy director of Nebraska Conservation Voters, describing recent election results. You can have a really big impact running for these local offices. The post The way-down-the-ballot races that could transform energy policy for millions of Arizonans appeared first on Arizona Mirror. Who were the World Central Kitchen workers killed in Israels strike in Gaza? The non-profit World Central Kitchen (WCK) has named its seven aid workers who were killed in an Israeli military strike in Gaza on Monday, praising their beautiful souls, as international condemnation over the incident grows. A dual US-Canada national, a Palestinian, three Brits, an Australian, and a Pole were killed when an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strike hit a returning WCK convoy. These are the heroes of WCK, the organizations CEO Erin Gore said in a statement revealing their identities. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full days mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. The IDF said the incident is being investigated, that the strike was a grave mistake and that it did not intend to harm the aid workers. WCK named the workers killed as (from top left) Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, Laizawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, Damian Sobol, Jacob Flinkinger, John Chapman, James "Jim" Henderson and James Kirby. - From World Central Kitchen John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby The three Brits killed were John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and 47-year-old James Kirby. All three worked in WCKs security team, the organization said. Kirby was a military veteran who had previously served in the British armed forces in Afghanistan and Bosnia, his family said. Adam McGuire, a cousin of Kirby, told Sky News on Wednesday he was disappointed in [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahus response yesterday, in not saying sorry to the individuals, and that he hoped the deaths of the seven workers would be a turning point that caused aid to flow more freely into Gaza. The family of Chapman said in a statement that he will forever be a hero, and said their relative died trying to help people, PA Media reported Wednesday, which added he is believed to be a former marine. Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha The other four people killed worked in the relief team. They included Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, who at 25 was the youngest of the casualties, and had been volunteering as a driver with WCK. Ahmad Al-Madhoun, a colleague, wrote on Facebook: I met him during my last visit to the @WCKitchen office. A friend told me that Seif would help solve any problem if you asked him. Seif was full of hope. He attended university in Ajman, in the United Arab Emirates, and had been living in Dubai, according to his Facebook page. Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha was the youngest person killed. - From World Central Kitchen Jacob Flickinger Jacob Flickinger, 33, was a US-Canadian dual citizen. Samantha Power, the US top humanitarian aid official, said the deaths of Flickinger and his colleagues were deeply alarming, and President Joe Biden wrote that he was outraged and heartbroken by the incident. Bidens statement included some of the most blunt and direct language he has used towards Israel since the start of the war; the strike raised the frustration for Biden and his top officials to a new level, a senior administration official told CNN. Flickinger was a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. - From World Central Kitchen Damian Sobol Polish authorities confirmed that one of its nationals, Damian Sobol, from the town of Przemysl in southeast Poland, was among those killed. Yesterday, our colleague, resident of Przemysl, volunteer, member of the World Central Kitchen team, Damian Sobol, was killed in a rocket attack by Israeli forces on a humanitarian convoy delivering food in the Gaza Strip, mayor Wojciech Bakun said in a post on social media on Tuesday. There are no words to describe what people who knew this fantastic boy feel at this moment May he rest in peace, the mayor added. Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the attack, and said in a post on X that Netanyahu was testing Polands solidarity with Israel. Sobol was praised by the mayor of his hometown. - From World Central Kitchen Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, citing her previous humanitarian efforts. This is someone who volunteered in Australia to help people during the bushfires. This is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid through this charity for people who are suffering tremendous deprivation in Gaza, Albanese said. Frankcom had worked with WCK since 2019, most recently as a senior manager of its operations in Asia, according to her LinkedIn page. She was a kind, selfless and outstanding human being that has traveled the world helping others in their time of need. She will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love for all those in her orbit, the Frankcom family said in a statement to CNN affiliate Channel 9. Frankcom in a picture published by WCK. - From World Central Kitchen What is the World Central Kitchen? The WCK has provided food aid in warzones and regions recovering from natural disasters since its founding by chef Jose Andres in 2010. Andres created the organization after traveling to Haiti that year to cook for civilians following a devastating earthquake, which it is estimated left as many as 300,000 people dead. Since then, the WCK has quickly become one of the worlds foremost food aid providers. It distributed millions of meals to displaced Ukrainians after Russias invasion of the country in 2022, and has been active in Gaza since Israels war with Hamas started in October. In a Reuters interview, Andres accused Israel of systematically targeting the seven WCK aid workers. This was not a bad luck situation where, oops, we dropped the bomb in the wrong place, Andres told Reuters. Even if we were not in coordination with the (Israel Defense Forces), no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians. The organization has since called on the governments of Australia, Canada, the US, Poland, and the United Kingdom to back their demands for an independent, third-party investigation into the multiple strikes that killed their aid workers. WCK said they have asked the Israeli government to immediately preserve all documents, communications, video and/or audio recordings, and any other materials potentially relevant to the strikes in order to ensure the integrity of the investigation. WCK workers provided 11.5 million meals in the first 10 weeks of the war, the non-profit said, before overcoming immense challenges to open a kitchen in the enclave. Its workers coordinated with teams in Cairo, Egypt to ship wood and charcoal pellets and developed wood-burning stoves in order to set up a kitchen capable of cooking meals at capacity, WCK said in December. The shipment came as Gazas humanitarian crisis grew increasingly dire. Gazans desperate for food have crowded rare distribution points in recent weeks, and a UN-backed report found last month that all 2.2 million people in Gaza do not have enough food to eat, with half of the population on the brink of starvation. Last month, the NGO launched a first aid ship from Cyprus to Gaza, and told CNN they would use the shipment to distribute 200 tons of food, which equates to roughly 500,000 meals. In the wake of Mondays strike, WCK announced it was pausing its operations in Gaza. CNNs Hira Humayun, MJ Lee, Jeremy Diamond contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Azernews Fatime Letifova Having lost its hopes in Russia after its humiliating defeat in the Second Garabagh War, the government of Yerevan completely severed its ties with Moscow and began to incline itself towards the European Union and NATO. During this process, the biggest supporter of Armenia in Europe was France. The interesting thing is that official Paris, which once used its time in the OSCE Mink Group to its advantage, no longer hides its biased policy after Azerbaijan's glorious victory over Armenia. Undoubtedly, France cannot swallow the loss of its power in Africa and the Middle East, the end of colonial traditions, and aggressively welcomes the struggle of peoples for their freedom and liberation of their lands. It is no secret that France has historically committed massacres on the oppressed peoples of the African continent for centuries and reached the level of the current "civilised" country by exploiting human labour. Now France has started targeting Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus to fill the gaps in its failed colonialization policy. In particular, the conclusion of the Garabagh conflict and the opening of the Zangazur Corridor are the main topics of concern for the French government. Because the opening of this Corridor is a project that will strengthen the economic and political ties of the Turkic World, as well as the return of the historical lands of Azerbaijan, and will also be useful for the countries in and around the South Caucasus. Undoubtedly, the unity of the Turkish states is an abstraction that is not welcomed and even feared in the West. Europe's prejudices against the Turkic nations so far prove that such a crusading mentality has further developed in the 21st century. Besides, France, adhering to tradition, is trying to prevent the Zangazur Corridor project from becoming a reality by conducting military exercises in Armenia and spreading terrorist thinking in the South Caucasus. Paris carries out propaganda against Azerbaijan in the political arena. The allegations made by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne regarding Azerbaijan, demonstrate the intention to target Azerbaijan using all the possibilities, disrupt the peace process in the South Caucasus, and turn the region into a new source of conflict. President Emanuel Macron intends to rise to the European leadership with his statements about the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Garabagh issue. But his incompetent position in politics not only makes himself ridiculous but also causes serious problems for France. Because official Moscow and Berlin are carefully following the steps of Paris and taking notes to raise issues in the future for any consequences. So far, Germany's response to France has been to veto all of Macron's proposals to the European Union. It is interesting that there are not a few countries that share the same interests as France and support Armenia. Iranian officials also implement the same policy as Macron regarding the Zangazur Corridor and try to suppress Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus under the guise of a religious brother. The main evidence of this is the suggestion made by Iranian MP Jalal Rashidi Kuchi regarding the shooting of the Israeli embassy in Baku. The targeting of Azerbaijan-Israel relations by the Iranian authorities in various forms is no different from the propaganda carried out by France in the United States. It should not be forgotten that for 30 years, Armenia committed countless crimes on the lands of Azerbaijan and vandalised historical and cultural monuments. During this period, neither France, the guardian of culture and humanism, nor Iran, which is considered the "symbol" of Islam in the region, had a single voice. An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2024 shows sheep in a shed at the Urad Grassland in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Li Yunping) HOHHOT, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Cattle and sheep have been confined to sheds starting Monday in major grasslands in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as the pastures undergo a 45-day grazing moratorium aimed at revitalizing grass productivity. Spring is a peak season for livestock production. Duurenbilig, a herdsman belonging to a Mongolian ethnic group residing on the Xilin Gol grasslands, said that he carefully checked his cattle sheds and sheep pens before the moratorium came into force. "The forage must be prepared in advance to feed the livestock," he said, adding that he harvested grass last autumn and stored it for both the winter season and the moratorium period. Administered by the Xilin Gol League, the Xilin Gol grasslands, spanning 220 million mu (about 14.7 million hectares), are included in this year's grazing moratorium, for which 101,000 herdsmen households are entitled to subsidies. The Xilin Gol grasslands became the first area in Inner Mongolia to implement the spring grazing moratorium in 2018, which was extended to the whole of Inner Mongolia this year. According to the regional forestry and grassland bureau, a total grazing area of 970 million mu is subjected to the grazing moratorium this spring. Thanks to years of ecological preservation efforts, Xilin Gol grasslands have regained considerable vitality. The vegetation coverage of natural grasslands hit 26.5 percent last spring in the area, with the average height of the grasses reaching 7.7 cm during the period. Earlier this year, the regional government rolled out a pilot plan to address the problem of grassland overgrazing. This initiative employs precision methods tailored to treat various types of grasslands while taking into account the diverse local economic conditions. Large swathes of grassland in Inner Mongolia have suffered from desertification and salinization due to overgrazing, drought and other factors. However, over the past decade, the vegetation coverage of the grasslands in the region has notably improved, thanks to integrated efforts, such as the grazing ban, incentive policies for grassland protection, and initiatives focused on restoring degraded vegetation and soil in the grasslands. The 2024 solar eclipse is just days away. Let's make sure you're up to speed on eclipse glasses. Even good sunglasses aren't adequate protection; the sun's rays are too intense for the retina to handle and even looking at a partially obscured sun can cause permanent damage to your eyesight. So whatever you do on Monday, do not look directly into the eclipse without acquiring proper eyewear. If you need a pair of eclipse glasses, here are some last-minute spots to check out. 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. Michigan retail chains with eclipse glasses Your local retail chain could carry eclipse glasses. Michigan retail chains expected to carry solar eclipse glasses: Walmart Lowe's Menards Kroger Meijer Staples You'll also be able to find eclipse glasses on Amazon in bulk; just ensure they are approved before you buy them, and ensure you order them early enough so they arrive on time. Detroit Public Library Detroit Public Library is hosting viewing parties at each of its open branches, supplying eclipse glasses while supplies last. Other libraries across Michigan You may be able to find free eclipse glasses at your local public library in Michigan, along with special eclipse programs. With help from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Space Science Institute, The STAR Library Network was able to distribute 5 million solar eclipse glasses to 10,000 public libraries across the country with assistance from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute and STAR Nets Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries program. Check this map to see which Michigan libraries received eclipse glasses through this effort. You also should check with your local library to see if they have glasses regardless. Michigan Science Center Special glasses specifically for viewing a solar eclipse are available at the Mi-Sci gift shop, 5020 John R. St. in Detroit's Midtown, said Mi-Sci staff astronomer Paulette Epstein. The Michigan Science Center currently has eclipse glasses on sale for $2 per person, she said. So you can come to our store, and you dont have to pay museum admission to go into the store, and get them. And solar eclipse glasses are also available with a ticket to the Ford House event that were hosting, as well. More info on that Ford House event here. More: What time is the solar eclipse in Michigan? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide. Warby Parker eclipse glasses Eyeglass company Warby Parker will provide free eclipse glasses at each of its Michigan stores while supplies last. The chain has six stores in Michigan: Grand Rapids, Novi, Troy, Ann Arbor, Detroit and Birmingham. Dates available : Monday, April 1 through Monday, April 8 Quantity : 2 pairs of glasses/family Where: Warby Parker retail locations nationwide; find one here. American Astronomical Society eclipse glasses The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved solar-eclipse glasses suppliers here. Build your own eclipse viewer 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. 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 glasses 2024: Where to find them in Michigan Where did the stadium tax question get the most and least support in Jackson County? The stadium tax question on ballots throughout Jackson County met a resounding defeat Tuesday night, with around 58% of voters opposing the measure. Now, data released by the Jackson County Election Board shows the scope of this result in individual voting precincts across the county. Check out the interactive map below to see exactly where the stadium tax saw the most and least support. The majority of voters rejected the ballot question at almost every polling location across the county, data shows. Only 10 out of the 103 polling places for which The Star tabulated results saw more than 50% of its votes go to the yes option. The strongest approval for the stadium tax question outside Kansas City came from precincts in the center of the county, just east of Little Blue Valley and west of Blue Springs. Precinct PR-28 had the highest approval for the ballot measure, with around 55% of voters voting for it. This triangular area just west of Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo is bordered by I-470 to the east and NE Woods Chapel Road to the south. By comparison, precincts in Independence and on the eastern edges of the county showed the strongest opposition to the ballot measure. Fort Osage precincts FO-06 and FO-10 had the lowest support for the stadium tax in the county outside of Kansas City, with only around 24.4% of voters choosing yes. These precincts are located in the northeast corner of the county. The map above does not show the vote breakdown on the stadium tax ballot question for precincts within Kansas City limits. These precincts are overseen by a different election board and will feature on a forthcoming map. Do you have more questions about the April 2 election or the stadium tax vote? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com. Ward 1 city council candidates Ethan Clevenger, left, Ted Coopman and Eliza Kashinsky take part in a debate between candidates for Eugene City Council Ward 1 and Ward 2 Friday, March 29, 2024, at a meeting of the City Club of Eugene. Update: On April 11, Kashinsky clarified that she was in opposition to the pickleball court at Striker Field, not the one at Lane Community College. The three candidates running to represent Ward 1 fielded questions Friday from KLCC reporter Rachael McDonald at a City Club-hosted forum, addressing topics such ashousing costs and homelessness, the city's budget, and the proposed Eugene Emeralds' stadium. City Council Ward 1 approximately includes the Far West, Friendly and Jefferson Westside neighborhoods, as well as downtown south of 7th Avenue and west of High Street. Emily Semple has represented the ward since 2017 and is not seeking a third term. Three Ward 1 residents are running to replace her. Tuesday, April 30, is the last day to register to vote, and the Lane County elections office is expected to mail ballots starting around Thursday, May 2. Ballots are due Tuesday, May 21. Eugene city councilor is a nonpartisan office, meaning the primary will appear on the ballots of all voters in the ward regardless of party. If a candidate earns a majority of the vote, they will run uncontested in November. If no candidate earns a majority, the two with the most votes will run head-to-head in November. Opening, closing statements from Eugene City Council candidates During the three candidates' opening and closing statements, they spent most of their time highlighting their unique experiences and endorsements. Ethan Clevenger is a downtown small business owner and president of the business advocacy group Downtown Eugene Merchants. Clevenger said this experience has made him invested in finding solutions. He highlighted endorsements from both the Democratic Party of Lane County and the Eugene Chamber of Commerce. (DPLC endorsed both Clevenger and Eliza Kashinsky) "People in both of those rooms recognize that if we're going to move the needle on housing and homelessness. If we're going to make our public spaces and our downtown streets more convenient and accessible for our entire community. We're going to have to evaluate all ideas in our community in good faith and with an open mind," he said. Ted Coopman is chair of the Jefferson Westside neighborhood association where he said he helped accomplish projects such as the Ollie Court affordable housing complex. Coopman highlighted his endorsements which include four of the eight current city councilors and many neighborhood association leaders. Of the three candidates he was most critical of current leadership. "I'm tired of watching my neighbors suffer over poorly thought out policies and the neglect of Ward 1 neighborhoods," Coopman said. "If you think we need leadership for a change, then vote for me in May, I'm an independent Democrat who takes direction from Ward 1 voters, not political parties or powerful special interests." Eliza Kashinsky has served on advisory committees for Eugene's budget and walkability and Lane County planning, where she said she's improved Eugene's walkability and housing diversity. She's been endorsed by Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis, the four city councilors who didn't endorse Coopman and several of her colleagues on the budget and planning committees. She made the case that of the candidates, her experience was most relevant. "Climate, our housing shortage, the homelessness crisis these are problems that need hard work," Kashinsky said. "I've been doing this work for 10 years as an advocate, for 7 years on the budget committee, and I've gained those relationships I've gained that knowledge. I've done this before." Senior and disability access Ward 1 candidate Ethan Clevenger speaks during a debate between candidates for Eugene City Council Ward 1 and Ward 2 Friday, March 29, 2024, at a meeting of the City Club of Eugene. In response to the AARP-sponsored question of the forum on how candidates will address "the needs of older adults and people with disabilities, while also engaging older adults," Coopman and Kashinsky highlighted physical aspects of the city's accessibility they wanted to improve, while Clevenger focused on ideas to improve the financial situation of seniors. Coopman said he wanted to fix the physical accessibility of the city's sidewalks. "I know that there are a lot of my neighbors who are elderly or mobility challenged or just regular people that have hurt themselves on the sidewalks," he said. Coopman said building and repairing these sidewalks, "will do a lot towards allowing people as we age to get around." Kashinsky said she wanted to rethink Eugene's urban planning to be more walkable, and that reducing residents' reliance on cars will make the city more accessible. "In Ward 1 we're incredibly fortunate that we can have the conversation about sidewalks," she said. "But there are lots of places in the city where there aren't even sidewalks, and even if there were sidewalks you'd be walking more than a mile to get to anything other than a house." Clevenger highlighted the financial hardships of seniors and shared ideas for the city to help with that. He said that by improving housing diversity and expanding the city's home repair program, it would be more affordable for seniors to afford housing. He also said that by encouraging economic development, the city could make it so residents have more money to retire with. Budget When asked how they would address the city's budget shortfall, Kashinsky and Clevenger both said they would look for projects that were "nice" but not needed, as things to cut. Coopman said he would look to cut administrative costs. Kashinsky, who's served on Eugene's budget committee, said she would focus on maintaining "essential needs" while cutting things that are "nice to have." Kashinsky said she would prioritize maintaining programs "that if we lose them, it's going to hurt our city and have long-term impacts" and pointed to the proposed LCC the pickleball court at Striker Park facility as an example of something "nice to have" that she would be willing to cut. Clevenger seconded Kashinsky's stance that the city should reject "nice to have" projects like the pickleball facility , "You have to decide is that a nice-to-have thing or is that a must-have thing?" He also said he wanted to raise revenue by appealing to other elected officials. "If we can improve our relationship with county and state officials, we can ensure that when the governor's budget comes out each year we have more monies for our community." Coopman said the city could earn revenue by encouraging economic development and shrink costs by hiring an independent auditor and cutting costs from city administration. "If we have to cut we should cut from the top," he said. "We are bringing on a third assistant city manager. They are near the highest-paid people in our city government and I'm unclear as to why we need to do that." Emeralds stadium Ward 1 candidate Ted Coopman speaks during a debate between candidates for Eugene City Council Ward 1 and Ward 2 Friday, March 29, 2024, at a meeting of the City Club of Eugene. When asked for their opinion on the proposed Emeralds stadium and multi-use Lane County fairgrounds facility, Clevenger and Coopman both expressed support for the project while Kashinsky shared concerns, but all three said they agreed with the city council's decision to send it to voters. Clevenger described the Emeralds as a community asset and said he agreed with the move to send the bond measure to the ballot. "I think we'd be having a different conversation if we were talking about a very exclusive thing for people to do in our community, but the reality is this is a $15 ticket for families who more and more feel like Eugene is not serving them," he said. Coopman also voiced support for the project and the decision to send voters the bond measure. He said he'd been working with the Emeralds as Jefferson Westside neighborhood chair, and that he supported the project for its economic impact. "I think it pencils out. It's a very good economic boon for us and I'm a supporter of it," he said. Kashinsky shared skepticism of the project but said she still agreed with letting voters decide. "We don't know where the rest of the money is coming from. We don't know what the impact is and what the operational pieces are going to be, and so that makes me a little bit nervous," Kashinsky said. But she also said she agreed with councilors sending the bond to the ballot. "That will allow us to kind of get a sense of where people are with this," she said. Community engagement When asked how the candidates would seek community input for decision-making, Clevenger and Kashinsky said they would go out to people to seek their input, while Coopman said city leaders could better utilize neighborhood associations for feedback. "We have to go out and meet with constituents," Clevenger said. "We have to go out and find the young families and find folks in minority communities like the LGBTQ+ community, and engage with them authentically," he said, and that directly listening to people this way would let councilors create the best plans. Coopman said the city should better use neighborhood associations. "If you really want to reach neighbors, they should be reached by other neighbors, Physicality matters." Coopman criticized current city leadership, which he said was undercutting and underfunding neighborhood associations. "Before I came (to the Jefferson Westside neighborhood association) there were three staff people that were dedicated full-time. Now we're down to one." Kashinsky also said she would seek feedback from people directly. "The type of people who can spend their Tuesday night at a neighborhood association meeting or Monday night commenting at city council are not necessarily representative of the city," she said. "You have to be able to go to them to figure out what they need." Housing affordability Ward 1 candidate Eliza Kashinsky speaks during a debate between candidates for Eugene City Council Ward 1 and Ward 2 Friday, March 29, 2024, at a meeting of the City Club of Eugene. When asked how they would improve housing affordability, Clevenger and Kashinsky both said they wanted to increase housing supply with deregulation, with Clevenger emphasizing construction rules while Kashinsky focused more on land use. Coopman instead called for an expansion of housing to currently undeveloped parts of Eugene's urban growth boundary. Clevenger said to improve housing affordability he would reduce the red tape that he said currently gets in the way of development. Clevenger said carpenters have told him Eugene rules are difficult to work with. "Sometimes it's about red tape. Sometimes it's about jumping through hoops. And that is why folks don't work on development projects in Eugene sometimes," he said. Coopman said to improve housing affordability he would work to expand infrastructure to the parts of the urban growth boundary that don't already have it. "The only way you're going to drop the price of homes is the same way that we made housing affordable after the Second World War, and that's at massive scale," he said. He criticized current leadership, which he said is overly focused on infill instead of affordable housing. Kashinsky said the main reason housing is expensive is exclusionary zoning and that she's been working to combat this, and that to further improve housing access, she would look for more barriers in the city's rules. "What are the other things that are in our codes and our practices that make it hard for people to create homes in Eugene?" she said. Homelessness When asked for their strategies to address homelessness, Coopman called for state and county-funded sanctioned camping, Kashinsky said the city should do more to support housing and shelter development, and Clevenger added a desire to increase mental health resources. Coopman said he would use the city council platform to push for sanctioned camping paid for by the state and county. "It is the county and the state's fiscal, statutory responsibility to provide housing for the unhoused, for mental health, and for physical health and they have fallen down tragically," he said. "Sanctioned camping is the answer. It is the only answer, and that should be coupled with removing the possibility for street camping." Kashinsky said she disagreed with the idea homelessness isn't the city's problem. "Passing the buck on whose problem homelessness is is not going to solve it," she said. Kashinsky said that working with the state and city is part of the answer, but also that the city should work more to create more housing and provide more shelter while assessing how people become homeless and working to combat that. Clevenger said he agreed with both, saying the city should keep funding its Safe Sleep Sites while pushing the state and county to fund a share of those sites. He also said the state could reduce homelessness by increasing access to mental health resources. "We need to be partnering with folks at the state to make sure that this is an attractive place for people who work in that industry to come here and set up shop," he said. To listen to the full forum featuring the Ward 1 and Ward 2 Eugene City Council candidates, visit https://www.klcc.org/show/city-club-of-eugene/2024-04-01/city-club-of-eugene Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com or on X @alanfryetorres. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: How Eugene City Council Ward 1 candidates stand housing, budget, Ems WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The international fallout continued Wednesday after an Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza, including an American-Canadian dual citizen. President Joe Biden is demanding accountability. Hes outraged, and hes heartbroken, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. We are all heartbroken here. World Central Kitchen said the Israeli military knew the aid workers would be in the area. Israel said it misidentified their vehicles and is investigating their deaths. We want to make sure that its swift, its comprehensive, that its made public, Jean-Pierre said. World Central Kitchen is now pausing its operations in Gaza. The organization said it served more than 40 million meals to Palestinians there before the attack. Israel needs to do more, Jean-Pierre said. We want to make sure that civilians are kept safe. To do that, members of both parties are increasing pressure on the White House to place conditions on U.S. military support for Israel for the protection of civilians in Gaza. However, Jean-Pierre said President Biden still opposes reducing U.S. aid to Israel. Nothing has changed, she said. The Biden administration is considering a major new weapons sale to Israel, including fighter jets and missiles. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stressed these weapons would not arrive in Israel for years. Long after, hopefully, the conflict in Gaza has been resolved, Miller said. Miller said the U.S. will continue its longstanding security relationship with Israel to help protect both countries from adversaries, like Iran. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The Biden administration has rejected an agreement with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to connect Ukraine aid with lifting the Biden administration's pause on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export licenses. "The president has been clear that House Republicans should pass the bipartisan national security agreement that already passed the Senate as soon as possible to get Ukraine the aid it urgently needs to defend itself from Russian tyranny," the White House said in a statement on April 2, according to Bloomberg. "The president supports the pause on pending, additional approvals of LNG export licenses to evaluate the economic and climate impacts on consumers and communities." In January, the Biden administration ordered a halt in approving new licenses to export LNG to countries outside US free-trade agreements. This directive came as the Energy Department evaluated the impact of such exports on climate change, the economy, and national security, particularly concerning European, Asian, and other international destinations. Following the distribution of $74 billion in aid to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, progress on the next $60 billion aid package has hit a standstill within Congress. Johnson has thus far declined to schedule a vote on the package amidst ongoing partisan discussions. However, he announced that Congress would vote on Ukrainian aid after the Easter holidays on April 7. In the meantime, certain Republicans have advocated for providing aid to Ukraine through loans. Read also: Why some far-right Republicans are hell bent on ending further aid to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration has dismissed a deal with House Speaker Mike Johnson to tie Ukraine aid to lifting the Biden administrations pause of new liquefied natural gas export licenses. Most Read from Bloomberg The president has been clear that House Republicans should pass the bipartisan national security agreement that already passed the Senate as soon as possible to get Ukraine the aid it urgently needs to defend itself from Russian tyranny, the White House said in a statement on Tuesday. The president supports the pause on pending, additional approvals of LNG export licenses to evaluate the economic and climate impacts on consumers and communities. Reuters reported earlier that US officials were open to perhaps lifting the pause on LNG export approvals that the administration implemented in late January, but wanted to see the entire proposal first. The White House said the report is not true. Johnson in recent weeks has expressed an interest in linking aid for Ukraine and Israel to a reversal of the pause and raised the issue with President Joe Biden in a one-on-one meeting late last month, according to a person familiar with the matter. Johnson, speaking on Fox News Sunday, hinted that he planned to bring a Ukraine aid package that could include language reversing the pause to the floor after the House returns from its spring recess April 9. We want to have natural gas exports that will help unfund Vladimir Putins war effort, Johnson said, referring to the Russian leader. Read More: Speaker Johnson Sees Ukraine Aid Bill Moving This Month: Fox It remains to be seen if Democrats, who Johnson would likely need to pass the measure in the face of opposition from hardline conservative Republicans, would go along with such a plan. The Senate passed a $95 billion bill in February giving assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delay. Ultimately, Bidens support for a rider undoing the LNG export permit pause could depend on how its structured, Clearview Energy Partners, a Washington consultancy, wrote in a note Wednesday. If he had no other option, we believe President Biden might sign a bill which merely blocked the pause, as the DOE still could retain discretion over the pace of non-FTA approvals, Clearview wrote. However, if the bill were to mandate approvals, we think it could draw a veto. The Biden administration ordered the halt in approving new licenses to export LNG to European, Asian and other countries that are not US free-trade partners while the Energy Department scrutinizes how the shipments affect climate change, the economy and national security. The moratorium threatens to disrupt plans for multibillion-dollar export projects along the US Gulf Coast, including a massive export facility planned for Johnsons home state of Louisiana by Venture Global LNG Inc. known as CP2 that had drawn the ire of climate activists. Johnson raised the case of that project in his meeting with Biden, according to the New York Times, which earlier reported on the meeting. --With assistance from Akayla Gardner. (Adds analysts comment in ninth, 10th paragraphs.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The White House on Wednesday pushed back on a proposal to move the U.S.-led group coordinating weapons delivery for Ukraine under the leadership of NATO. John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, raised doubts about having the U.S. step aside from leading the Ramstein Group, a once-a-month meeting of 50-plus nations coordinating weapons deliveries for Ukraine. It is bigger than NATO, its 50 some-odd nations all around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific and what brought them together was American leadership, Kirby said in a Wednesday call with reporters. Whats keeping them together is American leadership. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has proposed the alliance consider leading the Ramstein grouping, viewed as an effort to protect against increased U.S. partisanship over aid for Ukraine. Europe also fears that former President Trump may withdraw support for Kyiv and NATO if successful in securing a second term as president. Ukrainians, they need more support, but they also need more predictable and long term support, Stoltenberg said at a Wednesday press conference. Foreign ministers of NATO countries are discussing the proposals in Brussels this week, with the goal of reaching consensus in time for a Washington summit in July marking NATOs 75th anniversary. Kirby described the discussions as preliminary but underscored the benefit of having the U.S. at the helm of the Ramstein group. Ramstein is really the result of American convening power, and an example of how President Biden has really revitalized our leadership on the world stage to bring countries together to do this, Kirby said. The president believes that America, and U.S. leadership remains vital, remains important. And hes confident that were going to be able to continue to demonstrate that leadership. The Ramstein grouping is an initiative that was started by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in April 2022, a few months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The group has met nearly every month either in person or virtually. The meeting is viewed as a critical venue to coordinate what Ukraine needs, which countries can deliver materials, and discussions over battlefield tactics and operations. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The White House on Wednesday said it is prepared to provide assistance to Taiwan as it recovers from a major earthquake that injured hundreds, and it is monitoring for potential impacts on Japan. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement. The earthquake hit Taiwan during morning rush hour Wednesday, killing at least nine people and injuring hundreds more. The Associated Press reported 64 people were trapped in one rock quarry, and six were trapped in another. The quake was the strongest in roughly 25 years on the island, the AP reported. Schools were evacuated, and a tsunami warning was issued but later lifted. Taiwans earthquake monitoring agency said the earthquake was 7.2 magnitude, while the U.S. Geological Survey said it was a 7.4 magnitude, the AP reported. Multiple aftershocks followed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. YANGON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A devastating fire swept through a municipal market in Kyauktaga Township of Myanmar's Bago region, engulfing shops and houses, an official from the Bago region Fire Services Department said Wednesday. No casualties have been reported in the fire that broke out at around 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday, he told Xinhua. Due to the incident, 450 out of the nearly 500 shops in the market, as well as nine nearby houses, were engulfed in flames, he said. It took nearly six hours to extinguish the flames, which originated from a barbershop. The cause of the fire, supposed to be an electrical wire failure, is still under investigation, the official said. The fire damaged many groceries, clothing, and food items. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and losses, he added. A social worker cares for a baby at the Jusarang Community Church in southern Seoul on May 24, 2017. Credit - Jung Yeon-jeAFP/Getty Images South Koreathe worlds poster child for demographic declinehas spent some $280 billion over the past 18 years to address its diminishing birth rate, which recently dropped to a new record-low of 0.72 babies per woman in a lifetime. Its a result of a confluence of factors but mostly comes down to young Koreans frustrations with high costs of living and low quality of life. But while cash handouts have been the governments go-to approach, experts say that just throwing money at the problem isnt necessarily the best solution. Since April 2022, South Koreas government has handed out vouchers worth 2 million won (around $1,500) to parents who produce their first child, with another 3 million won dispensed for every additional child. In an effort to further subsidize the cost of childbearing and childrearing, the government has continued to increase its budget for family cash assistance. The monthly stipend parents receive for a newborns first year also increased in 2024 to a million won (around $740) from 700,000 in 2023. And since 2018, parents receive a 100,000 won ($74) handout every month for each childs first several years. For a child born in 2024, parents are expected to receiveover eight yearsat least 29.6 million won, or about $22,000, from the government. Private companies have joined in on the campaign to boost birth rates via cash incentives, with some offering thousands of dollars for employees who reproduceincentivized themselves by tax benefits and other government support measures for such programs. Its just so much simpler to go to the cash incentive, to use that policy tool, Jisoo Hwang, associate professor of Economics at Seoul National University, tells TIME. I think for any government, that has been the easier way to address the low fertility problem. But Hwang and other analysts tell TIME that while handouts help, a better approach would be to focus on policies and programs that would address and improve broader quality-of-life issues. Such measures would bring their own unrelated benefits as well as indirectly help foster an environment where young people feel more inclined to have and raise children. Hwang says policymakers should consider redirecting funds from handouts for individuals to the improvement of social services that benefit a larger collective of people. It may be actually more efficient to, instead of giving out small increments of cash subsidies, if we can actually invest in public education or public childcare, and to enhance the quality and accessibility of that throughout the country, she tells TIME. To be sure, Seoul is making some moves along these lines to try to address quality-of-life problems. Last week, the government eased the burden on new parents seeking housing, with households that have children aged 2 or younger made eligible to special housing subscription systems in which the government allocates presale apartments through a rafflea system that is considered the most cost-friendly way to purchase a house in South Korea, given high costs of real estate, especially in metropolitan areas. And earlier this year, President Yoon Suk-yeol announced that publicly funded after-school care programs for children would be expanded nationwide. Also last week, Yoon oversaw the launch of a high-speed train that would reduce travel time between Seoul and its outskirts to less than a quarter of the original commute. Land Minister Park Sang-woo told Reuters that the new train was viewed as another tool that might improve birth rates: With two-hour commute on the way home, for example, how can anyone make time for babies? The idea is to give people more leisure time after work. Hwang says the Yoon governments non-cash-based approaches to tackling cost-of-living and quality-of-life issues for families indicate that it is taking the matter of declining birth rates seriously. But theres a limit to how much any administration will prioritize long-term solutionsmore fundamental changes to labor markets and education systemswhose results wont likely be seen until theyre out of power. At the same time, however, policymakers neeed to be wary of introducing non-cash solutions that could create new problems, says Stuart Gietel-Basten, a demographer and professor of social science and public policy at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. For example, he says, if the new high-speed train makes commuting easier, companies may just expect workers to do more work in a culture where long hours on the job are already pervasive. Theres also likely a limit to how much any of these programs can actually achieve. Demographers have previously warned that once fertility rates fall beneath a certain threshold, lifting them becomes extremely difficult because of self-reinforcing economic and social mechanisms. In the case of South Korea, authorities optimistically forecast the fertility rate will continue to decline, at least for the next two years before a projected slight uptick in 2026 that authorities believe will trend upward, albeit slightly, for the next decade. Yonhap reported in December that Lim Young-il, the head of the statistics offices population trends division, attributes the current yearslong decline in South Koreas birth rate, which he believes to be temporary, to the sharp decline in marriages at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across Asia, marriages have started to rebound. Thats not to say that continued investment in family-supporting programs is a waste. By improving access to childcare, improving access to kindergartens, maternity leave, paternity leave, and so on and so forth, that has made peoples lives better, Gietel-Basten tells TIME. It may not necessarily have increased fertility. Maybe it will in time. But thats not the [only] reason to bring in these kinds of policies. Contact us at letters@time.com. Why Israels aid convoy bombing comes at a perilous time for Netanyahu The attack on a convoy that killed seven aid workers could not have come at a worse time for Israels embattled prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Having watched tens of thousands of anti-government protesters take to the streets of Jerusalem over the weekend calling for a ceasefire to free dozens of hostages, he faced international condemnation after admitting an unintended strike ... on innocent people had killed the humanitarian workers. John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said the US was outraged to hear of Monday nights strikes that killed three British citizens, as well as Polish and Australian nationals, a Canadian-American and a Palestinian. Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, told Mr Netanyahu he was appalled and demanded an investigation. Even before the deadly strikes, his Israeli counterpart was already fighting for his political life six months on from the Oct 7 attacks in which around 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were killed and 240 taken hostage. Benjamin Netanyahu faces international condemnation after the attack that killed seven aid workers - RONEN ZVULUN/REUTERS While Mr Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minster in the nations history and was reelected to a sixth term in 2022, polls taken earlier this year found only 15 per cent of Israelis want him to stay on once the war with Hamas is over. Up to 33,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, something that has seen Israel lose support from some of its closest allies who are demanding that it agrees to allow more humanitarian to enter Gaza. Meanwhile, Mr Netanyahu continues to stoke controversy with his actions. On Monday, as the 74-year-old recovered from hernia surgery, legislators passed a law that permitted the government to ban foreign media if it believed it threatened national security. The new law appeared in particular to target Al Jazeera, one of the most widely viewed news organisations in the Middle East, and whose journalists have been able to report from the enclave. 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 said. The network, which is based in Doha and funded by the Qatari government, rejected his description and said his remarks were lies that incite against the safety of our journalists around the world. The International Federation has reported that at least 99 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed since Israel launched its offensive. Over the weekend it emerged that an IDF operation Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City that ended after 19 days, killed at least 200 Palestinians and produced widespread devastation around the medical complex. It looks like a wasteland, Taysir al-Tanna, a longtime vascular surgeon at Al-Shifa, told the New York Times. People take part in a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government - AP Police try to push back people during the protest - AP The anti-Netanyahu feeling in Israel is growing with only 15 per cent of people polled saying they want him to remain in power - Alamy Mr Netanyahu faces another, seemingly intractable, challenge over how to respond to a ruling from Israels supreme court that would end an exemption from military service that has long been granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews. While the country has mandatory military service, since its founding in 1948 ultra-Orthodox Jews have instead been permitted to spend their time doing religious studies and surviving on government grants. The six-month war in Gaza has stretched the military, which has lost 500 members, and led opposition politicians to say it is time for the exemption to end. This is a massive headache for Mr Netanyahu, whose government is a right-wing alliance of secular and ultra-Orthodox politicians. Benny Gantz, 64, a centrist politician who joined administration after the attacks, has voiced his willingness to quit over the issue. On yet another front, Mr Netanyahu faces accusations of carrying out an air strike on Irans Consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, killing at least 12 people, including two Iranian generals. Irans deputy UN ambassador Zahra Ershadi told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that some Iranians were injured, but the final and accurate death toll remains uncertain as the entire diplomatic premises has been destroyed with individuals trapped under the rubble. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel would be punished for the attack. In the aftermath of the strikes by Hamas, Mr Netanyahu vowed he was the person who alone could ensure Israels safety in the future, despite the nation suffering the deadliest attack in its history. Protesters have called for the release of hostages - AP Yet six months on, the war to defeat Hamas has continued with ever-mounting casualties, a dispute with the US over whether to attack the city of Rafah and a failure to secure the release of the hostages. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Israelis filled Jerusalem in the largest anti-government protest in six months. Protesters urged the government to reach a ceasefire deal to free dozens of hostages held in Gaza and to hold early elections. Eli Albag, father of hostage Liri Albag, said there would be no more separate protests at Hostages Square in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. This is the last Shabbat that we will be here, he said. We wont meet here anymore, we will be in the streets this is the moment where we turn off the lights. Recommended Israel will pay compensation to dead aid workers' families, say sources Read more 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. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Eclipses inspire awe and bring people together to observe a stunning celestial phenomenon, but these cosmic events also enable scientists to unravel mysteries of the solar system. During the total solar eclipse on April 8, when the moon will temporarily obscure the suns face from view for millions of people across Mexico, the United States and Canada, multiple experiments will be underway to better understand some of the biggest unresolved questions about the golden orb. NASA will launch sounding rockets and WB-57 high-altitude planes to conduct research on aspects of the sun and Earth thats only possible during an eclipse. The efforts are part of a long history of attempts to gather invaluable data and observations when the moon temporarily blocks the suns light. Each of NASA's high-altitude WB-57 research planes is flown by a single pilot, while an instrument specialist sits in the backseat. - Bill Stafford/NASA Perhaps one of the most famous scientific milestones connected to an eclipse occurred on May 29, 1919, when a total solar eclipse provided evidence for Albert Einsteins theory of general relativity, which the scientist first systematically described in 1916, according to NASA. Einstein had suggested gravity is the result of the warping of time and space, distorting the very fabric of the universe. As an example, Einstein proposed that the gravitational influence of a large object like the sun could deflect light emitted by another object, such as a star virtually behind it, causing the object to appear a bit farther away from the perspective of Earth. A science expedition to observe stars from Brazil and West Africa, led by English astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington during the 1919 eclipse, revealed that some stars indeed appeared to be in the wrong place, validating Einsteins theory. The finding is just one of many scientific lessons learned in relation to eclipses. During the 2017 eclipse that crossed the US, NASA and other space agencies conducted observations using 11 different spacecraft and two high-altitude planes. Data collected during that eclipse helped scientists to accurately predict what the corona, or the suns hot outer atmosphere, would look like during eclipses in 2019 and 2021. Despite its blazing temperatures, the corona is fainter in appearance than the suns bright surface, but it appears like a halo around the sun during an eclipse when the bulk of the suns light is blocked by the moon, making it easier to study. Why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the suns actual surface is one of the enduring mysteries about our star. A 2021 study revealed some new clues, showing that the corona maintains a constant temperature, despite the fact that the sun experiences an 11-year cycle of waning and increasing activity. The findings were possible thanks to more than a decades worth of eclipse observations, according to NASA. While quieter during previous eclipses, the sun is reaching the peak of its activity, called solar maximum, this year, affording scientists with a rare opportunity. And during the eclipse on April 8, citizen scientists and teams of researchers could make new discoveries that potentially advance our understanding about our corner of the universe. Sending rockets into an eclipse Observing the sun during eclipses also helps scientists better understand how solar material flows from the sun. Charged particles known as plasma create space weather that interacts with an upper layer of Earths atmosphere, called the ionosphere. The region acts as a boundary between Earths lower atmosphere and space. Three sounding rockets will launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on April 8 to study the eclipse. - Allison Stancil/NASA Energetic solar activity released by the sun during solar maximum could interfere with the International Space Station and communication infrastructure. Many low-Earth orbit satellites and radio waves operate in the ionosphere, which means dynamic space weather has an impact on GPS and long-distance radio communications. Experiments to study the ionosphere during the eclipse include high-altitude balloons and a citizen science endeavor that invites the participation of amateur radio operators. Operators in different locations will record the strength of their signals and how far they travel during the eclipse to see how changes in the ionosphere affect the signals. Researchers also conducted this experiment during the October 2023 annular eclipse, when the moon didnt completely block the suns light, and the data is still being analyzed. In another repeat experiment, three sounding rockets will lift off in succession from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia before, during and after the eclipse to measure how the sudden disappearance of sunlight impacts Earths upper atmosphere. Aroh Barjatya, professor of engineering physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, is leading the experiment, called the Atmospheric Perturbations around the Eclipse Path, which was first carried out during Octobers annular solar eclipse. Each rocket will eject four soda bottle-size scientific instruments within the path of totality to measure changes in the ionospheres temperature, particle density, and electric and magnetic fields about 55 to 310 miles (90 to 500 kilometers) above the ground. Understanding the ionosphere and developing models to help us predict disturbances is crucial to making sure our increasingly communication-dependent world operates smoothly, Barjatya said in a statement. The sounding rockets will reach a maximum altitude of 260 miles (420 kilometers) during flight. During the 2023 annular eclipse, instruments on the rockets measured sharp, immediate changes in the ionosphere. We saw the perturbations capable of affecting radio communications in the second and third rockets, but not during the first rocket that was before peak local eclipse, Barjatya said. We are super excited to relaunch them during the total eclipse, to see if the perturbations start at the same altitude and if their magnitude and scale remain the same. Soaring above the clouds Three different experiments will fly aboard NASAs high-altitude research planes known as WB-57s. The WB-57s can carry almost 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms) of scientific instruments up to 60,000 to 65,000 feet (18,288 to 19,812 meters) above Earths surface, making it the workhorse of the NASA Airborne Science Program, said Peter Layshock, manager of NASAs WB-57 High Altitude Research Program at Johnson Space Center in Houston. The WB-57 planes can fly instruments above the majority of Earth's atmosphere, reducing turbulence and improving the quality of the images that will be captured during the eclipse. - Amir Caspi/Courtesy NASA The benefits of using WB-57s is that a pilot and an equipment operator can fly above the clouds for about 6 hours without refueling within the eclipses path of totality spanning Mexico and the US, allowing for a continuous and unobstructed view. The flight path of the planes mean that the instruments will be within the moons shadow for longer than they would be on the ground. Four minutes of totality on the ground equals closer to six minutes of totality in the plane, Layshock said. One experiment will also focus on the ionosphere using an instrument called an ionosonde, which acts like radar by sending out high-frequency radio signals and listening for the echoes as they bounce off the ionosphere to measure the number of charged particles it contains. The other two experiments will focus on the corona. One project will use cameras and spectrometers to uncover more details about the temperature and chemical composition of the corona, as well as capture data about large bursts of solar material from the sun known as coronal mass ejections. The jets have custom noses that can carry specialized scientific instruments. - Amir Caspi/Courtesy NASA Another project, led by Amir Caspi, a principal scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, has the goal of capturing images of the eclipse from 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) above Earths surface in the hopes of spying structures and details within the middle and lower corona. Using high-speed and high-resolution cameras, capable of taking images in visible light and infrared light, the experiment will also look for asteroids that orbit within the suns glare. In the infrared, we dont really know what were going to see, and thats part of the mystery of these rare observations, Caspi said. Every eclipse gives you a new opportunity to expand upon things where you take what you learned at the last eclipse and you solve a new piece of the puzzle. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Why were there so many police at the Jim Banks, Libs of TikTok event? What we know. Indiana State Police cruisers and troopers are stationed outside of the Indiana Memorial Union on April 1, 2024. Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) deployed dozens of officers and Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers to the Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) on Monday for a lunchtime discussion featuring Rep. Jim Banks and TikTok influencer Chaya Raichik, known online as Libs of TikTok. IUPD said the number of officers corresponded with the level of security needed for the speakers, the number of visitors attending the event, and the expected protest activity. Two protesters were detained and escorted out of the event by IUPD and protestors gathered outside of the IMU's Oak Room booed Raichik and Banks as they left. However, no major protest occurred. Who is Chaya Raichik, aka Libs of TikTok? Chaya Raichik, creator of Libs of TikTok, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland last month. Chaya Raichik, who runs the account Libs of TikTok on X is a right-wing media personality with over 3 million followers. Raichik has risen to prominence in recent years for sharing and mocking videos of LGBTQ+ people and progressives online. The Southern Poverty Law Center, an Alabama-based nonprofit that tracks hate groups and extremists across the United States, has identified Raichik as an extremist for her inflammatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the transgender community. Raichik has claimed that LGBTQ+ activists are groomers and has called gender-reassignment surgery mutilation. Raichik also serves on the Oklahoma library advisory committee and has worked with State Superintendent Ryan Walters in his efforts to protect Oklahoma kids from porn in schools and woke indoctrination. Raichik has come under fire for exposing LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, to ridicule and threats through her reactionary content. Raichik notably targeted the Oklahoma high school where non-binary student Nex Benedict was beaten by other students, hospitalized and died of suicide. An Oklahoma city council member said Raichik and Superintendent Walters had blood on [their] hands for Benedict's death. During the Monday event at the IMU, two protesters shouted, How many kids have you killed today? at Raichik and Banks. What was the Jim Banks and Chaya Raichik event? Raichik and Banks hosted a Q&A style event presented by College Republicans at IU at noon on April 1. The event was attended by both apparent supporters of Raichik and Banks and several dissenters, who asked Raichik and Banks questions about the definition of wokeness, LGBTQ+ education in classrooms, and Raichiks role on the Oklahoma library advisory committee. From last year: Jim Banks' letter alleging antisemitism on campus aims at 'heart of democracy' Why was there a large police presence at the event? IUPD Public Information Officer Hannah Skibba said in a written statement the police presence for Mondays event corresponded with the level of security needed for the speakers, the number of visitors attending the event, and the expected protest activity, but did not mention specific threats. IUPD Deputy Chief Shannon Bunger said during the event that IUPD provided a large police presence in anticipation it being controversial, but said the extra security was not in response to any specific threat. In addition to IUPD, several Indiana State Police troopers and police cruisers were stationed around and inside the IMU. Bunger said IUPD requested the aid of ISP. Bryce Greene, a graduate student advisor and founder of the IU Palestinian Solidarity Committee, attended the event. Greene said he thought the large police presence may have been related to a vague threat made on X by an account presenting as Anti-Fascist Action. A tweet from the account said homophobic bigot Raichik and far-right bigot Banks would be appearing in Fishers and Bloomington, and concluded with, You know what to do. Action items below: The account was made private, so mentions of follow-up actions could not be identified. The Herald-Times reached out to the account author for comment. Andy Ngo, a reporter for the Post Millenial, shared a screenshot of the post and claimed the user was "urging violence," and said the account was "an Indiana cell of Antifa" associated with the "Torch Antifa" network, though Torch makes no mention of an Indiana chapter on its website. Banks responded to these alleged threats on X, saying, "My message to Antifa is simple: we will not be intimidated and the event will go on." Following the event, College Republicans of IU said on Instagram, "Despite numerous attempts to SHUT DOWN the event, College Republicans SUCCESSFULLY hosted Jim Banks and Chaya Raichik today." Why were protestors escorted out of the event? IUPD removed two protestors from the Q&A for standing and shouting during the event. In a tweet Greene posted to X, the two can be seen repeatedly shouting, How many kids have you killed today? Skibba said in a written statement the students became disruptive after being warned by the event hosts that any disruptive individuals would not be allowed to stay. Skibba said the students were asked to stop at least three separate times, and refused to leave when asked to do so. A video posted to X by Greene shows the two students being escorted by IUPD officers in handcuffs. Skibba said the two students were briefly detained and questioned by police, but no arrests were made. Skibba said IUPD was working closely with the appropriate campus offices for follow-up action regarding student conduct. Melanie Davis, a WFHB radio host who attended the event, said she arrived as the two students were being escorted out. Davis said she was told by an officer that she couldnt come in because the room was at capacity, but another officer let her into the room, and she noted several seats were still empty, which videos from Greenes account confirm. Reach Brian Rosenzweig at brian@heraldt.com. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: chaya raichik jim banks indiana memorial union event police presence A 25-year-old Wichita man who was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for his involvement in the 2017 fatal swatting call that claimed the life of Andrew Finch is in more trouble after he was arrested for reportedly doing donuts in Old Town early Sunday morning. Shane Michael Gaskill, who was released from federal prison in October, was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Sunday and released on an own-recognizance bond after police were first called at 2:08 a.m. about traffic violations at First and Mosley, authorities said. Gaskill was doing donuts, or burning out, in the roadway in a 2010 Dodge Challenger, according to police. No one else was in the vehicle, authorities said. Gaskill is still serving three years of post-release supervision, ordered as part of the sentence imposed for his role in the events that led to the police killing of 28-year-old Andrew Finch on Dec. 28, 2017. A spokesperson for U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services said police alerted them of Gaskills arrest and that the judge presiding over the case has been informed as well. It will be up to U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren to decide whether Gaskills arrest violates the conditions of his post-release supervision and whether he might face any additional punishment, the spokesperson said. Gaskill was charged Tuesday in Wichita Municipal Court with one count of racing and sideshow and one count of impeding traffic flow, court records show. He is due in court for an arraignment on April 22. An attorney who defended Gaskill when he was federally prosecuted in connection with the swatting said he is no longer representing Mr. Gaskill and (has) no comment. Gaskill was one of three men prosecuted for their roles in the deadly swatting, which made national headlines. Ohio resident Casey Viner and Tyler Barriss of California were also charged. Viner was sentenced in 2019 to 15 months in prison and two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to counts of conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Barriss, who pleaded guilty in 2019, is serving a 20-year prison sentence for 51 counts associated with the Wichita swatting and other hoax calls around the U.S., including at the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission headquarters in Washington, D.C. The 31-year-old has a release date of April 4, 2035, and is currently housed at the federal correctional institution in Herlong, California, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons website. Initially, Gaskill was placed on diversion for his role in the swatting, but he was ultimately removed from the program after failing to meet its requirements, including obtaining a high-school equivalency or GED, The Eagle previously reported. Had Gaskill successfully completed diversion, prosecutors would have dropped his charges. He was sentenced in September 2022 to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud. Gaskill was released from the incarceration portion of his sentence on Oct. 23, 2023, the BOP website says. The swatting resulted in the death of Finch, an innocent man fatally shot by a Wichita police officer who responded to his home at 1033 W. McCormick after Barriss made a fake emergency call about homicide and ongoing hostage situation at the address. It started when Gaskill got into an online spat with Viner as the two played a $1.50 online wager match of Call of Duty World War II. Viner contacted Barriss well known in the online gaming community for past swatting antics and asked him to swat Gaskill in retaliation for Gaskill posting his familys personal information online. Gaskill provided an old address 1033 W. McCormick and dared Barriss to try something, prosecutors have said. Barriss then called the Wichita police security desk at City Hall using a spoofed number that made the call appear local and said that he had just killed his father and was holding other family members hostage. Police descended on 1033 W. McCormick, believing the call was real. Finch was fatally shot by Wichita Officer Justin Rapp, now a detective. Rapp fired a single round from across the street as Finch stepped onto his front porch to see why there were emergency lights outside his home. Swatting is a common form of online taunting where a person reports a fake emergency serious enough to draw a law enforcement response especially a special weapons and tactics, or SWAT, team to the address of an individual they want to embarrass or harass. It has gained traction among online gamers in recent years. Prosecutors believe Finchs death was the first deadly swatting case in history. His family received a $5 million settlement from the city in March 2023. Contributing: Amy Renee Leiker with The Eagle Swatting victims family blames two suicides on deadly hoax as Barriss gets 20 years The very-online trolls of the American right have made a habit of turning innocuous things into messages of hate. The OK hand gesture was ruined thus, as was a cartoon green frog. Now respectable Christians might think twice before saying aloud a simple tenet of their religion: Christ is king. They can blame Candace Owens. While Christ is king was co-opted years ago by white nationalist Nick Fuentes and his Groyper movement, who employ it as an antisemitic dog whistle, this twisted usage only broke into mainstream discourse last week amid Owenss bitter public split with Ben Shapiros The Daily Wire over her increasing promotion of antisemitic conspiracy theories. (The website, which hired Owens in 2020, apparently had no objection to her degrading Black people for their largely white audience.) Owens recently alleged on her radio show, The Breakfast Club, that secret Jewish gangs terrorize Hollywood, favorited a tweet about Jews imbibing Christian blood, and posted, You cant serve both God and moneyan apparent dig at Shapiro, who is Jewish, over his pro-Israel politics amid the war in Gaza. She had also been tweeting Christ is king, in the days before and continued doing so after Jeremy Boreing, who founded The Daily Wire with Shapiro, announced her exit. On the surface, this falling-out suggests that some prominent conservatives have an uncrossable line when it comes to hate speech, at least against Jews. But the tsunami of support for Owens, the platforming of antisemitism by other mainstream conservatives, and the ostentatious praise of (or conversion to) Christianity by white nationalists and incel types reveal quite the opposite: Right-wing influencers are actually breaking ranks with Jews amid a growing rift about what it means to be whiteand who gets to claim that badge. When Christ is king began trending on X late last month, some conservative Christians expressed wariness over the phrases weaponization even as they recognized it as a core belief of their religion. But they were the minority. The Blaze and Turning Point USA pundit Lauren Chen hosted a live audio show on X to discuss the dustup with Fuentes and Boreing, among other guests, and it swiftly devolved into a cesspool of antisemitism, in the words of Ben Lorber, a prominent researcher of the American right. A guest popularly known as Sovereign Brah lamented Jews extraordinary concentration of power in America and described Judaism as satanic. Fuentes said that American Jews shouldnt hold political office and that Shapiro should affirm Christs kingship. Boreing did express concern at Fuentess statements, but only after praising him as one of the most talented people out there and saying he regularly listens to his show. Later, calling it biblical fact that Jews had Christ killed, Sovereign Brah said, Free speech is completely under assault by Jewish people. Its a sign of changing times, observed Lorber, an analyst at Political Research Associates, that Nick was given space on a mainstream pundits platform to directly challenge a prominent conservative media CEO [and] that a groyper slogan took center stage in right-wing discourse. He added that the likes of Tucker Carlson and Matt Walsh arent far behind. In an email interview, Lorber told me that growing outrage over Israels destruction of Gaza is enabling unabashed antisemitism, and that the right is exploiting such outrage to spin lurid tales of Jewish world domination. Non-Christians on the right have rushed to defend Owens too. Muslim YouTube celebrity Sneako tweeted, Christ is king, in what was presumed a gesture to own the Jews. Businessman, influencer, and accused rapist and human trafficker Andrew Tate posted, As a Muslim it warms my heart to see the resurgence of spirited Christian declarations. Christ is King. And I pray Christianity regains its strength and protects its societies against the pervasive and constant erosion of morality by the devotees of Satan. Asked about Tates remarks, Lorber told me that the influencer is happy to set aside glaring theological differences in the name of a common crusade against Jews. Much like Fuenteswith whom he shares an ultra-misogynist incel fan basefor Tate, Christ is King signifies opposition to a Jewish cabal that engineers U.S. support for Israel while emasculating men, pushing LGBTQ rights, and advancing other perceived ills of liberalism. It certainly appears that Tate is an all-too-eager bedfellow of Christian fascists. But his and other head-turning avowals of Christianity come on the heels of highly sensationalized conversions and near-conversions from men with a history of misogyny, racism, or antisemitism. In recent months, and to much fanfare from conservative influencers like the bodybuilding bishop Robert Barron, Jewish-born actor Shia LaBeouf converted to Catholicism and announced plans to become a deacon. Fellow Hollywooder Russell Brand has also come to Jesus, swiftly gaining endorsement deals with the Hallow prayer app. Both LaBeouf and Brand have been accused of sexual assault. At a Catholic Prayer for Trump event at Mar-a-Lago just last month, an emcee introduced Tim Ballard, the Mormon whose efforts to combat child trafficking were fictionally depicted in the blockbuster film Sound of Freedom, by telling the audience that Ballard has been wearing a miraculous medal and is contemplating becoming Catholic. The audience erupted into cheers, prompting Ballard to beam and touch his medal. Ballard is accused of sexually assaulting five women who accompanied him on sting operations for his anti-trafficking organization, Operation Underground Railroad. The film memorializing his work is widely thought to promulgate the blood libel myth, according to which Jews mutilate Christian children and then harvest their blood. Ballard himself avers that children are being adrenochromed in Africa. And then theres Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, who seems to have made a whole grift of an apparently looming conversion. Though notoriously cagey on Gods existence, Peterson widely and tearfully lectures on Christ. Last year, soon after slamming Pope Francis for calling his flock to social justice, Peterson was spotted in St. Peters Square with Bishop Barron, who calls the psychologist a sign of hope for the church. Peterson is currently on international tour for his book We Who Wrestle With God. In March, following months of intensifying anticipation of his conversion, he announced that his wife would be received into the Catholic Church on Easter. Tammy Peterson decided to give her life to Jesus after being miraculously cured of cancer. Just this past Sunday, Ms. Peterson was initiated with her husband by her side. Also on hand: a photographer from the conservative Catholic news network EWTN. While allowing for the possibility of genuine devotion, some Catholics have wondered if the likes of LaBeouf, Ballard, and Peterson see the church as a refuge for bigots and abusers. Theyve also expressed concern about the red carpet treatment these personalities tend to receive. Writing for Black Catholic Messenger in 2022 about an interview in which LaBeouf confessed to Barron his initial awe of the Church, Gunnar Gundersen opined, There is no excuse for an institution with a track record of institutionalized abuse to amplify and platform abusersespecially those still struggling with the attitudes and beliefs that led to that abuse. Gundersen condemned Barron for chuckling along as LaBeouf spoke of supplanting a soft, feminized, and Buddhist Jesus with a more masculine one. Whiteness, masculinity, and Christianity are becoming more tightly yoked in the public imagination, with people hyperinvested in one category apprehending a need to outwardly invest in the others. These are historically knotted categories, the very concept of race an outgrowth of gendered Christian thinking about Jews. As scholars like M. Lindsay Kaplan, Willie James Jennings, Magda Teter, and Tudor Parfitt have shown, conceptions of Jews as dark, weak, fleshy, and fated to servitude were extended to debase people of color and authorize their enslavement. American legal arguments about the inferiority of Black people, such as the Dred Scott decision, echoed European arguments about the inferiority of Jews. So its ironic that Owens, a Black woman, would seek to own Shapiro, a Jewish man, with the phrase Christ is king. Its also a sign of just how badly some right-wing influencers will contort themselves for acceptance by the white boys online. More than 8% of Wisconsin Democrats voted uninstructed in the states primary Tuesday, in an effort to warn President Joe Biden that he is alienating voters in a state where he narrowly won against former President Donald Trump in 2020. The uninstructed votes tallied more than 47,000 over twice the initial goal set by Listen To Wisconsin, the grassroots campaign that mobilized people to send a message with their vote demanding a policy change over the war in Gaza. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 95% of primary votes had been counted. Biden secured Wisconsin in 2020 by a little over 20,000 votes. Kyle Johnson, the political director for the states uninstructed campaign, told HuffPost that the turnout was partly a result of the campaigns outreach they made more than half a million calls and sent 2 million texts over three weeks and partly because the message resonated so widely with voters. This is a sign. This is a mandate for Biden to take action, Johnson said. I dont know how [the White House] can continue to overlook this broad band of folks whove come together to say [the war] has to stop. Similar protest votes across the country, especially in Michigan and Minnesota, have also surpassed expectations. In Michigan, more than 13% of the states Democratic voters voted uncommitted, while in Minnesota, a shocking 20% of Democratic voters cast their ballots for uncommitted over twice the number who voted for Rep. Dean Phillips (D), challenging Biden for the 2024 presidential nomination, in his home state. At least 26 delegates from the uncommitted movement will be at the Democratic convention in August, including from Michigan, Minnesota, Hawaii and Rhode Island. Wisconsins uninstructed voters did not meet the 15% minimum threshold to qualify to send delegates. Dissent has grown among Democratic voters who are frustrated with the presidents staunch support for Israels bombing campaign in Gaza, where more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the past six months. Israel has faced criticism for targeting aid workers, limiting aid and bombing hospitals in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack where roughly 1,200 people were killed and about another 250 were taken hostage. Organizers of the uncommitted campaigns said Biden risks losing the presidential election in November if he doesnt change course in Gaza, including by calling for a cease-fire and reinstating aid to the Palestinian relief agency. A majority of U.S. voters support a permanent cease-fire and de-escalation of violence in Gaza, according to a poll conducted in December. That number is even higher among likely Democratic voters, with 76% calling for a cease-fire. A separate poll conducted in February found that a majority of Muslim and Jewish Democrats also favor a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. Dropping bombs on innocent lives is not the way to move forward, regardless of what political party youre affiliated with, Johnson said. If we come together and continue to make waves and continue to organize and continue to escalate our tactics as weve been doing, as we grow the movement, its hard for politicians to overlook it. Related... A handful of poll workers stand ready to assist voters with curbside voting on April 7, 2020. Some clerks used private grant money to help facilitate curbside voting or drop boxes for absentee ballots. Wisconsin voters on Tuesday approved two referendums that change the state Constitution to prohibit clerks from using private grants to administer elections and add that only appointed election officials can perform tasks to conduct elections. With over 99% of the vote reported by Wednesday morning, 54.4% of voters approved the first question and 58.6% had approved the second. A majority of Wisconsin voters must vote in favor of a constitutional amendment in order for it to go into effect. Because a majority of voters selected "yes," clerks will no longer be able to apply for, accept or use private donations and grants, and the state Constitution will include that only election officials designated by law can perform tasks to conduct elections. An analysis from the Legislature's nonpartisan attorneys found that state law already says only appointed election officials can conduct elections, but doesn't say what activities count as conducting an election. Liberal groups that opposed the referendum worried the lack of clarity could lead to lawsuits. Election Day live updates l Statewide election results l Local election results The outcome of the two referendums falls in line with a trend in Wisconsin voters typically ratify them. 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. Republicans pitched the two questions to voters because Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a bill that would have barred local governments from taking outside funding for elections, though the state could have accepted and distributed grants based on population. Unlike bills, constitutional amendments cannot be vetoed. Referendums stem from Republicans' scrutiny of 'Zuckerbucks' The two referendum questions on the April 2 ballot came from a proposal authored by Republicans who continue to scrutinize millions of dollars in grants that helped Wisconsin clerks meet unexpected costs during the pandemic. Clerks used the money for personal protective equipment and drop boxes for absentee ballots, for example. The grants which were funded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife and distributed by the Center for Tech and Civic Life went to more than 200 communities in Wisconsin, including Republican areas. But the bulk of the money went toward the state's five largest cities, which Republicans said drummed up turnout. "Wisconsin has spoken and the message is clear: elections belong to voters, not out-of-state billionaires. Thanks to the efforts by the Republican Party of Wisconsin and grassroots organizing, Wisconsinites have turned the page on Zuckerbucks and secured our elections from dark money donors," Republican Party of Wisconsin chairman Brian Schimming said in a statement Tuesday night. Clerks and Democrats have pointed out that elections are not adequately funded at the state, local and federal level. Election officials have said that seeking grants amid budget constraints does not mean they would cede control of administering elections. The grants were also upheld in court multiple times. "Rather than work to make sure our clerks have the resources they need to run elections, Republicans are pushing a nonsense amendment to satisfy (former President) Donald Trump," Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Ben Wikler previously said in a statement about the two referendum questions. More: Wisconsin's April 2 referendum questions and the 'Zuckerbucks' debate, explained The second question stemmed from Republicans' concerns about a consultant who advised Green Bay on how to run the election more smoothly. A report from the city's attorney found he did not make final decisions and instead provided insight on matters like training and early voting. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin voters approve amendments aimed at private election grants HANGZHOU, April 3 (Xinhua) -- An international team has revolutionized the system of bird classification and rewritten our understanding of the evolutionary history of birds. Despite tremendous efforts in the past decades, the relationship among main avian lineages remains controversial. The researchers, led by Chinese zoologists from Zhejiang University, analyzed the genomes of 363 bird species in 92 percent of all extant families and presented a new, well-supported evolutionary tree. The Neoaves, a group that includes the vast majority of bird species, are classified into four major groups: Mirandornithes, such as flamingos; Columbaves, such as pigeons; Telluraves, including parrots and eagles; and Elementaves, according to the study published in the journal Nature on Tuesday. According to the study, elementaves is a newly proposed grouping comprising about 14 percent of all modern bird species, including seagulls, albatrosses, penguins, hoatzins, and swifts. Also, they confirmed that a mass extinction event destroyed all non-avian dinosaurs about 66 million years ago, thus providing an opportunity for birds to diversify rapidly and occupy a wide range of ecological niches. "Our work has changed many traditional views on the evolutionary history of birds," said Zhang Guojie from Zhejiang University. "This new family tree will serve as a solid backbone for mapping the evolutionary history of all bird species with important implications for ornithological research and biodiversity studies," added Zhang, the paper's corresponding author. The study is part of an international collaboration program called the Bird 10,000 Genomes Project to map the genomes of approximately 10,500 existing bird species. A ballot measure in Wisconsin that bars the use of private funds in administering elections passed on Tuesday, according to a Decision Desk HQ projection. The ballot measure received 54 percent support, according to DDHQ, with 98 percent of the vote reported as of Wednesday morning. The measure asked Wisconsinites if the state Constitution should be amended 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? A separate ballot measure in the Badger State, to amend the state Constitution to note that only designated election officials can conduct elections, also passed with close to 59 percent of the vote, according to DDHQ projections. The first ballot measure over private funding came against the backdrop of Republican backlash after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, donated several hundred million dollars to two groups that offered grants to local municipalities to conduct elections as they grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020 election cycle. Earlier this year, the city of Milwaukee accepted a grant for both the Milwaukee Election Commission and Milwaukee Public Library from the Cities Forward nonprofit which would launch a citywide public education campaign to increase civic connection among residents, according to the city. Republicans baselessly alleged that those efforts during the pandemic were being done to aid Democrats. The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) dismissed a complaint in 2022 regarding Zuckerberg and his wife and their donations. Still, the National Conference of State Legislatures reported in December that 27 states prohibit, limit or regulate the use of private or philanthropic funding to run elections. Wisconsin is among a handful of key battleground states that will likely determine the presidency and control of the Senate. Former President Trump lost the state in 2020 to President Biden by just more than 20,000 votes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The accused Christian B. stands in the courtroom at Braunschweig Regional Court. Christian B. is accused of three cases of aggravated rape and two cases of sexual abuse of children in Portugal. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa Pool/dpa A witness in the ongoing high-profile trial of Christian B in German court has described discovering graphic and incriminating videos after stealing them from the defendant's home. B, a 47-year-old German national, is the prime suspect in the 2007 disappearance of 3-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann in Portugal. He is currently on trial in the central German city of Braunschweig for unrelated serious sex crimes. The man has never been charged in McCann's disappearance, although investigators remain convinced that he is the most likely culprit. The 53-year-old witness on Wednesday told the court that he broke into B's home and stole a car, diesel fuel, video cameras and tapes in 2006, while B was being held in jail for theft. The defendant is referred to as Christian B under German court privacy rules, although he has been fully named in the foreign press, which has extensively covered the case. The witness said he watched the videos, which in addition to a lot of party and tourist scenes, included very graphic recordings of the apparent rape of an older woman and a young girl. The older woman, described as between 70 and 80 years old, could be seen tied to a bed and screaming at a masked man, according to the witness. Shortly before the end of the movie, the man sat on the bed and took off his mask. "You could recognize him, he was looking into the camera," said the witness, referring to B. In the second video, the young girl could be seen tied to a pole and, according to the witness, could be heard telling B: "Hi Christian, you know what this is. This is rape." The witness testified that he later sold the stolen cameras, but he could no longer say what happened to the videos. In the trial, B is accused of three rapes and two cases of sexual abuse of children in Portugal, all of which date to between December 2000 and June 2017. He has an extensive criminal record and is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence for a prior conviction for another rape of a woman in Portugal. Investigators also believe B is the culprit in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, although he has not been charged in that case. McCann vanished from a vacation resort in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal, in May 2007. The case made headlines around the world and has been the subject of steady media coverage in the United Kingdom. The defendant Christian B. (L) sits next to his lawyer Friedrich Fuelscher in the courtroom at Braunschweig Regional Court. Christian B. is accused of three cases of aggravated rape and two cases of sexual abuse of children in Portugal. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa Pool/dpa The defendant Christian B. (L) sits next to his lawyer Friedrich Fuelscher in the courtroom at Braunschweig Regional Court. Christian B. is accused of three cases of aggravated rape and two cases of sexual abuse of children in Portugal. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa Pool/dpa A witness in the ongoing high-profile trial of Christian B in German court has described discovering graphic and incriminating videos after stealing from the defendant's home. B, a 47-year-old German national, is the prime suspect in the 2007 disappearance of 3-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann in Portugal. He is currently on trial in the central German city of Braunschweig for unrelated serious sex crimes. The man has never been charged in McCann's disappearance, although investigators remain convinced that he is the most likely culprit. The 53-year-old witness on Wednesday told the court that he broke into B's home and stole a car, diesel fuel, video cameras and tapes in 2006, while B was being held in jail for theft. The defendant is referred to as Christian B under German court privacy rules, although he has been fully named in the foreign press, which has extensively covered the case. The witness said he watched the videos, which in addition to a lot of party and tourist scenes, included very graphic recordings of the apparent rape of an older woman and a young girl. The older woman, described as between 70 and 80 years old, could be seen tied to a bed and screaming at a masked man, according to the witness. Shortly before the end of the movie, the man sat on the bed and took off his mask. "You could recognize him, he was looking into the camera," said the witness, referring to B. In the second video, the young girl could be seen tied to a pole and, according to the witness, could be heard telling B: "Hi Christian, you know what this is. This is rape." The witness testified that he later sold the stolen cameras, but he could no longer say what happened to the videos. The accused Christian B. stands in the courtroom at Braunschweig Regional Court. Christian B. is accused of three cases of aggravated rape and two cases of sexual abuse of children in Portugal. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa Pool/dpa (KRON) A Vacaville woman was arrested on Monday after she allegedly stabbed a business employee, the Vacaville Police Department (VVPD) said. The victim was stabbed in the arm and is expected to survive. The stabbing happened at a store on the 500 block of Main Street just before 6 p.m. A police investigation revealed that it happened after an argument between the suspect and victim. The suspect, later identified as Makeda Cairo, 33, was seen trying to leave the business with a tip jar, police said. An altercation followed, which led to the stabbing, 3 injured after shooting at Safeway parking lot in American Canyon, 2 arrested Cairo ran away from the scene after the stabbing, a witness told police. The witness followed the suspect and provided her location to police, who arrested her. A car associated with Cairo was parked near the business where the stabbing happened, police said. Her three children, ages 16, 3 and 1, were inside. VVPD officers partnered with Solano County Child Welfare Services to ensure the safety and welfare of the children is addressed, police said. Cairo was jailed for counts of assault with a deadly weapon and robbery. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call (707) 469-4801. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A woman was found dead Tuesday night on an Interstate 5 offramp, authorities said. According to Portland police, officers responded to the Interstate 5 southbound offramp to North Broadway just after 11 p.m. where a caller had reported a woman lying in the road. When they arrived, officers said they found a woman lying dead on the offramp in what they believed to be a hit-and-run. The incident is under investigation and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact police. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A woman who said she had been held captive by a man who beat her for months was able to escape during a stop at a Walgreens, Florida officials said Tuesday. The woman took her chance to flee when the suspect, Walter Medina, 48, briefly left her unattended at the pharmacy in the Tampa area, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies were dispatched to help her on Monday after a caller reported that an injured woman had just escaped from a van and needed help. Officers took Medina into custody on Tuesday after a chase. He was charged with attempted second degree murder and armed kidnapping. "This suspect's reign of violent terror is now over," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. Walter Medina / Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Medina, who's served time in prison for a previous false imprisonment case, met the victim when she was panhandling, officials said. He initially gave her food and narcotics, then allegedly became violent. The woman suffered severe injuries, including broken ribs, deep puncture wounds and extensive bruising during her more than two months in captivity, police said. "I can't imagine the torture this victim endured for months, but I can imagine the relief she felt when our deputies arrived," Sheriff Chronister said. "I have to commend the bravery of the victim for escaping her captor and seeking help. Our thoughts are with her as she recovers from this traumatic ordeal." Police did not publicly identify the woman. She was taken to a hospital for treatment after she escaped. Officials also charged Medina with armed false imprisonment, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, tampering with a witness and tampering with physical evidence, officials said. He has previously been arrested for kidnapping, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and robbery. Missy Testerman, a teacher for over 30 years, is the National Teacher of the Year Millions of Americans in the path of severe storms Crews working around the clock on Baltimore bridge cleanup A woman who says she shot and killed abuser seeks early release after unfavorable Illinois Supreme Court decision Shea Redmond was sitting in the back of his mothers car when she shot and killed his father at an Evanston gas station in 2001. His mother, Marseilles, does not dispute that but shes arguing before a court that she killed Narsell Love in fear and panic after suffering abuse, culminating in him bumping his car over and over into the back of her bumper while her 1-year-old was strapped in the back. Marseilles Redmond is seeking resentencing under an Illinois law that allows domestic violence survivors to make a case to a judge for a lower sentence. Her son, now 23, grew up grappling with his complicated and traumatic family history and hopes to have his mother home early for a second chance at building a family life together. Im in the presence of family always, Shea Redmond said. Everyone is knocking on everyones doors, even when I dont want them to. If everything goes according to plan, its something I would love to include my mother in. But a recent Illinois Supreme Court decision has created a new obstacle in the quest for a new sentence for Redmond and other women like her, ruling that the law doesnt apply if a defendant pleaded guilty, rather than was convicted by a judge or jury. The change has drawn notice by Illinois lawmakers who last month proposed a bill that would close the loophole. The bigger issue with the criminal legal system is that even when domestic violence survivors whether, defendants in criminal cases or otherwise share stories of survival, they are not considered relevant, Redmonds attorney Rachel White-Domain said. (The law) does start to shift attention to this problem of prosecution of domestic violence survivors, the criminalization in the first place, the over-sentencing of domestic violence survivors. Meanwhile, Redmonds case is before a Skokie judge who will decide next month whether the state high courts decision applies in her case. White-Domain is arguing that it doesnt because of the procedural status the case was in when the opinion came down, but she notes the decision impacts resentencing petitions for others like Redmond. Your babys back here Marseilles Redmond started dating Love when she was 19, becoming pregnant shortly after the beginning of the relationship, according to her attorney and court documents. Love was neglectful of Shea, then a baby, White-Domain told Judge Paul Pavlus during a hearing at the Skokie branch court on March 29. Love once left the baby in a hot car as well as alone on an apartment building landing, she said. They broke up, and Love became furious when Redmond pursued child support and an order of protection, White-Domain said. He was leaving threatening voicemails, White-Domain said in court. She believed as he stated multiple times on voicemails that he would eventually kill her. It came to a head in July of 2001, when Love drove behind her, Redmond has said, and bumped into the back of her car repeatedly. They pulled into a gas station, and Redmond shot and killed Love. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 28 years in prison. Hes bumping the car. Your babys back here, her mother, Vadal Redmond told the Tribune. I can imagine if youre fearful for your life youre extra fearful when it involves your baby. Cook County prosecutors, though, presented a different story in court, arguing to Pavlus that due to the Supreme Court decision, Redmond is barred from seeking a new sentence. Assistant States Attorney Paul Hooper said Redmond saw Love with a new flame and shot him multiple times, alleging that she approached him, pointed the gun at his head and executed him. Its a very one-sided description of the victim in this case as a bad person, a person who almost deserved what he got, Hooper said in court. After the hearing, White-Domain said Redmond is not contending that Love deserved to die. Shea deserved to have both of his parents, she said. Our position is that both of these young people deserved support and intervention to try to stop what he was doing, which was hurting his family. State high court decision In some cases in which abuse escalates to a tragic conclusion, the law allows an avenue to present to a judge mitigating circumstances for defendants who were victims themselves. The experience of domestic violence limits the real availability of safe choices while also warping the decision-making process itself for victims often resulting in choices that are rational once domestic violence is understood for what it is the constant, often inescapable or unmanageable, presence of threats and dangers, often of multiple kinds, Redmond argues in a motion for resentencing. Redmonds petition for a new sentence had been pending for years when the Illinois Supreme Court handed down a decision in another case in November, that of Angela Wells. In Wells case, she pleaded guilty to one count of murder and agreed to testify against her husband in exchange for a sentence of 40 years. Peoria County prosecutors said she and her husband killed 20-year-old Jamie Weyrick in order to rob him in 2001. She told police in a videotaped statement that her husband, Ronald Wells, told her he planned to kill Weyrick to steal money. She said she she pleaded with her husband not to kill Weyrick but he stabbed him, according to the courts opinion. She helped him conceal the body in a freezer, she said according to the opinion, then later stabbed Weyrick when she realized he was not yet dead. In 2018, Wells filed a petition in a lower court asking a judge for a new sentence, arguing that her husband abused her for more than a decade. She said she participated in Weyricks slaying out of fear of her husband. The high court, though, ruled that she was ineligible, reasoning that the law does not explicitly allow for the undoing of a valid, fully negotiated plea agreement. In a dissent, Justice P. Scott Neville argued that the majority opinion misconstrues the intent of the legislature, writing that the justices read the statute narrowly to ensure it has very limited effect. State Sen. Robert Peters proposed a bill in February a few months after the decision to clarify that the law applies to defendants who pleaded guilty. White-Domain was sharply critical of the Supreme Court decision, arguing that defendants often plead guilty under intense pressure. Noting, though, that lower courts must follow the opinion, she instead contended, among other arguments, that the decision came too late to impact Redmonds resentencing petition because the case was already in a pre-sentencing phase. Hooper, though, said during the hearing in a Skokie branch court that because of the Wells decision, prosecutors had no discretion but to argue that Redmond is not eligible for resentencing. Pavlus took the matter under advisement. Even if the judge rules against her, Redmond could try again if the bill passes. Redmond has about five years left to serve, but the years are ones her family is desperate to reclaim. Im being hopeful, Vadal Redmond said. You have to, thats what keeps you going. A role model After the hearing, Shea and Vadal Redmond were able to stand a few feet from Marseilles and say hello. She blew kisses and wiped away tears. Through her attorney, Redmond said she is deeply remorseful for killing Love, and was conflicted about pursuing the petition because of the impact on his family of dredging up details of the killing. Ultimately, though, she said she wanted to pursue it in order to raise awareness to potentially ease the path for other women. Shea and Vadal Redmond hope to soon spend time with her outside of prison, shopping for clothes, sharing meals and visiting family. Shea Redmond was raised by his grandmother, who was always protective of him learning the details of the killing, he said. But in his teens he began researching the case, looking for news articles and other public documents. He more recently learned of the allegations of abuse on behalf of his father. That was something I hadnt known until recently, he said. It does add perspective. It does open things up and shine a different light on it. Redmond, though, said the revelations have pushed him to try to be an even better role model for future generations. At the end of the day, I am half of both of them, he said. I feel like that pushes me even further to make sure I can be a good example for my other younger cousins. You Won't Believe Where This Alabama Mother Hid Cocaine, Sheriff Calls Out Her 'Reckless' Behavior A Mobile, Alabama woman was arrested after a raid uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal drugs and guns in her home and car including a quantity of cocaine in her three-year-olds backpack. And now the County Sheriff is calling the mother out on the reckless behavior that put her children in danger. As Fox 10 in Mobile reported, the Mobile County Sheriffs Office responded to a tip from a reliable confidential source that 35-year-old Tierra Tocorra Hill was keeping a substantial amount of drugs in her home. When police spotted Hill leaving her home, they conducted a traffic stop, which allegedly uncovered approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, a small amount of marijuana and a handgun inside her car. Authorities then expanded their search to Hills home, where they allegedly found four unsupervised children between the ages of three and 15, along with handguns and illegal drugs with an estimated street value of $450,000. While searching a backpack worn by the youngest child in the home, police discovered the three-year-old was carrying two kilograms of cocaine. Police then found another backpack containing a kilogram of cocaine and two handguns,Fox 10 reports. Hill was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana, tampering with physical evidence and four counts of chemical endangerment of a child. In a statement, Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch expressed disappointment in Hill and what he called a reckless situation. There was a total disregard for the law and the childrens well-being, said Burch. Its just alarming that a mother would allow their children to be exposed to these types of things. She has to see a judge before bond is set but my two cents is she ought to sit her butt in jail until she goes to trial. She subjected those children to extremely dangerous situations. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In the moments before the cargo ship Dali rammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and sent it crumbling into the water, a flurry of urgent warnings crackled over radios and enabled police to block traffic from getting on the span, likely saving lives. But those warnings seemingly didnt reach the six construction workers who were killed in last weeks collapse of the Baltimore bridge. Their deaths have raised questions about whether the construction company took proper precautions, including keeping a safety boat nearby that might have been able to warn them at least a few seconds before impact. Federal regulations require construction companies to keep such boats, commonly known as skiffs, on hand whenever crews are working over waterways, safety experts told The Associated Press. There is no indication that the construction company, Brawner Builders, had a rescue boat on the water or ready to be launched as the bridge fell. If youre working over a bridge like that, the standard interpretation doesnt give you an option, said Janine McCartney, a safety engineer for HHC Safety Engineering Services Inc. The skiff is required, period. Coast Guard representatives and other officials said they were unaware of any Brawner boat in the water at the time of the March 26 collapse. And satellite images from around the time of the collapse appeared to show no skiff in the river near the bridge. Even if the workers had been warned that the giant ship was about to hit, it's unclear if they would have had enough time to scramble to safety. The archived recordings of the bridge's maintenance radio channel from early that morning include only one minor exchange between two maintenance workers about the approaching ship, though its unclear if either was on or near the span at the time. In the exchange, a man with a muffled voice seemed to ask what was going on, and the other replied, Theyre just holding traffic because a ship lost its steering, thats all. The bridge collapsed less than 30 seconds later. But if a safety boat were present, experts said, it might have been able to use a marine radio and required walkie-talkies to warn the construction workers about the Dali's distress calls, possibly giving them a chance to act. Authorities say a construction inspector was able to run to a section of the bridge that didnt collapse, though its unknown what warning, if any, he received. A Brawner representative declined to comment for this story, saying the company is focused on taking care of the families of the workers, who were filling potholes on the bridge when it collapsed. Brawner has used safety skiffs for work on bridges in the past, according to a deposition of a company executive that was part of a 2011 lawsuit. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations say construction companies performing work over waterways must have at least one safety boat available. OSHA officials have said in rule interpretations over the years that the required boat can ensure prompt rescue of employees that fall into the water, regardless of other precautions taken to prevent this from occurring. An OSHA spokesperson didn't respond to repeated requests for clarification on that regulation. Some states have rules clarifying that the boats aren't required under certain conditions, such as when the work being done is contained within the guardrails of a bridge. But Maryland isn't among them and does require that a safety skiff be present when workers are over or near water. A spokesperson for the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, which oversees compliance with federal labor regulations, declined to comment on the Key Bridge collapse or Brawner's safety record, citing the open investigation into the tragedy. Dennis OBryan, a maritime lawyer, said he believes the skiff requirement remains in effect even when there is little risk of drowning unless the company secures an exemption from the state. If there was a skiff there, it would have heard the mayday call and radioed the workers to get off the bridge, OBryan said. There needs to be an investigation into whether the skiff was there and, if not, why it wasnt. O'Bryan isn't representing any of the families of the workers who were on the Key Bridge when it collapsed. But in 2011, he represented a Brawner employee who was injured while operating a safety boat meant to monitor workers on a bridge. The lawsuit accused the company of not properly staffing the boat. It was settled for an undisclosed sum. The AP requested a copy of the safety plan that Brawner submitted for the Key Bridge project, which was among more than 25 contracts worth a total of over $120 million that the state awarded the company in the past five years. The request was still being processed as of Tuesday. Brawner has been cited three times for seven safety violations since 2018, including four citations for failing to provide proper fall protections, OSHAs online enforcement records show. The company was fined close to $11,000 in informal OSHA settlements. Several project foremen interviewed by the AP said that despite OSHAs strict interpretations, it is not uncommon for construction companies to forgo the use of a safety skiff on jobs that dont pose an imminent risk of drowning, and it's unclear when the regulation is enforced. In the past decade, there has been just one violation issued in Maryland during a bridge construction project for failure to provide a life-saving skiff, according to a review of available online OSHA records. Some construction experts said a boat wouldnt have made a difference because of the steep drop, the little time the crew had to react, and the tons of steel and debris that made it incredibly difficult for even trained rescuers to locate and reach the missing workers' bodies. You can have the most perfect safety plan and safety measures in place, and unless you have time to implement them, then who knows, said Julio Palomo, president of Laborers International Union of North America Local 11, which represents Maryland and other parts of the Washington, D.C., area. Would it just have put more people in danger having that boat in the water? We just don't know. Others, though, said a safety boat might have had a better chance to issue a warning over a direct radio line to the crew, something companies could consider when writing future safety plans in light of the Key Bridge collapse. Ryan Papariello, a safety and health specialist with the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America, said that in safety plans for work on bridges, companies should think about including flotation devices and clear communication with the Coast Guard or anyone thats patrolling the water. He also said future plans might include the use of specific loud noises that signal workers to evacuate. Obviously this wasnt a foreseeable incident, Papariello said. A lot of the contractors that we see and Im not blaming the contractor they just dont have a valid rescue plan in place. ___ Associated Press reporters Rebecca Boone and Mike Catalini contributed. An aerial drone photo taken on March 26, 2024 shows a photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) An aerial drone photo taken on March 26, 2024 shows a photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) Staff members inspect the power feeder panel at a photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 26, 2024. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) Staff members inspect the battery bank at a photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 26, 2024. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) An aerial drone photo taken on March 26, 2024 shows a photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) An aerial drone photo taken on March 26, 2024 shows staff members installing photovoltaic panels in the tidal area in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) Staff members work at the control room of a photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 26, 2024. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) Staff members install photovoltaic panels in a tidal area in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 26, 2024. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) A staff member patrols in a tidal area in Sanmen County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 26, 2024. The photovoltaic power project in Sanmen County has generated over 20 million kWh of electricity. The project had a planned area of about 494 acres in size and was officially integrated into the electrical grid on Nov. 30, 2023. Following full integration into the grid, it is expected to produce up to 80 million kWh of electricity annually. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) A man swindled investors out of more than $1 million and made workers move for jobs at his dog training business that turned out to be fake, federal officials said. Joseph Merry Jr. has been sentenced to more than four years in prison after pleading guilty to a wire fraud charge, according to a March 29 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Middle District of Alabama. The 42-year-old New Hampshire man is accused of starting dog training businesses in New Jersey, Indiana and Alabama. In 2017 and 2018, he convinced individuals to invest in his businesses, in part by making up lucrative contracts, prosecutors said. In one case, investigators said Merry pretended to be an official at an energy company that had a large contract with one of his businesses. He sent several emails from Alabama to an investor in New Jersey posing as the official, according to prosecutors. Based on Merrys misrepresentations, some of the investors spent additional money and made significant payments in anticipation of fulfilling the fictional contracts, officials said in the release. In addition, numerous new employees moved to different states for jobs they expected to have with one of these dog training businesses. Merrys attorneys declined to comment on the case to McClatchy News. Merry secured wire transfers of $1.5 million with the intent to defraud, according to transactions obtained by federal officials. Hes accused of misappropriating the money to fund a lavish lifestyle. Merry was indicted on 11 counts of wire fraud but only pleaded guilty to one charge in October, records show. As part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit the $1.5 million in assets, and also was ordered to pay nearly $1.3 million in restitution to victims at his Mach 27 sentencing hearing. Private school got over $1 million in funding but owner pocketed it, Florida cops say Meat market owner fled US over $10M food stamp fraud, feds say. Now, hes sentenced Buyers scammed out of $200,000 in closing costs for bogus property, Georgia cops say Interior designer scams customers out of $900,000 to fund her lifestyle, feds say World Central Kitchen founder and renowned chef Jose Andres accused Israel of targeting the seven aid workers who were killed by an IDF airstrike in Gaza, systematically, car by car. Mr Andres told Reuters that World Central Kitchen (WCK), a charity that provides food to people in disaster zones including Gaza, was transparent about its movements in the besieged strip. The seven staff were killed in Gaza in a marked convoy after unloading 100 tonnes of food aid from a barge. This was not just a bad luck situation where oops we dropped the bomb in the wrong place, Mr Andres said. Even if we were not in coordination with the (Israel Defense Forces), no democratic country and no military can be targeting civilians and humanitarians. He also told the outlet that there may have been more than three strikes against the charitys convoy. WCK said on Tuesday it was pausing all work in the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr Andres told Reuters that the charity would look into the safety of returning to Gaza before starting up its work there again. The U.S. must do more to tell Prime Minister Netanyahu this war needs to end now, the charity founder said. He and President Joe Biden spoke on the phone after the tragedy. President Biden plans to speak with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, an administration official told The Independent. Mr Biden released a statement on Tuesday, saying he was outraged and heartbroken by the aid workers deaths. They were brave and selfless. While the US has said it doesnt have plans to conduct its own investigation into the incident, Israel has pledged to conduct one. Mr Biden called for the probe to be swift and said it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public. Mr Andres blame on the IDFs knowledge comes into sharp contrast to comments made by Mr Netanyahu. Mr Netanyahu called the incident an unintended strike of our forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip, and promised the countrys armed forces will do everything for this not to happen again. Early on Wednesday, Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib echoed Mr Andres tone in an Instagram post. She called the attack fully intentional. They bombed the convoy three times, she wrote. WCK gave Israel their coordinates, and they still were targeted and killed. Netanyahu wants Gaza to starve to death and using starvation as a weapon of war. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin also weighed in on Wednesday. Enough, he tweeted. The killing of the World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers makes it clear that Netanyahu cannot or will not protect the innocent people in Gaza. We need a ceasefire and release of all remaining hostages now, Sen Durbin wrote. One of the ambulances carrying the bodies of staff members of the U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen arrives at the Rafah crossing with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI April 3 (UPI) -- U.S. food aid charity World Central Kitchen identified the seven members of its staff killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, amid growing international condemnation over the attack. Six of those killed when their convoy was hit were foreign nationals including dual U.S.-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33, Britons John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, Australian Lalzawmi Frankcom, 43, and Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, WCK said in a news release Tuesday. Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, aged 25, was the sixth victim. "These are the heroes of WCK. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories." - Erin Gore, CEO. Read more: https://t.co/4f38RQ1l4I pic.twitter.com/neAsSzKVP5 World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) April 2, 2024 CEO Erin Gore described the slain workers as "the heroes of World Central Kitchen." One of the bodies of staff members of the U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen is transported out of a hospital morgue in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI "These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. And we have countless memories of them giving their best selves to the world," Gore said. "We are reeling from our loss. The world's loss." One of the bodies of staff members of the U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen is transported out of a hospital morgue in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI Arrangements are being made to repatriate the remains of the foreign nationals via Egypt. The Britons, all ex-marines, were providing security for the marked three-vehicle convoy on Monday as it left Deir al-Balah warehouse in central Gaza where the team had unloaded more than 100 tons of food shipped in on a recently established international maritime route from Cyprus. The convoy was on a designated aid route in a "de-conflicted zone" and WCK had coordinated its movements with the IDF which says the attack was a "tragic" mistake. Britain summoned the Israeli Ambassador to the Foreign Office for an explanation while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to demand an investigation into what happened. A Downing Street spokesman said Sunak had told Netanyahu that he was "appalled" by the killing of aid workers, including three Britons, and demanded a "thorough and transparent independent investigation." "The prime minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable," the spokesman said. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has apologized and Netanyahu pledged to pursue the truth "to the end" to ensure it could never happen again, but said bad things happen in wars. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he condemned the attack. "Appalled by the killing by the Israeli Defence Forces of seven members of WCK in Gaza. We urge a thorough investigation. Despite all the demands to protect civilians and humanitarian workers, we see new innocent casualties," he wrote on X. "We recall the Israeli obligation under International Humanitarian Law to protect humanitarian workers." U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his anger and shock, saying it should not have happened and slamming Israel for exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza by failing to do enough to protect aid workers. "I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday. They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war. They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy, Biden said in a statement. "Israel has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into why the aid workers' vehicles were hit by airstrikes. That investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public." Biden added that tragically, the incident was not the first saying the conflict had been "one of the worst in recent memory" in terms of the number of aid workers killed. He said he had spoken to "his friend," WCK founder and U.S. celebrity chef Jose Andres to offer his condolences and support. In an op-ed in Wednesday's New York Times, Andres decried the killings of people he said were "the best." "The seven people killed on a WCK mission in Gaza on Monday were the best of humanity. They are not faceless or nameless. They are not generic aid workers or collateral damage in war," he wrote. World Central Kitchen (WCK), the non-profit organization that has delivered food to civilians in Gaza, released the names of its seven employees who were killed by Israeli airstrikes Monday. These are the heroes of WCK. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full days mission, Erin Gore, the organizations CEO said in a statement. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories. Saifeddin Issam Aydan Abutaha, 25, of Palestine; Lalzawami Frankcom, 43, of Austrailia; Damian Sobol, 35, of Poland; Jacob Flickinger, 33, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada; John Chapman, 57, of the U.K.; James Henderson, 33, of the U.K.; James Kirby, 47, U.K., were the employees who died. The organization said Monday that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed the seven aid workers. Abutaha, Frankcom, Sobol and Flickinger were on the WCK relief team. Chapman, Henderson and Kirby were on the WCK security team. The workers were leaving a warehouse in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and driving in a deconflicted zone in two armored cars when the strike hit, the organization said. WCK, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, has been working in Gaza to supply the more than 1 million people food. The employees had delivered more than 100 tons of food to the warehouse shortly before the incident. In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister said it was a tragic event and an unintended strike but said things like this happen in war. Andres called for the Israeli government to stop its indiscriminate killing and said no more innocent lives should be lost. On March 12, Andres and WCK announced the first ship carrying 200 tons of food departed for Gaza, followed by another with even more food. Friends and relatives mourned their losses. Some of the employees killed in the strike had traveled the world participating in aid efforts following wars and natural disasters, The Associated Press reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Tel Aviv World Central Kitchen, the food charity founded by Spanish-American celebrity chef Jose Andres, has named U.S.-Canadian dual national Jacob Flickinger, 33, as one of the seven members of its team killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza late Monday night. The other WCK staff members killed in the attack, which Israel's military has called a "grave mistake," have been identified as Palestinian, British, Polish and Australian nationals. It appears their three-vehicle convoy was hit by several successive missile strikes despite the non-profit group having coordinated the team's movements with the Israel Defense Forces. "It was a mistake that followed a misidentification at night, during a war, in very complex conditions," IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzl Halevi said, echoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lamented it as a tragic accident, which he said, "happens in war." An image shared by the World Central Kitchen shows the seven members of the food charity's staff who it says were killed by Israeli airstrikes on April 1, 2024 in the Gaza Strip, including U.S.-Canadian dual national Jacob Flickinger, 33, seen at the top right. The other WCK staffers killed in the attack, which Israel's military called a The U.S. government said it was outraged by the deaths and, along with Britain and the other nations involved, called on Israel to carry out a swift and impartial investigation. "We've impressed upon the Israelis the absolute imperative of doing more to protect civilian lives, be they Palestinian children, women and men, or aid workers," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday. Israel's handling of its relentless war against Hamas, triggered by the Palestinian group's Oct. 7 terror attack that saw it kill some 1,200 people, has increasingly strained relations between Tel Aviv and the U.S. long Israel's most valuable ally. Health officials in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, who do not distinguish between combatant and civilian deaths, say Israel has killed more than 32,000 people in the enclave since the war started, most of them women and children. Under a deal signed during the Obama administration, the U.S. agreed to give Israel $3.8 billion worth of military assistance per year. That assistance including consignments of both guided "smart" bombs and less precise "dumb" bombs has continued despite mounting pressure from Washington for the IDF to mitigate civilian casualties in Gaza. Nowhere is the tension between the close allies more evident than it is over Israel's plans to launch a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Around 1.5 million Palestinians have poured into Rafah and the surrounding area, right along Gaza's southern border with Egypt, seeking shelter from the Israeli offensive elsewhere in the territory. Thousands are living in tents or other makeshift shelters, and aid agencies say there aren't nearly enough basic goods reaching those in need. Netanyahu and his cabinet and military commanders have insisted on the need to destroy Hamas' remaining battalions in Rafah, and while the U.S. has warned Israel repeatedly against launching a full-scale assault without a credible plan to protect and evacuate civilians, the White House has continued backing Israel's right to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas. The World Central Kitchen, meanwhile, has paused all of its operations in Gaza, making it even harder for the world to get desperately needed food to the thousands of people who need it in the decimated enclave. Before the incident, WCK said it had shipped more than 37 million meals to Gaza since the war started on Oct. 7. "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," the group's CEO Erin Gore said in a statement, calling the Israeli strikes "unforgivable." In a lengthy social media post, Andres called on Israel's government to "stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon." "Israel is better than the way this war is being waged," he said in a New York Times opinion piece. Millions of Americans in the path of severe storms Crews working around the clock on Baltimore bridge cleanup Gen Z ditching 4-year colleges for trade schools, Wall Street Journal reports This is the first story in a series, Fighting Forever Chemicals: Women face pervasive PFAS risks. Jessian Choy had worn Thinx menstrual underwear for years before she learned they contained forever chemicals. I had always known that anything water, grease and stain resistant could have toxic PFAS chemicals in them because of my day job at the time, said Choy, who was working in San Franciscos Department of the Environment when she found this out. But, she said, my only vice at the time was the Thinx underwear and I just didnt want to know what was in it. Forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a pervasive group of compounds that have been linked to a number of cancers and other illnesses. The toxic substances have become widespread in the air, soil and water via industrial discharge and are found in a number of common household items, from cookware to dental floss to stain-resistant furniture. And many of the products in which they have been detected including waterproof makeup, workout leggings and period products are primarily marketed toward women. Thinx denies that its products contain the substances, but settled a class-action lawsuit over allegations that they do last year. Forever chemicals are pervasive. Here are 4 ways to avoid them in consumer products Found in essential products Choy writes a column at Sierra Magazine, a publication of the environmental nonprofit Sierra Club. When a reader asked her to recommend the most eco-friendly period products, she started digging into the issue. Choy said she felt she couldnt recommend the undergarments without finding out if her suspicions that they contained the toxic chemicals were correct. She reached out to Graham Peaslee, a professor at the University of Notre Dame who was already well-known for discovering the presence of PFAS in fast food packaging. Peaslee agreed to test the Thinx briefs and BTWN Shorty underwear for teens for her she sent unused pairs and found that they contained enough PFAS to suggest they were made with the substances on purpose. Thinx has continued to maintain that its products do not contain PFAS after Choy wrote about Peaslees findings. In 2020, the company provided journalists with tests conducted by a different third party that did not find the substances in their product. Our product safety testing is conducted by third party facilities to ensure our products meet the robust European safety standards of REACH and OEKO-TEX, then-Thinx CEO Maria Molland said in a statement at the time. Based on this outside expert testing, PFAS chemicals were not detected in Thinx products. Peaslee said that the day after Choy published the findings, Thinx also told him that its products didnt contain PFAS. Thinxs findings, he said, only looked for a subtype known as long-chain PFAS, whose chemical structure contains more carbon atoms. During his assessment, Peaslee said he found short-chain PFAS, which have fewer carbon atoms. The scientist said he told the company as much. In response, he said they called him back the next day and asked him to tell the public their product was safe an apparent attempt to blunt the negative publicity from an article that Choy wrote about his findings. They called me back and said, Well, this things getting out of hand, can you just issue a statement saying theyre safe to wear? Peaslee said. And I was like, Im sorry, did you not listen to a word I said yesterday? I wouldnt put my damn daughter in these things. Allegations of PFAS in Thinx later spurred a class-action lawsuit claiming that the company misrepresented the true nature of Thinx Underwear by calling it free of harmful chemicals. The lawsuit was settled in 2023 for $5 million, enabling consumers to get back $7 per pair for every pair of Thinx underwear they purchased, up to three pairs. The company will also have to take measures aimed at making sure PFAS arent intentionally added to the underwear under the settlement. Nonetheless, Thinx still says its products are safe. We stand by the quality, safety and efficacy of our products. The lawsuit is related to how products were marketed and was not about injuries or harm caused by the products, Thinx spokesperson Felicia Macdonald shared in a written statement with The Hill last year. Macdonald is no longer with Thinx. We have resolved this matter so that we can focus our attention on doing what the brand does best bringing innovative, safe and comfortable leak protection underwear to consumers, she said. Thinx declined to comment to The Hill on Peaslees account or say whether it had tested for short-chain PFAS. Peaslee is not the only scientist to have found PFAS in period underwear and Thinx is not the only brand found to contain them. In May 2022, a team of researchers at the Massachusetts-based Silent Spring Institute published a study in Environmental Science & Technology looking at the presence of PFAS in underwear and several other consumer items. Among those products was menstrual underwear, which the scientists said they selected because of presumed use by children or adolescents. The companies marketing the menstrual underwear all promoted their products as leak-proof, per the study. While analyzing six different period underwear products, however, the researchers directly identified the substances in one pair and found compounds that can react to become PFAS in that same pair and another. Research released in August from Peaslees lab also found indicators of PFAS in some period products, including wrappers for several pads and some tampons and outer layers of menstrual underwear. In a written statement accompanying the research, Peaslee noted that although feminine products are essential, putting PFAS in their layers or wrapping is not, since plenty of them are made without relying on these compounds. Ruthann Rudel, director of research at the Silent Spring Institute, said she thinks period underwear is helpful but that its worth advancing technologies that would rid these products of toxic chemicals. Worn close to the skin Menstrual underwear is far from the only product to contain PFAS that is geared mostly toward women. The compounds are common ingredients in North American cosmetics many of which may contain high levels of them. A 2021 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, co-authored by Peaslee, tested 231 makeup products and found that 63 percent of the foundations, 58 percent of the eye products, 55 percent of the lip products and 47 percent of the mascaras it looked at contained high levels of fluorine. Researchers often test for fluorine to screen for the presence of PFAS, as the substances contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom or four fluorines attached to one carbon. (The atom fluorine is different from the additive in toothpaste and water known as fluoride, which actually stands for sodium fluoride and is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe anti-cavity agent in small doses.) After identifying the samples with the highest fluorine content, scientists sometimes then perform targeted analyses for PFAS compounds. In Peaslees 2021 cosmetics study, researchers performed targeted tests on 29 of the 231 samples and confirmed detectable levels of PFAS in all of them. Separately, the Environmental Working Group has identified 300 cosmetic products from 50 different popular brands that contain PFAS in its Skin Deep database. The advocacy organization found that 200 of these products contain PTFE, which is also used in Teflon pans. PFAS are also allegedly found in a variety of workout wear from name brands using a third-party EPA-certified laboratory, according to a report published by consumer activist blog Mamavation in 2022 based on testing by a third-party EPA-certified laboratory. Mamavation declined to name the lab on the record, but The Hill was able to verify its existence. The nonprofit site Environmental Health News and Mamavation identified PFAS in leggings and yoga pants as well. Its not entirely clear what impact wearing products containing the substances could have on the body. Linda Birnbaum, former head of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, said PFAS can be irritating on the skin at high concentrations, but that shes not aware of much research indicating they are altering skin. Research on the impacts of absorption of PFAS through the skin is limited. However, one 2020 study on mice showed that a type of PFAS known as PFOA was harmful to the animals immune systems when it was exposed to their skin, similar to impacts of ingesting the substance which is known to be hazardous. Loreen Hackett, a longtime anti-PFAS activist from Hoosick Falls, N.Y., has been scrutinizing every product that enters or comes into contact with her body for years. You got to look at leggings and all this other shit. But we have to look more, she said. Do [men] care if its in their shaving cream? I dont know, she continued. But women use 10 times more personal care products than men. So of course its going to affect us more. How many guys do you see really lotioning their hands up? Hackett asked. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Wreckage of notorious American slave ship sunk in Brazil may have been found The entrance to Brazils Bracui River, where researchers believe theyve found the wreck of the Camargo, a US slave ship that illegally brought enslaved Africans to Brazil (Google Street View) Researchers believe theyve found the lost wreck of the Camargo, a US slave ship that illegally transported and sold enslaved African people into bondage in Brazil in the early 1850s, The Washington Post reports. If the wreck has indeed been found, it will mark the culmination of an epic search thats spanned library archives, local communities, and the murky waters of Brazils Bracui River. The Camargo entered Brazilian waters in 1852, two years after the country passed a new anti-trafficking law. Nathaniel Gordon of Maine who later gained infamy as the only American ever executed for trafficking enslaved Africans piloted the stolen vessel, with British and Brazilian authorities in pursuit. Fearing capture, hes believed to have sold over 500 enslaved Mozambicans, then set fire to the vessel and fled dressed in womens clothing. The escape was a scandal for Brazil, and prompted police to search surrounding plantations for the people who were aboard the vessel, a major milestone in efforts to crack down on the countrys slaveholding elites. Officials found a reported 75 people Gordon sold, including an 11-year-old child. Others are thought to have died in the wreck, escaped, or been forced into slavery. The wreck of the Camargo plus the USs oft under-acknowledged role in propping up Brazilian slavery, with US-flagged ships bringing an estimated 430,000 enslaved people to the country between 1831 and 1850 seemed to fade into darkness as time went on. Researchers picked up the trail of the wreck in 1994, when historian Martha Abreu found newspaper clippings about it in Brazils national library. Later, doing field research, she spoke with an elder in a community near the Bracui founded by descendants of enslaved pepole, who told the historian that local people told stories of a ship that went down under similar circumstances, and that its location was known and considered a good fishing spot. Later, researchers Luis Felipe Santos and Gilson Rambelli searched the river in scuba suits, eventually using a tip from a local fisherman with a similar story to locate a shipwreck in December 2024, which showed signs of burnt timbers and a copper-coated hull, matching the description of the Camargo. This is an answer for the communities here, that the stories theyve always told were true, Felipe told the Post. They werent just stories. A follow-up investigation is planned for this May involving the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and George Washington University. Nearly a decade after fleeing the Camargo, Gordon was caught in the Congo with nearly 1,000 enslaved people, then sent back to the US where he was convicted and sentenced to death. President Abraham Lincoln later denied an effort from associates of Gordon to seek a pardon. I believe I am kindly enough in nature, and can be moved to pity and to pardon the perpetrator of almost the worst crime that the mind of man can conceive or the arm of man can execute; but any man, who, for paltry gain and stimulated only by avarice, can rob Africa of her children to sell into interminable bondage, I never will pardon, Lincoln said of the decision. French President Emmanuel Macron held confidential calls with U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in February to convince them about the need for strategic ambiguity in their approach toward Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported on April 3, citing undisclosed official sources. The French head of state held the talks ahead of the allied summit in Paris, during which Macron said that sending Western troops to Ukraine should not be ruled out in the future. The public remarks took many allies aback, with several NATO members, including Germany and the U.S., emphatically rejecting the possibility. Macron's statement also represented an unexpected shift when compared to his more cautious stances early in the full-scale war. Paris' new propositions would mean a radical change in the West's standing strategy, which is centered around assisting Ukraine while not crossing certain "red lines" that could escalate tensions with Russia. Read also: Macron: Russias war against Ukraine existential for France, Europe Biden questioned the need to change this strategy in talks with Macron, while Scholz opposed the idea and said it risked dividing the allies, the Wall Street Journal wrote. Behind the scenes, French officials stressed that Macron's suggestion concerned sending NATO troops to train Ukrainian personnel or clear minefields, not to take part in combat, according to the outlet. Several allies, such as Estonia or Czechia, have said that the deployment of troops, for example, for non-combat tasks, should not be completely ruled out. Kyiv has not appealed to the West to send its troops to Ukraine, instead asking for increased arms supplies to help Ukrainian soldiers fend off Russian aggression. Speaking with the French broadcaster BFMTV in March, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "as long as Ukraine holds, the French army can stay in French territory." Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on striving for excellence in four key areas and contributing Tianjin's efforts to advance Chinese modernization in Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- North China's port city Tianjin vowed to step up efforts to boost technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and further promote the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development strategy, which has seen solid progress, according to Zhang Gong, mayor of Tianjin. Tianjin will take further steps to promote technological innovation coordination and industrial system integration in the region, Zhang told a press conference Wednesday. Efforts will be made to push forward technological innovation and industrial upgrading as well as the development of new quality productive forces, while working to build a regional center for application of scientific and technological advances, according to Zhang. Zhang said the city also plans to expand institutional opening-up in areas such as technology finance, finance lease, shipping service, exhibition service and cross-border data flow. Also at the conference, Liu Guiping, executive vice mayor of Tianjin, said the metropolis will accelerate efforts to develop itself into a city as an international consumption center. WSJ reveals how Macron tried to push Biden and Scholz to adopt tougher approach towards Putin French President Emmanuel Macron held confidential conversations with US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in February in a bid to persuade them to change the West's strategy in Russia's war against Ukraine. Source: article by The Wall Street Journal, as reported by European Pravda Details: Macron believes that Western countries should take a position of strategic ambiguity towards Russia, leaving all options on the table, including military ones. This idea represents a fundamental shift from the stance taken by the Biden administration since the beginning of the full-scale war. Washington's approach was aimed at avoiding actions that could provoke Moscow and lead to an escalation of the war. In contrast, Macron sought to end the broadcasting of the limits of Western intervention the Wests so-called "red lines" and instead leave the Kremlin guessing. The unnamed officials said Biden cast doubt on the need for a change in strategy amid concerns that it could lead to escalation. Scholz also opposed the idea, arguing it risked dividing allies and making NATO countries a party to the conflict. In February, Macron called Biden and Scholz to inform them that he wanted to use the upcoming summit in Paris to send a message to Putin. Macron said Western capitals should stop ruling out military options, telling the leaders he wanted to unveil a new approach after the summit. Scholz replied that if Macron did so publicly, the chancellor and other leaders would be forced to reject him. Officials said he strongly advised Macron against the move, saying it could create a sense of disunity among allies. The prospect of deploying Western personnel to Ukraine, whether civilian or military, has raised the thorny issue of how allies should respond should one of them be killed in a Russian strike. One US official said the Biden administration was concerned that Russia might target any French troops that might be sent to Ukraine. This could allegedly drag France and possibly other Western countries into the war. However, Macron has indicated to allies that no NATO or US involvement would be called for if Russia targets French troops, the official said. For example, France has suffered losses in military campaigns in Africa without seeking help from allies. Tensions reached a peak when Slovak PM Robert Fico, Chancellor Scholz, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien and other leaders arrived at the Elysee Palace on 26 February. Macron shared his views on the need for strategic ambiguity. Sitting next to him, the French president asked Scholz to comment. Officials said Scholz strongly opposed the idea. One by one, the leaders of the Netherlands, Poland and Greece spoke up and politely rejected the idea. The Estonian prime minister supported Macron, arguing that leaders should stop discussing what they will not do in a war and focus on what they will do. Despite the overwhelming opposition at the summit, Macron nevertheless said in a conversation with journalists that although there was no consensus on sending troops, "nothing should be ruled out". Background: Bloomberg reported that Macron's statements about the possible deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine had angered US officials, who privately fear that such a move could lead to a clash with Russia. Despite the controversy surrounding his remarks about the possible deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, Macron refused to back down, insisting that his statements had been well thought through, but also stressing that France would not follow the "logic of escalation" in its relations with Moscow. Subsequently, commenting on the idea he raised, Macron stressed that if such a scenario were to be implemented, French forces would not go on the offensive against Russia. Support UP or become our patron! Its been a half-century since a tornado killed more than 30 people in Xenia. The twister changed lives and the citys landscape. WHIO-TV weatherman Gil Whitney broke into programming to tell Xenia residents to take cover. Some people who live there still dont like to talk about the deadly tornado. But others told News Center 7s Gabrielle Enright that what happened on April 3, 1974, is so important they had to share their story. Janelle Robinsons 44-year-old father was killed by that tornado in 1974. She said her father, Oscar, was a postal clerk at the Wilberforce post office. I loved my daddy, she said. He was a kind person, giving and loving. He didnt play though. Dont mess up. The day before the tornado, Janelle sprained her ankle. I stayed home on that day, April 3, she said. She was the last one, in her family, to see her father alive, My father came home from lunch to check on me and see how I was doing and that was the last time I saw him, she said. Janelle was 14 at the time. She and her younger siblings took cover at a neighbors house. If Gil Whitney hadnt come on, I dont think wed be here. I truly believe that. We wouldnt be here, she said. The kids were safe, but their father was not. The tornado hit the Wilberforce Post Office. People had gone in and tried to dig him out because the wall came down on him, as I understand and he was crushed, Janelle said. They were digging trying to get him out, but he was already gone. Joe Kennedy with the Kennedy Property Group said, It was tough for my dad to talk about this. Joes father, Jim, and his father and grandfather were invested in Xenia long before the 1974 tornado. When we got into business, it was the grocery business, he said. But that business plan changed. The tornado would destroy Kennedys Supervalu, the familys largest grocery store. Bill Altick was a manager at the grocery store. I remember there was some lady, he said. She was just standing out there and I actually grabbed her, brought her back inside, and actually laid on top of her. When that thing hit, it just sounded like a train, The noise was unbelievable. Altick worked for Kennedys until the late 80s and went on to own his own real estate business in Xenia. Joe Kennedy said, That empty lot became a grocery store, run out of semi-trucks so people in the area could buy food. Shortly after, we did open a grocery store. But, their business model changed. We manage property. We manage real estate. Kennedy said. Joe now runs Kennedy Property Group. He lost his father almost three years ago, but still talks about him and his familys history with the 1974 tornado. The people that went through it arent big fans of talking about it, he said, I want to talk about it in a way thats respectful to honor them sticking with it. I think it would have been easy to pack up and leave, but most people that lived and that loved this city, they stayed. Fifty years later, Janelle Robinson also thinks its important to talk about her father. I have to keep the memory going. I must keep the legacy and story going, she said. New York City small businesses can get up to $5K in grants with new program New York City small businesses can get up to $5K in grants with new program RED HOOK, Brooklyn (PIX11) Chrissy Fitchel owns a candle manufacturing company in Red Hook, Brooklyn. A rainy day automatically spins her head and makes her think of the times her business has flooded. The last incident was in December. Any type of flood will actually close our business, and we could be closed for one day, two days, or five days, said Fitchel. More Brooklyn News The New York City Department of Small Business Services announced the Business Preparedness and Resiliency Program (BPREP). Small businesses and commercial property owners that completed BPREP can receive grants up to $5,000 to strengthen their infrastructure, said Kevin D. Kim, commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. The program aims to help business owners reduce the chance of disruptions by teaching them how to better prepare for a natural disaster. Fitchels biggest worry is having to close her company due to water getting inside. We have 35 employees here that I want to make sure they have their hours and that we can pay them and there is work to be done, said Fitchel. With the collaboration of the NYC Emergency Management and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the program will also teach business owners how to protect their assets, navigate insurance and get back to business as soon as possible. The Mayors Office of Climate and Environmental Justice is also involved in this program. They estimate that about 480 small businesses will benefit from this program. The Adams administration is proud to have secured over $1.6 billion in federal funding to build resilience sustainable infrastructure in NYC including $2.3 million for this BPREP program, said Kim. To qualify for the grant, you must first get a free assessment. For more information, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The sun rises over New York City during a solar eclipse on June 10, 2021. Credit - Noam GalaiGetty Images Six New York inmates have filed a lawsuit against the states corrections department after the department announced a statewide prison lockdown on April 8 that would bar them from seeing the total solar eclipse, which they allege violates their religious freedom. The six plaintiffsof which there is a Christian, Muslim, Santerian and atheisthave each expressed a sincerely held religious belief that April's solar eclipse is a religious event that they must witness and reflect on to observe their faiths, the complaint says. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of New York court on March 29. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) told TIME it does not comment on pending litigation. DOCCS Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III previously issued a memo saying that all 44 prisons in the state would have to remain in their housing units from 2 to 5 p.m. on April 8. Of that group, 23 facilities that fall in the path of totality were directed to be closed to visitation all day. A partial eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 2 p.m., with totality starting at 3:18 p.m. in upstate New York, according to NASA. Plaintiff Jeremy Zielinski, an atheist, says that he requested special permission to view the eclipse. His initial request was granted but later revoked because of the lockdown order, he says in the lawsuit. "Mr. Zielinski firmly believes that observing the solar eclipse with people of different faiths is crucial to practicing his own faith because it is a central aspect of atheism to celebrate common humanity and bring people together to encourage people to find common ground," the complaint reads. The DOCCS says the lockdown is a proactive approach to ensure the safety of the prisoners and staff. Recognizing the surge of visitors expected in the region during the eclipse, the Department is working with the New York State Eclipse Interagency Task Force to ensure DOCCS visitors and staff are not stuck in traffic or otherwise stranded, a DOCCS spokesperson told TIME. For this reason, visitation will be suspended at all DOCCS facilities in the path of totality on Monday, April 8, 2024 and will resume on Tuesday, April 9. The department will also be providing solar eclipse glasses to staff and inmates who may be able to view the eclipse from their unit. DOCCS added that all religious requests related to the eclipse are currently under review. Contact us at letters@time.com. A Manhattan judge denied Donald Trumps efforts to have his criminal trial delayed on presidential immunity grounds, saying the former presidents filing was untimely. On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Juan Merchan submitted a six-page filing denying Mr Trumps last-ditch effort to delay the trial concerning alleged hush-money payments even further after Mr Trumps team successfully delayed the trial 30 days. Mr Trump submitted the motion on 7 March, asking Judge Merchan to delay the trial until after the US Supreme Court decides whether the presidential immunity defence applies to criminal charges against sitting or former presidents. The former presidents legal team argued that under presidential immunity, evidence related to correspondence Mr Trump made while president should be prohibited. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in that case on 25 April but will likely not issue a decision for days or weeks after arguments. Judge Merchan had already set the criminal trial date for 15 April. Judge Merchan said the former president had a myriad of opportunities to file his motion on presidential immunity but chose not to, claiming it was strategically done. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Grand Rapids, Mich., Tuesday, April 2, 2024. (AP) Mr Trump has invoked the presidential immunity defence in his upcoming criminal trials as a delay or dismissal tactic. Largely, the former president argues he should have absolute immunity from criminal prosecutions because his actions were done within his scope of official duties. However, in the New York criminal trial, Mr Trumps attorney argued that presidential immunity applied to evidence, rather than the prosecution as a whole. They claimed statements Mr Trump made on social media and to news networks about his former lawyer (who is a witness in the trial) Michael Cohen, were done as official communications under his official duties. But Judge Merchan, who has already delayed the trial, said their argument didnt matter because it was filed too late. The judge added that the court would not consider whether the doctrine of presidential immunity precludes the introduction of evidence of purported official presidential acts in a criminal proceeding, Last month, Judge Merchan delayed the trial by 30 days after a mishap over potential evidence. Mr Trumps lawyers complained that the district attorneys office was late in returning thousands of pages of documents related to Cohen. District Attorney Alvin Braggs office disputed the allegations, saying Mr Trumps legal team failed to request the documents promptly. After a contentious hearing, Judge Merchan ultimately delayed the trial but rejected the accusations from Mr Trumps legal team. Judge Juan Merchan could become the first judge ever to oversee a former U.S. presidents criminal trial (AP) The former president will face Judge Merchan and prosecutors this month in the first criminal trial against a sitting or former president. In this case, Mr Trump is being accused of falsifying 34 business records to cover up hush-money payments made to an adult film actress, Stormy Daniels, to suppress a negative story about an alleged sexual affair between the former president Ms Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Mr Trump denies the affair and allegations. You know that guy who is cute and lovable but also a walking trainwreck? Maybe you dated a few in college, or maybe youve seen one on the subway talking up a woman who seems way too impressive to waste her time with him. Thats basically Vine star and YouTuber Rudy Mancusos character, also named Rudy, at the start of his feature debut, Musicaa musical comedy about self-discovery, manifestation, and, above all, the perils that await anyone who lets other people make their decisions for them. Rudy (the character) is charismatic as hell and, as we discover before too long, hes an exceptional musician with a pretty funny idea for a puppet show. (Even if his mom wont stop calling his puppet, Diego, a doll.) The problem is, hes still stuck in the too many brilliant ideas, too little time or money phase of his artistic career. From the outside, he mostly looks like a mess. But that doesnt stop him from snagging two intelligent, beautiful women and foolishly trying to date them at the same time. The Greatest Hits Tells the Most Original Time Travel Story in Years Musica, which premiered this March at SXSW and makes its Prime Video debut on April 4, is about as openly (semi-)autobiographical as a movie can get. Mancuso has not only named his character after himself, but hes also cast his real-life mother, Maria, to play his films busybody Brazilian matriarch. He has a puppet show in real life, and just like the movies Rudy, he also has synesthesiawhich, in his case, means his brain turns random noises into music. And while its unclear if Mancuso himself ever lived out the love-triangle dilemma seen in this film, he did wind up dating his co-star, Camila Mendes, in real life, which explains the firecracker chemistry behind every sly smile they share on screen. On one hand, synesthesia sounds cool as hell; Im guessing that many of us would love to know what its like to be able to smell a color or taste a name. Unfortunately for movie-Rudy, he also cannot turn this condition off at willwhich means that when his girlfriend, Haley (Francesca Reale), tries to break up with him at a diner, hes too distracted by the sounds of trays clanging and brooms sweeping to notice. Somehow, that doesnt stop him from resuscitating things with her and ensnaring a new girl at the same time. When things get complicated, Rudy talks things out with himself through Diego, who usually comes prepared with a lot of snark (and, sometimes, a surprising appetite for Cheetos). Enter, Isabella (Mendes)a free spirit who, unlike the studious Haley, is not busy plotting out her entire future. She works at a fish market in Rudys Newark neighborhood, Ironbound, and when Rudy sees their vibrant community through her gorgeous brown eyes, he suddenly understands why shed never leave for anywhere else. Does he really need to make it big in marketing and move on up, or is everything he ever needed already right here, staring him in the face with an intoxicating smile? Amazon MGM This is where Rudys does not have his shit together-ness unfortunately rears its ugly, indecisive head. A mature, self-respecting guy would recognize that he and Haley are not right for one another and resist the temptation to get back together with her when she extends an olive branch during marketing class. Instead, Rudy wanders back into a situationship with Haley (and even comes home with her to meet her incredibly stuffy WASPy-with-a-capital-W family) while also letting things play out with Isabella. By the time Maria stumbles into her sons messy, musical love triangle at her favorite restaurant, hes already ruined things seemingly beyond repair. Musica, which Mancuso co-wrote with American Vandal executive producer Dan Lagana, is most enchanting when it immerses itself in Rudys sensory experience. The film frequently makes music out of Rudys surroundings, a compelling trick that gives the film its irrepressible rhythm. Montages of Rudy tap-dancing through his life with two girlfriends offer viewers a taste of the beauty and chaos that intermingle in his mind, while Haley and Isabella offer two very different reactions to feeling stuck outside the show. Isabella might be content to go with the flow, but Haley cant stand it. The Fall Guy: Only Ryan Gosling Could Revive the Studio Rom-Com That said, theres something a little frustrating about Haley and Isabellas characterization. In both cases, the women feel too singularly defined by their relationship with Rudy. Haley cant deal with his scattered attention, and that dynamic seems to establish her entire personality: shes also too stuck-up, too normie, too fixated on securing her future to see the forest for the trees. Oh, and her family sucks. Reale does her best to humanize the caricature shes been given, but at a certain point, it becomes hard to understand why Rudy ever dated her in the first place. Isabella, meanwhile, is everyones dream girl, because she seems to have very few needs of her own and is mostly completely captivated by Rudy and his big imagination. To top it all off, she, like Rudy, is Brazilian. Mendes, who has quickly become one of Hollywoods go-to cool girls, was basically born for this role, and shes as magnetic as ever. When things do finally get rough between Isabella and Rudy, however, she gets to show off a more vulnerable side. Curb Your Enthusiasm star J.B. Smoove also lingers on the fringes of this love story as Anwar, Rudys friend who spends most of the movie doling out side-splittingly terrible life advice from his food truck. In the end, everyoneespecially Rudyunderstands that he really went wrong by failing to understand himself as a human being. Its a truth that even Rudys felt friend, Diego, can see: If you dont know who you are, youll never know what you want, and youll live out your life as somebody elses puppet. You can only chase your dreams (and your dream girl) if you know them well enough to recognize when theyre standing right in front of you. 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. This photo taken on April 3, 2024 shows the interior view of a nightclub damaged by a fire in Istanbul, Turkiye. Turkish police have detained nine suspects in connection with a fire here which killed 29 people, the Istanbul governor's office told Xinhua on Wednesday. The fire erupted on Tuesday during renovation activities at a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. (Istanbul Governorate/Handout via Xinhua) ISTANBUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have detained nine suspects in connection with a fire here which killed 29 people, the Istanbul governor's office told Xinhua on Wednesday. Among the detained individuals are a nightclub's managers and several individuals responsible for renovation works, the office noted. It emphasized that a comprehensive investigation into the incident is currently underway. The fire erupted on Tuesday during renovation activities at a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. Preliminary findings by firefighters suggested that the fire started when fiber materials ignited during welding, and those inside were trapped by intense flames and smoke, unable to find a way out. The NTV broadcaster reported that the venue had only one exit, and the majority of casualties were caused by smoke inhalation. Kazim Beceren, head of the Fire Protection and Education Foundation of Turkiye, told the state-run Anadolu Agency that the incident underscores a failure to implement necessary precautions during the renovation phase, particularly concerning fire safety measures. Beceren said such renovation works should have been conducted under the guidance of occupational safety experts and engineers. Fire safety expert Levent Yasa said the fire's magnitude was considerable, exacerbated by an abundance of flammable material inside, which tragically resulted in numerous fatalities. Meanwhile, the Besiktas district municipality emphasized in a statement that "no application had been submitted to the municipality regarding the renovation process and no permission had been provided." Istanbul's incumbent mayor Ekrem Imamoglu inspected the scene on Tuesday and said municipal teams have been examining the static safety of the building. "Accordingly, we will support the evacuation of neighbors if necessary. The building is an old structure," he told reporters, speaking of the damage caused by the fire. This photo taken on April 3, 2024 shows the interior view of a nightclub damaged by a fire in Istanbul, Turkiye. Turkish police have detained nine suspects in connection with a fire here which killed 29 people, the Istanbul governor's office told Xinhua on Wednesday. The fire erupted on Tuesday during renovation activities at a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. (Istanbul Governorate/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on April 3, 2024 shows the interior view of a nightclub damaged by a fire in Istanbul, Turkiye. Turkish police have detained nine suspects in connection with a fire here which killed 29 people, the Istanbul governor's office told Xinhua on Wednesday. The fire erupted on Tuesday during renovation activities at a nightclub in the basement of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood of the Besiktas district on the European side of the city. (Istanbul Governorate/Handout via Xinhua) Zara, Bershka, Pull&Bear, and other foreign brands reopened some of their stores in Kyiv on April 3. The media outlet RBC-Ukraine shared videos of long lines of people waiting to enter the stores. Shoppers wait in line for fitting rooms in a Zara store, that belongs to the Spanish Inditex group, during brand store reopening in the Respublika Park shopping mall on April 3, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Spanish multinational clothing company suspended its operations in Ukraine. (Yurii Stefanyak/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Ukraine's Foreign Ministry confirmed in March that Inditex, a Spanish-owned multinational company that owns Zara and other brands, would gradually resume operations in Ukraine. Approximately 20 physical stores will reopen in Kyiv. Many foreign brands suspended their business in Ukraine following the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022. Yellow and blue shirts hang on hangers on a rack in a Zara store, that belongs to the Spanish Inditex group, during brand store reopening in the Respublika Park shopping mall on April 3, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Spanish multinational clothing company suspended its operations in Ukraine. (Yurii Stefanyak/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) McDonald's, H&M, the Danish jeweler Pandora, and French cosmetics company Yves Rocher are among some of the major foreign retailers that have reopened in Ukraine since then. The foreign ministry said in a statement in March that it would continue to work on restoring international business in Ukraine, bringing in new companies in order to "deepen the country's integration into the global economy." Read also: Air Baltic planning to resume flights to Ukraine as soon as airspace reopens Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WELLINGTON, New Zealand The New Zealand Defence Force includes more than 8,700 uniformed personnel, with nearly half serving in the Army, which Maj. Gen. John Boswell has commanded since September 2018. Among its total inventory, the Army is equipped with Javelin anti-armor missiles, 105mm light guns, and eight-wheel drive light armored vehicles each featuring a 25mm gun. Recently introduced equipment includes the 5.56mm MARS-L rifle and the Australian-made four-wheel drive Bushmaster infantry vehicle. Like the countrys naval and air forces, the Army has suffered severe attrition in recent years, partly due to remuneration and the state of military housing. Nevertheless, the finance minister announced in January 2024 that government agencies must identify annual savings, including 7.5% from the Defence Ministry and 6.5% from the military, ahead of the budget, due May 30. Maj. Gen. John Boswell commands the New Zealand Army. (New Zealand Defence Force) In February, the armed forces said that amid gaps in end strength, they were worried about the remaining staff who are shouldering significant burden to ensure major equipment and platforms remained at the ready. Then on March 25, the chief of the defense force, Air Marshal Kevin Short, announced that Boswell will retire June 9. During his 40 years of service, Boswell served with the United Nations in Angola, East Timor and the Middle East. Defense News recently connected with the Army chief to discuss the state of the force, ongoing modernization programs and the lingering effects of the pandemic. This interview was edited for length and clarity. What were your goals as Army chief? On assuming command, I focused the Armys effort very clearly toward becoming a modern, agile, highly adaptive, light combat force. Modernization involved giving momentum to the Network Enabled Army and Protected Mobility Capability programs as well as continuous improvement through the ongoing soldier modernization program. Agility is the need for an army even a small one to provide the government with options across the spectrum of conflict while maintaining force structures able to task, organize, and if required reorganize as quickly as possible and as often as needed to meet changing requirements. The New Zealand Army's 1st Brigade holds a skill-at-arms competition at the Waiouru military training area. (New Zealand Defence Force) Our operating concept was to be framed by highly professional, highly capable special forces and light infantry, artillery and armor supported by agile, responsive combat support and combat service support. How is the Network Enabled Army program coming along? The program is a foundational requirement to achieving a networked, combat-capable force able to operate in a multidomain, multinational combat environment. It will provide the Army with a range of capabilities with which it can collect, transmit, manage and disseminate data in the contemporary operating environment. Significant progress has been made in this space as we identify and introduce into service the equipment and systems that will enable our Army to better meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and uncertain security environment. What are the easiest and most challenging aspects of your job? The smoothest was, without question, having the support of incredibly competent commanders and staff at all levels across the Army. We really are fortunate with the caliber of people within the Army, and having the opportunity to lead them was both humbling and an honor. With respect to the most challenging aspect of my time as the chief of the Army: the COVID-19 period, and the Armys decisive commitment to our nations COVID-19 response, which was significant. [The pandemic had] wide-ranging impacts on the Army mostly negative. Challenges with retention, the generation and maintenance of individual and collective capabilities, and the effective introduction into service of new equipment, vehicles and infrastructure have all been impacted. A lot of work took place in the last 12 or so months to give energy, purpose and direction to the Armys post-COVID-19 regeneration, but we still have some ways to go. Without question, the toughest thing to deal with has been how environmental factors have, in a relatively short space of time, impacted the number of experienced professionals within the Army. For the vast majority of our command and specialist appointments, we cant recruit directly and have to attract, train and retain these people. Police and Royal New Zealand Navy staff are seen at the northern Auckland border at Te Hana on Nov. 17, 2021, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images) In the last three years our Army has lost some absolute treasure due to disillusionment with our role during COVID-19, a lack of operational deployments, and external employment opportunities offering more variety and significantly better remuneration. Commanders at all levels, both within Army and across the New Zealand Defence Force, have worked hard to shift the dial in this space. We are now seeing the results of that effort. It is, however, a circumstance we wont quickly recover from and are going to have to remain focused on. How is the hiatus on training and operations that took place during the pandemic still affecting the force? We are still able to provide the government with immediate response options across the spectrum of conflict, should it choose to commit the Army to an operational theater. Sustaining those commitments for an extended period is problematic because of the gaps we currently have, post-COVID-19, in key specialist, trade and command appointments. What is foremost on your wish list for the Army, in terms of personnel and equipment? With respect to personnel, the chief people officer, with support from across the New Zealand Defence Force, including the Army, is leading a range of initiatives reviewing remuneration, conditions of service and allowances. Landing this effort and then resourcing it accordingly will not be easy, but it has to happen, and it has to happen quickly. From an equipment perspective, giving real momentum to the Network Enabled Army, Protected Mobility Capability and soldier modernization programs will both enable aging capabilities to be replaced and ensure the force is equipped to operate effectively in the contemporary environment. How does the Army contribute to the defense of its Western allies? The New Zealand Defence Force is a combat-capable military force, trained, equipped and ready to respond every hour of the day, every day of the year. We contribute to international peace and security and the rules-based order through deployments of importance to New Zealand. A Shadow drone with the United States flies during this year's Wayfinder exercise held with the New Zealand Army. (New Zealand Defence Force) The New Zealand Army has a bilateral service cooperation plan, dubbed Plan Anzac, with the Australian Army. How has that impacted your force? Plan Anzac reflects a broader defense relationship, one that is open, based on mutual respect and is enduring. It reflects the value of land power to both nations, and the value that interoperability between the Australian and New Zealand armies brings to combined joint operations. The agreement makes sure both armies can work as efficiently as possible, complementing each others capabilities and capacity. It provides a focus and framework to take ongoing conversations and engagements between allies and mates, and then formalize these to improve existing cooperation. We are able to better share lessons across capability development, doctrine for training, and many other areas related to the generation and in the New Zealand Armys current case the regeneration of land combat capability. Is the New Zealand Armys culture at risk amid Australian input, or vice versa? We have much more in common than we have differences, but we will always be who we are as Kiwis. And our Aussie mates will always be who they are. Ultimately we are a pretty potent mix and always the better off when we come together in pursuit of a common cause. How will the military recover from attrition and a lack of experience before the next conflict breaks out? The New Zealand Defence Force recognizes it will take some years to fully recover the workforce due to the time needed to train suitably qualified and experienced personnel. Despite this, the program to retain, recruit and reenlist people is showing dividends, with the regular forces attrition reducing from over 15% this time last year to 10.3% as of Feb. 29, 2024. Over the past year or more, specific targeted payments to critical trades, and a general forcewide retention payment, have been made as part of a range of initiatives to address attrition rates. These payments have been largely funded from unspent personnel expenditure. When facing workforce challenges, steps need to be taken to address them, so prioritization has been given to critical areas of need across the New Zealand Defence Force. Are the public and politicians adequately aware of national security threats? New Zealand is becoming more aware of the geostrategic challenges that we face as a nation. Without question, various agencies of government have a key role to play in monitoring and advising security threats. But equally it is important to recognize the role that other institutions play, such as academia and the media. A ship passes the historic township of Russell in New Zealand's Bay of Islands on May 29, 2023. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Is the military making the best use of domestic industry and academia? Like anything we do, there is always room for improvement. The New Zealand Defence Forces relationship with both industry and academia is no different and will only keep going from strength to strength, given the mutual respect and positive engagement that occurs between all parties. How does climate change affect the balance between training for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and practicing for combat? The primary focus of the Armys training is and always will remain combat. Forces led, trained and equipped for combat can rapidly adjust to the requirements of support operations when the need arises. Who are your heroes? My family. They have sacrificed so much to allow me to serve for as long as I have and in the way that I have. I owe them a debt of thanks that Im not sure I can ever repay. Zebulon Middle was on Code Red lockdown while police investigated report of weapon Zebulon Middle School was on a Code Red lockdown Wednesday afternoon while law enforcement agencies investigated a report of a weapon on campus. The Wake Countys Sheriff Office and the Zebulon Police Department responded after receiving a report of a possible weapon on campus. After arriving and assessing the situation with school officials, the school was placed on a Code Red lockdown. After a search of school property, it was determined that all students were safe, according to the sheriffs office. The sheriffs office said the students reportedly involved were with law enforcement and school officials. Authorities said it is an ongoing investigation. The lockdown was lifted shortly before 3 p.m., officials said. The school normally dismisses at 3 p.m. A number of schools were placed on lockdown across the state on Monday due to what turned out to be April Fools Day hoaxes. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the president said on April 3, according to his Telegram channel. Zelensky thanked the Japanese prime minister for more than $12 billion in assistance that Tokyo has already provided since the start of the full-scale war, in addition to further support pledged for 2024. "I am personally grateful to the prime minister for holding the Japanese-Ukrainian conference in Tokyo in February, at which more than 50 bilateral agreements were signed," Zelensky said. The agreements, signed by Kishida, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and other Japanese and Ukrainian officials in Tokyo, were aimed to tighten cooperation in various business sectors and involve Japanese institutions more closely in Ukraine's reconstruction. Ukraine's expected reconstruction costs amount to $486 billion over the next decade, according to an assessment by the World Bank, the Ukrainian government, and the EU. Earlier this week, Ukraine received $118 million in aid from Japan as part of two World Bank projects. Read also: PM Shmyhal: Ukraine, Japan sign 56 documents on cooperation, reconstruction Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelensky called newly appointed Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro to discuss a future security agreement between Ukraine and Portugal. Zelensky and his Finnish counterpart, Alexander Stubb, signed on April 3 a 10-year security agreement between the two countries. Finland became the eighth state to sign a bilateral security deal with Kyiv, as previously the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands did so. The agreements are based on a pledge made by the Group of Seven (G7) last July, which aims to bolster Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. Portugal also joined the G7 Group in the summer. "We discussed the status of prior agreements on defense and assigned the teams to begin the preparation of bilateral security agreement within a G7 declaration framework," Zelensky said, adding that parties coordinated their future contacts as well. Zelensky also congratulated Montenegro on his appointment and thanked him for the "principled position" toward Ukraine's support. Earlier, Portugal joined the Czech-led initiative to provide Ukraine with hundreds of thousands of artillery shells, pledging 100 million euros ($108.9 million) to the effort. Portugal is also one of 11 members of an international coalition to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, which was announced by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023. Read also: Can new security agreements forge Ukraines path to victory? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In recent months, Ukraines parliament is drifting to a standstill, as the government struggles to gather necessary votes during sessions. The reason is not political disagreement over pending legislation, but a general sense of frustration among parliaments members, according to experts and lawmakers who spoke to the Kyiv Independent. Some of them asked not to be named to avoid political retribution. Lawmakers cited different reasons for their dissatisfaction, including increased restrictions on their travel abroad, poor communication or pressure from other government bodies, growing concentration of power in the Presidents Office, and being blamed for unpopular policies by their constituencies or other government officials. The two most commonly cited reasons are the travel restrictions, and a general breakdown in the relationship between parliament and other branches of the government. Some lawmakers feel Ukraines government is shifting responsibility onto parliament for unpopular legislation, said Dmytro Natalukha, a member of the Servant of the People majority party and chairman of the parliamentary Economic Committee. There appears a growing feeling that parliament is now the ultimate scapegoat of all the bad things that are happening in the country, which a lot of my colleagues consider unfair, said Natalukha, adding that lawmakers dont want to be the one who will press the button and then take all the blame. Currently, bills vital to the war effort such as the extension of martial law every three months and reforms necessary for EU integration still pass with broad support. However, domestic issues such as tax reform are becoming increasingly stalled by a lack of votes. With critical legislation on the agenda for 2024, including an upcoming bill to mobilize more soldiers, leaders in parliament have acknowledged the worsening situation. Davyd Arakhamia, the head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People majority faction in the Verkhovna Rada, warned in January of a looming crisis in parliament during a discussion with media groups, citing a lack of unity and a drop in the number of parliamentary seats filled. Arakhamia did not respond to questions for this article, sent to him via LinkedIn and WhatsApp. Deputies vote during the meeting in the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on October 6, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Andrii Nesterenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Falling number of parliamentarians The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has a record low 401 members. By law there should be 450. Half of Ukraines lawmakers are elected by distributing seats proportionally among parties to fill from party lists. When such members resign or leave their posts, they can be replaced by their party without the need for another election. The other half, however, are elected individually and can only be replaced through new elections, which are suspended under martial law. When lawmakers in these seats leave their posts, the seats remain vacant. After the most recent elections in 2019, only 424 seats were filled, due to the impossibility of holding elections in Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia, and occupied territories in eastern Ukraine. Since 2022, that number has continued to drop. Immediately after the full-scale invasion, 11 pro-Russia political parties were banned, and four lawmakers were stripped of their parliamentary mandate. Other members have since resigned, left parliament due to scandals or criminal cases, been promoted to cabinet positions, and a few have died. Many more have requested to resign from their positions, but parliament has decided to block further resignations unless due to medical necessity, Arakhamia said in December. If not for the war and martial law, fresh elections would have been held in October 2023. Instead, lawmakers are in their positions indefinitely. Despite the drop in number of the total lawmakers, experts note that Zelenskys ruling party still holds a supermajority of 235 seats, while only 226 are needed to pass most legislation. The formal number of parliament members is not as important as how much they are actually present in the session hall, said Oleksandr Salizhenko, a parliamentary analyst for the non-profit political watchdog Chesno. Though lawmakers can be blocked from resigning, they cant be forced to vote. If parliamentary members from the Servant of the People faction attended and voted during sessions along party lines, the party would have the numbers to pass desired legislation. But at the most recent March 28 parliamentary session, only 154 members of the faction were registered as present for voting. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi enters the Verkhovna Rada hall on July 16, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Andrii Nesterenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Therefore, I would rather describe it as a crisis in the Servant of the People party, not a crisis of parliament, Salizhenko said. While most agree that there is not a full-blown parliamentary crisis yet, it is clear that members of parliament are dissatisfied. Ihor Chalenko, a political scientist who heads the Ukrainian think tank Center for Analysis and Strategies, describes the slowdown in legislative activity as a form of protest. The morale of the lawmakers is really depressed today, said Chalenko. We see that there are real problems with the sufficiency of votes for certain bills. Read also: Ukraines anti-corruption bureau makes progress yet doesnt take on top presidential allies It is better to not show up According to the parliament members and political experts, there is no single reason for the breakdown. One of the most contentious issues has been limitations on lawmakers traveling abroad. Already, all Ukrainian men 18-60 years old are banned from leaving Ukraine during martial law, with special exceptions. An additional ban by the National Security and Defense Council in January 2023 further restricted all top officials including lawmakers regardless of gender from traveling abroad unless receiving special permission for state business, after a deputy prosecutor general abused travel privileges to go on vacation. The scandal sparked outrage among Ukrainians. However, members of parliament have reported cases where they were refused permission even for official business abroad. Parliamentary diplomacy has been effective in swaying allies to provide support, and limiting travel is damaging for our countrys war effort, said Natalukha, the Economic Committee chair. Why would one want to limit the possibility to communicate with allies? Some lawmakers the Kyiv Independent spoke with have called the limits too careful, but others directly attribute decisions about travel to political punishment connected with how they vote. Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a member of the liberal Holos party and first deputy head of the Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy, said he was forbidden from visiting Brussels despite an invitation from a European Parliament member after he voted against a draft law championed by the Presidents Office. He said he was also warned he would not be given permission to travel to Paris for a meeting of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network. After other members who voted in favor of the law were allowed to travel, he understood the decisions as an attempt by the Presidents Office to exert undue influence on his legislative activity. Yaroslav Zhelezniak, first deputy head of the Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy and a member of the Holos party. (Yaroslav Zhelezniak/ Facebook) When parliament members feel their ability to travel for work depends on their voting, they are just like hostages, Zhelezniak told the Kyiv Independent. This contributes to demoralization and absenteeism: Its better to not show up, than to vote negatively and be punished. Several lawmakers from opposition parties and the Servant of the People party echoed Zhelezniaks sentiment to the Kyiv Independent, many on the condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, saying that they feel increasingly powerless in the face of the influential Presidents Office. Outside the parliament, experts have a similar observation. There is a feeling that the parliament is effectively on pause and there is a perceived conflict between the president and the parliament, said Ukrainian political scientist and commentator Mykola Davydiuk. Iryna Pobedonostseva, a representative for the Presidents Office, said in a statement that charges of the offices interference in lawmakers foreign travel do not correspond to reality, and noted that parliaments leadership is responsible for travel approval. The position of the Office of the President is very clear during a full-scale war, all representatives of all branches of government, including legislative, executive and judicial, as well as absolutely all officials in the field of public administration must work at 100%, the statement said. Some in Zelenskys party feel the blame lies outside of the government, however. Mykyta Poturaiev, chair of the Humanitarian and Information Policy Committee, believes negative public opinion against parliament is a bigger driver of a lack of participation for some of his colleagues. I understand that in every country people don't like parliaments, said Poturaiev. But after voting on historically vital laws for national security, defense, and European integration, you dont feel support from the media, you dont feel support from the population. How should they feel when they read about themselves, that they are all bastards, corrupt bastards? In December, a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that only 15% of Ukrainians trusted parliament, down from 35% the prior year and the lowest among government bodies in the poll. Additionally, what it means to be a parliamentarian has changed since the elections in 2019. Parliamentary immunity, which required approval by parliament before arresting or charging lawmakers, was abolished later that year. And efforts to bring Ukraine up to European standards have led to increased financial monitoring and reporting requirements on lawmakers and their families. If earlier politicians were sure that they had certain protection against law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies, now there is no such thing, said Salizhenko, of Chesno. This heightened scrutiny has contributed to the fall in parliaments reputation, as several MPs have been implicated in corruption cases since the last election, including being caught attempting to solicit or take bribes. However, parliament is not the only government body to be hit by recent corruption scandals, with high-profile cases also hitting the Defense Ministry, Presidents Office, and the Cabinet. Salizhenko also notes that journalists have not been allowed in parliament during the war, due to security reasons. The presence of journalists, as it was before the full-scale invasion, kept all the MPs on their toes, and this at least stimulated them to attend meetings and work. There is no magic pill to solve this problem Though many agree that travel restrictions are currently a key sticking point, there is no magic pill to solve this problem, said Zhelezniak of the Holos party. There are a lot of small things, which can be combined. To reach enough votes, Zelenskys party faces a choice: increase cooperation across party lines or resolve dissatisfaction within their majority. MPs consider the Budget amendments during the session in Kyiv, Ukraine, November 3, 2022. Ukrainian Parliament adopted State Budget-2023 with 295 votes in favor. (Sergii Kharchenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Natalukha believes the core issue is a crisis in communication across the government that requires more joint cooperation between parliament and other government bodies. The Office of the President and cabinet officials have held meetings with parliamentary members in recent months to improve relations, but these have yet to bear fruit. Some members of parliament left the meetings feeling they were still not being heard, according to attendees and sources who spoke to them after the meetings. Two years after the full-scale invasion, politics has returned to parliament, said Chalenko, of the Center for Analysis and Strategies. The ruling party can no longer count on legislation sailing through easily, as it had in the immediate aftermath of the February 2022 invasion. But parliaments ability to function as a island of stability is vital to the countrys future, said Chalenko. "There is really a lot that now depends on the productivity of the Ukrainian parliament itself, he told the Kyiv Independent. Let me remind you that our state is still a parliamentary-presidential one, despite the enormous influence of the current president, Zelensky. Therefore, the work of parliament must continue. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia is preparing to mobilize an additional 300,000 soldiers by June 1, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 3 in Kyiv during a joint press conference with his Finnish counterpart, Alexander Stubb. "I can say that Russia is preparing to mobilize 300,000 additional troops by June 1," Zelensky said. Ukraine's military intelligence said earlier that Russia is likely to ramp up its mobilization efforts after Russian President Vladimir Putin secures his fifth term in office in the rigged vote in March. Putin signed a decree on March 31 to conscript 150,000 citizens as part of the regularly occurring spring conscription campaign. According to the U.K. Defense Ministry, Russia is likely recruiting around 30,000 people a month to help bolster its war effort. Ukraine is looking into ways to mobilize further troops as well, and an updated mobilization bill is being considered in the parliament. Answering a journalist's question about how many troops Ukraine plans to mobilize this year, Zelensky said that "we don't need half a million" but refused to provide a specific number. President Volodymyr Zelensky said back in December 2023 that the original version of the mobilization bill called for a draft of 450,000-500,000 additional conscripts. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 29 that this number has been "significantly reduced." Read also: Portrait of the Invader: 2 years of Russian soldiering in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Zelensky: Russia used over 4,000 missiles, Shahed drones, guided aerial bombs against Ukraine in March Russia used over 4,000 missiles, Shahed drones, and guided aerial bombs against Ukraine in March, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 3. Russian forces reportedly launched over 400 missiles of various types, 600 Shahed drones, and 3,000 guided aerial bombs. "Ukrainian cities and villages are suffering from this terror," Zelensky said, emphasizing that Russia's attacks are overwhelmingly brutal for communities near the front line. Zelensky also highlighted Russia's incessant attacks on Kharkiv, noting that Russian forces are now using aerial bombs to attack the city. "This is daily abuse and pain, (there are) daily losses in the city," Zelensky said. "Destroyed critical infrastructure, daily destruction of residential buildings." Russian forces have destroyed nearly all of Kharkiv's energy infrastructure, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on April 1. 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. "This will not happen when Ukraine receives reliable air defense systems that can save the lives of our people and restore security to our cities. Patriot (air defense systems) in the hands of Ukrainians have proved that all forms of Russian terror can lose." Read also: Can new security agreements forge Ukraines path to victory? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for financial support from Japan and discussed the preparation of a security agreement. Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram Quote: "Me and the Prime Minister discussed the progress in preparing a bilateral security agreement following three rounds of negotiations." Details: The president reiterated that Japan has provided Ukraine with financial support of over US$12 billion and announced more assistance for the current year. Zelenskyy also briefed the Japanese PM on the battlefield, particularly on Russian air terror, and emphasised the need to strengthen sanctions pressure on Russia. "In this context, Japan's imposition of the 23 package of sanctions against Russia for the war in Ukraine is a good example for other international partners." Support UP or become our patron! JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Ministry of Communications ordered the country's cellular providers to set up energy backup for their antennas in the north as part of preparations for a possible full-scale war on the Lebanese border, according to a statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday. To support the energy backup, including batteries, generators, energy storage, and more, the ministry allocated a total of 40 million shekels (10.78 million U.S. dollars) for the cellular companies. Tensions have escalated on the Lebanese border since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, with mutual attacks by Israel and Hezbollah on the Lebanese border. The ministry noted that according to a scenario formed by Israel's National Emergency Management Authority, a full-scale war on the northern front could cause prolonged power outages for many hours, affecting cellular antennas and disrupting cell phone use. Highlighting the critical role of cellular service in ensuring economic continuity and public safety, the statement underscored its importance in maintaining communication with emergency centers, receiving alerts from the army's Home Front Command, facilitating the operations of emergency and rescue forces, and conveying instructions from government authorities. The ministry said it is the first step on the way to achieving energy backup all over the country. Zelenskyy and new Portuguese PM agree to start working on security agreement President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with Luis Montenegro, the new Prime Minister of Portugal. Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X); European Pravda Details: The Ukrainian president congratulated Montenegro on his appointment and "his personal principled stance in support of Ukraine". "We discussed the implementation of previous defence agreements between our countries and instructed the teams to start working on the preparation of a bilateral security agreement in the framework of the G7 Declaration," Zelenskyy said. The leaders of both countries also coordinated future joint contacts. Background: On the eve, the new minority government in Portugal headed by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro was sworn in. Last week, after several failed attempts to elect a speaker, Portugal's newly elected parliament eventually appointed one thanks to the agreement between the Social Democrats and the Socialists. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy: Russia is preparing to mobilise 300,000 soldiers by June Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia is preparing to mobilise an additional 300,000 servicemen by 1 June. Source: Interfax Ukraine, citing Zelensky at a press conference with the President of Finland in Kyiv Quote from Zelenskyy: "I can say that Russia is ready to mobilise an additional 300,000 military personnel by 1 June." Details: Asked about the specific number of individuals to be mobilised into the Ukrainian army this year, Zelenskyy said, "We don't need half a million". "As for the exact number of people to be mobilised, I cannot say... We don't need half a million," Zelenskyy said. Background: On 31 March, the decree on the spring military draft signed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, was released, and it was expected to bring 150,000 more Russians into the countrys Armed Forces. Additionally, on 3 April, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that over 100,000 people had joined the military service on contract in the aggressor country's army since the beginning of this year. Support UP or become our patron! VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) No one should ever have to grieve alone. A local doctor and longtime social worker is working to support those experiencing grief and loss. Dr. Cheryl Chavers created the MileStone Five grief and loss notification app after assisting a friend through the loss of her mom. Since then, Chavers has worked with countless families and individuals through her career as a child social worker and domestic violence specialist. What I found in my professional career is that there are many people who are experiencing grief or loss, Chavers said. Initially, theres a lot of support for them. People are calling, checking on them, attending the funeral. There are meal trains. Then, in the weeks to follow, the months to follow, theres no more follow-up. People stop calling. Its around that time that the grief and loss is intensified and the shock wears off, Chavers said. Its when the reality of the devastating loss begins to fully settle in. It can be very difficult for them, Chavers said. We wanted to provide support to people who wanted to bridge that gap. The MileStone Five mobile app is free and available on all mobile devices. Click here for iPhone and here for Android. After creating an account on the application, supporters of those grieving may create milestones throughout the year to assist with the five stages of grief studied by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist. That one month anniversary, three months after the loss, a year after the loss, that persons birthday, you would create those milestones, Chavers said. Then afterward, you would invite people to join you in supporting you and supporting the individual whos experiencing the loss. Then you would receive notifications in advance letting you know that a milestone is coming up. Those healing from a traumatic event such as a miscarriage or leaving an abusive relationship may also need the app. I wanted to find a way to help people who are hurting, Chavers said. There are so many different types of loss. Someone whos experienced a divorce, someone who has lost a job or they had a fire and they lost their home. Those are all life events where that individual needs support along the milestones. People can have issues that arent addressed after experiencing a loss, Chavers said, and thats partially due to not having support through those times. This app is a stepping stone in that direction to provide that support, Chavers said. Following the conspection of MileStone Five app, Chavers experienced the loss of her mom Gladys Osbourne after a cancer diagnoses. I was devastated, Chavers said. I said, No one should have to feel this pain by themselves. She didnt get a chance to see this materialize. She was such a giving and loving person. This is exactly something that she would do. Im getting a chance to live out her legacy. Chavers credits her husband, family and friends for supporting her through this journey. I was working on [the app], my doctorial degree and my mother passing away all of those things happening at the same time, Chavers said. It feels good to give back to the community that has given so much to me. Learn more about the MileStone Five app here. Watch Kiahnna Pattersons full report tonight on WAVY-TV 10 at 4:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Check with WAVY.com for more updates. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. How to take a photo of the eclipse without damaging your phone Tatiana Kalish of El Segundo views a partial solar eclipse at the California Science Center in Los Angeles in 2017. Another partial eclipse will be viewable in Southern California on Monday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Interested in taking a photo of Monday's upcoming solar eclipse without ruining your smartphone? Here are some tips. And remember: Don't look at the sun with the naked eye, which puts you at risk for permanent eye damage. Read more: A total solar eclipse will be visible to millions of Americans in April. Here's how to view it Don't aim your phone camera lens at the sun for long periods of time without a special filter Casually including the sun in a photo for a quick snapshot isn't really a safety issue for the camera. It's not that different from the many photos we typically take of sunrises and sunsets. "But we would not recommend pointing it directly at the sun for extended periods of time with no filter," according to Google's Pixel camera team. "There's not really a case of damage there, provided you don't try to do anything funny like just leave it out there with the camera open for a long time," said Ed Krupp, the longtime director of the Griffith Observatory. Krupp suggested shooting wide-angle views with a smartphone; the sun in the photo will look small, "but you've got the landscape around there." For up-close shots, put eclipse glasses or certified solar filters over the camera lens Putting a special solar filter over the lens protects the camera, NASA says. If you're lucky enough to be within the 115-mile-wide path of totality which stretches through states like Texas, Illinois, Ohio and New York "make sure to remove the filter so you can see the suns outer atmosphere the corona," NASA says. But only do that during the seconds or minutes the moon is totally covering up the sun's surface, which is known as "totality." Those few minutes when the moon completely blocks the sun are also the only time it's safe to look at the eclipsed sun without wearing special glasses. Totality won't be viewable from anywhere in California in this eclipse. During totality, a panorama shot may be able to capture the wraparound sunrise-sunset effect. Read more: How to watch the solar eclipse from California and avoid heartbreak if chasing 'totality' If you're propping your smartphone up against a telescope or binoculars, it's essential a solar filter is put on the outermost lens of the latter. Putting a cellphone camera against an unfiltered telescope or binoculars aimed at the sun could damage the phone camera and harm the eyes, as the magnifying power of the devices intensifies the sun's powerful rays. You can use black tape or a cloth to cut down on the light between the solar filter and the camera lens. Tripods also can be helpful. And practicing ahead of the eclipse is smart. There are a number of paid apps that can help people plan for taking eclipse photos, specifically timed outdoor shots: PhotoPills, Planit Pro and the Photographer's Ephemeris. What about the chance for clouds? Keep an eye on the forecast for Monday. One tool is going to the National Weather Service's website, weather.gov, and typing in your ZIP code. The weather in Southern California could be highly variable Monday morning, with some areas seeing partly cloudy skies and others seeing sunny skies, according to the forecast as of Wednesday. The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center issues daily maps showing forecast cloud cover for the eclipse for the contiguous U.S. Read more: How do animals react during a total solar eclipse? Scientists plan to find out in April Any other tips for iPhone, Samsung or Pixel users? iPhone users In the camera settings, check the "macro control" option and make sure this mode is not enabled if you're using a filter in front of the lens or you're putting your phone up to a telescopic eyepiece. A yellow flower icon indicates that "macro" mode is on; tap that icon to turn it off. During totality, ultrawide and wide cameras can help when it feels dark, as well as "night mode." Try tapping on the eclipsed sun to capture the best exposure. Samsung users On Reddit, one user who described taking a photo of last year's annular solar eclipse put solar filters over the lens and used the "pro mode, with ISO set to 50 and reduced the exposure and shutter speed till the exposure looked about right." Another user on a Samsung message board suggested practicing ahead of the eclipse, with the filter on, when it's sunny. "You're going to want to keep your shutter speed pretty low and focus mainly on ISO," the user said. Pixel users On the Pixel 8 Pro, try out "pro controls," or manual focus. Got a GoPro? GoPro says no solar filter is needed on its devices, and offers a comprehensive tip sheet. One idea the company offers is using the time-lapse mode to "capture the most compelling footage of the entire spectacle," but it also said it's important to have a stable tripod and enough battery, and to frame the shot so the sun will remain for the duration of the video. GoPro suggests using sun-tracking apps Sun Surveyor or PhotoPills. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is allowing the use of mobile app Rejoyn to be the first prescription digital treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Here are five things to know about it: What is Rejoyn? Rejoyn is a smartphone app that offers depression patients a six-week treatment program that trains them to have more control over their emotions. According to the companys April 1 news release, patients will be able to engage in a combination of clinically-validated cognitive emotional training exercises for the brain and brief therapeutic lessons. The app is available for prescription by healthcare providers. Its intended to reduce the symptoms of MDD, per an April 2 news release from the FDA. Rejoyn was developed in a partnership between two companies Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and Click Therapeutics, a medical technology manufacturer headquartered in New York City. How does it work? Rejoyns inventors are targeting neuroplasticity. This is the brains innate ability to change itself and grow new pathways when given new experiences, according to VeryWell Mind. While chemical imbalances are part of the issue when it comes to MDD, the news release says, for many people with MDD, thats not the whole story. For these people, the parts of the brain that recognize and process emotion simply dont communicate as they are supposed to, resulting in insufficient emotional regulation. Rejoyns training exercises target these parts of the brain and aim to strengthen that communication. The app trains users with the Emotional Faces Memory Task, where people are instructed to identify and compare emotions on faces. Early studies of EFMT showed that these exercises may have antidepressant effects due to their ability to stimulate the regions of the brain involved in depression. It is designed to act like physical therapy for the brain by delivering personalized, consistent brain-training exercises designed to help improve connections in the brain regions affected by depression, Brian Iacoviello from Mount Sinai and scientific advisor for Rejoyn, said in the release. When stronger and more balanced connections are created, the regions of the brain responsible for processing and regulating emotions are better able to work together and symptoms of depression can improve. Who can use it? Rejoyn is intended for people over 22 years old with MDD who are also taking medication. Rejoyn is developed to work in tandem with traditional prescription treatments, according to the release. Why is it getting so much attention? Rejoyn is the first of its kind. While wellness apps have been around for years, this is the first prescription digital treatment for MDD to be approved by the FDA. Depression affects nearly 18% of U.S. adults, according to a 2023 Gallup report. That is more than one out of every six people. A disorder this ubiquitous has researchers wanting to find new and better treatments. Unfortunately, according to scientists, the treatment models used most often (talk therapy and pills) date back to the 1960s and 70s. Many in the field have long believed these to be outdated and have been encouraging alternative efforts and new frontiers. What do experts say about it? Dr. John Torous, director of the Division of Digital Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, who was not involved in the development of Rejoyn, told ABC7NY that the kind of cognitive training Rejoyn employs is not well-established. He said the research is still exploratory. He explains the trial for Rejoyn did not prove a statistically significant benefit. According to the outlet, since Rejoyn is classified as a low- to medium-risk medical device, it needed to only prove that it was safe and effective to get approved by the FDA. However, Rejoyns developers are hopeful regarding the treatments therapeutic potential. Only a third of patients diagnosed with depression and who receive antidepressants as their first-line treatment, are successful. These patients need new options that capitalize on proven-effective treatment strategies, David Benshoof Klein, CEO of Click Therapeutics, said in the release. The clearance of Rejoyn signals a fundamental change in how clinicians can treat symptoms of major depressive disorder. It provides hope for those who are looking for new treatment options, especially one that is easily accessible through the device in the palm of your hand. Hormonal drug used in some birth controls linked to brain tumors, study says Whooping cough sickens 65 in outbreak at Bay Area high school, California officials say Do acne treatments Proactiv, Clearasil cause cancer? Experts ease fears after report Tourists visit the Angkor Wat in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Feb. 10, 2024. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia is expected to see a 6.6-percent economic growth in 2024 from 5.6 percent in 2023, the country's Prime Minister Hun Manet said here on Tuesday. The Southeast Asian country's growth is mainly driven by garment export, tourism, agriculture, as well as construction and real estate. "Over decades, Cambodia has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a modern and globally integrated economy," he said in a speech during the opening ceremony of a one-day Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit here. "Our growth is projected to return to the pre-pandemic level of 7 percent by 2028, signaling a promising economic future," he added. Hun Manet said Cambodia's strategic membership in key regional and global trade agreements positions it as a highly integrated player within the dynamic global market. "Made-in-Cambodia products, encompassing garments and bicycles, are now recognized worldwide for their quality and competitive pricing," he said. "This signifies Cambodia's growing presence in the global marketplace." SEOUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday successfully test-fired an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile with its top leader guiding the event on the spot, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Wednesday. The test-fire marked the first time the country has launched the new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile, called Hwasongpho-16B, which was loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead, according to the KCNA report. The missile was launched towards the northeast at an army unit's training field on the outskirts of Pyongyang, the report said. After separation from the missile, the hypersonic gliding warhead reached its first peak at the height of 101.1 kilometers and the second peak at the height of 72.3 kilometers while making 1,000-km-long flight as scheduled, before it accurately fell into the eastern waters off the Korean Peninsula, the report said. The test-fire had made no adverse effect on the security of neighboring countries, it added. CHONGQING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The once fantastical concept from science fiction movies of using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to recreate the appearance, voice and even the exact personality of deceased individuals, enabling interaction between "digital life" and their bereaved families, is becoming a reality in China. In the run-up to this year's Tomb-Sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival, which falls on Thursday, multiple commemorative activities for body and human organ donors were held in Chongqing municipal human organ donation memorial park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. This year, with the consent of the families of the generous donors, the deceased loved ones can virtually reunite with those still on this earthly plane via the park's big screen free of charge, as part of a special commemoration. For Huang Jingya, the daughter of a local donor named Diao Panya, the upcoming Qingming Festival has brought a sense of warmth and solace, thanks to this modern technology. Chongqing's organ donation management center and Fushouyuan international group teamed up to adopt AI technologies to recreate Diao's image in the digital world exclusively for her daughter. Looking at her mother's lively "face" and hearing her gentle whispers, Huang couldn't help but burst into tears. Diao Panya donated her kidneys and liver after her passing on June 7, 2023, at the age of 48. These organs were then used to save the lives of three patients. Sadly, Diao died suddenly, leaving her with no chance to leave any final words for her family members. "Sometimes, farewells come too quickly or too late for us to say goodbye," said Jin Leiyi, vice president of Fushouyuan international group and general manager of its western regional branch. Last December, the company launched an AI commemoration service in six provincial-level regions, namely, Shanghai, Chongqing, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Henan and Jiangxi, which enables families to view the "digital life" of their departed loved ones, offering some solace to their grieving hearts, according to the company. Given the consent of their families, by integrating the big data and relevant information of the deceased based on the wishes and memories of his or her relatives and friends, a digital replica of the deceased can be created, available only for the family members. The practice can satisfy the desire of some family members to "talk" with their loved ones once again, and be further developed into a customized online memorial hall to better preserve their common memories about the deceased. "Her sudden departure from this world left us with eternal regret. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to see my mother again in this way," Huang said. Such a novel AI application combines AI-generated content (AIGC) and virtual reality technology, which will continue to iterate and optimize multiple technical modules such as character generation, expression, synthetic display, recognition and perception, and virtual reality. In the future, the digital image of the deceased may even "participate" in memorial activities themselves, which is expected to help his or her family members to better move on in the real world, according to the company. Hungary is set to have the largest green energy storage capacity in the world by 2030, after China, the US and Germany, a government official said, also noting that its climate protection plan announced in 2020 set the goal of producing 90% of the countrys electricity from green, carbon dioxide-neutral sources by 2030. Weve now got to the point that solar panel capacities planned for 2030 will be completed in 2024, Laszlo Gyorgy, the government commissioner for professional cooperation in economic strategic tasks, told a press conference in Nyiregyhaza, in eastern Hungary. Various schemes have been launched to increase energy storage capacity and promote the green transition, he said, noting 75 billion forints-worth of subsidies for households and 30 billion forints available for businesses for purchasing electric cars, among other programmes. Referring to a public survey on green energy consultation the government launched recently, he said the 13-question online questionnaires can be completed by April 15. The government wants to know whether citizens support Hungary being the leader of the energy revolution and whether energy should be produced in an environmentally friendly way. It also wants to understand attitudes to the domestic production and development of energy storage systems and whether homes should be linked to this green system, he said. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! YORK COUNTY Questions have come up during the past few months as the York County Commissioners have talked about solar project zoning regulations regarding whether or not Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) will have a third-party developer of their proposed K Junction Solar project. The third-party developer aspect is important as this developer would pay the nameplate tax to the local school district and county. Without that third party, no nameplate tax would be paid. Per the questions and concerns, OPPD has now provided the county with a letter of intent to transfer K-Junction Solar to a privately-owned developer. Dustin Marvel, representing OPPD, presented the letter to the York County Commissioners during their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 2. The letter reads as follows: Dear members of the York County Board of Commissioners: We sincerely thank you for your collaborative approach and ongoing dialogue regarding plans for the K-Junction Solar project in York County. You have made yourselves available and hosted well-structured, open and respectful conversations for all concerned stakeholders. We appreciate your leadership in ensuring Nebraskans and Nebraska businesses are heard and understood. We also appreciate the important role of your board and the role of other local bodies in projects like K-Junction, especially concerning zoning regulations and broader community impacts. At the recent March 5 York County Board of Commissioners meeting, we heard concerns about OPPDs option to develop the K-Junction Solar project independently rather than transfer the project to a private developer that would contribute to the community through statutory nameplate capacity tax dollars. OPPD would like to take this opportunity to clarify our intentions for K-Junction Solar. Though OPPD currently holds the general interconnection and other legal rights for K-Junction and is deeply involved in the projects planning stages, we expect our long-term plan will result in the transfer of the K-Junction project to a private developer. OPPDs Board of Directors has placed vested authority in OPPDs Chief Executive Officer to make this decision, per OPPD Board Resolution 6582 from the Aug. 17, 2023 OPPD Board of Directors meeting. We believe a decision to transfer the project to a private developer would help OPPD achieve its strategic growth plans, effectively respond to the regulatory landscape and ensure K-Junction Solar benefits not only the Nebraskans within OPPDs service territory but also Nebraskans within York County and surrounding communities. As a public power utility, we aim to help ensure communities thrive no matter where they are located in our state. To be clear, a decision to transfer K-Junction to a private developer will be made after critical milestones have been achieved, including but not limited to, the finalization of solar zoning regulations in York County and enhancements to Nebraskas electrical transmission infrastructure. Achieving these milestones is essential to ensure the viability and success of K-Junction Solar. Given the complexity involved, though we are hopeful to reach them sooner, it may be years before these milestones are met. We remain committed to transparent communication and collaboration throughout this process, working closely with the York County Commissioners to navigate milestones and move toward what we hope will be a successful transition of the K-Junction Solar project to a developer that shares our values of community engagement and sustainability. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your ongoing dedication to York County. We look forward to your guidance and feedback on zoning regulations and other considerations that will facilitate this projects progress. The letter is signed by L. Javier Fernandez, OPPD CEO and president, as well as Eric H. Williams, chairman of the OPPD Board of Directors. Marvel told the commissioners the nameplate tax payments are real. For example, Wayne County is getting $1.6 million a year. And this revenue, at a time when the state legislature is considering cuts and caps, etc., this creates a reliable revenue stream for taxing entities, such as school districts and counties. He also noted how nameplate tax payments have been eliminated in some locations where counties were resistant to change. Marvel further asked for compromise when it comes to the proposed solar project zoning regulations, particularly in the area of setbacks pertaining to large commercial solar projects, as OPPD has called the setbacks proposed in York Countys draft regulations highly restrictive and excessive. Please continue to collaborate and continue to work to find a fair compromise, Marvel said further. Toyota India has announced a voluntary recall of 2,305 units of the pre-facelift Glanza model to address a potential defect in the fuel pump motor. These units were manufactured between April 2, 2019, and October 6, 2019. The identified issue with the fuel pump motor in the affected units could lead to engine stalling or difficulty starting. Read here To know about the recall process. Recall Process This recall campaign follows a similar initiative conducted by Toyota on July 31, 2020. Authorized Toyota dealerships will reach out to individual customers to guide them through the necessary steps, which include inspecting the part and replacing it at no additional cost. Customers with queries or concerns can contact their nearest dealership or reach out to Toyota India's customer care at 1800-309 0001. About The Toyota Glanza The Toyota Glanza is essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Baleno. Notably, It is the sole hatchback offering from Toyota in the market. The Glanza is currently available in four variants - E, S, G, and V, offering both manual and automatic gearbox choices. Prices for the Glanza start at Rs. 6.86 lakh (ex-showroom). Under the hood, the 1.2-litre petrol engine delivers 89bhp and 113Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or an AMT unit. A CNG variant is also part of the lineup. Eid al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Also known as Meethi Eid, celebrations are decided by the sighting of the moon. Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major festivals in Islam, the other one being Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr is observed on the first day of Shawwal - the tenth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar, Hijri. Eid al-Fitr 2024: Date In India The date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year based on when the moon is sighted and based on the geographical location of a place, the date can vary by one or two days. In India, Eid al-Fitr is anticipated to occur around April 10 or April 11, but the precise date will be announced closer to the festival. Kerala is the only Indian state whose date for Eid al-Fitr is decided by the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia. Eid al-Fitr: History And Significance The festival calls for celebration, forgiveness, and renewal of ones faith and commitment to serving humanity. It is a time to reflect on the values of Islam and be reminded of the importance of unity, love, and compassion. The festival celebrates the successful completion of Ramadan - a period of self-discipline and devotion to Allah. The festival is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and can be traced back to the early days of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina. Eid al-Fitr Celebrations This is a special day for Muslims worldwide and it's celebrated with great joy and fervour. The day begins with a special prayer - known as Salat al-Eid - held in large open spaces or mosques, where Muslims gather and offer prayers and express their thankfulness to Allah for his strength and discipline during the holy month of Ramadan. After the prayers, people wish each other 'Eid Mubarak'. Friends and families visit each other and there's a lot of feasting and celebrations. Eid al-Fitr is a time to reflect on the values of Islam and reminds people of the importance of unity, love, and compassion. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) UPSC NDA 2024: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the NDA and NA 2 final results in order of merit. According to the official update, 699 individuals have qualified, and their candidature will be confirmed upon document submission. Candidates can view the UPSC NDA result 2023 by visiting the commission's website, upsc.gov.in, and downloading the PDF. UPSC has compiled a list of the final applicants based on the results of the written test taken on September 3, 2024, and the interviews. As many as 699 candidates will now be admitted to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy's 152nd Course, as well as the Naval Academy's 114th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). UPSC 2024: Steps to download here 1. Go to the official website at upsc.gov.in. 2. On the webpage, click on the NDA NA 2 Final Result link. 3. Access the PDF file and confirm your name and roll number. 4. Download the PDF for future reference. Shortlisted candidates will be considered only after submitting required documentation. "The candidature of all the aforesaid candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth, educational qualifications, etc. claimed by them directly to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting, Adjutant General's Branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army), West Block No. III, Wing-I, R.K Puram, New Delhi -110066, wherever this has not already been done, and NOT to UPSC," reads the official notification. New Delhi: Talented actor Abhishekh Khan mesmerized audiences with his outstanding performance in web show 'Lootere'. The series offers a captivating narrative, featuring two parallel storylines, one set on land and the other at sea, as teased in the intriguing trailer. After the dramatic hijacking of a ship, viewers embark on a suspenseful journey delving into the fate of the crew onboard, prompting contemplation on themes of resistance, surrender, and the enigmatic intricacies of the situation. Abhishekh Khan's performance in 'Lootere' highlights his immense talent and dedication to his craft. With a foundation in theater and a fervor for storytelling, Abhishekh infuses depth and authenticity into his character, demonstrating versatility and unwavering commitment in adapting to the digital medium. Actor Abhishekh Khan shared an incident while shooting with Rajat Kapoor, expressing admiration for co-star Rajat Kapoor's portrayal of the ship's captain. He said, On the very first day of the shoot, I vividly recall both Rajat sir and I were shooting a scene and the weather in Cape Town was quite unpredictable, changing rapidly. I remember not having a jacket at the time, whereas Rajat sir had one. He kindly asked if I might feel cold, to which I replied, 'Yes sir, but I don't have a jacket.' I still remember how graciously he called for a jacket within minutes. There were many such instances. He was such a kind. Abhishekh Khan, last seen in the film "Goodbye" alongside Amitabh Bachchan, shines brightly as the heart of the 'Lootere' web series with his stellar performance. Lootere marked Jai Hansal's debut as a director. New Delhi: Boxer and former Congress Vijender Singh leader on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said, "It is like coming back to home." The Olympic medalist's move comes as a big setback to the grand old party as he was its flag bearer in the 2019 LS Polls. As he joined the saffron party at the party headquarters in Delhi, Singh said he has joined the BJP for the development of the country and to serve the people of the country. #WATCH | After joining BJP, Boxer Vijender Singh says, "I have joined BJP today for the development of the country and to serve the people..."#LokSabhaElections2024 https://t.co/OCa2lP2gkc pic.twitter.com/vdgCjdGWrz ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 Singh had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha election unsuccessfully from the South Delhi constituency as a Congress candidate. His name was doings the rounds for the last few days as the party's nominee from Mathura, from where actor and incumbent MP Hema Malini is contesting again. Singh comes from the Jat community, which has political influence in a large number of seats in Haryana, the state he comes from, western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Minister Atishi has expressed concern over the declining health of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who suffers from severe diabetes. Kejriwal, known for his relentless work ethic, has reportedly lost 4.5 kilograms since his arrest, she claimed in a press conference. Atishi condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what she perceives as a conspiracy to imprison Kejriwal, stating that the party is jeopardizing his health by detaining him. She emphasized that if anything were to happen to Kejriwal, the BJP would face severe repercussions. "Arvind Kejriwal suffers from severe diabetes. Despite health problems, he used to work 24 hours a day to serve the country. Since his arrest, Arvind Kejriwal has lost 4.5 kg of weight. This is very worrying," Atishi said in a post on 'X'. severe diabetic , 24 , 4.5 Atishi (@AtishiAAP) April 3, 2024 Kejriwal's Rapid Weight Loss Raises Alarm Sources within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) revealed that Kejriwal's weight is rapidly decreasing while in jail. Since his arrest, he has lost significant weight, prompting concerns from his medical team. Despite his incarceration, Kejriwal remains active, engaging in daily activities such as cleaning his prison cell. He adheres to his routine, even in confinement, displaying his dedication to his responsibilities. Kejriwal's Health Being Monitored In Tihar Jail Kejriwal's conditions in Tihar Jail have been disclosed, indicating that he has been given necessary accommodations as per the court's directives. He is permitted home-cooked meals and access to his prescribed medications for diabetes. In jail, Kejriwal maintains his health regimen, keeping essential items like a sugar sensor and glucometer nearby. His diligence in managing his health underscores the seriousness of his condition. Kejriwal, who has been remanded to judicial custody in the liquor policy case, spoke to his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, through video conference on Tuesday at around 1:30 pm. He began his day by sweeping his prison cell with a broom at Delhi's Tihar Jail, sources said on Wednesday adding that all under-trial prisoners at Tihar Jail have to clean their cells themselves. "Kejriwal slept on his bed, which was different from the regular one provided by the jail authority. Since the area was small, he could have faced difficulty but didn't complain about it," the sources in the Tihar jail said on Tuesday. Arrest And Legal Proceedings Kejriwal's judicial custody stems from a court decision in the Delhi excise policy case. Despite assertions from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) portraying him as a central figure in an alleged scam, Kejriwal remains steadfast in his position. This isn't Kejriwal's first encounter with Tihar Jail; he previously spent time there in 2014 after he refused to furnish a bail amount of Rs 10,000 in a defamation case filed against him by BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party leader and MP Sanjay Singh was released from Tihar Jail on Sunday, a day after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi Liquor Policy Scam Case. Sanjay Singh's release from jail has raised the hopes of the AAP and the party leaders are hopeful that Manish Sisodia and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will also be walking out of the jail soon. In today's DNA, Zee news anchor Sourabh Raaj Jain analysed the meaning of Sanjay SIngh's bail for other AAP leaders in jail and the legal aspects of acceptance of bail plea by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. The Supreme Court bench, while granting bail to Sanjay Singh, has explicitly stated that his bail should not serve as a precedent. This means that during the hearing for the bail plea of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, their legal representatives cannot argue that Sanjay Singh was granted bail, therefore Kejriwal and Sisodia should also be granted bail. Simply put, Sanjay Singh's bail cannot be used as a basis for the bail of Kejriwal and Sisodia. Now, let's delve into the reasons behind this decision. Firstly, a significant factor in Sanjay Singh's bail was the lack of opposition from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Supreme Court. In contrast, whenever Manish Sisodia has applied for bail in any court, the ED has opposed it. The same stance has been taken in CM Kejriwal's case as well. Secondly, it's crucial to note that Sanjay Singh faces a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case solely on the charge of receiving money from the liquor scam. He is not accused of being directly involved in the scam. In contrast, both Manish Sisodia and Kejriwal are facing a case related to the liquor scam, along with PMLA charges, which are under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These two key factors work against Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal, suggesting that obtaining bail for them at this moment may be challenging, though not impossible. However, during the bail plea hearing for Manish Sisodia, the Supreme Court had stated that if there is a delay in the trial, the accused have the right to file a bail application. Furthermore, the Supreme Court emphasized that if the trial is delayed, there are no restrictions on granting bail under Section 45 of the PMLA. Despite this, Manish Sisodia has been in jail for over a year, largely due to the ED's consistent opposition to his bail requests. Legal experts now suggest that Sisodia and CM Kejriwal may seek bail based on the grounds cited for Sanjay Singh's bail. By Fatime Letifova The provocations carried out by the Armenian side on the border with Azerbaijan, the baseless claims made by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne against Azerbaijan in Paris, as well as the biased policy implemented by the West regarding the Garabagh issue already predict the decisions that the parties will make at the Brussels meeting on April 5. In particular, the fact that Azerbaijan was not invited to this meeting and the statements of the Armenian officials relying on France's support form an opinion that the results of the tripartite meeting will not be peaceful at all. For this reason, Azerbaijan insists that the April 5 meeting be postponed. But the West insists on advancing its own agenda in this matter. The scenario envisages the complete transfer of Armenia to the disposal of the West. For 30 years, Armenia has been Russia's springboard in the region, and now it makes a shift in its mission inclining towards the West, led by France. All these processes are taking place in Iran's view and silence. Iran does not seem to see the US and EU military base being established on its borders. The geopolitical games taking place in the South Caucasus region seem to be part of the scenario of World War III and the redistribution of the world. The previous status quo satisfied everyone except Azerbaijan and Turkiye. This was a scenario calculated for the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and the creation of a second Armenian state in the South Caucasus. Despite all efforts, President Ilham Aliyev broke the rules of this game. He created a new reality and status quo in the region. It goes without saying that the fans of the West and Armenia do not want to put up with this. Like the Ukrainian front, efforts are being made to create a second front and new dividing lines in the South Caucasus. Of course, Georgia should clarify its position here. The Georgian authorities follow a pro-Western line. In fact, Georgia should be together with Azerbaijan in the region. Russia will never come to terms with the processes taking place in Armenia. Also, time is running out for him. Russia, which has been in a waiting position in Ukraine for a long time, eventually lost Ukraine and had to fall into the current situation. And finally, all these events once again provide an opportunity to deeply analyze the preliminary results of the upcoming Brussels meeting. Turkish expert Gungor Yavuzaslan said in his comment to Azernews that the Brussels meeting planned for April 5 prioritizes the personal interests of the West more than Armenia. According to him, this meeting also expresses the West's promise to support Armenia in establishing a new status quo. "The meeting to be held in Brussels, especially under the leadership of France, is a manifestation of the support given to Armenia by the West. While the Ukrainian war continues, we see Europe trying to implement a new policy through France in the South Caucasus. Pashinyan does not stand by the agreement he signed after the 44-day war, but tries to cooperate with France to create a new status quo in the Caucasus," he said. The expert pointed that regional states will not be indifferent to this. The rapprochement of Armenia with the West will contribute to the cooperation between Moscow and Ankara. "This situation will accelerate the rapprochement between Ankara and Moscow. Also, Russia, which continues the war in Ukraine, will not accept the intervention of NATO and France in the South Caucasus, which it sees as its backyard. Official Moscow can take strict steps in this regard. "Freezing Armenia's participation in the CSTO and withdrawing from the organization may cause Azerbaijan to take military steps to open the Zangazur Corridor." The political analyst noted that certain forces are trying to create a new source of conflict through the Caucasus. The expert reminded that no provocative step taken against Azerbaijan and Turkey will go unanswered. "There is an attempt to create a new conflict and tension in the international world. This happens through the Caucasus. However, we must not forget that if pressure is carried out against Azerbaijan today, the Turkish Armed Forces will take security measures together with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces." Gungor emphasized that the main reason for the West's interest in the South Caucasus is the war in Ukraine. He said that the USA and the EU are using Armenia to suppress Russia in the region. "Recently, there is a growing crisis in Europe under the huge slogan "We can send troops to Ukraine". We must not forget that if Western troops enter Ukraine, the war will spread to the whole of Europe. For this reason, the United States, together with France, wants to push NATO into the South Caucasus. This is a plan to be implemented by Armenia. However, among the powers that will stop this project are Ankara and Baku," the expert added. by Robert Lawrence Kuhn President Xi Jinping's extraordinary meeting with American business and academic leaders has rightly caught the attention of the international media. Well it should. Among the concerns on which the peace and prosperity of the world depends, two of the biggest are the state of U.S.-China relations and the prospects for China's economic development -- both of which were primary themes of Xi's carefully planned message to Americans. The setting counts. It was right after the annual China Development Forum, where foreign corporate CEOs come to engage with China's policymakers. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, who met with the CEOs, thereby elevated the meeting's importance with the highest authority. In the new era, with the CPC directly responsible for leading all sectors of China, the fact that Xi himself held the meeting is itself the first important message of the meeting. The readout of President Xi's meeting, as reported in China's state media, is a fascinating probe of the current way of thinking of China's leaders. Although President Xi is always well prepared for his meetings and speeches, he seemed extraordinarily well prepared for this extraordinarily timely meeting. The structure and specificity of his remarks combined to form the clearest, most incisive, most direct and in-depth expression of Xi's views on China-U.S. relations, and on China's economy, that I recall in a meeting of this kind. Thus, one can infer two big themes: China is committed to seeking improved relations with the U.S., and China is determined to more comprehensively reform and open up. Although these two themes are hardly new, there was something about Xi's remarks this time that seemed different, something that signaled intensified commitment. On U.S.-China relations, Xi's message was unambiguous. The very fact that he chose to meet with American CEOs and American China experts is a neon-flashing sign that China seeks to stop the cascading slide in relations, to stabilize relations, and to carefully build relations back up. Xi placed his trust in the people in general and in people-to-people exchanges in specific, which is a long-standing foundation of Xi's approach to foreign policy broadly. Referring to China-U.S. relations, Xi stressed, "the future will of course be created by the people," and he expressed the hope that "people from all sectors of Chinese and American societies will have more mutual visits and exchanges." What I found striking was that while Xi called for cooperation not confrontation, mutual respect and win-win results, as he does normally and generally, he acknowledged that "the relationship cannot go back to the old days," a powerful and realistic recognition, which counterintuitively gives credence to his follow-on exhortation, "but it (China-U.S. relations) can embrace a brighter future." Only an honest assessment of the present can enable a hopeful vision of the future. What was no surprise was that President Xi was optimistic about China's economy -- which is Topic One on everyone's mind -- by reminding his listeners that China's growth rate in 2023 was among the highest of the major economies and accounted for over 30 percent of global growth, much as in previous years. What was something of a surprise was that Xi told the story of China's economy in the context of two negative "theories" about China's economy: the "China collapse theory" of the past, which of course did not happen, and the "Peak China theory" of the present, which Xi says will not happen. China, Xi said, "will continue to advance high-quality development and Chinese modernization, enable the Chinese people to live a better life, and contribute more to sustainable development in the world." These words were not crafted as smooth talk for foreign visitors but are the overarching strategic policy of Chinese leaders and the day-to-day operational guidelines for Chinese officials. The new mantra for China's economic growth is "high-quality development," which is driven by "new quality productive forces." Everyone who counts in China gets the message. On reform and opening up, Xi's words were weighed judiciously, as they always are. There has been concern among foreign businesses, and even among some entrepreneurs in China, that reform and opening up had stalled. While Xi stated that "reform and opening up holds the key to contemporary China's catching up with the times in great strides," that "China's reform will not pause, and its opening up will not stop," he has said similar many times. That's why I focused on what he said next: "China is planning and implementing a series of major steps for comprehensively deepening reform, and steadily fostering a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment." The operative word is "planning," which means that there are new structures, new regulations and/or new measures on the horizon, which are sufficiently different from those that exist presently, to justify the phrase "major steps for comprehensively deepening reform." If Xi had stated only the general principles, his words alone might not have instilled high confidence. But putting the world on notice, building wide-spread expectations, gives credence from the top that China is serious about a new round of economic reforms. This is why I would expect, which most foreign analysts would not, significant economic reforms, the most in a decade or so. The proof, of course, will be the specifics of the plan, and then its real-world implementation. For example, in recent days, the government continued to shorten the negative list for foreign investment, ending restrictions on market access for foreign investment in manufacturing, while opening up the medical and telecommunications sectors. Moreover, China's cybersecurity regulator has relaxed constraints on outbound data flows so that foreign businesses operating in China can feel more secure in conducting their normal business. Promises to give equal national treatment to foreign firms, including in government procurements, bears monitoring. To me, a major motivating factor for President Xi is that to truly achieve his grand vision for China -- "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" -- China must become a world-class business center, and to become so in the real world, China must have a "market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment." Who can deny that the world would benefit by stable U.S.-China relations? Who can deny that the world would benefit by China's economic growth and development? Both sit centerstage globally in these tense mid-years of the third decade of the 21st century. Editor's note: Robert Lawrence Kuhn is chairman of The Kuhn Foundation. He was awarded the China Reform Friendship Medal. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency. New Delhi: Four people died and over 10 suffered injuries after an explosion occurred at a pharma plant in Sangareddy district of Telangana. The blast, which occurred around 5 pm, triggered a fire, said the police "The reactor exploded at the pharma company and people around it were thrown away in its impact... So far four people have died...10-15 people sustained injuries. They have been shifted to a hospital and are undergoing treatment," a senior police official told PTI. Relief operations were underway, the official added. (Further details awaited) In the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the Samajwadi Party's national president, Akhilesh Yadav, issued a letter for candidate ST Hasan. ST Hasan was once again made a contender from Muradabad after Ruchiveera's nomination. The letter was issued after nominating Ruchi Veera. A letter was written to the Election Commission to cancel Ruchi Veera's symbol. It is learned that Akhilesh Yadav did not want Ruchiveera to become a candidate. For this, he had also asked Ruchiveera to support HT Hasan on the day of nomination by calling her, but Ruchiveera did not agree to his proposal. After that, Akhilesh Yadav wrote a letter and this letter was sent to the election officer in Muradabad from Lucknow... but due to the letter not reaching on time, it was not received. Due to this, Ruchiveera remained the candidate. At the insistence of Azam Khan, Ruchiveera was given the ticket first, but Akhilesh got angry at her stubbornness on Azam Khan's insistence and later wrote a letter to cancel Ruchiveera's ticket based on his own stance. An exclusive copy of the letter is available with Zee Media. HT Hasan was given a letter on March 24 to contest the election, and later on the 26th, Ruchiveera was given one. New Delhi: Millions of ambitious individuals embark on the daunting journey of preparing for the Civil Services Exam (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is renowned globally for its formidable challenges. These aspirants invest years of their lives in rigorous study and preparation, driven by the desire to secure a coveted position in the civil services. However, despite their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts, only a fraction of them manage to succeed in cracking this prestigious examination. Among this sea of aspirants, one remarkable individual stands out - Kartik Jivani. Kartik's journey to success in the UPSC exam is not merely remarkable but extraordinary, as he managed to achieve what many deem impossible not just once or twice, but thrice. Kartik's saga began with his commendable achievement of securing All India Rank (AIR) 94 in the UPSC CSE 2019. Despite qualifying for the Indian Police Services (IPS), Kartik remained resolute in his determination to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Undeterred by the challenges ahead, he embarked on a rigorous journey of preparation, all while fulfilling his responsibilities in IPS training in Hyderabad. Kartik's study regimen was characterized by disciplined dedication, encompassing a meticulous 10-hour schedule that emphasized strategic learning over mere hard work. In his subsequent attempt, Kartik's perseverance bore fruit as he ascended ten ranks to clinch an impressive AIR 84. Although the coveted IAS position eluded him once again, Kartik refused to succumb to disappointment. Instead, he channeled his energy into both his IPS duties and further preparation, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Finally, Kartik's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in a triumphant victory as he secured an outstanding rank of AIR 8, realizing his long-cherished dream of becoming an IAS officer. His remarkable feat not only earned him the title of Gujarat's top candidate but also served as a testament to the power of perseverance and indomitable spirit. Kartik's journey towards success is rooted in his academic prowess and his alma mater, the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai, where he completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was during his final year at college that Kartik resolved to embark on a career in public service, setting the stage for his remarkable journey in UPSC preparation. In essence, Kartik Jivani's saga embodies the quintessence of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment, serving as an inspiration to countless aspirants striving to carve their paths in the realm of civil services. New Delhi: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, hours after being released from the Tihar jail on Wednesday, slammed the BJP in a speech alleging it wanted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's resignation to stop free water, electricity and Mohalla clinics in the capital. Singh, who got bail in the alleged excise policy scam from the Supreme Court on Tuesday, also asked the BJP if the prime minister will join the probe if police from the opposition-ruled Bengal, Punjab and Tamil Nadu knocked at his doors. He said AAP leaders Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain were sent to the jail because they wanted to provide good education, health facilities, free bus ride and Rs 1000 to women of Delhi. Singh said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is a family. He went to meet Kejriwal's family and will also meet the families of Sisodia and Jain, he added. He asked the people of the country to be wary of "dictators" who would bring tears to their eyes, saying Kejriwal will bring smile to their faces and provide good education and health facilities to them. New Delhi: Ahead of the 2024 Lok SabhaPolls West Bengal Chief Minister on Wednesday served tea at a local stall in Jalpaiguri, plucked tea leaves with farmers in the field and interacted with the school children. Taking on X, Trinamool Congress wrote, "Smt. @MamataOfficial brings warmth and conversation to a local tea stall, embracing the spirit of the residents over a steaming cup of tea in Jalpaiguri!" Smt. @MamataOfficial brings warmth and conversation to a local tea stall, embracing the spirit of the residents over a steaming cup of tea in Jalpaiguri! pic.twitter.com/tgdOvvb7zP All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 3, 2024 Smt. @MamataOfficial connecting with the brilliant young minds in Jalpaiguri today. Their innocence and curiosity ignite our optimism for a better future! pic.twitter.com/8a3xGkD1iz All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 3, 2024 Smt. @MamataOfficial strengthens ties, joining tea estate workers in the timeless ritual of tea leaf plucking. pic.twitter.com/nV1uH1SHJN April 3, 2024 Earlier on Monday also, Bengal CM visited the district after it was hit by a severe storm and nearly 5 people lost their livers while over 100 were left injured. Banerjee met the victims of the storm and took a Earlier on Tuesday, the Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Centre terming it a "Jumla" government and alleged that it has never stood by the people in times of need and disaster. "I thought I would not say it but this is a JUMLA government. Even yesterday, the Centre had a meeting with the RBI. Where is the impartiality here? An impartial election means that in a democracy, all must get justice. We don't do partiality with any kind of relief. Our government is humanitarian. How did the Prime Minister ask his workers to go and give money? I didn't ask my party workers to do anything of this sort. BJP has never stood by the people in times of need and disaster," she said at Mercy Fellowship Church in Jalpaiguri. The Lok Sabha elections in 42 Parliamentary Constituencies of West Bengal are scheduled to take place in seven phases, which will start on April 19 and conclude on June 1. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. TMC announced its candidates for all 42 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections and didn't enter any coalition with INDIA bloc parties in the state. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) secured 22 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 18 out of the 42 parliamentary seats in the state. The Indian National Congress (INC) was limited to only two seats. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu's ruling party DMK and Congress regarding the contentious issue of Katchatheevu Island. This dispute has now reemerged as a significant political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu, particularly amidst the approaching 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Situated between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait, Katchatheevu Island has become a focal point of political debate, especially as the BJP endeavours to gain traction in Tamil Nadu. The island's transfer to Sri Lanka in 1974 under the Congress government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has sparked vehement criticism from PM Modi and the BJP, accusing the opposition of recklessly relinquishing strategic territory. Accusations And Counter-Accusations PM Modi's recent remarks have been prompted by reports revealing the involvement of then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in consenting to the island's transfer, despite the DMK's outward opposition to the agreement. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar further added fuel to the fire by suggesting that India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, also contemplated surrendering the island to Sri Lanka. A recent RTI query, initiated by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, disclosed that the late Indira Gandhi indeed ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974. PM Modi seized upon this revelation to castigate the Congress, reaffirming doubts about their trustworthiness. National Ramifications The controversy surrounding Katchatheevu Island extends beyond political posturing. PM Modi, during a rally in Meerut, underscored its implications for Tamil fishermen, who frequently face arrest and confiscation of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities. This issue has also been reiterated by EAM S Jaishankar, placing the Congress on the defensive. In response, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge defended the 1974 agreement, citing its friendly intent. He drew parallels with the Modi government's own diplomatic gestures, such as those made towards Bangladesh. What Is The Row Over Katchatheevu Island? Katchatheevu Island, spanning 285 acres, lies just 33 kilometres from the Indian coast. Historically, it was a contested territory during British Rule and became a subject of renewed dispute post-independence, particularly concerning fishing rights. The 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement formalized its transfer to Sri Lanka, a decision initially of little strategic significance but now under scrutiny amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics. Impact On Tamil Nadu's Fishermen The plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen, often subject to punitive measures by Sri Lankan authorities, underscores the enduring significance of Katchatheevu Island for the state. The rights of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu are often linked to the island and its surrounding waters as it has been argued that by ceding it to Sri Lanka, the Indian government curtailed the livelihood rights of its own people in the southern state. Top political leaders from the state, including J Jayalalithaa, and current Chief Minister M K Stalin, have vocally advocated for its reclaiming, with legal avenues and diplomatic channels being explored to address this longstanding issue. New Delhi: The Centre has issued a serious warning to users of iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks in India. This news comes shortly after a similar alert was issued on March 15 by CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), raising concerns for users of these Apple devices. Urgent Measures CERT-In has urged users to take immediate action to protect their devices from potential threats. (Also Read: 'You Give More Money To Govt Than Spend On Yourself': Social Media Post On Income Tax Concerns Goes Viral) Devices Affected The high-security alert has been issued for the following devices and versions: (Also Read: Bengaluru Surprises Once Again: Cab Fare To Airport Matches Flight Ticket For This Passenger) - Apple macOS Ventura versions prior to 13.6.6 - Apple Safari versions prior to 17.4.1 - Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.4.1 - Apple visionOS versions prior to 1.1.1 - Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.4.1 - Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 16.7.7 Previous Threats Previously, the vulnerability was identified in devices operating on iOS 14.5 and older versions, up to 16.7.6. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to safeguarding device security and user data, preventing potential financial harm. In September 2023, a similar alert was issued by CERT-In due to a flaw in the WebKit browser engine used by Safari and other browsers on Apple devices. Protective Measures To ensure device security, users are advised to promptly update their devices to newer, safer versions. It is also essential to follow fundamental security practices, such as regularly updating devices as per manufacturer or service provider recommendations. Market Impact Following the news, Apple shares experienced a decline of 0.70 percent in Tuesday's trading session, with its share price reaching USD 168.84 per piece. Taipei: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale rocked Taiwan's eastern shores on Wednesday leaving residents rattled and authorities on high alert. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake's magnitude, describing it as a "notable quake" with its epicentre located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 25.0 kilometres south-southeast of Hualien County Hall. Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.4 - 18 km SSW of Hualien City, Taiwan https://t.co/G7yLg1BGyO USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) April 3, 2024 The quake's depth was measured at 15.5 kilometres, according to the Seismology Center of Taiwan's Central News Agency. An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 hit Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, on Wednesday morning, reports Reuters, citing the Taiwan central weather administration ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 Tsunami Warnings Issued Across Japan Japan's Meteorological Agency swiftly issued tsunami warnings for remote Japanese islands, including the Miyakojima island, in the wake of the earthquake off Taiwan's coast. Residents were cautioned to prepare for waves as high as three meters (10 feet), heightening concerns for coastal communities in the affected regions. #WATCH | A very shallow earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 struck in the ocean near Taiwan. Japan has issued an evacuation advisory for the coastal areas of the southern prefecture of Okinawa after the earthquake triggered a tsunami warning. Tsunami waves of up to 3 pic.twitter.com/2Q1gd0lBaD ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 Alert Across Taiwan Reports of the earthquake's impact varied across Taiwan, with intensity levels of 5+ reported in Yilan County and Miaoli County, and 5- in several northern and central regions including Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Taichung City. The seismic event prompted the suspension of metro systems in major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, disrupting daily routines for commuters. In Japan, anticipation gripped coastal areas as authorities warned of potential tsunami surges. Tsunami alerts were issued for southwestern Japan's Miyakojima and Yaeyama regions, along with Okinawa Prefecture's main island. Residents were urged to evacuate promptly to higher ground or secure locations to ensure their safety. Echoes Of Past Tragedies For many in Taiwan, memories of past seismic disasters resurfaced. Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei's Central Weather Administration's Seismology Center, noted the quake's significant impact, recalling it as the ''strongest'' since the devastating earthquake of 1999. The tragic event claimed thousands of lives, serving as a stark reminder of the island's vulnerability to natural disasters. "The earthquake is close to land and it's shallow. It's felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands," said Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei's Central Weather Administration's Seismology Center. "It's the strongest in 25 years since the (1999) earthquake," he told reporters. Heightened Vigilance Amidst Uncertainty As the situation unfolds, both Taiwan and Japan remain on high alert, bracing for potential aftershocks and assessing the extent of damage. With forecasters predicting tsunami waves of up to three meters in height, vigilance and precautionary measures are paramount to safeguarding lives and minimizing the impact of this natural disaster. A 7.6-magnitude quake hit Taiwan in September 1999, killing around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history. ISTANBUL: In a tragic incident that shook Istanbul, a major city in Turkey, a devastating fire tore through a nightclub, claiming the lives of at least 29 people, according to reports from CNN citing state media. The blaze, which broke out during daytime renovation work on Tuesday, also left eight individuals injured, with seven in critical condition, as confirmed by the Istanbul Governor's office. Impact Of The Fire At Masquerade Club The nightclub, identified as the Masquerade Club, is located in the vibrant Besiktas district on the European side of Istanbul. The fire engulfed a 16-story building on Gonenoglu Street, a bustling part of the Gayrettepe neighbourhood. The club was undergoing renovations at the time of the tragedy, with the fire believed to have originated underground, as reported by Anadolu, the Turkish state news agency. Swift Action By Turkish Authorities Following the devastating incident, Turkish authorities acted swiftly, detaining eight individuals connected to the nightclub, including the business manager, accountant, partners, and the individual overseeing the renovation's metal workers, according to TRT News. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc highlighted ongoing efforts to gather evidence at the scene, emphasizing the involvement of experts specializing in occupational safety and fire to determine the cause of the fire. Condolences And Mourning Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, expressed profound condolences on social media, mourning the loss of life in the tragic fire. "May God have mercy on our citizens who lost their lives," he shared. Imamoglu, representing the opposition Republic People's Party (CHP), had recently secured re-election as mayor in local elections, marking a significant electoral setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, as reported by CNN. Washington: The Joe Biden Administration is outraged and has expressed deep dismay over an Israeli airstrike that resulted in the tragic deaths of seven aid workers in Gaza, a White House official said on Tuesday. President Joe Biden also spoke with Jose Andres, the founder of the affected organisation and conveyed his condolences. "We were outraged to learn of an IDF strike that killed a number of civilian humanitarian workers yesterday from the World Central Kitchen, which has been relentlessly working to get food to those who are hungry in Gaza, and quite frankly, around the world," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said at a news briefing Tuesday, adding, "We send our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones." Kirby emphasised that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defence Forces have pledged to conduct an investigation "in a swift and comprehensive manner." "We hope that those findings will be made public and that there is appropriate accountability held," Kirby said. He noted that an initial inquiry had already been completed. Furthermore, Kirby highlighted that one of the victims was a dual-national United States citizen. President Biden, in a post on X, said, ''I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen..." US President Joe Biden tweets, "I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday. Incidents like yesterdays simply should not happen..." pic.twitter.com/WoWT0BtLt1 April 3, 2024 An Israeli military strike on Monday night resulted in the tragic deaths of seven aid workers from the non-profit organisation World Central Kitchen as they were delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza. The workers were traveling in two armoured cars marked with the charity's logo and another vehicle, CNN Reported. Among those killed were three British nationals, a dual US-Canadian citizen, individuals from Australia and Poland, and a Palestinian. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the incident, stating that "innocent people" were "unintentionally struck" by the military. The Israel Defence Forces pledged to "at the highest levels." Meanwhile, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres slammed the Israeli government, saying it "needs to stop this indiscriminate killing." Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologised to Andres and expressed condolences to the families of the aid workers. He assured a thorough investigation into the tragedy. Herzog "expressed his deep sorrow and sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life of WCK staff in the Gaza Strip last night, and sent his condolences to their families and loved ones," according to a post on X from the presidency. "The President reiterated Israel's commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation of the tragedy," the post read. UK Summons Israeli Ambassador Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has taken a firm stance following the tragic killing of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, including three British nationals, summoning the Israeli ambassador to London for a decisive discussion, CNN reported. British Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, summoned Israel's ambassador to set out the government's "unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British nationals," he said in a Foreign Office press release. Israel-Hamas Conflict The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has proven particularly deadly for aid workers, with this incident marking one of the deadliest in over two decades, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. In less than six months, nearly 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, surpassing casualties in other conflicts such as Afghanistan, Syria, and South Sudan over the past 20 years, as reported by CNN. The Aid Worker Security data encompasses workers from various humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations. Since October 7, more than 170 UN staff members have been reported killed, marking the highest number of casualties among UN personnel in history. Additionally, fifteen Palestine Red Crescent Society workers and volunteers have lost their lives, as reported by the UN on March 29, CNN reported. * In fact, when black-headed gulls first arrived in Kunming in 1985, they were quite shy of humans. "But the locals were extremely hospitable, offering them their own food such as fried dough sticks and steamed buns," said Wang Zijiang, the honorary chairman of the council of Kunming Birdwatching Association. * Thanks to the warmth and care shown by Kunming, these once-shy birds have developed a special affection for their human neighbors and environments. Nowadays, almost every resident of Kunming can tell a few heartwarming stories involving people and black-headed gulls. * In the field of migratory bird conservation, Russia and China have signed numerous bilateral and multilateral agreements, effectively tracking the migratory processes of birds and implementing protection measures, according to Maria Vladimirtseva, a ornithologist at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. KUNMING, China, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At the end of March, the black-headed gulls at Dianchi Lake in Kunming, capital of China's southwestern Yunnan Province, put on their breeding plumage, as if donning black masks over their originally white cheeks. Having spent the balmy winter by the lakeside, they are now gearing up for a northbound Odyssey back to Russia's Siberia, their breeding grounds some 3,000 km away. Every October since 1985, tens of thousands of the birds have flown from far distant places such as Siberia to the perennially spring-like city of Kunming. At locations like the Haigeng Dam on Dianchi Lake and Cuihu Park, flocking black-headed gulls and thronging visitors in the gentle lakeside breeze paint a lovely picture featuring perfect harmony between humans and nature. A girl feeds a black-headed gull at the Dianchi Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2024. (Photo by Liu Yuansong/Xinhua) GULLS-FRIENDLY CITY With the first rays of sunlight every morning, Zhang Liyun arrives at the lake bank on his electric bicycle, carrying a large bag of gull feed, to meet his "old friends" of the migratory birds from afar. During their wintering period, Zhang, a voluntary supervisor, feeds them every morning along the shores of Dianchi Lake, guiding tourists to watch and feed them in a proper manner. "Awoo, awoo..." With just a few "signals" from Zhang, hundreds of gulls flocked in from the distance. After nine years of friendly interactions, an intimate link has been built between Zhang and the gulls. In fact, when black-headed gulls first arrived in Kunming in 1985, they were quite shy of humans. "But the locals were extremely hospitable, offering them their own food such as fried dough sticks and steamed buns," said Wang Zijiang, the honorary chairman of the council of Kunming Birdwatching Association. Wang, an 84-year-old retired professor from Yunnan University, is one of the earliest scholars in Yunnan to study black-headed gulls. He recalled that when Kunming was preparing to lift the ban on firecrackers in 2005, Wang, along with other experts, immediately wrote to local authorities, dissuading them from forging ahead. "The hearing of black-headed gulls is 100 times more sensitive than humans', and setting off firecrackers would directly disrupt their habitat," Wang said. Even to this day, Kunming's ban is still in place on setting off fireworks and firecrackers in the habitat areas of black-headed gulls. Thanks to the warmth and care shown by Kunming, these once-shy birds have developed a special affection for their human neighbors and environments. Nowadays, almost every resident of Kunming can tell a few heartwarming stories involving people and black-headed gulls. Tourists view black-headed gulls at the Dianchi Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Feb. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao) As early as October last year, the Kunming Forestry and Grassland Bureau purchased over 30 tons of gull feed and set up 62 feeding stations to feed the migratory birds that arrive in Kunming. "Kunming has not only developed specialized feed for black-headed gulls, but also enacted local regulations for their protection," said Zhao Xuebing, the secretary-general of the Kunming Birdwatching Association. "Birds are the best indicator of the environment," he noted. The black-headed gulls have become regular visitors to Kunming, a testament to the improvement of Dianchi Lake's ecological environment. According to the survey results released by the Dianchi Plateau Lake Research Institute in Kunming, there are a total of 175 species of birds in the wetlands of Dianchi Lake. Pan Min, vice president of the Dianchi Plateau Lake Research Institute in Kunming, said that in recent years, Kunming has vigorously promoted the construction of wetlands around Dianchi Lake to improve its ecological environment. A total of 6.29 square km of Dianchi Lake's surrounding wetlands have been built, providing an excellent habitat for black-headed gulls and other bird species, she said. "The presence of black-headed gulls brings vitality to Kunming. With them around, even winters feel warm," Wang said. "A city like Kunming, where humans and black-headed gulls have lived in harmony for decades, is rare to find anywhere else in the world." An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 13, 2024 shows tourists visiting the Dianchi Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Hu Chao) MIGRATORY BIRDS KNOW NO BORDERS To comprehend the population structure and behavioral patterns of black-headed gulls, Wang, Zhao and their fellow researchers traced their migration routes, trekking as far as the shores of Lake Baikal in Siberia. "Black-headed gulls in Kunming have three migration routes," Zhao said. The longest is to the Sakha Republic in Russia's far east, of which the round trip covers a distance of more than 10,000 km. Another is to Mongolia and Lake Baikal, and the third is to Bosten Lake in China's Xinjiang. Thousands of kilometers away in Siberia, Russian experts are also working tirelessly to protect black-headed gulls and are actively cooperating with their Chinese counterparts. "Migratory birds know no borders," said Maria Vladimirtseva, a ornithologist at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. "During their migratory journeys, these freely flying beauties often traverse multiple countries," she said. "Therefore, protecting migratory birds requires joint efforts from relevant countries." In the field of migratory bird conservation, Russia and China have signed numerous bilateral and multilateral agreements, effectively tracking the migratory processes of birds and implementing protection measures, according to Vladimirtseva. An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 15, 2024 shows the scenery of the Dianchi Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Hu Chao) "The close cooperation between experts from both countries, and the timely exchange of ecological data on bird habitats, helps to fully understand the situation of relevant species and take timely measures for their tracking and protection," she added. Noting the impressive measures taken by both the Chinese government and civil society to effectively protect migratory birds and their wetland habitats, Vladimirovna said, "despite the high population density in China, migratory birds can always find ample places for wintering in this beautiful country, coexisting harmoniously with the local people." In Cuihu Park stands a bronze statue of an elderly man with black-headed gulls: the elderly man by the name of Wu Qingheng sits leaning on a rock, gazing affectionately at the black-headed gulls; several young gulls flap their wings beside him, as if responding to the caring old man. When Wu was around, he would walk over 10 km every day to the lake to feed the black-headed gulls, spending over half of his monthly pension on buying feed for them. Although the 'Seagull Elderly' died more than 20 years ago, the close bond between him and the black-headed gulls has been recorded in Chinese elementary school textbooks. On the crowded Haigeng Dam, from dawn till dusk, there is always a beautiful scene of humans "dancing" with gulls. As the black-headed gulls are about to take flight, locals and tourists are bidding an emotional farewell to them and wishing them all the best. (Video reporters: Pang Mingguang, Wang Moying, He Chunhao, Zhang Xiao, Chen Ting; Video editors: Zhang Xiao, Xu Haijing, Liang Junqian) VIENTIANE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Laos to discuss plans to further strengthen the economic-financial sector in the region. The representatives gathered in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province for the 11th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' meeting and related meetings, taking place from April 2 to April 5, Lao News Agency reported on Wednesday. Under Laos' ASEAN chairmanship in 2024, the ASEAN Economic Priority Work Plan (PED) has been approved by defining three main strategic plans including economic integration and connectivity, creating a sustainable future for all involved, and transitioning towards a digital future. During the meeting, participants emphasized the efforts of ASEAN in encouraging the financial and banking sector to be stronger amid the financial volatility and uncertainty in the world. BEIRUT, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Wazzani water pumping station, a major drinking water project in southern Lebanon's border area, has been successfully repaired after ceasing operation for two months due to Israeli bombings, Wassim Daher, director of the South Lebanon Water Establishment, said on Wednesday. Daher said efforts were underway to repair and restart the electricity generators and pumps at the Houla and Taybeh water projects in southern Lebanon, which were also damaged by Israeli attacks. The work includes cleaning the ponds of sediment buildup, with the aim to complete the task within a week at the latest. On Feb. 6, an Israeli drone launched several air-to-surface missiles at the Wazzani station, resulting in severe damage to its main pumps, control panels, and operating systems. The Wazzani station, which began operating in 2002, boasts a daily pumping capacity of up to 12,000 cubic meters. According to Daher, about 150,000 people in 35 towns and villages in the border region of southern Lebanon benefit from its water supply, including both local residents and Syrians living in the area. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. In response, Israel retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. NEW DELHI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Three school children aged between 12 and 14 years and one more person died when a bus they were traveling in overturned in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, a local policeman told Xinhua over phone. Three others were injured. Among the dead was the bus cleaner. The mishap occurred in Barabanki area, near the state's capital city Lucknow. The school kids were on the way returning from a local picnic after visiting a zoological park in Lucknow. "There were around 40 school students and six teachers inside the bus," senior cop Jagat Ram said. KABUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Seven members of a family lost their lives in a landslide that hit a remote area in western Afghanistan's Ghor province, state-run media Bakhtar News Agency reported Wednesday. The mishap occurred Tuesday night in a mountainous village of Khuranj, Chaharsada district of the province, Bakhtar quoted local officials as saying. Parts of Afghanistan have been receiving rain and snowfall since Monday. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's meteorological department has predicted snowfall and scattered rain along with flash floods. YANGON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will hold a floating Thingyan festival, also known as the floating water festival, in Inle Lake of Shan state, an official from the Shan State said on Wednesday. "The floating Thingyan festival will be held from April 13 to April 16 in Inle Lake of Nyaungshwe township in Shan state," Daw Aye Thida Tun, an official from the Shan State Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, told Xinhua. The four-day celebration aims at attracting tourist arrivals in the Inle area, promoting the floating water festival and boosting the region's economy through tourism, she said. The distinctive feature of the floating water festival is to splash water to each other in boats and the first floating Thingyan festival was held in 2019. The 489,721-hectare Inle Lake, located in the southern Shan State, is one of the major tourist sites in Myanmar. ADEN, Yemen, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) on Tuesday gave all banks operating in the country a 60-day deadline to move their headquarters from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa to the country's southern port city of Aden. In a decision announced on the bank's website, CBY Governor Ahmed Ghalib warned that any banks defying the order will face potential legal action under Yemen's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. This exposes the financial institutions headquartered in Sanaa to risks including asset freezes and severance from the global banking system, Ghalib stated. He stressed the necessity of the headquarters relocation move to enable the central bank to properly carry out its regulatory oversight from Aden in line with banking laws. The Houthi faction recently introduced a new 100-riyal coin, marking the first currency issuance since the onset of Yemen's civil war more than nine years ago. This act has been criticized by the Aden-based central bank and underscores the deepening monetary policy rift between the rebel faction and the internationally recognized government based in Aden. Since 2016, when the Saudi-supported Yemeni government moved the central bank's main office from Sanaa to Aden, Yemen has been divided into two distinct economic territories, with the government in the south and the Houthi leadership in the north. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Service Survey Center with China's National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing unveiled Sunday's figures, which rendered overseas investors and entities bullish. The figures included the nation's manufacturing PMI, non-manufacturing PMI, and comprehensive PMI output index, which stood at 50.8 percent, 53.0 percent and 52.7 percent respectively, with each climbing 1.7, 1.6 and 1.8 points. Many overseas individuals and institutions have said that the synchronous rise of the three major indices in March indicates an acceleration in Chinese business operations, further expanding the prosperity of the manufacturing industry. They believe that China's economic development prospects continue to improve. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Brendan Ahern, a U.S. veteran investor, said that China's manufacturing PMI surpassing expectations in March indicates accelerated economic growth following the Spring Festival. He noted that various macroeconomic policies are proving effective. This, he believes, is a positive sign for both the Chinese and global economies. Ahern, chief investment officer with U.S.-based asset management firm Krane Funds Advisors LLC, a specialist investment management firm focused on China, Climate, and other uncorrelated assets, highlighted the strong performance of China's automotive sector, particularly electric vehicles, in March, indicating the positive effects of policy support. An article published on Forexlive said that China's economy kicked off 2024 on a "reasonably strong note," with March's manufacturing PMI outperforming expectations, and the data in January and February have "surprised to the upside." Institutions like Citi and several analysts have consequently "raised growth forecasts" for the Chinese economy upwards, the article said. Reuters indicates that a private-sector survey unveiled on Wednesday signaled a "tentative recovery" in the world's second-largest economy. This development has also led analysts to upwardly revise China's economic growth forecast for this year. CNBC revealed that China's official manufacturing PMI came in at 50.8 percent in March, its "strongest reading since March last year." China's official non-manufacturing activity survey recorded its strongest reading since June, contributing to positive recent export and retail sales data, it added. The latest economic data from China once again signals positivity, particularly in the manufacturing sector. With robust support policies driving industrial activity, China's economy continues to demonstrate vitality. The growth and revival of economic indicators in manufacturing activities also imply an uplift in employment, Sebastian Schulz, a researcher at the National University of La Plata in Argentina, told Xinhua. Christine Susanna Tjhin, director of Strategic Communication and Research at Gentala Institute, remarked that China's economy shows considerable resilience, with the rise in manufacturing PMI signaling positive signs of its economic recovery. She noted that China's rapid development in high-tech industries and continuous enhancement of comprehensive innovation capabilities have created favorable conditions for sustained, healthy, and stable economic growth. Barra Kukuh Mamia, a senior macroeconomist at PT Bank Central Asia, said that China is currently "attaching more importance to innovation and cutting-edge technologies, and is constantly moving towards an innovation-oriented country," with a number of top-notch industries. "In the long run, investment in these high-tech industries will have a huge driving effect on economic development," he said. "And I believe it'll greatly improve China's productivity levels." BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank on Wednesday pledged efforts to enhance the implementation of a slew of monetary policies -- in order to effectively stimulate the economy. The bank will appropriately increase the relending and rediscount quota for small enterprises and the agriculture sector, make good use of carbon reduction support tools, and establish a relending facility for sci-tech innovation and technical transformation, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said in a statement released after the latest quarterly meeting of its monetary policy committee. The PBOC also vowed to strengthen financial support for large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-in of consumer goods. Noting that China's macro policies since the beginning of this year have created a suitable monetary and financial environment for the economy to recover, the meeting urged more efforts to enhance the implementation of the existing policies and flesh out the policy toolbox. Efforts should focus on the development of sci-tech finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance and digital finance, and be directed in a way that will promote the growth of new quality productive forces, according to the meeting. By Elnur Enveroglu Against the backdrop of Iran's tensions with the USA and Israel, Iran's provocations against Azerbaijan have been spotlighted in the headlines. So, according to official Tehran's claims, after the bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus by Israel, the Iranian Parliament said it was time to respond to official Tel Aviv. But how and where? Yesterday, the radical member of the Iranian parliament, Jalal Rashidi Kuchi's statement about this was not received unambiguously. Regarding the targeting of the Israeli embassy, he indicated Azerbaijan as the location of revenge. One of the most interesting things is that, although it is claimed that the shooting of the building next to it, not the consulate, was carried out by the United States, Iran still blames Israel and also intentionally implicates Azerbaijan. If Iran's problem is only the US or Israel, then why isn't Iran targeting the US embassy in Yerevan? It means that the official Tehran, which every time puts forward groundless excuses, is trying to say something to Baku, but its incompetence in the field of diplomacy does not allow it. Israeli journalist and political commentator Rachel Avraham told AZERNEWS that the Tehran regime could not hide its jealousy of Azerbaijan-Israel relations. According to her, what is interesting for Iran is not to take revenge for the incident in Damascus but to use it as an excuse and send a 'message to Israel and Azerbaijan. The Iranians want to target not just Israel but also Azerbaijan, which they consider to be a strong ally of Israel. For this reason, they are interested in going after the Israeli Embassy in Baku. They wouldn't attack Armenia; literally, the embassy in Yerevan, even if they are against the USA, it goes without saying, she said. As regards the reason why Iran is targeting Israel and not the United States, Rachel said that the US is a tough enemy for Tehran; they are after a bit of a soft one. I think that they consider the Israeli Embassy a softer target than the US Embassy. They would rather go after the US allies than the USA directly for that reason, the journalist added. Rachel Avraham said that Iran is trying to show its hatred for Azerbaijan, along with Israel and the United States. She added that Iran has always wished death to its opponents, and most importantly, it cannot withstand the fact that Azerbaijan is a secular state. They always despise a secular country like Azerbaijan, where a female journalist interviewed the Iranian ambassador without wearing a hijab. And despite the fact that most Azerbaijani women wear hijab in Azerbaijan, it is not by force or under the dictates of a regime like Iran. Even though some of the women are Shia Muslims, they still have a modern lifestyle and promote secularism, not religious fundamentalism. This greatly disturbs them, and that is why they have a special hatred for Azerbaijan. And they hate the fact that Azerbaijan is the closest ally of Israel. This is one of the main reasons that disturbs them and forces them to resort to provocations and terrorism, she added. Regarding the response of the Israeli government to Iran, the journalist said that no official response has been given yet. TEHRAN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday exchanged views on the deadly Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate building in Syria. In a phone call, the two sides condemned the missile strike on Monday by Israeli warplanes against the consular section of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus, and also discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The UN chief extended condolences to Iran over the attack that killed seven Iranians, including two veteran commanders, adding that the UN issued a statement earlier in the day and condemned any attack on diplomatic and consular premises and personnel. He also said the UN highlighted the necessity to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, send humanitarian aid to the coastal enclave, and prevent the widening of the ongoing conflict's scope. The Iranian foreign minister, for his part, expressed gratitude to the UN chief for condemning the Israeli attack and expressing sympathy, noting that Israel's attack was "a flagrant violation of the international conventions on the immunity of diplomats and diplomatic missions." He added Iran expected the UN to strongly condemn Israel's action, calling on Guterres to help convene an urgent UN Security Council meeting to address the attack. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that on Monday, around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), Israeli forces carried out a missile strike from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus. In a statement released on Tuesday, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, conveyed the UN chief's strong condemnation of the attack and further relayed his call for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to prevent any further escalation of the situation. RAMALLAH, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday strongly denounced any efforts to destabilize Jordan's security, a stance that appeared to be a direct response to a Hamas official's call for Jordanian citizens to demonstrate in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In a statement released via WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, Abbas said Jordan's security is a vital interest for the Palestinian people and the future of their national cause, warning that any miscalculation regarding this issue would lead the entire region into chaos. The Palestinian president's statement comes in the wake of remarks made by the head of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) abroad, Khaled Meshaal, on Wednesday in an online speech during a women's event in Jordan. Calling Jordan the closest country to Palestine, Meshaal urged millions to take to the streets to show Jordan's solidarity with Gaza. Meshaal's appeal was met with disapproval from the Jordanian authorities, who viewed it as an effort to misguide public sentiment. Palestine and the Palestinian people stand with Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah II, Abbas added. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China's advanced manufacturing is renewing the attention of foreign-invested companies for the country's manufacturing sector amid an innovation-led upgrade of the industrial chain. "We see booming innovations in areas including the new energy vehicles, and connected and automated driving trucks in China, and we consider China a place to pursue the development and application of such future-oriented products," said Holger Scherr, president and CEO of Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co. Ltd. (BFDA), and head of the Mercedes-Benz business unit. David Fan, executive vice president and China president of the Japan-based auto part supplier Marelli, also noted the growing innovation capabilities of the Chinese market, as one of the important reasons for the country's market and supply chain to hold an irreplaceable position to Marelli. China's manufacturing sector has remained a land of opportunity for foreign-invested companies over the years for its manufacturing prowess and the most comprehensive industrial chain in the world. In 2023, foreign investment into the sector accounted for 27.9 percent of the total, up 1.6 percentage points from the previous year, official data showed. This year, the country has put developing new quality productive forces, featuring high-tech, high efficiency and high quality, on top of its agenda. The upgrade of industrial and supply chains is among the three aspects, which the development of new quality productive forces will cover, according to Zhang Qingjie, head of digital enablement and head of AI at KPMG China. Some foreign-invested companies have already noticed the gradual repositioning of China's industrial chain, and are adopting a preemptive strategy to tap into the shift. "We plan to promote a model of inverter compressor for heat pumps this year in Europe. The model is developed through a technology platform that we built in China, reflecting the change of Chinese market's core competitiveness from a comprehensive supply chain to an innovation-oriented one," said Xu Yang, president of Danfoss China, a Denmark-based energy efficiency solution company. Xu said the company has been actively leveraging China's innovation capability and improving its smart manufacturing. In April, Danfoss will launch the construction of the second phase of their Haiyan campus in Zhejiang Province, east China, which is its largest manufacturing base in China, according to Xu. The BFDA, on the other hand, said it would keep strengthening its research and development capabilities, and deepen the work with its Chinese tech partners in fuel-cell and other fields. "The Mercedes-Benz truck plant obtained a plant permit for producing new energy vehicle products this year, which lays foundation for us to seize further opportunities of technology innovation," Holger Scherr said. "BFDA must and wants to leverage the innovation edge of the Chinese market," he added. Industry insiders believe that now is a good time for foreign-invested firms to ride the waves of China's development of new quality productive forces, which entails strategic opportunities for industries including artificial intelligence, internet, and new energy, among others. China announced the launch of the "artificial intelligence (AI) plus" initiative at the annual sessions of the country's top legislature and top political advisory body, or the "two sessions," which wrapped up in March. Zhang Qingjie believes multinationals could take the advantage of the cooperation with Chinese firms on digital economy and AI technologies to gain a better understanding of the Chinese market and its technological environment and share its innovation achievements. "China's AI technology is on a fast track to make breakthroughs on its perception, deduction, and generalization abilities. It will prompt leapfrog development of the manufacturing sector in terms of production efficiency, quality control and cost saving," Zhang said. Ambulances carrying bodies of World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers killed by Israeli airstrikes, cross the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, on April 3, 2024. Israel's military said Wednesday that the result of a preliminary debrief into the killing of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza was the result of "a misidentification." (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhu) JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said Wednesday that the result of a preliminary debrief into the killing of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza was the result of "a misidentification." "I want to be very clear -- the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers," Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said in a video statement. "It was a mistake that followed a misidentification -- at night during a war in very complex conditions," he said. "It shouldn't have happened." His statement followed calls by Israeli allies, including the United States, demanding a full and independent investigation into the incident. According to a statement from WCK, a U.S.-based organization, the seven staff members -- from Palestine, Australia, Poland, Britain, and one holding dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship -- were delivering aid in a convoy to famine-stricken Gaza. They were killed in a "targeted attack" by the Israeli military, said the statement, urging Israel to stop "this indiscriminate killing" in Gaza. The body of a World Central Kitchen (WCK) worker killed by Israeli airstrikes is seen on an ambulance near the Rafah border crossing, in the southern Gaza Strip, on April 3, 2024. Israel's military said Wednesday that the result of a preliminary debrief into the killing of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza was the result of "a misidentification." (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People prepare to transfer the body of a World Central Kitchen (WCK) worker killed by Israeli airstrikes, near the Rafah border crossing, in the southern Gaza Strip, on April 3, 2024. Israel's military said Wednesday that the result of a preliminary debrief into the killing of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza was the result of "a misidentification." (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) The body of a World Central Kitchen (WCK) worker killed by Israeli airstrikes is seen on an ambulance near the Rafah border crossing, in the southern Gaza Strip, on April 3, 2024. Israel's military said Wednesday that the result of a preliminary debrief into the killing of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza was the result of "a misidentification." (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Tuesday that it was "outraged" by the news that seven members of a food charity group were killed by Israeli forces in an airstrike in Gaza. John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, told a press briefing at the White House that the United States was aware of comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledging responsibility for and pledging investigation into Monday's fatal strike on a convoy of World Central Kitchen (WCK) en route to distributing food to innocent Gazans devastated by Israel's military operation. A preliminary probe by Israel has been completed Tuesday, Kirby added. "But we expect a broader investigation to be conducted and to be done so in a swift and comprehensive manner. We hope those findings will be made public and that there is appropriate accountability." "More than 200 aid workers have been killed in this conflict, making it one of the worst for aid workers in recent history," he said. "This incident is emblematic of a larger problem and evidence of why distribution of aid in Gaza has been so challenging. But beyond the strike, what is clear is that the IDF must do much more to improve deconfliction processes so civilians and humanitarian aid workers are protected." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during the briefing that U.S. President Joe Biden called WCK founder and celebrity chef Jose Andres. The president, according to Jean-Pierre, "conveyed he will make clear to Israel that humanitarian aid workers must be protected." Earlier in the day in Paris, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Israeli government to conduct "a swift, a thorough, an impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened." "And as we have throughout this conflict, we've impressed upon the Israelis the absolute imperative of doing more to protect innocent civilian lives, be they Palestinian children, women, and men or be they aid workers, as well as to get more humanitarian assistance to more people, more effectively," Blinken said in remarks at a joint press conference also attended by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne. For his part, Sejourne expressed France's "firm condemnation of the Israeli strike" that killed the WCK personnel, including a U.S.-Canadian dual national, an Australian, three Britons, a Palestinian and a Pole. The French top diplomat's remarks were seized by a reporter at the White House briefing to ask Kirby why the United States, unlike France, didn't explicitly condemn the strike. "I think by (me) saying we're outraged, I think you can fairly characterize that as condemning the strike itself," Kirby said in response. ATHENS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Greece's parliament approved a draft bill on Tuesday introducing stricter regulations for the Golden Visa program, which grants five-year residence permits to non-European Union (EU) nationals investing in real estate. The government aims to reduce property prices to make housing more affordable for local low-income earners. The revised framework adopts a three-tier approach to investment requirements based on geographic location and property characteristics. The minimum investment threshold ranges from 250,000 euros (269,131 U.S. dollars) for less popular areas to 800,000 euros for properties in high-demand locations like central Athens or Mykonos Island (up from 500,000 euros previously). Incentives are provided for investments in historically registered buildings requiring substantial funds for restoration. Under the new terms, Golden Visa investors can only purchase single properties exceeding 120 square meters and can rent them out solely through long-term contracts. And a transition period will conclude on August 30, 2024. The program, launched in 2013 amid Greece's debt crisis, has attracted an average of one billion euros worth of investments annually, contributing to the Greek economy. However, it has also been associated with a significant increase in real estate prices, particularly in urban centers like Athens. In 2023, a record number of Golden Visa applications were submitted (10,214 applications for initial visas or renewals). During parliamentary debates, Greek opposition parties called for the program's abolition to provide more affordable housing options for Greeks. However, real estate agent associations expressed concerns that the new rules would deter investments, arguing that transactions under the program constitute less than 10 percent of the total and only a small portion of such properties are offered for short-term leasing. Experts attribute housing supply shortages to factors such as short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and insufficient new constructions during the crisis, rather than the Golden Visa program. George Kontos, a Greek real estate consultant, welcomed the changes, stating that they correct distortions while maintaining openness to investors for mutually beneficial cooperation. He anticipates an initial 10 percent drop in demand due to higher-value property offerings. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollars) LHASA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region awarded the title "Tibetan Craftsperson of 2023" to eight individuals on Wednesday. The title is a benchmark for practicing craftsmanship and leading innovation and creativity in Xizang, according to the regional federation of trade unions. Pasang Wangdu, 55, one of the recipients, has applied scientific achievements to animal husbandry, increasing incomes for farmers and herders across an area of 590,000 square kilometers in the region for over 30 years. Another recipient, 43-year-old Luo Xiaoling, is a tea planting expert, who has also streamlined the tea-making process while preserving the original taste of Tibetan black tea. Since 2021, the autonomous region has vigorously focused on developing craftsmanship. So far, the region has trained over 430,000 skilled individuals. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday attended a voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing and called for nationwide efforts in afforestation to jointly build a beautiful China. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending the tree planting activity in a forest park in Beijing's Tongzhou District. Xi and other leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the site in the morning and planted trees with local people. He said the tree planting activity aims to call on all people to take actions and join the tree planting and afforestation efforts to add a greener hue to the building of a beautiful China. At the planting site, Xi waved to the crowd to extend greetings, and then picked up a shovel to join the activity. He planted saplings of multiple types of trees. While planting the trees, he also asked the children at the site about their study, life and their participation in work and sports. He stressed that young children need to engage themselves in work and afforestation from childhood and develop their awareness to revere and love nature. He also asked the students to study hard, build up their bodies and become the backbone of the country. BAGHDAD, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani held a phone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Wednesday on the Israeli deadly strike on Iran's consulate in Syria. A statement issued by his media office said that in the phone talk, al-Sudani extended sincere condolences of Iraq on the death of Iranians in the attack, stressing Iraq's condemnation of the "sinful aggression." Al-Sudani warned that the continuation of the conflict in Gaza would bring the region into "dangerous security slides," it said. Al-Sudani also called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in protecting the Palestinian people, the statement added. Israel on Monday launched a missile strike against the consular section of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus, killing seven Iranians, including two veteran commanders of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. This file photo shows a logo of TikTok's Los Angeles Office in Culver City, Los Angeles County, the United States. (Xinhua) TikTok is becoming a go-to platform for travel planning, offering users quick insights into destinations through video format. MADRID, April 3 (Xinhua) -- TikTok has become one of the most popular tools in Spain for holiday trip planning, according to a joint study conducted by marketing analysis firm Alkemy Iberia and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). Analyzing 1.7 million tourism-related comments on various social media networks, the study highlights TikTok's role in providing users with diverse destination suggestions within minutes. "We see that TikTok is consolidating itself as a travel agent," said Borja Lorenzo, marketing director of Alkemy Iberia and the study's leader. He explained that TikTok is becoming a go-to platform for travel planning, offering users quick insights into destinations through video format. Furthermore, macroeconomic indicators and usage data reveal a rise in trips and destinations, correlating with the surge in TikTok's global user base, particularly in Spain. The study analyzed user interactions in the comments section of various tourism aspects such as destinations, flights, cruises, accommodations, or vehicle rentals. People visit the exhibition booth of China during the 2024 International Tourism Fair (FITUR 2024) in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua) TikTok's algorithm, which prioritizes highly engaging content, has enabled brands and influencers to promote lesser-known destinations, triggering viral trends among younger audiences. According to Lorenzo, TikTok's search results appeal directly to consumers, bridging the gap between service providers and travelers. He expressed confidence in TikTok's continued growth as a vital travel search tool. Ruth Blanch, executive director of Alkemy Iberia, stressed the importance of understanding consumer behavior in order to personalize marketing messages and cater to specific user needs. "Our objective is to determine qualitative standards that allow us to understand consumer behavior and improve our relationship with them." Blanch reaffirmed TikTok's role as a dynamic search engine for travel inspiration, citing its increasing relevance in trip planning. This photo taken on Dec. 27, 2022 shows a view of Guadalupe in Extremadura, Spain. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua) "It is a good tool for searching for holidays because many people upload itineraries, prices, and what to see in the places... a little bit of everything," Pati Alpuente, a TikTok user, explained to Xinhua. She praised the platform's speed and accessibility in discovering travel content, echoing sentiments many of her peers shared. The import of cars for commercial purposes by individuals is expected to be prohibited in Uzbekistan. It is also planned to restore the procedure for the import of new cars by dealers only, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency. The draft government resolution on this matter caused debates in December last year. In response to Kun.uz's inquiry, the Technical Regulation Agency stated that the project, which was suspended following criticism, is now back on the agenda. The agency noted that car importers evade the vehicle type approval process by registering each unit of the same model under different individuals before selling them on the domestic market. If the proposed changes come into force, the transfer of vehicles at customs to another person's name will be prohibited. Consequently, only legal entities will be able to import vehicles from abroad into Uzbekistan. Prior to import, a type approval for the vehicle will be required, where the vehicle's suitability for Uzbekistans conditions will be examined. "The whole world operates under this system. We have it too, but it wasn't working because people would register a car in someone else's name at customs and then take it away. In 2017, the Cabinet of Ministers approved General Regulation No. 237 on 'The Safety of Motor Vehicles Being Introduced to the Market'. Now, in accordance with that regulation, conformity certification will be required. The goal is to equip Uzbekistan with safe vehicles and ensure compliance with technical regulations," says the official commentary provided by the Technical Regulation Agency to Kun.uz. According to the agency, during 202?, 62,748 vehicles have been certified with conformity certificates, and 99 percent of these, i.e., 60,451, were registered in the names of individuals. This, officials say, leads to outstanding issues regarding post-sale service, provision of free service within the warranty period, and continuous supply of spare parts for the vehicles. Initially, the implementation of the mentioned regulations for car imports was planned to begin on April 1, but it is currently stated that the document is still in the draft stage. For reference, the procedure of importing new cars to Uzbekistan by manufacturers' official dealers only was abolished from January 1, 2023. As a result, cheaper offers appeared on the domestic market compared to official dealers. We remind you that previously, BYD, a Chinese company which is setting up the assembly of electric and hybrid vehicles in Jizzakh together with Uzavtosanoat, appealed to the Uzbekistan government to restrict the import of BYD-branded vehicles that are being brought in without official warranty and are not adapted to the climate and road conditions of Uzbekistan. The government agencies were assigned the task to develop proposals in this regard by July 1. File photo taken on Feb. 13, 2024 shows South African National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula at a parliament meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. Mapisa-Nqakula resigned on April 3 amid investigations into corruption allegations against her. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) CAPE TOWN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- South African National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigned Wednesday amid investigations into corruption allegations against her. "Today, the 3rd of April, I have submitted to the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Lechesa Tsenoli, my letter of resignation as both the Speaker of National Assembly and a Member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa," Mapisa-Nqakula said in a statement. "The resignation is effective immediately." "I have made this conscious decision in order to dedicate my time and focus to deal with the recently announced investigation against me by our country's law enforcement agencies," she said. Mapisa-Nqakula, a 67-year-old veteran of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, has been facing corruption allegations that she solicited a cash bribe of about 2.3 million rands (about 120,000 U.S. dollars) from a former military contractor while she was defense minister between 2016 and 2019. The speaker took "special leave" from her parliamentary position on March 21 after an early morning raid by a special investigations unit on her Johannesburg home. Last week, she launched an urgent court bid to block her possible arrest, but a judge at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed her application Tuesday. Citing court papers, local media reported Tuesday that Mapisa-Nqakula may face 12 corruption charges for allegedly soliciting bribes amounting to a total of 4.5 million rands during her tenure as the defense minister. In her late Wednesday statement, Mapisa-Nqakula stressed that her resignation was "in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations" being leveled against her. "I believe that, at the right time, I will have the opportunity to thoroughly address these allegations as and when they have been formally brought against me in the appropriate forums, at which time I will clear my good name," she said. "I maintain my innocence and am determined to restore my good reputation." "Given the public trust entrusted in me as the Speaker of our National Assembly and the need for me to protect the image of our organization, the African National Congress, I have an obligation ... to step down from my office," she added. Mapisa-Nqakula also noted that she had informed the ANC leadership of her decision and she remains a "dedicated member" of the party. In a statement issued later Wednesday, the ANC confirmed that it had officially received Mapisa-Nqakula's resignation letter. "In her resignation, Comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula highlighted her intention to protect the reputation of our organization, the African National Congress, after dedicating more than 30 years of service," said the statement. "We value her commitment to maintaining the image of our organization, as it reflects our principles of organizational renewal that promote proactive responsibility-taking among members, rather than waiting for instructions to step aside." CAPE TOWN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) on Wednesday dismissed a U.S. media report that some of its soldiers had surrendered to rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). National Security News (nationalsecuritynews.com), a U.S.-based online publication, published a report Tuesday, claiming that several SANDF soldiers deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC had surrendered to M23 rebels. The report, written by an anonymous "Washington DC correspondent," said that "several South African soldiers, deployed by the ANC Government into the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of an ill equipped and ill prepared force, surrendered to M23 rebels this past week. The soldiers are now being held as hostages by M23." The SANDF, however, in a statement issued Wednesday rejected the report, saying "categorically" that "all SANDF members deployed in the DRC have been accounted for." "The convoluted article published by the faceless Washington correspondent is dismissed with the contempt it deserves," said the statement. It also noted that "this is not the first time such unfounded and baseless news articles have been written about the SANDF since its deployment in the DRC." "We view such attempts to discredit the Defense Force in the most serious light by faceless people, and will not stand and allow its good name to be tarnished," the SANDF said in the statement. AMMAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday underlined the need to protect workers in humanitarian and relief organizations in the Gaza Strip. In a phone conversation, they discussed the dangerous situation in Gaza, including the recent killing of members of the World Central Kitchen organization who were delivering vital aid to Gazans, according to a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court. Since the conflict began in Gaza, nearly 196 aid workers have been killed in the Strip, 175 of whom worked for UN agencies. Jordan will continue to make every effort to deliver humanitarian, medical, and relief aid to people in Gaza, in coordination with various international organizations and partners, the king said during the call. He urged the international community to step up efforts to end the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Guterres commended Jordan's role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gazans through all possible methods, according to the statement. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday answered media questions on the phone talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden. According to the U.S. side, during the telephone conversation between the Chinese and U.S. presidents on Tuesday, President Biden mentioned Ren'ai Jiao, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang. The U.S. side also urged China to stop supporting Russia and play a bigger role in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. In response to a related query, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily news briefing that during the call, the Chinese side stressed that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters. The sovereignty covers the islands, reefs, shoals and cays of Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao. The root cause for the Ren'ai Jiao issue is that the Philippines has repeatedly gone back on its words and tried to build permanent outposts on the uninhabited reef which belongs to China, in an attempt to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao, which is illegal, Wang noted. The United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue, and should not intervene in matters between China and the Philippines. China has strong will and resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, he said. "The Chinese side stated clearly that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs," Wang said. Completing the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong is the constitutional responsibility of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for safeguarding national security. It will help protect the fundamental wellbeing of all Hong Kong residents, as well as the interests of investors from all over the world in Hong Kong. It will not at all undermine the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy in accordance with the law, Wang said. The United States needs to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and should not disrupt, still less interfere in the process, he added. "The Chinese side stressed that issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang are China's internal affairs," Wang said, adding that no country has a monopoly on human rights. China attaches great importance to the protection of human rights. The people of a country are best positioned to judge the human rights conditions of the country. China would like to engage in exchanges with the United States on human rights on the basis of mutual respect, but we firmly oppose interference in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights, he said. "On the Ukraine crisis, China's position has been consistent, clear and transparent," Wang said, adding that there is a risk that the crisis will further deteriorate and escalate, and efforts should be made toward deescalation to bring the conflict to an end through negotiation rather than fighting. There should be no winner and loser in a political settlement. Rather, it should be peace that prevails. China will continue to play a constructive role to that end. China is neither the one that created the conflict nor a party to it, and has never provided lethal weapons or equipment to any party, Wang stressed. "We did not and will not seek gains from the conflict. Other countries should not smear and attack normal relations between China and Russia, should not undermine the legitimate rights of China and Chinese companies, and should not shift blame to China wantonly and provoke camp confrontation," he said. The Korean Peninsula issue has dragged on for years, and its root cause is clear. The imperative now is to desist from acts of deterrence and applying pressure, and move out of the spiral of escalating confrontation, Wang said. The fundamental solution lies in resuming dialogue and negotiation; addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties, especially those of the DPRK; and advancing the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue, Wang noted. "Turbulence and fighting in Northeast Asia will be in no one's interest. The core of the Korean Peninsula issue lies in the conflict between the United States and the DPRK, and it is the United States who holds the key to the issue," he said. JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military announced Wednesday that it was reinforcing its aerial defense system with reserve soldiers amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. In a statement, the military said "it was decided to increase manpower and draft reserve soldiers to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Aerial Defense Array," adding the move followed a situational assessment. On Tuesday, Iran vowed retaliation against the Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on Monday night, killing seven Iranians, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria, and his deputy. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, which stoked further escalation in the Middle East. NICOSIA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus called on the European Union (EU) on Wednesday to provide "practical assistance" as the eastern Mediterranean island is grappling with an influx of Syrian migrants. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou has said that Cyprus has intercepted 13 boats with a total of 739 migrants on board off its southeastern coast over the last three days. All the boats departed from the coasts of Lebanon, less than 200 km southeast of Cyprus, with nearly all passengers being Syrian nationals, Ioannou added. The minister also stressed the need for EU funds allocated to Lebanon to be linked to improved policing of Lebanese coasts and waters by local authorities. Cyprus is also calling for enhanced surveillance of the Lebanese coast by Frontex, the EU's security agency. The total number of Syrian refugees who have arrived by boats in Cyprus so far this year has reached 2,500, according to official data. President Nikos Christodoulides has said that he had a phone conversation Tuesday with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to request her personal intervention, saying that Cyprus is "in a state of crisis" as a result of the refugee influx. Cyprus, along with other EU member states, is advocating for declaring two regions in Syria as safe, which would enable the return of Syrian migrants. However, under current EU regulations, migrants from Syria are entitled to refugee protection. PARIS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was forced to drive from Paris to Brussels because of a plane malfunction, local media reported Wednesday. After arriving in France in a Boeing 737 aircraft, which has been modified for U.S. officials' use, Blinken met French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to discuss their support for Ukraine and the need to increase aid to Gaza. The aircraft in question later suffered a technical problem, but the cause is not yet known, according to local media. As a result, the U.S. delegation was forced to drive some 300 km from Paris to Brussels, where Blinken is due to attend a meeting of NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers on Wednesday and Thursday. In a similar incident in January, Blinken's return to the United States from Switzerland, where he attended the World Economic Forum, was delayed due to a plane technical failure. BEIRUT, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A Hezbollah fighter was killed and two civilians wounded on Wednesday in Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. The military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said casualties were caused by Israeli air strikes in three villages in the eastern and central regions. The strikes also resulted in the destruction of five houses and damage to 30 others. The sources said that Civil Defense members were clearing the rubble in the targeted villages of Aita al-Shaab, Yarine, and Kafr Kila, and transporting the casualties to the hospital. Hezbollah reported that its fighters attacked Israeli sites in Ruwaisat al-Alam, al-Samaqa, al-Malikiyah, Khallet Wardah, Branit, and Misgav Am. The military sources said they monitored the launch of approximately 70 surface-to-surface missiles from Lebanon towards northern Israel, with some of them being intercepted by Israeli Iron Dome missiles. 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 398 people on the Lebanese side, including 257 Hezbollah members and 73 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) distributed food packages to the Muslim community in the Central American country of El Salvador as part of its "Ramadan Program," Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. Food support was provided to 200 families in the capital San Salvador, and a total of a ton of basic food items, including rice, oil, and flour, were delivered for iftar meals of students of a primary school affiliated with the El Salvador Islamic Union, according to a statement by TIKA. The distributions were carried out with the participation of Turkiye's Ambassador to San Salvador Gul Buyukersen and Emerson Bukele, the brother of El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele. Bukele expressed his gratitude to TIKA and Turkiye in his speech, conveying his satisfaction on behalf of the Muslim community in El Salvador. Throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, TIKA will also provide food support to 200 families in Mexico and distribute Ramadan packages comprising stationery materials to 100 children through its Mexico office. Food aid will also be provided in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Panama, and an iftar program will be organized for the Muslim minority and households in need in the Cuban capital Havana. An electric metrobus developed by China's CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute is seen in Istanbul, Turkiye, April 3, 2024. Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, has commenced a 45-day trial of the state-of-the-art Chinese smart metrobus, a press release said on Wednesday. (Xinhua) ISTANBUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, has commenced a 45-day trial of the state-of-the-art Chinese smart metrobus, a press release said on Wednesday. The four-wagon electric metrobus, developed by China's CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute, boasts a capacity of 420 passengers and is equipped with virtual trajectory tracking capabilities. The institute emphasized in its release that this initiative is geared towards addressing the pressing demand for passenger transportation, with a primary focus on enhancing comfort, safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Representatives from Istanbul transportation institutions, including Istanbul Tram and Tunnel Enterprises and Istanbul Metro, conducted a test drive and experienced the new vehicles. Expressing satisfaction with the trial, they indicated their intent to collaborate further with their Chinese counterparts to introduce these eco-friendly, high-capacity, long-range, and self-driving vehicles to enhance the comfort of urban bus routes. Peng Zhonghong, general manager of CRRC Smart Rail, a subsidiary of CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, said that the introduction of the vehicles will provide new opportunities and environmentally friendly solutions to address the public transportation challenges faced by Istanbul's 16 million residents. "Additionally, it will effectively reduce traffic congestion pressure in the city," he remarked, affirming his institution's commitment to providing comprehensive technical support and after-sales service. GAZA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- It should be a happy day. Ghazal Bseiso was finally able to leave Gaza, the war-torn enclave. Yet the departure only tortures the mother of four, who can leave with only two of her children. At the Rafah border crossing that separates Gaza and Egypt, Bseiso couldn't help but burst into tears as she let go of the hand of her daughter, who had to stay behind. "I paid everything ... to be able to flee the war," Bseiso told Xinhua while trying to control her tears. "I don't know why they prevented me from taking all my children. We are subjected to injustice all the time." "How will my two young children live without me, and how will I bear being away from them? What sin have we committed to be displaced in this tragic way?" exclaimed the mother. The 35-year-old mother moved to Gaza from Egypt after she married a Palestinian man ten years ago. She told Xinhua that her life had been happy until everything was shattered after the conflict broke out in Gaza in October last year. Since then, Bseiso had been applying through her family in Egypt for a permit to leave the Strip. After a prolonged wait, the permit finally came, albeit an incomplete and heart-breaking one. Hadir Abu Shamala underwent a similar tragedy. An Israeli bombing injured her mother, and took the lives of the rest of their family. In a heart-wrenching moment at the Rafah crossing, the 12-year-old girl pleaded and cried out, desperately seeking permission to accompany her mother on her journey for medical treatment. However, according to Palestinian officials at the crossing, the child was not allowed to travel because her name was not on the passenger list. Abu Shamala had no choice but to return to live with her uncle's family in a makeshift tent located in Mawasi Rafah, in the southern region of the Strip. "I don't want to stay here. I want to be with my mother in Egypt. I miss my mother very much," she said before tears welled up in her eyes. Every day, the sad parting scenes reoccur at the Rafah crossing as numerous Palestinians depart the Strip, fleeing the looming threat of death that has persisted in the region for the past six months. The Rafah crossing is what separates life and death for the people in Gaza, said Mohammed Al-Shaer, a Palestinian from Gaza City. "I do not support what Hamas did on October 7 (2023), but why must we always pay the price of political crises? We want to live, we want to survive, and we want to travel," grumbled the 25-year-old young man. Israel 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. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the Israeli army has killed 32,975 and injured 75,577 Palestinians as of Wednesday in its military operations in the enclave. GAZA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh affirmed on Wednesday the movement's commitment to its demands for a ceasefire in Gaza. Haniyeh said in a speech, ahead of the International Quds Day, that the demands include the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced to their homes, the entry of aid, the lifting of the blockade, reconstruction, and a dignified prisoner exchange deal. In the speech, he accused the Israeli side of sticking to "indirect negotiations and not responding to the fair Palestinian demands to stop its aggression on Gaza." He called on Arab and Islamic countries to form a popular front to put an end to Israeli aggression, and support the liberation battle waged by the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, he emphasized that "the continued violence would not have endured without U.S. support and direct involvement in aiding Israel's actions, including supplying weapons and billions in assistance." The International Quds Day, which falls on the last Friday of Ramadan every year, is to express support for Palestinians and oppose Israel's occupation of Jerusalem. This year's occasion comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict since last October, resulting in the deaths of nearly 33,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis. The conflict came after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israeli towns, killing around 1,200 people. PORT SUDAN, Sudan, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's government announced on Tuesday the suspension of Al Arabiya News channel, Al Hadath TV, and Sky News Arabia's operations within the country, citing a lack of "professional standards and transparency" in their media coverage. Acting Information Minister Graham Abdel-Qadir issued a directive to halt these broadcasters' activities immediately. He emphasized that the decision was made to safeguard "the interests and values of Sudanese citizens." On March 29, Sky News Arabia aired a video report alleging the involvement of Islamic State elements in combat alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The report was refuted by the Sudanese government, with the foreign ministry calling it "unprofessional and biased." Sudan has been engulfed in violent clashes between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 15, 2023. The conflict has led to the displacement of approximately 8.1 million people, with around 6.3 million internally displaced, as per the latest UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project has recorded approximately 13,900 fatalities since the onset of hostilities. TUNIS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied called for a fight against monopolies, price hikes and criminal networks when he met with senior officials here on Tuesday evening. He made the remarks when meeting with Tunisian Interior Minister Kamel Feki, Director General of National Security Mourad Saidane and Director General and Commander of the National Guard Hassine Gharbi. "Crises are created almost every day in this or that sector or region," Saied said in a statement released by the Tunisian Presidency. Saied stressed the need to dismantle criminal networks, saying that sacred national duty requires all-out efforts to eliminate these networks, as they are committing acts that are punishable by law and cannot remain without accountability and punishment. KHARTOUM, April 2 (Xinhua) -- A number of people were killed and wounded on Tuesday in a drone attack on a gathering of an Islamist brigade in Atbara city in northern Sudan's Nahr al-Neel State, said the state's security committee. "A group of worshipers were attacked by a drone while performing sunset prayer after the iftar meal," the committee said in a statement. The attack left several people dead and wounded, said the statement, adding the wounded had been transferred for treatment. Meanwhile, local media reported that a drone attack targeted the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade during an iftar meal after the sunset prayer. According to eyewitnesses, the attack left seven people dead and about 17 others injured, while no official information on the number of casualties has been issued yet. No party has yet claimed responsibility for the incident. The al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade has been fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Omdurman city, northwest of the capital Khartoum. Sudan has been engulfed in violent clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project has recorded approximately 13,900 fatalities since the onset of hostilities. An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 26, 2023 shows a fishing harbor under construction in the Lindi region, Tanzania.(China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd/Handout via Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The construction of Tanzania's first-ever fishing harbor will be completed in 2025, boosting the country's fish catches in deep seas, a senior official said Wednesday. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa told parliament in the capital of Dodoma that the construction of the fishing harbor in Kilwa Masoko on the Indian Ocean coastline in the Lindi region has reached 42 percent. The project is being built by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, and has helped more than 400 local people get jobs, according to Tanzania Ports Authority. Tang Zhen, deputy head of the Eastern Africa Division of the company, said CHEC will spare no efforts to help Tanzania build its first-ever fishing harbor, and continuously enhance friendship and cooperation between China and Tanzania. In efforts aimed at improving the fisheries sector, the government has distributed 160 fishing boats worth 11.5 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 4.5 million U.S. dollars) to fisheries cooperatives and individual fishers in 58 district councils, Majaliwa told the House when he tabled his office's budget proposals for the 2024/2025 financial year. He said the government has also constructed 222 fish farming cages in Mara, Simiyu, Mwanza, Kagera and Geita regions, which have been allocated to 1,213 fish farmers. This photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile blasting off in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), April 2, 2024. The DPRK on Tuesday successfully test-fired an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile with its top leader guiding the event on the spot, the official KCNA reported on Wednesday. (KCNA/Handout via Xinhua) SEOUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday successfully test-fired an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile with its top leader guiding the event on the spot, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Wednesday. The test-fire marked the first time the country has launched the new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic missile, called Hwasongpho-16B, which was loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead, according to the KCNA report. The missile was launched towards the northeast at an army unit's training field on the outskirts of Pyongyang, the report said. After separation from the missile, the hypersonic gliding warhead reached its first peak at the height of 101.1 kilometers and the second peak at the height of 72.3 kilometers while making 1,000-km-long flight as scheduled, before it accurately fell into the eastern waters off the Korean Peninsula, the report said. The test-fire had made no adverse effect on the security of neighboring countries, it added. Calling the missile "another powerful strategic offensive weapon to demonstrate the absolute advantage of the DPRK defense science and technology," Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, said the country has "put all of its tactical, operational and strategic missiles with various ranges on solid-fueled, warhead-controlled and nuclear warhead-carrying basis," representing the successful implementation of the party's principles of missile development drive for "rapidly, accurately and powerfully striking any target in the enemy side worldwide," according to the KCNA report. Kim said the most urgent task for the country at present is to develop the overwhelming power capable of containing and controlling the enemies, and the defence science sector should step up its efforts to steadily improve the national defence capacity. This photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile blasting off in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), April 2, 2024. The DPRK on Tuesday successfully test-fired an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile with its top leader guiding the event on the spot, the official KCNA reported on Wednesday. (KCNA/Handout via Xinhua) CANBERRA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to express the nation's anger over the death of a citizen in Gaza. Albanese on Wednesday confirmed he has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and conveyed to him in clear terms that Australians are outraged by the death of Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom in the Gaza Strip. "I expressed Australia's anger and concern at the death of Zomi Frankcom," Albanese said at a press conference in Canberra. Frankcom was one of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers who were killed when the three-car convoy they were traveling in was hit by an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza Strip on Monday local time. Albanese said that during their phone call Netanyahu was committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the strike with full transparency. "The Israeli government has accepted responsibility for this and Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed his condolences to the family of Zomi Frankcom and to Australia as a result of this tragedy," he said. He praised the aid workers who were killed as heroes and said he had given Frankcom's family his personal phone number to provide whatever assistance the government can. CANBERRA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned Israel for an airstrike that killed an Australian citizen in Gaza. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Wong said the Australian government expects full accountability from Israel for the deaths of seven people who were working with World Central Kitchen to deliver aid in Gaza when they were killed by an airstrike on Monday local time. The group included Australian citizen Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, a Melbourne-born 43-year-old who had worked with the aid organization for five years. "The death of any aid worker is outrageous and unacceptable," Wong said. "The Australian government condemns this strike. The government has made representations to the Netanyahu government and seeks a thorough and expeditious review." She confirmed the foreign affairs department is providing consular assistance to Frankcom's family in Australia. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had requested a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the incident. Appearing on Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio on Wednesday morning, Wong said she expected Netanyahu to make himself available to speak to Albanese and urged the Israeli leader to change course to avoid further civilian deaths. Frankcom's family said in a statement on Tuesday that they were mourning the news that "Zomi" had been killed doing the work she loves. They said "Zomi" was a kind, selfless and outstanding human who will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love. Sohar International, the fastest-growing bank in Oman, has shown remarkable growth among top banks in the GCC achieving top rankings in Total Assets and Return on Equity (ROE) among all GCC banks. Sohar International led the charge with the highest year-on-year growth in total assets across the GCC, marking a staggering 61.9% increase. This remarkable achievement underscores the banks strong financial health, strategic asset management, and commitment to expanding operations and market reach, said a new KPMG report titled: GCC Listed Banks Results: Adaptation and Growth. The report factored in countries comprising the GCC (i.e. Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait) and summarised the financial results and selected key performance indicators (KPIs) of the 52 leading GCC banks for the year-ended December 31, 2023. Sohar Internationals asset growth not only reflects its operational excellence but also its strategic foresight in navigating the dynamic and quickly evolving GCC financial landscape. Excellence in shareholder value In addition to its asset growth, Sohar International has also distinguished itself by securing the second position in the return on equity (ROE) category across the GCC. This notable accomplishment is a testament to the banks efficiency in utilising equity and generating significant profits from its assets. Sohar Internationals commitment to maximising shareholder value while maintaining operational efficiency highlights its position as a leader in profitability and financial stewardship. The bank also recently obtained a no-objection certificate from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), paving the way for the commencement of operations in the thriving Saudi Arabian market.--TradeArabia News Service ULAN BATOR, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Over 30 percent of the Mongolian territory is still covered with snow of up to 40 cm thick, the National Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday. Last winter, Mongolia saw record snowfall, the largest since 1975, and around 90 percent of its territory had been covered with snow up to 100 cm thick, according to the emergency agency. Due to the heavy snowfall, almost all provinces of the country had experienced the extreme wintry weather known as "dzud," killing over 5.9 million farm animals so far this winter. The dzud is a Mongolian term to describe a severely cold winter when a large number of livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered in snow. Mongolia, one of the last nomadic countries in the world, has a harsh continental climate with frequent strong winds, snow and dust storms. VIENTIANE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government is working on a decree on carbon credits to be generated by Lao forests for sale on the international market. The Department of Climate Change under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and development partners have met in the Lao capital Vientiane discussing details of the decree, including the processes involved in the buying and selling of carbon credits. Discussions focused on calculating and certifying greenhouse gas emission reductions including benefit sharing, income tax, and fees and service charges involved in the purchase and sale of carbon credits, according to a report from the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Wednesday. The decree will help promote the investment in greenhouse gas reduction in the Southeast Asian country and enable the purchase and sale of carbon credits to be managed through a centralized system. The decree will also ensure the Lao carbon market is clearly defined, in serving as an efficient tool for the Lao government in regulating and selling carbon credits on the Lao and international markets. The draft decree expected to cover all aspects of the carbon trade will be available for comments by local government agencies before a final version is put forward at a government meeting to be held in June, according to the report. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni (5th R, front) poses for a group photo during the inaugural session of the Senate in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 3, 2024. Sihamoni on Wednesday presided over the inaugural session of the Senate for the fifth legislature after a non-universal election in February. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Wednesday presided over the inaugural session of the Senate for the fifth legislature after a non-universal election in February. The Senate, or the upper house of the parliament, has 62 seats, and the election was held for 58 seats, as two senators were appointed by the king and two others were nominated by the National Assembly, or the lower house. In the February non-universal election, the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won 55 Senate seats and the opposition Khmer Will Party gained the remaining three seats. Sihamoni extended his warmest congratulations to the senators-elect, urging them to adhere to the rules and ethics of the Senate and to demonstrate a great sense of responsibility in carrying out their duties in order to bring confidence and warmth to their fellow citizens. "The Senate must protect the public interest and social justice for social equity, respect for the rights, freedoms, beliefs and dignity of everyone, and improve the quality of life by ensuring long-term happiness and harmony within the family, the community and our society as a whole," he said in a speech during the inaugural session. "On this auspicious occasion, I would like to wish the Senate of the 5th legislature all the best in discharging its duties and responsibilities in a more efficient, transparent and accountable manner, in order to successfully pursue its mission in the interests of the nation, the homeland and the people as a whole," he added. Meanwhile, the Cambodian king highlighted the importance of peace, saying that maintaining peace and stability was an overall prerequisite and an indispensable environment to ensure the standards of living and the progress of the nation in all areas. After the inaugural session, the first senate session will be convened and former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the CPP, is expected to be elected as the president of the Senate, according to a Senate's official schedule. All the senators are scheduled to take the oath of allegiance at the Royal Palace on Wednesday afternoon. The Senate was founded in 1999, with each term lasting six years. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni inspects the guard of honor in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 3, 2024. Sihamoni on Wednesday presided over the inaugural session of the Senate for the fifth legislature after a non-universal election in February. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) NICOSIA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Cypriot authorities have halted the operation of the Amalthea sea corridor delivering aid to Gaza in the wake of the tragic deaths of seven aid workers in an Israeli attack, Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos announced on Tuesday. Kombos said the suspension is pending a thorough reassessment of the situation on the ground, particularly after the withdrawal of the non-governmental organization (NGO) World Central Kitchen (WCK) from the project. WCK decided to leave the Amalthea project following the deaths of seven of its aid workers in the Israeli air strike in central Gaza. According to a statement by WCK, the victims included nationals of Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Palestine, as well as one American-Canadian citizen. They had unloaded 100 tons of aid brought to Gaza through the Cyprus sea aid corridor before being killed in the air strike. "Activities have been put on hold as NGO World Central Kitchen has announced its withdrawal from the project," Kombos remarked, stressing the need for answers from Israel regarding the incident. The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC) at Larnaca port, the base of the Amalthea project, instructed three ships, loaded with hundreds of tons of foodstuffs destined for Gaza, to return to port. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of the sea aid corridor operation, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of continuing the project, citing the urgent food needs of Gaza. "We need to intensify our efforts to deliver aid to Gaza," Christodoulides stressed, acknowledging WCK's significant role as a partner in the initiative. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 27 in retaliation against Hamas attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage. The health ministry in Gaza said on Monday that the death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 32,845. MOSCOW, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Russia's life expectancy in 2023 exceeded pre-pandemic levels, reaching a historic high, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Wednesday. "At the end of last year, life expectancy in Russia reached almost 73.5 years," Mishustin said, adding that such indicators have never been recorded in the history of the former Soviet Union and modern Russia. According to Russia's Federal State Statistics Service, life expectancy in Russia was 73.3 years in 2019. This value declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and was 71.5 in 2020. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in February that the country plans to increase life expectancy to at least 78 years by 2030. HELSINKI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Finnish police confirmed on Wednesday that bullying directed at the suspected shooter was a motivating factor behind the tragic school shooting that occurred on Tuesday in Vantaa, a suburb near the capital city of Helsinki. In a press release, police said the suspect, a 12-year-old sixth grader, told the police that he had experienced bullying at school and this has been verified in the investigation. The suspect, a student at Viertola School in Vantaa, fatally shot a boy and seriously wounded two girls with a handgun. All four were all classmates of the same age, the police said. The suspect, who had recently moved to the area, had been enrolled at Viertola School for just 11 weeks prior to the incident. The suspect has since been handed over to the custody of social welfare authorities. Under Finnish law, individuals aged under 15 are not held criminally responsible. As a result, the suspect cannot be detained or imprisoned, as stated in the press release. The shooting is currently under investigation as a murder case, with two counts of attempted murder. Moreover, authorities are examining allegations that the suspect made threats against fellow students after leaving the school premises. As a result, this aspect of the incident is also being classified and investigated as an act of threat by the police. The municipal education authority of Vantaa refrained from commenting on allegations of bullying within the school. Ilkka Kalo, director for primary education in Vantaa, declined to address inquiries related to the motive during a press briefing with national broadcaster Yle. Viertola School, which houses about 800 students across four separate buildings, lacks emergency assistance request buttons in most of its buildings, including the location of the shooting. According to media reports, students had to rely on their personal mobile phones to seek assistance during the incident. The revolver-type handgun used by the shooter belonged to a close relative, who is the licensed owner of the weapon, the police said. Police are probing the circumstances surrounding the accessibility of the weapon to the suspect, considering it as a potential violation of gun control regulations. Company Logo Global Spinal Implants Market Global Spinal Implants Market Dublin, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Spinal Implants Market by Product (Devices (Thoracic, Cervical, Interbody Fusion, Spinal Non-Fusion), Biologics, Stimulators), Application (VCF, Spinal Decompression, Fusion, Non-Fusion), Surgery (Open, MIS), Region & Customer Unmet Needs - Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global spinal implants market is projected to reach USD 14.3 billion by 2028 from USD 11.2 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% The projected surge in market growth for spinal implants is underpinned by a confluence of compelling advantages. Notably, spinal implants are driven by an aging population, rising cases of spinal conditions, and an increase in research & funding initiatives from public/private organizations for the advancement in spine surgical technologies. For the forecasting period 2023 - 2028, the APAC region is expected to register a significant growth rate in the market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific comprises India, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and RoAPAC. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has witnessed a significant increase in the market growth rate for spinal implants. There are several drivers that contributed to this growth: The Asia Pacific market is experiencing growth due to increased investments by government agencies in emerging countries aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, the market is benefiting from the rise in independent orthopedic centers, a substantial patient population, and strategic initiatives by industry players to expand their offerings of spinal implant products in the Asia Pacific region. Furthermore, the escalating early detection of spinal disorders with improved efficacy for early diagnosis and treatment amplifies the demand for advanced treatment modalities, with spinal implants positioned as a forefront solution. These factors are poised to usher in a phase of robust expansion within the market, consequently shaping the landscape of spinal implant adoption in the forthcoming forecasting years. Prominent players in this market are Medtronic (Ireland), Johnson & Johnson- Depuy Synthes (US), Stryker Corporation (US), NuVasive (US), among others. Open surgeries segment to register largest market share in 2022 - 2028 Based on the type of surgery, the spinal implant market is segmented into Open surgeries and minimally invasive surgeries. The open surgeries segment registered the largest market share over the forecast period of 2022 - 2028. The growth of this segment is due to the cases involving intricate spinal deformities like severe scoliosis or advanced kyphosis; open surgeries are frequently the preferred approach. Story continues The direct visualization inherent in open procedures enhances surgeons' ability to effectively address complex anatomical abnormalities. Moreover, surgeons' familiarity and expertise with open techniques can influence the choice of procedure. In some cases, particularly for surgeons trained in traditional methods, open surgeries may be preferred., further fueling the segment's advancement. Hospitals segment held the largest share of spinal implants market in 2022, by End-user Based on the end-user, the spinal implants market is segmented into Hospitals and orthopedic centers. In 2022, the hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the global spinal implants market. The growth of this segment is being propelled by factors including a significant portion of spinal surgeries, ranging from routine procedures to complex interventions, early adoption of advanced spinal implant technologies, and shaping trends through their clinical practices. The report provides insights on the following pointers: Analysis of key drivers (increasing prevalence of spinal disorder diseases, Increasing geriatric population worldwide, Ongoing advancements in spine surgery technologies), restraints (high cost of treatment procedures and uncertainty in reimbursement structure), opportunities (Growth in the number of hospitals and surgical centers, Emerging markets offers high-growth opportunities), and challenges (lack of adequate physicians and limited awareness) influencing the growth of the spinal implants market Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the spinal implants market. Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the spinal implants market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the spinal implants market Companies Featured Medtronic PLC Johnson & Johnson Medtech Nuvasive, Inc. Stryker Corporation Globus Medical, Inc. Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. Orthofix International N.V. Ulrich GmbH & Co. KG B. Braun Melsungen AG Integra Lifesciences Holdings Corporation Boston Scientific Corporation Abbott Laboratories Spineart Centinel Spine LLC Premia Spine Exactech, Inc. Life Spine, Inc. Atec Spine Kuros Biosciences Ltd. Bioventus LLC Colfax Corporation Aesculap Inc. Implanet Camber Spine Technologies Captiva Spine, Inc. Medacta International Aurora Spine Corporation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/s8lhah 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 It makes sense to follow what billionaires are buying. Investors are aiming to maximize their investments, and if someone else turned their money into billions, it's a good sign that they may know what they're doing. You can mirror a billionaire's movements to a certain degree. Only their holding company's or hedge fund's positions are public, if that's how they got their billions, not their personal filings. These positions are only reported on a quarterly basis, so you won't know exactly when they're buying or selling. And they likely have different investing goals than yours, especially if they're trading other people's money. That doesn't mean you can't get inspiration from a billionaire's portfolio. It's often an excellent place to find great stock ideas. Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS), Toast (NYSE: TOST), and American Express (NYSE: AXP) are three billionaire-owned stocks that are excellent picks right now. 1. Disney: On its way back up Disney has been in the news a lot lately, and one reason is a proxy battle with billionaire hedge fund manager Nelson Peltz. Peltz's fund, Trian Partners, owns $3 billion of Disney stock, or 1.3% of its total market capitalization. After years of challenging conditions, beginning with the pandemic, Disney looks like it's finally ready to get back to steady growth. Demand is high for Disney's theme parks, streaming is getting close to profitability, and filmmaking is back on schedule after the Hollywood writers' strike. Revenue was flat year over year in the 2024 fiscal first quarter (ended Dec. 30), but Wall Street cheered the report, and Disney stock is up 36% year to date. Earnings per share (excluding certain items) were up from $0.99 last year to $1.22 this year, and operating income increased 27% year over year. This was partially driven by improvements in streaming, and streaming operating losses were cut by 86% from last year. Management reiterated that it expected Disney+ to be profitable by the end of fiscal 2024. Investors were getting worried when Disney+ expenses were skyrocketing and subscriptions were slowing down, and the overall vision for the company looked unclear. Under the management of returning CEO Bob Iger, investors have become more confident in Disney's direction. Iger wants to put creativity back in the center of things, and Disney has a large slate of fan-favorite content coming out. The company is investing $60 billion in upgrading its theme parks and opening new ones, and experiences are an important element of Disney's strategy -- the cycle of bringing its beloved characters and distinctive style for fans to consume in a variety of experiences and content. Story continues Disney has finally reinstated its dividend after suspending it early in the pandemic, and it plans to repurchase $3 billion of shares in 2024. Expect Disney stock to keep rising this year and to create shareholder value well into the future. 2. Toast: Simple model, big rewards The second stock I recommend buying that prominent billionaires own is Toast, owned by Tiger Management's Chase Coleman. Toast markets full management solutions for restaurants. It offers hardware and software packages and operates as a lucrative software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, bringing in high and growing recurring revenue. It also makes money from payment processing, adding another high-margin revenue stream to its business. Toast measures its growth in locations added, and it's been adding new ones at a fast pace. It services 106,000 locations as of the end of 2023, a 34% increase year over year. Revenue increased 42% year over year for the full year to $3.9 billion, gross profits outpaced that and increased 63%, and net loss contracted from $275 million to $246 million for the year. Toast's tools and services can completely change how a restaurant runs, improving efficiency and saving them time and money, which is why so many owners realize that it's a worthwhile investment. The company sees a massive market opportunity, with $110 billion in global market and $15 billion in its current serviceable addressable market. Toast stock is up 36% this year so far, and it's still in its early growth stages. 3. American Express: Refreshing itself to bring in new members Of course, on a list like this, it's natural to find a Warren Buffett stock. His holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns an equity portfolio with around 40 stocks at any given time, but American Express is one of its longest-held positions. American Express has many things Warren Buffett loves in a stock; a strong brand, a continued opportunity to play a role in the economy, lots of cash, and a wide moat. Its fee-based card model is a recurring revenue stream that leads to loyalty, and the fees pad a strong bottom line. They increased 20% year over year in 2023 and accounted for 12% of total revenue. American Express reported excellent results in 2023 and is ahead of its long-term goals. Revenue and EPS both increased 14% year over year, and it added 12.2 million new fee-based cards for a total of 140 million globally. Over the past few years, American Express has refreshed its image to appeal to a younger clientele, and this cohort is driving its growth. Indeed, 60% of global card acquisitions were millennial and Gen Z shoppers in 2023, and they accounted for 75% of new U.S. consumer platinum and gold members. American Express has successfully pivoted to attract this new young cohort that will grow with it and provide years of revenue and profits. American Express stock is up 22% this year so far, and this Buffett favorite should lead to strong gains for shareholders in 2024 and beyond. Where to invest $1,000 right now When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for two decades, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has more than tripled the market.* They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now and Walt Disney made the list -- but there are 9 other stocks you may be overlooking. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 1, 2024 American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Jennifer Saibil has positions in American Express and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway, Toast, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 No-Brainer Billionaire-Owned Stocks to Buy Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool CARLSBAD, Calif., April 03, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3E, the leading global provider of intelligent compliance solutions for chemical and workplace safety, product stewardship, and sustainable supply chains, has completed its previously announced acquisition of Quick-FDS, the leading provider of workplace safety solutions in France. The acquisition of Quick-FDS from WEKA Group further expands 3Es presence in Europe and establishes a leading position in the French market in particular. Quick-FDS partners with both global manufacturers and downstream users of chemical products, providing mission-critical solutions that enable improved regulatory compliance and workplace safety. The Company has developed a highly specialized knowledge base and resource library of Safety Data Sheets ("SDS"), allowing many of the worlds largest companies to comply with both local and global regulatory pressures. "We are thrilled to welcome Quick-FDS team, clients and partners into the broader 3E organization. Expanding in the French market has been a high priority for 3E and we are excited to accelerate our growth in the country through the combination of two industry-leading businesses," said Greg Gartland, Chief Executive Officer of 3E. "This combination further solidifies 3E as the global leader in SDS management, empowering clients to improve chemical and workplace safety in a world with increasingly complex regulations." Deep knowledge and understanding of continuously evolving regulations have become critical for companies in and adjacent to the chemical industry. REACH regulations in the EU require all suppliers of chemicals to provide a unique Safety Data Sheet for each chemical substance to their customers. Quick-FDS market-leading solution enables compliance with REACH and a variety of other EU regulations, allowing customers to execute on their strategic goals while adhering to increasingly stringent requirements. Robin Duale, Managing Director of WEKA Group in France, said "This combination represents a significant milestone in the EHS&S industry, bringing together two of the most sophisticated providers of SDS management, workplace safety, and product stewardship solutions in Europe. The breadth of solutions that the combined company will be able to provide to clients is unparalleled, allowing for more informed decisions while reducing regulatory risks consistently, efficiently, and confidently." "This combination is highly strategic as 3E continues to expand its presence in Europe and across the globe," added JP O'Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer at 3E. "With the combined strengths and capabilities of both 3E and Quick-FDS, we remain deeply committed to offering safety and compliance solutions to our clients and will be able to provide greater value and expertise as we serve an expanding global customer base." Story continues 3E has been active in strategic acquisition efforts since its separation from Verisk, having acquired Toxnot, Chemycal, ChemChain, and now Quick-FDS since March of 2022. Shearman & Sterling LLP and Proskauer Rose LLP serve as the legal advisors to 3E. WEKA Group and Quick-FDS are advised by Carlsquare (M&A) and Astura (Legal). About Quick-FDS Quick-FDS provides digital workflow solutions related to Safety Data Sheet management to help manufacturers and end-users along the full supply chain for chemical products comply with global regulations, including European REACH. Quick-FDS historical success is driven by tight integration with compliance-related workflows throughout the chemical and specialty materials sector. Global chemical manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers strongly endorse Quick-FDS as a true partner within their broader regulatory strategy. About 3E For more than 35 years the worlds leading companies have trusted 3E to provide the intelligent compliance solutions they need to ensure safety and sustainability. Unmatched Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHS&S) and product compliance expertise empowers clients to improve chemical and workplace safety, product safety and stewardship and supply chain transparency. 3E is deeply committed to serving its more than 5,000 customers worldwide, representing a wide variety of industries and including the worlds largest chemical manufacturers, retailers and pharmaceutical companies. Learn more at www.3Eco.com About WEKA Group WEKA Group is a diversified group of media companies and a leading provider of specialist information and advanced education with 15 operational companies in Germany, Austria, and France. WEKA Groups media-neutral content is offered in all common formats and reaches highly diversified niche markets across all industries. WEKA Group is headquartered in Kissing, Germany, and employs approximately 1,000 employees. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240328295790/en/ Contacts Media: Maria Rutland 3E maria.rutland@3eco.com +1.760.987.5152 TAIPEI and SAN DIEGO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. (TPEx: 6492), a drug development company focusing on first-in-class therapeutics for oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases, announces it will be exhibiting at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, 2024, held in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center from April 5 to 10. The AACR Annual is one of the biggest and most important events in cancer research, and brings together clinicians, researchers, industry, policymakers, and patient organizations. Senhwa will display a booth for the first time at the conference (Booths: Ground Level #1454, open from April 7-10), showcasing the innovative mechanisms and clinical results of the company's two new drugs, Pidnarulex (CX-5461) and Silmitasertib (CX-4945) in treating various cancers and the combination with PARP inhibitors and IO therapeutics. The team is very excited to meet its research and medical partners, make new connections, and get updated with the latest advancements in cancer research. Aside from the booth, the Company will host a dinner reception at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Those partner physicians who have worked closely on clinical trials in the United States, Canada, Australia, Taiwan are invited and this event aims to explore more potential collaboration opportunities. a At the same time, the Senhwa AACR team is led by CEO, Jin-Ding Huang Ph. D and also includes Ms. Joanne Lo, director of business development, Ms. Mermay Chen, director of strategy and Tzu-I Chao, director of drug development and other managers from the US subsidiary. The company's major focus is engaging with academic and industry researchers as well as with clinicians in person, and explore more opportunities, which may include cooperation in clinical trials, licensing agreements, introducing late-stage or marketed novel drugs to expand the company's current product line. If you are attending this year's AACR and wish to learn more about how we can support your research or enroll in our clinical network program, visit us at Booth #1454 or get in touch with our team to schedule your meeting. See you in San Diego! About Silmitasertib Silmitasertib is a first-in-class small molecule drug that targets the CK2 protein and acts as a CK2 inhibitor. Clinical studies thus far have shown Silmitasertib to be safe and well-tolerated in humans and is easily administered with its oral formulation. Silmitasertib is currently under development through several oncology programs in adults and children with recurrent/advanced or metastatic cancer. To date, three Phase I and one Phase I/II study of Silmitasertib in oncology, as well as two Phase II trials in infectious diseases, have been completed. The US FDA has granted Silmitasertib Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma in December 2016, Rare Pediatric Disease Designation and Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of Medulloblastoma in July 2020 and December 2021, respectively. Fast Track Designation was granted in August 2021 for the treatment of recurrent Sonic Hedgehog driven Medulloblastoma. About Senhwa Biosciences Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. is a leading clinical-stage company focused on developing first-in-class, next-generation DNA Damage Response therapeutics and seeks to address unmet medical needs in oncology and infectious diseases. Headquartered in Taiwan, with an operational base in San Diego, California, Senhwa is well-positioned to oversee the development of its compounds. Silmitasertib (CX-4945) and Pidnarulex (CX-5461), both with novel mechanisms of action as anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of multiple indications, are the core products in Senhwa Bioscience's pipeline. Clinical trials are currently ongoing in Australia, Canada, United States and Taiwan. Visit Senhwa Biosciences' website for more details: www.senhwabio.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aacr-2024-annual-meeting-visit-senhwa-biosciences-exhibit-booth-302106955.html SOURCE Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East Summit, organised by New Perspective Media (NPM) Group, convened a diverse assembly of experts and officials during its second edition held on March 1. The international summit, held in Dubai, UAE, witnessed the gathering of government dignitaries from both the Philippines and the UAE, alongside leading industry figures. The event brought together renowned organisations such as AESG, Emirates Green Building Council, Diamond Developers, Maccaferri Middle East LLC, Dell Technologies, Godwin Austen Johnson, Arcadis, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Middle East, and Women in Cyber Security Middle East (WiCSME). Future of AEC industries The expert panel delved into the future of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, exploring topics such as the evolution of landscape design to incorporate blue and green spaces for climate adaptation. They discussed the development of smart cities that seamlessly integrate modern advancements while preserving heritage and natural environments. Sustainable practices, including the construction of green buildings and the use of renewable energy sources, were highlighted, with an emphasis on what role Filipinos in the Middle East can play in introducing innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Esteemed speakers included Abdullatif Albitawi, Director of Emirates Green Building Council; Joel Jude Tadeo, Sustainability Consultant at AESG; Hani Khalaf, CTO, and Business Development Lead - Internet of Things and Digital Cities META at Dell Technologies; Karim Naja, Senior Design Manager Landscape, Diamond Developers; and Jayakrishnan P.V., Regional Technical Manager, Maccaferri Middle East. Also contributing to the discussions were Arch Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, Associate Director at Godwin Austen Johnson; Kairmein Deboo-Irani, Director for Urban Planning at Arcadis; and Eng Mansour Faried, Chief Engineer and Member of Senior Management at China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East). Elite panel Further enriching the panel discussions were Mazin Gadir, Director of Volunteers at Project Management Office Global Alliance UAE Hub; Arch Paul Peter Son R Rigor, Lead Architect at Arcadis; Eng Sheryl Dela Pena, President of PICE-UAE and Senior Quantity Surveyor and Contracts Administrator at Distance Studio Consultants; and Irene Corpuz - Founding Partner and Board Member - Women in Cyber Security Middle East. Key government figures present included Eng Shayma Al Awadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) who highlighted the significant contribution of Filipino professionals to the region's growth. Al Awadhi said: The contributions of the Filipino community to our nations growth story throughout the past 52 years have been truly remarkable and indispensable, and it will continue to be so. Al Awadhi extended her gratitude to the attendees of the event, acknowledging their significant role in the advancement of the UAE: Engineers and architects play crucial roles in shaping the world we live in, from designing and constructing buildings and infrastructure to developing technologies that improve our quality of life. Pursuing avenues Philippine Consulate General Dubai and Northern Emirates Head of Post and Vice Consul Aleah Gica, said: The government is actively pursuing avenues for cooperation with competent UAE authorities and exploring initiatives to streamline the recognition of credentials held by licensed Filipino professionals aiming to facilitate smoother transitions and has opportunities for our compatriots seeking to establish successful careers in the UAE. We hope to see progress in these efforts hopefully in the near future, through the support of our esteemed officials and friends. Hon Jaime V Mendoza, Member of the PRC Board of Engineering of the Philippine Professionals Regulation Commission lauded TFT and NPM Groups initiative, stating: The Professional Regulatory Board of Electrical Engineering (PRBEE) recognises the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation-driven events like this, in empowering Filipino professionals, including those based overseas. These events provide invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration, enabling professionals to expand their knowledge base, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of industry trends. Dr Karen Remo, Chief Executive Officer & Founder of New Perspective Media Group, publisher of The Filipino Times, and Chairman of TFT Watchlist Summit and Awards said: To create solutions, we need information. Through the power of The Filipino Times, the largest digital news portal for overseas Filipinos globally and the biggest free newspaper in the UAE, we are happy to reach out to 4.5 million every month viewers and empower them with knowledge and inspire them with remarkable achievements of architects and engineers who have not only built impressive structures but also paved the way for the future. Expand Watchlist Vince Ang, Chief Operations Officer at New Perspective Media Group and General Manager of The Filipino Times, commented: Committed to helping Filipinos develop themselves and their careers, we at The Filipino Times aspire to provide knowledge-sharing platforms. This commitment is our contribution to their success, and we aim to expand the Watchlist in support of more Filipinos across different industries. Filipino engineers and architects in the Middle East are synonymous with excellence, innovation, and resilience. Their outstanding contributions to sustainable landscape designs and urban development have not only reshaped the region but also earned worldwide admiration and recognition. The event, centered around the theme Filipinos in the Middle East: Charting a Sustainable Future for Architecture and Engineering with Cutting-Edge Solutions, showcases NPM Groups commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility by aligning with the UAEs extension of the Year of Sustainability campaign. The summit and awards are supported by Hotel101, Arthaland, Megaworld, Blueberry Travels, Karat World, and Darcey Flowers.--TradeArabia News Service TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 3, 2024 / Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce that it has incorporated a U.S. based subsidiary, Aclara Technologies Inc. ("Aclara Technologies"), to develop its rare earths separation capabilities in the United States. This development will allow Aclara to better position itself to carry out all of the stages leading up to the production of metal and alloys for high performance permanent magnets, following the recent announcement that the Company has entered into a joint venture with CAP to develop metal and alloys capabilities. As a result, Aclara is positioned to become the first vertically integrated heavy rare earths company outside of Asia. Aclara CEO, Ramon Barua, commented: "This strategic decision is only possible because of Aclara's unique feed of clean heavy rare earths, particularly Dysprosium and Terbium, which is expected to be sourced from two stable and investment friendly countries in the Americas. This competitive advantage distinguishes Aclara from other players in the industry. By going further in the vertical integration of rare earths production, we improve our ability to commercialize our product while retaining the economic margins of this important stage in the value chain. Consequently, end users will benefit from a more cost competitive product built with traceable, fully ESG compliant materials, resulting in a stable long-term supply of heavy rare earths. We understand the importance of building a geopolitically independent supply chain for critical materials and we aspire to become a leader in that effort." Aclara's Vertical Integration Strategy The decision to integrate vertically responds to the need for creating a geopolitically independent supply chain for permanent magnets, a much-needed performance enhancer for the motors of electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics and other applications associated with the decarbonization of our planet. Aclara Technologies is expected to source high purity mixed rare earths carbonates from Aclara's extraction modules in Chile and Brazil. These carbonates will be then converted into individual rare earths oxides in the separation facility. For this purpose, Aclara Technologies has awarded a contract to the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") to develop a production flowsheet specially designed for its premium carbonate, and to Hatch Ltd. ("Hatch") to work on the engineering of the proposed separation facility. Under the terms of the agreement, SRC will develop a conceptual Solvent Extraction ("SX") separation process, which will serve as the basis for Hatch to conduct a Class 5-AACE CAPEX and OPEX estimation for the rare earth separation facility. The aim of this conceptual analysis is to design a plant capable of processing Aclara's mixed rare earth carbonates into separated neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide (with a purity of 99.0-99.9% by weight) and dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) oxides (with a purity of 99.5-99.99% by weight). The engineering study is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024. Story continues The Company notes that the final decision to build the separation facility will depend on the completion of a thorough analysis of costs, logistics and time to permitting. Alternative locations currently under consideration include Brazil and Chile. Aclara COO, Barry Murphy, commented: "This study represents the starting point of our strategic intent to vertically integrate our future mining operations into the production of separated rare earth oxides, and to position Aclara as a key player in the future supply of heavy rare earth oxides. Both SRC and Hatch possess the requisite expertise and experience to undertake this important work and we are therefore thrilled to be collaborating with these two highly reputable companies in the execution of the separation study." The following senior engineers from SRC and Hatch will lead the separation engineering study: SRC : Baodong Zhao (PhD, P.Eng) has more than 25 years of experience in the metallurgical engineering and project management, especially in rare earth mineral processing and hydrometallurgy. He was previously an independent metallurgical consultant at REE Metallurgical Consulting and the Vice President of Metallurgy at Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. Over the past eight years, Baodong has worked on many rare earth projects by leading and participating in all aspects of laboratory and pilot plant test work, as well as preliminary economic assessments covering sample preparation, mineralogical characterization, beneficiation, hydrometallurgy and rare earth element separation using solvent extraction technology. Baodong is a reviewer for the Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. HATCH: Rob Fraser has more than 30 years hydrometallurgical experience including operations, design, study management, commissioning, and technology commercialization. He obtained operations experience at Cawse Nickel (HPAL, SX, EW) and within Nyrstar at the Hobart and Cockle Creek Smelters. Major projects have included Voiseys Bay nickel in Canada, where a hydrometallurgical demonstration plant (POX, SX, EW) was built before the commercial plant was taken to feasibility level and Goro Nickel Project, where he provided metallurgical support at the Yabulu refinery. Rob held roles, from Technical Manager and Deputy Project Manager on the commercial plant feasibility study, through to Lead Process, Module Construction Manager and Process Commissioning Lead on the demonstration plant. Rob is Hatchs Global Hydrometallurgy Lead. In parallel, Aclara will start to develop its metals and alloys capabilities through REE Alloys SpA, its recently established joint venture company with CAP S.A. (further details regarding the joint venture can be found in the Company's press release issued on March 13, 2024). Aclara's goal is to be able to connect all aspects of the production of clean rare earths up to the point where they are able to be received by a permanent magnet manufacturer. We expect that by approaching this effort under one company we will be able to capture synergies, reduce costs and expedite time to market. Aclara's patented extraction of heavy rare earths is quite unique, considering its low carbon footprint, very high levels of water recirculation (>95%) and circular economy principles. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and it does not generate any solid or liquid residues, thus eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer, ammonium sulfate. Further, harmful levels of radionuclides, typical of hard rock rare earth deposits, are not concentrated within the Aclara flowsheet. Finally, the Company aims to revegetate all impacted areas. About Aclara Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX:ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral resources hosted in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The Company currently has two projects under development: the Penco Module in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile, and the Carina Module in the State of Goias, Brazil. Aclara's rare earth extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and therefore does not generate tailings, thus eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The extraction process developed by Aclara minimizes water consumption through high levels of water recirculation made possible by the inclusion of a water treatment facility within its patented process design. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer, ammonium sulfate. Further, harmful levels of radionuclides, typical of hard rock rare earth deposits, are not concentrated within the Aclara flowsheet. Simultaneously, alongside the development of the Carina and Penco projects, the Company intends to identify and evaluate further opportunities to increase future production of heavy rare earths. This will involve greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional projects within the Company's concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to the Company's corporate strategy; expectations as to activities conducted in connection with the Carina Module and Penco Module, timelines for completion and the success, effect or outcomes resulting therefrom; the development of a separation facility and the related contracts and studies in relation thereto; the development and success of the Company's vertical integration strategy; and plans as to expenditures, investments, and use of capital and financial resources in the near and long term. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated as of March 22, 2024 filed on the Company's SEDAR profile. Actual results and timing could differ materially from those projected herein. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. For further information, please contact: Ramon Barua Chief Executive Officer investorrelations@aclara-re.com SOURCE: Aclara Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Dive Brief: Acorda Therapeutics has filed for bankruptcy and, on Monday, announced it has reached an agreement to sell essentially all its assets to another drugmaker. Acorda said it chose to pursue Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which aims to reorganize a business and repay creditors, following a lengthy strategic review. The company markets three products: a Parkinsons disease medication, Inbrija, and two treatments called Ampyra and Fampyra that are meant to help multiple sclerosis patients walk. Merz Therapeutics, one of the businesses under German company Merz Group, has decided to buy rights to those three drugs and Acordas other assets for $185 million. Merz is acting as a stalking horse bidder, meaning other potential buyers may come forward. The sale will be conducted through a court-supervised process and is expected to conclude in June. Dive Insight: Founded in 1995, Acorda hit a series of setbacks over the past decade that have significantly whittled its share price. In April 2017, a court invalidated key patents protecting Amypra, which, at the time, accounted for almost all of the companys revenue. By August, one of Acordas main shareholders, the asset management firm Scopia Capital Management, was pushing for a strategic review and the consideration of a sale. Later that month, the Food and Drug Administration rejected an approval application for Inbrija, which Acorda got through a $525 million acquisition of Civitas Therapeutics in 2014. Not long after, Acorda discontinued development for one of the drugs it secured through the $363 million purchase of a Finland-based biotechnology company. Acorda had answers to most of these challenges. It appealed the patent ruling, refiled the Inbrija application and set up a poison pill to discourage investors from siding with Scopia. The latter two pieces of that plan ultimately worked. The FDA approved Inbrija in December 2018, and Acorda never sold. But with the Ampyra case, which went all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, the company lost. A couple weeks after the high court refused to take the case, Acorda announced plans to lay off a quarter of its workforce, or about 120 employees, as part of a larger restructuring designed to cut costs. Acorda hasnt rebounded since. Following the bankruptcy announcement, company shares lost more than three-quarters of their value. "Acordas management team and board have evaluated all of our strategic options, and following an exhaustive process believe that this option is in the best interest of stakeholders, said Ron Cohen, the companys CEO, in a statement. Story continues One of our top priorities is to ensure an uninterrupted supply of our medications to people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons disease. We are confident that Merz Therapeutics, if they are the ultimate acquirer, will be able to seamlessly continue serving these patients needs, Cohen added. To continue to fund operations during the bankruptcy process, Acorda said it and certain noteholders have entered a financing agreement that will provide $20 million in new money. As of Sept. 30, the company had $33.6 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. While biotech bankruptcies are relatively rare, Acorda wasnt alone in its announcement. Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, a drugmaker focused on rare metabolic diseases, filed for Chapter 11 protection on Monday as well. Eiger has already agreed to sell its only product to a stalking horse bidder for up to $26 million. This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter. DataHorizzon Research Advanced Process Control to Attain Significant Growth in Forthcoming Years. Fort Collins, Colorado, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Advanced Process Control Market size was valued at USD 2.5 Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow CAGR at 7.8% to reach USD 4.9 Billion by 2032. Advanced process control primarily focuses on evaluation, inspection, real-time analysis, and execution of operations through closed-loop operations. Additionally, resolving operational difficulties and reducing associated costs results in significant growth in profitability for the company. Advanced process control has revolutionized the processes in the manufacturing industry. Adopting internet-of-things (IoT) technology and rising automation will drive the advanced process control market. The IoT-enabled advanced process control systems significantly reduce the risk of system breakdown by providing timely maintenance and servicing reminders. Additionally, IoT-enabled advanced process control systems also provide real-time alerts for the maintenance & services of the system, which helps increase the overall product lifecycle. Request Sample Report: https://bit.ly/3vyZthr Segmentation Overview: The global advanced process control market has been segmented into services, end-user, and region. Based on end-user, advanced process control market segmentation includes manufacturing, oil & gas, energy & power, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, pulp & paper, and others. Manufacturing holds a significant share of the end-user segment of the advanced process control market. Advanced process control in manufacturing enterprises enhances the manufacturing process. It reduces humans' dependence and exposure to risky processes like machine handling and managing and operating the manufactured parts under extreme temperatures. Buy This Research Report: https://bit.ly/4amNrXI Advanced Process Control Market Report Highlights: The global advanced process control market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.8% by 2032. Implementing advanced process control solutions offers several benefits, such as improved process safety, equipment failure prevention, and environmental emissions reduction. Improvement in operational efficiency leads to business competitiveness and maximizes process profitability. Reduced maintenance time and cost of production are expected to generate a significant profit in the long run, driving the advanced process control market in the forecast period. North America holds a significant share of the advanced process control market with the United States having a substantial share in this region. The rate of automation of repetitive tasks and the adoption of advanced tools and software for low-code automation processes is growing tremendously in the country. Story continues Some prominent players in the advanced process control market report include Siemens AG, Honeywell International Inc., General Electric, Schneider Electric, Emerson Electric Co., ABB Ltd., Rockwell Automation Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Aspen Technology Inc., Helium Consulting Pvt. Ltd., and others. Looking Exclusively For Region/Country Specific Report? https://bit.ly/3xjOQ2p OR Ask For Discount https://bit.ly/4aFbUa6 Advanced Process Control Market Segmentation: By Services: Advanced Regulatory Control, Multivariable Model Predictive Control, Inferential Control, Sequential Control, Compressor Control, and Others. By End-user: Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage, Pulp & Paper, and Others. By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. About DataHorizzon Research: DataHorizzon is a market research and advisory company that assists organizations across the globe in formulating growth strategies for changing business dynamics. Its offerings include consulting services across enterprises and business insights to make actionable decisions. DHRs comprehensive research methodology for predicting long-term and sustainable trends in the market facilitates complex decisions for organizations. Contact: Mail: sales@datahorizzonresearch.com Ph: +1-970-672-0390 Website: https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn Recent Publications Robotaxi Market Size Automated Parcel Delivery Terminals Market Size Electric Scooter Lift and Carrier Market Growth Mobile Robotics Market Forecast Wiper Systems Market Trend CONTACT: Mail: sales@datahorizzonresearch.com Ph: +1-970-672-0390 Website: https://www.datahorizzonresearch.com In this article: Agora, co-founded by Nick Van Eck, has raised US$12 million in seed funding to launch a new stablecoin, AUSD. The funding round, led by Dragonfly, drew support from institutional investors, including General Catalyst and Robot Ventures. Agoras stablecoin, which will be managed by asset management firm VanEck, is backed by a mix of cash, U.S. Treasury bills, and overnight repurchase agreements. Nick Van Eck, who is the son of VanEck Chief Executive Officer Jan Van Eck, told Bloomberg that he sees potential for AUSD to benefit regions like Argentina and Southeast Asia. Agora enters the stablecoin competition against existing giants like Tether and Circle. Tether is the worlds largest stablecoin with US$105 billion in market capitalization. Circles USDC is far behind with US$33 billion. Alaska Energy Metals (CVE:AEMC) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Net loss: CA$9.79m (loss widened by 475% from FY 2022). CA$0.27 loss per share (further deteriorated from CA$0.11 loss in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Alaska Energy Metals shares are up 9.3% from a week ago. Risk Analysis It's necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with Alaska Energy Metals (at least 3 which shouldn't be ignored), and understanding these 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. WASHINGTON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Land Title Association (ALTA), AARP and the Missouri Land Title Association (MLTA) applaud Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey for his efforts to combat unfair and deceptive practices in the Missouri real estate market by filing a complaint against Florida-based real estate brokerage MV Realty and certain affiliates for filing unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, known as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS). This practice preys upon homeowners, offering small cash gifts in exchange for decades-long contracts for the exclusive rights to sell the property. American Land Title Association (PRNewsfoto/American Land Title Association) "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 we have to ensure there are no unreasonable restraints on a homebuyer's future ability to sell or refinance their property due to unwarranted transactional costs." "This is a great step taken by Attorney General Bailey to protect consumers and we urge the Missouri legislature to pass legislation to curb such predatory business, so that the judiciary and the legislature are aligned in protecting homeowners and their rights," said AARP Government Affairs Director Samar Jha. Attorney General Bailey is the 10th attorney general to sue MV Realty over its "Homeowner Benefit Program." Nine other attorneys general have filed lawsuits, including those in Georgia, New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California and Indiana. "We thank Attorney General Bailey for filing suit against MV Realty and its affiliates," said Cheryl Cowherd, President of the Missouri Land Title Association. "A home is often a consumer's most important asset, and we believe protecting them from these practices is of the utmost importance. This action puts companies using predatory business models on notice that the State of Missouri is serious about protecting its consumers." "AARP is helping older adults steer clear from fraud, scams and other unscrupulous practices that threaten their economic security and savings," said Craig Eichelman, State Director of AARP Missouri. "Stopping unfair service agreements is an important way to protect what is often someone's most valuable asset, their home. We thank Attorney General Bailey for looking into this predatory business model that targets older adults and financially insecure homeowners." Since 2023, 22 states passed legislation protecting homeowners from the predatory practice of filing unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. 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: mhernandez@alta.org Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alta-aarp-applaud-missouri-ag-on-lawsuit-to-protect-homeowners-302106589.html SOURCE American Land Title Association Argentina Implements New Regulations for Firms Offering Crypto Services The Argentine government has initiated the enforcement of regulations for cryptocurrency exchanges to operate legally within the country. The Comision Nacional de Valores (CNV), Argentina's securities regulator, announced that virtual asset service providers must adhere to recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). As part of the country's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) reforms, specific companies offering crypto-related services are required to register with the Argentine government. Roberto Silva, President of the CNV, emphasized that virtual asset service providers who fail to register "will not be able to operate in the country." The implementation of these laws affecting crypto providers in Argentina gained momentum when the country's senate approved modifications aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing on March 14. The proposed changes to Argentina's laws concerning crypto users were reportedly introduced before Javier Milei was elected as the President in November 2023. Milei was hailed by many cryptocurrency enthusiasts at the time due to his seemingly positive stance on Bitcoin. However, the introduction of FATF requirements has raised concerns about the future of digital assets in Argentina. The impact of these requirements on businesses operating in Argentina and customers seeking to utilize their services remains uncertain. Strike, a popular app in Argentina for facilitating Bitcoin payments via the Lightning network, has reportedly disabled the option for locals to send fiat to bank accounts. Under Meloni Italy is benefitting from political certainty something the UK is sorely missing - FILIPPO ATTILI/CHIGI PALACE PRESS OFFICE/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Heres a remarkable fact: one of the strongest growing economies in the G7 since 2019, and by far the strongest growing of the major economies in Europe, is of all countries Italy. Still widely seen as one of Europes most sickly economies, and occasionally described as a complete basket case by Anglo-Saxon commentators, Italy was particularly badly hit by the pandemic and subsequent energy price shock, but has since been recovering fast much faster in fact than all its major peers. Unlike all the others, moreover, Italy is enjoying strong per capita growth, the measure that really matters as a gauge of whether citizens are getting richer or not. After decades of stagnation, real GDP per head is nearly 5pc higher today than it was before the pandemic, far outstripping Germany, France, the UK and Spain. There has got to be some upside from the shrinking population that Italys very low birth rate has given rise to, and this is it. Again, unlike all the others, Italy has relatively low levels of net immigration, hard though it is to believe given the political noise that the migrant issue continues to generate there. Italy is at the sharp end of Europes unauthorised migration problem, with many of the small boat crossings from North Africa arriving on its shores. Legal migration is on the other hand very low by European standards. Two or three years of relatively strong growth do not a summer make; we should be careful not to jump to conclusions about some kind of economic transformation in the making. Many commentators see the current growth spurt as no more than a flash in the pan, explained primarily by Italys outsized share of the European Unions next generation, post-pandemic recovery fund. Italy managed to lay claim to a substantial proportion of this stimulus, which across the EU as a whole is worth around 750bn (643bn) in grants and loans, and has already deployed some 20pc of its allocation. The funds perhaps most totemic project, though one that has yet to get off the ground, is the long dreamt of Strait of Messina bridge, which would link mainland Italy with Sicily via the longest suspension bridge in the world. In any case, the current infrastructure boom cannot be kept going indefinitely. Eventually, the money will run out. Sceptics insist that Italys economic acceleration will soon outrun itself, with the same sorry state of stagnation that characterised the first two decades of euro membership fast reestablishing itself. Maybe so, but there are a number of reasons for believing that this seeming one-time wreck of an economy has indeed turned the corner. Story continues Italys example, moreover, may hold lessons for our own becalmed economy here in the UK. Its hard for Britains warring political factions to admit, but we seem almost to have become Italy ourselves, only without the sun and la dolce vita; the relative stability and predictability for which the UK used to be known has given way to the same sense of chaos and confusion that used to be the Italian hallmark. Income per head is twice as high in the northern region of Lombardy as it is in the southern region of Calabria - GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images Structurally, Italy is a very different economy from Britain, with a North-South divide that makes Britains version of the same thing look mild by comparison and an economic backbone of relatively small, often family-run manufacturing businesses that are as much a weakness as a strength. From an economic perspective, Italys northern provinces have more in common with Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland than they do its deprived southern regions. Income per head is twice as high in Lombardy as it is in Calabria, a difference as extreme as that between Germany and Greece. The two provinces might indeed be different countries. Yet Italys greatest weakness has long been not its inequalities, its apparently mountainous public debts, its byzantine protections, its tax-evading citizens or its never-ending insolvency procedures, but its politics. And these have most assuredly changed with the election of Giorgia Meloni as prime minister a little while back. Our biggest problem in Italy has been political instability, says Valerio De Molli, chief executive of the European House Ambrosetti, a Milan-based consultancy and think tank. Weve had 16 governments in 20 years almost one a year, some of them technocratic and therefore lacking in democratic legitimacy which has created constant discontinuity in economic policy and acted as a major deterrent to foreign direct investment. Sunak may soon give way to a Labour government, not that long after replacing Liz Truss as PM - REUTERS/Hannah McKay Does this sound familiar? We might not have had so many governments, but here in Britain weve had five prime ministers in eight years, soon to be six one of them lasting just 49 days and seven chancellors. Policy has lurched violently from one extreme and disaster to the next. Far from giving Britain back its sense of purpose, unity and self confidence, Brexit has profoundly undermined all three, and we are now faced with an economy which seems as hopelessly stuck in time as Italys ever was during its long years of revolving-door government. Italys Meloni does, of course, face equally daunting challenges as she fights her way back to a more dynamic economy, but so far this self-confessed admirer of Benito Mussolini has confounded her critics with a pragmatically minded approach to government which seems to be the very antithesis of the populist roots from which she springs. Shes cancelled the so-called basic income of citizenship, which was acting as a deterrent to finding a job, shes rowed back from windfall profit taxes on the banks, and despite once strongly held Eurosceptic and pro-Putin views within her party, shes fallen into line with the rest of Europe on Ukraine and broadly gone along with the reform agenda that was a condition of the EUs stimulus funds. Just as important, says Ambrosettis De Molli, shes got democratic legitimacy, in contrast to some of Italys previous, technocratic governments, and faces a hopelessly divided opposition incapable of thwarting her. Historically the very foundation of European civilisation, Italy still has lots of economic strengths. Hidden beneath one of the highest debt-to-GDP ratios in the world is an abundance of family and corporate wealth, together with among the highest property ownership in Europe. Davide Serra, one of Italys most prominent entrepreneurial financiers, once told me that if you could marry the Anglo-Saxon notion of fiduciary duty with the Italian sense of loyalty to family and tribe, you would have the perfect economy. Thats perhaps never to be, but the way things are going the Italian press will again soon be able to shout il sorpasso (the overtaking), much as it did in 1987, and then for a second time in 2009, when thanks largely to exchange rate movements, the Italian economy briefly became bigger in nominal terms than its UK equivalent. Political stability and policy certainty isnt everything, but it is a vital constituent of any healthy economy. Its odd to have to concede that Italy finally seems to have more of it than we do. 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. Ray Dalio still considers China to be worth investing in, he said in a LinkedIn post on Monday. It follows another recent post where he forecasted a "100-year storm" if policymakers don't act. He says the best time to buy Chinese stocks is when they're cheap and "everyone hates the market." Now is the best moment to invest in China, even with the country on course for choppier waters, billionaire investor Ray Dalio wrote on LinkedIn. "I have invested throughout many cycles in many countries and learned the adage 'the time to buy is when there is blood in the streets,'" he said. "The time to buy is when everyone hates the market and it's cheap (which is now the case in Chinese equities), especially when it looks increasingly likely that the economic leadership is about to do something like a 'beautiful deleveraging.'" The Monday post followed up on an earlier piece from Dalio, warning that a "100-year storm" could cloud over China, if Beijing didn't counter some key challenges. Those included a rising wealth gap, mounting debt, and geopolitical strain with the US. Such issues have been top of mind for investors over years now, made hard to ignore by China's debt-burdened property market and trade clashes with the West. Many have fled the country's equities in droves, and Chinese firms have suffered a $7 trillion market hit since 2021. But Dalio argues that they're manageable problems, as long as Chinese leaders are "smart and courageous," he wrote. Already, the country's policymakers are pursuing quantitative easing and debt restructurings, he noted, deleveraging actions Dalio suggested in his original post. "Like all countries throughout history, they can restructure the financial system economy to be productive. They can also manage how to deal with political, geopolitical, nature, and technology forces well," he now wrote. Although Dalio didn't write off investor concerns about ongoing conditions in China, there are still good investments to snap up if focused on fundamentals, he said. Meanwhile, emerging concern over China's political structure or its tension with the US aren't strong enough to pull out of its markets. "I can't diversify as well as I'd like to without investing in China. For example, China and the US are the only dominant powers in the most important industries and how these two nations are with each other will shape the world," he said, citing that the nation will remain a core position in his portfolio. Read the original article on Business Insider Dubai South, the largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics and real estate, has joined forces with Aldar, the leading real estate developer, investor, and manager in the UAE, to break ground on its first logistics facility. The Grade A logistics complex, spanning approximately 23,000 sq m of gross floor area, is strategically located near Al Maktoum International Airport and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, said a statement from Dubai South. The facility offers bonded and non-bonded access as well as providing a usable eaves height of 16 metres and being temperature controlled to 24 degrees Celsius, it stated. This comes as part of an agreement signed recently by the duo to develop Grade A logistics facilities at Dubai Souths Logistics District, it added. On the new venture, Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District, Dubai South, said: "Following our agreement with Aldar, we are pleased to witness the groundbreaking of the new facility, which will be of added value to the logistics sector, and we are committed to reinforcing its growth and cementing the emirates position as a global logistics hub." "We will spare no effort to support Aldars venture into the sector and look forward to announcing the commencement of construction work at further logistics facilities," remarked Ahmad at the groundbreaking ceremony which was attended by David Dudley, Chief Partnerships and Investments Officer from Aldar, as well as other senior executives from both entities. Representing the epitome of logistical innovation encapsulated within a premier infrastructure network, Dubai Souths Logistics District offers premier services and operations as well as uninterrupted access to Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor, said Ahmad. The district comprises multiple zones, which have direct access to the cargo terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport; EZDubai, a fully dedicated e-commerce free zone; and a Contract Logistics Zone, he added.-TradeArabia News Service bar staff uk The infrastructure was often crumbling. Skills were poor compared with most other developed countries. And over the last decade, the political system was increasingly chaotic, as well. As a place to do business, the UK has long had plenty of negatives. It always, however, had one big thing in its favour. You could expand or shrink your workforce relatively easily, and fit people into the roles required. Not any longer. Now with one of the highest minimum wages in the world, with ever increasing rights to flexible working, and, worst of all, with the Labour Party planning a huge extension of workers rights, the UK is about to combine French levels of labour protection with Soviet levels of productivity. It is the worst of all possible worlds and will crush what little life remains out of the economy. The Government was quick to boast about this weeks increase in the minimum wage from 10.42 to 11.44 for workers over 21. The Labour Party joined in the celebrations, this year being the 25th anniversary of what it now regards as one of the most successful reforms of the Blair years. The trouble is, apart from a handful of restaurateurs and publicans struggling with a rising wage bill, few have stopped to consider whether it has been pushed up too far. There are not many economic league tables where we are climbing the rankings, but we are beating almost everyone on legally mandated pay. According to a recent House of Commons report, in 2022 the UK already had the 8th highest minimum wage in the OECD once adjustments were made for exchange rates and prices, ahead of far richer countries such as the United States and Canada. And we are still climbing in basic monetary terms. We are now above France, previously top of the table: our new minimum is now the equivalent of around 13.30 per hour, whereas Frances SMIC, as it is known, rose by only a modest 1.1pc this year to 11.65. Likewise, Australias minimum wage, traditionally one of the highest in the world, is now 12.03 per hour, only a fraction above the British rate, and given that it is currently only rising by 5pc annually we may soon overtake it. Indeed, we could soon have the highest minimum wage in the world. It does not stop there. This week, the Government is also introducing a raft of new rights. On your first day in your new job, as well as figuring out where the coffee machine is, you can now put in a formal request for flexible working, instead of having to wait for six months. And there will be extra rights to leave for anyone caring for another person, and beefed up employment protection. In the background, employment tribunals are more draconian than ever in demanding compensation for staff let go. Story continues When Labour takes power, as it certainly will later this year, we will see extra employment rights. The party does not have many firm policies, but its commitment to a labour market package has been steadfast. We will see extra trade union rights, a ban on zero hours contracts, a right to switch off, and gig work subjected to the full range of employment regulations. The HR officers and employment lawyers will reign supreme. Add it all up and one point is clear: we are witnessing the slow motion death of Britains flexible labour market. The trouble is, that was perhaps the central achievement of the Thatcher years, and one that, despite all our other challenges, powered three decades of steady growth. Sure, everyone wants to see people paid well, especially at the bottom end of the labour market, and we all agree that employers should treat their people generously. And yet a flexible labour market allowed companies to innovate, it allowed entrepreneurs to take risks on expansion, and it gave the economy room to breathe, and to accommodate the inevitable dips in the global business cycle. It powered growth. We are already seeing the dismal impact the end of that miracle is having. First, many businesses are buckling under the financial strains now being imposed. In January, Revolution Bars said it was shutting eight of its outlets in part because the minimum wage made them too expensive to run. The RedCat Pub Company last week called in the administrators as the chain was hit by a soaring minimum wage bill. The trade body UK Hospitality, which represents bars and restaurants, has already warned that imposing a big pay rise on companies every year was pushing many of them to the brink. It is starting to hurt. Next, we are seeing a huge rise in inactivity among younger workers. It is not hard to work out what is going on. Whereas employers might used to have been willing to take a chance on a teenager or 20-something looking for their first break, secure in the knowledge that if they turned out to be useless they could get rid of them, now it may well be too risky. They will be expensive, and perhaps impossible to fire, so why bother? It may not be long before we have the same kind of youth unemployment rates witnessed in heavily protected and regulated labour markets such as Spain (with a 28pc youth unemployment rate) and France (at 17.5pc). In reality, the UK now has French-style labour protection, but without anything like the same levels of productivity. It is the worst of all possible worlds. It is already starting to crush the life out of the economy, and with Labours planned reforms that is only going to get worse. A political class that complacently assumes the UK is a rich country, and that businesses will simply put up with whatever costs are imposed on them, has squandered one of our few competitive advantages and we will find it very hard to claw it back now that it is gone. 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 key to long-term North American security has become inextricably tied to critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare earths elements. Without them, there will be no energy transition. And China dominates the entire playing field. That dire situation has prompted a host of new legislation in both the United States and Canadaall designed to position North America to shift market share from China. That situation means that the junior explorers and producers sitting on critical mineral deposits are now forming the backbone of North Americas national security rethink. Every policy going forward is designed to bolster their operations and non-Chinese investment in those operations. In November 2022, the Canadian government ordered three Chinese firms to divest from their Canadian mining investments. Then, late last year, the government implemented the Investment Canada Act (ICA) and the Critical Minerals Strategy to reduce Chinese economic influence and reboot investment in critical miners as a measure of national security. That move left Canadian miner Power Metals Corp (TSXV:PWM,OTC: PWRMF) in control of two key assets: a potentially high-quality lithium mine and what could end up being the only functioning cesium mine in the world that China doesnt own. Canada wants new critical minerals, and it wants their development fast-tracked. In February, Canadian Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told Reuters that Ottawa was focusing on six critical minerals for electric vehicles and wind turbineslithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare earths elements, and that it planned to boost energy security by significantly reducing the time it takes to develop them. In fact, Canada is hoping to slash development time by nearly a decade. And an essential element of the new critical minerals security strategy is to combat China, which has been using its soft power to scoop up strategic critical mineral assets in North America. The first step was forcing Chinese companies to divest their ownership in Canadian critical minerals. Power Metals spent the second half of 2023 developing an understanding of the large property and mineral discoveries made at their strategic Case Lake play with airborne geophysical surveys, field-based prospecting and mapping programs. Theyve also made several additional land acquisitions in 2023 and 2024, with a continued focus in lithium, cesium and tantalum, taking on Winsome Resources as a 19.59% partner. Power Metals has drilled over 15,000 meters to date and its most recent drilling campaign just launched in late February this year, eyeing Canadas most critically strategic minerals against the backdrop of the most attractive new investment scenario the sector has ever seen in North America. Story continues Case Lake: Chinas Loss, North Americas Gain Power Metals flagship exploration project has been described by the companys Chairman as a geologists dream and the equivalent of prime real estate on Park Avenue. Almost every mineral discovery in Canada has been undertaken in the remotest of areas. But unlike most mining venues, Case Lake is accessible year-round, with all infrastructure in placeright down to elusive cell phone signals. Case Lake is one of the most inexpensive properties to drill in Canada, according to Power Metals. While the access makes it significantly easier and cheaper, that is only half of the story. The cesium, lithium, and tantalum intersections here are in pegmatite that is exposed on the surface and running so shallow that it is less than 50 meters deep in various areas. And the high-grade cesium it holds in its folds is said to be similar to Australias famous Sinclair Mine. Thats why Australian money stepped in when the Canadian government forced the Chinese out. Australia's first commercial cesium mine, Sinclair, extracted its last cesium in 2019. And its one of only three in the world. The other two are the Tanco mine in Manitoba, Canada, and the Bikita mine in Zimbabwe. Tanco shut down after the mine collapsed in 2015, and Bitika was depleted in 2018. That renders Case Lake a highly strategic property on a national security level. It also makes Case Lake highly attractive to Western buyers. Australias Winsome Resources (ASX:WR1) which jumped at the chance in November 2022, when they moved to scoop up Chinese mining giant Sinomine Resource Groups 5.7% stake in Power Metals. Since then, theyve raised that stake twicefirst to 10.7% and more recently to 19.59%. What the Chinese Were Eyeing Now everyone knows what the Chinese knew from the beginning: Power Metals (TSXV:PWM,OTC: PWRMF) Case Lake property is of significant strategic importance. The Case Lake Property, in northeastern Ontario, close to the border with Quebec, consists of 585 cell claims in Steele, Case, Scapa, Pliny, Abbotsford and Challies townships, Larder Lake Mining Division. Covering some 95 square kilometers with 14 granitic domes, the Case Lake pegmatite swarm consists of six spodumene dikes known as the North, Main, South, East and Northeast dikes on the Henry Dome, and the West Joe dike on a new dome. Together, these dikes form mineralization trend that extends for some 10 kilometers. Between 2017 and 2022, Power Metals drilled a total of 15,700 meters of core at Case Lake. They were primarily targeting lithium, with new lithium and tantalum discoveries. Its world-class, high-grade lithium discovery of over 4% at shallow, open depth was already making waves and earning Chinese attention prior to 2022. But while it was drilling for this lithium and tantalum, Power Metals made a surprise discovery of rare cesium at Case Lakes West Joe Dyke. This is some of the highest-grade cesium found in decades, with grades as high as 24% over good intervals. - 24.07% Cesium over 1 meter - 20.36% Cesium over 1 meter - 22.22% Cesium over 2 meters - 7.65% Cesium over 7.09 meters Those were the results that prompted the Chinese to pounce on Power Metals. In September last year, Power Metals further boosted is findings with the discovery of new pegmatite dikes in close proximity to Dome Nine, confirming the presence of a 10-15-meter wide spodumene bearing pegmatite strike with Lithium content as high as 1.12%, along with a new pegmatitic tonalite identified just southwest of the West Joe Zone. Cesium is central to the United States goal of winning the 5G race, it plays a key role in aircraft guidance systems, oil and gas drilling, and global positioning satellites. And despite its importance, all the known cesium deposits around the world have either been depleted, or the mines have been rendered inoperable. All of this could leave Power Metals and its Case Lake project as one of the most unique and exciting natural resource plays in the world today. But what the Chinese were eyeing before they were evicted is now an even better story as the 2024 drilling campaign gets underway. The 2024 Drilling Campaign That Could Boost Canadas Critical Minerals Power Power Metals launched its new drill campaign on February 29, deploying a diamond drill rig at its 100% owned Case Lake Property. The campaign will drill a total of 4,000 meters to delineate and extend Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT) mineralization along the geological strike and down-dip of Case Lakes known mineralization. We are very excited to be back at Case Lake and look forward to a successful launch of our winter 2024 exploration program. We believe in the exploration upside at Case Lake, one of the few projects in the world that contain Cesium mineralization in Pollucite and look forward to drill test the high priority exploration targets our team have been able to identify, Power Metals Chairman Johnathan More, said in a press release. The current drilling has identified coarse spodumene mineralization between 2cm - 10cm grain size, these zones displayed between 6% - 15 % spodumene mineralization that occur in a series of stacked pegmatites at Main Zone, the company said. Last week, drilling moved to West Joe at Case Lake to test mineralization extensions to the high-grade cesium mineralization found during the 2017-2022 drilling. Results are expected in late April from the first round of assays from the new drilling campaign. And its also acquiring new ground elsewhere, building on its success so far at Case Lake. On March 19, Power Metals (TSXV:PWM,OTC: PWRMF) staked the Pelletier Project, with 337 mineral claims over a total surface area of 7,000 hectares in northeast Ontario, approximately 50 km south of Hearst. This is another project characterized by lithium cesium tantalum, and previous work on this play completed by geologists from Ontario Geological Survey in 2003 reported evolved granitic pegmatites with anomalous rubidium, cesium, and the potassium to rubidium ratio, indicating the potential for LCT pegmatites. The new project is also just 30 kilometers south of the Lowther pegmatite field, where Brunswick Exploration conducted exploration drilling at the Decoy and Moskito pegmatites. China knew the significance of Case Lake, and Australia was quick to step in when the Chinese were evicted. Australias Winsome Resources, which now owns a nearly 20% stake in Power Metals, is a lithium juggernaut, and its hedging its bets on Power Metals. Not only did Winsome scoop up the Chinese stake in this Canadian critical metals miner, but it also grabbed the off-take rights to future production. Global eyes are on this critical projectand not just because of the lithium, tantalum and cesium prospectivity The China-Australia scramble for these assets have as much to do with the easy accessibility and treasure trove so close to the surface. That means cheap drilling for lithium and one of the worlds rarest and most critical elementscesium, which is not mined anywhere else in the world right now. With a key Australian lithium player now behind Power Metals, and with Winsome now occupying a seat on the Power Metals board, an additional layer of critical minerals expertise is further shoring up the discovery and exploration prowess at one of North Americas most important new discoveries. Late April is poised to bring us the results of the current drilling campaign, and many eyes will be on Power Metals between now and then. Other companies to keep an eye on: Compass Minerals International (NYSE: CMP), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, remains a leading provider of essential minerals, solidifying its position with consistent performance and strategic growth initiatives. Since the previously mentioned reference, the company has made significant advancements in its operations, product offerings, and sustainability efforts. One notable development is Compass Minerals' continued focus on innovation in the lithium extraction sector. Recognizing the burgeoning demand for lithium in electric vehicle batteries, the company has accelerated its efforts to extract lithium from its existing operations in Utah. By leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise in brine extraction, Compass Minerals aims to become a major player in the sustainable lithium market, catering to the needs of the rapidly expanding clean energy industry. Furthermore, Compass Minerals has expanded its product portfolio by introducing new and innovative solutions. Notably, the company has developed a range of specialty salts for various industrial applications, including pharmaceuticals, food additives, and water treatment. These value-added products have not only strengthened the company's revenue streams but also enhanced its competitive advantage in specialized markets. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX), a leading mining company based in Phoenix, Arizona, has a global presence with significant reserves of copper, gold, and molybdenum. The company's operations span several countries, including Indonesia, the United States, and South America. With the growing demand for copper in renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies, Freeport-McMoRan is well-positioned to capitalize on the transition towards greener economies. In addition to its core mining business, Freeport-McMoRan is actively involved in community engagement and environmental stewardship. The company has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable mining practices. These efforts include water management, biodiversity conservation, and emission reduction strategies. Freeport-McMoRan's commitment to responsible mining ensures compliance with environmental standards while contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in the regions it operates. One of Freeport-McMoRan's recent developments is the construction of the Lone Star copper mine in Arizona. The Lone Star mine represents a significant investment and is expected to be a major copper producer for the company. This project underscores Freeport-McMoRan's commitment to meeting the growing demand for copper in various industries, including renewable energy and electric vehicles. Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO), a global mining and metals powerhouse, continues to be a formidable player in the industry. Headquartered in the United Kingdom and Australia, the company has a far-reaching global presence spanning approximately 35 countries. Its diverse portfolio encompasses a wide range of commodities, including aluminum, copper, diamonds, coal, iron ore, and uranium. Rio Tinto's impressive asset base is complemented by solid market fundamentals, particularly in the copper and iron ore markets, making it an attractive investment opportunity. In recent years, Rio Tinto has made significant strides in integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices into its operations. The company recognizes the urgent need to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate environmental impacts. To that end, Rio Tinto has invested heavily in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and has also implemented various measures to rehabilitate mining sites after extraction. This proactive approach to corporate responsibility and sustainability has not only set a benchmark for the mining industry but has also resonated with investors seeking companies aligned with ethical and environmentally conscious practices. In addition to its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Rio Tinto has also been actively involved in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its market position. In 2023, the company completed the divestment of its coal assets in Australia, marking a strategic shift towards a more sustainable portfolio. Furthermore, Rio Tinto has expressed interest in exploring opportunities in the battery metals sector, recognizing the growing demand for these materials in the transition to clean energy technologies. These strategic moves underscore Rio Tinto's agility in adapting to shifting market dynamics and its commitment to long-term growth and profitability. FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a global agricultural sciences company that delivers innovative technology to farmers worldwide. While FMC is not a traditional mining company, its significant stake in lithium, a critical component in rechargeable batteries and other high-tech applications, sets it apart. Lithium is a strategic mineral in the transition to a clean energy future, and FMC's involvement in this sector positions the company for growth in the years to come. FMC's commitment to innovation and sustainability is commendable. The company's agricultural products, such as crop protection solutions and plant nutrition technologies, contribute to increased crop yield and quality, addressing global food security challenges. In recent years, FMC has benefited from robust demand for its crop protection products, driven by higher commodity prices and strong agricultural market fundamentals. Looking ahead, FMC is well-positioned to capitalize on several key trends. The growing global population and rising middle class are expected to drive increased demand for food, which will necessitate higher crop yields. Additionally, the transition to sustainable agriculture practices, such as precision farming and the adoption of biological crop protection solutions, presents significant opportunities for FMC. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, coupled with its strong product portfolio and geographic reach, make it well-positioned to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM) is a Chilean chemical and mining company that has been in operation for over 100 years. It is one of the world's largest producers of fertilizers, iodine, and lithium. SQM has operations in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and the United States. SQM has been facing several challenges, including falling commodity prices, environmental regulations, and political uncertainty in Chile. However, the company has also made several strategic investments, which have helped to position it for future growth. One of the most significant recent developments for SQM is the acquisition of the lithium assets of Albemarle Corporation. This acquisition makes SQM the world's largest producer of lithium, a key ingredient in electric vehicle batteries. SQM is also investing in a number of other projects, including the development of a new potash mine in Canada and the expansion of its lithium operations in Chile. Magna International (TSX: MG) offers a compelling and intricate approach for accessing the burgeoning commodities market, avoiding speculative investments in emerging high-growth stocks that captivate younger generations. Over a decade ago, Magna International displayed remarkable foresight by initiating substantial investments in the battery market when it was still in its nascent stage. Notably, at that time, the advent of electric vehicles as we know them had only recently entered the automotive landscape, with Tesla introducing its groundbreaking vehicle just two years prior. Magna's strategic investment in batteries has proven remarkably successful. Since its bold and innovative decision, the company has witnessed an impressive surge in its valuation, amounting to tens of billions of dollars. This growth solidifies Magna International's position as a preeminent player in the intensely competitive battery industry. Westport Fuel Systems Incorporated (TSX: WRPT) is not strictly a resource play, but it is an organization of significance to monitor as alternative fuel sources and novel energy forms gain prominence. This is especially relevant in light of the global transition away from traditional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. Although fundamentally a manufacturing company, Westport offers a distinct avenue for gaining exposure to the alternative fuels sector. As a critical producer of components necessary for constructing natural gas and other alternative fuel-powered automobiles, Westport warrants attention within this domain. Westport Fuel has been consistently making significant strides in the market over the past year, culminating in tangible results. Since May 2020, the company has experienced a remarkable 322% increase in its stock price. With the potential for additional strategic alliances, such as the recent agreement with Amazon to supply natural gas-powered trucks, the stock exhibits promising growth prospects in the coming years. In the realm of energy, a paradigm shift towards clean and sustainable sources is underway. A notable development in this regard is the increasing involvement of traditional fossil fuel producers in the pursuit of clean energy solutions. One such company is Suncor Energy (NYSE: SU, TSX: SU), a renowned oil producer that has emerged as a frontrunner in the clean energy space. While many major oil companies have retreated from oil sands production, Suncor has embraced the challenges and opportunities associated with this sector. By focusing on technological advancements and sustainable practices, Suncor has secured a promising long-term outlook. Moreover, the company's current undervaluation relative to its peers presents an attractive investment opportunity. Beyond its oil operations, Suncor has established a global leadership position in renewable energy innovations. A notable example is the company's recent investment of $300 million in a wind farm located in Alberta. Furthermore, as Canada transitions away from oil dependence, Suncor is well-positioned to capitalize on the country's abundant lithium reserves. The proximity of lithium deposits to Suncor's existing oil sands operations offers significant logistical and economic advantages. China's rapid economic expansion has led to a significant increase in energy demand. CNOOC Limited (TSX: CNU), a leading oil and gas producer in China, is poised to benefit from this burgeoning demand. As the country's largest offshore crude oil and natural gas producer, CNOOC Limited has a strong foothold in the energy sector. Its strategic position allows it to tap into abundant hydrocarbon resources in China's offshore waters, giving it a competitive advantage. Additionally, the company's extensive infrastructure and expertise in exploration, development, and production enable it to efficiently extract and deliver energy resources to meet the growing needs of the Chinese economy. Despite its strong position in the energy sector, CNOOC Limited has faced controversy due to geopolitical tensions between China and other countries. Concerns about the company's ties to the Chinese government and its potential role in geopolitical conflicts have raised eyebrows among investors. However, it's important to note that these controversies are largely external factors that do not directly impact the company's operations or financial performance. CNOOC Limited's robust business fundamentals and its strategic focus on meeting China's energy needs make it a compelling investment opportunity. Boralex Inc. (TSX:BLX) is a leading renewable energy company in Canada, playing a pivotal role in the country's domestic renewable energy boom. The company's main focus is on wind, hydroelectric, thermal, and solar energy sources, providing clean and sustainable power to homes across Canada and other parts of the world, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. Boralex's commitment to renewable energy is evident in its various wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects. In Canada, the company operates several wind farms in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta, generating clean electricity that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Boralex's renewable energy push extends beyond Canada, with a significant presence in other countries. In the United States, the company operates wind and solar farms in several states, contributing to the country's transition to cleaner energy sources. Boralex also has a strong presence in France, where it operates wind farms and hydroelectric plants, providing renewable energy to local communities. Additionally, the company has expanded into the United Kingdom, where it operates wind farms and is actively pursuing new renewable energy projects. By. Michael Kern IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. This publication contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this publication include that the Canadian mining sector will continue to protect its supply of critical minerals without involvement of China; that cesium and other metals will remain as critical minerals will continue as a national security issue for Western countries; that access to rare metals, and in particular cesium, will be essential to gaining technical superiority; that cesium and other rare earth metals will continue to be a critical for use in various technologies, including the 5G cellular and wireless technologies; that cesium will continue to be a critical mineral and considered as matter of national security for Western countries; that Power Metals Corp. (the Company) and its all-Western investors will be in control of the only cesium mine that China does not own; that the Companys properties will be able to commercially produce cesium, lithium, tantalum and other critical minerals; that the Company will be able to finance and operationally establish mines on its properties to viably and commercially extract the critical minerals; that Australian shareholders and investors in the Company will provide development and other expertise to assist the Company; that Winsome Resources will continue to own a significant stake in the Company; that the Companys property will one day have one of the only potential mines producing cesium; that the Company can finance ongoing operations and development; that the Company can achieve its business plans and objectives as anticipated. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include the development of alternative technologies that do not require the use of metals and resources currently considered as critical; that other resources are utilized in future in favour of rare earth metals such as cesium; that alternative technologies utilize other resources or that cesium, lithium, and tantalum are not utilized; that other companies discover resources of cesium and other battery metals that are more favorable or more easily developed into commercial production that the Companys property; that the Companys properties are unable to produce commercial amounts of cesium, lithium, tantalum or other critical metals; that the Company will be unable to finance or operationally establish mines on its properties for commercial extraction of any critical minerals; that the Companys Australian investors will not be able to provide development and other expertise to meaningful assist the Company; that Winsome Resources may for various reasons divest its stake in the Company in future; that the Companys properties may fail to develop mines producing cesium; that the Company may be unable to finance its ongoing operations and development; that the business of the Company may be unsuccessful for various reasons. 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All other trademarks used in this communication are the property of their respective trademark holders. The Publisher is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Publisher to any rights in any third-party trademarks. Read this article on OilPrice.com Stock Rocket / Shutterstock.com Theoretically, ChatGPT can do your taxes for free. But it doesnt mean you should rely on AI tax services, and it certainly wont replace tax professionals. Discover: 6 Best ChatGPT Prompts To Find Your High-Income Side Gig Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Dont Realize They Should Do This One Thing ChatGPT and other AI tools are transforming every part of life, but a report from FOX 10 Phoenix found that you shouldnt rely on them to help with your tax return. Based on a test the publication did on ChatGPT, a simplified tax return example can be generated based on information you provide. ChatGPTs response included a disclaimer that it was a simplified example, and that the actual tax return may vary due to other factors. Its always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or use tax preparation software to ensure accuracy, part of the response read, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. ChatGPT also doesnt have the most up-to-date information about taxes. For instance, CNET noted there have been several adjustments to tax regulation, such as the IRS increasing tax brackets, adjusting tax deductions, raising mileage rates and expanding who is eligible to file their taxes for free via IRS Free File. This is all new for 2024; however, the knowledge cutoff date for ChatGPT 3.5 is January 2022, and April 2023 for the paid ChatGPT 4.0. Another reason experts say you shouldnt rely on AI to do your taxes is because ChatGPT stores your personal information and usage data when you use the service, including prompts, input information and files you upload, CNET reported. Math also isnt the tools strength, and it struggles with complex calculations. AI tools can still help, just not with filling out your tax return. An article published by the University of Illinois Tax School in April 2023 recommended using ChatGPT as a tool, but not a replacement for human expertise. AI shouldnt be preparing your tax return for you or used for tax advice, but you may be able to use it to review your tax return for errors and inconsistencies. Tax preparation software can help you file your tax returns, but the best way to file for free is to use the IRS Free File or Direct File tool. This guided preparation software allows qualified taxpayers to prepare and file federal income tax returns online at no cost. According to Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance, 70% of taxpayers, or roughly 100 million Americans, are eligible for Free File, CNBC reported. Only 3% of filers used the program last tax season. Taxpayers who made $79,000 or less in 2023 are eligible to use the software for free. Story continues More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Can ChatGPT Do Your Taxes for Free? The charitable arm of Dickeys Barbecue Pit collaborates with Ft. Worth brewery Dickey's celebrates National Beer Day Come get a Legit. Texas. Lager. at your local Dickeys Dallas, TX, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dickey Foundation, along with Dickeys Barbecue Pit, invites guests to celebrate National Beer Day with their brand new beer, the Legit. Texas. Lager! Its National Beer Day this weekend, and the perfect occasion for barbecue and beer enthusiasts to fire up the grill and enjoy Panther Island Brewings new collaboration with the historic Texas barbecue brand. Not only is the crisp, flavorful beverage the perfect match for Dickeys hickory smoked barbecue, but its also supporting local first responder teams with a portion of the Legit. Texas. Lager. sales will go directly to The Dickey Foundation. On Sunday, April 7th, Dickeys guests can purchase a Legit. Texas. Lager. for only $2.00 with the purchase of a meal ($12 minimum) only at participating Dickeys stores. One beer limit per qualified meal purchase. Here at Dickeys and The Dickey Foundation, we know that pit-masters and beer often go hand in hand, said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO, Dickeys Barbecue Pit. We are so excited to responsibly celebrate this fun holiday alongside our partners at Panther Island Brewing and the new Legit. Texas. Lager. Cheers! For now, the new Legit. Texas. Lager. can be purchased at the Panther Island brewery, as well as at the following Dickeys Barbecue Pit stores: Dont forget, barbecue lovers can order any of Dickeys slow-smoked meats, savory sides, party packs and more at Dickeys.com, by calling their local Dickeys store, or with a Catering Expert at 866-BARECUE. To learn more, follow Dickeys Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickey s Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. About Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the worlds largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by the Dickey family. For the past 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests in 44 states Legit. Texas. Barbecue. At Dickeys, all our barbecued meats are smoked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickeys proudly believes theres no shortcut to true barbecue and its why our name isnt BBQ. The Dallas-based, family-run barbecue franchise offers eight slow-smoked meats and 12 wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. Dickeys Barbecue has 550 locations across the United States and eight other countries. Story continues Dickeys was named to Newsweeks 2022 Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains list and USA Today 2021 readers choice awards. Dickeys won first place on Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list, been named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur and named to Hospitality Technologys Industry Heroes list. Led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who was named among the countrys 50 most influential women in foodservice in Nations Restaurant News, was recognized by Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and honored by Dallas Business Journal. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Forbes Magazine, Franchise Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and QSR Magazine. Dickeys Barbecue is part of Dickeys Restaurant Brands which has more than 700 restaurants nationwide including brands Wing Boss, Trailer Birds, Big Deal Burger and bbqathome.com. DRB is led by CEO Roland Dickey Jr. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. Attachment CONTACT: Shannon Santos Dickey's Barbecue Pit ssantos@dickeys.com Letitia James, the New York state attorney general, had sued Citibank in January and argued it should be liable for reimbursing customers whose scams involved wire frauds. Credit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg Citigroup is asking a federal judge to toss a consumer fraud lawsuit that the New York state attorney general filed, saying it's premised on an "imaginative theory" of banks' liabilities to wire fraud victims. Congress long ago ensured banks weren't liable for reimbursing customers who got scammed through wire fraud schemes, Citigroup said in a court filing Tuesday, arguing that exemption remains in place despite the recent rise in online wire fraud. "There is no denying that the problem is real," the bank wrote, but the New York state AG's lawsuit "defies longstanding, settled understandings" of banks' liability in those cases. Letitia James, the state's attorney general, sued Citibank in January for inadequate responses to "obvious red flags of identity theft and account takeover" cases. Unwarranted wire frauds occurred thereafter, including one customer who had $40,000 transferred out of her retirement savings. Citi denied her fraud case, according to the AG's lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in New York. The battle over who's liable for wire frauds comes as the industry grapples with "phishing" scams that extract money from customers, either through wire transfers or newer avenues like peer-to-peer payments platforms. Big banks, such as JPMorgan Chase and PNC Financial Services, have also been engaged in lawsuits stemming from fraud losses at businesses. The state AG argued the Electronic Fund Transfer Act which limits customers' liability from fraudulent card purchases, ATM withdrawals and other online transactions applies in cases where wire transfers are unauthorized. In those instances, the actual consumers are not involved, the lawsuit argued. "It is the scammers, and not the consumers, who purport to electronically authorize Citi to debit consumers' bank accounts," the lawsuit said. But Citi countered the state AG's office is seeking to "artificially separate" steps in the transfers to make banks liable. Over decades' worth of debates and bank practices on the issue, there is "zero evidence" that the state AG's interpretation is correct, the bank wrote. Congress made a "deliberate choice" to exclude consumer wire transfers from the EFTA, and subsequent regulatory interpretations have excluded them, the bank said in its response to the lawsuit. Lawmakers have debated revising that exemption and held a hearing on the issue in 2022, but the bank asserted that, "unless and until Congress acts," the current law stands. Story continues "The solution to the problem of online wire fraud and scams is not a lawsuit, especially one that improperly seeks to rewrite a federal statute and that would abruptly and dramatically upset how banks have organized their policies and practices for decades," the bank wrote. The state AG's interpretation "would bring about via litigation, not legislation a sea change in banking law," the bank added. James' office did not respond to a request for comment. In its response, Citi wrote that scammers have "increasingly sophisticated ways to fraudulently wire themselves money from consumers' bank accounts." The bank said it has "implemented robust countermeasures" to guard against them, but "no system will catch every scam every time." Banks aren't responsible for customers' losses as long as they follow a "commercially reasonable 'security procedure'" to verify a customer's identity, Citi wrote. The bank has stopped "countless fraudulent transactions" through its security mechanisms, the bank wrote, rebutting the AG's contention that its protocols are inadequate. After the Governor's proposed budget cuts to the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program, a coalition of climate justice and environmental organizations urge policymakers to maintain $922 million in the budget and bolster the program through a climate bond to accelerate heat pump installations and home upgrades for low-income households. SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of environmental justice and equity groups, environmental organizations, energy providers, and equipment manufacturers submitted a letter yesterday urging Governor Newsom and California policymakers to uphold $922 million for the California Energy Commission's Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Program and bolster the program with $400 million in a climate bond that will appear before voters in November. The EBD Program would help expand access to cooling, improve air quality, reduce climate pollution, and boost the health and comfort of low-income and environmental justice communities. It would also accelerate the state's goal of installing 6 million heat pumps by 2030. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) aligns critical stakeholders on a path to transform the nations buildings through clean energy, using policy, research, market development, and public engagement. www.buildingdecarb.org "Working-class Californians need healthy, climate-resilient homes and communities that are outfitted with zero-emission heat pumps. Large-scale solutions like the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program can provide clean air and cooling, and help meet California's climate goals. Shrinking funding for the program would have negative impacts on Californians," said Jose Torres, California Director at the Building Decarbonization Coalition. Currently, about a quarter of Californians lack access to cooling, and extreme heat events have only grown more severe . Climate change has increased temperatures in California by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures are expected to rise by another five degrees by 2030. Heat pumps can mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures by providing more efficient cooling to households than traditional A/C units. "At CRPE, our efforts have been focused on facilitating the implementation of the San Joaquin Valley Pilot Program (AB 2672, Perea, 2014), which aimed to install electric appliances in disadvantaged communities within the San Joaquin Valley. We encountered some challenges with this program, particularly the lack of funding for home retrofits and high-quality contractors necessary to maximize the program's impact on our communities. While this program has been successful in providing much-needed upgrades, increased funding would have resulted in greater success with implementation. Therefore, CRPE and our allies at the Building Energy, Equity & Power (BEEP) Coalition strongly advocate that the state maintains the $922 million budget for the CEC Equitable Building Decarbonization Program to help ensure that no one is left behind," said Grecia Orozco, Staff Attorney at the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment. Story continues In California, homes and buildings rank second after the transportation sector in producing greenhouse gas emissions. The EBD Program could make it easier for hundreds of thousands of low-income households to get heat pumps and other home upgrades that are needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Heat pumps can also improve air quality for 99% of disadvantaged communities in California to build healthier, more resilient homes. In addition, the program is designed with tenant protections that prevent rent increases, lengthy construction times, and evictions without just cause. In May, the Governor will release the May Revision outlining an updated state budget. The Legislature must pass a unified climate bond proposal in June in order to place it on the November ballot. (Additional quotes from supporting organizations can be found here ). The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) aligns critical stakeholders on a path to transform the nation's buildings through clean energy, using policy, research, market development, and public engagement. The BDC and its members are charting the course to eliminate fossil fuels in buildings to improve people's health, cut climate and air pollution, prioritize high road jobs, and ensure that our communities are more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/coalition-calls-on-governor-newsom-to-uphold-funding-for-equitable-building-decarbonization-program-302107618.html SOURCE Building Decarbonization Coalition Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has, through its flagship fund CI V, acquired a majority stake in Elgin Energy to deliver and expand its existing 15 GW solar PV and battery portfolio COPENHAGEN, Denmark , April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has signed an agreement to acquire a majority share in Elgin Energy (Elgin) and will, together with Elgins retained management team, invest 250 million into Elgin. The investment will combine CIPs industrial approach for procurement and construction with Elgins high quality development portfolio to enable Elgin to become an Independent Power Producer (IPP), grow its team and pipeline in existing and new markets, and develop into a fully integrated and full-service solar and storage company. To date, Elgin has delivered close to 2GW of ready-to-build solar PV and storage projects and, in recent years, the company was successful in the UK and Ireland government-backed auctions on a total of 30+ projects. Elgins current project pipeline of 15GW is supported by development activities in the UK, Irish, and Australian markets, covering stand-alone solar, solar co-located with battery storage, and stand-alone battery storage. Elgin is a perfect fit for CIPs investment strategy given its strong leadership and culture, market leading development expertise, high quality pipeline of scale and significant growth potential in markets with attractive fundamentals. We are well placed to support Elgin in transforming into an IPP with our expertise in procurement and construction, commented Nischal Agarwal, partner in the CIP Flagship investment team, responsible for investments in Europe. We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. This strategic partnership reinforces our financial strength while aligning with our vision to become the leading European solar company. Given CIPs industrial background and approach, they are an ideal partner for Elgin in its next phase of growth and transformation into an IPP. With CIP's support, we are well-positioned to achieve our ambitious goals, including our commitment to create over 100 new jobs at Elgin, and accelerate towards a net-zero future, said Ronan Kilduff, CEO of Elgin. With a target size of EUR 12bn, CIPs fifth flagship fund, CI V, is set to become the largest of its kind globally. The fund aims to invest in a range of technologies from wind and solar PV to energy storage across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) today is the worlds largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X. Story continues CIP manages 12 funds and has to date raised approximately EUR 28 billion for investments in energy and associated infrastructure from more than 150 international institutional investors. CIP has approximately 500 employees and 12 offices around the world. For more information, visit www.cip.com About Elgin Elgin Energy (Elgin) is a leading international solar company, bringing projects from origination through development to energisation. The company has a portfolio of projects in late-stage development totalling 15GW+ across three key markets: the UK, Australia and Ireland, with an unparalleled 98% success rate in gaining planning permission across all its markets. Since being founded in 2009, Elgin has expanded internationally and has a team of over 90 professionals in its London, Dublin, Munich and Sydney offices. For more information, visit www.elgin-energy.com For further information, please contact: E-mail: media@cip.com Oliver Routhe Skov, Head of Media Relations Phone: +45 30541227 Email: orsk@cip.com Thomas Knig, Partner Investor Relations Phone: +45 7070 5151 Email: tkon@cip.com Statevolt, a global leader in green industrialisation headquartered in California, US, has announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art, technology-agnostic battery cell Gigafactory in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, at an investment of $3.2 billion, through its local subsidiary, thus marking a significant milestone in advancing technological innovation in the energy storage sector (ESS). Unveiling the mega plan for UAE, Statevolt Emirates said working alongside various industry and community partners, it will implement the modular design approach, allowing for a faster route to market as well as a solution to diversify production based on technology readiness. The gigafactory is designed to set a new standard in battery technology with its superior safety and extended lifecycle, delivering battery solutions that are adaptable to a wide range of climates and conditions, it stated. The factory will start by producing semi-solid state battery cells, with the aim to move to solid state battery cells once the project reaches full capacity, it added. Under the leadership of its Swedish-born entrepreneur Lars Carlstrom, also the Founder-CEO of the company who is deeply committed to green industrialisation and the creation of skilled jobs, Statevolt Emirates is set to lead the charge towards low-carbon energy solutions. The Gigafactory embodies Carlstrom's vision of leveraging technological innovation for global energy transformation and local economic enhancement. According to Statevolt, this ambitious project, with a site spanning 60 hectares in Al Ghail Industrial Zone at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez), is anticipated to generate up to 2,500 direct job opportunities, fostering significant economic development in Ras Al Khaimah and the surrounding region. Moreover, it aligns with the UAE's strategic vision to become a leading hub for green technology and energy transition, reinforcing the countrys position as a leader in sustainable industrial development, it added. The gigafactory, positioned to meet the surging global demand for ESS, crucial for stabilizing the grid, enhancing renewable energy integration, and improving energy efficiency, is strategically focused on key export markets such as Africa, India, the UAE, and the broader Middle East region. With an expected annual production capacity of up to 40GWh upon full operation, Statevolt is well-positioned to address the growing need for sustainable energy management. These markets are increasingly pivotal, given their ambitious renewable energy targets and the essential role of energy storage in achieving these goals. Carlstrom said: "At Statevolt, our commitment to the global energy transition is founded on our focus on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. Our $3.2 billion investment in the Ras Al Khaimah Gigafactory, using next-generation technology, highlights this commitment, aiming to meet the growing demand for energy storage solutions across Africa, India, the UAE, and the Middle East." "We greatly value the support from the Rakez authorities and are confident that our partnership will bring success and significant opportunities for the community. We are happy to be able to be a player in one of the worlds most prospering economies who are now taking the lead in new industrialization," he added. Statevolt said it has reached a commercial land agreement in Rakez, marking the first milestone in the development of this new project. Following the land agreement, Statevolt will be applying for building permits, and expects to have the first production line fully operative by the end of 2026. Lauding the move, Rakez Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: "We are thrilled to have welcomed Statevolt to our growing community of pioneering enterprises dedicated to sustainable innovation. The outstanding facilities provided by the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah are in perfect harmony with Statevolts ambitious production objectives and Rakez is committed to supporting the companys journey every step of the way, ensuring all the requirements are fulfilled for the successful gigafactory project." "This synergy enhances our collective pursuit of sustainability, aligning with the emirates Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040. Statevolts presence marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a greener future and reinforces our commitment to attracting leading-edge companies that share our vision for creating a sustainable ecosystem," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Baltimore-style barbecue has left the state of Delaware. But where Chaps Pit Beef once stood in Rehoboth Beach, say Chaps former franchisees, there will instead be something all-Delaware in its place. Thats both the promise and the name at forthcoming gastropub 302 The Local, which will open this month at 19819 Coastal Highway, next to the Rehoboth Beach location of Iron Hill Brewery. There, brothers and co-owners Chris and Steven Desch will offer up cold-smoked cocktails, hot chicken, crabcakes, blackened tuna and a cornucopia of smash burgers made with ingredients ranging from cowboy candy to whiskey-bacon jam. In the former location of Chaps Pit Beef in Rehoboth beach, brothers Chris and Steven Desch built out a gastropub called 302 The Local with smoked cocktails, smashburgers, hot chicken and ahi tuna. The idea, Chris Desch said, is elevated comfort: taking the hearty meatloaf sandwiches or Southern-fried chicken that makes people feel at home and dialing the flavor up a little. We've got these bourbon-buttermilk chicken sandwiches thatll blow your freakin mind, said Desch. Beautiful toppings, gourmet hamburgers, and ahi tuna. Previous: 2 Sussex County restaurants tell customers they are closing their doors for good 302 The Local is designed to meet the tastes of Delaware beachgoers In the former location of Chaps Pit Beef in Rehoboth beach, brothers Chris and Steven Desch built out a gastropub called 302 The Local with smoked cocktails, smashburgers, hot chicken and ahi tuna. The concept, 302 The Local, is less based on Delaware-themed foods than what co-owner Chris Desch said he saw customers asking for as he settled into the community as a business owner. Things like crabcakes, high-end cocktails and casual but creative food. When Desch first came to Rehoboth Beach from Maryland, he said, he was excited to bring the food he knew. He manned the pits cooking up horseradish-topped and charcoal-grilled pit beef, a Charm City barbecue style thats kept like a Maryland state secret. In the former location of Chaps Pit Beef in Rehoboth beach, brothers Chris and Steven Desch built out a gastropub called 302 The Local with smoked cocktails, smashburgers, hot chicken and ahi tuna. In 2019, Chris and his brother, Gary, opened the Rehoboth Beach Chaps Pit Beef as the first franchise to cross the state line into Delaware. The Rehoboth Beach location was also the first Chaps with a bar. But as the Desches got to know their customers and what they wanted, Chris started getting ideas on how to better tailor the restaurant to Rehoboth Beach. Lets extend the bar, he remembered thinking. And lets bring the crabcakes. Eventually, all those ideas meant opening a whole new restaurant entirely, one geared toward comfort food and Delaware beach culture and the customers they'd built over years in Rehoboth Beach. Gary, a real estate agent in Maryland and Delaware, is not involved with 302 The Local. But their youngest brother, Steven who came aboard to help manage Chaps is a partner in the new venture. Like knowing what stores, restaurants and developments are coming and going in Delaware? Join our Facebook group What's Going There in Delaware and subscribe to our What's Going There in Delaware newsletter. Story continues 302 The Local brought in an award-winning local mixologist to create the cocktail menu In the former location of Chaps Pit Beef in Rehoboth beach, brothers Chris and Steven Desch built out a gastropub called 302 The Local with smoked cocktails, smashburgers, hot chicken and ahi tuna. After closing Chaps in January, the Desch brothers got to work renovating the interior, expanding the bar and constructing the new menu. The flavors are less an expression of an individual chef than of the entire restaurant team, said Chris Desch. Many of the creations are tied by name to local cities and landmarks, whether a gouda-bacon-jalapeno burger called the Bethany or a craggy-thick fried chicken sandwich with house Buffalo sauce and blue cheese named after Dewey Beach. To help build the cocktail menu, The Local enlisted a local mixologist, Ryan Minnick, who recently went to the finals in a national bartending competition sponsored by "Breaking Bad" stars and Dos Hombres tequila owners Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. Were doing all fresh herbs, craft ice cubes, weve got a machine thatll shoot smoke bubbles onto your drink. Were pulling out all the tricks, Desch said. As far as those smoke bubbles go: Essentially your cocktail arrives with a smoke bubble atop it, and then you pop your own drink bubble, imbuing the cocktail with the flavor of the smoke. The restaurant is built out and almost complete, Desch said, but staff is still busy fine-tuning recipes and executon. The Desch brothers hope to softly open the restaurant during the second week of April. Matthew Korfhage is business and development reporter in the Delaware region covering all things related to land and money: openings and closings, construction, and the many corporations who call the First State home. Send tips and insults to mkorfhage@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: In former Chaps Pit Beef, a hall of cocktails, burgers and crabcakes D.A. Davidson & Co. announced today that it has served as exclusive financial advisor to Proficium, Inc., a California-based networking solutions provider, on its significant growth investment from Mill Point Capital LLC, a lower middle-market private equity firm based in New York. (Graphic: Business Wire) UNION CITY, Calif. & NEW YORK, April 03, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--D.A. Davidson & Co. announced today that it has served as exclusive financial advisor to Proficium, Inc. ("Proficium" or the "Company"), a California-based networking solutions provider, on its significant growth investment from Mill Point Capital LLC ("Mill Point"), a lower middle-market private equity firm based in New York. "Our partnership with Mill Point comes at an exciting time for our employees and our company. With Mill Points support, we will be able to take advantage of the vast opportunities ahead of us, driven by the widespread and ongoing growth in demand for datacenter capacity," said Dan Miranda, Proficiums Founder and Chief Executive Officer, who will continue to lead the Company. "The team at D.A. Davidson was instrumental to this process and we are thankful for the guidance they provided throughout. D.A. Davidsons deep industry knowledge in communications technology, extensive relationships in the sector and transaction expertise played a critical role in driving a terrific outcome for us." Proficium specializes in the design, manufacturing and delivery of innovative products and value-added services for commercial AI infrastructures, hyperscale data centers and enterprise companies. Since it was founded in 2003, Proficium has been a trusted partner of many of the worlds largest technology clients. "Dan and the Proficium team have done an outstanding job building the Company into a market leader providing mission-critical solutions to data centers, especially in the area of AI clusters," said Brad Gevurtz, Managing Director at D.A. Davidson. "We are thrilled to have advised the Proficium team in this transaction and expect this partnership between the Company and Mill Point to significantly accelerate the Companys growth plans over the next several years." D.A. Davidson served as exclusive financial advisor to Proficium. "Davidsons technology investment banking group truly understands the communications technology sector. They attend our trade shows, know our customers and our products, and were instrumental in getting an outcome for Proficium that far exceeded the founders expectations," said Dan Bowlin, industry veteran and executive advisor for Proficium. D.A. Davidson's Technology Investment Banking practice brings sector knowledge, transactional expertise, and full-service capabilities to our clients. This transaction highlights the ongoing success of the Technology practice, which has completed 110+ transactions representing approximately $21 billion in value since 2020. Story continues About D.A. Davidson Companies D.A. Davidson Companies is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services and advice to individuals, corporations, institutions, and municipalities nationwide. Founded in 1935 with corporate headquarters in Great Falls, Montana, and regional headquarters in Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Omaha and Seattle, the company has approximately 1,600 employees and offices in 29 states. Subsidiaries include D.A. Davidson & Co., a full-service investment firm providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services, and advice; Davidson Investment Advisors, a professional asset management firm; and D.A. Davidson Trust Company, a trust and wealth management company. For more information, visit dadavidson.com. About Proficium Founded in 2003, Proficium is an industry leader at the forefront of revolutionizing the digital landscape. Proficiums commitment to quality, competitive pricing, unbeatable service, and rapid delivery times set it apart as a trusted partner in todays fast-paced technological landscape. For more information, please visit www.proficium.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403843482/en/ Contacts Deal Team Contacts Brad Gevurtz, Managing Director | Portland, OR | BGevurtz@dadco.com Amy Johnson, Managing Director | New York, NY | ASJohnson@dadco.com David Douglas, Director | Portland, OR | DDouglas@dadco.com Joseph Tamburello, Associate | New York, NY | JTamburello@dadco.com Media Contact Emily Roy Prosek for D.A. Davidson (646) 818-9232 eroy@prosek.com Chatter surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) has dominated the technology sector for over a year now. Big tech is leading the charge in the AI revolution, but one company in particular could be separating from the pack. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is a major investor in OpenAI, the home of ChatGPT. The Windows developer has swiftly integrated OpenAI's features across its ecosystem, and one Wall Street analyst is sounding the alarm. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to proclaim that Microsoft's "iPhone moment" has arrived. Going all in on AI Apple is one of the most recognized brands around the world. The company completely disrupted personal computing and music streaming with the introduction of the iMac and iPod. But perhaps Apple's greatest achievement was its foray into mobile communications. The iPhone is undoubtedly one of the most successful devices ever released. While Apple was already known for its innovation, the iPhone put Apple in the driver's seat among consumer electronics businesses. For years, Microsoft was known for its Windows operating system. Moreover, a series of acquisitions primarily under former CEO Steve Ballmer helped create the illusion that Microsoft was evolving into a more ubiquitous platform. However, investors eventually soured on this narrative -- leaving some to question where Microsoft was headed. Ballmer's successor, Satya Nadella, has been at Microsoft's helm since 2014. Over the last decade, Nadella has transformed Microsoft into a major player in cloud computing. But with fierce competitors such as Amazon, Alphabet, and Oracle, the cloud narrative needed a new chapter. In January 2023, Microsoft made waves after it announced a multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI. While this may have been no more than an intriguing headline for some, Microsoft quickly made it clear that it was going all in on AI. Image source: Getty Images. How this strategy is going so far One of the core new services Microsoft is marketing as part of its AI campaign is called CoPilot. While the product is fairly new, Microsoft's big bet on AI appears to be paying off in spades. Per the company's most recent earnings call, CoPilot is seeing success in many areas across Microsoft's ecosystem. For example, the company's developer platform, GitHub, has 1.3 million CoPilot subscribers. This has led to a 40% annual increase in GitHub revenue, as of Dec. 31. Moreover, CoPilot can integrate with apps offered by leading enterprise software platforms such as ServiceNow and Salesforce. Story continues Microsoft's most lucrative opportunity related to AI may reside in its Azure cloud suite. Although the company's cloud platform was already performing at a respectable level, integrating ChatGPT into Azure has led to a new wave of growth. In fact, the reinvention of Azure had Nadella boasting that Microsoft has "moved from talking about AI to applying AI at scale." Is Microsoft stock headed higher? Ives currently has a price target of $500 for Microsoft stock, implying about 19% upside as of market close on March 29. While this is encouraging, I am more intrigued by Nadella's statement. Both Amazon and Alphabet are also looking to leverage AI to bolster their respective cloud businesses. But Microsoft may have the edge in this regard. It's still early days for ChatGPT and its development. And yet, in about a year's time, Microsoft has already generated impressive returns from the partnership. But at 36 times forward earnings, Microsoft stock is by no means cheap. The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of the S&P 500 is currently 20.7. Nevertheless, I think Microsoft's premium valuation is warranted. The company is emerging as one of the leaders of the AI realm, and I agree with Ives' position that the company's "iPhone moment" is here. AI represents an important new chapter for Microsoft, and I am optimistic that the company can keep its momentum up. Where to invest $1,000 right now When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for two decades, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has more than tripled the market.* They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now and Microsoft made the list -- but there are 9 other stocks you may be overlooking. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 1, 2024 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Adam Spatacco has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Dan Ives Just Said Microsoft's "iPhone Moment" Is Here. Here's What That Means. was originally published by The Motley Fool Readers hoping to buy Movado Group, Inc. (NYSE:MOV) for its dividend will need to make their move shortly, as the stock is about to trade ex-dividend. The ex-dividend date is one business day before the record date, which is the cut-off date for shareholders to be present on the company's books to be eligible for a dividend payment. The ex-dividend date is an important date to be aware of as any purchase of the stock made on or after this date might mean a late settlement that doesn't show on the record date. This means that investors who purchase Movado Group's shares on or after the 8th of April will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 23rd of April. The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.35 per share, and in the last 12 months, the company paid a total of US$1.40 per share. Based on the last year's worth of payments, Movado Group has a trailing yield of 5.1% on the current stock price of US$27.34. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! That's why we should always check whether the dividend payments appear sustainable, and if the company is growing. Check out our latest analysis for Movado Group If a company pays out more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. Movado Group paid out 67% of its earnings to investors last year, a normal payout level for most businesses. A useful secondary check can be to evaluate whether Movado Group generated enough free cash flow to afford its dividend. It paid out 78% of its free cash flow as dividends, which is within usual limits but will limit the company's ability to lift the dividend if there's no growth. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Click here to see how much of its profit Movado Group paid out over the last 12 months. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Businesses with shrinking earnings are tricky from a dividend perspective. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. So we're not too excited that Movado Group's earnings are down 4.5% a year over the past five years. The main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. Movado Group has delivered an average of 21% per year annual increase in its dividend, based on the past 10 years of dividend payments. That's interesting, but the combination of a growing dividend despite declining earnings can typically only be achieved by paying out more of the company's profits. This can be valuable for shareholders, but it can't go on forever. Story continues Final Takeaway Has Movado Group got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? It's never good to see earnings per share shrinking, but at least the dividend payout ratios appear reasonable. We're aware though that if earnings continue to decline, the dividend could be at risk. It's not the most attractive proposition from a dividend perspective, and we'd probably give this one a miss for now. With that being said, if you're still considering Movado Group as an investment, you'll find it beneficial to know what risks this stock is facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Movado Group you should know about. A common investing mistake is buying the first interesting stock you see. Here you can find a full list of high-yield dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Key Insights Winton Land's estimated fair value is NZ$2.43 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Winton Land's NZ$2.18 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Winton Land Limited (NZSE:WIN) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Winton Land The Method We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (NZ$, Millions) NZ$29.5m NZ$32.9m NZ$35.7m NZ$38.2m NZ$40.3m NZ$42.2m NZ$43.9m NZ$45.4m NZ$46.9m NZ$48.4m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 15.07% Est @ 11.32% Est @ 8.69% Est @ 6.85% Est @ 5.56% Est @ 4.65% Est @ 4.02% Est @ 3.58% Est @ 3.27% Est @ 3.06% Present Value (NZ$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.6% NZ$27.4 NZ$28.4 NZ$28.7 NZ$28.5 NZ$27.9 NZ$27.2 NZ$26.3 NZ$25.3 NZ$24.3 NZ$23.2 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = NZ$267m After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 7.6%. Story continues Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = NZ$48m (1 + 2.6%) (7.6% 2.6%) = NZ$982m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= NZ$982m ( 1 + 7.6%)10= NZ$472m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is NZ$739m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of NZ$2.2, the company appears about fair value at a 10% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf Important Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Winton Land as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.098. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Winton Land Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Real Estate market. Shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the New Zealander market. Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Threat No apparent threats visible for WIN. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Winton Land, we've put together three further items you should further examine: Risks: We feel that you should assess the 2 warning signs for Winton Land we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does WIN's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NZSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Key Insights The considerable ownership by retail investors in Fiducian Group indicates that they collectively have a greater say in management and business strategy The top 6 shareholders own 50% of the company Insiders have been buying lately Every investor in Fiducian Group Ltd (ASX:FID) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. We can see that retail investors own the lion's share in the company with 42% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company. And individual insiders on the other hand have a 42% ownership in the company. Insiders often own a large chunk of younger, smaller, companies while huge companies tend to have institutions as shareholders. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Fiducian Group. View our latest analysis for Fiducian Group What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Fiducian Group? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. We can see that Fiducian Group does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Fiducian Group, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. Hedge funds don't have many shares in Fiducian Group. The company's CEO Inderjit Singh is the largest shareholder with 35% of shares outstanding. London City Equities Limited is the second largest shareholder owning 6.7% of common stock, and Grandeur Peak Global Advisors, LLC holds about 3.1% of the company stock. On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 6 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones. While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. Our information suggests that there isn't any analyst coverage of the stock, so it is probably little known. Story continues Insider Ownership Of Fiducian Group 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. Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. It seems insiders own a significant proportion of Fiducian Group Ltd. It has a market capitalization of just AU$240m, and insiders have AU$100m worth of shares in their own names. We would say this shows alignment with shareholders, but it is worth noting that the company is still quite small; some insiders may have founded the business. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 42% stake in Fiducian Group. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. I always like to check for a history of revenue growth. You can too, by accessing this free chart of historic revenue and earnings in this detailed graph. Of course this may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free free list of interesting companies. 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. Parks! America, Inc. PINE MOUNTAIN, Georgia, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parks! America, Inc. (OTCPink: PRKA) (Parks! America or the Company), a leading operator of regional safari parks in the United States, announced today that Focused Compounding Fund, L.P. (FC) rejected a settlement proposal from Parks! Americas Board of Directors. The Company wants to make clear the terms of the most recent settlement offer turned down by FC, which we believe to be both reasonable and fair. In a good faith effort to provide FC with board representation commensurate with its approximately 39% ownership stake in Parks! America, the Board of Directors offered FC three board seats on the Companys seven-member Board. This settlement construct would have given FC direct input on the Board of Directors, equating to approximately 43% representation thereon which would exceed FCs current stake in the Company. FC rejected the proposal. FCs unreasonable demand for control of Parks! America without paying a premium to the Companys stockholders and without owning a control position in the Company continues to divert resources and corporate focus away from the core business. Despite FCs unprofessional comments and inappropriate rhetoric directed toward the Board of Directors and management, the Company nonetheless continues to engage with FC and initiate settlement talks in an effort to avoid costly and distracting proxy fights. Unfortunately, FC has, to date, consistently refused to engage in good faith in reasonable settlement discussions. The Company believes that FC will continue to waste Company resources in its quest for control, and, if FC prevails at the Companys upcoming Annual Meeting, the Company believes that FC intends to recover its expenses from the Company and place the cost of its campaign on the Companys stockholders. In a letter to the Board of Directors on January 18, 2024, FC wrote: Were willing to eat the costs of our side of the proxy fight and not seek to recover expenses from the company as is often done in these situations. It had always been our intention not to seek to recover any expenses. However, our lawyers / advisors suggested we leave this language in to prepare for the possibility that this would be a long and expensive process. So far, our expenses have been manageable. Were fine eating them. We dont need to recover expenses from the company if youre ready to settle now. We may seek to recover expenses if this continues for months. (emphasis added) At the initiation of this matter, FC was not aware that the approval of two-thirds of the stockholder vote was required for certain of FCs proposals to pass, as is required by Nevada law the governing law for Parks! America and all corporations incorporated in the state of Nevada. After discovering this oversight, FC continued to move forward with its proxy contest knowing full well the near mathematical impossibility that FC could achieve such two-thirds vote at the Companys Special Meeting held in February. The Company will now face a second costly and distracting campaign brought by FC at the upcoming Annual Meeting, and FC has, once again, extended the length of this matter by failing to engage in reasonable conversations or negotiations with the Company. Story continues Management and the Board of Directors have approached FC on a number of occasions to come to an amicable and reasonable agreement that provides FC with board representation commensurate with FCs ownership of the outstanding shares of the Company, while still protecting the interests of all stockholders. FC has rebuffed the Companys proposals at every turn. Once again, it appears that FC will settle for nothing less than full control of the Company. FCs refusal to engage with the Board of Directors to avoid a proxy fight suggests that FC is motivated by only its own self-serving agenda. FC appears to have one final hope for recovering its costs: prevail at the Annual Meeting and be reimbursed by the Company and, by extension, the Companys stockholders. For months now, FC has appeared to have been counting on the Companys stockholders to foot the bill for its proxy costs should the contest extend to the Annual Meeting on June 6, 2024. FC has had the opportunity to amicably, and justly, resolve this matter on a number of occasions and has chosen not to do so. Apparently, FC is counting on the stockholders to be its ATM. We hope the stockholders of Parks! America will consider whether the best interests of all of the Companys stockholders are of importance in FCs proxy strategy or whether FCs interests are aligned with FC alone. We also hope that FC will reconsider the reasonableness of the Companys settlement proposal, and, in that respect, the Board of Directors remains open to the possibility of an amicable resolution. In the meantime, the Company will remain focused on constructive engagement with our stockholders as we execute our plan to maximize long-term value. About Parks! America, Inc. Parks! America, Inc. (OTCPink: PRKA), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns and operates three regional safari parks - the Wild Animal Safari theme park in Pine Mountain, Georgia; the Wild Animal Safari theme park located in Strafford, Missouri; and the Aggieland Wild Animal Safari theme park, located near Bryan/College Station, Texas. Additional information, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2023, is available at no charge on the Companys website, http://www.animalsafari.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our future plans, business strategy, liquidity, capital expenditures, sources of revenue and other similar statements that are not historical in nature. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on our expectations as of the date of this news release and speak only as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to consider the factors listed under the heading Risk Factors and the other information contained in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Important Additional Information The Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Companys stockholders in connection with any matters to be considered at the upcoming annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled to be held on June 6, 2024 (including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the Annual Meeting). In connection with the Companys special meeting of stockholders held February 26, 2024, the Company filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC on February 12, 2024 (the Definitive Proxy Statement). The Company intends to file a definitive proxy statement and a WHITE proxy card with the SEC in connection with any solicitation of proxies from the Companys stockholders with respect to the Annual Meeting. STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ SUCH PROXY STATEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ANNUAL MEETING. The Definitive Proxy Statement contains information regarding the direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, of the Companys directors and executive officers in the Companys securities. Stockholders will be able to obtain the definitive proxy statement with respect to the Annual Meeting and the Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Special Meeting, including any amendments or supplements to such proxy statements and other documents, if any, filed by the Company with the SEC at no charge at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Copies would also be available at no charge on the Companys website at https://animalsafari.com/investor-relations/. Contact : Lisa Brady President and Chief Executive Officer (706) 663-8744 Chinese premier meets Indonesian president-elect Xinhua) 08:28, April 03, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with the President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with the President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia and Great Indonesia Movement Party General Chairman Prabowo Subianto in Beijing on Tuesday. Li said that in recent years, under the guidance of the two heads of state, China-Indonesia relations have developed rapidly, opening a new chapter in building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future. Prabowo's decision to visit China as his first country after being elected once again demonstrates the profound friendship between China and Indonesia, Li said. He said China is ready to work with Indonesia to maintain high-level strategic mutual trust, deepen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation, and push for deeper and more concrete progress in building a community with a shared future to achieve more win-win outcomes and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Li said China is willing to maintain the good momentum of high-level exchanges with Indonesia, make good use of dialogue mechanisms at all levels, and strengthen policy communication and coordination. He said the two sides should further enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's development strategies, accelerate the construction of key projects, deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as agriculture, forestry and fishing, expand cooperation in high-tech and emerging industries, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas related to people's livelihood. China is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Indonesia in multilateral fields such as the United Nations and the East Asia cooperation mechanism, jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries, defend international fairness and justice, promote the development of the global governance system in a more just and equitable direction, and make positive contributions to regional and global prosperity and stability, Li said. Noting that Indonesia has a long history of exchanges with China, Prabowo expressed appreciation for China's respect for and friendship with Indonesia and the Indonesian people, and thanked China for its strong support and assistance. Prabowo said he came to China on his first official visit after being elected to consolidate the friendship and cooperation and upgrade the relations with China. Hailing China's great achievements, he said the new government is willing to learn from China's experience, further deepen cooperation in infrastructure construction, agriculture, poverty alleviation, people's livelihood and green economy, build closer bilateral relations, and make positive contributions to regional and world peace and development. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with the President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses has developed a new guide aimed at helping family businesses cultivate sustainable growth through the implementation of effective corporate governance. The Corporate Governance Guidelines for Family Businesses toolkit focuses on governance structures, governance frameworks, and key regulatory guidelines for family businesses. The launch of the new toolkit reflects the centres ongoing commitment to providing practical guides on the main topics of interest to family enterprises. It follows the publication of six guides during 2023 addressing key areas affecting the continuity of family-run businesses and aims to support their long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Essential part Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: Family businesses are an essential part of our economy, contributing significantly to Dubais non-oil GDP and employing a substantial proportion of the countrys workforce. He added: These companies play a vital role in driving economic growth, and we remain committed to encouraging them to follow best practices in corporate governance that support their continuity and ensure the successful transition of leadership between generations. The success of family businesses boosts economic activity and contributes to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirates economy over the coming decade. The new guide comes as a continuation of the centres efforts to provide effective tools to support family businesses. It underlines the importance of corporate governance for family businesses, as well as highlighting the main bodies entrusted with family business governance including, family councils, the board of directors, and board committees; key governing documents; and the main requirements for board committees and meetings. Expansion seen Family businesses account for around 90% of the total number of private businesses in the UAE and contribute around 40% of the national GDP. With an estimated compound annual growth rate of 5.5% in new wealth, the BCG Global Wealth Report 2023 has forecast that private financial wealth in the country will reach $1.3 trillion by 2027, a surge that is expected to drive significant expansion within the family business sector. Supporting the sustainability and growth of family businesses is crucial in ensuring they remain key contributors to the nations economy. Launched under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers in May 2023, the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses is entrusted with ensuring the growth and long-term sustainability of family businesses in Dubai. The centre aims to further develop this vital sector and enhance its economic contribution to support the emirates future development plans.--TradeArabia News Service Frischs Big Boy has shuttered at least three Greater Cincinnati locations this week with store officials padlocking doors and posting permanently closed signs. The new closures are only the latest wave, with the iconic local eatery cutting more than 40 restaurants, or one third of its total locations, since it was acquired by an Atlanta-based investment firm in 2015. The summer before it was sold, Frisch's Big Boy owned and operated 95 restaurants and also licensed 26 restaurants to other operators that paid franchise or other fees to the company. The company now lists less than 80 stores in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana on its website. Frisch's does not specify which of its current listed locations are owned by the company versus licensed or franchised to other operators. Frischs officials declined to comment on the closures on Wednesday as did representatives of NRD Capital Partners, the private equity firm that bought out the chain of 121 restaurants for $175 million. A view of the Frischs at 4645 Spring Grove Avenue on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. The latest closures are: 4016 Dixie Highway, Erlanger 1575 W. Galbraith Road in North College Hill 4645 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village Enquirer journalists visited each location Wednesday morning to confirm the closures. Frisch's has seen a number of changes and confronted industry turmoil since it changed ownership. Frisch's Big Boy in Erlanger, Kentucky has been permanently closed. In 2022, Frisch's hired a new CEO James Walker to steady operations after the company was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Walnut Hills-based company still boasted more than 100 locations at the time. The company's web site shows 79 restaurants now. In the years after the takeover, Frisch's overhauled menu offerings, modernized (and slimmed down) the iconic Big Boy mascot and updated the look of restaurants with a more open design. The company also reversed a 2013 switch from Coke to Pepsi products. Frisch's Big Boy in North College Hill has been closed permanently. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Frisch's Big Boy closes restaurants in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky Baoding, China--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2024) - On April 1, GWM released its sales figures. In March 2024, GWM sold 100,276 new vehicles, with a 11.02% year-on-year increase. Among this, 21,882 new energy vehicles were sold, reaching a year-on-year increase of 66.34%, and 35,815 vehicles sold overseas, reaching a 60.66% year-on-year growth, hitting a new sales record. During the first quarter, GWM sold 275,333 new vehicles, a 25.11% year-on-year growth. Overseas sales reached 92,778 units, a year-on-year growth of 78.51%. In the first quarter of this year, GWM continued to consolidate its leading position in the market, with its excellent product power and perfect product matrix, realizing another leap in qualitative and quantitative development. Focusing on the "ONE GWM" brand strategy, GWM has continued to lay out its overseas operations. Along with the continuous launch of new products, its global product matrix has become more abundant, and its market performance has continued to improve, successfully demonstrating itself as the new power of China's automobile brands. Recently, GWM TANK SUVs have been introduced in South Africa, Mexico, Indonesia and other regions, bringing products with powerful off-road performance and luxurious and comfortable driving experience to local consumers. In the ASEAN market, GWM showcased at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand with its star models. The GWM SAHAR POER, locally positioned as a new first-class intelligent pickup truck, made its stunning debut, and formally opened for pre-sale. The official launch of the GWM TANK 500 and GWM HAVAL H6 in Indonesia highlights GWM's rapid layout in the field of new energy vehicles overseas, which will further consolidate its leading position in the ASEAN automotive industry. Based on the excellent product strength, GWM continues to strengthen its owner service. 2024 Global GWM TANK Owners Celebration was held on March 30th. More than 2,000 loyal owners of the GWM TANK from China and a dozen countries and regions, and more than 50 industry partners and hundreds of media representatives, gathered in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, to explore the charms of technology and enjoy Chinese off-road culture. GWM also organized five GWM TANK Alliance owners' events in the Middle East, with one hundred GWM TANK SUVs assembled and 400 GWM TANKERs gathered to conquer the Middle East off-road highlands in 22 days. In the future, GWM will continue to adhere to long-termism, focus on the intelligent new energy track, and further realize high-quality development. At the upcoming Auto China 2024, GWM will present a number of major new vehicles to create a popular user brand and build stronger global market competitiveness with continuous innovation in products, technologies and services. Story continues CONTACTS Carol Wang Great Wall Motor Company Limited Baoding, Hebei Province www.gwm-global.com globalmarketing@gwm.cn To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204116 Hawaii property owner left stunned after $500K home was mistakenly built on her lot. Now shes being sued Annaleine Anne Reynolds snapped up some vacant land in Hawaii for about $22,500 at an auction back in 2018. Reynolds planned to create a picturesque oceanview home using sustainable materials on Puna's Hawaiian Paradise Park lot to host her meditative healing womens retreats. Theres a sacredness to it and the one that I chose to buy had all the right qualities, Reynolds told Hawaii News Now. Don't miss But while she waited out the COVID-19 pandemic in California before getting started on construction, a real estate broker mistakenly sold the property to a developer, who bulldozed the lot and built a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house worth about $500,000. Now, Reynolds, along with the real estate agent, the construction firm, the architect, the prior property owners family and the county which approved the permits are reportedly being sued by the developer, Keaau Development Partnership. "It would set a dangerous precedent, if you could go on to someone else's land, build anything you want, and then sue that individual for the value of it," Reynolds attorney, James DiPasquale, said. A colossal screwup Keaau Development Partnerships attorney Peter S.R. Olson claimed the firm offered Reynolds a parcel of land of equal size, location and value in exchange for her land, or to sell the house to her at a discount, but she rejected the offer. I don't know what she's complaining about. Her property is appreciated by $450,000. And she's the victim in this? Olson told Inside Edition, explaining that all parties have been paid except for his client and they are seeking justice. Reynolds is counter-suing the developer, saying she was unaware of the "unauthorized construction." She also said shes unwilling to swap lots since the original property fits all of her parameters, including the position of the stars, numerology and the feel of the land. Her attorney, DiPasquale, said hes been practicing for more than two decades but has never dealt with a case like this before. They screwed up so colossally that it wasn't funny," he said. Story continues Read more: Car insurance rates have spiked in the US to a stunning $2,150/year but you can be smarter than that. Here's how you can save yourself as much as $820 annually in minutes (it's 100% free) Risks of buying vacant land Reynolds hasnt just been grappling with the mixup and the resulting lawsuit. Shes had to pay higher property taxes since the value of the property has increased from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, reported Hawaii News Now. Buyers hoping to score a good real estate deal also need to keep in mind that vacant land comes with several risks. Reynold said squatters took over the vacant, newly constructed home, allegedly leaving feces behind, until she installed a fence. If youre purchasing a home thats been unoccupied for a while, you might notice theres been little upkeep or maintenance of the property which might call for more room in your budget for repairs and renovations as well. And its important to hire a surveyor to identify the boundaries and complete a geology and soils report to determine whether its safe to build. An attorney for PJs Construction said the developers didnt want to hire surveyors, but Olson told Inside Edition this is untrue, claiming his clients did use trusted surveyors and left it up to the construction firm to make the decision on the location of the property. Theres a lot of fingers being pointed between the developer and the contractor and some subs, DiPasquale said. What to read next These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024 and you can complete each step within minutes. Here's how Rich young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market and are betting on these 3 assets instead. Get in now for strong long-term tailwinds Jeff Bezos told his siblings to invest $10K in his startup called Amazon, and now their stake is worth over $1B 3 ways to get rich without having to gamble on risky public stocks This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. More than any of the big three tobacco stocks, which includes Altria (NYSE: MO) and British American Tobacco (NYSE: BTI), Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) has found success in next-gen, heated-tobacco products. In 2023, 36.4% of its adjusted-net revenue came from smoke-free products, up from 32.1% in 2022, and most of those sales came from IQOS, its heat-not-burn product, which now has 28.6 million users out of its total of 33 million smoke-free product users. It also generated more than 40% of its gross profits from smoke-free products, showing the category is not only growing quickly but also delivering strong margins. Now, Philip Morris International (PMI) is prepared to take the next step in that strategy, launching its IQOS brand in the U.S. for the first time. Image source: Getty Images. Philip Morris hopes IQOS is bigger in Texas A Reuters report said that Philip Morris International was preparing to launch its IQOS heated-tobacco device in Austin, Texas, citing job advertisements on Linkedin. The launch comes after a false start for IQOS under Altria, which bought the rights to sell IQOS in the U.S. in 2019. The product got Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, but the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) later ruled that IQOS infringes on two patents held by British American Tobacco. In 2022, Altria and Philip Morris ended their agreement, giving Philip Morris commercialization rights to IQOS in the U.S., starting in April 2024, which explains the timing of its launch in Austin. Philip Morris paid $2.7 billion of the rights to sell IQOS in the U.S., showing it sees a potential gold mine selling the product stateside. After settling the patent dispute with British American Tobacco, PMI now seems poised to capitalize on the opportunity for heated-tobacco products. PMI plans to launch in four U.S. cities in two U.S. states this year with a broader roll-out expected in 2025. Let's take a look at three things investors should watch as the company prepares to enter the U.S. with IQOS. The regulatory environment The U.S. regulatory environment has proven to be a minefield for tobacco companies in recent years. Cigarette sales have steadily declined due in part to stiff excise taxes and other restrictions. Meanwhile, regulators have blown up alternatives to traditional tobacco products, like Juul. At one point, Altria owned a stake in Juul worth more than $12 billion, but it was forced to write down essentially the entirety of that stake due largely to a regulatory crackdown on the flavored tobacco pods that Juul is known for and to marketing to minors. Story continues Philip Morris appears to have the green light to launch in the U.S., but that could change. It could also face pushback from special interest groups leery of another tobacco product on the market. Smoke-free revenue growth Philip Morris is unlikely to break out the performance of IQOS in the U.S., but it's possible that it could move the needle on the total number of IQOS users or on smoke-free revenue growth, both of which it does report. The company is also likely to share good news about the U.S. market, though it probably won't break out specific results from the region. Keep an eye on the overall growth of smoke-free products and the number of IQOS users as any acceleration there, which may not come until next year, would be a sign that IQOS is taking off in the U.S. The company aims to have two-thirds of its revenue come from smoke-free products by 2030, and the U.S. likely plays a role in that forecast. Similarly, investors may see a noticeable jump in sales and marketing spending as it pushes the new product in the U.S. Altria's results Finally, if Philip Morris does find success with IQOS, it's likely to have an impact on Altria. Altria dominates the U.S. market as Marlboro has roughly 50% market share in cigarettes and it's bet on NJOY as its alternative to smoking. Altria doesn't yet break out results for NJOY, but IQOS is designed to take market share from traditional cigarettes with a less harmful product, so Marlboro sales in the U.S. are also at risk. If the product does catch on in the U.S., it's likely to impact broader demand for cigarettes, much as Juul posed a threat in its heyday. PMI believes it can gain a 10% share of the U.S. tobacco and heated-tobacco unit volume around 2030, which would be enough to make a dent in Altria's performance. If Philip Morris is successful with IQOS in the U.S., the tobacco stock is also likely to respond favorably as the U.S. represents a $143.6 billion market for nicotine products. Should you invest $1,000 in Philip Morris International right now? Before you buy stock in Philip Morris International, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Philip Morris International wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 1, 2024 Jeremy Bowman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends British American Tobacco P.l.c. and Philip Morris International and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $40 calls on British American Tobacco and short January 2026 $40 puts on British American Tobacco. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Are Heated-Tobacco Products the Future of Philip Morris International? 3 Things Investors Should Watch as the Company Nears Texas Launch was originally published by The Motley Fool For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to investors, even if it currently lacks a track record of revenue and profit. Sometimes these stories can cloud the minds of investors, leading them to invest with their emotions rather than on the merit of good company fundamentals. Loss-making companies are always racing against time to reach financial sustainability, so investors in these companies may be taking on more risk than they should. Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like Manx Financial Group (LON:MFX). While this doesn't necessarily speak to whether it's undervalued, the profitability of the business is enough to warrant some appreciation - especially if its growing. View our latest analysis for Manx Financial Group How Fast Is Manx Financial Group Growing? The market is a voting machine in the short term, but a weighing machine in the long term, so you'd expect share price to follow earnings per share (EPS) outcomes eventually. That means EPS growth is considered a real positive by most successful long-term investors. Recognition must be given to the that Manx Financial Group has grown EPS by 41% per year, over the last three years. While that sort of growth rate isn't sustainable for long, it certainly catches the eye of prospective investors. Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. Our analysis has highlighted that Manx Financial Group's revenue from operations did not account for all of their revenue in the previous 12 months, so our analysis of its margins might not accurately reflect the underlying business. Manx Financial Group maintained stable EBIT margins over the last year, all while growing revenue 35% to UK34m. That's progress. The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers. Manx Financial Group isn't a huge company, given its market capitalisation of UK27m. That makes it extra important to check on its balance sheet strength. Are Manx Financial Group Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? Seeing insiders owning a large portion of the shares on issue is often a good sign. Their incentives will be aligned with the investors and there's less of a probability in a sudden sell-off that would impact the share price. So as you can imagine, the fact that Manx Financial Group insiders own a significant number of shares certainly is appealing. Actually, with 36% of the company to their names, insiders are profoundly invested in the business. This should be a welcoming sign for investors because it suggests that the people making the decisions are also impacted by their choices. Valued at only UK27m Manx Financial Group is really small for a listed company. So this large proportion of shares owned by insiders only amounts to UK9.7m. That's not a huge stake in absolute terms, but it should help keep insiders aligned with other shareholders. Story continues Does Manx Financial Group Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist? Manx Financial Group's earnings per share have been soaring, with growth rates sky high. That EPS growth certainly is attention grabbing, and the large insider ownership only serves to further stoke our interest. At times fast EPS growth is a sign the business has reached an inflection point, so there's a potential opportunity to be had here. Based on the sum of its parts, we definitely think its worth watching Manx Financial Group very closely. Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for Manx Financial Group that you should be aware of. Although Manx Financial Group certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see companies with insider buying, then check out this handpicked selection of British companies that not only boast of strong growth but have also seen recent insider buying.. Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. RED BANK - Growing up in Rumson, Ellen Taylor loved ballet, studied it diligently, and went on to dance professionally with several renowned ballet companies. So it came as no surprise when she decided to share her lifelong passion with others by launching Monmouth Academy of Ballet, a Red Bank-based classical ballet school that's celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. I was extremely quiet and shy as a child, recalled Taylor, a Fair Haven resident who grew up with five siblings in a hard-working family. My father wanted his kids to have some music training, so I started on the piano, but I decided that I wanted to be a ballet dancer instead. "My mother enrolled me in a ballet school in Red Bank when I was 12 and from the very first class I took, I was in heaven. I loved the feeling of being in the ballet studio and working with my body and mind that way. I never felt awkward or like I didnt know what I was doing, she said. I felt like Id found my home. By high school, Taylor was taking classes at the studio every day after school and on Saturdays and preparing for a career as a professional ballet dancer. Ellen Taylor, the Founder and Artistic Director of the Monmouth Academy of Ballet, is shown at the Red Bank-based classical ballet school Thursday, March 28, 2024. The academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Business of dance: How Marlboro dance partners became business partners too Though accepted into The Juilliard Schools dance program on a scholarship, Taylor chose to study at the University of Cincinnatis Conservatory of Music while performing as an apprentice with the Cincinnati Ballet; she then graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland with a degree in English and French and went on to dance with the nationally renowned Cleveland Ballet for the next five years. A professional leap Coming back to the Shore area after dancing in Ohio for nearly a decade, Taylor began teaching ballet for her mentor at her childhood ballet school in Red Bank. Though people had asked me all the time to start teaching and I never thought I could do it, once I started, I found I enjoyed it, she said. To further hone her skills as an instructor, Taylor completed the London-based Royal Academy of Dances two-year teacher training program in 2008. Armed with that knowledge and certification, she said, I continued teaching for my former mentor in Red Bank as well as at some other schools and programs in the area. But she soon found that some of those dance schools were changing and so was she. The main studio at the Monmouth Academy of Ballet is shown at the Red Bank-based classical ballet school Thursday, March 28, 2024. The academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. World champion dancers: They spin around the floor in Monmouth and they're not even teenagers My former school had expanded to offer classes in modern dance and other genres and many parents of students there expressed to me that they wanted more ballet classes, said Taylor, who found herself at a crossroads. Story continues I was teaching at a school that had a different artistic mindset than I did, and I wasnt feeling 100% fulfilled professionally, she explained. Though my mentor ultimately retired, sold the school to a new owner, and it was expected that I would just stay on and teach, I felt due for a change too. I decided to give back to my community and establish a new school dedicated exclusively to classical ballet, something that didnt exist locally. With her fathers help in creating a limited liability corporation and several students pledging to follow her to her new school that September 2014, we looked at a number of different spaces in other towns, but I ultimately ended up finding the right space in a building in Red Bank near my old school, she said. It was one studio with hardwood floors on the third floor of the building and I just needed to bring in barres and mirrors. Red Bank Broadwalk: It's coming back for good; here's what will be new with outdoor dining Ellen Taylor, the Founder and Artistic Director of the Monmouth Academy of Ballet, is shown in the studio at the Red Bank-based classical ballet school Thursday, March 28, 2024. The academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. 'Joyous experience' Since starting out with 19 students a decade ago, we now have 85 students from ages 3 to 18 all the way up to adults in their 70s, Taylor said. And while she eventually expanded her space into the second floor of her previous building so that she could have two studios, this past January, we moved to a brand-new location at 141 Broad Street in Red Bank that features two beautiful ground-floor studios, huge windows, and plenty of parking in our own parking lot, she said. Classes at Monmouth Academy of Ballet, which run from Mondays through Saturdays, revolve around pure classical ballet my first love, Taylor said. Our curriculum starts with creative movement for 3- to 4-year-olds, all the way up to classes for our most advanced dancers, who do pointe and character work and prepare to take their advanced foundation exam, Taylor said. With Taylor and three other experienced ballet teachers instructing the schools more than 25 weekly classes, we prepare students for a professional career, but theyll have tons of fun along the way, said Taylor, who has seen several of their students go on to dance professionally at such companies as American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Utah Metropolitan Ballet and Miami City Ballet. We dont do a recital per se rather, we have a ballet performance on stage at the end of the year for those students who choose to audition, she said. Its serious but fun, features all-original choreography set to hand-selected music, and involves separate rehearsals on Sundays. Its an emotional and joyous experience and we cant wait for people to see it this June 8th. 'Drinks like a red': Red Bank 'social beverage' business sells drinks without the alcohol Ellen Taylor, the Founder and Artistic Director of the Monmouth Academy of Ballet, is shown in the studio at the Red Bank-based classical ballet school Thursday, March 28, 2024. The academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. As founder and artistic director of the school, Taylor confirmed that shes faced her share of challenges over the past decade. For me as a professional ballet dancer, learning how to run a business was like flying in the dark in the beginning, said Taylor, who was then confronted by harder and more personal challenges soon after. I had a total hip replacement a few years ago and then battled an aggressive form of breast cancer, she said. But Im now five years cancer-free, our school has been going strong for 10 years, and we just moved to a beautiful new location, so I feel like this is a celebratory year! My students saw me on crutches going through physical therapy for my hip and then I shared with them that I had cancer, she said. But being in the school with them gave me such hope through my whole ordeal and helped us keep moving on. 'So much magic' From her own experience, Taylor said that ballet is about so much more than mastering physical steps. Theres so much magic in ballet, and kids also learn important life skills like strength, resolve and resilience, said Taylor, whose newly established 501(c)3 charitable foundation will offer scholarships to help make ballet school accessible to everyone. All of the traditions that were handed down to me, Im giving back to my community, and I feel that so deeply now, she said. I love ballet and the opportunity to watch our students thrive, and being an example for them and seeing the trust families place in me means everything. Looking ahead, Id love to see our school continue to grow and stay strong, said Taylor, who hopes to help normalize ballet for boys, bring guest artists to the school, and offer more dance outreach programs to community organizations. Exterior of the Monmouth Academy of Ballet along Broad Street in Red Bank Thursday, March 28, 2024. The academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Through our school, she concluded, I hope we create a legacy and a place where this amazing art form and tradition can be handed down so that future generations of youngsters can experience the joy and thrill of ballet. Monmouth Academy of Ballet Location: 141 Broad St., Red Bank Phone: 732-945-9913 Founder/owner: Ellen Taylor Launched: 2014 Website: monmouthacademyofballet.com This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth Academy of Ballet in Red Bank celebrates 10th anniversary STRASBOURG, France, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Representing only the most daring and truly pioneering life science research, 108 of the world's top scientists from 23 nations have won 2024 Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) Research Grants. Human Frontier Science Program logo (PRNewsfoto/Human Frontier Science Program) "Excellence isn't enough for us we support research to explore whole new vistas in life science," said HFSP Chief Scientific Officer Guntram Bauer. "HFSP research grants are among the most competitive and coveted awards, and this year's awardees are impressive." Scientists working in these nations have won HFSP Research Grants for 2024-2027: Argentina France Norway Australia Germany Portugal Austria Israel Spain Belgium Italy South Africa Canada Japan Sweden China The Netherlands Switzerland Denmark New Zealand (Aotearoa) United Kingdom Ethiopia United States of America Online Booklet Listing Winners, Laboratories, Institutions, and Planned Work: To view the 2024 HFSP Research Grant Awardees and the Index by Country of the Research Grant Awardees. About HFSP Awards: HFSP Research Grants last for three years and on average, provide $400,000 USD per year. Our Program Grants are awarded to teams of two to four scientists, at any stage of their careers, who embark upon a new collaborative project. Our Early Career Grants require all team members are within five years of obtaining an independent position and that it has been no more than 10 years since they earned their Ph.D. Among all our awardees we seek scientists who form internationally, preferably intercontinentally, collaborative teams, who have not worked together before, and who are engaging in work for which they have no preliminary data. In this regard, HFSP fosters frontier research and science diplomacy. The Human Frontier Science Program was founded in 1989 by the G7 nations and the European Commission to advance international research and training at the frontier of the life sciences. Its aims are to promote intercontinental collaboration and training in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research focused on the life sciences. HFSP receives financial support from the governments or research councils of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, as well as from the European Commission. Since 1990, more than 8,500 researchers from more than 70 countries have been supported. Of these, 29 HFSP awardees have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Rachael Bishop, Science Writer and Editor: email: rbishop@hfsp.org Story continues The International Human Frontier Science Program is headquartered at 12 Quai Saint-Jean, 67000, Strasbourg, France. www.hfsp.org | Office phone: +33 (0)3 88 21 51 23 | @HFSP Twitter | Facebook page Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2129669/4628435/HFSP_logo.jpg Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/human-frontier-science-program-research-grants-awarded-to-108-of-the-most-pioneering-life-scientists-from-23-nations-302106403.html SOURCE Human Frontier Science Program Dive Brief: Financially strapped Idaho-based Saltzer Health eked out a midnight deal to sell its urgent care, surgical services and outpatient imaging businesses to regional healthcare providers, the company said on Monday. Trinity Health-owned Saint Alphonsus Health System purchased Salters ambulatory surgery center and two urgent care centers, while Intermountain Medical Imaging of Idaho bought Saltzers imaging center. Saltzer did not return a request for comment about deal terms. However, the deal did not save the company. In January, Intermountain Health-owned Saltzer said it would close by March 29 if it couldnt find a buyer for some of its operations, citing economic and financial challenges. Despite finding buyers, Saltzer shut its doors at the end of March. Dive Insight: Concerns about care access mounted after Saltzer announced it might shutter services earlier this year. Saltzer offered vital services to the Boise, Idaho-area, serving approximately 100,000 patients annually including over 35,000 primary care patients at 11 locations, according to a spokesperson. It also operated the Boise areas only 24/7 urgent-care clinic, according to reporting from the Idaho Statesman. Its Ten Mile Clinic urgent care is the only clinic in the state with CT and ultrasound scans on site, according to Saltzer. Now, Saltzers name will disappear from the Treasure Valley area. In addition to the sale, the medical group said multiple clinics will be leased to other providers. Saltzer also did not return Healthcare Dives request for comment on the number of clinics being re-leased. Some of the re-leased facilities will be staffed by former Saltzer physicians. Other Saltzer doctors intend to join different local medical groups or open their own independent clinics, Saltzer said. The facilities purchased by Saint Alphonsus Health System and Intermountain Medical Imaging will close briefly to allow for transitions, according to the announcement. Saltzers closure comes almost four years after it was acquired by Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, which operates 33 hospitals across seven states, according to its website. Saltzer said macroeconomic factors factored into its financial difficulties, adding that it had lost several million dollars each month. The health system called continuation unsustainable. Prior to closing, Saltzer had cut back on patient services in a bid to improve its profitability. Last year, the medical group discontinued walk-in urgent care at most of its clinics in Ada and Canyon counties and cut its ambulance transport services. Story continues Across the state, Idaho patients face a lack of primary care options. The states Department of Health and Welfare has estimated over 98% of Idahoans live in an area with a shortage of primary care professionals. Our goal during this challenging process was to ensure that as many medical services as possible continue to operate and serve the healthcare needs of the community, said Jana Huffman, assistant vice president for the Intermountain Medical Group, in a Monday statement on the deal. Finding buyers somewhat assuages care access concerns. A full Saltzer closure could have exacerbated already months-long wait times throughout the region, experts told the Idaho Statesman. Still, clinic closures are expected to cause some care delays as Saltzer doctors take time to find new positions, according to the Statesman. This story was originally published on Healthcare Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Healthcare Dive newsletter. By Jody Godoy NEW YORK (Reuters) -Two men pleaded guilty on Wednesday to insider trading in securities in the company that ultimately took former U.S. President Donald Trump's media business public. Michael Shvartsman, 53, head of Miami-based venture capital firm Rocket One Capital, and his brother Gerald Shvartsman, 46, each pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud before U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan. Rocket One's chief investment officer, Bruce Garelick, is scheduled to face trial on related charges on April 29. Prosecutors charged the trio last year with illegally trading on inside information about Trump Media & Technology Group's (TMTG) plan to go public through a merger with a blank-check company. TMTG operates Truth Social, Trump's main social media platform. Prosecutors said the trio signed confidentiality agreements in June 2021 when they were approached to become early investors in Digital World Acquisition, the blank-check company. The agreements required them to keep information they learned confidential and not trade the company's securities in the open market, prosecutors said. After hearing the company was in merger talks with TMTG, prosecutors said the trio tipped others and bought Digital World securities, selling them after the deal was announced on Oct. 20, 2021, to make a total of $22 million in illegal profit. Michael and Gerald Shvartsman said in court that they knew what they were doing was wrong when they traded on nonpublic information. "I've made a terrible mistake," Gerald Shvartsman said at the hearing. "Insider trading is cheating, plain and simple," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement after the pleas. The Shvartsmans are scheduled to be sentenced on July 17. Securities fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but any sentence would be imposed by the judge based on a range of factors. The average prison sentence in federal fraud cases in the U.S. last year was around two years. TMTG was publicly listed in late March, and its shares have been on a wild ride fueled by speculators betting on enthusiasm for Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in November's election. The stock shed early gains this week as Truth Social's parent company disclosed it had lost more than $58 million in 2023. TMTG shares finished trading at $48.81 on Wednesday, making Trump's stake worth about $3.8 billion, though he is not allowed to sell or borrow against it for six months. Trump Media is also embroiled in legal battles in Delaware and Florida with co-founders Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky, who have accused the company of trying to improperly dilute their stake. Trump Media has argued they failed to earn their shares and seeks to strip them of their ownership. (Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis) SAP, a market leader in enterprise application software, has appointed Saquib Ahmad as Managing Director for its Bahrain, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan operations. With close to 25 years experience in the regional IT and Telecommunications industry, Ahmad will focus on supporting the digital transformation and AI capabilities of companies. The countries that Saquib Ahmad will cover represent an important growth market for SAP, particularly in digital transformation, and we expect to see them benefit from the enormous potential of Business AI, said Ahmed AlFaifi, Senior Vice President of SAP Middle East and Africa North, to whom Ahmad will report directly. I am confident that with his in-depth knowledge of the region, strong IT background and proven leadership skills, Saquib is the ideal person to guide public and private sector adoption of new technologies in a way that will deliver the quickest and most valuable benefits. Immediately prior to his promotion, Ahmad had been Managing Director for SAP Pakistan, a position he held since 2017. During this time, he significantly expanded SAPs footprint in Pakistan, exceeding growth targets and hiring local talent to enable the digital transformation of customers in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining SAP, Ahmad held senior positions in Pakistan and the Middle East at several large technology companies, including Siemens, Nokia, Comptel and Oracle. Ahmad holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunication and Electronics from the University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore, and received the Aizza-e-Sabqat Presidential Award for Academic Excellence from the President of Pakistan. He has also completed the LEAP Program of Business Administration & Management from Insead, France. - TradeArabia News Service Investor Kay Yang's former Mequon home was the target of false document filings, according to a criminal complaint. A Milwaukee-area investor and developer under federal investigation for alleged money laundering and wire fraud is facing new state felony charges that she filed false documents. Kay X. Yang, 42, is charged with four counts of criminal slander of title, according to Ozaukee County Circuit Court records. The false documents include a lien claiming $4 million was owed for improvements and maintenance at her former Mequon home which was sold in 2022 through foreclosure. Other false liens included $11.1 million against the Ozaukee County Sheriff and $2.4 million against Halloin Law Group. There were other false filings tied to her former Mequon house in an attempt to cloud the title and make it impossible for the new owners to resell the property, the complaint said. Yang's cash bail was set at $100,000 by Ozaukee County Circuit Judge Paul Malloy at a Tuesday hearing. Yang told Malloy several friends and family, including members of Milwaukee's Enduring Love International Church, were in the gallery to post bail. Malloy said they must provide affidavits about the source of the cash to ensure the money wasn't a "product of illicit behavior." Yang said the bail would be posted by "good citizens." "I have a lot of people who love me," she said. Yang also repeatedly referred to herself as "an honorable woman" who's being "held hostage." Among those attending the hearing were Internal Revenue Service agents. A search warrant affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in 2022 said Yang was the subject of a criminal investigation for alleged money laundering and wire fraud. Yang, who operated Mequon-based Xaphhire LLC, was ordered in 2023 to repay $4.06 million to investors, and pay the same amount as a fine, after using investment funds to finance her lifestyle including casino gambling, luxury cars, and trips to Hawaii, Thailand, Cancun and Las Vegas. "Kay and Xapphire must be held accountable for their pervasive and knowing violations" of federal securities law, U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller said in the ruling. That judgment remains unpaid, according to federal court records. Yang raised at least $16.5 million from approximately 70 investors in at least eight states through two fraudulent offerings from around April 2017 through April 2021, the ruling said. Most are Hmong-American, including some who do not speak English as a first language and "were not sophisticated investors," Stadtmueller wrote. Yang also operated 5xen Asian Super Market, 6300 N. 76th St. leaving a once-thriving business in dire straits after she halted her 2020 expansion plans. Story continues Now known as Phongsavan Asian Market, it's again being operated by Pai Yang (no relation to Kay Yang) who's working to rebuild the business. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook. Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee-area investor/developer charged with filing false documents If you're looking for a multi-bagger, there's a few things to keep an eye out for. One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. So when we looked at the ROCE trend of Pan African Resources (LON:PAF) we really liked what we saw. What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)? If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Pan African Resources is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.24 = US$124m (US$574m - US$60m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023). Therefore, Pan African Resources has an ROCE of 24%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Metals and Mining industry average of 7.5%. Check out our latest analysis for Pan African Resources roce In the above chart we have measured Pan African Resources' prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Pan African Resources for free. So How Is Pan African Resources' ROCE Trending? Pan African Resources is displaying some positive trends. The data shows that returns on capital have increased substantially over the last five years to 24%. Basically the business is earning more per dollar of capital invested and in addition to that, 66% more capital is being employed now too. The increasing returns on a growing amount of capital is common amongst multi-baggers and that's why we're impressed. Our Take On Pan African Resources' ROCE To sum it up, Pan African Resources has proven it can reinvest in the business and generate higher returns on that capital employed, which is terrific. Since the stock has returned a staggering 194% to shareholders over the last five years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Pan African Resources can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead. On a final note, we've found 1 warning sign for Pan African Resources that we think you should be aware of. High returns are a key ingredient to strong performance, so check out our free list ofstocks earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. The man federal authorities tapped to lead an investigation into a massive cargo ships crash into Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge and the bridges immediate, deadly collapse is an experienced mariner who traces his seafaring roots to time spent aboard oil rigs. Marcel Muise joined the National Transportation Safety Board as a marine accident investigator in 2018 after more than two decades in the maritime industry, where he served in several capacities for the Coast Guard and worked on numerous private vessels, rising through the ranks from mate to captain. John Konrad, who worked alongside Muise for a decade in the maritime business before launching gCaptain.com, an industry news site, called Muise a bona fide captain, saying he sailed under the highest license administered by the Coast Guard and gained so much expertise that he was hired to oversee the construction of oil rigs in South Korea. He walks the deck. He understands the engine systems not just the technical stuff, but how you run them, Konrad told The Baltimore Sun. Between 2018 and 2021, Muise played a leading role in the investigations into at least three deadly accidents, according to an NTSB spokesman. The agency appointed Muise investigator in charge of its ongoing probe into the Titan submersible, which imploded last summer killing the five people inside in the Atlantic Ocean on an expedition to the deep ocean wreck of the Titanic. Former marine investigators described his experience as invaluable for confronting the biggest job of his career: Figuring out why a container ship crashed March 26 into one of the Key Bridges critical supports, causing the bridge to collapse and killing six members of a construction crew who were filling potholes, and ultimately crafting safety recommendations to prevent a similar tragedy. In addition to the death toll, the crash indefinitely interrupted vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore, a key economic and transit hub whose impact reaches far beyond Maryland. The 984-foot, 112,000-ton Dali still sits aground amongst the mangled steel and concrete that once transported more than 30,000 vehicles a day over the ports main and only channel into the Chesapeake Bay. This one has a level of interest that is not usual, Barry Strauch, who served as an NTSB investigator for more than three decades, told The Sun. In any safety board probe, the lead investigator is responsible for setting the pace of the investigation and coordinating groups of experts assembled to look into certain elements of the accident, according to Strauch and Thomas Roth-Roffy, who investigated marine accidents for the NTSB for 18 years. Story continues The NTSB declined to make Muise available for an interview. But on his LinkedIn page, Muise describes himself as a capable leader, nodding to his experience commanding oil rigs. As Master of a modern drillship, I supervised a crew of 120 with responsibility for up to 90 more people onboard, his page says. This includes everything from overseeing hotel services, resolving HR issues and emergency management to implementing a thorough safety management system and preventive maintenance for a $700 million asset. In the Key Bridge case, the NTSB established investigative groups for nautical operations, engineering, recorders and survival factors, board chair Jennifer Homendy said during a news conference last Wednesday. Homendy said investigators in those groups began interviewing crew members last week; collected and began processing data from the Dalis voyage data recorder, which stores information about the ships operation as well as recording conversations among those aboard; and requested scores of documents related to the ships maintenance and inspection history. Before taking questions last Wednesday, Homendy stepped aside for Muise to lay out the timeline of the crash in front of a dozen television cameras and twice as many reporters. Guided by two tugboats, the Dali left the port around 12:50 a.m., he said. Signs of trouble arose about 30 minutes later, when the ship was moving under its own power in the channel. In a mayday call, the harbor pilot reported losing all power and steering. The pilot ordered the crew to drop an anchor and issued steering commands to no avail. Drifting at speed, it crashed into the Key Bridge at around 1:29 a.m. Additional analysis of the (voyage data recorder) audio and comparison with other time sources will be needed to determine the exact time of contact between the Dali and the bridge, Muise told reporters. At 1:29:39, the pilot reported the bridge down over the VHF radio to the Coast Guard. The NTSB will later convene a group of technical experts to review the entire VDR recording and develop a detailed transcript of the dialogue. The NTSBs probe will examine not only failures aboard the Dali that led to reported power outages before it struck a bridge pier, but why the bridge crumbled instantaneously. Typically, such investigations take one to two years, culminating with a comprehensive report that outlines the causes of the accident and makes safety recommendations for the future. The agency usually releases a preliminary report within about a month of the incident. Complicated though the investigation surely is, Strauch pointed out several factors that should assist NTSB investigators and that arent always available to them. The ship is there. The crew members are there, Strauch said of the Dalis predominantly Indian crew, who remain aboard the vessel. So theres a lot of data thats easy to obtain, you dont have to go halfway around the world, or in the case of the Titan, underwater. He also noted there is video of the crash. They will be able to derive from those videos the forces on the bridge that led to the collapse, Strauch said. Thats incredible evidence. Before the Key Bridge and the Titan, Muise chaired NTSB groups investigating the capsizing of a lift boat in 2021 off the coast of Louisiana, killing 11 people; a fire aboard a dive boat off the coast of California in 2019 that left 34 dead; and the 2018 sinking of a amphibious passenger vessel in a Missouri lake that left 17 dead, according to an agency spokesperson. And years before he became an investigator, Muise shot up the ranks at American drilling company Transocean, according to Konrad, who worked at the company with him. He was chief mate of the offshore drilling vessel Deepwater Horizon, but was promoted to captain. Muise transferred away from that vessel a few months before it exploded into a fireball in 2010, killing 11 crew members, said Konrad, co-author of the book Fire on the Horizon: The Untold Story of the Gulf Oil Disaster. I think thats what drove him to join the NTSB, is to prevent future incidents like that, because I know it affected him deeply, Konrad said. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Sunview Group Berhad fair value estimate is RM0.71 Sunview Group Berhad's RM0.64 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate Peers of Sunview Group Berhad are currently trading on average at a 112% premium Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Sunview Group Berhad (KLSE:SUNVIEW) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Sunview Group Berhad Step By Step Through The Calculation We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM4.50m -RM22.8m RM9.00m RM15.6m RM23.8m RM32.8m RM41.8m RM50.3m RM58.0m RM64.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 73.40% Est @ 52.44% Est @ 37.77% Est @ 27.50% Est @ 20.31% Est @ 15.28% Est @ 11.76% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 12% RM4.0 -RM18.2 RM6.4 RM9.9 RM13.5 RM16.5 RM18.8 RM20.2 RM20.8 RM20.7 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM113m The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.5%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 12%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = RM65m (1 + 3.5%) (12% 3.5%) = RM786m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM786m ( 1 + 12%)10= RM251m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM364m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM0.6, the company appears about fair value at a 11% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Sunview Group Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.344. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Sunview Group Berhad Strength Debt is well covered by earnings. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Moving On: Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Sunview Group Berhad, we've compiled three important aspects you should look at: Risks: For example, we've discovered 5 warning signs for Sunview Group Berhad (2 are concerning!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does SUNVIEW's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. burakpekakcan / iStock.com According to data intelligence firm SAS Analytics, $100 bills account for 34% of paper currency in circulation in the U.S. and 82% of its value. Check Out: Im a Bank Teller: 4 Reasons You Should Withdraw Your Savings Right Now Try This: 6 Money Moves You Must Make if You Want to Be Like the Wealthy In short, most of our paper money is in hundreds by a mile but that doesnt mean theres never a bad time to walk into a bank branch and ask for one. Whether you need a fresh, crisp C-note to put in a birthday card, a wedding envelope or just to stash in your emergency cash pile at home, youll want to pick your moment. Heres what you need to know. Protect Your Wealth: The shrewdest ways to safeguard your money. A Note About the Curious, Cumbersome and Crime-Fueling C-Note The Wall Street Journal and the New Republic are among several publications that have recently reported on a peculiar monetary irony. Although the $100 bill is far and away the most common note it surpassed even the ubiquitous $1 bill in 2016 its the least commonly used, by far. ATMs dont stock hundreds, many retailers dont accept them and the mere sight of one makes register clerks reach for the counterfeit-detection pen. Look in your wallet. Its likely youre not holding any hundreds, and neither is the vast majority of upright citizens. Learn More: How I Went From Middle Class to Upper Middle Class Bye, Bye, Benjamin? As part of a longstanding campaign to stop printing and even recall existing $100 bills, the New Republic wrote, Benjamins are the favorite currency of criminals and almost no one else. Rich tax evaders, corrupt foreign officials, money launderers, counterfeiters and other bad actors hoard them, but the law-abiding masses rarely use them except for overseas travel or special occasions. As far back as 1976, an economist named James Henry called for an end to the $100 bill in an article in The Washington Monthly because even nearly a half-century ago it was the preferred currency of organized crime and tax evaders almost exclusively. In 1945, the Treasury stopped printing $500 and $1,000 bills; and, in 1969, it recalled all remaining $1,000 bills, $5,000 bills and $10,000 bills because of their overwhelming prevalence in money laundering. That leaves just the mighty C-Note at the top of the hill. In short, theres no bill quite like the Benjamin, and asking a bank for one isnt like asking for any other denomination. Heres when to avoid doing so. Avoid Peak Banking Hours Michael Ashley is a financial planner and the founder of the personal finance site Richiest, but he spent years as a bank employee at Wells Fargo and Citi, two of the largest financial institutions in the country and the world. Story continues I would advise against requesting $100 bills at a bank branch during peak hours, particularly during busy mornings or lunch rushes, he said. Such times typically witness a high volume of transactions and customer inquiries, leading to longer wait times and potential frustration for both customers and staff. Monday and Friday are traditionally busy days, and according to Chron.com, banks hire part-time tellers to supplement the staff during the peak lunch rush Ashley mentioned from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., so dont go then. Also, avoid Saturday mornings and traditional paydays like the first and last of the month. Stay Away When the Bank Is Low on Cash Banks manage fluctuating cash supplies, and you want to avoid walking in and asking for a $100 bill just before the armored truck pulls up with a fresh inventory of currency when the vault is running dry. Its also best to avoid asking for $100 bills during times of cash shortages, such as after weekends or holidays, when the branch may be in the process of replenishing its cash reserves, Ashley said. This can result in delays and inconvenience for both the customer and the bank staff, as fulfilling such requests might require extra time and effort. Instead, consider planning your visit during quieter periods, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays, to ensure a smoother and more efficient banking experience for everyone involved. The Wrong Time Is Any Time You Dont Call Ahead First According to the Washington Post, the law requires banks to keep a modest amount of cash on hand, typically between 3% and 10% of their deposits. Small banks might have less than $50,000 in cash at any given time, while large banks might have $200,000 or more. Depending on whether theyre flush or anxiously waiting for a sorely needed replenishment, the bank simply might not have any hundreds on hand. Theres an easy fix. Call ahead and ask if they can fulfill your request before you head down to the branch. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Bank Teller: 3 Times You Should Never Ask For $100 Bills at the Bank A few years back, amid the fanfare surrounding tech titans like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, Mark Cuban made a forward-looking statement at SXSW Conference and Festivals in 2017. He declared that the world's first trillionaire would emerge not from the traditional tech sector but from someone pioneering in artificial intelligence. He said, "I am telling you, the world's first trillionaires are going to come from somebody who masters AI and all its derivatives and applies it in ways we never thought of," At the time, AI was just beginning to show its potential, making Cuban's prediction seem more like a sci-fi plot than a foreseeable reality. Don't Miss: Long overdue disruption in the moving industry is underway. Heres how to invest in it with just $100 . Executives and founders of Uber, Facebook and Apple are bullish on this wellness app that you can coinvest in at $1.15 per share. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape of wealth and innovation has evolved. While Musk and Bezos remain in the trillionaire race, the focus has shifted towards AI's vast possibilities. Cuban's insights into AI as a vehicle for creating unprecedented wealth and opportunities now strike a chord more than ever. The shift has expanded the race, including not just established tech moguls but also those leading in AI innovation. Cuban highlighted the limitless potential of AI for wealth generation, suggesting the biggest fortunes would come from leveraging AI in novel, groundbreaking ways. The future he envisioned was not just about using AI but mastering it to invent something revolutionary beyond our current imagination. Trending: This startup coined eBay for gamers with a breathtaking track record has opened up a window to invest in its future growth. This vision heralds a new era of entrepreneurs, those looking beyond present applications of AI to transform industries radically. Picture healthcare revolutionized by AI-driven diagnostics or logistics enhanced by AI systems optimizing global trade. Advances in generative AI, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, are reshaping expectations and applications of AI, enhancing productivity tools and reimagining customer service. Developments in AI are making powerful technologies more accessible. These technologies are not just for the tech-savvy but are increasingly woven into the fabric of everyday life. Cuban's once speculative prediction now reflects a broader theme in the tech industry, with AI at its core. As AI advancements continue at a breakneck pace, established tech giants find themselves up against a new wave of innovators. The narrative is yet to unfold fully, but AI's potential to transform wealth creation, industries and daily life is undeniable. Story continues Investing in startups presents a unique chance to participate in potentially groundbreaking ventures from the onset. Remembering that giants like Tesla and Amazon started as small startups, investing early in promising AI or other innovative fields could lead to significant future rewards. Cuban's foresight encourages looking beyond the horizon, where AI or any innovative field could harbor the next trillion-dollar idea. Read Next: "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Mark Cuban Predicts World's First 'Trillionaire' Won't Be Musk Or Bezos It'll Be Someone Who 'Masters AI' And Applies It In Brand New Ways originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. With time running out and the General Assembly session ending next week, Senate leadership drove a bill to the chambers floor Tuesday that would provide economic relief to the workers and business hurt by the Port of Baltimores closure. Now we move into the harder phase of managing through the crisis, not just in the crisis, itself, Senate President Bill Ferguson, a South Baltimore Democrat and sponsor of the bill, said ahead of Tuesdays hearing. The Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade Act would require the Maryland Department of Labor and Department of Commerce to establish temporary relief funds to provide financial assistance to workers and business owners directly impacted by slowed operations at the port. The bill was unanimously voted out of the Senate Finance Committee less than an hour after its hearing. Because the legislation was filed as an emergency bill, it would go into effect as soon as Gov. Wes Moore signed it. Under Senate Bill 1188, also called the PORT Act, the Department of Labor would stand up a relief fund for people who regularly perform paid work at the port, cant return to work because of the interruption in operations and dont qualify for unemployment during the ports temporary, partial closure, which happened after a container ship struck and toppled the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The legislation would require the Department of Commerce to create a similar relief fund for small businesses and trade associations that rely on the port and, because of the pause in operations, cant give their workers the same hours, pay rate and benefits. Businesses that receive aid to keep operating from the Department of Commerce would be required, to the fullest extent possible, to give employees their regular shifts, pay them normal rates and provide them with their benefits while the port is closed. Funding would also be available to incentivize businesses that have to divert their operations to other ports during the partial closure. The relief accounts would be able to be replenished by federal funding. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, announced in the immediate aftermath of the bridges collapse his intention to have it rebuilt using federal funding, and his administration approved Moores initial request for $60 million last week. Ferguson said Tuesday that other funding for the project has been tacked onto a bill in Congress to provide foreign aid to Ukraine, which could slow the flow of federal dollars into the state. To assuage the uncertainty, the Maryland Senate Finance Committee amended his legislation to increase the bonding power of the Maryland Transportation Authority, which Ferguson said will allow the state to move more swiftly at the right time to rebuild the bridge if federal funding is delayed. Story continues Its always nerve wracking these days when you have to rely on Congress to solve an issue, Ferguson said ahead of the bills hearing Tuesday afternoon. Though its closed to vessels, the Port of Baltimore is not fully closed. According to Ferguson, some workers are still performing certain port-related jobs. Those who rely on the flow of ships in and out of the port will be most affected by the bridges obstruction to the channel. Ferguson and his cosponsor, Baltimore County Republican Sen. Johnny Ray Salling, met with members of the International Longshoreman Association on Monday as its members were briefed by the governor and federal officials about a timeline for the port to fully reopen. Ferguson said he saw fear in the eyes of workers when they discovered that a timeline for a return to normalcy is not clear. Both Ferguson and Salling represent areas directly impacted by the bridges collapse. Its such a horrific incident, but its good that it happened during session so we can respond quickly and do what we need to do to help the workers and businesses, said Senate Finance Committee Chair Pam Beidle, a Democrat representing Anne Arundel County. The legislation would also provide Moore, a Democrat, the latitude to amend the budget to move money from the states Rainy Day fund to aid individual workers, the Department of Commerce for small businesses and trade associations, and the Economic Development Opportunities Program Account for diverted businesses. The Rainy Day Fund is a pot of excess cash that the state saves to use in emergency situations. It currently holds more than $2 billion. Several amendments were tacked onto the bill before it left the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday afternoon, including a measure to create a scholarship for the children of transportation workers who have died on the job. The legislation will now head to the Senate floor for approval before its ushered through the House chamber. The House version of the bill sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chair Luke Clippinger, a Democrat who represents the same South Baltimore neighborhoods as Ferguson, will be heard Thursday. ______ TORONTO, April 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Health care is in crisis in Regent Park. Two weeks ago, Regent Park community health care workers, members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 5115, were forced out on strike when their employer refused to offer them a fair deal. OPSEU/SEFPO logo (CNW Group/Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)) These workers are saving lives on the frontlines of the poisoned drug epidemic. On Thursday, April 4, community health care workers will host a news conference and rally to talk about the impact of the health care crisis on vulnerable clients, and to call on RPCHC management to #EndTheStrike. Solidarity guests will include fellow striking workers from the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 535. What: News Conference and Rally for Regent Park community health care workers When: Thursday, April 4 at 9:15 AM Where: Regent Park Community Health Centre at 465 Dundas St. E. Media Availability: JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President Kirsty Millwood, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 5115 President Kristyn Wong-Tam, NDP MPP for Toronto-Centre The RPCHC was created more than 50 years ago to meet the health needs of Regent Park residents mostly racialized, often with precarious status, in a mid to low-income community. These workers provide critical services and programs for people in the Regent Park and surrounding communities including life-saving overdose prevention programs, low barrier support for addictions and homelessness, primary health care and so much more. But with wages frozen for nearly six years and benefits that have been frozen for 30 years, they can't even afford to live in the city they work in. They are struggling to make ends meet. It's why they are demanding better wages, benefits, and a psychologically safe internal work environment. Like other community health care workers, the staff at RPCHC are grossly underpaid within the health care sector it's causing a recruitment and retention crisis. After five months of bargaining, the employer refused to put forth a deal that would prioritize clients and workers. SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2024/03/c0118.html Nine New Partners Join Mojave's Sales Partner Program to Represent its Commercial Air Conditioner ArctiDry SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mojave Energy Systems, founded to change the nature of air conditioning, today announced it has added nine new sales partnerships across 17 U.S. states, more than doubling the size of its partner program. These firms will exclusively represent Mojave for customers in their defined geographic regions. (PRNewsfoto/Mojave Energy Systems, Inc.) "Our innovative commercial air conditioner has very quickly generated interest from manufacturing businesses, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and more," said Phil Farese, CEO, Mojave. "We are thrilled that ArctiDry now has top-tier representation across the South, Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Midwest regions. We are now able to help even more customers achieve significant improvement in efficiency with an affordable, reliable, turnkey, and climate-friendly solution." Mojave's ArctiDry saves customers money while reducing the negative environmental impact of air conditioning by halving electricity use and deploying the low global-warming potential (GWP) refrigerant 454b to significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions. ArctiDry can drop into existing HVAC infrastructure, requires minimal maintenance, and helps customers achieve Net Zero compliance. Air Equipment Company, APA HVAC Technologies, Coward Environmental Systems, Inc., Hobbs and Associates, Klima New Jersey, Inc., Mechanical Technologies, Stephany and Associates, TMS Johnson, and Windy City Representatives are the latest firms to join the Mojave Sales Partner Program. Air Equipment Company, a provider of air equipment and services for nearly every HVAC application for more than 75 years, has joined the program to carry Mojave in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. APA HVAC Technologies, delivering elite HVAC solutions for healthcare, education, pharmaceutical and commercial facilities, has signed on to represent Mojave in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Coward Environmental Systems, Inc. (CESI) , a representative of leading manufacturers of environmental and air management systems for more than 75 years, will be Mojave's sales partner in Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey. Hobbs and Associates, delivering HVAC products and engineering services to commercial and industrial building contractors, architect-design firms, and business owners, will represent Mojave in Maryland, Washington D.C, and Virginia. Klima New Jersey, a leading HVAC manufacturer's representative based in Edison, has joined Mojave's program for the Northern New Jersey sales territory. Mechanical Technologies, specializing in HVAC solutions for commercial, industrial, and institutional environments for over 20 years, will represent Mojave in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, New York. Stephany Associates, an HVAC manufacturer's representative focusing on commercial and industrial equipment, has joined the program to represent Mojave in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. TMS Johnson, a full-service supplier of HVAC equipment and solutions to the contracting and engineering communities in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, will carry Mojave across those midwestern regions. Windy City Representatives, a full-service manufacturer's representative firm specializing in commercial HVAC applications, will represent Mojave in Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana. Story continues "Adding these established, highly respected, and experienced firms to our sales program greatly expands our reach across key markets," said Kyle Troskot, Sales Director, Mojave. "We look forward to working with all of our partners to help customers discover how easy it is to install and maintain the first-ever HVAC unit to integrate liquid desiccant without the need for complex refrigeration systems." Mojave ArctiDry is currently available through its sales partners. Find a representative in your location here. About Mojave Energy Systems Mojave produces novel liquid desiccant systems designed to change the nature of air conditioning by dramatically increasing energy efficiency and reducing the climate impact of AC. Mojave's patented technology cools and dehumidifies the air, enabling the independent control of dew point and dry bulb. By focusing on dehumidification, lowering energy consumption, reducing refrigerant use, and improving indoor air quality for commercial buildings, Mojave's ArctiDry product is an ideal solution for Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS). When compared to other alternatives on the market, ArctiDry offers a highly reliable, lowest-cost-of-ownership product that reduces energy use by 40 to 60%. Mojave, founded in 2022 to commercialize a decade-long, Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) R&D project, has received seed funding from At One Ventures, Fifth Wall, Xerox Ventures, and others. Mojave Media Contact: Christy Kemp ckemp@dahliapr.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mojave-more-than-doubles-its-sales-coverage-across-the-us-302106823.html SOURCE Mojave Energy Systems, Inc. Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, said it has entered into a preliminary agreement with the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI). Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will establish a joint venture to develop Al-Faw Grand Port and its economic zone, as well as any future expansion, said a statement from AD Ports Group. Furthermore, the agreement also encompasses the potential investment, management, and operation of ports, economic zones, and related infrastructure in other cities in the Republic of Iraq, it stated. The agreement was signed in the presence of Razzaq Muhaibas Al Saadawi, Iraqs Minister of Transport, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAEs Minister of State for Foreign Trade, by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO, AD Ports Group, and Dr. Engineer Farhan Muhesen Al Fartosi, Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq. This signing follows a MoU inked by the two parties in September 2021, and the subsequent addendum, signed in August 2023, to intensify cooperation. The venture is set to bring together the expertise of both entities to attract international terminal operators, foster global trade relations, and develop commercial sea corridors, contributing to Iraq's economic growth. The preliminary agreement aims to provide the necessary expertise for Al-Faw Port and Economic Zone, using advanced management and operating models, in addition to studying the mechanism of developing, financing, managing, operating and maintaining the project, with an aim to enhance overall efficiency and operational capabilities. Both parties will explore investment opportunities and conduct the necessary feasibility studies related to ports, economic zones and other infrastructure under the General Company for Ports of Iraq. Al Saadawi said: "Al Faw Grand Port and Economic Zone project is of great importance to the Iraqi government, which is committed to implementing the project in line with the highest global standards, in cooperation with our partners in the UAE and AD Ports Group." "We have provided all the necessary solutions to ensure the success of the project, which aims to significantly contribute to local and regional economies. Moreover, combined with the development road project, Iraqs most prominent economic and logistics development, this project will strengthen maritime transport and freight shipping between Asia and Europe," he added. Dr Al Zeyoudi said: "The agreement signed today between AD Ports Group and the General Company for Ports of Iraq, is in line with the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening economic ties and increasing bilateral trade volumes between the two countries, in combination with associated agreements aimed towards the establishment of mutual growth platforms for business and private sectors, through exploring cooperation opportunities that drive mutual benefit in key industries." Dr Al Fartosi said: "We are embarking on another phase of cooperation with AD Ports Group, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing the development of our ports and economic zones." "Together, we will create a joint operational policy which includes partnering with key international shipping lines to meet the outcomes of the projects feasibility study. By leveraging the ports strategic location linking commercial lines between the East and the West, we will unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth, contributing to the prosperity of our nation," he stated. Al Shamisi said: "We are pleased to reinforce our partnership with the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation, represented by the General Company for Ports of Iraq." "The expansion of our collaboration demonstrates our commitment to strengthening relations between both our countries in line with our wise leaderships vision for strategic global trade and logistics growth that further boosts economic development and diversification in the region and beyond," he added.-TradeArabia News Service DALLAS, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The AFS Hedy Lamarr Award, an honor recognizing outstanding contributions to science and technology, will be presented to Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at EarthX's Congress of Conferences at the Hilton Anatole on Monday, April 22, 2024, with the award to be presented by notable figures David Hamilton and Trammell Crow Jr. EarthX Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter is American Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist most known as the lead guitarist with The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and Spirit. Perhaps less known are his numerous contributions as a missile and national security expert working for decades with some or our nation's most advanced technical laboratories, national security agencies and military branches. His invaluable contributions to national security agencies and military branches have spanned decades, making him a perfect recipient for the Hedy Lamarr Award. The AFS Hedy Lamarr Unsung Heroes in Science & Technology Award acknowledges individuals who have worked behind the scenes or broken barriers to provide innovative solutions, inventions, and methodologies that enhance our daily lives and bolster our national security. This award shines a light on the unsung heroes who embody the spirit and legacy of Hedy Lamarr, herself a renowned actress and an inventor whose contributions to technology have left a lasting impact. Event Details: - Date: Monday, April 22, 2024 8:15pm - Location: Hilton Anatole - Chantilly East, Dallas, TX - Presentation By: David Hamilton & Trammell Crow Jr. - Recipient: Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter For additional information on the Hedy Lamarr Unsung Heroes in Science & Technology Award and the upcoming award ceremony, please visit https://www.americas-fs.org/copy-of-hedy-lamar-award. About EarthX: EarthX is a subsidiary brand of Earth Day Texas Inc., founded in 2011 as a 501(3) to support Earth Day celebrations in Dallas. Since then, EarthX has grown into an international nonprofit and global environmental organization with a mission dedicated to environmental awareness, education, and inspiring passion in people and organizations to take action towards a more sustainable future. EarthX Media Inc. operates EarthxTV, a 24/7 linear television network dedicated to engaging and informing audiences globally and is in over 60 million homes internationally. The company is headquartered in Dallas, TX. Visit EarthX.org or follow @earthxorg on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Story continues For more information on the conference schedule, speakers, and registration, please visit www.earthx.org. Skunk Baxter Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/musician-jeffrey-skunk-baxter-to-receive-the-hedy-lamarr-unsung-heroes-in-science--technology-award-at-earthx-congress-of-conferences-302106435.html SOURCE EarthX Nxera Pharma Tokyo, Japan and Cambridge, UK, 3 April 2024 - Nxera Pharma (Nxera or the Company; TSE: 4565) formerly known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares today announces the appointment of Japan pharmaceutical sector expert, Mr. Patrick Branch, as Head of Business Development for Japan and the APAC region. Mr. Branch will join Nxeras global Business Development team that is led by Dr. Marcus Messenger. He will be based in Nxeras Tokyo office and will oversee Japan and regional disease area strategy, search and evaluation, and transaction activities. Previously a Partner and senior member of the global life sciences practice at L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consulting firm, and co-head and representative director of L.E.K.s Japan office, Mr. Branch brings extensive industry experience from directing strategic consulting projects for L.E.K.'s biopharma, medtech, healthcare and private equity clients. He has advised many executive teams across hundreds of engagements in Japan, APAC and the US on a range of business-critical issues, including growth strategy, business development and M&A, commercial strategy and operations, pricing and market access, and organizational design. Mr. Branch holds an MBA from INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France) and a Masters of Public Health (MPH) from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health (New York, USA). He also holds degrees from the University of Nottingham (Nottingham, UK) and SOAS, University of London (London, UK). Chris Cargill, CEO and President of Nxera Pharma, commented: Im delighted to welcome Patrick to the business development team at Nxera. This important appointment further demonstrates our commitment to advancing and growing our integrated Japan pharma business to develop and deliver more life-changing medicines for patients in the large and rapidly growing Japan and APAC markets. We believe both the challenges to and the lag in gaining new drug approvals in these markets represent major opportunities for our business for which we are strategically well positioned. Patrick Branch, Head of Business Development for Japan and APAC at Nxera Pharma, added: Nxera is an emerging leader in the Japanese biopharma sector, and I am honored to be joining the Company at such a pivotal time. I look forward to contributing my experience to build on the existing strong foundations to drive growth and new opportunities for the business in Japan and APAC where, with our lean, go-to-market commercial model, we are well positioned to scale rapidly and generate significant value for patients and our major stakeholders. END About Nxera Pharma Nxera Pharma (formerly Sosei Heptares) is a technology powered biopharma company, in pursuit of new specialty medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs in Japan and globally. In addition to several products being commercialized in Japan, we are advancing an extensive pipeline of over 30 active programs from discovery through to late clinical stage internally and in partnership with leading pharma and biotech companies. This pipeline is focused on addressing major unmet needs in some of the fastest-growing areas of medicine across neurology, GI and immunology, metabolic disorders and rare diseases, and leverages the power of our unique and industry leading GPCR-targeted structure-based drug discovery NxWaveTM platform to provide a sustainable source of best- or first-in-class candidates. Nxera employs over 350 talented people at key locations in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK), Basel (Switzerland) and Seoul (South Korea) and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565). For more information, please visit www.nxera.life LinkedIn: @NxeraPharma | X: @NxeraPharma | YouTube: @NxeraPharma Enquiries: Nxera Pharma Media and Investor Relations Kentaro Tahara, VP Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy Shinichiro Nishishita, VP Investor Relations, Head of Regulatory Disclosures Maya Bennison, Communications Manager +81 (0)3 5210 3399 | +44 (0)1223 949390 | IR@Nxera.life MEDiSTRAVA Consulting (for International Media) Mark Swallow, Frazer Hall, Erica Hollingsworth +44 (0)203 928 6900 | Nxera@medistrava.com Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development, and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Nxera Pharma Groups actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialization activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key Insights The considerable ownership by public companies in Isetan (Singapore) indicates that they collectively have a greater say in management and business strategy The largest shareholder of the company is Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. with a 53% stake Institutional ownership in Isetan (Singapore) is 10% To get a sense of who is truly in control of Isetan (Singapore) Limited (SGX:I15), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. We can see that public companies own the lion's share in the company with 53% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). As a result, public companies collectively scored the highest last week as the company hit S$290m market cap following a 147% gain in the stock. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Isetan (Singapore). See our latest analysis for Isetan (Singapore) What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Isetan (Singapore)? Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index. Isetan (Singapore) already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Isetan (Singapore), (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. Isetan (Singapore) is not owned by hedge funds. The company's largest shareholder is Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., with ownership of 53%. This implies that they have majority interest control of the future of the company. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 8.3% and 4.2%, of the shares outstanding, respectively. While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. As far as we can tell there isn't analyst coverage of the company, so it is probably flying under the radar. Insider Ownership Of Isetan (Singapore) 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. Story continues Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in Isetan (Singapore) Limited. As individuals, the insiders collectively own S$23m worth of the S$290m company. It is good to see some investment by insiders, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 23% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run. Private Company Ownership We can see that Private Companies own 4.9%, of the shares on issue. 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. Public Company Ownership We can see that public companies hold 53% of the Isetan (Singapore) shares on issue. It's hard to say for sure but this suggests they have entwined business interests. This might be a strategic stake, so it's worth watching this space for changes in ownership. Next Steps: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Isetan (Singapore) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. 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. Key Insights Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, New Jersey Resources' stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions The top 13 shareholders own 50% of the company Insiders have sold recently Every investor in New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE:NJR) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. With 72% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Institutional investors would appreciate the 3.7% increase in share price last week, given their one-year losses have totalled a disappointing 16%. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of New Jersey Resources. Check out our latest analysis for New Jersey Resources What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About New Jersey Resources? 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 New Jersey Resources. 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. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see New Jersey Resources' historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. Hedge funds don't have many shares in New Jersey Resources. BlackRock, Inc. is currently the largest shareholder, with 18% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 12% and 5.4% of the stock. After doing some more digging, we found that the top 13 have the combined ownership of 50% in the company, suggesting that no single shareholder has significant control over the company. While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future. Story continues Insider Ownership Of New Jersey Resources While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our information suggests that New Jersey Resources Corporation insiders own under 1% of the company. Keep in mind that it's a big company, and the insiders own US$23m worth of shares. The absolute value might be more important than the proportional share. It is good to see board members owning shares, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying. General Public Ownership With a 28% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over New Jersey Resources. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for New Jersey Resources (of which 1 doesn't sit too well with us!) you should know about. If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Denver-based cash-back and rewards company Ibotta is gearing up for its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO), marking a significant milestone in its journey since achieving Unicorn status in 2019. Last week, the company filed Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, signaling its readiness to debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol IBTA. Ibottas evolution from a primarily business-to-consumer model to a business-to-business-to-consumer approach has been instrumental in fortifying its revenue streams, paving the way for its IPO. Don't Miss: Long overdue disruption in the moving industry is underway. Heres how to invest in it with just $100 . Executives and founders of Uber, Facebook and Apple are bullish on this wellness app that you can coinvest in at $1.15 per share. A cornerstone of Ibottas revenue growth has been its Ibotta Performance Network (IPN), a platform for brands and publishers, facilitating pay-per-sale digital promotions. A key revenue driver for Ibotta has been its Ibotta Performance Network (IPN), a platform for brands and publishers, facilitating pay-per-sale digital promotions. Notable partners within this network include retail giants such as Walmart Inc., Dollar General Corp., Walgreens and Family Dollar Stores Inc., with the Walmart partnership playing a particularly pivotal role in Ibottas financial trajectory. "Our revenue growth significantly accelerated with the addition of new publishers to the IPN," according to the S-1. "Most recently, the rollout of our offers on the digital property of Walmart has attracted larger audiences, and in turn, resulted in greater spend by CPG [consumer packaged goods] brands and a greater number of redeemed offers. These developments have increased our scale, growth and profitability." Trending: This startup coined eBay for gamers with a breathtaking track record has opened up a window to invest in its future growth. According to the filing, Ibotta reported a remarkable 52% year-on-year revenue growth to $320 million in 2023, with a corresponding 12% increase in net income margin. As of Dec. 31, Ibotta collaborates with over 850 clients, representing more than 2,400 different CPG brands, to source exclusive offers. Founded in 2011 by Bryan Leach, Ibotta has garnered substantial support from investors, having raised $92.9 million in funding rounds. Key investors include Kleiner Perkins, Koch Disruptive Technologies, FJ Labs and GGV Capital U.S., with its last series D round in 2019, led by Koch Disruptive Technologies, valuing the company at $1 billion. Story continues Last year was slow for IPOs. With the 1,429 global IPOs down 16% from the previous year, the global IPO market has shown signs of revival in the first quarter 2024, witnessing 287 deals raising $23.7 billion. Recent U.S. IPOs include Reddit, which soared 30% the day shares were available, and Astera Labs, up almost 20% since the IPO on March 20. Amid the fluctuating IPO market conditions and their impact on valuations, the forthcoming valuation and share price of Ibotta remain a subject of keen interest and anticipation. Read Next: "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article After Reddit And Astera Labs's Successful IPOs, Ibotta Is Now Getting Ready For Another Billion-Dollar IPO originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Two investors in the shell company that merged with Trump Media & Technology Group, or TMTG, the parent company of Donald Trumps personal social media platform Truth Social, pleaded guilty Wednesday to insider trading, the latest in the organizations laundry list of recent issues. Florida venture capitalist Michael Shvartsman and his brother Gerald pleaded guilty in New York to one count of securities fraud, and could face up to 20 years in prison, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of New York. In October 2021, the pair made more than $22 million in illegal profits by using insider knowledge and trading in securities of the Digital World Acquisition Corporation, or DWAC, ahead of its merger with Trumps company. The Shvartsmans were later arrested and charged in June last year. Michael and Gerald Shvartsman admitted in court that they received confidential, inside information about an upcoming merger between DWAC and Trump Media and used that information to make profitable, but illegal, open-market trades, said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in a statement. The Shvartsmans plea comes after a rocky couple of weeks for TMTG. After the companys initial public offering last week, its stock price surged to $57 a share, valuing the company at $8 billion. But in the past few days, everything has come crashing back to earth. The companys SEC filings, released Monday, showed massive losses of $58 million, sending its stock price plummeting, with auditors expecting the company to lose even more money in the future. Trumps social media venture could make him a lot of money, which he desperately needs to pay his many legal bills. But hes not legally allowed to sell off any of his 72 million shares in the company for six months without permission from his companys board of directors, as it would lead to a steep drop in the stock price. He still might manage to do so anyway, considering that the board, made up of former administration staffers, political allies, and his son Donald Jr., would likely rubber-stamp such a request. TURIN, Italy, April 03, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the recently published PAC Innovation RADAR "Adobe Services in Europe 2024", an industry study by the independent market research and consulting company PAC (Pierre Audoin Consultants), Reply is classified as a leading Adobe service provider, receiving the highest "Best in Class" award across Retail, Manufacturing and Financial Services sectors. The PAC Innovation RADAR evaluates up to 30 international IT service providers of Adobe-related services in the European Market. PAC analyses the providers' strategy, development and market position, as well as their performance, expertise, certifications and service offerings. In the report, PAC recognised Reply as "Best in Class" in three different industries - Retail, Manufacturing and Financial Services - for its outstanding expertise and market strength. Reply, thanks to its companies specialised on Adobe technologies Comwrap Reply, Like Reply, Open Reply, Sagepath Reply and Up Reply, is able to guarantee coverage across the entire Adobe offering: digital content, e-commerce platforms, digital asset management, personalization, marketing automation and more. Reply integrates application development and customisation of Adobe products across all industries and develops AI-based solutions for efficient marketing processes. Reply's nomination as "Best in Class" in the Adobe Services PAC RADAR follows a series of other awards: Comwrap Reply was named "Adobe 2023 Digital Experience Emerging Partner of the Year - Central Europe", Reply's appointment as a "Platinum Solution Partner" and the acquisition of several Adobe Specializations in recent years, including Adobe Experience Manager Sites and Adobe Commerce, are further confirmation of its extensive expertise and competence. Spencer Izard, Research Director at PAC, said: "Reply has solidified its position as a premier Adobe consultancy across Europe, guiding major enterprise clients through complex digital transformations by combining user-centric design principles with technical mastery delivered through certified experts based in regional centres of excellence. As an Adobe Platinum partner, Reply's ability to architect tailored, innovative solutions that generate enhanced customer experiences and business impact, coupled with a focus on continuous enablement to stay ahead of emerging Adobe capabilities, allows them to empower ambitious organisations in key European markets through intelligent deployment of Adobe's leading platform." For more information: "Leading providers of Adobe Services in Europe 2024". Reply Reply [EXM, STAR: REY] specialises in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. As a network of highly specialised companies, Reply defines and develops business models enabled by the new models of AI, big data, cloud computing, digital media and the internet of things. Reply delivers consulting, system integration and digital services to organisations across the telecom and media; industry and services; banking and insurance; and public sectors. www.reply.com PAC PAC is the leading European consulting and analyst firm for the IT industry, a content-based company with a consulting DNA. We accompany software & IT service vendors worldwide on their growth journey. Since 1976, we have helped our clients to understand market dynamics, grow their revenue, and raise their profile. PAC is an analyst-led consultancy with a team of over 100 experts across Europe. We provide market research and analysis on more than 30 countries worldwide, delivered through our portfolio pillars, Guidance, Insights, and Visibility, and our renowned SITSI research platform. www.pacanalyst.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403838986/en/ Contacts Media contact: Reply Fabio Zappelli f.zappelli@reply.com Tel. +390117711594 Sandra Dennhardt s.dennhardt@reply.com Tel. +49 170 4546229 Assessing the Upcoming Dividend and Historical Performance of RGLD Royal Gold Inc(NASDAQ:RGLD) recently announced a dividend of $0.4 per share, payable on 2024-04-19, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-04-04. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Royal Gold Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does Royal Gold Inc Do? Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with GNTX. 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? Royal Gold Inc enquires and manages precious metal royalties and streams, with a focus on gold. The company operates by purchasing a percentage of the metal produced from a mineral property for an initial payment, without assuming responsibility of mining operations. Similarly, precious metal streams are purchase agreements with mine operators providing the right to purchase all or a portion of one or more metals produced from a mine, in exchange for an upfront deposit payment. Generally, Royal Gold does not conduct any work on the properties in which it holds royalty and streaming assets. The company owns a portfolio of producing, development, evaluation, and exploration royalties and streams, and the majority of group revenue is generated from Canada, Mexico, Chile, and the United States. Royal Gold Inc's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at Royal Gold Inc's Dividend History Royal Gold Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2000. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Royal Gold Inc has increased its dividend each year since 2000. The stock is thus listed as a dividend achiever, an honor that is given to companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 24 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Breaking Down Royal Gold Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, Royal Gold Inc currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.25% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 1.31%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Royal Gold Inc's annual dividend growth rate was 11.30%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate decreased to 9.40% per year. And over the past decade, Royal Gold Inc's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at 6.70%. Based on Royal Gold Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Royal Gold Inc stock as of today is approximately 1.96%. Story continues Royal Gold Inc's Dividend Analysis The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-12-31, Royal Gold Inc's dividend payout ratio is 0.42. Royal Gold Inc's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Royal Gold Inc's profitability 7 out of 10 as of 2023-12-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported net profit in 8 years out of the past 10 years. Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Royal Gold Inc'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 Royal Gold Inc's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Royal Gold Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 6.60% per year on average, a rate that underperforms approximately 60.37% 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, Royal Gold Inc's earnings increased by approximately 6.20% per year on average, a rate that underperforms approximately 53.92% of global competitors. The company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 31.90%, which underperforms approximately 16.52% of global competitors. Next Steps In conclusion, the analysis of Royal Gold Inc's dividend payments, dividend growth rate, payout ratio, profitability, and growth metrics paints a picture of a company with a history of consistent dividend payments and a commitment to increasing dividends over time. The payout ratio indicates that dividends are well-covered by earnings, and the company's profitability and growth metrics suggest a stable future. However, with growth rates that underperform a significant portion of global competitors, investors should keep a keen eye on the company's future performance to ensure that dividend sustainability remains intact. Royal Gold Inc remains an attractive option for value investors seeking steady income with the potential for growth. 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. Employers will invest in office design and technology to attract top talent with 81% of employers having already or planning to redesign workspaces in the next 24 months. But these enhancements are not just cosmetic; 90% of employers in the Americas, 94% in Asia Pacific and 85% in European countries report that collaboration-driven workspace enhancements are highly or moderately effective at attracting and retaining top talent. This is a testament to the belief that the right environment can be a powerful draw for a skilled workforce, says Cisco which unveiled findings from a survey that details how the reality of the in-office experience compares to employee expectations around the globe. Positive about office return The report shows that while employees are positive about the return to the office, they find that the spaces are too focused on individual work, rather than environments that foster collaboration and creativity. As global companies transition to hybrid models, employers and employees alike recognise the need for office spaces that encourage collaboration and innovation. Employers agree that technology and AI investments are essential to enhancing productivity and attracting top talent, but few have strategies to implement the technology throughout their organisation. Making the office a magnet means creating experiences that employees value, said Cisco Executive Vice President and General Manager of Security and Collaboration, Jeetu Patel. To achieve this, organisations must embed hybrid work solutions, infused with AI, into office spaces to foster collaborative experiences for everyone. Key survey findings from 14,050 employees and 3,800 employers in 19 countries include: Employees seek in-office collaboration: The report reveals a surprising truth: employees feel positively about returning to the office, provided the spaces support seamless collaboration, social interaction and creative brainstorming. While 72% of employees are positive about returning to the office, only 47% believe their work environments are equipped for this new era of hybrid work. It's time to advocate for and design office spaces that truly support the ways employees want to work together. Office tech needs to change to enable collaboration: 34% of surveyed employers are still allocating more than 75% of their office space exclusively to personal working spaces, creating individual working environments and encouraging individual working habits. Technology infrastructure and integration is a major area of concern across the globe, with ineffective meeting rooms due to inadequate audio and video technology hindering productivity and collaborative efforts. Among employers who find meeting rooms ineffective in boosting in-office productivity, the main reason is insufficient audio and video endpoints, with 41% in the Americas, 52% in Asia Pacific and 42% around Europe. Organisations realise the value of AI to increase productivity: Employers are making a strong commitment to integrating AI into the workplace. By 2025, 73% will invest in AI-powered collaboration software, with 68% planning to enhance their workspaces with AI technologies. 80% of employers plan to invest in AI for workspaces and collaboration by the end of 2025, recognising the potential of AI to revolutionise the working environment. This underscores the need to accelerate AI adoption within the workplace to enhance productivity and create a future-ready office environment. Employers must focus on closing the AI skills gap: While 43% of employees have access to AI technologies, less than half feel proficient in using them. With 1 in 4 employees not well prepared to use AI, this highlights the need for training and that businesses must select AI that meets both the organisation and individual teams needs.--TradeArabia News Service The exterior of the closed 52 Stafford as seen, December 2023, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Plymouth, Wis. PLYMOUTH The family behind Sargento Foods intends to purchase the former 52 Stafford building in downtown Plymouth, following its closure and uncertain future. The Gentines plan to purchase the hotel, originally opened as the Laack Hotel in 1892, and the H.C. Laack building, according to a news release. The Laack building was first a hardware and drug store. Both properties on Mill and Stafford streets were first owned by Henry C. Laack. Sargento CEO Louie Gentine said he has fond memories of the Laack building. After church, my parents would take us there for breakfast, he said in a news release. I remember the malts, shakes and the countless number of personal coffee mugs hanging on the wall. My mom worked there. My wife, Paula, worked there. These buildings have been fixtures in downtown Plymouth for over a century and I look forward to the opportunity to restore them as an anchor for our community, he continued. Sign up for the Streetwise newsletter Click here to get all the business openings and closings news right in your inbox The Gentine family signed purchase agreements for both properties and could pursue historical restoration. This work includes structural repair and updated weatherization. Future plans and the purchase agreement could be finished in the coming months. Born and raised in this community, I take great pride in the city of Plymouth, Lee Gentine said. "Renovating and preserving the history of this community has long been a passion of mine. Lee Gentine helped guide the creation of the Cheese Counter in Plymouth, Wis. Gentine, a member of the board of directors of Sargento, spoke about the importance of cheese in Plymouth and Sheboygan County. The 52 Stafford property was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1985. Its website claimed it was the longest-operating hotel in Wisconsin. The Gentines have previous investments in Plymouth, including the Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center, 133 E. Mill St. Junior Leadership program: Sitting in the mayors chair, touring the detention center Sheboygan County students learn about leadership in new Chamber program Have a story tip? Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @alexx_garner. This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sargento Gentine family plans to buy 52 Stafford building in Plymouth Assessing the Dividend Performance and Sustainability of Siam Cement PCL Siam Cement PCL (SCVPF) recently announced a dividend of $3.5 per share, payable on 2024-04-23, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-04-04. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Siam Cement PCL's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does Siam Cement PCL Do? Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with SCVPF. 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? Siam Cement PCL is a holding company which manufactures and sells a variety of building materials, chemicals, and packaging products. The company organizes itself into four segments based on product type. The chemicals segment, which generates more revenue than any other segment, sells olefins and polyolefins. The cement-building materials segment sells cement, ready-mix concrete, roof tiles, ceramic tiles, and sanitary products. The packaging segment sells pulp, printing and writing paper, and corrugated paper used for packaging. The majority of revenue comes from Thailand. Siam Cement PCL's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at Siam Cement PCL's Dividend History Siam Cement PCL has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2009. Dividends are currently distributed on a bi-annual basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Breaking Down Siam Cement PCL's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, Siam Cement PCL currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.77% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 2.68%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Siam Cement PCL's annual dividend growth rate was -28.90%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to -18.10% per year. And over the past decade, Siam Cement PCL's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at -4.70%. Based on Siam Cement PCL's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Siam Cement PCL stock as of today is approximately 0.65%. Siam Cement PCL'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, Siam Cement PCL's dividend payout ratio is 0.21. Story continues Siam Cement PCL's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Siam Cement PCL'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. Siam Cement PCL'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 Siam Cement PCL's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Siam Cement PCL's revenue has increased by approximately 7.70% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 53.46% 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, Siam Cement PCL's earnings increased by approximately -12.00% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 16.09% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of -11.60%, which outperforms approximately 11.2% of global competitors. Next Steps In conclusion, Siam Cement PCL's upcoming dividend, along with its historical payments, reflect a pattern of commitment to shareholder returns. Despite a decline in the dividend growth rate over the years, the company's low payout ratio and solid profitability rank suggest that dividends are well-supported by earnings. Looking at the growth metrics, Siam Cement PCL demonstrates a strong revenue model with a good growth rank, though its earnings and EBITDA growth rates indicate areas for improvement. For investors seeking dividend-paying stocks, Siam Cement PCL presents a mix of stability and potential, backed by a consistent dividend policy and a robust business model. As the company navigates the future, will it be able to enhance its growth metrics and thereby secure and possibly increase its dividend payments? For further insights and investment opportunities, 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. Sinarmas Land (SGX:A26) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: S$1.34b (up 7.9% from FY 2022). Net income: S$272.5m (down 21% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 20% (down from 28% in FY 2022). The decrease in margin was driven by higher expenses. EPS: S$0.064 (down from S$0.081 in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period The primary driver behind last 12 months revenue was the Indonesia Property segment contributing a total revenue of S$1.27b (95% of total revenue). The most substantial expense, totaling S$204.6m were related to Non-Operating costs. This indicates that a significant portion of the company's costs is related to non-core activities. Explore how A26's revenue and expenses shape its earnings. Sinarmas Land shares are down 3.7% from a week ago. Balance Sheet Analysis While earnings are important, another area to consider is the balance sheet. We've done some analysis and you can see our take on Sinarmas Land's balance sheet. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. (Bloomberg) -- Singapore is encouraging more women to pursue jobs in science, technology and engineering to help bridge the gender pay gap. Most Read from Bloomberg While the gap narrowed to 14.3% last year from 16.3% in 2018, the government is looking to do more, according to the Ministry of Manpowers written reply to parliamentary questions on Tuesday. The pay difference was lowered to 6%, when adjusted for age, education, occupation, industry and hours worked. Thats comparable to the US and Canada, the ministry said. Singapore plans to introduce its first workplace fairness law later this year to protect against discrimination. The government is also working to address gender stereotypes about careers and has initiatives to develop women in the tech sector. The city-state doubled government-paid paternity leave to four weeks this year in a bid to balance parenthood and care giving responsibilities. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Looking to buy a home this year, but feel like your salary can't keep up? Well, you're not alone. According to a recent report from Bankrate, Americans need an income of $110,871 annually to afford a median-priced home of $402,343. This is a 46% increase from the start of 2020, with residents in 22 states and the District of Columbia now needing to earn at least $100,000 annually to afford a median-priced home in their area. "Affordability is the biggest issue finding a home that's in your budget," Bankrate housing market analyst Jeff Ostrowski said in the report. "The higher the price of a home, the harder it is to come up with the down payment or to qualify for the monthly payment. Home values are near record highs, and if you want a house, you have little choice but to pay a high price." How much do New Jersey residents need to make? In New Jersey, residents need to make $152,186 annually to afford the state's median-priced home of $495,600. This is a 45% increase from 2020, when the annual income needed to afford a median-priced home was $104,986. Due to high mortgage rates and increased home prices, new homeowners in New Jersey are paying about $3,551 monthly for their mortgage. This falls in line with the report's finding that Western and Northeastern states require the most income for aspiring homeowners to afford a median-priced home. Nationally, aspiring homeowners must make $110,871 to afford a median-priced home of $402,343. Where has the annual income increased the most? Montana saw the greatest rise in the annual income needed to buy a median-priced home in the country. With a 77.7% increase from 2020, aspiring homeowners in the state must make $131,357 annually to afford a home worth $507,000. Utah and Tennessee saw similar increases, at 70.3% and 70.1%, respectively. In Utah, residents must make $133,886 to afford a home worth $525,500, while residents in Tennessee must make $94,371 to afford a home worth $365,600. South Carolina and Arizona saw the fourth- and fifth-highest increases in annual income from 2020, at 67.3% and 65.3%, respectively. Where has the annual income increased the least? In contrast, the annual income needed to buy a median-priced home in some states increased by a much smaller percentage. The annual income needed to buy a median-priced home of $259,200 in North Dakota is $73,414 an increase of just 9.2% from the $67,224 annual salary that was needed in 2020. In the District of Columbia, an aspiring homeowner must make $167,871 annually to afford a home worth $612,500 a 24.6% increase from the annual salary needed in 2020. Louisiana (+24.9%), Illinois (+27.2%) and Kansas (+29.3%) rounded out the five states with the lowest increase in annual income needed to buy a home. Story continues What states require the highest annual salaries? Of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, California requires the highest annual salary to afford a typical home. In California, aspiring homeowners must make $197,057 to afford a home worth $739,200. Hawaii is a close second, requiring a $185,829 annual salary to afford a typical home worth $735,900. The District of Columbia ($167,871), Massachusetts ($162,471) and Washington ($156,814) made up the remaining five with the highest annual income needed for aspiring homeowners. "Homeownership doesn't necessarily need to be your be-all and end-all goal. It can be one way to secure your finances and build for your future, but it's not the only way. In the short run, become more cognizant of your plans for saving to reach your financial goals," Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, said in the report. "One of the benefits of renting is that it allows for more flexibility. That means itll be easier for you to take a new job in a new city or put yourself on a better financial path if you dont tie yourself down. It might be a blessing in disguise because you have more flexibility to get yourself on a path where you can attain homeownership, Fairweather said. Here's how much annual income is required to buy a median-priced home in all 50 states and the District of Columbia: Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay , on X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ real estate: Annual salary required to afford a typical home (Bloomberg) -- SK Hynix Inc. plans to spend $3.87 billion building an advanced packaging plant and research center for artificial intelligence products in Indiana, marking a win for the Biden administration as it seeks to increase semiconductor output on American soil. Most Read from Bloomberg The worlds No. 2 memory chipmaker said it will build its first US facility in the city of West Lafayette, with plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2028. The plant will center on a production line for next-generation high-bandwidth memory chips, critical components of the graphic processors that train AI systems. SK Hynix has evolved into a key player in the AI development boom as the leading designer and producer of so-called HBM chips, which work in tandem with Nvidia Corp.s processors. Its decision comes about two years after the company announced plans to invest in the US. At the time, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said his conglomerate would set aside some $15 billion to build chip facilities and bolster research programs in the US. Wednesdays announcement is part of that total commitment, the Korean company said. SK Hynix has also applied for grants from the Chips and Science Act, which is aimed at promoting the return of semiconductor manufacturing to the US. Read More: SK Hynix Tops $100 Billion in Market Value on AI-Powered Rally SK Hynixs project marks a significant step forward for US ambitions to add advanced packaging capacity a bottleneck in Washingtons efforts to revitalize the domestic semiconductor industry. The US has only 3% of the worlds packaging capacity, meaning that firms manufacturing chips in America often still have to ship them to Asia to be assembled for use. Chips have become a battleground between Washington and Beijing, with the US spending tens of billions of dollars to wean itself off Asian suppliers. Its dangled hefty financial incentives to get global chipmakers to add capacity. Semiconductor firms have pledged to invest more than $230 billion on American soil since President Joe Biden took office, spurred by the 2022 chips legislation. Intel Corp. last month won $8.5 billion in grants and as much as $11 billion in loans from the US to support more than $100 billion investments at home. The Biden administration also plans to award more than $6 billion to SK Hynix rival Samsung Electronics Co. and more than $5 billion to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Bloomberg News reported earlier. Story continues Most of those investments have so far gone to Texas, New York and Arizona. The Grand Canyon State alone has secured more than $60 billion in investments from TSMC, Intel, Amkor Technology Inc. and dozens of others. SkyWater Technology Inc. in 2022 announced its plan to build a $1.8 billion semiconductor research and development and production facility through a partnership with Indiana and Purdue. --With assistance from Ian King. (Updates with comments from company on Chips Act funding in the fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Delivery of the two CalMac vessels is already six years late - Jane Barlow/PA Wire The boss of Scotlands state-controlled ferry operator has been ousted amid a crisis over the late delivery of two new ships that are more than 250m over budget. CalMac boss Robbie Drummond left with immediate effect after the board carried out a review of the firms executive leadership following the delay to the new ferries, which has left it without vital capacity going into the summer season. Mr Drummonds departure comes a week after the dismissal of David Tydeman, the head of nationalised Scottish shipyard Ferguson Marine where the vessels are being built. Mr Tydeman was sacked only two years into the job, having warned of further delays to the CalMac project. Robbie Drummond has left with immediate effect - CalMac The Scottish Conservatives said that Mr Drummond, like Mr Tydeman, had been made a scapegoat by the Scottish government, accusing the SNP of presiding over utter chaos in the ferry network while refusing to accept responsibility for the debacle. Conservative shadow transport minister Graham Simpson said: Not a single ministerial resignation has been offered over this scandal yet now the head of both CalMac and Ferguson Marine have been fired in the space of two weeks. The Scottish government welcomed the change of leadership at CalMac while saying the decision had been taken by chairman Erik stergaard, who it appointed, in consultation with the board. Delivery of the two CalMac vessels is already six years late, with the government warning after Mr Tydemans exit that the latest holdups were unacceptable. Scottish taxpayers have been landed with a huge bill for the ferries after the initial 97m budget more than tripled, leading then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to nationalise Ferguson Marine in 2019. The Scottish Parliaments public audit committee criticised her in a report last year, saying Ferguson had been awarded its contract prematurely. CalMacs services between the Hebrides and Scottish mainland have been seriously disrupted by the delays, impacting travel by islanders reliant on ferries for links to the outside world. Duncan Mackison, the former boss of CalMac holding company David MacBrayne, through which the government controls the ferry firm, has been appointed interim chief executive. The CalMac board said Mr Mackisons immediate aim will be to strengthen the operational performance and resilience of the companys ageing fleet, and to improve communications with customers. It warned that services will continue to face upheaval until the new vessels finally arrive. The first, the Glen Sannox, appeared ready for delivery in May following positive sea trials before Mr Tydeman revealed the further setbacks. Story continues Both the Glen Sannox and the second vessel, the Glen Rosa, which is scheduled to arrive by September next year, are to be deployed on a route linking the Scottish mainland with Brodick on the Isle of Arran. CalMac has leased a 430-passenger catamaran ferry until July to provide additional capacity on the Arran run. The delivery delays, combined with repairs to another vessel, mean the Kintyre peninsula will remain without a ferry service. 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. HOUSTON, April 03, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sunnova Energy International Inc. ("Sunnova") (NYSE: NOVA), an industry-leading adaptive energy services company, announced continued investments and expansion to its virtual power plant (VPP) network, providing increased reliability, reduced emissions, and lower costs. With its VPP investments, Sunnova is boosting accessibility in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Texas to enable customers to rapidly access stored battery power during periods of peak demand and in some cases send excess power back to the electrical grid reducing strain on the grid and minimizing blackouts. The clean power produced by Sunnovas rooftop solar and battery storage customers helps offset the need for utilities to use heavily polluting traditional power plants during peak demand periods. In return for their demand battery response and contribution, customers are compensated for the power supplied by their batteries in most programs. "We are revolutionizing the role of solar and storage while putting money back into our customers pockets and the response has been overwhelming," said William J. (John) Berger, Sunnovas chief executive officer. "Our customer base of more than 419,000 comprises an estimated 1-gigawatt hour of storage capacity, and this vast clean power source will go a long way in supporting struggling grids, decarbonizing our energy systems, and compensating participating customers creating a win-win-win for everyone involved. The future of home energy services is here." One recent example of Sunnovas VPP leadership is demonstrated through the LUMA Battery Emergency Demand Response Program (BEDRP) in Puerto Rico. As the leading residential solar and battery storage services company in Puerto Rico, Sunnova currently manages more than 1,000 enrolled customers, where capacity of approximately 10 megawatt hours is provided to supplement LUMAs resilience against outages. By voluntarily participating in the program through the Sunnova Flex Power Program, Sunnova customers play an active role in bolstering the grid and supporting a reliable power supply for Puerto Ricans. "Electricity demand is being driven to record levels and the power grid is not ready but VPPs can offer critical help," said Berger. "We see VPPs as insurance for the grid, as they are ready now to provide power in times of need and tackle the impending challenges ahead of a constrained electric system. We are proud to be expanding our VPP service to help customers combat the skyrocketing price of electricity and shore up the grid in times of need." When the grid is under stress, Sunnova receives LUMAs signal and discharges enrolled battery storage via the Sunnova Sentient platform, reducing grid demand, minimizing blackouts, and keeping the power on. As of March 2024, this Sunnova VPP has helped prevent five grid outages that could have potentially impacted several hundred thousand homes on the Island. The companys VPP has also been used to provide additional reserve to the grid in moments when generation has been running below recommended reserves. Todays announcement highlights how this success can be replicated across the country. "Our customer base is rapidly expanding, and we're at a pivotal moment in enrolling customers into VPPs," said Michael Grasso, Sunnovas Chief Revenue Officer. "This comes at a time when energy storage is increasingly becoming mainstream, and the delivery of grid services through our VPP is becoming an everyday activity. Sunnova is proud to be at the tip of the spear when it comes to these revolutionary VPP programs, and were proud to not only help our customers but to help improve the overall resilience of our countrys energy grids." Under todays announcement, Sunnova has expanded its operational VPP offerings to several programs nationwide, including: California Power Grid Protect and Emergency Load Reduction Program New York Battery Reward incentive program Northeast Connected Solutions Demand Response Programs (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) Puerto Rico Sunnova Flex Power Program through the LUMA Battery Emergency Demand Response Program Texas Adaptive Retail Energy Plan (ERCOT) "As policymakers begin to see the success of existing VPP programs nationwide, they are rapidly moving to establish and implement similar VPP initiatives with the goal of enhancing grid resilience and saving ratepayers money amidst surging energy demands," said Meghan Nutting, Sunnovas Executive Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs. "With an impressive 24% battery attachment rate among new customer originations last quarter, our growing number of customers are primed to participate in VPP programs as they come online." The announcement represents Sunnova's continued dedication to fostering energy choice, enriching customer experiences, empowering communities, and advancing the overall energy landscape across the United States. Sunnovas VPP programs utilize its innovative energy management solutions and proprietary Sunnova Sentient technology platform, which optimizes energy management, enhances reliability and resiliency, provides demand response and grid support while providing additional revenue streams and offers greater energy independence for its network of customers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403034068/en/ Contacts Sunnova Media Contact: Ryan Bechtold Ryan.Bechtold@sunnova.com Sunnova Investor Contact: Rodney McMahan 877-770-5211 IR@sunnova.com As many as 8,235,680 Umrah performers have arrived from abroad since the Umrah season began this year, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, a report said. Among them, 7,259,504 have already completed their Umrah, leaving approximately 976,176 visitors and Umrah performers currently in Saudi Arabia, a Saudi Press AGency report said quoting the ministry. Madinah's Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport alone has seen 1,919,971 arrivals and 1,437,849 departures, with an average of 6,579 Umrah performers arriving and 5,613 departing daily. Amid the holy month of Ramadan, Madinah is bustling with Umrah performers from across the globe. These visitors flock to the city before embarking on their journey to Makkah to perform the sacred rituals of Umrah. The Saudi authorities are providing comprehensive services to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience for the worshippers. The pilgrims' journey commences in Madinah at the Mosque of Miqat Dhu Al-Hulayfah, where they perform two rak'ahs (prayer units). cokada / Getty Images Volunteer teens in a California high school are now helping run a tax-return clinic largely thanks to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) program which trains people to prepare taxes and make a difference in some underserved communities, The New York Times reported. Check Out: Trump-Era Tax Cuts Are Expiring How Changes Will Impact Retirees Read Next: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides training to give free tax help for low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns, according to the agencys website. These include people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and non-native English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. All individuals including IRS employees participating in the VITA programs who answer tax law questions, instruct tax law, prepare or correct tax returns and/or conduct quality reviews of completed tax returns must be certified. The students at the California high school receive not only credit for their help, but a kind of object lesson in personal finance, according to The New York Times. Ask the right questions of the person behind the numbers and you can learn a lot about how the world works and the paths to making your way in it, The New York Times added. As Chris Urban, CFP and founder at Discovery Wealth Planning, argued, personal finance is an extremely valuable (and practical) subject for kids to learn at a young age. The benefits will literally last a lifetime. Taxes, in particular, are an important concept because kids should learn that its not what you earn but rather what you keep that matters, he added. Learn More: A Look at Tax-Filing Options and Costs Sponsored: Credit card debt keeping you up at night? Find out if you can reduce your debt with these 3 steps Why Parents Should Teach Their Kids About Taxes Now Some experts argue that these high school volunteers are a prime example of the importance of teaching kids and teens about personal finance and specifically taxes, as all the money lessons involved put them on a path to being financial grownups. For example, they can learn that if they save money deliberately in certain accounts, like a Roth IRA, they can avoid higher taxes later on in life, said Bobbi Rebell, CFP and founder of Financial Wellness Strategies. According to Rebell, teens will be better prepared to understand that when they get a job, the salary their employer tells them they are being paid will not be the amount of money that they keep. Story continues The numbers can be alarming at first, but that is the reality, she said, noting that this will help them budget and understand what it really costs to live the life they want and in turn, how much they have to earn. It can be painful at first but it is a really valuable lens into their future as financial grownups, she added. Learning About Broader Financial Concepts Taxes can also teach important lessons about the cost of different kinds of debt. For example, the interest on credit card debt is not deductible. But the interest on a mortgage on your primary would generally be deductible, so it costs less, said Rebell. That might get them thinking differently about home ownership compared to renting. In addition, knowing that there are tax benefits to saving in a retirement account could motivate them to start saving earlier, she said. Rebell also added that the IRS website is surprisingly easy to navigate and very clear in its language. As such, teens can easily look things up and understand quickly that certain behaviors are rewarded. For example, capital gains taxes which are tied to investments, are often lower than the taxes on income, she said. Teens can quickly learn, and be motivated, to be investors. On the flip side, they can see that being day traders can be very costly in terms of taxes. This reality might inspire them to be more thoughtful and intentional when making investment decisions, she added. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Teen Tax Gurus: Why Parents Should Teach Their Kids About Taxes Now Even with burnout, overwhelm, budget cuts, hiring freezes, waves of redundancies and everything else in 2024, theres still little regulation in the US to stop employers tapping workers to respond to requests either at their desk or through their smartphones and laptops at home. (Of course, France is showing us all up, having introduced a right-to-disconnect policy back in 2017. Those pesky, utterly correct French) This week, California State Assemblyman Matt Haney introduced AB 2751, a right to disconnect proposition. If passed, it would make every California employer lay out exactly what a persons hours are and ensure they arent required to respond to work-related communications while off the clock. Time periods in which a salaried employee might have to work longer hours would need to be laid out in their contract. I do think its fitting that California, which has created many of these technologies, is also the state that introduces how we make it sustainable and update our protections for the times we live in and the world weve created, Haney told The San Francisco Standard. Hes not wrong: California is the birthplace of Gmail, the iPhone, although not Slack watch out Vancouver, Canada. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed HP Spectre x360 14 review Tesla sees EV deliveries drop year-over-year for the first time since 2020 Englands NHS will provide artificial pancreas to thousands of diabetes patients X names its third head of safety in less than two years You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! Smart Swim 2 is smaller, lighter and more useful. TMA (Engadget) Form launched its Smart Swim goggles in 2019. They featured a built-in display showing real-time data when you swim, and its successor, the Smart Swim 2, is a refinement in every way. Form has nipped and tucked the existing model, with the tech pack 15 percent smaller than its predecessor. It also worked on comfort and fit, giving the goggles longer, more adjustable straps and a broader range of swappable nose bridges. Continue reading. The company is removing Just Walk Out from Fresh grocery stores in the US. TMA (Amazon) Amazon is removing its much-trumpeted Just Walk Out tech from all of its US Fresh grocery stores. The self-checkout system used cameras, sensors and good old-fashioned human eyeballs to track what people leave the store with, charging the customers accordingly with no human needing to scan a thing. Story continues One issue was the system didnt use AI object detection and advanced smarts as much as Amazon would like you to believe. There are reportedly over 1,000 people in India scanning the camera feeds to ensure accurate checkouts. Amazon tried to sell the technology to other retail chains, but its only major deal was with Starbucks in a few locations. These systems require high ceilings to accommodate the cameras and sensors. Reuters suggested many retailers consider Amazon a competitor and didnt want its hooks in their systems. For now, the systems will continue in select UK stores. Continue reading. Sequana Medical NV PRESS RELEASE REGULATED INFORMATION 3 April 2024, 06:00 pm CEST Ghent, Belgium 3 April 2024 Sequana Medical NV (Euronext Brussels: SEQUA) (the "Company" or "Sequana Medical"), a pioneer in the treatment of fluid overload in liver disease, heart failure and cancer, announces today that it received transparency notifications from the shareholders listed below, notifying the number of voting rights attached to shares mentioned next to their respective names in the table below. The transparency notifications were filed following a private placement of new shares that was announced and priced on 20 March 2024, with pricing announced on 21 March 2024, by means of a private placement through an accelerated bookbuilding procedure of new shares. Reason for notification Aggregate number of shares and voting rights held % of total outstanding shares(1) Adrianus van Herk(2) Acquisition of voting securities or voting rights 1,328,570 3.70% ParticipatieMaatschappij Vlaanderen NV(3) Disposal of voting securities or voting rights / Downward crossing of the lowest threshold N.A.(4) N.A.(4) _____________ Notes: (1) The total number of outstanding shares of the Company mentioned in the relevant transparency notifications amounts to 35,909,420, each share giving right to one (1) vote (being 35,909,420 voting rights in total). (2) Adrianus van Herk ("van Herk"), acting as a person that notifies alone, informed the Company, by means of a notification dated 28 March 2024 that on 25 March 2024 the aggregate number of voting rights of van Herk crossed the threshold of 3% of the outstanding voting rights of the Company. (3) A parent undertaking or a controlling person of ParticipatieMaatschappij Vlaanderen NV ("PMV"), informed the Company, by means of a notification dated 3 April 2024 that on 27 March 2024, PMV's aggregate number of voting rights crossed below the lowest threshold of 3% of the outstanding voting rights of the Company. The notification furthermore specifies that PMV is controlled by Het Vlaams Gewest and that Het Vlaams Gewest is not controlled. (4) If the holding has fallen below the lowest threshold, the shareholder doesnt have to report the number of shares and voting rights held. This announcement is made in accordance with Article 14 of the Belgian Act of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of major participations in issuers of which shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and regarding miscellaneous provisions. To access copies of the aforementioned transparency notifications, reference is made to Sequana Medical's website (https://www.sequanamedical.com/investors/shareholder-information/). Story continues Pursuant to the Belgian Transparency Act and the articles of association of the Company, a notification to the Company and the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) is required by all natural and legal persons in each case where the percentage of voting rights attached to the securities held by such persons in the Company reaches, exceeds or falls below the threshold of 3%, 5%, 10%, and every subsequent multiple of 5%, of the total number of voting rights in the Company. For more information, please contact: Sequana Medical Lies Vanneste Director Investor Relations E: IR@sequanamedical.com T: +32 (0)498 05 35 79 About Sequana Medical Sequana Medical NV is a pioneer in treating fluid overload, a serious and frequent clinical complication in patients with liver disease, heart failure and cancer. This causes major medical issues including increased mortality, repeated hospitalizations, severe pain, difficulty breathing and restricted mobility. Although diuretics are standard of care, they become ineffective, untolerable or exacerbate the problem in many patients. There are limited effective treatment options, resulting in poor clinical outcomes, high costs and a major impact on their quality of life. Sequana Medical is seeking to provide innovative treatment options for this large and growing "diuretic-resistant" patient population. alfapump and DSR are Sequana Medical's proprietary platforms that work with the body to treat diuretic-resistant fluid overload, delivering major clinical and quality of life benefits for patients and reducing costs for healthcare systems. The Company's Premarket Approval (PMA) application for the alfapump was submitted to the US FDA in December 2023 and accepted for substantive review in January 2024, having reported positive primary and secondary endpoint data from the North American pivotal POSEIDON study in recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Results of the Company's RED DESERT and SAHARA proof-of-concept studies in heart failure support DSR's mechanism of action as breaking the vicious cycle of cardiorenal syndrome. All three patients from the non-randomized cohort of MOJAVE, a US randomized controlled multi-center Phase 1/2a clinical study, have been successfully treated with DSR, resulting in a dramatic improvement in diuretic response and virtual elimination of loop diuretic requirements. The independent Data Safety Monitoring Board approved the start of the randomized MOJAVE cohort of up to a further 30 patients, which is planned after alfapump US PMA approval. Sequana Medical is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels (Ticker: SEQUA.BR) and headquartered in Ghent, Belgium. For further information, please visit www.sequanamedical.com. Important Regulatory Disclaimers The alfapump system is currently not approved in the United States or Canada. In the United States and Canada, the alfapump system is currently under clinical investigation (POSEIDON Trial) and is being studied in adult patients with refractory or recurrent ascites due to liver cirrhosis. DSR therapy is still in development and it should be noted that any statements regarding safety and efficacy arise from ongoing pre-clinical and clinical investigations which have yet to be completed. There is no link between DSR therapy and ongoing investigations with the alfapump system in Europe, the United States or Canada. Note: alfapump and DSR are registered trademarks. Forward-looking statements This press release may contain predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements represent the current judgment of Sequana Medical on what the future holds, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Sequana Medical expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of Sequana Medical only as of the date of this press release. Attachments If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an eye out for. Ideally, a business will show two trends; firstly a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an increasing amount of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. With that in mind, we've noticed some promising trends at Imperial Oil (TSE:IMO) so let's look a bit deeper. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Imperial Oil: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.18 = CA$6.2b (CA$41b - CA$6.6b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023). So, Imperial Oil has an ROCE of 18%. In absolute terms, that's a satisfactory return, but compared to the Oil and Gas industry average of 9.0% it's much better. View our latest analysis for Imperial Oil roce In the above chart we have measured Imperial Oil's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Imperial Oil for free. How Are Returns Trending? Imperial Oil has not disappointed with their ROCE growth. More specifically, while the company has kept capital employed relatively flat over the last five years, the ROCE has climbed 116% in that same time. So our take on this is that the business has increased efficiencies to generate these higher returns, all the while not needing to make any additional investments. The company is doing well in that sense, and it's worth investigating what the management team has planned for long term growth prospects. The Key Takeaway To bring it all together, Imperial Oil has done well to increase the returns it's generating from its capital employed. And with the stock having performed exceptionally well over the last five years, these patterns are being accounted for by investors. With that being said, we still think the promising fundamentals mean the company deserves some further due diligence. One more thing, we've spotted 1 warning sign facing Imperial Oil that you might find interesting. While Imperial Oil isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Microsoft committed a cascade of avoidable errors that allowed Chinese hackers to breach the tech giants network and later the email accounts of senior US officials last year, including the secretary of commerce, a scathing US government-backed review of the incident has found. The hack was preventable and should never have occurred, says a report released Tuesday by the US Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB), a group of government and private cybersecurity experts led by the Department of Homeland Security. It was set up by President Joe Biden in 2021 to study the root causes of major hacking incidents. In particular, the review board faulted Microsoft (MSFT) for not adequately protecting a sensitive cryptographic key that allowed the hackers to remotely sign into their targets Outlook accounts by forging credentials. Microsofts security culture was inadequate and requires an overhaul in light of the companys centrality in the technology ecosystem, the report concludes. The hack roiled Washington and gave Chinese operatives access to the unclassified email accounts of senior US diplomats, including US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, on the eve of a high-profile visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China last June, CNN has reported. The hackers downloaded about 60,000 emails from the State Department alone, department spokesman Matthew Miller has said. The hackers also breached the email account of Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of her trip to China last August, Raimondo has confirmed. China has denied the hacking allegations. Microsoft said in November it would bolster its security practices for developing software and protecting its users, following the alleged Chinese hacking incident and scrutiny of its security practices from US lawmakers. We appreciate the work of the [Cyber Safety Review Board] to investigate the impact of well-resourced nation state threat actors who operate continuously and without meaningful deterrence, a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to CNN on Tuesday. Microsoft has mobilized our engineering teams to identify and mitigate legacy infrastructure, improve processes, and enforce security benchmarks, the statement continued. Our security engineers continue to harden all our systems against attack and implement even more robust sensors and logs to help us detect and repel the cyber-armies of our adversaries. Microsoft will review the boards recommendations, the spokesperson said. The alleged hack last summer was one of a series of cyber-espionage campaigns tied to China and Russia that have exploited widely use software made by companies like Microsoft to target US national security interests. Russian hackers allegedly infiltrated software made by US firm SolarWinds to steal emails from US government agencies in 2020. Story continues The US government has reached a decision point with its IT service providers: more of the same or better cybersecurity, said Cory Simpson, CEO of the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology, a think tank. I hope this CSRB report is used as a call to action by the US government for meaningful change in its longstanding relationship with Microsoft, Simpson told CNN. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com With the U.S. national debt approaching $35 trillion, it's not the size of the number as much as it is the pace of the increase that's of most concern to experts. Congress's independent fiscal watchdog, the Congressional Budget Office, warns the U.S. fiscal debt growth is "unprecedented," risking a possible crisis reminiscent of one impacting a U.S. ally just 18 months ago. Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Liz Truss's government issued more debt to fund tax cuts, which led to soaring borrowing costs and a dramatic intervention by the Bank of England pledging to buy bonds at "whatever scale is necessary." Truss was forced to resign 45 days after taking office largely because of market chaos. Don't Miss: Long overdue disruption in the moving industry is underway. Heres how to invest in it with just $100 . Executives and founders of Uber, Facebook and Apple are bullish on this wellness app that you can coinvest in at $1.15 per share. Blackrock Inc. CEO Larry Fink is one person expressing dismay at the pace U.S. government debt is rising, saying that "the situation is more urgent than I can ever remember" and that "there's a bad scenario where the American economy starts looking like Japan's in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when debt exceeded GDP [gross domestic product] and led to periods of austerity and stagnation." For context, the U.S. debt is rising by $1 trillion every 100 days, and neither leading presidential candidate seems focused on tackling the issue this election cycle. "Neither is talking about fiscal rectitude and [Trump] is actually talking about extending tax cuts," said David Page, head of macroeconomic research at Axa Investment Managers. Trending: This startup coined eBay for gamers with a breathtaking track record has opened up a window to invest in its future growth. Rating agencies have started to provide warnings about the state of America's debt. Fitch recently downgraded the U.S. government's debt rating by one notch from its perfect AAA grade, joining Standard & Poor's, which lowered its rating for American debt in 2011. Meanwhile, Moody's, the last of the three major rating agencies to still give America a perfect rating, recently shifted its rating outlook to negative, citing declining fiscal stability. For investors concerned about reckless government spending, hard assets such as gold could make sense. Investors not seeking to own physical gold can instead opt for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking the metal, such as the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:GLD), which is already up about 7% year to date. Story continues Read Next: "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Watchdog Sounds Alarm On US Debt's Trajectory As BlackRock's Larry Fink Warns 'The Situation is More Urgent Than I Can Ever Remember' originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, Strickland Metals (ASX:STK) shareholders have done very well over the last year, with the share price soaring by 178%. But while the successes are well known, investors should not ignore the very many unprofitable companies that simply burn through all their cash and collapse. Given its strong share price performance, we think it's worthwhile for Strickland Metals shareholders to consider whether its cash burn is concerning. In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. Let's start with an examination of the business' cash, relative to its cash burn. See our latest analysis for Strickland Metals Does Strickland Metals Have A Long Cash Runway? A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. When Strickland Metals last reported its December 2023 balance sheet in March 2024, it had zero debt and cash worth AU$28m. In the last year, its cash burn was AU$13m. So it had a cash runway of about 2.1 years from December 2023. That's decent, giving the company a couple years to develop its business. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below. How Is Strickland Metals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Because Strickland Metals isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. Even though it doesn't get us excited, the 30% reduction in cash burn year on year does suggest the company can continue operating for quite some time. Admittedly, we're a bit cautious of Strickland Metals due to its lack of significant operating revenues. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth. How Easily Can Strickland Metals Raise Cash? Even though it has reduced its cash burn recently, shareholders should still consider how easy it would be for Strickland Metals to raise more cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn. Strickland Metals' cash burn of AU$13m is about 8.0% of its AU$166m market capitalisation. Given that is a rather small percentage, it would probably be really easy for the company to fund another year's growth by issuing some new shares to investors, or even by taking out a loan. Is Strickland Metals' Cash Burn A Worry? As you can probably tell by now, we're not too worried about Strickland Metals' cash burn. In particular, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap stands out as evidence that the company is well on top of its spending. Its cash burn reduction wasn't quite as good, but was still rather encouraging! Based on the factors mentioned in this article, we think its cash burn situation warrants some attention from shareholders, but we don't think they should be worried. On another note, we conducted an in-depth investigation of the company, and identified 3 warning signs for Strickland Metals (2 are a bit concerning!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies insiders are buying, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts) Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. second class letter deliveries timings royal mail As Emma Gilthorpe takes up her new job as boss of Royal Mail, one issue will be at the top of her in-tray. Just a day after her appointment was announced, the beleaguered postal operator outlined proposals for a shake-up of letter deliveries that it hopes will secure its future. The plans, which were delivered to regulator Ofcom as part of its review of Royal Mails so-called universal service obligation, are aimed at cutting costs at the heavily loss-making company without sparking yet more political backlash. For Gilthorpe, a former Heathrow executive, managing this delicate balance will be critical as she attempts to liberate Royal Mail from costly, outdated regulations and prepare it for the future. But as losses mount, and the company struggles under its hefty labour costs, will the shake-up be enough to save Royal Mail? New Royal Mail boss Emma Gilthorpe must find ways to cut costs without sparking political backlash - ROYAL MAIL GROUP/AFP via Getty Images Under the proposals set out on Wednesday, second-class letters will be delivered on every other weekday, leaving households with a maximum of three deliveries per week. Business post, such as bank statements and bills, will also fall into this category. At the same time, Royal Mail will continue to deliver first-class mail six days a week. It is also in talks with the NHS about special arrangements for time-sensitive medical letters. For executives at Royal Mail, the overhaul is nothing short of a necessity, freeing the company from decades-old regulations that have put its future at risk amid a slump in letter sending. They also argue that the moves would bring the UK in line with other European countries such as France, Italy and Greece, which have implemented similar measures. Yet the plans represent a scaling back of Royal Mails demands following a backlash over plans to scrap Saturday deliveries. Fraser Nelson, editor of The Spectator, said the move posed a real threat to the magazine industry, while greeting cards makers warned Royal Mail risked falling into terminal decline. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also weighed in, saying the Government was committed to six-day deliveries. Bosses will be hoping that maintaining a Saturday service for first-class post, while scaling back second-class deliveries will keep everyone happy. Royal Mail has also been careful to limit its plans to regulatory, rather than legislative, reforms. The lack of more fundamental changes, such as scrapping six-day delivery entirely, allows the company to sidestep a vote by MPs and expedite the process. Still, Royal Mails proposals are likely to face opposition. The company has called for a watering down of quality of service targets, which require the postal service to deliver 93pc of first-class mail and 98.5pc of second-class mail on time. Story continues Yet the regulator has previously said that downgrading delivery targets was not an option for reform, insisting that any changes must improve existing levels of reliability. The shake-up could also be hard to swallow for consumers. Under the plans, households would receive three second-class letter deliveries one week and two the next. Currently, a second-class letter posted on Wednesday should arrive on Saturday. If the changes go through, it may not be delivered until the following Tuesday. One industry analyst brands the reforms a sleight of hand, adding: What you get is a downgrade of the second-class service. Basically there is an element of continuing to ask customers to pay more for a worse service. Some businesses are also unhappy with the proposals, warning that they will effectively be forced into paying for first-class post to ensure their customers receive deliveries on time. Sajeeda Merali, chief executive of the PPA, which represents magazine publishers, says many titles will be at the mercy of first-class post because of the time sensitivity of their products. She adds: Royal Mail has proposed a model that would allow them to force publishers into first-class services, which also involves no restrictions on price. A spokesman for Royal Mail said the company recognises the importance of Saturday deliveries for publishers, adding: As part of our proposal we would continue to offer a next-day service over six days to meet this need, alongside a range of other services to give customers choice on speed and price. Royal Mail workers went on strike over pay last year, costing the company 1m a day - Thomas Krych/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images In a further headache, Royal Mail risks another clash with unions after bruising strikes last year that cost the company 1m a day. The changes are expected to cut the number of delivery routes by up to 9,000 a move that is expected to lead to around 1,000 redundancies. While Royal Mail has said the vast majority of the cuts can be managed through natural turnover with no compulsory redundancies, the support of the union bosses will be crucial in pushing through any reform. Regardless of the political repercussions, though, there remains a fundamental question over whether the proposed changes would be enough to save Royal Mail. The company, a division of London-listed International Distributions Services (IDS), made losses of 319m in the first half of the year, with Ofcom estimating that the USO is burdening it with 675m in costs each year. Bosses have said its proposed changes would allow it to save up to 300m a year, both from reduced costs and higher revenues from shifting deliveries to first-class. Peel Hunt expects Royal Mail to post pre-tax losses of 370m this year and 77m in 2025. If implemented, this would give the company a route to profitability, says analyst Alexander Paterson. Yet the bullish forecasts depend on the speed of the reforms. Royal Mail has urged Ofcom to introduce new rules by next April at the latest, and warned changes could take up to two years to implement beyond that. In a sign of growing frustration, Martin Seidenberg, chief executive of IDS, said the company had serious concerns that the urgency of the situation is not properly recognised by Ofcom. The savings will also hinge on how quickly letter sending continues to decline. The company has warned that letter volumes could fall to four billion in the next five years, down from a peak of 20 billion two decades ago. As a result, the reforms alone may not be enough to turn Royal Mails fortunes around. As the ecommerce boom continues and letter sending declines, parcels are a key area of focus. The company has expanded its pick-up and drop-off services with corner shops around the country and will this month roll out its first parcel lockers. Ultimately, though, Royal Mail is hampered by its huge fixed costs a symptom of its highly unionised workforce. Royal Mails fundamental problem is that its a high-cost business, says an industry analyst. Basically, their people work fewer hours and get paid more per hour than all of their competitors, and that isnt offset by better productivity. Beset by quality of service troubles, Royal Mail is struggling to convince customers that its postal deliveries offer a premium service compared to rivals, limiting scope for higher prices. Consumers are also likely to baulk at further increases in stamp prices after the cost of a first-class stamp this month rose to 1.35. There are other avenues for change. Seidenberg has been pushing through reforms to help boost productivity, with new policies aimed at tackling persistent issues such as high rates of sickness absence and vacancies. In a more drastic scenario, Royal Mail has also pointed to the possibility of a taxpayer-funded subsidy, similar to those implemented in a number of European countries. But observers warn a government intervention will only come when the service is on the brink of collapse by which time it is already too late. Instead, it must seize the chances when they come. Royal Mail very sensibly have taken the view that theyre not going to solve this in one go, the industry analyst says. If theyre 300m better off thats a very good start. Is it enough? Probably not. But is it better than not doing anything? Yes. 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. Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin vetoed a bill that would have limited awards for nonmonetary damages in litigation related to commercial motor vehicle accidents. (Photo: Shutterstock/Stock Studio 4477) Editors note: This story has been updated. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed a bill that would have put a $1 million cap on awards for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in lawsuits stemming from commercial motor vehicle accidents. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, meanwhile, has signed into law a bill capping non-economic damage awards in CMV-related accidents at $5 million. The trucking industry has pushed to limit damages in accidents involving trucks, citing nuclear verdicts in the tens of millions of dollars that spike insurance rates or make it difficult to get motor carrier coverage at all. In a statement on Friday, Evers called the $1 million cap arbitrary and said the law should redress a partys injury, not repress an injured party. The bill also violates the U.S. and Wisconsin constitutions guarantees of due process, he said, and would conflict with existing state law, inviting continuous litigation. Doug Morris, who works in government affairs for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, said Evers doesnt grasp the impact of massive damage awards on the trucking industry and on individual truckers. The governor has failed to understand the abuse of the system by trial lawyers and harm caused to the industry, especially small-business truckers, by allowing unlimited verdicts, Morris said in a statement to FreightWaves. Truckers are essential workers, not banks. The Wisconsin State Senate passed the cap on nonmonetary damages with mostly Republican support. The State Assembly, which is also controlled by Republicans, passed it on a voice vote. Evers is a Democrat. In testimony in January backing the legislation, Republican state Rep. Rick Gundrum cited an American Transportation Research Institute study which found that verdicts of greater than $1 million in truck crash lawsuits had risen on average from $2.3 million in 2010 to $22.3 million in 2018. The Wisconsin Association for Justice, an attorney organization, blasted the proposed damages cap as an attack on Wisconsin citizens ability to obtain justice after experiencing catastrophic injuries and death on Wisconsin roadways. In West Virginia, the American Trucking Associations on Tuesday heralded the Legislatures overwhelming passage of a $5 million cap on non-economic damages related to CMV accidents and praised the governor for signing the bill into law. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said the reform ensures justice and fairness drive accident litigation outcomes, not profits. Traci Nelson, West Virginia Trucking Association president, also lauded the measure. Story continues With approximately 33,890 West Virginians employed in the trucking industry and 84 percent of our communities relying solely on trucks for goods transportation, this legislation is critical for our states economic well-being, Nelson said. The state Senate passed the bill 32-1. It passed in the House of Delegates by a vote of 81-15. In 2021, West Virginia lawmakers enacted a reform making a plaintiffs nonuse of a seatbelt admissible as evidence, a measure that Indiana approved in March of this year. Related articles Georgia bill would restrict truck-crash lawsuits against insurers Seatbelt use can now be used as evidence in accident lawsuits in Indiana Burning of chemicals after Ohio derailment was unnecessary, NTSB head says The post Wisconsin, West Virginia split on capping damages in CMV accident lawsuits appeared first on FreightWaves. The Scandinavian airline Norwegian is expanding its range of flights from Munich with immediate effect. In addition to its three Scandinavian destinations of Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen, it will resume services to Spanish cities of Alicante and Malaga from the start of April, having suspended flights to these destinations during Covid-19. Under the airline code D8, Norwegian Air Sweden one of several subsidiaries of the Norwegian Group will offer a late-morning flight every Monday and Friday to the Spanish port city of Alicante, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, narrow streets and colourful houses. Picassos birthplace, Malaga, is famed for its miles of beaches and its warm climate two reasons why it is popular with German vacationers. Flights to the city in Andalusia will depart Munich at 10.40 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. In addition to these Spanish destinations, Norwegian serves Oslo five times a week, Copenhagen three times a week, and Stockholm twice a week. By David Lawder ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday would not rule out additional steps to protect American clean energy industries from China's excess investment and production capacity, but declined to say whether she would raise the possibility of new tariffs in talks with Chinese officials. During a fuel stop in Alaska on her second trip to China for economic talks, Yellen told reporters the Biden administration was serious about nurturing U.S. supply chains for electric vehicles, EV batteries, solar panels and other key products. "We're providing tax subsidies to some of these sectors, and I wouldn't want to rule out other possible ways in which we would protect them," she said, when asked whether she would raise a threat of new trade barriers in talks with her Chinese counterparts, without specifying whether those steps included tariffs. "But I think it's not just the United States, but quite a few countries, including Mexico, Europe and Japan, that are feeling massive pressure from massive investment in these industries in China," Yellen added. The Treasury secretary intends to raise U.S. concerns about China's large and growing excess manufacturing capacity, particularly in new energy goods, during her nearly weeklong trip to China's southern factory and export hub, Guangzhou, and the capital, Beijing. "We are trying to nurture an industry in solar cells, electric batteries and electric vehicles. And these are actually all areas where massive investment in China is creating overcapacities," Yellen said. She will meet with her main counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, Guangdong Province Governor Wang Weizhong and executives of U.S. companies in China, the Treasury Department said. She will hear firsthand about business climate challenges that are prompting U.S. companies to limit their investment in China. The trip is Yellen's second in-person visit to China as Treasury secretary. She visited Beijing in July 2023 to re-establish economic ties after years of frosty relations - fueled in part by U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by then-President Donald Trump and maintained by President Joe Biden, along with increasing national security curbs on American exports of semiconductors and other high-technology goods to China. Her trip comes a day after Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first direct talks since November, in which Taiwan tensions and U.S. national security technology curbs on China took center stage. Story continues Yellen last met with Vice Premier He in November, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco, where Biden also met with Xi. Her outreach has led to a series of meetings between U.S. Treasury officials and counterparts in China's finance ministry and central bank, exchanging views on a range of economic topics, including difficulties in China's property sector. But because the discussions are not set up as negotiations, they have not led to policy shifts. The European Union is investigating whether China's EV industry is benefiting from unfair subsidies, which could lead to tariffs to protect European carmakers. The U.S. Commerce Department has opened a probe into whether Chinese vehicles pose national security threats due to the data they transmit, and U.S. lawmakers have urged Biden to hike tariffs on Chinese EVs. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Katharine Jackson and Jonathan Oatis) The Rawlings Group is part of the Oldham Reserve business park in Oldham County New Mountain Capital, a New York-based investment firm, has acquired a majority stake in the Oldham County-based Rawlings Group, a spokesperson for the out-of-state company told the Courier Journal. The move comes a year after Rawlings Group founder George Rawlings died. As of 2023, the Rawlings Group, which moved to La Grange from Louisville in 2007, employs about 1,600 people who work in a sprawling complex in the Oldham County community, the Courier Journal previously reported. The Kentucky business is known as an industry pioneer in subrogation outsourcing for the healthcare industry. Essentially, the Rawlings Group searches for people who have collected settlements or verdicts for injuries from car wrecks and defective products, then recoups what their health insurance provider spent on their medical care, the Courier Journal previously reported. George Rawlings built the industry leader in the payment integrity solutions we provide. With the help of our new partners, the company will continue its growth and success on behalf of health insurers, said Ryan Little, CEO of Rawlings Group. With New Mountain Capital, we are equipped with the resources to accelerate our planned investments in technology, talent development, and innovative payment integrity solutions." The 47-year-old company provides financial savings for its health insurance clients by identifying third-party groups responsible for paying medical claims across its subrogation, coordination of benefits, and drug claim payment integrity offerings, the press release stated. The Rawlings Group, one of the largest employers in Oldham County, provides services to more than 30 health insurance companies, delivering more than $1.5 billion in annual savings for its clients, according to a press release from the New York-based investment firm. New Mountain Capital, a "growth-oriented investment firm," hopes to bring the Rawlings Group into a new phase of business with "investments in artificial intelligence, product development, and expansion into new markets and capabilities," the press release said. "New Mountains deep experience in healthcare technology and payer services, as well as its philosophy of building great businesses, will support Rawlings as the company accelerates its strategic vision through investing in cutting-edge technology and AI capabilities while building on its strong market reputation and client relationships," said Managing Director and President, Private Equity at New Mountain, Matt Holt. New Mountain Capital declined to provide further comment on its investment in the Rawlings Group. Story continues Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Rawlings Group in Oldham County is largely acquired by New York firm A flood warning has been issued for the Fredericksburg area that was already under a hazardous weather watch. Along with the flood warning, a tornado watch was issued Wednesday for parts of Virginia, primarily south of Fredericksburg. With heavy rainstorms hitting the Fredericksburg area Wednesday and more expected, the National Weather Service issued the flood warning at 2:30 p.m., placing it in effect through 6:30 p.m. The warning is in effect for parts of central and northern Virginia along with Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania. According to the University of Mary Washington weather alerts, as of 2:45 p.m. Wednesday just more than one inch of rain had fallen in the area. The weather service forecast that another inch could fall in the area. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy spoke to about 300 people in Lincoln on Tuesday, offering advice on limiting childrens social media use, stressing the importance of building in-person relationships and making the case for federal safety and transparency standards. Now, the burden of navigating rapidly changing technology falls entirely on parents, and children who are at a point in their development where controlling impulses is difficult are expected to use willpower to limit their screen time, he said. Youre essentially pitting a child and a parent against some of the most well-resourced companies and childhood product engineers in the world. That is a definition of unfair. Murthy, who last year released a landmark surgeon generals advisory regarding the harmful impacts of social media on youth mental health, was in Lincoln for a community conversation at Bryan East Campus. His visit was sponsored by the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln and the mayors office. He issued the advisory, he said, because one of the questions he consistently heard from parents was whether social media was safe for kids. And he sensed the worry in those questions. Research shows three hours or more of social media use a day by adolescents doubles the risk of anxiety and depression, he said. And the average time adolescents spend on social media is 4.8 hours a day, well above that threshold. Scrolling through thousands of images also negatively affects how adolescents view their body image, he said. The benefits of social media for young people including a means to connect to others with shared experiences and express themselves creatively dont erase the need for limits or standards to protect young people from the negative effects, he said. He used the analogy of vehicle and traffic safety measures enacted because of the high rate of fatalities. What we didnt say in that circumstance was well, you know, cars are helping people get from point A to point B so we really shouldnt rock the boat here. Just dont change anything, he said. We also didnt say go back to horse and buggy and get rid of all those cars. What we said is we have to make the car safer because we want the benefits but we dont want the harms. Federal standards rather than a patchwork of state legislation should require platforms to share data theyve gathered on the health impacts of social media. Federal safety standards are necessary to control childrens access to harmful content and address manipulative features companies employ that encourage excessive use by young people, he said. Murthy suggested parents delay their childrens use of social media until after middle school, a time when students are at the most sensitive stage of development. He also suggested creating tech-free zones for kids around bedtime (have them put their phones in the kitchen to charge an hour before bedtime, for example), when they are doing schoolwork or homework, and at family meals. Murthy, who met with students at Lincoln North Star High School earlier Tuesday, said he was happy to hear that Lincoln schools have prohibited the use of social media when students are in class. He also encouraged parents to set a good example by limiting their own screen time. Parents should work together, he said, to agree on limits so kids know their friends have to follow the same rules as they do. I think one critical thing that we have to do as parents is we have to support one another and partner with one another, he said. Young people are often keenly aware of the harms of social media, and he encourages them to talk to each other about it. He also tells them to trust their instincts and not be afraid to take a break from social media. If something is not making you feel good consistently over time thats a warning sign that something should change, he said. Hes toured colleges to talk about loneliness and isolation another issue hes written an advisory on and students told him starting in-person conversations with people was difficult because it happens so seldom. Now, they told him, people are always on their phones, or laptops or listening to music. Those college students said that while social media allowed them to stay connected to old friends, and know what their friends were doing, it was a different kind of connection than talking to someone face to face. That gradual transfer of our interactions from offline to online has come with a diminishing of quality of interaction as well, he said. Some college students, he said, have come together to try to limit their time on social media, something hes encouraged during roundtable discussions. In person interactions, he said, are how people build relationships, and talking face to face allows people to hear not only the content of the words, but see facial expressions and hear the tone of the speakers voice. Its why online communications can often be meaner, offensive and full of vitriol, he said. Thats contributing to a youth mental health crisis something that affects adults as well. We just behave differently when were not in person, he said. And so I do think that theres a great rebalancing that needs to happen in our lives right now, that all of us are a part of engineering that. Top Journal Star photos for March 2024 An American Red Cross blood drive is set for Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Tekamahs St. Patricks Catholic Church. The drive runs from 12 noon to 6 p.m. in Fischer Hall. As in the past, appointments are recommended for those wishing to donate blood. Walk-ins can be accommodated if an opening is available. While individuals at blood drives are no longer required to wear a face mask, donors may do so if they choose. According to the Red Cross, anyone donating blood between April 8 and April 28 will receive by e-mail a $10 gift card to the merchant of their choice. Prospective donors also are encouraged to take advantage of the online Rapid Pass option to speed up the screening process. Appointments can be made by visiting the Red Cross Web site at www.redcrossblood.org; by calling 800-REDCROSS; or by calling Joan Andrew at, 402-870-0240. Political newcomer Kris Guido is challenging El Paso County Commissioner Carrie Geitner to represent District 2, the rapidly growing northeast portion of the community. If elected, the paramedic said he would prioritize addressing illegal immigration, managing growth, a responsible county budget and protecting seniors from high property taxes. The former Army medic, who served three tours, described his run for office as the next logical step in his public service. His experience includes work as a government contractor, volunteer for the Ellicott Fire Protection District and a reserve detective for the Fremont County Sheriffs Office specializing in fire investigations. The contract work required him to oversee a $1.5 million budget for the custodial and waste management service across what is now Peterson Space Force Base and Cheyenne Space Force Station. "I bring a breadth of different experiences and expertise," he said. In particular, he said his work in emergency response would be applicable to managing the needs of rural residents who may wait much longer for services and rely on volunteer departments. While working for Ellicott, he helped organize volunteers to rotate through overnight on-call shifts. The assigned shifts ensured the department responded to far more calls and emergencies were not reassigned to other departments. "We, in essence, changed that department," he said. Guido, 40, is Geitner's only challenger and will face her in the June Republican primary. Guido captured 82.6% of the vote during the county assembly for District 2. Geitner collected signatures on petitions to qualify for the ballot. There are no Democrats or unaffiliated candidates in the race. Featured Local Savings Like other local politicians at the recent El Paso County assemblies, Guido said he is concerned about new migrants putting pressure on local schools and hospitals. Since the state has placed limitations on enforcing federal immigration laws, Guido said he would like to see local authorities advocate for more federal aid to offset the pressure on local services. While he believes growth and development are necessary for a community, he also wants to ensure it is sustainable over time. He noted that roads across the county see degradation over a short window, sometimes two years, and he would like the county to require companies insure their work for longer windows to save taxpayers money. He would also like to see developers present well-researched plans for providing new developments with water that don't infringe on their neighbors' water rights. Developments in the county are highly reliant on ground water that is diminishing over time. The 2019 county water master plan found that by 2060, county groundwater could annually fall 18 billon gallons of water short if water supplies aren't increased by more than one-third, The Gazette reported previously. When it comes to managing the county's budget, Guido said he would ensure there are careful reviews particularly of discretionary funds, where there is more flexibility. He would also work on protecting seniors from high property taxes by locking in a rate for them. Coloradans have seen their property taxes rise in recent years with the value of their homes increasing and the repeal of the state Gallagher amendment. The Gallagher amendment ensured that only 45% of the state's overall property tax rate could come from residential property. The candidate also promised to bring a responsive ear to the commission, noting that residents have told him that when they call, they don't hear back from their representatives. "I want to bring this office back to the people," Guido said. Gov. Jared Polis is pushing back against legislation proposed by the Department of Defense to transfer space-focused Air National Guard units into the active duty Space Force without the consent of governors who oversee the units. The potential transfer of 14 space-focused units, including seven in Colorado, to the Space Force is also expected to spark many resignations among guardsman, based on survey data provided by the Colorado Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, which oversees the Colorado guard. The February poll showed that 60% to 86% of guardsmen would leave rather than transfer, leaving a major gap in expertise, said Parker White, spokesman for the Colorado agency. Colorado units work in critical areas including satellite jamming, a capability used to deny enemy fighters GPS signals or communications. In a Tuesday letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Polis strongly opposed the legislation because it completely sidelines the governors who are tasked with overseeing National Guard units and it would hurt national security. "I cannot stand idly by as the servicemembers I am charged with leading are faced with the decision to either leave military service, or serve in a manner that they did not originally agree to," Polis wrote. "We know that a significant majority of Air National Guard space operators will not transfer to the U.S. Space Force, putting both their military career and national security at risk." He went on to say it would have "broader detrimental philosophical implications to the very role of the National Guard, gubernatorial authority therein, and the continued existence of state-based citizen servicemembers." Overriding governors' authority of national guard units would go against 120 years of military structure, he said. The secretary of the Air Force's press desk has not responded to a request for comment on Polis' concerns. U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Aurora, said in a statement he will also oppose the proposal that originated with the Air Force. "I have led efforts in Congress to create a Space National Guard because it's the best approach to safeguard Colorado's service members and protect national security and workforce readiness. The Air Force's proposed approach that strips governor authority over the National Guard personnel performing space missions is the wrong move. I will be working in Congress and with the states impacted by this proposal to move it in the right direction," he said. Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. The other states with space-focused National Guard missions are Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, New York and Ohio. Space Force Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, has promoted the integration of part-time employees into the Space Force. He has termed it a single-component model, which would be new to the military. He said it would allow the space guardians to hold civilians jobs as they go in the National Guard. Under the new model, the Air Force Reserve's 310th Space Wing housed at Schriever Space Force Base is slated to be absorbed into the Space Force. The National Guard Association and lawmakers from states with space-focused units have advocated for a stand-alone Space National Guard, which would allow service members to continue to work in place and preserve their expertise. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced the latest bill to create a Space National Guard in January. It could compete against the DOD proposal for inclusion in the annual National Defense Authorization Act, a must-pass bill. The National Guard Bureau estimates it would take up to nine years and as much as $1 billion to replace those who plan to quit, according to a news release from the National Guard Association. The wrangling over a Space National Guard has largely hinged on disagreements about how much it could cost. The Biden administration has sided against the idea because of the additional overhead and bureaucracy. The most recent National Defense Authorization Act called for a study into the different options for handling the space-focused units that were left behind in an Air Force no longer technically responsible for training or equipping them. The secretary of the Air Force's press desk did not immediately respond to questions about whether the study is complete. The Salvation Army of El Paso County has launched a new Supportive Services for Veteran Families program to support veterans and their families who are homeless or who are on the verge of homelessness. Workers were spiffing up the renovated building at 117 Rio Grande St. on Wednesday, in preparation for Thursday's ribbon cutting to launch the new services. (Debbie Kelley/The Gazette) Two people have been displaced after a fire damaged a unit at an apartment complex Tuesday night, according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department. At 6:18 p.m, the department said in a post on X that crews were responding to a working structure fire at an apartment complex at 2020 East La Salle Street. Roughly an hour later, CSFD reported the fire was under control and kept to one unit. Three people were medically evaluated and released, a pet was also rescued, the post said. The fire was the second one crews responded to in the area Tuesday. Around 3:30 p.m., about half a mile south, firefighters responded to a fire in a detached garage. No injuries were reported. The Gazette Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, center, talks with immigrants during an encampment sweep in Denver in January. Democrats in the Colorado General Assembly unveiled a new process for deciding which bills will get funded in the remaining weeks of the 2024 session and, this time, they promised transparency that would allow the public to see how they settle on spending priorities. Getting there Due to "unprecedented and historic fire conditions," the U.S. Forest Service last week closed James Peak Wilderness and all other lands in Clear Creek, Jefferson, Gilpin, Boulder and Larimer counties. Check for the latest updates. The 13,294-foot summit of James Peak is popularly reached from the St. Mary's Glacier trailhead near Idaho Springs. Expect a strenuous, 8-mile round trip hike. Chinese defense minister meets with Indonesian president-elect, defense minister Xinhua) 08:30, April 03, 2024 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Tuesday met with the President-elect and Defense Minister of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto in Beijing. Dong congratulated Prabowo on winning the recent presidential election. He said the Chinese military is willing to work with the Indonesian military to consolidate their strategic mutual trust, promote joint exercises and training, and enhance personnel exchanges to take their practical cooperation to a new height. Prabowo said Indonesia is willing to further strengthen defense cooperation with the Chinese side and continuously promote the development of the relations between the armed forces of the two countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) CLEAR LAKE 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. Kelsey 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. The article was corrected to list the store's address as 2060 Sovia Drive, Suite 115 in Waterloo. 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% Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email. Customized for You we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History Track Your Progress every week, well send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance Right now Montana has what is sometimes referred to as a "closed primary," where voters have to choose which party's primary to vote in when they go to the polls or cast a ballot by mail. Candidates also do not currently need to net more than 50% of the votes cast to prevail; they only need a simple majority. The two groups that contributed half a million dollars each to MER are Unite America PAC and Article IV. Unite America PAC is a federal political action committee based in Denver that is not tied to any one candidate. They advocate for "nonpartisan election reform," according to their website. The PAC also donated to the South Dakota-based effort for open primaries. Virginia-based Article IV is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) or what's sometimes referred to as a "dark money group" in which the group does not have to disclose its donors to election commissions. The group's homepage advocates for "Top-4 and Top-5 nonpartisan primaries where everyone, regardless of party, can participate ... " It does not appear that Article IV nor Unite America PAC have involved themselves in Montana ballot initiatives or statewide elections in recent years. That's not the case for the Sixteen Thirty Fund, however, a group that has contributed to multiple Montana ballot initiatives. The Sixteen Thirty Fund is a Washington, D.C.-based dark money group that recently donated $100,000 to MER. The group has also been contributing to the organization bringing another ballot initiative that would add the explicit right to access an abortion to the Montana Constitution. Before 2024, Sixteen Thirty Fund was also a regular donor to the group behind the legalization of marijuana in Montana. Unlike the other nonpartisan groups, Sixteen Thirty Fund is heavily left-leaning, as the group gave about $410 million to federal Democratic efforts to beat then-President Donald Trump. The MER board includes people from a range of political backgrounds and has continually pushed the fact that it is not aligned with any political party. Chairman of the Montana Republican Party Don Kaltschmidt stymied that message in a recent Missoulian op-ed that said "The Montana GOP opposes" Constitutional Initiative 126, in large part because the party is opposed to ranked choice voting. The state party also launched a "Rank Choice Voting (RCV) Task Force, to combat RCV efforts in Montana, including stopping Constitutional Initiative 126, or the Top 4 Vote Getter initiative." That said, former Republican Rep. Frank Garner of Kalispell is one of the board members of MER helping to lead the effort. "I've been involved in ... political efforts for most of my life and this one has had more organic response than anything I've ever been involved in," Garner said. "It makes me feel like we're on the right track." Individuals accounted for a fraction of the donations to MER in the first quarter of 2024, giving roughly $29,000 or 2.6% of the first quarter contributions. Individuals from Montana gave $27,957 in the first quarter of this year. Just over a third of that money came from a singular donor in Ovando who wrote a $10,000 check, Amy Tykeson. According to her LinkedIn, Tykeson is the managing trustee of the Tykeson Family Charitable Trust, which donates to a range of causes related to health care, education, the arts and more. She is also a member of the University of Oregon Board of Trustees. Outside of Ovando, Helena-based donors raised the most for the group closely followed by Missoula, then Kalispell and Bozeman. The group spent $748,205 in the first quarter of the year. That cash was primarily spent on signature gathering efforts as well as consulting, staff payroll and legal services. As of late March, the group has $546,669 in the bank to spend. Garner said that the group keeps its signature gathering efforts and fundraising side as "separate functions." MER officially kicked off its signature gathering effort in early February. The group was not able to offer the number of signatures they've gathered so far, but Garner and others with the group said they are "confident" they are on track to hit their goal of 100,000 signatures for each initiative by mid-June. The initiatives only need roughly 60,000 per initiative spanning at least 40 state House districts, but groups bringing ballot initiatives often aim higher to correct for any invalid signatures. "We want to overshoot the runway to make sure," Garner said. One man is dead and another injured after a shooting at a car wash in Mountain View around 7 p.m. on Tuesday. No names were released Tuesday by Hickory police, but one man was shot and killed. A second male was shot in the leg and flown by helicopter to a hospital in Charlotte, police said. The man who was shot in the leg had a pickup truck in a car wash bay. The man who was shot and killed was one of several people in a gray minivan at the car wash, police said. The shooting was outside Mountain Coin Laundry off N.C. Highway 127 in Mountain View. Captain Jeff Young with the Hickory Police Department said there were conflicting statements from people at the car wash, but the shooting is believed to be related to a domestic conflict. Wednesday, April 3 The Sportscenter weekly Bible study will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Sportscenter 233 Country Club Drive, NE, Concord. Hosted by Pastor Debbie Frye. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Call the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. The Cabarrus Senior Center Photo Club is alive and clicking away. If you like taking photos, come join the members on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Cabarrus Senior Center, 331 Corban Ave. SE, Concord, and share your photographic creativity. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or strictly amateur, all are welcome. Thursday, April 4 Epworth United Methodist Church will have a hot dog sale from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Epworth is at 1030 Burrage Road, NE, Concord. Credit cards accepted. For deliveries, call 704-786-5500. Cabarrus chapter of Disabled American Veterans( DAV) will meet at 7 p.m. at 2400 Rock Hill Church Road. Everyone is welcome. Come out and join in the conversation with these veterans Friday, April 5 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner and provide proof of vaccination. Hot dogs at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, will be sold along with fried bologna and barbecue sandwiches and desserts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6 The Piedmont Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon at 518 Winecoff School Road. It features lots of local produce, meat, flowers and other products. Hot dogs at Center United Methodist Church at 1119 Union St., S., are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in and take out. Call-in orders are welcomed at 704-782-1785. A GriefShare Support Group will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, room 23. Sessions will be Saturdays through May 11. Register at GriefShare.org, use ZIP code 28075. The church is at 200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. For more information, call 704-455-2763. The Cold Springs GMC Community Breakfast will be from 7 to 10 a.m. by donation to help with Church projects and needs in the community. Sponsored by the Methodist Men of Cold Springs. Sunday, April 7 A Griefshare program will be hosted by Cold Springs Global Methodist Sundays through April 21 from 3:30-5 p.m. for those dealing with life stresses following the loss of a loved one. For more information and to register go to griefshare.org/findagroup or call the church office at 704-782-1811. Calvary Lutheran Church is holding a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. For an appointment, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org, enter zip code 28025, scroll to April 7th Calvary Lutheran Church 950 Bradley St., Concord, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Refreshments served. Monday, April 8 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner. Tuesday, April 9 TOPS #437 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. (weigh-in begins at 9:30 a.m.) at Lakeview Baptist Church, 2532 Lane St., Kannapolis. Visitors are welcome. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Call the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. Wednesday, April 10 The Sportscenter weekly Bible study will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Sportscenter 233 Country Club Drive, NE, Concord. Hosted by Pastor Debbie Frye. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Call the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. Thursday, April 11 Epworth United Methodist Church will have a hot dog sale from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Epworth is at 1030 Burrage Road, NE, Concord. Credit cards accepted. For deliveries, call 704-786-5500. Friday, April 12 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner and provide proof of vaccination. Hot dogs at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, will be sold along with fried bologna and barbecue sandwiches and desserts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13 The Piedmont Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon at 518 Winecoff School Road. It features lots of local produce, meat, flowers and other products. Hot dogs at Center United Methodist Church at 1119 Union St., S., are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in and take out. Call-in orders are welcomed at 704-782-1785. A GriefShare Support Group will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, room 23. Sessions will be Saturdays through May 11. Register at GriefShare.org, use ZIP code 28075. The church is at 200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. For more information, call 704-455-2763. The Kannapolis Area Presbyterian Men will hold a fundraiser at Second Presbyterian Church. They will be selling chicken dinners which will include 1/2 bar-b-que chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, roll, drink and dessert for $15. Serving will begin at 11 a.m. until sold out. You may eat-in or take-out. All proceeds will go to CVAN (Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network). The church is located at 1578 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Sunday, April 14 A Griefshare program will be hosted by Cold Springs Global Methodist Sundays through April 21 from 3:30-5 p.m. for those dealing with life stresses following the loss of a loved one. For more information and to register go to griefshare.org/findagroup or call the church office at 704-782-1811. Monday, April 15 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner. Tuesday, April 16 TOPS #437 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. (weigh-in begins at 9:30 a.m.) at Lakeview Baptist Church, 2532 Lane St., Kannapolis. Visitors are welcome. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Call the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. Wednesday, April 17 The Sportscenter weekly Bible study will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Sportscenter 233 Country Club Drive, NE, Concord. Hosted by Pastor Debbie Frye. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Call the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. The Cabarrus Senior Center Photo Club is alive and clicking away. If you like taking photos, come join the members on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Cabarrus Senior Center, 331 Corban Ave. SE, Concord, and share your photographic creativity. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or strictly amateur, all are welcome. Thursday, April 18 Epworth United Methodist Church will have a hot dog sale from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Epworth is at 1030 Burrage Road, NE, Concord. Credit cards accepted. For deliveries, call 704-786-5500. Friday, April 19 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner and provide proof of vaccination. Hot dogs at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, will be sold along with fried bologna and barbecue sandwiches and desserts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20 The Piedmont Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon at 518 Winecoff School Road. It features lots of local produce, meat, flowers and other products. Hot dogs at Center United Methodist Church at 1119 Union St., S., are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in and take out. Call-in orders are welcomed at 704-782-1785. A GriefShare Support Group will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, room 23. Sessions will be Saturdays through May 11. Register at GriefShare.org, use ZIP code 28075. The church is at 200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. For more information, call 704-455-2763. New Gilead Reformed Church will have a Vendor and Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot. A hot dog sale will also be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Concord. Midway United Methodist Church will be holding a Hot Dog and Yard Sale. The yard sale is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Hot Dog sale is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at 108 Bethpage Road, Kannapolis. Sunday, April 21 A Griefshare program will be hosted by Cold Springs Global Methodist Sundays through April 21 from 3:30-5 p.m. for those dealing with life stresses following the loss of a loved one. For more information and to register go to griefshare.org/findagroup or call the church office at 704-782-1811. Monday, April 22 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner. Tuesday, April 23 TOPS #437 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. (weigh-in begins at 9:30 a.m.) at Lakeview Baptist Church, 2532 Lane St., Kannapolis. Visitors are welcome. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Call the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. Wednesday, April 24 The Sportscenter weekly Bible study will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Sportscenter 233 Country Club Drive, NE, Concord. Hosted by Pastor Debbie Frye. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Call the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. Thursday, April 25 Epworth United Methodist Church will have a hot dog sale from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Epworth is at 1030 Burrage Road, NE, Concord. Credit cards accepted. For deliveries, call 704-786-5500. Friday, April 26 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner and provide proof of vaccination. Hot dogs at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, will be sold along with fried bologna and barbecue sandwiches and desserts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 The Piedmont Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon at 518 Winecoff School Road. It features lots of local produce, meat, flowers and other products. Hot dogs at Center United Methodist Church at 1119 Union St., S., are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in and take out. Call-in orders are welcomed at 704-782-1785. A GriefShare Support Group will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, room 23. Sessions will be Saturdays through May 11. Register at GriefShare.org, use ZIP code 28075. The church is at 200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. For more information, call 704-455-2763. The Friends of the Midland Library's annual Spring Fling will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4293-B 24/27 East. The book, craft, vendor and garage sale will feature Cabarrus Arts Council, demonstrations by Karate at the Crossroads and food vendors like Bayou Sno. The event will benefit the Midland Library. Does your community group or nonprofit agency have an upcoming event that would be of interest to the public? Email it to mplemmons@independenttribune.com. REIDSVILLE A local woman has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree arson in connection with the March 26 house fire that killed a 19-year-old woman here, according to the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office and county fire officials. Firefighters battled a blaze in the early morning of March 26 that engulfed a house at 151 Kinkinar Road. Once they put the fire out, first responders discovered the body of Morgan Pruitt, 19, a resident of the home, in the rubble, according to a sheriff's office news release and a report by WGHP/Fox 8, a news-gathering partner of the News & Record. Sheriff's investigators arrested and charged Natasha Marie Wren, 35, of 7739 NC 87 in Reidsville, with the crimes and placed her in the Rockingham County Detention Facility where she is being held without bond. No court date for Wren has been announced and the investigation into the fire continues, the release said. Members of the Rockingham County Fire Investigation Task Force conducted the fire investigation and discovered evidence that authorities say links Wren, the ex-girlfriend of Pruitt's father, to the crimes, the release and Fox 8 reports said. Best private colleges in North Carolina Best private colleges in North Carolina #10. Campbell University #9. Gardner-Webb University #8. North Carolina Wesleyan University #7. Pfeiffer University #6. Elon University #5. Queens University of Charlotte #4. Meredith College #3. Wake Forest University #2. Davidson College #1. Duke University Microsoft has been mauled over "a cascade of security failures" that led to a breach of the company's Azure cloud platform by a group known as Storm-0558, with the US Cyber Safety Review Board concluding that the intrusion "should never have happened". A report about the incident, which came to light in July last year, was released by the CSRB on 20 March. Microsoft issued what it called a final blog post about the breach on 6 September 2023, but corrected the report quietly on 12 March this year without drawing notice to the fact it had admitted it had no clue about how the actor had gained control of a Microsoft Services Account authentication key that had been created in 2016. The company had claimed Storm-0558 had been in its systems since May 2023 with the "probable" cause being the cracking of a staff engineer's corporate account. But in the update it said "the actor access may have resulted from a crash dump in 2021, but we have not found a crash dump containing the impacted key material". The company confessed that as of 12 March, it still had no idea of how the threat actor had gained access to its systems and commandeered the MSA authentication key created in 2016. This compromise gave the hostile actor access to Microsoft Exchange Online mailboxes of 22 organisations and more than 500 individuals, with the actor believed to have been from China. The attackers gained access through a vulnerability discovered in June 2023 by the State Department, according to anonymous officials quoted in the Washington Post. The intrusion "compromised senior US Government representatives working on national security matters, including the email accounts of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, US Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China Nicholas Burns, and Congressman Don Bacon", the report said. It added that this "was not the first intrusion perpetrated by Storm-0558, nor is it the first time Storm-0558 displayed interest in compromising cloud providers or stealing authentication keys. "Industry links Storm-0558 to the 2009 Operation Aurora campaign that targeted over two dozen companies, including Google, and the 2011 RSA SecurID incident, in which the actor stole secret keys used to generate authentication codes for SecurID tokens, which were used by tens of millions of users at that time. Indeed, security researchers have tracked Storm-0558s activities for over 20 years." Operation Aurora comprised attacks by China that targeted US private sector companies, compromising the networks of Yahoo!, Adobe, Dow Chemical, Morgan Stanley, Google, and more than two dozen other companies to steal trade secrets. Only Google confirmed it had been a victim and publicly blamed Beijing. The CSRB concluded that Microsofts security culture was inadequate and required an overhaul, "particularly in light of the companys centrality in the technology ecosystem and the level of trust customers place in the company to protect their data and operations". Its reasons were: the cascade of Microsofts avoidable errors that allowed the intrusion to succeed; the failure to detect the compromise of the company's cryptographic crown jewels on its own, relying instead on a customer to reach out to identify anomalies the customer had observed; the Boards assessment of security practices at other cloud service providers, which maintained security controls that Microsoft did not; Microsofts failure to detect a compromise of an employee's laptop from a recently acquired company prior to allowing it to connect to Microsofts corporate network in 2021; Microsofts decision not to correct, in a timely manner, its inaccurate public statements about this incident, including a corporate statement that Microsoft believed it had determined the likely root cause of the intrusion when in fact, it still has not; even though Microsoft acknowledged to the Board in November 2023 that its 6 September 2023 blog post about the root cause was inaccurate, it did not update that post until March 12, 2024, as the Board was concluding its review and only after the Boards repeated questioning about Microsofts plans to issue a correction; the Board's observation of a separate incident, disclosed by Microsoft in January 2024, the investigation of which was not in the purview of the Boards review, which revealed a compromise that allowed a different nation-state actor to access highly-sensitive Microsoft corporate email accounts, source code repositories, and internal systems; and how Microsofts ubiquitous and critical products, which underpin essential services that support national security, the foundations of our economy, and public health and safety, require the company to demonstrate the highest standards of security, accountability, and transparency. A lengthy series of recommendations has been included in the report. In a statement, Ryan Triplette, executive director of the Coalition for Fair Software Licensing, said: Microsoft is long overdue for a wake-up call. The CSRB report makes clear that a confluence of factors, including vendor lock-in of Microsoft's security products and subsequent over-reliance on its cloud and productivity tools, led to another totally preventable national security failure. Restrictive software licensing lies at the core of Microsofts ubiquitous position in government sales despite its widespread and, frankly, basic security failings. This complex web of restrictions drives the adoption of Microsofts insecure products across the federal government and creates a single attack surface that leads to repeated cyber attacks. "The CSRB examined this incident because of its significant impact on the US Government. However, the companys long pattern of security blunders negatively impacts customers worldwide. The Coalition applauds the CSRB for its thorough review of the breach. We encourage US regulators, including the FTC, to investigate Microsofts predatory licensing practices and its impact on security to further the progress that has been made. Amit Yoran, chairman and chief executive of security outfit Tenable, said: "The CSRB issued a masterful piece of work. This is not some watered down, wishy-washy document full of government speak and platitudes. "After a thorough investigation, this body of august experts issued a powerful document that should serve as a wake-up call to cloud providers that cyber security must be a top priority. "While some cyber failures are unavoidable, we shouldnt assume that to always be the case. The report states that 'the intrusion was preventable' and the US Federal Government has put its foot down over Microsofts repeated cybersecurity failures." Yoran said the board had identified a series of Microsoft operational and strategic decisions that "collectively pointed to a corporate culture that deprioritised enterprise security investments and rigorous risk management, at odds with the companys centrality in the technology ecosystem and the level of trust customers place in the company to protect their data and operations". "There is no mincing of words. I couldnt be prouder of how CISA and CSRB are maturing," he added. COMPANY NEWS: Check Point Software Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider, today announced that Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) has fully deployed Check Point Quantum Network Security, the leading firewall gateway to strengthen its resilience to cyber attacks, particularly data breaches and to prevent any operational disruptions. Safeguard the Network and Data BCE is a learning community comprising more than 140 schools that deliver quality learning outcomes to 77,000 prep-to-year-12 students. BCEs education and administrative workflows are powered by a large and distributed hybrid IT infrastructure. The organisation also operates the largest non-governmental Microsoft Office 365 tenancy in the Southern Hemisphere. Meanwhile the communitys physical data centre hosts all critical school functions providing library systems maintenance, student support, payroll and much more. BCE were looking to ensure the strongest protection for student data and personal information, and to safeguard the network, communication links and operational data. With recent data breaches seen at two large Australian companies, BCE wanted to achieve deeper visibility into data traffic and file attachments to avoid a similar fate and ensure a strong infrastructure to promote support for teaching and learning activities. A long-time Check Point customer who had already deployed clustered Check Point Quantum Security Gateways to secure its datacentre systems and operations, BCE decided on utilising the full Check Point Quantum Security Gateways, activating all available protections to minimise risk effectively. The Check Point Quantum Security Gateway cluster is proving to be the security cornerstone of the datacentre, providing full threat prevention capabilities. Quantums remote access VPN features, which enabled BCE to support remote workers during the pandemic, continue to support a hybrid work environment with minimal maintenance. Tom Nitzschner, Senior ICT Officer at BCE Our newly activated Quantum Intrusion and Prevention System (IPS) blade features further optimise BCEs defences against known exploits, vulnerabilities and protocol misuse, said Tom Nitzschner, Senior ICT Officer for BCE. Also, the team expanded its rule set to align more closely with BCE's datacentre environment. For an added layer of protection against malicious attachments, BCE leverages SandBlast zero-day protection to inspect all downloads and attachments arriving at the gateways, and extract malicious content before delivery. Check Point also provides a dedicated Technical Account Manager (TAM) responsible to fine-tune threat prevention capabilities, roll out new features and assist on other ad hoc projects. Nitzschner updates the gateways and security policies between school terms, and the TAM works onsite with his team during the first day of a new term to ensure everything works as expected. "Check Point is always standing beside us when we need them," said Nitzschner. "With Check Point, we've done well." Improved manageability With the full range of Quantums automated features now activated, BCEs IT team can keep up with the latest vulnerabilities with significantly less manual effort, eliminating the need to consistently keep up with the evolving threat landscape. Check Point automatically updates the gateways to continuously ensure updated security, allowing the team peace of mind and assurance of fighting against the newer security malware. Nitzschner also highlighted that the filtering of web traffic is now also much more manageable. Previously, BCE had relied on a third-party server with 16 blades devoted exclusively to inspecting web traffic, but it offered limited visibility. For example, the team could only see that a server request went out. With Quantums URL Filtering, we can see both the destination domain and actual traffic, he said. "If we see a server going somewhere we didn't expect, we can quickly determine if it should be allowed or not and take action and do this with a single solution." Better reliability Of all the benefits achieved since upgrading the Check Point stack, reliability has been one of the most significant. We've never had a blue screen or other problems, said Nitzschner. The Quantum Security Gateways just run, and run, and run. By turning on Quantums full capabilities, we're getting more protection and deeper visibility out of the investment we already made." Nitzschner said he looked forward to continuing to work with Check Point to maintain security within his organisations IT infrastructure. They have become a trusted technology provider and we will continue rely on their experience and expertise to keep our resources safe and fully operational. Les Williamson, Regional Director, Check Point Australia and New Zealand Les Williamson, Regional Director, Check Point Australia and New Zealand, said, With the education/research sector being the most impacted industry in Australia with over 2,000 weekly attacks per organisation (according to Check Points Threat Intelligence Report), it was vital to ensure the highest level of security for our education customers. Check Point is thrilled to be collaborating with Brisbane Catholic Education to enable complete advanced threat prevention security with Quantum Security gateways, with centralised and streamlined security management that can handle all security risks and enhanced security visibility. DigiCert, Inc., a leading global provider of digital trust, and Macnica today announced they will provide public key infrastructure (PKI) to Panasonic Life Solutions India Private Ltd., one of the world's leading manufacturers of home appliances. Together, they will introduce the first room air conditioner in India equipped with Matter 1.21, a common standard for smart homes. As a novel common standard that enables seamless compatibility and secure connectivity between IoT devices within a smart home, the Matter standard provides the foundation for a smart home ecosystem where IoT devices from different manufacturers can easily work together to provide residents with a convenient new smart home experience. To establish secure connections in Matter, device certificates based on the security policy defined by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) are utilized, and each Matter-enabled product possesses a unique digital certificate2 to communicate only with secure parties. Each Matter-enabled product holds a unique digital certificate and communicates only with secure parties. As such, Matter requires the use of digital certificates for each IoT device to realize a secure smart home. Selected by CSA as the world's first Matter Root CA, DigiCert supports the project with high security and support capabilities backed by professional experience and knowledge based on the companys certificate business experience and wide adoption worldwide. Macnica, with its expertise in the IoT and IT domains, played an important role in the implementation of the Matter-compliant digital certificates at Panasonic Groups production plant--from deal discovery and management through implementation and post-deployment technical support. The certificates allow Panasonic room air conditioners to be seamlessly integrated into the Matter ecosystem, enabling users to control and monitor their room air conditioners from Matter-enabled devices such as smart speakers, smartphones, and tablets. The Panasonic room air conditioner series equipped with the Matter Protocol is available at all major retailers and e-commerce platforms in India. The security of Panasonic room air conditioners has been greatly enhanced by adopting the latest solutions from DigiCert, a leading provider of digital certificates, in addition to the security-oriented Matter standard. This allows consumers to feel more secure in the convenient and integrated living experience provided by Panasonic's smart home platform, said Manish Misra, Chief Innovation Officer, Panasonic Life Solutions India. We chose DigiCert's solution because of its high security and scalability for Panasonic, which manufactures not only room air conditioners but also refrigerators, washing machines, and a variety of other equipment at its factories around the world. The highly reliable DigiCert solution has enabled us to start up production smoothly and trouble-free. The new room air conditioners have been well received by the market, and production is steadily increasing." We are pleased to partner with Macnica and Panasonic Life Solutions India in revolutionizing the smart home landscape in India, said Mike Nelson, Vice President of Digital Trust at DigiCert. By providing DigiCerts industry-leading PKI solutions, we are delivering robust security and seamless connectivity for Matter-enabled devices, empowering consumers to experience the utmost convenience and reliability in their smart home ecosystem. Panasonic will continue to leverage the high security and scalability of Matter-compliant DigiCert PKI and plans to gradually expand its Matter-enabled product models. Macnica will continue to support Panasonic's expansion of Matter-enabled products to the market. In addition to several Matter-related semiconductor manufacturers that Macnica handles, the company will also provide digital certificates from DigiCert to support Japanese companies in accelerating the release of Matter products in a wide range of smart home-related fields, including room air conditioners. DigiCert will continue to develop solutions for various standards bodies, including Matter, and provide services that flexibly respond to the diverse security requirements of each country, region, and industry. *1: A new common IoT standard for the smart home developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, a communication standards standardization organization in which more than 500 companies, including Apple, Google, and Amazon, participate. Compatibility with smart home appliances from different manufacturers will enable seamless integration and centralized control of devices, thereby contributing to further smart home convenience. *2: Widely used across the internet for the purpose of secure communication and trust-based connections through Public Key Cryptography and digital signatures PKI. In Matter, in order to realize a smart home that implements high security and interoperability, the CSA has a defined policy built around device certificates that utilize PKI technologies. All company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macnica, Inc. or their respective companies. Information in this news release (including product prices and specifications) is current as of the date of publication. Please be advised that the schedule is subject to change without notice. About Macnica, Inc. Macnica is a service/solution company that handles the latest technologies in a comprehensive manner centred on semiconductors and cyber security. Developing business in 81 locations in 23 countries/regions around the world, leveraging the technological capabilities and global network cultivated over a history of more than 50 years, we discover, propose, and implement cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT, and autonomous driving. Please visit: www.macnica.co.jp/en/ About DigiCert, Inc. DigiCert is a leading global provider of digital trust, enabling individuals and businesses to engage online with the confidence that their footprint in the digital world is secure. DigiCert ONE, the platform for digital trust, provides organizations with centralized visibility and control over a broad range of public and private trust needs, securing websites, enterprise access and communication, software, identity, content and devices. DigiCert pairs its award-winning software with its industry leadership in standards, support and operations, and is the digital trust provider of choice for leading companies around the world. For more information, visit www.digicert.com or follow @digicert. DigiCert Japan LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S.-based DigiCert Inc. COMPANY NEWS: Trustwave , a global cybersecurity and managed security services leader, has announced the launch of Trustwave Threat Intelligence as a Service (TIaaS). Trustwave TIaaS provides organisations with timely, contextualised, and prioritised threat intelligence based on factors relevant to their operations, enabling them to make risk-based and threat-informed decisions which benefit their organisations. Craig Searle, global leader of cyber advisory, Trustwave, said, "The traditional, reactive approach to cybersecurity simply isn't enough anymore. Organisations today need an offensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity that can address the full spectrum of exposure. "This requires a comprehensive understanding of their unique vulnerabilities across the entire attack surface. By moving beyond generic intelligence, Trustwave TIaaS produces intelligence-led, actionable insights and outcomes, empowering businesses to protect critical assets and brand reputation while adopting a proactive cybersecurity posture." The ever-shifting threat landscape demands a mix of offensive security tactics. Led by Trustwave's team of SpiderLabs security experts, Trustwave TIaaS leverages industry-leading expertise and a deep understanding of global threats to provide clients with: Early warning systems: Proactive identification of potential risks to brand reputation, infrastructure, and overall security posture. Risk-based decision-making: Informed decision-making through insights and analysis directly relevant to their organisation's environment. Reduced false positives: Enhanced confidence with validated intelligence from multiple sources, minimising wasted resources on false threats. Faster incident response: Streamlined communication with targeted alerts delivered directly to the appropriate personnel in their organisation. Always up-to-date intelligence: Continuous monitoring and reporting on evolving threats, trends, and threat actor profiles. Trustwave TIaaS is delivered using Trustwaves SpiderLabs Intelligence Led Knowledgebase (SILK) Methodology, a human-led approach that combines expert analysis with advanced threat intelligence tooling to produce validated, high-value intelligence. Trustwave TIaaS includes a comprehensive suite of features designed to provide a holistic view of the threat landscape, including: Initial threat assessment workshop: A collaborative workshop to understand a clients security posture and key areas of concern. Attack surface analysis: Identification of potential vulnerabilities across a clients attack surface, including domains, subdomains, and external-facing assets. Intelligence analysis: Continuous intelligence gathering and analysis to stay ahead of emerging threats specific to a clients industry and region. Dark web and public internet monitoring: Proactive search for compromised data or credentials and other indicators of impending attacks. Threat knowledgebase: A centralised repository of critical information on known threat groups and actors and their tactics. Tabletop exercise: Testing and enhancing a clients incident response procedures through a simulated attack scenario. Threat intelligence reporting: Strategic and tactical insights to keep a client informed about the latest threats relevant to their operations. By partnering with Trustwave, organisations gain access to industry-recognised leadership in security and threat intelligence, along with practical security guidance informed by real-world threat research. Trustwaves global reach ensures comprehensive threat coverage, with support available in 86 countries. Trustwave solutions are also designed to be flexible and differentiated to meet specific needs and budget. To learn more about Trustwave TIaaS and how it can safeguard your organisation, visit here. About Trustwave Trustwave is a globally recognised cybersecurity leader that reduces cyber risk and fortifies organisations against disruptive and damaging cyber threats. Trustwaves comprehensive offensive and defensive cybersecurity portfolio detects what others cannot, responds with greater speed and effectiveness, optimises clients cyber investments, and improves security resilience. Trusted by thousands of organisations worldwide, Trustwave leverages its world-class team of security consultants, threat hunters, researchers, and market-leading security operations platform to decrease the likelihood of attacks and minimise potential impact. Trustwave is an analyst-recognised leader in managed detection and response (MDR), managed security services (MSS), cyber advisory, penetration testing, database security, and email security. The elite Trustwave SpiderLabs team provides industry-defining threat research, intelligence, and threat hunting, all of which are infused into Trustwave services and products to fortify cyber resilience in the age of inevitable cyber-attacks. For more information about Trustwave, please visit: https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/. COMPANY NEWS: Autodesk has launched Total Carbon Analysis to help Australia and New Zealands architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) professionals accelerate sustainability strategies, alleviate mounting pressure to innovate business models, and improve workflows to manage costs and drive competitiveness. The built environment carries a significant carbon load, representing nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Available today within Autodesks AEC Collection, Total Carbon Analysis for Architects offers a new package of real-time carbon analysis tools that help track the carbon footprint of a building from planning through detailed design. In addition to Total Carbon Analysis, the package includes Embodied Carbon Analysis in Forma, which is supported by AI capabilities and enables architects to understand and test the carbon impact of their early design decisions at the beginning of project planning. Also included are new capabilities for Revit and Autodesk Insight, which measure carbon impacts from lighting, HVAC, building materials, and more. Joining these capabilities, Total Carbon Analysis offers architects unprecedented access to carbon insights through intuitive dashboards to evaluate the tradeoffs between embodied and operational carbon, and empowers the architecture industry to reduce the carbon footprint and improve the sustainability of the built environment. Expanded Esri alliance Designing with sustainability in mind requires comprehensive data. Thats why Autodesk is expanding its strategic alliance with Esri to release new integrations of ArcGIS Basemaps with Civil 3D and AutoCAD. This will provide civil engineers with detailed geospatial data and mapping capabilities. Enhanced visibility of existing conditions empowers users to optimise designs that minimise environmental impacts and ecological disruption. In addition to design workflows, a new update to our integration with Esris ArcGIS Online and Info360 Asset gives water and wastewater network operations and maintenance teams improved access to asset condition data, risk analysis, and rehabilitation plans. Data to fuel innovation and improved collaboration Building Information Models (BIM) hold massive amounts of valuable data about a physical asset. AEC firms can turn that data into a competitive advantage by offering customers a digital twin at handover. Autodesk Tandem is a digital twin offering for buildings, and soon it will be available for all BIM Collaborate Pro subscribers as Tandem for AEC. This means AEC firms will be able to extend and diversify their services to deliver a living digital representation of projects, along with owner manuals, assets data, and warranty information all connected to the 3D model. Typically, 95% of data captured in construction typically goes unused, however Tandem for AEC will put companies data to work, accelerating operational readiness to bring new value to their clients. AI updates to accelerate processes and creativity The AECO industry continues to embrace the power of AI to augment work, analyse data for insights, and automate processes for more efficiency. Across the AECO portfolio, Autodesk is releasing new features to leverage Autodesk AI in workflows. Autodesk first announced the ML Deluge tool for InfoDrainage in November 2023, and is quickly building on its AI capabilities. Available soon, new updates will enable more interactivity with the machine learning deluge tool, providing a more comprehensive experience for stormwater controls. AI is also bringing CAD into a new era. With AutoCAD 2025, users can improve content reuse and standardisation in drawings with the latest Smart Blocks tools, powered by Autodesk AI. New features include Search and Convert, which enable users to quickly search drawings for objects and convert them into new, existing, or suggested blocks. For construction teams, in March 2024, Autodesk delivered updates to Autodesk Construction Cloud that help project leaders and teams avoid setting off a chain reaction of costly mistakes by having the right information at hand. For more information on AECO product updates, visit the Tech Drop blog. About Autodesk The worlds designers, engineers, builders, and creators trust Autodesk to help them design and make anything. From the buildings we live and work in, to the cars we drive and the bridges we drive over. From the products we use and rely on, to the movies and games that inspire us. Autodesks Design and Make Platform unlocks the power of data to accelerate insights and automate processes, empowering our customers with the technology to create the world around us and deliver better outcomes for their business and the planet. For more information, visit autodesk.com.au or follow @autodesk. #MakeAnything The senior appointments to the growth teams signal an exciting next phase for Tracksuit, as it becomes the best brand tracking solution in the world Tracksuit, the startup creating the marketing industrys best brand tracker, today announces it has bolstered its senior marketing team with the appointments of Christine Rodrigues as Partnerships Lead and Sam Sherson as Head of Digital. Following the major success of its $20.5M Series A funding round in February, the two key hires signify Tracksuits commitment to accelerating growth across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US. Christine Rodrigues, Partnerships Lead at Tracksuit Christine Rodrigues starts as Partnerships Lead, being based in Sydney. She comes from 10 years of experience in building foundational and long-lasting partnerships across the e-commerce, payments and martech ecosystems throughout the Asia Pacific and Japan, working with global brands such as Adobe, PayPal, Braintree, Vodafone and Impact.com. Christines most recent role as the Co-Managing Director of the Australian chapter of GirlsInTech, saw her be a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she is set to bring that same passion for empowering and supporting women in tech to Tracksuit. Weve really only scratched the surface of the kind of potential Tracksuit can bring to the marketing and advertising ecosystem at large, said Christine Rodrigues, Partnerships Lead at Tracksuit. Im beyond thrilled to be a part of the Tracksuit team to deliver meaningful brand tracking to their clients, globally and continue supporting the fantastic work they already do. Sam Sherson, Head of Digital at Tracksuit Sam Sherson joins the team as Head of Digital from global digital commerce consultancy, Overdose, where he was the Chief Marketing Officer. With a career spanning two decades across New Zealand and the UK, Sam has a wealth of experience in driving expansion into new markets, leading global teams and supporting the growth of hundreds of brands. He worked at The Guardian for seven years, directing the leading UK publication houses data commercialisation and revenue operations. Tracksuit has the ultimate combination of people and purpose, being a super warm, smart and driven team who are all passionate about building great brands. Im over the moon to be joining them at such an exciting time in their trajectory, said Sam Sherson, Head of Digital at Tracksuit. Promoting sustainable growth for brands is where I want to make a difference, so Im excited to share that same goal with Tracksuit as we play a pivotal role in the industry to bring focus back to longer-term marketing success. Commenting on the new appointments, Mikayla Hopkins, Head of Marketing at Tracksuit, said Were pumped to welcome Christine and Sam to the Tracksuit team at such a pivotal moment of our growth. They both bring complementary and deep marketing leadership which is a huge asset as we move to building and scaling the best brand tracking solution in the market. Tracksuit was founded in 2021 by co-CEOs Matt Herbert and Connor Archbold. Headquartered in Auckland with offices in Sydney, London and NYC, the startup has grown to more than 70 full-time employees and is now tracking over 4000 brands across five geographies: Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Tracksuits global clients include epic brands such as Arnotts, GHD, Bondi Sands, Goodman Fielder, Sharesies, MyFitnessPal, Supergoop!, and Steve Madden. Sawara Town (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) In the northeastern part of the Kanto Plain, Narita is where most overseas visitors land when they first arrive to Japan. The international airport there is one of two servicing the Tokyo-area and is a hub of activity with in-bound and out-bound travelers. Narita Airport (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Narita Airport (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Narita Airport (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Though the perception might be that its just a stop en route to the big city, Narita is more than that. The city offers old-town charm and attractions worthy of a second look. Here are three great spots to add to your itinerary in Narita. Shinshoji Budhhist Temple This magnificent temple near the airport draws the second largest crowd in Japan every New Year with 3 million visitors. The temple was founded in the year 940 and has an elaborate carved Shakado Buddha hall that is known as a sanctuary to ward off evil. When my family and I visited the temple in early spring, we found ice artists turning large ice pieces into elaborated statues of Buddha. The beautiful ice sculptures were then laid out in front of the main temple hall as an offering. Shinshoji (Buddhist temple) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Shinshoji (Buddhist temple) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Shinshoji (Buddhist temple) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Katori Jingu Shinto Shrine Near Shinshoji, the shrine is a power spot boasting over 2,600 years of history. Katori Jingu is considered one of the three most prestigious shrines in Japan. One of the most striking differences between Katori Jingu and other Shinto shrines is the unique black lacquer buildings as opposed to the standard vermillion-colored buildings. Before or after your visit to the shrine, make sure to stop in one of the many shops and restaurants along the approach for a quick snack and some souvenirs. Katori Jingu (Shinto shrine) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Katori Jingu (Shinto shrine) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Katori Jingu (Shinto shrine) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Sawara Town Take a walk in the Edo Era as you explore Sawara Town, a stones throw from Katori Jingu. The town is known as Koedo, or Little Edo, thanks to its original townhouses and streets allowing a glimpse into the samurai capitals former glory. We strolled Sawara along the river and admired the willow trees and vintage wooden buildings. Back in its heyday, Sawaras waterway was vital for the transport of soy sauce, miso and rice from the countryside. Some of the wooden boats are still around and we saw a few of them, except now they carry tourists instead of food staples. Sawara Town (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Sawara Town (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Sawara Town (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Sawara Town (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Next time you have a flight out of Narita, or are looking for an easy day trip, check out the citys nice attractions for bit of luck and a taste of old Japan! The National Weather Service said Forsyth and Guilford counties and other parts of central North Carolina are at higher risk Wednesday afternoon and night for hazardous weather, including the possibility of an isolated tornado. Forecasters said there's a risk in the area for severe thunderstorms, possibly with damaging wind gusts and hail. While the forecast also mentions the possibility of an isolated tornado, Rockingham County was the only county in the Piedmont Triad that was under a tornado watch, with no tornado warnings in effect in the state. The tornado watch area stretches east and northeast toward Rocky Mount in North Carolina and up the eastern seaboard through southern Virginia toward Delaware. The Legislatures Executive Board reprimanded Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings on Wednesday for inserting his colleagues names into a graphic rape scene he read on the floor of the Legislature last month. The committee voted 8-1 to issue the letter of reprimand against the term-limited conservative lawmaker for his conduct, which an investigation determined violated the Legislatures workplace harassment policy. But the written rebuke was immediately blasted as inadequate, embarrassing, and a disservice to Nebraskans by some state senators who said it did not go far enough to restore dignity and decorum to the one-house legislative body. Other senators, in the aftermath of the investigations announced conclusion, said the Legislature needed to adopt a rules change allowing for lawmakers to reject speech they found objectionable, or create a system for handling workplace harassment issues within the body. Last month, during a debate over a bill (LB441) from Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston that would enact criminal penalties for anyone who provides obscene materials to minors, Halloran repeatedly inserted the last names of Omaha Sens. Machaela and John Cavanaugh, as well as Lincoln Sen. George Dungan. In a moment that went viral on social media and made national news, Halloran interjected Sen. Cavanaugh at the end of a sentence in Lucky, a 1999 memoir by Alice Sebold where she recounts a brutal rape she suffered in college, where the perpetrator demands oral sex from the victim. Halloran, the chair of the Legislatures Agriculture Committee, faced near-immediate backlash and calls from both inside and outside the Legislature to resign. At a hearing on that resolution last week, Machaela Cavanaugh asked the Executive Board to condemn Halloran for his remarks, called the incident a stain on the decorum and decency that we strive to uphold within these hallowed halls. Halloran apologized for using his colleagues' names but said outrage over the incident should be focused on the book, which he claimed was being read by children. He also declined to appear at last weeks hearing, saying he did not want to give credence to a legislative hearing he said violated the rules of the Legislature. Investigation's findings The investigation, which was launched by the Executive Board and conducted by Remboldt Ludtke, found Hallorans comments were protected activity under the First Amendment and likely shielded by federal nondiscrimination employment law, which limited the Legislatures options to discipline him. The investigators noted, however, that actionable is not tantamount to acceptable and suggested internal remedial actions such as reprimand or censure were available to the Legislature to use against Halloran for his March 18 comments. Ultimately, the Executive Board opted to go with reprimand, writing in a letter that was read into the record that Hallorans conduct arises to a violation of the Legislatures workplace harassment policy. The letter went on to state the committee found Hallorans remarks unbecoming of a member of the Nebraska Legislature and contrary to all senatorial traditions and decorum, and said lawmakers should seek to foster a future work environment that respects the dignity of all members of the Legislature and restores the confidence of the people of the state in the Legislature. Sens. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, the chair of the Executive Board, Speaker John Arch of La Vista, Beau Ballard of Lincoln, Mike Jacobson of North Platte, Merv Riepe of Ralston, Julie Slama of Dunbar, Tony Vargas of Omaha and Eliot Bostar of Lincoln all voted to reprimand Halloran. Sen. John Lowe of Kearney was the lone dissenting vote. Wednesdays decision reflects what has happened in other state houses across the country when elected leaders have crossed boundaries. A 2002 report by the Clerk of the Legislature shared with the Journal Star said the options for disciplining a state senator are outlined in the rules passed by lawmakers at the start of each biennium. Legislators are generally immune to any type of action against them, civil or criminal, for acts done or statements made in their official capacity, the report said. It also highlighted a 1988 incident in which a Connecticut lawmaker made disparaging remarks about LGBT individuals. Instead of censure, the assembly passed a resolution rededicating the House to its dignity and disassociating itself from the remarks of a member. Aguilar said Wednesday reprimanding Halloran rather than censuring him sent a stronger message that the Executive Board found his conduct unbecoming. 'You have failed me' After the report was read into the record, both Cavanaughs and others said the Executive Board had only sought to do the minimum necessary in an effort to move beyond the incident, calling the outcome embarrassing. I am disappointed in Chairman Aguilar and Speaker Arch for their lack of leadership and their lack of empathy in this entire situation, Machaela Cavanaugh said, criticizing both men for largely disregarding her own wishes as they plotted how to move forward with the investigation. She and her brother, John Cavanaugh, both said they were not interviewed during the investigation nor told about its outcome before Wednesdays announcement. You have failed me, you have failed Sen. Dungan, you have failed Sen. (John) Cavanaugh, and you have failed all victims, she added. Later on Wednesday, Cavanaugh introduced a motion to censure Halloran, but it was not taken up for debate similar to what happened in 2023 when Slama filed a motion to censure Machaela Cavanaugh over words she objected to during floor debate. Its unlikely the motion will be placed on the agenda this year. Free speech does have consequences, and a censure motion is also free speech it is a debatable motion that we all can talk about, she said. It is more speech and I have been denied that. In his own floor speech, John Cavanaugh who normally strikes a measured tone during floor debate said the process that led to Wednesdays reprimand was flawed and leveled stark criticism at others who had remained silent during the ordeal. That is going to be a stain on your record, he said. Those of you who want to think of yourselves as states-people and do nothing, this will reflect on you forever. This place will be made worse as a result of the inaction and sweeping-under-the-rug that has gone on here, John Cavanaugh added, saying later Nebraskans are left with nothing but to think that this place is full of inactive cowards. Slama, a member of the Executive Board who spoke on the matter during floor debate Wednesday, said the Legislature did a disservice to every rape victim that had reached out to tell their story over the last two weeks. She also said the investigation failed both Cavanaughs and Dungan, along with the rest of Nebraska and said she was asked by two members of the Executive Board to recuse herself from discussion of the censure resolution because she had co-sponsored it. Slama, a registered Republican, also reiterated her call for Halloran to step down from his position. If (Halloran) had any respect for his colleagues or this institution, he would resign, she said. 'Looking forward to the end' The backlash to the investigation and its outcome came as a surprise to Aguilar, who minutes before it was announced said he didnt think the Executive Boards decision to reprimand Halloran instead of vote on the resolution calling on the Legislature to censure him would be a problem. I think (Machaela Cavanaugh) actually got what she wanted to accomplish as far as the statement that the board is making and what theyve had to say, Aguilar said. Pretty powerful, actually, not only to Sen. Halloran but to any other member of the Legislature who chooses to go off the wire, if you will, and make statements that arent appreciated on the floor, or appropriate. Aguilar added the findings released publicly on Wednesday were only focused on one of the allegations against Halloran. The outgoing lawmaker was accused last week of making inappropriate jokes to others about Cavanaugh during a debate over a bill (LB1092) requiring age verification for adult websites. But, the Executive Board chairman said it was unclear whether or not enough time was left in the remaining six days of the 2024 legislative session. The punishment for that would be the same as what weve already done, Aguilar said. So, I dont know what we would accomplish by going forward with that. Im not saying we wont, he added. Halloran, in brief remarks to reporters on Wednesday, said he has retained his own legal counsel. His response to the letter of reprimand was simple: Im looking forward to the end of the session. Meet the Nebraska state senators making laws in 2024 Lincoln is served by a variety of organizations targeting food insecurity the Food Bank of Lincoln, Center for People, the People's City Mission, Matt Talbot, the Gathering Place and others. The free- and reduced-lunch program through Lincoln Public Schools and backpack programs help as well. Federal and state programs are essential to the effort, too. That's why initial news of Gov. Jim Pillen's initial refusal to accept $18 million in ag department funding for a summer electronic benefits card program that would have given needy students $40 per month for three months raised such a storm. Pillen, to his credit, reconsidered. Public and legislative pressure didn't do the trick, but a visit with a small group of students who pled the case changed his mind. Many issues taxes, school funding, infrastructure reveal an urban-rural divide. And while the Food Bank of Lincoln and Omaha's Food Bank of the Heartland cover the entire state, much of Nebraska, particularly in central and western Nebraska, are underserved, despite herculean efforts on the part of many. The disparity in services and efforts to close it were detailed Sunday in Lee Enterprises report published in news outlets across the state. The findings were a reminder of how far we have to go. Hunger can look very different in rural Nebraska, where people in smaller communities might feel a stigma attached to needing help. And practically speaking, it's harder to get food in people's hands when a smaller population in spread out over a wider area than in Lincoln or Omaha. The child food insecurity rates in the 40 most-food-insecure counties in Nebraska are 3% to 5% higher than the overall rates. Nebraska's children suffer worse than the overall population. There are few needs more basic than food. Good nutrition is a key factor in child development. And though many are engaged in the cause of ending, or at least minimizing, food insecurity, it is on some level a responsibility for all of us. And it's one we will, literally, pay for later if we don't address it, in increased social services for malnourished kids and stressed families. It will take tax dollars, philanthropy and a whole lot of muscle to ensure that kids and families have enough to eat, but it isn't just a problem to be solved by Health and Human Services staffers or do-gooders at a food bank. It is problem for us all, and we can all be part of a solution. GREEN BAY With no major challengers remaining, Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump easily won their respective presidential primaries in Wisconsin on Tuesday. Wisconsins April 2 presidential primary coincided with Trumps first visit to the state of the 2024 election cycle. At a rally in Green Bay, the former president denounced Bidens handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and repeated his baseless claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Trump also offered his complete and total endorsement for Republican Eric Hovde, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison. As with his rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan earlier in the day, much of Trumps focus Tuesday in Green Bay was on the Biden administrations handling of the nations southern border. While violent crime is down, Trump and other Republicans have seized on several high-profile crimes alleged to have been committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally to attack Biden as illegal border crossings have hit record highs. Polls suggest Trump has an advantage over Biden on immigration issues as many prospective voters say theyre concerned about the impact of the crossings. We are going to end up with the largest deportation in the history of America, Trump told supporters at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Green Bay many of whom stood outside for hours in the worsening winter weather before the event began. Trumps rally in northeastern Wisconsin was the former presidents first visit to the battleground state since 2022. Biden, meanwhile, announced this week he will be back in Wisconsin on Monday, marking his sixth trip to the state so far this year. Biden will visit Madison before traveling to Chicago for a campaign reception, according to a brief statement from the White House. The bottom line is that Donald Trump has long made clear that he doesnt care about Wisconsin, and a last-minute primary day stop wont change that, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a statement. Wisconsins presidential primary was a purely symbolic vote as both Trump and Biden have already secured enough delegates to become their parties nominees. The Associated Press called both statewide races for Biden and Trump just minutes after polls closed Tuesday. Biden brought in about 88% of votes cast in his primary, while about 9% of voters had selected the uninstructed option as of Tuesdays print deadline. Activists had pushed Democratic voters to selected the option rather than voting for Biden to signify opposition to the administrations handling of the war in Gaza. Trump secured more than 77% of votes cast in the Republican primary, with Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race earlier this year but remained on Wisconsins ballot, receiving the next closest with more than 12%. Roughly 4% of voters selected the uninstructed option, according to preliminary results. Trump, who has accused migrants of poisoning the blood of the country, accused Biden of allowing a bloodbath that was destroying the country. In Michigan, he referred to immigrants in the U.S. illegally suspected of committing crimes as animals, using dehumanizing language that those who study extremism have warned increases the risk of violence. Trump continued the theme at his rally in Green Bay, accusing rogue nations of pumping migrants across our wide open border, and sending prisoners, murders, drug dealers, mental patients, terrorists though there is no evidence any country is engaged in that kind of coordinated effort. Bidens campaign, which has been hammering Trump for his role in killing a bipartisan border deal that would have added more than 1,500 new Customs and Border Protection personnel, in addition to other restrictions, preempted the speech by accusing Trump of politicizing the death. Trumps first visit to the state comes as the Democratic Party of Wisconsin continues to widely outpace the Republican Party of Wisconsin in terms of statewide fundraising. Its an issue thats plagued Wisconsin Republicans for years after new campaign finance laws signed by former Gov. Scott Walker allowed political parties to receive unlimited donations and make unlimited transfers of funds to candidates. The Republican Party of Wisconsin, through its state account, raised about $399,000 since the start of the year, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. The state Democratic Party added about $5.4 million to its state account in the first three months of the year more than thirteen times what their GOP counterpart brought in. Nobody is going to say a good field plan makes a 10-point difference, but it makes a 1- to 3-point difference, and given the cash crunch that the state Republican Party has, given the financial challenges that the RNC and the Trump campaign have, thats going to cost them, Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki said. Even if President Bidens approval numbers arent great, and its still a coin-toss state, Democrats will have the financial resources to build an organization that has the sort of basic blocking and tackling that it takes to turn votes out and win close elections, Zepecki added. Chilly reminder Republican Party of Wisconsin chair Brian Schimming told reporters Tuesday the key to success this November will be an increased emphasis on early voting. Sometimes on Election Day you have 5 or 10 inches of snow show up, Schimming said as snow continued to fall outside. I want everyone to be safe out there. But I also want to remind people that things like this happen and its yet another reason why were pushing early vote. Wisconsins Bank Your Vote initiative, which mirrors a similar effort launched by the Republican National Committee nationwide, aims to build Republicans confidence in early voting and drive up absentee votes in an effort to counter strong Democratic turnout, primarily in early voting, in recent statewide races. Embrace voting as it is, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh told the crowd. We need to embrace that and today is the perfect example why. Shorter frame But while Wisconsin Republicans promoted the importance of early voting in the state, Trump said his goal is to implement one-day voting with paper ballots. But until then Republicans must win ... we want it to be too big to rig, Trump said of the November election. Republicans increased focus on early voting comes after years of GOP-fueled distrust in the states electoral process primarily in absentee voting driven largely by Trumps baseless claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him. On Tuesday, Trump said he won this state by a lot in 2020. Trump won Wisconsin in 2016, surpassing Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton by more than 22,000 votes. Trump picked up more total votes in the state in his 2020 matchup with Biden, but lost Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. No large-scale wrongdoing has ever been uncovered about the 2020 election. A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed Bidens 2020 victory over Trump in Wisconsin. Familiar themes Trump also reiterated talking points that have become commonplace for Republicans, including targeting critical race theory, a graduate-level theoretical framework that examines how American political and social systems perpetuate racism. He also echoed GOP concerns of school vaccine and mask policies following the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing efforts to ban high school transgender athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity. Earlier in the day, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a Republican-authored bill that proposed to limit high school athletes to playing on teams that match the gender they were assigned at birth. Evers said in his veto message that this type of legislation harms LGBTQ Wisconsinites and kids mental health, emboldens anti-LGBTQ harassment, bullying, and violence, and threatens the safety and dignity of LGBTQ Wisconsinites, especially our LGBTQ kids. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously rejected a request to clarify which legislative district maps should be used for a potential recall effort against Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. The recall effort was launched in January by Republicans angry that Vos, R-Rochester, had refused former President Donald Trumps request to overturn the 2020 presidential election, something the speaker cannot do. While a preliminary review by Wisconsin Elections Commission staff found the groups first attempt appeared to have fallen short of the required number of signatures needed to force a recall election, the commission last month asked the states high court to clarify which boundaries apply to elections held before November, when new maps signed into law earlier this year go into effect. After Gov. Tony Evers requested an additional week to try to reach consensus with all parties in the case on what boundaries should be used, Assistant Attorney General Faye Hipsman wrote in a court filing last week the parties couldnt reach an agreement, but he urged the court to use the states new maps. We will not depart from our general practice that this court will not offer an advisory opinion or make a pronouncement based on hypothetical facts, the order states. As a threshold matter, it is WEC, not this court that has the overall statutory responsibility for the administration of Wisconsins elections. Chief Justice Annette Ziegler offered a more blunt assessment. The court should simply state the motion is denied, without more, Ziegler wrote in concurrence. The elections commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. The agency has until April 11 to determine if enough signatures had been collected to force a recall election. The courts decision also can be appealed. Matthew Snorek, a leader of the first recall effort, last week filed paperwork indicating his intent to circulate new petitions to recall the longstanding speaker. Snorek created a new recall committee for the effort, and petitions containing signatures will be due no later than May 28. In his statement of intent for the second recall, Snorek wrote that Vos should be recalled for several reasons, including his lack of commitment to election integrity and his flagrant disrespect for his own constituents by calling them whack-jobs, morons and idiots, in reference to comments Vos made in Madison last month about the people behind the initial recall attempt. 1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them. 2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound. 3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes. 4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic. Vote View Results Throughout the state of Wisconsin, voters decided on April 2 the outcome of two referendum questions related to election administration. In Vernon County the results were split. Electors did not support Question 1 but voted in favor of Question 2. The Associated Press called the election in favor of the constitutional amendments before 9 p.m. Tuesday. 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? In Vernon County, Question 1 received 3,237 no votes and 2,869 yes votes. 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? In Vernon County, Question 2 received 3,209 yes votes and 2,884 no votes. La Crosse County voters Tuesday opted to give Mark Huesmann a full 6-year term as a La Crosse County Circuit Court judge. Huesmann won 57% of the vote over attorney Candice Tlustosch of West Salem with all precincts reporting. Huemann was appointed to the 3rd Circuit by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers last July to fill the remaining year left on the term of retiring judge Todd Bjerke. The campaign had been relatively quiet until last week, when an anti-Huesmann mailer was sent by Fair Courts America, a political action committee that isnt affiliated with either candidate. 3rd Circuit Court Judge results Total Vote % Candice C.M. Tlustosch 9,364 43.26% Mark A. Huesmann 12,247 56.57% Write-ins 37 0.17% Total votes cast 21,648 100.00% Precincts reporting 50 of 50 Huesmann, who made his military service and involvement with western Wisconsins veterans court a centerpiece of his campaign, declined to comment on the mailer or speculate about what drove the election outcome. Im grateful for the support from the La Crosse County voters, Huesmann said. Tlustosch was seeking to regain a seat on the La Crosse County bench. She was appointed by Gov. Scott Walker to the 5th Circuit in February 2015 and served six months. Her bid for a full term fell short when she finished third in the 2015 primary. I am proud to have given people a choice, and I am glad to be a part of a system that respects that choice, Tlustosch said. I wish Judge Huesmann the best. Im sure hell serve La Crosse County well. There was a split in the vote tally between urban and more rural areas of the county. Tlustosch won seven of the 12 towns. She won the village of West Salem with 62% and also carried the villages of Bangor and Rockland. Huesmann won every ward in the city of La Crosse, except for two that ended in ties. He also won the city of Onalaska and village of Holmen, where he practiced law for three decades. Throughout the state of Wisconsin, voters decided Tuesday the outcome of two referendum questions related to election administration. With 50 of 50 precincts reporting, supporters of both referendums held the edge in La Crosse County. The Associated Press called the election in favor of the constitutional amendments before 9 p.m. Tuesday. 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? La Crosse County State Referendum Question 1 Results Total Vote Percentage Yes 11,137 50.67% No 10,841 49.33% Total votes cast 21,978 100.00% Precincts reporting 50 of 50 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? La Crosse County State Referendum Question 2 Results Total Vote Percentage Yes 11,944 54.40% No 10,013 45.60% Total votes cast 21,957 100.00% Precincts reporting 50 of 50 GREEN BAY With no major challengers remaining, Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump easily won their respective presidential primaries in Wisconsin on Tuesday. Wisconsins April 2 presidential primary coincided with Trumps first visit to the state of the 2024 election cycle. At a rally in Green Bay, the former president denounced Bidens handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and repeated his baseless claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Trump also offered his complete and total endorsement for Republican Eric Hovde, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison. As with his rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan earlier in the day, much of Trumps focus Tuesday in Green Bay was on the Biden administrations handling of the nations southern border. While violent crime is down, Trump and other Republicans have seized on several high-profile crimes alleged to have been committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally to attack Biden as illegal border crossings have hit record highs. Polls suggest Trump has an advantage over Biden on immigration issues as many prospective voters say theyre concerned about the impact of the crossings. We are going to end up with the largest deportation in the history of America, Trump told supporters at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Green Bay many of whom stood outside for hours in the worsening winter weather before the event began. Trumps rally in northeastern Wisconsin was the former presidents first visit to the battleground state since 2022. Biden, meanwhile, announced this week he will be back in Wisconsin on Monday, marking his sixth trip to the state so far this year. Biden will visit Madison before traveling to Chicago for a campaign reception, according to a brief statement from the White House. The bottom line is that Donald Trump has long made clear that he doesnt care about Wisconsin, and a last-minute primary day stop wont change that, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a statement. Wisconsins presidential primary was a purely symbolic vote as both Trump and Biden have already secured enough delegates to become their parties nominees. The Associated Press called both statewide races for Biden and Trump just minutes after polls closed Tuesday. Biden brought in about 88% of votes cast in his primary, while about 9% of voters had selected the uninstructed option as of Tuesdays print deadline. Activists had pushed Democratic voters to selected the option rather than voting for Biden to signify opposition to the administrations handling of the war in Gaza. Trump secured more than 77% of votes cast in the Republican primary, with Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race earlier this year but remained on Wisconsins ballot, receiving the next closest with more than 12%. Roughly 4% of voters selected the uninstructed option, according to preliminary results. Trump, who has accused migrants of poisoning the blood of the country, accused Biden of allowing a bloodbath that was destroying the country. In Michigan, he referred to immigrants in the U.S. illegally suspected of committing crimes as animals, using dehumanizing language that those who study extremism have warned increases the risk of violence. Trump continued the theme at his rally in Green Bay, accusing rogue nations of pumping migrants across our wide open border, and sending prisoners, murders, drug dealers, mental patients, terrorists though there is no evidence any country is engaged in that kind of coordinated effort. Bidens campaign, which has been hammering Trump for his role in killing a bipartisan border deal that would have added more than 1,500 new Customs and Border Protection personnel, in addition to other restrictions, preempted the speech by accusing Trump of politicizing the death. Trumps first visit to the state comes as the Democratic Party of Wisconsin continues to widely outpace the Republican Party of Wisconsin in terms of statewide fundraising. Its an issue thats plagued Wisconsin Republicans for years after new campaign finance laws signed by former Gov. Scott Walker allowed political parties to receive unlimited donations and make unlimited transfers of funds to candidates. The Republican Party of Wisconsin, through its state account, raised about $399,000 since the start of the year, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. The state Democratic Party added about $5.4 million to its state account in the first three months of the year more than thirteen times what their GOP counterpart brought in. Nobody is going to say a good field plan makes a 10-point difference, but it makes a 1- to 3-point difference, and given the cash crunch that the state Republican Party has, given the financial challenges that the RNC and the Trump campaign have, thats going to cost them, Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki said. Even if President Bidens approval numbers arent great, and its still a coin-toss state, Democrats will have the financial resources to build an organization that has the sort of basic blocking and tackling that it takes to turn votes out and win close elections, Zepecki added. Chilly reminder Republican Party of Wisconsin chair Brian Schimming told reporters Tuesday the key to success this November will be an increased emphasis on early voting. Sometimes on Election Day you have 5 or 10 inches of snow show up, Schimming said as snow continued to fall outside. I want everyone to be safe out there. But I also want to remind people that things like this happen and its yet another reason why were pushing early vote. Wisconsins Bank Your Vote initiative, which mirrors a similar effort launched by the Republican National Committee nationwide, aims to build Republicans confidence in early voting and drive up absentee votes in an effort to counter strong Democratic turnout, primarily in early voting, in recent statewide races. Embrace voting as it is, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh told the crowd. We need to embrace that and today is the perfect example why. Shorter frame But while Wisconsin Republicans promoted the importance of early voting in the state, Trump said his goal is to implement one-day voting with paper ballots. But until then Republicans must win ... we want it to be too big to rig, Trump said of the November election. Republicans increased focus on early voting comes after years of GOP-fueled distrust in the states electoral process primarily in absentee voting driven largely by Trumps baseless claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him. On Tuesday, Trump said he won this state by a lot in 2020. Trump won Wisconsin in 2016, surpassing Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton by more than 22,000 votes. Trump picked up more total votes in the state in his 2020 matchup with Biden, but lost Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. The 2020 election is over. Heres what happened (and what didnt) While a handful of voters in 2020 risked going to prison by attempting to vote twice or in the name of a dead relative, as happens in any elec No large-scale wrongdoing has ever been uncovered about the 2020 election. A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed Bidens 2020 victory over Trump in Wisconsin. Familiar themes Trump also reiterated talking points that have become commonplace for Republicans, including targeting critical race theory, a graduate-level theoretical framework that examines how American political and social systems perpetuate racism. He also echoed GOP concerns of school vaccine and mask policies following the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing efforts to ban high school transgender athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity. Earlier in the day, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a Republican-authored bill that proposed to limit high school athletes to playing on teams that match the gender they were assigned at birth. Evers said in his veto message that this type of legislation harms LGBTQ Wisconsinites and kids mental health, emboldens anti-LGBTQ harassment, bullying, and violence, and threatens the safety and dignity of LGBTQ Wisconsinites, especially our LGBTQ kids. The Associated Press contributed to this report. On 2 April Brian Nichols, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said that Cuba is experiencing a key moment as the population lacks electricity, food and work, and the solution is democracy". Analysis: US and Cuban officials regularly attack each other on ideological grounds, but Nichols comments, made during a visit to Spain, have added significance in the light of the protests over shortages that broke out in various Cuban cities on 17 March. Nichols said there were reasons for hope because of the street protests and despite the plight of over one thousand political prisoners. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel had earlier claimed coverage of the protests was exaggerated and out of proportion and manipulated by US social media to try and create a scenario to look like serious events were happening. The Cuban government is hoping to stabilise the political situation by reducing power cuts and food shortages. To this end state-run media reported on 31 March that a shipment of 90,000 tonnes (t) of Russian oil (about 660,000 barrels) had arrived in the country. This was the first shipment of its kind from Russia since 2022. According to the energy & mines minister, Vicente de la O Levy , Cuba needs 8m t of oil every year, of which 3m are produced locally. Cuba has also depended on shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, but these have declined in recent years. , Cuba needs 8m t of oil every year, of which 3m are produced locally. Cuba has also depended on shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, but these have declined in recent years. Cuban economist Omar Everleny Perez says Russia is committed to helping Cuba; he hopes that Moscow will offer credit for the purchase of fuel, wheat, fertiliser, and other essential inputs. An acute wheat shortage has hit supplies of bread. says Russia is committed to helping Cuba; he hopes that Moscow will offer credit for the purchase of fuel, wheat, fertiliser, and other essential inputs. An acute wheat shortage has hit supplies of bread. Jorge Pinon, an energy expert at the University of Texas, says the Russian crude oil shipment, which he values at US$46m will help ease the power cuts, but that it is too early to tell if regular shipments will resume. Looking Ahead: It is not clear whether the Diaz-Canel government can effectively alleviate the economic crisis in the short term. The Russian oil shipment is estimated to cover Cuban energy needs over the next 35 days, but it is not known if more will follow. The risk of new protests is likely to remain high. On 2 April Brazils Presidenttravelled to Rio de Janeiro to launch government projects and hold meetings with the citys mayor,, affiliated with the centrist Partido Social Democratico (PSD). End of preview - This article contains approximately 387 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Engineer Antonia Toma works at a research center in Romania that holds one of the worlds most powerful operating lasers. Recently, Toma studied the controls responsible for starting the laser. Ready? Signal sent! The engineer spoke to the French News Agency about her work at the center near the capital, Bucharest. "I will not lie. From time to time, things can get a little stressful," the 29-year-old said. "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 European scientists hope the technology used in the laser will bring improvements to fields like health and space. The French company Thales operates the laser. The laser is so powerful because of technology that was awarded the 2018 Noble Prize in Physics. Gerard Mourou of France and Donna Strickland of Canada were among three who shared the award that year. The Nobel Academy noted that improving laser technology offered new ways for deepening our knowledge about the world and shaping it. Mourou spent 30 years working in the United States. Then he went to Europe to complete the laser project. The effort began in the 2000s as part of the European Unions Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) project. ELI is a research group with two other high-powered lasers, one in the Czech Republic and one in Hungary. The 79-year-old Mourou said the laser starts with a small amount of light with very little energy. But it is designed to amplify, or increase, its energy millions of times. Scientists have aimed to create more powerful lasers for many years. The devices fire extremely powerful beams of light, which can be used for medical, industrial and military purposes. By the mid-1980s, however, scientists had reached a limit. They could not increase the power of the laser without destroying part of the system. Mourou and his then-student Strickland invented a technology called Chirped-Pulse Amplification (CPA). They developed the technology at the University of Rochester in the American state of New York. CPA increases the lasers power while keeping the system safe. The method is complex. It works by stretching a short laser pulse with optical parts. Then, CPA uses special materials to amplify the pulse millions of times. Finally, the pulse is compressed, so that it lasts for an extremely short period: as short as one millionth of one billionth of a second. Today, doctors use the same technology to correct peoples eyesight with laser surgery. Mourou said it could also be used in medicine to destroy cancer cells. The age of the laser Mourou predicts that the 2000s will be the century of the laser. Additional scientific uses for CPA could include direct observation of the motion of atoms, reducing radioactivity of nuclear waste and removing debris from space. Franck Leibreich is a managing director at Thales. He said it took hundreds of metric tons of equipment to build the laser in Romania at a cost of about $350 million. The EU helped pay for much of it. Thales said the laser is the largest investment ever made in scientific research in Romania. Countries including France, China and the United States are also developing their own projects to build even more powerful lasers. Im Andrew Smith. Andrew Smith adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting from Agence France Press. __________________________________________________ Words in This Story stressful adj. something that causes mental or physical pressure or tension pulse n. a short, regular beat or surge of sound, electricity or material in a system optical adj. related to the part of physics that relates to the nature and properties of light compress v. to make shorter or smaller by a physical method such as force surgery n. a medical operation debris n. the remains of structures or materials that have broken down or fallen apart Google has agreed to destroy billions of personal data records to settle a lawsuit that accused the company of secretly following users internet activity. The lawsuit was considered a class-action. This means the case was brought by an individual or small group, but with many others wanting to be part of the action. Lawyers first announced the settlement agreement in December. But details were not released until recently. The case covered millions of people who used Googles internet browser Chrome beginning June 1, 2016. Google is accused of continuing to follow Chrome users internet activity even when they were browsing under a privacy setting called incognito. Users accused Google of misleading them into believing their internet activity would not be recorded while they browsed in incognito. The users argued Googles advertising system continued to collect data on users web movements while Chrome was set to incognito. Google strongly fought the accusations. It had requested a dismissal of the case, but the request was denied. The settlement terms were negotiated over a four-month period. The deal must still receive final approval from a federal judge during a hearing set for July 30 in Oakland, California. The settlement requires Google to destroy billions of personal records stored in its data centers. It also orders the company to provide more guidance about its privacy policies for people using Chrome. And it calls for tools to limit Google's collection of personal data. Individuals represented in the class-action lawsuit will not receive any damages or other payments as part of the settlement. But the deal does not prevent individual users from pushing their own civil cases against the company in U.S. state courts. In a statement, Google said it was pleased to settle this lawsuit. Lawyers representing the Chrome users described the settlement as a major win for personal privacy in a world with ever-increasing levels of digital surveillance. Lawyers in the case valued the settlement at $4.75 billion to $7.8 billion. They explained they arrived at that number based mainly on what possible ad sales linked to the personal data collected might have earned without new restrictions. Austin Chambers is a lawyer who specializes in data privacy issues at Dorsey & Whitney. He told The Associated Press that he sees the settlement as a welcome development. He said it could affect the way personal information is collected online in the future. Chambers said, This prevents companies from profiting off of that data, and also requires them to undertake complex and costly data deletion efforts. Google still faces legal threats linked to other issues. Legal experts say those threats could end up having a much bigger effect on its advertising-based businesses. One of those cases argues that Google is abusing its influence in internet advertising to limit competition. Closing arguments are set to be begin in that case on May 1. Google is also facing possible changes to its app store after an American jury found the store operates as an illegal monopoly. A hearing examining possible changes Google must make is set to begin in late May. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters and Google. Quiz - Google to Destroy Billions of Personal Data Files as Part of Legal Settlement Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz __________________________________________ Words in This Story lawsuit n. a legal complaint against someone that does not usually involve the police browser n. a computer program that permits you to look at pages on the internet surveillance n. the activity of watching something or someone carefully undertake v. to start work on something delete v. to remove, especially data from a computer monopoly n. complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area or market Prisoners in the U.S. state of New York have taken legal action against the state corrections department. They started the measure over the states decision to lock down prisons during next Mondays total solar eclipse. The case was filed last week in a federal court in upstate New York. It argues that the April 8 lockdown violate prisoners constitutional rights to practice their faiths by preventing them from taking part in an important religious event. Six prisoners with different religious backgrounds brought forward the case at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Woodbourne, New York. They include two Christians, two followers of a Cuban-born religious tradition called Santeria, a Muslim as well as an atheist, someone who does not believe in the existence of God. Their legal document, or complaint, says, A solar eclipse is a rare, natural phenomenon with great religious significance to many. It says the Bible describes an eclipse-like phenomenon when Jesus Christ was on the cross. Additionally, Islamic works report a similar event when the Prophet Muhammads son died. The complaint says that one of the prisoners involved with the case, the atheist, received special permission last month to view the eclipse using state-provided glasses. But that was before the system-wide lockdown was issued. Four of the other prisoners involved with the case then sought permission but were denied by officials. The officials ruled the solar eclipse is not listed as a holy day for their religions, the complaint says. The sixth prisoner said he never received an answer. Thomas Mailey is a corrections department spokesperson. He said the agency does not comment on current court cases. But he said it takes all requests for religious accommodations under consideration. He said those related to viewing the eclipse are currently under review. Daniel Martuscello III overseas the department. He issued a message on March 11 saying that all state prisons will operate on a holiday daily plan next Monday. That means prisoners will remain in their housing areas except for emergency situations in the afternoon, between 18:00 and 21:00 UTC. Those are generally the normal hours for outdoor activities in prisons, the court case says. There will also be no visitation at more than 20 prisons in the path where the solar eclipse will be strongest, called the path of totality, next Monday. Visitation at other prisons will end at 18:00 UTC. Martuscello said the department will give out solar eclipse safety glasses for prisoner employees and prisoners at prisons in the path of totality. They are doing this so they can see the eclipse from their work or housing areas. Communities in western and northern areas of the state are expected to have the best viewing of the total eclipse. Those areas include Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Lake Placid, and Plattsburgh. The total eclipse is expected to be seen in those parts of New York around 19:15 UTC. And it will only last for a few minutes as the moon passes between Earth and the sun. It will temporarily block the sun and turn day into night. A total solar eclipse was last seen in the U.S. in 2017 and will not occur in the country again until 2044. Im Gregory Stachel. Philip Marcelo reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________ Words in This Story eclipse n. an occasion when the sun looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the moon is between the sun and the Earth faith n. a system of religious beliefs athiest n. a person who believes that God does not exist phenomenon n. something (such as an interesting fact or event) that can be observed and studied and that typically is unusual or difficult to understand or explain fully significance n. the quality of being important accommodations n. something done to provide what is needed or wanted for someone or something A new study offers an answer to the question of where early humans traveled after leaving Africa. Scientists say modern humans, or Homo sapiens, developed in Africa more than 300,000 years ago. Early humans then left Africa between 60,000 to 70,000 years ago. Researchers said in a recently released study that these groups of hunter-gatherers appear to have stayed for thousands of years in an area of the Middle East. That area includes modern-day Iran, southeastern Iraq and northeastern Saudi Arabia. The early humans went on to settle all of Asia and Europe starting about 45,000 years ago. The scientists based their findings on genomic data taken from ancient DNA and from the genes of modern people. Scientists combined that data with paleoecological evidence. That is ancient evidence that suggests what the environment in these areas would have been like long ago. The evidence suggested the area in the Middle East would have been good for early humans. The researchers called this area a "hub" for these early people before they continued to more distant places. At the time, they numbered perhaps only in the thousands. The study was published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. Michael Petraglia is an anthropologist and a study co-author. He said the study "is a story about us and our history - our goal was to unravel some of the mystery about our evolution and our worldwide dispersal." "The combination of genetic and paleoecological models allowed us to predict the location where early human populations first lived as soon as they left Africa, Petraglia added. These people lived in small groups of hunter-gatherers, the researchers said. The hub location offered several environmental settings, from forests to grasslands, changing over time between dry and wet periods. There would have been many resources available, with evidence showing the hunting of wild gazelle, sheep and goat, Petraglia said. They would have eaten plants and small- to large-sized game. Hunter-gatherer groups seemed to have practiced a seasonal lifestyle, living in the lowlands in the cooler months and in the mountainous regions in the warmer months," Petraglia said. The people living in the hub at the time had dark skin and dark hair. Many might have looked like the Gumuz or Anuak people now living in parts of East Africa, said Luca Pagani, one of the studys writers. Later, they dispersed in different directions beyond the hub and the genetic differences developed between present-day East Asians and Europeans, the researchers said. The study used modern and ancient genomic data for European and Asian people. The researchers found a way to disentangle the extensive genetic mixing of populations that has taken place since then. There were earlier smaller dispersals of Homo sapiens out of Africa before the most important migration 60,000 to 70,000 years ago. But the study said these appear to have been dead ends, meaning they produced nothing. Homo sapiens was not the first human species to live outside of Africa - including the area surrounding the hub. Ancient intermixing by modern humans has left small traces of Neanderthal in the DNA of modern non-Africans. The lead writer of the study, Leonardo Vallini, said there is evidence Neanderthals lived in the area before the arrival of Homo sapiens, so the hub may well have been where that interaction took place." Homo sapiens is the scientific name for todays humans. It means wise man. Im Jill Robbins. Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by Reuters. __________________________________________________ Words in This Story genome n. the genetic material possessed by a living thing paleoecological adj. related to an ancient environment unravel v. to take apart; to show hidden parts of something evolution n. the development and change of living things that takes place over a long period disperse v. to spread out over a wide area allow v. to permit or let happen location n. the place where something is game n. animals that are normally hunted for food or sport disentangle v. to order what is disordered and hard to understand dead-end n. a place with no outlet; something that produces nothing SLOAN, Iowa The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska has come closer than ever to the long-sought return of two tracts of Missouri River-adjacent land seized by the government decades ago. The Winnebago Land Transfer Act of 2023, introduced by Rep. Randy Feenstra at the end of February last year, passed the House last month. An identical bill was introduced into the Senate in November by Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer and co-sponsored by Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts. The bill, under which the land would be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Winnebago Tribe, remains in the Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. "What was really cool is that we were able to see it pass in the House, and then, a couple days later, our chairwoman, Victoria Kitcheyan, testified to that Senate committee," said Winnebago Tribal Communications Officer Garan Coons. Shifting boundaries The tracts, roughly 1,600 acres generally referred to as the Winnebago Bend and Snyder Bend, is situated largely in Woodbury County, with a smaller part in Monona County. The land lies near the tribe's WinnaVegas Casino west of Sloan. One of the parcels is west and southwest of the casino along the Missouri River's Winnebago Bend. The second area is northwest of the casino along Snyder Bend. Originally the land was part of the Winnebago Reservation, created by treaty in 1865, and the land was in Nebraska, not Iowa. Over time, the Missouri River shifted, leaving some of the original reservation on the Iowa side of the border, including the Winnebago Bend and Snyder Bend land. In the 1970s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers condemned Winnebago land on both the Nebraska and Iowa sides for riverbank stabilization and a planned recreation project. The recreation project never materialized, and the tribe won a federal court decision in Nebraska that stopped the condemnation there. The court found that federal law required that any acquisition of the tribe's land must be done through a formal act of Congress. But while the Nebraska land was given back, the Iowa tracts remained in the lurch. Efforts over the years to give the land back including a 2017 effort spearheaded by then-Rep. Steve King to have the land transferred to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the tribe were not successful. Officials respond After more than 100 years on the reservation, in 1975, the Army Corps of Engineers took portions of the land along the Missouri River away from the Winnebago Tribe," Feenstra said in a statement. "Thats why I introduced the Winnebago Land Transfer Act which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives to make things right by returning the land to the Winnebago Tribe where it rightfully belongs. During this process, Ive gotten to know many people in the Winnebago Tribe and have learned about the great work they are doing in agriculture, business and community development. From my conversations, the Winnebago Tribe plans to use this land for conservation open to the public, and Im excited to see how they will not only improve the land, but also support our community. Under the Corps' management the land has been used for wildlife conservation. Hunters of game and wild mushrooms have long favored the land, a relatively virginal stretch of trees, marshy grass and sand dunes. The 2017 attempt to give control of the land to the Bureau of Indian Affairs prompted concern that hunters would lose access to the ground, despite the tribe's assurances that this would not happen; Tribal Councilman Isaac Smith said in 2017 that hunters "don't have anything to worry about." New control There will, of course, be a Winnebago conservation agency entering the mix if the land is transferred back to their stewardship. But except for the change in agency oversight in and of itself a different jurisdiction handling hunting licenses and so forth Coons said not much will change for hunters. "We, as a tribe, here on the Nebraska side, have a Wildlife & Parks Department. And they're gearing up to be one of the ones to oversee that," Coons said. "And, to my understanding, everybody's kind of anticipating that it's going to pass, and so there's a lot of agreements in place where the Iowa DNR is going to help out the Winnebago Wildlife & Parks Department, turn it over to them, and then they'll have the staffing." There is one stipulation in the bill: The land cannot be used for casinos. The return of the land enjoys the broad support among senators of both Iowa and Nebraska. The decision to condemn and seize land from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska was a classic case of the government walking back on its promises, Ernst said in a statement. That's why Im fighting to right this wrong, place the 1,600 acres of Iowa-controlled land into a trust, and return it back to the Winnebago people. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was wrong to seize this land through eminent domain in the 1970s. After decades of inaction, its time for us to make this right. My legislation will return this land to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and I look forward to getting this bill to the Presidents desk, Fischer said in a statement. Ive had many conversations with the leaders of the Winnebago tribe over the years, and Im confident returning this land back to the Winnebago people is the right move," Grassley said in a statement. Missing the action There is one tribal leader who wanted very much to see the return of the land, and who worked on it for many years, but won't be able the fruits of these efforts: The late James "Louis" LaRose, who died in November at 81. "He heard that it was going to go before the House, and then a couple days later he passed away," Coons said. "And so, it was really cool to see that he was able to hear about it. But unfortunately he didn't make it to see it being returned to the Winnebago Tribe." Check out these photos from the 2024 sandhill crane migration through Nebraska A Stoughton man who was driving in the wrong direction on Interstate 39-90 a year ago when he crashed into another vehicle, killing an Illinois man, pleaded guilty Wednesday to homicide by intoxicated driving. Jesse T. Boley, 27, now faces a presumptive minimum of five years in prison, or up to 25 years of combined prison and extended supervision, when he is sentenced in June by Dane County Circuit Judge Julie Genovese. Boleys guilty plea was the result of an agreement in which two other felony charges second-degree reckless endangerment and knowingly driving while suspended causing death were dismissed, along with three related traffic tickets. The agreement does not contain any recommendation about the sentence Boley should receive. Boley will await his sentencing in the Dane County Jail after Genovese ordered his bail to be revoked. Boley was jailed after the April 7, 2023, crash but after his bail was lowered from $50,000 to $10,000 in June, he posted his bail and was released. But as alluded to by Genovese during Wednesdays hearing, his time while free on bail hasnt been perfect, and according to court records it included violations for positive tests for marijuana use. Genovese also said that now that Boley has been convicted and faces a presumptive five-year minimum sentence, he no longer is considered innocent. Boley is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27. According to a criminal complaint in the case, Boley was driving in the wrong direction, traveling south in the northbound lanes of I-39-90 when the crash happened about 2:45 a.m. just south of the Cottage Grove Road overpass. A short time earlier, near the Highway 151 interchange with I-39-90-94, the State Patrol was notified by a witness of a vehicle headed in the wrong direction. Another witness told police, the complaint states, that she thought the headlights on the Chevy Silverado that Boley was driving were turned off because she never saw them until the last moment, when it appeared the driver turned them on. David C. Street, 58, of Peoria, Illinois, was killed in the crash. When a State Patrol trooper approached the Chevy Silverado that Boley was driving, the complaint states, he could see a man later identified as Boley crawling toward the right shoulder and could smell an odor of intoxicants coming from Boley and the interior of the Silverado. Boley at first said he had consumed not much alcohol, then denied he had any, the complaint states. After the filing of the complaint, a blood test found Boleys blood alcohol concentration to be just under 0.15%, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08%. He also had the active ingredient of marijuana in his blood, the test revealed. At the time of the crash, because of multiple previous traffic violations, Boley also was not legally allowed to drive because his license was suspended. Wisconsin voters approved a pair of constitutional amendments Tuesday that will bar elections officials from accepting private grants to help cover the cost of administering elections and keep people who arent elections officials from helping run elections. Both amendments were proposed by legislative Republicans unhappy that the states Democratic strongholds received millions of dollars in grants from a Mark Zuckerberg-funded nonprofit, as well as outside technical assistance, to help run elections in 2020, when elections officials had to buy cleaning supplies and additional equipment and take other costly steps to ensure people could safely vote during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wisconsins five largest cities received two to four times more money, per capita, than smaller cities, villages and towns that year from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, according to a Wisconsin State Journal analysis, while a CTCL-linked adviser helped Green Bay run its elections. Still, nothing about the funding or assistance was illegal, and CTCL has said it did not turn down funding requests from any Wisconsin municipalities. In a story last week, reporters with Wisconsin Watch and Votebeat also pointed to an October 2023 study on the effects of outside election funding that declared while counties that favor Democrats were much more likely to apply for a grant, we find that the grants did not have a noticeable effect on the presidential election. Wisconsin is again expected to be a battleground state in Novembers presidential election, which will almost certainly be a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Biden won Wisconsin in 2020 by less than 21,000 votes, while Trump beat Hillary Clinton in Wisconsin in 2016 by less than 23,000 votes. 2 questions on ballot Tuesdays first ballot question was: 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? It will add the following language to the state Constitution: No state agency or officer or employee in state government and no political subdivision of the state or officer or employee of a political subdivision may apply for, accept, expend, or use any moneys or equipment in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum if the moneys or equipment are donated or granted by an individual or nongovernmental entity. The second question was: 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? It will create a new provision in the Constitution to prohibit individuals from performing election-related tasks unless they are an election official designated by law. Current law defines an election official as an individual who is charged with any duties relating to the conduct of an election. That typically includes municipal and county clerks and their authorized representatives, such as clerks office employees, poll workers and special voting deputies, who provide voting assistance to nursing home residents, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau. Critics of the first measure say private funding for elections should be allowed because lawmakers have often failed to adequately fund elections administration with tax dollars, while critics of the second measure say its so vague that it could end up sidelining people who, for example, work for companies that make voting machines or in law enforcement providing security during ballot counting. Its not yet clear how local clerks will enforce the amendments or what guidance the Wisconsin Elections Commission will provide them. Earlier Tuesday, Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe said that while its too early for me to really discuss the implications of the potential amendments, commissioners would meet in public to determine what further action is required on them. No influence allowed Of the Democratic-leaning cities that accepted CTCL grants for 2020, Madison last year accepted about $1.5 million in grants from the nonprofit for planning and operationalizing safe and secure election administration infrastructure in City of Madison, and the city of Milwaukee last month accepted grants totaling about $1.2 million from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Cities Forward for civic outreach and purchasing voting equipment and other needs. The grant agreements specify that the money will not be used to influence the outcome of any election. The Green Bay, Kenosha and Racine city clerks offices on Tuesday declined to say if theyd received any outside elections grants this year, but said the information could be requested via a formal public records request.